So, it is finally the last day of 2008, and to be honest I'm still trying to let that fact sink in. It seems like I can still remember 2007 like it was not too long ago. Personally, I felt that 2008 passed by way too quickly. But nonetheless, it has been a good year. A good year for almost everything, and a sad year in some ways. But overall, it's not too bad. But I hope that 2009 will be much better.
I really wanted to do a proper end of the year post, but somehow I never got around to doing it. So i guess, it's goodbye 2008. And thanks for everything.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Nightmare!!
It looks like it has come to this.
I had a nightmare the other day. In that dream I was a photo journalist, and my job was to photograph some impoverished orphans in an African country. For the job, I brought along my Pentax K200, my kit lens and my Tamron lens. I don't exactly remember the details, but this was how it went.
Before I was to board the van for the trip, I had to go and do something. And since one of the village people was my friend, I left him to take care of my camera. Afterall, he would be careful with it, right? Right. Anyways, after I did my business, I came back to look for him, and I found him. But only, my camera was nowhere to be seen. Before I could ask him, in the corner of my eye, I saw my camera bag on the muddy ground and a few kids playing with it. My camera body was lying face down in the mud, beside a small stream, and a kid was banging my kit lens into the mud. Horror! But fortunately my zoom lens was still in the bag. Enraged, I quickly ran to the kid and grabbed my stuff. All the while I was panicking because the mud could damage the sensor and if sand got into the lens, it was goodbye. I grabbed the camera body and inspected it, and fortunately there wasn't any mud in it. However, when I inspected the lens, I nearly fainted. When I shook it, sand just kept pouring out of the hole. The more I shook, the more sand poured out. It was like sand pouring down an hour glass. And when dreaming, everything seems real, even though they aren't. I didn't know what to do. There I was with a job to do and my equipment damaged.
So I boarded the van, trying to figure something out and hoping that the sand would eventually drain out. But it didn't. It just kept pouring down. Horror! And then, while shaking the lens, I woke up. Phew...
Yes, I'm bored!
I had a nightmare the other day. In that dream I was a photo journalist, and my job was to photograph some impoverished orphans in an African country. For the job, I brought along my Pentax K200, my kit lens and my Tamron lens. I don't exactly remember the details, but this was how it went.
Before I was to board the van for the trip, I had to go and do something. And since one of the village people was my friend, I left him to take care of my camera. Afterall, he would be careful with it, right? Right. Anyways, after I did my business, I came back to look for him, and I found him. But only, my camera was nowhere to be seen. Before I could ask him, in the corner of my eye, I saw my camera bag on the muddy ground and a few kids playing with it. My camera body was lying face down in the mud, beside a small stream, and a kid was banging my kit lens into the mud. Horror! But fortunately my zoom lens was still in the bag. Enraged, I quickly ran to the kid and grabbed my stuff. All the while I was panicking because the mud could damage the sensor and if sand got into the lens, it was goodbye. I grabbed the camera body and inspected it, and fortunately there wasn't any mud in it. However, when I inspected the lens, I nearly fainted. When I shook it, sand just kept pouring out of the hole. The more I shook, the more sand poured out. It was like sand pouring down an hour glass. And when dreaming, everything seems real, even though they aren't. I didn't know what to do. There I was with a job to do and my equipment damaged.
So I boarded the van, trying to figure something out and hoping that the sand would eventually drain out. But it didn't. It just kept pouring down. Horror! And then, while shaking the lens, I woke up. Phew...
Yes, I'm bored!
Monday, December 29, 2008
My Locks
You know what? Among all that I've done in the past four or five months, my best work probably has to be the growing of my hair. No, seriously, bear with me on this. Before I landed here, I was a bit of a neat freak when it came to hair. I was rather conservative, not allowing to grow beyond a certain length just so that it would stay neat and that I wouldn't have to spend more than 10 seconds making it neat.
