happy 9th month

Happy 9th Month, baby love 

So far away and yet so close,
We might be miles apart but distance is not a problem.
For patience is a virtue that we have both cultivated,
And I yearn for the day when we’ll be together once more.

A semester of overseas exchange programme is just way too short - too many things to explore & learn and just too little time to do them all.
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C’est la vie

Life can be found only in the present moment. The past is gone, the future is not yet here, and if we do not go back to ourselves in the present moment, we cannot be in touch with life.
- Thich Nhat Hanh -

.a week of activities.

And yet another week flew by just like that …

Some of the free exercise activities offered to students. Honestly, I keep telling myself that I’ll participate in both Monday’s “Beginnger’s Yoga” and Thursday’s “Toning and Fitness Hour” classes but you know how it is like when laziness gets the better of me     I really need to get my arse up and kicking!

Reflections: Personal Observations

1) One thing that I really do like about the environment here is that people tend to be very friendly on a casual basis and are open to meeting many new individuals- be it in class, or on the bus, or anywhere along the streets on campus. Warm and approachable, it always seems easy to strike a conversation with someone. Quite unlike the case in Singapore whereby we’ll most probably get “WTH!” stares and glares in return. Agree? Was talking to a couple of the locals here and what I found out is that people here often have niche friendships – classroom, student clubs, gym - that do not usually become deep, personal friendships. Sure, it might sound quite superficial but come to think of it, isn’t living in a society with generally friendly people who will greet and strike a conversation with one another a more beautiful place? In any case, people here are very open to making acquaintances and casual friends – it almost seems like everyone knows everyone and everyone’s always off “saying hi” to one another. And yes, as most of us know, facebook is the way to get connected with one another    and somehow, i hardly visit it cz it bores me lol.

2) It might only be an ‘on-campus’ thing but I do realised that there’s a significant no. of people here who would express their appreciation and “thanks” to the bus driver who drives them from 1 part of the campus to another. Be it an American or International student, many people have cultivated the habit of thanking the bus driver and I guess you can say it’s a way of making someone’s day. 

3) Juliet calls it “the spirit of creative pursuits” … I guess, in a way it’s true. There are all types of majors available here – Comparative Literature, Classics, Women’s Studies, Music, Anthropology. Majors that are usually frowned upon back home cz they are apparently not as “practical and useful.” On a lighter note, people have a “let’s go do something” spirit – the hundreds of student clubs, radio talk shows, open mic night talent shows … all of which are evidence of a nurturing environment that encourages people to pursue the creative spirit hidden in them.

I guess it all boils down to the pace of life. It’s inevitable that life gets too easily stressed up when living in a highly competitive and hectic city. 1 main lesson taken from this trip is to truly have some time to enjoy life. To leave all work/academics responsibilites … burdens… problems aside just for a moment. That being said, I still want to say that Home is where my heart still belongs. Maybe, it’s cz all my loved ones and friends are there? Or perhaps, Im so used to and ingrained in the Singapore lifestyle?

4) Sports and exercise are definitely an integral part of people’s life. Here, majority of them love to exercise and are actively involved in an array of sports. Baseball, Softball, Football, Basketball, Ice Hockey, Volleyball and the list goes on… There’s a small gym right across from where Im living and it’s usually occupied with people working out all the time. A fairly common topic that people enjoy discussing is the different kinds of sports that they enjoy playing. Even fellow friends from Singapore are motivated and try to make it a point to either hit the gym or be involved in some form of exercise here. Yes, except yours truly, darn.

5) Seems like cam-whoring is a very Asian thing to do. Personally, I find it too weird and awkward to stick a camera into the face of a new acquaintance and most are stunned at the number of pictures that asians can take in a minute. Not a practice here, that’s for sure!

( Elaine, Hua & Me, at ISI)

My weds afternoon date with both Elaine and Hua. Both of whom are probably some of the most geunine and sincere people that I’ve met thus far     More on them in future posts

Friday Club Night, organised by the Malaysian Student Association/Taiwanese Student Association/Japanese Student Association

Saturday:
UB True Blue Watch Football Game – UB vs CMU at D&B

(following 2 pics credit to google images. Not reflective of the UB vs CMU game).

Went for the UB True Blue Watch Game with Nicole.G (thanks for the ride, gal.) and Andrew.K ( Andrew teaches people snowboarding, & you bet that I would ask him to give me free lessons on it if Im still here during Spring Semester! ).  Now, I can finally say that I know a little about the game and its rules. There were about 80 of us who turned up for this event to watch a live screening of the match (via internet). Pretty exciting too as the audience dressed in blue tops was extremely enthusiatic about supporting the UB team. Unfortunately, we suffered a gut-wrenching 25 – 27 loss to CMU.        

