Hectic, busy, pathetic but joyful, care-free lifestyle with higher aims - 15 June 2008

The last day of my holiday season ended on last 25th of May. Which means my new sem started on 26th May. I am now officially a Year 2 Sem 1 Biochem student. 1st year passed very quickly. Last sem my GPA was 2.8000 while my CGPA has increased to 2.7142. At least it's increasing. This sem I am taking 5 subjects in total. Or rather as Ben said, 5 papers. Microbiology, is a killing paper. Above 70% of the students failed last sem. Can you imagine how does this paper will kill me next? Principles of Nutrition is also a killing paper. We study RDAs, AIs, ULs, EARs, AMDRs, EERs rather than vitamins, minerals or food nutrients. The next paper is Metabolism 1. The lecturer's way of teaching is the worst I have ever seen. Imagine I have to use camera to snap pics as she is not giving notes to us, and yet we have to study so many machines and the theories working on it. But a good point about her is that she was baby's coursemate. Besides that, Management Principles is suicidal. The lecturer and tutor is 2 different people. The lecture is bored as hell 'coz I don't understand a thing. To be more precise, her words cannot enter my ear. However, the tutorial is the only time i enjoyed the most. The tutor is a funny guy. Enzymology 1 is the only subject that I can understand. It's about enzyme protein. I had been studying for the last 2 years haha. So I guess this is the only subject to score this year?

The schedule for this sem is a very head spinner. The time itself is laughable. From 9 am to 6 pm on Monday with 4 hours in between, I have too much time to spend. But when I drive back home after class, I will reach home only at 9 pm due to the strawberry. On Tuesday from 10 am to 7.30 pm. Yes, 7.30 pm. No joke 7.30 pm. With 3 hours break in between. By the time I reach home, it will be 9 pm (if there's no rain/ accident/ strawberry). Wed is a bit relaxing. 9 am to 2 pm. No complain. But the next on Thursday is 9.30 am to 7.30 pm with 2 hours break. Yes again 7.30 pm. Haiz... On Friday is from 9 am to 4 pm. Sometimes after Tuesday and Thursday class, I will offer some girls for a ride back home. Err actually they ask for my favour. 'Coz its dangerous to take bus back home, especially when there's no one else in the bus. UTAR is totally brainless 'coz they can approve such schedule as if they are meant to torture us little children. On Friday I drop some of my friends at lrt after school 'coz they want to go back hometown.

So far this sem has 2 assignments. Management Principles and Principles of Nutrition. But I had completed my part in Management Principles. Now left only Principles of Nutrition which I have no idea how to start yet. Practical reports are not as hell as the last 2 sems. 'Coz we are required to submit mostly short reports. This sem I am going to break my record in my whole life. I will buy a book called Microbiology for my studies. This is the most expensive book I have ever bought, RM 83.

I do not consider all this as disaster (yet). The real disaster is yet to come in finals. I treat them as challenges. Life is more interesting when there are challenges. Although sleep very early at night, but waking up early in the morning is hard. Tiredness in the morning + boring subjects = Bedtime. But there are a few people that I need to thank. 1st is Grace. She gave me a poster in 1 morning. It's none other than baby's poster. It's a real surprise 'coz I never expect something nice to happen in the morning. The next is Shiau Li. She gave me a few of baby's brochure on 29th May morning. Very unexpected as well. 'Coz I have never seen it yet. She took 3 copies for me from KLCC Sony Center. So I too took at least 10 copies from Midvalley Sony Center when I attend U6BF gathering last 4th June. The last person to thank is Piew!!! He took 3 copies of baby's some sort of magazine from Sg Wang. 8 pages magazine where 7 of them are baby's pages. So thankful Piew took for me 'coz when I went to Sg Wang today I couldn't find it.

This sem although does not start with good things, but I am motivated as day passes by. I am getting used to the hectic shedule, and I am no more a blur guy. This sem I will definitely do better than previous sems (although it's practically not logical, but I will make it happen).

Recently there was a gathering for my class as well. U6BF 2005/2006 is famous for close friendships, the noisiest class in the whole form 6in VI. That day I met few of my classmates that seldom attend gatherings. Si Toh, Justina, Yee... Really miss them. We had our gathering in Midvalley Chili's on 4th June. 18 people attended the gathering and Chili's was so noisy like pasar malam. Thx to the contribution of all of us [Wai Yin, Fiona, Laushu, Kian Ti, Ben, Li-shia (not classmate), Li Ling, Len Yi, Yee, Phon, Phakai, Vincent, Wai Loon, Ching Yeng, Si Toh, Justina, and me]. OH SORRY I HAVE FORGOTTEN CHU CHUN HONG!!! HE WENT BACK EARLY SO I HAVE FORGOTTEN HIM HEHE - added and edited 20th June 2008 It ended very late. And it's a silly day for me too. The next day is the increase of petrol price to RM 2.70. But I only fill RM 10 'coz I don't know bout the increase.

