Where everyone speaks!

Went to college as usual today. Had our biology test early in the morning. I had a last minute study again and I am not proud of it. However, I think I fared quite well during the exam but I am keeping my fingers crossed. Ivan finished the paper first followed by Steven. Then it was Yu Han and then me. We went searching for The Star newspaper but it seems that INTI college's Student Affairs Office will only receive its copy after 9.00 AM. Therefore, we went to 7-11 to check out the new slurpee flavour Yu Han mentioned about. According to him, it was light blue in colour which was one of my favourite flavour during primary school. The name of it was ice ice baby. It didn't look nor taste like what I remembered. Ivan mentioned that it tasted like ice cream soda. Quite true though. What a rip off. Sigh. We sang Ms. Irene her birthday song too!


I got you in my sight

After biology class, we went to the Student Affairs Office to read The Star newspaper. There we saw the announcement for the release of the SPM results. At that point I began to fear. March 12 that is. Then came chemistry. At last we were freed from the evil grip of titration. Today's experiment consisted of heating the salt inside a crucible. Similar to that of acquiring the weight of the oxygen in a magnesium oxide strip during those high school days. Instead of determining the weight of oxygen, we had to determine the weight of water and find the number of water molecules in the hydrated salt. Lady luck wasn't shining on me yet again. I had to repeat the process five times before I got a constant value which means that all the water has been expelled from the salt. Anyhow it was fun to burn the table, pegs and cloth as the crucible was heated strongly and can't be cooled with water as it will affect the outcome of the experiment.


Chemistry jinx

Chemistry ended early and we had lunch then. My lunch cost me only RM 1.40 and the guys in the RM 2.00 range. Mr. Yeoh was lecturing us on motion in a vertical circle later on. Today's lecture was short but meaningful. During the next hour of his class, we had tutorial. He told us that we won't be going home early today as the questions were much tougher. Well it might not be that tough but much thinking was required to solve a questions. We finished the tutorial at 1.45 PM.

Removed on request
Eating in class?

Steven and Yu Han went to Carrefour to buy some tid bits while Ivan, Giju and I went to the bus stop to wait for my mom. I still have loads of homework and an assignment to pass up!


The captain and his friend

I am sure none of you missed this.


Where shall we hide?

Guess what? Today is Ms. Irene's birthday! She is one year older! Hopefully after maturing another year would she show more mercy on us by giving less homework and assignments. Doubt that though. She's just, Ms. Irene. On the other hand, she will be giving us a test tomorrow. I still haven't open my biology book! Today, Mr. Chiam entered the class and continued more on the box and whisker diagram. His class was light and easy as usual. We did some examples and our assignment which was given before the Chinese New Year holidays was collected. We had quite a long break today. The usual deal. Besides that, no red packets from him too!


Camera shy or sunblock?

We had physics later on. The people from mechanics class joined us. We studied about circular motion which was never in our form five syllabus. I still remembered the time I was a volunteer for a science exhibition. It was endorsed by Dumex and perhaps the Ministry of Education. It was held at Sekolah Wawasan, USJ 14. I was helping out at the physics booth and the guy in charge was pressured to have us explain certain phenomenons with great precision. He was quite upset that I could not explain the phenomenons in a circular motion and mentioned, "Didn't you guys learn this in form five?". I was only form four then. Even at form five, I never heard about it. That's all about the past. After Mr. Yeoh's class, we had our lunch. Mine cost me RM 3.00 and it seems that I am being ripped off. Sad. I must gain more experience to get the most out of my money!


And the girls go wild!

After lunch was chemistry. Nothing much happened during class. However, most of us were dozing off and the lecturer noticed it. She didn't scold us but promised us a break in between her two hour class. Loving college life. When the clock pointed at 2.00 PM, it was the time for all of us to sit for the first Malaysian Studies test. We were not allowed to enter the hall first as they had people to arrange the tables. The environment felt like those SPM days, minus the air-cond and comfort. The test started around 2.30 PM with seventy questions to answer. Honestly, I didn't really study for this test. However, the first fifty questions asked were similar to of form five and four syllabus. For once, high school education saved me. At 3.00 PM, the lecturer called out to those who have finished the test. I raised my hand along with Ivan, Zhi Sheng, Yu Han, Steven and Justin. Our papers were collected and we were released from the hall. I am not overconfident. It's just that if you do not know the answer, what is the use pondering on a question for a long time and eventually get the wrong answer too? Anyway, I do hope for the best marks.