Well, That isn't the case anymore. You see, since I got here, my roommate and I made a pact that we would allow our hair to grow till next may and never to cut it till then. At the beginning, I was very comfortable with the idea. In fact, I wanted to do it. In the first month or two, it was going along well. Then, as it progressed, my hair started getting messier and messier. It curled in every direction and it was difficult to keep it neat. So instead of wasting time in front of the mirror, trying to make it neat, I would just let it be and spend the whole day looking like I'd just been hit by a truck. Well, not really. That's an exaggeration. But you get the idea no? Anyways, it went that way for the entire duration of school. On some days it would look good and on some days, it had its bad moods. But overall, I thought that I looked massive with it. Especially with my unshaven beard and moustache.
And up until yesterday, it stayed that way. Well... That was until I visited the barber. I don't know why I did it. I don't know what possessed me into it, but I did it. When I got there, I told the barber that I had wanted to keep my hair long and that I wanted to trim the sides of my hair so it wouldn't look so messy. I even showed her a picture of what it should look like. But no. She did it in such a way that my head now looks like a bloody pirate's hat. It's going to take another month till my hair gets back to being rock & roll.
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa =/
Well, That isn't the case anymore. You see, since I got here, my roommate and I made a pact that we would allow our hair to grow till next may and never to cut it till then. At the beginning, I was very comfortable with the idea. In fact, I wanted to do it. In the first month or two, it was going along well. Then, as it progressed, my hair started getting messier and messier. It curled in every direction and it was difficult to keep it neat. So instead of wasting time in front of the mirror, trying to make it neat, I would just let it be and spend the whole day looking like I'd just been hit by a truck. Well, not really. That's an exaggeration. But you get the idea no? Anyways, it went that way for the entire duration of school. On some days it would look good and on some days, it had its bad moods. But overall, I thought that I looked massive with it. Especially with my unshaven beard and moustache.
And up until yesterday, it stayed that way. Well... That was until I visited the barber. I don't know why I did it. I don't know what possessed me into it, but I did it. When I got there, I told the barber that I had wanted to keep my hair long and that I wanted to trim the sides of my hair so it wouldn't look so messy. I even showed her a picture of what it should look like. But no. She did it in such a way that my head now looks like a bloody pirate's hat. It's going to take another month till my hair gets back to being rock & roll.
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa =/
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Thief
I was at the mall today with my uncle, aunt, and two cousins. So while my aunt took John to buy a pair of shoes, and while my uncle went to look at some perfumes, I was left to the task of looking after Joseph. So as usual, we were our lively selves, playing and messing around with each other in the middle of a busy mall. Then while messing around, he wanted to play police and thief. He asked me to grab his toy from him, which I duly did and after which he started making siren sounds and called me a thief. Then as he was doing that, a group of people passed by and he held his hand out and pointed to them, saying "Thief! Thief!" Alarmed, I quickly pushed his hand down and smiled at the bunch of people. Then, a group of big sized African Americans in hip-hop clothing, passed by and he held his hand out, pointed to them and started shouting "Thief! Thief!" This time I got scared because the whole group stopped walking and started staring at Joseph and myself. I quickly pushed his hands down and said "Hey! Hey! Don't say that!" But those African guys kept looking at us while walking off. Their "popped out" eyes were really intimidating. But thankfully they just walked off after that.
Then when his dad come, I told him what happened, while laughing. But instead of seeing the funny side of it, my uncle scolded Joseph. He then told my aunt, and my aunt scolded him for it. And all the while I was still laughing. I felt bad but I really couldn't help it. My uncle was like "Good thing they didn't bash you up." And knowing America where a man got shot in front of his kid because he and his family were making noise in a cinema, there was some substance to it.
Then when his dad come, I told him what happened, while laughing. But instead of seeing the funny side of it, my uncle scolded Joseph. He then told my aunt, and my aunt scolded him for it. And all the while I was still laughing. I felt bad but I really couldn't help it. My uncle was like "Good thing they didn't bash you up." And knowing America where a man got shot in front of his kid because he and his family were making noise in a cinema, there was some substance to it.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Personified
When a dog sleeps in your lap. When a young child rests his head on your shoulder so he can sleep. When you look into their eyes never wanting to look away. When you hold their hands and say nothing at all. When all you want to listen to is their voice.
The greatest achievement...
