Project Throne: Ω Throne

I apologized for the late post for my last throne even though I claimed before that I would post them immediately after the second last one. I have been caught up with work and subsequently, I was exhausted. Even now, as I cranked my noggin' trying to think of things to write, I required tremendous effort. Still, never start something if you can't complete it.

So, here's the last entry for my Project Throne.

Name: Ω Throne

Regalia: Helmet of Terminus

Totem Animal: You

The story behind my construction of this throne was rather aimless. I ran out of idea to base on as well as pieces to utilize. So, I dug out some of my old sets and I found the Prince of Persia, The Fight for The Dagger (7571) set.

However, rather than following a Middle Eastern throne, I somehow created a Mesopotamian-like one (up to your discretion). It has the whole over-elaborated design and torches decorated from bottom to up with a touch of blue gem on the top for aesthetics. Not to mention that there are foliage covering the seat. Hence, I had this ancient civilization in my mind.




Anyhow, the name came from the last letter of the Greek alphabet, Omega. As a phrase, Omega usually refers to the last of or the end of something. Since this is the last throne I will be making for this project, I thought the name was apt.

As for the back story, I will keep it short. It's the most unique and elegant throne in the whole kingdom with stairs ascending to seat akin to heavenly paradise. Other than its beauty, one would think this throne has nothing else to offer. If you notice on the top of the stairs, there lies a helmet or some would say, crown, for the bearer of the seat.

Now, it bears similarity to a battle helmet because it turns the one who bears the throne into a warrior filled with valor. The price to pay, on the other hand, is a savage mind to match the barbaric strength one would possess. As such, those who wear the helmet would not cease until all the enemies lay motionless on the bloody ground. Consequently, the bearer could not stop fighting until he or she too meets with demise. So while this throne is the most decorative as compared to the rest, it turns one into a beast that he or she truly is, thus, unable to quench the thirst to be the ultimate, FINAL, ruler of all.

I hope those who are following my project enjoy my little presentation. I apologize for my erratic writings as I often do so under certain level of fatigue like right now. So, that's all. Byee~

Opportunities

It didn't occur to me that I have not post this yet as it was one of the highlights of my life (this year anyway). In recent time, my LEGO photos were featured in an education magazine called Doctorjob's course now! - Art, Design & Mass Comm June 2014 issue. Yay!

I mentioned previously (and briefly) that one of my friends interviewed me regarding my interest in LEGO photography. Not to brag but she intrigued by this hobby of mine. Since this is the first time that someone approached me to interview for a magazine, you couldn't believe the surprise and excitement I felt when I was notified. Now, I don't yearn for fame and fortune but it is nice to receive a little recognition from others.

Before I carried on, I would like to share some details regarding this magazine. As I said, it is an education magazine. In my knowledge, the magazine is separated into arts and science with my photos featured in the former. Additionally, the magazine also highlights job opportunities, career pathways, universities and etc. Thus, its target audience comprises of high school students as well as SPM leavers and to a certain extent, college students.

Coming back to my photos, I shared some of my insights on what high school leavers should focus on in life via LEGO photography. See, the way I see it is that we are often told to focus on the ideal goals, achievements and dreams that others impose on us. Rarely, do we actually practice the things we would like to do (abide by doing something useful and not detrimental like drugs or killing others). Indeed, all we ever do these days are academic-related or money-oriented. We 'MUST' go to a top this and that. Eventually, we blindly follow this fad without understanding if it's something that we really want. So, we follow this cycle and most of us ended up depressed or lost in life. 

Given this opportunity to share some of my opinions of what one should do after high school, I was overjoyed that not only will my photos be published but I get to encourage others to chase their dreams, not others'. For example, if you have the resources, backpack or learn a new skill like making arts and crafts. You might end up liking it and develop a profession out of it. For the rest who does not have the privilege to enjoy the luxury of life, fighting for your dream may prove to be a tad arduous but you can use this time to recollect yourself. Try to find out that what is it you want in life and how do you pursue it while make a living out of it. There is always a way and you just have to find it. Now, I'm not saying that college/university is bad. Higher education is a good opportunity as well for one to explore and learn about not just life but themselves. I'm merely saying opportunities are everywhere and any experience is a good experience if you treat it that way.

