Uh oh... the i-think-i-live-near-school-and-thus-can-dally syndrome has started. I decided not to go for 2:30 german class today cause I had just finished bathing at 2:10 and there was no way I could be in class on time.

It's almost like back home. I stay a 15 to 20 mins walk from school.. sth like the half an hour bus ride from my place to school. The only diff is I can't and I won't pay for a cab to bring me to school. Firstly, cause cabs don't ply my area here and secondly, it's SUPER ex! I think the flag down rate is like 5Fr or sth...

Spring is almost here... I see green leaves everywhere, flowers, the snow melting, birds in the garden! Nice! Even the weather is a bearable 7 deg instead of -1 or 0.

I like pics of the snow melting. I think it's cool that there's grass and stuff under the snow... wahahahs... like so oxymoronic...

It's been hectic since classes started. I have german lessons from 8:30 EVERYDAY till about 4. Went for a city tour, a talk on the history of St Gallen which I promptly fell asleep in. Went Lake Constance on Sat. Sun stayed home, but was catching up with ppl at home. Yesterday, even though I had a day off, woke up even earlier to go Saentis. So it's just been out early, home late kinda thingee... and I don't feel very rested. Hahaha... But I guess things will be diff when school starts. My timetable is looking good (ie: slack!). More time to chill...

But slowly settling in here... more at ease with walking back at night. Quite sure I won't get lost in the near future... so ok...

Hmmmz... Day 12 in Switz...

Ok.. i think i was kinda pms-ing before that, therefore, all the emo thingee. Plus now, things are more settled.

I am enjoying German lessons. We kinda learn basic conversational German and how to form simple sentences like

Ich heisse Gillian
Ich bliebe ein Semester (i will be here for one semester)
Ich arbeite erst zwolf tage (I have been here for only 12 days)
Ich spiele Klavier gern (I like playing piano) - Oh.. have I mentioned, I have a piano in my house!

2 more days to end of intensive German... Kinda settled my timetable.. so yeah.. Looking forward to school to start!

Anyway, I feel soooooooooo domesticated.. cooking, washing, ironing... Watch out for more pics over in my other blog! :)

Hmmm.. I think i just need to be around ppl.. The worse times are when I wake up in the morning... and I have nth much to do... Like dun have to rush to school... Then I'll just sit back and contemplate my surroundings... But not that I want to rush home immediately.. I want to go tour Europe! I want to go to Basel, Geneva and Bern...

I dun miss home... not even the food... But I miss the people at home...

But once I take the bus ride to town, I will just go like 'Waaaaaaaaahh...' cause the view is really very good. Think snowcapped buildings when u are on a road winding slowly into town... Magnificent... I'm having a good time when I hang out with the other exchange students... and stuff.. Maybe I'm just pms-ing... or i need to get rid of my 'morning homesickness'.

Hahaha.. exchange is fun.. no doubt... I really see a lot, hear a lot from others... It's like for a lot of people especially the Europeans, they speak more than 3 language. It's like English, German and maybe French or Spanish, or both plus other languages like Swedish... then the things I See here is also so different. I like the recyclign way of life... I don't exactly mind my 'exchange diet*'.

*Exchange diet is just like rabbit food (ie: Salad) or like simple stuff cause I'm too lazy to cook. But I went shopping in Lake Constance, Germany. The things there are cheaper! Wahahhas.. and I bought biscuits and stuff... :) Now, I just have to start eating them...

But the downside is you have to be prepared for these pangs of longings especially when you wake up with nothing much to do.. Sometimes, I wish you all can be over here with me.. Then it'll be a blast cause we'll have fun. Or sometimes, I wish that I can get home easily... But I also like the times I have here... It's contradicting.. But hey... there are many facets of emotions for every individual...

Everything is foreign here.. like how much walking I've done, like following a bus schedule, rushing for the last bus, taking the train to another city... going grocery shopping. Planning my menu.. walking to school.. blah blah blah... but slowly getting the hang of things. Go look for 'Acztion' or sth like tt.. It meants Action! I think.. which means the product is on sale.. wahahhas...

Ok lar... I'll be fine... a couple of weeks more and I'll probably be gushing abotu the people I meet instead of pining for the people at home. :)

Heh... It's one week since I've been here... Yet.. I sometimes feel like I've been here far longer than that. Sometimes, I can't wait to leave cause I'm missing you all back home, but other times, I just think that 'gosh... I'll be here for only 3 more months'. I'm like a pro liao.. shopping at Migros, the grocery store here... walking to town, walking home from school. Even prepping dinner or packing bread for school

Like I told some friends, I think i'll walk more in these 3.5 months here than in the past year back in Singapore. Like a 20 mins walk to school is normal for me.. Hahaha... I guess i'm really spoilt in Singapore.

Sigh man... I'm still missing home... Ok.. I think it's normal. But sometimes, its quite shitty that I would just tear up when I read my sister's email me or when I think of home or my mum, dad and bro. This is especially when I'm all alone or sth... HOW?

Thank goodness I stay connected via the internet... but the thing is it still feels different. Plus I'm not staying with the other Singaporeans, or have like other exchange people that I can talk to. Maybe I'm just not that emotionally strong.

German classes for 3 days already. It's not too bad. I think I'll continue with the course during term time... But 830 class is like hell... Wahahahs...

Heh... I'm spending more time online thanks to the fact that I will go to my friend's place to charge my batt tmr.. and hopefully, I will get my package by Tues!!! *crosses fingers*

Anyway, settling in quite nicely... I'm enjoying what I've seen so far... Like going grocery shopping - u just look for the budget stuff. Hahaha.. poor students ma.. the 'MarktPlatz' which well, is the marketplace.. which is bustling with people from Mon to Sat esp Sat, but it is super quiet on Sunday cause all the shops are closed...

Eh.. saw this super nice cathdral.. I will post pics up once I get my adaptor.. dun wanna waste precious battery.. that's my mantra for the last few days...

It's just that cause I am living quite far away from the Singaporeans, up on a hill, I will leave town earlier when there is still light. So when I'm cooped up all alone in my room and not being able to use too much internet, I do think of home excessively sometimes.... Hahaha...

Haiya.. but I'll be fine when school starts cause I'll probably be occupied... Erm.. I'll update the other blog in chronological order and with pics once I get my adaptor...

Even the blogger interface is in German.

I Love skype!!! Cheap calls out to overseass lines...

Ok.. I'm finally here...

I think I'm a bit slow. So indifferent the few days before I flew.. even up to the point when boarded the plane... and when I reached here, it kinda struck me that I'll be on my own for 4 months. I'm feeling a lil lost... hahaha... being so far away from the world that I know.. and to my horrors, I discovered I did not bring my laptop adaptor. So smart hor~!~ Gonna get my mum to send it over... and meanwhile, I'm so glad I got a new battery the last time round so at least I have like 3 hours of connection time. Plus, I'm thinking of borrowing

See! I knew there was something important I would forget. I could feel it even before I left. Everything's fine... except for some pangs of homesickness when I called home after I arrived.

Anyways, I like my room. It's like quite big, neat.. and comfy... Hahaha...May be going grocery shopping later.. I'll see how everything goes...

I'm ALMOST done packing... and that's actually quite a big almost. Cause I'll have some last min thing to stuff in... Prob is.. my big luggage is a wee bit heavy... Bah! I think I stuffed too many things inside.. maybe i should diversify some into my not-so-full other bag...

A lot of should I bring this? or should I not... going to and fro. Taking things out, putting things back in.. yada yada yada...

------- 10:49 am on Thurs ------------

Ahhhh........ Still packing...

This is starting to feel so unreal... I can't believe I'm leaving in slightly less than 48 hours to Switz for 4 to 5 months. Wow... Not particularly excited, not even feeling as emo about it as I thought I would be.

Somehow, there is a little sense of indifference. Maybe cause I'm busy with trying to clear some work before I leave. Maybe I'll feel more hyped up after tomorrow. and get even more excited and emo the day after. *pre-flight jitters*

My room is currently in a mess cause I haven't put some of the stuff into my luggage yet. So whatever I need to bring, or bought is sitting on my table, hiding in my cupboards. Tomorrow is packing day. Hopefully, everything will fit. Or somehow, I will make them fit.

Now.. just what should I wear to the airport on Thursday? hahaha...

Stress.. and not from packing...

So many things to clear before I leave! Argh!!! 钱真的不容易赚！

4 more days!!! I'm feeling more and more excited... and I'm still half done packing. What is necessary, what are extras. What to put in each bag? Is bringing too much?What other work do I need to clear before I leave... So many things to do...

Oh... and thanks to all who took time out to meet up with me. Hahaha...

Tea/Dinner/Coffee with Val and Zhumei on Wed. At least I don't think I will miss jap food that much when I get over there. Heh...

Happy gaming @ Mind's Cafe with social science pioneers on Thursday... 'Ugly ugly!!!'

Dinner and mahjong with gassy on Sat. Next time we should meet earlier to play more mahjong. and we'll probably have yet another tutorial. :)

Random fact of the day: I receive like 30 over spam mail in my gmail account everyday. No wonder I keep having like 900 over spam mails even though they will clear the spam mailbox every 30 days.

