juunk

2008-05-26T20:47:00.000+08:00

BYEBYE BLOGGER

2008-05-24T22:09:00.002+08:00

Up to now, I still think of how the price differential could have been ploughed into setting up my own business instead of paying some money grubbing foreign institution. The trade off between smu law (maybe even nus if i didnt conveniently skip the written test) and nyu biz. No doubt the blinding lights of nyc is a huge draw, but the thought of my own cafe chan (dont laugh, its tons better than liz's suggestion of merlion cafe) still tugs at me.

I sure hope I dont become some money grubbing wall street banker.

HK/Macau

2008-05-23T19:44:00.003+08:00

Im back! The trip was good and everyone was really really really nice. Will update more soon.

Last day of work!

2008-05-16T15:16:00.003+08:00

TODAY IS MY LAST DAY OF WORK!

I’ll miss some people, the sparkling clean toilets, my lotusnotes calendar and the cheap canteen food. I won’t miss some people, the bloody long rides home, the freezing aircon (global warming hullo), the smart card system (absolute misnomer) and the rigidity of the whole place.

I will be leaving for Hong Kong and Macao later and am going to be back only on the 21st. Recently, I started reading up on reconstructing clothes and its really coooooool. Intending to buy some yards of random cloth and sew myself a random me dress. Then again, if my mum doesn’t freak out and faint, I also intend to try the world’s highest commercial bungy jump in Macao. (GMAX still eludes me)

After that, it will be prepping for the diving course. Fei fan, Shari, Dawn, Wanda and I are attending an open water diving course then going to Pulau Tioman to dive! Concurrently, I will also have a home-based work assignment, so I won’t be that broke :)

Life really is quite exciting when office culture is not draining the daylights out of you. Plus, the more I think about it, the more I think life at NYU is going to be great. Make that fantastic. Been considering what computer I should get and drawing up comparison tables before finally settling on a Sony Vaio CR. The champagne and red versions are gorgeous.

Ok bye!

I'm blogging from work!

2008-05-13T17:08:00.001+08:00

Just some of the things we do to keep us from losing our sanity!

Happy Mothers Day!

2008-05-10T23:35:00.002+08:00

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!

Wednesday was spent watch The Hypochondriac with Sharifah and Xin Wei. The show was ok. Fairly entertaining but not gripping. Thursday was class outing at Essential Brew then icecream at Swensens. Earthquake!! Yesterday I went out for KTV with my colleagues and today Im going out with Joanne and Feifan followed by mothers day dinner.

Next week is my last week at work and I am terribly excited :)

senanggg

2008-05-03T20:42:00.003+08:00

Selamat Malam! Apa khabar? Saya baik! Errr... Saya mahu tidur! Jumpa lagi! The official restart of my feeble attempt to learn bahasa melayu.

Venice, Vatican City, Pisa, Florence

2008-05-02T00:15:00.000+08:00

Florence

Venice

Vatican City

Pisa

SHINE update

2008-05-01T00:33:00.003+08:00

Everyone must check out the SHINE 2008 Website and Wikipedia entry!!! Both are still works in progess so constantly check back for more information if you are interested in the grants, events or volunteering.

Paris, France

2008-04-29T21:42:00.010+08:00

Lourve

Easter island man

Mona lisa

I cant remember what this is called but its famous (apparently anyway -.-)

Eiffel tower

On the eiffel tower itself

Arc de triumph

Notredame church

Paris disneyland!

Definitely, maybe

2008-04-28T23:10:00.003+08:00

I watched 'Definitely, maybe' with Xinwei today! The backdrop of the movie was newyork and one of the main charaters went to nyu grad school.

A sign of things to come. (From the heavens, ok this is such a joke)

Madrid, Spain

2008-04-27T20:45:00.011+08:00

Mum and I decided to go to Spain for 2 days instead of rotting awain Portugal, waiting for my dad to end his conference. I loved Madrid! It was fantastic! I think I might even consider a one-year overseas exchange cause nyu has a facility there, then I can pick up Spanish and eat paellas daily.

Our train cabin

Royal palace!

Atop a church

Prado museum

In the Madrid Vision bus

Eating my fave paella

Barnabeu Stadium - Home of Real Madrid

In Toledo!

Portugal

2008-04-27T01:38:00.003+08:00

Took a flight from Singapore to Paris then a connecting flight from Paris to Portugal. We stayed in Portugal from 6th to 12th April (including a Spain intermission) at Tivoli Tejo. Didnt do much in Portugal except for shopping cause we lived next to a huuuge mall.

First day

Supermarket with ugly fish

Oceanarium

I cant remember the name of this castle

Day trip to Fatima

Part of the Berlin wall

House of Lucia

Rome, Italy

2008-04-27T00:01:00.001+08:00

Trevi fountain

Italian gelado!!!

Pantheon

Spanish Steps

Random head

Another random head

Hand of the random head

Roman forum

Colosseum

I have 600+ photos but blogger sucks and I can only upload one photo at a time so this is just a snapshot of my trip.

Newyork Newyork

2008-04-26T22:07:00.004+08:00

NYU STERN School of Business

Final decision made and yes, Im skipping the law written test tomorrow. Spent 3 days considering and final decision boiled down to affinity I guess. Going where my heart tells me to go. In any case, at least I know I wont regret.

Hoping to do a random, interesting second major in CAS, watch plays on Broadway, shop till my heart pops, eat lotsa apple pie, backpack around the region, participate in overseas exchanges and wall street internships.

Maybe I will turn into a HIP NEW YORK NERD :D Its gonna be fun!

24 hours without sleep

2008-04-26T01:38:00.003+08:00

I was talking to Shari on the phone and told her that I was holding out for a sign in my life. Barely hours later, Cris treated Yi Hang, Ying Zhen and I to NEWYORKNEWYORK.

Divine intervention at its weirdest -.- And no, my decision will not solely be based on an encounter with an eatery. I'm 65% there, just got to discuss issues with my parents again.

Off to Europe!

2008-04-05T18:40:00.004+08:00

Just an update on the week's activities before I leave for Europe! Will be back only on 22nd April, so dont call/sms but email/facebook me and I will try to reply if I get to use the computer.

Wednesday was spent eating with Shari and Feifan at Clarke Quay area.

Thursday was 'We Will Rock You' with Shari, Feifan, Sharon and Lucinda.

Friday dinner was with Chee Ying then I went to meet Lu, Feifan, Shari and Dawn. We went to the Clinic to try the syringe shooters thing.

Shari and Dawn

Feifan and me

This morning was the annual ExxonMobil Dragonboat Carnival. I rowed and drummed for seperate races, damn fun la.

Eileen, me, CPY

Melissa, me, Maureen, Aunty Jenny

Zanice, Mansy and her daughter, me

Chee Ying, Hua Kiat, me

Okok got to do some last minute packing! Europeeeeeeeeeeee had better be goooooood.

Buuusy weekend

2008-03-30T22:27:00.005+08:00

Yesterday and today were buuuusy days! But I like busy days, so thats good :) Yesterday morning was spent dragonboating at Kallang with my department people, training for the next week's Dragonboat Carnival.

Then I rushed down to NYC The Lab for SHINE Preview 2008!

