Last Sunday, the socket in which my laptop was plugged in short-curcuited, effectively cutting off our electricity. Nothing happened to my laptop, fortunately, but we ended up having to fix the wiring, the fridge and reinstall the tv aerial (the last one just an issue we've been pushing aside for awhile).

Then this Sunday, water starts mysteriously seeping through the tiles under our desks. =______= We have no idea why or how to fix it, so for now, I have to occasionally sop up the puddle. I have no idea what's going to happen when we go to sleep.

*deep breath*

RAWWWWWWR.

Will post up the Halloween tricks in a bit and the massive Singapore post I should do soon. But for now, I'll settle with being disgruntled.

THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU POOF OFF LJ. Good stuff always go around when I'm not around. D;

1. create a graphic (200 x 200 max size) to represent your personal "candy". it should have your username on it, but otherwise can feature whatever you want. make it something special since it's self-representative.
2. make a post with the subject "trick or treat?". put your "candy" somewhere in it, and be sure to repost these instructions.
3. then, go around other people's ljs and reply to them with either "trick" or "treat". if you reply with "trick", they will give you an lj dare that you have to perform before taking their candy. if you're too wimpy for that, simply say "treat" and take their candy.
4. list all your collected candies in your original "trick or treat?" post to show off your collection, being sure not to direct-link!


^^; Don't know if anyone still wants my outdated, errr, candy (why am I so late, sob), but oh well.

*STARTS STALKING PEOPLE'S JOURNALS*

( And in the candy bag, we have... )

Am typing this on Denise's laptop (which I mooched off her) at the Visitor's Lodge in the National University of Singapore. Yay!

Before I recap the past two days, lemme just say that this lodge is possibly better than a lot of hotels (actually feels like one too) with an awesome, awesome shower. Makes up for all the hours of studying we've been doing in the library, but I am getting ahead of myself.

We reached Batu Pahat (Johor) yesterday and stayed over at Jo's (one of my uni classmates) house, which by the way, is so huge, I think I just stood and stared at it for a good one minute. Then again, when you have enough compound to rear five (previously seven) huge dogs, it's tough not to jawdrop for awhile. Her dogs are gorgeous though - I'll get the photos from Denise's camera and upload them when I get back to Subang.

We literally had dinner on the edge of Malaysia afterwards. :p The seafood was super yummy too, with succulent crabs and prawns I've never had before. We explored the area around the restaurant before dinnertime, including the temple perched at the very edge of land. The architecture there was really gorgeous and cunningly done, although the 4D lottery numbers scribbled on various walls and statues were a bit off-putting.

We also got to touch the Arapaimas raised there too! There was this rocky alcove with a pool and strategically placed holes big enough to stick a head and hand through. Apparently, if you manage to touch an arapaima living in this pool from head to tail, you'll strike the lottery. Or rather, have really good luck, but you know we Malaysians. :p

Needless to say, some of us gave it a go. My friend even got a combo-touch, with one arapaima trailing behind the other. I managed to touch the entire arapaima too, although I couldn't help scratching it a little like I do Chiko at home. XD The scales were really hard and the fish was really smooth to the touch. The arapaima themselves were really serene, for the lack of a better adjective. I guess they've gotten used to being a good-luck charm.

Early today, we left Johor and headed straight here via taxi to NUS and the library. I think we've clocked about 5 hours of solid research today and my eyes are already seeing stars. Hoping that the stuff I've dug up will help my FYP lit review. Either way, we're going back to hit the shelves tomorrow even earlier to squeeze out the most of our time here.

Oh, I do want to add this though: NUS is huge. With marvelous architecture. And awesome. Yes. Before I go back, I have vowed to try the sandwich vending machines.

Everyone's watching a ghost documentary in the other room, so I'm off to join them and maybe sort through the notes I photocopied today. Will post a major photo spam from Denise's pika-sparkly camera when I get back, but for now, here's a picture of me improving my future jackpot prospects:

Persona 3 log: Around 30+ or 50+ hours; can't remember the exact number, but I'm about 5 days away from fighting the Hermit Boss.

