Every dog has it's day...

Well we're now into the Year of the Dog. Interesting to see so many people start paying attention to dogs now that the Chinese New Year has begun. More and more people seem keen on wanting to adopt one. Hopefully they don't see it as a fad and abandon the dog eventually. My Chinese New Year has been quiet as usual.

The Sunday was spent watching tennis as it was the final day of the Australian Open. Hingis played a delightful mixed doubles game with Bhupati. What a comeback after so long! She may have lost the singles but the final mixed-doubles match that she won was a beauty to watch. Her plays were so elegant and magnificent. Simply delightful tennis! She makes up for her lack of power play by using her brains and playing intelligent shots. The other highlight was the men's singles with the unseeded Marcos Baghdatis playing against the world number 1; Roger Federer. After watching Baghdatis win a 5-set thriller against Nalbandian in the semis, I had my heart set on seeing a win similar to that achieved by Goran Ivanisevic in Wimbledon 2001. Baghdatis did well winning the first set and actually made Federer look normal. An amazing feat since Federer is usually in a class of his own. Nevertheless Baghdatis frustratingly succumbed in the second set and collapsed in the next two handing a 4-set victory to Federer. It was a major feat still. Cyprus, a country unknown for tennis has now produced a star in the making.

My family and I took a trip to Seremban Monday evening to have dinner with some old family friends. The trip was incredibly smooth since most people already returned to their hometowns and most of the shops were closed. We had dinner in a chinese restaurant and then headed back to their place. It so happened that the final round of the Buick Invitational golf tournament was on. Nathan Green was in the lead with Tiger Woods a stroke behind. We watched it just to see how Woods would play and expected to leave at about 10 something. Unfortunately for us, the match went into a 3-man playoff between Woods, Green and Jose Maria Olazabal. Green simply self-destructed and found himself struggling to remove himself from a bunker and the rough, leading to his elimination. Woods and Olazabal made par and went into a second round of playoffs. This time, both did pretty well and Olazabal had a last shot to equal Woods and force a third round. Amazingly, he missed! It was rather unbelievable but a relief not only to see Woods win but to allow us a trip home. We left at 11 something at night.

I guess that's the gist of my Chinese New Year. We'll be going out for dinner with one of my mum's sisters later today. She's just come down for Australia. Haven't seen her for more than a while.

Well, I'll be heading back to Adelaide on Friday. I've got most of my stuff sorted and am ready to leave. I've done everything I came back to do. The thing is, it hasn't sunk in yet that I may not be coming back home for a long time. Yet, I'm not clinging to things here as if I won't see them again. I'm just moving on. Yes, it lingers in my mind. However, I don't really feel the pressure. It's difficult to leave things behind. But, one has to move on. I'll have to work hard and make lots of money so that I can come home and give a comfortable life to my family. How long will that take? Only God knows. I can only pray that I have enough time...

Well, to those of you out there who I haven't had a chance to greet; Happy Chinese New Year!

Coming together...

My past week and a little more have been spent basically doing nothing. I've been spending most of my days reading (A Passage to India by E.M. Forster), watching TV (mainly football), going online and playing video games. Nothing much of a life huh? Well, that's what holidays are about anyways. Relaxing for a change. Though it's unproductive, it gives me a good chance to catch up on some sleep; something I don't get much of throughout the year.

Despite this, a number of things helped break the monotony of my days recently. On Monday, I took down the Christmas tree. Nothing special. I'm always so excited when I put it up that I get lazy when it comes the time to take it down. I've never really stood back to absorb the image of our tree. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that I put up the tree by myself. Have a look and see if you'd like. Doesn't bother me.

On Sunday, I had to deal with the painful task of removing a virus from our home desktop. I never have problems with them on my laptop. I guess because my parents also use the desktop at home. Still, I've had to really bulk up the defences on this one. Hopefully nothing terrible happens when I'm gone. They'll have to learn sooner or later.