Was just looking at some old photos when clearing my photos folder... Pics from trip to Down Under, Gold Coast in 2003, December...

I especially like the above pic with the mother kangeroo with the joey's head sticking. Cause I remember that she actually stopped and posed for the photo, as if to show off her joey...

And then the one below is of me feeding a kanga...

I miss times like this...


Ok.. maybe not so much of the mugging... but just G1 ppl sitting together in a GSR all doing work... I would presume this is rushing AS homework or studying for some test or sth...

Gosh.. this was taken at old campus.. which is almost 2 yrs back!

Leaving in one week's time...

So many things to do... Meeting up with friends, doing (very little) packing, just got my laptop back yesterday and Im now trying to load all the applications I usually use in... Being a temporary 'ahmad'...

Can't wait to get over... I've been tempted too much by the many many pretty pics i've seen posted by other exchange student...

I went back to school yesterday... and the most common refrain I got was 'Why are you STILL here?'. hahaha.. It's been a long wait.. but I'm kinda glad for the break I had... But I do so want to clear my comm service and internship report before I leave... Shall try and squeeze it in somehow...

Add baking pineapple tarts on the 14th night of the Lunar New Year @ 11pm to the list of quirky baking practices I am capable of... and that includes baking cookies till 3 at night.

Hot and bothered and tired and irritated...

I'm only getting my laptop back on Mon... and so far, I've just been... packing and repacking stuff, going to the school gym and driving. I kinda spent the whole day out from like 8 plus in the morning till 7 plus at night as the chauffeur. It is tiring and tedious... and I feel as if I've no life. I love my dad! Cause he usually just drives us around without complaints...

Haha is in hospital - 'Haha' being the name that my sister gave to my trusty ol' laptop.

Going to reformat it so that it would be as good as new! Meanwhile... sobs.. i shall go read a book or sth.

A nice day out sharing, sitting, chilling, laughing, photo-whoring, eating, eating and eating! Oh... not to mention being fangirls and going gaga over Shinhwa...

Royalties, I heart you two!

Heh.. this has been a rather quiet CNY... Maybe with a lousier substitute driver, they decided to spare me, the car and not let me drive so much.

Except for a seemingly hectic Day 1 where we went first ot my aunt's place, followed by a gathering of my relatives from my maternal side at my place, yesterday and today have somewhat been rather activity-less. An ex-colleague of my dad came over yesterday afternoon. Afterwhich we went out for a while. Then it was hiberbating at home last night. And I was home today...

Ok... and to add on to my previous list of being a not very good driver, I forgot to lock the car door yesterday. *diaoz* win right? And I discovered it when we were about to go back. Hahaha... I had a kinda bad feeling about it... but I didn't expect to have not locked it at all. Well.. have to be more careful.

Oh.. .and stuff from my Swiss uni came! I think I may have a 2 week semester break from 21st May to 3rd June. Woohoo! But I came across this module which takes place on Mon, Wed, Fri and Sat of the week of 21st May. The class is like from 10am to 5pm... Woah.. talk about intensive lessons. Not sure if I will actually do it though. Hahaha... and looking at the introduction programme, I'm gonna have like a totally intensive week of learning German cause I am a beginner. Imagine lessons like from 9am to 1 pm, then another round from 2pm to 4pm or 5pm or sth like that. Bleahz... and it's for one and a half weeks! I'm quite sure I'll be able to speak some German at the end of it.

Oh.. and a bit late.. but here's wishing everyone a great year ahead!!!

新年快乐，身体健康， 万事如意，心想事成，大吉大利， 恭喜发财。。。 财源滚滚来！！！

Driving is extremely tiring... and hazardous... yet liberating (going on expressways) and makes me feel in control.

Heh.. have been behind the wheel a lot the last couple of days since my dad fractured his wrist last week and was put in a cast. Thus, I've become the chauffeur, driving ppl here and there.

In the past, I only drive my brother back to camp on occassional weekends. IN the last couple of days, I
1) Drove to Balestier to buy veggies for reunion steamboat.
2) Drove to Ulu Pandan (yes Fran... I actually passed ur place!) twice, once ot pick up something for my Mum's friend and another time to pick up her phone which she left behind.
3) Went to somewhere near Queenstown to pick up sth
4) Went to Chinatown
5) Woke up at 7am to drive my brother back to camp early this morning (yeah.. on 年初一). It was ALL the way to the jetty at Pasir Ris...

Heh... and not without incidents lor. On Friday night, I backed into a car when I tried parking at the void deck of my uncle's place where we went for reunion dinner. Sigh.. didn't realise there was a car behind me. and I tried to reverse into a lot. Smart right? But was quite miffed with the lady. She actually ASKED ME... 'You SURE YOU GOT LICENSE?' (Argh!!! *smokes coming out from my ears*) It was an unintentional mistake lor...

Then today... got horned at. Cause there was a lousy car from the oncoming lane which was turning right, yet jutted into my lane. So of course I had to go around it. So some car behind me had to brake and stuff so that it won't hit me. Sigh...

practice makes perfect. At least my vertical parking is not that bad. But driving can be quite stressful... and ironically, fun. I think I sound quite sadistic. Fun when I feel stressed. But haven't driven alone before. Hahaha... always got ppl in the car one.

Anyway, my stint as a driver makes my appreciate my Dad even more. All the driving up and down and without complaints.

Yesterday was such a lovey dovey day.

Couples, roses everywhere. But why does this happen only on vday? A commercially celebrated day? But nevertheless, still a day for people to feel loved and appreciated.

Me? Still a member of the Lonely Hearts Club. But hah! Went for a good lunch and wonderful dessert. Got my Jim Brickman CD which was aptly titled 'Valentine'. Came home and listened to it. Hah! Who said singles can't have fun?

And yet, conflicting thoughts... When will I become part of a lovey dovey couple? My mantra has always been 'Let Nature take its own course', 'It is a 2 person thing, no point if it is not reciprocated'. Honestly, I'm quite happy being single (unless the air gets filled with too much saccharine sweetness...) Having no one to answer to, no need to fit someone into my life or change my life for anyone.

It's not that I dun believe in what I preach. But sometimes, especially during times like this, I do look around wistfully and wonder, when will it be my turn? How long can I go on being happily single? Why can't there be someone? But I believe in finding the right apple. Maybe not that big, red, shiny juicy all-in-one apple, but at least one with some semblance.

To all who have found their halves, may you fall deeper in love with each other, and have many many more wonderful memories.

To all singles... may the right one come along. soon.

Heh.. this is a little fast.. but I have settled my housing. Walalalas...

Actually, I didn't really have an issue with where I stay. But more of the location where my parents would be less worried. After troubling the housing coordinator (I may have been the most picky and fussy exchange student he ever dealt with... heez), I finally got myself a room in a modern house with a garden apparently. Whatever.. shall reserve my comments until I see it.

I'll be contented as long as I have my internet connection. If I really dun get along with my apartment mates, then I'll just lock myself in my room everyday or sth. The whole point of an exchange is probably to experience what life overseas is about. So, I'm fine whether I get to stay with locals or other exchange students. In fact, staying with students from other nationalities may even be better. But I think older generation have this preconception to 'play it safe'. Ah wells... settled.. Dun have to think so much about it now.

And after paying up for my insurance, I think I've settled most of the major stuff. There's only the passport photo left! Woohoo!

St Gallen housing woes...

It's about 1 month to my departure date and I still haven't settled accomodation. Blame it on.. I also dunno who. Well.. hope i can confirm sth soon. *prays for a miracle*

I'm damn sick of everything!!!

Ever had the feeling that when you see something, sometimes, you would think 'oh.. it's perfect for so and so' or that 'this suits whoever'. But how often is that 'someone' your mum, your dad or even your siblings?

That hit me real hard today when my dad and I were thinking of what to get my mum for her bday. How much do we know about our own family members?

Packing my room is like bringing me a trip down memory lane... (ok... not that long ago... but still...)

Ojects of notable mention are:

The farewell note that 校长 gave us when she retired in 2000. In it, she talked about her journey as Principal of St Nicks. Reading it brings back memories of her calling us 宝贝 and her treats, and her announcements to 多多喝水. It even has a note telling us her rationale for giving us the farewell gifts - a bag, watch, water bottle and scarf. Heh.. I have no idea where my water bottle went.

Then there is my VJ carolling scores. I got them at the end of Sec 4. (2001) when I joined them for carolling. What followed was 4 years plus of carolling with them. Plus wonderful memories of putting up concerts (2 SOVs plus a couple others) and of course taking part in SYF where I performed on Esplanade stage. (Hey! At least I could say I did that!), not to forget a trip to Prague. Alas.. won't be going for Symphony of Voices this yr as I am going to be in faraway Switz.

Also, there is the box of brochures which I brought back from Australia in 2003 because I wanted to do some sort of s scrap book... that never took off...

Then the notebook I got from freshmen orientation 2004 when I first entered SMU plus old copies of the school magazine, Blurt, which talked about the move to the city campus and stuff...

Oh.. and I still have my f. maths TYS. Maybe to serve as a reminder that I once could solve those complicated and questions

Check out this video... Look at the grand piano in the middle of a frozen lake or sth...



