e m m i e

2009-08-08T19:09:00.003+12:00

Okay, so here's the long awaited picture. The boyfriend and I. :)
And yes, that means I'm still alive. And turning TWENTY-ONE soon!

2009-02-06T12:21:00.002+13:00

Okay, as requested, here's the latest, most updated photo of me.
Just to prove I'm still alive and that I'm the real deal. =)

No, I'm not dead yet.

2009-01-23T21:50:00.005+13:00

So yes, I'm still alive. But I don't where to start with the updates.
2008 has been a pretty interesting year. Quite unexpected in different ways. It's been bittersweet.

So here's a (short and condensed) list of the things that 2008 has been kind enough to give me.

1. I got a job! So far, it's been so good, life's been pretty good to me. I got a good part time job, six months ago, in a clinic. I'm happy working here (On good days, that is.). I've been working the whole of summer, which is pretty rewarding, the money is good. Seeing as the silly kiwi dollar keeps dropping and petrol prices keep rising, the job is fuelling (hah, so punny) mydriving expenditure.

2. Which leads me to the next interesting update - I got my licence! I know i know, finally right? But yes, have gone and done it. Got my own car too. So kuen and daryl, yes if you come to NZ, i will drive you around. :)

3. I met a nice guy. I'm not going to say much (cos i think he might see this :P). But I'm also treading carefully here because its quite complicated. They always are aren't they? "Complicated" seems to like following me in life. But he's a nice guy and he makes me happy. :)

4. I went on a road trip. A group of us headed down to Lake Tekapo (pictures on FB). It was really good, and it just might become an annual thing. :)

5. I found a nice cafe with a live band. Though I regretfully admit it's not as good as timbre, it's a start!

6. I made new friends, lost some, made more new ones. 2008 has been bittersweet only for one reason - lost friendships. If there was something I could make right, it would be to mend a broken friendship. But I made lots of new friends and some really nice ones at that! And I got to know some people even better. That's always something to be thankful for.

7. I cut my hair. SHORT. Haven't had short hair since.....Since.
The last I can remember having short hair was when I was 13 and that wasn't voluntary. And here's where I can imagine Nick will bring up the dreadful past. HAHA

8. One year of uni down. 3 more to go!

What can i say? This year has been pretty eventful. Much of it due to my own doing. Although most of it not regretted. Excluding a few minor changes, I would have done the year exactly the same. I'm looking forward to this year, albeit with some apprehension. I'm hoping for some things to change though (YES WE CAN.) Seems like a good omen.

So goodbye 2008, hello 2009. Please be kind to me.

Update and SNOW!!!!!

2008-07-03T19:13:00.010+12:00

I'm on holidays! Actually I've been on hols since last wed.
Did I mention that it snowed in early June! It was amazing really, I've never seen snow before so this was quite an experience, and it didn't snow last year, so it was a real treat. And reports say its gonna snow a lot more this year! Anyway, pictures! Not many, but still pictures! =)

Cheryl, me

Nicole, me, cheryl

The view from the 11th storey of the uni library.

View from the top of a hill over-looking the beach/sea.

The newest toy for Arise keyboardists! KORG M3 Workstation!

SWEET!

SNOW!

It started snowing around 2-3ish in the afternoon on a Saturday. It actually started off with rain. People started texting me to tell me it was snowing and I was all sad and sulky cause it wasn't snowing in my part of town, then abt half an hour later, the raindrops started getting thicker and heavier and started dropping more slowly. And soon enough, it was full-blown snow! Pretty amazing I tell you, it's really beautiful and you have to see it for yourself to understand the beauty of it. Anyway, it snowed for approx 3hours++. Most of the photos I took were quite dark and blurry. So the photos here were taken the NEXT MORNING. That shows ow much snow there was. =) Anyway, going slightly off tangent, some of the locals told us that it gets really quiet when it snows. And the reason is because when the snow falls, it absorbs noise and so the atmosphere is really quiet.

Anyway, Sem 1 of Uni is over, Sem 2 here I come! Time really flies, it's crazy. We're already into the second half of the year. I'm hoping to be able to fly back this year, it's not confirmed at the moment, so wish me luck!

cheers,
em

Update: One Dose At A Time

2008-05-24T11:51:00.006+12:00

Hmm, yes I realize this blog is desperately in need for an update.
I've been really busy these past few weeks with assignments, reports, tests etc.
Uni life is so much more than fun I tell you.

Anyways, yes an update. I realized the last entry was posted just before exams and term break. I feel so bad now. Heh. So much has happened the past month (and then some). To sum it up: I had a crazy three week term break. First up was the annual Asian Dance Party. For some of you, you'll know what I'm referring to (though the name itself is pretty self explanatory.)

I felt last year's was much more fun for me. Seeing as everyone was sober last year, we had a hell of a good time. This year I was one of the few sobers one. Sad huh. This year happens to be one of the years when all your friends break up. Hah. And yes, especially when both are your good friends, and they just wanna get pissed drunk that night, who's to stay sober and act as cock-blockers? Nice me. Yes yes, as usual.

EATING! I LOVE DENNY's! Because CHCH is not like SG where there are lots of 24 hour eateries, we go to this place called Denny's, which is prob the only 24 hour food place. You know when you watch those shows where they show those American 24 hour 'cafes'? Yea it looks exactly like that. I'll take a photo of the place the next time I go, you'll prob understand better.

Anyway, so yes. Denny's serve the best chilli fries ever! And the best chocolate brownie with cookies and creme ice cream! And you can order anything on the menu at any time. See, this comes in handy because when we're done at Pocha at ard 4am, you get really hungry (which doesn't really make sense to me cos we eats lots at pocha too, but I digress.) so its nice to be able to drive to Denny's and order like a huge American breakfast at 5am! heh, you think I'm crazy ay? Basically its the same as how we do timbre at night, except longer. Now you get it ay?

Lastly: uni. People always used to say Uni will be the best years of your life. You know what? IT'S TRUE! Ask ra! She'll say the same thing (I think :P). I don't really know how to describe it, and I'm not really sure if it applies to uni life back in sg. What I do know is that Uni life is really fun. I like the fact that (maybe this doesn't really apply to SG) because everyone you know is in uni, meeting up is not a problem. I like the fact that in between lectures you can go look for friends to study together. Or go to some cafe. One of our (read: me n cheryl) favourite hangouts is this place called Church Corner. Far from its name, its actually just this little place where all the Asian food shops are. And there's this really CHEAP fish and chips shop there. You pay NZ$1.80 for almost 1kg of chunky fries, and they add lemon pepper salt. OMG, its so good. Especially on cold and rainy days (like nowadays), its damn shiok to eat can! Self control emmie.

Speaking of the weather, its mid autumn, and winter is coming. Hear that you stupid weather??? I know winter is coming, stop making it so obvious! It's been really cold and rainy the past few days, making it so depressing, and COLD. But someone told me something so cute when I was quite depressed a few days ago.
He said:
"Whether the weather is good,
whether the weather is bad.
You'll weather the weather
whatever the weather,
whether it's good or bad"

HAHA! That made my day so much better.

Ok, that should pretty much sum up my long-winded update. I hope another one is on it's way.

P.S/ And sorry there are not photos, my camera went kuku on me. So I haven't taken any since the last time. And you know how it's like to wait for people to pass you photos.

2008-04-02T18:52:00.002+13:00

I have test tmr and I'm here blogging. Ah, dedication.
Anyway, on another note, 3weeks uni break starting next week!!! Yay!
Righty-o! I shall mosey on to go study for my 30% Management Test tmr. Darnit.

More photos!!!

2008-04-02T18:18:00.003+13:00

More pictures!!! And I'll let them do the talking.

Nad me

Esther me cheryl nad

me mic adeline

debbie me

robert me

em emi ev

Adeline me

nad me ev

Photos!

2008-03-28T15:50:00.009+13:00

I know these photos are on facebook but me uploading them on blogger makes me feel like I've blogged a little. HAH. Anyhoo, here are the photos from the BBQ at Sumner Beach and the photos from the Girls Night Out/Girls Go to Town (cheesy huh, I made that up on the spot. I like it. =D)

Sumner Beach

Nadia and Me

Nadia and Me again.

Cue to start singing: "Pretty laaaady!"

HAHA.

Adeline and Me

Riiiiight, let's not talk about this one.

Girls Night Out/Girls Go to Town

Manicure/Pedicure

Me doing Esther's nails.

We. love. shopping.

Finally, and update!

2008-03-20T20:20:00.011+13:00

It's about time for an update. Well um, lots has been going on that I don't know where to start.

Firstly, I started uni 3 weeks back! Yay! It's been really fun, uni life is really fun!!! You get the craziest, weirdest, dodgiest and fabulous activities all around campus and especially during Orientation Week. You get to join all these clubs and societies and take part in so much stuff. Of course I joined the Singapore Club!!!! Yay for me!

There are of course lots of temptations in Uni I admit. The biggest and most established club in Uni is ENSOC which is the Engineering Society. The thing though is most of the people are not from Engineering. This society is the most whacked out, the craziest, the most daring, the everything-you-can-think of society. A typical kind of activity is a party with a theme like "Come in anything but clothes". You pretty much get the idea. But I guess that's the culture here in NZ. But I guess it's not me to join a club like that as well. After all, there are quite a lot of sleazy people there and all they do is party, booze out and have sex. Though the stories are enough to keep me entertained for a week.

Back to uni, I'm really enjoying it! I love being able to walk through campus grounds at 10am on a sunny day and stroll to my next lecture. I also like being able to end classes at 1pm and go home! Me and my girlfriends started going to the gym too and its crazy! We go for BAT sessions. Butts, Abs and Thighs!

The weather's been amazing recently! So when walking on campus, you see lots of people lying on the grass, sitting in the sun, doing all sorts of stuff. What I really like about Uni here is the freedom to do almost anything you like. And of course the open-mindedness of the culture here. Here in Uni, clubs advertising their activities are written in chalk on the ground so its really cool cos when you're rushing to class, you'll see all these colourful chalk written stuff on the ground and they make it really cool!

Also, people here really make an effort to get people to take part in their activities and the lecturers and staff are really friendly and good sports. For example, on Wed, UCom (the Commerce Soc) had this "Egg A Lecturer" thingy, where you can throw an egg at a lecturer. Of course, the lecturer volunteers for this. BUT STILL, they're such good sports to even volunteer.

And of course, what's summer without having BBQs, parties, beach gatherings, and all things fun!!! I've been going to so many BBQs and gatherings I've lost count, not to mention the number of birthday celebrations we've had and those that are still to come. I've met so many new people! I know you're gonna wonder if there are any cute guys. the answer is YES. Of course they are cute guys! HAHA

Anyway, moving on, church is amazing! We just launched our 2nd service 3 weeks ago, so we've got two services now! Cool beans! Easter is this sunday and we're having a major production of dance, drama and music, it's amazing but everyone's been working hard! One major factor to adapting to Uni life real easy is the fact that Arise (that's the name of my church, if you don't already know, shame on you) was a big part of Orientation Week, having a small stall on campus. And so I got to know lots of people though that.

Finally the most important part: PICTURES!!!

We had lunch with the SG ambassador

Yay for Singaporeans!

Me and my beloved Nadia!

Chrislynn's Birthday Party @ The Mexican Cafe and St.Pats Day!!!

It was St. Patricks day so everyone was wearing green and celebrating. Everywhere in town (and at Uni) everyone was dressed in green and some were wearing those big green hats and walking around! FUN!

Ev/Debbie/Vince Flatwarming

By 10 plus we were all quite seh. A few late nights in a row. Hah

Shing's Birthday

Life is pretty much been really smooth sailing, I'm enjoying everything so much now. I hope you guys are having a great time back in SG. I know I should post up more pictures but I'm just so lazy to do so. Heh. They are actually all on Facebook so go there and look for them! There should be more photos coming soon! I had loads of photos taken at Sumner Beach and we're having a GIRLS NIGHT OUT* on Sun so that should have pretty random photos! Coming up is the Asian Dance Party! Yay to a great year! Update soon! Have fun!

*Our new annual ritual! When the girls from Dunedin come up to Christchurch we have this massive Girls Night Out. About 20 ofo us crash at someone's place and do stuff! I think I wrote an entry on it last year, heh.

Back in CHCH

2008-02-21T22:57:00.003+13:00

I'm back!!! This is kinda late but yes I'm back in CHCH.
It's been a crazy week but I'm enjoying it.
Lectures start next week and church just launched two services, one at 10am and one at 5pm.
Coincidentally I'm playing for both services which means I have to be there at 8am, go for lunch and be back at 3pm for stage runs. HAH.
Anyways, thank you guys for sending me off. I had so much fun the past 2 months.
It's been great seeing you all again and having lots of fun and finding new places to chill out (timbre). This year's gonna be a great one so here's to a great year! Enjoy!

2 days

2007-12-14T22:41:00.000+13:00

I am coming home in 2 days! It's so exciting.
I tried to check the flight details and I said to check it here so this is as much as I can get:

Arrival time: 5.30pm (SG time)
Flight Number: SQ 298

(Tommy kor, I don't know which terminal, heh)

4 days

2007-12-12T12:02:00.000+13:00

Only 4 days left til I come home, though I admit it hasn't sunk in yet.
Prolly will on the day itself.
I can't wait.

13 days

2007-12-03T18:14:00.000+13:00

First crazy day with the girls - we shopped... Like crazy.
Between us, 12 pairs of shoes. And not to mention - clothes. And lots of other random stuff.
I think the damage of today's spending was around $400.

Bad. Really bad.

14 days

2007-12-01T14:28:00.000+13:00

YESSSSS!!! Exams are OVERRRR!!!

16 days

2007-11-29T20:57:00.000+13:00

One more paper to go.

The Daily Babble

2007-11-28T21:31:00.000+13:00

I've been overwhelmed by the kindness of people over the past week (not to mention the past 8months). I've never really gone through a 'tragic' experience, not that I want to, mind you. But this experience has taught me that it doesn't matter what colour you are or what country you're from, people are all the same under the skin. I've had so many people come up to me before and after church and tell me that the two weeks I'm here alone that I'll be well taken of. Bec's mum, Linda, this amazing South African woman, came up to me after the service and took my number and told me, "Call me anytime and if you ever need a meal, a ride, a place to sleep, CALL ME. And if I find out that you are alone by yourself and you don't call me, I'll be very angry. And let me tell you, you don't wanna make a South African angry." As bad as that sounds, she's a really nice lady. And she was just joking. Another of my friend's mum also told me, "Call us anytime even at 3am if you're afraid in the middle of the night". Of course, not to forget my Pastors Brent and Annie who assured my parents that I would be well taken care of and the many other people who have offered meals, rides, rooms etc - Thank You. This has definitely made me feel much better about being here alone. I am very grateful for all these people, thus this post to honour them. I will definitely remember your kindness. So thank you. =D

i shall resist the urge to babble. emmieOUT!

p.s/Only 2 more papers to go.

One heck of a long update... and then some.

2007-11-24T19:46:00.000+13:00

I know I said I'd write after my exams, which ends on 30th Nov, but so much has been happening that I think I better update now.

Firstly, my granddad passed away today. I don't really know how to react to it. Cause I haven't had anyone close to me die before. Since all 4 of my grandparents are still around. Until today. I guess it hasn't really sunk in yet and the fact that I'm not there with my relatives to let it really sink in.

So, my mum's flying home tomorrow and my dad and sis are flying back on the 2nd of Dec. Currently my flight is booked for the 23rd Dec, the original date. But I'm on the waiting list for the 16th of Dec. That's about the earliest that I can fly back cause I need to settle Uni stuff and crazy other things. So i'm gonna be here alone (okay not really) for 2 weeks. But the thing is I DON'T WANNA BE here alone. It's not like being alone in SG where I'm so familiar and comfortable. Please pray that I can fly back on the 16th. Cause most of my friends have gone home for the holidays. Mary's in Wellington. Karine's going to Auckland. Adeline, Shing and Esther are back in Kuching. Chris is going back to SG before me. So that leaves me with Debbie and Ev, my roomies for the 2 weeks I'm alone here. All this news has come so suddenly and just like that all our plans have changed.

