.:Just Me:.

2009-12-30T14:37:00.039+08:00

A Heaven of Sorts...

Day 1: Pattaya, Thailand.
Happy Family with a Touch of Animal Wildness and the Transgendered Men.

At the Sriracha Tiger and Crocodile Zoo.

The zoo attempts to create a happy family of animals, where the baby tiger feeds on the milk of a mother pig together with the piglets. (Looked sort of weird to me, though.)

My family and I together with a tiger and its trainer from Kenya, Africa.

Well, this was a first - Pig Racing.

Tigers standing vertically like humans???

Is it stupid or courageous to place your head in the sharp jaws of a vicious crocodile? (This is no tame pet crocodile. It does snaps its jaws.)

At the artificial Pattaya Floating Market.

We went to watch the 'ah-Gua' (Alcazar) show which is quite common and popular in Thailand. This is actually a man who underwent trans-gender surgery.

The grand finale. Oddly, I did enjoy the show. The stage and scene designs were spectacular. The singing and dancing by Alcazars were not bad at all. (RM 70 for entrance ticket)

People lining up to take a snapshot with the Alcazars.

Fine dining of Thai cuisine at a nearby restaurant after the show.

Spicy and sour seafood soup.

After dinner, we went for a late-night walk near our hotel. Pattaya is infested with hundreds of stripper clubs as shown in this photograph, most of which are bathed in pink fluorescent lights. The stools at the bar are seated by hookers looking for customers. Their target group is usually Caucasian males.

Day 2: Pattaya, Thailand.
Water Sports, Elephant Tricks and the Ultimate Sexual Heaven.

Getting ready for a parachute ride. The sight of me parachuting is too far for camera lens, but the ride was a total exhilaration. I was suspended in the big blue sky! (A few seconds later, the exhilaration worn off, and I wanted more excitement although I was already hanging in the sky. I think I might have turned into an adrenaline junkie because I half-hoped that I would plummet into the sea below.)

Yan tried to pose sexy and give off the rich-boy aura in front of the camera lens.

Mum, Yan and I went banana-boating. Jun and Dad were left on the shore (cowards!). The driver was totally evil. He tried to topple us off several times and became frustrated when we maintained our stability. He got frustrated and went for more aggressive sharp-turns.

Trudging back to the shore after our evil driver toppled us off from the banana boat. He can't park the boat gently near the shore and let us off, no, because he's evil. He made a sharp turn and we were thrown off the boat with splendid momentum. We ended up drinking salt water. Hmph.

My brothers were jealous as I ate the final piece of barbecued chicken.

Sipping coconut water at the beach side stalls.

Swam in the sea while scanning for hot Caucasian guys. Sadly, the selection here was extremely weak. (Pulau Perhentian was the best place for eye-candy!) There was simply no guys with six packs to be found. Only in sight were balding men with beer stomachs. discussing with abnormal enthusiasm about the saltiness of the sea water.

White tom-yam soup mixed with coconut milk, known as tom-kar. An absolute favorite of mine!

Um, this is a sight you don't see every day - Elephants riding tricycles.

An elephant playing volleyball. Like the tigers before, it could stand vertically on its two feet, just like humans.

Mum sitting on the elephants' trunks, like on a swing. I stubbornly refused to do so because I'm terrified of elephants after the article I read about on the newspaper a few months ago. Apparently, a zookeeper died from suffocation after feeding a constipated elephant laxatives. He was standing too close to the elephant's anus for observation and ended up flooded with the elephant's huge load of faeces. He was covered from head to toe, the poor guy, and couldn't breathe. I'm guessing he died of suffocation at the end because no one dared to pull him out of the faeces. What a devastating way to die. (This is no joke. It was titled Bizarre Death of the Week in Nanyang Xiang Pao).

At the top floor of the A-One Hotel, overlooking the sea.

The A-One Hotel is shaped exactly like a cruise ship. The night view from the deck was absolutely beautiful.

Went for sight-seeing and search for a good place for dinner. Photograph taken in front of Hard Rock Cafe.

Well, my dream Christmas involves a white Christmas at Rockefeller Centre, New York City, but this will just have to do for the time being.

A sneak peek at our dessert. Guess which flavor I chose?

Dinner at the Jumbo Cafe. I had Spicy Thai-Style Spaghetti with beef, and Double Chocolate ice-cream for dessert.

This is a classy open-air restaurant near our cafe. The scenery is truly stunning. It is really unfortunate we could not afford to eat here, as this restaurant is flooded with gorgeous Europeans.

Yan is annoyed at Dad for interrupting his delicious dinner for a photograph.

When I passed by a number of Cocktail Cars as such, I longed to have a taste of martini or vodka, and especially the Bloody Mary.

Yan is blocking me!

I am standing on the famous Walker Street - The Ultimate Sexual Heaven. Walker Street mainly consists of seafood restaurants, but mostly, stripper clubs. Hundreds of hookers can be found on this street, wearing the sexiest outfits to lure in European customers.

Sexy Christmas outfits for sale.

Thai hookers luring customers into their stripper clubs.

From here, the hooker and her customer will either enter a stripper club, go for a seafood dinner or search for a short-time motel. You could still see hookers in the background.

Another snapshot of Walker Street. (The later the night gets, the merrier the crowd would be.)

Showing price boards for entry into their stripper club. The strippers in Thailand are known as Go-Go girls. When a customer entered the club through the curtains, I unintentionally caught a glimpse of naked flesh twisted around a stripper pole.

A chef demonstrating his culinary skills in front of an entranced audience.

We went back to the hotel around 2230. My parents sneaked out and entered a stripper club nearby (my Mum was the only woman in the club), while my brothers and I watched Bangkok Dangerous on Star Movies. Dad later claimed that the stripper show was lousy, and the strippers were hideous (obviously, Dad would say that in front of Mum).

Day 3: Bangkok, Thailand.
A Wildlife Heaven in Safari World, Food Paradise in Suan Lun Night Bazaar and a Splendid Night View at Baiyoke Sky Hotel (the tallest building in Thailand).

With the mascot at Safari World, after a 2 hour drive from Pattaya to Bangkok. (Yan claimed that the mascot was gay because the mascot placed his hand around Yan's waist instead of on his shoulder.)

My parents looking very silly with the mascot.

Sea lion tricks. (Nothing I haven't seen before, but it was fairly good.)

A cowboy stunt show which I couldn't comprehend at all due to the Thai language medium. However, the stunts were amazing (even hilarious at times) with great sound effects.

Contemplating the Safari World map while having lunch at the Jungle Cuisine Restaurant.

The dolphin tricks were completely unoriginal.

War Spy stunt show, sort of a James Bond thing. Again, it was conducted in Thai language, and I was starting to get annoyed at my incomprehension. The explosions were really cool, though, and I could feel the heat from the fire even this far away.

We then went for a ride through the Safari Park, looking at the wildlife. We were not allowed to open any windows or doors, but remain seated in our van. This is for safety reasons as the animals roam freely without restrictions (including tigers, lions and bears). Anyway, I'm not too hot about wildlife (they stink), so I'll just skip this part.

The Point of No Return

2009-10-16T00:21:00.006+08:00

Recently, I've heard of news that my primary school classmate, X, has embarked on the journey of marriage life due to unexpected pregnancy. You know, I've heard and read about many stories involving knocked-up teenagers being forced into early marriage. But, there's a different feeling to it when that teenager has some sort of connection with you, however scarce that connection is. I was never really close to X during my primary school years, but I knew her and was in the same classroom environment with her for 6 years. I simply can't imagine someone who is the same age as I, was in the same school, same class with me being pregnant with a baby. She is going to be a mother at the young age of 17. There's an odd feeling that I can't fathom, and it triggers me to think more seriously about the devastating consequences of pre-marital sex.

X's unexpected pregnancy serves as a reminder for me, to never commit to sexual activities if I have no ability to rear myself, let alone a breathing, eating child. I've always have strong objections to pre-marital sex. Regardless of how much I love the guy, love does not necessarily have to involve sex. If I were to have a boyfriend now, I want a relationship based on a strong emotional connection, rather than mere physical. It is the journey of growing up together, exploring hidden depths of our personalities and experimenting with romance that I seek for, instead of passionate-no-boundaries sort of kissing, caressing and probing of hands to inappropriate body parts, which ultimately leads to sex. Although in Western cultures, pre-marital sex is a no-big-deal issue and is commonly practised by many, I feel that it is my responsibility as a Chinese to uphold my Eastern cultures with rigorousness and honor.

In truth, I would much rather prefer to be jeered at as the last virgin or old-fashioned than to be pregnant in a messed-up relationship and no income to support myself. As women, I think that saving ourselves for our future husband is the right thing to do. It's the best wedding present we can give to our husbands - an untarnished reputation, entirely clean and untouched. If the guy you're currently in a relationship with genuinely cares and loves you, he would be willing to wait. If not, well, he's not worth it anyway. No point risking pregnancy, STDs, emotional distress and possible ruining of life just so he would say, "I really, really love you." Will he still feels the same for you when you're all ballooned up and waddling like a duck? I seriously doubt it. Three's a crowd.

Hypothetically, if I were the messed-up, knocked-up teenager, I would rather be a single mother than marry the father of my child. What's the point, when it is inevitable that both of us would meet other people in our late twenties, consequently divorcing? It is naive and foolish to think that he would stick around, playing the role of devoted father when he is as immature as he was 3 years back. I might even opt for abortion, even though it is the most selfish and cruel thing to do. I will be scarred for life, a damaged soul. Therefore, I pray to God that I'll never have to make that sort of decision, and that I can be strong-willed enough to resist pre-marital sex.

Abort or no abort, it is the point of no return. You'll always see your life as the phase before you got knocked-up (where your only worries were split hair-ends and SPM), and the phase after you realized about your pregnancy. I wish X good luck with her marriage and baby. This will not be an easy road for her - she not only has to face the discrimination of society, but also her own insecurities and fears of her unmapped future. Deep down though, I feel grateful to my parents for culturing in me good values, and that it is not me who's standing at that point of no return.

Career Options?

2009-05-30T22:29:00.011+08:00

Career Options?

I've been spending the last few days in complete hedonistic culture. My butt has certainly been parked on the couch for 4 hours straight, with the TV blaring away.

The thing is, I'm quite distracted with the 'what-happens-after- SPM' question. Classmates around me are busy filling out as many scholarship forms as they can, photostatting important documents and stuff. Yet, I haven't applied for even one. It seems like I'm putting all my hopes on JPA scholarship. I might apply for local matriculation (just an option), but after serious consideration, my education pathway after SPM would most probably be A-levels. I want to give myself time to think that if being a doctor is truly what I want, rather than rush into it and regret later. I don't want to be the person who when asked, 'How was you day?', answers 'I HATE my job. I HATE my BOSS who's definitely from HELL. I WANT to QUIT but I can't because I'm BROKE." Another reason is that , I want the time and chance to do community service. Being a doctor is about serving and helping others - charity work will give me part of the experience.

I honestly think that everyone chose their careers way too early in life. Have anyone realised that at age 17-19, we are forced to make a choice on what we want to do for the rest of our lives? We've only lived 17 years, but yet, we are forced to make a decision which would have huge repercussions on our lives for the next 45 years! To think of it this way, it is quite unfair. On the other hand, if we do not make the choice now, what would we do with ourselves while we wait until 'we're ready'?

Why do I choose to be a doctor? The obvious answer is to save lives. Yes, that part is true. Another reason is that it is a self-satisfying job. With your own hands, you are able to give people the second chance to live. You have the ability to help unfortunate people. You are able to put your patients' benefits first and foremost, that being the utmost importance in your job scope - not entertaining clients, pasting on a fake, plastic smile for the benefit of customers, sidling up to your boss to get a promotion, backstabbing work rivals etc. My first responsibility is to my patients and do what is best for them, not sucking up to my boss and telling him what he wants to hear but not what he needs to know. I absolutely hate that part of the corporate world. It is harsh, competitive, somewhat cold and cruel. Everything is pure ambition - the drive to succeed, the race to make money. I don't think I would want to settle for being a plain doctor working in a clinic - I want to always be in action in the hospital. I look at the African kids with kwashiorkor, dying of poverty, disease and starvation through the TV screen. What comes across my mind is, why is it that I am worrying about exams the next day, when these kids wonder if they'll survive tomorrow? It makes me depressed, and I have the strong urge to help them escape these hardships.

However, the selfish part of me thinks of the negative impacts being a doctor would have on my family/ social life. There was this day when Dr. Tan came into my class, and she suddenly brought up the topic of doctor as a career choice for women with Diva (who also aspires to be a doctor). She was asking Diva if she wants to be a mother when Diva gave her a blank stare. I found myself asking her what is the problem of being a mother and a doctor at the same time. She answered that it is very difficult because of the long hours put into work. "And, what happens when your husband got tired of your working hours and started dating other people?" she asked. It was my turn to gave her a blank stare. I mean, I know the possibility of that happening to me, especially if I choose to be a doctor. But still, fancy a teacher predicting that your future husband having an extramarital affair? It kind of shocked me. Eventually, I answered, "Of course, when he married me, he should already known and agreed to my working hours. Otherwise, he wouldn't have..." She cuts me off and said, "When he proposed, of course he said that. Then, what happens later...." which I have no answer to.

Does she thinks that I haven't ran through any of those possibilities? I know that it would be a tough journey - 5 years in medicine, 3 years in government service and being an intern, then back to 5 years of studies for being a specialist. 24 hours on-call, irregular sleeps, in debt, flustered, tired, hot-tempered work days etc. But at the end of the day, my job satisfies me. I have some scenarios lined up in my head:

Scenario 1:

My pearl-wearing/ cardigan/ apron-wearing friends might all be married with the nice house + garden, trophy husbands and 3 kids, whilst I still may be the single-too-tired-for-dating-and-don't-ask-me-about-marriage-living-off-other-people's-romances person.

Scenario 2: Married to the husband who outwardly seems loyal, but is having intoxicating affairs with his secretary while I plough on at work. How typical. Divorce would surely be the outcome?

Scenario 3:

Maybe I would meet someone who truly loves, understands and accepts me for who I am and what I do for a living. In turn, I may not be the Nicole-Kidman-poised-and-elegant trophy wife who he can have by his side for work parties, but I would love him for who he is with all of my heart. But still, I have problems imagining myself as some one's 'wife' who have to do his bidding, wash the laundry, do the cooking etc.

Scenario 4:

I died while treating patients with contagious diseases in Africa. Don't laugh. It is a possibility. I guess if it's for a meaningful cause...

That is why I need the time A-levels can provide me to think through if everything is worth being a doctor for. In my opinion, whether or not I get to stay married (or even get married at the first place) and have kids is fated. Maybe I would get to meet my soul mate, but not marry him. It's all God's will. This is not something I can control.

