Location: Brisbane, Australia

Did I Mention That…

Why must you always be such a wet blanket? Isn’t it enough that you have a part to play in screwing my childhood up?

Why don’t you get it that I AM FUCKING 21 ALREADY?!?!?!?! I DON’T HAVE TO LISTEN TO YOUR NEGATIVE COMMENTS ABOUT MY OWN DECISIONS! STOP USING ME AS A REASON FOR YOUR EXISTENCE. I HAVE MY OWN LIFE TO LEAD. IF I WANNA DO SOMETHING, I’LL JOLLY WELL DO IT GODAMMIT!!!

Sometimes, I seriously can’t stand you Mom.

Because Someone Asked (And I Do Hate School This Much)

No matter how crappy my day is… I can always find happiness in music. My guitar and my cello are my two best friends who never let me down. I make the strings vibrate, and they respond accordingly. I like playing because the more I practice, the better I get at expression and technique. It is a progression that makes complete sense to me.

It’s almost as if I’m living in my own little world whenever I start playing and during that time, all is well. All my worries are chucked to the back of my head once I start focusing on the notes. My fingers may hurt or even blister after that but I don’t mind much because it’s just a rite of passage before the calluses to appear. It’s the joy of hearing notes meld together and turn into beautiful sparkly sounds (I know it sounds insane but they do sparkle to me) that keeps me going back time and time again. And when a few people come together to perform, the air is filled with electrical signals that pass through you and everyone is linked inextricably by those signals.

My senses are dulled when I have no music and it’s such a chore to go through the motions when I have absolutely nothing to look forward to for days.  Being me, being a good student, having expectations thrust upon you because you are a good student, is emotionally draining at times. If I can moonlight and be someone else under the spotlight outside of school, I’d gladly take up the offer… because it gives me the chance to forget that I am V the student for those precious few minutes.

I want my buzz back… Why… What…What have I done? Where has it gone?

Location: Biosciences Library, UQ St Lucia

It’s 21 degrees and flippin raining here. Guess the cyclone has really done a wee bit of magic because that way, I’ll have more water to shower and the landlord won’t be nagging at us to save it. It was freezing when I woke up this morning. Actually I’m just exaggerating cuz it’s only 21 degrees and raining on top of that. But the point is, it was so cold, I couldn’t bring myself to shower. Good thing I has one before going to bed yesterday!

It’s hard to believe that autumn is finally here after all that bloody sun I got in February. It’s even harder to believe that I’ve been here for a month.

An Update Of Sorts

I think an official post to state that I am in Oz-land already is needed.

Yes I am already in Brisbane. St Lucia to be exact. Stalkers are NOT WELCOME, so give up the thought that I will post my address here! It’s been three weeks now. Tomorrow will mark the fourth. I’m settling in nicely into my life here. It does wonders for my stress levels to be away from my family. No more periodic drama.

It was hard at first. Right now I get this dull feeling within that never goes away. Being with my friends, being in lectures or doing my laundry (yes I have to do that now) may be a form of distraction but after that it will return. Being the emotional retard that I am, I’ll go, “What’s this… thing?”

School is well, school. Except that this time I have professors whom I find hard to understand. I’m taking Advanced Immunology, Molecular Microbiology, Genomics and Bioinformatics and French Part A this semester and this is the breakdown of how classes go…

Advanced Immunology: Prof Doherty. IRISH. The accent can be cute but not when I’m trying to decipher what in the hell you’re saying!

Molecular Microbio: Dr Pemberton. Old geezer with a walrus moustache (distracting! I wanna burn!) who has even worse enunciation that I do. “Mumblesmumblesmumbles”

Genomics & Bioinfo: Thomas Huber. GERMAN. “Vat ish zee sicknal pathvay…”

French: Haven’t attended a single lecture yet cuz I was supposed to take Virology instead.

Speaking of which, yes, Virology’s workload scared the shit outta me. It doesn’t help that Prof Paul Young is strict with grades (a lil birdy told me). So… outta my course list you go dude!