Presentation

Foooooooooooood

SHINE Youth Panellists

I like this shot :) Me, Diyannah, YC, Kok Hwee, Ai Wei

After this I rushed (again) to east coast park to cable ski with Lu, Shari and Sharon! It was funnnnnnn :D

Me and my kneeboard in the water

Shari and Sharon attempting a double!

And me... Attempting a 'Penguin'

Being dragged in water during my 'penguin'

Post-shower and all smiles

After that, we went for dinner at Jumbo Seafood. Good food at reasonable prices with a good view to boot!

Lu and me

Shari and Sharon

This morning was spent at my dentist, getting the mould done for my teeth. Daddy is giving me white teeth for my birthday! I sure hope this teeth whitening kit thing works cause it costs like 450 with no guarantee of results -.- I will start using it after I get back from Europe, will update on the progress then.

Then I went for Mindy's son's first month celebration with my other colleagues. Dana, Mansy, Zanice and Sheryl were also there. Her son is so cute! And so is Zanice's son and Mansy's daughter. Rushed (again again) off to Cityhall after that to meet CPY and Zhiying for tea and dinner. We slacked at Starbucks (and I went shopping halfway) then met up with CPY's ex-intern. Dinner was at Thai Express.

Doing my NTU essay thing now before I miss the deadline. Oh, I went for the SMU Law interview on friday and it was not bad. The profs were friendly enough and the banter was lively. Only 7% of applicants got in last year, hope I get it.

The Pillowman

2008-03-27T19:41:00.006+08:00

Watched The Pillowman with Shari and Xin Wei yesterday. Quite an exciting outing I must say. We met at Cityhall and went for dinner at Shokudo, the new Marche-like Jap restaurant, which I quite like due to the variety and atmosphere. Sped off at 730 and tried to find our way to DBS Arts Centre, which we found out is near Clarke Quay mrt. From the mrt, we bloody scavenged and ran to the arts center cause we were late! And held back from the opening 10 mins of the play :(

Luckily, the best bits were in the middle portion. The Pillowman is a psychological thriller and I admit, I was scared witlesssssssss (Shari can testify!). Daniel Jenkins was fantastic as the tormented Katurian and Michael Corbridge freaked me out as the demented, retarded Michal. Adrian Pang provided the humour, as usual. From our front row seats, we could see every drop of blood and smell every whiff of smoke. Quite an experience, I must say. Overall, good show but a terrible night of sleep. Today, I woke up grumpy and still freaked out -.-

Watching the NJC Angklung Ensemble on Channel News Asia now. So cool!

Ubin recce

2008-03-23T20:41:00.004+08:00

Went to Pulau Ubin today with Melissa and Chee Ying to recce for an office daytrip.

On the boat

Welcome sign

Chee Ying and I on the tower at Chek Jawa

Lunch at Le Cantina (I think) which is an italian restaurant at Changi Village Hotel

After the trip, went down to Hans at National Library for my last YCM meeting with my group and some junior panelists. The meeting with applicants was fruitful and as usual, the company was good. I will miss my YCM group dearly :( Must remember to take picture during our treat by Cris (Thank you!)

CAMBODGE :D

2008-03-21T19:07:00.007+08:00

Cambodge (French for Cambodia, which I totally dig) was good :D

Day 1:
Took a ridiculously early flight to Siem Reap then had breakfast.

At the airport

Following this was Tonle Sap, which is the biggest lake in southeast asia. We took a boat ride through the lake and there was a whole community within Tonle Sap itself, consisting of floating homes, floating schools and even basketball courts.

Daddy and I on board a floating croc farm

Lunch

After lunch, we went to this place called Angkor Artisans, which is a training school for Cambodian traditional arts like stone carving. Then came shopping!

Me at the shopping place

Dinner capped off a tiring day.

Day 2
We had breakfast then went to visit Angkor Thom, which is the ancient capital of Cambodia. Inside Angkor Thom were many huge temples.

The entrance which had numerous buddha and devil stone statues to represent the number of provinces

Bayon temple

Elephant Temple

Temple with many trees growing on it. Tomb raider was filmed here!

After lunch, we went to see Angkor Wat.

I like thissssss. My parents both have one too.

Angkor Wat is big, about a km long and wide. Unfortunately some portion of it was destroyed during the civil war, so its clearly far from its early days of glory. Still worth a visit though. After dinner, we went for a massage to soothe our aching legs.

Day 3
First up was a 6 hour ride to Phnom Penh, current capital of Cambodia. Then was the visit to the Royal Palace, where the King currently resides.

At a pit stop along the way

Royal palace

Day 4
After breakfast was the National Museum for more buddha statues and lessons on Cambodian art

Then we visited S21, a site of the Khmer Rouge.

S21 - a school converted into a detention and torture zone

We had some time before lunch, so we headed down to the Russian Market for some shopping.

Cheung Ek killing field. Behind me is the building where they keep all the skulls of the victims who were buried alive in the nearby fields

Phnom Penh - An artificial mountain from which the city gained its name

Central market

We visited Naga World Casino, the current tallest building in Cambodia, all of 13 storeys, then went for dinner.

Day 5
Free and easy! In the morning, my parents went for a massage while I had a manicure and pedicure. I must say the way they do manis/pedis is quite different from Singapore, but still nice and way less expensive.

My dad and I then went to Sorya, which is the biggest shopping center in Cambodia, about the size of Wheelock sans offices.

We took a tuktuk there!

A good trip I must say and totally looking forward to Europe! Also, the photos look weird cause I used photobucket to upload them instead of blogger so the image resizing kinda screwed up the resolution. Blogger still doesnt allow me to upload photos :(

Activity activityyyy

2008-03-15T19:18:00.004+08:00

Just an update on the week's activity. Tuesday night was dinner at Cityhall with Yida, while Thursday was SHINE Meeting at Cityhall again.

Friday was exciting! I went to KTV with my department people.

Melissa, Quan Li, Aylwin, Vincent

Zanice, Mansy, Dana, Edwin, me, CPY

Today, I went out with Xin Wei to watch The Spiderwick Chronicles! The movie is not bad (: Worth a watch. Totally cant wait for Kungfu Panda though, saw the trailer today.

I will be leaving for Cambodia in a few hours! Waking up at 230am to catch the 6am flight. Gonna be going with a whole bunch of EM people. Will be back on Thursday night. Hope its fun :D

Work update

2008-03-12T20:40:00.006+08:00

I've been frustrated at work :( No, I am not overworked; on the contrary I'm bored, bloody bored. Ennui? Yea, I think thats the word. I find myself mentally atrophying and gravitating towards degeneration. I detest being free and having to behave busy. Most of all, I detest offering my help and being turned away.

I like it when my life is packed and I have a goal to attain. Then I feel that there is actually some semblance of meaning in my life and I find the motivation and energy to chiong. The worst thing about being bored is that I start to think too much and do weird things to inject colour in my life. Like dress codes, a colour a day.

I do feel quite bad about complaining cause the people at work are really, really nice. And yes, the problem lies with me, not them. I should just never involve myself in a desk job and irritate the living daylights out of others. I need a fast-paced job that allows me the joy of knowing that I'm making a tangible, positive impact on someones life.

Ok, I admit I've been pulling a long, black face and behaving less than pleasantly. From tomorrow on, I will strive to be nicer and think of more stuff to liven up my life so I wont be so bored. TYPINGTEST.COM! Goal 100 WPM yo.