The greatest achievement...
This Is Where
The desert, the water, and a fifty dollar bill... Sometimes, one will never know the value of water until one is stuck in the desert, hopelessly lost and with nothing but the sands to guide them home. Sometimes one will never know the value of a fifty dollar bill until one is hopelessly lost and hungry in a city where there is no charity or sympathy.
All he ever wanted was to explore the world, with his eyes wide open, and with sincerity from all around him. But instead, what he got was a fist full of blows and punches for all that he was. He tried to reason, he tried to understand, he seeked help, but no one could answer him. Not even his parents. Instead, they would crush his dreams by belittling this young child's ambitions. They never allowed him to express himself. They never allowed him to grow. Constantly keeping him under a microscope and ridiculing his every move. Day by day as the torments increased, he started to become a recluse. He stared withdrawing himself from society, becoming a social recluse. His friends would laugh and poke fun at him. He never really did make any friends. He saw everyone else as being characters of an artist who only wished to please everyone else but himself. They were just too superficial, too fake. And even those who were friends with him, were never really his friends. How could they be? His parents never really cared. Instead they would brush it off as teenage angst. They couldn't see that deep beneath his dark blue eyes, lay a teenager laden with anger and confusion over his treatment. Lay a teenager seeking the answers, seeking for a soul who could tell him why. To find solace, he would bury himself in his loud, guitar driven music. He would immerse himself in every note, every beat, and every word. He always seemed to find the meaning to every verse he ever listened to. He began to believe that the music he listened to was written for him. He found his comfort. The only place he belonged to. For him, the rock stars that he idolized were gods. He started to mimic their every behaviour. From the way they dressed, the way they talked, sung and the way they behaved. He would go to school with his hair long, with piercings all over his face, and tattoos all over his arms. He had make up on, with tight leather pants and denim jackets and with a guitar on his back. This was him. He felt powerful. But instead, this made him the subject of further ridicule. Other teenagers would stare at point at him, whisper behind his back and when the prank was pulled, laughed at him. To them, he was a freak. A social outcast to be ridiculed like the displays in a freak show. His teachers ostracized him and often punished him for things he never did just because of the way he looked. His parents, like before, never really cared. They never bothered to listen to him. All they did was punish him, day after day. Nagging at him, lecturing him and belittling his just like they always have. He never liked coming home. To him, home was like hell. The only heaven he ever has was when he had his headphones on, with Skid Row playing in the background. He would rebel. He would argue with his parents, teachers, and sometimes beat up the kids who would make fun of him. He nearly killed someone.
Inspiration lost... so this is where it ends
All he ever wanted was to explore the world, with his eyes wide open, and with sincerity from all around him. But instead, what he got was a fist full of blows and punches for all that he was. He tried to reason, he tried to understand, he seeked help, but no one could answer him. Not even his parents. Instead, they would crush his dreams by belittling this young child's ambitions. They never allowed him to express himself. They never allowed him to grow. Constantly keeping him under a microscope and ridiculing his every move. Day by day as the torments increased, he started to become a recluse. He stared withdrawing himself from society, becoming a social recluse. His friends would laugh and poke fun at him. He never really did make any friends. He saw everyone else as being characters of an artist who only wished to please everyone else but himself. They were just too superficial, too fake. And even those who were friends with him, were never really his friends. How could they be? His parents never really cared. Instead they would brush it off as teenage angst. They couldn't see that deep beneath his dark blue eyes, lay a teenager laden with anger and confusion over his treatment. Lay a teenager seeking the answers, seeking for a soul who could tell him why. To find solace, he would bury himself in his loud, guitar driven music. He would immerse himself in every note, every beat, and every word. He always seemed to find the meaning to every verse he ever listened to. He began to believe that the music he listened to was written for him. He found his comfort. The only place he belonged to. For him, the rock stars that he idolized were gods. He started to mimic their every behaviour. From the way they dressed, the way they talked, sung and the way they behaved. He would go to school with his hair long, with piercings all over his face, and tattoos all over his arms. He had make up on, with tight leather pants and denim jackets and with a guitar on his back. This was him. He felt powerful. But instead, this made him the subject of further ridicule. Other teenagers would stare at point at him, whisper behind his back and when the prank was pulled, laughed at him. To them, he was a freak. A social outcast to be ridiculed like the displays in a freak show. His teachers ostracized him and often punished him for things he never did just because of the way he looked. His parents, like before, never really cared. They never bothered to listen to him. All they did was punish him, day after day. Nagging at him, lecturing him and belittling his just like they always have. He never liked coming home. To him, home was like hell. The only heaven he ever has was when he had his headphones on, with Skid Row playing in the background. He would rebel. He would argue with his parents, teachers, and sometimes beat up the kids who would make fun of him. He nearly killed someone.
