The Cat Freak

Weekly update no. 3

2008-09-07T22:57:00.005+08:00

Monday

It was the first day of Ramadhan and I was finally out of my LB (Licensing Branch) "prison"! AND...I finally got to tag along for an inspection!!!

I followed the East Team (I'm from the West Team by the way), even though I'm not from there, but my Group Head wanted me to follow them because he could tell that I was anxious to go out. Anyway, we went to a shipyard at Jurong.

The company is called Cosco and it was China-owned. It is a shipyard, but they were only building ship modules and the inspection was actually a follow-up inspection.

It was definitely an experience because for one, it was my first inspection, and secondly, there were so many things to look out for. There were little things that I missed that the experienced inspectors saw. And there are many things to look out for. All of these will take some getting used to. But I want to memorise all these things quickly because I've seriously no experience at all, whereas Jai, who's had construction experience, could point out some mistakes that even the experienced inspectors overlooked. The competition is on man!

The Group Head of the East Team is really fierce. I call her the Dragon Lady. I've also given some nicknames to the other Group Heads because their personality is definitely unique. The North Team's GH is Mr Gan Chiong because he's always in a rush at whatever he does, even walking and talking. The South Team's GH is the Joker in Disguise, because if you were to judge him based on your first impression, you'd think that he's a blur and awkward man, but once you get to know him, he can make you laugh your ass off, seriously. My team's GH is the Smiling Inspector, because I always see him smiling. In fact, I got the nickname Smiling Inspector from the Joker in Disguise because he was telling us, during our in-house training programme, that he ever had an inspector who just came onto site with a smiling face and just snapped pictures without telling the occupier whether or not there was any offences. Poor man, he thought that his site didn't have any problems. But in the end, he was slapped with a $10,000 fine! Obviously, the way the "Smilin Inspector" handled things was wrong. But I'm not saying that my GH is like that!

Anyway, the East Team's GH, aka Dragon Lady, only becomes the Dragon Lady when she goes out for inspections. At the office, she has a great sense of humour. I could tell that the management staff of Cosco respected her, if they weren't intimidated by her...haha! They did improve on their safety from the previous inspection, but they still needed to improve further. All in all, I learned A LOT!

But we came back late. We reached the office at 6pm. So, by the time I prayed and got my stuff ready, it was a little after 6.30. I then quickly bought a meal from Mac to break my fast. What was more, I missed the bus. I did try to wait for the next bus, but it was so slow, so in the end, I took a cab, which costed me $12. Sigh...

I reached class at 7.30, but I wasn't the latest one! Since I didn't have time to buy my coffee, I was feeling sleepy when it was only 9pm! Luckily, the lecturer let us off at 9.45 because he is a Muslim, and he knows that some of us had to get up very early the next day. And luckily, my parents fetched me because I think I would've just collapse in the train.

Tuesday

I went out for an inspection again, in the morning. And it was with a senior inspector. He brought me to 2 general factories. 1 was doing metal works and the other was making pipe fittings.

They had minor mistakes, like expired extinguishers and no proper housekeeping, so the inspector didn't give any fines out. I think he just issued them with notices of non-compliance (NNC). I was told that you won't find much trouble from GFs. It was a little unexciting, but I did learn some things.

Wednesday

Well, nothing happened today, I mean as far as me going out for inspections. I don't even remember what I did in the office until it was time for me to head for class.

Thursday

My GH told me that one of the staff at the LB was hospitalised. So, when he told me to go down there to help them out, I didn't hesitate to do so. I didn't know who was hospitalised, but I was so afraid that it might be one of the ladies, because I've grown quite close to them.

Fortunately, it wasn't any of the ladies. It was actually one of the male staff who's just came back from his leave. I think he was sick before he came back for work already.

Friday

In the morning, my team had a meeting. I think this meeting will be held monthly. My GH went through all that's passed and all that's to come. I was very surprised that the "Bloody Idiot", whom I've made the mistake of introducing myself to on my first day, could actually talk! He even laughed!!! His name is Kelvin by the way. My perspective of him made a whole 180-degree turn after that day.

I was expecting to go out for inspection today. However, my GH had other ideas. He still wanted me to go help the LB. I seriously don't mind helping them, but I don't want to compromise my chance of going out for an inspection. Remember my personal quest? So, I wasn't really in a happy mood that day. But the company there made me feel better.

Later on in the day, a man came down to the LB. He looked to familiar but I wasn't sure who he was exactly. And then, it hit me; it could be the Director for Occuptional Safety and Health (DOSH)! To confirm, I asked one of the ladies and she said yes. I heard that, in my mind, I just went, "Oh SHIT!" because when the DOSH and me happened to look at each other, I didn't show any recognition whatsoever, let alone greet him!!! Now he's gonna think why this new girl doesn't know how to greet her boss. MAN!!!

Saturday

As usual, went to Mendaki in the morning and then rushed to my organ class. Forgot what I did for the rest of the day.

But at night, I discovered that my period had come. I already knew that it was coming because I had been having cramps off and on for the past few days.

Sunday

Remember I told you girls that my period can sometimes give me severe cramps? Well, it happened again on this day.

I could already sense, before it became severe, that it was going to be severe. So, I quickly took the pink-coloured panadol. Well, suffice to say, it didn't do shit. Panadol doesn't work once when I'm having one of these severe cramps.

It got so painful that I was feeling nauseous. And I did end up vomitting. Luckily, I only vomitted once, unlike the few times before, because I haven't had anything to eat yet.

I definitely don't want to feel this way again, but I know that it'll happen again, eventually. Sigh...

Well, don't worry, week 4 is not as depressing, so tune in again by the end of the week!

Weekly update no. 2

2008-09-06T22:01:00.003+08:00

I'm really sorry for not updating last week. But I've seriously been busy the whole week. I was out the whole day everyday, even on Saturday and Sunday, so I was really tired and didn't have any mood to update by the time evening came.

Anyway, from Monday till Friday, I was still helping the Licensing Branch out. They were and still are very overloaded with backlots. I didn't really enjoy doing something that is not part of my job description, but the people there are very talkative and friendly.

A new inspector by the name of Jai Prakash came on board on Monday, but he introduced himself as "Jay". I guess he wanted to sound "cool". He's had construction experience (a few months) so that's one of the main reasons he was hired. He's very quiet and a bit anti-social. I mean he doesn't talk to me unless I talk to him. But he knows how to talk to those "above" him. It pisses me off because it makes me feel as though I'm not good enough for him to talk to. Well, I'll just have to prove to him that I'm a better inspector than him. Experience be damned!

I think it was around Wednesday that the head of the Licensing Branch asked me if I was willing to work there for another 3 months. When I heard that, I was like "Are you kidding me?" It's already good enough that I'm helping you out for a few days, but 3 whole months? I have another job if you must know. Anyway, I turned him down, obviously, and said that I applied for the post of an Inspector, and not that. But then, he asked me again whether I would be willing, if he cleared it with the HOD. At that point, I was thinking, Are you that desperate? And again, I turned him down, saying that I have to start with my actual job sometime. He gave up after that.

Then, on Friday, while I was still stuck at the Licensing Branch, Jai was asked to come along for a shipyard inspection. I was there when he was told that, and at that time, I was actually very pissed off. I came earlier, and yet, he gets to go for an inspection while I was stuck at the LB? Totally unacceptable! One main thing that gave him the chance to go for an inspection first was that he was assigned to a different team. So that team just happened to have a team inspection. MAN!!!

Whenever I complained to the other inspectors that I haven't been out for an inspection yet, they all that "That's good!" Apparently, the workload is killing them. But they don't know that I have a personal quest to prove to Jai and the snobbish Specialist (the one I mentioned in the prev post) that I'm not someone to be looked down upon.

On Saturday, I had Mendaki in the morning, and after that, I had to rush to my organ class at Yamaha and then after that, I had to rush again because my parents were picking me to go to my cousin's 21st birthday party. It was held at her condo's clubhouse, which was dismal because it was so small but when the time came for the cake, the atmosphere got pretty emotional. I mean nobody bawled or anything, but I could sense the significance of the moment. She was turning 21 and that is the pivotal time of your life. I've been through it, so I know how important it must be for her. And secretly, I wish my parents had done something for me on my 21st birthday. But enough of that, what's done is done. It was just too bad that we were going through a depressing time when my birthday came along.

On Sunday, I had Pergas (my religious class) in the morning and after that, I rushed off to meet my friends at Takashimaya. We haven't seen each other in a month and Jojo since our convocation. And yeah, it really surprised me, and I think all of us, that Jojo could spare some of her time with us. And since it was the last day before puasa, I wanted to have a "final" hangout with my girlfriends. Anyway, I actually wanted to eat at the KFC at Taka, but it was so damned packed that we had to change the venue. So, we ended up eating at KFC at Cineleisure. I just had a craving for chicken =D. We didn't wander around after that because there was a dance competition there. It was organized by 98.7 and the prize of competition was to get the opportunity to be the opening act of Avril's concert.

We saw some good ones, and plenty of crappy ones. There were even 11-year-old girls who "danced"! Note the word "danced". You get the idea? But in the end, the group which we thought was the best, did win, so we were quite happy with it. By the way, Jojo sprained her ankle, but she still came to meet us. Thanks girl! I know you had to walk a lot, but I really appreciated you coming :)

Okay, I'll put up the next update tomorrow. I PROMISE!

P.S.: Kel! I want those pics!!!

Weekly update no.1

2008-08-24T18:38:00.007+08:00

This will be the first of many weekly updates to come. It will also serve as the number of weeks I've stayed in my job. And since it is a weekly update, it'll be very long...

Monday

I reported to work on this day. Well, to be more specific, I reported at the wrong location.

As you all know, I signed the letter of appointment last Friday. The lady who was with my mother and I told me that I would have to report to the place where I was interviewed. She then said Havelock Road, which is where the HQ is. But I said Kim Seng Road, which is where the Occupational Safety and Health Division is, because that was where I was interviewed. Now, usually, the interviews are held at the HQ. So she just assumed that I was interviewed there. I did say Kim Seng Road, so I don't know why she didn't correct me when I said that.

So, when I reported to OSHD on Monday, the staff there were all wondering what the hell was going on. Like why did I suddenly show up when HQ didn't notify them that they would be receiving a new staff. Basically, everybody was caught off guard. But they weren't angry at me or anything because it wasn't my fault to begin with. And that was how my first day of work began.

I was assigned to the West team. There are East, North and South teams as well. These teams will inspect workplaces at the said areas in Singapore. And each team has a group head.

On a separate note, my HOD gave me the welcome. He's a really easy-going guy. But I could tell that behind that easy-going facade is a man of no nonsense. I was just glad he isn't the type who bites your head off if you make a mistake.

And then, in the evening, I had my part-time degree course. Long story short, I was spent by the time I came home. I haven't even done any work and already I felt sooo tired and sleepy.

Tuesday

I went to work again. If I'd reported to HQ on Monday, I would've started work the following Monday. But the staff just told me to come on Tuesday.

One of the staff introduced me to the OSHD people. A lot of names to remember. And I haven't remembered all of them yet. I'm from the Operations department; on the 4th floor. The Investigations department is on the 3rd floor.

When the staff and I were about to enter the 3rd floor, we bumped into my Mendaki head tutor. My eyes just went round and my hands actually flew to my mouth. I've been writing that phrase all the time in my essays and never thought that that kind of thing can actually happen.

Unlike me, he acted cool and told the staff that he already knew me. Man!!! Why does he have work there????? It's already enough that I have to see him on every Saturday. And now I have to see him at work too? Seeing the one colleague at one work place is more than enough. But fortunately, he's under the Investigations department. So I don't actually have to see him everyday.

Wednesday

This is the day we had the team building session at East Coast Park! My verdict? I had a blast!!! Surprisingly. But it was mostly because I got to meet people who didn't know other people, so that made me make friends easier, unlike at OSHD, where people knew other people, so I'm having a tougher time trying to break into their circle.

Anyway, the reason for this team building session was because of the 3rd anniversary of the whole of the OSHD. It is currently split into 3 locations. One is at Kim Seng Road, another is at the HQ, and the last one is at the MND Building.

We split into 3 teams; Red, Green and Blue. And within each team, there are a few captains and vice-captains. Since I just started working on Monday, they didn't have a team for me. So, they gave me the role of captain for one of the groups in the Red team! I was like "What the hell???" I know the guy who was supposed to be the captain didn't show, but why must I replace him?

Because I was no stranger to the leader role, I didn't really feel so uncomfortable "leading" my group, even though they've been working for far longer than I. Anywy, we were to build sandcastles. The theme was an OSH City. I won't say anymore. I'll just let the picture do the talking =D.

This is built by the organisers.

This isn't a very good shot...

Better?

What can I say? I'm not a photographer...

Another bad shot...

I should've taken upclose shots...but anyway, you had to be there to really see them properly.

Luckily,we ended early, so I had time to go home and grab a shower before going to my night class. Knowing that I'll most probably be very tired during the lesson, I bought a Vanilla Latte from Starbucks before class. And that really helped man! I didn't feel tired until I got home. I think I may have to buy coffee for every class...

Thursday

My HOD told me that I will begin my orientation when the new guy comes on Monday, which is tomorrow. I was already a little way into my orientation. So I guess he thought that it'll be more convenient if the new staff were to start the orientation together. In the meantime, he wanted me to help the licensing department because they were undermanned and had a lot of paperwork to do.

But that was after I had lunch with the bosses. Yep! That's right! I had lunch with my bosses.

My supervisor actually asked me whether I'd had my lunch. I said no. So, he invited me to come eat with "us". Now, at that time, I just wanted to fit in, and because nobody has asked me out to lunch yet. So I just said yes without knowing who "us" were.

Then, as we were walking down, my HOD came out, and a few of the other "heads" also came out. And I was thinking like "Oh shit!"

Surprisingly, I wasn't nervous or anything. But I did feel out of place in their company because they were all men and not to mention, they were the authoratative figures. Still, they were a friendly bunch, especially my supervisor, my HOD and one of the group heads.

Friday

I helped the licensing department again. And I really like them. I'm closer to them than my own department even though I've only been with them for 2 days. They're just more talkative...so that makes chit-chatting much easier.

There's especially this guy from my team who's like the anti-social one. On the first day, I tried my hand at introducing myself to strangers. And it was just my luck that my first experiment was on this guy. Well anyway, I introduced myself, but he looked at me like "What?" And he actually said "Huh?" I had to repeat myself and I actually had to explain to him that I was introducing myself. Bloody asshole man. I felt so embarrassed after that that I didn't dare try to introduce myself to another person.

Then on Friday, I received a call from my work phone. Which was wierd, suffice to say, because nobody knows my work phone except the admin staff. Anyway, she actually wanted to speak to another staff, but he wasn't in at the time. So, she asked for his e-mail. Well, I obviously didn't know his e-mail, so I asked that anti-social guy because he was the only one present in my team and he was my immediate neighbour. He refused to just tell me the e-mail and kept saying that it should consist of the full name. So I asked for the full name. At first, he did say it, but he was so soft, that I had to ask again and again, until he just said to refer to the organisation chart. Bloody idiot! I've vowed to not to speak to him again unless I really have to.

With the exception of that idiot, I'm getting the hang of working there.

Others

Last night, I was missing Supernatural, especially Jared...ahahahahah! So, I watched some of his new interviews that came up. That cheered me up a bit. And then, I had a dream of him!!! This was my first dream of him! I know Kel has dreamt of countless male stars. And you know what? We were dancing...

Excuse me for now...my mind is on cloud 9 =D. Stay tuned for the next weekly update...

Weekly update...

2008-08-16T21:55:00.004+08:00

It's been a long time since I last updated. Well, I just thought that I should now update my blog once a week, especially since I'll be working from next week on (That's right! I'm finally gonna work...I'll elaborate on it later). So updates won't be as frequent as before.

Firstly, on last Sunday, which was the day after NDP, Kel, Yu En, Shereen and I got together at Marina Square. I haven't seen Kel and Yu En for a month and Shereen since graduation, so I was a bit excited that we've finally managed to meet up. Marina Square is definitely one of our usual hang outs. I feel nostalgic everytime I go there. Anyway, we ate at Swensen's and then we watched "Journey to the Center of the Earth". The movie was a tad too short and it wasn't as exciting as I had been told. So Kel, Yu En, I know you girls said that it was funny and all, but I didn't enjoy it as much as you two =P.

Here are some pics we took from Kel's brand new camera (I noticed that my blog lacked photos...so I hope this makes up for it):

I was "attacking" my omelette. I know...lame...

Then I had Waffles Dream. The last one to finish, as usual, but this time it was the waitor's fault!

We made Yu En wear this at Mango...hehehehehe.

Kel was sooo loving the purple toilet at GV...ahahaha!

We met out GV(Green Volunteers) seniors there!

And finally, a nice pic of all of us =)

Secondly, I've started my night classes this week Monday. The commencement of the class was so abrupt. I only received the call on when to start 3 days before Monday. It was actually supposed to start in September. For now, the lessons are on Monday and Wednesday nights. My opinion of English Literature so far, is definitely interesting. We haven't gone into lesson proper yet. But I feel a little excited that I'll finally be able to understand poems and plays because I tried reading them on my own, and they were like an alien language to me. What's more, I didn't fall asleep in class! So that says a lot...ehehe.

Thirdly, I finally received a call from MOM on Wednesday this week! I was to come to the MND Complex to sign the Letter of Appointment on Friday, the same week. My mother came with me to sign it. It was actually up to me as to when I wanted to begin working, until 28 Aug, but my mother insisted that I start next Monday. Enough resting! That's what she said...haha! After that, we rushed to Raffles Medical at OUB Centre to have my medical check-up. It was a whole new experience for me because I'd never had one done before. So I was a bit kuku at some points. I'll also have to make a pass of some sort, like a security pass, I think, at Certis Cisco. But they only have the pass-making on certain days. So, I'll have to ask for time-off for when I want to get it done.

Man...I feel excited and a bit scared that I'm finally gonna start work. Monday will mark the end of my student days, and the beginning of my adult life. =)

Library interview...

2008-08-05T01:43:00.002+08:00

Earlier today (officially it's yesterday), I had an interview at Marine Parade Community Library.

When I was preparing my things before I left, I was actually contemplating on not going for the interview at all. I had already resolved and had already accepted and am satisfied that I've got the MOM job, so I didn't want the library interview to ruin things for me. But my mother insisted that I still go. She would rather I work I work at the library than at MOM any day. She pointed out to me all the advantages of working at the library. And I had to agree with her; that made me question my choice of accepting the MOM job. But I didn't want to listen to her too much because I didn't want to have any second thoughts about MOM. But, usually, when my mother has a good feeling about something, it usually comes true. So I was a bit weary going to the interview.

There were 4 interviewers. 2 of them wore tudung and the other 2 were Chinese. It was only after the interview, when I described the 2 Malay women to my mother, that I found out that they were my mother's schoolmates. They know each other, but they didn't know about me, which was a lucky thing.

It was during the middle of the interview, when one of the interviewers said to me that she still couldn't get a feel of what my personality was like. And she said that it is important that I show to people that I am approachable because I would be dealing with a lot of customers. And then she said that the job is mainly dealing with customers.

When I heard that, I was thinking that it is definitely not my cup of tea. But still, I had to give the impression that I was very interested and keen to deal with customers. I was bullshitting all the way. I mean come on la, I'm not a people person. But I'm trying to change because my MOM job will require me to interact with all levels of employees and employers.

As I had expected, the working hours is based on rotational shift. I asked them whether I could make a request for them to accommodate my part-time degree course. When they heard that it would be 3 times a week, they told me that it would be very difficult for them to arrange it so.

Oh well, I didn't really want the job anyway, so it wasn't a loss for me. Guess my mother's wrong this time. All the more, this is another sign that I'm meant to work at MOM. =D

I've (probably) secured a job!!!

2008-08-01T22:11:00.003+08:00

On this week Monday morning , in fact, it was just a short while after I'd posted my previous post, I received a call from NParks. They were offering me the post of Parks Officer!

Initially, I was very happy that finally an employer wanted to hire me. Plus, the pay was quite good; $1,850. Higher than what I'd expected. But at the same time, I was still wondering about the MOM job. And what was more, the working hours at NParks are uncertain, so I didn't accept the job straight away. The HR manager who called me told me to give an answer by that day itself.

I immediately called my mother. She was quite pleased until I voiced out my concerns, particularly about the working hours. So, she then called my father who in turn, called me. He told me to ask the HR manager whether the job will affect my studies. If it can accommodate my studies, then I can accept it.

