Goodbye 2011

Right so currently, the clock just hit 12 midnight a few minutes ago. So I guess it's right for me already to blog how my year has been. Currently I'm listening to the song "Today My Life Begins by Bruno Mars". Perfect song to end off the year and start 2012 with a big smile on my face! Teehee. But seriously, 2011 has been a great journey for me. Seriously freaking awesome. I think it's the best year of my life, maybe.

Anyway didn't blog for quite long cause I spent the past two days at Jakarta staying over in my cousin's house! We watched 2 movies, so damn nice. We watched Mission Impossible 4 in the first day, and then Sherlock Holmes 2 in the 2nd. Both movies were awesome, but I think Sherlock is the one that gave me this satisfaction feeling after I finished watching the movie! And it's been such a long time since I got that.

Then after that we all went to my hometown for a nice reunion! Today was alright (I meant yesterday, 30/12), we spent most of the day out from lunch to my dad's garden and then to some places. It's really good to you know, gather everyone together. I think cousins are... I don't know how to put it. I think they're more than friends. No matter how long you have never met them, when we all meet, it feels like the good old days! That feeling never changes, that's for sure. Pretty nice huh.

Quite a so-so 2nd last day of 2011. So didn't really do much things today I suppose.

So I will use this post to reflect on the past year! Okay I've done something to reflect per monthly basis but that will be later, you'll see hehe. I'll just summarise and write my thoughts for 2011 ok! :)

Well I suppose I've been repeating this many many times, about how awesome my 2011 has been. Of course there were road bumps here and there but well, we learnt through these bumps right? I mean as we all know, experience is the best teacher in life right :) Hmm I really don't know how to carry on writing this. But I guess there are three words that sum up my 2011:  Learning, discovery, friendship.

Okay be prepared for a very, very long post.

Learning


We all learn in life. Be it in school, at home, while we're with out friends and etc. Basically, we all learn in life. And please don't stop learning in life. The day that you die would be the day you stop learning, got that! Hehe. So what's about learning? I guess in this year, I have learnt a lot. Be it from others, from myself, from my teachers and so on. But learning in life, doesn't really need to come from the outside.

I believe the best lessons in life don't come from books, but they come from yourself. And well true enough, I've learnt a lot from the things that happened this year. A freaking lot. The journeys I've went through, the events that happened, my mistakes, my wrong-doings, my right-doings. I guess we can all take something from what happened in this year. We all do.

So you know, when you feel that 2011 has been a bad year, then find out what's bad? And make 2012 a better year ahead. Learn it, and apply it. If you feel 2011 has been a good year, then keep it up. If possible apply what you did in 2011 that make this year an awesome one. Right?

What have I learnt this year? Besides learning more about mRNA translation, substitution reactions, biosafety, cholinergic drugs, siRNA (!!), sideroblastic anemia, hyperlipidemia, Hepatitis B and so on, I've learnt more about life too. I've learnt how scary people can be, I've learnt how to manage my time more, I've learnt to come back to yourself, I've learnt to.... And the list goes on basically.

But the most significant one I suppose would be: I've learnt how to not doubt myself :)


Discovery


With the so many journeys that I went this year, I've learnt to discover. To find out. To never stop being curious and explore the world. Explore life. The world is just too beautiful to be left undiscovered. So does life. There are so many wonderful things in life you can discover. And well sadly or... Actually not sadly. These things, are only discovered by YOURSELF. Well you can't expect people to help you discover something isn't it? I mean all the time. But truly, making a discovery, you have to do it yourself :)

Well yeah, for example after my Inner Mongolia OCIP trip, I've discovered more places in life that I've never been before. I may not be some adventurous fella but I really love going to new places, discovering new places, exploring them. If it's a country, I love to learn more about their culture and the people. The place, the architecture and so on. It's a great way to learn more about the world right?

Then it was my Mount Kinabalu trip. Another journey that made me think how beautiful this earth is! I've discovered another jewel of the planet. And I've enjoyed truly its beauty and majesty. The trek up, the summit part, being on top of the clouds, going down, trekking in the rain. All these experiences are so priceless I tell you! And yeah I've discovered lots of things from here.

So after discovering these beautiful places, I've realised how beautiful this world is, and it'll such a pity if you left it undiscovered. If you have the chance, the opportunity to go travelling, going overseas, or well to just simply go somewhere you've never been before, take it. But to me discovery doesn't always mean overseas. Sometimes going to new places in Singapore/Indo makes me excited too hehe.

But discovery isn't always about DISCOVERING places. It's also discovering yourself, and others. And life. I've definitely discover myself more this year. I don't know how, why and when or what. I just feel that way. I feel that I've returned to myself more. And that well I've discovered more things about myself. I guess thanks to CLS FLP camp. Habit #7 I suppose! :)

So people, never stop discovering. Never stop exploring. Just like going to new places, when you discover something new about yourself, you get that sense of joy and excitement right? Same thing happened!

Friendship


I've made LOADS of friends this year. It's good, cause I'm pretty much an introvert person (laugh as much as you want). Well I've treasured the lots of friendships that I've forged this year. The GT team, where we went to Inner Mongolia to carry out the Green Desert Project. My KK team, where we went to summit Mount Kinabalu together! CLS FLP mates, CLS FOC people, my new classmates, and many others who have crossed my path this year. In one way or another, you've made my journey!

To my GT team, I really feel we're the best team that I've worked together so far. I don't know why. Is it the fact that we've been together for 3 months before the trip? The fact that we stayed under the same roof for that short 2 weeks? We had lunch together, breakfast together, work together, and well I guess there's just that chemistry between us that created that spark which lighted our friendship?

I don't know but well, it's been great honour and pleasure to have worked with all of you in that project. It was really fun, enriching, and just unforgettable. Thank you for making that 2 weeks the best two weeks of my life. For the memories, for the stories, for everything! :)

To my KK LEAP team, congratulations that we've summited mount Kinabalu together! I was so scared that we're going to have bad weather when we climb (as told by the previous group, quite scary uh). Thankfully we were blessed with great weather. And it was really nice being there, on top of the clouds. Looking down the mountains like as if we're on top of the world.

At first yeah I feel pretty awkward to be with you all. I didn't tell everyone this - I was intimidated. Cause when we first met up together (that was the sharing session by the October group), I saw all of your and all of you looked fit and lean and muscular and either you come from a sports CCA, or you just look fit. As compared to me, a fat guy who was currently overweight. I felt so... Down heh.

Well I just didn't want to be a burden to you all. And that was the promise I make to myself, not to be your burden (which eventually did, cause of my AMS). Well I feel sad and disappointed with myself. But seeing your kindness and teamwork, I felt touched as well. Thanks especially to Clement, Kai and Chloe for being there beside me as we make our way to the summit. But honestly speaking, that pinch of guilt and disappointment of myself still lingers in my heart. I don't know how to get it out.

But thank you everyone for the wonderful trip. I once doubted myself that I can climb a mountain. But with all of you around us, the laughters, the chatters, the smiles and the encouragements just gave me that extra push to go up. And once again sorry if I were being a burden to you. If I slow you down a lot cause I kinda get tired easily. And my AMS as well. But it's not that, that truly matters. But the warmth and friendship we gave to each other were really nice :)

And to everyone else whom I've met and made friendship with. I wish I could list down but no, it will be too long heh. But yes thank you for being there, for crossing my ways in my journey of 2011. In one way or another, you've made me who I am today! Right now! :)

I guess yeah that's how much 2011 meant to me. The three words should sum it all. I wish I could talk and elaborate more but well, some things are just kind of hard to elaborate. And left in my heart for me to simply smile about again :P Well yeah, it's just hard to explain if you put it that way.

