Final Week in Huntsville

I extended my stay in US for 10 more days coz I wanted to fly back on the same day as bro. I moved outta the dorm on 30th & stayed with Anna & Daniel for the last few days. I almost finished packing all my things when I moved out from the dorm so I had time to relax & enjoy my last 10 days in Huntsville. It was good that I extended my stay, at least I didn't have to rush through everything right after final exams. I also got to spend more time with Anna, Daniel, & their family.

2-3 May 2009: Moving to Daniel's new house

My baby bought a new house in Madison so we all helped him to move all his stuffs to his new house during the weekends. Anna & Donna also spent the weekend painting Anna's bedroom & bathroom at his house. As for me, I just helped whatever I can...haha...I am the pro in packing & unpacking things! 

Family bonding time...it was nice to see everyone in the family working together...can feel the warmth in the house...hehe!!

7 May 2009: Farewell Dinner with the family

Donna & Donny gave me a farewell dinner at PF Chang's earlier because they were leavin' for Florida the next day & won't be in town when I leave. As I mentioned in my previous post, their family have been a big part of my life here in the US. They were like my family here in US & spending time with them made me feel like home. Words can't express my gratitude to all the love & care that I've received from them...I'm gonna miss them!!

Thank you so much for everything...hope to see y'all again in the near future!! That 'cute' picture was drawn by me...I've never learnt drawing so I guess this is 'acceptable' right?? Hehe!! :p

Went shopping with Nana, Donna, & Anna...all the 'NA-s'...hehehe!!! Anna made me try on the dress in Banana Republic...the dress was beautiful!!

My last trip to Bridge Street...the full moon was so bright!! Everytime I see a full moon...I'll be thinking of everyone of them on the other side of the world...looking at the same moon...missing y'all!! 

8 May 2009: Brewfest in Rocket City

Anna & I followed Daniel to the first brewfest in Huntsville. I don't drink so I just went there to watch & enjoy the atmosphere. Many different types of beers were served and I didn't know most of them...haha!!! We didn't stay long coz baby didn't want me to be too tired.

 

Our last outing together...:(

Goodbye Ooiiee!!

Uyanga flew to LA a day before I flew home...3 of us extended our stay so we were the last 3 to go home. Anna & I woke up early that morning to send her off at the airport. I still remembered that I was the one who helped her to check into her room when she first arrived. Among all other sponsored students, I was closer to her perhaps coz we share a lot in common. Both of us are business students, like dancing, play piano, & likes taking pictures. I was her 'manager' when she had dance performance...gave her morning call...went for lunch & dinner together...had guitar class together...went to bank together...etc. Throughout these 9 months...we've done a lot of things together and all these are gonna be in my memories. She's going back to Mongolia to continue her studies & pursue her dream as a dancer...all the best!! I don't know if we're ever gonna meet again...but do stay in touch...Miss C!!! :p

Dr Pottenger, Ms Anita, Htet, Thy, Anna & I went to the airport 

UAH Memories - Part 3

Last Days on Campus

Spent some time walking around campus after final exams. I spent so much time on campus for 9 months. Life in UAH is so much different from life in TAR College...much more laid back & relaxed. I couldn't drive so my transportation on campus was either by bicycle or walk. I was very lazy to walk coz I felt that it was a waste of time to walk when I can go faster by bike...hehe!! 

The Office of International Programs. I'm gonna miss riding my bike through the bumpy roads all the way here to bug Ms Anita with all my documentations...hahaha!!!

Enjoying the Spring scenery on my bike 

Salmon library, University Center, Shelby Center & Roberts Hall

The Business Administration Building. Had all my business classes here. I only had classes at 3 buildings throughout 2 semesters...Morton Hall (Japanese, Business Writing), Roberts Hall (Music Tech, Guitar), & BAB

Helped out with recording project for Music Tech class 

Night view & full moon

UAH Memories - Part 2

Since the day I arrived, my dorm had been the place where I spent most of my time. I was really surprised when I first saw my room & suite...it was way better than what I expected. Coz in Malaysia, dorms are not that nice. Here in North Campus Residence Hall, 4 person share a suite and each of us have a single room. Our suite is like an apartment, we have a living room, a small kitchen, 2 bathrooms, 2 toilets, & 4 basins in every suites. I was really lucky coz most dorms in other universities are twin-sharing & share a common bathroom. Besides, I had a good roommie so it was even better...I loveeee my rooom!!! 

My lovely room...I'm gonna miss it!! Had to clean everything and move all my things out before leaving.

