Civilization Class

Some questions popped into my head during the Islamic Civilization & Asian Civilization 1 class today. It was actually quite interesting to learn about the ancient civilization again; how they rose to their glory, and how they just fell and the civilization ended.

I seem to think that the main cause of the emergence & downfall of a civilization is the attitude of people. We were asked to do a short discussion on what could be done in today's world, so as to not let our 'civilization' fall too. Hmm...quite an easy question. But then again, what actually CAN be done? I mean, if it is all up to the attitudes of a person, what can we do? It is an individual thing.

Just take a closer look at how the civilization hit its jackport.
1. Geographical factor
2. Religious boost
3. Appreciation of moral values
4. Depressing historical experiences
5. Positive influences

Four out of the five factors are up to the individuals to make their stand. Now, look at how the downfall of civilization took place then.
1. Obvious difference between the wealthy communities from the deprived people
2. Depression & abundance of human rights
3. Moral decay
4. Closed-mindedness to improvement & changes
5. Natural disasters

See the pattern? Once again, 4/5 are based on an individual's choice! *sigh* More like the downfall of man.

Somehow, after the question was thrown out to us, I can't help but think of how we can ACTUALLY not make the same mistakes.What everyone else said was so general, as if not much depth was put into thinking 'bout that question. Yup, have a stong religion background, have good attitudes, learn from the past, follow positive influences,...yada-yada. I mean, it takes A LOT of effort to really strive to that perfection. *sigh* The depth of thought. I, myself, dn't really think so deep. But this time 'round, I can't help but think over it again & again.

How can we discipline ourselves? That's one tough question to put to practice.

It's a Bug's Life Out Here

Bugs are EVERYWHERE! I think the bug season has finally arrived. Those huge flying ants with big backsides are walking all about at the washing area. They just land themselves on the floor, on the clothes hung out there, and on the railings! My, quite eeky, but thankfully they don't bite or harm. My room mate was kinda scared while we were there washing the dishes after dinner. Hehe. We had company...heeheehee. When the bug crawled up her leg, that was the 1st time I heard her scream just because of a bug. Wow, what a sight that was ;P Ehehehe.... I'm mean...

I, Pencil

I, Pencil, am not an uncommon sight in this world. Even when the world moves on towards the technological era, I, Pencil, am still as important as I used to be. Without me, little children will not be able to enjoy drawing, colouring, & writing. *sigh* Yet, I,Pencil, have been slowly pushed out of the limelight by the ever-in-demand-now computer.

*sigh* Yup, I have to write some technical essay on a pencil. Yes, a pencil. Of all things to write about, I had to write about a pencil. That was what the lecturer asked us to do. English for Technical Communication; that's the subject. I had such a tough time getting that essay done! Yes, it is just a write up of a pencil, but it was SO tough!. A very descriptive essay we had to complete. It was such an embarressment. I know what a pencil is, but to really describe it physically in detail was way tough! A common instrument, yet difficult to describe. Really weird. Plus, for our level, it shouldn't be difficult to write an essay of what even a kid could describe! Failure, failure.

I'm a People Person...hehehe

I went out of the uni AGAIN! Ok, I didn't play truant, or escape from some cut-off fence whatsoever. We kinda didn't have any class in the afternoon, so I decided to go out to Abi's house, just to hang around.

The morning class annoyed me already, so I can't be bothered about waiting & see if there would be class in the afternoon. We woke up at 6.45am to get to the 8am class, waited at the office for 1/2 an hour, to find out that there ain't any class! Rar! So annoyed!

I went back to the room, somewhat thinking of turning into bed again, but the temptation of the laptop got to me first before I got to the bed. I went online & walla! I met KK online!!!! I was SOOoooo excited! It has been a LONG time since I had a chat with him. Miss him SOoomuch! he is like one of those whom I can spend hours & hours just chit-chatting. Oh, he's such a woman!...heehee...he really hated it when I said that to him. We had a good at least 1 hour chat. Ahh...the joy of chatting. Cherish the moments.

I had my share of fun at Abi's too. Watched tv the whole day there. Haha. The pants I bought for Abigail was too big. Aiyoh. Bad judgement. Well, she should be able to wear it in a year or two's time. I am so glad to be out here. The freedom. Ahh...the glorious food too. oh, I met Aunty Mag from Seremban at Abi's house too! What a pleasant surprise.