I'm now falling in love with Jim Brickman's song. They are totally beautiful... Pianist with New Age albums. But some of his songs has vocals as well. I just think the lyrics and melody is just oh-so-nice and some of them can be quite touching!

Check out Valentine and The Gift if possible! :) :) :)

Came across a 'recording' of John Cage's 4'33.



Heh... just thought it is interesting because of the nature of the piece. -Silence- Hmmm... I wonder if the orchestra players/conductor got paid for sitting there and doing nothing.

From Siyi...

YOUR REPORT CARD:
Category	Grade
Love	C
Friends and Family	A+
Body	A
Mind	A+
Finance / Career	C
Your Life's Average Grade: A
'What" is your Life Grade?' at QuizGalaxy.com

Heh.. Law of Averages? 2 Cs and 2A+ gives me an average of A?

Heh...

Went on a shopping spree yesterday...

Bought myself this pretty white laptop case. hahaha... Cause my blue one's a bit wonky. And I needed something harder than the red one cause i wanna protect my lappy when I get over there...

Let's see.. I bought earphones after all those I had at home decided to go on strike some time in the last sem.

And I got my adaptor... the ever elusive adaptor for Switzerland. It came in a pack with a lot of plugs for like many many diff countries. Hahaha...


Ok... I've bought almost everything I need. The only major things left to settle is insurance and probably changing my passport photo. Other than that... I can't wait to go over!!!

It's weird seeing your friends get on with their school life while I have the chance to languish at home, doing things I like. I feel so cut off from them in fact. :(

But i'm also enjoying whatever slack time I have. Just chilling, enjoying my books, music and what shopping. Hahaha... Well.. New Year's coming... maybe that's something to look forward to.

After CNY, then maybe time will pass faster as I start my packing and stuff...

Packing is still incomplete cause I haven't touched it since I stacked it up a couple of days ago.

Well, haven't been blogging about this, but as the Australian Open - the first grand slam of the year draws to a close (finals being played over the next 2 days), I'm thinking if I should go watch the French Open when I happen to be in the region some time in May. Wahahahs... Allow me to indulge in a little tennis ramble...

Maybe cause Justine Henin (formerly Henin-Hardenne) didn't play this year, I haven't been as avid fan as I could be. Everything seems a little flat. Like how things do not seem that competitive especially in the later stages where things were supposed to heat up.

Andy Roddick, who had been playing well in the earlier rounds lost meekly to Roger Federer, 6-4, 6-0, 6-2 *ouch~!~*

Or that the woman final is being contested by 2 great players (Maria Sharapova vs. Serena Williams), but who both just happens to be not my cup of tea. Sigh... I still think Maria is over-rated. Yes... she's young, majority of the world thinks she's pretty, she does play rather impressive tennis.. but no... something about her just irks me. Maybe it's how she seems to *diao* her opponents, her being the media and sponsor's darling...

But I do like the 2 finalists for the men finals though...

Fernando Gonzalez of Chile

Roger Federer of Switz (Woots!)

My brain says Fed would win but my heart says Gonzo.

Ok.. enough tennis talk... tis late...

... and Happy Birthday Fran!!!

I've been packing my stuff this afternoon. Nope.. not so ks lar.. not preparing for the trip yet, but filing away notes and stuff from last term. Yes... I'm slow... I just did it..

Anyway, the amount of journal articles I've amassed amazes me... I think I printed like 9 diff papers on one single topic that I based my term paper on. Woah... not to mention readings for class...

And as I was reading through a term paper I wrote, I kinda shocked myself at what I was writing. I had no idea I could write like that. Wahahahs.. sounds haolian right? Dunno leh... I dun think it was a fantastic piece given that I do spot errors here and there... and that some phrasing just makes me cringe. But over all, I can't imagine I wrote like 3000 over words. I wonder how i thought about those things to come up with something coherent.

Oh wells... should hurry and finish packing. Am going for CIP tmr morning... and then, meeting Fran for lunch... and going for a briefing at 7. Time to drag the lazy self out of the house after nua-ing at home for the last few days.

Enjoying my faux summer hols...

Waking up late, not much worries, going shopping when I want to... Hey.. even my face is clearing up! Heez...

But it's just weird... given that almost everyone is in school. So less people to go out with, less things to do... and the weather's not helping. It's sunny one day, rainy the next... and I dun exactly like going out on rainy days. It's cold and dreary... and I get wet even though I have an umbrella. How about that?

Next aim: Maybe to sleep earlier and get rid of my eyebags.

I am getting increasingly frustrated with my internet connection. It has been crawling for the past few days. Sigh... I'm not sure if it's cause of the pages I'm loading or what. But sometimes, it feels like I'm on a modem all over again.

Meanwhile, life's been good. Went bowling on Sat morning where I *ahem* didn't do very well. Was throwing gutterball more than hitting the pins. And well, it was like a school competition. (so malu~!~) So the bunch of Social Science gals were like bowling with 13 other teams made up of random people. Hahaha.. and we were top from the bottom. ><. Oh.. but Mabel his a turkey-that is like 3 strikes in a row, in the last frame of the 2nd game. Wow!!!!

Other than that, I'm just hanging around, going out to buy stuff, preparing my packing list and stuff. Maybe I need a mor eeventful life. :)

Is it me or is this year's Project Superstar not as hyped up as last year? And me thinks the contestants are not as good too. Hmmmz.... *thinks*

Idol's back. I'm kinda losing interest. Like how I didn't follow last season's at all. Then again. May not be a good idea to follow it. What if I don't get Idol on TV in Switz?

just sat in for class today. Cultural psychology! Heavy heavy readings, but at least they are interesting!

But again, I ended up doing other random stuff in class with my laptop on. Not paying 100% attention. Well, at least 50% of the things went in i guess. Not in the swing of things with the 4 or 5 mods a sem work load. Just throttling along on my slow engine.

I shall resolve to do my readings and pay more attention in class next week. :)

It's raining AGAIN! Day in day out... Well, at least I'm home and not out like on Friday.

It's been quite a week, being out everyday, running errands like reformatting my laptop and fixing my phone.

There's been a nagging problem with my keypad for some time. Can't seem to press the buttons '1' and '9' properly - according to them, keypad is insensitive. And when I went to collect my phone, i thought the conversation the staff and I had was quite dumb.

The staff told me that they had to 'resolder' something back on. And so I asked, 'what?'. They couldn't answer me. Just that it was something. When I asked her what was wrong, she just kinda gave me a dumbfounded look. Oh wells... not expecting her to rattle on the super technical part, but I thought she could at least tell me what could have caused the problem. Nah.. just they they had to resolder something back on. Insightful.

People are leaving/have left for exchange. Me, still hanging around. It's another 8 and a half weeks before I fly. Not long ago, it was 11. it's kinda scary how time passes by so quickly. On another note, I bought this language thinge where I'm supposed to learn German in 30 days. Hope I can speak some decent German by the time I get over.

Anyway, my weeks are quite occupied. Wed and Thurs mornings, I go down to RDA to do my CIP. Basically, it's watching out for disabled kids who are attending the riding lessons. Somehow, my heart aches at the thought of them - being unable to support themselves, comprehend instructions. Like a fellow volunteer said of one kid, it went along the lines of 'There is nothing wrong with his brain, when I look at him in the eyes, I can see a connection. It's just that he is unable to articulate or command his body to do certain things'

I hope they will all make it and overcome their disabilities cause I've also seen how riders who have attended more than 1 term be able to follow instructions and articulate what they want.

But since it's bene raining, the arena where they have they lessons are quite muddy. Yeah... so I've got muddy shoes now. Hope it stops raining soon.

I am upset.

I should not have borrowed Harry Potter's Order of Phoenix and Half Blood Prince. Now I have to wait like eons for the last book to be out. I knew there was a reason why I stopped reading Harry Potter - I didn't want to wait too long for the book. And the wait between book 4 (Goblet of Fire) and book 5 (Order of the Phoenix) kinda killed my interest. Yet... after reading these two, or rather, one and a half books, my interest in the world of magic, muggles, Hogwarts, Harry, Hermione and Ron got ignited once again.

And now... I have to wait for the last book. Starting surfing around for some info. Looks like Rowling has loads of loose ends to tie up. Maybe the book will be like a thousand pages long? Hahaha... and it's not even out!!!

Ok... I haven't technically finished Half Blood Prince yet. But I read the last few chapters. My heart wrenches. Argh.... WHY??? *wails....*

Biopsych lecture at NUS was... a reminiscence of JC life. It's been well, some time since I've been in a lecture hall with hundred over ppl. (Well, the media conference didn't really count i guess) and we realised it had been 5 years since we had class together (2002 ~ 2006) and this also marked the first time that all three of us attended a lecture together. Wahahahs...

Lecture was fine, for the first hour anyway. As the lecturer started droning on about history of biopsych, my mind drifted off and i started doodling. after a while, i was just glancing at the digital clock in the front of the LT, willing for the numbers to jump faster. Then i wondered... what do i do during 3 hour seminars? Ok... maybe I shall find out on Friday whe nI go for cognitive psych. Once i decide to wake up early enough to attend 830 class.

Funny that i dun think of SMU seminars as 'seminar's, but as class. No distinctions between lectures and tutorials either. Hahaha... Oh.. met up with Char as well... who happened to be around school! yay!!!

