Masters Degree...!

Been a while... so much had happened since. Heh~~ but the biggest, and most recent, update is that after 6 years of study... instead of getting a Bachelor in architecture, we're going to receive a Masters Certificate! Apparently they kinda revised the whole education in this field and stuff and this would take effect from year 2008 onwards! Like... YAY! That's like a direct route to my masters degree!

In other news, well, had a wild party last weekend to celebrate my friend's birthday. Went clubbing at this really awesome place. LOTS of stuff happened, and I got a fair share too. Don't think I'm gonna put it up here though, coz it's "inappropriate" hehehe. Anyway, it's a real blast that left me with a hangover for most of the weekends.

Ok so my brother is leaving Sydney for good this Sunday. My sis and cousin are coming over this Saturday with my dad and aunt. Bad timing guys, I've got a huge submission coming next Tuesday. Well, to be honest I'm kinda excited about it.... but quite worrying at the same time too. Anyway, will see how it goes.

And this session is kinda bright and shining for me. It seems that, up until this point, I'm kinda on my way up and up (not up myself). I'm receiving good criticism for my drawings in both Design Workshop and Communication Studio. That's like, so damn weird coz I'm usually horrible at both hand- and technical drawings. But it's pretty sweet, though, to see that my hard work is finally paying off.

PS: And I don't know why I'm writing so weird... maybe coz I'm really exhausted from the essay I just wrote earlier... anyway I'm off to bed!

Me and the Mapmaker

And so another week flied by. Surprising enough, week 2 was merciful on us. There are no immediate assignments and I've been pretty relaxed uni-wise for the past 2 days. Seriously, when was the last time I had the chance to chill out in Unibar for the whole afternoon? It's such a great relief though everyone agrees that it's pretty weird. They're probably just letting us off easy for now, anyway.

Kinda sad and disappointed that at least 3 of my friends are leaving the course. One this session, the other 2 in the next. But I guess this kinda stuff happens all the time. Well, hope we keep in touch (which would be kinda hard, considering how Uni life revolves around people you work with) and treasure the ones that remain by our side.

In Uni, competition is brought to the next level with a handful of TAFE students transferring in this year. To put it simply, University is to TAFE and JC is to Poly. TAFE students work much more on the practical side and less theory. To be honest, I didn't think much of them during the first lesson. But by the second, they proved that they could kick our asses any day. In my studio workshop alone, 1/3 of the group were from TAFE. They're a great bunch of people and it's interesting to see their approach to different tasks (plus, their model-making skills are great!). Hope to use this little friendly competition as a source of motivation for myself.

But that's that, and we're getting back in the game. Starting tonight it's down to serious work for next week. I'm coping so much better, and I'm loving it.

Uni Weekend Getaway

Who would have thought that I'd be spening my weekends in Uni so soon? It's only been one week and already it's work overload. Spent 2 whole days trying to finish my work for next week, and it's not even 100% complete. LOL. Will add finishing touches to the model after class tomorrow. This is so inhumane...

Onto something positive. It's probably gonna sound like bragging, but I'm just gonna say it anyway. Apparently a lecturer is keeping at least one of my 2 models from last year's exhibition. I've wanted to collect both models from her last weekend, in which she told me that she'd like to keep at least one of them (the Art Gallery) until October. She wants to present it to the Institute of Architects revision panel...! Like, I'm seriously flattered and honoured. Not sure what that's going to acheive, but that's got to be one of the proudest accomplishment in my life.

So the bar is now raised and it's going to be much harder to top my own high score. :)

Mission Accomplished (sorta)

So, remember when I said that we've got 2 assignments so far? Yeah, one is complete. Well, our part anyway. It's pretty interesting coz it's actually one model per tutorial group. Basically, 12 students just making one model. We divided ourselves into a team of 6 and took 50% responsibility each. My team pretty much finished our part yesterday in a 5-hour effort. Just hope the other half of the class gets it done before Tuesday coz, seriously, they look kinda unorganised... haha. But anyway, not like it's even gonna be marked seriously. It's just gonna be either satisfactory or unsatisfactory anyway.

