Course Registration For Next Semester!
Saturday, March 26, 2005
It's the time of the year again - Course registration! We have a course-registration schedule to adhere to, and this morning was my slot. I've had my fair share of misfortunes previously, usually due to outstanding tuition fees and clashing problems (and some other glitches like this). This morning, I tried registering for a new subject (we're the first batch to be offered this subject), and the limited places were all snapped up in less than half an hour! I tried adding that subject, it says [FULL]. Grrr.Now lemme tell you alil about the nature of this wonderful subject - And why everyone wants to take it. It's called "Mini Project". Having been stucked in an exam-oriented education system for almost all my life now, a Mini Project is timely. It is time we're evaluated and assessed based on practical work (put more weightage in this area). Initially, I chose engineering thinking that there'd be less "reading and memorizing", because that's what I really suck at. On the other hand, I was doing okay in math and physics back in school - So the choice was clear, at that time. To add, I believe I've chosen the right course - Considering I'm into my third year already, that's a positive thing to say, isn't it?
Once I entered university, I realised that there was no escape route - We've to do alot of reading. Of course, in engineering, practical exposure is a must. But usually, that accounts up to only about 20% of the total marks for each subject. The other 20% usually comes from midterm exams (paper), and finals is worth 60%. So you see, the weightage is pretty skewed towards examinations (paper).
So back to the Mini Project thingy. Despite the ultra-bombastic topics (Low Cost Infrared Wireless MODEM for PC-to-PC Communication, Audio Mixer, Optical Fiber Communication Systems, Multimedia Streaming Systems), which involve both hardware and software, and the fact that only 2 students are allowed per group, I was very hopeful that I could register for that subject. It is, however, an elective subject. So I had no choice but to choose the other elective subject offered.
But a few hours later, an angel came to me and gave me a second chance: Alicia offered to give up her place, and let me have it while she chose the other elective subject. She waited until I replied her SMS and returned her call, before giving up her place, to make sure that it doesn't fall to other hopeful students (considering that it was already a few hours after the registration window opened, who knows some desperado would keep refreshing his browser and wait until someone gives up a place).
It was a win-win situation, because she said she felt more comfortable taking the other elective subject (computer-based). For one, she is majoring in computer, while I'm not. Besides, most of her other coursemates (majoring in computer) did not select Mini Project. So now that I'm registered for the Mini Project, I've gotten what I wanted and so has Alicia!
And if I may quote her: "It's the best for both worlds". (Although I feel that it should be "best for both of us"?). Hehe. Anyway, thanks wor! *muAhz!!*
Shit Happened
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
I heard that swimming is the best sport. It does not hurt your joint in any way, at least never severely (unless you swim straight into a boat's propeller or something). I should have taken up swimming instead of basketball, you know. One of the most common type of bball injuries is a twisted ankle (scratches that result in minor bleeding are not considered 'injuries'! They occur almost everytime you play). At approximately 6.25pm today, I limped out of the court in pain. I was on a scoring spree for more than 3 games when suddenly, my left foot landed on someone else's foot and he moved! We were actually moving quite fast, and then... "kluck!!"... there I was seated on the floor holding my leg (still blur) while my brain digested what had just happened (or what shit I had just stepped on). I couldn't estimate the extent of my injury, then. So I put up a smile and said I'm OK.As a bballer, such an injury is not uncommon... I have had similar experiences in the past, on both my left as well as right feet (never at the same time, lah!), but I was still able to walk without much pain. The only thing I hate most (about such an injury) is that I must rest for a few weeks (usually 2 weeks, at least) before I'm fit to play at my best again. Today's injury was slightly worse than my previous ones. While still seated on the ground, I thought, "No big deal, I'll just stop playing for a few weeks, at most ". But when I stood up, only then I realised that I could be wrong. I felt pain even when I tried to walk (or limp, for that matter).
(By the way, I saw a hot chiq - in jogging attire - when I was limping towards the staircase - She looked at my foot and boy, I actually hoped that she'd offer to help me descend the stairs :p. But nah, she walked pass me instead *potong-stim music*)
By the time I reached home, my ankle was already swollen like the size of an egg yolk. I rested on the couch for a while, before standing on the balcony and watched the pool. My friends had earlier suggested that we all went for a swim - I began to regret my decision. But then again, who would've known, right? Shit happens. Alicia has been kind enough to give me some Chinese ointment and bandages for my injury. Thanks, babe *hugs*. I choose to think of it this way: the injury's a blessing in disguise; at least it forces me out of action (bball, that is) for a few weeks - Dei, final exam's less than a month away. You can tell that I'm optimistic, can't you?
Dread to think about tomorrow - Usually, the second day is when you *really* feel the pain (esp when you first get outta bed). *Shudders*
potong-stim - directly translated: "steam-chopper". In Malay.
