Checklist

Cheap thrill of the day: I just realized that my nicknames combined, Veetwo Siew Mai, and my real name share the same initials: VSM. How cool is that?? Whahaha. Ok cheap thrill over.

These couple of days I've been thinking and thinking of what I should be packing into my 23kg for Scotland. So I've written out a list of things I can think off besides the obvious clothes, underwear and toiletries. This is a list of the extra stuff and it's split into 3 parts: Essential Must Brings, Non-Essential But Still Brings & Would Like To Brings (although most probably I won't).

Siew Mai's Checklist

Essential Must Brings:
Bible (shall go and scout for a small pocket one)
1 winter jacket (got an old grungy one I took to China and South Africa)
Woolen cap + scarf (got new ones liao. (^_^)v hee…)
Laptop (old dinosaur though it is, it is still functional)
Handphone + charger
Digital camera (Dad is going to buy me one!! Whee!!)
Travel alarm clock
Extra pair of shoes to walk around in
Small hand torch
Small personal stash of medicine (panadol, clarinase, nasal spray, etc)

Non-Essential But Still Brings:
MP3 Player (if my mother buys a new one, I will inherit her old Creative which is still way better than my Samsung Yepp which is now falling apart at the seams. *cross fingers*)
Discman
Sketch book
Books to read (Trinity Blood novels + Leather-clad woman on cover book)
Electronic dictionary + travel Japanese-English dictionary (otherwise how to read my ToriBla, you tell me?)
Drawing pencils
Bits of accessories (earrings mainly)
1 or 2 small carry bags/purses

Would Like To Brings:
Photo Albums
Anime (NO NO NO!! Focus Siew Mai, FOCUS!!)
My scanner
My speakers (but obviously, this is not going to happen. (T_T) So sad.)
1-person rice-cooker or crock pot
Oil burner (it’s shaped like a teapot and stove! Very cute!)

And of course, Nekoweenie mentioned I should bring make-up... But I'm still debating whether or not I really need to bring any over. I hardly wear make-up in Singapore as it is...

It's not a complete list, I'll probably add and erase stuff as I go along. Suggestions and tips are most welcome of course, especially from those of you who've been overseas studying before.

Flight Confirmed

First must report on my treadmill achievements! (^_^) Did a full hour today!! Yay!! Only breaked for about 5 seconds after 15 min to change treadmills coz the headphone console thingy on the first one was a bit wonky. Have no idea what my average speed is. Was too whooped after the whole thing to notice the scrolling numbers on the LCD display. Top speed was 9km/h though, the jogging/running started at 7.5km/h and lasted for about 45min (yes, i take 15min to warm-up... :p). So I'm guessing total average speed is about 7km/h? Yay!! So happy. Legs all tingly and threatening to give way after that.

Mum is suggesting I join her at the Mizuno run for the 10km route. Wondering whether or not I should give it a try. Actually I'm more interested in the 40% discount off shoe purchases after you register but then I'd actually have to do the run. (T_T)

Anyhow, after my dad and I ok-ed the proposed dates, it is now confirmed that I will be flying 13 September, Tuesday. Suddenly seems so fast hor... My goodness. I'm really going over!!!

13hr 30min flight time to London, followed by another 1hr 30min to Aberdeen. (O_O)'" My joints will lock and freeze...

Siew Mai Play Water

Wheeee!!! So long never swim liao!! So fun!!!

Went to the NUS pool to go swimming with Monkey, who attempted to go one further than her other zen monkey cousins. The result was a lot of talking between every 2 laps of the small pool. Wanted to swim in the big pool but it was being hogged by all these poser jocks with bad tans and thinktheylookdamnhotbutactuallydamnugly faces. Don't these people have lectures to go for or tutorials to bid for?? So free ahr... Ok lah, some of the bodies were worth looking at. But most of them were just... Ew. Especially those in silver swimming trunks. EEYER!! *pui*

After treating the YIH canteen to the rare sight of one monkey and one dim sum wolfing down cooked potential-chick and briyani-ed dead bird, the monkey went off to an interview whilst I went off to the bank to get a new passbook and apply for a debit card.

For some reason, the supplementary card my dad is applying for me is taking forever to process. Just last week I had to re-submit some form for the card. So in case this card doesn't come through, I will be getting a POSB debit card. I've been avoiding this for the simple reason that it's one more temptation for easy-spending. (T_T) 忍，烧麦，忍！

Things Are Speeding Up!!

Hehehe... My legs are tingling. (^_^) So proud of myself. Even though only walked/jogged/ran for slightly less than usual (40 minutes only today), I did manage to push my average speed up to 7.1km/h with a top speed of 9.5km/h. *satisfied look* So proud of myself!! And did 3 sets each of leg presses and hamstring curls. Want to to do quart extensions but 1)the machines were all taken and 2)I had to rush off to the UK Visa Application Centre to collect my passport. They only allow you to collect between 4pm to 5pm. Damn weird lah.

In any case, I got my entry clearance!! Hee hee!!! So cool!!! Ok cheap thrill. But it's so exciting!!! Heheheheh!!! Now I just have to nail down that travel agent... He's supposed to have come back from leave on Friday.. Hmph.
[8.44pm Update]
My mum just forwarded me a tentative itinerary from the travel agent. Tentative date to leave is 13th September. Once things are confirmed, I'll post again for anyone who may be interested.

Good Times, Good Friends (^_^)

I just had to put this in a separate post. To put yesterday's August MMM & today's outing together in the same post would make either one seem less significant somehow. And they were both very important to me in their own special way. So they both deserve a separate post. My weekend has been made, thanks to the Triple-Letter Event gang and a very good friend. :)

Today was spent hanging out at Cineleisure with Phoenich (who STILL hasn't updated his blog. Tsk) who paid for my lunch (soft shell crab & prawns) from Cafe Cartel. Thank you! (^_^) And he even had a very sweet surprise. What I thought was a new handphone for himself (although I didn't tell him that. Wahahaha) was actually a matching winter cap & scarf set for me to take to Scotland. I think the waitress thought he was proposing or something though. Bwahahaha... She looked embarrassed at having to interrupt just to tell Phoenich that they'd run out of rodeo ribs. *snigger* But it was very sweet. Thank you Phoenich. (^_^)

After a rather fishy lunch [tip to everyone in general: just go with the red meat.], we went up to watch 七剑 Seven Swords. It was quite an enjoyable show, although I didn't quite get the ending. I guess it's one of those wuxia movies which leave space for future directors/scriptwriters to pick up where it left. And I can't decide if the kids were reciting a poem with all the swords' names inside. Didn't quite catch the words. Ah well, who cares about the kids when there's 甄子丹 Donnie Yen!!! *swoon* So cool!! Oh the swords were quite cool too. Of all the swords I liked 天瀑剑 the Heaven's Fall sword best. (^_^)v Donnie!!!

The rest of the afternoon was spent trying to find, then navigate the children's section of Kinokuniya; trying to send each other off by MRT even though we were both actually just going to take a straight bus back to our respective homes, and walking one big pointless round through Orchard MRT to the Orchard Boulevard exit when we could've just walked right through Popular.

How to say this without sounding mushy (I've actually backspaced this line countless times already)... Phoenich, you'll be one of those friends I'll miss tonnes, even though you never knew my real name until months after we first met and that was AFTER Guowei had to tell you. :p Ok enough mush. *shiver shiver cringe cringe*

Good food, good time spent doing ultimately meaningless things and good company. What more could a siew mai ask for.

Well. Ok. The food was a bit suspect but hey! Two out of three ain't bad.

Another Successful MMM

And may I add, extremely filling. I'm still feeling the effects of it since yesterday actually. Fwoooh.

As usual, the polite dinner conversation just disintegrated into a lot of talk about sex, pron and big... assets. And since this time round we had some guests from the other side of the globe - Andrew from US and Roger from Holland - the Monkey even treated us to an online flash animation of international "comings". Andrew seemed rather embarrassed by all the sex talk, though I can't imagine why. :p His Dutch friend though was just unfazed by it all.

It was 5 hours of wholesome great fun, companionship, laughter and too much good food which passed by all too quickly. And who could forget the lessons in Singlish 101. ("KSM NB KNN!!!")

Apologies are in line though, as I totally forgot about the onesingaporeminute item that all the guests were supposed to bring. Even the Budaks brought Mr. Budak's duck. In the end, we never took the OSM photos as many of us forgot. Truly sorry for spoiling your plans Monkey. (T_T) How can this poor dim sum make it up to you...

Also as usual, I cannot post any photos as the siew mai does not own a digital camera. *hint hint to anyone in general* So here is my monthly report on the menu:

August MMM Food Roll Call
1) Beef, seafood & vegetable kebabs - Monkey
2) Homous - Monkey
3) Mini chicken pies - Ash
4) Not-so-lumpy potato salad - Joelle
5) Fried sausages - Siew Mai
6) Spiced cous cous disguised under.. Stuff - Siew Mai
7) Vegetarian soba - Mr & Mrs Budak
8) Wines - The Budaks & LHam (who brought "the best chateau in France!!" according to Roger)
9) Evil poison Hagen Daaz ice cream cake - Laurence
10) More evil poison NYDC brownies - Andrew & Roger

(O_O)"' I still cannot believe that we practically wiped out the whole spread, except for half of the cake and half the potato salad. My conscience is killing me after all that. I have to confess.

Forgive me Treadmill, for I have sinned....

Next up: SSS. Who's coming? (^_^)v

Ignore This Gripe

A couple of LJ-using friends have been trying convince me to switch over. The main draw being the user's ability to make certain entries private and accessible only to the user's friend list. Never really saw the point of it really. Don't want anyone to read your blog? Make like Monkey and remove RSS capabilities or if, like me, you're technologically-challenged, just don't blog about it! Private story-telling is what handphones and relay chat applications were invented for. But after reading a certain recent entry, I began to see the advantages of a private entry, so to speak. Since, as we all know, anything put on the WWW is ultimately never actually private. So rather than risk discovery, I'll just stick to the proven method of not saying anything. And I doubt I'll be switching anytime soon. I still find that LJ is rather unfriendly.

