Come and March!

" In the space between yes and no, there is a lifetime. It's the difference between the path you walk and one you leave behind; it's the gap between who you thought you could be and who you really are; it's the legroom for the lies you'll tell yourself in the future " - Change of Heart, Jodi Picoult

Intermission again- and i really like it! Yes, it's the time i can not touch my books and just sit back and relax. And yes, it is the time i can do what i like most in just one week. Like sipping a wine glass dry, i'm saving every bit of my holidays and enjoying it to the fullest.

I have made a point to read a book, fictional ones are preferred, every holiday. Visiting the book store never fails to tempt me with the burning desire to buy a book. This time around, i had in mind to buy a Nicholas Sparks' book, be it his fan, and may be buy a packet of tissue. As i browsed through the many books in Popular, my eyes were instantly attracted to a dark green-cover, not by my favourite author, with texts that struck me deep inside. Entitled Change of Heart, this book jumped off the shelf and landed onto the counter before being placed in a bag for me to take home. I have no regrets buying this book, and it has accompanied me throughout my holidays and left me with a mind so provoked.

I have to admit, this Jodi Picoult's book is extremely good. I have never rated a book with 'extreme' credits- Nicholas Sparks' book aside: A Walk To Remember and The Wedding, and she becomes my favourite author too. This is my first book from her and you must read it. MUST! It is so good that i urge Hollywood, or Malaysian, movie producers to consider adapting this book into a movie! The story is told from four different people, well-structured and interconnected: a mother whose daughter's life is on the line, June, a priest who happens to be a juror before, Micheal, an attorney, Maggie and an inmate, Lucius.

June's daughter and husband were murdered by Shay Bourne. 11 years later, she faces the fate of losing her second daughter, Claire. Claire suffers from a heart defect and time is running short for her. They need a miracle for her to survive. Soon, the miracle shines, but June has to make the hardest decision of her life before Claire could be saved. The heart comes from the murderer, Shay Bourne, and she struggles to choose- because how can she give her daughter the heart of a murderer? Even if she agrees to accept the heart, what about Claire. If she knows that the heart beating inside her is the heart of the man who killed her father and sister, she would better be off dead. Shay Bourne is on death row, sentenced after a decision Micheal and 11 other jurors have decided. After 11 years, Micheal comes to Shay as his spiritual adviser and finds that Shay is more than a man, what more than a murderer. Shay is to be executed by lethal injection and in no way could he donate his heart then. Maggie comes into the story, in hope to fight for his right to be executed in other ways- hanging, so that he could donate his heart. But it is not easy, after Maggie realises that fighting for how a man to die can be devastating as he will still die. Lucius is Shay's friend and miracles began to happen when Shay enters the prison. After much conflict, the truth be told, and every heart related to Shay's changes.

This story is a real page-turner. It kept me guessing from the beginning to the end, although i knew that June will accept the heart in the end. But that was not all of it. Well-written, this story is more emotional than i have predicted. It makes me wonder about the other things said. And how things change. I suppose that the title of this book is more than just Claire's change of heart, but mine too- how the truth be told have made my heart change as well!

Being a GSC Online member is good. For my birthday, they gave me a free movie ticket- small but still a free movie to watch. And so, Watchmen it is! Watchmen is 18PL, and i am already 18- legal to watch hereon. Given all GSC Cinemas to go to, Pavilion GSC was my choice.

It's a long movie- 2 hours 45 minutes. But the time flew as i watched.

The story is interesting, but i think there are some scenes that are not so necessary- then it'll minus the SX parts. It's similar to the Dark Knight and V for Vendeta, manipulative and thought-provoking. It goes back and forth in time, and more and more puzzles fit in as the movie goes on. The ending caught me by surprise- i didn't expect the ending. So, that's good.

Many people in my life are March babies- which means that there are many birthday celebration.

Grandma's birthday dinner.

This mid-sem break, we had a birthday treat for my sister at Daidomon and before the end of the break, we went back to Melaka to celebrate my uncle's birthday.

Japanese buffet dinner with BBQ.

The food is tasty, and they are having promotion these days- must be with the economic crisis going on, people are spending less.

The entrance of the restaurant is nice.

Brothers and birthday girl with me after dinner.

Together with my cousins in a Chinese restaurant celebrating my uncle's 60th birthday, in Melaka.

Man-in-white is the birthday man! The food is scrumptious.

Earth Hour was on Saturday. Did you turn off your lights? I wanted to, but i was in Melaka drinking wine, celebrating. But i sincerely hope that the spirit to make Earth more sustainable does not stop after the hour. There are many ways to continue our support to make Earth a better place- what more with the Earth Day coming up.

The intermission ends in a few hours. Argh... i miss the free and easy life during the break. Season 2, wc09 takes over!

