Destiny

Violent valentines? We got it.

2012-02-14T22:02:00.001+08:00

I've started 2012 as a single lady, so why not keep up my status till Valentine's? In fact, it's just a day highlighted in your calendar to take some time for your loved ones, not necessarily your gf or bf (nothing personal there). Can even be your pet or your much-loved hobby - like shopping! Be your own boyfriend (like I did) and buy yourself that cute dress or makeup kit you've been eyeing for weeks. Treat yourself to something sweet like chocolate or macaroons (I love those). Who says you need to have a date on Valentines?

In fact, my girls (Elaine and Jeannie) and I turned Valentines day into a Single Girls outing at Pasir Ris Park, inline skating and cycling! For your info, that was only my second time on a pair of skates! Yes, I got 2 new bruises on my palm and thigh thanks to the fallings.. But it was a great day-out. I've also got a nice soft tan (mom's not gonna like it) plus an experience on the boardwalk. Lots of spider webs and butterflies there... For those who're afraid of flying bugs, TAKE COVER!!
Had a small lunch at the top of a tower in the middle of our trekking. Gotta thank mom for packing the quesadilla!

After we got back to DTE, we treated ourselves to So-Yeah! (I tried the chocolate flavour this time!), got ourselves drinks from Cheers and Seventeen magazines with Demi Lovato on the cover. Honestly, I'm not a fan of hers ("Skyscraper" didn't win me) but after reading about her in the mag, I realised she's just another girl who went through tough times with herself and her peers. No different from you and me.

The girls and I were just about to make our way out when we walked past this shop Aus & NZ. From first glance, I knew that tribal accessory shop was pulling me towards it with an immense force, promising me that it was worth my time, and it didn't disappoint me. On shelves and showcases were gems, stones, leather bracelets and rings. Hanging from strings were necklaces. Lots of them. I took a liking to the shopkeeper. Because
1. He was friendly and provided us with good service.
2. Ditto.

Yeah, the words "never trust a salesperson's words" kept nagging at me, but heck. I'd rather buy from someone who provides good service than one who doesn't. In our stay at the shop, he explained to us that students always hang out at his shop and are thus, his regular customers. Looking around, I fell in love with a necklace with a Unicorn pendant. I was also tempted to buy some other necklaces, bracelets and rings but the amount in my wallet wouldn't allow it. The shopkeeper continued his talk, telling us about how to maintain the necklace, what this and that symbolises etc.

By the time we walked out of that shop, we all knew we spent way too much time lingering in that shop. But it was worth it. I, for one was pleased with my necklace and so was Elaine; she got herself a nlecklace too, but with a shark's tooth. We were awed by the huge jaws of a shark in the display window. No worries, the jaws and teeth belonged to dead sharks. We were assured that no animals were killed on purpose in the making of those accessories.

All in all it was a fruitful day, full of love in the air (we saw many couples with bouquets) and... Yup! Full of nature too. Happy Valentine's day to all my readers and enjoy your life to its fullest!
Pictures need a round of applause from dearest Elaine and her ever-so-trustworthy Oliver!

CNY 2012

2012-02-06T11:46:00.002+08:00

Hello dear readers! I'm late in posting this up, I know, so my sincere apologies for it!

This year, my family didn't do much visiting, but at least mom put in some effort into beautifying the house with home-made pussy willows and some CNY goodies! Sometimes, I wish they would make a goody with chocolate. That would've made my day.
I was really pleased with my CNY dress. I've got several compliments about it, so... Yup! And it was the last dress available in the store, so I think God really reserved it for me. THANK YOU GOD!

Not forgetting, the ang baos! I really should keep track of how much I get each year. I think I got lesser this year though... *Sad face*.
But there was something that increased this year... The WEIGHT! Oh my goodness, I can't believe how much I've gained! On the brighter side, 2 months should be enough time to lose all that I've gained in a few weeks, depending on how disciplined and motivated I am.

Hmmm... I think I might have lost a few calories when going inline skating with Elaine! At first we walked for almost an hour and then sat on some swings and swung ourselves until we felt like throwing up, then headed over to the beach and enjoyed the breeze. We were so close to going home when we studied the map and realised that we were actually supposed to cross 1 bridge instead of 2!
So back we went, past the stables (I miss you C.V!) and we finally found what we've been searching for.
Although we were allowed to skate for 2 hours, time wouldn't allow it, since I had to be back before 4pm to bake a cake for my family. Elaine had already breached her curfew, so we didn't want to make another parent hopping mad.
For the first time, I skated! The kind instructor there gave us basic instructions on skating and soon, we were skating by ourselves! Of course, we'll be needing more help on turning and stopping. Yes, we did amazing poses before our fall and ended up laughing in pain on the ground. Hahaha!
When our hour was up, we slurped beancurd-in-a-cup from So-Yeah, introduced to me by That Chick. *winks*
Oh, I can't explain what a wonderful day that was... Elaine?
I love our outings.
The next time, we'll go pony-riding, ok?

If you're wondering about my O level results, I'm not telling. Neither am I letting my posting results out of the bag.
It's given me a huge headache which I'm not gonna dig up.

See you in my next post! Tata!

Disco + very = Discovery

2012-01-07T20:22:00.004+08:00

Yesterday I went to TP's open house with Jeannie and Soon Yi. 10.30am is a very early timing to be there, but that was the time we reached. Looking around, most of the booths weren't ready. We were actually kinda lost when we first reached. Calling Giolo didn't help at all, so we found our own way around.

First place we went to was the school of Applied Science as I wanted to find out more about Pharmaceutical science. A little ambitious you say? That's because I didn't want to waste 2 precious years of studying pure science. (Trust me it's not easy!) So we got there, and then had to go through this what-seemed-like-forever talk with a man who did tell us more about the course, but was kinda mundane. Sure I wanted more info, but I'm not an audio person. I'm a kinesthetic, visual and tactile learner. So his words went in through one ear and got tangled up in there. Thank God he gave a brochure to each of us. And thank God he didn't continue speaking or I would've shoved a bun up his mouth.

Then we headed over to the IT side hoping to get something interesting on animation - Jeannie's wish.
Fortunately the people were more interesting and explained everything in detail. Details were further explained by an ang moh. And then more talk on the school, how they give scholarships to students.. blah blah blah...
Through it all, I was pretty much bored out of my wits. Sorry Jeannie. I'm not into animation.

It was when we went to the school of Business did I feel my nerves tingling. There - in the Communications & Media Management department - we stepped into this studio where 2 radio DJs were broadcasting some stuff, playing songs and asking some girls about how they find the TP open house. The minute my eyes saw all the radio stuff, my pulse started thudding and my old ambition of becoming a radio DJ suddenly brought back to life.
Hold it! The best has yet to come! After staying a while in the Radio studio, we were taken to another room where there were cameras, screens, cables and everything AV-like. By this time my jaw was on the floor (I hope the "tour guide" didn't freak out) and my eyeballs nearly popped. I was so fascinated and speechless.
Yes, Claudi was finally happy.
If I get into the course, I can learn more about AV, editing, help Shifu more and.. I can join ELAINE!
Woots!! Happy happy happy!!

OK, O Level results, I'm ready for you.

Too Oh Wan Too

2012-01-02T02:33:00.000+08:00

First thing's first:

Happy New Year!

I love 2012! Not that I believe the world's gonna end, but I just have this feeling that everything's gonna take a turn this year. A turn towards something that (I don't know how I know) is good. It's just a positive feeling.

How did I spend the last 2 days of 2011?

I forgot what happened on the 2nd last day, so I'm gonna skip to the last day and save you the boredom.

Initially, Elaine and I made plans to go to MBS to countdown and watch the fireworks that were to follow, but her mom said no. So I invited to my church's potluck countdown party instead! And did her parents agree this time...?

YES!!

With 2 home-baked brownies, Lulu, Mom in the driver's seat and me in the back seat, we set off to pick Elaine and her bro up. Thank you for fetching us to GLCC mom!!!

First we had an ice cream tea-break at the Island. We shared a 3-scoop sundae - Revers'O for Kenneth, Nutella for Elaine and Green Apple for me. Then headed back to play Monopoly Deal, eat dinner and watch people dance, box and kick soccer with the Xbox Kinect!

The Teenz even played hide & seek and blind mice. After that was a time of thanksgiving and... I gave thanks for my dearest Elaine!

And then...

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

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOMMY!

I LOVE YOU!

Dear mom, thank you for raising me up to be the person I am today. I truly thank God for you and all that you've done. Although I've been bitchy at times, I love you dearly and I hope you like the cake I baked for you.

(Yup. I baked a cake for her! So, my year-end and new year was all about baking!)

Friends for 4 years. This year will make it 5. Can't you feel the love between the 2 of us?

The short ones of 2011! Girls have the advantage, because we've got high heels. Sorry boys.

Rawr! The year of the Dragon! Get ready for Big Baby Boomz!

There is no limit to our insanity.

2012, here we come!

Photographer for princess party.

2011-12-29T11:57:00.000+08:00

Theme was bright colours, and boy was the party a success! The colours were so bright I almost got blinded by it! Ok ok, I'm such a bad bluffer.
Well it was a good experience, I managed to practice some photography skills and I got to know Nikki better than I ever knew her! Speaking of Nikki, she now has a little brother called Nikko! Given to me by Tim as a Christmas present!

I think the next time I'm asked to do any photography, I'll do a better job.

For the past few days I've been kinda sick, with fever, stomachache and well, hotness. Not the sexy kind.
I'm just glad I managed to finish the ending of the LOTR with Elaine!

The dining room looks a lot better with the new chairs and the abstract art by my very own mom! Credits to IKEA.

Right now I'm having a very loud online conversation with Jireh, someone I met during the Teenz camp. Pray my illness doesn't get worst!

Quick sweep

2011-12-28T22:27:00.000+08:00

The rest of the days of camp swept by so fast that before I knew it, we already on the bus back to 360 Dunearn road! I was so tired... But then again, who wasn't?

Thinking back about the camp, I was kinda curious about Pastor Ian's first sermon on "kisses". That sounds really intriguing. Don't get any wrong ideas, the book he was preaching on was the Song of Solomon.
My group's name was Pyxis. At first I thought it was "Pixies", but the theme was all about outer space. On the last night, how could we not follow tradition about playing "candle fight"? I forgot who won, which group got the most points. I can only remember hearing my group and Giolo's group winning "best skit".
Well, I guess that's the sad thing about arriving in camp after the 1st day. You don't really seem to care about anything. You don't have any ice breakers, nothing. But being the friendly girl that I am, I did manage to make some new friends. Hehe!

Then on Saturday, 17th Dec, I went to the IN party, theme: Jailhouse Rock.
Met Ronnie first and went in with him before we went our separate ways - him to his friends, me to- Well.. A friend and his friends. I wanted to take more pictures but my hands were full with my purse and my jacket, so I ended up only taking 9 photos. That's so not Claudi, but please forgive her. I didn't dance much that night. Didn't want to get sweaty and I had nowhere to place my valuables.
The party was pretty simple (what can you expect from a free admission party?). Not much there, except food and cosplay people.. I did like my raspberry mocktail though. Sweet and tangy, just the way I like it. Thanks to the guy who made the mocktails. You're da man!
After everything was done, I went back with Benji and his friends. Out of the bunch, only Jia Chen and Poon stood out. I guess they were more spontaneous while the rest faded more into the background. Thanks for the night-out guys!

Then it was time to get ready for the Christmas musical. To me, this year's musical was the fastest moving ever - not many practices and rehearsals. I was so worried that everything would go haywire when the day came.
To my surprise, the musical went quite alright on the 24th, and even better on the 25th! Oh, my dearest Elaine went to see the musical on the 24th! Yay yay yay yay!! That was the day I gave out gingerbread men to all my dearies, baked by yours truly. Justin was there too! Hehehe! Too bad he wasn't able to join us for dim sum lunch. I ate so much during that meal that my stomach seams almost popped!

Hmm.. Nowadays I've been visiting the gym. Wanna get abs!! Wish me all the best at achieving it!

Sawadee Ka! (Day 6, 13th Dec)

2011-12-23T19:06:00.002+08:00

Woke up at 4am and got our bags in the back of a cab. I was really tempted to sleep on the way to the airport but I was in Thailand! So much to see, why waste time when you can have a good snooze at home?

However I never got that, because the minute I got home, I started packing for Teenz Camp.
Only on the ride there in mom's car did I fall asleep.

I was still groggy when we reached Sarimbun Scout Camp. Carrying half-closed eyes and hunching under the weight of my camping bag, it felt as if I was a slave working under a terrible master.
That feeling didn't last long. Thanks to the afternoon games, I was refreshed and everyone's energy seemed to penetrate into me, making the day so much brighter! Games that involve you dipping your cheeks into honey, smearing (tomato/chili/steak/mustard) sauce onto your face, getting blindfolded... I enjoyed pouring ENO into my mouth, followed by a cup of water. Results: a Jacuzzi in your own mouth.

Night games: Slimy Dog & Bone.
And that, my friends, was how I lost my one and only pair of contact lenses for the entire camp.

Before you think I felt horrified and frightened that I won't be able to see everything in sharp and high definition, you forgot one very important thing:

I'm Claudia Choo.

Sawadee Ka! (Day 5, 12th Dec)

2011-12-22T13:43:00.004+08:00

Last full day in Bangkok. Already, a connection between the country and us has been forged. Things in the country like the hotel's cafeteria where we have the same breakfast everyday...

The dusty streets that make you gag...

The city lights at night...

The wibbly wobbly tuk tuks...

The glitter and glamour...
Jo En's 500 baht french pedicure, mine and mom's cost 450 baht each. Sadly, her pedicure perfection lasted only for 2 hours. Feel sorry for her!

In fact, we shopped so much Jo En and I burst our limit that we had to sit, watch and wait for everyone else to finish their shopping.

That's us.

I'm bored.

She's bored.

She's happy with her purchases.

Kudos to Jo En's incredible photography skills! Original plan was head over to Chinatown to eat Shark's fin and abalone. But we decided to spare the sharks.

We went to see the "ah-kua" show named "Calypso".

My first time at such a place. So it was for most, except mom. She's seen much.

Everything's red in there. From the chair upholstery to the curtains to the lamps!

Entertaining much! Although some scenes were kinda disturbing, it was funny to watch.

This guy's my favourite. The funniest, and the cutest!

At the end of the show, we were allowed to take pictures with them. The one on the right was the prettiest of all. She even resembled my schoolmate!

They sure are giants. Their hats just make them look taller!

Tada! My favourite! Awesome way to end our last day, don't you think?

But after the day was done, we sort of felt sorry for the performers, living this type of life. Not sure if they chose this life out of poverty or vanity, but in my eyes, they are a very sad bunch of people.

Sawadee Ka! (Day 4, 11th Dec)

2011-12-21T16:42:00.002+08:00

4th day in Bangkok, and everything's getting feeling kinda ritual-like. So I decided to do something out of the ordinary at breakfast!

Toast with butter, strawberry jam and slices of banana!Don't turn up your nose at my beautiful concoction! It tastes good! How many people can think of this combination?

As it was the Lord's day, we had a mini worship service in room 2411 (my room).

Tim and Jo Wei had a little wrestling match while waiting for Uncle Joel to arrive. The free show was hilarious from start to finish! Sigh... Where was the video cam when you needed it?

When the man finally, came, worship started. We sang a few songs, had thanksgiving and then prayed.

It was a wonderful Sabbath. After all, He did bless us with good weather, no one has fallen sick (yet), the flood waters washed the streets for us, we got good bargains and everything went swimmingly (even though the hotel didn't have a swimming pool). If you looked at it from our point of view, our holiday was well-planned by God.

PRAISE GOD

Want to have your nail removed? Use this. Found this "Nail remover" at a souvenir shop next to a "Gem gallery" where they show you how gems were purified and manufactured. Jo En enjoyed that tour. Then again, who didn't?

I found this mildly amusing. Even now, I still smile when I think of someone paying for another person's mistake of breaking an item there.

Initially we wanted to take a train, but somebody wanted to take the tuk tuk again, so... Change of plans that day.

Hehe! I gave the king a little birthday wish. Hope it'll give him a good impression for Singaporeans.

Mah Boon Krong Shopping centre. It was a lot like all the other shopping centres we went to, only it has more variety. This was where mom and I got our pedicures done and where my hair got washed, cut and blown.

Tada! My hair finally has a proper shape and shine! I would've given them a hug if not for the brush they used for my hair. Imagine, a brush with stray hair that reaches up to half the length of the brush teeth, and it's used to brush your hair.

Ugh! If you think that's disgusting, what about this?

Don't worry, I didn't buy any of it. I've got the genuine type at home. However, I don't think many have this at home:

Aphrodisiac anyone? Not sure if it's better than Tongkat ali, and I never will know. Go Google it.

