Fullstop on Diploma

Finally... After 2 years studying in Tunku Abdul Rahman College, Penang branch... I've completed the whole Diploma course of Information Systems Engineering... Do I feel relieved? Yeah... But do I feel reluctant of leaving? I guess I should say I do feel a bit... In fact, out of no where... Sorrow drowned me on the day of parting with my classmates after the last paper of TITAS (Tamadun Islam dan Tamadun Asia, which I hated the most of all...). At least we do get to have breakfast at my favourite Indian Cuisine Restaurant, Ananda Bahwans... Hehe...

Many things had happened during these 2 years... Happiness, grieve, anger, frustration, depression and etc... Assignments are like the main cause of action that drives most of us into these mixed feelings all the time... I would like to take this opportunity to thank Michelle and Beng Cheun... Both of them are the only ones that strived side by side with me throughout these whole 2 years despite the torments and pressure I put on them... For that, I give out my most sincere apologies... But you guys reading this should be relieved right? Since I won't be following the both of you to UTAR...

Hope that you guys would be able to keep up the standard that I've been training the both of you to maintain... Make sure the lessons won't be just forgone like that... I have high expectations on the both of you especially to be very successful in future...

Michelle and Beng Cheun, you both wouldn't mind me posting the mail and sms you sent to me right? Hahahaha... XD


***Quote from Michelle in e-mail:
Dear Mac,

Where to start? Hmmm...

The past two years were really eventful. Entering college, new environment, getting to know you guys etc. I think it is safe to say that it was you who have made the biggest impact on me. Being in your group for assignments was sort of torturing initially as I was not used to being pushed that hard, but in the end it did really change my perspective on how work should be done. Your dedication, initiative and work spirit annoyed and impressed me at the same, though I got used to it later on. As how Beng Cheun said it, I really am grateful to be part of your group and being under your tutelage. You have taught me a lot of things; things which I would not have done or learnt if I was not under your wing. I couldn't thank you enough but really, thank you.

I am honestly apologize that for the countless times I was not willing to be cooperative, throwing tantrums and causing inconveniences to the group, especially to you. Sorry for having you to bear with the 'ugly' side of me. I guess I owed you a lot, huh - immensely.

The moments spent with you have their ups and downs but they are something I would cherish and treasure years from now.

Do take care of yourself a.k.a "Ride slower." and don't stop being the Maclen Wong Quan Lin that we all know ya. All the best in everything ^^


xoxo
-Mich-


***Quote from Beng Cheun in SMS:
Mac, i go back de... Hope can see u soon la... Bye... Thanks for all the things u teach me... Ha ha...


To tell you guys the truth, I really did shed some tears after receiving these 2 meaningful messages... I really don't know how to express my gratitude in being able to collaborate with such wonderful teammates... Michelle, you're strong but just sometimes you're just lack of confidence that's all... You should fully utilize your art and design capabilities if you could in future... Though I know your dream is to go Japan and further your studies... Maybe in future when you're capable enough, we'll go there together... Haha! Beng Cheun, you're a very capable guy and pretty good in memory power... You and Michelle are the same, just lack of confidence... Try to have faith and be more courageable in future... You're always motivated by the good ones around you so I hope you'll have one to be motivated with when you're in UTAR...