I really gotta stop saying "alone" cause I'm not. It just feels weird being here without my family. It's not like SG where I can just go out and take the MRT or bus. Here I've gotta drive everywhere. Its just so different, or rather so unfamiliar.

Righto, I'm babbling. Anyhoo, I pray that I'l be able to fly back with Debbie on the 16th. And then I'll be in SG til 16th Feb, one week before Uni starts! I can't believe how time flies. A whole year has passed and it has been an amazing year. The last day of school was so emotional. Thankfully, I'll still see most of my friends at the Leaver's Dinner and Prizegiving. But after that, quite a number of my friends are going down to Dunedin. And I can't believe I'm starting Uni next year. And then after 5 years (heck of a long time) I'll be back in SG (hopefully) to get some work experience. Not for long though cause I highly doubt I'll settle down in SG. I might migrate to Sydney or maybe stay in CHCH. I'd miss Arise too much to move away. Who knows? 5 years is a long time. I can't really see how things are going to be like so far down. Plans can change. Imagine graduating at 25. Then work. Looks like I don't need to get married alrd. *sob* Dunno if I can survive. I have more things to settle before going back to SG than my parents, its nuts. My kiwi friends think I'm such a weirdo (in a good way) cause the culture here is that when you reach 18, you are no longer considered a child and your parents don't have any "hold" over you. So most people move out at 18 (sometimes younger) and they go flatting with friends (or boyfriends). It's scary somehow cause I don't think I could ever really do that. I'm too much of a homie( that's good right?). But then I guess that's just differences in culture. Speaking of flatting, I'm going to be alone (stop saying "alone" emmie!) in SG for about a month. Any flatties?

I'm babbling again. Seriously, I need to stop.

Okay, last thing. About the Brooke Fraser concert.
I have one thing to say: ABSOLUTELY AMAZING.

I was like 3 rows away from the stage so we had a pretty awesome view. Brooke Fraser is just amazing. I don't know how people can go to her concert and not feel so awed. I swear she has such an awesome stage presence and she completely owns it. I can see myself going to EVERY SINGLE concert she has in CHCH, or wherever I am, no matter how much. It is worth it. She just babbles non stop and she has this great sense of humor and she's so down-to-earth and personal. I just love her. There's no way I can describe what Brooke Fraser is like, you have to experience it for yourself. Of course, she has an amazing voice. You've heard her sing None But Jesus, Hosanna, Lord of Lords, Almighty God, etc. You think her voice is amazing? Wait til you hear her live. She'll completely blow you away. And she has this amazing custom made guitar (Martin - min price $3500) and hear the stories of her guitar and who made them for her blah blah blah. I could go on and on about just that one concert. Imagine if everyone who went to her concert had as much to say. We would never stop yakking. I could start on the fly story - hilarious incident at the concert, but it'd take too much time, i'll tell you when i'm back. Anyway, my advice is: If you ever get the chance to see Brooke Fraser live, GRAB THE OPPORTUNITY. If you don't have that chance, BUY HER ALBUMS. I know it's not sold in SG, but you can get it one ebay. Trust me, I've got all her albums and you never get sick of listening to it. Its poetry and prose in music form. And its not romantic, sappy bullshit - trust me on this. I mean, John Mayer toured with Brooke Fraser, what could go wrong? I admit that this is highly biased because they are my two favourite singers but STILL?!?!

I just can't stop babbling. It's terrible I tell you. Anyway, I better go. I am supposed to be studying. By the way, OpShop is amazing. They did the opening for Brooke Fraser's concert and they were much better than I expected. The Jason guy has an incredible voice (and face) that just makes a girl go gaga. But good for them, they have one more fan. I think I'm about to start babbling again. So emmieOUT!

p.s/ I have just SO MUCH to tell you guys. It's actually so much that it's not funny. I think we gotta do a stayover at Tomsum's place (like the good ol days) and I could just yak non stop maybe for 3 days straight. That'd be fun eh? HAH.

2007-10-20T18:24:00.000+13:00

Guess who's going to Brooke Fraser's concert tonight? ME!!!
I can't wait. And I've got good seats too. Whee!

Guess what?
Brooke Fraser's engaged!!!! And to who??? Heehee.

SCOTT LIGERTWOOD!!!!

Gawd, Hillsong baby!
Anyway, yesterday was the NZ Music Awards and he was there with her and aww, they look so sweet together.

I'll update on the concert when I get back!

My my, the kids nowadays.

2007-10-10T16:55:00.000+13:00

Honestly, I don't understand how some people can be so dense. Originally I thought that this wouldn't be such a big deal but it looks like, no - you just need to push it.

Guys, did you remember the entry that I wrote in the form of a survey and it was a really sarcastic and critical post? Yeah, that one. Well, its obviously a one of a kind post and it has me written all over it. It's my tone and just plain Emmie-style. Well, I deleted it when I ended those ranting days, but I'm sure you guys can still recall the post.

Anyhoo, a few weeks back, when I came across the post on someone else's blog, I couldn't really be bothered cause I did delete it after all. But I did write an entry on post stealers which happened to make some little kiddie angry. It's quite amusing if you think about it. I'm hardly even upset about the fact that she tries to deny that its my post, just plain amused.

In a way, though, I'm surprised (with a tinge of honour) that my post travelled that far - even after I deleted it. It's amazing in fact, that someone would want a useless (on hindsight) post like it. And I'm honoured that someone would even dare/challenge me so outrightly about MY OWN POST.

Well well, little girl I don't mind you taking my post, in fact, you can call it yours if you want to. I mean, if you have no qualms taking people's posts and calling it your own and challenging the author, then all the best, I wish you a smooth life, cause you're gonna need it in Uni when someone accuses you of plagiarism. Go check the meaning of the word, honey. =D

p.s/ I'm assuming you're a little girl - about 14, 15 cos of your typical tweenage/ahlian language. Gawd, I can't stand it. What the heck does words like 'worx' and 'arhhs' mean?And what's with the double letter syndrome? Geez, it's such a disgrace. CRINGE.

Crash and burn

2007-09-24T21:05:00.000+12:00

The weekend was crazy. Movie after movie.
Correction: Romance movie after romance movie.
4 movies in 3 days can drive a girl insane. Watched Hairspray on Friday til 3am. Marie Antoinette and Something New on Sat til 2am. And High School Musical 2 on Sun *cringe*.

There, I said it. My secret shame is out.

But HSM2 is so so so good. It's a gazillion times better than the first one. The quality was perfect even though it's *cough* pirated *cough*. Now I've to wait a whole year for the 3rd one to come out. Darn it. I can't believe I'm so psyched over it. (Stop smirking Adeline, you in the secret shame club too).

Ahwell, anyone care to fedex Zac Efron to New Zealand? I'll pay for postage. *grin*

Post-stealers.

2007-09-22T14:39:00.000+12:00

Its funny. I decided to go blog surfing one day. And I saw MY ENTRIES on other people's blogs. And it's not just one person's blog, it was a FEW, which I can't name or else you'd all go check it out. Some were entries that I still have and some were 'famous' posts which I deleted after my ranting days ended. In fact, most of the stolen entries were all RANTS. They were either really angry or really sarcastic *cringe*. Which is real weird, why only take the angry ones? I saw one particular entry that I posted and I wrote it ages and ages ago in a survey form *hint hint* and I deleted it quite some time back, and the person posted it 3 days ago *surprise surprise*. It is really weird seeing my posts on someone else's blog. I'm not upset or anything but I was just thinking if I were the one who copied someone else's posts, I'd be darned embarrassed if the person saw it on my blog. I'm okay with people taking my posts and whether or not they credit me is fine. Anyway, if you know you've been doing that, I just wanna tell you IT'S FINE. I'm not that hard up over stuff like that.

This is just a random post. You can take it if you want. =D

Thank You

2007-09-10T12:30:00.000+12:00

This blog was created [at the beginning] for the purpose of being able to write what I feel and [at the moment] for my beloved friends in Singapore. Ever so often, I'll think back on all those crazy times we've had and I'll be reminded of how blessed I am to have rockin' friends.

Sometimes I get complacent and I take things for granted but then I see all these wonderful people I have in my life and I realise that I need to take more time to thank and appreciate the people who have made my life much more interesting.

To the 'usual group' in Singapore and also my beloved punksquad, you guys absolutely rock my socks! Each and everyone of you has made an impact on my life in your own way.

Tomsum, you guys have just kept touching so many lives and have been making such a difference. Your generosity and love has helped make tough times easier, just knowing that you guys are there for us makes a whole lot of things better. I'm sure I speak not only for myself but for the people whom you have taken care of.

Of course, the one and only Ra. What can I say? You're practically my other half, even though we have a 4 hour time difference. I'm always reminded to be thankful to have you as my friend and it's great to know that being in different countries hasn't affected out friendship. You are a true gem and I know some day, some guy is gonna be very very very (x a gazillion) lucky to have you. But of course he'll have to pass the best friend test first haha. And I'll always hear your voice in my head telling me that we'll grow old together and that our kids will grow up together and that we'll be fretting over my kids' exams together. It's hilarious really, but I can actually imagine it. Love you Ra.

Kuen, I don't even know where to begin. My non-blood related brother. You've been a real encouragement and inspiration to me. You go out of your way to help your friends and you stand up for them. You take the time to ask me how I am and to keep me updated. Fio is one lucky girl (and vice versa, see below for that). You're an awesome musician and you're the first person that comes to mind every time I need advice on music relates stuff. It's a gift you're blessed with.

Fio - This darling is such a pearl. I had the privilege of getting to know her better and I must say she has an inner glow. Fio, your sincerity and kindness will always touch people's hearts and I know that you have a great future ahead of you.

Michelle, every time I think of you, I'm reminded of our first ever conversation. It's amazing really how two people who don't know each other can talk on the phone for 4 hours straight. I still can't understand how that happened, but boy, am I glad it did. You are one friend that I know I want to have for life. Being around you and just letting loose is something that I really miss. You are truly one great girl. You are one great punker too! (Right Sharon jie?)

DARYL LEE YONG MING! Honestly, I have no idea why I always call you by your full name. Technically though, that's not your full name. Cause your full name has a 'CATERPILLAR" after it. Anyway, when I think of you, I don't think of the crazy times and the crazy things that we do (ok I do think of them) but I remember the times when you are an encourager, a brother and a true friend. You are always so gentlemanly and you always let me and Ra make you the butt of our jokes. That's truly noble. I can imagine you being a politician - ever the diplomat. Whatever it is, I know you'll go a long way - you have a great future ahead.

Nick, I always am reminded of you asking me eons ago how I would describe you. You're an eclair. Hard on the outside, but really sweet and soft on the inside. You'll always be an eclair to me. It's amazing I've known you about 8 years? From our monster-lookalike days. If someone asked me 8 years ago if we would end up as close friends, I would probably have punched them in the face and told them not to curse me. But I am so glad that we've made it this far. Going for 9 years?

Kei- always remembered fondly as THE SON. And of course, as my FIRST FRIEND in Ymm. No one can ever truly let go of the person who became their first friend eh? You're such fun to be with and you can always be counted on to go out with, whether it's shopping, movie marathons, eating or SENTOSA!!! You are a great buddy and you are one great punker too! =D

Shumin - Also one of the people whom I have known almost forever. We've have great times together - camps, shopping, stayovers, picnics, all kinds of crazy stuff. You are such a faithful friend and you never fail to make my day by just being your cheery self.

Jerome, you are one rare guy. You never fail to wish my happy birthday on the dot. You are also a super duper caring guy, taking the time and effort to ask my how I am and just small stuff like that. You're also an awesome punker! You know that you'll be on the team FOREVER, you can't escape.

Then there's this other group of people, people that I haven't known for very long but feels like I've known them forever. This group of girls have taken so much care of me from the second day in Christchurch up til now and probably for quite a long time.

Adeline - this is one awesome girl. We have quite a lot in common, lots of what we call *shared secret shames*. She's a keyboardist like me though we play for different churches. I owe her a lot. She always has to pick me up and send me home. I probably have to do that for her when I get my license, which is quite soon. Haha. But she's a great leader and she's never been punked. And she's turning 21 in dec!!!! So gimme ideas!

Debbie - the craziest girl I've ever known. Seriously. When she goes nuts, nobody can beat her. She ALWAYS tricks people. She can put on this serious face and tell you something and convince you and when you believe her she'll start laughing and you know you've been conned. I keep telling her that ONE DAY, someone's gonna give her a taste of her own medicine and she's gonna get punked so bad that it'll haunt her for the rest of her life. And we'll even record it and play it at her wedding. JUST YOU WAIT DEBBIE.

Shing - The most gullible girl I've ever known. Always falling prey to Debbie's pranks (see above). But also the most consistent and stable girl. She textes me every week to ask me how's my week been. She's so gentle and girly, she puts the rest of us to shame. But definitely a great friend.

Evlyn - Another crazy girl. She and Debbie are flatmates so that's probably why they're both the craziest girls I know. She's got a great voice and she is an awesome dancer. She totally rocks my socks with her dance moves. She's also a great encourager.

Chrislynn - My Singaporean buddy! She's a total shoppaholic! Way to go! She's also a fab photographer, she has the talent. =D The rest of us predict that she's gonna be a total TAITAI when she's grows up. EH?

Last but not least, EMI!!!! Emily Fawcett rocks my world! Though I only see her during the hols and sometimes on wekends cause she lives in Dunedin (5hrs drive from CHCH) whenever we meet up we always have a blast. She's such a funloving and sporty girl! Love her to bits.

I hope I've named everyone I need to. There are lots more people who have touched my life in some way or another. I probably need to tell you myself too. But thank you everyone, you know who you are, I appreciate you all so much.

Post-note: I'm actually on study leave now. Studying for exams. And I just took 2hours to write this post. Goes to show how much I love you people.

2007-09-05T17:36:00.000+12:00

With all this talk about songs and music, I thought maybe I'd share with you guys everytime I learn something new. Here in Arise the musos meet every week for music practice. And during this 2 hours(+) we have prayer, a short sharing by our Pastor, break into our different instrument groups and practice our solos/intros/riffs/singers practice singing parts - harmony, lead, melody. And then everyone groups back for the main practice. Almost every two weeks we learn a new song which we practice for one of two weeks before introducing to the church. I know it sounds like alot but actually it means that the church learns about 2 new songs every month which is actually alright.

I count myself very privileged to be part of a great worship team. I've had a paradigm shift in this area. It's a great experience I must say. At church camp in Wellington I even had a go at those high tech stuff. You know that soft skin coloured earpieces that go into your ear (duh) and you get instructions on transitions, volume levels, EVEN chords when they change the song last minute. COOL MAN. You can still play and LOOK PRO even when you dunno the chords and NOBODY KNOWS!!!! heehee. And you know sometimes you see one musician with a mike but he/she NEVER sings into it? Only once in awhile they'll speak into it? Well, the blur me only just found out that that person's actually the band leader and they are the ones whose voice you hear in your ear. SO COOL!!! Some of you guys probably already know this but like I said, it's all new to me and it was such a cool experience, feeling so professional. haha

Anyway, so I thought maybe I'd share with you guys the new songs I learn here. I must admit that at times it may be easier for a worship leader with AN ACCENT to lead some of these songs. Even if you don't lead/sing these songs in church, hopefully they touch you in the same way. =D

This is not a new song but it's definitely a great song to lead. Tough, but nice.

It's Rain Down by Delirious?

Re: Healer

2007-09-01T15:17:00.000+12:00

A few weeks ago I posted an entry on Mike Guglielmucci and how he had cancer. I have a new update for that. He's healed, just like it's said in the song he wrote. Amazing testimony. Hope that brings encouragement to your week. =D

Mike Guglielmucci: HEY GUYS!!!! INCREDIBLE NEWS!!!! THE HEALING PROCESS HAS BEGUN!!!! ON MONDAY I WENT TO JOHN WESLEYS CHAPEL IN BRISTOL. AS I STOOD IN WESLEYS PULPIT GODS POWER TOUCHED MY BODY!!!! TO CUT A LONG STORY SHORT. I LEFT MY WHEELCHAIR THERE!!!! MY BACK IS HEALED, MY HIPS ARE HEALED, MY LEGS ARE HEALED!!!! I STILL HAVE PAIN IN MY UPPER BODY BUT IT HAS STARTED!!!! PRAISE AND GLORY TO THE KING OF ALL KINGS!!!! MY SAVIOUR, MY PORTION, MY FREEDOM, MY HEALER!!!!!

