Reflections

"Guess who's back
Back again."
- Eminem, Without Me

Hi everybody!! raKoon's back and boy, is it great to be blogging again! I miss talking about myself and my life on this blog, haha! My gosh, it's been more than month since the last update... many things have happened in between. Unfortunately, they are kinda out-dated now so, erm, too bad lah. Endocrine system was alright but Reproductive system was really packed. Sex is MUCH more than "Wham! Bam! Thank you, ma'am!". The consequences of sex, especially the STDs... not fun at all. And now Renal system has started, which is another crazy packed course. Hopefully I've learned to adapt to the new schedule and know how to make more time for myself and blogging.

Speaking of comebacks, I'm not the only one who's making a return. Anybody watched the San Marino GP in Imola last weekend? Omigosh, it was one heck of a fantastic race. For those who don't know the significance of that race, this is it: Schumi and Ferrari are back. And wow, amidst the whole stress of studying for the Repro test, the race was definitely something that truly lifted my spirits.

Actually, when the new season started, I wasn't too keen on the new rules. No tyre changing at all? I didn't like that rule because it means that the drivers weren't going all out to race and challenge for racing positions- they have to consider conserving their tyres. And Bridgestone (tyre manufacturer for Ferrari) was not up to par as compared to Michelin. It was very disheartening to watch Ferrari underperform. Another rule change that I didn't like was changing the 2nd qualifying session from Saturday afternoon to Sunday morning. I prefer to know who's on pole the day before so that there'll be adequate time for the excitement and speculation to build up. But I guess it has its pros. I mean, the teams would really have to be on their toes and use think quickly about the best strategy possible to use for the race just only HOURS later, and that I like. :)

But the San Marino GP was just awesome. It was the first time in a while since I really got excited watching a race. Kimi was on pole position, and things looked so promising in the beginning but nooo, his car just had to suffer from mechanical failure. What a terrible shame. McLaren must buck up and sort out their reliability issues because it is unfair towards Kimi. Tough luck.

But Schumi and his F2005 car was simply... awesome! Marvellous! Breathtaking! His performance was just astonishing, yet not astonishing at the same time, because it was quality Michael Schumacher performance that you would expect. He delivered it totally. He brought it on, y'all. Too bad about the mistake he made during qualifying which costed him his grid position. He climbed from 13th place to second. The car was in a class of its own- 2 seconds faster than every other car on the track.

I was on the edge of my seat towards the end of the race when he was catching up with Button and Alonso. When Button made a mistake encountering the backmarkers, Schumi just swooped in and overtook him and he was charging all the way. I was squealing, urging loudly to the television screen, shouting encouragements to Schumi (even though I know he won't be able to hear me) during the last few laps when he was less than a second away from Alonso's car- I couldn't stop myself, it was just too exciting! Oh my, he was so close to winning the race that afternoon. So, so close.

Props to Alonso for holding his nerve when it truly mattered. It's not easy maintaing focus and composure while being under tremendous pressure from a driver as experienced as Schumi. Schumi tried every trick in the book to get Alonso to make a mistake but no such luck. Schumi did not win, but it was a fantastic race which I enjoyed thoroughly.

One thing about Alonso though, is that I wish he would be more gracious about his win. This race was a hat-trick for him this season so far, but I noticed that he only mentioned the team in two lines. Whereas Schumi, he was really thanking the team and you could see that he's truly sincere and recognising the team's efforts, because hey, it's a really a team sport. Without the engineers, he won't be able to drive a competitive car. And it's not just for this GP. He ALWAYS thanks his team for every race that he won and that's one of the many qualities I admire about him. Maybe Alonso is still young and a bit fresh and arrogant. But I noticed that Button has also taken a page out of Schumi's book, acknowledging BAR's efforts everytime he got onto the podium, since last year, and that's great.

Michael Schumacher. What a remarkable character. I totally respect this man. He drove with much passion, determination, will, power and aggression... I was reminded of the reasons why he is my favourite F1 driver and an important role model in my life... and I've fallen in love with him all over again. Sighs. :P

Alonso may have rained on Schumi's and Ferrari's parade on their homeground... well, I'm looking forward to see Schumi ruin Alonso's homecoming party in Barcelona this upcoming weekend. Because based on the demonstrated superiority of the F2005, it could only mean one thing: it's time to win again. ;)



***
"Cuz it's my night
No stress, no fights
I'm leavin it all behind."
- Mariah Carey, It's Like That

And that was my motto of the night of the IMU Ball 2005. And the stress before it was pretty high, I'd say. Shopping is supposed to be fun but when you're shopping under the pressure of time constraints and a not-too-big budget, stress is the word of the day(s). Getting the perfect dress, shoes, accesories, all for the sake of looking good for that night is not easy. And then there's the Endocrine test, a mere week before the Ball. It was difficult trying to contain my excitement about the Ball and to focus on studying simultaneously (but thank God things worked out well for me in the end- I did good for Endo. :D).

My conclusion of the Ball? It was perfect. I went with a mission to have a jolly good time and creating memories with my dear friends, and it was a mission accomplished. All the stress and effort were worth it cos we all looked so damn good that night! (kekeke, talk about being perasan to the max. :P) It was fun taking gorgeous pictures together, giggling, laughing, goofing off... just having a great time. The food was better than expected so no complaints in that department!

As for the Post-Ball party, it was exactly how I imagined it to be. Heheh. Heheheh. I came, I partied, and I conked out. :P I dunno about the others but I really enjoyed myself there. It was really fun and liberating to just dance my heart out and not having to worry about perverts cos we're all friends out to have a party. Many crazy, funny things took place. But of course, whatever happened in Room 1226, stays in Room 1226. If you weren't part of the party but you wanna know what happened, too bad. Even the Roomie doesn't get an exclusive. :P


3 Sekawan


Housemates!


Table 12

IMU Ball 2005 - definitely a night to remember. :)
***

"All I wanna do is rock."
- Travis, All I Wanna Do Is Rock

Rock music is invigorating. Rock music is cool. Rock makes you wanna break free and express your individuality. Rock is liberation.

But how much do you really know about rock music? Did you know that rock is actually an evolution of jazz music?

But hey, even if you're not interested in the history of rock music, maybe you might be interested in just rocking out for 2 hours, aways from the stress of lectures and life?

Then come for the...

ROCK MUSIC APPRECIATION WORKSHOP
on 10 May (Tues) at 6.30pm
Seminar Room 3
Entrance fee: only RM1
Brought to you by IMU Choir Club

For only RM1, you not only get to enjoy great music, there's also refreshments served, ie apple pies, so RM1 is a pretty darn good deal! Do come!

Hehehe... I couldn't resist a promo on my blog. This IS my pet project after all, for the Choir Club. The speakers I've invited to come and conduct the workshop are friends of mine whom I know personally, and believe me, they really know their stuff. Shannon Teoh and Jeremy Mahadevan write for NST and are music journalists of some sort so you're not just getting some obssessed rock fans to talk about the music- they have reliable credentials to their name.

So... please come and support this workshop, this baby project of mine. Pweaaase... I promise it would be good. ;)
***
"You live, you learn."
- Alanis Morissette, You Learn

The past few months, since December until today, have been pretty educational for me. I have learned so much from life. I learned who I was, who I am, who I am not and who I want to be. I still am. Still growing. Plenty of room to learn more. And I have learned to deal with changes and uncertainties where I was left grappling in the dark, trying hard to gain a foothold on any semblance of stability and trying to make sense out of things when they don't.

But the most important lesson I have learned is this: With hope, faith, love, and charity... one can never go wrong in life.

God is great and life is good. :)

Until the next posting, adieu.