Well, I guess it'll get really long if I don't end here... Thanks a lot to all the people that have walked into my life during these 2 years of college life... Thanks to all the honorable teachers that have educated and cultivated me... Miss Lye especially, I love you the most for being so nice and all... And to all the debate teammates that have fought side by side with me twice in these 2 years which includes you, Miss Jennifer for being with us all along the journey of ups and downs... Miss Monica, thanks to you I'm famous because of using my song for the main campus and other branches as well... Thanks to you as well for making me the mascot that actually came out in the newspapers with me in that weird but cute looking tweety... Amelliea would say otherwise I suppose... LOL! Miss Ange, you're the second best language lecturer that I loved the most... But for your chocolate moist cakes, I loved you the most for it... Hehe... All the programming lecturers, Mr. Chee, Miss Lalitha, Mr. Nikalus... Thanks for bringing up this special skill of programming on me... I didn't know I could do programming that well without you guys... To Miss Teng, I hope you're proud of me to be the only one who got an A for Economics and you're the only lecturer that could speak Japanese with me even though in the lecture hall... and Miss Loo, I won't forget that you told me no one is perfect and you actually minus some marks out of no where so that I couldn't get full marks... LMAO! As for Miss Lim, you're the most well tempered lecturer that enjoys stopping me from answering questions in Database Management but still get back to me when everyone else couldn't answer... XD and Miss Kee, for being our final year project's supervisor and also 2nd semester's SAD (System Analysis and Design) lecturer which basically the only lecturer that touches on full practical of developing a system that cost me and Beng Cheun to only sleep like 4 hours per day... *Faints*... and last but not the least, Miss Woo... I know apparently all Penang branch Tarcian who read about your name would know who you are because they hated you so much for the excessive tutorials that you rained on us without knowing that we've already have bunch of assignments and homeworks on hand... But to be honest, I kinda like you and you've really made me strong for I took the challenge to keep up with it while others complained and grudged... Too bad I couldn't get the chance to take a photo with you when I left cos you took leave... Of all days... =.=

All in all, these 2 years were seriously something for me and I'll take it as a fundamental base for me to pursue my degree in University of Nottingham... A very challenging university with lots of international students in it... Guess the pressure and stress would be so much greater than what I've gone through in TARC but so what? I am Maclen Wong and I'll always try to be the best!

Ga-Rei Zero

Just a random post actually... Been really stressed up with my final exams... So sorry to my readers out there to have left my blog in good hands of the spider and its webs... LOL! Anyway, recently I've been into an Anime named, Ga-Rei Zero which happens to be the best one for me so far... Too bad it's only 12 short episodes but every episode never fails to entice me in watching the next! To the anime fans out there, this is a must watch! Guarantee! Haha... That's why I took the trouble in searching for the main character's favourite snack... POCKY! We actually have a WAY CHEAPER similar version of the snack in Malaysia called ROCKY and it took me some effort to find POCKY that's actually imported from Japan! Yeah... It's available in Gurney and Queensbay so far that I've discovered... ^^

Yummy POCKY!!! Hontoni Oishi dezyo...

How do I look with it? Let's take a look how Kagura did it better... ^^

Behold... Tsuchimiya Kagura, saikyo no Taimashi dez!

My my... Look at the time! Gotta get back to my revision already... Will be having Java Programming tomorrow... A killing subject for sure... For those out there who knows Java Programming, you should be able to feel me... @.@

Yosh! Soro soro benkyo shimaz! Jikanganai dakara...

Maa... Shikatanai wa...

Garei kaiho... BYAKUEI!!! (Plays Paradise Lost by Minori Chihara... Damn this music seriously ROOOOOOOOCKS!)

For those wondering what's Byakuei... Here you go! The dragon-like inugami with chains wrapped around it... It's sealed in ancient times and has been passed down to the head of the Tsuchimiya family for generations... Korewa Saikyo no Leijyu, Ga-Rei Byakuei!

Lesson Learnt the Hard Way

Reached Queensbay at roughly 1am in the morning. There’s already lots of people there. Some of them are sleeping on the alleys like beggars. Hehe… Some are waiting in Coffee Bean and Starbucks. Me and my housemate found a good spot in Coffee Bean to rest and met a few secondary school friends too. Most of them are participating in the Fun Run though (Orange T-Shirt ones). Let’s have a few peeks on the surroundings before the run starts at 4.30am.

This is me obviously… =P

This is my coursemate+housemate, Beng Cheun…

This is me sleeping while he sneak-shot me…

This is him being sneak-shot when he was sleeping… (Revenge is taken! Haha…)

At about 3.45am, we went to register and took the yellow band and waited along with other participants in the open space given. As you can see, a lot are participating in the Half Marathon event. Most of them are students from secondary schools in Penang and other states I suppose.