Lonely

My mom was to come fetch us at 4.00 PM. We had one hour to kill. Therefore, we went to the cybercafe to challenge each other in a game of counter-strike source. Steven agreed to pay for me as I am currently on a budget constrain. I am saving for a DSLR if you do not know. Every ringgit counts! While playing, my handphone was buzzing away. I ignored it initially. After the buzzing stopped, I took it out of my pocket and saw that it was Giju. Yes, he did not leave the hall the same time as we did. He asked where were we. Ivan called him back. We played for 40 minutes and left after that. It is a good feeling to play counter-strike once again after such a long period of time!

The Chinese New Year holidays are over! One week has passed by in such a short time. The end of February is just a few days more. SPM results are coming out soon. Sigh, all these are just happening at an incredible pace. Time does fly. Perhaps the next time I'm blogging I would already be working or have a family of my own. Anyway, college started with biology. We switched off the lights and waited in the dark for the lecturer to enter the classroom. Upon opening the door, we shouted "Happy Chinese New Year" and Ms. Irene got a shock of her life. She did not scream but was only startled. Mission failed I guess. Heh. Today's biology lectures were on DNA replication. With that, we had deeper understanding of the DNA strands which our form five education sadly never provided us with.


Class back to normal

Ms. Irene was rushing to complete all the lecture notes for the day. In fact, she even mentioned that there will be no break today. We proved her wrong however. We managed to complete all five slides and allowed to leave class about ten minutes earlier. Not before giving us more homework and reminding us of the exam this wednesday. The biology class went up to room 307 to attend the mathematics lecture. On the way up, we spotted cat droppings. It seems that the cat's diet was mainly of fibre. We got more homework on mathematics today. Sigh.


This is how it's done

Physics experiment is always something to look forward to. This is perhaps due to the short time needed to complete the task. The fastest was clocked at half an hour. However, this time it was totally the opposite. It took us a staggering one and a half hour to complete the task. Perhaps it is because we had to measure the time needed for twenty oscillations instead of the usual ten oscillations. Not to mention the troubles faced in adjusting the length of the pendulum. Besides that, there were a number of questions to be answered. Guess what? None of our lecturers gave us red packets. How sad!


How in the world do I solve this?

I know, all the what's up? posts have been very plain and boring. Guess what, I hired a few hot chicks to present this coming week's event. Guys, get ready for adrenaline rush! If you want their contact numbers, I am not the person you should be asking. =) Credits to Pui Mun for the third and fourth picture.


Part 1


Part 2


Part 3


Part 4

A message on my handphone reads, "Are you free tomorrow? Wanna go to Sunway Pyramid?". I got up at 7.45 AM today just fifteen minutes before my handphone alarm would go off. It is quite an amazing feat considering that I was only able to fall asleep at 2.00 AM in the morning. I am becoming more of a night owl already and college is starting soon! Sigh. Anyway got up, sat on the sofa and watched the television. At 10.30 I got up and took a bath and prepared to leave the house at 12.00 PM. I did not that one and a half hours just to get ready mind you. I was watching "License to Kill" after getting ready. A few minutes before 12.00 PM, I went downstairs and somehow decided to check my handphone. Received a message stating that the car will be arriving in five minutes or so. True enough, I was on my way to Sunway Pyramid soon after with Sarven in the driver's seat, Wei Ling beside him and Irna in the passenger seat.


Wei Ling, Irna and Sarven

We had a hard time deciding where to have our lunch. Somehow we ended up in Sushi King. Yeah, I can have my Unagi again at last. It seems that Khor Kok Kuan used to work here sometime ago before quiting. Which means, no service from him. Aw. As mentioned above I took the Unagi set, Sarven had his soba while Irna and Wei Ling share a Tempura set. The best part was, they're paying for me! Thanks alot!


Green tea


Soba


Tempura

After lunch, we had cake. I decided to rearrange the candles in a unique way that people usually don't. Irna lit the candles and I was afraid that would trigger of the smoke detector. Anyhow, Sarven decided to barge it and help to light the candles as Irna was not too good at it. We finished the 2kg cake with chopsticks in under ten minutes.


One is never enough

Then, we went to the cinema to watch Ghost Rider. It was an extremely bad mistake as the movie was plain and nothing to fancy about. Perhaps it was appealing to the other audience. I don't know but it was definately a waste of money and time. Sigh. After the movie we had nothing to do. The arcade was closed. Well, we walked aimlessly until we spotted a commotion. It was Ms. Sunway Finals. Woot! Lucky me. I took out my camera and snapped away. By the time I got there, the contestants were being introduced. The contestants strutted their stuff and were later asked a few questions on the Chinese New Year.


I am so hot!

After every contestant was introduced and asked a simple question, all of them were called out onto the stage once again to struff their stuff for the last time. Not to mention that some of them spoke terrible english. I am so embarassed to be called a Chinese! =) Beauty and brains just don't mix huh?


