Received quite a number of cards this year, although it was lesser than last year's, which was still fewer than the year before. Hmmm, either my PR skills have become worse or I'm becoming anti-social and exclusive with my friends. And I suspect the latter. Oh well.
The sweetest card came from Andrina, mans, I wouldn't be surprised if I find ants all over it tomorrow!
The most candid one came from Rebekah. It was also the most well-written one, poignant and honest.
The one that made me want to cry was from Evangelin! Thanks!
I had Christmas dinner at my aunt's house. Glued to the TV, watching 'Don't forget the lyrics', when suddenly, this huge 'BANG!' sounded. To my horror, my 5 year-old-cousin stupidly jumped from the sofa and banged his head on the corner of the glass coffee table. His mother quickly checked him out, but I bolted the minute I saw this huge drop of blood on my aunt's hand. Scared was I! In short, my uncle and aunt sent him to KK hospital, in which he received 7 stitches. Meanwhile, we babysitted my other 3 cousins. It was pretty fun. Oh gosh, I love them so much.
All in all, despite the fright, it was a mightily good Christmas! I thank God for His awesome love and the world's most precious gift to us all, Jesus Christ.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
GPA
GPA (Grade point average) has got to be the nemesis of every college student and not surprisingly, it was the hot topic of our conversations this afternoon. Hanging out with some dear SMU friends this afternoon, I shared this to them:
Me: College education is not about grades, it's about getting a bigger worldview and insightful perspectives of real life. I find too many students in SMU shallow and for fleeting moments, sometimes, they just appear dumb. [They can be so much more.] You guys have to start reading things like Time or The Economist, non-fiction books like The Tipping Point etc.
Be opinionated, challenged and objective.
We also had did 2 rounds of bowling today. The stakes were, losers [turned out to be Aaron and I] were to treat winners [Walter and Fatimah] 100g of Famous Amos cookies each. I remain adamant in saying that it was so unfair because I really suck at bowling! Losing was a sure thing for me, and poor Aaron, got dragged down. After the game, I said:
Me: Can we not place stakes on things I'm not good at, like bowling? Let's challenge each other on GPA, haha, how about that? At least, it motivates us to study harder.
Walter had the best proposal. He'd treat anyone of us if we had a GPA of 3.7 but we would have to treat him if he attained at least 3.4. Woohoo!
After Fatimah left, I asked the two guys their views on relationships. Surprisingly, they really want to stay single until after they graduate. Aaron asked us if we would want children, I said yes.
Aaron: I'll never have children!
Me: Good luck finding someone who thinks like you then.
Aaron: Children are only cute until 5 years old. So after they're 5, how?
...
Me [in reply to their response to be single]: Don't you feel lonely, especially during festive seasons? You wanna get someone a present. Well the present's bought but that someone's not there!
Walter: Exactly, I totally understand that. But you have to deal with what's important first.
Aaron: Aiyah, guys nevermind la. Can get married at 70 anyway, and to a young lady at that!
That's true.
Me: College education is not about grades, it's about getting a bigger worldview and insightful perspectives of real life. I find too many students in SMU shallow and for fleeting moments, sometimes, they just appear dumb. [They can be so much more.] You guys have to start reading things like Time or The Economist, non-fiction books like The Tipping Point etc.
Be opinionated, challenged and objective.
We also had did 2 rounds of bowling today. The stakes were, losers [turned out to be Aaron and I] were to treat winners [Walter and Fatimah] 100g of Famous Amos cookies each. I remain adamant in saying that it was so unfair because I really suck at bowling! Losing was a sure thing for me, and poor Aaron, got dragged down. After the game, I said:
Me: Can we not place stakes on things I'm not good at, like bowling? Let's challenge each other on GPA, haha, how about that? At least, it motivates us to study harder.
Walter had the best proposal. He'd treat anyone of us if we had a GPA of 3.7 but we would have to treat him if he attained at least 3.4. Woohoo!
After Fatimah left, I asked the two guys their views on relationships. Surprisingly, they really want to stay single until after they graduate. Aaron asked us if we would want children, I said yes.
Aaron: I'll never have children!
Me: Good luck finding someone who thinks like you then.
Aaron: Children are only cute until 5 years old. So after they're 5, how?
...
Me [in reply to their response to be single]: Don't you feel lonely, especially during festive seasons? You wanna get someone a present. Well the present's bought but that someone's not there!
Walter: Exactly, I totally understand that. But you have to deal with what's important first.
Aaron: Aiyah, guys nevermind la. Can get married at 70 anyway, and to a young lady at that!
That's true.
Present of the year!
Celestial diamond cut ear studs from Goldheart. Because of my sensitive skin to metals, only gold/white gold/platinum material can touch my ear. Thanks Daddy!
Friday, December 19, 2008
PASSED!
By the grace of God, I passed my traffic police driving test!
The second one's pretty iconic.
I had to take the full route of Route No. 6, that meant filtering 3 lanes so that I could eventually do a U-turn. Also for the circuit course, I nearly mounted the kerb at the crank course. So I quickly braked and did a small reverse. My heart was pounding!
At this point I really want to thank Mr Ng, my instructor, a man who minces no words. With 29 years of experience, he sure knows his stuff. Those of you who are learning manual at school, get out and find Mr Ng!
I also did all kinds of weird stuff today. The choir exco people did a photo shoot using my Dad's latest Nikon D90 camera. Check it out.
The second one's pretty iconic.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Join us!
The SMU Chamber Choir will be singing at the Esplanade Upper Concourse this Saturday and Sunday at 5, 7 and 8 pm! Come and support!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Choir@Istana
Our only exchange student in choir, Agnes (Ah-nia-s) from France, is leaving the next day. Well of course, Aaron is behind doing his usual antics.
Sops and Altos
Basses and Tenors (Ernest is missing though)
Merry Christmas, fling!
We, the SMU Chamber Choir, sang Adios Nonino ata small dinner party which the President hosted at the Istana. Wow, my first performance is a real choir at such an ostentatious place! We took a photo with President Nathan, but of course, not with my camera. And we were the only performing group, surprisingly. I'm not very sure we sang well cos I find it hard to hear what's really good or bad.
Oh yeah, I also watched Bolt last night, after the performance, with some people from the choir. If you fully want to enjoy the show, don't watch the trailers or read the synopsis. I believe it'll be nicer to watch then. It's a Disney animation, not the usual Dreamworks or Pixar ones. Comparing it to the latest Madagascar 2, it's hard to say which is better. Funny-wise, Mada 2 is a tad better. I find that when it comes to animation, the weirder the characters, the funnier. Mada 2 had PLENTY of weird creatures, while Bolt has 2. Nevertheless, GO WATCH BOLT.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Cards and letters
My friends and I were discussing my lack of sentimentality - aka heartlessness. Consider this, I throw away cards and letters that people give me after a while. My lame reasons are that I have no storage space to put them away and I hardly take out any of these things to get a second look.
Me: Look, I like letters that come digitally, like emails! You can save them forever!
My friends are affronted by my absurdity, looks like I'm not getting any pretty cards this year. HAHA.
Me: Look, I like letters that come digitally, like emails! You can save them forever!
My friends are affronted by my absurdity, looks like I'm not getting any pretty cards this year. HAHA.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
How sad
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/cna/20081128/tap-947-singaporean-held-hostage-mumbais-231650b.html
I'm shocked. When I first heard the news about a Singaporean being held hostage on Thursday afternoon, my first thoughts were, 'you must be kidding!' Usually the Caucasions are the target, not Asians! Quickly I made a prayer for her, that she would just live through this scare. However, she did get killed after all. How sad! This event really underscores the brutality of lawlessness and rage, and how some things are just not within our control.
I'm shocked. When I first heard the news about a Singaporean being held hostage on Thursday afternoon, my first thoughts were, 'you must be kidding!' Usually the Caucasions are the target, not Asians! Quickly I made a prayer for her, that she would just live through this scare. However, she did get killed after all. How sad! This event really underscores the brutality of lawlessness and rage, and how some things are just not within our control.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Time of your life
People say that college days are the time of your life. It's true, I guess. You work hard, you play hard. Party, drink, date and fall in love. And then out of love. You are always on the ball of your feet, looking out for the 'what's next', getting worried even when your schedule is not as packed as you wish it. Never more in your life have you cared about the way people see you. Looks climb up the ranks of priority and suddenly you realise, everything seems to be a game and yet, it really isn't.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Survivor Gabon
I usually don't watch Survivor, hardly actually. But for the latest 17th [17th?!?!] season, Survivor Gabon, romantically called Earth's last Eden, episode 10 was mind-blowing. I accidentally watched the first episode and since then, I've watched sporadically. Therefore, I'm a little more familiar who the contestants were.
