Monday, October 24, 2005
Saturday, October 22, 2005
The Days Crawl By
Things are fine here. I've established a small social circle which consists of mainly my flatmates and the one Chinese girl in my cohort. I'm more or less used to the pace of life here already, though I guess there wasn't much to get used to in the first place. Everything closes at 5.30pm around here, or 7pm if you're lucky. Then everyone just troops off to the nearest pub. That's about the lifestyle here, in summary. There really isn't nothing much else to do in Aberdeen. It's really very small. I do jog down to the beach every weekend, but that's about the most exciting thing I do nowadays. Which is good in some ways, I don't have anything better to do except concentrate on my studies. But it does get monotonous. And it's times like this that I begin to feel a little sad that I don't have my friends in close reach.
I never thought I'd see the day when I actually pray and hope to receive snail mail in the mornings then get sad that I didn't get any, but hey... I suppose there's a first for everything.
Mmmm... Food

Almost There
Originally uploaded by Veetwo Siew Mai.
Looks good? Click on the picture for more Elphinstone Stories...
I Have A Confession...
*shamed look*
Please don't scold me... I know I should be watching my purse strings... But I'm getting deseperate... (T_T) Please let me do this....
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Inbetween Math and Science...
I am amazed at the amount of news that has accumulated since I came here. Today was the first day that I actually logged on to Channelnewsasia.com. Lo and behold, there is news on one of my favourite countries in the world, Japan! Yet once again, it seems to be about how the rest of the world cannot wait to criticise her. Koizumi has gone off on another pilgrimage to the Yasukuni Shrine and everyone else in East Asia is making a big hoo-ha about it. Even BY (the China girl I befriended in my class) is upset about it. Not to say that I don't understand China's viewpoint about the whole matter, but I do see Japan's POV as well. I shall not elaborate on that just now (as I'm running out of time and it shall be time for my next class soon) but I would like to add-on (rather than correct, though I am tempted to use the word) to one of the articles posted by CNA about the matter. The article says that the shrine honours Class A War Criminals. One single sentence-paragraph, making it sound as though the shrine holds ONLY the mentioned war criminals. This is very misleading, in my opinion. The shrine is home to many other war heroes of Japan who came centuries before the WWII generals and soldiers. It is an unfortunate thing that these generals, now classified as some of the worlds greatest evils, are housed together in a shrine that holds the remains of greater ancient heroes, who acutally deserve the honour and praise that come during the annual pilgrimages.
One should also remember, that the WWII generals, however evil we may perceive them to be, truly believed that they were performing great deeds of service in the name of their Emperor, their living god, according to their local beliefs.
I am not saying that I would condone any of their actions during the War, or that I agree with their beliefs. I am just saying, that perhaps, there should be a little more understanding in the world, and a little more give and take.
Or maybe, I'm just being too idealistic.
Saturday, October 15, 2005
Homesick
People here are stupid.
The only nice people I've met so far are my flatmates and not one of them is a local, Scottish or from the UK (Dublin is Southern Ireland and Southern Ireland is NOT part of the UK so Jo is not from the UK).
The one normal person I've made friends with in the department is a girl from China, also a mature undergraduate.
The one mature undergraduate who was a local from the Aberdeenshire who is 5yrs older than me whom I thought had more sense than the 17yr old brats here has apparently joined the harem of brats and I no longer hold any respect for him.
The only other nice people I've met in the department are my professors.
I want to go home.
Friday, October 07, 2005
Now About That Weird Guy...

Harbour/Port
Originally uploaded by Veetwo Siew Mai.
More Aberdeen photos from before I actually started classes. I finally figured out why I've been using up my upload quota so fast... My camera's been set to take photos of M1 size... Maybe I should consider changing the setting to M2.
This here's the port near the Shiprow area. Really quite an impressive sight by itself. The smells are pretty impressive too...
