This has been one of the longest hiatuses in blogging for me. It's ironic though that I still manage to find time to blog even when I'm really busy as opposed to not posting anything even though I'm much more free right now.

That being said, I've only got a month left at home. I know this sounds cliche and as much as I want to avoid it, time really does fly. Half of my summer break gone, just like that.

Euro 2012 ended yesterday. Staying up till 5-6 am for a few nights every week wasn't really that difficult to be honest, since my regular sleeping hours (start) were between 2-4am. I caught more than half of the matches and thoroughly enjoyed most, if not all of them. Of course, only a few were particularly memorable and thrilling. I'm glad that Spain won and am also really glad that it's over although not having any match to watch in the morning now is weird. But that's okay.

I have to say that the final displayed all the reasons why Spain are world and Euro champions, creating history as well. The players gave their all, AS a team. They proved you don't need a Ronaldo or a Balotelli to score goals. And Torres proved himself to be selfless when he so generously assisted for the final goal which he could've so easily struck himself... The complete opposite of someone most of us know. Despite leaving the Reds, I still have great admiration for him as a footballer and I am glad he got the Golden Boot as well.

Been spending a lot of time with family and friends. It wasn't till a few days ago that I realized how much I appreciate my upbringing in this place... There is no coincidence, everyone I have come across in my life whether for just awhile or months and years, God has brought to my path for a reason. And I also believe that it works the other way round as well. I am grateful, extremely grateful.

Church camp was held in Taiping last weekend and it was great. The speakers talked about the Glory of the Lord over two sessions. It was quite a lot to take in but God definitely used them and spoke to all of us in His own way. I am still reflecting over what has been said and shared and pray that I will not forget.

As for this month, I'll be making a few trips to various places to conclude this break and meet up with people. And also, get working on that reading list.

I will be back soon. God bless!!

loyalty

About two months ago, when World Cup was just starting, I wrote a post on the probability of Mascherano, Gerrard and Torres leaving the club.

Mascherano's most probably leaving for Inter. Gerrard committed to stay right after Joe Cole signed for Liverpool. Torres just pledged to stay as well. He even had this to say:
"My commitment and loyalty to the club and to the fans is the same as it was on my first day when I signed. I am looking forward to the challenge ahead."

The picture that made people realize he might not leave after all..

My admiration and respect for this guy has increased. I'm not surprised though; he was always loyal to the club despite speculation from the press and his own doubts about the club. He's not going to leave the club when they need him; when the season gets tougher, when they need to rebuild their confidence after a bad season. Some multi-million deal isn't gonna attract him, unlike some player I know; need I say who. Gerrard too, is a true mark of a captain.

Liverpool isn't just a great club with a great history and great achievements; they have great players. Players who have a heart to play and go all out. Of course, they've also got great fans who've been the driving force of the club... As I said before, you stick to your club through thick and thin.

2 weeks to EPL, I'm getting all pumped up. :D

mixed feelings

I was right. Watching the Spain - Germany match yesterday, I felt numb. I couldn't cheer for anything. Couldn't anticipate any team to score. Couldn't feel like Argh when a chance was missed. Couldn't celebrate Spain's goal.  Couldn't be happy that they won. Maybe just a little bit.

I'm still sad over the fact that Germany's been knocked out. Not that I don't want Spain to win; glad they did but the fact that they had to play against each other at this stage is painful enough. 

I don't recall feeling like this when Germany lost to Spain in the Euro finals; perhaps the Germans weren't as spectacular then. This time it's different. 

But at least I know it's either gonna be Spain or Holland to win it now; both teams have never won it so I'm glad one of them will. And then I'll feel sad for the one who loses again. I will choose to allow the joy to overrule. 

Two more matches and W.Cup will be over. Will definitely miss it, but hey, there's always EPL to look forward to every year.. Missing it quite abit now. May the new season usher in new hope. 

support

People often wonder; how do you support so many teams? How do you divide it; why do you do it? Obviously one of them is gonna win since you support so many. I find it interesting how people perceive this and so I shall explain why.

Most importantly, I must say that I'm not supporting so many teams because I chose to. But because time has nurtured a special feeling in me for each of the teams I support. Well, there's 5, more to 4 because 1 of it has been recent. 

