Entertainment

1. Romantic Princess 公 主 小 妹

Cast:

Wu Chun as Nan Feng Jin 南風瑾
Angela Zhang as Mai Qiu Sui (Huangfu Shan) 麥秋穗(皇甫珊)
Calvin Chen as Nan Feng Cai 南風彩

George Hu as Nan Feng Lin 南風璘
Li Ang Lin as Nan Feng Ying 南風影
Genie Zhuo as Gong Mo Li 宮茉莉

Taiwanese romantic comedy. Pretty much a fairy tale, similar to Princess Diaries. A happy ending =)

Worth a mention here, George Hu Yu Wei as Nan Feng Lin. =) Cute!

2. Danson Tang Yu Zhe

He's amazingly humble and conscientious as a rising star/model/singer. And double cute!

3. Fahrenheit!!! 飞 轮 海

From top left: Aaron Yan, Calvin Chen, Jiro Wang and Wu Chun.


I literally discovered Fahrenheit just yesterday. All thanks to Romantic Princess which starred two Fahrenheit members, Wu Chun and Calvin Chen. =p

Many previous unfavourable reviews of this boy band have, undoubtedly, deluded my impression of them. Their performance were deemed mediocre, in some's eyes, and I once balked at the idea of even listening to them.

But watching almost every, EVERY mv, videos and concert of Fahrenheit on YouTube all night has proven me wrong!

They are inevitably new, hence they make mistakes such as singing out of tune at an award ceremony, but they should be given the benefit of doubt.

Gifted each with an unique vocal, the intergration of four makes a mesmerising symphony, so soothing to the ear. Especially, 谢 谢 你 的 温 柔 featuring SHE as well.

Which reminds me of top Korean boy band, DBSK.

Both bands are young and talented, consummate masters of singing.

And DBSK, has additional groovy dance talent.

And of course, what they have is the unmistakable..

Charm..

ps: Yes, I am that free.

Bad Karma Ripens

I gave them my best attempt.





The retake can only take place in December 2008.



I'm undeniably despirited.


Disappointed and frustrated with myself. What went wrong? All were fine until ..


I can't afford to fail, according to my instructor and parents. But I did..


December? Will I make it then, 11 months from now?







I begged the officer.

"Saya mesti pass hari ini, encik. Saya mestilah, encik. Saya perlu pergi Australia. Boleh buat satu kali tak?"


"Tadi cik tidak pusing cukup la. Cik boleh ambil di Australia, ok?"


Dismissing his suggestion, I asked again.

"Tak bolehkah? encik......"



It wasn't really a question. It was a plead, a desperate plead.



"Maaf lah, cik. Satu minggu satu kali saja." His voice softened, upon seeing my hopes draining.


I nodded.


"Terima kasih." I mumbled.



I started leaving.




"Jangan worry k? Lain kali mesti pass ya cik..." I heard behind my back.







Big Girls Don't Cry.



They just have to get over it.




And act indifferent when asked about it.

Youngest Low =p

My precious!

I ought to teach her new expressions. XP

Sissy, love you!

Can't believe I'm leaving you in less than 3 weeks time.

It's going be hard to not tear, sis.

8th

Nah. It's not much better but, not as bad.

No shrieks, thank god.

Just the usual chiding and sarcasm.



But. I smiled through it.







'Cause that was my 8th and FINAL lesson!!!!!!!















That's if I don't fail Monday's test.

7th

Today, it was my 7th driving lesson.

So I guess it was appropriate for him to shout at me when I forgot to signal and when I adjusted the clutch wrongly. It was thunderous.

Fury and fright really mounted in me. I was struggling to hold back those tears.

" 你 人 真 的 很 失 败 的！ 你 不 甘 愿 听 是 不 是？！”

I know it's my 7th lesson. But, I never, intent to disobey his intruction.

Sometimes, I'm in such panic that what he said didn't register instantly in my mind. I can't help it, you know? I wouldn't want to fail either.

Yes you are right. Mistakes shouldn't be done at this point of time. Your students usually would be stable drivers by now. I know and I understand.

