I’m dedicating this post to my parents, friends and the faculty of UTAR.

Most people would say the easiest life is the life in a University. When I started my first week in UTAR, I thought so as well. There were friends and most of all freedom. Freedom which I’ve never experience any time in my life. I have the liberty to choose and manage my own time, whether to study or play depends solely on my decision and MINE alone. Not to be influenced by parents or other obligations…..

I’m sorry to say that during these prime seven weeks in University, I have not used my time wisely. NO! I should say I have not used my time as wise as I was at home! I have been idle in work, choosing to relax and enjoy life rather than carrying out the responsibilities a University should do. Procrastination has made a nest in my life, robbing me of the will to excel.

To blame my friends would be blatantly WRONG. But to say their influence has not affect me the slightest would be an obvious lie. YES, indeed I have found friends here in UTAR. In fact I’ve found different types of friends here. I’ve found casual friends who could chat over a cup of coffee. To my surprise, I’ve also found friends who could share secrets with.

The time spent with friends here has made a very happy me indeed. We’ve shared memorable moments even though we are newly acquainted. I’m also glad indeed to have found friends that understand my plights and fears, to be able to share and also keep secrets.

However, during these few days, I found out I’m under-productive due to the excess time spent with them. Moreover, the coming of the mid-term examinations doesn’t help either. I’m stressed out by both peer pressure and examinations at the same time. My friends require constant time spent with them but at the same time I have obligations to fulfill. My obligations towards my parents, towards UTAR which was kind enough to give me a scholarship and also to myself…….

Hence, I chose the only path that I know- escape from all of it……

Since Tuesday I’ve been isolating myself from them.

No longer having lunch or dinner with them…..

No longer chatting with them during the free periods between lectures…..

No longer sharing myself with them…….

I’ve been keeping myself inside the library in a corner, revising my studies as well as finishing my tutorial homework. This is where I found out how the free periods could be such productive for me.

Usually escaping into my own world, loneliness often consumes my heart with cold and darkness that freezes the very pit of my stomach.

However, this time it differs from previous experiences of mine. For the very first time I felt I’m glad to be alone. A sense of pride and achievement flares up like a burning torch inside of me. As I walked alone on a less treaded path to one of the lecture halls today, my head was held high and I walked alone but proudly.

As I went in and sat on a desk-alone, I stare up searching for my friends. They were sitting together talking and having fun. At that moment I was flushed with envy. Sudden guilt and shame for feeling proud previously consumes me.

I feel as If I’m living in a world of my own but in reality I’m not. I’m only stupidly hiding myself-afraid of the truth that I’m a miniscule character in this enormous planet, unimportant to anyone. The sense of pride immediately vanishes and replaced with the once again- sorrow.

Without talking to anyone after the lecture, I quickly rushed to my bicycle and speeded back to my house. As I cycle back, the scenery of UTAR’s Westlake blurred by me through the tears that had welled up in my eyes.

I tried very hard to surpress them but to no avail. I could feel a drop of tear trickle slowly down my left eye, wetting my cheek.

Somehow before I reached my housing area, sudden realization sets in.

I’m no longer the once boy-Adrian who is easily influenced by friends and people around him. I shouldn’t be ashamed of myself.

Because……

I’m already (in words) a man who has made a decision for himself.....

A man who knows what he wants in live and what he wants to achieve…..

A man for himself and no other…….



The sun disappearing down the horizon as I slowly pedal back………

Thank You Kah Yen!

MILOTIC!!!!

Finally! Since starting Pokemon Emerald I have longed for this Beautiful Pokemon! The mysterious and elegant- Milotic!

Well i didn't expect to possess a milotic today. I guess it was luck as Kah yen helped me to train my pokemon. Traded my skorupis for 2 Feebases on GTS (Global Trade Station) with some guy in the US and some girl in Japan the previous night.