Inspiration lost... so this is where it ends
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Default
24th of December 2008, sitting on top of my bed, staring into the laptop, with a mind active as a nomad, present in as many places possible, and with Staind in the background, I find it hard not to stop thinking.
I just returned from Scottsdale a couple of hours ago. Finally, signs of proper life, a proper civilization. The cars alone were insane. In a space of a couple of hours, I saw few Ferrari's, a couple of Brabuses, SL 55, SL 65, CLS 55, Corvettes, Vipers, a convertible Rolls-Royce, a Lamborghini Gallardo and a fleet of other mental cars. Finally, a good mall. Something worthy of mention. Something to rival, the heavenly malls of Malaysia. It was packed with shoppers of all shapes and sizes, sex, creed, nationality and everything else that describes distinctions between humans. Everyone was taking their wallets out, exchanging their paper, and swiping their rectangular plastic contraptions for a smile. A smile that they know they will get when dawn breaks and the wrapping papers are torn open, excitedly. Well, maybe not from all, but from the grateful ones at least. The food was good. I've been getting that a whole lot these days. I'm grateful for that. I know it won't last long. Two weeks more, and it's back to Florida. Back to face another arduous semester. But this time, it will be different. Better. This I know for sure.
Days later, I'm still wondering. Where did the math go wrong?
I still take it as it is. No deviations.
I just returned from Scottsdale a couple of hours ago. Finally, signs of proper life, a proper civilization. The cars alone were insane. In a space of a couple of hours, I saw few Ferrari's, a couple of Brabuses, SL 55, SL 65, CLS 55, Corvettes, Vipers, a convertible Rolls-Royce, a Lamborghini Gallardo and a fleet of other mental cars. Finally, a good mall. Something worthy of mention. Something to rival, the heavenly malls of Malaysia. It was packed with shoppers of all shapes and sizes, sex, creed, nationality and everything else that describes distinctions between humans. Everyone was taking their wallets out, exchanging their paper, and swiping their rectangular plastic contraptions for a smile. A smile that they know they will get when dawn breaks and the wrapping papers are torn open, excitedly. Well, maybe not from all, but from the grateful ones at least. The food was good. I've been getting that a whole lot these days. I'm grateful for that. I know it won't last long. Two weeks more, and it's back to Florida. Back to face another arduous semester. But this time, it will be different. Better. This I know for sure.
Days later, I'm still wondering. Where did the math go wrong?
I still take it as it is. No deviations.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
PMRC
This is why I love rock stars or anyone that stands up to the establishment in a smart way. Not bad for rock stars going to congress to defend their music.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Bored
I was doing some thinking lately and I've come up with the idea of moving out from Daytona Beach to Prescott, Arizona next August. The reason I want to do so is because, I personally think that despite its flashy name, Daytona is actually a very boring town. Apart from the beach, unless I have a car, there really isn't anything much to do there. Plus there isn't much to photograph. The few advantages which the Daytona campus has over the Prescott campus are that it outranks the Prescott campus, the mall is within walking distance and I don't have to deal with rattlesnakes, scorpions or spiders. I don't know how much better the Prescott campus is, but the surrounding area looks better. It sits on top of a mountain, about 5,100 feet, and is surrounded by many lakes and parks. And despite it being in the desert, the temperatures aren't too bad.
The past 12 days have been a journey of absolute boredom. It's so boring, that its just not funny anymore. I need adventure. I need to do something, before I lose my head!
