"Milk-gone-off-big-time-stylee"

Stephen Fry is amazing. Just watched Qi for the first time in ages. Ahh if only he wasn't gay! Today I had some physalis. They are best to be described as very yummy. Not much happened today, as you may be able to tell. I watched some other program before Qi, thanks to BBC iPlayer. The thing is, I can't remember what it was, even though it was just under 2 hours ago that I started watching it. Also, today I tried to convince my friends to come swimming with me this Tuesday; I got a pretty mixed reaction, but better than I expected. Oh I remember; I watched Heroes. Heroes is amazing also, but not quite as amazing as the Fry.

 

Why did I shoot at ISO1600? o.O Oops!

Disney "Magic"

After an awful day, it soon got better at Shiran's surprise 18th birthday party. We were all so excited, even after half an hour of crouching in our hiding places waiting for Shiran to come. There was indeed plenty of Disney "magic", and Disney "music". I don't think I'll ever understand why "artists" such as the Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus and lots more people who I've never heard of, got to be so successful.

End of Fail

Exams are finally over. Went to Nandos after Economics exam today to celebrate Shiran's birthday and the end of January modules. Met another weird guy... Oh lucky me! 

Exams in general were fail; the questions were just hard, and made it almost impossible to give a typical prelearnt "mark scheme" answer. I'm so exhausted from them though. I had a horrible headache, which conveniently got worse during the economics exam. By the time I got home from Nandos, it had developed into a migraine and my mum suggested I take Calpol. Also, when I look at lights, it's horrible, but they do seem to sparkle. I think I'm just greatly in need of sleep, which is why I guess I spent my Friday evening sorting out notes/past papers and doing maths and physics homework.

Also, today Mars was really bright - you could see the red colour, even just with your naked eye. The Moon was also really bright:

Liquid Propulsion System

They are far from pro. Most ridiculous "physics" question ever. Even worse than the CD question in the Summer. Last exam tomorrow. Almost there.

Fail

I mistook atomic number for atomic mass. I failed to realise that 64 > 29. FML

Happy Birthday Shiran!

Happy 18th Birthday! Exams are poo. We will celebrate more; I will write more, after exams.

Burn's Nom

Happy Burn's night! Today I had triple chemistry and triple economics. I was going to walk to school, but I didn't. I wasted too much time faffing about trying to find walkable shoes. Lessons were long and full of fail, especially economics. I don't really feel ready for any of my exams this week, but somehow, I haven't started properly panicking yet. I finally realised today that in a few months time, we will no longer be at SHOM, and we'll all be living in different parts of the country. It was rather a sad realisation; we will no longer walk to dreadful corridors of fail, sing insanely from lesson to lesson and be told off for apparently 'incorrect' uniform.

Edamame

My sister was out all day doing something with her church band. My parents were out most of the day. So, instead of the usual procrastination, I actually did some revision today! I don't know why I tend to procrastinate more when my parents know what I'm doing, and do work when they don't. Nevermind. Taking a break from revision, I cooked some edamame beans for dinner:

CCD

Everyone seemed to want to patronise me today, especially the people in the camera shops. Fair enough I know next to nothing about all the technical stuff, but I don't think that should really call for patronising. Anyway, I think I've decided on what camera to get. I tried out most of the ones that I was interested in, but there was one that wasn't available in any of the 4 camera shops I went to. So, technically I have a shortlist of two cameras, which is an improvement from last night. Revision is non-existent still. CCD is in this physics unit, so I guess all this camera searching is helping a little bit with revision. 

Perhaps I will start revising now, up until the early hours, so I sleep in until midday, and then my parents can yell at me more.

Angry Week.com

This week has been awful. Today was just the ultimate of awful. My form tutor shouted at me: "Cheng, do not accuse me of not doing my job properly." Firstly, I did not accuse her of such a despicable act, and secondly, even if I did, it wouldn't be a false accusation. All she has to do is tick off our names (correctly) and read, or pass on, notes in the register. She fails to do both. (I wouldn't really give a damn if it didn't affect me, but the thing is, it does.) Anyway, she instead tells me almost every day that I'm going to go to hell because I don't follow her religion. I really don't like school any more. It's getting ridiculous. Layla and Shiran were angry today as well, about the New York trip, which also made Rebecca and Francesca angry. My school is extremely good at provoking anger. Perhaps this is why so many trips to Costa Coffee are required:

Exponential Decay

Photos and posts are deteriorating exponentially, I know, but so is my sanity. Does that justify itself? Today was a very long day. Last night I was up until the early hours doing physics homework. I fell asleep with my laptop on, next to my bed. I woke up in the middle of the night. At first, when I read the clock, I thought it said 12.30, so I thought, "Oh isn't this good - it feels like I've slept for hours, yet I still have plenty more to go, which is very much needed!". I reach to close my laptop, then realise the time actually was 4.40am. My general thought was "Oh this is not good, not good at all. I need sleep." And indeed, this was my general thought for pretty much the whole day. I did intend to take a power nap between after school and violin, but economics found itself filling that time instead. Today is the latest I've ever left it to take a photo. I remember last year with the diary, I had quite often come quite close to either forgetting to write, or just couldn't be bothered to write, but I persevered and didn't actually skip a single day.