But I beg to differ. I'm slow and not alert. That's me. I'm unlike your other students.

Can't he understand?



Throughout the lesson, he repeated profusely on what a failure I was and that I was going to fail my test. I didn't say a word, sometimes I gave him a small nod. Sometimes, I clenched my fist unvoluntarily.

But that moment he shouted, I can't help it. My chest felt tight and my eyes swelled, it was as if they no longer want to be concealed.



The minute I reached home, I let them all out. No, I should say, I intended to. My siblings were at home, and I don't really want to create a commotion.


"So, how was driving?" asked my brother in his jolliest mood.


"Oh. It's OK." I smiled.

And I hugged my baby sister, who just woke up.


Yeah. I know. That's why I'm here. To let them out.


I have another class tomorrow and the test will be on Monday.






Can I not go..

An Eventful Thaipusam

Eventful Thaipusam. But nothing in relation to this sacred festival.


Morning

Bus Gang/ Zoo Animal's gathering. Despite Des being late(and Sara, Colin, Edwin and I 'cause he fetched us there) and Zhen Chien complaining about punctuality, our breakfast in the morning commenced shortly in McD's. All were present except Jia Yen and Jin Lin.

Okay. That felt like a secretary's report. Oh well.

Gerard and Colin were leaving for Melb, on 3rd and 7th Feb respectively. I'm guessing that's why most of us decided to turn up, early in the morning -9.30 am. He didn't turn up, and as Sara mentioned, lucky for us 'cause apparently she foresee us gazing into his eyes, lost. And for Li-lin too, because to her, he was just a hi-bye friend for her, and she wouldn't have much to talk to him.

Soon enough, we were chattering away, as a group of 10, with occasional small chats within a smaller clan. Didn't manage a decent conversation with Edwin who is at the other end of the table, looking a bit bored! News dawning upon me as slow as always, I came to several realisations that morning !

Zhen Chien was a cheerleader. He weighs 50kg.
Ka Mun received acceptance into International House.
Gerard will be living with his 25-year-old sister somewhere an hour away from Melb. =p
Colin will be living in Mount Waverly in the outskirts, much to someone's delight.

And I never say the right thing at the right time.


And so, the confabulation carried on light heartedly, often creating a noticeable commotion. Grandma and family came to McD conincidently, with my baby sister of course, whom Des and Gerard develop instantenous warmth towards.

Which in turn, freaked my sister out.

Aunt jokes that I have such good looking guy friends but Grandma threw me a stern look, warning that I shouldn't just jump into a relationship hastly. Lol. Ah Ma, chill.

The morning whiled away blithefully, with reminiscine of the past year, revelations and inevitably, sick jokes. A ritual for us, I guess.

My family left McDs earlier and I caught Gerard gawking at my baby sister through the window. He got me bewildered by his intention to kiss her (behind the window) and I roared the loudest "NOOOO!!". Gosh. Talk about maternal instincts. Protective.


Afternoon

Went to Court's Megamall to shop for a laptop. I guess I pretty much would settle for an Axus, which wasn't found there. Faced alien computer terms.

Took an afternoon nap. Didn't take me long to sink into a deep sleep as I had a sleepless night before.

Reason : Drugged with excess caffeine unknowingly found in Teh Tarik for supper the night before.

Consequence: Passed the night by eyeing the ceiling and walking around the room. Falied attempts of sheep counting and meditation. Rush of adrenaline to the heart and endless churning of thoughts. Head spinning and lethargic the following morning.


Evening

Went to KLIA to send cousin and family off to Australia. They were migrating and not only was it a sudden decision, it was a thorough uproot.

Met up with Ying and other cousins there too! Had dinner in KFC there and ordered my favourite Cheezy Meltz.

Mei Lee insisted that I show Mei Ting her picture every single day so that MT wouldn't forget her. They both, being the youngest in the family, were seen everywhere in the airport, hand in hand. With Mei Ting clutching Mei Lee's teddy bear.

Some shots:

Procedures with overweight and excessive baggages caused complications and delays. Being almost late for departure, cousin and family were scurrying away and the usual emotional and tear-filled parting were excluded. No time for that. Run, run, run!

