Song of the Week!

Here's another 90's selection: "God Must Have Spent a Little More Time on You" by 'N Sync. I was listening to this song yesterday while getting ready for school and found myself humming it this morning!

I fell in love with this song when I first heard it in their Greatest Hits (and I still choose to skip to this track whenever I listen to the CD). Although the group disbanded years ago, 'N Sync remains as an old favourite of mine and I continue to listen to their songs to this day (along with old selections by Backstreet Boys, S Club 7 and Eiffel 65).

Enough said. God Must Have Spent a Little More Time on You is the Song of the Week! Enjoy!

An End to My Lab Kit Problem?

Yesterday, friend E asked me to lend him my lab kit and this time, I said no...

I made that decision days before. I just couldn't stand it anymore, even thinking about it makes me pissed. Of course, to prevent him from going into my locker and "borrowing" it (which is stealing, but I'm assuming that he'll put it back after each use - a stupid assumption, but oh well..), I changed my lock.

When I rejected his request, he asked again, but I didn't budge. He questioned whether I trusted him or not and all I said was, "I've reached my limit and you have mine. I've had enough." About this time, the next class started to enter the classroom and he (quickly) went to a friend. I didn't bother to stick around and left the classroom. Whatever their conversation was about obviously didn't grant him a lab kit because he asked for it at my locker and questioned once again if I trusted him. Without saying a word, I closed my locker and chatted with a few friends about the experiment. By the time our conversation ended, friend E still sat on the hallway perpendicular to my locker and was late for his next class.

As I went downstairs to the cafeteria, I started to feel bad and more or less guilty. It felt like I wasn't helping a friend in need. A part of me knew I was doing the right thing, but why does it have to feel like this? To be engulfed with guilt? I resisted my every nerve from travelling upstairs to check up on him because I knew I would suffer from indescribable consequences if I do. I told myself to stay strong and endured the overwhelming guilt.

I forced myself to think of more practical worries: my partnership with him in Organic Chemistry labs. I still have to work with him as partners and it would be fairly impossible to switch with someone. I started to wonder how I would record his observations, as the experiment is often split between partners to save time. With this conflict, I couldn't imagine how our partnership will turn out and more importantly, this could be the end of our friendship.

It's too late to worry now. I've already made this move, and there's no turning back. I'll just have to take everything as it comes, even if it means all at once!

All Fixed!!

The error is now fixed! Enjoy!

My Apologies

I just noticed that the song "Bailamos" is not playing. I'll get it fixed ASAP!

Song of the Week!

Here's an old favourite from the good old 90's, Bailamos (bailamos means we/let's dance in Spanish I believe) by Enrique Iglesias. I remember listening to this song on the radio and watching the MV on television during my childhood years.

Whenever I listen this song, I often have a tendency to get up and dance with the music. Perhaps it's the rythm and beat and because of this feature, I usually listen to it when I need to perk up a bit while taking a break from studying or when I'm feeling down.

Hopefully this song will bring out the cheerful side within you whenever you listen to it - regardless! Enjoy!

The Highlight of My Day!

Yesterday, I had my Organic Chemistry test. Overall the test was quite straightforward, although there were a few questions that I had problems with. Again, I didn't study much. Hopefully, that won't grant me another failing mark (I don't think I can stand two fails at once). I'll find out tomorrow or on Friday...

Today, I did my media presentation for GNED. We actually "volunteered" to be first. Honestly, it wasn't my idea but Kay's and another member's. Even though I was shaking (with anxiety) and stuttered a bit while presenting my part, I think I did pretty well - at least that's what my group told me. When I asked them afterwards, they were nice enough to tell me that I did a fabulous job (one of them even gave me a thumbs up). Did I believe them? Not really, but there's no use to be upset about it since it's already in the past. I guess I should let it go and move on...

