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Kiwi!

2009-01-17T02:42:00.004-05:00

Fwahaha!

I have TOTALLY ABANDONED this blog for awhile. Miss me much? (yeah, right.)

Nothing much I want to blog about has occurred over the hols. Don't worry, you guys didn't miss much.

So it's '09 (whoopdi-doo). 2nd week of school down, another 8 more to this quarter. Gosh it's amazing how quickly the quarter just flies bye. I rather enjoy it this way. Mug hard for 10 weeks and then party even harder during break! Whoot!

Anyway, a YouTube vid to sum up my past couple of days.

I cried.

MUGGERS OF THE WORLD.. UNITE!

2008-12-07T23:06:00.003-05:00

So the kids back home at NUS, NTU, SMU are all done with their exams and it's now our turn, those who are living it up here in the States, to take our finals. Time to sit my fat ass down and blow the dust off my textbooks and start studying!

Hmph, yearh right. Like that's going to happen.

Guess what I spent my Saturday before Finals Week doing?? Shopping! Even the snow couldn't stop Sis and I from going. And I just went shopping last weekend!! And my Sunday? Sleeping in. Cos I stayed up all night doing a MUSIC paper, yes, the same one that I've been whining about to everyone on MSN.

So here's the deal.
Apart from the freezing temperatures,
I am recovering from Thanksgiving shopping,
gearing up for Christmas shopping,
totally ignoring the dreadful finals,
and ordering take-out.

My folks are probably typing up an angry email/im to me right now. hahahaha. Well, more so Dad, cos Mom's having an 'awesome' time in Spain! Chill Dad, I'm just kidding. I'm studying! I'm studying!

SOC paper at 7-insanely-30 am in the morning tomorrow. It's almost as if the school decided that 730am is the perfect time and everyone would in the best frame of mind to take an exam. All the prof will see are walking zombies coloring spots on the exam sheet. hahahaha. I think I woke up on the wrong side of bed today. I've been so critical of EVERYTHING!

2008-12-05T23:58:00.003-05:00

SPOTTED: Singapore's Disney Channel Cast on US Disney Channel TV! A first!

Trust me, I would know.

Done with Autumn

2008-12-04T16:15:00.002-05:00

Cheer, cos it's THE LAST DAY OF CLASS!
WHOOOO!

I'd say, apart from the freezing temperatures, recovering from Thanksgiving shopping, gearing up for Christmas shopping and TOTALLY IGNORING the dreadful Finals and that insanely annoying final music paper, everything else is pretty SWEET!

I'm giving my dad a BLOGGER tutorial, cos he's cool like that. :)

Mom and Dad suddenly want to start a blog and post lots and lots of photos. Mom's in Spain (apparently not with very good company though, poor dear) and Dad's excited about sharing his HK photos (plus he's alone at home with, I'm guessing, quite a bit of time to spare).

All this when I'm thinking of giving up on this blog. Cos I realise I'm not that exciting a person, pretty much the same-old-same-old every time. And anybody who is interested in knowing what's going with me, already know what's happening with me, rendering this blog a little pointless.

But it's all still in the 'JUST A THOUGHT' stage.

WARNING: The following content MIGHT gross you out.

2008-11-19T14:59:00.003-05:00

This week, I waddle like a duck, fart like a cow and eat like a pig. Top it with nagging cramps and I've got myself one bloody mess. No, it's not much fun, but it's all I can think about, walking around all uncomfortable in the freezing cold.

-4 degree celsius today. I think the kids here in the US don't go to school when it's cold. The bus was real empty. Usually we're all fighting for seats, or getting cramped up like sardines trying to fit everyone on the bus. This morning, I had the whole back half of the bus to myself. Plus class attendance was significantly lesser.

Took out the trash today and when I passed by the bush that housed the dead squirrel that has been slowly rotting away the past 2 months, I noticed it has finally disappeared. Didn't see it anywhere. Finally. May he/she RIP in squirrel heaven.

2008-11-17T22:25:00.004-05:00

Isn't sleep wonderful? For that few hours, you are completely oblivious to the world and its happenings. I love sleep. And weekends. Weekends are for messing with my body clock and watching movies all day long. It was just another boring, weekend at home. And I love it. I'm such a homebody.

On a chillier note, it's going to be a cold, hard winter this year.

How do I know?
Because Lady Winter couldn't decide on today's weather.

First, in the middle of the night, we had very very light flurries, as predicted by the weatherman. Then in the early morning, it started to rain. And in the span of one busride to school, it started to snow. REAL HARD. Went to class, came out of class, it was hailing tiny iceballs. Painful. Waited for the bus, it started snowing again, this time harder than before! Everywhere's covered in a blanket of white within minutes. I wasn't wearing any hoodies today, so my hair got drenched. But I was bundled up real tight in my jacket and scarf.

If Lady Winter's this confused on the first day of real winter-y weather, imagine what the rest of the season would be like.

And because I love a good commercial,

GAP Jingles, Rock

2008-11-13T22:29:00.007-05:00

Unbelievable.

Have you ever met anyone you could only describe as simply, unbelievable?

And not in the "he's so awesome!" kind of way, but more along the lines of "are you kidding me right now??!" I'm always left perplexed trying to figure out how some people operate.

Anyway, (yes, I'm leaving that as that), swinging right into the holiday season with jingle bells, awkward celebrities and argyle sweaters, I bring you GAP's latest Merry mixes!

Here's my favourite, Baby, It's cold outside!

In line with the previous Hershey's commercial I shared, there is We 3 Kings, funny-style, and what's Christmas without the good old Jingle Bells. (Click on the link above and watch the video full screen)

Hope they brightened up your dull, mundane school/work day!

Deck the halls

2008-11-13T01:18:00.005-05:00

Gave the blog a festive make-over. All those advertisements on tv are beginning to have an effect on me. So I decided that even though there's still exactly 6 weeks to Christmas, I'm going to start feeling merry now.

Hershey's has decided to reuse their Christmas commercial from 1990 this year. I think it's rather cute. Ferrero Rocher's Christmas ad this year is pretty funny too. I pause everything I do when these two commercials come on.

You know I'm bored when I start blogging about tv commercials. Yupp, just busy passing time with TLC's fav family, Jon and Kate plus 8, and a reality/documentary on Purity Balls.

Party in Chicago

2008-11-04T23:05:00.004-05:00

I just witnessed history in the making.

Congrats Mr. President Obama Sir.

2008-11-04T19:30:00.002-05:00

She told me to be honest. So for the first time in my life I was. Then she just walked away, as I watch our castles turn to sand.

Jonas Brothers - Love Bug

2008-11-01T02:24:00.007-04:00

Who knew they'd grow on me?

And just something else to keep your interest.

It stars Raquel Zimmerman, Brad Koenig, sheets and nipples. This is a video documenting the making of the new commercial for Fendi's Palazzo fragrance, which also stars Karl Lagerfeld. And everything's better with Karl.

So here you go.

Raquel tries to look sexy in her white boyfriend tee. Well, she doesn't actually have to try. She just does. And Brad gets to sleep while she poses against the wall, the balcony, the Italian Palazzo.

If only life were more like fragrance commercials, directed by Karl and full of perfectly smoked eyeliner all the time.

To all the ghouls and freaks, Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T22:38:00.009-04:00

So last year for Halloween, I saw a Harry Potter, a vampire and a clown. This year, a friend decided to come to class today dressed up as a tiger. He was in full costume, but it was the cheesy cartoon-ish kind of tiger costume, and make-up carrying the smallest book bag I've ever seen! It was really quite a funny sight but I didn't want to sound mean so I just told him, "Great costume!" He seemed quite proud. The dear boy.

Guess what! I spent 3 and 1/2 hours in line all just to colour in 4 teeny tiny circles.

YES! I VOTED TODAY!

Not as scary an experience as I thought it might be. Not going to tell you who I voted for, cos that's suppose to be private and personal right? ;p It's amazing how many people you get to talk to standing in line for 3 and 1/2 hours. Old folks, young folks, older kids, younger kids (I pity the kids most cos they don't really have to be there). So I spent the day exchanging stories with so many people, time passed pretty fast. Imagine how long the line will be on voting day itself! Now I'm quite excited to see who will be our next President. Just cos.

The guy who drove us to go vote was telling us how he had a colleague who quit his job, moved from NY, just to come here and VOLUNTEER for Obama. VOLUNTEER! The passion! The dedication! I wonder what is he going to do with his life come Nov. 4th when the entire elections is over and he finds himself with a lot of free time on his hands.

SMASHING PUMPKINS playing today! How apt. Too bad tickets were sold out 4 hrs after they went on sale.

------------------------ ~~<@ @>~~ -------------------------
She says she doesn't care, because she cares the most

She says it doesn't matter, because it means the world

She says "as long as you're happy", because she's breaking down inside

She says she prefers a fantasy, because her reality she's lost sight

She says she loves to watch lovers, because they feed her loneliness

She says she knows they love her, because any otherwise would end this verse

She says she trust them with her life, because in danger she'll never be

She says she'll be there for them always, because her help they'll never need

She says she never does anything she'll regret, because she's accepted come what may

She says she never says things she'll take back, because she never speaks her heart anyway

-written at 5pm
at the bus stop
on College and 19th

Hey, I never claimed to be a Shakespeare. ;p

2008-10-29T23:33:00.003-04:00

I don't know what to do anymore.