I went out for dinner with my family and the families of two of my close friends earlier today (or yesterday to be precise). It was meant to be our sort of Chinese New Year dinner. It was fun chatting over dinner. Don't get much chances to recently.

Looks like John Howard reshuffled his Cabinet again. It is rather interesting to find that the former Education Minister was given the portfolio for Defense. Interesting change. Let's see how he handles the safety of the country from threats. It's a much greater responsibility than dodging a couple of student protests. The new Education Minister is interesting as well. I don't really know her to be honest. Not sure whether it is a change for the better or worse. But then again, she's still a Liberal. It doesn't matter what she thinks. Look what happened with VSU.

I've got about 2 weeks before I leave for Adelaide again. Looks like nothing very interesting will be happening in the time preceding my departure. Yet, I don't really feel like I'm missing anything. I don't really feel that I could have done more here. In fact, I'm sort of looking forward to going back. For one thing I'm sick and tired of reading about the rubbish going on in this country in the papers each day. It sickens me to the core. I'm not much in the mood to rant about the shortcomings of this government. I've done more than enough over dinner. Besides, some of my comments may be deemed as rather racial and while I don't really care what people think, the truth is that I have no idea who reads this blog and thus need to watch my words. Don't want to get locked up before I leave the country now do I?

Oh well, time to hit the sack. If anyone has anything of interest to discuss feel free to post something in that chat box on the side or reply to this post. You can even ask my opinion on something. Anything. I don't mind. I've got all the time in the world.

Blurry...

Ok, I wanted to make a post with my views on the recent passing of the Family Law bill in the Senate. However, I figured two consecutive posts criticising this shameful government wouldn't be too appealing to my readers who are not into politics. I may probably dwell on the issue later. For now, my message to the female Senators who spoke against but voted in favour of the bill under "strong protest" is that the only way to voice real protest over an issue is to vote against it. Your fear over your own career caused you to forsake your personal beliefs and tow the party line. I wonder how you manage to hold your head up when you confront the public.

Back to the topic. I went to the eye specialist today. Looks like my power shot up by about 100 in each eye over a period of about a month! The eye specialist said that I should keep an eye on it. If it keeps increasing consistently then I may have to lay off contacts as it may be damaging my cornea. Oh well... They dilated my eyes when they checked my power a second time to make sure the first was correct. I'm not sure how many have had their eyes dilated before. Obviously, the pupils enlarge. The problem is, your vision becomes blurry and you become sensitive to light (since under normal circumstances your pupils dilate in conditions of low light. That's why your eyes feel pain if you move from a dark room you've been in for quite some time into the light). I became medium-sighted. I couldn't read in front of me because my near vision was blurry. I couldn't see in the distance as my long vision was blurry. Put it plainly, I could hardly see. When I left the place, my eyes were killing me as the sun was very bright. Good thing my dad came along to have his eyes checked as well since those who get their eyes dilated can't drive.

The thing that is most frustrating is being unable to see. You lose your ability to do the things you most enjoy doing. As it is, the dilation should be wearing off but things still seem a little blurry.

We went out for dinner tonight. As we were walking along some shops to go back to the car, I happened to be walking while looking into a shop. Guess what? I stepped on a dog! It was just lying there and I didn't notice since I was looking into the shop. My first reaction when stepping on the soft thing was to jerk back and look down. At first glance it looked like a tiger because of its colour. But in a flash, it dashed out of the way and went to lie down somewhere else. I was amazed that it didn't make a sound or try to bite me. It was quite embarassing and further brought ridicule to my eyesight from my family. It's not my fault the dog was lying there! Dogs should know better not to lie down on the pathway. Surely it has been stepped on before or it would have made some noise. I didn't bother checking if it was hurt. My pride was hurt much deeper.

