Amazing April, Motherly May...

" 4 As' : Attention, Appreciation, Attraction, Affection " - The Wedding, by Nicholas Sparks

30 days in April = an unforgettable month in my life! Where should i start?
In this memorable month, i encountered two interviews for scholarships to further my studies. They went well and i wish for the best in return. April 13th is another date i'll never forget. That Sunday is a totally different Sunday. A Sunday date with Celine Dion!

For more, view the Celine DION!'s post.

I started my driving lesson this month too and i can't wait to pass my P license! On the telly, i'm following Life and a Chinese drama revolving around a family who does legal business to cover up their illegal 'business'. Entitled The Brink of Law, this show will end tonight, 30th April- what a way to close this month. Not to forget, April babies turning a year older. Also, this month, Idol Gives Back was back for its second time. And that week too, my favourite Micheal Johns got booted out from the competition. Last week, Carly Smithson failed to make the cut despite performing fantastically that night. Somehow, i felt like the Americans aren't voting right. The remaining five are David Cook, David Archuleta (predicting the final two), Syesha, Brooke White and Jason Castro (he's still in?). Champion of the Contender Asia is Yodsaenklai, a great match with runner-up John W Parr. Days in April to be remembered- April Fool's Day, Earth Day, Cheng Beng, Good Friday and Easter. Truly, April'08 is Amazing!

May! May Day! Labour Day! Mother's Day! Teacher's Day! Happy Birthdays! Wesak Day! And holidays! May will be another great month. Kicking off with Labour Day, a public holiday- means no school, no work (doesn't involve me either). 11th May is Mother's Day. Planning anything for your mum yet? May babies will now have the chance to grow one year older. Mid-year break at the end of this month. Take time out! Grand finale of the American Idol 7, and i can't wait to see which contestant will walk away with the title. Plus, blockbusters all in line awaiting us. First in line is Iron Man!

wc08, stunned by April's amazing days and hope May will be as motherly as it will be!

Ball-lack for Manchester United!

" Success is a team effort, a way of life enjoyed by many especially those who live with grace, not by the law of the jungle. For every real winner, there must be other winners " - Being the Best

" If you run alone, you run fast. If you run with others, you run far " - NST on Olympic Torch Relay

Two quotes indeed. It was a rare occasion and an uncommon sight to see me sitting on the couch, eyes on the television screen watching men running after a ball in hope of scoring against their opponent. I only watch football matches that really are great fixtures, not simply any game- this includes Arsenal, my all-time favourite football team in the English Premier League. That 'rare occasion' and the 'uncommon sight' involved the clash between the two top teams in the League- Chelsea versus Manchester United, and that Manchester United will walk away with the Cup if and only if they win over Chelsea that night (Malaysian time). Unfortunately (Or fortunately for Chelsea fans), the title race continues on for both Manchester United and Chelsea as Manchester United failed to garner all three points!

In fact, i was actually rooting for Manchester United to win that night be it me as a true Arsenal fan. Undeniably, Chelsea, playing home, put up a great show and strong challenge for the current-champion team in the League. Even when Chelsea won the match, i felt they deserve the win. Luck was on the Chelsea side too when many shots from Manchester United players were blocked and saved by the defenders. Great defending. Somehow, i felt like Manchester United wasn't playing full force and took Chelsea a bit too lightly that night. For Chelsea's win, it was definitely a team success as every position in the field was vital and important for them to grab all three points. Although Micheal Ballack scored both the goals for Chelsea, one a penalty goal, he deserved the title 'Man of the Match' and that other players should share the spotlight as well. Now, par at 81 points, Manchester United still have the edge due to goal difference. For either team to lose their remaining two matches, the other team will gain control of the League and may be crowned the 'Champion' this season! So, it will be exciting to see which one of the two teams that will fall, and there can only be one winner in this race.

For Arsenal, my wishes to you is that you will be third in the League this season and come back the next season stronger and maturer to start the winning streak all over again! Bring back the glory days of Arsenal as that was the time i began to have faith in you. wc08, is anxious to see who will make, and who will break in the last two remaining matches.

