In a world of my own

2011 - A landmark year...

2011-12-30T23:03:00.008+08:00

Once again, it's the end of the year. In about 25 hours time, people will start switching their calendars which has 2011 splashed across the front page, to those lined with 2012.

It has been a year with pretty little ups and downs I would say. One which I would fondly remember for the rest of my life as many major events splashed through the year.

Firstly, it was my final semester as an undergraduate in NTU. Thanks to my stupid idea of wanting to do a mini-FYP, I finally got a true feel of what it was like to be a scientist (and a slave of somebody...). Although I didn't enjoy it as much as I would have liked to, I am still thankful for the opportunity and the resilience I built up throughout my FYP period. I also got to know some coursemates better, especially my long time friend (since pri sch), Ann Gomez and other FYP mates. Thanks guys! We endured together and we made it to the finish line! :)

The lab I was working in for 4 months

The final presentation

And then, of course, the moment that we had been waiting for ever since the start of our course, GRADUATION! Really glad my family finally took a photo studio shot. :) And of course, Convocation was the final gathering of the friends and coursemates we have made during our uni years... Everybody seemed grown up, seemed changed.... seemed more ready for the harsh realities that the world has to offer....

Studio shot with family :)

Who would forget the wonder grad trips??!! Truly the best time of my year!

After 10 years of knowing each other, the Kampong Buddies made a wonderfully fantastic trip to Sydney and Melbourne, Australia! You guys truly rock my life! :)

Kampong Buddies!

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Part of the 12 Apostles

The jiemeis also made a exceptionally amazing trip to Taiwan!!! You guys rock my life as well!!! :)

The Jiemeis!

Taipei 101 which we didn't go up...

How I wish June would never come to an end. But obviously it did. I still remember all the crazy worrying and anxiety about not being able to find a job and what nots... All the crazy job search, sending out resumes to numerous companies... In the end, 3 replied, 3 offered and I took up one of it. There was The Learning Lab, Sime Darby and SPF, and the choice was obvious for me, though I did really really struggle with the last two.... Hopefully, my choice was the right one. Only time will tell....

2011 was truly a time of transition... From student to employee... from young adult to adult... from child-likeness to maturity... from foolish to sensible.... From long hair to short! All these in a year. A year which I will never forget.

May 2012 bring along with it lots of joy and laughter! And I just pray that I will be able to survive and live to enjoy the process! Cheers to all! :):)

Chill out with friends!

2011-11-20T18:46:00.005+08:00

I always enjoy having food with friends, not just an opportunity for eating, but a great time for true blue catching up and heart-to-heart talks... Even when we make tons of noise in the restaurant, we're still not embarrassed and have the best time of our lives... :)

Thanks to all my friends! :) Love all you guys!

(And hopefully we don't make too much noise at Adeline's sister's wedding. ;P)

and a BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BELOVED DAD (aka peeps!)!!!!

Love you so so so so much!!!!!! :):):) 20.11.2011

No Book-In tonight!

2011-10-02T21:17:00.002+08:00

Sunday nights are usually nights which are dreaded by me, because it's usually book-in night!

But tonight, I get to spend it at home! And the feeling is AWESOME!

You never really know how precious certain days are until you lose it. My weekday nights are all spent within the four walls of the academy... And I never really felt how important the time spent at home on weeknights were!

Ah, can finally sleep on my own bed for 2 weeks straight! :)

Attachments, here I come! Hopefully, it's exciting!

Updates

2011-08-29T10:48:00.002+08:00

It's been more than a month since I've been in the force....

Interesting 5 weeks it has been. We're forbidden from blogging or mentioning too much about what lies within the walls of this organisation. Apparently, they have someone who just checks Facebook and any other websites of employees.... Scary huh?!

Anyway, glad to have this short break after our first ever deployment. It was tough to keep awake throughout the entire counting period! But we survived!

Gonna go do some shopping later! Woohoo! :)

A new chapter begins!

2011-07-24T20:48:00.001+08:00

A new chapter in my life begins tomorrow!

Wish me luck!

The little encouragements!

2011-07-23T20:52:00.002+08:00

Godpa is currently in Australia and he's the one who's been following up on my job choice closely. I'm really glad that he's been there for me and have always been the one encouraging me and supporting me in all that I do!

Sometimes, even when he can't bear to let me go, he still encourages me to go ahead and do what I believe is right. Like my US exchange trip.

We've been corresponding through emails these past few days while he's on his workshop. I truly love to receive emails from him, because it's always filled with little excitements in his life. I've been telling him about my life as well, about the orientation which I've attended and my little preparations for my course. Was telling him about the super smart scholars in my squad and perhaps, I was sounding a little pessimistic. His reply:

Dear God-otter,

Peace! You are also a 'scholar of faith'. You'll be fine. Please do not be overcome by these credentials. You have my prayer and support.

The first phrase truly put a smile onto my face! Thanks Godpa! You have no idea how much you mean to me in my life! :)

"Welcome to the working world!"

2011-07-19T22:32:00.003+08:00

"Welcome to the working world!" That's what my friend told me on Facebook.... I find it a rather interestingly amusing phrase.... Well, work is something not that desirable, somewhat carrying with it a relatively sad tone, and yet, my friend has decided to 'welcome' me into it with such enthusiasm and positivity! Such sarcasm huh?!

But anyway, I'll be going through 3 days of orientation tomorrow. The official start of work, which is the 9-month training course, will begin on 25th July, Monday. If you ask me whether I'm really looking forward to it, my reply would be 'kinda'... However, I feel that I haven't played enough! Why did the holidays have to end so quickly?? :(

Today was my last day to truly do anything at all. So I took the opportunity to go down to M1 to change my iphone... haha. It isn't spoilt or anything. It's just that the Home button was getting a little unresponsive (and when I say little, I mean really LITTLE!). Sometimes when I press it, it doesn't respond, sometimes, it'll register as a double-click. So I thought, let's just make use of the 1-for-1 exchange (1 year warranty) to change it. The funny thing was, when I reached Paragon, I wanted to go to the washroom first. AND AND AND, I met Miss Giam in there!!!!! haha such a coincidence.

It also just so happened that when I wished her Happy Birthday last week, we commented that we should meet up with each other either on Monday or Tuesday this week, but I was in Malaysia yesterday and today, being the last day before work, I wanted to just stay home to rest. Really damn qiao lor! And she wanted to go to the M1 shop with her mum-in-law to get her a new phone. So we managed to catch up for a while in the shop.

Btw, many people are utterly shocked by my choice to join the SPF... Especially the teachers. Miss Giam, Mr Tan JS, etc. etc... Sometimes, when I receive that kind of 'feedback face', I get a little discouraged. Did they think I made a rash decision or did they think that it's not suited for me? But Natasha totally made me realise that I did not make a rash decision at all. At the CJ retreat which we were facilitating, she went around telling everybody how while we were still in CJ, I kept telling people I wanted to be in the police force and that was my dream. She said she was really happy for me to have gone on the path that I have dreamed about for such a while. Funny how it takes people around you to help you realise certain things.... I myself have already forgotten the things I said in CJ about this dream.... (the only period I can remember saying I wanna be in the police force was after I started uni) Miss Giam also felt that I am flexible and that I should be able to adapt well... Hopefully what she said is true!

Btw, I got a 'new' phone.... My mum kept saying it's probably a refurbished set, which I believe it is too... But oh wells, should be able to last me another year! :)

Flying off again!

2011-06-17T22:31:00.001+08:00

Off to Taiwan with the Jiemeis tomorrow!

Food, food, food! Plus shopping...

Aiyah, was unable to blog about my Aussie trip. Will do a double entry on Aussie and Taiwan when I'm back! :)

Anyway, regarding job choice, I've decided to don the blue uniform... Hope I will not regret this choice in time to come. Guide me oh Lord!

Back to Australia!

2011-05-26T11:07:00.002+08:00

3 years ago, I was in Sydney for World Youth Day 2008. It was an enjoyable time with much reflection and less sightseeing.

I'm going to leave for Australia today once again, back to Sydney and an added Melbourne! This time, with the company of my kampong buddies from secondary school. Am just hoping to rest and relax and enjoy my time before working life begins!

See you on 8th June! :)

Dilemmas and Choices

2011-05-24T17:34:00.004+08:00

I once saw this on someone's FB status: The hardest choice is not between what is right and what is wrong. But rather two rights.

Indeed, how true this sentence it, and it has been swirling in my head for the past few days.

I was offered a job at Sime Darby as a management trainee. The pay is not that bad for a fresh grad, exciting job prospects, lots of things to learn and space for me to grow. In the meantime, I am also waiting for a response from the SPF. A 'dream' job that has been something I have been thinking about for the past 4 years, ever since I started uni, with the added influence of my dad, who's a retired policeman.

Both offers me completely different job scopes, yet both exciting and has a future. The risk here of course is that if I decide to wait for SPF, I might not get a job altogether, given that SPF might not offer me anything in the end (although I've gone through all five rounds, including the medical checkup). And then if I decide to give up SPF and just accept Sime Darby, I risk losing the opportunity of joining SPF ever again in future. According to a friend, they do blacklist you if you reject them, especially since I've gone through so many rounds, only to say NO when I'm one step away from getting in...

There are so many other factors to consider. And it has not been an easy 4-5 days for me. The struggles and the constant battles in my mind. The trying-to-hear-God-speak over the last few days. I've been getting varied responses from people I've approached. Ultimately, to me, it is where God wants me to go...

Yesterday afternoon, I actually set my mind on waiting for the SPF already.... But I received a call at 1+am (1.42am to be exact), advising me to just accept Sime Darby first. Haha, it's really amusing... Because I started thinking, is God trying to tell me something??

So yup, the constant battle with myself is intense and overwhelming. So I have put my mind on just accepting Sime Darby first. Called HR just now, and she was in a meeting. Waiting for her to call back.... Haha, I'm hoping she doesn't.... Then I have one more night to think about it.... (And one more day for SPF to contact me, which is highly unlikely!)

By the way, if you're thinking, why not call SPF to chase them, well, I have. They haven't received my medical yet.

So it's back to a waiting game from both sides.... God, please guide me....

Of evil people in the world....

2011-05-24T16:57:00.005+08:00

So this is it. It's the end of my undergrad life....

Amazing how time flies. I still remember the times when I wished that uni life would end as soon as possible.... And now the time has come, yet it feels all so surreal...

I think one of the worst times I've had in NTU would actually be my Final Year Project in the final semester. I had a very very horrible mentor who really treats me like a slave. While

I'm slogging in the lab running her bloody columns, she's sitting outside watching videos. But I decided to suck it up and just get through the semester, without complaints! Turns out, I am damn tolerant....

On the day of my presentation, I heard from one of my batchmates that the mentor has been an ass ever since she started mentoring students.... He himself, after one month, went to complain to our prof supervisor and refused to continue under her. Another friend, actually broke down on a day, when he had to run three freaking columns.... Imagine, a GUY, breaking down.... I must admit that there have been times I really wanted to break down as well, but I just persevered. I knew that if I could get through that, then anything thrown at me in the future would be easy peasy! One day after my presentation, another batchmate said that she o

nce had a summer research student who totally couldn't stand her, and even fought with her....

After hearing all these, I didn't feel alone anymore. I was relieved. I was happy. It was such an amazing feeling of having something being lifted off. Thank God for these stories and people.

This post sets to remind me that, I can persevere and endure as long as I put my mind to it.... Don't need to care about what others say, or what others have done. Because I know that if I can make it through any tribulations, I will come out as a stronger person! :)

P.S. Initially, I bought cookies for me mentor (as appreciation)... After hearing the stories my friends told me, I brought the cookies back to enjoy them myself!!! HAHAHAHAHAHA

Thoughts on Cooling Off Day

2011-05-06T23:22:00.005+08:00

Yes, it's the hot hot elections which is what everyone on the streets have been talking about. Everywhere I go, I would definitely hear some talk about polling, different party names popping out, at the bus stop, in the canteen, on the bus, etc. etc.

Till now, I have largely reserved most of my comments to limited spaces, such as face-to-face conversations with friends and probably a little smatter of it on Twitter. Well, it's not because I'm apathetic. On the contrary, I'm super into the whole elections thing, and have been trying to keep up with it all this while, on the news and on the web. One of the main reasons for doing so is because I find it very very very hard to remain neutral while presenting my thoughts and views. In fact, when I have my face-to-face conversations with friends, I tend to seem to contradict myself, or be swaying both ways, as I state the facts...

But it's cooling day, and probably in less than 12 hours, I'll be making my way to Pei Hwa Presbyterian Primary School to make my vote. I've more or less made my decision as to who I am voting for (but of course, I'm trying my best not to reveal it here.... It's SECRET!). Before this, I would say that I am a complete swing voter! Even up till the day before yesterday, I was still trying to decide which party in Holland-Bukit Timah, PAP vs SDP, I wanted to vote for.

I made sure I attended both the PAP and SDP rallies so that I can get a balanced viewpoint before I cast my vote tomorrow.

Let me just state some of my criteria for voting:

1. 5-year plan for my GRC

So basically, I am looking out for which party has the most concrete plan (if any) for my estate in the next 5 years. After all, I am pretty sure that I will continue living in the apartment which I currently call home. I definitely want my surroundings to be a pleasant and vibrant place to be in. I must say, till this day, having lived here for 22/23 years of my life, I truly enjoy the surroundings of my estate. Of course, I do not wish for it to remain stagnant. I want it to be developed further and to be improved upon. Are there going to be opportunities to take part in some of the happenings? Am I going to get a safe and comfortable environment for me and my family? Are we able to get help, if ever one day, we need it? Which party is able to execute its plans (if any)?

2. For Singapore

Which party, out of the two, is going to be able to best represent me in the parliament and which one is going to be able to make life better for me? Which is able to be think about me and just be standing in parliament, going all out for me? Which is able to display servant leadership and not just be a master leader? Who has the ability to implement good policies, such that Singapore has a bright future ahead and that I can continue to live here without much worries? Are the manifestos presented feasible and workable? Do the manifestos seem attractive, but have fine prints hidden, such that citizens will be at the losing end?

3. Sincerity and the heart to serve

Over the past few days of campaigning, I think we've seen the many faces of the candidates. But sometimes, they may appear sincere, yet are they just putting on a front? Who are the more trustworthy ones? Who has been the more sincere ones who have indeed shown it through their actions during the campaigning period? Who has touched me? Who truly has the heart to serve?

Everyone, please vote wisely tomorrow. Singapore's future is in your hands!

Last week, Last sem

2011-04-27T11:18:00.002+08:00

So the journey that I have set out upon 4 years ago is finally coming to an end. I am into my final week in my final semester. It's been an interesting journey full of ups and downs I must say.

Right now, I'm just sitting in front of a com in HSS library watching the nomination day live! Eveyone else around me is busy studying.... haha

Anyway, sorry for the serious lack of updates. It's just been busy busy busy the entire semester, what with all the assignments, job hunt, interviews, final-year report, etc. Am looking forward to my two grad trips! Woots!!

Oh by the way, did I mention, I'm going on an excursion later! Yes, it's part of my module. To Changi water reclamation plant. I think I haven't gone for a school excursion since Sec sch or JC! So exciting! Maybe I should go and buy sandwiches and packet drinks to bring along... haha
Ok I'm kinda going crazy. Gonna focus on the nomination day!

Pray for Japan

2011-03-18T18:53:00.002+08:00

Earthquake

Tsunami

Nuclear Crisis

Each of these disasters, by itself, can already be a hard situation to handle for any country/region.

Look at the Christchurch Earthquake which happened a few months ago.

Look at the Aceh Tsunami which swept the region in 2004.

Look at the Chernobyl nuclear meltdown in 1996.

Yet, at this very moment, Japan has to deal with all three at one go.

We all know Japan as an advanced nation with some of the best technologies in the world. Afterall, it is the concrete they invented which helped some countries in the world hit by Earthquake and minimised damages.

But, but, but, even the most advanced technologies are of little help when we talk about natural disasters. Disasters which are massive!

Japan has a unique culture which has helped them through the toughest of times, over the century, with other earthquakes and whatnots. I believe that they will be able to get over this moment quickly enough, as a nation.

Let us keep them in our prayers...

A song

2011-02-28T22:10:00.004+08:00

I am not feeling particularly upset or disappointed.

But this song spoke to me. I've heard it sung by my friends at kbox, just didn't take a good look at it before. Heard it sung by JJ Lin (so cute!) on 百万大歌星 today, and finally downloaded it!

I love the harmony and rhythm of this song. Some words particularly spoke to me:

毀壞的沙雕如何重來　有裂痕的愛怎麼重蓋

只是一切　結束太快　你說你無法釋懷

Can't wait to K with Alvin, Jane, JH and Ming Feng on 12th March!

Hilz, if you interested come join us! :)

School sucks the life out of people

2011-02-21T22:17:00.002+08:00

I'm sorry for the lack of posts here. It's just that everytime I wanna blog about something, school gets in the way. I wanted to blog about CNY, but by the time I got back, it's time for school. And by the way, lab really sucks big time... I seriously cannot work in a lab environment. I will confirm die before I reach the age of 30 if I ever do work in a lab.... Anyway, it really sucks the life out of me, Final-Year project. Just being in lab half a day is damn tiring, damn damn tiring. Haiz. Just have to bear it for another 2-3 months! 19th May will be my poster presentation date and the end of my misery! Can't wait.

Anyway, I was in the canteen having my pathetic one hour break before heading back to lab. Was with good ol neighbour buddy (she stays in Blk 14 of my estate, while I stay in Blk 4) Ann (yes, we even have the same name!). Our topic inevitably landed upon our favourite sitcom, The Big Bang Theory, and the most recent episode. We got really high and I started imitating Howard's mum and Howard. Ann and I laughed non-stop. Well, we weren't the only one. There was this ang moh guy sitting beside Ann who was am-chio-ing at me! Nonetheless, Ann and I continued our laughter and talk. After about 5 minutes, he started asking me, "Are you Singaporean?" And I was like, "Yah." And he said, "You totally don't sound like one with your funny "WHAT THE HELL ". I don't really hear Singaporeans speaking this way."

Turns out, he's an exchange student from San Diego University. And he's mad. He asked us, "Did you guys read the news about a US exchange student who broke a roof and is on the run?" I was like, "No. Why? Is he your friend?" He said, "That's me!" He went for this party at someone's house/club on Friday night, got really drunk, and started hanging from the ceiling/roof of the house/club. After hanging there for a while, he broke the roof/ceiling, fell to the ground, got a little concussion, woke up and started running away! CRAZY ANG MOH I TELL YOU! Now he's really afraid of being arrested.... haha Interesting chat with him.... Whatever response I gave to his questions, he just kept laughing.

Anyway, I was wearing my purple shirt with the Dinosaur and it says vegetarian. When I stood up, getting ready to leave the table, he asked, "Are you vegetarian?" I said, "I just ate chicken rice." And he started laughing like nobody's business!!!!! I think I must look hilarious or sound hilarious. 80% of the entire conversation with him was him laughing at me!!!!

Conclusion: US Ang Mohs are really crazy!

On the eve of the first day of school

2011-01-23T21:14:00.005+08:00

Wow, I'm going back to Pulau NTU for lessons after one year of non-schooling...

It's kind of an interesting feeling. A little warm, a little fuzzy, a little sour, a little sad.

But something just sort of cheered me up. Haha, my mentor is sick and won't be in school tomorrow, so I don't have to go into lab! Woohoo! Now I can consider doing some New Year shopping and going into town to redeem a book with the $20 voucher I have from Borders which will be expiring on 31st January.

I think the eve of the first day of school (and it is the last first day of semester as an undergrad!) has been a pretty good one.

Firstly, let's talk about the eve of the eve of the first day of school. It started off pretty badly with the disgusting jam which caused me to be 20mins late for Novena (and Novena is like only 30 mins!). Irritated I was! But the day became better with a movie (Solomon Kane). I never thought I would like this kind of fighting and war-ish and killing movies, but I think I have grown to accept them. If I continue watching more, which obviously is going to happen, I might even grow to have a tendency for them. Who knows. Right now, I am still in love with rom coms (romantic comedies), but I realised that some of these can fall really flat, especially if they are like the second or third or fourth sequel. Nevertheless, when the directors get it right and hit the bullseye, they can turn out fantastic!

Ok, back to the eve of the eve of the first day of school. In the evening, met up with Ade to get Hil and Van's cakes plus little presents of encouragement. And it was off to Peperoni Pizzeria to eat our humongous XXL pizza. I still can't believe that the waitress kept advising us not to take that and order the new truffle pasta (which Hilda thought was chocolate, btw). I always love the camaraderie we share. Can you imagine, we've been friends for 10 years! 10 whole years. Been through ups and downs, but there's always laughter and joy whenever we get together. Love you kampong buddies! :) I am so excited for our trip. I think it really doesn't matter where we go. It's the company that matters!