But yep, 2011 has been a great journey, one big adventure. Didn't really expect much from 2011 when 2010 ends. But well it was just a blast. And as much as I hate leaving 2011, we have to, cause we can never stop time, let alone move it back. But I sure wish that my 2012 will be a better year than the already-as-awesome-as-a-ever-2011! I've new resolutions to fulfil and  well let's just hope they will be fulfillable! :)

To sum it all, here are my highlights of 2011! I've been reflecting the past 12 months for the past 12 days and here's what we've got:
- Microbiology project
- Musical Delights 34! My first concert in Esplenade!!
- IDEAS filming
- End of year one, BBQ!
- Trip to Hong Kong, Central Java
- CLS FLP! And CLS FOC as photographer
- Start of my new research life
- My GDP meetings every Wednesday at Moberly :)
- Hair for Hope 2011! (I'll be back in 2012! Promise!)
- Turning 19 (one year before 20, damn I feel old)
- IBM 29 :D
- GREEN DESERT PROJECT @ INNER MONGOLIA CHINA :D :D
- SPSB Korea trip!
- Poly50 with my GT! Damn awesome
- KK trainings :D
- Standard Chartered Marathon 10KM! DONE!
- LEAP INTERMEDIATE @ MOUNT KINABALU
- And many others! :)

And to end this last post in 2011, here's a poem I wrote about my awesome year. It's in record, the longest poem I've ever written. Enjoy! :D

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2011

And the year begins with January

As we got caught in the world of microbiology

Of garlic and ginger and chilli

Then came SPSB’s Musical Delights

One of the happiest days of my life

As we played on that grandeur stage live

Soon February came, soon it left

The last days of my year one odyssey

Came and go like the breeze of the sea

As we studied hard like there’s no tomorrow

Our hearts filled with hope, with sorrow

Hoping we can end our first chapter beautifully

February left, and March marches on

We killed the papers, flinged our pens high

As much as we hate, as we love, we say goodbye

To the beginning our poly life, we continue

Then I stepped into a camp, that taught me lessons

of life, of myself, of others, that I shall always carry with me

And time fools me like April fools people

A new chapter opens, as year two came

Filled with excitement and hope we seek

When mother nature stroke her fury on Japan

We showed our support and love through music

As we hope our songs can harbor our prayers to them

Then April left us, as May joins the year

It was an ordinary month, days of my year 2 went by

Slowly and steady time would simply fly

Then I came upon a tiny poster from DSD 

That marks the beginning of an unforgettable journey

And so the 25 of us said hello, to Inner Mongolia

And June came to make its way

As we feel that time is flying away

With MSTs waiting at the end of the holiday

And assignments accompanying us everyday

But we never relinquish, we never give up

And we pulled through it all, eventually

As June says goodbye, we say hello to July

This month marked the end of 18 years

Oh hopeful joy, and hopeful tears

As the 17^th marked the beginning of my big 19

On the 23^rd I shaved my hair with hundreds others

We shaved it for hope, to be alongside children with cancers

And August came, as July had to go

To the toughest month of the year, I say hello

On the 12^th of August, I played my heart out

As we brought the audience to a journey to believe in music

And we fought a war on the second last week

Which concludes our first semester journey

September is the month I’ve been waiting for

To Inner Mongolia we go, as we wrote new stories

To give back to mother nature, we planted 1133 trees

In return,  she gave a forged friendship and  memories

Then we exchange our friendships, in the land of Kimchi

As we performed overseas, a dream come true for me

9 months went by, and October came

The holiday ended, as we say hello to a new semester

It’s a month of sentimentalism as I remember 

the great journeys I had back in September

But we still continue our planting legacy

“1133 trees, and still counting!”

October left, and November says hi

And on the 9^th, ten of us in a small crew

Ran a route 50 times, a distance of 30 kilometers

That day was possibly the happiest day in my poly life

And then soon we’re saying goodbye

To this year we’ve been sailing through

And last but not least, December’s here

A great month, to end of the great year

On the 4^th, my first ever 10 KM run

On the 11^th, one great journey begun

And for the last two weeks I reminisced

to give 2011 a sweet goodbye kiss

And that is all to my 2011 odyssey

It’s been one great adventure, one epic journey

I’ve learnt a lot, and discovered even more

As much as I hate to leave this wonderful year

We know life has to move on, time has to go on

Lets end off this year wonderfully, let us all open our door

And welcome 2012, with joyful hope and hopeful joy

CHEERS TO AN AWESOME 2012 PEOPLE! AND HAVE A GREAT NEW YEAR'S EVE :)

Thank you 2011. Thank you :)

Merry Christmas 2011! :D

Merry Christmas people! :)

First of all wishing everyone out there a Merry Christmas 2011! May the warmth and joy of this festive day brings happiness and hope to everyone! :D Okay not sure to call it warmth cause it's pretty cold here (and those in Singapore, as seen from your tweets)! But nevertheless, in the Christmas spirit, we feel warmth spread by the joy that people emanates. I guess that's the thing about Christmas. Well it may celebrated mostly by the Christians and Catholics but... Everyone loves this day. Even me, a Buddhist, loves this day too.

I don't celebrate Christmas but well yup, there's just something special and magical about this day that I really enjoy. I guess the Christmas spirit is really here :)

Today was a normal day I guess, just went out with my mum for grocery shopping. It's been raining here for almost the entire day. So it's so pretty cold now. When the wind blows, it's just like... Brrrrr. When people have white Christmas, we have cold Christmas here! And white too - cause the sky was just plain white. All the clouds above us, sending us its mighty rain.

So as a result, being in a cold weather, being surrounded with the rain, being a Sunday, I really don't feel like doing anything -.- but hmm I gotta touch on my homework again! Still 2/5 done, 3/5 is not something small yeah. Not sure how to make myself feel focussed to do it. Sometimes I just lose the drive to complete them, even though I told myself I'll finish this by ____. Well.... Well... Yeah. Well.

I guess I just hate doing homework in end of year holidays. I don't have the mood to do everything. I guess it's the fact that it's the year end, and that we don't want to do things but enjoy ourselves as we watch the year coming to a close. Or it's just the fact that it's holiday. But hey in June I was working my ass of during holiday cause actually there's exams after that so... Oh well.

Well to me, Christmas, as much as a festive day it can be, it can also be something sad for me. I'm not sure why but to me Christmas is a reminder for me that the year is coming to an end. As it falls on the 25th of December, it's just a reminder for me that I have 6 days left to the year. At times I feel... Sad. At times I feel excited of the new year. Well, what's there to be sad about leaving a year, if you think logically.

I guess 2011 has been a great year for me. In so many ways. The things that happened, the people that I've met, the things I've learnt, lots of things. So I kinda feel sad leaving this year. But as much as we human wish to stop time, we know it won't happen. I was reading my blog posts just now. From now back till January 2011. I smiled, I frowned, I think of the things that happened. But at the end of the day, it makes me smile.

It kinda sucks being a sentimental person. Feels like you can't leave the past away, the past behind. Not like those dramatic people where  "OMG I can't live without my past T_T" and tears start rolling down etc. But more of that I cherish the past. To me memories are essential parts of my life. Without them, I wouldn't be who I am now. True much?

I may sound pretty dramatic and freaky. But yeah, if you know how sentimental I can get, you'll be pretty damn shocked. But I guess there really is nothing wrong to being like that. I've met some sentimental people too. So I don't feel alone, and it's not like as if this is some sort of disorder. Maybe it's called sentimentalomegaly HAHAHA.