If you don't watch it, let me give you a quick synopsis of Episode 10, meaning 30 days have passed. Randy, who is a really grumpy and mean person, got blindsided in such a sly way. Bob, the quirky physics teacher, made a fake immunity idol [many say that it looks more real than the real idol] and willingly gave it to Randy when asked, as he was supposed to be in alliance with Randy (& Corrine). RANDY then went around and said the meanest things about people, particularly about Susie, so that he could become their target for the next tribal council. [If you have no idea what a tribal council means in Survivor, you can stop reading this.] Randy's plan was to get people to vote for him, while his alliance voted for Susie, only to flash out his idol in the last minute to protect himself. BAD PLAN, since the idol was, duh, fake.
Interestingly it was Sugar, a pin up model, who instigated Bob to hand Randy the fake idol. Sugar has the face of an innocent angel and is always smiling. She seems to play this whole game as if it's really fun. I don't know.. She's hard to read. The usual cunning people behave more evil-ly.
Back to Bob, at tribal council, he did look a little guilty for blindsiding Randy, maybe mostly for betraying the trust of his alliance. All this for a million dollars.
If you don't watch it, let me give you a quick synopsis of Episode 10, meaning 30 days have passed. Randy, who is a really grumpy and mean person, got blindsided in such a sly way. Bob, the quirky physics teacher, made a fake immunity idol [many say that it looks more real than the real idol] and willingly gave it to Randy when asked, as he was supposed to be in alliance with Randy (& Corrine). RANDY then went around and said the meanest things about people, particularly about Susie, so that he could become their target for the next tribal council. [If you have no idea what a tribal council means in Survivor, you can stop reading this.] Randy's plan was to get people to vote for him, while his alliance voted for Susie, only to flash out his idol in the last minute to protect himself. BAD PLAN, since the idol was, duh, fake.
Interestingly it was Sugar, a pin up model, who instigated Bob to hand Randy the fake idol. Sugar has the face of an innocent angel and is always smiling. She seems to play this whole game as if it's really fun. I don't know.. She's hard to read. The usual cunning people behave more evil-ly.
Back to Bob, at tribal council, he did look a little guilty for blindsiding Randy, maybe mostly for betraying the trust of his alliance. All this for a million dollars.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Madagascar 2
Slightly predictable, funny, no-brainer, same old themes of love and friendship. I expected these things from Madagascar already and I think it's perfectly fine to watch what you're expecting.
The story opens with Alex and his gang going back to New York, or trying to. They landed in Africa, right in one of those large reserves for animals. There, the New Yorker animals find their roots and are settling down just comfortably when trouble happens.
I'd recommend the movie if you like non-violent, loving, brightly-coloured animation. You either hate or love the exaggerated characters. The jokes are first class, though you must have a quick ear to catch them, meaning it's pretty American humour. I love hearing Melman, the giraffe, speak cos it's David Schwimmer's voice! He's Ross Geller in Friends and I miss Ross Geller! [Get the link?]
Oh tickets at Cathay cinemas are selling at $6! That's from Mon to Thurs. Well, the highest I've had to pay was at the mall at Pasir Ris, I've forgotten it's name, I paid 10 bucks! So $6 suited me real fine. I had to ask the cashier twice to clarify if it was really $6, ha, I'm such an idiot.
The story opens with Alex and his gang going back to New York, or trying to. They landed in Africa, right in one of those large reserves for animals. There, the New Yorker animals find their roots and are settling down just comfortably when trouble happens.
I'd recommend the movie if you like non-violent, loving, brightly-coloured animation. You either hate or love the exaggerated characters. The jokes are first class, though you must have a quick ear to catch them, meaning it's pretty American humour. I love hearing Melman, the giraffe, speak cos it's David Schwimmer's voice! He's Ross Geller in Friends and I miss Ross Geller! [Get the link?]
Oh tickets at Cathay cinemas are selling at $6! That's from Mon to Thurs. Well, the highest I've had to pay was at the mall at Pasir Ris, I've forgotten it's name, I paid 10 bucks! So $6 suited me real fine. I had to ask the cashier twice to clarify if it was really $6, ha, I'm such an idiot.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Lady Wisdom
The moment I woke up, God told me to read Proverbs.
Lady Wisdom goes out in the street and shouts
At the town center she makes her speech
In the middle of the traffic she takes her stand
At the busiest corner she calls out
"Simpletons! How long will you wallow in ignorance?
Cynics! How long will you feed your cynicism?
Idiots! How long will you refuse to learn?
About face! I can revise your life.
Look, I'm ready to pour out my spirit on you,
I'm ready to tel you all I know.
As it is, I've called, but you've turned a deaf ear
I've reached out to you, but you've ignored me.
-Prov 1:20-24
Believe me, before you know it Fear-of-God will be yours;
You'll have come upon the Knowledge of God
And here's why: God gives out Wisdom free,
is plainspoken in Knowledge and Understanding
He's a rich mine of Common Sense for those who live well,
a personal bodyguard to the candid and sincere.
He keeps his eye on all who live honestly,
and pays special attenting to his loyally committed ones.
-Prov 2:5-8
Trust God from the bottom of your heart,
don't try to figure out everything on your own [emphasis added]
Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
he's the one who will keep you on track
Don't assume that you know it all
Run to God! Run from evil!
You body will glow with health,
your very bones will vibrate with life!
Honor God with everything you own;
Give him the first and the best.
Yours barns will burst,
your wine vats will brim over
But don't, dear friends, resent God's discipline;
It's the child he loves that God corrects
a father's delight is behind all this.
-Prov 3:5-12, THE MESSAGE by Eugene Peterson
Lady Wisdom goes out in the street and shouts
At the town center she makes her speech
In the middle of the traffic she takes her stand
At the busiest corner she calls out
"Simpletons! How long will you wallow in ignorance?
Cynics! How long will you feed your cynicism?
Idiots! How long will you refuse to learn?
About face! I can revise your life.
Look, I'm ready to pour out my spirit on you,
I'm ready to tel you all I know.
As it is, I've called, but you've turned a deaf ear
I've reached out to you, but you've ignored me.
-Prov 1:20-24
Believe me, before you know it Fear-of-God will be yours;
You'll have come upon the Knowledge of God
And here's why: God gives out Wisdom free,
is plainspoken in Knowledge and Understanding
He's a rich mine of Common Sense for those who live well,
a personal bodyguard to the candid and sincere.
He keeps his eye on all who live honestly,
and pays special attenting to his loyally committed ones.
-Prov 2:5-8
Trust God from the bottom of your heart,
don't try to figure out everything on your own [emphasis added]
Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
he's the one who will keep you on track
Don't assume that you know it all
Run to God! Run from evil!
You body will glow with health,
your very bones will vibrate with life!
Honor God with everything you own;
Give him the first and the best.
Yours barns will burst,
your wine vats will brim over
But don't, dear friends, resent God's discipline;
It's the child he loves that God corrects
a father's delight is behind all this.
-Prov 3:5-12, THE MESSAGE by Eugene Peterson
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Crossroads
Ever felt like you were at a crossroads, given choices to make? You see the path that everyone expects you to take and just as you are about to move on, like a robot, to embrace that so-called destiny, you hold back and say, 'Wait a minute, let me re-evaluate.'
That's a pretty big hint about my state of confusion now. All the values I've grown up with, from church sermons and leader's talks, are being challenged greatly now. All my old views on clubbing, drinking and relationships are being thrown out of the window, or on the verge of being thrown, I guess. And I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing. Gold has to be refined through fire before it can be pure.
That's a pretty big hint about my state of confusion now. All the values I've grown up with, from church sermons and leader's talks, are being challenged greatly now. All my old views on clubbing, drinking and relationships are being thrown out of the window, or on the verge of being thrown, I guess. And I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing. Gold has to be refined through fire before it can be pure.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Sleep deficit
On Tues night, I stayed in school til 12am (that's Wed already) It was so sick; the thought of staying so late in school is disgusting. Do other university students do that? I was preparing for my Business Law presentation and, at the same time, finishing up the report for Technology and World Change (TWC). For the TWC report, my group mate, Richard, took forever to send me his part. Did I forget to mention that I'm the collater? That means, the Sai Kang Warrior.
So at 12.15am, I boarded the bus with Rich and his friends, and of all things, we missed our stop. Imagine, it's probably 12.45 already and we're shagged. Missing the bus stop was so 'suay'! Thank God for Mummy who picked me up at the Eunos MRT, so I didn't have to change bus to go home. I'm so blessed!
So on Wednesday morning, 1.00 am, I started working on my Biz law report, interchangeably with TWC report. TWC report was due at 8.15am. Biz Law presentation and report was due 3.30pm. MAN, was I stressed! Since 13 weeks in SMU, that particular night, sitting all alone in my living room, knowing that everyone else is asleep except me, was my lowest point. If I thought week 12 was crazy, I was kidding. Amanda was also online at that time, in fact, she's in my group for Biz Law. She worked on the ppt while I worked on the report. Checking my MSN window, I saw my group mates online too. Richard, whom I had to work with to rush out the report, was on internet call with me. Apparently, he was too lazy to type. [Lately, I've been leveraging on the use of Internet phone calls. It's free and hands-free. haha.]
