Normality

What is normality? It is defined as "conforming to the standard or the common type; usual; not abnormal; regular; natural." So what is the standard? How do you define the "standard of life"?

I chat up with a friend of mine recently. Found out that she doesn't want to lead a normal life, or rather, doesn't want to conform to the normality of society. What is the normality of society? She defines it as getting a qualification, having a job, getting married, bearing kids, watching them grow up, developing wrinkles and lastly, dying out. All these are normal to her.

I have a good friend who told me the exact same things few moons back. He doesn't want to follow the normality of the society. He questioned, "Why do we have to conform to the normal life? Why can't we go out, be wild and be who you are?" That is why he makes frequent trips overseas to a certain place to drink, smoke, party, have fun. His frequent trips used to be once a month. It "upgraded" to about twice a month. It even "escalated" to him faking medical certificates to just get away to his "paradise".

What I am saying here, is not condemning their actions or mentalities. What I am trying to question here, is "What is normality?" If normality means following what the others are doing, then probably they are better off walking on their hands. I agree with what my two friends have said about having fun, being yourself and letting yourself loose.

But we humans are social animals. We live in a society. We have families and friends. We are ultimately responsible to our family and friends. You are not alone. We are all interconnected. What you do now is going to be something that will come back to haunt you in the future. You have to be responsible for your own actions.

So it sets back the scene on "normality". Are they really out of the "cage of normality"? Or are we judging them based on the "normality" of the society? It is becoming like a "chicken or egg first" question.

I shall leave it as it is. Perhaps the stress of university life is putting a toil on me and I feel the need to just pull myself out from the tons of assignment. Perhaps, just back into the comfort of the "normality" of life...

The above article is written by the author with no particular person in target, unless your name is stated. Written in the context of an Asian mind.

做人要懂得自动

Living together with my China housemate has proven one thing. China people are most likely the same, no matter if they are from Guangzhou or Shanghai. Getting really fed up with China attitude. They care only for themselves and are selfish. I have Don from Unilodge and now Du Fei here to reinforce my stand.

Du Fei likes to leave the used rice cooker unwashed in the kitchen. He doesn't help to clear the rubbish. He doesn't help to do the cooking. When the bread has finished, he simply tells ZQ, "政权，面包没有了。" When the hazelnut spread is finishing, "政权，这个吃完后，买些果酱吧。" For someone who doesn't help out in the kitchen for meals, he will tell me, "Kevin，这个饭有点干。下次放多点水。" For someone who doesn't help in cooking meals, he has the cheek to come into the kitchen and say, "饭还没煮好？我肚子饿了。"

All these are getting on my nerves. I am not blaming ZQ for selecting this housemate. No one knows the habit of a person just by looking at his face. Just lamenting our bad luck to have to have a China man to stay together with us. Luckily we are only going to stay here until end of November. 

I will be returning home on 8 December. I will probably travel to Tasmania or Gold Coast before I head home. I want to travel around. Don't want to tell people I haven't been to anywhere in Australia except Melbourne city. Disgrace. 

Neglected...

My camera has been neglected. I haven't had the time to really go photo shooting. I really want to go photo shooting, but upcoming tests and assignments are killing me! Sometimes, I really have the urge to just sell away my camera and gears so that I won't have this feeling of neglecting my camera and hobby. But at times, I also have the urge to upgrade my current lens (EF-S 17-85mm F4-5.6 IS USM) to a better quality lens, the EF-S 17-55mm F2.8 IS USM. 

Still in a dilemma... 

Beer

Maybe getting myself drunk with beer can make me sleep better... I am tired, but I can't sleep... Tired of everything... But I really want some sleep... 

Brighton Beach, Melbourne

Went visiting Brighton Beach on Saturday with ZQ, Jing Kai, Yiu Yiu, Pream and Lisa. The weather was good. No rainy clouds, but the temperature is still cold. Coupled with the cold wind from the ocean, the temperature drops even lower. ZQ and I braved the weather and wore bermudas because jeans are just not meant for the beach...

Nothing much at Brighton Beach. The only attraction is the coloured huts on the beach. Totaling 70+ of such huts, they are the iconic symbol of Brighton Beach. 

Went to Footscray after Brighton Beach. Total contrast between these 2 places. Brighton Beach is a place for the rich, with very luxurious bungalow just a street away from the beach. Posh cars such as Maserati, Aston Martin and Porsche are common cars you see at Brighton. On the other hand, Footscray is full of beggars, mentally-retarded people and intimidating men. The place is filthy and looks like a crime is going to happen anytime. This is the first time in my life that I actually fear for my own safety. I was worried about people snatching my bag or camera. I was worried someone might come poking a knife at me to ask me for money. This is the kind of intimidation I am talking about. I really don't feel safe in Footscray, even with my friends are around.

Weird kids asking me to take pictures of them...

Started to look around for Honours project. Talked to Terry Mulhern about his projects. Had an enjoyable chat with him. Meeting up Danny Hatters this coming Wednesday. Going to WEHI on 31 August to see if I can get myself a project from this prestigious institution. Wish me luck!

Fatigue+Lack of SLeep+Nightmare

Too tired recently... Way too tired... Rushing practical logbooks, trying to finish up assignments... But things just keep on piling up... I haven't even got time to revise anything. 

I just want peaceful, quiet sleep. But I keep having nightmares and bad nights' sleep. I really need a miracle... 

Proud of Myself!

Out of nowhere, I decided to PP a picture that I like to be the image of my blog. Decided on the image and went on to do some PP on Photoshop. I know my skills are still very amateurish, but the outcome of it had me being proud of myself. Yes, I know many people master Photoshop on their own. But for me to do such a feat in a matter of an hour, I must say I am very happy with myself. I guess this image will remain here for many months to come until I have another nicer picture. Credit to my darling for taking this picture! Thanks!!!