Every photograph is a second in history

Have loads of pictures lying around my house and they're getting on my nerves ~.~.... Being the unorganised family that we are, we just chuck them all into our "photo cabinet" and totally ignore them until we have the sudden urge to look at them.. After years of this bad habit, we've collected stacks of pics, a lot without any dates or are without photo albums.. I was afraid that if we keep ignoring them in the end we won't remember where/when/why/who or how we got those pics...

Therefore, I tried last summer to rearrange part of it, but only managed to sort out my parents' wedding pics. This time, being a bit more ambitious, I decided to tackle the whole stack at one go... Oh this was such a bad idea >.< .....

Our "photo cabinet" before I started my ambitious project.. I know it doesn't look like much but trust me it's still a huge pile...

My personal stack of pics together with a stamp album.. Isn't really a lot since I forgot the rest of the unsorted pics..

The beginning of my sorting... Went back and forth to clear out the cabinet and tried to collect random pictures lying around the house...

Sorting out pictures according to individuals, wedding, honeymoon, holidays, etc etc etc...
X.X Really frustrating...

Finally a little bit organization.... Went through lots of sweat, snot and tears during the process hahaha... Luckily there's lots of floor space for this project of mine..










Sorting out pictures by year then date... Since there's no more space on the floor, had to use the bed, but still isn't big enough... ~.~ Even more frustration because alot of the pics don't have dates on them.. Ai.. Just guessing along the way..












More pics of the pics... Feeling dizzy... (X o X) By this time I'm very tempted to give up, but I can't...










Eventually, I sorted out 70% of the pics.. This is how they look like right now. I'm left with my parents' individual pics and those pics with odd sizes...

Gotta go get more photo albums as there aren't any left and have to think of a way to organize the negatives..

To sum things up:

Start date :- Early June
Current date :- End of Aug
Current progress :- 70% but has been on hold for a few weeks
Initial estimated completion date :- July/Aug
Current estimated completion date :- 31 of Aug
Possible completion date :- By 15 Sep

Hopefully, all will go according to plan >.<

The Death of Reading

Poem by my favourite author..

The Death of Reading

By Jeffery Deaver


I've got what I think is the very best job.
I have no commute, I can dress like a slob.
I get paid to make up things — isn't that neat?
Just like at the White House and 10 Downing Street.

Only in my case there's no dereliction.
In fact it's expected when you're writing fiction.
So imagine my horror, imagine my fear
When I read in the press that the end was near.

But not Armageddon or crazed terrorists
No, the demise of reading was the article's gist.
Teachers and parents and critics all share it:
That like Monty Python's proverbial parrot

Reading is dead, deceased, pushing up daisies.
Readers are growing increasingly lazy,
lured by the siren of electronic toys
That fill up their lives with meaningless noise

From palm pilots, blogs, big-screen TVs
And mobile phones smarter than I'll ever be.
We pray at the altar of our brand-new God,
Who's powerful and wise and whose name is iPod.

So, if people are no longer going to read,
Then writers are something that nobody needs.
This made my heart pound and made my hands shake
And I considered what other jobs I might take.

But looking for work to find something new,
I decided that all I could possibly do
Involved making lattes and learning to say,
Let me tell you about our specials today.

So before heading off to my overpriced shrink,
I decided it might be best to rethink
these terrible rumors that we've all heard
About the interment of the written word.

Now, if truly readers are dying off fast,
That suggests there were masses of them in the past,
But I can hardly imagine when that might have been.
Who had, after all, any time to read when

You were fighting off lions with your bare hands
And wandr'ing nomadic across desert sands.
True, reading wasn't past everyone's reach,
But stone tablets weren't popular reads at the beach.

In ancient Rome, yes, people read more,
But not mass-market scrolls from their local drug store.
And Latin, my God — once your lessons were done
Your life span was over; you'd been murdered by Huns.

In medieval times, there was always the hope
That you might learn to read — if you worked for the Pope,
Or you were a royal or other elite,
Which left most of Europe up illiterate creek

Then Gutenberg invented movable letters,
Making access to books a little bit better.
Though another small problem existed, of course,
That the shortest of books cost more than your horse.

So if the past hardly proves what the critics say,
Then how 'bout the state of reading today?
To find out if no one reads anymore
I went to — where else? — my local book store,

Which I couldn't help notice was jammed to the gills.
And virtually every shelf was filled
With books on more subjects than I knew existed
And dozens of posters on which were listed

Upcoming visits by writers galore,
Who'd read to their fans right there in the store:
From Romances, children's, true crimes about killers
And self-help and travel, and — oh, yeah — thrillers.

Then I recalled last summer when I was downtown,
Doing some shopping, just strolling around
I was nearly killed in a massive stampede
Of youngsters, no less, in desperate need

To purchase their latest heart's desire,
No batteries required, no software, no wires,
A book's what they sought and they'd waited all day.
Who's this Harry Potter guy, anyway?

