As The Tale Unfolds: June 2008

Monday, 30 June 2008

Friday, 27 June 2008

=D

Happy Birthday Chuan Ling!!

We'll meet up soon! =D

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

PNM (Post-Narnia-Madness)

Finally, I've watched it, after much anticipation and enthusiasm, with Jian and her Bro!

Though kinda pity her brother, Kent (or Ken?), 'cause he felt like he was bringing two kids to the movie. XD Guess we were too excited!

And of course, the movie was ever enthralling....

Ah~~~ Once I reached home at 10.30 pm, I went on a 5-hour-Narnia-madness-marathon, searching online for every single source about The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. Which includes exclusive interviews with casts, directors and producers, magazine, news interview, cast filmographies, premieres at different countries, fansites, Disney official websites, OST, box offices, production blogs, trailers, teasers, behind-the-scenes, props, custome design etc etc.

Still high at 3.30 am, I finally decided that there's isn't much "undiscovered" left. Bummer.

Well, still dazed.. C.S Lewis's "The Last Battle" has some controversial issues though, sigh, makes me ponder.. =S

Lol, a section from Jian's :
"i don't like Prince Caspian tho... although he's like the main character in the show, i still.... prefer Peter xD but unlike me, miss Low mei shan is like so^100 besotted with caspian and was practically drooling over his not so handsome face. and during the kissing scene she was like o__________________________O while holding her breath. hahahaha watching a movie with her is seriously entertaining xDDD not to mention during the duel scene she kept pulling and pushing my arm, and was like "NOOOO NONONONONO" and occasionally said "OWWWWW" when Peter got wounded xDDD it was as if she was involved in the fight herself... xDDDD man, at the end of the show i felt like my tangan gonna putus dy... daphne, npw i know how u feel when we were watching The Invasion T_T"

wakakakkakaka! Sorry la Jian. You're no where better than me though.

Sigh..

Prince Caspian. One thing about the genre of fantasies, they can have such profound impact on you, as though you're living in the world of their's....

It's gonna be hard to get over this.

I'll have to face it everyday:

My Wall Paper =D

ps: *melts*

Thursday, 26 June 2008

Happy Birthday Ma!!

Dear Mum,

Happy Birthday!

All that has to be said, has been said.

Hope to grow up to be like you,

down-to-earth and living life with integrity.

May you live long, healthy and happy =D

Love you.

Mei Shan

Wednesday, 25 June 2008

To a childhood best friend

Dearest Rachael,

Happy 17th Birthday!

All these years we grew up together, you're always the gentle, thoughtful, appreciative one, who with unfeigned support,

plays along the games so close to our hearts.

Remember this?

Our adventure to Malacca! Is this when we first unite as Famous Five? =D

And those other times..

I feel thankful that we were put through more than 10 years of English classes together, by our set of best-friends-parents. The last 6 years in UK English Training Centre, where we've gone through FCE and CAE together, laughters, knowledge, our projects (the Mars and Taiping ones) are ever memorable. Friday nights, for the past years, were sheer bliss, what's more, never regarded as tuitions (oh well, just sometimes, when the workload gets heavy!). Those were the times that I missed so much, times that I relived and relished now and then. How I wished I could continue taking CPE with you..

Come to think of it, I guess, I'm thankful that we share this same passion, though you have dug in deeper and brought yourself out, through those strings of words, more impressively and more polished. You've got to agree with me! I think your "Third Eye" startled me the most XD. Your writings are admirable, showing your unique style, simple yet always conveying the messages between the lines, Teacher Jo will definitely attest to that.

Oh and those mysteries! Those were the times we unleashed the child in us, like we used to be, allowing our imaginations to run wild and far, escaping to paradises not seen, felt nor comprehensible by others (namely our parents XD)... I missed those times!

You may appear shy, but in fact, you have got these jewels hidden within, each sparkling shinier than the other, as your kind, humble and warm personalities move people around you.

Like this scrapbook you compiled as a farewell gift to me,

Each and every page illustrating our memories since young, intricately.. and you gathered autographs from our dear friends, family and teacher, quotes.. You even encapsulated 10 reasons why you like me in pictures, things I've once said and your sincere views, the 10th being:

"Well, it's been so long..

That sometimes..

There really isn't a need for reasons.."

I've never felt more appreciated.

And till now, we're still in touch, through emails, and you still, show your support for my plans, thoughts and life here.

