It's a new blog

McDonald

2012-02-08T22:52:00.000+08:00

This conversation took place a few weeks ago while i was in the library.

Scene: Me arranging the newspapers while aunty was next to me.

Me: Wah, auntie, mcdonald oo promotion. Gor kor puat. Ani pi o.
Wah, auntie, macdonald got promotion. $5.50 only, very cheap

Aunty: simi lai mcdonald? wa be hiao!
What is mcdonald? i don't know

Me: *@.@!* Huh? Auntie lu bo chiak mcdonald a? 楼下。在 Subway 那边!
Auntie, you never eat mcdonald before? downstairs, next to subway.

Aunty: 这个东西我没有吃过！很贵啊!
I don't eat this kind of things. It's very expensive

Me: Aiyor, Wa chia lu la. ho chiak leh!
Aiyor, I treat you a meal. It's nice!

Aunty: 不要啦。我喜欢吃菜饭
No thank you. I like my mix vegetable rice.

Me: Ohh. *stuns!

Never met someone who has not eaten mcdonalds!! Legendary!!

Ps: correct my grammar if it's wrong. thanks ;)

Tower Blocks

2012-02-06T21:51:00.000+08:00

Been quite busy over the weekend and mum was asking me what i was busy with. I told her i was playing tower blocks over the weekend ;D

Making full use of my 'office space' xD

Silent Generation

2012-02-01T23:40:00.000+08:00

My four years in the library has definitely taught me to appreciate the silent generation more. The next few posts will be occasions and conversations which i'll try to recall over the past years. Probably won't mean much to people but i sure did gained a lot from it.

On the side note, today i a chance to talk to a bangladeshi worker regarding some worms. Trust me it was tough.

Me: Hello Krabic? Do you sell the Can-O-Worms?

Krabic: Hi. I, I no sell. Call boss.

Me: Okay. Can you tell me your boss number?

Krabic: Now night. No work, call tomorrow.

Me: Ah, can call now? I need it urgently.

Krabic: ok ok.

I knew he understood what i was saying but he tried his best to answer me. It struck me that I was probably like him if i did converse in chinese.

After i texted him to pass me his boss' contact and this was his reply.

Hi, 8XXXXXXXX. this can countuc.

We are truly blessed.

Pray

2012-01-10T00:41:00.000+08:00

Psalm 23

A psalm of David.¹ The LORD is our shepherd, we shall not be in want.

² He makes us lie down in green pastures, he leads us beside quiet waters,

³ he restores our soul. He guides us in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

⁴ Even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we will fear no evil, for you are with us; your rod and your staff, they comfort us.

⁵You prepare a table before us in the presence of our enemies. You anoint our head with oil; our cup overflows.

⁶ Surely goodness and love will follow us all the days of our life, and we will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Amen.

Lord, in You we trust.

Triple Kill

2012-01-03T21:50:00.000+08:00

Today was really an unusual day. I had the privilledge to be a Good Samaritan three times. haha!

1) I helped an old lady to carry her heavy luggage up and down the bus

2) I swapped seats with some random lady on the bus back to Singapore. She said that she can't sit right at the back if it's a long bus ride. I now understand why, there's barely leg room at the back of the bus although your seat is elevated higher than the others.

3) Some random lady dropped her wallet while I was waiting for 199 back to my hostel. Alerted her and passed her wallet back to her.

My Moral teacher should award me with three stars today :D Ironically on the 3rd of Jan last year, i bumped into two good samaritans as well! You see how blessed I was here.

Blessed 2012

2012-01-02T01:55:00.001+08:00

Blessed 2012 to all my friends ;)

Randomness is when you decide to drive up to Genting just to get some fresh and cool air after a long and tiring day.

Perseverance is shown when,
your friend is willing to wait in the toilet for 20minutes pant-less just to get you in the casino,
all just because I wasn't properly attired.

Self control is knowing when to stop after doubling your capital in less than an hour.

Generosity is shared over a cup of Starbucks coffee under the cold and misty weather ;)

"Epic events; only occur once in a very blue blue moon" quoted from Legend Lee

All For Love

2011-12-02T00:21:00.001+08:00

Ps: I'll still keep this blog updated (:

Col 3:23-24

2011-11-11T00:52:00.000+08:00

That is Why

2011-11-03T01:45:00.001+08:00

Amidst all circumstances, go back to your roots to rekindle that love we found.

That is why.