When the run started at 4.30am, Cheun and I were squeezed like jelly among the crowd we were pushed around like we’re running from a disaster or something. LOL! We managed to get to a constant running pace and breathing after the crowd got loosens up a bit. First 5km was a piece of cake as I applied the analgesic cream beforehand to withstand the pain I was having since yesterday. The medicines couldn’t cure my muscle aches completely but it certainly is better than previously. There was this refreshment station on the way that gives out power bars which I regretted of not taking one which I will explain why later on (Suspends a bit first… Hehe…). After that there were sponging areas where I couldn’t help myself but to squeeze them all over my body to refresh myself from the pain that is building on my right leg. I managed to finish the forward route of the whole Penang Bridge, withstanding the building ache on my leg even after applying the gel all over it. When I pass over the toll and U-turn back down the Penang Bridge with an orange band given as the second checkpoint of the route, the pain in my right leg started to get unbearable. It was already 6am and I told my housemate to go ahead first instead of waiting for me because I know my leg’s limit is approaching. He has longer legs and lighter body which is an advantage that shouldn’t be wasted upon me. After striving so hard, I finally stopped and collapsed at the midst of the Bridge, it’s just before the tall sharp towers where the route gradually slants upwards. My right leg was seriously out of control even though I have the stamina to continue. This is apparently the first time my legs are not in par with my stamina. I tried to run but my legs were acting like they’re not mine. I was tempted to forget the pain and just keep going since there’s only 10km left. But I decided not to when I thought about how my dad regretted for his past experience in going over the limits. Therefore after a few minutes of rest, I decided to walk slightly faster but my left ankle’s past injury is beginning to hurt already. With both legs aching like hell (I really mean it!), I almost really went to seek for the help of the first-aiders to send me back to base. But instead, I told myself, even though I can’t run, I still must at least walk to the finishing line. By then, the time is already 7.30am if I’m not mistaken. By just walking, it is totally impossible to finish the remaining 10km with just half an hour. But I didn’t give up, I still continue on my journey as the sun rises and burn my hair. Haha… It's not just it, my stomach was so hungry that I feel so weak and almost fainted because of the pain and hunger together! (This is where I regretted so badly of not taking the power bar ealier... =.=) Under desperate circumstances, I asked a first-aider whether is there any light food for me to munch on or not. She offered a sweet at first and just before I continue, she stopped me and sacrifce her breakfast muffin for me. How kind and generous this girl is but too bad I didn't get to know her name as I flee off as soon as possible in hope to make it back in time. Even though I’ve walked really fast, it’s still slower than other participants that were walking pass me one by one as they have slightly longer legs. How bad I wish I have a pair of longer legs at that moment. Sighs…

At about 8am, I know I’m very near to the finishing line already. There’s still about 5km ahead and it was then, my legs suddenly just broke down and I fell. I almost cried of how useless am I for the first time in my life that I actually couldn’t finish a marathon in time just because of one stupid mistake made during my training that ruined my legs. But I still got up and pull myself up to continue on walking. By that time, my toes are really aching very badly as if something is poking from beneath (Some of my toes were actually bleeding when I check on them after I got back to my house). Then the most tempting moment actually happened, an ambulance was passing by at a moderate speed and I wanted to shout so badly for it to stop and take me back. But I didn’t, I kept on dragging and dragging until it was 8.30am, I finally reached the finishing line. I took 4 hours instead of 3.5 hours to finish it and I was actually kinda amazed that I took just another half an hour more to complete the marathon by just walking. But when I approach the finishing line, the Marshall had already stopped giving out certificates which I find it really weird. It was stated in the manual clearly that those who didn’t finish within the time constraints will not be given a finishing medal but there’ll be a certificate of participation given to everyone. But the Marshall just ignored us and some of the runners are getting furious and upset about it. One of them even jot down the Marshall's name and planned to lodge a complain at him and the organizers. I barely have the strength to fight for my rights and just leave the scene without anything. But I’m glad my housemate got a medal. He finished the run exactly at 8am which was 3.5 hours. So lucky of him and I was relieved that I didn’t hold him back to be with me behind.

After that, I went back home and dropped dead on my bed after some breakfast. I feel so sorry to my dad especially for not being able to at least get a finishing medal because our family has the marathon blood running through our veins. Somehow his stamina and strength are inherited by me and my siblings as well but I broke my own first history of not finishing a marathon in time. A lesson that I’ve learnt through a very hard way indeed. But at least, I heed his warning and controlled myself from being over the limits and end up like him. I’ll surely try harder in the future to fulfill his dreams of being able to participate in the Iron Man event. (Somehow it feels so far away from me… Wakaka…). Next time, I must really prepare and train for at least 2 months ahead before participating in any marathons or races instead of just using one week and end up like a loser that is not forgivable! I must be stronger and always be the strongest to make my family and friends proud and honored! Go go GO! Maclen!

