Quiet is the New Loud
About
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
retreat
Sunday was a long tiring day, but fun nonetheless. We met in school for the ISC retreat for Coordinators of the new semester. It was the first time I would be attending such a meeting and seeing the gang, consisting of 14 Coordinators including me. Rundown:
Me (Marketing)
My brother and Tina (Events)
Flora (Van-Go!)
Beth and Philip (Volunteers)
Alex and Maggie (Coffee Night)
Mnason and Jerry (Buddy Program)
Jaclyn and Jingjing (English Conversation Program)
Haipeng (Workshops)
Mike (Special Events)
I thought we would be going out for some activity, but we stayed in for a meeting-style retreat. We actually made use of UTSC's Council of Chambers (sounds so Harry Potter-ish eh?), which is the actual boardroom where the Directors and VIPs of the school make important, or stupid, decisions. Impressive!
The main entrance and the high ceiling. Donald Trump, eat your heart out!
I'm the one in grey sweater and yellow hoodie.
Lights on as the outside darkens.
These are the only few pictures I have. I wasn't much into the picture-taking mood, though Alex was. If I get the pictures that show actual humans from him, I'll post them up. Anyway, the day consisted of introduction, pizza as lunch, and lots of discussion on our goals, successes and problems of past events, improvements, future events, etc. We ended the meeting with a much needed Chinese buffet dinner outside the campus by rides of 3 cars to transport the whole gang. Some were interesting in heading for a karaoke session, but everyone went home due to exhaustion and partly because the end of Sunday meant the start of Monday, and school/work for all of us.
I got really freaked out after the whole 'retreat'. Marketing is a MAJOR issue in everyone's "Problems" section. In fact, I just made a new poster for ECP that was needed by Thursday. Phew for that. Even worse is that Tina booked a booth in the Student Centre for tomorrow to publicize a Montreal trip (very cool, but more on that much later). Frustratingly, she could only confirm the details today, which basically means less than a day to do those display boards. I thought that would be bad, but till now she hasn't passed me any detailed information to 'publicize', noting it's 11.50pm on a Tuesday night! I've done the heading which reads in large words "MONTREAL", but a huge chunk is missing. Now I don't even know if I'm going to bring the huge board Nora kindly bought for me today to school and I have a Statistics quiz tomorrow. If I decide not to bother, good luck to Tina in setting up the information-less booth. I am at my wits end even though it's not much of my business now..
On a sort-of gleeful last note, I got a call for an interview on Thursday, 2pm at the Scarborough Campus Student Union's office regarding my application for their Spring Election Polling Clerk. I'm so excited! One of my first interviews for an actual paying job. I need to read up on the Roles and Responsibilities, and brush up on my knowledge on the SCSU. Here's to a successful job interview!
PS I succumbed to peer pressure to create a Facebook account.
Me (Marketing)
My brother and Tina (Events)
Flora (Van-Go!)
Beth and Philip (Volunteers)
Alex and Maggie (Coffee Night)
Mnason and Jerry (Buddy Program)
Jaclyn and Jingjing (English Conversation Program)
Haipeng (Workshops)
Mike (Special Events)
I thought we would be going out for some activity, but we stayed in for a meeting-style retreat. We actually made use of UTSC's Council of Chambers (sounds so Harry Potter-ish eh?), which is the actual boardroom where the Directors and VIPs of the school make important, or stupid, decisions. Impressive!
The main entrance and the high ceiling. Donald Trump, eat your heart out!
I'm the one in grey sweater and yellow hoodie.
Lights on as the outside darkens.
These are the only few pictures I have. I wasn't much into the picture-taking mood, though Alex was. If I get the pictures that show actual humans from him, I'll post them up. Anyway, the day consisted of introduction, pizza as lunch, and lots of discussion on our goals, successes and problems of past events, improvements, future events, etc. We ended the meeting with a much needed Chinese buffet dinner outside the campus by rides of 3 cars to transport the whole gang. Some were interesting in heading for a karaoke session, but everyone went home due to exhaustion and partly because the end of Sunday meant the start of Monday, and school/work for all of us.