Last spring newspaper tabloids did what they do best.
Oh, not running photos of movie-stars' chests
Or stories of scandals that have Washington shook.
No, the headlines all had to do with a book —

Whether Dan Brown had borrowed ideas sowed
By other authors in The Da Vinci Code.
Which I might mention, in a jealous aside,
Has sold 90 million copies worldwide.

No, I feel that reading's demise must be
Like George Bush's proof of WMDs
Or James Frey's memoirs on Oprah of late.
One word comes to mind — and it's 'overinflate."

So forgive me, the ghosts of Lake Windermere
And all other poets that we hold so dear,
Not to mention the late and the great Dr. Seuss,
For my rhyming transgressions and rhythmic abuse,

But I simply couldn't sit back and ignore
This lie that nobody reads anymore.
And I'll share one more clue that there's nothing to fear:
Why, just look around at our gathering here.

We've traveled from distances quite far away,
And even braved traffic to drive from L.A.
We've managed to get here by hook and by crook,
For something immortal . . . the passion for books.

NEWS UPDATE

I PASSED!!!!! WOOOHOOO!!!!!! *SCREAMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM*

Late intro

I've been going over it again and again in my head, and I decided to just let my blog go public. No harm in doing so right? Lol. Maybe it's a good idea so that more people can understand me? Plus I update it so rarely that I don't think it makes a big difference. Usually I have soo many thoughts that I couldn't or am too lazy to write all out i.e. I ended up only writing when I'm free which is quite a rarity nowadays... I'll probably have more input now since I've got plenty of free time and nothing to do everyday... =.=

For some reason I did not feel excited at all at the thought of coming back home this time; First year, I couldn't wait to come back. Second year, I was totally psyched. But now, I feel nothing... No joy, no excitement, no anticipation; Just blank like that. Maybe because I was too busy and stessed to think about it, or maybe I really don't care at all.. I only know when the time came my thoughts wer more like: oh okay , it's time to go home. Is it possible that I really did not want to come back? I'm not so sure anymore.. Or maybe because none of my summer plans came through last year and now I just don't dare to keep my hopes high anymore.. I wanted to go travelling but I didn't. I wanted to do some placements but I couldn't . I wanted to spend more time with my family but I didn't (I found it quite ridiculous that during the whole summer I only had dinner with my whole family 3 times!? i.e. when I arrived, Fathery's Day and before I left) All I know is this time I have no plans at all and will just wait and see how things turn out. I probably am going to regret not having any plans since this would most likely be my last holiday.. Oh well..

Have been back for half a week now, sitll haven't done much and starting to get bored.. Jet-lagging this year isn't too bad, but the hunger pains in the middle of the nights are.. Still waiting for my results which is rather frustrating because it's pointless for me to try and make any plans without knowing them. Should be out any day now..

It's definitely not good to fail, because after tasting failure, I have a stupid mindset that it's not that horrible anymore >.<; I could just take the resit and be fine =.= But the cost of going back for the resit is definitely unbearable.. Don't really mind the studying because I need to know the stuff anyway and don't think I'll be having and big plans so.. whatever lah.. I'm not even scared, just frustrated.. Maybe when my results DO come out I won't be as 'chilled out' as now..

Wonder if I made the right decision to choose veterinary medicine. It's freaking hard!!!!! Waaaaaay more than I could swallow >.< Seriously, why the hell did I have to choose this??? If I had taken something easier, I would've been enjoying my course and have graduated by now. Because of this decision, I'm not even half way through the course =.= I think the school should've given a better description of the course to potential students. Seriously, I dont' think half the current students knew how hard it was going to be before they signed up for this. Probaby half of us wouldn't have applied if they knew what was waiting for them.. It's just sooo physically, mentally and financially draining that it's a wonder students actually could make it to final year ~.~ Ai.. when will that day come for me???

The future seems rather bleak now.. I can only see as far as 3rd year and graduating seems like an impossible goal.. What will the future hold for the likes of us? Please, I need to see the light....

p.s. in my experience blogs seem to be very bleak quite often. Hope this won't be the case for me.. :/

Friday, 22 May 2009 Procrastinating

Didn't take long for Squeak to get it, Bubble on the other hand.. is just plain stupid hahaha..

Here's another try..

Deadly weathers..

Have been keeping tabs on the fire outbreak in Australia and the most recent death toll was 104... The highest record ever.. Seriously saddens me to hear so many people losing their lives because of the bush fires. Apparently some of them died in their cars while trying to flee for their safety..And to think there are still arsonists around making things worst.. Bastards..

However on the other side of the globe it's the complete opposite. Most parts of England and Wales are now facing the heaviest fall of snow in years which is making daily routines difficult. Snow ins, traffic jams, shortage of salt etc etc. Though the number is much lower, it's still depressing to hear people dying because of the weather, like the old man who died because his electricity/heating had been restricted. Or the kids who died falling into frozen lakes / playing in the snow. Or the hikers who died because of unexpected avalanches/changes in weather...

It's really hard to imagine being in those kind of situations. I'm just glad that the weather's still acceptable here, though it does make travelling a bit of a pain.. Feels like Mother Nature is toying with us, making the weather freezing cold at one end but scorching hot at the other.. If only it could be balanced out then everyone would be put out of their misery...