Maybe when I start a Siewmai’s Scotland Stories blog. We’ll see.

Guess The Word of The Day

Gym this morning was no shiok. Usually I'd walk/jog/run 45min to 1hour at an average speed of about 6.8km/h (Mrs Budak still win hands down. *bows down and kowtows* My mother confirm also win me. Actually I think my sis also win me... (T_T) ), followed by about an hour of weights training. Today only walked/jogged/ran 30min at average speed of 6.6km/h. And only did 2 super-sets of shoulder press and upright rows. (T_T) Absolutely no shiok. But then again I promised Shane I'd blanjah him coffee during his 8am break. So bo pian.

Went to watch 江湖阿嫂 (Mob Sister) after that since there was nothing better to do. At first I thought I was going to be the only person in the theatre. So cool!!! (ok cheap thrill...) But after about five minutes some uncles started to walk in one by one. (-_-)"'

I have come to this conclusion about Hong Kong mob movies:
1) It's all about the 义气. Brudderhood!!
2) There must be the obligatory tough bitch 阿嫂 and obligatory SYT (read: sweet young thing)
3) Must have a fair share of betrayal (whereupon one betrayee will scream at the betrayer: 《去你妈的!!我们是兄弟!!!讲义气的!!!》 simple translation: BRUDDERHOOD!!!), romance - unrequited or otherwise, and plenty of car-crash-car scenes.
4) Fight scenes or death scenes must either be slow motion or (dunno what the technical term is) overlapped, like those going mad scenes.
5) The point of the movie is that there doesn't have to have a point. ... ... BRUDDERHOOD!!!!!

Actually watching movies alone is quite fun, as I've discovered recently. At least during the more poignant moments in the movie, your emotionally unstable very sentimental friend doesn't lean over, grab your sleeve and go "Ooooooh!!!". And there's no one squealing into your ear just when you've managed to convince yourself to ignore the lousy acting and believe that the character IS that character. Can you just watch the MOVIE already??? Egads.

Of course, watching with friends (BRUDDERHOOD!!!) is still a great thing which I wouldn't replace. But hey, once in a while it actually isn't that bad to be the lone siew mai in a steamer. Or in this case, single pack freeze-dried siew mai.

Kuching Thoughts

The closer 19th September gets, the more I start to think about what things I'm going to miss when I'm there gawking at kilted bums studying.

At this moment the thing that is one my mind the most is Kuching. I'm sure as hell going to miss the food there. Especially...

[Image from Kuching Guide]

Konlo Mee!! Argh... Just the thought of it is making me salivate. And how to forget Sarawak Laksa!!! ARGH!! Dammit. Haiz. But food aside... There is one very very important reason why I want to go back to Kuching before I leave...

I want to see my grandpa. But timing seems to be a little tricky. Sigh. (T_T) I miss my Gonggong.

Signs of Growing Old?!?!

1) I'm losing hair. Seriously.
2) I've got about as much white hair as my mother. Beneath all that dye that is.
3) I've forgotten what I wanted to blog about besides putting up the SSS notice. The previous 2 points were just to lead up to this point. Really.
4) I'm sleeping a lot.
...
But then again I always sleep a lot. Oh well. Lalala!

Saw this posted on Monkey's and Mrs Budak's blogs. It's a letter written by the mother of a homosexual guy. Originally posted on eddyworld, it is a really thought-provoking letter.

I too cannot stand this thing about a "homosexual agenda". I have friends who are gay or lesbian, and they are no different from anyone else. They have families and friends who love them and whom they love. If they are guilty of anything it would be wanting to be accepted and to be loved.

I think that sounds "normal" enough.

Anyhow, here's the beginning paragraph of the letter:

"Many letters have been sent to the Valley News concerning the homosexual menace in Vermont. I am the mother of a gay son and I've taken enough from you good people. I'm tired of your foolish rhetoric about the "homosexual agenda" and your allegations that accepting homosexuality is the same thing as advocating sex with children. You are cruel and ignorant. You have been robbing me of the joys of motherhood ever since my children were tiny."
(Full Letter )

You don't have to agree with this dear woman's opinions, or with those who support her stand. But if you do, please do repost this letter on your blog or website, and hopefully open the eyes and heart of one more person.

At Long Last...

Actually not that long. Maybe about two months?

Today I finally met my sister's boyfriend. With all the talk about him being from her senior class and now currently serving in NS, I always had this impression of him being much taller than her, maybe a little buffed up from BMT and (hopefully) somewhat mature looking. So this morning after church, mum and I went to Ya Kun at J8 to have breakfast with the both of them.

He is a dweeb.

Scrawny, quiet, lost-looking with geek glasses (there are funky glasses and there are geek glasses. His were geeky.), only slightly taller than my sis... He is a dweeb.

But, I will give this to him - he is a nice dweeb. At least he was polite and when you speak to him he does engage in a conversation rather than go, "erm.. yah.. uhm.." And after further scrutinizing observation, I can say that he's sweet enough to my sis. Helped her buy groceries. *resists cringing from saccharine-ness* Anyway, I can't really make a full conclusion about him since I've only just met him. But he seems nice enough. So that will do for now.

*shakes head*
The bimbo and the dweeb. This will be interesting...

What Was Your Question Again?

Sorry for the lack of entries, been trying to sort out exactly what was going on with the university's admissions office and when exactly I am expected to report there. So now that most of the drama is over, I will hold a short question and answer session, starting with a very stressing question...

Budak: Why no SSS???

1) No SSS in August because my sis is having her A-level prelim exams until the end of the month and my parents are dead against any possible distractions.
2) Because of the situation mentioned in the previous post, it seemed that my entry date into Aberdeen would be a month earlier than expected. Meaning I’d go in middle of August instead of mid-September. So September SSS is out too.

Everyone else: So what’s up with the two acceptance certificates? Do you really have to go in early?

Apparently, the second certificate was sent purely for the purpose of informing me about the pre-sessional course. And it wasn’t the computing course they were referring to. I was supposed to attend the pre-sessional English course, meant for international students whose first language is not English. How thoughtful of them, they must’ve realized that my first language is Swahili.

After multiple trunk calls (my poor phone bill… (T_T) ) and countless e-mails, a conclusion was reached – since my paper qualifications in English (i.e. my O & A-level exams which incidentally were taken in English… Oh such HORROR! (-_-)"' ) were much higher than most (Oh? Not all?) students required to take the course and since I am obviously competent in its usage (Oh REALLY?? Thank you, so are you!), I would not have to take the course. The course, according to the final e-mail I received from them, “is there is you wish to attend to improve your English.” [note: there are no typos in the quoted line. This is exactly how the sentence appeared in the e-mail.]

So the answer is no, I do not have to go in earlier.

Siew Mai (on behalf of the MMM gang): So… SSS…??

Yes, I do believe that there can be a September Siewmai Supper. I will tentatively set the date as 3rd September, Saturday. If there are no audible or visible objections, then this shall be the date of the much anticipated September Siewmai Send-off. Will e-mail again once a consensus is reached. Silence means consent. HAH!

'E'-ffinity For Trouble

When Ed told me that the UK was a third-world country, I thought he was exaggerating and being rather cynical. So they’re a little disorganized at times…

He wasn’t kidding.

I don’t know how many of you remember this post but basically, it was during the last week of June that I received my Certificate of Acceptance dated 21 June 2005, confirming this (letterhead and signatures cut out for obvious reasons whether or not I need to). I was ecstatic and went ahead with my hostel applications.

And THEN!

Today I received THIS which came together with THIS!!

So. I now have TWO Certificates of Acceptance for two DIFFERENT courses of study!! Within the same department no less, they must love me twice as much as I previously thought.

Regrettably, Veetwo is only one Siew Mai. I cannot possibly attend both courses (although they are more or less the same) so I call up the admissions office to express &#^%$@* my “regrets”. I managed to find out the following:

1) With regards to the 2nd Certificate: Oh! Just ignore it. They don’t know what happened, but they’ll find out for me, and anyway the course of study I want is the first one. Oookaay... But I should let them know that the 2nd Cert also came with this letter which tells me I have to go for a pre-sessional course. … Ohhh…

2) With regards to the pre-sessional course(s): Ooohh… Erm… Do I have an e-mail address? The supervisor is away on holiday you see, so they’ll ask around and e-mail me about it as soon as they can. Oh that’s fine, only the pre-sessional course means having to fly over almost a month earlier, so if they could just let me know really soon… Ohhh… Uhm. Sure, they’ll work on it. May they have my e-mail address, please? So that’s ‘v’, ‘e’, ‘n’… Oh, ‘a’, ‘n’… ‘s’… ‘s’ for ‘sugar’, you mean? Ok. ‘s’, ‘e’, ‘w’… ‘i’, ‘w’?? OH! ‘i’, ‘e’, ‘w’… [note: You get the picture. I refuse to continue.] Ok! Don’t worry about it (#$^@*!?!?!?!), they’ll e-mail me (assuming they managed to copy down my e-mail correctly in the first place) soon! (-_-)"'

3) Whether or not I actually have advanced entry: I gave up asking by question 2. If I don’t see an interpretable answer in the alleged e-mail that is to be sent, I will ask them again. Through e-mail. My phone bill cannot survive another… Whatever.

So to those who are still mildly clueless, let me summarize the story for you.

*Ahem*

Very soon I will be flying off to Scotland to study one course or the other and I may or may not have to go in early as I might or might not be required to attend a pre-sessional course due to the fact that I may or may not have been awarded advanced entry.

Capiche?

P.S. The good thing is that I managed to get a room in one of the Elphinstone flats. Flat E no less. I must be fated to stay in places labelled with an 'E'.

Do You Have An Incest Infestation?