The past 12 days have been a journey of absolute boredom. It's so boring, that its just not funny anymore. I need adventure. I need to do something, before I lose my head!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Liberated
It feels good to be liberated. It may not have turned out like in the story books, but, in the end, I got something better than what I've seen in story books.
Thank you.
-The End-
Thank you.
-The End-
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Metal
I really should be going to bed now.
But anyways, I'm completely hooked to metal music right now. A couple of hours ago, I was watching a four hour program, called the "History of Metal" over VH1C. It is a terrific documentary. It spoke about how metal started in Birmingham, and the first band being the Black Sabbath, all the way through its evolutions, its rise, its fall, its political cases, the social revolution, and right up to today's scene.
This is part 1.
But anyways, I'm completely hooked to metal music right now. A couple of hours ago, I was watching a four hour program, called the "History of Metal" over VH1C. It is a terrific documentary. It spoke about how metal started in Birmingham, and the first band being the Black Sabbath, all the way through its evolutions, its rise, its fall, its political cases, the social revolution, and right up to today's scene.
This is part 1.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Deafening Silence
Its weird that I'm feeling this sense of peace in a room which I was told is supposed to be the coldest in the entire house. What that means, I'm going to keep it a secret. You can ask me personally but, I am happy as it is. I may sleep with the lights on, but, I don't need any surprises.
You know, I've been thinking. Some say that they are pretty good at keeping a straight face and not allowing others to know what lies beneath them. But I'm starting to think that its a whole lot of crap, and there is no such thing as hiding from anything, because no matter how hard one tries, there always are signs. Its just that no one notices. Its like a chameleon. Just because its skin matches its surroundings, doesn't mean that it isn't there. You're just not trained enough to see it and no one is near perfect enough to completely hide it.
Hurry up and get back.
To be continued...
You know, I've been thinking. Some say that they are pretty good at keeping a straight face and not allowing others to know what lies beneath them. But I'm starting to think that its a whole lot of crap, and there is no such thing as hiding from anything, because no matter how hard one tries, there always are signs. Its just that no one notices. Its like a chameleon. Just because its skin matches its surroundings, doesn't mean that it isn't there. You're just not trained enough to see it and no one is near perfect enough to completely hide it.
Hurry up and get back.
To be continued...
Friday, December 19, 2008
Free
Wake up, it isn't over yet. It's time to get dressed, to put on your make up and to tighten your mask. The day is new, the day is warm, the day invites. Release your sails and go with the wind. But always remember to control the rudder. And when the time comes, remove your make up and throw your mask away. When it comes to this, only honesty will set you apart.
To be continued...
To be continued...
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Eaten By The Lions
The world of eternity,
Across the oceans of the southern seas,
In a land once ours,
She makes her steps.
Will history repeat itself,
Or will it be different?
To be continued...
Across the oceans of the southern seas,
In a land once ours,
She makes her steps.
Will history repeat itself,
Or will it be different?
To be continued...
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Drugs & Alcohol
30 minutes to midnight, and the clock still stays the same, or at least the perception of it.
Sometimes, I really wish that I am high on drugs and alcohol. High enough to know what I'm saying, and high enough not to know the consequence of it. High enough not to be able to remember it the next morning. High enough so at least I'll have something to blame it on. But too bad the world wasn't built around the drunk and high, but rather built around those who dared take that flight of faith.
Saying it in your mind, and saying it in reality are two completely different things. No matter how many times you practiced, no matter how many ways you've thought of saying it, it always comes out differently. Sometimes you nail it, sometimes you don't, and that's how life goes.
But its that leap of faith that counts, its that extra ounce of courage that counts, its a question of how badly? Bad enough to want, bad enough to need, or bad enough to leave alone?
To be continued...
Sometimes, I really wish that I am high on drugs and alcohol. High enough to know what I'm saying, and high enough not to know the consequence of it. High enough not to be able to remember it the next morning. High enough so at least I'll have something to blame it on. But too bad the world wasn't built around the drunk and high, but rather built around those who dared take that flight of faith.