Shampoo curse

2011-09-12T00:26:00.000+08:00

I started my Saturday ~~morning~~ afternoon with a twist of fate. I woke up from my beauty sleep, wanting to take a nice shower but I soon found out that my body shampoo was finishing. Like all concerned mothers, my mum normally buys in bulk and makes me grab an extra of everything, from shampoo to detergent, all the way from home to my hostel in Singapore.

Knowing that I had my back up supplies with me, I quickly grab an extra bottle of body shampoo from my cabinet. Well, it turned out that my mum gave me two shampoo bottles instead of body shampoo and shampoo each. This reminds me of my shampoo incident in hall three years back. What's life without surprises huh? :) I ended up spending the start of my day in the supermarket with the old aunties and uncles. haha

At least I got my door decorated :D Say hi to Momo

Chinese Survey

2011-08-27T16:15:00.000+08:00

I participated in a survey a few weeks back and yesterday I was required to drop by the HSS Graduate Office to collect my reimbursement worth 20 dollars. And so I deliberately went to the venue 30 minutes before my class to grab my money. Upon reaching the destination, I was suppose to give a buzz to the person in charge and I complied. Only after a few rings, a young Chinese gentleman appeared at the door and greeted me.

Chinese guy: 你好！你来这边那钱吗？ (Nǐ hǎo! Nǐ lái zhè biān nà qián ma?)

Me: 对阿！( Duì ā!!)

Chinese guy: 还好吧！你跟我来. (Hái hǎo ba! Nǐ gēn wǒ lái)

I followed him into his office and I was asked to be seated and wait patiently until my turn. I still didn't realize that I was actually volunteering in another survey until he started asking me to fill up my details on a survey form. To be honest, I was still wondering how come I was required to fill up my details again, I already did so 2 weeks ago when I participated in the survey, but my guess was he need the particulars of the respondents to make appropriate claims.

After doing so, he started explaining to me with a very heavy Chinese accent and all I could do was just nod in agreement. Deep down inside, I knew I was 'conned' into the Chinese Linguistics Research Department surveys but being 'shy in nature', I didn't dare to speak up and told him my intention was just to grab my cash and scoot.

I was then presented with a series of videos of a person doing several hand actions. I was required to describe in detail what the videos meant to me.

Chinese guy: Ok 崇贤,请详细描述视频. (Ok Chóng xián,Qǐng xiángxì miáoshù shìpín) Ok CX,please describe the video in detail.

Me: * stares at the video and with my limited Chinese vocab I uttered* 他丢的东西! ( Tā diū de dōngxi ) He threw something.

And this continue for the next 3 minutes as he was showing approximately 15 different videos on a guy throwing things. My guess was he wanted to find out if the respondents knew there were different types of techniques of throwing things. I felt utterly bad because I was definitely the extreme outlier in his findings.

After the series of videos, I had to identify certain characters and at that moment I knew it was GG.com for me.I could only remember 2 characters shown there :D

扔丢 etc etc

I timidly told him that my chinese is worst than a primary 1 student and he said that it is impossible! He then explained the whole purpose of the survey and I guess I was right. He wanted to identify the difference between a local and PRC ( People Republic of China) on certain usage of words. Apparently, the PRCs are more creative when it comes to describing things as compared to the locals.haha!

I think the turning point was when I mistakenly heard 钱 (qian,money) instead of 调查(diao cha, survey).My reward for participating in the survey was a simple blue pen but it definitely served a reminder for me to buck up my mandarin!

My Chinese blue pen :D

Ps: Yes, I did get my 20 bucks in the end (:

Simplicity

2011-08-10T02:35:00.000+08:00

I find myself doing things a little different recently. Things such as walking to school instead of waiting for the bus, or even walking to a further canteen just to get extra vegetables on my dinner plate.

Things seem to be at a slower pace when you view things in a very simple manner. Maybe I need to retract that statement a few weeks later because it's just the start of a new semester. Maybe I'll even consider organizing a salad party or a fruit fiesta to keep this 'healthy' habit. I can even turn the fruit skins and vegetable waste to black gold.

I just finished talking to my mum on msn/skype and I shall share what we talked about.

Mum: Nik, you know what day is tomorrow or not?
Me: Wednesday?
Mum: No, It's Koko's birthday
Me: Oh yea
Mum: Remember to wish him you know. I'm waiting for 12 o clock to call him.
Me: Ok!
Mum: After that it will be yours. Don't worry I'll call you as well.
Me: O.O Err. Ok thanks!

Haha! I love to document my simple conversations with my mum! :D

Simplicity.

