Back from hiatus

I'm back to finally using the right side of brain and utilising its full potential in "creative writing" . So what do we have here? I'm currently working... I know, this is totally uncalled for and unexpected considering the fact that I had initial lazy plans to bum around for at least 6 months. Oh well, not that it's a bad thing really. It's a good way in getting some experiences from various aspects, not just from job perspective. In case if you're interested, there is no official reason on why I decided to abandon my blog for a good 3 months. Let's just face it, if I really wanna display everything I have on my adventures, misadventures, missteps, etc, Facebook is really a place to go. There is no more hypocritical place in the web as much as in Facebook. I mean, hello, Twitter status updated in Facebook? O_o I'm not too perfect either since I shamelessly announce about my latest blog updates in FB too. Don't you just love it when a hypocritical person criticises the hypocrisy of one's surroundings? So anyhow, as random as I can get in reality, I think I just remembered that I forgot to announce that yes... I've finally graduated, attended the convocation, free from being a student yada yada yada. Hey don't get me wrong, I enjoy being a student a lot. It's the only time where you could get special discounts in various stores and give excuses like "I was naive and immature" when you make mistakes.

As with all other occasions I've previously encountered.. yes I was pretty anxious and anticipating the day I leave my uni but true enough, when the time comes, I remained nonchalant and went through it like farting in a quiet room. Groovy.

And really, nothing much really happened in these few months. No, I haven't discovered an awesome chemical reaction yet. However I can't say that everything remains the same . Changes occur occasionally in life.. so what more in people? No big deal really.

Oh gee, as I'm writing this my brain juice decided to stop working. Honestly, I wonder how long more can I update my blog since I don't exactly lead a too dangerous lifestyle to be able to pen my experiences down for anyone to read.

Now, in order to expand the capabilities of my brain, I've been thinking lately maybe I should get involved in things that would give the creative side of my brain a bootcamp workout. I would really love to try my hands on photoshop again. (for the 100th time) -_- Maybe creativity and me will never get along. I think I could sit down and spend more time on deciphering a cryptograph than trying to figure out which brush and font to use. I do have occasional crazy ideas on wanting to attempt painting... and let's just put it this way.. my art is no better than a 5 year old's. I still draw the same way of houses with doors and coconut trees the way I did when I was 5. Someone has definitely forgotten to insert an "artistic" chip when I was being programmed. Hmm perhaps I could get myself involved with arts and crafts? Like you know, cutting up and pasting papers everywhere. Hmmm bad idea since I don't exactly cut neatly with a pair of scissors even with a very VISIBLE outline. What am I really??? O____o

Or... writing nonsense in blog and then try to milk money from blog posts via nangnang, nuffnuff, not-enuff or whatnot. Hmmm.. nope.

Seriously, perhaps I should just stop wanting to expand my brain capabilities and focus on starting my plans on writing a cook book from now on and hosting my own cook show.

Maybe I should start becoming a freelance model.... oh, wait.. hold on.. LOL Nope can't do it.

Enough of my "plans" and to further reinstate my position as queen on randomness...

My convo pic. On a lighter note, at least there was no seaweed in between my teeth and that I still look okay despite minimal makeup. Will there by any possible chances in future for me to wear a robe in the near future?

I'll say.... Absolutely yes.

I heard bathrobes are really comfortable after a bath. Especially when they just come out from laundry.

Hmmm I did say I'll write something in a day or two... Hah! I broke my promise. Not that it really matters anyway. My time is pretty much occupied now that I'm "free" to do whatever I want. From reading countless Chinese historical books, to whipping up dishes in the kitchen, salivating while watching food network programmes and occasional shopping with mom. Now you tell me, what is it that I have nothing to do when I have lots of spare time? Digressing, I don't seem to get certain quarters that complained cause they are rotting at home and when classes start to commence, they complained that it's too much for them to handle. Like really? From the way I see it, the problem comes from you not your surroundings. If you are too free, get something to do. It's really that simple. If you don't cook, read. If you don't read, do housework. If you have a maid, watch tv. If you have no tv, workout. If you are lazy like a pig, go get a part time job. The possibilities are endless. As for me, I'm enjoying every moment I can with things I want to do before embarking a new "adulthood" journey.