On 12th June, Biochem Group 1 celebrated Siau Chien's 21st birthday. We had a mini party in UTAR cafeteria during break time. We bought her a Cheeze Chocolate Cake from Secret Recipe. Don't ask me why this cake. But it's a nice cake. At least I think it's nice. I wonder how many people will remember my birthday? I know I have forgotten Kah Loong's, and yet I have not wished him yet. Haha...

Rynn my baby is going to release his new album very soon. Nowadays MY fm always play its theme song 听见辛副 and baby's new song 干物女. I am waiting for 10 July, the date of his new album 干物世界 launching. Today is the presale of his new album. Those who make booking will get his poster and a diary. So I planned to go with someone, but none wants to wait with me from 12 pm till the event starts. So Kelvin accompanied me after his work at 2 pm. I waited alone till the time comes. There was an auction for Sze Chuan victims before my baby's event. So I stayed there to watch. It was very shocking to see those people doing charity. A girl student can offer RM 800 for Farenheit poster, while a guy can offer RM 1500 for SHE's handmade wrist chain. Are they nuts? They are not doing charity. They are chasing fames. I cannot understand how youngsters think. They are filthy rich.

When the booth for baby opened, I was the 3rd to purchase the album haha. I am proud of myself. There are free stickers as well. Then he sang his new song 干物女 and sign all the posters. He even signed my previous 2 albums haha... But after the album, all I can eat for the whole month is cucumber and sand. I am totally broke. But it's definitely worth it, and 1 of my dreams came through again this year...

Many people had been asking me the same question recently. "Jino, have you moved?" I must shamefully answer, "NO". I think the renovation progress since then is 0. If you treat me as friends, don't mention this thing in front of me anymore. Thank you very much.

Life now is up and down. There's no guarantee what will happen next. I need to make myself busy to hide my sorrowness. I pity those in Sze Chuan 'coz I am more lucky than them. I cry when I heard the news. So many people died innocently yet so many useless people still living in this world. I might be one of the useless type, but I am changing. I want to become Ultraman, strong enough to survive in this world... I am ULTRAMAN. HI YEAK!!!




[Jino] - A man's not a man unless he knows how to shoot

05 May 2008 - Glimpse of My Sem Break

Now it’s my turn to be free. 03 May ’08, 1600 pm. After my last paper UESE1204 Structural Biochemistry, I felt so light. It’s as if something was lifted away, as if I can fly. But I never jump from the building. ‘Coz there’s no need to. I hope I can pass all the papers with grade B and above. My Maths and Chemistry were like hell. I don’t think there’s anything to think bout the past but hope for the best to come.

After the last paper, I had a thought of doing a list of what to do during the sem break. I had a lot in my mind, but I wonder how many things can I accomplished in just a week? Let’s just try and see…

a) Clear up the messy room
b) Go to Cameron Highlands (7th May)
c) Buy cactus (rose) from Cameron Highlands
d) Celebrate suzanne's birthday on 17th May
e) Collect my camera charger in Midvalley (4th June)
f) Complete baby’s drama download (20th June)
g) Apply Celcom Postpaid
h) Return all Form 6 Chemistry books to Chu (I think Form 6 books were useful compared to those recommended by lecturer)
i) Return all Form 6 Maths Kasturi notes to Khor Kah Loong
j) Buy Hitsugaya miniature
k) Reformat my computer
l) Pay bill for next sem

There’re only 10 of them. I think it shouldn’t be a problem for me right? Just as a ‘spoiler’, I will be using Celcom in the future. But 016 will be remained as well. And I want to plant a cactus too. I hope it blooms flower rather than drooping to the ground. "LIFE is MEANINGLESS if we hv lost our DIRECTION..." – Kah Loong. That’s why I try to put everything into a piece, and making me easier to decide what to do than wasting time thinking…




[Jino] – A man’s not a man unless he knows how to shoot

Cream Caramel - 05/04/2008

Some time ago Lam showed me his recipe book. I couldn't get the name of the book, but he showed me a page of cream caramel. I don't know why it is call cream caramel. It looks more like a pudding to me. Anyway the picture was so attractive, I copied down the recipe. After reading the methods, I found that the steps are pretty easy, and the materials are so common. This is what I copied from the recipe book:

Materials
Custard
500 ml milk
1 vanilla pod/ 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
3 eggs
100 g caster sugar

Caramel
100 g caster sugar
50 ml water

I was confused of what caster sugar is actually. I couldn't find it in Carrefour. So it delayed me from making it. But I found it in Tesco a month later. 500 g caster sugar at RM 1.98. Affordable to me. For the caramel part, I combined the sugar and water together and cooked them at low heat till they turned into brown colour. After that, the caramel was poured into moulds. I took two hours to cook the caramel. Stood still next to the fire and keep stirring was a boring job. I had to keep stirring or the sugar will hangus.

For the custard part, milk was poured into a saucepan. The book says "spilt the vanilla pod and use the tip of knife to scrape the seeds into milk". Till now I have no idea what a vanilla pod is. I just put a teaspoon of vanilla essence into the milk. Simpler... Then the milk was brought to boil. Same theory as the caramel, keep stirring or else the milk will hangus. Eggs and sugar were beaten till creamy. I had problem with this part. As I have to stir the milk, I have to beat the eggs at the same time. So using right hand to stir the milk, left hand was used to beat the egg with the machine which is used to make cake. I made my life simpler that way... I didnt understand the word creamy. But I beat the eggs for very long, maybe this is what it meant. The milk were added into the eggs after boiling and mixed well. Then the milk was strained into the mould with caramel. It must be done slowly as to prevent the caramel layer to be spoilt. And also be reminded to reduce the bubbles as much as possible.