Things are so far so good between my landlord, landlady and I. I’m hoping that it stays that way. Being booted out is a definite no-no for me. My housemates, Jun and Naomi are the two other girls who live here with me. Jun is from Taiwan and she’s a rather hilarious personality. Naomi’s from Hong Kong. She’s usually in her room but we’ve spoken a little and so far? No complaints. The guys, William, Wilson, Gerry and Philip live downstairs and… I don’t really get to mingle with them much because there is a segregation of sexes here.

People who are on my Facebook friend’s list will be able to see my new room. I’m really happy with it after seeing some of my friends’ rooms. It’s huge, airy, comes with three closets and an ensuite bathroom. Apparently it’s the best room in the house. How cool is that?

I’m so relieved UQ Sports offer hip hop classes. Compared to SG it is relatively inconvenient and (a lot !) more dangerous to club here. Fortitude Valley is riddled with drugs and there is always the risk of running into a group of drunk angmohs who can’t take no for an answer. So… if I can’t club as often as I’d like to here, I have to find a similar method to expand my energy.

Am already feeling antsy from not being able to run about for so long.

A Trip To The DFO (Direct Factory Outlet)

First of all… I had to bus to Toowong and take a train to Toombul before bus-ing over to the DFO near the airport. The trip there is like a semi-roadtrip in itself man. Went there with Charissa and a couple of other girls from the Women’s College. Bought shitloads of stuff there and after 2 hours, this is the list…

1. Sunset trick wallet

2. Tweed cap

3. Peter Alexander PJ bottoms

4. Rusty jeans

5. Rusty coasters (set of 3)

6. Superdry grandad shirt

7. Paul Frank tee

8. Fresh Jive Tattoo series tee

9. Hiccups Happy Zoo Flannelette quilt and pillow cover

10. 250 thread count Navy bedsheets

All in all, I blew $180 on those stuff. No more shopping for this month matey!

This Is On SC’s Blog (Aww…)

A Birthday Letter To My Dearest Vee

Now remember how I said I’ll write back when you least expect it?

TADAH! I bet you thought I forgot. Surprised? (Even if you’re not, just pretend ok?)

Today (well at least one day ahead of Canadian time and today… SG timing) you’re turning 21!

SQUEAL! YOU’RE AN ADULT NOW!

Well at least in the eyes of SG law, US law and most developed countries. Now is your chance to go into FOREVER 21 and proclaim I am 21, HEAR ME ROAR AND I SHALL BE FOREVER 21!

An exciting adventure is right before you at this instant as I write this. What adventure you ask? Well it’s your exciting two years at UQ! Finally you get to go overseas and experience that adventure that you’ve been dreaming of for the past few years. Even though it wasn’t exactly the path you wanted to take, but hey, Australia is a whole continent by itself! You got loads to explore and loads to do *cough* Especially in Sydney! Tetsuya knn you better try it or else I’ll whack you if you don’t *cough*

We’ve been through so much together (machiam like butterfly lovers like that, except we’re not separated in death, just by a few oceans and a few different colored seas- thank God for planes).

Dark twisty bits in our teenage angst years- my oh my, our teen angst was really a thing of majesty during those times eh? Let’s recall… the psycho exs, the crazy load of schoolwork and general excessiveness of clubbing, drinking and boozing.

Putting those dark stuff behind us and moving on, well I can’t help but say this, you’re my twin in that aspect- we really went through almost the exact same nonsense together; still, without your support, I’d be wallowing in the past for a very long time. BUT because I met you, I no longer dwell on the past. You and I, we’re moving on just fine!

It’s been ages since we last met (was it a year or two already?); our separation seems far and distant. I still miss you loads.

I miss the times I stayed over at your house, your chee chong fun with onion oil, your mum’s cooking (SAY HI TO HER FOR ME, TELL HER I MISS EVERYTHING SHE MAKES) AND the tiramisu AND the peach melba. No money can replace that amazing spread at your house; no restaurant can ever imitate the amazing taste of your home-cooked food. Who can forget just lazing around your room on a sunny afternoon, catching the breeze and listening to Ken Hirai singing acoustic on your sound system?