I HATE CARPETS!

2008-10-29T19:16:00.004-04:00

I think I've scruffied up enough electricity walking on my carpet, sitting on my plush sofa, wrapping myself up in my fleece blanket and wearing my hoodies out. I've zapped and been zapped by just about everything! My laptop, the light switch, ugg!!

ZAAAAAAAPPPPP!!!..

I need a crash course on what McCain and Obama's plans are for the country. I plan to vote some time this week, so I won't be stuck in line on voting day. You know I don't follow politics. I fell asleep while reading just the first page of a 19-page article on welfare reform. Too many strange words used in all sorts of odd ways.

Random Thoughts for today

2008-10-27T15:52:00.004-04:00

1. I think the flies in America are slightly retarded compared to the ones back home. I manage to catch two of them with my hands, all kung-fu style, and squish them dead. I didn't plan to kill them. I just didn't think that I really did caught them. Until I unclenched my fist and saw two flattened flies in a smear of blood.

2. I'm going to start a band and I'm going to name it The Dusty Purdie. All that's missing is.. well, the band. Oh and, instruments sold separately. Thanks for listening!

3. I've definitely worn too little clothings today. Brrr..

4. "Judy, I can't hear you over the chorus of angels singing in my head."

5. I make good curry, from the Prima Food box, that is.

6. Who knew making rice would be as hard as taking the finals?

Because pictures are suppose to speak a thousand words

2008-10-27T01:25:00.002-04:00

If you noticed, Lady S got a makeover. Drawing her this way allows me more freedom. It's been one crazy weekend.

Is this an omen?

2008-10-24T16:57:00.003-04:00

It rained on our parade..

Great.

She's that gleam in your eyes

2008-10-23T16:32:00.005-04:00

This is Ted. He sits on my window still. He was holding a bouquet of roses and a balloon, waiting for me at my front door when I first met him, part of my 20th bday present. Such the gentleman.

ANYWAY,

Homecoming parade + pep rally is tomorrow and it's tailgate weekend! Someone, I can't remember who, sent out an email to all the students entitled "Don't be like Sophie". It's a story about his two cats who met a new cat in the neighbourhood. One of his cats was friendly to this new comer while Sophie, his other feline companion was being hostile. Basically, the moral of the story was to remind us to be kind to Penn State when they come over on Saturday for the Homecoming Game. Apparently, Buckeye fans have been ill-treated at Away games but we have been advised not to stoop to that level and treat our guests as courteous as we possibly can. While everyone's all excited about this weekend's game (tents and tailgate trailers have already been seen being set up outside the OSU Stadium), it's pretty sad that our Homecoming Game has to be against Penn State, who trashed some other school, who trashed USC, who trashed us. So going by logic, yeah, you get the idea.

BUT!

As a Buckeye fan, I have faith in my team! Go Bucks!

Why must I had have midterms amidst all the excitement???

Oh, and Ted says take care!

Monday blues, Tuesday greens

2008-10-21T12:11:00.017-04:00

It's always about the Could-have, Would-have, Should-haves.

N&N'sIPlaylist has ended. Just passing time in the SEL. I know I have better things to do.

2008-10-21T01:43:00.002-04:00

"It's hard. Every one of them was my family. They were like the hair on my butt!" - Brian on The Pickup Artist

It's a stupid show. It was late.

Mission Impossible

2008-10-20T23:26:00.001-04:00

Find me this.

Please?

2008-10-19T22:22:00.002-04:00

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10.
.
.
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10.
.
.
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10.
.
.
1,2,3,4,5,6,7..

Where's Fluffy??

2008-10-19T20:10:00.000-04:00

1 movie, 2 dinners, 3 rounds of a breakfast buffet, lots of new friendships formed. All in all, I'd say it was a pretty awesome weekend. Makes me feel like throwing a party. Maybe the weekend after, when all the midterms are over.

Song of the Day

2008-10-16T21:48:00.007-04:00

No, this is not Sting singing alternative, nor soft rock, not even acoustic. Nope.

This is Sting singing renaissance.

I know!

I was blown away when I heard it the first time! I love his version of the lute song and his voice is soooo rich.

Definitely on repeat tonight.

Dum dum

2008-10-15T23:39:00.003-04:00

Suddenly everyone's a friend. Come and revel in the genius-ness. Long story.

Check out my new diet, sleep. I came home after class and just KO-ed the minute I hit the couch. I didn't even realise it. My milo went cold, my macaroni became a little starchy and the sky turned dark. It's such a bad habit! But I have been eating A LOT less and not feeling as hungry. Let's wait and see how long this will last.

Mumsy and Paps called today. I need to find a job, what with this recession going on. I'm thinking of working in the box office for the College of Music. How fun would that be. Now I just have to get around to sending in that darn email.

Oh weekend!

2008-10-14T23:46:00.004-04:00

Latest news: Eugene's coming to town! This weekend! He's participating in a swim meet in school this Sat so he'll be driving down from IU with his roommate, Von's brother. His meet is at 3pm on Sat and he's leaving IU only that morning itself. So different from swim meets in Singapore where atheletes need a bunch of rest the night/morning before, arrive ahead of time to warm-up, stretch, prep talk, visualisation and what nots. Mind you, IU is more than 5 hours away! It's going to be a fun weekend, though he always makes me feel so dumb about everything. But he's a sweetie!

I'm a little sad right now cos I've been following an awesome series online and I've come to the last episode! How now brown cow? What do you do after a happy ending? Well at least my apt is that much cleaner now. =) Next on the list is laundry. Boo. Although, there's a pair of cute korean boys that live in the next building where the mini-laundromat is located. That's incentive enough. ;p

Omgosh, it's October. (I wonder whatever happened to October Road.) I missed The Kooks if you were wondering. Darn it.

Who-Bob What-Pants

2008-10-13T16:49:00.004-04:00

I love that I am able to reply emails now when I'm on the go. ;p

Efforts to meet up for lunch with another fellow Singaporean kinda did not fall through last Saturday. I wanted to go to Easton, even if not to shop (but it was Columbus Day Sale! Macy's was having a MEGA sale! That should be reason enough right?), just to spend a gorgeous afternoon out. But despite a week of arranging and planning, the other two girls bailed. Instead one of them wanted to treat us lunch at the North Commons (a dorm). Not interested, Sis and I slept in Saturday and pretty much stayed home. I know, another boring weekend. Thank goodness there's House to cure my ENDOFTHEWEEKENDITIS. It's a real disease, so says the USA network. ;p

This Fri, all 8 of us Singaporeans will gather for the first time for dinner at a real small fast food joint. I did suggest other options, but was ignored. Don't tell anyone, but I kind of get the feeling that this bunch of Singaporeans are real unfriendly, which is kind of odd to me, cos wouldn't you be excited or looking forward to meeting up with people you have stuff in common with? Beats me. I'm not bothered because I've been given lots of advice by grown-ups right before I left to mix with the angmohs.

Lastly, I'll end with this. I really hate Soc.

2008-10-08T21:39:00.002-04:00

If that were the case, then we were doomed from the very beginning.
I hate SOC.

p.s. This spot might be on hiatus for awhile. ;p

This is for YOU

2008-10-01T23:33:00.000-04:00

Best friends are like precious gems, able to stand the test of time, shines the brightest and are always close to my hear.

You know who you are. ;)

2008-09-29T20:52:00.002-04:00

Oh yessss..

2008-09-29T17:02:00.000-04:00

I can't find a single lady's bathroom in school anywhere!

And we're back

2008-09-29T00:27:00.001-04:00

How's school you ask?

Campus is WAY large but thankfully, my classes revolve around 4 buildings near each other. There are people everywhere but it's nice, cos then it feels like school. I've found my favourite building in school, not telling =).

How about the lessons?

I have a teacher who's a student, a prof who's insane and another whom I have yet to meet (long story, won't go there). One TA whom I cannot understand (but I don't have to cos I already know all I need to know in that class), one TA who's from Seattle and another also, whom I haven't met (same long story). Okay okay, I'll tell you the short version. I signed up for this physics class late, missed two of the lessons already, wanted to attend the first lab session of the week only to find that labs don't start til this coming week.

Like your classmates?

So far so good, made a friend who's enthusiastic about everything, another who hates the world and one who well, I don't know what goes through her head sometimes.

So how do you spend your free time?

Not doing my readings of course. haha. Been (trying to) get up early to go shopping with Mommy dearest. I think I've bought too much clothes, but definitely NOT enough shoes! We have a UO just round the corner (!!!) and the quaint-est shopping square a couple of miles away. And then there's game night!

Having fun?

Ohhh, most definitely. =)

The End. =)

Mon blues

2008-09-22T22:35:00.003-04:00

All the stressed and toxic in my body has accumulated and manifested itself into a humongous zit right at the upper corner of my lips. I should colour it in and channel a Cindy Crawford.

The worst part, I feel another one about to erupt right on my cheek.

Seah, I want you here with meeeee!

Coach, ON, PRL, Aero, Gap, etc.

2008-09-21T22:15:00.004-04:00

Breath in that fresh smell of.. internet! Even though I've (almost, still have to buy a dining table) moved into my apt, I'm still cable+internet+landline-less (and because of that, it's pretty quiet at home). The cable guy's only coming tomorrow. So I'm back to stealing internet. hee.