Here are some fishes in the dark. I do actually think they were sleeping, which is something I'm going to do right now.

Debussy Woz Raped

Yes indeed, Petite Suite was well and truly raped by our wonderful orchestra. Nevertheless, it was fun and full of awkwardness. Am I annoyed that my parents haven't seen me in concert since primary school? Probably. But anyway, no more concerts soon, so no more complaining that my parents never come.
Here is what I call a mess:

O Hai, Jack!

Today was not good. I am a "most eminent student" yet I am (almost) humiliated in front of the whole school in full school assembly. I really don't understand why multi-coloured hat, scarf and gloves aren't allowed! Why must we be subjected to miserable-ness? Aren't we miserable enough already?
I went to the Jack Petchey award thing today - I don't think that was supposed to be miserable, but it kind of was when all that was on my mind was C3 = fail.
Anyway, it's been 3 hours since I've been home, and I've done nothing, so yes, C3 definitely = fail.
Never mind, there's still tomorrow morning, though I do intend to do physics tomorrow morning...

Bloody Nom

I went to the GP today - I had to wait 45 minutes for a blood test. It didn't hurt when I had it done, but now it does, which conveniently gives excuse for more procrastination. I think my blood just flows really slowly - it took ages for the thing to fill up. Physics resit today. I wish everyone the best of luck. I don't remember anything from Year 12 physics which isn't too good when it comes to synoptic stuff. For that reason, I kind of wish I was resitting as well. I have no resits at all this year. That was in fact one of my main aims at the start of Year 12: to have no resits. Judging by the amount of revision I've done so far, I will inevitably fail resits, and also A2 exams. So, plan for today is to finish economics papers, look over C3 and revise chemistry and physics.

Tiger, Tiger

I'm such a hypocrite - I went shopping this morning. My mum took my sister and her friend to the cinema at Lakeside and I went to the shopping centre. We got there at 10am, but the shops only opened at 11am, so I ended up in Starbucks killing time. I'd never seen Lakeside so empty. Usually it's difficult to walk more than a couple of steps before walking into someone (at least for me it is!) Shopping was a fail: I didn't get anything, apart from sore feet.

Tiger, tiger; I finally updated from Panther to Tiger operating system and I spent most of yesterday updating software. (In order to use iTunes, I needed to update from 10.4 to 10.4.11. Then, I realised that was only for iTunes 7. So, I downloaded iTunes 9, which then said I needed to install the latest Safari in order to use the iTunes store. Before installing Safari, it said I needed to get Quicktime. Before even downloading Quicktime, I was asked to install the newest security update. After 5 download and installs, and severall restarts, I finally had a functioning iTunes. Was it worth it? Probably not.)

Roomes

I bought a really nice dress from Roomes in Upminster today. Cashiers, yes plural, were full of fail. They took about half an hour to sort the "issue" out, the issue being charging the wrong price initially. It was raining today - I haven't been out walking in rain in ages. Usually I just stay in, because I like being lazy! I thought I'd decided on what camera and laptop to get last night: Canon G11 and HP Mini 311, but I have doubts today. I'd also decided on my new phone: HTC Tattoo, but I changed my mind and decided to buy in September when I actually might need a phone. It is so so likely that I will change my mind about all three by this time tomorrow.
I think I need to stop spending money.

Micro/Macro Xylophone

Francesca got me a mini xylophone for Christmas! It's really cute; slightly out of tune, but all the same it's so cool. Plus one for my instrument collection. I went with my Dad to pick up my sister from band. There she used to play the cymbals, but now she's on the bell lyre, which is kind of like a xylophone that you play upright. The thing is huge - bigger than my sister. I have no idea how she manages to carry it:

e Factorial

I was intending on writing about physics phail today, for it was indeed physics phail, but I shall slightly deviate from that. A random man, in his thirties I'd say, followed me in his car, caught up with me and tried to chat me up and kiss me. This all happened five doors away from my house. It was beginning to get dark, and he sounded so desperate and sleazy. There was no one else around, and he tried to pull my arm. All that was going on in my head was "eeeeeee!" i.e. e factorial! I couldn't run due to the ice (and heels). I was so bloody scared; I don't even want to begin to imagine what could have happened. I guess this situation is slightly parallel to Tony the bus driver, but much more scary. Anyway, nothing serious happened, but once again, I am majorly freaked out. Thank goodness I have wonderful friends:

