Bye bye 2009.

I'm writing my 144th post, the last post of 2009. 144? That's a lot of things that I wrote.

So 2009, I don't know what is it with you, but somehow, I find you somewhat special to me, compared with other years, I can't seem to find a label for your year. Too many things happen in a short time. Maybe it's because of my 16th year of existence on this Earth, somehow, 16 years is a milestone for many people.

2006 - Year of Play.
2007 - Year of Understanding.
2008 - Year of Learning.
2009 - Year of ?

I'd say this: 2009 - Year of Memories.

Goodbye 2009!

New year, new layout.

In preparation for the new year of 2010, I too changed my blog layout. The layout is made by my own doings and not by any 3rd party templates, so I do take pride in it XD, guess I'm more of the D.I.Y. type.

So a rough description of the changes are this, I changed from the simple white colour motif into a more warmer yellow and red, in addition to some woody feel. I also will change my writing from report style to reflection and analysis type. But I'm keeping the music theme in a different form, so I used etudes. Etudes are actually musical pieces used not for performance, but rather for perfecting a musician's particular skill, for example for wind and brass players, they have slur etudes for them. So as such, I'll be doing this blog in a way to see my own flaws, like right now, I can see that I'm too detailed...

Apart from all this, I'd like to wish everyone a Happy New Year, and to remind readers that time is short on Earth, appreciate it. Do comment about the new layout, I'd be delighted to hear them.

The Bygone Days.

In 3 more days, it will be the end of 2009, so far, 16 years of my life living a happy and satisfied guy so far. What am going to do about this? Wait and see. I got a long new year resolution.

Band band band... A big part of my life ever since 2006. And now, I'm heading towards the edge of the cliff. Only a year left, can we make it? Can we earn back what we lost so much this year?

What did I do the whole of this year? If I were to move on to next year, I should analyse this...
Let's see,
1) I learned so much more about life, making it my 16 year milestone.
2) I learned a lot in school, and am preparing to learn more next year.
3) I made music like no one's business this year.
4) I learned a lot of drumming basics I failed to catch when I first started.
5) I learned how it was like to be in love, and to have a heart ache.
6) I found out more about myself, my flaws, and my many problems, and am still coping to improve it.
7) I learn a lot about my Religion.
8) I made a lot of new friends.
9) I found many beautiful music.
10) I fortified my previous friendship with friends of old in KL.

Now hopefully, I'll get to write more next year.

Back from yesterday, going on tomorrow.

Time, a word used to described a very complex, often misunderstood, yet always take for granted existing piece of dimension. And when I say day, I mean to complain yet again, that time waits for no man. Another year, another 365 days, gone just like that.

Am prepared? No... Form 5, don't deceive me, for I am at your mercy.

To all the PMR students who just got their results, congratulations to you for fully completing the lower secondary cycle, and once you come to form 4, time will fly ever faster, as I myself will prepare for the jet propelled year of 2010 in form 5.

Passing Out 2009.

Yesterday, the Nan Hwa Band held its 30th annual Passing Out ceremony. What can I say?

Well, for starters, I learned something very important. It's not just the music that we are performing that counts, nor whether we are enjoying what we are performing, but rather, it's about making other people enjoy, and enjoy even the least possible reasons to be happy. And what I can conclude is this, even though this year's passing out is by proportion not as impressive as last year, to me, it is equally, if not more, meaningful.

Another generation of band members are going soon, last night's performance being their last for most of them, I can say that I will definitely miss them a lot, being only a year younger then them, It can be said that despite not really knowing some of them, seeing their faces for the past 4 years nearly everyday is enough to affirm this unique relationship called band mates.

Song wise, my personal favorite is the Sound of Music and Santa's Christmas Symphony. I grew up with The Sound of Music, so it always bring nostalgia whenever I hear the songs, I can rest tonight a happy man because I had the honour of playing a solo, albeit with some hiccups, but not all too obvious. As for the other song, I always love Christmas songs and carol, they always bring the spirit of Christmas to all who hear it, wonderful as such that tis' the season to be jolly!

And for every Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year follows, let this be a true statement, for a year ahead, it will be my generation's turn to take the leap of fate. A Jolly Christmas to everyone!

The Little Drummer Boy.

The Little Drummer Boy, a song that can be found in most Christmas Song compilation. Only last year did I actually sang the song and get to know it. And boy, what a song it is indeed.

Recently, I was spending my time re-arranging Christmas songs into parts for Percussion Keyboard Ensemble, using Finale. And until now, I am still compiling. So far, one of my favorite is The Little Drummer Boy, partly beacuse I myself am a drummer XD (biased...)

The song tells the story about a boy who wishes to meet the New Born King, Baby Jesus, but has no gifts fit for a King. All he brought was his drum to play on, where he would play the songs he played on the streets, songs which most people would ignore. Nevertheless, he was granted permission to play, and he played with all his heart, making the Baby smile. This shows the beauty of music, that even a single-pitched drum can create the wonders fit for a Divine King, how much more can you get from music? Ah, such wonder and awe.


This version is arranged by me, for keyboard percussion, made using Finale. Do leave some comment.

Instruments: 1 snare drum, 2 bells, 2 vibraphones, 1 chimes, 1 triangle.

The lyrics: link

Music, my best friend?...

Ironic that this post has nothing to do with the title. I'm here to share torments and troubles of late, while listening to some self-arranged Christmas Songs and Carols.

It's bad enough to know that we might not have any marching activities next year. Now?? No passing out??? I came all the way back to Sitiawan all for the love of music when I could go to many activities waiting for me in KL. Love is sweet, and the scars it makes are sweeter.

Now with nearly everything I looked forward to since last year is being cleared, removed! ALAS!

I can only hope, and in the mean time, hope that the Phoenix will rise from the ash, only this time, I will not be Phoenix anymore, but the ash that was discarded.

Not the final year I imagined of...

It all began with a major controversy toward the end of the schooling semester. It dampened the hopes of our instructor. HE began to see the many flaws of this organization, its corruption, its many lies. Just like a venom, THAT controversy spread like wild fire, its effect toward the whole group more and more apparent.

Now, my initial beliefs are almost gone, my perception of this organization is blurring, and my trust is fading.

Why it has to be so? I always dream my graduation year as a happy event, the year where as much memories are made as possible. Now it seems a major possibility is being removed. Why my last year in the group should be spent in absence of drills, marches and metronomes? Oh so sad is me if this should happen.

Much that I enjoy the concert trainings, even they are under the influence of that foul venom! So much so the culprit is one that I respect, all I hope he regrets and learn... But for so much I know him, I believe he isn't.

Well, but a year like this, all I can say is, HOPE! It's when you believe where the miracle happens, so much so, my hope shall not die!

Progress.

The tempo? Never above 80. The drums? Only one set was cleaned before. Players? Still good, hope they build their interest, Jessica still a bit passive...

And so, the 4th day of the week already. What did the training did? Improved playing with a metronome. All 3 songs settled. All but one thing keeps us from moving forward... Kai Hang... but can't blame him. He got family matters, and only made it to the 1st sectional practice...

I myself can only accomplish as much as them so far. Striving for better results. At least I can rest easy for now. Once Kai Hang comes back, tempo is going up, up, UP. Going to let Ben and Jess practice with metronome while I resolve Kai Hang...

And so, I will go now, preparing to enjoy tomorrow's concert practice, wee~

Worries, troubles and regrets.

What thus is so bothering to me?

1) Not studying as much as I aimed I did during the holidays.
2) Not doing my music homework.
3) Not practicing my piano often enough.
4) Not going out to interact with my friends often enough
5) Not properly preparing myself in tenor drum.
6) Not sure as to be able to guide the other tenor drum players to meet the requirement by the deadline.
7) Not stopping myself from being stuck at the computer.

I wish to overcome all this, now that I had listed it out.

Tenor Drum Business.

After all that travelling, I finally settle down in Sitiawan. Apart from preparing for the year-end concert, I'll be busy training the tenor drummers, while I myself is still a novice... Members leave real fast, I too wish I had a senior to guide me. But time passes, I'm becoming another generation's senior...

To start with, today's sectional was a rough idea of what's to come. I'll say this, they are progressing fast, yes, but not fast enough given the deadline on our target. But I must say I am very impress, I myself wouldn't be able to do what they are doing now if I were their age.