What have I been doing the past few days? Busy fixing up DIY bookshelves has left me cut, bruised and grazed. My raw skin now hurts whenever I shower. Not to mention, all we've doing the past week is go to K-mart, go to Wal-mart, go to K-mart, go to Wal-mart etc. Why? Because first we buy two shelves. Oops, one has mixing parts, go return. Then we find smaller shelves, but not enough stock, so come back another day. Then we chance upon a clothes rack, we buy it, bring it home, try to assemble it, well now, the darn screw does not fit into the hole. Go return. See the pattern? Today was the only day we went shopping, like real shopping, for clothes, shoes and stuff.

Outlet shopping!
That's our reward for today. Probably busted my credit limit.

My mom let me drive there. Cruising (more like speeding) down the interstate's fun. Pretend that the cars travelling around me are my friends. Overtake slower cars together and stuff. haha.

Going to school tomorrow to get my BuckID, left it to the last minute, and maybe try and buy some school books. A couple of people have contacted me through Fb telling me that they're at OSU too, so look out school, there's a new gang in town! =) School starts Wed, good luck to me. =p

Bo- Yes NY, NY! Let me know the dates you're planning on coming over, so maybe I can time my return flight home. Yes, I am coming home! For a SUPER short time. But it is better than nothing. =) Have you received anything in the mail yeeeet??

2008-09-16T14:36:00.005-04:00

Because the weather can't decide if it's sunny or chilly.

Let me let you in on my new love.

2008-09-15T15:13:00.003-04:00

I am back in the place where time forgot, busy siphoning off neighbours' wireless connection, praying hard that I'll never be caught. Ooooh but I just cannot resist. In this day and age, who can live without the internet?

Playing coolie is no fun. Trying to move all the stuff we left here in the basement into that (now tiny compared to the amount of things we have to move) Explorer is hard work. I, no, We have too much stuff! Stuff that I can throw but cannot bear to. Stuff that I desparately want to throw but have to keep.

No matter. I'm busy online shopping at my favourite site, one of my big loves here in the states. Click, click, click..

P.S. That game everyone was so excited about? OSU 3, USC 35. It wasn't a game. It was a thrashing. But we still Y you Buckeyes!

Move in

2008-09-13T19:31:00.001-04:00

Because I cannot do anything today without first mentioning this, GO BUCKEYES GO!

Tonight's the biggest game of the season yet. The game with the biggest hype. OSU vs USC. The whole town's decked out to show our complete support for the Ohio heros. Everyone's gathered at each other's houses, armed with beer and tortilla chips, ready to cheer our team on!

Dyk, for all USC fans, the founding father of USC was from OHIO AND his brother, also from OHIO, owned the land upon which OSU stands on. So for all the rivalry between both teams, we share common roots! haha.

I know tonight's game sure will be tough for our team, but that's the whole idea of competition. Cos it's all about the scarlet and grey man.

So it's Fall Move-In again. This time we figured we'll be staying around in this apt a lot longer than the one before so we bought furniture. Real, wood slash metal furnitures. The highlight of this home-shopping spree? Mom, sis and I found this 2-seater sofa-bed. But when purchasing the sleeper, our only concern was whether or not it would fit into our Explorer.

Sure, it fit. Then we get to the front of our apt block and we're left wondering how on earth 3 ladies are going to get this giant thing of a furniture out from the car, up the steps and into our apt. Champions. We managed to get the sleeper out of the car. That was the easy part. This thing was HEAVY! But then. people started losing grip and it just got heavier and heavier. Thankfully, there was a kind soul passing by who thought, hey, I'll just open the door for them. He ended up helping us transport this sleeper up the stairs and into our apt with HIM doing the BULK OF THE WORK! He was drenched in sweat in the end! But he was so sweet about the whole thing.

We'll be driving down to Toledo tomorrow to collect the rest of our stuff that we stored while we were back in Singapore. That's all I've been doing, moving stuff. Had to buy Tiger Balm salonpas for my sprained back. Probably picked up luggage bags the wrong way. Or maybe it was that blasted sleeper.

Oh oh oh! Bo, look at what I bought! I'm going to frame it up in my room and I'll forever think of you! hahahahahaha.

And we have touch down

2008-09-11T21:40:00.004-04:00

After flying for more than 24hrs, hair all grimey, we were approached by a worker at the airport in Columbus.

Worker: Excuse me, but you left [brochure] behind on the seat.

Mom with a smile: Oh, thank you.

Worker: So.. are you guys from Beijing?

Mom, not so big a smile: ...

.
.
.
.
.

Yes, I have landed. Probably the worst flight ever. Started running a fever after the plane took off and not long after, a bad sore throat, plus I was super dehydrated. Anyhoos, I am now tucked in cozy in a hotel room, waiting to doze off into lala-land.

Oh and Jz, Sept 13th, OSU vs USC, see you at the showdown. Go Buckeyes!

Rock me to sleep.

2008-08-19T16:21:00.004-04:00

This is getting pretty bad. I haven't slept since 7.30pm Monday night. I stayed up the whole of Tuesday praying and hoping that come Tuesday night, I would be so exhuasted, I'll fall asleep and not wake up til Wednesday morning. Unfortunately, it is Wednesday morning, and I still haven't fallen asleep. This is not the week to get puffy black eyes! Plus my stomach has been feeling wierd the whole day, like I'm ready to puke any minute.

Went on a mini food tour around Geylang. Bought crab bee hoon ($100 an order!), beef hor fun, and soy bean curd. Plus we bought, double, triple, quadruple portions for Dr and family.

Dear Seah,

Hello!

haha. Only because I know you're reading this. =)
Omgoodness, after lunch, I did nothing but eat, with my mom. No wonder my stomach's upset.
Hope you didn't fall asleep in lecture.
Love you!

*It doesn't take much, but even that seems to be real hard for you.

2008-08-14T15:55:00.004-04:00

Thank you for allowing me to be there for you, to lend you that listening ear. I'm sure I was just as amazed as you were at how much you were sharing with me. Maybe it's because we share similar ideals and stories. How little I may know about you, yet at the same time, how much we are willing to allow each other in. To us, the world can be very simple, but we recognise that when mixed with emotions, simple becomes complicated.

Trust, and in due time, all will become clear, my friend.

With love.

Farewell

2008-08-14T11:30:00.000-04:00

Life is a funny thing.

Tonight was one of those nights where I just sat under the stars and sighed. The moon was exceptionally bright plus the company was great. Though the cause of the get-together was a little bitter sweet.

Two years ago, someone told me this. "Until the day I hit 21, I am immortal." It is a silly notion, but it contains exactly the kind of spirit a 19-year-old has, full of foolish bravery and fearlessness. Exactly the kind of spirit I wish to carry with me. To expect much from life, to never be tired of it or by it.

Sit and listen to some of the stories shared, I make a memory in my head. Tonight, I was happy.

Life is a funny thing..

Hello? Anyone out there?

2008-08-07T11:57:00.001-04:00

I've been wanting to update for the longest time but something always crops up.

Back from KL, back from HK, both of which were superb trips! (photos will be up when I'm not that lazy.) But never before have I tortured my feet so badly, which reminds me I need to pay my friendly neighbourhood spa center a visit, time for some foot reflexology. Bo was the perfect tour guide and our trip was timed so well that we just missed the typhoon that hit HK this week. The highlight of the HK trip, I got to see The Boathouse at Stanley! Oh and the tram ride up the Peak, yikes! Plus I've had enough pei dan zhok to last me months.

August is the month of birthdays (suddenly I don't feel so special anymore). Seah just celebrated her's on Tues ( a MAJOR surprise party!) and loads more others are celebrating theirs in the coming days slash weeks. Seah's really lucky though, to have so many friends AND a bf who care so much for her. (gosh I can almost hear Bo in my head telling me not to even go there. haha.)

Lunch and movie marathon with the HK gang, plus a little "Money No Enough 2" with Bo in between (the most heartwrenching thing, it was so hard for me to watch. definitely NOT a comedy) and after twinkling on the piano at Bo's place for about an hour, I realise just how extremely horrible my piano playing has gotten.

I wish there was something I could do for you

2008-07-24T11:19:00.001-04:00

I wish I knew the answers too.

Crayola Skies

2008-07-21T11:45:00.001-04:00

An old invitation
on the table it laid, forgotten

The actual exercise was suppose to be the swim at Temasek Club. Instead, it was while playing Wii over at Gan's house where we (Bo, Gan, Louis + me) worked out the hardest. This Wii thing is not easy! I am going to wake up to a very sore (right) arm tomorrow. We played the silliest of Rabbid games, the un-glamest boxing game, tennis game, bowling etc. There's no trying to be demure with the Wii! But it sure was the best way to spend the afternoon.

Today's outing was good. It has been a really long while since I've been out with friends and had this much fun. Absolutely brainless fun. I've spent too much time trying to sort (Bo: very silly!) thoughts out. While I won't say I regret keeping to myself these few weeks, because I've managed to spend a lot of, I deem, quality time with my parents and family, I really have missed being out.

I'm such a homebody.

Thank you for the coffee. It's these one-on-ones that are the most precious.

ndp 08

2008-07-19T15:18:00.005-04:00

I want to marry a Black Knight! Amazing stunts, awesome displays, broadcasting the communication between Black Knight Five and Black Knight Six, and the birthday greeting at the end by Black Knight One was genius! Not forgetting my all-time favourites, the Red Lions! There were so many of them this year, good job! Plus the Guards of Honor, the cannons, the fireworks.. And despite the heavy rain, everyone standing, waving flags and singing all the National Day evergreens with such gusto and spirit at the end.

