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Just a quick update, since it's exam week(s)!
The school term has just ended, so I'm just rushing out my last paper, which would hopefully/likely be churned out by the end of the day. There are lots of revision to be done etc., but I guess it will all turn out fine eventually!
At the same time, I wished I had the time (and chance) to get to know some people better, although that did not quite happen for whatever reason. In any case, it's still not too late, and I'm glad that people have 'opened' up (or more correctly, we have all 'opened' up)!
My latest obsession is with Blenz Coffee's Belgian Dark Chocolate Cafe Mocha, which is like damn freaking NICE! Unfortunately, I don't think you can find the store, or even the drink, in SG! Will someone PLEASSSSEEE franchise Blenz in SG???
*Back to writing, then mugging!*
Monday, December 06, 2010
Monday, November 01, 2010
mid-point
It's been exactly 2 months since I arrived here in Vancouver; another 2 months for me before reaching Singapore again (touch-down 11.57pm @ T3 on 30 Dec; effectively 31 Dec) - time for an update!
Shall not blabber on and on about what I've done in the past 9 weeks etc. - that can easily be gleaned from in my FB albums, at least the fun parts, that is. Finances are still ok, though on the low side, but I'll manage! At least all the expenditure for the next two months are kind of mapped out, so hopefully no unpleasant surprises.
Academic-wise, hmmm, so far I'm doing pretty ok/well for two of the modules, though that's within expectations. I don't have any indication for the other three more challenging and intensive modules whatsoever, but I guess the safety net of just-have-to-pass is very reassuring. Coursework has been heavy, but I guess it will all ultimately be rewarding (though the 'rewards' are by no means visible at this stage). In the short term, I've often been tempted to just 'give up' and not bother with the assignments and readings and all that. But hey, if I wanted to do that I would have opted to go to XYZ university, and not an institution with a comparable, even better, ranking.
That thought does keep me going for a while. At the same time, I know that I'm working hard - albeit indirectly - towards the bigger goal of thesis-writing and Honours Year. I know I'll have to start formulating something during the upcoming May/June period through Aug, so that I don't get a panic for my proposal and sources etc. come Nov/Dec '11. Coursework-wise, I'll have to start with HY4000s come next semester, so I need to keep my mind agile and sharp, too. And all of this works towards the even larger and distant goal of eventually doing a Masters - definitely not locally, but overseas, maybe Canada! I love Vancouver, but maybe I should try out the East Coast, though I'll need even deeper pockets for that. And that requires a good Honours graduation. Hmmmm. A friend is doing a local Masters, which I never would do nor agree with, because an overseas experience opens up more than just one's mind. But everyone has different circumstances, so -
As I type away, the beautiful downtown scenery and the rolling mountains beyond beckon - it's good weather, something in terribly short supply of late. I shall enjoy it as long as it lasts, as does my SEP. SEP brings with it a fair share of frustrations, emoness, pain, hardship, whatever - but I think I will look back on this phase most fondly and with a general sense of nostalgia.
For now, let me get back to my art history essay, which I have no idea how to structure. Inspiration will come eventually; let me just overcome procrastination and let the metaphorical ink flow!
Until the next time,
*
Shall not blabber on and on about what I've done in the past 9 weeks etc. - that can easily be gleaned from in my FB albums, at least the fun parts, that is. Finances are still ok, though on the low side, but I'll manage! At least all the expenditure for the next two months are kind of mapped out, so hopefully no unpleasant surprises.
Academic-wise, hmmm, so far I'm doing pretty ok/well for two of the modules, though that's within expectations. I don't have any indication for the other three more challenging and intensive modules whatsoever, but I guess the safety net of just-have-to-pass is very reassuring. Coursework has been heavy, but I guess it will all ultimately be rewarding (though the 'rewards' are by no means visible at this stage). In the short term, I've often been tempted to just 'give up' and not bother with the assignments and readings and all that. But hey, if I wanted to do that I would have opted to go to XYZ university, and not an institution with a comparable, even better, ranking.
