Open Mic Night at Mooch

I have been going to Song Writing Society doing random covers and jamming for quite a while, and one of them decided to include me into their performance plan. This is Mooch, a University pub for students to chill and drink. They host varies events and activities, e.g. the open mic night on every alternate Tuesday.

Mooch bar, not too crowded tonight:

The open mic is organized by Band Soc. They set up mics and sound system in the pub and students get to perform in front of the 'crowd'. Performers normally made bookings to make sure they get a slot, but if there is still time, any random student can come up and do a song or two. Most... or all performers just did guitar and vocals (I wonder why is keyboard/piano is such an infamous thing in UK). We're the only 'band' with keyboard.

I've already know performing behind the speakers without monitor is tough, but another thing that turn me off is this keyboard from Band Soc. Not to say that it's a bad tool, but it's really important for musicians to use a weapon that we're familiar. Anyway, I kinda enjoyed practicing and performing with these 2 guys.

The Scientist & Tears in Heaven

I guess because we're the only team with an extra instrument, we got the last slot. So it was pretty late at night, but there are still enthusiastic students coming up to perform. Someone even bought me a drink after we performed~

Free beer:

"This is what the Lord Almighty says: If you will walk in obedience to me and keep my requirements, then you will govern my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you a place among these standing here."
-Zechariah 3:7-

In the midst of a stressful semester, it's kinda fun to take some time out to do this sorta of stuff. Well, at least I really enjoyed performing in a new environment and with new people. They are not difficult people to work with, but after all the fun, it's time to get back to real work >_<. May the Lord bless me for balance work time and fun, Amen.

Turbulent Emotion

"SoundShoots is a unique music platform that challenges music makers to create a 90 second piece of music in response to a given weekly theme. The site is 100% free to use and whether you make your own music, or just like listening, there are plenty of good reasons to join!"

I thought I'm gonna skip last week's soundshoot theme 'Chaos' because I was away at Stonehaven. Coincidentally, soundshoot team made a change, instead of having a new theme every week, it is now two weeks. It also means that track submission duration is now 2 weeks, so I have an extra week to work on this theme! This really makes my life less busier.

Dota wallpaper best describes chaos:

For this theme, I start digging up my emotions and memories about frustration and confusion. Just as defined, 'complete disorder', chaos is those moments when you feel like you're not being yourself at all. I pretty much relate it to situations when worldly logic disagrees with my thoughts, it's like I'm having a fight with myself, mentally.

I used a pretty uncommon chords progression, which the bass line goes down chromatically from the vi chord, but it really gives the eerie and dark atmosphere. I'm using sound effects of fights and war behind the track to picture my image of chaos. It started with a piano lead that gives the identity, slowly build up with drums and strings, and a climax with distortion guitar taking the lead. It sorta signifies in the mental space, when problems arise from nothingness, we starts to wrestle with ourselves into a more intense battle.

Click here to listen to:
Turbulent Emotion - Adam Jong

Rate the track using the ✓ icon (you need to be a member to do this, but it's free). Check out other contributors' clip under "The Shoots" tab and top tracks of previous themes under "Showcase".

"Be still before the Lord, all mankind, because he has roused himself from his holy dwelling."
-Zechariah 2:13-

There're a lot of opportunities facing temptation and being provoked living in this world. That's when conscience and human nature have conflicts, not having a good stance to make decision. Pray that God will always grant peace and self-control, and to love is the key to overcome all unfairness, Amen.

Leaving Stonehaven

Woke up pretty late this day, and went for a little shopping at ASDA. Before going back to Nottingham through the 7-8 hours train ride, Uncle Kit and Aunty Helen brought me to this famous pub in Stonehaven port. Fish fillet of locally caught Haddock, in white wine and cheddar cheese sauce, yummy~

Having Haddock Mornay in Ship Inn:

Boarded the train at Stonehaven station at 3.07 pm. It's gonna be another long journey back, but I have my laptop with me~ it's gonna be fine. I'm not sure if it's the same railway back, but the scenery do looks cool this time, especially when the train go on the water. The weather back to gloomy like they mentioned, I'm so lucky to get the only one day of sunshine in Stonehaven for holiday.

Playing DOTA is the best way to kill time:

This train ride is kinda smooth without delay, reaching Nottingham at 10.30 pm. Aunty Helen actually packed a few sandwiches for me to eat in the train, with some fruits, so nice. For these 3 days and 2 nights holiday (although I spent most of the 2 days in train), I felt like being a spoilt kid again, but it sure took some burden off. Back to reality, weekdays, here I come!

Souvenirs and packed meals from Stonehaven:

"The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights."
-Habakkuk 3:19-

Thank You Lord for this few days, just to draw back from all the routine and busy life style. Taking a deep breathe and do nothing, this time of rest is really helpful. I continue to pray for health as the weather is turning cold, and also for progress in research that I've been struggling for quite a while, Amen.