We, the citizens of Singapore, pledge ourselves as one united people, regardless of race, language or religion, to build a democratic society, based on justice and equality, so as to achieve happiness, prosperity and progress for our nation.

Congrats Singapore. 43 years, proud and strong. (Thank you for a wonderful show.)

Banana Pancakes

2008-07-19T14:25:00.006-04:00

It's been too long.

(Now playing: Inaudible Melodies)

Paradise lost

2008-06-21T11:50:00.002-04:00

From Navy barracks to busy eateries, black and white history to sophisticated restaurants.

Today was my first time back at Dempsey since I've been back. Now I'm sad. It's soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo overrun by people, it's disgusting. Pity. Dempsey is no longer the quiet, tranquil, my favourite-est (Slamuryl Phitrol's BnJ's sessions, breakfast with Py..) hangout place it used to be last year, BEFORE WORD GOT AROUND.

After Sat night dinner with the Tang's and Uncle Benn (tonight's choice: Temasek Club - This place has changed too. The drive in is no longer as 'adventurous'. Biopolis has taken over Portsdown! Noooooooo..), we headed over to BnJ's for ice-cream, and to celebrate Joelle's bday. The minute I got out of the car, I wanted to turn around and go home. How can anyone still enjoy the Hill with that many people around? The noise is intolerable, the crowd is insufferable, the place is just too darn busy.

This is why you should never share a good thing.

Care

2008-06-16T06:48:00.005-04:00

My sister's hogging the cd where all the photos from our trip (my first time there!) to Wild Wild Wet is stored so you guys will just have to settle with this.

Pretty awesome photo right? Olympus was renting out their new underwater cameras for free, all part of some contest they're having. So we thought we'd rent one and take part. What you do is rent the camera (for half an hour), go around taking all sorts of photos (the theme was Get Wilder Underwater), and then at the end of the day, select one of the many photos you took to submit. Then the best 5 photos picked would stand a chance to win a new Olympus underwater camera. It's pretty useful, especially for folks like us, very water-orientated. haha. Very clear too. That photo wasn't photoshopped k! Credit to my sis.

After that day in the sun, I basically fell ill and just slept. But nothing was going to stop me from driving the family to watch my bro race on Sunday, Father's Day. I miss watching my brother, and my sis (when she does compete), race and after I leave this time to go back to the states, it will be a loooooooooong while before I will get to see him race again.

Thankfully, I've (almost) recovered enough to start work this week. And guess what! A celeb walked in to see Dr today. I won't say who. But she's soooo pretty, mind you, she didn't have any make up on. I couldn't stop myself from sneaking glances at her. Natural beauty, some girls just have it all. She looks a lot less Eurasian-looking in person though. I prefer her this way.

Okay, my body just absolutely refuses to get better. What am I to do?

Multiple posts all cramped into One.

2008-06-09T12:32:00.005-04:00

I've 'disappeared' for awhile, trying to keep up with everything that's been happening. I've kept mostly with the family these past couple of weeks that I've been back and I find, they are all I really need. Everything I learn in life, I learn from my family.

Bintan Trip Part 2

Jo, Dad and Uncle Justiny playing on Ria Bintan and Bintan Lagoon golf course.
All this time, the ladies were back at Club Med doing aerobics (not me, I detest exercising), archery etc..

The Tang sisters trying their hand at traditional Indonesian games.
Okay okay, I'll be honest.
We weren't trying to get a picture of the Tang sisters.
We were trying to get a shot of the gorgeous GOs standing behind them. Too bad the GOs were too engrossed in their own conversation to do what they were suppose to be doing, which was teaching little kids how to play the games. Bad GOs.

Sis and I enjoying a margarita by the poolside.

My Bintan trip was good. I did a lot more things then than during the time I was here with Bobo and the gang (yes yes, the time when I managed to miss a step and had my entire big toenail ripped from my toe a few hours into Day 1 of the trip). I came home quite exhuasted from the trip. My parents thought the standard of food there dropped (it did) but I am not one to be picky about what I eat. I learnt sailing this time round! Overall, a fruitful trip.

Tg Penang
The last time I was in Tg Penang was last year with Carol, Saylin, Chng, Sam and the bf for a super relaxing kelong trip.

Last weekend, I was back there again. This time, for an entirely different reason. I was there for a 'mission' trip. I say 'mission' because we were not allowed to evangelise or even mention our religion. Think of it more of a social trip then a mission one.

I was very (to the power of N) reluctant to go. It was a last minute decision on my mom's part, a long story that I really don't want to go into. In the end, I had to go, no choice. We went to visit a little village, Madung, about forty minutes from the city.

Because we took an afternoon ferry, we arrived there pretty late so we could only tour the village. All the kids had taken a special trip out of the village (after the exam period), which kind of ruined our plans of interacting with the kids. Instead, we paid a visit to the village Chief to 'announce' our arrival. The silver lining was that fortunately the kids were not around because honestly, we arrived without knowing what to expect and we did not have our entire programmed planned out to a T yet. Using the first day to take in everything and prepare ourselves for the next day did a lot of help in our organisation of activities for the next day.

Day 2
Walking around city, in the early morning. After breakfast, bought bags and bags and bags and bags and bags and bags and bags and bags and bags and bags and bags and bags of 25kg rice and cartons of milk to pack into smaller bags for the villagers later on.

After packing rice, we went over to the village's 'community hall' to have fun with the kids! So adorable! We played games, decorated puppets, sang songs etc..

This boy is sooooo cute! He was sooo fascinated with the origami boat that one of us made for him that even when he tripped and fell flat on his face on uneven ground, it was the first thing he was worried about the minute he got up. That and the ice-cream motorman standing a distance away. I made him a new boat cos when he fell, he kinda crushed it a little. He was so happy. Funny how one piece of paper can change a little boy's day. This is why I adore children.

That's the village chief's wife
giving her second daughter instructions
on which pack of rice goes to which household in the village.
She was suppose to be our little tourguide but after walking a few steps,
she forgot all the instructions her mom had given her.
So she ran back to call her older sister to come instead.

Meet my 'bf' of the day! Ah-Di!

This is the cat that absolutely refuses to move! He placed himself right in the middle of the doorway and even with so many of us carrying packs of rice in and out of the house (one of the little boys almost stepped on its face), it just kept on sleeping!

Distributing rice to the villagers with Ah-Di! =)

Saying byebye to Ah-Di

And then saying byebye to Tg Penang

I have more photos coming up! =) My first time at..?

Homeland stranger

2008-05-29T11:59:00.005-04:00

Wanted! A GSS shopping khaki. Must be knowledgable in the best places for awesome discounts and deals to tong sha! Male or female welcomed. Available at any time of day. Must give 24hr notice before setting a shopping date.

With everyone working and no one really free keep me companied, I realise I'm really missing out on the GSS! Though it's nothing compared to the sales back in the states, a sale is still a sale, right?

I think I'm going to go to the library and borrow me a good book, find myself a good secret hiding place and spend all day reading with a cuppa java. My ex-fav secret hiding place, Dempsey Hill, has been raided. I saw a looooong line of cars coming down the hill the other day. It's no fun anymore, when too many people try and crowd a nice spot. :(

Either that, or find myself a job.

But I really don't wish to be working right now.

Bintan Part 1

2008-05-28T06:23:00.012-04:00

Photos from Bintan trip with the Chongs and the Tangs!

Taking the ferry there.
Don't be fooled by my smiling face.I really wanted to puke.
Bad.
I concluded that it was the stupid television because the on the ride back, I absolutely refused to look at the tv and felt perfectly fine.

My dad took, and taught, me sailing! How romantic! Us coming back.

PARTY!

My dad's so happy he got bull's eye.

I did archery too, and was pretty good. But not without injury!
No one seemed impressed though.

k I'm still waiting for photos from the other camera to be uploaded. =)

Because being here just gets me this way.

2008-05-28T02:14:00.006-04:00

Yes, I am back from Bintan (not China, V-shawn). Have to take a day off to rest from my holiday. Anyway, since Sex and the City the movie is out, I thought I'd put up some photos from my one night in the beautiful NYC!

Riding the subway..

And found PINKBERRY!
Have been watching too many American Express commercials. haha..

Subway again.. Trying to avoid the rain.

The ultimate candy empire, Dylan's Candy Bar!

Strolling the streets, waiting for..

Bert!
After a yummy dinner, we went back to his apt to chat til about 1130pm before we had to head back to the airport to spend the night.

Stick around for photos from Bintan! peace out.

2008-05-23T11:22:00.001-04:00

Why have all my nice songs on my imeem playlist become 30s previews?

No fair!

And we have touchdown

2008-05-23T09:26:00.004-04:00

Being the oh-so-lazy person that I am, I've been having too much fun to blog about coming home. But there's no place I'd rather be. =)

Tuesday
11.30pm: Arrive at Changi Airport. Went for supper with the family and Joel Lim at Cha Can Tang, our favourite late night supper place for whenever anyone comes home from a holiday. But because all my sister and I did on the loooooooong flight home was eat, I just had a drink and Bo Luo Bao.

Wednesday
Lunch: A belated Mother's Day celebration with grandma. My brother got to miss school for this.