3am.. 4am.. 5am.. 5.30am. Finally I got my TWC report printed at 6am. I slept at 6.15am. Woke up at 6.45am. Surprisingly, throughout the day, in my demeanor, I was pretty upbeat. Looking back, I think I was just too stunned to be feel dead. My brain had already mentally forced more adrenaline into my blood, so despite the severe lack of sleep, I appeared in tip-top shape.
2 hours before my Biz Law presentation at 3.30pm, my group mates and I were going crazy. Our No.1 problem: Unpreparedness. Nevermind the report which had many conflicting answers, presenting live to a class, a LAW class mind you, is way different. So during presentation, I put on my best possible smile and cheerful face. Thank you, Amanda, for preparing the powerpoint and being the clicker! Even though I did not know what my next slides were, I just acted as if I knew the case like the back of my hand. Haha, this is called smoking/fluffing! I hate to call it smoking though, it's really about believing what you're presenting. After all, what's the point of presenting something you're not sure of?
Big thanks to Rong Hua for bringing me MacDonald's at 11.30 pm on Tuesday! That was uber-encouraging and helped in saving my sanity.
Last night, I slept for 6.5 hours. Usually I sleep about 6-7 hrs a day. Right now, I have a sleep deficit of 6 hours. :(
So at 12.15am, I boarded the bus with Rich and his friends, and of all things, we missed our stop. Imagine, it's probably 12.45 already and we're shagged. Missing the bus stop was so 'suay'! Thank God for Mummy who picked me up at the Eunos MRT, so I didn't have to change bus to go home. I'm so blessed!
So on Wednesday morning, 1.00 am, I started working on my Biz law report, interchangeably with TWC report. TWC report was due at 8.15am. Biz Law presentation and report was due 3.30pm. MAN, was I stressed! Since 13 weeks in SMU, that particular night, sitting all alone in my living room, knowing that everyone else is asleep except me, was my lowest point. If I thought week 12 was crazy, I was kidding. Amanda was also online at that time, in fact, she's in my group for Biz Law. She worked on the ppt while I worked on the report. Checking my MSN window, I saw my group mates online too. Richard, whom I had to work with to rush out the report, was on internet call with me. Apparently, he was too lazy to type. [Lately, I've been leveraging on the use of Internet phone calls. It's free and hands-free. haha.]
3am.. 4am.. 5am.. 5.30am. Finally I got my TWC report printed at 6am. I slept at 6.15am. Woke up at 6.45am. Surprisingly, throughout the day, in my demeanor, I was pretty upbeat. Looking back, I think I was just too stunned to be feel dead. My brain had already mentally forced more adrenaline into my blood, so despite the severe lack of sleep, I appeared in tip-top shape.
2 hours before my Biz Law presentation at 3.30pm, my group mates and I were going crazy. Our No.1 problem: Unpreparedness. Nevermind the report which had many conflicting answers, presenting live to a class, a LAW class mind you, is way different. So during presentation, I put on my best possible smile and cheerful face. Thank you, Amanda, for preparing the powerpoint and being the clicker! Even though I did not know what my next slides were, I just acted as if I knew the case like the back of my hand. Haha, this is called smoking/fluffing! I hate to call it smoking though, it's really about believing what you're presenting. After all, what's the point of presenting something you're not sure of?
Big thanks to Rong Hua for bringing me MacDonald's at 11.30 pm on Tuesday! That was uber-encouraging and helped in saving my sanity.
Last night, I slept for 6.5 hours. Usually I sleep about 6-7 hrs a day. Right now, I have a sleep deficit of 6 hours. :(
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Winter/Summer fling
I think Amanda and I are going crazy. While preparing for our Biz Law presentation, I said 'I want a boyfriend!' Surprisingly, she said the same. 'I want one for the four weeks break during December, then break up as Term 2 starts. Then get another one for Summer holidays,' said I. 'Cool, that's one winter fling and one summer fling. Brilliant idea.' Replied Amanda.
Disclaimer: We felt depressed trying to solve the question. Hence, the spouting of nonsense. :D
Disclaimer: We felt depressed trying to solve the question. Hence, the spouting of nonsense. :D
Friday, November 7, 2008
Rare bribery
Where I am now: Sitting at the bench just beside Mr Bean which is located at School of Economics, eating Tao Huey. I forgot to bring my laptop charger, so it's dying by the minute. Also, I'll be here in school til 9 plus in the evening.
Read the article: http://sg.news.yahoo.com/cna/20081106/tap-998-senior-ica-officer-charged-accep-231650b.html
I was quite shock to read such a high profile case of corruption, especially one that implicates a government official. An aquaintance I know told me of how she used to receive movie premiere tickets from a certain man representing his organization. In doing so, he hoped to gain favours. Movie premiere tickets are one thing but $140 k? Now, that's really bad.
My GP tutor says that once the first generation of government people are gone, the second generation will tend to be more corrupt as the ideals get eroded. Has Singapore reached such a line? I've always considered the possibility of being in the public service, suppose one day, I get bribed and bribed real good, would I hold on the seemingly silly ideals of honesty and cleanness and forgo certain opportunities?
Singapore has always projected the good image of a clean country, one with minimal corruption. Time and time again, we've amazed so many top world leaders out there. Others try to emulate us, wondering what's this secret formula we have.
So I pray that let this one bribery be rare, and not one in many.
[p.s. what the heck. I'm all buried under a pile of work in SMU. Let me get this mini world of mine be ordered before I check out others.]
Read the article: http://sg.news.yahoo.com/cna/20081106/tap-998-senior-ica-officer-charged-accep-231650b.html
I was quite shock to read such a high profile case of corruption, especially one that implicates a government official. An aquaintance I know told me of how she used to receive movie premiere tickets from a certain man representing his organization. In doing so, he hoped to gain favours. Movie premiere tickets are one thing but $140 k? Now, that's really bad.
My GP tutor says that once the first generation of government people are gone, the second generation will tend to be more corrupt as the ideals get eroded. Has Singapore reached such a line? I've always considered the possibility of being in the public service, suppose one day, I get bribed and bribed real good, would I hold on the seemingly silly ideals of honesty and cleanness and forgo certain opportunities?
Singapore has always projected the good image of a clean country, one with minimal corruption. Time and time again, we've amazed so many top world leaders out there. Others try to emulate us, wondering what's this secret formula we have.
So I pray that let this one bribery be rare, and not one in many.
[p.s. what the heck. I'm all buried under a pile of work in SMU. Let me get this mini world of mine be ordered before I check out others.]
Monday, November 3, 2008
Adios nonino
In this tango choir song, I have to sing 'pa' 24 times before I sing anything else. Beautiful song.
I have 2 presentations this week, both on the same day.
rarrr...
Plans for December holidays.. KL trip, Zone camp, read, catch up on exercising [must do remedial exercise to make up for time lost during school], meet up with friends, choir, roller blade, driving lessons
What I'm not going to do.. watch movies [unless there are really good ones], holiday overseas [exclude KL], play Word Challenge, worry about next term, making Christmas cards
What I may do.. WORK. [the thought of it is dreadful though..]
I have 2 presentations this week, both on the same day.
rarrr...
Plans for December holidays.. KL trip, Zone camp, read, catch up on exercising [must do remedial exercise to make up for time lost during school], meet up with friends, choir, roller blade, driving lessons
What I'm not going to do.. watch movies [unless there are really good ones], holiday overseas [exclude KL], play Word Challenge, worry about next term, making Christmas cards
What I may do.. WORK. [the thought of it is dreadful though..]
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Melamine
Before the melamine scare, I think many people would never even have heard of such a word. [I don't think I did either.] At first it started out scary, now it's just downright laughable. Maybe it's callous of me to say so, especially when tens of thousands of babies have ended up in hospital.
Let me explain why: We all thought at first, this is just some China food scare, now the news has said that melamine is found in Malaysia-made goods. [http://ph.news.yahoo.com/cna/20081024/tap-183-ava-orders-malaysia-made-julies-231650b.html] I was just wondering, is there some syndicate out there that's controlling these food productions? If you think this is far-fetched, why should it be? Just as how there are world bodies like the United Nations and WTO, there are the filthy rich mafias and triads that have gone global.
The next question is, why would they want to put melamine in chocolate bars and biscuits? The explanation for milk powder is understandable, it being that the milk powder needs to pass the protein level test and it would as melamine helps to artificially boost the protein levels. But chocolate bars and biscuits? What gain in sales or taste would melamine give, since there is no protein level test to pass? Then, one can only say, these manufacturers are not exactly smart as they put their reputations and businesses to risk by having melamine in these products, which have no apparent use to them at this point.
