Newcastle: 2 Months and Counting

Took me awhile to get another post up. As aforementioned, it is an exciting time here. Full of joy and challenges at the same time.

And here I am, 2 months into my pilgrimage at Newcastle. Academic Development Week is what they call it for this week. Nice name for mid-term break. However, there is no excuse in resting on my laurels. Assignment deadlines are upcoming and the literature reads piles up like snow on a cold winter day.

Speaking of snow, here is a pic of them. First taste of it.

Well, not exactly clear. But there you go for a preview.

As autumn drifts into winter, I will just let the pics give a brief chronicle of events so far.

The occasional makan sama-sama sessions with fellow Malaysians

I swear these are my guilty pleasure food of all time

One of the class scenes, though I am in a much smaller class than illustrated

First match at St James' Park

Me and Monsieur Jacque o' Lantern preparing for Halloween

Silent Hill picturesque of Northumbria University

I have also made some intriguing trips to a few cities in the UK. But it is gonna be too long to be all included in one post.

Till then.

1st Taste of Newcastle

The very first breath of UK weather when I stepped out of the plane did make me want to stand there and embrace the cold fresh air. Welcome to Newcastle, a large sign board said.

The welcoming coast of Newcastle

The weather is indeed a great topic to be discussed in the UK. It is a great conversation starter. Newcastle's weather is a drama queen of its own. Rain and shine cycle can be completed in approximately 7 rounds per day.

Getting on from that, Newcastle itself is how I expected it to be. Captivating, fun and at the same time homely.

City Centre along Northumberland Street

Northumbria University is 5 minutes away from the City Centre, a great boon for people who embrace convenience. A mixture of traditional and modern architecture and facilities, it gives the combination of vintage yet savvy feel.

Northumbria University

I like it here as it is not as complicated as it is in London. On the other hand, it provides the basic needs of a cosmopolitan. If you want serenity, Newcastle provides that as well. More on that in the next post.

Yet Another New Chapter

That moment when I make my decision and decided to further my studies was still quite fresh in my memory. Fast forward one year, and here I am getting ready to take the challenge that did not seem to be on my five-year-plan manifesto. I decided to seize it as it is what they call a golden opportunity. It was the right moment financially speaking; the most important of all factors.

Few more days left and I am all set. UK is not a total stranger's land for me, thanks to that valuable few months in Liverpool. However, it will be a new place, new environment this time around. One that has received splendid feedback and recommendations from my colleagues and friends.

Welcome to Newcastle they say

How brilliant it will be, only time will tell. The chronicles will be told once I am there for my "getaway". As the designated date edge closer, all I am praying is that I will make it.

Exciting times ahead.

Beyond Familiar Places

A lot of times, you have to really think about it and you'd realise that friendship ain't a thing that is easy to maintain. It is much more easy to fade away into oblivion rather than you keep one.

To maintain a certain friendship needs effort. What's more if this friendship is maintained since kindergarten.

Not easy I can tell you. Yes, we are friends since we are 6. It has been almost 20 years and we are still keeping in touch.

You don't realise it until you sit down one day at a nice, chill-out cafe and you are reminiscing about the past that you have gone through. 20 years of memories down the road. And here we are in a foreign land (well, everything out of Penang is considered foreign in this context) sipping latte and having a nice sandwich, watched a funny movie together and bitching about how Penang is still better place than KL. 

The fact that we came from the same schools and how we developed throughout the years, each with a different path taken, people met and exposure gained is already an interesting fact. In fact, we don't really share a lot of things in common, paradoxically speaking. But here we are, surviving and setting foothold away from where we are from. 

Cheers to our long and lasting friendship.

Asian Efficiency

Recently found an interesting new blog to read.

Introducing: Asian Efficiency.

Started by stereo-typically, Asians, Aaron Lynn and Thanh Pham, the blog is similar to what Lifehacker has offered to me so far. But having more life hacks on my list of to-reads would do no harm.

The title itself is already eye-catching. The common "myth" of efficiency and genius of Asians. If you read the posts, I can say that it carries the title well. Good links, sufficient support of facts and most definitely important, helpful.

Check it out.

And It Was Like....

Mondays aren't that bad after all. In fact, I don't really jump onto the Monday Blues bandwagon. I believe and will always be positive about the start of the week.

So first thing in the morning, I was informed by one of my students that the deposit was paid (finally!) And it was like....