At that time, I was already running late for my organ class. On the way to my class, both my parents called me (at different times of course) and asked me whether or not I'd called the HR manager back and they also wanted me to call or e-mail MOM to ask them when they'd be letting me know if I'd been accepted. Both of them wanted me to get that job instead.

I called the HR manager after my class. And I told him about my condition, but he said that he couldn't say for sure. He'd have to check with the director and call me back. But he didn't call me back that day.

And what luck I had. Mom called me about 1 hour after I'd hung up on the HR manager! They were offering me the position of TSO, Workplace Safety and Health Inspector. The pay was lower than the NParks job; $1,650. But that is before a scheme called the Non-Pension Scheme, or something that sounds like it. I forgot the exact name for it. So altogether, I'd get at least $100 more. Not so bad right?

That was the 2nd sign telling me that I would get the job. The 1st sign was after the interview. I had a good feeling about the outcome of the interview then. But at that time, I didn't think of it as "signs". I just thought that it was merely a coincidence that MOM happened to call me on the exact same day that NParks did.

Still, I held back. I told them that I'd call them back and give my answer the next day. I just don't like to rush into things. It's like shopping. Like most of you know, if I want to shop for a bag, I will look at all the bags before settling down on one. Same goes for accepting a job. In fact, you should do this especially when you want to accept a job. Never just accept it because it happened to be the first one to call you or because you're desperate for a job. Ask them if they could give you some time to think it over before answering.

That night, I was actually torn between the 2 jobs. When I thought of the good things of one job, I'd look down on the other. But then, on the next instant, I'd be supporting the other job and condemning the first one. I just couldn't decide. Knowing my dilemma, my mother told me to pray Istikharah(it is a prayer to ask for guidance).

So, at around 2am (I hadn't slept yet), I prayed and asked Allah to show me which job is most suitable for me.

Nothing happened that night. But I dreamt after going back to sleep after my morning prayers. And I dreamt of my first day at work at MOM, albeit a weird dream, but a dream nonetheless about me working at MOM. That was the 3rd sign. But I still needed a little push.

While I was having my breakfast, my mother asked me whether anything had happened after I prayed. I said no, but I said that I'd dreamt of working at MOM. At that, both my parents started pointing out to me that I should accept the MOM job instead and just call NParks to tell them that I won't be joining them. The HR manager still hadn't called me by the way.

That was all the push I needed. I called MOM and told them that I was accepting their offer and called NParks about my decision.

So, that was the long story of how I'd accepted the job at MOM. =D

Oh and by the way, I've added in "probably" in the title because I haven't actually been confirmed of the job because they still had to send my application for approval. So I don't know when I'll be starting work. But I'm optimistic that I will.

NEA actually called me yesterday. They wanted me to come for an interview for the post of Environmental Health Officer next week. I remembered Cai Ling telling me about her interview with them. And it took them 1 month to get back to her. She waited for 1 month just to hear that she won't be getting the job. They're just so slow! And true enough, when I asked the caller how long it'll take them to let me know of the outcome of the interview, he said that it'll take about 2-3 weeks. So I told them that I'd already accepted another job. Also, I'd applied for the job more than a month ago, and only now, they're calling me for an interview.

I'm still going for the library interview on Monday though. My mother would still rather I work at the library. I'd have to agree with her. Just imagine...Book Heaven! But I'm not sure of the working hours. Library closes at night, so I just hope that the job doesn't require me to work on the night shift.

I hope everything will turn out nicely for me...

Mendaki Tutor's Course

2008-07-28T12:05:00.002+08:00

I attended a tutor's course under MDIS yesterday. It is a 3-day course, which will be conducted on 3 Sundays. It is a requirement for all permanent tutors to attend this course.

It was definitely an eye-opener for me. I realised that there are so many ways for me to conduct my lessons. All the while, I've been going in the class and after a few minutes of waiting for the late-comers, I'll start writing on the board to teach. And then, I get them to do an assignment. The students must've felt super bored man! Why didn't I see this sooner? Afterall, I was a student not all that long ago.

So, after listening to the other tutor's successful experiences in conducting a class and what the lecturer has taught us, I will apply them to my next class.

I've decided to start by rewarding the students who've gotten the highest in their Mock Exams and then, I'll play some games with them. Of course, I'll be rewarding the winners as well. And if I find that a student has improved, I'll reward him/her too. I've already bought 2 big lollipops and I'll be buying more candy today.

I think I won't be doing much teaching this Saturday, except for running through their mistakes in the Mock Exam because it is necessary that I win them over first. It is very clear to me, that I haven't won them over yet.

And I've already made some plans to bring my laptop to show them some videos and also to conduct my lessons.

I just hope that the weary mood will be lifted after this Saturday.

Interview...interview...interview...

2008-07-24T12:16:00.002+08:00

I've just gotten home from my interview with NParks this morning. But I'll write about it later. Let me just write about the 1st two interviews that I've had this week.

This week Tuesday, I had an interview with NParks for the position of Conservation Officer and with MOM for the position of WSH Inspector. It was a lucky thing that both interviews didn't clash.

My interview with NParks was in the morning at the HQ, which is at the Botanic Gardens. I'd already surveyed the area and found out how to get there. And boy was it tiring. There was a lot of walking. I had to walk through the gardens to get to the HQ. But if you were to take a cab or drive, then you can just drop off at the HQ itself. Anyway, it was about 15 mins worth of walking.

I was interviewed by 4 people, plus 1 HR. They were alright, I guess. They kept talking about how hard the job will be, because you'll be working in the forest, like catching poachers and telling people not to do illegal things, searching for lost hikers. They also kept mentioning that you'll have to face with a lot of creepy crawlies and lizards. All those things I don't mind. You all know that I'm not afraid of bugs and all right? But the drawback is that you have to be on call practically 24/7. So sometimes, you may have to work at night and through the weekend. And I can't because I'll be taking my part-time degree course 3 times a week and I have Mendaki on Saturday and my religious class on Sunday. So how am I going to accommodate this job?

But I never told them all these things of course. The interviewers always want to hear "yes" from you. Still, I could get a feeling that they could sense that I wasn't really up for the job.

Then, in the afternoon, I went for my interview with MOM, which was at the WSH Department at Kim Seng Road, near Great World City. It went so much better than the one with NParks. I was interviewed by 5 people, all men. Well, it is a male-dominated job. But I wasn't really intimidated by them because they were quite friendly. I could sense that they liked me, I think, but I made a blunder of one of the questions. It was when one of the interviewers asked me what have I studied in WSH in school. I totally forgot to read up before I went to the interview. And I had kept reminding myself to do so for the past 2 weeks. Anyway, I said "tunneling" and then I said something about every once a week a safety officer will come by the construction site to give it an OK. When there were no smiles at that answer, I knew that I had messed up. And then, I apologized because my mind was blank.

Man! That was the one question where I could have impressed them, but I screwed up. On the way back, I thought back on what I could have said, and discovered that my second answer wasn't totally wrong, but the checks were done for scaffolds and not the construction site as a whole. And then I kicked myself for not mentioning about "risk assessment". How can I forget that? I did a project on it!!!

I really hope that I'll get this job. Because luckily, the working hours are pretty fixed. But once a while, once every 2-3 months, I'll have to come down at night. The job is OJT, so I don't know whether they'll send me for courses and such. And I'll get to see dead bodies. This all sounds like police work to me, which is different and exciting!

Then today, was my interview with NParks again, but for the position of Parks Officer. There were 2 interviewers, plus 1 HR.

They were much friendlier than the previous NParks interviewers. The job is great. I was actually attracted to it. Your main responsibility is to care for the parks, but you may get to do other kinds of jobs as well, especially when there are events coming up. The drawback however, is also the events. When there is an upcoming event, everybody will be very busy and you'll have to work at night and through the weekend. And they usually have programmes on Saturdays or Sundays, so your weekends may be compromised as well. Man! Why do they have to do this to me??? But again, I told them that I was OK with the working hours. (sigh)

Come 4th August, I'm going to have another interview. And this time, it will be with the MarineParade Library for the position of Library Officer. This is actually one of my top choices. But if MOM accepts me before I go for the library interview, I'll take it. And anyway, I'm not sure of the working hours at the library because they open till night. So I'll most probably have to work then too.

Dammit! The jobs that I really like can't fit my schedule. I just hope that I'll get a satisfying job because at the end of the day (Mr Tan...hehe), all you want is to have a job that you are happy with.

A day for presents

2008-07-15T23:33:00.003+08:00

Yesterday, Kelyn and I had agreed to go out as a kind of a belated birthday celebration. Initially, we'd agreed to meet at Kinokuniya at Ngee Ann City and then, we'd, or rather, I'd go watch shopping, with her tagging along.

Well the meeting up part was a mass of complications. I shall not elaborate it here because I'll just give myself a headache. But we finally managed to meet at our agreed place. And surprise, surprise, Yu En appeared as well! And that wasn't all. They gave me presentssss!!

Since it was a Monday, I was totally not expecting Yu En because she's started working already, but she took a half-day leave. Thanks for spending time with me girl!

I received a book, 2 bracelets, and my favourite out of them all...a stuffed snow leopard!! It's just so nice and huggable. It makes a great sleeping partner...HAHAHAHA!!! Girls...thanks so much!

Anyway, after that, we went to Cineleisure (am I spelling it right?) in search of my watch. The budget was $250. We went to City Chain there, but it was so tiny and the choices were very limited. Those of you who know me, should know that I've very fussy. If I want to buy some thing, anything, I'll look at all the range of choices before settling down on one. Kelyn was already expecting that I wouldn't be able to find my watch yesterday. Hehe...

Cineleisure was a bust, so we took neoprint. Yu En had to leave after that because she had to attend her 1st lesson for the fire safety course.

Next, Kelyn and I went to Hereen and browsed through all the watch shops there, including City Chain. And I finally settled on City Chain...ahahah. I'd actually wanted a Citizen watch but it costed $295 and only had a 10% discount. So that was over my budget. I bought a Solvil Et Titus watch. Original price was $275 but they had a 50% discount. I paid $139 for it. Way below budget! Good bargain huh?

Since I've got a stainless steel watch, I'm thinking of getting another watch because I saw some nice leather watches at Fossil. But that's talk for after I get my first paycheck...hehe...

I just want to say thank you, Kelyn and Yu En, for taking some of your time to spend them with me. You girls have managed to make me feel that I have a 21st birthday. I was feeling down yesterday, but you two had made my day. =D

Police interview and 2nd Mendaki lesson

2008-07-12T13:50:00.002+08:00

Police interview

On Thursday this week, I went for my interview at the Police Headquarters. It was for the position of MSO.

The HQ is a very impressive building, inside and out. I was the first one there; I arrived at 9 am, when I was supposed to report in at 9.30. Anyway, after 9.30, one of the officers gave me a booklet that contained the list of positions available and the details.

There were 7 in total. And out of the 7, I was only qualified for 2 of them. And they were Acclaims Officer and Assistant Logistics Officer. The others required me to hold a diploma in Mechanical Engineering or IT. At that point, I was thinking, "Huh?"

I was there for MSO, but this is something else, although they are about giving management support to the different departments . And what's more, the 2 positions that I'm qualified for only required the person to possess an 'O' Level. Now, the newspaper clearly said that you have to have a polytechnic diploma.

After running all these thoughts in my head, I just told myself to go through with the interview and do very well for the MOM one.

But the interviewers (there were 3 of them) were nice people, unlike the Kinokunya one(s). Oh, and by the way, I've received a letter from Kino, saying that they've rejected me. Well, even if I was accepted, I wouldn't want to work for that Snob. It was just for a Retail Trainee but the mood of the interview was like as though I was trying out for a high and important position.

Anyway, the interviewers at the HQ were friendly. They smiled and tried to put me at ease. A big contrast from Kino. I don't want this job, because I'd rather get the MOM one, but if they want me and if my interview with MOM didn't turn out so well, I'd join them. I mean, what choice do I have?

2nd Mendaki lesson

I've resolved to continue teaching the Sec 1 and 2 classes.

Because I haven't received my copy of their assessment books, I was limited to what topics I can teach. So in the end, I got them to write a narrative composition. I also went through their Journal entries and corrected their mistakes. I'm not saying that I'm perfect at English, but I'm still good enough to correct their wrongs.

I plan to mark their compositions and point out some of the more common mistakes to them in class. I think I'll also write down some Singlish sentences and get them to correct them because Singlish was evident in most of the students' Journals.

Let's see how the 3rd lesson will go.

Disappointed, Dilemma, Detached

2008-07-07T22:55:00.005+08:00

Disappointed

Today's my birthday! I'm now 21. I should feel really ecstatic and excited that I've finally reached this number right? But I don't...

My mother suggested that my siblings and I go to a buffet at a Royal Scotts Plaza? I'm too sure of the place. I wasn't really expecting anything on my birthday because here, birthdays are celebrated by taking a picture and giving presents between family members only. But I guess my mother recognised the significance of turning 21. So I was actually looking forward to the buffet. My sister was all for it too because she loves to eat. But my brother wasn't game. I didn't really try to force him to come along because if he says he doesn't want to go, then leave him alone because he'll only destroy the happy mood. And besides, he doesn't really get that turning 21 is something big.

Since it was only now my sister and I, I didn't want to go to the buffet anymore. I mean, 2 of us? So, I suggested that we go eat at Secret Recipe or one of the restaurants at Marina Square or Plaza Singapura. But my sister wasn't willing to go to places that "far". The furthest she was willing to travel to was the airport, which has Swensens. I got so pissed at her for saying that to me. It is my birthday. I get to choose where I want to enjoy my time at, not you.

I didn't want to burden my mother with my complaints because she's already under a lot of pressure and stress(which I won't mention here). But since it is my 21st birthday, and since I won't be going out to enjoy my birthday, I asked her whether I could get a watch. She's promised me that if I was accepted into one of our local universities, she would buy me one of those thousand dollar watches. But since I was rejected, I never got the watch. So I was hoping that she would get me one (but not that pricy), or at least give me the cash so that I could go get the watch because as I've said, she's very stressed out and very busy so I didn't want to drag her to places here and there. Bottomline is that she agreed, but we'll have to see what kind of watch I'll pick.

The lack of events isn't the whole reason why I'm feeling down on my 21st birthday. The next part is in Dilemma.

Dilemma

As you've read in my previous post, I was given a permanent class by Mendaki, teaching English to Sec 1 and 2 express.

The lesson didn't go as well as I'd hoped. I discovered that I didn't know how to teach English. I know how to use the tenses but I don't know the terms because they all come instinctively to me. So how do I explain to them how to use those tenses? When I tried to "explain" to them, I wasn't even making sense to myself!

So throughout the weekend, I was actually freaking myself out because I kept telling myself that I do not know how to teach English. I tried to find another way to teach, but couldn't. By Sunday, I'd already given up and decided that I'd call Mendaki to tell them that I can't teach those classes. But on Sunday night, my cousin came. She's a teacher, teaching English to Sec 1, 3 and 4 classes.

She started explaining to me how to teach them. I felt a little bit relieved but still doubted my ability to actually put what she told me into practice. That night itself, I started to come up with a lesson plan and I felt a little bit more relieved. But the temptation to just call Mendaki still remained. And it lasted until today, and even now as I'm typing this down. But at least now, I feel a bit more optimistic after I've talked to my cousin and developed a lesson plan, which is still in need of some work.

Today, as I made my way to Stansfield College with my mother, to collect my original certs, I was thinking of the point of me taking up a degree in English when I couldn't even teach it. Also, my "teacher" cousin told me that MOE only accepts degrees that are approved by them. And Stansfield is not one of them. When I heard it, it was like a major blow because the main reason I wanted to take the degree was because I wanted to try out for teaching again.

Detached

The fact that my family "abandoned" me on what is the most important day of anybody's life, and the fact that I was running through negative thoughts about my ability to teach English and the point of me even taking a degree in English, especially since I can't explain shit to the students, made me feel detached for most of today. Oh, and let's not forget that Stansfield is not recognised by MOE.

This has got be the worst birthday of my life!

But during our bus ride back home from Stansfield, my mother managed to comfort me somewhat. She told me of the other options of having this degree. It may not be approved by MOE, but it's still recognised in Singapore. And what if I like my job and don't want to go to NIE? I can still give tuition. As for Mendaki, she told me to continue because this is a challenge for me. You can't expect things to be easy all the time. I have received advice, and I can always ask for more, and I have my lesson plan. So just put those 2 together and give it a shot.

Despite being so busy and stressed out, my mother is still able to put her problems away so that she can soothe mine away. After all the things that she's been through, she still remains strong and resilient. Words can't describe how much I love her.

Some (good?) news

2008-07-03T12:12:00.003+08:00

I mentioned in my previous post that MOM called me for an interview for the position of MSO right? Well, they sent me an e-mail for the details of the interview, and it turns out that they actually want me to sit for an interview for TSO, which is Workplace Safety and Health Inspector. I thought they made a mistake or something. So, I called them and they told me that after reviewing my resume, they felt that WSHI is more suitable for me.

My father had initially discouraged me from becoming a safety officer because it's a rough job, especially for a woman. He said that workers usually find them a nuisance because you go in there just to tell them their mistakes. But after learning that I had an interview with MOM, he told me to go for it because you'll be under the government. If you're from a private firm, they will treat you like trash, but if you're under the government, they'll be scared of you. So now, I feel much more relieved and I feel more determined to do well in the interview.

Then, just yesterday, the police called me because I had applied for the position of MSO. And they want me to come for an interview on the 10th this month. I feel like, wow...things are really looking up for me. But I don't know which one I want more. I'm leaning slightly towards MOM because I have studied WSH in school and I know that I can apply that for my interview. But I don't know what to say for my interview with the police.We'll just see what happens...

And then, just this morning, I received a call from Mendaki asking me whether I'd be interested to become a permanent tutor for 2 classes, teaching English. I didn't reply straight away because I was too surprised that they'd be offering me a permanent class so soon. But again, after some urging from my mother, I called them back and accepted the offer. I will be starting this Saturday, teaching English to Sec 1 and 2 express classes at Siglap Secondary School. And I'll be paid $84 a week.

I'm nervous and excited. Nervous because I hope that they're not mean kids. And excited because I'll be teaching!

I'm still in a daze because 3 things has happened, and it's not even Friday yet!!!

Got another interview!!!

2008-06-30T17:35:00.003+08:00

This morning, I got a call from MOM regarding my application for the position of Management Support Officer (MSO).

I'm like soooo happy. But...the interview is on 22nd July. When I heard the date, I was thinking, "What?! So long??" But still, I'm just glad that I have another interview to look forward to. Hehe...

P.S. :Kel!! Come online once in a while pleeaaassse???

Relief teaching at Mendaki

2008-06-28T13:46:00.004+08:00

I've just gotten home from relief teaching at Mendaki!

It was quite an experience because I've never ever done any sort of teaching before.

I got a call yesterday from Mendaki asking me whether I'd like to relief a class today. It was a Primary 5 class. And I'd be teaching them English and Maths. It was so sudden that I found myself hesitating to accept the request. But after some persuasion from my mother, which the woman on the phone heard, I decided to accept it. She said that this was a trial for me to see if I really wanna be a Mendaki tutor.

There were 12 students in my class, but only 10 turned up. The children were adorable I tell you. I can't believe I'm actually saying this, because I always find children irritating...HAHA! They kept quiet when we entered the class. They even stood up, bowed and greeted me! I thought this practice didn't exist anymore.

Anyway, the minute they sat down, they started chitchatting. But it couldn't be helped. Poly students themselves talk when the lecturer is teaching. So you can't expect an 11 year old to just sit still and keep quiet. The first lesson was English. So, knowing that they would soon become restless, I distributed a few worksheets which I've printed out to them. They were still talking, but they did their work. And I surprised myself by actually remembering some of their names just after marking their attendance once.

After about 40 min, I went through the answers with them and explained to them their mistakes and why this answer is correct. And then, since there was still time, I played hangman with them. That was really fun. The losing team had to do 10 squats. You know, the one where you have to hold your ears and squat. Muahahahaha! But they were game. =D

Then came break time. I went to the toilet and then joined the other tutors in the canteen. Man...they were one rowdy bunch! They welcomed me very readily. I didn't really join in on their conversation because they were already in the midst of it. But they were really funny people. I was seriously laughing just sitting there listening to them.