Am I worried? Not much, even though I have eaten these biscuits MADE IN CHINA AND MALAYSIA all my life. [Think of the many trips I've had to M'sia and coming back with big bags of snacks bought from Giant!] If reports are true, that the levels of melamine are so low that it's pretty much harmless for an adult, I'm pretty much still well and healthy. But my heart goes out to the children who are way more vulnerable.
Let me explain why: We all thought at first, this is just some China food scare, now the news has said that melamine is found in Malaysia-made goods. [http://ph.news.yahoo.com/cna/20081024/tap-183-ava-orders-malaysia-made-julies-231650b.html] I was just wondering, is there some syndicate out there that's controlling these food productions? If you think this is far-fetched, why should it be? Just as how there are world bodies like the United Nations and WTO, there are the filthy rich mafias and triads that have gone global.
The next question is, why would they want to put melamine in chocolate bars and biscuits? The explanation for milk powder is understandable, it being that the milk powder needs to pass the protein level test and it would as melamine helps to artificially boost the protein levels. But chocolate bars and biscuits? What gain in sales or taste would melamine give, since there is no protein level test to pass? Then, one can only say, these manufacturers are not exactly smart as they put their reputations and businesses to risk by having melamine in these products, which have no apparent use to them at this point.
Am I worried? Not much, even though I have eaten these biscuits MADE IN CHINA AND MALAYSIA all my life. [Think of the many trips I've had to M'sia and coming back with big bags of snacks bought from Giant!] If reports are true, that the levels of melamine are so low that it's pretty much harmless for an adult, I'm pretty much still well and healthy. But my heart goes out to the children who are way more vulnerable.
Friday, October 24, 2008
MediaRing Talk
Go to www.mediaringtalk.com and download the internet call services. I just realised how cool internet calls, PC to PC, is. Last night, I was on the phone with Amanda for 1.5 hours, for free. Voice quality pretty clear, most of the time. Once in a while, it gets choppy for a short time.
Why do I think it's a good service? For one, because it's free, you don't have to keep talking. Sometimes both of us weren't talking at all, but we didn't want to hang up and it wouldn't cost us anyway. Secondly, you can do conference calls for up to 6 people in the conversation. That means, if you're too busy with all your friends to meet up for project, you can have a meeting at 10pm!
In fact, I did have a conference call on my handphone with 4 other people and man, it was 40 minutes! Thank God I have 250 mins of talktime.
How did I get to know about Mediaring? Well the CEO came down to SMU to give us a talk, in lieu of a lesson for the module called Technology and World Change. :D
Why do I think it's a good service? For one, because it's free, you don't have to keep talking. Sometimes both of us weren't talking at all, but we didn't want to hang up and it wouldn't cost us anyway. Secondly, you can do conference calls for up to 6 people in the conversation. That means, if you're too busy with all your friends to meet up for project, you can have a meeting at 10pm!
In fact, I did have a conference call on my handphone with 4 other people and man, it was 40 minutes! Thank God I have 250 mins of talktime.
How did I get to know about Mediaring? Well the CEO came down to SMU to give us a talk, in lieu of a lesson for the module called Technology and World Change. :D
Monday, October 13, 2008
Back then
9th October, 2009I can't express the well of emotions that spring up in me as I contrast these two photos. Especially for the 1st photo, I'm really puzzled, who is that? I scarcely can recognise myself. Amazing how photos can tell you stuff that no one can.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Board stuff
Brainstorming!
Squiggles on paper
Me, in Koufu foodcourt, with laptop opened. I think I was rather tired at that time.In SMU, we use the Group Study Rooms (gsr) all the time. Basically, each student is entitled to 180 e-hours, which you can use to book various rooms. GSRs can be used to project meetings, [and thus you can roughly say I spend A LOT of time there], and for self-studying. For project meetings, we use the board often to generate many ideas. My TWC [Technology and World Change module] project mates are the funniest. They call me Prof Han cos I'm usually the one writing on the board. And Shu Hua is called the TA [Teaching assistant] cos she's always taking down the minutes for us!
Yes, project meetings are tedious and tiring. But really, if you enjoy the company, it can be rather fun. Ha, I can imagine the tirade of opposition from my SMU mates if they knew I said this.
Broke
Gosh, for the first in a really long time, I think I'm broke. I have to accounting for what I've been spending. Like now.
I'm swearing off plays and dinners that cost more than $10 [after Amanda's birthday dinner later].
I'm swearing off plays and dinners that cost more than $10 [after Amanda's birthday dinner later].
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Forgiveness
[I'm not going to provide the sypnosis, watch it yourself]
Some of the comments left on the video are downright vulgar and ungracious. But I'm quite surprised by myself that when I watched the video, I felt such a sense of victory - the true victory of Christ's death on the cross so that we can be truly set free.
Guglielmucci would be the last person you'd expect to confess such things, so you can imagine the heavy weight of expectations on his shoulders all these years. Indeed, his story is nevertheless inspiring because we can only attribute his breakthrough to Jesus, who can take away the chains of bondage of old sins and a shameful past. Guglielmucci lived a life of deception so thick you'd think all is beyond cure but in the end, he confessed and really, the confession is not for us but for himself. Where in the world did such strength and courage come from? He will tell you, it's God.
You could very well twist his story and use it to criticize our own pastors. You can also be more suspicious of your leaders. But I pray that you will see it as a story of love, forgiveness and amazing grace.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Pretty things
http://www.acrossthebloodyuniverse.com/
The above link is to an online blog shop which features some of the prettiest dresses! And they're way cheaper than what you'll find in the usual malls. So girls, shop smart.
The above link is to an online blog shop which features some of the prettiest dresses! And they're way cheaper than what you'll find in the usual malls. So girls, shop smart.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
BOOM
Jungle speed! A fun, reactionary game at Settlers
Taboo! How can you not know this game?
Me and Hweeyi
Me and Ronghua [aka beaver]This post is really late because I'm gonna write a review about a play I watched at the DBS arts centre called BOOM last saturday.
Review: The play was about a property agent who dreams of having the place he was staying to be en bloc. The trouble is, the apartment is under his mother's name and she certainly doesn't want to move anywhere. Meanwhile, a civil servant named Jeremiah, who is also a stereotyped scholar serving her bond, is asked by his very 'niao' FEMALE boss to make a cemetery site report. As many characters interplay, several themes appear.
Firstly, the fundamentally different values the older generation and today's generation of young people have. The old mother clings on to her home, despite it being old and ugly, for sheer sake of sentimentality and her son longs for a brand new place, with 'white paint that smells of paint and not sweat'. Secondly, the government's sole interest is to make policies that bring the nation forward and any detractors are to be ignored or squashed. Thirdly, and most obviously in this play, sand in Singapore is more precious then gold.
This play is quite hilarious but not as funny as Pillowman. It's a Singaporean play, so there were several sprinkles of Hokkien and Cantonese dialogue and I couldn't understand them! Ronghua tried to translate for me initially but it was way too disturbing for other viewers, so I had to contend myself with deciphering the body language. It wasn't a big deal anyway. I loved the play. Great set, especially the dead man in front of the stage. However, the old mother played a too familiar role that I see at chinese dramas on Channel 8. Hence, I got a little put off with her emotional acting because it was too cliche.
One thing that I commented to my friends was, plays are getting increasingly expensive, which reiterates my view that the arts are for the rich. How do you expect the laymen on the street to pay $43 dollars for a 2 hour play when he can pay $10 [or less] for a movie? The cheap and free arts are the ones that are usually ignored.
Yes, there is concession for students who want to watch plays but the offered dates are so inconvenient that no busy college student can afford such time!
Nonetheless, that's just the way things are. I just realised that I might be implying that I'm rich, WHICH IS NOT TRUE OK. Talking about money and budgeting can get me going on and on the whole day, so let me not start here. haha.
p.s. My two friends, RH and Hweeyi, are the only JC friends I've really kept in touch with. Tragic? Nah, it's God's blessing that I have actually 2 people I can call friends from JC.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Attracted
You fascinate me
The way your eyes shift to peek
I pretend as if I don't care
Constraint, restraint and I
Be bound
Try though, if you would
You could chase and race
But I'll never stop to turn
Such a tangible tension
Powerful attraction
Honour and resistance
May yet still hold up
As my thin shield
As you wait and wait some more
I wait too
That you would pass me by
And forget me no more
The way your eyes shift to peek
I pretend as if I don't care
Constraint, restraint and I
Be bound
Try though, if you would
You could chase and race
But I'll never stop to turn
Such a tangible tension
Powerful attraction
Honour and resistance
May yet still hold up
As my thin shield
As you wait and wait some more
I wait too
That you would pass me by
And forget me no more
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Spoilt Brat
I'm a spoilt brat.