Alright I guess that's all for now. I need to bathe and I have to continue with my work again. I'll end this post with my favourite song! I did this months ago but I'm just sharing it again cause the song involves Christmas (if you read in between the lyrics). The lyrics are pretty awesome too. Enjoy! And Merry Christmas again!

Mellow

Like a day would come to a close

So would a year come to its end

Like a flowing river, time just goes

In a speed, no one can ever comprehend

Whew I finally get to blog again! I wanted to blog last night but somehow, somewhat, I didn't blog in the end. Anyway, here I am! As you can see from the title, I'm feeling kinda mellow now :/ Ever since I was listening to Sacral Nirvana by Oliver Shanti a few hours ago. I don't know why. It's such a great song, it's one of the fewest songs that can make me feel happy, sad, mellow and relaxed at the same time.

Today was an alright day I guess! I decided to decorate my room a little by putting up some photos on my wall. Now I can look up to see my photos (not my faces but photos I shot), so my room is not that boring already heh. My wall is still kinda empty so I have a long way to go in filling them up! Anyway I have a nice idea for my wall. I think I've said it before like wooden pegs. But that will be next time I guess.

Yeah I think my room needs a little more perk-up so that it can look more vibrant and nicer. Anyway my dream room is one with lots of photos! Taken by me of course hehe. In the future I'll have one wall dedicated to all my photos hehehe. Hopefully it'll be a dream come true! :)

In the evening went to my grandma's house. Yaaaaay everyone there (my grandma, my aunt and my cousin) say I slimmed down a lot! Woohoo haha. In fact everyone say the same thing to me here hehe. Good, my target is 80, I have 4 more kilos to go. But trust me, my weight will surely increase here. The food here is just too hard to resist! :D

Plus I haven't been exercising here gosh. Hmm I can't run on my treadmill -.- I think I'm too fat so... But it's alright, I still feel my stamina is still okay. Can make it! Mwahaha. I miss running though, I'll run once I get back in Singapore. Talking about running.... My right knee hurts! :/ I don't know why but it has been hurting since last night. It's like on the left side of my knee cap so yeah. Not sure what happened though.

Tomorrow is Christmas' eve. Time flies huh. Okay I know you might be getting sick of me saying how fast time flies! But it's the truth heh. Anyway, and soon it's new year's eve. Then 2012. Noooooooo :l No way! I mean yeaaaaah :D I'm not sure what lies ahead in 2012, but definitely, I'm looking forward to it and I'll try to make 2012 a better year than the hell-of-an-awesome-2011!

Anyway the past two days, the sunset has been really gorgeous. I found a spot near my house with awesome view, facing the west! Which means it's like a perfect spot for sunset shots! Here are the photos....

This one was taken yesterday!

The sky was yellowish, anyway this one, I switched my WB to cloudy so the blue sky looked a bit yellowish too. But I love the effect! The clouds especially. So lovely.... 

And this was taken today!

So pretty right!!! The sky was pink-purply this time. And the pattern of the clouds was just gorgeous. I really love it! Damn, two consecutive days of beautiful sunsets! I hope I can see more of this in the remaining days of the year. It's such an awesomely beautiful sight!

Alright I guess that's all for now. I have to continue doing my work, which I've been pausing for the past two days damn! Tonight I hope to finish another part of my essay! Which will then leave my to 2 more parts :D Go go go Adhi!!!

Sunsets make my day. Beautiful sunsets.

LEAP Intermediate trip - Mount Kinabalu

As promised, I will blog about my trip to Mount Kinabalu alright! Finally get the chance to blog so here it is WARNING: Be prepared for a very long post :)

Anyway so we went to stay in Moberly the night before our flight (Saturday). We went to watch the lunar eclipse together! Quite cool huh, and we were there sitting down on the parapets like the scene in "You're the apple of my eye" hehehe. After briefing, packing, we went to sleep cause we gotta wake up by 4 to leave for Johor Senai aiport at 5! :)

Once we reached there we took a flight to Kinabalu which took about 2h20m. Kinabalu, my first impression was, it's like my hometown (kinda)! Quiet, empty, not so bustling but nice and modern at the same time. And then we went for lunch at this Malay restaurant. It was fried rice, so yummeh with a nice salty soup. We went to get some extra stuff and then we made our way to Strawberry Garden Hotel! :)

The boys' bunk

On the way there, it was my first time seeing Mt Kinabalu with my own eyes. Even though she was still partially covered with clouds, seeing her majestic appearance made me feel two things - fear and excitement. Seeing the height that we need to climb, and anticipating the trek we're going to do the next day. Anyway Strawberry Garden is a nice hotel, especially the view! Woo yeah :D And dinner was awesome as well. Then we tucked in to our bed and sleep to prepare for tomorrow's 6 hour trek!

The trek itself was alright I guess. We have a total of 6 huts before our destination - Pendant Hut. We stopped in hut 4 for lunch, and occasionally for water break and stuff in every other pit stops. But I think we didn't stop at pit stop 6 cause it was so near our target, we just chionged up! But uhh sadly it rained from pit stop 6 onwards. So we had to trek for about 300m to Pendant Hut. Was an interestingly-cold experience.

Group 3 before our trek!

Go go go! :D

The journey from 3 - 4 was kinda tough, cause it was rather steep so yeah... But I love hut 5! Cause somehow during that part, the sky was clear and we could see the peak of Mt Kinabalu! Pretty awesome and interesting sight to see eh. In total, we trekked for about... 6 hours I think. I know we reached Pendan Hut at about 2.50 PM or so. Then moving on with via ferrata training, dinner, and a good night sleep before summit! :D

Us at around hut 5! 

Presenting, Mount Kinabalu

We woke up dark and early at 1.30 AM to prepare for our trek at 2.30 AM. We were quite late, I think we set on at about 2.50 AM instead. So we gotta meet up with the human jam. Nevertheless, we made our way up the summit (which was 2.7km in distance of trek). The danger zone was... Quite scary and exciting! We need to hold on to this rope where we climb up (like abseiling) pass through a steep rock. So envy the guide who don't need all these ropes! :P

And then... After the danger zone was when things go interesting.

I got AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). I guess it's due to my not-so-good physical level, plus fatigue, plus altitude, plus low oxygen level. I was blabbering non-sensical stuff to my team (esp Kai, Chloe and Clement). They asked me to ease my load by helping me take some stuff and I got defensive towards them. And when they're about to take my bag off, I was telling them "Don't touch my bag! Don't touch my bag!" but eventually they succeeded to get it off me.

After that, I cried. One was because I felt so touched by their kindness and care, and two was because I felt so disappointed with myself, selfish with myself cause I won't be carying my bag unlike them. It's like as if I'm a burden for them. But then Kai told me that if they were not to help me, then I would drag the team more. Clement was also saying we should all summit together, as one team.

One thing for sure is - I'm just so touched by their help. And lesson learnt - don't get AMS (but how?)

The trek up! Almost there...

The way to the summit goes as follow. First we passed by Sayat Sayat hut. Then followed by about 500m of "flat" terrain, then a 150m hike up to Low's peak. In that last part of 150m, I don't know how and why but I was making my way up there by crawling. I was just pushing myself up, telling myself whatever happens, I'll reach the summit. And then I saw the signboard, and just push myself up. Like as if I forgot what happened, my AMS, life, troubles, problems, school, everything, and push myself to the peak.

HELLOOOO~ from Low's Peak of Mount Kinabalu!

The feeling was REALLY GOOD. To stand on the peak, looking down to clouds like as if you're standing above them. Feeling like as if you're on top of the world. Feeling like as if you can do anything. Best thing was being surrounded by your friends too. The summit has taught me so many things. Of friends, of life, of everything. But being on Low's Peak was just something I can't explain through words. Just being there, is surreally unreal. At the same time.... Okay I seriously don't know how to explain in words.