Though instead of having only one assignment left for next week, we freaking received 2 more in Communications class. The notoriously expensive course, and by the look of the outline it's gonna be even more expensive this time. Yeah, 2 more assignments by next Wednesday. Goodbye once more to social life and any other life that I may wish to lead. Hadn't even had the time to catch up with my friends just yet :( Just wanna hang around and chat, and just catch up. For some unknown reasons the tutorial groups are so random. When we enrolled we intentionally chose the same group. But as it turned out we're scattered everywhere. I'm not really confident working with people I don't know....... Fingers crossed for any other tutorial groups that are yet to be released.

Dream On, Buddy!

It's been 2 days in Uni. What a way to start off the year. I fell asleep in the 2nd half of the first lecture on Monday.... LOL. There was a site visit yesterday. It's pretty overwhelming. Probably coz we've been away for so long, we aren't catching up to the tutors expectation just yet. Oh, and any hope of a slow start to the year has been totally shattered. Already we have to produce 2 models by next week. Gosh, like what my friend said , nothing is impossible in architecture. Who knows what other assignments we're getting by the end of the week?....

This year seems pretty interesting though, with such a great mix of students. By this I mean, there are quite a number of new faces from other years and/or other combined courses. There's this Thai guy whose parents own a Thai restaurant in the suburb that my friends and I frequent. The funny thing was, I was speaking to him in English for the whole time (we met in design studio). It was only when he offered me and my friends a ride to the site visit that, once in his car, he played Thai music that I asked him about it. Then there's this Taiwanese guy who's in a senior year taking my design studio course as an elective. He was telling us how we have to do this course called "research practice" where we have to work with real clients and 'please' them (in however ways we can).... riggghhhttt

Though this year seems pretty guys dominated. Like, I know a lot of girls (mainly caucasians) dropped out since last year and the new faces are mostly guys. But it's only been 2 out of 4 courses, so hopefully I'll see more, er, interesting faces today.... :)

Back to the drawing board. Keep the imagination rolling!

Ok... first lecture of the year is on its way real soon. Excited? Not too sure. Probably coz the reality of it all hasn't sunk in just yet. Maybe after tomorrow...

Anyway, striving to make my 2nd year better than the 1st. Gonna have heaps of challenges ahead. Wonder how long it'd take me to warm to Uni life again. Hope it'd be soon!

Alrighty, another chapter of my life has officially begun!

Gifts and Curses.

Last blog entry before boarding the plane back to Sydney. Been a really long holiday, but at the same time not nearly long enough. I'm sure everyone knows what I'm talking about. When it's coming to an end, you just wish it could start all over. But no matter, I'm already making plans of what I have to do to get my Uni life back on track once I get there. Gonna be exhausting the first few days with all the cleaning and running errands. But at least I'd get my space back.

The thought of not coming home for at least 2 years is kinda exciting yet scary at the same time. Lots can happen within 2 years and I'm hoping I won't miss much. It's gonna be 2 more of many years of my life spent away from the people that I love. But that's a decision that I've made and I'm going to stick to it.

Isn't it amazing how some things can be perceived so differently by 2 people? Laughters and smiles are supposed to be pleasant, and I've complimented myself a few times (truth be told) for being able to do them comfortably and regularly. But who would have thought those same things can put some people off so badly? Are they a sign of arrogance to some? Guess I just have to be more aware of my surroundings. You can't make everyone love you, so I guess it's best not to give anyone a reason to hate you. Probably got to thread more carefully from now on and not step on anyone's toes in the wrong way.

Whatever that, enough negative topic for one day (it's really bad for your psychological health ^__^ ). Next time I update, I'd already be in Sydney. Guess I'll be off for now.

