Here are some things I did for the past week in my mundane life.
Monday: Laugh at a new video made by two guys called The Dormitory Boys/ Back Dorm Boys, taking the piss out of Jessica Simpson's new song (great Monday blues killer). Order drinks for the bar that I manage part-time. Dinner with a housemate.
Tuesday: Piping woes in the insectary, giving us a private paddling pool, hence I feel like a janitor. Tried to call a certain someone but as usual phone is off. Karate training to vent out stress and whatever. Laundry.
Wednesday: Dinner with housemates.
While another housemate had a BBQ party in the garden, which annoyed the house when drunken guests made a ruckus at midnight. Some people had to get up at 6am for work!
Thursday: Due to lack of sleep, the day seemed long and no work was really done. A colleague then had the fab idea of going for a drink after work. Yay! Late dinner :P
Friday: Bank in a cheque from Inland Revenue! They had taxed me too much last year. Dinner by way of Chinese takeaway :P... wasting time by loitering in the room, emails, listening to music. Got the new Keane album from a friend :).
Saturday: Get up late :D. Late lunch. Karate Training. Grocery shopping. Dinner with housemate again. Defrost the dodgy freezer so that technicians can fix it on Monday.
Sunday: Sort out bills. Tidy my room a bit... Laundry (My karate trousers needed a wash). Defrost the fridge so that technicians can fix it on Monday too. Dinner at a friend's place, plus Battlestar Galactica! :D
So that's my week. How is yours like?
Monday, July 31, 2006
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Pressure! Here comes the gripe.
Gah, work things are not going my way. I'm so frustrated. Pressure to get results is building and I feel like I could explode. What to do when experiments don't work like it's supposed to and you don't know what to fix??? That and the heatwave is making me mad. My room sometimes goes up to 30 degrees at night and the fan I bought feels like it is blowing hot air, which means I don't get much sleep, which adds to more grumpiness.
Which makes my theme song of the week being Pressure Point by The Zutons.
I can't get this pressure point out of my head
I can't get this pressure point out of my head
I feel it in work, you know, I feel it in bed
I can't get this pressure point out of my head
I've paid all my bills and I've acted so well
Ain't been cheating, there's nothing to tell
So why all this pressure, I dont understand
I call on my neighbours, and lend them a hand
Doctor, oh doctor, I'm willing to learn
Well all of my bones, well they toss and they turn
Mother, oh mother, I'm begging you please
To rid me of madness and cure this disease
Maybe told you what I have become
With all of this pressure, my mind's on a run
Why maybe its changing, let's hope for the best
Maybe it's something to get off my chest
Doctor, oh doctor, I'm begging you please
To rid me of madness and cure this disease
Mother, oh mother, I'm willing to learn
Well all of my bones, well they toss and they turn
Pressure pressure pressure pressure...
Pressure pressure pressure pressure...
Pressure pressure pressure pressure...
Pressure pressure pressure pressure...
I can't get this pressure point out of my head
I can't get this pressure point out of my head
I feel it in work, you know, I feel it in bed
I can't get this pressure point out of my head
AAAAAAAhhh ... Pressure pressure pressure pressure pressure...
AAAAAAAhhh ... Pressure pressure pressure pressure pressure...
AAAAAAAhhh ... Pressure pressure pressure pressure pressure...
AAAAAAAhhh ... Pressure pressure pressure pressure pressure...
Which makes my theme song of the week being Pressure Point by The Zutons.
I can't get this pressure point out of my head
I can't get this pressure point out of my head
I feel it in work, you know, I feel it in bed
I can't get this pressure point out of my head
I've paid all my bills and I've acted so well
Ain't been cheating, there's nothing to tell
So why all this pressure, I dont understand
I call on my neighbours, and lend them a hand
Doctor, oh doctor, I'm willing to learn
Well all of my bones, well they toss and they turn
Mother, oh mother, I'm begging you please
To rid me of madness and cure this disease
Maybe told you what I have become
With all of this pressure, my mind's on a run
Why maybe its changing, let's hope for the best
Maybe it's something to get off my chest
Doctor, oh doctor, I'm begging you please
To rid me of madness and cure this disease
Mother, oh mother, I'm willing to learn
Well all of my bones, well they toss and they turn
Pressure pressure pressure pressure...
