It is hard to concentrate on writing my reports when 2011 is near to its end..
The last weeks of the year is not a good time to work hard, at least for me.. the last usually meant for reflecting and reviewing what I've done for the past year.. yet, I am unable to do so this year.. with 2 reports waiting to be written.. gonna try my utmost to write (my reports) as best as I can, but I suspect that I won't be 100% happy with the end products..
Anyway, doing PhD is like running a marathon.. it is gonna take a minimum of 4 years so there is no point for me to get myself burnt out in the first semester.. I will do my best to get good results for the subjects that I'm taking (and gonna take in the future), but the most important thing will be doing research and getting, at least 2 of, my research papers published in academic journals..
Merry Christmas!! Had a great Christmas Eve last night??
Anyway, this song that I've chosen here is dedicated to me, myself and Imm, as a post-BD gift.. cos it kinda says a lot about my contradictory self.. :p
Hands in my pocket written by Alanis Morissette, Glen Ballard performed by Alanis Morissette
I'm broke but I'm happy
I'm poor but I'm kind
I'm short but I'm healthy, yeah
I'm high but I'm grounded
I'm sane but I'm overwhelmed
I'm lost but I'm hopeful, baby
And what it all comes down to
Is that everything's gonna be fine, fine, fine
'Cause I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is giving a high five
I feel drunk but I'm sober
I'm young and I'm underpaid
I'm tired but I'm working, yeah
I care but I'm restless
I'm here but I'm really gone
I'm wrong and I'm sorry, baby
And what it all comes down to
Is that everything's gonna be quite alright
'Cause I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is flicking a cigarette
And what it all comes down to
Is that I haven't got it all figured out just yet
'Cause I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is giving the peace sign
I'm free but I'm focused
I'm green but I'm wise
I'm hard but I'm friendly, baby
I'm sad but I'm laughing
I'm brave but I'm chicken shit
I'm sick but I'm pretty, baby
And what it all boils down to
Is that no one's really got it figured out just yet
'Cause I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is playing a piano
And what it all comes down to my dear friends, yeah
Is that everything is just fine fine fine
'Cause I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is hailing a taxi cab
Have a great week ahead!! Be happy and stay safe!!
Okay.. two thirds of my crazy workload were done.. except for 1 presentation next week and 2 reports to be handed in on Jan 02.. :x :x also I have 5 academic papers to read for this Saturday, which I plan to complete by today so that I can have the whole of tomorrow all to myself..
Yet to decide what to do tomorrow, but most probably I'll just hibernate in my room and watch some tv dramas or read a book or two.. I borrowed The Girl who kicked the Hornets' Nest and Neil Gaiman's American Gods from the library a few weeks ago and yet to have the time to start on either.. I did manage to finish the first 2 books from Stieg Larsson before my assignment madness started in Nov.. so I'm really looking forward to finishing his last book of the trilogy.
It has been raining almost everyday this Dec so as someone who don't like to be out in the rain (not so much because of the wetness but the need to wear so many layers of clothing due to the coldness), I don't think I want to go (window) shopping in Taipei City.. previously, I did want to get a feel of how Taipei celebrates Christmas and New Year (compared to Singapore and Japan), but without proper warm clothing, which my dad is sending over right now, I might catch a cold or something in this bloody wet/cold weather..
Okay, enough rambling.. I think better get started on my readings if I want to finish all 5 of them by today...
It started off with me wanting to just cut my fringe short as it was almost 4 months ago since my last haircut back in Malaysia... as I was, and still am, up to my ears with assignments, presentations and translations that I didn't have the time to go around looking for a stylist.. as I've mentioned in my earlier entries (here and here), I am very particular about who touches my hair and very reluctant to try new stylist unless I really have no choice..
So armed with just a scissor and the bathroom mirror, I started trimming my fringe... then few snips became a few more.. followed by a few more... and before I knew it, I've moved from my fringe to my right side... and since I've done my right, I have to cut my left too... All those time observing how my last stylist cut my hair had kinda "paid off".. :p
Of course I am worried that I might botch my attempt and gave myself a horrible haircut.. but I consoled myself with images of people with unsymmetrical/uneven haircuts who might (not) be making a fashion statement.. and hey, hair do grow back.. plus, I won't be going home for CNY next Jan, so no risk of "malu-ing" ("malu" is a Malay word meaning embarrass", we like to add "ing" to imply on-going state) myself.. :p :p
Anyway, I am kinda proud of my first attempt.. and so far, people seemed to just assume that went to a saloon and got a new hair cut.. they did not comment on it.. and of course, I did not volunteer the information that I cut it myself.. :) :) :)
Who knows, maybe I will actually continue cutting my own hair, but I doubt it... :p Of course, I might just go to a real stylist to get a "real" hair cut after CNY.. after all, I have no problem paying the usual NT$300 needed for one..