Just want to thank you Rachael Lum, for everything..

On your very special day,

I wish that you'll be blessed with every ounce of happiness you truly deserved,

now and always.

May you achieve what your heart desires, and reach those stars you wish upon...

"Not all fairy tales need to be completed..May this one go on as long as it takes to reach "HAPPILY EVER AFTER". " - Rachael

It will..

Hope you know that I'll be there for you too.. =)

Lots of love,

Mei Shan

PS: ALL pictures above, courtesy of your lovely scrapbook.

Tuesday, 24 June 2008

哎

今早,　突然发觉自己好久没写中文字了.

真的好像有些陌生了.
　
是时候练一练我的中文了.

这几天都没精打采，温习不多,　反正已经没心情了.

因为温习不到五分钟，

思想活跃，去玩游世界.

从梦幻中飘出来时,　已过了一小时了.

还真糟糕．

明天就考试了．

哎．

那个好玩的心还在悉尼，

或可能没等我,　

飞回家了.

可恶．

唯一可以向往的是,

明天考试完毕，与朋友们轻松一下.

现在心情

好

纳闷．

再见

Saturday, 21 June 2008

Back from adventure!

Nah, nothing like Indiana Jone's, just my version of adventure!

Packing, dragging luggages to bus and train stations, hailing a taxi, walking around with a map, imagining, making new friends (Manny (Philiphines) and Susu Angene (New Zealand) during my 11-hours train rides @.@)..

Trying out new food, strolling along the beach, getting in tune with nature (with animals at a distance), fresh air, imaginations..

Paddy's Market

Intro to the Almighty Pines!

Sydney skylines in the evening

Sydney harbor from Milson's Point at night

Sydney Opera House

Angle from the ferry

Interesting flowers in the Royal Botanical Garden

Aborigines at work? Lightening the atmosphere too!

Joined him the second day.

Manly Habour, whee~

Baked lobster, yums!

Simply my favorites, meet Gorgeous Coniferous!

Bidding them goodbye on ferry, they got further and further and... T.T

Ahh~~

Travelling is all about exploring, relaxing, sight-seeing, eating, city-hopping and of course, jakun-ing!

"Wah, this is how you pay tips huh!"

*blank stares from mum*

Visited Darling Harbor, Sydney Opera House, King Cross (red light district @.@), Circular Quay, Manly Beach..

And I've made my trip to the Anzac War Memorial and the Reflection Pool! Yes!
*ticks off wish list*

Anyway, what's most immeasurable was the time spent with mum, since the nature of her work has always been 24-7. Felt so long since we last talked all night, on a night ferry, overlooking the magnificent night view of Sydney harbor...

Career, life-long motivations, family, future, marriage (hmm, rare) and priceless insights.. Things I never knew..

And shockingly,

"Find a bf la~"
"Pang sai also boh eng" - my best defense

"Yao mou?"

Ahhh~~~~~~the wonders of traveling, how carefree!

Thanks mum for the memorable albeit short trip!

Just 2 pictures with mum (others contain only me - 'cause mum says age's catching up), in Sydney harbor.

*back to reality*

-unpack and do laundry
-no more eating out
-start cramming law T.T (Jia Yen, help!)

*yawns*

tomorrow laa~~ T.T

Sunday, 15 June 2008

Double the Celebration!

1. Happy Father's Day!

Dear Daddy,

A song dedication for you:
*PLEASE open link in new tab* (pardon my noobness, no idea how to embed the html code)

http://www.esnips.com/doc/2603f1c8-a95a-43db-8ba8-5b77b8a1d57a/My-Love-Will-Get-You-Home%E2%80%93Christine-Glass

My Love Will Get You Home

If you wander off too far, 
my love will get you home.
If you follow the wrong star, 
my love will get you home. 
If you ever find yourself, lost and all alone, 
get back on your feet and think of me, 
my love will get you home. 
Boy, my love will get you home.

If the bright lights blinds your eyes, 
my love will get you home. 
If your troubles break your stride,
 my love will get you home. 
If you ever find yourself, lost and all alone, 
get back on your feet and think of me, 
my love will get you home.

Boy, my love will get you home.


If you ever feel ashamed, my love will get you home.

When there's only you to blame,
my love will get you home.
If you ever find yourself, lost and all alone,
get back on your feet and think of me,
my love will get you home.
Boy, my love will get you home.