But mistakes are still mistakes. Need more work on stick gripping, pinkie fingers still sticking out a bit. Rhythm sense need some fine-tuning. Drum basics, like I always say, if you're not gifted, you ought to work-out yourself. Posture, minor problem, but still needs improvement. Always remember to mark time. Accents and taps should be more distinguished. Strokes, like drum basics, need to be practices constantly on the long term. Stamina, I'll start that by the end of Christmas, push-ups, running and breath control (yes, even percussionists need some breath control), I won't be sexist, girls need to do it too. Tempo, once the metronome is working, I'll try to use it. I hope you're reading this Ben and Jess (Edwil don't have bloggy, can't expect him to read...)

So, try and absorb as much when I teach. Happy trainings.

Christmas Blues?

How's holidays? It's that same dreaded answer my friends, "Boring"... Why so? Maybe for me, it's because some of my friends already started working and have no time to communicate with me...

Christmas? Where's the spirit? Extinct due to global warming? T_T I hope not...

Suddenly have the impulse to transcribe my own Christmas Carols and hymns for piano and play it.

Should I do it? Maybe, better than 4 hours of computer non-stop...

Candy canes are hard to get nowadays though.

Lick Hung 6D/2005 Gathering 2-12-2009.

So it all begin in early November, where a sudden impulsion in me wanted find my ex-classmates in Subang Jaya. Bang, thanks to facebook, I found them!!! 6 years since, we haven't contacted each other.

And so, as fate would have it, I was able to make it to the mini gathering (only 8 of the 50 made it). But it was nevertheless, a priceless re-union. My old primary school didn't adapted the streaming system, meaning that if I had stayed from standard 1 to 6, I would be with the same classmates for 6 year regardless of my results. Too bad for me, I was a below-average in a class full of above-average.

So where was the gathering? Sunway Lagoon of course XD. Had fun? Sure! Had a headache? of course... The rides were pretty exciting, the 360 degree a wee bit too much for me, gave me a headache. The water games? Never gets old.

But all this were not important as long as you got friends, yeah. So what can I say? After 6 years without much contact, how was the meeting? Satisfying, that's the word. Just 7 of them and I already had some difficulty remembering them, they changed a lot, especially the girls, don't look one bit like they used to in primary times. But the boys, I can remember better. Alas, if only the other 42 were there. I believe many of them had left without contact after standard 6 too, also as eager as me to meet up soon, I'll be looking forward to that.

中国大陆之七日游

Don't think that since the title is Chinese, the contents will be Chinese... Actually I can do it, but I'm just lazy and short of time.

Ok, China trip 2009... Fun? I don't know, it isn't a bad trip, but still, lacks that "oomph". Why? We went to many non-tourist spots. No souvenirs my friends, sorry.

Actually, this China trip is more or less meant for my grandfather, his wish to meet his relatives back in China. So basically, we went to the Fujian province, the southern part of China. 1st day was spent in Xiamen. Being the capital of Fujian, it's pretty much like most modern cities in the world, comparable to that ok KL, but 10 times larger. People there speak Hokkien, also called Minan. Next day, we went to Longyan, also in Fujian. Here, we went to a few spots to do some sight seeing. Can't recall much actually. By the next day, we went to what they call the "Mud Building", a large round building, where the Hakkas used to live. Since my grandfather is of Hakka origin, no questions about why we come here. But till then, we have yet to make contact wit the relatives.

Night come, we went to Meizou, now in Guangdong province. The Hakkas fled from the northern parts of China, finally to settle eventually in the borders of Guangdong and Fujian, thus now we are here. Meizou can be described as the Sitiawan of China, in terms of development. So not much tourist spots. What can we do? This is where we met our relatives. Should I elaborate? I think not, family matters are private matters. All I can say is we went up to the tip of the mountain just to meet them... Worth it? I think so, finally manage to let my Grandfather live his wish.

Food? Chinese food of course, definitely not a problem... Except for breakfast... Why? Every morning also porridge... I need bread... I need something sweet in the morning... NOT SALTED EGG!!!... Ok, I'm overreacting. As for lunch and dinner, different areas has different styles of cooking. Being in Meizou for most of the trip, it was mostly Hakka food. Hakka food focuses heavily on the taste, meaning that it is very salty... And since they live on higher grounds of China, they need fat fat food. So fat pig dishes are a norm. Apart from that, we also tasted Hokkien food, which is more balanced. The most blend tasting food was Tiow Chew style cooking, more of my type :D.

So all in all? It was still worth it. Just one thing though, through out the trip, the air of Communism was very tick... I felt like I was being watched by a CCTV every minute...

The last day of school.

Last day of school 2009. But I didn't go school, way too bored. Nevertheless, this is another milestone in my life, bravo!

So many things we did in this year of 2009, and yet it felt so short, left to be memories of sweetness.

I bid 4SA farewell, and prepare to enter 5SB. I shall do better, mark my words 2010, I will succeed, I will achieve my target!

And so, I will go forth with dignity and pride.

Rest is for the greater journey.

Just left with 2 days before the start of the year-end holidays. This is probably the 2nd last time I get to enjoy the holidays, my time as a lower student is over, higher education is calling me.

They say, rest is for the greater distance. I know far too well that 2010 is going to knock me off my feet before I can say happy new year.

Jia Xun found a job for the holiday, good for him, hoping to see your new phone! I'll be pretty busy with travelling. I don't mean to brag, but me and my family is going to China for a tour, and in a mean time, visit our distant relatives, and visit our origin.

In addition, after the trip, I'll probably go to my primary school class gathering. Recently manage to reconnect with my friends back in Subang. Lucky for me, they do remember me, much to my delight. Looking forward to meeting them.

And so, to the form 5, good luck with SPM. For the form 3s, the scary world of upper form awaits you, muahahaha. The rest? All I can say? Time will become faster as you grow older.

25th Anniversary Studio Ghibli Concert DVD

I found it! I found it!!! YES!!! I actually found this Magnificent illusive DVD. The 25th Anniversary Studio Ghibli Concert DVD, the one we saw on youtube. The whole event consist of Joe Hisaishi, the composer and arranger for the music of that night’s concert, who himself is present to conduct and perform the piano solos, a 200 piece orchestra, fully equipped and well amplified by perfect amplification device, and a 800 strong choir group, ensuring the purest voice can be heard without need of amplification. I was a lucky man to stumble across the DVD on sale in Ipoh Parade’s Popular Bookstore outlet just yesterday. I am so in love with it! It even comes with a free CD recording. Now I can listen to it in my iPod XD, yay! If you’d like one to keep for yourself, I think most Popular Bookstores should have it, and it only cost RM29.90, worth the price if you ask me, not to mention it comes with a free CD.

For where lies trials.

We were shocked by that news... Of the possibilities... Why? It was that time of the year again, where we gather and celebrate, cheer and shout the joys of the year. It was the time for bonding, where music is everything. We humble agents of this magnificent power came together and with our pure souls express this very nature of emotions.

GONE! Why?! I ask... I refuse to believe it. It has always been what I looked forward to every year since 2007... It was such a thing to look forward to, the time where I can smile, laugh, cry and get carried away to the clouds of joy. Such a wonder, it is...

Such is that I want so much of it, I fear of my own selfishness. I will not stand any of this! I want what of?

Pure Joy of course! I want this magnificent art form to be able to pass through generations. I want the young ones to feel as I do feel it, to understand the joy of what music can bring, and the greater joy of being able to make music...

But all I can do, all we can do, is to just wait, for even the most divine of arts is stained by the realities of the world. Alas!

If tis' the fate that will befall upon us.

Alas... ALAS!!! I can't say enough of it... So far, there is no word in my vocabulary to describe how I feel now. I feel, sad, disappointed, hopeless, and yet, there still last a small glimmer of joy and hope. It's complicated, twas' what happened.

It was depressing... Felt so helpless... How can brothers turn to enemies this way? Years of friendship torn by a single rotten apple... I feel... I just want to make music!!! Why everything has politics involved nowadays?

Peaceful events of, the nature of melodies, the artistic colours of music, where a group of people formed together unite and play... One wonders whether such beauty still exist now...

Alas... For now, all I can say... Is disappointment...