What a weekend, and to be a new week...

" When we heal the Earth, we heal ourselves " - David Orr

- Camp in University Technology Petronas (UTP) -

Sunday the 20th April was another big day in my life, which could either be chosen or be loosen. I was successfully being shortlisted for the EDUCAMP, which is part of the selection stage for the Petronas Scholarship Awards. And i had to 'camp' in the hostel provided for a night for it was a 2-day occasion. In addition to that, it was in the university itself- i can boast that i already tried a night in a university, or perhaps, the university!

Since the 'Pendaftaran' ( Registration ) session was as early as 8 in the morning, i had to force myself out from bed by 5. The journey to UTP is about 3 hours from my house. As usual, i fell back to dreamland during the journey there. The university is situated in Tronor- i haven't heard of it before this, and we had to locate the place- totally not familiar with the place. Thankfully, with a map, we managed to find the place right on time and immediately signed up for a room first. My roommate, a Malay boy from SMS DAR, i call him Fadli. Nice meeting you!

My cell, ooppss... my room! It wasn't that bad.

Proceeded to the Chancellor Hall for a brief introduction to this program and PETRONAS. Undoubtedly, i was amazed and impressed with the hall. Its architecture is truly amazing. To meet friends, Rahman and Ming Xian (i think), we introduced ourselves and hooked up pretty well. After the opening ceremony, we were brought for a psychometric assessment test- highlights on personal characters, likes and dislikes. Had tea break before continuing on with the Campus Tour, the best and most relaxing part of the whole experience!

I applied for Petroleum Engineering and were brought together with many other applicants to tour in the labs for Petroleum Engineering students. Met Heng and Pratar along the way, and 'sight-seeing' continued on. It rained heavily but the place is sheltered. Part of the place is still under construction but it looks conducive yet sophisticated. The end part of the tour was the best- the visit to the library! Let the books do the talking...

Floors and floors of books. Quickly but patiently, i hiked up the stairs to further look at the books. Plenty...

While hiking up. I ain't joking. Books, books and...

More books! Ranging from mathematics to science, encyclopedias to dictionaries!

Don't worry if you are too short. The are ladders provided to reach the higher ones.

Before leaving the 'haven' of books, another snap shot of the place. Impressive...

And intriguing. The outside of the library, taken from inside of the library!

Went back to room for rest and soon dinner. About 8.30pm, we were waiting at the Main Hall for a briefing on the assessments and examinations on Mon, and on Document Management. I'm the B session candidate D. How to know?

Make your way through the crowd, find your name, copy the details and leave quick. 499 other candidates waiting to know theirs. Took a shaky picture as i was moving quick to make way.

THE NEXT DAY . . .

Got up for breakfast and prepared myself for the assessment (interview). My case was about something close to me, and i did my best. Hope for the best too! You'll know the case as you continue on.

Masjid an-Nur.

While walking to the Main Hall for the English and IQ exams.

A bit too early though- afraid to have miss the bus like my friend. Waited outside the hall.

It ended early and i was back in my room to pack for back. I passed my key to my roommate and returned it to the person-in-charge. Off with my dad north, the food haven, Sg Petani (literally translated to English would sound like Farmer's River!) Be it i get or not, the camp was another great experience, and exposure, for a growing up teen like me. Ain't life wonderful!?

- The Olympic Torch Relay in Malaysia -

While i was having my assessment or the examinations in UTP, further south to KL would be another great day- the relay of the Olympic torch which was ignited in Greece and will continue on to spread to Beijing, China this 8 August. Since i wasn't there, i had to read up in newspapers about the wonderful occasion.

The blue lines indicate the route where the torch will pass through before it ends in China. Sporting Malaysia!

- 1000th -

CONGRATULATIONS!

The weekend too marks my 1000 viewers to this blog. Thanks for those who read and continue to support me. I may not be much of an influential blogger, but no harm trying to work that direction right? Ain't some wonders in life that makes you wonder, on how things were made, how beauty is defined, how emotions can be fragile, how reality and dreams come together, and these wonders will continue to keep you wondering. Some questions in life are best unanswered. Thanks once again for your undivided support to this blog and do stay loyal to it. By the way, who is the 1000th viewer? Write to me, i want to know.