So, anyway to those who are curious on why I decided not to further study now.. Well you see, I can always further my studies anytime, any period I want in life. On gaining certain work experiences in work force, the later you enter it, the more you tend to lose out. Unless of course, working under financial stringency while continuously pursuing knowledge that sometimes make you ponder why are you doing this is your kinda thing, by all means go ahead. Research work is not too bad.. only if you have the dedication for it. I realised earlier that my dedication for it is almost 0, so I decided not to be stubborn and go ahead with it . My goal in life is not desperately getting that Dr. title. If you have no dedication, don't even bother.

So again, if you are wondering why I decide not to pursue a medical degree... Life as a doctor is not for me. -_- So.. once again, no dedication don't bother.

For some reasons, I rather slave out while working for corporate companies than working as a person who would probably gain society's trust and respect. *rolls eyes* Oh, sorry that I'm not your typical Asian with typical Asian mindset.Oh sorry that I decide not to be a doctor. Heh.

But again, never say never. Who knows somewhere along the line, I might take up one of these things... when I'm greying and wrinkled.

Oh... great. Digressed too much.

Back to intended topic of today's post. Haadyai.

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150202094126643.318176.545986642&l=2e63a36784

Too lazy for any descriptions anymore. Besides, I'm guessing that whoever had FB and had me as a friend, you would've seen it. If you are under my friend list and haven't then here you go.

I will summarise my haadyai trip with one word. Food.

I will be going there again at the end of August. This time we are also going to Krabi, Pattalung as well. Or maybe... a cruise trip again somewhere the end of year? We initially planned for a cruise trip to Krabi/Phuket but my dad decided that it was a hassle to embark from penang port so we forgo the plan. -_______- But I'm not complaining. Still going to the same place anyway. XD

In about two weeks from now, we will be heading to Betung for a one day trip. Mostly for some holy pilgrimage thingy for us Buddhists. I will miss out the chance on going to Vietnam cause the trip planned by my relatives will be held during my convocation. :( Believe me, I was very much tempted to forgo convocation for a vacation. Hahaha. If it wasn't for memories sake.... Sigh. Am I the only one who actually thinks lowly of convocations? :O

And so, about two weeks ago it was my birthday. Oh yay? As per tradition, every year I celebrate only with two of us. Less hassle and besides it's private affair and we can talk/gossip as much as we want :P Note the word gossip. LOL!! This year, I had my dinner at Opus Bistro.

Complimentary buns.

Vinaigratte for dipping.

Deep fried cheese balls with an Italian name that I have forgotten. Arcini something?

Yum yum and cheesy

Spinach ravioli with gorgonzola cheese sauce.

Wild mushroom and asparagus risotto.

Assorted bruschetta we ordered cause it's just not filling enough.

Tiramisu :)

Hello.

Offguard.

Hello!

=)

Overall, I think the food was okay. I didn't feel it was special.. maybe cause I can easily prepare them at home? :O Just give me the right ingredients I am good to go.

And yep, that's all for today.

When I find the time, up next, will be posting up my latest endeavors in kitchen "art" oh... and also the after examination-sorta-graduation-party that was held about 2 months ago.