Namely there's England, Spain, Germany, Holland and Argentina. Here are my reasons for supporting each country.

1. England. Why England? People call them a joke, even EPL fans which is really sad. Jeremy said this in his blog "You may be a Koppite, you may be a Red Devil, you may be a Gooner, you may be anything. However, as long as you follow the Premier League, it is in your sworn duty, to support the Three Lions."

"It's not a matter of choice, it's a matter of duty. It's not because they are good or because Frank Lampard is handsome or because you have Portugal because of one specific person. It's because you know that deep down in your heart, the English team in the only team."

It's exactly the case for me. My loyalty to the English team started since I started watching football at 7 and I always used to claim I was an English girl. 

No true EPL fan would despise/not want England to succeed; it's betrayal. It still hurts to think of how badly they lost but it happens..

2. Spain. Some people who know naught would say I like Spain cause of Torres, who plays for Liverpool. As if I watch football for guys. The idea itself infuriates me, I have low patience with those who watch games and start commenting who's hot and who's not. Seriously, they need to get a life. Spain has always been a good and creative team with such great individual players as well. The likes of Xavi, Villa, Torres, Xabi Alonso, Ramos and Casillas; just a few names; are reason enough to support. They deserve victory, yes they do. And who can forget Raul, their star striker years back. Can't exactly remember when I started supporting them but it build up through the years and reached its peak during Euro 2008 which they won. :)

3. Germany. I remember it was 2002 that I started to notice how great they were. Perhaps they were brilliant in 1998, but watching at that age, what could I recall? I only remember the Brazil - France final where Brazil lost and that time I had hoped they would win. Ironically, the support faded and I was furious when the Germans lost to them. Kahn was extremely good throughout the whole tournament. Interesting personality. And I remember crying when I saw the players in tears after losing. They were so close. They've been better and better. Germany's the only team I support that doesn't have any Reds; yet it's the way they play and the spirit they have that makes me like them. 

4. Holland. A creative team with good players yet never really successful in winning the big ones. Seeing how eager they are to win it really pleases me. Especially now that they've reached the final. And yeah, the support gradually rose and ever since Euro, I've been rooting for them. 

5. Argentina. Well, this is the one I support the least, I prefer Europe teams in general. That's why when they went against Germany, I wouldn't mind if they had won though I prefer they didn't. Watching Mascherano captain the team is interesting and I've had a grown admiration for Messi who is such a great and humble World Footballer of the Year; compare him with Ronaldo who might be good but not great and far from humble. 

So you see, I do have reasons for supporting them though some cannot be explained; it's just there. I don't have a hard time dividing support. And the thing about having so many favourites; surely one will win; I beg to differ. I was so afraid when Spain and Germany lost in group stage and England struggling to qualify. It could've been worse. I mean I guess I just supported the right teams though it seemed different at first. 

Now that Holland's through to the finals, I know that whoever wins later is going to join them. And the fact that they are all my favourites; I'm more than glad. Sweet dream reality. 

I really don't get all the fuss about Paul the Octopus; even if his predictions are right, so what?

Even though I don't really mind whoever wins, I'm going to have mixed feelings at the end of the game tonight, even now I feel it. Spain has never reached the finals, not even the semi's and this could very well be their chance to make history and they can do it. But Germany's really strong and solid this time around, it will be too close to call. And seeing how well Germany have played, thrashing both England and Argentina, they deserve to win it too. They lost at home last World Cup and was so close to it in 02... So I really don't know... I should support Spain fully, since I would want success for any Liverpool player.. But I don't want Germany to lose either.... 

Oh, well.

brilliance

If there was any team to beat it would be Argentina.

The Argentina Germany game was great. I was glad that I didn't have to watch the match with a high adrenaline rush, heart pumping fast all the time. I like both teams though I obviously favor Germany more since it's only this World Cup that I started supporting Argentina compared to Germany since 2002. But I thought it would be a very, very tight match and that Argentina would have a slightly higher chance of winning.

I was wrong again. Germany were obviously the better team. I wasn't surprised at how good they were but rather how Argentina failed to even get a goal. 4-0 is a BIG win and the fact that Argentina could lose like that doesn't prove that they're weak, but show a solid young and promising German team. And seeing that, I think that of all the teams left, they deserve it the most. Simply world class.

