Usual...

...from my corner of the world.

A new semester has begun, and already I can foresee that it will be a rather busy semester for me. I've attended a couple of lectures today. Here's a summary:

Creative Writing - I'm trying not to have doubts. I'm trying not to worry too much. It's going to be challenging, but I hope to be able to enjoy this course, regardless. I've looked through almost the subjects available in the undergraduate handbook for the Arts course, and there are no other subjects which captivated my interest, save for this one... Gah.

Baroque & Classical Music - I am absolutely loving it! Okay, maybe not really loving loving it. But I really enjoyed the first lecture, though it was just a brief introduction and background to the subject. The professor is very engaging - he had been "voiceless" for about a few weeks now, but still had some voice left to introduce us to the course and a bit of intro on the Renaissance period leading into the Baroque period. One of my friends said that she liked his voice though - LOL. It was low and husky (dued to the sore throat!). Hahaha. Anyway (!), he makes the lectures quite interactive and enjoyable.

Bought my books and course packs today, and feeling quite motivated to work hard this semester. (I have to!!)

I'm such a nerd for being excited over school. Haha.

=P

Reflections

One of the pictures I took of a lake at Rottnest Island, Perth, last year.

I found this particular lake very intriguing, partly because of the unique patterns of the aquatic fauna. If you observe closely (if you can), there are actually sort-of circular patterns in the clear waters. Apparently, the fishes kind of "chomp" a circle (a sloppy circle, I might add!) around the region where their habitat is. So basically, they live within the circle they have created. I don't think I've posted about my trip to Rottnest Island before, but thinking back, I remember sending an e-mail about my cycling trip around Rottnest Island to you guys last year. All words, and no pictures! Lol. I'm not surprised if you have forgotten that e-mail.

Waves crashing against the rocky coastline.

I remembered it was rather windy; the day started out rather fine, but it drizzled towards the end of our cycling trip. It took all my energy to reach back to where we started. An exhausting 3-hour trip cycling around the island, going over and down little hills, on straight paths, winding paths, narrow paths, wide paths, etc. But it was absolutely a great experience. I loved scenery... the huge waves, the beaches... There were a few surfers out in the sea, and the picture above was actually near an area where there were dolphins. It was quite an 'exciting' experience for me (think Connie's 'excited' reaction), as I saw dolphins in the wild for the first time. It was around the time of the year for dolphin-watching, I think, as they are usually seen in that particular area during that period. Migration and all.

Alas, these were the closest pictures I could get of the dolphins I saw. The school of dolphins were quite far out in the distance, and my camera was already 'zoom-ed' to the max. If you look closely enough, you can see the fin and back of the dolphin in the above two pictures.

Anyway, this is a very random post, I know! But anyway, was just looking back on the pictures I took while I was in Perth last year (before my camera died on me towards the end of the year!), and I guess I just really like doing outdoor activities (contrary to the popular perception of the 'like-to-stay-at-home' me!). It'll be good if we could have a trip together somewhere, just anywhere, before all of you are done with A-Levels or whatever, and before we all split up forever/temporarily; either way, it'll definitely be harder to meet up from next year on, since we'll all be parting our separate ways. Right?

It's so silly - we've been talking about going on a backpacking trip since forever. When will we actually put our words and ideas into actions?

Anyway, Jerry's MIA. I don't have a camera with me here (I know I should have brought one), otherwise I could have more recent pictures to show you guys. And at least liven up this slowly-dying blog, which has lately consist of nothing but lines and lines of text.

Uni starts again tomorrow, and it's back to routine for me! (As routine as it can get, anyway!)

It's been raining frequently lately; 'typical Melbourne winter', I was told. It's been much colder in recent weeks, but I think I'm getting used to it! I seriously miss the sun and the warm weather, though!!

Anyway, all the best to you all who are preparing for your mocks!

Random musings

With less than a week before semester 2 begins, I almost can't believe that half a year has already gone by. I believe that I am speaking for the multitude when I earnestly say that: "Time flies!" Sometimes, Time really just passes you by, and you are left in its wake, trying to pick up where it stunned you, and you run after Time, chasing after it.

The famous phrase, "Time waits for no man and tide" stands true indeed.

Time doesn't wait for anyone at all. Time is constantly pushing on ahead, and never looks back. Time rushes on mercilessly, attacking the nothingness in front of it, creating the Present, leaving the Past locked in its grasp, and giving us a Future of uncertainties... We are compelled to oblige by its rules; we plan our our life according to Time. As we wake up each day, we allocate special parts of the Time of the day to certain activites. It almost seems right to say that we would almost be left floundering helplessly without Time...