 Fall Fest 2008 

  ” NAS, Ludacris, Biz Markie, KRS 1, Slick Rick and Big Daddy Kane will be performing at UB’s Alumni Arena at Fall Fest 2008, scheduled for Saturday, September 27th at Alumni Arena.” And all UB students get in for FREE! Obviously, we jumped at this exclusive chance and lavished in the outburst of energy!
 

 

 Sunday:
Volunteered for the Linda Yalem Safety Run 2008 

 

 

 

Missing those days when I was an avid volunteer, I thus capitalised on this opportunity to volunteer for something meaningful on my short stint on half-way across the globe. By the way, do you know that UB students are required to commit to a min. of 10 hours of community service/semster though it ain’t compulsary for international exchange students? In any case, I volunteered as an individual (did packing of hundreds and maybe even a thousand goodie bags for runners on Friday and cheering on Sunday) though many joined as part of their groups/ associations ( read: many fraternities and sororities). But as mentioned, what I like is how welcoming people can be and luckily for me, Linda and her friends (Darwin, 2 Lisa, Patty, Ruth, Jeff and I can’t rmr the names of the rest) from the Asian-American Student Club invited me to join them. Had such a blast and fun time in that 2 hours cheering for the hundreds of runners. Runners from all walks of life – university students, Buffalo residents, families with children in tow, grandparents and elderly, people of all sizes, and my personal favourite - parents jogging/pushing the pram with their kids in it! Running 5km is already exhausting enough for me, talk about doing that + pushing a pram with a kid in it! Doubt that you’ll ever catch this rare sight in Sg!

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I, for one, strongly believe that life is how we want to make it out to be – the decision lies solely in our hands and so, be active and pursue it when the opportunities arise. Don’t wait for dreams to happen, go out and make it come true. The most part of me wants time to go by slower so that I can have more time immersing in this new-found environment yet, the other part of me wishes for 12th dec to arrive so that you can hold me in your arms again.
ps: I’ve this crazy idea about extending my trip to early Jan for yet another adventure!

i wanna travel with you. Vietnam/Cambodia next? 

i’m finally done with a 5hours long exam paper. Gosh, mentally drained. And unfortunately, there’s still a whole load of stuff to be completed … though I have the benefit of time   Time to hit the sheets with a good book in hand!

currently reading…

.New charms, New loves.

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A Year in the World:
Journeys of a Passionate Traveller

A Year in the World is vintage Frances Mayes—a celebration of the allure of travel, of serendipitous pleasures found in unlikely locales, of memory woven into the present, and of a joyous sense of quest. An ideal travel companion, Frances Mayes brings to the page the curiosity of an intrepid explorer, remarkable insights into the wonder of the everyday, and a compelling narrative style that entertains as it informs. Inspire to immerse herself and her readers in the sights, aromas, and treasures of twelve new special places.

.downtown Buffalo.

.A guided tour around downtown Buffalo.

As sleepy and laid-back as Buffalo might be now to many of us (especially when you compare it to the Big Apple), it was however one of the most bustling cities back in the 19th Century.  In fact, it was home to not only to 1 of the world’s largest transportation ports but also, established as 1 of the world’s leading steel manufacturing industry. In addition, Buffalo produced 2 capable presidents of the USA – Millard Fillmore and Grover Cleveland, and had more millionnaires per capita as compared to the rest of USA. Definitely, a flourishing city back during its heydays.

A look at downtown Buffalo and some of its most magnificient architectures (some of which were strongly influenced by European influence).

Buffalo Shea Threatre, St Paul’s Episcopal Church, M & T Centre, Market Arcade

St Joseph’s Cathedral

In my opinion, perhaps the most victorian gothic influenced landmark in Buffalo. It currently serves as the main church to most of the Catholics in Buffalo.
http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM1J4W

Further Look:
City Hall (which houses the best observation deck in the city) , M & T Centre, Inside the St Paul’s Church, Guaranty Building

A preserved building that was supposed to be torn down to give way for a multi-complex car park. It’s now home to a child-care centre on its first and top floor, as well as luxurious apartments. According to the guide, a luxurious apartment in downtown Buffalo costs an average of $2500+ /mth. Perhaps, even more reasonably-priced as compared to some of the real estate we have back home.