Moving along


The final pose

Among all the contestants, I fancy number 13! Besides that, 13 is one of my favourite numbers! She is extremely pretty isn't she? Anyway, she does remind me of an Emily I know. The looks that is. Check my blogsphere and you can make your own judgement. Hei, I just helped to advertise for someone didn't I? Hmm...


You have my vote!


Don't they look alike?

The contestants then went back behind the curtains. Shortly after that, there was a performance. The women wore cheongsams with extremely high slits. For what reason? God knows. Their faces were a turn off anyway.


Look at my behind!


Cover that up will ya?

Unfortunately I was not able to stay till the whole event was over. Had to go home with the rest of my friends. Sigh. However, good news as my other friend I bumped into stayed throughout the whole event and took photographs! Yay me!

My mom had an open house yesterday for the adults from the church. Most of them are those actively serving in the church as leaders, teachers and administrators. A large variety of food was prepared by my mom and also by the aunties. I helped with the drinks and kept the food warm with candle flame and hot water. The guests arrived at 8.00 PM and the noise was starting to build up. Then, the guests were invited to the food served buffet style. I myself was at the computer. =P


The set

Everyone ate to their stomach's content. I took less rice and more meat for protein. About an hour or less, most of the dishes have been wiped clean. At least wastage is minimised. After that, everyone went to their own cliques. Men grouped together and talked about economics while the women sat down and gossiped. On the other hand, the youngsters were peeling their eyes at the television. American Idol was on then.


Love for the piano


Women talk


Men talk


Youngster's groove

Around 11 PM, all the guests left. The house was quite once more. Yes, we got red packets too! What a worth while dinner spent at home! I am seventeen now. Goodbye sweet sixteen, hello sour seventeen!

This was me.
Don't blame me for the photo quality.
Was not into photography that time.
Disliked it. =)
This post will self-destruct after posting of another post.


I was short

It has been days without rain here in Subang Jaya. Many people would have complained about the heat. As for me, the heat was unbearable and I went to the saloon to have my hair trimmed a few weeks ago. However, the meteorology department announced that we will be expecting showers during the early evenings. Indeed, the showers did come during the early evenings when I was on the computer playing some games. With it came ferocious lightnings and thunders. It was a tremendous performance from mother nature I'd say. During the showers, I was left with nothing to do. I went to my room and brought my Ixus 60 for a photo shoot session.


Rain down on me

I went out of the house with an umbrella to one of the aquatic flower pots. I am sure many of you would have seen images of water ripples. That was what I had in mind and the weather was on my side. I took position beside the flower pot and set my camera to macro with ISO 800. Take note that my camera does not have a full manual feature as other cameras would have. The shutter speed was at 1/80 and not fast enough to freeze the water movements completely. I guess I should have switched on the flash but that did not cross my mind then. Anyway, I waited for drops of water to splash into the water body and fired away with my camera.


Beauty of nature


Doesn't it look like an "i"

It rained hard and swiftly. The rain stopped after a few minutes of taking water ripples. That was the end of my photo shoot session. However, I went around the house looking for something to take a photo of. This time, I did not get my camera soaked in the rain. During my trip to Singapore last year, I got my camera soaked in the rain water as I was taking 15 seconds shots of the Night Safari. The next thing I knew, all the controls would not respond except the on/off and shoot button. However, I left my camera to dry in the hotel and the next day, it worked perfectly fine till today. =)


Seen this before?


The house after the storm

Leong Ah? It is a restaurant located somewhere in Puchong. Near the IOI Mall to be more precise. What does this restaurant have to do with me? Yesterday, my dad's friend invited us for lunch at a seafood restaurant we patronise almost every Chinese New Year. However, this year it was closed for the time being. Therefore, we chose Leong Ah which was just opposite the seafood restaurant. The premise was packed with people and there was barely space to breathe. Anyhow, we sat down comfortably at our table which was at one corner of the restaurant. Less traffic I'd say.


Yee Sang

As usual, a typical Chinese New Year meal would start off with the yee sang. Chinese believe that the person who has the most fish from the yee sang will be the most prosperous in the new year. I guess I got the most. I am expecting a lot of wealth this year. =P


Treasures of the sea

What came next was something new to me though. I have no idea what this dish is called or its significance. However, I noticed that the main ingredients were of creatures from water bodies, mostly the sea. There were mussels, fish paste and crab meat.


Shark's fin soup

Many people would look forward to this dish. However, the name deceives us all. I am pretty sure there is not a single cell of a shark's fin in the soup. Of course if you are willing to pay, they might even throw in their whole shark's fin collection. Nevertheless it is appetising. This time, there was lesser corn starch compared to Istana Hotel. It tasted better this way.