Ooooh... Yes... Must update you guys in detail about the weird guy who lives downstairs. There are no words to describe the ABSOLUTE FREAKYNESS of this person. My flatmates and I are all convinced that he is some kind of psycho-killer in the making. He claims to be 21 years old but he looks like he's 35 and dresses like he's 50. I mean, who wears laced dress shoes on a regular, daily basis??? It is almost impossible to keep up a conversation with him (believe me, we've all tried) and the way he just STARES at you just makes your skin crawl. The most recent display of his extreme creepiness was when Jo (one of my flatmates) and I were walking home from the movies (I finally got to watch Howl's Moving Castle!!!) and we were just minutes away from our front door when we heard someone walking behind us. Jo looked around and when she saw it was him she quickly turned back and started walking faster. But this human abnomality, instead of calling out to us first, comes running up to us and starts walking alongside us and just keeps staring at us without saying a single word, until we said hi first. HE IS PSYCHOTIC I TELL YOU!!! A normal fellow would have called out to us first, just to reassure us that it's safe to turn around and stop to talk. But this guy...... ERrrgh!! *shiver* He's scary....
Somebody save us!! Please!!!
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Short Post
Have more or less settled into the pace of life here. Classes are a great puzzle to me. I seem to understand everything that goes on during the lectures but come tutorials, I get absolutely lost. The plus side is that the lecturers all seem very friendly.
There is a weird guy in my flat!!! Will update more later. Going off for class!!
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Meet The New Fellow In My Life

Meet Winky. The hottest new guy in my flat. And he wears a kilt... Mmmm...
Me and Winky in my room. I'm actually wearing a University of Aberdeen jumper but you can't quite see the words coz Winky is there...
Right... I think they'll soon be chasing me out of the computer room here in Fraser Noble (my department's home building) so I'd better scoot.
Looking forward to everybody's comments and e-mails!!! *BIG HINT!!!*
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
My Room

The Rest of My Room
Originally uploaded by Veetwo Siew Mai.
See anything wrong with it yet? I actually had to write down complaints on my inventory list...
More here!!
The rest of the photos will have to wait until next month. I've used up my upload quota for September... (T_T)
More Third-World-isms
There are hotspots around the library. And there are also tables, and there are also walls with power sockets. BUT!!! The tables are not right next to the power sockets!!! So obviously, if you have to charge your laptops, your cable is going to have to creep across the floor a little bit. While it's not right beside the tables, it's still quite near, so your cable can actually lie flat on the floor without being a danger to people. BUT!!! There is then a sign right above the power sockets that says that personal computers/laptops can be connected to the power sockets as "ONLY IF CABLES TO NOT CROSS THE PASSAGEWAYS". Except there is no possible way to charge your laptop without your cables crossing about 1 meter of the floor.
...
Tell me how like that?? I stick my cables onto the ceiling instead issit??
Flat E & D

Flat E & D
Originally uploaded by Veetwo Siew Mai.
Meet the residents of flats 3D & 3E.
From left: Joanne, Caitlin, Joanne's Teddy Bear Ellie (short for Elphinstone), Minna, Fran & Suzanne
One Big Long Summary of Updates
No. I'm not off getting wasted in Scottish pubs. And no, I haven't found any cute Scottish guys in kilts. No wait... I have!!! In fact he's in my room right now. I just haven't taken a photo of him yet.
Anyway, let me give a quick update on what happened since I arrived here 2 weeks ago.
As soon as I arrived in Aberdeen with my dad, we almost immediately went down to the University to see how many administrative things we could get done. I managed to pay for my entire year's rent, apply for a bank account and find the students' accomodation office all within the same day. We even had time to have a walk around the university and then a short walk into town. After that, since there was really nothing I could do with the university until I moved in and met my advisor, we just made multiple trips down into town and down to the beach. Then on Saturday (I landed on Wednesday, 14th September) we made a trip up the coastal road in an attempt to reach Macduff since there was supposed to be a really good aquarium there. On the way we (or rather my dad) got side-tracked by a malt whisky distillery that allowed free tours of the distillery and its production areas. We even got treated to free whisky! Well... I thought it was vile but my dad seemed to like it.