So what's the highlight? In math class, the teacher returned our first test and I got 90%! I was delighted to see that mark, but it didn't stop there. After she went over the test, I noticed that I was given a zero for my correct answer and quickly went up to her after class. To my amazement, she immediately gave me full marks for that question without any doubt (my test was written in pencil and usually teachers may not reevaluate it to avoid forgery). I couldn't stop laughing from pure happiness - even Kay joined the laughter! She even pointed out that my mark was raised to 95% and was the highest mark in the class!

To me, this is considered as an accomplishment. That reminds me, I have a Food Microbiology test this Thursday. I guess I should study for it to avoid an ugly mark (if not fail).

Wish me luck!!

Good News Remain Awful?

I got my test back from Analytical Chemistry. A lot of the students didn't do too well and neither did I - I failed miserably. It wasn't much of a surprise for me, as I didn't really study (as I mentioned in the beginning of A Resentment...). However, I was a bit upset from my awful mark.

The good news was: I didn't have to work with 'that guy'! Apparently he joined someone else's group and might stay there for the rest of the semester. You can't imagine how thrilled I was. (I actually spoke to a member from that group later in class. He joked that he's stuck with that guy from all the mockery he made of him and that he's enjoying all the chaos the guy's already created!) As for my team? Let's just say it wasn't that great either...

I was in charge of extracting the acid compounds while friend E was in charge with the base. My part was a total success, but not for friend E. For some odd reason, his filtrate turned blue and the teacher (almost) exclaimed with horror. What surprised me wasn't the experimental error he created, but by the fact that he turned to me when the teacher asked for an explanation, as if I'm the one responsible for the error. My facial expression made it was obvious that I had nothing to do with it and in truth, I didn't. In the end, he did manage to neutralize and extract the solids, though I'm worried about what was extracted. I guess I'll find out when we measure its melting point on Wednesday...

What about the lab kit? He borrowed it after he promised that he'll take good care of it like his own. I'm starting to get tired (and annoyed) from reminding him to get one himself. Why can't I be harsh (like I how I used to be before my 'change' during high school) and stop him from using it? I can't believe myself...

Revisiting Winter Sonata...

Mom's scolding me right now. She's saying that I'm making her spend so much money and that my presence here is a waste for her. She's also saying things like, "Did your father send you here to cause me so much trouble? Why don't you ever go to him? Why don't you just f- to your father's? Why stay with me?" and that I don't care about her. Now's she's criticizing that I spend so much money on myself and nothing on her. I seriously don't understand why she's doing this. She just suddenly went off with all this garbage for no reason - unless... She's watching a TVB drama called "Moonlight Resonance" and perhaps it triggered her eruption. It's about some kind of family dispute and to be honest, I have little interest in watching something like that.

Today, mom picked me up after class and drove me to STC to check next week's schedule at my workplace (I have a shift on Sunday from 11 to 4pm). Then we went to Pacific Mall to exchange the DVD's she bought last week with sis (apparently they're not functioning properly). Now she's mumbling that she needs to yell at me whenever she's starting to feel better, in terms of health and that I carry my father's 'evil' characteristics without living with him. While she spoke to the lady at the store, I went to their DVD collection and found Winter Sonata! I loved the drama since the first time I watched it in grade 10 (about four years ago)! Now she's mumbling that whoever falls for me must have done something terrible in their previous lives to cause such misfortune (jeez). I just couldn't resist and bought it.

It's interesting how the drama feels so new and fresh, as if I'm watching it for the first time...yet, at the same time, it feels like I'm visiting an old friend...

One thing's for sure, my love for Winter Sonata has never changed and do you know what would be perfect? Getting its soundtrack! I'm starting to look for it, but with little progress. I really want it and hopefully I'll find it in the end!

A Resentment...

I had my Analytical Chemistry test today and I hope I'll pass (I remember joking with a friend by saying "It's better to be hopeful than to be hopeless!"). I didn't do much studying - unless you consider looking over the notes for about half an hour before the test is a lot of studying! So, if I do get an ugly mark, it definitely serves me right (and it seriously means I need to give myself more time to study!)...