Pressure pressure pressure pressure...
Pressure pressure pressure pressure...
Pressure pressure pressure pressure...
I can't get this pressure point out of my head
I can't get this pressure point out of my head
I feel it in work, you know, I feel it in bed
I can't get this pressure point out of my head
AAAAAAAhhh ... Pressure pressure pressure pressure pressure...
AAAAAAAhhh ... Pressure pressure pressure pressure pressure...
AAAAAAAhhh ... Pressure pressure pressure pressure pressure...
AAAAAAAhhh ... Pressure pressure pressure pressure pressure...
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
If they were true...
And if only they were real... Well I guess the checkout machines are.
I love going to Co-op!
Sunday, July 09, 2006
The End of World Cup 2006
Ahem, first of all... YAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!! Bravo Italy!!! My Italian friends must be crazily happy at the moment. Outside my window, I can hear some fans cheering, cars honking...
So that is the end of this year's World Cup. And what a spectacular one! Until next time...
Meanwhile, enjoy these guys paying tribute to World Cup 2006. Dadada!
Oh and yay to Roger Federer as well for clenching the Wimbledon title again! *Happy Dance*
So that is the end of this year's World Cup. And what a spectacular one! Until next time...
Meanwhile, enjoy these guys paying tribute to World Cup 2006. Dadada!
Oh and yay to Roger Federer as well for clenching the Wimbledon title again! *Happy Dance*
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Spammers and scammers, please... NOT!
Now even my private work email address is spammed! Here is one that I've just received. I can't help but to laugh at this.
DEAR SIR,
URGENT & CONFIDENTIAL!!!.
AFTER DUE DELIBERTION WITH MY COLLEAGUES, I HAVE THE
PLEASURE TO FORWARD TO YOU THIS MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL
PROPOSAL. WE REQUIRE A RELIABLE FOREIGN INDIVIDUAL OR
COMPANY WHO WILL ASSIST US TO RECEIVE THE SUM OF
USD$100 MILLON INTO HIS/HER BANK ACCOUNT.
(Why make millons when we could make *pinkie to mouth* millions?)
THIS FUND RESULTED FROM A CONTRACT WHICH OUR COMMITTEE
AWARDED IN 1999 IN COLLABORATION WITH SOME PAST
MILITARY OFFICERS. THE SAID CONTRACT WAS SUCCESSFULLY
COMPLETED AND COMMISSIONED AND THE FOREIGN CONTRACTORS
WAS PAID THE PRINCIPAL COST OF THE CONTRACT LEAVING
THE SUM USD$100 MILLION WHICH WE DELIBRATELY ADDED.
UNFORTUNATELY,AS CIVIL SERVANTS, WE ARE NOT ALLOWED TO
OWN FOREIGN ACCOUNT.HENCE WE ARE SEEKING YOUR ASSISTANCE. MY COLLEAGUES AND I AFTER DUE CONSIDRATION AGREED ON THE FOLLOWING SHARING RATIO;
1, 30% FOR YOU THE ACCOUNT OWNER
2, 60% FOR MYSELF AND MY COLLEAGUES.
3, 10% FOR LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL EXPENCES THAT
MIGHT BE INCURED IN THE COURSE OF THIS TRANSACTION.
(yeah right, mate. 60% isn't that fair! Civil servants of which country anyway?)
TO REDUCE YOUR CURIOSITY AND DOUBT, LET ME SINCERELY
INFORM YOU THAT WE OBTAINED YOUR CONTACT ADDRESS FROM
REPUTABLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRIES AND I AM
THE GENERAL SECRETARY OF THE CONTRACT AWARD COMMITTEE
OF THE FEDERAL OIL AND GAS BOARD (FOGB).
(I didn't know I had connections with reputable chamber of commerce and industries since I'm in the poor research business. And Pat here seems to be a highly ranked, secretary of the... what again?*getting curious*)
WE ALL HAVE PUT IN SO MANY YEARS IN SERVICE AND HAVE THUS
PATIENTLY WAITED FOR THIS GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY. MOST
IMPORTANTLY, WE WANT TO CONCLUDE THIS TRANSACTION
BEFORE THE END OF THIS FINANCIAL YEAR.