Maths lesson came after the break. I collected the students from the canteen and headed back to the classroom. I gave them a couple of worksheets to do as well. They had their own books, but I didn't want to be caught unprepared, so I got my own worksheets ready. Actually, the truth is that I was afraid I wouldn't be able to do some of their problem sums! HAHA... Because, I remembered when I was in primary school, I used to hate doing problem sums because I couldn't do the long ones. So, I thought, the standard would be higher now, but it was still roughly the same. I guess I shouldn't have bothered printing out so many worksheets. :S

Anyway, just like in English class, I went through the answers with them and did the workings for those who got the question wrong. Then, I went around to check their work and explained more thoroughly to those who couldn't do the questions.

The class was supposed to end at 12.15pm. But I forgot! I thought it ended at 12.30pm. So, I released them 12.25pm. But they didn't complain. Good kids! They even salam(ed) me!!

Now I really don't mind teaching. And I mean, seriously teaching, through NIE and not just at Mendaki.

Btw, I've added my tagboard back. Because I found that I kinda inconvenienced some people by not having it up. So hope you guys tag ya?

Went to Spotlight again...

2008-06-23T21:50:00.003+08:00

Today, I was planning on going to Stansfield College to pass them my education certificates for verification. My classes will start in September. It's a BA Honours programme and I'll complete it in 3 yrs (hopefully).

Anyway, since I was planning on going to Stansfield, I asked my mother whether she wanted to come along so that she can go to Spotlight because they were having a sale. So, my mother, my auntie and I went to Spotlight again. Yeah, it was our 2nd time there (at least for me).

During our 1st time there, we met Joakim's father. YEP! He works there. By the way, Spotlight's at P.S. But we didn't act like "Hey! You're Joakim's father right?" Mostly because my mother and auntie either didn't know or recognize him. Only I did. And I only informed my mother after he walked away.

Before we left the house, I received a call from Recruit Express about my application for a temporary job. And the recruit consultant wanted me to come by Ngee Ann City for an interview. So we went there after Stansfield. No, I meant...we walked there. I didn't want to, but both my mother and my auntie wanted to. I was still early for my interview, and the weather wasn't that hot, so I gave in.

The recruit consultant told me that she'll try to find me a temp job ASAP...and I really hope she does. I don't like to appear to my father that I've been sitting on my ass the entire day (even though I have been doing that).

So, after Recruit Express, we went to pray first at Al-Fala Mosque and then, we walked...yeah that's right. We walked AGAIN! I know that their feet must have been aching already, because mine were. But they insisted on walking because it was only 2-3 stops and they didn't wanna waste money. Anyway, we walked back to P.S. and finally went to Spotlight. But not before shopping at John Little first. These mak ciks really have a lot of stamina man!

My mother bought some material for our sofa cushions. The whole thing was close to 10m and it was thick and we had trouble fitting it into her trolley bag. It was such a trouble that it took 3 of the staff to help us squeeze it into the trolley bag. HAHA!

We took the bus back after that.

By the way, girls, I finally know what bus to take to town!! Hehe... And it's only 1 bus. =P

Rejected

2008-06-21T00:21:00.002+08:00

This morning, I opened my hotmail account, as usual, to check whether I'd gotten anymore job offers. I received just th opposite. I didn't qualify for the 2nd stage of the shortlisting process at MFA.

Man! I was, and still am, so disappointed and frustrated. I've sent out dozens of job applications and barely a handful have gotten back to me. Is there some sort of secret personal attack on me going on?

After being rejected by MFA, I'm regretting not going for the prisons interview. The post was only temporary, so I didn't want it. If I'd known that it was only temporary, I wouldn't have applied. But thinking back on it now, I wish that I'd reconsidered going. If, I'd gotten the job, at least I'd be able to get my own income

I was so disappointed and frustrated that I snapped at everybody the whole day, until my mother told me off. She said that you can't expect to be accepted after being shortlisted. You'll surely face some rejections. All the things she said are true, but I'm still very frustrated because it HAS been quite a while that I've been applying, and the lack of response is killing me.

I just have to hope and pray A LOT, that I'll get a good job.

Untitled

2008-06-18T15:39:00.009+08:00

This post will be called "Untitled" because I don't know what else to call it. I mean, what else can I name it? "Sorry for not posting for so long...AGAIN"? "Sorry, I got lazy...AGAIN"? You all know my usual excuse for not posting for such a long period of time already.

Anyway, right now, I've been struggling to find a job. I've gotten a few responses already; Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kinokuniya, Singapore Police Force and Singapore Prison Service.

Just yesterday morning, I sat through a series of tests for the post of Management Support Officer (MSO) at MFA. There were 4 parts to the test. 1) Writing skill, 2) Logistical skill, 3) Situational Judgement skill, and 4) Personality test. And this is only stage 1 of the shortlisting process. There'll be a 2nd stage. I hope I'll get through to that stage.

The test really showed me what kind of job I'll be in for. An MSO's duties are very wide. They have to handle foreign delegates, arrange accommodations, make flight arrangements, sit through meetings, write brochures, and I think many many more. It sounds very daunting. And truthfully, I'd rather get the MSO post at MOM, because at least, it is local. But too bad, I wasn't shortlisted.

Then, on the same day, in the afternoon, I went for an interview at Kinokuniya. The post was for a Retail Trainee. It was my first ever job interview and I don't think I did a good job. 4 women interviewed me! And one of them was so intimidating. I forgot all about smiling when answering a question, I barely greeted them and I didn't make most of my answers sound positive.

At one point, the intimidating one asked me,"Is your facial expression always like that?" And I was thinking like huh? What the hell do you mean? You don't like how I look??? I didn't know how to answer her. How do you answer a question like that. So my answer was like,"Uhhh...". And then she said,"If you have a facial expression like that, customers won't dare to approach you." Ohhh, so I wasn't smiling enough. But that was because everytime I smiled at her when giving my answers, she just gave me that intimidating look. So my smile kind of faltered after a while.

But anyway, even if by some miracle I get the job, I'm not gonna take it because it's rotational shift work. And your working hours are not fixed. And you still have to work during public holidays and weekends. If I'd been offered this job much much earlier, I wouldn't have minded taking it. But now, I can't because I'll be taking a part-time course in English at Stansfield College. So I MUST get an office hours job.

On a separate note, my story! Remember, I'm writng a fan fiction on Supernatural? Well, it's very slow going. I've only gotten to about 1,800 words for my 3rd chapter. My 1st chapter has about 3,000 words, my 2nd was double of that. I may rearrange the words so that each chapter has about the same number of words. I haven't really gotten to the middle of the story, but the plot is already there. I've already planned what I want in my 3rd chapter, but whenever I write it out, the story tends to sway from the original plans and I'll even think of other scenarios until I don't know which is the best course to continue the story.

I know I'm very slow, and I know that some of you want me to hurry it up and finish it, and I promise I'll try my very hardest.

I hope my next post will be in a few days...hehe...

My first bowling experience

2008-04-24T15:37:00.005+08:00

Yesterday, Kelyn and I went bowling at Marina Square. We were actually supposed to go 2 weeks before, but it kept getting rescheduled. The other girls couldn't come along because they've all started working already (except for us 2...hehe).

It was my first time bowling, so I was a bit excited but when we arrived at the bowling alley, I got a bit nervous because there was absolutely nobody there! But the door was open, and it did say that it was open. So we went in. We waited for a while until a guy came to the counter.

I found that bowling is much harder than it seems. I couldn't throw the ball hard enough. So, during the times that the ball didn't go into the longkang, it's speed was very slow. I even dropped the ball twice while swinging it back for the throw. My arm is aching today.

Anyway, after the first game, people started coming in. Mainly just office workers, and they played like pros man.

After bowling, we ate at KFC. All in all, the outing was good. We chatted and caught up. Sorry I couldn't stay longer Kel. I promise we can stay the whole day out when I get my period..hehe. We're planning another outing next Saturday with Yu En, and maybe Jojo and Shereen. I hope all of us can make it so we won't have to reschedule again. We MUST keep in touch. Kel and I were talking about being worried that we'll lose contact of each other after all of us have jobs. I really hope that won't be the case.

Anyway, I've begun writing my Supernatural fanfiction. It's tentatively titled "A Woman's Woes". I've only completed the first chapter and am now in the process of writing the second chapter. It's only about a third done. I have to say, writing this stuff is much harder than it seems. Because there are rules in writing. Like how to start and close a dialogue. My main focus for this story is to stay true to the characters. I'll post the link of my story here once I've completed it. But it'll be a while yet because I'm very meticulous about every single thing. I just want to be proud of my first attempt.

How I've been keeping busy

2008-04-05T22:06:00.002+08:00

Now that school's over, I've suddenly found myself with a lot of time in my hands. The obvious thing to do is look for a job right? Well I have, but I've only applied at 1 place. And that is the library. They've yet to get back to me. I'm choosy when it comes to searching for a job because my main concern is whether or not they'll allow me to wear tudung, let alone pray.

Still I have been keeping myself busy. Twice a week, I have religious classes(mengaji). On Friday I have my organ lessons and on Sunday I go to madrasah. But those only occupies a fraction of my time. The rest of my time is spent immersing myself in Supernatural! I just can't help it. The show has practically taken over my life.

Everyday, I would visit the Supernatural fansite at www.supernatural.tv. It has the most up to date information on the show and the actors. Then, I would read the fanfictions; they're fan-made stories of the show. And I read these stories at www.supernaturallville.net. But www.fanfiction.net has more. In fact, it has over 14,000 stories. Supernatural has the 2nd highest number of fanfictions. 1st is Buffy the Vampire Slayer with over 35,000 stories and counting because there are still many hardcore Buffy fans who write fanfictions.

So, with over 14,000 stories, how can I not go bored huh? I would read story after story. It's not as though I enjoy all of the stories, but it's more of the urge of finding a nice story which has properly interpreted the essence of the show and of course the characters. Some of the stories I've read just made me wince or roll my eyes because sometimes the fans write wrong information about the show into their stories or made the characters just so different. For example, on the show, Dean is portrayed as the protective, macho, snarky brother who hides away his emotions while Sam is the empathetic one who isn't exactly emotional, but doesn't hide his feelings behind a mask. But in some of the fanfictions that I've read, they've taken the extremes of the brothers' characters; Dean is very hardened and overly protective of his brother, who takes in every bullet, punch and kick thrown at him so that his brother won't have to suffer them while Sam is super emotional and needs a hug from Dean whenever he breaks down.

Every time I read something like this I'll be like come on la! Do you even watch the show? And shockingly, people actually like those stories! What is worse is there're even incest stories!!! I became an unknowing victim once. At that time I didn't know what incest was. I didn't even know about fanfiction. One day, I was surfing for Supernatural stuff when I came across a story written by a fan. So I thought, ok, let's check it out. I was reading until I came to the middle and just thought, what the hell is going on? Where are the supernatural bad guys? I continued reading and realized, to my horror, what was happening. I quickly closed the window. And at that time, I thought that was what fanfiction was about and refused to read any more Supernatural stories, until much later, when I came across supernaturalville. So that was how I got hooked to fanfiction.

After getting so frustrated over the wrong infos and wrong interpretation of the character, I've finally decided to try my hand at writing a story. It is still in its planning stage. Hopefully, I'll do the show some justice. But mind, there are quite a few fantastice stories, and I've been keeping the ones that I favour.

Anyway, Supernatural aside, last Thursday, Kel, Yu En and I met up for lunch. I was kind of expecting that it'll only be the 3 of us from the start because the others are kind of occupied ( I don't want to say too much).

We met up at Cineleisure but ended up eating at KFC at Taka. It was nice, even though it was only the 3 of us. We chatted and caught up. Unfortunately, I couldn't stay very long because I got to pray. So after I left, Kel and Yu En went to watch a movie. Next Wednesday, we'll be going bowling! I can't wait because I've never bowled before. Got to remember to bring my camera..hehe.

Well that's it for me. See you girls on Wednesday!!!

Last "class" chalet

2008-03-10T22:04:00.004+08:00

Well I've put off writing down about my "class" chalet long enough. You notice that I've quoted "class". You'll find out soon enough why I've typed it that way. It was from Wednesday, 27 February till Saturday, 1 March. No reason for my delay though. It's just, I've been so caught up reading Supernatural fan fictions...hehe.

Anyway, last Wednesday, I met up with Kel, Yu En and Cai Ling at Tampines Interchange. I was contemplating whether or not I should bring along my clothes and stuff because I was only able to sleep over on the 2nd and 3rd nights. So in the end, I decided not to bring my things and thank goodness too because boy did they have lots of stuff to carry.

On our way to the chalet, (by the way, we booked the exact same chalet we booked last year, for nostalgic purposes) we contacted Shereen because she was already there because she was attending the GV chalet, which was very near to ours. Our plan (only us girls) for the first night was to eat dinner, watch a movie and go Kbox. Basically spend the whole night out. But I would be going home after the movie because I can't go to Kbox. Well that plan was pretty much shoved up our asses instead because Shereen told us that she couldn't join us because of some lame excuse that left us pretty upset at her. Shereen, I don't want to sound mean, but you actually hurt our feelings because it WAS supposed to be our last class chalet.

The Girls' Night Out plan was slowly being shredded. At first, there was supposed to be 7 of us girls. But one of us, who is from China, had to go back home because her parents insisted on it. That was still ok because she didn't have a choice and besides, there were still 6 left. And then, another one of us, Shuyu aka Jojo, DECIDED not to come. I'm emphasizing on "decided" because she already knew that we were booking the chalet from that date to that date, but she chose to instead join her other friends on a school trip to Tioman, which clashed with our "class" chalet. I tried to persuade her to change her mind, telling her that the chalet was going to most likely be our last class gathering. Well, obviously I failed. So then, we were reduced to 5.

And then, when the day of the chalet came, in fact, when the time came for us to check in to the chalet came, Shereen had to do what she did. She could have at least told us about it the day before or something. We wouldn't have felt so let down then. By that time, all of us didn't have the mood for chalet anymore. What was more, we discovered that practically none of the guys would be joining us. I wanted to say "fuck you", but they are the ones who are at the losing end because they've missed out on our last "class" gathering. So I think "screw you" is more appropriate.

Still, the 4 of us went out to eat dinner at Secret Recipe, but didn't watch a movie because we didn't make it in time. Could have watched a later movie but the MRT and bus services would have stopped by then. At 9, I left them while they headed on to go sing their lungs out...hehe.

On Thursday the next day, I came by the chalet after lunch and from there, Kel, Shereen, Cai Ling and I went to the Fairprice at Tampines Mall to buy some things for the barbecue. We met up with Fu Cai and Ming Kuan at the Interchange. After buying our dinner at the food court, we headed back to the chalet. Including Fu Cai and Ming Kuan, Shereen, Jing Xiong and Jia Sheng joined us on that night (Jing Xiong and Jia Sheng also came from the GV chalet). Galvin dropped by for a while too. The night was spent playing Monopoly, which Fu Cai dominated, watching tv and popping in and out of the GV chalet, which was having their barbecue, for some of us.

Fu Cai and Ming Kuan went out to Changi Village (I think) at some point during the night. Ming Kuan told us that when they were walking back to the chalet, he saw a ghost at the old Changi Hospital. I don't know whether he really did see a ghost, but whatever. This is not the first time he said some scary stuff about around the chalet. He also said that the banana tree that occupies the view of the kitchen is haunted. That scared the girls. Even though I believe in ghosts, I'm not exactly scared (I can't say that I'm not scared at all, but I'm definitely braver than most girls, especially my class girls who insisted that somebody waited outside the toilet at the chalet whenever they had to go =D). But I did feel little scared of the tree when I decided to wash some plates around 4 am on Saturday morning. At that time, everybody else was asleep, but I decided to stay awake and hoped to clean the place up a bit, but after I felt that fear buzzing in my chest whenever I approached the kitchen to wash the plates, I decided to drop it and watch some videos from my laptop instead.

On Friday, when I woke up, around 9 or so, the chalet was considerably emptier because Shereen, Jia Sheng, Ming Kuan and Yu En had to leave early in the morning to attend a pre-bonding session for their community trip to Sabah. I guess Fu Cai also left with them. Kelyn and Cai Ling were still sleeping. Since there weren't any guys around, I didn't wear my tudung. I was only clad in my t-shirt and trousers. But about 1/2 an hour later, while I was sitting in the living room fiddling with my laptop, Jing Xiong suddenly appeared from one of the bedrooms. I totally forgot about him. And I was like "Oh shit!". He told me that some of the people from the GV chalet wanted to put some of their stuffs at our place because they also had to attend the pre-bonding session. I think he didn't realize that it was such a big deal to me, catching me without my tudung. I barely listened to what he said and said something like " Howcome you're here?! I thought all the guys left!!". After that I think he realized that I was fussing about not having my tudung on and started to apologize. Man...what a way to start your day.

Anyway, after that incident, I left the chalet and went home because I had my organ class in the afternoon. I came back in the evening with the chicken and satay which my mother had bought and seasoned for us. And that was when our barbecue started.

Siyu and Jojo joined us later that night. Mr Tan Aik Nan, our former supervisor also came. And he was surprised with our turn-out. Obviously he was expecting a lot more people. So in total, including Mr Tan, we had 9 people. Pathetic right? Our previous class chalet was so much better because everybody came. I really don't understand why they didn't come to our recent one. But still, even though there were only 9 of us, it made the atmosphere more homely. Like, it showed me who my true classmates are. I guess there is a silver lining to every dark cloud after all.

Siyu couldn't sleep over so Kel, Shereen and I sent her to the Interchange using my family car which I drove over to the chalet. When we came back, they were packing up the barbecue stuffs because the fire kept dying. The rest of the uncooked chicken were cooked in the microwave. I was skeptical at first whether or not it can be done, but apparently it can. Jing Xiong asked whether there was any other way to cook the satay because we didn't have any oil, only butter. And you can't use butter because it can get burnt, believe me, I've tried when I wanted to make scrambled eggs that morning. So, I suggested holding the satay over the stove. He tried, but gave up soon after because it was too hot...hehe.

Later on, Kel, Shereen, Cai Ling and I played Monopoly while Jing Xiong and Yu En watched a movie. I forgot where Jia Sheng went. But Cai Ling and I played on until around 4 am. The others had already turned in. I decided to stay awake because I still had to get up at 6 am to pray my Subuh. So I thought, since it's only 2 more hours, I might as well just stay awake and watch videos or clean the place up or something (and you know what happened during this time =D). Cai Ling on the other hand wanted to get some sleep but the rest of the girls had positioned themselves so that she couldn't squeeze in with them. In the end, she had to settle for the couch...hehe.

After praying, I couldn't stand it any longer, and decided to nap a bit after Yu En woke up and went out to watch tv. I woke up at 8.20 am and found that the girls were all still asleep, including Yu En who had managed to squeeze in beside Shereen. Check out time was 9.15 am. So I quickly woke them up.

We left the chalet at around 9.20 am. I sent the girls to Pasir Ris MRT station. I wanted to offer a ride to Jia Sheng and Jing Xiong as well, but there just wasn't enough space for everyone. It was then that I realized, that that would probably be the last time I would be seeing them both until graduation. Time really passes by very fast.

And that was it. END

Last...last...last...

2008-02-21T20:53:00.003+08:00

Tuesday, 19 February 2008, was my official last day of poly life.

When the day came nearer and nearer, I kept thinking that it was THE last day. When it was time to go to school for my examination, I couldn't help but think that that would be my last train ride to school. When I was waiting outside the examination room, I just kept thinking, that I would be taking my last ever paper in poly. I didn't want the day to end because I'd be facing with more "lasts". But hey, time can't stop just because I wanted it to. And so I faced my last prayer at the Muslim Student Society clubhouse, my last walk out of school, and my last train ride home.

I don't know what everybody else felt, but to me, I felt more sadness than relief that school is finally over. I've never really felt so attached to the school until the daunting last day came and passed.

When I reached home, it just felt so surreal that I didn't have school anymore. In fact, I stil feel it now and I think for a few weeks more. I mean I've been going to school for practically my whole life. It has become such an everyday routine to me, that now that it's over, I feel a bit lost and scared. Lost because I don't have that familiar routine anymore, and scared because I have to face my next phase in life now. Which is "work".

Out of all the three stages of school that I've been to, I'm missing poly the most because poly life is just so unique. You have to experience it in order to understand me. Part of why I'll miss it the most is because it is practically my second home. I can sometimes spend 12 hours there.

I know to some of you reading this, my post will sound cheesy to you, but this is me.