I just found out that I'm not alone with the weekly late classes. There are quite a number of people with similar situations, including this guy I like (I'd prefer to put it as having an interest for him rather than liking him...not sure why) with his GNED class (let's call him 'G'). I guess I started to have an 'interest' for him during the last few weeks of the previous semester and acknowledged its existence a few weeks ago (while having a random conversation with Kay). I've actually tried talking to him a few times, but somehow I have this resentment towards being the one to start the conversation. It's not like he's ever taken initiative and talked to me - it's only me taking initiative to talk to him! Perhaps I'll go further in another entry...

Remember the explanation friend E owed me? I spoke to him about it yesterday. Before I went into topic, I verified that he was the only one who used my lab kit at that time. As expected, he denied it all - especially the envelope. He actually asked if his name was on it and I immediately knew he was offended. Seeing this, I made it clear that I wasn't accusing him but was trying to investigate who the culprit was (and obviously I said, 'whoever was responsible' instead of 'culprit', duh!). I'm starting to seriously consider taking Hanu's (Hanuhtim) advice about removing the contents, except I'm thinking to be more direct by removing the entire lab kit, not bring it into Organic lab and say I forgot it at home. I can also tell him directly that I refuse to lend it to him and not care about our friendship because it's seriously not worth it. The only thing that's stopping me is the fact that he's my lab partner in Organic Chemistry and I don't want to go that far...

I have a few assignments to work on and one of them needs to be sent to a group member for our group project (for GNED). I guess I'll to end here...

Song of the Week!

The Song of the Week is "Rainy Night" by DBSK member Xiah Junsu. This song stayed in my mind since the first time I heard it (months ago) and became one of my all-time favourites. In this song, you'll be able to hear Junsu's voice to its full extent and to tell the truth, it's quite impressive (to myself at least).

Hope you'll like the song as much as I do! Enjoy!

Test Season

Like hunting seasons, there's actually a season for tests and other evaluations alike. For some odd reason, teachers tend to schedule tests for their students around the same time - as if they have planned it out in advance!

This is what I'll have in the next week and half: Analytical Chemistry test (this Thursday), Assignment #2 for math (due this Thursday), Data Evaluation Assignment for English (due this Friday), introduction to formal lab report for Project Biology (due Monday), Organic Chemistry test (Monday), Media Analysis for GNED (due Tuesday), Food Microbiology Test (next Thursday) and the Non-Fiction Critique for English (due by the end of the month) - on top of the usual weekly reports!

(I wonder if I'm missing anything...)

I'm not complaining - I'm just sharing my busy schedule with you all. Besides, this will help remind myself of the various deadlines so I won't forget them!

A Fun Day that Didn't End Quite Right!

After the chaotic experiment, I sat with Kay (it's friend C from The Events So Far entry - she'll be called Kay from now on to avoid any confusion) in the cafeteria and had our lunches. She proposed the idea of going to Pacific Mall and there we went the next day with her younger sister. Originally, we planned on having lunch at Starwalk buffet but noticed a Japanese buffet restaurant right next to it called Wasabi! Curious, we decided to go inside and were not disappointed by our decision. There, we ordered a variety of dishes and were quite pleased with all of them. We laughed and joked about random things and had a great time.

When the meal ended, we went to Pacific Mall and walked around until our feet hurt. We rested on a bench while eating some Japanese snacks and ice cream. After our little rest, we did some more exploring before heading to the bus stop for home. In the bus, mom called me and asked where I was. When I told her I was in the bus, she said she didn't believe me because my surroundings didn't sound like the interior of a bus. I spent the following 9 minutes having a pointless conversation with her because she was being fussy with the location to meet up. In the end, she finally decided to meet up at Pacific Mall. This decision made me ditch Kay and her sister and forced me to walk back to Pacific Mall (the next bus would arrive about 20 minutes later). I tripped and fell on my way there (scratching the knuckles/joints on my ring finger and pinky of my right hand), but still arrived at the destination within 15 minutes. Mom finally arrived 50 minutes later and I treated her dinner. Afterwards, we went to the supermarket and bought a few items before heading home.