I just finished reading the book To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. The story follows the life of two siblings as they grow up and learn more about their town and discover the prejudice and stereotypes that are established as well as understand more about human nature. It's a really good read and well deserving of its Pulitzer Prize. I recommend this book to those who like exploring human behaviour. You're sure to find it in any bookshop or library.

Alright, I'd better let my eyes get some rest now. It's been bugging me all day. Hopefully tomorrow is a much clearer day...

All worked out...

I've spent the whole of the week working in a pharmacy near my house. I worked there two years before as well. Nothing much has changed since I last worked there. There's another new permanent worker now. When I went back there last week the Pharmacist had two students working with her. I took over when one left two days later. My hours were from 12.30pm till 9pm. It was quite taxing for the first couple of days but I soon got used to it. Working there was very much easier this time around. The amount of knowledge I gained last year in my course allowed me an understanding of most of the drugs in the pharmacy. I was more comfortable with giving advice and dispensing products. Come to think of it, I started to actually enjoy the last few days. The locums who worked in place of the owner when she finished her shift or took a holiday were very nice as well. All 3 of them were pharmacists working in different areas. I especially liked the male pharmacist as we talked for a long time about my job as President of the Students Association in my uni as well as politics in Malaysia and politics in general.

All of the pharmacists agree that I should work in Australia after I graduate. It is a waste to come home and work for 3 years with the incompetent government. To be honest, I see the implementation of this 3-year policy as a real kick in the teeth to people in my situation. My parents spent so much money out of their own pockets to fund my studies in Australia. The government did not give us a single cent in assistance. Yet now they expect to reap the benefits of my parents' investment by forcing me to work with them for 3 years in order to register as a pharmacist. What utter contempt! This government is really a bunch of fucked up idiots. When they encounter a problem, the first thing they do is try the most obvious remedy without thinking of the consequences. Well, it's not mainly the government, but the type of people the government consists of in general. It's just like the whole crisis with MAS. They find that they are running losses. So what do they do? Increase all the fares! What an utterly stupid and asinine course of action! Words can't describe how majestically idiotic their management is! Real proper management would look at reducing costs and increasing productivity. No, these people can't think! They are just dumbasses who think they are so smart just because certain "special" priviledges are awarded upon them for who they are. Leadership isn't a right given at birth. It is something that needs to be developed and nurtured. As it is, most pharmacy students who have been sponsored by their parents are now seriously considering not returning back to this fucked up country.

How then do we deal with the pharmacist shortage? Fair enough, have the mandatory 3 years. However, this should only apply to those on government scholarships and possibly those studying locally. Give pharmacists sole dispensing rights while you are at it. They've said it would be coming for more than 10 years. Yet, in my opinion it will never come in the near future because at the moment, someone is getting their pockets filled.

The main reason for the major screw up with my country is corruption. As much as "special" rights for certain people are a cause, corruption is the major scourge. Things carry on the way they do because those in positions of authority turn a blind eye and open their pockets wide. It's so easy to get your way in this country. Just make sure you have enough cash in hand. Even those who are supposed to combat corruption are corrupt! Corruption is like the fat that clogs up your arteries. As it builds up, it continually chokes the life out of your blood vessels. Unless the fat is removed, the being will never be able to function in optimal condition. This country will never go forward as long as the 2 issues I mentioned above are not removed.

This is not to say that other countries don't have their faults. Of course they do! No country is perfect. Yet, despite their imperfections, countries like the one I am studying in move forward. They give everyone a fair go. Not just those born under a certain category. Equal opportunity is given to each person; regardless of race, creed or gender (though this can always be debated). I don't despise my country. Just the people running it.

So many things I've read in the paper boil my blood. One was the issue of the Prime Minister saying he wanted to have "towering Malaysians". So what do these idiots do? They come up with the bright *cough* idea of draping the Pyramids of Giza with the flag of our country and all the other Muslim countries in the world. I almost burst out with laughter at their stupidity. It was so pleasing to see the Egptian authorities reject the proposal and tell the dumbasses to bring their propaganda elsewhere. It just shows what jokers we have that run our country.