Hmm...i had a great dinner too before Joey gave me a lift ack. *sigh* What a wonderful day.

Daylight Robbery

Should I call it daylight robbery? Hmm...I reckon so. Nah, just that certain attitudes of people stir up my judgemental side towards them.

After class today, I left for Kuantan town for a caroling practice with Bec. "Ask & you shall receive, seek & you shall find..." I did just that to find some form of transportation to go out, lest I'll have to take out all my bottles of patience (whatever's left in me), & wait for the bus like a good girl & not complain that the bus ain't arriving. I asked HChen if she would be going out since it's a Wednesday. Haha. Bingo! I got a ride from her room mate's friend, who came to pick them up from uni. Yay yay! *dances around*

--ergh...feeling really too tired to continue typing...will continue tomorrow..my eyes hurt badly--
(24 Nov 2004, 11.47pm)

Anyway, we were driving at quite a speed, but that girl, PWen, often manage to step on the brakes as she aproaches another car at the traffic lights. We were at the traffic light in front of Tmn Tas, waiting for the light to turn green. Out of the sudden, we felt the car jerk to the front! And before we could realise whar happened, th car kena rammed from the back edi; very great force indeed.

We drove the car to the side of the road to settle the matter. PWen & CLee got down to settle it. The rest of us sat inside, not wanting to put our hands in & perhaps make matters worse. They demanded for RM 300 from that looks-rich girl, but the amount was indeed too much for the damage caused. The bumper was dented and scratched only, I think. However, the rich girl's car was in quite bad shape. She can't even open her car bonnet.

In the end, they got RM 250 cash from her. Without much to complain about, we drove off for lunch. They were quite glad actually. Sadly, to my horror, PWen said (during lunch) that she will not send the car for repair. It is SO difficult to sit in their midst. All of them are not Christians, & I can't really comment about that as I don't know her personally. *sigh* Daylight robbery.

I spent my day at Becca's house for caroling practice. Then I had dinner with Edmund & he sent me back to uni. It was ReALlY good to be out of the uni. Haha ;)

The Joy of Web Services

Oh boy! I'm SO excited to learn that I can chat on the msn through some web based site other than the webmessenger site, which I can't get in to. I'm like feeling estatic! Over the moon kind of feeling! Oh my, my.

I found it really a wow! when I managed to sign in to the msn messenger. Then, I got through to Yan Heng & he taught me to get to another site which won't get blocked by the firewall: www.e-messenger.net. Amazing! I met Gloria online too!

After that, I got out of the usual msn messenger, and tried the one Yan Heng recommended. I am like chatting now with Gloria, Chris, Chit Chong and Yee Ling! Wow!!! Woohoo! Although I do get disconnected now and then, I can still get back into the site & continue chatting! Yay yay yay! *dances around with great joy*

Ah well, the usual thing would take place though. When it gets later in the night & the line gets jammed up, i keep getting disconnected without any notice. What to do? The consolation is that I can still reconnect & get in, but it is to tiring to do so after doing the same thing over & over again for more than 4 times.

It was great fun chatting with them though it wasn't for a long time. *smiles*

Grand Finale (cont.)

Day 3

Sunday. Oh, glorious Sunday. I didn't really sleep the night before. Somehow, I think the room temperature wasn't my usual kinda temperature. Just not used to sleeping with the cold air brushing on my face.

Both Irene & I woke up pretty early. The alarm clock within her just went off at her usual weekdays time. Gosh. It was tough to wake Mabel up...I reckon she was too tired. The cheekiness in me just tempted me to wake her up using the digi cam again, but as usual, it didn't work on her. I just took a snap, but she didn't stir. *sigh* Poor Mabel. So tired.