Tea: Coffee and papaya with Cheryl Teo. The joke now is that Slamuryl Phitrol has been (very unsuccessfully) trying to arrange outings on days when Cheryl is also available. But it only takes me one try to get Cheryl out to meet up with us. hahaha. Miss Cheryl Teo, we had a very gooooood long catch-up session without the boys. I miss going to school with her. When we would both just daze off in the middle of bio, and she would offer me little odd sweets she'll buy from i-don't-know-where, and I would scribble all over her notes. Gossipping was also sooo much easier then.

Dinner: Once the boys arrived and Cheryl had to leave, we decided to head over to Brewertz for dinner. Did you know, they don't charge service charge there? You have to tip them. And after today's experience, I think all restaurants should convert to the tipping system (refer to Friday). Dinner was good but it ended at such an odd time, it was too late to catch a movie and I didn't feel up to drinking or clubbing. So, Saylin brought us to Kent Ridge Park, Singapore's version of the Lover's Cliff. Almost every couple there were making out. And I was there with two boys, such killjoys! haha. But it is quite a romantic spot. Too bad I was falling asleep towards the end. I would have loved to stay a little longer.

Thursday
A japanese feast with the family. An endless flow of sashimi! Yum!

Friday
Accompanied my mom to fetch grandma and then had a Korean dinner at Square2. The food was so-so but the non-existent service was the pits. My mom was soo mad. Such a vast difference from Brewertz. Everyone there was so friendly and attentive. Here, nobody could be bothered with us and even after my mom pointed out that they have horrible service, nobody bothered apologizing. Met up with Gan to pass him his iphone. He's going Europe for a whole mnonth! I'm so jealous.

So tomorrow I'm leaving for a family trip! To Bintang Club Med, the same place I managed to lose a toe-nail. hahaha. 5.30am, argg.. Also, I have eaten so much the past few days. After many months of not eating well, feasting like this has give me a not-so-little pot belly. How to wear bikini when I go Bintang!

My final bow

2008-05-17T22:51:00.007-04:00

Today was the last day I spent with the girls and parents of Glass City Synchro. I'm guessing everyone, myself included, knew at the back of our heads that today would come soon but never really quite faced up to it, until tonight.

Who would have thought.

It's been a year and a half. And it was a good season.

We fought together and worked as a team, tasted hardship and seen success. And just when you've began to be able to read each other, understand one another's thoughts without words, it gets hard when you're forced to walk away from it all.

To the moms and girls at GCS, thank you. For everything. I know I will never meet another group of people so genuinely loving and concerned for one another as you guys.

2008-05-17T02:37:00.000-04:00

More AWESOME-NESS

Perfect end

2008-05-16T23:41:00.004-04:00

Today was totally
AWESOME

Step One

2008-05-15T22:56:00.011-04:00

muahaha! I have embarked on step one of my journey home! Right now in a hotel in Columbus. Ramada Plaza Hotel. If ever any one of you needs to come to Columbus, say oh, to visit me or something (hint hint!), come stay at the Ramada Hotel! It's really cheap but it's VERY nice!

One of the many services they provide is a driver (he's from London, I love his accent! I'm such the anglophile.) who could take you anywhere you want to go, you'd have to schedule ahead of time of course, but I mean, I've stayed in a number of hotels/motels/inns, travelling to and fro home and this is the first one I've come acrossed that offers this kind of service!

Also, my room came with free broadband internet. I don't know if other hotels/motels/inns offer this service in each room too but I've never come across one that did. It was usually just the business center downstairs and even then, in some of the hotels, you'd have to pay to use the business center.

After dinner (I had a very tasty pork chop. My sis had a not so appetizing french onion soup and salad.), we took a walk to see the gym and the pool. The pool was awesome! It wasn't like the others, pathetic small teeny room with a three lane wide 20m pool. This was a real resort-type pool in a room big enough to throw a party. My camera's battery is flat and my charger is somewhere packed deep in my luggage. So yeah, sorry. No photos. But trust me, this is a major awesome place to stay.

So I'm back in my room, my sis has gone to run in the gym. I got bored. So, montage!

See how a montage helps to kill time? My sis is back from her run! =) Oh, love my gorgeous new hat. I'm so wearing that home.

BBQ in the park

2008-05-15T02:04:00.009-04:00

Time for another photo montage! Didn't realise my sis had photos from the bbq we had last week up already.

Adorable aren't they? DO NOT BE FOOLED! THEY ARE MONSTERS!

But Scott here is super adorable. When my sister asked him to show her a peace sign, he did this.

Bbq-ing in the middle of the day was fun. The weather was so wonderfully terrific. One problem though. DaSao brought my sis and I and the five monsters bbq-ing but she didn't bring anything to get the fire going. So my sister, armed with our lighter spent a good THREE hours trying to the get fire going. It was only after DaSao had made many trips back and forth to the store to get stuff she left out that we finally got the fire going, hot enough to bbq food on. But the pork chop and rib eye she brought to bbq was yummy.

It was a fun experience. If only I didn't have to spend most of my time disciplining the monsters.

2008-05-14T04:02:00.007-04:00

I'm tapping into the neighbour's internet right now. Totally illegal. So I'll keep this majorly short, with some photo updates. Afterall, a picture speaks a thousand words. Hopefully enough to convey all that I had to say for the past week.

Bought an adorable blue pouch and a red casing for my baby blackberry. Too bad the fella ran out of protective screen stickers. My sis bought the last one. Oh wells. Just have to take super good care of it.

All this plus tonnes and tonnes of packing. I have waaaaay to much clothes and SHOES! for my own good. But I am SUPER GRATEFUL to my sister for doing most of the packing. She inherited my dad's super packing genes. Somehow when things get to their hands, it all manages to fit nicely.

Right now, we just have to clear the mess we made living in DaShu's basement for the past week. And then get ready to leave for Columbus on Thurs.

And..

Fly home on SUNDAY! But before that, I wonder if Bert or Carol would be free on Sunday to meet up in NYC.

Okay, for serious (picked this up from babysitting a 4 year old) this time. Til I see you guys when I get home, you won't hear from me anymore. So, toodles!

*Wind Sabre and Optimus wants to torture Alpha-Q.

Pretties

2008-05-02T23:50:00.007-04:00

Taking a break from a packing slash cleaning marathon. Plus I am one (wo)man down. No matter, not much left except loads of rubbish I need to throw.

Thursday was a day of firsts. Made a couple of selfish decisions. Got a lift home by a stranger (not my doing). My brain's sleeping so I'll leave you with some pictures.

Here's the highlight of the day. Meet my new baby. (Thanks mom and dad!)

Gosh, I look so tremendously horrible after hours of packing.

Okay, back to packing. uggg~

p.s. I've changed cell number.

p.s.s After I move tomorrow (I am moving because my lease is over), I'll probably disappear from the virtual world for a while until after I come home. So til then, everyone, take care!

2008-04-30T20:53:00.007-04:00

TRY AGAIN NEXT YEAR.

=(

Lala me.

2008-04-30T14:40:00.008-04:00

The weather today is so perfect. Warm bright sun, lovely yellow daffodils, chirping red robins. Or maybe it's because,

I'm done with my finals!

Opened my inbox and saw an email in super large purple fonts from my mom wonderfully titled "Homeward Journey". It was regarding all the final issues to take care of before leaving and our schedule for when we come home. Yes, I am coming home. (Kit Chan singing Home in the background)

My mom packed a pretty tight schedule for us the first few days home. Belated Mother's Day dinner with Grandma, and trips for the family. So technically, I'll be home but not really, home.

Okay, here it is folks. The official release of the date I'm going to be landing in Singapore.

May 20th
10:55pm

I want to get on that plane, now. rawr~

Oh oh oh! I need to tell the world, or maybe just the few really really really really bored people who read this blog, okay no, I kid, the few people who really really really really really care for me and want to know what's going on with me even though they are 197338502739501295638475 miles (I should really go find the exact distance) away. Gan's got a totally awesome, superbly sweet plan formulating in his head and I got to play a teensy role! =)

I just looooooove these romantic conspiracies.

2008-04-28T21:51:00.004-04:00

Nana..

1)Is stuck in the library because is raining outside. But she desperately wants to get home and continue studying for the Cell finals tomorrow morning. Why cannot she just do it in the library? Because while rushing out of the house this morning to make it for the ACS (refer to point 3) exam, she left most of her notes back home. Clever.

2)Has finished her second Venti Iced Cinnamon Dolce Latte of the day. She's no longer running on low, she's running on Starbucks.

3)Wants to go off at the despicable sod at ACS (American Chemistry Society) who prepared this morning's exam. Where were the Robinson Annulations? What about the Claisen or the Deickman? How about throwing a Fischer her way? What's with all the ochem1 stuff? She spent the whole day yesterday preparing for the exam when she could have been better off reading her Cell text. On a happier note, she did darn well on that exam4. 99.5, and hell yes, she's proud of it. Let the whole world know.

4)Somehow managed to poke a hole in her inflatable mattress in her sleep, deflating the dumb thing and has now been reduced to sleeping on the hard hard floor. The other inflatable mattresses have already been deflated and boxed up for easy moving. Go Korean-living.

5)Is debating if she should do her history final on Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, the Etruscans, or the Five great Emperors of Rome. Yes, good ol' Macman gave her the questions to the history finals. Shoot her if she doesn't get an A++++ for this course.