Defination of Epic.

In this blog update, I will share with you all the few "Epics" in music, that is my personal preferance that is. Please do watch before judging or jumping into conclusion.

In the movie soundtrack genre: Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind by Joe Hisaishi.


In the modern classical genre: The Firebird Suite, Finale by Igor Stravinsky.


In the Classical Genre: Ride of the Valkyries by Wagner.


In the jazz genre: Rhapsody in Blue by Gershwin.
Part 1

Part 2


In the drum and bugle corps genre: Cavaliers 2002: Frameworks


In solo instrument genre: Toccata and Fugue in D minor by J.S. Bach (Sorry, couldn't find a decent live version)


In broadway musical genre: Memory by Andrew Lloyd Webber.


If I find anymore epics, I will continue. Hope you enjoy.

This is... As I feared, BORING!

AHHH!!!...

I hate this feeling... Feel like doing something, then don't do it...

Boredom, it kills everything...

Even band time seems a bit laid back...

And school life can't get anymore emptier... At least we are still going on with Chemistry, something that is hard to get XD...

Holidays? Hopefully will be better...

Time comes knocking at the door.

"Hey! Are you there?"

That time of the year again. Time lapse becomes more apparent. I hear that phrase every so often... Can't this torment end? School days, we were yearning for holidays. Now? Holidays, I'm yearning for some homework!

Time, such an enigma, so mysterious, it can never be understood, probably one of God's most impressive creation in terms of existence. We can think and believe it is constant. But ever thought of constant eternity? Hard to imagine that there will be no end to time.

Before long, I'll be celebrating Christmas and the next thing you know, I'm in the school hall sitting the SPM examination. It's scary, really...

Time, such wonder, so often misunderstood... Just magnificent of such existence, I'll wait for eternity to prevail...

Analysis on the concert percussion ensemble.

A re-post of an old blog entry 1 year ago, link.

Nan Hwa Marching Band has reach the stage of “Passing Out” season and is now changing to Nan Hwa Symphonic Wind Band…. So Woodwinds has increased, Brass toned down, and who can Ignore? The Percussion has brought out, like always, the Many characters that can’t be found during the marching season….

First,

Snare Drums:

Pearl Championship Carbonply Series High-Tension Snares

Change to this:


Pearl Symphonic Snare

Big Change ya? No more hard hitting action… literally..

Snares are the icing on the cake during concerts, they give that satisfying rhythm beat. Often times the snare parts are Complex and Demanding, especially the Contemporary pieces. Usually in the Background, they sometimes can be quite aggressive in certain songs, which demands the player to be super fast in playing. There you have it, the snares.

Bass Drum:


Pearl Carbonply Championship Series Bass Drum

Change to this:

Ludwig Suspended Concert Bass Drum

No more Rim shoots ya? hehe

The bass drum is heartbeat, not only to the percussion, but to the whole band. When they play, they play with confidence, the bass player is always ready for that hard hitting climax, or maybe to deliver that soft muffled hit, it’s all in a days work for them. The bass drum is flexible in it’s own right, able to create different effects through out the song, soft and mysterious, piano, or maybe loud and climatic, forte? they can do it all.

Keyboard Percussion:


Yamaha Marching Bells


Yamaha Marching Xylophone

Change to this:

Adams Marimba

Adams Vibraphone

No more back aches, haha…

Keyboard percussion playing is executed with much required accuracy, and demands much dexterity. From slow, ambient sounds, to fierce striking passages, the keyboards are slow yet fast. Their running notes are faster than Olympic sprinters, so accuracy is key to successful playing. The players usually accompany their fast paced actions with flowing body movements, sometimes even jumping once in a while, which can be entertaining for the audience.

The Timpani:

Adams Timpani

If the Bass Drum is the heartbeat of the band, The Timpani may very well be the Backbone. The Timpani’s sustaining sound enables it to be create a resonance effect in the band, making it a very Important Instrument in almost any modern concert band performance. The percussive nature of the Timpani, along with it’s tunable range, gives it a strong bass sound no other instrument can produce, making it unique. The players are usually swift with hands, because playing four drums at the same time can be a challenge. The Timpani, whether soft soothing beats, or loud rolling crescendos, is always ready to bring the band to a whole new level of playing.

The Cymbals:

Marching Cymbal

Change to this:

Concert Cymbal

No More hanging those cymbals for 1 minute, haha..

On the field, Inside the band room, anywhere you go, when there’s a Cymbal, you can bet that there are going to be bright flashing lights. A part from playing those loud crashes, the Cymbalist will open up the Cymbal pairs to project the sound towards the Audience, ensuring the the crash be heard for climatic ends. The Cymbals, are oftentimes, well…. loud. But that doesn’t mean they don’t play soft, some songs require the sizzle effect from the cymbal. Most of the times, the Cymbals are used to make that final climatic crash where the band cannot go any louder, or to bring the music to a dead stop with a final crash.

Auxiliary Percussion:

All the etc of the percussion

The Auxiliary percussion, as it name suggest, are the supporting instruments. You can do away with them, seriously….. But expect extremely dull performance. The Auxiliaries are actually very important because they add the Colours to the music. Like a cherry on a cake, the put a finishing touch into the music. Without them, they won’t be any feeling in the music, no matter how good the other players are.

So to conclude, the percussion section is a very important aspect in the Concert Band, especially in Modern Contemporary music.

The Percussion Ensemble, Ladies and Gentlemen.

Timpano! Tympani! IT's TIMPANI!

Yeah man. Freedom, no studies, computer, card games and fun all day. And to top it up, concert band season is in the air again.

And at long last, I finally get to say hello to Ms. Timpani again today. Ahhh... Nearly a year since I touched the Timpani mallets. What grand feeling.

And how could I forget, the keyboards? I'm coming Chimes!

Not to mention all the kalachang Auxiliary percussion XD. We got the cymbals, suspended cymbals, triangles, maracas, tambourine, shakers, cabasas, claves, castanets, finger cymbals, bongos, congas, gongs, tom toms, etc etc...

I love concert season :D

And so it goes.

AHHHHH~ FREAK OUT!!! Yeah man, finally, a gruelling 15 days finally pass and gone. YEAH!

So many things to do now, just to start with now, this Thursday's presentation and so on... Band and travelling are the few main things to occupy my coming holiday.

And this will officially be the end of form 4 for me... Form 5 is just around the corner. But before I get apocalyptic, let us rejoice for now and forget our worries. As for the 2009 SPM candidates, Good Luck!

End credits for my study year 2009:
To the teachers:
1) Malay: Strict teacher of nightmares. I give you my thanks because nevertheless, you pushed us all in the Malay subject with much determination, I salute you.
2) Chinese: For Pn. Yu, although I only listen to a handful of your lessons, I still appreciate your efforts. For the new teacher (whose name I forget), I just say thank-you good enough -_-
3) English: Psychological master of torment. I say no thank-you because being the reverse psychologist, you will interpret it as 'thank-you'
4) Sejarah: I only paid attention for the first week. But I can tell that you are a great teacher to the willing student. My gratitude to you.
5) Maths: Mr Chow, we all will miss you, the best teacher a student can ask for. As for the rest, just a plain thank-you. But Pn. Lisa, I must say, for a fledgling new teacher, you have the aura of well experience teacher, good luck in your career!
6) Add. Maths: Mr. Ngoh, all I can say is... err, Thanks... As for Ms. Lim, well, good luck in your career...
7) Physics: Mr. Siah, I respect your long years of experience as a teacher, and so I say thank you for the many good sleeps in class.
8) Chemistry: Ms. Chek, still new into your career, I say too a big thank-you, I'll try my best in Chemistry in the future.
9) Biology: Mr. Pang, also thank-you.

As for the rest, also I must say thank you, just that I'm lazy to list out all.
2010 SPM here we COME!!!

Anti-climax.

Yes, I finally reach the anti-climax of the exam (for me that is, might be different for others). Why? Because all my weak subjects are over! YAY!!! Now left with the subjects that I'm comfortable with, that is English, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and General Maths. Don't say I'm showing off. I'm just being honest.

I'm much more relieve than before, and my usual mood is coming back, suddenly feel so full of life and hope XD.

And among all moods to come back to me, one of them is the band mood.

