Hey! I went to Valley Forge yesterday with Mark! It was so nice of him cuz he came all the way from Limmerik to this little place and took me to King of Prussia, where I had GOOD food! And then we went to valley forge, and we took so many pics. He has better ones cuz he took his point and shoot, whereas I was just using my phone's camera, which is pretty decent if you look at it. So here it is!

Oh, my new favourite song! Listen while you look at the pics, I think its fits it pretty well!





Large open fields that I went crazy with!


pretty skies and fields


More fields


And more...


And more...


And er... more. :D


Ok. you want me to stop?


Be careful what you wish for! Uh. The flag!


One of them cabins that I crawled into.


One arch.


More of the arch!


Writing on the wall!


And more writing. :D


And deer on the way back... which apparently are vermin... :)

And that's it for the trip! His mom took us to Red Lobster for dinner, and it was really good. :D I'm going to get the pics from Mark as soon as I can, cuz those have pics of me in it!

ok, I'm out...

Chrys

Hi people! I'm here with some mighty interesting goodies!


So yeah, I've finally decided to put up the pictures that I took at the Homecoming Parade. (for those of you who are unfamiliar with that culture, it's basically about them football players returning home from all their away games to play the Homecoming game, ours was against Wisconsin) Just confirms the fact that everything is about football here... sigh.

Anyways, so they had this Homecoming Parade that night, basically floats and just groups of people from societies on campus going around campus while people who come for the homecoming day (that is the following day) camp out at the side of the road, with cute little kids holding their little plastic bags to collect candy.

And here's a video of Billy Smashing Apples on his head... one night, when all of us (me, erin, bj and him) we hanging out in the room, we got kinda bored, and then we decided we wanted some entertainment, so me and Erin goaded him on to do this. It was really funny.



And here's part 2: With TWO apples now!



And that's it people! Have fun!
I'm gonna try and get some work done...

Life, Love and Letting go,
Chrys

Yo everyone! 

Let's see, updates, updates! (no more depressing stuff)

I just got back from an Econs exam. You know, the truth is, over here, exams are really kinda different. First of all, I realize that i don't exactly have to study my ass off before an exam, because it only covers this really small section. And have lots of tests, like every week. So I basically know everything. :P But it's not easy to keep up. So that's the price I have to pay.

Let's see... after this I have a Math test, and I suppose it's not going to be too bad. I feel kinda ok about it coz I got full marks for the last test! yey! (I'm so proud of myself) But yeah, you know how I get. I get contented then I screw up again. But no worries. There are lots of review sessions around. I even dare say that they have more opportunities here for someone to improve than back in CAL. 

Oh, and I got my english paper back yesterday, you know, the one about Cecily? Sigh. I'm a little bit upset about it. I got an A MINUS. And you know why? Because the font was wrong, and it spilled over by one page. ONE PAGE!

Okay, I know there's really no reason for me to be complaning. I mean, after all, instructions are instructions. But sigh. What a waste. She wrote at the back of my paper that she really likedthe descriptions. That is was "fantastic" and that I brought the character alive. I guess the only consolation of this is that she really likes the paper. Sigh. Oh well, can't win them all.

Sooo... let's see. What else. I got extra credit for my Edesign class coz I went for career fair. :P And then my lecturer's been pretty nice about all my work... so I feel ok about that class.

Okay, so I feel like pucking now coz I had alot of coffee. Gonna go now.

See ya!

Life, Love and Letting go,
Chrys

Hey guys! Here's this nifty little thing i decided to add to my blog. It's a live feed of me in my dorm! HAha. have fun!

Chrys

Okay, before you all scream about how I haven't been updating my journal, I'd just like to explain a few things.

I guess things will be easier if you try and imagine yourself as me. (this is something I learned in English):

If you were a Penn State international student, then you probably only just got back to your dorm after a long, tiring day of trekking across campus, going from one class to the next, all the while trying VERY consciously not to get lost, because every minute counts when your campus is this big.

Also, you would only just have enough time today, Friday, to play around with your computer a little because football eve is at 6, and you also have to trek halfway across campus to get to that.