Enjoy your free time everyone =)

The beginning is here

And so, it ended. All that I've waited for had finally arrived. I've broken free from the constraints of rigid education system and narrow minded people. Although I don't graduate with top honours, I'm still pretty satisfied with myself. Never mind the fact that I virtually skip every single lecture I possibly could since three semesters ago, did my weekly much-dreaded-practical reports half heartedly and studied only a week before the finals this time around, somehow it came up a little surprising to me that I still managed to graduate with upper second class grade. The biggest irony yet; the final semester where I practically put in only about 5% of dedication, sweat and tears, I had the highest GPA among all semesters. Above 3.6 While this number signifies failure to certain quarters, I still laugh at it disbelievingly. It's almost like the universe decides to have fun with me for the last semester but of course, I'm not complaining. :) Initially, when I first enrolled into the institution, I was rather worried about the final year project, thesis writing. Perhaps during that moment, it was overwhelming for me but when that moment arrives, all that anticipation and excitement got lost on its way to last semester. But again, I'm fortunate and happy with the outcome. I managed to get an A- for a project that my research group although... let's not go there shall we. It's nothing awful... It's just that during the whole research period, well, it sort of became a series of comedic antics that I still couldn't forget until now. All I can say.. Good times. Research does not mean that you have to be an A-hole to get the A. I guess people tend to forget that thinking out of the box is crucial in making things work and errrr research outcome is definitely not dependent what grades you get in school. I can totally vouch for that. They say seeing is believing... and I saw things that can send multiple shockwaves to your brain. because your neurons emit extreme charges upon seeing such ludicrousness. Someone can just die of seizures by laughing too much really. But oh well, for the yous that did not witness such hilarity, it's quite hard to fathom to what extent a person is capable of being an idiot.

Oh, here's a couple of pics I dug out from Tim's albums piled up somewhere among his plethora of uploads. -_-. Nothing deep, just something I felt fun-w0rthy to put up in the blog. :)

Yep. That's me. This was taken in semester 4 during one of those redundant visits. Trying to stay awake was really difficult. *yawsn*

Nothing peculiar. It's just a random one. Advertising our flaws during the course of research. This is what exhaustion from long hours can do to you. You throw pipette tips into an agar you painstakingly prepared instead of a bin! The best part is, you continued to put the faulty agar into the refrigerator just cause.

After typing endlessly, I forgot to mention that my graduation convocation is not here yet actually. It will be held during end of August. So you may ask me, what have I been doing lately and I'll say nothing much. Catching up with relaxations while at the same time thinking of some choices I have. I've been sending in resumes to look for jobs... but really not in a hurry. I don't want to get a job that I'm not interested. There's no point in looking for one when you know you won't be there for long. I'll see what this takes me. There's no doubt that I sometimes get stuck in a dilemma. If I should go ahead with my passion in baking/cooking or get a decent job or so. I guess such phases occur a lot in many people but really... I sometimes analyse things too much.

Oh well. Life. Sometimes you ponder about things so much that you forget that the clock is ticking second by second during that pondering moment.

But anyhow, now that I probably got my blogging inclination back, in a day or so I'll post up some pics I took when I went to Haadyai and during my birthday ?

Will be back. Asta la vista.

Well well well. What do I have here? Since Semester 6 began, I got pretty busy with the research project and at this moment, I was "given" a momentary peace before the arrival of yet another grueling research project that involves cows' milk. Though I claimed it to be "peace" I'm actually taking a short break now from searching journals for my other project on nanoparticle research. This semester is inundated with journals, research and presentation for sure. Although I'm having one final exam this time, but the effort and time I have to submit myself to academics slavery weighs more than studying for finals.

In these recent weeks, I tried very hard to control my emotions though there was this instance where my head took control over me and I stormed out in the middle of a conversation. It's not about the workload that's bothering me mind you, it's working with people part. Usually, I consider myself a teamplayer because I can generally work very well with people given that you don't behave like an idiot. And I honestly thought that I'm one dumb person that is too compulsive, doing things without thinking.... It turns out that I'm not so dumb after all. *self discovery mode* "I'm actually not as dumb as I think I am"

Monologues aside, for the coming research project, the list of things I need to constantly remind myself that patience is virtue and repeat in the head "I'm a calm person" at least 10 times before my anger takes control of me.

Sigh, at this moment, I really just wanna work alone, not the research project though but for the rest of the projects. Team work? What team work? The only team work I know is one looks for one info, the other looks for another, and subsequently everyone collects the data and present the data as group. I don't know how much longer I can take this.....

