(Ice-crystal halo)

Lucky sight. Happened during my field trip to Goat Island. Not a spectacular one though. And no... there are no goats on the island. :(

(Suburban)

-by Musa 08'-

Street-balling under the noon sun.

As dark clouds loomed blocking out Sun rays, I know the final hour approaches..
In Auckland, normally there would be no fear of getting drenched in a heavy downpour. Light showers along with soft breeze are probably the worst you would get.

...I spoke too soon. Crap! :(

A week to go till my semester ends. Two papers down, another two coming up and both fall on the very last day. That's something to worry about but for now; I have got a few hours to spare so why not temporarily shove that thought out of the gloom to look at the days AFTER the exam!

I'll be heading down to Wellington for the Winter Games right after my final paper which ends at 5.30pm. My flight would be at 9.30pm. It's food for thought on how flight prices differ for late minute customers. My friends got their ticket about a month ago which cost NZ39 ONLY. When I book it only a few days back, it would only cost NZ66 if I were to take the 7.30pm flight. But due to several obvious reasons why I can't take that flight, I paid NZ93 and it is only a one-way ticket. That's a mouthful! :( Oh well, I hope the funds raised by Petunia, AUSA and NSC would sufficiently cover the cost. I'd be taking the train back. It's a special Scenic train called the Overlander which "chooo-chooo" through the countryside where roads travelled would not normally take you there. Surprisingly, it costs more than a RETURN flight ticket. :( My friend was saying "Have I not ride on a train before?" I told him this was a once in a lifetime ticket and it'd be worth it. He agreed to accompany me. Sure good scenic view through farmlands and over and across hilly areas.. its 12 hours long! On the lighter side, it's a once in a lifetime train ride. If you asked me when was the last time I took a train, I would not have an answer for you...

A more recent event.. I have just moved to a new room last Friday (20th of June 2008). It probably marks a NEW beginning. :) Took me a span of 7 hours to shift everything out and up with a help of a friend (Tuan). That includes moving the heavy tables and unpacked boxes, and rearranging them in a similar style (one that Wenn set up in my previous room). My friend and I shifted one after another with the help of two roller chairs as our push-cart. A gazillion times in and out the elevator! We left for dinner as the BIG stuffs are all arranged. He offered to help me with the rest but I declined. Dinner was on me in order to show my gratitude but it wouldn't fair up to the same amount I know because I have wasted half a day of his study period. Ooops..thanks alot seriously :( I got back to my room after dinner to find that there is still so much to do and to sum everything up took the rest of my night. The tinier bit is, as far as I would tell you, the most time consuming ones.

That's not all to it. Next morning I found out that the door lock works in the opposite way from the previous one (Hahh, I got lock OUT without breakfast). I had to wait an hour or so for the lazy reception lady to hand me the spare key. My apartment really has some stupid policy. Everything's about money to them but luckily I wasn't charge for that. Later then, I vacuumed the room and did laundry as well as super glued hooks to the walls and change the bed sheet. There there.. another wasted half a day but it's all good. I can finally rest peacefully in a room I call mine.

I have mentioned the new room is similar to that of my previous one, arranged in a similar way as well so I don't feel any difference until I open my window! My room is seated at the same horizontal height to my old room (In maths: Along the Y-axis), only its 3 floors higher. That must mean a higher view (YES.. not so good for those acrophobic (Wiki) people), a better all around view (YES.. but pity the condensation drops are always fogging out windows), cooler (I feel so), and perhaps noisier?

That's a change.

All's interesting and exciting. Sometimes I think I complain too much. I'm only allowed 3 (or 4) years here at most. I've learned that I can't just whine over what have been granted to you. Instead I have learned to appreciate all that matters. Life here is not as boring as I constantly brag about.. heh (A change?). But Malaysia is still my core and I would say nothing beats that (Nahhh..).

Today's quote snubs bread with butter and jam and tells you I have changed to...

"Everyday is a Nutella day" (Naomi).

Have a good day.

Jersey for the WinterGames.

They misspelt my name. :(

Superstardome.

This would make a good wallpaper.

Dinner yesterday cost a bomb. A real bomb. Prices for the main course on the menu were all above 30NzD. I had a hard time choosing the RIGHT dish for this once in a blue moon fancy restaurant dining. Again, it was Kenneth's Birthday (Real date this time) at Lone Star. Good stuff.. For starter, we ordered a small loaf of Garlic Bread (7NzD). I finally decided on "Cajun Chicken". On the table were four different dishes, my chicken, Pork Ribs, Steak and Lamb Leg I think. Big portions. The best has to be the Pork Ribs. How they were served, they stacked around 12 ribs vertically like "UNO Stacko" or classic "Jengga", smoothen with honey sweetened sauce and some other secret recipe. So "ton-gue-tantalizing". Cosy atmosphere. There were hot waiters, hotter waitresses. Good atmosphere for a date. Real pricey, elegantly suited. Fortunately, we have some coupons which offers "Buy One Free One". The total cost on the Menu was divided by 2. Lucky!

The last week of the semester. Woohoo..! Unfortunately, this means that exams aren't too far away, which is not so good. :( The pressure is ON! The countdown begins.

A quote from Jit~ "When you want it most, there's no easy way out."

Hardwork with no regrets.

It was about a month ago I caught Jars of Clay performing live at the Aotea Center. Before they got on stage, there were a few random artists who went up to show off their jigs. Yes, jigs. There was this guy who strummed his way through on his acoustic guitar promoting a few songs from his new album. He played some good country songs. He is Luke Thompson, New Zealand's featured artist. Heard of him?

Check his songs out at his site (On autoplay mode):

http://www.lukethompsonmusic.com/

And this, "Say You'll Stay" by him is good.