My comfortable bed...teddy bear bedsheets & comforter...hehe!! I had to use 3 blankets coz it was too cold...I bet I'll pass out if I did the same thing here in Malaysia...haha!! 

My contantly occupied & messy table. I'm so used to having 24/7 internet connection...the very first thing I do when I wake up & the last thing I do before going to bed is turning on & off the computer...hahaha!! :p

My cupboard is considered quite neat...especially after laundry.

Side table...phone, clock radio & coffee machine...all my daily essentials.

Look at the mess that I created in my room when I was packing my things...it was not an easy task putting everything into my limited luggage space. I didn't know that I've accumulated so many things within 9 months!! I don't even remember how many times I repeated the process of 'packing-unpacking-repacking'!!!

NCRH dorm...niceee!!

Haha...our sink was never empty!! I don't know if itz the culture here...wash the plates only when you wanna use it!!

I only have 5 things on my basin...contact lens, solution, retainer, toothbrush & toothpaste.

So gonna miss this place!!

UAH Memories - Part 1

Finally sorted out the pics that I took towards the end of last semester. I brought my camera almost all the time coz I wanted to keep more memories of my life here. I think every exchange student share this same experience, we tend to appreciate what we have now more coz we know that we're losing them soon. 

The cafeteria...this is the place where most of us sponsored students had our meals...lunch & dinner...for the past 9 months. Even though the food here is not super yummy, we still come here coz we don't have to pay for food here...muahaha...itz all covered under the meal plan sponsored by our program! All we need to do was to swipe our Charger Card each time we come here....ain't that cool!! 

I still remember that when we first came here, most of us sponsored students will occupy a big table and have our meals together. This was the place to socialize since most of us don't stay in the same suite or attend the same classes. But we spent less time eating together during the 2nd semester coz we were all busy with studies...and sometimes we prefer 'take-out' & eat in our rooms with laptops in front of us...haha!! :p

One thing good is that itz all buffet style...that means....'all you can eat'...every meals!!! I guess that's why most people gain weight within these 9 months...luckily I still managed to maintain my weight...hehe!! We had the chance to eat 'American' food everyday...pizza, hamburger, fries, salad, entrees, desserts...hmm...sounds 'fattening' huh!! Plus...we had 'bottomless' soft drinks, sweet tea, juice, milk & choc milk!! Haha...living up to the title...Alabama...the 2nd fattest state in the US...woohoo~!!!

Most of us 'Asians' don't really like the food here coz we wanted....RICE!! One of my friend, Htet from Myanmar actually lost weight coming here coz she preferred instant noodles than the cafeteria food. As for me, I'm not particular about food...I have no complains as long as I don't starve.

From these pics, they don't look that yummy but itz pretty good...juz that I mixed everything together in a plate. I didn't eat hamburger, pizza & fries coz I don't wanna come back becoming 'fei po'...haha!!

I'm gonna miss the free meals from the cafeteria...hehe!! :p

Spring 2009 Classes

Looking back at all the pictures that I've posted since I came here to US...I realized that most of them are either about traveling or outings. That's why my friends asked me if I came here to study or have fun...coz it seemed like I was enjoying all the time...haha!! Well...that's quite true...but I did study too!! So this time, I brought my camera to classes and 'curi-curi' took pictures during class...hehe!!

MUA140: Beginning Guitar Class

I've always wanted to learn guitar but I was too lazy to learn it by myself. I knew how to play piano, violin, & horn...but not guitar...too bad! Bro has a guitar at home that nobody ever plays. Coming here under this exchange program was a great opportunity for me to learn guitar...finally!! We were allowed to choose our own classes as long as 50% of the classes are within our major. The other 50% can be anything...music, art, sports, engineering...whatever I like...cool huh!! Last semester I took Japanese & this semester I decided to take up guitar. Thanks to Daniel for borrowing me his awesome Martin & Co. guitar that cost $1200 for this class...yeah!! :) Even though I always complained carrying the heavy & huge guitar case to class twice per week, I really enjoyed this guitar class...coz it was the only 'stress-free' class...haha!! Mr Weaver was also easy on us and taught us according to our own pace. I got A+ for this class but there's still a lot more to improve...at least I know the basics now...woohoo~!!

I likey likey my awesome guitar & guitar class!!