I'd better stop my attacks on the government here. Wouldn't want them jailing me for freedom of speech now would I? There is no freedom in this country. No democracy. What more can be said when the Senate consists of people appointed by the government rather than being elected? A total waste of resources and a mockery of the democratic system. This country has gone to the dogs. Is there any way to save it? Who knows? Maybe one day. But I wouldn't count on it...

Back from the island...

Phew, what a tiring journey! My family and I left for Penang last Friday to visit my grandfather. He's about 91 years old now I think. Anyways, we drove down and stayed at the Vistana which is quite near my grandfather's place. We spent the first day in Sunshine shopping and then went for dinner at my grandfather's favourite restaurant. He's very healthy for his age. His only major ailment is a problem with pain in his leg which gives him difficulty when walking. I checked his medications and saw that most of them were painkillers. Aside from that, he's pretty much looking good for his age. He's always so happy to see us.

The next day we went to Perangin Mall to buy DVDs. After that we found that there was a Bodyglove clearance sale outside GAMA and bought quite a few shirts. Then it was church and dinner with one of dad's friends. We headed down to Batu Ferringhi after dinner to get my football jerseys and shop for other stuff.

This morning we took my grandfather for dim sum before saying our final goodbyes and taking some pics. The main purpose of our trip was to see my grandfather. Nevertheless we managed to get quite a good deal on clothes and other stuff at the same time. All in all, the trip was very worth it in more ways than one.

I drove most of the way home so I'm dead tired. Oh well, I may not be back here for quite some time and I hope grandpa stays well and I get more chances to meet him when I come home again.

New Year's resolutions...?

I'm not one to set New Year resolutions. I don't see the need to. Why wait till the new year to resolve to do something? Resolutions can be made any time during the year. It's sort of like saying, "Ok, I wanna do this. Now let's wait for the new year and I'll get on to it". It's just too superficial for my liking. If I had to wait until the new year to decide to do something, I might as well not resolve to do it at all. Conversely if I wanted to do something different, I would get on to it straight away. Why wait? Time is of the essence.

Nevertheless, I have been reflecting on the previous year and have been toying around with a certain issue in my head. The issue is this: am I too soft? When I used to be Head Prefect of my school, I would be very strict and serious. It went to the extent that many people disliked, and dare I say hated, me and the way I did things. In spite of that, the job was always done and I would be eventually, though sometimes not too clearly, be proven to be right. Friendships were sacrificed in the pursuit of doing what I wanted, what I knew was right. Now I'm not going to go into a debate about whether or not what I knew was right was actually right. Those debates constantly occur elsewhere. The point I'm trying to make is that I would do what I felt was best, no matter the consequences. Suffice to say I made myself a lot of enemies, though my good friends stayed true to our friendship.

After I left school, I still managed to get myself into many other leadership positions, culminating in my election as President of the Students Association in my university. The thing is; when I look back on all my leadership roles after I left school, I find that I tend to move towards a more diplomatic form of leadership. When previously I would revel in confrontation, now I tend to avoid confrontation and find alternative methods of dealing with an issue. When previously I lost more friends than I made, now I make more than I lose. It makes me sometimes question whether or not some of my leadership decisions have been neutered as much as my fighting spirit. I'm used to having my leadership positions challenged. Now I find that not many challenge my capabilities. Lack of conflict, although usually sought, ultimately leads to complacency. Lack of need to engage in conflict leads to a dulling of one's capabilities. Take the example of a tiger caged in the zoo. If this tiger is immediately released in the wild, it's chances of survival are surprisingly low. Put it in a cage with a tiger straight from the wild; the zoo tiger would be easily mauled.