Photos!

2007-08-28T20:05:00.000+12:00

Lots of overdue photos! =D

Farewell Photos!
Me n Yukiko.

Me n Karine. I love this girl to bits.

and again.

Old Cashmere Photos

Arise Church Camp 2007 Photos
In the plane to Wellington

Hey, that's me.

Source Ball 2007: Masquerade
Ball Preparation

Debbie doing Ev's hair who's doing mine.

Debbie's very dirty mirror.

Ev and Adeline

Chris, debbie and me

and again.

Pretty girls.

and again.

Chris, me, ev

Chris n me

and again.

And again.

Ev n me (with EXTRA kel)

Us again. (without kel)

Debbie n me

Chris n me

Us again with Dion

Adeline and me

Adeline n ev

Adeline, me and debbie

Adeline, me, debbie and chris

and again.

Kel having "his moment".

the ever comical couple.

us again.

Lust of the flesh, lust of the eye - Cult of APPLE.

2007-08-21T22:14:00.000+12:00

I kid you not.

WooHoo!

2007-08-16T22:13:00.000+12:00

Just got back from camp! Phil Pringle is THE MAN! He's such an anointed speaker and SO FUNNY. It was an awesome time up in Wellington. Anyway, just wanted to share another song with you guys. It's HERE WE GO by CCC Oxford Falls (since we're on the topic of Phil Pringle). It's an awesome song, we've been singing it for about a month now. In the video, the guy singing is Joe Pringle, his son (duh). Amazing huh. Listen to this. Phil Pringle is a Kiwi. Brian Houston was born in NZ. (TAKE THAT NAT!) Both pastors of great churches in Australia. Both of their youngest sons are called Joe and Joel respectively. Cool huh. =D Anyway, this song is amazing. Enjoy!

Healer.

2007-08-07T21:10:00.000+12:00

This is an inspiring song. Written by Mike Guglielmucci, the guy behind most of the Planetshakers songs that you have sung and will sing. He wrote this song, Healer. And if you ddin't know, he's suffering from cancer and is dying. I was told that he performed this song even though he is terminally ill and he broke 3 ribs while performing it (not this video though), that's how weak he is, but he still did it. And he didn't even have enough energy to walk to the front of the church, he had to sit at the back. Here's an excerpt from his MySpace page:

Mike Guglielmucci: Life's going great at the moment. Despite suffering from a pretty crazy cancer and technically not having long to live, I know my God is far more than able to deliver me in my time of trouble! God is so good. Although I'm in alot of pain, I have never felt happier or more in the middle of His will for my life!

It's been ringing in my head ever since I heard it. It is a truly amazing song. The two videos are not consecutive but they don't have the one with him singing it. I think you gotta buy their new album. Some of you have probably sung the song in church and cried along as you sang it, it's just so anointed. But anyway, enjoy. It's great.

Healer
Words and Music by Mike Guglielmucci

Verse1
You hold my every moment
You calm my raging seas
You walk with me through fire
And heal all my disease
I trust in You
I trust in You

Chorus
I believe You're my Healer
I believe You are all I need
I believe You're my Portion
I believe You're more than enough for me
Jesus You're all I need

Bridge
Nothing is impossible for You
Nothing is impossible for You
Nothing is impossible for You
You hold my world in Your hands

Mike Guglielmucci's MySpace Page

Hanmer Springs

2007-07-23T19:03:00.000+12:00

Loads of Photos.
I went for a day trip to Hanmer Springs on Sat. It's awesome! It's this place, about 2 hours drive out into the outskirts of CHC (Christchurch). It's kinda like a tourist hotspot. It's on higher ground (or so I'm told.) so it's much colder and it has all these hot pools. We ran from pool to pool in freezing temperatures. The pools ranged from 29 degrees to 40 degrees. And some of the hotter ones had sulphur elements in them and they smelled real bad, quite like rotten eggs. But anyways, it was fun, had a good day and ate ice cream in freezing weather. As Adeline says, "There's always room for ice cream." And hey, I haven't eaten ice cream since..... Mar? Okay maybe not. Anyway, here are loads of photos. I took photos of everything except the hot pools, well I did take two photos of them but it was too cold to run around with a camera. Hah. Enjoy.

Shing and Me

Sharon, Esther and Fen

Me, Shing, Fen and Sharon

Debbie and Me

And again

Fen and me

And again

Adeline and me

Esther and me

And again

Shing and me

Ev and Shing

Ev and me

Kel and Fen

The pools

Some random photo

No Offence to Lesbians Though.

Brooke Fraser rocks my socks!

2007-07-19T22:16:00.000+12:00

Don't you just love her? Enjoy. :D
(And yes Kuen, her guitarist is Nigel Hendroff, the Hillsong guy.)

Girls, girls, girls!!!

2007-07-14T22:41:00.000+12:00

Photos from CZone Dinner at Spagalimis:
Chrislynn and Morija

Debbie and me

Morija

Photos from All Girls Sleepover:
It was one crazy night I tell you. From the photos, the group looks small. But there were 21 girls altogether. And I didn't know that you could have that much fun with such a big group of girls. Did all the girly stuff you can think of, played charades, murderer, sang KTV, and of course- watch chick flicks. =D

Taking Shing taking me

Here's the girls singing to Corinne Bailey Rae's Put Your Records On.
The ending's hilarious.

Photos from CZone:
Morija n me

Me, morija, chris

Chris, emi, me, ev

Here We GO!!!!

2007-07-13T11:59:00.000+12:00

Hey you guys!!!! I'm back from a week of awesomeness. GetSmart was great, blew me away completely. I won't bore you guys with all the details and everything, so I'll just tell you guys the highlights, which is still pretty much. HAHA.

First up, I finally experienced real KIASU-ness. On thursday night, when Hillsong United came to do the night worship, it starts at 5pm, people started queuing at 4pm. I know cause we were queuing there at that time already and there were people ahead of us. And when the opened the doors, I tell you, I never got pushed so badly before. I literally got LIFTED OFF THE GROUND by the crowd so I didn't walk at all. And the crowd was so wild man, I got my hair pulled and my shoes stepped on. But nonetheless, it was a great worship experience. I got dragged to the mosh pit, which is what they call the place where you go to the front of the stage and jump. So I was standing 1m away from Joel Houston. It was amazing man. Like hearing the album of Hillsong United but with the volume turned up like a gazillion times more.

During the conference we got to do different workshops and you could choose which ones you wanted to go to. And there were these 2 worship electives which I went for which were so amazing. One was by Nikki Fletcher, the female worship leader for CCC Oxford Falls, even got prayed for by her.

Of course the highlight of highlights was the workshop by Joel Houston. Nobody even knew he was gonna be doing a workshop until we saw the schedule on the first day. And they had all these crowd control stuff cause the organisers were afraid that he'd be mobbed by the crowd. And people skipped linch to queue 1 hour early for his slot. (I know cause we were part of that group and we got good seats! =D) When he walked into the room, everyone just went silent. It was really an amazing sharing though. He talked about how United was formed and all these brilliant other stuff. He also talked about the new album, and also how he wrote the song "Inside Out". He's really such a humble guy and when you sit there, you just know that he's just an ordinary guy but you just have so much respect for him. It's amazing really. Everyone was just taking photos and snapping away. We tried to take photos but he moved around so much that all the photos are blur. hah

And I had this friend who was volunteering as a helper and she got to help in the band lounge, which basically means tend to all the needs of the CCC and Hillsong United Band. She said it was such an awesome experience just watching how these people go about with their lives. It's real amazing lah. All the stuff she told us after that. And she talked one on one with Joel Houston can.

BUT ANYWAY, preaching wise, the speakers were really AWESOME. Phil and Lucinda Dooley, Hillsong's Youth Pastors were one of the best speakers. And of course Phil Pringle. But they really kept the best for the last. Tonight ended with Jurgun Matthesius (I hope I spelt it correctly.), the ultimate. He got standing ovations again and again throughout his sermon, he was humorous and yet so profound. And he could do these really good voices. He could sing in German, Russian, Indian and Scottish accents which just kept everyone cracking up. So many talented people.

That's about all I'm gonna say for now. So yeah, I just got home not too long and I thought I'd blogged about it before I procrastinate and never do it eventually.

Oh ya, we went for a ride up to the place called Cashmere just for the fun of it. Its the "estate" up in the mountains. And we took lots and lots of photos, keeping in mind that it was around 10 at night and it's winter so it's not only dark, it's fricking cold too! But yeah, the view from up there is just mind blowing. When you look out from where you're standing, all you can see is lights and lights and town and town. I felt completely out of this world just standing there in total wonder. And you could see so many stars in the sky. I'll have to wait to get the rest of the photos from my friends but I took a video for you guys. So enjoy. =D

p.s/ By the way, you have to get the new Hillsong (Saviour King) and Hillsong United (All Of The Above) albums. They're really really good.

GetSmart Youth Conference

2007-07-07T17:07:00.002+12:00

I've been told so much about this conference and I'm quite hyped out about it. It's a 4day youth conference, starting next Tues and the theme this year is WORSHIP. Here's the promo video for it. I'll let you guys know how it went. =D

Itchy Hand Syndrome

2007-07-05T13:20:00.000+12:00

I've started serving again. I always kept thinking that I wasn't really ready to start again but I didn't realise how much I missed playing til I started again. I've settled down in a church called Arise. And joining the band has been one of my best experiences so far. I'm the youngest in the whole band and I've just learned so much. They've pushed me to my limits and it hasn't ended there yet, it's only the beginning. It's amazing really how you can still keep learning and learning and still have so much more to learn. Anyway, ever since I started in this ministry, I've learnt that every week must be better than the last. We've always been taught that skills are just a bonus and that we just need to give what we have. Boy have I been proven so wrong. Here in Arise, perfection is everything, cause we need to give our best. My senior pastor Brent Cameron always emphasizes that as musos, we need to get better with every week and we actually have like training sessions every week during worship practice.

But enough about all this. I just wanted to share a videoclip by Hillsong London. The song is called "Jesus Is". But I want you guys to look at the grand introduction. At my very first service at Arise, the worship team did an exact replica of the Grand Introduction. It was just amazing. The lighting, the grand piano, the synchronization, everything. Watching the clip is just a glimpse of the actual feeling. Standing there for the first time in that church, I was completely blown away. So far, we've done the Grand Intro twice and although it only lasts 1min34s, I must say, each time it still inspires me. Enjoy.

Ch-Ch-Changes

2007-07-03T21:37:00.000+12:00

My laptop crashed. Don't ask why or how. It wasn't me.
And so I lost ALL my NZ photos, which everyone is telling me isn't a big deal because I live here and I can take as many NZ photos as I want. BUT BUT BUT!!!! I lost the photos of hail, yes it hailed here in Mar. I lost the photos that I took at my first ever outdoor LIVE rugby match. Darn, all the photos I took in that freezing weather for nothing. And I lost quite a lot of important stuff too. Oh well, serves me right for not backing up those stuff. So much for promising to upload photos. I don't know if I should be happy or sad. Alright, alright, I'm sad.

ANYWAYS, time really flies. It's coming to 4 months since I've left Sunny Singapore. You have no idea how homesick I STILL AM. It's pretty amazing really. I eat less than I did in Singapore which is weird because most people eat more here. But I really miss Asian food. I miss just eating hawker food in t-shirt and shorts.

There's been so many changes the past 3 and a half months. Studying, church, new friends, old friends. Gosh, Ra's going to Australia. I'll be nearer to her though, I miss you Ra, just in case you didn't know. Oh, but you probably do cause I tell you so often. I still get all emo when I look at old photos with the 'USUAL GROUP'. Goodness, all the happy times and sad times and PUNKED times have been spent with you guys, I can't imagine how I managed to survive these past 3 months. Ra, you better spend all the time you have left with this amazing group of people, cause you're gonna go cold turkey when you fly off. I mean it.

I miss you all. As always.

p.s/ how's baby jo? I miss him, he looks all grown up already in the pictures.

I am back.

2007-06-15T20:48:00.000+12:00

Yep, I am back. It's pretty amazing how time really flies. It's been a month since I last wrote an entry. The last I remember was sitting down and planning to write something and upload some photos. But then I can't remember why I didn't. It's not that I forgot you guys. I just can't recall.

Well anyways, it's been pretty hectic recently. Like really hectic. I keep telling people that ever since I've come to NZ, I have totally lost track of time. And it seems like I'm 3 months behind time.

As for updates, winter is officially here. It's an average of 5, 6 degrees here in the day. And 1 to 3 degrees at night, sometimes even as cold as -3degrees. Seriously, waking up in the morning is such a pain. literally. Funny how they have an anti-smacking bill here but they don't mind if students play ball in freezing temperatures. It's gonna snow soon. And yes, I WILL take photos of snow for you. Its amazing really, how lazy you can get during the winter. you literally just wanna hibernate. And the full impact of winter isn't even here yet. Geez.

And church camp is coming up in August. I'm looking forward to it. Guest speaker is Phil Pringle from CCC Oxford Falls. GetSmart is coming up too. It's a 4day youth conference - another event I can't wait for. Hillsong United and CCC Oxford Falls will be there. And lots of incredible speakers. In fact, I can't wait for Dec to come. I wanna go home. AND SHOP TIL I DROP. (of course after catching up with my favourite people, RIGHT?). But seriously, everything here is so expensive. Well not really. But most stuff. Food here is waaaaayyy ex. The cheapest meal you can get randomly is about 7bucks. Shoe prices here are such a killer. I'm going back to Singapore and stocking up on massive amounts of shoes. But the surf brands are cheaper here though. I have already started a list of what to get when I get back. But there is only so much my luggage can take. Oh, the woes of a shoppaholic. Anyhoo, ever since I got here, I suddenly got this thing for scarves. Like real bad, I've more than 10 now and still counting. I buy one almost every other week. It's that bad. Oh well.

Anyway, I know I have like a gazillion photos to upload. But I get so tired just thinking of the uploading. SOON, I promise.

emmie, OUT!

Photos!

2007-04-17T20:03:00.000+12:00

Heyhey, I finally managed to upload SOME photos. I decided there were too many photos to upload at one time so I categorized 'em. These are the one month old photos. Mainly those taken during the departure.

I will upload the rest soon, I hope. In the meantime, take care you guys, love you lots!

2007-03-24T22:32:00.000+12:00

Heyhey!!! Thanks you guys for all your cards and little gifts. I'm sorry I'm thanking you so late. Haha. So far everything's been good. I'm settling down in school prety well, it's been two weeks and guess what? It's the holidays! Two weeks of hols! WHEEEEEEE!!!!!

It's weird and all being a school girl and wearing a school uniform. BUT horrors of horrors!!! Being in a good school comes with a price, a HUGE pricetag in fact. Cause the school uniform is super super expensive. See, here we have the junior uniforms and senior uniforms. And we have summer and winter uniforms. So altogether, if you start as a junior, you gotta buy 4 uniforms. And let's just say my summer uniform ALONE is about 300 plus NZ dollars. You do the math.
IMAGINE THAT!!! That's not including stuff like PE attires and sports stuff and other crazily priced stuff. We nearly got a heart attack just buying the uniforms.

And my school has this crazy tradition. It's what I'd call 'ngiao'. They only allow us to wear our blazers (yep, we wear blazers.) in the street. We're not allowed to wear our school cardigan. And if you are seen wearing the cardigan in the street, you get detention. Seriously. And it's simply because in the olden days (my school's 130 years old), only poor people wore cardigans, the rich people wear blazers. So, to uphold my school's reputation, we're only allowed to wear our cardigans in school. And we MUST MUST MUST wear our blazers in the streets. Right.