Anyhow, Kah Yen took the initiative to breed the two feebases and hatch them! Really glad he helped out as I didn't have enough time to keep my pokemon company (was in the campus gym ^^). When I reach home around 1pm, Kah Yen shows me the feebas on the verge of evolving! OMG!!! I was so thrilled and shocked as well. Really didn't expect it to evolve today.

In less than 30 seconds, my ugly feebas had evolved into one of the most beautiful and sought after pokemon of all--Milotic!!! So HAAAAAAPPPPPPYYYY!!!!

Kah Yen then told me about how he blended my wiki berries into Poffins and raised the feebas's beauty till it's above 170. Was a bother for him becaquse it takes patience and perseverence to blend berries into perfection.

Anyways, an official THANK YOU to Kah Yen.

UTAR viewed from the Westlake Park
Lizards "doing it" on my bedroom wall!
Kar Hou Posing on a waterfall!
My house!
Kai Shen and I in campus!
A nice view!
Posing on the waterfall!
Kah Yen and I!
Having dinner with Yoong Hui and David!
Photo with classmates.....

Without doubt its my last visit to this place which has been the birth of many fond memories............

I've planned for this trip ever since i've left the NS camp on the 7th of May. Well at that time many of my friends said they were coming back as well but it turned out to be words without honour. Less than 10 of the early-leavers came back...... Was a quite dissappointing motion......

Anyways back to my narration. It was 7th June, a perfectly well weathered Sunday. My mom allowed me to drive the car (rare occasion) due to her frustration of the thought of waiting for me at the camp for 2 whole hours.......

Started my journey at 1.30pm to St. Michael's Institution to pick up Parvitra. It was a good location considering was suppose to pick up Louis and ah Tan as well but for other reasons, they couldn't make it that day. Ah Tan's reason was forgivable but Louis's allegedly "I have to finish a science project" reason leaves much room to be suspicious of......

Picked up Parvitra and after I waved a hand gesture at her mom, we started our hour long journey from Ipoh to Kuala Kangsar!

Nothing much happened during the drive there (excluding some reckless driving maneouvers- my maiden long distance drive ^^) we arrived safely (but a bit startled) at Kem PLKN Tangkas Kendiri.

Nothing much happened at the entrance gate..... Just had to explain my resons of visit to the guard and we're parked in the area in less than 5 minutes. My mom's a bit off colour that day so she stayed in the car with my sister (did I mention me sister came along as well?). Parvitra and I boldly walked to the canteen to meet up with our friends. Along the way meeting with various aquaintances!

When we were near the canteen "Adrian! Adrian!" could be heard just ahead..... A frenzy of crowding and pushing occured as I was forcefully "invited" into the canteen! Haha! It seems guys and girls from my own company was having a gathering in the canteen so it wasn't peculiar that they recognised my famillliar face.

Haha. Next comes the "photo taking session" as I was asked to posse for pictures with different guys and girls from my compaany! (regretted for not bringing my own camera). After that, comes chatting. We asked about each other. (was quite curious as several people including our Taiko Ah Kit was wearing signs around their neck saying "Saya Geng Budak nakal".) Chatted lightly and with concern as the bond we built was quite strong........ Details are too minute to be explained........

After that, they invited me to the classrooms to watch the rehearsals and meet the teachers. Was glad as I had the chance to meet up with teachers like Cikgu Roslan and Cikgu Ackbar. Nice people, most memorable trainers there for me !

Also were the malay dudes. Shook their hand and talked about the experienced we had in camp. Next, I went back to the dormitories to visit the chinese brothers! Was quite happy to see them and hugged them tightly. Asked them about the stuff I missed when I left (apparanty wasn't much).

Anyways, 2 hours came and passed quickly. My mom's getting a bit twitchy and asked that we go home soon (had to endure her lecture about not considering how she felt being there with nothing to do for two hours later during the journey back). Said my goodbyes to all my friends. Shook hands and hugged.....

And that was all....Nothing too special for a last visit but its etched in my mind to my grave.