NB: Before anyone complains, by no means am I implying any friends who aren't pictured aren't wonderful! You just weren't there... :C

What a Mug

Today at school, I did absolutely nothing, apart from fail. After drinking five cups of tea during my three free periods, I still felt sleepy. Something must be wrong... It was a fail day in general: this morning I was one of those annoying people who take absolutely ages trying to find their bus pass once they get on the bus, inevitably causing much distress to those in a rush. My reason was awful though - I was half asleep, and I had gloves on, so my hands were clumsy and I couldn't get a grip on my bus pass. Things got better by the end of the day though. I wasn't on my own for ballet today, and it was very much enjoyable. I am still a mug though:

The First Mute

After like 8 years of playing violin, I have finally bought myself a mute (a cheapy piece of rubber that clings onto violin strings to make them vibrate less). Having always been told off at orchestra for not having a mute, I thought it was about time I invested in one. Perhaps that's why the Debussy sounds so awful. Another reason is that being leader, I should technically be setting an example, but I'm not doing a very good job what with being late, and mute-less, every week. Anyway, I'm rather proud of it, and I think my violin quite suits the mute-look. Ah what wonders small accessories can do for one's general appearance!

Fail Snow

M2 exam today was surprisingly reasonable. I'm hoping for high marks, but usually when I do that, I end up with an absolutely awful mark. Economics: I've now lost all motivation for now. It is such a pointless A level. The entire purpose of the exam is to test how well candidates can second guess the mark scheme. Orchestra was painful to the ears - Debussy's Petite Suite continuously being slaughtered is not nice, at all.

Most of the snow has turned to slush now, yet I still fail to walk at a sensible pace. My lack of balance poses a danger to all those around me! Chemistry fail today also - Layla and I were 10 minutes late for Chemistry since we both just assumed we were in the Sixth Form Block, when instead we were in Science. We stayed in that room, told others that it wasn't a free room, and even went out to the balcony to spy on a fox, without even being worried about where the rest of our class were. Anyway, here is the result of chemistry (and camera) fail:

 

Nom More

M2 revision has ceased, and procrastination has taken over, which really really helps when my exam is tomorrow morning. I intend to walk to school tomorrow, to avoid any bus dilemmas, but that depends on whether I'm actually up from bed at a reasonable time (most likely not). I'm looking for a new camera, which conveniently takes up an immense amount of time. My mum advises against eBay, even though I saw a camera I really wanted for a very good price! (Unfortunately it's no longer in production.) Anyway, I shall continue with the Canon Ixus 400 and Fujifilm s100fs. Both are good cameras I guess, but both do have their faults as well.

Nom in the Exterior

Slept in, showered, then went straight out with my family. My Dad's car still has snow from Sussex on the roof! Bought some nice (useless) things in the sale - no surprise there. We went out for lunch at Cosmo. The food was alright, but I found it difficult to tell the difference between most dishes, so it all ended up as just "stuff to nom on plate". I liked the tea though. Haha I remember asking about job vacancies there last year, and they basically said no. Anyway, pictured below is my very happy sister, who I bought lots of "stuff" for today:

Fix You

A recent issue my iBook had was being unable to charge. There was nothing wrong with either the battery or the charger, so it must've been the DC-In Board. So today, I helped my Dad take apart the computer to get to that component. Upon inspection, my Dad concluded that it was due to a dry pin, or something like that, and required soldering. This reminded me of the epic fail of snow day revision: should've revised a little bit more chemistry, in which solder is mentioned. Today was also supposed to be my Glasgow interview. I didn't go, for the consequences of being stuck in Glasgow would've been far too dire. I was however hoping that at least one of train and plane ticket could be refunded due to cancellation or delay. Neither were affected by the weather, and so basically, I've wasted £50 of my own money by being too scared to go to Scotland!
Anyway, the DC-In Board was fine after the soldering, and so hopefully this computer will last yet a little bit longer. My Dad is quite amazing.

Cute Factorial

Slept in until just 5mins before my online further maths lesson. That was not good; did the lesson in bed, in PJs, without breakfast. Farewell to further maths... What am I going to do with myself with yet more free periods and no house music?! Perhaps tutoring. I was supposed to teach piano/maths today, but his sister's cuteness, and determination to play Wii, kind of got in the way of that. Resulted in an hour of babysitting rather than tutoring, but no complaints.