Scientific Personality Test

Got really bored today and decided to take this test. As it turned out, I think it's the most accurate description of myself I've ever read. Seriously, it actually shed some light on my own traits that I haven't been able to describe in words. Anyway just posting it here for fun, and possible future reference.

Portrait of an INFJ - Introverted iNtuitive Feeling Judging(Introverted Intuition with Extraverted Feeling)

"The Protector"

As an INFJ, your primary mode of living is focused internally, where you take things in primarily via intuition. Your secondary mode is external, where you deal with things according to how you feel about them, or how they fit with your personal value system.

INFJs are gentle, caring, complex and highly intuitive individuals. Artistic and creative, they live in a world of hidden meanings and possibilities. Only one percent of the population has an INFJ Personality Type, making it the most rare of all the types.

INFJs place great importance on havings things orderly and systematic in their outer world. They put a lot of energy into identifying the best system for getting things done, and constantly define and re-define the priorities in their lives. On the other hand, INFJs operate within themselves on an intuitive basis which is entirely spontaneous. They know things intuitively, without being able to pinpoint why, and without detailed knowledge of the subject at hand. They are usually right, and they usually know it. Consequently, INFJs put a tremendous amount of faith into their instincts and intuitions. This is something of a conflict between the inner and outer worlds, and may result in the INFJ not being as organized as other Judging types tend to be. Or we may see some signs of disarray in an otherwise orderly tendency, such as a consistently messy desk.

INFJs have uncanny insight into people and situations. They get "feelings" about things and intuitively understand them. As an extreme example, some INFJs report experiences of a psychic nature, such as getting strong feelings about there being a problem with a loved one, and discovering later that they were in a car accident. This is the sort of thing that other types may scorn and scoff at, and the INFJ themself does not really understand their intuition at a level which can be verbalized. Consequently, most INFJs are protective of their inner selves, sharing only what they choose to share when they choose to share it. They are deep, complex individuals, who are quite private and typically difficult to understand. INFJs hold back part of themselves, and can be secretive.

But the INFJ is as genuinely warm as they are complex. INFJs hold a special place in the heart of people who they are close to, who are able to see their special gifts and depth of caring. INFJs are concerned for people's feelings, and try to be gentle to avoid hurting anyone. They are very sensitive to conflict, and cannot tolerate it very well. Situations which are charged with conflict may drive the normally peaceful INFJ into a state of agitation or charged anger. They may tend to internalize conflict into their bodies, and experience health problems when under a lot of stress.

Because the INFJ has such strong intuitive capabilities, they trust their own instincts above all else. This may result in an INFJ stubborness and tendency to ignore other people's opinions. They believe that they're right. On the other hand, INFJ is a perfectionist who doubts that they are living up to their full potential. INFJs are rarely at complete peace with themselves - there's always something else they should be doing to improve themselves and the world around them. They believe in constant growth, and don't often take time to revel in their accomplishments. They have strong value systems, and need to live their lives in accordance with what they feel is right. In deference to the Feeling aspect of their personalities, INFJs are in some ways gentle and easy going. Conversely, they have very high expectations of themselves, and frequently of their families. They don't believe in compromising their ideals.

INFJ is a natural nurturer; patient, devoted and protective. They make loving parents and usually have strong bonds with their offspring. They have high expectations of their children, and push them to be the best that they can be. This can sometimes manifest itself in the INFJ being hard-nosed and stubborn. But generally, children of an INFJ get devoted and sincere parental guidance, combined with deep caring.

In the workplace, the INFJ usually shows up in areas where they can be creative and somewhat independent. They have a natural affinity for art, and many excel in the sciences, where they make use of their intuition. INFJs can also be found in service-oriented professions. They are not good at dealing with minutia or very detailed tasks. The INFJ will either avoid such things, or else go to the other extreme and become enveloped in the details to the extent that they can no longer see the big picture. An INFJ who has gone the route of becoming meticulous about details may be highly critical of other individuals who are not.