Though, my sister (not the baby) was rather sad, having left Mei Kwan.

Night

Saw Jo's message and she called. Had an one and a half hour heart-to-heart talk. From education, future, partings to philosophy to bees in the bush. Called it a night due to gradually heavier eyelids. Time to sleep.


Midnight

Was supposed to hit the sack. Couldn't resist my Summer Trilogy, just returned by Ying. Downed Summer Promises, the last book. Slept at 1.44 am.


Early Morning

Dragged out of bed to babysit sister.


NOW

Done.

Dreading yet another humbling driving lesson. Bummer.

Hooray??

For those viewing this journal, pardon the confusion. The posts below were meant to be in LiveJournal. I intended to move all of them here, including those precious comments.

Yeah! And I did it! Finally. Which means I can start using Blogger now.

But, somehow. I feel not right.


Will be going for yet, another driving lesson later. Wish me luck.

Again.

I did it and I regretted it, within 5 minutes.

Yes. They have been disappointed that I chose to live my holiday leisurely and unproductively, instead of clearing the store room as promised from the start of the month.

Quote, "Daddy and Mummy are so upset" Daddy on the phone.

There I was, in a fit of guilt since the start of the month, who finally decided to be initiative for once. Went to the store room/attic on the 3rd floor and started to work in the dust. With brother and maid.

Can't say we are completely done, but at least we managed to dish out old fans, chairs and many boxes of games, toys, old clothes, curtain, tapes etc, wiped them, and chuck pack them nicely into boxes, before carrying the loads together down to the ground floor. Well, at least those were urgent as Dad said we are unloading them at the orphanage and recycling centre tonight.

Seeing that the junks are filling the living room, I called Dad to confirm that the "operation" will be on tonight, in fear of causing a permenant blockage of the entrance.

Something in his tone tells me that he is relieved that we are finally keeping to our promise. But it also sounded disatisfied, "Exactly how many boxes were there again?".

"Six or seven, and still counting,"

Silence.

"That's all? You could do more."

And before I knew it, I blew my top. I mean, here we were, drenched in sweat, and complacent for now that at least half the junk was cleared, and he couldn't be more appreciative? I thought of rewarding the day's graft with my visit to Sara's house. And he implied that I'm so easily giving myself a treat with the smallest accomplishment achieved on Earth.

OK. I sound like a spoilt ungrateful brat, who whines when given just a small task.

I heard furious voices coming out of myself and it wasn't all at good.

And I hung up with a "Whatever. Bye".





And all he cound put up with my attitude was a sigh.









Which makes me want to hit myself against the wall for my impulsiveness. And that obnoxious ego of mine.

Tag

Tagged by Sara

This shall be a private post. About someone.

We met in a Malay tuition in 2006. It was the second class of the year. Leying and I were sitting together, with an empty seat next to me. I recalled being clad in school uniform. And whilst the lesson was going on, with Mr. Goey's notes projected on the screen, the room was in semi-darkness. He came in, with his friend (which in 2007, became my friend). And he took the seat beside me. Clothed in school uniform too.

And next. There was this tall student sitting in front of me, hence blocking my view. My body had to incline to my right (when I could have seen perfectly well as well to my left), to where he was, to copy the notes. The mere sensation of our fabric coming in contact sends this unaccountable pleasant signal all over me. Which made me look forward to seeing how he looked after lesson, as if to complete this 1000-piece puzzle, with its resultant image undisclosed.

The moment Mr. Goey announced the end of the lesson, students were all starting to stand up on impulse. We did too. And that was then I realised his lean built, towering over me. My heart was racing.

And that was the end, at least for that lesson.

