Date: Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Time: 11:46:00 AM

Thank you Lady Luck, for blessing the Red Devils. After shunning away from the Red Devils since the last couple of games, I am so glad that you came back and blessed the Red Devils. And Lady Luck, I am praying hard that you'll continue to shine upon them in the Red Devils' last 3 remaining games. Please, will you?

Here's the match analysis:

29th April 2008 (England's time)
Old Trafford

It was a nail biting game. Man U has to win this second leg semi final clash. Any goal scoring draw would mean that Man U will be denied of a final slot in Moscow. A nil-nil draw would mean the nail biting game will be extended and the match could go either way.

United played with the same starting line up similar to the Nou Camp clash with the exception of Nani replacing the injured Rooney. This time round, I had faith in this new line up by Sir Alex. Firstly, Man U was playing at home, so that's home advantage. Secondly, this line up has been tested again when they played Chelsea last weekend. Hargreaves have dared to venture out of his defensive role which is very very relieving. Thirdly, the Red Devils are dying to win; the Champions League being Sir Alex's target since God knows when. Sir Alex is hungry to have another Champions League title to his already growing list of titles won. And of course finally, Paul Scholes did what Ronaldo failed to do last week at the Nou Camp.

Yes, Scholes scored the most important goal that sealed their slot in Moscow. Scholes was there with his thunderbolt scoring trademark. It felt like the good old days when Scholes would just blast the ball into the net and the crowd at Old Trafford erupts into great cheers.

Ooh yes, did the decision to play Nani on the right, was the right decision that Sir Alex have made over the week? Well, as much as I hate Rooney, I wouldn't say that Nani was a better player. Both of them have their own strengths and weaknesses. No doubt, Rooney have matured. But the different between them is, Nani has the speed and the trickery that his Portugese counterpart has. While Rooney, he is a determined player where he will rise to the occasion with or without injury, just like the goal he scored against the loss to Chelsea.

Hence, with the speed of Nani, and the United's 12th man, the game was more interesting and the tempo was fast and furious. However, Nani lacks Rooney's experience and calmness. Thus, there were so many chances that he balloons it off.

And, Owen Hargreaves is becoming more and more of a right back. Like I said earlier, he now dares to go forward to help in attack. The problem with his current role is, if he goes down to attack, his area will be exposed because no one can helps him as Ferdinand often helps to attack as well. And Brown, as much as he is a better player now, he's often caught napping in situations where you need his full concentrations.

I just hope that Vidic and Evra could be back for the finals. Against Liverpool, that's it. Why would I want Liverpool to proceed and meet United in Moscow? Simply because I want to see the tops clubs in England, with so much successes between them to fight it out and tell the world who's simply the best. And, hence eliminating the unnecessary rivalry. And, Chelsea is not ready to be even in the finals cos they only know how to fight among themselves! Ooh yeah.. maybe Roman Abromovich would pay $$ to make sure Chelsea is in the finals. Afterall, its his home country!

Fingers crossed. Man United vs Liverpool. UEFA Champions League 2007/2008 Finals. 21st May 2008. Moscow.

Till then, may the BPL title goes to Old Trafford on 11th May 2008.

Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Time: 10:45:00 PM

I went shopping this afternoon. For some reasons, my legs brought me to some part of Central Singapore, which I seldom goes to.

And for some reasons, Fate decided to make fun of me. Fate met me up with someone whom I'd never really like nor hate. Ok, somehow.. if he stays away from me, I'll be glad. But if he was in front of me, I wun be cursing him.

But today, like all the rare times that our paths crosses, he called up to me in PUBLIC while he was deejay-ing! My eyes almost dropped out of its socket and the blusher on my cheeks was as red as the red packets people give out during Chinese New Year!

He asked me several questions which left me kinda dumbfounded. But luckily, I am street smart and is very capable of answering questions spontaneously. And, he gave me a smirk look when I answered one of his questions; as if to tell me that I'd made the wrong move many many donkey years ago.

Having said that, let me just reiterate.. whatever had happened before, it took place many many donkey years ago! Hence, why can't you just leave it behind cos anyway, you and I have never even press the 'Start' button. And I, have never ever liked you nor did I ever accepted you into my clique.