But the sad thing is... Thanks to my AMS (and happiness and excitement), I didn't take much pictures on the summit. It strikes upon me when I'm back in Singapore, transferring my photos, then I realised I didn't take much pictures in the summit. Oh well, thankfully I have our summit photo with the team though! O yeah!

We made our way down for via ferrata. But since we were late, we (Chloe, Yisheng, Clement, Firman and me) decided to take the shorter via ferrata (walk the torque instead of Low's Peak circuit) instead. It was really fun and challenging man! Being on the steep side of the cliff, abseiling down, jumping here and there, walking across rocks and etc. One freaking awesome experience I'll never forget :)

Via Ferrata baby! (Photo credits to Clement's Camera)

And finally we via ferrata-ed  back to Pendant Hut, and we were the first team to arrive! Mwahaha. Went for lunch and then the day just went by with each team arriving back. Poor them, some of them were caught in the rain while via ferrata-ing and they were really cold! The team quickly went to help them out by giving them hot water and taking off their bags and shoes. Thankfully they're alright after a good sleep :)

We made it down! :D

The next day, the 2nd summit team (Candy, Warda, Afiq and Helmi) went to the summit! They were really blessed with an even better weather than us there :D Kudos to the 4 of them. Even though they were not feeling well the day before, they decided not to give up and went up all the way to the summit! Especially Candy, who summited with a sprained ankle (wow, if I were her I think I would just tell myself next time). I feel really happy with the fact that all 27 of us made it up! Cheers to the awesome team :D

The second summit team arriving in Pendant Hut! :D

While waiting for the 2nd summit team to arrive, the rest of us were drying our stuff below Pendant Hut on this rocky spot. We were laying out jackets, shoes, soles, shirts etc as the sun was out. The weather was clear, and well (thankfully) my stuff were dry so I was just there to enjoy the sun and view with them. Then... It strike upon me that I will really miss this place. The view, the serenity and the weather was just amazing. Not everyday in our lives can we see them. And what's even better? Was to hear the team's chatter and laughter as I enjoy the view and the wind. It made me look back on the long journey we've went through thus far.

This is the view that I saw, as I was sitting down on the rocky spot

We made our way down to the Kinabalu park HQ. We were really late, and we were caught in the rain! So we trekked for about 1 hour plus under the rain. Pretty awesome experience heh. Weird enough, I was feeling... Rather "empty" on the way down. Not sure if it's the fact that the journey is coming to an end, or is it me just wanting to get down quickly, or... I don't know. All I know I was feeling neither happy nor sad, neither tired nor energetic on the way down. Pretty weird no?

And we boarded our bus back to Kota Kinabalu. Somehow, during the earlier part of the drive, where most people got knocked out from the trip, I couldn't fall asleep. I was just looking back, and couldn't believe myself that I've climbed mount Kinabalu. A mountain of 4095.2m in height, the highest peak in Southeast Asia. I've never climbed a mountain before. And here I am, writing this, as someone who just climbed a mountain. Sometimes is is thoughts like this, that made you feel, what's there in life, that we can't do?

Many times one would feel so insignificant, so weak, so incapable of doing this and that. But well this trip just taught me one thing: Life is just too short for us to tell ourselves "I can't do it". Initially when I saw the poster of this trip, I told myself "Nahh I shall go next year, don't think I can do it". But then I decided to go, just to tell myself, that hopefully, I get to prove myself wrong again.

So I did prove myself wrong.

And just like my Inner Mongolia OCIP trip, this trip has made me realise how wonderful and beautiful this world is. It's just such a waste for it to be left unexplored. Go out, and have an adventure. You have no idea what it can do to you, what it can teach you, and what changes it can bring to you. But of course do plan and prepare the trip before you go. Safety always comes first before fun (Thanks Mr Kwok! :D)

Well, the mountain teaches things that sometimes the school won't teach you. Life is a journey, is all about learning. There are things we get to learn through the event that happened to us, through the journeys and experiences that fell upon us. The mountain teaches me so many things about life, people, and myself. It's quite amazing isn't it. Well as the famous saying goes: The best teachers in life are your experiences.

The trip then progresses on with a night in Kota Kinabalu, which we spend eating seafood and walking around (yumz). Then the next day we had our certificate-giving ceremony, which everyone (including me) got emotional into. It's been such a great journey for everyone I guess. So great.

This trip is just another reason why my 2011 has been so awesome. I've certainly enjoyed myself from this trip (excluding getting AMS), and I've certainly LEARNT a lot from the journey as well. I've accomplished my LEAP Intermediate. And now I can't wait to finish my LEAP Advanced, before I graduate! Alright, one item from my life's to-do list stroke off, and another added!

Do you knoq how does it feel on top of world? I do :)

And you should try it one day too

Last two weeks of 2011

Sunset at Mount Kinabalu

And the year is coming to an end,

Like how a day's sunset would arrive
Well c'est la vie, that's life

As a day end, another would start

Currently at gate A16 of Changi Airport T3, waiting for my delayed flight to take off. Oh well, apparently the weather is quite bad so the flight got delayed for 40 minutes. It's suppose to take off at 2020 but it's delayed for 40 minutes so it will take off at 9 instead. No worries, that means I have time to blog hehe, which... I've been wanting to do but apparently just somehow somewhat couldn't do -.-

Anyway yeah I'm supposed to blog about my KK trip right? Two days ago? Right. But well okay this is what happened. I'm supposedly supposed to wake up early, blog, have a nice breakfast, go Holland print my photos and yeah that sounds like a perfectly planned good day right? But no. I woke up at 11 T_T and I fell asleep again till 1. Horrible, I guess I was just too tired from the trip. 

But I promise I'll blog when I get back okay :) Cause I  need a peace of mind to blog about the whole trip, plus the photos, plus a nice calming environment for me to write. Plus I doubt I can do everything in 40 minutes :P

Anyway yesterday I went out with Ahpa in the afternoon! She'll be flying off to US for her OITP on the 29th, and by then I would be in Indo already. So need to spend a day out with her before she went there! :) Anyway we watched New Year's Eve, and... Seriously, it's my first time watching in a cinema that is freaking EMPTY. I mean seriously I think there's only 10 people watching? Or lesser or more. But definitely less than 20 :O

The movie was quite awesome. I would say it was pretty boring in the beginning, I guess the main story and theme wasn't there yet. But coming to the middle of 3/4 of the movie, everything starts to unravel and it's a pretty nice movie! Anyway it's a must-watch for those who feel 2011 isn't a good year for them, or for those who need something to push them for 2012. There's a nice meaning to the movie. Now I seriously can't wait for 2012 heh. Even though honestly speaking, 2011 was really AWESOME hehehe.

Then after that we went to shop around cause Ahpa was looking for some things. And we went to the Philatelic museum again! There was a Tin tin exhibition and I got free postcards teehee. After we got all of our stuff we bid farewell and I went to meet Adelin, Jeslyn, WQ, MF and Neal for dinner! My awesome secondary school clique, finally meeting them again after their A levels!

Felt really happy to meet them cause yeah it's been such a long time since we all meet up due to A Levels. And we're meeting again next year heh for another dinner. 

Everytime I meet them, it just reminds me how fast time is flying. It feels like it was yesterday when we were sitting down on the benches of TSS' canteen laughing eating talking. Then it feels like those days when we meet, with them on their uniforms. Now, we meet with them having their A Levels finished. Time just flies huh, and it's scary.