Mmm... looks like I'm taking a walk down memory lane these couple of weeks.. this is another song that I like.. for its upbeat and optimistic outlook.. just in time for Christmas next week! :)
The River of Dreams written and performed by Billy Joel
In the middle of the night I go walking in my sleep
From the mountains of faith to the river so deep
I must be looking for something, something sacred I lost
But the river is wide and it's too hard to cross
Even though I know the river is wide
I walk down every evening and I stand on the shore
I try to cross to the opposite side
So I can finally find out what I've been looking for
In the middle of the night I go walking in my sleep
Through the valley of fear to a river so deep
I've been searching for something taken out of my soul
Something I would never lose, something somebody stole
I don't know why I go walking at night
But now I'm tired and I don't want to walk any more
I hope it doesn't take the rest of my life
Until I find what it is I've been looking for
In the middle of the night I go walking in my sleep
Through the jungle of doubt to the river so deep
I know I'm searching for something, something so undefined
That it can only be seen by the eyes of the blind
In the middle of the night
I'm not sure about a life after this
God knows I've never been a spiritual man
Baptised by the fire, I wade into the river
That is running to the promised land
In the middle of the night I go walking in my sleep
Through the desert of truth to the river so deep
We all end in the ocean, we all start in the streams
We're all carried along by the river of dreams
In the middle of the night
Have a great pre-Christmas week! Stay safe and be jolly! :) :)
Who Ever Loved That Loved Not at First Sight? by Christopher Marlowe
It lies not in our power to love or hate,
For will in us is overruled by fate.
When two are stripped, long ere the course begin,
We wish that one should love, the other win;
And one especially do we affect
Of two gold ingots, like in each respect:
The reason no man knows; let it suffice
What we behold is censured by our eyes.
Where both deliberate, the love is slight:
Who ever loved, that loved not at first sight?
The First Day by Christina Rossetti
I wish I could remember the first day,
First hour, first moment of your meeting me;
If bright or dim the season it might be;
Summer or winter for aught I can say.
So, unrecorded did it slip away,
So blind was i to see and to forsee,
So dull to mark the budding of my tree
That would not blossom, yet, for many a May.
If only I could recollect it! Such
A day of days! I let it come and go
As traceless as a thaw of bygone snow.
It seemed to mean so little, meant so much!
If only now I could recall that touch,
First touch of hand in hand! - Did one but know!
One more week to my BD.. and for once I've no time to even think about how I'm gonna spend the day.. :x Usually, I would have a rough idea of what I wanna do/eat/whatever.. but I've been so busy these past few weeks to even think about it..
Just did 2 presentations last Monday and handed in a report on Wednesday... yet I still have one more report due next Monday and a presentation next Wednesday.. and then there are still 2 more reports due on Jan 02.. so no respite for me till then... >.<
All the busyness and craziness is making me think twice about next semester's workload.. Frankly, I rather spend more time on fewer subjects and getting good/better grades than to take as many subjects as I could possibly cope and get mediocre grades for them...
One of the "oldies"... the coming few weeks are gonna be crazy for me.. with lots of reports and presentations.. thus I'm gonna try to squeeze any free time I can get by listening to some nice oldies.. enjoy!
More than words performed by Extreme
Saying I love you
Is not the words I want to hear from you
It's not that I want you
Not to say, but if you only knew
How easy it would be to show me how you feel
More than words
Is all you have to do to make it real
Then you wouldn't have to say that you love me
Cos I'd already know
What would you do if my heart was torn in two
More than words to show you feel
That your love for me is real
What would you say if I took those words away
Then you couldn't make things new
Just by saying I love you
More than words
Now I've tried to talk to you and make you understand
All you have to do is close your eyes
And just reach out your hands and touch me
Hold me close don't ever let me go
More than words
Is all I ever needed you to show
Then you wouldn't have to say that you love me
Cos I'd already know
What would you do if my heart was torn in two
More than words to show you feel
That your love for me is real
What would you say if I took those words away
Then you couldn't make things new
Just by saying I love you
Decided not to go back for Chinese New Year next year.. and have told my parents about it..
There are 2 major reasons behind it.. one is financial.. the air ticket cost more than MYR$2000.. and this amount is enough to last me one and a half month.. while the other is academic.. I want to spend the short 3-week holiday to read up on statistics, a topic that I am very poor at, before the 2nd semester starts and I have to take related subjects..
All the years that I've been abroad, I always go back home for reunion dinner.. never once did I miss it.. so this time round, it will be my first time celebrating CNY on my own.. and frankly, I'm still not sure how I'm gonna spend it as I'm up to my neck with reports/presentations/translations.. :x :x
Heard this song over MTV channel.. and was captivated by the music video.. then I went online and search for the lyrics.. It rang true to my heart, at times.. yes, I always did feel invisible.. and seen as someone that's not me..
Invisible performed by Skylar Grey
I take these pills to make me thin
I dye my hair, and cut my skin
I tried everything, to make them see me
But all they see, is someone that's not me
[chorus]
Even when I'm walking on a wire
Even when I set myself on fire
Why do I always feel invisible, invisible
Everyday I try to look my best
Even though inside I'm such a mess
Why do I always feel invisible, invisible
[end of chorus]
Here inside, my quiet heart
You cannot hear, my cries for help
I tried everything, to make them see me
But every one, see's what I can't be
[chorus]
Sometimes when I'm alone
I pretend that I'm a queen
It's almost believable
[chorus]
Have a great week ahead! Stay healthy and be safe!!
Every week I'll go grocery shopping at one of the nearby supermarkets, called 全聯福利中心, which is sort of like the NTUC Fairprice in Singapore.. the items there are comparatively cheaper and with membership, I can save even more... :)
Since I don't have a kitchen in my room and I've yet to buy a slow cooker, I usually buy biscuits, bread and instant stuff, like instant soup and cereal.. the variety of instant cereals is unbelievable.. and I shall blog about it when I've tasted sufficient assortment to compare.. of course, there's also a wide range of instant noodles, but I try to not eat them so often as the amount of sodium and preservatives in them are astrologically high..
