t@tty Bear.Inc

I wonder

2009-12-19T01:57:00.002+08:00

I can't breathe.

I had a dream last night.

I googled "What do dreams mean".

Why do I not believe what it tells me?

Maybe I should attend Yoga.

Dance

2009-08-06T22:18:00.002+08:00

I attended Jootz Platform class at Danzppl @ PoMo yesterday. Hmm...I definitely remembered the dance better today than in the workshop itself. *heh* Let's just say Penny's brain kinda shuts down from 9pm onwards. Whatever he said went in one ear and came out the next. :P Sorry Joot!

BUT! I did try again today in my room (cause I didn't go gym) and I REMEMBERED THE DANCE! Not only that, I could do it! Yea, it was kinda pathetic yesterday...you should check out the vid on FB. I remembered 1 count of the 10 eights. *hah*

Anyhoos, it got me thinking. My gym membership is finishing and as much as I would love to continue, I can only afford one ... so Dance or Gym? tough tough...

I would love to take Samba classes though it might be challenging to convince my potential male partner. :D But I just lurve samba dance...the rhythm, the hips, the passion...ooh la la.

Anyone with any good samba class recommendations?

While I'm on this topic, let me advertise: CJootz HipHop clases @ Danzppl. Check him out on FB @ "Jootz See"

Btw, I am conducting a poll on my FB at the moment. Was talking with my bro over dinner today: lately Ice Age 3 started a 3-D trend in the movies, one of which is Final Destination 4 (how many times can people keep dying). That got us thinking: What would be the scariest movie made in 3-D? For me it would be The Ring (japanese version) .. what's yours?

Stuff on my mind 2

2009-08-04T22:15:00.003+08:00

Lately my mind's been wandering...

Have you have thought "What if I die tomorrow?"?
How many of us live like today's our last day on earth?
What would you say to those around you?
Would you ask for forgiveness? Will you be giving forgiveness?
Will you be saying 'I'm sorry' to those you've hurt? Will those who hurt you come back?
Will you go in peace or will you struggle against reality?

Will you be given a bell to ring?

When was the last time you told someone 'I love you'? Not just say it but really mean it.
When was the last time you cried? Cried out of overwhelming love I mean.
(The kind of tears that creep up the back of your throat when you stare into someone's eyes)
When was the last time you loved yourself - your body, your work, your mind - and did not doubt?

Personally, I'll have too much regret if I die tomorrow.
Too much left unconquered, too much left unsaid.

Yet, when it really does happen, you aren't the one left behind.
It's those who live that suffer. They suffer your regrets.

So what is more important? Courage or Love?
Without courage, love has no action.
Without love, what is empty bravery?

Maybe with wisdom and experience comes the knowledge of which to put first - Courage or Love.

Stuff on my mind

2009-08-03T23:23:00.003+08:00

Watch: (short version) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAR1ePMZ0vs
(full version) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNb3Dy7HxQs&feature=related

Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAR1ePMZ0vs

~This Woman's Work~ by Maxwell

Pray God you can cope
I stand outside
This woman's work
This woman's world
Oooh, it's hard on the man
Now his part is over
Now starts the craft of the father

I know you have a little life in you yet
I konw you have a lot of strength left
I know you have a little life in you yet
I know you have a lot of strength left

I should be crying but I just can't let it show
I should be hoping but I can't stop thinking
All the things I should've said that I never said
All the things we should of done that we never did
All the things I should've given but I didn't

Oh darling make it go
Make it go away
Give me these moments back
Give them back to me
Give that little kiss
Give me your hand

I know you have a little life in you yet
I know you have a little strength left
I know you have a little life in you yet
I know you have a little strength left

I should be crying but I just can't let it show
I should be hoping but I can't stop thinking
Of all the things we should've said that were never said
All the things we should've done that we never did
All the things that you needed from me
All the things that you wanted for me
All the things I should of given but I didn't
Oh darling make it go away
Just make it go away now

UPDATES!!!

2009-08-03T22:32:00.009+08:00

I was taking a shower when I suddenly felt that tonight's the night. You know, THE night...to update my blog. :D

*APPLAUSE*

Thank you thank you...dear readers who have patiently stood by this lonely blog. Thing is the pictures uploading take so dam long! Oh well, most are on FB anyhoos.

So yeap, agenda for this series of updates! First up are the holidays - Aussie & Macau, then some work updates and lastly, my planning for my upcoming France-Amsterdam trip! After the updates, will post some things that I have been thinking abouts...so to get started:

In the land Down Under - AUSTRALIA

Visited dear daddy in Perth, where he's been for the last year plus, then drove down to Margaret River.

Lovely weather, lovely scenery. No sense of time. No need to rush. A great place to just relax and enjoy life. Highly recommended.

~Parents' church in Perth. Very quaint.~

~Exploring Perth with my Pops~

~In Margaret River with the family~

~Great food. Chilled wine. Lovely sun. ~

~Holiday home. I loved it.~

I've always been a lover of the countryside holidays. The kind where you count horses and sheeps as your nextdoor neighbours, not the newest high-rise buildings. Hence, the next holiday wasn't exactly my favourite, but it was an affordable and interesting vacation trip nonetheless.

Macau - Casino City

Lots of hills. Lots and lots of hills. Thank goodness for free casino shuttles. (cue cheapo Penny) Lots of smoke-filled casinos. Portugese mixed Hong Kong-style buildings. Quite nice food. Overall, not my favourite choice for vacation.

~Crowded shopping lanes~

~St. Paul's Ruins - must see~

~The Venetian. wow...~

~Portugese Egg Tars. *droolz*~

~On top the Macau Tower. The floor was see-through for a partial section. Cool.~

Work Work

Work's been good so far. At least I'm not bored of my work though lately it has been difficult keeping my head up. :P

I've just changed portfolio: used to be doing marketing/events/communications for the retail arm; now am doing the same for the new trade arm instead. Learning new things which is always fun. Trying to keep up with the numerous F&B outlets in Singapore and who's who in the industry.

Sometimes I am not sure which to read more on - media programs, the F&B establishments, wines or marketing matters. Sigh... *head down, draw jacket closer and soldier on*

BUT I'M GOING TO FRANCE!!! For work that is. 28th Sept to 2nd Oct. Taking a week off after to tour Paris then off to Amsterdam to visit relatives. Can't wait for that. Am leaving the comments feature open for all suggestions ya?! :D

So there you have it. Nuggets of my life over the last 7 months. Would love to elaborate more but really, that would make up one new blog on its own. *heh*

Oh ya, will TRY very hard to include you guys in my planning for the France trip k? Advice will be much appreciated.

The Holidays Are Over! boohoo

2009-01-27T17:14:00.000+08:00

As 'chu er' draws to a close, I am already missing the festivities of Christmas and Chinese New Year. With this economic gloom hoo-ha and GSS so far away, it's gonna be tough getting past the next few months.

This post is pretty belated so I figured a summary update is alot easier. First-up, CHRISTMAS!!

Always my favourite season, the spirit of Christmas never fails to cheer me up. Somehow, people are slightly nicer, happier and friendly come December. Whether it be for religous reasons or much needed rest from a hectic year, people look forward to 25th Dec. (I think it's mainly the presents)

My family celebrated with a eve-dinner feast at Godma's, Mass in the morn then a cosy lunch @ Chai Chee. Pressis this year included a cool lomo camera for my brother, a new digital cam for my parents, a huge luggage for David and accessories+apparel for the sisters ... (pics will come when Blogger stops screwing up)

CNY was pretty much food, food, food and more food. Seriously overate. Sadly, I was close to being in the red this year. Not from gambling but giving out angbaos to my elders. Thank goodness I managed to earn a profit still...a good $24. *haha* ok la, better than losing money. (brainwashing myself) *i am a happy giver* *i am a happy giver*

What's special this year is it's the OX year! To be exact, the Earth Ox is in reign this year. I looked up on this Chinese Zodiac business and my 'shi fu' - Wikipedia - has the following to share:

Basic rules: The 60-year cycle consists of two separate cycles interacting with each other - the Five Elements cycle (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal & Water) & the Chinese Zodiac cycle (rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep/goat, monkey, rooster, dog & boar). Years that end in an even number are yang, those that end with an odd number are yin. The cycle always starts with the Yang Wood Rat and ends with the Yin Water Boar.

Each element gives a person distinct traits (partial list):
Wood - Generous, Warm, Persuasive, Co-operative, Explorer, Idealistic, Ethical, Enthusiastic.
Fire -Dynamic, Humanitarian, Enterprising, Leadership Skills, Strong, Loves a good laugh
Earth - Wise, Patient, Prudent, Stable, Hard-working, Ambitious, Stubborn, Disciplined, Logical
Metal - Determined, Self-reliant, Sophisticated, Caring, Respectful.
Water - Secretive, Charming, Compassionate, Creative, Intellectual, Betrayal

Each animal has a different personality and different characteristics and is believed to be the main factor in each person's life that gives them their traits, success and happiness in their lifetime. Traits of an Ox: Dependable, calm, methodical, patient, hardworking, ambitious, conventional, steady, modest, logical, resolute, tenacious. Can be stubborn, narrow-minded, materialistic, rigid, demanding.