So, ya, I am glad that I can share my LEGO photos. I want to show people that with the right mindset and proper utilization of the resources that you have, even a simple brick toy may lead you somewhere. Of course, thank you doctorjob for featuring and my friend, Joanna, who interviewed me. *smiley* *smiley*

Project Throne: Thronos apo Skeletos

Death is inevitable, so does this post of mine detailing the second last throne I will be making for my project. Inspired by death, this throne is made out of something related to it - bones. More information below:

Name: Thronos apo Skeletos (Greek for Throne of Skeleton)

Regalia: Skeleton

Totem Animal: Just remains of what used to be alive

Now, I am always intrigued by death. Perhaps I am afraid of the inevitable but I am nonetheless fascinated by it. Looking at my array of thrones, I realized I haven't build anything directly related to it. Hence, I constructed this throne based on the concept. Now, I do not want something blatantly about death so I chose the next best thing, skeleton. Okay, I know that skeletons are associated with death, throughout almost all cultures as a matter of fact. However, it's not like I built a Grim Reaper throne or whatever.

In spite of that, I chose skeleton/bones because of its white sheen. I did not have a throne completely white in colour so I thought that this would be a good opportunity for it. Plus, it's a nice contrast with the black background, giving it more of that creepy atmosphere. Now, the backstory is as followed:

In the desolated realm of the bones, death is always by the doorsteps. This dark deserted land bears no living souls, only the remains of used to be flesh and blood. Unlike the other kingdoms, this realm consists of only a few as none dare to traverse nor live in this ominous state. Those who do decide to roam here obeys the bearer of Thronos apo Skeletos (Throne of Skeleton).

Bony remains decorate the structure with a skeleton hanging on the top of seat as its regalia. It signifies the inevitability, that eventual this is what we all will become. One's future. One's futility. One's so-called legacy. For those who reside in this realm know all too well that many of the routines of life are merely illusions to please oneself or to elude oneself from the ultimate truth.

Thus, those who accept the truth dare to venture to this realm. As for the their wisdom, they may choose to stay back in the world of living but the price to pay is that they are devoid of flesh and organs, nothing but the bones on their back. No totem animal is required to represent this throne as the remains comprise of every living creature that once used to walk the lands and seas.

While this throne appear sinister, those residing here could not give a second thought to the world outside of their realm. They are comfortable staying here, undisturbed. If they are provoked by tresspassers with deleterious intentions, they will not hesitate to apprehend them by all means necessary. Subsequently, the bearer of the throne would lay judgment on them, either as an addition to the throne or damnation.

Ok, this whole post is morbid but I do enjoy some good dark writing. So, I will be posting my last entry for my Project Throne soon (hopefully).

"There is only one God and his name is Death." - Syrio Forel

Project Throne: High Seat of Cloud Cuckoo

I know my post on my Project Throne has been delayed again but I have a valid reason this time! As those who follow my blog, you know that I have a job now. Yay! However, working limits my availability (not to mention energy) to post anything on my blog. So, I will post two of my 'thrones' for Project Throne this week.

Name: High Seat of Cloud Cuckoo

Regalia: Spinning Wheel of Cuckoo & Poll of Jolly

Totem Animal: Nothing (cuz no animals should be subjected as someone else's symbolism of power. They should be their own totem. Yay!)

Cloud Cuckoo. According to description Master Unikitty's description, it is where a place where imagination and creativity run free. Constructed out of the wonders of a unicorn cat, Cloud Cuckoo is a colourful and jolly paradise. Brick builders everywhere could come here and let their imagination runs amok to their heart's desire. Thus, they need a ruling seat of the same characteristics. Ta-da!



So, I built this throne with my favorite character from LEGO movie in mind - Unikitty. This feline with horn rules (kinda) Cloud Cuckoo and I just fell in love with its positivism and seemingly implied sarcasm at things. Not to mention that it could swiftly morphed into a red angry kitty (its supposed dark side) when it is provoked. Aside from its angry inner self, I wanted to create a throne that suits its happiness and extreme positivism in life.

As such, I utilized every piece from the Clock Cuckoo Palace set, 70803. I swear, every piece in that set is just perfect for my throne design. Basically, everything is cuckoo. I did have a hard time decorating the flowers as they were odd ornaments to place in the throne. Eventually, I just placed them in the position you see on the pictures.