Bought Chinese snacks from here, served by a sweet girl who provides really good service! It's no wonder her name sounds like, "Honey".

Jo En found another favourite snack! Thin srispy biscuit with whipped egg whites and coconut shavings. Forgot the name of the snack.. It was called.. "something-something blurgh". Yeah.

That day we chose something that's not local: Pepper Steak.

Before I comment on how the steak tasted like, I'll let you comment on their way of cooking food.

Waitress: How would you like your steak?

Mom: 4 steaks, 2 well done, 2 medium.

*Waitress walks off and returns with the food*

*We cut open the meat*

All steaks well done.

"Why bother to ask..?"

At first glance I thought the "little green things" were peas and scooped them to one side. It was only when my mom told me they were actually pepper in it's original form did I start eating them together with my steak. "OISHI!"

Bought some girly stuff at Beauty Buffet. I've never felt so girly before! Haha! I guess 4 days with the Lau sisters are enough to make my feminine side emerge.

My favourite pose, from my favourite girl, Nicole Scherzinger, from my favourite MV, "Right There".

"2 thumbs up for the Sabbath!"

Sawadee Ka! (Day 3, 10th Dec)

2011-12-20T23:35:00.004+08:00

Good morning world! It's day 3 of our stay here and buckle up, because we're gonna take you down a bumpy ride in a tuk tuk to Chatuchak weekend market!

Zoom zoom zoom! Tuk tuks go VROOM!

We (mom, Tim, Jo En and I) saw a couple of interesting things on the road that day:

A car with an exhaust pipe that extended out and upwards. (Very ugly looking; do not do that to your car. It'll attract a lot of attention. A pity, before I managed to snap a picture of it, the car sped off.)
A tuk tuk towing another tuk tuk! (This time, picture was a success!)

The air in Thailand is kinda dusty, full of exhaust and smoke particles. I think 4 days spent on the road is equivalent to 4 months on Singapore's road! However, Thailand really is a very interesting country. Much more interesting than Singapore. Sorry fellow Singaporeans. But once you start touring around Thailand, you'll get what I mean.

Here at Chatuchak, the air was pretty stuffy and warm, which made time crawl.
But I did see a familiar face, Wai Ling again! The world really is small. That makes Singapore smaller.

Here comes my favourite part: LIVE SHRIMPS! Still jumping and hoping about! They're even fresher than your "it was still alive 10 mins ago" phrase. It was still alive when I put it in my mouth! BEAT THAT!

Just add a little spice and it's ready to be eaten. I was glad it wasn't related to worms in any way, if not mom wouldn't want to kiss me anymore. Hehe!

This was just for fun. It's not my dream to drive a tuk tuk, but hey, if I can, why not? Like I said, I love learning new things! Feel free to teach me anything!

Found these stickers in the tuk tuk that brought us back to the hotel. So interesting that I felt like peeling them off, photocopying them and pasting them all around Singapore! "No molesting" would be a good sign to post around, but "No farting"..? That would be a torture for everyone. So, no.

My first eclipse of the moon, witnessed in Thailand! Another memorable thing that happened. That night was when we headed over to the red-light district at Patpong. And something almost happened to me that night. What it was, I shan't mention here.

Ah, a little Singaporean-ness at night. Fried rice, coconut, hor fun, fried maggi noodles and not forgetting,

Tom yum soup!

Sawadee Ka! (Day 2, 9th Dec)

2011-12-18T22:42:00.004+08:00

Shopping day has arrived! And it's not just me who's celebrating it! The watermelons feel my joy too!

"In the early morning walk

With a backpack on my back

With an aching in my heart

And my tee shirt full of sweat

I am a long way from home

And I miss my lover's home

In the early morning walk

As the cold wind blows

As the cold wind blows..."

The song above started playing in my mind as I took my morning walk around the hotel. I guess I miss my days back at NCDCC as well.

Notice how well the song ties with the moment... A cold morning's walk, away from home. With an exception of the sweat and backpack.

The street where Citin Pratunam was located was very narrow. If a vehicle drives through the road, it would look like a hot dog between 2 shop-house buns. And not forgetting the roadside food. Looks interesting, but trust me - roadside food looks a lot more appetising at night.

One thing you can never miss in Thailand: the Tuk tuks. I was a little scared at the first thought of riding in it, seeing it runs on 3 wheels like a tricycle! I could picture myself falling out of it once it makes a sharp turn. However, this green one was complimentary from the hotel. It fetched us to Platinum Mall where we would have our first shopping spree.

Tim was quite enthusiastic about learning how to drive a Tuk tuk.

"If only Singapore had Tuk tuks..."

I felt like I was in an indoor market full of clothes and more clothes! Majority were wholesale and boy did we have one hell of a time going in and out of shops buying, bargaining and bragging of our purchases.

One thing that I didn't like was the fact that they didn't allow any trying on of clothes. I mean, when going shopping, you need to try the clothes on to see how good you look! But on a good note, it helped save a fraction of our wallets.

At exactly 11am, I saw my first tranny. Better known as: transvestite.

All goes well until they open their mouths.

According to Tim, those prettier ones have the money to go for more surgeries to enhance their "beauty". Whereas the not-so-pretty ones... Well, you know what I mean.
The group did meet one that made our hair stand; she (or he) was wearing a tight-fitting dress that showed off something that should've been cut off but was not. Go figure.

And of course, Thailand is known for it's scrumptious food! That dish up there?

That's Lor bak rice. (Pork rice/Nasi babi)

Tom yum soup. Jo Lin had it at almost every meal!

Pasta cooked in ketchup. I'm planning on trying this out at home. Pray I don't make a mess!

Beef noodles. Not saying that the ones in Singapore don't taste good, but this one certainly rawks!

Cute looking, isn't it? I forgot what it was called, but it did taste nice!

Tapioca with coconut milk. "Too sweet" for my sweet-toothed mom.

Presenting to you the star of all the dishes eaten: Mango sticky rice. Mom couldn't get enough of it. Each mouthful was like a taste of heaven... Yeah, you know where I'm getting at!

After the meal, it's back to shopping! Mom said I look good in tribal stuff so... I checked out some feathered necklaces and roped bracelets. They suited me but I'm not rich, but that's OK. Not being rich leaves more room for imagination.

I was singing while taking this picture. I always get the singing sensation when ever I try on glasses or hats.

Did I mention I saw Wai Ling there as well? I spotted her first! Meh.

Shopping: Checked
Good food: Checked
Bursting our budget: Checked
Travelling back to hotel in style: Checked

That guy in white? He's one hell of a driver! All 3 girls (especially mom) were screaming,

"I DON'T WANT TO DIE!!! I'M TOO YOUNG TO DIE!!!"

I completely underestimated the Tuk tuks! They speed as if the world's gonna end that day itself! Even after telling them not to speed, they still do it.

Should get a translator the next time...

Upon reaching the hotel, we started a fashion show by trying on all the clothes we bought and parading around the tiny room like a model. Room was in a mess.

Thank God it wasn't mine!

Bada Bing, Bada Boom! The room is spick and span in just a matter of seconds! But filled with "Zzzz.." and shopping-filled dreams.

Ahh... Oil massage at the hotel spa. Great feeling after a time of shopping.

Time for a Padthai snack!

See? Didn't I mention earlier that roadside food look so much better in the dark?

Tastes good too! *Two thumbs up*

Sawadee Ka! (Day 1, 8th Dec)

2011-12-17T14:01:00.002+08:00

I started my day by ~~getting dressed and looking my best~~ packing my luggage and wondering, "What did I forget?"

That's Claudi for you!

Amazingly, everything was ready long before the flight! I'm so efficient...

Well, reason being the flight was in the evening, so mom and I had all morning and afternoon to pack. Not so efficient now, eh?

I'll spare you the boring details and skip to the fun part.

We met Justin at the airport (he was there to see me off. SWEET!!) and then headed over to Starbucks where the Lau family and Tim drank free coffee while they waited.

God is Good.

"If I was a rich girl..."

After going through security check before immigration counter, Justin looked like a lost soul. Hehe.. Bye dude, thanks for seeing me off!

Then the group window shopped and after our eyes felt full from all the glitter and glamour of watches, shoes and bags (it's a wonder how the males didn't get sore eyes) we had our bags scanned and waited at the holding room.

That was when all the phones started popping out with the purpose of giving their Facebook status a final update or just boasting that:

"I'M GOING TO THE ISLAND OF A THOUSAND SMILES AND YOU'RE NOT!"

I'm just kidding, we're not that mean.

The Elmo that Justin gave me.

I really like the way they write my name, "CHOO CLAUDIAKITI". I never thought of my name that way! But please do not call me by that term.

Chicken noodles with pasta salad and Tiramisu for dessert.

While the food was edible, their service was nothing compared to SQ. For one thing, Thai airways lock the toilets half an hour before landing! And their catalogue for the videos on different channels suck entirely! The catalogue shows which movies are playing, yes. But which channel? I have no freaking idea. After spending what-seemed-like-forever, I settled for "Colombiana", even though it wasn't my first time seeing it.

Touchdown at Singapore time: 11.30pm. Thai: 10.30pm.

The air was cold and everyone was shivering. Who would've thought Thailand was this chilly?

Welcome to Citin Pratuman Hotel!

We gotta tip many people many... Driver, porter... List goes on and on. But only if they provide GOOD SERVICE! And most didn't disappoint us!

I was really tempted to log in and update my FB status, but I was also extremely tired and couldn't wait to get into a relationship with my bed.

Tada! I didn't have to wait long! That was all for Day 1. More coming up in the next few days. Stay tuned!

BASC Children's Camp 2011

2011-12-16T17:53:00.000+08:00

Last Year I was the group leader for the group Diamond (colour: yellow). This year, dear Claudi Audi was the photographer! Together with Rainbow and Stephen, we made up the photography team! Bigger and better than last year's! *Applauds*
Well first day was pretty much like any other camp: ice breaker games, storytelling and what-have-yous. A little boring if you asked me.
The only thing that gave me a heads up was the fact that the kids were so rowdy and they absolutely abhor the photographers! Just 2 snaps from the camera and they start shouting "OOOIIIII!!!" at me and start giving me black faces.

Oh well, kids will be kids.
To all parents: *salute*
To my mom: I'm sorry for all the bitchiness and thank you for tolerating me and being so patient with me.

The second day... Ah, you'll love this: Explorer Kidz at E!Hub!
That day, it was tiring but this time, the kids were more busy minding their own fun to bother the photographers. However there were a handful who were still camera shy.
Rainbow wasn't there that day, she was to cover the 3rd day.

By the end of the 2 days, I had a taste of what it was like to be Rogan.
After everything was done, Stephen and I turned away and returned home with an armload of photographs to edit.

The Night We Made Our Own.

2011-12-04T16:41:00.011+08:00

Exhilarating, electrifying, thrilling, mind-blowing, breath-taking, energetic, lively... I can go on forever and the amount of vocabulary in the dictionary would not be enough to express how much I felt about ESSS Inaugural Prom Night 2011.

First photo I took in school was with my all-time favourite maiden Elaine. I made that a priority.

Thanks to the change in principal, Prom Night 2011 is now part of ESSS history, part of our memories and part of a topic to talk about for everyone who went.

It was a delight to see many rising up to the occasion, girls dressing in frocks, guys in suits, blazers and tuxedos.

I don't see what's so bad about having Prom in school. Shouldn't we all be thankful that it was allowed in the first place? On top of that, shouldn't we be honoured that we're the first batch of East Springians to have an event called "Prom"? Moreover, the cost was a lot lesser than many schools. So for those who saw ES Prom as a huge boo-boo, BOO YOU!

And I was so glad I lived long enough to see Jeannie in a dress!

I've been harping on that phrase ever since I knew she was gonna be present on that day. Well what more can I ask for?

Not bragging, but I think ESSS has the highest concentration of "chio-bu"s and "yan dao"s.

See? I'm not lying! They look just a boy band! And please, it was not easy getting them to take this picture!

It took a little pleading to take this picture with the teachers, but I succeeded. A pity Mr Khan wasn't there. He was the OIC of prom!

Uh huh! Red carpet bay-beh! The Decorations were simple. Not too much, not too little. Just the right amount of glitter and glamour.

Since it was very rare to see Jeannie in a dress, I had to take a full-length picture with the rock chic!

Of course, there were many other teenagers with outfits that would make you tilt your head in amusement. Many were stunning, some not so "into the mood". Well, they definitely didn't make their $30 worth.

According to Jeannie, I was behaving very "randomly" - taking pictures with people I barely know. Hey, last day in school, and this is the day where everybody wants to look their best, so why not?

And you might be wondering if I danced that night. Answer: YES. And just when I thought I would be without a date the entire night, here's presenting you the guy that pulled me to the dancefloor - TWICE.

At first it was all crazy party dancing with the girls, then after announcing Prom King (Wesley) and Prom Queen (Natasha), it was time for the couples' slow dance. And it seemed to me that, after the Prom King and Queen exited the dancefloor, we were the first couple to step onto the dancefloor!

OK, well, cheers and whistles were heard, I was blushing myself but I kept myself being a sport and danced anyway.

What is prom without dancing? I think the reason why the people who found prom boring was because they didn't dance. Who cares if you don't know how to dance? That was my first time slow-dancing - and with someone I hardly know!

Well, like I said, I wanted a night to remember and this was certainly something to keep in memory!

And not forgetting my favourite Physics teacher! Honestly he made my night by agreeing to take this picture with me! I was happy that I forgot how to smile and thus, not looking as nice as I did in other pictures. Sigh...

Hehe! I may be leaving, but I'm leaving a legacy behind! OK, not really, but just something for the future generation to know:

CLAUDIA CHOO WAS HERE!

Just kidding.

Well, it is nice to see yourself up on the wall! As in, in a picture.

A big thank you to Mrs Jalil for giving her consent for Prom to be possible and Mr Khan for overseeing everything. A great big thank you for the committee especially my darling Elaine for working so hard... The music, set up and all. And everyone who was there were an awesome crowd to hang out with. Even now, the memories are replaying in my mind. This was definitely a night to remember.

I spent my first time at SITEX working there.

2011-11-28T12:02:00.004+08:00

Yup, my first time at SITEX, second time working as a "higher-flyer". This time I wasn't alone. I sort of "dragged Jeannie to hell" and we had a fun, tiring, grueling and lovely time there! Don't blame me for the mixed up feelings. It's what I felt throughout the 4 days there.

Of course, we felt out of place on the first day, but we soon got used to it and made many more friends - especially with the other "high-flyers" - there!

If there's anyone who went to Sitex and entered through Hall 6, you'd know.

There was no escape from getting a flyer from us!

Well basically we just formed a long line at the entrance and handed the flyers out to the public. The life of a flyer.. I finally know what type of people they love now. So the next time I'm going for anything that involves flyer distributors, I'll be sure to take the flyers from them to ease their suffering.

I'm serious! You have no idea how much joy you give the "high-flyers" when you take what they have to offer.

Trust me. Just walk down the line of "high-fyers" and collect every scrap of paper. After that, you read, read read... Them dump them IN THE RECYCLING BIN!

Actually extra recycling bins were put up on the 2nd day onwards because of the overwhelming little of flyers.

Picture this: a dustbin, full to the brim with flyers, with many more scattered at its base.

Yup. Just like a volcano eruption!

That was the sight after each day, the last being the worst. And everyday, Jeannie and I returned back with aching feet, legs, arms, shoulders and back. She even got paper cuts several times! Strange.. why didn't I?

Right now I'm gonna get myself at my best for ESSS INAUGURAL PROM NIGHT 2011!

I can't wait for my next job!

The latest POP ever.

2011-11-24T00:28:00.006+08:00

While all other schools have finished their POP, my school was busy celebrating ours! Wearing my NCDCC uniform for the last made me appreciate a lot more. How many times have I complained about ironing it and polishing my boots when everything was about to end today?

To be honest I spent the beginning of my day writing little cards for my cadets. In fact, I was in such a rush that I couldn't snap a picture of them to show you! My apologies. And I gave them out to my cadets with the formal badge ceremony. I wanted to have a last feel of giving them something with formality.

Sadly, only 6 sec 2s turned up. Pathetically, only 10 graduating cadets. The rest were either at work or something so important had to crop up on the 23rd of November just so that they had to choose that over their POP.

Gosh, I do look ugly in a uniform. I don't think it likes me either.

Mom came with a few other parents and they witnessed their children passing out from a cadet to a an ex-cadet.

I won't say I'll miss the trainings, but I'll definitely miss the people there.

Charlie's getaway!

2011-11-23T00:23:00.015+08:00

I love night outs, don't you?