So, Ngee Ann Poly, thank you for the wonderful memories that you've given me. I've met my close friends here and they've made my everyday a joy. I'll even miss the lectures and projects. In short, I'll miss you.
(And girls...we MUST keep in touch ok?)

Indon holiday pics (FINALLY)

2008-02-21T00:42:00.008+08:00

Hey guys! It's been what...2 months since I last posted? Hehe... At first, I was just busy with school projects, so I decided to just leave my blog alone until I had some free time. Well the free time did come, but by then, after not posting regularly for a few weeks, I just got plain lazy. And then along came tests and exams. And now, after school is over, I've decided to finally upload my family holiday trip to Indonesia!

So here they are. But I'm not gonna post too many because I have to warn you guys first, my family aren't exactly the camera hoggers type, especially my sister and brother. So be forewarned, many bored faces awaits you!

At Changi Airport Terminal 1, while walking towards our departure gate.

At our first hotel in Jakarta.

My siblings, taking cover from my "surprise" picture taking.

At one of the tourist attractions (forgot which state). It looks like our Malay Village.

Our tour bus! Cute right? =D

The next few pictures are the animals taken at the safari park:

The cowboy show.

A mosque in Puncak which is located around the top of the mountains.

At our 2nd hotel in Puncak.

One of the better restaurants that we went to. They have such a beautiful garden that I just had to take a picture.

Our 3rd hotel in Bandung. The landscape is just amazingly gorgeous.

Same place.

The theme park we went to. I think it was in Jakarta.

The sea lion show.

I guess this picture speaks for itself.

This too. Just another spot at the theme park.

The dolphin show.

Time to say farwell to our tour guides...

At the departure hall...really anxious to get on board the train!

YAY!!! We're finally going home!!!!!

Home sweet home

2007-12-20T00:16:00.000+08:00

I'm finally back from my holiday to Indonesia. We(my family and I) came home last night at around 1 am. We could've gotten home earlier if my uncle had picked us up like he was supposed to. So instead, my mother and brother had to go home to get the car and pick the rest of us up.

I can't write everything that went on while we were in Indonesia, so I'll just give a brief summary.

Our first stop was at Jakarta. The next stop was Puncak, and then Bandung and back to Jakarta. We stayed for one night only at each stop. The hotels that we stayed in were quite ok, considering the poor state of the country. Puncak is just like Genting Highlands. The weather is very nice and cool. The journey up there is so much better than Genting, in that the road didn't make you feel like sicking up. And the view from the mountain top was really really amazing. Puncak was the most memorable of all the stops. The others were just ok for me.

But I have to say these things about Indonesia, especially for those who haven't been there. Being there was like an eye-opener for me. The state of the country and its people made me think that I could only ever live in Singapore and also made me realize how lucky I am.

The roads are very bumpy and in need for repair on most parts.

There are no proper waste disposal. I could see people living next to their trash.

There are no organization to properly locate certain buildings to certain areas. For example, there are little factories making bricks and roof tiles situated next to restaurants. And hotels popping up from unlikely places. The whole thing is just a mess.

The jam is horrible especially in Jakarta. But in all the stops that I've been to, every road is stuffed with vehicles. You have to force your way into the lane in order to go the way you want because nobody will give way. And I thought that the road in Malaysia is rough but Indonesia just tops it by two times. People will just cut into another's lane without any care for safety. There wasn't any need to line the roads because the people will create their own messed up lines. I was seriously scared during the first few hours in Jakarta. And I'm amazed that there are no accidents while I was there. I was even more amazed that most of the cars there are clean! They are so much cleaner than the cars in Malaysia, even though Indonesia is so much dirtier.

There were people selling their wares wherever we went. They know where tourists are likely to show and they will stay there. The ones at Puncak were the worst. We went to this mosque that's a tourist attraction. The minute we got down from the bus, there were people shoving things at us. And the things are always the same whenever we encountered these people: bracelets, necklaces, sarongs, tidbits, little foldable handbags, t-shirts etc. We managed to escape them when we entered within the vicinity of the mosque because they weren't allowed inside. But when we exited, it was like their numbers doubled. They dogged us until we got onto the bus. About 7 or 8 of them hung around the bus and shove their wares to us at the windows. And it got so bad that 1 or 2 of them practically stepped into the bus and insisted that we buy something. They will not let up until somebody buys something. Our tour guide couldn't tell them to go away because he brings tourists there all the time. What would happen if they turned against him?

Almost every man there smokes. I think I can safely say 99%. It's like a social norm. Even teenagers do it. A packet of cigarettes is RP 5000, which is not even a dollar to us. Smoking is allowed everywhere because they don't understand the "no smoking" sign. They really give no regard to their healths.

But the things there are SO damned cheap! You can easily get a pair of jeans at RP 35000 which is about $5 and t-shirts at RP 20000, which is about $3. But the shopping centres where we went to shop for these cheap items were too packed with people. The air was so stuffy, I wondered how they breathed. But still, we couldn't resist the attractive prices. We shopped so much that we had to buy 2 extra bags just to accommodate our shoppings. And even though the things are very cheap, my mother still bargained. She is the queen of bargaining afterall. For myself, I bought a pair of shoes for RP 25000(the plastic shoes that are also sold at Singapore. I knew that if I bought it here, it would cost at least $16), a "BVLGARI" watch at RP 35000, 1 long dress, a plain white long-sleeved t-shirt and a blouse (I forgot the prices). I also bought 2 other blouses and a handbag(these were bought at a more expensive place, but still slightly cheaper than Singapore). And a bunch of souvenirs for my friends.

During our journey back to the Jakarta airport, when the road was narrowing from 2 lanes to 1, there was this big tourist bus which tried to get ahead of our bus but our bus refused to give way. By right, our bus was the right of way. So, in the end both buses were squished together. The buses were so close to each other that the door handle of our bus came loose and we also almost lost the left mirror when the bigger bus went ahead of us. The helper(he helps the tour guide and also helps to carry our bags up and down the bus) got so pissed of that as payback, he took out his pen knife and scratched the bigger bus. And he continued scratching until the bigger bus passed us by. My brother laughed at that but I was still shaken by the whole almost-accident thing.

On the whole, even though Indonesia is in a sorry state, I could tell that the people there were contented at their situation or at least tried to be happy. So if you want to go there, be prepared of the change of pace and go there only to shop!

(I'll post the pictures in my next post)

Accident at home

2007-12-08T00:52:00.000+08:00

This happened a few hours ago.

I was watching Alias on my laptop when suddenly, there came a really loud crash of many glasses breaking. I was so startled that I immediately paused the show and went to the kitchen. And there, I found my mother sitting on the floor with broken pieces of glasses and mugs about her.

My first thought was, oh no, she's bleeding! Because there was a red stain on her night gown and another one on the floor near her. But after awhile, I was really relieved because the red stain was actually the sambal that my mother was carrying.

The reason she fell was because my father was wiping the floor. She didn't realize it when she walked into the kitchen, and so she slipped and fell. And she must've grabbed hold of the trolley that held the mugs and glasses. Either that or she could have just knocked into it.

After my brain had comprehended that my mother had fallen, I went straight to get some newspapers to wrap the broken glasses and mugs up and got the broom and dustpan. My father helped my mother up, I picked up the broken pieces and my brother swept the floor. Fortunately, my mother didn't cut herself. I just hope there aren't any splinters that got under her skin.

While I was cleaning up, I was glad that my siblings actually tried to help with the cleaning, even though my sister wasn't of much help(she's just not good and cleaning). I'm glad that they showed some concern over my mother. Because usually, when something happens like my mother falling down, they'll only become interested for a second before resuming whatever they were doing, if they think that she'll be okay. I guess the crash was louder than normal and the sight of seeing our mother on the floor with broken pieces of glass about her just made everyone really concerned. I'm just glad that my siblings showed me that they can be human.

Overdue post

2007-12-01T23:13:00.000+08:00

I know it's been a really long time since my previous post, but I have a very good reason. I was stressed out about my organ exam which is now finally over (Tuesday, 27 Nov). I could have posted after that but I had to concentrate on my UTM test next, which was yesterday.

Anyway, I just wanted to write about what happened during my organ exam.

For those of you who don't know, this is my second time taking, and most probably, I won't be able to pass this time too. My exam time was at 3pm, at Thomson Plaza, but I had to report in 15 min early so that there's enough time for me to prepare for my improvisation. I reported in at around 2.40pm and they showed me to one of the music studios. I was early, so I had to wait awhile before they showed me the improvisation and motif pieces.

(Info: Impro is when they give you a short song 4-8 lines, where you have to play the original and then improvise the melody. Motif is when they give you the beginning of a song, usually just 2-3 bars and you have to continue on your on after that to make it into a complete song)

The impro was in A minor. I was really happy because not only was it in A minor (easy), it was also in 8 beat (the style in which I had to play the piece in), which is my favourite style among the 3 types(8 beat, Swing, Waltz). I made some mistakes during the sight-reading part, but thankfully I didn't stop, and I think I did quite alright throughout the rest of it. For motif, I chose to do the one in G major. I didn't make any mistakes. So I was really proud of myself.

The disastrous part was when the time for the sight-playing came. They gave me 30 seconds to run through the song and I had to play after that. The song was in B flat major. It was considerably easier than the previous one, which was in A major, and a very complicated A major at that. But I still couldn't deliver because sight-playing is my weakest link.

Next was my repertoire pieces (2 of them: 1 is a compulsory piece and the other a choice made by the examiners out of 6 songs that I've prepared). I did quite ok for both of them, or so I thought.

Last but not least, was the examiners comments. Yes, they actually give you their comments after your examination. For my impro, they commented about the mistakes I made for my sight-reading but said that after that, I knew what to do. They said that the first chorus (meaning sight-reading) is very important. So I don't know how they'll grade me for it. For my motif, they said that it was good that I kept the flow going, but at some parts, the melody didn't sound nice. Oh well, I didn't really care because I'm so glad that I managed to complete it without making a mistake. As for my sight-playing, they said that it was messy, that I need to do a lot of practice. I knew what was coming, so I wasn't too bothered by what they said. For my compulsory piece, they said that it was ok except for the middle part where I rushed it through. Honestly, I didn't realize that I was rushing. My teacher has also told me tha I tend to rush the song during the middle part, but I just didn't realize it. I guess I have to pay a closer attention to how I play. Finally, for my 2nd song, they said that it needed more expression. Well, it's kind of hard to do that when you're feeling nervous like shit. Considering that my hands were shaking when I played the song, I thought I did a good job. I just hope that my scores this time will be better than last time. That is all I want. I need to know that I've improved.

Since this is a teacher's grade, they want every section to be perfect. You need to get at least 75% to pass. During the previous exam, one of my teacher's students failed by just 2 marks! It was all because she failed at sight-playing. So, looking at that, I can say that I'll be taking the exam again next year. Hopefully, I'll pass it then. 3rd time's the charm right?

Stupid bus

2007-11-19T22:04:00.000+08:00

While on my way to school today, the train had some problems. On almost every stop, it would stay that for another minute or two. Until finally, at Outram Park, the train conductor told us to get off and take the next train. I felt, like what the hell! I got on the train early, and because of this stupid train, I was going to be late!

And of course, when the next train came, everybody was trying to get in. Luckily, I did manage to get in, otherwise I would have swore and cursed man!(in my head of course). When I finally got down at Dover, I was damned lucky because the bus was already waiting at the bus stop. So, in the end, I wasn't as late as I thought I would be.

On the way back, I fell asleep...(ya I know, what's new right?). And once again, my head lolled and hit a person's shoulder. Luckily, she was a nurse from Alexandra Hospital, and not some guy(AGAIN). I jerked awake immediately of course. But I didn't dare to look up and show that I HAVE actually woken up, so I pretended to continue to sleep.

I wonder why my head just lolls. Because I don't see anybody else's head lolling and hitting other people's shoulders or hitting the glass pane. Really embarrassing...

Pictures

2007-11-12T19:39:00.000+08:00

As promised(from my previous post), I said that I'd post the pictures of me climbing the fire hose box.

This is me and Shereen. I'm having my first ride on the LRT. The ride is not as smooth as I thought it would be. But at least it's not as bumpy as the buses.

That's Kelyn fooling around while I was busy taking pictures of the solar panels.

And this is me with the solar panels. =D

New gadget. Bumps. Disgusting men.

2007-11-06T21:16:00.000+08:00

Today, my FYP group, which consists of me, Kelyn and Shereen, went to Bangkit Rd to take some pictures of some solar panels that are at the carpark rooftop. We could only get a long shot of the solar panels, so we (actually Kelyn decided it) decided to get me to climb onto the fire hose box so that we can get some upclose shots of the panels.

When Kelyn was about to boost me up, I noticed an old man staring at us from the nearby block. We quickly hid ourselves until he wasn't by the window again. So, after seeing that there wasn't anybody at their windows, Kelyn gave me the boost up and I was able to get some shots. I don't have the pictures here yet though. But I'll post it tomorrow hopefully. It was actually kind of fun, you know. It felt like as though we were committing a crime...hehe.

Anyway, after that, we ate breakfast at IMM because I wanted to go there to check out the prices of the hard disks. And I bought myself one!! It was a real bargain. 500GB at $199!!! The offer will remain until all the hard disks are cleared. If you want to get a hard disk of your own, go to New Technologies. It's on the 2nd floor. The actual capacity is 465GB and after transferring some files, I'm left with just above 400GB. This will definitely last me a LONG time...yippeeee!

Here's the picture:

After IMM, we went to school to meet up with our supervisor the "old hag" and then to do our SDD project, which left all of us totally confused. We'll be bombarding our lecturer tomorrow with questions. ;)

By the time we were wrapping up, I was feeling really sleepy. I managed to get an end seat on the MRT about half-way through the journey back home, but I didn't want to sleep because I just bought my hard disk. I was afraid someone would just snatch it away. But despite my best efforts, I did nod a few times. And there was this one time that for some reason, I think my head lolled and just banged against the glass. That jolted me awake! I was so embarrassed I didn't want to look up and admit that I AM awake. So instead, I pretended to still be sleeping. Yesterday, I also banged my head. But it wasn't against the glass. Instead, I hit my head against a guy's shoulder, and it hurt a bit because my spectacles were jolted too. There were other times where I've hit the glass and people's shoulders. And each and every one of them were embarrassing.

OK, so after the MRT incident, was the waiting-for-the-bus-incident. There was this man (around 40+) in front of me, who was so disgusting! When he sneezed, I could see mucous flying off from his nose!!! He didn't have a tissue or handkerchief, so he used his hand to wipe his nose and then wiped his hand on his pants. I thought he would stop there, but no. He dug his nose after that. What was worse was that he kept drumming his hands on the railing!!! Now, after witnessing this, I'll think twice before touching or leaning against the railings. It's just EWW!

The next disgusting man wasn't as disgusting as the first one, but he still made me go "ugh!". Anyway, he was wearing the army uniform. He didn't really have a belly but when he sat down, his shirt scrunched up and his hairy belly could be seen. I mean doesn't he notice it??? Man! What a day...

Poems

2007-11-04T22:28:00.000+08:00

I thougt I might try a hand at writing poems. So far, I've written two. So here's the first one:

You give me a look whenever you see me
my heart flutters whenever I notice it
you question others about me
but never have you dared to question me yourself
my heart yearns for you to do something
just so this tension between us can end
you aren’t the first person who’s made me feel this way
nor will you be the last
there are many from my past
who’ve given me the same look
who’ve made my heart race
who’ve never dared talk to me
if you won’t make the first move

then let me make mine
let me ask you this
does being a crippled mean being an outcast?

And here's the second one:

There is something between us

that I just can't let it pass

my feelings for you are strong

I just hope that I'm not wrong

you will be there for me won't you?

because I'll be there for you too

Everybody is trying to keep us apart

they say I'm fooled by my heart

they say you're unfaithful

I say that's a load of bull

I never listened

because deep down I know you're different

your love has proven me right

but they won't give in without a fight

they tried to show me evidence of your deceit

but I refused to be swayed by those things

we remained together through the thick and thin

never letting them win

I trust you completely

so why did you leave me?

These two poems are both fictional of course. It's not as though I've had any experiences of them myself. So what do you think? Tag my blog ya?

The inevitable

2007-11-03T21:17:00.000+08:00

I'm just going to say this very briefly because like what I've said in my past post, I will not write on anything that's personal, but if I do, it will be short.

Yesterday, the mad bitch (my bitch "auntie") finally confronted my mother. My mother was provoked, so I'm thinking that they yelled at each other. I knew that sooner or later, this confrontation was going to happen. I'm quite surprised with myself that I'm not getting angry at the mad bitch, like before. It's not as though I'm on good terms with her or anything, but I guess the advice my mother gave me really reached me. So, now, I'm numbed to whatever the mad bitch is doing, or will do. She's done enough damage that nothing shocks or angers me anymore. My advice to myself is this, she's delusional. Nobody can get through to her, so just let her be. If you ignore her enough, she'll get even angrier anyway.(and hopefully she'll get mad..hehehehe)

So ANYWAY, back to me! Today, after my organ class, I had a mock organ exam. This is a new implementation to help those who are going to sit for the exam. Well, in short, I sucked! I did even worse than my real exam. I couldn't believe myself. One mistake after the other, like I couldn't stop doing it!

After I finished playing, the mock examiner gave me some advice, and after the whole thing, my teacher talked to me and the girl who's also going to take the exam (I forgot her name). We both did badly. But I actually expected her to do much better because I've heard her play and she was so much better than me. But I guess it wasn't her day as well. Anyway, my teacher was also very disappointed at us. I think she almost wanted to cry. That made me feel even worse because she has done so much and yet I played like crap.

Right now, I don't enjoy playing the organ, but I shall do my very best just for my teacher because she deserves better.

Also today, I bought a journal from Times. I'm following what my mother has told me. And that is, if you have any personal things, or any foul things to say, vent it out in a journal, and not where everyone can see(meaning my blog).

I'm quite surprised that Times has really quite a few nice notebooks. I was really taken with this one, that I just had to get it. Here's the picture:

Waste of my money

2007-10-27T21:42:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, I treated my sister to dinner at Seoul Garden at Tampines Mall because my mother insisted that I treat my siblings since I got my "pay" from my ITP. Well, luckily, my brother didn't want to come along. I didn't know that you have to pay more for weekend nights. I thought that we only had to pay about $14 or something since we're students. Instead, I ended up paying $60 for both of us.

What's more, they didn't accept NETS! I was thinking WTF!!(I mean I was actually thinking the F word, and almost said it a few times while I was inside because something else happened) What kind of place is this that doesn't accept NETS?! I was actually thinking of going to Pizza Hut instead, because I didn't have enough cash with me, but there was a queue. So, in the end, I had to withdraw cash.

What's even more, is that my sister, who can usually eat a lot, didn't do so because she took rice. But usually, she eats A LOT, even though she's eaten some rice. That's one reason why I wanted to treat her to Seoul Garden. So, there goes my money.

Next time, I don't I ever want to eat at Seoul Garden, because come to think of it, the food isn't really that great and they charge you $5 for service charge. Like what the HELL. What service did they provide? Show you to your table, clear your plates?? The rest is self-service. They're really shitting me man. NO MORE SEOUL GARDEN!

Inconsiderate bimbos

2007-10-26T00:57:00.000+08:00

This incident happened while I was on the train to school.

I was sitting down and the seat on my left was empty. And then, this woman, or young woman, who was carrying two shopping bags along with her own bag which she carried on her shoulder, plopped down on that empty seat. I was a bit irritated at first because she didn't bother to put her shopping bags down and shift her bag from her shoulder to her lap. So, her bag ended up taking up some of my space. Practically the whole of my arm was resting on her bag and she didn't even give a damn.

I thought ok, maybe she wanted to get her bearings right or something before moving her things. But she didn't! I kept thinking, "Move your shit over bitch". She even went on to spray her perfume on herself!! I purposely moved my arm so that it nudged her bag a few times, trying to get her to take the hint, but apparently she was a real dimwit or she's an inconsiderate person. Or maybe just both, as my title says.

But luckily, I only had to endure her for a few stops. Sheesh! These kinds of people makes me wonder why they exist.

Reunion

2007-10-14T21:42:00.000+08:00

Today is the second day of Hari Raya. And every year, during this second day, my father's side of the family will come to our house, especially when it falls on a weekend.

I don't like it during these times because I'm not close to my "other" family at all. I don't really talk to them, and they don't really talk to me. So, most of the time, I stay inside my room. There was one time that I used to talk to one of my cousins, but somehow, we grew apart and didn't talk anymore. But this year, to me pleasant surprise, she talked to me again!