There have been many instances recently where I have let go of doing what I wanted to do in place of what was presented to be the best action for the "common good". Sometimes I find myself questioning this "common good". Shouldn't I just do what I used to? Push forward with what I want to do even if it is not the most acceptable move for certain people? Instead I try to avoid conflict by compromising. By avoiding from being seen as selfish. Why should I care what the "common good" is? What makes the "common good" the most suitable and appropriate option? Maybe what is best for me would prove to be greater than the "common good".

I am not one to claim loyalty to anyone or any organisation; save of course God and family. I've never been a good follower. Whenever I was involved in something, I had to go for the top purely because of the usually clear fact that if I wanted something done best, I would have to do it myself. Yet in the wider political climate, I find myself following. Following what I don't necessarily agree with. Making decisions for the sake of preserving that which I am a member of rather than making decisions for the sake of what I feel is most appropriate for me and everything else. Countless times have I been left disappointed by incompetent leadership. Countless times have I submitted to decisions which I know true well are wrong. Yet, I continue to help those which lead for the perceived "common good".

Which brings me back to the question: am I being too soft? Should I continue with the pursuit of the "common good"? Or, should I pursue what I used to pursue; that which I foresee to have greater benefits to myself and everything else in addition to attracting conflict and suspicion? What a leadership dilemma to start the year with!

One thing is for certain. I have been too soft. I have been yielding when I wouldn't previously have. I'm not a follower or minion. I'm not even good at pretending to be one. I am who I am. Me, myself and I. I can't back down, even if it means being the one that is hated. History has proven my actions to always end up being right (like I said, I'm not into debating whether or not what I perceive as right is actually right in this forum). What am I afraid of? Conflict? Maybe because it's been so long since I have gone against the norm. A long time since I have severed long-term alliances which stood in my way. Long since I rebelled against the "establishment". Nevertheless, too much rubbish has been going on in certain things I am involved in. It's a new year. Time to clean out the house and empty the trash...

Omega and Alpha...

What a year it's been! Yes, I know the title should be the other way around. But since a year ends before another begins, this one is more apt. It's past very quickly this year. Yet, so much has occured that when I look back, I marvel at the way so many intertwining things came together to make a fascinating year. Let's have a rundown of some highlights of the year:

• Made quite a number of new friends
• Travelled to Victoria, New South Wales and Canberra
• Experienced the many joys of Max Brenner's chocolate in Melbourne and Sydney while at the same time discovering the Chocolate Bean in Adelaide
• Watched the NLC degrade into a game of appalling numbers and ignorance
• Strengthened my faction, ONE and won a second consecutive election with amazing ease and a monstrous margin, leading to my re-election as President of the Students Association and winning a majority on Council
• Obtained the NUS SA State Presidency for a colleague
• Enjoyed a comfortable year as President
• Watched the Federal Government utilise their majority in the Senate to finally introduce VSU
• Watched the NUS fail yet again
• Seen friendships used for the sake of political and ideological purposes
• Did well in studies considering I was President at the same time requiring a lot of effort
• Observed the election of a new Pope
• Started blogging
• Came back to Malaysia after 2 years
• Watched Chelsea win their first English Premiership after 50 years and on course for a second in a row
• Read fantastic books including the Da Vinci Code, Life of Pi and the final books in the Left Behind series
• All in all, a wonderful year

Ok, so I can't possibly note down everything that happened. Nevertheless, these come to mind as I reminisce of the past year. Can this year ahead bring more wonders and joy? Surely it can! It just depends on the way you look at things. Is the glass half empty or half full?

There's much to look forward to. It's my final year as well. It's also a World Cup year! How I miss those times I used to sit in front of the TV the whole day and watch as many matches as I could before I dozed off. opefully I'll get a chance to go to WA for the NLC Annual Conference as well.

Isn't it fun imagining the possibilities of a new year? It's like opening a new book and reading the first chapter. What lies ahead? The days pass by like pages turning. The last book I read was very good. Hopefully this new one is a best seller! Happy New Year 2006!!!