Saying it in your mind, and saying it in reality are two completely different things. No matter how many times you practiced, no matter how many ways you've thought of saying it, it always comes out differently. Sometimes you nail it, sometimes you don't, and that's how life goes.
But its that leap of faith that counts, its that extra ounce of courage that counts, its a question of how badly? Bad enough to want, bad enough to need, or bad enough to leave alone?
To be continued...
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Warning Sign
I watched this today...
... and surprisingly, it is a very good movie. It is one of those movies where you had to wear those 3D glasses. Initially, I got a little dizzy because I wasn't very used to the effects. But after a while, I got used to it and enjoyed the show. I say, watch it, if you ever get the chance. But apart from the movie, another good part was that the cinema was completely empty apart from me, my two cousins, my aunt and another family. And yes, I'm having a great time here.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Nothin' But A Good Time
I keep getting up early these days. Oh yeah, it's because I'm still stuck in Florida's time, where I would usually get up at 9 AM.
Anyways, I just got up, and I'm surfing around aimlessly. Almost everyone, but the boys are asleep. I think I'll just go down and have a drink.
Anyways, I just got up, and I'm surfing around aimlessly. Almost everyone, but the boys are asleep. I think I'll just go down and have a drink.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
In Phoenix
So, after what seemed like endless, torturous flights, I've finally arrived in Phoenix. I came in yesterday actually, but I've only gotten the chance to blog about it now.
First off, I'm really glad that I landed in Phoenix. I finally got to see my uncle, aunt and my two cousins after four long months, and I miss them dearly. To put it in plain terms, they have done so much for me and I really appreciate having them around.
The flights were horrendous. Both were in MD-80's and for information, those are really small jets. The first flight, which was from Orlando to Chicago, was completely packed. I was seated by the window, tow seats from the isle and since I had one extra baggage, I had to place it under the seat in front of me, which restricted my leg room. But on that flight I met a great elderly couple from Chicago, and it was a pleasure talking to them.
The O'Hare airport certainly lived up to all its hype. Whatever you heard about it, being the most busiest and mental, it is all true. That place is just bustling and when we were coming in for our landing, I could see a plane coming in for an approach right beside us and when we were flying out, I could see a whole line of planes waiting to land. It was just spectacular.
The second flight was somewhat better because I had three seats to myself. I got to stretch my legs out, and that helped ease the torture of flying. And In case you didn't know, I'm the Aerospace engineer wannabe who completely hates flying, unless I'm doing the flying. It really is that bad, and boring. And if I ever became leader of the world, I'm going to ban all passenger planes smaller than a Boeing 777, and any airline which doesn't offer enough legroom!
Oh, and the time difference from me to you guys is now 15 hours. So, if you want to talk to me, just remember that I'm 15 hours before.
Ok, I'm getting pretty sleepy now. I'll update more when I get the chance.
First off, I'm really glad that I landed in Phoenix. I finally got to see my uncle, aunt and my two cousins after four long months, and I miss them dearly. To put it in plain terms, they have done so much for me and I really appreciate having them around.
The flights were horrendous. Both were in MD-80's and for information, those are really small jets. The first flight, which was from Orlando to Chicago, was completely packed. I was seated by the window, tow seats from the isle and since I had one extra baggage, I had to place it under the seat in front of me, which restricted my leg room. But on that flight I met a great elderly couple from Chicago, and it was a pleasure talking to them.
The O'Hare airport certainly lived up to all its hype. Whatever you heard about it, being the most busiest and mental, it is all true. That place is just bustling and when we were coming in for our landing, I could see a plane coming in for an approach right beside us and when we were flying out, I could see a whole line of planes waiting to land. It was just spectacular.
The second flight was somewhat better because I had three seats to myself. I got to stretch my legs out, and that helped ease the torture of flying. And In case you didn't know, I'm the Aerospace engineer wannabe who completely hates flying, unless I'm doing the flying. It really is that bad, and boring. And if I ever became leader of the world, I'm going to ban all passenger planes smaller than a Boeing 777, and any airline which doesn't offer enough legroom!