- April 22 -

Ring a bell? Know what is April 22?

Have you done your part in 'celebrating' Earth Day? There are lots to do this day, and i remembered it- helped me in my assessment. So, recycling? Planting a tree? Clearing your house? Saving energy? I may not know how old Earth is but i surely would want everyone to keep this wonderful Earth off harm and not to endanger it. If then, Earth will always remain young to all people living on it, pulled by gravity close to it.

What a weekend, and a week to be? Loads of events happened! wc08, will stat reflection on himself, think what is best for him, be it for future or the environment, or may be to propel this blog further, and in running with the Torch!

Celine DION!

" First of all, if i may apologise to all of you for having to reschedule the show. I know that it's always, it's not always easy to postpone and reschedule everyone's schedule. Everybody has work, everybody has family.*claps*. I was a little sick and i want to be here and have fun and be in top shape, and i want to thank you for your patience and understanding. Thank you for giving me another chance to perform for you tonight. Are you ready? Should we go on with the show? *cheers and claps* " -Celine Dion on Taking Chances World Tour

Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, a diva in her own way, a mother, a wife and a songstress whose voice can soar above the rest. She is the one and only, the magnificent, powerful and fantastic Celine Dion! And she stepped foot in Malaysia for her first time, staging her World Tour- Taking Chances. Being her fan since young, i grabbed this golden opportunity to watch her live in Stadium Merdeka, together with my enthusiastic aunt and my sister. The entire night was filled with excitement, amazement and joy as she graced the stage with her professionalism and outstanding voice! Flawless, i would describe her, stellar, i would comment on her performance, and an incredible experience i would say on the whole. Cheers!

4.30pm - Waited impatiently for my aunt to come and immediately left when she arrived- want to find the perfect spot to watch her since it's free seating.

5.05pm - Searched for a safe spot to park my aunt's car before heading to Stadium Merdeka.

5.30pm - Queued in line at the ticket collection counter since we bought the tickets online. After getting our tickets, we strolled along the outside of the stadium and searched for our entrance gate. As we walked, we heard Celine rehearsing from the outside. This amplifies my eagerness to watch her perform later!

5.45pm - OMG! We found our entrance gate but the line was long. Very long. We thought we came early as the doors only opens at 7 but to my surprise, many were already there! Decided not to have dinner yet just to book a place in the line so we had some little bites on the chicken kebab and burger selling near the gate. Waited impatiently, again!

6.45pm - An hour in the line, and the line just kept lengthening. Lucky we were early. The gate opened and people began to rush in. Some 'uncivilised' people even cut queue- we aren't those type. Passed through the checking booth and quickly searched for the perfect spot to watch Celine- the right angle.

7.00pm - Found the perfect spot and took photographs of the place. Fortunately, no cameras and video cams were allowed in the area but handphones were okay- still cautious when doing it though.

Crowd began to flood in.

Close-up picture of the stage.

The awesome trio!

I ain't joking, the seats were filling fast!

7.05pm - Another hour to her performance. Chit chatted to pass time- like we did an hour before this! The atmosphere in the stadium is nice- breezy, excited and the effect of the sunset looks lovely. Turning dark soon.

Dark, the best time to have a concert. Plus, it didn't rain as it rained heavily before showtime.

8.05pm- The show should have started 5 minutes ago. Thanks to our fashionably late royalties, the show wasn't able to start yet. Self- amusement, we did the Mexican wave- although i knew this wasn't so right for it. It was funny and entertaining, just so not to feel time's up. Laughed continuously when we did the wave.

Almost full house. Nice huh?