And it makes me feel that England's loss to them wasn't so bad; it just came too early. Hey at least they managed a goal. They tried. Nothing is predictable when it comes to the beautiful game. 

Now, this time, I'm really not prepared for a Spain upset; hope they make it through. 

hopes

I'm ECSTATIC. Seriously.. HAHAHAHA. 

So, Brazil just lost to Holland, one of my favourites. I wore orange again, to show which side I belong to. Watched in a mamak near the new place and the atmosphere was crazy.

To cut it short, I kinda feel bad that prior to the game I was kinda prepared for Holland to lose to Brazil. And watching the 1st half, I nearly wanted to go back. Brazil outclassed them and they didn't seem to be pushing much. But 2nd half, everything started to change; and lo and behold, they equalized. Still I had a feeling they had a chance to lose or maybe play to extra time... And who would've known, they scored and BRAZIL ARE KNOCKED OUT. YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS.

You might find this weird, but one reason why I like football is because I learn alot and especially when it comes to faith. Perseverance is a key to victory. And no matter what the circumstance, you don't worry what people say about you, even if they think you won't make it through, you push on and it'll be alright. And as for Holland that's exactly what they did. I assume the odds were in Brazil's favour but that's not the point. 

I've got to say this is one of the most epic games of the World Cup so far and I'm so, so, so happy. What started off as a nightmare, with Spain and Germany's group game losses, have turned into a rather sweet, unexpected dream for me and I hope nothing spoils it. It's very likely one of my favourites are gonna take this whole thing. With Holland in the semi's and likely to beat Uruguay/Ghana, can't write them off just yet; they're probably gonna meet another of my favourite team; 3/4 in the other set of quarter final games with only Paraguay there to spoil it. I hope not. 

So, YAYYYYYYYYYY. :D

end and beginning

It's over, finally. 

But classes start tomorrow. Ah. Actually they started on Monday but I didn't go, apparently those still having exams are allowed to skip so yea. Seeing how my 2 week 'break' after most of my papers just went by like that, I crammed studying in 3 days. And ironically, one of the questions that came out was planning an experiment about revising methods; where space revision (consistent studying) and cramming (last minute) would produce better results. The question was worth 12 marks. LOL, seriously.

The thought of having exams didn't deter me from watching football. World Cup's once every 4 years, exams are twice every year... And I've no regrets though I could've done so much better. Well, there's always next year I guess. Hah.

I don't feel liberated knowing this sem's gonna be so much tougher. And definitely more demanding. But I guess I'm ready for whatever is to come. It's not like I have a choice.

I just moved in to the condo yesterday and I guess I'm glad. Only transport's a bit of a hassle, takes more time and stuff but I'm fine with it.

And 4/5 of my fav teams are in the quarter's.. How nice. But now Argentina has play Germany; ah, I don't want either to lose, they should both advance further... Watching the England Germany game was painful. As much as I was glad at least one would go through, watching how badly England lost wasn't a good sight. And so much for not wanting video technology in football, the consequences are great. Hope they decide to introduce it soon, at least EPL will benefit from it too.

And I will be strong, my strength is in You.

oh no

Including today, there's exactly 6 days left to my exam... How did time pass so fast? I have barely revised.. I'm in big trouble; I hope not.

How ironic is it.. I had 20 days to revise for ONE paper compared to the whole month for 4 papers; but it seems like I had more time then than now. Not that I did much previously anyway so it just proves how much I've not done at all. Don't wanna panic though, there's no point.

It's today where everything is about to change. Gah.

Anyway, it's been exhilarating to watch World Cup yet it's been absolutely heart-pounding. And so 4/5 of my fav teams are true. :D. It's all down to Spain now. Shouldn't be a problem, but in football anything can happen as you may well know. 

And I'm quite depressed that England is gonna meet Germany next, been supporting the former since I was young, it comes together with being an avid EPL follower and Liverpudlian and as for Germany, I think it was 2002 when it all began.. They're a really good team and deserve to win though they've been unlucky. I wouldn't mind whoever wins but watching the other lose will be painful. It would be fine to watch the match if it had been semi's or something.. But it's too soon.. 