Oh, and the time difference from me to you guys is now 15 hours. So, if you want to talk to me, just remember that I'm 15 hours before.
Ok, I'm getting pretty sleepy now. I'll update more when I get the chance.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Almost Sands
It's 7.57 now, and it'll be less than an hour until my airport shuttle arrives.
Last night was absolutely amazing. Nearly empty floors, a few friends and a mask from a horror movie, definitely among my best nights since I got here.
Au revoir!
Last night was absolutely amazing. Nearly empty floors, a few friends and a mask from a horror movie, definitely among my best nights since I got here.
Au revoir!
We Close The Curtains
Before opening this window, I had so much to say about a multitude of different things. I had plenty of things running through my head when I walked through my room door, knowing that I had no obligations to face, no timetables to meet, no assignments to hand up and not having anything else to do with the university for the rest of the year. I also had thoughts of my friends and lecturers whom I will not be seeing. Some for the period of the winter break, and some for a very long period of time. But as soon as I opened this window, all those thoughts suddenly became a garble of unintelligible information and now I don't know where to start or what to say.
Sitting on this carpet, with my laptop in front of me, it feels like the first day I landed here. I don't know how to describe it but everything feels like it is new. The weather was just like how it was when I first got here. The room feels empty and un-lived in, like when I first got here and to some degree, I'm even feeling some feelings that I only felt when I first got here. I don't know why, but this is just how it is.
As always, saying goodbye is not an easy thing to do. Like always, we feel a tinge of sadness and a slight bit of fulfillment all at the same time. Sad because I might not get to see some of my friends here for a very long time. Diego has gone back to Spain and Gauthier will be leaving pretty soon. Perhaps the only time that I'll get to see any one of them is when I visit them in their home country or when they come and visit me wherever I may be at that point in my life. A sense of fulfillment because, after all, it has been one heck of a great ride and I will forever cherish and remember the great times we had. I felt that way when I first left Malaysia. As time went on by, I did start to get used to the idea of being far away from the ones that I love, but no matter how long time goes on, there will always be one thing that will remain constant: my fondness and admiration for each and everyone that I have had the privilege to call my friend.
Now that the end of the first step of a journey that I've long dreamt of has finally come to a close, I can now look back and smile my widest and give myself a good tap on the back. True, I haven't yet achieved all that I have set out to do, nor have I met the goals that I have set for myself, but I will look up with pride and honor that I tried my hardest and fought my best and anything that comes after this, I can only learn from. But now, I can finally say that I've survived a semester at Embry-Riddle and I know now what it is like to be a student of the best aerospace university, anywhere in the world.
Speaking these words, it is only appropriate that I spare a thought for a friend of mine who like myself, started a whole new chapter on the same date I started mine. Her name is Elena. I hope she too had a good and fulfilling time, as I did mine.
Sitting on this carpet, with my laptop in front of me, it feels like the first day I landed here. I don't know how to describe it but everything feels like it is new. The weather was just like how it was when I first got here. The room feels empty and un-lived in, like when I first got here and to some degree, I'm even feeling some feelings that I only felt when I first got here. I don't know why, but this is just how it is.
As always, saying goodbye is not an easy thing to do. Like always, we feel a tinge of sadness and a slight bit of fulfillment all at the same time. Sad because I might not get to see some of my friends here for a very long time. Diego has gone back to Spain and Gauthier will be leaving pretty soon. Perhaps the only time that I'll get to see any one of them is when I visit them in their home country or when they come and visit me wherever I may be at that point in my life. A sense of fulfillment because, after all, it has been one heck of a great ride and I will forever cherish and remember the great times we had. I felt that way when I first left Malaysia. As time went on by, I did start to get used to the idea of being far away from the ones that I love, but no matter how long time goes on, there will always be one thing that will remain constant: my fondness and admiration for each and everyone that I have had the privilege to call my friend.
Now that the end of the first step of a journey that I've long dreamt of has finally come to a close, I can now look back and smile my widest and give myself a good tap on the back. True, I haven't yet achieved all that I have set out to do, nor have I met the goals that I have set for myself, but I will look up with pride and honor that I tried my hardest and fought my best and anything that comes after this, I can only learn from. But now, I can finally say that I've survived a semester at Embry-Riddle and I know now what it is like to be a student of the best aerospace university, anywhere in the world.
