Back to School....NOT.

After 2 wks of travelling around, now that I'm back in LA, I'm still living out of a suitcase. Not that I'm really complaining, since the place where I'm putting up now is really comfortable, and really reasonably priced. And its probably going to be a few more days of staying here, before finally moving into hall and unpacking and getting settled.

Can't wait to get settled down. I know I've said this a million times. but living off the cuff, while knowing at the back of my mind, I've got school, I've got to buy a horn, I wanna get a few bone lessons, do a little travelling around LA, and California, kind of seems a little overwhelming at the moment. Think its best to take things one at a time, and let the things pan out. Not to say I ain't enjoying myself, I'm enjoying myself tremendously! But this mental checklist thing sure is getting to me a little, hahahaha. Seems like a holiday but it isn't is it? Thinking to myself the other day that in this whole 52 wks of 2007, I'll only have been studying for 24 wks in total for the year.

Anyway, it was back to school for orientation. Words can't describe the campus, and unfortunately, you can't see any pics yet cos I haven't taken any either. But its beautiful. The long sprawling carpet greens, the classic victorian architecture on some of the buildings really just adds a touch of class to against the backdrop of other modern looking buildings. The campus is huge, although I'm tempted to say that the numerous walks I've taken between Arts and Science in NUS doesn't make the size of the campus that daunting.

Found out also that UCLA was kind of the baby school of UC Berkeley, that's why the Bruin Bear is like our mascot, where as the mascot for UCB is the Bear. Also found out the UCLA was established in 1919, which ironically, makes NUS older than UCLA. Doesn't feel like it though. And its not only the preservation of the original buildings of the school that lend credence to this thought, its also the traditions, the myths and legends that perpetuate the school that makes it give off this rustic charm. There was the christening of new students at the Inverted Fountain, the scratching of the lower paw of the Bruin Bear for good luck, the famed Underwear run in the finals week, (I AM SO LOOKING FORWARD TO THAT), the skipping of the 6th step at some pathway etc etc. There's this infectious school spirit that lingers in the air, something that screams blue & gold, and everything screams UCLA is the place to be, whether it is the overwhelming enthusiasm of the staff, or the vociferous cheers coming from the field, or the mammothly huge marching band practising in perfect harmony for school events. I'm definitely not one to get overly excited, (in fact not at all), about school rahrah stuff, but I'm brimming in anticipation of going to football games and basketball games. Of listening to live performances put up by students on a regular basis. Of stars and celebrities using UCLA as a filming ground.

Feeling a little betrayed now by the bubbling enthusiasm which threatens to surge out once I'm settled in and in the know of what activities that are going to happen in school. Yes, I am excited, about meeting my new roommates, of attending school and experiencing how studying is like in the States. Maybe not so much of bfast lunch and dinners that just seems to be perpetually pancakes eggs potato bread and sausages, or italian, or terrible chinese. Funny how it seems to be that the pace of life is slower, but I relish the fact that the activities will still be coming fast and furious, (doesn't make sense I know, but go figure, probably just means, i have more time to do stuff since I'm not gaming anymore hahaha)

Amidst all the spiralling emotions, of indulging in the fun and experiences down here, I'm constantly thinking of the people at home. I'm not missing home yet, cos I've been away longer with less communication (and a whole buncha army dudes, HOW ARE YOU GUYS), but I still think of the people at home definitely. Wish the dhs gang could be here so that we could just feel like kings in this school hahaha, without a care in the world. would be great if all the jazz peeps were here runnin around listening to stuff, tryin to hook up with tutors, and just jammin in this school, perhaps a 100 times more appreciated here lol. even the family, just to experience life outside of msia HAHAHAHA. but most of all i wish you were here sharing all these beautiful moments with me.