( Extensive P3 gamelog/spazz awaits )

Going down to Singapore next week to do some FYP research in the NUS library with some friends. Educational purposes aside, it'll be fun, I hope! ^^

I should do a Chiko photo-spam soon - I think I have more pictures of her than of myself/other people in my phone these past few months! Then again, I should probably upload some of the photos I've taken in uni, at least on Facebook.

Getting into K-pop could be bad for my brain. Oops, too late. 8D;;

EDITEI: Oh, forgot to mention, also finally got my hands on that Olympic closing song I wanted - 'The Moon is Bright Tonight' (Jin Ye Yue Ming)! (^o^) Glad I stumbled across it - all my searching back then availed to nothing. *happily loops it again*

EDITEI: HOCRAP, a cockroach just ran out from under by external hard-drive and it can fly. I'm not so bad with the ones that creep along the ground, but ugh ugh ugh, flying cockroaches are the worst!

My mom, Superwoman that she is, took a few pieces of tissue paper in her hand, squished it, threw it in the dustbin and sprayed Sheltox in it (the dustbin) for good measure. Go Mom! What would I do without you? \(T^T)/

Really quick update, mostly because I've been a horrible updater. ^^;;

Finals are over! Exams were tough, but definitely could be worse. Crossing my fingers for satisfactory results.

Knee is still stiff, oy vey. Still, at least I can climb stairs properly now.

Tried picking up Star Ocean 3 again, but the disc stopped working before I even got to the first battle tutorial. T^T Decided to try Persona 3 instead (Yes, I'm backdated), which may very well be the worst-best thing I've ever done. How the heck do you guys juggle maxing out the training +social linking + stat raising?? (;3;) Also, Sanada is very, very fangirl-able. ♥

Unfortunately, my mom thinks I play too much PS2. (But I haven't touched it in ages except recently to spin Pop'n Music 13 a few times, go figure.)

Have been as bad at e-mailing as I have been at LJing. ^^;

FYP AAAAAHHHH.

Haven't checked my F-list in forever - anything important I missed? Fill me in, guys!

Knee's been acting up lately; it slipped out again last week Saturday when I was getting out of bed. >.< Popped straight back in though (I'm thinking it's more a subluxation than dislocation), but I've been hobbling for a few days now. Right side of my kneecap's a bit swollen and stiff too, enough for it to hinder my leg from completely straightening.

I'm not all that keen on seeing a doctor though - not only is it expensive, but I'm predicting that they will suggest surgery as an option. +.+ Definitely not keen on that at all! I've heard stories from my mom's friend who underwent surgery for a similar problem, only to discover that it made little difference; it still popped out.

Oh well, I'll just take extra care and hope the swelling goes down (and the popping cease!)

In other news, I really should start studying for the Persuasion and Negotiation final exam. XD;;

I was thinking that today would have been kicked off by Research Methodology and the first day of our Finals.

And oh man, was I wrong. *winces* Painfully and utterly wrong.

At around 1.15 a.m this morning, my left kneecap slipped out of position right when I was about to go to bed. This hasn't occurred in ages, which was bad enough.

Worse, it stayed out until about 2.00 a.m, during which time I couldn't bring myself to straighten my leg because of the sheer agony attached to the effort of doing so. Cue pain, pain, PAAAAAAIN and more pain.

( +1 photo; might not be for the squeamish )

God bless Uncle Terry in the end; when called, he rang up his sister-in-law, who was an orthopedic surgeon and came over. Until now, I'm not sure how he did it, but he managed to lift my leg up and pull it straight with as minimal pain and discomfort as he could.

Ended up not being able to sleep the whole night in the end due to the discomfort and soreness and went off to uni at eight for the research meth exam at nine. Thank God my mom called the uni staff early - they allowed me to do my exam paper in a separate venue on the ground floor (the original venue was two floors up). Granted, the knee guard and crutch probably helped my case lots too.

My knee is horribly stiff and sore right now, with little twinges of pain shooting through it when it is shifted after being stuck in a position for too long. But at least it's back in. *sighs* Probably going to be hobbling for the next few days though.