1. I get sent to school and back home almost all the time.
2. My father has given me a nice Canon camera and an Iphone this year
3. I got to go Hong Kong without my parents, without having to fork out a single cent
4. I hardly [or never] help out my Mum with household stuff like cooking
On the bright side,
a) I make quite an effort to communicate with my parents all the time, even if I don't feel like it. It's an accountability thing, on top of the fact that I really respect them
b) I decided to pay $200 for my Iphone, out of my own account, so that I'll learn to have ownership
c) My parents and I enjoy a close relationship and trust that I've learnt to really treasure over the years. It's not tangible yet so real
Note: This is a random post
1. I get sent to school and back home almost all the time.
2. My father has given me a nice Canon camera and an Iphone this year
3. I got to go Hong Kong without my parents, without having to fork out a single cent
4. I hardly [or never] help out my Mum with household stuff like cooking
On the bright side,
a) I make quite an effort to communicate with my parents all the time, even if I don't feel like it. It's an accountability thing, on top of the fact that I really respect them
b) I decided to pay $200 for my Iphone, out of my own account, so that I'll learn to have ownership
c) My parents and I enjoy a close relationship and trust that I've learnt to really treasure over the years. It's not tangible yet so real
Note: This is a random post
Monday, September 29, 2008
The Story of Stuff
You have to watch this video. I've only seen it halfway and it's amazing. It's up to you, yes you, the individual. You have the power of choice.
The video powerfully highlights how trash is made, [complicatedly, very complicatedly], used and thrown away. Annie Leonard isn't kidding when she says we live in a crazy throw-away culture. WE DO! And yet, much as I want things to change, I really don't want to change my lifestyle. To dwell deeper, I probably don't know how.
I was just doing some reflection.. It's true that advertisers and corporations are telling us to to shop, shop and shop. My friends marvel at the miraculous powers of retail therapy. Hey to all girls [and boys], time to wake up that retail therapy is hyped-up and brings detriment so subtle.
So what? Say no to shopping, forever? Hmm, I guess not. So what's the benchmark then? This is exactly why I don't know how. Advocates can go on all day about how to go green but I need a true role model to show me how.
Please note that this is not meant to be depressing but enlightening. :D
My driving instructor
Let me introduce to you Mr Ng Chin Lye, No. 1 driving instructor for manual cars. He charges only $24 per hour, and man, that is way cheaper than school rates. And he's better than the instructors, from my experience of course.
With a private instructor, you can be flexible with scheduling lessons and not have to change instructors all the time, unlike with school. Yes, it's true that according to dubious news reports, school candidates have a higher first-time passing rate. But with Mr Ng, you can be sure that he gives you real methods and tips on how to drive. I must say that he's really anal about how I should hold steering wheel, how to turn, how to even hold the gear stick. It's all about details.
So if you're looking for a really good manual driving instructor who isn't expensive at all or you wanna switch instructors or get out of school (in my opinion, you really should), do engage Mr Ng Chin Lye cos as he always say, 'BAO HUI!', meaning, sure know.
His number is 96809525
With a private instructor, you can be flexible with scheduling lessons and not have to change instructors all the time, unlike with school. Yes, it's true that according to dubious news reports, school candidates have a higher first-time passing rate. But with Mr Ng, you can be sure that he gives you real methods and tips on how to drive. I must say that he's really anal about how I should hold steering wheel, how to turn, how to even hold the gear stick. It's all about details.
So if you're looking for a really good manual driving instructor who isn't expensive at all or you wanna switch instructors or get out of school (in my opinion, you really should), do engage Mr Ng Chin Lye cos as he always say, 'BAO HUI!', meaning, sure know.
His number is 96809525
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Change
There's so much of my physical appearance that has changed since April. My long hair was chopped off and I donned on spectacles. I've never really publicly gave my reasons and it only after a period of time, like now, that the reasons came to me.
Firstly, I wanted a physical change as the environment changed around me. Secondly, I wanted to find out how much of myself was attached to my physical appearance. Admit it la, most girls look way better with long hair and spectacle-less. My tutor, whom I have the highest respect for, said this in his very first advice to me: Beauty and brains are a lethal package. You can use it for destructive means or you can use it with responsibility to bring about a greater good. Thirdly, I really wanted to know how much I've been relying on physical looks to have my way.
So I must say, I myself wasn't really prepared for the change I guess. My best friend said, 'Yeah, it's true that you look a lot less prettier. You've lost that auro around you that you used to have. It's just way different now.' And I had an admirer last year, whom I could say was my no.1 fan at one time, who didn't recognized me at all when I saw him 3 times in a mall. That, provided me with a crashing realiszation that MUCH has really changed.
When that happened, that day, I got quite upset and confused. It seemed that I had reached my goals too successfully. So I whipped out my journal and as I began to write, God showed me that while physical change is tangible, what's more real is an inner turnover. I cannot just pretend that I care not for how I look when I haven't really trusted God with my all and find my security in Him. Since then, God has been doing 'repair' work in my life. I'm not perfect and never will be, as long as I'm on earth. But I know that my great God would never quit on me and will continue to refashion me to be more like Christ.
Firstly, I wanted a physical change as the environment changed around me. Secondly, I wanted to find out how much of myself was attached to my physical appearance. Admit it la, most girls look way better with long hair and spectacle-less. My tutor, whom I have the highest respect for, said this in his very first advice to me: Beauty and brains are a lethal package. You can use it for destructive means or you can use it with responsibility to bring about a greater good. Thirdly, I really wanted to know how much I've been relying on physical looks to have my way.
So I must say, I myself wasn't really prepared for the change I guess. My best friend said, 'Yeah, it's true that you look a lot less prettier. You've lost that auro around you that you used to have. It's just way different now.' And I had an admirer last year, whom I could say was my no.1 fan at one time, who didn't recognized me at all when I saw him 3 times in a mall. That, provided me with a crashing realiszation that MUCH has really changed.
When that happened, that day, I got quite upset and confused. It seemed that I had reached my goals too successfully. So I whipped out my journal and as I began to write, God showed me that while physical change is tangible, what's more real is an inner turnover. I cannot just pretend that I care not for how I look when I haven't really trusted God with my all and find my security in Him. Since then, God has been doing 'repair' work in my life. I'm not perfect and never will be, as long as I'm on earth. But I know that my great God would never quit on me and will continue to refashion me to be more like Christ.
Friends
I remember when I was in kindergarten and primary school, there was this whole big game of 'I friend you' and 'I don't want to friend you already'. It's a mystery of how everyone knows how to play it without being taught the rules. As we grow older, we still play sometimes but of course, with tact and strategy. By the way, it's a girls' game.
Now that I'm 19, it feels awfully childish when someone close just pisses me off and I have that urge to ignore her for as long as I can. Well, I guess you can say it's about forgiveness. And it is. It's about swallowing my humongous pride and telling myself that I'm not a smart ass no matter how much I like to think so.
I do feel that there's a limit to what a friend can do befor you say 'enough is enough'. And maybe for this particular relationship, I've had enough.
Now that I'm 19, it feels awfully childish when someone close just pisses me off and I have that urge to ignore her for as long as I can. Well, I guess you can say it's about forgiveness. And it is. It's about swallowing my humongous pride and telling myself that I'm not a smart ass no matter how much I like to think so.
I do feel that there's a limit to what a friend can do befor you say 'enough is enough'. And maybe for this particular relationship, I've had enough.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
School
A common question posed to me nowadays by peers, seniors and juniors alike is: How's school, Anna?
Ans: I'm really busy!!!
Take this week for example, I'm been reaching home after 10 pm since Monday and tonight, I will again. Out of the 4 weeks I've been in school, this week has been the most chaotic.
In Business Law class on Wednesday, due to my lack of preparation for class, both the seminar questions and syllabus, most of what went on in class flew over my head. Some of my classmates impressed me with their answers and questions, and subsequently, gave more queries for me as well. [because i could only partially understand what they were saying] That left me thinking, shouldn't they be as busy as me, so that they shouldn't have the time to study yet? NO FAIR. haha.
Well for one, now, I've got to commit to 2 meetings of choir practices a week. Yes, I've joined the SMU choir and I'm enjoying myself so far. And secondly, I've got church ministry commitments. Both can't be helped and I just have to get over the fact that the LONG HOLIDAYS are well over and it's now back to the grind.
Ans: I'm really busy!!!
Take this week for example, I'm been reaching home after 10 pm since Monday and tonight, I will again. Out of the 4 weeks I've been in school, this week has been the most chaotic.
In Business Law class on Wednesday, due to my lack of preparation for class, both the seminar questions and syllabus, most of what went on in class flew over my head. Some of my classmates impressed me with their answers and questions, and subsequently, gave more queries for me as well. [because i could only partially understand what they were saying] That left me thinking, shouldn't they be as busy as me, so that they shouldn't have the time to study yet? NO FAIR. haha.
Well for one, now, I've got to commit to 2 meetings of choir practices a week. Yes, I've joined the SMU choir and I'm enjoying myself so far. And secondly, I've got church ministry commitments. Both can't be helped and I just have to get over the fact that the LONG HOLIDAYS are well over and it's now back to the grind.