That thought does keep me going for a while. At the same time, I know that I'm working hard - albeit indirectly - towards the bigger goal of thesis-writing and Honours Year. I know I'll have to start formulating something during the upcoming May/June period through Aug, so that I don't get a panic for my proposal and sources etc. come Nov/Dec '11. Coursework-wise, I'll have to start with HY4000s come next semester, so I need to keep my mind agile and sharp, too. And all of this works towards the even larger and distant goal of eventually doing a Masters - definitely not locally, but overseas, maybe Canada! I love Vancouver, but maybe I should try out the East Coast, though I'll need even deeper pockets for that. And that requires a good Honours graduation. Hmmmm. A friend is doing a local Masters, which I never would do nor agree with, because an overseas experience opens up more than just one's mind. But everyone has different circumstances, so -
As I type away, the beautiful downtown scenery and the rolling mountains beyond beckon - it's good weather, something in terribly short supply of late. I shall enjoy it as long as it lasts, as does my SEP. SEP brings with it a fair share of frustrations, emoness, pain, hardship, whatever - but I think I will look back on this phase most fondly and with a general sense of nostalgia.
For now, let me get back to my art history essay, which I have no idea how to structure. Inspiration will come eventually; let me just overcome procrastination and let the metaphorical ink flow!
Until the next time,
*
Saturday, August 21, 2010
countdown
Finally its making sense to countdown, with only slightly over a week more to flying off. Unfortunately, I havent seen my $$$ credited in; that greatly dampens any sense of anticipation or excitement too. Exchange-rate is at a somewhat-all-time-low, but w/o money to exchange, I can only hope it goes down further (or maintains).
On a separate note, have added some gadgets to the desktop sidebar. Of course, it'll be changed to the 'SG side' when I'm over in Vancouver, so that theres no need to constantly check with the TimeZone converter to know what time it is in SG.
I'm looking forward to two dinners in the upcoming weeks to catch up with two major groups of friends before flying off too. And, my boss at the previous workplace, after hiding from me for one week, has finally replied to get me to go down to collect my testimonial! haha.
I have yet to make my ISIC card; I think I should get it sorted out soon. Hmmmm. And I should check just how much baggage I can check-in, too. The winter clothing/jackets seem more than capable of taking up 1x23kg all by itself.
Of late, with a better financial estimate of my budget, I've realised that an AZ road trip next year, despite the allure, seem very unlikely to materialise for me. Hmmmmmm. What a waste, but oh well. Even for my SEP, while I was toying with the idea of going North (instead of South) to the Yukon and NW Territories, my hopes were dashed when I came to realise that it takes deep pockets to reach these exotic destinations; besides, the timing is all wrong. Anyway, I have such packed timetables (and tight budget, how nice) that my travelling is probably going to be constrained; perhaps my AZ trip my materialise after all!
My next post should probably be an update from Vancouver, so watch this space! Meanwhile, entertain yourself with this album of Food experiments that I've been working on!
*
On a separate note, have added some gadgets to the desktop sidebar. Of course, it'll be changed to the 'SG side' when I'm over in Vancouver, so that theres no need to constantly check with the TimeZone converter to know what time it is in SG.
I'm looking forward to two dinners in the upcoming weeks to catch up with two major groups of friends before flying off too. And, my boss at the previous workplace, after hiding from me for one week, has finally replied to get me to go down to collect my testimonial! haha.
I have yet to make my ISIC card; I think I should get it sorted out soon. Hmmmm. And I should check just how much baggage I can check-in, too. The winter clothing/jackets seem more than capable of taking up 1x23kg all by itself.
Of late, with a better financial estimate of my budget, I've realised that an AZ road trip next year, despite the allure, seem very unlikely to materialise for me. Hmmmmmm. What a waste, but oh well. Even for my SEP, while I was toying with the idea of going North (instead of South) to the Yukon and NW Territories, my hopes were dashed when I came to realise that it takes deep pockets to reach these exotic destinations; besides, the timing is all wrong. Anyway, I have such packed timetables (and tight budget, how nice) that my travelling is probably going to be constrained; perhaps my AZ trip my materialise after all!
My next post should probably be an update from Vancouver, so watch this space! Meanwhile, entertain yourself with this album of Food experiments that I've been working on!
*
Friday, July 23, 2010
ej is somewhat happy
My stint at the museum is ending soon. Next week will be my last week there. Honestly, the first 10 weeks of my time there really just zapped me of my enthusiasm totally. Honestly, dealing with old things can be mind-numbing, absolutely non-inspiring. That feeling is further multiplied tenfold when you know that you aren't actually doing research work on them (maybe it'll be better), but just some sorting and filing them. It made me question, on a basis of no less than 3x per day, the soundness of my move in getting myself into the internship.