19th bday partay

2008-03-09T17:38:00.017+08:00

On friday, I got a belated present from my office people! Thank you Foo Kon, Fred, Wen Hua and CPY!

Foo Kon, me, Khun Parnuruk, CPY

Me, Fred

Saturday was the party! Before that, CPY treated Chee Ying and I to Hanabi jap buffet. The food was ok (kushinbo better) but it was quite fun. We then went to Ben and Jerrys for some good ol' ice cream :D After that, I went home to prep for the partay.

01 people

Putting the candles on the cake

My cake!

My family

My friends!

19 wishes come onnnn

Lu, post forfeit

Cat and Lu (both look young lor)

THANK YOU ALL for making the 19th a memorable one. Wonder what the 20th will be like when Im overseas (hopefully!).

A level results

2008-03-07T00:19:00.004+08:00

Today I went back to school to get my results. I know I have no basis to complain but I couldnt help feeling terribly underwhelmed. Hopefully some nice college in US will just accept me and I wouldnt have to care about that slip of paper again!

For the record, its 3A 1B (econs wts!)

19!

2008-03-06T23:12:00.003+08:00

I went out on Monday with Xin Wei for an early birthday celebration. We
went to AMKHub to eat and just chitchat. Xin Wei, I peeked at your present and all I have to say is that you know me well (: One day, we will travel the world yo!

Yesterday was my birthday but the morning didnt start off well. CPY bought us lunch.

Cheeying, Vincent, Winston

Winston, Fred, Bengjit

Xian dan chao ren

After lunch, Tze San gave me a crystal pendant enclosed in a gorgeous fuschia pink pouch. Khun Parnuruk also came down to wish me hapy birthday! That was sweet.

And I made him do this with me -.-

When I was about to go back, Dana and Mansy came to the room and surprised me! My office people were really nice and a group of them pooled together to give me this box stuffed with red-theme goodies cause they somehow found out that my favourite colour is red! I love them lots lots lots!

They got me RedEarth cosmetics (go figure yo), handmade jewellery and a note of well wishes (:

Me, Mansy, Dana

Aylwin and me (Superman yoyoooo!)

Before I left office, CPY passed me an EM envelope and in it was a ziploc bag with my present. Stun. And today, Cheeying gave me an opal bracelet!

Pendant from Tze San, bracelet from Cheeying, keychain from CPY

After work, I went out with Lu, Sharon, Feifan, Shari and Cat to Jacks Place at Cityhall.

Us

The portions were quite big and we stuffed ourselves silly (as usual, whats new!) When we were about to leave, they suddenly played the Happy Birthday song and carried out a slice of cake. Omg stun but nice la. There is a video, but I'll upload it when I'm less tired.

Sharon took this -.-

Shari, Sharon and FF gave me a 'me' pouch :D

To all who remembered, thank you so much for remembering! There is still the party this Saturday. For those of you who have no clue how to get there, SMS me!

Weekend Job 2

2008-03-01T22:17:00.002+08:00

Im working over this weekened again! As a promoter at the 2008 Career and Education Fair at Suntec. The pay is fantastic and the job is nua, which is good I guess.

Also, Ive received my pay for the last weekend job. Its much higher than I expected, so Im happy :)

Leap year dinner

2008-02-29T21:29:00.001+08:00

Ok shall update on some random dinners. First is the annual JUGAS (Japan Undergrad Association Singapore) dinner at Grand Copthorne. The event was kewl cause everyone was hobnobbing in japanese and exchanging bows -.-

The sign thing

My siblings and I

Then there is the ESRC (Exxonmobil recreational society) Korean BBQ!

Our leftovers

Parents

Jovel and I

Today, I went out with Kia Hui! Happy, cause its been eons since I last saw her. We went to J8 and ate at Cartel. Halfway through our meal, we realised the movie had started -.- So we packed our food and ate the ribs in the cinema. Quite an experience really, not being able to see what you eat.

Our ribs, one rack per person. We ate till we almost puked.

Kia Hui!

Us!

Now this is what I consider a February 29th well spent (: Must go meet up with more people that Ive not seen for a long time.

19 wishes!

2008-02-28T21:15:00.000+08:00

I just realised that out of the 18 wishes that I made for my 18th birthday, I fulfilled none of them -.- But just for the heck of it, heres 19 for my 19th! (:

1. CLIMB KINABALU
2. Learn diving
3. Visit Cambodia
4. Visit Europe
5. Visit Macau
6. Speak Malay
7. Cook a meal
8. Enter a good university
9. Whiten my teeth
10. Random clothing!
11. Dragonboat
12. Go fishing
13. Home-baked brownieee
14. Anything randomly related to Japan
15. Hair accessories and dryer for my new bonfire of a head
16. Anything handmade :D
17. Working bags
18. Footwear
19. Find my dream nerd

We sure are cute for two ugly people

2008-02-27T23:30:00.004+08:00

Post-Op

2008-02-24T08:05:00.003+08:00

Ok I still cant see very well now and yes the words im typing seem blurry to me so pardon any typos for now. Im totally touch typing. Anyway, the whole process was extremely quick! About a ten min operation that was totally painless. It was the hour after that, that was the most painful.

The operation itself was kinda freaky cause when the suction cup was placed on the eye and exerted pressure, everything momentarily went blank. Then you could feel the surgeon cutting your cornea and lifting the flap open! This was followed by the laser thing then he would close the flap back.

Im still not fully recovered. It doesnt hurt, but my eyesight is not pefect yet. About 50 degrees off. Takes time to recover, I heard.

Cornea cutting

2008-02-22T21:57:00.007+08:00

Today I went for my LASIK (Laser-Assisted in situ Keratomileusis) evaluation at the LASIK Surgery Clinic, which is just a series of tests to like measure the thickness of your corneas and check your degree. Tomorrow is my surgery and I'm feeling strangely heckish.

First, they will place a corneal suction ring on my eyeball then the surgeon will cut my cornea to form a cornea flap. Following which, a laser will vapourize tissue in my cornea to reshape it. Then the flap will be repositioned and... Tada! Perfect eyesight!

The part I'm most worried about is that they are going to be CUTTING MY CORNEAS. Omg I never knew that before today. I just hope my corneas wont be like flapping around after that.

LNAT

2008-02-21T23:12:00.002+08:00

Took the LNAT today and it was alright. The questions were tough, but it was expected. The essay was quite hurried, but Im quite happy with the points raised.

Anyway, my test was free cause the testing centre had some glitch so they gave Shari and I a free test! Whoooooo.

By The Sea

2008-02-19T20:46:00.007+08:00

I love this song and the movie!

Colourizeeee

2008-02-18T22:06:00.007+08:00

Tried colourizing today and here is the product of my first attempt:

Looks like some 1970s technicolour noob film, but I like!

Afrooooodisiac

2008-02-16T21:55:00.005+08:00

Today I spent 280 perming my hair, so now I look somewhat like Afro Ken. Shari highlighted her hair and it looks kewl. Went out with Melissa and Chee Ying to watch CJ7 after that. The movie was plotless but funny, in a slapstick way.

I still look like Afro Ken, actually more like Super Funky Ken!

CNY activities

2008-02-15T22:20:00.009+08:00

This CNY has been such a mad rush. Reunion dinner was spent at Jumbo with the family, while the first and second days of CNY were spent dashing from one house to another. On the third day, I went out with Dawn, Lu, Sharon, FF and Shari to eat then play board games at Nebo then rushed home for the party.