Although I won't be going anywhere near band before the exams are over, I already got a few things to write.

But maybe I'll just save it for next time instead. For now, I want to go full force with my remaining subjects.

So yup, ultimate relieve period is coming. Good luck for the remainder of the exams, and to the SPM candidates, it's our turn next year.

Rejecting my ethnic roots?

Tomorrow, I'll be sitting through the Chinese paper2 exams... Putting an end to nearly half of my burden...

But for now, apart from greatly worrying what will befall upon me tomorrow, I can't help but to rethink the many comments from my friends and families for failing to master my "mother tongue".

"You are a BANANA!!!"
"You as a Chinese, don't know how to speak or read Chinese, very shameful you know"
"China is becoming the dominant force in the near future, master Chinese and you'll flourish"
"Chinese is going to be very important next time"

This are a few examples of what is thrown at me by some relatives. I appreciate their concern, and truly understand that it's the unavoidable future, but I get very offended when they go too far...

"Next time English is going to be useless, Chinese is needed to survive because of China"
"You are going to lose out to all job interviews next time when they see you fail your Chinese"

I mean, come on, yes, I accepted the fact that China is booming, but, IT'S NOT THE ONLY FREAKIN' LANGUAGE LEFT!!! That is what I always shout to myself in my heart...

I know my capabilities. And I can be pretty sure I can't take it. Chinese is a highly challenging language, and apart from simple speech and writing, literature is everything else in Chinese. And for that matter, I've been losing out ever since form 1.

I am not rejecting my ethnic roots, I am proud to be a Chinese, and I am comfortable with my linguistic proficiency in Chinese. Although weak, but still I can communicate (Although with some difficulty) with my other friends who are much more proficient in the language.

But I am not here to shy away from the fact that my Chinese is below average, I know that I AM. But what can we do? There is always that weak link in every culture. I just happen to be one of them.

And for those who always push me to be better, I really know that you all are just trying to help me be better. But I really can't... I'm just not that language lover type, I'm a guy, and somehow, girls are more interested in this area of studies. I admit that I myself don't really fancy English studies as well, and other language for that matter.

I must say, that even though China is now a powerhouse in the economic scenario, I strongly believe that English will not leave so soon, and that is what I really hope for, if not, I won't have much to hope for anymore. I'm so sorry, my ancestors... T_T.

A sigh a regret.

What is that promise I made to myself the start of this year? Have I failed myself?

I told myself: Study hard, aim for the better of your studies. You have slither your way past too many risky bets on your results. 3 years of play is enough. Study... Study...

I stand now, at the brink of the year. End of 2009 is coming. I've broken too many promises. I failed to achieve too many targets this year. I do not want to fail another.

I want my will to study...

Study...

Study......

End of the World isn't far.

What does this image remind you of? Recycle... Did you recycle? Yes. What for? Because of?

Yes, this few days, I've been studying too much Biology chapter 9. Each sentence I read, I get more depressed by the facts and figures. In addition, after viewing Liying's blog, I was further motivated to write this post.

We can say all we like, and do all we must to stop torturing the Earth right? But bear in mind, the day the Earth will burn shall come soon. In this condition, the damage done to our Earth is nearly irreversible.

Those smart-asses of a government will NEVER, I say NEVER do a proper planning on future developments, Malaysia that is...

Recently, there is a report on the polar ice caps of the world, where Scientist have made a prediction that they will fully melt away and disappear from our Earth in as short as 20 YEARS!!!

This the condition of the ozone layer. It never got better since 1981. And I don't see any reason why it won't continue. The major contributor to the breaking down of the Ozone layer is due to CFC. Although nowadays, most air-conditioners and refrigerators do not use the gas anymore, many can products do. How does CFC break down the ozone layer?

Ozone gasses are actually a formation of a 3 oxygen molecule structure. The normal oxygen in the air is a 2 molecular structure, O2. By the chemical reactions as shown above, the O3 is broken down into O2 and a ClO molecules. Thus, the thinning of the ozone layer occurs.

Apart from that, we are microwaving ourselves with our super smart industries, who are emitting greenhouse gasses into the air. I am pretty sure many of you are familiar about the greenhouse effect. So far, we are unable to reduce the emission of it. Instead, greenhouse gasses are increasing steadily over, causing major climate changes. The most obvious change is the melting of the polar ice caps. In turn, the melted ice releases Methane gas, another greenhouse gas. The extra water that was resulted by the meltdown causes flash floods to occur in the lower landed countries. By 20 years time, if the Scientist's predictions are true, Malaysia may not exist anymore.
Lastly, here's the thought provoker: It is interesting to note many activists uses the message of "Save the Earth" as a way to spread the awareness. True, it is really serious, and we need to educate the public about it. BUT, I would like to put emphasis on the fact, that the Earth doesn't need saving. The Earth went through many punishments, surviving catastrophic meteor collision, surviving the freeze over of the Ice Age, surviving the many earth quakes and natural disasters to befall on it... What can we learn? The Earth still survived. All this occurrence is 10 fold of what we are doing now. So what am I trying to prove? This: after all this punishments the Earth went through, it is the things that live on it that suffer the most. Yes, I mean that we are not killing the Earth, but we are killing our species. Evolution will always be the key to live on Earth. It is only the species that cannot stand change and move on to evolve that will lose out in the evolutionary race. Being the pampered and sensitive lot we are, how long can we survive? That is the question.

Final Words.

Final words for? Final Exams of course.

For those who intend to tell me I should be studying now, I'll tell you this... One day before exam is meant for relaxation.

But come to think of it, I've relaxing much too long this year...

But too late for this. I don't call this this regret.

Alas, I still am worried. Just hope for it to end as fast as I am disillusioned.

Good Luck candidates! Wish you all a happy examination (Like that's ever gonna happen...)

Etudes of Life

I am standing on a cliff, two voices sing in my head.

Thus the first voice saith, Jump and all ye worries shall be forgotten;

Thus the second voice replied, Jump and all ye burdens shall double.

And I stand, as the etudes sing in my head.

For ones perfection lies in action, and in action exist this etudes.

But even etudes spare not the cruelty of decisions;

And so I chose what most will not, taking the minor of etudes, I shall embrace!

Depression Period

As the PMR candidates say bye-bye to all their worries, us upper forms are struggling with the building-up pressure, the finals are here...

Specifically 7 more days before the real start of the exam finals... But then, depressing feelings already have started...

And yet the 4SC student are already playing UNO... Sweet? That time of the year again... Depressing... As soon as it reaches the 4th of November, all my studying worries are gone, except for the SPBT woes... (I haven't wrap my text books until now -_-)...

Until than, I'll be studying... Bye for now... Blog deactivated.

Weekend, year-end...

Another year. Another year reaching an end just like that. I'm only 15 1/2 years old and I already feel zero-gravity in this time lapse.. Can't imagine what's coming up in the near future.

Exams, cause depression... I only complain that it must last 3 weeks.. Stupid 3 paper Science stream... ARGGHH!!!

PMR candidates, spend all your time now, enjoy it... I could only say my time has pass.

And so, good luck... The gloomiest time of the year starts next week.

Crazy biology report conclusion.

