Hello, from land below the wind!

From Sunset Point, Manukan Island!

A little adventure regardless of place and time.

A little escapade from work.

A place I would love lie in the hammock, laze the entire afternoon with a Starbuck's Grande Dark Mocha, an aviator and adequate sun block!

What I've been up to?

Looks like I'm blogging on a weekly basis. Lol.

Starting from Wednesday night, was invited to Sum's birthday celebration. Had dinner at Simply Fish and proceeded to jetty for karaoke session.

It has been a long time since I went for karaoke session. The first time was with my ex-colleagues (3 girls). They sang Chinese songs and the banana me can only READ out a few simple chinese words and that too, the next sentence will appear. I do know how to sing Jay Chou's "Cloudy day/Qing Tian" *bits and pieces ler*

The second time was with 4 members of gTLiers (Yat tuang, MingChoi, Li Yee and Shin Fei). It was crazy boyband era songs man. We 80's babies do have many cheesy yet memorable songs to sing our hearts out. Backstreet Boys, Westlife, Spice Girls etc HAHAH What outing would it be without photo session following suit? hehe

This time around, the karaoke session was initially dominated by the guys but in the end, only me, Leeky and Alvin were last ones standing. Sum was knocked out earlier after countless shots of whisky. Leeky and I had our fair share of drinks, she just went from idle to energizer bunny with tomato flushed face. We sang our hearts and lungs out (without shoes) to Linkin Park. And the best part was, the huge room (the one's at the corner, literally on Straits of Malacca) was empty except for 3 of us and it was raining thunderstorms outside. Hardcore man. Seriously had so much fun, rocking the night away *insert graphics of me playing electric guitar like a pro*!

It was initially just a normal Wednesday night where Leeky and I planned for our "Ladies nite" but somehow the plan evolved to fit in many other activities. We had Baskin Robbins then played squash, followed by dinner. Supposed to meet up with Gayathri for drinks with her entourage at Jonker's too but managed to persuade her join the gang in Pure bar. hehe. *kinda busy night*

Leeky and I decided at 12 am to drop by Arena but they charge cover-charge for guys. Since Alvin was following us, we skipped the idea and headed to Pure bar. Thank goodness the heavy rain had stopped. So, we continued partying away in Pure bar. That place used to be so good. Now it's just like a mini Indonesia. My gosh. How can they allow Muslims to drink and dance there? If any JAIM members see this (not that they'll chance upon this), PLEASE raid that place on Wednesday night. And if Pure Bar management see this, do something before the crowd moves away.

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On Thursday, Olive's family invited me and Leeky over for dinner. Her parents are always welcoming. Homecooked food was delish! Really appreciate this friend of mine who has been always kind to us. Thank you so much.

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Friday was spent hanging out with the bestie.
Leeky sneaked out of Dr Wong's class, just to have breakfast and wanted to go back after breakfast. We even thought of excuses incase he found out. Was utterly talking rubbish in cafetaria until her groupmates came in, informing her that class has ended.
We then decided to do some productive work and Imanaged to drag her to Coffee Bean (not that I like that place but I had a buy1 free 1 coupon) lol!

An effeminate guy sat at the table next to us and had a tattoo of Maneki Neko, Japanese welcoming cat, on the extensor aspect of his right forearm. WTF? hahahaha
Seriously, how does he wave and say Hi? Up down or left right?

Night entertainment was spent at Tesco, snatching cheap toilet rolls from aunties. Not me, the friend.

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Saturday was another day spent in another coffee outlet, my all-time favourite, Starbucks.
How can you not like Dark Mocha or Javachip? Current love is Dark Mocha! Weee~
Barista was kind to let us try their new product which was some espresso affogato with coffee beans, topped with espresso whip cream, sprinkled with espresso powder. I tell you man, it's so crazy stuff. We went back around 5.30pm. Iwas on my bed from 6pm till 8.30pm, the body was out/flat/sour but the brain was working like it's on steroids. Woke up and found out that my dearest friend, Leeky, had the same problem. Hahahahha

It was so much fun realising that we are so compatible! We had been wearing similar styles twice this week although we have totally different fashion taste and wardrobe.