On Monday, we had SHINE Meeting!

Pub material, I like!

Yong chuan, Ai wei, Kenny

Arun, me, Diyanah

Our food :D After we were done

Yong chuan at BK with the splat thingy

On wednesday, I caught Sweeney Todd with Jovel at GV Gold! The movie is bloody coooooooooooool, especially the 'By the Sea' sequence.

We were given flowers cause it was a Vday promotion

Me, Jovel, Mindy before entering. There is this lounge area where they will serve you drinks and the soup before the movie.

Us in our seats. They served us dinner and dessert during the movie, but food was kinda hard to stomach during the gore. Overall the experience was pure pampering

Thursday! I went out with Jo and FF to watch Jumper at GV Vivo. The movie was ok I guess but the company was better. Heh. We went shopping and stuffed ourselves silly with Carls Junior. Shall upload pics when Jo sends them.

Today, we had CNY department lunch at Vivo's No Signboard Seafood.

My table people

The interns. We all arrange to dress for the occasion. Festive ma festive!

After lunch, we all went down to Melrose Childrens Home to play with the kids there.

Us with the kids

Macs

Tomorrow is another packed day! Tireddddddddd.

Wtscan

2008-02-12T19:24:00.000+08:00

115,886 files to be scanned
With every mouse click, I mutter a silent swear

Gooooooo Jooooooooostine!

CNY 08

2008-02-11T23:06:00.000+08:00

Happy Chinese New Year!!!

HIKINGGGGG!!!

2008-02-09T23:01:00.000+08:00

Talking to Shari now and we both realized how much we miss travelling and hiking! So far, we have been to OB Bali and scaled Gunung Stongs together, which were both thoroughly, absolutely, fantastically fantastic!

Shall post pictures that she sent me cause my comp crashed and I never had the chance to post these.

OB Bali
So exciting! We scaled this semi-dormant, sulphur-spewing volcano, braved raging rapids, flying foxed over a river, rock climbed a cliff then abseiled down it...

Shari, Sui hang, me

Shari, our guide, me

Group shot

At the airport

The volcano thingy and our camp

Cant remember what this meant. Fighting?!

Burnt, very burnt

Shopping! Huge kites.

Gunung Stongs
Bloody fun! We scaled the peak then bathed under some of the highest waterfalls in SEA. Slept in a hammock and almost frosze to death. Lime stone caving. Star gazed on bedrock...

Eating!

Preparing to scale the mountain

I burnt my foot one night (2nd degree burn) using boiling water -.- The horizontal mark is where my sandal strap was

On top of the mountain!

Our campsite

Dinner and cert presentation

I want to go travelling and hiking againnnnnnnnnn. My greatest wish now is to scale Mount Kinabalu! Anybody wants to go?!

Office Birthday Partyyyyy & Shine PubSpon Meeting

2008-02-05T16:55:00.000+08:00

Every quarter, my department will have a mini celebration for people born in that quarter of that year. Today was the 1Q2008 celebration and all JanFebMar babies received towel sets as gifts.

The huge yam cake from Angie's Choice

Birthday babies!

Mel, me, Foo Kon

After this, I went on a mad photo spree. Seriously, the poses are gayyyyy but fun.

Chee Ying, Doreen, me

I think this is so cute!

I have nothing to say but HAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAAH

Group shot

After work, it was down to Cityhall for like the 4th Shine meeting in 4 weeks. The meeting was funnnnn!!! We camped at Ochacha, this new green tea cafe place.

Name cards

Our drinks

Kenny, Yong chuan and Aiwei.

After the meeting, we went for a late dinner at Mos Burger. Next meeting is on Monday, cant wait! Plus I'm probably going Cambodia in March. So excitingggggggggg.

Outing with Xiu Hui!

2008-02-04T22:41:00.000+08:00

Today I went out with Xiu Hui! Havent seen her for a looooong time but we both work the same weekend job so it was fun to trade stories. Dinner was at IMM Swensens.

Her with our banana crumble

Me with the banana crumble

The crumble was just dessert after our main courses, so we were pretty much stuffed and decided to walk around IMM. We went to Daiso and I spent 10 bucks on useless but funnnn stuff, especially this gel thing to decorate smooth surfaces. So now my bathroom mirror has a Garden of Eden theme -.-

Tulips, drangonflies and flies

And butterflies

And even beetles

Weekend work end

2008-02-03T22:19:00.001+08:00

Today was my last day at my weekend job and it ended with a bang. I set a new one-day sales record: 918 cans sold! For the nua promoter that I was, I think its not bad.

During my 4 weeks of work, I hated the long hours of standing, pathetic short breaks, low pay and random questions asked. But now that its over, I think I will miss it. I'll miss the nice aunties/uncles that I work with, the opportunity to converse in manadarin, the varied folks that I get to meet and the vibrancy of the place. After 12 hours of CNY music blasting into my ears, CNY has never felt more alive.

In contrast to my weekday office job, I think Im more suited for a frontline job. Something that allows me to meet and interact with new people everyday. Makes life interesting!

Chestnuts!

2008-01-31T23:30:00.000+08:00

Very excited about this cause I have been waiting to see the Chestnuts series since JC days and today I finally caught the 11th installation with Shari and Xin Wei! The show was not bad but I was lucky to have watched most material parodied, including Asian Boys, Hairspray and 881.

Totally looking forward to my next playyy

Lunch treat

2008-01-28T18:36:00.001+08:00

Today, my boss finally treated the both of us. Momentous occasion, better write down. He just came back from Thailand and is going Japan soon.

Justine mahu okashiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii.

Sales record

2008-01-26T22:24:00.000+08:00

Today I hit a new personal sales record! 546 cans of beverage sold in 6 hours. Whoooooooooooo.

And I know the recent entries have been nondescript, short and non-exsistent. But bear with me, I'm working 7 days a week and juggling 3 volunteer commitments!

Resolutions

2008-01-21T20:10:00.000+08:00

This is just to kill time while I do a virus scan on my computer.

1. Learn Malay
2. Improve spoken Mandarin
3. Visit 5 new countries

Ok scan over.

Outing

2008-01-16T23:22:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, Jovel and I went to watch Beauty World! I liked it :) Today, I went out with all the working people.

Xin wei, Hui yi, Sharon, Lu, me, FF, Shari

I have finally thought through my aim for 2008. Jia youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!

Part time job

2008-01-09T20:59:00.000+08:00

I got a weekend job till early feb! Ok, I'm gonna be buuusy buuusy!

Shine 08

2008-01-05T22:47:00.000+08:00

Today we had our very first Shine meeting!

Group shot

Then Xin Wei and I went to eat and watch I am Legend. Omg I know you read this and I swear that the next show we watch will be a romcom!

SYN Youth Bash

2008-01-03T23:44:00.000+08:00

Today I rushed to DXO from office to help with the registration and attend the bash. Met a lot of people that I havent seen in a loooong time, so that is good :)

Sruthi, me, Yi Hang and Steph

Mr Nizam, Akshay, Yi hang, me

After the event, Akshay, Jenn, Yi hang and I went to Chocz for some downtime and chocolate!

Happy New Year!

2008-01-02T00:30:00.000+08:00

Countdown at Cityhall with Lucindaaaaaaaaaa!