Lady Luck was with me, as I got a seat diagonally behind him the following week. That, actually, didn't do the lesson any good, for I was observing him if not all, most of the time. One moment he had his gaze intense on the screen, while fidgeting, or rotating, to be more accurate, with his blue kilometrico pen, I vividly recalled. That was when his pen decided to lose its centripetal force and flew off tangent of its initial circular motion. Which landed right beside my leg. His head turned to the back and was looking downwards, in search of his pen. His stare fixed on the spot where it was and I picked it up. Placing his pen hastly into his extended palm, our eyes met for the longest moment we ever managed, and he smiled. His eyes beaming. And he managed a thank you, having his gaze fixed at me. Mesmerising enough to make my heart skip a beat faster, sweeping me up in euphoria.

Ever since, I await every Wednesday with upmost anticipation. Only that Lady Luck wasn't there anymore. As I never, in that year, ever secured a seat close enough to him, the closest being two rows away. Though my observation of him in class hasn't ceased ever since. Little did he know that, after every lesson, I would dashed down the centre, to be where he was waiting for his friend's mum to give them a lift home. As though nailed to the ground, I stole glances at him from the back, despite knowing that my aunt will be half an hour late (and she expects me to wait for her upstair in the centre). Though that often resulted in sore and numb legs, thanks to my heavy schoolbag, files and water tumbler, but it was what that made me grin the biggest grin, being closer to him, at least in distance.

And there was once, when my aunt picked me up and was turning into my residence when I thought I saw him, jogging along the road. But it was just a glimpse and I wasn't too sure. Hallucination. I presumed.

But a whole year of attachment to this gratification did take its toll when the last lesson came by, and my aunt decided to be early for once. I did not even take a last look at him, and left, unknown about his identity. Not even his name nor school. That day, instead of being elated as usual, I was in utter devastation. It was as though, something precious and undying was taken away from me, forever.

Just that it wasn't.

It wasn't hallucination that day.

An unexpected truth revelead itself later, much later. To my surprise and delight.

I shan't elaborate it here, at least not over here, for he isn't much of a lover nor a crush. More of an infatuation, a moment at the time.







A moment that I still relish in every now and then.

T.T

Yesterday's happiness was pretty short-lived.

I'm back to a complete failure.

He doesn't have any idea










just how his forceful voice scares the sh*t outta me.

Hmmm..

Things are definitely getting better.

Especially driving. Considering
" 你 真 的 很 失 败“ and
" 你 的 错 误 没 得 救” and
" 你 的 自 己 的 脚 也 不 会 控 制“ and
" 按 clutch 你 也 不 懂 嘛！”

which I get, sandwiched in between scoldings and lectures for the first three lessons, I guess I can say I improved.

Yes, a far cry. Despite constant reassurance from friends that it's common to make mistakes, he never fails to make me feel like a total disgrace of the human race, incapable of parking in the second lesson, or differenciating the brake from the clutch, or when I was accelerating when taking a corner or attempting to crash into an Estima (Darn that neighbour). All he has to do is squint, shakes his head profusely and heaves his never ending sighs, and I would squirm my way home. And land myself in a deep depression.

Well now. that doesn't mean I have ceased being treated as a failure. Just much lesser.

Because guessed what pearls of advice I'd received today!

" 就 是 这 样 的 嘛！“
“ 轻 松 是 成 功 的 一 半！”
“ 学 东 西 要 快 一 点！” (which I take as constructive )

Haha. Puzzling enough, some incomprehensible emotions surged through me whilst the lecture went on as usual. He definitely resembles someone close..... my grandma!

Well, just the male version.


Ever naggy, impatient and loud, these elderlies (he's in his late fifties) can make my life miserable at times but somehow this kindles a snug, secure feeling. It's like he ticks me off alot, (by far the most besides my parents), mostly in a chided tone, but it feels like he's doing it for my own good. It's like .. he cares.


Especially when he says, " 作 么 你 傻 傻 的 ” It's feels so much like my grandma was beside me. And when he asked me, how I viewed my progress for today, I answered, smiling meekly, " 应 该 是 ok la".

And to my surprise, he chuckled and said, “ 做 人 要 有 信 心！”. Which warmed my heart. And was totally my grandma's reply whenever I say "Ah ma, I feel bad of myself. Papa says I'm fat".

Oh, just when he dropped me off, my grandma was standing outside of my house, and I was thinking,

"Oh my. Enough for today."