There's already enough suffering in this world, and we're still in the midst of this stupid economic downfall.. Why won't it end?? Hope everything will turn for the better soon..

Just a thought..

Things have been pretty hectic the past year - constant workload that's never going to stop coming until summer, constant revision that I should be doing but still having difficulty to keep up with, constant worrying which I don't exactly have the time to do but it's so much of a habit now that I just can't stop even though I keep telling everyone else not to... I thought after last year's lesson and regret I would've been able to change but I've still yet to show much improvement. It seems that third year would be just as tough as second year, if not tougher. The future doesn't seem as bright anymore ; feels likes there's a persistent dark cloud looming over all the time, and it's never going to clear up, not even after I graduate...

I just feel like this is an impossible dream for me.. I just can't imagine myself doing and knowing what all these lecturers and clinician do and know. All the responsibilities, all the information.. Not sure if I can do it.. But, there's nothing else I can do anymore.. This is what I chose to be, so I guess this is what I have to do.. There's never ever going to be enough time to revise everything, or even enjoy life. Isn't life to be enjoyed? Should we forget about the petty things and enjoy life as it is? Haiz.. Have no idea.. Don't think I'll have an enjoyable life anytime soon. Uni is soo different from what I imagined. My future worklife as well..

On the other hand, I quite enjoyed my birthday this time. Though it means I'm getting older - something that I dread fearfully - it was quite fun compared to my first birthday in the UK.. I had good company, and the shows for the Edinburgh Hogmanay wasn't too shabby this time. Quite glad that LMY came up, finally had someone to talk to in Chinese lol. Though I wished she could've stayed longer so that we had more time to talk. Hope to see her again soon.. I guess, old friends from home are incomparable to people we meet elsewhere..

Speaking about my first UK birthday, I think that was the worst feeling I ever had. Have been very depress the whole year, let alone during the Christmas holidays.. Felt so lonely, so tired from uni.. I didn't feel like I could catch up with uni and I just felt extremely jaded. But I feel like there's no one to talk to, cos no one actually saw through how bad I was feeling.. Then it was already the holidays. Dark all the time and I had to work in the cold for 2 weeks. Worst job ever. I thought I wasn't going to survive.. That was the first time I felt so depressed that I just couldn't take it and had to cry.. Hopefully I won't be in a situation like that anymore..

Well, all's in the past, and I think it's getting better now. If others can't make me happy, then I should think of ways to make myself happy. Travelling's my preferred option, but it's hard to find company and it's kinda boring after travelling by myself so often.. Don't think I'll be doing any travelling this year since I don't really have got the time. Maybe just some short day trips. But I really hope to meet Simon when he comes during summer. Really want to catch up with hime and see how he's getting on with the UK. Hope he'll enjoy his experience. Speaking of which, that Kiwi ah, really don't know what he's thinking lol. I'm just trying to be nice and help them get used to the UK. I'm just hoping they could make the transaction well when they arrive. No matter what this is a huge step for them, the UK is very different from the comforts of Malaysia.. Anyways, don't care about him lol..

Not really in the mood to celebrate CNY this time, life is just too hectic as it is to be reminiscing about the holidays. I hope to see more cny pics from my friends, it does make me happy seeing that they're having a good time. Reminds me of the good old days.. Though how it was I can't really remember it haha.

My new year resolution would be coming to an end already I think. There's just no time for me to use MSN. Last week I spent the whole weekend chatting, so was yesterday. I really enjoy it, but I just can't afford the time. Maybe I can try to limit myself, but it's really hard =.=.. Guess I can't deny that I'm a real chatterbox lol :/

Just found out a couple of days ago that Alwyn was the best in our class. Really wasn't expecting that haha. I knew he was good, but I didn't know he was THAT good lol. Yay for him and us all Asians. I wonder if I can catch up with him, or maybe beat him? Haha I think I'm thinking too far. But I feel like I could do way better than Lene though. I mean my English is good, and I think I can comprehend things well.. But she's soo much more hardworking than me ; I should be ashamed of that =.= I'll try my best this time, I've got to do better! At least I should be erm.. Better than.. Not sure who I could compare with lol. But I should be better lah, haha ^^

I remember at the beginning of the year I was quite happy that I'm in second year. I remember that I couldn't believe I was finally in second year, and I wasn't feeling as stressed as Tiff last time. I though it wasn't too bad lol. If I could keep up with my work now I hope I could still maintain that kind of positive attitude :) I'm not feeling as depressed as in first year or my repeat year, so I should do well in my studies too. I'm gonna get everything planned out properly this time and stick to it, cos I ain't gonna get a second chance anymore. I won't give myself that benefit of the doubt too.

On a lighter note, I'm feeling pumped up for the coming challenges. A bit nervous, a bit worried and excited but it doesn't feel as bad anymore. Not sure about third year but right now I'm feeling ok. So I guess I should stop wasting my time blogging and start my studying and essay later haha. May all my friends do well in their studies and work too; we're all Tigers, we're strong, we can make it!!!