Get rid of all incest with the all-new Incest Killer!!

Available at all major electric and hardware stores near you.


[Thanks to Ed for the tip.]

It's A Sad Sad Situation

Find that SH is more wound up than usual. Sitting in the cubicle in front of her is becoming more stressful by the day. To think that this week is supposed to be more relaxed for me. Last week leh… Haiz. But I sort of understand her situation lah. GM is depressed over the recent development board meeting and is now quite sick also. Been on MC since yesterday, but from what I hear, sick since Saturday. And apparently the company board meeting is going to happen sometime next week, and a lot of things are not settled yet. So sad the way things are going for the company. Despite all this new blood coming in and a sort of new dynamism that seems to have been injected, it may not be enough to save the company from certain doom. It doesn’t help that the AD is currently more interested in her own agenda than the company’s.

Yes, I do realize I could get sued for libel or slander or breach of confidentiality or some other politics (politcseses… hirhir… Backstroke English…). But it is really very sad. The set-up of this company was supposed to have been a milestone in Singapore’s arts scene history. Even now, I believe people think it to be a stalwart within the local arts circle. They believe it will be here for a long time to come. I am not so sure, considering the current situation. I do hope it can continue for the foreseeable future. Even though I do not necessarily like every single piece of work that is produced, I do believe that this company serves a very important purpose within this industry. If it were to go away it would be a great loss. I’m tempted to say catastrophic, but it may not be the right word to use.

So sad. Haiz.

In other Siew Mai News: Just finished watching Haru wo Daite Ita last night. Raunchier than Kizuna but at least there was more of a story to follow. Actually I only really watched it because the seiyuu of one of the lead characters is MIKI SHINICHIRO!!!! Miki-sama!!! He voices the role of Katou Youji, an up and coming AV actor. The character (and Miki-san!!) is a floppy-haired Japanese guy! Just the kind Siew Mai likes…

Unfortunately it turns out that I somehow like the other leading character, Iwaki Kyousuke, better.

Dammit. :p Nebermine... Soubi-chan still win. Souuuubiiii!!! (^_^)v

If There's Such A Thing As Sleep-Walking...

Zzz... Got scolded by SH for being blur. I just wanted to double-check whether certain documents should be human-shredded mah... Diao-ded. Aiyah. Dun complain. SH has always been very good to me in the office, although she's very strict. Should've been a teacher. :P

Boi Sakti has arrived to supervise RTM. Brought two short monkeys Indon dancers whom I assume are dancers from his own company. The RTM music got singing one... Sounds like ghosts moaning though. Woh woh woh kind. Or maybe I just dunno how to appreciate.

I think I put on weight. Dammit. I want to go back to running 1 hour every morning!!!

But I also want to sleep.

Is there such a thing as sleep-running??

London is Falling

Oops, sorry, won't do. – Times Online UK

I totally agree. It is absolutely irresponsible. And “My heart goes out to the officer who killed the man in Stockwell Tube Station.”???? British politicians better clean up their act before this gets any more out of hand.

Moves like this – More marksmen to hunt five bombers on the loose – Times Online UK is just going to add fuel to the fire.

Ed, sorry if I hit any wrong buttons or ruffled any feathers, but somehow now I’m REALLY glad I didn’t choose London.

Siew Mai Shlurrps

Just came back from watching Fantastic Four. I think I prefer the comic. Bleah. Nebermine. Next one to look forward to is Charlie and The Chocolate Factory. Johnny Depp!!! Wheeee....!!!

Ok.. I know I promised a menu of what was demolished eaten at the recent Dine at Duck's Domain.

Warning: Not For Gastronomically-Challenged Stomachs

1)Vegetarian Spaghetti (with yummy yummy dried tomatoes *drool*) - Mrs Budak
2)Baked Mushrooms with Mixed Cheese (JUICY!! YUMMY!!! SHHLLURRPP!!!) - Mrs Budak
3)Tori-Q Yakitori - Siew Mai
4)3kg of Organic Rambutans from Ubin (yeah... so organic that one housed a little white worm who stared angrily at me as I bit into its big white home...) - Monkey & Joelle
5)Jello + Mixed Fruits (got ginger also!! Sho shpicy! I didn't know ginger was a fruit... :p) - Mrs Budak
6)Goreng Pisang, Yam & Sweet Potato - Monkey & Joelle
7)Apple Strudel - Ash
8)Various wines (Grape juice grape juice!!) - Budak & Mrs Budak

Truly a very healthy (I don't care. Apple strudel is still apple and therefore is a healthy fruit dish. And a banana is a banana, no matter what form it takes.) DDD!!

Budaks' have a very cozy place!! I like all the shrimp-breeding fish tanks! And we were introduced the Budak's duck, in all its hard glory... As usual, since I do not have a digital camera, I cannot show any proof of this siew mai's adventures into a duck's nest. But you should be able to find some on Budak's blog and Mrs Budak's.

Although I cannot brraaap like the duck himself, I can continue to drool at the thought of the next Blogger Meet. SHLUUURRRPP!!

Have I No Imagination?!?!?

I just realized that my new blogskin is exactly the same as my ~Siew Mai Style~ blog but in different colours. This means either one of two things:

1) I have very specific tastes.

2) I have no imagination.

Dammit... So much for wanting to be artsy-fartsy.

DDD-ed. New Layout!!

NEW SKIN!!! Heheheheheh.. Cheap thrill.

DDD-ed. Still incredibly full. Mrs Budak has stuffed us all. Thank you for hosting us!!! Shall post an entry about the food tomorrow. Now am going to digest food in sleep. Zzzzzzz....

Bombs, More Bombs and Now Bullets...

Suspected suicide bomber shot dead on Tube

All I (and my mother) can say is... Thank goodness I chose Aberdeen instead of KCL.

I mean... Of course, we sympathise with the people of central London. This is really just one big tragedy. But on a selfish side, my goodness... God must've really been merciful when he whispered to me to choose Scotland instead. Can you imagine if I had chosen King's??? Getting an entry clearance now would probably be damn difficult. In a worse case scenario, they'd probably delay my term or something at a point where I really don't want to waste anymore time!! Of course, this is all my own speculation and may not neccessarily be true. But omg!!

*shake head* It's just... Amazing... Terrible.. But amazing...

Fly To Mee...

Sian ji pua.

I have been reduced to miscellaneous filing and human-shredder-ing in the office. There is nothing better for me to do in the office. Dammit. Just let me resign earlier lah. Kaoz. Aiyah.. Nebermine... Dun complain because in the end the company is still paying me to be a human-shredder for another week.

Anyway this post is to make a request: Anyone want to sponsor me lunch today???

I have totally given up making lunch the night before to bring into the office and have been living off SH's supply of food. Sadly today she seems to have not brought lunch either. I am lunchless for today. *sobsob*

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

Scrap that. Apparently there is lunch. Wahahaha... There is fly noodle for me. Today instead of cooking rice, SH's maid fly noodle instead. Ok good. It shall fly into my stomach. But I think will not be enough for me leh... Coz I have to half-half with my GM who also occasionally shares SH's food. Rats. Will be hungry by 3pm I tell you. Nebermine... SH says she got soup in the pot in the kitchen. I will kapo the soup. Wahahahaha...

I wonder if it's possible to still find Backstroke of the West in China. If can, maybe I will ask Shuhui to buy. Then when she brings it home to S'pore, I will laugh and laugh for 2 hours straight and then die from suffocation because cannot breathe. Laugh too much. Or as any character in Backstroke would say: Laugh die.

Hail the great hopeless situation warrier!!

STAR WAR: The Third Gathers

GASPS!!!

WAHAHAHAAHAH!!!!

my the eye tears out come already!!!

Here's some more of the transcripts of Backstroke of the West..

Spouting Nonsense

Thursday. Why is it only Thursday?!?

Felt so tempted to pontang work today. Some more now I sit in front of the office "police" so cannot blog openly. Can't even play game cause this silly computer doesn't have certain applications and I can't install anything coz I don't have administrator rights on this comp. Pah. So boring.

Why can't it be the weekend already?!?

By the way, anybody want to sponsor me a digital camera? Hahahahahaha... Wishful thinking. Maybe I should set-up a "Donate-to-Siew-Mai's-Digital-Camera-Fund"... How about some Golden Peanuts??

Siew Mai is spouting random nonsense again. Save me! Save yourselves!!

*spout spout spout*

Backstroke of the West!!

Omg.. You guys HAVE to read this...

Backstroke of the West

Don't Want To!!!!

BWAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!

My Purpose In This Office Is....

To Snack.

Nyahahaha...

I'm blogging again. 2nd time today. To make up for neglecting my blog.

Actually it's because I have nothing better to do in the office. Maybe I shall go and attack the little box of cakes that the new dancer brought in as a meeting gift.

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

I have returned from raiding the cake box. Have more or less attacked and decimated the last (and only) chocolate muffin in the box. It was a good muffin.

Really don't know what I come to work for anymore (to raid cake boxes. (^_^) Heh...). I come, I sit at the desk that is not even mine (technically belongs to the E&O Manager but he isn't coming in until August. HA!) and I rot away. Of course, I will do whatever task comes my way but that's like... The task of the day. After that I just continue to rot again. Or until Edna comes along with a question about classes. Oh, and I get SH dumping lunch and tonnes of fruits and snacks on my table and insisting that I finish it. Bleah. Not that the food is bad lah, the food that comes with SH is usually very nice. But still. There has to be more of a purpose than eating the food that SH brings.

Side note: The muffin has just muff-ed its last. It is no more. SH's box of cut watermelon and papaya is still staring at me from the corner of my table. Arcks...

Anyway. Yes. I have no further purpose here than to just earn money by showing up in the office and sitting around trying to look useful. Oh well. Shall make the most of it. Will rarely get the chance sit around, do nothing and still earn my paycheck. Last 11 days to do so already. Actually less than that since I'm actually off duty on 30th July and who on earth will be working on 31st July, Sunday? So it's actually more like 9 days left, if you consider my last actual working day to be the 29th. Although it's TECHNICALLY the 31st. But well... Technicalities...