Anyway, as I was browsing through the shelves I stumbled upon this.. biscuits from Italy! or should I say biscotti!! :)
Initially, it was the design that caught my eyes.. as it somehow reminded me of the packaging I saw in Italy... at closer look, the wordings confirmed my hunch.. :) :) :)
There are 2 types of biscotti, one is butter cookies while the other is chocolate.. and I bought the latter.. :) The price tag stated NT$85, which is almost MYR$9 / SGD$ 3.70 / EURO$2.20 / JPY$220. It wasn't on sale, but I bought it anyway.. :p
yep, it's from Italy alright.. :)
This became one of my few indulgences.. Seldom do I spend so much on a packet of biscuits, but I just had to get this biscotti.. Also, I've not eaten any pasta that came close to the ones I've tasted during my trip to Italy.. even if it was just spaghetti cooked with olive oil and fresh tomatoes..
As much as I don't mind being without a mobile phone, I can't be uncontactable.. so getting a pre-paid SIM card was a temporary solution when I first arrived in Taiwan.. I planned to subscribe to one of the many telcos here once I got my ARC and my student card...
Yet, 3 months later, I am still using my pre-paid SIM... and I've not even used up the initial NT$345.. In fact, I still have NT$120 worth of balance left (as of 27 Nov)!!! Unbelievable, right?? And to think that I've budgeted around NT$1500 PER MONTH (including the purchase of new handset) for telecommunication expenses.. :p
But, if I examine this closely, I realized that this is unsurprising at all.. As I've said many times, I am not a very "friendly" person.. I seldom call my friends over the phone just to chit-chat.. nor do I like to have long talks over the phone.. I prefer sms which, in my opinion, is less intrusive and disruptive.. I don't like being disturbed and thus I would not disturb others.. and I don't need a smartphone.. smartphones are one of those nice-to-haves, not must-haves..
So for now, I'll stick to my pre-paid SIM.. until my LG GU285 phone breaks, a too-good-to-miss bargain for Samsung Galaxy S2 presents itself or someone volunteers to pay for my new handset and/or phone bills .. :p :p :p
Do what you what you want,
If you have a dream for better
Do what you what you want,
'Till you don't want it anymore
(Remember who you really are)
Do what you what you want,
Your world's closing in you now
(It isn't over)
Stand and face the unknown
( Got to remember who you really are)
Every heart in my hand's like a pale reflection,
Hello, Hello remember me?
I'm everything you can't control
Somewhere beyond the pain there must be a way to believe we can break through,
Do what you what you want,
You don't have to lay your life down
(It isn't over)
Do what you what you want,
Till you find what you're looking for
(Got to remember who you really are)
But every hour slipping by screams that I've failed you,
Hello, hello remember me?
I'm everything you can't control
Somewhere beyond the pain there must be a way to believe
Hello, hello remember me?
I'm everything you can't control
Somewhere beyond the pain there must be a way to believe
There's still time,
Close you eyes only love will guide you home,
Tear down the walls and free your soul
'Till we crash we are forever spiraling
Down, down, down, down
Hello Hello, it's only me infecting everything you love
Somewhere beyond the pain there must be a way to believe
Hello, hello remember me?
I'm everything you can't control
Somewhere beyond the pain there must be a way to learn forgiveness,
Hello, hello remember me?
I'm everything you can't control
Somewhere beyond the pain there must be a way to believe we can peak through,
(Remember who you really are)
Do what you what you want !
Have a great week ahead!! Stay healthy and be safe!!!
Wanna write something on this interesting date... yet, I am emptied of inspiration.. :x
It's week 12 in school.. another 6 more weeks and the semester will be over.. time flies when you are doing the things that you like, as I am right now.. As much as I like studying, I'm looking forward to the short 3-week winter holidays which starts on the 3rd week of Jan.. :)
But before I can "enjoy" my holidays, I have tons of homework and assignments to complete.. even the week leading up to my BD and Christmas is packed with reports and presentations.. :x :x oh well, I rather be busy than bored to death.. ;)
These past weeks were wet.. very wet.. and the temperature difference was crazy.. and the situation doesn't seem to be improving any time soon.. :x
The rain here is similar to those in Japan.. light drizzling with strong wind.. occasionally, it will come down cats and dogs too.. raining continuously for a few days became the norm here.. even locals complain about the weird weather.. just 2 weeks ago, it rained from Sunday night to Saturday morning!! The little fold-able umbrella that I bought in Japan is doing its job well but I think I would need to get a bigger one soon, if I wanna stay dry in the days to come..
Temperature fluctuations were pretty drastic too.. It can be 25 degrees in the morning with the sun out and dropped to 19-17 degrees at night with winds howling away.. furthermore the wind here is scary.. maybe because my area is near to the sea/coastal area, so the wind can go up to 12m/s! and I used to think that Tokyo was windy... :x :x
Also, the clothes that I've brought and received don't seemed to be sufficient to keep me warm either.. I would need to get a jacket (or two).. I didn't pack that jacket I used in Japan as I didn't expect it to be so wet over here.. and being someone who dislike shopping alone, I wonder how I'm gonna get my hands on one...