I got really freaked out after the whole 'retreat'. Marketing is a MAJOR issue in everyone's "Problems" section. In fact, I just made a new poster for ECP that was needed by Thursday. Phew for that. Even worse is that Tina booked a booth in the Student Centre for tomorrow to publicize a Montreal trip (very cool, but more on that much later). Frustratingly, she could only confirm the details today, which basically means less than a day to do those display boards. I thought that would be bad, but till now she hasn't passed me any detailed information to 'publicize', noting it's 11.50pm on a Tuesday night! I've done the heading which reads in large words "MONTREAL", but a huge chunk is missing. Now I don't even know if I'm going to bring the huge board Nora kindly bought for me today to school and I have a Statistics quiz tomorrow. If I decide not to bother, good luck to Tina in setting up the information-less booth. I am at my wits end even though it's not much of my business now..
On a sort-of gleeful last note, I got a call for an interview on Thursday, 2pm at the Scarborough Campus Student Union's office regarding my application for their Spring Election Polling Clerk. I'm so excited! One of my first interviews for an actual paying job. I need to read up on the Roles and Responsibilities, and brush up on my knowledge on the SCSU. Here's to a successful job interview!
PS I succumbed to peer pressure to create a Facebook account.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
El laberinto del fauno
Pan's Labyrinth, or El laberinto del fauno in Spanish, is one of the greatest movie ever made. I've heard rave reviews about it, and it's 6 nominations by the Academy Awards including Best Foreign Picture, doesn't help cool the hype surrounding it.
My brother's friend had a DVD copy of it, and I was planning to watch it. But as soon as it was borrowed, it was returned. Which drove me to rip a 4GB copy from the world wide web. Thank god I did, as this movie is brilliant. I thought it would be a magical, fairytale-like story. It did incorporate some mystical elements and a fairytale, but it is without a doubt an adult-stylized version.
Basically, it's set against the backdrop of the Spanish civil war, and tells a story of Pan fulfilling her very own fairytale. But what caught me was how the story played out. The conclusion of a happy ending was left to us to decide- did Pan's fairytale come true? Yes, but yet no. Besides all that, the film had a flawless artistic direction (ie makeup, set). Watching Pan's Labyrinth made me want to learn Spanish even more. Guess I will be enrolling myself into the Spanish Introductory Course as my elective in the next school year or so. I know a few phrases, like 'ciao', 'presto', and now 'el laberinto del fauno'. Pathetic, which reinforces my wish to pick up the language, or French, German, Korean or Japanese.
It may seem like I have many time on my hands. Kind of true. I just watched Cold Mountain with Nicole Kidman, Jude Law and Renee Zellweger, besides others like Natalie Portman. I didn't know the movie had quite some big names with cameo roles. I love Cold Mountain. There are so many poems and quotes with voiceovers by Kidman's Ada, such as one of the ending quotes: "What we have lost will never be returned to us. The land will not heal - too much blood. All we can do is learn from the past and make peace with it". Best line goes to Zellweger's Ruby, who said: "They call this war a cloud over the land. But they made the weather and then they stand in the rain and say 'Shit, it's raining!'" Splendid performances as always by the two actresses. It gives a seemingly realistic portrayal of civilians caught in the American civil war. Yes I know what you are thinking, "not another civil war?!?" Apparently great movies are tagged with drastic solemn backgrounds.
Anyway, I'm enjoying some songs from the soundtrack, one of which is playing and has an Irish tune that has the sounds of only The Corrs. And thank you Marina for CM. Something funny, I now am able to find CM online, and other movies which I previously tried but couldn't locate like The Hours and Closer; more goodness of Nicole Kidman, Natalie Portman, and Claire Danes. I like Renee Zellweger too.
Finally met Kimberly, and together with Hanit, we are forming a group for our BGYB51 assignment. And Kimberly will be in France for the month of July as part of the Study Abroad program she registered for. Cool, I would love to go to Europe. But for now, finding a job has to be a priority. I've sent out my Resumes 2 weeks ago, but still no news. I may be applying for this Polling Clerk position that the Students Union of UTSC is hiring for their elections. Good pay and a one time job fulfillment. There's this Summer Job Fair on Tuesday, which I may try my luck at too.
Misfortune befell on me today. A nosepiece of my glasses snapped, and when I tried supergluing it back, the icky sticky stuff got all over my fingers and table, with a drop on my comforter. I managed to separate the comforter cover with the padding itself, but a hard rough spot is visible and there no doubt. Same with my table, rough patches here and there. My fingers, well it will heal soon..