Decided to go over her place and do some work. Was offered alcohol but actually being guinea pig for the bartender wannabe. She mixed vodka with pink guava juice, apple juice and mixture of both. I had to drink it all. Madness. Spent bout 30 mins fighting, rolling on the bed, waiting for caffeine to wear off and stealing my warmth before we actually fall asleep.

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Sunday
Woke up for church. Realised there was a minor confusion but resolved nevertheless. Connected to God again.
Had organised a visitation to the old folks' home in the afternoon for Student Council.

I seriously do not understand how does people, after withdrawing their parents hard-earned EPF money, can actually throw them in the streets?
Or how do montrous children abandon their parents when they are well-to-do and living comfortably?
Even if they use the excuse of lack of time due to work to put their parents in the old folks' home, at least visit them often, drop by or pay a minimal fee for their management!

It's such a heartache seeing old people tearing up when they speak about their children who abandon them. Children who are grown up, independent and lead a successful life. Do they not know that THEY to will grow OLD? and I pray that one day the same thing will bestow them!

And I really appreciate volunteers who sacrifice their time, patience, money and life to take care of this unfortunate citizens. That include students who volunteered their time today. There's definitely a difference we made, the smile on their faces say it all and that's the reward we get. The old folks' needed companion, someone to talk to, to feel important or significant and not to be forgotten.

I am positive that during the journey back in the college bus, everyone was feeling happy and contented, because I did. The atmosphere was different from the time when we were on the way towards the home. It was arterall a lazy Sunday afternoon (:

I felt a little gesture does made a difference. I am glad the old folks' had new mattresses to sleep on (donation of used but good condition matteresses from the college), entertained by our presence and performances and had fun talking to us.

I learn to apppreciate my parent and granparent more today.
It brings me tears to know that one day we will be parted. Hence, it's best to enjoy every moment with them.

My own merdeka

Second year final examination finally ended. Regardless of the one week gap between the last theory paper till the practicals, I still studied last minute with only 2 hours of sleep max, a day before the practicals. Adrenaline rush is fun!

"Study break" was used up for exploring the many adventures in Dreamland. With each afternoon nap lasting for 4 hours minimum, I swear that I dreamt so much within that week, my dreams can be compiled into a book, if I can remember la.

*I think 80% of my posts so far since 2005 has been about sleeping, bed, nap, sleep-related. o.O I should probably stop mentioning about my piggy session to prevent others to think tht it's my only life. HEheh *

Joke aside, I am seriously happy, glad and tired at the same time from all those studying. Passing an exam is one thing, getting distinction is a whole different level but the most important, cheesy as it may sound, is the learning process and gaining knowledge. I do not want to be an inadequately prepared person which only posed danger to the patient etc. Can't wait to proceed to clinical years. What can be more interesting than listening or taking history from local Indians speaking funny dialects hey? Or a group of 15 students swarming a poor patient in the hospital? =)

Now that exam has ended, i'm actually quite bored. It has become a habit to study no matter how short or long the duration is *what a sad state i'm in* The emptiness in my daily schedule. The feeling of guilt for not doing something productive. Hahaha whateva le. Exam over d. I've watch all my movies and drama during the study break cos the excitement of waiting for the movie/drama to download finished was too torturing. My theory is to watched all of them to prevent the mind from thinking about them while studying. When others in the batch were busy studying real hard, Leeky, Tzuemn and me were watching Coffee Prince 1st branch, a Korean Drama. Very entertaining and addictive. Not the typical crying drama with a strong casts and good storyline. By far, the most entertaining Korean drama ever!

5 more days till I reach home (3rd September). Then will be flying off to Bangkok and Pattaya on 7th September! WooHOOO! I love shopping and beaches. Love my mum to bits cos she dont really like beaches due to the tanning effect. She'll do anything to avoid unnecessary exposure to the sun, unlike me, the Melayu of the family, no thanks to Dad's kayu manis skin tone. But she agreed to go to Pattaya cos she know I love the sea. *lalalala.. yay!!* Dad made a huge sacrifice too cos I know he rather goes to China *tsk tsk* Psst.. Let you know a secret: One of my goal in life is to bring my parents to an all-expense paid trip to China before hitting 30.

