Lousy Monday

I guess the saying's logic "You win some, you lose some" applies to me quite suitably today...

The earlier part of the day went quite well, cos we did our Motivation module's presentation (30 marks out of whole module's assessment) and had quite alot of fun and laughed quite abit from the jokes cracked by my wacky classmates (especially Ms Lim aka Fruit twins admirer)...however, around late noon, during my break where I'm suppose to meet with the laptop spoiler to discuss how to settle the matter amicably, the day seems to make a turn for the "badder" (no, there's no such word entered in Oxford dictionary...just understand it as Ger's lingo)...

The laptop spoiler could not meet up to discuss at the last minute (he only informed me after i sms him where i'll be to meet up) and suggested we meet up on Wednesday...some people simply don't have the courtesy of informing others when the initial appointment made is not convenient for them...he's really testing my limits...

Then, realise that the CD-R which i initially thought had the Little Miracles Storyboards info which I troubled Persis from the ASEAN Stories to return to me, is actually the powerpoint presentation which we used for Recruitment purposes...now the storyboard soft copy info has gone MIA...and i need the information for the NIE News report soon...hiaz...

Next, gotta find and get at least 1 YEP member who can make it this Wednesday 330pm to do some sharing with PGDE students who are taking a module that is related to Service-learning. (Supervised by Dr.Vilma) Managed to contact Jason who's the only trainee available at that time slot...(i end lesson only by 530pm). Whew...

And when I chatted online with another member who's helping to write the major project report for SIF, she mistook my tone. She felt offended and commented I need to learn some social skills...(which I think I might be lacking when online i suppose...cos pple can always misinterpret what you type when they cannot hear how u wish to convey your thoughts...get what i mean?) Felt blamed for something which I have no intention of in the first place...I was simply asking casually if the final report has been submitted to SIF in passing cos some other members are asking when they can get their subsidies back (SIF's policy...to refund the team only when the final report has been approved). Haiz...guess MSN messenger should include a new feature in the next version, whereby telecommunication is possible online so that people can hear ya voice if you choose to talk to the person online instead of simply typing. Then, misunderstandings will be less likely to occur.

Catch up...no...not ketchup!

No classes today but gotta be back in NIE to research for next Mon's Motivation module's presentation. Left campus in the afternoon to meet Tunglim briefly to pass him the simple farewell gift I prepared for him (going to Canada on Thursday to pursue his Science Degree). Met up with Jolene in Orchard to catch up about what's been happening recently. Had a great time chatting with her. She's still as slim and cute Japenese-looking as ever. But think the next time we meet up will be during our year-end hols after the exams. =\

The return of the laptop

Finally, after almost 3 weeks of agonising wait and much inconveniences, my laptop's back with me. Though by the time I reached home I was pretty tired, but just wanted to check and make sure that my documents are still intact, hence I stayed up till 12+am.

Gotta start on my assignments now that my laptop's back...deadlines are looming near...just worried that the laptop spoiler will shirk all responsibilities...the repair fee is a loan from my mum and I don't have that much $$$ to cover this accident cost! *_*

The past 3 days...

20th Sept, Friday

After my long day in sch, travelled to IMM to collect my laptop. Upon reaching Sony Gallery, the salesperson inform me that unless the payment is by Cash, Visa or Nets, I cannot collect my laptop. Real irritated cos I wasn't informed of this and I really need to start on my assignments soon...there wasn't any room for negotiation cos it's their company's policy. Real inflexible...gotta wait till the cheque is cashed before i can collect my laptop which means I have to make another trip down on Monday...urgh...what lousy customer service! I voiced out my displeasure that no call was made to inform me that my laptop is ready for collection and the salesperson did not even apologise...and when I mention that I wasn't informed of the company's policy regarding the cheque payment, he said I should have enquired beforehand...another guy pushing the blame on me...what's with all these people???