And then today came. I was seriously stressing over my catechism class today. I had no idea how to teach the topic: Jesus as a young person. There's only one gospel in the bible which mentions Jesus as a teenager and even then, it is limited to a few verses/sentences. Very glad that the lesson went well today with the help of my fellow catechist Henry. He pointed out that the session was a good one as well. With God, you can really do all things. :) Friday, I attended morning Mass at CJC and the first reading really struck me as well:

"Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” - 1 Corinthians 1:27

How amazing, how awesome. Such strength a bible verse can bring to me.

Mum was kinda cute today. Just gave her a little cash to spend for CNY and she acted (I emphasis this, ACTED) so paiseh. Didn't wanna accept, didn't wanna accept, then in the end smile smile smile. I think it is really true that when you see your loved ones happy, you are happy too. :)

Signing off now. To bask in this warmth before the misery of school term starts for one last time...

11/01/11 a meet with my bestie

2011-01-11T23:43:00.002+08:00

Nice numbers days. Nice to spend such a wonderfully numbered day with a wonderful friend. I always love to meet my pri sch bestie! Imagine that. We've known each other for a long 11 years! Yes this is the 12th year since we first met each other. I really love our meetings. It's so rare and hard for us to meet each other, but everytime we meet each other, there's no lack of topics at all!

Ok, so my bestie is going to get married on 18 December 2011! That's in about 11 months time. It's crazy right?! 23 years old. My first close friend who is getting married! She requested for me to be her bridesmaid! :) Of course I agreed! No doubts about it, no hesitation! Am looking forward to her wedding! Please be xing fu, bestie! :)

A great year it has been!

2010-12-31T19:48:00.006+08:00

It never fails to amaze me how fast a year can fly by so quickly. And I would definitely have to say, especially this year! It was a year filled with thrills, spills and loads of action. Almost every single moment of the year.

Of course, this was the year where I went halfway around the globe for half the year! Had an amazing time in the USA where I had my exchange programme in Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, New York. Great people, great education, great exchange mates! Got to know some awesome peeps from NTU through this exchange and this exchange has definitely enhanced my university life by at least 50%. Really, without this exchange programme, which seriously opened my eyes and brought me out of my cave, I wouldn't have known how much I am missing out on things, on the world! Truly grateful for this opportunity! Treaded on the grounds of several American cities and states: New York City, Albany and Troy in New York State, Boston in Massachusetts, Daytona, Miami and Orlando in Florida, Seattle in Washington, San Francisco, Santa Rosa and Los Angeles in California, Las Vegas in Nevada and last but not least, Grand Canyon in Arizona! Amazing and awesome places, my memories will remain!

My first time experiencing snow! This was taken on a snowstorm day, just outside one of the RPI buildings.

My favourite city San Francisco. At the Golden Gate Bridge!

A day in the Los Angeles Universal Studios!

Was offered the opportunity to go to Shanghai for my 22 weeks internship, but I turned it down in the end after some considerations. And then it was back to Singapore. The fun did not stop there. I had my internship in Health Sciences Authority along with 4 other NTU students and 4 NUS students. The 9 of us probably caused some 'havoc' there and we had a lot of our own fun. Due to the fact that I had already given much insight into our HSA lives throughout the 5 months plus, I shall spare you guys the agony of having to go through the same stories!

I must say God really has his ways of working things out. He placed the exchange for the first half of the year, then my internship. I would say that he's trying to slow things down for me, so that I can experience another side of life [ ;) ] which I have never had the time to do so before. And that is the third thing this year which I am truly thankful for. Thinking back, I have really hardly had time to breathe from 2007 to 2009. And when I say hardly, I really mean HARDLY! Even till the day which I was leaving for the USA (wee morning of 18th Jan 2010), I was helping to coordinate stuff in CJC on 17th Jan 2010 evening! Not that I am complaining, I am really really happy to be able to help out. But God has really slowed me down to take time to reflect and focus on other things which are important in our lives as well. Relationship building, with family, friends, all around you. Now, when my friends ask me out, I rarely have to say, no, I have something on on that day, let's change it to another date. It is a paradigm shift in my life, and I have come to appreciate so much more things! I sincerely hope that 2011 will be an even better year! Cheers to everyone! :)

Merry Christmas everyone!

2010-12-25T14:02:00.008+08:00

Let's just say this has been one of the most exciting and happy Christmases I have ever had.

Just two days ago, I ended my first ever internship at Health Sciences Authority. It has been a pretty awesome experience and I have learnt quite a few stuff, despite it being slack at the same time. :) Thanks to my supervisor, LOs and of course, my fellow interns from NUS and NTU. The internship would be very very different with even one of them missing from the equation. Here's some pictures to sum up last day at work:

Gift for my supervisor

Our favourite drawer game (literally) in the lab!

My favourite GC X GC MS machine, with the dual screens!

Two of the LOs in the lab, Shea Mei and Jessie with us interns!

My sup and me with GC columns, all in a day's work

My intern pass which I will miss

And so, 24th Dec arrived. I must say, it was a pretty magical and fun night. :) Went for a Christmas Party at the other end of Singapore in Jalan Kayu. I really love these kinds of family type gatherings, albeit not my own family. A place where 3 generations gather in the same house and just enjoy each other's company. Went for midnight Mass at St. Francis Xavier church after that. As I would say to my intern friends, Awesome people, Awesome times!

This year was the year where I truly did some Christmas shopping and I really had fun buying stuff for people. I really felt the joy of giving, despite burning a big hole of $100+ in my pocket. But the feeling was fantastic. Really looking forward to doing it again next year! :)

Merry Christmas everyone!!

Social interactions

2010-12-10T22:56:00.002+08:00

I am seriously very curious about all kinds of social interactions which people have with each other. It never fails to amaze me what I perceive of others and how others perceive me.

Today was a day full of perceptions. And a day in which I discovered more about myself.

I got a comment that I am actually very 'jiak kentang' (which means very ang moh-fied, to put it in simpler terms). The person said that I kind of sound like I have an accent whenever I talk. Well, I have to emphasize that the lab I am working in is indeed very chinese. People always speak in chinese, other than the non-chinese and we interns. It was pretty amusing to me. I mean, yes, I've been told by a small number of people that I am 'jiak kentang', but today, it felt like a bomb exploded in front of me. I never ever thought that I give people such impressions. Interesting, very interesting. Haha, at that point in time, I was feeling a little flattered, because did she mean that my english is good, or what? Hmmmmm. But thinking back, this characteristic of mine might have pulled me away from some people. Maybe if I were to speak more chinese at work, I would have gotten to know some of the perm staff better.

Anyway, she also mentioned that she actually had a very bad impression of me at the beginning. Apparently, I did something which she edited and found that there were a lot of mistakes (BUT I totally cannot remember doing the thing that she mentioned at all). This was another funny incident to me as she formed a perception of me without having spoken to me at all before (at least for the first 18 weeks of my internship, currently, I'm at week 20). Wow, so there could be a lot of people whom I've met in my life, but may not have spoken to before, who have really got a bad impression of me. Talk about First Impressions.... It's kinda upsetting huh?!

But oh wells, we can't please everyone! If we want to do that, life would be really miserable.

Oh and then there's the situation where someone-has-totally-done-nothing-to-you-but-you-just-hate-her. This has definitely happened to be whereby I've been in both positions. The person whom people hate, and the person who hates. I'm sure this has probably happened to some of you out there as well. This is really another social interaction which continues to puzzle me till this very day. Dang. Heck it. Just live life the way you want to!!

Beautiful and Ugly

2010-11-28T23:43:00.003+08:00

Often times, we turn on the TV and engross ourselves in the moving pictures box. Many of us love to watch the drama that happens. Whether it is a Channel 8 Mediacorp production, or the Hong Kong TVB production, or that Korean drama for whom we fall so much in love with the main characters.

There is however a common occurence that usually happens in the shows.

There is always ALWAYS a bad guy (or gal for that matter)!

You cannot hide from it. Just think back on all the dramas which you have watched. I'm right, right?

And how often do we detest and dislike that bad guy character. The ruthlessness. The incorrigibility. The disgusting nature. Admit it, we just hate it, hate them.

Yet, think back on your own lives. How many times have you been that bad character?

How many times have you played the bad role? How many times have you caused others to dislike or hate you due to your character, your actions?

Many times, it is easy to immediately spot the bad guy when we look at others. It's as easy as ABC. No doubts about it. Period. But to look at yourself in the mirror and give yourself a full body scan, well, that's really the hard part. Extremely tough.

I've been struggling a lot with this fact recently. This year especially. And this period. Somehow, I've uncovered a lot of my bad qualities. A lot of the behaviour that I cannot control has been let loose unexpectedly. This is really a journey of self discovery.

Two fellow interns of mine have recently commented on my self-confidence. I don't really know whether it is a good thing that I display lots of self-confidence. I always try not to show my weak side to others. Yet they do not know that within me, I am battling this monster. The monster which threatens to expose my negativities. To tell you the truth, it has been fighting back at me hard. Real hard! The monster brings along with it: Agressiveness, opinionatedness, argumentative, selfishness, competitiveness, anger, hatred, jealousy and probably a lot of other 'friends' (but enemies of mine) which I have yet to find out. Sometimes, I really hate these 'enemies' which are stuck on me. I really really do. But they are strong, and I lose control.

How can I get rid of these 'enemies'??

A life not reflected on is not worth living...

Happy Birthday Dad!

2010-11-20T23:59:00.003+08:00

Happy 61st Birthday Dad!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Dad,

Although you may never ever see this post, I still wanna wish you a very very very happy birthday! Dad, you are the BEST DAD, BEST PEEPS, BEST FATHER IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD! I really LOVE YOU for who you are! You rock Dad! You ROCK!

Whenever the world seems to come crashing down upon me, you are there to hold it up.

Whenever the world seems to be opposing me, you are beside me.

Whenever the world seems to hate me, you love me.

Peeps, although you are not the lovey-dovey-hugs-and-kisses kind of Dad, I know that you really love me deep down inside you.

You work so hard to put food on the table for us.

You scrimp and save on things for yourself just to give me the things I want.

You are such an amazing amazing Dad.

Through you, I have learnt patience. Through you, I have learnt endurance. Through you, I have learnt independence.

And Dad, you are the reason for who I am today.

I can never thank you enough Dad.

I love you Dad and I pray to God to always keep you safe and protected.

Happy Birthday! =)=)

A pic of my cute cute dad laughing while we were skyping (when I was in the US)

Be careful what you wish for

2010-11-09T20:57:00.004+08:00

Ah, it's been such a long time since I updated my blog. And it's because of the existence of Twitter in my life. It's really kind of addictive. Every time a random thought pops up in my mind, I just feel like 'tweeting' it. It's amazing how technology changes our life. Especially when you have a smartphone on hands and can just be connected to the world any place, anytime.

My intern friends were so shocked at my speed for checking for information on

my phone. Yesterday at Tiong Bahru Market, I mentioned that touting is illegal when a drinks stall auntie kept coming to our table to ask us to buy drinks. My friend then said that touting is illegal only when the stall owners 'ba zhan' (hog) the table and allow customers to sit at those tables when they order from their stalls. I was somewhat unconvinced, and decided to check the meaning of touting on my phone. It is simply to solicit business, and does not include the definition of hogging tables. This means that as long as anyone touts in a hawker centre, it is illegal. (Look at just how stubborn and aggressive I was in proving my point, Horrible me)

Just a few days ago, I was pondering over how this internship has been beneficial to me. What have I learnt? About myself, about chem stuff, about human relations, etc. I agreed with myself that although I did learn some stuff about 'humanships' (human + relations

hips, I've recently been very obsessed with combining two words), I don't think I gained much knowledge on the Chem side. There was this envy in me when I see some of the other interns writing reports to their supervisors regarding their projects. And then today, just when I was rather free, my supervisor came to me and tasked me with a rather heavy assignment. To come up with a manuscipt (in her words), something like a journal article. The data and all are already up, all that needs to be done is the typing and organisation.

What a shock. I'm kinda jittery now. My sup sat down with me today explaining to me about charts and graphs and standard deviation and the x variables and the y variables, etc. in chinese. I think I had a very obvious display of question marks all over my face that she just randomly and suddenly laughed out loud right in front of me.

Thanks sup. Oh wells, please wish me luck in writing the paper which apparently will not be accepted by any journals due to the lack of novelty (in her words).

Walls have ears

2010-10-28T22:40:00.004+08:00

There is this Chinese saying: Walls have ears.

Today, I became the ear on the wall. I spent the entire day (plus yesterday and tomorrow) sorting out the data files of the adulterants ran on the instruments. It's a rather painful process, but I do not mind. At least, it's better than sitting around in the lab the whole day doing practically nothing at all. So I watched and heard all the happenings in the scientific officers' office today. There were some rather interesting events which occured:

1. I could not go to the toilet. My supervisor went upstairs to the lab. And in order to go to the toilet, I had to leave the office and come back in with the access card. My own temp card cannot access this office, so usually, I would call my sup when I come down to meet her. Today, she left me there for 3 hours in the morning and another 3-4 hours in the afternoon. Luckily, everytime she comes back she will ask me whether I want to go toilet lah.

2. Heard some gossips flying in the office! Apparently, the staff have this dislike for a certain head of department. Now that she's on study leave for 5 weeks, tongues wag loosely. Heard words like bootlicker, etc.. haha Anyway, the big boss is also on leave. And before big boss went on leave, miss bootlicker is super concerned over her flowers. Now that both are on leave, one of the scientific officers was told to take care of the flowers. She mentioned being afraid of the flowers dying. Another scientific officer casually said, "Then you can blame miss bootlicker..." Such politics! -.-"

3. This is something quite lame that brought a smile to my face. My sup went to ask another SO about a template for sending some emails. That SO asked my sup whether she needed it now. My sup hesitated and said, "Errrr, if now also can." Then the other SO, who was chatting with another SO replied, "Don't want. I want to chat now." The three of them burst out laughing. I giggled silently at my desk, and the smile lingered for a minute.

I have noticed that my sup is one who sort of doesn't like to gossip and just quietly does her work while being involved with her colleagues. As another intern said, she has really high EQ for someone who has such high educational qualifications. And I really agree with that. She is also super polite when asking others for help, myself included. It is these things which I must really learn from her so that I can survive when I go out and work in future! Extremely important!

Accidentally Ovetime

2010-10-27T21:30:00.002+08:00

I think my supervisor laughs at me big time EVERYDAY! And I must be the biggest kok that she has ever seen in her entire life!

Today, she tasked me to go to her office to help sort out some data and files. It's kinda crazy the number of files I had to sort out. Before long, it was 5.50pm. She came over and gave concern over what I was doing. After clarifying some doubts, she went up to the lab to do some stuff.

6pm came. She did not come down.

6.05pm came. She did not come down.

6.10pm came. She did not come down.

6.15pm came. She did not come down.

6.20pm came. She was still not down yet!

However, I started packing up and putting the files back in order, as I had to return my friend's laptop to her, since I didn't bring my own today. Moreover, my access card could only work till 6.30pm, so if I continued staying, I may get stuck outside the lab and not be able to reach my bag.

When I went up, I placed the laptop down (my friend left already) and immediately went into the GC room where she was sitting to tell her that I already came up to return the laptop to my friend. I started talking before she spoke and did not stop until I finished my story. She gave me the perplexed face and calmly said in chinese, "Actually, I already SMSed you to tell you that you can leave." I was stunned for a moment, gave a shy laugh and replied, "Oh, I left my handphone in the lab to charge...." And awkwardly left the room, while she said "Thanks" behind me.

Super embarrassing and I felt super guilty as well that my friend had to leave her laptop in lab because of me....

I stayed till 6.30pm for nothing.... -.-"

Handphone woes

2010-10-26T20:41:00.003+08:00

My supervisor and I were in the gas chromatography room yesterday. Just she and me. We were both staring at the desktop screen when we suddenly heard music coming from somewhere. I turned behind immediately to try to locate the source of the music. I squinted my eyes and looked around but found nothing.

When I turned back, I saw my supervisor staring at me.

I stared back at her.

There was 5 seconds of silence, other than the music playing in the background.

She looked as if she expected me to do something about it.

I continued staring.

Just then, she fished out her handphone from her jacket pocket and said, "Oh, I forgot that it is my handphone alarm." And she turned back to the screen, acting as if nothing happened.

I stared on for another 5 seconds and turned back to the screen as well.

-.-"

The red one is exactly my supervisor's phone.

Colleagues....

2010-10-25T21:44:00.003+08:00

I have rather interesting colleagues at work. Have been getting to know them bit by bit, little by little each day. I really love the warm sprinkles of "Hello"s showered upon me whenever I meet them in the corridor. These are the little things that make working life less mundane! =)

Today, one of them randomly asked me, "Anne, are you from a girl's school?" I was quite surprised at that question. There have been few who have ever asked me whether I was from an all girls school. Someone even mentioned to me once that I totally don't look like I come from an all girls school. But when I said to that colleague (Charmaine) a hesitant

"Yes" with a perplexed look, she said, "Can see. You got the 'seh'."

In my mind, I was wondering what that means. Is it the way I talk? The way I dress? The way I work? The way carry myself? Hmmmmmm. Compliment or otherwise?? Last time when I was in JC, I found it quite easy to recognise IJ girls or girls who would probably come from a girls school. When people ask how you know, I would just say, "look like." Then the reply would be, "how does an IJ girl or girls school girl look like?" I didn't have a proper reply. "Look like means look like lah." But right now, I'm in the position of the questioner. What did I do or how do I look in order to show that I was from a girls school? What do you guys think? Especially those who were from a girls school?

Moving on, I was sitting at an instrument printing some data, when I suddenly heard something pop very loudly. I turned to look, and saw my friend pressing the bubble wrap thingy. Those who were around (Chian Sing and Shea Mei) turned to look at her too. But she didn't realise or bother enough to see whether anyone was looking at her. And she continued to pop 2 more of those bubbles. Chian Sing just turned to me and giggle. And so did I! Immediately after that, both of us turned back to doing what we were doing, and all was peaceful again. It's really a very funny scene, and you have to be there to realise the laughter point in that scene... Just thinking about it makes me laugh!

Talk about laughing, I would laugh whenever this scene pops up in my head: Yesterday at the Carvivor challenge (no, we didn't win the $10,000), we had this task to wheelbarrow each other to the other side to pour water into a bottle and fill it up. Hilda wheelbarrowed me, but on our way back, both of us were moving very very very quickly and I fell flat down 3/4 ways through. In her excitement and unable to stop that quick tempo, Hilda continued dragging me across the ground till I reached the line. My shirt rolled up to my chest and when I went home, I found bits of grass in my bra.... But thinking about the dragging scene really makes me laugh! I

n fact, while I'm typing this, I'm laughing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hilarious!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Twitter

2010-10-23T15:50:00.002+08:00

Ok friends, I've finally finally got a Twitter account thanks to naggings from Julia Tan and Samantha Mah! So proud of myself.

Follow me @annelimhh

Let's see what random tweets I can come up with throughout the course of the day! =)

Strange request

2010-10-18T20:58:00.004+08:00

I think I had a rather strange request from my supervisor today.

She actually asked me to translate this piece of abstract from a certain journal article.

From CHINESE TO ENGLISH! Not the other way around.

I was really stunned when she showed me the abstract. Here's how it looks like:

利用电气石的热释电性、压电性和自发极化性产生的荷电效应,对卷烟烟气有害成分中的带电物质进行有效吸附原理,本实验研制了一种含电气石复合功能涂料的成形纸并将其用于卷烟减害降焦中.结果表明,含电气石复合功能涂料成形纸可降低卷烟危害性,焦油、CO、NOx、亚硝胺、羰基化合物、氢氰酸、苯并芘类物质降低率分别为12.6%、15.O%、25.2%、12.5%、12.2%、30.4%、19.4%,且卷烟感官质量评价较好,没有明显影响卷烟的抽吸风格.

And yes, I am as perplexed as you are now. It is extremely cheemology!

The worst thing is, she should know my chinese standard when I speak to her right? I can even take a long time to figure out how to say "By what time do you need this?" right in front of her, and burst out in laughing fits when I really can't think of what to say, and eventually asking my fellow intern to translate for me to her.....

But anyway, thanks to the amazing technology of Google, there was this translate button which I could click when I searched for the article. Although the translation was horrible, I managed to edit it to something reasonable, although it took me about 45mins to 1 hour. Thank you very much and DON'T LAUGH!