Life @ NTU

2011-08-06T01:11:00.000+08:00

Life in NTU is always interesting. Cheers to all my final year mates! Enjoy it while it last and to the freshies embracing it, endure and learn as much as you (:

Ps: To Sunday Jogging Club (SJC), we will be resuming our regular routine this weekend! I will keep you all informed :D

Learn Chinese

2011-07-16T21:01:00.000+08:00

It's funny how I find myself speaking more Mandarin nowadays. I definitely credit this 'huge accomplishment' to my Chinese friends I met when I was in Finland. Ironically, I managed to force myself and muster courage to converse with them.

I even took the effort to 'invest' some money and of course time to learn more.

I bought some primary school textbooks to read on my own! xD

To those who think that learning mandarin is an uphill task, it's not that hard if you dare to humiliate yourself in front of your friends. Maybe one day I'll upload videos of myself speaking fluently mandarin. bewhahhaha

Warehouse Sale

2011-07-11T17:05:00.000+08:00

For 3 consecutive weekends, I have been shifting things be it for myself or for my friends. I've a whole load of things to get rid off and if anyone wants it just drop me a message.

Items for sale

1) Bar fridge

2) Vacuum cleaner

3) Printer

4) Books, loads of text books ranging from economics to engineering

Of course, don't call me to help me shift your things anymore. I think my back will break already and I can even graduate with a minor in logistics management.

Disinilah

2011-07-10T22:32:00.000+08:00

Semalam merupakan peristiwa bersejarah untuk tanah tumpah darahku. Memang amat pelik melihat rakan-rakanku yang tidak memperdulikan keadaan politik di negara, melafazkan semangat patriotik mereka melalui dunia digital. Mungkinkah ini titik perubahan dalam sejarah negara kita? Ataupun kita masih akan terperangkap dalam 'jerumus dan kezaliman' kerajaan kita?

Tapi apa yang pasti ialah sudah tentu lebih rakyat yang sedar akan kejatuhan zaman kegemilangan negara kita dan inilah masanya untuk kita menyumbang tenaga mencapai Wawasan 2020 yang kian hari kian ragu.

Disinilah aku dilahirkan,

Disinilah tanah tumpah darahku,

Disinilah aku ditunjuk ajar,

Disinilah aku akan dikemubikan.

Akulah anak watan Malaysia.

Guai Lan Kia

2011-07-08T19:34:00.000+08:00

This was what I found out at my work place

If you look closer,

printing ~~lady~~ auntie

Tsk tsk, guai lan kia!Si beh pai see (mischievous kid! super naughty and cheeky) (;

At least something that makes my day when i pass by the printing room. haha!

Roma Pass

2011-07-04T00:51:00.000+08:00

I have previously wrote on some travel tips on Italy and it can be found here and here.

As for those who intend to go to Rome, I would suggest getting the Roma Pass. This Roma Pass enables you to visit two attractions for free and also a 3 day free transportation around Rome. The problem with Rome is that most of the attractions i.e museums have an entrance fee and it is definitely more worth it getting this pass.

One thing about Rome is that it is a major tourist attraction and the long queues at the tourist attractions will totally spoil your mood. You can queue for almost 2 hours just to get into the Colosseum but if you purchase the Roma Pass, there will be a special lane for all the Roma Pass holders. There will be also a lot of tour guides camping around the long queues just to convince you that you can skip pass the queue by joining their tour group which in the end is more expensive!

The queue on the left is for tourist to buy the entrance ticket whereas on the right is the lane for Roma Pass users :)

The Roma Pass can be bought in any grocery or sundry stall. I bought mine at the Main Train Station in Roma Termini. I can't exactly remember the price but I guess it was about 25 euros. Oh yes, maps in Italy are not free but it is included in the Roma Pass package.

As for buses and trams in Rome, they are rather straight forward as compared to the tubes in London. Apparently according to my friend, most of the people don't pay for the public transport because nobody checks. So yea if you are short on cash and desperate,.... go make Roma Sandwiches :)

Rome Rome Rome

The Cycle

2011-07-02T15:54:00.000+08:00

One of my biggest worry upon returning from exchange would be executing 'the cycle'. It's funny how my mind quickly adapts to the cycle that I've been through for the past years. For example, " Oh, it's Saturday and I need to do my laundry today." or even simple things like " It's 7.30pm and I need to grab food from the canteen!"