And later in the afternoon, there was another anxious moment, when I have to collect the visa of another student. Anxious because it will be my first student to get a visa to the UK and the case ain't straight forward. So 30 minutes of waiting in visa centre was giving me the jitters. There are many unnecessary what-ifs in my head, but it turned out just fine. And it was like....

Next up it was a us vs. others moment, where student is only interested in two universities, with only one of them has affiliations with us. So intense and last minute preparations were made for a great presentation. And it turns out, way before I have the chance to present all my points to convince, she has already made her choice. And the choice is what everyone would have wanted it to be. And it was like....

So there you go. Monday ain't that bad, was it? It has been a tough year, so hopefully days like this will be more of the rule rather than the exception.

Peace out.

You Win or You Die

I think it is time to reflect upon the major decision that has been made since last October. 3 more months and off I go. For self-enhancement, to put it bluntly.

A lot of people will comment somewhere between this lines: "Wah, song loh. Can go oversea leh. I oso wan." or "U so lucky. Can go study again."

Let me tell you this, it is not as "song" as you think it will be. This is a responsibility and with it, comes with the burden and expectations from every corner of your life. It comes with questions. Questions that needed to be answered by yourself, like " What are you gonna do after this?" "Will it be worth it?" "Why this course?" and "Can you make it?"

And not to forget the responsibility to la familia. After all, they are the ones who made this possible all the while. It is an investment. And as the concept of investment goes, it can turn good or bad, possibly with dramatic effects. I guess, it is You Win or You Die, dramatically speaking. What is in for the parents? I can't really promise them alot of things. But what I can promise is, I will do my best in what I do.

Yummy Ygritte

The Game of Thrones has just ended for its second season. And if the dates are to follow the previous seasons, we have another 300+ days to go for the next season. 300 days and counting.

The show has an awesome cast. The Starks, Lannisters, Tyrells, Boltons...Hodor....blabla. However, I would like to bring attention to the latest on my list of yums (apart from Emilia Clarke with brunette hair): Rose Leslie.

And who was she on GoT? The wildling and spearwoman, Ygritte.

Not exactly a Wildling face that you are expecting. I would have thought her as a lovely princess in any Great Houses of Westeros on the series. But yea, she is one of the Wildlings. Better than being one of the whores of GoT.

Pretty sure there are comments about why such a beauty was cast on a tribe Beyond the Wall. We all expect Wildlings women to look like Osha (Natalia Lena). But hey, everywhere needs a beauty. And if she was known to the Seven Kingdoms, I am sure lots of Westorosi will take flight to the North pronto.

Leslie not being Ygritte. Still yum.

She has a sexy and a tad husky voice and accent (similar to those from Scotland and Scouse in nature). Her taunts on Jon Snow are just simply epic. Here is one of them, though you have to watch the whole scene on this in S02E07, to get the full LMFAO moment.

And if you are wondering how similar Ms Leslie is to her character. Here is a video of her being interviewed:

Seven minutes of gratifying moment. Can't wait to see more of her on Season 3.

PsyBlog

Via Lifehacker, I found a blog that made me read it for the past 2 hours (which is an amazing feat for me considering reading is not particularly my passion).

Introducing PsyBlog, a website of psychological sciences with modern experiments and research. Although focused on the contemporary, the blog also covers topics that has been significant to the field of psychology. It is great like this as it acts as reminders to what we have studied so far and if there are any updates or changes to the theories.

One important factor that I like about the blog is that it did not come with many technical terms and jargon. Even if there is, they will be links or simple explanations to made the articles comprehensible. It is a easy-to-read blog using simple grammar and is very suitable for people without a psychology background.

Also, you can follow the blogger, Jeremy Dean on twitter for the updates.

Picking Up the Pieces

There are many things in between the current and last post that had happened. The typical ups and downs of life, mostly down though.

 There were frustrating periods, where I can't find the enthusiasm and discipline to write a single post. It was a complicated woven web, that all I wish to have was an easy life. Monotonous, metronome-like and most important of all, simple.

 Part of life is to get through the challenging times. I considered this period one of the lowest point as far as my serving memory goes. A large chunk of it was robbed. Literally. It takes lots of time, energy and money to pick up the pieces again. At least I was able to go through the routines of daily life without much hindrance. I credit that I have learned and applying it on a daily basis. It helped and I am glad that depression did not take its toll.

 Now that I have a wee space for a breather, I can do some reflection of what has happened and be able to be thankful that things did not break me as feared. Perhaps I have masked it well, but at times and in solitude, thoughts and imagination creeps up and stresses life out. I hope things are going to a brighter side by now and I have no reason to believe the contrary.