You would have had such a busy week that you wonder how it passed so fast. It seemed like only just a day ago you were planning your classes, and all of a sudden, it's the weekend! With Labor day, that makes it a long weekend! But alas, you dare not party too much because you have a ton of homework and assignments to do that is due next week. But for the moment, you relax and let the big blue band serenade you before your friends come storming into your room demanding company.

In addition to all the headache that you've been compounded with this past week, you have to worry about keeping your room clean, and presentable (especially since it seems to be the hub of activity for you and your friends-- and you don't want your neat and tidy roommate to kick you out) You have to worry about laundry (which is way overdue) and about food... which isn't what it seems. You have to worry your hair grey about FRESHMAN 15, a unwritten rule that dictates that all freshmen always put on 15 pounds in their first semester. It is rumored that penn state pumps fat into the air-- very much in the same way that they do with the ice cream, so much so that it doesn't get sold in stores because it goes against the government regulations).

But that's all minor in comparison to the difference you feel when you step into your classes. This first week itself has been an experience for you, and you almost forget what it was like before. You've been opened to an entirely new way of thinking, and you are pushed to your limits, even with subjects that you have done before. The policy of making your own education and scheduling your own classes seemed bizzare to your at first. There was no one there to FORCE you to take certain classes. You could take ANYTHING! It was insane! THEY were insane. But then, soon, after going to the first few classes, you understood the policy. By making your own education and scheduling your own classes, you were given the liberty of dropping and adding classes at your own leisure. This way, if you didn't like a class, you could immediately drop it and attend another class that you would actually like. In this way, you cannot blame anyone for being in a class that you didn't want to be in... because hey; you were the one that scheduled it. Genius.

So finally., you decided on Theatre. And it turned out to be a huge blast. Your teacher is a psycho maniac that was pleasant and mellow on the first day, then turned into a screaming, cursing (seriously cursing, people. like, F-word) and competitive monster. Well, they always said that theatre majors were weird. They were right.

And your math teacher is a strangely charming russian lady who seems stuck in the USSR era. She wears painfully outdated clothes, has a thick russian accent that reminds you of dictators, has round glasses, short cropped hair, and a stern glare. She reminds you of Mrs. Cecily in a bizarre way, and you have a feeling she knows more about you than she lets on. She says "Okay" in a brisk, loud and accented "KAY?" And she never answers your question in a straight forward manner. She will lean forward, look over her glasses, and say with her accent dripping over her voice: "I vant you to thhhink aboooout eeet.... I dOn vant you to gueeess... noooo... Just go back aaaand thiiink abooout eet."

Then comes your Engineering Design lecturer. He is painfully boring man, who seems obsessed with patents. He is your stereotypical professor who wants people to "think" and "work together in a group". In way way, he is fascinating. But only if you are really into the details of making toothbrushes. (which is your project for the semester).

You econs instructor is a really funny guy who just got braces even if he is turning 40. He's really enthusiastic about econs... but someone you don't share that enthusiasm.

Finally, your English teacher is this really bubbly yet strict black lady with incredibly frizzy hair (shalini, you found your kindred) who goes "lalala" when she flips papers, cracks alot of crazy jokes that no one usually gets, and is really anal about passing up assignments on time.

And so, that is your ensemble of crazy lecturers. But all you want to do right now is take a nap and not go and watch cheerleaders shaking their pom-poms, because you've been getting less than 6 hours of sleep for the past week.

But alas... a social life is also something you cannot live without... after all, a three day weekend is pretty long, isn't it?

Oh, and also, your room would look something like this:


My desk where many things happen. Like spilt cereal at 6.30 in the morning when you're already late for the bus.


My mirror and sort of dresser.


My desk with the view of the bed. BLUE!


More blue. GO PSU!


BJ's TV, and our microwave fridge combo.


Notice the contrast. Bobbie does like pink. But not enough to be a cookie cutter.


My carefully selected postedof Good Charlotte and RENT!


And finally, my billboard, where I put up all those photos that meant something to me.


And that's it! Hopefully you now have some idea what it was like to be for the first week of classes. Hope to hear from all of you soon!

Life, Love and Letting go,
Chrys

Yo!