21st Sept, Saturday

Attended a Children's Lit Seminar at the Chinese Heritage Centre in NTU. The presentation by the speaker from Taiwan was actually quite alright but when it came to the question and answer section, those who fielded questions began to digress quite abit and the rest of us (esp. Tzehan, Sweesin, Yifen and me) were trying hard to keep awake. Even our GE lecturer smiled cos she also felt that the discussion was going way off the topic. So glad that the seminar was finally over and we could go get lunch before heading to the com lab to do some work. Met up with my mum and sis in Orchard for dinner and shopping before fetching dad from the airport. Hit the sack only around 1+am. *Yawn

22nd Sept, Sunday

After my piano lessons, met up with Terence and we started walking from Plaza Singapura down to Esplanade. Stop to get lunch at Kopitiam before heading to Peninsula Plaza as I wanted to get some books. Reached the riverside between Esplanade and Fullerton around 1pm and sat there to just enjoy the sights for awhile before walking down to Clarke Quay. Visited a few collectors' toy stores before going to Kinokuniya to get stationery at Liang Court. Home in time to join family for dinner.

Laptop update

Missing my laptop badly...needed to get it back to start on my assignments so called SONY IMM Gallery to check how's the repair progress. Apparently, the laptop's ready for collection for a few days already but i was not notified...the lousy technician did not inform me. Intend to collect it tomorrow after my lessons so called the guy who spoilt my laptop. He didn't answer the first time I called.

However, when i was on my way home (waiting for bus at Hougang), I managed to get through to him. Initially, he thought I was someone's roommate till I clarified that I'm calling regarding the laptop he spoilt. His tone changed instantly and this irritating jerk went on to inform me that he can only make payment next month and he's only willing to pay 50% of the repair fee! I listened incredulously to his absurd claim that it was a public walkway and it's also my fault the accident happen. In the first place, he did not mention on that fateful day that he's only willing to pay half of the amount. Everyone present heard clearly that he'll pay me when I get the receipt of the repair. He kept insisting that it's like a car accident situation where both parties are at fault. I was really fuming mad that he dare to keep insisting that I'm at fault and that it was a public walkway. I told him that it's not the first time I use the laptop with my charger in the canteen and nothing has happened in the past 2 years till he came along to destroy my laptop.

He then went on unreasonably arguing what happens if he injured himself as he tripped over my charger, who's going to pay for his medical fee. Although I was really angry with him by this time, I was still in a clear state of mind to point out that he should not digress cos in actual fact he did not incur any injuries. I also pointed out that never once did he mention on that day itself that he's only willing to pay half of the damages. I told him that I'm only getting payment for the repair and it did not include the inconvenience and the emotional "trauma" I had to go through. That jerk went on and on saying that it's a public walkway and that it's both parties' fault. I couldn't stand him any longer and told him "I don't wish to hear anymore, I'll contact him again, bye" and hung up before I start swearing at him (in public). He nearly made me lose my cool and break my own rule of not swearing at anyone.

Ironic that I just attended a lunchtime talk today about not being 'murderously angry' at anyone and yet this evening, I could not control my temper. Real unlucky to be in this predicament. Hopefully, my YEP friend who knows that laptop spoiler can help me settle this matter. Urgh!

What's been happening

15th August, Sunday

Started the day by sending my Dad off at Changi Airport for his business trip with Mum and sis. After which, took bus 36 to Suntec City to window-shop before I head down to Singapore Art Musuem for my friend, Mr Rosman's rock performance at 330pm.
Rosman was the guitarist, his second brother was the vocalist and his third brother was the other guitarist and a friend was the drummer. Real cool rock performance showcasing their original songs. Had a blast of a time with Sheerin, Suzana, Siti and Colin. Went for dinner at Delifrance at Capitol cos Raffles city's food court was packed. Was waiting for Rosman's friend at Cityhall MRT control station when we heard the fireworks starting...almost everyone in the station rushed up the escalators to view the fireworks. Managed to whip out my digital camera in time to video the fireworks tho we missed the first few and the spot we were standing didn't really provided a nice view. (Just outside Raffles City's Starbucks) However, it was a great experience to view the fireworks at such a close range. Real spectacular display which ended in abt 10 minutes i suppose...my hands got a bit numb from staying in position to video the display but it was worth it.
Walked down to Esplanade next, there's thousands of people in that area and cos it's impossible for Josh to pick me up in that area (Superjam), I walked down to Raffles Place MRT. It wasn't as far as i expected which was gd cos my legs are really tired after walking ard the whole day. We caught up at coffee club and went for a spin in his Renault Kangoo. Made the mistake of ordering ice coffee at night, was real tired but fell asleep only ard 1+am.