Anyway, walked vivo since Siyi had a un-crashable class as it was in a classroom, very packed and anyway, was feeling a bit 'seh-ed' after the lecture. (well, Angie claims its the burger at Macs that we had... nvm). Well, covered more of vivo than I ever had. and here I am, back home.

Been out a lot the last few days/weeks. Settling stuff for exchange like getting my debit card done, fixing my phone before warranty runs out. Things i'll have to do would be to reformat my laptop on Thurs afternoon, erm... and change my passport photo since the immigration officer did tell me that if I didn't change my photo the next time, I'll probably won't be allowed to leave Singapore. Ok... I guess that's cause it was a photo from like primary school. Hahaha... or maybe Sec sch. Can't remember.

Long days this week. Tmr... I start my weekly comm service. Every Wed and Thurs morning for 10 weeks. And then, internship briefing on Thurs evening. Well, i technically dun have to go for it since I've already done it. But nvm... time to meet up with ppl!!!

Getting tired. Sometimes, i just want to sleep in. stay home. I've just been out like forever...

Happy New Year!!!

My first post of the year... although slightly late.

But here's hoping everyone has a great year ahead. Stay happy! Have Fun! and may everything be smooth sailing. :)

Not bothering about school when everyone is in the midst of bidding and preparing for school feels surreal and a bit weird. Like not having to check which SRs/CRs where I'll be having class. yadayadayadayada...

had a great end of the year with more food. *I really should go and exercise more. Gym or swims anyone?* Stayover cum movie marathon with Gassy gals... Gosh.... I love you all!!! and I wanna watch Death Note 2 soon... errr... Watching The Holiday which was fine, but not fantastic. As in it's just sweet and nice, one of those feel-good movies... not epics like whatever...

Hmmm... Hols will be ending soon for most people. Looking back, it's been one of my most relaxing and enjoyable hols. I set out before exams with a list of things to do during this hols.

Things like:
1) Fix my lousy phone's keypad

2) Get a job

3) Pack my room

4) Swim more

5) watch full house

6) Watch youtube

7) Finish my internship report. (Yes, Val and Zhumei... I haven't done it YET!) It was due like erm... a couple of months back.

According to my list, here's what happened to the items:
1) Haven't fixed it yet cause I would have ot send my phone to the 'hospital' for 3 days. Need to find 3 days where I don't mind using a lousy standby phone. Maybe when school reopens.

2) Well, I did manage to get a job. So at least that's done. Work ahead...

3) Nope.. my notes are still not filed up. Does clearing up my cupboard (to make way for new clothes) count?

4) No thanks to the weather, didn't spend much time swimming. None at all in fact.

5) Watched half of episode 1 of full house. I think I should really bring it with my to Switzerland to while away any free time I may have. (Later I end up not watching at all! Hahaha...)

6) Spent a grand total of one night youtubing. (which is rather little I would say. Maybe I just have the knack of doing the wrong things at the wrong time. like trying to watch Goong in the midst of the school term with projects and papers piling up or watching xman when I have papers due.)

7) What internship report? Wahahahas... (I shall try to do it before school reopens)

What else did I do?

Went eating at Amoy Street food centre with Meiju and Baoqin. Walked to Maxwell Food Market and went to the stall where I fried our own ham jim bang. Except well, I got a bit freaked out by the oil. It was freaking BLACK lar!!! And I like the sweet potato balls.

Hmmm... Royalties! We can go there and eat one day!!! A lot of food! Maybe we can finally do our food hunt!

Attended a couple of 21st bday parties.

Reconnected with the inner singer in me. Hahaha... ktv session (note: no plural.) Wanna add an 'S' to it before school reopens? And singing carols...

OOohh.. Met up with the gassy gals many many times. nice nice~!~ Makes me realise how little we meet up during school term. It's really nice being with you girls. It's been like 9 years since Sec 1 Truth. Cooking and baking at Mabel's house, shopping for Mabel's present. Today's Boxing Day shopping. Sitting and talking.

Hahaha.. Yeah.. I went shopping today. I got a nice new pair of shoes. I think I have been buying a lot of shoes. Or rather, i usually just buy shoes when I go out. hurhurhur. Saw a nice black dress today. But dun really have a good occassion to wear them. SO nevermind. Shall save up. Cause I'm meeting up with more people in the next few days. Haha...

Oh yeah.. and not forgetting my trip to Hong Kong and Guangzhou. Nice time spent with family!

as the year draws to a close... here's looking forward to the next...

Merry Christmas!

Been out the last few days. Went for Sam's party on the 22nd. Us vjchoir people started singing Christmas carols. Yes.... in SATB and all. It was warm. A sense of familiarity. And well, you just don't forget some things like lyrics. melody and stuff though they were a bit rusty. I miss singing.

and yeah.. I got myself hooked onto mapling again. :) teeheehee...

Started watching youtube again last night.

What else but Xman and more Xman. Caught episode 62 which was the World Cup special in Germany with Shinhwa as guests. I finally appreciate why so many people are in love with them. Me heart Eric!

Anyway, as usual, I was all cracked up over the episodes. They. were. hilarious. My mum thought I was having fits or something when I started howling with laughter.

And then I watched episode 69 with DBSK (Dong Bang Shin Ki) or TVXQ (Tong Vfang Xien Qi) which is another Korean group.

*drools... * another 5 cute guys... who are all like 20 years old!!!

And I like him...

Hero, Kim Jae Joong

Planning for my imminent exchange gives me this little rush of excitement. The thought of being almost all alone, far away from friends and family for at least 3 months. part of me can't wait, while part of me is thinking of the different possibilities. There is this whole feeling of apprehension and excitement bubbling in side me now.

Maybe I am too ambitious, wanting to go to almost everywhere. Sigh... I wish I have more times. Also, thinking when I should book my return flight back. It's like... I will move out of my hostel on 15th July. So how long do I want to spent lugging my huge luggage around? 2 weeks? or 3? or more? Well, I have like until late August - before school starts. But I do need to settle back in Singapore.

Have been spending the last couple of hours looking at course outlines to look at the courses I am interested in taking, trying to look at air ticket prices, thinking if I should apply for hostel card and stuff. So near yet so far. Most of the friends I know going on exchange will be leaving end of this month or early next month.

Next task: To plan travel plans...

On another random note, I wish it would stop raining soon. Just as soon as the skies start clearing, the rain comes pouring down. It's been a wet day. Nice day to sleep in, and yet, I had ot go out. But I do like the chilly feeling. :)

I think I'm finally done with the preparation for tomorrow's event. :)

Tomorrow, or rather, in a few hours time, SMU Rotaract will be going down to conduct a one day fun and experiential learning workshop for a group of children. The last few days were spent preparing/buying logs.

Oh ya.. was also busy looking for wings for Mabel's themed birthday celebration which was held at Mind Cafe yesterday! Shall update later... (Yeah.. I think I owe like 2 entries liaoz)

Am falling in love with F.I.R.'s not-so-recent album. I didn't like their 2nd one cause I thought it was too similar to their first one. But this one surprised me with the different types of song. And I think Faye (the lead) is super pretty. Hahaha...

Haven't really been updating myself with the latest in music. at this rate, I'll end up being stuck in my 1990s-early 2000s music. Wonder how it will be when I go overseas next year. Hmmm... 4 months without keeping track of new songs? I mean like ya... I will go check out albums online. But I think I get introduced to songs more during ktv sessions. Hahaha...

Also looking forward to buying Hacken Lee's Concert Hall 2 album as well. And heez... maybe his concert VCD/DVD.

oooh.. and I'm getting a kick out of trying the new 'Label' thingee from Blogger.

It's 6:30 am. I am either a super early waker of a dan later sleeper right? Unfortunately, neither. I had trouble sleeping half the night. I dunno if it's the coffee or if it's the slight indigestion I'm feeling. Sigh...

I've been tossing and turning for hours. Managing ro catch like a it of sleep then waking up to longer periods of tossing and turning. Shall try and sleep now.

Hmmm... lack of updates. I've just been majorly chilling. Waking up late, playing computer games, slacking, catching Doha games highlights...

Got back results of 3 of my 4 mods... Heh... happy with them. :)

Other than that, I may be potentially starting a job soon, Mabel's 21st this weekend. Something on here, there, everywhere... and I still haven't started on youtube craz-ing yet...

I am BACK!!!

HAhaha... Will post pics and stories later...

THE TERM IS OVER!!!

At 5.05 this afternoon, i finished my last paper (for the term anyway). My grades are both in the prof's hands... and in Whoever-I-believe-in's hands. And I truly believe in miracles.

Just 24 hours ago at 9:36 PM on 30th Nov, I was sitting in a swivel chair in SR 2.2, consolidating my social cognition stuff. Integrating and reading 24 articles and/or mini reports, trying to understand and remember all of them was kinda pure hell. I'm thinkful for study groups. I don't know what would have happened to my social cog today if we did not discuss it.

Left school at 11, had a late late dinner... and then... at 12, MUG HCM! I barely touched it during the study week cause I was doing up a social cog paper and other stuff. YOu can imagine the state I was in. Head swarming with social cognition stuff, methodology of the studies, and still trying to cram in recruitment methods, selection process, interviews and what nots for a 40% paper!!!