And my misery doesn't end there. Looking at the match-fixtures, Argentina is playing Mexico and the winners will play Eng/Ger in the quarters and assuming Argentina wins, it'll be another kick out of my favourites. Why oh why? It's not fair, the other match has Uruguay, South Korea and USA, Ghana, and a semi-finalist is gonna emerge from there..... Sad, sad, sad.

I think I'd stop here before the reality of the situation really strikes me. Thanks to football, I've no time to think about personal issues (not that I've many) but it's been such a great relief... Though I'm adding World Cup woes to one my own...

 Till then.

half insomniac, if there's such a thing

I think the irregular sleeping patterns since World Cup started has had its effect. Prior to this; though my sleeping hours weren't exactly fixed everyday, I can still sleep anytime I want to without much problems except if I have caffeine or some other reasons. 

It's getting harder to fall asleep at times now. But I won't complain. I bet many people are having these problems too; probably even worse. Today at church, pastor was telling us some news about extreme World Cup fanatics in China. Can't exactly remember the details but I recall a lady giving her husband ground rules of what he can and cannot do during the W. Cup season. Then there was a girl who was close to committing suicide but was stopped by the police and the reason? You probably guessed right; felt neglected by her boyfriend who was obviously glued to the TV. Then another wife slit her wrists due to being 'football widowed'. Where's the sanity in that? 

I don't wanna end up with a guy who doesn't watch or like football (EPL especially). Can you imagine how wrong and weird it would be if he went out with his friends and they ask where I am; and he answers "Oh, she's watching football at home." Imagine the look onhis friends faces and the teasing they'll do. Lol. I'm serious though.

Exactly 10 days more to my last paper; I've read 5 pages so far. Such good progress don't you think. Considering the fact that the World Cup is on and my emotions have been somewhat affected. Don't worry, I'm not going to do anything rash whatever happens. I know I should be studying but its much harder to get myself to do it. At least my 4 papers were done before W.Cup started or it could've been so much worse. 

I'm gonna try to balance books, football and meeting up with friends this week before I head back to KL and once I do, no more fooling around for me. And I've finally received the package after ordering it in March, love the stuff; as good as it looked on the net. Thanks Stv and Rachel too. :)

I'll sing, because the world can't take away, Your love. 

world cup so far

World Cup has been a nightmare for me. With the exception of Argentina and Holland who have secured a place in the next round by clinching 2 group stage victories so far; the rest have been a pain to watch.

England; the horrible mistake by Green led to a draw with the U.S; and this morning, they were held to a stalemate with Algeria.. ALGERIA. But Algeria was actually pretty good, England was not up to par or the goals would have easily come in. The next match is do or die. 

Spain; was thinking Switzerland wouldn't pose much of a challenge. That was probably what everyone thought and the underdogs won instead. Don't know how it happen but it was really disappointing. At least it's only the first game. They've got to buck up.

Germany; was ecstatic seeing how they thrashed and outclassed Australia; a game I could watch over and over again. So who would've known that Serbia would turn the tables around and beat the Germans. But the referee is partly to blame, giving out so many yellows, a high 9 and sending Klose off; so unfair. Again, it's do or die too. 

Don't you see how football involves emotions? I wish I could watch it without being so caught up but it's not something that can be helped. I'm even going as far to say that if all three countries, Germany, England and Spain don't make it through to the next round, it's goodbye World Cup-s for me. What's the point? I don't like seeing underdogs get through, I just don't. It's like EPL not topped by the Top 4 anymore; you say its more fun, I say its not right. It's not the way it should be.

Still, I'm not losing hope. May all 3 get through; I'd be overjoyed.

it doesn't change

A friend just dropped the bomb.. So I just found out that Benayoun's leaving Liverpool. Fair enough. As much as he's good to stay, I guess his decision should be respected. But going to Chelsea definitely's gonna cause him to sit on the bench more, I'm sure of that.

Then I was told Mascherano, Gerrard and Torres were leaving too, each to different big clubs.