Speaking these words, it is only appropriate that I spare a thought for a friend of mine who like myself, started a whole new chapter on the same date I started mine. Her name is Elena. I hope she too had a good and fulfilling time, as I did mine.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Shacklers Revenge
This is actually not that bad. Try taking an impartial view and just think of them as this new band, releasing new stuff. Just forget that this is Axl Rose, forget that Slash ever used to be in this band. Try doing that. I did, and it's not too bad at all.
I've heard 3 songs so far, and really, it's not as bad as what people have said. Let's see how the rest of it goes.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Last Week
And it's finally here!! The last week of Embry-Riddle-dom or whatever it is they call it when the semester draws to a close. And what are we going to do to celebrate? Hopefully a drink with my French brother, Gauthier, tonight and a good trip to the beach on Wednesday with some of my floor mates. =)
Now all I have to do is start packing up for Phoenix and study for world politics.
Now all I have to do is start packing up for Phoenix and study for world politics.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Last Day of Classes
I love my new speakers. It ain't much, but at least I get to hear music the way it's supposed to be heard.
Anyways, classes officially ended yesterday, which could only mean one thing: Finals!
But that aside, it was rather sad to suddenly realize that I had come to the end of the semester, and I'm bidding farewell to my lecturers. I remember being feeling an incredible feeling of sadness when Dr. Camara gave his parting message and subsequently raised his hand to give the salute-like wave. What was more incredible was that I actually felt a slight tinge of sadness and regret after Ms. Battista's class. I know that I've voiced some strong opinions regarding her classes and teaching methods, but looking back, I know that I was probably too strong with my opinions and as a result I didn't enjoy her class as I should have. I had my last consulting session with Mr.Ross today. What I can say about Mr. Ross is that he most definitely one of the best lecturers I ever had. Learning calculus under him has been an absolute pleasure and if he does any other math courses, I'd be the first to take it. Bueno's class was the usual snooze fest for me. It's not that he's a bad teacher or anything, but I just didn't pay much attention in it. I'd usually blog hop or Facebook during his class. Wang was another snooze fest. He is a great guy, but he does make lectures boring.
Anyhow, holidays are coming up soon and I just can't wait to see my aunt and uncle as well as my cousins and not to mention the food!
Anyways, classes officially ended yesterday, which could only mean one thing: Finals!
But that aside, it was rather sad to suddenly realize that I had come to the end of the semester, and I'm bidding farewell to my lecturers. I remember being feeling an incredible feeling of sadness when Dr. Camara gave his parting message and subsequently raised his hand to give the salute-like wave. What was more incredible was that I actually felt a slight tinge of sadness and regret after Ms. Battista's class. I know that I've voiced some strong opinions regarding her classes and teaching methods, but looking back, I know that I was probably too strong with my opinions and as a result I didn't enjoy her class as I should have. I had my last consulting session with Mr.Ross today. What I can say about Mr. Ross is that he most definitely one of the best lecturers I ever had. Learning calculus under him has been an absolute pleasure and if he does any other math courses, I'd be the first to take it. Bueno's class was the usual snooze fest for me. It's not that he's a bad teacher or anything, but I just didn't pay much attention in it. I'd usually blog hop or Facebook during his class. Wang was another snooze fest. He is a great guy, but he does make lectures boring.
Anyhow, holidays are coming up soon and I just can't wait to see my aunt and uncle as well as my cousins and not to mention the food!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Finish
Ahh.. Finally the presentation is over. That's one down and two more to go, and after that, it's off to Phoenix for me.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
According to Estimates...
I just got my suit ready for tomorrows presentation. All black, except for a gray tie. Wish me luck =P
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Monday, December 1, 2008
Finish- d
There was a tornado warning today. But like the last time around, nothing happened =S. Anyways, thanksgiving holidays is finally over, and it can only mean one thing...
...presentation on Wednesday... gg
...presentation on Wednesday... gg
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