On a brighter(?) note, today's exam wasn't as bad as I thought it would be! The feeling of being the only one in an exam hall is a bit disconcerting though. I kind of got the feeling that the invigilator wanted me to be done with my paper ASAP, but unfortunately for him, I'm one of those students who like to stick around for the whole duration of the exam paper.

Discourse analysis on Thursday - hopefully no mishaps will happen before that paper. +.+

Have been absent for awhile now mostly because I have been marathoning computer games of late. A lot of computer games.

But oh boy, what awesome games they are! O.O I'm a fan of hidden-objects games, but I love adventure-style games as well (okay, maybe a bit more) and most of the games I've been playing have been enjoyable hybrids of both, with gorgeous settings and graphics to boot.

Anyway, I told myself my next post would have photos from the last few days of the semester, but I caved into the need to chronicle the games that have eaten up my attention lately. Next post, maybe? ^^;

*looks at her D: drive* So, in the past...three days (four, if one counts today), I have played (and completed):

( Here be the List of Games (tm) - gaming spazz ahead )

I've also played 'Shopping Blocks' halfway (very Restaurant-City-que). Thinking of starting Nancy Drew Dossier: Lights, Camera, Curses! tonight and Midnight Mysteries:The Edgar Allan Poe Conspiracy (Poe!) sometime in the future.

Also, I intend to start studying for my Finals!...eventually. 8D

In line with futomimii's absolutely gorgeous sky photos - seriously, check them out if you can - here is a shot I snapped yesterday in PJ:



Lovely blue sky :)

Wish I should say the same about the actual weather though - it's been scorching hot these few days, ouch. +_+ Add being stuck in traffic to that equation, and you get a lot of general grumpiness.

Worse still, despite my white blood-cells (usually) stellar defenses, I think I'm coming down with the flu. +___+ If that isn't bad enough, there's a sore throat threatening my voice, which I really, really need for tomorrow's public speaking presentation. Considering it is the final assignment for the subject and carries pretty heavy weight in our final evaluation, I need to stay audible at the very least. >.< Ugh.

Gotta last through this stretch and the Finals!

Today, I went with yuncyn, futomimii, carneaglariel and enigmatic_wind to watch 'Up' in Sunway Pyramid today. I've been hearing rave reviews about it and even reasons to bring tissue paper to the cinema during the movie. That, snowballed with the fact that it's Pixar pretty much meant I would eventually check it out.

And boy, it doesn't disappoint! I didn't cry the 'one litre of tears' piratelicker did, but I did end up sniffling at several points in the movie (yes, including the short clip before the movie began and the ending.) And I have to agree with Reins on the OST - gorgeous, gorgeous music that complemented the animation and story really well. And all those vibrant colors and smooth, amazing animation and guh.

The plot is simple enough to follow, but unfolds so beautifully without actually being shoved directly into your face. (Also, it is apparently so subtly conveyed that a kid behind me kept asking her parents what the heck was going on on the screen. +.+ Mmmmm, I'm thinking this may be a movie tailored more towards the older crowd then.)

Loving the character development as well - Carl's (obviously) the one given the most attention and focus, but I like how his development is clearly tied in with the other characters whom, while less developed (even static at times), are pretty likable. And Dug. ♥

Not going to drop any spoilers here, but do check it out if you can. It is definitely worth the watch and-

SQUIRREL.

- I mean, and will be worth the time and money spent. Seriously.

Not really related, but I really want to watch 'The Princess and the Frog' once it hits theaters. And wow, I really miss the good ol' Disney movies, like 'Aladdin' and co.

Anyway, the bunch of us took some purikura pictures afterwards and divided the photos amongst ourselves. Here are the ones I got. (Sorry about the picture quality; my scanner is old. T^T)



We started out pretty 'seriuz'. Really, we did.

( +5: Five times as sparkly, five times five as crazy-mad as you can get when you shove five girls into a photo booth )

Will add another picture-cut once I get the other pictures, because seriously you guys, there are more epic pictures than these. For serious.