Here's how it turned out:

Using tourmaline’s properties of pyroelectric, piezoelectric and spontaneous polarization of charge generated effects, and the principle of effective absorption of charged particles in harmful substances of cigarette smoke, this study developed a tourmaline composite materials coated cigarette paper to reduce the harm of tar. The results show that tourmaline composite materials coated cigarette paper can reduce harm of tar, CO, NOx, nitrosamines, carbonyl compounds, hydrogen cyanide, benzo[a]pyrene substances, by 12.6%, 15.O%, 25.2%, 12.5%, 12.2%, 30.4%, 19.4% respectively, and gives a good evaluation of the sensory quality of cigarettes, with no significant effects on the smoking style of the cigarette.

This is like so super cheem lah! I don't even understand what's pyroelectric and piezoelectric!

Oh, and by the way, if you're wondering why I think that this translation is a very strange request to me, let me remind you that my sup is a China Chinese....

The irony of things

2010-10-15T21:06:00.003+08:00

I think it's really ironic that although my supervisor is back, I am doing much more stuff for other people, rather than my supervisor. And when I say more, I really mean MORE! Yesterday, I worked non-stop from 9.30am to 5pm (other than the 1 hour plus lunch break), and today, I worked non-stop from 8.15am to 5.15pm (other than another 1 hour plus lunch break).

Sometimes, I really feel like I'm a 'bao ka liao' worker, or someone who 'da za', meaning, I do all the "loose" work which a LO is not free to do, and the aunties (who does glassware washing plus wiping of stuff) can't really do. Oh well, at least I'm occupied! I spent the past 2 days stock-taking the 1000++ standards in the coldroom and fridge and dessciators. Was so shagged by the time it reached 4pm! I think the greatest thing I'm learning from this internship is really patience. Patience to sit down and do repeated things for hours, patience to wait for people to give me jobs, patience to handle some people. At least one good thing about working is that you really go home without the worry of tests, and homework and assignments and projects. Phew. Total relaxation at home! Let me go get some mindless TV now!

Pride hinders me once again

2010-10-14T20:30:00.002+08:00

I think I'm a really weird person. I was really affected today just by a simple gesture of someone. I find myself very laughable. I was trying to control the angst in me, but I couldn't suppress it too much. It's all written over my face! I am someone who can't hide my emotions too well. And I think pride is really one of the things that might ever bring me down. I am just a person with so much pride, wanting so much face, that I can't stand even a moment of embarrassment or shame. It's really kinda dumb that I can be so easily brought down by pride. Just feeling down....

I think one of the worst feelings that one can experience is that of non-recognition. Again, 'face' and pride comes into play again. I just hate this feeling. Hate this feeling. Someone, please just take it away from me....

Day 15 - Final day without my supervisor

2010-10-08T21:46:00.005+08:00

It's finally day 15. That wraps up the 3 weeks without my supervisor. I have no idea how I managed to survive it. Thanks to some Harry Pottering, rubbish chatter with my fellow interns, beating high scores on my iPhone, and random jobs from random people, I managed to get past these 3 weeks! Woohoo! Hopefully, my supervisor won't extend her stay overseas. :S Praying hard!

I really love sleeping on buses. Really really do. And I sleep like a log. Especially after work, while coming home. I generally have a very very good sleep. It's those kind of sleep where you feel that you have slept a long time, and have slept enough. That's one of the good things of public transport. You have the time to think about things, catch up on things (especially with a smartphone where you can access the net), or just watch the world go by around you. Once in a while, you get to see interesting things, or crazy conversations people have with friends, or on the phone. It's the little entertainment for the day. Usually, when I take the morning buses, I don't get to sleep well, or even get to catch any sleep at all. It's the same thing when I went to NTU on 174, and now, on 970 or 75. Don't know why. But I get a little sleep at times in the morning, and by the time I reach my workplace, I feel really refreshed and ready to start the day. Bus rides is just one of the things I missed when I was in the US, because, my house was just 5-10mins away from school. Sure, there are times when I get frustrated with public transport because of the irregularities in schedule, but generally, if you are early, you can get to your destination on time.

So fellow Singaporeans, don't just criticise our public transport system. Learn to embrace it and see things from a different perspective!

Day 14 without my supervisor - Boredom is diving me nuts.

2010-10-07T22:30:00.002+08:00

Day 14, 14, 14!!!!! Oh gosh, boredom is really driving me nuts these few days. Today, I think 1/4 of the pharm lab staff didn't come to work at all! 2 interns also didn't come. All either on MC or on leave. Both Cos lab and Pharm lab seems to be getting very little samples nowadays and so the LOs don't really need as much help from us. That explains our boredom. I've been re-reading Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Refreshing my memory to prepare for the 7th movie coming up in Nov. Gonna start reading The Lord of the Rings soon. My friend gave it to me on my 21st birthday and I still haven't read it. Horrible me. Anyway, 1 more day without my supervisor. Hopefully when she comes back, she will give me mountain loads of work to do, and not be buried in her own work, forgetting about me!!!!

Today was really an uneventful day. The only exciting thing of the day was that we travelled down to Tanjong Pagar to eat the famous Ngoh Hiang my mum introduced to me. While waiting in the queue, I saw someone. That someone is HILDA CHANG'S COUNTERPART!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hahahaha, it's really quite an amusing scene. Well, the thing is that we've never really ever met each other before. But both of us being close friends of Hilda, and frequent visitors of her blog, we've somehow gotten to 'know' each other! Thinking back at the coffee shop we met, I really feel that it was a hilarious scene. The stares we held at each other for 2 seconds, the slight bend both of us had in our bodies as we began to speak. "You're Anne right?" "Yah, and you're Hilda's friend, Qiling, right?" Hahahahahah, if Hilda had been there to see it for herself, she would have gone hysterical, laughing and clapping in the air as she normally would in funny situations. The world is really small. Really really small.

And I really see the power of blogs and the internet. Just some photos of each other posted on our friend's blog and we can recognise each other. Somehow, it was like meeting a primary school friend whom I haven't met in a gazillion years! Anyway, nice to meet you Qiling!!!!!!!!!!!! =)=)

Day 13 without my supervisor - Complex minds

2010-10-06T22:13:00.003+08:00

Day number 13! Just 2 more days of 'freedom' and boredom! I have kinda mixed feelings right now. Not sure whether I really want my supervisor back. When she's back, I can't leave at 5.30pm for my runs anymore... =( haha but it's ok lah. Come back soon please! Just don't extend your stay or fall sick on monday.

Random thoughts:

1. I think humans really have very complicated minds which are hard to interpret. For one, I find myself being contradictory at times and being really OCD about certain things.

2. A friend smsed me and we discussed about LKY's behaviour at the funeral. She told me that this is the first time she saw LKY talk about his wife and himself. The kisses he gave and the eulogy he presented made him seem more human, less of a semi-god....

3. I just watched all the eulogies given at the funeral of Mrs LKY. Although I don't know her personally, my heart felt heavy and I felt that I have somehow lost someone close. Such a pity that Singaporeans did not get to know her better while she was still alive.

Rest in peace Mrs LKY. You will be forever missed by Singaporeans!

Day 12 without my supervisor - book club

2010-10-05T23:10:00.002+08:00

Day 12, day 12, day 12. Just 3 more days left without my beloved supervisor. It's amazing how time flies by just like that! Well, Yesterday, my intern friends and I managed to sneak into Borders to check out some books, and that really inspired all of us to read today! So the Cos lab turned into a mini book club and library!!!!! We were all indulged in a book or another. Books like Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, The Five People you meet in Heaven and even a biography about a very famous criminal lawyer, Subhas Anandan. You should go read the last book mentioned here.... It is very.... ermmmmm.... interesting. I can't say much here, lest I get sued by him....

Every now and then, I still get my laughing fits at formal occasions, when it is just wrong to be laughing non-stop. But most of the time, it is beyond my control! Like today, at my Toastmasters meeting, I just found a member's face extremely hilarious, while she was so engrossed in the speaker on stage at that point in time! I pointed it out to my friend, and she too, started laughing. Before long, it was my turn to go on stage. As I gave eye contact to everyone, I accidentally landed my eyes on her face, and it was exactly that same hilarious look which she gave the earlier speaker. At that point in time, I just laughed non-stop. I'm so horrible lah! But i really really can't control it....

Anyone has any suggestions how to stop myself from these laughing fits???

Day 11 without my supervisor - i spent $70.55

2010-10-04T21:44:00.002+08:00

It's day 11! I'm into my last week without my supervisor!

I literally did nothing today again, other than my Catholic News crossword puzzle, playing expert level of sudoku on my phone, checking emails again and again, and trying to run my standards for the third time!

My intern friends and I (in fact, only 4 of us), went to Ion Orchard to have dinner. There's this restaurant called Canton-i, that is having a promotion! It's their first year anniversary and they are selling Soya Sauce Chicken for only $1 if you pay by POSB card. No criteria! The only one is that you need a minimum of 3 people eating! No minimum spending required! 6-9pm on weeknights. The chicken was quite good. In the end, each of us only spent $11 for a very full meal of noodles, chicken, fried toufu and egg!!!!!!!! Fantastic!

After dinner, my pocket sustained a big hole. Not because of the dinner itself, but because we walked into Topshop. I've been ngiam-ing to my friends everyday about wanting the Topshop bag, and claiming that it must have been out of stock already, given that Topshop bags with nice designs run out rather quickly. So I told them, "If I see it, I'll buy it." I was actually quite confident that the bag was not going to be there in the shop anymore, therefore I said that sentence.... But lo and behold, the bag was hanging on a mannequin, waiting for me to buy it! I was still holding on to the hope of not buying it (cause it's still rather ex), and told my friends that if they had no new piece, I won't get it. The staff checked and brought me a bag. Then, I realised that it's the bigger version! I was secretly happy that I didn't need to spend that $70.55. But I got the staff to check anyway, and they managed to find the one I want. So, in the end, I went home with a big shopping bag, and $70.55 less in my wallet....

But I am still happy lah. It's one of the most expensive bags I've bought (in fact, I think it is the most expensive one I ever bought for myself, save for the Coach bags I bought for my mum in the US), but I really really like it. Hard to find a bag which you really really like nowadays!

Now I shall go think about how to earn this $70 back....

Will I ever?

2010-10-02T22:23:00.002+08:00

The news of Mrs Lee Kuan Yew's (Mdm Kwa Geok Choo) has spread like wildfire. Although we all know about her condition, it was still a shock to many of us.

The thing that has struck me the most thus far, is not about how great this woman is. Yes, indeed, she's the woman behind the very successful man. But what has left a deep impact in me, while watching the news reports, is the LOVE shared between Mr and Mrs Lee Kuan Yew. I really love the video, which I saw on TV, where both Mr and Mrs Lee were under an umbrella, and Mrs Lee was sharing about Mr Lee. What she liked about him, how he was like when they were young, how Mr LKY was such a handsome man. And when Mrs LKY commented on the handsomeness part, Mr Lee gave a real hearty laugh. A laugh which somehow made me see the soft side of him. A laugh which stripped the political Mr Lee 'skin' and revealed the real genuine side of him. What an amazing sight that is.

The Love that is between them is so full, so real, so perfect. I started wondering whether I will ever experience that kind of love. One that keeps people going and loving each other till a ripe old age. One which has hardly lost any parts throughout the years of a relationship, despite the ups and downs of life. One which is sustained and continues to be nourished, gently and lovingly by both parties. It is really amazing to see such a Love existing in this world....

Hopefully, someday, I'll get to experience it and that it will be able to last till the day I die....

Day 10 without my supervisor - I get paid to....

2010-10-01T23:11:00.003+08:00

YES! It's day 10 without my supervisor! That's 2 weeks down, one more to go! Can't believe I survived!!!!!! It's amazing how I survive doing nothing. Other than to play games on my phone. Job scope of an intern: Beat your high scores in your handphone, chat with other interns, pick up random jobs from LOs. That's the job scope when my supervisor ain't around. I get paid to do these!!!!!

A morning standard would be to read the My Paper newspaper which I obtain from outside the Outram train station. Today, I read about Moleskine (very expensive notebooks) releasing Peanuts notebooks to celebrate the 60th Anniversary (which happens to be tomorrow!)!!!!! How exciting. When I saw it, I set my heart on buying it already. It costs $27 for the smaller one, and $35 for the larger one! I told my friend that I would rather buy this than the Topshop bag anytime and they were totally surprised. Come on, you're talking to a Snoopy fan here! I searched Amazon.com and found it to be cheaper!!!!!! $25 for the larger one, inclusive of shipping costs. Confirm buying it! Anyone wants to buy any Amazon stuff can tell me. Here's how the notebook looks like by the way:

Met up with Ann Gomez for dinner today at Bukit Timah Market. Happen to see my division director walk past swiftly. Think she stays around here. But she's pretty fierce. Never talked to her before. But anyway, Ann and I went to Island Creamery after that and finally, FINALLY, I got to eat my Kahlua Latte!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It still rocks! Funnily, Ann ordered that Blackforest for which I taste alcohol in it and she doesn't, while she tastes alcohol in my Kahlua Latte, but I don't. Oh well, we've got the same name, but different taste buds. I really enjoy chit-chatting with Ann during our dinner meets. We've met each other since Primary school, but never really got to know one another till now. She laughs at my stories, and I laugh at hers. Probably it's the Ann/Anne telepathy. Same name, same game....

Today, I accidentally revealed to my intern friends that I drunk a milk bottle till I was Pri 6. They laughed at me like mad. I knew it was kinda abnormal. But guess what, guess what?!?!?!?!?!?! We found out that another of my intern friend, Adele, also drunk milk bottle till P6!!!!! High 5 there Adele. The worst thing was that she thought drinking milk bottle till P6 is a norm for kids.... Talk about abnormality....

Looking forward to tomorrow and sunday. I'm going jogging with a friend at MacRitchie Reservoir tomorrow and gonna picnic with Hilz and Ting on Sunday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Woohoo!!!!!!!!!!!

Day 9 without my supervisor - Ice Kachang madness

2010-09-30T23:29:00.003+08:00

Day 9. Time seems to be passing slowly, like how I wished for it about 3 weeks ago. But I didn't want it to pass slowly in this way. I want it to pass slowly while my sup is around, so that I can learn the most from her. Be careful what you wish for.

Today is the third time I'm eating from exactly the same traditional prawn mee stall within a week. And it's just thursday. I'm not sick of it yet. It's pretty good actually, and it's all but $2! On Monday, I bought the prawn mee alone. On Tuesday, I brought 1 friend along with me to buy the prawn mee. Today, I brought another 4 friends along, making it a total of 6 people eating prawn mee! I think the uncle was a little shocked but happy that so many people were buying from him. Uncle, please continue on this pretty good and cheap prawn mee! (I

think he opened the shop not long ago. The flower basket is still there.)

Oh, and another obsession I have, is the traditional ice kachang. It's the one with the gula melaka (black sugar) on it! YUMMY! $1.20 only at Chinatown. 2 stalls that I found selling it. Both are fantastically good! Nothing beats Chinatown food I tell you. A hot and spicy bowl of dry traditional prawn mee which makes you sweat and lips bulge, then a cool and sweet bowl of traditional ice kachang! All for only $3.20 in total! Now, tell me, is there a better deal out there????????? ROCKS MY SOCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I feel damn satisfied and happy after eating these two items!

Just came back from a Public service division networking session in NTU, with all the public service ministries setting up booths. A mini career fair. Had a meaningful talk with some of the public servants, especially with the police officer. Got some good info out of them. I found out that I'm too kanchong with my job search. The person told me I shouldn't apply too early too. Roger! Won't be so anxious now.

Tomorrow would be the end of the work week. Anxiously awaiting the return of my sup! 7 more days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Day 8 without my supervisor - I am slacking queen!

2010-09-29T21:32:00.003+08:00

Haha, ok as the title says, I am indeed the slacking queen. I literally did nothing today. Other than leveling up on my iphone game and editing some sticker labels and printing them. Oh, and helped with a little underlining of some stuff. Please give me some work tomorrow!

Got to know one of the LOs a little better today with some gossiping in the GCMS room. It's kinda funny hearing her talk about the lab manager and some other stuff. I sincerely conclude that all working in the lab are a little 'sot', after breathing in too much methanol, ethanol,

ethyl acetate, etc, etc. She suddenly turned to me halfway during the conversation and said, "Dr Kee is potassium chloride." I gave a weird and 'raised eyebrow' expression at her. Then she said, "He's KCl mah," referring to his name initials. I rolled my eyes halfway around the world but laughed to appreciate her lameness. Thanks Shea Mei for entertaining me on such a boring day. I truly truly appreciate it a lot! =)

Remember me telling you about our food intake for these few days? Damn, we missed out on the first one already! Couldn't find the Ngoh Hiang stall that is supposedly very fa

mous and good! Called mum and she didn't help at all. Thanks mum.... But we found a little gem. They have really nice food at the Tanjong Pagar food centre! Rocks! Must go back there someday although it's super super crowded and small!

How do you guys feel about lending someone your shoes? I personally don't quite like it. I mean, it's kinda weird. Even jackets. I don't quite enjoy the feeling of lending people such stuff. It's just a weird feeling. Something personal and close to the body. It's funny. I wouldn't really like to borrow such stuff from others, even if I am freezing or my feet are killing me. I lent my track shoes to my friend today, because her shoes were killing her. (The worst feeling you get from lending people things is when they complain to you about it, even though it's just something small. But that's besides the point I want to make today.) But when I put it on later on before running, it felt slightly bigger. I just had this little feeling that the shoes don't really belong to me anymore. I can't explain it. It's just there.... But don't get me wrong. If you're really in need of something, I'll still lend it to you! Just ask. =)

A run around the Ngee Ann Poly track really felt good today! At least made me sweat a little, under the slightly cool weather (almost looked like it would rain)! At least I did feel that the shoes belong to me again. Poor shoes, I love you loads still!

Truly awaiting the return of my supervisor! Come back soon!

Day 7 without my supervisor - Entertaining professors

2010-09-28T20:47:00.003+08:00

Today is a day of nothingness once again.

Basically did nothing much. Luckily, one LO gave me something to do for tomorrow morning. I'm gonna do it so sloooooooooooooooooowlllllyyyyyy so that it can occupy more time!

The only thing that kept me alert today was the visit of 2 professors from NTU. One of them is going to grade me for my internship, and she sort of already told me the grade. Pass/Fail..... "You know what you're going to get. No one really fails for internship."

I went to the meeting room without my 'temporary' supervisor at first. She came only about 15 to 20 minutes later. The 2 profs, one french, one japanese, started chit-chatting with me. The French prof, Dr Linda, who is supposed to evaluate me, came pretty unprepared. She got a chiding from the Jap prof, Prof Yamane. "See, you are so prepared. Look at me, I've done everything before I came." In that heavily Jap accent. That got me laughing even before we started.

Dr Linda then said, "How's your supervisor?" I replied that she's really nice. Then she said, "Don't worry. There's no mic or camera here! Since your supervisor is not here, you can tell me whether she caned you, scolded you, beat you. We can sue them if they did that you know. You can tell us. NTU will stand by you." I laughed and said, "No, no, she's really nice." And ended off with a big hearty laughter.

Other bits and pieces of the meeting included the two profs being in their own world and suaning each other. It's like a live entertainment show right in front of your eyes, live! We then trailed off to Dr Linda asking me whether I'm looking for a job now, and what kind. I said, "Probably something not in the Chemistry industry." And she gave that huge big clap saying, "OH, who doesn't know that 99.9% of CBC students don't want to work in the industry." I quickly added on that I am considering the police force and both of them sat up listening intently, with Prof Yamane punctuating my sentences with "Doh" and "Soh". Just when I reached the basic training part, my temporary sup came in and I was out of the room in 5 minutes after that, with Prof Yamane hitting his hands twice (at the watch area), indicating that we have gone overtime.

A little entertainment a day keeps the sleep bug away. I have very very very interesting NTU profs who makes my NTU life a wee bit more fun!

Oh by the way, I ate the traditional prawn noodles at this stall in Chinatown for 2 days in a row already, and I'm kinda addicted to it! It's only $2! Freaking cheap. And my friends and I have already planned out our eating schedule for the next 3 days. Ngor Hiang at Tanjong Pagar tomorrow, and Chinatown for thurs and fri, either prawn noodles or this super long queue yong tau foo!!! Someone please tell us we're mad!

Day 6 without my supervisor - A call!

2010-09-27T20:53:00.009+08:00

Hello! And I'm back with my daily report of what I've been doing while my supervisor is away.

Well, I literally did nothing again today. All seems to be quiet in the lab. The only exciting thing of the day is that I received a call from my supervisor from overseas!