The INFJ individual is gifted in ways that other types are not. Life is not necessarily easy for the INFJ, but they are capable of great depth of feeling and personal achievement.

Self - Indulgence

Damn, what did I say about starting February with a bang? Well, it happened. Especially to my bank account, lol. In the past 3 days I spent a good amount of time just browsing and spending my cash in malls. I'd say I'd already used at least $400 (SIN dollars) on various stuff.

Bought myself a Sony MP3 Player that I haven't really figured out how to operate efficiently yet. It's so cool and I've been wanting to get it for at least a year but never really had the chance till now. Aside from that there are 2 pairs of jeans, a few of shirts, accessories, caps, and a good bag that I got for half price! Oh, and heaps of FREE DVDs. Yeah, totally FREE. TV series and films. My dad knows the shopowner and so, son's previledge! Haha! You guys have to watch the series "Heroes" man, it's really good.

I feel so bad for spending so much but at the same time I'm so happy...and feeling happy kinda makes me feel even worse about it, haha. Gosh, no more spending for me for the rest of this month.

Goodbye my January

January came and went. One down, eleven left standing. As usual, the most boring month of the bunch. Probably like Mondays in a week, the first month isn't something you actually look forward to (or do you?). Anwyay it's always been like this for me in January for the last 2-3 years, slow with not much going on, nothing to really appreciate. Basically, sick of the holidays and just can't wait to get my life back in action again. Above everything, I'm tired of being at home. Probably too used to staying on my own right now. So yep, dying to head back to Sydney. Sadly, my flight's changed from 15 to 20 Feb... Dad wants me home for the Chinese New Year.
Never mind that, coz I've already made plans to not come home for Christmas this year. Probably gonna be a little sad about it during the festivals, but I'd definitely enjoy myself more in the long run. Besides, I've decided to do summer courses during those months to pass my time and lighten my study load this year (and hopefully next year as well).
Here comes Febuary and, hopefully, I'm making things happening for myself again. Let's not waste another month.

Take the wheel. Ahoy!

Believe it or not, but i spent most of my morning reading through my previous posts. Especially those in 2004 (the year we took our 'O' Levels). The feeling's just so... strange. It's like I just travelled back in time and experienced those events again. Haha, and so full of emotions too. Quite a few times I had goosebumps, chills, or even tears in my eyes.
As I progressed from 2004 to 2006, I kinda noticed a huge change in the posts. They got more, I don't know how to say this, objective? Like, they weren't as spontaneous as they used to be. They almost became like a report... not as expressive anymore. Haha, now I know why some kinda turned away from this blog after its first year. On one hand I feel kinda accomplished for being able to change my own life and maturing. On the other, I'm not sure if I personally like it.
But you know what, it's going to be different again this year. The way I see it, 2005-2006 saw me detaching myself away from a lot of things that I shouldn't. I was no longer a "team player" like i was in 2004, but rather went my way to explore new frontiers. So this year, 2007, I'm putting in an extra amount of effort to balance all aspects of my (blog) life. I want it to be full of emotions and meaning again, but at the same time allowing space for growth and independence.

And before I forget, I came upon a lot of things we said to each other in the past that I kinda overlook these days. Errmm, so I guess this is like a confession. Think I took a lot of things for granted last year. But as I say, I'm going to make changes this year. That's including us, coz we're such a huge part of my life.

Re-Start

Welcome to 2007 (and hitting the "big 2")

About time I resume my blogging business. Been away for a couple of reasons, but mainly because of my limited access to a computer and the internet. That's no longer a problem though, since I started working a week and a half ago. Been doing nothing but staring at the screen since. By the way, don't be alarmed by the new layout. I decided to take drastic action and changed everything. Felt that the previous template was getting kinda messy and out of control. That's why I decided to go for a pure, minimal template instead. Sort of a symbolism for the new direction I'm heading as a person, too. After all, I'm hitting the "big 2"! Oh, and I'm adding in pictures of us (both old and new) once I get back to Australia. Already have plans to make everything look more professional and organised this time! Ok now that that's out of the way...