To go even more indepth, an animal is also assigned to your month & time of birth. =.=" Too much for me to blog about. already I am not sure if I have kept any of my readers this far. *heh* BUT! It is rather interesting so I do recommend a read here. Maybe you can learn something about yourself or your love one? Might be useful for the upcoming 14th Feb date.

For my peers, 1985 was the Yin Wood Ox (which prompted my brother to give me a good knock on me head) and this year is the Yin Earth Ox year. The rest, go read yourself.

Movies galore

2008-12-20T18:55:00.002+08:00

One of the great things about a year's end are the movies. I have caught 6 movies in the last month or so and yet to watch Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist and Australia. Then there are the possible options of Zack and Miri Make a Porno, Pride and Glory, Ip Man and Yes Man.

2008 was an interesting cinematic year for me as I went through rollercoaster rides in the first few months' movies. The later half of the year featured more exciting movies with the likes of Indiana Jones, James Bond & Eagle Eye. I'm now a member of the GV Club and have purchased the HSBC prepaid card, thus officially turning myself into a movie junkie. Oh well, I'm boring.

Movies I've watched this 2008
The Spiderwick Chronicles
Wanted
Harold & Kumar escape from Guantanamo Bay
PS I Love You
27 Dresses
Iron Man
Sweeny Todd
Kung Fu Panda
Over Her Dead Body
Step Up 2: The Streets
Tropic Thunder
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Forgetting Sarah Marshall
The Incredible Hulk
Wall-E
Sex & the City
Burn After Reading
The Dark Knight
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa
Eagle Eye
Four Christmasses
Quantum of Solace
Body of Lies
The Day the Earth Stood Still
Twilight

Other than the last 5 movies, the others are obviously not in chronological order cause I do not remember. *haha*

That is a grand total of 25 movies with possibly more to come, not counting those I can't remember. That works out to about 2 movies a month. Sounds indulgent huh...no wonder my wallet keeps getting lighter.. :S

Personally, my list of movie awards would read like this:
Saddest Movie of the Year - PS I Love You
Feel Good Movie of the Year - (Tie) Sex & the City and Twilight
Worst Movie of the Year - The Day the Earth Stood Still
Best Movie of the Year - (none but if I had to choose) Twilight

I might be biased cause Twilight's the last movie I watched but at least I remember something very deeply from that show - passion. There's something about vampires that is very alluring. Moreover, the want-to-kiss-but-cannot-kiss-cause-I-am-afraid-to-suck-your-blood scenes are very sexy. *heh*

So anyway, it would be great if you can remind me on what other 2008 movies was worth mentioning about ya? And maybe tell me you have watched 50 movies this year so I don't feel so bad. :D

Work Life

2008-12-12T21:21:00.003+08:00

Realized I haven't blogged much about my work, or rather blogged at all. So since I am home early on a Friday night (amazingly), I am going to dedicate 1 whole post to work life.

Been at it for close to 7 months and it's been pretty cool. I actually look forward to work somewhat...at least I enjoy what I do. :) For the clueless, I am currently a Marketing Executive for a wine company - Taste of Tradition (Asia Pac) P/L. It's a local SME with 4.5 companies under it: Taste Fine Wine Merchant & Vermilion Wines & Spirits are the trade arms, Booze Wine Shop is the retail arm while Cellar Solution handles all logistic and storage of wines. The 0.5 company is Flip Media which handles all the designing and production of our collaterals. It's half a company as it's total employment is rather minimal. :D

My baby is Booze: I handle all events, promotions and advertising for the shop, which has been fun. :) In some sense I am doing what I have always done in NUS and RH, with added value. Come 2009 I will be venturing further into the retail trade which is kinda exciting. Looking forward to that.

But work has also been super tiring ... I seriously crash every night. MC yesterday was really good for the brain. *heh*

So anyhoos, enough of yakking, time to introduce you to some of me colleagues and work life basically. Nt* Loads of booze involved. Waddya expect?!

~My first staff outing :: ToT 13th Anni @ Coastes~

~@ No Signboard with Cass~

~@ Indochine Gala Dinner with Nara~

~@ Lunar with Joanita :: fellow marketeer~

~The Ladies @ Bellini Grande~

Christmas Shopping

2008-12-11T15:07:00.002+08:00

I think I've used up my quota of visits to Orchard Road for the year in the last week. Considering shopping was never my 'thing' in the past, that is not saying much but still...plus I've never been one for crowded places. Fighting with all the other women during the Mango sale really stresses me out. However, I must say, I am beginning to enjoy retail therapy.

Twice a year I allow myself to spend on me: GSS and end of the year. Thanks to my sister's and my shopping motto: Never buy unless it's on discount, those two times are the only times we can actually shop. :) So, to share my spoils of the week, Penny has spent on:

3 tops, 1 skirt, 1 pair of sleep shorts, 1 pair of Schu pumps, 1 Ferragamo perfume, 2 Shiseido eye palattes, 1 ettusais mascara and some minor toiletries. All for a grand total of $231.35. O.o

Not including freebies such as my Kate Spade wallet (birthday pressi from LH), Braun Buffel wristlet & coin pouch (birthday pressi from my siblings), Mango top (from my sis) & La Mer travel set.

Alright, time for bread & water month now. *heh*

On a more serious note however, I am amazed at the long queues outside shops such as Prada, Gucci, Coach & LV. I mean, aren't we in a technical recession? But I am not complaining. In fact, I would like to thank these peeps for spending and boosting our economy. It is something we dearly need in these times. It has been found that Singaporeans are one of the lowest spenders (per income earned) amongst developed countries. This is because we feel we have insufficient savings thanks to CPF, ERP, electricity tariffs & taxi fares. We apparently save too much as a result.

Well, I have done my part for Singapore. You should too...any excuse for shopping ya? :P

P.S: I'm home now on MC. Blame it on Mango.

Optimistic Frustration

2008-12-05T15:15:00.003+08:00

Work life is interesting.

You meet people from all walks of life - the young & hip to the aunties. You listen to gossip, you become the target of gossips.

If there's one thing I learnt, it's that: the less you say, the better.

You end up shouldering the blame or looking the fool, but it's better to have them think they are right than attempt to argue otherwise. Well, let's not say it's better, but rather, it's easier.

Experience is always treasured but never close your mind to changes. Do not always think you know best. Do not doubt the ability of others. Believe in those you work in, trust them first. With that comes mutual respect and an honest relationship. Only then, can you build a team that will support you in the future.

Do unto others what you will have them do unto you.

If all else fails, believe in Penny's 2008 motto: Shit happens. Live with it.

After so long, where do I start?

2008-12-04T23:05:00.009+08:00

Am sitting here thinking of how I am going to fill in the blanks of 4 months.

I can't.

Best I can say is Facebook.
If you don't have me on your Friends list, it's time to add me.
If you took me off your Friends list, well then, you shouldn't be here.

I got a job. Started way back in May 08.
I got attached in Jun 08.
I organized my first major event in Jul 08.
I joined the gym in Sept 08.
My sister got married in Oct 08.
The world fell apart in Nov 08.

And now it's Dec 08.

In between, I buried myself in work, caught up with friends and went for gym classes.
I laughed some, I cried some, I talked some.

Oh, and I celebrated my 23rd birthday. :)

Thank you to all who sent me messages whether via sms or FB or calls.
Thank you for remembering.

To those who got me pressis, I have yet to receive one I did not love.

Am I back to the old me? Don't think I remember who that was.

Am I happy now? I'm praying for the world ... that it doesn't tear itself apart.

Graduation '08

2008-07-17T14:38:00.003+08:00

13th July 2008
NUS Commencement Ceremony
FoE (Mechanical)
University Cultural Centre

*weehoo!*

Penny is officially a graduate. Well, I would say that I didn't feel much during the ceremony...no bittersweet memories, no tearing, no saddness. I guess it's cause I've already found myself a job that I really enjoy and have since moved on with my life. Hence, there seems little meaning in my graduation.

However, I was really really happy, grinning from ear to ear. I think I do miss my uni mates very much. Although I still meet some hall peeps for dinner/supper every once in a while and am currently arranging a meal with Team Velace, life no longer centres around these fellow students. Meeting them again really lifted my spirits.

Although I failed to meet my parents' expectations, although I could have done way way better looking at my last 3 semesters' grades, I believe, I am contented.

Currently, I'm on MC cause a really bad cough struck me. Hence the free time to blog... :P And the medicine is starting to take its effect as I have difficulty stringing sentences together...so to make life easier, some pictures will tell my story. (the rest are uploaded onto Facebook)

~the Graduate~

~with my lifelong supporters :) ~

~w Master of Raffles Hall~

~Team Velace (missing Suli)~

~RH-ME 2008 (extra Fu Qi)~

Random

2008-06-29T23:02:00.003+08:00

If you really think about it, mourning is a selfish act.

When you lose someone, you lament on how sad life is without him/her. You miss the times you spent together and every corner you turn seems to present a memory of what has been. You think about what he/she used to bring into your life: comfort in times of sadness, a listening ear in times of frustration and a companion to share happy moments with.

How often do we think of the other? The one whom we have lost.

Isn't he/she happier now that they are with the Lord? Aren't they in heaven with no more pains, worries or sadness? Shouldn't we be happier?

In remembrance of Emeritus Gregory Yong who was called home to the Lord on 28 Jun 08.

"Do not pray for me. I want to go home."

