roll roll roll with the punches!

If life tries to knock all the wind out of you.... just roll roll roll, roll with the punches:)

Dreams

Everyone dreams. Dreams can be varied, from becoming a doctor, or even just having a good meal with a bunch of people that really matter. Yet they are dreams nonetheless. No dream should be called absurd. No dream should be put down and disregarded, because they are the little things that make the roller-coaster ride that is Life, bearable. They are the motivation to keep going on, the reason why people grit their teeth and keep plugging on when the going gets tough. Attaining it, is the sweet sugary centre that you get at the end of a Sour Power Warhead. It is THE thing that keeps me waking up every day, looking forward to endless hours of school and work. So, no one should ever stop a person from dreaming, or disregard another person's dream.

Dream on!

I could really use a wish right now....

What'd you wish for if you had a wish right now?

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FOOD. Singaporean food. Whatever my heart desired. Thats not too much to ask now is it?

I hate thinking of a title. I think coming up with a blog title post is the most annoying and complex part. So, I'm just going to leave it blank, and maybe some kind soul may fill it in for me....

The monotony of life has started to set in. Its been slightly over a month since I got here, and the monotony of living alone, studying all day every day and cooking your own meals (eating is arguably the best part of my day -.-) is really hitting me full on. Gone is the novelty of going to Australia to study. Gone is the excitement of new things everywhere you go. Gone is the exhilaration at waking up to a new environment and natural air-conditioning (its autumn!). Yet every single time I feel like that, I just have to think how lucky I am to be able to be here and study the course of my own choosing. How I'm surrounded by amazing people that are so supportive and fun to be with. How my parents have encouraged and supported me in all possible ways to pursue what I want. And so, I will feel so much better. Life is still good after all.

Hahaha and so the title finally comes to me.... THANK YOU. Thats all I need to say.

Surfs Up Dudes

One less thing on my 'Things to do in Aussie" list. Surfing. It was really fun and great and all. First times are a bit... scary. Especially when the waves didn't look all that small? But surfing at Torquay Surf Beach was an amazing experience with an amazing view and amazing people, what more can I ask for?

A good and satisfying weekend spent... :D Check out the men in sexy tights yo!

MOOMBA

Moom--ba? A night of carnival games, good food, thrill rides, live music, waterski displays and of course, FIREWORKS! Spent time out with my wonderful cousin and her friends, roaming the banks of Yarra and the streets of Melbourne. Analysing winning strategies for seemingly simple but deceptively difficult carnival games was all part of the fun. And hey, we did win something (sadly not me).

More significantly, I met Australian Scouts at the event. Makes me think... do I want to carry on my Scouting journey here in Australia? There is just so much more potential for outdoor activities over here as compared to Singapore and its also a good way to get to know more like-minded, same-age people here in Australia. BPA anyone? :P

TGIF! (one day late, but its the same thing!)

Its the weekend! After a hectic (not so much actl) and terribly academic week, its time to unwind and relax. Discovering Rose Garden in Melbourne is pretty interesting (good food!) and its just soooo different being in the city versus in clayton. Hot Choc at Max Brenner. Makes me think about the godiva hot choc in Belgium OMG and that wonderfully thick and rich chocolate cake. Ahhhh good times!

Defying Gravity is now officially replaying itself incessantly inside my head. Literally like my brain is defying gravity. I want to watch musicals! Wicked just blew my mind. It sets the benchmark for all other musicals I'm going to watch, and I must say it is a pretty high standard to beat. Bring on your best shot.

Added 2 new posters to my room. Now it looks more like a uni student's room (please disregard the messy bed) :D Can't wait for DFO tomorrow and a sumptuous dinner. Food and Friends! nothing is better than that

Student again

Intense. No other word can describe the situation better. People here are nuts! (i think its the same at all med schools...) Or probably because they're the best of the best, the cream of the crop, and they've worked so damn hard to get into the course that they've salivated over since 11. Guess I really envy these young dudes, their drive and passion is impressive. And they've got tons and tons of stamina! You have nooooo idea what 2 years in army can do to you ARGH.

i hate camps

Never thought I'd ever say this, but I hate camps. I'm too old for camps. I'm too old to play lame games that have 'leadership principles, values and morals' behind them. I'm too old to have energy to last 3 days 2 nights of constant activity. Man I feel old!