As if what she said and what I thought through wasn't enough, Dr. Tan added, "Nothing's fated or is destiny. You choose for yourself what type of life you want to live." Huh. So, you're telling me if I chose not to be a doctor, my husband will stay faithful? I don't think it has anything to do with the career. (Well, maybe 40%) But, most of it is compatibility of personalities and adaptation.

This is why I said it's unfair that I have to choose so early in my life what I want to do. I'm a little scared, to be honest. At least, my aim now is to excel in SPM. (Though it's not like I have enough time to think about my next step after SPM if I were to start college in January 2010). Scary.

My Family

2009-01-28T21:43:00.011+08:00

My Family

You might think that I'm a little too old to be writing an essay titled "My Family". However, it wasn't until recently that I was reminded how blessed I am to be a member of this family. When I went out for lunch with Wan Shin and Pau Ching the other day, they expressed their envy towards me for having such a great family, headed by a pair of supportive parents. That sort of got me thinking about it. It's not that I've never appreciated my family, but I might had took for granted that every one's family is as functional and democratic as mine is.

Sure, my family's not perfect, and we had some ugly moments and bad days. But thanks to my father and his stack of self-help books, we managed conflicts and arguments better than most families (not to offend, it's just my observations). It sort of came as a shock to me when I first discovered that not all families function like mine does.

From what I heard and observed, many of my friends'/ relatives' families are ruled by monarchy. Conversely, mine is ruled democratically. My dad genuinely takes into account what all of us have to say regarding a decision. We go by voting for most things we do together. What I like most is that, my parents rarely make major decisions for us without consulting us beforehand. For example, if one of us wants to do something but is disapproved by them, they would say, "I don't think it's a good idea. But, it's up to you. If you think you're up for it, go ahead." They do not say this in a you-better-follow-what-I-say-or-I'll- hold-it-against-you tone. They really mean it. In that way, we're fully responsible for our own decisions, and therefore be facing the consequences of our own actions.

My family is also all about planning things ahead. Most of our outings are planned a couple of days ahead, so that we're able to put aside some time during the weekends to spend time together. Besides, we do a lot of financial planning. We have 3 really frugal people in my family - Dad, Yan and I. I think we have some sort of weird satisfaction when we're able to save a few bucks. I was my Dad's first 'financial student'. He taught me to flip the price tag over and have a glance at it before even contemplating buying anything. Consequently, I'm very sensitive to the four-letter word: FREE. When Yan and Jun got older, it was I who started teaching them what Dad taught me. Unfortunately, frugality is quite incompatible with Jun's personality. Yan went a little too extreme at being frugal, though.

People often say that you're the mirror image of your parents. How you act in public portrays the attitude and personality of your parents. I must congratulate my parents for the successful upbringing of my brothers and I. It seems like I've never have had the urge to be rebellious before. I think obedience must have been drilled into my mind since I was born. I don't know why, but I seem to have huge fears for punishment and therefore, I always follow the rules.

What I never need to say to to anybody is: My parents do not understand me. I love the fact that my parents like me for who I am (not because they're forced to as I'm their offspring). They never try to clone me into them. They moulded good qualities into me and tried to get rid of my bad habits, but they never tried to change the essence that makes me me. They respect my career choice, and try to be as informed as possible about my possible career pathways. They have never pressured me into choosing a particular career, like how many parents pressured their children to become doctors (actually, my current ambition is to be a doctor, but I was not pressured into it. I chose it out of my own passion).

My relationship with my dad is fairly neutral. We rarely argue, but when we do, it's far worse than the arguments I have with my mum. I find it easier to communicate with Dad (we often have long talks about various things together, until Mum has to throw me out of their bedroom). He's a good listener and advisor, and he isn't judgemental. He's a calm and collected person, so there's rarely an emotional outburst from him. He's like the safe zone - no bombs, no sudden wars, no rocket missiles. I also absolutely love the way he knocks at my door, swings his head in and ask me how's my day after he comes home from work every day. How many Dads actually does that? However, he sometimes bore me to death with his 1001 logical reasoning, and quotes from self-help books.

With Mum, we have a lot of disagreements and conflicts, but they're always resolved with the help of The Peacemaker - Dad. Mum and I get along well enough, and she's a pretty good career advisor. She's harsh, exaggerating and hot-tempered, but she also cares deeply for the development of my whole-being. We're not exactly best friends ( I only tell her things she needs to know), but I love the way she comes unexpectedly into my room, sits on my bed and starts talking to me while I'm scribbling away at my homework. She also remembers the little things I love and buys them as surprise gifts for me every now and then - Beryl's dark chocolates, those cute little Panda biscuits with chocolate filling, photo albums etc.

With Yan and Jun, I must accept the fact that they'll always be closer to each other compared to with me. They're twins, so I guess it's normal. However, I sometimes feel quite isolated as the odd one out. Dad has Mum; Yan has Jun; I'm with myself. I often talk to myself before going to bed (I'm NOT insane), because I'm the only person in my bedroom. For all I care, I can switch the bedroom lights on and off repeatedly and no one's going to shout at me to cut it out. During weekend nights, three of us will talk in their bedroom till past midnight. What is said in their bedroom, stays in their bedroom. We rarely remember anything about our long talks, unless it's something significant.

What I love and also hate about Yan is his inquisitiveness. He likes to ask hypothetical questions, and you have to answer them repeatedly as he always fail to catch it the first time although he has a sharp mind. I sometimes wonder if he does it intentionally to irritate people. It always drives me up the wall, and thus I seldom answer him the second time he asks the same question. We're both practical, no-nonsense people, so I guess I'm more compatible with Yan compared to Jun. We often have heated discussions over dinner regarding world affairs, while Jun remains blissfully ignorant unless it involved the word "football", "Christiano Ronaldo" or 'wife". As I said, Yan is extremely frugal and loves hypothetical questions, for example:

"Do you want children?" He asked me.

"Of course," I replied.

"How many?"

"Minimum 2, maximum 3. Why do you ask?"

"Because I don't want any," he said.

"Why? Are you afraid that your wife is going to die of childbirth complications or something?" I was shocked.

"No. Because having children is a waste of money. Do you realise that you spend at least 1 million on each child?"

"But..."

"Do you think Mum and Dad will mind if I don't give them grandchildren?"

"I guess not. Jun's bound to produce offspring, even if both of us don't do so. I bet he's the first of us to get married, anyway."

"If you have children, are you going to buy them toy cars and Barbie dolls? He asked me.

"Hmm...no. It's a waste of money." I answered him after some thought.

"Then what will you buy for them?"

"Educational toys like puzzles and Lego, I guess." I said.

"Well, I'm not buying any. It's a waste of money."

Needless to say, he has completely forgotten his earlier decision of not having any children.

Jun and I might be incompatible sometimes, but I love the way he sidles up to me and apologize using those big, sorrowful eyes of his. Sometimes though, I like to play around and pretend to not forgive him. He's a sensitive, caring and loving brother, despite his stubbornness. Like Yan, he likes to ask hypothetical questions about family too:

"Are you living in Malaysia when you grow up?" He asked.

"Maybe." I shrugged.

"I'm going to live next to Yan Yan next time." He stated.

"What if your wife and Yan's wife are enemies?"

"Then, I'll divorce her. Yan Yan is more important."

Huh. I doubt that will ever happen. Him choosing Yan over his wife? He who used to say that his crush is prettier and slimmer than me? Huh. Huh.

And thus, this is my family. We might each have our little quirks and habits, but we're still a strong family. We stick together through thick and thin, we're each other's support system, and that's what's most important. (Sounds corny, but it's true)

Holidays and the Year 2008

2008-12-12T21:32:00.005+08:00

Holidays and the Year 2008

This year certainly flied past. It was as if the 'Forward' button was pressed and you're plonked with a 'You're Here!' sign when you have absolutely no idea how you ended up here so quickly in the first place.

Right, this year was not as eventful as last year, but certainly more exhausting. I still don’t know how I pulled it through for the final exams. It was like I was running a thousand-mile marathon, just stopping for brief intervals for rest. By the end of it though, it was all worth it. Thank God that I did not have those horrendous nightmares where I was seated in front of a desk, a pen in hand and exam papers to work on. It was truly exhausting having those nightmares - I had to actually think on how to phrase my answers (because I was not aware that it was just a dream), plus getting cold sweat after I woke up, thinking, “Oh, shit! Did I answered it correctly?”, to find that the methods I used in my nightmare was fundamentally wrong in the first place. Huh.

About my personal life, everything's been pretty stagnant, apart from the death of my grandfather. My friendship with Laine and Yin had strengthened, and I made a few new friends (Pau Ching, Wei Wen etc.). However, up till now, not one of any new friends I made can beat up to the strong, mutual friendship I have with Laine and Yin. They are always there for me, and I never saw the discriminating or disgusted glint in their eyes when they look at me. They never make me feel stupid of myself, neither did they step brutally and cruelly onto my confidence. When we’re together, I feel carefree, weightless, even. We talk like there’s no boundaries because there’s rarely the need to filter what we want to say before we actually speak. Our same thoughts often come simultaneously one after another, as if there’s invisible linkers linking our train of thoughts together. When we laugh, we never care if our laughter is too loud or if we’re snorting uncontrollably, because we unravel ourselves in front of each other, without the complicated, elaborately decorated wrappers and ribbons. We just be our true selves, and the need to pretend to be what we’re not rarely arises. That was why the holiday we took together at Sg. Lembing and Kuantan just a few days ago was definitely the Highlight of 2008. But, more on that later.

In terms of my romantic life, nothing significant occurred. Of course, I was more exposed to different people and personalities, but have not yet found anybody that could exhilarate me enough to make me pump up my energy to juggle both studies and relationships. This year was exhausting and busy enough without having to care for someone else's emotional needs as well. Although yeah, I was tempted to. Sometimes nearing midnight though, I longed for someone to soothe me with gentle words or to hear me rant out my frustrations after a long, hard day. And, when your girl cousin comes to stay at your house and asked you subtly but smugly if you're still single, you sometimes wished that you could throw 'No, I have a lovely boyfriend' back to her face just to shut her up from ploughing on about her lovely boyfriend.

During the holidays, I'm totally hooked on ER, Ugly Betty, Reaper and Friends. I'm not drooling over George Clooney in ER, for your information. John Carter, the doctor intern is more of my taste. I've read a total of approximately 6 books, but my holiday pick is definitely 'The Post-Birthday World' by Lionel Shriver. It's beautifully written and absorbing - I was entranced from start to finish.

From 28th to 30th of November, I went to a holiday camp with my brothers and cousin. It was the best camp I've ever wen to, despite the excruciating physical challenges. I was the leader of the Yellow Team (all 4 of us were in different groups). My leadership skills were honed well there. Although my team only won the 4th place out of 8 teams, my 8 team members were all a tight-knit group with the exception of 2. Besides, my group was the only group praised for our undying spirit of perseverance - we refused to give up in a competition where there where other teams who sabotaged us. So yes, I was proud of my team!

Unfortunately, I had chikungunya fever (similar to dengue, but less fatal), a type of viral infection after the camp due to numerous mosquito bites. Mosquitoes are evil - they bit me even when I was bathing! Anyway, a mosquito of Aedes-infected strain must have bitten me, because I was covered with angry red rashes all over my body. I'm like the freaking Spotty Monster. But apart from the rash, everything was normal - no fever, headache, joint/ bones pains. The first doctor couldn't diagnosed anything and though it was just allergy. The second doctor was smarter and drawn blood form my veins, therefore diagnosing it as viral infection (my platelets and white blood cells had a drop). Consequently, I was in a rather bad state when I went to the Sg. Lembing/ Kuantan trip with Yin, Laine and my family. Not that I was feeling unwell, but I was really conscious about my spotty appearance. Nonetheless, all of us managed to scale up a hill and had a fantastic feeling of being on cloud nine (I must be the first person with a mild case of dengue to have done that!). However, when we went to Hyatt Regency, I was unable to enjoy the beach or pool because I can't wear my swimsuit due to that spotty appearance. Laine and Yin were really good, they never even discriminated me and kept encouraging me to swim despite my protests. I only gave in on the last day of our vacation after Laine threatened me with dire repercussions if I did not swim.

I'll have to describe my holiday camp and vacation in my next post (with photos), because this post is already too long. So, stay tuned!

Who am I?

2008-08-22T21:48:00.014+08:00

Who am I?

When I look back at my baby photos, a sense of disbelief nearly overwhelms me to think that 16 years back then, I looked like a sausage rolled up in a cloth. And, I looked like a boy! This is where I come from - my parents.

And this is the 'sausage' me:

This is the boyish version of me. Honestly, it's not my fault my hair's cut so hideously in the front. I would have protested if I could speak

6 years forward, I've graduated - from kindergarten.

In the blink of an eye (actually, more like a few bitter-sweet childhood memories which progressed into a horror, torturing primary school memory), I'm where I am now. I must say, I'm much happier now than I was 6 years back. At least, my self-dignity is not being thrown onto the floor several times a week, my heart stabbed with the terrible accusations and words of poison, which I fought back feebly then wallowed in self-pity. Pathetic. I have to thank these primary school friends, of course, for moulding me into the person I am today. They toughened me up, and if any of you had the most unfortunate opportunity of tasting my temper, witnessed my looks of death in which I seemed irritated, stern, cold or furious beyond belief, just remember that I was once a sweet little thing, like a skipping happy lamb before I knew I was to be slaughtered.

However, my tempers and looks of death are specially dished out to old friends who know me well and will be ready to forgive me when I'm finished with my 'fire-phase', never new friends who I once had a polite conversation with. With new company, I think I went back to my primary-school-personality, where I felt unsure of myself. I'm never the type of person who could meet a new friend for only a few minutes then chatter non-stop to him/her. I tend to build an invisible wall between us and I find it hard to just be myself for fear of the old hurt being inflicted on me again. It takes awhile for that wall to melt itself down, which is until I can completely trust the new friend. Too bad this rule doesn't apply when I'm provoked. My temper just flares up within me and I forgot all about building that wall, being hostile or even polite. I just say what I have in mind to that attack in straightforwardness and I do not even care if I offended that person at that time - he/she provoked me in the first place and it is expected from me to be defensive and indignant. I had to bit back my tongue sometimes from replying spitefully at the malice thrown at me.

After several weeks of knowing somebody, I might finally show them my true colours and that sometimes shocked them very much. My classmate, Pau Ching, for example was shocked at my sense of humour when I remarked about a teacher. I presumed that she thought I have no humour seeing I was quiet and serious when she first met me. Wei Wen and a couple of them had quite a shock too. In fact, Yin was one of the first people of getting that shock. This proves that people are never what they seemed to be.