Anyways, I've more or less settled down here, found a church here called City New Life, it's got quite a big Asian group, not that the kiwis aren't friendly, mind you. They're very friendly and polite people and they smile all the time even if they don't know you. But yeah, so far so good. =D

OH! And you guys gotta check out the new Hillsong United Album, Brooke Fraser is co-leading it (i think), but yup, she's based in Sydney and so she's attending Hillsong church. Now, why didnt' I think of that? And I had like NO IDEA that "None But Jesus" was written by her. i am so embarrassed! Adeline's gonna ask me where's my loyalty, but never mind about that.

So, yup, she wrote two songs on that album - Hosanna and Lead Me To The Cross. [By the way, Lead Me To The Cross is another fantastic song, it's really awesome, but there's no video for it at the moment.] So for you people who've been wondering who's this Brooke Fraser I've been rattling about for the past few months, here you go: (the song's 'Hosanna' by the way)

Anyway, I know I promised you photos, I'm SO SO SO sorry I haven't uploaded them yet. Heh =D

p.s/ Brooke Fraser's album's aren't sold in SG. You gotta get it on Amazon or something.

I'm heeeeeeeeeerrrrrreeee!!!

2007-03-19T18:58:00.000+12:00

Hey you guys!!!! I just got my internet connection!!! I can't stay on long though for now cause there's no unlimited broadband here (which is torturing!) so we've only got like 1 hr per day! HAH.

Anyways, I can't upload photos yet cause firstly, there's TOO MANY!!! And secondly, there's not enough connection time to. But I will SOON!!! I promise.

I'm still kinda getting used to it here, it's really lovely. When we first got here, the temperature was like 10degrees in the morning and 8,9 degrees at night. It was freezing man! And it wasn't even supposed to be cold. But it's going to be autumn soon. So basically, everywhere we go, we bring a jacket. Haha. I took like TONS and TONS of photos. The first thing that struck me is that there are NO TALL BUILDINGS. Quite difficult to imagine.

Oh and anyway, there's been a change of plan. I told you guys I'm supposed to do a foundation year in July right? Well, now we've decided that I should do a year 13 which is sort of like an A level year here. So I start school almost immediately. But it's better cause I graduate at the end of the year instead of mid next year. It's way faster.

It's quite funny though, cause my application for this school thing went through so amazingly fast and SMOOTH. And I had no idea but the school which I am going to, which is Christchurch Girls High School, is actually one of the top schools here. And I heard from every single person I met that it's super duper tough to get in. So, it's really by God's grace. I get weird looks from people when I tell them I'm going to Girls High (it's what they call it informally here), they try to size me up because it's practically like saying entering Raffles Girls School in Singapore and they think I'm like a super smart student. HAH, the irony.

But I really must thank God because His favor was just upon us all the time. I even got to pick my subjects which they don't usually do considering I'm doing my last year here and the term has already started like long ago. But I managed to get the subjects I wanted. And just in case you're wondering, I'm doing English, Maths (stats and modelling), Economics, IT and music. =D

Well, so anyway, so far everything's good. The weather is nice and cool all the time. It's like my uncle says, "When you're in the sun, you feel hot, but when you're in the shade it's cold."

I miss you people LOADS and LOADS.

Keep praying for me, I'll try to keep updating whenever I can. Like I said, I miss you all lots and lots!!! Pictures will come SOON!!! Love you all and take care!!!

p.s/ kei, I managed to get Brooke Fraser's album here. IT'S everywhere!!! DUH! HAHA

p.p.s/John, please tell Andrew that I finally know now what ceteris paribus means (it's an econs term!) and remind him to let me know the outcome!!! And to record the june thing! (He'll know what I'm talking about.)

p.p.s/ I miss you all!!! YMMers, Trinitarians, and COUSINS!!! =D

This is the real fare-thee-well

2007-03-12T16:08:00.000+13:00

WARNING: Long entry ahead, long loading time.

Okay, so I've been asked to say so many farewell pieces. But I haven't really thought about what to say. Those that I made up on the spot are mainly the ten-year-series kind of speeches. But here's what I really wanna say to some of you.

RACHEL TAN SI YI

My best friend, my crazy buddy, my sister, my confidant, my partner-n-crime, my 'other half', my co-founder of THEPUNKSQUAD. I love you to bits!!! You're the one and only, the best! I don't know what I'm gonna do without you there (hint:are you thinking what I'm thinking? Yes you are! I know you are! ).
Anyway, I just wanna say a huge thank you to you. You've been my best friend and our friendship is truly God given considering the fact that it was close to impossible for us to be friends at first. I am truly grateful because it's amazing how God has put us together and the way we just managed to get along.

We think the same and say the same things at the same times, finish each other's sentences and have similar opinions. We even got punked together! You have shared my ups and downs, the many crazy moments, the punk plannings, the tanning sessions, the go crazy days, the singing together and harmonising try-outs, the ophir experience, the ~~gossip~~ sharing, the after 2am crazy hours, the sleepovers, the baking sessions, our daily msn conversations, etc. I've enjoyed every one of them with you.

Don't forget my famous piece of advice on guys k! (hee). And yes yes, someday our kids will play together (like you always remind me =D). I am truly blessed to have known you. Thanks Ra! Love you lot lot!

DARYL LEE (YMC)

I can't thank you enough for your friendship. You've been a consistent and faithful friend. Thank you for always being there to encourage me, to listen to me complain and for being so caring. You are a true gem. I've enjoyed all the crazy things we've done as a group and I think I'll miss telling you to shut up (Right Ra?). Doesn't mean that just cos the bosses are separated means we can't punk you still. WATCH OUT! Love you caterpillar! =D

MICHELLE TONG (tongtongchiang)

I'm going to miss this girl because she makes my day by sending me little smses once in awhile to ask how I'm doing. I'll miss our 'talks' and our conversations. I'll miss crying together with you. I'll miss going crazy and going shopping with you. You have become more beautiful over time and you know what? You're beautiful both on the outside and on the inside. Love you Tong!

Tomsum + BABY Joash

This family has impacted so many lives. I can't thank you enough for all that you're done for me (and on behalf of the group). Thank you for being so generous and helpful, for opening your house for all sorts of crazy events. Thank you for bringing yourselves down to our levels and for investing your time and effort into our lives. You are an amazing couple (with an amazing baby!) I'm gonna miss Baby Jo, he's not gonna be a baby when I come back. But anyway, thanks! You guys are great!

KIAN KEI!!!
The SON. The first friend. What am I going to do without u Kei? Thanks for being my friend, and the longest one at that.

You really should go and work at Wild Wild Wet. Me and Ra think you should. heh. Anyway, no matter what you're facing now, keep trusting in God cos HE has great plans for you. I'm going to miss you Kei!

Tian Ying, Tian Yu and Zongling:

Okay, here's to my three beloved cousins. I realised that it's not only until you're about to leave that you begin to treasure the ones that have always been by your side more. You three have been my closest cousins in our huge family. Out of the 18 cousins altogether, we've been stuck together since Mickey Mouse was still our hero.

Throughout these years, it's amazing that we've been able to stay so close and to still be able to share secrets. I enjoyed all our time we've spent together from playing with barbie dolls to playing hide-and-seek and catching to fighting to cam-whoring, watching movies, staying over, shopping and going for holidays. I couldn't ask for anything better. Thank you you three. I love you!

Here's my fare-thee-well

2007-03-12T15:57:00.000+13:00

It's my last few hours here and I'm starting to feel it. Don't ask me what it is cos I don't know either. The past two weeks have been the most hectic period ever for me. I'm close to the point of exhaustion. Not that I didn't enjoy it mind you. I enjoyed meeting up with different people and doing what I like: eating. Except that I should have given myself more than two weeks to meet up so I didn't have to cram everything.

These past two weeks however have shown me that I am indeed blessed with many good friends. So if I haven't managed to thank you yet, THANKS from the bottom of my heart.

To those who I haven't managed to meet, I'm really really sorry.

To those who have helped me in one way or another, thank you very much too. Thanks for going out of your way to do stuff for me, I appreciate it.

Well, I'll be flying off in a few hours and I'll be missing you guys very much.

For those who have been asking, I'll be at Terminal 2, SQ 297. My flight is at 9.05 pm. I can't rem which gate, I think it's Gate E though. Ah, just give me a call! =D

Thank you so much.

2007-02-28T15:44:00.000+13:00

This is a video made by Sharon jie and Tommy kor. It's so beautiful that I just have to share it (hope you don't mind). Enjoy!

All I can say is that it was so beautiful that I was moved to tears. So much for telling me not to be so emo.

But really, thank you so much Sharon jie (your voice is still as beautiful as ever!) and Tommy kor. You have no idea how much this means to me. I really appreciate it. I don't know what else to say other than congrats for making the chatterbox speechless. Heh

If you want to see the actual post for this, you can go here

CNY Photos!

2007-02-24T18:45:00.000+13:00

PACK, PACK, PACK IT ALL!!!

2007-02-21T18:41:00.000+13:00

We've started packing, or rather I've started packing this week, and I had no idea I have so much stuff. I've been packing, throwing, arranging etc. My clothes itself exceed the weight limit. Cards take up 4 shoeboxes. Books take up, I dunno, practically half the house.
Darn, darn, darn.

It's really starting to sink in. I mean, the whole house is in a mess, there are boxes everywhere and you can't walk without bumping into something. It's a constant reminder that I'm leaving. And of course a sister who keeps reminding me that
" we have insert-number of days left!".

My mum's leaving this Sunday. I was talking to her the other day and I suddenly realized that I wouldn't see her for about 2 and a half weeks. I've never been separated from my mum for that long. And I'm going to miss her.

Everything's been such a rush. This week has been draining.
Try packing for 14 hours straight 3days in a row.

We had a sleepover at Ra's house eating blueberry muffins and junk food and watching movies and talking crap. It's going to be something I miss. I'll miss all our regular (ok, not so regular now) tanning sessions at Sentosa. All our late night suppers. ALL THE PUNKS!!! I love you PUNK SQUAD!!! I'll miss all the crazy talks and all the crazy outings. I'll miss all the stayovers and all the movie marathons. I'll miss you all.

Oh well, I shall stop abruptly before I get too emo. Have a great week! =D

Post Ophir syndrome. (waaaayyy POST)

2007-02-16T05:16:00.000+13:00

Darn, I miss Ophir trainings.

Call me crazy, call me nuts.

But I actually miss all those hikes,
the OVERNIGHT torturous hikes,
the 5km runs during unearthly hours,
the stair climbing of ridiculously high buildings,
the silly 4am runs,
the numerous push ups,
and tiring sit ups,
and of course
the late night suppers after that....

Whatever, I MISS THEM ALL.

Oh, and of course I miss the Ophir team.

I stopped running ever since I started work (which is like 3MONTHS lah!).
I actually miss the high after running.
(Simon will probably be grinning like crazy if he reads this)

It's actually hard to believe that I first climbed Ophir two years ago.
AND it's even harder to believe that we conquered Ophir last year!
(With the rest of the funny stuff along the way. None of us will probably ever forget that. HAH.)

I think when I go over to NZ, I'll start my daily runs again (that is if I have the discipline! heh). Maybe I'll find some mountains for us to climb there.......... just kidding!

Sigh, I miss the Ophir training days.

Indescribable

2007-02-15T21:04:00.000+13:00

There is an endless song

Echoes in my soul
I hear the music ring
And though storms may come
I am holding on
To the rock I cling

How can I keep from singing Your praise?
How can I ever say enough?
How amazing is Your love?
How can I keep from shouting Your name?
I know I am loved by the King
And it makes my heart want to sing

I will lift my eyes
In the darkest night
For I know my Savior lives
And I will walk with You
Knowing You see me through
And sing the songs You give

I can sing in the troubled times
Sing when I win
I can sing when I lose my step
And I fall down again

I can sing 'cause You pick me up
Sing 'cause You're there
I can sing 'cause You hear me, Lord
When I call to You in prayer

I can sing with my last breath
Sing for I know
That I'll sing with the angels
And the saints around the throne

Lifeline

2007-02-13T03:32:00.000+13:00

This song has been ringing in my head for the longest time ever. And I just can't seem to get it out. And whoever tells you that the only way to get it out of your head is to sing it or hear it till it goes, probably hasn't had a song ringing non-stop in their head before. It just doesn't work.

It's by Brooke Fraser, an uber talented composer from New Zealand I love her songs. And her band comprises of some of the most talented people too.

So since I can't get it out of my head, I'm gonna get it into yours. Enjoy.

I have this sinking feeling
Something’s weighing me down
I am completely saturated

The waves are crashing closer
My feet already drowned
Doing the thing I said I hated

They’ve been swimming in the wrong waters
Now they’re pulling me down
But I am clinging to you, never letting go
‘Cause I know that you’ll lift me out

[Chorus]
Have your way here
Keep me afloat
‘Cause I know I’ll sink without you
Take this ocean of pain that is mine
Throw me a lifeline

I wake up feeling convicted
I know something’s not right
Re-acquaint my knees with the carpet

I have to get this out
‘Cause it’s obstructing you and I
Dry up the seas that keep us parted

‘Cause they’ve been swimming in the wrong waters
And now they’re pulling me down
But I am clinging to you, never letting go
‘Cause I know that you are gonna pull me out

Have your way here
Keep me afloat
‘Cause I know I’ll sink without you
Take this ocean of pain that is mine
Throw me a lifeline

They’ve been swimming in the wrong waters
Now they’re pulling me down
But I am clinging to you, never letting go
‘Cause I know
‘Cause I know

That you’ll have your way here
Keep me afloat
‘Cause I know I’ll sink without you
Take this ocean of pain that is mine

Take this ocean of pain that is mine
Throw me a lifeline

This song quite speaks to me especially during this whole period of change (once again) for me. Work has been hectic, I was supposed to stop a week ago, but my boss asked me to extend it to this week. I love my boss, they treat me very well, but it feels like I'm wasting another week. Soon, it'll be Chinese New Year. Next it'll be something else, and another thing.

After a while, everything becomes a blur. I just need to sit down, absorb everything. It's so easy to get carried away in the rush of life that you suddenly realise that time has passed so fast you forgot what happened the past few years. I don't want that to happen to me. I want to live this prime time slowly, and enjoy minute of it. There's no use rushing and hurrying.

I hope this song speaks to you as it has to me. (That or maybe it could get stuck in your head too. ) Have a great week! =D

2007-02-11T19:09:00.000+13:00

Okay, so I revamped this thing they call a blog. I was tempted to go re-do the whole skin thing again. But I figured it's take too much time, too many brain cells. So just pretend it looks different okay? :)

Also, I deleted like a gazillion posts. (Okay, not really. It went from 100+++ to 51 posts). I deleted all the classics and all the rantings. It's time to clean up my act. No more entertaining posts for you guys (awwww). It is after all too public. So it doesn't make sense to go on without actually realising the number of people who read it.

Anways, now that you know I'm leaving, I suddenly got a surge in number of calls/smses/IMs/emails/tags a day. And yes yes yes, it's CONFIRMED. Also, I have NO IDEA if I'm coming back after these 4 yrs (?). As much as I want to know myself, I am clueless. For now, I'm still in the state of "letting it sink in", come to think of it, I've been in that state for a few months now. Half of me is excited to leave, the other half is dreadfully crumbling. I thought it would have been much easier considering that I've had to keep adapting to changes my whole life, but NO. It has to be difficult all over again.

But I like to believe that it's going to be good. Without doubt, God has a purpose for paving this route. This whole process was amazingly smooth. So keep me in your prayers. I love you all and thank you for being so encouraging. God Bless!

My siao siao best friends

2007-02-09T15:45:00.000+13:00

Put Rachel, Daryl and Me together and what do you get?
A lot of crazy, crazy, siao, siao happenings.
We met for dinner and shopping last night and boy, were we mad.

Alright enough said, I've a few (read: 5) pictures. And Daryl is in none of them. HAHA

THE oreo cheesecake.

The first attempt. Not bad.

Don't even ask what happened.

Finally.

I love you two lot lot!!!! My best friends, crazy partners, siao siao buddies. Thank you for making this friendship work. You are the best lah!