Everyone, I'm so stressed. Things have been crazy around here. I just got back from WEPO today, today was the last day, and so I'm sleeping in my dorms back again today. :P

So, first of, classes. Man. that was crazy. I have so much to do. Turns out, there's more to do coz I have some (alot) credits to transfer from A levels. But the real problem is that the real cambridge cert is only out in three month's time. So in the mean time I have to take so many classes that I don't really need to. And also, if I do transfer all my physics credits, I won't have to take ANY physics classes, so I would jump right into Engineering and design classes. Sigh. I'm so worried.

So, right now, I can't pay my bill, I can't buy my bill, and I can't get my sleep. I think I'm stressing out too much,. But I don't want to be inadequate especially on my first class, and my first semester.

Oh, and WEPO was pretty interesting. I mean, it was really tiring and everything, but we had alot of things done and we also met so many interesting people, and got so much information that normal people wouldn't have gotten anyway, So that was pretty cool. And they also gave so many goodies, like laundry bags, and stationary and a shirt, and everything. So that was pretty cool.

The activities were pretty fun, but tiring, and people... well. Sigh. That's another story. For some of them, I really wonder how they got into engineering (but i think their family is in penn state) but the mentors and rovers, and leads... wow. They are amazing. It's like, I had no idea there existed so many capable people who were interested in engineering. I mean, in malaysia, if someone was really interested in physics and math, it's either a guy, or a geek. Over here... it's pretty amazing. I mean, the variety that they have.

But, like, my group was pretty crappy. I mean, they were the bimboish people, and they just... ergh. Never took the initiative. That was really annoying. But there was this one black girl, Erica. That was really nice. And I met Kate, this really smart honors girl, and Elaine, this Hongkie who's really nice too.

Anyways, I'm so dead tired. Seriously. Ack...

I'm gonna go sleep now...

Life, Love and Letting go,
Chrys

Hi everyone!!

I'm back!

Right! So, I know, you're all dying to know just how my D.C trip went. Well, I took lots of photos, so it's been taking awhile to upload them all and complete my little ditty about D.C.

So, first of all, the weather. That was pretty bad. I mean, the sun was really strong, because there weren't any clouds in the sky. AT ALL! Which was really great for pictures, but totally horrid for walking around under the sun for the whole day.

So anyways, the bus trip itself was pretty terrible on the way there. Because there was some kinda road block or borders check or something, we were stuck along one stretch for around an hour. And we were all just aching to get to Dc, so did no good for our anxiety. But when we finally reached there, they dropped us of in front of the National History Museum. That was pretty central... which wasn't a good thing at that time. It meant that we had to pick which way to go first. Towards to Lincoln Memorial, or towards the Monument and Capital Building.

In the end, we decided to head towards the Lincoln Memorial first. It was really scorching. But the surprising thing was, under the shade, it was pretty cool, actually. Alot different from back at home where shade or no shade is roasting anyway. hahaha...

Anyways, there was alot of people at the lincoln memorial, and there was this kinda like... political campaigning going on or something by this black lady... it was pretty different from back at home. I mean, in Malaysia, it was like, just... in newspapers, and badges, and stuff. Over here, she was like, so energetic, and I almost shouted YEA!!! when everyone else did. The energy was really awesome... hehe.

Oh, and from the Lincoln Memorial, you can see the reflecting pool for the Washington Monument. So I took pics of that too. And there were a ton of ducks in the pond, so that made some interesting pics too.

Anyways, it would be next to impossible to explain every single thing that we did, and every single place that we went, so I'm gonna try and summarize it all in pictures. But, one thing to note is the Air and Space museum. That was really really awesome. Because we didn't have much time, what you see the pics is pretty much what I saw too. We couldn't go into those little exhibitions coz the museum was already closing.

Well, enjoy the pics!


PS: I know I said that it was a cloudless day, but the pictures would have been nowhere near as stunning as these without my Circular Polarizer. :P So, all praise HOYA!




And here's some of my favourites:( Picture time! )
Alright! That's all there is now. Gtg get ready for the trip to Radio Shack. See ya guys around, and enjoy the photos!!!

Life, Love and Letting go,
Chrys

Hello!

Lots have happened since I last posted. For starters, my group of friends have drastically changed, and I think it's for the better.