Erie Canal:

The key to the city’s metamorphosis into 1 of the world’s major shipping port. Its origins of its success is pretty much similar to that of Singapore ( ideal location, heavy shipping traffic for businesses to be exchanged). As a result of the growing shipping volume and activities, Buffalo thus bloomed tremendously as many businesses capitalised this opportunity to expand into other prospering industries. Immigrants flooded to the city for more job opportunities and a better standard of living and hence, created the bustling city that Buffalo was.

Loving JZ’s funky and hippy look! Sunglasses – checked. Scarves – checked. Hat – checked. Patterns – checked. And she’s all set to go   PS: She does great, creative graphics and animations too! Im so gonna steal those animation pics from u dear!

A candid shot of Cherlynn taking a picture of Tian Tian.

Cherlynn doing what she does the best – using the camera for a certain purpose :p

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Attended the “Late Night Murder Mystery” event on Friday night too. Not too bad    Something different for a change.

Isn’t it great when your family gets along so fantastically well with your SO? I smile to myself when I realised how baby love is so integrated into my family. Even in my absence, everyone welcomes him with wide open arms. Dad even commented that MK is “now part of the family.” Grandma estatically greeted him when he went to visit them yesterday. And I just got to know that both MK’s bro and mum read the blog periodically as well. The feelings of being so deeply in love with each other. Till we meet again on the 12th Dec and have a blast hitting Toronto and New York City together 

I hate the severe acne problem that Im currently battling with right now

Love is a many splendid thing. Love lifts us up where we belong. All you need is love!
~ from the movie Moulin Rouge ~

weekend part 2 and more …

Part 2: Darien Lake Theme Park on Sunday.

You havent been to the US if you haven’t take on one of its dangerously thrilling amusement parks and so we conquered our fears and had 1 of the best time ever of our lives.

*Just to let you know … Darien Lake used to be a former 6 Flags amusement park (which is world-renown for its extreme roller coasters that plunge fear and excitement in all riders). Always a dream of mine to visit it and boy am I so exhilarated for this chance.    Yet another dream of mine fulfilled.

What’s an amusement park without the Classic Ferris Wheel? And so, off we go onto a lovely ferris wheel ride to get a splendid and breathtaking aerial view of the park and its surroundings.

A bird’s eye view from above and that’s just a small part of the theme park that I managed to capture on film.

Fret not, here’s the baby roller coaster for kids and those who are “lily-livered”.

And now, it’s time for the real roller coasters and SCREAMS … … !!!

The MUST-TAKE RIDES:
All roller coasters, take only at your own risk !

 (all info found and quoted from the ‘Darien Lake’ website)

1) Ride of Steel
* the best of them all, we actually took it thrice and still, it wasn’t enough.
- exceeding speeds of 70mph
- climbs up 208 foot high before plunging down at 70 degrees angle
- Always hitting the top 4 spots (3 times, #1) on the Mitch Hawker’s Internet Poll: Best Steel-Tracked Roller Coaster Ranking List
- A fatal accident resulted in a man being flung off the coaster and died due to injuries.

2) Mind Eraser
- The only suspended looping coaster in NY state.

3) The Predator
- The tallest wooden coaster in NY state and 1 of the top wooden roller coasters in the world!

4) Boomerang
 - Looping spirals, daring drops, breath-taking twists at spectacular speeds
- Takes you forward and then backwards again through the loops!

5) Viper
- Infamous first steel coaster to be built that had riders upside down not 1 or 2 but 5 times!
- Not for those faint-hearted, that’s for sure!

6) Orange County Choppers MotoCoaster (New)
- Launches guests from 0 to 35 miles/hr in 3 seconds, where riders will ricochet around figure eights and turn on a dime as they swoop over 1100 feet of track on this gnarly coaster!

A lovely way to end off the night with a childhood favourite dream of ours – riding off into the sunset.
On the classic carousel that never fails to delight us.

Here’s my little friend who sat beside me during the ride. An adorable girl who kept telling me about the unicorn tattoo that she has on her face!

Time for group shoots again!
Jia zhen, me, jocelyn, eileen and eileen’s friend Larry (All the way from Oklahoma! )

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.Wednesday.

A visit to the WRUB Radio Studio, where Cherlynn has her bi-weekly radio show!!! I know, how cool is that right ?!? My first trip to a radio station. Okay, I might be exaggerating here as it’s not really a station but more like a room but still, being there to watch the radio show live and seeing the process of it is just incredible.

