A very Merry Christmas to you all.
I just realised that this has been a very peculiar Christmas period. This Christmas, I've received the least amount of presents since I can remember. And yet, it's also been one of the best Christmas periods I can remember.
The lead-in has been quite awesome, bar a few pangs of loneliness. Kris Kringle on the 17th, and Chen's party last night were a great way to catch up with friends just before today, and were a near-perfect buildup. And for the first time ever, I think I may be properly infatuated. This feels like a culmination of a year, but I'll save that for a more appropriate time.
Today was wonderful as well. After having a lunch of stir-fried Nissin noodles, the Huang family went on a trip to the Melbourne Aquarium and had afternoon tea in the city, then dinner with grandparents as well.
What has become apparent this year, and sort of maybe signals my somewhat maturing, is that friends and family mean so much more to me than 'getting' anything in particular. In fact, I've found that I've derived more joy from giving things to people, and I think I always have. That's not to say that I'm not grateful for the presents that I get. I love the fact that people care enough about me to get something special for me (guitar, and funny little keyring thing, from parents and sister.) It's amazing when you get something that you want/need/like and didn't ask for. I'm a big fan of presents that don't really do anything, but remind me of the person that gave them to me. Wearable things of this ilk take some beating.
But yes. I think I like seeing the smile I elicit from someone when I give them something they like or appreciate.
Family and good friends make this a special time, though. I believe that gifts, and even the giving of gifts, adds gloss to this time. It's like the icing sugar on the funny ninja star windmill pastry things that my mother makes (incidentally, if you haven't had one, let me know, and I'll hook you up. According to those that have had one, or several, or millions, they're quite good, and I think I agree with them). Presents are not essential, but it does give an otherwise great day a certain zing.
Hope you've had as much fun, and experienced as much joy and happiness as I have today.
Word of the Day: Christmas 2009
Showing posts with label joy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label joy. Show all posts
Friday, 25 December 2009
Friday, 12 September 2008
Joy
What an explosive three weeks it has been. Huge. Absolutely epic. Let me take you back to the start of this horror three week period.
I had a three thousand word essay due, a macro mid-sem test, and an International Studies presentation to set up, and prepare for my clarinet exam. All in the one week. So basically, I stayed up until 1 o'clock every night from Sunday through to Tuesday night piecing together what should have been a very straightforward essay for biz law. The reason why it was unneccesarily complicated was because my partner was supposed to have written half. It turns out that not only did she not contribute any opinions, she also was unable to do her half because she had a mid-sem test, which the rest of us do not have. And the strange thing is, I still cannot figure out what she's busy doing, since Victor has informed me that she doesn't do her Accounting homework either. The macro mid-sem went surprisingly well, given that I hardly did any study. I ended up getting 28/40, which I thought was alright, because it makes up 20%, so it's really 14/20. That sounds much better. International studies presentation preparation was just that, except lacking the preparation. I thought I was bad, because I'd only done the speech and not the powerpoint slides like we had agreed on. End result was I was ahead of the whole group because I had done my speech, and they hadn't done anything. Not surprisingly, I completely screwed up my clarinet exam on Saturday, seeing as I hadn't practiced for pretty much the whole week, and owing to the fact that I'm a dud.
Week 2 was a blast. Tuesday was my International Studies presentation. I think I might have dragged the whole team down, because I take my speeches too casually. However, I think I may have dominated the individual mark, because I answered about 95% of the questions directed at us with my trademark witty/cutting/sarcastic/not funny humour, mixed in with some real information and puffery. And one of my group members, Steph, informed me that someone gave me a 10 out of 10 for individual effort, so I hope that's the average mark they all give me. Which brings me to one of the good points of group assignments: making new friends, like aforementioned group member. In that same tute, I also got my last essay back with an A written on the back. Naturally, I was stoked. Until I read the name up the top of the marking sheet. It said Joanna. I almost died of disappointment, because I knew my name wasn't Joanna. I informed my tutor, who told me that I got 'approximately' the same mark as Joanna. Whoever she is. Later, she emailed me (the tutor, that is) and told me I got B++. Which is not the same as A, whatever she might say. B++, in case you're wondering, because I have no idea why they use A's and B's, is 75 - 79.
After those two action-packed weeks, I thought I was going to get some respite. But, as with most bad things in life, work never ends. I now have two assignments due next week. And to compound my misery, I found out that next week is in fact not the last week of term, and that everyone had been misleading me when they told me we had two weeks of break. The week after the essays, I have another macro test. The joys that life brings.