Popular Book Fair At Summit USJ
Saturday, March 12, 2005
I hadn't stepped into Summit USJ for donkey's years. Last night, I was there with Mom and both sis for a walk. There was some book fair going on, up to 90% percent discount on selected titles! Many nice, interesting, good old books were being sold - Super low prices. I had always wanted to read John Grisham's The Broker, but the RM84.90 price tag is a huge turn-off (to me). The Popular Bookstore-organized book fair drew huge crowds - It was on the ground floor (where Starbucks's at). The newer books had this "30% Rebate" sticker on them, but you've got to buy three titles before your "30% discount" kicks in.The Broker was one of them - and it was very tempting. I said to Sis, "Let's buy The Broker, and two more titles so that we can get 30% off per book". Almost immediately, she turned over to me and uttered, "Serious shit?". It's always the case, you see - When I (or we, for that matter) go out with Mom, I can save up alot of money. Since Mom was also buying some books for herself, it was a golden opportunity *devillish grin*. So after a short discussion, we were given the green light.
Sis picked up Dan Brown's Deception Point (I told her if she wanted Angels And Demons I could rob Alicia of her copy :p), which left us with one more book to choose. As Mom was already near the counter, I said "Eh, what the heck lah. Just grab The Notebook." So we took Nicholas Sparks' The Notebook (has anyone watched the movie yet? Good? I haven't seen it). Earlier in the day, we got Adeline Yen Mah's Chinese Cinderella - we're gonna instil a reading habit in my lil sis (oh yes, me and Sis - the older one - is gonna make her read this one!). At least better than sitting in front of the computer playing Neopets or Sims.
The RM5 note was put there for fun - We don't always get to see a torn polymer note. Actually, I have tried tearing one to prove that it can still be torn - but never succeeded. We couldn't remember when this RM5 note made its way into Mom's purse. I suspect a scissor was used when the previous (or previous previous, or previous previous previous, for that matter) owner tried to tear it (but that'd mean cutting already!). Whatever it is, I still think the polymer notes are very strong. By the way, becareful when you make payments with these notes. They tend to stick to each other and you may not even realise it. Not everyone fancies giving RM5 tips (or when you're lucky, RM10!), I am sure.
By the way...
Attracting the wrong attention
I don't know how'd this guy got my contact. He first emailed me last year, and that was way before I began blogging. According to him, he saw my email in some MSN users' page or something. Much to my surprise (read: fright, dismay, disappointment), this bugger msged me on MSN today. The conversation went:
cheong says:
hi...
Accidentally-In-Love says:
hi
cheong says:
how are u?
Accidentally-In-Love says:
im ok
Accidentally-In-Love says:
intro pls?
Accidentally-In-Love says:
in fact i don't even know ur a/s/l
cheong says:
i am elwin cheong from kl and working
Accidentally-In-Love says:
yeah...
Accidentally-In-Love says:
that's pretty much everything i knew about u also
Accidentally-In-Love says:
anyway
Accidentally-In-Love says:
what's up
cheong says:
just wan to be ur true friend.... (Me thinking: "WTH?!")
Accidentally-In-Love says:
cool
Accidentally-In-Love says:
ru gay?
Accidentally-In-Love says:
i am open minded wan
cheong says:
wah......gay...what makes u ask this questions?
cheong says:
so u r gaylah
Accidentally-In-Love says:
no lah
cheong says:
so hows ur day
Accidentally-In-Love says:
good
Accidentally-In-Love says:
i'm going to take a nap in a while
cheong says:
wah so early take a nap
Accidentally-In-Love says:
yes
Accidentally-In-Love says:
life
Accidentally-In-Love says:
no work?
Accidentally-In-Love says:
how old ru
cheong says:
i work 5 days week n age is elder then u loh
cheong says:
call me kor kor loh and not ku ku (Me thinking: "??!?!")
Accidentally-In-Love says:
err..
Accidentally-In-Love says:
ok
cheong says:
really good loh
cheong says:
i am glad
cheong says:
sai lou
cheong says:
well
cheong says:
???
I never replied. Gau meng arrrr!! *smacks self* I can chat and get along with anybody - age and gender never an issue. It's not like this guy is a fellow blogger... I mean, maybe he does, but he didn't know me through blogging. We've nothing in common, and uhm... "being your true friend"?! *faints*
Translations:
sai lou - younger/little brother in Cantonese.
gau meng - save life, or 'help', in this context. In Cantonese.
ku ku - As far as I know, some people call their aunts "ku ku". Others call "ah ku"... But why this guy mentioned "ku ku" in the conversation? Beats me...
