A branch in the vine

Gain and Loss

2011-03-01T02:08:00.000+08:00

I think I understand now. Why people say that the longer you stay out of school, the more likely it will be hard for you to go back.

I can say, from my experience right now, that if I had chosen this route right after finishing high school, or even after my Diploma, I would have found everything easier. I would be in the right set of mind, in the habit and routine of being a student, and have the background knowledge more easily retrievable.

But what I'm feeling more keenly right now, is how much your priorities and values change after you come out of school and how that change affects you when you jump back and seemingly get into a phase you were in before. For me, furthering my education has always been my dream. And believe it or not, I love studying. I thirst for new knowledge. Which is why I hung on to making studies my main priority after so many years of not studying. And I believed that my strive for studying would never diminish.

It feels a bit surreal now that I'm doing what I have longed for. Now that I'm actually away in another country, away from familiar surroundings, friends I care for and my beloved family. Doing what I am now makes me happy because it is what I wanted. At the same time, I can't help feeling selfish, at the expense of the people I love and care about. I no longer have the time I would want to talk to them and be concerned for their daily happenings. I sympathise and wish to listen, but I have a billion other things to do and think about. Things that concern me, and the education that I wished for myself. It feels like I am failing to be there for them in times when they are down, cry, see them grow and change.

I always knew it wasn't going to be easy, going back into school. And now... I can only say, perhaps this was something you were never going to understand unless you went through it yourself.

After all, there is another thing people always say.

In every gain there is a loss.

Coming back

2011-02-22T02:25:00.000+08:00

I've not exactly made good on my promise to update my blog more regularly :P

It's just that so many things have been going on that I've not had the energy to do much... I shall perhaps write a brief recap here, that will not do the events any justice but it's just better than nothing... (I'm feeling like I'm sounding like one of my friends but that's another story...).

Hmmm... the biggest thing that happened was of course my theatre performance :D No words can describe what kind of experience this has been. The intense periods brought with them times of utter joy and moments when I was so touched and overcome with emotion that I couldn't help but cry. The content of the play we performed had a hand in this, I think, because it made us, or me at least, confront so many hidden things in me. And now I would like to think that the cast and crew of Living with Lady Macbeth share a very special bond because of all we've been through as a group. I learnt so much from everyone involved and I certainly hope I contributed my share.

Thanks to Annie's camera :)

Another event that I participated in was a trip we organized to Lamma Island together with a lot of the exchange students. It was a very pleasant time being out and about, despite the fact that I kinda got "tricked" into hiking up a "refreshing" trail. Yeah, right. Anyway, I was happy because I got to eat lots of seafood, which I love. Hehehehehe....

And just slightly before that, I finally participated in an outing with the Photography Society I joined since last semester. We went to a village which was about to be demolished because the Government was reclaiming it for an MTR project. And because these things never happen without meeting any resistance and unfairness, we walked into a place that looked torn down and ravaged. We were asked to think about what we wanted to capture, and the emotions we felt, if any. It was a new experience because I saw photography for a specific purpose that day.

In between all that, was all the times I gathered with my friends just having some food (sushi or McD mostly) and chatting down at the Learning Commons. Topics were so random they ranged from food allergies to drunken incidents to relationships and friendships and old school stories. Laughed till there were tears in my eyes. Good times.

Now, I need to settle down, and calm myself. Out of all my subjects, I have probably only been making sense of one or two of them, and skimming the surface of all the others. First exam next Tuesday. OH MYYYY.... Ok, breathe.

I will be back.

Sonnet

2011-01-17T00:15:00.001+08:00

We were asked to read some poems for our coming Literature class, and one of them particularly resonated with me...

Sonnet
by Edna St Vincent Millay

Time does not bring relief; you all have lied
Who told me time would ease me of my pain!
I miss him in the weeping of the rain;
I want him at the shrinking of the tide;
The old snows melt from every mountain-side,
And last year's leaves are smoke in every lane;
But last year's bitter loving must remain
Heaped on my heart, and my old thoughts abide.
There are a hundred places where I fear
To go, - so with his memory they brim.
And entering with relief some quiet place
Where never fell his foot or shone his face
I say, "There is no memory of him here!"
And so stand stricken, so remembering him.

Space

2011-01-15T02:23:00.002+08:00

I have a group of friends that I usually hang out with, whether it's for going to classes together, having meals before or after class, and doing activities outside campus. Then I found myself doing something - I started avoiding the company of one or two of the people in the group. I didn't feel like talking to the person, tried getting out of situations whereby we would be caught in one place, and just outright uninvited myself when I knew the person would be there. When coincidence happens and we still ended up meeting in our "clique", I avoided conversation, eye contact and kept a distance. The fact that I was conscious of what I was doing all along made me feel like I was mean and treating my friend(s) unfairly.

I'm not sure what prompted me to act that way. And it doesn't go away after a day, or two days even. Sometimes it takes three days, or up to a week. After that, I find myself losing the sense of impatience and annoyance towards the person, turning back to the friendly and "sociable" me.

Might this be because I grew too used to being in my own company? That I can stay in my room all alone for a day without feeling lonely? I can only say, sometimes I just need my space. Some space for me to breathe, take a step back, evaluate and come back.

If any of my friends find this post, I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive, or maybe understand what was it that happened.

-------------------------------------------

On a separate note, I bought new colour pens today!! I love the colours so much, and am motivated to take down notes and write just because of that :)

Woohoo~!

Restart

2011-01-10T15:54:00.001+08:00

I looked at the number of blog posts I wrote in 2010 - 4. Hahahahaha! I cannot believe myself.

----------------

It's ten days into the new year now, a year which I passed peacefully in a place I'm wondrously beginning to be familiar with. My new semester has begun, with seemingly heavier workloads and stricter professors. I feel like I have not even wrapped my head around last semester's stuff yet before this new semester came, bombarding me with tons of new information.

I'm going to work at updating my blog, for the sake of my dear family and friends who are not with me, so they can know what's going on in my life. Not sure what exactly to write now, but felt I need to start posting something first. Hahaha... What shall I talk about? Shall I talk about my studies first?

The subjects I'm taking this semester are:

1. Introduction to Literary Studies I

2. English Grammar 1

3. Sociolinguistics

4. Teaching & Learning

5. Human Intimacy: Friendship, Dating & Marriage

6. Access English (*grrrr*)

I've no idea when the results for the previous semester will be released. I suppose I'll do ok, trying not to raise my hopes high because there was some work I wasn't satisfied with, but also some which I thought was ok. And resolution for this new semester, together with a couple of my classmates, is researching and starting our assignments EARLY so we don't become deadline fighters again like last semester =.=

As for the church life, I really enjoy and appreciate the Christ among the brothers and sisters here. I'm currently attending the Lord's Table on Saturday night with young working saints and campus saints in Shatin. There's also an English home meeting I attend on Wednesdays. The Lord has shown me much grace in preserving me in the Body, where there is mutual love, shepherding and encouragement as we seek to be constituted and built up together. I'm also practicing and learning to serve with the guitar. May the Lord continue to direct my paths in the coming days....

From Shatin, Hong Kong

2010-08-19T17:24:00.000+08:00

Checking in from Shatin, Hong Kong so that people back home won't think that I've forgotten them :P

After packing, putting clothes into vacuum bags, taking them out to repack, and doing stuff like this:

Giving teddy a bath before his journey with me. He doesn't look too happy about it...

I am now safely in Hong Kong. And I say safely because... it was quite exciting at the airport yesterday. When I took a boarding pass, I only spared it a glance without taking in any important details. And those who sent me off knows about how we took out own sweet time saying goodbyes.

Then I finally looked properly at my boarding pass as I walked towards the departure gate. "Boarding gate closes 20 minutes before departure time." My flight was at 4.40 p.m.

It was 4.17 pm.

I brisk walked to the Immigration counter. Thank the Lord that there were no people for Malaysian passports. I heard them announcing "Final call for..." Once I was cleared, I ran down all the way and across the hall to the T9 boarding gate.

Phew! I made it, with a deserved back pain after the running with a heavy laptop bag on my back.

------------------------

After approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes, there I was!

Now, I'm staying at the Hong Kong Bible Research and Education Centre, which is the place for FTTHK, and Shatin district meetings.

Today, I just remained at this place, and helped around in the cleaning service as there is a week-long perfecting training for 350 saints from China. Taking it free and easy at the moment :)

I'll be going to the Institute tomorrow with two sisters who are also studying there. More updates and photos soon!

6.40 a.m.

2010-08-16T06:44:00.002+08:00

My dad is about to wake up.

From that sentence above, you should be able to surmise...

That I have been staying awake, as opposed to waking up uncharacteristically early.

There is no reason that I should be though (staying awake).

And since I'm awake, I should be editing my last freelance workbook. Or washing the bedding that I want to bring over to Hong Kong.

But I am not doing any of that.

In fact, I am not doing particularly anything.

Leaving me with heavy eyes without accomplishing anything. And I have some things to settle later when Mum wakes up. And the workbook to hand in later at night.

And on top of everything, I am very, very, very hungry.

Sleep.

비의 소리

2010-08-12T02:47:00.001+08:00

비의 소리.

The sound of the rain.

I think there are many people, who despite disliking being in the rain, actually like the sound of the rain. The tranquility that comes with it. A sound that drowns out other sounds in your head. A sound that makes all thoughts cease to exist. A sound that seems to wash, and bring new life in its wake.

I am one of these people.

I actually like the smell of the rain as well. Though it's debatable if rain actually has smell. It might actually be the smell of the freshly washed grass as rain falls on it. Then it would actually be, the smell of the earth.

Anyway, I have been going to this website this few days, just to listen.

www.rainymood.com

Now I shall bring this sound in my head and curl up to sleep...

Going

2010-08-11T03:58:00.004+08:00

Yes, I finally think I can update now.

Because I'm going.

Where? The question is. Hong Kong. The answer is.

After all the grand thoughts and sad days and waiting and planning and hoping, I have settled to go to Hong Kong. The place I'm going to is called The Hong Kong Institute of Education (香港教育學院). I'm going to do a 4-Year Full-time Bachelor in English (Honours) (English Language) - Primary Programme. I'm writing in simple direct sentences because I'm too lazy to think of composing my words :P Oh, how I wish I were one of those who were naturally amusing! (*forgive the drama)

The next question, I believe is - What? Why? Thought you were doing Architecture? Why do Education in Hong Kong?

Sigh... I suppose an explanation is due. In case anyone else asks in future, I can always direct them to this post, right? So... for reasons why I'm no longer doing Architecture, you can read this post here. After that is done, then you would know that my other interest lay in languages.

I wasn't searching for courses in Education actually. It was after I hit a lot of snags (financial, datelines) with language courses, that I had this question posed to me, "Would you consider doing Education?" I pondered. I thought, if I did languages, the road would either be translating the language, or teaching the language, right? If it was the latter, then a course in Education in a particular language makes sense, doesn't it?

As to why Hong Kong, actually I was just looking for more viable options. Since the US and UK are technically off-limits due to financial restraints, it meant that I had to look for somewhere nearer. I entertained the idea of going to Korea for a while, because I had been learning the language and was interested to continue pursuing it, but even Korea is too expensive without a scholarship. And Singapore is... so near. Hong Kong now, is further without being too far, and has the advantage of being an international hub, which brings to thought that there might be options to learn other languages there. Or, you could google "Why study in Hong Kong?".

Why English then? Because. That is what is offered.

Why would you do EDUCATION/ ENGLISH in HONG KONG? You can do that in Malaysia? Because.

I just don't want to study in Malaysia.

Not because of any bad reasons, really. It's just my personal dream of studying overseas.

So, I think I'm done explaining. All the itsy-bitsy stuff would take too long to write and I don't think anyone's interested anyway (those who are should already know...).

Final word - 18th August 2010 is the date I'm going! :D

In, Out

2009-12-31T23:58:00.002+08:00

Last day of the year...

Though it doesn't quite make sense,
the sound of fireworks and the little girl shouting "Happy New Year"
outside my house
puts me in a celebratory mood too...

Goodbye December.

And 2009.

I said I would do this

2009-12-01T23:53:00.000+08:00

It is now December.

I am still here.

Running away

2009-11-06T02:15:00.003+08:00

Perhaps my running away from this blog is another sign of how far I'm running from reality.

Running away from questions.
Running away from problems.
Running away from unpleasant things.
Running away from disturbing thoughts.
Running away from thinking about my future.
Running away from thinking of my running away.

Yet perhaps this is my reality.

*this is what appears after months of not writing and thinking of something "profound" at 2:15 a.m.