MU306: Music Technology

Music Technology...sounds deep huh!! Yea I know...I'm an accounting major...and what am I doing in a 'music technology' class?? I've never had any basics on music tech and I'm taking this level 3 class??? My brain must have gone wrong when I selected my classes....haha!! Well...I thought I'll get to learn recording & mixing music coz I'm interested in these, that's why I took this class. But I totally forgotten about the theory part...I saw 'stars & moons' when Dr Bowyer was teaching...Digital Audio & MIDI = 'stars & moons'....hahaha!! But luckily I still managed to do well on the exams...yeah!! We were supposed to do 2 projects throughout the semester but due to time constraints, we had to put aside the recording project & spent most of our time working on the Flash project. Wait a minute...Flash???? I'm not a computer major like some others...and I've never done any 'programming' before!! So no choice...had to learn and luckily Dr Bowyer helped us along the way. I remember spending hours in the library working on this project...and when my friends whom I was chatting with asked me what I was doin...I'll say...'FLASHING'...hehe!! ;) Of course, I finished my project & also got an 'A' for this class...pretty good huh!! ;) Check out my Flash project: Virtual Chords-Learning Guide for Beginners
http://www.uah.edu/music/media/technology/projects/2009_1_spring/flash/tang_khai_shing_virtual_chords.html

ACC433: Forensic Accounting

In fact, I can take any business classes regardless of the level...easy or difficult...it's all up to me...but I still took two level 4 classes this semester. I chose this class instead of advanced auditing mainly because it is not common in Malaysia...and the word Forensic sounds cool! Sounds cool but the class was not really that cool...hehe!! There were several times when I nearly fell asleep in class coz it was mainly theory...equals...boring! Most of my classmate brought their laptops to class...looked very pro huh...but I'm sure they were all multi-tasking...haha!! I wanted to do the same thing also but I sat at the front row...too bad!! I got an A for this class also...yeah!! ;)

MGT499: Competitive Strategy

I took this class because it is similar to the 'Business Analysis' class that I'll be taking when I go back to TARC. I have been relaxing a lot this whole year so gotta get back some momentum, so that it will not be too difficult when I go back home. I really enjoyed Dr. Chadwick's class coz he didn't need to use any Powerpoint...all he did was talking...for 3 hours...and managed to keep me awake all the time!! That's some skills there! We also had a group project for this class. My group selected Sony and we had to analyse the company's internal & external environment, find the problems and come up with recommendations. We also had to do a presentation at the end of the semester. I can say that this was my first time working with Americans for a group project and I wasn't impressed at all. I've always had the perception that since English is their main language, it should be much easier for them to write papers and do presentations...as compared to us foreign students whose first language is not English. But I was so so wrong...in fact...I think even my friends in TARC can do better! I had to do the entire Powerpoint presentation slides for my group coz the others were busy or lazy I dunno...I don't wanna comment much...the process was pretty frustrating. And during the presentation, quite a lot of them just READ from the paper...omg!!! Of course, there were still SOME good ones. I got a 'B+' for a freakin' 89.23%!!!! Damn it...I'd rather just get 80!! Our group project paper was the one that pulled my marks down...stupid stupid stupid!!! :(

MIS146: Computer Application for Business

This was another easy class that I took. I was so glad that it was a web-based class...I didn't have to go for class at all...juz did online tutorials and assignment...love it!! The class taught everything about Microsoft Office 2007...it's pretty easy coz I knew most of the things already but it's still cool to learn some new functions. Yeap...'A+' for this class as well...hehe!! ')

My classrooms...all my classes are small so we didn't need big lecture halls like TARC.

Goodbye...My Friends!!

It's sad to say but our UGRAD journey had finally ENDED. Yeap...9 months had passed by...so quickly!! Seems like it was just not long ago when I first arrived Huntsville...met Anita & all other sponsored students. I can still remember exactly everything that happened on 9 Aug 2008: Sabina arrived a day before me; Melissa arrived on the same day after me & Anita brought us to Jason's Deli for dinner; the others arrived next day and I helped Uyanga & Cristina to check-in their room. I don't know why...but all these are still clear in my mind.

I'm gonna miss all the good times that we've had together!!

Of course, I can't leave out our 'babysitters' who have been taking good care of us & brought us all together for the past 9 months...the Office of International Programs (OIPS)!! Dr. Pottenger, Anita, Kathleen, Sarah, & Sabrina...thank ya'll so much for helping us soooo much here. Without all of you, I'm sure we wouldn't be enjoying our stay here. :p I'm gonna miss riding my bike all the way to the office to 'trouble' Anita...asking her to help settle my documentations & get my stipend check. :(

The souvenirs I received from OIPS: Alabama-US-Malaysia flags, UAH t-shirt, UAH flag & flash drive.