8.45pm - The show kicked off! She opened the show with I Drove All Night- get it? She started off the show brilliantly! Next she did Power Of Love, her famously known ballad. She also performed other hit songs. She sang Taking Chances from her latest album, It's All Coming Back To Me Now, All By Myself (accompanied by piano), I'm Your Angel, To Love You More, Think Twice, Pour Que Tu M'Aimes Encore (French), I'm Alive and Because You Love Me. All those songs ended with thunderous claps and cheers from the audience, and me! She also performed new songs from her Taking Chances album like Shadow Of Love, Eyes On Me and My Love. She did Queen's We Will Rock You and Show Must Go On. She really caters to all, with songs ranging from ballad to rock and pop to jazz genre. Really versatile.

10.30pm - ' Goodnight Malaysia!' was what she last said. We were shocked the show ended fast but she sang continuously! But she didn't sing our favourite yet! My heart, our hearts, the audience's heart sank as we thought she ended the show without our most anticipated song of the night. The stage was dark and no sound was heard. Then...

The two side screens played the song we wanted to hear live the most. And we waited anxiously for Celine Dion to rise. She emerged and wore a stunning gown to close the show. Our hearts were beating again. She closed the show in style, and it was worth every cents paid. Wow, she sang so well! Plus, it was the out-of-this-world My Heart Will Go On, from Titanic.



She ended the show with a bow and a 'terima kasih', and the crowd grew wild and excited. But it's time to go already. Bye Celine, and i hope to hear from you soon! A fabulous night!

11.00pm - Headed to fill our stomach. Saw Bernard Chandran. Went home by 12 midnight!


wco8, really enjoyed the whole night and Celine Dion's concert was sure the best, by far! In awe, i'll miss you!

Idol Gives Back's a Blast, but the Result show wasn't At All!

" May the force be with Idol Gives Back "

***** On Idol Gives Back
Thumbs up! Not only the show was great- filled with well-known artists, but it's for a noble cause- to help the people in need. Throughout the show, i was touched by the plight of people living in, or below, the poverty level in America and Afrika. Plus, the HIV and malaria pandemic brought some artists to tears. I came to realise that there are many out there who really need aids to feed the hunger, shelter and proper place to stay in. Forest Whitaker came close to tears when he saw how the children have to sleep- only using a small piece of mattress to fit all three of them, and the condition of the house wasn't that comforting either. It was really an eye opener to those who do not appreciate whatever they are having now- proper shelter, food and water, family and friends and the comfort in their life that many out there are really in need of desperate help.

Minus the emotional factor, the show went on for 2 and a half hours with songs by Carrie Underwood, Fergie, the Top 8 and many others as well. The opening of the show was fantastic, including the dances!



Another group performance by the top 8, Seasons Of Love.



The night closes with another stellar group performance, and i really liked the effect of the whole performance.



***** On the Result Show
Did the Americans get it right this time? Personally, not really- but there is nothing i can do with it, i'm not even eligible to vote. Shocking and full of surprises, are what Ryan had said earlier part of the show. And it was definitely shocking to me, no doubt! I actually thought that there would be a non-elimination round like they did it last year. Unfortunately, my favourite, Micheal Johns received the lowest number of votes and was the next person facing the cut. To me, i predicted he will go far, at least further than this! He was the contestant to beat, and the contestant to watch. My idol days will not the be same without him- he makes the show more enjoyable to watch plus he has the wow-factor to pull me to watch the show more and more! Face reality, but i think he'll come up with an album soon, and i'm eager to hear from him.



His performance during the 'inspirational' week. He sang it well and i liked it a lot. But not so appealing to the viewers who can vote i think.

wc08, will try watching American Idol 7 without the presence of Micheal Johns next week, and hopefully, i'll have the mood to watch it!

Ain't just the third!

" There is a sufficiency in the world for man's need, but not man's greed " - Mahatma Gandhi

The Earth isn't just the third planet from the Sun, it's the planet we all live in, share the air we breathe, the water we drink, the soil we plant and the shelter we call our home. We should never, never, ignore our responsibilities to save Earth, safeguard it, maintain it as it is, or be better, and wrap it up nicely to be given to our future generation, simply, our grandchildren.

What should we all do?