KL Performing Arts Centre, Sentul

2009-06-08T19:08:00.002+08:00

I've long wanted to visit this place - KL Performing Arts Centre (KLPac) in Sentul ever since it kept appearing in various architecture magazines. But since Sentul is way out of my usual radar, I've never taken the trouble to go there on purpose. So when Priscilla said she was going to a play there, I decided to buy a ticket and take myself on a trip :)

Unfortunately, I'm no longer a student so I can only buy the ticket at normal price =.=''

The play was inspired by Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. The story is the same, except with change of characters and performed in traditional Mak Yong style. The actors even all spoke in the Kelantanese dialect (which I'm sure left many people in clouds during the whole play). It was rather hilarious too - cos they made references to the local scene - politics and H1N1 included.

The cast of Mak Yong "Titis Sakti" at the end of the show

And then, I proceeded to my main purpose of coming XD It was wonderful walking around the grounds and seeing the scenes only seen on magazines. There was a big park surrounding KLPac - the Sentul Park. I saw some children playing kites there too. Some were feeding the ducks (at least I think they're ducks) in the pond.

More pictures and fun are in my Facebook account :D

BreakOut performance

2009-05-24T06:59:00.002+08:00

More performances from BreakOut, the Korean Extreme Dance Comedy group. There is a short and funny segment performed by them (prisoners and the cop). Then, they show off their dancing skills.

Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did!

Beatbox by BreakOut member

2009-05-24T04:33:00.007+08:00

As mentioned earlier, one of the highlights of the Korean Embassy event was the Extreme Dance Comedy "BreakOut" B-boy performance. This is a beatbox performance by one of the members at the beginning. There were no audio on at that time, so whatever you hear was produced by this talented chap.

More videos when I'm done editing...

I just want to study

2009-05-23T22:40:00.004+08:00

Maybe I'm not doing all the right things. Maybe I should just get on with my life. Maybe I should just go and work. Maybe I should stop getting so frustrated at my inability to do anything.

I want to go overseas to further my studies. And after much consideration and courage, I have decided that I want to study a foreign language. And unfortunately, I do not have any STPM papers to get into a local university, but a 3-year Diploma in Architecture that is probably not going to buy me any leverage.

I do not have money to go overseas and study. Neither do I have the credits or results to get myself a scholarship. What good are my results now anyway? I have 7A's from SPM 6 (oh my goodness, SIX!) years ago, and the horrid, deluded youth nowadays have 10 and above. And I have a 2.9 CGPA for my Diploma, which falls way short of the 3.50 CGPA requirement of scholarships I have come across. And besides, the Diploma is not for the course I want to study now anyway.

I am a good student. Oh, I'm not so self-important to think that I'm brilliant or the best. But I am a good student. I take notes and do not fall asleep in those classes people often deem too boring to stay awake for. I research and read up on subjects. I ask questions. I complete projects when the other members of the team do not even understand what we are doing. I study for exams. Heck, I love studying! I involve myself in extra-curricular activities and love to take part in event organising. I am reasonably outspoken and communicate well. And I'm supposedly the "genius" because I was 2 years younger than everyone in class (don't worry, I never believed in this for a second).

But all these do not seem to account for anything. They certainly do not show in my results. Or accomplishments. Wait, what accomplishments? Nope, no papers to show for anything. And the 2 years bought earlier have long been used up. Because I have graduated with the Diploma 2 years ago. And I'm at home. Not working in what I studied in and not furthering my studies.

I'm absolutely fine with staying at home. Because you know, I have to clean the house. And wash the clothes. And then give tuition so that I don't waste my time and earn some money. And then pay for the Internet and occassionally give pocket money to my brother.

Many people around me ask me what I am doing. Those who know always offer advice. Maybe you can try that, or take a look at that. Oh, I heard there's a scholarship for that programme in that country. Ok, I know all of them mean well. I thank them that they are so concerned. But when I do check out what they say (I do listen and take a look every time), I always hit a blank wall. It was so hard to check it in the first place because, all these well-meaning people never remember the exact, concrete details (like the website). There is nothing like anything that they mentioned. So where did they get all that from? Oh, I'll ask the person whom I heard from for you, they reply when I ask them again. When? I wonder. Information never comes fast enough. One week, two weeks. And then I never hear about it again.

I'm so sorry if I sound really ungrateful. But being grateful doesn't mean I don't get disheartened. It's just been so many times that I get my hopes raised, and then down it crashes.

I cannot plan for things in advance. Because, I keep telling people, I don't know where I will be or what I will be doing. A trip in December? Uh... you might wanna count me out since I might be in some foreign country, studying. Something happening in August? Er... my term has probably started by then.

Might. Probably. Maybe.

Come August or December, you might still find me sitting here at home ranting away on my blog.

I need something to happen.

I need...

I just want to study.

Korea, Closer Than You Imagine

2009-05-22T23:08:00.002+08:00

Heard about this event from Pris, who heard from her friend :) We thought it would be fun to go, and since it's free, why not? A bit of an intro:

The event is organised by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea (ROK). The purpose is to promote bilateral relations between our two countries (Sounds rather... serious and political, eh?) Anyway, the good point is - the people they invited were undergraduates and graduates. Highlights included a dance comedy performance "Breakout" by one of the top B-boy Korean groups (who are also having public performances here), a taekwondo performance and more dances.

So, at 2.30 p.m yesterday, at the Grand Ballroom at Renaissance Hotel, KL, I went in with Pris and her friends - Yin Ling, Ka Ling and Rachel. First time meeting Rachel, who's one of Priscilla's close friends. At first I wasn't sure what to expect - and was wondering if we would hit it off. She's rather hyper, methinks.. Hahahaha XD Anyway, it was quite natural for us.

After some long, required speeches, the emcee announced the most exciting performance of the day - the BreakOut dance comedy. Very entertaining, and very funny. I recorded snippets here and there, so I'll have to edit the video and post it up when I'm done. After the dance, we (the crowd) were left to wander around the many displays the Embassy had put up.

I like the way the glasses and plates were displayed for the crowd to use.

Display of Korean food (but not real wan...)

Ka Ling remarked to me, "Hey, the host is the person from TV wan right? The one who host the Deal or No Deal, Chinese wan?" I was like, "Is it?" and craned my neck to get a look. Oooh ~ it was Owen Yap (葉劍鋒)... Pleasant surprise :D He was actually speaking in English, which I haven't heard before.

And of course, we decided not to be shy and go ask for a photograph. To find that there was already a crowd of people.. er, actually mostly girls (there were 2 guys) all clamouring to take a picture with the tall and good looking TV personality. Hahaha... So we waited for our turn. And here is mine:

I would have preferred the photo to be taken a little lower... but not thick-skinned enough to go ask for a reshoot la...

He actually already put one leg forward to appear shorter ==' And he did that for quite a lot of people who weren't blessed to reach his shoulder :P The people around were kinda laughing when I stood beside him. He crossed his arms, smiled and said "Hey, I can be very funny too..." Very nice of him. And he smiled and said "thanks" to everyone who took a picture with him.

Later when it was time for the lucky draw, he really got into his element. Made a lot of jokes with the audience, and even was rather sharp-tongued with the lucky winners ('cos he made them all say "thank you" in Korean). Supposed it's because we're all younger than him... Haha :P Pris said "So bad! He like lecturer only..."

The ballroom

With Pris (this and the photo below taken from her camera)

Pris and me with Korean F4 (life-sized model laa..)

I'm struck with the desire to buy a plane ticket and fly out to Korea...

Doing this Tag. Just because...

2009-05-20T03:20:00.003+08:00

Haih... I don't usually do tags (though I like reading them except those reaaallly long ones where you have to answer 100 questions or something). And I did something like this in Facebook not too long ago, except it was 25 random things. Anyway, since I was tagged by Priscilla, who is one of my closest friends, and this tag is not so hard to do... (besides I'm still procrastinating)...

16 random things

Here's the direction:

Once you've been tagged, you have to write a post with sixteen random things, habits or goals about you. At last, choose five people to be tagged, listing their names and why you chose them.

1. I'm currently listening to DNR's Ice Cream. Nice song. (haha, I have no idea where to start so...)

2. I mostly only listen to ballads though on the occassion, I listen to something upbeat.

3. I just remembered that Priscilla wanted to know more about me, so maybe I have to think harder since she already knows no. 2. Hahaha...

4. I sometimes feel that writing in Mandarin is a more beautiful expression. Which is why I would like to learn more Mandarin to express myself better.

5. I like to learn many many things. For example, the piano, guitar, violin, dance, literature, history, art, French, Spanish, Korean, Japanese... (you get the idea)

6. I like to read things to get information. As such, I'm normally the person to read the information, analyse and dissect it and then summarize it to my friends (in a project) or my mother (when she asks me to do something).

7. I wish I was better in physical things. Because I really like sports like badminton, swimming, basketball, and gymnastics but I don't have the physical ability to be good in them.

8. I admire the fact that my brother and sister has cliques in the school. And that their clique actually do invite them for many things and are really close.

9. The reason I admire them is because I've never really felt like I belonged in or among my friends in school. It was better in college, I guess.

10. I'm wondering if it is because of the age difference or just because I haven't met like-minded people.

11. I always feel that I put myself more into any relationship/ friendship than the people involved. And it is very tiring.

12. As such, I'm teaching myself not to care for so many people not worth caring for. Or maybe just to accept that they will be acquaintances.

13. Besides, I don't need so many close friends, right? In the past few months, I have only been in contact with a few of my friends and have become somewhat like a social recluse. But I think that's fine.

14. I would like to be out of the country in the last quarter of this year, God willing. I really, really wish to continue my studies.

15. I'm often an upside-down person. I am awake in the night thru the wee hours, and sleep when the sun rises. I was normal last week but then I didn't quite know how to function =='

16. Which is probably why I'm awake now and typing this post. And forcing myself to finally continue my overdue workbook when I finish this.

* Not tagging anyone but if you wanna let people read 'bout you, then go ahead and reply :)

Portrait - Poster Colour 03

2009-05-13T12:39:00.006+08:00

Teacher gave me another challenge - a Van Gogh self portrait. *Gulp!* Was not too bad. I'm quite satisfied with the results. And this portrait was so fun to do! Hehe... cos teacher wanted me to experiment with different textures and techniques, so every piece so far has been done in a different way. The previous one was supposed to be in the "impasto" technique (if I haven't lost my art techniques knowledge).

This one, she wanted to express the brush strokes - so she had me paint with PVA glue! Hahaha :D Very fun. And all the kids kept asking, "Why are you painting with glue??" I just smiled and had loads of fun... But the brush strokes thing didn't quite turn out right. The only thing the PVA glue did was make my painting shiny. So in the end, we put a layer of PVA on the whole painting, like varnish.

Van Gogh Self Portrait with Dark Felt Hat - reference

My portrait

Talking about brush strokes, I remember an art project my mum let us (me and bro) do last time when we were kids... She used to cook some starch in a bowl, and then let us mix the starch with the colours we wanted, and then paint with our fingers on a drawing paper. Way fun! I think I'll suggest using starch to teacher... the texture definitely stays :D

More art projects in 2 weeks... Hehe (if you haven't noticed, I've so far only managed to complete one portrait after 2 lessons).

John 3:16

2009-05-03T23:06:00.001+08:00

Yesterday, I went to a memorial meeting of an elderly sister. As I listened to a message one of the brothers imparted, I was touched particularly by this Bible verse.

John 3:16 is a very popular Bible verse. Sometimes, it is so popular that even non-believers know what it says. And sometimes, we as Christians forget to touch the deep meaning of this verse just because we think we know it so well.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that every one who believes into Him would not perish, but would have eternal life."

約翰福音 3:16

"神愛世人，甚至將祂的獨生子賜給他們，叫一切信入祂的，不至滅亡，反得永遠的生命。"

The brother spoke in Mandarin (paraphrased):

“若朋友們看這經節，可以看見，並不是我們配得；乃是神那麽的愛我們，所以神將祂的獨生子賜給我們。我們能夠得救，並不是我們行了多少善事，我們多富有，我們多麽有成就。並不是我們配得，乃是神的憐憫和神的愛，使祂將祂的獨生子賜給我們，叫我們能得着永遠的生命。”

"If friends would look at this verse, you can see that it is not that we are worthy; but God so loved us that He gave us His only begotten Son. We can be saved, not because of how many good works we do, nor how wealthy we are, or even how accomplished. It is not that we are worthy, but it is the mercy and love of God, that He gave His only begotten Son to us, that we can receive eternal life."

I am reminded again how much God has had mercy on me, and how much He has loved me. What am I that He should thus love me, and predestinate me to receive Him as the eternal life? I am only a sinner, unworthy and unable to come to God. But by His grace and mercy, I have believed and received Him, and I now have the authority to be a child of God. Praise and thank the Lord!

Portrait - Poster Colour 02

2009-04-30T03:28:00.002+08:00

I don't know how to measure the success of this picture. It's one that does not resemble the original and yet does not need a reference picture because it's just obvious which reference I used.