Daughters - John Mayer

2007-02-08T20:34:00.000+13:00

Okay, so you already know that I'm a huge Huge HUGE fan of John Mayer. He's amazing. And all I can say is I'm a huge fan of his works.

This is one of my favourite songs by him. It's entitled "Daughters", also one of the more popular songs by him. This song makes a lot of sense coming from the secular world. It is an amazing song with amazing vocals and he plays awesome guitar too.

Anyways, here's "Daughters" by John Mayer. Enjoy.

I know a girl
She puts the color inside of my world
but she's just like a maze
Where all of the walls all continually change

And I've done all I can
To stand on her steps with my heart in my hand
Now I'm starting to see
Maybe it’s got nothing to do with me

Fathers, be good to your daughters
Daughters will love like you do
Girls become lovers who turn into mothers
So mothers, be good to your daughters too

Ooh, you see that skin?
It's the same she's been standing in
Since the day she saw him walking away
Now she's left
cleaning up the mess he made

So fathers, be good to your daughters
Daughters will love like you do
Girls become lovers who turn into mothers
So mothers, be good to your daughters too

Boys, you can break
You find out how much they can take
Boys will be strong
And boys soldier on
But boys would be gone without warmth from
A woman's good, good heart

On behalf of every man
looking out for every girl
You are the god and the weight of her world

So fathers, be good to your daughters
Daughters will love like you do
Girls become lovers who turn into mothers
So mothers be good to your daughters, too
So mothers be good to your daughters, too
So mothers be good to your daughters, too.

2007-02-07T06:58:00.000+13:00

When the world has fallen out from under me
I'll be found in you, still standing
When the sky rolls up and mountains fall on their knees
When time and space are through
I'll be found in you

-Shadowfeet

2007-02-06T18:04:00.000+13:00

Dear all,

I think that by now most of you should know what is going on. For those who heard from other people, I apologize that I couldn’t tell you myself. It’s just that I haven’t got the chance to tell you individually. This period has been very busy for me and I’m going through many different stages at one shot. I haven’t had time to breathe or to stop and think. And it looks like it’s going to be that way until I finally settle down over there.

I don’t really want to explain much here because I’m not really comfortable with announcing all these stuff so publicly. So all I’m going to say for now is that I’m leaving Singapore next month. After which this blog will still be here for me to be able to share with you people how I’m adapting and stuff like that. To those people who are wondering why I haven’t told you about such a major decision, it’s mainly because I don’t have time to sit you down one by one.

So, my flight has been confirmed. My bags aren’t packed yet. They will be soon. I hope that I could squeeze in time to catch up with the people that once were close to me but because of time and the different phases in which we walk have somehow pulled us apart. I know I have only a month left so it would be impossible to meet you people one by one. I do hope that I will be able to see at least all of you once before I leave (airport doesn’t count k!).

For the wonderful people who were the first to know (you all know who you are) who have been a very special group to me this past year (plus minus), all of you will always be very dear to me. I thank you for your unfailing love and friendships. You’ve been a strong support and a lot of fun to be with. Each of you has impacted me differently and I will bring a part of each of you with me.

I have lots more to say, most of which will not be said here, cause I think it’s far too personal, so I will have to start writing and meeting all of you. Sorry that I haven’t been able to tell you personally of this sudden change, I wish I could have. But you’ll hear from me soon.

Also, stop making me so emo you people. YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE. Stop calling me in the middle of the night to ask weird questions and make me sad just before I sleep. Stop asking if we’ll ever see each other again. WE WILL. I’m going to study, not get married and settle down, but then again you never know (right rach and daryl??? Hee)

But please! I don’t need any more emo stuff, I’m emo enough and I just want to leave on a happy note (which is close to impossible). Anyways, I would love to hear from you if you want to ask me anything or tell me anything or meet up. I’ll try to update here.

Lastly, thank you all for impacting my life in your own special way, for giving me many wonderful memories and happy moments. Even as we all move on and go our separate paths (not all of us of course) I’m glad to have known each and everyone of you individually. Thank you for being part of my life. I love you all!

Love,
em

Ignyte Christmas Dinner: CELEBRATE!

2007-01-17T15:41:00.000+13:00

Here are the photos. Finally managed to get them uploaded. There's many more though, but I dunno where they disappeared to. So anyway, enjoy.

EMERGE Camp Photos!

2007-01-09T16:58:00.000+13:00

Finally! The long over-due camp photos.
As I was uploading all the photos, I realised that most of the photos were taken during dinner/lunch time, I guess cause there is no other time to take photos.

So there aren't many photos though. Definitely no photos of us looking silly. (They're all with the camp comm.) =D

The Rebirth Of A Friendship.

2006-12-21T20:29:00.000+13:00

This post is dedicated to a very special you, you know who you are.

I've waited so long to finally be able to tell you all those stuff that I told you.

And I've waited for the day that you would finally be free to see that you deserve much more.
You've been a great friend to me all this while, but only today have we truly found the start of a new friendship.

Maybe a lot of it is contributed to the fact that we are quite similar in certain ways, and we happen to gel really well. But today, we really let go of all the things that were once holding us back from having a true friendship.

Thank you for opening up to me.
And yes, we have a deal - to watch each other's kids grow up.

I thank God for giving us a second chance to be friends. And I thank you for putting aside your hurt to give way to understanding and thoughfulness.

The secret that only the two of us know will be kept that way. And maybe some day, when we are old, we will think back on these times and laugh about it.

I love you lots, and thanks to you, I now know the meaning of BEST FRIENDS.

Here's to friendship forever.

I'm Baaaaaaaaacccccccccckkkk!!!!

2006-12-14T00:17:00.000+13:00

I'm back LAH!

So stop flooding my tagbox OKAY? I had a great time at camp. This is probably one of the very few times where I actually attended a camp as 100% participant. And I must say I relish the feeling of it. I can't even remember when was the last time I wasn't in the camp committee or having a hand in it. So it really was an eye opener and a great experience for me. This second half of the year has truly been a year of rest for me. And you'll be surprised, though it's a year of rest, I must say that God has indeed been faithful. Throughout this second half of the year which I term as BREAK while you people call it SLACKING, I've learnt many lessons that cannot be learnt in other circumstances and I'm grateful for that.

This year has also been a year of change and adapting. I guess there's lots more to come. One thing though, something I truly miss is playing with the band. We've had a great 3 to 4 years playing together. I rem when we just started our very first youth service and we were only a 4 piece band, it is amazing how God works. Then we had our first ever gig at KK Hospital. I guess after all this, my heart is still in the worship ministry. I've missed playing and my hands are itchy (as kuen always calls it the itchy hand syndrome.) I hope to go back to serving in the worship ministry again soon.

All in all, I think there's more to experience, HIS love is limitless and I believe next year will be a year of abundance and a year without limits. So, continue to soak in his presence and revel in his glory!

Here's to a great weekend! CHEERS!

2006-12-01T17:54:00.000+13:00

from left to right:
Esther, me, Rachel Lim, Yibing

from left to right:
Esther, me, Rachel Lim, Yibing

Vienna

2006-11-23T21:45:00.000+13:00

There's many things I've been wanting to say. Most of which cannot be summed up.

This song has been a long time favourite of mine by The Fray (of course)
It's underlying meaning is well hidden and subtle.
But if you listen carefully and read the background behind this song, it's really meaningful.

The vocals are perfectly sung. The lead singer, Isaac Slade, and also the keyboardist goes from chest voice straight to head voice then to falsetto in one breath in the first and last chorus. It's amazingly fantastic and it sounds really good on him.

There are no other words to describe how I feel or what I want to tell you(or you people).
There's so much to say but I can't. Maybe my one way ticket is here.

The Fray: Vienna

The day's last one-way ticket train pulls in
We smile for the casual closure capturing
There goes the downpour
Here goes my fare thee well

There's really no way to reach me
There's really no way to reach me
There's really no way to reach me
Cause I'm already gone

Only so many words that we can say
Spoken upon long-distance melody
This is my hello
This is my goodness

There's really no way to reach me
There's really no way to reach me
There's really no way to reach me
Cause I'm already gone

Maybe in five or ten yours and mine will meet again
Straighten this whole thing out
Maybe then honesty need not be feared as a friend or an enemy
This is the distance
And this is my game face

There's really no way to reach me
There's really no way to reach me
There's really no way to reach me
Am I'm already gone?

So this is your maverick
This is Vienna

Pictures FINALLY!!!

2006-11-17T19:42:00.000+13:00

Alrighty, finally some photos.
And FINALLY some time to upload them.
Not many though.

We had a sectional dinner last Saturday at Brian's house.

Eh, there was lots of food but I only have three photos cause the rest are in Clement's camera. I'll upload them when I get them.

This is Rachel Lim, or rather 'Princess Rachel' so she claims.

I must say that I'm settling down fine, hmmm, better than fine here, in Trinity.
The people are really fun and nice to be with and it's easy to get along with them.
We played all the stupidest games ever for like 3 hours straight.
(Yes, including polar bear, it's universal I think.)

Oh oh oh! And I've got a favourite new game, it's called 4 in a couch, it's really fun!

Anyways, here's the rest of the random photos.

This, I thought at first, was bird's nest, I mean it tastes like it except the texture's different.
And it's nice and chewy. And they say it's good for health.

But it's actually frog's liver.
I was so grossed out. Didn't eat it after that.
I'm such a wuss, I can eat frog legs and all, but when it comes to blood and livers, count me out.

Oh, but I eat pig's intestines.

Hmmm, I'm weird.
(yeah, dork face, I am okay?) =D

A Great Teacher

2006-11-14T02:15:00.000+13:00

I've always heard people saying that they had great teachers who had their utmost respect, teachers who push you to a higher level, who give you envouragement and support, but also harshness when necessary. I never really experienced someone who I could say had that kind of impact on me.

When I read 'Tuesdays with Morrie', by Mitch Albom, it only emphasized more on how much I wished I could have someone who would help me excel in what I loved doing.

And then I truly understood the meaning of "Be careful what you wish for."

I used to hate her for pushing me so hard and for forcing me to learn so many things at one go.
For expecting me to put in effort in it even though I have no time. But I'll always remember her as one who who always said that
"How well you perform in a piece will reflect how well you perform in life."

She taught me how to appreciate music and influenced me to love music.
She told me she believed in me and taught me lessons in life in between lessons in theory.
She taught me that Latin, Italian and French could help you 'feel' the music.
She taught me the histories of Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Schumann and Bach even though I couldn't care less.
She taught me to learn to love playing hymns because 'they make you music sound full'.
She taught me all the hand techniques and the names for it.
She taught me to appreciate opera because she sings it so well.
She taught me to love all aspects of music.
She gives her all when teaching and she treats me like her own daughter.
She taught me to appreciate Richard Clayderman.
She told me that she would prove to me that small hands don't prevent anyone from playing octaves and full chords. And she did.
And she trained me and pushed me so hard my fingers hurt literally.
And I'm proud to say I can play 9 keys at one go with both hands.

I've learnt that when you find a teacher like that, you must do all you can to learn all you can from her.

I wish I had paid more attention and that I had learnt as much as I can.
I wish that I had thanked her more.

Thank you Aunty Janice for teaching me to love music.
Thank you encouraging me even when I play that segment 20 times you still encourage me.
Thank you for never putting me down.
Thank you for all the extra hours.
Thank you for all the secret tips.
Thank you for giving your all.

If you are fortuante enough to find a teacher like that, learn all you can, appreciate all you can, cause if you don't, someday, you'll live to regret it.

2006-10-31T21:32:00.000+13:00

I love this song.

Michael Buble : Home

Another summer day has come and gone away
In Paris or Rome
But I wanna go home
Home may be surrounded bya million people I
Still feel all alone
Just wanna go home
I miss you, you know

And I've been keeping all the letters
That I wrote to you,
Each one a line or two
I'm fine baby, how are you?
I would send them but I know that it's just not enough
My words were cold and flat
And you deserve more than that

Another aeroplane, another sunny place,I'm lucky I know
But I wanna go home
I got to go home

Let me go home
I'm just too far from where you are
I wanna come home

And I feel just like I'm living
Someone else's life
It's like I just stepped outside
When everything was going right
And I know just why you could not come along with me
This was not your dream
But you always believed in me

Another winter day
Has come and gone away
In either Paris or Rome and
I wanna go home
Let me go home

And I'm surrounded by
A million people
Istill feel alone
Let me go home
I miss you , you know

Let me go home
I've had my run
Baby, I'm done
I gotta go home

Let me go home
It'll all be alright
I'll be home tonight
I'm coming back home.

I'm a foodie foodie!

2006-10-12T20:46:00.000+13:00

My godma got these YUMMYLICIOUS cheesecakes from a store called
CHEESE CAKE STUDIO. From somewhere called Back Street? Hehe.
The pictures should speak for themselves. Enjoy! =D

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Oh, and here's a picture (nothing to do with cheesecake) I found quite interesting.
Like REALLY INTERESTING.
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Riiiiiiiiiiiiight.

BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

2006-09-27T21:06:00.000+12:00

"Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get."
-Forest Gump

How true, yet at the same time, how detestable.
[don't get me wrong now, I LOVE chocolates. besides, who doesn't?]

Detestable in the sense that if you happen to 'pick' the wrong piece, or rather, make a wrong move/choice/decision, you don't really know what you're going to expect. And it's not all the time up to you to choose whether you can ammend the result.

The past few (busy) weeks have taught me a few lessons. One of which is not to take people for granted. Seeing as people leave (in different ways, not necessarily bad) has showed me that you'll never be able to always hold onto to that person/people forever.

There's no such thing as forever.

It's so cliche to always say "We'll see each other soon" or "We'll keep in contact."
It's rare to really find people who will maintain that. And as much as people say they will try, the fact remains that over time, people will forget, people will move on.

What if I were to move away one day? How would I handle it?
Sometimes I wonder if one day I move to some other country for good, what would affect me the most?

The people I leave behind? The food? The safety?

I remember somebody telling me once, "Friends are seasonal."

Only now do I truly understand the meaning of it. No one will stay 'forever' in your life.
People come and go in seasons.

So, if you're PRESENTLY in the phase of my life, THANK YOU. Maybe one day you and I may move on, but thanks for being a part of it.

If you've BEEN in a previous phase of my life, THANK YOU. Cliche as it is, I'll still say it. It wouldn't have been the same without you.

We MADE IT! (This is home.... TRULY.)

2006-08-29T02:29:00.001+12:00

Warning: Looooong post up ahead, but you'll enjoy it. Many many things to say, I think faster than I type, so just read and try to grasp everything. Remember that this is 4 days' worth of info crammed into one post. =D

Ahhhhh. I'M HOME!!!!!

YESSSSSSSSSSS.

And I will admit, I am a patriotic, loyal nut to Singapore now.
I love the roads, the trees, the EVERYTHING.
(Not that I didn't already love it. I just love it MORE.)

Anyways, for those of you who didn't know, I just came back from climbing Mount Ophir in Malaysia.

It was one heck of any experience.

Not only was it mind blowing, tiring, it pushed us to our limits, tested our endurance, created tension, WE ALSO GOT PUNKED!!!! RAH, but more about that later. Read on.

Here's what happened:

We started off on our journey to JB on friday night at 8pm, we had to catch our 930 bus from JB to Segamat.

However, as typical Singaporeans, we were late and we missed our bus! HAHA! So how?
We stayed over at the bus interchange playing Charades and Scumbag in Macdonalds and sleeping in the bus station with all the weirdos and funny people.

That's when our vocabulary increased by quite alot when we played Charades, things like:
'Baby sai' = Poseidon
'Crazy Cat' = Garfield
'The cat meow meow in your face' = Actually I dunno what that was supposed to mean.
And lots more.

Anyways, back to our formidable mountain.....

We started our long and treacherous journey to Mount Ophir with everyone in high spirits and full of energy, only to find ourselves trekking on the long path to the foot of the hill
(only the foot hor!) quietly with heavy breathing and long dragging footsteps.

It had just begun.

