Trying January

Started: 00:20 hours (GMT+8)
Posted: 00: 51 hours (GMT+8)

Hello Ruby!

Time to get serious.

Get off your blog and go study. No computer time unless you’re done and not too much even if you are.

3 academic weeks left and 1 week of exams.

You’re almost at the end, don’t screw up now.

Do your best!

Have a nice day! :)

- Myself

* * * * *

I had to do that to remind myself of my top priority now. Call me weird but I have my own way of doing things.

A note to everyone:

- Please note that I will not be on MSN/busy status will always be on unless I’m done with my work.

- Facebook? Only to accept friend requests, read messages or feed my pet. No Superpoking or other pointless time-consuming applications.

- I doubt I will go out unless I feel I have some time to spare. I will be very selective of my outings so please try to understand. I’d be nuts to declare I’m not going out at all because I know I need to relax too or I’d die from the stress.

To my classmates: If you need my help feel free to call or message me on my phone anytime. I will always be available. However, if you waste my time by not putting in any effort, I will fucking disown you as a friend after graduation (that’s the worst damage I can do since I’ve yet to learn how to drive).

To my closer friends (you know who you are): I’ll still do my best to fulfill my duty as a friend. Call me whenever. I’ll always be there for you.

To my family: Don’t eat my chocolate. It’s meant to keep me awake.

* * * * *

Wow, it almost looks like I wrote some will or suicide note, heh.

Well, ABSOLUTELY no more blogging until I’m done with January. Writing consumes a larger amount of time than people realise.

Good luck to all my classmates for this coming month!

Outlook for 2007

Posted: 12:23 hours (GMT+8)
Ripped this from the Cute Horoscopes application in Facebook.

Outlook for 2007

In spite of all, you will have to cope with crushing problems. Don’t get angry and impatient. Learn to recognize that problems are something naturally inescapable and that living is nothing else than trying to solve such problems. The better you succeed in solving your problems, the happier you are; and the more you let yourself be dominated by them, the more unhappy you are. Therefore, do not complain about the existence of problems. Be always ready and geared up to brave them.

Huh, it has to take an astrologer to tell me something this important. I’ll take note to remember it.

Remember the name

Posted: 01:44 hours (GMT+8)

People know I have a habit of blog-hopping. Today I came across this blog about true crime through a link on author Max Barry’s blog.

My attention was brought to this story, where they profiled the victims of a cold-blooded mall shooting in Omaha, Nebraska (USA).

It struck me again, the simple psychology used by the media. You could call this one of the oldest tricks in the book.

When you want your audience to care, give them a character to relate to. People care more if they have a name, face or personality to connect the story to.

Friendship - Quells violent tendencies

Posted: 21:31 hours (GMT+8)

My brother told me that friends are hard to find. I agree.

However, that doesn’t change the fact that I sometimes feel like knocking the block off some of them.

People can be damn insensitive sometimes.

Edit: Even me sometimes. I don’t really want to find out who feels like beating the crap out of me for the things I’ve said.

There’s no nice way to put it

After hearing its title being mentioned frequently, I grew immensely curious about the song “Crank That (Soulja Boy)” by Soulja Boy and searched for the video.

Waste of my time.

It’s a lousy excuse for hip hop music and I can’t get that stupid dance out of my head now.

I guess it’s so popular due to its catchy tune. That and the fact half-drunk people in the club don’t really care much about lyrics.

If you hear anyone requesting it, be prepared to filter it out if you want to enjoy your night.

This makes it to my list of “songs that I hate but the mass like it for some odd reason”.

If I had the energy I’d be celebrating

Posted: 02:10 hours (GMT+8)

FINALLY DONE WITH MY FINAL YEAR PROJECT!!!

Hmm, that doesn’t sound quite right, let me try that again.

DONE WITH FYP!!!

Nope.

DONE WITH MY LIFE-SUCKING PROJECT!!!

Almost, but not quite there yet.

I CAN GO BACK TO HAVING NO LIFE!!!

There we go.

…I am so tired.

* * * * *

I met up with Strawberry and Lime to watched the movie Alvin and the Chipmunks. It was very cute and light-hearted. I’d say it’s a must for anyone who likes the original animated series. I’d really like to get the movie soundtrack.

The guy who plays Ian Hawke was great. He looks kind of familiar… I think I saw him on Just Shoot Me as Elliot’s brother. A quick check on IMDb shows that he indeed is the same guy. Hey cool, I didn’t realise he also acted in Arrested Development, another series I enjoy. Well, that’s good acting for you.

If you smiled more

Posted: 22:26 hours (GMT+8)

Came across this randomly.

Sucks that WordPress doesn’t allow me to embed it here.

Waiting for time to change things

Posted: 02:37 hours (GMT+8)

It’s finally hit me that I’m alone. I’m in charge of this empty house. Empty because the maid and my grandmother don’t really count and I actually have to keep tabs on my sister, who has a habit of coming home late, so I hardly see her.

Emergency phone numbers, a messily-written note, spare cash and my common sense are my supplies for the next couple of weeks.

I really hope nothing needs my attention urgently. I’m limiting the amount of time I spend outside. At least my father is allowing me to stay out overnight for an upcoming event. The last time I stayed out past midnight, it wasn’t pretty when I got home.

I really want to use the rest of my holidays to study. Time is running short and I know I have a lot to do just to get a passing grade.

I don’t know what will happen next year but this year has been extremely unpredictable, as is usually the case. I’m looking forward to it. Chinese New Year especially will mark a new start and perhaps I’ll be brought one step closer to finding my path.

On an unrelated note, an unexpected phone call today brightened up my day a bit. Too bad I wasn’t awake enough to make full use of it. It’s nice to know that I cross someone’s mind, even if it’s spurred by boredom.

How thoughtful of them

Posted: 02:21 hours (GMT+8)

Christmas is approaching. ‘Tis the season of giving, so here’s a tip that may save you some trouble in future.

This being a holiday/special occasion and all, be careful of emails with links to virtual greeting cards, even if it’s from someone you know.

You should be suspicious if the link you’re clicking:

- ends with “.exe”
- asks you download something
- requires your personal information on their website

A couple of useful sites to read up on email scams and hoaxes:
Truth Or Fiction
Hoax-Slayer

You will most probably receive emails warning you about viruses with Christmas-related names (example here). When in doubt, don’t forward it. Let your friends use their common sense and a search engine to figure things out for themselves.

It helps to be a little paranoid sometimes, really.

* * * * *

Recently received this so thought I’d mention the warning about Flip Flops from China causing a skin reaction is true. Updates on the situation can be found at the originator’s website. However, I can’t be sure what the actual cause is, whether it is chemicals or allergies that affects individuals only. Not taking the risk though… She did mention that she’s not allergic to rubber or latex.

I can’t believe they told her to call the manufacturers in CHINA.

“You Are Blocked” MSN virus/scam

Posted: 05:15 hours (GMT+8)

Virus alert. Someone on my friendslist fell for the scam. Assuming there are only 6 degrees of separation… Thought I’d write something up really quick before someone else I know falls victim. I’m up this late because I was doing my Final Year Project.