I can only say, a master's work is hard to emulate XD

Portrait - Poster Colour 01

2009-04-30T03:19:00.002+08:00

Since I can't locate my set of water colours, I had to make do with poster colours instead. And goodness... poster colours are so much harder to control than crayons. Thus, instead of finishing one portrait a week I only had one in two weeks :P

Another portrait postcard from Hossein Enas - a man called Frank Sullivan. I can't remember the original medium though.

Frank Sullivan - Reference Picture

My work

Is he a thinner version again? Muakakaka....

你只有一个

2009-04-29T02:21:00.002+08:00

Was listening to songs by 范玮琪 (Fan Wei Qi). Came across this song, and the lyrics seemed to speak to me...

范玮琪 - 你只有一个

你看你　眉头都打结了
你熟悉的坚韧　到哪儿去了
别因时光而磨损

快找回那自信的眼神
不要因为爱错了一个人
就否决爱美好的可能

不管如何都不要忘记
你是最好的
要相信你绝对有幸福的资格

你只有一个　独一无二
他不懂珍惜是他太笨
有多少人等着
要做你最最在乎的人

你只有一个　那么独特
你值得你期盼的快乐
当你不再非他不可
他会知道　失去的多难得

一定会找到珍惜你的人
全世界就非要你不可

Tidbit - My dad is handsome

2009-04-29T02:15:00.000+08:00

Today we went out for dinner as usual. Was in a Chinese restaurant in Taman Megah, Cheras. We were eating and ordered a pot of Chinese tea. As is custom, we lifted the lid of the pot to the side of the mouth when we needed refilling.

A waitress was serving a table beside us. My dad said to see if she would be 'seng muk' (alert) enough to see the teapot or not. Then she approached our table to serve our order. My dad placed a new order for another plate of noodles. They were talking while I was watching if any hand came near the teapot.

She walked away without the teapot.

I turned to my dad and said she not "seng muk" at all.
Dad said : We were talking ma...
I said: But she was standing right in front of our table!
Dad said: Then she talking to a 'leng zai' ma...

My sister and I snorted XD

Why I read 橘子

2009-04-25T01:25:00.004+08:00

I'm currently in the midst of reading 橘子(Orange)'s 不爱，也是一种爱。（Choosing not to love is my way of loving you.)

I have 3 of her books and have finished one so far. Truth be told, I don't think much of her stories. Unless one likes to read a lot of sentences expressing every detail in the story. There is a story, but nothing much happens in the book. I would say that she is an author proficient for writing emotions and those many passing thoughts one often has in the head.

Then you might ask, why do I have 3 of her books? Reason one being: her books have nice covers, which is explained here. Reason two: I am always attracted by the short phrases on the cover and in her book.

Like this book, 不爱，也是一种爱。 On the cover is this:

愛人不難，
Loving someone is not hard,
難的是不愛
The hard part is not loving.

不愛，也是一種愛
Not to love, is also a kind of love
所以，我才會感慨
Which is why I lament
我們，只能不愛以愛
That we, can only love by not loving
儘管，愛情，給我們一次機會。
Even though, love gave us a chance.

(English translation is done by me.)

Ah~ The words resonate with me. When I still wonder where the story is going, the short words before each chapter become my highlights:

開場白
相。遇
有些人相遇得太早，有些人相遇得太晚
而，有些人，則是一輩子都不應該相遇

第一章
失。眠
躺久了總是會睡着的
而人
愛久了，卻不一定就是你的

第二章
傷。害
越是懂愛的人，往往越是容易讓對方受傷害
就像是
她總是知道該怎麽精凖的說出我不想聼的話

第三章
孤。獨
我們都是孤獨的存在
而，不同的是
妳，孤獨的這樣自在

第四章
變
人，總是會變的
關係也是
愛，尤其

第五章
遺。憾
我們的遺憾來自於相愛時間的錯過
而，最遺憾的是
我們，連錯過也錯過

第六章
心。開
“怎麽樣才能把心打開來？”
[或許先試著別去想心關著的這件事情。]
我回答。卻，說不出口，我心關著的是，是妳。

第七章
殘。忍
愛情裡最殘忍的
或許不是遺忘
卻是否認

第八章
不。愛
不愛，也是一種愛
所以，我才會感慨
我們，只能不愛以愛

最終章
最。後
結果，到了最後
我思念妳的濃度
還是和最初相同

I would attempt to translate, except I have no wish to interfere with the Mandarin words.
I wonder, what does it say when I read a book for all these instead of the story. Hah. Maybe I'm just thinking about something that does not require thinking. Anyway, I think these short phrases are rather beautiful, and are the sort that I would like to write.

先試著別去想心關著的這件事情。
卻，說不出口，我心關著的事，是你。

Tidbit - What is a perut buncit?

2009-04-13T02:19:00.000+08:00

There was a moderate amount of people in the LRT. I was seated and listening to snatches of the conversation around me. On my right, there was a Malay father standing with his son (about 3? 4? year old). The kid was rambling on about some stuff and the dad was replying him in turn. I was half asleep when I heard this:

Kid: (pointing at dad's tummy) Abah dah nak baby!

XD I was immediately awake. LOL.

即使，只在梦里

2009-04-02T23:55:00.007+08:00

今天在梦里，

你应许了我遇见你

好久不见的你

我好想念的你。

依然这么熟悉，

给了我轻微的笑容

令我心欢腾的笑容

同时有点心酸的笑容。

然后依然那么潇洒

转身，

离开。

许许多多的人群中

从你身上目不转移的我

只看见你，只记得你的我

似乎说出

我是多么的想抓住你，

即使只在梦里。

Portrait - Crayon 03

2009-03-31T23:28:00.000+08:00

Another portrait by Hossein Enas, called "A Sam Sui Woman". I had no idea what a sam sui woman was but my teacher told me that's what the women who worked in the construction site were called. And their special characteristic was the red cloth they wore on their heads. Hmm...

Oh ya... I forgot to mention. My teacher said that Malay artists were not encouraged to draw portraits (something to do with their religion) and Hossein Enas was the first one (who broke the norm).

Reference Picture

My portrait- done on the back card of the art block

Ok, I thought I got the eyes right this time. And the proportion of the face too. BUT, something must have happened during the colouring because - she's thinner again! LOL I don't know whether to laugh or cry....

Coming week is a portrait of a man and gonna use a new medium - water colours. Hopefully it'll turn out fine...

And I miss my pencils. Gonna do one soon...

Portrait - Crayon 02

2009-03-25T09:17:00.001+08:00

Yet another portrait from Hossein Enas collection. A malay woman done in pastel (the original). I'm too lazy to get the reference picture from my handphone so it'll just be my portrait :P Done on light brown sugar paper.

I can tell you that she looks thinner than the original too. Bwahahaha.... I must fix this problem man...

Portrait - Crayon 01

2009-03-18T08:56:00.001+08:00

Experimented with a new medium this week - crayons. Continuing the collection by Hossein Enas, I have an old man this time - side angle again. The original artist used pastel.

Reference picture

My portrait

I think my old man looks a bit thinner. Gah! What do you think?

Portrait - Colour Pencils 01

2009-03-03T09:07:00.000+08:00

New medium this week - colour pencils. Teacher started lending me the postcards from Hossein Enas's portrait collection. He did it in pastel.

Reference picture

My portrait

The hair ruined it! Aarghh.... it was going really well, in my opinion. Then when I coloured in the hair, I didn't pay attention to the forehead so... haih.

Portrait - Pencil 04

2009-02-25T08:48:00.000+08:00

This time, we draw the side profile. I'm using another celebrity, Han Ga In, for reference.

Han Ga In - reference picture

My portrait

Not a very successful one, I must say. Somehow my portrait looks very "garang". Haha XD

Portrait - Pencil 03

2009-02-17T08:35:00.002+08:00

Searched for some photos online to draw. Celebrities was an easy choice since they have a flood of images to choose from. And it helps that they are not bad looking :P This week, we're supposed to draw a person who's looking in front but taken from the side angle. And I'm drawing:

Mike He - reference picture

My portrait

Some comments say that he doesn't look like him, but still a handsome guy LOL. And some say that he is even more handsome than the original. Wahahaha XD

Portrait - Pencil 02

2009-02-11T08:15:00.001+08:00

Teacher gives us some portraits done by other Malaysian artists. This one is "A Lisu Lady" done by Chia Hoy San. This portrait is a side angle of a person looking in front. My portrait with the reference at the side:

Proportion and angle still needs work... Hahaha :P Comments are welcome.

Portrait - Pencil 01

2009-02-04T03:23:00.003+08:00

Because of my bro, I recently started art classes again - with the same teacher who taught me since I was 3 XD Anyway, this time we're learning to do portraits. This is from the first class, using pencils. We're drawing the full front face of a person.

Portrait of Tunku Abdul Rahman

Quite a resemblance I think. Not bad for first class (never draw for so many years...) Proportion can be improved and I'll work on that. Will post one portrait each week, as per my class :)

Colours

2009-01-23T05:01:00.001+08:00

Like my friend potat, I like colourful things on display, especially like this picture. Was in Times browsing when I saw the cute erasers XD And I'm being totally random just because I wanna update my blog.

Oh... I bought an orange one too. The second colour from the left :)

Pineapple Tarts for CNY

2009-01-22T22:41:00.002+08:00

This year we (mum and I) somehow hit on the idea of baking cookies for sale this CNY. Previously I've made my personal favourite CNY cookie - the pineapple rolls - for fun. They turned out quite nicely too. So, we bought the ingredients and materials needed and I slaved away in the kitchen.

Just in case you think I have a big production, let me dash your thoughts away. Hahaha... well, baking cookies for sale is not as easy as you might think. Requires many hours of standing. And I have a small oven. Anyway, I made enough :)

A portion of the pineapple jam I cooked

Rolling the jam into the pastry

The rolls getting ready to go into oven, with glaze

Baked pineapple rolls!

I made 10 of these containers. Sold 6 of them and gave 2 (can't collect money from grandma). Another 2 I eat la, of course XD

Don't know when I'll make again. Getting hungry just looking at the photos. Think I'll go to the kitchen to get my pineapple roll fix. Hehe...

Pretty Book Covers

2009-01-18T02:01:00.003+08:00

As you might have noticed, I like books. Quite a lot of them. If you haven't, take a look to your right.

I like books with pretty covers. It is a bad... what do you call it... preference? I have because, pretty books cost more money than not so pretty books. When this happens to books I really wanna read, I debate for a long time (imagine you can get Pride and Prejudice for below RM10 and then you can get it with a pretty cover for RM20-30+). And the pretty book cover versions always never have discounts, even when their brother or sister in the not so pretty book cover is on 20%. The content is the same, I argue, and yet I'm inevitably torn towards the pretty book cover (which is why all my Julia Quinn books are from Piatkus).

Sometimes I am tempted to read books just because of their covers. This is funny really, because we all know the old adage "Don't judge a book by its cover." Alas... I must belong to the category that marketing people love because I often am attracted to covers 1st.

Lately, I've been led to read Chinese medium books for the same reason. And it helps that they're rather light on the pocket too, when compared to their English counterpart.

Those at the back are by 蝴蝶/ Seba. I like the artistic graphics. Front pink one is by 橘子/ Orange. I love this kind of illustrations.

Baking Chocolate Chip Cookies

2009-01-02T22:10:00.001+08:00

I tried to bake one of my favourite snacks - chocolate chip cookies. Got the recipe from the Internet somewhere. This was my first time making them so I wasn't too assured of the success. Anyway, let's take a look:

This is the batter I prepared accordingly. Well, make allowances for an amateur's mistakes.

Then I put some spoons of this batter onto the baking tray. I didn't think it would quite work out since I could tell that the batter wasn't stiff enough. The result:

I got a giant chocolate amoeba!

Haha... the amoeba was really thin, like a crisp. It was too sweet too. And my mum said it didn't have the butter taste. So after many, many more rounds of adding flour and butter, I tried again.

Putting them onto the tray. I greased the trays 'cos I didn't want the cookies to stick.

Ta-da! Rather edible cookies... Not pretty enough to be sold though. Tasted ok too!

I cannot repeat that recipe anymore since I had to add here and there. Haha... I'll experiment again with a different recipe. Hopefully it'll turn out better. Will update when I do! :)

Korean Family Visit 04 - Dinner

2008-12-23T23:23:00.002+08:00

After the bridge experience, we went for dinner at Bro. Eric's house. The house was lovely, and I later found out that he is an architect :) We had some mee soto, some prawn crackers and even a fresh-from-oven raisin loaf baked by Bro Eric. As we ate, we chatted about all of us and even attempted learning some Korean XD

The entrance to his house is situated at the side instead of the front. Here you see the path turning 90 degrees to the front. Photo taken from patio acting as dining area as well.