In other news, I passed 'Captain Jack' on DDR today! \(^o^)/ With a quarter bar left to boot. Turns out it was easier than 'Cartoon Heroes', mostly because the latter has more double steps. Hoping to replicate that the next time I take a whack at that machine.

Guys, I have something to confess to all of you. I'm not actually 21.

I'm actually 23 YEARS OLD .

( And here's the proof... )

Quick recap of the past few days again (or in this case, last Friday):

i) Went for raincloud_sama and enigmatic_wind's kind-of farewell dinner (the two of them are leaving for the UK soon) at Pasta Zanmai in Sunway Pyramid. The food was decent, but the service wasn't very good - we had to ask three times at least for my green tea and Denise got the wrong order once; they had to reconfirm the order several times, if I recall correctly. And that's not even taking into account the wait for the food to arrive. Admittedly, both yuncyn and I came late-ish and the restaurant was fairly crowded, but still. Not the best of impressions when it comes to service.


ii) sapphire_1010 AND I FINISHED 'CARTOON HEROES' (YES, ALL THE WAY TO THE END) ON DDR STANDARD MODE FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER YEAAAAAAAAH. \(>A<)9

Hoping to reduplicate the feat someday before going for 'Captain Jack', yosh!


iii) Ended up buying a pair figurines from Vol. 2 of the Dynasty Warriors 6 Eiketsu Mini Figures because they're cute and I am weak that way. These figures go for RM25 each (ouch), but are pretty well made and cute to boot! Plus, it's Dynasty Warriors, end of story.

The figure is completely hidden in the box it comes in, so exactly which figurine you'll get is totally random and dependent on your own luck. Darnit. >:/

( So did I get lucky? )


Today:

Dropped by the 'One Kilometre World' exhibition by S. Amin Shahab in Pyramid with my family today. It was pretty interesting, the canvas - in a nutshell, it is a one-kilometer-long canvas with various landscapes and people shifting and melding with each other. The whole thing was done solely in pen (Artline, if I'm not mistaken), which made the details on it doubly impressive, IMHO.

( tl;dr? Long, detailed canvas is long and detailed - now with photos! )

There's also the '1,001 Faces of Malaysia' project happening right beside the exhibition, with S. Amin Shahab sketching 1,001 faces of shoppers and people who 'represent our country'. It's still ongoing and will continue until the 31st of August, so if you want your face to be one amongst the many others, I believe it's open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Sunway Pyramid.

( Oh, and before you go... )

Figured I should upload the photos I snapped today at Sogo (more on that later), which ended up in me catching up a little on a few backdated photos. So, this isn't quite a photo spam, but what the hey, it'll do. (Warning, fairly big pictures - fear them!)

But first! Remember my goal of taking over the world with cute photos?



YEAH, MY PLAN IS WELL ON ITS WAY. 8D

( To start things off, UTAR Setapak trip, anyone? )

( Then, there's the 'Was not in China; here's the photo to disprove it' shots... )

( And now, for some very, VERY backdated stuff )

...for a self-proclaimed not-very-photogenic person, I have a lot of self-photos. O.O. Huh.

Since I fail at being up-to-date, let's review some life lessons I have learnt throughout the past few days.

Lesson One: Your (usually) trusty, long-suffering calculator will always die a convenient death when you need it most.
In this case, when I needed it for my research methodology midterm. Awesome timing, I say - only way it could up that would be if it died during the Finals.

...*touches wood*


Lesson Two: Any non-scientific calculator will, in an examination context, be out to get you if you attempt to use it to add/subtract/square root any sum containing more than 5 sets of numbers.

Try two lists with 35 numbers each. Painful experience, that. =.= I never did find out that standard deviation of differences in the end; yay for working backwards!


Lesson Three: Do not call people 'stupid'; instead use 'manifest profusion of delusional ideology incarnate' instead.
Not exactly what Persuasion and Negotiation may have set out to teach us, but wonderfully effective nonetheless once you figure out a way to memorize that and spew it all out without pausing. ;D


Lesson Four: Never, ever take a 'half-an-hour nap' before an exam.
Because you end up oversleeping anyway, which leads to no brush-up revision, which leads to you gaping like a goldfish during Oral when you forget Japanese particles and the teacher is waiting patiently for you to finish your (at this point, shot) sentence.