One of the many reasons why I dislike socialising with people I barely know is that I hate the silence when we run out of things to say. It is simply awful, awkward, unbearable and uncomfortable. I don't care what people say about comfortable silence between two people with a common understanding. Rubbish. Silence is always uncomfortable in my vocabulary, unless both of us are preoccupied with our minds.

Some people may recommend me yoga or meditation to channel my anger in a healthier way and to beautify my inner spirit. Utter rubbish.

I think the more effective way is screaming my head off at the top of my lungs into a pillow so as to prevent the windows from shattering. It is much more satisfying and to simply release my frustration and anger by punching the soft toys on my bed just feels so good. My favorite victims are the blind cow, Moo (one of his eyes were plucked out by my brother, the other one by me - it was an honest accident!) and Snowball, the flabby cat. Not that I hate soft toys, I just dislike them. I have no where to keep them but on my bed and they're not exactly useful to me unless during my 'fire-phase'. People just don't realize that I'm too old for soft toys and go on giving them to me.

In school, I've been most commonly labelled as boring, NO life,nerd and anti-social. Even though wise people have always said that you should not be bothered by the way people perceive you, but how you perceive yourself, I more or less do care about my self-image in the eyes of others. It is hard to turn a blind eye and a deaf ear when people constantly remind you that you are those things they said.

First of all, I honestly think that people who think that I'm a boring person obviously haven't discover much about me. The only side they see of me is the only side they want to see - boring. They want to categorize me as boring and they have thier mind set that I'm a boring person who only likes to read and study. Because of that, they think I'm a nerd and has NO life too. That is why they are shocked when I expose my real self. I do watch TV and play games like others do. I might achieve slightly better exam results than others not because I wholly sacrifice my mind and soul to textbooks, but because I'm just more determined and focused on what I know has to be done. Doing well in school is a minimum qualification I need to acheive for the sake of myself, not a choice. I do not form little groups and gossip in class not because I'm anti-social, but because these gossips are so insignificant to me that I can't possibly be bothered by them when I have more pressing matters in my mind. I can do that privately when I'm with my closest circle of friends. I constantly strive to do better and to exceed my own expectations to have a higher chance of having a better life. I know money can't buy happiness, but it certainly solves many problems and provides many luxuries. I don't want to look back 20 years later and regret for not doing better, then look at my present-self and hate what I'm seeing, realizing that I've wasted half of my life away.

Anyway, those who said that people like me have no life better watch out - they might not be cautious about the road they're taking. They might say, "Live like there's no tomorrow," and that is why they are being so carefree. However, I believe that every decision or step I take now might change my life, minorly or majorly, just that I cannot predict the future now. They might live like there's no tomorrow, but I'm certainly living for a better tomorrow. 30 years later, they might change thier minds about the numerous nerds they teased when they are fat, bald, with a protruding stomach, possibly jobless, money-less or even wife-less; the nerds they once teased are having high-flying careers with all the money in the world to spend with thier loving family. (No offence here; simply expressing my thoughts)

Wan Shin told me that we might all die in 2012. Gosh, I'm only 20 and might even be about to meet my soul mate! (I do believe in soul mate, but not love at first sight.) No use worrying about dieing in 2012, it might not even happen. At least, I seriously hope it will not. Whenever I imagined my soul mate, these 2 pictures come inexplicably into my mind.

The tall, dark stranger with a question mark for their face. I don't know how my soul mate will be until I've met him. He might even be the complete opposite of me, just please not let him be dressed like this:

or like this:

And, I long for great vacations in personalized vacation homes. Or, maybe I could even buy one of those houses and live there for peace. I might live in a English cottage like this:

It would be lovely to wake up every morning, looking out the window which overlooks a wide field of sunflowers. Taking a stroll along the garden path which is grown wildly with daisies would be a perfect start of a day. Of course, I would never live there until I am finished with my working life.

More updates next time because I'm rather sleepy now and I'm not thinking straight any more. Yin and Laine knows this best. Midnight turns me wild and I can no longer filter my mind as what to say or not say, write or not write. Night night.

The most torturous weeks of my life

2008-05-23T14:53:00.015+08:00

The past 3 weeks had been a total nightmare. And, I'm not exaggerating. This absolute nightmare of mine is not solely because of exams, but also due to my grandfather's death.

I was thinking, on the fateful day of the 3rd of May, it was just another ordinary Saturday morning for everyone in my family. My grandfather woke up from bed, and set out with my uncle to his fish factory just like any other day. He drove the Toyota Altis out to the factory, with my uncle in the passenger seat. He walked out of his house, not knowing that it was the last time he will see his wife, children and grandchildren.

In my house, my dad went to work, my mum went to Giant, and I prepared for my music class in the afternoon, just like every other Saturday. Every family member carried out their usual Saturday activities, not knowing the tragedy that was about to hit us.

At around 1545 when I was in my music theory group class in Puchong, the headmaster came into the room and told me that I had to go now. I stared at him blankly. I knew what was going to happen next. I knew instantly that someone in my family must have died. Isn't this the lines people always say in movies or stories when someone died? The headmaster confirmed my suspicions. He informed me that my grandfather had passed away. I continued to stare at him blankly. The room was dead-silent the moment the words came out from his lips. There was a sharp intake of breath around the table, and my classmates looked at me to see how I was taking the news. I heard perfectly well what the headmaster was saying, but I just can't seemed to absorb, comprehend or understand the fact that my grandfather just died. The initial shock was so overwhelming that I was momentarily paralysed. I felt my throat constricted and tears welled up in my eyes. I never lost a family member before until now, not direct family members anyway. I always felt so fortunate that I had 2 complete sets of grandparents. But, not anymore. I thought of my dearly beloved grandfather who took me to parks when I was little, who spoilt me with trips to the malls and various Barbie dolls, my grandfather who fetched me from school everyday and called me "公公婆婆的乖孙" and "掌上明珠". It was only when words of comfort were whispered to me that the tears came flowing out. I was shaking and trembling uncontrollably. My knees felt weak as I went downstairs where my mum awaits me.

At one glance at me, my mum knew that I've mistaken the death of her father, the grandfather which I have a close relationship with. She consoled me and told me that it was actually 阿公 from my dad's side who had passed away, not my beloved 公公. I was relieved that it wasn't 公公 who died, but I felt instantly guilty at my relief. It is not that I'm less sorry that it was 阿公 who passed away, just that we weren't really close from the start, due to lack of communication. He only speaks Hokkein, but it is that language that I despised and refused to learn. We had a mutual understanding, 阿公 and I. He merely grunted in reply when I said, “阿公, 吃饭。” whenever I went back to Sasaran, my hometown in Kuala Selangor. But still, he's a blood-relative of mine. He always rewarded me for every good exam results I achieved. I was so used to his presence in family gatherings or in our kampung house. And suddenly, he was gone. What is that? I mean, really, what is THAT?!

We went home instantly, packed some clothes and drove back to Sasaran, as instructed by Dad. He was still waiting at the hospital to bring 阿公's body back home. Gosh, how awful. 阿公 is now referred to as a body, not a living, breathing human. I've never known my kampung house to be so eerily silent. Normally, the noise of children laughing, screaming and crying annoyed me, but now, it just scared me. I finally understood what "有声胜无声" meant. I doubted the kids are old enough to understand what death means, for even I who am years older than them is struggling hard to comprehend the death of 阿公. However, the kids certainly felt the sullen mood which has infected the house, and they were still and silent, looking at their parents sobbing uncontrollably. Most of my cousins had already arrived, and all of us crammed into one of the rooms, leaving the adults to their 'business'.

Mum later told me that 阿公 died in a car crash on the way back to Sasaran. He did not wear seat belts when driving himself and my uncle back home. A car behind him cut forward so suddenly, that he had to swerve the car to another direction to avoid colliding with that car. Unfortunately, the car swerved, hit a electric post, and skidded into a drain. 阿公 was thrown vigorously in the car, his head hitting twice on the side window, so even air bags could not save him. My uncle was more fortunate, with only minor injuries after the crash.

The realization hits me suddenly when I remembered that I was supposed to sit for mid-year exams on Monday. 阿公's funeral will be held on Thursday morning. I figured that I could only miss 2 days of exams, which would be Wednesday and Thursday. I was fortunate that my family members were understanding. They allowed me to study for my exams, which I did. It was quite torturous, studying in kampung. There was no proper table, and the lights were dim. In addition to the constant smoke, sobbing noises and sounds of gongs, chinese flutes and other instruments with the endless prayers, I was really struggling to study. Crowds of people came to pay their respects to 阿公, which made the house even noisier. Furthermore, it was Sejarah and BM on Monday. It took a great deal of will and determination to not just say, "Oh, sod it! My grandfather just died! I will just flunk my exams!" Instead, I focused my concentration to the Sejarah facts before my eyes, and forced myself to absorb as many facts as I can. However, my study time was interrupted by prayers, which all family members had to attend at the front of the house. Mind you, the prayers were quite long, about approximately for a joss stick to finish burning. My knees were sore from kneeling. Sometimes, however, we were allowed to sit. The prayers went on 4 times a night for 4 consecutive nights, until the day of the funeral. It was only during the brief intervals while the '师父' is resting when I could study. Compared to my silent, comfortable room, with my big study table and armchair, I was rather in a bad environment to study. Well, I kept chanting my mantra, 'Mind over Matter' to myself, and it certainly worked. And, that was how I studied for the nights in kampung.

Around 2330 every night after the last round of prayers, my uncle would fetch my cousins and I back to Subang Jaya and Klang, because most of us will be sitting for exams on the next day. And so, I reached home at about 0100, packed my school bags and slept like a dead pig until 0630 and go to school. This traumatic experience had taught me to stay strong under adversities. I mastered 2 arts, first, the art of mind deception; second, the art of adapting to adverse conditions. With mind deception, no matter how exhausted and heavy my brain felt, I convinced myself that I'm bright and peaky, energetic and alert. It was in that state that I sat for almost all of my exams. After coming back from school, my uncle would once again fetch all of us back to Sasaran, and the cycle of prayers-study-home-exam-Sasaran repeated itself. This cycle continued for 3 weeks, up until I finished resitting for all of my exams. During those 3 weeks, I had no entertainment. We followed the tradition strictly, and we were forbidden to watch TV or play the computer. I found myself running out of plain shirts to wear. No matter now, it's all over. I'm a free person. If I managed to still acheived excellent results this time, I will thank 阿公 gratefully. It will be under his protection that I aced my exams, IF that happenes.

Fish Spa, Wave massage

2008-03-13T11:56:00.029+08:00

Fish Spa, Wave Massage, Anyone???

March term exams are finally over. I felt totally exhausted. Terms like g(x), gf(x), ax²+bx+c, interstitial fluid, homeostasis, phagocytosis, valence electrons... that were swimming in my head for the last 2 weeks can finally be replaced by 'Fish Spa, Wave Massage', or in Chinese, '蓝天碧海'!

1st Day:
Okay, I know going on a holiday on the 9th of March may make my family seem like we were oblivious to the fact that the day before was the day democracy makes a difference to our country, but no. On the way to the enchanting island of Pulau Redang, we listened to the news of BN vs DAP on the radio. For total 7 hours since 0500, the radio was blaring away with news of the election, but even that could not dampen the holiday spirit in the car. Looks like Terengganu is pretty big on PAS.

At around 1220, we reached the jetty, all of us suffering from leg cramps. We lugged our baggage into the boat, and for 2 hours we suffered a roller-coaster kind of boat ride. I'm not exaggerating the 'roller-coaster' description. I mean it.

To be honest, I did not expect much from this holiday. I expected a bumpy boat ride to P. Redang, 'buruk' resort, polluted beach, rainy days. Thus, I was totally gobsmacked when I reached the beachfront, Laguna Redang Resort. Oh. My. God. The sea was in this totally stunning blue, no, turquoise! It glistened under the big, yellow sun, looking like a sea of sapphires. The waves were huge, crashing onto the rocks along the shore. I can taste salt in the air. The gentle breeze was blowing the hair off my face. The sand was this soft, fine, white colour. It had me thinking, did I just accidentally step out to the Caribbean??? Who would have thought Malaysia have this enchanting beach? I instantly fell in love with the beach.

After having late lunch at 1430, we explored the resort.

And, we hit the beach! The waves were huge and violent. Let me show you a 4-step guide for Dummies for Waves.

Step 1: Sit on the sea shore and let the waves wash over your legs. This is for a warm-up, because the sea water is really cold. Dummies go straight for the waves, ended up shivering like mad. Like my brother and cousin, Jason.

Step 2: Run towards the sea and embrace the waves!

Step 3: Turn around and let the huge waves hit you right on the butt! It's so relaxing.

Step 4: Say Ahhhhh!

P.S. Life jackets are crucial. The current is so strong that you'll be swept out of the sea before you can say "Help!"

2nd Day:

A good day starts with a big breakfast.

Swimming trunks. Check. Life jacket. Check. Snorkeling mask. Check. Suntan lotion. Check. Off to the P. Redang Marine Park! By boat.

Boat 1:

Yay! We arrived! It was burning hot! Spot me? I don't think I'm in this photo.

Lots of fish swimming about. 200,000 species, according to the instructor. It's kind of freaky, fish touching your skin. I'm still shocked at looking under the water and seeing a school of fish swimming towards me.

90 minutes later, the instructor yelled, "Laguna, times up!"

Boat 2:

Don't we all look like victims of some kind of flood?

We couldn't get enough of snorkeling. After lunch, we went for it again. This time, to the OPEN SEA! We had to jump down from the boat. Gosh, I've never seen a real coral in my entire life. One looked like cauliflower, the other looked like human brain. Ewww....There were pretty ones too, though. Carpet kind of coral. Fish....these fish are wild! Not like those tame ones in the Marine Park. It was a wonderful feeling, swimming in the wide, open sea. I think it was about 10 metres deep. Unfortunately, about 40 minutes later, I heard the horn of the boat. I was with Yan and Jason at that time, looking at those disgusting corals. Suddenly, a huge gust of wind blew, and the current grew stronger. We were drifting helplessly. Somebody yelled, "SHARKS!!!" I looked around, shocked. Sharks???? Sharks???? I was gripped with fear, suddenly realizing as if a world of danger had opened right in front of me. I yelled at Yan and Jason to get back to the boat. Mum was no where to be seen. Jun had gone up to the boat earlier with Dad. There was other people either far in front or far behind us. We swam with all of our strength. It was no easy job, I'm telling you. It seemed so easy to swim away from the boat when we first jumped down. But, swimming back was way harder, because we were swimming against the strong current. I couldn't identify any life guards. We swam hard, and just as I gasped for air, Yan kicked a mouthful of water into my mouth and I swallowed it, choking hard. Yuck. I suddenly thought about those Schistomosis things going into your skin or something I read about during the EST exam, and I shuddered. Finally, we reached our boat. Relief washed over me. 5 minutes later, Mum reached the boat too. The "SHARKS!" chaos was a stupid man's fault. He tried to tricked everyone to swim back to the boat faster when time was up. And, I believed him. I mean, anything could happen in the open sea! There's a huge possibility that sharks are swimming about, you know.