Monday, September 1, 2008
I passed! [just the theory]
Oh, forgot to tell, I've passed my Final Theory Test!
I really thank God for this one cos I didn't go for all 4 sessions of my e-trials and I failed the last time. The online test simulator by sgdriving is good too! Helped me practised questions for free! yayness.
I really thank God for this one cos I didn't go for all 4 sessions of my e-trials and I failed the last time. The online test simulator by sgdriving is good too! Helped me practised questions for free! yayness.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Life in SMU after 2 weeks
I went to the club to study.. lol. No lar, went to Zouk after dinner which was after my 6.45pm lesson. I was probably the nerdiest looking person there.
Reunited.
Walter is my crazy faci!
All dressed up! Location: Screme at SMU concourse
My BE group
Trying to kill time by taking stupid poses like that.
2 weeks into into school and I can say that it's been pretty cool. Not very rushed yet, but I do see friends chionging already. I like all my professors. :D Honestly, having been a teacher myself, I'm now more understanding towards teachers and really a lot less critical about various teachers' teaching ability.
I went for my BE camp from Fri to Sat this week. It was fun as it got to let me try so many cool things! The camp gave me exposure to TV productions, radio deejaying and emceeing. My only reservation is that BE has a kind of culture which I never really want to assimilate into and feel comfortable in. A little too party-ish for me and a kind of I'm-so-living-my-own-life feel, which is dangerous.
Monday, August 25, 2008
When do you feel loved?
The greatest feeling of all is to feel loved. Ps Aaron posed the question to us during worship, 'When do you feel loved?' And all of a sudden, I realised how blessed I've been.
I feel loved when my Mum cooks for us, when my Dad fetches me to school, when my friends ask me out and so many more times. Most of all, I feel loved when I'm alone with God. In worship and prayer, God has so many times reaffirmed His love and presence in my life. Especially crucial are His words of encouragement during this time when I just feel quite jaded, not necessarily by school, sometimes just by going church.
I was just reading the newsletter called Naked i, distributed by Campus Crusade during Vivace. Interestingly, the focus was on sex. In it, I read accounts by guys and girls alike on how they slept around. One girl was honest enough to say she was OK with it but most said that after their sexual encounters, they felt really empty and many of the relationships turned sour.
A few weeks back, I watched an episode on Behind Closed Doors, a semi-documentary show on taboo issues in Singapore, this time being abortion. In the last 10 minutes of the half-hour show, an interview was conducted in a group, and 2 of the people were a couple. The couple, face masked and voice changed, were uni students and the girl has already gone through 3 abortions!!! And they were all with that same guy! I was thinking, 'JUST LEAVE HIM MAN!' After the discussion and all, do you know what was the conclusion given by the couple? The lady said, 'From now on, we'll be more careful and practise only safe sex.' I was completely furious and flabbergasted. Dear sister, you have completely missed the point.
My point in saying all that is, all too often, we have a warped [some are very warped] idea of love. We choose to dismiss the simple ways love is expressed and set high expectations of others, ie a big sacrifice of time and money, ridiculously romantic gestures etc. Not that they are wrong, don't get me wrong here, but if they're your only definitions of love, you're in for a loveless life then. Just think for a moment now, when do you feel loved? Be in for a surprise at what you recollect.
I feel loved when my Mum cooks for us, when my Dad fetches me to school, when my friends ask me out and so many more times. Most of all, I feel loved when I'm alone with God. In worship and prayer, God has so many times reaffirmed His love and presence in my life. Especially crucial are His words of encouragement during this time when I just feel quite jaded, not necessarily by school, sometimes just by going church.
I was just reading the newsletter called Naked i, distributed by Campus Crusade during Vivace. Interestingly, the focus was on sex. In it, I read accounts by guys and girls alike on how they slept around. One girl was honest enough to say she was OK with it but most said that after their sexual encounters, they felt really empty and many of the relationships turned sour.
A few weeks back, I watched an episode on Behind Closed Doors, a semi-documentary show on taboo issues in Singapore, this time being abortion. In the last 10 minutes of the half-hour show, an interview was conducted in a group, and 2 of the people were a couple. The couple, face masked and voice changed, were uni students and the girl has already gone through 3 abortions!!! And they were all with that same guy! I was thinking, 'JUST LEAVE HIM MAN!' After the discussion and all, do you know what was the conclusion given by the couple? The lady said, 'From now on, we'll be more careful and practise only safe sex.' I was completely furious and flabbergasted. Dear sister, you have completely missed the point.
My point in saying all that is, all too often, we have a warped [some are very warped] idea of love. We choose to dismiss the simple ways love is expressed and set high expectations of others, ie a big sacrifice of time and money, ridiculously romantic gestures etc. Not that they are wrong, don't get me wrong here, but if they're your only definitions of love, you're in for a loveless life then. Just think for a moment now, when do you feel loved? Be in for a surprise at what you recollect.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
School's starting!
Hey all! I'm completely writing this on my tablet notebook! How cool is that! That means I'm holding my tablet pen & literally writing all of this down. :) (Even the smiley face is drawn!)
I haven't started school yet. Did I tell you that my lessons are from Tues to Thurs? on yeah, my batch of schoolmates are really KIASU! According to some online thing, a huge proportion of students have bidded for 5 modules this semester. Last year, only 26% of freshmen bidded for 5, whereas most went for 4. Or even 3! OK, yes, I bidded for 5 but that's because I doing a double degree , meaning I have more credit units to clear. This is so UNI talk man. :)
A good friend of mine advised me to keep an open mind about uni. cautioning me that fun is only a part of the whole experience. Now, I have to figure out, what exactly is an open mind. (and yes, everything here has been handwritten!)
I haven't started school yet. Did I tell you that my lessons are from Tues to Thurs? on yeah, my batch of schoolmates are really KIASU! According to some online thing, a huge proportion of students have bidded for 5 modules this semester. Last year, only 26% of freshmen bidded for 5, whereas most went for 4. Or even 3! OK, yes, I bidded for 5 but that's because I doing a double degree , meaning I have more credit units to clear. This is so UNI talk man. :)
A good friend of mine advised me to keep an open mind about uni. cautioning me that fun is only a part of the whole experience. Now, I have to figure out, what exactly is an open mind. (and yes, everything here has been handwritten!)
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Life these days
Lessons are going to start on 19th August!!! I've got a 3 day school-week: I have lessons only from tues to Wed. I'm expecting myself to get really busy though, projects, CCAs etc.
I realised I keep asking the same questions when I meet new people in SMU. I've almost come to a point where I wish I don't have to know people anymore. Anyway, my best friend Amanda is going to the same class as me! It's only one class out of 5 though.
Yesterday, my driving instructor got really rattled by me. I made huge mistakes and he was like, 'Why aren't you listening to me??' Gadz, I got really confused by the whole change-down-gear procedure. Must brake a bit, clutch in, change from 4 to 3, release clutch a little, clutch in again, change from 3 to 2, release clutch slowly, release brake, then negotiate turn. So i said an earnest prayer to God this morning, asking Him to help me with my driving today. And today, I really improved, most things went smoothly. At the end of my lesson, I drove back home. :D [in the instructor's car of course.]
I'm going to get my new tablet notebook soon! I can't wait.
I realised I keep asking the same questions when I meet new people in SMU. I've almost come to a point where I wish I don't have to know people anymore. Anyway, my best friend Amanda is going to the same class as me! It's only one class out of 5 though.
Yesterday, my driving instructor got really rattled by me. I made huge mistakes and he was like, 'Why aren't you listening to me??' Gadz, I got really confused by the whole change-down-gear procedure. Must brake a bit, clutch in, change from 4 to 3, release clutch a little, clutch in again, change from 3 to 2, release clutch slowly, release brake, then negotiate turn. So i said an earnest prayer to God this morning, asking Him to help me with my driving today. And today, I really improved, most things went smoothly. At the end of my lesson, I drove back home. :D [in the instructor's car of course.]
I'm going to get my new tablet notebook soon! I can't wait.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
DIAFY
Do it All for You '08. [Youth Alive Event]
This is the video of our factory line- packing the goodie bags for Block 100!
I know the last part is the lamest part, so you don't have to tell me. I KNOW. :D
This is the video of our factory line- packing the goodie bags for Block 100!
I know the last part is the lamest part, so you don't have to tell me. I KNOW. :D
Friday, August 1, 2008
Ice-cream task
-Ugly Chew-
Task: 2 memebers must finish a ice-cream waffle each in 1 minute. The man selling the ice cream must be more than 50 years old. Failure to do so will result in deduction of points.
Task: 2 memebers must finish a ice-cream waffle each in 1 minute. The man selling the ice cream must be more than 50 years old. Failure to do so will result in deduction of points.
Night Fever
Night Fever 1
Night Fever 2
Night Fever 3
This is my Exiles [my group name] most-cheered cheer. You can say that we were sick of it by the end of camp.