Melina has been going out really late, and staying out until 4 in the morning with this group of guys, who I'm not too comfortable with. Looks like all they wanna do is get you drunk and jump you at the first opportunity they get. So, I'm too comfortable with that. And the other girl? The one from wales (yes, I spelt it right this time :P) has gone off with a group of brits, so I haven't seen her since.

I've been hanging out with these two chinese girls. One is from China, and her name is Sunny. And another is Stella, and she's canadian-chinese. So Stella is pretty okay. Way better than Melina who was going out parting with guys and everything. I know we must be active, but that's too much for me. And Melina sleeps in and misses all the important talks, like today. Whereas Stella and Sunny go for all the talks that are impt, and we just do things moderately, like all my friends at home. No drunk madness. Just settling all out bills, and all our chores. And she's really nice to talk to, Stella, and we identify and have lots of fun. I think these are the people I can hang out with... long term. But just in the international sense, I mean, I guess I'll be with bobbie quite alot more, and all my engineering friends. But just some people to fall back on now and then.


Anyways, yesterday, I went to the Global Connections party. It turned out to be more of a reception for international students than an all out party. There were speeches, but there also were refreshments, and music, and stuff, so it was ok. It was actually a real challenge for me. Because, halfway through the event, they had this activity, where they invited anyone who wanted to, to go up to the stage, and sing a song from your country. And I was really nervous, I but I felt it was something I had to do. Like, I had to take the chance, or else I would always be timid, and shy, and just plain pathetic.

So, I decided to go up, and I sang Rasa Saying coz that's the only traditional song that I could sing, really, that wasn't a national anthem. And my voice was shaking so much when I introduced myself. And I told them about a brief background of out culture and races back in Malaysia. And then I sang the song. Oh god, my voice was like so shaky, but I managed to pull through. And wow... it was pretty good, I mean, I remember thumping the podium in time with the song, and everyone was clapping along... and it was pretty magical. Then, I told them what the song meant, and said it was the celebration of the union of the Chinese and Malay in Malaysia because honestly, I wasn't too sure.. haha.

And then, when I was done and exiting the hall, this North Korean (?) girl came up to me and shook my hand to and said that what I did up front was really impressive. I was so touched! haha... I was really happy too, coz I didn't make such a fool of myself.

Anyways, me and stella are now checking our mail and such in the commons. I really think it's really good...



Okay, anyways we're going to this pool party after this, at an outdoor pool. I didn't bring a bathing suit, so I can't swim. So I guess I'll just hang around and eat something. Oh, and dave told me that there was this other Malaysian guy here in PEnn state. His name is Jin Wei, and I'm meeting him at the pool party. So that should be ok. I hope he's not a total dumb ass....

Anyways, gtg now. Gotta change. The party is soon. And tomorrow is the DC trip, so I gotta rest up coz the bus leaves at 6 am! ergh. Hope I don't just drop down dead... And we're coming back at midnight... so... phew, gotta rest up. And we're on our own...

So, better go now. Will update you all soon.

Bye!

Life, Love and LEtting go,
Chrys

I'm back!!

And... I'm trying to concentrate with these two italian students talking really loudly beside me...

Anyways, I've got some good news! I just got back the results of my FTCAP (it's pronounced fit-cap, as I was told). And I got good results!! yey! I'm to take an honors course in english, and math 110, math 140, and chem 110 with extra credit. It's so cool! I might be able to skip a few classes and keep my semester nice and free looking.

So that's done.

This afternoon, I went around campus doing some errands. First, we had some really long but important talks in the morning, then we went to come church on campus for free lunch. I'm not quite sure what they're getting at, because, if you're malaysian, you tend to get really suspicious of free lunches just like that (with a nice hall to eat, and nice people to talk to). But I guess they didn't extort us or anything of that sort... they didn't even try to convert us... so, I guess there's nothing to be worried about. Oh, and I met this really nice girl from Germany. She's an exchange student, and she's got the German accent and everything. haha! It was really fun to talk to her.