I am not sure why are you trying so hard to get into my clique; as if to say that you know everything about me whereas you know NUTS about me! And a piece of advice to you... even if I dun regard you as my friend, I still respect you as an individual and a former school mate. Please do heed my advice, if you happen to read this post cos if you try even harder to create a havoc in my life, you'll lose all the little respect I'd had for you. Trust me.

"Not everyone has the chance to have his face nor his story published in the papers. You've had ur chance. But, being a smug doesn't justify your efforts. Honestly. There are some other people whom have been in the papers a couple of times, have been to Manchester United to train, represented the nation and bringing glory to our school. Yet, they remained unfazed by all the limelights showered upon them. They remained down to earth and humble cos they knew that success doesn't last and at the end of the day, they owned their success to God."

Date: Monday, April 28, 2008
Time: 11:47:00 PM

I'd wished for a fulfilling and constructive holidays. 2 months long worth of holidays should not be left wasted doing nothing, right? There are times that I wished I could really do something...

There was a phone call this afternoon, in a way fulfilling my wish to have a constructive holidays. However, whatever plans I've made for my lil darling, will never be cancelled or postponed. Hence, yes... I am losing a few hundreds bucks because of that.

But, its ok... some things are just never meant to be mine. If it was going to be mine, it will be sooner or later.

Date: Sunday, April 27, 2008
Time: 4:02:00 PM

Alright, school's officially out as of Thursday 24th April 2008 @ 1530hrs.

That was when the last exam paper for the day ended and ends the semester as well. The paper was yeah, tough. Tell me, which Sastera paper is never tough? Well, I would say it's not tough only the tough part was trying to finish 4 essay questions in 2 1/2 hrs! As Sastera a.k.a Malay Literature is a subjective issue, thus there is so much that you need to say to prove your point. So anyway, I wrote and I wrote till my ink went dry. And when the paper was over, I felt a sense of relieve. Because, another roller coaster semester is over and its going to be the beginning of the two months' long worth of holidays! Happiness!

However, something happened on the eve of the paper. That very evening I went to bed early with the intention of waking up at 2.30 am for there was a Champions League semi-final. Barcelona playing against Manchester United at Nou Camp, never in my life that I was going to give that match a miss, exams or without.

I tried to sleep at 8.30 pm. But I guess I only ended up sleeping at about 9.15-9.30 pm. Was awakened at about 9.55 pm and tried to put myself to sleep again till I guess about 11.30 pm. For all I knew, it was already 2.30 am. I felt fresh and was eager to catch the match. I saw Man Utd's starting line-up and I knew it was all so wrong... (I will write my games analysis in a while)

After the game ended at about 4.35 am, I waited for the Chinese Drama on Ch 255 to start at 5 am. I was glued to the Tube till about 5.45 am before I went back to do some final revision. I was awake all the way till about 9 am where I got ready for school. I was feeling ok till I reached Boon Lay Interchange. I started feeling groggy and had a headache cos I guess I had insufficient sleep and was feeling hungry since the night before.

I tried to hold on and even had the stamina to climb the super long staircase at the most hated flights of staircase in school. But that was a very wrong move I'd taken. The moment I sat down in the canteen, my body was feeling so light as if I could fly any moments and I felt like vomitting! Luckily, my friend had this super trusted medicated oil (not axe oil) which helps to relieve the discomfort. By then, even the most favourite dish I always had from the western stall didn't help to entice my appetite. I took an hour to finish my meal, rather 1/3 of my meal before I gave up.

And, then some final revision and exchanging ideas among the friends, it was time for the exams. By the time the exam ended, I was really tired. I had been awake for 13 hours by then. All I wanted to do was... SLEEP! But, I couldn't get to sleep, perhaps the amount of caffeine I had to sustain myself during the exams was still in force. In the end, I only managed to sleep at about 1 am the very next morning. All in all, I was awake for about 23 hours! That was really amazing, I should say.