Ok, ok, the call wasn't really intended for me. She called to look for one of the lab officers who wasn't around, but since I picked up, she decided to be concerned about me. I'm surprised that she still recognises my voice after one week! Haha. I updated her on the visit of my NTU prof coming down tomorrow and she generally agreed with who I asked to represent her and to evaluate me. Initially, I thought I was hallucinating when I picked up the call, because it sounded so much like my sup. Then she 'self-introduced' and I giggled. My friend commented that I

am very formal when I speak to her. I replied that maybe when she comes back, I'll have the urge to stand at attention and salute her because of the 'infamiliarity' that built up while she is away....

I had a fantastic Saturday! It was my church friend, Sharon's wedding! Oh such a beautiful beautiful wedding. As my friend said of the church wedding in the afternoon, the wedding is simple, but made beautiful because of Sharon. Yes indeed! It's the emotions that built up and welled up inside of me throughout the whole Mass, and the true happiness for a lovely friend, that really made the wedding so so so beautiful! To wrap up the day, we spent the evening at East Coast Mana Mana Beach Club for the Wedding Cocktail Party. The wonderful atmosphere, sea breeze, and most of all, the great company of friends, not forgetting, the bride and the groom, made the night PERFECT!

Me, Sharon the bride, Pris and Bev at the cocktail party

My fellow interns asked me how the wedding was. I said it was so beautiful that I feel like getting married also. My friend immediately commented, "Anne, you are very confused. Just last week, you said that you are probably going to remain single, and today, you say you want to get married." My reply, "I said I FEEL like getting married mah, but THINK that I will remain single!" The power of English words!

It is sometimes really scary how tongues wag and rumours spread in a community/organisation. At the wedding, I was hanging out mostly with my St Iggy's friends. But somehow, the catholic community is rather small, and I met many more of my other friends around, like NTU's Catholic Students' Apostolate. That night, every now and then, I would drift to the NTU CSA community and chit chat with them, particularly this guy, John (whose nickname is Hia Hia) who is a rather good friend of mine. My St Iggy's friends then started winking and giving me cheeky smiles. Haiyoh, wanna talk to friend also so hard. They even almost went up to ask him to invite me for a dance in the later part.... But I'm really someone who's guang ming zheng da and not afraid of tongues wagging, especially when you know you're innocent. Gave him a great big hug, which is an expression of close friendship to me, just before I left.

Oh, oh, oh! And one thing that really puzzled me is the issue of me wearing a dress. As I commented to the bride, " Haiyoh, life is tough man. Don't wear dress, people say. Wear nice nice and wear dress, people also say! Alamak!" To me, I'll just wear whatever is more comfortable for me lor. On special occasions, I don't mind slipping into a dress, if it does fit into that occasion. Then there can be more of an element of surprise to me right??!! =)=)

Day 5 without my supervisor - Oh gosh!

2010-09-24T23:15:00.003+08:00

Wow wow wow! I survived an entire week without my supervisor.

And I didn't die of boredom!

I'm truly impressed! Truly impressed you know! =)=)

Managed to keep myself busy the entire day all the way till 5+pm today.

Creating inventory list of quarantined chemicals for Cos Lab in the morning. Some of the chemicals are much older than me, even older than my brother. The oldest dates back to 1972!!!!! Scary.

Wrote my logbook (which I am damn happy to complete till week 8!). Did housekeeping in the afternoon. And tried to save money for the lab in the late afternoon, by trying to use scotchtape to stabilise inserts for vials. (just ignore this part if you don't understand).

Haha, I found out something really amazing today. And it really made me feel: Oh Gosh!

I was just chatting with my Cos Lab interns after lunch about me hating people spelling my name wrongly. I like my name the way it is. ANNE! ANNE! ANNE! Some people really love to spell it as Ann, and even after I've told them a few times, they still spell it as Ann....

I received a call at about 4pm. An LO asked me to go up to the advanced instrument room to change my solvent bottle sticker or discard the solutions if I do not want it. When I arrived and looked 2 of the bottles, I realised that someone had spelt my name as 'Annie'.

And guess who's the person who wrote that? I think it is my supervisor.... Yes my own supervisor can't spell my name. Oh! Such a tragedy!!!!

Anyway, after work, I went shopping with 2 of my fellow interns, Adele and Natalie. Really enjoy shopping with them. There's some similarities and differences between our likes and dislikes, and it makes shopping with them really interesting and fun! I also realised that I may be having a fashion shift. I'm starting to look at more dresses now. A little of the girly shoes as well, but not too much yet. The main aim for myself today was to get a bag which is relatively similar to one I saw at Topshop (costs $83 there, but I really love it!)

To my disappointment, I couldn't find one that is close enough to this one. =( Instead, my friends ended up buying stuff for themselves, other than me who went home empty-handed. Oh gosh, should I just buy this bag? With my friend's topshop card, I get a 15% discount and it would be $70.... Darn! Hope one day, I can find a bag just like that!

Day 4 without my supervisor- Getting used to things

2010-09-23T23:28:00.004+08:00

It's Day 4 without my supervisor.

Incredibly close to the end of the week! Can't believe it. Am really looking forward to the return of my sup! 11 more work days!!!!

Today wasn't really that bad once again. I was kept busy from morning all the way to the late afternoon, close to 5pm.

The dumb things I do at work. One more to add to the list today. I was carrying an entire tray of chemicals in both hands, and it was rather heavy. When I reached the end of the corridor of level 1, I had to press the white button which is pretty near my chin level, so that I can release the door to open it. I did not want to bend down to place the tray on the floor, so I decided to use the nearest body part to press the button. Yes, it was the chin.

And little did I know, one of the scientific officers saw me doing it! Gosh. And she's one of the stricter SOs around. She walked towards me, half am-chio-ing, and as she walked closer, she broke into a big smile. Such embarrassment! But anyway, she asked me about what I've been doing for the past few days since Tan Jing isn't around, and asked me about the last day of my internship. FYI, she's about 6-7 months pregnant, and will be going on maternity leave soon. Take care, Dr Zeng Yun. May you give birth to a healthy chubby baby!

Everyday is really a journey for self-discovery. Just like today.

My 2 church friends and I went shopping at 313@Somerset today. We wanted to get dresses suitable for another friend's wedding dinner, which is going to be at the beach! Interesting!

But anyway, I was trying on a dress, and when I came out, both of them had weird expressions on their faces. Then both started laughing. They thought that I had worn the dress wrongly or weirdly. "Why is the shoulder padding so big?" One of them asked.

To their surprise, it isn't a shoulder padding. It is just that I have rather broad and square shoulders. To tell the truth, even I was a little shocked. I know that I have rather big arms, but I never knew that it was because I have shoulders too broad for my size. Now I realise that I can only wear certain kinds of dresses/tops, and definitely not other kinds. I used to do a little swimming when I was young, but definitely not the aggressive kind. I have no idea why I have rather broad shoulders as well.

But actually, it's really fine with me. I have no tendencies for those fancy dresses/tops which has the kind of cutting that reveals a lot of my shoulders in a weird way. My body is suitable the way it is for me. =)

In case you were wondering, I did find a dress that all agreed looks nice on me, and is my style. One more dress to add to my wardrobe (yes I have very little dresses).

One more discovery to add to the list of Anne.

Day 3 without my supervisor - Thank God for work!

2010-09-22T21:20:00.003+08:00

It's day 3 without my supervisor at work.

Got a rude shock last night when I opened my NTU email.

My NTU tutors are coming to visit us in week 10 which is next week! Gosh. I thought they weren't going to come at all! And of all times, my supervisor has to be away these 3 weeks. Boo!

I replied to my NTU tutors and one of them asked whether I have a mentor or co-supervisor assigned for these 3 weeks. Think it's quite paiseh to say no, since if there really isn't one, they probably have to come down again when my supervisor is back.

So guess what, I got a replacement supervisor. It's really kind of pointless though, since she doesn't really know me, barely knows my existence in the Cosmetics Lab, and really really doesn't know what I've been doing the past 9 weeks. Hmmmmm, it's gonna be an interesting meeting. Two of my other Cos Lab interns are also in the same boat as me. THEIR supervisor (the same one) has been on study leave since 2/3 weeks ago and no one has any idea when she is returning. Not even the lab officers.... haha. So we are all gonna have the same replacement supervisor! Poor replacement, she has to meet the same NTU tutors THREE times.... And she's gonna try to get to know us by reading our logbooks.... Hmmmmm....

Today passed by relatively quickly. Wrote my logbook at work, plus, Cos lab needed help to label all their chemicals and standards and acids today after the safety people came for internal auditing. Also, helped in the process of discarding expired chemicals. There's a long SOP to follow for that. Gosh. Talk about working in a government organisation.

Anyway, today, I suddenly remembered something else the psychologist, Dr Puspa Kikkert said yesterday. She mentioned that, "You have very high standards for guys as well."

Come to think of it, I think that's really very true. I told her that I might just stay single after all. If you guys are wondering, that may really be one of the reasons why I'm still at the evergreen status up till now. But you know what, I might just be embracing the thought of remaining single, of course, not without at least being attached once.

Maybe only one person is suitable for me. God. Who knows, I might be walking on the religious path. Life definitely holds many uncertainties, but I am just going to keep my options open. There's a long way ahead of me and I am going to face it positively!

Day 2 without my supervisor - The funny things said at work

2010-09-21T23:28:00.004+08:00

Today wasn't that bad. At least one LO gave me something to do that kept me occupied for around 1hr 30mins. I was grinning from ear to ear when Charmaine said, "Anne, can you help me with something? Your supervisor not here right?"

Well, when things get boring around my work place, we love to communicate with our phones (play with it), or the best thing is to just sit around and chit chat. Today, my eyes were on the itchy side, so I rubbed, and the teary eye started forming. A friend then randomly commented, "OMG, Anne. You can blink damn fast. It's like your eyelids are fluttering. 100 blinks per minute! A normal person like us can only do 50 blinks per minute."

Haha, somehow, I was really intrigued by that comment. I never saw this "hidden talent" of mine before! And I just kept asking them to try, because I seriously taught it is a very normal thing to blink very fast! Can you guys blink fast too? They just kept saying that if they blink fast, their eyes will probably get spasms.... Weird. Really weird.

Anyway, I went for my Toastmasters Club meeting today. It was a contest once again. I took part only in the Evaluations speech contest. I really wasn't gunning to win this time, and just took part for the sake of it. Apparently, everyone commented that I should have won, if not for the "overtime" of my speech. Yup, in Toastmasters, TIME is everything. I think I've lost my time grasping skills whenever I give a speech. Almost ALL the speeches I've given so far in Toastmasters ever since I came back from US has been overtime.

But anyway, I met an almost completely random Toastmaster today. She's a psychologist doctor in Tasmania, has dual citizenship of Australia and Singapore, is in the Australian Armed Forces as a Major, has a very interesting life thus far and has even more interesting kids.

As we were leaving the meeting, she just randomly said to me, "You should be a lawyer."

And I was like "what, no way."

She repeated that to me a few times after switching between talking to me and my friends.

Then she said, "You're a perfectionist. You're an OCD in the making."

I replied, "Huh, no one has ever ever made that comment about me before. And I don't think I am."

Even I have never ever thought of myself being that before.

She said, "Look at your clothes, so properly ironed, so neatly folded..."

Again, she said, "You should be a lawyer."

I told her, " You know what I'm studying?"

"What?"

"Chemistry."

She just shook her head and said, "You're gonna have a life change, you're gonna have a life change."

Before, I was rather skeptical about what she had said about me. A psychologist doctor at a Toastmasters meeting, who had only seen me speak for about 3mins+ on stage, never ever chit-chatted with me, but is reading me like she's reading a book. After all, she is a psychologist and probably know quite a lot about body gestures and the mind.

Interesting. Very interesting indeed.

However, to tell the truth, as I reflect upon myself, I think I do have some perfectionist and OCD tendencies, hidden well within me. I don't think anyone has really seen that side of me. Not even myself. But once in a while, I do get hints of it as I do stuff. We'll see about the life change thing. Somehow, her words are having a little impact on me....

Cheers everyone!

Day 1 without my supervisor - The funny things at work

2010-09-20T21:02:00.005+08:00

YAWN!

This was how I looked like this morning at work. Thank you very much.

Yes, and it's day 1 without my supervisor.

My supervisor went to Belgium for a conference, and decided to shun bian return home to China for a while. It's gonna be THREE weeks without her.

And nope, I'm not happy. Not at all.

Friday (via SMS)

Me: Dr Tan, do you need me to help you with anything when you're not around?

Supervisor: Not at this moment. Pls help others who need help.

So basically, I had to go on a mission to find my own work!

Interesting right???? NO! Not when you hear these:

Issue 1:

A few weeks ago, my friends had nothing to do, so they decided to help one friend, who was printing stuff, to flip paper at the printer (the old printers can't print double-side! Manual flipping required!). In the meantime, they chatted, and looked very free, so much so that the lab manager complained to the lab officer in charge of my 2 friends. "Why need so many people to print things?"

So I lost one job.... Can't even flip paper for a friend.

Issue 2:

I decided to approach one of the nicer lab officers (LO) to ask if she needed help in anything. She brought me aside and whispered to me, " You know what, I just heard from Jessie (another LO), that one scientific officer (higher in rank) complained about LO asking interns to do sampling (basically a simple job consisting of opening capsules, pouring out its contents, and weighing 1g of the contents into a test tube). So we cannot really ask you all to do such things anymore leh. I see how later ok?"

And there goes my other job....

So I ask you, how ah? Want to do work also cannot. Don't want to do work, want to sit one corner and slack, also scared people complain.... Alamak!

Think when my supervisor come back and ask me what I did over the last 3 weeks, I can only tell her, " NOTHING!" No one allow me to do anything at all.... Boo...

But I rather be at work doing nothing than be at school mugging, unable to do anything else lah!

I may have a latex allergy

2010-09-15T21:13:00.002+08:00

Argh, the back of my hands are itching like mad now.

Have been since last night.

Hhhhmmmmm, I think I might have a latex allergy.

I was wearing latex gloves almost the whole of yesterday, although with frequent changing of the gloves (about 4-5 times). But my friend did notice that I had a lot of sweat under the gloves.

Will continue experimenting and see whether it's really the gloves or something else....

Well, at least a latex allergy gives me a reason not to work in the lab in future. ;)

Waiting and patience is in my job scope

2010-09-13T20:26:00.002+08:00

Hahaha, I'm really impressed by ability to wait and wait and wait....

You see, I've been queueing to run my standards/chemicals on the GCMS (Gas chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) since last Tuesday. And guess what, till today, I have had no opportunity to run it yet! No choice lah, the perm staff likes to cut my queue, because my project has less priority over their samples. And every time there's an opportunity, something has to take place. Like on Thursday, they had a power shut down at night, so I cannot leave my standards running overnight. Then today, thought I can run, but turns out, there's some problem with the machine and they need to change ion source. Boo!

I really had nothing to do at work today though. But I really have fun hanging out and just chit-chatting with my fellow interns lah! Hurray!

Time, please just pass slower....

Funniest day in my life as an intern- can time just pass slower?

2010-09-07T22:11:00.004+08:00

It's week 7.

To tell you the truth, I still look forward to going to work everyday and I am pleased that after going one big round during my application process for internship, I ended up at HSA.

I have only God to thank for this.

After my epic arrival at work at 7.30am yesterday, and leaving at 6.05pm, today was a much slacker day. Yesterday, I had to weigh close to 15 standards and had to do dilutions to my stock solutions. I did around 80 vials of standards plus dilutions yesterday! Amazing! My busiest day at work yesterday.

Well, I was telling Ann, a friend, yesterday that sometimes I feel stupid at work. But I get to learn things out of the stupidity I make. I have this theory at work: You can slack, but don't get caught! Another theory: Always act busy even when you have nothing to do!

But as Murphy would like it, his law came into play today....

Whatever can go wrong, will go wrong!

Do take note that I had finished all my work before lunch and have nothing to do as yet at 2 plus pm.

After lunch, my friend and I had nothing to do, so we were doing a Crossword Puzzle found on The Catholic News happily in lab. Murphy decided to pay me a visit and my supervisor walked in at that moment. My friend whispered, "Tan Jing is here."

And knowing me, with my big aggressive actions, I swiftly folded the newspaper in half and threw it in front of me. Immediately, I picked up the magazine "Cosmetics and Toiletries", which my supervisor had given me to read, and flipped it to one of the centre pages to pretend I was doing something useful. (In my mind, it was just "Shit, shit, shit"!)

"PA, PA, PA" went the sound of my actions! My supervisor heard and caught sight of everything. When she reached my side, she laughed for a whole TWO MINUTES! I have never seen her laugh so hard before! I couldn't help it but laugh along too, and my friends around me as well. All of us were in laughing fits. My supervisor even had difficulty giving me instructions on what she wanted me to do next.... She told me "不要紧的啦" and continued laughing.

Throughout the rest of the day, she kept am-chio-ing at me....

I really have to count my lucky stars that I have such a nice supervisor (maybe she's scolding me in her mind lah, but let's not think that far)!

Really hoping time would not pass so quickly and that I may be able to just savour every minute of work now, for it will be soon before I return to NTU and start work in less than a year....

We all make mistakes- especially me

2010-09-03T20:46:00.002+08:00

This is probably the saddest day I face in my internship.

Just 6 weeks into it, I have made a mistake which I think is relatively huge. Probably forgivable, but I just can't forgive myself just yet.

My sup didn't scold me, but I think it's because she's super nice lah.

But to me, an employee who 'wastes' a company's money is not a good one.

Someone, please just slap me.

Let this be a lesson learnt. Never assume anything. Ask someone even if you have to be irritating.

I put this entry up to remind myself to learn from my mistakes and never make them again.

Jiayou!

Like what the hell....

2010-08-23T20:32:00.003+08:00

Right now, I'm just kinda feeling really shitty.... It's just a kind of sudden feeling. Mixed together with anxiety, worries and sadness....

Here's what happened chronologically:

1. My Godpa is in hospital. Had an emergency op to remove his inflamed gall bladder. Visited him during my lunch time. The slowness and weakness in his walk made me feel a tinge of sadness. But luckily, he looked fine. Get well soon Godpa.

2. My laptop bag dropped (with my laptop inside) when I was just about to leave my workplace for home. At first, I thought it would be fine, because it was in my laptop bag (with all the supposed protection it needs). However, when I turned it on, it couldn't detect the OS of my com. Luckily, I inspected the back of my laptop and realised a loose part, so I pushed it in to try my luck. Thank goodness my com is up and running! Hope there's no side effects though. Oh, but my battery became more chui.... (in terms of physical appearance)

3. My parents just received a call from my cousin that my uncle passed away.... This is going to be the fourth death of someone I know since I came back from the States. First, it was my neighbour, someone whom I grew up calling gu ma. Second was my grandaunt, not that close to me, but still related. Third was a friend from NPCC, just a 21-year-old. And finally, my uncle, my eldest aunt's husband. I used to visit their Holland V house since young. Both my aunt and uncle are getting older and weaker, but never expected this at all....

Update: Mum just reminded me that her cousin passed away about 3 weeks ago too. So that brings the total number of people who passed away since I'm back to 5....

Gosh. Feeling so sian now....

Wheel of Food Locations

2010-08-12T20:08:00.002+08:00

As promised, here's my Wheel of Food Locations! I am so very proud of it! =)

The prototype

The final product

With 'accessories' hand drawn by my fellow intern

Just in case you were wondering how I'm getting along, this week has been pretty good. I see my learning curve travelling upwards currently, with me doing some preparations of samples, dilutions and running Liquid Chromatography on my diluted samples. It may sound boring to you, but at least, I finally got some hands-on with my project. But sadly, my supervisor is changing department to the Cosmetics side and she said I am following her, meaning my job scope might change.

My supervisor is very interestingly cute. Somehow, when I speak to her, I think that my Chinese is super lousy. Too much mix of an English in it. Yesterday, she said that she feels like she is going to get fever, and I replied, "你要 take care." Today, before I left, my sample was still sitting on the machine waiting to be analysed, so I wanted to ask her whether I should take it out. I said, "Then 要不要 take out 那些 vials?" She gave me the am chio (half-smile) face and said no need. My fellow interns who heard me just LOL-ed in my face.... Oh gosh, I better go improve my chinese before I throw Singaporeans' faces....

Internship with a twist

2010-08-05T20:47:00.003+08:00

Yesterday, before I left my workplace, I went to my supervisor's office to pass her something from me thumb drive.

Just when I was about to leave, she said to me in chinese, "Oh, tomorrow I'm going for a conference. So you can either read journals or...... fold filter paper."