I could have DIED!!!

Thanks to all out there who listened to me whine, your smses/hugs/wishes brightened up my day and it did help me survive 2 papers today! Awww... *BIG HUG* I really really appreciate having all of you around...

And I believe in miracles cause I could actually do the HCM paper. Woohoo! NEver again am I going to be so last min. :) I promise myself.

Lastly, I love you Fran!!! For your nice present... and also, for coming early to tell me about Training and Development methods. If not, I could never have done that question! YOu are a good spotter!!!

Hahaha... as I am half packed for Hongkong, I think I shall leave this post as it is now. Will update more when I get back. 1 glorious month of holiday~!~

It's the middle of the exam week... I just finished 1 paper. 1 more this evening, and last 2 on Friday... I have nothing to blog about. Except perhaps for how I went to Starbucks to study today and was productive for a couple of hours.

My life revoles round mugging, drifting off, forcing myself to mug, playing games after a while, drifting off and going to sleep nowadays. Great~!~

My mind is a wandering... Hong Kong, new games, planning for exchange... oh.. and I'm hungry...

Heh... more self-amusement times...

Learn Chinese In 5 Minutes
directions: read these outloud

I think you need a facelift
Chin Tu Fat

Are you hiding a fugitive?
Hu Yu Hai Ding?

See me A.S.A.P.
Kum Hia Nao

Stupid Man
Dum Gai

Small Horse
Tai Ni Po Ni

Did you go to the beach?
Wai Yu So Tan?

I bumped into a coffee table
Ai Bang Mai Ni

It's very dark in here
Wai So Dim

This is a tow away zone
No Pah King

You are not very bright
Yu So Dum

I got this for free
Ai No Pei

I am not guilty!
Wai Hang Mi?

Please stay a while longer
Wai Go Nao?

They have arrived
Hai Dei Kum.

Stay out of sight
Lei Lo

He's cleaning his automobile
Wa Sing Ka.

Your body odor is offensive
Yu Stin Ki

I thought you were on a diet?
Wai Yu Mun Ching?

Heh... can't help but post this. I *heart* Yoon Eun Hye. Shucks... going through this 'everything is better than studying' phase... Thus... youtubing...

Tired. Still in the midst of writing my last paper due on Fri. *Biiiiiig SIGH* and trying to study. (Note: trying is the keyword here) Not very productive on the studying front as well... Better do sth about it soon.

Looking forward to 1st Dec 4pm! and the rest of the glorious holiday!

Good luck with mugging for all those out there with exams! Then its time to play play play!

*groan... yes again...* Someone.. remind me why I came to SMU again. For project work? TO rush tons of papers hours before the deadlines?

Been thinking/reflecting the past few hours. Ever since I came across a commentary by someone I worked with over the term. Well, for one, I dun exactly relish being called an unfortunate groupmate.. thank you very much.

But what's over is over. I don't regret much of what I have done. Maybe this could have come out right from the start. I'm not a mind reader. And I'm not obliged to check in with everyone even though I try to. Instead of these misunderstandings/ miscommunications that popped up. Perhaps its the whole notion of working with friends I had. Maybe there were too much instances of trying to accomodate each other and trying to work well with everyone.

*groan*

I'm not surprised, but feeling a little indignant.

Study...

3 papers down... 1 more to go. This is such a hellish week. Ok.. projected tome for end of paper was wrong.. I finished.. at like 1700h.. Just right to hand in on time. Wahahahahas...

I shall resolve to hand in my Social Cog paper early...

Really cutting it close this sem. Rushing papers till the wee mornings, printing and handing them in minutes before the deadline. Actually, its just this week. 1 more paper to be delivered by 1700h today.

Estimated time of completion: 1500h. *crosses fingers*

After that... Weekend eo finish my last paper followed by Sakae buffet on Mon! Mugging from Tues to Sun, exams on Mon, Wed and Fri. Sat... OFF TO HONGKONG!!! :) :) :)

I feel like I'm in the eye of a tornado.. All's calm now. I'm lounging in a louge. (hurhurhur), listening to nice music. and just chilling.

Ahhh... bliss... before rushing more paers. 2 more papers on Fri, one more next week. Then exams exams exams...

It's 5.38am.. Yeah.. AM!!! You read correctly. I think I'm a bit screwed...

I got a paper due at like 12 noon... and I'm still merrily typing away and gosh... I'm not even halfway there. This is procrastination to the MAX!!! Actually, I dun think I procrastinated. For lack of anything, words elude me tonight. it is taking me eons to get the phrasing done to convey what I want to say. Maybe my brain is clouding from the lack of sleep. I dunno..

That said, I'm quite happy with my research and the ideas for my paper. I shall attempt to finish it soon... Aim: 7am?

Then again, I kinda enjoy the working through the night feelings. Except my brain seems to be protesting. Sigh... What to do? Wake up gillian... Time to kick some ass!!!

I think i was a type B+ personality when I stepped into SMU... :(

Look what 2 years got me...

You Have A Type A- Personality

You are one of the most balanced people around Motivated and focused, you are good at getting what you want You rule at success, but success doesn't rule you. When it's playtime, you really know how to kick back Whether it's hanging out with friends or doing something you love! You live life to the fullest - encorporating the best of both worlds

Do You Have a Type A Personality?

Another week has gone by.

Deadlines looming, presentations to prepare for and the dreaded finals in 3 weeks. Ahhhh...

Energy level at an all time low.. I dunno why. No motivation to do work even though there are projects/essays to be completed. I long for the time I can just stay at home and rot... Sometimes, I would rather be in a decomposing pile with flies hovering around me than having to drag myself off to school...

I want to watch the Prestige. Anyone interested?

I kinda finished speed watching Goong on Youtube. well, considering that I only watched a quarter of Ep 1, then like half of Episode 11 and 12. And then I jumped to 13 and watched till 15. And then I watched 20 to 24. Not bad huh?

At first, it was kinda sweet... then as it got draggier and draggier... and how Shin and Chaegyung kept misunderstanding each other even though it was blardy obvious they liked each other. It got a bit irritating... cause there will be this awww... sweet moment.. and then they end up fighting the next. Plus the politicking sucks...

And Yul... so cute... so innocent. and I felt so sad when he confessed to everything even though most of it was not his doing. But ahhh... even though I think Yul is cuter, but I like Shin a lot more. His melancholic brooding *heart melts*... and Chaegyung is so cute! Hahaha.. and pretty.

In the end, I was watching cause I just wanted to watch the happy ending. Hahaha...

I'm tired. I want to go home.

I can't.

Make up class.

Exhausted, Fatigued

Halloween party. not going.

It's freaky. I didn't check my mail for like from 10 this morning till like just and I got 38 new mails. Bah.. endless spamming...

P1: Everything on the Internet is a the public domain.
P2: A non-privatised blog is put on the internet
C: The non-privatised blog is on a public domain

if it is a private blog, privatised it!

Just some AS thoughts and comments after reading about blogging issues.

it's been a while...

Sports Awards Night is done and over. A great experience, I think Yishan's, Damon's and my heart stopped a few times that night when there were unexpected glitches while the programme was running. Playing with music, lights, mic running out of battery. Yet, when the confetti gun was popped at around 930pm that night, the feelings were overwhelming.

Ok.. there was the 'OMG! It's over feeling', the 'Thank God we survived... (and pretty well I think)', the 'Yay! It's finally over!' and the 'Shit! How are we supposed to clear up all the confetti?'

But it wsa a good working experience.

Sat.. I slept my day away. Make up for the lack of sleep ma...

After that, life pretty much settled into a routine. Work work and more work...

There is a first time for everything.

I'm still in school at 2.41am!!! Wahahhas... No.. not crazy, not staying over. I'm leaving school at like 2.50 am. and I have a 830 class tomorrow.

Well, rehearsal for Sports awards Night went ok.. but stayed back to clear a million and one things so that tmr won't screw up. Hahaha... tataz...

I have a horrifyingly short attention span. Have bee ntrying to write my DMA report since 7. And it's not that I'm not writing it, but I'm spending more time clicking around and on irrelevant stuff before like typing a few lines here and there.

Waking up at 7 to do work is quite a nice feeling actually. Really. Plus the fact that there is a deadline breathing down my neck. But hey.. as long as I get it in today, anything goes right? Hahaha...

Good thing is I looked through the results and know what I want to put into my report. Thus, it's only piecing them together. Bad news... I realised I'm a big big big procrastinator. I got the assignment 2 weeks ago. and yet, i chose to do it last minute. What's new?

MSN has been logging me in and out.

Struggling to do my lab report. And i didn't bring my PA manual to school. So I don't really know what to add in.

*chants* After Friday... After Friday... After Friday... After Friday...

Decided to overhaul my skin. Yeah.. sth like my 'annual' spring cleaning. Can't remember when I last changed it though.

A far cry from the last one which was bright and cheery. But I like this one. It screams dark, it gives me the impression of being deep in thought, pondering over the complexities of life? Yet, it is not something that is sad or sombre. and I like the sphere thingee in the pic. Oh.. and I tried something with my comments thingee. Added a picture. Except that is comes out too big. Do let me know if you would prefer me to remove it.