Of Da Ladies & M'sian Space Mission
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
I've always wanted to do this, but never found the time. Since I'd just finished all my midterm exams (hence the good mood), I hereby tell you guys about... *drumrolls, please* the ladies of my house! To the uninitiated, I live with 5 other coursemates, we're renting a condo here (near our campus). No no, not all 5 of them are females. I have a roommate, and he's a he (duh). The 4 others are the ladies, and we're all doing the same course here - despite majoring in different fields.Me and my roommate, as guys naturally are... "less hardworking" than the ladies. Well, you can't deny me on that - the ladies are very diligent. Come any examination, pressure piles and you'll feel the tension. This, ladies and gentlemen, is a good thing, of course. It is motivation, you know? Studies aside, you can't really expect them to be like traditional ladies who cook, wash clothes and clean the house everyday. In these areas, gender equality is at its best. My roommate, although not an expert, has experience in cookery. IMHO, the ladies lose out on him in this. Me? Hoho, I pick up some skills here and there sometimes :p
It's difficult to go into person by person - Cuz I'll get all sorta funny responses when I compliment any one of them but not the others. Despite their age, baby-like kinda sulking is still prevalent - Sometimes they last for weeks! So before I decide to say anything, I've got to think twice. Yes, even blogging about them is a risk. But I've done some calculations, I know I've a 'safety margin' that's gonna 'cushion' any verbal, physical or mental attack by them. *Grins*
So instead of talking about one girl after another, let's do it collectively - I shall call them "Da Ladies" here, okie? Da Ladies are very thoughtful people - Despite the seemingly cruel looks and mischievous nature, they buy you gifts and help celebrate your birthday. They know they're staying with two lazy bummer guys and hence, they prepare extra study materials when necessary - And that's really sweet cuz it's like they can read our minds. We chat and talk about almost everything under the sun, pretty much like the nonsensical crap I have at home with my sis.
We're all very closely bonded, and calling them "housemates" doesn't seem appropriate anymore. Friends? True, but every other person we know in campus are our friends too. We spend every school-going day and have almost every meal together - Cuz we all share the same time table (well, almost). When someone mentions one of us, others will chirp "Oh, ____'s housemate ah?". Well, it's not like I enjoy this sorta attention - But Da Ladies are pretty well-known and have a humongous network of friends in campus, including graduating ones. Needless to say, the male friends outnumber the females. Don't ask me how, you do the math.
I've come across people telling me "Wah, then you ma very lucky?!" Well hey, we all know what "lucky" here refers to. But let me tell you this (in fact, I've even said this to them - got pinched real hard after that), after staying with them for almost a year, I'm "immune" to them already. No, I'm not turning gay. There's no doubt about my sexual orientation - I'm straight as arrow. I mean, they're like sisters to me - Any naughty thoughts are almost as disgusting as committing incest. Me falling for them? No way! Although we flirt jokingly very often.
Besides, they're crazy people. Look at what one of them have just uploaded online (Whoops, did I just break one of their identities?). I mean, how can I possibly fall for my 'almost-half-sisters'? Da Ladies aside, our house is very comfortably furnished with Lorenzo sofa set, TV, hi-fi, VCD player, dining table, coffee table, carpets, yellow downlights, furnished kitchen, etc... Envied by many, really. We're lucky to have gotten this unit, at the same amount of rental as other units (with only basic furnishing). The dining hall is so comfortable that sometimes any one or two of us would just slump into the sofa and pig for a nap.
My roommate has two sisters, so have I. We're both only-sons. You can say that we're used to growing up with females. Da Ladies, interestingly, have no brothers (none of them has). Among the 4, W has 4 sisters, X has 3, Y has 2, and Z is the only daughter. Do you notice the pattern? We speak primarily in English, although Cantonese is sometimes used too. So do I feel lucky? Yeah, of course - I have a bunch of sweet, attractive (to other guys - and I kinda like the feeling when some of them get jealous of me and my roommate ;D), naughty wackos who're gonna be my housemates for the next 2 years. Oh by the way, our monthly rental is gonna go up in two months. The increase? RM50 only :p RM50 to be divided among 6 of us - not a big deal, considering that we've settled down, and not to mention the hassle of moving out.
Introducing Da Ladies: Liwei, Alicia, Steph and Elaine. (Grr I have a feeling there's gonna be a dispute on whose name got mentioned first and likewise, who got mentioned last. I'm not gonna succumb to such a dilemma! Names are mentioned without any particular preference ok? All are same to me!) *Wipes sweat*
By the way (you've just gotta check this out)...
Teh Tarik, Roti Canai and Sambal Belacan in Space?
The first Malaysian astronaut is gonna have teh tarik, roti canai and sambal belacan in space, when joining the Russian space mission scheduled in October 2007. Oh, he/she's gonna wear batik, too. Coincidentally, I blogged about this in November last year - On having teh tarik in space. I was merely joking back then. In the news today, it's real.
Bernama's report even has this line: "It's not funny. This is a serious matter".
"We just want our astronaut to share the local culture with the Russian colleagues during the mission"
An ulama might also be involved in the research should the successful astronaut candidate is a Muslim. "Their help is needed in determining the direction of kiblat (Kaabah) and prayer time in space". (Read more on Bernama)
Patriotism can be really freaky sometimes.
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