Ah Jian, Ah Liang, Ah Kit, Li Zhang, Ah Guan, Ah Tan, Etienne, Liang Wei, Kennard, Kar Ting, Calvin, Pei San, Karen, Ling Hui, Emily, Kym, Jasmine, Eddy, Azlan, Ayam and Vicky.

WILL NEVER FORGET YOU GUYS! YOU GUYS GAVE ME THE MOST MEMORABLE TIME IN NATIONAL SERVICE!

P.S. Sorry to those I forget to mention as the library is closing and i have to get out of here ASAP!


THANKS FOR READING!

Shyh Yoong and Me!

kar hou in Facial Mask!

My Assignment group discussing in a Kopitiam!

Hey there readers/blog followers/ close friends/ relatives/ parents/ teachers/ strangers! Its been ages since I've updated blog (the last post was even incomplete XD). Even so, I'm adamant to continue sharing my life experiences with you all (my fellow readers!).

I've recently been admitted into UTAR (Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman) Kampar. Though its not my first choice to have my tertiary education, the institution has been kind to offer me a scholarship to continue my studies. Therefore I'm somewhat grateful for it one way or another.

Currently I'm taking a foundation course here eventually leading to a Banking and Finance degree course. From my experience here for the past weeks, I can tell you that the studying system here it TOTALLY different from secondary school. We are required to be independant in studying. We no longer get spoonfed through tuition classes but calls for discussion through groups and individual understanding of what is taught. CULTURE SHOCK!

Haha. For this trimester i'm taking a sum of 6 subjects. (English, P. Speaking, Economics, Accounting, Comp. Studies, Maths for Business and Social Science) I'm having a Mid-term exam on week 5 and a Final exam on the 14th week of the trimester. However, exams only accumulate half of our results. We are required to finish different tasks of group assignments for each subject which include doing research, analysing current data and plagraising other people's work (bloody-HaHa)!

Anyways, overall i'm enjoying my life here in Kampar. I'm living in a house rented fully to students. my house has 6 residents including me (Lee Kar Hou, Leong Kah Yen, Chris Yap, Teh Chu Chin, Kevin and YOURS TRULY!!). We are quite the rowdy bunch of guys and we enjoyed each other's company. We hold loads of so called "Family Activities". (Tuesday-Family CS night, Wed- Family pasar malam night, Fri- Family Basketball morning, Sun- Family dinner night).

The means of transport are limited to bicycle and motorcycle (only rich ppl have cars). Thats why whenever we go out, we would just unchain our bikes and ride to our heart's content!

Anyways, I don't think i should lengthen this post because currently I'm in Comp studies tutorial class (taking advantage of the teacher's ignorance) LOL. Anyways, he's staring at me suspiciously. Thank you for reading! I've uploaded some photos, hope you enjoyed it!

It's a really thrilling day as I PASSED MY DRIVING TEST!!! I really can't believe it when i got the forms with a tick on the ''Lulus" "Lulus" "Lulus" boxes (instead of the "Kantas" one) !!

Haha! Today started early. I had to wake up around 6.30am (my usual time waking up since back from NS is 8.30am) and get myself ready (shower, brush teeth......).

OKaaaayyyyyyy........

My mom just came back from driving my sister to school and she took me out for breakfast! It was a nearby coffee-shop. After finishing our "Loh-Mee" my mom paid for both our food and drinks and continued our journey to LSA (the place where I'm taking the driving the test).

By the time we reach LSA, its 7.58 sharp. Both my mom and I got down and waited for Mr Loo (my driving instructor) to finish the prosedure and I lined up for the queue card.

Well, At this moment it feels like LSA is a place where old aquaintances meet.......

Its like everytime I take a test here, there's some old friend here..... Happened during:-
-my first Undang-undang lesson
-my Undang-undang test
-my driving class+lesson
-my trial driving test

its like a big LOL......