Word of the day: Disappoinment
I had a three thousand word essay due, a macro mid-sem test, and an International Studies presentation to set up, and prepare for my clarinet exam. All in the one week. So basically, I stayed up until 1 o'clock every night from Sunday through to Tuesday night piecing together what should have been a very straightforward essay for biz law. The reason why it was unneccesarily complicated was because my partner was supposed to have written half. It turns out that not only did she not contribute any opinions, she also was unable to do her half because she had a mid-sem test, which the rest of us do not have. And the strange thing is, I still cannot figure out what she's busy doing, since Victor has informed me that she doesn't do her Accounting homework either. The macro mid-sem went surprisingly well, given that I hardly did any study. I ended up getting 28/40, which I thought was alright, because it makes up 20%, so it's really 14/20. That sounds much better. International studies presentation preparation was just that, except lacking the preparation. I thought I was bad, because I'd only done the speech and not the powerpoint slides like we had agreed on. End result was I was ahead of the whole group because I had done my speech, and they hadn't done anything. Not surprisingly, I completely screwed up my clarinet exam on Saturday, seeing as I hadn't practiced for pretty much the whole week, and owing to the fact that I'm a dud.
Week 2 was a blast. Tuesday was my International Studies presentation. I think I might have dragged the whole team down, because I take my speeches too casually. However, I think I may have dominated the individual mark, because I answered about 95% of the questions directed at us with my trademark witty/cutting/sarcastic/not funny humour, mixed in with some real information and puffery. And one of my group members, Steph, informed me that someone gave me a 10 out of 10 for individual effort, so I hope that's the average mark they all give me. Which brings me to one of the good points of group assignments: making new friends, like aforementioned group member. In that same tute, I also got my last essay back with an A written on the back. Naturally, I was stoked. Until I read the name up the top of the marking sheet. It said Joanna. I almost died of disappointment, because I knew my name wasn't Joanna. I informed my tutor, who told me that I got 'approximately' the same mark as Joanna. Whoever she is. Later, she emailed me (the tutor, that is) and told me I got B++. Which is not the same as A, whatever she might say. B++, in case you're wondering, because I have no idea why they use A's and B's, is 75 - 79.
After those two action-packed weeks, I thought I was going to get some respite. But, as with most bad things in life, work never ends. I now have two assignments due next week. And to compound my misery, I found out that next week is in fact not the last week of term, and that everyone had been misleading me when they told me we had two weeks of break. The week after the essays, I have another macro test. The joys that life brings.
Word of the day: Disappoinment
Saturday, 27 October 2007
Memories of joy, pain, and bad jokes
Time stops for no man. Or woman. Fate, it seems, has caught up with us. The day that seemed so far away in year 9, or even at the start of this year, 2007, has finally caught up with all of us. Thursday was our last day of high school. Ever. The last time we would ever be dismissed by our teachers. The last time that teachers would glare at me reproachfully. The last time 'SAC' and 'fail' will ever be used in the same sentence. The last time that I'll have so many friends around me again. The almost-last time that we wait for the 3:20 bell with bated breath. I'm gonna miss all those things. Even the 'SAC' and 'fail' in the same sentence.
When Marc (I think) played Go the Distance (that Hercules song we sang in Year 10) on the piano, I almost cried. Almost. Music speaks to the soul, man, and right then, my soul was in torment. On the one hand, I couldn't wait to get out of there, the scene of my every failure. On the other hand, I couldn't bear to leave the place where I had actually felt that I belonged for the first time in my life. I think this calls for a summary of my years at the Castle on the Hill, Melbourne High School.
Year 9:
Man, I was the biggest dweeb back then. I was so lost. I had no clue where to go, what to think, what to do, who to talk to. But I got by. Somehow. I think I knew how to spell everything except "funny" and "cool". Not that I'm either of them at the present moment. But far out. I've improved, I think. So anyway, people that I met:
Some highlights of the year:
Year 10:
10J was the form, O'Reilly was the teacher. Worst. Teacher. Ever. Ms "fix up your handwriting when mine's the worst handwriting ever." Also gave me my first and last detention at MHS. That aside, this is where it really took off. I met so many new people that I won't even bother dot pointing them. I know I'll miss someone, so if I do, just give me a shout and I'll try to rectify the situation. So I met: Alexei, David Lee, Garyn T, Il Joong, Jimmy Luu, Simon, Kong, Ron Shell (best day of my life according to said person). That is all I can remember. So maybe it didn't take off after all.