TO FACILITATE THE TRANSFER OF THE FUND, WE SHALL
REQUIRE:
1, YOUR BANKER’S NAME,ADDRESS,ACCOUNTNUMBER,NAME
OF BENEFICIARY,FAX AND PHONE NUMBERS.
2,YOUR COMPANY’S NAME,ADDRESS,PRIVATE FAX AND
PHONE NUMBERS FOR EASY COMMUNICATION.
WITH THE ABOVE INFORMATION, WE WILL ON YOUR BEHALH
SEEK APPROVAL FOR THE FUND TRANSFER FROM OUR FEDERAL
MINISTRIES CONCERNED.
(And on my behalh please go and hang yourself)
TAKE NOTICE THAT A HIGH LEVEL OF CONFIDENTIALITY
SHOULD BE ACCORDED THIS TRANSACTION AND EVEN A HIGHER
LEVEL OF TRUST AND HONESTY EXPECTED ON YOUR PART.
(Oh I took notice alright... Trust and honesty to a scammer... right, got that.)
NOTE:- KINDLY REPLY THROUGH THIS EMAIL ADDRESS:- pattychim500@yahoo.com
(anyone who would like to say hi to Pat please go ahead and email him.)
BEST REGARDS.
DR. PATRICK CHIM.
(I wonder where did Dr. Patrick Chim got his PhD?)
DEAR SIR,
URGENT & CONFIDENTIAL!!!.
AFTER DUE DELIBERTION WITH MY COLLEAGUES, I HAVE THE
PLEASURE TO FORWARD TO YOU THIS MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL
PROPOSAL. WE REQUIRE A RELIABLE FOREIGN INDIVIDUAL OR
COMPANY WHO WILL ASSIST US TO RECEIVE THE SUM OF
USD$100 MILLON INTO HIS/HER BANK ACCOUNT.
(Why make millons when we could make *pinkie to mouth* millions?)
THIS FUND RESULTED FROM A CONTRACT WHICH OUR COMMITTEE
AWARDED IN 1999 IN COLLABORATION WITH SOME PAST
MILITARY OFFICERS. THE SAID CONTRACT WAS SUCCESSFULLY
COMPLETED AND COMMISSIONED AND THE FOREIGN CONTRACTORS
WAS PAID THE PRINCIPAL COST OF THE CONTRACT LEAVING
THE SUM USD$100 MILLION WHICH WE DELIBRATELY ADDED.
UNFORTUNATELY,AS CIVIL SERVANTS, WE ARE NOT ALLOWED TO
OWN FOREIGN ACCOUNT.HENCE WE ARE SEEKING YOUR ASSISTANCE. MY COLLEAGUES AND I AFTER DUE CONSIDRATION AGREED ON THE FOLLOWING SHARING RATIO;
1, 30% FOR YOU THE ACCOUNT OWNER
2, 60% FOR MYSELF AND MY COLLEAGUES.
3, 10% FOR LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL EXPENCES THAT
MIGHT BE INCURED IN THE COURSE OF THIS TRANSACTION.
(yeah right, mate. 60% isn't that fair! Civil servants of which country anyway?)
TO REDUCE YOUR CURIOSITY AND DOUBT, LET ME SINCERELY
INFORM YOU THAT WE OBTAINED YOUR CONTACT ADDRESS FROM
REPUTABLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRIES AND I AM
THE GENERAL SECRETARY OF THE CONTRACT AWARD COMMITTEE
OF THE FEDERAL OIL AND GAS BOARD (FOGB).
(I didn't know I had connections with reputable chamber of commerce and industries since I'm in the poor research business. And Pat here seems to be a highly ranked, secretary of the... what again?*getting curious*)
WE ALL HAVE PUT IN SO MANY YEARS IN SERVICE AND HAVE THUS
PATIENTLY WAITED FOR THIS GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY. MOST
IMPORTANTLY, WE WANT TO CONCLUDE THIS TRANSACTION
BEFORE THE END OF THIS FINANCIAL YEAR.
TO FACILITATE THE TRANSFER OF THE FUND, WE SHALL
REQUIRE:
1, YOUR BANKER’S NAME,ADDRESS,ACCOUNTNUMBER,NAME
OF BENEFICIARY,FAX AND PHONE NUMBERS.
2,YOUR COMPANY’S NAME,ADDRESS,PRIVATE FAX AND
PHONE NUMBERS FOR EASY COMMUNICATION.