And then 2011 is also going to end REALLY soon. Like 13 more days! OMG! Wasn't it three weeks ago when the year started? I mean yeah as a metaphor. 2011 has been a great journey and a great year with bumps here and there. But well I guess, somehow, I feel that it is in this year that I learnt the most about life, about everything, about studies and more the most. 

2012 is coming, we don't know what's up ahead but we definitely know we can embrace its arrival with anticipation and joy. Don't be afraid to take the steps ahead in the coming year. A new adventure is waiting, a new chapter opens, a new journey begins. Take what we learnt from 2011 together to 2012, and make 2012  a better year than 2011! :D

So why am I writing like as if tomorrow is the 1st of Jan 2012? -.- 

Anyway I guess I'll end it off here. My flight should be taking off soon cause I can see the plane has arrived. So see ya later in my cosy little room in my hometown! I wish for 2011 to end off beautifully and awesomely cause well, it's been just a wonderful journey I have in this beautiful year. And who doesn't want a wonderful journey to end off in a wonderful way right? Alrighty, see ya all, have a great year-end holiday! :)

Oh yes, hopefully I can end off 2011 beautifully with.... My assignments done heh :P

Back from the summit of Mount Kinabalu

Hello from on top of the world!

The place above the clouds

Where you feel you can do anything

Hello guys! Yes I just got back. Well not just but I got back from my KK trip today! It was an awesome journey seriously. I really wish I can blog about it today but my eyes are shutting off already. But I'll blog about it tomorrow! I just finished sorting out the photos. Then I gotta tweak some photos which need adjustments. I'll put the photos inside tomorrow :)

Just to sum it all, I think the journey was really an awesome one. I've learnt so much from the trip. From the mountain, from the people, from everyone. And I really believe that all these things that I've learnt will be carried along with me in life. The journey is so awesome. And now I'm currently having some withdrawal syndrome from the trip :/

Nevertheless look out here for the update! Tomorrow I'll blog again. See ya! :D

Off climbing Mount Kinabalu!

No matter how weak we all thought we are

We never know how far we can go in life

The sky, maybe a limit

But go further

Hello all! Damn I missed the time again. Wanted to blog on "Friday" but it's Saturday now so... Oh well :P But anyway! I'm finally done with my MST and Med Micro presentation! So I had Cchem on Tuesday and Haem on Thursday. Both papers were alright I guess, despite of a couple... Careless mistake oh gosh. And today we had Med Micro presentation! Pretty intense but we pulled it off so alright! :D

But well... Not sure why but I feel really demoralised during today's class. For no reason. But after hearing what Dr Tan was telling us, I feel enlightened and inspired actually :) I like his favourite phrase: Can be done! (which he seemingly repeat quite a few times today, which is true!).

And surprise surprise, on Wednesday Frank called me to ask Candy and I to do a presentation to the parents today! We did alright, despite me rushing throught he powerpoint last night -.- it was rushy but I managed to do it. And Helmi asked if it's possible to make a photo montage for today. And well I did! Within one hour whew. It's not bad I think! :)

I used the song Go Do by Jonsi, which is my favourite song these days. The lyrics are so meaningful and kind of applicable to our case this time of climbing Mount K :) So it's awesome hehe.

I think I did alright during the presentation. So did Candy. And I hope my team mates and the parents enjoyed the video montage as well! Today's session just made me realise how much we've gone so far on this journey of ours. We've trained together, bonded together, and on Sunday we're finally going for our trip. Time flies huh!  It's like as if it was yesterday that I got selected for this trip. But hey the trip is tomorrow! :O

Well as I've shared perhaps in my previous posts. And as I've shared in today's session. I came back to the question - Why do I choose to go for this trip?

I'm sure we all know how short our lives are. Well, I wouldn't say, let say, 80 years a short one. But we only have one life, and we gotta live it! I'm practically someone who's not really active, not sporty, not physically active either. After all I'm just someone from SPSB, I enjoy photography and music. But well, I'm however, definitely, someone who love to challenge myself! I love to take challenges and to push myself to my limits.

Well I guess what's life without a little challenge and adventure right? :)

I've never climbed a mountain before. Hills... Yeah. Highland, maybe. But this would be my first time climbing a mountain. And this would also be my first time stepping my feet to a place with a elevation of more than 1200m above sea level? How freaking cool is that! I think the experience will be an awesome one Just hoping I won't get AMS - Acute mountain sickness.

Life is too short, seriously. As I said I don't want to grow up and die telling myself "Why didn't I do this? "I should have gone for...." "I regretted not.....". I'm fit and healthy now. This is my chance, this is when I can seize the opportunity to do things I might not in the future. In life, moments don't come twice. Neither do good opporunities. Well they might come twice, but you can never take back the first experience you get.

I promise myself that I want to live life to the fullest. I take this challenge, and I'll take it and finish it. As I once said again, no matter how weak we all thought we are, we never know how far we can go in life.

Alright! So I'll be staying in SP tomorrow night (since I have to catch a flight in Johor) so I won't be blogging and that's why I've decided to blog tonight. I'll be back on the 15th! Be sure to be back with lots of stories and memories to forge forever. And not to forget. Le photos~ :D

Hoping that I'll have a smooth and fun and safe journey for this trip! I'm praying for beautiful weather as well. I want to catch the sunrise in the summit with blue skies above me. And yes, we will reach the summit :)

See you all! Pray for us yeah :D

"I don't want to grow old and die, telling myself that I regretted not doing this and that"

Standard Chartered Marathon 2011 10KM - DONE

Today was such an awesomely crazy day! Cause....

I FINISHED THE STANDARD CHARTERED MARATHON 10 KILOMETRE RACE!

It felt so awesome! It was my first marathon after all, my first 10 KM, my first race, and wow I finished it! Felt so good seriously. And the best part is I finished it in 1h 10m! Okay even though my target was one hour, but I think it's alright cause I was expecting to run for at least 1h30m :P But oh well, it's not the time that matters but the distance we've covered! :)

Anyway met Doreen, Alicia and Saeyeoh at City Hall and we make out way there. Deposit our bags and then we head to the start point. Kayheng was late so he caught up with us later. The journey to the start point was.... Quite horrible. We're supposed to start at 7.15 but I crossed the start line at about 8 AM. Wow really. But nevertheless thankfully we're not like disqualified or something like that. We're quite close to the closing of the gantry. But we made it in time.

So I ran and ran and ran. I think my run was awesome! No pain at all, just that my feet were burning woosh. And some part of the race it was rather hot cause of the sun while some is shady cause of the trees and buildings. Quite funny I always tell myself whenever I see the marking. "Oh it's just 9 KM more" "Halfway more to go...." and lastly "LAST 2 KM goddamnit!!" and then I crossed the finish line! :D

I drank on every water station. Was on the urge of peeing but I hold my urine and skipped all the toilets, just the water stations. Was quite scared that I'll get stitches while drinking but turned out nope. I think the hardest parts of the race were the 5-8 KM route, where there was quite a slope so I slowed down. And the 8-10 KM! I think the last part of the race is the determining point where you want to give up, or not.

I wanted to walk my way from 8KM onwards. But then... I decided not to cause I was just telling myself that I can do it! I can push it! And I was really looking for the finishing line, but I was deceived by the big banner. I thought it was the finishing line but turn out I have 200 metres to go. So I just sprinted to reach the line and when I crossed the finishing line, I just put my hands up and felt a wave of euphoria rushing within me. It just felt so good. Like all those you've been fighting for has been paid off. Swoosh.