不知不觉，我已经 blog 了三年多。时间过得真快。看回以前写的东西，不禁笑了起来。 刚开始写时，我还在读高二。那时还是要面临会考。太久没和华文字联络了。写了以上几句也觉得曼辛苦的。Forget it! I should just back and do Mandarin 101 or sth.

Anyway, those were the days when I was still logging into ICQ!!! Blogged about the finals of Choir competition, and cheering when tuition got cancelled (I noticed I blogged about it at least twice, guess it showed how much i dreaded physics). Those were the days I woke up at 10 to study and I considered that late! Hahaha... memories...

Somehow, I think I have the knack of doing the wrong things at the wrong time.

I don't feel like doing my work.

And I am packed till end of term break week.

bye bye term break. :(

Today is my declared 'Stay at home' day. Actually technically not since I'll be going out for dinner to celebrate my sis' bday. But it's still better than nothing.

It's getting increasingly difficult to grab those few precious hours to myself. I went to bed at 12 last night. and woke up at like 10 plus 11? Hmmm.. must be trying to clear all that sleep debt accumulated from Social Science Retreat.

Over the weekend, I felt as if I didn't have control of my life. I was just at specific place at specific times due to prior commitments, responsibility and what not. Driving on Sat afternoon which I booked for some time ago. Yeah.. I went out despite the stupid PSI hitting 150. and had a horrendous driving lesson which eroded whatever confidence I felt prior to my test.

after that, it was nua-ing a bit at home. and for overlooking the fact that Meiju's concert started at 7 instead of 730. So ya.. I was still happily packing my bag when Qinny called to asked where I was. Dragged myself for the concert, but I didn't regretted it. Hearing the original compositions by Paul, Eugene, 9K and Junjie... I felt a tinge of regret that mine wasn't up there. But I know that if I had tried to rush it, I would have been unable to juggle that many things. Oh well, "On a Whim' may be truly finished some time in future. But I never regretted going for the course. Met nice people, and learnt a lot. When your dreams were about to become reality, it just feel so surreal. To find out that my composition would actually be played at a concert. But it was too little too late. And i didn't have the energy to push through.

And then... Social Science Retreat. It was absolutely rocking fun! I feel that the Society will be in VERY good hands judging from the people who were there. They had so much heart! And truly, we have branded Social Science as a very 'family-oriented' faculty. To hear all 9 applicants who were there saying the same thing. I had this wild thought to even cancel my driving test to stay on for their 2nd day of teambuilding activities. This was how much I heart them. Yeah.. thankfully, my dearest social science gals talked me out of it.. Hahaha.. Yeah.. must have been a bit too crazy after the lack of sleep and the exhausting activities.

"SSS Love" (Share the Shit, Spread the LOVE!)

Monday.. driving test... I thank everyone for your calls, messages and wishes. I just felt so warm. :) And then.. yada yada.. I'm sure half the world knows i've passed now. And the thing is, I haven't even set foot into the family car yet. Sigh...

And then.. after meetings yesterday, today, I'm at home. With two projects and a proposal to be done by tomorrow. Oh well.. let me bask in the feeling of slacking for a while more. Ok.. that's what I've been doing from the time I woke up till now.

and then... to look forward, Switzerland next year. part of me is so so excited, I really wanna hop on a plane over now. On the other hand, it's a shitload of money. New experiences to try out, new places to go. Planning for trips to other countries, to visit friends in Europe. I'm worried I can't pull it off. It's just so exciting!

Let's see where I wanna go...
Austria
UK/Scotland
Eastern Europe (Poland, Czech Republic-Prague and Hungary-Budapest)
France - Paris and Normandy?
and definitely Venice!, throwing in Rome/Vatican City.

and I heard that Belgium is nice too, plus Barcelona and not to mention, to travel around Switzerland.

Ok.. I really seriously need loads of moolah to pull this off! Maybe I need a sugar daddy. Hahahaha... or to seriously work my ass off from Dec to Feb. :) I guess I'll choose the latter.

I PASSED MY DRIVING!!!

After the 3rd time... YEAH!!!

Ok.. my left leg cramped a bit.. so i couldn't really control a bit. And the testor's comment was like... "very jerky, clutch control not very good". Hahaha... And my test-route changed cause of some construction/road works. So I ended up on a slope half the time. and did quite a fair bit of using handbrake and stuff...

And 2 driving school cars stalled in front of me!

And I went for Sharon's 21st after that! Good food, great company. Thanks Sharon!

And I came home.. and spent 2 hours clearing emails.. Just drafting mails, replying, deletingstuff.. whatever.. Sianz...

Term break week doesn't really feel like term break week. It just seems like a week without lessons, but life in school still goes on with people doing events and stuff. I'm too tired to be coherent...

a long weekend ahead. 2 reports to email to proj group mates, a 3D 2 N retreat in a couple of hours time, Meiju's concert (all the best gal!), not to mention sth big happening on Monday.

I see my break week shaping up.. with project meetings and stuff. Shall keep at least 1 day free to nua at home. :) Let's see how possible it is.

I. hate. politics. miscommunication. and. inefficiency.

Most of all, I hate being stuck in the middle of a combination of the above 3... 'nuff said.

I don't feel like dragging myself to school...

Class in 35 mins...

*after reading 2 happy posts... I think I'll post sth about the long long lunch I had at Sakae on Monday.*

I thought I would take a nap before embarking on my social cognition articles. But no... The world was dead to me until 830 this morning. But it was a good sleep. More than what I've had for the past 2 days.

It's interesting how people in my generation (as opposed to my parent's generation) have grown up and lived with computer terms like pdf, blog, spyware, html... It's like... automatically, we would open pdf files with adobe, navigate though webpages with ease, change codes... whatever. Was helping my dad with his work just now. And he was puzzled as to why his pdf file came out gibberish in Word. and I didn't know how to explain because it seemed 'duh'. But then looking back, my parents did not have the luxury of growing up with a computer. Hell.. I dun think computers were invented yet or was produced for the mass market until much later. In fact, if my memory serves me correctly, the first computer was this srt of equipments which took up one whole room in UPenn. :) (credits to intro psych)

Just thought it'll be interesting to blog this observation down. If I ever decide to read thru my archives when I'm 50 years old, maybe I can appreciate why my kids would be staring at me, shaking their heads at what I thought is an innocent question when it's all that they have grown up with.

School side... Awards Night coming up in 2 weeks. A almost non-existent break next week. But I'll really like to go back to St Nicks. (What morning/afternoon can NUS ppl make it? Fri?). A trip to settlers? KTV? and interperse that with research for individual papers, meetings to beat deadlines and Awards Night rehearsals.

tired tired tired. I can't believe its week 7 already. I'm blogging in school and going off in a while cause my mum just screamed at me for staying so late. I have meetings to do, stuff to clear and once I go home, I'll most prob hit my bed.

Reason being I slept very little last night. And when Gillian does not get enough sleep, she is easily irritated by the slightest things, go manically crazy when talking to her friends and cannot think coherently. and that explains why I'm still in school.

Had fun chatting with Val and Zhumei... just like the old times at PA. questioning, grilling. Wahahahas... let's meet up soon again

Thanks to all who heard me whine today. And for the two sparks that brightened up my day immediately while attempting a 3-way conference call. It. was. hilarious. And I immediately felt much much better and cheerier!

I managed to win Hearts without conceding a single point! Hah!

ok... enough of frivolous games.. After sleeping for like 14 hours (Try 9pm to 11 am) last night, it's time to attack the ever growing pile of journal articles... and essays waiting to be written...

You know things are heating up in school when:

1) You can't book a GSR for the next day's meeting
2) It is sooooo hard to arrange a meeting
3) Meetings are arranged for Sat evenings
4) You can't book a GSR on Saturday
5) There are people doing filming and stuff in school on Sunday
6) My pile of reading just gets thicker and thicker. (It's 6 psych journal articles and counting...)
7) You see groups setting up booths for fund-raising for their ltb projects
8) You had your first mid-terms exam in week 6...
9) Project groups are starting to call for meetings

As you can see, school work is piling up... project groups are meeting up... busy busy busy.. still have to squeeze in driving. (I MUST PASS!).

On a side side note... went to Eskibar last weekend to literally chill. It was blardy brrrr... cold... While the NUS and NTU ppl are having their one week break this week - enjoying their anime, korean drama and what not, I've been mugging in school for a mid term, had a long meeting to trash out ideas and well, found enough time to recuperate some beauty sleep.

I'm freaking out for social cognition.. cause I'm starting not to understand the articles I'm reading. bah! Need to find my highlighters and start colouring my article... and ooo... reports to rush. It's starting!!!

and I've been trying to beat my sis' scores on minesweeper and trying to win Hearts with zero points. The stupid things I do when work piles up...

I walked into a 830 am class at 9 am last Friday! Bah.. I totally didn't hear my alarm go off at all... and I jumped out of bed at 8.40... Luckily my dad was home to give me a ride down to school, thus incurring i-dunno-how-much worth of ERP. Surcharges i nthe morning is damn ex espeicially when your school is in town. Luckily I didn't take a cab. (or maybe I couldn't even find one if I wanted to since it was PEAK period - think of the $2 morning surcharge plus i dunno... 2 plus 3 for ERP. It has to be as ex as my cab ride!)