Everyday, listening to songs about having fun "tonight", but never really doing it, is kinda sad.

And no, as much as I would love to go dancing and singing and climbing up on the tables, I gotta keep my cool.

Well today I got my wish! After being caged up for months, mom has finally set me free - on a leash. Well, thanks! *winks*

Initially we intended to eat at Swensens, but since some were on a tight budget, we headed over to Pizza Hut instead!

We had a really, really hard time deciding what to eat. From what type of crust to what flavour, to drinks and side dishes...

In the end we decided on 2 large stuffed crust - BBQ Chicken Supreme and Ocean Catch. Followed by 2 portions of french fries. As for the drinks, I wanted something different (as always) so I chose the Zesty Mint while the rest chose Iced Lemon Tea, Pepsi and Iced water... My drink cost the most. Hehehe!

And the total cost was $100.40!

I ate a slice of each pizza and as there were 8 of us, there was enough for everyone.

Yay! Lucky number 8! Although I don't count on luck, it's fun to say it. Ha!

After that meal we played some mind games like my all-time favourite Black Magic and Mr Fuzzy Wuzzy! JX introduced some new games like, "Aunt Marry died... Did she die...?"

I couldn't figure that one out... It wasn't as easy as Chocolate Milk!

6 guys, 2 girls. 6 Malays, 2 Chinese. Not a bad herd yeah? We've got the right mix of everything! Because, we've got... Whatever!

Yup, we totally fit the bill.

We weren't gonna let the the night just pass us by like *snaps* that! So what's wrong with a little foto fun?

That night was full of laughters, especially mine! I scared them all with my "hahaha"! Some people says it sounds fake, but trust me.

It is NOT fake!

It's genuine laughter!

Honestly, I wish I could laugh like that everyday. You know what they say, "Laughing is the best remedy!" With all their jokes, hilarious stunts and words, who could NOT laugh? Let alone, smile?

None of us felt like teenagers that night! It was just how I imagined a good night-out would be!

Thank God for such fun-filled friends!

Now, we all know that photos are most of the time related to videos, right? So, we did a video for those Charlians who didn't turn up!

In our video, we said,

"This. Is. Dedicated. To. All. You. Losers!

For. Those. Who. Are. At. Prom. Night.

For. Those Who. Are. At. Red. Camp.

And for. Those. Who. Are. Buying. Prom. Dresses.

AND FOR THE ONE WHO IS AT HOME DOING ASSIGNMENTS!

This is dedicated to you, from all of us:

ROSES ARE RED, VIOLETS ARE BLUE.

WE ARE HAVING FUN, UNLIKE YOU!"

CHARLIE FIGHTERS!!!

IT is fun!

2011-11-21T23:13:00.002+08:00

Yesterday was kinda fun, but scary.

Thanks to KY, I managed to learn a bit more on the Samsung monitors and how to approach customers instead of the customers approaching us!

I admit I'm very good at being friendly with strangers (that was when I was giving out flyers to the public) but being a promoter is totally different!

For one thing, giving out flyers is a no-brainer. You just: GIVE.

They just: TAKE or REJECT.

A promoter needs to know the difference between this monitor and that monitor, the special features and what-nots.

The customers just come. Look around. Then they either take notice of you or ignore you. Then you gotta help fill in the blanks in their heads about the products without them asking. Then 99.4% of the customers walk away without buying anything.

So after a short lesson on the features on each different IT gizmo and gadget, it was time for me to hit the customers with what I've got!

I was shaking like a leaf when a customer approached, looking interested at what's on display. With a nudge from KY, I trembled over, crossing my fingers that I wouldn't spurt out any false information.

Thank God for KY and the other guys there who got my back. *winks* THANKS GUYS!

Today was more of learning how to use the software in the monitor.

Shifu actually cleared part of his desk just for me! Awww....!!! SO SWEET!!!

But it's just for a week.

Yes, my smile disappeared too.

Oh well, at least he made an effort! When we first started off, my mind was swimming in a pool of question marks. Yeah, Shifu knew it too.

So he set me to work and while I edited the videos, he sat beside me and directed my mouse and keyboard. Very soon I was able to do it on my own!

"You're a fast learner," He said.

Yes, but my head still needed some time to register what to do. After a meal with him, it was time to go back to editing...

"You're slow..."

Ooops...

At the end of the day, I completed editing 2 videos. Yeah, I gotta be faster. Since this week is fully booked, lessons will resume next week!

Gotta polish my boots for my POP soon... TATA!

High hopes that crashed.

2011-11-19T22:21:00.011+08:00

Competitions. Someone has to lose, yes? If everything ends in a draw, where's the fun in it?

Then again, who wants to lose?

In fact, I was so desperate for my school to win that I blurted out, if they could beat a certain school in the PDS competition, I'll treat them to pizza.

Yes. THAT desperate.

In the end, the pizza-money stayed in my pocket.

Heck, who am I to judge?

Everyone makes mistakes.

And everyone tells me, "There's still next year."

Sure.

Many schools pulled out of the competition this year, but there were also a couple of schools that recently joined the NCDCC family. One of them was Christ Church.

I admit ES PDS has a long way to go. We lack sharpness, confidence and coordination, which results in us looking kinda sloppy. On the brighter side, we have creativity and originality.

After it was all over, the results were:

Champion: Evergreen Secondary School
1st Runner-up: Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Secondary School

2nd Runner-up: Yu Hua Secondary School

3rd Runner-up: Anglo-Chinese School (Independent)

And the most-played songs were:

Moves Like Jagger" by Maroon 5 (Played by 3 schools)

Higher by Taio Cruz (Played by 2 schools - ESSS and KCPSS)

Evergreen Sec used the song "Glad You Came" by The Wanted!

Maybe that's the reason they won!

He reminds me of Siva... Hehehe!

Anyway, I was really glad to be able to meet up with some old friends. The memories never really seem to go away...

Eee Bee Day!

2011-11-17T00:32:00.008+08:00

I couldn't believe ZK beat me into wishing Elaine "Happy Birthday"! Grr... It's OK. He didn't get to go out with her. Muahaha!

After Mom fetched 3 kids to Tampines MRT (thanks mom!), the 2 girls headed for Dhoby Ghaut and was then directed to the Red Cross HQ by a friendly security guard - he was also training a fellow on how to give correct information to different people. Haha! Good luck.

We were given this "receipt" as proof of our donation, but "Claudia" was spelled as "Clavdia".

Um, hello?!

Met Tim on the way to ION, and he wasted no time in reporting his find to my mom. Thanks Tim.

We actually got off our bus a stop before, and had to walk all the way to our destination. Not a bad morning exercise!

That was the day we became tourists in our own country! But, oh well. Where's the fun if you know everything?

TADA! FINALLY AT ION!

I found another familiar face there: Ben. With his group of friends. Definitely celebrating the end of O's. Have a good time!

I started wondering how many familiar faces will I see there... Which was when Elaine and I saw 2 East Springians walking around in the food court.

"Wow, that answer came in quickly."

Since we weren't feeling too hungry that day we ordered drinks and sat down beside this:

Because it reminded us of Mal. *wink wink*

Nowadays I'm always having this liking for ginger. Don't ask why. But that's the reason as to why I got myself a ginger + lime drink.

Elaine got luffa + honeydew + (I forgot what ingredient) for herself.

If your observant enough, you would've noticed that Elaine's holding 2 cups instead of 1.

I bet you just studied the picture again. Meh heh heh.

Main objective here at ION was to find the Perfect Prom dress for Elaine!

We started from the bottom and then worked our way up, up up to the top! Warehouse had a nice green one, and so did some place else, but since the prices would burn holes in our pockets, we decided to search elsewhere.

The top floor's not meant for paupers like us. I already felt like a beggar when I reached Level 1! In the end I got myself a pair of stillettos with some financial help from Elaine, while she couldn't find anything suitable for herself!

The only free things were the toilets. Squeaky clean!

After having fun at ION we went to other random shopping centres like H&M, 313 Somerset and Paragon!

Mall to mall, shop to shop... Unfortunately no dress could satisfy Miss Tan.

Well, no hurry! There's still time.

And while time allows it,

HAPPY SWEET 16th BIRTHDAY ELAINE!!!

I <3 U

I hope you enjoyed your day out and...

You're a year older now!!

Nyahahaha!!!

Really had a blast with you on your birthday and I can't wait to go out with you again!

How I spent my first day after O's

2011-11-15T21:43:00.014+08:00

I told Elaine that if I was late for our fishing trip today (we planned to meet at 10am), she can use me as bait.

If only I didn't talk so soon...

Yes, I was late. *Slaps myself* And she DID use me as bait!!!

Just kidding.

Headed over to White Sands shopping with her, Kenneth (her brother) and Daryl to shop for drinks and snacks, then cabbed over to Bedok Jetty. We actually wanted to have brunch, but since all of us ate breakfast, we dropped the idea.

I don't know what's it with taxi drivers nowadays. Either they don't know the roads that well or they just want to dilly dally, wanting extra cash out of passengers. I'm guessing the latter. It's not as if this hasn't happened before.

Reader, if a taxi driver has ever chosen a longer route - just trying to squeeze a little bit more cash out of you - please breathe.

We got the crab cage ready while waiting for SH, Mal, ZK and Sean. In my mind I was picturing Mr Krabs or a Krabby in it! A Kingler would be better though...

Welcome to my world of imagination!

Kenneth did the dirty job of cutting off the fishes' head as bait. I'll spare you the gory details (and the gory picture!!).

At first I used my knowledge of "how to fish" from Darren but failed. And failed. So I started fishing for Tamban. This time, it was more of a success!

I caught about 4-5 if I'm not wrong... Poor Daryl. The fishes hate him; each time he uses the rod the fishes disappear.

Fishing really is a fun sport; it trains your patience and skills in fishing (of course!), tying of knots and- Well, competition of who can cast the longest line and who can catch the most/biggest catch!

Talked to several strangers there and one said,

"Woah! I didn't know girl fishers are better than guy fishers!" (That was because the guys, save Sean, went to buy lunch, leaving the three of us at the jetty.)

And...

"If I could give up all my money to be youngster with empty pockets, I would... Treasure your youth..."

Yeah. All that stuff.

We even talked about the education system and how its impact on Singapore students, comparing them with the education system in other countries.

On the cool note, fishing can let you make new friends too! Most of the people there were pretty friendly actually.

Many who walked past stared at our catch...

That's the result of fishing for hours under the blazing sun, which made me look like Mr Krabs!

And what did we find in the crab cage? No crabs, but 2 tiny fishes! (I should've brought 5 loaves to complete the picture.) Unfortunately, one of them slipped out through the holes, the other landed into the hands of 5 boys.

Fishful day, complete with tan lines and fingers smelling of prawns. A big thanks to Elaine's dad for sending Daryl and I back.

Dear Elaine, I hope you found your fishing day out very fishy! Looking forward to your birthday shopping..!! Shall we eat fish tomorrow?

THIS IS IT!

2011-11-14T21:38:00.005+08:00

The day I've waited for has arrived! Allow me to say this: *Clears throat*

O LEVELS ARE OVER!!!!!

Ha! There. Feel much better now!

I can almost smell the salty air of Bedok Jetty! I'll start uploading the pics once they're taken. Wait for it!

So glad Mom's allowed me to join Charlie platoon '10 for a time of fun-filled food 'n' fellowship! I really miss those people... The 5 days I've suffered under the hands of the AFIs were certainly not in vain. The sense of accomplishment and the friends made during the journey are priceless.

Pssst! Did I mention I bumped into AFI Jonathan at Ngee Ann Poly once on a Sunday? Heheheee.. Still as handsome as ever!

Seriously, this O' Level journey has been a blast! If not for the friends that stood by me all the way, I would've broke down long ago. (Yeah, life's taking it's toll on me.)

Lastly, for those who're taking their Bio paper tomorrow, all the best!

Once again, at a crossroad.

2011-11-13T14:03:00.002+08:00

One last paper tomorrow and the freedom starts. It's gonna start with a fishing trip with Elaine and some other schoolmates. Most likely the people from E4 '08 and '09. However I doubt we'll be catching anything, because the fishes may swim away from us...? Heck. Why am I jinxing my day out?

Did I mention that my school's gonna have an inagural prom night this year? Uh huh! You heard (or read) it right! Can't wait.

Honestly, I'm really blessed to be born in the year I am born in. Think about it, having the hinour of attending ESSS first prom night, not gonna suffer because of the change in syllabus in a year's time (thank God) and... Many other things. *winks*

Oh Mom, thanks for giving birth to me in 1995 and not a year earlier or a year later. If not... Life would've really sucked.

Well most of my holidays are free so START BOOKING ME PEOPLE!!

Heart warming welcome.

2011-11-05T20:17:00.002+08:00

Some how I feel different when I'm posting this up. The weather's bitchy I know. It has turned me icily cold too. But today I'm blogging with cold feet and a warm heart.

I know I make no sense (since when did I ever..?), however...

It's good to be back.

Lost and Insecure

2011-09-23T17:11:00.002+08:00

Hello? Nobody's home.

Well, that's what I feel about myself now. Nobody's there. Empty promises just multiply and it's left me with no trust for anyone.

By now many would've stopped viewing my blog. Maybe because it's dormant for such a long time. Maybe they're waiting for next year to begin because that was when I said I'll continue posting up entries. Maybe they're just busy. Or maybe... I repelled them away from me.

It's not impossible.

Video-graphing and photographing

2011-06-19T22:29:00.003+08:00

I was actually looking forward to going to church today, 'cause that meant that I need not waste time at SIM doing nothing productive.

Accompanying the AVA guys back to 360 made me feel more "wanted", like I'm needed somewhere in this world (or rather, church). Helping people is what I do, and when I do, I give my all. Today I was transported to another world where I couldn't understand their AV-language. Their hideout is full of microphones, gadgets and cables. Many cables.

"Befriend them."

It'll take me a while to get used to them before befriending them.

However, I know now that my knowledge on photography is just as shallow as my knowledge is on Chinese!

I couldn't answer so many questions thrown at me and I felt so small in front of the 3 experts. I could see it from his eyes: he was disappointed with my terrible knowledge and him trying to hide it didn't help. In the end he just gave me "homework" to do: find out what do the different terms used in photography mean and perhaps how they differ in video-graphy.

I'll strive in this area.

I'll be the best and make my Shifu proud!

I guess by now you should know that all I want is to be wanted.

Even during the camp this year, I didn't want to join the teens. Instead I joined the older peeps just so that I can be their photographer. Just so that I can be of service to them.

That is where I find joy.

I think, after all I've gone through, I can confidently say, if there is one place where you would place me in the church, it won't be with the Teenz.

It's with the AVA.

I'm gonna lose my mind.

2011-06-04T00:46:00.002+08:00

2 movies (no wait), 3 movies today!
I know, finally! After being deprived of movies for so long! Well, they're not new: Pirates of the Carribean 1 & 2 and Hercules!
Like a kid again...
I miss all of it.

Oh, and this is what my brother said to his friend,"Sorry, I'm not free tomorrow. It's my father's grand birthday."

Like, WTF! HAHAHAHA!

Ciao sai, peeps.

O levels are finally here

2011-05-27T21:12:00.002+08:00

For what seemed so far away is finally here to stay TEMPORARILY (Thank God).
Monday is gonna be Chinese O level day: the day I die. I can already see myself crying when I recieve my O level cert... Cross your fingers that it'll be tears of joy!

Plans for the June holidays:

I'm not suppose to go overseas but I am.

I'm not suppose to play but I'm going to.

I'm not to be lazy but I know I will be.

Ouch, that's Claudia for you. Sorry to disappoint! But the disciplined girl that you once knew will come back and prove herself worthy of what she deserves.

The worry buzzing right now is whether I can get into the course I want. Even so, will I be able to get into the university and get my desired degree? And then... next worry: Will I get my dream job?

Long Time No Blog!

2011-05-05T21:22:00.002+08:00

Phew! It's been a long time peeps! In actual fact, I wouldn't be surprised if people stopped checking out my blog be cause it has been dormant for about a month or so... I didn't even post on my birthday! Yikes!

Well, let's just say that I'm busy with studies and I'm sort of forcing myself to stay away from the comp (which is kinda hard to do with FB around) and focus on my studies.

Well, let's do a quick up date and then I'll let you in on my life once again!

I'm now 16, and I had a birthday BBQ at the poolside in the estate I'm living in. I invited many people, but there were only 3 girls in total there. Had lots of fun, throwing people into the pool, I had so much more awesome presents than my bro, all thanks to my awesome group of friends...(I love you guys!) and I have to thank Jin for the polaroid pictures! Cakes were from A. Alanie, mom ordered food and bought so much more, because she thought we didn't have enough.

In the end there was so much leftovers.