Tomorrow we may have a hotpot dinner with the house, and Sunday is the ISC retreat for Coordinators with newbie me and Jerry joining the gang. We're meeting in school first, and hopefully will go somewhere and do something exciting. The tentative night activity is KTV as I last heard? Ah, I need to get some work going. Midterm dates are coming in.. STAB27 on 10th February, and BGYB51 for the second day of March.
BEDTIME.
My brother's friend had a DVD copy of it, and I was planning to watch it. But as soon as it was borrowed, it was returned. Which drove me to rip a 4GB copy from the world wide web. Thank god I did, as this movie is brilliant. I thought it would be a magical, fairytale-like story. It did incorporate some mystical elements and a fairytale, but it is without a doubt an adult-stylized version.
Basically, it's set against the backdrop of the Spanish civil war, and tells a story of Pan fulfilling her very own fairytale. But what caught me was how the story played out. The conclusion of a happy ending was left to us to decide- did Pan's fairytale come true? Yes, but yet no. Besides all that, the film had a flawless artistic direction (ie makeup, set). Watching Pan's Labyrinth made me want to learn Spanish even more. Guess I will be enrolling myself into the Spanish Introductory Course as my elective in the next school year or so. I know a few phrases, like 'ciao', 'presto', and now 'el laberinto del fauno'. Pathetic, which reinforces my wish to pick up the language, or French, German, Korean or Japanese.
It may seem like I have many time on my hands. Kind of true. I just watched Cold Mountain with Nicole Kidman, Jude Law and Renee Zellweger, besides others like Natalie Portman. I didn't know the movie had quite some big names with cameo roles. I love Cold Mountain. There are so many poems and quotes with voiceovers by Kidman's Ada, such as one of the ending quotes: "What we have lost will never be returned to us. The land will not heal - too much blood. All we can do is learn from the past and make peace with it". Best line goes to Zellweger's Ruby, who said: "They call this war a cloud over the land. But they made the weather and then they stand in the rain and say 'Shit, it's raining!'" Splendid performances as always by the two actresses. It gives a seemingly realistic portrayal of civilians caught in the American civil war. Yes I know what you are thinking, "not another civil war?!?" Apparently great movies are tagged with drastic solemn backgrounds.
Anyway, I'm enjoying some songs from the soundtrack, one of which is playing and has an Irish tune that has the sounds of only The Corrs. And thank you Marina for CM. Something funny, I now am able to find CM online, and other movies which I previously tried but couldn't locate like The Hours and Closer; more goodness of Nicole Kidman, Natalie Portman, and Claire Danes. I like Renee Zellweger too.
Finally met Kimberly, and together with Hanit, we are forming a group for our BGYB51 assignment. And Kimberly will be in France for the month of July as part of the Study Abroad program she registered for. Cool, I would love to go to Europe. But for now, finding a job has to be a priority. I've sent out my Resumes 2 weeks ago, but still no news. I may be applying for this Polling Clerk position that the Students Union of UTSC is hiring for their elections. Good pay and a one time job fulfillment. There's this Summer Job Fair on Tuesday, which I may try my luck at too.
Misfortune befell on me today. A nosepiece of my glasses snapped, and when I tried supergluing it back, the icky sticky stuff got all over my fingers and table, with a drop on my comforter. I managed to separate the comforter cover with the padding itself, but a hard rough spot is visible and there no doubt. Same with my table, rough patches here and there. My fingers, well it will heal soon..
Tomorrow we may have a hotpot dinner with the house, and Sunday is the ISC retreat for Coordinators with newbie me and Jerry joining the gang. We're meeting in school first, and hopefully will go somewhere and do something exciting. The tentative night activity is KTV as I last heard? Ah, I need to get some work going. Midterm dates are coming in.. STAB27 on 10th February, and BGYB51 for the second day of March.
BEDTIME.
Friday, January 19, 2007
sounds: I
Albums of artists and bands I'm grooving to now:
Aqualung - Strange And Beautiful
Augustana - All The Stars And Boulevard
Corrine Bailey Rae - Corrine Bailey Rae
Inara George - All Rise
Jens Lekman - Oh You're So Silent Jens
Travis - 12 Memories
Aqualung, CBR, Inara George, and Jens Lekman have the acoustical folk/pop sound, while Augustana and Travis are alternative rock. I fell in love with Travis, first from the Love Will Come Through song that was played on Grey's Anatomy Six Days (Part 1) episode, and then with the '12 Memories' album that I downloaded and listened to repeatedly for these few days. And I just found out that Love Will Come Through was used in the trailer for Garden State, a movie I adore very much.. Wikipedia says Travis will release a new album this year? Awesome-ness!