Highlights:
Seriously, this is where it really took off. This was probably the worst year, academically and pyschologically. I never felt comfortable. The whole year was like sitting on a hedgehog with blunt spikes. People that I met: Jack Liang (even though he doesn't do me the courtesy of acknowledging it on his blog - the hate is felt mutually), Simond (lol blogger says that's a typo), Meng (funny guy), Botros (crazy laugh), Victor Chiu, Ken, FinnDo, Josh (I think). That is all I remember. Again, if you're not listed, I either intensely dislike you, or I've forgotten and I really love you. You pick. If it's the latter, I apologise and will try to fix it up.
Highlights:
Year 12
Simultaneously the worst and best year ever. God, I had massive amounts of fun and work as well. People that I met include our resident man for all seasons, Isaac, Victor Yiu (someone who actually said football instead of soccer), Brendan Hong (possible co-dux), Chantapon (kept me entertained during methods), reaffirmed acquaintance with Eugene, Ognalla (this year or last? I forget), Michael Tran, Denny, Anh (funny girl), Loke (fob Australian), and that is all I can remember.
Highlights:
A tool of a conductor. Compare to Yarra:
It seems lacking in vibrancy and delicacy, no? All power and no touch. Which reaffirms my belief that we deserved to win.
A great four years at Melbourne High. I think I'm gonna start truly missing it after exams. Friendships, anti-friendships, it's been great. Be comfortable in the knowledge that if you are mentioned here, you're a great person. I generally don't hang out with bad people. I don't think I do anyway. I learned one very important thing among others. Don't go chasing respect or care from others that won't give it to you. It'll only hurt you. I hope I have made a good difference to the lives of the people that I have met these past four years, and hope you all get the 99+ ENTER you deserve. Until next time, peace out.
When Marc (I think) played Go the Distance (that Hercules song we sang in Year 10) on the piano, I almost cried. Almost. Music speaks to the soul, man, and right then, my soul was in torment. On the one hand, I couldn't wait to get out of there, the scene of my every failure. On the other hand, I couldn't bear to leave the place where I had actually felt that I belonged for the first time in my life. I think this calls for a summary of my years at the Castle on the Hill, Melbourne High School.
Year 9:
Man, I was the biggest dweeb back then. I was so lost. I had no clue where to go, what to think, what to do, who to talk to. But I got by. Somehow. I think I knew how to spell everything except "funny" and "cool". Not that I'm either of them at the present moment. But far out. I've improved, I think. So anyway, people that I met:
- First person, Steven Tu. Great mate, still is.
- James Cheng, ditto.
- Orrin, the guy who looks like a serial killer, but really, he couldn't even be a cereal killer. Torres is the worst, by the way.
- Kishara, taught me that bendiness in fingers is pretty disgusting. I won't even try his last name.
- Ben Niles, thought he was African, I mean, come on, he's that black, and his name isn't exactly unAfrican.
- Jinn Kan, didn't understand why he has so many Ns, and I still don't. Thought he was a gangsta, until he talked. Please don't kill me.
- Pramuk, resident black guy who's not Ben Niles. Great kid.
- Ivor, the empitome of violence. Not really. Just seems that way cos he's unco and left-handed.
- Gary Zhang, super-dux.
- Flanno. I never knew someone could be so dedicated to a cause.
- James "Purple Dinosaur" Banh, train line buddies since year 9, even though I've only been in one of his classes ever.
- Nigel (I think), another train buddy of Asian descent.
- James Brown. I like his name.
- Chiu twins. No comment.
Some highlights of the year:
- Camp. Was freaking stupid. Almost froze to death. Loved every moment.
- The trip to Sydney. Highly entertaining meeting and talking to Sydney people.
- That is all I can remember.
- Losing the Cockhouse. This would be the last time.
- The lonely hours.
- Lack of iPod. I don't know how I managed.