Me hanging my clothes for the first time this year. I miss dumping all my clothes in the dryer :D

Do something different from your normal routine. It could be something very simple like taking a detour from the normal route we take to work/school. I'm yet to cook a meal in NTU so yea maybe I'll do it tomorrow (;

Anti You

2011-06-28T23:03:00.000+08:00

This is the period where you get to see pitiful souls drag their belongings across halls just because of a 'minor' hiccup in the hall allocation system. Maybe it's part of their undergraduate programme to further enhance life skills such as logistics planning for shifting, live without a proper bed and be thankful for a kind soul who lets you squat and the list goes on.

I really can be a professional mover after this. I even have a dedicated crew of mine equipped with a motorbike and sometimes a small Kancil to help me drag my things from on room to another.

That's life in my place. Be wise, choose to stay out :P

Grumble

2011-06-25T00:02:00.000+08:00

Just when you thought that you got everything all settled, there's always something that screws up.

That's life in anti-you :(

I'm still wondering why most of us didn't get the hall of our choice despite meeting the general cut-off points. One thing I observed was that most of the students were mainly final year students. I guess they forgot that they are the ones who are graduating soon and will be contributing back via donations etc etc.I think they really want their undergraduates to always strife to beat the system and hence constantly create various controversial situations.

Time to summon the Ninja God to investigate and fight for justice

Who's with him? Hands Up!

Loctor Loctor

2011-06-22T12:34:00.000+08:00

I just got back from the hospital to see the doctor to get a final inspection on my appendicitis wound. Basically it leaves no scars because the doc performed a single port surgery which is also known as Laparo-endoscopic single site surgery on me. They would operate through the navel and two small holes, one on the right side of the abdomen and the other on the lower abdomen.

And so I shall tell you how rich the doctors are nowadays. Keep in mind that I was waiting for almost 2 hours and finally the nurse called my name.

Doc: How's your wound? Ready to go back to Singapore?

Me: No pain anymore, I guess I'm ok!

Doc: Come come lie down and let me see your wounds. *peels of bandages* Don't worry about your wound opening half way when you're walking just don't do any strenuous activities for the next week.

Me: *grins widely* That's good!

Doc: Okay all the best and I'll see you again! * Hands me the bill and ushers me out*

Me: T.T

The whole thing took approximately 5 minutes and costed me 45 bucks.

Sprawling on the bed ;(

Moral of the story: If you have no money, pray that you don't fall sick!:(

Appendix explained

2011-06-19T17:31:00.000+08:00

A few days ago I was admitted into the hospital for appendicitis but now I'm recovering well at home. Most of my friends attribute my calamity to post-eating activities such as exercises or jumping like a kid. The doctor however, said appendicitis happens over a period of days and most of the time it's unlucky and unforeseen.

For me I choose to think it's because of the saying, "Like father like son"

Thanks dad for encouraging me to exercise after my meals or exercise regularly when I'm bored.

Just pray I don't get white hair like you when I'm 30

Happy Father's Day (;

Extended Holiday, Song Bo!

2011-06-18T00:19:00.001+08:00

,Dad: Nik, you very bored in the hospital?

Me: Not really, it's like my days in Tampere. Just eat,sleep and exist :D

Dad: Very true!!

Me: Songg Boo!! , means nice or not in Hokkien.

I asked my father to take a photo before my small surgery to remove my appendix

Later did i know he also took a shot after it while I was still under GA

It was really depressing to just rest on the bed the whole day and I found this picture quite interesting. It's just basically lines which were painted in such a complicated manner.

I also realized the importance of medical insurance and the support of your loved ones during this period.Trust me, this is something that you won't regret (; Also do make sure that you double check what type of policy you have purchased. Most of us are just to lazy to bother!

One last obstacle for me, i still need clearance from my higher order i.e my mother! XD

Have you registered?

2011-06-13T13:06:00.000+08:00

It's been a week at home but somehow this place isn't the same as it used to be. The padang (field) which i used to hang out is now dominated by unfamiliar faces. Patrol guards are literally in every corner in my neighbourhood and food prices are way to expensive for a student like me. Even my little brother is as tall as me :(

Sorry that I went off topic for a while, must be the transition period! Anyways, I was just surfing around the internet and I somehow ended up in the SPR(Suruhanjaya Pilihan Raya aka Electoral Commission) website. Yes it takes only a few minutes to register yourself as a voter in any local post office but it will take 5-6 months to get confirmed in the system. Do register early! As for me I registered myself a day after my 21st birthday *ya i'm old already* and only a few months ago my details was in the system.

You can check your status over here.

Change is always overrated when there's no action involved yet every politician says they urge for change. I say, "Be a man, do the right thing!"

Like shave your head when it's overgrown for 6 months