Look at these people, too weak to swim back. The life guard was pulling them back to the boat.

Boat 3:

The passengers really, really looked like victims of some sort of disaster. So, we went back to the resort with this boat, and had diiner. This colourful house, in that photo, is used in a Hong Kong movie years ago. I watched it on the hotel's TV. The movie was on 24/7, non-stop. We watched it countless times, until we could memorize the lines. It wasn't a boring movie. A romance comedy. No matter how many times we watched it, we still laughed out loud. The name of the main actor is More More Tea (么么茶）; the actress' name is Summer. 光良and 阿牛both starred in this movie too. The theme song (posted on my blog) was constantly stucked in my head when I was in P. Redang. This movie was genuinely made at P.Redang.

After a long, fun-filled day, we return to our rooms for a good night of rest. Doesn't our room looks like a dormitory?

3rd Day:

I just woke up from bed. Sitting on the balcony and listening to the soothing sound of waves is a good way to start a day.

Boat 4: (The best boat I've ever ridden for the entire P.Redang vacation) We went snorkeling at the Marine Park for the second time. It was more enjoyable this time. We had underwater photos took by the instructor, along with fish!

My mum is totally surrounded by fish!
How come I only got a few?
Fighting underwater with Jason.
Gasping for air...

Enough of snorkeling. I've got to have some photos with this beautiful scenery on this 'isolated' island. Wow...two waves overlapping with each other.

Time to go back.
Boat 5: (I don't think that this boat is even safe, taking in consideration it is about 30 years old. Plus, it said 12 PENUMPANG MAKSIMUM, but I'm pretty sure there was 30++ passengers aboard. The irony. We had to sit on the floor. No seats at all.)
After our lunch, we had a stroll along the beach.

My brother looks so cute!

4th Day/ Last Day:

Just one last photo at More More Tea Inn before going home. Another rocky ride with the boat.

Overall, this was one of the best beach resort I've ever been to. Everything was just tres magnifique!

Top 10 Books in Year 2007 (My List)

2007-12-29T12:45:00.000+08:00

Top 10 Books in Year 2007 (My List)

10. Ella Enchanted
Author: Gail Carson Levine
Pages: 238
Comments: Ella Enchanted is the 10th of my Must-Read List. It is full with humour, and a classic twist is added to it. Ella Enchanted is a good read, charming and intriguing me until the very end.

9. Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials Trilogy
Author: Philip Pullman
Pages: 929
Comments: This Trilogy consists of 3 titles, the first one titled 'The Golden Compass'. The sequels are 'The Subtle Knife' and 'The Amber Spyglass'. My personal favorite out of these 3 is 'The Amber Spyglass'. It adds a new whole concept on what fairy tales are. Although the long descriptions sometimes bore me, this trilogy is still capable of opening different worlds and exciting adventures to me.

8. Shopaholic Ties the Knot
Author: Sophie Kinsella
Pages: 406
Comments: I absolutely love this book! It's a pull-out-all-stops kind of read. This is a hilarious tale of Becky Bloomwood,a naive British who thinks money grow on trees. There is no way you can read this book without laughing out loud.

7. The Devil Wears Prada
Author: Lauren Weisberger
Pages: 432
Comments: Devil Wears Prada introduces me the world of fashion in New York City. Before reading this book, I barely knew any designer labels. After reading this, I know Christine Dior, Giorgio Armani, Marc Jacobs, Levi's, Hermes, Chanel, Prada, Bobbi Brown, Kate Spade, Miu Miu, Versace, Sephora, Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein. This book is horribly, ridiculously funny and I can't put it down after I start reading it!

6. Can You Keep a Secret?
Author: Sophie Kinsella
Pages: 374
Comments: Another book of Sophie Kinsella on my Must-Read List. Sophie Kinsella managed to hit it off again in this irresistibly hilarious tale. Emma Corrigan, a marketing assistant, imposed as a marketing executive when she was upgraded to the business-class seat on a plane. When the plane hit a turbulence, she thought it was the end of her life, and started blabbing her deepest secrets to a complete stranger beside her. And, it's 'Oh, SHIT!' for her when the stranger turned out to be her company's CEO, and knows every single humiliating detail about her. Gosh, I wouldn't like to be in her shoes...

5. Do You Come Here Often?
Author: Alexandra Potter
Pages: 480
Comments: This is a warm and humorous story of two childhood sweethearts (For only a day!) who ran into each other again after 13 years. Although Grace and Jimi were already in their early thirties, they felt all the awkwardness as if they were 18 all over again. They felt a familiar spark, but neither could do anything about it as they're both engaged to be married. So, they renewed their friendship, until both of their engagements were broken. It's all about being single, finding true soul mates, listening a radio show which sorts out love lives, long engagements, and complicated lives, in this heart-warming romance comedy.

4. In Her Shoes
Author: Jennifer Weiner
Pages: 521
Comments: In Her Shoes described a rivalry between two sisters, Rose and Maggie Feller. Rose is a successful lawyer, but would have failed in a fashion test. Maggie is drop dead gorgeous, but would have failed in a career test. Before Rose knew it, Maggie was moving into her apartment, wearing her shoes and sleeping with her guy. Rose threw Maggie out and Maggie found their long-lost grandmother. In the end, the two sisters reconciled, each having a better life. This is a moving story, with beautiful poems inserted.

3. My Best Friend's Girl
Author: Dorothy Koomson
Pages: 437
Comments: This is one of the most touching novels I ever read. Kamryn and Adele are best friends, until Adele slept with Kamryn's fiance, Nate. Kamryn didn't found out until Adele and Nate's daughter, Tegan was born. Nate didn't know that he had fathered Adele's child. Kamryn left all three of them instantly, and started a new life. Until one day, she received a letter from Adele, saying that she's dying and would like Kamryn to adopt Tegan. Kamryn found herself carrying a huge responsibility when Adele died. Luke came into Kamryn's life, and so did Nate. Kamryn found herself entangled in both of them, and on top of that, she needed to consider what was best for Tegan, a man who Tegan loved as her father, or the man who shared the same DNA with her, but did not loved her as a father should. It's a complicated yet beautiful story, and that's what made me engrossed in it.

2. The Nanny Diaries
Author: Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus
Pages: 368
Comments: This novel revolves around Mr. X, Mrs. X, Nanny, Grayer, and Harvard Hottie. Mr. X is the father of a 4 year old boy named Grayer, who is constantly absent in the household, and has an affair with Miss Chicago. Mrs. X does not take care of Grayer, but delegates that job to Nanny. Mrs. X slams the door in the face of Grayer, never picks up emergency calls, and leaves Grayer with Nanny when he's having a high fever, so that she can go to her spa. Nanny is a graduate student who raises Grayer, brings him to play dates, picks him up from school, and practically everything a mother should do. Nanny is subjected to Grayer's mood swings, Mrs. X laundry demands, late pay-checks, keeping Miss Chicago's affair with Mr. X a secret from Mrs. X. The Nanny Diaries introduces me to a whole new culture of Park Avenue Mothers, who do not work and spend more time planning charity than with their own child. A great story, and by the end of it, I know Grayer more than Mrs. X does.

1. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Author: J.K. Rowling
Pages: 607
Comments: Well, no description is needed for this book. Everyone knows what I love about J.K. Rowling and Harry Potter! All I need to say is, this is definitely my favorite out of the 7 books.

>>>The End>>>

Bali End- of-Year Vacation

2007-12-08T23:51:00.000+08:00

I'm back from Bali!!! Missed me, anyone? Well, Bali was definitely stunningly beautiful, I mean the temples. I have not much time for detail explanation since it's quite late now, so here's a preview of my Bali Vacation. Indulge! I'll post more about my Bali vacation later on, so wait!

Wedding

2007-11-26T15:20:00.000+08:00

>>>People Spotting>>>

I attended a wedding in KL yesterday, and it wasn't exactly the most lavish wedding I ever saw. The ceiling decoration was not elaborate, the centerpiece of the VIP table was made of fake plastic flowers, the background of the stage did not have the wedding couple's name on it, the atmosphere and the lighting were all wrong. And, the wedding was held in the afternoon, so the guests were dressed a little too casual, and I was wearing semi-formal.

However, the hugest turnoff of the wedding was the guests smoked. If it was one thing I simply cannot stand anywhere at anytime, it is inhaling secondary smoke. The mere foul smell of it gets me irritated, especially when I was about to eat while the restaurant was in oppressive heat. I was gripping the glass of Coke tightly, because I was afraid if I loosened my grip, I will lose self-control and drench both of the smokers behind my table with Coke. And, I mean from head to toe.

While food was served, a guy from one of the tables went up the stage and started singing to provide the guests entertainment. I don't understand why the guests completely ignored his singing. When he was done, said thank you, and looked up expectantly, obviously waiting for applause, none came. Except for a single clapping, which came from me. I cannot believe it. Out of so many guests, I was the only one who appreciated his singing. His singing was honestly not bad, and the songs were not deadly traditional. For a wedding performance, it was in fact good enough. The poor guy sang his heart out, with all his emotions, and yet, no applause came to him. I was surprised that he did not seemed discouraged, and after 10 minutes or so, he went up the stage and sang a different song again. Again, I was the only one applauding him. He kept singing at intervals while dishes were served. Again and again, I was the only one applauding him, and my brothers reluctantly followed me after I urged them to do so.

I honestly feel sorry for him. It must have took him a lot of effort to muster up the courage and sing so many times for the guests with no applause as reward. I really admire his spirit and attitude of not feeling the least discouraged and persevere till the end of all his songs. He still sang every song with enthusiasm. If it was me on the stage singing and at the end, there was no applause at all, I will be mortified beyond measurement and will never sing in public for the rest of my life. I learned something valuable from him in that wedding.

You know what I hated most about the wedding? Not the fake centerpiece, not the atmosphere of the restaurant, not even the smokers. What I hated most was the behaviour of the guests who were too busy stuffing their faces with food or puffing smoke from their cigarettes, that they treated the poor guy on the stage invisible. That irritated me even more than the smokers. Okay, enough about the wedding.

Here is a photo I took last Tuesday at Yin Li's house:

Japanese Exhibition and KL Aquarium Trip

2007-11-11T20:55:00.000+08:00

>>>Fell Twice>>>

Last Sunday, my Aunt Quinney, Aunt Yun, my brothers and I went to KL to visit a Japanese exhibition and the Auqarium. I fell down twice that day. Just in front of the toilet entrance at a Dim Sum restaurant, my slippers skidded on the wet floor, past the sign "CAUTION. WET FLOOR", taking my legs under me, and depositing me unceremoniously on the floor. How embarassing, and I heard people laughing in the background. Fine. I waited until I closed the cubicle door behind me before releasing an "OW!!!!!".

At 1pm, we were at the ballroom of Nikko Hotel in KL, where the Japanese exhibition was held. Here are some of the photos we took (My parents were overjoyed at their sudden fortune of not having 3 of us around in the house):

After the exhibition, we went to the Aquarium to see the various species of reptiles and fish. We saw big, big sharks and stingrays (I called it the Blanket Fish, because it looks like one). For the first time in my life, I saw remora fish under sharks. I saw a big, thick, long snake in one of the display cases, but I couldn't see its head. So, my Aunt Yun told me to squat down to find its head. Suddenly, the snake made a sudden movement and jerked its head towards me. I was momentarily shocked and my legs wobbled like jelly and gave way. I fell with a 'thud' on the floor. Fell down twice in a day. And once more, being laughed at. Gosh.

>>>THE END>>>

The Prayer

2007-11-11T00:24:00.000+08:00

My piano teacher gave me a music sheet titled "The Prayer" today, and I fell in love with this song and its lyrics. It's incredibly romantic, with Italian words mixed together with the English:

>>>THE PRAYER>>>

I pray you'll be our eyes
And watch us where we go
And help us to be wise
In times when we don't know

Let this be our prayer
As we go our way
Lead us to a place
Guide us with your Grace
To a place where we'll be safe
La luce che to dai

I pray we'll find your light
Nel cuore restero
And hold it in our hearts
A ricordarchi che
When stars go out each night
L'eterna stella sei
Nella mia preghiera
Let this be our prayer
Quanta fede c'e
When shadows fill our day
Lead us to a place
Guide us with your grace

Give us faith so we'll be safe.
Sognamo un mondo senza piu violenza

Un mondo di giustizia e di speranza
Ognuno dia la mano al suo vicino
Simbolo di pace e di fraternita

La forza che ci dai
We ask that life be kind
E'il desiderio che
And watch us from above
Ognuno trovi amore
We hope each soul will find
Intorno e dentro a se
Another soul to love

Let this be our prayer
Let this be our prayer
Just like every child
Just like every child

Needs to find a place,
Guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe
E la fede che
Hai acceso in noi
Sento che ci salvera

Pyramid Outing

2007-11-04T16:54:00.000+08:00

>>>Shopping!!!>>>

I went to Pyramid with two of my best friends last Sunday - Yin Li and Laine. It was a lot like window-shopping, just that we acted really curious. Whenever we saw a really expensive and stunningly beautiful piece of clothing, we will try it on, although with full understanding we will not be able to afford it. That's the point, actually. We wanted to see these expensive clothings on ourselves so we can dream about buying it when we're rich enough. We also tried on clothes that we'll never wear under normal circumstances. For example, really sexy sundresses or vest. We croon over the gowns and wonder when we'll be able to wear them, wishing we were tall enough for the gown to look figure-hugging. Now, i'm wishing I have the orange-red summer sundress to go to Bali. Sigh.

There was a clearance sale at Yishion and I bought a pair of pants there. Yin Li and Laine bought some nail art stuff. We had Auntie Anne's cinnamon rolls for snack (I had the Cinnamon Sugar, Yin Li had the Parmesan Cheese and Laine the Choc Eclairs). After searching for white nail polish for Laine, we went to Waffle House for late lunch. Delicious. Here are some of the photos we took:

Yin Li took this photo at a candy stall. Cute? They are candies shaped like fried eggs.

That was the pair of pants I bought for cheap.

Three of us in the dressing room.

After trying on expensive clothings, we were reluctant to wear our original clothes back on. But, there are some things in the world which when you can't possess them, they are the best. When you have it in your hands, the magic will vanish and you'll never love it like you love it when you first had a glimpse of it.

My maid gave me her sunglasses to go to Bali. She hates sunglasses, but her spouse doesn't know that. Here is a shot of me in her sunglasses and in pyjamas. It was night time when I tried it on. Some of my friends said I look cool on them, others said I look like a millionaire's wife.