I think this marathon is one life-changing experience. Firstly, it was my first marathon. So I didn't really know what to expect. Turned out my run was quite alright so it was good. The one thing that I'm super proud of myself is the fact that I didn't stop running for the ENTIRE race (minus the taking water part). I was on the verge of walking but I kept on telling myself that I can do this, I can do this, keep on running I can do this and there I go, 10KM run.

Anyway I told myself that in this marathon, I won't stop running. And I never did! :)

The race itself was also a motivational and inspirational event. While running today, I saw two people that really motivated me. First was a man with only one leg. His other leg was a prosthetic blade. I was stunned when I saw his prosthetic leg! The next person was this blind man who joined the 10KM marathon! Well even though he wasn't running, but I still salute him for taking part in the event! :)

After seeing these two people, I feel so ashamed if I were to give up in life. It feels like if they can do it, if they've the strength to pick themselves and step up in the marathon despite of their disabilities, I see no reason why we, normal human beings, can't do the same thing too. In fact after seeing these two people, I felt so energised and spirited that I ran faster! :)  

I read this article in Reader Digest once and I came across this phrase: Impossibility is the state of the mind. Which is really true! After seeing the two people above, I was just telling myself impossibility is the state of the mind. I have to get rid of the thoughts and just continue running and push myself further. I won't give up till my body gives in. Which... I would never let that happen.

I guess we can all relate this marathon to life. Impossibility is the state of the mind. No matter how weak we all thought we are, we never know how far we can go in life. There are times where we would tell ourselves no I can't do it. I won't be able to do it and so on. Actually, we can. Just that our mind tells is we can't. It's all in the mind I guess, right? :)

Whenever I see advertisements of marathons in the past, I would tell myself that I won't be able to do it. Even seeing the 10KM category is like running a hundred kilo race or something like that (of course I'm just exaggerating). But hey, look, I just ran a freaking TEN KILOMETRE marathon and nothing can ever change that fact! :D

I remember when I first posted on Facebook that I'm going for this marathon, someone commented "You can meh?". And now I can happily say in front of that person's face. Yes I fcuking can (sorry for vulgarity). Isn't it just so lovely to prove yourself and prove others wrong? It's such a lovely feeling. But of course the most lovely feeling in the world is to prove yourself wrong. To realise you can do it when you once thought you couldn't. The feeling can only be enjoyed by you, hmm?

During the marathon, I purposely changed my song in the last few hundreds meter or so to "Hoppipolla by Sigur Ros". When I was running/sprinting the last 200 metres or so, yes I can honestly say this, I cried. I don't know how to explain it but I was just damn happy to be able to finish and run this marathon. With the song blasting in my ears, I feel like I can just fly to the finishing line. It feels like all my hardwork has been paid off and that my dream has come true. Such an awesome feeling.

And at the same time I think I feel this sense of accomplishment where I can reflect to in life. It's like if I can do this, I'm sure I can take up more challenges in life. I've proved myself that if I don;t give up, things that we've been working hard for will be there. I really don't know how to put it into words but yeah, just an extreme sense of euphoria and accomplishment I guess. After all it's my first marathon :)

So people, I truly recommend you to take part in a marathon. It's a life changing experience (depends how you take it actually) but yeah, it will be one. It's a motivational and inspirational event you can participate to and you can also take what you learn and put it in real life. Some people believe that life is a race, and death is the finishing line we all need to cross. How you run your race, that's life.

I'm hoping of joining the 21K marathon next year, hopefully I can take part in another 10K marathon before that. To train for my 21. If time lets me, I'll run the 42 two years later before I graduate heh. Running, as some people would say are like drugs. You'll get addicted to it! :) I'm not a runner, or someone who's into running. I just enjoy running. Just like walking, running takes my mind off somewhere. And... Who doesn't love activities that give you instant endorphins? :D

My time is running short. I guess I have to seize every opportunity in life that I can take to do things that I've been wanting to do. I've never thought I would run a marathon, but I just did. And well, what else can I say? I want to run another, and another, and as much as possible. Life is too short really. I don't want to die telling myself that I regret doing this, regret doing that.

So here I am saying that I'm a proud SCMS 10K marathon finisher! :D One item each from my new year resolution and my life's to-do-list crossed off. But getting it crossed doesn't mean I won't do it again. I'll always do it! Whenever I can. Life is a race, your race. And not others! :)

And last but not least I would like to thank the following people: Ahpa, Doreen, Alicia and Kayheng who ran today. Vjie for coming and have breakfast with us. The two people I mentioned above. All the runners who gave me motivation. Everyone who has trained with me in one way or another. Last but not least, to Coldplay, Jonsi, Sigur Ros for the wonderful songs that kept me going throughout my race. Music keeps me going! Sweet~

Zaki's first half marathon! And Saeyeoh's and my first 10K :D

And there we go kissing our medals away mwahaha

[Photos courtesy of Saeyeoh's camera]

Great job to everyone who ran today. Do take a good rest and stud hard for those who are having their MSTs and exams and tests! See ya soon :)

I run for the sake of overtaking myself. Not others.

My medal! :D

We run to be

This song will be my friend tomorrow

"We should always know, that we can do anything"

Jonsi - Go do

Hello people! It's been quite a long time since I wrote here eh. Oh well, been pretty busy with two tests this week and this and that, but I'm here! So excited for tomorrow! Cause... I'll be running Standard Chartered Marathon 10KM tomorrow! Woosh, so scary and excited man. I must be crazy for joining a 10K run no? But oh well what is life without a challenge right? :)

Yup so tomorrow will be my first time running a 10K marathon, in fact, a marathon, and in fact, 10KM  of distance heh. My target is to just run and give my best shot for it! And will always remember my mantra for running, don't run for the sake of overtaking others, but run for the sake of overtaking yourself! Mwahaha. Honestly speaking, I'm pretty excited for tomorrow that I'm afraid I can't sleep later. But should be fine.

In fact, I'm too excited to study tonight, so I decided not to study :/

Thankfully, my MST will start on Tuesday so I should have ample time to study on Sunday and Monday. So gonna study on Monday, full day, rawrrr. And I hope my body will recuperate enough on Monday. Should be fine though.

Alright I guess that's all for today! I don't know what else to blog and write about. Just wishing all my friends all the best for the run later! We can do it! See you all at the finishing line :D

And I found a nice quote from Facebook, I think it's by David Goggins

"I don't stop when I'm tired. I stop when I'm done"


That's such a nice quote! I think it'll be my motivation for tomorrow! :D

Alright see you all people! SCMS 10K, finally, here I come! :)

Some songs for you to enjoy! ^^

Okay just wanna break the 666 chain. Oh gosh can't believe I'm so superstitious -.-

Anyway here are some awesome songs I discovered in the weekend! Enjoy and relax~



This song, I've been looking for it for the past 3 years. I FINALLY FOUND IT!

And also....



And this song, just takes me to some coastal area of Vietnam.... So blissful and relaxing! Glad to have found this song! :D

Alright relax, unwind and enjoy!

One hundred and sixty

The new Clementi bus interchange!

Amazing and funny, how much time could fly huh? :)

Okay I know I'm not a Christian. But this is my 666th post... Spooky! Haha. Anyway well spooky, unlucky or whatsoever, today was an awesome day! Seriously haha. I guess superstition get a better of me.

Started the day with a 4K run! Believe it or not, yes! A morning run haha. Well I felt really guilty for not running the entire of last week. So I've decided to run in the morning :D Woke up at 8.30 and then I started running at 9. At first I just wanna run 2K, but I've decided to push myself further and bingo, that's a 4. I felt really good cause after the run, I felt really refreshed and hyped up! What an awesome way to start the week :)

Then I left for school after taking a bath and packing up. Today I took 7 to Clementi. Hmm, the bus interchange has finally made a move to the new location. Well it's much better cause it's aircon-ed! And it looks very stylish and nice. Except... The berths are kinda confusing. Like there's a berth with only one bus, I was kinda shocked, I thought I went to a wrong berth.