The other kind of love

2008-05-31T22:29:00.003+08:00

"Everyone's born with a ragged edge, and some folks crave the piece that's a perfect fit. You'll search for it forever, if you have to. And if you're lucky enough to find it, it looks so right, you can start to tear at your own seams, thinking, maybe I could look just as perfect. But then, of course, when you try to get close to their other half, you don't fit anymore. That kind of love . . . you come out of it a different person than you were when you started."

Excerpt from Vanishing Acts by Jodi Picoult

Berkelah Falls

2008-05-29T21:55:00.005+08:00

Trekking Grad Trip

Berkelah Falls, Kuantan
13th - 15th May 2008

~my lovely trekmates~

Unfortunately, I did not have the time, money nor permission to embark on a grand thousand-dollar globe-trotting grad trip half-way around the world and had to settle for a mini graduation trip this year. I promise one day I will have a proper grad trip. I deserve it after working my a** off in a "world-class" university for 4 years.

But for what I did have, I am very grateful. The rock-climbing was abit of a surprise I must admit. I really expected it to be alot easier. However, I really enjoyed myself. I re-discovered my inner monkey who is stubbornly independent, absolutely refusing help as much as I could. *heh* Girls are egoistic too ya know...the trek was alright and the views were quite nice. Of course I have seen better in places like New Zealand...BUT! The company was irreplaceable.

~dam. I got caught being a wuss.~

~my guardian angel who failed me the one time I fell. :P~

~cooking spam :S~

The utterly not-funny campfire jokes, the weird never-eaten-soup-noodles before tentmate, the don't-eat-in-outfield-cause-don't-wanna-go-poo groupmate... :) it was fun cooking and sleeping outdoors again. Been a while since I went back to basic. Of course I woke up with a bad back but hey! The rest of the trip was worth sleeping on the ground.

~our final destination - the 3rd waterfall~

To the one who first invited me...thank you.

It's been a while

2008-05-29T21:39:00.004+08:00

since I last blogged. Almost a month has flown by...a month filled with much heartaches, thinking and putting things into perspective. In the last 5 months, there are many things I have learnt. About life and about myself.

I learnt what love really is. I learnt that there are some scars you can never recover from and that some memories can never be forgotten. I learnt about the beauty and burden of marriage. I learnt I lost one good chance at that.

I learnt who my true friends are. I learnt of things said behind me no matter how long you've been my friend. I learnt of terrible friends I've known and am sad to know. I learnt who are those who are willing to listen and be there with no judgements. I learnt to depend on others.

I learnt that no matter how eloquent I am, words carry no weight when your actions run out of excuses. I began to question my sanity and whether my life was worth living. I learnt some pain hurts beyond words.

I learnt the power of love...what it drives people to do or say, how it motivates them to actions otherwise unreasonable. I believe I am not deserving of such love.

Most of all, I am learning how to love again. I am learning to love myself ... something which really isn't that easy. I am learning to be selfish, to live for me. I wonder if I'll succeed.

The pain doesn't go away as much as I wish it to. To keep it away, to hold it in...sometimes my body shivers from all that strain. Tired would be a good word to describe me now. But from last night, I felt something that was missing in a while. I felt free.

I've found a job I like. It occupies most of my time which is really good. A good book (Jodi Picoult's Vanishing Acts) accompanies me on my journeys, fun colleagues and work occupy the next 10 hours and sleep takes up the rest of the day. Slowly and steadily I make myself climb out of the deep, dark grave I dug 5mths ago. Slowly and steadily I crawl my way towards a thing I used to take for granted - happiness.

I will be happy. Maybe tomorrow...

Dance 4 Life

2008-05-04T01:03:00.007+08:00

The little inspirations in life

I learn

2008-04-19T02:01:00.001+08:00

~The way He loved~

How Beautiful the hands that served
The Wine and the Bread and the sons of the earth
How beautiful the feet that walked
The long dusty road and the hill to the cross
How Beautiful, how beautiful, how beautiful is the body of Christ

How Beautiful the heart that bled
That took all my sins and bore it instead
How beautiful the tender eyes
That choose to forgive and never despise
How beautiful, how beautiful, how beautiful is the body of Christ

And as He lay down His life
We offer this sacrifice
That we will live just as He died
Willing to pay the price
Willing to pay the price

How Beautiful the radiant bride
Who waits for her Groom with His light in her eyes
How Beautiful when humble hearts give
The fruit of pure love so that others may live
How beautiful, how beautiful, how beautiful is the body of Christ

How beautiful the feet that bring
The sound of good news and the love of the King
How Beautiful the hands that serve
The wine and the bread and the sons of the Earth
How Beautiful, how beautiful, how beautiful is the body of Christ

How Beautiful by Twila Paris

A thoughtful night

2008-04-19T01:47:00.002+08:00

Sometimes I wonder...

Why do I bother?
Why should I care?
Should I be bothered?
Should I be sad?
Did I do something wrong?
Do they not just understand?
Should I demand?
Should I change?
Why should I change?
Why should I bother to try?
Should I try?

Sometimes I just don't understand...

In a nutshell

2008-04-12T20:45:00.004+08:00

It's been a bit busy recently and I haven't exactly been updating much have I...oh well. :)

Well, the exams are approaching and my FYP thesis submission is tomorrow which I do not think I will meet anyway. I have got one project and one term paper still due on top of 3 papers to study for so yeah, just thought it would be better to give a shout out now in case people think this blog is gone for good by the time I actually have time to post again. *heh*

Well, I remember mentioning a busy 2008 earlier in this blog and it's now time to strike off some of my To-Do tasks. First up, picking up drummin...alright, so it wasn't a very glamorous shot but hey! for someone who hasn't touched the drum set for 10 years, I didn't do too badly in my opinion. :D So yeah, I performed at this year's RH PhoenixFest with some of the other final years. It really did feel good to do something different once in a while ya know? :)

~unleashing the drummer in me~

Next up among the more significant events in Penny's life was my hall's annual Dinner and Dance. The last of all my school-going DnD's, this year's was held at the charming CHIJMES cathedral. Unfortunately, the sound system was really really bad and the food was average only. At $50 per pax (subsidised), I'd say it wasn't a very good deal. I was rather disappointed with the after-dinner plans too. Well, just thought the others would be more enthusiastic about going out considering the next day was a public holiday. Oh well...

~w An Liang my yr 1 pest buster *heh*~

~Thomas is not a butch, people~

The day after RH DnD was the annual DanceUncensored. *sigh* My last ever major dance event. Another item off my 2008 To-Do list - my first ever choreography. A lyrical hiphop-contemporary item co-choreoed with Joot, I must say it turned out pretty good! Well, considering we had less than 10 practices collectively if I am not wrong, and my dancers weren't exactly the most trained in the world, I'd say the final performances were real pretty. :)

I am really proud of my dancers cause I know they tried pretty hard. And their post-DU comments were really sweet and encouraging. They really made me feel like it was worth the time and headaches spent on thinking up steps. Think I'll be back for more next year? I sure hope so..Thank you Raffles Hall Dance...

~the final years unite~

~Raffles Hall Dance 0708~

Well, as the blog title suggests, this was a bit of my life in a nutshell. The photo story for RH DnD is available here while DU's is here. ENJOY!

Life Lessons

2008-04-09T23:18:00.004+08:00

Marilyn Monroe -
One of Hollywood's greatest icons,
An intelligent and beautiful woman behind the sex mask the public put her in.

"I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they go right, you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart, so that better things can fall together." ~ Marilyn Monroe

Birthday wishes

2008-04-01T02:41:00.002+08:00

Happy 23rd Birthday Sonia!!

Hey darling,

Really missed all our wild KC days...oh rather, your wild KC days *keke* Still remember the way you used to sit in class, how you towered over Mrs Boey and bullied her and I will never never forget the day you forgot to wear some essentials to school. *wahaha*

Anyhoos, hope you're having a great time in Japan...buy something pretty for me! I don't care even if I have to get it from you in 1 year's time.

And lastly, I WANT MY PHOTOS!! :D

Love ya! *muacks*

Tickle me funny

2008-03-25T17:48:00.005+08:00

It is absolutely amazing the different types of personality you find in this world. Jootz was supplying me my usual late night entertainment and I thought I'd share some with you guys... I was seriously tickled to my bones! *haha*

"Ken Leeeeeeeee..."

~Bulgarian Idol's superb English~

~I lurve Paula Abdul~

Life

2008-03-24T20:17:00.003+08:00

There has been much to update what with Raffles Hall DnD 0708 and DanceUncensored 0708 all within the same week. There are photos, videos and stories galore to share with you guys. But, I decided to take this post to remember Life instead, and how precious it is to us all...

Today, in the midst of lunch, I received a call from an old friend, Chris. He called to tell me of an ex-blockmate, Kyla...who has developed terminal cancer which we heard gives her no more than a few more days left. She requested to see all her old friends and we are planning to visit her tomorrow...

I am at a lost of what to bring ... I mean, what matters to one who will not be around to appreciate it? I have been thinking real hard but nothing seems to mean enough... *haiz*

To all who know Kyla, do take time to come with us ya?

It seems ... life is short. Kyla's story has got me thinking about mine ... I hope you do too. As my DU item's sypnosis said:

Kiss like there is no tomorrow. Share the passion.
Live each day together like it's your last.
Cherish your loved ones for you never know when you are going to lose them.