I wouldn't relate this particular thought to my family though, in fear of engendering a wistful atmosphere.








'Cause, at that fleet moment, I can't help but asking myself.







"Is this how it feels to have a grandpa?"




(Sara, please quit rolling on the floor laughing. I know, I know what I just said about him yesterday, Things just change, k?)

Time of the year when Lavender blooms!

14 January 2008, someone turns NINETEEN! Lol. Your last teen year, aloha! *No sarcasm*

Meng Shuen! (Sorry grabbed this from your site =p)

Happy 19th Birthday!

We have known each other since Form 1, but our friendship blossomed since our separation into different classes end of Form 3. Absense made our hearts grow fonder? Perhaps!

You are the toughest friend I have ever met. Though you don't say it out, I know you have been in difficult times that you have endured strongly. Ever caring and optimistic, you have proven to me that distance will never be a boundary.

Thank you for always lending a hand and all ears to my constant whinning and rambles.

I vivdly recall what you have said once upon a time,

In your limousine or run down car,
Be it a repair, a trip to the workshop, a makeover or even a win in the race,
I will always be your loyal passenger.

**************

Me too.


May this year brings endless joy and bountiful happiness to you. Though by Feb, you will be out of my sight literally, but never out of my mind.


Happy Birthday once more!


And here's a picture taken about 3 years ago.




Yes. You have my word =)

Another to top the list !

Watched Game Plan today. I can't believe I'm saying this, but it's definitely compatible with Enchanted. At least, according to my happy-movie-meter. Shan't elaborate on the plot, but Game Plan has successfully captured my heart with its endless humour, moving scenes and the gung-ho soundtrack.

Conveying its message in a very much subtle way, it revolves around the realisation of the importance of selflessness in living and cooperating with others, as we ain't lone rangers in a team nor a family. It may be a common storyline where a child (Peyton) plays a role in inspiring that particular awakening, yet the characters were wonderfully potrayed by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Madison Pettis. Another show that left us (girls) leaving with unremovable grins. Yes. Another movie that shouldn't be missed!

The highlight of the event, I would say, is none other than the company throughout. Engaging in such casual chats with close friends actually brings out the best of you, as you comment and laugh whole-heartedly with no reservation. Which in return, works like a relaxing aroma theraphy and lifts your spirits.
What's more, you are served with food of exquisite taste and a soothing lemonade. Not forgetting the quaint restaurant we dined in, with Ratatouile-like atmosphere.. Ahhhh~~~


"I'm loving this!"





And Mengs, Happy Birthday's Eve!

Juliana

MS: Sometimes I feel really down when most people esp guys judge us based on how we look..

Juls: Aiyor. You are pretty wert.

MS: Nola. Sometimes with them, I can't help but feel that I'm such a plain person, both in and out.

Juls: Eh, I ask you a question.

MS: OK.

Juls: Actually, have you actually have a heart-to-heart talk to these guys before? As in not about education or daily matters..

MS: Er, not really. We crap alot.

Juls: THAT'S WHY! Who are THEY to JUDGE you?????

MS: Hmmmm...

Juls: C'mon. They don't even KNOW you. So why bother?




And so, that's the magic of Juliana. Ever truthful and convincing.

Friends

Posted to Norway for an exchange programme for almost a month, Chen Hao was finally back home. Kai Jin, Jian, Juls, Jo, CH and I met up in Sunway Pyramid to catch up with each other. Sharing with us his appealing experiences in Norway, like how the few of them skinny dipped the icy cold water at -10 Celcius, their fame as foreign adventurous travellers, one ponders on how small and short-sighted we stand in our own country, leaving the explorable outside world undiscovered.

Simple confabulations with friends on daily matters (driving) and experiences are sufficient to lighten up your day. Despite being aware that we weren't in decent contact for only countable weeks, our gathering was compatible to a reunion of long lost friends. This cozy feeling lingers and conjures into glows of gratitude acknowledging such caring friends.