16th August, Monday

Panda eyes...the day went by while im half asleep.

17th August, Tuesday

Met up with my primary sch mates, Tunglim (he came by NTU) and Grace (leaving for the US tml to continue her studies) at Orchard. Spent the afternoon at Coffee Bean.

Post expedition events

After coming back from the expedition for about 2 months now (time flies!!!), realised that there are actually alot of activities available for YEP alumnis to take part in order to continue the service-learning in our own country. Opportunities abound for us to do our tiny bit for our country

Just yesterday night, I attended a talk about the ASEAN Story Circle co-organised by SIF & some NIE trainees who went for the Mandalay, Myanmar trip recently too. They plan to collect stories and compile the information which will be made available to the public worldwide to create greater awareness about the projects as well as the lifestyles of the host countries we visited. There will also be a showcase of the projects at the Asian Civilisation Musuem on 11th September 2004. I will be liasing with the committee member of this project to contribute Little Miracles' account.

Just today, I received another email informing about a Blue Water Volunteer 1 day event happening at Tanjung Chek Jawa, P.Ubin on 18th September. Quite interested to take part in this conservation activity but hope to have other Miraclers joining or other friends who might be interested. Cos quite sad to go alone tho it's for a good cause...need to meet at Changi Jetty at 630am!

Still considering...anyway just need to inform the SIF personnel latest on 31st August...=)

Closure session for Little Miracles

Yesterday at Singapore International Foundation Headquarters, Little Miracles met up officially for the last team meeting. We have come a long way since we first started out in March this year...although it might seem a mere 6 mths for others, personally, it felt as though I've known each Miracler for years...

And whenever we meet up to discuss and plan for the next move LM is going to make, I always feel that every Miracler is like my family, and the project (team included) is our "baby"...we are witnessing her growing process. Just like any "parent", we are proud of her achievements and fear for her failures (thank god there wasn't any major hiccups). Then comes a time when our baby's all grown up...time for us to let go...>sob< >sob<

As much as I wish to turn back time and let time just freeze at the happiest moments we shared in Surin, I have no power to resist the fact that life goes on...whether you want it to or not...So it's back to reality, back to Singapore, back to the life that I left before I embarked on this amazing journey...however, now, I believe I have grown and benefitted much from the experience.

Really treasure all the things I've learnt from each unique Miracler, from our helpful project manager (Grace), from our caring hosts (Pii Jued and Pii Noi), from the friendly villagers and kids of Surin, from the supportive Dr. Vilma and Service-Learning Club in NIE and all those who supported and helped us in one way or another.

Frankly speaking, everytime I look at the photos that we took and recount the memories we shared, I never fail to smile and it's like a beautiful dream come true. Thank you each Miracler for being part of our Miracler family and giving me this opportunity to be part of this Miracle.

May we keep our LM spirit burning with our website:
http://www.geocities.com/yeplittlemiracles
and our yahoogroup!

Freezing NIE Computer Lab

After my Sat GE, had to go to the library com lab to do my mini assignment for a module cos my laptop's not back yet and heard that real player needs to be downloaded before I can do my assignment (using dial-up at home, will take ages to complete).
As usual, the com lab's air-con is on at full blast...feel as though im doing my assignment in winter...or in one of the igloos of North Pole....brrrrr.....
Really don't understand why they want to make the place so freaking cold....trying to prove that the air-con they installed is of the best quality? Or trying hard to increase the toxic gas level in our atmosphere, destroying the Earth's ozone layer and causing more people to get skin cancer??? Maybe I'm exaggerating and they may have a valid reason for doing this, but at this moment, Im still baffled as to why they do this.
My fingers are almost frozen stiff...can hardly type...better go defrost before i really lose all my sense of feeling from the cold!