WITH THE ABOVE INFORMATION, WE WILL ON YOUR BEHALH
SEEK APPROVAL FOR THE FUND TRANSFER FROM OUR FEDERAL
MINISTRIES CONCERNED.
(And on my behalh please go and hang yourself)
TAKE NOTICE THAT A HIGH LEVEL OF CONFIDENTIALITY
SHOULD BE ACCORDED THIS TRANSACTION AND EVEN A HIGHER
LEVEL OF TRUST AND HONESTY EXPECTED ON YOUR PART.
(Oh I took notice alright... Trust and honesty to a scammer... right, got that.)
NOTE:- KINDLY REPLY THROUGH THIS EMAIL ADDRESS:- pattychim500@yahoo.com
(anyone who would like to say hi to Pat please go ahead and email him.)
BEST REGARDS.
DR. PATRICK CHIM.
(I wonder where did Dr. Patrick Chim got his PhD?)
Monday, July 03, 2006
Summer Hols
Been away on a little break to Italy. It was great. Florence was the choice of stay, but I got to travel a bit around the country on day trips... My week of rambling was filled with extreme (37 degree) temperature, Culex mosquitoes, Italian language, fumes of alcohol and generally trying to pace the Italian way of life...Here are some of the memoriable pics of that lovely country.
Shock! That was my expression when I realised that I'm going to have to sit on that ATR plane courtesy of Alitalia. Err... give me Ryan Air anytime... but then again what an experience... I doubt I'll have a chance to sit on a propellar plane again.
Room with a view. The Villa I stayed in was eclectic, with their own orchard and vineyard... best part though was the view from my room... Overlooking the city of Florence, I just had to enjoy a cool drink of Campari mixx on the balcony amidst the scorching temperature.
Yes, why don't I?
Replica of David looking a little shy there...;)
The famous Florence Duomo, peaking out at the end of a lane...
The hand of San Giovanni on display in the Siena Duomo. 
Gondolas parked in a row in Venice's San Marco square...
Where else would you go to get Venetian masks?
In Italy, kids are in a hurry to get to school... Go kids!
Bye bye Firenze... I'll definitely be back to ramble around the Tuscan landscape again! But for now, I'm back with a tan and work starts again... sniff.
Friday, June 16, 2006
Sushi!
And the weather is back to the warming twenties. Times like this makes me wanna eat sushi. So even when there is no time to sit and eat comfortably, there is always Sainsbury's that does (not so great) takeaway sushis. Well, it's better than a sandwich! Then again, where abouts can I find a sushi ya in Oxford? Hmmm.
Here's a funny video I found on YouTube about sushi etiquette. Enjoy!
Here's a funny video I found on YouTube about sushi etiquette. Enjoy!
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Not exactly DNA, but...
Got this personality DNA quiz thing from SeaDevilyn. It's fun. But don't think it's really reading your DNA, mind.
Generous Inventor
You are an Inventor
Your imagination, self-reliance, openness to new things, and appreciation for utility combine to make you an INVENTOR.
You have the confidence to make your visions into reality, and you are willing to consider many alternatives to get that done.
The full spectrum of possibilities in the world intrigues you—you're not limited by pre-conceived notions of how things should be.
Problem-solving is a specialty of yours, owing to your persistence, curiosity, and understanding of how things work.
Your vision allows you to identify what's missing from a given situation, and your creativity allows you to fill in the gaps.
Your awareness of how things function gives you the ability to come up with new uses for common objects.
It is more interesting for you to pursue excitement than it is to get caught up in a routine.
Although understanding details is not difficult for you, you specialize in seeing the bigger picture and don't get caught up in specifics.
You tend to more proactive than reactive—you don't just wait for things to come to you.
If you want to be different:
Try applying your creativity to more artistic arenas, and letting your imagination take less practical forms.
How you relate to others:
You are Generous
Your awareness of those around you, along with your nuanced perceptions of the world at large, makes you the GENEROUS person that you are.
You value time to yourself and understand how rich your private world can be—you know that you don't have to go wild to have a good time.
You are excited and energized by ideas and often enjoy things more through observation than through experience.
This tendency gives you an appreciation for different perspectives and opinions about the world.
Being as aware of others as you are doesn't mean you find it easy to trust them immediately—this is something that happens more slowly for you.