NJIP

2007-12-30T10:40:00.000+08:00

2007 is almost over and I think its time to slowly recount life in NJIP. If we did anything noteworthy together in the past 4 years, remind me!

IP1: 2004
Orientation
Maldives
OM - Wen Shu, Lu, Dawn, Lina, Wen Hao, Wei Jun
CAP - Bianca, Nina
Rifle Nationals - Ferleen, Shannon
YEP Thailand - Lu
Jakarta
Australia

IP2: 2005
OBBali - Shari, Sui Hang
Vietnam
O-levels
YC India, Sri Lanka - Dawn, Shari, Wei ling
Taiwan
AsknLearn internship - Shari

IP3: 2006
Stongs - Shari
HFH Batam Build - Shari, Coco
PreU Sem - Annabel, Weige, Audrey, Natalie, Charmaine
NYF
SEY - Navina, Annabel, Keith
KSA exchange programme
HEP internship
ECCE China - Wei ling, Yi Xuan, Mel

IP4: 2007
Orientation
YCM
Angklung SYF - Jia Tian
Hong Kong
A-levels
Korea

Err thats all off the top of my head. Will slowly add more.

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-25T22:16:00.000+08:00

Merry Christmas everyone!

SAT Score

2007-12-20T22:26:00.000+08:00

My retaken SAT 1 scores are as follows:

Critical Reading: 730
Math: 770
Writing: 720

So my cumulative SAT score currently stands at 1530/2250! Assuming the highest ever scores for each section are considered. I'm ok with the score but I much prefer the percentiles!

First day of work

2007-12-19T23:59:00.000+08:00

I will be interning at ExxonMobil for 5 months and today was my first day of work. It was ok but bloody boring. I spent the whole day setting up an email account, getting my smart card(security is bloody tight), watching a safety video then stoning. But they are paying me, so whatever. The other 5 interns are all from NTU engineering, so I'm about 4 years younger. But they are really nice to me! Which is good :)

Went for my Shine interview after that. Caught up with the other YCM people, which was fantastic. The interview was ok I guess, hope I get it!

KOREAAA!

2007-12-17T22:16:00.000+08:00

Day 1: Flight from Singapore

Day 2: Touched down in Incheon Airport and took a 2 hour ride to Seoul. Visited Myeongdong and Namdemon (however you spell it) street for some shopping.

Lunch was Bimbimbap

At Krispy Kreme!

Museum

Dinner

Took a 2 hour bus ride to Yong Pyong Ski resort and bunked in.

At the hotel lobby

Day 3: Ski! Sledge! Snow!

We took a cablecar to the top of some mountain. Apparently the same car that the Winter Sonata couple took.

At the top of the mountain. It snowed! Slightly though

Slegding with Jerral

Day 4: Everland

Me in the Safari Bus

Us on the "cable car"

Jovel and I with the mascot

Ginseng chicken dinner thing

Day 5: Lotte World

Went to Dongdaemon for shopping first then went to Lotte World

Just for fun

Day 6: Statue and Performance

Visited some Buddhist Statue

In thehuge cable car

Some huge skewer thing

Quite a nifty idea

My brother and I

After that, we went to watch a traditional Korean performance

We dressed up

Day 7: Head home

I think I missed out on alot of details (still dont have all the photos!) and the sequence is quite wrong but what the heck.

Tell us about a book you have read that you found especially challenging, stimulating, or provocative. Explain why it made an impact on you

2007-12-07T19:25:00.000+08:00

A column in a newspaper once posed the following question: If there were a fire in your house, which book would you save? My first thought was, “If there were a fire, I would just rush out of the house and save my own skin. I can simply buy new books to replace the ones that are burnt to ash.” I repeated the thought in my head as images of my beloved trove of books fleeted through my mind.

“Yes, I can part with Freakonomics and Animal Farm. What about The Big Friendly Giant? My very first Roald Dahl conquest… I guess I can part with that too. “I mumbled as my voice grew more and more hesitant. “And then there is Wild Swans…” I paused and then I realized some books are not just words, they are memorabilia of our past.

Wild Swans by Jung Chang; a book which I have read and re-read countless times since I first laid my hands on it as a precocious twelve year old. The book is an autobiographical account of the three generations of Asian women’s lives in China during the Cultural Revolution. Though as a child of a far less tumultuous era, I will never fully comprehend the circumstances described, the universal themes of courage and freedom speak to me.

In 2006, having gone to previous overseas community service projects to the Maldives, Thailand and India, I decided to approach Habitat for Humanity and organize a project to Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Unfortunately, two weeks prior to the team’s departure, Mount Merapi erupted and our plans were disrupted. It was a devastating blow as we had been preparing for 6 months. During this tough period, I read Wild Swans for strength. Reading the book late into the night, I was encouraged by the characters’ resilience in the face of adversity. The story of the author’s mother’s refusal to part with her husband though he was denounced as a capitalist roader especially inspired me.

I thought to myself, “If they can remain strong under far worse conditions, then so can I.” With renewed vigor, I faced the challenge head on. Eventually, we changed the location of our mission to Batam, Indonesia. Within the two weeks, we raised $3500 for the construction materials and the project turned out to be a rousing success. Upon my return, I received 2 national and college awards for outstanding service as a volunteer and student councilor.

Jung Chang’s heart wrenching account of communist China also made me realize the dangers of political apathy. Inspired to make a difference, I applied for and was selected for the Mayor internship Program, where I received an in depth understanding of policymaking and governance. In 2006, I decided to take a step forward and formed the National Education Taskforce, a student-initiated group that presented a paper to the Minister of State (Education) on our recommended changes to the current National Education syllabus. The Taskforce also organized the National Education Symposium, where our findings were presented to more than 500 students.

It might seem absurd that I would read and re-read a book for years, much less seek support or be influenced by it, but that is the beauty of ‘Wild Swans’. It has transcended time and circumstance to convey an enduring and endearing message of courage under fire. For as Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “A woman is like a tea bag – you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water.”

Though it is true that I can always purchase another copy of the book, my personal copy of ‘Wild Swans’ is no longer just a book; it is a treasure trove of memories. Through meticulously underlined passages and handwritten notes, I recall periods and people of my life. So I guess I have my answer. If I have to save a book from my burning house, yes I would reach for my tattered, much underlined and much highlighted ‘Wild Swans’. But definitely not at the expense of my own life, for I myself still have many more stories to live.

Prom - Arabian Nights

2007-12-03T10:33:00.000+08:00

Prom was held at Swissotel. Met Cat and Lu and AMKHub to get our nails done then scooted off to get our hair and makeup done at Paragon. Pictures!

Me and Shari at Delifrance

My nailsssss

The venue

The table setting

Adeline, Jia yi, me, Fadhli and Jo. Only short of Gha!

Me, Nat, Fei fan and Xin pei

Stella, me and Jo

The 05 guys totally hammed it up and dressed according to the theme which was cool

Some semblance of my GP class

Lu, Cat, me and Fei fan with Ghanesh (Prom King runner up!)

Jerral turns 5!

2007-12-02T22:59:00.000+08:00

Lunch at Kushinbo to celebrate Jerral's birthday! As well as some shoe shopping. I swear I must start learning to walk comfortably in 3 inch heels.