Really like some of the lyrics of this song... as it speaks to me.. especially the following:
They say bad things happen for a reason But no wise words gonna stop the bleeding 'Cause she's moved on while I'm still grieving And when a heart breaks, no it don't break even
Breakeven performed by Script
I'm still alive but I'm barely breathing
Just prayed to a God that I don't believe in
'Cause I got time while she got freedom
'Cause when a heart breaks, no it don't break even
Her best days will be some of my worst
She finally met a man that's gonna put her first
While I'm wide awake she's no trouble sleeping
'Cause when a heart breaks, no it don't break even, even, no
What am I suppose to do
When the best part of me was always you and
What am I suppose to say
When I'm all choked up and you're okay
I'm falling to pieces, yeah
I'm falling to pieces
They say bad things happen for a reason
But no wise words gonna stop the bleeding
'Cause she's moved on while I'm still grieving
And when a heart breaks, no it don't break even, even, no
What am I gonna do
When the best part of me was always you
And what am I suppose to say
When I'm all choked up and you're okay
I'm falling to pieces, yeah
I'm falling to pieces, yeah
I'm falling to pieces
(One's still in love while the other one's leaving)
I'm falling to pieces
('Cause when a heart breaks, no it don't break even)
You got his heart and my heart and none of the pain
You took your suitcase, I took the blame
Now I'm tryna make sense of what little remains, oh
'Cause you left me with no love and no love to my name
I'm still alive but I'm barely breathing
Just prayed to a God that I don't believe in
'Cause I got time while she got freedom
'Cause when a heart breaks, no it don't break
No it don't break, no it don't break even, no
What am I gonna do
When the best part of me was always you
And what am I supposed to say
When I'm all choked up and you're okay
I'm falling to pieces, yeah
I'm falling to pieces, yeah
I'm falling to pieces
(One's still in love while the other one's leaving)
I'm falling to pieces
('Cause when a heart breaks, no it don't breakeven)
Oh, it don't breakeven, no
Oh, it don't breakeven, no
Oh, it don't breakeven, no
Have a great week ahead! Stay healthy and be safe!!
Life is Bitter
Life is bitter. All the faces of the years,
Young and old, are gray with travail and with tears.
Must we only wake to toil, to tire, to weep?
In the sun, among the leaves, upon the flowers,
Slumber stills to dreamy death the heavy hours …
Let me sleep.
Riches won but mock the old, unable years;
Fame’s a pearl that hides beneath a sea of tears;
Love must wither, or must live alone and weep.
In the sunshine, through the leaves, across the flowers,
While we slumber, death approaches through the hours …
Let me sleep.
I gave My Heart to a Woman
I gave my heart to a woman –
I gave it her, branch and root.
She bruised, she wrung, she tortured,
She cast it under foot.
Under her feet she cast it,
She trampled it where it fell,
She broke it all to pieces,
And each was a clot of hell.
There in the rain and the sunshine
They lay and smouldered long;
And each, when again she viewed them,
Had turned to a living song.
Crosses and Troubles
Crosses and troubles a-many have proved me.
One or two women (God bless them) have loved me.
I have worked and dreamed, and I’ve talked at will.
Of art and drink I have had my fill.
I’ve comforted here, and I succoured there.
I’ve faced my foes, and I backed my friends.
I’ve blundered, and sometimes made amends.
I’ve prayed for light, and I’ve known despair.
Now I look before, as I look behind,
Come storm, come shine, whatever befall,
With a grateful heart and a constant mind,
For the end I know is the best of all.
Christmas came early for me... as I received a parcel from home last Thursday.. :) :) :)
It came just in time.. as the weather is getting cooler/colder I need all my "old" clothes from Japan that I didn't manage to bring along in late Aug. I packed the box before I came over.. asked my sis to add a few more things before shipping it over in late Sept..
As I don't have a mail box, instead it was addressed to my land-lady who lives about 60m away.. I got caught in the rain when I carried it back to my room, and fell sick (slight fever and flu) for a day, but it was all worth it.. :p :)
Other than my clothing and shoes, I packed 3 books that I didn't manage to finish, 3 basic Jap books to help me refresh my Jap and my "little comfort".. :p It is a teddy bear that was given to me for my birthday many many years ago by a dear friend.. it has been with me when I went to Japan and is now here in Taiwan.. :)
I can't say that I've gotten everything that I need but these clothes and stuff will have to do for now.. until I make a trip back some time next year...
Having underwent an operation where general anesthetics was used, I know the feeling of facing mortality.. so this song kinda resonant close to my heart.. although I won't want to be on top of a bed of roses.. tat's just not me.. :p
If I Die Young performed by The Band Perry
[chorus]
If I die young, bury me in satin
Lay me down on a bed of roses
Sink me in the river at dawn
Send me away with the words of a love song
[end of chorus]
Lord make me a rainbow, I'll shine down on my mother
She'll know I'm safe with you when she stands under my colors
Oh, and life ain't always what you think it ought to be, no
Ain't even gray, but she buries her baby
The sharp knife of a short life
Well, I've had just enough time
[chorus]
The sharp knife of a short life
Well, I've had just enough time
And I'll be wearing white when I come into your kingdom
I'm as green as the ring on my little cold finger
I've never known the loving of a man
But it sure felt nice when he was holding my hand
There's a boy here in town, says he'll love me forever
Who would have thought forever could be severed by
The sharp knife of a short life
Well, I've had just enough time
So put on your best, boys, and I'll wear my pearls
What I never did is done
A penny for my thoughts, oh no, I'll sell 'em for a dollar
They're worth so much more after I'm a goner
And maybe then you'll hear the words I been singing
Funny, when you're dead how people start listening
[chorus]
The ballad of a dove
Go with peace and love
Gather up your tears, keep 'em in your pocket
Save them for a time when you're really gonna need them, oh
The sharp knife of a short life
Well, I've had just enough time
So put on your best, boys
And I'll wear my pearls
p/s: for those "interested" to know what I want for my funeral, here is what I wrote more than 2 years ago..
Nothing much is happening these few weeks.. and I can foresee it being the same till at least after New Year.. Other than my weekly school stuff, which consist of tons of readings, writing and presentations to prepare and execute, there are other things that I must attend to, especially jobs that are gonna put food on my table and a roof over my head..
