Start of the semester

So, the semester starts, whether I wanted it or not. 

My timetable is pretty good yet bad at the same time. I have a three-day week on odd weeks and four-day week on even weeks so that's great. On the other hand, I have to endure the morning rush-hour for my 10am classes and evening rush-hour after my 6pm lectures. Each trip home is horrible and sometimes, suffocating. Of course, when people are pushing and shoving, tempers are bound to rise.

I especially like the fact that weekends come early because I'm free on Fridays. Last Friday, it was shopping with my mother at Orchard in preparation for the upcoming Lunar New Year. It was a fun day which I haven't had in ages. Shopping on weekdays has its peaks, two of which are the staff being more attentive to one needs and the fitting rooms being relatively free. 

Speaking of Lunar New Year, it is less than a month away! I'm already in the festive mood or should I say, I've never got over the "festive hangover" from Christmas last year. I am feeling rather positive and as always, a hint of nostalgia as we all aged one year. 

Pre-semester Stress Disorder

Oh. My. Goodness. 

My heart just raced ahead when I saw how much work there is waiting for me when the new semester starts. And I thought to myself, why am I doing this again? Oh right, I need the degree certificate to aid my life. 

Going to a local university has got to be a wrong decision on my part. But, I just want to be that few percentage of Polytechnic graduates who get to go to a local University, to show that I can make it too. If I get emotional over it, so be it. I have no choice but to grit my teeth and go along. It will be worth it in the end, wouldn't it? At least I get to be an undergraduate and wear the gown, right? At least, there is a sense of pride when I said I'm from XXX. 

As the saying goes, "when Life gives you lemons, you make lemonade". 

God, I feel pathetic to be so affected by academia, just when the government and society is downplaying on academic achievements. I should be letting go! This is my second last year in an educational institution, for goodness sake! Why am I still so strung up about grades and projects?! Why indeed? 

I need a therapist. 

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

On Wednesday, I managed to catch a second showing of The Hobbit: The Unexpected Journey with a friend. For the first showing, I watched it in normal 2D. This round, it was through the new technology, IMAX 3D HFR. 

I have to say, despite all the naysayers, I feel that the much improved 48 frames per second is so much clearer and coupled with 3D, the whole movie experience is made cooler, more stunning and awe-inspiring. Some parts of the movie feels like one of those 4D shows in theme parks. Additionally, as a special treat, we got to have a 9 minute preview of Star Trek into Darkness and saw Benedict in 3D! How awesome is that? I was crossing my fingers in hope of seeing this trailer and wow, was it a treat! 

There is much doubt about the need to spilt one book into 3 separate movies but I find that by doing so, the characters are given more breadth and the storyline has more depth. The typical movie-goer gets to enjoy, understand the different characters and their stories better as compared to a movie that is rushed.

The cinematography is gorgeous and the scenery shots are simply breathtaking! Of course, Sir Peter Jackson did the right choice by insisting that Martin Freeman played the role of Bilbo Baggins. Martin Freeman is simply brilliant in portraying the main lead with the right amount of wide-eyed innocence for a middle-aged man. He's made for the role, or rather, the role is made for him. The other supporting cast are just as brilliant!

I had a bit of a giggle when I saw how "adorable" he was portrayed in the film. It's so different from the other well-known role that he plays, Dr John Watson. He's so steadfast and reliable in Sherlock.

It has been ages since I last read the book and to be honest, I can barely remember a thing in it. Thus, I do not feel that the movie is unfaithful. I know the scriptwriters has woven in additional material to beef up the characters and boost the excitement and intensity. 

Now, of course, I can't wait for the second instalment - The Desolation of Smaug which features Smaug the dragon played by Benedict Cumberbatch!  

Grades for Semester 2.1

This may be a little late but I figured there's no better time to write an entry like the present. 

My results have improved a little since last semester which makes me really happy. At least there's no Cs and what's more, I've a A-! 

I can hardly believe that for that accursed module, American Power, I actually received an A-. I must have either done very well for the final examination or the cohort standard has decreased. 

For my other 3 Geography modules, I received B+, B and B-, bringing my overall CAP to 3.58. It's a slight improvement from the previous 3.50. 

For semester 2.1, I sought to work harder, put in more effort in my studies by cutting down time spent on Tumblr and fanfiction. I'm glad it works out. 

Thus, as a New Year resolution, in this upcoming semester 2.2, I shall put in greater effort as well. I want to maintain my grades, at least achieving Bs for all modules. I want to start reading the readings and do revision early. Is it too much to ask for? 

Anyway, in the last remaining days of my holiday, I shall relax and enjoy as much as I can. Then, when the term starts, it's time to get serious. 

2013: the world still turns

Fantastic, Meretricious and a Happy New Year!

It feels great to finally have the chance to use that much loved phrase from Sherlock.

So, it's the first day of year 2013. What changes? Probably nothing much. The world is still turning, the rain still falls, the economy still remains sluggish and we're still hit by downturn. US is scrambling to meet its deadline to deal with its "fiscal cliff". In other parts of the world, conflicts still rage on.

If only everyone could better oneself, I'm sure the world will be a better place.