And so far, I've found out that we have one thing incommon. ANIME. She especially liked Rurouni Kenshin, so I lent her one of the movies I bought in Malaysia. She got so excited when I said she could borrow it. Well, at least I know that we're not strangers anymore. Now that the ice is broken, I hope it stays that way. Because there was a time that I actually considered cutting off relations with my "other" family when my father passed away. I'm so bad right? Hopefully, things will change.

Let go

2007-10-13T00:47:00.000+08:00

I just had a very long talk with my mother. She told me one thing about myself that I didn't realize I'd been doing all this time. Which was to keep my anger bottled up. She told me to change because that anger can destroy me one day. And then I understood why I'd been bottling up me anger. It's because I don't like talking it out with her because I know that I'd end up crying my heart out, which I did just now.

She told me that if I ever need to let out, write it in a diary, and not here. The reason why I chose to write some of the personal things here is because partly, I wanted people to know the truth. But my mother already assured me that people DO know the truth. I don't have to worry. I can fight for my mother only if and when that certain someone confronts her.

My chest feels so much lighter now that I've talked to my mother. She really understands what I'm going through. I'm very grateful to her.

But don't worry guys, I'm still going to keep this blog alive. It's just that any personal things that may happen won't be written here anymore. So the probability of you seeing the swear words is very low.

Soft toy!

2007-09-30T16:59:00.000+08:00

Sorry for not posting sooner, but I got kind of lazy. Just a quick update: My ITP is getting on fine. I've gotten used to doing the experiments. Kiki is also doing well. He barely limps anymore and is back to playing chasing with Brownie again. Sometimes he would even pounce on her whenever she doesn't notice him. And his craving for raw meat is as strong as ever. My mother would give him meat twice a day(but not one whole steak of course..it's a fist full of minced meat).

Anyway, I want to tell you about yesterday. I bought a soft toy for myself! Hehehehe...A duck soft toy to be precise. I've been wanting to get a soft toy and now I finally have one. It's just sooo cute! I know, I know, you must be thinking what a grown up girl would want a soft toy for right? Well maybe I was influenced by my friends, whom some of them still have soft toys and I guess I find soft toys cute now so it doesn't matter how old you are. There was one soft toy at Takashimaya, if I'm not mistaken, in the shape of a hedge hog, I think I'm going to get that one next...heehee...

This is Ducky(my brother named it):

ITP...so far...

2007-09-04T00:09:00.000+08:00

I'm currently into my second week of my attachment. Compared to some of my fellow attachees, I'm quite lucky to be able to actually do some work.

In the lab, we test the sludge(not necessarily sludge, we also test the treated water) for BOD, COD, ammonia, alkalinity, pH, chloride, TS, SS, and I think there're a few more, but I can't remember them. But basically we're testing for all the parameters. If this is not enough, the frequency of doing the tests aren't the same everyday. Some has to be done twice a day, others 3 times a week, the rest once a week. So you have to remember which tests should be done and when. Still, it is exciting, even though the lab is a little rundown(well...it IS old). But the people are friendly, so I actually don't mind working there. But we'll see how my circumstances are in the future.

So far, I've done COD, alkalinity, pH, chloride and ammonia. Doing the experiments are easy once you get the hang of it, but the one I still have trouble in is writing in the correct data. Sometimes I'd calculate wrongly or write the data under a different name. It's all because they have so many different terms that it gets very confusing. The working atmosphere is quite relaxed. There isn't any rushing to complete an experiment or anything. So, I'll have to say that you won't get stressed.(is it safe to say that? hehe)

But like I said, I'll see how my situation is in the future. Working at the wastewater treatment plant is very attractive, once you overcome the stink. More so because they'll be shifting to Changi in 2009, so I expect everything to be new, including a brand new lab with all the latest gadgets. And also, the lab officer has told me that most of the lab officers at the other plants are close to retiring already, so they'll need some new blood.

We'll discuss further about my possible occupation after I've graduated and can't get into a local university ok?

ITP

2007-08-29T00:15:00.000+08:00

I wanted to post this yesterday, but I was just too sleepy to complete it. So I shall now write it tonight.

OK...I started my Industrial Training Programme yesterday at Bedok Water Reclamation Plant, under PUB. Those who were under PUB were asked to report to HQ first, which is the Environment Building at Newton, for a briefing and then, we were to start our first day. In total, there are 6 of us Galvin, Yee Pong and Ming Kuan are posted at HQ itself. Kelyn is posted to Ulu Pandan, and Wei Ci at Kranji. Wei Ci couldn't come to HQ with us because she has maths lessons on Mondays.

After we were briefed, our reporting officer told us, for Kelyn and I, who are not posted at HQ, to wait a while before heading to our destinations because our supervisor will be meeting us at a certain place to bring us to our work place. I happened to be the first one to leave. It was a bit scary because I'll be splitting from the people I know and entering unknown waters. But hey...I've got to face this sooner or later.

My supervisor picked me up from Tanah Merah MRT Station. He then introduced me to a few people, namely the operations manager, the plant manager, and the lab workers because I'll be doing a lot of lab work. Despite lacking my own desk(the 2 lab workers have barely enough space to call their table a desk, the people there are nice.

After the introductions, my supervisor gave me a booklet on saftey and a thick book of Standard Methods. I was to familiarize with the saftey aspect. But I got bored after 1-2 hours. I mean, don't tell me I'm supposed to enjoy myself by reading something boring(even though it's supposed to be important) for the whole afternoon. I approached my supervisor when I couldn't take it anymore. One thing is that I didn't want to appear as though I'm just there to shake legs. My supervisor then told 1 of the lab workers to show me what she's doing. So I just followed her around, and see what she did.

Today, I went site visiting. It was pretty interesting, but at the same time, very very smelly. I got a headache after I came back from the visit. But the site visits were short. So I was bored for the better part of the day. And tomorrow, the staff will be having a health screening in the morning. So I'll most probably be left alone. I'll bring my MP4 to entertain myself. I'll only begin some lab work on Thursday, that's why I'm bored out of my wits right now. I think I'm going to go site visiting again tomorrow in the afternoon and on Thursday morning. I hope to get some pictures!

What my mother taught me

2007-08-24T18:07:00.000+08:00

Kiki is doing great. Can't believe that it's been only 9 days since he fell. Already, he can jump onto our beds and climb stairs. He can practically run. We're all so relieved that his condition is better.

Anyway, I just wanted to write down a list of things that my mother taught me.

1) Always give, but don't take

2) Wait for people, but don't let people wait for you.

3) When you have a job, set aside a portion of your pay as your savings. Don't spend everything once you get your money, you'll find yourself broke all the time if you do that. A person's wealth is measured by how much he saves and not by how much he earns.

4) When you're eating at somebody's house, make sure to clean your own dishes, but when you have guests in your house, don't let them do the dishes.

5) Never talk bad about your family to others, because they'll look down on your family. Most especially, don't talk about it to your spouse. He/She will look down on your family, and ultimately on you. Tell only the good things so that he/she will respect your family

6) If you have a husband, let him win the arguments. Because ego and pride are what define a man. So don't take it away from him. He knows that he is in the wrong sometimes, but he just doesn't want to admit it. You'll gain nothing but more tension between the two of you if you insist on winning the argument. So just let him win, you'll make him happy.

Well, I hope those were some interesting lessons...=D

Kik is home

2007-08-18T23:37:00.000+08:00

We brought Kiki home today. His leg can't be operated on. And we paid $600 just for his stay there of 3 days. Fucking hell...

Now that he's home he's more at peace. He even drank and ate a bit. I had to hold the water container at an angle for him to drink because he can't sit properly. I just remembered one other thing that he likes to do. I know it sounds lame to some, but he loves to jump. And he can really jump. He can jump as high as I am tall. That's just one more thing that he can't do, at least not as good as before. Man, I keep wondering, if I'm this torn up about him that he broke his leg, I don't know what I'd do when he passes.

Anyway, while he was gone, Brownie missed him too. She would yowl continuously at certain times of the day. Everday, they would play catching. And playing is not actually what Brownie would normally do, but after Kiki started to hang out in the house more and more, both of them would chase each other every morning until the floor mats were in disarray. It was really fun to watch them. It would irritate my mother sometimes because Kiki would sometimes run into her.

But when Kiki returned today, Brownie hissed at him. Couldn't really blame her, she didn't recognize his scent. And she was, and still is, constantly on edge whenever she can sniff his scent. She hissed at him because he smelled different. It's due to the hospital smell and the painkillers that they've wrapped around him, so he smelled funny. Hopefully, after he's well enough for us to bathe him, Brownie won't be so hostile towards him anymore. Still, Kiki didn't care that she was hissing at him. That's one thing that still remains the same. He doesn't care one bit if Brownie is hostile towards him, even up to the point of her scratching him.

I'll end again with pictures...

Brownie on edge. Taking "refuge" in the study room (the only room which Kiki hasn't been in)

Kiki sleeping under the umbrella. He loves umbrellas. The bandage wrapped around his abdomen is the painkillers.

Kiki...

2007-08-17T22:55:00.000+08:00

It has been 2 days since Kiki was admitted into the animal hospital. He refuses to eat or drink anything. We(my mother, sister, aunt and I) went to see him today and he was cowering under a small platform in the cage, probably frightened of the barkings. But when we started to stroke and pat him, he relaxed and slept for a bit. It really breaks my heart seeing him that way, because he's always so energetic and loving.

I just heard more bad news of Kiki from my mother. She said that the vet won't be able to operate on him because of the bone fragments. The vet said to just let the leg heal by itself. Kiki is still young, so it'll be ok. BUT, he won't be able to walk properly anymore! Everytime I think of this, I keep replaying the times when he would play with Brownie or run around the house, or me playing with him. There isn't a time when he wouldn't play if you dangled a stick or a string in front of him. If he's crippled for the rest of his life, will he be able to do these things anymore?

Tomorrow my father is going to ask for Kiki to be discharged, if they really can't perform the surgery. We'll get a confirmation from the surgeon tomorrow. I really hope that they can do it. But if they can't, I hope that Kiki will be able to heal most of his broken leg because I want him to enjoy the things he likes to do again. Writing this particular post is really hard for me. I just can't seem to stop the waterworks.

I'll end with some pictures of Kiki...

1st day at the hospital

2nd day at the hospital

Kiki's fall

2007-08-16T00:07:00.000+08:00

I just got back from the animal hospital a few minutes ago. Why was I there? Well it all started when Kiki jumped down from our window ledge this morning...

This morning, my mother bathed Kiki and after that she was rushing off to go to my uncle's house. Nowadays, Kiki loves to sit on the window ledge at my parents' bedroom. Knowing this, my mother would usually check to make sure that he isn't outside before closing the window. But she forgot to check today and just shut the window, not realizing that Kiki was actually there. She then left the house at around 9.30 am.

I reached home from my religious class close to 12 noon and only saw Brownie. I didn't know that my mother had bathed Kiki (we don't let him out after he's bathed), so I assumed that he went out. I didn't see him until after my mother came home, which was after 4 pm. I asked her whether she let Kiki out. But she said no because she bathed Kiki and what's more, she doesn't let him out whenever she leaves the house. And then, I asked her whether she checked the window ledge before she closed the window. And she couldn't remember checking for him. So we concluded that Kiki must've jumped down because he wasn't there already.

My mother started to worry and panic, but the 3 of us didn't really worry because we kept thinking, he's a cat, he's strong and he knows his way around. Even if he's injured, we were sure he could make it back to our house. My brother looked for him after 5 pm, but couldn't find him. And then at about 7, my mother looked for him too, but still couldn't find him. In the end, after my brother came back from his run, which was around 7.40 pm, he found Kiki hiding in the bushes that were near the area where he fell. He couldn't walk properly, so that must be what've made him unable to climb up the stairs.

The minute my mother saw him, she started to hug him and cry. Tears filled my eyes too, but they didn't fall. He could barely drag his body to move, and everytime he wanted to move, he would cry out. We knew that he had broken him right hind leg, but also suspected that his right front paw was broken too. Initially, my mother was thinking of bringing him to the animal hospital tomorrow, but she was too worried. So, we(my parents, my brother and I) decided to bring Kiki to the animal hospital this night. And that was at around 9.30 pm.

Kiki was meowing all through the journey because he was scared and still in shock. But my brother managed to calm him down somewhat. When we reached the hospital, there was already 2 women with a small fluffy dog. We found out later that their dog had had a heart attack, and had to be admitted for a few days. Our turn came next.

Kiki was so scared that so much of his fur fell. You can gather them up into a sizeable clump. The vet checked all of his limbs for broken bones and found that his right hind leg was broken. The fracture was on his thigh bone. She also found out that there's some air in his lungs, because of the impact of the fall. This caused his face to swell a little. She will leave it alone first, but if it doesn't reduce, then she'll have to tap in and remove the air. The fracture was also a complication because there were broken fragments of the bones. In the end, Kiki had to be admitted for 2 days in order to stabilize him before surgery. Total cost will be around $1400.

I tell you, it was really heartbreaking to see him so quiet and helpless. Because he's so full of energy and life. To see him in that state really tears me up inside. But my mother is the one who feels it the most because she feels guilty for not checking whether he was outside before closing the window. I've been holding back my tears just now. But now, since it's over, I'll let them run. I keep thinking how helpless he must've felt, hurt and unable to move, just hiding in the same spot through the rain for the whole day without any food or water. Makes me just want to hug him and assure him that everything will be alright, now that he's come back to us.

Internal bus collision

2007-08-14T23:00:00.000+08:00

For starters, it wasn't really an "internal bus collision", but it was more of an accident inside the bus. Just thought the title sounded nice...hehe. Anyway, this was what had happened...

I was on my way home from my organ teacher's house. The bus was a double-decker. The accident happened about mid-way through the journey home. The bus had already stopped at the bus-stop and was moving off, and then, there was this woman who was shouting. I thought: What the hell?! And the next thing I knew, a mak cik with her grandson(I think) fell onto the floor from the stairs! The bus stopped and she just laid there for a few moments while people near her tried to help her up. She didn't really say anything, just got up slowly and alighted.

I think she forgot that that was her stop, so she was trying to hurry down the stairs with her grandson and lost her balance. From what I can tell, she must've fallen down from the 2nd or 3rd step because she fell flat on her body. Luckily her grandson didn't wail and cry. The whole incident shook everyone on the bus because there was total silence. But there was this girl or woman who kept sucking in her breath through her teeth and saying something(I can't remember what). Really damn annoying. Just get a grip on yourself! If you're so concerned, go and help the mak cik up la. Anyway, that's the end of my report.

Sibling squabbles

2007-08-09T00:40:00.000+08:00

Earlier today(yesterday, since it's past midnight already), I took the bus home from Tampines Interchange. I sat at the very end and there were these two girls(sisters, most probably) quarrelling and hitting each other. They reminded me of my sister and I.

The older sister elbowed her younger sister and she hit her sister back. Obviously unhappy that her sister hit her back, she elbowed her again. And her younger sister elbowed her back again. And the both of them elbowed and hit each other back and forth for some time. That used to be how my sister and I would quarrel and fight. I would hit my sister first, and she would hit me back. And I'd hit her again. And she would hit me back again. And back and forth, back and forth. I don't even remember how our fights ended.

Now that I'm older, I'm more matured and I've realized my mistake at how I was treating my sister. I expected obedience from my sister, since I was the oldest. If I happened to hit her, I would never expect my sister to hit me back because it would be rude(in my perspective, at that time) and I'm the sort who never likes to give in, so I'd hit her back. But now that I've realized my mistake, I'm able to take a step back and take a look at my actions. My dominating character, made my sister retaliate. She doesn't like how she's being treated. I'd like to say that I received this bad character from my oldest cousin, because she bullied and dominated over me, but I can't really. I could've changed, if only I had realized that I was doing the same thing to my sister, that my cousin was doing to me, when I was younger.

I realized my mistake too late because now, my sister is rude to me, whenever her mood isn't in the right place. But our relationship is still alright. I think it is even improving. We can joke and tease one another, without bearing any insults.

I'd just like to say to all sisters who aren't on good terms that: Big sister, be mindful of how you treat your little sister because she will treat you the way you treat her. And little sister, respect your big sister, even if she is a bitch sometimes, because she may not realize her attitude. So be patient with her.

What a horrible day...

2007-08-03T23:54:00.000+08:00

Like what my title says...today was a horrible day...

Today was the dateline of our RCD project (5.30pm to be exact). Yesterday, Shereen and Cai Ling still hadn't finished their calculations (project things to do: calculations and drawings). There were a lot of things to do. So I actually wanted them to stay behind to complete all their calculations so that we could concentrate on our drawings the next day. But...the both of them didn't come. I had the impression that they'd still complete their calculations yesterday. Not surprising, not only did they come late, (had to wait more than an hour for Shereen, and double that time for Cai Ling) they still hadn't finished with their calculations!

When Shereen came, I had a talk with her. She has been pissing me off lately. Firstly was because of our SHWM project. Long story short, she let me down. And she let me down again for this project. I just told her to put aside all her personal things, especially when the dateline of any project is just around the corner. There were more things that I said to her, but I'm not going to say them here, because this is between me and her. She teared up. So I guess she understood my meaning. She promised to not let me down again. I really hope that she won't, for her sake, because if she continues to do what she did, I think many people wouldn't like her in their group. But I'm more pissed off at Cai Ling right now.

Shereen was better than Cai Ling, at least. She had some mistakes in her workings, so she needed to correct the following workings. But Cai Ling was only less than half-way through her calculations!!! And you know what's worse? She insisted on doing her calculations by typing them out onto Microsoft Word. It's not as though she's completed her work and only wanted to type them out to make it look nice and neat. But no, she was typing and calculating at the same time. You know that you still have a lot of work to do, with only a few more hours to spare, why did you do this STUPID thing? The rest of us didn't even bother to type out our calculations...and we're faster than you.

Shereen had to leave by 5.45pm, so I told Cai Ling that by 5.30pm, we will take whatever she has done and have the outstanding documents printed (we wanted to print out the drawings also). So at 5.30pm, I saved whatever she has done into my thumbdrive and went to print. She had only completed slightly more than half the calculations.

At first, we thought of going to the General Office to print. It's not allowed, but we know Mr Chai, and he's ok. But we never thought to wonder whether the computer at the office supported the programme that we used to draw. So all we managed to print out were Cai Ling's calculations. By that time, it was already 5.55pm. The office closes at 6pm.

We just rushed to Canteen 2 to print out the drawings. Cai Ling stayed behind in the office to file in her work. And by the time we printed out everything and rushed back, it was 6.25pm. And we could tell that Mr Chai wasn't too happy about us preventing him from locking up. I felt so ashamed for doing that to him. And it's all because of Cai Ling. She didn't even look guilty or apologetic. If I could name her expression in one word, it would be anger. I really don't understand her. Anyway, she purposely walked slowly to the bus stop while Shereen and I hurried on. Because she had to get to work, while I have to make it back before Isyak. I don't know how I'm going to face her on Monday.

Graduation class photo-taking session

2007-08-01T21:49:00.000+08:00

Well...as promised...these are the pictures taken on the day of our photo-taking session.

Getting Jojo ready

Getting myself ready...

Arranging ourselves...can you spot me? =D

Finally got ourselves in order! Just have to wait for the lecturers to fill up the empty chairs...

There's more pics...but this is all you're gonna get from me...hehe

Thanks Shereen for the pics!!

Wierd guy

2007-07-31T19:27:00.000+08:00

Today, something wierd happened while I was one my way to school on the MRT. A big-sized man boarded the train at Kembangan, I think, and just sat himself down in the middle of the compartment. I was just standing next to him when it all happened. I thought he just wanted to move to the centre to stand, but I was actually quite alarmed when he sat down.

Usually, there are some people who would sit near the doors, the side which are not opening. And that is if only when it's not during rush hour. Not only did this guy sit down, he sat down in the middle and during rush hour, when the train is very packed.

People who boarded the train after Kembangan we wondering why the people around the centre didn't move further in to make more space. But when they saw the man sitting on the floor, they had on an expression of "oh...".

When the train reached Bugis, a woman vacated her seat and he got up to sit there. But he stepped on my foot in the process. In my head I was cursing "son of a bitch". Man...I really have to put a cap on my under-the-breath-cursing.

I think he is a little down or just plain mad because normal people wouldn't do things like sitting down in the middle of a train compartment when it's packed.