On Monday I officially moved into my new room. After saying goodbye to my dad for the night, I just never felt SOOO miserable in my whole life. I almost completely broke down after I sent him off, even though he wasn't leaving for Singapore until the next evening. So the next day, even though it was a tight fit as I had to meet my advisor at 2pm, I made sure I had lunch with my dad before he got on that plane.
After that, I was horribly homesick for about a week as I went about with my flatmates around the various Freshmen activities that were going on. I never actually found the Singapore Society so I joined the Malaysian Society instead. And the International Students’ Fair was just plain boring, so I didn’t quite bother about the International Society.
Then over the weekend, I went down to Glasgow by train with one of my flatmates, Suzanne, who’s actually been to Singapore!! Lots of people here still think that Singaporeans don’t speak English. *roll eyes*
Oh. And I never actually got to meet my advisor until yesterday, during the engineering department’s Induction games, which is basically just like an orientation day camp. It lasted until today, for which I am very grateful. For once I can’t wait to start classes. That first “meeting” turned out to just be an introductory talk by the department. Zzz…
Anyway. This post will be followed up by some photos. Managed to upload quite a few, but not all. My quota in Flickr is running out. So I think about 50% of my photos will have to wait until October.
Miss everybody lots. Please please PLEASE e-mail lots, and comment lots. I may not actually be able to blog so often anymore as my apartment doesn’t have internet access. If I want to use my laptop’s wireless, I need to walk down to the school library which is probably only 5 minutes away, but I don’t fancy walking through the freezing cold every night just to use the internet for an hour or so. Once in 2 days to stay here for a few hours is still ok…
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Siew Mai Lives!!
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Last Minute Packing Part 3
- my laptop
- a change of clothes in case something happens to my luggage.
- book(s) to read
- my electronic dictionary
- 1x woolie sweater
- travel OralB set (14 hrs in the air... must have fresh breath in case meet handsome-until-can-die guy)
- mp3 player
- small face towel
Dammit. My travel sewing kit has no needles and needs black thread.
AAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH!!!!
I will forget something important. You can count on it.
Eff eff eff...
Sunday, September 11, 2005
Omae ga Utsukushii
You're Beautiful
James Blunt
Back to Bedlam
My life is brilliant
My love is pure
I saw an angel
Of that I'm sure
She smiled at me on the subway
She was with another man
But I won't lose no sleep all night
Coz I've got a plan
You're beautiful
You're beautiful
You're beautiful, it's true
I saw your face
In a crowded place
And I don't know what to do
Coz I'll never be with you
Yeah, She caught my eye
As I walked on by
She could see from my face
That I was fucking high
And I don't think that I'll see her again
But we shared a moment that will last 'til the end
There must be an angel
With a smile on her face
When she thought up that I should be with you
But it's time to face the truth.
I will never be with you.
Last Minute Packing Part 2
Went to Centrepoint with the folks just now to see if any inspiration struck. Found a very nice 2-piece jacket from Timberland that had a removable fleece lining. SUPER NICE CAN!!! But $399... Damn ex. Anyway *very grudgingly* I guess I already have an old coat to start with and I will have other coats to look at in Scotland... *grumble* Ooooh... And also found very very VERY nice boots in Timberland also... One-inch tall, broad heeled boots. Sibeh chio leh!! *GUSH!!!* Haiz... But again... I suppose I can find them in Scotland also... SIGH.
Anyhow, as I was packing (taking a break to blog. Hee hee), I realized that I've forgotten that I need to get socks!!! Dammit... How the heck do you forget about socks??? Siew Mai's brain must be steamed to nothingness liao... It's this slight cold I caught I tell you. Nasal congestion and sore throat for a week already. Erk. But it's OK! I'm going shopping with Nekoweenie tomorrow afternoon. Well, later this afternoon actually, since it's technically Sunday already. Will make good use of the Isetan vouchers. Hohoho!!! Anyone want to join us??