BUT! Things started to turn around on my 11th week (this). The rush to get the exhibition up and running for the opening was tiring, sometimes downright pointless (IMHO, but shall not post them here), but yes there you have it. The adrenaline of trying to get something up at as-close-to-perfection as possible certainly helped making my stint there less worthless than I have been imagining for the past ten weeks. I might even decide to go back to work on a Sunday because of the tight schedule I know my boss is facing. hmmmm.
I also got to know a bit more about 'academic/research' life too - through my more in-depth talks with someone whom I haven't really tried to connect with for the past 6 weeks. It's funny how people only try to make the effort to connect only when forced out of one's comfort zone - maybe this will be a good tutorial lesson for my Vancovuer 'expedition' (just 38 days more)! Besides, it was also a lesson in life - worldviews really matter; so do personal beliefs. Can you actually believe someone described me as 'kind' and 'good' (ok, stop sniggering already)?
An unexpected 'reward', too, was an unanticipated encounter in the lift, with a lady (sorry, no racy content coming up). She was actually my senior in my college dept. Her Honours thesis was one factor - the factor, even - that got me all excited about studying museums. I never had the chance to see her in my first 11 weeks - until today! Although the encounter was somewhat brief - a mere 15 mins or so - but it did give me some intangible... rewards, in terms of thoughts and ideas etc.
Just one more week to go in this place. And I think I'm starting to miss it already. Whoever would have expected me to think this way?
It's funny how life can be contradictory, but that's life, right?
*
On a separate note, this blog post also made me realise the importance of work/life experience outside of my comfort zone. hmm. Cliche, yes, but now I really feel it and not jsut giving lip service to this old-fashioned idea. I've really haven't had an introspective blog post like this since.... the end of my army days?
*
BUT! Things started to turn around on my 11th week (this). The rush to get the exhibition up and running for the opening was tiring, sometimes downright pointless (IMHO, but shall not post them here), but yes there you have it. The adrenaline of trying to get something up at as-close-to-perfection as possible certainly helped making my stint there less worthless than I have been imagining for the past ten weeks. I might even decide to go back to work on a Sunday because of the tight schedule I know my boss is facing. hmmmm.
I also got to know a bit more about 'academic/research' life too - through my more in-depth talks with someone whom I haven't really tried to connect with for the past 6 weeks. It's funny how people only try to make the effort to connect only when forced out of one's comfort zone - maybe this will be a good tutorial lesson for my Vancovuer 'expedition' (just 38 days more)! Besides, it was also a lesson in life - worldviews really matter; so do personal beliefs. Can you actually believe someone described me as 'kind' and 'good' (ok, stop sniggering already)?
An unexpected 'reward', too, was an unanticipated encounter in the lift, with a lady (sorry, no racy content coming up). She was actually my senior in my college dept. Her Honours thesis was one factor - the factor, even - that got me all excited about studying museums. I never had the chance to see her in my first 11 weeks - until today! Although the encounter was somewhat brief - a mere 15 mins or so - but it did give me some intangible... rewards, in terms of thoughts and ideas etc.
Just one more week to go in this place. And I think I'm starting to miss it already. Whoever would have expected me to think this way?
It's funny how life can be contradictory, but that's life, right?
*
On a separate note, this blog post also made me realise the importance of work/life experience outside of my comfort zone. hmm. Cliche, yes, but now I really feel it and not jsut giving lip service to this old-fashioned idea. I've really haven't had an introspective blog post like this since.... the end of my army days?
*
Sunday, July 11, 2010
50 days to UBC
so its 50 days more to UBC. I hate it when the paperwork simply cannot move because of other people, but oh well. So long as it DOES move - however slow - at least there's progress.
*
My stint at the current workplace is ending in three more weeks (19 days, 15 workdays more, to be exact). On the bright side, I've finished Phase 1 of my project, but on the other hand, I don't know if there's going to be a 'Phase 2' - meaning to say that I might become (1) prematurely unemployed (unlikely; though I really dun mind either), or (2) I have to somehow continue dealing with those old stuff that's just numbing my brain, or (3) suddenly get a new exciting job-scope (unlikely). In any case, I should add that the stint was a most valuable experience, though not neccessarily for the right reasons. Shan't comment further.