The mee soto we had for dinner cooked by Bro Eric's Indonesian maid

Sis Expression (Ju Hyun), Sis Lee and Bro Economy (Kyung Ryun) enjoying their meal

Group pic in front of the patio

Back row: Sis May, Bro Economy, Bro Eric, Sis Expression

Front row: Sis Lee, Aoefa (Eee-fa), Crea, me

Korean Family Visit 03 - KLCC Skybridge!

2008-12-23T22:39:00.001+08:00

The best part of all was our visit to the KLCC Skybridge! It was so exciting since none of us had been up there before. Sis May took the trouble to go as soon as the mall opened (which was late already actually) to go line up for the tickets. Surprisingly, the tickets are free but they are limited so you have to book your place early. And you would only collect the tickets and go up in the evening. If anyone in your party does not turn up, you would not be allowed up as well.

Sis May got places for 5 of us for a 6.45pm visit initially. We came back from Central Market at around 5.30pm. We decided to go check if there was any chance of us going up earlier as we had to be somewhere else for dinner. Fortunately, there were places for at 5.45pm. We went into the auditorium for a presentation about the Petronas Company and how KLCC was built. Then we waited to be taken into the lift which would take us up to the bridge.

You can find this place by walking to Dewan Philharmonik Petronas and taking an escalator down.

"Welcome to the Skybridge. You are now 170 metres above street level."

It was exhilarating walking onto the bridge. We were given some time to freely roam around until our guide called us back. Needless to say, camera flashes took off everywhere, everyone wanting to capture as evidence being on THAT bridge between the two towers.

View of tower from the side

View of KLCC fountain and park

Mandarin Oriental and KL Convention Centre

Me and Sis May

My photos don't do justice to the experience and scenery you could capture up there. If you ever get the chance, you should go up just for the feeling of being on the bridge XD

Korean Family Visit 02 - Of Fish and Sea Creatures

2008-12-23T21:10:00.002+08:00

The second day, we had fun in a few places in KLCC and Central Market. Today I accompanied the 3 of them along with Sis May. We went to Aquaria (the free section) and peered at some sea creatures and corals placed there.

The pot-bellied seahorse (if I'm not mistaken :P)

Nemo and Dory!

After that, we went to Central Market where we strolled leisurely, letting them absorb the cultural things and arts there. We came to a shop where there was a fish spa (!) and it attracted them to go in. We were all game for a try except Sis Lee. The fee was RM5 for 20 minutes. I don't know why the fish is bigger than what I saw in the newspapers. I was actually quite hesitant but decided I wanted to experience it all the same.

I gingerly put my feet in. And I shrieked (softly, of course). Neither was I the only one. It wasn't painful, rather ticklish actually. The idea of fish biting away at my skin took some getting used too. I kept moving my legs, which obviously pushed all the fish away. The shop owner advised me to put my heels in first if I was afraid. So I did and SO MANY fish crowded around straight away. I resolutely kept still and started talking to Sis May and Ju Hyun to distract myself (which makes everything ok after that).

My feet being surrounded by fish biting. Eeeee.....

Bro Economy (Kyung Ryun) enjoying himself

Korean Family Visit 01 - Museum

2008-12-22T02:11:00.002+08:00

When we had a church blending with the brothers and sisters in KL, I met a Korean family from Vietnam who came for a visit. They were here for 3 days and I had the chance to accompany them for the 1st two days. We brought them sight seeing around KL - the usual fare of the Palace, and then the Museum. The Museum had an uplift since I last been there so the galleries were a nice surprise.

Group pic in front of the entrance

Me, Bro Economy (Kyung Ryun), Sis Lee, Sis Expression (Ju Hyun), Sis Dolly

The Perils of TouchnGo

2008-11-15T23:43:00.001+08:00

A lot of times we don't really know how much we have left in our TouchnGo card.

This morning, my mum was going to a toll. I got out her TouchnGo card 'cos she was in that lane and couldn't go anywhere else.

She says, "Die lor... don't know got money or not wan. Like very long din reload..."

I laugh, and silently pray that there had better be enough. Especially since there's a car behind.

When my mum touches the card to the machine,

"Tit-tit"

The barrier goes up.

"Bayar : 0.90
Baki: 0.05"

"Walao!" I say.

So u know the perils of TouchnGo? :P

叔叔，拜拜

2008-11-14T08:21:00.003+08:00

这一篇我真的想了很久，该如何写，如何描述，如何传达。快要相隔一个月了，也许据实以告最好吧。。。

二零零八年，十月十七日

早上，我跟了妈妈去学校，因被叫去录那天从日本来的学生的交流。拿好了学校的JVC Everio HDD Camcorder, 我准备开工。录着校长的演讲时，机器忽然出了问题。我便去了办公室解决。

当一个人用很严肃的表情对你说，“我有很坏的消息，真得很坏，” 你就会知道，准没好事。

上回来, 看着妈妈的这张脸，我好害怕的问，是什么？

“阿生叔叔被车撞了。去世了。”

脑袋空白。手好冷。好安静啊。。。

眼眶浮满了泪水，身体发抖，不知所措。

妈妈把我抱入怀里，带我进了女厕。我靠着洗手盆，但不想把别人吓坏，于是去了最角落的地方躲着。

背着墙，泪如河流。我控制不了，只想着该如何冷静，继续把这一天过完。

勉强的不让泪再流，继续了拍摄。看着学生们玩，笑声回绕着，我似乎也能参与。但心里沉重，眼眶一时一刻不警觉的湿了。脑里不听话的想着叔叔的样子，叔叔的声音。要冷静，若让旁人看见了，他们也感受不了，也不能改变什么，我一直对自己这样说。

学校的一天过完了。还有去婆婆家的一晚。

回家，看见了爸爸。我们都好像没勇气对视，只是各自的准备去婆婆家。

到了婆婆家，看见丧礼的摆设。姑姑在外面，招待来客。婆婆眼里带着伤痛，却以微弱的笑容迎接我们。近了客厅，和其他家人全部坐着。

然后，沉默。

个个都不对视，也不说话。大伯眼眶红了起来，他迅速用手盖了。大家心里有伤，这伤却不能浮现。因为就算哭了，阿生叔叔也不会再回来。

还沉默。
继续沉默。

大伯强笑着说，“所以说，干嘛要做好人？不喝酒，不赌博，最后还不是死了。唉，好人不长命。”

打破了沉重的气氛。接着大家开始讲说，叔叔到底是怎么遇害的。我的不解和疑问，一一的解开了。原来，叔叔早上骑摩多车去上班。在途中，一部轿车从对面的方向高速行驶过来，叔叔想避也避不开。驾驶人是一名马来青年。根据消息，那位男子车上藏了白粉，被警方追捕。那位男子那天也服毒并醉酒驾驶，结果失控撞了我叔叔。叔叔当场送命。

叔叔死了，他却没事。

他应该会吃几年牢饭，但叔叔不会回来了。

我们出去招待来客，爸爸和大伯写下送白金的人的名字。来客也坐着沉默，就像陪着叔叔的最后一程。我听见了一位来客在说着，他最后一次见了我叔叔的时刻。叔叔早上在茶餐室吃了早餐，然后打包一些食物给我婆婆。原来这是阿生叔叔会做的事情，我都不知道。我试着想想，我最后一次见叔叔是几时？

我想不起。

到了半夜，我们各自回家，也许也各自躲着发泄内心的哀伤。

二零零八年，十月十七日，对我来说，真的好长，好长。

阿生叔叔，拜拜。

This is for me bro XD

2008-10-08T23:19:00.000+08:00

I was in Times the Bookshop, Pavilion when I saw this:

The Complete Calvin & Hobbes

And then I turned it to the side:

Woo... Volumes 1-3

And then I turned it to the back:

Wakakaka.... Zhen Yu, touch enough la k?

I'm on Facebook

2008-10-06T18:53:00.000+08:00

After such a long period of resistance and countless friend invites, I joined Facebook.

I have to say, Facebook is cool XD

I bought my own birthday present XD

2008-10-03T08:05:00.000+08:00

I'm totally loving the Secret Garden CD I bought... After I proudly displayed my purchase the other day, it turned out that I had actually bought what was supposed to have been my coming surprise birthday gift XD Hah! My mum and sis will just have to figure out something else...

As for the Mandarin novel... I have so far managed to finish the 1st chapter. Hopefully, I will know enough words and understand enough to make out the story XD

Shopping with Pris!

2008-09-29T23:20:00.000+08:00

Went shopping with Pris today! Though we are so close, the amount of times we've been out together can be counted on one hand (!). So, I was really looking forward to the trip =D We decided to go to Sunway Pyramid 'cos we almost never go there and there was the new wing to explore! So we met in KL Sentral and then went to Subang by KTM together. Then we took a bus. Had a VERY filling breakfast at Toast Box before walking and browsing around.

Went to TGV for a movie - Mamma Mia! (the exclamation mark is part of the title). I wasn't really hyped to see the movie but I was fine with it. The movie was good fun... if you're not expecting a solid story which would leave you thinking about it, it's actually entertaining. I have a tendency to call it a "fluff" movie. Yeah... I know the creator and lots of articles state how they have issues that are still relevant and resonate with everyone - it didn't even occur to me until I read those reviews and articles. BUT, I have to admire Meryl Streep for carrying her role the way she did (it's hard to imagine her bopping up and down on a bed like a kid) though I'm not too sure how I feel about Pierce Brosnan singing (he obviously was the handsome one in the movie).

After that, went shopping a bit more. Bought a bag from Miss T with Pris. Then we went to Popular. Sat there browsing and reading for a loonng time. I couldn't decide which book to buy, so in the end, I got my first ever Mandarin novel 對不起，我想你 by 橘子.

The reason I bought this book was the synopsis:

有很長的一段時間，我不能翻閱我們的照片，
因為我不想哭，對著照片掉眼淚並不適合我。

有很長的一段時間，我沒有辦法去到我們曾經去過的場所，
因為回憶太擠，而當眾嚎啕大哭會讓我看起來很神經。

有很長一段時間，我不能夠說出你的名字，連聽也不能聽的那種不能夠，
因為我知道我會哭，未語而淚先流，

這句話只適合我寫，而不適合我做。
可是我其實一直在哭，在心裡哭。

我不知道幹什麼我要這樣，人前歡笑人後落淚，
我只知道你對我而言不太一樣，
不，
是很不一樣。

Ahh... how I felt... Picked it up straight away.

And then I also saw the CD of a new age duo I have come to love - Secret Garden. Love the packaging, and wavered with the promotion price of RM59.90 for 2 CDs and a DVD. Succumbed in the end, and exited the shop anticipating the feast of my ears XD

my beautiful Secret Garden CD

Dinner was a rather long story, but finally we went for dinner with Jeffrey and his friends in a restaurant in SS2, PJ. Went home anticipating our next outing =D

Olympus µ [mju:] 1040

2008-09-28T23:54:00.000+08:00

I bought a new camera! Technically speaking, my mum bought it and it's the family camera (cannot let the expense fall to me, you know). Actually, I'd been eyeing cameras for some time, surveying the models and comparing prices, all that - ever since our old, trusty Canon A410's CCD went whacko. I wanted a camera which could give me all the functions it had and more, not to forget fitting into the budget. And I couldn't find any camera which made me go - this is it. Until now! Haha... It's way over budget but, we're all happy =P

the Olympus µ [mju:] 1040

Especially love the Hot Chilli red casing! Haha... I actually fell for the colour before anything. Basic specs: 10 mp, 3x optical zoom and 2.5" LCD monitor. Has a cool panorama function I was trying to look for in all the other cameras. Was impressed when trying out the camera at the shop.

Best part of the deal was meeting a friend who works in the shop. Haha! Susanna's my senior from Sekolah Seri Suria. Even better, my mum knew her. I studiously kept quiet while my mum did the bargaining. Retail price for this camera is RM899. We couldn't slash anything off this price, but we got some freebies - 2gb Olympus XD Card (which is needed for the panorama function) worth at least RM189, a screen protector worth RM30 and 3 pcs of photo developing vouchers (unlimited amount for 0.33 sen each). Bought a leather casing for RM49.

Definitely a cave in the pocket... but as I said, we're all happy =P

Study USA - The AEO Tour

2008-09-17T23:31:00.000+08:00

So excited when I saw this tour! I was so tired of doing all the research online and was hoping for some human guidance. Went to KL Hilton around 5pm with mum. The education fair was kinda big actually. Or maybe the function room was spacious XD Too bad there weren't many universities near the area I was supposed to go. Only 4 stars (place marks) in the California state, and only 2 around Los Angeles. One, Southwestern Academy, wasn't even there which left me with only ONE college rep to approach.