Stonehaven & Aberdeen

For my second day or vacation, Uncle Kit brought me for sight-seeing around Stonehaven. Been to Dunnottar Castle, a ruin by the cliff. If the castle survives, it could be one of the most beautiful location. Next, a great view over the town port. They say I was very lucky to have a sunny and calm weather, it was gloomy and cold for few weeks.

Dunnotar Castle and Stonehaven port:

We went home for lunch, simple and delicious pasta. Uncle Kit lent me his Scottish kilt, a traditional garment wore by man in the 16th century of Scotland and took some pictures with it. I bet this would one of the most cultural experience I had in Europe.

Lunch and kilt:

Then in the afternoon, we drove to Aberdeen for more sight-seeing. I can't really tell where we are, spend most of the time snoozing in the car. But we passed by the university, beach, seaside, and into the mountain which gives the view of the landscape around, pretty awesome.

Tour around Aberdeen:

This is like the best part of the whole trip~ Roast lamb shoulder, potatoes, wedges, mushrooms and long beans for dinner. Super good meal by Aunty Helen, it's like she knows what I like. This really reminds me of being home and do nothing but relax, just chill. I haven't felt SOOOOOO full after dinner for quite a while, I'm well fed.

A pretty luxurious dinner for a trip:

"For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it."
-Habakkuk 2:3-

I really appreciate the great weather for this day, which makes it perfect for sight-seeing. Travelling along the seaside really makes me think of home, but I'm not homesick :P It has been a good day for me, new places and nice foods, I am indeed blessed, Amen.

9 hours train ride to Stonehaven

I'm spending my weekend at Stonehaven with Aunty Helen and Uncle Kit, a port town in Scotland. I'm kinda lucky to get a return train ticket for £48, it's usually around £60 or above. The journey is about 7 hours, woke up at 5 am getting myself prepared and walked to train station to catch the 6.45 am train.

Walking to train station early in the morning, first stop at Grantham:

It's suppose to take me straight to Edinburgh, but the train stopped at NewCastle and asked every passenger to get down. Apparently, all rides within Edinburgh and NewCastle is cancelled due to a person being hit by a train. Thank God the delay is not too bad, the route is clear after 1 and a half hour.

Bought a cheese scone for lunch while waiting at NewCastle station:

The long hours in train is actually not that torturing, since they have power plug, I was playing game with my laptop (finished Elite Four from the 4th Gym in Pokemon White). Luckily trains that depart from Edinburgh to Stonehaven is quite frequent. I missed the one that I'm suppose to board cause of the delay, and the English accent is SOOOO different in Edinburgh!

Finally in Scotland, I'm almost there!

I arrived in Stonehaven at 3.30 pm, almost 9 hours of travelling! However, it's really quite an experience, not too tired since I get to play game :P Thank goodness Uncle Kit house is like 5 minutes drive from the station. A wonderful homecook dinner by Aunty Helen marks the start of my relaxing holiday away from England.

Probably the northest part of the world I've ever been:

"“Look at the nations and watch, and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told."
-Habakkuk 1:5-

I'm really thankful for the journey mercy, that I arrive Stonehaven safely and not too tired despite the long hour ride and delay. Pray that I will have some good time away from everything just to cool down and refresh myself, Amen.

Harmonized Fusion

"SoundShoots is a unique music platform that challenges music makers to create a 90 second piece of music in response to a given weekly theme. The site is 100% free to use and whether you make your own music, or just like listening, there are plenty of good reasons to join!"

Another beautiful theme, 'Earth' is up for this week's soundshoot. I think this is a theme that gives a lot of space for creativity and flexibility. It could be an emotion of home, protecting the planet, or praising the beauty of creation.

My initial thoughts about Earth is elements, an image of the sky, sea, ground, sunlight, villages, almost everything... (basically it does contain almost everything that we know). Hey, these thoughts sound pretty familiar, it's somehow related to some previous themes. This would be exciting, I've decided to do a mash up of my previous soundshoots.

Mash ups are basically taking essence and significant parts of different songs/tracks and putting them into one. My soundshoots have no lyrics, so I can only extract instrument tracks that gives the identity. The line up of my parts with related themes are:

• Garden of Life (Rainforest) - Guitar plucking (loop 1) & Piano fill ins (loop 3)
• Submerged Beauty (Underwater) - Vibraphone counter melody
• Sunny Steps (Sunshine) - Whistle lead (loop 1) & Phaser pad (loop 3)
• Starry Tide (Wave) - Guitar plucking (loop 2) & Piano fill ins (loop 2)
• United Division (Cityscape) - Pan flute lead (loop 3)

I've had this idea for the whole week, but only have the time to start midi-ing on Sunday night (submission dateline is the next morning). I wonder if it's an improvement or a rush =.= Was working on this soundshoot til 4 am, I thought I'm gonna skip this theme if I don't make it in time.