Saturday, September 10, 2005
The Rain Came Down
あれは雨ではなくて。
[Ending lines from "Broken Wings" by Tane - Trinity Blood Ending Theme]
Friday, September 09, 2005
Last Minute Packing Part 1
I've bought new underwear!! Wahahaha... I must be mad to announce it to the whole wide world. But some of it is quite cute. If this blog weren't a G-rated blog I'd post a photo here. (^_^) And no, they are not Hello Kitty thongs. Hello Kitty is evil.
Anyway, remember this checklist?
I have most of the Essential Must Brings already, except:
1) Pocket Bible
2) Walk-about shoes
3) Personal medicine stash
Ok well the medicine is all over the house, I just haven't put a small box together for myself yet.
So I'm basically all set I think. My documents are in order, tickets are printed out, got some warm clothes to start with, got the Lonely Planet guide, and even have a suitcase ready. Am I missing anything??
Hmm.. Ok people, I have four $10 Isetan vouchers left (used one on a pair of sweat pants. I love shopping!! Hohoho!) . What else do I need to get??
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Siew Mai Flickrs!
Anyway here is the link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/veetwo_siewmai/
And here are the photos for SSS: http://www.flickr.com/photos/veetwo_siewmai/sets/896138/
Sorry that there aren't more photos of the gang, I wanted to take the group photo too but I hadn't figured out how to set the camera to the self-timer mode...
Oh. And have I mentioned that I have a new camera? Well, I have a new camera. Lalala!
Reply to Mrs Budak
Part of me still cannot believe that I'm leaving. Part is raring to go off on this brand new adventure. And yet another part can't bear to part with the comforts and loves right here...
The depression and denial I went through one year ago is still a fresh memory. With that in mind and with the support I realize I have back home, I will take care. (^_^) I'll be ok.
Thank you.
SSS Post-Mortem
ONCE AGAIN!!! The Triple Letter Gang surfaced to wreck havoc on the stomachs and cholesterol levels of unsuspecting siew mais. And I do believe that this round was PARTICULARLY sinful. I mean... Main dishes aside, the two very rich cakes were enough to give us all cardiac infarcts. That and the ridiculous albeit very amusing discussion on toilet behaviour, the finer points on pimple squeezing and farting, which Budak was all too glad to demonstrate. A lot. Much to the chagrin of Mrs Budak and Monkey (who got the bulk of the "shooting").

Sadly, Ash couldn't join us due to work. (T_T) But I'm sure the "scenery" made up for the loss of good food. Heh heh. And of course, a certain Phoenich had ISSUES... :p Resulting in his absence as well.
Well, if you guys had come, this is what you'd still be digesting:
SSS Roll-Call
1)算盘子 Yam abacus balls - Joelle (I don't know why but now I will think of lacy underwear and crabs when I think of you. Imagine crabs wearing lacy underwear... (O_o) )
2)Various fried tidbits - Monkey
3)Otak - Monkey
4)Carrot basmati rice - Siew Mai
5)Babi sio - Siew mai (peranankan host must have pork dish. haha)
6)Nutella cake - Mrs Budak
7)Fruit crumble - Mrs Budak
8)Strawberry cheesecake - Laurence (sam sui women... *snigger*)
9)Wine -
10) One bar of chocolate - LHam (eh... forgot to take it out.)
11) 2 salads - Siew Mai's mum
It was a lot! Although I think less than usual. On the other hand, we had more desserts than usual. Homemade nutella cake and Mezza9 cheescake. *pengsan*
[3pm: must showcase Mrs Budak's fruit crumble. She say never take picture... See more of her nutella cake *drools at the memory*...]
Sunday, September 04, 2005
Scrumptious Siewmai Suppering
SSS-ed!!More Updates to Come. Hehe.. I know I've been a lazy blogger.. (T_T)
**********************************************************************************
At the pleadings of a certain furry mammal, SSS shall be pushed back one day.