I still have rashes on my face, even if it's not obvious in this photo. My father fed me ripe mango, even though I protested that I was allergic to it. He said I'll regret if I don't eat it, and the mango allergies was when I was small. I really regret listening to him tempt me into eating it. Look what he did to my face now. I'll consider sueing him for teenage negligence... Nah, I won't do that.

>>>THE END>>>

Laine's and Sook Yee's Double Birthday Surprise

2007-11-03T22:08:00.000+08:00

Today's post will be mainly of Laine and Sook Yee's surprise birthday party. Laine's surprise was a day earlier than Sook's even though their birthday are on the same date, coz they both have different friends and favorites. So, I'll describe Laine's surprise first.

We, meaning Yin Li, Chit Yong Tze Jiunn and I decided to surprise Laine. First, I called Laine over to my house on 11th of October at 2pm for a all-girls gathering, consisting of Yin Li and I. She agreed. Then, I called Tze Jiunn and Chit Yong to be at my house at least at 1.30pm, to help conduct the surprise. Both of them have some nerve turning up without any birthday presents, not even a card. Guess who was delegated to print out Hallmark Birthday Cards for them? Me. Before Chit Yong and Tze Jiunn arrived, Yin Li and I baked a chocolate cake for Laine. I know it had imperfect cracks on it, but it tasted good. Next, Yin Li and I decorated the table. We laid a tablecloth, then dish out the chocolate cake. After Tze Jiunn and Chit Yong's arrival, I made Ribena for them and poured Ribena into a champange glass, specially for Laine. The only thing left to do was the actual surprise, which was the presence of Tze Jiunn, Chit Yong and her birthday cake. Remember, she thought it was an all-girls gathering.

We waited amd waited for the Birthday Girl's arrival. At 3pm, she still hadn't turned up. She called to say that she will be late coz she had problems with her transport. At long last, she turned up and was shocked to hear my playing of 'Happy Birthday' on the piano with Tze Jiunn, Chit Yong and Yin Li yelling "Surprise!!!". The surprise worked. Laine was shocked and happy. After wish-making,candle-blowing, cake-cutting and cake-eating ceremonies, we went up to my room to have a round of LIFE game. We were all totally crazy, yelling and shrieking with delight whenever we won some money, married, bought houses, had children, or when our husbands/wives dropped out of the car. Tze Jiunn was exceptionally insane. His shrieks could puncture our eardrums. It was the craziest LIFE game I ever played. Laine who was the doctor earned the less money, though. Wierd. Chit Yong, the technician was the richest. Ha. The whole game was punctuated with snorting or hysterically insane laughter, high-frequencied shrieking and a song by Mika which I seriously despised, but was played multiple times by handphones of my crazy friends.

After Yin Li went home, Chit Yong, Tze Jiunn, Laine and I went to padang. I tought Chit Yong to cycle. Tze Jiunn's weight threatened to crush my poor rusty bike. Turns out, Laine and I were better bikers than the guys, who can't even make a sharp turn. Crazy Chit Yong and Tze Jiunn kept chasing Laine and I with the bike. We turned out to be the only people in padang who were yelling like mad people. Totally fun and most of all, CRAZY.

The next day was Sook's surprise, both Laine's and Sook's actual birthday. I called Sook to remind her to be at my house on 10am the day before. She didn't know that Xin Li and Serene were coming too. She thought it was just Wan Shin and I. Wan Shin arrived at my house when I was still in bed. It was only 7.30am, you know. Wan Shin and I talked about various stuff for awhile, then we watched 200 Pounds Beauty on my laptop. I washed up and then had a shock. Sook called and said she was coming that instant. It was an entire hour earlier than I expected her. I expected her to turn up way later than 10am, seeing she was such a dawdler. Wan Shin and I were forced to conduct the surprise without Xin Li and Serene, as they were told to arrive at 9.15. We took out Sook's chocolate Cake Sense cake from the fridge, which was Wan Shin's present to her. I left the door open for Sook when she was outside the gates and told her to lock the door behind her, then quickly hid in the store room with Wan Shin. Ha. Sook saw the cake but couldn't find us. Xin Li arrived just the same time as Sook. Wan Shin and I jumped out from the store room and surprised Sook. Serene missed the whole surprise. Laine was absent coz she had plans. After eating the cake, Xin Li and Sook danced for our entertainment. Then, we talked and continued watching 200 Pounds. We had Mcdonald delivery for lunch. Then, Sook went home coz she had plans. Others stayed at my house till evening and sort of hang out.

So, THE END of both surprises.

Here, I'll also post some photos of Bali which is where I'm going for year-end vacation. I can't wait! Hot sun, breezy beach, luxurious hotel, eye-candies, what more could I ask for a fabulous holiday? And, I'll instantly become an millionaire once I set foot on Bali. RM1 = 2728.20 Rupiah! Hahaha...Shopping paradise!

The Bali beach!!!

The front pond of Bali Dynasty hotel, which is where my family and I are staying at. 5 days 4 nights...heavenly...

The lush green gardens...

The departure lounge...

The lobby...

The lazy pool...

Pool side restaurant...

That concludes today's post. I wish I am already in Bali. Hmm...got to get some sunglasses...

Time Reversed

2007-10-19T22:03:00.000+08:00

>>>The Day when PMR was over>>>

The time when we (Sook, Wan Shin and I)reached my home after the last day of PMR.

This notice was stuck on my door for the past 8 months. I haven't even bother to take it out yet.

Wan Shin and I discussing what to eat for lunch.

This was our lunch!

Yummy!!!

Sook Yee and I playing Hangman!

>>>The Making of Swiss-Roll for KH project>>>

The Preparation...What will be the result of our Swiss-Roll Making Journey???

The 3 tough makers of Swiss-Roll...

We need undivided concentration!

And fierce stirring...though it was not done manually.

Doesn't it looks delicious, the creamy mixture trickling down from the beater, like folded ribbon?

In process...

Still in process...At last, a photo with Sook in it..

Looks mouth-watering? I read from a book that there are people who thinks that cake tastes better before it's cooked. I totally agree, after the 3 of us were finished licking our fingers...Don't worry. We are absolutely hygenic. No saliva will be found in the cake. Not even a strand of our hair.

There goes our swiss-roll into the oven!

Waiting in anticipation of our swiss-roll...Hope it doesn't burn.

So while waiting, Wan Shin and I begin to wash the pile of dirty dishes, while Sook kept opening my referigerator in search of food and snapping shots of us. According to her, if it wasn't for her camera work, you and I will not be able to look at photos now. Accurate?

Looks as if Wan Shin's the one who was really anticipating the outcome of our swiss-roll.

Then, with a hit of inspiration (actually, it's because 'someone' forgot to buy chocolate chips and fresh cream), we decided to use peanut-butter as the spreading for the swiss-roll. We heat it up on the stove. A nice buttery smell aroused.

Ooh! Doesn'tit looks successful? Smells wonderful! No burns at all! And, that was our first experience making swiss-roll!

But, when we spreaded the peanut butter on it, then tried to roll it into swiss-roll, it just tear. One piece by one piece, it came off. And ended up like that. Tasted wonderful, still.

*Fortunately, with the help of our KH teacher, we managed to roll it up during the actual swiss-roll making session in school. Phew.

The next post will be of Laine and Sook's Surprise Birthday!

Alone

2007-10-07T20:19:00.000+08:00

What a day! I woke up this morning, rubbing my eyes when Dad came inside my room, wearing a very presentable orange collared shirt with knee-length pants. I stared at him. Dad usually doesn’t wear such nice clothes on a Sunday morning. I asked him what occasion today, and he said, “Today is my honeymoon anniversary with your mum. We’re going to IKEA and Ikano Power Centre. Get dressed.” Oh, anniversary. No wonder.

On the way to IKEA, Mum suddenly said she wants to watch Lust Caution. So, Dad said, “Since it’s our anniversary, let’s go watch.” And I said, “Huh? What about me?” Dad answered, “You could either go Borders or watch another movie, coz Lust Caution is 18PL.” I said, “Huh? I watch alone?” He said, “If not?” I will watch Hairspray, I said. I can’t believe my parents without warning just leave me alone like that. My brothers are in Kelantan and Terengganu for school trip and will not be back until Monday. Where are my brothers when I need them?

At the Cathay Cinema, Hairspray was not on anymore. Borders was quite far away from Cathay and I was lazy to walk all the way back, so I chose another movie. No, Dad chose another movie for me. He chose ‘Never Was’. Never Was? I never heard of it. When we went to the ticket counter and the cashier asked Dad whether he wanted to take the Couple’s seat or the normal one, he said shamelessly while hugging Mum, “Of course Couple’s seat!” God, I’m not used to Dad’s public affection.

My parents’ movie started before mine and ended after mine, so Dad gave me RM30 before entering the cinema and said, “Go get some ice-cream while waiting for us after your movie ends.” Fine. Bribery. I waited and waited and waited for the cinema hall number 3 to flash its light, until I was almost nodding off to sleep.

Finally, when I entered Hall 3, guess how many people are there? Plus me, there was only 3. The other 2 of them were Malay guys at the most back row. I sat somewhere at the middle. Then, the cinema went dark, and I freaked out a little, coz I never watched a movie alone in such an empty cinema with 2 Malay guys who creep me out. I didn’t got the hang of the movie, anyway, coz every time I heard some movement at the back row, I’ll jumped with fright and took a glimpse to see what the Malays were doing. Call me paranoid, but after reading all those crazy rape/kidnap cases happening in cinema toilets or anywhere else, it’s good to be always alert. Besides, one of the Malays was putting his feet up on the seat, which is really rude to me coz even though the cinema was quite empty, it is still a public place. And, he kept changing places. Very creepy to me. At some point, I understood the movie a little. But, the outcome was so surprising, that I’m positive my mouth’s hanging open. At the beginning, the movie said that Never Was was a fairytale kingdom. But at the end, it was all this deluded old man who’s living in the mental hospital hallucination. He kept hallucinating that he was the former king of Never Was, attacked by a witch, I think the name was Ghastly. Huh. The witch’s army in reality were the police, who were catching him after he escaped from the mental hospital. His castle was made up of junk cars. And, that old man kept convincing the physiologist that his kingdom was under attack. Huh. I can’t believe I wasted almost 2 hours of my time watching some deluded old man’s hallucination. It was also weird when I laugh alone during the funny bits of the movie.

Once the credits of the movie came out, I shot out of the cinema. I went to a Japanese café. I had a chocolate ice-cream with milk and fruits. The portion was big. It was quite depressing, actually, eating a big bowl of ice-cream alone. Then, Dad came to find me after the movie ended. My parents and I went to an Italian restaurant for lunch. We had Margherita Vegetarian Pizza and Spaghetti Bolognese. I was stuffed. After lunch, we walked to IKEA as Dad wanted to buy a new sofa. Before that, Dad went to measure his car seat to check if he could lug the sofa into the car and transport it home. Obviously, cannot lar. But, he insisted on measuring the car with the tape. Fine. I told him cannot he don’t believe. Turns out the sofa really cannot fit into the car seat. Then suddenly, he changed his mind and said he doesn’t want to buy it anymore. See? Go through all the trouble walking to the car park, measuring with the tape, all for nothing. Ended up, he only bought a socket. Huh.

I was exhausted went we reached home. I flopped onto my bed and slept. At 1800, I woke up and Dad brought us all to Puchong for Thai dinner. Yum. Mouth-watering Tom Yam soup, green curry, pandan chicken, mango salad and fish fillet.

Conclusion of the Day:
1. Always trust your daughter. I said the sofa cannot fit means cannot fit lar.
2. Today proves that I can survive watching movie alone. Just remember, if you are watching movie in an almost empty cinema, always check where’s the exit first in case of emergency. And, always check on the people at the back if they’re doing abnormal actions.

Counselling Dinner

2007-08-20T17:25:00.000+08:00

Just a quick post about the Counseling 2007 Annual Dinner.

Photo Posts..

2007-05-30T16:13:00.000+08:00

>>>Photo Gallery>>>

These are some of the photos I took at the Ulu Yam Camp and at THE SHIP. Happy viewing:

Ulu Yam Camp and THE SHIP

2007-05-28T18:19:00.000+08:00

>>>Ulu Yam Camp and My Brothers' Birthday at The Ship>>>

Hi, guys! I'm back from my Ulu Yam camp. God, I can't move a muscle today. I can't even walk down or up the stairs properly, just like OKU. Well, the purpose of the trip is about leadership and team-building, and I sure acheived that. They had this open hall in the middle of the jungle. We arrived there by van, because the bus can't move on the bumpy and narrow roads. So, we had all kinds of activities at the open hall, meals at another hall and sleep at the dorms. 20 people in a dorm. And just next door, it is the guys' dorm.

After leaving the luggages at our dorms, we gathered at the hall. All our games are based on teamwork. We don't stand a chance to win at all without teamwork. We were divided into animal groups - Snake, Orang Utan, Penguin and Cockroach. Guess who ended up being a Cockroach? Me. Yin Li ended up at the Penguins'. Cockroach lost at most of the games, due to lack of commitment and experirnce from group members. I was inexperienced, but I was really commited along with only a few girls and most of the guys. (Cockroach had 3 guys and 8 girls.) Plus, our leader kinda had concentration problem, so we lost most of the games.

Now, I'll jump to the description of the dorms and food. The dorm was kind of a squeeze. We had a small space. Unfortunately, Yin Li and I chose the beds at the far end, near to the window. I think we had the worst beds. Mine had ants crawling all over the pillow and bed from the crack on the wall. Yin Li's bed was wet. Rain, maybe? Everyone squeezed their wet clothes on the cement floor, then hung them on the beds, so the floor was soaking wet.

To describe the toilet, it was really disgusting. First, there is NO basin and NO mirror. Not even one. There are 5 bathroom stalls, but all of them are infested with bugs and mosquitos. Out of 5 bathroom stalls, 1 does not have a lock and another one's shower is of out of use. The food can be decribed in only one word - Yuck.

We did jungle trekking for 2 hours and reached a really nice waterfall. The water was very cooling and clear. Then, we treked back to our dorms in a very wet state, because there si no toilets there to change and nobody wanted to carry stuff along while trekking. Many people had leech bites, not me, not Yin Li. That was fortunate. Actually, I was kinda jumping and running while trekking in the woods to go to the water fall. I jumped across anything black and sticky that I cannot identify as and wet puddles. I spot lots of leeches, but I was running and jumping so that leeches had less chance to bite me.