I Am Wai Choong

" Little sparrows are scampering cheerfully around my lush green garden, searching for twigs for their nests in my roof as they chirp happily amongst themselves. The dew slides down the blades of the grass as the morning glory blooms to the rise of the Sun. The clouds drift effortlessly in the vast azure sky as the gentle breeze fueled their motion. I was not dreaming, but i was asleep... "

Believe it or not, this is my 100th post since i have entered the blogosphere. By just typing, posting, editing and upgrading this blog, i have lost count, or could not be bothered with the number of posts. But when i was about to hit the 'new post' button, i realized that 99 posts have been successfully published and i am about to begin with the zero of the three digit numbers. Because of that, i am making this post different from the rest, and probably this should be my first post ever to be published. Introducing myself.

"... Cock-a-doodle-doo! My neighbour's mighty rooster let out a nature's wake-up call that brought me back instantly from a wonderful journey in Dreamland to this beautiful Saturday morning... "

A self-titled post, this post will bring you and me back in time to what made me today. I have always believe that it is the past experiences we have that shapes us, and makes us the person who we are today. Call me anything, but i am proud of my past and would no way exchange the experience for cash!

"... I retrieve my car keys from the holder and begin to drive to the nearest supermarket. My mind flashes back to the dreams i had earlier this morning as the wheels of my car roll forward. In the dream, i was a singer. An international superstar with numerous number one hits and my album went platinum one after another. Not enough with the success of being a singer, i started my hands on writing and gained the number one bestselling author spot. And with all the wealth, i finally settled down and began to start a family. The dream was all nice and easy, but the dream will be just a dream because i do not have a good voice and neither do i have the language to write a book interestingly. But why am i comparing myself to an imaginary life? We are all different and I am happy with my life... "

I have heard mothers saying 'Oh, look at your Aunt H's daughter. She is so well-behaved, unlike you.' And competitors saying 'Oh, they are far behind and have lost some points. I'm doing better than them now.' How many of us actually compare ourselves to others? Or how many of us have actually been compared to others by others? It would be a lie if i said i have not compared myself to others before, or being compared to others by someone else. Over time, i have come to realize that even so, the biggest comparison should be made with within. I compare myself to myself. I know myself better than anyone. I have quoted that i prefer to be better than be the best. I favour being to be better than before. Tomorrow will better than today, and today is better than yesterday.

"... The traffic light turns to red. I press the brake and i can feel the car decelerating until a total halt before the traffic light. Behind the wheel, i wonder why am i different than others. I have experienced life different than others... "

If anyone comes to me and ask 'When in your life was your turning point?', i will answer them the day i entered Standard 5. Perhaps, the choice to accept the offer may be one of the best decisions i have made. It literally changed my life.

Before the day of our SPM. Boys of 5 Sc 1.

Class of 5 Sc 1 with our Add Maths teacher.

Undoubtedly one of the biggest decision in life. Celebrating the freedom after the final exam in December 2008.

"... I am passionate about something that people may not... "

Ever since 'The Phantom Of The Opera' in Form 2, i have grown an interest for drama. I may not be a professional, but i am proud to be a SMKHK Dramarian. Being in the drama team itself has been a great adventure and a learning process nonetheless.

Drama team 2007.

A joyous outing with the drama team at EOM.

English drama project 2008. All the best to 2009's, coming soon!

Being in the Moral Society has opened many doors to fun activities and unforgettable experiences as well. An environmentalist? Yes, to a certain level it has made me. The greatest experience was when we joined the MIRACLE program. Working with people from Japan and Holland was amazing!

Recycle Team!

Vegetarian Yee Sang for CNY!

Farewell party to our Teacher Advisor.

"... I have visited places people did not... "

If i have the money, travelling will be at the top of my 'wanted' list. I agree that by traveling and visiting places, it broadens and widens our horizon and perspective. We acquire new knowledge and see life from another angle.

Family and friends visit to Guilin, China.

Educational trip to Kuala Selangor.

Sweetness of the post-SPM in Genting!

"... I park my car at the parking lot and wonder to myself, why am i who i am today? It is because i am who i made myself to be. It is because what i have went through that made me who i am today..."

The photos in this post are group shots- don't they look lovely. I have limited my photos too, if not i might have to lengthen an already lengthy post. And mind you, this post is so special that it will not have a full-stop at the end. As i move on, more and more will be uploaded. In short, this post is a living post that grows with me with time. Some memories are just too sweet to store. wc09 ends the 100th post with the final excerpt:

"... You and i are not very different, but i have taken the route that made you and i uniquely different. So, don't compare. I am Wai Choong, and that is not about to change."

Season 2, Episode 7: I'm finally 18!