I couldn't believe it. I went to look up online news of them REALLY leaving and thankfully none confirmed it to be true. I remember Torres saying he'll only decide after World Cup. Gerrard has been disappointed with the season, who wasn't? But it seems Real Madrid's not going to bid for him anymore. Let's hope it's true. As for Mascherano, it's still unknown.

I'll be really upset if any of them leaves. I just wish they'd give one more, at least just one more season. With Rafa out, it could either be worse or better off for the club. No one knows yet. But one thing's for sure; all of them can leave and it won't change a thing about how I feel. Sure, quality will drop tremendously and the future of the club will be even bleaker than it already is. But I won't be moved. 

YNWA. You stick to your club through thick and thin, no matter how good or bad. Let people say what they want, it doesn't change anything.

"Form is temporary but class is permanent."

At least there's the World Cup going on to forget club woes right now. :)

3...

World Cup's in 3 days... 3!!!!!!!!!!! 

My first World Cup was 1998; so I guess it was when I was 7 that I officially started watching football and later became an avid fan of it. 

Rooting for Spain, England, Germany, Holland and Argentina. Why so many you ask? Cause the more you support, the higher the chances are one will win. 

I remember supporting Spain, Germany and Holland (poor England didn't even qualify) for Euro 2008 and the first two teams ended up in the final; I didn't really mind who would win..

And I promise I won't break any more things this World Cup. I'll make sure of it. For those who don't know what I'm talking about, never mind. :D

200th post

I was going to post something significant since it's the 200th. But the MU-Liv match was just over and I have to vent out my frustration.

Today I realized and reaffirmed why I never liked MU, why I always had something against them. So they won. I wouldn't say they didn't play well. Both teams were good, though Liverpool could've been much better in the 2nd half. The penalty changed everything.

Torres scored on the 5th minute; brilliant goal. A short while later, Valencia dives. Is he trying to take Ronaldo's place? Cause that guy was just an expert in diving. Anyway, he 'fell' down, and Mascherano gets the yellow card and a penalty is given. Rooney shoots, Reina saves and bounces back to Rooney who kicks it back in. Tell me, is that fair?

But I'm not surprised, it's MU!!! It's one in the many times they've won games cause of such a thing. Really frustrating. And if you're an MU fan, I'd be glad if you remain silent. I don't need any comments from you people. MU fans and their words infuriate me as much as the club does. Maybe worse.

A typical MU fan; I'd NEVER want to marry one. Hardcore supporter of the Red Devils; no way. LOL.

Two things I won't understand: 1. How people can find football boring. 2. How MU and the fans can rejoice in victories that were not even deservedly won.

Wait, I forgot; Evra said before; They don't care what way, as long as they win. Wow. How admirable!!!!!

i still believe

"Form is temporary but class is permanent."

Every team has its rough patch. But that doesn't change the fact that they're good. You won't always win; you won't always get the results you want. That's life isn't it. And there'll definitely be people at your back telling you you're no good and you're never gonna make it. But if you know where you stand, it doesn't matter what they say.

The game is in 6 hours time. It's make or break. But deep inside, I still believe. Go Reds.. It's time to show them the belief that's always been in you. Prove them wrong. There's still hope. But even if things don't turn out the way it should, knowing that you've tried your best and gave it all, will make us all proud.

--------------

College was pretty alright. IETLS class was pushed ahead one hour cause all of us had no class at 2.30 today. So at 3.30, some of us were going to eat. As usual, it takes hours to decide. The group split up cause we couldn't decide. The usual Sentral people wanted to eat there; but we didn't. So finally Vincent, Wei Han and me decided to go to Times Square to eat at Shihlin Taiwan Street Snacks. They said there was this rice and chicken thing which was quite nice. After eating we wanted to watch a movie, but the time wasn't suitable and stuff. So we went back after walking around and when we were going down the escalator, Wei Han spotted Mr. Michael and the other few top ladies in college. We ended up in the monorail with them too. Hah.

Today, He knew that I couldn't bear it if I had met him. And it's amazing to see that through every little thing that has happened, He was watching over. He was in control. And only He knows how much I can take. When all this is over, I might see the underlying purpose. But before that happens, I'll keep trusting. For what else is there in this world that could last besides the love He gives?

Truth be told, I miss you.