The day went pretty well until it was time for me to leave. Not intending to trouble CH like always, I decided to brave myself to take the Rapid KL back to Kelana LRT Station. Yes, if you have known me well, my close to zilch street-smartness succumbs me more willingly to accidents, scams or even attacks!

*shrugs*

And so, was I standing beside the pedestrian bridge opposite the mall, behaving like paranoid most of the time. Clutching to my handbag and handphone, I stole glances at my surroundings every other minute. Frustrated by the side of a busy road, Rapid KL T623 had no trace of passing by. However, considering the inefficiency of the system, I thought patience would do me good. After half an hour, I approached two Malays to ensure that I was on the right track. The first one was positive that 623 doesn't come by Sunway Pyramid and the second one shaked her head profusely in disbelief, "Takda la.. Memang takda.."

Tears started to swell in my eyes and I was panicking within. I quickly dialled Kai Jin's number, and fortunately, CH ,Jian and him were still there and he asked me to cross over quickly to the location where we previously parted. Being a ding dong bell, I misinterpreted his directions and went the opposite direction instead. Alas! I was drifting all alone along the streets, unfamiliar to my surroundings. To make things worse, the poor reception resulted in failed attempts to call and numerous miss-calls. I turned in immediately when an entrance emerged out of the confusion,
and was about to make enquiries when my phone rang.

"Where are you?!!"

And that was when I realised I was at the other end.

After more walk-skip-running, waves of relief washed over me at sight of Kai Jin. He gave me his signature roll-the-eyes, muttering "I knew you would go the wrong way" under his breath. I apologised and pleaded him to not relate the foolish incident to CH and Jian, who were at the hotel waiting. He chuckled.

And, he spilled the beans with a smirk.


All I knew was that I was flushed and embarrassed by my carelessness. An unaccountable anger and guilt mounted in me, and I couldn't find words to express myself.


"Nothing wan laaaaaaa. Just remember to be more careful in Melbourne k?" Jian put a hand around me.

I apologised, having delayed their journey home.

"Nevermind laaaaa. We are friends mar." She laughed it off.

As cliche as it sounds, it certainly warmed my heart. I somehow felt that the other two understood too.

I'm thankful.








Punishment: Two nasty blisters on my foot!! Ouch!

Word / Phrase Association (Bus Gang Version) =)

I tag:

1. Sara Ho
2. Yoke Ling
3. Li-lin (if she happens to see this)


Rules:
1. Give a minimum of one word and a maximum of eleven words associating the person when he/she crosses your mind.
2. Strictly just word/ phrases.
3. Do it spontaneously.

Bus Gang

Sara Ho: Sister, Clinton's sponge bob (XD), tennis, the childhood pic, secrets, zips (in and out), hormones, reliable, Desmond, English.

Jia Yen: Witty, future coursemate, interesting blog, Law Trip, Diploma, good sense of humour, chatty, Colin. (Sorry)

Desmond: Scares off Theresa, dented car, good driver, funky music, tennis, BU 4, Sara, wacko, very open, work, his hair.

Gerard: Cheras, SAM March intake, Prom, Australia, BU 4, moustache, blur, thick eyebrows, innocent, amusing, change slippers during traffic light stop.

Ka Mun: English, Prom Dress, witty, Jin Lin, Economics, jolly, laughther, book recommender, Su Anne, Desmond, thought provoking blog (full of sense).

Kai! Zen: Yellow duck, smart, self-praise, expression, BU4, Li-lin, Colin, amusingly interesting.

Zhen Chien: Intelligent, MIT, guns and bullets, busy, Japanese culture, Jujitsu, fair, specs with bents, inventions, thinking skills.

Li-lin: Same primary & secondary & college, travelling, Kai! Zen, compatible genius IQ, CHS band, infectious laughter, Sara, sensible, business.

Yoke Ling: Fai, Edwin, fair, cute, nice complexion, sensitive, considerate, Taman Tun.

Jin Lin: S6, fair, thin, Justea, Car mate, SAM, active, friendly, amusing, responsible, considerate, nasty.

Edwin: Barney, crazy, smart, uncle's house, wacko, broken chair, LOL, friendly, Scrabble, express class, Mark.

