Roadtrip Mischief
November 26, 2008
When Rob and I were on the roadtrip we had some “interesting” conversations along the way. I laugh thinking about them and so decided to share the laughter and weirdness. Me being the smartass that I am decided to test Rob’s patience with me. Here are some examples. Enjoy~
S: Are we there yet? 
R: No…
S: How about now?
R: No…
S: Now?
R: No….
S: NOW???
R: NO! 
S: Why not? Is it THAT far?
R: Honey….you knew this is going to take 6 hours..
S: Ok…
S: How far are we?
R: Honey….we’ve only been driving AN HOUR!!!
S: Oh ok….
*******************************************************
S: Ummm are we there yet?
R: No…
S: *sigh* Why not?
R: Cos it’s far away 
S: How far?
R: Ask me in another 5 hours
S: But I wanna know now
R: Eat your gummi bears
S: I did, see? *shows empty container* 
R: No kidding 
*******************************************************
S: How much farther? 
R: We still have a third of the way to go
S: We’ve been driving a long time!
R: Yeah…
S: Why does it take so long? 
R: Cos we keep stopping
S: Oh…then don’t stop so much
R: We stopped because you want to take pictures!
S: Oh…ok…then don’t stop for my pictures
R:
*******************************************************
Yes, that’s right. I’m that immature and weird. Yes, we are a couple of juvenile delinquents, but hey, we’re proud of it.
Rainbow pills
November 20, 2008
I finally caved in and went to the doctor’s yesterday. I came home with an array of coloured meds. My favourite is, of course, the pink ones.
Yes, these are the meds that make me feel floaty. They really knocked me out unconscious 15 minutes or so after taking them. In fact, the dose I took around noon is still making me feel light-headed, even after I fell asleep for an hour.
A throat infection is what I have. I practically lost my voice and hardly ate (for my size 
) in the last few days. Today I’m starting to get my appettite back and ate almost half of dinner, which is a good sign that I’m getting better.
Not only do I have a throat infection, I have been hit with the bloody curse, if you know what I mean. In addition to “battling” the worst sore throat EVER, I also have to deal with cramps, REALLY nasty cramps.
Oh what a fun week. Can’t wait to see what happens next week.
Sick
November 16, 2008
A VERY sore scratchy throat, stuffed up nose, pounding-between-the-eyes headache, stiff neck, aching body, feverish chills…
I’m wearing two t-shirts, socks and flannel bottoms. I’m still getting chills.
I just wanna crawl underneath the covers.
No updates anytime soon.
*Update Tuesday Nov 18*
Throat hurt so bad that I woke up at 5.30am, after going to bed around 2am (I know, I practically asked for it). I downed a painkiller and went back to sleep, only to be woken up by the stupid dog across the street that wouldn’t stop barking around 7am. As of right now, I’m on the verge of losing my voice now. *le sigh*
I just took a couple painkillers so that I can fall asleep tonight. At this rate, I forsee a visit to the doctor’s in the near future.
*Update over*
Thesis woes Part 2
November 12, 2008
I have been making some progress with editing and adding to the thesis. I must say I am rather impressed but at the same time I’m still weary about my performance. I just try to keep pushing myself.
Today, GASP OMG VOLUNTARILY I went to the library and spent almost 3 hours there. Yes, 3 FREAKING HOURS. Initially the plan was to go to the library to return some books and borrow a couple that I had already looked up the night before. But in the end I came home with 6 books.
WTH….I think I am turning into a geek. 
Oh Gaaaaaaawd.
Anyway, at the moment I’m TRYING to read a section of a book and after reading it just about 4-5 times I still get this look on my face. 
It’s mostly economic mumbo jumbo that I totally forgot about. I took an International Economics class during my Bachelor years but seriously, it’s been 4 years since that fateful semester. I don’t expect myself to remember that crap!
Allow me to give you an example:
Factor shares in output refer to the portions of the total output that are received, as compensation, by input factors…output elasticity is a technical term, measuring the percentage increase (or decrease) in output as a result of 1% increase (or decrease) in an input factor.
Ummm….whaaaaaaaaaaaat?
So as I sit here with this expression on my face 
, I am at a lost when it comes to these economic jargons. Anybody out there who’s an economics theory whizz of sorts willing to help out a clueless, confused, innocent *COUGH* soul?
Today
November 8, 2008
Today started out like any other day. I woke up in haze and stumbled to the bathroom to wash up. As I wake up slowly from the cold water in my face, I realised something. Today, twenty six years ago I was brought into this world. I checked my phone and found several unread messages, from friends and family wishing me well. I thank you all.
This past year has been such a test for me. Going through a rollercoaster of emotions, I’ve learned a few things.
I have said this time and time again but I have no idea why I keep repeating my mistakes. I don’t know why I put myself in such a vulnerable position for disappointment and sometimes hurt. I learned (once again) that some people really aren’t worth my time or effort. I learned that even though I try not to judge people, they so easily judge me anyway. I learned that being nice doesn’t always pay and in my case, it hasn’t paid in a while.