The grouper

It's a grouper and not a groper, mind you! The fish was quite small compared to those of export grade but it tasted great. All thanks to the sauce and human ingenuity! The bones were only located at the vertebra and that made it easy to be consumed. Unlike their fresh water cousins which are a pain in the neck to eat.


Bovril prawns?

Wonder what is synonymous with prawns? Cholesterol I'd say. My parents have always been mentioning about that ever since I was young. The prawns were fried in a sweet sauce which made me addicted to it. Yes, I love sweet things. Anyway, my mother claimed that they used bovril or to be exact, yeast extract as the sauce. Perhaps I should try that one day. Cost saving.


Chu sau

The highlight of every chinese meal? Pork. The leg of the pig was served. It had more fat than meat in it. Therefore, I kept my ricebowl away from it. Even the adults refrained from consuming it. What is the point of ordering it then? Maybe they ordered a set lunch? Hmm.


Dessert

The end of the meal was dessert of course. Longans with jelly was served in sugar water. Better start watching my sugar intake from now onwards. Nevertheless, it was a satisfying lunch. You guys and girls can visit the restaurant someday and try it out for yourselves!

Chinese New Year is a time for families to reunite once a year. Everyone would return to their hometowns for the reunion dinner on the first day of Chinese New Year. But what comes after that? As for me, my family has nothing else up for the whole week except the lunches or dinners with family friends and colleagues. What else to do other than visit your own friends? Well, Ivan, Giju, Da Wei and I visited Rafferty who took break from National Service during the Chinese New Year celebration. Just for the record, Ivan drove us there with a Myvi. Guess what, the roads were empty and we had a smooth ride there. It only took us a while and the road belonged to us. Ha ha. As soon as we arrived, Chinese New Year greetings was in the air. We sat down, munched on the tidbits and talked.


Giju munching on a bah kua

At 5.30 PM, Rafferty suggested that we visit Ivan's house. On the way home, we rang up our teacher Pn. Shirley to check whether she is at home to give her a surprise visit. However, she was away at Penang. As we were approaching Ivan's house, we rang up Mirra Low to check on her. Luck was not on our side as she was away too having dinner. Sigh. We sat down at Ivan's place and had tidbits too. Not to mention that we had Ivan's dog's company. Da Wei and I went home at 6.45 PM with him offering me a lift home. Later that night, Rafferty, Giju and Ivan visited Min Wei's house while he was in a game of dotA with me. No wonder his hero froze for about twenty minutes. We won that game anyhow. Cheers!


Da Wei and Rafferty

Raub is a small and quiet town which is not known by many people if not for it's gold mine. In geography textbooks, we will find that it is stated Raub is a gold mine. In fact, the gold mining operation has already long ceased. Our textbooks are outdated! My dad was born in Raub, Pahang and which is why my family visits the place annually. Left for Raub at 7.30 AM in the morning. The highways were empty as the rush period was the day before. We had a smooth two hour journey to Raub. It was quick. Much more than I remembered. Drove into a village and parked the car at a gravel path. Then, we walked towards my grandfather's house.


A village house

We went for a drink at the nearby coffee shop with my grandfather and my dad's brother. The things there were cheaper compared to Subang Jaya. Although the price difference was not of a large difference. I had a milo ice and it was RM 1.40. Besides that, the coffee shops were the venue for old people to meet and perhaps gossip about the town's happenings and of people's affairs. No wonder news spreads like wildfire in villages.


Raub

Our lunch was at 12.00 PM. By the time we came back from the coffee shop, it was still early. There was plenty of time to pass. I took a walk with my dad to have a view of the former gold mine by an Australian company. I remembered back then my cousins and I would venture into the jungles. Those were the days. The mining pool left behind was humongous and it looked more like a river from my point of view. I wonder whether there are any fishes in the pool. Perhaps next time I could go fishing. Yes, I do know how to fish.


The mining pool

Around 11.30 AM, we drove to my dad's sister's home up Bukit Koman. It was a single storey bungalow with a huge compound. Land is cheap over there I suppose. We chatted a while, enjoyed ourselves with the new year's delicacies and received red packets of course. On the other hand, I got to see my Japanese/Chinese niece. Guys, wait another 10 years and you might get to see a hot chick. We went for lunch at a Chinese restaurant after that. Thank God someone opened for business even though it's the first day of Chinese New Year! We tossed the yee sang as usual and enjoyed ourselves to other delicacies. Shark fin soup? Yes.


The yee sang

The bill was at RM 350.00 +/-. What do you expect? People will take the opportunity to make a big buck whenever they can. We returned to my dad's sister's house and chatted some more. I on the other hand, took the family photos. We started our journey home at 3.30 PM and was back home soon after. It was a safe and smooth ride. I will not be going anywhere else during the Chinese New Year week! Sigh.


The Ho lineage