Transition weekend camp at Philip Island was alright. Met a couple of people (mostly international students) and got in touch with my 'younger' side. Kind of reminds you of those school camps in the past where you play games and do lame stuff? After army, this kind of stuff just feels... different. However, I must acknowledge the commitment and determination that all the med students over here have. They're all bright, enthusiastic and committed individuals that are dedicated to pursuing medicine for their various reasons. Its definitely a very conducive environment to study in. Above that, they are also a creative and friendly bunch that never ceases to amaze me. Three cheers for my new coursemates!

And so, my journey begins. Hope everyone back home is well and having a good life. Skype me!

End of 'hols'

School is starting next monday. And today was the official introduction to the faculty and course proper. Its been aaaaages since i last stepped into a lecture hall and had a 2-hour talk/lecture where 40% is relevant and probably only 10% is remembered. Not forgetting the wonderful snoring sounds echoing from my left and right... It was kind of a wake-up call to get back to reality. Its time to snap out of my fantasy and into the reality of school. Being able to listen for 2 hours without falling asleep is a great relief, and hopefully i'll be able to remain like that for the rest of the 5 years.

Then, comes the best part of the past week, FREE FOOD. Good thing about O-week is seriously the immense variety and amount of free food available, if you make the effort to search for it! I swear I'm getting fat from all the 'junk' and oily food I've eaten the past week. Lunch, dinner, you name it they'll have it. There's even been pancakes for breakfast (with maple syrup and ICE CREAM). Its AWESOME!

Tomorrow I shall be embarking on a 'camp' to see penguins! Can't wait to see my course-mates and see another part of Melbourne. But I still have to pack for it........ Ahhhh after one more episode of Korean drama (I'm really THAT bored -.-)!

A night to remember

Last night was awesome. Awesome. Its not the activity that was important, but more of trying new things, getting to know more people and letting your hair down. (yes, i do have hair to let down now) Things have gotten better over the past few days, getting to know the other Singaporean med people and hanging out with them, chatting with my hall-mates and enjoying the multi-national and multi-cultural group that makes university all the more enjoyable. Being forced to interact with people from other countries is tough. The inevitable awkward silence that seems to last for eternity, punctuated by half-hearted attempts to break the silence and monosyllabic replies.. However, is still particularly rewarding when a conversation can be maintained for an entire bus trip. The invaluable insights into the various cultures makes all the hard work worthwhile.

Today, most of the clubs & societies put up booths. The immense variety available was just amazing, and it was really really tempting to just sign up for everything. Touch rugby (contact with the Aussies... not pretty), ultimate frisbee, dancing (salsa anybody?), guitar, etc. I seriously doubt I'll have enough time for everything, but I'll try. Not forgetting hall activities, international student association activities, faculty activities, and of course STUDYING. I guess the most important thing is to remember that I'm here first and foremost to STUDY.

Phrase for the day: Play hard, but study hard too!

And so it begins...

As so kindly suggested by guns, perhaps it'd be an excellent way to keep everyone back in sunny SG updated with all the nonsense i'm up to here in kangaroo land!

Well..., here goes.

Today is kind of my first OFFICIAL day independent in Aussie. And its really a huge mix of emotions and events all mashed together. Sorting out my hall room, getting to meet fellow first-years, taking part in hall activities, and basically listening in on the banter that goes around, it all feels pretty surreal. Well, uni up till now is just how I expected it to be. Booze, booze and more booze. Exactly like the movies. American pop culture to the max!

But well, beyond all that, its the same as everywhere actually. Its just a bunch of youngsters, brought out of our comfort zones, coming together as a melting-pot of backgrounds, personalities and cultures, and trying oh-so-very-hard to find our place in the world that is university halls. Everyone has their own way of coping with that stress, and well I've somehow forgotten how tiring and sometimes disappointing it is to be placed in a completely new environment, and compelled to make new friends. Hehehe I hate to admit it but I've forgotten how lucky I was back in SG, and even luckier to be here.

These are but early days, and things can only get better. Hope all you guys back in SG are having a blast, and please do talk to me anytime you're free! Its always great to hear from home.