I learned that even though my mouth may say the meanest things to and about some people, I know deep in my heart I do not mean it. At times I resent myself because I get so pissed off that I can not be mean or nasty to the people who mistreat me. I’m not saying I’m an angel and I’m oh-so-nice. It’s kinda like wanting so bad to run that dumb motorcyclist over because he/she is doing 20km/h in the middle of the road but knowing damn well I wouldn’t do it.
I learned failure the hard way. Not graduating this year was one of the hardest things I had to endure. Not only did it affect my confidence, it affected me emotionally and spiritually as a whole. At the same time I learned how to get up on my own. I learned that I can be strong after all. I learned that I am not a quitter.
On a lighter side, I learned that chicken, when steamed, tastes so much better when there are some ginger. It tastes even better with ginger AND garlic.
I learned that no matter what, my love for Rob will never change. I learned that our love grows stronger with each bump we face in our relationship journey. I realized just how much stronger our love is after my return from Chicago. I realized that it doesn’t matter where we “end up” one day because what matters most is that we’re together. I learned that love conquers all, as cliche as it sounds, it is true, at least for me.
I learned that I have already started my journey down cynicism. I am no longer that interested in celebrating my birthday, not because I fear getting old or anything like that. It’s because if you think about it, it’s really not at all that important. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate the wishes and dinners. It’s nice to know that I am in the minds of people. What I’m trying to say is, I no longer take my birthday as a special day that needs celebrating. I don’t feel the need to have all my “friends” remember my birthday. I don’t feel the need to make a list of who remembered or who forgotten. In other parts of the world, it’s just an ordinary day and for those who are unfortunate, it’s a day of death.
I am thankful, however, to be able to say that today I lived for 26 years. As I am about to continue my journey to the second quarter century of my life, I have learnt many things with regards to this life.
Today, I turn 26. Today, after all that I learned this year, I am still looking for my purpose.
Anderson Japanese Garden @ Rockford, Illinois
November 5, 2008
*Many pictures again. Go grab yourself a snack and come back*
Rockford is about 90 minutes drive from where Rob lives. We spent about 3 days there sightseeing and a *little* shopping. Heh.
The first time I visited Rob I was already interested in visiting the Anderson Japanese Garden (AJG) but they weren’t open during the winter time. Since it was on the way back from MOA, we decided to stop by Rockford so I could visit the garden.
Entrance fee was USD7 per person but Rob, again, scored cheap entrance tickets from the radio shopping channel. I think it was USD5 for two. Isn’t he DA MAN?
Sticker as proof of purchase of entrance tickets
The first thing that greeted me at AJG was this little squirrel. It was just staring at us while we walked by. I stopped to take a picture but it ran and hid among some bushes.
I suppose the whole reason I wanted to go to this garden (and many other gardens/parks at that) was to take tons and tons of pictures. Not that I’m a pro or anything but I’m pretty sure by now you guys probably know I have a soft spot for some version of photography, whatever you call mine. HEH
There was a gate to go through to enter the main compound of the garden. So what did we do?
Yes, we camwhored.
The weather was almost perfect for a day at AJG. The sun was out and the skies were blue, which really makes a difference when taking pictures.
Camwhoring again
This is the zig-zag bridge. By my calculations there were about 8 segment of bridges which I suspect to be correct since the number 8 has the prosperity meaning to it in Asian culture.
I love the Weeping Willow tree.
Koi swimming towards me for food. Too bad I didn’t bring food with me.
Garden of Reflection
South Gate – entrance to the Guest House
This is the Raked Gravel Garden. The sand is actually hand-raked so visitors aren’t allowed to walk on it.
Main bridge
Pond Strolling Garden
I saw this cute duck swimming in the pond so I figured I would snap a few pictures of it.
Then it swam away from me.
That BASTARD!!!
Pretty butterfly
Posing at the main bridge
Me bugging Rob while he was trying to snap a picture
The thing I was looking forward to the most at AJG was the waterfall. I had seen pictures of it from their website and it was absolutely beautiful. I wanted to take a picture of it myself!
I quite like this next picture. I got lucky in capturing the koi fishes in the picture, considering the fishes were just swimming around, minding their own business.
Remember I said the sun was out?
Imagine the damage I could’ve done had I owned an SLR. Always wanted one but it’s a bit too expensive for me at the moment, being unemployed and all. But I have vowed to myself that once I get a job that pays well, and I am financially stable, I shall purchased one and go CRAZY.
I end this post with my favourite shot from AJG. I love the colour combination, with the lush greens, orange leaves and just the feeling of serenity I get by just looking at the picture. I close my eyes and I can almost hear the water splashing.
TA DA!
AJG is such a peaceful place. I think it’s a great place to unwind and relax, and even meditate if you wish.
I could almost feel the energy and grace that exudes in this tranquil place…
The sounds of trickling water drawing one deeper into relaxation…
The breeze that blows in one’s face, calming one’s nerves…
……….
……….
……….
That is, until Rob and I come along giggling and laughing, and making fun of each other. Then, all the peace and serenity is just…well…GONE.
It then becomes just another playground for us.
Sorry for the lack of words in this post. I have to go get some work done on the thesis.