Oh ya!!! I forgot! I said in my previous post that I would upload the pictures right? Well, I have received the pictures already...so it'll be up soon...I PROMISE.

Finally posting again

2007-07-27T22:59:00.000+08:00

It's been a long time since I last posted. It's because I was and still am very busy with projects. But I have to start posting again sometime right?

Anyway, my class finally knows where we will be posted for our ITP(Industrial Training Programme). I'll be posted at Bedok Water Reclamation Plant, under PUB. Luckily it's near, but the working hours is from 8:30am till 6pm, 5:30pm for Fridays. Oh well, I just hope I can do whatever they want me to do. I'm a little nervous about actually working.

Earlier today, the girls of BE(Building & Environment), had their NAPHA.(is this the correct spelling? I get different spellings from other people. But am I the one who's wrong??) Since it's not compulsory for the girls to pass, MANY of them skipped the 2.4km run. I didn't la of course..hehe. I hit a 13:50 min timing. I'm ok with it...since I usually get this kind of timing in secondary school, and during my so-called "training"(in poly) I usually get a minute later. So on the whole, I'm pleased with my timing. But I don't think I can get a gold because I scored an E for my standing broad jump. Very disappointing because I'm so used to getting gold in sec sch. Overall, I have 3 As, 2 Cs and 1 E. The As are from my 2.4km, shuttle-run and sit-ups. My Cs are from sit-and-reach and incline pull-up, and my E is you know what.

I'm going to try again next semester to get my gold. I know I may sound boastful here, but I just can't settle for less when I know I've done better in the past.

Before we had our NAPHA, the BE Society organized a class photo-taking session for us 3rd yr students. We had fun during that time. But the whole day was kind of troublesome because we had to carefully plan what we're going to wear to school and what we wanted to bring, since we were going to have NAPHA later. I myself came in my formal attire, inclusive of heels, while carrying my big bag and a shoe bag. Man, my feet really hurt. But it couldn't be helped unless I wanted to carry more things with me. I'll post some pictures of the photo-taking session in my next post, because the pictures are all with my friend.

NDP Preview

2007-07-12T22:26:00.000+08:00

I attended the NDP preview on 7 July, which was also my birthday. So it was kind of a birthday pesent, I guess. I've only been to the parade twice, including the one in Primary 5. So sad huh? The reason why I'm only writing it in now is because, firstly, I wanted to post pictures as well, which my friend has on her camera. So I only got them a few days ago. And secondly, I was busy with my projects, so I didn't have a chance to post.

I went with Kelyn and Shuyu aka Jojo. Jojo came later, so we sat first and "chopped" a seat for her. But there was this auntie and her grandchild, I think, seating beside me and Kelyn, who decided to make use of the extra seat beside us to sit there and place her bags on her former seat. Kelyn wanted to wait until Jojo came and then tell the auntie to move. But I wanted to be firm and tell her straight off. When I did, the auntie didn't seem too pleased. She said later then she'll move. So I just let it go. But when Jojo finally arrived, the auntie still didn't want to move. And she had the nerve to say that she was saving the seat for her friend who was yet to come. Yeah right! Bullshit!! But in the end, she and her granddaughter moved. Luckily, or we'd have caused a scene.

Anyway, the NDP was ok. I think I would've enjoyed it more if I was sitting further back, so that I can see the formations made by the dancers. While there was still light, singers and performers performed remixes of the traditional songs like Chan Mali Chan and Singapura. Revolutionalising the sounds is great, but I actually prefer it if they'd just stick to the traditional sounds. I mean they changed it until I didn't enjoy the songs. And I think if you're going to change the songs to that extent, the younger generation wouldn't even know how the traditional songs are meant to sound.

Since it was held at the bay, our defence force finally managed to show off their offshore defense team. There were soldiers jumping off a big helicopter(sorry, I don't know the name for it) and into the waters. There were also coast guards speeding across the bay. There were others, which were pretty interesting to see, since it hasn't been shown on NDP before.

And since it was only a preview, it lacked the VIPs, like some of the singers, the ministers and the president. It was really funny because there was a singer who wasn't there, who was instead replaced by a woman carrying a placard with the name "ASHA" on it. We were all laughing about it. The ministers were all represented by one man who also carried a placard. The best part was the "president". Mr Nathan was a young Indian man. Came in a Mercedes and even waved at the crowds when he stood in the car that brought him around the crowd. I expected nobody, to be the president, like in Primary 5. Everybody had a good laugh. (Still smiles at the memory)

I was actually looking forward to singing the National Anthem and saying the pledge. It's been a long time. And I think I would have let myself get emotional if Kelyn wasn't distracting me. Man, singing the National Anthem and saying the pledge can really move someone when they're done in a mass crowd who're celebrating the country's birthday(albeit only a preview).

The best part of the parade is, and will forever be the fireworks. You can only enjoy fireworks when you're there in person. And boy did I enjoy myself! There were some fireworks which I've never seen before. They were super!! There was a building nearby(I don't know the name) which shot out fireworks too...it was pretty cool.

Overall, the preview was ok la. It's just a preview, you can't expect too much. But still, the fireworks made up for the parts which lacked the wow! factor =D

Here's some pictures taken:

Wrongs.

2007-07-07T00:14:00.000+08:00

Anything that could possibly go wrong, went wrong today.

In the morning, I had ngaji at Pasir Ris. And after that, I would go to my friend's house at Boon Lay straight after ngaji to do our Final Year Project.

1st wrong: I left late. So thinking that I had a better chance of getting a bus faster by going to the bus stop that's further away, I went there, instead of the bus stop which is nearer and had only 1 bus to Pasir Ris. Despite my effort, the sole bus which was from the nearer bus stop came first. I wasted energy rushing to the further bus stop.

2nd wrong: I only realize that I forgot to bring my laptop at my Ustazah's house. After ngaji, I rushed back home to get my laptop. So, I couldn't arrive on-time at my friend's house.

3rd wrong: I alighted at the wrong bus stop and had to walk one more bus stop to my friend's house.

I sweated when I rushed to my ngaji. I sweated when I rushed to get home to retrieve my laptop. I sweated when I had to walk 1 more bus stop. Man! By the time I reached my friend's house, I was feeling sticky and uncomfortable. It was really such a terrible and tiring day.

Oh ya...before I forget...Happy Birthday to ME!

Levi's jeans

2007-07-05T20:00:00.000+08:00

So today, I bought a pair of Levi's jeans which costs $159.50. Yes...I know...its very expensive. I actually didn't know that it would be THAT expensive. But I really just wanted to own one pair. And besides, by birthday is coming this Saturday, so I thought, why not.

My mother wasn't so pleased when she found out the price. She actually wanted to allow me at the very most, to spend $100. I didn't consult with her before paying for the jeans because I knew that she would most definitely object to it. But after she scolded me(wasn't really scolding...more like a disappointed talk), I felt really guilty for spending that much money on a single pair of jeans. Unless you're a millionaire or some rich person, $159.50 is nothing. My mother said," Do you know how many clothes you can buy with that kind of money?" "How long can you wear them? 10 years?" "I never expected you to be so extravagant." And it's true, I don't spend that kind of money on one type of clothing. But I guess I was influenced by my schoolmates. It's like everywhere I turn, I see some girl wearing a Levi's jeans...and I wanted to know what it's like to own one.

I didn't feel a sense of joy after buying the jeans, but a sense of dread of what my mother was going to say. So, note to self: if you want to buy something that expensive, use your own saved up money and not your NETS. I think I would've definitely felt more happy at using my own money to buy something that I really want. I would've felt the worth of the jeans. Not like now, I don't even feel a sting that I've actually spent money just because the money in my NETS card is not saved by me.

Bad day

2007-07-01T23:25:00.000+08:00

Man...today was a bad day for me. It was in the afternoon. I had terrible cramps again. And what was worse was that I was locked out of the house because I didn't bring the house keys and nobody was home. My mother and brother were at Giant and my sister was at Pasir Ris Library. Knowing that my sister wouldn't be willing to come all the way back, I had only my mother to depend on. Unfortunately, I had to wait for a long while for them to come back because there was a huge crowd at Giant.

The cramps wasn't so bad at first. I could still handle it, so I went to Tampines Mall and went to Isetan. Finding nothing to do, I went back home again, thinking that they would be on the way back or close to doing that, since my mother told me to wait for an hour, and it was nearing 1 hour.

BUT...they were still shopping around. So I just decided to wait for them at the void-deck. At that point of time, the cramps started to gradually worsen, but I could still bear them. I started to zikir to calm myself down. After about 15 min later, I called them again and my mother said that they were only queuing up. I waited and waited until my cramps really, and I mean REALLY got so painful that I broke out into a cold sweat. I couldn't take it anymore until I whispered out "Ya Allah" over and over again, and just hoped that I wouldn't vomit all over the place. If there weren't people sitting at the void-deck also, I would've said "Ya Allah" out loud. And luckily, not long after, my mother and brother came back. They didn't see me even though I called out (I was hoping that my brother or mother would help me walk), so I had to force myself to get up and drag my feet up to the lift lobby.

When I got into the house I just dropped everything I carried and went straight to the toilet. I had to do business. Now this may sound funny, but if you've had cramps before, you'd know that you'll feel like shitting all the time. Those are for normal cramps. My cramps can get so excruciatingly painful that I can vomit. So, when I have these especially painful cramps, I'll get nausea, diarrhoea, and plus the cramps of course. And vomitting is not only just one time, and that's it, I'll feel better, but it'll happen a few times. People who've seen me in this state have told me that I looked pucat.

But luckily, this time, I managed to quell down the vomit. I kept my nose covered so that I wouldn't have to smell anything and I zikir (in my heart) and begged Allah to make me feel better. And I did, after I don't know how long I spent in the toilet.

I went to bed for a while but woke up because I felt cold, even though the weather was hot. My brother switched off the fan for me but I still couldn't go back to sleep. So after that, I asked my mother to rub my stomach with some ointment. That helped a lot and I felt loads better. I still haven't really recovered though. Even as I'm typing all of these down, I still have a slight cramp and feel a bit nauseous. But don't worry, this isn't the first time I've experienced this kind of cramps, nor will it be the last.

The arrival of the mad bitch

2007-06-30T20:18:00.000+08:00

Surprise, surprise...the mad bitch actually dared to show her face in this house. Here's what had happened in the past few days...

A few days ago, my mother told my uncle that from now on, she would be taking my grandmother back during the weekends. So that means that he won't be taking her home anymore. And if the mad bitch dared to take my grandmother back on weekdays, that my grandmother will permanently be staying here.

Well, obviously, this didn't go well with the mad bitch, so the next day, she called my mother and told her that she wanted to have a meeting between my parents, my uncles and her. Can you believe the nerve? What right does she have to call for a meeting? She thinks that she is always right, so she dares to open her mouth and demand a meeting. Well, my mother just ignored her. And when my mother told my father about it, he also told her to ignore the mad bitch.

The reason why my mother is now taking my grandmother back during the weekends is because the maid has had it with the mad bitch. She has been cruel to her, and even turned her children against her. Even my uncle agrees with her. Look at how evil she is? She doesn't allow the maid to care for my grandmother, or do anything in the house. And when my uncle comes back from work, she wants the maid to stay put inside the room because she doesn't want her husband to look at the maid. Nanti datang maksiat. And she's always trying to say that the maid is doing maksiat with my older uncle or with any man that just happen to drop by at the house. Isn't she mad? For no other reason except that she doesn't want the maid there, she's saying all these fitnah. Long story short, after the maid had a fight with the mad bitch, my grandmother and the maid is now staying here.

And today, both my uncle and his mad bitch of a wife came here to take my grandmother out to dinner. My mother went straight into the room and refused to leave. I can't believe she dared to come here. We all thought that she wanted to have the "meeting" she demanded. But when my father went out, she didn't mention anything of the sort. Huh lucky her, or my father would have just put her in her place for daring to open her mouth. Anyway, she left without incident.

I tell you. If she ever dares to come here again, I don't know whether I can control myself like I did today. I don't know what I'd do if there's a next time.

Grade 5 Electone Exam

2007-06-28T22:12:00.000+08:00

Today, at around 11am, I had my organ exam at Thomson Plaza. And I think I can say that I'll be taking the exam again. I knew this would happen, so during the whole process, I wasn't as nervous as I should be.

I made a lot of mistakes for my Improvisation, especially for the sight-playing portion. Don't know what had happened. 1st I kicked the sound in wrongly, so the start-up of my sight-playing was late, and after that, I just kept playing the wrong notes. I've never played that bad before. My Motif was also a mess, and my Sight-playing was worse. My repertoire was ok, a few slips here and there, and some parts that can be improved on. But still, the experience was worth it. Now I know how to prepare myself better for my next exam. There's just a load taken off me after I stepped out of the examination room.

The examiners' standards and critics were harsh (well of course, they have to be since it's a teacher's grade), but they were nice. They just gave honest critics and pointed out my weaknesses, so that I know how to improve myself. There wasn't any condemning at all, or a tone that sounds as though to make you feel stupid. I'm sure I'll be more confident for my next exam. I will start preparing just as soon as my classes start again.

Yamaha Festival

2007-06-26T13:35:00.000+08:00

On Sunday, Kelyn, Yu En, Cai Ling and I went to the Yamaha Festival held at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA). It used to be at VCH. But I don't know why it's changed. Even though everybody has a view of the stage, there aren't as many seats as there are at VCH. It started at 7:30pm. Since I didn't know how to go there by myself, we decided to meet at Bugis MRT station first. Only Cai Ling seemed to know how to go there, but she wasn't certain as to which building it was.

The organ competition was, more specifically, held at Campus 3. We went the wrong way, which was a LONG, wrong way, until Cai Ling realized that we only had to walk in the left direction after the pedestrian crossing, and the building would be there. But luckily, we still managed to get in before the whole show started. I think I was the only one wearing the tudung. Felt a bit of an outsider.

The performers were all very impressive of course. One of the children was so cute. After the performed, he produced a "gun" and waved it at the audience. Going with his theme song I guess, which was James Bond. One of the child performers, a boy, was so sissy. Kelyn and I kept giggling whenever he came out on stage. It's just the way he walked la!

After that, we had a short interval and then, it was time for the ensemble category. None of them impressed me very much, especially the group that called themselves "Africans". They looked the part, but their music wasn't African. Still, they won the audience's vote. Must have brought along a lot of the family and friends.

And after that, we had guest performers. 1 young Japanese guitarist, but he's now living in Singapore. 5 years now. He took up the guitar here. Quite impressive. I mean within 5 years, he's mastered the guitar and can perform in front of everybody. And then, there was 1 bass guitarist, a young guy also. Then, there was a local aspiring singer. She still needs a lot of work, but hey, she's only 14.

The whole thing was just too long for me. I don't remember whether the previous festival I went to was thing lengthy. I've decided that I won't go to the festival every-year. I'll get jelak.

Well, my organ exam is drawing every nearer. This Thursday in fact. I've been do'a-"ing" everyday to Allah to help me do my best on the day. I just hope I won't make a fool of myself.

Back to square 1

2007-06-21T00:27:00.000+08:00

My grandmother will be coming back to live with us again. Having the maid stay with my grandmother at my elder uncle's house is just a wasted effort. Firstly, my elder uncle is very reluctant to "take care" of his mother. Like what does he need to do anyway? There's maid at his disposal. Secondly, since he's so reluctant, he's very happy to let my other uncle take my grandmother to his house as early as from Thursday until the weekend is up. It's the mad bitch's who wants my grandmother to come live with them, but as you all know, my uncle doesn't have the balls to stand up to her, so he just follow her orders

I mean is he really that DENSE? Or does he really like her dominating over him? Can't he think through his ego for once and not through his empty head? Most people have to do the opposite, but for him it's like this. He has no balls, no pride and no brains.

And my elder uncle who still doesn't realize that he's the oldest son, that it is HIS responsibility to care for his mother. All he thinks about is himself. He doesn't care about his mother. He doesn't even care about my mother who has done him A LOT of favours like clearing his credit card debts, and buying household items for him. And what does he do in return? Broke my mother's heart.

Both of these 2 "men" don't deserve the title man, let alone father. My mother is just so fed up with the both of them. She's so tired of trying to get my elder uncle to take care of my grandmother, she's tired of helping my other uncle and making him realize that he has to be a man. She's so tired that she almost had a heart attack. That was when that she asked me whether I'd mind my grandmother coming to live with us again. My brother has already agreed, surprisingly. Since I just want my mother to be relieved a little bit, if not happy, I agreed too. I don't know when it'll happen, but at least the mad bitch won't have her way for long.

Oh did I mention? The mad bitch dared to call the house and asked for my mother. Can you believe the nerve? Luckily, my sister answered the phone because if it were me, I'd just slam the phone back down. My mother told me not to do it. She said to check the caller ID first. If it's her, then don't pick up.But, sometimes, I'd just pick up the phone without looking, so, if she ever dares to call again, and I just happen to answer her call, you all know what will happen.

The men in my life....

2007-06-12T19:38:00.000+08:00

I must write this down. I've never, and I mean never EVER fallen in-love with an actor until these few months back. So far, I've fallen in-love with 3. I don't know what's wrong man. I've never gushed on any actor before, never collected pics of them and obsessively watch their interviews.

Well, the first actor I fell for is Wentworth Miller. If you all still don't know him, he's acting in Prison Break, which is now going into its 3rd season in August. I have over 200 pictures of him and many, many interviews, which I've kept. But now, my craze over him has diminished. But I'll still watch Prison Break of course. I started to lose interest in him when Prison Break went on a long hiatus in America (I download the episodes you see..heehee) and my attention was shifted to the guys in Supernatural. I lost interest in him also because he seemed determined to not want to workout. And in recent pictures, I can see the effects. Now, I can't have my man unfit right? hehe...

Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles are simply GORGEOUS. Even though Jensen is the more handsome one, I like Jared better. I guess I like tall guys (he's 6'4", Jensen is 6'1"). Not that Jensen isn't tall enough, but I just like him better. And especially when there's another guy who's the obvious handsome one, I'll go for the other, while everybody else is gushing about the hotter guy. I actually knew Jensen before he was on Supernatural. I watched a soap- Days of Our Lives, and he was in it, but I wasn't into actors back then, and he was still young. But now, he looks better. Guess he grows more beautiful as he ages...hehehe. Between the both of them, I have close to 500 pictures. And also MANY interviews of them, individually and together. (Can you see me grinning from ear to ear? =D) Lucky for them, I haven't lost my interest. They're just very funny guys, you should just watch their interviews in youtube and you'll know what I mean. Just infectious I tell you.

And now, for the most recent actor is none other than Brandon Routh. He's acted in Superman Returns. I only watched the movie a few days ago, after I finished downloading it. And after the movie ended, I was just starstruck. I mean, he came out from nowhere! He just looks so HOT! (excuse me) Even though he isn't as funny as Jared and Jensen in his interviews, I can tell that he's the kind of guy who's like, what you see is what you get. He's very sincere and polite. He does stutter a lot, but I guess he's just new to this whole fame thing. I mean, he's never acted in any noted films, and suddenly, he's on a major blockbuster movie. Who can blame him right? I just love him...=D

Well, enough gushing, here are some pictures of my men...and tell me if you're like me too ya?

CT is over, but...

2007-06-09T20:52:00.000+08:00

Been a while since I last posted, but it's because I was caught up with my Common Test, which ended just yesterday. I don't want to be overly-confident, but I have to say that the tests were pretty manageable, even though I studied everything at the last minute. I know, bad of me right? It's a really, really bad and old habit, which I've been trying to kick but just never seems to go away. But I can gurantee that I won't study at the last minute for my final exams.

Anyway, now that CT is over, my organ exam date just seemed to leap forward. It's going to be on 28 June, Thursday. I'm very, very scared of it. I'm more scared of this than my final exams. It's because I know I'm not that capable of an organ player, but I have to overcome this in 2 weeks. Just have to keep telling myself that I CAN do it, that I have to just let myself relax and just let go. The main part of the exam that I'm afraid of is the improvisation and sight playing. I guess, I've already told myself from the very start that they're both very difficult that now, I have a mental block whenever I have to perform any of these 2. But I'm starting to get the hang of it. Just need more and more practice on every single day. Have to force myself to practice at least twice a day, but thrice is the most ideal. Sigh...wish me luck guys...

Hurt 2

2007-05-30T20:10:00.000+08:00

Kelyn hurt me today. And Shereen didn't help matters when she laughed along and made more "jokes". I know the both of you don't read my blog, but if ever you do, and you come across this post, know that I don't write what I'm going to write because I want to hurt you like you've hurt me. Because that's what friends aren't supposed to do. I'm just writing these down to let out the hurt and I hope you realize what you've done. I mean this especially for Kelyn.