Right now I'm in the middle of exams and I just started my McDonald's French Fry Experiment today! I'm going to find out how long it's gonna last without decomposing and to see if Singapore's government would really allow its people to eat such stuff.

And those were the little big things that happened in my life. I've got some studying to do now so if you'll excuse me...

What Are Words - Chris Medina

2011-03-27T21:03:00.004+08:00

What Are Words - Chris Medina

Anywhere you are, I am near
Anywhere you go, I'll be there
Any time you whisper my name, you'll see
How every single promise I keep
'Cause what kind of guy would I be
If I was to leave when you need me most

What are words
If you really don't mean them
When you say them
What are words
If they're only for good times
Then they don't
When it's love
Yeah, you say them out loud
Those words, They never go away
They live on, even when we're gone

And I know an angel was sent just for me
And I know I'm meant to be where I am
And I'm gonna be
Standing right beside her tonight
And I'm gonna be by your side
I would never leave when she needs me most

What are words
If you really don't mean them
When you say them
What are words
If they're only for good times
Then they don't
When it's love
Yeah, you say them out loud
Those words, They never go away
They live on, even when we're gone

Anywhere you are, I am near
Anywhere you go, I'll be there
And I'm gonna be here forever more
Every single promise I keep
Cuz what kind of guy would I be
If I was to leave when you need me most

I'm forever keeping my angel close

March Holidays... What Holidays?

2011-03-15T20:58:00.003+08:00

I didn't mind using my March holidays to go back to school - be it NCDCC Camp or motivational workshop. In any case I would probably rot while being confined, not doing much, except homework and projects. Even after those are done, what else is there to do?

I know... You want me to revise my work all over again.

Truth is, I will, if I want to. But what if I DON'T? There goes precious time...

So, I guess I'm thankful for this 2-day motivational workshop for using up my holiday, making me NOT waste any more time and using it to its fullest.

Not forgetting, helping me to know my personality; strength and weakness; which side of the brain do I use more and whatnots.

The coaches were really fun and unlike the other high achievers' sessions, this one benefited me most.

I'm really worried for the future of NCDCC though... The NCOs need a lot more help than I thought. Some aren't fierce enough, some just can't be bothered, others just don't have confidence.

I remember once, someone told me, you must have confidence when facing your cadets. If you fail to show that to your cadets, you will never win your cadets over to respect you. Because they'll doubt you, big time.

Whereas if you have the power in your voice and eyes, your cadets can tell, and they'll follow you willingly whether you make mistakes or not. That's how you earn respect from your juniors. It's OK to joke around a little, you need to inject some humour once in a while or everyone will be snoozing in no time.

My biggest lesson in CD was that it taught me how to Learn, Lead and Serve.

You're amazing only from afar.

2011-03-09T22:14:00.002+08:00

From first sight, I could tell they were bimbos; not the type of feather that I would flock with.

Soon, after getting to know them a little better, they seemed to have smiles plastered on their faces with the slightest hint of boredom. They always looked so cheerful.

When I had my first few words with them they talked to me like I was one of them. But I'm not.

OK, so they are bubbly, but not my cup of tea.

More so when I see their actions, words... I'll never know what's running through their minds.

Now that they've taken her, I don't even know whether I should truly love or hate them.

What would you do?

Sound familiar?

2011-03-06T14:56:00.002+08:00

Daughter: Mom?

Mom: Yes Dear?

Daughter: I don't want to be a Mom.

Mom: Why not?

Daughter: Because I don't want my daughter to treat me the way your daughter treats you.

Who is there?

2011-03-04T23:43:00.001+08:00

Maybe...

No one even cares.

Should I? Or should I not?

2011-03-02T20:02:00.003+08:00

It's harder each passing day to blog. Maybe...

Maybe I shouldn't at all.

Sector Training at Coral Sec

2011-02-19T09:43:00.003+08:00

As much as I didn't want to abandon my sec 2s with Faizul, I had to leave them to accompany Ardilla and the sec 3s to Coral Sec for sector training for zone East 2. I just hoped my cadets listened to him! Heh heh!

Initially, sector training was suppose to be held at HTA, but who would go to the other end of the island just to have CCA for 3-4 hours? (If it was SNCO course, I wouldn't mind! Heh heh!)

I was the IC for group 5 and the sec 3s there learned IPP and did their test. I didn't really enjoy it, because that meant staying in the hot and stuffy classroom with the doors and windows sealed up.

But, all the same, have fun together, suffer together!

While we're on the topic of suffering, some sec 3s tell me they don't want to go for SNCO course because they heard cadets there don't have time to sleep. (Now you tell me what's SNCO course compared to sec 4 life?!)

Well, here's the thing: You do have the time to sleep. Just lesser time.

And after the 5 days of hard, physical training, those few hours of lost sleep won't matter as much and you can recover them as soon as it's over! In fact, you won't feel like leaving once your POC becomes history. Plus, you get to know more friends and suffer together with your contingent under the hands of the evil AFIs!

He he! If any of them are reading this, I'm dead!

So... Honestly, for those who're gonna experience the time of their lives, don't be scared. You're not alone... You're in NCDCC!

"The word "Give Up" is our enemy. As much as we feel like giving up, we must always remember, we need to defeat our enemy; never ever let the enemy conquer us but we conquer them."

-Ma'am Asyura-

A big thanks to the CLTs especially Fithri, Amos, Nigel and Asyura.

Valentines Day

2011-02-16T17:44:00.006+08:00

I do hope that the tradition of exchanging chocolates will continue in East Spring whenever it's Valentines Day - the feeling's really nice. Hehe!

How did I spend my Valentines Day?

Haha! That's locked in my mind! *winks* ♥

Though I did have a lovely time...

Today I read an extremely impressive essay from a student who wrote it for her O levels. It's totally mind-blowing... With all the words used and how her words depict such a real and movie-like scene, it just makes the story so realistic...

I'll give you a sample of her masterpiece:

"A hue and cry rose from the tables surrounding ours. Gentlemen in their tuxedoed dinner regalia pushed back their chairs, stood and stared bug-eyed. Ladies in the latest haute couture fashions, gave little gasps, in a not entire dignified manner."

Still need to absorb more?

No problem!

"I recalled the expression on her face, chagrin turning into burning fury and then into cold venom, locked in the penetrating glare of hot then ice-cold eyes."

Yes... I know! I wish I could use the pen like that too!

It's so unlike the usual compositions we always read like "a trip to Pulau Ubin" and "eating chicken rice or fried prawn mee..."

(Calling for an upgrade!)

The downside is that I can never create an essay like how that girl did, but I'll give it my best and my all in my O's.

Thanks to my English teacher who gave her class this extraordinary essay. I'm so glad she managed to get a hold of it!

I AM STUPID

2011-02-05T14:36:00.002+08:00

I thought I was crazy... But I'm just plain stupid by putting a status up on my facebook account... The first few minutes was pretty enjoyable... But when it came to the next 10 minutes I felt like dying.

Don't ask why.

Broken Arrow - Pixie Lott

2011-02-03T09:33:00.006+08:00

Broken Arrow - Pixie Lott

What'd you do when you're stuck?

'Cause the one that you love has pushed you away and you can't deal with the pain.

And now you're trying to fix me, mend what he did and find the piece that I'm missing.

But I still miss him, I miss him, I'm missing him.

Oh... I miss him, I miss him, I'm missing him...

And you're...

Sitting in the front row, wanna be first in line.

Waiting by my window, giving me all your time.

You could be my hero if only I could let go...

But his love is still in me, like a broken arrow.

He's the thorn in my flesh, that I can't take out.

He's stealing my breath when you're around.

And now you're tryin' to convince me, he wasn't worth it.

Baby you can't complete me, he's the part that is missing.

I miss him, I'm missing him...

Oh... I miss him, I miss him, I'm missing him...

And you're...

Sitting in the front row wanna be first in line.

Waiting by my window, giving me all your time.

You could be my hero, if only I could let go.

But his love is still in me, like a broken arrow...

Like a broken arrow... ...

What do you do when you're heart's in two places?

You feel great, but you're torn inside...

You feel loved, but you just can't embrace it...

When you found the right one, at the wrong time...

And you're...

Sitting in the front row, wanna be first in line.

Waiting by my window, giving me all your time.

You could be my hero if only I could let go.

But his love is still in me, like a broken arrow.

Oh... Like a broken arrow...

Reunion dinner 2011

2011-02-02T21:02:00.004+08:00

Howdy peeps! I think I'm gonna gain a lot of weight this year... The stress from school worsens my condition too, and please don't mention O's to me. It only makes the scales tip more.

You see... I'm suffering from compulsive eating disorder... The more stressed up I am, the more things that go into the stomach.

Now I'm... Trying to stop... (unsuccessfully)...?

Help me out here OK?

For a start, I'll drink more Chinese tea...

I'll stop Munching&Munching on chocolate-coated peanuts and I'll never eat another chilli padi!

I'll concentrate on photography. It's calorie-free!

Every year... I wish I can lose 5kg, and every year I thank God I didn't gain 5kg!

Well, there's always something to thank God for eh?

Eh eh... Nothing else I can say...

Oh yes, something I don't mind adding...

5cm to my height permanently!

Kay. Thanks. Bye!

Happy CNY

2011-02-01T20:06:00.002+08:00

School work's piling up and my physics teacher still isn't back yet.

I seem to look forward to English class now. Though many say that all the teacher does is run on like a train, I can't help but admire the fact that she can make everyone bored, at the same time keep them on their toes.

If she was just another teacher, students would all be how 4E1 is in physics lessons with the RT. So, my dear physics teacher...

NOW do you see why we need you back so badly?!

Haiz.. Well...

I owe a big thanks to my juniors who gave me their A4 size exercise books. I needed them today, just in case my class had to do some DCC questions by our math teacher.

Honestly, he's really bent on making us get distinctions! I roll with that! *winks*

Oh well.. Happy CNY everyone!

Another point about school.

2011-01-20T22:11:00.003+08:00

Maybe you've been wondering how my class is doing specifically. Well, I can say that the students in 4E1 '11 are still minding their own business, caring only for specific people in the class.

Then during one of Mr Khan's classes, something that he said struck me.

"4E1 is independent..."

OK, I thought to myself, maybe I've been focusing too much on the negative side of the class. If you bring into consideration, the past 1 year that we "suffered" together... That's one thing we shared as a class.

I especially enjoyed the time on Monday, when we were working together to decorate the classroom for the CNY spruce-up competition... Everyone was suddenly so united!

It was like stepping into another world where everyone's mindset had changed dramatically!

Hey...

I like this type of environment. It's how a class should be like. I felt pretty ashamed (maybe a little envious) when I saw how quickly the sec 3s this year bonded together in such a short period of time. Not to mention the remaining sec 4 classes.

Honestly, initiative isn't found in 4E1 (unless you exclude the class chairman - Darrel). Unless the class is being threatened by Miss Cheong - our new form teacher.

YAAAAAAAAAYYYY!!!! I LOVE MISS CHEONG!

1 episode in school: For the first week of school, I was busy helping out in the sec 1 orientation (I LOVE 1E4!), thus missing out on the lessons. Despite my absence in class, I'm glad to say that I don't regret my decision to help out with the sec 1s.

Not only did I make new friends, but 1E4 sort of liked me too! Especially some of the girls...

Giovinna, Anis, Raihanah, Kerina... Just to name a few.

It was one of the things I least expected, especially recalling what I experienced after I took over the sec 1 cadets last year...

Nothing can replace the bond I've forged with 1E4. They're now my favourite sec 1 class! Well, partially because I was from their class! Hehe!

But don't worry my sec 2 cadets! Nothing can replace you either!

The worst came when studies started taking place: I didn't know which group I was in for geog. Whether I should go to Mrs Lee's class or Mdm Noreen's class...

Here's the problem: Mrs Lee teaches the students who scored a distinction for geog last year, while the other teacher teaches at a slower pace for the remaining students who were lacking behind.

I heeded Elaine's advice into joining Mrs Lee's class. After all, I've had a sample of her teaching in sec 3 and she's really good!

In fact, if I was in a class where everyone scored distinctions for their geog, I thought maybe I'll be one of them if I stayed on! So I lingered in her class for about a week plus...

Until she finally told me that I'm suppose to be in the other geog group.

What a wet blanket! So I trudged to the classroom next door (4E5) and I became E.T. (NOT Elaine Tan) for a day. Well... Could've been worst.

Something that encouraged me was the fact that I was in the same English class as Elaine with Mdm Noreha - my form tutor - as our teacher!

Bonus: she's HOD for English and with her strict manner of teaching with a splash of jokes and stories, I know I'm on my way of getting an A1 for L1!

Chinese - the one subject I don't want to learn, but the one subject that I can't NOT learn. I've heard something about the teacher who's teaching me my 2nd language this year but... I'm trying not to think about that.

It's sad to see Jeannie going to ~~another~~ a better chinese class... But saying goodbye to old friends means saying hello to new friends!

"Hi Rachel!"

And there's my new friend for you!

Hmmm... Mr Tan's leg has been broken for (I don't know how many) weeks... And he still has 1 month MC!

Please please Mr Tan, GET WELL SOON! I miss your joyous laughter, jokes and teaching!

Though the RT for Physics is not doing a bad job... She's really... Um... Never mind.

Thanks to my amazing chem tutor, I was able to catch up in class on the chem topic about Electrolysis. She also clarified my doubts on QA, salt preparation and many more...

Oh thank you so much Mom, for paying my tuition fees and helping me throughout my entire life! I know I may be a little cranky and moody at times... But I'll always love you. I owe it all to you. I LOVE YOU MOM!

Of course I didn't forget my beloved Sky... Yes, like you said - this year's not gonna be very easy for the both of us. But if there's a will, there's a way.

I love you!

NEW!

2011-01-19T21:26:00.003+08:00

Hey everyone! Long time since I last posted hm? Well, my sincere apologies, because my new sec 4 life is very tough, challenging and busy. But this is just the tip of the iceberg!

And guess what? I can't figure it out, but all of a sudden, my passwords seemed to change.. I couldn't log into many of my accounts and I had to reset them all over again! Well... Gotta work on my memory!

As for school, the teachers are the best ever! They know how to teach, they're fun and I understand them! That's what matters most.

Hmmm... Many prefects seemed to have lost their black shoes... So far I only know about 4 of them. What their reasons are, I've not a clue, but neither am I gonna ask.

I'll continue another time, ok? Gotta fly!

BYE!

2011 is here!

2011-01-01T00:49:00.001+08:00

Happy 2011 everyone!

Last post for 2010

2010-12-31T20:11:00.003+08:00

Since this is the last day for 2010, I thought I'll post about how this year has been.

As usual, school this year could've been better if not for certain people... Results dropped and feelings went a little haywire... Still, I've got others to thank for!

Firstly, Mom!

Mom, thank you for being there for me despite my nonsense and irritating habits (I dare not mention what it is, you ask her). I may be a little bitchy at times, but it's a teenager's life with its hormone on a roller coaster ride... I still love you and I'm sure you love me. Right mom?

Hehe...

Secondly... ELAINE!

My lovely lovely dearest awesome best friend for 3 years... You were always there to comfort me and there when I needed some advice on things. You influenced me greatly by making me read more books and thanks to you, my English has improved a great deal! We could talk about anything and everything under the sun without a care in the world and we share such similar dreams. I enjoy the time when we would go to each other's house and bake, watch movies and celebrate each other's birthday!

You are my best friend and buddy and I love you. *hugs*

Next up... Melody!

Thank you for giving me advice on different kinds of things and pointing me back to Christ the moment I strayed away from Him. I want to say that... I saw Jesus in you and I hope that you'll continue to touch the lives of others and those around you. God bless!

There are many others whom I wish to thank... Elizabelle, Fitriyah, Jeannie, Frisha, Pastor Ian, Mimi, Gail Tupas, Sheng Yong, Madeline, Shu Ling, Ezzuddin, Doreen, Roger, Jia Min, Bharat, Rogan, Qi Ming and those whom I've missed out... Sorry, but there's a list of you in my heart and there you'll remain forever!

Last but not least... Xian Jun.

My dear... You were the one that made me whole, the one that I want to thank... You made me smile even in my darkest moments... You understood me when no one else did, you knew the right words to say to cheer me up. Most importantly... You didn't give up on me. You continued to follow your heart and look where that got you. Right here... In my heart.

I love you, forever and always.

Farewell, 2010!

Welcome, 2011!

Bring on the new year!

2010-12-27T22:00:00.003+08:00

So I got my phone back. ~~Hooray!~~

Christmas passes by the fastest it had ever passed, maybe because it was because it's O's next year. Anyway, the Christmas musical was very nice and funny my Mom as the make up artist - Oh yes, I'm proud of her.

