Behind Becoming Stronger

Do we need a reason to continuously improve ourselves?

Perhaps I have been watching too many animes and movies, but it seems that the usual archetype of the character wanting to become stronger usually has a reason to it. It could be an event in the past, such as the loss of something due to what he might consider as self-incompetence. It could be an expected event in the future, such as winning a kung fu/karate tournament. Or the reason could even be in the present, such as a promise to one who is dear.

But is it possible to want to become stronger just for the sake of becoming stronger?

I wonder sometimes why improving oneself is not an intrinsic nature of the human. I mean, we constantly churn out new and improved versions of our gadgets, almost on a daily basis. But it's only the things we use, not ourselves per se. And even then, not every human participates in the improvings, only a few who are well versed in engineering usually involve themselves. Perhaps we can consider genetic engineering... But that is beside the point.

Perhaps that's why humans can progress. Some can improve all, so that the work of all is improved, for the sake of everyone.

But I would like to think for myself, and be selfish while I still can. While I have the time, I would like to invest in myself. Why? I don't know.

Just in case?
To become fitter?
To impress someone?
To beat someone?
To avenge the death of the family fishes?
To be better than my past?

I don't know. So until the reason presents itself, I will try and become stronger.

Cya.

Behind Musical Movies

So I've been pretty free now, and went to watch some movies in the cinema.

Well two movies anyway. And both of them have Anna Kendrick in it.

What? She's kinda cute.

Anyway, it also just so happens that both of them are based around songs.

First one was "The Last Five Years". S'a musical about a couple who met, loved, married and divorced in a matter of 5 years. And also the story is told in an unchronological, random manner. I mean, it's an interesting style, but it kinda spoils the ending.

Second one was "Pitch Perfect 2". S'a movie where after an unfortunate mishap, a group of "weirdos" (quoteth the movie) have to sing their way to rise from disgrace, and find their sound along the way. Oh, and there are two sub-plots as well.

While they each have their own merits, they are both far from perfect. The first one was not that interesting, 2 people singing for 2 hours, and not that good a lyric too. The second one, really cool and has much wonderful songs, but full of stereotypes. I mean it makes it a lot of fun to watch, but also a whole lotta cringe.

But it's fun to watch people belt it out on screen. And each movie is kinda relatable funny to each of the niche they are targeting. And honestly I like them both, even though I've seen better.

And it's totally not because of Anna Kendrick. No, totally not. Nuh-uh.

But I do want to sing now. A lot. But not about life or to win a world-competition.

I just wanna sing for the sake of singing.

Can I do that?

Cya on stage.

Behind A Vote Is A Man (Or A Woman, I Don't Discrimintate)

So last Thursday was D-Day for the people of the United Kingdom. Well, for those who follow politics.

Don't get me wrong, it is the duty of people to vote for the people who will lead the country to greatness. And I am 100% behind 100% of the people voting for their leaders so that those in position of power really represent the needs of the people.

Well, except there will be no 100% voter turnout, because of some international students like me who do not even bother. This is wrong, because, especially as a medical student, I'll be here for the next few years or so, and whatever policy that the winning government would come up with will certainly affect me, an international student. Financially, but socially as well.

But on the other hand, if I vote, I feel that it is unfair for the local residents. I mean, I've only been in London for 20 months. What do I know about how the country had always been run, and what would be the best way to run it? I don't even know who was the Prime Minister candidate for each party! Although I suppose that was just apathy on my part. Disregard that last statement.

I don't know. I wished I cared more.

Maybe because I have to go back after all this is over, so I only have my sights on what's happening back home. But it's bad to be blind to what is happening here in UK. Especially if there's trouble brewing. I like to think of myself being able to sniff out trouble before it starts.

Anyway. If it was any consolation for myself, the constituency that I could have voted for was a safe seat, so it wouldn't have made a difference anyway if I casted a ballot. Or would it?

I really don't wanna think about it. But I have to when my home elections come round. So, I have to start really caring.

I only wanted to be fair to everyone.

Ah well. It's Monday tomorrow. Again.

Cya in class.

Behind Busy Emptiness

This post was originally going to be a story about the DRESS, but I didn't have time for that and now it's no longer relevant.

Ah well.

As like most times, this blog has been temporarily neglected in favor of exams. Again. I'm sorry :(

Now that the big ones are over though, I will try to write more. It has been a while though.

Anyways.....

*   *   *

I wouldn't say that I am a huge fan of travelling. I know some people live for it; the thrill of being a foreigner in a foreign land. I know some people would rather sit at home in comfort; resting to prepare for the long journey ahead. I consider myself an in-betweener. Not someone who couldn't decide on what he likes, but rather one who enjoys the little things of both worlds.

But it seems that around me, the travelers are typically international students studying in the UK; hardly anyone local seem to travel abroad. Maybe it's because the local students are busy spending their break at home with their family. And also because since we're all in Europe, far away from our home back in Malaysia, we might as well take the opportunity to travel to neighboring countries and see what we could see.

Since I'm still young (ahem) and brimming with energy (ahemahem), I feel that it would be good for me to travel as well, to places only heard of in books and the Internetz.

But seriously though. If you think about it, what really is the point of travelling? Many people seem to make it a point on going to as many, if not all, countries in the world, as if a decorated passport is a badge of honour that must be obtained.

Think about it.
You don't get any new skills.
You rarely pick up the native language. (Over half of all countries speak English.)
You don't get money. (You lose quite a bit.)

Gotta catch my flight

But ask anybody who has been travelling, and they will say that it was the best thing that ever happened to them. And it's hard to see why not.

I like to call myself a seasoned traveler, but I have only been a tourist in the must-go places of the countries I've been to. Does it count?

But I've enjoyed every minute of my travels, regardless of what I've written above. It's just the experience of something that you don't really get in your home or study country. And sharing that experience with people you love, no matter your family or our friends, is something special that has no substitute.

Everything is just so new and weird. I like it. And as tourists, it wouldn't get old as we will return when the magic is still in the air. Or in the camera, depending on what kind of tourist you are.

It was never about practicality. It has always been about the magic, of which simple logic does not apply.

What one may expect to see in a new country.
Credits to Alice Tang

Poof. Aaaaaand there's class tomorrow. Sigh. This post seems kinda short to me, but now that exams are over, I'll try to write just a bit more.

Cya real soon!

Oh, and Happy birthday Mom!