Chit Chong was so kind to give us a lift to church. Rare. He's usually pretty cheeky and mean (well, sometimes). Leaving Irene's house after a great weekend there wasn't an easy thing to do. Not that I don't want to return to my family, but my heart felt kinda heavy to depart from all the fun that I've had. Farewells and hugs were exchanged before we hopped into the car. *sigh*

Gloria was quite stunned to see Mabel at church. Both Mabel & I got busy meeting people and just catching up with them before we leave after service. Service was one refreshing one after an entire week of madness. The sermon shared by Rev Paul Christie hit me like a brick thrown at my face...was abput what it takes for a church to be a 5-star church.
Colossians 2:1-5

1. People encouraged in heart...building each other up
2. United in love; knit-together
3. Focuses on Jesus
4. Commits to biblical truth
5. Steadfast in the ministry

Wow. Brought to mind my CG. The things we say to each other in the circles; not very encouraging. We tend to throw sarcastic comments and post crazy ideas all the time. Like 'where's the love?' man? Chris said that the circles is the place to destress yadda-yadda. Hmm..makes sense, especially after a long day. However, I still think that we could be a little more encouraging & help build each other up. Ah well, time to improve!

Back to church. I didn't join the carollers for the practice. Hung around with Mabel, Gloria, Hsu-ee, Lydia & Len instead. Mabel left at 'bout 1pm. *sob* So gonna miss her. Reminds me of JS once again. You get your share of fun & encouragement, then you depart, move on to continue living the life you have been called to. This is very similar, but no tear were shed*smiles with pride* I mean, e are all gonna meet up another time...soon. Yay! Can't wait for that time to come. *rubs hands together with glee*

I left for uni at 'bout 2.30pm in Iknal's car. the journey was a pleasant one, although there were some moments of silence which kept creeping into the car & disturbing my mind When things get silent, I'll start thinking and recalling of the past week & what took place. No, I wasn't glad to be in the car heading towards the uni. However, I am indeed VERY thankful to be able to hitch a ride from Ikmal...saved some cash there..heehee.

I'll be back the next week for cousin Loretta's wedding! Woohoo!

Grand Finale

I am really free now. There ain't any class for the day! A few of us friends have been walking up and down looking for the lecturers and the time table, but couldn't locate any of them. *sigh* What a waste of energy. Ah well, just to console myself, I think it would do some good to me especially as the days draw nearer to my cousin's wedding day. Got to stay fit to make sure I can get into that dress. Bah.

Thus, since I am so free now, I thought I would just reminise on my recent weekend with Mabel, Irene, Yong Guang, and Shawn. Whoa...like the recent weekend has been a blast for me! Indeed I have to thank God for thewonderful finale of my 5 weeks semester break. Ah, I shall miss Mabel & Irene, the 2 awesome buddies whom I spent my weekend with. They are the most wonderful dearies! *sigh* 3 days just passsed too fast. In a blink of the eye, it is all over, and I am now back in uni.

Coming to think about it, Guang, Irene & I were a little panicky as the day approached for Mabel to come up to KL. We were like so unsure of what is happening, what time she will be arriving, who is to pick her up, and the most major part; what we would do for the next 3 days! Boy, it was quite stressful. Thank goodness all went so well in the end.

Guang and I met up at KL Wesley to go pick Mabel up from the Puduraya bus station at 'bout 1pm. She was suppose to arrive at 1.30pm, but knowing the Malaysian systems, she arrive 1/2 an hour late. We waited for quite some time, breathing in the carbon monoxide until we couldn't take it anymore, before we moved on to the KFC opposite the station for some air-conditioned environment and for Guang, an ice-cream. He just needed some excuse to sit there...heehee..

The wait was really worthwhile. Seeing her from a distant was like...aaahhhhhhh!!!! I SO can't believe my eyes!!! Oh yeah, I really missed her since I last met up with her in March.Boy, the great big hug we gave to each other was...erm...oh, I just can't describe that feeling. The joy within me, I can't describe that too..eheeheehee.

We had lunch at the Petaling Street market and had a wonderful time catching up with each other. Jocelyn joined us for lunch (Yong Tau Foo). She just went through a really refreshing experience and was telling us all about it. The joy within her, she said, was immense. She was just SO glad that her relationship with her parents was getting better, I reckon. We were all very glad for her. The Lord IS Love.

We left after heating up the seats...kind of like we were driven away by the stall owner as they wanted to pack-up already. KL Wesley was our hang out place for the day...erm...well, sort of. We went to visit Aunty Dorcas (erm...not sure how her name is spelt), Rev Dr Timothy Ong's wife. Mabel wanted to check out if she was there, and we thought of going up Menara Wesley were she stays to just say hi. We ended up staying there to chat and catch up for about an hour or so.

