Smile

The hobbits emerged, unscathed from Sauron's tower of doom.
I can breathe again. The air tastes different. The long, long nightmare is finally over and I can go stuff myself with lashings of salt beef. It's very difficult to express how incredibly elated I am. The outcome of the exams is quite another thing, but for the present moment let us just bear in mind that this too, shall pass. For a brief moment one can burst into a spastic fit of joy. Oh my - it's so incredible to be free. Free at last, free at last - Lord Almighty, free at last! Xian ku, hou tian indeed.
My first true smile in months. I could feel it. A massive grin that zipped across the face as time was called for the final time this week. It's nice to be able to breathe properly again. To have a good night's rest and dream about happy things. No more tossing and turning, no more paroxysmal fits of fear. No more hyperphagia. No more 4-litres-of-water-per-day binges. No more microwave plastic box cooking. No more early-afternoon panics.
Longer showers. Less sleep (finally!) No more brain-compressing information gulping. I can finally notice that the trees have sprouted leaves. Green is everywhere. The sky is blue. I'm human. I'm alive - and I'm so, so very glad to be. Living life again.
The sheer excitement is nearly overpowering.
I'm so very charged up for another term...thought I might have a complete mental and physical breakdown immediately after the final paper but for some reason I find myself raring to go - bring it on - whack me in the face...c'mon - ready for a hyperactive spiel all the way until the start of summer - when the brain can FINALLY atrophy. Just another month. Just another month. Then, then - then, we can chill.

The clear and present rumble

The sound of thunder is something I've missed, oddly enough. This summer's return to Singapore shall certainly find me skulking on the balcony as I await the first thunderstorm after my return. That crackling in the sky as a bolt of sound drops before the imminent pattering of rain. A tropical thunderblast, I'd say, is something I'd give half a chocolate brownie for.

I want to go whitewater rafting this summer. Somewhere - anywhere. Somewhere spectacular would be nice. It wouldn't be much of a change from my present situation - sitting within a confined space, gazing ahead as I manoeuvre my arms in a vain attack on waves crashing over, overwhelming both mind and body in a relentless assault as my heart struggles to keep pace with the glucose rush demanded by the overworked brain. Did I mention trying to avoid drowning?

I've just seen a streak of lightning - that's the downside to the thunderstorm - almost forgot that. Cosy indoors; having a chat with Messrs Rang, Dale, Ritter and Moore.

RIP JPII

Terribly terribly sad news. Let us just be glad that he is with the Lord. Incredibly distressing. The man is truly great. Will be greatly missed. A truly inspirational life. Very sad.