Date: 4 September 2005
Time:
Area: Sin Ming (obviously I'm not going to post my precise address on the WWW am I?? Perverts.)
Dinner Category: Oh, the usual potluck. Lemme know what you'll be bringing.
SM's Menu: Carrot Basmati Rice and Babi Sio or Babi Tempra. Plus a salad of course. (^_^)v
*Fake lucky-draw-host accent* Do a comment or e-mail RSVP and you will receive ONE directions to Veetwo Siew Mai's place!!
Yee-yah. Anyway, let me know if you're coming and what you're bringing and you'll be put onto the guest list below:
Dim Sums/Animals/People Coming:
1) Monkey!! (Something Columbian... such prompt reply!)
2) Phoenich (threatens to bring pizza)
3) Strawberry Cheescake (Teutoburg)
4) Mr & Mrs Budak (Wine + ...)
Expected to Come (or else. wahahahaha!):
1) Joelle
2) Ash
3) Nekoweenie
4) Aronwy
5)
Monday, August 22, 2005
Mizuno Siew Mai!!
It's easy enough to finish 10km in 2hrs by brisk walking... So the aim shall be to finish in 1hr 30min. *superhero pose* YOSHA!! Siew Mai Banzai!!
Checklist
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.
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Flight Confirmed
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...
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Siew Mai Play Water
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!
Monday, August 15, 2005
Things Are Speeding Up!!
In any case, I got my entry clearance!! Hee hee!!! So cool!!! Ok cheap thrill. But it's so exciting!!! Heheheheh!!!
[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.
Sunday, August 14, 2005
Good Times, Good Friends (^_^)
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
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
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)
10)
(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
Friday, August 12, 2005
Ignore This Gripe
Maybe when I start a Siewmai’s Scotland Stories blog. We’ll see.
Guess The Word of The Day
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
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
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.
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Kuching Thoughts
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.
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
Signs of Growing Old?!?!
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!
Sunday, August 07, 2005
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...
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
*shakes head*
The bimbo and the dweeb. This will be interesting...
Friday, August 05, 2005
What Was Your Question Again?
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!
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
'E'-ffinity For Trouble
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
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?
Available at all major electric and hardware stores near you.
[Thanks to Ed for the tip.]
It's A Sad Sad Situation
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
Monday, July 25, 2005
If There's Such A Thing As Sleep-Walking...
Boi Sakti has arrived to supervise RTM. Brought two
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
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
Ok.. I know I promised a menu of what was
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
Although I cannot brraaap like the duck himself, I can continue to drool at the thought of the next Blogger Meet. SHLUUURRRPP!!
Sunday, July 24, 2005
Have I No Imagination?!?!?
1) I have very specific tastes.
2) I have no imagination.
Dammit... So much for wanting to be artsy-fartsy.
DDD-ed. New Layout!!
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....
Friday, July 22, 2005
Bombs, More Bombs and Now Bullets...
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...
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
WAHAHAHAAHAH!!!!
my the eye tears out come already!!!
Here's some more of the transcripts of Backstroke of the West..
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Spouting Nonsense
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*
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
My Purpose In This Office Is....
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??
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...
Monday, July 18, 2005
Seen Any Floppy-Haired Japanese Men Lately?
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.
Sunday, July 03, 2005
Stuffed by Monkey
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..
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Change Is Coming!! I Think...
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.
Friday, June 24, 2005
Boring Office Posts
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.
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
More Office Gripes?!?! Get A Life Siew Mai...
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
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Bleah.
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
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
Saturday, June 18, 2005
Friday, June 17, 2005
Erm.. Do You Remember...
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
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.
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Fickle Fickle Fickle
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...
Saturday, June 11, 2005
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. |
Huh... Issit??
Thursday, June 09, 2005
2 Songs Today!!
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]
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
The Time Is Upon Us
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!!!
Sunday, June 05, 2005
Pah.
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.
Friday, June 03, 2005
The Ballet & The Wallet
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
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...
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.