6)Is wondering if Cat in the Hat will suddenly bursts through the doors and start messing up the library, seeing as to how it is a rainy day and she is stuck indoors, bored.

It was suppose to be a photo of dark clouds and raindrops but Nana decided that this, would be so much more pleasing to the eye, no?
(It was this haircut that won me over.)

Pretties

2008-04-27T01:24:00.004-04:00

I want to get a Bowler Derby hat.

But my sister won't let me. =(

Just keep moving, just keep moving..

2008-04-25T23:15:00.007-04:00

After studying for a few hours in school, sis and I came home to start packing up the house. We thought DaShu was going to come by tonight to pick up whatever we had packed (he called to cancel after).

This, folks, is the amount of boxes from the all the shopping that people back home have done online and had shipped to our house.

And this, is the mess after trying to fit all those boxes of shopping into one luggage bag. Don't worry, we haven't exceeded the weight limit. Yet, I think.

As you can probably imagine, I am tired.

Oooo, the pains of moving.

School's out! So am I.

Birthday girl.

2008-04-25T23:01:00.002-04:00

Sam Ho's celebrating her special 21st birthday overseas. See her smile. Even though she's minus a few loved ones, but she can always have a make-up party when she gets home. Hey, you're 21 for the entire year! Celebrate any way you know how! =]

I hate myself for being too busy to go see her (or have her come visit).

Happy special 21st, Sam.

When the going gets tough, the tough gets going..going..gone..

2008-04-23T14:44:00.007-04:00

I hate my sleeping habits.

Therefore, I am going to move out of my apartment and go into seclusion on the library's fifth floor. I'm going to keep myself there until next week. When everything's done and over with. All I need now is a vending machine with an endless supply of snacks. And lots and lots of $1.25.

I told nerdking that someone should invent a magic pill that when taken, will give you all the motivation you need to complete your day's tasks. Anyone interested? Come on.. I promise I'll buy a lifetime's supply.. =]

So it's the last lap, the last leg, the final sprint, (fill in favourite metaphor), and this is the hardest part for me. Everything's coming to an end and
I'm all excited about going home. But I hate everything that comes before the "going home" part. Tying up all the loose ends, the finals, the packing, the moving, the changing of address, plus all those still unresolved unpleasant surprises I've received this semester. yucks. Half the time, I don't even know what's going on. If this is a preview to what the future holds, I'm doomed.

In all honesty, I quite like school. I like learning new things. It's the little irrelevant issues that come along with school that I hate. Rushing reports, that I can still take. Exams, it's all part of learning, fine. But irresponsible financial aid people who not only fail to aid me, but add to my misery?? Those little buggers not only fail to show up to work on time, lose my super important forms, have my parents Fed-ex new ones over overnight (super ex!), and then after three weeks, still nothing done about it! I'm ranting about this now because I just checked my school account and the half of my fees that was suppose to be paid off by my financial aid money, hasn't been cleared yet. Phoo!

Okay, there are too many words in the post. I don't think anyone's even bothered to finish reading this entire thing. Just another day of Nana complaining away again. Ho-hum, how interesting.

I'll leave you with this final thought. People should be re-educated on the etiquettes in the library, or be banned from ever entering one.

MI qualifying meet

2008-04-21T09:08:00.007-04:00

haha. So I went to sleep and never woke up again. Okay, here's the low down on the show down.

Val (Carolyn's mom) came to pick me up at 1230pm so we could go meet Marty (Brooke's mom) at 1pm. Then we would make our 1hr22min drive down to Cranbrook in time for the meet which starts at 330pm. Why on earth the organisers would want to hold a meet so late in the day is beyond me.

Marty was 20 minutes late. Nevermind that. While waiting for her, Val received a call from a guy she's seeing. His dad just passed away. The last time I was riding with Val and Marty to Lancaster, Marty's ex-husband's mom passed away. I know it's a sad day when someone passes on but this is such a spooky coincidence. Anyway, I didn't know what to say or how to react when Val told me the news so I told her that I was sorry for his lost. Then Val said, "Yeah well, the doctors only gave him 24hrs this morning." Now what am I suppose to say to that? Does it make the pain any less harder to bear for Andy? Does it make the situation a little less awkward right now? No. So I just replied, "Oh." Carolyn didn't say anything the entire time. Don't know if she's affected by the news. Val didn't seem too upset either.

So when Marty finally got here, we all headed off in Val's car to Cranbrook. The ride there was pretty uninteresting.

But at Cranbrook Kingswood, I had one of those 0-M-G moments where I couldn't stop staring at the place and gasping. All the houses leading up to the school as well. Like nothing I've ever seen! These were mini-castles with a backyard that runs deep, equipped with a pool and all, and a never-ending driveway in. Absolutely magnificent. These houses were gorgeous. No wonder folks here always make such a big deal about prep schools. Only the elite go here.

I stole this off the school's website. But the picture does not do it justice. It really is one of most gorgeous pools I've ever seen and I've seen a lot of pools.

So one of my adorable sea monkies fell ill and couldn't make it for the meet. At least her mom had the courtesy to tell me on Friday, instead of giving me a surprise on the day of the meet itself. No worries, we were able to change the trio to a duet. Also, because this was the Michigan qualifying meet, we were registered as honorary swimmers since technically, we were not suppose to be there.

Okay, are any of us surprised that I turned out to be the only coach present again? This was what really had me upset. What's the point of making the coachs sign a contract saying that we had to be present for all meets if you're not going to hold them responsible to it? What's the point of even signing the contract if you can't hold up your end of the contract? My responsibility is to my girls. It's not fair to my girls, or the other girls. As usual, I was frantically running around trying to get all the girls in order.

These girls in Michigan are good! But then again, this is their qualifying meet for Regionals. Why on earth did we join them, I have no idea. But while these girls were technically excellent, they needed a lot of work on their synchronisation. There was not one duet, trio or team that I thought were well synchronised.

So anyway, Tammy came like two thirds into the meet, Lauren failed to show up at all. But!! The minute the her girls had finished competing in the figures competition, she left! Leaving me behind to accompany the girls and cheer on the others who were still competing! How can you do that? I know you're tired, and it's a long drive home, but so are the girls! And it was way past the girls' bedtime! How can you just leave like this?? The best part was she did not even have the decency to say anything to me before she left.

Lauren's the acting head-coach and she had girls competiting but she didn't turn up for the meet either. I have nothing else to say.

I'm not going to bother re-reading and editing this post so if the english sounds funny, deal.

2008-04-20T00:41:00.004-04:00

I only just got home from a meet at Cranbrook Kingswood, an uber prestigious prep school. I'm so upset I didn't bring my camera. The entire school was oozing prestige, excellence, honor and tradition. But other than that, everything else was downhill from there.. ugggg~!

I'm way too tired to continue. Details when I wake up. Nights folks.

Secret hideout not so secret anymore

2008-04-18T16:28:00.006-04:00

Lady S, a 2D girl living in a 3D world

2008-04-18T09:27:00.010-04:00

I've been in such a terrible mood this week, even I didn't want to talk to myself. So, I drew. haha. Hope you guys have enjoyed the adventures of Lady S so far, the 2D super, my newest alter ego. She can do anything, anytime, anyhow! Best of all, she tells you all you need to know in zero words or less.

Lady S, the new chick on the blog-ck

It's quite calming actually, drawing her. Helps me cope with the stress from the finals. Plus, she's funny, no? I can make her look as ugly as I want (major eyebags!) and she still looks cute!

So all the lab reports are in (finally!), I can take a much-needed breather (thankyouthankyouthankyou) today before I have to prepare for my lab finals next week. I'm thinking of putting a pillow in my bag to take to school, just in case I decide that I love my fifth floor sanctuary too much to go home. Fortunately, this affair with the library is going to be short-lived. After 30th April, I will never have to visit my secret hide-out ever again.

When Lab Reports are due.. Part two

2008-04-17T21:57:00.002-04:00

I become the dead (wo)man walking.

*I have a very unresponsive audience.

Zonked out..

When Lab reports are due..

2008-04-15T22:03:00.001-04:00

My day in 2D, the end result of waking up at 3am in the morning and not being able to fall back asleep.

Racing in May 9

2008-04-13T21:58:00.013-04:00

Here he comes, here comes Speed Racer. He's a demon on wheels..

So my favourite Mach 5 has gone from manga to movie.

I've seen the trailer. Speed's (Emile Hirsch) too chubby and too ang moh-looking, Trixie's (Christina Ricci) too ghostly looking and Taejo's (Rain) too oh-so-good-looking. Plus, Spritle's some little fat white boy who is not even the slightest bit adorable. The only one who most resembled his animated self was Chim Chim! And he's a chimpanzee!

The entire movie's all so digitalized, all those flashing lights and multi-colours. It utterly fails to capture the spirit of Speed Racer! And compared to those flashing lights, the Mach 5 appears dull and so un-important. It's the Mach 5! The star of the show! The world's most superb automobile! The ultimate driving machine!

Yucks. I might just boycott the movie altogether. There are just some things you shouldn't bring to life.

*I think it's hilarious how the international trailer has a lot more shots of Rain in it. hahaha~

2008-04-13T06:57:00.008-04:00

.........

Because at some point you have to face facts and the facts are that you've moved on.
And therefore, I should move on also.