These few days I've been thinking of my new year's resolution and after much deliberation... I've come up with a few points...

Lesser of the computer/going online - that includes Facebook, Tumblr, YouTube and Blogger.
More studying.
More asking of questions in school and everywhere!
Love love love... kept to a reasonable amount of time.
More swimming, jogging and SLEEPING!

That's more or less about it. Perhaps a few thoughts about the future and what I'll be doing... *winks*

Ready for 2011 with a BANG!

No Phone? Big Deal.

2010-12-21T22:52:00.002+08:00

Hey dudes, no phone for now... So keep your text messages to yourself OK? Unless you wanna spam my inbox (which I don't mind), go ahead. In any case, I've survived over a decade without a phone, so I'll survive a decade more! *winks*

About today... Despite having cough and headaches, it was the best ever.

Escaped from The Great Escape.

2010-12-18T17:30:00.002+08:00

This year's camp was very different from the many other camps I went to. Maybe it was because I was sick for the entire camp? Maybe it was because of some of the people I met there.

Whatever it was... I didn't feel quite in sync with the activities rolled out for me.

I wanted to go kayaking, the high elements, rock climbing, abseiling... But nothing of that sort materialised. Sometimes the young ones get so irritating that I wish they would become my personal punching bag. I know this may not sound like me, since I say I like the noisy rowdy type of kids, but I was ill, feeling unwell, not to mention a little cranky as I was unable to do all that I wanted like shouting and screaming my group's cheer.

Coughing once every 5 minutes didn't help either. I couldn't breathe... But I still kept up the team spirit and did what I was told... I led 3 teams to base camp and helped to build my team's raft when the kids were playing, not helping and making me feel more irritated.

I didn't hesitate to voice this out during one of the meetings being held at night. That was the night I cried and Beverly held me in her arms, telling me she misses that sparkle she saw in me when I was still a tiny tot. I knew and understood her, but I could tell this wasn't the best camp they've gone to.

Though I made new friends and had fun with them, something - something was missing in that camp. Maybe it was just me, feeling left out and not-the-way-claudia-should-be...

I'm sorry. Couldn't help it.

It's over now. And for that, I'm glad.

Thee 4th and last camp of year 2010.

2010-12-12T19:07:00.004+08:00

It's down to this... The last camp of year - The Great Escape.

I'm really glad because I'm bringing a very special friend there! YAY!

For more information, you can visit the camp's blog right... HERE!

Check it out! It's the same place where I had my ATC!

~EXCITED EXCITED~

No time to say "hello, goodbye", I've gotta go!

3E1 '10 Class Chalet

2010-12-07T19:45:00.002+08:00

In my opinion... The 3-day-2-night class chalet this year wasn't a success because the class isn't united. It's all "every man for himself". Many weren't there and the 2nd night was wasted away.

The food? I wish I would never have to go for another BBQ.

My handsome-youthful-jovial-intelligent-humorous-funny-physics teacher Mr Tan saved the 2nd day by teaching us this game he learnt when he was in high school: Asshole. It's a game similar to Dai di, except that more people will be able to play it and the sitting arrangement matters too.

Then I went bowling (without socks!) and walked about E!Hub together with some special people while Mr Tan, Mr Teo and the other guys ate dinner. When we got back at the chalet, Mr Tan was gone... But Miss Cheong was there! You all should meet my awesome English teacher.

Well... Nothing much about the students of 3E1. It's sad.

More Than Gold.

2010-12-04T12:17:00.008+08:00

I guess I'm too absorbed in NCDCC events that I forgot to talk about the Children's Camp from the 23rd-25th November.

It's nice to take a break from the hard life and spend time with young kids.

At first I felt a little out of place because I was "extremely old" there and I was so used to carrying a sullen face wherever I go; however with kids, you've got to have your smile and give the "baby talk" when ever needed.

I was in charge of group Yellow aka Diamond with Evelyn as my assistant. Auntie Vicky and Lishan were our counselors and helpers. I tell you, Aunt Vicky is truly an expert with tons of experience on how to handle kids.

Yes I know, I'm in group "D" again...

But the bright faces of the kids brightened my day a great deal. The first kid I got to know was Jovian, he's very... JOVIAL! Jolaine was my second "child"...

Soon I got to know more of those under me and that added up to 24+ kids!

Now I know what it's like to be old. Hehe! Just kidding!

The first day was pretty uneventful until the second day because of the outing to Jurong Safra! There, the kids pulled me here and there EVERYWHERE! Crawling through mazes, sliding, climbing and squeezing are about the only things I was doing there.

I bet you I lost about half a kilo (I wish)!

At the last day of camp I'm proud to say that my group Diamond got the prize for the Best Teamwork!

WOOOOHOOOOOO!!!

What did I tell ya?

"Diamonds are a girls' best friend!" (But I prefer dogs...)

Did I mention Xian Jun was there as well?

Yeah! He was snapping pictures and helping me control the children. At the same time, having fun being young (again)! A big thanks to him who brightened my day. I'm glad he met up and managed to fellowship with his old friends.

Hope you enjoyed yourself, my friend!

NCDCC Camp November 2010

2010-12-03T14:52:00.003+08:00

I enjoyed this year's NCDCC Camp in November thoroughly, because for one thing, we had many outdoor activities, like having a race at Pasir Ris park and practising our navigation skills at Fort Canning park.

Once again, I was the IC for group D - Dynamite with Nadhrah as my AIC! I always seem to be placed in group D, even when I was in lower sec and primary school! I'm forever fated to be in D.

The one thing that made me terribly upset was that out of my 15 cadets, only 7 turned up! LESS THAN HALF! I should get all their parents' numbers and spam their inboxes about any upcoming events! This time, everything will be compulsory with no exceptions!

That'll teach them.

The camp was more serious with more pumping, scolding and adventure with Ardilla as camp IC and Zafirah as AIC. Frisha and Wen Yang Couldn't come as they were in Hong Kong with other NCDCC cadets. Personally, despite going overseas once, I want to go travelling again!

In this case, travelling around Pasir Ris wasn't all that bad... Being one of the few to hide the ice cream sticks for the groups to find was fun enough!

Though Group Dynamite arrived last, we had a good time.

I want to thank Yasin sincerely for being such a brother to my Sec 1 cadet - Hamizan - when he was feeling unwell during the race. That really encouraged me as I was still haunted by the memories of leading group Dare Devils in March.

To think that those memories would befall on Nadhrah...

It's what we all face, my dear. These happen to make us all stronger and more confident to face the world head-on in the future.

What happened at Fort Canning park was about the same, because we arrived at the last station last again. So we had to do a forfeit and ended up looking like clowns from the world's worst circus.

That night we had campfire and BBQ together with our seniors who graduated including Ma'am Ira, the first cadet who was promoted to SSGT.

Every night we would have debrief and a little bit of journal writing. Everyday, morning PT and our daily dose of pumping.

During the OC parade, I'm proud to say that 5 of my cadets have been promoted to Lance Corporal! Those who participated in the PDS competition received the badge due to us as well!

The sec 3s also went to Tampines Fire station where we saw many fire vehicles and I even tried don the 20kg air tank on my back! It's a wonder how the firemen don't get backaches.

While we were at the fire station, my sec 1s were having their lesson on 1st aid ans that left the sec 2s training their footdrill.

After all was done on the last day, Group Dynamite was announced as 2nd! You see guys? Being last isn't everything!

We even had fun throwing water bombs at each other. Half of the time they were failures because the balloons don't burst when we first toss them to our targets; so I resorted to bursting them right above my victims' head, sending the water trickling down their hair.

"There's some good in this world... And it's worth fighting for!"

-Samwise Gamgee-

NCDCC PDS Competition 2010

2010-11-30T11:04:00.003+08:00

I only had 2 days to get used to the new moves of my school's PDS, meaning training on the 18th and 19th, then compete on the 20th!

That's OK. I'm still pretty much alive and kicking.

ESSS brightened up HTA with our bright, eye catching yellow PDS tee! Even our TO was in yellow!

We also had a little "bumble bee" paint on our faces. Being the first school to show what we've got, it was nerve wracking!

Here we are, after all the other school have performed, and we didn't win anything. But it's ok. We're all happy we did our best and we're proud of what we've accomplished.

Credits to Faizul and his cool Canon DSLR for this picture.

BURNING BRIGHT BUMBLE BEES!

Enter Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Secondary School, 2nd runner-up for the competition!

Credits to Xian Jun and his awesome Nikon DSLR!

I'm sorry it wasn't a half moon that night, but it looked so flawless (from afar) that I had to take a picture of it.

If I'm allowed, I would just sit there and admire at the moon all night long and sleep during the day.

Celebrating Elaine's belated 15th Birthday at Vivo

2010-11-29T19:47:00.013+08:00

I owed Elaine this post for a very long time. We went out together to Sentosa on the 17th November to celebrate her belated birthday.

We had a great time taking pictures of each other at the beach while sitting on the rocks.

Isn't she beautiful? That's the birthday girl you're looking at!

I love being her photographer. Hahahahaha!

We bought ice cream there, she chose mint chocolate, and I chose raspberry sorbet.

One bag of food isn't enough for us, because we're junkies! We eat ice cream before the main course and we even wished that there would be a day when the traditional way of eating would be desserts first, main course second, followed by soup and appetizer being the last!

Next on the menu was sandwiches made by my mom. I can't thank you enough mom! I'm grateful for helping me with this outing!

This was a fun picture. Girls will be girls.

All smiles at the beach!

We asked an Caucasian man to help us take this picture. The scenery's nice... But we're nicer!

Great day for a drink. The weather was pretty warm!

Then we went to Resort World to take a walk as I wanted to take a picture with the big globe together with her.

YAY! WE GOT THE JOB DONE!

We asked another Caucasian to help us take this picture. At first I asked this guy, then he hesitated a little, and his girl friend (I think) took up the job. I guess she really was the more experienced photographer!

This was about the best part of the entire outing:

The very second we walked in, 3-4 guys immediately exclaimed, "WELCOME TO HERSHEY'S!"

We'll greet them the next time we go there, Elaine!

The guys even let us take 3 pictures with props for free! We only needed to pay if we wanted to buy the pictures they took using their own camera. Damn... Should have taken a picture with them.

We bought chocolates from there and took the train back to Vivo City.

While looking around for a present for a friend, we walked into Topshop where we tried on killer heels! I could've taken more shots if not for the manager coming over to tell us no photo taking. Oh well, 1 is better than none!

I wanted to buy a double ring with the word LOVE on top, but it cost $30! "I'll come back when I have more money", I told the shopkeeper.

Peace, quietness, tranquility. That's us.

With a touch of the wild side!

After buying the gift from New Urban Male, my mom fetched us back home. Oh, I love my mom.

Dear Elaine,

I had a lovely time with you and I really hope you enjoyed your belated 15th birthday outing to Sentosa! One day we'll go out again or have another movie marathon when we're free again!

I LOVE YOU!

Love,

Claudi

LAOS Day 5&6

2010-11-28T20:42:00.019+08:00

Day 5, 15th November 2010 (Monday)

We're back in school people! This time, not to paint, but to GET RID of the little white droplets on the floor and benches by scrapping them with bamboo poles.

I'm glad that the paint comes off pretty easily if it comes into contact with water. Let's just hope the school we just painted will stay that way for as long as it can!

I helped to scrap off the paint off the floor on the corridor and in the classrooms. Hard work, but the thought of doing this for the kids made the burden lighter.

Not forgetting the fun and laughter these girls showered on me despite the language barrier.

A most scrumptious lunch took place that day at Mr Neu's friend's place, in the garden under a big yellow umbrella. Some ESpirators couldn't help having 2nd rounds of food.

They even own 2 dogs! WOW!

By late afternoon, the mural was completed and ready to be presented the next day. Mr Mazli sure did a great job on it and so were the people who helped.

The last few days we wanted to catch the sunset but we ended our activities too late in the evening, so we're not gonna repeat the same mistake again!

Here's the evidence:

I always wondered why the sun doesn't touch the horizon, but sets ABOVE it. Is it because of the sea? Talking about the sea... Sun set at sea is the most beautiful things in the world, especially when the sunlight reflects on the water surface.

When the night has come, and the land is dark...

And the lights of the NIGHT MARKET are the only light we see!

Rules of this game is to pop balloons with 3 darts. Some guys popped 1 or 2. Li Qing shocked us all by not wasting a dart! I was so bowled over by her skill that I decided to give it a shot...

And I wasted none of the darts... ON THE FRAME!

Shut up, I'm not lousy! You try throwing all 3 darts at the frame and making them STAY THERE! It takes SKILL!

Meet Devil Huda and Sakeenah. I have no idea when they'll be wearing those horns in the future.

And... This was our dinner.

Kidding.

A pity we couldn't hit the gong... But we had fun trying to find Singapore's flag on it.

Day 6, 16th November 2010 (Tuesday)

Our last day at Sivilay school and in Laos, but all good things come to an end.

This was the plaque given to us by the school before having the ceremony to wish us well.

For the first part of the ceremony, they would hold on to those strings attached to the pot of plants in the center while someone said a speech.

And then they would carry bunches of strings and tie them on our wrists for blessings.

The kids also tied many braided strings on our wrists, some were attached with money. I knew money was hard to come by for them, but they were willing to part with it just to wish us adieu.

A last minute photo taking session took place right in the very heart of the school I grew very close to the kids there and I daresay I had the most strings tied on my wrists, so much so that I couldn't see my watch under the thick layer of strings covering it.

I also cried the most throughout the stay in Laos. Sorry, but it can't be helped.

I was still thinking of the kids and when I'll come back to visit them when we arrived at Buddha Park, a sort of outdoor museum where many statues of their "gods" are.

Out of all the structures there, this was the most eye catching. It may not look much on the outside - except for it's size - but what's WITHIN; many more smaller statues were inside.

After a tricky climb of steep steps, we made it to the top!

Ascending may be hard, what about descending? SCARY.

"DON'T EAT ME!"

If we go to the night market at night, we definitely shopped at the MORNING market in the morning!

I went from jewelry shop to jewelry shop, doing some ring-shopping together with Jeremy. It's cool that we both have a huge liking for big, silver, metallic rings. For a long time we couldn't make up our minds on what to buy...

But after a long time of searching, guess what I saw there.

The exact same leopard ring I saw at the shop near the fountain at a much lower price!

IN YOUR FACE WOMAN!

Hell yeah I bought that ring, as well as a pink coloured "I LAOS" tee shirt as well as a magnet for my desk.

When Fion and I got back to our room, we proudly spread out our prized possessions.

OK, here's the mistake I did. I posted the pictures for the wrong day! The previous pictures were suppose to be from the 4th day so... Le's just rewind a bit here.

This was where we had dinner in our traditional costumes on the 5th day at a restaurant. I was the only person in a Qi Pao while the other girls wore baju kurongs.

Part of the menu consisted of this tasteless, sticky brown rice in the little wooden bowls that are hanging from our hands. You have to roll up the rice into balls with your fingers before dipping them into something before eating it.

In every meal at a restaurant, there'll always be this special table where the people there have more courses than usual.

Presenting to you the table of ~~judges~~ gobblers: Wen Xuan, Jeremy, Jian Hong.

"We were told that Laos had very nice mangoes. But all we had during our stay here was papaya, papaya and papaya!"

Sometimes it's just something the guys have that makes mealtimes so damn interesting.

Our dear old couple closed the night with a romantic dance while Sophia played on the piano, followed by a time of story-telling from Wen Xuan (and Jian Hong) about their love life and the success story of Muthu (it's an inside joke).

Yes, I see you face. He's insane.

And continuing my part about Patuxai, this is how the view from one of the top windows looks like. What surprised me most about the monument was that there were shops inside! Well, fancy that!

Shades on for a final pose with a balloon at the Laos airport.

I got the window seat for the flight back to Singapore! Not a bad thing on the last day of the trip eh?

Took this picture from the aircraft. A MEANDER! I'm glad I got to see one of the natural features in reality.

Mom was the first person I saw at the airport to welcome me back. Thanks mom!

Big thanks to those who came to the airport that day... Roger... Frisha (though I didn't see her). Looking around... I knew that no matter how long I stayed in Laos, there would always be a place that I love more.

Ahhh... home sweet home.

LAOS Day 3&4

2010-11-21T10:00:00.010+08:00

Day 3, 13th November 2010 (Saturday)

This was the day some of us got our little cakes and biscuits ready at 5am (6am in Singapore) to give alms to the monks. Looks like this is of no difference in waking up for school back at home!

Mr Neu told those who were present about the history about Buddhism and the different types of monks.

Not that I believe in the religion, but it's good to broaden your perspective and knowledge on other things.

There are good things about getting up in the wee hours of the morning; the sunrise is there for you to drink it in.