The first half of the journey from Checkpoint 1 to Checkpoint 4, where we were supposed to pitch our tent and camp overnight, was a quick and smooth one (more or less. hahaha!)
Eventually, we did get to CP4 after much breaks and 'water-stops', and we reached there faster than last year too. =D

To cut the long story short, we pitched our tent, did boring stuff and tried but failed at an attempt to punk Simon, our team leader. (It's alright guys, we'll try again.)

We ended off Day 2 with us all sleeping, squashed up in an 8 men tent
(there was 9 of us mind you.) with Simon and Tat Tong smelling all our feet.

Day 3 started off with us waking at 1.40 A.M (Yes, 1.40 in the wee hours of the morning.) to climb from CP4 to CP8 in total pitch darkness.

It started off really fine with everyone on a high note and with all the excitement and anticipation of starting on new ground, something that we didn't manage to achieve last year on our first trip due to the rain.

However, (Yes, there's always a BUT to everything good.)

When we were about to reach CP6, it started to rain.
Not just rain okay.

Imagine this:

It is total darkness, you are carrying your torchlight in one hand.

Now imagine Bukit Timah Hill and multiply the difficulty by 10.
Oh, and multiply the number of roots too.

It was not drizzling, it was TORRENTIAL POURING.

But that didn't stop us, we continued to climb on, until we heard the guide say we had to turn back and go back to our campsite.

So there we were, all our hopes smashed and squashed and stepped on, left behind in the dirt and flushed down the milo river.
(the rain that flowed down was, again, in torrents and in brown, milo colour.)

By the time we reached our campsite, it was around 7 plus in the morning. We had hiked for about 5 hours non-stop on darkness and rain.

Cutting my long story short again, we decided to try to aim for the summit again at 830am in the morning, an hour and a half after we reached base camp.

And I am proud to say that after walking, climbing, falling, banging, slipping, bua-ing, buang-ing, chiong-ing, swearing, scurrying up ladders, hanging onto slimey-algae-covered rocks, and all sorts of other crazy things, we reached the summit.

SO???

The summit was nothing much but the view was breath-taking.

For awhile it finally seemed worth it to go through the horrid weeks of trainings and the hard treacherous climb up...

UNTIL......

We realised we had to go back down all the way. And we had to do it fast.

And mind you, going down is even harder than going up because of the impact on your knees and feet everytime you hop off one root to another and when you are perched on all fours in the middle of nothing but roots, roots, and more roots.
(Oh, and bugs, wet leaves, and lots of other stuff.)

When we did finally get back to CP4 after lots of hard work and sweat and everything that you probably will never understand until you climb a mountain, we had to pack up everything and head for the foot of the hill before nightfall.

I cannot emphasize how tough it was but all in all, we had hiked for 17 plus hours

non-stop with an hour long break. And the load was... WAH LAO.

Try that.

To make matters worse, Simon flared up at us when we reached CP1 and that really made the descent to the foot of the hill even morse.

Our feet were aching
Our backs were breaking
Our team was splitting
Our mouths were complaining
Our guide was missing
AND
Our team leader was yelling.

OKAY.

So we got scolded big time, like REALLY scolded.

Simon really gave it to us, he YELLED at us as if we were he students
(Nuh uh Simon, NO WAY man.)
We were really shocked, we've never seen Simon this angry before.

But what to do?

That man was already angry.
So we just shut up, kept our distance from him and walk quietly down all the way all
532 steps down and the long walk out to the ranger's office at the foot of the hill.

The day ended horribly with all of us checking into the resort nearby.

Sulky, hungry and dirty. All Simon's fault.

During dinner time, Simon was running a mild fever, and we were all moody after the huge scolding. However, Simon said we would have a debrief before going to bed.

WAH LAO...

Scold us still not enough, still make us stay up and listen to him scold us somemore?!?

That man really too much... But what to do, he's the leader right?

Riiiiiight.

So after piling into his room, all clean and fresh but still aching, we braced ourselves for a severe blow. Which was indeed severe.

Simon really gave it to us, he told us he was really disappointed with us, we should be ashamed of ourselves, he didn't have fun, blah blah blah.

What a way to end not only OUR trip but HIS last trip.

With the sickening serious look on his face, he looked at us and said,

"You should be ashamed of yourself."

Our hearts sank, that man really too much. Not even anything good to say.
Then,

"Cause you've been punked."
Followed by this was a loud "HAHA!"

2 seconds passed and then the whole room was in a thunderous uproar.
Pillows were flying, everyone was screaming and shouting at the top of their lungs at Simon.

What more can I say?

(I really have to hand it to you Simon. You win you win.)

But on a serious note,
The trip ended really really really really well.

We had a great seafood dinner. (teehee!)

We walked along the causeway the wrong way out.

Yes, wrong way.

We kena caught by police and got locked up under customs then our parents had to bail us out and then all out mothers and fathers gave Simon a fantastic scolding.

JUST KIDDING!

But we did have this really big hooha where the police had to escort us to cross the road.

Not just any road okay.

It was the wide road where all the vehicles are zooming past you on their way to and fro Singapore and Malaysia at the Woodlands checkpoint.

Now how many of you can say that all the cars at the checkpoint were stopped by police just so that YOU could cross the road?

Cannot right? HAH!

Ah wells, all in all, this is the best trip in my entire life.
Maybe more to come. *tee hee*

To Ophir Team 3,

We made it, none of it would have been possible without any of you.
I had a great time, I hope you guys did too.
Thank you for all the hard work you put in planning, training, organizing, meeting, encouraging, pushing, sharing, eating (YES EATING.), entertaining and lots more.

Although we got punked (HEH) and though we didn't make it up to the summit the first time
(Or rather the second time), we DID MAKE IT UP in the end.

HIP HIP HURRAY!

This has been an experience of a lifetime, a great bonding session and getting to know each of you better.

As for Simon, I hope this trip will forever be in your heart, maybe we'll go climbing again sometime. We'll let you off for all your punks and emotional heart-stops. =D

Okay, so my post officially ends here. It is copyrighted okay.
Haha ( at least say I wrote it lah!)

Time to go sleep!

Ophir Team 4 next year anyone?

JUST KIDDING. =D

You mean you're 19 already?!?

2006-08-25T18:19:00.000+12:00

Firstly, HAPPY 19th BIRTHDAY RACHEL!!!

I've got so much to say but you won't be reading it anytime soon cos you're in China!
(I know you just flew off, but I miss you already!!!)

Anyway, this girl is the one only, she's the best.
Not only is she talented and witty, she's a great CRAP partner, a great phototaking companion, a tanning buddy, and a fun shopaholic kaki!

OH OH OH!

AND she's a great drummer and she can sing!

On a separate issue,
Rachel has always been one person to stand up for her friends and stick by them.
She's a great listener.

Thanks Rach for always being there for me, to listen to me yak, to yak with me.
Thanks for being such a great partner-in-crime. Two is always better than one yeah?
Thanks for always being so thoughful and always taking the initiative to do things.
Thanks for the many many many many many things you've done that are too many too list here.

All in all, thanks for being my friend. Don't know what I'll do without you! Love you lot lot! (heh)

Oh yeah, one more thing, thanks for sticking with me when I got punked.
(Actually you didn't have much of a choice la! But thanks anyway for being such a good sport!)

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

To the one and only Rachel the best!

LOVE YOU RACH!

An 18th to remember (Part 1)

2006-08-19T04:06:00.000+12:00

WARNING No. 1:Tons of photos. Uploading time will bore you to death. Get a book or watch a movie!

WARNING No. 2: You should read the previous post first before looking at the photos. Just in case you thought I got kidnapped or something like that. Haha!

Okay, here goes..

No, I wasn't kidnapped.

No, I wasn't crying.

I can't believe I could still laugh.

Ewww, that was papaya blended with raw potato.

Poor Rach.

Yeah, Rachel say, "Ahhhhhhh."

Erm, hello? What's going on???

Good ol' Rach, she stuck with me all the way.
(Actually she didn't have much of a choice.)

Look at my vandalised arm!

Argh!! Stay away from me!!!

Look at that evil look and excuse me, WHAT's THAT YELLOW THING?

They dunked oreos into flour + water + I dunno what else.
Oh god, how evil can you get??

Argh! NO NO NO NO!

What are you staring at??

Vandalising me again?!?!

Don't ask me what that was. I don't want to remember.

I drank it? I don't remember that..... HAHA

NOW I remember! I drank lemon juice, without sugar.
It was so sour I thought my intestines dissolved.

UGH! God forbid. That's satan's food. DURIAN.

Just shoot me.

Grrrr, I'm gonna get you!

Er, anyone there?

Don't I look pretty??? Yeah Right!

Poor Rachel. Got vandalised too.

Good girl, you finished your food.

Now, be good and sit still.

Okay, that's all for now.
I know this is LONG LONG WAY WAY overdue.
There's still alot more too!
I'll upload the rest again another time. =D

2006-08-18T02:37:00.000+12:00

Happy Birthday to MEEEEEEEEEE!
Yes, I got sabo-ed!!!! Terribly. Horribly. Shamelessly!
I am NOT going to the HANS (where was it?).
NO NO NO NO!

They (Tomsum, Gillian, Eileen, Justin, Kian Kuen, Kian Kei, Daryl, Jerome, Nicky)
were terribly mean. [Yes you were, dun deny it]
Tommy and Sharon tricked me and Rachel into having dinner with them today.
When we got into the van, and were waiting to drive off,

BOO!

Out of nowhere, the whole gang appears and starts to tie our hands and feet with those white-whatever-you-call-it thngs. (see the next post for pictures)

Then they asked us to taste horrible tasting food and we had to guess what we were eating and if we guessed it wrong, they would draw on us. (with lipstick and eyeliner, etc)

Actually, they drew on us whether or not we guessed it correctly. (Unfair!!!)

And the food they fed us with???
papaya, lemon and potato (raw!) blended together.
Oreos dipped in flour + water
lots of lemon juice and i dunno what stuff
and

DURIAN.

EWWWWWWWWWWWWWW.
Just shoot me.
(By the way, Gillian had to let me sniff a bottle of Johnson's baby soap in the van to prevent me from puking.)

Well, anyhoos, they drove us to HANS, with us still blindfolded and covered with lovely masterpieces. And got us out of the van facing the whole restaurant
(And we knew nothing. DARN!)

And to cut the whole story short, when the blindfolds came off, we realised that the whole restaurant was staring at us. Thanks guys. Thanks.

Anyway,
I shall try to upload ALL (yes, there were many)
pictures up here for you people to see and laugh (whatever) another day.

Thank you to the many people who brainstormed (I heard it took 6 weeks to plan).
For those whose birthdays are not over yet (HAHA! yes daryl?), you better watch out...
MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

Thanks again. (I mean it.)
I will definitely remember my 18th birthday. =D

2006-08-16T04:10:00.000+12:00

Anna Nalick : Breathe

2 AM and she calls me cause I'm still awake
Can you help me unravel my latest mistake?
I don't love him, winter just wasn't my season.
Yeah we walk through the doors so accusing their eyes
Like they have any right at all to criticize
Hypocrites, you're all here for the very same reason.

Cause you can't jump the track
We're like cars on a cableand life's like an hourglass glued to the table,
No one can find the rewind button girl
So cradle your head in your hands.
And breathe, just breathe, whoa breathe, just breathe

May he turned 21 on the base of Fort Bliss
"Just a day," he said down to the flask in his fist
Ain't been sober since maybe October of last year
Here in town you can tell he's been down for while
But my God it's so beautiful when the boy smiles
Wanna hold him maybe I'll just sing about it

Cause you can't jump the track
We're like cars on a cableAnd life's like an hourglass glued to the table,
No one can find the rewind button boys so cradle your head in your hands
And breathe, just breathe, whoa breath just breathe

There's a light at each end of this tunnel
You shout cause you're just as far in as you'll ever be out
And these mistakes you've made
You'll just make them again if you'll only try turnin' around

2 AM and I'm still awake writing this song
If i get it all down on paper it's no longer inside of me
Threatening the life it belongs to.
And I feel like I'm naked in front of the crowd
Cause these words are my diary screamin' out aloud
And I know that you'll use them however you want to.

But you can't jump the track
We're like cars on a cableAnd life's like an hourglass glued to the table,
No one can find the rewind button now
Sing it if you understand...yeah breathe
Just breathe, oh oh breathe, just breathe, oh breathe,
just breathe, oh breathe, just breathe

Moooooorning madness.

2006-08-15T06:43:00.000+12:00

It is 2.26 a.m. and yes I am still up at this ungodly hour.
And it is no joke being half awake and typing away madly
(yes, I'm doing transcripting again.)
While outside is so silent and dark and it's the middle of the seventh month.
(What? what? whaaaaaaaat? Who said I'm scared? I didn't say I'm scared hor!)

Here's a short update anyway.
I'll be terribly busy for the next two weeks and here's why:

Thursday is MY birthday.
I'll be 18.
The Big 1 8
Uh huh, uh huh.
*Whoopiedoopiedoo!*
And yes, thank you to the you-know-who-you-are people who have made 'early appointments' to celebrate my birthday with me. You make me feel so special. I have less than 24 hours, so I will not be able to spend it all with you. But the gesture itself makes me feel like crying. *BOOHOO!*

Alright alright.

And anyways, our Ophir trip is in 2 week's time.
YES! two weeks!
So fast, so scary, so tired.
We've been training really hard and I hope we make it to the top. *please please*
The runs, the stair- climbing, the hikes, the....... ARGH!!!!
EH! I'm quite fit hor.
Don't you see me no up okay...

Sheesh.

Okay, on a serious note,
Thanks to the lovely peeps for your constant encouragement and mindless chatter, and FREE entertainment. I dunno what I'll do without you all!

Yays!

2006-08-13T01:32:00.000+12:00

Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy birthday to Sharon jie,
Happy Birthday to YOOOOOUUUUUUUU!!!

Hope you liked the 'sunflower', company and ALAN LOO.
Okie, another birthday down for this year. Many more to come. (heh)
I shall upload the pictures another day. Wait for it. =D
For now, I shall start planning my BIG ESCAPE.

Goodnight.

Ahem.

2006-08-12T01:23:00.000+12:00

Have you ever seen anybody win this many tickets at an arcade before?
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

.

Neither have I.

Overdue photos!

2006-08-07T13:03:00.000+12:00

WARNING: MANY photos coming up.
Picture Update! Many many photos!
All random pictures that I've had no time to upload.
They are WAY overdue. SORRY SORRY!
Anyways, in no particular order......

Coincidence? I don't think so... HAHA! (sorry Daryl =D)
Applaud please, he's such a good sport.
*although I dunno why he's smiling....*

funny expressions. FAMILIAR???

this quaint pinky place where we had dessert.

big cheongsam???

nope, it's THAT small.

barley anybody??? ( HAHA!)

On a separate note,

Yes, that circular thing is the revolving part of the restaurant.
(p.s/ the tall towers comtain PRIMA flour. yep, the kind your mum uses to bake)

hmm, shut up daryl...

riiiiight.

watch the ever changing scenery.

*yawn*

*double yawn*

*triple yawn*

*snore*

Okay enough of boring photos.
Here's a review:

On a scale of * to *****,
With * being poor and ***** being excellent,

Food: ***
Service: **
Scenery: *
Valet service: -***** (YES, its a negative. I'll explain)

The food was so-so. WIth some dishes tasting fabulous and some revolting.

The service was quite bad.
The intervals between the dishes was so irregular.
When we had to wait, we REALLY had to wait.
But when one dish was served, 3 dishes would be served at a go, and we weould have to eat in a hurry to make space for the other dishes.
The waiter was not only inexperienced (he scalded himself with chinese tea.) but he was also CLUMSY.
Like those kopitiam ah soh.
Wipe the table also will hit you with flying food particles. EWWWW!

The scenery?
Oh goodness, what's the point of a revolving restaurant when the scenery sucks big time?
All we saw was cargo, containers, cargo, container, cargo, container.

Aha.

Valet service.
You ask, WHY NEGATIVE?

Because they gave the car key of my uncle's ONE WEEK OLD CAR to another driver.
And the manager refused to take responsibility for it.
Sorry I have to say this but he was a China guy.