Dengue? Really??

Okok! Time for me to tell you what happened with the multiple blood tests and the platelet count. Hmm.. Lemme try telling this chronological time-line style.

8th July, Friday: As usual, kena arrow to be emcee for BUTS. Went and did all the usual ra-ra and got into some conflict with the stupid BM. Developed a pounding headache. Prob due to over-excitment or stress.. Stupid BM's fault. Ran away home with SH immediately after show.

9th July, Saturday, 2am: woke up with headache pounding the pounding headache I already had before I went to bed. Also had damn high fever. Almost 40 degrees celsius. Somehow managed to find my way downstairs to take panadol and somehow managed to find my way back into bed. All without falling down the stairs.

8-something am: Woke up with head still pounding. Fever still damn high. Sms-ed SH to tell her bad news. Got out of bed to take some more panadol and to shower, hopefully can shower away the fever. Went back to bed. SH sms back to say Stella is new emcee. Wahahahaha... Pass the arrow.

Dunno-what-time-already: Mum comes in to announce lunch. Announce back that no appetite. Everybody comes to the conclusion that I am sick and have probably caught the same viral fever that my brother was having a couple days back. Ok lor. Just take panadol and go to
sleep. Zzzzz...

10th July, Sunday: Am still sick. Decide to go Sylvia's clinic to get an MC. Called office to report in sick again. SH scold and say nevermind MC. Just stay home and rest. Too bad, already halfway to Sylvia's clinic. Lalala. Mummy goes to buy fruits while Papa escorts me into clinic and sits to catch up with Sylvia. Always lidat onez... Anyway got MC for Monday also. Wheee...

11th July, Monday: Spend the day in and out of consciousness. Probably in bed 20 out of 24 hours. Bleah. Parents leave for Vietnam holiday with brother. Siew Mai is abandoned.. *Sobz* Continue panadol and sleep treatment. Zzzz...

12th July, Tuesday: Tried to go to work. Nearly collapsed walking up the stupid Fort Canning stairs. According to colleague, was as pale as ghost. Sat in office to recover for about 1 hour and then promptly get sent home. Tsk. Go home and continue sleeping.

13th July, Wednesday: Continue resting at home. Sleep some more. Take some more panadol.

14th July, Thursday: Finally go back to work for real. Managed to survive whole day. Discover red spots on arms and legs. Dunno what's going on. Go home and find out that sister has decided to go and lose her i/c. So clever. Dun care, she settle herself. SMS-ed Mum about spots and stupid sister.

15th July, Friday: 2nd week of BUTS. Stella is still emcee-ing. Yay!! I can just sit back and enjoy the show. Dreaming of Coffee Club chicken pie.

6.30pm: Mum calls from Vietnam. Tells me to go and see Sylvia NOW!!!! Cannot lah... People's clinic close shop already lah... Ok fine. Tomorrow morning, first thing! Okokok. Continue eating beef ball noodle from Kiliney Road. Very yummy.

6.45pm: Mum calls again. Tells me, ok go Mount E NOW!!! Anjula is waiting for you. HUH?!?! For what?? BLOOD TEST LAH! HUH?!?! Ok lor... So in the end I still don't get to enjoy the show and still no Coffee Club chicken pie. Sobz. Go off to get cab down to Mount E.

8pm: I get Jabbed. Ow. They took my blood!!! I have to wait about an hour for results. Sigh. Ok lor. Wait in freezing air-con. Anjula shows up and says ok sit here and wait. She will come back. Sigh. Ok. Continue waiting in freezing air-con.

8-something pm: Anjula bursts into A & E waiting room with test results. Tells me my platelets a bit low leh, don't know if she should hospitalize me. (O_o) Ok, hold on she go and ask the MO on duty. MO say no need, too early to tell. So Anjula gets into the act of scolding me to stay home and rest and drink plenty of water. And come down again tomorrow morning for a repeat test! Huh.. Ok... Take cab home, report to Mummy on phone, sleep.

16th July, Saturday: Go down to Mount E in the morning for 2nd blood test. Go to Anjula's office to report. Brought to lab for more jabbing. There goes my other arm. Go for coffee while waiting for results. Ladida. Another hour of doing dunno-what. Go back into Anjula's office to wait some more. Discover that Anjula is very scary when she's stressed. Nurse comes in to report that platelets have risen from 75 to 80. And Dengue IgM tested positive. (O_o) Anjula says don't care don't care! She only wants to know the platelet count. (-_-)"' I assume I am alright and just go home after being ordered to come back on Sunday for a 3rd test. Anjula is very scary. I don't go to work again.

17th July, Sunday, 12-something pm: Go down to A & E dept with slip from Anjula. Some old lady nurse just anyhow jabs me without even looking for the vein and wonders why there is no blood. Finally she takes out the #$*%^@# needle and jabs me with a new one on the back of my hand. In three days I get jabbed 4 times. (T_T) I go home without waiting for results. Segali they jab me again how.

Somewhere in the afternoon: Mount E Lab calls me. Tells me that my platelets up to 133 already. Do I need to know the rest of the results? No need, thank you. Assume that since platelet count so high already so no need go back for more blood tests. Just stay at home to rest. Don't go to work again. Never got to eat my Coffee Club chicken pie. SOB!!! (T_T)

18th July, Monday: Go back to work. For real! Finally! Still got a bit of light-headedness. Continue to report status to Papa through SMS. Parents come home at night, but I have concussed before that. Zzzz...

19th July, Tuesday, 8am: Am about to leave for work when Mummy calls from office. Do you know you actually had Dengue??? (O_o) Really ah?? Yah lah!!! Ohr ok. Tell Papa and maid to drain all water plants and to make sure all pond filters are working. Ok. Go off to work and announce to SH that actually had dengue. SH suspected as much. Decides to SMS GM to frighten the hell out of her. GM really over-reacts and insists that I be sent to a hospital. What nonsense. Still light-headed.


Yesh. That's about it. So I actually had dengue. But I never knew until I had actually more or less recovered from it. Scary sia. It's this stupid Fort Canning lah I tell you. This place is a haven for mosquitos. Did some research, dengue fever itself is not fatal, despite being super super uncomfortable. HOWEVER!! There are 4 strains of dengue. And if for example, I've already been exposed to strain A, I will get the anti-bodies for strain A. Logical right. BUT!! If after getting exposed to strain A, I then get exposed to strain B, then I am almost definitely going to develop dengue haemorragic fever (DHF), which is the fatal one!! So since there are 4 strains, I know have a 1-in-4 chance of getting infected with any of the other strains. So I guess that means a very high risk of contracting DHF. Eeyer... Thank goodness I'm only going to be in this place for another 1 1/2 weeks. eeh...

Seen Any Floppy-Haired Japanese Men Lately?

Ok yes. I admit that I have once again subjected my blog to certain neglect. So I have returned with yet another office blog! Actually I should call it "In-the-office-blog" because technically it's not really going to be about the office, just that I happen to be blogging in the office, therefore... Aiyah you all get the idea.

Anyway, office is empty at the moment, presumably coz everyone is coming in late in lieu of BUTS over the weekend. Two more weeks before I say goodbye to this place! Whooopee!!! No more madness and silly prancing divas!!

OK! ENOUGH OFFICE NONSENSE!!! Dun wan to talk about office. *Pui*.

What I really wanted to blog about was this: I think I will have to admit to having a weakness for guys with long or long-ish hair. For example, there is a photo in the Straits Times today of some of the local footballers who are taking part in some H-Two-O/S. League Hunk Competition. For reasons unexplainable to myself, the first fellow I looked at was the fellow in the middle, He Hongji. He wasn't even the most good-looking fellow there, in fact I think the best-looking fellow in the picture was the guy on the far right, Hidetoshi Wakui (ok. Weakness #2 is Japanese guys...). It was just that this He fellow had long floppy hair. Dammit. I must do a full review of my tastes in guys. I think if somebody showed up in front of me who had long floppy hair AND was Japanese, I will just self-combust in mid-swoon.

Ok. Admin Manager stressing me to get back to work. Shall blog later. Still have to tell all of you about my drama with the low blood platelet count and the multiple pokings to my arms.

My turtle eats more cake!! *points upwards* Actually I need to think about changing my blog skin again. Think I will just go and use one of the fixed templates that Blogger has.

Stuffed by Monkey

Very full. Blog-friend/friend-friend gathering at Monkey's tree was very very VERY filling. Sadly I do not have a digital camera (x1 item to add to wishlist) otherwise can take photo of all the yummy food and post here.

Menu included:
1) Meatballs in homemade tomato sauce (why I fry meatball cannot become brown?? I try very hard already!!!) - Monkey
2) Fried purple cabbage with walnuts - Monkey, with the help of the fantastic nut-crushing skills of her friend Julien
3) Pad Thai (the tofu look like egg! Power!! I also want to learn these wonderful camouflaging skills!! Then can fake my dad into eating more tofu.) - Mrs Budak
4) Brown rice - Monkey
5) Cous cous salad with feta cheese - Siew Mai
6) Ice Cream - courtesy of Monkey 弟弟 Ash
7) Red wine - Joelle (correct spelling?)
8) Brewerkz beer - courtesy of the NutMan
9) Gula Melaka with longan stuffed with pineapple - Mrs Budak
10) Cherries & grapes - Siew Mai

Didn't look like a lot at first, but looks are deceiving. Did some partial digesting while watching the first episode of LOVELESS. Hirhirhir. Everybody was like... wtf?!? Heh heh heh. I still say Soubi rules. And I will confess now... It took me 9 eps before I realised what the cat ears were an annotation for. :p I am slow.

All in all, a very successful little gathering, I would say. Thank you Monkey for organizing and inviting me. Your frens are all very interesting people. Today I actually did feel like the youngest one there. Hahaha... Haven't felt that for a long time.