Talking about Grey's, this show can do no wrong. I just watched yesterday's Six Days (Part 2) episode just now as I gobbled down my dinner of Lipton Sidekicks instant pasta, and even though I thought the start to be dull, it quickly recovered and fired emotional bullets at me. I found myself weeping by the end of 42-minutes of Grey's. Which is why I love this TV series so much: the story it tells, the characters involved, the magical ability that never fails to make me cry, and the immaculate choice of music to complement each pivotal scene. And in respect for my favourite show, my MSN Messenger nickname will always be in accordance to the title of Grey's episodes every week. Hardcore fan? I believe there are more crazy fanatics out there.
Ahh, I finally got the last mark I've been eagerly awaiting. It definitely wasn't as bad as BGYB50 (WORST EVER!). And my Cumulative GPA fell by 0.12, which may seem small but in fact has a tremendous impact. I've to work my ass now to TRY raising it. And should I pay to get the clerical check for that dreaded grade done?
PS Marina, sorry to hear that Kaleng accidentally spoiled Ugly Betty for you. That revelation is shocking. And thanks for the Cold Mountain search. I may rent it at Blockbuster, and if all else fails, I will just forgo it..
Aqualung - Strange And Beautiful
Augustana - All The Stars And Boulevard
Corrine Bailey Rae - Corrine Bailey Rae
Inara George - All Rise
Jens Lekman - Oh You're So Silent Jens
Travis - 12 Memories
Aqualung, CBR, Inara George, and Jens Lekman have the acoustical folk/pop sound, while Augustana and Travis are alternative rock. I fell in love with Travis, first from the Love Will Come Through song that was played on Grey's Anatomy Six Days (Part 1) episode, and then with the '12 Memories' album that I downloaded and listened to repeatedly for these few days. And I just found out that Love Will Come Through was used in the trailer for Garden State, a movie I adore very much.. Wikipedia says Travis will release a new album this year? Awesome-ness!
Talking about Grey's, this show can do no wrong. I just watched yesterday's Six Days (Part 2) episode just now as I gobbled down my dinner of Lipton Sidekicks instant pasta, and even though I thought the start to be dull, it quickly recovered and fired emotional bullets at me. I found myself weeping by the end of 42-minutes of Grey's. Which is why I love this TV series so much: the story it tells, the characters involved, the magical ability that never fails to make me cry, and the immaculate choice of music to complement each pivotal scene. And in respect for my favourite show, my MSN Messenger nickname will always be in accordance to the title of Grey's episodes every week. Hardcore fan? I believe there are more crazy fanatics out there.
Ahh, I finally got the last mark I've been eagerly awaiting. It definitely wasn't as bad as BGYB50 (WORST EVER!). And my Cumulative GPA fell by 0.12, which may seem small but in fact has a tremendous impact. I've to work my ass now to TRY raising it. And should I pay to get the clerical check for that dreaded grade done?
PS Marina, sorry to hear that Kaleng accidentally spoiled Ugly Betty for you. That revelation is shocking. And thanks for the Cold Mountain search. I may rent it at Blockbuster, and if all else fails, I will just forgo it..
Thursday, January 18, 2007
white globe
Toronto is finally blanketed in snow! True snow, not those that melt away under the sun. It's been freezing cold these few days, but welcomed since we've been missing out on the winter 'joy' for a while now. The downside is the dirty slush that covers the walkways, roads, and in buses and the subway.
J. Hudson for an Oscar? Probably. I watched Dreamgirls on Saturday. The movie rocked, though I do think her performance was slightly over-hyped (she can shined as Effie and can sing no doubt, especially when she belted out "And I'm Telling You..", it was tremendously emotional and powerful). Golden Globes honoured Grey's Anatomy, Ugly Betty and America Ferrera. Woot!
This is what I've been working on as my first job as the ISC Marketing Coordinator.. This role translates into many hours using Photoshop, and so I would have to read the tutorials since I'm a dummy there. But this effort ain't bad eh?
I've been drifting in and out of school within an hour or two for the past few days. It's kind of nice how 3 courses isn't stressing, yet terrible how everyday is filled with only a hour-long lecture. I got back a mark recently; my worst one yet. A depressing C, which is 10 marks lower than my ex-lowest grade. I see my GPA plummeting down. I'm contemplating getting a clerical check for that BGYB50 course, but I'll wait for my remaining mark to be posted before making a decision. Another journey to school for an hour long lecture in Plant Physiology. I've skipped the Evolutionary Biology lectures; leaving that for the web videos. Nevertheless, buck up time this semester!