El Camino College is in LA, which isn't really near the place I'm supposed to go, but we decided to just get some advice in general (after coming all the way). The man was quite nice actually. He's not nice in the smiling face kinda way, but rather in his dead serious, dry humour manner of speaking =D Got some important advice though. According to him, the universities in US generally don't accept international students into their freshmen (1st) year, which means they were only accepted for transfers. Normally, we would have to go to a 2 year college, and then transfer to a 4-year university into the junior (3rd) year. Interesting.

Came back and did more research. Apparently, the 2 yr college and then going for the last 2 yrs in university would work out even better. Because the fees for a 2 yr college is much cheaper than a university. And the datelines were much kinder (not here yet). Narrowed down selection of colleges to two (by distance) - Mount San Antonio College and Chaffey Community College.

The big US plan part 2

2008-09-16T06:47:00.000+08:00

To update on the location in the big US plan, I was first informed that it was somewhere in Los Angeles. Upon Googling, I quickly discovered how big LA really was and I could be buried in search if I didn't ask for more information.

Google Map: Los Angeles

Upon clarification, aforementioned niece actually stays in a place called Upland, CA.
Where is Upland, I ask?
More Googling... Upland is approx. 30 miles east of LA.
How far is 30 miles, I wonder?
I ask my dad at night. My dad says, "About here (KL) to Seremban la...." What??
Here to Seremban would take like 1 to 1 and a half hours drive, depending on your speed.
Obviously, I was not going to study in LA.

Upland area (place marks are universities)

You can see some continuation in the 2 maps. Look for West Covina, Fullerton and Anaheim on the right side in the 1st map. Then look at the same 3 places on the left side in the 2nd map.

Apparently, Upland is rather near to a lot of universities, don't you think?

After more Googling, I am in despair. Many universities are already closed for registration for Winter (Jan '09) and Spring (Feb/Mar '09) semesters. The soonest is Fall (Oct '09) and the dateline is coming soon too.

The big US plan

2008-09-11T01:07:00.000+08:00

Though I have always dreamed of studying overseas, I have never once thought of going to the United States. There isn't really a reason to it, it just... never happened. Perhaps it was due to the fact that as I was studying Architecture, the States wasn't as viable an option as UK or Australia because the US degree isn't recognized by the board of architects here, PAM (ironic though it may seem considering the quality of education in US). I don't quite understand why PAM doesn't accreditate the US degree, but the biggest difference is obviously the education system.

I digress. (this line seems to be abused by bloggers a lot XD)

So what triggered the big US plan? The story goes like this: My mum has a former lecturer from her teaching college, Ms. Y. Ms. Y has a niece staying in US. Said niece has a family there with two kids. Said niece and husband are both doctors. Thus, they require a babysitter for their children. Niece wants someone who would stay for a longer period of time compared to those they're currently hiring. Niece asks Ms. Y (her aunt) to look for a babysitter, maybe someone who's interested to study in US so that the person can go there with a student visa. This babysitter would of course, take care of her children. In return, this student a.k.a babysitter would be given room and board for the duration of stay in the US. Which means, student only needs to take care of tuition fees and have almost all living expenses taken care of. Student will also get allowance from babysitting.

Apparently my mum told Ms. Y about my predicament (the no-money-thus-not-being-to-go-overseas thing) so Ms. Y thought I might be interested. And I am kinda interested actually. To have almost all your living expenses taken care of (except transport) when studying overseas is actually saving on more than half of what you need to pay. Thus began my research on the universities and courses I could take. And I found this:

If I decide not to continue Architecture, my horizon is far, and big indeed.

I have a mental block

2008-08-07T12:53:00.000+08:00

I had an interview this morning. And I'm probably going to thank this architect very much later in my life (if I manage to work out his advice) because he took so much time with me, and instead of a proper interview, it turned out to be a career counseling session. And I think I needed this very much too.

I don't know if I looked like I had a lot of problems, or if I looked like sometimes I feel like crap, but anyhow, Ar Don realized I wasn't whole-heartedly applying for the job. (Yes, if you didn't guess, I'm going to work for the sake of working because I don't want to waste away at home). So instead of talking about the job, we actually talked about why I wasn't doing my degree, and why did I really want a degree in Architecture.

It started with this question, "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?" I replied that I'd probably be doing my degree. Then he asked what was it that stopped me from continuing my degree. I said "money".

Him: Scholarship?
Me: I don't have the results to apply for it. (and I said a lot more in elaboration...)

He proceeds to draw a diagram:

Him: So, the way I see it, it doesn't seem like a possibility you can get your degree in the near/foreseeable future.

Me: Hmm...

Him: This degree, is it necessary to be in Architecture, or your aim is to get a degree?
Me: (after some thought) No, not really.
Him: So, your ultimate aim is to get a degree. It doesn't matter what the degree is in, correct?

I nod. It seems he's reached a conclusion about this strange little person sitting in him.

Then, we continue to talk about what would I do if I didn't do Architecture. He asks me what was my other interest - languages. I don't know how but it came to me telling him this -

I don't really know how long I can stay in Architecture. I don't have big dreams of opening my own architect firm or becoming a renowned famous architect. In fact, the reason I was compelled to study Architecture in the first place was this - I dreamed of building my own house. To be honest I probably started the course without really knowing what it was all about. But in the following years of study, I discovered that perhaps this was not something I can do for, I wouldn't say the rest of my life, but for a very long time in my life, at least. Three years including six months of practical training made me consider, if I had the resilience to continue on this long road to becoming an architect.

So, he said something to this effect, "There are three different types of people who study this course. The first, those who really have the passion for this, even if they struggle, no money, die die also must take this course. Then, there's the next group who just took the course and they're not the top scorers but they stick around and eventually become valuable with experience. Then, there's the group who take this course just because they cannot study something else."

I consider then... I have seen people with passion for Architecture, and I must say I'm not one of them; as such, I admire them so. He continues, "You might have had an inkling for Architecture. We have inklings for many things, you know. But maybe you lack the passion that will help you through."

"If so, why do you insist on doing Architecture? The way I see it, it seems you have some sort of a mental block. Architecture is so expensive and so time-consuming. Since you say you might not stay long enough to reap the labor of this, why do you keep banging your head on the wall?"

I say, "Maybe I'm just looking for closure... I think it would be something I'd look like and wonder on if I had finished it."

He replies, "Closure can also come with the decision not to do anything, anymore. You know, you can say, I've done it, it's not my cup of tea. I'm done," his two hands lying flat in gesture.

I didn't have much to say after that. We went through a little formality and talked about the job. Then, I left, with my thoughts in a mass of confusion. I felt like screaming and running away. As I have been doing ever since I graduated.

It's not something that I did not know about. The issues, the questions, they have bugged me for quite a long time, probably everything I hit a low in my studies. I have never questioned myself or felt so emotionally tired (in college) before.

That's it then. That's the long story that might come as a little of a shock to all my friends in college.

*Sorry that I'm so long-winded. Thanks for reading all the way to the end =)

The Rain and After

2008-08-07T03:37:00.000+08:00

wishing for a story
a romance to unfold
a kiss so magical as to lift one off her feet
whisking her into happiness beyond the stars

her heart beat
so quickly she felt it would burst
she smiled
she ran and chased
like a butterfly after a whiff of flowers

but before she could reach
to touch if it was real
the fragrance faded
then she only smelt
the scent of rain and after

her wings drooped
she rested
the fragrance was gone
never to be found

she thought she caught a note
maybe here, no, there
she skipped
but her heart knew
its key and print
was not in the air
nor anywhere near her

but wait
what was that -
her wings raised
poised to take flight

in search of that elusive magic
her heart beat quicker
and she smiled like never before
but she took two steps forward
and then one step backward

though she tried
she flitted and danced around
alas! it was not meant for her
magic ran to another

rain fell
harder and stronger
it broke her wings
pierced her heart and wrung it dry

she lay
covered, battered
showered by the drops of rain
bathed in the scent
of rain and after

And finally, I bought HP7

2008-08-01T20:11:00.000+08:00

I have all the books in the Harry Potter series. Finally! Hah... I know that's not an accomplishment, really, so many people are the same. But, up until recently I have only had the 6 books and last week, I finally bought the last, and seventh book!

Why the delay, you ask? You see, though I like reading Harry Potter, and though I may remember most of what I read which will make me seem like a very devoted fan (really it's not something I try to do), I am not one of the fanatics who would line up in front of the bookstore the 1st day it was launched (I was going to say I wouldn't pre-order as well, but I seem to have done so with the 4th book). And I'm not one who would pay over a hundred ringgit for a book. Fiction, that is. And even the RM69.90 price offered then at the hypermarkets couldn't entice me enough.

So, when I entered Popular bookstore last week and I saw this book - hardcover - on promotion (!), going for RM49.90 with an itsy bitsy purchase of RM10 & above, I took action immediately. I went home feeling rather giddy with joy and satisfaction, I must say.

And though it's been a while, I have meticulously steered clear from all the spoilers everywhere. So. I sat one day when I didn't have to wake up early the next as I had determined I would finish it in one sitting. And god... I don't know if my reading skills have deteriorated or is it a testament to J.K. Rowling's writing, but the book took forever!

I suppose it had something to do with the content - that feeling of forever, I mean. It certainly isn't the thickest book, and yet it felt like the longest. The content was so heavy and so emotional that it had me in tears within the 5 chapters. And seriously, did so many characters have to die?? I think my dad suspected me of going a bit bonkers because I was holding two thick-ass books (I was reading a bit in HP6 for reference) and having teary eyes.

I finally finished it at 7a.m. I had gone to my room and sequestered myself there since midnight. And I had started a few chapters before dinner. So I think it took me about 9+ hours to finish, headache notwithstanding.

Sometimes I feel like crap

2008-08-01T17:35:00.000+08:00

I have not blogged for a long time. Sometimes, I feel like I found something to blog about. Then, the thought of getting to the computer (well, inspiration just has to strike when I'm AWAY from the computer, doesn't it?) switching on the computer, dialing a slow connection to the Internet, and then waiting patiently for the Blogger Dashboard to load, then waiting again for the page to post to load.... well, you can pretty tell what I'm getting at? You'd be pretty discouraged by then.

Then again, maybe it's just me.

What can I say? I'm a pro procrastinator. Especially now with nothing to occupy my time. As my mind searches for what it could be put to use to, I find something - my portfolio. Argh... this crosses my mind with dread. It is not something I want to face. Everyone thinks I can do a very good portfolio since I have so much time. Everyone does not seem to think that this much time can also mean the much time spent not doing the portfolio.

Due to the lack of a portfolio, I have not applied for any university for my degree. The education office has stopped calling. I think they have given up on me already. I... how do I really feel? In me, there is a yearning that I can go and fly off to a university where I would be pursuing something and filling my days in a more useful manner than now. Then I am brought back to the many problems that cause me to be held back here. Sigh... excuses, really. On introspection, I never really did enough to solve them. Maybe you have lost me somewhere in the middle of the paragraph. Doesn't matter... I have lost the desire to express myself in this matter.

Oh, and one of my friends who actually graduated this year (I stopped going to college sometime in the first half of last year) is going to Liverpool for his degree this September. We actually talked about going to uni together ages ago. And what am I doing now? Ah... I will miss him.

I'm not in a job as well. Well, I actually have done a couple of temporary jobs in the last month. Ever since stopping at Mid Valley, I have set up a craft stall at the Real Kids Olympiad at Bukit Jalil, continued my workbook editing, and set up a sand art booth at a promotion area at Leisure Mall. It is almost a week since the last one ended. And maybe tomorrow I'm setting up the sand art thing again. Ok... I don't know what's the point of this.

I think what I'm trying to say is... My life seems to be wasting away at the moment. Wasting away being at home, sleeping at all the wrong hours, eating one meal a day, watching all the DVDs at home, reading and re-reading storybooks, finding games to play on the computer and being unproductive.

Seriously. I feel like crap.

It is my brother's birthday

2008-07-20T15:00:00.000+08:00

Happy 18th Birthday, Zhen Yu!

(Ok... I'm gonna put things here that I'd probably never say to you in person for the simple reason these words would sound strange and make me feel funny while saying it as well).

Erm... I'm very happy that you were here for your birthday. Especially since you were gone for a little more than 3 months before that. The house feels kinda funny without you in it, actually. Made me wonder if it was that strange when I wasn't around.

Going out with you is fun... even the spending money part (though maybe later I won't feel so). And I haven't really gone out before you came back. And it was really nice to have someone I can "whine" to and act all crazy around. Hah.

Miss you very much when you're in Kuching. I think mummy and Yiyi would feel the same. And daddy too, though he doesn't say it. Haha... Hope you can come back soon... Too bad we're not loaded and we're not friends with Tony Fernandes =P

Unfulfilled Dreams

2008-07-13T04:25:00.000+08:00

Wrote this in my Form 5 year, in 2003. Entered it for an essay competition actually. Well, I'm publishing it here in its original form, which looking now, is a rather raw, or perhaps very honest style of writing.