Lesson Five: Mosquitoes are the spawn of Evil. _EVIL_.
And like evil, they are everywhere. *swats at another one* If I have to kill another mosquito during lecture, I'll start a collection and sell them at Petaling Street because anything goes at PStreet.


Lesson Six: When everything seems too cramped and messed up, just remember: deep breaths and tomorrow.
Something which I should practice more. *nods*


Lesson Seven: When in doubt/stressed, the variety show, Star King makes everything better.
Why no, I haven't been on Youtube, loading all these videos....much....really...


Lesson Eight: You know you're seriously in for it when you keep looping a song which chorus (melody) consists of only ONE note.
Though it must be admitted that the chords camouflages the one-note-ness to an extent and it's ridiculously catchy, but seriously. Darn you, Super Junior for invading (and successfully) conquering my playlist. And my mother's approval! *shakes fists*

(PS: For the curious, said song is 'Sorry Sorry' and said one note is A. Seriously.)


Well, that's about it, I should think. Write, self, write!

editei: Wait, wait - I come back to LJ and see that THERE IS AN OVA FOR RIKKAI'S EARLIER YEARS?In which Kirihara gets served by the Troika? Which features a CAPLESS, messy-haired Sanada Genichirou?

♥

*begins plotting way to get hands on this OVA by hook or by crook, most likely by crook*

editei: This hand-flute performance makes me feel like getting the Lupin III OST like, now. +.+

editei: I keep editing this post tonight, but only because I'm absolutely dying from laughter just watching these SuJu parodies on Youtube at the moment:

The one-man 'Sorry Sorry Parody' - by the time he reached the rotating computer chair...seriously, I salute the sheer creativity and utter LOLZ that is this video. >DDD

Office men dancing to 'Sorry Sorry' - From the Korean Airlines to boot! Goodness knows how many places they used as background setting, but this is absolutely priceless, ZOMG WHAT.

(I think they're the same group that appeared on StarKing?)

Either way, they also did a pretty snappy attempt(if less hilarious) of the dance version of 'Neorago (It's You)' (original over here for comparison purposes).

After a fairly long wait, the shortlist for the MPH-Alliance Bank National Short Story Prize 2009 is finally out! (It's kind of well, 'jammed' at the moment, so you might have better luck viewing the list over here.)

Yours truly didn't make this list, but I'm glad I tried out anyway! ^^ Googling up the names of some of those finalists in the Adults Category seriously awed me - they look to have a lot more experience at writing than I do (of which I have eh, very little, eheheoops). :p Congrats to all the finalists; I definitely would like to read what you guys wrote! Either way, the shortlisted entries are probably way better than my crummy one (which I still can't bring myself to read without wanting to ram my head into the nearest wall - maybe 6 months down the line?...^^;;)

I'm a little amused by the whole longlist issue though - after all those requests, debates and arguments, I wonder if MPH will release it?

*resolves to work harder*

*by 'harder', I mean 'actually start writing again'*

*Obviously, LJ entries don't count.*

*I'll just need to unhook myself from too-catchy Kpop stuff first. Darnit.*

Since I haven't updated in the past few days, here's a update-dump of a sorts!

( Slightly less painful than an annual report; let's start from Thursday. )

*dusts off hands* I think that about covers it for now. Really got to pick up my LJing habit properly again.

After a pretty long hiatus (not planned at all, mind you), I'm (hopefully) back again to bother you guys and stuff up your F-list with my random posts. >D Anyone missed me? Did I miss anything? Fill me in, guys! (Because going through +1000 on my F-list is....um, not an option.)

Nothing much to update as of at the moment, I think - lots of uni stuff to catch up on. Oh, and my hard-drive died. D; I'm hoping it's the result of a faulty cable though - I really don't want to consider the thought of losing 100+ GB of stuff.

(Oh, and LD won third, woot! :p)