In a blink of an eye, suddenly you find yourself standing in a different place. It seems like only yesterday that we were still studying together in the same school. A blink - and that Present dissolves into the Future that is Now. Another blink, and we're scattered all around the world. Yet another blink, and we're already adults, venturing into the working world. And another blink brings us to a Future that is determined by what we do Now.

Doesn't it feel as it Time is moving too fast... ? Too soon... ? Or even too slow...? Amidst it all, things change around us... friends come and go, you meet new people, adjusting to new environments, making important decisions that would impact on our future...

It's funny, whenever someone leaves, we always say, "Keep in touch! Send letters, e-mails, yada-yada-yada..." It's so easy to promise to update each other, but when you sit in front of your laptop/PC and place your fingers on the keyboard, your mind goes blank, no matter how hectic your day was, no matter what happened. Suddenly we're living in different worlds now, and I may be able to share with you "what happened to me today...", but it's hard to relate... And on the other hand, you may feel tinges of homesickness and the occasional lapses of loneliness when you read or hear about what everyone's been up to back home. It's not easy.

Back in SAS, we used to joke that Diya's mom, Mrs. Peter, put a "curse" on us. We had barely begun Form 1 when she told us, "Before you know it, you'll be in Form 3." Sure enough, we found ourselves in Form 3 almost the next day, preparing for PMB... ("Curses, what she said came true!!" was a common utterance in class that year!) and suddenly we found ourselves graduating from SAS.

I guess I'm not really posting about anything special in particular... just reflecting on Life gone by. Orientation has begun for the July intake in uni, and I went to the uni to meet a few friends to discuss some stuff, and it's almost intriguing to see the new students walking around with bags and brochures and random things that are usually given to you during orientation week. I was asked a couple of times if I was a new undergraduate student! But there weren't many people around... maybe there'll be more people in the coming days. The July intake isn't as big as the start of the year, though.

I still have no idea what I'll be doing with my degree...or my future, for that matter. Been thinking about it lately; pondering on transferring degrees, and even dropping one component from my double. Have discussed several times with my mom, but just have to see how things go, I suppose.. My results for semester 1 were not too bad, but I'm not satisfied. (Note to self: must work harder in sem 2!!)

It used to be all about achieving 80s and 90s... but somehow in uni, most people are just glad to even pass. Aiming for H1 (first class honours) seems almost an impossible task, depending on what course you are doing. (Not to say that it is totally impossible.) Sometimes, I almost long to go back to the past, where everything was so much more simpler, with less worries and cares about the future.

Despite the uncertainties, I am enjoying life here and now... except for the cold! I'm dying to see some sunshine and feel some warmth! It's been cloudy almost everyday, and it occasionally drizzles (it doesn't actually "rain" here; more of wispy, light drizzle). It drizzled almost the whole day on Saturday.

Oh yes... Sharon: what love life?? Hahaha. I'm sorry to disappoint you (and my "audience") out there (hehehe), but I have absolutely no love life. =P Check with me in a few years' time, and maybe by then I'll have a story for you. LOL.

Going out later to catch a movie with some friends from my youth fellowship. We're watching Click, starring Adam Sandler. Apparently it's a feel-good family movie (?), and it's a tear-jerker as well... I'll report back and don't be surprise if I told you that I was bawling my eyes out at the end of the movie. Lol!

And of course, a post by Connie is usually incomplete if I don't say this: Jerry, update, update, update!!

=D

Well, after all that's said and done, I quote from the NYTimes World Cup blog...

"Who would have predicted that the whole thing would ultimately boil down to a single conversation conducted on a pitch before a global audience that couldn't hear a word of it?"

It's almost hilarious, really. But I shall not embark on another "Zidane-Materazzi" rant. I think the media and general public have already exhausted that topic beyond reason.

With this World Cup behind us, it's another 4-year wait before we come to South Africa in 2010 for another round of football madness.

* * *

I'm just wondering, am I the only MSN user who has been inundated with all sorts of weird contact requests to be added onto my list? From almost decent-sounding email addresses to weird numerical ones, I usually end up blocking most (with the hope that I'm not blocking anyone I actually know who is legitimately adding me!)

Take anita_wang032@hotmail.com for example. It sounds very normal - except that I do not know a single "Anita Wang". For some reason, I keep thinking of the late Hong Kong diva, Anita Mui... Ehh..?? Lol.