I’m glad that you found a new love; someone caring and more stable than the previous few. I know I always say this at the start of any new relationships you embark on, but I feel this one’s a keeper

Hope she treats you well and be patient no matter what; LDR (long distance relationships) are hard stuff. I’m sure you guys will be more than able to survive the tiny distance (besides they’re opening up budget airlines for aussie right, so no worries about that distance- a little holiday is good for her too heehee)

21, that’s an amazing age, especially for you my dear Vee. There’s so much to do and discover for you. University will be another adventure for you but once you master intricacies of it, you’ll develop and grow in ways you’ll never imagine. Meeting new people, student life, wow… that’s quite a life enriching journey.

I remember there was once we were lost but we made goals for ourselves. Do you still have those goals for yourself? Promise me we’ll grow strong together and work hard for our goals and for loved ones.

It’s amazing how we have been friends for so bloody long. Now it’s 5 years, 5 beautiful amazing years as friends. Honestly, wow. I hope our friendship will stay strong forever

LOVE, HEARTS, CUPIDS AND ALL OTHER SYMBOLS OF LOVE, SC

P.S Are we still going to be house mates after we graduate and all?

My 21st Has Begun

Went for a CNY gathering at Grandma Tay’s place today. Most of the family was there which made it a rather noisy (but nevertheless, fun) affair. As usual, there were lots of food, lots of drinks, lots of youths and lots of chatting. The only bummer was that I still had to work to meet a self-imposed deadline.

I wasn’t aware that Aunt Helen ordered a cake to celebrate both Aunt Angie and my birthday. Angie’s birthday falls on 3 Feb while mine is on the 4th. Real sweet of her man. It was definitely a pleasant surprise when I found out. I got a little gift from Celia as well as loads of angpows. Thanks a ton for them guys!!!

Later on in the evening, Dad let slip that he and Mom were getting me a card. When Dad told me about it, Mom had that “WE-AGREED-TO-SURPRISE-HER-YOU-DODO” look on her face. Well, I’m not about to start acting like a brat and make a big deal about it because it more of an additional responsibility. Plus my folks can totally use it against me in the future. (Ever heard of the “I will cancel all your cards” threat?)

Anyway I don’t think I will use it much. Am not that big a spender till it calls for a card. I mean, seriously, using cash is waaay better no? Doesn’t complicate the picture. But I’ll have to admit that it’ll come in handy with my Krisflyer membership later on.

Sweety

Clazziquai and Alex Chu

Clazziquai sounds good being different… watch the clips and you’ll see what I mean.

Love Mode – Clazziquai ft. Tablo

Love Me After 12AM – Mflo ft. Alex

CNY Reunion Dinners: 2 Down!

The Wong family’s reunion dinner was taken care of on Wednesday. As usual, it was more of a first-come-first-serve thing rather than everyone sitting down to have a proper dinner. First Aunt’s family didn’t even turn up this year. I’ve long given up being on time for any gatherings organised by this side of the family.

Anyway, today’s the Tay family’s turn. Grandma will be flying off to Kyoto with Aunt Helen at 1am tomorrow. Hence, by the decree of all the elders, we younglings are to make time today to have a gathering at Gran’s place before she leaves for the airport.

The part that never fails to amaze me is how a steamboat feast always manages to last for an entire day in the Tay family. All the food that you could possibly prepare for a steamboat lay resplendent on the two dining tables. And that is a hell lot of food, a hell lot of crockery, a hell lot of chomping/slurping/chewing/swallowing and a hell lot of satisfied  tummies at the end of the day. I had two rounds of Tom Yum which left me with a very sore tongue in the evening.

Thank the Force people actually bother to turn up in this family. It was really nice to see all my cousins there. At one point, a couple of us were holed up in one room, chatting about random stuff and enjoying the AC.

Come Monday, all my relatives will be dropping by my place to hang out for a bit. I will try (try’s the word here) my darndest to churn out the exercises on that day itself. It doesn’t really help that my productivity level has reached an all-time low.

I need to persevere!!!