Anyway, had a packed weekend... Let's start off with Fri... or maybe Thurs... or maybe Wed... Bleahz! My days all gel into one another so much that I can't seem to differentiate them. I feel as if I'm having like full days... Cause my classes are usually at 12, and then I'll stay in school till late.. like 9 plus 10. Wlecome to my life~!~

Sat.. had to wake up bright and early in the morning to go bowling with kids from Gracehaven - a Salvation army home on a Rotaract community service event. It was (for lack of a better word) - eye-opening. I didn't know how to react to the kids there. They look so young, yet they are there for a reason.

I see a future in those girls and really wanna help them, but I'm afraid to commit to the cause.
I want to spend more time with them, get to know them yet am afraid of building long-term and stronger bonds.

Am i cut out to 'counsel' them? Is that what I want for my future job? To help people move on in society? Then again, am I that '伟大'? It is something that one does not get paid a lot, not much recognition, but a job that will bring about much satisfaction?

What about job prestige? Salary and the likes? Do I have such a 'caring' persona or issit just a done on a whim, a spur of the moment thing because of what I saw on Sat?

Anyway, went for Be*Dazzled, the acapella concert at night. Cool! Really really makes me feel like performing again. and well, Juz B was there... with screaming teenage fans... :) made me feel like I'm in a SuperBand recording or sth... Going for concerts just makes me realise how much I miss performing on stage. Now, even if I want to, I'm also not sure what I can do, how I do it.

And this is what makes choosing a certain path in life so scary. It's an unknown risk cause different paths leads ot different outcomes. And this is what makes my decision to do on exchange even scarier. What doors does this exchange open up for me? and what have I given up for it?

ponder ponder... check back this blog in 10 years time and maybe you'll find the answer...

Discovered sth interesting... Was looking at the lyrics of 心雨 online from mtv123 and i nthe 3rd line of the chorus, it's "雷云盖明星更伤的牵挂 "

But when I checked the actual lyrics, it's "泪晕开明信片上的牵挂"

I changed my mind... 退后 is my fav song now.

And my tagboard is becoming a "Which Jay Chou song from his new album do you like?" discussion. But nice nice! No regrets buying the album... :)

Photobucket is down.. and so my picts dun appear as they should...

Doing my internship report... and meeting sstarting liao.. tatas...

OOoh... MSN is down...

After slacking for well.. 3 days plus, it's sch again! And well... I'm hooked onto Jay Chou's album. Haven't managed to lay my hands on it, but I'm so glad there is streaming!

Here's my fav song (so far)... Love the melody and chorus...

心雨

小小的绿叶芽
白色的竹篱笆
好想告诉我的她
这里像幅画

去年的圣诞卡
镜子里的复杂
画面开始没有她
我还在装傻 噢

说好为我泡花茶
学习白道茶
学生宿舍空荡荡的家
守着电话却等不到她

心里的雨倾盆的下
也沾不湿她的发
雷云盖明星更伤的牵挂
那伤心原来没有时差

心里的雨倾盆的下
却始终淋不到她
寒风经过院子里的稚芽
也冷却了我手中的鲜花

Basically, this post is just to say that I am alive and kicking... and I'm going to Switzerland!

I'm feeling miserable today.

I dunno why. I just feel positively miserable. Must be a mood swing. or not enough sleep.

Whatever... Need to get thru a (long) meeting, and loads of work waiting for me... sigh...

------
Anyway, my dilemma is more or less solved. I'll just accept whatever that comes (most probably) and work my ass off this sem. And I'll just leave everything as it is. Plus my mum is willing to support me for an extra sem if I die die have to do it. So most of my probs are solved...

Why do I always end up having to think of so many things? Is there sth wrong with me or ewhat I want? Should I just heck it or sth?

My dreams, my future, or my sanity and exchange?

Meanwhile, school has been busy...

Tons of readings (and yes.. I' mreally doing my readings this sem), (almost) weekly assignments, and well.. meeting to plan for stuff...

There's Awards Night and acad stuff for Soci... but feel motivated to do them. Yeah!

I hate having to make decision that will affect my life! Too many of them sucks!

First week of school is great! Ok.. the not so great thing is I'm spending a BOMB on books! Bah! $40 for a Human Resource text, and I heard... 85 for another module. Cause there are 2 books. Anyone bought some APA manual and would like to sell me?

Classes are basically introductions, I don't have to stay in school for project meetings yet...

And i'm happy spending time with frens... Slacking in the library.

But a library is not exactly an ideal place to slack... If given a choice, I would slack at home. But...

Actually, I'm rotting in the library cause I got a briefing session at 7 and I have 4 hours to kill cause my class ended at 3. And I'm bored cause I got nth to do in the library! So i start disturbing ppl on msn...

I like Psych courses! you go into class and know almost the whole class in there! Whoo!

p.s.: I think I'm going ot break my own record.. I'm have blogged for 3 consecutive days!

You know school has started when...

You get tons of spam from the various CCAs advertising something or another
The concourse is packed with people
The empty Kopitiam is bursting with life and you can't find a seat
You go into a seminar room and see a prof in front of you
You have to wake up early to make it to 830 class
You see people queuing at Verts to sell their books

I'm listening to my music, typing away at my com... with another 5 hours to rot away. Lalala... can arrange photos and maybe blog.. and yeah.. do internship report...

Today... school starts.

I'm still undecided over whether I should concentrate on a double major or single-major-plus-track (some new stuff offered by SMU) degree. One will according to my parents and other people, give me more marketability on the job market and will be more beneficial. The other gives me a chance to take things slow and in my opinion will help me more in trying to pull up my GPA cause I won't have to do so many modules every semester.

What can an OBHR major do for me when I can also take on extra OBHR courses but without having to squeeze that many in to qualify for a double major. think think...

I'm being eaten alive by mosquitos in my own home. It's sad. Really. I woke up at 2 am last night with at least 8 red welts all over me. And like 3 on my fingers... Like 'itch itch itch.. scratch scractch scratch...'. But mozzies are quite smart creatures. They disappear after feasting on blood - cause I couldn't catch any last night.

I feel unprepared for school. Need to clear stuff on my laptop, the book-buying craze begins... and I got a million things to blog.. Ok.. maybe 3... The Genting trip and Yuanshan's bday and Sentosa! Woohoo!

And I think I'm too lazy to queue at Verts to sell my book.. so... wadever.. they can rot for one more sem in my cupboard.

Pens out, games aside.. it's time to start a muggery term!

Gillian still cannot drive! :( Well, on public roads that it. and before I start a lengthy post ranting on pompous testers who are pain in the you-know-where, well, I'm kinda over it. I will make it on my next try. and in true honesty, I'm in a little bit of a rush cause I'm suppose to meet some friends soon, but I'm still lounging at home. But I just thought I needed to get this off my chest.

I suddenly feel overwhelmed. It is the effect of taking on too many things on not delivering. I try to ignore the emails sent, but I can't do anything about the nagging guilt growing somewhere inside of me.

I took them on because I enjoyed them, but juggling so many things with internship was no joke I realised. That and my penchant for fun. after today, things will be back on track I promise. My composition (if you all will still want it) and the proposal will all be done these 2 days.

and yes, I realised I have 3 sets of photos sitting prettily on my desk. It will be uploaded soon too.

I'm back!

So many things happened in these 2 weeks. And I think I've been eating thru these 2 weeks. Let's see...

It was Angie's birthday on the 2nd... and we had a cake with 21 candles, a bottle of beer and 5 other drinks between us.

5th.. Meet up with Char, Da and Yeesh @ Marina Sq Cartel in the afternoon. I didn't know Cartel changed to table service (ie: they will take ur orders and serve you water and bread. Actually, I would much prefer cutting my own bread.. wadever...) Errr... we just sat there for hours and talked. Updates, complains, whinings, funny stuff.. wadever...

after that, it was rush to Yishun for Angie's bday party? gathering? Loads of food, yummy mango cake. Last minute writing of card with an interesting message. Hope you like the presents!

Eh... then Genting trip on 8th night. Was in school for the Singapore Guitar Quartet concert. It was good. :) The concert showcased pieces by Robert Luse who is a very good guitarist himself. I'm very glad to have met him while doing a course. A very grandfatherly-liked old man. :)

And because of the Fireworks frestival, there was this terrible jam along my school. Sigh man... I left school at 9 and had to be at Golden Mile by 945! Luckily my dad came to pick me from school. Rushed home, checked that everything was packed and then it was off to pick Siyi up from Little India and to Golden Mile...

Looked for our bus, got on and we began the trip to Genting! Woo hoo! My first time there I think. The last time I went, I was only 1.5 yrs old or sth. Can't exactly remember anything. Stopped at Customs, chop passport... then it was all the way up! There was quite a lot of room on the bus as it was a 26-seater. But can't beat the comforts of your own bed lar. Changed position every few hours... Reached Genting at 5 plus.. and it was food, themepark, more food from then on. Shall talk more with photos later...

Then Fri was my last day at work. Got a cushion and my colleagues treated me to lunch at this cafe-liked place near Bugis. Not too bad lar...

Today.. Yuanshan's birthday. We finally got our quan2 jia1 fu2 after many many many months... Good food, nice company.. what more can I ask for?