First up I have to trace my memory back to the previous trip to S'pore. A few names I have to mention.... A huge thank you to Ping and Desmond for letting me crash at your places. Both of you have been much more than a good host (no, not in THAT sense). Also thanks again to you guys, and to Eugene and Ben, for taking care of me when I was sick. That was such a bad timing. And my gratitude to Ping, in particular, for running my errands for me in the last minute. They were really important. BUT no thanks to you for ruining our POSSIBLE trip to Indonesia/Malaysia! LOL, just kidding! Though I'd still be jealous of your trip around Europe!!!!!!!! Better make full use of your time and not sleep till after noon every damn day while you're there!
Oh and best of luck to Desmond, too! First to go into NS in January! Hope they treat you well! (Is that even possible?)

Thanks to Beng for the delicious gift at the airport! Nice of you to trick us like that! And lastly Bing Shun! Thanks for always having your place available when I needed it! But NO THANKS for pushing us around in Zouk! That's LAME! Hahaha, but it's such a wild night. Really appreciate you for making it that night amidst your exam schedule. And glad that I could help with your project! (PS: I left a few equipments at your place. Use them if you have to!)
Thanks to everyone else for just taking some time off and accompany me around! Cheers all!

Special mention to Dan and Carol, whom I didn't have the chance to meet. Hope both of you are doing well for yourselves. Next time I go on a trip (which isn't going to happen for quite some time), you guys better be there!

Not been doing much since I got to Thailand. Getting too well-fed for my own good on great food in proper meals! And New year celebration went out with a bang, literally. Bloody bombings ruin all my New Year's eve plan! And condolences to Ping and his family for visiting Bangkok at the worst of times. Too bad we couldn't catch up, dude.

Been going to work since 3rd of Jan. Eight to five job.... way tiring, and not leaving me a lot of time to do much else either! Work Monday to Saturday (though I usually skip on the day). Don't even get paid since I'm a trainee, but not a problem since I'm not really contributing much to the company anyway lol. Anyway it's becoming a routine, and needless to say it's boring and taking up too much of my precious time!

Well, I plan to go back to Aussie after Chinese New Year. Unfortunately, CNY is on 18 Feb this year. That's pretty late. But oh well... More time to do whatever I have to do before resuming my Uni life.

On my last note, just wanna wish everyone a very great year ahead. Take things as they come, live everyday like your last. Whatever your motto, hope it serves you well this year!

Catching a flight to Singapore in less than 6 hours. All the documents are in place, luggages packed, and travel bugs are settling in... :( It doesn't help to have my first hangover on this very day itself....
Right, for those who I have yet to give my flight details (and that's basically everyone?), I'm travelling GF149, arriving 3.45am on Sunday morning... *hint* Haha, just kidding. The timing is really strange!

It's over! 1st year came and went! *snap* *snap* just like that!!
Had a huge breakthrough in the 2nd session, I think. Everything was looking up and up (mostly) and I've got proof! There's the architecture faculty exhibition/party this friday and selected student works from each year are going to be on display. Two of my models are in there! OMG it's quite unbelievable!
Bring it on, 2nd year! Heard it's gonna be the toughest one coz it's "designed" to filter out weak students!
Here are some of the pictures that I used (prior to editting) in my folio!
These set of photos are of a the first of 3 models i made for design workshop. It's a group assignment aimed at replicating an existing modernist house. SUPER time consuming (but so glad I've got a REALLY hardworking group member, unlike some of my poor friends).





This second set is for my final assignment. It's an art gallery/apartment design on a real, existing site. An interior-heavy model that I had quite a lot of fun making!