Although the day ended in a painful and slightly bloody manner, I did have lots of fun. Perhaps more people will join us in our next outing and there won't be a need for me to ditch anyone or make another fall!

What an Awful Day!

On Thursday, I had my first math test of the semester. To be honest, it wasn't as bad as I expected it to be and I think I did pretty well, although that statement awaits confirmation from the mark on my test. Hopefully I'll get a good mark.

The next day, I had an Organic Chemistry lab. When I noticed friend E didn't seem like he was going to show up, I was so relieved (thinking that I could do the experiment alone and him not going to used my lab kit). However, when the teacher found out he was missing, she quickly paired me with this guy whose partner was missing as well. When we were reviewing the procedures, he seemed like he wanted to take charge and I let him. Seriously, I didn't mind at all. I was more than happy for him to lead the way, which will give me the chance to relax a bit before English (at 4:30 to 6:30).

Before I continue, I'll include a (brief) background information of what the experiment was all about so you can imagine its simplicity. The experiment had two parts and were calculation based. We were doing part 1 and will finish part 2 next week. So, part 1 was composed of 3 steps/segments, all of which requires titration. All we need to do is to dissolve 8g of the acid powder into 100mL of distilled water, split it into three 30mL portions and do the titration with the sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution (which was already prepared for us). Simple right?

So, my new partner tried and (impressively) succeeded in measuring 8.000g of the acid powder (by this time, friend E has arrived). He ordered friend E to get him a funnel to pour the powder into the flask when you can do it directly from the weighing paper. Seeing this, I quickly took the sample from him and dispensed it directly. Then, he started fussing that he could not measure 100mL with the 50mL graduated cylinder (common sense: 50 x 2 = 100) and before I could stop him, he added the amount measured with a beaker. Starting to get tired from all this, I did the first titration with utter perfection (the solution was slightly pink). After preparing the acid for step 2, 'that guy' did the second titration but ended up detaching the nozzle from the burette and spilled the NaOH all over the place. The entire class, including myself, stared in total shock. I quickly recovered and went over to clean up the mess with the help from friend E. Instead of helping, 'that guy' ordered us to prepare the burette to let him continue with the titration. I told him to redo it due to the possibility of additional NaOH added into the flask from the spill plus he does not know how much base was already added. He argued that he prevented the addition of more base because he covered the opening of the flask with his hands but he could not surpass my second point.

While he prepared for step 2, I noticed that he had used up the remaining acid and knew we would have to make more. Suddenly, it came to me. If we make a new batch, there's no guarantee that it would have the same concentration as the first, causing the data to be invalid (the data is calculation-based and each answer depends on the preceding one). To verify my thoughts, I told this to friend E, who agreed. I quickly told 'that guy' of the news and he disagreed. He said I was talking nonsense, that he was confident he could measure the same amount of acid powder and since it was not Analytical Chemistry, the data does not have to be perfect. He also started going off about the flask and beaker used. The entire class watched as we argued for the next while until I gave up and called for the teacher. I told her of our situation and she too agreed that we need to restart. While 'that guy' argued with the teacher, friend E and myself quickly finished cleaning up and prepared the acid (we only had ten minutes before class ended). When he gave up the argument, I kept him busy with the first titration, while I worked on step 2. By step 3, he tried to rush me (and boss around) but I told him off and got him to help friend E with the calculations. Finally, the experiment was completed in record time and that's when I noticed that the class kept an eye on us the entire time.

In the midst of the chaos, a classmate actually came and told us that 'that guy' was crazy (since he had worked with him before). The reason that all this happened is due to the fact that 'that guy' is a fast-track student and lack most of the basic practical skills. Most of the fast-trackers already have a degree of some kind and perhaps 'that guy' has a degree as well and thought of himself superior compared to us. I'm starting to dread the possibility of working with him this Friday on part 2. I just hope that his partner would show up so that they can work together and I can happily work with friend E.