The week ahead looks pretty packed too...

Tmr... Rotaract installation. Will be in school the whole day.

Driving from Mon to Wed...

Thursday! PA interns outing!! Wahahhas.. can't wait to have a day of Sand, Sun @ Sentosa!

Let's talk about doping in sports.

Ok.. I don't exactly play sports, but I am quite an avid follower of sporting events from Olympics to World Cup and of various sports like Tennis, F1, soccer or whatever... and ya.. I caught bits and pieces of the Tour de France - the cycling thingee.

Floyd Landis, who won this year's Tour de France after a remarkable come back (he outcycled th rest by 8 minutes on an ardous mountain climb) has been revealed to have an unusually high level of testosterone in his urine sample after that particular stage. And now, he is labelled a cheat and stuff... It's like from hero to zero? What's the point of having all those accolades and congratulatory message written about you when you won the Tour when it is all revealed ot be a farce after that?

Yeah... his lawyers and publicist claim someone is out to set him up. Conspiracy theories flying here and there. Even if they've managed to clear him on this, there is always a shadow of a doubt there. and if someone wants to really sabotage you, then you must have screwed him damn badly for him to do sth so vindictive towards you. Later they just get a scapegoat to take the blame or sth.

The (only) other explanation: the lab who did the testing screwed up. Really no idea man.. waiting for the 2nd urine sample to be tested.

Another doping news.. Justin Gaitlin, the Olympics 100m sprint champion and current joint world record holder tested positive for some other drugs... Like... there goes his career... (maybe he did make enough money to retire comfortably.. but with a tarnished reputation?)

Doping is not uncommon in sports. In a bid to get fitter, stronger, better, many of them turn to drugs so that But what makes the atheletes think they can get away with it? I mean i still think they are damn stupid esp if they know the labs are definitely going to test for certain banned substance.

Ah well.. enough of my ramblings... this just needed some sort of air time. :)

I can't believe its over!

So much wonderful memories, glorious feelings. Seeing the realisation of sth that you had a hand in planning, coping with last mins screw ups, walking to the library at 3 am in the middle of the night to print stuff for camp the next day - and thanks to the guards who allowed us in to print our stuff.

First time doing programmes for such a large scale, saw, learnt, experienced a lot. It was quite a foreign task to me. Details, logistics, and most importantly, creative juices for coming up of games and other stuff. Juggling internship and planning... (tt's why internship is such a hindrance)

During the freshmen challenge, I literally burst with pride. At the fight we put up, at the spirit we showed. I felt so damn proud of them at tha point. It was emotionally overwhleming. Maybe I was running on adrenaline, but the feeling was shiok! :)

Glad that everything fell into place. though there will always be improvements. When it ended, I was overwhelmed once again. Not wanting to believe that everything you planned for has been executed well, everyone had a good time and that you don't have to bother about staggering bathing times or clues or games or wet weather like forever. :)


Quote of the day: "I learnt that sex sells... *cue cheers and laughs* but gay sex sells better" ~ Chiching at her closing speech.

2 more days to orientation... Details to finalise, packing of logs tomorrow...

and most importantly, churning out my clues for my activity. First time planning programme for a camp... Not to mention being in charge of programmes for a 2 day 1 night camp. Learnt a lot from more creative friends who have prior experience.

Meanwhile, I have been extended at my internship for another 2 weeks. The only problem is I don't think i did ask for an extension, nor was I given a choice whether to extend or not. That's a long story for another day. And I think I've whined enough of it to my friends already.

I'm hooked onto this CD I picked up over the weekend. It's by this Broadway singer by the name of Lee Lessack. It's actually a compilation of duets of him and different singers. Very beautiful songs. and I'm rather obsessed with one of those online game thingee called Gold Digger/Miner? Whatever...

And I cut my hair... It's short... and coloured it golden brown (according to the guy).

back to preparing for my game...

I've never felt so irritated in a while... Was told by my supervisor that I may not be able to leave until 13th Aug for this stupid internship. Cause they want all the interns to leave at the same time. But it is not my fault that my dept requested for an intern till 31st July only what. So now it is up to OCS to trash it out... OCS says I'm right lar... but...

The bad news is I just looked at the letter of offer that i signed. Somehow, the period was till 13th Aug. I have no idea why I didn't see that initially. Bah! How??? I have evil plans to hand in slip-shod work, give her a black face whenever I see her, pon a feedback session that is compulsory and stuff... or maybe I should just tell her I booked a holiday. Wahahahs.. talk about lying thru my teeth. But then again, I think I'm too nice to show my displeasure. So... stuck at work for another 2 weeks? I'll probably end up taking 5 days of leave .I DON'T CARE! I booked my driving lessons already. They cannot stop me! If not.. I'll just take MC or sth. YESh! I'm freaking pissed now!!! Not as if I feel particularly useful lor. I want cheap labour or what?

Ok.. before the booboo was discovered yesterday, I had a nice week. Went to Wanling's place for BBQ on Mon to celebrate her 21st! I like the watch! :)

Tues.. Dinner at Rice Table. Thank you Ade for the treat!!! Really miss going out with you all. It's like... multiple conversations, crappy stuff, funny stuff. I haven't felt so happy in weeks. hahaha...

Wed... I went out to do survey.. at Eunos.. which was full of cats. It got a bit freaky.

Thurs... I know I didn't go home.. but I can't remember what I did... Oh.. Dinner with Sharon. and sad to say.. I missed the Acapella Championship thingee at Esplanade. But congrats to Char and Da for coming in 1st! Woo! I'll see you all at Acafast! :) and let's meet up some time in Aug ya?

Fri... went home early. or rather, after work. Bought a whiteboard. Which is sitting/standing mightily in front of me now.

Today.. still slacking. Things to plan and type up. Application for exchang eyet to be done... Orientation stuff to settle. Next week will be a super packed week. Carribbean one day... and then preparation for Fri-Sat's camp. And then.. I really hope I get to leave on 31st! Sob sob...

I've never felt so irritated in a while... Was told by my supervisor that I may not be able to leave until 13th Aug for this stupid internship. Cause they want all the interns to leave at the same time. But it is not my fault that my dept requested for an intern till 31st July only what. So now it is up to OCS to trash it out... OCS says I'm right lar... but...

The bad news is I just looked at the letter of offer that i signed. Somehow, the period was till 13th Aug. I have no idea why I didn't see that initially. Bah! How??? I have evil plans to hand in slip-shod work, give her a black face whenever I see her, pon a feedback session that is compulsory and stuff... or maybe I should just tell her I booked a holiday. Wahahahs.. talk about lying thru my teeth. But then again, I think I'm too nice to show my displeasure. So... stuck at work for another 2 weeks? I'll probably end up taking 5 days of leave .I DON'T CARE! I booked my driving lessons already. They cannot stop me! If not.. I'll just take MC or sth. YESh! I'm freaking pissed now!!! Not as if I feel particularly useful lor. I want cheap labour or what?

Ok.. before the booboo was discovered yesterday, I had a nice week. Went to Wanling's place for BBQ on Mon to celebrate her 21st! I like the watch! :)

Tues.. Dinner at Rice Table. Thank you Ade for the treat!!! Really miss going out with you all. It's like... multiple conversations, crappy stuff, funny stuff. I haven't felt so happy in weeks. hahaha...

Wed... I went out to do survey.. at Eunos.. which was full of cats. It got a bit freaky.

Thurs... I know I didn't go home.. but I can't remember what I did... Oh.. Dinner with Sharon. and sad to say.. I missed the Acapella Championship thingee at Esplanade. But congrats to Char and Da for coming in 1st! Woo! I'll see you all at Acafast! :) and let's meet up some time in Aug ya?

Fri... went home early. or rather, after work. Bought a whiteboard. Which is sitting/standing mightily in front of me now.

Today.. still slacking. Things to plan and type up. Application for exchang eyet to be done... Orientation stuff to settle. Next week will be a super packed week. Carribbean one day... and then preparation for Fri-Sat's camp. And then.. I really hope I get to leave on 31st! Sob sob...

Life is like Jigsaw Puzzle. Think of it as an immense puzzle, or a few different puzzles...

People and things/events come in different shape and sizes. We all try to fit into each other, fit events into our schedules like how the pieces fit into one another.

Why so philosophical? I dunno... but I guess my body is trying to tell me sth when I shut down for 12 hours stright. And I didn't even finish the world cup match. I need a breather. I feel quite choked up with my 'to-do' list.

1. Complete composition
2. Check up on Exchange! *impt impt* or else cannot go
3. Complete this stupid piece of work that my supervisor has been hounding me for eons (yeah.. i'm working on my day off!)
4. Do up logistics list for dry run on Sat
5. Dry run for Orientation on Sat and I havden't planned my game yet!
6. Recce for the above-mentioned game on Thursday!
7. Draft Agreement for PostSecret (oopsie.. will update soon!)

Damn you England...
Stupid Rooney who got himself sent off... and the whole load of you who can't score a goal and just keep blasting the ball and missing penalties!

Nerve wrecking quarter finals between England and Portugal... Portugal won.

and Portugal... I don't like you too!

There is nothing to blog about. Harlow world.. I'm still alive. :)