Absolutely, move-on.org.

2008-04-11T06:43:00.008-04:00

It's 6:30am in the morning now. Just finished my history paper not too long ago. The requirement was a 10 page paper, I had 8. So I did something even I myself am shocked to see me do. I cheated!

It's a little trick my TA from last semester taught the class. I laughed when I first heard it but hey, it's working for me now. I'll pass this little cheat on to you guys. I know how frustrating it is to write all those yucky papers.

What he said to do when you need to fill up space but don't want to write junk in your essay, is to make all the full-stops two font size bigger.

Guess how long my paper is now. Just shy of 10 pages. Oh yeah, that's right.

It's too late to sleep and too early to go to school so I thought I'd just put up a random post with random pictures before it's time for me to go get ready.

UHall has my favourite-est staircases in the world. The buildings so old, the staircases are also so wierd. It's all criss-crossy and stuff. Kind of like the ones in the Hogwarts. I'm not kidding. I got lost there once. Had to spend forty-five minutes looking for a classroom.

This is my favourite-est hallway. It always smells of vanilla slash buttercream cupcakes. ALWAYS! Also in UHall.

Doesn't this "tunnel" look cool? Believe it or not, it's on the third floor of UHall. And it leads right to the..

Courtyard! This courtyard's right smack in the middle of UHall on the second floor! I think the university likes having gardens right in the middle of buildings. The Wolfe Hall has another one like that.

Okay my alarm just went off. Need to get ready for school now! Told you this was random. Ta!

2008-04-10T23:00:00.005-04:00

I wish we all possessed that kind of awesome-ness power.

I have a history research paper to finish. The same one from before. My ideas are there. I just need to put it into words.

Seems easy enough.

(Not!)

What I need is a montage.

*Check Yes Juliet on repeat
Lace up your shoes
(aye-yo-aye-yo-oh!)

2008-04-09T22:36:00.001-04:00

"College is breaking my spirit. Every single day, telling me things I don't know. It's making me feel stupid." -Marty from Gilmore Girls

Uncle Fester

2008-04-09T11:55:00.005-04:00

The only thing that I have ever successfully made in the kitchen is a mess. And maybe a little fire. Now my mess-wrecked days are no longer subjected to just the kitchen alone.

I don't air my dirty linens in public, but what is the use of a blog if I'm not going to note all the good, a little of the bad and (hopefully hardly) the ugly. Never mind if a certain who-who's going to read this. I'm beyond caring right now. Just trying to work it out of my system.

I don't like being doubted by people who should know better. It totally disregards and obliterates all my efforts of the past months. When I heard it, I wasn't so much angry as I was hurt, which eventually led to me being angry again. It just wasn't fair to me. I actually felt quite winded from the whole affair.

And then PMS has me behaving irrationally and all passive-agressive-like. I always hate it when that happens. It's like I have this out-of-body experience whereby I can feel myself acting insane and unreasonable and I really want to stop myself but I just can't! I can only think back and silently majorly regret my actions later.

And I was so busy counting to ten, I even forgot my daily visit to only my favourite-est website ever (this is one secret I will never tell, muahaha, go guess!).

So I'm back in the library right now, trying to pick up from where I left off last night. That much cheerier, a whole lot calmer, still pms-ing though. Hopefully, this history paper will write itself easy.

This is probably one of the most honest posts in a long time. Oy!

*That photo was me, sitting in the library at 1am yesterday slash this morning. Influences of the Nerdking. He'll be so proud when he reads this. Unfortunately, I spent more time trying to be my own therapist then getting any work done.

Springtime Feel

2008-04-07T21:17:00.003-04:00

Met my sis for lunch/dinner today at the school buffet at four. Look at the number of plates! Gaaaahh.. I brought my laptop along so I took some lousy quality photos with my webcam.

Spotted! The first ice-cream truck of the year! He went by on our walk home after training today. My sis wanted to flag him down but he was too quick for us. Plus, his ice-cream truck music wasn't playing.

I wanna drive around an ice-cream truck in the big houses of Singapore. I think that would be really fun, meeting the kids and selling them ice-cream. Those cheap chocoloate, lime lion pop kinds I used to love as a kid. You know, passing the tradition. Yeah, I actually think that would be really nice!

Oops! Supper's at the door!

Shorts Count

2008-04-07T11:05:00.007-04:00

Spotted at Rocket Hall.

A person wearing the first, oh, no wait, TWO people wearing the first two SHORTS of the season.

Boo-yeah!
Spring's officially here.

Hey, it's a big deal.

Earth is an insane asylum for the universe

2008-04-06T21:36:00.009-04:00

So 6:45am Saturday morning, I'm sitting outside my apt complex waiting for Marty, Brooke's mom, to come pick me up. I got bored so I started playing around with my camera.

Seah! Does the bag look familiar? haha. I carry it everywhere I go! =]

Yes, I was THAT bored.

Marty didn't come til 7:35.

Then we went over to Tim Horton's to meet up with Carolyn and her mom, Val. She had a larger car so Marty left her car at Tim Horton's for the entire day and we all piled into Val's car and drove off into the morning sun towards Lancaster. I was so tired cos I didn't sleep well the night before and I was trained to sleep whenever I'm the car but with Marty around, there is never time to sleep.

3and1/2 hours later, we arrived at Lancaster with 45mins before the pool opens at the Y. So we went over to Arthur Treacher's for fish and chips. They were pretty tasty and their fries, oh so chunky.

So we get to the pool, and everything starts to get crazy. I had to get the girls organised and attend coachs' meeting and get the moms' ready to do the girls' hair and makeup and stuff. It was crazy.

That's Jenny and her mom, the club's president

Crazy 1:
One of the girls, Paulina, that had a duet and team event fell sick and so didn't turn up for the meet. Thing was, nobody thought to tell me until 2 minutes before first event of the day, the solos. Her partner, Gabby, wanted to do a solo instead and her mom was not going to be happy until she swam. So I had to run to the meet managers, find out if she could swim as a solo when I should be getting Carolyn ready for her solo. After begging and pleading and annoying a couple of people, they finally agreed that Gabby could swim as a solo.

Crazy 2:
I was waiting with my trio by the competitor's area waiting for our turn to start when we hear the announcer announce "Up next we have the Trios, ten and under intermediate trios, team 1". I was like what?? Intermediate?? My girls are swimming Age Group! Not intermediate! Pat, the club's vp and the one in charged of registrations was also shocked. After the girls were done swimming, I ran out to check the start list and sure enough, our girls were registered under the Intermediate category. I nearly fainted right there and then. Omgoodness. The moms were not happy. The girls were not happy. I was not happy.

After the trio event, Pat went to check the registration list. Thank God thank God, it was not Pat's fault, she did sign us up for the Age Group. It was the meet managers mistake. But we couldn't do anything about it now. It wouldn't be fair to the other girls to move our girls up to the Age Group after they've swam. All we could do was just notify the meet managers and let her know of her mistake.

I don't like the Lancaster's head coach by the way. She pushed me around and practically took over my practice area in the Cincinnati meet and this time, she totally dismissed me as GCS's coach altogether. During the coachs' meeting, she wanted Pat present instead of me. It was a coachs' meeting and I was the only coach from GSC. Why couldn't, no, why shouldn't I be present?

Crazy 3:
The parents were talking about plans for next year, like who was coaching which group and all (I would be coaching the 11-12s, which is a huge deal if only..) so I took the opportunity to break the news to the parents that I won't be coming back next year to coach. They were not happy. The moms whose daughters I would be coaching next year were very disappointed and the two of the moms whose daughters I was coaching now were truly angry. If there's anything I'll miss at all here, it would be coaching these girls. Even though I don't agree with a lot of the things these people do, I really do think the girls have a lot of potential to be good. And I know I can do so much better with the girls than they're doing now.

Some of the moms told me not to coach for the enemy, the Columbus Carolinas, when I get to Columbus (Marty was saying how GSC's loss is the Carolinas' gain). But the president of the club was really nice. She said she would give me their contact number and all. I would love to coach for the Columbus Carolinas. I love their routines. And their girls are real dedicated athletes, unlike GSC. But they have so many junior coaches (one for each solo!) that I don't know if I'll enjoy working there. We'll see when we get to Columbus.

Anyway, here are some photos from the meet.

The 11-12 team minus Paulina

My Seamonkies!

Gabby and Carolyn

Pauline and me

Chloe and me

The gang

With their medals

In the end, Carolyn came in 4th for her solo. She's very disappointed. Technically, she's as good as the gold medalist. But unfortunately, no one can truly see her real potential so her routine's not as fabulous as it should be. Gabby came in fifth. Well, she wasn't suppose to swim a solo in the first place. The team came in first, they were the only ones in their category. My seamonkies came in first in the Intermediate category. But I've seen the scores. They would have come in first even if they swam in the Age Group.

After the meet, everyone drove home. But Marty and Val wanted to stop over somewhere for dinner. We ended up at Rooster's. It was a bar and restaurant kind of place. Food was not too bad.

By the time I got home, it was 9:30pm. I was so tired, I just plonked onto bed and fell asleep. Didn't wake up til 9am today to the sound of DaShu buzzing our buzzer. And even after DaShu left, I was so tired I just went right back to sleep for an additional couple of hours. hee.

I have a video I want to upload to show you guys, but I can't seem to get it to upload. Oh wells.