My usual translation jobs are coming in pretty regularly these few months so hopefully I can save enough for my 2nd Year tuition... Also I'm working 2 hours per week (on Thursdays mornings) in my department as a "office-girl". The job is pretty simple - running errands and the usual admin stuff... It is a good way for me to get familiar with the workings of a Taiwanese University, and not mention be on good terms with my grad school's HOD and other professors. Already, my HOD is asking me to plan and set-up a new website for my department's alumnus. :)
Oh, did I mention that I am the class rep for PhD Year 1 students? Ya, I was kinda "elected" to the post.. anyway, it is no biggie, I just need to be the liaison between my class of ten and the department if and when administrative stuff is required.. and because of this "position" I need to attend 2 "important" meetings in Dec, one with the President and other "big-shots" of the University in a welcome luncheon for all new class reps, and the other with a group of visitors from a Macau Polytechnic in an academic exchange with my dept..
Thus with whatever free time I've left, I'm spending it in front of my laptop - watching dramas online, hanging out in FB and listening to music.. maybe next semester I will try to not take so many subjects and enjoy (a bit more of) my student life again.. :p :p
My head is stuck in the clouds
She begs me to come down
Says, "Boy, quit foolin' around"
I told her, "I love the view from up here
Warm sun and wind in my ear
We'll watch the world from above
As it turns to the rhythm of love"
[chorus]
We may only have tonight
But till the morning sun, you're mine
All mine
Play the music low
And sway to the rhythm of love
[end of chorus]
My heart beats like a drum
A guitar string to the strum
A beautiful song to be sung
She's got blue eyes deep like the sea
That roll back when she's laughing at me
She rises up like the tide
The moment her lips meet mine
[chorus]
When the moon is low
We can dance in slow motion
And all your tears will subside
All your tears will dry
And long after I've gone
You'll still be humming along
And I will keep you in my mind
The way you make love so fine
[chorus]
Play the music low
And sway to the rhythm of love
Yeah, sway to the rhythm of love
Have a great week ahead!! Stay healthy and be safe!!
Stumbled upon these poems by William E. Henley while browsing at Eslite Bookstore.. and they kinda "spoke" to me.. made me read them more than twice and memorized their title/author..
Invictus
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
A Thanksgiving
From brief delights that rise to me
Out of unfathomable dole,
I thank whatever gods there be
For mine unconquerable soul.
In the strong clutch of Circumstance
It has not winced, nor groaned aloud.
Before the blows of eyeless chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
I front unfeared the threat of space
And dwindle into dark again.
My work is done, I take my place
Among the years that wait for men.
My life, my broken life must be
One unsuccourable dole.
I thank the gods- they gave to me
A dauntless and defiant soul.
One of the things that I don't like about living alone is getting sick.. and the best way to NOT get sick is to get enough exercise to boost the immune system!
Here, I walk a lot.. whenever I leave my room, I will have to walk down/up 5 stories' worth of stairs.. and while in school, I don't usually take the elevator, even if I'm going to the 7th or 9th floor. I'll take the stairs.. :) thus for a couple of times per week, I might have walked up/down more than 15 storeys within a single day!
Of course, other than exercising, proper diet is also essential.. and I am a believer of supplements.. :p That's why I bought EPO with Fish Oil and B Complex from an Australian healthcare company.. I will also try to eat as healthy as possible, while staying within my budget..
Additionally, in order to prevent backaches from sitting for prolonged hours in front of my laptop, I bought a yoga ball.. I will alternate between sitting on the office chair and this ball.. using the ball will, hopefully, strengthen my lower back and my core muscles so that I won't be so prone to backaches.. :)
And maybe in spring, I might start jogging again.. since I'm staying so near to school, it will be a waste if I don't take advantage of it... and frankly, my campus is a very good place to jog as it's not only safe but also provides a beautiful landscape for joggers with its many slopes, nicely kept trails and big shady trees along the roads..
Health is priceless.. this is something everyone knows, yet few actually work towards it.. Since now I am (wholly) responsible for my own well-being, I am gonna do my best keeping myself as healthy as I possibly can.. :) :) :)
Management
How to write good journal papers in our research fields and the trends (or hot topics) of those "I"-journals. We were taught to analyze academic journals for their pros, cons, limitations and improvements.
-> Each students are given 2 papers related to their research areas and told to present it to the class. Also, we need to analyze the 5-year trend of a journal that we were given and do a presentation on it. Finally, we need to submit a proposal (or research topic) that we wanna research on. My presentation dates are Oct 24, Nov 14 and Dec 12. Proposal submission dateline is Jan 02.
Seminar
*Compulsory for Year 1 and 2 PhD students
Every PhD student (2nd Year and above) is to share what they are currently researching and/or any publication that they've submitted. For 1st Year students, we're supposed to select an academic paper that is similar or relevant to our possible research areas and do a presentation on it. Thus each week, one to two students will be on stage to do a presentation. My presentation date is Dec 12.
Banking and Finance
Talks about how to get publish, how to analyze and critique papers and how to look for possible research topics/areas.
-> Homework given as and when the professor thinks it is necessary. So far only written assignments were given. Ample time is given thus do not impose much stress. Maybe the rush might come at the end of the semester when everything comes all at once.. :(
Strategic Management
Textbook used.
-> Everyone in the class is to do 2 presentations and critique 6 assigned papers. Every chapter is allocated to a student. Thus each week, a student will have to "teach" the class the chapter he/she is assigned. My presentation dates are Dec 21 and Dec 28. Assignment datelines are Oct 12, Nov 09 and Dec 14.
