Thursday, January 27, 2005

Free movie pass

Won 2 free movie passes to "Shall We Dance" starring Richard Gere and J.Lo...went to Bishan's Golden Village to catch it with Yifen this afternoon cos no need to attend sch today and next week we'll be very busy already so just wanna use the passes before the movie is no longer screening.

The movie was better than I expected...like it alot...if not for my packed schedule, piano lessons and recent overspending (gym membership and bodyshop extravagance), wouldn't mind going for ballroom dancing lessons...inspired? haha...

Chinese New Year is round the corner and my practicum is nearing...yet at this time, I feel that I'm falling sick...must be the late nights, stress, flu virus going around, etc...cannot afford to fall ill now...alot left to be done....*verge of pulling hair out*

Gotta get back to my drawing for the composition class CCN presentation with splitting headache...who can "save" me i wonder? -recently promoted Singapore Panda Club manager...(not intending to be promoted till im president of the club...ahh, crappy...reasons for that? it's 12am, i'm feeling sick but cannot rest, need to complete urgent work for tmr...a trainee's life's just great isn't it?) *tsk tsk cynical me haiz...

Insomnia

Since the starting of school term this year, I have been sleeping late, 1+am is the average time i get to sleep but for the past week, the situation has gotten worse...I only sleep around close to 3am or even 3+am...for the first few days I understand is because I took some coffee that kept me awake but for the past 2 to 3 days, Ive "abstained" from caffeinated drinks and yet I still cannot sleep...quite awake at night and I suppose Im one of the night owls club members...

Perhaps it's stress? Cos practicum is nearing, meaning that the 3 modules Im taking for this semester will demand me to complete the presentations and reports soon...been thinking there's alot to do...so with so much on my mind, how to sleep in peace? Just glad that with the few hrs I get each day, I can still function quite ok in the day, just reaction a little slow or getting crappy when Im really tired...those around me should know...luckily I don't have nightmares when I catch those few hrs of sleep or else, I won't even "look awake" in the day...

Previous post 25/1/05

Tried posting this on Tuesday night but not successful.

Had our Classroom management presentation on games today. We had a rather impromptu demonstration but luckily everything went well. Quite impressed by Mr Woo...haha, Woody who acted as the teacher cos he came up with the yellow cards/red cards idea to prevent students from disrupting the class during the demo itself...perhaps he found it effective in his past teaching experience. The 4 of us simply acted as Primary 2 kids attending a Maths lesson. Hopefully, we score well as a group. (Based on peer scoring and tutor assessment)

Decided not to take my Grade 8 Practical Piano exams this year because my teacher is not confident in me passing it and it's quite costly (abt 300 bucks) to just try try see if i can pass. So sad...he's unsure if i can make it...what to do? Lack of practice on my own and i've only learnt the piano pieces last year...need at least 2 yrs to prepare for grade 8 i understand...then ABRSM has to go change the syllabus for 2005...so this is the last year i can use the piano pieces that ive been learning for the exams but im not really prepared...why must they change the syllabus so soon? Waste my time and effort in preparing previously and now delaying me from completing my piano studies...argh!

Sunday, January 23, 2005

Donation drive

After my piano lessons and getting lunch, went to SIF to get the tin cans for the tsunami donation drive. I was asked to get the funds from Newton Food Centre. I was surprised to see quite few people eating there cos it was lunchtime.

It was hard to get donations from the public because Red Cross has recently announced publicly that they don't need anymore funds. I had to explain that this is for SIF's teams that are going over to help the locals rebuild their homes, hence the donation drive name "Rebuilding Lives".

I headed back to Plaza Singapura's bus stop hoping to get more funds there. After awhile, I went to the bus stop outside Park Mall. A lady generously donated $10 and another was interested in joining the teams. Another mother donated $15...she wanted to donate $20 but did not have enough ready cash. It was really heartening to see them donating generously cos I felt like a spoilt radio that kept repeating "Hi, Good afternoon, we are trying to get funds for the tsunami victims under Singapore International Foundation. Thank you."

After gettting both tin cans a little more than half-filled, I headed back to SIF to return them so that I could leave. Unable to stay till the whole thing ends at 9pm. Don't have the stamina. At least I did a little bit for those people.