SERIOUSLY!

We finished dinner at 1030 but we reached home at 12a.m.!
The police had to come down.
My aunt had to take a cab home to get her spare key.

Not only did they lose the key, but they did not even lock the car door.
That means that throughout the whole dinner, the car was not locked.
And may I stress that the car is only a week old?

The best part is that the manager told my aunt to go home and get the spare key.
Which she did.

But guess what?

The manager himself, together with the rest of the staff closed up the place and left.

Yes, leaving us standing there in total darkness to wait for my aunt to come back with the key.
He wasn't even apologetic about the whole incident.

RAH! talking about it makes me mad.

Just don't go to PRIMA TOWER REVOLVING RESTAURANT.
Unless, you wanna lose your car/car key.

Don't say I didn't warn you...

2006-08-07T03:26:00.000+12:00

Quote Of The Day:

Artificial intelligence

is no match for

NATURAL STUPIDITY.

*sorry if you don't get it. but you only prove my point.*

My musings.... (and my victory!)

2006-07-28T22:47:00.000+12:00

Eh, I just calculated.....
1,000,000 days = approx. 2739 YEARS!?!?

Okay, so as if you didn't already know that.

But if (assuming) I live up to 80,
I would have lived on earth for 29200 days.

So.....
now that I'm already 17+++ (muahahaha!),
I have approx 22450 days left!?!?!
That's looks like damn short lah...

Okies, on another topic though
.
.
.
.
.

.
Disclaimer: The follwing post is graphic and is highly UNSUITABLE for the faint-hearted. You are advised to read this when you are NOT eating. Disturbing pictures ahead. May cause throat diarrhoea.
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I just captured a lizard!!!!!!
Yes, CAPTURED, not killed.

Firstly, just before I tell you about my lizard capturing, I must tell you a few things first.

1. In case you just happened to chance upon my blog, I must assure you that I do not find pleasure in capturing and torturing lizards. They are my biggest nightmare, so this is an accomplishment. I only resort to this kinds of methods when in utter despair. In DEFENCE if I may add. Only when I feel threatened.

2. I have never captured/killed any lizard in my entire life. (Only maybe accidentally injured.)

Okay, now I will continue.
Anyways, there was this baby black lizard (yuck!) on the floor near the window.
And yes, no one was around to help me.

So I tried the milo tin method.
PAUSE!
I must digress for awhile.
In case you don't know what the milo tin method is,
it is basically just leaving a milo tin (which still has milo remains of course) un-covered.

It is supposedly to lure the lizard into the tin whereby you closed the tin and
YAY! you've caught it.

But I say supposedly cause it didn't work. At least not for me.

OK, AS I WAS SAYING,

The milo tin method DOES NOT WORK.

As you can see, it DID NOT BUDGE AT ALL.
And as of today I can tell you truthfully that I have tried it and it does not work at all.
It might work if you leave it overnight, but no way was I gonna leave the lizard there the whole night.

So I tried an alternative method.
It is quick
It is easy.
It is clean.
It is cheap.
It is
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

the almighty whatever-you-call-it.

Oops, I think it's upside down. But its in jap so you won't understand anyway.
So yeah, this thing is really wonderful.

It is
- hassle-free,
- smash-free,
- squirt-free,
- gut-free,
- flush-free,
you get it.

It is basically a cardboard box with a reeeeaaaaallly sticky base.
And you place this tablet (I dunno what of) in the middle of the base.
The tablet lures the lizard into the box and once it enters......
it will never come out.
Freaky right?

But digressing again,
I think that's quite ingenius of the inventor.
Cos all the cheapskate people have no choice but to keep buying cos cannot re-use.
Cos I think (THINK ONLY, NEVER TRY.) if they try to remove the lizard from the base, they'll have to peel it off. And I guess the bottom half of the lizard will be stuck to the base of the cardboard, leaving its exposed guts etc...
Told ya it's quite gross.

Okay, anyways, back to my adventure...

I took a brand new (yes, brand new, not old ones that still have dried-up lizards stuck to them)
box and put it on the floor about 15cm away with the opening facing the lizard
(damn brave right? I shocked myself too. This only shows that distress will cause you to do anything.)
And I used a broom to lightly tap (not squash/smack/press) the lizard.
And as expected it scampered into the box. Only to realise it was stuck.
Muahahaha.
That'll teach you to scare me.

I know.
It's so icky-la-la
I amazed myself with my bravery, I even managed to go that near and take a photo of it.
Oh well, not that near. I did cheat a little by zooming. heh.

Ahhhh, all hail the new mighty weapon against the formidable lizards: STICKY PADS!

I think I'm going to puke now.
GTG!

I was up at like 430am?!?

2006-07-17T02:18:00.000+12:00

Alrighty. Today was... whoa!
We (ophir team) were up at 430am, yeah that's right, 430 A.M okay. And we had our 3km (around there right?) run. That's not bad for a start. Considering we haven't had any trainings for 6 months!?! hahaha. But it was really fun. Way to go guys! More trainings to come. Seeya next week. Muahahahaha!

Mission Accomplished 2!

2006-07-13T13:10:00.000+12:00

Wahahaha! Mission Accomplished 2! Great job everyone. We did it!

We punk'd the pumpkin, oh er, I mean punk king. Haha.

Yesterday was tommy kor's birthday and it was one hell of a sabo.

First we punk'd him during dinner. And everything that could have gone wrong, went wrong.

It was only til we went over to his place that the REAL fun began.

I shall let you find out for yourself.

Pictures and videos coming right up.

Anyways, Happy Birthday Tommy kor!

Thanks for being such a good sport!

The punk cake. (read: decoy)

The birthday ~~boy~~ man (read: 31)

The FOREVER candles. You'll see what I mean later.

Wahahaha! this was from Nicky. Duh.

card in PAMPERS! (don't worry, it's clean.)

from sharon jie and baby joash.

lime juice + milk = lime milkshake. (yuck!)

Partners in crime! Mission Accomplished 2!

Oh, by the way, me and rach won't be around next month. Muahahaha!

The real cake.

The happy family.

Every baby loves a chocolate milk machine. hahaha!

heh. private joke. wahahahahahahahaha!

The PUNK officially starts now.

Nicky in action.

Nicky the hairstylist.

funky!

joker revamped.

manicure and pedicure.

The torture chamber.

Partners in crime? Oh yeah.

Joker. Sharon jie, your husband??

Like father like son. muahahaha

Here are the videos. ENJOY.
Muahahahaha!

Video 1:

Video 2:

Video 3:

Video 4:

Video 5:

Okay, that's all. Who's birthday is next? hahahaha.

World Cup Fever!!!

2006-07-10T16:04:00.000+12:00

One update coming right up.

Yesterday was one busy but FUN day. A group of us went to Marina Square. Shop, eat, walk and other stuff. We 'camped' (read: sleeping bag) over at Rachel's house to watch the last match for this year's World Cup. Too much to update. You gotta just read the pictures.

Oh, and a video too. *grin*

Enjoy.

Another ball fetish? hmmm....

me and rach have a sunglasses fetish now. New hobby!

retro!

finally a normal picture!

brownie with ice cream! *satisfied sigh*

I didn't do it!

rach did this!

daryl looking at UFO...

daryl looking like a ~~retard~~ angel.

daryl cooking?!?

guess who...

Here's the video where Daryl TRIED to act like a chef.

2006-07-07T18:12:00.000+12:00

I was listening to Perfect 10 two nights ago.
And Hutch (what a weird name) had this male caller call up to answer the question,
"What is love to you?"

And this male caller rattled off one whole long poem about love being this, that, yadda yadda.
Then in conclusion he said this,

"Love is like chicken."

Here I was trying to fall asleep and this weirdo of a caller gives his long, drony, speech on love in his
I-am-a-geek-trying-to-a-get-a-date-but-SDU-won't-help-me whiny, melancholic voice.

The perfect cure for insomnia.... NOT!

Hutch went, "What? Chicken?"

Then this guy said one of the most sensible things to come out from a guy's voice. He said,
"Love is like chicken because everyone can eat it. Malay cannot eat pork. Indian cannot eat beef. But chicken everybody can eat."

And Hutch went, "Oh." and then he played some dumb song.
(Where's Shan Wee???)

I was about to stand up and applaud when a thought struck me.
"Then vegetarian how?"

GAH! So much for high hopes of a NON-EXISTANT male species that every girl dreams of.

Updates, updating, UPDATED!

2006-07-05T03:31:00.000+12:00

Alright alright.
~~Demanding~~ Asking me to update just once is enough. (haha =D)
I don't really have much of an interesting update (God, I take back my plea for having less drama in my life. I'm sorry.)
BUT!!!
I do have LOTS and LOTS of pictures.
Random pictures. Some really hilarious. Some only certain people will understand. All kinds LAH. I shall let you decide for yourself what they mean. You shall do the interpreting YOURSELF. Let your creative juices flow (teehee.)
OKAY! I shall not be THAT mean, I will give you hints.
I shall not keep you waiting. Go ahead and scrutinise.

this was the topping for nicky's and rach's ice cream. =D

I know you're thinking: "Another ball fetish."
All I can say is wait til you see the other pictures.

Yeah, yeah. I didn't do it okay. It was the rest.
*Shakes head vigorously*. I've been accused!

See That!?! Told ya I'm innocent.

The next few pictures are from some of the most wonderful people I've ever met. who PUNK'D me. Bleah. (Kidding!) Love you all!

Guess what's inside.

Tadah!

yum!

me and rach at paul baloche's concert and workshop.

this is the bane of my very existance. (alright, not really.)

I know. But I sort of like the artsy feel.

Yeah yeah. GO ahead and say it's a ball fetish. I SAY it's a food fetish.

Alrights, only rach knows this. *teehee*

john, any sweet memories?

haha, ONE of the masterminds.

Rachel Tan! My partner in crime!

erm, daryl???

Okie dokie, that's all. No more. BYE.

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

Indescribable.

2006-06-29T18:54:00.000+12:00

This morning I woke up and this song was ringing in my head non-stop.
I love this song and the words are so meaningful.
And yes, I am thankful that I can see and feel the sunshine.
Feel and smell the rain.
See the grass, the flowers, the sky.
Hear the birds chirp.
No, I did not just encounter a near-death experience

or just come out of depression, neither am I beserk (can't I just be thankful?).

I just realise that I haven't been thankful enough or thankful lately.

NOTHING BAD HAPPENED okay?

But I just want to be thankful for life.

To enjoy every moment of it.

To tell everybody around me how thankful I am for everyone of you.

To be thankful for all the wonderful people I call FRIENDS.

To not wait til anything is too late.

Here's quote from one of my favourite authors:

"I like living. I have sometimes been wildly despairing, acutely miserable, racked with sorrow, but through it all, I still know quite certainly that just to be alive is a grand thing."

- Agatha Christie

This song that you are listening to now has really meaningful words and

I hope it speaks to you as much as it has to me.
Enjoy.

Chris Tomlin: Indescribable.
From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea
Creation's revealing Your majesty
From the colours of fall to the fragrance of spring
Every creature unique in the song that it sings
All exclaiming

Indescribable, uncontainable
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God

Who has told every lightning bolt where it should go
Or seen heavenly storehouses laden with snow
Who imagined the sun and gives source to its light
Yet conceals it to bring us the coolness of night
None can fathom

Indescribable, uncontainable
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
Incomparable, unchangeable
You see the depths of my heart and You love me the same
You are amazing God
You are amazing God

for the one and only BUM

2006-06-27T13:08:00.000+12:00

This post is dedicated to JOHN LOH, so if you ain't him..........
it doesn't matter.
Cause even if I say you aren't supposed to read, you'll still read right?
ANYWAY,
Happy 18th Birthday JOHNNNNN!
1. You are finally biologically 18.
(Mentally is another thing. NAH, kidding!)
2. You are the most incredible BUM.
(that sounds wrong, but heck!) 3. Thank you for being such a wonderful friend. 4. Thank you for wanting to make me fat by giving me chocolates. (hahaha, nice try.)5. Thank you for holding my book hostage. (wait a minute, did I just thank you for that?)6. Thank you for so much more.The kaypoh people are all reading this so I shall not write anymore. Happy Birthday again to the best bum in the world. Love you.This post is dedicated to you. (Now, we're even.) =D

Thank you!

2006-06-26T05:52:00.000+12:00

I am touched. Moved. Truly grateful. Deeply emotional.

I'm usually the one doing the surprising and I never once thought that I'd get punk'd back. I can't believe I fell for it. And to think of all the bloopers, slip-of-the-tongues, RIGHT in front of me and I didn't realise it. HAHA! But thank you so so much. I really appreciate your efforts.
Thanks to all the people who organised the surprise farewell party. It was.... SURPRISING! haha. Thousand thank yous to the many wonderfully, terrifically, fabulously fantastic people.

I shall thank you one by one in alphabetical order so as to not create any misunderstanding. In case your name appears last it's not cos I appreciate you the least but because the first letter of you name falls way back at the end of the alphabet. So blame your name (Just kidding!). And if your name does not appear here, it's because I didn't know you read my blog. Tell me and I'll add your name in for a minimal fee of $0.45 per word.
(Nah, just kidding.)

Here goes:

Andrew
Firstly, thanks for the many memories that we've shared. All the ups and downs since way way back. And all the stupid stuff we did together. It's been really fun knowing you. Thank you for being there for me when I needed somebody. The past few months have been awkward therefore I was really touched when you opened up just now. And yes, we will catch up soon. Let me know! (Sorry you had to stifle your sneezes)

Carol (I don't know if you read my blog but heck la!)
Thanks Carol for being there. Though I hardly know you, I thank you for being there, it made a difference!

Daphne
Thank you so much Daph for the card and the poem, I really appreciate it and I don't know how to express it in words but THANK YOU SO MUCH! (I hope the bolding and underlining does it justice). You've been a really good friend, always being there for me to talk to and for listening. Thank you so so much. Love you!

Daryl
DARYL LEE YONG MING CATERPILLAR! haha. Thanks so much. I don't know where to even start. I've known you for only a year plus, BUT, you've been one of the most faithful and constant friends I've had. No matter what, I know you'll always be there for me. You've been a great listener and a great adviser. Thank you for all the lame and crappy jokes. But most of all, thank you for your friendship. Love ya!

E-Van
Hey E-Van, it was only til ystday that I remembered all the fun times we had together. And yes, I enjoyed it terribly too. Thinking back and remembering how close we used to be makes me guilty for it not continuing to be. I'm really sorry and it may be a little too late.But nonethless, thank you so much for all the wonderful memories. You're a nice and funny girl. Thank you for your friendship!

Fiona
Fion Fion! My ***-**-**. I can't spell it out cause this is controversial ground. As long as you know, Iknow and someone else knows, that's fine. haha. Anyway, you've been someone very tolerant. WE I have always been teasing you about you-know-what but never once have you gotten upset or angry(but actually, why should you get angry? you're suppposed to like it. Nah, kidding!). Thank you for being the 'stable one'. Thanks for being there tonight, I know it isn't easy to get you out of your house. Thank you so much!

Jerome
Thanks Jerome for being much part of my life. I realise I've know you for quite some time already. But you've always been in the quiet side. Thank you for being so understanding.AND helpful. You were always ready to help the girls with their bags during ophir. Thank you for your friendship. Seeya at ophir trainings!

John
BUM! Where do I even start? Firstly, thank you so much for being my friend, my listening ear and my spelling (read: wEIrd) adviser. I haven't really had much time to get to know you better. But during the last 6 months, you've always been there. Thank you for your constant mindless chatter. Thank you for your occasional msges to ask me how I am and how I'm doing. Thank you for being so caring. I really appreciate all that you've done for me. (Esp your advice on freako).Thank you for your friendship. (You'll have to find another alarm clock though). Love you!

Joyce
I'm going to miss the girl so much. MY girlfriend of 7 years. Ok, not really. We used to be enemies for the first 3, 4 years. haha. But still, THANK YOU. You've been a must-have in my life. You were there for me during the hardest and toughest times. Thank you for being silently there. Always comforting.I'll miss your craziness and all the things that make you tick. hahaha. That's alright, cause we'll still have our once-a-month stayovers. Love you always!