I am very guai, so I folded filter paper from 8.45am to 12noon.... :S

Queued for Koi for 45mins with my fellow interns (about 10 of us from NTU and NUS) during lunch.

Everyday, we would all have difficulties choosing our lunch location. Most of the time, we would just stand in the lobby and ask each other: Errrr so what are we having for lunch today?

Since there was no one to supervise me today (plus very little work for my fellow Cosmetics lab interns), we invented a lunch location Wheel of Fortune! I am very proud of our new invention. This proves that we are really SCIENTISTS! We come up with new things. There was even a prototype and a final product.

I should start selling the Wheel of Fortune to other HSA colleagues. By the way, it really spins! Will post up the photo tomorrow.

If you wanna buy, can contact me. It is customisable. ;)

Things begin, and things end....

2010-07-26T21:10:00.004+08:00

And it's been a whole one month and one week since I came back to Singapore. Within this period, many things have happened. Both good. And not too good.

Well, in this short period of time, I attended two funerals, both within a week. One of my Grandaunt, the other, a friend from NPCC. Although I'm not close to both, my heart still wept silently for them. After all, they've come into my life and somehow touched me in one way or another. It is really interesting how human relationships work. Sometimes, it is not the amount of time spent with one another that matters, but it is how the bond forms and how the heart links. Rest in peace grandaunt Magdalene and friend Yuling.

Through the death of my grandaunt, I also got to know a whole new revelation about my family. I met up with my 2nd generation cousin the other day at Macs. We were just chit-chatting about how we should keep in contact, because if we don't, we might just lose touch forever. Then we started discussing about our Family Tree. To tell you the truth, the generation of my parents and grandparents are so complicated in terms of family relationships, so much so that both of us couldn't really figure out how we were really related. Well, you see, all I knew about that Grandaunt was that she was my Grandpa's sis. My cousin (whose grandma is that grandaunt) thought that my grandpa and his grandpa were brothers. Yet, his grandpa's surname was Ng, grandma (my grandaunt) was Chan and my grandpa is Lim. We could not see the relation at all. I had this strange feeling in my mind that maybe, just maybe, we were really not blood related.

I went home and plucked up my courage to ask about this situation. To my surprise, he told me that actually, my Grandpa was given to somebody else, and thus, we had to take his new parents' surname, which is Lim. So, my real real surname, is supposed to be Chan!!!! Gosh.... It was really such a revelation to me! And this is also the exact reason why my 1st generation cousins and my brother's name all have the word Chang or Chan! (If you guys know, my mum didn't want me to be named by my grandpa, as she claimed that all who were named by my grandpa are not that smart, thus I do not have Chan or Chang in my name) I guess History really has a lot of hidden secrets, waiting to be discovered (or not to be discovered).

My dad's cousin also has a pretty weird story about he and his wife, but I'll leave that for another time. Well, all I have to say is that there were too much giving out of babies in the past and too much adoptions here and there, causing the load of confusion here....

Back to the present, I have just started my Health Sciences Authority internship today. Not much today, just reading of a safety manual plus a safety talk which was super super funny! I laughed and smiled till my jaws ached! I am not too upset by the low pay (or stipend as they would like to call it), but I just hope that I can learn a lot a lot of things, just like what I did for my GIP in US. This also marks the first time I am working in a place which is related to my course, maybe the ONLY time.... I guess only time will tell.

Oh and when I just came back from work, the police sealed up the area under my block. Apparently, a maid fell from the 10th floor while cleaning the windows. I really pity them. They're just here to earn something for their family back home, but just because they're working hard, they pass on.... What's worse is that the maid just came to Singapore not long ago. My mum was taking letters from the letterbox when she heard a short scream and the loud 'bom' landing. Didn't dare to look out of the block while she was there.

Wow, the nights are really short when you are working in the day. Gotta treasure the rest of my time....

Back with a BANG!!!

2010-06-30T19:47:00.024+08:00

June has been nothing short of being fun and exciting. Even after I've arrived back in this sunny island! Lots of acitivities these past two weeks, and yes, I am sure glad to back with all the fantastic food and people all around! Although I've lost 5kg in the States, I've since gained back 1 of those kgs. It won't be long before I fully gain back all 5....

And so I have been horrible, no updates for the past one month due to both laziness and being busy. I shall have to summarise everything into a few photos. Let me start by posting one or two photos of each place I went to in the States over the 3 weeks plus trip which I had with Hilda:

Seattle May 21 to 25: The land of Starbucks

San Francisco May 25 to 28: My favourite city with the Golden Gate Bridge

Los Angeles May 28 to June 6: City of the famous

Las Vegas and Grand Canyon June 6 to 9: Sin City and a wonder of the World

New York City June 9 to 15: Visit no. 2, Land of the busy

And that concludes my very colourful, eye-opening and interesting America West Coast + NYC trip! Wait for me USA, I'll be back one day!!! =)=)

Hello Seattle, Goodbye Seattle.

2010-05-25T15:44:00.003+08:00

We arrived in Seattle on the 21st of May, and in a short span of three days (excluding the day of arrival), we have visited many places (including walking for 45minutes today from Fremont to Queen Anne's Kerry Park, up the steep steep slopes)! It's been a tiring, but fulfilling three days! Tomorrow, we'll be leaving for San Francisco. Another location with lots of steep slopes.

Will be staying in a hostel with Hilda tomorrow. Hope it's alright. Not expecting much, but it's just for a few days. Good luck to us!

Anyway, the highlights of Seattle, Washington were:

Getting lost and travelling to a community college instead of going to our wanted location in downtown (the bus driver was super nice, gave us a day pass which costs $4.50 when we only paid $2 meant for a single ride trip).
Waterfront with the many piers of Seattle. Good view at every pier.
Chinatown (but not much there, just ate dim sum). Met a sea of soccer fans who just came out of a soccer match with Seattle's Sounders F.C. playing (but lost).
Seattle's Central Library with 10 floors.
Seattle's Space Needle (didn't go up due to weather, was going to rain)
Ivar's Acres of Clams brunch buffet! A very worthy USD$31.50 (including tax and tips). There was alaskan crabs, oysters, clam chowder, other fantastic food and dessert! We all ate till our stomachs were gonna explode and did not eat anything else for the rest of the day!
Sacred Heart Catholic Church for Pentecost Day.
Bill Spiedel's Underground History Tour of Seattle. Super fantastic tour with a humorous twist for USD$12. Really loved the tour and did not regret it! Funny stories which the tour guide shared.
Smith Tower view of Seattle. Paid only USD$5, as compared to Space Needle's $17. ;)
Qwest Field and Safeco Stadium. (The soccer match was held at Qwest Field)
Wanted to go to the Klondike Gold Rush Museum and Police Museum but they were closed early as it was Sunday.
Pike's place Market with the flying fishes.
First Starbucks in the World! Loads of Starbucks in Seattle though. I believe every block has one in Downtown Seattle. (oh and did I tell you that there's a free bus ride zone in Downtown Seattle where you don't have to pay anything?! shioks!)
Fremont District with its Troll and street art and beautiful boutiques plus quaint little shops.
Queen Anne District (here's where we walked for 45mins from Fremont up super steep slopes! Gosh! But they have really nice houses in the district). Went to Kerry Park with a fantastic view of Seattle and Mount Rainier.
Shopping! But thank goodness I didn't buy anything. My luggage is seriously seriously on the verge of explosion.... =(

It has really been a good trip in Seattle. Hope the rest of the holidays will be this fantastic as well! Till San Francisco!

Goodbye Troy and RPI!

2010-05-21T11:40:00.018+08:00

I seriously can't believe that tonight is my last night here in Troy and RPI. I got to say, it's been an amazing amazing experience and I just can't bear to let it go. =( But all good things must come to an end. I'm glad that I managed to capture many of these wonderful moments on my camera and in my mind and itwill live with me forever! Definitely no regrets coming on exchange to RPI! It's just so wonderful and I just can't find enough words to describe it.

I really want to that ALL my friends here who have made this exchange such a memorable one. When I say friends, it refers to my Singaporean exchange friends, classmates, all the RPI students whom I've met and talked to, my lecturers, my church people (priest and the elderly as well) and everyone whom I've come into contact with.

The cutest professor I have! Dr. Joseph Warden. Teaches Theoretical Chem, a very very tough subject. He always has great introductions to the class. My favourite phrase from him: "Yeah, the squirrels have had a tough winter!"

My lab professor. He's very very nice! Kurt Wicks. Very generous with his marking of our lab reports as well! And caring to point out our mistakes during lab. =)

My very very very slack TAs for my other lab course (Experimental Chemistry IV). Kal and James. Labs are pretty casual here. No lab coats needed and you can even wear berms to lab (not advised though!) Lab reports can be handed in ANY time (as long as it's before the final deadline which is at the end of the semester).

The professor to Ex Chem IV, Dr. Ronald Bailey. He's really really mild tempered and nice. Formal lab reports are handed in to him, but can be handed in any time too. And he helps you correct them until you can get an "A" for the lab report.

Dr. Mark Platt. The professor who has been to Singapore and is very amazed that there's no chewing gum! A pretty young and cool professor (though classes are a little boring)... hehe I enjoy listening to his dry humour. ;)

Montse! Our friend from Spain, also here on exchange. =) There's another Spanish girl called Berta whom I didn't have a chance to take an individual photo with. I managed to meet Montse on the last day before she flew because there was a fire alarm in the Union! If not, I would have missed her....

This is Rhiannon, a friend from my Theoretical Chem and Ex Chem IV class. Really glad to have met her and another guy named Sonny. If not, I would be so totally lost in Theoretical Chem (which I still am actually) and wouldn't have gotten that surprising A-!This is probably my favourite hangout in RPI. The C+CC. It's actually a church, but other religions use this place as well (very seldom). This is the place where I am very moved and I have grown spiritually so so much through this exchange. Had such a fulfilling Lent and Easter experience!

And the only priest in University Parish Christ Sun of Justice, Father Ed Karceguis! I really really love his homilies and he is such a nice Father! It is really hard to run and manage a parish on your own, but Fr Ed (also known as Fred) has done a fantastically good job. I cried when I said goodbye to him when I went for my last weekday Mass here earlier in the afternoon. I will really really miss the church here and Fr Ed a lot! Take care!

This is my bed in my room! I totally love the comforter. It is just so comfortable (as the name suggests) and it has truly kept me warm through winter. I love my little room and will miss it so so much!

My last time sitting on the slope behind the library which overlooks Downtown Troy. You can just see the sadness in my eyes.... I will really miss the beautiful surroundings and the people here. The squirrels, the friendly bus drivers, the caring people in church, the nerdy and cool students of RPI and all that is in and around Troy and RPI. It has been a great 4 months here! Goodbye Troy and RPI....

Last day of lessons in RPI

2010-05-12T08:35:00.002+08:00

Wow, wow, wow!
I totally can't believe it's the last day of lessons today in RPI. It also wraps up my semester here in the United States. I just can't believe how fast time flew by....

I've really met many people and many things here in Troy. I do feel kind of sad that I have to leave this place in about 10 days time. AAAAaaaaawwwwwww, why does time pass so fast when you're enjoying yourself?

Took some photos with some profs and TAs. Will be posting them up real soon when I gather most of the pictures taken with the different profs who taught me. Look out for them!

It's ALREADY MAY????

2010-05-06T11:21:00.002+08:00

It's really really amazing how time passes by so quickly. I really can't believe it's already May. Where did my four months go?? Gosh.

I'm in a very contradictory mood right now. For one, I can't wait till the end of my exams on the 19th of May. Then it'll be travelling with buddy Hilz. And I'll be back in Singapore with my beloved family and friends plus all the delicious food. Yet, on the other, I don't want to leave here. I don't wanna leave my professors and lecturers, the beautiful environment, the cosy church, the cute little squirrels, the peacefulness of day.... I really don't.... =(

I hate it when someone eats up my stuff.... =( I really hate it.... Damn. Recently, I just bought a pint of Ben & Jerry's new ice cream flavour, Milk and Cookies. I tried it and I really love it. I'm the kind of person who will savour things slowly when I like something, slowly savouring it with a few mouthfuls everyday. BUT, yesterday, some friends came over to my house. My friend requested to try it, and I agreed. I can still remember her saying, "Just a little bit." Yet, when I went to check the pint in the freezer last nite (while they were eating, I was doing some work), there was only one pathetic bit left, pathetic to the point that I can see the bottom of the tub.... plus, you can even see the melted-and-refrozen-parts.... From a 3/4 full pint to almost nothing left.
My friend said that everyone just ate a mouthful, but there was this idiotic housemate of ours, who just sat there eating... She is the same person who has been secretly devouring some of our food (the one who doesn't share our groceries as well). We find our butter missing, my friend's cornflakes depleting at an alarming rate, even my friend's shampoo.... As the chinese saying goes:日防夜防，家贼难防. How true it is that no matter how you try to protect your property, the thief could be coming from within the house.
I am really upset because I bought this pint at the Albany walmart supercenter which requires a car to get to, and for the nearest place to our house that sells B&J ice cream, the price has gone up! Plus I really really love that flavour and intended to keep it and savour it for a week. FREAKING HELL!!!!!!!!!!! BLEAH!!! I seriously damn upset....

Bah. On a lighter note, something in my email cheered me up yesterday. I received an email from Dr Vesa, my Minor in entre professor. He gave me feedback on the EN105B report I submitted during my Spring Break, saying he really enjoyed reading it. An email all the way from Europe (he has resigned from his position in NTU, although he's still marking our reports). =) He made my day amidst the sadness of my lost B&J ice cream.... Thanks Dr Vesa.

It's really pretty now that Spring is in full force here. If you look at my FB photos, you can see a few pictures of the pretty environment which we have been taking recently. It's sad though that my last week of lessons here has to be spent mugging for most of the time. Damn. But I am trying to fully appreciate and treasure the moments which I still have here. AAAaaawwwwwwwwwww, can someone please slow down time??

Oh and can someone please tell me why am I so addicted to eBay (although not so much recently)? I have bought a few things from there and my luggage is so full already! Someone please just tie me up! Shopping online is seriously addictive. So is playing games. So is relaxing. So is eating B&J ice cream.... ARGH! I want my Milk and Cookies!!! (As you can see, I still haven't gotten over it yet. It's kind of like an accumulated anger + sadness) =(

Please let the time freeze....

Of professors and the Agape Holy Thursday Meal

2010-04-02T08:59:00.017+08:00

So the day went on, as usual. But this week is Holy Week and today is Holy Thursday. On Sunday, I was really looking forward to this day, because church was going to have a special service and an Agape Meal incorporated into it. Shall elaborate on it later.

The first highlight of the day really came after my Organic Chem lesson. Now, I have to admit that I have truly been LEARNING real stuff here in RPI. Back in Singapore, I just knew the knowledge, but here I truly truly learn! I really dread Organic Chem when I was back in Singapore, but here, I am not dreading it as much and I am sort of enjoying it. The professor teaching it is a good one as well. Fantastico! After trying out some organic chem questions on Aromatic Synthesis, I had a few questions to ask Professor Alan Cutler. So after class, I went up to him and patiently waited for him to answer other peoples' questions before I asked. Although he was very lor sor, I got answers to my questions.

Then, as I was about to turn around, he asked where I was from and my name. So I got started on me being here for exchange, one semester, sort of learned the stuff he's been teaching before, etc. etc. And the conversation went on between us for about 25 minutes. However, it was really interesting talking to him. He was talking about how Singapore is actually very 'controlled' but advanced at the same time, how USA wasn't democratic, and how he supported Obama, and how the conservative Americans were shocked that Obama was elected. Then, we spun off into Singapore's education system. I told him about how we Singaporean students are like a sponge, and he told me about the British education system being more advanced. One thing that I did observe here was that the Americans would aim to go to grad school to get PhDs, and I commented that we Singaporeans didn't really look into that. Sure, some do, but how many Science Singaporean professors do you have? In NTU's chemistry, I could count them all with just two hands. Probably less than 8.... He then said he was amazed that a country who's so technology advanced and aims to be even more technologically advanced can have such a lack of PhD students.... He kept mentioning that China, India and Japan used to produce 'garbage' journal articles years ago, but they are so so much better now, and there's a vast vast improvement in their thirst for advancement, producing more and more PhD holders. It sort of made me wonder whether one day, Singapore would lose the battle.....

There was much more that we talked about. Religion, chem classes, culture shock, about how university teaches about application and mindset, about WHY WHY WHY Singaporeans don't really look to PhDs (he seriously emphasized a lot on this, but I didn't have a clear answer for him as well), Asia powerhouses, careers and jobs so on and so forth. He was indeed very curious about Singapore. He said that he would like to try teaching in Singapore one day. The day he does, those Singaporeans who attend it would GAIN A LOT and LEARN A LOT!

It was real cool to talk to a professor (an american one at that) at such great lengths. I have never really talked to any NTU professor for more than 10 minutes, and even so, most of it is about work.... But Prof Cutler really got me thinking about 'further-ing' my studies. Something for me to truly consider.... I walked away with a lot of thoughts and new discoveries.

And after the 25 minutes conversation, I was officially late for Mass in church. I half ran, half walked to church (about 15 minutes from where I was). Was about 5-10 minutes late... Everyone was already well-seated at their tables and Mass had already started, people singing the opening hymn. It was a great experience to be at this Agape Meal. Agape-The love of God or Christ for Humankind. The entire Mass was just beautiful. After the first and second readings, we were served our dinner- salad, rolls and pasta.

Although back in Singapore, I did attend a Seder Meal Service (or maybe it was Mass) in CJC on Holy Thursday as well, but that was a more sombre event. This Agape meal was more of a community and sharing event, and it was to allow everyone to fully participate from beginning to end.

Priest (Fr Ed, affectionately known as Fred) addressing the congregation. Note the wine and bread on the table and the picture hanging above

The washing of the feet was done by the priest and conducted on the servers ('waiters' for each table who came from the church's pastoral council or the Newman Catholic Fellowship, the catholic society in RPI).

Priest washing the feet of the servers

The bread and wine used was real bread and wine, not just wafers we usually have at Mass.

I met new friends at my table. Two of them, husband and wife, came from Colombia, and were very friendly. We spoke about everything under the sun. Spanish, Singapore, Colombia, jobs, etc. They also said that this Agape Meal is special to this church. I feel very fortunate that I was able to partake in it. Then on the other side of the table sat a family, mother, father, daughter (the daughter was about 40, so the parents are about 60-70). The Father thought once again that Singapore is in China. Haha, now I just laugh it off when I hear that.

The family sitting opposite me

Other church-goers whom I have been talking too were there in church as well, and I got a hug from one of them, Christie. It really feels warm and nice. =)

Oh, and the palms which was used on Palm Sunday was really just a leaf.

I am really looking forward to the Service tomorrow on Good Friday, Easter Vigil Mass on Saturday and of course, Easter Mass on Sunday. Praise the Lord for he is about to die and later on, risen into new life!!!!! =)

My beloved computer

2010-03-29T03:56:00.007+08:00

When I first got my laptop from school, I realised that it did not have the normal games which would normally appear in a computer run on any Windows Operating system. So I thought to myself, maybe it's because I have a Windows Vista Business Edition, that's why it didn't have games. I was pretty sad, as I really love to play minesweeper and freecell, etc.

Apparently, 2 and a half years after I've had this laptop, I realised that the problem was not with the operating system. It was just that the Games was not enabled! And guess how I found out... Through RPI's (my exchange school) website....

Look (Click to view larger photos):

Yeah, I feel so dumb.... If I never came for exchange, I wouldn't even know that the games are already inside waiting for my activation!!!!

But I'm happy. One more thing to do when I'm bored!!!! =)

My family....

2010-03-27T07:58:00.005+08:00

Hahaha, I have this tendency to look forward to speaking to my parents on Skype in the mornings when I wake up. It just cheers me up and sort of makes my day. Back in Singapore, we would seldom have a let's-sit-down-in-the-living-room-and-talk session. The chats would largely be on buses when we're travelling somewhere, or it would come in random spurts throughout the day. Now, I truly enjoy the short 15-30minutes we would spend chit-chatting about all sorts of things: From the poisonous po chai pills, to the Universal Studios' ride glitch, to the weather, etc. etc.

But I really truly appreciate the presence of Skype, Internet, MSN and email for they somehow make me feel at home in a stranger's land.

Just about two days ago, I decided to Skype from school as I had a test in the morning which I figured would end at around 9+am (Singapore time 9+pm), just in time for me to catch them online. Haven't skyped them since Saturday as well as I had morning lessons everyday.

But that Skype session was indeed hilarious! A few minutes after we connected (dad, mum and bro were all there), my mum covered her nose and screamed that it was very smelly!!!! Guess what, my beloved dad just did his signature move: Fart!