As for the issue with friend E about my lab kit, I lent it to him last Friday again. However, I have already extracted the extra box of microscope slides and cover slips days ago. When I came to my locker after English to get my jacket, I noticed my lab kit sat in a very unpleasant manner and decided to take a look inside. To my surprise, it wasn't that good-looking either. My sharpie was not inside the ziploc bag (where it belonged), a lone microscope slide was outside its box (and possibility contaminated) and there was an empty ripped envelope that looked like garbage inside my lab kit. I can tolerate the sharpie not being inside the ziploc and perhaps the slide not kept in its box, but I can definitely not stand seeing garbage kept in my lab kit. Friend E owes me a good explanation...

Song of the Week!

While I waited for the bus last night, I naturally hummed the tune of the song "Insufficient Love" by Raymond Lam. The thoughts of the "mysterious him" and the fun things we did in high school slowly flowed into my mind as well. The memories made me smile and I thought to myself, "He will always be a great friend," and it's not just him, I will always treasure all my friends from high school. Never will that change.

Enough said, Raymond Lam's "Insufficient Love"(or Love with No Regrets) is this week's Song of the Week!

Not Helped When In Need

Last night, I called my dad if he could give me a ride home today (because math class ends at 9pm and mom had a shift that ended at 10pm today) and he said no. After thanking him for considering, I was about to hang up when he started bulls***ing that his day would end at 9pm if he gave me a ride. He also went on saying crap like, "I thought your mom loves you. Why wouldn't she give you a lift instead of sitting at home doing nothing," and that I should have asked him earlier and not the night before. If he doesn't want to give me a ride, he already made his point. Why would he continue with that garbage when I didn't even bother to argue or insist like I usually do? He's the one who promised that he would do his best to help whenever I needed it. He made that promise when he noticed that I hardly ask him for help or anything else. I never abused that promise and have only made requests when I need it most.

I didn't bother to remind him of his promise (I never have and never will) because I didn't see the point in doing so. Besides, I don't like forcing people to do something against their will. He doesn't have to help me if he doesn't want to, it's that simple.

When class ended (at 9:10 pm), it was pouring outside and I had to wait for the bus in the heavy rainfall. During my wait, I had no interest in calling him (or my sis, who has an extremely exhausting schedule) for help. The idea just never came to mind and the only thought I had was, "It's just rain, it's not going to kill me. If I get soaked, I'll live," and "I should have brought an umbrella." In the end, I got soaked while I walking the block between the bus stop and my home, and here I am, still healthy and typing this entry.

I'm not upset because I got soaked on my way home. I'm just disappointed that he refused to help me when I was in need. That's it and that's all. Nothing special and nothing complicated.

There Are Some Things I Just Can't Stand

Everyone has a limit to how much they can tolerate and I'm no different. When someone tries to take advantage of you, your first response is to stop them, not encourage them. For some odd reason, I think that I'm actually encouraging him to take advantage of me. Am I?

Friend E (from An Overreaction?) is in my Friday Organic Chemistry lab class. When he found out that I was in his class, he immediately asked to be my lab partner and I agreed. Upon gaining that knowledge, a few of my friends wished me luck and warned me that problems were yet to come. The first month just passed by and I'm starting to understand why.

For our program, each student is obligated to purchase a lab kit which is filled with the all essential equipment to conduct both Chemistry and Biology experiments. He owned one too but for some reason, he lost his during the summer. I knew that the line for the bookstore was psychotic during the first few weeks and getting everything you need within the first week is extremely difficult (and more likely impossible but miracles do exist) and so I lent him mine during the second week (and gave him my locker combination so that he could put it back himself afterwards). I was just trying to be nice and had expected him to get a new one soon. On the third week, he asked to borrow my lab kit again. Trying to be a good friend, I lent it to him, thinking it would be the last time.