I know it’s so stereotypical of me to just label “radio DJs” as a fun-loving and cool bunch to hang out with and so far, those whom I’ve met definitely proved likewise. People like Connor, Sierra, Bradley, Michael and the “Sex Talk Show” guy ( yes, his talk show is on duh, SEX! too bad, we missed his first show but nonetheless, there’s still next time). Maybe, it’s just an American thing but this experience certainly mirrors the one I had when I was part of the LIVE audience for the ‘Mike & Juliet’s Morning Show’ back in NYC. The ambiance is lively and light-hearted, no one seems to be that stressed out and besides, there’s a comedian there to crack jokes (and really, funny jokes .. not lame ones that make you roll your eyes) and to hype up the place. Trust me when I say that I will definitely drop by more often from now on!

A never-ending collection of CDs and records . You name it and they got it. If you’re a music lover, trust me – this room is an utter piece of heaven for you.

 

And wait, there’s more to come ….

And MORE !!!

That’s Bradley (from Dominican Republic) – whose show is on every Sat evening – and Cherlynn.

DJ Cherlynn doing her thing. Just want to say that Im really proud of you, gal ! You go dear!!!

- Reflection -

So far, Im sure that this exchange programme has been sort of a path of self-discovery for the most of us. And you know how they say that “America is the land of opportunities” … true indeed, it did create opportunities for the some of us too. Look at Cherlynn babe: having her very own radio show at UB, Anita: who got herself a job as an advertising executive for the UB paper and she’s rocking it. Just got her first contract signed the other day! And Steve: who found the time that he never exactly had back home, to concentrate on his hobbies … namely cooking and photography. Me? I think I learn to be more independent. Not just in terms of having to do laundry and care for my own welfare but more importantly, spiritually and mentally. In a way, I feel that I learn more when Im alone. To have a chance to break away and meet other interesting folk that I probably wldn’t have gotten a chance to, if I was constantly with people Im so used to being with. It’s easier to seek out opportunities to meet other people when we don’t have the comfort of a group to stick with.  To break away is refreshing and very rewarding. I would like to think of it as a confidence-builder. In retrospect, it suddenly dawned upon me that it’s through being alone by oneself that we would gain this new-found confidence and self-esteem. To take up the initiative to meet other like-minded people from around the globe who can definitely open up a whole new perspective for us. To overcome language or accent barrier. Trust me, I never like the idea of travelling alone too simply cz it strikes a sense of fear in me, and also a sense of loneliness as I would like to have someone else there to share the moments/burdens together … but somehow, what that draws me to this idea is that I have the absolute freedom to do whatever I want. Not needing to give 2 hoots about working out a compromise, not needing to have to worry if what i do pleases/pisses the other parties … sounds brilliant if u ask me.

That aside, Im also thankful for the opportunities to try out the many different activities arranged for international students by the UB ISSS. Niagara Falls, Fruits Picking & Farm excursion and upcoming events like hiking at a state park during atumum (think of the colourful fall foliage) – stuff that we either wouldn’t have the chance to do or probably wouldn’t have the time to do back home (you know how ‘lazy’  or ‘no time’ is such a perfect excuse for everything). Gives us the chance to explore the adventurous spirit in us. It just feels so revitalising and stimulating to temporarily break away from the routined and typical lifestyle that I had back home. A chance to try something new, something expected. Well, good thing is that Im only here for awhile cz you know how the lifestyle will eventually become a routine if you live at one place for too long? That’s the thing with human beings – we usually have the mindset that “the grass is greener on the other side” … once we have too much of a thing, we complain and want to seek out new changes in life.

It’s all about the company and people whom we meet in our lives that help create memories and unforgettable experiences. While there are still many people out there who thinks that Singapore is part of China or even Thailand (yes, you will be surprised at how many of them still have no clue where this tiny island is located at), there’re however also many who are globalised and want to know more about what is happening somewhere on the other side of the globe. It’s always interesting to exchange travel stories with them and see how excited both parties can get in the mist of it. Like how we can get so animated and keep wanting to go on and on. On the same token, ISI just found me a lovely American couple whom I will be paired up with via the “American Friendship Partner” programme – a chance to “know an American family and share friendship and cultural exchange.” Should be meeting up with them soon, something that I definitely can’t wait! 

Talking about all of these makes me really wanting to take up the offer to be in London for the next semester ! Oh, why does it have to be so bloody expensive?!?     Why? Why? Why?

And the weekend is gone again … Part 1

Weekends are always weekends over here at UB, which means = we play hard during wkends!!! Busy week ahead so it’s mainly just visual overload for now.

Friday Night:
Cook out with the girls, room-mate and new friends.