Our final gathering organized by OIPS for all of us...farewell dinner & debriefing at New China Buffet. It was sort of like our 'graduation ceremony' for completing of our exchange program here in UAH. They also brought us to Panoply after that. No words can express my gratitude towards everyone in OIPS...I'm gonna remember all the moments that we've shared. Hope that we'll have the chance to meet again in the future! Keep up the great work...ya'll are really awesome!!

Our last meal together at the cafeteria...I'm gonna miss the bottomless soft drinks, sweet tea & chocolate milk here!

From the day we arrived, all of us sponsored students had spent a lot of time together...eating at the cafeteria, going on trips, community service, Friday night parties, etc... Every single one of them are amazing individuals and I'm really glad that we've built a strong friendship despite all our differences. I guess itz because we all share one thing in common...which is being an international sponsored student in UAH!

Last party with all our friends

All these are gonna be sweet memories that will put a smile on my face when I look back someday.

Sending all my dear friends to the airport. It's hard to see everyone leaving.

I've gotten so used to saying 'CYA'...but it's finally time to say 'GOODBYE'. After this 'goodbye', we'll all proceed to different routes in life...we don't know if the routes we chose are gonna bring us back together in the future. But I hope that no matter how far the distance, we'll still stay in touch and keep each other updated on our lives...I'm looking forward to hearing all your success stories!! :)

Itz never easy to say goodbye...especially knowing that we might never meet each other again.

~2008-2009 UAH Sponsored Students~
1. Sabina - Turkmenistan
2. Aina - Kazakhstan
3. Emil - Krygystan
4. Cristina - Moldova
5. Jose - Guatemala
6. Melisa - Costa Rica
7. Htet - Myanmar
8. Uyanga - Mongolia
9. Khai Shing - Malaysia
10. Don Michael - Filipines
11. VietAnh - Vietnam
12. Angel - Panama
13. Aleksandar - Serbia
14. Dragan - Serbia
15. Ivana - Serbia
16. YiHeng - China
17. Mariel - Dominican Republic

Water Ski Weekend Getaway with Ole Miss Dudes

18-19 April 2009: Ole Miss Guys...Khai Sheng, Evan & Tony

Bro & his Taiwanese friend, Tony followed Evan back to Huntsvlle over the weekend. Bro was lucky to know Evan, that was how he managed to come over to Huntsville to meet up last winter & this time...hehe!! They knew each other coz he's a Chinese major in Ole Miss & bro was helping to tutor some of the Americans who are learning Chinese. He was a good host for inviting 3 of us 'foreigner' to spend the weekend at his family's house. We all had a great time hanging out together and also tried water-skiing for the first time ever with Evan's family...it was soooo much fun!! Wished the weekend was longer!! 

I was really surprised to know that so many 'ang mohs' are also learning Chinese...we're definitely very fortunate to have the opportunity to learn 3 languages in school. Being Chinese ourselves...we'd better know our mother tougue...no offense to 'bananas' though. Before coming here to US, I've never realized that we are very 'multi-lingual' and it was such an advantage. When people asked me what languages I know...I just listed out without even thinking...English, Chinese, Malay, Cantonese, & Hokkien...5 languages. Then they'll give me a surprised look...and said...wow, so many languages?! 

First stop...Bridge Street. I finally had chance to take day picture here...good timing coz I'm leaving Huntsville soon.

Their house is nice! We are sooo 'Asian'...not enough kaki so taught Madison to play mahjong. Surprisingly they had mahjong at home...hahaha!!

This was what we did when we were 'eat full too free'...posing on the trampoline...hahaha!! :)) Look at bro's interesting poses!!

Row row row your boat.....

We were like having a vacation...soccer, trampoline, hot tub, kayak...with such a beautiful view!!!

Went to 'I Love Sushi' for dinner...oh gosh...sooo goooood!! :)

My first water ski attempt...the water was cold but it was so much fun!!

This 'process' repeated several times....hahaha!!!

Me in action...pretty good for a beginner! :)

Bro learning to ski

Now look at the professionals...Madison & Evan!

Evan's family was our water ski teacher for the day....yeah!! Their boat is cool~!! 

Awesome view at the surrounding....wish I can own a house like this in the future!! 

Helped bro to take some 'sarong' photos...haha!! He asked me not to upload these pics...but I don't care...itz my camera...muahaha!! :p

Thank ya'll so much for the hospitality & a great weekend!!! :)