Cruise 2010

Finally, I found the time to blog about my cruise trip after spending days reading my favourite manga tirelessly. I gotta enjoy and play as much as I want since the new semester is approaching. Since it's near the end, I should try to keep a cool composure while dealing with those impending "hardships" and struggles. One thing I could summarise about my trip is that .. After coming back from that trip, I felt lazier than ever. All I did was eat, sleep wait for next meal and the cycle repeats. If you ask me, it's the ultimate paradise for slobs like me. Nothing to think about or worry. No assignments. No practicals and most importantly, no faces of people I loathe in uni. Yahoo for me!
Though it's only temporary but hey at least it's still something.


At the harbour. Took pics of some ships. Hmm I would have been happier if I can see an ancient Chinese armada. Hohohoh



In the ship, where all the "adventure" begins.

Santa and his ho. Kidding. I wouldn't degrade myself to a ho status.


the cabin we stayed in.


First dinner in the cruise. And may I remind you this is only the portion of it. In the Western cuisine restaurant, you can order food AND take as much as you desire from the buffet spread(Appetisers and desserts). Cloud nine. Ahhh. There are actually MANY other choices but I really have to save room for the mains. I took these to fill my hungry stomach. Duck breast, Chicken salad and some broccoli. In the buffet spread, there are also buns. Not just one type of buns but at least 5 types. X_X

And for the soup....

Seafood gumbo! Let me explain here, for those dishes that you can order, we are usually given a few choices to choose from. =)


One of the selection: Fetuccine.


I chose Salmon! It was served with some sauteed mushrooms and mashed potato as the side.


The desserts that I've taken from the buffet. Mango cake, cheesecake, chocolate cake...



Resident evil much. Lol.

As for 2nd day...

Ocean view on a cool breezy morning after you wake up. =)

Ah for breakfast...

I took these from the buffet. Sausages, pork bacon, scrambled eggs. As with all breakfast buffet, they too have array of cereals and buns to choose from, and yogurt for the health conscious ones. Ah and for breakfast menu, you can always choose how you want your eggs to be. Boiled, Fried, you name it. Aside from that, you can have chef's special. I always have one description about going for cruise. You won't get afraid of nothing to eat, but you get afraid of eating too much. HAHAHA


I took cheese omelette!


After downing all that, I even ate the chef's special: Blueberry pancakes. I'll say, I became a bottomless pit. XD



Chilling at the deck reading.




Believe me, even when I'm not reading, I can still gaze at the sky doing nothing. That's my purpose of cruise vacation. To think about nothing and only about what to eat next. HEHEHE.

And after lazing around.. lunch time arrives O_o


Yes, I took the desserts first >_<>__> What to do, temptations came and temptations overwhelmed me. Lol.


I chose chicken broth. Yum. So chickeny.


This isn't my selection actually. I was feeling kinda bloated from the desserts (Bad choice and never repeat that ) so I chose another. This was grilled fish.. (I forgot the name)


My selection: Grilled vegetarian sandwich. Slices of zucchini and tomato sandwiched between breads grilled with melted cheese.





Closing in to Phuket.. :)

Ah for the 2nd night dinner, it was slightly better than the night before.



Buns that were served. These were the buns that were in the buffet spread for breakfast lunch and dinner. Lol.



My dad and mom's appetiser: Proscuitto served with grissini. I absolutely love it!


My choice ain't too bad too! Shrimp cocktail with wasabi sauce. Wasabi was not too overpowering and the shrimp was soooooo fresh. I loved it. Actually come to think of it, none of the dish in the Western food we ate was disappointing lol.



My parents' vegetable broth with wild rice. Don't be fooled by it's simplicity. It was delicious in a very not too overwhelming way.


My cream of chicken. ^___^ Cream. Cream Yumm


Our grilled halibut. And I know you must be thinking if we actually get bored eating so many fishes. Nope we didn't. Every type of fish served has its unique flavour. The best part is, the fish was always made just right. Crispy on the skin and flaky on the inside. The way I love my fish. Another choice available for main was beef. Too bad we are not beef eaters but if my memory serves me right, they were serving one of the better parts. Medallion or something like that.