Organizational Behavior
Every week, we are given 5 - 6 academic papers to read. Discussion will be conducted during class on those papers.
-> Only 1 written assignment is required. Assignment dateline is Nov 05.
One very important fact to note: As part of the PhD requirement, we need to publish 2 research papers in academic journals. These journals must be listed in SSCI or SCI for these indexes are internationally accepted benchmarks of academic "influence and reputation". Yet, I must add that this "obsession" with publishing in journals within these "I"-lists is very peculiar and specific in Taiwanese academia. If one could get published in a A++-ranked journal, one could get a lecturing position (either an assistant professorship or even an associate professorship) in one of the top-tiered universities in Taiwan fairly easily, according to most professors. Even promotions (from asst. prof. to associate prof. or from associate prof. to prof.) are based on the number (and quality) of publication.
Thus it is no surprise that getting published is deemed to be the most difficult prerequisite for graduation. However, before we can submit a paper to these journals, we need to "chose" an advising professor as our mentor. And this decision cannot be taken lightly nor hastily as this advising professor will determine how (horrible/stressful/*feel free to add in your own horror words*) our lives will be for the next 3 - 7 years.. as advised by my seniors, it is very important to find a professor that we can "click with" and get along, although his/her research area/specialization will also play a huge role in determining if he/she is supportive/useful in aiding our graduation.
Currently, I've already shortlisted a few professors, and I would want to find out more about their temperament and their "modus operandi" before deciding. This year, there was a new ruling from the university - each (associate) professor can only mentor 2 students (from the same intake). So there is pressure to "secure" one's adviser as soon as possible.. A few of my fellow 1st Years have already "found" their mentors, either because they were under these professors during their Masters or their area of research matches exactly what these professors are doing.. all these really adds pressure to those of us who haven't decide what exactly we wanna research/focus in.. It is one thing to write a research proposal for gaining entry to the PhD program, quite another to ACTUALLY pursue it..
I for one am thinking of changing my focus from Healthcare Information System Management to Organizational Behavior, as I realized the latter encompasses human psychology and management, among other things. I am always curious about the whys and hows of human behaviors. I read a lot of (general) psychology, philosophy and sociology books, and I think my unique experience of having lived in 4 different countries and encountered (and worked with) people of different nationalities, culture and religion will provide me with some unique research perspectives.
Again, it is too early for me to decide on anything yet.. I'll keep my option open and explore Organizational Behavior further to see if that is really what I wanna research on for the rest of my life..
Chicago is one of my favorite Broadway shows.. one that I've the opportunity to watch in Singapore.. among many others.. and this song is one of my favorites from the show..
Here is part of the lyrics that I liked.. You can like the life you’re living
You can live the life you like
And truth be told, I didn't expect the Hollywood version to be good, but it was.. :) so enjoy the dancing by these two lovely ladies...
Have a great week ahead! Stay healthy and be safe!!!
There are 10 unique landmarks within the Tamkang University, and 9 of them are located in TamSui campus.. I've only managed to locate 7 of them and here they are..
1. Ke Nan Slope （克難坡） or The Slope of Overcoming Difficulties
Built around 1953, this slope used to be the only way to get to the University.. its steepness and its 132 steps symbolizes the difficulties that students must overcome.. and thus climbing this slope became a rite of passage for freshmen before the entrance ceremony..
2. The Statue of Mr. Chang Ching-sheng （驚聲銅像） A commemorative statue of Mr Chang Ching-sheng stood not far from the top of Ke Nan Slope. He was the father of Dr. Clement C. P. Chang, the founder of the University, who died before the campus was completed.
3. Gong Deng Classrooms （宮燈教室） or The Chinese Palace-style Classrooms
These were the very first classrooms in the University and they are still being used for classes till this day.
looks like my primary school classroom..
4. Piazza de Scroll （書卷廣場）or The University Commons
This is located in front of the library.. I called it Piazza de Scroll, although the official name is The University Commons, which is kinda "lame" if you ask me.. :p It is designed in a form of 4 bamboo tablets encircling each other.. They are aptly called tzu chien (竹卷 meaning “books and scrolls”), which represent the four qualities in the University Motto: Simplicity, Truthfulness, Firmness, Perseverance.
5. Lucky Dolphins Milestone Statue （海豚吉祥物里程碑）
No prize for guessing this is my favorite landmark among them.. :)
Dolphins were chosen by the students as the University's emblem. As quoted from the University's website, "Dolphins are the most agile and intelligent mammals in the ocean. They are endowed with an incredible ability to swim across the four seas." No argument from me.. :p
6. Bronze Sculpture of Five Tigers （五虎碑雕塑）
"Five Tigers Hill" （五虎崗）is the site of Tamkang University’s Tamsui Campus. This piece stands in front of the Shao-mo Memorial Gymnasium, represents Tamkangians’ (yep, this is how we called ourselves) spirit of vitality, and their sense of vigor and bravery.
7. Golden Eagle in Fu Yuan Garden （福園金鷹銅雕）
This Golden Eagle bronze statue is within the Fu Yuan Garden, right in front of the Business Building. In the form of a golden eagle spreading its wings, this statue symbolizes Tamkangians, like a flying eagle in the sky, majestically overlooking the earth below.