Night Fever 2
Night Fever 3
This is my Exiles [my group name] most-cheered cheer. You can say that we were sick of it by the end of camp.
I'm A Prison-Breaker (First DAY)
Pic 10: Cam-whoring while waiting for dinner. Yes, this photo was taken on self-timer.
Pic 7: Part of our amazing race was at Botanic Gardens.
Pic 6: A sub-part of Amazing Race is a food hunt. There's a place of chicken rice there.
pic 5:Amanda's sweating out her polo sweet game. She has to pass it on to a GUY!
Pic 9:Doing the very ICONIC smu jump shot while at the water fountain at Clarke Quay.
Pic 2: Meet Victor who turns out to be Camper of Prison Break. He's the joke and game provider of our group.
Pic 1: For every war, we must prepare to fight, hence the painting of face.
Pic 3: Nicole and Shiqi.
Pic 8:Me and Lulu (not her real name)
Pic 4:Amanda's in the same group as me! Can't believe it! At this game, we're supposed to pass a tube of polo sweets using the toothpick held by our lips. Tedious yet fun.After completing Uni-Y's Prison Break 4D3N camp, I am completely exhausted. Let me throw a few words to describe the camp: Exhilarating. Incredible (ppl, games etc). Friendships. Cam-whoring. (as you can see from the photos. Haha. Sorry my pics are not in chronological order. I've numbered them, so do scroll accordingly. I've got driving lessons soon. So ciao.
Sg Night Fest photos
me and evan on 2nd floor to Nationak Museum. Seriously, it's a nice place, not exciting though. If you just want some time alone to yourself and walk about, I recommend you the museums.
Museum under light projection. The lights still come on. Faster see them now before the exhibition ends!
Eating nuggets. We're sitting in front of a performance. It featured latin-jazz music, live! It was cool, probably my first time really listening to live jazz.
Mini house
A man in the mini house for 4 hours. This artistic show is called 'Baby, where are the fine things in life?' He is from New Zealand. In this mini Victorian house, scaled 1 : 8, he plays his mini piano and drinks tea.
What a crowd
A sculpture of David
This art museum isn't painted! Images are done by light projection. Cool, huh?Hi. Now that I can finally take a breather, after my 4D3N camp in SMU, I shall upload the Night Fest photos! In my next post, I shall share about the Prison Break Live Camp I just finished. :D
Monday, July 28, 2008
Sg Night Fest
I'll be away at Uni-Y Freshmen camp from Monday to Thursday.
I wish I had the time to upload photos but I don't.
On Friday night, my friends and I went to Singapore's First Night Festival! [Before that, I had a cool time with Indra!] Ab, Evan and I walked about, we saw lots of stuff and sat down for 40 mins outside the Singapore Art Museum listening to live performance of Latin-jazz. At 10.30 we sent Evan off cos she doesn't qualify for Beatnik Picnic as she's under 16. At Beatnik, we got together with Reb and Kelly. We left to 'talk' at 12.15am.
At SMU concourse, at 12.20am, we came across a beautiful foozeball table. In the first game, Reb and I won 6-1. Switching partners, in the 2nd game, Kelly and I won 4-3. One game 50 cents for 7 balls.
Then we settled down at Starbucks at The Cathay. I reached home at 2.30am, my latest on my own in a long while.
I wish I had the time to upload photos but I don't.
On Friday night, my friends and I went to Singapore's First Night Festival! [Before that, I had a cool time with Indra!] Ab, Evan and I walked about, we saw lots of stuff and sat down for 40 mins outside the Singapore Art Museum listening to live performance of Latin-jazz. At 10.30 we sent Evan off cos she doesn't qualify for Beatnik Picnic as she's under 16. At Beatnik, we got together with Reb and Kelly. We left to 'talk' at 12.15am.
At SMU concourse, at 12.20am, we came across a beautiful foozeball table. In the first game, Reb and I won 6-1. Switching partners, in the 2nd game, Kelly and I won 4-3. One game 50 cents for 7 balls.
Then we settled down at Starbucks at The Cathay. I reached home at 2.30am, my latest on my own in a long while.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
A woman can't win a man's heart
In a casual chat with a friend today, he said a woman cannot win a man's heart even though a man can[but may not be successful] win a woman's heart. Out of our conversation, I realised that the way men and women are really wired differently. And not matter what people say about gender equality these days, that women have freedom to pursue the man of their dreams, it's really going to be hard and painful. I learnt something today!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Meet Cherry
I met up with my dear little friend, Cherry [not her real name], in the evening yesterday. It had been more than half a year since I met up with her, an incredibly long time considering we're supposed to be really good friends. We had some of the most hilarious conversations and yet there were sombre moments as well. It must a sign that we're growing up. Here are some snippets of our conversations!
Upon noticing that Cherry has lost quite a lot of weight,
Me: Wow, you've lost weight!
C: Of course, I've been jogging a lot and eating lots of salad.
Me: But I heard that when you lose weight, the first to go are your boobs.
C: [without skipping a beat] But there are always maximizers and I always wear them, they are my life support.
...
We talked about marriage on a light-hearted tone and Cherry doesn't think she'll get married.
C: I'm going to die an old virgin.
Me: Like real!
C: Hello? What do you mean by that???
Me: If you really would die a virgin, I'll donate a $100,000 to a charity in your name!
C: So cheapskate. [She always calls me that] My virginity worth only $100,000?
Me: Well, if 12 year olds can give theirs away, I think $100,000 is a good deal.
At that we just collapsed laughing. In retrospect, Cherry, I publicly apologise for my poor taste in this joke. It's quite a dark-humoured joke. Sorry, friend.
...
On the steps of Sky Garden, Cherry laments that we only meet once a year. It's my fault and I've come to believe it's my fault only because she keeps saying it's my fault.
Me: But we used to spend time with each other everyday!
C: [with a really quick reply] And somehow, it grew to be only once a year. How sad is that?
Me: [defensively] But at least, we do email each other.
C: Yeah, your emails only 5 sentences. How are you? How have you been doing?..
Me: That's not true!
C: ... And you always stop after 2 emails. [We both laughed as it's true]
Ok, I was a little speechless after that, because haha, it's quite true. Come on, you need literary stamina to type a 3rd email. [Yes, it's a lame excuse]
...
We talked about friendship and relationships. I bugged her about this guy who liked her and she liked him. Their relationship ended long ago but I wanted to know more.
Me: I thought he was being a good boyfriend.
C: Excuse me, let me clarify that he was never my boyfriend. He was just an Experience. [do not let your mind run wild, it just means experience of a relationship]
Me: An Experience?? I'll be really sad to know if a guy treated me as an experience!
Our views on relationships are completely polar. Unlike her, one of the first things I look out for in a partner is the willingness to commit. And to take a step further, the end goal, by God's grace, of a courtship should be marriage. This is a big reason why I tell my friends that I am single but not available, because right now, I'm in no state to commit.
...
That shall be all! Cherry, I promise to call! haha.
Upon noticing that Cherry has lost quite a lot of weight,
Me: Wow, you've lost weight!
C: Of course, I've been jogging a lot and eating lots of salad.
Me: But I heard that when you lose weight, the first to go are your boobs.
C: [without skipping a beat] But there are always maximizers and I always wear them, they are my life support.
...
We talked about marriage on a light-hearted tone and Cherry doesn't think she'll get married.
C: I'm going to die an old virgin.
Me: Like real!
C: Hello? What do you mean by that???
Me: If you really would die a virgin, I'll donate a $100,000 to a charity in your name!
C: So cheapskate. [She always calls me that] My virginity worth only $100,000?
Me: Well, if 12 year olds can give theirs away, I think $100,000 is a good deal.
At that we just collapsed laughing. In retrospect, Cherry, I publicly apologise for my poor taste in this joke. It's quite a dark-humoured joke. Sorry, friend.
...
On the steps of Sky Garden, Cherry laments that we only meet once a year. It's my fault and I've come to believe it's my fault only because she keeps saying it's my fault.
Me: But we used to spend time with each other everyday!
C: [with a really quick reply] And somehow, it grew to be only once a year. How sad is that?
Me: [defensively] But at least, we do email each other.
C: Yeah, your emails only 5 sentences. How are you? How have you been doing?..
Me: That's not true!
C: ... And you always stop after 2 emails. [We both laughed as it's true]
Ok, I was a little speechless after that, because haha, it's quite true. Come on, you need literary stamina to type a 3rd email. [Yes, it's a lame excuse]
...
We talked about friendship and relationships. I bugged her about this guy who liked her and she liked him. Their relationship ended long ago but I wanted to know more.
Me: I thought he was being a good boyfriend.
C: Excuse me, let me clarify that he was never my boyfriend. He was just an Experience. [do not let your mind run wild, it just means experience of a relationship]
Me: An Experience?? I'll be really sad to know if a guy treated me as an experience!