Colin: Jia Yen, photo frames, Clinton, bus stop, knowledgable, IT.


=).

Of reminiscents and thoughts

And so, after that traumatic experience in the morning, (which I still haven't recovered from), I decided that my procrastination to pack my SAM books and notes should come to a halt.

Well, I do have enough convincing and discouraging reasons to not start.


1. It will take me more than two hours.
2. There are mountains high of notes + past years + exercises + formula sheets + work books + text books for 5 subjects each.
3. I'm still indecisive which to sell.
4. I feel sad to throw my notes away. It's like giving MiMi away. (oh btw, it's the 2nd generation now, Mimi's son, Sub.)
5. I'm just too lazy to start.


After two and a half hours, I have successfully cleared away my SAM stuff, packed them all in a box, and thrown unwanted past years and notes. Boy, am I relieved! Afterall, I was supposed to do this two months ago, what's more, super-efficient Jia Yen has cleared her pile right after finals last November. *guilt*


Packing the SAM stuff away was a memorable experience. I recalled what I did in the past hectic year, re-read all my essays, research findings, assignments, reminisced the moments with my teachers and friends, and not forgetting all the laughther and hardships.

I realised I did learn a lot from SAM, like from my Investigative Study concerning Transsexuality, Creative Writings, Text Production, Issue Analysis of the Nephentes species (the tropical pitcher plant), many essays ranging from animal experimentation, wind power, justification of ecotourism, space exploration etc. And that's just ESL (English as Second Language).

Chemistry and Physics were equally appealing to me, and I enjoyed every bit of them. To think that I am taking up Commerce this term and abandoning my Sciences totally is very depressing. Yet, I understand that loving the subjects and making them the core of your career are completely two different things. It's just the unsettled feelings that surfaced once in a while which I have to overcome in years to come.

Nevertheless, Mathematical Studies has always been my favourite and Specialist Mathematics was the challenge.The thought that I finally conquered Spec Math towards the end but will never be putting its knowledge to use in the engineering field is very uncomfortable as well. Argh. I hope the scientific and logical approach of Spec Maths will stay with me, as they are useful in tackling problems. I realised I lack the ability to think out of the box, which is essential in the working world, its absence being deadly.

Most importantly, SAM has moulded most of our soft skills, as we have numerous major presentations for every subject. It's nature being hectic, it has also taught me to organise my time properly and to always be consistent with my work. Not forgetting its interactive approach between students and teachers, has borned strong friendships and cooperation with my coursemates and lecturers. Events such as SAM Fiesta, Taylors Charity Drive, Cultural Show, Fund Raising Event in which we were strongly encouraged to be involved, have indisputably, strengthen our team spirit and certainly magnified the otherwise hidden potential of most i.e Noelle's baking skills, Chloe's performing passion, Jian's and Vern's creativity, the three musketeer's advertising tactics, Chen Hao's leadership, etc.

And, never, ever forgetting the Bus Gang, Sara, Li-lin, Yoke Ling, Edwin, Zhen Chien, Ka Mun, Jia Yen, Jin Lin, Gerard, Desmond, Kai! Zen and Colin. After a hard day's graft, they never fail to brighten up your day with their endless enthusiasm, openness and warmth. It's a wonder and a blessing that we are bonded like the constellation of stars in the sky.

Well, since this post is turning into a memoir of gratefulness, I shall not neglect my high school chum cum bestie, Mengs, and sister cum OLD OLD ten years friend, Sara, who are always there with boundless patience and love. And and, my old old old friend, Wai Ken, for your support and humour.

And to all friends out there, thank you for leaving a print in my life.


Happy New Year!



(ok this is late, and completely out of topic. )





(oh well, it's me, Mei Shan, the random one)

Oh Cacti !!!!

Today, as a whole, was a tiring one, thanks to the cramps due to the time of the month.

The morning itself was a worrying one, when I realised that my three cacti from Camerons had dampen soils, literally soaked ones. Recalling the farmer's advise to only water its soil once a week in a minimal quantum, I was instantly apprehensive of their survival. My fear was confirmed when my maid conceded that she watered them two days consecutively with a HOSE! Each bolded word sufficient to leave me flabbergasted and drop dead.

Omigosssssssshhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!! x 1000


My poor cacti!


Flying to their rescue, which I hope is in time, I clumsily dried the soils with tissues and turned their pots horizontally, only to observe the water rushing down like a miniature waterfall.

*T.T*

The thought of these delicate lives being mishandled is an unbearable torment. Imagine your soil house being uprooted by some tsunami, your root roof being tore out, your skin soaked in the muddy water for 48 hours and you drowned.

Double T.T.

Ironically enough, I thought cacti are the toughest, having withstand the nastiest and most unpredictable weather in the dry desert. I guess it is the fish-out-of-water situation which made their lives so feeble in a different climate.




All I can say is, I hope for the best and prepare for the worse.





*Goes back to wailing*

Diet Plan

Here I was opening a web page, when something caught my eye in my Yahoo homepage (which I usually ignore):

Diet and fitness plan of attack

Reach your health goals in 2008 by taking an organized approach to getting it done.

And so it has a checklist on how a fitness plan of attack for the new year should be started and carried out effectively and progressively.

*note: exhaustive list ahead from site , with bolded relevance.*


The Plan

1. Depending on your fitness level the first thing you're going to do is get the green light from your doc to say it's OK for you to get going. *check with family attestant*

2. Map out where your starting point is: current weight, exercise schedule, foods you are eating, and even some basic measurements of your body. It's always great to see where you begin, and it will help you appreciate progress even more. *check *

3. Make a nutritional plan. Sounds crazy, but I want you to map out your meals for the week. Hey, I love spontaneity, but not in our food life. Do not reach for food based on how you are "feeling." (biggest weakness of mine) No emotional eating; just eat what's on your plan. This will help you stay on top of food, and allow food to control you or sabotage your goals. *check*

4. Create an exercise agenda. It's not going to work to just want to eat better and exercise more. You have to be specific and define what that really means in your life.

• You should have your food journal, which keeps track of the food you eat from day to day, and includes your original food calendar. This way you can see how close you are to hitting your mark and note which kinds of situations throw you off (i.e. stress, poor planning, etc). Not to mention you will start to see which foods are your Achilles heal and which ones you reach for most often in the heat of the moment. Becoming aware is often times half the battle. *check*
  
• You should create a workout journal. Include your cardio, strength, and even stretching schedules. This should include how many days a week, for how long, and at what intensity you are going to work out. Write it all down. *uncheck* ( er, haven't the slightest clue)

5. Create a great support system. Figure out who is going to be a part of helping you reach your goals (my critical dad) , and who may need to be kept at bay (my grandma who feeds me every chance she gets) (and cousin brother who wants to win the lose-weight-competition). Even notice if you have certain friends that only want to go out and eat certain kinds of food that may just pull you back into your ways of old. Try to avoid predictable circumstances that will create temptation. (oh dear!)
*check with DOUBTS*

6. Make time for some positive reading. I know it may sound corny, but create some time every week to read inspiring, educational, and motivational material. Spending a small percentage of your week reading materials that are supportive will help reinforce your morale and give a boost to your spirit. *WOW, CHECK*




This plan is not easy to follow at all!! Food journal?? Before resorting to this, I better continue my search of a keep fit plan. For health reasons. My body has definitely blown out of proportion since form 5 and the last holidays. I'm a teeanager who does close to zilch exercise and is sinking in great remorse. *in a fit of guilt*

However, I have started my own plan.


1. Wake up at 7 am everyday and follow Grandma to her daily Tai-Chee practises. ( It looks easier than done!)

2. Eat more veggie and fruits.

3. Reduce on meat and rice. (oh dear)

4. Try to find some aerobics tape.


Sigh. Mine looks more achievable but less ambitious and effective.

Dear Santa (hope it's not too late), grant me with high self-disciplince and motivation and supportive family members and friends. I really hope that trying on jeans and dresses will no longer spell woes.

Okay, I shall at least try!


The journey carries more significance thann its destination right?