Rest day

2008-03-14T19:38:00.006+08:00

Today I decided to rest. I spent the day reading finish Midnight Champagne by A.M. Ansay, watching Beauty and the Beast, my absolute favourite cartoon of all time, and lazing in bed. I finally managed to sleep a good 8 hours of sleep and am pretty contented. :)

I think it was about time I took this little break. People have been telling me I've gotten skinnier and pale. :S I think I look the same actually. *haha* However, I have been falling ill pretty easily these days. I took almost 3 weeks to recover from my Middle East cough in Jan then in Feb I fell ill with a fever all of a sudden which I suspect was cause of tummy problems and now, I am down with a very very bad sore throat/cough with random bouts of fever. *hmm*

So yeah...a break well-needed. :) And since I am a little more free today, let me do a little book review:

Midnight Champagne's not too bad though a little thin. Basically, the story's set at a wedding held in a chapel connected to a lodge. The entire story revolved around the bride and her troubles and a particular room - Suite 33. This suite is infamous for its bedroom activities ... On the wedding night however, a stranger wanders into the dinner, a stranger who has just murdered his wife in Suite 33. *hmm* I quite liked one snippet from the book though:

Nobody was ever really sure where love is concerned. There was always something more to learn, and that's why people fell in and out of love, sometimes with different people, sometimes with the same person over and over again. And each time it happened, it's like entering a different country. Things you thought you understood didn't make sense anymore. Sometimes it was wonderful, and sometimes it was terrible, but either way, you never could go back to what'd you been. Like dying? A little ... another kind of letting go.

Food for thought huh?

Now I've got P.S. I Love You, Summer in Tuscany & Five People You Meet in Heaven to look forward to. :D When's the next book fair?!

Yet again, I'm broken ...

2008-03-11T04:03:00.009+08:00

With a deep breath, I plunge forward. This blog has been rather sparse if not emotional of late. I have been pretty preoccupied, not only work wise but heart wise. I've been a basket of emotions and having constant random breakdowns. I've tried running and acting but it is time to admit what I've been hiding - problems that have existed for some time. The ennies are no more together.

It started out pretty simple...or so I thought. Initially, I thought hey, maybe I need some time away considering things were not fantastic before I left and I could do with some space to figure out if this was what I really wanted. I knew that if I stayed,it would have been for life and I wasn't sure if I was ready for that as I seemed to be having some doubts. Little did I know, he was thinking the opposite and was ready to change for me. Bad timing indeed...

When I returned, I tried to make things work, refusing to give up so soon. However,the more he sensed my doubts and hesitations, the worse it all became. Now, reading his deepest thoughts, I wonder where it all went wrong...

LH told me this would happen, that no good would come out of me handling things this way. K told me this was the right way as if I had done otherwise, it would have been uglier. Well, I wouldn't know considering I had already chose my path and can only stick with it. Yet, time and time again I catch myself thinking if this is really all that healthy and how I wished I could have protected him from all this pain.

There are many things I wish and pray for, yet I can't make them happen by my own actions. I feel so so guilty and selfish. I really had no idea how things turned out this way ... I think back everyday and wonder ... at first I thought I was doing it for us. But now, the only thing I seem to have done was hurt you more and more. *sigh*

I do not know if I can ever forgive myself or let myself love again. I am so afraid of hurting ... of breaking someone else. It is scary to have these strings in your hands and a big part of me is afraid to take new ones up. There is this light at the end ... the path is alot clearer now than 2 months ago. Am I ready to take baby steps forward?

Dear you, words to you have been said elsewhere. Just know, I will always love you.

Like a rose

2008-02-26T18:11:00.003+08:00

To those in need of comfort ...

To those who have lost their way ...
To those with no hope for tomorrow ...

It is only a tiny rosebud,
A flower of God's design;
But I cannot unfold the petals
With these clumsy hands of mine.
The secret of unfolding flowers
Is not known to such as I.
GOD opens this flower so easily,
But in my hands they die.
If I cannot unfold a rosebud,
This flower of God's design,
Then how can I have the wisdom
To unfold this life of mine?
So I'll trust in God for leading
Each moment of my day.
I will look to God for guidance
In each step of the way.
The path that lies before me,
Only my Lord knows.
I'll trust God to unfold the moments,
Just as He unfolds the rose.

Ouch.

2008-02-20T14:37:00.003+08:00

In one dance practice, I have managed to achieve:

2 huge bruises - 1 knee cap each
2 huge lumps on my poor spine
1 abrasion on my right foot
2 horribly aching thighs

and many more poorly functioning body parts.

The stupid choreographer? Me.

What am I doing to myself??!! *urgh*

So now I look spasticated walking up and down steps. *haha* Walk past me and you'll hear "ouch. ouch ouch. oww..."

I can't imagine the rest of the dance man. I think I need to take old age into consideration when I continue my choreo ... sadded.

It's Valentine's

2008-02-14T00:02:00.004+08:00

Happy Valentine's Day my dearies ...

Although the origin of this love-ly day is debatable, the earliest recorded association of V-day with romantic love, according to my ever trusty Wikipedia, is:

"For this was on seynt Volantynys day
Whan euery bryd comyth there to chese [choose] his make [mate]."

~Parlement of Foules (1382)~ by English poet, Geoffrey Chaucer

I have had some interesting V-days in my life...I will always remember the $5 huge red rose with a funky smell. I wonder why... *heh* I also remember how we used to exchange gifts and 'lil notes in K.C. *geez* Those days feel so long ago when I was way younger man...*haha*

Well, I initially intended to catch the new movie P.S. I Love You starring the brilliant Hilary Swank on my own this evening. I mean, I really thought it'd be cool. I wondered if I would get stared at in the cinema. A lonesome girl watching a sappy love story on V-day. *heh*

Alas, Kenny made plans. Really sweet plans might I add. Although much has happened, I'm looking forward to it. He has put a lot of thought into it and I really do appreciate it. :) Thank you Mr. Wong for all you've done. A million Thank Yous will never suffice. Tomorrow, we'll toast to new beginnings and eternal happiness ya?

To all my darling bimbos and close ones, Happy Valentine's! From my personal notebook,

Appreciate the one close to you for you never know when you are going to lose them.
Kiss like there's no tomorrow. Share the passion.
Live each day together like it's your last.
Loving someone is wanting what's best for him.
Never part with hurting words for he/she might remember those words as their last.
Stop, hold hands and count the stars. Beauty's all around. Appreciate it.

Just because a person doesn't love you the way you want him to, doesn't mean he doesn't love you with all he has.

Always remember and never forget.

Urgh!

2008-02-12T16:22:00.000+08:00

I HATE NUS BUS DRIVERS!!!

Okay, now that I have gotten that off my chest, I can write rationally.

Let's see, around 2 weeks ago, a bus B driver refused to stop for me even after I had flagged him down from a reasonable distance thus causing me to be extremely late for class. You see, I had already waited 20mins for the bus and here he comes along, ONLY TO DRIVE PAST ME!!!

Today, HE REFUSES TO LET ME OFF THE BUS!!! Okay.. it is probably not the same driver (can't tell since I didn't see the first time did I) but still!! I mean, I pressed the bell, I was trying to squeeze my way out, he closed the door so I pressed it again AND HE DROVE OFF!! Even the people in the bus were half laughing... grr...

So for the next stop, multiple people pressed the bell.. *haha* You see, I wasn't the first victim. Prior to my stop, he jam braked down the slope causing a few people to fly. But at least that dude managed to get off, albeit further down than expected. *haha*

You know what? I am sure if I started a petition on getting safer NUS internal shuttle bus drivers, I'll need to go online to save an entire forest. Goodness ... com'on NUS ... Keep campus safe man!

Just a song

2008-02-11T03:16:00.000+08:00

You know how sometimes you're just staring out the window watching faceless shapes past you by when you hear the ending words of a song trailing off and realize how much the song that you weren't really listening was actually speaking to you? Well, I do. Just a few hours ago on my way back to school.

Interestingly, I used to say it to someone a long long time ago. Guess the world really is round.

Now, I don't want to lose you

but I don't want to use you

just to have somebody by my side.

And I don't want to hate you,

I don't want to take you

but I don't want to be the one to cry.

And that don't really matter to anyone anymore.

But like a fool I keep losing my place

and I keep seeing you walk through that door.

But there's a danger in loving somebody too much,

and it's sad when you know it's your heart you can't trust.

There's a reason why people don't stay where they are.

Baby, sometimes, love just aint enough.

Now, I could never change you

I don't want to blame you.

Baby, you don't have to take the fall.

Yes, I may have hurt you, but I did not desert you.

Maybe I just want to have it all.

It makes a sound like thunder, it makes me feel like rain.

And like a fool who will never see the truth,

I keep thinking something's gonna change.

But there's a danger in loving somebody too much,
and it's sad when you know it's your heart you can't trust.
There's a reason why people don't stay where they are.
Baby, sometimes, love just aint enough.

And there's no way home

when it's late at night and you're all alone.

Are there things that you wanted to say?

And do you feel me beside you in your bed,

there beside you, where I used to lay?

And there's a danger in loving somebody too much,

and it's sad when you know it's your heart they can't touch.

There's a reason why people don't stay who they are.

Baby, sometimes, love just ain't enough.

Baby, sometimes, love... it just ain't enough.