Despite this, you are aware of the complexities of many situations and are reluctant to pass judgments on others.
Although you have fewer friendships than some people, those that you have are meaningful and are important to you.
You value spending time alone—it is while reflecting on the world around you that you often learn something new about yourself or begin to understand something that's been bothering you.
If you want to be different:
Given how attuned you are to others' thoughts and feelings, you might find that trusting people more is a way to broaden your perspective even further.
While you know how much can be learned from observing the world around you, remember that much of life can be lived by experiencing it, not just by understanding it.
Hmmm... that sounds like me in a nutshell alright. Look at the pretty colours ooooo @_@.
You are an Inventor
Your imagination, self-reliance, openness to new things, and appreciation for utility combine to make you an INVENTOR.
You have the confidence to make your visions into reality, and you are willing to consider many alternatives to get that done.
The full spectrum of possibilities in the world intrigues you—you're not limited by pre-conceived notions of how things should be.
Problem-solving is a specialty of yours, owing to your persistence, curiosity, and understanding of how things work.
Your vision allows you to identify what's missing from a given situation, and your creativity allows you to fill in the gaps.
Your awareness of how things function gives you the ability to come up with new uses for common objects.
It is more interesting for you to pursue excitement than it is to get caught up in a routine.
Although understanding details is not difficult for you, you specialize in seeing the bigger picture and don't get caught up in specifics.
You tend to more proactive than reactive—you don't just wait for things to come to you.
If you want to be different:
Try applying your creativity to more artistic arenas, and letting your imagination take less practical forms.
How you relate to others:
You are Generous
Your awareness of those around you, along with your nuanced perceptions of the world at large, makes you the GENEROUS person that you are.
You value time to yourself and understand how rich your private world can be—you know that you don't have to go wild to have a good time.
You are excited and energized by ideas and often enjoy things more through observation than through experience.
This tendency gives you an appreciation for different perspectives and opinions about the world.
Being as aware of others as you are doesn't mean you find it easy to trust them immediately—this is something that happens more slowly for you.
Despite this, you are aware of the complexities of many situations and are reluctant to pass judgments on others.
Although you have fewer friendships than some people, those that you have are meaningful and are important to you.
You value spending time alone—it is while reflecting on the world around you that you often learn something new about yourself or begin to understand something that's been bothering you.
If you want to be different:
Given how attuned you are to others' thoughts and feelings, you might find that trusting people more is a way to broaden your perspective even further.
While you know how much can be learned from observing the world around you, remember that much of life can be lived by experiencing it, not just by understanding it.
Hmmm... that sounds like me in a nutshell alright. Look at the pretty colours ooooo @_@.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Sleepy...
Just when I've said it's too hot, down comes rain... and lots of it (okay, not a tropical storm or anything like that mind). So now the temperature is down to 16 degrees. Actually, I'm glad that it's raining. My room isn't so warm anymore.
But then again, this weather is making me lazy... I wanna go home and have a nap...
zzzzzz
I think I'll just go home now. To heck with work.
But then again, this weather is making me lazy... I wanna go home and have a nap...
zzzzzz
I think I'll just go home now. To heck with work.
Monday, June 12, 2006
Scorching Weekend
Temperature: 27 degrees. It isn't even this hot in Cardiff!
And as this weekend was that hot, play was really really in order!
Saturday:
Karate training for 2 hours straight! And the dojo was like an oven. I think I almost keeled over with Sensei's zealous but great training.
Then, a small late birthday dinner party till really late. Lots of cocktails which was not such a good idea when hydrated before from a 2 hour workout...
Some sneak peek at World Cup scores in between (Sweden draws??? eh???)
Sunday:
Lazy start of the day. Spent some time with a friend watching TV. Then off to the park with some people to attempt cricket. I say attempt because I don't know what I was doing most times... This is then followed by a mini-picnic.
So I guess that was a good weekend. But I wouldn't mind a bit of rain now. Brain is overheating and sleeping at night is getting difficult. And my laptop is desperately trying to cool down with its noisy fan.
Hope everyone has a good weekend?
And as this weekend was that hot, play was really really in order!
Saturday:
Karate training for 2 hours straight! And the dojo was like an oven. I think I almost keeled over with Sensei's zealous but great training.