Be warned: It's rather long.

Unfulfilled Dreams

The story I’m about to tell is something real, yet a fantasy. Though it may sound ridiculous to some, I’m sure most teenage girls have similar experience, perhaps, not with the same result. The experience brings with it a wealth of feelings, mostly intense. The story begins several years back:

For the year-end concert, we were going to put up a musical play, based on one of the most popular musicals of all time, The Sound of Music. Two classes of students teamed up, combined with two teachers. To prepare ourselves, we watched the film. Then, we took some excerpts from the show, deciding on three scenes, which included 3 songs. All through the three scenes, the girls and boys were to be paired, finally coming together to dance in the last scene.

Next, of course, we had to choose the cast. After deciding who will join the musical, the girls had the novelty of picking their partners. Two boys were left, the choice between a friend and me. We decided to draw lots. I slowly opened the piece of paper, my heart thumping in accordance to a young girl’s nature. Then, I saw a name. I didn’t really know him. I knew who he was, but we never talked much.

This boy, he was different from the others. He had an aura of indifference and mystery, compelling me to find out more about him. He was considerably tall and thin. Though he was quite good-looking, he never got much attention from girls, perhaps the result of his coolness. Well, that suited me just fine. I didn’t want other girls ogling at him. He was mine, and mine for admiration. That was what I thought at that time.

We had to practice dancing for the last scene, which was a ballroom scene. At first, we tried waltz. He did not want to put his hands on my waist, and he was not the only one. Due to the reluctance of the boys, we finally did a dance that required no touching at the waist. Looking back, I seriously enjoyed every moment we spent dancing together. I can remember, how both our palms were sweaty and how awkward we felt, looking at each other. At the concert, all of us gave a splendid performance and all loved the musical play.

The next year, we were placed together in the same class. How overjoyed I was! When our class decided to put together a class magazine, both of us were chosen as the graphic designers, adding more to my happiness. We discussed ideas and once, I even sat next to him in class. Though we never made the magazine, it was still an accomplishment for me.

All through the year, we talked and he asked me for my help on several occasions. I thought of all these as little, tiny signals he was giving me as a sign that he loved me. It had never occurred to me that I was reading a lot more into things that actually meant nothing.

We arranged a trip to Singapore, the whole form. I felt excited when I heard that he had registered for the trip. When I packed my clothes, I picked those that I thought looked good on me, as I wanted to look my best if front of him. I was bound to be disappointed. On the day we were supposed to go, I heard that two days before that, he was attacked by appendicitis and was to remain in the hospital for a week, therefore unable to go with us. I was greatly concerned.

The following year brought a season of changes, unfortunately not for the better. We were still in the same class, and at first, I did not notice anything. As usual, when an opportunity to speak to him presented itself, I took it. To my surprise, he did not respond. It was the beginning of the end of speech between us.

The experience and feelings I endured during this year was not something I would like to remember, but I knew, that I would never forget it. He began to avoid me, not even looking at me, as though I was a piece of garbage in his eyes and the sight of me disgusted him. Whenever he saw me coming, he would turn on his heels and walk the other way. It hurt me greatly and I was confused. What had I done to offend him?

Later, I found out his side of the story from his sister. According to her, there were rumours spreading, saying that I had a crush on him. He did not believe it immediately but then, it became too strong for him as more and more people told him that I like him. To him, I was nothing more than a friend, and I saw clearly my own misconceptions.

During this year, he openly showed his contempt for me. I felt so much tension whenever we were both in the same room. It might be just my sensitivity. He seemed to have a look of dislike and aloofness he specially reserved for me. After all, he had no reason to give that expression to anyone else. His actions always seemed to be contained in my presence. If he was laughing, the smile would disappear from his face and laughter died in his eyes. I felt wounded, yet strangely elated that I had the power to make him react in a different way. It helped boost my pride, but a cut was enlarging in my heart.

He treated me similarly for the next two years. He has not spoken to me for 3 years. Over the years, I would have expected my feelings for him to die. After all, it was just a crush. But it was not to be so. Instead, my feelings developed and changed from infatuation to respect. His ill treatment towards me seems to have made me like him even more. I am not sure whether to use the word “love” because that word seems to be too serious and I believe that word is used for adults.

I do not know if he will ever return my feelings. Now, I am content if I can just be his friend. However, he will always mean more to me than a friend and in some ways, he has made me grow up and understand more about emotions. The wound in my heart has not mended, as it is still under fresh attacks. I have given up hope that he will smile at me or say a word to me out of his own initiative. Perhaps this story is best remembered as a dream. Sometimes, it is better to remain that way. For now, it is an unfulfilled dream.

今天，你生日到了。

2008-07-10T15:00:00.000+08:00

其實，我並沒有忘記。

只是，我想。。。也許不讓你想起我比較好。

所以，我沒對你說，

生日快樂。

Samsung L760:remembered

2008-06-24T07:36:00.000+08:00

Samsung SGH-L760 (12.05.08-22.06.08)

Date Bought: 12.05.08
Date Gone: 22.06.08
Reason: Stolen without knowledge
Result: Pain stabbing in the heart bringing in a wish to curse the person who stole

*I just felt like remembering I once had a beautiful 3G slider phone.

Convocation 2008

2008-06-03T01:24:00.000+08:00

Well... better late than never right? =P Anyway, here are some pictures from my convocation in One World Hotel last March...

Me and May Leng a.k.a. potat in our robes!

Us again =)

Me with Mummy and Daddy!

Sze Hsiung and me

Mummy, me, dear En. Rahim and Ar. Lee Chor Wah

Ar. Jimmy Lim, Mr. Ng, me and Mummy

2008 Architecture Graduates

2008-03-21T15:55:00.000+08:00

For some who wondered, I'm now working. Not in an architectural firm, as most expect, nor am I anywhere design related. I merely took on a job that requires... nothing except reliability and a willingness to learn. To put it crudely, I'm in a job I'm over qualified for and thus yielding less income that I should have; that yet provides me with a huge learning curve.

What complicated sounding job is this, you ask? Haha... I'm in SALES *winces* Ask anyone who's known me for some time and you would know I don't welcome this field of work, or in fact, would almost abhor it. Many would ask me then, what am I doing here? I have no wish to answer this and as a matter of fact, I am unsure of it myself.

I digress. What I wanted to was in fact, promote where I'm working so that all people will come and buy what I'm selling. Hah! So, people, I'm currently selling costume jewellery in Mid Valley at a kiosk called Webfactory, last kiosk along the LG link to The Gardens. It's in front of the Laksa Shack and The Chicken Rice Shop.

Location - done. Next - product. The kiosk sells costume jewellery flown in from Korea by my boss. And all cantik-cantik wan (Of course, each to his own). Good quality stuff, so good quality price :P Don't expect 3 for RM10, ok? Erm... we have pendants, brooches, bangles, bracelets and earrings. Datanglah beramai-ramai and belilah berbanyak-banyak.

Ok... marketing stops here before it becomes lame.

2008-03-12T03:04:00.000+08:00

I feel a funny emptiness in myself. Where and why - or who it's for, I'm still trying to tell. It might be just a bad mix of hormones. But it's just dragging me really low, into a deep, black hole.

Or maybe I just felt a yearning to write - to draw - or maybe just to do something with my hands that have lain idle for some time.

What else is there for me to grasp and what else is there for me to give up? My current job, my studies, my coming convocation, my further studies... My brother is going off to Kuching. I feel a ridiculous urge to cry. Unwittingly, tears come unbidden. They almost scared me, as I felt this familiar warmth in my eyes.

2008-02-10T19:43:00.000+08:00

兩首歌的副歌。。。 “會呼吸的痛” - 梁靜茹及 “转身的时候” - 賴雅妍

想念是會呼吸的痛，
它活在我身上所有角落，
哼你愛的歌會痛，
看你的信會痛，
連沉默也痛。
遺憾是會呼吸的痛，
它留在血液中來回滾動，
後悔不貼心會痛，
很不懂你會痛，
想見不能見最痛。

每次当你转身的时候
我的泪在流
却只告诉自己让你
看到我笑容
每次当你转身的时候
我的心在痛
只能默默看着你
就消失在我眼中。

Tidbit - Driving for 4 year olds

2008-02-02T02:02:00.000+08:00

This morning, I was sitting in the car with my uncle fetching his 4-year old son to kindy. On the way, as we were approaching a traffic light, he leaned forward to his dad,

"爸爸, 你看到紅灯的時候哦... 如果你忘記停哦, 按brake那個車就停了咯!"
(Daddy, when you see the red light, and you forgot to stop; step on the brake and then the car will stop!)

Then my brother joined in the fun (make sound effects), and pretended to drive along with my cousin (who was by now accompanying his new found wisdom with actions - his leg pushing against the little litter box in the center). Teaching him how to manoeuvre following his dad, we prompted him to turn at every corner. Then at one junction,

"阿芫, 要轉了咯... 為什麼你沒轉?"
(Ah Yuan, we need to turn, how come you're not turning?)

"... 我要用飛機翅膀!"
(... I want to use aeroplane's wings!)

"小芫, 為什麼你駕車突然會變飛機的?"
(Little Yuan, why did your car suddenly become an aeroplane?)

"因為我是神奇校車麻!"
(Because I'm the magical school bus!)

XD LOL

When Zp is here

2008-01-29T15:31:00.000+08:00

Our "celebrity" friend, Zp Wang came back from London last 2 weeks ago. We (May Leng, Jameson, Jaeney and I) had a ball of a time going out almost every day, to different shopping malls. On Sunday afternoon, we met for the first time in a very long time at Mid Valley, outside of Topshop. Didn't change much, still the same - tall, thin and "cool" attitude... but don't know why a bit darker (we think Batu Pahat's sun is the criminal).

Monday night we went to Sunway "Restoran Ah Yuen" for steamboat dinner. My first and very happy time there =P So much food! So much SEAfood! Haha... loved the prawns, squid, mussels, clams etc... you get the idea. And the rush for the chicken wings.. Kakaka...

Tuesday some of us had some commitments. Wednesday was public holiday for Thaipusam! Some unfortunate people who had to work decided to take an MC (I first time know that drinking three cups of coffee can make u sick the day after) after some persuasion... So we met at Berjaya Time Square this time, and went for a game of bowling. Very funny when our dear Mr Wang a.k.a 王先生 became the only one who didn't have a strike and refused to congratulate us =P

When it was time for him to leave, he remembered he didn't bring for us our "snowy" (code for souvenir). After telling us not to expect so much, 'cos he said it was a tiny, tiny little thing, we arranged to meet again the following day XD Before that, we squeezed some RM5-per-piece Polaroids out of his ancient looking camera. And here is mine!

All of us are so in love with the Polaroid camera now... see who becomes the 1st one to get one?

The next day, we went over to Avenue K's Kim Gary for dinner. After ordering, Mr Wang plonked his souvenir (which he artistically called "希望") on the table. So here it is, my hope of going to England - 2007's one pound coin.

front

and back

Apparently, every year they mint different images on the coins. So the four of us all have different ones... And Mr Wang promise if we bring it to England to him, he'll change it to ten pounds or at least a meal wor!! Kakaka... how generous of him. Mr Wang, don't forget a... and also the promise to IKEA. Bring me go England one also can la... =P

when I just feel like writing

2008-01-29T04:41:00.000+08:00

Sitting in college library. Haven't been here in a long time. Was looking for my old assignments to compile my portfolio. Tomorrow there's a representative from Birmingham City University conducting an interview at the education services office. Not sure if I can really present anything decent.

Looked through the boards in the racks. Found about 6 of my boards. Found a lot more belonging to the rest of my comrades in former IAAR04A. Somewhat nostalgic when looking through all this. Was reminded of simpler times with all my friends, all pursuing a similar goal - finishing assignments and getting through the semester, especially assessment.

Those times were somewhat crazy. I can remember the many occasions where I felt like I couldn't breathe, couldn't function, couldn't think. Yet now I wish I had some times like this. When the tiredness came from doing something productive, instead of coming from staring at the TV or the computer screen.

Looking for a job. Don't know what exactly should I do. Feels like I can do any job actually. People around me tell me I should not be anxious. Even my brother got a job already... Sigh...

这到底算什么

2008-01-25T23:49:00.000+08:00

之前，我刚觉得自己很棒，因为对他似乎没什么感觉了。好像他的离去已经使他从我的心理也离去了。已经没有痛，没有思念，不会想哭。

但，我现今哭了。因为心依依不舍，哭了。觉得自己这样很傻，哭了。想起以后可能不会再有联络，哭了。讨厌自己又哭了，再哭。。。

这到底是什么？他到底算什么？为什么总是让我的心不受控制？这是什么心情啊？我不是好了吗？不是没事了吗？为什么会这样？从心里压着的泪好像全都要一次过出来。。为什么还有那么多泪啊？难道我是傻瓜吗？我是白痴吗？

觉得自己很可笑。。。不喜欢这样的我。

How to become a famous architect without building anything?