~Sometimes Love Just Ain't Enough~ by Patti Smith

Irked.

2008-02-09T04:38:00.000+08:00

It's 4.38am and I'm frigging tired but I had to say this before I went to bed.

It's the Chinese New Year holidays in Singapore at the moment and it's the first time in 4 years I am actually back in hall so early. Well, I came back for a steamboat dinner with my Middle East trip peeps and after a long dinner, I looked forward to returning to my comfy room and shower (Abhi said I smelled like prawns). Unfortunately, I was greeted from afar with wifts of garbage smell. Or rather, the sour smell of the kitchenette multiplied ten folds.

Now, you must know this. I am not being nationalist in this post. See it from my point and you might understand. Do keep in mind that many residents have returned to their homes be it in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia or Vietnam. However, there are some who do not return for their homelands are just too far away to justify the air ticket price. Now, it is these people who remain behind that are starting to piss me off (if it hadn't already started a few years back).

Firstly, is it so difficult to clear your Subway wrapper from the sink? I mean...com'on! Just that little piece of paper which you dropped in ended up preventing many others from using it. The idiot who used it without clearing the paper however, ought to be shot more.

Secondly, I never thought I would be able to smell the kitchenette/2nd floor rubbish from my corridor. I can't tell which one is the smell coming from as they both smell equally bad. I had the misfortune of having to use the kitchenette to clean my steamboat pot. I swear I nearly puked upon entering the kitchenette! Gawd knows who could have made it smell so sour man...and the rubbish piled high at the nearest dustbin...don't get me started.

Thank goodness the 3rd floor toilet still looks and smells decent man. People, don't you realise aunty takes a holiday during this period too? It amazes me to think I only left hall late on Tuesday and 3 days later, my block has deteriorated to this state. 3 days!!! And the amount of people left in hall is 1/3!! It's easy to do the math and use one's common sense to guess where (or rather whom) the mess is coming from.

Sigh ... disgusting.

Singapore Reflections

2008-02-01T19:35:00.000+08:00

Lately I've discovered joy in exploring various parts of Singapore. So far, I've conquered West Coast Park, Clementi Woods Park, MacRitchie Reservoir and Mount Faber Park. It's been very interesting discovering these lovely bits of my country. The most amazing part of these places, they're isolated. It's been really hard to find places here where you can just be alone with nature to reflect. When I was on top of that viewpoint in Cameron, I was just thinking Sg should have more of such places - cool weather, great view and NO MOSQUITOES! I have apparently discovered some of such amazing places. :)

The last few weeks have been rather...eventful to say the least. I have lots to think about and decide on. During these 'alone times', the weight on my shoulders that I carried gets to be put down, even if only for a few hours. Recently, I have been so so tired that for one period, I suddenly stopped feeling and become really numb. Thinking back, the feeling is rather scary.

So these times are for one to self-reflect on the meaning of life and what the future holds for one. Sounding so philosophical eh? :P But I am sure many would agree on the necessity of such periods where you do not have to act or hide who you are, not worry about getting criticized for your actions and not be answerable to anything or anyone.

For those who do, let me introduce some places in Singapore that I would personally recommend:

~very old picture of Clementi Woods Park~

~MacRitchie Reservoir~

~Lovely view of MacRitchie - my favourite~

~Paranomic view from Mount Faber~

~a lovely place to chill except for the many couples~

~the view @ West Coast Park~

I know the pictures above don't exactly do the places justice and I am too lazy to photoshop. Unfortunately, during my little exploration trips I did not exactly consider bringing a camera along. I mean, it wasn't really a priority ya know. *haha* So you peeps will guess hafta imagine the wonderful views, the calmness in the air and the breezes that lift your spirits...oh. and the silence that isolates you from the world. It's beautiful...

I'll definitely be conquering the rest of Singapore in time. I just have to find ways of using my 'kar' to get there. *haha* I can also then comment on the mosquito problem in various places at different times here. :P Some tips to remember:

Visit during late evenings or nights unless you intend to become roasted meat
Do not travel alone at night
Bring a blanket for your bum especially if you intend to stay for long
Bring sufficient cold wear when out till late
Bring some water as you never know how many steps/slope you'll have to climb
Bring your trusty handphone for music and emergency calls
Appreciate the sounds of nature, the cool winds, the stars and most importantly, the moon.

Till then, tour guide Penny out.

Thank You

2008-02-01T17:40:00.000+08:00

To my dearest friends,

Thank you so much for all your love and concern these past few days. I know my blog has turned rather emo and it kinda sucks to read my past few entries. I guess writing such posts will definitely garner some attention and I wasn't writing it for pity's sake. I was trying to be truthful to myself and writing's my way of expression.

To those who bothered to read, thank you. To those who offered care and concern, I love you guys.

To Fudge and Vik, you guys are unexpected supporters of this lost cause of me. Thank you for those simple words for though they may not be much, the meanings they carry go a long way.

To my dear girlfriends, your messages and calls are very dear to me. By your understanding and love, I have been comforted.

To Jon, thank you for just being there. For listening and being my confident, for being the only one to hear it all ...

Honestly, I've never felt so loved before. :) I mean...K told me before: "If you do not want people to disturb you, do not put sad nicks on your msn." Then I said that even though I'd done it in the past, people don't really message me. This time, I haven really changed my msn nicks that often but I guess my blog speaks more than enough. And the concerns I've received ... well, let's just say I'm getting stronger with them. :)

I never got the chance to say thank you to these people before so I guess it's high time I did. Don't worry my lovelies, I'm getting better. Hopefully, I'll soon put all these behind me and grow happier. Despite not knowing all my troubles, the very fact you all cared will mean the world to anyone.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

It's not easy

2008-01-30T16:27:00.000+08:00

It's not easy...

I thought my well had run dry. Yet, when I read your deepest thoughts, water seems to come from deeper reaches to fall. The joy and pain it brings to see and feel what you're really thinking...it is a roller-coaster ride indeed.

Penny you have done well. You have chosen an absolutely brilliant way to start this new year. 1 month of sadness and happiness, of pain and joy, of tears and laughter. Emotion riding high and low...from uncontrollable tears to outbursts of laughter, from heart wrenching moments to pure numbness.

It's been just too tiring. My choices and thoughts do not leave me alone, constantly hanging over me like a dark cloud. It has reached the point where I have difficulty acting already. I used to be able to hide it so well. Now, all around me are asking if I am okay. It must be getting more obvious the toll it has taken on me. Yet, it is I who have chosen this path. And it has to be me who ends it all.

In the past, I had the courage to make the decision. Why is it failing me now? What am I so afraid of? Why can't I decide? What more do I want from the people around me? Why do I choose to drag and hurt?

What's wrong with me?

Talking to K last night, I realized I have changed. I'm superficial, fearful, selfish and just like one of them. I do not want to be like them. I pride myself on not being one of them.

What's wrong with me?

Growing up

2008-01-27T12:02:00.000+08:00

The smell of your skin lingers on me now
You're probably on your flight back to your home town
I need some shelter of my own protection baby
To be with myself and Center, Clarity
Peace, Serenity

I hope you know, I hope you know
That this has nothing to do with you
It's personal, myself and I
We've got some straightening out to do.
And I'm gonna miss you like a child misses their blanket
But I've got to get a move on with my life
It's time to be a big girl now
And big girls don't cry
Don't cry

The path that I'm walking
I must go alone
I must take the baby steps 'till I'm full grown, full grown
Fairytales don't always have a happy ending, do they?
And I foresee the dark ahead if I stay

I hope you know, I hope you know
That this has nothing to do with you
It's personal, myself and I
We've got some straightening out to do

And I'm gonna miss you like a child misses their blanket
But I've got to get a move on with my life
It's time to be a big girl now
And big girls don't cry

Like the little school mate in the school yard
We'll play jacks and UNO cards
I'll be your best friend and you'll be mine Valentine
Yes you can hold my hand if you want to
'Cause I want to hold yours too
We'll be playmates and lovers and share our secret worlds
But it's time for me to go home
It's getting late, dark outside
I need to be with myself and Center, Clarity
Peace, Serenity

I hope you know, I hope you know
That this has nothing to do with you
It's personal, myself and I
We've got some straightening out to do.
And I'm gonna miss you like a child misses their blanket
But I've got to get a move on with my life
It's time to be a big girl now
And big girls don't cry
Don't cry

~Big girls don't cry~ by Fergie

Dear Jesus

2008-01-26T18:48:00.000+08:00

Jesus take the wheel
Take it from my hands
Cause I can't do this on my own
I'm letting go
So give me one more chance
To save me from this road I'm on
Jesus take the wheel

Oh I'm letting go
So give me one more chance
Save me from this road I'm on
From this road I'm on
Jesus take the wheel
Oh take it take it from me

~Jesus, take the wheel~ by Carrie Underwood

To You.

2008-01-24T18:37:00.000+08:00

I seem to be playing this game.
I say and do things that push you away.
Yet, all I want is for you to hold me close.
Just like the way you did before.

Nicely fitting into your arms.
Talking with hearts open and walls falling down.
Making known what was felt before.
With a bright full moon as our only witness.

I miss the feel of your hands.
I miss the warmth they provided.
I miss the care you showed.
I miss your kind smile only meant for me.

Once again I'm taking myself back in time.
To a time when it was all wrong.