OMG I'm sitting for my Structure final exam in less than 6 hours from now!!! And I just started revising 2 hours ago! *PANIC* I'm not even done printing out my study notes! *PANIC MORE*
Hating myself for not waking up last night as I inteded to! Seriously had no time to study at all! After the HUGE design project on Friday, I spent the weekend and yesterday juist doing my history! Submitted it in yesterday evening and totally collasped once I got home Coz i had no sleep the night before. I planned to wake up at around midnight but.... DAMN!
STRUCTURE!!! My weakest subject! 100% FAIL! So glad that it's only 1/3 of my Technologies 2 course. Hope everything goes well for the other 2 components (1 of which has an exam next week)! Sure as hell I don't want to repeat this course!

Celebrated a friend's birthday yesterday after class. It's quite a blast + crazy drinking spree. Too bad I wasn't at all ready, haha. Had no sleep the night before and very little food for the whole day coz we were busy studying for a test. I was seriously reaching the edge of my tipsiness, almost getting myself drunk. I almost passed out in the bathroom a few times when I was trying to take a break, haha. I was such a mess. In the end I had to excuse myself home coz I was just so exhausted. And possibly the stupidest act of the day was when I, instead of going directly home, had to stop at a video rental on the way. I kept bumping into shelves! Gosh, I was even so close to tripping on my own slippers. By the way, I left the store empty-handed.
Got home and just went dead *zzzzzzzzzz*

Fuck communications! Big time! I swear, if I flunk the course I'm seriously gonna go insane. Hardest, or rather, most ridiculous assignment EVER!
Submission next Tuesday and I really don't care if I get a pass minus. Damn it damn it damn it! Been spending the whole day working on it and everything turned out 100% crap! And I'm not even half way there! Gonna be so busy with Construction tomorrow and that leaves Monday, last chance to finish up. HATE THIS FUCKING COURSE!
*Enough fuming, back to work*

Damn it, I missed Oktoberfest! One of the biggest annual parties in Australia, taking place in my Uni. Was supposed to go with my friends later tonight, but all of a sudden they decided that there's too much work. :( Can't blame them though, there's work everywhere. Thought I could get a few drinks , haha. Hope I can make it there next year! Must put it on the top of my to-do-list.

Pfft, I've seen better days. I feel so broken right now, but there's only 2-3 weeks to go before the end. Keep fighting, fighting, fighting....
I'm quite happy with where I am so far, though. Things are looking up Uni-wise. Probably coz I came to know my strengths and weknesses better. Just have to work on them. On a side note I seem to cut myself so often these days. It's been four times this semester, as opposed to none in the last semester. Three on one assignment alone, and another just yesterday. Good that they're just minor cuts.
And the weather is horrible. It's been shooting up to over 30 degrees most of last week and by yesterday it dropped to just about 20. And it's getting colder again today. Got to say that I'm not getting healthier. By next year I have to really change my lifestyle. Just last Friday I went for the whole day without food, and only ate on the night of Saturday. The thing was I didn't even realise it. I mean, I usually only eat when I'm hungry. So I didn't have any appetite at all for almost two days. Bizzarre...
Oh that reminds me. Last Saturday, I was working in Uni on a group assignment. So we were using this classroom in my faculty building. In the afternoon we were told that the room would be used to shoot a tv commercial for Wii (that Nintendo game console). The weirdest thing was that it's a US commercial. Like, there was a bunch of Americans outside the building setting up props and stage etc. They even erected this wall that read "Lincoln High School".... I was like ermmmm. Last time I checked it's a Uni, not some high school.

Return-to-Uni Doomsday. I was down with a fever/flu since Saturday and thankfully making a good recovery for the first day of final term. What can I say but a sign for what to come in the next 4 weeks or so. It's gonna be a hell of a month for me. Submissions starting next week, and every week after right up to Final Exams. Fingers-crossed, deep breathe, and let's roll...
Life-wise, well, time to start caring I'd say. Getting back to enjoying the finer things in life, I suppose. Time to stop and smell the roses.
But hey, still have to get my priorities right. Oh and I got myself a pair of contact lenses, hehe. Once I'm used to it, I'll be playing with them in colours, haha.