Looking forward to the next one. (^_^)v Next time maybe if I try to chao dar your meatballs then they will be frightened into turning brown. Wahaha..

Change Is Coming!! I Think...

I should stop sliming the company. This new girl just came in who apparently is friends with Aronwy and Mindstorm! And she knew all about my bitching about the company!! Ouch man. Karma bites. But (as LonerB would say) Mein Gott! This place is the pits!!

Ok. I must stop bitching now. Otherwise somehow somewhere something else will come out of the dark and bite me on the ass. Let me now tell you all about my FIRST EVER DHL PACKAGE!!! Wahahah! Siew Mai got a DHL express delivery!! Wheeee!!!

So cheap thrill hor.

Anyway, the package was basically my university acceptance package. Contained acceptance certificate (now we need CERTIFICATES to show we’ve been accepted… Not just official letters mind you. CERTIFICATE! *shake head*), hostel applications & student id card form. The only reason I can think of about why they had to DHL the thing to me instead of just air-mailing it normally is that it is getting quite late. Term opens on 20th September and tomorrow it will be July already. Also, now would be the clearing stage of the UCAS application process. So the university and I have to solidly confirm my place before I lose it due to miscommunications or administrative mix-ups on either side. At least, that is my theory. Anyhow, dad has already gone off to apply for a bank draft to pay for my first year fees and also to apply for a supplementary credit card for me. In case anything happens (touch wood).

I keep thinking about the id card form. They got my surname right. Van. No problems there. But under my “Forename” – now this is new to me. “First Name”, “Given Name”, “Name as in passport”, etc, I totally get. Who on earth calls it a “Forename”? – it states “Su”. It doesn’t even state a middle name “Mei”. I’m just “Su”. While I wondered if I should inform the Registrar’s Office, my mother said that technically, they’re not wrong – It’s part of my name, just not my WHOLE name. I guess in the end my whole full name will be on my card… But I just can’t help wondering. Ed, any advice?

After reading Mr Brown’s post about singlish in US comic books, I have been inspired to transform my blog into a truly read-worthy blog. How I will do that I dunno. Will do this in stages I suppose. One step at a time, one post at a time.

Step 1: Stop whining so much.

Boring Office Posts

One hour to knock off.

Have once again finished off my work for the day. Again I find myself having absolutely nothing to do. Am feeling quite quite annoyed because of some last minute and unconfirmed production schedule change, I cannot send out my notices to the students.

Am so sian. Can’t believe this. The only good thing is that GM has been since lunch so there’s been some peace and quiet.

Got a make-up Japanese class later… Make-up for the one I missed on Monday due to a major stomachache. Kinda dun feel like going coz I just wanna go home and sleep. Tomorrow still have to work leh… Sobz.

Wondering what to eat for dinner. Actually I feel like eating already… Dammit. Tempted to as TSH if she got any biscuits. Or mebbe I shall eat the muesli bar in my cupboard. Dammit… Why do I feel like eating?!?!?!? ARGH!! Die. I will just balloon and explode into a million pieces.

More Office Gripes?!?! Get A Life Siew Mai...

I do believe that I’m the only one in the office now… Besides the GM… The PM and TM have gone out, supposedly for meetings, the APM is in the studio taking down cues… And the rest are at their lunch hour. I am alone to handle phone calls from any irate people. Eep. Help. Please please don’t let anyone decided to call in. *prays very hard* I really don’t like taking phone calls.

Hmm… Like RJ said in his blog, it can be very sian not to have anything to do. And ultimately I wouldn’t mind doing things for my GM like vetting her letters or newsletter articles. The thing I don’t like is how last minute it is. Without fail, 5, 10 minutes before my lunch break or before I knock off, she will dump one big file on my table and expect me to give it back to her before I go off for lunch or for the day. This place is one big circus I tell you.

Oh yah. Since I’ve gotten Monkey into the act, let’s see if I can sucker a few more people. Anybody wanna do part-time for two weekends? Basically man ticketing stalls and ushering for BUTS in July. Dates are 8-10 & 15-17 July. Let me know if you’re interested. They probably going to start calling for part-timers tomorrow or the day after.

Loo looo loo… I’ve run out of ideas on how to keep myself entertained. Sighz.

Really becoming damn slack in the office. This is just terrible. :p

Bleah.

Well done. Once again I am here in my cubicle with absolutely nothing to do. I suppose I could go around looking for things to do but why invite trouble right? :p I’m just damn lazy, and increasingly just cannot be bothered. I wonder if it’s because I know that I’m leaving. If that’s the case, then that’s really terrible work ethic. I should be ashamed of myself. But seriously I don’t know what else I can do. Hmm…

Well… Waiting for more shit to fall. I’d print out the flyers for Term 3 but I want to ask CMS if we should start another p-class on Tuesdays to fill up the empty slot.
Omg. I just realized something. All this while I’ve been griping about the job and all… Even though I’ve been using abbreviations and initials… It can still be damned obvious… Oh dear. Been spreading bad publicity. Does that mean I’m liable to be sued for slander? Eeeks. Hmm..

Oh what the heck. :p

Ladida

Just finished lunch. Sitting in front of my computer in the office. So what am I doing blogging away? Because I’ve really just had about enough of this place. Really can’t be bothered anymore. I’ve noticed that I’ve become less and less diligent about this internal office rule about surfing the internet only for work purposes. Lately been checking out the Aberdeen website during my stone-out periods. So terrible hor? Aiyah. Actually am sort of doing work lah. Just that I’m still thinking about how to go around doing it.

Wondering how on earth to redo this powerpoint “poster” that GM has told me to work on. Dunno which of her ex-staff did this. I also dunno how exactly she wants to rework it. She always just says “do this, do that, change this, change that” but she never really tells you exactly do what or change what to what. Then if you whether or not you actually figure out what she wants and do the job for her, she’ll just change it anyway. Damn sianz.

Kena arrow to be emcee again for the July BUTS. I guess I don’t mind lah. In some sense, I owe it to GM for letting me work here. And also it’s my last few weeks here, just do it and be done with it. Really quite fast actually, now that I think about it. Been here since mid-March, so that’s what? Three and a half months? Then now I’ve got five and a half weeks more before I stop work. Can’t wait. Let time pass faster please. The other day one of my colleagues asked if I feel anything for the office, now that I’m leaving.

Heh. Yeah. Got one feeling. GOOD BYE!! :p

お願い...

誰か 私を殺してください...

Erm.. Do You Remember...

Do you remember that I have another blog?

Unfortunately, I practically forgot about that blog. Around the time I was about to start work I think. So my poor Siewmanime blog has been missing in action for I think more than four months. I know I promised to upload my sketches on a regular basis but I didn't... I'm very sorry. Please please go back and support that blog. I am really going to try to get back into drawing before I leave, so all your support and criticisms are much needed. I stopped drawing again after I started work, so I bet you my skill has dropped even further. You will probably see a lot of crap before my usual standard (which isn't very great either really) resurfaces.

Please go back and leave a message. ~Siew Mai Style~

心痒痒

Well...

Met Ed. Ate with Ed. Talked with Ed. And am still wondering about my decision. Aberdeen would be the practical choice. But... I can't recall what the English equivalent is... My "heart itchy". 心痒。King's is such a tempting choice. (Dammit wat's wrong with me... I keep wanting to type "choise"... I must be going mad.)

Anyhow. We ate at Fish & Co. There was a really bad live singer there. REALLY BAD. Singing was off, his "joking banter" was OFF, and so was his walk-around-and-get-the-customers-to-sing gimmick. Pah. They should just invest in some good compilation CDs.

Counting down to the day I stop work at SDT. Six more weeks people!!! Ganbatte Siew Mai!!! Six more weeks and no more shitty students!! No more shitty dancers!! No more office nonsense!!! WAHAHAHAHA!!!

I'm going mad. Ok. I shall go to sleep now. Goodnight everbody.

Fickle Fickle Fickle

I pontang choir. Wahahaha. I feel bad but really damn sleepy sia... Think I would've fallen asleep in my chair.

Meeting Ed tomorrow after work to catch up and to talk about Kings. Tried to get Naaz to come along but she refused on the basis that Ed is a total asshole. Granted, he's not exactly the most wonderful person on the face of this earth, but still right... Everybody's got their quirks. I dunno lah. You could at least pretend to be nice. I do that all the time. :p Anyway if she's going to be working in HR, she's going to have to find out all about being nice to people you hate sooner or later. Well... Who am I to say right? At least I'd support my friends, if they asked it... Wouldn't I? Maybe I don't support my friends as much as I think I do.. Hmm..

ARH! Forget it. Somehow talking to Naaz always makes me tired.

Finally talked to my GM about last day, and I'm working until end of July. Yay! Six weeks left. Wonderful. Can't wait to finally leave that place. Bah.

Like I said before, all decisions seem to be leaning towards Aberdeen at the moment, so I think that ultimately I will still choose that despite what Ed may say about King's. Mum made a couple of comments that started me thinking about my choice again though.

1) [to me] "You would probably be happier in Aberdeen."

2) [addressed to my dad] "But King's must've seen something in her, huh? Despite her record..."

Hmmm... I wonder...

Return of The Quizzes

The True You

You want your girlfriend or boyfriend to be more relaxed, calm, and composed.

With respect to money, you are a bit stingy.

You think good luck doesn't exist - reality is built on practicalities.

The hidden side of your personality tends to be satisfied to care for things with a minimal amount of effort.

You are tend to think about others' feelings a lot, perhaps because you are so eager to be liked.

When it comes to finding a romantic partner, you base your search on information from your friends.

Who's the True You?

Huh... Issit??