After that, we went back for somemore talks at some lab, about scheduling classes and paying fees and such. That was grueling and boring, even if necessary. Then, after that, we went to the HUB to get my banking done. I'm happy to say, I've finally gotten rid of that obscene amount of money, sitting in that bankdraft, in my bag. It's a huge relief for me. The only catch is, it's only available from next friday, coz they got to process it and everything. But that shouldn't be a problem. I mean, I could always pay my fees later... right? So right now, I gotta seriously save up coz all i have is cash... and a traveler's check... ok, so I have quite abit of money still... but I don't feel safe! Guess I'll just have to get used to managing my money on my own... hm...

So the only other thing I need to take care of now is the medical insurance, which I can only do when I get my bank draft... so that will have to wait.


Then, I topped up my lion cash card... which is some really technical things I don't want to explain, then I had to buy another number coz the previous one I was using was apparently not really good for on campus. I got a T-mobile at the airport cause I had no clue where to get  AT&T, so I figured, since they sold T-mobile in the states, people must use it. So I bought it, and it was really expensive. But I just needed one, you know? it was really important, actually, I don't regret it. I mean, I used it to call bobbie-jo, and dianne... and my parents. So it's not necessarily wasted. So my new number is:       814-777-1379

So anyways, I went to the penn state bookstore, and it was pretty amazing... I mean there's this whole building just for it, with this huge sign that says "penn state bookstore" right above all of the buildings. And it's really huge, something MPH in MV or bigger. And they sell lots of things and textbooks and everything, so I won't really have to worry about getting them.

Oh, and on the way back, we went to the creamery!!!

OMFG!!!!!

YOU HAVEN'T TASTED ICE CREAM, IF YOU HAVEN'T TASTED PENN STATE'S ICE CREAM!!!!!

It's that good, ok! It's 2.50 USD for one scoop. And I was initially pretty upset because that's pretty expensive. I mean, back in malaysia, you could get one scoop of baskin robbins for RM 6 something. But then... MY GOD. I ordered butter pecan, and I was expecting almost the same size as back in Malaysia, where one scoop is LITERALLY one scoop! Just one scoop using the ice cream scoop. But then, she gave it to me and I was like... oh god. How am I going to finish this.

Okay, imagine this: The baskin robbins person take the normal ice cream scoop, scoops up one scoop of ice cream, and shoves it to the bottom of the cone. Then, she takes it again, another scoop, and shoves it further down the cone. Then, after that, she takes FIVE or SIX scoops of ice cream using the ice cream scoop, and somehow manages to balance it all on that one small cone. THAT'S how it's like here.

It was so amazing!!!! It's like buying a pretty big tub of ice cream from the supermarket. That's how much it was. I don't think I can eat dinner anymore. And I spent like, FOREVER just trying to finish it. My god. And everything was just melting, coz I wasn't eating it fast enough. And I was just so overwhelmed coz EVERYONE was just eating theirs so fast, I don't know where they put it. And coming from someone who's slightly overweight and likes ice cream, that's saying alot.

It's totally worth it. And it's just so good. I heard even ben and jerry's lose to it. Hm... interesting.

Anyways, I'm resting now, coz there's no more activities for the day. Only this party at 7.30 by Global Connections. I think I'll go. I also think the chinese girls are going. But I'll try to grab more people.

OH, btw, I've done so much walking, I've got like, a ton of blisters on my feet. Owch. But it doesn't compare to the aching muscles. Close, but not as bad.

Well, gtg now. Think I'll take a nap.

See ya all! don't forget to msg me!

Life, Love and Letting go,
Chrys

HI EVERYONE!!!

My God. First of all, let me just say: WHAT AN EXPERIENCE!!

The good AND the bad, I assure you.

So, I'm here, in penn state, actually, I arrived last night... late at night.. and the van picked us up from the (tiny) ariport that was state college.

The plane ride... was... well... BLERGH!!! HORRID!!! I'm never riding in a plane... EVER AGAIN!!!
I was so sick for most of the ride, because there was so much turbulence... so I couldn't sleep, and I couldn't eat. So, basically, I didn't sleep for over 24 hours, and the only substantial meal I actually could digest properly was the chilli cheese fries at Detroit Metro (which was WAY too rich for me. I ate everything but the fries with chesse on them, and I can tell you that it wasn't much.) There really weren't any GOOD food that I felt like eating. I mean, everything was either too greasy, so crispy, too drowning in gravy, or just plain scary. And also, there was this funny incident involving Chillies, you know the American Chillies we have in malaysia that Shal LOVES so much. But this time, the twist was the little shinny plaque right in front of the restaurant. It read:

PARKING ONLY FOR CHILLIES CUSTOMERS. ALL OTHER CARS WILL BE MELTED AND CRUSHED.

omfg. Whaaattt???