Preparation Process, and as you can see from the pics that Im no part of the cooking team. Somehow, i’ve a feeling that it will probably take a whole lot more of effort for me to fulfil that particular New Year resolution … but well, New Yr resolutions aren’t always meant to be fulfilled right? Besides, there’s always next year. With friends who cook so well, I wldn’t mind staying in to eat all day long.

Tian Tian, the main chef of the day!

Xin Ya, who whipped up a mean dish of yummy cow’s liver. And you know that I devour internal organs anytime. Loisa calls my taste for food “weird”.

Alvin, who’s here to steal the food

Mouth-watering dishes that made our growling stomachs desiring for more.

All famished, and ready to tuck into our very first home-cooked meal.

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts! Thanks to Eileen dearest. As everyone knows, it’s a bite into dessert goodness … “a cornucopia of donut delights!” … Trust me though, the original traditional glazed ring doughnut is still the best. Boy, u pple are def. missing out on something heavenly!

Saturday:
A walk into the countryside, and so off we went to the Murphys Orchad Farm for some fruits picking fun.

Stop the time and go back into the past. Here’s the old-school “magic school bus” that transported us into this land of natureness. Exactly just like what you see in American movies & TV shows.

History behind the farm:

Not just an ordinary farm – the Murphy Farm which was also known as the McClew Farm back in 1850 played an important role in the Underground Railroad History. Below is the information as found on the main website ( http://www.murphyorchards.com )

” Charles McClew established this farm, now known as Murphy Orchards, in 1850. Charles and his wife Anna Marie are believed to have been involved in the Underground Railroad Network from 1850 until 1861. The house, barn and orchards themselves remain virtually as they were when built 150 years ago, offering an authentic setting for sharing the history of the Underground Railroad. Additionally, as a working farm, we are able to demonstrate a real, hands-on illustration of how farming in the new American Colonies eventually led to the horrifying chattel slavery that existed for generations.”

The enterance to the barn which has been kept relatively unchanged since it was first built. Stepping on the actual ground that paved the way to freedom for the many slaves.

Journey to freedom in Canada,
the exact enterance to the concealed chamber beneath the barn.

A closer look into the underground tunnel.

.Sight-seeing.

The different kinds of fruits available for picking – apple, pears, pumpkins, rasberries, plums … Take your pick and get ready to embark on a journey like never before! Eating packaged/sealed fruits from the supermarkets can never match those that are freshly picked from the trees.

Nothing makes me happier than coming to a place filled with flowers of all sorts. Reaching a state of euphoria, I never want to leave this place. Take a look at the sunflower which is frankly as big as that of my face.

The highlight of the trip! Bringing back childhood memories where we cooed over every single sight of the ‘oh-so-adorable’ animals. Sometimes, just sometimes … the child in us kicks back in.

Being in the limelight has never been easier. Camera – checked. All ready to pose – checked.
And … … … the madness begins.

Beautiful Day
- Andrea Borden -

The day begins with morning dew
dressing flowers outside your bedroom window.
The sweet scent of lilacs are in the air
and the birds are singing a song that mimics “Ode to Joy”.
Today is your day to shine.
A time that is all yours,
to do what you wish.
You can follow your dreams today.
It doesn’t have to be found at the end of a rainbow.
The treasure of life awaits your signature.
All you need to start,
is put your feet on the floor.

Life’s Fleeting Moments,
by robritt

” We learn every day we live
as we travel on life’s path
to treasure good things we get
and try to curb our wrath.

For life is too short to be angry
you should cherish the love you find.
We may not come this way again
in your short and earthly time.
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For life is fleeting on this earth
and in moments we are gone,
so use it to the maximum
and make happiness your prime song.”

6 weeks since I left home for this journey. All the unforgettable memories with great company and happiness are but long-lasting moments. Moments that come and leave so fast that we hardly have the time to digest and take it all in. The moment where life seems totally perfect is just way too short .. splendid but always fleeting. Usually forgotten when something else takes precedes in the next waiting moment. Is that what “living life NOW” means? To truly cherish the lovely time spent at that exact point of time without a care in the world? There are times whereby I wish that I can turn back time and stop it so as to re-live all those moments once more. But I know, it’s impossible. And so, I blog about each memorable day in my life, in hopes to have those memories etched into a part of me. To capture the memory, the sense of emotions and feelings at that point of time. To build up a collection of past memories in my remembrance, which I can look back and reminise when age catches up with me.

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.Weekends, Part 2: Darien Theme Park. up next!