J. Hudson for an Oscar? Probably. I watched Dreamgirls on Saturday. The movie rocked, though I do think her performance was slightly over-hyped (she can shined as Effie and can sing no doubt, especially when she belted out "And I'm Telling You..", it was tremendously emotional and powerful). Golden Globes honoured Grey's Anatomy, Ugly Betty and America Ferrera. Woot!
This is what I've been working on as my first job as the ISC Marketing Coordinator.. This role translates into many hours using Photoshop, and so I would have to read the tutorials since I'm a dummy there. But this effort ain't bad eh?
I've been drifting in and out of school within an hour or two for the past few days. It's kind of nice how 3 courses isn't stressing, yet terrible how everyday is filled with only a hour-long lecture. I got back a mark recently; my worst one yet. A depressing C, which is 10 marks lower than my ex-lowest grade. I see my GPA plummeting down. I'm contemplating getting a clerical check for that BGYB50 course, but I'll wait for my remaining mark to be posted before making a decision. Another journey to school for an hour long lecture in Plant Physiology. I've skipped the Evolutionary Biology lectures; leaving that for the web videos. Nevertheless, buck up time this semester!
Saturday, January 13, 2007
school week, winter weekend?
One week of school, DONE. I guess this semester wouldn't be as bad, seeing how I'm only taking 3 courses: BGYB31 - Plant Physiology, BGYB51 - Evolutionary Biology, STAB27 - Statistics II. I'm kind of loving all of them since they have good profs. But I'm regretting not taking STAB27 together with STAB22 which I took in my Fall '05, since many of the material now are follow-ups. And thankfully, the lectures for BGYB51 a videotaped and posted online. Which translates to an additional of 2 hours of sleep on Tuesday and Thursday for me if I decide to skip them (VERY likely).
Otherwise, I accepted a position at the ISC as their Marketing Coordinator. There should be a training-like session soon. It's going to be fun, everything about this volunteer position. Also, still trying to get a part-time job off-campus. I've dropped off my Resume at places like H&M, Gap, Club Monaco, Tommy Hilfiger, Shopper's Drug Mart, and Godivas Chocolate. Till date, no news. Must be the lack of work experience that is turning employers away. I hope I get something soon.
I started wearing contact lenses on Thursday. Funny story.. I was rubbing my eyes at home yesterday and all of a sudden my left eye went blur. I tried searching for the lost lens everywhere, but couldn't locate it. After I decided to give up the search, I headed to the shower and it popped up in my eye. Somehow, the lens went to the back/top/bottom of my eyeball or eyelid. Scary.. Oh, and I've to get more practice in putting them on. I spend too long a time in the toilet sticking my finger into my eye.
Today is Hockey Day in Canada! I registered at the forum of the Toronto Maple Leafs webbie, and participated in the Game Thread just now as I watched a match between Toronto Leafs and the Vancouver Canucks on TV. Sadly, a brutal lost thanks to anti-Leafs referees and bad-Leafs/good-Canucks goaltending. Gah, I hope the next few games get better. So I'm becoming a full-fledged ice hockey fan. Good or bad?
I'm not getting my hopes too high, but there should be snowfalls over this weekend? Finally! This winter has been mild for Toronto while the west coast got stuck with the Weather Maker's wrath. It's like early spring in T.O.
AND, I'm off to see theWizard Dreamgirls..
Note to self: Grey's new episode was awesome, and as usual cool songs that came with it. Like Travis' Love Will Come Through. Plus, Golden Globes on Monday. Do not miss it, and root hard for my loves.
Otherwise, I accepted a position at the ISC as their Marketing Coordinator. There should be a training-like session soon. It's going to be fun, everything about this volunteer position. Also, still trying to get a part-time job off-campus. I've dropped off my Resume at places like H&M, Gap, Club Monaco, Tommy Hilfiger, Shopper's Drug Mart, and Godivas Chocolate. Till date, no news. Must be the lack of work experience that is turning employers away. I hope I get something soon.