On the next day, we had games again. There was tis game, called Spider Web, where the facitilators from Taylor's College did out of strings and made small holes. In order to pass through these small holes, the teams must work together and carry every team member pass the holes to the other side. During this process, no parts of the carrier or the person being carried can touch the string. It was difficult for big-sized people. There was this guy, jumped through the hole like Jet Lee. Then, a few other guys were carried through. Unfortunately, I was the first girl to pass through it. There was no girls at the other side of the web to support or hold my 'important' parts. So, when I passed through the web, I can feel the guys hands on alomost every part of my body. And, I meant EVERY part. But at last, my team won. First time my team won.

We bathe before leaving the jungle. A big spider with long, hairy legs was sticking on the wall of my bathroom stall. I kept glancing at it while bathing. I'm terrified that it will crawl on me. I finshed my bath quickly. I was still thinking of the spider when I entered the dorm. I suddenly saw a guy lying on the bed next to mine. I was so shocked. Then, it hit me: I went into the guys' dorm. Shit! The guy was also shocked by me. I apologized and quickly went out. How embarassing. Luckily, there was only one guy there. Others were at the waterfall(not in the woods) near the hall, I guess. But, I can't be blamed entirely. I mean, the doors of both dorms are exactly the same. I forgot to count the doors before entering.

We left the jungle at about 15:15. I think I looked like an orang utan, coz I did not had a look at myself without a mirror. When I got back home, I had to get ready for the celebration of my brothers' birthday at THE SHIP. A very delicious dinner, after tasting half-cooked vegetables and fish at the camp. I had the chicken with butter fillings. Yummy. I don't know why I'm addicted to butter these days.

So, I'll post the photos next time.

It's as if I'm not living life...

2007-05-19T22:48:00.000+08:00

>>>It's as if I'm not living life. I'm merely passing through.>>>

Life had been really busy for the past few weeks. Exams were held so frequently that I hadn't had the time to do leisure activities. My time were mostly occupied with studying. But now, mid-year exams are over. 3 exams down, plenty more to go.

My music teacher has no idea how hectic my life is. She kept piling me with loads of exam worksheets and told me to finish them within a week. I'm having plenty of latih-tubis' and exams in school already. On top of eveything else, I'm going to sit both my practical and theory exam in August. Great, on my birthday month. Plus, my practical exam is held during the Percubaan PMR week. And, I'm the last student to sit for it on that day. (Come to think of it, is that a good or bad thing?) Besides that, my theory is 3 days before my birthday. I know it doesn't really affect my birthday mood, but it does affect my 'birth-month' mood. Huh. Not just that, I have to study German, Italian and French music terms (3 languages?! Insane!), instruments' terms and the most dreaded- History of Music. Don't forget the exam worksheets. I'm studying so much stuff just to sit for an exam that lasts 3 hours. That's only for theory. For practical, I'm quite prepared. Just that I have to practise th piano everyday. You know, playing the piano should be a leisure activity. But, it's turning to become pressure. I wanted to stop for a year. Too late. Exams' are all registered. No backing out. I'm stuck! I never thought that piano will be a burden this year. If only I've known earlier.

I'm going to the 2 days-1 night Ulu Yam camp sponsored by the counselling club on next Saturday. At least I get to miss one Music class. I'm so looking forward to it. It'll also be my brothers' birthday next Sunday. And I still haven't found them a present. Parents gonna take us to THE SHIP to celebrate after I return from the camp. Hmm, maybe I should just turn up and tell my brothers that I totally forgot that it was their birthday, so no present. Considering the way they treated me this year, I'm not 'keterlaluan'. Nah, I won't do that. I'm a good sister. Ha.

>>>Life's not as peaceful as it seems...>>>

updated

2007-04-18T20:36:00.000+08:00

>>>Another afternoon spent at Baskin Robbbin's>>>

Today, Tze Jiunn, Chit Yong, Laine and I went to Baskin's again. It is our tradition to have a 'time out' at Baskin's after every exams, just to talk plain nonsense or gossip about stuff. And also get updated at each other's life, because we barely see each other since we're all from different classes. huh, guess who was late? Tze Jiunn with his yellow clock shoes. Again.

It was raining cats and dogs when Laine and I reached there. It was the first time I saw Baskin Robbins in a different type of orange-glowing lighting. About half and hour later, Chit Yong arrived in a very wet state(he walked, the poor guy). And he was freezing his butt off. Tze Jiunn arrived later and we started yakking away. Had ice-creams. I had the kiddy cone (Tze Jiunn owed me an ice-cream, coz I helped him print his projects. Haih, the kiddy cone. The ice-cream guy was laughing when I said I wanted one.) We enjoyed our yummy ice-creams. Chit Yong and Tze Jiunn thought that it was extremely funny to make up a story and made Laine and I to fall for it. I felt so stupid. (I mean, where got story so disgusting and irrasional one? How come I din't noticed?)

As usual, we only started to talk to the climax when it was almost time to go home. Tze Jiunn and his hysterical laughter. No wonder many people turned to look at our table. But I don't mind. His laughter was so infectious that all of us started laughing our heads off like total maniacs.

*Sigh*. It's like there will be exams once for every 3 weeks. We just finished the 1st Latih Tubi and I'm already planning all the things I wanna do after PMR. To think that I'm only about half a year away from freedom. *Sigh*.

>>>Signed out....>>>

Peanut roots..

2007-03-23T18:24:00.000+08:00

>>>Peanut Roots? Does that even work?>>>

Guess what I've been drinking for the past few days? I was forced (and I really mean forced) by my mother to finish two whole pots of peanut roots. According to my grandmother, it was suppossed to help me grow taller. Huh. Look at my height. Any difference? It's the most revolting stuff I ever drank in my whole life. I can't even describe how terrible it tasted. (Quite bitter, and a little too sweet.) And what my mother said? "Drink finish the two whole pots within a week, if not it'll expire. Just drink it like you drink water everyday." Let's see, I drank about 5 cups of it every day, but it tasted so horrible that I had to drink lots of water too. I was so full. Plus, I never appreciated how nice water tasted before. Luckily, I managed to finish those pots of peanut roots yesterday (I started on last Saturday). What a relief. Not. I have to brace myself for another pot two weeks later.

Anyway, I have something to say to the person who's "angry" at me(although I already forgave you and you forgave me. Whichever it is):

I already know the reason you're angry at me. I think it's just a lucky guess but it's probably the reason. I never deny or admit anything. And you can't expect me to reveal my own secrets, whether it's true or untrue. Trust is one thing, self-protect is another. I still think that I'm innocent. Sometimes, you just assume too much. Not that I'm saying you're wrong(don't get the wrong impression and get angry all over again, okay?) I just wanted to explain it clearly and I don't think I can control my emotions if I tell you this face-to-face. You know my temper.

Apart from peanut roots making my life miserable, everything is all right this week. Haih, loads of projects to finish. What a stressful year.

>>>THE END>>>

Account of Events

2007-03-07T17:59:00.000+08:00

>>>Chinese New Year Outing with Friends>>>

Last Friday will be a really memorable day for several reasons:
(a)It was the first time I celebrated CNY with my friends.
(b)First time I played fireworks with my friends at the ‘padang’ opposite of my house.
(c)Thanks to my friends(especially Chit Yong and Xin Li), I had lost my appetite during dinner because my face was burning hot with embarrassment.
(d)A few stupid guys tried to kill us with the fireworks...
(e)We had a number of nice photos taken that will last for a life time, as shown below:

>>>The END>>>

Virgo

2007-02-13T18:00:00.000+08:00

>>>Anyone who believe in horosopes?/ Valentines Special>>>

.:* Virgo ME *:.

A Virgo does not like to socialize too much and tries to keep away from spotlight. You will never ever see them being the center of attention. Also, they are perfectionists, who like to criticize others on the smallest fault they can find. They may look very calm and composed on the outside, but inside they are as full of anxieties as any other person. In fact, worrying is like a habit to Virgos. They are very gentle and kind, until you irritate them with your stupidity and carelessness. They hate uncertainty and procrastination. They are not at all extravagant and often avoid taking any favors. It is not in their nature to depend on someone else.

Virgo Love Traits
• Virgos are highly dependable and genuine in their relationships.
• They are not too demonstrative in love.
• They are not the ones to overlook the faults of their loved ones.
• They are very loving and caring.
• They are very devoted.

As far as the negative characteristics are concerned, Virgos can be very critical of things and criticize at the smallest of faults. They are very restless and judgmental, worry too much, and are fussy, inflexible and irritable.

Perfect Love Match for a Virgo
Taurus, Capricorn and Virgo
There will hardly be any Virgo who is not considerate or protective of his relationships.

Virgos and Capricorns are both cautious about matters of the heart. To others, Virgo can appear cool and distant. Capricorn doesn't wear their emotions on their sleeve either, and tend to hold back their feelings until they feel safe sharing them. Both of Virgo and Capricorn are practical and down-to-Earth, although Capricorn is much more serious than Virgo. In fact, Virgo might find their Capricorn too serious at times. It may take awhile for the romantic fires to get roaring in this relationship. Once Virgo and Capricorn start to trust each other, though, the passion really heats up.

Virgo and Taurus make a great pair - the perfect blend of analytical style and common sense. Since Virgo and Taurus are both Earth signs, they encourage each other to be productive. Virgo and Taurus can be an unstoppable force working together in the business world as well as in their personal life. In their relationship, Taurus will understand Virgo's practicality with money, and find ways to get maximum enjoyment out of every dollar they spend together. Virgo and Taurus realtionship is a no-nonsense, down-to-earth couple who can survive the tough times and stay together for many happy years, if not forever.

>>>END>>>

My 1st 'Catching-a-Bus' Experience

2007-02-10T11:38:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, Wan Shin and Suki decided to go shopping for new clothes at Pyramid. So,they invited me. I really can't miss this shopping trip, coz Dad said, "You still have RM 50 left for new clothes. If you don't buy them this week, you'll have to wait until after March exam. Can't relax so much already, exam coming." So, I just had to go. My New Year clothes are just not enough.

The problem is: No transport o go to Pyramid. So, Suki said go 'sit' bus. She said it was perfectly safe. When I reached home, I called my Dad to ask for permission. I was ready to use a lot of saliva to convince him. But, I was shocked by his reaction.

Me : Dy, can I go to Pyramid with Suki and Wan Shin after lunch?
Dad : Ok. Go lah. What time you'll be back and who fetch you?
Me : I'll be back before 6 pm. Errr...Suki's mum fetch me go. But go
back...Errr...Dy, can I catch a bus with Suki and Wan Shin to come back?
(Holding my breath.)
Dad : Huh? Sit bus ar? Okay lah. You be careful.
Me : What?! Dy, you really let me go ar?
Dad : Yeah. Go tell Mummy first.
Me : Ok. Thanks. Bye.

Wow, so easy. But, Mum needed a lot more convincing than Dad. But she said since Dad said ok, then she ok lor. So, we went to Pyramid at 2 pm. For the first time in my life, Suki was NOT late. She was so 'semangat' somemore.

List of things we bought:
1. Wan Shin : P&Co Red Polo Tee, new heels (Walk In), Grey singlet with pearls
(Romp)
2. Suki : Food. Nothing else.
3. Me : P&Co Red Polo Tee (Three of us tried it on and it fit us perfectly. I just
have to have it. So does Wan Shin.)

At 5pm, all of our items were purchased, except Suki's. We rushed out of the Pyramid to catch the bus. Wan Shin and my biggest fear was that when we saw the bus, the bus just left without waiting for us. Then, we had to wait for another one. When we arrived at the waiting place, no bus yet. So we waited. And waited. And waited. Oh no! It's raining! We shared someone's else umbrella. Mus be quite a sight. 4 people squeezing under one small umbrella. Another 10 minutes later, I was afraid that the bus will not be coming. And we're stuck here. There was a taxi. but for RM 15. At last, I saw the Metrobus No.10. At first, I thought it was a mirage. We had waited for so long and every bus that passed us, we thought that it was finally THE BUS. So, when the real bus came, I was thinking it MUST be a mirage. Well, the bus stop. Oh, it's not a mirage! It's for real! We jumped up the bus in delight. Actually, my pulse quickens everytime the driver revved the engine and went quicker. The road was slippery, you know.

Finally, all of us arrived home safely. But in a very wet state. My first experience catching a bus and this is what I get. Wet.

>>>Catch up later!!!>>>

At Baskin Robbin's

2007-02-02T14:39:00.000+08:00

>>>At Baskin Robbin's>>>

Yesterday was a public holiday, So I finally have a chance to wake up as late as I want to. After lunch, I went for Math's tuition. There, Chit Yong and Tze jiunn suggested we got to Baskin Robbin's at 1700 just for fun. And because I was craving for Chocolate Mousse Royale.

My Mum fetched Laine and I to Baskin Robbin, Taipan, since she was not working. As usual, guess who were late??? After ordering our ice-creams (Chit Yong and Tze Jiunn were irresponsive to the ice-cream guy and I had to asnwer for them...), we talked and talked while the yummy ice-cream melt into our mouths.

As for the topics we talked about, there were limitless. And Tzejiunn went way over the board. He actually said something really really personal just so casually. My eyes were as big as gold coins when I heard what he said. And it was then, the topic turned to our personal love life. We had so many laughs and Tze Jiunn's laughter was piercing! The other family at another corner actually shot daggers to us and 'ahem uhum ahem' rather loudly. That was embarassing.

Then, Tze Jiunn forced us to talked about our crushes and as an intelligent person, I never revealed anything. Hahaha... Chit Yong also let us guessed something and at the end of it...I don't know what to say. But, everything was enjoyable. The ice-cream and the company.

Here are some of the pictures we took:

P.S. The photos which I took with Chit Yong was because of the forcing of Tze Jiunn. For his 'experiment'. So, whoever who can't keep their mouth shut: just DON't misunderstand.

>>>Catch up later!>>>

I've caught a cold!

2007-01-26T15:53:00.000+08:00

>>>I've caught a cold!!!>>>

What a disastrous week! I've got bad flu, sore throat and cough. Used at least 3 packs of tissues a day. At home, I can finish half a box of tissue in a day. Terrible! And I find it so hard to breathe. Brain not functioning well either. Some more Chinese New year coming. Here comes my angpaus ($$$$$)!!!

Anyway, Xin Li was talking about dance classes. She asked if Sook yee and I wants to join. For me, I'm too buzy. Maybe after PMR or never. Xin Li wants to learn hiphop/freestyle dance. Both dances are not my type. I don't think dancing is my thing either.

I'm currently waiting for a new book titled 'Shopaholic and Baby', which is gonna be published in the end of February. Haha...Pleaded my Dad to pay for it. He said, he will pay 1 book per month for me. (Actually, the book receipts can be used to reduce tax, that's why he promised to pay! Haha...)

>>>Catch up later!!!>>>

Unexpected? Expected?