Caius to Success

Snow day today! Was on the bus for less than one stop when Layla texted me saying that there was no school today. So, I walked back home, called my sister's school to check that they were still open. After then, I went to back to sleep on the sofa for about 2 hours. However, the house phone kept ringing. None were from Cambridge, thank goodness. At about 10.40am, my Dad called again asking about my computer. Just then, I saw the postman walk to my neighbour's house. Major panic set it. I told my Dad I'd call him back, and went to collect the letters. There was indeed a small envelope stamped with Gonville & Caius!
I was successful in gaining an offer! I felt beyond ecstatic; still do. The expectation of this letter has caused far too many sleepless nights and I am just so glad it is over wish. Now, no more excuse for procrastination. First exam in five days. I would be so much of an ijit if I missed an offer than if I didn't receive an offer in the first place.
But first, I present to you hopefully my last moment of procrastination:

Physics is Phun

Triple physics today. Triple physics = triple fail. They are identical, homogeneous, indistinguishable. Failure is imminent, very imminent. What is even more fail, I don't even understand why there is so much of it. Fail is able to spontaneously generate itself in the most inconvenient of times. Talking of fail, there was uber lots of traffic this morning, meaning I had to walk to school, in heels. I am an incredibly slow walker - I realised this when everyone who got off the bus to walk, even the elderly, were faster than me. Surprisingly, it didn't take me the whole day, and I even had time to drop by Upminster Park. I just about caught the sun rising, and took some pictures there. Thankfully, the pictures weren't too fail.

Day & Night

Day & Night; one follows the other, and they keep alternating, until one day they don't. First day of school today, and after Physics, Chemistry, Economics and Maths, I feel like I haven't learnt anything. All the things I did in school I could've done by myself at home. Though to be fair, the only thing I actually did was mock papers. So, after a slightly brain-deaden-ing day, what I find that helps incredibly is actually youth orchestra. Yes it can sometimes be tiring, boring, and even demoralising, but it does certainly take my mind off what happens in the daytime. Going to the effort is indeed time consuming, but I think it is definitely worth it. Today, we were working on Debussy's Petite Suite. It's good to have a daydream I think whilst playing some lovely music. After daydreaming, it's the bus for me.

Jinx Padlock

I jinxed myself with yesterday's post. My computer has now officially passed away. It's now too late to say, "I wish I spent more time with you", "I wish I could say my last goodbye", "I wish I backed up!". However, I guess I should have known; dying sooner, rather than later, seems to run in the Mac family. They prefer to requiescere in pace than to carry out their officia. Pictured below: Top left - PowerBook G3, Top right - PowerBook G4, Bottom - the late iBook G4. Up in the loft is a PowerBook 190. Surprisingly I think you can still play Tetris on that. I think we also have a PowerMac G3 somewhere in the house. Downstairs is a MacBook, which is already on its ninth life. In conclusion, I am an ijit for not backing up, and I am even more of an ijit for still being pro-Mac!

The End is Nigh

The end is nigh: well, for "Christmas" it is. Our Christmas tree will soon be taken down for a similar reason to why it was put up. My sister wanted to put it up, and now my mum wants to take it down. In my honest opinion, the only purpose it's served in our house is keep my sister entertained for about a quarter of an hour, and give the plug socket in the back corner some good ol' exercise. Other than that, it was quite pointless, just like Christmas. Am I being Scrooge-ish? Yes, but with reason. The rate of flow of monies from my bank account has increased exponentially; the rate of flow of monies into, however, has somewhat ceased; the first half of the festive holidays was spent almost purely on schoolwork, the second on procrastination; and now, this wonderful holiday will now end with a day of manic revision. All in all, it can be best described as stressful, tiring and scrooge-ish. I guess it then follows to say that I am glad to see that the end is nigh, but no, I am not, for I fear much worse things are yet to come! (Though, to be more accurate, fear ought to be replaced with know.)

PS. I told a little lie when listing what little use the Christmas tree served. This is the result of Procrastination + Christmas tree:

 

Project 365

Project 365: to capture every single day of 2010 in photographs. Inspiration for this came from Layla, who will hopefully also take on the challenge, and also my "Project 365" last year, which was to write a diary entry for every single day. Project 365 v1.0 was in fact a success; highly unexpected judging by all my previous attempts at anything remotely similar, but now I need to find a home for the diary. All my wins (not many) and fails (too many) are recorded, and so it needs plenty of t.l.c. Onto Project 365 v2.0~

So, what's happened today? Well, my parents' friend, along with her daughter, came round. Her daughter, Dianna, was extraordinarily assertive for a girl barely into double digits. She decided to play dressing up with my sister. She then said to me, "Why are you laughing? I bet you did such silly things when you were little as well!". Maybe I did, but I don't remember. Am I missing out? I'll make up for it one day, and wrap myself up in a scarf held together with hair clips.