Jerral and me

Jovel, me and a rather dubious Santa

Jerral and cake

Jovel's Birthday

2007-11-26T10:39:00.000+08:00

First was Karaoke with Feifan, Sharon and Lucinda. Then I went for YCM group meeting, after which I had to rush for Jovel's birthday dinner at Marche (Vivo). The food was not bad and the atmosphere boisterous, but I was late, so didnt indulge in much except for a rosti mushroom ragout! I think the slim cut gold trimmed havianas I got her are gorgeousssssss.

The family (excluding dad the photographer)

The 4 kids

Dharma Sakti

2007-11-25T23:12:00.000+08:00

Just came back from the concert with all the Angklung people, who were there to support our juniors and Mr Dzul. The concert was goooooood! I especially like the open air concept, gives it a more lively atmosphere.

Banner thing

1st item was cool cause it was led by a female on drums :)

The juniors

Last item

Me, Jia Tian and Fadiah

We met for dinner at Swensens prior to the start of the concert. I'm bloody broke!

Ice skating & Mickey!

2007-11-24T21:22:00.000+08:00

Today was quite a hectic day! First, I went out with Mel and Wei Jun. We watched Enchanted, which was not bad. After that, we went ICE SKATING! My very first time in an ice-skating rink.

The place itself

The rink!

The shoes were absolutely horrrible, and it felt like the circulation in my leg had been cut off

Me, Mel, Wei Jun

Us in the rink

We left the rink about after 30 mins cause the temperature and shoes were getting to us. We then slacked and took pictures, like this one!

After that, I left for the indoor stadium to catch the MICKEY MAGIC SHOW with Jerral, Jovel and Caroline. The show was ok, though it was very clearly targeted at the younger set that filled the stadium.

The show itself

Jovel and I

Us!

Liberated :)

2007-11-22T23:10:00.000+08:00

A LEVELS ARE OFFICIALLY OVER!

Prom shopping

2007-11-19T19:47:00.000+08:00

Today was bio applications paper. Luckily the questions were mostly quite standard, if not I would have just died. The paper was ok, but could have been better.

After that, Lucinda, Sharon and I went to AMK Hub to eat and slack at MOS Burger. Had to leave early to go home and freshen up. Met Shari at Orchard and ate at Food Republic. I swear we walked the whole of Wisma, Takashimaya and Far East about 3 times. My feet feel immensely sore now.

But it was a fruitful day! I bought 2 dresses, shoes and a clutch for all my prom and post-prom needs. The dress is purple and long and ermm slightly weird. Initially, my parents gave me a budget of $300 but its now increased by $100! Happy :)

Chem MCQ

2007-11-16T19:13:00.000+08:00

Chem MCQ was much harder then expected! The content was there, but the questions were tricky. Hopefully it will still be fine.

Econ$ ca$e $tudy

2007-11-14T20:46:00.000+08:00

Econ$ case $tudy was weird. I ended early again cau$e I couldnt find much to write.

Lucinda, Feifan and I went to cry$tal jade to have dinner and a mini celebration of the termination of Econ$ in our live$. It wa$ fun though we did not have enough ca$h to pay for the weird $tuff that we ordered.

Gue$$ learning Econ$ for 2 year$ doe$ not guarantee proper money management.

Chem and Econs

2007-11-13T19:15:00.000+08:00

Chem paper 2 was much easier than expected, though I have one careless mistake so far. Totally shouldnt have studied and focused on Econs instead.

Econs was quite bad. Stupid externalities question, couldnt think of much to write for 25m, and this is before taking into account the numerous marks lost due to illegible handwriting. I'm half-dead, tomorrow is the continuation.

Dead Log

2007-11-11T17:44:00.000+08:00

One year ago, I thought that I will be chionging like a mad dog during A levels. One year later, I am jaded like a sleeping log. The only productive thing I do is turn O2 into CO2. And I finally uploaded photos from my camera.

Its been like 8 years alreadyyyyy

Ok, a gross shot but the teeth was in the way

My math class ownz yours

Steamboat dinner beckons. OMG I NEED MOTIVATION TO STOODY

Hmm

2007-11-10T19:01:00.000+08:00

I am increasingly distressed by the fact that for almost every major exam I take, I have to see someone I know go through something terribly difficult. I'm sure we all do. But have we ever wondered why?

Ok, I quite unreligious. But tonight, I am going to try praying.

Bio and math

2007-11-07T10:21:00.001+08:00

Bio core paper was ok, but very limited scope of topics came out. Stress us out for nothing, should have just slept more the night before instead of chionging the entire syllabussss.

Everyone completed Math within 2 hours then spent the last hour redoing the whole paper. Math on the whole was ok, better than expected and very glad that its over.

By the way, Mum is in hospital for piles operation, so I visited her after the papers and bummed at the hospital. She will be back tomorrow, so I can finally relinquish my daily duty of teaching Jerral ting xie.

Chem paper 3

2007-11-05T18:08:00.000+08:00

Chem was ok, but could have been much better with better time management. The first 2 questions were not bad, but the last 2 were very rushed. Better buck up for paper 2 and 1. Bio tomorrow, omg, I still have 20 chapters to clear. Chiong!

Juromg

2007-11-03T21:55:00.000+08:00

Ok, hopefully it gets cut down to 4 to 5 months. The office is in JUROMG (no pun intended) so I have to wake up at 6 everyday to get to work on time. Apparently the food is cheap, but that does not make up for the fact that the office is in JUROMG.

I want it to be shorter so I can travel (europeeeee) and try my hand at another job.

Math

2007-11-02T20:01:00.000+08:00

Math today was thankfully manageable though I made 2 careless mistakes. Hope paper 2 is of the same standard.

GP!

2007-10-31T19:56:00.000+08:00

GP was quite bad :( All hopes of a distinction just faded away. More like bombed out of existence. The essay was ok, but I spent way too much time fretting over the handwriting than the language expression and structure. The compre just did me in. The AQ was ridiculously badly written (with IS but NO EEE),the summary was too long and the vocab section was a blur.

I should spend more time thinking about my plan Bs, plan Cs and plan Ds. I have waken up to the reality that I might actually have to resort to them. Plan Z is quit academia and discover a new life.

Night Safari Thing

2007-10-28T09:52:00.000+08:00

Happy Halloween!

SAT2

2007-10-25T18:48:00.000+08:00

Omg. I got 2360 for my SAT2! Ok its not a perfect score but its much higher than the score I was expecting, especially since I changed my math test type on the day itself.

Biology - 780
Chem - 790
Math 2 - 790

Maybe I should retake. Asian la, must get full score.

Graduation

2007-10-17T23:06:00.000+08:00

This reminds me of a sentence in Sophie Kinsella's "Can you keep a secret" which went "the resonances resonated". Sounds like a typical blonde moment, but then again, some things just never leave your mind.

"IP4s, you mean a lot to me." You could have erected an entire monument to send us off and it would not equal the sheer sincerity of that one voice. Thank you for helping us remember what it means to be part of the IP.

NJCIP

2007-10-06T22:00:00.000+08:00

NJC 04IP :)

BASKETBALLLLLLL

2007-10-03T19:45:00.000+08:00

Excited over graduation day!

For the wrong reasons but what the heck.

Ok

2007-09-23T23:11:00.001+08:00

I am back!

So far B for math and chemistry (most probably bio too).

Relieved, considering the pathetic initial state and innate laziness

Now to pray for GP and econs.

Prelims are over!

2007-09-21T21:52:00.000+08:00

Prelims ended today!