Another "normal" one was josie_mimi23@hotmail.com. Er... I don't think I know any Josies or at least, not a Josie Mimi either. *Blocked!*

Some other weird ones I had were: karenlia0360@hotmail.com (I know a few Karens, but no Karen Lia; on second thought, this one sounds more credible than Josie Mimi), minmin_6547@hotmail.com (Min Min? Minmin?), followed by minmincat0553@hotmail.com (stop adding me already, Minmin!). Then there was a period where I had the "numerical fanatics" wanting to jump into my list of contacts.

dekewu_dink31445@hotmail.com
xueyinabc040196@hotmail.com
pollynii8349@hotmail.com

I find it almost ridiculous. I don't know any of you; and where the heck did you get my email address from?! Or is it just a new type of spam that I'm not told of? *scratches head*

The most recent one which targeted me was xiaoxue_cai810@hotmail.com. Again, as I said earlier, I hope that I'm not blocking people I actually know. I don't know; I have this irrational fear of being hit by viruses and the likes if I add this people onto my contact list! Someone tell me that I'm not being ridiculous. =P

Of course, the one that stood out the most has to be this one: dfjkda223320@hotmail.com

Now,that, definitely sounds like some kind of spam. Otherwise, it's just someone bored who can't think of a better sounding email address.

Anyone else experiencing this "phenomenon"?

... The End.

I am utterly, utterly beyond words and misery.

A summary of my scattered thoughts:

- I'm almost (but not!) in tears over France's loss. I guess I was expecting it. Without Zidane and Henry ...
- This has got to be one of the most "drama" finals.
- France had better control and possession in 2nd half, but ...
- The question on everybody's minds: What in the world was that headbutt for??? Zidane, you have let me and the rest of France down... *hides in a corner and grieves* What a way to end your career. Regardless, you are still an amazing player. *Sigh*


I shall be in mourning for the next few days.

Don't bother looking for me till then.

Last (but not final)...

...and I'm referring to the football (soccer) posts I've been quite often posted on this blog, which would have bored most of you out there (if you even read this at all).



Tonight is the night.

Will the Azzuri claim the trophy for the fourth time in their World Cup history? Or will Les Bleus finally revel in the sweet taste of success and triumph when they lift the coveted prize four hours later? (Both teams' colours are, incidentally blue, but France will be in white tonight, as it's an away game for them.)

We shall find out very soon. ;p



Lygon Street is closed again tonight for the match; apparently they're giving out free pizzas tonight, so whoever's watching on Lygon Street tonight is lucky! I, on the other hand, am going to Adryll's (a brother in OCF) place later to watch the final match with a bunch of other brothers and sisters.


I caught the news at around 6 p.m. earlier at Felin's place before we went for the evening service at church, and they were broadcasting live footage from Carlton (the area where I'm staying in actually, where Lygon Street is situated as well). Lygon Street looks amazing. I wished I had a camera with me, so I could have gone down there and taken a few pictures. Almost every restaurant had Italian flags hanging outside, and it's just so ... Italian. (Well, it is Little Italy, but it just looks very festive and more "Italian" than usual. =P)

I must applaud the crowd who will be gathering at Lygon tonight. Today is one of the coldest days I've experienced in Melbourne so far, and it's been absolutely windy. It's freezing everytime I step out into the streets. Even now, I can hear the wind just banging against my window, howling outside.

The noise and revelry is already starting outside. Just a few minutes ago, someone was blowing on horns. I think the TV screen has already been set up; can hear some noise resembling the spectators at a football match. I can hear cars honking occasionally as well. It should get pretty rowdy when 4 a.m. nears later (that's 2 a.m. for you guys back home). I'm expecting at least a few brawls too, if Italy loses to France. Or vice versa. Hm. In which case, I should be glad I'm not at Lygon tonight! (Or should I not be glad? Hehe.)

I hear... singing now. Eh?


It's somehow different. The whole atmosphere here. Australia may not be a soccer nation (can't say footballing - it'll mean Aussie rules or rugby to them!), but with the Socceroos' appearance this time round, it's certainly raised the profile of soccer in Australia. Yesterday, while shopping with Ruth and Amabelle at Smith Street, there were restaurants putting up signs saying that they're open at 4 a.m., and what the menu would be. Most of them seem to be on Italy's side.

On the topic of atmosphere... not that back home, it's bad or what, but I guess, you just feel it here. It's in the air. The excitement and tension. Suddenly football fever takes on a different dimension. I don't remember being this hyped up back in 2002 (Korea/Japan).

Speaking of home, I've been at the helm, battling the throes of homesickness pretty well, I think. It's easier this time round than when I was back in Perth. Guess I've adjusted. I hope.