Today the guy I met was none other than Goh Cheow Keat ( I forgot his name but later asked Lai Choon Kit *yet aother friend I met in LSA later*). Cheow Keat was one of the guys I go tuition with in Puan Chang's class during my Primary school days. I greeted him with a friendly smile and our conversation just started to flow (mostly bout our NS experiences).


After a few minutes Lai Choon Kit appeared (another tuition friend from Hamdan's). I took initiative again and greeted him with a loud "Hey!". Haha. The whole affair is quite comical if you were in my shoes. I didn't expect to meet anyone I know while taking a test in LSA (as its a school day and the probability and everything.......).

However, it certainly lighted up my heart!

Haha, we chatted while waiting for our numbers to be called for the driving test. It was quite the long wait but it felt quite short due to the fact we were having conversations reminicing the past!

My mom was waiting by the stands having light conversations with some other adults while waiting for me. THANK YOU MOM!

The test finally started at 9.45am (1hr and 45min wait.....=.=''). We were seated for a short briefing and finally the test starts!

Five "kancils" were parked infront of the slope. So the first five candidates had to step into the car and prepare themselves for the test. surprisingly the first five did it without any hitches or glitches.

My Queue card is D4 10 which means i'm the tenth! Cheow Keat went before I did (he's D4 08).
Anyways, he was just 2 "kancils" in front of me. At this point, I should be feeling nervous, having a high heart rate and sweating like a pig....... But I wasn't. It was actually quite peculiar....... I wasn't nervous nor scared. Its like feeling calm, tranquil, serene and confident due to the enormous amount of time I took to learn how to drive. The period of 5 months........

Anyways..... I did it without any problems. The invigilator just wave his hand to indicate i succeeded in doing the slope test. Okay, next -Three point turn and side parking!

Well, I remember Mr Loo's teachings (scoldings) and reminders (lectures) and did it quite nicely. The invigilator once again waved his hand lazily giving me permission to vacate the parking place. I drove with confidence to join the queue of "kancils" because I know I've passed both tests!

After that I saw my mom sitting on the bench grinning proudly while giving me a thumbs up! Tee hee! "bangga"! I went to the invigilator and got my forms signed! I was told to wait at the "pondok" for the road test and I just walk towards the "pondok".

Once again, my forms were checked my the guy there (dunno what's his position) and I had to wait for my tester to arrive. I sat next to Cheow Keat and we chatted lightly bout NS stuff. 10 minutes passed and the bearer of bad news arrived. Choon Kit came into our "pondok" with a long face.

"I failed the slope test" said Choon Kit.

And both of us try to comfort him immediately. He was nearly intears because he would have to take the test again next week. Also he was the one who pointed the route on our forms. Cheow Keat and I was HORRIFIED as we were given the "D" route.

OMG our instructors haven't taught us the D route! We quickly excused ourselves to the toilet and quickly read and memorise the D route map hanged on the board just nearby the toilet. We were both frustrated and experasted because we DON'T KNOW the route. I quickly phoned my instructor Mr Loo and told him my predicament. He reassure me that it'll be okay, I just have to tell the driving tester that I've forgotten bout the D route and I'll take the E1 route instead.

My mind was in certain disbelieve that my instructor would ask me to lie to the instructor. I was also suspicious of Mr Loo's order as I'm not sure if it'll work.

Anyhow.....My road test passed without any major problems. The only thing my tester chatise me about is the handling of my clutch pedal as I tend to release it quickly causing it to jerk (phew.....what a long sentence).

After the 20 minute drive, we stopped the car back at LSA and the tester handed me the previous form.

LULUS!!!

OH MY GOODNESS!!!

I couldn't hide my joy and kept on thanking her !

When I got out the car, my mom could see fromt he expression on my face that I've passed!!! Its such joy! And my mom was so proud of me! Haha! She even waited for me throughout the 3 hours I was there in LSA!

LOVE YOU MOM!!!

Haha. Cheow Keat and I passed our driving test on the same day! Its just the unlucky Choon Kit planning to take the test again the following monday.

Anways, once again I PASSED!!!!

WHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!

STREET LEGAL

Henceforth ending my hermitisation...........'Cuz I'm legally able to DRIVE!!!

Getting my licence in JPJ tomorrow. Couldn't wait!

MESG: good luck Lai Choon Kit! You can do it!

Hi there everyone! I know its been ages since I've posted anything on my blog. Mostly due to the fact I'm going to NS (and also I'm lazy......).

Anyways, I've been in Kuala Kangsar for the past one and a half month, staying in a NS camp called Tangkas Kendiri. The first week wasn't what I expected from a NS camp......At least not what I've heard from friends, seniors ect.

Well, the NS trainees from Ipoh had to gather at Stadium Sultan Azlan Shah on the 20th of March before getting sent off to various parts of Malaysia. I was one of the trainees, unsure of myself, incompetent and a little bit awestruck bu the sheer number of people (parents, teenagers like myself and family) gathering in the stadium. My parents trusted me enough to let me go in by myself. After a brief goodbye to my mum, dad, and grandad, I picked up my luggage and other miscellaneous stuff and went in, got myself registered and got on the bus.

The only person I knew on the bus was Louis Chong (met previously a week ago in Agro Bank, who is also Magdeline's brother). Anyhow, I was surprised that louis was kind enough to introduce himself to me and sit next to me (such a touching gesture). And he became one of my best friends in my NS camp.

Throughout the journey we shared our experiences in our own respective bands. Without noticing, time flew by and we reached the NS camp.

Well, my post seems to be a bit too long detailing every scene......... I'll try to be brief then.

That's my first day in NS camp. Trainees from Selangor and Kelantan have arrived a day before us. Only Perak Trainees are arriving that day. We didn't get officially introduced to the camp but we did get a through and long body check (to prevent us from possesing dangerous objects like knifes and blades).

After that we got our names registered and sent to different Companies (trainees in a camp are divided into 4 companies mainly Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta) and into different dormitories ( 4 dormitories for each company, 2 for guys and 2 for gals). Louis and I both got sent to Bravo company but in different dorms (Baung for me and Tengas for louis).

Skipping the minute details.........

Okay, we didn't know where our dormitory was. Even so, we were helped by the guys from Selangor. The helped us with our stuff and told us about the boys dorm (Toman, Haruan, Baung Tengas, Tongsan, Jelawat, Sebarau>>>names of fish, I find that quite amusing). Later we found out about our company and dorm's trainer. We had to address every trainer by "cikgu" and army personel by "Encik". The trainer who is in-charge of my dorm is Cikgu Roslan and for Louis' is a nasty one called "Cikgu Aswadi".

Back to the first week dillema.......

The first week was quite horrible. It seems to be the opposite of every NS experience I've heard.

1st. Not enough sleep!
Lights out at 2359 but we're awake around 0500.......... Adolescence need at least 8 hours of sleep to grow properly but we get less than 5!!!

2nd Racial Discrimination
Racial Discrimination is quite bad during the first week. We could see its obvious the Chinese and Indians are marginalised due to the fact that 70% of the trainees are Malays and ALL of the NS staff (trainers, army personel, canteen staff) are Malays. Its quite a culture shock from us Ipoh guys because the population majority in Ipoh are Chinese. Discriminating acts are as folllows:

i) they get more food
ii) they get MC (medical certificate) easily
ii) they get lesser punishment
iii) they could group up and bully other minority races

3rd Marching under the hot sun WITHOUT protection!!!
Marching during the first month was bad. We march every single afternoon including sundays without fail from 1430 to 1600. Since the Logistics store isn't complete with proper attire, we march without caps. To add insult to injury, all the boys had to get their hair cut. With the sun glaring down on our shy scalp which had hidden under tons of hair for years, Its a wonder we don't get skin cancer. Our scalp started to peel off...... The layer of skin has no other word to describe except "ewwwwwwwww". The skin that peels off had holes in it due to the hair growing out of our scalp. That's what making it so grotesque.