Time flies huh. I've been witnessing three phases of the Clementi interchange for the past 9 years of my life. IT began to move to the temporary interchange when I was in sec 1, I remembered. It was a few days before my China trip. So it has been there for like about 4 years now. The temporary interchange holds many sweet memories. It holds a sentimental value to me. Well I've been going there for almost everyday during my secondary school days. Of course, it's like my best friend :)

So well, au voir the temporary interchange :) Time goes on, and everything changes according to it.

School was alright I guess. Didn't know it was raining quite heavily in the afternoon when it was so hot in the morning. I ended up freezing outside. The wind was kinds strong and it's quite scary heh. The rain was super heavy! Out of a sudden! :O

After class went for KK stairs training! Only 9 of us were there. Well of course, with MSTs around the corner, everyone would start studying too eh. Thankfully my MSTs are splitted two-two in this week and next. So I kinda can cope with the load (I promise I'll study after this!). So we climbed 160 storeys (40x4!). The feeling was really awesome. We push one another and we help one another. Endorphins overload heh.

It's good how we all started with 3, then we increase to 4. I myself couldn't believe that I've accomplished that. But yeah sure, I think my fitness level went down quite badly with one week of no training :O But it's great to do it again! I guess life's like that. We gotta one step at a time. Before we can walk, crawl. Before we can run, walk. Before we can leap, jump. And before we can fly.... Drink red bulls.

Okay just kidding, but you get it right? :)

Alright! That's all for the day. I'm ready to tackle immunology part 2~ :D Here I come! Come to daddy :)

Hope I can break that barrier, pretty pretty soon

Let the rain

Sometimes we can't deny that we're weaker than others.

But never, ever, think that we can never do the things those people can do.

Sigh, the weather has been unsupportive of me running. It's official that I didn't run at all this week :/ And my freaking marathon is next week! Argh hope my body is still conditioned. Well thanks to the KK training, I hope that somehow helps me to condition and prepare my body as well. Thinking if I should run tomorrow morning (provided I can wake up). Like maybe just around PV. Or go to the track. Hmm...

Anyway today I wanted to run at about 5. Then at 4.23 it started.... POURING. Like literally. Just a gush of sudden rain and wind. Kinda scary. So I lay on my bed to wait and I fell asleep. Gahh. But anyway I woke up at 6.30 (which was rather dark already) and the rain hasn't stopped. So I guess there's no point waiting. But hey I had an awesome nap! Heh :P

Then I cooked dinner. Yummy, pork chop (no worries it's the lean cut so very little fats) accompanied by mushroom and carrot mash, served with a cider reduction. Sounds so posh? Well it's not really posh but it sure does taste very yummy. Hmm well my guardian has re-furbished the kitchen. Instead of 4 stoves now, there are only 3. And she's very critical about the splattering oil. I guess you can't really help it no? I don't know but I find there wasn't any oil splattering with the old stove. Or I guess it's just me :P

After dinner, I did a 30 minute work out to replace my run today. Not bad! Weights, push ups, squats, bridges. All 3 sets each. Felt so hyped up now, especially I'm listening to Coldplay's newest album now (Y). Really awesome album they got there. I've always loved Coldplay. They're songs are in some way unique, and in one way uplifting! Been a fan of them since like sec 1? :P

Alright I guess that's all for now. I wanna bathe and then continue with my work. Such a sad fact but oh well. Not really sad, but now Sundays are really used for working. Last sem it was Saturday, now I changed it to Sunday. Well with school starting at 12 tomorrow, I guess there's no wrong in doing that so :)

Lots of tests this week. I can do this! :D
PS: I've shaved my head again (Y). This time number 2 though, so not so short.

Photo

Well as you can see from my previous post, I've been shortlisted (or my photo I mean) for the IFDPC (International Friendship Day Photography Competition) finals! So basically I submitted my photos, let people vote, top 30 photos will pass through the voting round and will be shortlisted for the judges to judge on and choose. And.... The verdict says....

I won the merit prize under the activity category! :D


I feel really happy after hearing my name from the announcer! Well actually I have no intention of winning. I just submitted my photos in hope for people to vote and who knows what the outcome is. Having my photo displayed there is enough to make me happy! Now that I took the merit prize as well, I feel doubly happy haha. It's pretty awesome. It's my first "large scale" photography competition so getting a merit prize is awesome enough I guess! :)

Anyway congratulations to Jasmine as well! Cause she won merit prize under activity too! :D Her shot is really awesome too! Not forgetting, to all winners and contestants of the photography competition as well! In one way or another, we all have contributed to the event and we all should be proud of it yes! :)

Well I've always told myself. Expect nothing, just do your best. In one way or another, something greater will be returned to you. Even though this "something" comes from within you. To me, like joy. After I've heard the result that I won the merit prize, I feel happy. And in the bus, after pondering about more things, I feel even happier. In a way... Like I'm given better and bigger prizes from the competition - Joy, memories, stories.

Let me show you the photo which I submitted, which is also the Editor's favourite.

-Sunset Joy-

For we cherish our hard work and friendship, through the planting of 1133 fir trees in Inner Mongolia, China. With the sunset, joining in the celebration.

This photo was taken by me after we finished digging our holes for the trees. I can remember still, the sky was kinda cloudy and I was thinking "Oh man no nice sunset to celebrate our end of diggings". Then at the end of the day, the sky just turned yellow and quite clear. Everyone decided to get up to the railway track (yup that's a railway track by the way) and I decided to help them snap a shot. And here it is.

You know, when I saw this photo being displayed under the "Editor's choice" panel, I just felt this unexplainable sense of joy and pride. Well not only because my photo has been chosen, but I'm even prouder with the fact that I was there to take this photo, and also to actually know the story and memories behind this photo. A photo is not a photo when there's no story behind it. Well that's what I believe.

I came up with this today:

"It's not the prize, it's not the fame. Not the pride and not the competition that matter. What truly matters is the story and memories behind that the photo holds"

When I saw this photo just now, a wave of memories just rushed through in my head. It was as if the whole scene, in Duolun, just appeared in front of my eyes. Even tough in front of me is this black board with tiny photos on them. I guess this is how much this photo means to me. In a sense, I love this photo because it captures, it freezes, it stops the moment, that moment, we had after we finished digging.

It replays the memories I have about the trip. It restarts the feeling I was feeling during that particular moment of time. It just takes me to a place where I was once at, without moving a single step.

This is the reason why I love photography.

Photographs are boats which I used to sail the sea of memories that time forbids me to travel back. I'm pretty grateful that I have the love and passion for photography. Thankful enough to own a camera to capture these moments which are never retrievable back. It lets me travel back through time, without physically moving. But mentally walking.

Photos in one way or another evoke feelings on me. To me, my definition of a great photograph is something that evokes emotions. Be it sadness, happiness, anger or etc. It touches your heart, not only your eyes and your mind. Well it can keep you thinking, But not all photographs have the ability to touch your heart. 

Here's another photo which was displayed.

-Game of yo-yo in Duolun-

It’s a cold autumn evening. And some kids are playing yo-yo at Duolun in Inner Mongolia, China. Life’s simplest pleasure which is seemingly lost in today’s world. Sometimes I envy these kids, who are able to enjoy such simplest and at the same time, joyous pleasure

This was also taken in Duolun, while I was walking around. If I'm not wrong it was the 2nd day of digging when we went back earlier due to bad weather (which somehow somewhat it was fine and clear in Duolun -.-). These kids were just playing their games of yo-yo and I decided to take a picture of them. They look so happy and blissful. It's just a yo-yo, while kids here, nowadays, indulge themselves in iPhones, iPods, PSP and this and that. 