Next up, the other buildings/structure in the campus..
p/s: been crazily busy these past few weeks.. and Dec is gonna be even crazier.. November offers some breather, but I'm gonna use it to complete as many assignments/translation projects as possible so I would still be able to enjoy my birthday and Christmas come December.. :)
I've been in Taiwan for about 2 months now.. Friends and family like to ask me if I'm adapting to the environment in Taiwan... and truth be told, I don't feel like a person who "just" came to this country for around 60days..
Maybe it is my inert ability to adapt.. I tend to get used to a place in 2 weeks or so.. I have the ability to feel comfortable anywhere, even if I don't like the place initially.. Maybe it has something to do with my general view of "problem".. for me, there is only 2 ways to handle a problem, either I find a way to solve/resolve it or I accept and live with it.. quite similar to the saying, “If you can't beat it, join it.." :)
I apply the same philosophy to my life... if I can't change it, I won't fight it as it is pointless/useless and a waste of my energy.. and life will be easier if I just "accept" it.. Of course, I will try my utmost to change/solve/resolve the problem first.. if after some time I still can't, I will accept/ignore it and move on.. Life is too short to be bogged down by these.. I will use my precious energy and time to do things that are, in my opinion, productive/beneficial/interesting, even if people might think otherwise..
Thus I can live off a suitcase for months.. live like a poor student for years.. or just simply live with my version of "minimal comfort".. And I don't like to own vehicles, like cars, motorcycle or even bicycle.. I don't want to worry about it breaking down or getting stolen.. I am happy to use my feet (and the public transport) to get me to where I wanna be .. :p although owning a house, just a small studio would do, will always be a dream that I would want to fulfill..
A rather simplistic approach to life, don't you agree? But then, I'm not sure if my adaptability is a blessing or a curse..
Like this band.. and its songs... and this is one of my favorite... enjoy! :)
Give a little more performed by Maroon 5
Now you've been bad, and it goes on and on and on
'til you come home babe, 'til you come home
You taste best, the poison I've learned to love is gone.
I'm all alone baby, I'm all alone
I'm waiting for something, always waiting
Feeling nothing, wondering if it'll ever change
And then I give a little more, oh babe ohhh
Give a little more, oh babe ohhh
[chorus]
I'm not falling in love with ya, I'm not falling in love
I'm not falling in love with ya, I'm not falling in love
'til I get a little more from you baby ohhh
Get a little more from you baby
[end of chorus]
You were wrong for turning me on and on and on
And on and on
You make it so hard
I'm waiting for something, always waiting
Feeling nothing, wondering if it'll ever change
And then I give a little more, oh babe ohhh
Give a little more, oh babe ohhh
[chorus]
I have no defense
I know you're gonna get me in the end
(gonna get me in the end)
And I cannot pretend
I never want to feel this way again ohhh
[chorus x 2]
Have a great week ahead! Stay cheery and healthy!!
Finally got the time and chance to meet up with my senior, Joe, last Saturday.. :)
Although I stayed at his house when I first came to Taiwan in late Aug, he was in Japan then.. He got back more than a month ago, but we were both too busy to meet up.... until now.. We went for dinner at the famous Din Tai Fung (鼎泰豐) at Xinyi Road, which is the main branch..
The restaurant was packed.. or should I say the crowd queuing to get in was crazy.. we were given a menu list and were told to order while waiting.. heard lots of Japanese being spoken.. and saw lots of Japanese tourists, old and young.. we waited for about 30 min to be ushered in.. the place is small and narrow, similar to restaurants in Japan.. we were seated on the 4th floor..
Din Tai Fung's famous xiao long bao
Since we've given them our orders before we were seated, the dishes were served really quickly.. frankly, I wasn't very impressed by the food.. yes, it was delicious, but not THAT fantastic as I've had tastier dishes... Was it worth half an hour of my life to queue for it? don't think so.. but anyway, it was the company that's most important..
Both of us had been through a lot since we last seen each other.. Many things had happened.. we cheered and supported each other on from afar... He is one of the few good friends that I'm glad to have made in Japan.. :)
Anyway, it's good to have a "big brother" like him in a foreign country.. :p
An oldie.. another goodie.. one of those love songs that linger in your mind.. I must admit that the lyrics is kinda cheesy but hey, everyone needs a little bit of romance once in a while, right? :p
Truly Madly Deeply performed by Savage Garden
I'll be your dream
I'll be your wish I'll be your fantasy
I'll be your hope I'll be your love
Be everything that you need
I'll love you more with every breath
Truly, madly, deeply do
I will be strong I will be faithful
'cause I'm counting on
A new beginning
A reason for living
A deeper meaning, yeah
[chorus:]
I want to stand with you on
a mountain
I want to bathe with you in the sea
I want to lay like this forever
Until the sky falls down on me
And when the stars are shining
brightly in the velvet sky,
I'll make a wish send it to heaven
Then make you want to cry
The tears of joy for all the
pleasure and the certainty
That we're surrounded by the
comfort and protection of
The highest powers
In lonely hours
The tears devour you
[chorus]
Oh can you see it baby?
You don't have to close your eyes
'Cause it's standing right
before you
All that you need will surely come
I'll be your dream I'll be your wish
I'll be your fantasy
I'll be your hope I'll be your love
Be everything that you need
I'll love you more with every breath
Truly, madly, deeply do
[chorus]
I want to stand with you on a
mountain
I want to bathe with you in the sea
I want to live like this forever
Until the sky falls down on me
Time to showcase some of the photos taken of my University's Tamsui Campus, aka the main campus.. and I am gonna do it in the following sequence..
Faculty/Department buildings
Special landmarks of TKU (short for Tamkang University)
Other buildings
Misc
TKU's Taipei Campus
One of the entrances into TKU.. the one I use almost everyday..