During the Wednesday on the fourth week (last week Wednesday), I went to my locker to get my lab kit for my next (lab) class. When I opened my locker, shock took over - my lab kit was missing. At first, I thought I left it in my first class but there was a class inside and I couldn't enter. I quickly decided to leave my stuff in the lab room as an indication that I was present and go search for my lab kit (did I mention that it cost me $110 and now it's worth $150?). As I left the room, I bumped into none other than Friend E and in his hand was my lab kit. Relief and anger surged into my veins leaving me with the only ability to say "Oh my God!" numerous times. It turned out that he took my lab kit to help complete the last step of our experiment from last Friday. He could have at least left a message in my locker or on my cell to let me know. My friend told me that I shouldn't have lent it to him in the first place, not to mention giving him my locker combination. She even told me to encourage him to get his own.

He wasn't a good lab partner either. In the experiments we've completed so far, I did most of the work while he acted as my assistant. Honestly, I don't mind doing the work because at least I would know that it's done right (I'm not trying to be mean, nor am I insulting him...I'm just being honest and truthful). Last week Friday, we were doing a distillation experiment and it involved assembling the apparatus. When I was about to start, I suddenly noticed that he disappeared. He was nowhere to be seen. I asked a few classmates to find out that he took off to photocopy the lab evaluation sheet for them. Stunned by the news, I could only return to my seat and began assembling the apparatus myself. When I was almost finished, he returned from his photocopying business. Seeing his return made me pissed. I immediately expressed my anger (and made it clear that I was extremely pissed) to him and quickly completed the experiment. How can he be so irresponsible and so inconsiderate?

When class ended, he asked for my lab kit and acted as if nothing had happened. At my locker, I allowed my anger to take over and we had a serious conversation (I didn't yell at him, I didn't scream but I was loud enough to be heard by whoever passed by). I immediately asked him when he would get his own lab kit and expressed my irritation toward what had happened on Wednesday and in Organic Chem. He thought that he could continue to borrow my lab kit for the rest of the semester and planned to get his own in the winter semester. His excuse was that he spent most of his money on books and couldn't afford the lab kit. He's not the only person who's buying textbooks for his courses, so am I and so are the other post-secondary students. Besides, it's clear that it's extremely inconvenient for us to share one lab kit and more problems will arise. Not to mention that he's using up my glass slides and not paying me back afterwards. At that time, I felt extremely guilty for expressing my anger and with that guilt I let him use my lab kit, again. Am I really encouraging him to take advantage of me? Am I really allowing him to do that?

The only thing I could think of to stop him is to constantly remind him to get his own lab kit and perhaps hide a few mandatory items to pose some inconveniences for him. What else can I do to stop this madness? Any ideas?

A Festive Night!

Today is Mid-Autumn Festival. It is a day that represents eternal love and family togetherness. The moon on this night is said to be its fullest, brightest and prettiest of the year. Families would usually come toegether, have a nice meal and spend time with each other.

Since my parents divorced 11 years ago, I celebrate whatever festivities with only my mother. My dad still exists but I don't really want to spend time with him that much. He remarried when I was in grade 8 and has been living happily with his new family since. Honestly, I don't feel like anything's missing in my life. I'm pretty happy as I am right now. I have a caring mother, an awesome older sister (who lives with dad), great friends, a nice job and an unlimited future. What's more to ask for?

Instead of having a regular dinner at home, this year we ate out with sis at Market Village (next to Pacific Mall). As we ate in the food court, there were people singing on the stage (and perhaps other performances) to celebrate this festive night. (I'm not sure about the full performance details as we left before it ended. It didn't matter though, since we didn't pay much attention towards it.) As we walked towards the car, I looked at the sky. The moon shined brightly (almost brighter than the lights in the parking lot) and I could see a few stars twinkling in the night sky. It was a lovely sight.

Mom was pretty happy. This year, both of her daughters spent a nice time with her, especially on this festive night - something that hardly happens. I just hope she's this happy (if not happier) more often. Joy is an important ingredient for a happy life and it's definitely something I want mom to always have. No matter what!



Credits:
The picture in this entry was created by dianar87 from Deviantart