Subject: Endangered Ecosystem
Conclusion:
The Earth as we know it today is constantly under threat from Mr. Rajesh and his evil plan to take control over the world and maybe even the Star Wars Universe! With his nuclear weapons and technologies in his Iraq base, he intends to intoxicate all remaining clean water sources, forcing all humanity to submit into his evil Tinge brand drinking water product. Only the heroic Ngoo Jia Xun with his 3Rs power can defeat the evil Mr. Rajesh. Humanity's only hope is to locate him in the Ice Crown Glacier in one of Hawaii's volcanic region and to defrost him to revive him. But George W. Bush has sided with Mr. Rajesh and with his environmentally unfriendly political policies with Afghanistan, he will use the United States war machine and McDonalds' burger invasion strategy to corrupt all our rain forest, further forcing us to submit into his Hong Leong furniture brand. But US President Barrack Obama has sworn to find the ancient hero, stating: 'Apart from killing a fly and calling Kanye West a jackass, I myself am a environmentalist. And in saying so, I say, Change We Must! I will do my best to find this hero and ask him to endorse in my political campaign before asking him to save the Earth.' And so, the G-Force expedition team consisting of Guinea Pigs departed from hawaii to go on a tour in San Francisco, visit the Statue of Liberty, pay tribute to the 9-11 heroes in New York, pay a visit to Her Majesty the Queen of England, climb the Eiffel in Paris, take pictures in front of St. Basil's Church in Moscow, Russia, walk the Great Wall of China before landing back in Hawaii to find the mythical hero. When they arrive, they met up with Robinson Crusoe, who was enjoying some chicken drumsticks. But after futher inquiry, they found out that it wasn't chicken, it was Friday. Nevertheless, Robinson offered to lead the G-Force team to the sacred ice-berg. Floating above the lava on the valcano , the G-Force team quickly called reinforcement from their backup team 'GI.Joe' to help break the ice. The legendary hero blasted in the sky and shouted his catchphrase "Ma-Mo-Lik!!!" and flew to the Great Wall of China, took pictures at St. Basil's Church, Moscow, Russia, visit Her Majesty the Queen of England, Climb the Eiffel Tower, pay tribute to the 9-11 heroes, visit the Statue of Liberty before finally reaching the White House. After several photo sessions with Obama, they went on to war with Mr. Rajesh. But Mr. Rajesh unleashed his army of Decepticon army of Transformers upon them. When all hope was lost, Optimus Prime appeared out of nowhere and joined Barrack Obama. Nerds working for Obama went to unleash a wave of DotA heroes such as Troll Warlord and Invoker upon Mr. Rajesh's army. Even Robinson joined the fight, swinging Friday's bone at anybody he sees. at the climax of the battle, the nerd team activated the -WTF mode and all DotA heroes' skills and buffs have no cooldown! They pushed the Rajesh army to the last line until Ngoo Jia Xun could give the fatal blow on Mr. Rajesh's head. in the end, Mr. Rajesh revert back to his teaching duties and the world is saved. The hypothesis is accepted.

2 weeks.

2 weeks from what? Exams, finals!

Alas, so messed up am I right now... My band life? Not getting anywhere... Just concentrate on the Juniors... And I say, my biggest tackle is with time... Time and time again, I have grown. No more that small kid taking orders. Only months away from entering form 5.

They say form 4 is the Honeymoon Year. I lived out that year in between. Call me a study nerd? I wasn't. Call me a playful guy who doesn't care about his future? I got study. Ish! Now what? I don't know... Not sure how I'm going to pass this year's finals...

Love life? Is it even qualified to be called a Love Life? If so, all I can say? Epic fail... Never got worse... Wish I could shout "Bachelor Forever!"...

But then, life's life, gotta keep going...

Conflicts.

Conflicted... I hate that feeling, always leaves me in an indecisive mode.

What do I want? Why would I want it? A relationship? And I said no. I do not want it, there's no reason for me to want... But I need it? Arrghh!! Conflict? What do I want? Am I that desperate?

3 months... 3 months since that... Blissful Ignorance, alas! It can't last. I still have that feeling. It never did change... Ignorance can only last that long... Blissful I am not... Yet, I tell myself, rejoice, to be able to have feelings for someone. Feelings so strong? But unsatisfied. But what can i do? My feelings didn't manage to find its place.

***

Conflicted I am also, such responsibilities... Alas! Part of me wants to embrace it, part of me loathes it... But i shouldn't jump into conclusions. It is not my decision. Yet, even if I accept, I do not know what to do...

Help me somebody!!!

I hate Tags...

(1) 请老实的回答每一个问题。
(2) 不行擅自塗改題目。
(3) 写完请点10位小朋友，不可不点。
(4) 点完后请通知那10位小朋友他被点到了。

被点到的:
1. g3nji
2. Rachel
3. Tiffany Lulu
4. Liying.Q
5. Jenson
6. Eoo
7. Jxun
8. Stephanie
9. p3it3ng
10. Jessica

01-[ 4号认识6号吗? ]:: Nope
02-[ 10号是男还是女? ]:: Girl
03-[ 8号的兴趣是? ]:: Chat?
04-[ 1号有没有兄弟姐妹? ]:: Got
05-[ 7号姓氏? ]:: Ngoo
06-[ 10号人缘好吗? ]:: Average.
07-[ 4号有人追吗? ]:: I suppose?...
08-[ 承上2号呢? ]:: She is form 1??
09-[ 6号喜欢的颜色是? ]:: No idea.
10-[ 3号和10号是朋友吗? ]:: Barely know each other I think...
11-[ 8号的生日是? ]:: 6th January
12-[ 5号读哪呢? ]:: Han Chiang College
13-[ 你怎么认识10号的? ]:: Band
14-[ 你跟1号的生日差几个月? ]:: hmmm... I think 3-4 months?...
15-[ 你和9号有出去玩过吗? ]:: No...
16-[ 你喜欢和2号聊天吗? ]:: Ok lo...
17-[ 你喜欢和3号在一起吗? ]:: I don't want to be with her also cannot cause she sits in front of me in school...
18-[ 你觉得7号人怎么样? ]:: A good friend.
19-[ 你觉得9号人怎么样? ]:: The typical.
20-[ 你爱5号吗? ]:: Swt... NO!...

=============================

1. 是谁传給你这份问卷的:: Jxun, Tiffany, Fishball Sim, KSin, Stephanie, Zhyn, etc etc

2. 你们认识多久呢:: JXun? 4 years

3. 你觉得他(她)对你來说很重要吗:: Pretty important.

4. 你与他(她)的关系是:: Friends

5. 你觉得他(她)的个性如何:: Notorious guy, cold, manipulative, scheming... But he's a nice guy XD...

6. 请问他(她)的兴趣是:: Computer, music, band, BIO!

=============================

問 : 當你在更衣室沖水，门忽然被打开了
答 : Go close the door.

問 : 海中忽然大浪來襲后 你发现比基尼小姐上身泳裝被沖掉了
答 : Not in Malaysia... No bikinis

問 : 去海边玩会使用咩交通工具
答 : Car.

問 : 你突然发现沒帶泳裝 泳衣你会買吗
答 : I jump in naked lo... (later get caught by police...)

問 : 会的。。
答 : What?

問 : 回去时 发现有其他遊客手机沒拿 你会觉得是哪牌子的
答 : I dunno...

問 : 海边对你來说是
答 : Nature's beauty.

問 : 看到镜子 会不由自主的向前吗
答 : I think no...

問 : 经常用洗面乳吗
答 : Yes.

問 : 说到自恋会想到谁
答 : Ang Kai Ming

問 : 有人说该減肥了 你会
答 : Go get a triple scoop XL ice-cream cone and eat in front of him.

--------------------------THE END-----------------------------

Tour de Sitiawan.

It’s been 4 years since I took out my bike for a ride around town, a hobby which I had when I was still in primary. Haven’t really had the chance get a good ride around Sitiawan and its backtreets before, I was over-joyed when Fiona invited me for a bicycle ride along with a few other friends after the morning practices…

“Bicycle trip~ time~ 5:32pm meet at~ smk nh” she smsed me later in the afternoon… 5:32pm? What strange timing is that? Oh well… 5:32pm, I reached the gates of Nan Hwa… Where is everybody?? Put Aero plane trick?? Oh well… Might as well wait… Whose that? Jia Xun’s the next one to arrive… But he say he’s not joining.

5:40pm then she arrive, followed by Huei Su and Hui Bao -_-… What is Huei Su riding? It’s a bike, no! it’s a motorbike, no! It’s a motorbicycle hybrid… Swt... and so, 6pm like that only we leaved, quite a crowd, Jia Xun followed eventually, sitting behind Han Siang, who is also coming, by motorbike, and also Keng Siang…

Destination? I don’t know, I’m at the mercy of the Organizing Chairman, Fiona Ling… So I heard, destination: Siew Wei’s house, and ask her to join in... Ok, I’ve been there once, but not inside, during Chinese New Year, but she wasn’t around… When we reached, she also wasn’t around…

Might as well continue the journey… And so, we went sight seeing, going to as far as… Sorry, I also don’t know how far, only know that is very far… But guess what? Someone joined in halfway: Ling Siew Wei, on a bike, now that’s hard to get, hehe… But she was complaining a bit about how silly this trip is… Who cares? I’m happy XD.