2007-01-20T12:44:00.000+08:00

Well, school started just less than a month and many unexpected and expected events happened. Listed down here:

Expected:

1. I'll be in 3 Amiga and the teachers will make sure we work pur butts off.
2. There will be plenty of homework and less time for hobbies (reading novels,
watching Hong Kong soap operas, online-ing, etc.)
3. Music teacher giving more and more homework for exam preparations.
4. Music exams will be in August. Practical exam might clash with my birthday (like
what happenned in year 2005).
5. My grandparents moved in their new house just one street away from my house. (If
I walked there by shortcut, I have to walk through the street with dog poop all
over).
6. Late nights up finishing homework and if I want to read a newly bought novel).
7. Can't sleep during the first week of morning-session school (Used to not sleeping
until 2330).
8. Less shopping trips on Sundays. (But going to eat Baskin Robbins' tomorrow. Dad
cut out all the coupons from Baskin in the newspaper.)
9. 2007 will be an awful, busy year. With a few exceptions.
10. A year full of exams in 2007. (I've already planned what I'm gonna do after PMR.
Just thinking about it cheers me up tremendously).

Unexpected:

1. Just during the first week of school, something happenned to me. Not really
serious, though. Went in hospital and stayed overnight. Limited mobility.
Discharged from hospital sitting on a wheelchair to the car. Felt like OKU. Missed
one day of school. No more 100% attendance this year.
2. Second week of school, my great-grandmother passed away. Tears and all. Especially
my grandmother. I don't even know how to comfort her.
3. The teachers in school expected the best from my class. Including Art, which is my
worst subject and I'm hopeless in it.
4. I broke record. Only watched half and hour of TV in an entire day.
5. Had to sing 'Negaraku' every morning in school.
6. Some other stuff. Confidential.

Conclusion : Life is good with expectations. But with unexpectations? Not so nice, but also wonderful occasionally. Lots of wierd dreams this year, though.

>>>Catch up later!!!>>>

>>>First Day of School. Such a Beautiful Day. NOT!!!>>>

2007-01-03T16:16:00.000+08:00

>>>First Day of School. Such a Beautiful Day. NOT!!!>>>

Finally, I can once again breathe in the fresh morning air and feel the morning breeze around me. It should be an amazing day, right? Except, things aren’t going as smoothly as I imagined.

I jumped out from bed before the alarm went off. My first thought : I’m a Form 3 student now! How time flies. I went to school at about 0645 and reached there within 5 minutes. Somehow, I felt jittery. I went to my usual waiting spot. After all the lining up and going to class thing, I finally found a place with Sook Yee sitting beside me. Again.

Just as I was moving my books, my bottle fell down on to the floor with a crash and the water spilt out with a splash. How wonderful. The first ‘big’ thing I did in class. I was so embarrassed, especially when the class teacher asked: “Siapa tumpah air?” and I was the one to admit. Maybe it was bad ‘feng shui’. Great. The first impression I gave to my class teacher was: THE GIRL WHO SPILT THE WATER. I got labeled as clumsy. Haih.

Then, came in a Malay guy teacher, who was supposed to be my class’ BM teacher. I don’t know why but I just got the urge to laugh when I saw him talking. Not that he’s funny or anything, but I was thinking that if Chit Yong was sitting behind me, he would have snide in a comment about him. Sook Yee started laughing too and we both tried hard to control our laughter. But, I still gave away a snort of laughter and people beside us started smiling/laughing as well. Luckily, we kept it down and the teacher barely noticed. Guilty. Then, I started to listen about his advice on PMR and everything.

So I was thirsty for a few hours until recess came and I got to refill my bottle. I’ve got to borrow 20 cents. The refilling machine thing did not work until a few jabs on the buttons. And still, the water splashed out before hitting my bottle. Just great.

I went back to class after recess. I thought I wanted to get a start with my tuition karangan (last minute!) but Sook Yee interfered by begging me to talk to her. So, I said, ‘You talk and I listen.” So, she went on with her endless story then slept (Chit Yong, any comment?) for awhile until I shook her up to ask about a BM word. Then, she talked and I wrote while giving her some response (Oh. Yeah. Walao. Oh My God. Really?). Besides, Sook Yee complained to me that our class too quiet. Without Kwan, Serene and Chit Yong.

10 minutes before school ends, Chit Yong appeared at my class corridor. I was listening to the Maths teacher talking to a student at the back when Sook Yee gave me a rough pull and pointed towards Chit Yong. He stuck out his tongue at me. How can I resist not giving him it back? And, he kept making me laugh outside and I was trying really hard to control it. And guess what? My former classmate laughed at me for that “OLD” rumor. Hmph!

Hope tomorrow will be better. >>>Catch up later!>>>

>>>My Christmas in Ipoh and Penang>>>

2006-12-28T17:15:00.001+08:00

>>>My Christmas in Ipoh and Penang>>>

>>>Day 1>>> 24th of December, Sunday
Destination : Pasir Putih, Ipoh. (Grandparents’ house)

BRINGGGGGGGGGGG…My alarm went off at 0600. I had to get up. Dad said we’re going to Sungkai, Trolak first before going to Ipoh. You may wonder what business we have there. Well, there’s actually a hot spring and mountain spring park there. So, Dad’s bringing us. The hot spring water was damn hot. Almost burnt my leg! (38°C- 40°C!) Then, we went to the mountain spring. Ah, the water was so refreshing and cold! I liked the mountain spring better than the hot spring. But too bad, my bro made me fall onto a hard stone, I bruised my left wrist and both of my knees.

We continued our journey after having lunch at Bidor. Reached my grandparents’ house at last! They saw my bruises and made a big fuss. Honestly, you’d think I broke my arm or something. If I was to live with them my whole life, I reckon I’d be a spoilt brat. We went out for dinner at the road side stalls. Yeah, my Christmas Eve feast. Dinner was not bad, until it started to rain. We went home and my whole family watched ‘The Ultimate Christmas Present’ that was on Disney.

>>>Day 2>>>25th of December, Monday
Destination : Penang

I woke up at 0745. After showering and all, I had breakfast – Wan Tan Mee. Then, I sat back on the Ford Everest again as Dad drove up towards North to Penang. This time, my grandparents came along. After crossing the Penang bridge, we reached the hospital where my great-grandmother stays. We went to visit her. Honestly, I wouldn’t want to live so long. Maybe until 87. It’s so sad that nobody is capable of taking after her and she lost her memory. All she has to eat everyday is porridge. If I were to live that long, I’ll ask the nurse to put some chilli/tomyam/asam flavour into it.

About 1315, we had lunch at a restaurant with my uncles and aunties in Penang. Then, one of my aunties drove me and my bros to Youth Park to pick up my other cousins from Johor. We had a swim in Grand View condominium (aunt’s place) in the evening. My cousins (Vincent and Jason) were there too. We played horse-back fighting in the pool. Vincent and Jason vs me and my bros. They won. Of course lah, they are heavier than us! Some more Vincent started to hook my leg under the pool to trip me. Ha! I’m so used to that game coz my bros kept doing that to me. Vincent was overconfident that he could make me trip and laughed before I even trip. I dodged that easily, until Jason joined in and they both dragged me down. They made at least 20 attempts to make me trip, but I only trip 5 times! Hahaha! After dinner at KFC, Dad belanja all of us to Haagen Dazs as Christmas treat! Yummy! We had two Fondues! My family and I went back to our hotel (CITITEL) after that.

>>>Day 3 >>>26th of December, Tuesday
Destination : Subang Jaya
Morning came and went, not too long, I was saying bye to my cousins and aunts. Goodbye Penang food! I’ll miss you! We went back to Ipoh first to drop off my grandparents. That will be the last time I will be walking on those floors and the front porch. I look back at the house before climbing into the car, trying to savour every bit of it. My grandparents will be moving to Subang on the 5th of January. No more Ipoh house. But on the bright side, I have 2 houses in Subang. Their house is just a street away from my house. Yeah!

Haih, 2 years ago got Tsunami on the 26th, now have earthquake in Taiwan on the 26th of December again. Freaky!

>>>Catch up later!>>>

別怪她(Don't Blame Her) - MV 主唱: 吳卓羲(Ron Ng)

2006-12-22T18:28:00.001+08:00

>>>Shopping For New Year's Clothes>>>

Today, I went to Summit with Mum. She said I have to buy my Chinese New Year's Clothes today, coz today's the only weekday she can bring me shopping. I know, it's too early! But at least I've finished one thing on my checklist. I spent most of the time in Cos-Max, actually. I bought a pair of jeans (at last!) from Taipan. Then, in Summit, I bought a cream coloured jacket, two tops and a white skirt. Mum said I still have RM 50 left to buy other clothes. I never thought I could spend so little on so much clothes. Summit has really cheap clothes.

Yesterday was 'Dong Zhi'. I helped Mum 'chuo tang yuan'. These are made out of dough, I think. I had to roll them into small balls of dough. This year, we have 3 colours. Pink, white and light green. My 'tang yuan' was the roundest and most colourful. Hahaha!!!

>>>Catch up later!>>>

Just another day gone by...

2006-12-19T14:46:00.000+08:00

>>>Just Another Day Gone By…>>>

I’m so looking forward to go to school now. I’m bored to death at home. All I can do is watch TV, go online, listen to the radio, write the ‘Panas Salju’ project and wrap my school books. I really really despise wrapping school books. It is such a pain in the neck!

Last Sunday, I attended this music group class thing organized by my music teacher. There is only 2 reasons I went there: a) Christmas goodies are given out. b) I’m gonna get my Grade 5 Theory distinction trophy. So there I was. With a whole bunch of small kids and only a few teens. First, my teacher made us all stand up. She gave the teen girls, including me these tambourines and we have to ring it while we sing this very unfamiliar Christmas song. What with the lyrics that have the words ‘mountains, valley, forest and shout’ in it. I feel like a complete idiot, with the kids. I was shaking my tambourine, singing that song, jumping and dancing about. Some more the song was high pitched. Anyway, I got the Christmas goodies and my trophy.

Now, let me introduce you the guy I recently idolized. Here he is :

But still, Ron Ng is #1. I love to watch their movies. Now watching Ron Ng in ‘Revolving Doors of Vengeance’. And Bosco Wong in ‘War of In-Laws’.

>>>Catch up later!>>>

2006-12-12T14:44:00.000+08:00

>>>How I spent my Sunday and Monday>>>

~Sunday, 10th of December
In the morning, my family and I went to eat Dim Sum. I haven’t had Dim Sum since…don’t know when, but it was a long time since I ate it. I love having Dim Sum for breakfast. My favorite was siu mai. Then, we went to Subang Parade. As usual, I spent about 3 hours in MPH reading. I went back home at about 1500 after finished buying smashed potatoes for my bros from Dave Deli. I can’t believe Mum bought a self-help book for me. I dislike self-help books. They tell you what to do and control your life. But, for Mum’s sake, I’m reading it. It was not entirely boring, just a few bits. The title is ‘6 Most Important Decisions For Teens’ by Sean Covey. And the very first thing I remembered is Sean saying my life should only be centered on principles, because they are natural laws and they will never fail you, whilst friends and other stuff might.

~Monday, 11th of December
Today was a public holiday. I thought I could laze around in the house. So, I woke up only at 1000. Then, I started reading the self-help book again. I had finished almost half of it. My bros suddenly came barging into my room. When they saw me reading in pajamas, they shouted at me to go get dress because we’re going to Sunway Pyramid. How’d I know we’re going somewhere today? Dad told me yesterday that we can’t go anywhere today coz workers are coming to renovate the front porch. So anyway, I finished my breakfast and off we go.

In the car, my bros kept debating on their football teams – Chelsea and MU. Even though I did not watched any of the football matches, by the end of their debate, I knew how many goals were scored, exactly who scored it, who cheated, which goal was offsite and how the goal was scored in detail. See? Short cut to know about football news without using media. Haha… Reached Pyramid. Mum spent a whole hour with Dad choosing Timberland shoes. My bros and I were sick with boredom. Then, we went to see my bros’ Adidas shirts. Finally, we got back to the car. Ate lunch at Klang.

Mum wanted to set a reflexology path at the front porch. We went to this place where they sell plenty of tiles, stones, flowers, plants and fountains. Mum got the reflexology tiles and Dad let me chose a cactus for my room. I got one cactus in the colour of cheerful orange. It looked beautiful. It almost looked as if it is eatable. Like a scope of orange ice-cream on top of the green branch (is that the name of the greeny thing?). We left and reached home at 1540.

Wish for the Day : I hope my cute cactus won’t die. The guy said I could put it in my room and I hoped it gets enough light.

12th of December ~ I’m in 3 Amiga! The pressure is on.

>>>Catch up later!>>>

Class Reunion 6F

2006-12-06T17:15:00.000+08:00

>>>Tuesday, 5th of December, 6F/2004 Class Reunion>>>

Yesterday was my 6F class gathering day. The night before, I can’t help imagining every ex-classmates’ faces. I know it was only about 1 ½ year before I meet them again. But, people change a lot. The last time we met was June 2005, I think.

The gathering started at 1500. Yin Li’s mum came and fetch me to Burger King, Taipan. That’s the venue. It was shocking. There were a few guys in black shirts standing outside. At first glance, I can barely recognize them. But they do look familiar. Suddenly, Yin Li shouted out their names then only I remember who they are. The biggest changes were not in the girls, but the guys. Plenty of my ex-classmates wore black; I wore my brown San Diego shirt. And guess what? Apparently, the 2 guys who turned out to be most ‘leng chai’ there were the 2 guys who sat beside me and Yin Li during Standard 5! There was that guy (not mentioning names…) who sat beside me and threw my books out of the window to the corridor when I wasn’t looking standing tall in Burger King. Incredible how people change physically and mentally in only a year.

Somehow, I dreaded a little walking into Burger King. Walking in means walking back into my past. Not that I hate my past, but there were certain bad memories that I really dislike remembering and wanted to rub it all out of my mind. However, they were the ones who trained and made me who the person I am now. They might be irrelevant to me now, but they were the ones who changed my personality which is relevant for my future. So, maybe it was a good thing. Okay, enough of that stuff.

The gathering went well, but a little boring. Most of us are in different schools and have different friends now, so that leaves only a few subjects to talk about. Our teacher is still the same. That’s all about the gathering. I’m so glad that my high school life turned out so good. I’m grateful that I won’t need to go through what I endured during primary school life again.

.:*No matter how many times you are forgiven, the words that you once said to a person cannot be taken back. It will forever remain in that person’s mind and hurt her heart deeply. Every time she sees you, she will always remember what you once did to her. The damage is already done, even though you are already
forgiven.*:.
(NOT referring to guys)

2006-12-04T14:46:00.000+08:00

>>>Today>>>

Well, today was quite boring. I woke up at about 0930 and as I wanted to go brush my teeth and get dressed, Dad said I can’t use the toilet. What?! Working guys are gonna do some plumbing work in my toilet to stop it leaking. Dad said I can’t use the toilet for 2 days! Fine.