Our views on relationships are completely polar. Unlike her, one of the first things I look out for in a partner is the willingness to commit. And to take a step further, the end goal, by God's grace, of a courtship should be marriage. This is a big reason why I tell my friends that I am single but not available, because right now, I'm in no state to commit.
...
That shall be all! Cherry, I promise to call! haha.
Monday, July 21, 2008
About Driving again!
I must be a nutty person. Hmm, maybe I came from a nut. [Well of course not, God fearfully and wonderfully created me!]
I cancelled 6 of my driving lessons. Tomorrow's lesson is still on though. The rest are cancelled. I'm withdrawing my membership because I calculated that 30 lessons would cost me more than 2.2k. Seriously, that's not something I want to put my parents through ie. paying through their teeth for a freaking driving license. And it's not guaranteed that I'll pass!
How did it happened? Out of curiosity, I estimated the cost of 30 lessons, including course fees and GST, I got a number of $2260. I tell you, I was so shocked. My brothers had their lessons from private instructors and had spent no more than $1.2 k. If I go through with this driving school, my parents would think I'm an idiot. I had a discussion with Mum, who agreed that pulling out would be best, even though this means forfeiting my course fees of $160. :(
I'm feel emotionally traumatized and embarrassed. My dad's going to scold me tonight! What doesn't kill you will make you stronger? Yeah right.
I cancelled 6 of my driving lessons. Tomorrow's lesson is still on though. The rest are cancelled. I'm withdrawing my membership because I calculated that 30 lessons would cost me more than 2.2k. Seriously, that's not something I want to put my parents through ie. paying through their teeth for a freaking driving license. And it's not guaranteed that I'll pass!
How did it happened? Out of curiosity, I estimated the cost of 30 lessons, including course fees and GST, I got a number of $2260. I tell you, I was so shocked. My brothers had their lessons from private instructors and had spent no more than $1.2 k. If I go through with this driving school, my parents would think I'm an idiot. I had a discussion with Mum, who agreed that pulling out would be best, even though this means forfeiting my course fees of $160. :(
I'm feel emotionally traumatized and embarrassed. My dad's going to scold me tonight! What doesn't kill you will make you stronger? Yeah right.
My first driving lesson
My cousin, Feng, has left. :(
I had my first driving lesson today in the morning. My instructor, Sam, kept saying, 'Hmm, first lesson usually very relaxed.' Because I'm learning to drive a manual car, I had to learn how to depress clutch fully and then lightly [like really lightly!] depress accelerator and slowly [real slowly!] release clutch. I stalled the car a few times and the car vibrated a bit sometimes.
Sam cheated me of 5 minutes of lesson. I'm being picky about this because one lesson costs about $65 for 1 hour and 40 mins. To all future learner drivers, if you want to learn manual next time, PLEASE DO NOT LEARN FROM SCHOOL, GO GET A PRIVATE INSTRUCTOR!
One thing I need and must learn by the time I go SMU is to learn how to budget my money. Maybe I should go sign up for some financial course on how to be money-wise, but wait, that costs money right?
I had my first driving lesson today in the morning. My instructor, Sam, kept saying, 'Hmm, first lesson usually very relaxed.' Because I'm learning to drive a manual car, I had to learn how to depress clutch fully and then lightly [like really lightly!] depress accelerator and slowly [real slowly!] release clutch. I stalled the car a few times and the car vibrated a bit sometimes.
Sam cheated me of 5 minutes of lesson. I'm being picky about this because one lesson costs about $65 for 1 hour and 40 mins. To all future learner drivers, if you want to learn manual next time, PLEASE DO NOT LEARN FROM SCHOOL, GO GET A PRIVATE INSTRUCTOR!
One thing I need and must learn by the time I go SMU is to learn how to budget my money. Maybe I should go sign up for some financial course on how to be money-wise, but wait, that costs money right?
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
My house guests
I went cycling at East Coast Park this morning with a friend. Gosh, do not go after 9am. It was pretty hot. A bicycle can be rented for $6 for 2 hours, which i think is a reasonable rate. So I cycled until about 11.15am and when I got off the bike, my legs were really wobbly. The last time I cycled was 2 months ago!
My early afternoon nap was really sweet and deep. So I guess this means exercise will give you a better quality sleep, a good advice to those who suffer from insomnia.
I've got 2 houseguests this week. One's my cousin and the other is his friend. At first, I felt really weird. Although I'm usually not the shy type, it's still awkward. [or maybe it's just me] They're from Sydney. My cousin's friend told me that Singapore is really a straitlaced country ie. can't smoke anywhere, cannot litter, cannot spit etc. He affirmed my suspicion when I asked him if he thinks Singapore is boring. I was sad to hear that! But I agree that Singapore is not for everyone. You have to be someone who is more inclined to rules and payment. I say payment because here, there's nothing you cannot pay for. For a good example, you must pay $180 for using a football field.
Nonetheless, I love Singapore, for its flaws and good points. Where else can you feel pretty safe, eat good food cheaply and count on good governance? Count your blessing, y'all.
My early afternoon nap was really sweet and deep. So I guess this means exercise will give you a better quality sleep, a good advice to those who suffer from insomnia.
I've got 2 houseguests this week. One's my cousin and the other is his friend. At first, I felt really weird. Although I'm usually not the shy type, it's still awkward. [or maybe it's just me] They're from Sydney. My cousin's friend told me that Singapore is really a straitlaced country ie. can't smoke anywhere, cannot litter, cannot spit etc. He affirmed my suspicion when I asked him if he thinks Singapore is boring. I was sad to hear that! But I agree that Singapore is not for everyone. You have to be someone who is more inclined to rules and payment. I say payment because here, there's nothing you cannot pay for. For a good example, you must pay $180 for using a football field.
Nonetheless, I love Singapore, for its flaws and good points. Where else can you feel pretty safe, eat good food cheaply and count on good governance? Count your blessing, y'all.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Freshie
I've got 3 camps to go for in SMU. 3 camps in 3 weeks. How can I survive?
By that, I also mean, I'm now officially a student of SMU, in fact, I've gotten my student card. My picture on it isn't fantastic though. It was funny, as I waited with Amanda (whom I met by chance!) in the phototaking room, to see so many girls shriek upon seeing their photograph on the student card.
Many seniors came up to us and asked, "Excuse me, are you a freshie?" FRESHIE! That's what I am, for now. :D
By that, I also mean, I'm now officially a student of SMU, in fact, I've gotten my student card. My picture on it isn't fantastic though. It was funny, as I waited with Amanda (whom I met by chance!) in the phototaking room, to see so many girls shriek upon seeing their photograph on the student card.
Many seniors came up to us and asked, "Excuse me, are you a freshie?" FRESHIE! That's what I am, for now. :D
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
PISSED OFF
I feel so stupid and pissed off with myself. I was so angry that all those well-meaning seniors got a whiff of my cat-iness as I brusquely brushed them off as I quickly made my way home.
Silly me did not find out about Financial Matters so to my horror when I went down to SMU for matriculation, I found out I had to pay $4818. Obviously I dun have that in my bank. My mother gave me her bank account number the night before and told me to tell them to credit everything to it. Ok, well, it doesn't work. Now I have to go back tomorrow.
Silly me did not find out about Financial Matters so to my horror when I went down to SMU for matriculation, I found out I had to pay $4818. Obviously I dun have that in my bank. My mother gave me her bank account number the night before and told me to tell them to credit everything to it. Ok, well, it doesn't work. Now I have to go back tomorrow.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
More photos
4 of us in the middle of our Telok Blangah walk
Taking a breather
Henderson Waves. Beautiful huh? Calling all couples to take an evening stroll here.
The view is nice. So unlike the Singapore I thought I knew
Dinner at Downtown East.
Dinner with Doc Cheong.[and janice] She was my Sunday school teacher!!!
4 hours at Settlers, quite evidently tired
We were playing Settlers of Catan. Although it's a not a bad game, don't waste your time on it, unless you like long games and thinking.
Me and Jake.
If you haven't recognized her yet, that's Evan
A very smoky and incomplete zone photo taken at the bbq
Me and Jacinta.
That's me and Hannah, we're 8 years apart. That's Jayden with his cheeky look! These are just some random photos I felt like showing. It also kinda shows what I've been doing for the past months. When people ask me how am I and what I've been up to, I just feel at a loss of what to say because I don't know exactly what I've been doing.
As you can see, I've gone canoeing and attended a zone bbq. The canoeing was mildly adventurous. Actually, for me, the more physical an activity is, the less I'll enjoy myself because I'm quite the homely person.[with the major exception for blading!] I love those screamy activities like board and card games.
I enjoyed the walk I had with my friends at the Telok Blangah Connector. My next aim is to go for the MacRitchie tree top walk but my cautious Mum doesn't allow me to go alone.
Time is running short and in no time, I'll be at uni.
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