Our choice of dessert! Apple pie. The crust was so delicious. It really melts in your mouth once you take a bite of it. The filling was not too sweet to. It was heavenly when you eat it with the cold ice cream. The warmth of the pie and the coldness of the ice cream=orgasmic. Lol
Other dessert choices were chocolate mousse and just scoop of ice cream. The 3rd choice is definitely out for me. hello, why take only ice cream when you have apple pie? I didn't take chocolate mousse because I kinda eat it often so ... yeah hence my choice.













Random shots I took while we were in Patong beach. =D


As for 3rd day breakfast.. I stopped taking photos of.. breakfast cause it's the same thing with the exception that they had extra turkey ham this time. Can you imagine.. 4 days of eggs, bacons, hams, buns for breakfast only? LOL. I'm so afraid of looking at bacons and eggs now.

Anyway, 3rd day of lunch


I had cream of tomato soup.


My bro's seafood pasta ^__^


My chicken scnitzel. :D



I didn't take appetisers but I took desserts again. I can't help it. They serve different ones everyday T__T I took lemon cake and marble cake.


As for dinner for 3rd night, it was the special gala. Boy, I was glad that I didnt choose the Chinese meals one. Not that the menu was not good (They had shark's fin, sea cucumber .. that kinda thing) but you know we've eaten that kinda thing so many times so why not eat Western food right.







Our mocktail! (Mine, bro's and mom's) They were having promotion so it was cheaper. Slight cheaper because the price was 17 Sg$ before tax. So it would probably be only a few ringgit cheaper than what you can get in KL.


My dad's appetiser: Escargot. I should have ordered that. It was delicious!


Ours: Seared black pepper salmon. It was delicious but I seldom eat escargots. Never expected the escargots they served was so awesome. T__T



Our wild mushroom soup cause we can't take beef broth. XD
Definitely not your average mushroom soup.


My baked chicken with lemon and thyme. Gosh this was soooo good. The gravy was incredible. I probably wouldn't make this at home because the kinda gravy they use takes a long time to prepare. Seen something similar in Take Home Chef before. The baked potato has cheese on the top <3 style="width: 604px; height: 454px;" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs615.ash2/156762_473621681642_545986642_6294837_5808849_n.jpg">

My parents' grilled seabass. See I told you, we don't get bored with fishes. Haha. I took a bite of this and absolutely nothing to complain about. Fish was fresh. texture was fine. It was all good!

And for the dessert...


Marnier ice cream with mango sauce. Gosh, when I ate this, I think my eyes brightened up. The texture was sorta like pudding and ice cream mixed together. EEEEEEk I wanna have more of this. Any idea if they have this here?


4th day: Dinner. (Did not take pics of Chinese food we ate for lunch cause I;m just not that interested. lol)

Have to take some greens for appetisers right? >_>


Pumpkin soup! So creamy.


My dad's onion soup. I hate it when both choices are equally good. I can't have both! -_-



Our main: Duck breast served with kumquat sauce and cannelloni. My absolutely favourite dish hands down! There was chopped spinach inside the cannelloni. The duck breast and its sauce.. no complains! LOL Can't possibly describe how much I love this dish.


Still have room for desserts. >__>

I have some pics taken when I was in Singapore.. Too lazy to post it up here cause it's not really interesting anyway.

That pretty sums up the kinda food I had. Even to the very last day , we filled our tummies happily for the last breakfast we had there. I didn't take any pic but aside from those I already took pics of, we were lucky enough to have chef's special that was... salmon steak. Salmon steaks for breakfast. Gosh the cholesterol. XD!

So yep, that's about it. If I'm free tomorrow, I'll post up pics of my Christmas 2010. =D

Ah before I leave, Merry Christmas everyone. A little too late but better late than never!