 My reminder to self though: The only easy day was yesterday.

Half Penangnite - Jessie O

So I guess most of us had heard about the best question posted in a debate. In case, you haven't, here you go (with subtitles for those who don't understand mandarin or simply can't here what she was shouting about due to the noise pollution that she was making):

So there you go. Half Penangnite (because mom-in-law from there), lives in Selayang (but meanwhile knows all the shit that is happening in Penang after 10.30pm) , joined Malaysian C*** Association (self-explanatory).

And she is famous now on the social media, mind you. Best ever would be my dear friend's post on her webpage:

So I am pretty sure who you would vote for at the next GE ain't it? The rakyat's fighter or the mafia group who insist that illegal parking after 10.30pm is nothing wrong ft. a pornstar and a w****. Not difficult maa right?

Left & Right

Check out the Mercedes Benz ads. Now these...are...cool.

Via The Ads of the World

Although it is not entirely true, these just made my day everytime I stare at the mesmerizing details and soothing flows. In fact, one of them is sitting beautifully on my screen now.

And it definitely make me want to rediscover painting again.

Playbook

Testing out posting on the newest gadget acquired here. Apparently, it is just nice.

Oh, how rude of me. Here, introducing the Blackberry Playbook.

So as the story goes, this guy originated from the recent BB Dev Con. Somebody got it for free and realise that it is not much of his taste or usefulness, decided to sell it for RM800. Deal or No Deal? Deal lar of course.

As it is a developer's unit, mine came with a security swipe done and there is just one application available: Browser. After numerous painstaking forum-reading and tweaking, I finally got the developer version of the QNX OS installed. The beta 2.0 version comes with the option of developer mode, which enables you to tweak and modify further. And...you can download Android Apps. Yes, Android! I skimmed through the procedures and decided that it needs my hidden geek talent somewhere and ample of time to do this. More to come on this if I am successful.

One of the features that impresses me most is the browser. it is fast, slick and it operates just like how you would expect normal PC browsers do. Yes, they do have a Facebook for Playbook and 3rd Party Twitter apps, but nothings beat browsing it throught the browser. Videos (flash is supported, huge deal for me), links, pictures are all very eaily accessed. More apps are definitely in demand. Or they could be the ending of RIM, as this grimly prediction foresees.

The touch is great, a far-fetch from the initial Storm phones. Interactive and smooth. The playbook goes by with the most minimalist of design, with only the tiny power button and the previous, play/pause, next set of buttons. Everything else is interative within the 7-inch screen.

And the OS. Yes, it is amazingly simple and interactive. The swoosh and swipes provides easy navigation across the apps. And you can multitask. Well, most of the time that is. Avoid doing so while playing heavy games like NFS Undercover.

As there are more to discover, I shall leave it to this few first impressions for now. So far, it has never cease to impress me and hopefully there are more to come. Especially app developments.

Contact

Keeping in touch is not what I do best. Hence, lately efforts have been made.

A simple 10 minutes conversation on Windows Live is something to start with. I have seen some article about the ironic settings where with all the available social media apps we have today, we seldom keep in contact with people anymore. Yes, you might know what food they are eating or which restaurant's toilet they are using now, but there is no contact. In a way, it is just "stalking".

Personally, making contact is no easy task. Effort is needed, because of my anti-social nature. And so far, I found it rewarding to be able to get in touch once again with friends and relatives that I did not talk to in months or years. I am also taking the advantage of the transportation available and travel to places.

It is nice to be sociable once again. As we work (and depending on what field you are in), our friend circles become smaller and in the end we just stick to these few people. Network expansion goes stagnant. Not a good thing. Hence, in order to advance, taking steps back is needed, which is getting back to previous contacts.

So yea, that is the latest "discovery" of life. Till then.

Windows of Opportunity

I love sitting beside the window. If there is a preference, my desk or workstation will be next to it.

Like this window back in Liberty Living @ Liverpool.

Love the sound of rain drizzling and and tapping against the window. Love the breeze and occasionally strong wind. Sometimes it is just nice to sit by it and watch the scene outside. Relaxing moment ever.

I know the feeling of a room without windows. The previous office in PJ is one example. As my colleague like to say it, even if a T-Rex walks by, you won't know what happened. To me, it is just tragic. Thank goodness we are able to find a retail shop lot and move in.

It is nice that I got the reception desk again, which is by the glass door. Oddly, the weather always intrigued me.Rain or shine.

By chance, I have been blessed with a desk near a window/glass/visible to the outside world. Helps alot with the work efficiency.