*
On the other hand, I'm not sure if its a good idea to return to my old workplace for the 3rd time round, but i guess that will at least help (1) re-sharpen some of my old skills, and (2) put me in a more sociable mood for exchange overseas. Which is good! Especially (2), because my current work is so solitary, I can plausibly NOT come for work and almost nobody would know - at least as far as my supervisors are concerned.
*
I guess I'm looking forward to the exchange, though the paperwork, finances, planning, responsibilities etc. lumped with it does dampen things a bit. But hey, i guess its like that with everything in life - we can't experience things out side of our comfort zone without the effort made, right! One friend just returned from an extended stay overseas, and it seems to have a positive effect - not that s/he really changed substantially (identity protected)? LOL.
*
Just 50 days more!
*
*
My stint at the current workplace is ending in three more weeks (19 days, 15 workdays more, to be exact). On the bright side, I've finished Phase 1 of my project, but on the other hand, I don't know if there's going to be a 'Phase 2' - meaning to say that I might become (1) prematurely unemployed (unlikely; though I really dun mind either), or (2) I have to somehow continue dealing with those old stuff that's just numbing my brain, or (3) suddenly get a new exciting job-scope (unlikely). In any case, I should add that the stint was a most valuable experience, though not neccessarily for the right reasons. Shan't comment further.
*
On the other hand, I'm not sure if its a good idea to return to my old workplace for the 3rd time round, but i guess that will at least help (1) re-sharpen some of my old skills, and (2) put me in a more sociable mood for exchange overseas. Which is good! Especially (2), because my current work is so solitary, I can plausibly NOT come for work and almost nobody would know - at least as far as my supervisors are concerned.
*
I guess I'm looking forward to the exchange, though the paperwork, finances, planning, responsibilities etc. lumped with it does dampen things a bit. But hey, i guess its like that with everything in life - we can't experience things out side of our comfort zone without the effort made, right! One friend just returned from an extended stay overseas, and it seems to have a positive effect - not that s/he really changed substantially (identity protected)? LOL.
*
Just 50 days more!
*
Saturday, June 26, 2010
study @ ubc!
So, this is my timetable for UBC, at least for the time being. it sucks - with a five day work week spread out throughout the day. but oh well. for the sake of the content of the modules. Apart from the SEA one - which I haven't mapped because the stupid coordinator MIA - the rest cannot be found in SG. wheeee. looking ahead to doing those readings :)
*
I've changed my residence! sigh. must learn how to cook now :( I'm staying over at Walter Gage instead now. hmmmm.
*
Sunday, June 06, 2010
just 86 days more
and I'll be away.
*
Some of these stories are fantastic actually. At a time like this, I need to think about stretching the dollar. The plan for extra funding failed; funnily, I already had a premonition of that coming. On the other hand, 'temporary career prospects' have improved, thanks to Lio. It doesn't give me much more $, but it buys me two more weeks before flying off. That helps alot (I would think).
*
Yes, we dun need many possessions. Between possessions and experiences, I would choose the latter. What they didn't teach was which experience to choose. hmmm. i think i already have the answer; still, much of it depends on how things eventually works out. An opportunity lost is always an opportunity/something gained.
*
the home desktop failure has indirectly created an opportunity to talk with an ex- army brother, whom I haven't seen/spoke to for nearly 3 years. It's great to see how people have moved on (or not). It also convinces me of my direction that I'm taking.
*
just 86 more days. then i start writing my sequel. before returning to continue the main storyline.
*
*
Some of these stories are fantastic actually. At a time like this, I need to think about stretching the dollar. The plan for extra funding failed; funnily, I already had a premonition of that coming. On the other hand, 'temporary career prospects' have improved, thanks to Lio. It doesn't give me much more $, but it buys me two more weeks before flying off. That helps alot (I would think).
*
Yes, we dun need many possessions. Between possessions and experiences, I would choose the latter. What they didn't teach was which experience to choose. hmmm. i think i already have the answer; still, much of it depends on how things eventually works out. An opportunity lost is always an opportunity/something gained.
*
the home desktop failure has indirectly created an opportunity to talk with an ex- army brother, whom I haven't seen/spoke to for nearly 3 years. It's great to see how people have moved on (or not). It also convinces me of my direction that I'm taking.
*
just 86 more days. then i start writing my sequel. before returning to continue the main storyline.
*
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