Kelyn, I know you like to make "insulting jokes" like making fun of people's dressing and their attitude. At times, they're funny, but occasionally, your words can be really hurtful. I don't know what your intention was today...to irritate me? To distract me from watching my movie? Whatever it was, you said untrue things like I was a boastful girl just because I liked to speed when I ice-skate. What is wrong with that? Why must I slow myself down to you guys' pace when I know I can go faster? I want to enjoy myself, is that so wrong? I didn't speed along to show off that I can go faster than the rest of you. What will be the point of me going ice-skating if I only pretend to not know how to skate properly just so you wouldn't feel like a klutz? I don't think I've ever boasted of myself before right? If you want me to boast, I can do that you know.

You said I was boastful in a whisper. And you said some other things which I couldn't hear. And at that point I got angry and hurt and just ignored you. To me, if you're whispering about somebody, it is only because you know that your words will make the person hurt or angry. And you succeeded in doing both. What, just because I wanted to watch my movie and not hang out with you all gives you the right to do that to me? Must you insult me whenever I don't behave the way you like? And Shereen giggled along, thinking that Kelyn was just joking. Which I think you were trying to do. But remember, words carry meanings, even if you're only joking. And words can scar. You know, I almost cried at one point in the project room after you said something to me. Something I couldn't remember, but I just felt a little bit shocked that you said that to me.

The reason why I didn't say all of these things to you there and then is because I wouldn't know what would happen to our friendship. Would we be able to speak to one another again? You obviously didn't think of that. You think I'll just take it all in and play along all the time. You haven't seen my temper yet. If ever, this happens again, I'll have to say something back at you. Can't let you do this to me all the time.

Had enough

2007-05-29T17:45:00.000+08:00

After reading many posts on the mad bitch and the useless piles of shit, I'm sure you've all grown tired. So to make the long story short, my uncle went back to the mad bitch. She started to panic after my uncle really left home and started to get her daughters to ask their father how he's been, whether he has enough to eat...etc. So there, they're one big "happy" family again.

Anyway, now onto me! I've got a new MP4 player! It's a Creative Zen Vision M. 60G!!! I bought it at the Creative sales on Friday at $449. Original price was $549. So good bargain huh? It was really crowded man. I LOVE my new MP4. Looks so cool. But a bit bulky. Besides songs, it can play videos, keep photos, has an organizer, can record stuffs through its little microphone. And I think that's about it...hope I didn't miss out on any of its functions. Oh ya! You can change the wallpaper. Here's the pic.

The mad bitch

2007-05-22T19:09:00.000+08:00

The situation now has taken a turn for the worse. The mad bitch (I'm adding in the "mad" because she truly is mad now) has now thrown my uncle out of the house. About 2 days ago, she told 1 of her daughters to call her father that her mother doesn't want him to come back anymore. So currently, my uncle is staying with my eldest uncle. And today, the mad bitch told 1 of her daughters to call her father again (no guts to tell him directly), to tell him to pick up his stuffs. She's already had them packed.

You know what the mad bitch's real problem is (this is what I think), she wants a husband who always listens to her every wants and needs. Who always puts her ahead of everybody else. Who basically, sacrifices everything for her. So, in actual fact, she wants a westerner husband. You know, you have this delusion that men down there are more sensitive towards their women, based on what you've seen in TV and movies. Well, I'm sorry to burst your bubble bitch, but that only happens in the dream world, oh I'm sorry, YOUR dream world. Marriage isn't even supposed to be like that, especially according to the Islamic way.

The role of the wife is to serve Allah and to serve your husband. And NOT your husband serving you. Have you done your marriage good based on the Islamic law? Hell no!

The mad bitch actually hates my uncle. And I mean really loathe. Their marriage was on the rocks from the very beginning. She's threatened to commit suicide and make it look as though its all her husband's fault MANY times. Well, I'd be SOOO happy if she were to jump because she'll go straight to hell. Call yourself a religious person? HUH! You don't even know how to behave. There are many things that she's done that doesn't deserve the title wife or mother. But I won't say them here because this is a family problem and I don't wanna let out too much. Some things should just be kept secret.

But just know this everybody. I hope she dies a very, very long, sufferable and horrible death. I've never really hated anyone before, but she's at the top of the list.

Anyway, kicking the mad bitch aside, my mother just came back and was very pissed off at my eldest uncle. They got in a fight because he wants my other uncle to go back and resolve things with is wife. Well, the truth is, he doesn't want them to make peace, he just wants his privacy in his house. And my other uncle is taking that away. Selfish asshole. He even called the mad bitch, to try to reason out with her that my uncle should go home. Damn stupid. He doesn't even know an inch of what's been happening in their marriage. No surprises then, that the mad bitch yelled at him and slammed the phone. Serves him right, in a way. My mother, of course, told him off for being selfish.

There were a lot of things said by my eldest uncle which made my mother really angry and hurt. One of which is about my mother not discussing things with him first before they were carried out. He doesn't take the initiative to care for his own mother, so there's no point in discussing anything with him. He had the nerve to say those hurtful things to my mother after ALL the sacrifices she's made for him, just so he won't lose face. And this is how he repaid her, by condemning her actions and by criticizing her. Fucking asshole. I wonder what will happen if my mother abandoned him. He'll be lost for sure.

Breakdown...but not me

2007-05-19T11:07:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, my mother brokedown in front of me. She didn't really breakdown and cried her heart out. But tears did fall. And that just told me how much her ungrateful piles of shits and the bitch have been hurting her and how much she's cracking down under the stress.

She's been constantly helping them with their problems, especially financially, and in return, not only were they ungrateful, they say that she's trying to be a busybody. I mean WHAT THE FUCK! They know that there's no one else that they can depend on and yet they have the nerve to say that to her. What kind of human, in his/her right mind would EVER say that to someone who've helped him/her.

And the bitch, who's now fed up that she won't have her way of taking care of my grandmother, has told my uncle to tell my mother not to buy for them anymore provisions. The maid is now staying at my eldest uncle's house. I think I can safely say that my grandmother won't ever stay at her other son's house. Ohhh...I wish I could have seen the bitch's face when she found out. For many, many years, my mother has been buying their provisions for them because of their financial difficulty. Did the bitch ever think whether her family can afford to buy the provisions with her husband's limited amount of pay? OF COURSE NOT. She's too stuck up to admit that she needs help. She says that if my mother were to buy anymore provisions, she would give them away. And she can even say to my uncle that he don't know how to stand up to my mother and not to listen to her all the time. In the first place, the bitch should learn how to be a PROPER wife and respect her husband and learn that he is the one IN-CHARGE. Stupid bitch.

All these people(I don't even like calling them people because they don't have hearts) just don't realize how much they depend on my mother. And yet, they dare upset her. She doesn't understand why when she helps people, they'll walk all over her as payment. People just see her as a source of money. But please! She's not working...where do you think all that money comes from? Do you have that thick a skin? And do they pay her back? HUH! Maybe in the next 30 years. They think that just because she's not working, then she must be shaking her legs at home everyday. How naive they are. She still has problems of her own and errands to run you dimwitted assholes. If strangers think like that, its not so bad. But even her worthless bunch of grateful piles of shit she has for siblings think like that too. I wish I can just slap some sense into them and tell them off and most important of all...not to bother my mother with their problems. Show them how much they need my mother after all and make them treat my mother better. What a bunch of asses I have as relatives.

Brownie...lost...AGAIN

2007-05-15T23:25:00.001+08:00

Just had another incident of Brownie getting lost again. But this time, I found her fast. And lucky for her too, she was with Kiki. This was what had happened:

My mother went out to water her plants and left the door open. So, Brownie must've went out as well, together with Kiki. My mother didn't see her again when she wanted to go back into the house. She only saw Kiki running up the stairs. I guess Brownie followed him or was being chased by him. Anyway, she just assumed that Brownie was already inside since she didn't see her outside. She closed the door. But after we called her several times, Brownie didn't show up. Usually, after a few calls, she would come out from wherever she was from. But at that time, she didn't. So, I started going up until I reached the 8th floor. But I still couldn't find her. Kiki was at the 5th floor when I was going up. Then, when I went back down and reached the 5th floor, I found Brownie. And nearby was Kiki. What a relief! Luckily she stayed close to Kiki or else she would have definitely gotten lost. Just going one floor up will confuse her. I know, pretty dumb cat right? I still love her. I guess sometimes, you just love the wierd things in life.

Breakdown

2007-05-09T00:09:00.000+08:00

This actually happened on Monday. But I only remembered to write this in now. I was on my way home from school, taking the MRT. When we reached Bugis, the train didn't move off right away. I thought...ok, there's nothing wrong...just like sometimes, the train stops for a while because maybe it's ahead of schedule. But the train didn't move off for about 5 minutes. It had some technicality problem and the operator told us all to alight the train and wait for the next one. Everybody was thinking like, what the hell? Its rush hour and this happens?

Well, the next train came along and people were just pressed together, trying to force themselves in. I knew straightaway that not all of us can get in. I was actually on my way in, when this bitch just cut me and forced herself ahead of me. And then you know what? I couldn't get in! Damn that ass! I wanted to push her away initially, but I didn't want to make a scene. BUT! When I got home and told my mother about it, she asked why didn't I do anything. And I thought it over, and yea, I SHOULD have done something since I was in the right of way. That improved my mood soooo much better...hmph.

Frustration, angst, hate

2007-05-05T00:34:00.000+08:00

The maid is finally here. Remember I said the plan was to have my grandmother stay at my elder uncle's house with the maid looking after her? Well right now, plan kind of changed.

I have an auntie(by marriage) who's an utter control-freak. Everything must be to her liking, must be her way. She even controls her family. My younger uncle doesn't have the balls to put her in her place. So she's been running the entire show ever since they got married. She's also the biggest hypocrite I know. On the surface, she likes to help people, but beneath that facade she demands that everything be done her way. She doesn't like my mother, but she doesn't show it. She doesn't like her because she thinks that my uncle always listens to my mother and not to her, when it is really the other way round. In face, my mother has helped her several times already, but does she notice? Of course not. She thinks that my mother is just trying to be kpo and control everything. Wow...look who's talking.

She objects to the idea of not hiring a maid, saying that my grandmother doesn't like it. But let's face it, she doesn't like it either. So now, I don't know HOW it ended up like this, the maid will be staying with her in her house. But on the weekends, my uncle will take the maid away, with my grandmother. She actually wanted my grandmother and the maid to stay with her the entire time, but my mother forced my uncle to just take them away even if my auntie(I'd just like to call her the bitch now, if you don't mind)protests.

Now, the bitch already has 5 children to take care of. And yet, she insists on taking care of my grandmother. Getting the maid was supposed to ease her a little bit, but does she see it that way? No...she see's it as us rejecting my grandmother. Come on! Please, we all need a break, even you complained of my grandmother's behaviour. Don't come and say that you don't mind caring for her. You're just a fucking hypocrite.

And in the first place you're not the one who is even PAYING the maid so shut your trap and know your place. My mother could have confronted the bitch and ground her down anytime, but if she were to do that, then she will get dosa because they'll not talk to each other afterwards, for sure. She has hurt my mother many, many times that this one just infuriates me so much that I actually told my mother that if I'm not careful, I might just come up to her and slap the bitch's face. I take things very personally, like as though they were done to me myself, if anyone hurts or angers my mother. So don't you even dare do any harm to her. She's already under a lot of stress with her health and many other things without you adding on to it. You might think that only my mother is the one you're involving, but I'm just around the corner ready to smack you down if you ever cross the line.

Brownie's bath

2007-05-01T01:07:00.000+08:00

After I came home from school today(yesterday...since its after midnight already), I bathed Brownie because...she stank! This was the first time that I actually bathed her myself. Usually, my mother would be the one who bathes the cats.

So anyway, when Brownie realized what was happening, she started yowling. And her yowl is VERY loud. If you're not used to it, you'll have to shut your ears. This is one of the trademarks of Siamese cats. Their voices can go very loud, louder than other cats. Maybe I should record her voice whenever she has her bath and let you guys listen to it =D. She stared up at me like as though I betrayed her or something...hehe. Kiki was in the house too, so when Brownie started yowling, he joined in too while he paced outside the door. Its really cute of him...being so concerned. Most of the time, this would happen. But when its Kiki's time to have his bath, most of the time, Brownie wouldn't give a damn..hahaa. But there was one time when she yowled along with him too. We were all like, what's wrong with her? She's not the type to be concerned over others, least of all Kiki.

Good news!!!

2007-04-29T21:59:00.000+08:00

I've got good news(well...at least for me)!!! It turns out that we WILL be getting a maid after all. But the ones who will be paying will be my mother and my grandmother(don't worry...she has A LOT of money...you'd be shocked). I don't expect my worthless "uncles" and "auntie" to be grateful or anything. They're probably thinking that there's somebody who's looking after their mother who's not them. Well...I'm not gonna upset myself over them...the point is that the mental stress will soon be over. The maid will be coming some time next week I think.

Library...after how long?

2007-04-28T19:58:00.000+08:00

So today, I went to the library after my organ class at TM. It has been like...actually I donno how long it has been since I've been to the library. I think it was the middle of last year. I went to the library because I wanted to borrow Angel. I've finished downloading all the 5 seasons and I'm still not satisfied, so I wanna read some of the books.

The reason I kinda stopped going to the library is because, I started buying books instead of borrowing. At first, it was...buy because the library didn't have the books, but the addiction of buying books caught on. I even have the whole series of "The Wheel of Time" by Robert Jordan. So far there's 11 books from the series and altogether, they cost around $500++. A lot of money yah? I had to have some of the books special ordered because Borders ran out of stock. I feel very proud to have the whole series. There's just a sense of satisfaction when you've bought a book and have it displayed =D

Exercise!!!

2007-04-26T23:39:00.000+08:00

Today was our(Me, Shereen, Kelyn, Yu En, Cai Ling and Shuyu) first time exercising together. We went to the school track and ran. I ran 2.4km, Shereen and Shuyu did 4 rounds...Shuyu bluffed us all when she said that she could only manage 1 round. Cai Ling and Yu En did three...they weren't feeling too good. But its ok girls, it'll get better after some more practices. Kelyn on the other hand, was our spectator. She had her period so she didn't wanna run.

We really had fun, especially when I made them do some leg workouts. Kelyn has a video of it all..hehe. Its great that they are taking the initiative to exercise on Monday, without me asking everyone. I won't be joining them however. Because I have ngaji in the morning. But hopefully, if nothing clashes with our weekly exercise, we'll be fully prepared for NAPHA in July.

Hurt

2007-04-25T23:22:00.000+08:00

Today was a really, really long day. We started school at 10am and ended at 5:20pm...was supposed to end at 6 but Mr Satha pitied us because we looked tired. The reason why we end so late and yet have only 2 lessons is because we have a 4-HOUR break from 12nn.

We had our AGM(Annual General Meeting) for GV today at 6(but actually started at 6:30). So today I came back home especially late. I reached home at around 10pm. While waiting for the train at Clementi, I realized that I would be really late coming home and that I'd be having classes at 8am the next day, I called my mother and wanted to ask her if she could pick me up from Simei MRT station. Well, my brother picked up the phone instead and when he asked my question for me to my mother, my father heard too and just told my brother to tell me to go home by myself. I felt really hurt.

Now, usually, when I know that I'll be coming home late(meaning at night), I'd ask my mother if she could pick me up from school. I don't feel at ease coming home so late at night alone. But she won't because its too far and there won't be any more good parking spaces left when she gets back. So usually, she'll pick me up from Simei. It really came as a slap in the face when my father said bluntly to go home by myself. If you don't sympathize with me, just think, if you're so used to receiving something from someone close to you, and then one day, he/she just refused to give you anymore.

Later, the hurt turned to anger towards my father. I know that it is just a small and petty thing, but I just felt really hurt. He of all people who is very protective of his daughters wanted me to go home alone at night. When I got home, I didn't even bother calling him. I just went straight to my room. And my mother scolded me for being rude. I know...I'm in the wrong...but just don't hurt my feelings.

Continuation

2007-04-24T17:43:00.000+08:00

Well its nice to be back...partly influenced by my sister who keeps reading her friends' blogs and Syafiqah who asked me whether I had a blog of my own and has one herself. To make my long absence story short, I was simply lazy and felt a bit discouraged that people weren't reading my blog. But that shouldn't be the case right? You write for yourself, not for others.

Its the 3rd yr now...time just flew by. I'm really gonna miss poly. But I promise that I'll go back once in a while. So far, I've only felt attached to Ngee Ann Poly, not even Ngee Ann Sec. I guess I'm just closer to my friends in poly than I was with my sec sch friends.

Anyway, a lot of things have happened, but I'm only gonna write about one. And that being the issue of my grandmother. My family(meaning my mother), and me sometimes, have been taking care of my grandmother for about 4 yrs now. And I tell you, it is really mind-taxing. She's now wheelchair-bound. I really don't mind helping her get to one point of the house to the other, dressing her up, bathing her and helping her to the toilet. But the thing that I can only describe as "mental torture" is her incessant moans of self-pity.

It pains her leg when she has to stand and walk. So everytime she gets up to sit on the wheelchair or has to go to the toilet, she will begin her moaning. When I say everytime, I'm not exaggerating. Everyday alone is enough, but this is SEVERAL times a day. My mother has tried to advice her and told her to think of other people who are in a worse condition than hers. But it never registers. She will keep quiet for a while, and continue again. She's already senile. I don't want to write down what my grandmother says during her moans because I think it will be too rude. I know what everybody will say, "Be patient, after all, she's your grandmother, you should respect her". But before you all judge me, I just wanna say this, you are not in my position, so you have no idea what I'm going through.

Recently, my mother decided to get a maid for my grandmother because she's finally had it. We were gonna put my grandmother in my uncle's house(it's his responsibility in the first place but he couldn't take care of her due to MANY problems, which my mother says that can never be solved). BUT the whole plan failed because of the bunch of worthless and ungrateful pile of shit my mother has for siblings. They had to come up with $500 a month for the maid. My mother said that they should split the cost, $100 each. Well, NOBODY could pay or rather, to me DIDN'T wanna pay. It's just $100 A MONTH. We can afford $500 a month, but how can my mother just take that amount of money every month off my father's hard-earned money?

What pisses me off so much is that first, they didn't even bother to take care of my grandmother or even asked if my mother needed any help. They just took advantage of the fact that there's somebody taking care of their mother. Secondly, they didn't give her money for my grandmother's expenses like her medical check-ups. Thirdly, 2 of my mother's siblings who owe her lots of money still haven't paid up for yrs now.

I just really hate my uncles and aunties now. My mother really doesn't deserve them. She's really under a lot of stress without them making things worse for her. The only consolation that I can take is that at least my family's financial situation is better than all of them combined. I only wish for my mother's happiness.

Molested...

2006-09-22T16:24:00.000+08:00

This happened 2 days back. And the reason I'm writing in 2 days later is because I was contemplating on whether I should write something so private in a public place.

I was on a bus (no. 9). I took the bus from Simei at around 5:40 pm. And usually, around that time, there are many people who take the same bus. Sure enough, when the bus arrived, people just crowded around the entrance, jostling and pushing, trying to get in and not be left behind because the next bus will not come for another 20 minutes, at least.

It was really cramped inside the bus. About halfway through the journey home, I felt that someone was pressing against my butt. I thought, well okay, since its very cramped, so it can't be helped. But then, I looked around and even though the bus was still cramped, it wasn't as cramped as before. Then, I noticed that the man behind me was actually holding onto the rings on the same side as I'm holding onto the verticle bar. And I thought, why would he want to do that when there's a bit of space for him to move away and hold onto another spot? At that point, I got panicky. He kept shifting so that he kept brushing against my butt. It was definitely a Malay man. To test whether he was actually doing that on purpose, I shifted away from him a little until he couldn't press against me. But a while later, he was there again. Especially when the bus made this big turn and he took the chance to really press against me. My mother ever experienced this when she was around the same age as me. She told me that some men would "accidentally" press their dick against her butt when the bus jerked around. This confirmed the fact that the man behind me was doing this on purpose. If my mother hadn't told me of this, I think I wouldn't get what he was trying to do or I would be slow at getting it.