I started wearing contact lenses on Thursday. Funny story.. I was rubbing my eyes at home yesterday and all of a sudden my left eye went blur. I tried searching for the lost lens everywhere, but couldn't locate it. After I decided to give up the search, I headed to the shower and it popped up in my eye. Somehow, the lens went to the back/top/bottom of my eyeball or eyelid. Scary.. Oh, and I've to get more practice in putting them on. I spend too long a time in the toilet sticking my finger into my eye.
Today is Hockey Day in Canada! I registered at the forum of the Toronto Maple Leafs webbie, and participated in the Game Thread just now as I watched a match between Toronto Leafs and the Vancouver Canucks on TV. Sadly, a brutal lost thanks to anti-Leafs referees and bad-Leafs/good-Canucks goaltending. Gah, I hope the next few games get better. So I'm becoming a full-fledged ice hockey fan. Good or bad?
I'm not getting my hopes too high, but there should be snowfalls over this weekend? Finally! This winter has been mild for Toronto while the west coast got stuck with the Weather Maker's wrath. It's like early spring in T.O.
AND, I'm off to see the
Note to self: Grey's new episode was awesome, and as usual cool songs that came with it. Like Travis' Love Will Come Through. Plus, Golden Globes on Monday. Do not miss it, and root hard for my loves.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
TWO
Tonight marks the second anniversary of me stepping into the unknown Canadian terrain. Yes, I've already spent 2 lovely years of my life in Toronto. Fact, but unbelievable. It feels different. I feel different.
1) I'm mentally and physically more mature. I like the environment and freedom of being in University, and I do put more thought into my actions. I still want to get more toned and taller (6'0"?). People say I've still time to grow, so I should start gulping down the milk eh? Besides, almost everyone says that I'm the older brother when I stand next to my actual older brother, but I look right for my age. Ha!
2) My dress sense and style is changing. I'm trying on skinny pants, hats and more jackets, and switching to contact lenses. I just went to get my contacts, and they should be here by next Thursday. I need more practice with putting them on, since there was so much fuss the last two times I wore contact lenses.
3) My music taste is now more towards alternative pop/rock/folk. Patrick Park, Matt Costa, Mat Kearney, Aqualung, Cary Brothers, Jens Lekman, The Perishers, Augustana, Regina Spektor, Inara George.. Who would guess? Though I do enjoy particular guilty-pleasure true pop songs once in a while. Also, I've lost touch with the 'IN' Chinese songs, besides those from Stef Sun, Penny Dai, Tanya Chua and Wang Leehom.
4) I'm more outgoing with people around me and active in school, seeing how I'm working on getting a part-time job and volunteering with the ISC. I used to have this barrier eversince I came to Toronto around me; the fear of speaking to others lest I say something weird or un-Canadian. The courage is slowly coming back..
5) I feel more a part of Toronto, as I love living and studying here. The weather, food, people, places.. Never would I have expected this, but I now also enjoy the Canadian game of ice hockey. Go Toronto Maple Leafs!
For all that's worth, I am who I am and I miss everything I have in Singapore: my family, friends and valuable times. Thanks all who have been virtually here, if not physically.. Especially Melissa Fu Xunru. You, along with Pamy, have been constantly keeping in touch with me one way or another. E-mails, letters, cards, STB postcards, through this very Blogger platform. So where's the detachment?
The winter semester of my second year at UTSC starts tomorrow. I'm taking only 3 courses as opposed to the usual 5, yet I've to go to school every single day for an hour or two. Bummer. I'm going to make full use of my time in school with studying, working out via yoga/pilates or volunteering at ISC.
YOOHOO! Two years and counting.. And an apt song to cap it off. I'm living life.
1) I'm mentally and physically more mature. I like the environment and freedom of being in University, and I do put more thought into my actions. I still want to get more toned and taller (6'0"?). People say I've still time to grow, so I should start gulping down the milk eh? Besides, almost everyone says that I'm the older brother when I stand next to my actual older brother, but I look right for my age. Ha!
2) My dress sense and style is changing. I'm trying on skinny pants, hats and more jackets, and switching to contact lenses. I just went to get my contacts, and they should be here by next Thursday. I need more practice with putting them on, since there was so much fuss the last two times I wore contact lenses.
3) My music taste is now more towards alternative pop/rock/folk. Patrick Park, Matt Costa, Mat Kearney, Aqualung, Cary Brothers, Jens Lekman, The Perishers, Augustana, Regina Spektor, Inara George.. Who would guess? Though I do enjoy particular guilty-pleasure true pop songs once in a while. Also, I've lost touch with the 'IN' Chinese songs, besides those from Stef Sun, Penny Dai, Tanya Chua and Wang Leehom.