2 Songs Today!!

美人鱼
歌手: 林俊杰 专辑: 第二天堂

我在沙滩划个圆圈
属于我俩安逸世界
不用和别人连线
我不管你来自深渊
也不在乎身上的鳞片
爱情能超越一切

只要你在我身边
所有蜚语流言完全视而不见
请不要匆匆一面一转身就沉入海平线

传说中你为爱甘心被搁浅
我也可以为你
潜入海里面
怎么忍心断绝
忘记我不变的誓言
我眼泪断了线

现实里有了我对你的眷恋
我愿意化作雕像
等你出现
再见再也不见
心碎了飘荡在海边
你抬头就看见

[Translation by Veetwo]

Mermaid
Vocal: JJ Lin Album: Second Heaven

I drew a circle on the sand
Representing the world belonging to us
There’s no need for others.
I don’t care if you came from fathoms below,
Don’t care about the scales on your body.
Love will surpass everything.

As long as you’re beside me,
Those rumours no longer matter.
Please don’t dive into the Pacific Ocean at the blink of an eye.

Legends say you willingly suffered for love.
For you, I could also
Dive down into the oceans.
How could you bear to cut me off?
Forget my unwavering oaths?
My tears have run out.

In reality, with the love I have for you,
I’d become a statue
Just to wait for you to appear.
“See you again” is just short for “I’ll never see you again”.
The pieces of my broken heart float by the sea.
Lift your head, and you will see.

Song 2 (^_^)v

[Found from http://soompi.com/forums/lofiversion/index.php/t189365.html]

Menghitung Hari @ Counting The Days
Singer: Kris Dayanti

Menghitung hari
Detik demi detik
Masa kunanti apakan ada
Jalan cerita kisah yang panjang
Menghitung hari

1
Padamkan saja kobar asmaramu
Jika putik itu takkan ada
Yang aku minta tulus hatimu
Bukan puitis

Pergi saja cintamu pergi
Bilang saja pada semua
Biar semua tahu adanya
Diri ku kini sendiri
(Repeat 1)

Oh... Pergi saja cintamu pergi
Bilang saja pada semua
Biar semua tahu adanya
Diri ku kini sendiri

Diri ku kini sendiri...

Credits: LirikLagu.com

Translation

Counting the days
One tick by one tick
I await what time will bring me
A storyline, a long tale
counting the days

1
Put off the fire of your love
If the bud of the love won’t blossom
the thing I ask for is your sincere heart
it's not about being poetic

Just go, this love of yours, go
Just tell everyone
Let all know that
I'm on my own now

(Repeat 1)

Oh... just go, this love of yours, go
Just tell everyone
Let all know that
I'm on my own now

I'm on my own now...

Credits: soompi forums [Takki_Aniki]

The Time Is Upon Us

Upon me rather.

Just as I was about to blog about how I think Edinburgh may have totally forgotten that I also made an application to study Japanese in their Asian Studies department, I decided to check out my UCAS Track for the heck of it even though there hadn't been a notification e-mail for weeks. Lo & Behold!! Edinburgh had made a decision on 2nd June! One week ago! UCAS probably just decided to skip the e-mail notification part and just start sending out my reply-to-offers package. Hooray! I can finally make some solid decisions.

I still want to go Kings. And the general advice is towards that end too. However I think my final decision will be Aberdeen. For one, it's definitely more affordable than Kings. Costs of living in London are almost 2x that of Scotland!!! Madness. And Aberdeen will be quieter. Less distractions. And since I have A-levels, I may get the chance to skip a year. (^_^)v

Against my mum's better judgement, I will not work through August. I will work until the end of July. If my GM is really desperate then I'll work until second week August LATEST. Then I'll leave. But the aim is still July. My colleague agrees with me that July would be more practical, coz if I haf to leave in beginning of September (term in Aberdeen starts 19th Sept) then I'll need at least August to settle everything before I go. I admitted to her that when my mum first made the August suggestion, I really felt naseaus. Luckily she understood. Really, the working environment in my office is just sickening. "Unhealthy" wouldn't even begin to describe it. Today was my first day back after my leave and already I had to witness World War SDT. It was the Production Manager vs Education & Outreach Senior Exec, both of them vs Finance Manager, who was allied by the Personnel Manager; then the GM, who's been warring with PM and EOSE, struck them again, and then decided to let her "lieutenent" the FM take over the fight. Then the dancers had to join the fray over some stupid costumes.

Generally, just a lot of mindless shouting. Sigh.

Nevermind. Bochup. The time to make some final decisions is upon me!! My second chance has come!! This is the highlight of my day I tell you. Shall not let office politics get me down. My UK dreams are finally becoming more real!!!

Pah.

I'm so sick of it all.

My mother told me to stick with my job all the way to August, and she more or less has said that my taking leave was a mistake and that I'd be lucky if my GM (her friend) doesn't fire me for it. Now I'm so wishing that it actually happens.

I know how important money is at the moment. I'll need all the funds I can get. But seriously I think if I stick to this job any further than the middle of July, I will just go and jump off some tall building in the vicinity of my office. Already middle July is to me an extended period. I had originally wanted to stop end of this month. But I decided to stay a while longer coz I really pitied my boss.

Now, I wish my boss would just fire me. It seems I'm not allowed to quit anyhow.

Raistie if you've read this don't you DARE say anything to you-know-who. I'm in enough shit about it as it is. Sorry if I sound harsh, but really, the last thing I need is her going to my mother and asking if I'm really unhappy with the job.

The Ballet & The Wallet

Just came back from watching the company's contribution to this year's Arts Fest. Quite different from the usual offerings so I would say it's quite a breakthrough.

Just don't understand why they always have to give JT the lead roles. There are other dancers in the company who are SOOOO much better than him. Pah. Even MNS is better than him, not to mention the principle male, JB.

Preferred the first piece to Le Sacre... Or maybe I just liked the choir. Think I was paying more attention to the 4 solos than to the prancing figures on stage. Les Noces (the music) is definitely easier to digest than Le Sacre. XHY is just good. And TYL also. Actually thought that FL stood out quite strongly during Les Noces. AS couldn't get the veil on.. *snigger* Twice! *snigger* Could tell she was getting very 不爽. Tough luck, shit happens. Lalalala...

Anyways. The apprehensive feeling I had this afternoon is less intense now, although something is still nagging at the back of my mind. Dunno what it is.

Uni update: On Mum's advice, am waiting until Monday to see if Edinburgh finally makes a decision on my Japanese application. If there's no word, I shall send in a cancellation for that choice and just choose between Aberdeen and Kings which technically speaking, I already am doing just that. Think I wouldn't have taken up Edinburgh even if they did accept me into the Jap course.

Money is just such a bitch. While I'm still very much inclined towards Kings, I might end up choosing Aberdeen coz it's cheaper... No, not cheaper... Less expensive would be the right way to put it. Even if I change my 4-year MEng course in Kings to a 3-year BEng course, it would still be more expensive than the 4-year BEng course I applied for in Aberdeen. And I just might be able to change that to a 3-year thing coz they usually allow A-level holders to gain 2nd year entry. Which cuts costs even more!!

Sigh. If I end up going to either and have to transfer out after a year due to failing finances I will just cry. I don't want to have to come back to Singapore to finish up. That would just suck big time.

Oh dear... I sound so selfish. I hate it. I know it's damn selfish to keep wanting to go Kings, or just UK in general, but I've actually been offered the chance! Why shouldn't I take it? Because kor has 2 more years to go in Australia, and my sis is entering Uni next year and my dad is already semi-retired. And also because I already wasted at least $20k on my doomed NUS career. Haiz.

I know that my parents are scared that I may repeat my NUS fiasco. The truth is I fear that too. Bah. Sometimes a conscience is a terrible thing.

Distance ~ JJ Lin

I love the last line. It just defines the whole song.

距离
歌手: 林俊杰 专辑: 第二天堂
词:林怡凤 曲:林俊杰

在距离三公里的位置
我在这里
想像心中的你的呼吸
同样的熄着灯的窗子
你在那里
听不到我呼吸着分离

我走向前你看不见
真的遥远
就连叹息影子听见
也是无言
你走向前我看不见
你的思念
你和我之间
刻着一条界线不曾有改变

保留着三公分的距离
我的眼里
填满着整个我爱的你
坐在同一张四方桌子边
你的眼里
读不到眷着我的讯息

当爱离开之前
能多苦能多深能多甜

距离是你走过我身边

Translation

Distance
Vocals: JJ Lin Album: Second Heaven
Lyrics: Lin Yi Feng Music: JJ Lin

Within a distance of 3km,
I’m here,
Thinking of the way you breathe.
The same darkened window
You’re there
But you can’t hear me breathing as I leave.

When I walk forward, you can’t see.
It’s really so far.
Even if you heard my sigh or saw my shadow,
You said nothing.
When you walked forward, I didn’t see
You thinking of me.
Between you and me
There’s a carved line, that’s never changed.

Keeping a distance of 3cm
My eyes
Are filled with a you that I love.
Sitting beside the same 4-sided table
In your eyes,
I don’t see any signs that you care for me.

Before love leaves
There’s such pain, such depth, such sweetness.

Distance is you just brushing past.

I've Got A Bad Feeling About This...

One could make a sport out of counting the number of times that line is said in the entire Star Wars saga. Each of the major and semi-major characters have to say it at least once.

Anyhow the point I was going to make here is that suddenly I'm gripped by this intense feeling of apprehension. Like... I missed doing something or that something's going to happen that's not necessarily good.

I logged on to blog hoping that saying it out would ease it... Doesn't seem to be working though. Anyway I have to leave for a gym appointment. Will come back to talk more about it I guess.

I don't think I'm prone to anxiety attacks... At least not for no apparent reason. I dunno.

I've got a bad feeling about this.

On Leave!!!

I'm on one week leave!!
Hooray!!!

No stupid students for one full week!!! Wahahahahah!!!

Ok. Technically my leave is supposed to be for me to study for my book keeping exams on 6th & 7th of June (i.e. next Monday and Tuesday) but hey!!! I can't be studying ALL the time right. Hirhirhir...