The recipe asks me to "fill a baking pan with water to come at least half-way up to the sides of the moulds, and then bake the cream caramel in the baking pan for one to two hours just like water bath till the mixture sets. After that the mixture were chilled in refridgerator and ready to serve".

I had problem choosing my mould. If it were to use water bath at high temperature, my moulds will melt away and poisonous. My original plan was to use plastic moulds. But then later I change the moulds into metal rice bowls haha. Is this the biggest cream caramel in the world? And I did not bake my cream caramel. I steam them as if I am steaming fish. Because of the moulds, from using 10 moulds I ended up producing only 4 of them due to the difference in size of the mould.

My mama said that I will definitely fail. Her cruel words never demotivate me. I gave myself 80% for my cream caramel. 20% was deducted because the caramel part does not solidify at all. It is all liquid. Sad... And this cream caramel was TOO SWEET!!! Very sweet!!! Super duper ultra sweet!!! With the caramel it made it tera sweet!!! But it's my first try, and I like it so much hehe... Even my mama said it was nice enough as an amateur. 80% for the nice custard part hehe... Sorry I don't have enough specimen to distribute around for free sampling... Sorry Lam, sorry everyone hehe...

I am quite delighted that I made this dessert. Now I realize I have some potential in cooking and it may be my alternative if I fail my exams haha... After feeling sad in the afternoon that day, this made me feel much better. One thing that bothers me very much is after everything is done, I must clean and place back each and every utensils. I wish I have a personal assistant that day. This also shows how busy I am during study week for the final exams...




[Jino] - A man's not a man unless he knows how to shoot

Exam time - 05/04/2008

Just to update you guys bout Jino who is nowhere to be found lately.

First of all I would like to apologize for the announcement I made previously that I will be moving to new house last 23 of March. That move will be postponed till further notice. I do not know what reason to give. And I do not need to give any reason. Just disappointment filling me throughout my heart. My own room, privacy… How long do I need to wait again this time? Let me guess. Another 2 years. Let’s see the results in the next 2 years…

Jino's assignment and test seasons was over. Maths tests X 2 + assignment and interview... Pengajian Malaysia presentation... English assignment long report + presentation... Physical Chem Midterm + open book test + lab reports... Structural Bio midterm + lab reports... Everything's over... But Jino’s final exam is coming up which is scheduled as below:

23 Apr – English for Science
25 Apr – Mathematics for Bioscience
28 Apr – Physical Chemistry
02 May – Pengajian Malaysia
03 May – Structural Biochemistry

Basicly I am not worried about English and Maths as I think I am well prepared for the subjects. I even score good marks in course works. What I really worry is Pengajian Malaysia. Throughout the 13 weeks, the lecturer never teaches a single thing. He attends classes and then cancels the classes. He attends classes during presentation time. There’s no test for this subject, just a final. So I am really blur bout this subject as if there is no guideline to follow. I am OK with Physical Chem and Structural Bio, at least I think I am. We had an open book test yesterday, but due to the time constraint, everyone was allowed to complete the test at home and pass up the next morning. But the lecturer was so angry the next morning when she saw many people copying each other. So she gave us 5 seconds to pass up otherwise any papers submitted after that will be rejected. She was so strict she really gave us exactly 5 seconds. Luckily I was fast enough. Pity half the class who took her word as joke. Although quite unfair to some people, I do not blame her. Anyway this test is 5 marks of the coursework. Quite high, eh? I will try my best to score in finals. I set president list as my target recently haha… Although it sounds quite impossible at this stage. After the exams I will having holidays to approximately 18 May. Lately I will be very busy but I will also try my best to come out for movies. I missed a lot of nice movies lately.

 

 

[Jino] – A man’s not a man unless he knows how to shoot

第三者

什么是第三者?

当第三者出现,人的心真的会变吗? 那么又会变多少? 为什么? 为什么那么容易改变呐? 两个选一个.好高难度,好残忍.

当第三者出现之后, 真的无法补救旧哪一断感情吗? 难道我你的友情就这样结束了吗?

当我想到你们两个, 我心很疼. 很乱. 我只能怪我自己. 我是个又弱又没出息又自私的家伙. 是得, 我刚刚发现我很自私.

是我错了. 是我先对不起你. 我不是要得到你的原谅, 也不是体谅. 我相信没有人愿意巴心分给两个不同的人. 是我给希望, 然后让你失望. 我感觉得到, 我们之间的距离越来越宽. 是真的吗? 对不起…

或许我不是一个值得被爱的人.我让了一个又一个流泪. 我不懂你在想什么, 也不懂你会怎样想. 我只希望你会慢慢得忘了我. 像你说, 时间就是凉葯.




[Jino] - A man's not a man unless he knows how to shoot