Saturday, January 22, 2005

Out with Tzehan

Went to Far east to try to collect my discount card from a clothes store but the shop was not open...feel so lazy to make another trip down the next time cos think that the trend in Far east is getting too young for my taste...somemore the clothes are getting more expensive...haiz...

Had a very dissatisfying Bubbletea...should have just gotten the sour plum tea instead...makes mental note...next time cannot buy bubbletea from Far east.

Went to buy the choc biscuit smelling pen for sis in Kinokuniya and bought some stuff from the Sanrio corner in Takashimaya. Met Tzehan for lunch at the nice japanese restaurant beside Cold storage. Was thinking of buying a Cinammonroll Tin can with titbits but didn't get it cos quite pricey...$19.95. We took the train to Toa Payoh to catch the chartered bus to City Harvest. I went to the Christian store to get some Precious Moments card...thought they costs 30cents each so wanted to get the whole collection but was about to pay when we realise that they cost $1 each...bought 3 only in the end...haha

The service was pretty much what I expected...similar to Hope of God style but more singing today cos the sermon was about singing to God. Stayed for dinner and a birthday celebration for a gal named Christine who turns 20. Took a cab back home cos too tired and tomorrow's gonna be a long day..cos the donation drive will only end at 9pm.

Wednesday, January 19, 2005

Workout routine

Went back to NIE to meet Dr Vilma and Ben regarding the Bhutan expedition...at least she gave the green signal with the project as long as it is in Dec 05 or in 2006. I went to California Fitness and started the workout routine finally before heading for SIF Park Mall to meet the project manager at 4pm.

She asked quite a lot of questions and was really glad when the meeting was over. I bought a pack of the SIF postcards which costs $5 and proceeds go to the tsunami victims. The postcards are actually very nice, photos of kids in the various hosts countries.

Headed down to Takashimaya where I bought some stationery from Sanrio corner. Went to the Japanese restaurant in the basement (Jiyu Gaoka Kiku Zushi Restaurant) to grab a bite before getting some small instant cup noodles from Cold Storage. Reached home around 8pm and was in time to catch Amazing Race...too lazy to wait till Channel 5 shows it at 10pm.

Sunday, January 16, 2005

Mum's birthday

Today's my mum's birthday...no idea what to get her for a gift so ended up buying her a Hazelnut and Choco cake from Breadtalk...

We went for dinner at "Tian Wai Tian Yu Tou Lu" and got back home early. Had the cake and took some photos. =)

Happy Birthday Mum!

Saturday, January 15, 2005

Lazy day

After lazing around at home for the whole day, received a call in the evening...Mr Busy aka Josh is free to meet up so he came to pick me up at 8pm and we headed for Tampines.

Bought tickets for "Seed of Chucky" and he got his dinner at Billy Bombers first. The movie was pretty short, only one and a half hours...just plain gross, not really that horrifying...

Went to Bendemeer for Teh Tarik but there were no more Paper Tosai so Josh had to go home disappointed...he took the wrong way when nearing Hougang so ended up cruising around Sengkang and Punggol for awhile.

Glad that he liked the birthday gift i got for him...just like what i thought when i first saw those signs...they are so Josh...haha...

Friday, January 14, 2005

Primary School gathering

Have been kept quite busy with school although this semester only taking 3 modules. Alot to absorb cos there's this module that is suppose to be taught over 12 weeks but due to us going for attachment on Feb 14, the module is now being taught over 6 weeks max. Stresss...alot to absorb and we need to apply what we learn immediately.

Met up with my 5 primary sch friends at Crown Prince's Swensons to celebrate Lynn's birthday. We took some photos, had cookies and cream cake and went for a movie at cineleisure. Glad to finally meet up after all these years...

The movie was in japanese, , the kids were left on their own and the eldest brother had to take care of his 2 sisters and another brother. The youngest girl fell one day and died...real poor things...their mother left them and they did not have enough money to survive. Had to get water from the park and also leftovers from the convenience store. Very sad and touching movie...<>

Friday, December 31, 2004

Last day of 2004

Should all acquantaince be forgot....lalala...

Yes, 2004 is ending in another 11 hrs...this year has been quite fruitful with my first YEP experience, taking up the role as leader for the Bhutan trip next year. I suppose it's more because of YEP that I've grown as a person. Richer experience and more open-minded to different culture and custom.