2008-01-23T16:16:00.000+08:00

I found this very interesting site for the architecture community. For students, as well. The articles there tickle my bones and make me laugh in a "sewel" way. Especially this very interesting article - How to become a famous architect without building anything?

No offence to your architect idol, Jameson.

To my Lord

2008-01-01T16:00:00.000+08:00

At the turn of the year, I start to question myself, as to what I have done, what I have accomplished, and what I have learned. And then, I hear inside me to count my blessings, and to give thanks. Outwardly, I feel as if I have not achieved much, yet I know the Lord is faithful to provide me an environment where I can best experience Him. Here, I share 3 hymns (诗歌) to express my appreciation and aspiration towards my dear Lord.

When I consider my accomplishment, I remember this hymn, and admire the person who wrote this -

If I gained the world, but lost the Saviour,
Were my life worth living for a day?
Could my yearning heart find rest and comfort,
In the things that soon must pass away?
If I gained the world, but lost the Saviour,
Would my gain be worth the lifelong strife?
Are all earthly pleasures worth comparing
For a moment with a Christ-filled life?

若今得世界而失去救主，
岂值得一日在此活着？
在这些就要过去之物中，
安息与安慰岂能寻得？
若今得世界，而失去救主，
所得的一切够用一生？
地上所有的快乐也不能
比那充满了主的生命。

What I would ask of Him to experience,

Nearer each day to me,
Dearer each day to me,
This Person inside me is becoming reality.
Saving me, loving me,
Faith and hope giving me,
You’re all the world to me,
Jesus my Lord.

Even when faith is small,
When there’s no hope at all
I hear Him say to me,
Trust in Me, and you’ll see
That I’ll supply all your needs
If only you will believe
All anxious doubts will cease
While trusting in Me.

And my prayer,

Lord, keep my heart always true to You
Never backsliding, always viewing You
A heart that is pure, that sees only You
A heart that loves You and treasures only You.

Sarawak - Bro. David Tiong's House, Sibu

2007-12-25T01:05:00.000+08:00

Went for a visit and dinner at Bro David Tiong's (boss of Sin Chew Jit Poh, which belongs to RH Group) house in Sibu. It is quite common knowledge among the brothers and sisters that his house is really extraordinary in size, literally. So naturally I was quite excited to visit his third house so far. Turns out his house is like a resort. Forgive the poor lighting conditions... I hope I might convey an idea of how the house is like:

front right of the house

front center

front left

from the driveway

stairs on right to lower ground

front door (cameo by Bro. David himself)

inside of front door (view of grand piano)

entering into the house (left view)

sitting room that is seen from above

inside of sitting room (3 pianos/keyboard)

passage outside of sitting room

entering the house (center) leading to dining area and river view

stairs leading to basement inside of dining area

into the basement

basement courtyard

view from basement stairs to upper floor

meeting room (beside indoor dining area)

back of house looking to outdoor dining area

connecting path from sitting room to study room

outdoor dining area (back of house, facing river)

other end of the outdoor dining area

external view of meeting room

patio between meeting room and indoor dining area

continuation from above

(lower ground) parking and... plants?

basketball court (son says this time they don't have a swimming pool due to high maintenance)

garden with swings and slide, pavilion to relax beside the river, and hush puppies' kennel behind it

Sarawak - Civic Tower, Kuching

2007-12-15T15:23:00.000+08:00

After visiting UNIMAS, we went to the Civic Tower to have a whole view of the city of Kuching. Well... the pictures here are of the tower only though.

the tower from the back

at the bottom of the tower

on the viewing platform

beneath the roof

Sarawak - UNIMAS

2007-12-15T15:22:00.000+08:00

As some of you might have heard, I was in Sarawak from 11-23 December. So I'll be posting pictures according to the dates I visited... I'm lazy to write so as they say, "a picture speaks a thousand words"... This is Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) in Kota Samarahan, Kuching.

looking towards the library

Me and 19

2007-12-06T15:31:00.000+08:00

Was so excited 'cos first time celebrating my birthday with dear sisters in Christ - Priscilla, Phoebe, Joanna and my sis. We went for a meal in Kim Gary and took some pictures, not of the food but us! And the presents too... Keke...

me and Pris

sis and me

Joanna and Phoebe

presents from Phoebe and Priscilla

sleepy doggie up close

After the meal, we went for a movie - Enchanted! We were all really excited, (especially Phoebe cos I later found out that it was her first time) as we were really interested in the movie. I loved the movie - it was fun and engaging till the end. Not to mention an addicting soundtrack...

We went browsing around the shops... doing some random shopping. Then, we heard some melodious music coming from the Center Court. And there, was a string quartet performing "You Raise Me Up". They followed that with "Colours of the Wind". Made me feel like dashing off to a violin class...

4 musicians captivating the audience

Then walked around a bit more... looking at cute stuff:

A family of penguins!!

And then I went back and had a slice of Chocolate Banana cake from Secret Recipe (courtesy of Mum). Had more presents from bro and sis =D

me and cake

I'm a happy girl that day.

As Kids See It

2007-12-01T15:32:00.000+08:00

When kindy was over and the kids were waiting for their parents to come pick them up, they get into all sorts of funny business.

Amos climbed onto 3 chairs stacked together (kindy chairs). Now, as all of you know, kids should not be allowed to do this because they might fall (even if you think the height isn't that much at all). So, Teacher Joanne used something on her hand (which was a long, red ledger accounts book, the hardcover kind) and hit him lightly on his leg, saying something to the effect, "Amos, don't stand so high up. Come down now."

Amos looked like those faces you get when you know you're wrong for a second. Then he came down.

He walked over to where Teacher Joanne had just left that book on the table. He pointed to the book, and said, "This is not for beating wan."

..... XD We all were stunned for a while, and then we laughed so hard and Amos went out from the room (to another teacher, as we found out).

Another teacher who was in the back, Teacher Rajes, asked us what had happened. We told her, and she said, "Do you know what Amos said? He said, 'Teacher Rajes, they all laughing at me' "

I'm In A Kindy

2007-11-26T16:32:00.000+08:00

Just because I'm tired of seeing the same post everytime I come to my blog, I'm gonna update some stuff pretty soon... hopefully you'll start seeing a lot of backdated entries within this few days... And hopefully I'll be getting the pictures to go along with my stories.

For those who don't know yet, I'm currently working as a kindergarten teacher for a month. I'm the "form teacher" for the 4 year olds. There were about 20 of them but it's the holidays now, so there are only about 8-9 of them in the daycare programme. The kids are just so cute that I often find myself overwhelmed with cuteness and affection!

Haha... ok, I'm inspired to post again soon. Till tomorrow then... ta-ta!

Characters in the Kindy

2007-11-21T06:03:00.001+08:00

Some of the very interesting kids in the kindy...

First up! Amos, 3 yrs, loves chicken and seaweed, loves to draw "Amos car"

Xue Zhen, 4 yrs, obedient, loves to write and learn things

Qiao Wei but everyone calls her "Baby", 3 yrs, doesn't really know anything (she pose like this herself)

This is Wei Yi doing a funny face, 4 yrs, teacher's assistant, likes to hug me a lot

Xye Ki, 4 yrs, loves to laugh wonderfully, hugs me 1st thing in the morning

This is Pui Woon, 5 yrs, loves to smile and laugh, (almost) shouts whenever she talks

Jia Chuen, 5 yrs, master of kicking, afraid of being asked to stand in the corner (b'cos he's always there)

Isaac, 5 yrs, expert ruckus maker in the class, repeat offender

Wow... here comes Baby's knight (always protecting her), Yoong Chi, 5 yrs

Shi Ying, new girl whose mum sent to acclimatise her for next year, 3 yrs, cries every morning, then shadows me after I comfort her

There it is for my intro to the characters going to appear in my stories... Till then XD

What the Sticker Really Was

2007-10-26T08:05:00.000+08:00

Do you know the time when the liquid paper a.k.a correction liquid was first banned in schools? Well, I was in primary 4/5 when that happened. Anyway, as the creative students that we are, we found many ways to replace this essential (because we were just starting to write in pen then and doubtlessly made tons of errors).

First there was the innovation of correction tape, commercialised rapidly by the manufacturers. And the students who got it... wow, believe me, they were the happening ones (well, at least from a primary school student studying in the 1st class POV). The hype about this form of replacement was unbelievable.

And then came the idea of a more economical and convenient solution. I have no idea who started this, and if it was used anywhere apart from my school, but suddenly someone started bringing STICKERS. You know, the green boxes you would find in an office, those which had "Multi-Purpose Self Adhesives" written on the outside. Now, when we made a mistake, we would slap! put a piece of this self adhesive sticker onto the exercise book we were writing on and write over it. Much neater and not as troublesome as the tape, which sometimes broke when we wrote on it (that time still 1st generation product ma, not like now).

More importantly, the sticker served another purpose. Being the creative students we are, we find more than one use for anything, no? See, once a friend of mine brought a small er... what is it called... tub? container? of medicated balm 'cos her nose was a little sniffy.

And then, I caught sight of this balm rolling towards me. Curiously, I took a look and there, on the side, was a sticker with a message for me. Ahah! the new way of passing messages in class was born! I read the sticker, and wrote my reply on a new sticker, stuck it back on, and rolled it back to my friend. Boy... did we have fun rolling it back and forth... Haha =P

Ah... the reminiscence one can have from a tub of balm...

hey my friend

2007-10-20T22:12:00.000+08:00

Hey my friend... after so many years of remembering, I guess that's the reason that I have not since come across this day without thinking once of you. Don't think I have any way of contacting you this year, as the same for the past years... so perhaps, I can send my wishes here for you.

Happy 20th birthday. Wish to see you someday, with much happiness and joy.

My Little Project

2007-10-20T21:35:00.000+08:00

How many people nowadays have heard of cross stitch? That was the first question I wondered when I was inspired to post the progress of my little project on my blog... just thought it might be a little something which would encourage me to blog more often :P Since I'm not about to do an introduction (the pictures would do more than explain anyway), you can refer here.

Anyway... in the little unconventional way that I am, I actually like this kind of craftwork. So in view of how I have free time nowadays, and the itch to buy something new compelling, I dug out the old cross stitch pattern and threads I bought long, long, long time ago and started my project. It'd be fun to see how my pattern goes, no? Hehe... So here:

First, I stitched some reference points, marking the boundaries for easier counting.

And then this is 2 days later, sewing the grass patch at the bottom of the picture.

After the grass patch, sewed the brown patches, which are the shoes...

And then, the white and grey parts forming the robes slowly...

Unfortunately, I ran out of white thread. Will sew other portions where I can first. And also, when I'm not delayed from watching those addicting TVB dramas...

Sunset at Sg Long

2007-10-14T17:59:00.000+08:00

I sit at a balcony, overlooking the street below. And then, I see streaks of vibrant colour...

2007-10-14T17:34:00.000+08:00

My apologies to some who have been checking for updates at my blog.

My reasons/ excuses:
Job had been taking up some time. Wanted to save money as I'm using dial-up connection. Lazy to even turn on computer. More content to lay on wonderful bed and float into cotton dreams.

New update:
I have resigned. Erm, last week actually.

You must be thick skinned

2007-09-23T08:34:00.000+08:00

I arrive on the dot at the door of my new office. Well... the place where I'm gonna be working now.

I don't know what is my position called, probably I'm an Advertising trainee. The company deals with advertising, branding and creating awareness, for brands, corporate companies, products etc. And the latest is for a charity association - the Spastic Children's Assocation (SCA). They're doing fundraising in addition to introducing the assocation to the public. The people who work here often go out (to many places) on their job, except for those on a higher career level.

As I'm waiting, I hear sounds coming from inside a closed room. There seemed to be soo many people inside. And they sounded like they were doing some pep talk, you know, before they go out. I can hear some person shouting out something, then people chorusing in response. And they did something like those chants cheerleaders do, you know like, "Gimme an L! Gimme an O! Gimme a V! Gimme an E! What's that spell? L-O-V-E love!" kind of thing. OF COURSE that's not what they were saying, it's just an example....

The boss came out (he's a really funny person) and introduced me to my trainer. And then I met another girl, so now 3 of us girls went to get a cab to our destination, Tmn Muda. At this point, I still had no idea what was I going to do (I sound like those people who'd get cheated anyday, right?). Anyway... it started raining heavily, and I got an inkling of the first challenge for the job - running through rain.