In the process, I get to witness a few hidden things around town, a small lake, many big and nice fields, some new houses, and we even saw Mr. Siah, our physics teacher, taking his wife around scouting for new houses, or so I think.

So? Will I do it again? Definitely.

Amazing Grace.

Going to write on a more religious context in this update... Feeling the need to analyse this by writing down... No flaming please, and if you think you'll be offended by this, please don't read...

And so, I joind the YAF for their apparent 2nd meeting in KL, YAF as in Young Adults Fellowship. In that particular meeting, we saw a video talking about Grace.

What is Grace? defined as "unmerited favor from God" from wikipedia. And so is apparent, a few simple things to define this is that it is the Grace of God that has, is and will save us from eternal damnation.

As a Christian myself, with much regret, this was a blur page in my book until that day, which made a lot things more clearer to me. It is the Grace of the Lord that save a wretch like me? I thought at 1st. I initially had a very wrong impression by what it takes to be accepted...

"It is not a merit and demerit system in Christianity, it isn't about God accepting as a good person, God has already accepted you, it is only that a lot of people do not accept him, it is by Grace that you were redeem, and there is no other way apart from Grace that will redeem yourself."

Alas, it is out of love for us, that the Lord allowed his only son to perish on the Cross. Amazing Grace it is. Such beautiful Grace!

Amen.

Random

This is random... I want to write something, but got nothing to write...

***

Ok, the updates... Finally back from KL, looking forward to the sectional practices, good time for working up some sweat...

But alas, exams are ever so closer...

Sweet, finished the shopping list for Jia Xun, Bodyglove bags are cheaper than I thought. And so I got one as per requested by him... Remember to pay up!...

8 months.

8 months, so many things happen... So many...

Looking back in my blog history last night, nostalgia kicked in...

Listing out the significant events through the months:
February: Sports Day, Pageantry in Wind 2009, Getting use to form 4 life.
March: 2nd I.D.I.O.T. training with Junt for 2009 season, Earth Hour.
April: English Drama Competition, Band's first Full Show.
May: Mid-term exam.
June: 3rd I.D.I.O.T. training with Junt, Blissful Ignorance, first and second pre-show.
July: State Band Competition Preliminary, State Band Competition Final.
August: English Drama Competition State Final, 15th MSSMBC.
September: Basic Training.

Friday no school?!

YES!!! Friday no school!!!

NOOO!!! Friday early morning need to go KL T_T!!!

This is called two sides of the coin -_-...

Questo Io credo

Pitiful... Pitiful dirt, that is worth. Timeless is non-existent, or so they say. How I wish otherwise...

Time, against everything... Time is always wasted, never utilised properly. Such wastage spared only by spirituality.

So many depressing reasons, to be saddened, to feel worthless. Relaxation is far...

But this I believe... I believe... I believe in it, so for the sake of knowing what's right, I believe...

Somehow wishing you were here right now...

This was what I said not too long ago. I was yearning for something. Someone. I was missing something... Yet I could barely describe it.

What had "you" done? Making yourself somewhat so significant to me all of a sudden. "You" give me this feeling that somehow, life was better when you were with me.

No, it's not friendship you brought, nor knowledge or love. You were thus frozen, trapped in time, leaving me unconcerned about you then.

But all that was a difference to what calls in me now. Somehow... Somehow, you made it clear that I needed you. But for what? I know not...

And so, I said to myself...
somehow wishing you were here right now...

Funeral is priority... (touchwood)

I'm not complaining... Funeral procession knowledge is essential for our band, cause it's our income (hush)... So it's part of the basic training process for our juniors... What can I do? Mr. Tan request so, then it's final... Funeral Marches are priority now, past-year competition songs can wait...

Apart from that, other progress, slow... Cymbals? Nowadays, I tend to wonder how the heck did I manage to train Seen Yee to play and compete within 3 months!! Now? Slow learners I have... I hope I can get through them.

Band is also slowly switching to concert mode. Hello Stephen's grip!!! Looking forward to hold 4 mallets again, haha. Not to mention, Chimes, after 7 months without playing you... Ah, and a chance to bond with the Timpani! Boy am I looking forward to this.

And of all, I found a very interesting book:

Talking about the author's journey from young adult to manhood in the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps, "Not for the faint of Heart" is a biography of a SCV tenor drum alumni. Jeremy "Spike" Van Wert went from a disastrous rookie year to being the leader among his peers in one of the world's most successful Drum Corps.

Seeing this book makes me want to buy it. It takes you to a behind-the-scenes look into the life of a SCV member, bringing out the emotional roller coaster each member experiences into a book. Any individual who intends to be part of this organisation should add this book to their collection. I am still figuring out how to get it though XD...

Go forth, and embrace it.

If they give you this, this is what you get, no questions. If you are in doubt, or lost in translations on the conditions put forth to you, it is only fair you give yourself some time to think why, for there is a reason why you are given such fate. There are two sides to a coin, once you have contemplated with the downside, it's time you look at the top. There is always a chance you may return. If there is no doubt in you mind, then go forth with dignity and pride.

As a short message conveyed to those who need it.

And thus, I shall go forth with my final studies...

The forth, the fifth...

Felt like sharing this, don't need to take the religious part too seriously, but if you want to, go on...



Now I've heard there was a secret chord
That David played, and it pleased the Lord
But you don't really care for music, do you?
It goes like this
The fourth, the fifth
The minor fall, the major lift
The baffled king composing Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah

Your faith was strong but you needed proof
You saw her bathing on the roof
Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you
She tied you
To a kitchen chair
She broke your throne, and she cut your hair
And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah

Baby I have been here before
I know this room, I've walked this floor
I used to live alone before I knew you.
I've seen your flag on the marble arch
Love is not a victory march
It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

There was a time you let me know
What's really going on below
But now you never show it to me, do you?
And remember when I moved in you
The holy dove was moving too
And every breath we drew was Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

You say I took the name in vain
I don't even know the name
But if I did, well really, what's it to you?
There's a blaze of light
In every word
It doesn't matter which you heard
The holy or the broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

I did my best, it wasn't much
I couldn't feel, so I tried to touch
I've told the truth, I didn't come to fool you
And even though
It all went wrong
I'll stand before the Lord of Song
With nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah

Time, time again...

Times keeper... Self-proclaimed title I give myself... Not because I want to control time... But rather, I want to be aware that time is controlling ME.

And time to say this: Time still is soaring with even more acceleration... One more month, then it's finals...

I just want to find a day to sit in a tranquil forest rock, and meditate... With music to aid of course XD...

But then again, except for achieving inner-peace and self-awareness, I would be wasted with time...

Why is the world like that? Why the norms of today restrict and oppose what we deserve??

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Romans 12:2

This, I wish to achieve...

Why am I doing this??

【个人题】
01你叫什么：Too Zongxu
02你的绰号：ZongYu(invented by JXun), Ah Too, Grandpa, Old Man, Young Man(YMCA)...
03你的血型: A+
04你的星座：Sagittarius
05你是男还是女：Male
06你几岁：16 years old
07你住哪里：Malaysia
08你现在的学校：SMJK Nan Hwa
09你有没有手机：Got
10承上，那是多少：What in the world is THAT??

【朋友题】
11你最要好的朋友（限1个）：That would be unfair to just pick one...
12你最讨厌的人（限1个）： Love all, hate none.

【情题】
21你有没有喜欢的人：Yes
22到目前为止，你跟多少人告白过：Under different conditions, it's hard define what you mean...
23到目前为止，你被多少人告白过：I fail in relationships...
24到目前为止，你交过多少个男/女朋友：none
25现在有另一半吗：wtf??
26你最好的同性朋友跟你告白你会怎样：I love girls, not guys...
27你初恋情人突然跟你告白你会接受吗：No Idea
28你为什么会喜欢你现在喜欢的人：...
29你跟另一半牵手过吗：What is that?
30你和另一半抱或亲过吗：WHAT??
31你跟异性牵手过吗：I want google translate T_T
34是谁，你们什么关系：I give up...
35现在有人在追你吗：Nobody wants me...