What I really regret was not doing anything to him. I just feel so stupid and until now, I can't believe that I didn't at least slap him and told him to stop doing what he did or he'll regret it. I know it sounds so simple, just shout or hit him. But when you're in a position where you would never expect such a thing to happen to you, your brain tend to freeze up and all sensible thought just vanish. I just hope that IF this happens again, I WILL do something.

Chalet...

2006-09-08T14:20:00.000+08:00

Last Tuesday (4th Sept) until this morning was our class chalet at Changi Village. Our barbeque was yesterday. Here's what had happened...

On Tuesday, at around 6:30 pm, Kelyn, Jia Sheng and I checked-in into the chalet. We took my family's car because we actually came from school. So from school, we took a cab to my place and from there, we took the stuffs for the chalet, plus the satay and chicken that were prepared by my mother, that were left in my house from the previous day and then, we took the family's car to the chalet. We actually got lost at first. My mother thought that the chalet is at Downtown East because she got confused between Aloha Loyang and Aloha Changi. I really don't know why they can't come up with a different name for the two chalets. Anyway, luckily, we managed to find the place in time to check in. Yu En, her sister and her father were already there at the check-in office. And so, we followed them to our bungalow. Her father was the one who supplied us with sea food. All in a styrofoam box.

Shereen, Shuyu and Cai Ling were already there waiting for us. All of them except me decided to stay for the night. The bungalow was actually very big, with two bathrooms, a living room, one kitchen and three bedrooms. Once everyone got settled in, we went out to Changi Village to grab our dinners. Jia Sheng was the only one who got fast food. The rest of us got hawker stall food. He got really excited about getting fast food. But when we got back to eat, he looked as though he was swallowing poison...hahaha. Also, when we came back, we found that the styrofoam box was leaking with squid/stingray/shrimp juice...YUMMY!! In the end, we had to flood the kitchen in order to get rid of the smell and the stain. After a few games of Uno, I left at 10.

I came back to the bungalow at around 11 am. At around 1 pm, we set out on the Board Walk along the beach. Nothing much really happened except for some water-playing and picture-taking. After that, we went out to Changi Village again to rent bicycles. Cai Ling and I didn't rent them because Cai Ling brought her own rollerblades and I wanted to use Kelyn's. We cycled/rollerbladed along Changi Beach. I really, really had fun out there. I really love to speed along and just feel the wind...WEEEEEEE!!

Later that day, we began the barbeque. Fu Cai helped us get the fire started while Shereen, Yu En, Cai Ling and Shuyu prepared the sea food. And then it was time to barbeque! My mother and my sister came to drop off the fried rice and some things needed to prepare the sea food. My sister stayed behind because she wanted to eat and also there were just too much food and too little people. Kelyn called over her three cousins to help eat the food too.

Thinking back, it was actually kind of fun to barbeque...but it was really damned tiring. I don't think I'll ever support having chalet as our class activity again. As my mother had said, it is only fun as long as you just turn up to eat. And besides...there are A LOT of leftovers. Even though the food was calculated for 15 people, there were still a lot of leftovers. I think it is because there just many types of food. Anyway, I'm very pleased that many people loved the satay my mother made. Even Mr Lau said that it was nice. Mrs Lee didn't touch anything. She just hung around and drank Mug Beer and chatted with a few my classmate (those whom she likes) and complained about driving 30 km to the bungalow. I mean if you want to come, don't make such a big fuss over driving 30 km just to get to the place. You'll only spoil the mood of the happy event. I don't really like her now because she's a show-off and she plays favourites among the students, unlike Mr Lau who treats everyone equally. Even my sister who've never met her before can see through her by the way she talks and behaves.

I left at 10:40 pm and took back a lot of leftovers. Siyu wanted a ride to Tampines Interchange, so we took her along. Shereen and Kelyn followed us to the car to thank my mother for the food. And Shereen actually said that my mother should open a stall because the food was really nice. HAHA!! I'm really sorry Shereen, but my mother is a very busy person...but all the same, thank you everyone who enjoyed my mother's cooking!

Lost & Found...

2006-09-05T02:47:00.000+08:00

This morning, at around 6 am, Brownie went missing. This was what had happened...

Every morning, my father would unlock the gate and retrieve the newspaper. So today, while he was unlocking the gate, Brownie just went out of the house. My father, being the kind who, if you want to do something naughty, I'll make sure you'll regret it. So he just closed the door with Brownie still outside. Now, Brownie is a housecat. She can't survive alone outside. But recently we've been letting her out for a few minutes so that she will become more brave. Well, now, whenever she hears the door opening, she would rush towards it in the hopes that she would get a chance to go out.

Anyway, my father closed the door and did his morning prayers. After he'd done that, he went to open the door. And guess what...Brownie was gone. All of us went out to look for her, except him because he had to get ready for work. We searched from the top of the building to the bottom, but to no avail. And then we searched around the area...still no sign of her. We gave up once the sun was up and left the door ajar in the hopes that Brownie would return home on her own.

We continued our search at night, around 10:30 pm, because Brownie would usually make noise late at night. Still no sign of her. Then, my mother went down to our neighbour's house on the second storey, who is also a cat lover, and has five cats of her own, and just talked to her about our dilemma. My brother later went down on the same storey to look for Brownie while my mother and our neighbour were still talking. He happened to see something brownish near the rubbish chute (it was kind of hidden) and decided to take a closer look. And you know what? IT WAS BROWNIE!!! I think she was just there the whole day without us noticing! It was such a relief to have finally found her that tears came to my eyes. I'm just so happy to see her. Thank you Allah for answering our prayers. Alhamdulillah...

National Youth Environment Forum...

2006-09-03T14:40:00.000+08:00

I attended a forum organized by ECO and SMU today. And the name of the forum is called National Youth Environment Forum (NYEF). It is basically a platform where youths between the age of 17-25 can voice their opinions and solutions on our current environmental situation.

There were altogether 4 of us from GV who turned up for the forum; Kum Fai, Thomas, Yu En, and myself. All in all...the forum was really very informative and it showed me that there are other people out there who are equally if not more passionate about the environment. For example, when we were separated into our different caucus groups to discuss on our topic (Biodiversity and Nature Conservation), I felt that what I've spoken out was outspoken by other members in the group. So much so that I didn't know how to voice out my opinions because it would seem so inferior to what they've just said.

The caucus group discussion was actually in the afternoon, after lunch. Before that, in the morning, people from various organizations like the Vegetarian Society, the World Toilet Organization, and also some individuals like an Ang Moh NUS professor, and a research officer, conducted speech/educational talks on the 5 topics that were discussed today. And they are Energy & Climate Change, Sanitation & Water, Biodiversity & Conservation, Pollution & Ecosystem Management and Poverty & Population.

The speakers were all great except for the on from the Vegetarian Society because even though I do agree that we need to do something to help countries which are experiencing, poverty, I certainly DO NOT agree that we should do so by going vegetarian. I mean, take for example Australia's sheeps. Their sheeps are really really overpopulated. So what are we going to do? We shall all not eat them or waste the food we feed them because the food we feed them can be put to better use, like feeding the starved people in Africa. Come on!!! Then who's going to bloody eat the sheeps? You also say its animal cruelty to "brutally slaughter" an animal, BUT think! If nobody is going to eat the bloody sheeps, then are we just going to let them multiply until they die out?

Unfortunately, the highlight of the whole event was when the Ang Moh professor from NUS had fits or seizure. This happened during the presentation of the caucus groups. This was what happened...
While a presenter from a caucus group was presenting, there came a croaking, groaning, moaning noise. Which got louder and louder until it stopped. Everything just paused. It sounded so creepy, like the sound of a zombie or something. We all wondered where and what it was. And then, we all saw a movement at the centre of the lecture hall. And it turned out that the professor was having fits. Then, suddenly people just started crowding around him and some shouted to put something into his mouth, a pen or what not. Somebody stuffed a whole tissue packet into his mouth. I couldn't really see what was going on, but I could tell that he was jerking. Then, the chairman of ECO told us to leave the lecture hall while they got the situation under control. I didn't know whether they called an ambulance, because when we came back in a while later, he was gone.

Man! What an event!! The very first forum organized, and this was what had happened. It really has been a memorable day for ALL of us.

Finally back...

2006-08-30T11:30:00.000+08:00

Well, I'm really sorry for not updating my blog since the 14th, but many things have been happening. I didn't want to write in until after my exams were over...but after that, I still didn't write in because I got lazy. So now, I'm finally back and updating my bog...hehe.

I'm not going to tell you what happened since the last time I wrote in because it will just be too damned long and also, I kind of forgot some of the event. I'm just going to tell you what happened yesterday.

Yesterday, I went to Raffles Biodiversity Museum at NUS, along with several GV members and a few non-members (most probably the GV members' friends). The whole trip was organized by Shereen and Ming Xue. It wasn't exactly a fun trip, but it was definitely an eye-opener.

The museum basically displays animals that are close to extinction or already extinct, in Singapore. But, there are still some animals that are still alive, which re thought to be extinct. Like this poor fellow. He got run down by a car.

We also saw monkeys, bugs, some land animals like elepant and rhinosaurus. There was one huge real-life display of a marlin fish. And I tell you. It's really damned big. There was also a king cobra which got itself killed by golfer who clubbed him to death. I know this sounds harsh, but don't be too sympathetic to the cobra because the golfer would have died if he hadn't killed it. One thing that was funny was that it's penises was sticking out...HEHE. And yes, you didn't read it wrong. It has penises. Apparently, the guide told us that if he was on the left or the right side of the female, he could use either one.

Anyway, just take a look at the pictures and enjoy. =D

And then, when we were back in school, Shereen, Kelyn and I were standing together and Emily suddenly shouted...Traffic light! And pointed to us. We were all like what? And then we looked down at what we wore...and we just laughed. We didn't even notice what colours we wore.

After C Tech 2...

2006-08-15T14:59:00.000+08:00

Well...I sat for C Tech 2 test 2 today. And I really don't know whether I can pass the module. I already failed the first test. So I can't afford to fail this one. I just hope that the class quizzes, assignment and project will help to boost my scores.

While studying yesterday, I got panic many times because there were still many things that needed to be studied. It was actually the first time I've felt panic before a test. I really have to buck up for the second semester. Can't afford to slack because I know that I CAN fail in my tests.

Anyway, this Friday will be EM3B. And I'm still not sure about Permutation, Combination and Probability. Luckily there'll be an extra class for maths tomorrow...or should I say today...since it's already 12:10 am.

1st time to West Mall...

2006-08-12T23:53:00.000+08:00

Yesterday was officially our last day of the first semester of our second year. But I didn't really feel the meaning because we'll be having three more papers. And they are C Tech 2, STRA, and OHS. Anyway, since it was the last day of school, and since we've sat for our NPMC paper, and it was still early, we decided to go to West Mall to eat lunch. My friends insisted on West Mall because I've never been there. So, there we went...

When I first entered the mall, my first thought was...it was bigger than Tampines Mall. Somehow, to me, it seems as though any other mall is bigger than Tampines Mall. Anyway, we ate at KFC. And it was damned packed because it was lunch time, and also the time when secondary school students are dismissed. But luckily, we still managed to get two tables (six of us).

After that, my friends decided to give me a "tour" of West Mall starting from the top floor down. Overall, we did enjoy ourselves...at least I did...I don't know about the rest. Siyu got left behind in a couple shops (as usual), because she tends to get caught up at what she's looking at. I bought a pair of slippers from Bata and Keane's Under the Iron Sea from Sembawang. Kelyn bought a stuffed toy horse for her sister and she also talked a bit of dirty stuffs while we were in Watson's...(you know what you said Kelyn).

On the whole, I must thank you guys for bringing me to West Mall. I don't know when's the next time I'll ever go there though. Hehe...

Tests...aka...time to be doomed...

2006-08-07T21:06:00.000+08:00

Today I just sat for IAQ test 2. And it was HORRIBLE!!! I just hope I can scrape a pass. I don't know what I'd do if I failed...I think everybody will be shocked. Haiz...just hope for the best and prepare for the worse.

This week will be the last week of the school semester. I know I should be reacting like YAY! Its the last week!! But as Syafiqah aka Shark has said its the time for suffering. How right you are Syaf. This Friday will be our NPMC test 2. The following Monday will be CT 2 test 2 and on the same week on Friday will be EM3B. And on the following Thursday and Friday, we'll be having STRA and OHS respectively. I just hope the other papers will not be as bad as IAQ. Haiz...

Ok, what's been happening at home:
Brownie still doesn't like Puteh. The kitten (Kiki), is as naughty as ever. Today he spread his shit around the house. Here's what happened.
Nowadays, my mother will put a big flower pot filled with sand near our door in case Puteh or Kiki wants to do their busines. So far, only Kiki has been using it. I think only he can use it. Puteh is too big for it. Anyway, today, he used the pot twice. The first time went smoothly. But on the second time, after he did his business and was shuffling around the sand to cover up his shit and was wiping his paws on the side of the pot, he got a shock when my mother came(I think that was what happened) and jumped out of the pot with his shit still stuck to his paw. So just now, you would be able to see little bits of shit under the sofa, on the pillow and on the floor mat. My brother finally caught him and he and my mother went about cleaning him up. Man! What a big job he has caused. Kittens are cute and all, but you have better be prepared for their hyperactivity.

Busy, busy, busy...

2006-08-01T20:08:00.000+08:00

This is week WILL be the busiest week ever. You know why? It's because this week, I'll have to hand in 1 OSH group report, 1 OSH individual report, 2 NPMC lab reports and I'll be having a presentation tomorrow. Plus, I'll have to hand in 2 IAQ lap reports on the following Monday.

I think, if I were back in Yr 1, first semester, I'd be crying right now. Actually I did cry back then when the workload was just too high. But now I think I've adapted. Eventhough I know there's a lot of work to be done, I just get them done one by one and ignore the nagging stress.

Anyhow, I told you about our partial adoption of Puteh right? Well, last night, she almost attacked Brownie. Almost, because my mother got a shock and screamed...and just in time too, because I think Puteh would have beaten Brownie up. She's bigger than Brownie for one.

Here's what happened...
Puteh was without her kitten last night (as usual). It was around 11 pm and Brownie went out into the living room where Puteh was, because she wanted to eat (she didn't eat the whole day). She didn't notice Puteh and so she approached her food bowl. When she was just about to start eating, Puteh started coming towards her. Luckily I was there, so I pushed Puteh away. Brownie hissed at her and wanted to go back into the room. But while she was walking away, Puteh suddenly appeared from under the chair and charged (more like a fast walk) at Brownie. My mother at that time, had her back turned to them. So my mother screamed when she turned around and saw Puteh coming towards Brownie. It was right on time man. I wanted to scold Puteh, so I held her in my hands and scolded her, a bit half-heartedly because she acted dumb and innocent. My mother always calls her a "dumb white"...thinking that she IS stupid, but my father kept saying that she's very clever. I guess he's right. Puteh really knows how to act cute and cuddly when she sees us, but towards other cats, it's a different story altogether. But it still doesn't stop us from liking her..hehehe...

Another cat...

2006-07-29T22:11:00.000+08:00

There's this white cat which we call Puteh, which means white. If you've read her story from my previous blog site at http://www.freewebs.catdevotee.com, you'd know that she lost all her kittens during a storm in the drains except for one. And that one was lost not long after. BUT! Good news!!! We found the lost kitten. It's sooo cute and soft and playful!! Here's a picture of mother and son:

Anyhow, our neighbour on the 2nd floor wants the kitten, but not the mother because they have another male cat. Everyday, they will bring in the kitten and only let him out in the afternoon. So during the time that he's in the house, Puteh will be mewing and mewing. It's really pitiful. But everday, Puteh will bring her kitten up to us and they will spend sometime in the house. In the evenings, when the kitten is not around, Puteh will go searching for him around the block and in our house too. This has become so much like a routine that she will definitely spend some time in our house everyday.

We've grown attached to Puteh. Even my parents who strongly opposed of us keeping furry pets larger than a chipmunk. My mother even said just now that if Brownie hadn't come earlier, she'd take in Puteh. I feel torn because Brownie is my cat, but at the same time, I really like Puteh. She's just so affectionate and lovely. I feel like I'm neglecting Brownie by spending some time with Puteh.

Anyway, my father has allowed Puteh to go in and out of our house (partial adoption), which is so unlike him because he doesn't really like us keeping pets in the first place. I mean, we already have one, and now he's showing some leeway to another cat? Wow...Puteh must really be working her charm. Hehe...

Bummer...

2006-07-26T12:33:00.000+08:00

Today, I was supposed to have my IS module(Life Science) at 8 am till 12 noon. So, I went to school and reached there at 8 sharp. There was only one person there waiting outside the classroom and it was Wei Ci. A while later Jing Xiong came along...but still no lecturer. We thought among ourselves that something was amiss. And then, it suddenly struck home. We were supposed to go to the Yakult factory today!!!

Our lecturer actually mentioned this trip on the first week of the term. But she didn't put up any announcements on MEL. So we were a bit puzzled because she usually puts up announcements or e-mails us whenever there's anything important for the following week. To confirm our speculation that we're supposed to go to the Yakult factory, I called up my classmate Cindy. And she said that we WERE supposed to go to the factory today. Our lecturer actually reminded the class the previous week. But because we were absent, we didn't receive any reminder. However, I still thought that she should at least put up an announcement on MEL. And I was a bit confused on why my classmate didn't remind me...Luckily, the trip was supposed to start off at 9 am. So us three wasted some time at the Atrium.

Yakult factory is at Woodlands and the tour was quite informative. We received free Yakult and pamphlets. We watched a video that showed how doctors use bateria, like the ones found in Yakult, to combat infectious diseases suffered by bilary cancer patients who've undergone successful surgeries. It was really an eye opener because I didn't think something that is so readily sold in the market can help reduce the occurance of infectious diseases. Then, our tour guide(I think he's like the boss of the factory), brought us to where Yakult is first made, to where Yakult is packeted and ready to be sold. Overall I think it wasn't such a bad trip. What's more is that we didn't have to do any assignments afterwards..yippee!! Still, I brought along my laptop for nothing...haiz...

Events on the way home...

2006-07-24T13:17:00.000+08:00

I decided to change blogs because I got sick with freewebs. Firstly, I couldn't change the template into what I wanted, instead of the ones they've provided for the users. Secondly, whenever I opened my blog, "Error on Page" would appear at the bottom of the window, and I would have to refresh the page a few times to get rid of it. Thirdly, I got lazy trying to update my photo album(it was very laggy)

Anyway, back to my topic...
This morning, no wait, it's yesterday already...Anyway, I was on the MRT on the way home from Pergas. I was sitting. There was this Chinese man(standing) who kept staring at the book that was on my lap. The book is a Hadith. I looked up at him, but he still continued to stare at the book, trying to figure out what was written on the cover. After looking up at him for the second time, he smiled at me and asked whether the book is written in Arabic, and how I came by the book. I told him that it is in Malay and that I got it from the school. He then asked whether it is about Islam. I nodded. And then he asked me whether I could tell him about Islam in 3-5 words. I was stung. What truly IS Islam? The first thought that came to my mind was that Islam is about peace. I told him so. He said something like, "Good, only one word," and nodded. And he said something about keeping what I've told him in mind. He alighted at the next stop.

I kep running through the question over and over again in my head. Eventhough Islam is about peace, it isn't the whole of it. I should have told him that 3-5 words aren't enough to explain Islam. I should have said Islam is about life, meaning how to live a life of a proper Muslim, like respect your elders, how you should carry yourself, and what is allowed and what is forbidden. I should have said Islam is about your sense of belief towards your religion. This action of thinking of what I SHOULD have said reminded me of my oral examination days. In the spur of the moment, you tend to say things on impulse without giving it much thought until after you've said them. This is because you don't want to appear flustered by wasting time. So, whatever comes out of your mouth is not really the answer that you wanted to give. The bottomline is, I regretted saying what I've said to that man. I shouldn't have given him an answer that is frequently mentioned in the newspapers. Oh well, what's done is done.

Now on to the second thing that happened yesterday...
This time, it was on the bus. There were this bunch of guys who were talking about Singapore Idol and American Idol after watching a TV commercial on Gayle being sent home. They first started talking about Singapore Idol, and blah blah blah, I wasn't really listening. But they caught my ear when they started talking about American Idol. One of the guys asked the others who was the first Idol winner. They all didn't know. And then, one of them said that the third Idol winner was Kelly Clarkson!!! And that Ruben Studdard won during the fourth season!!!! I was sitting there, thinking WHAT?!! They don't even know?!!! A real bunch of ignorant boys man!