51 This 31

A quick summary of Malaysia's 51st National Day advertisements today:

• Telekom Malaysia - this Merdeka, let us embrace the digital lifestyle and move forward to a new level of freedom (author's murmur: I'd suggest you strengthen your broadband services first).
• RHB Bank - wishing Malaysians a glorious 51st Merdeka (author's murmur: hasn't the term 'glorious' [gemilang] past its expiry last year? What an outdated ad).
• YTL Cooperation - ...our journey has always been inextricably entwined with our nation...We have come far in our 51 years of independence. Here's to many more years of progress. Happy birthday Malaysia.
• Malaysia Airlines - MH (Malaysian hospitality) - this two letters define us...This is who we are and what we celebrate. After 51 years of Merdeka, let's remember, this is who we'll always be (author's murmur: despite losing out on Best Cabin Crew this year, I hope MAS will be back on par with other 5-star airlines soon and pride the nation like it once had been).
• Astro - If you're planning for a year, sow rice; if you're planning for a decade, plant trees; if you're planning for a lifetime, educate people (author's murmur: and what if it rains when I'm watching Lee Chong Wei in the Olympics finals in 2012?).
• UEM - We must come together to gain strength from our differences to truly celebrate our independence.

After spending 2 months away from Taiwan this summer, I'd be back today. The bittersweet feeling still lingers, but it's been diluted with the excitement of starting anatomy and dissection, as well as preparation works for the exams beforehand.
I purchased my air ticket for Chinese New Year day before yesterday, just as a reassurance that I will be home very soon (5 months). I will definitely miss all the days between my departure today and my returning on January - the political comedies, the great movies at student price, and the joyful days with friends and families.
Alas, all journey must come to an end. And from then on we wait for the new one to start.
Selamat hari kebangsaan, Malaysia. And wish all of us well for the upcoming semester.