【混合题】
36如果有天，好朋友离你而去，你会：Depends...
37如果有天，好朋友背叛你，你会：GO settle him diplomatically
38如果有天，好朋友对你喜新厌旧，你会: What meaning?
39如果你很受不了你的父母，你会离家出走吗：Won't happen.
40你上课认真吗：See my mood and energy...
41你功课好不好：Not good
42你开电脑都在干嘛：Social networking, e-mailing, gaming, documenting, research, music etc...
43你的即时通有多少个同性：???
44你的即时通里有多少个异性：????

【凶手题】
45传给你这份问卷的人是谁：Jia Xun and Hui Lin... (what a lovely couple)
46这个人对你好不好：Sometimes good, sometimes bad
47这个人是你的谁：Good friend.
48你有喜欢过这个人吗：I said I like girls, not guys...
49你们认识多久了：4 years.
50这个人是怎样的人：Abnormally tall, big mouth, good-willed but often mischievous.
51这个人正/帅吗：Average.
52这个人跟你有没有在一起过：Girls!!! not Guys!...
53万一你喜欢这个人，你会怎么办：... I am not gay la...

【联想题】
54说到正妹你会想到谁：no one...
55说到帅哥你会想到谁：Ding Hong Leong.
56说到憨你会想到谁：not sure.
57说到痴你会想到谁：no one...
58说到暗恋你会想到谁：what is this??
59说到出去玩你会想到谁： Teck Hooi?
60说到聪明鬼你会想到谁：Ding Hong Leong...
61说到傻子你会想到谁：Kai Ming
62说到笑点低你会想到谁：???
63说到爱笑你会想到谁：Hai Teng is no. 1!!

【学校题】
64你的班导是谁：A Chinese who wears sari...
65你的座位是第几排第几个：Last row.
66你最喜欢的老师是谁：Mr Chow Chin Mun...
67你的英文好吗: English in Malaysia sux...
68你的体育好吗：badminton? sucks...
69你的数学好么：General maths is ok. Add. Maths just pass nia...
70你喜不喜欢你的校长：Who would like a "No action, talk only" headmaster?
71你的学校好看吗：Nice~
72你的班级是：4SA
73你的班级在几楼：Single storey...
74填后感：???

被点到必填：
1不填代表你不尊重传给你的人和问卷
2请老实的回答每一个问题
3不行擅自涂改题目
4写完请点6位朋友，不可不点
5点完后请通知那些朋友他们被点到了。copy题目到你的blog慢慢填吧^^

I pick:
No body...

That white shirt and red tie 4

Back to present day, while Tiffany was on her way home...

"Mum, what's for lunch?"

"Do you always have to ask that question?"

"Well, I'm so used to it."

"Well, today was a little hectic, so I just manage to cook up a simple fried omelets and some spinach."

"Aw mum, just when I was going through a mood turbulence"

"What? What do you mean by turbulence?"

"How about we talk it over lunch."

"Well dear, if you must."

Thus, that was the conversation between Tiffany and her mother on their way home. Tiffany stayed in a semi-d house, quite a lovely spot actually. The morning sun rose just to shine on the front door every morning, and the afternoon's blaze was shielded by the tall roofs of the house. Come night fall, the warmth of the retained heat was enough to have the house cozy and comfortable. And home sweet home it was for her. And she was enjoying the nice view of her garden in the study room when...

"Hey sis, back home already? what's that in your hand?"

It was Tiffany's elder brother, George, who is studying for form 6 this year. He is 2 years her senior and a very creative irritant towards his sister no doubt. But often times, Tiffany always finds him for good piece of advice.

"Is that the way to greet the birthday-girl, Georgy?"

"Haha, never fail to forget, huh? Happy Birthday sis. But that doesn't answer my question. What's that package?"

"Why, it's a present from my friends, Jo and Lily" she replied.

While she looked away, George swiftly lifted her bag from the study table.

"Oh really, I am so convinced... Try explaining the one in your bag"

"Oh no you don't, hey stop, leave that bag.."

Too late, as George already retrieve the parcel.

"Haha, boyfriend's VIP treatment I suppose?"

"Hey, give that back will you! you irritating rascal! MUM!!"

"Ok, ok. You win. Take it, I was only joking... But I probably was right, seeing the way you react, hehe"

George left the room, leaving with a cheeky grin on his face...

***

And so, like a leaking sack of beans, Tiffany seek wise old mum for this kind of advice.

"Well dear, I'm pretty sure he is interested in you. Don't worry, this is part of life. IF he wants to try dating you, just give it a try, as long you're comfortable with it, and as long as you don't do silly things, nothing is wrong with it."

"Thanks mum, it sure helps a lot"

And back to her room Tiffany went. After showering, she quickly took out the gift from Shawn again. A quire object as gift, especially to a girl. It was a red tie, a tie that suit most men. But surely, for a girl, it does seem awkward.

Quickly, she plugged in the computer switch to the socket. She pressed the on/off button and the PC sprang into life. If there is one thing she has to proud of her brother, it would be computers. No single computer in her house was left untouched from the inside. George had upgraded all the CPUs in the house to the max with his own pocket-money, which he deem was well worth-it, even Tiffany's computer had a piece of her brothers mark in it.

And so, without using up even a minute, her messenger was already open and signed-in.

"Tiff, wat took u so long?"

"We, tot u were still dumbstruck XD"

It was Jo Ling and Lily as usual...

"Srry guys, had a lil talk with my mum."

"Rlly? anything she said?"

"Well, she say it's ok as long as I don go overboard"

"Tats nice... Btw, what Shawn gave u?"

"Believe it or not, he gave me a tie. A red tie."

"O rlly? That is so weird"

"Ya, way weird, is like he doesnt know how to pick a gift"

"I found it awkward at first. But I can't help but feel this Deja Vu"

"Rlly? You mean someone sent you red ties b4 o_O?"

"No, it's jus tat, this tie he gave me seems so familiar..."

"Why so?"

"I don't know, that's why I feel so mixed up right now..."

"Don't be, just relax, and take it as a coincidence. Why not add him now, and try asking if you need. Don't worry, he'll answer if he rlly is interested in you :P..."

"Ok ok... I take your advice, I'll go add him now"

And so, Tiffany clicked the "add contact" button on her messenger. "shawnz93_ccl@hotmail.com" she typed in.

(Shawnz has signed in messenger)

To be continued...

PS. Once again, comments please... I personally find it way too long to be a short story...

That white shirt and red tie 3

His home was that of a family of average income, a small garden with many unkept and overgrown plants, giving the house a very damp atmosphere. Actually pretty impressive he could afford to live a house like that, given his history...

***

It was sunny here, just like any other town in this country. But somehow, Shawn always felt life is dim and dull. Maybe it was of his unforgiving upbringing. Sad to say that his father left the family when he was just 4 years old. Somehow, his mother never told him why. Whenever he asked, all he was told was that his father was in a crisis, and needed to break-off all contacts with his family.

And so, his mother was left with the task of bringing up this boy. As rough as life may become, his mother still manage to put food on the table, partly due to Shawn being the only child, to which his mother is grateful with.

But Shawn was fatherless from a tender age, and with that said, he always felt a bit betrayed by his father. Being born without any siblings, his time spent alone at home was aplenty, he was timid and shy, not willing to come out of his husk. His mother would come home late at the wee hours of the night, never managing to spare time for her son. This routine life made Shawn a slight pessimist. His only outlet to his restlessness was sports, because his raw energy never seems to run out. Maybe it was in his blood, but somehow, he was a born sportsman. And with this talent, he excelled in sports and his friends were his teammates, and over the years, he still manage to get pass life.

But his dreams and hopes of reuniting with his father came to a shattering end. Coming home from school one day as a young man of 15 years, he was greeted by his mother, eyes red and soaked. It is worrying enough that his mother was home during this hour. But a weeping mum? His heart pounded hard with that sight, and quickly, he ran towards his mother to inquire.

Shock along with sheer disbelief it was. His father had gone this morning, gone beyond this world. He was found hanged in his small hut in the borders of Hat Yai, Thailand.

"But mum, why is he in Thailand? Why he left us anyway??" Puzzled and anxious Shawn asked

"Son, all this years, I kept this reason a secret in hopes of covering your father's misdeeds so that you will have any bad image of your father, should he return one day." His mum told him, as tears flowed down her cheeks.

"What do you mean mum?? Tell me! please.."

"Remember the day he left us? He left because a crisis, as I told you. This crisis was actually life threatening to him and to our family. I initially wanted to follow him, but he insisted to leave alone."