Then, a small late birthday dinner party till really late. Lots of cocktails which was not such a good idea when hydrated before from a 2 hour workout...
Some sneak peek at World Cup scores in between (Sweden draws??? eh???)
Sunday:
Lazy start of the day. Spent some time with a friend watching TV. Then off to the park with some people to attempt cricket. I say attempt because I don't know what I was doing most times... This is then followed by a mini-picnic.
So I guess that was a good weekend. But I wouldn't mind a bit of rain now. Brain is overheating and sleeping at night is getting difficult. And my laptop is desperately trying to cool down with its noisy fan.
Hope everyone has a good weekend?
Friday, June 09, 2006
Here comes the sun!
And I say it's alright...
Yay finally the feeling of summer is here! It's a lovely 25 degrees. I'm gonna try enjoy this as much as I can while it's here!
Punting, Rowing, Tennis, World Cup, Cricket, Gin and Tonic, Pimms and Lemonade, Strawberries and cream, barbecues, Rosé wines...
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...
^_^
Yay finally the feeling of summer is here! It's a lovely 25 degrees. I'm gonna try enjoy this as much as I can while it's here!
Punting, Rowing, Tennis, World Cup, Cricket, Gin and Tonic, Pimms and Lemonade, Strawberries and cream, barbecues, Rosé wines...
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...
^_^
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Busy Monday
So yesterday was my birthday yay! But what a Monday. the usual lab work until 6.30pm, then a meeting at 7.30pm, and finally a couple of my friends and I went out for a pub meal at about 9pm! The said two then gave me presents, a birthday muffin, and a special cocktail to boot. My birthday celebration, when celebrated, are always on the low key. I like that.
Alas now I'm coming down with a cold I think. Sigh!
Alas now I'm coming down with a cold I think. Sigh!
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Midweek blues
Breakdown of lab machines,
Setting back experiments,
Cleaning duty woes,
Mosquito rearing boredom.
Alarms are beeping,
From the cooling facility,
Due to broken air-conditioning,
Giving me a headache.
Brain drained away,
By mundane repetition,
Of laboratory life,
Situated in a basement.
Bank Holidays mean nothing,
When you have to work anyway,
At my wits end,
when things go wrong.
So this is midweek,
Another two days labour,
Time flies by so quickly,
Even when you are not having fun.
Setting back experiments,
Cleaning duty woes,
Mosquito rearing boredom.
Alarms are beeping,
From the cooling facility,
Due to broken air-conditioning,
Giving me a headache.
Brain drained away,
By mundane repetition,
Of laboratory life,
Situated in a basement.
Bank Holidays mean nothing,
When you have to work anyway,
At my wits end,
when things go wrong.
So this is midweek,
Another two days labour,
Time flies by so quickly,
Even when you are not having fun.
Monday, May 22, 2006
It's still raining!
After two weeks, the weather is still grey and wet. Gah! Please! I don't want to cycle on the slippery road and getting a free shower anymore! Besides, would like to participate in some outdoor sports. Right now, what is on offer is Aqua Tennis. But really that isn't my thing...
So anyway, I've gone for two lessons of Karate... Ouch! Seven years of hiatus in this field has left me in muscle fatigue (pain!) that did experienced when I first started in martial arts. At least I can still remember some basic kicks and blocks :S, but not much else. So at the end, I've resolved to start again from the beginning. One thing I like about the Oxford Karate Club is the dojo. It really is a dojo! Wow! Oh and the sensei insists on using Japanese terms only so I'm left a little baffled at times because my previous experience was taught in English. But hey, at least then joining Karate not only gives you the workout and martial arts skill, but also teachers you a new language.
Right, I best cycle home now while the rain is letting up a little.
An obscure observation: When it is raining, and you sing the song "Rain rain go away", does it rain harder or does the rain stop? In my experiences, it always rain harder and harder! Okay, this is bull I know. (For the record, I only did this when I was young! :P)
So anyway, I've gone for two lessons of Karate... Ouch! Seven years of hiatus in this field has left me in muscle fatigue (pain!) that did experienced when I first started in martial arts. At least I can still remember some basic kicks and blocks :S, but not much else. So at the end, I've resolved to start again from the beginning. One thing I like about the Oxford Karate Club is the dojo. It really is a dojo! Wow! Oh and the sensei insists on using Japanese terms only so I'm left a little baffled at times because my previous experience was taught in English. But hey, at least then joining Karate not only gives you the workout and martial arts skill, but also teachers you a new language.