~0950
Drank my milk and ate a slice of chocolate cake for breakfast. Switching TV channels from MTV, HBO and then to Cinemax.

~1000
Practiced the piano. I especially hated this book titled “Romantic Sketchbook” because it has all those hard songs with plenty of sharps and flats. I dreaded playing this song “Prelude in C#”. Anyway, I pulled through it and played the whole piece smoothly. Piano teacher was impressed last Saturday when I played that song and gave me a rating of EXCELLENT! I deserved that. It was pure torture practicing that piece everyday and I nearly wanted to tear the book to pieces, plus banging the piano.

~1030
Done with piano. Watched TV again. The Hong Kong soap opera is getting exciting.

~1130-1400
Writing my Panas Salju project. Then, ate my lunch.

That was what I did for half the day. I called Laine last night. We talked about plenty of stuff, including our future. I’m so looking forward to my future. Every time I think of my future, there is this picture in my mind of me studying under one of those shady trees around a lush garden with autumn leaves on the ground at the campus. I would have to spend 7 years studying radiology if I decided I want to be a radiologist, which is my current ambition. I might be 27 when I graduate. Hopefully, I will find the love of my life in university. If not, I’ll still be single when I’m 30, which is not a good thing. Maybe I’ll tell you what are my plans when I’m old some day. It’s still very far away. And, there’s a reason why I keep my books in such a good condition.

>>>Catch up later!>>>

Bread Factory and Fireflies Watching Family Trip

2006-12-03T21:26:00.000+08:00

>>>Flashback>>>

~ Family Outing to Hi-5 Bread Factory and Fireflies Watching
This outing was on 1st of December, Friday. Some of my cousins and aunties from Penang/Johor came to visit my family. They arrived at our house at noon. Well, one thing I learned yesterday was you be nice to a toddler and he/she would stick to you like superglue, unless you treated them badly. I was a half-day babysitter yesterday. With no payment. Venice(3), Vincent(16) and Jason’s(10) sister is a cute and sweet little girl. As I was the oldest girl cousin, it was my job to take care of her while she was here, besides another girl cousin (was her name Jeamie or Jimmy?). There was this emergency in my Dad’s car after we visit the bread factory. It was okay. We each received a loaf of bread. We had 12 loaves of bread altogether. Okay, back to the emergency, which turned out to be disaster.
Venice was at the backseat with me when she told me that she wanted to go ‘xu xu’. I called Dad to stop at the nearest Shell station for toilet. Venice was shaking her legs and jumping up and down already. Since I was still the eldest girl in the car (my aunties and Mum was in another car), I had to hold her tiny hand to the toilet. Apparently, toddlers walked very slow. I’m so afraid that cars would bang into us while we were crossing the road. Venice was so quick pulling off her jeans that I haven’t even close the toilet door. Shit! She doesn’t know how to use the squatting toilet. She wanted to sit on the wet and dirty floor. I shouted ‘NO!’ and stop her just in time. She was near to tears by then. What to do? I had to carry her with my arms, almost dropping her into the toilet bowl. My arms were aching and I kept telling Venice to ‘Quick! Faster! Done already?’ the whole time she was doing ‘business’. Phew, done at last.

After that, we went to eat dinner at Kuala Selangor. We ate crab porridge, tom yam, crab fried noodles and a couple more dishes. Yummy, especially the tom yam. After dinner, Vincent told me that Venice complained that I don’t know how to bring her go toilet. How dare she, that little monster?! I let her slept on my arms and laps for almost 2 hours in the car because of traffic jam. I was in a really awkward position and my body felt numb when I stand on the ground. And she dared to complain?! Man, I really don’t like this whole ‘xu xu’ thing.

But, the fireflies were amazing and fascinating! I’ll never forget those Christmas ornaments like insects on the trees. It wasn’t what I expected, though. I thought fireflies were bigger than flies and their lights are red. But no, their lights are green and they’re tiny. We sat on a boat to watch the fireflies. Four people per boat. It was very dark, the river and the surroundings. The guy rowing our boat told us that the river was about 10 meters deep and there were crocodiles. Scary! I was relieve when we reached the ground again. After the guy announced that they were crocodiles, I kept holding my brother’s sleeve. And, I swear I saw some movement in that river. We were only 7 ‘batu’ from the sea!

That’s all for Friday. I went to Mid Valley today. I did not bought anything, though. I badly want a pair of nice, inky blue jeans and a denim-to-the waist jacket. I saw the jacket but it was priced at RM119.90! Haihz, I looked nice in that.

>>>Catch up later!>>>

New Slides...

2006-11-29T15:03:00.000+08:00

These are some of my photos. Enjoy viewing...

Vacation to Kuantan...

2006-11-28T16:10:00.000+08:00

On the 19th to 21st of November, my family and I went to Kuantan for our vacation. We spent the first night at a 4-star hotel. Personally, I really dislike that hotel. It's like the dead city, or rather hotel althought it was broad daylight. It was quite dull and old. The pool was okay. I have an issue with my room's toilet. The floor is yucky and sticky. I can't flush the stupid toilet and I have to throw myself against the toilet door to close it. The room view was okay, I guess. The sliding door looked out to several shady trees, a wooden old swing and the beach is furthur down. Fortunately, I only have to stay there for one night.
The next morning, I was waken by the maniacal laughter of children playing on the old swing. My parents, one of my brothers (the other one is sleeping like a pig) and I took a stroll along the beach. Oh, the beach was fantastic! The sand was soft and powdery under the soles of our feet and the sea breeze was soothing. The sea water was quite warm. I think we walked and ran 3 km along the beach. I even raced with my brother although I usually hate racing. The only good thing about that hotel was the beach.
We packed our stuff and moved on to another hotel. But, this time, a 5-star hotel. I can't describe how it feels to step in the luxurious space of the lobby. That was the first time I step foot in a 5-star hotel. I can find no fault with the rooms. The beach view from my room was spectacular. And, this hotel is not the dead city. It's a place where a lot of activities are going on and there's not a minute of absolute silence. The beach was not as nice as the 4-star one, though. I don't know why I could sit on the beach for hours and not feel bored. I mean, really sit and do nothing. Except splashing water. The sunset was really beautiful.
Anyway, gotta go. My brother wants to use the computer. Catch up later!
*Finally found a blogskin that I really like.

First Day of Holidays and It's Siew Kwan's Birthday!!!

2006-11-13T15:01:00.000+08:00

Sigh...It's so nice to wake up whenever you want to, dawdle at doing everything and not having to do things according to schedule. Too bad, this kind of life isn't meant for me. Every day precisely at 0803, an alarm will automatically begin ringing in my head. And, I would have to wake up. No matter what I do, I just can't fall back to sleep. I don't know since when this became a habit. I tried setting my handphone alarm to 1000, but I still woke up between the minutes of 0800-0803. So this morning, I started to read my latest novel - Shopaholic Ties the Knot. Great book, makes me laugh. Then, my maid (and also one of my best friends, though she's quite special coz she's my only friend whom took care of me since I was dripping saliva, that was 3 years old, until now, I'm 14) came barging into my room. I became her experiment. She wanted to try to do manicure and pedicure with those transaparent nail polish, so she did those on me. My nails now look...different. And the whole time, I was reading Shopahlic.

I now come to the end of Form 2. When I looked back at events of the past, it all seemed very distant to me. I can’t remember anything specifically, unless those really exhilarating-mind-buzzing-stomach-turning-heart-pounding times. Time can be a real pain. It ticks for like an eternity when I’m bored. Then, when I’m enjoying myself and not aware of it at all, it comes hurtling by and just vanished before I could blink my eyes. 3 more years and all the friends I know will be leaving me, or I'll be leaving them. We would go to college and then fly to universities at the other side of the world. We might click when we meet again, we might not. Well, never mind of that now, I've still got 3 years to savour every bit of my friendship. Not to say 3 years is a long time.

Exiting...Craving for a Chocolate chip ice-cream...I'll go get some later...

Back to the Past...

2006-10-31T09:58:00.000+08:00

~ 23rd of Oct. - 25th of Oct.
I went back to Ipoh. Helped my grandparents to pack their stuff, for they're gonna move here next month. Yes! I can be a parasite at their house whenever I want to. And, I can also get away from my brothers who make disturbing me their hobby. But, packing my grandparents old stuff was an absolute exhausting situation for me and my parents, except my brothers who are busy watching TV.
And would you believe how handsome my grandfather was when he was young?! I can't even regconize him. That old yellow photo showed him sitting on the car front, and he looked 'yeng'. No wonder my grandmother fell under his love spell (this was my father words, not mine). And, I never thought that my Mum collected old boxes of matches! What a wierd collection. On 25th, got home at found out that we were robbed. The rest are history.

~ 29th of October
Nothing special going on in the morning. I spent the Sunday afternoon at MPH. MPH is one of the favorite places of mine. The vibe is soothing and the music is relaxing. I love reading at the lounge. I can spend 5 hours straight sitting on those big and comfy chairs, reading one of those romance paperbacks, preferably, AVON books. Once I started to read, I'm totally lost in the main character's world of romance and life. It's nice to know that somewhere over the world, someone has their romance they wanted and lived happily ever after. I like the way authors describe love, like there is all kinds of perspective on it. I especially like these sentences:
.. Some people fall in love head over heels. Others begin to fall without even knowing it - love grows like a spring flower beneath last autumn's leaves and catches them by surprise.
.. Some people wanted another person to start noticing them. But, when that person actually noticed them, they start to wonder what the fuss is all about, to catch that person's attention.

~ 30th of October
First day of school after the Raya holidays. I missed my best friends so much, that the second I got to school, we had so much to catch up. Exam papers came back. I don't want to go into that subject. Just the thought of it made my heart beat vigorously inside me.

Exiting my world...Can't miss the soap opera I want to watch! ;-)

Break- In!!!

2006-10-25T20:37:00.000+08:00

I can't believe this happenned to me. I never thought it would. I balik kampung (Ipoh) last Sunday and only came back today, about 1400. In the journey back from Ipoh, I was thinking that when I reach my home sweet home, I'll take a warm bath then have a nice nap. However, my plans were destroyed by thieves.

The second I walked into my house, I saw that all the kitchen cabinets and the kitchen door was wide opened. I recalled that before I left the house, my parents locked and closed everything. My mum rushed in and checked upstairs. It was unmistakable that thieves broke in to our house while we were gone. Almost every room in the house was messy and things were stolen. The thieves managed to break into our house by sawing the metal grill of the kitchen window. I assume that there must be more than one thief.

The thieves raided the kitchen and stole the expensive chinese herbals. They also raided the rooms upstairs. My parents' room and my room was the worst. My brothers' room only had their coin boxes stolen(Yeah, the whole thing, not just the money inside. Maybe they can't open the lock, that's why they stole the whole thing).

I'll post the photos next time. The clothes and private stuff are all thrown onto the floor. They even pulled out my locked drawer, where I kept all my diaries and personal stuff. They thought that I kept something valuable like jewelry in there. But too bad, too sad for them. Pulled something out and wasted their time, energy that has no use for them. I am still ver angry at the thives for breaking my coin box and stole a lot out of it. Now, I can't even buy any books or birthday presents for my friends. They also took all of my coins, not leaving even 1 cent for wishing. They also stole the only branded watch I got. And, I know they flipped through all of my diaries for fear that I hid my money in it. How dare they invade my privacy?! I hate it. Fortunately, they did not steal the fake jewelry my friends gave me for my birthday. And thank God, that they never found the class fund. If they stole that too, I'm in hot water.

Besides that, they even stole my parents' wedding rings and most of their jewelry. They cut open any packages and private stuff to search in detail all places for money. They pulled out all drawers and threw them all over the floor and bed. They found the secret compartment and stole all the valuables in it. We are so poor now. The thieves were not interested in electric appliances, however.

I don't know how I'm going to sleep tonight. I kept imagining that some complete strangers entered my room and touched lots of my most personal stuff. They thumbed through all of my clothes and they might even sat on my bed. The thought of it just gave me goosebumps all over.

It was a horrible day. I don't think the insurance company will cover much of the damage.

Exiting...Hope that I'll reach the shore of sleep tonight...

One-Day Trip to Pulau Ketam

2006-10-22T18:31:00.000+08:00

I went to Pulau Ketam with most of my family members from hometown (it's Sasaran, but you probably never heard of it coz it's a small kampung) today. It was crowded with tourists and people who went there for food, like my family. The food was okay, but I still prefer Penang food stalls.

We went to Pulau Ketam by boat, since it's an island. tickets are RM 3.50 per person. The main transport of the island is bicycles with engines, or motorcycles. While walking on the streets, watch out for bikers coming through. You dodge them, not they dodge you. We are obstacles to them. That's all about the island. Nothing much.

The pictures here will describe most of the activities we did there. Indulge!

My family at the port.

Eating something fried.

My twin brothers and I.

Exiting...Bye!

Post with Photos

2006-10-21T22:52:00.000+08:00

This was my kitten, LLL(Lau Leng Lui) before my parents came home from work and chased her away. She never came back, and i missed her. My parents forbid me to adopt her because my brothers' nose are sensitive to fur. Poor thing.

Daniel Radcliffe! Love him!

My information board in my room.
The condition of my room when I'm studying for exams. So messy, because i don't bother to clean it up. Too busy.
Exiting my world...Catch up later...

Study is such a bore!

2006-10-01T21:05:00.000+08:00

Why doesn't anything turned out as you planned it before? I planned to wake up at 7 a.m in the morning and study chapter 7 & 8 of History. I ended up waking at 10 a.m and only started to study at 11 a.m. It took me half the day (about 5 hours) to study the whole of chapter 7. When I finished, I looked back at the sub-topics and I can't even remember precisely what it was all about. I'm DOOMED!

Just thinking of exams now make my hands so cold. This is the final exam of the year, and yet, I find it so hard to force all the facts into my head. I can't help feeling guilty everytime I'm doing something else other than studying. I'm feeling very guilty now, but I just can't bring myself back to the study desk again and force facts into my head. I just did that a few hours ago. Today is just the begining. There's still 7 more days just like today, with one exception : Every one day that goes by, my study hours will extend. There's nothing I can do now, except relax and go to sleep, have a early start at studying tomorrow. I hope I won't lie lazily in bed tomorrow till late morning... I don't know why I have problems sleeping at night. I have to lie on the bed for hours and not fall asleep. The more I on the lights to do something else, the more awake I am. The only solution is to climbing down my bed and walk to the toilet 5 times in an hour. Only then I can fall asleep. Wierd. Maybe it's because I wear my legs out so it's easier to sleep. Hope it doesn't turn into a habit. I can't imagine my whole life going to the toilet 5 times in an hour before I can have a peaceful sleep.

Exiting my world...

.:*Just Me*:.