"What crisis is that??"

"Son, remember that he did this because you, and me. Your father was a gambler... I thought that it was ok at first. He started off small. I never imagined that he would stray away like this. He was initially just going to his friends house for poker and black jack... Then he started going to Genting. I knew he starting get hooked, but I trusted him in controlling himself. How I wish I had intervene... After several months going on like this, he just comes back one day to tell me that loan sharks wants his head! I was as shocked as you are now hearing this son." Mum said, with a face like someone with a heavy load on his back removed.

"Mum... Dad was a GAMBLER???"

"Hush my dear. He may be... But I believe he always meant well for us. He left us in hope settle the debt he had. So I too don't know what has become of him until so recently as this morning... A friend he made in Thailand contacted me this morning. He apparently committed suicide because he failed to cover the debt in the end, and those loan sharks tracked him down in Thailand, with the aid of the local thugs... He was threatened with torture, so I believe he rather just DIED! His friend brought along with him your fathers only belongings he had during time away. Among those is a letter with your name on it. I left it all in your room."

"... I'm just speechless mum... Why should this happen?? Where is the body?"

"Yet to arrive... His wake will be held at your grandma's place as soon as his body arrives... It's sad to see the older generation see the younger ones go before them..."

Tragic it may seem. The only thing that shed some light in Shawn's darkest hour was the letter.
Along that with that letter, one of the belongings caught the attention of Shawn...

to be continued...

PS. Ok, a bit of a darker side to the story, comments are as usual, welcomed... Too dark for your taste? I'm just an amateur... No one say this was going to be a romance story XD cause romance's just not in my field...

The end is the Begining.

End of what? End of holidays of course... I now will officially declare:

I, toozgx will with the best of my abilities, prepare for the final exams, starting from tomorrow onwards. I will not allow myself to fall for temptation to stop, and will begin with the simple structure of half-an-hourly study basis, and will uphold this habit until the end of this school term. The only exceptions to this declaration is the following subjects:

1) Sejarah - I have given up this subject since form 1, and so, I find no reason not to continue.
2) English - I have prepared almost everything since year start, so normal class lessons should be sufficient XD.
3) Pendidikan Moral - I strongly believe that putting effort in this subject is nothing but pure waste of time. No offence to those who do study it, bu this is my perspective. Furthermore, I can confidently say I will not end up being a social ill even with the lacking to this subject, thus my wish to discontinue.
4) Sivik - About the same reason as Moral...

Writer's block...

Yes, I am having a writer's block... Don't know how to continue "That white shirt and red tie"... Until I come up with a good story to continue with, I won't be continuing... Too bad XD...

And to continue, the holiday period is coming to an end... Chemistry? Not done... Moral? Not done... Play play play? Not enough T_T...

Haiz, so fast gonna come to an end... Band also nothing much to do...

I am so mixed up right now...

That white shirt and red tie 2

"Who is that guy who sent me this present?", "Could it be my elder brother pulling my leg again?" All this thoughts circled around her head all day. Poor Tiffany was tormented by her own assumptions... "Could it actually be Brandon?? Oh dear... I don't want to be labelled Mrs Nerd... Oh silly me, I always think too much... No one said that guy wanted to date me... He was just being kind by sending me that gi..."

"Tiffany! Day-dreaming in my class?"

"No, Madam Lee, I was fi-figuring the question you just gave..."

Madam Lee is the head discipline teacher of the whole school. And boy, is she famous. No trouble maker has ever gotten pass her judgement. Even the gang triad members who were taught by her bow their head in respect whenever they meet up with her.

"IF that is what you claim, do share your thoughts with the class. I'll rephrase my question: Please name an example of a macro molecule"

"Hmmm... Silicon?" Tiffany said rather softly...

"Close, but still incorrect. It's suppose to be silicon dioxide, which is different from silicon. Another one would be diamonds, which are easier to remember. Next time, please pay full attention in my class Tiffany, or you'll lose out." Said Madam Lee.

"Yes Madam."

***

And so, before one could know the time, the last bell struck. Most of the boys already had their bags packed. Hasty as they were, Madam Lee would never dismiss the class without a proper biding of farewell from the class.

And when it was over, the corridor of the lab was filled with footsteps. But none so striking as that "nick knack" sound coming from the black leather shoe. And so, Tiffany was already reaching the gates when...

"Tiffany! Tiff, wait up" shouted Jo Ling.

"Aren't you forgetting something?" added Lily.

"Forgetting something? What could I be forgetting?" replied Tiffany "Is it my books? did I left it in the lab?"

"No silly. Weren't you dying to know who that mystery man was?" Jo said.

"Oh ya! How could I? Please, please, tell me. I totally forgotten about it after Madam Lee gave me a trashing" said Tiffany, as her tone went higher with excitement

"Don't worry, his outside the gate, he always is when school's over, don't be too surprised though" Lily said with a wink.

"Why should I be surprised?" Tiffany said as she threw a puzzled look at her peers.

"Well, you'll see" Lily said, while Jo was giggling away.

And so, as they approached the school gate, Tiffany's heart pounded. Each second passed and she felt like she could get a heart attack any moment.

"Oh oh oh, oooh! It's Shawn???" She thought. And boy, did she went through all the unnecessary worries. Shawn, may very well be Tiffany's counterpart. Being the top achiever in sports, Shawn brought back 2 champion title in the state football competition during his reign as team captain. Not to mention he broke the school's record for the long jump category.

"Yes it's Shawn. Boy, did he went through all the trouble trying to find out your birthday, "smart guy" he is trying to get that information from us 2, hehe" Lily whispered to Tiffany as they were nearing.

And those leather shoes are ever so helpful, for those clacking noises announced the arrival of Tiffany to Shawn.

Shawn turned around, and Tiffany paused. Both made eye contact for several seconds. And finally the silence was broken by Shawn...

"Er.. Hi, never thought I'd see you here, I believe they told you already?" said he with a rather weak grin in his face. One can actually see his hands shivering a bit.

"Ya, they did. By the way, nice to meet you, and thanks for the present." said a much more calmer Tiffany. She never failed to keep her calm, and was always good with her speech. She could whip up a sentence in a matter of seconds with as little effort as lifting a feather.

"You're welcome, I hope you like it. By the way, I was actually hoping to meet up sometime. How about it?

"Well, ok, I'll consider" replied Tiffany.

HONK!*

"Wow, my mums here, didn't see her... So I gotta go, my contact is inside the box. Chat some other time ya? Bye!" he said hastily as he got up the car.

"Ok, will do, bye." she said.

And this was followed by another moment of silence...

"So? What do you think Tiff? Worth your restless morning?" giggled Jo

"Now don't go thinking too far, we just met for a mere minute." shot Tiffany.

"But you can tell that he has some interest in you. Open the box, let's see what's inside." Jo replied.

"I believe that would only be for Tiff to decide when and where to open, Jo" said Lily.

"Well, I can't help but to feel a bit intrigued by this, I only remember meeting Shawn once during a class party. He was invited by one of our class boys."

"I remember that. He actually asked you for a dance." Lily said.

"Did he? I can't remember that. After all, it was so dark. Being in the playground at night, barbecue and stuff. We only had a radio to provide music... How is it possible we danced?" Tiffany asked back.

"Oh, but he did, and you accept. You probably mistaken him for Derrick, they both look quite alike. We actually saw you 2 do a silly jig on that "Dance Floor". You know Derrick and you always do the craziest of things, being childhood friends. But me and Jo are very sure that wasn't Derrick. It was definitely Shawn." Replied Lily.

"Huh? Now I remember... It wasn't Derrick?? How embarrassing. Doing that dance in front of the class. No wonder they were all hysterical with laughter when we danced..." Said Tiffany

"Oh well, your mum's here. Chat later ok? See ya!" said Lily

"Bye!" said Jo.

"Bye bye" said Tiffany as she went up her car.

After settling into her seat, she quickly unwrapped the present. Inside it was a box, and on top of the box, there was a message.

"Hi, please add me at shawnz93_ccl@hotmail.com. Hope to hear from you soon"

And what was inside the box made her shocked.

To be continued.

PS. comments are welcomed, negative and positive alike. I hope I don't screw up XD...