No lah. I don't intend to slack off. Study, I will. To pass my book keeping, the plan is. Hehehe.. Can you tell that I've FINALLY gone to watch Revenge of the Sith?? Hehehehehe....

Ep III was SOOOOO much better than I & II. Ok, so there was still a fair amount of cheese around, like the last part where Vader broke of his bonds a la Frankenstein. But it did tie up many many MANY loose ends. And it FINALLY links to the original trilogy!!! YAY!!! Ok, next up will be a Star Wars marathon. Any takers??? WHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAH!!!!

Hmm... Speaking of free time, maybe I should FINALLY (how many times have I said FINALLY already in this post?? I should change the post title) update my Siewmanime blog. It's been seriously seriously neglected. But then I haven't really had the time to draw anything.

Updates on the Uni status: Still trying to decide between Aberdeen and KCL at the moment. Although I cannot make an official decision until UCAS sends me a reply-to-offers form. And they won't send me that until all my choices have been decided upon. Now I'm only waiting for a decision from Edinburgh about my application to study Japanese (Language). Talked to my dad and he doesn't see the harm in waiting for that decision to come through, although personally I'm very tempted to just cancel that choice and just choose between Aberdeen and KCL. The main reason being that I want to finally be able to set down a date to be my last day in the office. I seriously hate the job.

Haa well.... Mum coming back from San Francisco tomorrow. Guess we'll see what she says before I make any further decisions.

The First Arrival...

Well... The official acceptance letter from KCL has finally arrived in my mailbox. Faculty handbook, accomodation application forms, etc, etc... So now just waiting for the one from Aberdeen. Still trying to decide though. I'm inclined to take up King's... But Aberdeen would be cheaper. And... Australia would be even cheaper.

I'm very torn. I don't know how to choose.

On a side note, my applications to study Chinese/Japanese in Leeds and Engine/Management in Edinburgh were rejected. Right now only my app to study Japanese in Edinburgh hasn't seen a decision, although since the engineering department rejected my application I doubt the Asian Studies department would accept. But that's ok. I got offers from the ones that sort of mattered more to me. Though now, I'm not sure if they're the right ones to choose.

Cost is a BIG factor here... Then again so is the prestige and the quality of study. But giving up the UK to apply for Australia now seems so... wasted.

Haiz.

I need a fix of Abel Nightroad/Kanbei/Kurosaki Ichigo/etc etc... :p Some addictions just don't die. Hahahahaha...

Jin... Kanbei... And Now - Abel Nightroad-sama!

After Samurai Champloo and Samurai 7 ended their run, there hasn't really been another anime that really caught my eye. There's Bleach and Saiyuki Reload GUNLOCK of course, but I'm already downloading them. What I mean is that I haven't really found another anime that's worth starting to rave about other than the few I'm already downloading or have already downloaded. I've started on MÄR but I haven't really decided whether or not it's a keeper. Then the other day I found THIS!!




TRINITY BLOOD!!!!

Damn cool anime. I've only watched one episode so far and I'm HOOKED!! I can't wait for the rest of this anime to come out and when the DVD is released I'm DEFINITELY buying!! I think Yuene would like this anime. There's one character called Catherina Sforza inside that reminds me of Integra.

[11.55pm Update]

Just finished watching The Empire Strikes Back. The original series is STILL the best! Anyway, that's not what I really want to blog about.

Went out for dinner just now and was talking to my dad. He's very glad that I got offers from Aberdeen and King's and thinks it's a good idea that I take management with engineering, coz he can't see me holding a full-time engineering job. Which is true. I can't either, but that's why I'm mixing it with management. But like my mum, he's worried about the costs. Australia IS much cheaper. Heck, even Canada's cheaper than UK. But the thing is... Applying and taking up a course in Oz or Canada means waiting until next year for entry. I personally don't relish waiting any longer. But I can't stop thinking about the costs. Yes, I could properly try to get a scholarship in my second year if I go to UK. But what happens if I'm don't get a scholarship? Even if I work part-time, that'd only cover my living expenses.

I still think it's a real blessing that I got the offers that I did. I do. At least it's proven to me that not all doors are closed to me. I'm thankful for that in itself.

Now the question is: Is it the right thing to accept the UK offers? Or should I apply to Oz/Canada for entry next year?

Truth is I don't want to wait anymore. But sometimes, I guess... What I want isn't the right thing to do at the moment.

God's Grace Again And Again

This past month, I've been getting kinda restless. The whole month just seemed to be passing too slowly for me. The main reason is that I've been hoping and waiting for a positive reply from the universities I applied to. It got to a point where I not only started praying for God to give me greater patience, I began asking him if I should've applied to Australia instead of the UK. Then I asked if I should put in a late application for Australia, coz my UK prospects just felt so bleak all of a sudden.

Each time I checked my UCAS Track, there'd be no updates. But then again I was checking first every night, then every two nights. It felt so pessimistic.. But then I suppose checking so regularly was just driving me nuts also. I was at that point where I didn't really care if there was acceptance or rejection. I just had to know!

Finally this week I decided to stop worrying about it and really just leave it in God's hand. Accept or reject, they'd have to send a physical letter to me anyhow so I might as well just wait for it. I even stopped checking my Track page this whole week.

Then today, I came home from choir and started up my comp. And the gmail notifier told me I had an update from UCAS. I went in to check and what I saw was really beyond my expectations. I had expected to see a decision from just one university. I saw three decisions, two universities. And they were universities I thought I would get a negative response from. But God's grace is just amazing.

King's College London and University of Aberdeen - which happen to be my top two choices for universities, and the most difficult ones I applied to - just gave me unconditional offers to my choice of courses. I am so amazed. I never thought I'd get such a positive response, and I didn't think I'd actually see a decision by these two unis until at least June. Of course I can't send in a reply through the internet, I have to wait for the physical acceptance letter to arrive. So now I have to decide where to go. But I still can't stop being amazed at it all.

The very moment I stop fretting and leave it to God, God answered. And He was laughing.

Sorry, What Did You Say??

My ears are blocked.

They have been blocked the WHOLE day. Especially my left ear. Everything I heard today has been at half-volume. And I will hear strange things. For example, today after work I went and hung out with Jemalelinh. I asked her what she had for dinner and I heard her say "fried cheese kuay teow".

(-_-)'"

In actual fact she said "fried beef kuay teow". I realized that about 1 minute after I heard it as "cheese". Then when she asked me to hold her bag for her coz she wanted to take off her sweater, I thought I heard her announce that she was going to take off her skirt. (o_O)'" I was very shocked.

Gah!!! My hearing has been warped the whole day. I blame it on the flu I'm recovering from.

Jemalelinh gave me a new book!! It's got a woman in leather on the cover!!! Uhm.. Ok that sounded wrong.... It's got a woman in leather armour!.... Ok that sounds wrong too... Erm...

Heck... It's got a warrior woman on the cover! She's got a sword! ...*thinks and adds on* To kill people with!

[Edit 11.52pm: Ok.. Jemalelinh says that she never said "fried beef kway teow ".. apparently what she said was "fried fish bee hoon".... shows you just how bad my hearing has been today...]

"You were the Chosen One!!!"

OMG I soooooooooooo want to watch Revenge of the Sith!!!!!!!!! WAAAAAAIIIII!!!!!!!!!! OBI-WAAAAAAAANNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm just here watching every single TV trailer that's posted on the official website. SOOOOOOO COOOOOOOOOOLLL!!!!!!!

OBI-WAAAAAN!!!!!

The latest TV ad that's aired is the coolest so far I think...

"The boy you trained, gone he is. Consumed by Darth Vader." OMG even Yoda sounds damn cool.

I wanna watch I wanna watch I WANNA WATCH!!!!!!

*Screams of agony and anticipation*

starwarsstarwarsstarwarsstarwarsstarwarsstarwarsstarwarsstarwarsstar
warsstarwarsstarwarsstarwarsstarwarsstarwarsstarwarsstarwarsstarwarsstarwarsstarwars
starwarsstarwarsstarwarsstarwarsstarwarsstarwarsstarwarsstarwars...................................

Sick Sick Sick

Yes. I have been sick. Still am actually. Been down with the flu since Saturday. Damn jialat I tell you. I spent the whole weekend in bed. I felt a little better on Sunday night, so I thought it would be safe to go to work on Monday. Bad move I tell you. Despite missing Jap class to go home to sleep early, my fever was back up on Tuesday and I was coughing worse than before. In the end I left the office after lunch on Tuesday. Yes, I went to work even though I was not feeling up to it. The ironic thing is that Tuesday morn before I left the house, I saw this article in the Straits Times about how people who are sick should not be going to work because it hurts productivity rather than help. Guess I should've seen it as a sign. Tch. Anyhow, so I left the office after lunch and went home to sleep. Then today went down to get an MC and called in for a day off, even though I did feel much much MUCH better. But I figured, no point taking chances. Might as well rest for one whole day then get back to work.

Dunno what kind of persistent flu virus this is. This is the... *counts* Fifth day I'm sick, technically I do feel better, coughing less. But I'm still having to take panadol at intervals to suppress a fever! Seriously, about 4hours after each dosage, I will start to feel the fever coming back. And that just sucks!! Shouldn't it be totally gone by now??? Crazy virus.

But at least it's just the flu. At one point I did think "Oh shit, what if it's dengue??" coz there were 2 cases at my workplace recently. 2 of the dancers kena-ed and had to be hospitalized. Damn scary. Then just before that one of them got pneumonia. (O_O) Can you imagine? One of my collegues got so freaked she bought one of those air purifier thingys.

Anyhow, hopefully the fever will be completely gone tomorrow. Have to go back to work. Bleah. Really hope I can stop working soon. Really hope I get a positive answer from the UK. *prays*

Good Day? Lousy Day?

Hmmm... Really don't know how to classify today.