" It takes a long time to grow young " - Pablo Picasso

What can i say? I'm finally 18! The feeling of growing 18 is exciting. I don't know what my 18th year in my life will bring to me in the future but the last 17 years have been a fun journey. I certainly hope that the ride continues on, and on, and on.

There seems to be something on my birthday. I remember in 2008, my SPM results were announced on my birthday. Whether or not that shall be my birthday gift, i'm contented with it. This year is no exception. First time celebrating away from home, in my uni, and i have a test overshadowing the day. Engineering Maths 2 Test 1 to be exact, and i become broken hearted whenever i recall the test. I made mistakes, careless mistakes! All i can do now is hope that i can score more than half and pray that what i put in will result in the best.

Some of my friends celebrated my birthday after the test. I was really happy and i would like to thank them once again for conducting it despite the test. Thank you guys! Birthday wishes were also sent to my phone as soon as the clock showed 12 midnight. Thank you once again to those who sent the birthday wishes. I would like to extend my gratitude to my school mates too. I'm happy you still remember me. Friends forever! And thank you for the birthday gifts. I couldn't ask for more! It is, as the saying goes, the thought that counts.

Me cutting the cake.

Taking the first bite.


The girls made a performance to entertain us.

My roommate and i are both March babies.

Some of my friends at the celebration scene. Thanks a lot guys!

A day of total mix of emotion. Forget the test, i have repeatedly reminded myself. What is done is done, and hope for the best in return is all i can ask for. Try better in the next test and don't give up. Why the worried face, it is after all, my birthday. So, cheer up!

Birthday boy, wc09 is now 18 and dares to face the challenges of the 18th year of his life. Thank you everyone, for everything!

Season 2, Episode 6: Weekend retreat

" Help me make the music of the night " - Phantom of the Opera.

The Fridays that i go back are always very adventurous. After class at 12, i walk to my uni main gate and wait patiently for the infrequent buses to bring me to Ipoh. As i reach Ipoh, i have to take another bus to Medan Gopeng, the central bus terminal. In choosing a bus to go KL, my favourite choice is the Konsortium because of its speed- i usually reach KL faster taking this bus. Journey takes about 3 hours, plus minus the traffic in KL, of course. There are alternative ways to KL too, but i have never taken before- the KTM which goes directly to KL Sentral and taking a bus from Seri Iskandar bus station, more convenient but less frequent buses to KL. Upon my arrival in Puduraya, i take the STAR line to Ampang, and finally i reach home! Exhausing but exciting, the reward is always comforting and satisfying.

Why the 'weekend retreat'? These few weeks are going to be tough and stressful as the mid-sem break approaches. In fact, the pressuring has already begun. Tests, quizzes, and assignments. I have taken my Chemistry 2 Test 1 last week, and i fear returning to uni on Tuesday now that i am back in KL for the weekend. Tests are already scheduled on Tuesday, Thursday (why!), the next Monday and Wednesday. Major quiz on Friday. Physics assignment due on Wednesday. So, this weekend will be one i shall rest and relax before overcoming the hurdles.

Enough with it. Yesterday, we had a buffet dinner at the Latest Recipe, Le Meridien. But we went earlier to see see the hotel and be the guest. As a five-star hotel, i was wowed the moment i stepped into the lobby. It has a class on its own. To use the lift, we had to insert our card before being able to press the floor level, for security purposes. No other room levels except the level we stay in were allowed to press. The swimming pool area was beautifully landscaped, despite being located at the 8th floor. Hilton is just next to Le Meridien and i could think of no reason why i should not visit Hilton. I saw Jaclyn Victor there, or so i see. She looks different and i couldn't recognize her. I'm not sure if it was even her! I dared my sister to ask for a photograph with her, but we finally did not. Stalking was not my thing, but my sister and i followed her to confirm if it was her. We returned to Le Meridien after the little commotion.

Pleasant sight at the swimming pool area.

At the lobby. Comfy, homey, but classy.

Bidding us welcome from the parking area is this red-and-blue, spiderman-like thing.

At 7, we headed to the dinner place and started to devour all sorts of good food- i'm missing this a lot! It has a wide variety of food- Western, Indian, Japanese, Chinese, Malay and etc. An hour in the Latest Recipe, i felt full, but i continued to eat. I was full, but not yet satisfied. The next hour, i was bloated. I rested a while before the third hour, that was when i have reached my limit and could not open my mouth anymore. I was wondering why can't i digest as fast as i consume?

Trying hard to pose in this picture sitting straight up. I had to combat with my heavy stomach.

Dinner was until 10.30, and since it was a buffet, we lasted until the last minute to make our money worth. We bid farewell to Le Meridien at 11.

Sumptuous food in an elegant atmosphere, wc09 feels grateful for what he had and what he ate. Crunch time soon!

Carefully taken in my Chemistry lab. This is the whirlpool made by the magnetic stirrer.