4) I'm more outgoing with people around me and active in school, seeing how I'm working on getting a part-time job and volunteering with the ISC. I used to have this barrier eversince I came to Toronto around me; the fear of speaking to others lest I say something weird or un-Canadian. The courage is slowly coming back..
5) I feel more a part of Toronto, as I love living and studying here. The weather, food, people, places.. Never would I have expected this, but I now also enjoy the Canadian game of ice hockey. Go Toronto Maple Leafs!
For all that's worth, I am who I am and I miss everything I have in Singapore: my family, friends and valuable times. Thanks all who have been virtually here, if not physically.. Especially Melissa Fu Xunru. You, along with Pamy, have been constantly keeping in touch with me one way or another. E-mails, letters, cards, STB postcards, through this very Blogger platform. So where's the detachment?
The winter semester of my second year at UTSC starts tomorrow. I'm taking only 3 courses as opposed to the usual 5, yet I've to go to school every single day for an hour or two. Bummer. I'm going to make full use of my time in school with studying, working out via yoga/pilates or volunteering at ISC.
YOOHOO! Two years and counting.. And an apt song to cap it off. I'm living life.
Monday, January 01, 2007
2007
A new year, a new beginning. Then again, every new day is one. I've thought of resolutions, but decided that I would do away with them. Why spend so much time thinking of it, then fretting over not being able to keep them? Personal opinion, and then again, there's the otherside of the argument of setting an aim, a goal, to work towards to. There's always 2 sides to an argument. Yes, so no resolutions, but an upbeat, optimistic attitude for the new year. Towards studies, job, life in general.
We spent the hours before and after midnight playing poker cards and watching the LIVE broadcast of the Toronto countdown happening downtown outside City Hall. It was, yawn. Just disengaging. And the fireworks, at least from TV, were blah. They weren't big with splendour. Maybe it was the rain and the cold that dampened everything. The poor beings who actually went to the site under umbrellas. Thank god for cable, as we managed to watch the more spectacular NYC Time Square's countdown's aftermath.. Confetti on the ground, people swarming out of the area, but still very cool performances by singers that we actually know.
The first day of 2007: lunch at this Malaysian-Singaporean eatery with the house, including newly joined homie, Kaleng, who more or less have made herself at home. She was so excited living in the suburbs being the downtown girl she WAS, and was like a kid coming out of the country. Funny. Welcome to the suburbs, homie Kaleng.
I hope it's an auspicious start for 2007. It's a 007, Bond Year. How many of those do we get? The one and only in our lifetime (unless someone comes up with this incredulous way of regenerating and immortality). Toronto's beloved ice hockey team, the Maple Leafs, needs this auspicious start. They won a much needed game just now, which I gleefully streamed it live from this website. GO LEAFS! I should get back to watching season 5 of Scrubs and tweak my Resume. Hopefully, I'm starting my Resume-dropping tomorrow at places in Fairview Mall that are hiring.
Happy 2007!
We spent the hours before and after midnight playing poker cards and watching the LIVE broadcast of the Toronto countdown happening downtown outside City Hall. It was, yawn. Just disengaging. And the fireworks, at least from TV, were blah. They weren't big with splendour. Maybe it was the rain and the cold that dampened everything. The poor beings who actually went to the site under umbrellas. Thank god for cable, as we managed to watch the more spectacular NYC Time Square's countdown's aftermath.. Confetti on the ground, people swarming out of the area, but still very cool performances by singers that we actually know.
The first day of 2007: lunch at this Malaysian-Singaporean eatery with the house, including newly joined homie, Kaleng, who more or less have made herself at home. She was so excited living in the suburbs being the downtown girl she WAS, and was like a kid coming out of the country. Funny. Welcome to the suburbs, homie Kaleng.
I hope it's an auspicious start for 2007. It's a 007, Bond Year. How many of those do we get? The one and only in our lifetime (unless someone comes up with this incredulous way of regenerating and immortality). Toronto's beloved ice hockey team, the Maple Leafs, needs this auspicious start. They won a much needed game just now, which I gleefully streamed it live from this website. GO LEAFS! I should get back to watching season 5 of Scrubs and tweak my Resume. Hopefully, I'm starting my Resume-dropping tomorrow at places in Fairview Mall that are hiring.
Happy 2007!