Space

2008-01-23T03:51:00.000+08:00

Starting on this journey of self-discovery, 1 month I have given myself.
To find the necessary answers, to alleviate all fears and worries.
To allow all to move on, to allow all to find each's happiness.

All I'm asking for is some space, to find my answers.
Answers to so many questions slowly raised over the past few months.
Questions that have eroded my self-belief and confidence.

Not allowing myself to breakdown, to fall.
Blindly insisting on being a stone wall, I realize there's no end to it.
When will I stop lying to myself and being blind.

One day I'll have to face it all.
No more stories to tell, no more faces to hide behind.
One day soon, I'll allow myself to stop pretending I'm ok.

In the meantime, I'll suck it up. It's Life.

Road Trip

2008-01-21T03:04:00.000+08:00

Holiday Part II
16th & 17th Jan '08
Port Dickson - Cameron Highlands - Malacca

In attendance: Abhinav, Lianghan, Michelle & Penny

Nt: Travelling with four photo-adversive people makes photo-taking a challenge. This was the best we could do.

~Abhi - Car provider & Main driver & RM provider~

~Lianghan - Backup driver 1 & Cameraman~

~Michelle - Backup driver 2 & Navigator~

~Penny - Permanent Backseat Passenger & Camera Provider~

It started out as a desire to travel once more with the Middle East peeps before school starts. As known procrastinators, we naturally dragged the planning process till the semester started. Finally, the group decided to only have our mass holiday during the mid-sem break.

However, my dear Abhi decided to pursue our dream of holidaying by suggesting a short road trip to savour the good food across the Causeway. Roping in three others, we finally embarked on what was suppose to be a simple trip.

It was amazing I actually convinced my mom to let me go. Or rather, I insisted my way through. Well, I can't blame my mom considering, we had no idea where we were going (I mean..we consider PD and Malacca but ended up at CH) and we had no idea where we were staying. We only knew we wanted out. The night before departure, we did not even know if we were confirmed going. *haha*

So yea...the very exciting 2D1N simple trip in simple sentences:

Abhi drove rather quickly to PD where LH & I didn't really feel the room rates were worth it. Michelle suggested Cameron Highlands so we all said "Go!" We had lunch and got into a car accident that left Abhi S$120 (plus S$2k more to replace his back sensor and bumper) poorer.

We arrived at CH safely and picked the Century Pines Resort cause LH stayed there before. We stayed in a Duplex Suite for 3 which costs RM410. The double-storeyed apartment was really nice! We had a lovely night outing at the road shoulder in the middle of nowhere (cause we missed our initial destination Blue Valley) with the backseat all huddled up in comfy blankets and pillows. We also had a bag of spoilt pineapples which killed Michelle and a bottle of spoilt wine which gave Abhi double vision.

We spent the next morning plucking big red strawberries for Michelle and Anderson.
We visited the BOH factory and climbed to its Viewpoint. With a beautiful view, cool weather and nice company, I lost myself on top that boulder. We ran out of ringgit by the time we reached the BOH factory cafe as only Abhi changed money, a mere SGD200. Lunch was therefore some tuna sandwiches and water for me. :)

Payment for tolls on the way back was true excitement as we never knew if we would run out of RM. Happily snoozing on the way to Malacca for dinner, the right back tire burst. *haha* So we ended up changing tires in the middle of a very windy nowhere with huge scary trucks speeding past.

With a fresh tire, we all piled back in only to find the fuel gauge at E - empty. *hmm* So we had to off the A/C to conserve energy as we did not know when the next petrol kiosk was. Thankfully, we were saved. Alas! No cash. *haha* Michelle and her credit card to the rescue.

So we finally made it to dinner at Malacca at 9pm after stopping at KLIA to change money. On the way home, I told Abhi, "This definitely felt longer than 2D1N man..."

The details above and the rest of the trip can be found in the photos here.

An eventful trip indeed...looking forward to Holiday Part III. *hee*

So many questions...

2008-01-21T03:00:00.000+08:00

What is it I am looking for?
Where can I find it?
When will I stop looking?
What am I doing?
Why am I so confused?
Shouldn't it be so clear?
Isn't it clear already?
Why am I being so choosy?
Why should I be choosing?
Why am I running?
What am I running from?
Where can I run to?
When will I stop running?

STOP!

I just want to rest.
No, wait.
I am still running.

K-craze

2008-01-14T14:09:00.000+08:00

Recently, my family has been buying Korean drama series for my mommy to watch while she's in Thailand. When she returns, we get to watch them too. So far, I have completed My Lovely Sam-Soon and My Girl. Now, I am rewatching with K the latter series as I happily completed it without waiting for him. *heh*

The show's about a girl who's utterly brilliant at lying and has even developed basic principles to be an expert lier. She gets 'hired' to be an imposter, pretending to be the long-lost granddaughter for this guy's dying grandfather who is the owner of a few atas hotels. So long story short, grandson and fake granddaughter fall in love and the real granddaughter gets found and everyone lives happily ever after. Well, not all. Poor grandson's best friend who likes fake granddaughter too. I think I just killed the story. :P

One of its song is my current favourite but it's near to impossible to find an English translation of its lyrics. Anyone knows Korean?

Anyway, I'm leaving you with a little clip stolen from YouTube on this show with my favourite song. Enjoy!

~scenes from My Girl~

2008

2008-01-14T13:28:00.001+08:00

So, it's the start of the New Year and another school term. My last school term to be exact. I am feeling loads of stuff at the moment and decided it might be good to pen them down. Maybe I might just be able to sort out my thoughts in the process ...

For the last few weeks, I've been battling the cough/flu illness and a basket of emotions. I did finally managed to get a good night sleep last night after more than a month of short restless sleeps with much on the mind (and throat). I believe K forcing me to switch my phone to silent mode is an utterly brilliant idea. However, sadly, I have once again lost my sense of taste today morning.

Regarding what I did succeed in destroying, I just want You to trust that while I am trying to be as honest as I can, I really did do what was best for us. I know my reason sounds like crap and even I have trouble believing in it. Thank you for trying to understand. I still feel the same about you. For the past few days I've not been alone and it's been easy to hide behind company. Last night, when all was quiet and finally I was with myself, I told a friend how I truly felt and only then could I fall.

나는 유감스럽다

On a less emotional topic, I'm starting my last school term with a crashed com and being one technical elective short. Will be trying to appeal for it and if I don't succeed, well, I'll just have to join the next graduating batch then. :S scary... Modules for this semester:

FNA1002X Financial Accounting

BSP1004A LegalEnvironmental of Business Law

ME4101A Bachelor of Engineering Dissertation (aka FYP)

and hopefully ME4261 Tool Engineering

My FYP is quite stuck at the moment. My JC student helping me during the holidays managed to get some progress with the questionaires but even those are pretty slow going with only 1 respondent at the moment. My scans are not moving as TTSH is slow in replying and the software has not yet arrived in NUS. Which means I am only left with 1 thing to do, visit the software company to get some learning experience first. At least my Prof has pushed back the deadline for the interim report for me. *sigh*

And I still owe BINGO a 4000 word report and the accounts.

So, 2008 will be a very exciting year for me considering how it has started. I will be graduating come July and just maybe, I'll find myself working in the exotic Middle East. That would be interesting ya? Realistically, I'll be glad just to get a decent job that I enjoy. My new year's resolution is simple: self-development. Hence the choice of modules and my plan for the year. I have dropped all my teaching assignments to leave time for myself. I intend to take up yogilates classes with K at PSA Club, relearn my drumming for PhoenixFest, join as many dances as I can, choreo for Uncensored, hmmm....it does seem I will have a very busy 2008.

Oh oh! And my sister is finally GETTING MARRIED!!!!! I get to be a bridesmaid!!!! And as a dutiful bridesmaid, I really need to convince her that more than 1 dress is needed for a wedding day man..

Maybe Tomorrow..

2008-01-14T02:11:00.000+08:00

A friend introduced this song to me not too long ago.

Now I understand.

I've been down and I'm wondering why

These little black clouds keep walking around

With me

It wastes time and I'd rather be high

Think I'll walk me outside and buy a rainbow smile

But be free

They're all free

So maybe tomorrow

I'll find my way home

So maybe tomorrow

I'll find my way home

I look around at a beautiful life

I've been the upperside of down, been the inside of out

But we breathe

We breathe

I want a breeze and an open mind

I wanna swim in the ocean

Wanna take my time for me

All me

So maybe tomorrow

I'll find my way home

So maybe tomorrow

I'll find my way home

So maybe tomorrow

I'll find my way home

So maybe tomorrow

I'll find my way home

Maybe Tomorrow by Stereophonics

NUS BINGO Middle East trip 2007

2008-01-05T16:59:00.000+08:00

NUS/TIP BINGO Middle East Trip 2007

7th Dec 2007 - 1st Jan 2008

UAE-Qatar-Egypt

This was history in the making as never before has BINGO ventured so far and for so long. I am also positively sure, never again will it experience such an exciting journey. The final trip comprised of 5 legs: Dubai - Qatar/Dubai - Dubai - Egypt (Luxor & Cairo) - Sharjah. In every leg, the team experienced its fair share of highs and lows. I am sure if you took my blood pressure at the start of every leg, it would be off the roof.