We had some food when we reached. And then, I found out that my job (at least observing since I'm on orientation) was to collect funds from the public when telling them about SCA. It's like those people who walk around with a folder and approach you when you're eating, whom I had formerly disregarded. To think I was going to do that, well, saying that my heart dropped would be kinda appropriate.

I became so amazed as the day progressed. Firstly, I couldn't even greet people as enthusiastically as my trainer did (and wished I would) even though I was highest on my excitement (which had dulled considerably knowing what I had to do and as I grew more and more tired). And I cannot help but admire the way my trainer kept rambling even when people couldn't have told her to shoo off in a more direct manner. And the way she would joke feebly herself after every excuse they made (maybe more on this later). And the way she even provided them an excuse; when people just said "No..." or "Tak boleh la..." and she would say, "oh, hari ini gaji belum keluar??" (when it was the 21st).

What else... of course I met a lot, a lot of kinds of people. I don't mean it in any insulting way, but if you wanna meet all sorts of characters and attitudes, then bingo! you scored the right job. Seriously, how other way than seeking funds from random strangers as if they were the most helpful people on the earth, can you meet them easier? And wow... I never thought that people would actually last in this kind of job for a day, not think weeks and months. I walked from 10+am, sat for few seconds in between, had a short break for food, walked some more till 6pm. And listened to my trainer "harass" while I smiled at 257 people.

By 6.10, the most joyful event of the day happened - "We need to go back now."

Japanese School of KL

2007-09-16T02:35:00.000+08:00

Pictures taken from the place I learnt beginner leassons in Japanese for free last year - the Japanese School of KL. I'm not sure what's the location called (I forgot as well) but it's not really KL...

A Little Update

2007-09-07T22:10:00.000+08:00

Just to let people know what I've been doing recently... (well, I don't know if those who asked will read this, but anyway...) And this will be boring for those who knew all about it all this while. Kakaka...

Very, very old news: I'm no longer in college, because I've finished my studies there (which is a Diploma) . The convocation has not been held, and I have not received my results, so I perhaps would hesitate if you asked whether I've graduated. Oh, and this was in... somewhere between March and May.

Very old news: Since then, I've went for a few interviews, with positive results I might add, but I did not accept any of it. Was wondering if I should prioritise work experience (work in an architecture related firm) or earn more money (whatever job which offered more, which is usually not architecture). Was wondering when and where I should further my studies.

Old news: Was inspired to start craft classes with a friend but plan is on hold following decision to further my studies next year. Did a part time job at an architecture firm in Kepong for a month. Good pay, but inconvenient (transport is waaayyy bad).

Not-so-old news: I stay at home most the time nowadays, when I don't go out for the occassional meeting up with friends. When at home, I try to do stuff to keep the house neater and tidier. Hah. Got a job translating articles but I stopped after the first task upon learning of the measly renumeration.

Currently: I'm doing editing work for a publisher who does workbooks for primary school students. I cover English, BM and Science. Any other subject aside from Mandarin would be fine too actually. Good pay. And I really only allocate a few hours to complete one. Very satisfied with job situation. Haha. Am trying to get more freelance jobs as this.

If you noticed, I'm actually putting my priorities on earning more money. Feels good receiving cash when I hand in my work. Down side is, I now have to give duit dapur, pay my own internet bills, and recently give pocket money to my siblings. Sigh...

*Note: Events mentioned not necessarily in chronological order. Some actually overlap.

Friend, I miss

2007-09-01T20:26:00.000+08:00

奇怪的我
傻傻的我

I know not why,
Once again you came by
Into my dreams,
Your face again at me beams.

And then I wonder,
Where you now wander
On your wellbeing I ponder,
If indeed you are now better.

Then I also consider,
Perchance we meet, a smile will you mirror?
Will aplomb be still your manner
Or rather mirth and laughter?

I do not feel the joy or the sorrow,
Tears once shed are now but a shadow
The past and errors may we winnow,
To smile and look forward on the morrow.

Your friendship I dearly miss,
For amicability, do not dismiss
If thus my wish causes you to be ill at ease,
Pray forgive; then I no longer persist.

2007-08-29T19:31:00.000+08:00

I am waiting for the day,
You will sit with me and come my way.

Tidbit - Duit Dapur

2007-08-29T19:07:00.000+08:00

Today I was shopping for some sundry stuff with my mum. I had just gotten paid for my workbook editing. I was looking around while my mum went to pay at the counter. And then,

"Hey, just now the money you took a?"

"Yeah, why?"

Mum stretches out her hand. I look in astonishment. I hand over the money. Though I don't quite get why I had to.

She resumes paying after I turn my back. And then,

"Now you have to bei ka yong (give duit dapur) edi..."

I'm in further astonishment....

Later, I told my bro via MSN:

Yun Rui 윤예 says (3:38 AM):
she says i got to gv her duit dapur now

*help よしみがいなくてさびしい,ごめなさいよしみ,愛してるよよしみ.好きだよよしみごめなさいよしみ愛してるよよしみ... says (3:41 AM):
haha
so cham
duit dapur ??
jaja
u've grown up
haha

Yun Rui 윤예 says (3:41 AM):
==

我情愿

2007-08-29T18:06:00.000+08:00

Today I heard this from a TV show I was watching. So romantic, and so perfectly said too.

"我情愿因为爱你而心碎，也不愿跟你檫肩而过"

The Yukon And Mutu

2007-08-29T18:01:00.000+08:00

*DDDDDDRRrrrruummmmmRRRrrollllllll!!*

Haha... Was trying to create an effect of a drum roll - not sure if it worked. Anyway, the purpose of this post is to introduce another new blog - Yukon-Ho! which is by my brother. I have linked him at the side - you can see it as MyBroWhoLikesCallingHimselfMutu, which for obvious reasons you can see. Haha... I know this is a bit late... but Congratulations bro for finally having your blog! Finally, after being influenced by those crazy nutters around you who keep blogs... XD (I'm not included in this statement, mind you) .

So people... to know what's Yukon-Ho, do go over and have a loOk! And of course, welcome the new blogger...

Oh, and I'm gonna credit myself here too, because I gave him the birthday present that caused him to name his blog that name... Kakakaka...

Rice Packet Order Incident

2007-08-29T17:37:00.000+08:00

Alas... due to the trend of children having to cram and stress for their BIG exams, the unfortunate UPSR, PMR and SPM students of my alma mater had to attend several days of extra classes, which effectively killed any joy they originally had from it being the school holidays.

During these days then... a series of unfortunate events happened, leading to the Rice Packet Order Incident. I will here describe them best as I can, from what I know from a reliable source.

On the 1st day of the unfortunate classes, these good students more or less showed up, bringing the attendance to approx. 200 pax. And then, as is our trend (among students anyways), this number dwindled miserably to a 2-digit figure the following day.

Anyway, these classes were scheduled to be from 8/9 am - 1/2 pm. Hence, there was a need for lunch, some thought. So, pihak A decided to order some food for these miserable children. Pihak A was responsible to find out how many of them wanted lunch, and accordingly got the figure for about 60+ students. And thus placed the order. However, some exceedingly kind people, I shall name them pihak ZR2, got the figure from the day before and thus proceeded to place an order for such an amount.

So, do you see where the incident happened? No? Well... as you can logically infer, there was an overwhelming abundance of food that day. To solve this, the food finally travelled some 45 minutes to a charity home, which perhaps received this unexpected offering with much gratefulness. So pihak ZR2 did get to express their generosity after all.

After the incident, there was of course the prerequisite post-mortem, as to why the systems of communication had failed them once again. And of course, the fingers started pointing in order to answer the question of who would PAY for such an error. Pihak Y offered to be the kambing korban, but was snuffed as not seeing the point of the question. But that's another story...

Oh, in case you were wondering... the government a.k.a. the school paid in the end. And I'm only taking on the role as reporter here since some other blogs might not be at liberty to discuss it. It is after all, only my alma mater....

2007-08-24T08:37:00.000+08:00

2. A sad thing in life is when you meet someone who means a lot to you, only to find out in the end that it was never meant to be and you just have to let go.

3. The best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a porch swing with, never say a word, and then walk away feeling like it was the best conversation you’ve ever had.

5. It takes only a minute to get a crush on someone, an hour to like someone, and a day to love someone-but it takes a lifetime to forget someone.

6. Don’t go for looks; they can deceive. Don’t go for wealth; even that fades away. Go for someone who makes you smile because it takes only a smile to make a dark day seem bright.

~ from "11 Lessons in Life"

2007-08-17T15:30:00.000+08:00

Today is my Mummy's birthday!!! Hahaha... HAPPY BIRTHDAY mummy! (not that she reads my blog, but anyway... it's the thought that counts, rite?)

Hmm... maybe we're getting ice-cream again tonight (we've been getting ice-cream for every member of the family recently). Or maybe we treat Mum to one of those Thai dinner she loves. Or an alternative - dim sum?? Hahaha... I'm gonna go extort my bro and dad for money *evil smirk*

*sigh*... how come everyone birthday is one month after the previous (sis in May, dad in June, bro in July, mum now in August) and mine so c-beh far away in December?

never mind, I'm the special one. Besides, I love my month. Haha XD

2007-08-16T16:28:00.000+08:00

So horrible day.... My editing work was supposed to be due today, and I had only just begun.

And I started sneezing the moment I woke up. And continued all the way while I was working at my editing. Nose constantly itchy and having sensationnnn... ahhh---chooo! *oops! I just sneezed again. Oh.. as I was saying, sensation of wanting to sneeze.

Had to constantly blow my nose. Now all red liao. Tomorrow the skin sure gonna peel. Haii.... So painful some more. And eyes also cannot open...

Today was my "Most Tissue Wads" record day....

We have same names

2007-08-13T17:49:00.000+08:00

Some time back, I got the idea of Googling my name for fun. Just to see what would come up. Something about me maybe? Or someone who had the same name with me? Which isn't all that common, mind you.

Well, I did find someone. A girl from Singapore, one year younger than me. Found her blog actually. Cos her name, which also happens to be my name, was in the blog address. Haha...

And then today, when I visited her blog, I found something else! She has a sister, and her sister's name is YUN YI. Which is MY sister's name!!

Goodness... Reeling from the shock and excitement. Now I wonder if she has a brother named Zhen Yu or not....

*I showed my brother, who of course started laughing. He was like, "You must have the same parents man..."

I have a happy stomach

2007-08-13T17:34:00.000+08:00

I'm a happy girl... cos I have a happy stomach!

Haha... Mum made my favourite things!

The 2-hole fishcake! And meatballs! Hehe.... this was last nite.

And tonight! Wah... the exclusive chicken feet and mushroom! Those you only eat when you go back to your grandparents' house during reunion dinner wan... This chicken foot wanna give signal some more, so cool right?

Haha... Mum is fantastic cook!! *satisfied smile*

唉

2007-08-12T15:22:00.001+08:00

快忘了，
快放了，
快惯了，

你出现了。

该怎么办呢？

2007-08-10T15:59:00.000+08:00

This is...

my King of Fruits!

I've Been Tagged

2007-08-10T10:08:00.000+08:00

Oh well... from my stalking of others' blog, you always have to do this if you've been selected, so here goes:

I got tagged by Jaeney

Here are the rules:
1. Each blogger must post these rules first.
2. Each blogger starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
3. Bloggers that are tagged need to write on their own blog about their eight things and post these rules. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
4. Don't forget to leave them a comment telling them they've tagged, and to read your blog.

8 facts about me:

1.) I am deathly afraid of tablets. So don't ask me to take medicine when I'm sick. Unless you give me a doctor who prescribes syrup. Haha.
2.) I have a weakness for cute things. Cute designs, cute stuffed toys, cute kids, and of course, ahem... cute guys.
3.) I love chocolate and cheese.
4.) I am a nocturnal person, despite my efforts to be otherwise. I am most active around 2-4 am, and crawl into bed between 5.30-7 am.
5.) I have a hoarding habit - I keep empty boxes, finished toilet rolls, used wrapping paper, holey cloth separator, b'cos you can just never know when you need them for craft! and I also keep stuff sentimental to me - I found my Std 1 gymnastrada outfit recently, can't believe I was ever that small in size...
6.) I learnt reading Mandarin from watching tv dramas and singing along with song lyrics (which were in hanyupinyin at first). Now I can recognize characters but I cannot write. Type then can la.
7.) I am afraid of insects - yesterday a cockroach flew near me and I ran up the stairs while my sister whacked it with a newspaper.
8.) I love durians! Only the fruit, not the products. And yes, now is my happiest season =D

My 8 Lucky picks (haiya... almost all let Jaeney pick liao. can repeat or not?):

1.) May Potat （by special request some more...)
2.) ZPing
3.) Rebecca
4.) Celdrick
5.) Christine
6.) Amily
7.) President Simon
8.) Klang Hippo