Jeremy, Sharon, Lucinda and I went to AMK Hub (omg) to eat and then watch movie. It was fun! Had to leave early cause today is the farewell party for Uncle Charlie who is leaving for Qatar (Sharifah's hometown!) on an assignment for 3 years. After today, It was suggested that I intern at Exxon Mobil next year during the looong break and after Korea holiday in December. Then again, I might just as well end up in Qatar for a holiday with free lodging.

I should stop thinking so much about what is going to be done after the A-levels end, before the A-levels end!

Birds nest

2007-09-13T19:51:00.000+08:00

I realise that my parents have been too encouraging and accomodating to me. Yesterday I mentioned a slight crave for bird's nest and today I see a $350 package sitting in my kitchen waiting to be opened and brewed. This will only intensify my guilt for doing badly for prelims :(

URGH. Its not like I didnt put in effort, I really did! But the chem paper was really depressing. I can only hope to redeem myself with next week's paper. Bring it on prelims! I will be waiting (with birds nest, ginseng and chickens essence in tow).

Joanne is right, at this rate, I will probably get a nose bleed.

881

2007-09-09T23:28:00.000+08:00

I just watched 881 with my Dad and a whole cinema of ah mas and ah peks. But I am still happy cause the show was good, somewhat like the movie version of Titaodou.

After watching the show, I feel inspired to catch a Getai show and be amazed by the elaborate costumes these performers wear. Then again, I also feel inspired to brush up my mandarin. The heart-wrenching songs they sang in the show were especially poignant and somehow such depths of emotion seem only capable when written in mandarin.

I personally feel that the languages are an entension of a culture. English allows for complex ideas to be conveyed and is also good for recounting an incident in detail, but it does not leave much room for contemplation. On the other hand, Mandarin is probably the language which harnesses the most emotion and depth. Case in point, a simple cheng yu encapsulates a thousand years of tradition. Poems written in Mandarin are my faves, though most of the time I cant read1/10 of the words -.- Lastly, Japanese is an adaptation of Mandarin. My grasp of the language is still rather trivial but from what I see, the Japanese have taken nuance to a whole new level. Every word seemingly has specific contextual usages and meanings, but the Japanese is probably the most evolved language with the addition of first hiragana then romanji/katakana on top of kanji.

Ok, I want to learn French!

Teachers' Day

2007-09-01T23:55:00.000+08:00

Teahcers' Day was enjoyable!

FF and I putting the finishing touches onto the gifts

Our class even organised a celebration for our civics tutor!

Miss Ling

The ownage 1.5 kg cake with our faces on it

04IP01

Tammy and me

Daddy's birthday is also on 1st September and we went to dinner at Hai Tien (I think), some Chinese restaurant. Dad even order roasted pig and peking duck, his favourite food. I bought him a Crocodile shirt that he wore to the dinner, as well as another ownage 1kg Chocolate Banana cake.

The dinner was okay, but at least we had the company of the grandmamas and the entire family. I personally think it is particularly significant that his birthday coincides with Teachers' Day. Although I am not very forthcoming in my physical appreciation for my Dad, I respect him immensely for all that he is and all that he has done for us.

He has influenced me in a multitude of ways, from my interest in Japanese language and culture to my fanatic love of travel and even entrepreneurship. Most of all, he has demonstrated what it means to be a great father. I recall 2006, when I was organizing the HFH project and running into a lot of trouble. From the eruption of Mount Merapi to the lack of funding, I was in a constant state of despair. But my dad constantly encouraged me to carry on and I did.

Its not just the big events, but the little things that all add up. Whenever we go out to eat, he will always make sure that we eat what I want to eat. And even when there is 3 siew mai served, somehow he will be "full" after 1 and I will have to eat 2.

Even though I dont say it to their faces, but I have the deepest admiration, respect and love for my parents and I will make them proud of me.

GOO JOOSTINEEE

2007-08-18T20:16:00.000+08:00

I only want one thing now, but I'm too afraid to face up to it. Afraid that I'll be rejected and live the rest of my life wondering whyy I wasnt good enough for them. Maybe my mum was right when she said that the only reason why I'm not applying to the best is because I already assume they will definitely reject me.

Its a weird situation to be in. I have started to study for the prelims, but it just seems like there is so much more to go. My math sucks cause I spent the past 3 years not doing homework. My chem is improving, but still below average. My econs is quite bad cause I dont practise much. My bio is average at best. The only subject I'm ok in is GP, which doesnt really console my despairing, frantic heart.

I dont think I'll be blogging much anymore. PRAY FOR ME. I will do well for prelims then I will eat that fag of a monster we call fear and have confidence to apply to the dream university.

NDP 07!

2007-08-09T23:16:00.000+08:00

Happy Birthday Singapore! I went for NDP at Marina Bay today, but I wasnt alone! Cause I sat with Shu jun and her family. So nice of them. Anyway, we had good yellow sector seats. Whooooo...

Shu jun and me and person in costume

The view from my seat

Dim sum dollies!

Uncle so cute. Made in Singapore -.-

Us with the animal hats that light up

Parade

Fly past

My fave item cause the kids so cute

The cool kite item

Us!

The lighting at night was spectacular

Fireworks!

Us, post parade

My dad did this to our computer quite some time ago. My dad so cartoon -. -

In short, this year's parade was quite a refreshing take on the previous NDPs. The atmosphere was not as overwhelming partly due to the smaller crowd, but the show was definitely more spectacular. From the good usage of lighting, the innovative costumes and play of the stage and waster display, the show was well planned and executed. Having been to almost all NDPs since I was 7, there is an added sentimentality to think that this may be my last for a looong time should I study abroad.

I'll definitely miss it.

Angklung

2007-08-05T21:57:00.000+08:00

Just an entry to mark the end of my Angklung life in NJC, it was a blast while it lasted :) We performed at Suntec for the Heritage Fest followed by a performance at the Expo for Inter-racial inter-religious night 2007.

At Suntec

Some of the seniors!

At the Expo

Me, Jia tian and Fadiah

We were even given a table to feast

Couldnt make it for the seniors farewell cause I was stuck at home with a fever but from the look of it, it must have been good. Its sad to let go of such a wonderful moment in your life, but its exciting to await what comes next.

University

2007-08-03T21:15:00.000+08:00

Having spent the past week vegetating at home and fighting a 38.5 degree fever that refuses to die, I had quite a lot of time to contemplate my future.

For the longest time, I was convinced I was going to the UK to get a law degree. But upon talking to my dad and researching on the net and considering my career choices, I realised that law was born out of a childhood dream to be like my mum. It didnt exactly fit into my personal career ambitions.

But business did. Then came up the question of MBA versus undergrad business. But business is something that interests me more than other courses and that should be the basis of your choice of major. Plus, it allows me insights into well, business, without the need to take an MBA on top of a degree.

Then came the business in UK or US issue, which wasnt very tough. US won hands down for me for its seemingly more vibrant culture. I always wanted to study in the US anyway. So I researched the undergrad business programs available in the better universities and found out everything I could about the program, including student reviews, rankings and environment.

Then I did a comparison table with a list of factors for consideration including: feasibility of getting in, school environment, academic quality, overseas study opportunity, curriculum. After which I weighted each factor with regard to importance and came up with a final score.

After 5 days of research, I now have quite a clear idea on which university and course I will be applying for early decision. Hope I get in!