Gonna use my holidays to:
1. Clean the room
2. Swim in the morning, in icy cold water on empty stomach followed by pigging out session. *salivates*
3. Tutor my SPM exam-goer-monstrous-slothful brother
4. Psycho the dog to let him know who's the boss! And knock some common sense into the dog. Apparently, Richie tries to climb over the television to chase after the ball IN the tv. Okaaayyy.......
5. Lepak
6. Sleep.. Oppss..
7. Spend time with family. *emo-ing*
8. Travel to anywhere with frens, regardless whether it's gTL or MMMC gang.

See! I already plan ahead. Hohoho. Proof that I have so much time to waste now!

Until then, it's already my merdeka here in Manipal. ^-^V

On another story:
My 3rd molar is coming out. HuhUhu. Probably getting *coughwisercough* but it definitely hurts a lot. I'm taking anti-inflammatory drugs cos it's edematous and swollen with inflammation. Each eating session turns to hours cos it's agonizing chewing one-sided while eating solid substances. Dont suggest me to eat liquid food cos I'll get hungry real fast *Roarrr* and forget bout extracting the tooth cos I INSIST on having my WISDOM tooth.

Is there any way to speed up the tooth eruption? .... *wails*

Camera day-out

Amidst blocks exams, I took some time off for a jog with ... my camera. I really jogged k. My muscles are still fatigue from the jog though it has been 2 days already *yala. long time never do vigorous exercise*

This is my SkySky!..

Can you spot the WWF-Panda sticker? My trademark in Manipal k (awareness for all the wrong reason.. hoho.. be aware of ME) .. Beside the WWF sticker is "A student for Free Tibet sticker". By the way, I've informed my mum about my scooter, like only yesterday! Wahaha. I've decided to share with her my adventures with Sky2 *truth is mua's gonna go broke.. need $$ from home* My mum is quite liberal actually. She worries and nags like all mums do bout my safety since the parent's have seen the road condition in India (potholes and cows come in a package) and the Indian drivers mentality on road but in the end she allows it. Then, comes the ever cute dad who worries 10x more than mum with more negative imaginations ( can work for JPJ on anti-kemalangan kempen) but instead of advising me, he chose to nag my mum who in return, flared up at him and told him to directly talk to me.

Mum to dad: She'll be careful... etc etc. Only within the campus compund.. etc etc *more good words for me*
Dad : Dangerous la.. negative negative negative.. Got license meh? -ve -ve -ve..You know I never encourage our "kids" O.o to drive 2 wheelers? etc etc
Mum : No point you nag me rite? Go talk to your daughter la.
Dad : You talk la. More -ve -ve -ve remarks
Mum : You nag somemore, next time got anything, she's not gonna inform us.
Dad : Huh? Like that a.. hmm.. then tell her be careful ya.
Mum : Hahah. By the way, your daughter is NOT asking your permission to buy a scooter you know? She's informing you, she has one.

By this time, I was laughing so hard!.. My dad is so cute. I can't believe he's "scared" of me. Hohoho.

Dad added : Luckily she's coming home next year. Don't have to ride the scooter for so long

View like this makes all problems seem tiny and puny.. and it's rare nowadays to get a good weather *rainy season lo*.

River, sky, hills, greenery, colorful birds, and sea (straight ahead, seen occasionally when the sunray peeps through the clouds, shining directly on the sea)... like a scene from Chinese poetry, in Indian version. I remember during the first few months here in Manipal, Alicia and I used to come to this place and screamed our hearts out. The stress, loneliness, boredom, for fun etc , gone with the wind, hopefully carried all the way to home.. It's really therapeutic in a way. The local Indians, affectionately known as tempes, would hurriedly move away, afraid of the mad screaming women.

I like the colour of this photo. Different hues of blue with a little remnant of the sunlight in the background... I have to say, Endpoint is one of my favourite places in Manipal. A place to reflect. To unwind. To reminiscence. To draw closer to God. To enjoy nature. To feel simple happiness. To feel belong..
I am so easily satisfied.

Instead of regretting, being vengeful, depressing and bothering myself with those "what-ifs", I'll cast them all away. I'm doing my best. Hating is tiring (very cliche but very true). I'm only 20 ++. Why worry so much hey? There's truly more to life if I just open my eyes to the right things and close them to hurtful things. Ignorance is bliss.

p.s: Pardon the emo-ness. Breath-taking views make one emo.

Oh. And this is ME.. V^-^v