A week has slipped by...

After a week in Drake University, I finally started my first class, BUS 003, which is Strategic Business Planning or something like that. For those people in INTI, if you think LAN class is a lot of people, you must join this class. It's a lecture hall, those huge lecture hall which I have always dreamt of entering, and there are easily a hundred people in the class. I must say, it was great.

Our lecturer was quite nice I must say. Well, yes, it's the first class only, but I think he will be good.

As Borgy told me, classes here are either 50 minutes class or 1 hour 15 minutes class, except if that's a night class. You can say that's insufficient time, but I would say that is efficient use of time. It may seem too short for a class, but human's concentration power ain't that powerful, is it? At least these sort of timing will keep us, or me, up in the class. Lol.

My second class was Statistics II, and my lecturer is Mr. Rahul Parsa. Yes, he's an Indian, from India I think. He has a thick accent. No, not American accent, but Indian accent. He's not too bad, or at least his first impression for me wasn't too bad. Sad to say, I think I must brush up on my Stats I, because I was a little lost in the class. There's a faint impression of those functions and equations, but somehow it's just a slight memory of it. I guess doing more home work will bring back those important but unwanted memories. =p

There are 4 classes tomorrow, which I think it will sap up a lot of concentration power. Lol. I hope it won't be too bad though. There are a few things in American education system, which Borgy always imply.

First, punctuality. They hate it when people come late into class. Really really hate it.

Next, attendance. If you miss a class here, you will be so lost after that. And if you do miss more than a week's classes, it's advisable to just drop the class, because it will either be a very bad grade or the lecturer will give you an 'F'.

Another thing, participation. Borgy never really imply this, but I learnt this through an English course I took a few years back, which was based on American education system. Here, lecturers expect you to participate in class. To them, asking question is the best flattery. (quoted from Mr. Randall Blum.)

Therefore, if you participate in class, be punctual, and get full attendance, the chances of you scoring in the class is very high I must say.

Buying text books here is a pain in the arse. The University Bookstore has all the books, EVERYTHING. But, yes, a big but, the book store is for rich people only. Books there are really expensive, whatmore if we convert it back to Ringgit!

As a result, we get our books online. All you need is a credit/debit card, and MONEY. Lolz. I must say it's pretty convenient. I have already bought 4 text books online, but they haven't reach me yet though. I hope it'll turn out as expected. Anyone interested in buying text books from me next semester? I will be selling books for IS 044, IS 101, and maybe FIN 101. =p (drop me a comment or email to reserve! lmao)

Basketball is a big sport in Drake I would say. And everyone who play basketball is very good. Yes, very good. Don't believe me? They only need half a second to take a shot, and field goal percentage for 2-pointers is around 80 to 90 percent! Give them a step's gap and they will score in your face! Another thing, they shoot 3-pointers for team, and we Malaysian only shoot free throws, which still take ages. Their 3-pointers are as sharp as those in NBA!! They only shoot? No no. They can dunk! Yes, DUNK! For the first time in my life, I have seen people slam dunk, live, right in front of me. It's a sight to behold, and there's more to come. I can't wait for a Drake basketball match! =D

There's another thing I must mention here. The girls. Hahaa... Saw that coming didn't you? I have only been here for a week, and there are quite a number of chicks! =p Just take today for example. There's this girl who caught my eye during lunch. Well, I haven't got to know her yet, not sure if I will know her, but a few friends of mine said she's pretty as well! =p Well, no offence to Malaysian girls, and not that Malaysia have no chicks, but I must say there are more chicks here than in Malaysia. =p

After a week here, I must say I like this place. Yes, it's a whole new foreign land to me, and there are many sacrifices along the way to get here, but I wouldn't gain anything if I don't sacrifice anything, would I? Yes, I don't get to hug my family, a great distance is in between me and them; I don't get anymore mamak here, or Malaysian food; I don't get to see so many of my friends, though quite a number of them are here and I am slowly but surely expanding my network; but in turn I get a priceless experience of studying abroad; experience how to take control of my life, my spending, my time etc; experience doing a lot of stuffs on my own; expand my network of friends internationally (lol); and many other priceless experience. Let the fun begin, and hope my journey of life will be a journey that I am proud to share with everyone! Cheers!!

Spending!

I have been spending quite a bit here in the US, but I see these spendings as necessary, so let's hope I won't be spending anymore. =p

First up, I have gotten my pair of basketball shoes. It cost 50 bucks, and I chose this shoe over an Air Jordan which cost 80 bucks. The main reason ain't the price, but is the looks. =p

Nice, ain't it? Check out the trees behind. Lolz. Didn't realize the scenery behind was so nice. LMAO

I spent on a pair of Quicksilver slippers as well. Yes, I do have one, but it ain't for walking. That one hurts my feet if I walk too long in it. So a new pair is a must. =p I spent on a new pair of jeans. Yes, Levi's jeans, which cost around 35 bucks. After converting is still much cheaper than one in Malaysia.