Right. Random musings stopped here. Till then.

Comfort That Is Home

The sudden impulse of wanting to go back to Penang struck. Kinda missed the simple unnoticeable things in life.

Like:

• Those cute black cubes on curry mee.
• Those moments watching and doing Hokkien commentary for EPL matches with cousin bro.
• Those moments of binge eating on a Sunday morning that only cost RM20 and bitching about how cheap Penang food is.
• Those muddy fields and heated competition of football.
• Those simple dishes cooked by mom.
• Those cursing and showing the middle finger and asking how's your mother moments.
• Those sandy beaches.

 And to be with them.

Ah that serenity.

To The Game

After a year of hiatus, finally the prodigal son is home.

Yes, it is tormentingly lagging, but it is a renewed joy as well.

Career mode is becoming more complicated now. So tournament suits me for now. Keyboard control is still a pain in the ass as PC gamers always get the most shitty deal compared to other GCs.

Nonono. I am complaining. Just glad to be back.

Now back To The Game.

Why Always Me

You will be wondering why I am bizarrely obsess to the phrase and have posted these 3 words everywhere.

So before the explanation, here is the pic that starts all of it:

Haha. There you go. If you are not from the football fanatic kingdom, then it doesn't really make sense to you. But just in case you are interested, here is the explanation.

In fact, "Why Always Me" was trending on Twitter (#whyalwaysme) after he show it after he scored in the 22nd minute in the Manchester Derby, the one that you can think of quotes like "Six and the City" or "ManU fans please call 016-16161616 for help".

So who that, you ask? This guy who pulled this shit off is none other than, quote Kckrs, the stupid hat-wearing, iPad-toting, prison-visiting, lazy backheel-attempting, parking ticket-accumulating, inadvertant mafia-associating Manchester City striker, Mario Balotelli.

Prior to the big kick-off, Mario and group of friends was shooting fireworks off his bathroom when, according to Mario, one of his friend (not him), set the house on fire. Hence, "why always me"? If you are shaking your head because he did that, you don't know much about him. Because for everything you heard about Mario Balotelli off the pitch, people's reaction will be: Ahh, it is just Mario. For a brief list of his mischief, you can check wikipedia.

They say that every genius is flawed in some way. Mario is one of these flawed brilliant footballer. And he is only 21 years old. He was hated and loved, for being a dickhead and a genius at the same time.

And just in case, you think that is nothing to shout about that shirt, it was already printed and on sale at Umbro (ManC sponsor), among others:

Super Mario should claim some rights to that now (not that he needed the money though).. Meanwhile, we will stay tune for more entertainment from the fire-crackhead cum genius footballer.

Just Musings.

Keeping tabs on emotion is hard work. The fact that I don't put much effort on exploring them has made it more difficult to express or describe it. Ironically, my thesis was based largely on observation of emotions and behaviours. Just great.

I used to put a lot of emotions into things. I was passionate. But as life progressed, it seems like I rather take the rational and logical route of thought to explain situations and life-events. I found it easier to manage life. Easier to move along, get over and letting go. The Laissez Faire style did a lot of good to untangle the complications.

So eventually, there are certain emotions that I decided to "discard". Naturally, if you need to rediscover it, hard work is needed. Cues and hints are harder to perceive and analise. Frustrating, I know. But, it does make living everyday life more bearable. Short term at least.

I reread the post and I do know it is mostly random musings, without a direction, but that is what personal blogs are. Additionally, language and especially writing ability have dwindled. I have no idea how to proceed with my Masters if like this.

Anyway, signing off till next time.

Lift-Off

The cycle reaches the climax. The last touches and arrangements were done to make sure that the students are all set to pursue their future. Sending them off do give you the satisfaction and a pat on your shoulder.

It had been a tedious month, physically and mentally draining. Seeing them lift off and most importantly arrived safely at their destination did some spirit-lifting.

The long goodbyes are, well, touching. Some have the whole kampung to see them off, others do not have that luxury and walked through the departure gate without the need to look back and wave goodbye. This I can really empathized, for I had been there.

I tried my best to start conversations with those who will board the plane alone. It was not easy. A year or two in a foreign land. Then again, I believe that they are strong and independent enough to go through this on their own. I really admire and respect these people. For they keep their emotions in tact and accepting the challenges ahead with flair. It is of the most contradicting scenes in the airport. Those with loved ones and those without.

As they left the customs unnoticed, I wish them all the best with my utmost admiration of their character.