If you ever find yourself, lost and all alone,
get back on your feet and think of me,
my love will get you home. Boy, my love will get you home,
Boy, my love will get you home.

***

Here I stand
on the land miles away
I'll always remember that

Even when the world closes in
and lies so heavily upon me

I know that there is a heart and
there is a home;
Rendering the loss of the world as nothing
as there would always be someone loving me
more than the world could ever give.

Happy Father's Day
I love you

2. Happy 19th Birthday Jia Yen!

Dear Jia Yen,

Happy 19th Birthday!

Hope you've enjoyed the surprise we've thrown you at midnight!

All this while in Aussie, thanks for everything,

always being the level-headed one, my tranquilizer (Mei Shan, calm down!), my adviser, my decision-maker (proven =p), my drama-provider (though unfinished due to my weird withdrawal syndrome), my tree-climber-partner (while others o.o ), my partner-in-spontaneousness/randomness (taking photos with Orientation Carnival Ensemble, the Comedy Festival lady, Moomba tree(just the one above =p) AND AND psychotic psychology research ), disaster-escape-route provider (eh Mei Shan, you sure you want to..?), gossip partner, gap-zai partner, emo partner etc etc.

Hey, you colour up my life here!

Not forgetting you accompanying me in Eltham during that lonely weekend.. =')

So a year older, a year wiser yea! Fai gou jeong dai.

May you be blessed with abundance of joy, happiness, health, wisdom and grace!

And and leave all your misfortunes for the week behind and celebrate your entrance into pre-adulthood!

Remember to make a wish that would last forever!

Have fun!

Lots of love,
Mei Shan

Saturday, 14 June 2008

Thanks Edwin

A young man learns what's most important in life from the guy next door.

It had been some time since Jack had seen the old man. College, girls, career and life itself, got in the way. In fact, Jack moved clear across the country in pursuit of his dreams. There, in the rush of his busy life, Jack had little time to think about the past and often no time to spend with his wife and son. He was working on his future, and nothing could stop him.

Over the phone, his mother told him, 'Mr. Belser died last night. The funeral is Wednesday.'

Memories flashed through his mind like an old newsreel as he sat quietly remembering his childhood days.

'Jack, did you hear me?'

'Oh, sorry, Mum. Yes, I heard you. It's been so long since I thought of him. I'm sorry, but I honestly thought he died years ago,' Jack said.

'Well, he didn't forget you. Every time I saw him he'd ask how you weredoing. He'd reminisce about the many days you spent over 'his side of the fence' as he put it,' Mum told him.

'I loved that old house he lived in,' Jack said.

'You know, Jack, after your father died, Mr. Belser stepped in to make sure you had a man's influence in your life,' she said

'He's the one who taught me carpentry,' he said. 'I wouldn't be in this business if it weren't for him. He spent a lot of time teaching me things he thought were important...Mom, I'll be there for the funeral,' Jack said.

As busy as he was, he kept his word. Jack caught the next flight to his hometown. Mr. Belser's funeral was small and uneventful. He had no children of his own, and most of his relatives had passed away.

The night before he had to return home, Jack and his Mom stopped by to see the old house next door one more time. Standing in the doorway, Jack paused for a moment. It was like crossing over into another dimension, a leap through space and time The house was exactly as he remembered. Every step held memories. Every picture, everypiece of furniture....

Jack stopped suddenly.

'What's wrong, Jack?' his Mom asked.

'The box is gone,' he said, 'What box?' Mum asked.

'There was a small gold box that he kept locked on top of his desk. I have asked him a thousand times what was inside. All he'd ever tell me was 'the thing I value most,'' Jack said.

It was gone. Everything about the house was exactly how Jack remembered it, except for the box. He figured someone from the Belser family had taken it.

'Now I'll never know what was so valuable to him,' Jack said. 'I better get some sleep. I have an early flight home, Mum.'

It had been about two weeks since Mr. Belser died Returning home from work one day Jack discovered a note in his mailbox. 'Signature required on a package. No one at home. Please stop by the main post office within the next three days,' the note read.

Early the next day Jack retrieved the package. The small box was old and looked like it had been mailed a hundred years ago. The handwriting was difficult to read, but the return address caught his attention. 'Mr. Harold Belser' it read.

Jack took the box out to his car and ripped open the package. There inside was the
gold box and an envelope. Jack's hands shook as he read the note inside.