I was staring at the sign, with my eyes wide open, and this american couple walked by and laughed at me... Er... that's not for real, right?

Anyways!!! 

The trip to Japan was around 8 hours, and the trip to detroit was around 11 hours. And let me just say, that it was plain torture. what with the nausea and uncomfortable seats!! And all the planning I had to do... like, taking care of my passport, and going to the right gates, and terminals... all the while trying to control my puke. So, I'd like to make a personal requests to the PtB. Either telleport me back home for the summer, or just move the bloody continents, beauce just the thoughts of riding on planes at the moment is a little too much for me.

So ANyways!!!

I've already met Bobbie, my future roommate. Last night, right after I moved into my temporary housing. She's REALLY nice. I mean, she has a car for the summer, so she drove all the way from Pollocks, and gave me a nice pillow and sheets, and a blanket. Then, she drove be back to her place to give me some food, like a midnight snack or something. And on the way... lolz, we passed by this really bitchy looknig girl. All blonde and skinny and everything.. and she was pushing this trolley with her stuff in it, and it was so late at night, and it was rattling away... and after she passed by, Bobbie turned to me and told me that THAT was Lindsey!!!!

WARGH! I'm so lucky I'm not rooming with her anymore. And Bobbie told me that she's really bad.. I mean, she brings guys into her room late at night, and does serious drinking too... man. Bobbie is my saviour.

She says she's not that type. She studies alot, so the drinking thing shouldn't even come up. (I mean, it's illegal at our age)

I'm just so happy. And bobbie is not at all what I magined her to be. I mean, I always thought bobbie was a name of a person who had frizzy hair, wore bohemian clothes and everything. But she's just an average, normal looking white local, brunnette and everything. lolz. So much for being psychic.

So now, in my temporary housing, I'm rooming with this girl from Egypt, Melina, who'se actually a Greek... It's complicated. Anyways, I met her at the airport, and she's been nice so far (and a really deep sleeper, so it's hard to wake her.. haha). And I just met this REALLY nice girl, Rebecca. She's from Whales, and she has this really nice accent that you just wanna listen to all day. lolz. haha... And she's also rooming in the temporary housing, and bascially, the three of us (me, rebecca and Melina) have been going around campus together, and it's all really nice.

I just got back from my first campus tour. And we're going shopping later at 3... then downtown at 6... it's all gonna be really fun. The environment here is just SO AWESOME. The weather is great, enough for me to walk around without dying of a heatstroke like in Malaysia. But it isn't freezing yet. some ppl call it hot (man, they've been sheltered) but it's alot colder than you can possibly hope to get in Genting. haha. So it's really nice.

And the students... man. They are just so AMAZING. I mean, everyone's friendly, and the campus is really peaceful... but not in a overly rural kinda sense. The roads are nice and wide, and just... so NICE. It's so nice to walk outside, I think I'm addicted to it already. I mean, since moving here, I've already walked around the campus TWICE without complainin. 

i've also got my ID and email account and everything. So that's all set. All I have to do now is take care of the banking and all. But I don't think I can do anything until I move into my permanent housing.

I'm so excited!! Things are just so great here! It's not at all what I expected. I mean, I expected things to be rocky at first, like how it's always been. You know, alone, and lost. But the people here, just make you feel so good. And I've got some friends already...

I'm just so happy.

I know alot won't agree to this (mostly those who have been traumatized by the TOH'S in the past, but I just have to say this:

THANK YOU MOM AND DAD FOR GIVING ME THIS AMAZING OPPORTUNITY! I COULDN'T ASK FOR MORE! THANK YOU!

Okay, gtg now. Gotta take care of some other issues with my passport and whatnot.

I hope to hear from ALL of you soon! 

My psu email account is active, but i'm not quite sure how to access it at the moment: cot5015@psu.edu

My new call phone number: 347 272 6293

Alright. Bye!

Life, Love and Letting go,
Chrys