April 22 is Earth's Day. It's an ideal time to carry out activities to green the Earth. Recycle, have 'gotong-royong', plant a tree or do any other environment-friendly activities. This post, i would like to stress on global warming. The easiest and the most convenient way to contribute is through open burning. Simply take a match or a lighter and light up a piece of flammable material. When it is burning, you achieved your goal! Congrats.

It was an ordinary day in my life. Dark clouds started to roll in and i wondered, what is that smell? Impossible, it would definitely not be the rain? And moments later, i heard my mum signaling, " Close the windows!". It wasn't a state of emergency. It's the signal that the back neighbour is burning and time to shut all windows. Do you want to suffer and suffocate to death? The smoke is horribly, terribly, irritably annoying! This time, i took pictures as proof.

Don't focus on the dark clouds, spotlights are on the smoke. Zoom if you want to see the gust of smoke.

Where it all begins. The origin of the smoke.

Smoke's drifting away, and unfortunately, to the front, my house!
From as close as i could get- don't want to get caught taking pictures of irresponsible act.

Am i right? Please, stop open burning! You're just harming, endangering, torturing and threatening Earth, and yourself, and me! The smoke isn't like fruits providing you with nutrients vital for life, but otherwise. Better be late than be sorry.

wc08, until then will try wearing a mask instead. Perhaps an oxygen tank in the house would be a great idea too. Ain't it?

A Zen LIFE-like

" Anger ruins joy, steals the goodness of my heart, forces my mouth to say terrible things. By overcoming anger, it brings peace of mind, a mind without regrets. By overcoming anger, i will be delightful and loved by anyone " - Charlie Crews, LIFE.

I thought Tuesday nights will not be the same again after three shows ended it's season- and i followed all the three of them. To my relief, Starworld introduced another TV series that instantly caught my attention, without the need of me to channel-surf that day. After Eureka- i'm almost lost with that show, LIFE took over. Starring Damian Lewis as Charlie Crews.

Life is a new drama about a detective who is given a second chance after years in prison serving for a crime he didn't commit. Detective Charlie Crews returns to the force after prison, thanks to close friend and attorney Constance Griffiths, played by Brooke Langton. Sarah Shahi plays as Charlie's skeptical, demanding partner, who did not start off well with Crews.

Charlie Crews with his working partner. LIFE is worth a watch. At least now, i have something to look forward to every Tuesdays.

*****
" (translated to english) There's a festival coming up?" i asked my grandma one morning.
" Nope, i just do it as i have some leftovers from the last time i made," she replied. I left the place to grab my phone.

Some of the necessary ingredients needed to make the 'ba cang'

My adept grandma, folding the leaf into a shape of a cone then inserting the glutinous rice, and some pork meat.

After inserting the ingredients, skillfully tie the leaf with a string.

There you go! A not-cooked 'ba cang' ready to dive into the pot. Lovely?

My breakfast the next day. Add it with some fine sugar and forget fearing of diabetes!

*****

Idol's time coming up next. Got to go. wc08, will try leading a ZEN-ful LIFE!

Hydrophobia! I was tackled during a futsal game and this is the result. Plus, fearing water will touch my injured spot. Ouch... If only i have Claire's extraordinary ability...

Putrajaya

" Be yourself. You know more than you think you really are "

Tuesday night, 1st April, was definitely a night to be a couch potato! I was on the telly for 3 hours straight, with TV series all lined-up for the final episode of the season. As early as 8, the TV set was on. Starting with Who Wants To Be A Superhero 2, by Stan Lee, followed by Heroes Season 2 and finally Damages.

The Defuser, winner of Who Wants To Be A Superhero 2. He's already a hero in his own way. He's in the police force, of which he says, is the closest to being a true, everyday hero. Congrats!

Took the world by storm, Heroes, ended it's season 2 after 11 episodes. It was a good, cool ending to season 2, with two heroes falling, and a villain rising. I really liked the effects of the season's finale. Thumbs up.

Another hour was dedicated to Damages in AXN. Waited anxiously for the final episode of Season 1. Lots of twists and turns, surprises and mysteries, and one thing to be learned, trust no one! Until the last moment of the season, there was another surprise, and that, i can't wait until season 2 arrives. Glenn Close is simply brilliant in this show, and Rose is up to par too.