Devastating Disaster before Possible Pride (DDPP)

This morning I went for swimming as my last training in preparation for the PBIM and I happen to be so unlucky to have over-strained my right leg's gastrocnemius muscle when I practiced the Butterfly Style. It's so painful even after I applied the Flanil Cream on it and I hardly could even walk properly. In this kind of desperate situation where there's only a few hours left before the run, I decided to go to the Tanjung Bungah Pharmacy nearby and bought two "magic items" in hope that they'll do the recuperation job.

First one is the stronger version of Flanil (which I've introduced earlier in my previous post). It's an Analgesic, Anti-Inflammatory (NSAIDs) gel that the pharmacist recommended to me. (VOREN as in the picture below)


The second one is the magic blue and orange pills which I don't even know the names. LOL! He said the effect is stronger and faster if I use both external and internal medication. He even advised me to take it every 3 hours which is actually kinda risky but since I've verified to him that I don't have any constant gastric symptoms, he said it's ok to go with it. Haha...


Well, I guess I have to get some rest already. Hopefully I'll be alright by tonight. =)

Penang Bridge Run (Prelude)

Yesterday, me and my housemate went to Queensbay to collect the Penang Bridge Run T-Shirt. Although excited but we're still nervous on whether could we finish the run within the time constraint which is 3.5 hours for the event of Men's Open Half Marathon (25km) that we're participating in. Even though we did some training a week ago running around the housing area around our college, I still feel it's not enough as I've not been involved in serious exercise for about 2 years or more since the injury that I had in the past that occurred during an car accident. I just realise that my ankle's tendon hasn't really healed completely yet and the doctor said it would take some time as my nerves are hurt as well. But it's too late to turn my back on it since I've paid freaking RM25 for the run which I would feel sorry for myself if I can't at least get a finishing medal back. Hehe... I guess I just have to test my limits and see how far beyond I can go in order to finish the run in 3.5 hours. This reminds me of my dad's past experience, he would've joined me in marathons like this and trained me since young but unfortunately he injured his legs in the full marathon last time because he didn't have enough time to train and prepare properly for it as he was also working at the same time. After some treatments, the doctor told my dad that he couldn't participate in marathons or runs anymore which broke his heart so badly as he almost would've achieved his dream of participating in the Iron Man event. He had achieve lots of medals since young from marathons to Triathlons where I still remember he keeps his racing bike in the backyard where I always wanted to try it out but it's too high for such a young-ling like me back then. LOL! Ever since then he always had warned me of being prepared for such events before I end up the same tragic result like him. Being able to say all this is like I'm actually trying to follow his footsteps. If my dad would've read this, he'll surely lecture me like hell! Haha... Well, enough of grandmother stories, let's have some pictures on the goody bag I retrieved from the counter yesterday...

The Goodie Bag

Front view of the T-shirt

Back view of the T-shirt

My Run Number (Whoever interested in buying 4-D can try their luck... Haha!)

Runner's Guide and Registration Slip

Adidas Voucher worth RM50 (But must purchase above RM250 only can use... =.=)

Herbal Pills, Luxury Biscuit and Flanil Analgesic Cream (I seriously need this one for my legs...)

Digi CD Holder Case (Ugly... >.<)

After that we decided to catch a movie in Queensbay's GSC as my housemate haven't watch there before. I picked the movie and guess what, it's...

"The Guard Post: 506"!

It's a Korean movie which I found the plots are so intriguing with flash backs in constant intermediate intervals that caught my attention instead of falling asleep. LOL! It's hell of a horrifying mysterious movie that talks about a virus that makes the whole platoon gone mad and kill each other without realizing what they're doing. A lot of gore scenes that really created goosebumps all over me. (E.g. Pulling out a fingernail from a finger himself which is partially rotten already!) But all in all, I still enjoyed the movie till the last bit of it! Hehe... (Warning: To those who have a weak heart, please don't try your guts to watch this movie! Just kidding... =P)

Well, I guess that's all for today, might be going for a swim tomorrow morning to train my stamina more... Wish me luck! =)

TARC Intercampus Debate Championship

This time will be my flash back on the memorable journey of having to compete with other state’s branch campuses in English Debate which included me and my team from Penang, Ipoh, Johor, Perak and last but not the least… Kuala Lumpur (~!@$%^&*).