Just a low down on the trip, the team is made up of 21 peeps including 1 ever youthful teaching staff, Anderson. *heh* The 20 other travel mates of mine will probably be the most competent batch of people I can ever work with. They each have their unique strengths and attributes and without each, this trip would just not be the same.

I have so much to say to each of them yet when it came to my turn during the last parade, words failed me. My "speech" was so superficial, I didn't even graze the surface of what I had to say. So, I think I owe each one of you a special email. :)

Thinking back on the trip, I am amazed at how we dealt with each obstacle thrown in our path. From finding out we had no visas to Saudi and Qatar on the day of departure, landing in Dubai with no accommodation, transport nor itinery, spilting the group during the trip, switching cities in the midst of the trip to landing in Egypt with none of our luggages, we survived it all. As treasurer, there were times I really felt I should just burn all the accounts *heh* but I survived it too.

I have learnt much on this trip: firstly, money is literally flowing out of the region. However, although money is really cool to have, even with all the money in the world, you can never breathe life into the lifeless. Dubai is progressing really quickly and has much opportunities to offer yet, I felt more at home in Qatar and Egypt. The people were friendlier and there was soul to the place. And honestly, the Burj Al Arab is nothing great really. Majestic yes, worth staying in...no.

Spending Christmas Day at the pyramids was quite cool except I was rather stoned from the lack of sleep on the overnight train. And I was in the company of other stoned or drunk travellers. *haha* But it was fun. What I did like about Egypt was that I felt as if I was staying in a living museum. Ruins and restaurants shared the same space as we passed by 3000yr old temples and columns every time we ventured out for visits or meals. History is part of the locals' everyday life and I do hope it continues to be so.

My most precious memories on the trip however, were watching sunrise with Angela, LH, chewy, angmoh & Yujun; going on a long walk with Michelle; nightly drinking sessions with Abhi & Nilay; talking with LH on top of a freaking cold hill in Egypt with its city at our feet; the last drinking session and the stupid games we played....and the moment we touched down at Changi airport. These memories I'll keep with me for life.

To those who shared those special moments with me, I too hope you'll never forget them. The future's bright for each one of us and I wish nothing less than the best for you. Hopefully, ten years from now, we'll meet again at the Burj Al Arab. :)

Another year older

2007-12-03T02:01:00.000+08:00

3hb Disember ialah hari jadi saya. :D (sorry, practising for my Bahasa Melayu paper later today)

The efficient (and utterly bored from studying) me has uploaded the pictures onto photobucket. Just click on the link. Unfortunately I missed out on the supper-inviter (Wenjing), cake bearer (TK) and all who crammed into my pathetic corridor... :D I'm sorry I couldn't take photos with everyone of you, thanks to Tommy Seetho who happily smeared my face with the nice mango mousse cake. *bleah* Hence, my dirty hands prevented me from photo-whoring.

A big THANK YOU to all who came down. I have never seen my corridor so filled with people before. *touched* Especially to those who came despite the exam period...*muak*

I still remember celebrating my bdae in hall used to be a sad affair. During my first two years in NUS, my birthday fell on the second last day of exams. Hence, there was really really very little people left, what more to remember my bdae. Then NUS pushed the semester back by 1 week. *hooray* Now, everyone's mugging during my bday. *haha* But hey, at least I get to hear really loud choruses of "Selamat Hari Jadi! Selamat Hari Jadi!" *hee*

~the cake buyer~

~glimpse of the party~

~Selamat Hari Jadi Penny~

It sucks. Period.

2007-12-02T23:36:00.000+08:00

"That-time-of-the-month": a time as feared in the mortal world as the reign of You-Know-Who in Harry Potter land. You know the cloud of darkness has arrived when your ever-loving girlfriend asks you THE question... "Do I look fat?" Another signal of the arriving doom is when your sister wakes up one clear sunny morning barking "Why did you eat MY egg??!!" Arhah! The arrival of the PERIOD and with it, the dreaded Premenstrual Syndrome (aka PMS).

According to usdoctor.com, PMS is a disorder characterized by a set of hormonal changes that trigger disruptive symptoms in a significant number of women for up to two weeks prior to menstruation. PMS actually covers, what experts believe, up to 150 symptoms including feeling "out-of-control", depression, sore breasts and uncontrollable crying spells.

A website dedicated to helping the clueless understand this medical condition, PMS.com, states that an estimated 70-90% of women suffer from various degrees of PMS. A further 3-8% unfortunate souls suffer from Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), where emotional symptoms are severe enough to disrupt their lives.

Some useful advice from these online sites (note: take them with a pinch of salt) ...

If you have tender breasts, STOP THE CAFFEINE. That also means no more chocolates... :( Oh. And wear a good bra *duh*
If you feel bloated, drink more water as this helps you flush out 'stuff' and reduces bloated-ness. At the same time, do reduce your salt intake.
If you have mood swings and are easily irritated, try exercising to increase the level of endorphins (aha feel good hormones) in your body. Another suggestion is have a warm bubble bath but personally, I think this wouldn't work. C'mon, we're bleeding damnit! I ain't sitting in no red-coloured bath. Sorry for grossing you out there..
And the all common pain-in-the-ass cramps/backpain - heat pad, paracetemol, yoga/stretching and a quirky suggestion: microwaving a sock filled with rice. :S A personal favourite of mine is chocolates but of course ... it's suppose to be bad.

Actual occurance of "That-time-of-the-month" follows a cycle which normally peaks on the 2nd day and runs off within the week. Irregular vs. regular period cycles are mostly a matter of genes and stress environment. Lucky them who can count off their cycle periods. I use my twin peaks as gauges. *heh*

But seriously, I really hate having periods. I mean c'mon...we spend 1-2 weeks having aches and depression, another week bleeding and cramping and the last week anticipating the start of the cycle all over again. Not much to enjoy there ya know...

Anway, I found something rather interesting on the Net. An old comic on Ms. PMS. Seriously...Unfortunately it didn't last past the 1st issue. *ha* To read more about the (mis)adventures of Ms. PMS, do read this link.

A good friend of mine once said, women suffer from PMS all the time: Pre, Post, Permanent. *haha* Well, all it takes is a little understanding, more patience and alot of heat packs guys...having said that, period really does suck. Period.

Binoculars Football - Hilarious

2007-11-28T01:10:00.000+08:00

I nearly died laughing at this video.. :D Fantastic examtime entertainment. Thanks Jootz. *heh*

turtle me

2007-11-26T03:10:00.000+08:00

Today's the 26th of Nov '07. It is now 3.11am. In 14 hours time, I will be sitting for my first paper - ME3261 Computer-Aided Design & Manufacturing.

Now, I am prepared for it but I am afraid I can't write fast enough. Wish me luck in that ya?

Alas, the exam period has officially arrived. Hence, the title. As it is, my posts have gotten rather sparse. Now, I think till I sound the alarm, any readers left should stop reading. Nah... I'm kidding.

After Wednesday, I've got four days to mug for me last paper so it's cool. :)

K's finally back from India. The sun was so hot, he's looking like one of the locals there. Then again, he's always been abit...burnt. :D I got a really pretty scarf from him (no time to take pics & upload) and stolen Crabtree & Evelyn toiletries from his hotel...cool. Penny's a happy girl.

Also, I had my first experience with THE Kamasutra from the land it originated from. It's kinda kinky actually... :P Unfortunately, K didn't get one for me. A good thing too...can't imagine my mom finding it in my room. And what more from K... *heh*

Come 3rd Dec, A VERY SPECIAL DAY!!!, I will be uber busy...what with packing for the trip, rehearsals for a major Networking event on the 6th and immediately rushing home to change and depart to the airport, I only hope I have enough time to spend with my dear parents and K.

Sigh...time time time...where did you go???

Anyway, to all helping me pack for the trip, a major MUACKS goes out to you all...my sis for shopping and help packing, Jess dear for her lovely clothes and shoes and darling Hui for her great collection of bags. :) Love you dearies...

RH FYSP : Talanto (τάλαντο) finals

2007-11-24T02:52:00.001+08:00

The winner of Talanto - Jack & his "piao liang nu sheng". :D

The Final Years DEFINITELY have talent. :D

warning: it's long

2007-11-12T22:15:00.000+08:00

Okay right. I apparently do not blog often enough to warrant visits. *bleh*

I'm a busy woman ya? So busy, I spent the entire weekend sleeping in and only managing 2 pages of my final term paper. *heh*

So what's Penny so busy with? Hmm..updates updates.

First up, school of course. Exams are looming ever nearer. 26th is my first paper and I've obviously not started mugging. Still left with 1 term paper and 1 project (and I'm sitting here blogging) ... but it ain't too bad cause I've got at least 1 week per module so it's cool.

What's taking alot of me time tho is the Middle East trip. Now, to the uninvolved-in-Penny's-life people, I'm going on a major school trip this Dec. TO THE MIDDLE EAST!!!!! *woohoo* To be exact - 23 days in UAE, Saudi, Qatar and Egypt! Hmm...Chirstmas in Egypt should be fun except they don't celebrate Christmas in Dec. bummer...I'm leaving on the 7th till the 30th so any orders, please place now. :D

~w the only Nov baby present @ Arab street dinner~

Then there was the BEP concert which happened thanks to birdie. Thanks bird!! Hope you liked your dim sum dinner treat. :) Click Five started it off with a few numbers that ended up an hour long. They really made me feel old next to all the screaming (young) girls. :( As for the BEP, Fergie's good actually...and hot. Pity the other three couldn't really hold a tune.