I bought two other T-shirts. Well, this ain't really necessary, but I guess I need a few new T-shirts instead of those that I am wearing for quite some time. Besides, my latest T-shirt is like a few months old, time to update it a little I guess. I bought two because it ain't worth it getting only one. Buying one cost 18 bucks, and buying the second one cost 88 cents. Tell me how not to buy the second one? =p

I feel a little guilty after splurging that much, and more guilty after converting it back to RM, which cost a big bomb. Yes, I do save a little here and there if I get these stuffs back in Malaysia, but still, spending this much in a day made me feel guilty. Let's hope that's all I need to spend on and also hope I get a job on campus. I think I won't feel so guilty anymore if I start to earn money here. =p That's all for today I guess. Adioz.

B. I. G.

Let me talk a little about US, about how large they are.

First up, their country's land is huge. Yes, very huge. The state of Texas can fit all the people around the world and still have space left! Got any idea? Lolz.

M&M's! Big pack! Lolz.

Next, no offence, but the people here are huge. Well, we Asians do have the stereotype that Americans are huge as in FAT. You are partially wrong. Yes, some are indeed so fat that they will need two spaces in the plane. But, most of them here are huge as in buff and tall. Heck, their biceps and triceps are bigger than my thighs!! I'll bet they can carry me with one hand without difficulties!

Canned greet tea lemonade. Big eh?

Another thing, their cups here are bigger than those in Malaysia. I still remember Ah Chong's cafe's (ICSJ Canteen lerh... =p) plastic cup are like half the size of those here! Their chocolate milk here is wonderful! Compared with Malaysian chocolate milk? Please. It's more aromatic and thicker here! Drink once in those huge cups filled up to the brim and you will be so so full! I am still exploring around the place for food, so far it's not as bad as I thought it was. =)

I am going to go to Valley West Mall later, have to get a pair of basketball shoes. =) Adioz.

Flight to Drake University

Finally, I found some time for me to unwind. It have been quite busy these few days. Why? Because I have finally step foot on the United States of America! Lolz. Yes, I am in Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa, USA. Haha...


Airbus A380 preparation at KLIA.

The plane ride from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Hong Kong International Airport was quite fun, especially with Kwong Hann and Ziyu beside me. I had the window seat, and it was 9.35am, so the view was great. We get to see Hong Kong, small islands with mansion on it, there's even an island with a golf course! Hong Kong Airport was pretty, what a change from the usual KLIA I have always seen. =p






My plane to Ohare, Chigago.


The plane ride from Hong Kong to Ohare, Chigago, was a torture!! =( Yes, I have another window seat. The first two hours was great, I got to see more island, more water as well, and I got to see the plane's wing extension, which was quite cool. After that was clouds, clouds, and clouds. Luckily for me, I got to change to the middle seat, which save me some trouble getting out of my seat for some streching. I feel sorry for the girl beside me though, because she had to keep on standing up to let me out. But when you seat for 14 hours and can't really sleep, I guess everyone will be quite restless as well.

Wings extension babe!

After seating for so so long, my legs are suffering now. Yes, the part slightly above my knees are pain whenever they are bend, which cause me quite some discomfort. =( My left leg's pain ease off already though. Therefore, whenever you take a long haul flight, get the aisle seat, or economy plus class, or business or first class. Lolz. Oh, United Airlines' stewardess are aunties! =\





See closer. Picture of Japan at night from the plane. My camera's exposure not so great, so that's the best I can get.


Landing in Ohare was an eye opener for me. Why? Because Ohare is huge. H. U. G. E. You can put a few KLIAs in it! We need to take the train service to get to other terminals, and there are 4 terminals! Beside Ohare International Airport was the largest Hilton hotel I have ever seen! (not that I have seen many Hilton though. =p) The hotel is huge, it's like, if you want to walk from one end of a floor to the other, it will take you about 15 to 20 minutes! And that is if you walk fast! Custom check was a little tedious, but it was quite ok.





Lightning in the skies.


Our flight from Ohare to Des Moines was delayed. Well, United Airlines' flight is always delayed, so nothing suprising I guess. The flight was quite smooth, even though it was stormy since we were reaching Ohare. Checked out our luggages and board the minibus to Drake. The customs opened one of my bag for checking, and my brand new Air Jordan socks is missing. I think I left it at home, but my brother still say he can't find it at home. So I am still wondering. Let's hope it's still at home. *fingers crossed*

Plane to Des Moines' engine. Told you it was raining.

That's about it for my flight. Since I boarded three planes, I got to see the plane's wing extension, aero flaps, and even got to see reverse thruster in motion. Wonderful. Only downside is, I am dizzy now, because I have not recover from jet lag yet. The sun is up by 6 plus in the morning, and it always wakes me up around 8am. Sigh. Tomorrow is orientation, have to wake up early as well. So, zzz time now. Adioz! =)

Nice clouds. =p

Say it : Rat-a-too-ee

I went to Midvalley today. For the first time, I took bus all the way from ss15 to Midvalley. Lol! Well, according to someone, take bus save money, and also save the energy for us to walk to KTM station from college. Lolz.