College of Liberal Arts
College of Education
College of Foreign Languages and Literature
College of Business and College of Management.. this is where I "belong"..
College of Science
a separate building for Department of Chemistry..
College of Engineering.. main building..
another Engineering building.. think there are 4 - 5 Engineering buildings
Unlike NUS, there is no separate structure built specifically for lecture.. all lecture halls are incorporated within the above shown buildings, which explained their huge sizes... based on my estimation, TKU's campus is smaller than NUS's but larger than Waseda's.. while in term's of hilliness, TKU wins hands down..
Since going back to school, my wandering lust is slowly germinating again..
After my Australia trip in 2009, I've not been to a new country since.. yes, I went to Pangkor Island last year, and Kota Kinabalu and Singapore this year, but these weren't on my must-visit list... I wanna go some place new.. a new country to experience new things.. especially after my tandem skydiving in Byron Bay, I wanted to experience that out-of-the-world adrenalin rush again...
But alas, money and time is not on my side, at least not the next 2 years.. Even though I can't do any traveling much less extreme adventures these days, it doesn't hurt for me to come out my dream list of extreme activities..
Other than these, I would like to hike long distance or climb a mountain.. I would want to hike up the Everest Base Camp, make land trip to Tibet and Nepal, hike around NZ and many many more.. Of course, if given a chance, I would like to sky-dive again.. and maybe even be a certified skydiver... ;)
All these shall remain a dream for now.. but don't doubt for a moment that I will try my best to fulfill at least some of these in my living years.. :) :) :)
As expected, lots of activities and promotions are organized by both public and private sectors to commemorate this milestone.. everywhere will be crowded, I would think.. either to attend the celebration outside the Presidential Office Building or to take advantage of sales held at various shopping malls all over the island..
At 7-11, a promotion was held whereby one can get a free file holder after spending more than NT$100 on Oct 9 and Oct 10. I wanna have something to mark this occasion, so I collected both.. :p
A small personal trivia: I love to read about China's history, all those dynasties with their emperors and empress, coups and political maneuvers, heroes and villains, etc.. but I tend to stop reading when Dr Sun Yat Senoverthrew the Qing Dynasty.. I have no interest in the communist party and what it did... and I particularly loathe the Cultural Revolution and its far-reaching effects... And I always feel more affiliated to and have more affections toward ROC than PRC.. :p :p
Introducing and sharing another song by Lenka.. really like the simplicity of her songs..
Still waiting for that special someone to make my heart skips a beat or two.. ;)
Heart skips a beat performed by Lenka
Heart skips a beat
My heart skips a beat
My heart is playing tricks on me
And it's building bricks on me
I can't break through
And I can't face you
My world is turning slowly now
But it's burning up somehow
I need some time
To know what's right
'Cause it's only in the quiet that I feel some relief
I'm trying hard not to resist the joy
Don't listen to me I'm being paranoid
I might try hard but it's too hard to avoid
My heart skips a beat
My heart skips a beat
My heart is always first to know
And as the feeling grows
I can't deny push those thoughts aside
My world is full of loveliness
But I focus on the stress
My heart says "Go" but my brain says "No"
And it's only in the quiet that I hear myself breathe
I'm trying hard not to resist the joy
Don't listen to me I'm being paranoid
I might try hard but it's too hard to avoid
My heart skips a beat
My heart skips a beat
My heart skips a beat
My heart skips a beat
Oh I know this time 'cause it's physical
My blood has stopped and I am breathless as well
But I need a minute to convince myself
'Cause it's only in the quiet that I know what to feel
I'm trying hard not to resist the joy
Don't listen to me I'm being paranoid
I might try hard but it's too hard to avoid
My heart skips a beat
My heart skips a beat
I'm trying hard not to resist the joy
Don't listen to me I'm being paranoid
I might try hard but it's too hard to avoid
My heart skips a beat
My heart skips a beat
My heart skips a beat
My heart skips a beat
A heartfelt congratulation to my baby sister... she has finally completed her 2-year houseman-ship.. :) and is now a qualified medical doctor! :)
It was a real roller-coaster ride for her.. lots of lows.. with a couple of highs in between.. I was really glad that I was there for her - lending her my shoulders and ears, and guiding her through the intricacies of working life.. of course, there was only so much I can do for her.. she did most of the "hard work" - balancing her expectation with reality, dealing with her colleagues, supervisor and nurses, handling difficult patients and their families, etc..
For the next phase of her professional life, she is posted to a rural hospital, which will no doubt posed a challenge for her.. There might be some adjustment pains, but I am confident that she will overcome whatever obstacles that may come like a fighter that she is.. :)
Okay, finally have some time to process some of the photos I've taken.. so first up, my neighborhood.. here are some of them...
My block.. I am staying on the level above the green awning.. on 5th floor..
Main gate on ground level, leading up to my room but no lift, only stairs..
View of the lane where I live.. left side
View of the lane.. right side..
Lots of students park their bikes along this lane, as it is only a few minutes to campus.. and no parking fees required.. here, they park "responsibly" and do not block entrances..
The other side of the lane.. leading to more smaller lanes..
another small lane around the area..
A lot of bikes are parked along these small lanes.. this is what I see all around the campus, or rather outside the campus.. students need to get a permit to park inside the campus and the permits are very hard to get.. so most just park outside the campus..
From the main road, going into "my" lane..
view from "my" lane looking out at the Main road.. on the right is the University..
view from the campus back to "my" lane.. with the 7-11 being a very good landmark.. :)