NDP

2007-07-26T20:07:00.000+08:00

My dad managed to get me a ticket to this year's National Day Parade! I emphasize A ticket and nothing more, so I will just have to go alone -.-

Still excited though, its gonna be good.

Peculiar Chris

2007-07-22T21:36:00.000+08:00

Intermission just to say that TODAY I SAW IAN MCKELLAN IN THE FLESH then I died deliriously. Shari and I went to catch Asian Boys Vol 3 and he was seated 2 rows behind us together with Ivan Heng, Alfian Sa'at, Pam Oei and Emma Yong. We totally picked the right day to go.

Asian Boys Vol 3 is different from any other play I've watched thus far. Maybe its the unfamiliarity with subject material or medium, but certain parts of the play were seemingly a whirlwind of words. Then again, some parts were poignant and thought-provoking, though at times disconcertingly so. The writing was good, intelligently done and a joy to behold. Now to read Peculiar Chris!

Went shopping after that as it was the last day of the GSS and bought a pair of shorts. Daddy got a new phone for me today, the Sony ericsson k610i. Not the most fantastic phone, but still 10000 times better than my malfunctioning Samsung. Plus its red, and I like red.

Dong dong dong!

2007-07-21T23:39:00.000+08:00

I know I am supposed to be on hiatus, but hiatus also must eat! And so Cat, Lu, Dot, Nat and I went to KUSHINBO at Suntec for japanese buffet dinner. It was slightly exorbitant at 47SGD per person, but worth every dollar spent!

Lu, Cat and I

Dot and I, post mortem and on the verge of puking

The most exciting part of the dinner was literally chionging for the hourly limited serving of lobster, preceeded by an ominous "dong dong dong. 1, 2, 3... We are Kushinbo!" It was such a hoot watching people rush for the food. And they were even decent enough to serve palate cleansers!

The range was fantastic and we all left with overstretched bellies. Watching Asian Boys Vol 3 with Shari tomorrow, excited!

IPERFORM!

2007-07-10T19:56:00.000+08:00

IPERFORM

For the unaware, the concert has been postponed till further notice due to dismal results and panicky parents. No use launching into a tirade of wtfs. We just have to take it in our stride and promise ourselves the wait is going to be worth it.

Next year, we'll be back and better than before.

Many dollops of chocolate

2007-07-09T20:01:00.000+08:00

After my unsuccessful attempt at making the chocolate moist cake, I tried a hand at baking a brownie thinking that I stood a higher chance of success.

The brownie pre-mix

The after mix

I was thinking that maybe just a fudge brownie is not exciting enough, so I added extra stuff like MnMs and hersheys chocolate chips.

Pre-baked brownie mix

Big mistake. The instructions said to bake for 50mins and so I did. But my brownie was still runny in the middle. And so I baked for another 50 mins but to no avail. In the end, my bownie was burnt at the sides and runny in the middle. Damn sad.

Halfway through, my sis and I were too impatient and ate a bit of the brownie before baking it again.

Another more successful stint with chocolate was during today's $130 chocolate making class at Eng Hoon Mansion. The first 3 hours was spent on the history of chocolate and the last 3 on making the chocolate!

The delectable chocolate cups with real cacao on top!

About a fraction of all the chocolate we made

Our raspberry truffle thingy

Domesticated male hard at work

Mel and I!

Mel and I again!

The filling-filled chocolates in a multitude of shapes

Mel's work of art

Our table: Leanne (I think), Jason, Ern Sheong, Mel and me

Mel, me, Stella

The chocolate was fantastic! Really melt in your mouth goodness that prompted my dad to offer to send my maid to the class to learn the art of making chocolate. I think dont need, just hire one of the many domesticated males we have -.- Seriously, men in aprons fretting over a bubbling mixture of raspberry cream-infused chocolate is quite a queer sight!

Blogskins

2007-07-08T19:47:00.000+08:00

Its been a long time since I last visited Blogskins, the very site which prompted me to start learning about web design. Now, 3 years on, I am still a noob but somewhat better than when I started out.

The total downloads for the skins I created have hit 15,000 which is absolutely amazing and totally beyond what I ever imagined since my designs are not the fanciest. They are simple and I always like the colours but thats about it.

The highest point I hit was when this skin was the No. 1 rated skin, but my fave skins would forever be this one and this one. More of my skins can be viewed here.

I stopped contributing about 1.5 years ago and only made skins for myself. Experimented with many random techniques like blending and pattterned backgrounds, all of which almost killed me with many agonising tries and retries to achieve the perfect look.

Now, my templates are minimal and take at most 30 mins to complete. Maybe its the jaded factor, maybe its the time constrains but I dont experiment as much as before, when I used to read up tutorials on the net and borrow books.

I miss the fun in creating something to call your own.

Chevrolet

2007-07-06T18:11:00.000+08:00

MY BROTHER BOUGHT A CAR. Ok more like my parents bought my brother a car.

This car to be exact, a black Chevrolet Optra, somewhat like the model in the Transformers movie. Definitely not my first choice but not half bad. One day, I will get my dream Jaguar!

A for Effort!

2007-07-04T22:32:00.000+08:00

Happy Birthday Cath and Lu! Finally 18!

Party planner Justine Chan (can win David Tutera) got an A for effort for planning an ultra secret birthday dinner for both of them. Hehe. Now the plot shall be unveiled. First, Shari and I met at AMKHub to buy ingredients for our cake then makan and buy a cardigan!

Super moist!

Extra chocs

My kitchen

Me with the cake!

Shari with the cake!

The completed and decorated cakes

Next, we went off to Crystal Jade at Taka for dinner

Their best 18 year old look -.-

Nat and XP ordered plain flour buns -.-

We then headed down to Ajitei for dessert...

My set thingy

Us with their Uglydoll

And to cut cake...

Birthday girls

The cake was really super moist

Group picture. Note: Lu is wearing yellow dress I gave her!

The day after was council dinner thingy and we received goodie bags.

The bags

And the people

THANK YOU FADHLI. Ok off to make my brownie!

Ah Reum Dah Oon Sah Rahm

2007-07-01T18:17:00.000+08:00

I like this song a lot (: Ah Reum Dah Oon Sah Rahm by Seo Yoo Suk, which roughly translates into "You are my beautiful person". Lyrics can be found here.

YCM

2007-06-27T23:16:00.000+08:00

I really like my YCM group (:

SAT Full Report

2007-06-17T20:00:00.000+08:00

My SAT full report:

Critical reading: 760
99 percentile
Number Right: 64, Number Wrong: 3, Number Omitted: 0, Total Number of Questions: 67, Raw Score: 63

Math: 720 (Goal: 800)
96 percentile
Number Right: 50, Number Wrong: 4, Number Omitted: 0, Total Number of Questions: 54, Raw Score: 49

Writing: 670 (Goal: 720)
93 percentile
Number Right: 45, Number Wrong: 4, Number Omitted: 0, Total Number of Questions: 49, Multiple-choice Raw Score: 44

Waa shit. I realised that if I retake (to try and achieve my dream score of 2280 so Shari and I can go to our dream US university) then I have to get fewer than 4 mistakes per section, which is quite hard considering I almost died during my first SAT.

I think I should work on my essay and actually remember to LEAVE PARAGRAPHS, then maybe I can do better. Gooooo Joooostineeeeee.

Goal 2280!