Anyway, we had Sushi King for lunch. Guess what? I was having fever at that time! lmao. I think the iced green tea help cool me off a little. After spending some time getting a pair of socks and walking around, we watch Ratatouille.

I would say this movie is good, but not great. Yes, there IS a difference between good and great. =) In case you don't know, this movie is about a rat who have the talent to cook collaborating with a guy who is utterly lost in the kitchen to become the best cook in Paris.

In my opinion, I find some part of this movie boring. Yes, too much talking at certain parts of this movie. Well, it is essential to the build up of the story, but I think it could be done in a much more interesting way. =p But then again, it's just my opinion.

On a brighter note, the story line is very nice. The animation was great, too! They managed to make the hardest element of animation picture perfect. Oh, the element? Water. Yes, gushing water and splashes is the most complicated part of animation. And this movie did it nicely. Cool.

All in all, I would say this is a movie worth watching in the cinema, but not worth watching the second time or more in the cinema. =p Hmm, I had say it score a 3.5 out of 5.

Leaving this coming Sunday. Sigh. Thanks for spending time with me today. =)

The number 10 ... ... ... .

10 people you love. (excluding family members)
My biatch Tristin Shanley Hsu Wen Yuan. Lolz.
Adrian 'Shorty' Kuah.
Aaron 'Joker' Morris.
Foo Suan Phat.
Puvan.
Grace Chin.
Muhe.
Ching Ching.
Clara Moy.
That someone special.

10 things you want to do before you die.
Travel around the world.
Buy a fleet of luxury cars.
Have a gathering of all my friends. A. L. L.
Buy a house for my parents.
Own a few private jets.
Build a business empire.
Be with all the people I love.
Own an island, of course, with my own yatch.
Play computer games or video games on a 42'' tv with surround sound system.
Marry her.

10 things you cannot live without.
Mobile phone.
Laptop.
Internet connection.
Money.
Love.
Songs.
Friends.
Water. Just. Plain. Water.
Food. Food. Food.
Air. Hahahaa...

10 things you Love about your country.
Mamak!
Teh cina ais. Lolz
People.
Manglish.
Pirated DVD, VCD, softwares... etc
Sweet old memories.
Food.
Products of mixed culture.
Yumcha.
Rasuah? =p

10 bad habits.
Sometimes I am a little too straight forward.
Procrastinate.
Tend not to do what I dislike, even when ordered to.
Lazy.
Many in-between meals.
Curse.
Don't read.
Sleep too much.
If provoked, I will get extremely angry.
Always disturb people. Lol

10 attitudes that turns you off.
Back stab.
Dig nose in public.
Talk loudly on the phone.
Think that he/she is more superior than everyone else.
Crave for attention.
Guys who act cool, or wannabe.
Go back on a promise.
Lie without a valid reason.
Smoking, to a certain extent.
Arrogant.

10 words to describe yourself. (5 good and 5 bad)
Dumb in certain things.
Smart in certain things.
Average Joe.
Friendly.
Annoying.
Ambitious.
Over ambitious at times.
Go to great lengths to help someone.
But only selected people. Lol
Not your average Joe at times, bad Joe I meant.

10 favourite bands.
Good Charlotte.
Maroon 5.
Muse.
Simple Plan.
Linkin Park.
Fallout Boys.
Avril Lavigne.
Justin Timberlake.
Timbaland.
Nelly Furtado.

10 most prized possessions.
My laptop.
My mobile phone.
My Nike bag.
My glasses and shades.
My shoes.
My memories.
My friends.
My family, of course.
Some souvenier.
My smelly pillow and bed and bolster and blanket.

10 people to tag.
Grace Chin.
Tristin Hsu.
U-xinn no point lah, since kena tagged ady. Lolz.
Malaz to think.
You.
You.
You.
You.
You.
You.

Rush Hour 3

I finished my final paper in INTI today. Yes, American History 1, which I practically crap and still don't know what was I crapping. But then again, I need a C+ only to transfer, so why waste so much time? Spend more time with more important people will be more worth it, wouldn't it be?

After doing my withdrawal and a little foosball, I head over to Sunway Pyramid. We watched Rush Hour 3 after lunch, took some pictures after the movie, gave some goodbye hugs and kisses, then parted ways.

About the movie, gosh, it was extremely funny throughout the whole show! Well, typical Jackie Chan movie, everything, including fighting, has a joke in it. Now, add Chris Tucker to the sum. The result, a movie more effective in making you laugh then laughing gas. The story line of this show was quite nice, though some part of the show is quite expected.

Yes, this show still show how agile Jackie Chan is. And, just as Rush Hour and Rush Hour 2, Chris Tucker is still more interested in girls than investigating the case. Of course, the chemistry between Jackie and Chris is great. Oh, this time around, Chris Tucker can kick some arse as well! No more the lousy Chris, this time he took down 4 guys, then a chinese lady while saving the chick! Lolz.

I must say this movie is great, stomach ache due to excessive laughing cannot be define much more clearly in this movie. Even though this movie still lose out to blockbuster of the year Transformers, I must say I'd give this show 4.5 out of 5. =)