Had to sleep early that night for the next day was another BIG day for me- the JPA interview, in Putrajaya. I recalled, this was only my second time there. I don't go there if not for any specific reason. But it's an up and coming place. My interview's location is in the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC). Nice place.

Sorry, no pictures of the place. Seriously, i was quite nervous for my interview. I had absolutely no idea what questions were they going to ask, or what were we supposed to do. Fortunately, i did my best and hope everything went well. I skipped lunch as my interview's at 2.00pm- odd hour, and no appetite to eat that time! After the interview, my stomach hinted for food, and my dad and i headed to Leo's in the Store, Sri Petaling, for late-lunch. Some pictures for your eyes to feast on.

Micheal Jackson, black-or-white?

My late-lunch. Tom Yam Fried Rice with Chicken. Actually, Leo's famous for their Bucket Rice, but i didn't order that- too filling. Delicious!

While waiting for the food, this is an interesting piece of material to read.

What is a Gelato?
Gelato is an Italian word for ice-cream and it is derived from the Italian word, gelare, meaning to 'freeze' and it is not related to Gelatin. In the past, Gelato was once enjoyed by the wealthy and was considered a luxury.
When Gelato was first made in Italy, everyone and anyone had to climb mountains just to get ice in orderto make a perfect Gelato and snow have to be preserved in a specially built underground ice houses for the hot summer months as there are no refrigerators at that time. Gelato is served in Leo's- i didn't order anyway.

Came back by 5 and soon to be, Idol's time. Last week, my favourite three made through and this week too, they sailed through. Ramiele failed garner enough votes and faced the cut. Looks like anyone standing next to Kristy Lee Cook fails to pass through. However, Dolly Parton's Week wasn't all that bad, and these are my top 3 of the week. Enjoy!



Another great performance by Micheal Johns!


Carly's coming back. Way to go!


Youngest contestant, but matured in voice. Good vocals too!

To end this post, be an ant, from this ant's eye view. My long and untidy grass has been trimmed and this was before the grass cutter came.wc08, signing out, and do hope to take more photographs in the nearest of times!

Coming April...

" Taking chances "

Now is the time to fool others, or be fooled! 1st April is April's Fool and beware, people will try many ways to fool you. One of my Fool's encounter would be with my Form 3 BM teacher whom we call her Umi. She fooled me well, for sure. And she used our PMR dates to trick us, and i fell right at it! It was a normal BM class when she suddenly said that the PMR dates were postponed to a much later date. This somehow surprised and shocked me as i already have plans for the after-PMR. We asked her again and again, but the last time, she smiled. Only then did she said 'April's Fool'! I realised that she was trying to fool us, and i guess she did well. What a memory!

Apart from being fooled, or fool others, 1st April also marks the date of when the one cent coin will no longer be in use as prices will be rounded off to the nearest 5 cents. Just so you know, 1 and 2 cents will drop to 0, 3 and 4 cents will rise to 5 cents, 6 and 7 cents will drop to 5 cents, and 8 and 9 cents will rise to 10 cents. I hope that this will reduce the hassle of bringing or keeping one cent coins. Bye bye Rm0.99 gimmicks.

This month too, my all-time favourite singer songbird will come to town. She is on her world tour for Taking Chances and her concert will be held at Stadium Merdeka, 13th April ( it was 8th actually, but it is postponed, no April Fool here ), 8 pm. As to mark her presence here, i'm going to play all her hit songs that is well-known worldwide. Give me her tickets!

One and only, the fantabulous Celine Dion!

April babies turning older! Also, i may start to drive this month, after my L license is out! Really can't wait to drive the 'metal-box'. I'll be going to Putrajaya on the 2nd April for the JPA scholarship interview. I hope i'll do well in it and not losing my ability to speak in front fo them. Hopefully, i can post about it!

Ain't April going to be a fun month too? I surely think it will. Look! There's a chocolate stain on your shirt! Really!

April Fool!

wc08, laughing, giggling, and grinning at how easily you'll fall for a simple trick.