Right, I best cycle home now while the rain is letting up a little.
An obscure observation: When it is raining, and you sing the song "Rain rain go away", does it rain harder or does the rain stop? In my experiences, it always rain harder and harder! Okay, this is bull I know. (For the record, I only did this when I was young! :P)
Friday, May 19, 2006
Monday, May 15, 2006
English Summer Rain
"English Summer Rain
Always stays the same, nothing ever changes,
English summer rain seems to last for ages.
Always stays the same, nothing ever changes,
English summer rain seems to last for ages."
Somehow sometimes the weather suits my mood. As said absent grey matter in cranial cavity is no where to be found, and things just feel absolutely stagnant at the moment.
I'm in the basement, you're in the sky,
I'm in the basement baby, drop on by.
I'm in the basement, you're in the sky,
I'm in the basement baby, drop on by.
And what is worst is my basement lab (which I sometime refer to as the "dungeon" for it's cold and gloomy interior decor). I could just about see the rain from the small underground window. There is hardly any light coming through it.
Always stays the same, nothing ever changes,
English summer rain seems to last for ages.
Always stays the same, nothing ever changes,
English summer rain seems to last for ages.
I'm in the basement, you're in the sky,
I'm in the basement baby, drop on by.
I'm in the basement, you're in the sky,
I'm in the basement baby, drop on by.
Hold your breath and count to ten,
And fall apart and start again,
Hold your breath and count to ten,
Start again, start again...
Hold your breath and count your step,
And fall apart and start again,
Start again...
Always stays the same, nothing ever changes,
English summer rain seems to last for ages.
Always stays the same, nothing ever changes,
English summer rain seems to last for ages.
Hold your breath and count to ten,
And fall apart and start again,
hold your breath and count to ten,
Start again, start again...
Hold your breath and count to ten,
And fall apart and start again,
Old your breath and count to ten,
And start again, and start again,
Start again...
Maybe when the sun decides to make appearance sometime this week, my life would feel and be a little better. Right now I'll have to wait patiently and plough on.
"English Summer Rain" lyrics by Placebo
Always stays the same, nothing ever changes,
English summer rain seems to last for ages.
Always stays the same, nothing ever changes,
English summer rain seems to last for ages."
Somehow sometimes the weather suits my mood. As said absent grey matter in cranial cavity is no where to be found, and things just feel absolutely stagnant at the moment.
I'm in the basement, you're in the sky,
I'm in the basement baby, drop on by.
I'm in the basement, you're in the sky,
I'm in the basement baby, drop on by.
And what is worst is my basement lab (which I sometime refer to as the "dungeon" for it's cold and gloomy interior decor). I could just about see the rain from the small underground window. There is hardly any light coming through it.
Always stays the same, nothing ever changes,
English summer rain seems to last for ages.
Always stays the same, nothing ever changes,
English summer rain seems to last for ages.
I'm in the basement, you're in the sky,
I'm in the basement baby, drop on by.
I'm in the basement, you're in the sky,
I'm in the basement baby, drop on by.
Hold your breath and count to ten,
And fall apart and start again,
Hold your breath and count to ten,
Start again, start again...
Hold your breath and count your step,
And fall apart and start again,
Start again...
Always stays the same, nothing ever changes,
English summer rain seems to last for ages.
Always stays the same, nothing ever changes,
English summer rain seems to last for ages.
Hold your breath and count to ten,
And fall apart and start again,
hold your breath and count to ten,
Start again, start again...
Hold your breath and count to ten,
And fall apart and start again,
Old your breath and count to ten,
And start again, and start again,
Start again...
Maybe when the sun decides to make appearance sometime this week, my life would feel and be a little better. Right now I'll have to wait patiently and plough on.
"English Summer Rain" lyrics by Placebo
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Wanted: Missing brain
If there is a theme song for me, right now it would be "Where's your head at" by Basement Jaxx. Really, I'm doing research like a headless monkey. I get so muddled up and tell my supervisor (who can be scary sometimes) the wrong things. It's like a writer's block, except that there's no capacity to analyse or execute experiments properly instead of creative writing.
So, I was told to go and review my work. How shameful.