Well, don’t mind the symbols because I’ve been through twice of frustration in this debate which I think I should sensor it to avoid further conflicts…. But anyway, it all started from the 26th till 28th of July, 2008. It was indeed a tiring journey but “fun” is the factor that made us through the hard times.

From the preliminary rounds to the finals, many unhappy moments we had had especially with the KL team. This is the second time I’ve entered this level of competition but I see no changes to the attitude of the judges where the decisions are always “dominated” in the negative sense…

Still, me and my teammates had strive it through and prove to them that we are strong despite of how they’ve been trying to defeat us with all kinds of deceives and improper invigilation…
I guess I better stop writing in this way before I ended up scrutinizing in a negative manner about the whole debate journey…

This is the photo where we took on the second day of the debate after settling down at YMCA hotel in KL. The accommodation and food was ok and we had a hearty breakfast before departing with our “guns and shields” to TARC main campus. It has been a long day for any of us but we managed to make it to the finals. Too bad it weren’t all the 6 of us. One of our teams had to be eliminated with inadequate reasons I should say… But after all, I’ve anticipated this to happen and it’s like a déjà vu to me since I’ve joined it last year…


From the far left end: Kevin, Amelleia and me (Penang team 1), then we have Wei Li and the other 2 girls sitting in front as Penang team 2 which respectively from the left are: Sangeeta and Elaine.

After acknowledging that my team is in the finals, we couldn’t even sit back and relax a bit for we have to prepare our points of information to bring the KL team down which “coincidently” again, I should put it this way, met us in the finals. The topic was rather tough with a very wide scope. It was “The Female Species are deadlier than the Male”. We ended up digging for information through the internet and of course, our brains till 4am in the morning at Mc Donald’s in this place called KL Sentral which is the hub for Kuala Lumpur. Then we had only couple of hours to sleep before facing the finals back in the main campus by 7am.

Photo below shows the final few minutes of discussion before entering the debate hall where the spectators are already waiting along with the VIPs and judges (~!@#$%^&*). It was kinda frustrating and nervous to all the 3 of us. Kevin especially is getting a little nervous. Amelliea was trying to arrange her points and I was trying to guide them to the right track of what has to be delivered. Elaine was really helpful in fact finding even at this time of rush hour. Sangeeta on the other hand was trying to help Amelliea in proving her facts right as well. And Wei Li is the reason why we have these photos. Haha!

After about 30 minutes plus of “Scorching Tiger and Hidden Dragon” scene using our “steel tongues”, the final result as anticipated AGAIN, was KL the winner AGAIN as well. But what’s most important is, we’ve tried our best and they did tremble when we speak! Just that the particular KL judge which has a hair like a lion’s mane, sorta pull it off by saying some nonsense in the end to make them win. But we know clearly in our hearts, that we are the true winners! Even the other branch campuses from other states supported us and were really curious on why aren’t we the winners in the end. Then again, that reminds me of the word “BIAS” which should end the story perfectly... =P

Trophy Award Session

Upon returning to our homes in Penang, we sorta detoured to somewhere nice in KL since we come a long way here and couldn’t just leave without seeing the best part of it. Hehe… Ending up at KL’s biggest mall, Mid Valley! This is the first time I’m in this gigantic mall as I seldom go to KL. I bet my high school friends that are studying there must’ve gone there like a thousand times already. It’s so huge that my feet hurts due to the tight leather shoe I’m wearing. Well, let’s let the photos to do the talking…

On the journey back, we snapped a few photos in the van… Out of boredom I guess... >.<

Now this is something that I should bring out, Kevin! Our lecturer was planning to use this photo to blackmail him so that he would participate again next year in debate. Luckily mine was not that funny but in conclusion, we, the men, are the ones who give out the most! That is why we’re so tired and the women can still talk and talk and talk… Sweat… =.=

Then here comes the most hilarious part of our journey when everyone has rejuvenated from their exhaustion. Believe it or not, we actually have our private karaoke session for more than 4 hours non-stop until we reach our respective homes! It’s more to shouting than singing actually… Don’t know whether the driver got gone deaf or not… LOL!

