The young Severus Snape. A rather good artistic rendition. Sigh. If only I could draw like that. 

Christmas

Went for two Christmas parties this year round, one on the 23rd which had been real fun (thanks to the presence of good games, kudos to Alex, you guys have been fun to hang out with!) . Had another one today at my uncle's with the relatives from my paternal side (was rather boring after the first two hours & I was dying to go after the fun ended). Just thought I would attach a picture I took at his place. Not very sure what bird species this is.. probably a humming bird because of its small size. The nest was just hanging outside the window of the study.

How-it-should-have-been

The Chinese have a saying, “同人不同命”, some of us are born more fortunate than others, both on the material and psychological levels. For those of us fortunate enough to be sitting in front of a computer, typing and reading off the screen; you would be part of the minority of the entire world's population that have access to modern amenities, a reasonable amount of income & a certain level of education.

Modern life has certainly provided us with many comforts materially, but progress so far had done little to push the level of satisfaction psychologically. Let's face the truth, life today in the hustle and bustle of the city is alienating. Sometimes I wonder if we've traded our psychological satisfaction for a little more progress on the material side.

That's when hobbies come in. Remember the times when you were in primary school and your teachers made you write essays on things like "My Favourite Hobby". I always had difficulty doing that.. simply because I didn't have much of a hobby. Over the years, I'm surprised by the amount of people that didn't have one too. We all need something to take our minds off the drudgery and the ups and downs of everyday life & hobbies seems perfect for this (if we can find something we really enjoy doing) .
Some hobbies tend to be a little more expensive than others (scuba-diving, travelling, flying clubs etc.) but if the level of satisfaction is immense I figure you should go do it anyway if you can afford. At least there's something for you to look back to when you reach your fifties instead of a giant pile of gold (the next gen wld most probably get to spend it after you've minused out your medical bills) & a life filled with 'how-it-could-have-beens'.

Its been 18 days since the last paper of the exams... Time flies and I've been dreaming my life away for 18 days, not that I cared much and I'm still admist a dream. Its been a wonderful holiday thus far (shouldn't demand too much out of life, I'm contented with simplicity.. to put it differently, I'm easily satisfied) . Results are coming out soon.. two days from now in fact, not thinking about it much though.. Trying to lose myself in fantasy land (through books and Celtic music) and occasional meetings with friends.

Hope those who are having holidays out there are having fun during this period of time. Enjoy while we still can.. I don't suppose we get much of this once our academic career ends.

It can't be the wine right?

Dad went to the service centre today to fix a problem with the Canon Ixus I. I attempted to use it to take a 'Before-After' shot for my bro just before he heads to the military only to realize that the shutter seems to have problems opening. Seems like something got in and jammed the aperture... Would cost him about $200 to change the part since they can't just change the shutters..

I'm beginning to wonder if its the kiwi wine that I've spilt on the camera about 2 years ago (nobody knows about this yet).. But it can't be that right? Otherwise the thing would have spoilt long ago.. Can't recall any other time that something spilt on it. Its working (for now) , hopefully it'll stay this way.

Lose Urself

Absolutely enjoying every single moment of my holidays at present. Things have been going at a relatively easy pace, no work, no stress and I'm going about doing whatever I feel like doing. Its just marvellous. Somehow I seem to enjoy my holidays more if I'm in a massive reading mode (like right now.. chomping into third book and have already re-read Half-Blood Prince twice) , thanks KC for the books that you recommended though I didn't really like The Partner (not as exciting as his other books) and Hot Zone (didn't like the way he goes through the story.. rather chronological but Ebola does scare me shitless ever since the first time I read about it).

While reading through the Half-Blood Prince I felt a little disappointed... seems like Harry Potter got a relatively peaceful year despite the death of Dumbledore (which only occured at the end of the story), but Snape really started to catch my eye here. I always like characters that can are neither completely good or bad, mysterious and a little dodgy (with Snape being a double agent and his loyalty questioned, I'm naturally drawn to him). Started noticing him more since the Prisoner of Azkanban, didn't expect him to save the trio but he did. I'm still inclined to think that he's working for the Order. I need the next book to come out soon. Come on Rowling, write faster.. more haste less speed.

Dumbledore... dead

Dumbledore died! I've known this even before I started on the book... but still can't accept the sad fact he died. So much injustice in the way he died. WHY!!! Ok I admit, the writer got me. I'm waiting eagerly for the 7th book at the present moment. Long time since a fantasy tale caught me like this.. the last one had to be Tamora Pierce's Emperor Mage... Wasn't very impressed with LOTR I must say. LOTR has nice background, scenery and a not too bad storyline (soundtracks are marvellous); but perhaps its too different from our world for me to really feel strongly for it. Sadly, its just an overdrawn fight between the forces of good and evil.

Dumbledore's demise in the book reminded me rather strongly about the death of Richard Harris, the previous actor of Dumbledore. He could easily pass for Merlin with his stature and that air of dignity that the current actor seem to lack. Perhaps due to the height factor? Eagerly looking forward to the next series... in the meantime, I'm going to catch the movie this coming Tues... Can't wait till i get to the theatres!