My laptop's mishap

On Monday, 1st August, my Sony VAIO laptop became the casualty of an unfortunate accident.

I was in NIE Canteen and my classmate, Yifen needed to use my laptop to add/drop modules for the semester and as my laptop's battery always need constant charging, I plugged in the charger in the socket and had the charger on the floor. Then a Year 1 guy trainee tripped over the charger and although my laptop is quite sturdy and heavy, somehow, the impact made the whole laptop crashed to the ground. It happened so fast that we could do nothing in time to save the laptop. The laptop was initially L-shaped when in use, now it lay completely flat out on the ground, like an open book. When Yifen helped picked up the laptop, and I saw the shattered LCD screen (the outer screen was still intact but the internal screen was 'decorated' with cracks and weird colour), my heart broke. The guy quickly offered to provide his contact number and asked if my laptop was still under warranty. I told him no, and he asked how much I bought the laptop for which i told him 2000plus. He told me to contact him and give him the receipt once the repair is done.

I was quite traumatised by the incident and Yifen was in shock. Mark, my YEP member was also at the scene as I was suppose to burn a copy of Little Miracles' powerpoint for the SLC's Jamboree presentation. He knew the guy and told me if there's anything I need to inform that guy, he can help liaise. I was quite concern about whether my documents in the com are still intact cos I did not make any backup files. Then, I was overcomed by emotions cos I thought about how the laptop has sentimental values (my dad bought it for me 1 mth before i entered NIE), tears were brimming in my eyes and Mark asked me "eh, don't cry." Considering that the place was pretty crowded, I controlled my tears but really felt quite upset.

I brought my laptop to IMM Sony collection centre the next day and was told that the LCD screen is a goner, the repair might amount to quite a considerable sum but will need the assessment by Sony's technician. I need to await the call of the technician to know the actual cost in about 2 days time.

On the 3rd day (which is today), I received the call from the technician. Apparently, my hard disk is still intact and my files can still be read, just that the LCD screen needs to be replaced. The total cost of replacement inclusive of service charge and GST amounts to $1009.05 which is almost half the price when my dad got my laptop ($2299 promotional price). I messaged the laptop spoiler to keep him updated and he replied that we'll talk about it next week but I think I will talk to him tml during the break of our common general elective class (unless he dropped that module).

Lessons learnt:

• To 'guard' your laptop when using it by making sure that at least your hand is positioned in a manner that can grab your laptop if it's about to drop.
• To not leave the charger lying on the ground lest someone may trip over it.
• To back up the important files in your laptop, you'll never know when an accident may happen.
• To thank my lucky stars that at least the condition wasn't as bad as expected (won't be able to retrieve my documents).

Preparations for SLC's Jamboree

Thanks to the dedicated and artistic members of Little Miracles, namely: Beng, Carol, Charmain, Chongfen, Mark, Rosman and Saz, our preparation for presentation and contribution for SLC's Jamboree are 80% completed...

Really like the storyboards' designs and feel very grateful for the support the members have shown throughout our journey which started in March 2004. Sometimes, really feel as though this project is Little Miracles' baby and every single Miracler is like my family, all my brothers and sisters...=)

The memories we shared will definitely have a special place in my heart and if opportunity comes knocking at the right time, I might lead a Youth Expedition Project with another group of enthusiastic teachers-to-be. Will see how things go but at the moment, this challenging semester of 12 modules and 6-days week is demanding all my attention...don't think can lead any teams anytime soon.

For the first time...

The very first entry of my blog...maybe can start off with why i decided to start blogging...have been constantly encouraged by my chum in sch to start one soon cos she just started blogging in July. View this blogging thingie as an avenue for me to reflect and share my views with whoever's interested in reading it. Who knows? It might become my new method of destressing cos i can simply go on and on without adding to the noise pollution in our tiny sunny island yet be able to express myself...=P