to Levi with an old friend

It has been more than 10 years since we last sit down and have a deep conversation. And it was 4 years ago when we last met up for dinner.
When we finally met again in Rovaniemi on Friday, we realise that none of us has changed much (except for more white hair, less elastic skin and less energy for adventurous sports) and still had so much to talk about even though we had been apart for so long. HC realised that I am speaking in a foreign English but also noted how quickly I switched to local style after a night of chatting. totally cool lah! :)

I had always admired HC for his inner strength and resolution. I am not sure if I had ever written about him before on this blog but he was the one with only $2 in his pocket and had reach a stage in his financial status (while studying in university) to decide whether to eat lunch or not. He always worked hard for his goal and is a friend I can depend on. His health has suffered recently and he will be on long-term treatment. It sadden me that such fate befalls him but at the same time I admire his optimism over it even though I know he must have struggled with it through the initial stage. It must also be difficult not to be able to tell your parents about it... HC, my dear friend, take care until we meet again. Maybe in an Irish pub in London.

thanks G

This long overdue post goes out to 3G who were threatened by Mr Ngan to write notes for me. :P. I received them the day before CNY's eve and it was with smiles and laughter when I read through them a few times. Thanks people! I have blue-tacked them on my wall and your video still continues to bring me much cheers :P.
Stalking is mutual yah? Those PE shots were excellent! Remember to send in your micelle pic if there is another bio wk!

We just started the Spring break but things continue to be busy. I am currently trying to sort out my Master thesis, seek out an internship as part of my course and plan for an exchange next Spring. All the administrative work...eeks!
But something really exciting for me will be the opportunity to teach in a Finnish secondary school next term. How will the kids be like? What am I going to teach? While I am still working on the latter, the idea of laughing in class is intoxicating!! Muahahaha! Can't wait!


Oh, and I caught the northern lights !!!!! hippee!!! not once but twice! :) Don't be too jealous :)

INFJ.ME

INFJs are deeply concerned about their relations with individuals as well as the state of humanity at large. They are, in fact, sometimes mistaken for extroverts because they appear so outgoing and are so genuinely interested in people -- a product of the Feeling function they most readily show to the world. On the contrary, INFJs are true introverts, who can only be emotionally intimate and fulfilled with a chosen few from among their long-term friends, family, or obvious "soul mates." While instinctively courting the personal and organizational demands continually made upon them by others, at intervals INFJs will suddenly withdraw into themselves, sometimes shutting out even their intimates. This apparent paradox is a necessary escape valve for them, providing both time to rebuild their depleted resources and a filter to prevent the emotional overload to which they are so susceptible as inherent "givers." As a pattern of behavior, it is perhaps the most confusing aspect of the enigmatic INFJ character to outsiders, and hence the most often misunderstood.

This empathy can serve as a classic example of the two-edged nature of certain INFJ talents, as it can be strong enough to cause discomfort or pain in negative or stressful situations. More explicit inner conflicts are also not uncommon in INFJs; it is possible to speculate that the causes for some of these may lie in the specific combinations of preferences which define this complex type. For instance, there can sometimes be a "tug-of-war" between NF vision and idealism and the J practicality that urges compromise for the sake of achieving the highest priority goals. And the I and J combination, while perhaps enhancing self-awareness, may make it difficult for INFJs to articulate their deepest and most convoluted feelings.

New Year 2011

Dex had declared the demise of this blog and perhaps he is not that wrong because sometimes it is just so convenient to drop a random note in fb in the midst of all the work. Yes, there is homework and examinations. :P
Despite the mega photo-uploads, work came in at a regular pace with multiple readings and for an exam, sometimes we have to read two books so that we can comment on them.
This week is the first week of school and I am already kind of stressed and tired despite still behaving like the energetic me, in trying to complete journal readings for reviews/summaries that might aid in my master's thesis. Testimony to that will be me writing this blog now upon waking up at 6am (slept at 1215am), even after submitting the work last night. Maybe my adrenaline and some other stress hormones were just running a tad too wildly for a while to calm down. I am doing basic shopping therapy later (grocery and necessities).


In the midst of all these, moments of reliefs were found in making chocolate rolls for my friends to welcome Day 1 of school, K's surprise party at 11pm when he returned from Turkey and also a sauna/dinner with him the next day while he tries to get his kitchen up and running again. K is like my brother in this little city of Oulu and I did miss his presence over the holidays.
The most wonderful thing I have experienced thus far is the warmth of the relationships I had established with people here. Edglo bears special meaning with a bunch of people who shares, supports, loves and cares for one another. Then there is my Sunday dinner gang who is like another family to me - K.A.T. and the fun we have every now and then when we gathered. i am already feeling the pang of loss for missing next sun's dinner but it is also important to meet A in Copenhagen. How often do you get to meet a friend who flew from US and being so close to you in a foreign neigbouring country? A was my constant in University and we had shared much over Spinelli and Science canteen food. Someone said that with current air travel, meeting someone is not difficult but it is. There are friends whom I missed and yet to see after 7 years. When work bogged you down, how does one even find sufficient time to travel? And because of this, even though I am enjoying my time here with new-found friends, every happy moment was mixed with a profound sense of sadness but also an unfounded sadness located somewhere in the future. This bittersweet feeling is rich maybe because of the experience in US even though I know this is different. I shall just enjoy the bittersweetness of it for it is actually like being in school when I know that every kid which passes me by will move on and to a better future ahead. There should be joy and happiness in having to share a special journey together. The future is unknown and perhaps we will meet again in the most amazing place or circumstances.

And now I am getting a little sleepy. Sighz.
As I settled down in this little city, it is perhaps also time to find things to fill my time instead of logging on to fb too often :P.
given my frequency of blogging, here is wishing everyone a Happy Chinese New Year ahead. :) Dong Dong Chiang!