Back in Singapore, I would really hate it Dad farts in the living room while I was watching TV. It was like he just released a massive stink bomb! Gosh.... But guess what, I am kind of missing his random releases. The true feeling of home is made up of such small little actions.

The next thing which they said was, "Eh, ah girl, you know that now hor, the utilities bill only $60 when you not at home leh!" Usually, it would be around $80-$90. Talk about being a spendthrift.... I'm always labeled as the one who spends the most at home.. haha, but that sentence cracked me up as well. I have no idea why.... To tell you the truth, deep inside them, I believe they would rather I be at home RIGHT NOW, then saving the $20-30 from the utilities bill. ;)

And yes indeed, it's not just skyping with my family that's a joy. Of course, skyping with my beloved friends is great as well! Whether it's with Hilda or Liting or anyone else, I truly appreciate those moments. Catch me online whenever you can! ;)

The Jellyfish Sting

2010-03-24T10:52:00.003+08:00

If you guys can recall one of my Facebook statuses which I posted about 2-3 weeks ago, it was about the jellyfish sting I had on my leg at Miami Beach during my Spring Break in Florida.

Well, the jellyfish is kinda back to haunt me.

No, I didn't get another sting yet again. But, since yesterday, the sting spots (yes, spotS, with a capital S) have been itching very much. At first, I thought it was bed bugs, but I just suddenly realised they were exactly the spots which had hurt very much that day and had swelled.

When I first got stung, I didn't really know how many sting spots there were. But, I just counted the itchy spots, and realised there are 6(at least)!!!! Yes, that means I was probably stung 6 times (at least).

Argh! The itch is killing me now.... Don't know which is worse, the pain and numb on that day, or the itch now....

Stations of the Cross

2010-03-23T11:05:00.002+08:00

It has been quite a while since I last went for Stations of the Cross. Can't remember when was the last time. Last year during Lent maybe?

Well, this year for Lent, I decided to attend the Stations of the Cross at the church on campus, here in USA. I was just beginning to feel quite at home in the cosy little church since last week. Managed to make some friends at the talk I went to last Wednesday about Spirituality and Food.

Little did I know that Stations of the Cross here was such an awesome awesome experience. I kind of expected a little walk around in the church for Stations, since there were pictures of the way of the cross hung on the back of the church wall. It was a little surprising that I saw the music ministry standing in a line at the front of the church when I arrived. We were all seated, and Stations started. The priest, Father Ed, or affectionately known as "Fred" (Fr Ed), was seated among the congregation at the side and started with an opening prayer and the introduction of the first station.

Then, a member of the choir started singing the song "Knowing You" by Graham Kendrick. Such a beautiful beautiful deep voice he had. It felt like a CD was playing instead of someone singing it live. I was so so moved, so so touched by that song that I started tearing. I tried to hold back my tears, but it flowed. Indeed, at that moment, I felt so mortal, felt like such a sinner, felt so unworthy that Jesus should even die for me, for us.

The second station was equally moving. I teared once again, to the song "You are my All in All", sung by a group of youth. I sung along, with my choked, crying voice. But it felt all so moving, so reflective. It was amazing. I haven't had such a reflective moment plus a touched moment for such a long time.

There were participative moments at every station as well. Although it did feel weird that we were sitting throughout the whole stations (something I am not used to, usually we're kneeling or standing), I felt reflective throughout it all and truly felt God's presence. The participative moments at every station went something like, "If we had been there, Jesus, we would have begged Pilate to set you free. We would have yelled, "Let him go; he's a good man." But we weren't there. We are only here now, remembering." It was different for every station. Somehow, while I was reciting it along with the rest of the church, I did wonder if I would really have done what the passage said if I lived in the time of Jesus. Would I really stand true to my faith at that moment? Or would I be like the disciples, like Peter, who denied Jesus at his moment of suffering? Something for me to think about.

I didn't want the Stations to end that fast, because I was really enjoying the moment. It was great. The beautiful and perfect moment where I was touched....

Spring has finally arrived!!!!!!!! =)=)

2010-03-20T09:13:00.018+08:00

And so it's back to school. But I haven't started dreading it because of the beautiful beautiful weather! Shall elaborate on the weather later.
Yesterday, I told myself I had to bring a camera today. Yet, once again, I forgot! I left the house and a minute later, I saw something that was so picture worthy that I had to run back to grab my cam. Here's what I caught:

It might seem like something insignificant and that some trouble makers are just trying to be funny. However, there's a deeper meaning to these shoes. When I was in Australia for World Youth Day 08, we were living in Mt. Druitt, a place for the not-so-rich and it's full of people who are aborigines. Apparently, such shoes on cables are placed there by drug addicts or baddies to indicate that there's a meeting tonight to do "bad" things. I'm not sure whether it's the same thing here in Troy, but it's pretty scary. Below are two pictures which I took in Mt. Druitt, Australia. Frighteningly similar.

Enough about the 'interesting' things. Back to the weather. IT'S ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC I tell you. The temperatures are slowly creeping upwards and it reached about 17-18 deg celcius since a few days ago. Goodbye to my big down jacket. Goodbye to my layers. Goodbye to my fleece and woolies! Woohoo. I was sweating while walking around school. Totally love this weather! =) And you also start to see everyone sitting on the grass in school or just sitting on a bench outside eating. It's great. =) Here's someone I caught playing with her dog on campus. So cute! =)

And the trees are budding! A sure sign of Spring! =) Lovely!

The weather sure makes everyone happy, especially here in Troy. After facing winter for a few months, everyone seems to become more cheerful! Yesterday, my Theoretical Chem professor let us off 5 minutes early "so that Lisa can go play outside" as he said. (Lisa is one of my classmates and she mentioned about playing in the nice weather just before class started) He always lets us off on the dot but guess the good weather rubbed off on him.

And then, today, my Analytical Chem professor just decided to have class outside! Totally cool! He's the cutest professor I have here in RPI and I just can't stop smiling at him when he talks.... Awwwwwww. He's kinda witty as well! He came into class today and just said, let's get outta here! And out we went.

Once we were seated, I immediately whipped out my camera to capture that special scene which probably would not happen in Singapore and he started laughing, saying that over here, they spend so much time in winter. It's rare to have such a nice day so we have to be out here. :D

He's also the professor who commented about bubble gum being banned in Singapore (if you did read my earlier post). After class, he just laid down on the grass and soak up the sun! How cool is that. Imagine your Singapore professor doing that man....

I checked the weather and temperatures might drop next week. Hope it's not too bad. =( Will be playing ultimate frisbee with the Singaporeans tomorrow! Exciting!

I just can't wait for sem to end and HILDA CHANG will be here with me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG! SO FREAKING EXCITING!

And yes Hilda, it's our amazing race! Because, I don't think I might want to take part in The (real) Amazing Race with anyone else but you. (Some exceptions might be my dad or a few others) ;)

Anyone else interested can join us too of course!!!!! The more the merrier!

And julie pok, I dunno whether I can stay on further till 28th June. Will definitely update you again! =) Stay tuned!! =)

The woes of coming for exchange

2010-03-15T06:48:00.009+08:00

Yes, I have been having a lot of fun leaving my footprints all over America while I am on exchange. I just came back from my Spring break in Florida, visiting places like Daytona, Miami and Orlando. The best part was definitely Disney World's Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Two full days of enjoyment spend there for the 7 days. It was definitely worth the USD$166 which I paid for the entrance fee!

Of course, exchange is not all about fun and games. I have my fair share of woes (which you actually seldom hear from exchange students). But I guess these are the experiences that make you remember and learn.

Today I just had a very interesting experience. My light bulb blew. (Don't worry, no explosions). It just went off last night before I went to sleep. Being the independent me, I hate to ask for help from others, so I decided to act hero and get it settled by myself. So I woke up at 8.15am this morning (had to go to church) and I had to get the light bulb out so that I can go and purchase it. Little did I know that this was one of the disadvantages of being short. With my room chair or bed, I could not reach the bulb. I didn't want to stand on the table too because it was made of glass and it was too heavy to move. I went to one of my friend's room (she is still at Alaska) to get another chair. I couldn't reach it too! Darn. I really didn't want to wake my housemates (some of them only get up at 1pm...). So what I did was to put my luggage on top of the two stacked chairs and voila, it worked, after much shakiness and instability. Look at the photo and you'll see why.

After being able to reach the lamp, I had to unscrew the lamp cover off. Little did I know that I was supposed to use a screwdriver instead of using my bear hands to turn the cover off.... This was the result:

Oops... I went to the supermarket after Mass. Since it was Sunday, the buses were rather infrequent and I figured I had 15 minutes to run into the shop, buy the light bulb, run out of the shop and into another, buy my frozen fish fillet for lunch, and then run to the bus stop. It was definitely heart pumping! And yeah, there was a new shop called the Family Dollar which sells cheap things! I managed to get 4 light bulbs for only USD$1! The exact same light bulb which I took out. I had only 5 minutes to get my fish fillet. Thank goodness I made it and the bus was a little late, allowing me to get home by 11+. =)

I fixed the light bulb using the same method and this is how it looks like now:

Phew, now I can spend the night with lights. =)

Oh and I just learnt how to cook Aglio Olio. It is a little too oily, but I think it still tasted pretty good.

A few weeks ago, I cooked Mee Suah for the whole house too.

Looks good right? Thank goodness for recipes online! =)

Oh yah, by the way, there's this Daylight Saving thing in the USA, where we are shifted forward one hour from March till November. Interesting. So now, I'm 12 hours behind Singapore instead of 13 hours. Easier to remember. I guess it has to do with the longer days and shorter nights now that we are approaching summer. Hurray for that!

I'm having the experience of my lifetime despite these woes. 3 more months and I'll be back sharing these experiences with you. =)

A different experience

2010-02-24T11:29:00.005+08:00

Wow, in a blink of an eye, I've already been in Troy, NY for ONE WHOLE MONTH!
Time is passing by so quickly and I sort of don't want it to end. Although I've been buried in work and tests and assignments (sorry for the non-updates due to all these), I'm still having a good experience. =)

In a course of this one month, I've met people who:

1. Don't understand my English (and yes, I've to speak SLOWLY for them to get what I'm saying. It's sort of like when we don't understand the English of some people from China or other parts of the world...)
2. Doesn't know where Singpore is (My classmate thought that Singapore was a city in Japan.... and she asked me how's the weather in Japan now)
3. thinks that Singapore has lots of dangerous snakes and coral reefs (and to that I responded: Isn't that in Australia? Apparently, he watched some documentary and that's where he got the idea from)
4. thinks that banning chewing gum is totally weird (Yup, that's my lecturer for one of the modules. He then added that the first thing he did when he went to Malaysia was to buy chewing gum)
5. the whole class doesn't sleep during lectures no matter how boring it is!!!!!! Only the Singaporean exchange students are sleeping (for example, me, totally trying to fight the sleep monster throughout the whole lesson). The most amazing thing is that they don't even look sleepy at all!
6. The professor gives personal attention to students because there's a rather small number of students in class (you hand in your draft of a formal lab report, the professor gives his comments and sends it back to you, and mind you, the comments are not general! It is so specific down to the spelling, and he will underline certain lines and tell you what's wrong with it!)

Things that I've done in this one month (See photos on FB for more details):

1. Gone to Boston and back in two days.
2. Gone to NYC and back in three days.
3. Gone to the "Night at the Museum" Museum (called the American Museum of Natural History) and totally enjoyed it although I only walked through half the museum. It was ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC! I totally love it!
4. Gone to Central Park and took almost a hundred photos!
5. Gone through a snowstorm today! (Well, it's not really as bad as it sounds, but it snowed heavily for a few hours)
6. And because of that snowstorm, I just went out to the backyard to make a snow angel plus snowman plus snowball fight with my housemates!
7. Cooked my own proper dinner. (Never really done that in my entire life other than maggie mee when I was back in Singapore)
8. Do grocery shopping at least once a week.
9. Spent CNY away from home for the first time in my life!
10. Went to Woodbury, a premium shopping outlet place (factory outlets), and spent USD$200+ in a day! :S Never ever spent so much in a day before! Bought so many things at cheap cheap prices! Polo Ralph Lauren, Coach, Levi's, Fossil, Crabtree and Evelyn, etc. etc.!!!!!! OMG!!!!
10. And many many more things plus more to come....

Pardon my laziness to do an in-depth blog entry. Feeling pretty tired and I got to study for a coming exam! =(
Peace out!

School has started and it's crazy!

2010-01-29T09:45:00.002+08:00

Sorry for this really late post ever since I arrived here in Troy, NY about 2 weeks ago.

Well, everything has been pretty crazy ever since school started and right now, I'm in the culture shock period.

Although everything has been good so far (see pictures on FB), there has also been some small little struggles along the way. It's quite an experience to go through some of these struggles and I wouldn't say it's all torturous.

Well, in Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), everything is done rather differently from the Singapore unis (or at least NTU). Apparently, after speaking to some locals, RPI is a relatively good school (they say it's better than University of Washington) and it's pretty tough here.

As a science student in NTU, I only have to worry about my mid-terms (either once a twice per sem) and finals.

Over here, they have assignments, 10 million quizzes and I am taking two lab modules, so that's like twice the pre-lab plus twice the amount of lab reports per week!!!!!! It's pretty crazy!

Yesterday, the third day of school, I was supposed to have TWO quizzes!!!! Both were postponed in the end, one to today, and one next week.
I broke my own record. I've never ever studied until like one week before a test and here I am, studying on the second/third day of school! haha.... I was mugging in the library for about one hour during my free period today some more (pardon my Singlish, I'm pretty deprived of using it here), going through AGAIN what I studied last night!

Haven't been able to make much local friends yet though, as they all seem to know each other. Talked to a few of them for a while but not much. I really hope I can make friends soon enough as I am quite afraid that I can't handle some of the modules.... The good thing about school here is that there's hardly any final exams. So far, I only got ONE module (out of six which I'm taking) that has a confirmed final exam! There's one that's pending but the rest confirm don't have! Interesting. But I realised that over here, what they are really concerned about is whether you really understand your stuff. They don't just want to stuff your head with knowledge. They want you to KNOW!

In NTU, I hate organic chem because I think I don't really know what the lecturer is talking about. It's amazing that I even did OK for org chem. But over here, I really feel that I am LEARNING! Which I'm really thankful for. I do have mods here which I feel pretty lost too, not understanding what the prof is talking about or not knowing what to do.

For example,my theoretical chem class has graduate students as well, meaning it's a pretty hard class. It's also pretty intimidating. Only 12 people in the class and they all seem to understand what the prof is talking about!!!!!. I even overheard some if the undergrads talking about the graduate schools they have applied to and which ones they have gotten into (Cornell, Chicago, MIT, etc.). Super smart people!!

And then lab is another crazy one. The worst thing is that I'm taking two lab mods. There's 10 million things to do for lab, pre-lab, during lab, post-lab. It's gonna drive me nuts I tell you! I felt so lost in lab today too. Thank goodness there're nice TA's around to help, plus the prof is nice too, helped me with one of the machines.

I must say it's been one crazy ride in the first week of school. Just hope I will get over the culture shock fast enough and adapt to the whole system! Adios guys. =)

New York, Here I Come!

2010-01-16T20:29:00.003+08:00

It's kind of a surreal feeling that I am having right now.

It's a mix of sadness, that I am about to leave my family for the first time in my life for such a long time, that I am going to not see my good friends for such a long time, that I am not going to enjoy eating my chicken rice and durian and all the local delicacies for such a long time!
It's also a mix of happiness, that I am going to be in a whole new different place with lots of adventure waiting for me.
A mix of confusion, as to whether I've really brought all my items and what I am going to do once I reach there.

Yes, all that I am feeling now.
Had a good mass just now in CJ. Felt like I was in JC again with all the organising and singing and coordinating. Really love feeling. Probably, God was satisfying my thirst. And I could hear God telling me to continue attending the mass there and it will be a different experience.

New York, here I come. Don't miss me too much Singapore.
I'll be back before you know it! =)

Last day of 2009!

2009-12-31T21:25:00.007+08:00

Wow, in a blink of an eye, we have arrived at the last day of the year.
I must say that this year has somewhat passed by more quickly than the others and I would say that this year has been a rather 'quiet' year for me, save for the many 21st birthday parties I had to attend and some craziness that happened.

I think I enjoyed school this year (Year 2 sem 2 and Year 3 sem 1) more than the other years that have gone by. I took more interesting modules like my Voice Studies and Production, What is Cinema, Tourism and Spanish. All I never ever intended to take until the Add/Drop period in NTU (Interesting titles and decided to add them as they had vacancies for Voice and Spanish, the other two I managed to get during through subject registration). This was the year I broke my own records as well. =)

I met interesting people(in a good and bad way) during my Minor in Entrepreneurship which I had to fight for. I battled through the difficult period in May and June where there was little sleep (probably the least i've ever experienced in my life!) and caved ourselves up in school all the way! Even did a few firsts during that period like staying in hall for a few weeks and doing stupid things at Timbre.

Attended tons of 21st, I would estimate around 10-20. Didn't have my own, but don't mind it. =) Celebrated with close friends and that's enough.

I remember Petrina was away for the first 6 months of the year and I missed her dearly. Can't believe that in about 2 weeks time, I would be doing the same thing.... This year, I also sent many off at the airport as they were all going on student exchanges!
Now, Ann Gomez has gone too! Felt quite sad about it actually when I sent her off yesterday, because she has been going through the past 2.5 years with me in a not very smooth uni life. We're probably not going to study together anymore because of exchange and industrial attachment at different periods, but I'm really glad to have her in the same course and journeying with me! =)

This year, I also got less involved in NPCC and church. Haha, thinking of which now, I don't know how I spent the "extra" time, because I don't seem to have a lot of free time this year as well, albeit more than last year. I think I spent a lot more time with friends. Many many friends. I just looked through my Facebook photos and indeed, many gatherings and parties. Less of events here and there.

Some unfortunate things happened as well. In July, was helping my friend in a race and $27 in total got stolen. Recently, an incident also happened. But looking back, I believe that some things do happen for a reason. Somehow, I believe that it is God trying to tell me stuff, asking me to be careful in case worse things happen. Who knows right? Bad things happen for us to learn as lessons.

Good things happen as well. We must always count our blessings, big and small. I got to go on the Singapore Flyer for free with my family. It was enjoyable although it was just a simple outing.

Although I didn't get to go on holidays overseas this year (last year 3, this year none, only one day trips to Malaysia twice), I will be going for a 5.5 months trip to US soon. Funny how things work.

I grew more in faith this year I think. Especially praying super hard during exams and before exam results (which shouldn't be the case)!

Attended 2 FOCs this year. Amazing ones. Improved relationships amongst some friends which I am really thankful for. 2.5 years and only now do we sort of appreciate each other. Sharing problems and happiness, spending more time together. Even had a chalet in July and JB trip. =)

Although less time was spent in church, I still had time to spend with them. Miss Pammie poko, Mr old Damien, Little kid Sherman, Blur Mother Sharon, Kind Mother Bev and of course Father James. Thanks for the friendships that continue. I made a promise to God about being involved in church when I get back. Will keep that promise. Yes, John.

I went back to CJ less, but the flame is still burning! =) Gonna help in Mass for the "Bye, Brother". Anyone wants to go for the dinner? $50 per pax!

It's been an interesting and great year! Hope next year will be the same or even better! =)

Happy New Year Everyone! (in 1.5 hrs time!) =)

JB trip!

2009-12-24T22:07:00.003+08:00

Went to JB with the CSA gang yesterday. Although it was a simple trip of just shopping and bonding with one another, i truly enjoyed it and felt a tinge of sadness when we parted ways.

It all began with me frantically telling myself that I definitely have to tell my mum about this one day shopping trip in the morning. Did not have the chance to tell her before that (maybe because I was lazy, hee). Called mum at 8+am while she was at work and expected her to nag at me not to go. (Was already forming reasons within my brain) To my surprise, she just said a simple, "Be careful." And continued about where to find Malaysian Ringgit in the house and be careful of robbers, etc.

Met Dean at my house coffeeshop. He's mad. He got a ride from his Dad at around 7+, overshot 4 bus stops, walked back and reached the coffeeshop just 5-10 minutes after I woke up! Crazy guy. We were supposed to meet at 9am on 170 itself. I woke up at 8.10am.

Met the rest of the people at the customs. Got through and out trip began. Shopped in Kota Raya shopping centre and City Square which was connected to the checkpoint. First time there since it opened. It's pretty much like a Singaporean shopping mall.