'Upon my death, please forward this box and its contents to Jack Bennett. It's the thing I valued most in my life.'

A small key was taped to the letter. His heart racing, as tears filling his eyes, Jack carefully unlocked the box. There inside he found a beautiful gold pocket watch. Running his fingers slowly over the finely etched casing, he unlatched the cover.

Inside he found these words engraved:

'Jack, Thanks for your time! -Harold Belser.'

'The thing he valued most was...my time'Jack held the watch for a few minutes, then called his office and cleared his appointments for the next two days.

'Why?' Janet, his assistant asked.

'I need some time to spend with my son,' he said.

'Oh, by the way, Janet, thanks for your time!'

**********

'Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away."

***

To you who had read till here, thanks for your time! =D

Thursday, 12 June 2008

Phew! for a while..

3 major papers done for now. A huge relief. One more coming up.

Worn out inside and out.

Received message from dad, "Call mum now, she needs to talk to you urgently."

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

"Shan, do you want to come to Sydney next week?"

"??"

"I will be having a conference there on Tuesday and Wednesday, if you're coming, I will extent my stay till Saturday."

"Ohh. Er, you mean it's before my law test?"

"When's it again?"

"25th June."

"So that's one week before it, so you coming?"

*Still in shock*

"I'm in a meeting now, let me know within this hour, I have to issue my ticket."

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

"JIA YEN, HELP!"

*babbles everything to her*

Jia Yen's conclusion:

1. Will still have sufficient time to study after I'm back. (about 3 days)

2. I will be slacking anyway. (True)

3. Not too bizarre a plan.

4. Up to me. Make a comfortable judgement. (T.T)

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

*tick tock tick tock tick tock*

*quick Mei Shan, just do it*

*Mum's waiting!*

*Holiday vs test*

*DUh, of course holiday laaa~*

*test*

*Holiday? test? HOLIDAY!!!!!! *

*maybe test?*

*Aiyor, just go for holiday la~~*

*But..*

*tick tock tick tock*

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

"Hi Ma"

"I'm coming."

"You sure?"

"Ya."

"Ok, I'll issue my ticket this instant. Still in meeting, bye."

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

*Just realised I made a decision*

*Called cousin*

"Hey Jie ar, you will be going to Sydney right? When? Can I go with you?"

"I'm here already."

"Then, when will you be flying back to Melbourne? Can I join you then?"

"Wednesday"

"Ah~ One day after I arrive."

"Why not just fly back to Malaysia with mum, after your holiday in Sydney?"

"But I still have a test on 25th June."

*Silence*

"WHAT?!!"

"Ya, Law. Er.. i think it might not be too big a problem laaa.. i think"

"You sure?"

"After all, my subjects are not like your medical subjects.. should be fine!"

"WAHHH!! Is this M.S LOW???"

"What la~~~~~"

"Low. Mei. Shan. WORRRR!!" *shrieks*

"Why????"

"You wor??!! Low. M.S"

"So bad la u."

"Nola.. just find it hard to believe that this's coming from you."

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

*Similar scenario with bro*

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

I think I've gained a reputation of being a mindless nerd. No?

Tuesday, 10 June 2008

When your brother rolls his eyes during dinner..

HM: "So how was the exam hall, too cold for you?"

MS: "No lor, I wore 4 layers, ended up taking off two, damn hot."

HM: "Hmmm.."

MS: "But ar, the lights damn annoying lor, keep flashing colours while I was writing, from red to yellow to red... Can't they just use normal white lights?!!"

*Silence*

HM: " Shan ar.....they don't switch on lights for morning papers laa"

"Those are what you call heaters."

No wonder..-.-

Wednesday, 4 June 2008

Barney says, "I love you"

I placed her in the carseat.

She tugged on my sweater, her eyes swelling.

She knew.

I pulled myself away swiftly and ran into the house.

I waved goodbye, my eyes tearing, I heard her screaming.

T.T

Missing her.

As much as I want to get away from distraction and focus on my finals, just days away, I hoped they would stay longer as planned.

FOCUS!

They left earlier than planned so not to distract me further.

I shan't waste their effort.

PS: Finals on the 10th, 11th, 12th, 25th June.
PPS: ALl the best Mei Yen for semester test starting on Monday.
PPPS: I'll be with you again, in a month's time, wait for me. Love you.

As The Tale Unfolds