The very next day, a Friday, I had an early appointment with my friend. 11 am in the West. Hence, I had to get ready by 9 am. But some silly bugger decides to sms me at 7 am when I barely had 6 hours of sleep! Though my mobile was on silent mode, but I can be that of a light sleeper and be awake by the sounds of the vibrations. Haiz...

Well, nothing much happened on Friday.. ooh something did happen. I made my way to Vivo to do some grocery shopping because my agenda was to bake and cook during the hols.. I got to start baking and cooking for some reasons which will be announced in the upcoming posts.

Anyway, that night, HE was surprised by my message. Yes, I surprise people when they least expects it. And, I hope everything went well for Him.

Anyway, I just finished marinating my chicken breasts! Going to cook Tandoori Chicken Kebabs tomorrow. Going to do Durian Puffs on Wednesday. Going to bake Fruit Tartlets next weekend. Going to try making Chicken Pies and something else which I've yet to decide for the trip. And yes, more baking upon my return.

Alright.. I am going to start my match analysis. I'd never know I got so much to write in this post. So bear with it...

Barcelona vs Manchester United
Nou Camp 23/04/08 (England time)

Man U's Starting Line Up:

Edwin van der Sar
Patrice Evra
Owen Hargreaves
Rio Ferdinand
Wes Brown
Christiano Ronaldo
Michael Carrick
Park Ji Sung
Paul Scholes
Wayne Rooney
Carlos Tevez

Well, when you see this line up, you may think nothing is wrong here. But as a United fan of more than a decade, I knew something was wrong. Something that will ruin United's chances. Just look, what was Hargreaves doing as a right back? We all knows Hargreaves is versatile, yes. He is a midfielder who can attacks and defends at the same time. A holding midfielder. But, Hargreaves as a left back?? Wouldn't that mean United is going for the defensive approach and curbing Hargreaves' movements?? Ok ok, I've a confession to make. I am attracted to the way Hargreaves have been playing. And, with his curly locks, he's just so hot, as hot as his free kicks! His goal from the free kick against Arsenal which left those gooners dumbstruck just confirmed how much I adore Owen Hargreaves!

Anyway, back to the game. Nemanja Vidic was injured. But why can't Fergie played Pique? Pique has performed very well when he played in that position. Ok, granted its a Champions League semi final against one of the top teams in Europe. But, if Fergie is not going to let Pique play for lack of confidence in him or perhaps lack of European football exposure or for whatever other reasons, that lad is never going to get the chance to improve. Why was the responsibility left on the shoulders' of Wes Brown? I don't want to argue much, my point is this, had Fergie sticks to his usual line up, United could have lead 2- 3 goals instead of losing all the possessions. I still believe, Hargreaves should never be given the right back role though he performed well there because in that match, United needs his creativity when Ronaldo failed to score the penalty. I knew, he was going to miss that penalty.

Yesterday's evening game against Chelsea was another mistake made by Fergie and the linesman. Firstly, why did Fergie play Rooney when that chap was carrying an injury as early as in the Barca's game? But kudos to Rooney for capitalising his chances albeit his injury. Secondly, why did Fergie has to reshuffle his team so drastically? Granted that there is the return leg this Tuesday but I thought, he should have given his first eleven the chances to shine against the most important game of the season. But, I think Fergie did his part during the break. The players were playing their usual game right after the break. But unfortunately, Lady Luck was smiling gleefully at Chelsea. And so, did Michael Carrick deliberately touched the ball to intercept the game? Honestly, I dun think so. But Lady Luck said so...

I am keeping my fingers crossed that United could win both the league and the Champions League.....

Date: Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Time: 4:11:00 PM

Truth to be told, reality has yet to sank in. I am still in a total shock that I have been posted to my alma mater to do my teaching assistantship. Who would have thought that I was so lucky to get such luck to get that school.

No doubt, top school in the neighbourhood, the place where fond memories are etched, the final years, the dedicated teachers whom I have always respected (unfortunately no longer there) and many many more memories. Its awkward coming back because some former teachers will be my colleagues.

Once upon a time, I do wonder if I would ever be back there. I wondered what is it like coming back to my alma mater and the roles switched? And now, very soon... my questions will be answered.