Now, back to the back story of the throne...

The insignia of the throne consists of the Spinning Wheel of Cuckoo and the Poll of Jolly. Spinning Wheel of Cuckoo has to ability to make others...well, cuckoo whereas the Poll of Jolly is a symbol of fun and joy since it shapes like a candy cane. The only rule in this kingdom is that there is no rule. Indeed, tyrannical dictatorship is the last thing on the denizens' minds. They are too busy thinking what idea to build next. Of course, if Unikitty ever turns angry, that's a different story. As for the totem animal, it's explained above.

So, join me in the last two posts for my Project Throne since Game of Thrones season 4 is ending next week. Noooooooo!

"Any idea is a good idea except the not happy ones. Those you push down deep inside where you never ever, Ever, EVER find them." - Unikitty

Anxiousness

Truth be told, I am quite the worry wart as much as I would like to deny it. These days, a lot of things troubled me. Whether it is job-related or my future plans or something basics like what I am going to do tonight, worry thoughts constantly gnaw me and it's becoming irritating.

I understand that life is unpredictable and tomorrow is full of mystery. Sometimes, it is this unexpectation and mystery that keep us moving forward. No amount of statistical data is able to predict 100% what will happen tomorrow. Hence, we have to always be on guard to expect the unexpected. It can be good; it can be bad. We will never know. By not knowing, we have nothing to deter us from carrying out our daily routine. If we know what will happen tomorrow, there's no point something else because we already know the results. As such, there is beauty in not knowing.

In contrast, suspense can stir wariness occasionally, especially with people experiencing my current mental state. After chatting with a good friend/housemate of mine, I pinpointed the source of this uneasiness. I am going through a transition. Not long ago, I was still a student under Sunway University. While officially I am not a graduate yet, I am technically not a student anymore. The burdens of workforce was bestowed upon me when I realized my next step in life is finding a job.

Indeed, I do have a job now. It is still too early to tell whether this is the career path I am fond of but so far, I like what I am doing. The problem is that I am still experiencing frequent anxiousness. It's not anxiety attacks (thank goodness) but it just frustrates me as I thought after securing a job, this feeling would subside. It all started two months ago when I was searching for a permanent job. The feeling of finding a job I like as well as getting it kept me up at night. It's normal. It's good to feel as such because we are only humans. What I didn't expect was that this feeling never truly subside and it comes back from time to time to bother me.

Thus, I blame this on my transition to become an adult (I was a young adult, there's a difference). However, even as an adult, I suppose it's part of life to still feel certain anxiousness in life. There are times when I wish someone could just tell me what's going to happen. Will I be successful? Will I be happy with my job? Will I be satisfied? Then again, what is there to look forward to if all these questions are answered.

Packing up May

It dawned on me that I almost forgot what I did in May 2014. So, it's time for my monthly reflection before the memories completely erode away.

So, let's get right to it. The first half of May involved long hours of emails sending and cover letter typing. With the realization that I couldn't rely on my mum anymore for money (as well as I want to make myself useful), getting a job was all that was in my mind. Seriously, day after day, I just kept on sending out resume to various institutions (e.g., private schools, international schools and colleges). The thing was that I discovered my interest in teaching or education after my internship. My internship was so bad that it was good to me as I found out my area of interest.

Eventually, I was offered a job at this center that provide extra curriculum lessons that are not taught in Malaysian schools. I would not reveal the name for anonymity purposes but as far as my well-being is concerned. I like that place. My days at my internship venue really took a toll on me. Thus, given that I am able to work in this new open environment, I was more than overjoyed.

I started my first day of training at the end of May. In between first and last week of the month, my brothers came over. Being the 'good' elder brother that I am, I took them around and invoke amazement in the lifestyles of city folks (my hometown was dead and my brothers needed a getaway). Not to mention that I managed to visit Cyren at the resort again. The boy was still kicking in the great outdoors.

Anyhow, to conclude my review of my time in May 2014,  it was literally the beginning of the end. As the month closed in to its final days, I prepared myself for my new job. For me, May was a month to pack things up and do my best to survive in this doggy dog world while looking stylish. Hopefully, I would not experience any deja vu with my work tasks.