On the work side, nothing very much happened. I was spared of any drama. Although I forsee some coming up soon, since there might be another class that will have to be cancelled, or combined. Sigh... On the bright side there was minimal screaming from the office beside me (read: GM. Yes, my cubicle is just one thin wall away from the GM's office.) except when CMS and I were discussing who to substitute RM for his class on Monday. 'twas between AS and AN but GM was pissed at AS for throwing a tantrum last week when she wasn't allowed to cancel class last minute to go to LOTD (DUH! of course not!!). She was allowed in the end when she somehow convinced ZJ to sub her, but damage was already done. So GM screams that AS should never be allowed to teach again. So sub job goes to AN, but CMS quietly adds that since AS already has a 6-month old class on Thursdays, just let her continue for that class ONLY.

Divas I tell you.. All these dancers... D-I-V-A-S.

Late for flamenco coz had to work late (also coz Nekoweenie and I decided to eat first). Skipped premier and went for segundo only. Made a total fool of myself... Again. Could see that Angel was in a lot of pain. (T_T) I'm sorry Angel!!! I should just stick to premier.

Have to work late again tomorrow. Probably on Monday and Tuesday also. Sianz. But I think once the term starts proper, everything should more or less go on autopilot and I'll be more free to catch up on filing. (-_-)"'

Bright note(s) of the day:
- Encouraging sms from Tania after flamenco! (^_^)
- My UCAS application finally got processed!!!! Now to wait for the universities to respond.

Minus point: I've lost my dance card. I don't know where it is. Miko let me into class today on good faith (ie I prob left it in another bag, it's ok, he'll remember to mark my card next week.). BUT I don't know where it is!!!!!!!! (T_T)

So... Lousy? Good? So-so? I dunno. I feel I'm becoming more mechanical and more boring each day. I can hardly keep up a conversation with people nowadays. (-_-)zzz Dunno what's up.

Care for Politics? Me?!??!

Got this off RJ's blog... I really don't know how accurate it is... Thought I was a person that didn't care about politics.. I'm pretty sure that's how I answered for the politically-related questions... Hmm... Other than that... Seems quite true... Dunno.. What do you guys think?

Your dating personality profile: Liberal - Politics matters to you, and you aren't afraid to share your left-leaning views. You would never be caught voting for a conservative candidate. Adventurous - Just sitting around the house is not something that appeals to you. You love to be out trying new things and really experiencing life. Shy - You are often timid around others, though you will open up when the right person comes along.

Your date match profile: Adventurous - You are looking for someone who is willing to try new things and experience life to its fullest. You need a companion who encourages you to take risks and do exciting things. Practical - You are drawn to people who are sensible and smart. Flashy, materialistic people turn you off. You appreciate the simpler side of living. Shy - You are put off by people who are open books. You are drawn to someone who is a bit more mysterious. You want to draw him out of his shell and get to know what he is all about.

Your Top Ten Traits 1. Liberal 2. Adventurous 3. Shy 4. Big-Hearted 5. Practical 6. Religious 7. Athletic 8. Sensual 9. Romantic 10. Wealthy/Ambitious

Your Top Ten Match Traits 1. Adventurous 2. Practical 3. Shy 4. Funny 5. Religious 6. Athletic 7. Conservative 8. Big-Hearted 9. Wealthy/Ambitious 10. Traditional

Take the Online Dating Profile Quiz at Dating Diversions

Happy... Not Happy... Happy... Not Happy...

Happy: Long Weekend!! YAY!!!
Not Happy: Stupid dance students just had to spoil the week for me. Stupid instructors too.

Happy: Got treated to 隠し剣　鬼の爪 Hidden Blade by Nekoweenie. Thanx Neko!! (^_^)
Not Happy: Am putting on weight again. (o-_-o) <---- [puffy cheek smiley]

Happy: Got treated to lunch + movie, Divergence 三岔口 + coffee by Phoenich. (^_^)
Not Happy: Am putting on weight again. (o-_-o)(o-_-o) <---- [puffy x 2!!!]

Okokok.. So I actually have more reason to be happy than upset.. BUT!! This is TERRIBLE!!! I'm getting fat again!!! AAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!!

It's all this sitting in the office I tell you... That plus the stupid dancers and the students are stressing me out... AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

But Hidden Blade was COOL!!! And Divergence was not bad.. Though I'm still a little confused by the ending...

Quiet Birthday

Technically speaking my birthday's already over. Since 11 minutes ago actually. But oh well. I've come to accept that every year my birthday will just be spent as yet another day. Today is once again a perfect example of that. Woke up later than I wanted to, got to work, dealt with strange people over the phone, doubled up as personal assistant to GM, act the part of 大姐 to GM's nephew who's on one-month vocation in the office, went for class, got home, made lunch... etc, etc.

Yeah. So happening.

Not really complaining. I mean, my friends did remember my birthday and wished me... Well, some of them did anyhow... Ok make that just 3 of them. BUT! The point is that my friends remembered and I'm glad for it!!! Doesn't matter that I don't get to celebrate or whatever. So yeah, if I sounded like I was complaining... Nahh... Just braindead. Usually am nowadays after I reach home.

Mum bought me new per una shirt, jeans and scarf from Marks and Spencer. :D Yay!! New clothes!

...
Dammit... I forgot what I wanted to write...

Long Time No Blog

Ah. More than a month since I last blogged. Anyway there's been nothing much to blog about. I go to work, get bitched at by stupid people who attend the adult dance classes conducted by SDT, be treated like personal secretary to GM even though officially I'm just supposed to be the class coordinator. Then I go off to whatever class... Late. Because I always end up working late and traffic at 6, 6.30pm is murder. Takes me an hour just to reach Ang Mo Kio...

People are starting to ask... Heck I'M starting to ask me what's going on with my application. The answer is zilch. I haven't sent anything in yet. Basically I've decided to just try out for Sept entry for the UK unis first failing which I will then try for Feb entry to Australia. And I was supposed to go down to British Council today after church but unfortunately my laptop got infected by a virus through MSN and so I had to transfer whatever I could save of my statement to my home comp and do it all over again. By the time I was done with the statement it was already 2-plus and the BC closes at 3pm. Would've been too late even if my mum gave me a ride.

Anyway. Now that I read my statement again I think I should rewrite it. Again. Actually am still divided as to the courses I want to apply for. I mean... I'm more or less decided on Mech Engine and/or Language Studies... It's just that... I only have six choices and there are more than 6 variations of the subjects that I'm interested in. I've already pinned down exactly which six to apply for in my form. But part of me is still thinking about the other combis. Ah... Fickle-minded dim sum.

Maybe I should skip Japanese tomorrow to go down to the BC. They close at 8pm on Weekdays. I could actually wait until Saturday, since my book-keeping class for that day's been changed to Friday night... But I kinda want to get it over and done with... Oh wait... I still need to go to the post office to buy an international reply stamp... Dammit. That's the end of that idea then. Actually... Do those automated SAM machines dispense IRS? Or foreign denominated stamps?? 誰か教えてください... Somebody tell me please...

あっ...どうしてこんなに疲れて気持がある？

Daily Time-Table

7am - Wake up (On days when I have PT, wake up time is 5.30am)

8.15am - Latest time to get onto bus to Dhoby Ghaut (On gym days, this is the time I get out of the gym.)

9.00am - Start work (although my department actually officially starts at 9.30am. Oh well.. gives me some "start-up" time.)

12pm - Lunch hour

6pm - Last person to leave and lock up. Leave for whatever class it is I have that day.

7pm - 7.30pm - Start of whatever class it is I'm having.

9.30pm-10pm - End of whichever class I had.

11pm - Reach home; start preparing tomorrow's lunch.

12am - Shower, attempt to do whatever book keeping/Japanese homework I might have.

1am - Sleep.

And that my friends, is how the Siew Mai lives practically every day now. (z_z)

I Miss Having Free Time

Just to appease RJ, I have returned to my now much-neglected blog. Therefore, RJ, you should feel honoured. I'm blogging because of you. :P

Nothing much has been happening really. Work is slowly coming along. I'm learning how to answer phone calls properly, still compiling databases, wrote my first two notice circulars to the Adult Dance Class students, issued payment notices, etc. This week should get more intereting though. The dancers are back from their London tour, so that means classes will resume. It also means that my Education & Outreach Manager will be back. Eep. More importantly, it means the General Manager will be back. Double eep!! (O_O) I don't think I've really learned enough to be left by myself.

Got a bit of a scare on Thursday after work. I was walking down the Fort Canning steps towards Park Mall when I got stopped by this mad man. At first he just asked me the time, which I very politely told him. But when I was about to take another step down he stopped me again and started talking to me about how so many people are getting off work early and there are so many students around that particular day. Then he went on about how the next day was a public holiday, that's why so many people are off early, and he asked if I was a Christian. No matter how I tried to walk away he wouldn't let me and just kept talking to me. I was seriously freaked out. Then suddenly there was this honking behind me and lo and behold! It was my colleague!!! She happened to drive by and decided I needed rescueing. I practically ran into the passenger seat of her car. I don't know how long I would've been standing on the steps in polite (albeit scared) conversation with that mad man if she hadn't driven past.

That's it really. Haven't done anything else coz I really don't have anymore time to do anything else. Practically every night after work I have something on. Work is from around 9am - 6pm from Mon to Fri (my Sat working times haven't been decided yet. Personnel Manager said to wait until the GM came back. Go figure.). And after that my schedule is something like this.

Monday: Japanese 7.15pm - 9.45pm
Tuesday: Book Keeping 7pm - 10pm
Wednesday: Church Choir practice 8pm-10pm
Thursday: Flamenco Primer/Segundo 7.30pm - 9.30pm
Sat: Book Keeping 2pm-5pm

Then of course, church on Sunday 8.30am. So basically, from Mon to Thurs I get back home only around 11pm every night. But dammit. I still wanna go out. I haven't watched a movie in the cinemas since The Incredibles. And there seem to be a few good movies out now. Also realize I haven't actually met up with a lot of friends for a while. Hmmm.....

Well? Any takers?