It would be nice if my graduating class form teacher is still around in the school. I would be very very comfortable being around her and I am very sure she will give me all the guidance I will need. However, based from my recent school visit in the eastern side of the country, I found out that she's now in TPS, well its near her place anyway.

I also wished that the MT department will still be filled with those great MT teachers I once had.. but unfortunately, all the nicest teachers have retired. I still remember Cikgu E, cool and handsome teacher who never looks as if he was in his 50's. He loves to tease me being with the guy I had a crush on. Hahaha... that was just so funny!

Well that guy, he's teaching a neighbourhood school nearby too. Luckily, I wasn't posted to that school cos I never want to be in an awkward position meeting him. It had been 13 years since I last saw him and hahha.. the feelings for him are long gone!

Ok, chill... I will try to sink in the fact that I am going back to my alma mater in 2 mths' time! Till then, gonna get the exams over and done with tomorrow, ooh and Bangkok trip in 3 weeks' time! Extreme need for a REAL break!

Date: Monday, April 21, 2008
Time: 2:41:00 AM

The TA posting is out... Guess where I was posted to? Hmmz... no prizes for guessing it right! I am posted to my alma mater! Yes, to the very first school where I received my formal education! Truthfully speaking, I am not all excited going back to the school after 13 long years. The people I adore, the ones that idolised are no longer there yet the people whom I disliked for some reason or another IS still there! Urrgh..

But well... I always look things from a different perspectives. Why not make it this way? The good thing is.. that person whom I dislike won't be in my department. Yippee and happiness!! And the even bestest thing which I simply can't imagine my good fortune.. the school is just beside my house! How interesting right?? Even if I got to report at 7 am, I can still go down at 6.55 am for a slow walk. And even if I got to end the day at 6 pm, I will reach home by 6.01 am all fresh without having to jostle with the crowd. How nice! Ooh.. another even better deal, I save on transport and food! Like finally!! Well, more reason to shop I guess... hahaha

All these will be make even sweeter once I get to know who my supervisor is (if he/she is the wonderful one)!

For now... I gotta concentrate on my last paper! Everything's settled, thank God!

Date: Thursday, April 17, 2008
Time: 6:57:00 PM

Yesterday's post was quite an abrupt entry. Let me just further clarify the issue. Earlier, I've mentioned that I am quite happy and could do my revision with a clear mind. Yes, when I mentioned that in my earlier post, that was how I felt; no faking or lying but pure truth.

Somehow, when I start getting my arse moving, some matters crept up unexpectedly. And yes, from there everthing when haywire. Perhaps, the pressure was on me to perform this sem. And somehow, I lost track of when my exams was and I became panicky. When I became panicky, I ignore all that surrounds me. Then, my debit card ran into some problem though I wasn't in any need of cash nor was the account empty. But, when I am in a panicky state, I put the blame on everyone. In short, I just want to be alone without any human contact.

My body clock too went haywire. I was asleep when everyone is awake, and I am awake when everyone is asleep. Ok, I guess this happens all the time right? But because, I wasn't in any mood to talk or be in contact with anyone, I don't answer phone calls; whoever it may be. I only replied to sms-es; if its important.

I wasn't this panicky last semester though I can honestly say that last semester I did not study nor paid much attention in lectures as much as I did this year. Perhaps, its in me.. when I do understand a particular module/subject and start to develop some feelings for it, I will pressure myself to score well. And as a result, I became panicky.

Anyway, last night I was really facing an insurmountable amount of stress. Whatever I tried to put in my brain in the whatever empty slots available, nothing seemed to enter. I tried putting myself to sleep, but the mind was actively thinking about the exams. In the end, I cried myself to sleep. But, I did not have a peaceful sleep. I remembered waking up from my sleep at least twice (which I was conscious). And I dragged myself out of bed real early.

I was all ready by 7.30 am cos I had planned to do a real intensive revision while trying to enjoy my LJS breakfast. Btw, the paper was at 1 am. The LJS breakfast didn't do me any good actually. I was still upset. But, somehow.... lotsa info did managed to go into my head.