These girls are doing what their bodies were not made to do.

Off to Lancaster

2008-04-04T23:59:00.003-04:00

I don't know how it happened but as it turns out, I will be the only coach present at our third meet of the season tomorrow at Lancaster. Me against 11 boisterous little girls and theiry doting parents, I'm getting a headache already. Getting up at 6:30am in the morning and taking a 3hr++ drive for a full day of competition is not my idea of Saturday fun either. Not when I have a paper to write and research to finish.

(My sister's crazy. She's so bored, she's boxing things that we seldom use so that we don't have to worry about packing much during the week of finals to get ready to move out. Mind you, it midnight. I really should go help her but I don't feel like moving..)

Happy 21st Bobo!

2008-04-04T19:55:00.001-04:00

To my favourite-est boy,

Too bad you'll have to wait a few more weeks for you birthday presents.

Final Countdown

2008-04-02T22:37:00.003-04:00

It's day two of April, I still haven't heard anything from the College of Medicine regarding my summer undergrad program.

Think I'll give them a few more days before I give up?

I know lots of people are counting on me confirming when I'm coming home to plan their holiday schedule.

I just wish these remaining four weeks would fly by smoothly.

The mess from last week has yet to be resolved.

On a lighter note, there's a slight buzz in the air this week, even though I'm so many so many miles away. A party's going to happen and though I'm bummed as ever that I'm going to miss it, I am real excited for the birthday boy. =]

Happy Fool's Day

2008-04-01T23:30:00.005-04:00

Nylon in the mailbox! Yeay!

Conversations in the Lab

2008-04-01T19:06:00.004-04:00

While waiting for our Assay membranes to shake, rattle and roll..

Liz: So you know how our RA's put up bulletin boards in the hallways?

Everyone: Yes..

Liz: Yeah one put up this article on optical illusions. It was just a page of dots, tiny tiny numerous dots. It said to stare at it for 45s real hard and then close your eyes.

Everyone: Yes..

Liz: So I just stood there staring real hard at the dots for 45s and then closed my eys.

Everyone: Yes..

Liz: Gave me such a fright. I saw Jesus!

2008-03-31T22:09:00.001-04:00

Join my Pretties, I heart..

2008-03-26T23:17:00.004-04:00

..the Razor Pocket Mod Miniature Euro-Style Electric Scooter, $189.99

Way way way way waaaaaaaaaaaaay cheaper than a car, and at a max speed of 15mph, much much faster than walking, this little Pretty is perfect for running little errands, like going to the (stupid stupid) bank 2 miles away, or going for breakfast at the Pancake House, or just zipping from one end of campus to the other.

Plus they looks sooo much like those classic Vespas. Euro-spy chic!

I likey I likey!

I am seriously considering getting myself one of these babies.

FYI tidbits

2008-03-26T19:57:00.013-04:00

World's Best Airport 2008

1. Incheon International Airport

2. Kuala Lumpur International Airport

3. CHANGI AIRPORT!

4. Hong Kong International Airport

5. Central Japan International Airport

-BusinessWeek

Raise your hands if you felt a sudden rush of pride when you read that the world's best airports were all in Asia! =]

2 miles is 1.99 miles too far

2008-03-26T09:36:00.003-04:00

I wish I had a car.. I wish I had a car.. I wish I had a car.. I wish I had a friend who wouldn't mind lending me his/her car.. I wish I had a car..

Either that or

I wish the bank was just right across the street.. I wish the bank was just right across the street..

I declare today Snafu

2008-03-25T12:31:00.006-04:00

Of all the days that I've been here, today was probably the worst.

Early bio exam I stayed up all night studying for, then outstanding financial aid fees not cleared, leading to the suspension of my cell phone line and possibly the deregistration of all my classes, problems with my debit account, a small issue of 4cents built up into my card not working and still tomorrow, I have to walk 2 miles in the wind and snow to clear that up, 2 major anxiety attacks and a few minutes of crying later

but you make it up with all the times you make me smileee

I don't think you fully realised just how special those words were to me today and how much I needed to hear them. Thank you. Really, thank you.

Easter weekend

2008-03-23T10:42:00.000-04:00

A personal letter to Kaba Modern

2008-03-22T23:37:00.008-04:00

Dear Kaba Modern,

Your absence on the stage of America's Best Dance Crew is our loss. You were the only crew I would have liked to see in the finales other than JabbaWockeeZ.

You did not deserve to be in the bottom two groups with the JabbaWockeeZ! It should have been you against Status Quo and then the judges would have the pleasure of sending Status Quo home instead, saving us from having to watch their horribly awful encore routine.

I will miss dearly your mindblowing, ridiculously amazing, undoubtly creative, totally synchronized and more importantly, highly entertaining dance routines. And as your banner falls, I will download every single one of your dance routines and hope that it would be sufficient to console my grieving inner dancer. You have yourself a new fan.

xoxo nana

Nana's prediction for next week's finale: Winners - JabbaWockeeZ (my sister's their biggest supporter. She even bought their t-shirt!)

IF they don't win, that's just another indication of how messed up this country is, letting a group that is messy, uncreative, unsynchronized and only does semi-amazing stunts win. IT'S A FREAKING DANCE SHOW people! bah.

P.S. Catch the JabbaWockeeZ in action in the movie Step Up 2.

Slamuryl Phitrol Sketch

2008-03-21T20:38:00.013-04:00

Dear slamuryl phitrol,

I know I barely passed art in sec school but I was dozing off in class and doodling was the only way to keep me awake. Besides, they look kind of cute, don't they? Who knows? Maybe by the end of the semester, I'd have drawn a full scene. haha.

NANA drew!

p.s. TGIF everyone. TGI-Good-F. Peace!

Springtime mayhem

2008-03-21T19:55:00.006-04:00

It's snowing. Six hours ago, the ground was still green and the roads still dry.

Wierd happenings

2008-03-20T23:14:00.013-04:00

~~haha. Introducing the new super ego header, ugly cartoony pictures of me, me and me! Brought to you by a very very very bored nana. You likey? haha. I'm so full of myself sometimes.~~

Anyway, it's officially the first day of Spring! Pretty windy today. You know, I always wonder if the girls here use hairspray, even if they're not tying their hair up because it always seem as if my hair's the only one flying crazy in the wind. Always end up getting hair stuck in my mouth, covering my eyes. Oh and I conclude. I cannot tell the difference between ice and water!! grrr.. I slipped and fell really bad today again. This time, not in the privacy of our apartment complex, but in front of a bunch of construction workers. ow man..

Saylin made me read this article.

Boyfriend charged in Kansas toilet case
Thu Mar 20, 12:02 AM ET

A man whose girlfriend authorities say spent nearly two years in a bathroom in their house, sitting on the toilet so long that the seat adhered to her body, has been charged with mistreatment of a dependent adult.

Kory McFarren, 37, was charged Monday in Ness County District Court.

McFarren called the Ness County Sheriff's Office in late February to say something was wrong with his girlfriend. When authorities arrived at the home, they found Pam Babcock, 35, stuck to the toilet, which they think she had sat on for about a month.

McFarren told authorities that Babcock feared leaving the bathroom and may not have left it in two years, although said he was unsure how long she was in there. He said that he took her food and water daily, and that he repeatedly asked her to come out but that she usually replied "maybe tomorrow."

"The only thing I am guilty of is I didn't get her help sooner," McFarren told The Associated Press nearly a week ago.

Ness County Attorney Craig Crosswhite said the mistreatment charge most closely fit the situation.

"I looked at the statutes and spoke to the attorney general's office," he said. "This was a very unusual set of circumstances, and this is the law that most closely applied to the situation."

Authorities said Babcock sat on the toilet so long that open sores developed and caused her to become attached to the seat. Sheriff Bryan Whipple has said that he used a pry bar to remove the seat from the toilet, and that the woman was taken to the hospital with the seat still attached.

"She would have to be sleeping on the toilet," Whipple said.

Doctors at a Wichita hospital where Babcock was taken told McFarren that an infection in her legs had damaged her nerves and could leave her in a wheelchair. She was still at the hospital Wednesday night.

McFarren's first court appearance will be in April, Crosswhite said.

-Associated Press

Wha..wha..what?? I'm not going to say anything mean about the girl because OBVIOUSLY she has a serious psychological disorder. What I don't understand is how how how can the guy just not do anything? Your girlfriend, stuck in the toilet for TWO years!!

I believe in Disney therapy.

Seamonkies on break

2008-03-19T23:40:00.004-04:00

Spring break's here for the sea monkies. They're all driving down to Florida. Won't have to see them for a week. I'm secretly relieved. haha. More time to myself.

Called home today. Both Mom and Dad were home. I realised I haven't spoken to them in awhile. My dad chided me for not wearing my new boots after reading yesterday's post. Yes, my dad reads my blog. What can I say, he's a fan. =]

You know how I always say that I'm going to grow old alone and raise many cats? Well, I'm not kidding.

My sister thinks I need to go date for real.

A promise to remember

2008-03-18T21:49:00.002-04:00

J.C. says:
are you interested in backpacking around japan?

nanaNANAnana says:
very. why you wanna take me?

J.C. says:
haha

J.C. says:
if i make it big as a trader

J.C. says:
i'll pay for your airfare

J.C. says: a promise to my bestest female friend?

There. JC, it's on the world wide web. Now the world is my witness. I will hold you to your promise. =]