I was constantly reminded of how much I would be missed when I leave for the US next month. To tell you the truth, I would definitely miss them too. And not just them, so many others plus the things and the food! I was glad that I was able to spend at least 10 minutes on the trip speaking to each of them, some more than 10, others a little less. But it was only then that I realised that our friendships had grown so much within the last 1 year to the stage where we could talk one-on-one without feeling a sense of discomfort, able to immediately speak straight from our hearts into theirs. It did not matter whether we were walking and talking, shopping and talking, sitting after finishing our food and talking.

Thanks Josh, Sherm, Dean, Jon, Gareth and Ben. I hope that our friendships will continue to grow even though 2 of you are graduating next year. And may our faiths always stand strong!

Oh yah, and thanks to Josh for getting me this lovely Name stickers with Snoopy! =) Thanks to Dean who also wrote a touching Christmas card which came straight from his heart! =)

Some things I didn't know about me

2009-12-22T23:18:00.003+08:00

The below is a personal sharing for my own record, skip it if you do not have time. Read it only if you are really really bored and have nothing to do. =)

Had a meet-up with some of my uni course friends in Orchard today, which is really really really rare.
For 2 and a half years or less for some friends, we have never ever met up out of school before. I really do appreciate them for somewhat pulling me through these uni years, as I believe that they have made a difference to my life (uni life in particular). Sincerity, friendliness, help and plain kindness are just some of the words which I can use to describe them. =)

Later, off to pass christmas present to my Godpa. Hope he finds it useful. =)

Had dinner with the "now defunct Youth Council" peeps. There's going to be a lot a lot of changes in the St Ignatius Youth Scene and we've all agreed that 'Youth Council' is really a misnomer! The whole structure of the group is really changing with the new youth coordinator, John Lum, taking charge. His plan is overwhelming, absolutely overwhelming, but i'm positive and feeling excited for the ones who are still staying on.

Well, to tell you honestly, my leaving due to the exchange trip has sort of been a sort of a sigh or relief to me. I have been feeling that I haven't had enough contributions to the church and that my presence would not make a difference to YC at all. There are people who are extremely capable and skillful, although younger than me-the twins. Super intelligent people, just finished 'A' levels and one has been accepted into some elite US uni, while the other is gunning for medicine school in UK. I always compare myself to them and feel inferior, because they are truly truly smart.

Then there is this Hwa Chong guy- Ah Poon, currently in 2nd year NUS lit, first class honours individual, scholar under NIE. Even more intellectual than the twins and talks cheem cheem. I always admire him for how smart he is (he is really the smartest smartest guy I've met!). I am a small small fry compared to him.

Then there's also miss Saint-Pammie, super saintly and nice and has a great personality. RJC alumni, double degree 2nd year student in NUS. Amazingly spiritual! Love her to bits! Has much more to give than I do.

I've been struggling with the fact that I can't, although I very much want to, contibute because I simply am not smart enough, not spiritual enough, not capable enough. YC doesn't need me because they have the above people (and more).

Took a car ride from John home and it sort of changed my thinking and mindset that I have had for the past 1, 2 years or so. Some bits and pieces which I remember John saying:

"let me tell you, you are much more grounded in faith than you think you really are."
"I was so close to telling them to be a junior facil but I didn't because I know it would really upset them."
"The younger ones looks up to you and I can really see that."
"I need people who can share, not just people who can say a lot but don't mean what they can say."
"Although we've only had 5 minutes of conversation, I can tell that you are someone who can share from your heart, because within this car ride, you have told me your true reason for leaving although I am almost like a stranger to you. You can get people to trust you because you can share from your heart."
"If that's your reason for leaving, then you are probably leaving for the wrong reasons. There is going to be massive projects in the coming year and you are going to have a place for you. You are going to grow through this."

There's so much more he said. I guess I've never met anyone who could look so deep into me although he's only known me for such a short period of time. I will seriously have to relook whether I am going to leave. For now, let me just focus on what's ahead of me....

spring cleaning (or should i say winter cleaning)

2009-12-21T13:34:00.006+08:00

Wow just did spring cleaning for my items in the house today. According to my mum, I may be the youngest but I have the most items/rubbish in the house!

My worldly possesions were filling up the entire dining table (for those who've been to my house, yes, it's the table at the living room). My mum has been nagging at me to throw all the stuff which I don't need ever since before exams and I finally did it one month later.

Feeling a sense of achievement man!

Other than that area, also cleaned out my computer table.

Some things there date back to my primary school days. Finally bear to chuck all those CDs out and left a clean neatly packed computer table! Woohoo.

Oh and I also threw out some of my year one modules stuff like all the disgusting maths which I will never ever want to touch ever again!

Packed all my other notes and textbooks neatly into a box.

I ended up with three huge huge huge bag of rubbish!

Gosh, the junk I keep for one semester plus the stuff which has been rotting at my computer table.

My housewife level should be 10 after today. All the way from 0 to 10!

Anyways, I'm really looking forward to Christmas although I won't be doing anything significant that day. May be travelling to Malaysia, or I could just be at home trying to do my Minor in Entre stuff, which I haven't started ever since before the exams! Argh. This last module is kinda getting on my nerves a little. Just hope it pays off in the end.

Have a good holidays everyone! Enjoy! =)

Of fun, laughter, peace and joy

2009-12-07T19:46:00.005+08:00

Wah, exams finally over. Can finally relax. Just don't want results day to come too soon.... =S

Had quite a lot of fun within the last three days of my holidays.

On Saturday, it was Thaddeus' long belated birthday celebration. His birthday was on 14 November, but his 21st party was only held on the 5th of December. Wasn't very motivated to go until Jean smsed me and asked whether I'm going and I told her that since she's going, I'll go. Found out only on Saturday that she wanted to go only if I went. Haha. But I really didn't regret going. His party was really indian style, which reminded me of Priscilla Vincent's Birthday party. These two parties have made me change my mind about Indian food. Never knew they could taste pretty good. =)

But I really enjoyed the shopping for his present together with Jean and her friend Wan Ting. We were at the Peranakan Museum (Open House, free entry) and there was a flea market. I learnt a lot about the Peranakan culture and I was also amazed that there's quite a handful of Peranakans who are Catholics. They even showed a clip of the Mass in the museum. The Peranakans really have a very rich culture.

At the flea market, we not only managed to find Thad's present (a t-shirt, not second hand one hor), but we managed to purchase some "pre-loved" items at a cheap cheap price! Wan Ting bought a dress, vest and a shirt at a total price of $16. Jean got a brand new t-shirt for her nephew at $5 and a cheongsam at $12. I got a semi-formal jacket at $10! Fantastic bargains. They were even giving out free beer outside Timbre Substation which I of course did NOT get it coz I don't drink. haha.

Well, yesterday was really fun as well. It was Ting's 21st party at K Suites Iluma. At first I really thought that I wasn't going to stay long because I was supposed to go to school early this morning to settle some exchange stuff. But in the end, I stayed all the way till 3am (and luckily mum didn't call and nag non-stop, only called once at around 2.30am which I was really surprised at!).

The coolest stuff probably was the theme of the night. We were supposed to go as movie characters. At first, I was seriously pulling my hair over what I should wear. My solution was to ask the ever most creative Hilda over to my house to help me out. She opened my cupboard and the first thing we spotted was a punjabi suit, and I said I could go as a Bollywood character. Hilda was like, "No, no, no!" and she pushed me away. I went into my room to check on the printing of my visa documents and a few seconds later, Hilda screamed out that I should wear my labcoat and go as professor X. What she really meant was the father of the powerpuff girls, Professor Utonium. Professor X is the guy from X-men. We got really excited after that and the rest they say is history. =)

Hilda was Lara Croft, someone came as Alice in Wonderland, Damien was James Bond, Nicholas and Youwei was Rambo, Maurice was John Travolta, Birthday girl was the main character of 881 and the rest, I couldn't figure it out....

Really had fun karaoke-ing (I haven't done that since forever! I believe May was the last time) and I even self-learnt how to play pool. Really enjoyed the party loads! Thanks guys for making it so fun and enjoyable! =)

APEC

2009-11-24T18:38:00.009+08:00

Have been wanting to blog since forever, but couldn't do so since exams are here.

And yes, now i'm stealing a little time from studying to blog about something that happened on 14th November 2009.

Guess who i saw in Sunny Singapore?

Obama.

Barack Obama.

President of the United Stated of America.

Yes you didn't see wrongly. So i was one of those volunteers (or as they call Apec Ambassadors), just before my exam period, who actually helped out in such a high profile event. I got to see all the other ministers as well! I guess I'm really lucky. Most of the volunteers had to help out for at least 2 to 3 days, but I only had to help out in one, and the day which they chose for me was the most important day (to me) throughout the entire APEC meeting in Singapore.

The Singapore Evening during the Leaders' Week.

I was stationed outside the theatre where all the important people walked pass. All within 2 metres of my view. Such luck. Such bliss. =) Unfortunately, Obama wasn't there for the show and I only saw him from about 10 metres away from the tent, where they were eating, just as he was about to leave in his car.

The whole evening was really enjoyable! We managed to savour the local delights which the delegates (who were not in the tent) got to eat (Chicken Rice, Ice Kachang, etc.) and even had a chance to take photos with the exhibits that were put up (Peranakan wedding, Malay wedding, etc.) Really good experience! Must volunteer for such large scale events in future again.

Bee Hoon queen

2009-10-19T10:57:00.006+08:00

I ate fried bee hoon for lunch yesterday.

I ate fried bee hoon for dinner yesterday.

I ate fried bee hoon for breakfast today.

I reckon that the one thing i'll miss most when I go to the land of ang mohs is FRIED BEE HOON!!!! =(

Busyness has consumed me once again.

2009-10-17T21:46:00.002+08:00

Busyness has consumed me once again.
Actually not really lah. I got a day off to myself today, and I went out for lunch with Godpa. Then shopped around a little with him to help him get some groceries at Fairprice Finest.
Went to get a white t-shirt to try out another heat-transfer design for my business. (Not at Fairprice Finest but at this ulu shop)
Hilz, it's a great price, 3 for $10 if you wanna buy for your group.

What got me pissed off was my group mate, who later called and when I said I haven't tried the second time yet (I already tried the heat-transfer thing once), he said we will just go to the vendors to get the shirt printed.
Idiot, make me waste $3.50 for a t-shirt which I wouldn't use.
To tell you honestly, when I saw the sketch of the designs by our leader's friend (who is in Art, Design and Media school in NTU), I was kinda disappointed. It wasn't something I expected.
But my group leader, who's also from the ADM school, seems to like these designs a lot. I have only one conclusion: These artsy people sort of have a different frequency for we 'normalies' (normal people).
Hard to convince him that the designs are not really sellable as well....

Haiz, now I feel that this last module is a burden to me. To think that when I fly to USA in about 3 months time, I still have to contribute substantially to the group to protect my grades. I really don't know how possible it is.
When I suggested that I can sell the t-shirts when I go over there, my group leader just kept saying that it's not possible.
Wow, such encouragement huh.... =(
Sianz out. There's a meeting tomorrow at 4pm.
Think I might just explode (like I almost did to my leader on the phone just now to convince him that the designs are not sellable)...
Hopefully I don't. Got lots to settle tomorrow.
Business Plan presentation, our upcoming sales etc....
Wish me luck....

Mid-Autumn Festival 2009

2009-10-03T21:43:00.004+08:00

Well, it's the time of the year again. Mid-Autumn Festival, also affectionately known as Lantern Festival.

Ahhh, it's nice to recall the days when we didn't have these machines called the computers to accompany us, and we would always run around the neighbourhood when we were free.
It especially warms my heart to remember that I would always run downstairs on the night of every Lantern Festival, to the open-air top deck of the multi-storey carpark beside my block. There, we would play with either battery operated lanterns (I remember my favourite lantern was a plane) or the traditional candle lit paper lanterns. Lantern festival was also the only day where we could play with fire/candles openly in front of our parents and I would definitely bring a pack of coloured candles to that carpark to have a little celebration. =)

My house overlooks the carpark but as I look at it today, it is empty. Gone are the days where kids would hang out in that space, running around, playing catching. Gone are the days where our parents would chit chat with neighbours while the kids entertain themselves in their childish demeanour.... Kids would rather stay at home and play with their computers....

My grandma's chinese birthday is on Mid-autumn festival, but she left us 4 years ago. Time really flies by and I'm sure grandma is very very happy now. But till this day, every mid-autumn festival, I would definitely recall the times we spent together (however short it was). We're all very fine grandma. =)

On to a happier topic, my mum decided not to buy any mooncakes this year, as she predicted that no one would eat it and on the day itself (mid-autumn festival), there would suddenly be a huge amount of mooncakes in our house. She was right about the second part. A few days ago, her boss just gave her a pack of four mooncakes from Peach Garden (restaurant in orchid country club and many places). Within the last few days, my brother and my mum again received another two individual mooncakes. And suddenly today, we received two boxes of 4 mooncakes each from our neighbours. One box from Goodwood Park Hotel (OMG, D24 durian snowskin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yummy!!!) and another box from Peony Jade.

I fell in love with one of the individual mooncakes as it was DURIAN flavoured!!!! (Much much better and nicer than the ones I bought last year from the NPCC booth, haha) Heavenly!! Now I got 4 more durian mooncakes to enjoy! Woohoo! But looks like we're gonna be force-fed (am not really a mooncake fan till i ate the durian one) the rest of the mooncakes for the weeks to come.... =)

TREMOR FELT!!

2009-09-30T18:18:00.002+08:00

Right now as I am blogging, I can feel a tremor!!!
Probably Indonesia is having a serious Earthquake now.
It's shaking pretty hard.
Second or third time I'm feeling a tremor in Singapore....

Oh seems to have stopped.

The Ugly Truth

2009-09-27T23:40:00.002+08:00

Went to watch a movie on a Sunday (I can't believe it myself) with exorbitant rates.

But it was totally worth it!

Watched The Ugly Truth, a fantastic fantastic romantic comedy!

Laughed non-stop throughout the movie!

Rocks!

Back to reality, it's recess week, but I can't seem to find a single free day.... Sianz....

Gotta buck up, gotta buck up!

student exchange

2009-09-18T22:26:00.003+08:00

Yup, so I just anyhow apply for the Global Immersion Programme to the United States and I managed to get their student exchange programme to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (it's a university by the way). The uni is located in Troy, New York.

I'm happy, yet I'm kinda in a dilemma on whether I should go. Serious serious dilemma. I just realised how difficult it is to let go of certain things. Certain things like comfort, family, friends. Even if it is just for 6 months. And then there is my minor in entrepreneurship, which actually officially ends in February, and I have to continue doing stuff over in the US if I go (I have NO IDEA how to continue, coz it's graded by blogging and stuff).... Also, I will most likely be unable to fulfill one chem core module over there, so that means that I have to go on Internship IMMEDIATELY after I come back, and go back to NTU to study in Year 4 sem 2 a year three module, which kinda sucks, coz I wouldn't know anyone... =(

How How How? wanna go. The campus looks fantastic over there.

Well, back to Singapore matters, I went shopping today with Jules, Sam and KY today after not shopping in ten million years!!!! Our main objective was to buy a PINK dress (yes, imagine me in a pink dress) for Jules birthday party, but of all the things I bought, none of it was a pink dress, so I basically didn't fulfill my agenda today....

I spent $80 today.... yes, I have never bought so many things at one shot in my life before....

1 superman shirt- $9
1 Mos burger meal- $7.60
1 vest- $15
1 bag- $15
1 Gary Chao Ge CD (Yes i finally finally bought it after 2 months)- $9
1 Snoopy shirt- $8
1 birthday cake- $15.90

That sums up all i bought. 4-5hrs of walking. Got suaned for my bargaining skills by 3 evil people.... haiz =( But looking at all the things I bought, they're cheap rite! amzazing stuff u can find in bugis. =)

Now back to pondering on whether I should go for my exchange....

busy+busy=super busy

2009-09-08T22:21:00.001+08:00

I'm totally consumed by buzyness. Boohoohoo....

Anyway, despite all the business, life has been treating me not to bad, other than the tests that are coming up and the lab reports that I have to do, and the business that we have to set up, and the church stuff that I have to do and blah blah blah.

Yup. But I do feel joy in my heart sometimes for whatever reasons that I might not know. I felt happy after going for Sharon's birthday party, I feel joy when I think about my meeting with jiemeis tomorrow after having not met them since God knows when.... Aaaahhhh, these are the things that keep me going.

Oh and I'm super excited about going on the Singapore Flyer this Saturday! My dad managed to get free tickets! Woohoo, haven't had a family outing for a long long time.

Jiayou everyone! 2 1/2 weeks more to recess week for us (1 week for NUS students)!

Depressed or disappointment??

2009-08-24T23:56:00.002+08:00

There are times when I feel depressed and saddened but I just can't pinpoint what exactly it is that is causing this feeling.

It could be a genuine feeling of sadness, or it could just be a feeling of disappointment.
Yet in my search for it all night, I can't find what it is.
It could well just be a mix of both.
Or maybe it is just the environment that is causing it.

Why, oh why.....

2 weeks after school started....

2009-08-21T23:48:00.001+08:00

2 weeks into school. Sian-ness.

This week school wasn't so bad, what with all the CCA fairs and bazaar, IT fair plus John Little sale. Many goodies given out like Red Bull, Coke Zero and HP diaries. There were even some arcade games splashed around school ground- Time Crisis, Daytona, Table Hockey and those machines you would find in pubs. Pretty unboring week, despite having lab =( Best lesson has got to be Spanish because there was much interaction in class and I realised that Spain and Spanish language has much to do with my religion, which got me pretty excited! =)

Had to miss post-FOC bbq but had fun hanging out with the gang. Really felt like we were all grown up and married... hehe. But I super enjoyed it, and I bet the rest felt the same way!!
Thanks to the host, Hilda! Food was great and the company even better- "Are you smarter than a university undergrad" plus "eat sit eat sit, skinny people eat fats, skinny people eat fats"
Sad that Van is going for exchange already.... Come back soon kz?!
Cheers to our friendship and may it last forever! =)

my dear hair....

2009-08-13T23:03:00.001+08:00

Sometimes, people are really very contradictory leh....

Last time, when I had bangs all the way from since I was born till my JC days, people got very bored of my hair style and suggested I change it.

Then when I change it, they said it looked nice and cool.

And in recent times, I changed it back to my bang-ish looks (which I actually thought was horrible because I'm going back to my primary, secondary and JC days) due to an accident my dear cousin created.

But there are people saying I look more demure and nicer....

Hmmmmmmm so shall I keep it or go back to my UNbang-ish looks??

Goodbye Father O'Neill

2009-08-02T20:57:00.008+08:00

Everytime I went to St. Ignatius Church and I saw him from afar, I would just say out to my friend beside me, "He's so cute...."

Everytime I walked past him in church, he would definitely be humming a song or be looking down, deep in thought. If I greeted him and said, "Hello Father." He would definitely give a cheerful reply.

He was the one priest whom had an entire head of white hair, other than Father Gerard Keane, and I always wish I could ruffle his hair, because it was so silky white.

He was probably the only Jesuit priest who still wore a cassock (white robes) with two pieces of cloth hanging out near his waist. I used to laugh whenever I saw it, until someone explained its significance to me.

I remember he used to come to CJC to celebrate masses, taking over Father Les when he went overseas. Sometimes, he would repeat stuff and I would just giggle at a corner. He was absolutely adorable and cute.

His homilies were always so interesting. It was out of the world. He would explain a scene of angels with such details that it seemed so real. My friend once told me that he talked about the smell of animal feed in the manger when Jesus was born.

Now, all these would just be memories hidden in the deep of my brain. For he is no more.

Father Tom O'Neill passed away a few days ago suddenly but peacefully. I didn't expect this at all, but I guess when the Lord calls you home, there is no waiting. Father James told us yesterday at the wake that when he went into his room, Father O'Neill's face looked so so peaceful, although his eyes were open, a sign that he probably saw the angels of heaven or Jesus, just before he breathed his last.

He had just had his 54th ordination anniversary on the 29th of July 2009. And he left one day later. Probably to celebrate the feast of St. Ignatius together with him in heaven on the 31st. Something in which I choose to believe myself. =)

I went for his wake on 1st August with my Youth Council friend Sherman, and I realised that the atmosphere was not a very sombre and sad one. Yes, there were people crying during the prayer service (especially the photo montage), but I felt that it was more of a celebration of his beautiful and wonderful life, rather than the fact that he passed on. It was amazing! A different feeling from the other wakes that I have attended. I felt that this was a little miracle of his even though he is not here on Earth. He layed so peacefully in his coffin and although I was sad that we have lost such a great man, I was happy that he was with the Lord.
(Sherman couldn't stop eating the chicken wings at the buffet table. he probably ate around 20 plus chicken wings, plus 3 cups of mineral water and 2 cups of orange juice)

Thanks Father O'Neill for all your love and music and cheerfulness. I will miss you....