The part where I shouted "I believe I can FLYYYYYY..." LOL!

This is where we took our fresh air half way back… At Tapah Rest Area if I'm not mistaken... Where I bought load of Dunkin Donuts! Yummy... Hehe...

Hop out of the van everyone! Driver uncle is at the far left...

Aiks... Kevin's hand ah...

Back in college, the lecturers gave us a small surprise with Ingolf Kneipe’s voucher worth RM30 and a really good meal to show their gratitude upon our hardmenship. There are pizzas and Miss Angelina actually baked chocolate moist cakes for us that have this special mint taste! So yummy till I packed some of them home. Haha! Thanks Miss Ange! Will be anticipating a future bakery store of yours! LOL!

From the left: Miss Jeniffer (who's been with us the whole journey), Miss Angelina, Miss Monica and me... Kudoss! Hehe... =D

Well, that’s all for now. It’s an experience that will never be forgotten in my very heart. Thanks a lot to all my teammates and the generous trainings given by the passionate lecturers. Couldn't have done it without them. All in all, we are the best. No doubt… =)

PS: Make sure you guys kick some KL butts next year while I'm gone. Kevin, Elaine and Sangeeta... You are the next evolution and generation to victory! All the best and Good luck! ;-)

21st Birthday...

Well, I guess I'll do the honours first...

Hello everyone and welcome to my little life in words.
I've been longing to write a blog but couldn't find an something nice to start with. Until when I turn 21, I guess it's a good start for me to have some changes in my life. Therefore, this post will be about my 21st birthday on the 12th of June, year 2008...

As said, people are more attracted to images than words so... I think I'll be posting some images to illustrate better on what I'm trying to deliver here. Hope that it won't bore you passionate readers out there... LOL!

Just after our class ends at 12.30pm, my classmates planned to throw a little birthday party for me at Maxim's Cake store at Tanjung Bunga.

These are the male classmates of my college celebrating with me. Starting from the back left: Zhi Xyn, Wei Loong, Zan Jieh and Yen Say. Starting from the front left: Chyi Horng, Jing Kun, me, Beng Cheun and Ting Hui.

These on the other hand, are the female classmates. Don't know why they don't wanna take together with the guys. But as you can see, they are the minority species in my class. Haha! Well, from the left: Chia Ying, Siew Hui, me, Michelle Yeoh, Xue Li and of course, the cute little Jing Wen.


















After that we headed back to college and continued on our classes till 4pm and the real game begins... First, we went for a movie together at Gurney Plaza's GSC. This is the first time I experienced watching movie with a whole pack of people. It's just like we're gonna infiltrate the cinema facility. Haha! "The Hulk" was on the screen exactly on the 12th of June which is a wonderful coincidence to me since I've been wanting to watch this movie. You can even see how I reacted to the poster. Hehe... And it was indeed really good and interesting compared to the first one.














After movies, we went for dinner at Winter Warmers just outside of Gurney Plaza. The photo was taken while waiting for the food to be served. Talking about the food! It's really delicious and fine while affordable. Therefore, to those who have budgets but still wants to enjoy a good meal, this is the place! I totally recommend! Hehe...

After dinner, the real "being-a-man tradition" begins... LOL!

Having to be 21 years old, I was "invited" to handle some booze with the guys at Cosmic Cafe. And the "some" is actually as shown in the picture on the left. Imagine drinking half of it and not just it...



















Plus couple of these bottles... But it's just Carlsberg and Heineken... Not any strong alcoholic drinks which initially was planned to have like Jean Beam, Bacardi, Johnny Walker etc... Hehe...
Seems like I'm hell of a drinker after all... XD

Well, that was about it of what happened that day and I was really very happy. Would like to thank those who celebrated and wished me "Happy Birthday" no matter in real contact or virtually through sms and e-mails. Thanks a lot for reminding me that I'm not alone. Hehe... But I do miss my high school friends. They were so far away from me now and I seldom get the chance to meet them as well. Hope that we could somehow have the chance to gather around where laughters would bring us back to the times we once had together... =)