Karen
Thanks Karen for just being you. You've been the most STABLE friend I've ever had. One that I know I can always turn to no matter what, no matter when. No amount of words can say how much I appreciate you and your friendship, all I want to say is a huge
THANK YOU and I love you always!

Kenneth
I appreciate your effort to try to make things better. Thank you for being encouraging in the worship ministry. I appreciate your efforts. All that's passed, is history. No hard feelings. Thank you for all that you've done!

Kian Kei
My son and the first person in the whole of YMM that I met first. You've been my longest friend! You are one great guy and a really good friend. Your constant liveliness keeps me going. I appreciate the small little things and thoughts of kindness that you do once in awhile. I love you so much. You'll always have a place in my heart. The next 'KK' I meet will be no fight compared to you. Love you!

Kian Kuen
Ahhh, my brother. I've got too much to say. First up, thank you for being you. Even though I ~~always~~ tease you, deep down I know you're a great listener and a really great friend. You've always been there for me to listen, to share, to advise. I know I can always count on you to be there for me. The rest of the thank yous are in the card. I don't know how else to thank you. But here's a try anyway,
THANK YOU! I love you!

Michael
Thank you Mic for all your small talks on the boat to and from Dompak.I'll never forget those moments. Thank you for being a huge part of my life. Thank you so much for all the little things you do. Like sending me home. Buying food to my house during the mission meetings. Just being so ever quietly present. Thank you so much!

Nicky
Nick! We go waaaay back to P6 chit chat cell. All the fun church camps and youth camps. REM persecuted church?? I know our friendship has been full of ups and downs. But this roller coaster ride has been a great one. Thank you for the time you take to msg me and ask me how I am. Thank you for being so caring when I know I don't deserve nice treatment from you. You'll always be my eclair, hard on the ouside but soft and sweet on the inside. I love you!

Rachel
The one and only BEST. The mastermind. The first-class acting. I'll miss you the most. You're the only one who will go crazy with me. The only one who will take funny poses for the camera with me. All the crazy private (boink!) jokes we share! Your quiet side and listening ear are heart-warming. And yes, you're right, I would do exactly the same thing for you. I know it was your idea, thank you so much. You've not only been a great crazy companion, you've been a fabulous friend and my confidant. We both know that we're very similar and maybe that's why we hit it off so well. Thank you for eveything you've done Rach. I'll always be here for you the same way you've been here for me. All my other thank yous are in the card. I love you with all my heart! (Thank your mum for me!)

Tomsum
How can I even start to thank you two? You've done so much, I can't even keep track. Anyway, thank you for taking care of me. Being always caring and open. I know that I can always count on you. Thanks so much for everything, I really don;t know any other way to say thank except to say THANK YOU. (sounds wrong. haha!) Baby Joash is really fortunate! I love you both so much!

Veron
VERON!!! I've only known you( as in really know) for quite a short time. But still, thank you for the private jokes we share(snigger). You know and I know.That's enough. You're a wonderful comforter( no pun intended) and thank you so much for your friendship.

These are all the things I want to say personally to you people just now but I was too much of an emotional wreck to even pronounce properly. This is only part of what I want to say. To all the wonderful people who put in so much effort to organise, plan, and carry it out, THANK YOU again. I hope all your names are up.

It's only when you're about to lose something that you truly understand how much it's worth. I apologise to the people I haven't made the effort to get to know better.

I thank the people who have made my stay in YMM a most terrific one.Each and every one of you have impacted my life and made a huge difference. I'm not dead, just moving. I'll come back and visit once in a while. Thank you for the surprise, thank you for the brainstorming,thank you for the combined efforts. I am truly touched. I'll never forget it.Thank you so so much. It's been great knowing all of you. Thank you all. =D

Thank you to all for all your gifts. Thanks so much for the effort. Esp the red gummy bears! I only noticed it after I reached home. You guys picked out the red gummy bears!!! And dark chocolate. You guys know me so well. I am really really touched. Thank you, thank you! *MUACKS!*

Here's a song dedicated to all of you.
I chose this song because you people make my life beautiful.

"A Beautful Life (La Bella Vita)" by Lindsay Lohan.

God wont talk to me
I guess she's pretty busy lately
I'd like to believe
She's listening
I'm starting to feel
All of my bruises imagined or real
And I'll get through each day
I dig through the bad ones
To get to the good ones
Who's keeping score anyway

And this is my beautiful life
The only thing certain is everything changes
Lows and the highs
And all those goodbyes
As hard as it gets I know it's still amazing
To be alive
It's a beautiful life

I talk in my sleep
That's the one place
I know no one can hear me
I tell my self things
Don't walk in the shadows,
there's always tommorow
And I'm right where I want to be

Oh it hurts while it's happening
I wanna feel everything
How will you know til you try?

I'm sorry I can't get the song up here. Blogger hates me. But I'll try to put up a link. Do try to hear the song. It's really meaningful (except the part where God's a she.)

I hope this link is good enough. Tell me if you find a better one.

http://l0stb0ne.tripod.com/beautiful_life.mp3

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

2006-06-12T22:41:00.000+12:00

It's been two great days!

Here's a little update before I concuss and go to slp.haha

Girls Night! (11th June 2006)

The girls ( Rachel, Michelle, Joyce and Shumin) came over to my place ystday night. It was one wild night and shumin learned alot of new words too! (right mich,rach n ice cream sellers?) Anyway, I can't reveal much but I shall let the photos do the talking.

First up, we decided to bake cookies (yes! at 10 plus at night.) Here's the process:

yup, that's the cookie dough.

Here's a short video clip.

Girls Day Out!-Sentosa (12th June 2006)
After watching 13 going on 30 and slping at 3 plus( and also after alot of nonsensical babbling), we finally went to slp. and amazingly we managed to getup at 730. We reached Sentosa at 11 plus. Don't ask why we took so long. Anyway, enjoy the talking pictures again!

rach, min, michjoyce

that's all for now. i gotta go slp before i knock out any moment. tata!

2006-06-07T03:06:00.000+12:00

Woman, without her man, is helpless................................Woman! Without her, man is helpless. Moral: Always read the whole blog entry before jumping to conclusions.

Attack Of The Balls

2006-06-05T18:04:00.000+12:00

Ok, so here's a little update.

Let's just call it The Attack Of The Balls. (muahahaha)
It all started with a harmless supper with karen, michelle and rachel.
There's not much of a story so i'll let the pictures do the talking.
go figure it out yourself.

Michelle's and Rachel's balls.

Nick's balls.

(this is thanks to nicky's 'artistic' talent)

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

SundayWe went for The GDOP.There's not much to talk about so once again, I shall let the pictures do the talking.

(HAHAHA!)

there's alot more actually but these are all for now. cheerios!......................p.s/ look out for Part 3 of Freako Video.

Spaghetti!

2006-05-31T02:34:00.000+12:00

DISCLAIMER: All results vary from household to household.

If your attempt turns sour (no pun intended), it is your own fault.

Steps to healthy, home-made spaghetti:

1. Cook your spaghetti in boiling water with approximately 3drops of olive oil. Remove the noodles from the pot when the noodles are yellow on the outside and white on the inside. (something like that, haha!) and run cold water over it to prevent the noodles from sticking together/clumping.

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

2. Next, stir fry one cut onion(depending on your serving size-this serves four huge portions) til they turn slightly brown. Following which you throw in the meat( in this case I use beef) til all the meat is cooked.

tada!

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

3. Now, all hail the almighty Prego Spaghetti sauce. The answer to the prayers of the modern, working woman.
Anyways, pour the sauce into a pot, adding water if your prefer it watery, and heat.

When it starts to boil, throw in the rest of your ingredients. (tomatos, capsicums, and meat.) Throw in,this is a must-have for cheese freaks, the cheese last just before serving.

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

and VOILA! Ready to eat.

yum!

2006-05-10T21:19:00.000+12:00

celebrated an early mother's day today.
went to sizzler's.(again, as usual.)
anyway, the service today was crummy.
but the food was alright.

this was mine.

this was my sister's

and this is what my grandparents ate...
....for dessert.
but I was so amused looking at them eat chocolate ice cream.
and yeah, it does look like shit.

2006-05-03T03:57:00.000+12:00

music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy.

-Ludwig van Beethoven

today is sushi day!

2006-05-02T00:12:00.000+12:00

okie dokie.
today was FUN!
it was sushi-making day!
today's public holiday is labour day and
heaven knows how labourous it was making all those sushis. haha

here's some photos....

alright,
the two rows on the extreme right are made by my mum.
the two in the middle(one cut and the other not) are made by yours truly. *applaud please*
and the last row is by....
*ahem*
.... by my beloved sister. the extreme left row. (yeah, the wrinkled, crunched up ones)

muahahahaha

ok, so this is the nicer presentation.

it was generally quite fun.(at first)
making the first row was especially exciting.
then the second row.
and by the time i was doing the third row,
it felt like i could continue til his kingdom comes
and i would only be still stuffing cucumber into the rice and seaweed.

and by the way, its not that we made so few.
it just happened that we kept eating while we were making it.
hahaha

overall, it was fun.
real fun.

toilet-bowl day!

2006-04-13T18:59:00.000+12:00

DISCLAIMER No. 1:
this post is kinda graphic.
so if you're doing any of these activities:
eating
drinking
hoping to get inspiration by reading this enlightening post
or carrying your baby(!?!?!)
while reading this post,i suggest you stop everything and read this first. if not, things might get kinda ugly....
...and messy.

anyways, what happens when you've got food poisoning and you have a nasty diarrhoea and you've to go in and out of the toilet the whole day and sometimes the flush doesn't flush like its supposed to? well, NO FEAR, i figured the top ten toilet flushing ways.
take your pick:

1. try again and flush it the normal way, silly.

2. wait for the flush to stop making that DAMN IRRITATING flushing noise and flush again.

3. forget about it......and wait for your mother to scream at you when she chances upon it later.....then go flush it AGAIN.

4. flush it down with a pail of water.
(highly encouraged!!! its the sane-est way.)

5. torture your family members by leaving it there til you parents finally call the plumber.

6. pay your sis (or bro) 5bucks to flush it for you.

7. try sweet talking the holy bowl to flush by itself.

8. if that doesn't work, try shouting all kinds of obscenities that are in your vocab and threaten the damn bowl.

9. if it still doesn't flush, now try promising the holy bowl that you won't shit for the rest of the day. (but rem to consider that you're having a diarrhoea. so unless you like the constipated feeling, you better not try this. or your shit might come up ~~the other way~~.)
get what i mean?

10. if all else fails,pray really really hard and hope that you'll get some enlightened revelation on how to flush it right.

DISCLAIMER No. 2:
only the first four methods have been tried and tested.
you therefore agree hereby that if you try any of the above methods and for any unforseen circumstance should it fail, you will not hold the author of this post liable to any responsibities.

2006-04-12T21:20:00.000+12:00

quote of the day:
everyone wants to go to heaven but not everyone wants to ~~die~~.

my untitled post

2006-04-05T20:45:00.000+12:00

It's wednesday already!
I wonder which litttle birdy said time flies?
ANYWAYS, ystday, my cousin and I tried our luck at going swimming( yeah I know, in the midst of a not-supposed-to-be-rainy-but-it-is-still-raining season).
But so much for nice weather for the first 4 laps. It was sunny, and I was hoping for a nice tan, AS USUAL.
BUT JUST THEN, it started pouring like nobody's business. and did it stop?
Hell no.
Dang.
So what do we do? we sit there like idiots and wait for the rain to stop.
Smart eh?
So by now you've got this burning question to ask, "HOW LONG DID YOU TWO WAIT?"
damn!
we waited from 3 to 430!
I'm still quite sore about it.
so much for sunny singapore.

OH, by the way, here's the pic of the red gummy bears.
I know it looks kinda (ok, VERY) obscene. but heck, here it is.

by the way, photos posted here will appear a little blur, so u gotta click on it to see it clearly.
(not that i doubt that any of you clever people reading will have any difficulty, but well, you never know rite.......)

p.s/ I will be constantly changing the songs here. So get used to it 'hon. [stop asking WHY WHY WHY] just **** ** *** read. GO FIGURE.

2006-04-03T20:50:00.000+12:00

Daph asked me a question that really got me thinking.
"Does everything happen for a reason?"
The answer is YES.
But why? I have no clue.
Take for example my leaving soon. I would have to admit that when I first knew about it, which was about 4+ months ago, I was flabberghasted. Leaving had never occured as an option to me.I had practically grown up in YMM and the thought of leaving was 'morbid' to me.

But when I searched deeper, I realised that what was holding me back was not so much because I had to leave everything and everyone behind me,(don't get me wrong, I WILL miss u people.) but the fact that I was leaving my 'comfort zone'. Somewhere that I didn't have to always make the extra effort to meet new people. Somewhere that people already knew you.

I guess the stigma of starting all over again and being 'the new kid' struck me very hard. It was a matter of Pride vs. Reason. Having to leave behind 7 years-and-counting of friendships is the toughest change that I have yet to experience. Having to leave behind everything that I have 'worked so hard to achieve' in YMM is also one of the toughest things for me.

And honestly, I'm still not quite over the "I'm-ready-to-make-this-move" phase yet. I still struggle with it every now and then. Yet, deep down I know that this is probably the right thing to do. And maybe one day, just one day, a few years from now, I'll look back and ask myself why I made such a big fuss to move. Of course I will also look back and say that these years in YMM have been one of the most fun and memorable ones. Albeit everyone may have moved on, some friendships broken, some forgotten, some still hanging there barely surviving,and possibly some still strong, memories will always be there to remind you that there was always something to be grateful for.

So back to daph's question, "Does everything happen for a reason?"
My answer is still YES.
Then maybe you ask, "Do you know what's your reason for leaving and can you guarantee that you'll be happy with this decision?"
My answer is NO.
Because I am taking a risk. But even then reframing my mindset does play a big part in this whole "do-I-really-have-to-move?" uncertainty. Occasionally when I am having one of those "I-am-depressed-so-please-piss-off" days, I always ask "WHY ME?".But then I remember: Everyone goes through their own struggles, their own disapointments,their own heartbreaks, their own secret pain. Things that they don't voice out. But things that they live with.

So who said life was fair? I beg to differ.

p.s/ to daph, I hope this answers your question.

announcement

2006-03-30T21:30:00.000+12:00

ANNOUNCEMENT!
hey everybody reading,
recently i've been bombarded with many questions.
so to be fair, i guess i will just announce it here.
My last day in ymm will be the 25th of JUNE.
and just to assure the kind, caring, loving ppl(what would i do without u ppl)
who are paranoid [you know who you are], listen up:
I promise not to leave or disappear without saying anything.
In fact i have just given you about 3month's notice.
I know this is all very sudden and doesn't seem to make sense, but, it is not a rash decision.
should you have any other questions (which i know u ppl have many), please come and ask me directly. sorry if i haven't really answered the questions beoing asked, cos honestly,
i don't really know how to answer your questions and i don't know the answers myself either.
It hasn't been easy and it won't be easy, but thanks to the many people who have made it much easier to bear with. (this sounds so drama.)
anyways, thank you very much. i love u all. :)
p.s/ this will be the last sad-sounding post. (except for the one on 25th june i guess)

thank you thank you!

2006-03-30T17:20:00.000+12:00

firstly, thank you kei! for helping me with this darn thing.
just goes to show i'm not a "techie". haha
but i'm still a little bit blur here and there.
anyway,like i said, this is like some online house-warming.
sooo...... officially, today is opening day! yay! *applaud please*
excellent! so now that this is over and done with, happy reading!
this article officially ends here. (right there at that full-stop)

p.s/ you might see another post here later.
that would mean i'm really bored.
muahahaha. (btw, you're not supposed to be reading this. this post has expired.)

let the show begin!

2006-03-29T21:10:00.000+12:00

Okay, so I started a blog that I doubt I'd keep. I can't rem who told me that I probably might stop updating after awhile. Who knows right? So, we'll see. =D