Father Thomas Aidan O'Neill, S.J.

30 Jan 1924-30 July 2009

A very expensive and painful lesson....

2009-07-29T22:28:00.002+08:00

Today, Singapore Poly was having some campus relay run, and my friend Jonathan was racing in it with his team of ten people. He asked a few of us to help him out in the race by being checkpoint helpers, look out for his team runners and help to ensure that the right person ran at the right time.

Being the nice me, I agreed to help him out in exchange for a dinner treat in the evening after his victorious run.

However, during the race, everything was very chaotic. There were probably more than 150 teams running at the same time (meaning at least 150 people on the race track) and the resting runners plus their helpers were all at the side of the road, squeezing each other and crowding on the sides of the road.

My friend and I left our bags on the path but soon after the race began, we started moving more and more into the roads, like all the other people. Damn! Huge mistake....

When the race finished, Jonathan brought my friend and I to the starting point to sit down and rest. When I finally opened my wallet to keep a ticket for Jonathan, I found out that all my money was gone!!!!!
Damn it.... Bloody hell!!!!!!!!

Although $27 might not seem like a lot of money, I was pretty upset. There was a $2 and $5 which were the old ship notes. And there was another $10 note which had a very nice serial number.... I still remember that it contained the numbers 8282 and it was pretty new.
I was seriously seriously upset. Bloody idiot who stole my money! There will be karma....

It is really not the value of money lost which made me upset. Yet, it is the feeling of it, and the old ship notes plus the nice serial number note which I took so much effort not to spend away after it has been in my wallet for months. =(

However, I have to thank God that my cards were all intact, and my MP3 was still in my bag. Luckily my handphone was in my pocket all the while and my friend who left her bag beside mine did not lose anything. Also, I had wanted to draw out $60 today, $50 for my concession and $10 for my own usage. Thankfully, the ATM didn't have $10 notes and I only drew $50, after which, I immediately bought my bus concession at the MRT station. If not, I would have lost much more. I believe this is one of God's small miracles for today. =)

This is really one expensive and painful lesson for me, and I vow that I shall not be so careless and be so trusting anymore.

Of FOCs and Harry Potter

2009-07-20T22:33:00.007+08:00

Have been wanting to update, but blogspot has been going rather crazy these few days.... probably due to their upgrading to a new interface... (but it seems that the new interface doesn't help much, i can't change the fonts and the size of the fonts... weird)

Well, it's been a crazy two weeks for me and I'm looking forward to a short holiday trip to Malaysia with my CSA friends.
Just the 5 of us. Some HTHT (Heart to heart talk) and some entertainment and fun! Woohoo!!!!!
Speaking of which, I've just attended two FOC camps. Helping out as GLs for both.

The first one was CSA FOC camp at HomeTeam NS chalets. It was very much different from the camp last year, not in term of programme, but rather the organisation of the Main Comm. There was tension and unhappiness (much to my surprise) but it all came down to much treasured learning points. Although I wasn't directly involved in all the emotions and fights, I still learnt my bit and my attachment to CSA became more anchored. I feel much more a part of them and it has made me think about stepping up into their exco. Discernment and prayer still much needed here. I realised that my Minor has helped me to think and reflect more, not only in the practical aspect of life, but also the spiritual aspect, which is something I am glad for. It's something I need to be closer to God, something for my spiritual growth. I do hope that the main comm may be able to solve their problems and unhappiness soon, to give a nice wrap to the wonderful camp that was held....

The second camp was my NTU NPCC FOC held at Costa Sands Pasir Ris chalets. Compared to the CSA one, it sort of went more smoothly, which was to my surprise....
Why was it to my surprise? - Well, the team was rather lost at the beginning, and their planning process was much less organised. However, having someone in the team with experience in Orientation Camps was indeed a hidden treasure to the team. I was impressed, to tell you honestly. The team worked together and there was hardly any tension. However, did they take away as many learning points as the CSA people did? That I wouldn't know. I believe both were thrown into different situations and were constrained by different environments. Although the NPCC one had more money issues, it did not bother them and did not stop them from holding a successful FOC. ALthough they needed a wake-up call from my long email, they managed to give their all in the last two months. I'm truly impressed and proud of my Functions team plus their main comm. No doubt! Congrats guys, you have done it!

Much for me to think and reflect about with these two FOCs in mind....

Btw, Harry Potter movie was great, although everyone around me said it wasn't.... (luckily I did not re-read the book before the movie, but now I am!!!!!) Although I've read the entire series once through, I still find great joy in re-reading the books! Woohoo!!!!!

Much more to look forward to this week =)

Today is St Anne's Feast Day by the way! *Grins*

P.S. how come blogger doesn't allow us to upload pics directly anymore???!!!!! *Angry* -Solved....

Goodbye Michael Jackson....

2009-07-08T22:13:00.019+08:00

The King of Pop....

The Greatest Entertainer ever....

The world has lost a truly talented and fastastic singer, dancer, performer....

I have never been a fan of his, but just watching his memorial held today morning (Singapore time), I couldn't help but feel sadness welling up in me. I suddenly felt a great sense of loss for the world. His music has been great, his dances has been mesmerising. His controversies were parked behind for a while as everyone mourned his death, while celebrating his life.

Thank you Michael Jackson for your music. You will truly be missed by many....

You have Healed the World in your own right...

Heal the World

Michael Jackson - Heal The World (Official Music Video) - Click here for another funny movie.

There's A Place In
Your Heart
And I Know That It Is Love
And This Place Could
Be Much
Brighter Than Tomorrow
And If You Really Try
You'll Find There's No Need
To Cry
In This Place You'll Feel
There's No Hurt Or Sorrow

There Are Ways
To Get There
If You Care Enough
For The Living
Make A Little Space
Make A Better Place...

Heal The World
Make It A Better Place
For You And For Me
And The Entire Human Race
There Are People Dying
If You Care Enough
For The Living
Make A Better Place
For You And For Me

If You Want To Know Why
There's A Love That
Cannot Lie
Love Is Strong
It Only Cares For
Joyful Giving
If We Try
We Shall See
In This Bliss
We Cannot Feel
Fear Or Dread
We Stop Existing And
Start Living

Then It Feels That Always
Love's Enough For
Us Growing
So Make A Better World
Make A Better World...

Heal The World
Make It A Better Place
For You And For Me
And The Entire Human Race
There Are People Dying
If You Care Enough
For The Living
Make A Better Place
For You And For Me

And The Dream We Were
Conceived In
Will Reveal A Joyful Face
And The World We
Once Believed In
Will Shine Again In Grace
Then Why Do We Keep
Strangling Life
Wound This Earth
Crucify Its Soul
Though It's Plain To See
This World Is Heavenly
Be God's Glow

We Could Fly So High
Let Our Spirits Never Die
In My Heart
I Feel You Are All
My Brothers
Create A World With
No Fear
Together We'll Cry
Happy Tears
See The Nations Turn
Their Swords
Into Plowshares

We Could Really Get There
If You Cared Enough
For The Living
Make A Little Space
To Make A Better Place...

Heal The World
Make It A Better Place
For You And For Me
And The Entire Human Race
There Are People Dying
If You Care Enough
For The Living
Make A Better Place
For You And For Me

Heal The World
Make It A Better Place
For You And For Me
And The Entire Human Race
There Are People Dying
If You Care Enough
For The Living
Make A Better Place
For You And For Me

Heal The World
Make It A Better Place
For You And For Me
And The Entire Human Race
There Are People Dying
If You Care Enough
For The Living
Make A Better Place
For You And For Me

There Are People Dying
If You Care Enough
For The Living
Make A Better Place
For You And For Me

There Are People Dying
If You Care Enough
For The Living
Make A Better Place
For You And For Me

You And For Me

You And For Me
Make A Better Place
You And For Me
Make A Better Place
You And For Me
Make A Better Place
You And For Me
heal the wordl we live in
You And For Me
save it for our children
You And For Me
heal the world we live in
You And For Me
save it for our children
You And For Me
heal the world we live in
You And For Me
save it for our children
You And For Me
heal the world we live in
You And For Me
save it for our children

Michael Jackson, you have Gone Too Soon....

Michael Joseph Jackson (1958-2009)

Rashes =(

2009-07-04T01:21:00.002+08:00

I have seriously no idea why but I have been developing rashes all over my body.

It started more than a week ago, on 22nd June 2009, at around 9am. I remember it very clearly as I was in class. Red spots started to show up on my left arm. It stayed for a few days and sometimes at night, when I was in hall, my thighs would itch a little.

I went to see the doctor last thursday, but he did not give a reason and just gave me a cream. The rashes on my arm seems to be getting better but I started to develop rashes on my other arm, thighs, feet and back this week.

It can't be food, because I've been eating different things these two weeks.
I don't think it is dust, because I have since moved out of my hall and is back home.
If it is allergy, what kind of allergy is it?

Argh, this is damn annoying. I am itching as I type.... Darn these rashes. They appear, disappear, then appear again.... What the hell is wrong???

Need to go see doctor again soon.... =(

The power of Facebook

2009-06-19T21:27:00.005+08:00

Really wanna thank those who took time out to celebrate my birthday with me- entre friends, jiemeis, the clique and my family!

I realised that this year, I got so many more wishes on Facebook than through SMS....

A record 96 birthday wishes on Facebook!
Thanks my dear friends for letting me know I'm so loved! =)

Also thanks to those who wished me through SMS!!!!!
Really love all you guys! (Even surprised about those who sent an SMS all the way from Cambodia!!!!! Thanks for remembering me even when you're so far away!!!!)

Thanks everyone! Really love all you people out there!!! =)

omg, i'm an adult??

2009-06-18T20:46:00.004+08:00

OMG!!!!

I'm an adult already..... so sad.

Actually not really feeling very sad lah.

It's just a phase in life that all of us have to go through rite?

Have been very busy for the last month or so due to minor, but now still busy during the break because I'm busy going out and chilling.

Yesterday, was at Timbre (Old School) with my Minor friends. Did really stupid and retarded stuff, but had fun. Didn't know that Peiling and Susan so naughty one. They're the ones who created almost all the fun last night. Ermmmm just hope all the crazy news doesn't spread....

Well, now I'm chilling out at Julia's house with the jiemeis! They're playing mahjong now!!!!!! haha playing mahjong on my birthday... But really, what counts is the company! Thanks my darlings! The food was great, the company even better! =)

Tomorrow going to decoders cafe with the other gang!!!! Woohoo, three days of fun and games.

Wow, can't believe that I've lived on this world for 21 years already!!!!! Must really thank everyone who's been around me all these years and my parents for all their 养育之恩. Thanks friends for helping shape me as well! Love all you guys!!!!!

Will update more soon! =)

the thoughts in my head

2009-06-13T00:10:00.006+08:00

There are just so many things that I want to talk about. But I don't know where to start.

I guess it's one of those times when you've been doing many many things, and when you suddenly have time to stop and think, you don't know what to do.

Life has been passing me by so quickly. In a short one month, I have completed three modules. In a short one month, I've met many more people. In a short one month, I've done more than 4 projects. In a short one month, I have not met many of my friends, despite this being the holidays.

Sometimes, I do ask myself, is it worth it. Well, I do hesitate. I have learnt so much, but what comes with this learning, is also seeing the dark side of people. Seeing how the real world works scares me. I haven't seen the last of it. It gets really political at times. Another moment of politics will be arriving soon, but I just try to escape, try not to think about it.

Yet, within all these darkness, I also see the light in people. The brightness. The good side of people. Must really thank Pam and her mum. Super nice. One of the few though. I just can't thank them enough. "Pam's mum runs her company like she's running a charity!" A sentence that will be stuck with me for life. If i ever do become an entrepreneur, this is something I must must remember. "Godsend" A word so frequently used by Pam's mum. Yup, must definitely keep this in mind too. The visit to her company is probably what made this 103 module so so enjoyable, plus the people in my group, safe for one....

Wanted to blog about more stuff, but suddenly, I got the writer's block. Darn. More updates soon. =)

I'm staying in Hall!!!!!

2009-05-22T00:58:00.007+08:00

Hello people,

You must have missed me. =)
It's been a relatively long time since I updated. Within this one month of non-updating, many things have happened!
I have officially moved into hall (aka hostel) and am currently staying in Hall 6 with a complete stranger.
Hmmmmm haven't really got to know her yet. Yesterday when I first stepped into the room, there were 2 guys and they were doing their engineering project. She's really nice. My bedsheet wasn't big enough for the bed and she lent me hers. Really cool. AND AND AND, she has a TV! Woohoo. But I really got no time to watch. Haha.

If you see her side of the room:

And my side of the room:

You can really see the difference and see who has been staying here for a long time.
I adapted rather well yesterday. Managed to sleep through the night although woke up a few times, but hey, I'm not complaining. Really glad to have gotten this hall and will stay till end June when my entrepreneurship ends. =)

Yup, talking about Minor in Entrepreneurship, it's crazy. Seriously crazy. I hardly have time to breathe. Thank goodness there's friends to endure with you. =) OBS was great! I loved it to the max. Got a little tan only, surprisingly, although there's an ugly tan on my leg due to the kayak shape. I feel rather proud of myself. Managed to complete this log obstacles thingy by myself with the help of the belayer, although my partner Prashant gave up. Also, I felt so much pride when I managed to do the round-ubin kayaking the second time! Felt like dying the first half, but thank goodness I felt a surge of energy after seeing the NPCC campsite and a change of partner. =) Thanks guys.

Completed one module of the Minor already. That wasn't so xiong yet, but we stayed up all night on monday just to complete our project. This week is madness. Yesterday, we stayed till 11pm to discuss our project. Today worse. Stayed in school till 12am, about one hour ago. Thank goodness there's friends.

Talking about today, results are out. All I can say is I really really really wanna thank God. It's not the most fantastic results you can get, but I must say I'm satisfied, considering that I did 7 crazy modules!!!!!!!! Now I can go to bed with ease. Phew.

I really gotta go sleep now. If not I can't wake up by 8am tmr.... Good nite people. =)

Close shave, New shoes =)

2009-04-29T19:47:00.004+08:00

Phew, I managed to get back into the Minor in Entrepreneurship after a really really close shave.

About a week ago, I received an email from my school, SPMS telling me that I can't take the minor because it is mutually exclusive (some overlap in content) with this one week entrepreneurship that I took last July. I got really upset and angry due to a few reasons:

1. Why is this stupid one week entrepreneurship course mutually exclusive? How much can a one week course overlap with a nearly 2 months course????? Moreover, I spoke to a friend who's in Business and he took the Minor last year. He told me that Business students do have an advantage because they already learnt all these stuff during their school semester. How come it is mutually exclusive to poor SPMS students but not to these Business students? I spoke to Nanyang Technopreneurship Centre (NTC, the people who conducts this minor and that one week course) and they even told me they tried explaining to SPMS that there's really very little overlap between the one week course and the minor, but to no avail.

2. Before I applied for this minor, I emailed NTC asking them whether I can take this minor despite having taken the one week course. They clearly told me that I can take up this minor. How come the people offering the two courses don't know who's eligible to take up this minor? A case of miscommunication, I guess. Thank goodness I kept the email in my inbox. It saved me and got me back into the minor.... (Lesson learnt: never ever delete emails which may help you in future. If in doubt, just don't delete.)

3. Isn't university about broadening our minds and broadening our knowledge? (Apparently my favourite line, as my friends declared) Why should they restrict which modules we can or cannot take? Isn't that also the purpose of Unrestricted electives? To get us to try out and learn more than our own majors? When in year 1, there was also this other minor that I wanted to take: Drama and Theatre Studies. Unfortunately, they restricted only to students taking Arts courses.... (WTH wth???!!!!!!) I was pretty upset then.

I thought up of many more reasons to justify my case to SPMS. But shall not go on ranting about it. I guess this is just a lesson for me to learn... and for them as well....

Moving on to happier things, I bought a new pair of running shoes, although I don't really run that much. But my old shoe's soles had come off much too often even after applying super glue on it about 3 to 4 times.... haha (yes, I'm that cheapskate, or shall I say it's my mum and dad)

I wanted to get Asics shoes, but they are far too expensive for an irregular runner like me. So I thought smart and floated over to the Children's section. AH! The perfect shoe was lying on the shelf, calling out for me to pick it up. I approached the staff and after bringing out the size I wanted, he asked who it was for. "Me." I replied.

He gave me that look and suggested I get adult shoes instead. However, the kid's shoes fitted me real well and I just patronised him by looking at the adult section for a long long long time. He was showing me all kinds of different brands of shoes.

After a long thought, I finally decided to settle on the junior Asics shoes which was much more cheaper than the Adults shoes (more than half price ok?!). This is due to the fact that I don't really run that much, so why do I need such an expensive pair of shoes? (ok, yes, it's largely due to the price!) After wasting about an hour's worth of saliva, he didn't manage to persuade me to get the Adults shoes.

Such stubborness I have.... But hey, I totally don't regret my choice. I tried it out at home and I think it is perfect for me! =)

By the way, he asked me to email a feedback to the store, but I think he was just trying to get my email address so he can add me on MSN.... :s

Be Grateful

2009-04-18T12:01:00.003+08:00

I really like 小猪, 罗志祥's Music Video of one of his new songs, 撑腰.
Take a look:

Now the reason why I like it is not because it has a fantastic song or that 小猪 can dance very well.

The real reason why I like it is because this song/MV was created to thank those who have helped 小猪 along his way in his years in the entertainment industry. People in the MV included 胡瓜, 吴宗宪, 大S, 小S, Jolin and many more. He even wrote little notes to them if you look carefully at the bottom left of the screen while featuring each of the people he wants to thank.

It is quite touching to see how grateful to all these people who picked him up when he was down in the entertainment circle.

This probably teaches us a lesson as well: Do not expect returns from those you help, BUT, always be grateful to those who help you!

Voice studies and production class

2009-04-11T11:35:00.004+08:00

In a span of 12 weeks, I have learnt so much from this class.

This is probably one of the most personal and FUN classes I've ever had ever since I stepped into uni 2 years ago....

NIE's Voice Studies and Production

It brought me back to my secondary school days when I was in the English Literary Drama Debate Society. Aaaaaaahhhhhhhhh, the memories....

I still believe that drama is still one of my loves. No doubt about it.

So in this class, other than learning the anatomy of our larynx and how voice is produced so on and so forth, we also learnt some theatrics, and that's where all the fun is.

Not just that, the friends that I made in this class are all fun-loving and friendly. Maybe it's because we only met 3 hrs per week for the past 12 weeks, but well, the memories that they left me with will accompany me till my death. Although the teacher is strict, I think she did her job fairly well, and I learnt tons from her.

It was a journey of self-discovery and being adventurous to try out things that we've never done before.

Just yesterday, I was trying to find my classmates on FB. Well, I found quite a few of them. One of them is Sidney, who's a really funny guy (no, i'm not in love with him). He's quite blockish at times, since I did partner him for some of our class exercises. But as I was chatting with him on MSN, I realised that we had a few similarities. One of it is that we are both Roman Catholics and we actually go to the same church! In a class of 22, I actually found 2 other people who goes to the same church as me.... =) It's amazing how God works I guess....

And then there's the growth part. We started out all beginner-ish, uncertain and not knowing what to do. We read texts without feelings, we pronounced words without articulating, we produced sound without skill. But at the end of it all, I could see how much everyone has improved. Sidney is one of the people who made tremendous improvement. There's also this other guy called Kok Liang, who probably did not speak Chinese at home, and so initially, did not do very well. But I could see the effort he put into each and every class, and for our final presentation, he was ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!! Hope you can see the video, and enjoy laughing! =) (It's about the 'F' word.... haha)

It somehow feels like watching your baby grow up, slowly slowly learning new things and progressing week after week. Just that, all your classmates are your babies....

I am really really sad that the semester has ended and that now, only the memories of the class will live in our hearts. But I have learnt so so much and have been shaped quite a bit through this class. Thank you my fellow classmates for these memories and thank you Miss Tay for all you've done for us!

What 21st birthday??

2009-04-06T19:33:00.008+08:00

There will be no big party on that day.

There will be no small meetings with friends on that day.

There will be no nothing on that day.

All that will happen that day is my Minor course....

Oh dear. That's probably how I'm going to spend my 21st birthday.

Today, I got the confirmation that I was accepted into the programme, and I'm in the 18th batch, which will happen on 8th May till 26th June.

There will also be a test on the 16th of June and an exam on the 17th of June.

Gosh..... But I already replied and accepted the programme.

Hope I don't have any regrets taking this minor....

Sorry friends, birthday celebrations going to be postponed..... =(