And not forgetting, our morning breakfast! Um, that's ketchup on the bottom toast and I was NOT trying to write in another language!

This was either Wen Xuan's or Jian Hong's cup. They plopped curry chicken into the liquid and the oil could be seen floating on top!

That's gross.

There's our "hero" for the day, eating watermelon from his teacup. I tried it, and believe it or not, it tasted pretty good!

These 3 form the Homo Mother (Wen Xuan), the Homo Father (Jian Hong) and the _____ Daughter (Cen Li).

They're so poor they gotta eat off the same plate! But it's OK... They need a time of family bonding.

Soon after eating I got bored, so I decided to pose a little with my new found friend, Sophia!

This was a random pose...! Haha! You can find more on my Facebook pictures.

Out of all the pictures we took, I like this one the best. It's all about L-O-V-E!

We showed love to the students by painting their school. It was built years before I was born and the walls were all caked with mud and you can find bits of chewing gum stuck in small corners.

First thing to do was to scrap off anything on the walls. Here's what Jian Hong did when he encountered a piece of chewing gum: since he couldn't scrap it off the wall, he spread the gum all over the wall!

"Disgusting!"

OK, enough talk, more action!

Grabbing a roller for painting, we went straight to work!

When I wore that shower cap, I felt like those aunties/food vendors that serve you in the school tuckshop.

Here, at least Jian Hong's doing something better than spreading gum in walls like butter on bread! The good side of him!

Now let me ask you: Is that boy in the picture above from Singapore or from Laos?

Think about it... (Many girls are attracted to him)

MY FRIENDS!!

I miss them so much! They were my teachers who helped me improve the way I speak their language. I owe it all to them.

After lunch, it was time for 2nd round of painting. While the Singaporean guys did the cement and remaining paint job, the Singaporean girls taught the locals how to do tile painting.

I have to admit, they surprised me with their artistic talents!

I did the tile on the top, and the bottom 3 were given to me by the kids!

Awww... I felt so loved that day!

While waiting for the gel on their tiles to dry, it was time to scream, shout and lose our voices teaching them songs, cheers and dances.

They're doing the "Banana Dance"! Thanks to my CCA and my lovely NCDCC mate, they learnt my favourite "Gako Geko PIONG"!

We visited this mosque that night to give something to them. Not much time was used up there, which I am very thankful of.

Throughout the camp, I enjoy the freedom the teachers give us. Every night they will allow us to go anywhere for our dinner as long as we stay in groups. That suits us teens very well.

Rena, Ching Ting, Sophia and I went to eat at Joma's that night. I had Mango crumb and Almond round while the others girls ordered other munchies.

After dinner we were told to meet back by this fountain. Then the 4 of us went to some shops to see what there was to see.

That was when I saw this leopard ring with its body coiled round the finger from head to tail.I was immensely interested in it but the price was beyond what I could afford even with discounts. The lady-boss was trying hard to pester me to buy... But hey! If I don't have enough money, how am I suppose to buy?!

Crazy hag.

This is the national monument in Vientiane: Patuxai. It's also the tallest building in the capital of Laos, sitting in the middle of a big roundabout.

I'll show you more about how the view from the top of this baby looks on the last day of our stay in Laos.

For now:

We made shadows on the walls!

We all did at least 1or 2 poses and camera lights were flashing all the time there. Most of all, I couldn't stop laughing when I saw the guys do their shadow work...

Hilmi entertained us with his "Mr Bean walk", Wen Xuan and Jian Hong freaked us out with their sexy poses and seductive actions.

When we were at the perimeter of the roundabout, Wen Xuan suddenly exclaimed to Miss Cheong,

"Hey 'cher! I suddenly realise that from here, you can see the shadows clearly!"

"Yeah, you should be glad there were no car accidents while you were putting up your show!"

LAOS Day 1&2

2010-11-18T10:26:00.013+08:00

Day 1, 11th November 2010 (Thursday)

Our 3 hour flight to Vientiane takes us via Bangkok.

During the first plane ride, I sat alone, but that didn't bother me despite all the other ESpirators giggling at me.

Go ahead and laugh!

The place where I shared all my nights sleeping with an outsider on the same bed. Her name's Fion. Don't ask if she snores!

That pretty girl in the picture on the right is Sophia!

During our night walk that evening we arrived, Huda and I decided to be beggars for a little while while waiting for some people to buy bottled water. In her hand is... Her own bottle of juice.

This was the night I got cheated all because of a water bottle..! *GASP*

Day 2, 12th November 2010 (Friday)

Fion and I anre very fortunate to have our room right next to the balcony. Enjoy the morning view!

This is the temple that we're staying opposite to. Don't ask me what's in there to marvel about, 'cause I didn't go in.

Every morning, they'll give you 2 pieces of toast and a heart shaped egg then a small table will be at a corner with other types of food like butter, jam, biscuits, chicken/potato stew, rice and pot of hot water.There'll also be a choice of coffee, tea or hot chocolate for our breakfast drink.

After breakfast we wore our pink Espiration tee shirt again to...

It was an honour to be there. More so, taking a picture with the ambassador himself!

He shared with us the history of Laos and the ties Singapore has with the country.

Part of the history includes: Laos being bombed many times using cluster bombs, many of which still exist till today, buried underground. So anytime, a bomb may go off, sending people flying.

Laos is now thinking of building dams to generate electricity, thus supplying the neighbouring countries with it to get more income. Talking about income, it's depending mainly on agriculture - vegetables, fruits, rice - and mining sites for gold, iron ores and copper.

We had our conversations in this conference room, where we had Q&A. I love this room, it almost made me feel as if I was back in Singapore!

Singapore is now helping Laos in terms of studies and other stuff.

After that, we got the opportunity to take pictures with him - that's what I did - and ask him other questions.

He also mentioned that being an ambassador was a goal accomplished for him and he was very proud of being the ambassador of Singapore in Laos.

Not wasting anymore time, we left for a school in Vientiane.

It's considered a more "developed" school as it has 2-3 stories and the classrooms are not limited to just being on the ground floor.

They even created a banner especially for us! This tells a lot on how much we mean to them...

The first thing we did when we entered the school was to sit in this air-conditioned hall and watched a performance as well as witness the principal of the school handing a souvenir over to Mr Neu.

Now it's time to pop our heads into the classrooms and teach the kids songs, dances and cheers!

I would have to thank my CCA for my knowledge on simple campfire songs that are easy to teach. (I LOVE NCDCC)

My group, Resilience, taught them things like chicken dance, Simon Says, Splat! and this Rabbit game...

A big round of applause to Kenny for helping us to translate the language. If not for him and the help of some teachers, everyone would've been lost!

I grew very close to this girl in only a matter of minutes! Her name's "Bi-Yao" (not the real spelling of her name, but the pronunciation should be about right). I'll never forget all the fun we had...

Also, another girl, smaller in size and height, asked for my email and signature! In Singapore, we're all small, regular Joes and Janes... In Laos, we become celebs!

Dinner that night was extremely healthy-one of the most healthiest meals I've ever eaten. It consists of eating greens raw wrapped up in a type of edible translucent rice paper.

OK, here's the part where I'm gonna let it out...

I ATE A CHILI PADDI FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MY ENTIRE 15 YEARS OF LIFE!

There, I said it.

Mr Neu said that if we eat it, he'll pay for our meal, thus many people tried it - including me (Typical Singaporeans), in the end we all ended up paying for our own meal as too many insane people ate it and Mr Neu backed out in the end.

I tell you, after eating that solid flame, I couldn't stop salivating! My mouth became a mini waterfall and it looked full as if it was injected with silicon. My stomach also felt a little uncomfortable. Thank God I didn't have diarrhea.

Yeah! We became "vegetarians" for a night! ESpirators RULE!

Did someone say shopping? I almost bought a pair of sunglasses from this shop, but nothing else interested me. I know I took pictures with a Hannah Montannah kiddie bag but that was just for fun! Nothing more!

They had LV purses there too! But... You know what kind of LV goods there are in that country.

After a debrief session back at the guest house lobby, it was time to hibernate for the night.

Zzzzz...

There and Back Again from Laos.

2010-11-16T23:33:00.002+08:00

Hey Singapore! I'm back from Laos!

Personally, this trip was very much similar to the trip to Cambodia; tears were shed (I think I shed the most), new friends were made despite the language barrier, stronger bonds were forged and of course, lots of fun and laughter.

ANXIETY? NERVOUSNESS? EXCITEMENT?

2010-11-11T07:04:00.005+08:00

I had trouble falling asleep last night and had no problem waking up today early in the morning - That's so not me. Was I too excited? Or should I say, nervous?

By 7am plus, I gave up trying to sleep.

OH MY GOODNESS MY HEART IS POUNDING!

Sorry, a burst of excitement...

As I was saying, I kept asking myself if I've forgotten to pack anything or ...

I'M GETTING BUTTERFLIES!

Sorry, that was another spur of the moment.

I'm flooded of the memories of how I felt before I left for Cambodia. They're similar, but this time, I'll be without my brother...

Blah. Does he even care?

I'M HYPERVENTILATING!

I hope I won't be a wet blanket in any way and that I'll get along well with my room mate for 5 nights.

Once again... I'm gonna say this:

GOODBYE.

Can't get enough of SCDF.

2010-11-08T20:27:00.010+08:00

Such a sight to remember: SCDF Personnels in this very Condominium! If not for the window grills, I would be flying through the air in my haste to meet them.

The painter was in the gondola hanging from the 5th story. The support on one side came undone and it hung there. Poor man... I'm glad he didn't jump!

What these people were doing, I'm not sure but they're most likely... Medics? Just in case the painter ~~dies~~ gets injured.

But well, no lives lost! However the paint on the wall looks abstract now...!

That's the support that came out.

All the time I was wondering if there were any SCDF personnels that I knew of. Whether I met them at the CD Day Parade or something...

I was almost tempted to go downstairs dressed in my S4, offering my service.

Oh yes, I can see that expression on your face...

They'll most probably tell me to go back to school once they see "NCDCC" on my epaulette.

Just look at the guy abseiling from the roof...!

I think I've just discovered my ambition. Bring on the heights!

They are so heroic! There's just no other way to describe them! Oh boy... I'm in love with SCDF!

I want all their autographs!

That big white-and-yellow square thingy added more urge for me to jump from the window and land...

POOF onto the big cushion!

Ahhh... That feeling's so... COMFY! Talking about the colour yellow...

I baked a lemon tart. Haha. And it was gone the very day it was baked! That should've gave you a hint on how it tasted like...! *winks*

Ohhh... I'm so full now.. I think I'm gonna gain a kilo. Gotta exercise! Tata people!

My First Movie Marathon!

2010-11-05T21:55:00.005+08:00

Never did I expect to be a photographer for Snail Porn when walking out of my apartment...

I mean, seriously, what a way to start your movie marathon early in the morning!

Why can't these snails have more sense of privacy and do their thing behind a leaf or something?! Oh don't worry so much, I didn't disturb them. I'm very considerate.

After all, it's part of nature.

Upon arrival at dear Elaine's, we got the DVDs ready...

Grabbed some special snacks...

Now let the movie marathon begin!

Anyone can tell me which scene is this?

At the end of 8+ hours, we could only finish up till 3 quarters of the 3rd DVD 'cause I needed to leave. Now you know how long our eyes were glued onto the screen and what junkies we both are.

What made it more special was the sound of flying kisses and cheers every time Orlando Bloom's face appeared. But oh! Legolas is so heroic and handsome!

I admit I used to have a crush on him before I met Bill. Hahahaha!

Peter Jackson's LOTR brings back so many fond memories... And I tell you, I've watched it 10 over times and I'm still not sick of it! I can even watch it 10 times more and I'm sure I'll still enjoy every minute of it.

If you've not watched this movie, 9 hours of your life has not been fulfilled.

Unbelievable.

2010-11-03T19:23:00.003+08:00

I can't believe I'm saying this, but, I'm now trying to like the teachers that I once disliked. I mean, OK... They may get on my nerves... But still, they were the ones who taught me all that I need to know.

If not for them, I wouldn't know what I know now. Now this is very difficult, but I'm gonna try.

I'm missing all my Laos meetings... That's sad, 'cause I really wanna know what they're doing, whether they're planning to sneak food into the guest house or poison a dog... Maybe the least they'll do is say "I love you" to a Laotian.

Blah.

Whatever they do, I'm IN!

I'm now thinking of what's there to do on Elaine's birthday outing. At first, we wanted to watch Harry Potter and the deathly Hallows but it's not out until the 18th. Bummer.

So... Eating, shopping, photo taking and having fun are on the list of activities!

Last day of school? Yeah right.

2010-10-29T18:43:00.006+08:00

I'm sure many have asked you, "When's your last day of school?"

To me, there doesn't seem to be an end to school as there're still extra classes during holidays, lessons continue next year and not to mention 2-3 years of more schooling in either JC/Poly/ITE.

While we're on the topic of school, I knew I had to reach East Spring by 10am for my Laos meeting, thus I slept through sunrise. When I awoke, it was 7am, plenty of time to change and get ready for school.

Instead I found myself fighting against time to reach - not school - HTA by 7.30!

By the time I got dressed and got my hair into a bun, half an hour had passed. But hey! Listen up people, I usually take a longer time than this to get ready, so this is GOOD!

On the other hand, the bus which was suppose to fetch my friends and I to HTA hed left, that left me needing my mom to fetch me to the location at Old Chua Chu Kang Road. While I was nervously chomping my breakfast, she was slowly figuring out the route to take... How to get there... I swear if I' waited any longer, my fingers would've been part of my breakfast.

If leaving the house at 7.40am wasn't bad enough, add another hour to the journey because of a massive traffic jam. By the time I got there, I was an hour plus late. What happened to me on the first day of SNCO course started replaying in my head...

GAH!! That shivers me timbers!

OK, I'll cut the crap.

I entered, went to the auditorium and I was greeted by numerous mean monsters who worked me like a slave!

Just kidding.

Nothing bad happened! In fact, some cadets were later than I! But I was still upset bout being late. Rather, I was still haunted by the memories when I was once late for an event at HTA.

It was all smiles at the sight of my old friends from NCDCC including Sir Farhan who did a good job in going through the Home Front Security test papers with us - he's always known for his humour and jokes.

I have no fear whatsoever about failing the test, because this ain't science or A math. Thank God.

By the time I reached school, I was high, grinning to myself with thoughts in my head, even up to this very minute.

Bread-forced with Teacher

2010-10-27T21:38:00.005+08:00

This would be my (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th...) 6th time eating breakfast with my form teacher. A pity I don't enjoy them at all. Double that agony this year because of reasons which I will not post up here... ...

Well... OK. Let's face it.

I love snacking in class.

Popping tit bits in while lessons are on gives me the thrill and enjoyment which prevents me from falling asleep. Where else in this case, eating together with our teacher is worst than barfing! He's such a kill-joy.

* * * * *

Phew! Just finished writing some letters for a bunch of teachers and getting some slips signed by mom for several activities.

The saddest thing is that I'll be missing all of my Laos training sessions in November because of Project LEAP! I hope I'll still be able to catch up.

Maybe Kenny can give me quick Laos language lessons on the plane! Please my fellow Project ESpiration buddies, I'm counting on you to HELP ME!

So many events clash with each other that I wish there were 4 MEs to handle them all!

CCA events, church activities, camps, classes, science examinations and overseas learning journeys - all crammed into 1 month with some activities overlapping one another.

In my opinion, it's definitely not cool. Looks like I need to conduct a class for all the teachers on organisational skills.

More so, the PDS competition is on the 20th November and most of the trainings will be held during my stay in Laos, but it's OK! I'll just go with the flow. I'm a fast learner. *winks*

Now how am I gonna help with the Children's Camp when I've got NCDCC Camp the very next day? Should I drop out of the Children's Camp? Maybe I should just help out on one of the days and be done with it.

Seriously, the more I think about it, the more I felt as if I should've practiced NAVY - Never Anyhow Volunteer Yourself (according to PCK).

For your information, this is practically the reason why we lay off things until the last minute. You never know when new things may pop up. In the end, you gotta cancel your activities at the last minute. And Jem was so eager for me to join the Children's Camp that I almost forgot my ABC! So much for wanting to help everyone.

Now what?

Yummy!

2010-10-24T19:18:00.002+08:00

I can't wait for holidays to start! That also means the start of the LEAPS program.

But, as long as it helps pull up my grades, anything's worth the trouble of going back to school, as long as there isn't any flag raising.

My calendar has markings all over with activities from camps to lessons, to BBQs, to trips and others!

Sometimes I get so dizzy with holiday plans that sitting on the floor, calendar in hand and staring mouth opened into space is probably the best feeling ever.

Until I snap back to earth.