Nice experience also include my 21st birthday celebration with my family and friends. And I'm getting concious about health so signed up with California Fitness. Hopefully, in 2005, there'll be a slimmer and tonner me. I also went to China with my family in Dec. Nice scenery, unforgettable photos.

Nice shops include Sanrio in Suntec, Bodyshop everywhere, Kokon Tozai, Sushi Tei.

The best Chawanmushi I've tasted: the japanese restaurant in Takashimaya, think is Basement 1, besides Cold storage. Their other food I've tasted is the curryrice, quite tasty too...thinking about japanese food is making me hungry.

Here's wishing all reading this a smooth-sailing year ahead and take care!


Thursday, December 30, 2004

Tribute

Went for a workout in the morning before meeting my classmates for presentation discussion. Had 3hr lesson before I went down to Settler's Cafe for the meeting. After the meeting played a few games like Oasis and 10 days in Africa with Amy and Dingli. Had quite a nice evening but feel really tired.

Just feel that I should pay a little tribute to the taxi drivers that ply our streets everytime of the day:

Moon glistening in the dark sky,
Stars shimmer in the dim light.
People sleeping in their warm beds,
Us driving under the street lights.

Know Singapore at the back of our hands.
Queue Changi Airport till the break of dawn.
Search customers at the side of the roads.
Race streets till the diesel runs dry.

Hard work every single day.
Overstrained muscles every single hour.
At other's beck and call every single minute.
Ticking metre every single seconds.

Meagre pay,
Little sleep.
Put kids through to uni.
Make use of time after retiring.

Current affairs
Politics
Karaoke
You name it, we know it.

Wednesday, December 29, 2004

World Vision

Went to Orchard to get the Bhutan travel guidebook from Kinokuniya with a 20% discount.

Saw a counter creating awareness about what World Vision do. Interested in child sponsoring but will have to wait till I get a job or else not financially stable. Think I'll choose the Mongolian kids then.

Met Dave and had coffee at Starbucks cos the movies were too late. Another friend that thinks that I'm leading a young tai-tai's life. Hey, if i don't pamper myself, who will? Thanks for the ride home, spare me from squeezing in the train.

Tuesday, December 28, 2004

Lesson and briefing

Returned back to NIE in the morning for a 2 and a half hour lesson and also a 2 hour Practicum briefing in the afternoon. By 11am, I was yawning away already...real tired...imagine, having to go back to the sch during the hols to attend lessons..real pathetic but not much of a choice...

Saw a poster regarding photo competition...maybe should try to enter and win some cash...first prize is $1000, second prize is $500 and third prize is $250. Wish me luck!

Monday, December 27, 2004

Sanrio shopping spree

Tutored today and found out that the tuition kid's aunt from Malaysia is coming to Singapore to work and can tutor the girl so I will just tutor once more on Friday and that's it. No more extra income for me...wonder how I will pay for my California Fitness Membership...anyone wanna hire a tutor? once a week? 2 hrs?

Went to Suntec's Sanrio shop and bought quite a number of Cinnamoroll stuff...feel like a little girl in her wonderland, looking at the amazingly adorable things. =P

Sunday, December 26, 2004

Taufik Trivia

Received this through an sms and found it quite funny:

Taufik's family are:
Taupok (Father), Taufu (Mother), Taugua (Brother) & Tausuan (Sister). He has a dog called Taugay.

Though I'm also a Taufik fan but can't help but smile at this silly and lame sms. He's album is coming out soon! Will hear it out first before I decide I want to buy or otherwise.

Saturday, December 25, 2004

My fave xmas song

Finally, I managed to find out the title for the Xmas song I like the most:

"As long as there's Christmas"
from Beauty and the Beast the Enchanted Story

Belle
There is more to this time of year
Than sleigh bells and holly, mistletoe and snow.
Those things come and go much deeper than snow,
Stronger than the strongest love we'll know, we'll ever know...
As long as there's Christmas, I truly believe
That hope is the greatest of the gifts we'll receive.
As long as there's Christmas, we'll all be just fine.
A star shines above us, lighting your way and mine.
Cogsworth
Just as long as there's Christmas, there will be Christmas pud!
Tons of turkey...
Mrs. Potts
And cranb'ry sauce, and mince pies, if we're good!
Lumiere
Loads of logs on the fire...Ornaments
Lots of gifts on the tree, all wrapped up in red ribbons...
Chip
Wonder if there's one for me!
Cogsworth
We're due for a party. Where on earth do we start?
Fifi
I may wear my tiara you bought me in Montmartre!
Cogsworth
All the silver will sparkle!
Mrs. Potts
And the china will gleam!
Lumiere
And we'll all be as shiny as a brand-new centime!
Chip
After dinner, we'll play games...
Mrs. Potts...
'Til the morning breaks through.
Lumiere
Then we'll meet in the garden. This is what we shall do!
Chip
We'll build a snowman that will reach to the sky!
Belle
It will stay up until July!
Angelique
What are you doing? Stop, stop, stop! Put me down! Put me down!
Oh, this is ridiculous! Everyone knows that the lights go on first!
I don't want to go all the way up there, to the top!
Belle and Chorus
As long as there's Christmas, I truly believe
That hope is the greatest of the gifts we'll receive.
Chorus
As long as our guiding star shines above...
Belle
As long as there's Christmas, we'll all be just fine...
Belle and Chorus
There'll always be Christmas...
Belle
So there always will be a time when the world is filled with peace and love.

These lyrics © 1997 Wonderland Music Company, Inc. (BMI). Music by Rachel Portman. Lyrics by Don Black. Originally performed by Paige O'Hara, Jerry Orbach, David Ogden Stiers, Fifi, Andrew Keenan Bolger, Angela Lansbury, the Ornaments, and Chorus.

Friday, December 24, 2004

Xmas eve

Geez...it's Xmas eve and guess what? I've fallen sick! Didn't even eat any heaty food and I've fallen prey to the nasty virus.

Suffering from sore throat and flu...had a splitting headache last night and felt quite nauseous...thought I was going to throw up my dinner but luckily didn't.

Now that I'm sick, I can't go tutor...gotta postpone the session...feel quite bad that I always postpone the tuition. Hope the child's mother understands and don't hold it against me...I wouldn't want to spread the virus to her daughter who just got well...


Thursday, December 23, 2004

Movie

Met Celina for lunch at Sakae Sushi then went for my piano lesson in Plaza Sg...after my lesson, I was walking to Paragon when I met Celina on my way so we went there together cos she's meeting her friend there too.

I went for the Vitamin C Cold Compress facial and bought the Jojoba starter kit for $18.90, suppose to cost around $30+ and a Xmas gift for a friend from Bodyshop.

Went for a movie at Plaza Sg in the evening. Wanted to catch "Meet the Frockers" or "Phantom of the Opera" but both are not showing yet...so ended up watching "The Incredibles"...quite a cute movie and Jack jack is so adorable!

Monday, December 20, 2004

Updates

Hehe...I've bought the pumps that I like from Far East but my mum doesn't know yet...cos my room is quite a mess so can hide the bag away.

Went for a training session at Raffles' California today and gained abit of knowledge on how to train...especially for the arms...but decline the trainer from engaging him for monthly payments of $40+...am really quite broke already..how to afford a personal trainer?

Met up with Celina and checked out Cafe Rosso at Holland Village...quite a nice, clean cafe but not sure how the cakes taste as yet cos they look too pretty to be eaten! We headed to Sushi Tei for high tea then headed to Orchard's Borders...managed to get the cute postcards with animals. Couldn't resist spending money at the capsule machines again...but at least I limited myself to only 3...could have spent more but luckily no more coins...hehe...gotta start packing my room tomorrow or I'll never get started...tornado sweeping through tml...better stay clear!

Saturday, December 18, 2004

Nice song

Just heard this S.H.E song and found the lyrics pretty meaningful.

《别说对不起》

望远镜 看不见你 你的心 飞去哪里 无声飞行 享受黑夜的静溢 别说对不起
别让我伤了心才说 不是故意 我却无法怪你 别说对不起 别让我的爱情变成廉价物品 我却只能爱你 闭上眼睛 却看不见你 想你的好 代替无力 我相信你
却开始不信任自己 别说对不起 别让我灰了心才说 不是故意 我却无法怪你
别说对不起 别让我的爱情变得小心翼翼 我却只能爱你 用行动来证明 你的决心 不要说说而已 我想要的不只是Sorry.

Quite touching isn't it? A sense of loss and not being able to control how things turn out. So sad...