Year 10:
10J was the form, O'Reilly was the teacher. Worst. Teacher. Ever. Ms "fix up your handwriting when mine's the worst handwriting ever." Also gave me my first and last detention at MHS. That aside, this is where it really took off. I met so many new people that I won't even bother dot pointing them. I know I'll miss someone, so if I do, just give me a shout and I'll try to rectify the situation. So I met: Alexei, David Lee, Garyn T, Il Joong, Jimmy Luu, Simon, Kong, Ron Shell (best day of my life according to said person). That is all I can remember. So maybe it didn't take off after all.
Highlights:
- Actually winning the Cockhouse.
- Finding Tattam Band.
- Red Cross thing.
- Spraining ankle first night at camp. Fantastic.
- Community service and work experience. Man, that was...Tedious. I'll just say tedious, because me, being the noble person that I am, decided to do 22 hours of ComServe instead of the 20.
- Losing chorals again.
- Detention, which wasn't all that bad. It was more the reason that I got it. On hindsight, it was stupid. Playing calculator games. Me is cool.
- Social. I thought it would be awesome. Turned out it wasn't really my type of thing.
- My memory is really faulty. I can't remember anything else, even though I know I should.
Seriously, this is where it really took off. This was probably the worst year, academically and pyschologically. I never felt comfortable. The whole year was like sitting on a hedgehog with blunt spikes. People that I met: Jack Liang (even though he doesn't do me the courtesy of acknowledging it on his blog - the hate is felt mutually), Simond (lol blogger says that's a typo), Meng (funny guy), Botros (crazy laugh), Victor Chiu, Ken, FinnDo, Josh (I think). That is all I remember. Again, if you're not listed, I either intensely dislike you, or I've forgotten and I really love you. You pick. If it's the latter, I apologise and will try to fix it up.
Highlights:
- Cultural involvement was actually quite fun, especially the rugby bit.
- WORLD CUP!!! That was the best ride of my life, especially following the Australian adventure. That Grosso dive almost made me cry. It still does.
- Man, this is horrible, I can't remember any happy thoughts. Oh wait. One not exactly happy, but not depressing thought. We didn't come last in chorals.
- Coping, or not, with Year 11.
- Australia and the World Cup exit.
- Having Pask as form teacher. Scared every moment of form.
- Finding out that not all Sydney people were as nice as my host family back in Year 9. In fact, far from it.
Year 12
Simultaneously the worst and best year ever. God, I had massive amounts of fun and work as well. People that I met include our resident man for all seasons, Isaac, Victor Yiu (someone who actually said football instead of soccer), Brendan Hong (possible co-dux), Chantapon (kept me entertained during methods), reaffirmed acquaintance with Eugene, Ognalla (this year or last? I forget), Michael Tran, Denny, Anh (funny girl), Loke (fob Australian), and that is all I can remember.
Highlights:
- Winning chorals. I was instrumental (geddit) in our second placing in instrumentals. But, man, winning chorals. That sparked celebrations bigger than winning the world cup. I remember bouncing up and down in a massive crowd. That is all. And don't listen to all the other houses complaining how we shouldn't have won. See below, and bask in our obvious superiority:
A tool of a conductor. Compare to Yarra:
It seems lacking in vibrancy and delicacy, no? All power and no touch. Which reaffirms my belief that we deserved to win.
- Winning the Cockhouse for the third year running. Becoming a bit easy now.
- The Formal. That's right. With a capital F. First time that I had ever worn a suit. Thanks again to Anh for being a great date, and to all my friends who made it special.
- Picked up a habit of playing lunchtime soccer. It was great.
- The release of Harry Potter, although the actual book should go in lowlights.
- Oh mah gawd, like, man, you've got some Up-dog on your shirt. Best bad joke all year.
- Kelvin actually checking the back of his bag for Up-dog.
- Andrew Bolt wrote A Man for All Seasons, according to a person who's name starts with I and ends in C and has the letters 'saa' in the middle. No wonder the books so opinionated and conservative.
- Harry Potter and the horrible plot. Disappointed.
- Work. And more work.
- Getting into fights and arguments.
- Post-formal depression.
- Generally feeling blue randomly.
A great four years at Melbourne High. I think I'm gonna start truly missing it after exams. Friendships, anti-friendships, it's been great. Be comfortable in the knowledge that if you are mentioned here, you're a great person. I generally don't hang out with bad people. I don't think I do anyway. I learned one very important thing among others. Don't go chasing respect or care from others that won't give it to you. It'll only hurt you. I hope I have made a good difference to the lives of the people that I have met these past four years, and hope you all get the 99+ ENTER you deserve. Until next time, peace out.
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