The next stop, Mid Valley Megamall, to help Yong Guang find the farewell gifts for his parents. He ended up getting for his dad 2 ties,for his mum, a gift set from The Body Shop, and for himself, a large hole in his wallet...heeheehee. Busted his budget. Well, that is perhaps what you would expect to hapen when you shop with 3 girls as your assistants! *rolls on the floor laughing*

I left right after that as I had to go for a dinner at Tua-Yee's house. It was kinda sad that I couldn't join them, but I guess the family comes 1st. They watched a movie and had dinner at Chillis with, along with Pastorpher and Rhema, I think. According to Mabel and Irene, it was a fantastic night that they had.

All this happened in Day 1 of Mabel's coming up to KL..

Day 2

Excited was the only word to describe how I felt on this particular day. Firstly, I get to meet up with Mabel. then, the activity was to go up to the sky-bridge together, and it was my 1st time! Whoa, I was truly hyped up for the day's events.

We, as in Yong Guang, Shawn, Mabel & myself, managed to get tickets for the 9.45am slot. Wonderful. The queue was pretty long, but dear brother Yong Guang was patient enough to line up on our behalf for the tickets. After the entire ordeal of waiting for the tickets, we went to have 'breakfast'. It was actually kinda farnee cos Guang and I were kinda broke & we decided to take a peek outside KLCC to check if there were any 'chiplak' kopitiam in sight. Noticing that the both of us got out of the KLCC building and started lookin' around, dear Mabel was kinda puzzled, I reckon, and suggested that we go to Delifrance for a cup of coffee. Erm...like..okai..the price would be quite dear for even a cup of coffee.

Guang & I were trying to scan down the price list for the most affordable drink for our 'breakfast'. It was really pathetic. I ended up not getting anything instead. I thought it wasn't worth my money. Guang eneded up with a glass of milk,while Mabel, a glass of ice-coffee, which she said was crap. Well, it really was crap. I even thought that she ordered tea instead of coffee! It tastes like water with some coffee aroma and the colour of tea! For that price she paid??!! Wow, it was totally a blow.

We had to wait for our turn to go up to the sky-bridge. It was an awesome sight! The view from above was really nice. The cars, humans and buildings all looked like models only. Reminded me of the Poly Pocket days. Ahaha. We took quite a lot of pics and were totally blown over by the beauty of the view from that point. The 'excursion' was a little short though. I wish we could stay up there longer.

We headed for 'brunch' after that. Left KLCC for some mamak place near Pasar Seni. Nothing special there. then we took a walk all the way to KL Wesley...yes, again. This time, it was to meet up with Jocelyn, who wanted to meet up with us before she goes out with a friend of hers. We had a great time chatting and looking at some photos Jocelyn showed us.

We went back to KLCC to pick Irene up and get back to her house. Mabel SO needed the rest. She was like terribly zonked out. We didn't have lunch as we were quite full. Yong Guang sent us back before he headed home. *sob* That was the time to bid farewell to him and give him our best wishes before he left for Sabah just yesterday at 9.30am.

Shawn, Irene & I had a great time chatting...again. yeah, I notied I am forever chatting. Rar. That is me, man. That is SO me. If Ruth stops talking for a day, it would either be for some quiet retreat, or she is down with a bad throat. Other that that, Ruth cannot stop talking!! We were talking mainly about church, people and edu. Wow, it was the longest talk I've had with Shawn Sim after JS. Amazing.

When Pak Lin arrived, Shawn left with him for a game of pool, while Irene & I continued chatting. The quota of words we girls have really amazes me. We chat for about an hour plus, non-stop, mind you, and then went upstairs to wake Mabel up from her nap

Now, this was the hilarious part. *rolls on the floor laughing*We took Mabel's digi cam and snapped a couple of shots of her sleeping, hoping that that would wake her up, but no! She didn't even budge! Wow, Irene & I had great fun giggling and laughing as silently as we could. I really found it hard to breathe after so much of laughing. At last, I poked her up...heehee. Thinking she would get up already, I sat down and made myself comfortable...AND contuinued chatting with Irene. My, Irene has a lot to say too. *smiles* Mabel returned to slumber land again! Bah.