I'm now thinking of what to pack for my trip to Laos.

18 days to go!

Should I bring my DSLR or Lumix?

Should I bring my black or turquoise nail polish?

Should I bring my hoodie or denim jacket?

Should I bring my boots, high heels or ballet flats?

Should I bring my FCUK or Kenneth Cole watch?

Should I bring my jeans or tights?

Should I bring my heart or head?

Just pulling your legs people!

I'm going there for CIP, not for some runway fashion show!

Dearest Honey Bunny, looking forward to our Movie Marathon!

I tell you LOTR is one of the best movies ever made with the best characters, storyline and scenery! You won't regret watching it and we can have all the time in the world together!

Visits to Polytechnics

2010-10-20T23:37:00.002+08:00

Although the mention of the name Ngee Ann might put a frown on Mr Khan's face, I admit Ngee Ann Poly was pretty cool. The ambassadors there were friendly and welcomed us with warm smiles.

My class was chosen to go for the Health Science tour, so we climbed staircases forever - that was when I learned that the building was built on a hill - until we came to a row of different rooms with "pregnant dummies" where students get to practice their hands-on work on nursing.

There was also a video showing how a baby was delivered by cesarean. I could've sworn I felt my hairs standing! I'm glad I wasn't born into this world by that method... Poor Sheryl.

It took my group of girls to get used to the life-like dummies - which blink their eyes - and babies.

All I could think of was blood during that tour.

Wasn't surprised that the girls were able to munch on their food after the tour. 'Cause girls are used to seeing blood anyway! If you know what I mean...

If I ever go to Poly, I'll be able to get my very own lappy and maybe even an iPod Touch! (Depending on the course I'm taking and which Poly I may be going to.)

The thought's thrilling! However, you never know where I might end up in 2 years' time.

Today we went to Nanyang Poly where everyone almost fell asleep during a lecture conducted by a woman.

Well, the auditorium was air-conditioned, so it was the perfect temperature to take a snooze.

It's pretty sad to think that most men have more humour than ladies (yours truly).

Seriously, Polytechnics are huge! You gotta walk 2km from one end to reach the other and climb unending rounds of stairs.

It's so big you can have a riot there without breaking anything and you need a telescope to see the other end of the Polytechnic

Nanyang Poly's mostly about technology and electronics. Although there's a building about biology, it didn't capture my attention as much as Ngee Ann did.

Hate

2010-10-18T10:21:00.002+08:00

Breaking down before the one who hates you sucks. Much worst when you're within the sight of that person.

You often ask yourself, what can I do to make myself feel better?
Most popular answers would be, "Time heals the pain", "Move on", "Forget that that person even exists".

Listening to songs is my remedy.
The lyrics and music together are enough to keep me out of depression, for a while.

Right now, watching the raindrops falling on the window pane is the best thing I'm doing.
The drops are so much like the ones falling from swollen eyes.
Slowly, they trickle down in little rivers and create puddles when they reach the ground.
Nice to look at, but sad to feel.

Why do the clouds cry when they don't feel anything?
Do they detect the emotions of humans and console them by crying together?

I don't know who I am anymore.
I feel...

Humanoid.

Who said E!Hub was boring?

2010-10-15T11:59:00.008+08:00

Elaine came over in the morning with her collection of Mary-Kate and Ashley books! Thanks Elaine! It's been quite a while since we had some time together, after being separated into different sec 3 classes.

Our initial plan was to bake, but NO. Not staying indoors!

LET'S GET OUTTA HERE!

I dug up my box of trinklets and we became 5 year olds again!

Credits to Elaine for this pic!

We played with my guitar, camera, accessories and books! Well, not really played with books but I showed her the Jane Austen books I borrowed from the library.

I'm glad she influenced me to read read read!

Psst! Reading is more important than homework!

"The man who doesn't read books has no advantage over the man who can't read."

~Quote from a friend~

After the rest of our friends arrived, what are we waiting for?

READY, SET, LET'S GO!

...AND PLAY JUBEAT!

Well, at least the guys did. Bleh. Met up with Sean there, and he was Jubeating too!

Meanwhile, Elaine and I went window shopping and booked the tickets for the movie.

You see, Elaine and I are very patient, so we waited and waited for the guys to finish playing until we only had 20 minutes to eat lunch: ICE CREAM at Gelare!

8 different flavours of ice cream with Oreos and fruits! Be jealous people.

In the end, we had fun rushing through our ice cream because the movie was about to start!

In the process, we had a laugh of witnessing Daryl become an ice cream monster.

Results were: he had a stomachache several hours later.

We were gonna watch "The Child's Eye", a Hong Kong horror...

Was it scary?

Yes!

'Cause I scared Sheun Hauw with my scream.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

After the movie ended he kept repeating that my scream scared him.

Yeah, fear me!

If I'd known my screams scared him, I would've screamed a lot more.

But I'm no bimbo. Sorry to disappoint.

Sheun Hauw wanted to watch the 3D version, but Elaine and I bought the 2D version. Sorry dude...

However, if we really did watch it in 3D, I would've died.

In my point of view, it was only scary at 2-3 parts. The rest was just bullshit and didn't make any sense at all.

What made me happy was that Elaine and I fulfilled our promise to each other about having an ice cream outing. True enough, all we had that day was ICE CREAM!

This one had Fruit Pebbles at the bottom of the cup, which reminded us about the time when I would always bring Fruit Loops to school and we would snack on them during recess (and in my class).

I call them "Keep-me-awake" Fruit Loops!

Bill likes Fruit Loops too!

Then we wanted to see the haunted Red House, but it was shut.

Influence from that horror movie. No doubt.

So spooky! But it's in broad daylight! What's there to fear?

We went back to E!Hub 'cause the guys wanted to continue playing Jubeat but the machines were hogged by other people.

So after wandering aimlessly in the building, the group dispersed.

(S)LAUGHTER!

2010-10-12T22:38:00.004+08:00

Exams are officially over for this year! No, don't mention O' levels to me. Yet.

Let me have my fun.

Looking back about how I wasted 7 weeks, I feel like I've just woken up from a nightmare. Man, I feel like repeating that little paragraph I got from "Frankenstein"...

Of course, I edited it a little.

"You twisted my world upside down with perverted words, thus will I crush and crumble yours into a stormy grey… Filled with misery and nightmares.

Prepare to suffer punishment proportionate to your crimes.

Your head, once held so high, will stay on the dirt and dust on the ground that you trodden on with such ignorance.

Your thoughts, so proud, will ever be sober with constant guilt and regret.

Your hands, that did nothing but create monstrous deeds to others, will forever be used against you in your cursed years.

Your eyes, that caught glimpses of unknown sights, will be now blind to all else that moves and breathes.

Your tongue, that spoke of undesirable words, will be silenced before you can utter another sound.

Your mind, filthy with sexual immorality, will stop functioning like a corpse.

Everyone will be embittered and cruel towards you. A world of empowering anguish will rule over you. In fear you will live, and in horror you shall dwell.

There will be no comfort for you, no joy to ease the pain of your miserable passing days. You shall have no place to lay your heavy head.

I will exert myself in this devouring passion of my mind and soul. I will devote myself into your destruction, making you so wretched that the light of day will be hateful to you.

My rage is of unspeakable dreadfulness. I shall reveal to you the terrifying consequences of playing with fire. In it, you will burn till there is nothing left. Not a cell nor scrap of bone shall be discovered.

You will disappear from the face of this Earth. No one will ever remember you nor know of your name.

Fear me."

On top of that, I'm dedicating (when you're not even worth my dedications) this little stanza from "Break Away" by Tokio Hotel.

I told you I don't need to stay. I can always Break Away.

"No more counting all your lies, no more waiting for your goodbyes.

You are like a bitter pill, I had to take against my will."

Allow me to end off with:

"The hearts of men, are easily corrupted."

~Quoted from The Lord Of the Rings~

Got wild. But not wet.

2010-10-08T22:34:00.002+08:00

I'm not to go shopping anymore...

It's alright, it's ok. Got the stuff I wanted.

Exams are taking a toll on me. Every time I come back from an exam paper, I go wild and start acting like myself. I see blurred faces everywhere and I start sinking in my dreams.

Dreams that hardly have a chance of coming true.

I'm filled with thoughts and dreams now... I'm an introvert. I lost my sense of keeping a conversation going. Do not look for humour here.

If I'm ever wild, bubbly or talkative around you, don't believe it.

It's the drugs.

Hello Exams!

2010-10-01T18:36:00.009+08:00

Inspirations are everywhere. One came from my mom for my English composition. It talks about regret. Other sources of inspiration came from songs like "Mine" by Taylor Swift and "Ready, Set, GO!" by Tokio Hotel!

Actually, many Tokio Hotel songs were playing over and over in my head... So much so that I almost wrote the lyrics to the song "Automatic"! Well, if the teacher marking my script is a TH fan, I bet you I'll score the highest!

For situational writing, I chose the YOG & sports camp 'cause I was a YOG volunteer and Elaine chose the overseas learning journey 'cause she went overseas to Bali!

So... We chose what we experienced. I bet those who're in Dance would choose the last option: Aesthetics camp.

I don't have much inspiration for Chinese though... I just wrote. And wrote... And continued ~~wroting~~ ... Rotting... Rotted.

Oh, and what's with people on Facebook nowadays? If you want to add people, show your own bloody face on your profile picture! If you're ugly, I understand. If that's the case, then at least type your proper name. Ugh. Please. Get a life.

Slow Snail, That's Me

2010-09-26T15:39:00.002+08:00

It's amazing how I can take minutes to complete a single question, hours to complete a page of homework and an entire weekend to finish the rest of my schoolwork.

OK, well, not so amazing... In fact it's bad...

But daydreaming isn't that bad, right?

Joseph was a dreamer, and he became the leader of Egypt, the world's super power that time.

WOW! Will I become the leader of Singapore one day and make her the super power...?

(See? A sample of my daily dreams)

What about doodling?

If you'd look closely at my hand, wrist and fingernails, you may see strokes of pen ink. Most of the time, I like drawing the cursive strokes of flames around my wrist just like a bracelet.

Other times, I play tic-tac-toe on my hand, paper, books, worksheets... Basically everything that can be written on.

If you think that's bad, take a look in my textbooks (especially my chem textbook).

So now I'm trying to prioritize my time.

__ hours of daydreaming...

__ hours of doodling...

__ mins of studying...

__ hours of computer...

Help me fill in the blanks, please. Thanks.

Right now, I'm looking forward to the plans I have after my exams.

One of them is my Laos trip! I was dreaming what to bring there, what to do there, what to expect and buy...

Then one fine day, I got an email from my teacher saying that I had to accompany my sec 1s to CDA on that very day I'll be leaving the country!

Should I split myself into two?

The day I became a Malay

2010-09-24T20:43:00.005+08:00

Everywhere I went, I made heads turn with my dressing.

I admit, it did feel weird, but that faded and I got comfortable with how I looked.

A lovely baju kurong loaned to me by Huda! Thanks my dear!

This is Frisha. Haha! It's a nice feeling wearing another ethnic's costume. For once, I felt like a Malay (for a day)!

We all looked like princesses!

I liked Amira's necklace and heels a lot!

"Train is coming! Train is coming! Please start queuing!..."

Every 5 minutes we could hear this song playing just when the train was about to arrive. ARGH!! GET IT OUT OF MY HEAD!

Some other Malay cadets joined us too. WOW... I sort of blended in!

How cool is that?!

First we went to Encik Haramain's house, stayed there for a long time, then we went over to Asyiqah's house and watched a scary movie, but didn't finish it though... I should watch the entire movie from start to end!

Some people even talked to me in malayu!

Remind me to bring a translator when I go jalan raya again...! Better still, I should learn how to speak the lingo!

Amira, Asyiqah, Huda, Frisha, Zafirah, Faizul and Ardilla..?

I need malayu lessons!

And these are my two lovely Minah friends from NCDCC...!

Here's wishing you "Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri!"

The Letter.

2010-09-21T17:00:00.003+08:00

Dear You,

... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .... .... ... ... .... .... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
... ... ... .

Love,
Me.

CD Day Parade 2010

2010-09-17T21:59:00.002+08:00

I just wanted to have a chat with my SCDF friends, but that wasn't possible. Other than that, I'm content with "Bukit Spring". Having a chat and photos taken with several VIPs weren't that bad either. Some from Indonesia, Brunei and Malaysia!

Some comments on the parade were that the audience couldn't tell the NCDCC squad and the regulars apart. (Yeah, I'm tall OK!)
Of course... We're that good.

Right now... I'm missing the people and friends I made there. Waiting for the BBQ to come after the exams.

Today's training was ok... Yesterday was Sir Vinodh's birthday, so I gave him a small pack of M&Ms. Haha! Dished them out to my sec 1s too, as a gift on the last day of CCA before exams.

Let's hope they know how to appreciate what's theirs.
I'm to promote them to Lance Corporal by the end of this year... I suppose it's that easy...?!
We'll see how everything goes...

To someone:
You're all I ever wanted. You made me smile... I always wanted to meet you. You're like a dream come true, the light during my darkest hour. You made me complete and helped me appreciate the little things which seem insignificant in life. You were my everything...

I lied. BYE!

Tokio Hotel TV

2010-09-11T17:36:00.002+08:00

BAM! And I'm done with Tokio Hotel TV episodes.

BUT! That only means it's time to watch them all over again!

NAW! I'm just kidding.

I'll only watch those videos that I really enjoy, like: Bill going shopping in the supermarket, his private party... Mostly things about Bill.

Other than him, just videos that I find funny. Till now, I'm still searching for more videos bout the band.

I know, some people say Bill's gay but he says, "No, I'm not gay."

Some other rumour says he has a girlfriend but he commented, "I'm still single."

Bad news is: how long ago was that?

Going crazy over TOKIO HOTEL!

2010-09-02T20:16:00.004+08:00

Now why am I wearing my black "bulldog" wristband..?

All my ear studs are black and I'm yearning for black nail polish and a black studded biker jacket...

I'm getting too crazy over Tokio Hotel! But I can't help it! Ever since I heard their song "Dark Side Of The Sun", I've been finding as many of their songs as I can and watching them on YouTube.

Even now, I'm listening to "Automatic" by them. You bet I'll learn how to play their songs!

Get ready for a hardcore Tokio Hotel fan! Yes, I'm talking about yours truly!

The lead singer, Bill Kaulitz, may not be the best singer there is, but he has his own unique-eccentric-awesome-fabulous-gothic style. WOWZER!

I love his lion's mane! Yeap! Spikes are my favourite! So is his skinniness and make-up! I should get my funky kohl eyeliner, together with chains hanging from my neck and jeans.

If Bill Kaulitz was a Japanese anime character, I'd go all out to dress like him!

And check out his twin brother Tom Kaulitz!

Goodness... To think that I actually looked up Wikipedia for Bill's biography!

I'm not crazy..!

In fact...

I'm insanely out of my freaking mind!

Even if I am obsessed with him, it's a passing fad. No doubt, this is my fantasy!

Wait, is it..?

Teachers' Day celebration/ACES Day

2010-09-01T00:31:00.003+08:00

I didn't get my teachers anything... But I wished them a happy teachers' day. Hope that'll be enough. But most likely... They'll say,

"The best gift you can give me is acing your exams."

The ACES day games were OK. Didn't like the commentator.

I could've performed better if not for my thighs that felt stiff. Walking backwards at such a speed was a torture.

When I finished my station, my legs were crying.

I want my class tee! I've been deprived of it since sec 1...

Congrats to the teachers who won the awards!

I was practically screaming my lungs out when Mr Tan and Mr Khan got the awards!

THEY'RE BOTH MY FAVOURITE TEACHERS!

3 CHEERS FOR THEM BOTH! HIP HIP HOORAY! (X3)

There, I screamed some more for them.

Sadly, I didn't have the time to go back to my primary school. But I wish them a happy teachers' day. Special wishes to Madam Nazia!

I LOVE YOU MY DEAREST TEACHER!

NCDCC Day Parade training.

2010-08-31T23:30:00.004+08:00

The sight of CDA brings back memories, standing on the parade square is so familiar. Once again, I had the drive to be Martha the 2nd, a former Civil Defence Fire Fighter!

We practiced for some days in half-u, then when we first tried on the helmets for that parade, it was also the first time - in my 3 years of NCDCC - that I reported sick.

I wore it before during NCDCC Day Parade and nothing serious happened to me. So why was this so different? I wasn't even fasting, and that made me feel a lot smaller.

After that day, I managed to pull through the rest of the trainings then on. But it was a different story for other cadets in my contingent.

Today, nearly 10 cadets reported sick. The biggest number so far, of all the trainings.

The scorching sun could've been the culprit, beating down heat on everyone's back...