:(
Why in the world am I so confused? Lack of concentration? Maybe I don't really have the brain to do this line of work... can someone lend me a brain please?
Maybe I need to clear my head first.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Bogged down
I'm so bogged down with work and other responsibilities to the point of going insane.
"I think I'm drowning
asphyxiated
I wanna break this spell
that you've created"
Just how far will I let this go on?
"you will be the death of me
you will be the death of me
bury it
I won't let you bury it
I won't let you smother it
I won't let you murder it
our time is running out
our time is running out
you can't push it underground
you can't stop it screaming out"
I need to find a way to keep myself in one piece. I can't and won't let things get in the way of my own life.
(Partial lyrics from Muse, Time is Running Out)
"I think I'm drowning
asphyxiated
I wanna break this spell
that you've created"
Just how far will I let this go on?
"you will be the death of me
you will be the death of me
bury it
I won't let you bury it
I won't let you smother it
I won't let you murder it
our time is running out
our time is running out
you can't push it underground
you can't stop it screaming out"
I need to find a way to keep myself in one piece. I can't and won't let things get in the way of my own life.
(Partial lyrics from Muse, Time is Running Out)
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
May Day, Oxford style
Sunday. A few new friends and I took a trip down to Magdalen College for an all nighter movie marathon, hoping to brush away this dark cloud that is building within me. Magdalen as some may have known, is one of the more well known Oxford colleges, and more recently as one of the colleges used for the Harry Porter movies. We stayed awake the whole night, watching films that require little or no brain power. Then at 6 am May Day, we braved the rain and cold, and gathered in the courtyard to witness an annual tradition that dates back to the 4th century called Evensong. Above the Magdalen Tower, the choristers gathered and as the soon as the bell in the tower finished ringing six time, they started to sing, it was as if everything was frozen, except for the hymn that echoed into the stillness. Then there was a short latin prayer, and another hymn. Somehow, it was a calming experience, even though I was still carrying a gloom along with me...
I guess that the previous weeks' positivity is at it's end, I am back to the melancholy that is too familiar. I remember my teenage years, when nearly everyday was like this... even to a point where I could barely move to do anything. It's sometimes amazing how I could have gotten myself somewhat afloat again, even if it isn't so well done. But hey, I'm still here, fighting year after year to maintain buoyancy... And here again I feel that same dead weight that wants to drag me down into the deeps of despair.
So as I was standing on the grass of the courtyard, looking up at Magdalen Tower, I wonder what is it I am here for... I now remind myself of a quote from a former Magdalen college student:
"The aim of life is self-development. To realize one's nature perfectly - that is what each of us is here for."
- Oscar Wilde, 1854 - 1900
I hope you are right, Mr. Wilde. I hope you are right...
Now, I wonder how many idiotic students has jumped off Magdalen Bridge into the shallow river Cherwell as part of a May Day celebration this year?
Monday, April 24, 2006
Another Sunday antics
Sunday was rainy, so what better to do at home? Another cooking experiment! My, is this turning out to be a food blog?
After Easter, I had some leftover white chocolate and about a pint of double cream... what better excuse to make some creme brulee? :P
Firstly, made some Langue De Chat on Friday night... to much of a housemate's irritation as I only finished baking by midnight. Sorry!
And then on to the brulee - white chocolate and raspberry brulee that is... Unfortunately, I couldn't get the burnt sugar layer right as I only have an electric grill... Here's the first one served with extra raspberries and Langue De Chat.
Second attempt , still couldn't get the caramel right. I guess that's why people usually use a blowtorch. So if anyone would like to buy me a blowtorch as a birthday present... much appreciated, as strange as that sounds!
After Easter, I had some leftover white chocolate and about a pint of double cream... what better excuse to make some creme brulee? :P
Firstly, made some Langue De Chat on Friday night... to much of a housemate's irritation as I only finished baking by midnight. Sorry!
And then on to the brulee - white chocolate and raspberry brulee that is... Unfortunately, I couldn't get the burnt sugar layer right as I only have an electric grill... Here's the first one served with extra raspberries and Langue De Chat.
Second attempt , still couldn't get the caramel right. I guess that's why people usually use a blowtorch. So if anyone would like to buy me a blowtorch as a birthday present... much appreciated, as strange as that sounds!
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