It was really funny when Mabel demanded for some explanation of what took place after I came out of the bath. " Ruth, do you have some explanation that you owe me?...".."Erm..no?" Eheehee...I just couldn't take it. I SO had to burst out laughing once again.

We dressed up & got ready to go for a concert at UCSI. Hmm...the fun we girls had; dressing up, a little make up (for Mabel, that is) and the excitement of going together for a concert! Shawn was like some woman. We had to wait for him & he took such a long time to get ready! What's becoming of this world? Girls have to wait for the guys now?

We had dinner at McDs with Pak Lin too. Then he sent us to UCSI for the concert. Overall, the concert was really nice, except for the parts where the band played. If only all the pieces were more classical or not rockish (like what the band did), all would be fabulous! Well, well, I enjoyed myself very much.

We walked to MCDs for ice-cream & coffee after the concert before walking back to Irene's house. The walk, although it looked as if her house was so far, was exciting in its own way too. Chats again. Oh, yeah man. Our favourite past time. The night was really nice for a walk home, for chit-chatting while walking towards our destination, and for a crazy 'lesbianism' time together. Muahahaha.... God forbid that we discover we are lesbians! Euww..

The flow of words just never stops! it went on & on until about 1am! Oh, this night part was an unforgettable one, especially for Mabel & Irene. Mabel nearly got erm...ah, how can I put it in a more pleasant way? Oh well, to just give a brief idea of the scenario, Irene switched off the lights and started gropping in the dark, not knowing what she would touch. Mabel was one of the victim. *gasp!* hmm...that explains all. The breakout of laughter was deafening. ok, I'm exaggerating here, but really, we just broke out into laughter. Can't stop laughing...lasted for at least 5 minutes non stop!

We so had to sleep after that. Won't want to be caught 'fishing' during the sermon in the service!

Boredom in 'exile'

It is just so quiet and perhaps what I would label as boring, as I am stuck here, in my hostel room. Coming back to uni is fun? Hmm...not for today, at least. I reckon I am just soooo bored that I am beginningto open loads of accounts for photos, blogs, etc.

Things here are slightly beyond the ability for some to handle. The way things work in this uni, the company, and majorly, the course. I just got to know that 4 Chinese girls have left this uni. Bah. Now we have less Chinese in the entire uni population! I don't blame them, really. It seriously takes a lot of patience to endure all these that comes in the way of us Chinese people here. The discrimination and the enviroment can altogether 'poison' the spirit, AND perhaps the will to go on with life. Haha. This is like SO sad...

Oh, did I like forget to state that I had to clean my room here yesterday? Huh! It was in a total mess! And I thought I could get some rest when I arrive. No way man! The bed, furniture and all were everywhere. To clean the layers of dust and cement powder off the floor, the bed, the cupboard and the table took almost the entire evening till night. Horrible! My room mates didn't wipe my side of the room. The both of them sleep on 1 side while I sleep on the other. The bed above me is empty, but I had to clean it up too since it was on my side of the room. Bah.

It took up a lot of my patience & energy. Futhermore, the stuff that were in my mind; my family and all, *sigh* made me even worse. Ah well, just pray that all will slowly turn out better in time to come.

Back To Exile

Getting back to uni is like the last thing I would want to do. In actual fact, stepping into another semester seems quite a dread. *sigh* A new beginning is good? I really don't know. I mean, the beginning of this particular semester hasn't shown any sign which encouraged me to stay on for another day. Perhaps it is just the way I look at situations. I am REallY trying to think positively, but I know I can never fool myself. Hah, whatmore God.

Ah, too many things just happened for the past few days. I guess that is why I SO dread coming back to uni. Most people would just get excited to be back to meet their uni mates. Me? Nah. No excitement whatsoever.

I truly wish I was back home. Not that I am homesick, but the worries of leaving my family behind haunts me. My sister is lost as to what to do whenever my parents start raising their voices at each other, my mum gets upset, my dad just rides his way out of the house to get some time for himself, and I, stuck here, so far from home and not being able to help. *double sigh*

I really can't do anything here but pray. Yes, indeed the tears will somehow make its way through my eyes and roll down freely, but...there is seriously nothing I can do! It is frustrating, yet, I suppose God has His ways. *sob* Am feeling so lost...