To me this photograph teaches me something - to not take life for granted. I seriously feel envious of these kids. They are able to enjoy such simple pleasures, while I'm here, looking for those simple pleasures. So I guess, we ought to take some good breaks in life. It's not about being the best, having the best, going for the best. Somehow at the end of the day, simplicity brings us back to where we're supposed to be.

Ah, what a long post huh. Anyway I just want to use this opportunity to thank everyone who has voted for my photo, and to SPP for holding this competition. To all the organisers of the IFD and to all students involved in it. To my awesome GT members for being my models in the first photo, and also for giving me those wonderful memories we all spent in Duolun for that lovely 10 days.

To my dearest girlfriend, A230, for being there with my eyes to capture those moments (muacks). To those kids from Duolun who were playing their yo-yos haha! To Green Desert project by Asian Journeys and SP, for allowing me to step into Inner Mongolia. Without this, I will never be able to take these two shots.

Most ultimately, to Duolun itself. That beautiful town where I shot both of my photos at. Thank you for the wonderful memories you have given me, which I always keep in my heart. For letting me take these two scenes, which teach me lots of new things. 

Thank you.

On Cloud 9

Okay just a short post to say...

I got short listed for IFDPC (International Friendship Day Photography Competition) finals! Tomorrow will be the release of result so I'm SUPER DUPER excited! :D 

I won't be going for tomorrow's training :/ Cause I really really want to be part of the finals! Haha. But I won't be missing the trek on Friday! :)

My first ever "large-scale" photography competition so... How can I not be excited! :D

Alright see you! Hoping to hear some good news tomorrow :D

40th Storey heaven

Rainy Monday afternoon

And the road is empty

But please do drive with care

Whew, today was kinda awesome! Alright I guess except for the part of the day where... We got bombed during clinical Biochem presentation . It's not really we but more of me! Haha. Why do they love lipids so much T_T but I guess we pulled the presentation off, well! Even though we lack of tests and that we have so little differential diagnoses, I guess we're kind of good. As seen from Sam's tweet, it's our 8th presentation. Time flies huh :/

That's for the Cchem, and I guess that's all for the day since we only have one lesson. Oh yeah let me break the news... I'm selected for OITP! Either Harvard of Stanford. But I really wish I can go to Stanford cause it's about Bioimaging! I went to the Nikon Bioimaging centre with Syaz and Yiyin last year. And I was really interested in how they are working etc. And of course, I love microscopy too! I think it's just awesome seeing those cute and lovely bacteria and virus and cells. Okay life of a science student...

Well we'll see, I feel thankful to have been chosen though :) Sometimes I wonder why am I the chosen one. Dr Tan mentioned about reviews from the other lecturers so... I'm grateful for that I guess :)

Anyway after school went back home first, cause I was supposed to borrow bag from DSD. But Zaki will be passing his to me tomorrow! Thanks a lot Zaki! :D Owe you something. So I guess I don't have to worry about bags. I wanted to buy but was wondering if it's worth the investment and the money as well. But I'm grateful that Zaki has agreed to lend it to me so yup! I guess can save some bucks to buy other things :)

Went back to school after changing my gears and "topping up" my bag's weight. Heh I cheated today. My bag is 8Kg :/ Couldn't fine anymore way to increase the weight even though I already put 2 dumbells of 2 Kg inside, 2 one litre bottle and more heh. But I guess it's better than nothing :P So we headed to the block again, and this time we did the time trial. 3 x 40 storeys!

My group consisted of Alvin, Warda, Zahin, Monika, Clement and me! We did an average of about 10 minutes to go up which I think is pretty good :D Good job guys! Glad that we're all able to push ourselves and finish the time trial. And Clement was just awesome, he sprinted from like 2nd to 10th storey? OMG, wish I could do that! :)

Well KK is in front of us soon, pretty soon. With these trainings and the support we gave to each other, I'm pretty sure we can reach the top! :) But well, I really hope we get to bond with each other more so yup. I think we're there soon to break the ice. We're there pretty soon! :)

Alright I'm going back to work, see ya all!

Some things don't come twice in life
Either you take it or you don't
And I'm taking it.

Go Do

And the day comes to an end

The last day of the year is coming

Time is short, life is short

Make full use of it

Go Do!

I'm somehow, falling in love again with Jonsi's Go Do. Well actually I've been in love with the song. It's one of the rarest songs which I  would get instant endorphins whil and after listening to it. Well it's quite of a bizarre phenomenon but yeah, seriously, his songs make me happy. Maybe the hyped-up beat, may be the melody, may be the words, I just love it!

Anyway today was alright I guess. We presented on haematology! Like finally. Well cause two weeks ago, I was so well prepared for the case 1 presentation . Then ended up we're only required to present some parts. Oh well, I was a bit down then but today we presented the whole thing! How awesome :) And school was okay I guess, I was a bit high during Biostat for some apparent reason. No idea why.

Yesterday it was my first time hiking to Bukit Timah! We had our training there and we did a time trial. Whew, not as easy as I thought, but definitely an awesome training for all of us. We begin with a small trek for about 45 minutes (or lesser I think). Then we start our time trial. Well it's not a time trial which requires us to climb the whole BT but it's of a certain height which is rather challenging! Wow! :)

I'm pretty happy with myself cause I didn't stop. I mean well yeah I did stop but it was only for a few secodns. To wipe my sweat, to just tell myself I can do this, then continue the climb. I mean even though we're climbing staircases, it's not those regular ones but actually of quite a long height! I feel proud of my team too, during the trial we patted each other's back and support one another. Even though it's a time trial and that we "don't have to wait for our friends", support is still support. It's amazing how pat on my bag can boost my morale :)

Well I suppose it's true what they say. When you're up there, it's not you versus the terrain. But more of you versus yourself. No matter how hard the terrain will be, as long as you keep on fighting with your negative thoughts, the hike can just be a stroll in the park. And of course, as easy as a stroll in the park can get, it can feel like a full marathon when you're not just into it.

It's all in the mind :)

Anyway today I am supposed to have my 2.4 test, but it was pushed to tomorrow. Thanks a lot, cause my leg is still aching from yesterday's climb! No idea how to remove it :/ done stretching and stuff but still there. So with my 2.4 removed, I decided to... Walk home from school! Well this is my 2nd time walking home, and this time round I know the directions and stuff. The first time was really -.- just walking round and round.

Well didn't really walk home. In fact I walked from Dover all the way to Jelita (cause I need to buy stuff for dinner). Truly enjoyed the walk, perhaps I should do this more often. Thankfully I wasn't caught in the rain. And in fact, it didn't rain at all even though the clouds were so dark and gloomy.

On the side note, look what I found while walking home!

This was just found randomly on a pathway, someone must have carved it or something like that. It's carpe diem! Which in latin means seize the day :D I learnt this from my history teacher Mr Andy haha! 

Well I guess the walk I had today pretty much taught me something valuable. Life is short, there's just too little time to doubt yourself and to enclose yourself in your comfort zone. Get out of it, explore the world, and seize the opportunity. Seize the day and make full use of everything in it. Time is ticking my friend, remember we don't have much time left so enjoy it!

Funny how I never come across this before, even though I've been passing that path for a long time already (it's near the place I love to run). See? If I didn't walk home today, I wouldn't have seen this :)

Get the moral?