Russell Peters was in Melbourne the past two days for a comedy show. It's part of his world tour, I think. I heard that he was coming to Melbourne back in May, but I don't bother... I expect that the tickets must have been pretty expensive, but apparently he'll be back in December (I will be back in Brunei by then).

Some events can just fly past you, if you don't keep an eye out for them. I don't think there was much promo for the Russell Peters showThere's so many things going on around Melbourne. But I'm, incredibly, starting to feel bored, and almost can't wait for semester two to start.

I'm off now! Will probably post up a post-match update when I come back.

=D

VIVA LA FRANCE!!! ALLEZ LES BLEUS!!

A Rabbit's Life II

Watched the Germany-Italy match with a bunch of other OCF-ers.

A couple of them played Winning Eleven before the match started - they played through all the semifinals (with the same teams) up to the finals.

Funnily enough, the score was 2-0 after playing the Germany-Italy match - with Italy winning.

And ironically enough, in the real match a couple of hours later, Italy won the match to proceed to the final, 2-0, beating Germany in the dying minutes of extra time, scoring the two goals (which were a minute apart). Noooo! I think we slept through most of the second half anyway - 5 a.m. match in the morning... *looks in the mirror at a panda-eyed reflection* We can never seem to watch these matches at sane hours (excepting the 2002 World Cup, where it was the other way round).

As for the France-Portugal match, the game result was 5-0 (to France), but the real match saw Zidane scoring the only goal from the penalty to bring France to the finals. Haha, it would have been weird if France had really scored 5-0 last night!

However, if the game proves right, Italy would win the World Cup... Nooooo!! Thank goodness that was only a game... right... right?!

An Italy-France final. Sigggh. It should have been a Germany-France final!!! *continues mourning over Germany's loss*

Anyway, Allez Les Bleus!!

France for the World Cup!!

*

Football (or soccer) aside, I have around two weeks left before second semester starts. It has been a looooong holiday, and I am, frankly speaking, quite bored and I almost can't wait for uni to begin.

And yay, Jerry updated!! ^_^

And I went for a concert last Sunday by Eminence Symphony Orchestra at Melbourne Town Hall. The program was A Night in Fantasia. They perform music from Japanese animation films and video game soundtracks... YES, it was a night of my favourite music from Final Fantasy, and many of Hayao Miyazaki's works from Studio Ghibli (including Spirited Away, My Neighbour Totoro, Howl's Moving Castle, etc.) Aside from the music, footage from the films and the games were shown in the background on a high-def screen as well, making the experience not only an aural one, but a visual one as well! Music from Final Fantasy XII was premiered, by accompanying footage (the graphics look really good). But I think my expectations were too high (considering that I'm a huge fan of FF music and Joe Hisaishi's music), and the acoustics at Melbourne Town Hall weren't very good, so I was slightly let down. But it was still a wonderful concert.

And yesterday, I went with Samuel to see the play Fiddler on the Roof at Her Majesty's Theatre. The play is highly acclaimed, starring also a highly acclaimed actor, Chaim Topol in the lead role as Tevye. The songs are beautiful, the actors were brilliant, and overall, a truly memorable play! The play is running in its last week in Melbourne. I think the company is on a world tour or something. An amazing production!

And...


Well, that's what I have been up to this past week.

When are you going back to the States, Jerry?

World Cup - (England + Brazil) = ...

Incredible - England and Brazil are both out of the tournament now - although I had been expecting England to lose anyway, but Brazil was a surprise.

This makes for a more interesting World Cup, especially since the number one favourites are out of the tournament now.

Just for the record, I will be supporting Germany in the Germany-Italy match (because Italy knocked out Australia, and I don't think I shall ever get over that match!), and for the rest, I will be with France all the way!!

So yes, I'm hoping for a Germany-France final. An all-European clash!

Go France!!



I've been AWOL recently, as I've been away for Winter Camp for the past few days; will be pretty free for the rest of the month (will be busy with some stuff now and then), until July 24th rolls around, and that's when semester 2 starts, but I expect to be a more busy a week before, 'cause that's when enrolments and subject selections, etc. have to be done and confirmed.

And back to the "normal" ending: Jerry, you may be in Brunei now, but just update - something, anything! - so that this blog will not become "Connie's blog from One Corner of the World". I can never think of anything to post on the blog (I still don't feel very comfortable blogging, with the whole "privacy" stuff and all, so I'm always 'limited' in my posts to a certain extent), and with World Cup ending on July 9th, this blog will become officially dead. =P