Maybe we're the ones who didn't drink enough water the previous day/before the day started.

The most serious among the 10 was this pale-faced cadet, leaning forward.

If Sir Rusli didn't approach the cadet on time, he would've collapsed. Even when he was supported by some people, he was flopping like a fish out of water. So scary.

"When that happens, it means your mind's already blacked out. Don't wait for that to take place." - Sir Rusli.

Upgrading Day

2010-08-20T20:50:00.004+08:00

The badges and ranks finally came in! Now the SNCOs are finally Staff Sergeants (YES!), the sec 3s who were Lance Corporals are now Sergeants too!

Faizul and Ardilla's sec 2 squad received their fire safety badge and my sec 1s had their very first badge - Camp craft. Yay!

Sad thing was that only 7 cadets were present!

After I gave out the badges, I told the cadets to put them on... And they all had difficulty! This one's most epic:

Cadet: "I can't open the pin... There must be a secret code to open it!"

Me: (Speechless) Er... (ROFL)

Teaching them now is a joy. Although I wasn't in the drive for CCA before it began, it quickly changed as I taught them. Slowly... I got used to a cadet's constant questions and another cadet's "blurness".

But I won't tolerate their laziness and sloppy attire! They still need time to get used to me, I understand that. It happens to most people.

Right now, my problem lies with finding my sec 1's Fire Safety theory test papers! I hope I find them as soon as possible...

I just can't wait for them to rank up!

This morning... "Welcome to East Spring Secondary School, where hanging clothes to dry on the windows exist!" That includes disgusting soggy socks, thanks to the downpour.

Schools should start having laundry services...

My desk - DONE!

2010-08-15T16:37:00.004+08:00

YAY!

My new desk is completed! That makes my room the only room that has a desk of its own.

Now it looks like a well furnished room! After the mini-makeover... Everything's in place... I can finally study in my own room without having to lie or crouch on my bed... No need to go out to the dining table to do my homework!

It's splendid!

The drawers are still empty... I'm still thinking of what to put inside. Besides that, I've put my soft toys on top of the desk to keep me company.

Yeah.. I'm that lonely.

I've got new curtains too! A layer of sheer pink and another layer of sheer white.

PLUS! NEW! BEDSHEETS! Horizontal lines of black, pink, white and purple to match!

You can't imagine how happy I am! But well... If only the apartment could be new as well... I'd be over the moon!

The Nation's 45th Independence Day

2010-08-09T12:29:00.006+08:00

Happy 45th Birthday Singapore!

Guess what?

You're 30 years older than me! IN YOUR FACE!

Woohoo! I'm still young!

My apologies to Bharat and for those who wanted me to go watch the marching of the NCDCC contingent and the fireworks.

I just don't feel like going, squeezing with the crowd.

Should I take a jog? Maybe I should swim a few laps.

Talking about swimming, my mom bought me new goggles! Thanks mom.

The rubber piece popped off my old ones and when I tried swimming with those, it felt as if my eyeballs were being gauged out... And water flooded the goggles just like how it did in Orchard Road.

A thought just hit me... If it's the Nation's birthday? Shouldn't the government deliver a piece of cake to each household?

Guess not.

Budget problems...

Poor Singapore.

Get rich soon!

I'm gonna dedicate this song to you, my dear fellow Singaporeans...

"I hope you become a billionaire,

So freaking fast.

Buy all of the things you never had...

I hope you'll be on the cover of Forbes magazine,

Smiling next to Oprah and the Queen...

For every time you close your eyes,

You'll see your names in shining lights...

A different city every night,

Oh I swear,

The world better prepare,

When You're A Billionaire!"

Get wiser.

Bowling with my fellow NCDCC mates!

2010-07-28T22:50:00.004+08:00

When I heard the news that my teacher was gonna treat the NCDCC leaders to go bowling, my jaw broke its joint while dropping.

No surprise that I'm not the only one who couldn't believe it.

In fact, it was such a "last minute" thing that... I had nothing to say.

11 people were going; inclusive of me and the other 8 cadets. With Sir Teo, that makes 10. So who's the 11th?

We all thought it was gonna be a teacher but to our surprise, Sir brought his girlfriend along!

Welcome to the group, Little Miss!

No, that's not Her! This is Huda! the "Pregnant Girl"!

There. Evidence!

See the girl beside her?

That's Amira, the "Husband"!

Went to E!Hub. I'm surprised Jerron didn't know where it was..!

Does he really live in the east?!

My score this time was better than my last bowling game! Haha!

I'm so proud of myself!

But Frisha's the Champ! *Salutes.

After all that work out, it's time to put back the calories at Popeyes! WOO!

Sir's GF helped us take this picture. She's a really nice girl! Pretty too!

I can't wait for my next bowling game!

I'm Tired.

2010-07-23T21:58:00.004+08:00

I'm tired.

I pumped my 1st 3 cadets today during training.
I guess I couldn't control my frustration...?

What's up with them?
Can't they just open their mouths and shout out the timing?
What's wrong with lifting their legs and arms up 90 degrees?

It's been months already and we're still at the basics!
They won't get far... NCDCC will fall when they take over.
Maybe the sec 2s this year will be able to save it... But this year's sec 1s?

Not a chance.

Baking again! FINALLY!

2010-07-21T21:01:00.004+08:00

I never thought I'd be able to bake while school is so happening! But I'm now in the habit of completing my homework in school, so it's not much of a problem... As long as there's no extra homework!

The thought of baking was actually reminded by a friend... So I just randomly decided to flip through my cookbook and then found a recipe!

Fresh Fruit Genoese.
Baked together by Mother and Daughter!

A picture speaks a thousand words.
It's a little dry and it tasted like medicine. Well, that's because it was the first time I used this recipe that requires orange liqueur.
Oh, I'll improve! This I promise you.

* * * * *

Racial harmony day was pretty colourful with students and teachers walking about... Showing off their ethnic costumes...
A rainbow of colours of baju kurong (not sure of the spelling), kabaya, qi pao...etc.

All except for 3E1 and their form teacher, with the exception for Nadia - who needed to wear a kabaya for some purpose.

It's dull here. My secondary school life is cursed.

NDP Rehearsal 2010

2010-07-18T19:09:00.007+08:00

Thanks to Daddy SY, I was able to go for this year's National Day Parade 2010. I forgot how many years it's been since I last watched.
Yesterday's was just a rehearsal, but it beats watching nothing.

Actually, I think the rehearsal's better than the actual parade. It's a lot more funny!

After they say "Please arise to welcome 'so-and-so'..." They add in, "This is just a simulation."

I kept laughing together with Uncle Amen everytime the host said that sentance! Haha!

He brought along this gorgeous Canon DLSR that got me pretty envious...

Why does everyone have a DLSR?!

I guess I know how to appreciate parades now.

In my younger days I didn't know what all the shouting was for.

I only looked forward to all the action like the fighter-jets...

Seeing them do formations were pretty eye-catching for me back then.

Not to mention the Red Lions!

But something beats mere jet planes flying in the air...

I always look forward to seeing the fireworks. They're like coloured stars in the night sky. If there were no stars that night, these are the ones that light up the sky and bring back fond memories of my younger days. (I'm still very young!)

I can't make them... I know.

But if I ever see them again, I'll just, turn around and, Smile.

From hyper to sleepy

2010-07-13T21:05:00.002+08:00

I had the best chem lesson ever. Maybe the best I could ever have throughout my entire secondary school years, because

We did extreme experiments in the chem lab.
We had fun without *ahem!

Best part was, we heated up magnesium ribbons in crucibles using the Bunsen burner! I LOVE FIRE!

After some time, the crucible would glow red hot underneath. Then when the ribbon turns to black and white ash, it can be allowed to cool.

The instructions said to repeat the heating process about 4-5 times to obtain the most accurate results, but after the first few rounds of heating, prang sounds were heard one by one all around the lab... Leaving the crucible looking nothing but like a broken/chipped Chinese tea cup.

For me, I heated mine, I didn't drop the crucible, I handled it very carefully... I was heating it up a 2nd time, but when I used the thongs to remove it from the flame, the bottom popped off!

Poor quality crucibles! Budget problems, no doubt.

But only Yong Qiang, the lab assistant and I know about it! Hehe!

It broke so quietly that it didn't attract attention unlike the many others.

Prang prang prang prang prang prang prang prang prang prang!

From hyper to sleepy.

Sadly, it was during my favourite subject. Never expected me to fall asleep during that lesson! Partially due to the new timetable, placing that period immediately after recess.

It was the first time my eyelids felt so heavy... In fact, the entire class felt like dozing off too!

I felt super guilty...

I'm sorry Mr Khan! It won't happen again!

People will Change.

2010-07-10T21:04:00.004+08:00

Get this into you:

If you know a certain type of person - no matter for how long - you can never expect that person to remain the same forever.

People will be People. And you can be sure that People will change at least once in their life. Be it in personality, mannerism, attitude, way of thinking...

You name it.
It won't last.

Even if you see the person after a long time, that person may seem similar to who he/she was before, but you can't be sure.
Probably it's all a fake.
Probably it's just a show.

Those who are sick of pretending won't lead others on.
That's when people get pissed with their "sudden change in behaviour".
That's when they start to rant about "how these people are so different from who they used to be"...

I mean, hey, c'mon.
Surely there's been a time when they themselves changed because of something - could be an incident, or accident or anything!

But no matter what people say, they can't talk back.
They bottle it up, because they know no one wants to listen to their problems or they'll just look like any common human being expecting sympathy.

Question is: "Who will listen and show sympathy?"
Even if you do find a person willing enough to sit and listen to your babbling, you never know if your words come in through one ear and exit through the other.

Because what do they tell us?
"Don't complain. Everyone has their own set of problems."

Accept the fact people.

No one stays the same forever.

Food and scalded tongues

2010-07-05T22:46:00.002+08:00

Spending Youth day with your mama is one of the best things to do! Yeah, just let her feel like a youth again. (Young at heart!)

I just ate a 15% unripe banana! Tasted horrible...!

Well, partially because I scalded my taste buds while eating lunch with my mama today. Hehe! Looks like scalding taste buds does make a difference to the taste of the food... In a bad way!

Japanese food at Nihon Mura was on the menu!

Ordered rice with teriyaki chicken... Then I didn't wait for the rice to cool. I just ate the food, not caring how it burned my throat and mouth. By the time I finished it and drank my hot tea, I felt hot!

At least the stomach did!

I thought eating ice cream would cool down the temperature... It did alright!

But the taste buds were pretty badly damaged.

*Rubs taste buds with teeth*

Yeah, still pretty bad.

I'm a Sergeant!

2010-07-03T22:45:00.008+08:00

Boredom can really drive people to do the stuff they never did before! Just to entertain themselves!
Here I am, at home, with my Mom beside me, and we're both playing spider solitaire.
She beat my score!
Oh no worries people, I'll get to the top again. You know my style!

I have an announcement!

I'm officially a Sergeant!

WOOOOHOOOOOO!!! (But without my Corporal rank)
Never did we (most of the sec 3s) think of being double promoted!
Still, we're all a little upset that we don't have our Corporal rank. It's not normal in a sense that you skip one stage in something.
For example, whoever heard of a caterpillar turning into a butterfly immediately?
Or from a baby turning 70 in a day?! (My apologies to those mature ones)

Should we buy corporal ranks from beach road for ourselves?
But then again, we won't feel the sense of accomplishment, because the rank was bought!

I'll stay contented with my role of being a Sergeant and my job as the year 1's IC!

Training was sort of spoiled by the rain. And on our 1st day of training too!
I'm quite pleased with the sec 1s yesterday. Taught them how to do the muster parade and marching. Hopefully by next training they'll be able to join in with the rest of the Company!
As always, they need a lot of practise and discipline. While majority are all right, there's still that hand full that needs a lot of help.

On the brighter side, I'm already starting to see potential in 2 of my cadets! Maybe they'll be the future SNCOs!
Oooo...! High hopes!! High hopes!!!

Really want to thank all those who have helped and encouraged me in my week. Special thanks to Amira who helped me train the year 1s. (Hmmm... I gotta brush up on my commanding skills too! Hehe!)
And thanks to the SNCO girls, I think I'm a little addicted to "Waka waka"!

To end off, here's a little something my brother taught me years ago... (Psst! I'm thinking of teaching it to the sec 3s and using it during training! How cool is that?!)

We are the Sergeants, we are the Man!
You better listen to me 'cause I got a plan!
Who dares to mess with me, I will make you pay!
Pumping, pumping all the way!

1 pumping, 2 pumping, 3 pumping, 4...
5 pumping, 6 pumping, and many many more!
HEY!

My Sec 4's POP

2010-06-27T19:47:00.003+08:00

I'm so envious of my seniors! Just look at what they're doing!

I WANT TO DO THAT TOO!

But sadly, I have to wait another year before I can do that. And when that time comes, I have to sit for my O' levels!

Ah well, at least I've completed all my holiday assignments!

And let's hope I've completed them in the correct manner that they're suppose to be done!

It'll be horrendous if I put in all my effort in doing my homework, just to find out that I completed them the wrong way!

After one month of holidays, I forgot the feeling of going to school.

Even if I'm really in the school compound, it'll just be a feeling of de javu.

On the bright side, I'll be able to see my friends again!

See ya!

Procrastination is holding me back!

2010-06-21T22:09:00.004+08:00

I'm glad that I've completed part of my Chinese project together with Shannon and Ernest. Another burden off my back. (1 down, but many more to go!)

Our task was to make a video and imitate any Chinese opera video and my ears rang while listening to the opera videos on YouTube.

For the first few hours, we watched video after video and chatted with different people online, asking them about the Chinese project. (Seems like many didn't do it either!)

At first, the guys wanted to sing the opera song! So we stood in front of the camera trying to sing the opera songs...

But they ended up sounding like cats being strangled!

Then in the end, we settled for just a simple "opera acting". I gladly agreed to that!

When to comes to opera, acting is way better than singing!

Another thing is...

Do I look so different when I let my hair down... I mean, literally? When I don't wear my specs or when I wear my NCDCC uniform?

That's because when my group decided to meet up at McDonald's; Shannon could find me easily, however, Ernest took one step into the restaurant (when I was right in front of him), looked around, and then trotted out again!

I felt like the Invisible Woman from the Fantastic 4!

Shannon and I almost lost our heads laughing!

I'm done with my Chemistry and Physics homework. I'm just left with my Chinese and A math.

I'M GONNA COMPLETE THEM!

Back from Church Camp 2010!

2010-06-13T01:39:00.010+08:00

Hey all! I'm back from Nilai, Malaysia!

I'm not gonna waste time and tell the entire 5 days, so just read what I have to type!

One of the first to arrive, so I occupied myself by taking pictures and letting others take pictures of me!

Some baby's vomit. I forgot who's, but I just snapped it. Yeah, too bored and too free at that time.

Yeah right... My boyfriend. Haha!

Fun shots with Isaac and Ira! Without them, my day would've been pretty dull then!

Thanks for the smiles and laughters guys!

I bunked in with Melody and Doreen in room 611!

Got to know many new comers like the Tupas family and friends:

GAIL

I already miss her! Can't wait to see you again sis!

Brandon

He found this empty bird's nest! Oh, and please stop bullying me whenever we play Monopoly Deal!

Earl & Raj

Earl can be a little crazy at times. Raj is such a cool guitarist! Keep smiling guys!

Josiah

He's the best guitarist that I've ever met! Thanks for the smiles and everything! Congrats and welcome to God's family!

Someday I hope I can play the guitar as well as you do!

Yup, that's Raj in the background. He looks very different from the previous picture eh?

Last but not least, the adorable smiley-faced girl at the far ~~left~~ right:

Elana

She goes crazy over Salty!

We smoke chocolate-flavoured cigars! Yummy!

Edible, delicious and they don't cause lung cancer!

I would have to thank Melody for bringing her Monopoly Deal cards along!

And the Tupas family for buying so many snacks for us! I bet we were all concentrating on the food more than on the cards.

Just for your info, Josiah, Brandon and Elana are not part of the Tupas family, they're just friends. Hehe!

When I reached Singapore, I wanna go back to Nilai Springs again!

And I miss these people to the core!

I decided to bring A Math and Chem homework, but did not finish either one!

Boo hoo hoo...

Gotta chiong now.

Doreen brought her homework along too! A Math!

I did bring along a soft toy there - Salty!

Just as I feared; he got pulled, thrown, tossed, squeezed, tortured and mutilated...

No worries, he's strong. He stayed cute and furry and fought the good fight despite all that he went through.

He also met some lovely people who helped me to take care of him!

For once, Salty got to see Malaysia.

Yeah, Salty's my hero.

Now my bed's beckoning...

Sayonara!

Zzzz...