Fireworks

As I look back at everything that happened this year, I must say that I truly had a blast. 2010 came and went in a flash and that is clear indication that I had a great time. I must say this year was definitely one for the books. So this post I dedicate to the things that was most memorable for me this year. Yes its going to be filled with nostalgia so brace yourselves.  

1. Meeting Kris Allen. This was unbelievable. It all started thanks to this wonderful friend of mine I dub Lady One. It was the grand prize of a contest and I entered it 20 minutes before the deadline. Some may call it luck, but I think it was divine intervention. When I received the text that indicated that I won, I couldn't believe it! Mahaguru was the person I thought who would love to go (as Lady One couldn't make it) and I think he too was excited! Of course we were exited. LIKE DUUUUH, it's Kris Allen for Heavens sake! And out of all the idols, he appeals to me the most. Say what you want about him but it won't change my perception of him.

2. Singapore with 'The Gang'. A spur of the moment idea that turned out to be one of the most memorable trips ever. Like seriously. It was the night were we all went out and while waiting for my transportation to pick me up, Dre, Iki and I discussed some things we could actually do for the summer break. Lo and behold Singapore was one of the ideas and I went on organizing the trip. I believe it was a major success, form the pretty decent cheap hotel to the transport and most of all the splendid time spent with remarkable friends. I couldn't ask for any people more suited to spend the trip with. I think we all did have a grand time and will all cherish the memories we had there.

3. Speech Class. To tell you the truth, THE ONLY class I actually enjoyed throughout my Fall semester. No offense to history, American government and Statistics, but speech was a class to let loose. It was a chilling class that I truly enjoyed doing. Ms. Anna made the class enjoyable for the most part and all the doubts I had with speech just went out the window after the 2nd or 3rd class. Also the great people I spent time with in the class, Hui Xian and Olivia made things just much more sweeter. Thanks guys, it was a blast.

4. Got accepted into University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. Honestly, I wasn't too sure bout this one at first. But after UW Madison rejected me, I felt like I had no choice but to like it. So I did research on Minneapolis and my perception towards it changed. Minneapolis is such a beautiful city!  Another plus is the presence of The Mall of America! The campus too isn't half as bad and their School of Engineering is pretty good. So yes, I was disappointed of not getting in my first choice, but everything happens for a reason and I and looking at the positive side of things. So I shall see you in a bit Minnesota!

5. Kept extraordinary friendships in tact + made new ones. Ever since dear college friends left (Lady One, Mahaguru, Dre, Sam, etc) left, ADP was never the same anymore. It was different I tell you. Thankfully awesome friends like Hui Xian (lunch buddy!), Olivia, & Iki was there. I cannot thank them enough you know. Hui Xian, if you are reading this I do not think I would have made it through Fall cause seriously you were my go-to lepak buddy. Olivia, what more can I say? Your radiant smile just brightens the room, anywhere, anytime. Iki, you are just, simply awesome. Also not the be forgotten those beloved friends in The States. I think we have a good thing going on here with us constantly contacting each other. Spring break we MUST meet FTW! Like seriously it's been too long since I saw/heard your voices! I know my Skype sessions fail big time, but blame it on the Internet. I can't do anything if its that which is holding me back. So, guys, I shall see you in a few months OK? I shall be there (on American soil) in a few weeks!

6. Had a remarkable birthday celebration - 3 of them in fact. I had a great time celebrating my big 2-0 with beloved family and friends. First was the usual dad-son celebration cause my dad and I have birthdays only a day apart. We did it at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. this year and it was my first time dining there. Food was splendid, service was great but what really stood out was the time they sang the birthday song. My dad and I were made to stand on chairs and were made to goof off on them! Goodness it was rather embarrassing but I guess I didn't mind cause they were celebrating my dad and I. Next was dinner with the best-est friend Syaz. Knew her since I was 13 and wouldn't do anything to destroy what we have now. Dinner was great and was on her (like I know I'm the guy and all but she insisted)! I will miss the great times we had once I am in The States. Next was Chili's with the Fall Gang. It was so nice of them to actually treat me for my birthday. This year I seriously didn't really want any celebrations but instead I got 3. So thanks to all who made it so memorable.

7. The road to Minnesota. I have to say, applying to American universities can be painful! But after a whole bunch of documents, brain frying and not to mention hundreds of Ringgit used to post the applications, I got in 2 out of 4 of the universities I applied to. Pittsburgh would have been an option  if only my TOEFL scores arrived on time. Thank you ETS. Syracuse just didn't seem like the right fit after I re-researched on the university. So I settled with Minnesota and as stated just now, I think I'll be fine. Oh and before I forget the VISA application process too was ridiculous but I guess it is all worth it. So what do I think is the best part of all this? The shopping. I just love to buy stuff. Its rather therapeutic for me and I like it. I still am shopping for stuff as I type this but trust me all the packing will be done on time. I have no choice really. Oh and in relation to my previous post, I will be getting the coat. I really have no other choice.

8. Peppercorn Cafe. What can I say? This super cozy restaurant offers great food and warm service. Sessions here were frequent during Lady One's time and I miss them dearly. We usually went here when we needed to wait for Microeconomics class and most of the time was filled with meaningful chatter. We shall meet again soon Lady One. I know so! But till then we shall continue contacting each other via FB and or MSN.

9. Cooking. Yeah I never thought I would (cook) but I guess this was like a do or die kind of thing. I was inspired by those cooking shows they have on Astro's channel 706 and so I tried some recipes. The first thing I ever made were grilled chicken breasts and I have to say they were pretty good! That was a simple dish alright but hey I am learning. I hope to enhance my culinary skills through the years. I know I shall be doing a lot of it once I am alone. So who said guys can't cook? In relation to cooking, I think I am hooked to reality cooking shows. Top Chef is great and even MasterChef US is fun to watch. Haha!

10. Completing my ADP at Taylor's. Yes guys, I did. I have to say it is bittersweet cause I cannot believe 2 years passed already. Was it all the fun that I had? Or was it cause of the schedule that kept me busy all the time? Either way I must say ADP was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Despite quite a few people who disagree with me taking this degree or showed slight displeasure, I have to say this, I plan my life and I want to live it the way I please. I am here to make myself proud and my family proud so just accept it. I am setting the family bar as the first person ever in the whole family to fly off to study, so have faith in me and support me at least. Now that's out of the way, ADP was a platform for meeting so many people that I have come to care dearly for. Though near or far, I love them to death. May all of you guys succeed in life and have a blast in the US of A! We shall meet up once we're there OK! I am excited!

So, 2010 was quite a year. Though there were those times where I just couldn't take it anymore, I persevered. Soon, I will be on my way for even more new adventures in life. Am I excited? Yes. Am I happy? Yes. Am I nervous? Heck yeah! Will I be missing my family back home? Most definitely. But that is life. We have to move on despite the challenges we face. Even if we are hit with the toughest challenge that makes us crumble and fall, we gotta get back up and put the pieces back together. I am anxious to know what awaits me in the US next year. Hopefully more sweet memories for me to cherish for the rest of my life.