However, when I reached school... my head went blank. There wasn't any info on my head when friends asked for clarifications. I was mad at myself and wanted to cry again. But what good can those tears bring? I tried to calm myself, say some prayers and hope for the best.

A friend saw me before the paper starts. She asked me, " Are you nervous?" I was like, " Is it that obvious?" And she replied, "I can tell that you're nervous..."

That coming from a friend whom I seldom talk to shows how nervous I was. She assured me that I could do it. She assured me again when we were in the examination hall. And few others wished me luck. And, I need those luck very much. Thank you to those who have given me the strength to hold on today.

The paper was ok but I didn't have much time to write. I hope everything will be ok... A 'B' grade would be fine for me and it would be better if I can get a better grade. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Another paper for me to battle next week. Going to start revising tonight. I hope everything will be fine... and I am contemplating to cancel something cos I am disappointed with someone. Nuff said.

Date:
Time: 12:01:00 AM

I have a paper tomorrow. I have yet to complete my revision. I have a problem at hand. I feel like crying! That's why I am online.....

I wonder what's going to happen next....

Date: Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Time: 6:05:00 PM

Finally, after days and weeks of staring into the book that I was supposed to analyse, I've managed to complete it and submitted the assignment this afternoon. With that piece of assignment done, I can breathe easily now. I need to stay focus for the exams.

It seems as if that this sem, I can concentrate better for the exams because I understands what is going on and of course.... my partner and I are not having any differences. In fact, chances are we may even be mugging together! And partly because of him, I forced myself to complete my assignment last night although I was so sleepy!

I will start my intensive studying tonight without any disturbance!! Yes, I can do it!

Date: Monday, April 7, 2008
Time: 12:40:00 PM

I did the unthinkable over the weekends. Instead of focussing for my quiz that was supposed to take place today and finishing my essay, I did everything that I should not have done. I ended up NOT studying for my quiz which makes up for 10 % of the overall result.

I told myself to wake up at 3.30 am to at least study or read up as much as I could. But after endless rounds of snoozing and procrastinating, I finally woke up at 4.45 am! Hahaha... Yes, I was very much playing with fire.

Never study for a quiz.. hahaha!

But what I predicted was spot on. Most of the stuff that I managed to read up came out. I guess I was pretty lucky. I think I scored 10-11/15 marks for the test. Syukur alhamdullilah! Now, I am procrastinating.. should I not study? Cos when I studied, I didn't get the marks I wanted but now that I didn't study, I got marks that I never imagine I could get! Hahhahaa... Ok, I better stop playing with fire! It's time for me to wake up! Yes... I am awake!!! 10 days to Linguistik paper and 17 days to Sastera paper!!!!!!!!!!!!

Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Time: 10:41:00 PM

Got the result for the much awaited test. Got disappointed cos I got a B for that module. However, the lecturer said I had done well. But of course, I was aiming for an A. Hopefully, the presentation grades will help; fingers crossed.

Here was the marks allocation breakdown. Before the test, I assumed that the marks allocated for each question were 25 marks since there were 4 questions and its upon 100. How wrong I was! Somehow, my lecturer tried to be funny. The first 3 questions is upon 20 marks each while the last question was upon 40! So given that I only studied the diagram for the question that happened to be the no.1 slot, I was surprised that he actually gave me 9/20 for that. Too much marks for a minimal answer. But I was surprised that I got 17/20 and 19/20 for the next 2 questions respectively cos I thought I could have scored 20/20 for that. Ironically, I scored 20/40 for the last question. My lecturer told me that I missed out answering the second part! Urgh!!! He told me that I have gotten a full marks for the first part but the marks were brought down cos I didn't attempt the second part.

I felt like shooting myself alive when he told me that. I kept asking myself, why didn't I try to read the question properly?! So 65/100... I was aiming for 75/100! If only I had written something... and only if... haiz!

Had a good talk with the bestest of friend. He nagged at me for my carelessness. And yeah it was a heavy price to pay in the end. He tried to comfort me like how I always comforted him. Somehow, I guess it didn't work out. But, at least I earned a date with him! Happiness!

"The bestest of friends we may be BUT we do have our fair share of quarrels and arguments. But I love you no matter what best friend!"