Click here to listen to:
Harmonized Fusion - Adam Jong

Rate the track using the ✓ icon (you need to be a member to do this, but it's free). Check out other contributors' clip under "The Shoots" tab and top tracks of previous themes under "Showcase".

"Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light."
-Micah 7:8-

It's been a while since I did a mash up, although this is a really simple one. A rather fresh idea instead of doing original new tune all the time. I pray that I will not become weary of doing this, it could be pretty discouraging during time constraint and lack of ideas. Just want to be reminded that this is something fun to do, Amen.

2nd Haircut in UK

It was 6 months since my last haircut at Simmy's, plan to go there again for another one. If it's isn't for Nottingham Malaysian Games, I probably will keep it for a while more. As usual, I walked 45 minutes to town. Unfortunately, Simmy's was not open =.= too bad~

Wake up in the morning for a long walk to town:

I was hesitating if I should find a nearby barber and get things done or just leave it for next time. Devs is just a few shops beside it, £7.50 for student price, quite a good deal. The hairdresser is a lady from Hungary, she mentioned my hair is very strong (I think she meant thick =.=). Quite a good place for haircut, better than I thought. After that, went to a nearby shop to buy a present for Wei Ern's birthday, I'm shipping this to Indonesia.

New haircut place and Wei Ern's present:

I know it's a bad timing for short hair. The weather is getting colder and wind blowing stronger, not good to expose too much of facial skin and ear. Anyway, just gonna enjoy the fresh look and give SR a surprise later :P Off to worship practice~

New haircut~ by a Hungarian lady:

"I will make the lame my remnant, those driven away a strong nation. The Lord will rule over them in Mount Zion from that day and forever."
-Micah 4:7-

A new look to handle the new challenges in life~ pray that SR will be blessed with new talents and fellowship. Well, things are getting tougher lately, but I choose to believe in a hope that never fails, Amen.

Ghee Vui's Birthday

My ex-housemate, Ghee Vui who is working in Plymouth can't stand the boredom and came to Nottingham for a week to celebrate her birthday/holiday. It's kinda true that working in a foreign place without any friend around can be harsh.

Too bad another housemate, Sera that always do the baking is not in UK anymore, so I resorted to buy a frozen cake from Tesco =.= Coincidentally, my current housemate, Tifani's birthday falls on the same day. I'm gonna double celebrate for both of them that night XD We had quite a good time chatting and catching up.

Happy Birthday to Ghee Vui and Tifani:

For this whole week, she's busy catching up with old friends, going party and shopping. That's really a way to spend your holiday =.= The next day, another bunch of people called me to surprise her at night. We did it, without noticing we put the wrong 'age' on the cake, she's one year younger than indicated~ Oooops.

2nd round birthday surprise, or is this for next year?

"I will restore the fallen shelter — I will repair its broken walls, and restore its ruins — and will rebuild it as it used to be."
-Amos 9:11-

There're too many changes going on recently, new people and new activities. If felt like the good old days are too far to reminisce. Anyway, just pray that everyone will be fine settling down for a new semester, and that the birthday girls will have a blessed year ahead, Amen.

Goose Fair

Goose Fair marks my 1 year anniversary of arriving the UK, although it's 1 week earlier than last year. It's an annual fun fair held in Nottingham, famous for it's rides, with some food and game stalls. The fair dates back more than 700 years, the name is derived from the thousands geese that was driven from Lincolnshire to be sold in Nottinghamshire.

The only thing I bought is the churros, not as good as the one in Spain, but still nice. There are actually a lot of different food, from Chinese to Middle Eastern.

All sorts of food stalls:

Besides food, it's all different type of games which wins you stuffed toys. This is so typical fun fair =.= ring throwing, basketball, shooting cans with guns... Personally, I'm not gonna spend £2 or more to play these kinda games, and I won't be able to bring those big things back home.

Do they have any other rewards other than stuffed toys?

Well, I've been to Alton's Tower, thus the rides look not really interesting (and it costs £3-£5 per ride X_X). The only thing that really caught my attention is the bungee ball that they basically sling you upward and let you bounce in the mid air with two straps tying the ball... but it's too expensive (£10) and the queue is pretty long. Probably I'm just not in the mood.

Different rides and the bungee ball:

"The Lord will send a famine through the land — not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the Lord"
-Amos 8:11-

It's so crowded at Goose Fair, but kinda fun to be in the atmosphere where families having an outing together and friends being crazy here and there. Pray that this new semester will be a fun one, with lots of new friends and new experiences, Amen.