Bird forgot about a camera and I obviously do not have one, so we survived on my 2mp camera phone. *haha* At least you can see the stage... :P The 2 smart NUS undergraduates only thought of finding better seats in the last hour so here's the better view we got after a long long time:

~BEP with Where is the Love~

~the really cool inflatable monkey~

In hall, I've been really non-existent. Feeling a little out of place in my block with all the yr 1 girls and yr 4 boys. Where have all the female FYs gone??!! Oh wait, there aren't any. We are a sad batch.... BUT! We successfully pulled off "Talanto" - another FYSP. Congrats congrats...especially to Jack, this year's winner. To the clueless, "Talanto" is a talent competition organised by the final years. 1st prize's a $200 cash prize sponsored by us of course. :)

I did at least manage to shake my booty .. off which I had to blow some dust. Tommy & I choreo-ed the FY dance for "Talanto". Will upload the vid if I can get my hand on it. *wheuweet* Bird got loads of cheers that night. *heh* He was definitely an inspiration for future performances :P Our retro theme with You're the one I want off Grease OST was quite a hit I must say. :D

~our retro theme~

More pictures of "Talanto" on the way...

Other than school, Middle east and hall, teaching's another big part of my life. Thank goodness primary school exams are out of the way. Wednesday phonics classes do not end till later though. I teach Primary 3 and below and every Wednesday, poor Kenny has to face a grumpy me. Dealing with 4x 5-yr-olds is rather draining...but satisfying nontheless. :)

~the artwork of a 5-yr-old~

More importantly, last Friday I pre-celebrated Hui's 22nd @ MOS. Hmm...that was quite eventful I must say. The Ennies were Hui's supporting party and poor Harold didn't get to see much of the club. *heh* Shall not embarrase the poor babe any further ... she'll probably hear no end of it for a year. Friday's party was way better. Thanks Harold for all you did for my lady.. :)

Dear Hui, hope you enjoyed yourself. Happy 22nd and may you never end up the way you did that eventful night. :D Love ya darling!

~self-entertaining Ennies @ MOS~

~e burfday gurl @ New Majestic Bar~

~kisses for the princess~

~e lovely ladies~

And last but not least, I finally went for a much-needed hair cut.

~Ta da!!~

Talk about a long update...I'm tired.

Holiday II

2007-11-01T18:00:00.000+08:00

I seem to have had taken a hiatus from blogging. With 1 quiz, 1 term paper and 4 projects down, I finally have a little more space to breathe and blog. Unfortunately, I am still left with 2 term papers and 1 project. But that ain't stopping me from having fun. :P

In just 5 weeks, I found myself on another beach holiday. Ah...the simple joys in life.

Mind you, I worked mighty hard in the weeks before in order to prepare for five days of absolute R&R. Squeezing meetings, term papers and quiz preparations into a few days took its toll on me. Prior to setting off, I only slept an average of 4hours a night..

BUT! It was all worth it.

Somehow, family holidays never fail to comfort. This was the first holiday in a long time where it was just the 5 of us. No bfs, no gf, just us. It was time to catch up and just hang out. It might have been a good thing it rained so much cos we stayed in and played Scrabble or pickup sticks. :)

Unfortunately, people do not really fly all the way to Krabi to do that. Oh well, I ain't a mermaid so can't do anything about the weather there.

~enjoying my coconut~

The place's quite nice. A lot more developed and decent compared to Pattaya. The hotel we stayed in exceeded all my expectations too. Save for the poor view (of a construction site), it was worth way more than the $57 per night per room.

The most exciting part? Getting mommy into the water. All 3 siblings have never seen our mother so much as touch seawater so it was really sporting of her to go snorkelling!!! I am proud of her. :)

~mommy & papa~

So we had fun, sand and sea though more sun would be good ...

24th - 28th Oct 07

Krabi, Thailand

Pictures here

Another great family adventure...

Now, I just hope Dec can come faster ...

small achievements

2007-10-11T02:34:00.000+08:00

I'm proud of myself this week.

Day by day, I'm slowly crossing off my To Do list and for once, I am actually keeping up with my daily assignments.

I've not skipped any classes;

I've gone for all my teaching assignments, three times a week;

I've complete three MKT2413 projects - a total of 3200 words;

I'm up to date with my BINGO responsibilities; and

I've started work on one (of three) term papers.

All these little achievements at the cost of:

I've yet to meet Kenny this week;

I've yet to have dinner in hall this week cause it's either packed or on the go;

I've yet to sleep more than 6-7 hours a night;

I've yet to progress on my FYP;

I've yet to hmm....go out?

BUT! I did manage to watch 4 episodes of Tokyo Juliet though. 1 episode a day. No choice but to ration. :)

~Tokyo Juliet~

Can't wait for 24th Oct ...

MKT2413 projects submitted;
1 of 2 CAD/CAM term papers submitted;

and most importantly,

Krabi, Thailand - HERE I COME!!!

Oh, and Happy 30th month bu. hee.

#$@! NUS

2007-10-04T02:00:00.000+08:00

It's week 7 in good old NUS.

I've got 2 projects due next week and 2 term papers due the week after. I've got another term paper due after and exams start next month.

Then, there's my final year project.

The sheer size of my work is slowly creeping up on me. I'm trying very hard not to be afraid but how not to when I'm constantly too tired to work?

Each morning I seem to be dragging myself up from bed for school. I'm constantly rushing for classes, meetings, outings and teaching classes. The amount of time I spend in my room is lesser than the amount of time I spend on public transport per week. Yet, no work seems to get done.

I frequently hear:"Penny, where have you been? I've not seen you in such a long time!" Well, the truth is, I don't know myself. Oh, I've been here and there and about ... didn't you catch me? Sure we can meet! Just leave your name and the event details. I'll arrange a slot for you in my trusty diary.

Us undergraduates spend 5 months on holidays/breaks a year. Include the examination periods and reading weeks, we study for only half a year - 3 months a semester. In that 12 weeks, we are expected to accomplish the world for these pensyarahs ... sometimes, I really think they think we are taking only their module for the entire semester.

I'm trying damn it.

And I've officially just wasted the last 10mins blogging. Oh well.

These four walls

2007-10-04T01:54:00.000+08:00

Whenever I feel lonely in the early morning hours,

Whenever the burden on my shoulders gets heavy,

Whenever I feel these walls closing in on me,

Whenever my tears require a handstand,

I turn to You.

Hello, may I know who you are?

Holiday

2007-09-25T22:29:00.000+08:00

Lang Sari Resort

Pulau Lang Tengah

15th - 18th Sept 07

The Ennies first set off at 10.30pm on the Friday night for a long long 10hour bus ride to Kuala Terengganu where we will be meeting the other 4 at Merang jetty. The interesting thing about this trip? The 3 girls have never met each other and the 3 boys have been friends since they were 6(?) about.

Verdict on the holiday?

It was A.W.E.S.O.M.E.! :D

The island is lovely especially since I've never been able to see the sea bed beyond 10cm deep. Fishes were aplenty and I had my first ever snorkelling experience. We had to make 1 trip to Pulau Redang's Marine Conservation site. The shipwreck was pretty cool though rather frightening I must say ... only me and Ser Yik ventured there and there was a sense of gloom surrounding it. It really brought home the concept of deaths like in Titanic.

For those who warned me against visiting so late in the year, it only rained twice and both on the first two nights. Which was fine really, cause we had our nightly entertainments which involved F1 on the first night and whiskey coke+Jenga+cards+UNO every night. *hee* Kayaking and beach volleyball was the agenda for the 3rd day. While the guys were fascinated with Sin Yee's gymnastics, me & Ser Yik went exploring and rock climbing on our own. We made a stop at the only sundry shop on the island. *haha*

There are only 3 resorts and 1 convenience store on this little island which is sandwiched between Pulau Perhentian and Redang. A Coke can costs Rm3 at the store and Rm4 at the only watering hole. The beach at the Blue Coral is the loveliest but the resort's closed for a year due to management dispute. The beach's still open tho. Pity many of the beaches had loads of corals which made it kinda hard to walk on w/o slippers. They really should take a tractor to clear it off. *heh*

The people on the island's real friendly, probably cause there are so little of us. We stayed in the cheapest room of the cheapest resort on the cheapest island. Hence, the ants in the bed and temperamental heaters. BUT! The resort staff & boss were (except for a fat woman) absolutely fantastic! We were rather troublesome guests, always having a request for ice, cups, etc but Kenny's 'friend' & co. readily helped. They even allowed us to hijack their boat with noone on board!

Which brings me to our beloved boat - the Sarjen. It took us on all our snorkelling trips and delivered some of us home, albeit at a rather slow pace. Almost all of us took the 'Leap of Faith' - an approximately 5m jump off the topmost cabin on the Sarjen! Cool huh? :D On our group's 'spot', you could feel the wind in your hair, every dip and rise of the waves and spot flying fishes ...

~our beloved spot on the Sarjen~

Last but not least, I would like to mention the Big Belly Club. In attendance: (the newly elected) President Jian, Executive Members Kuan & Kenny and the Council Members (who have no voting powers sadly) Penny, Sin Yee and Ser Yik. Though I've only met some once or twice and some never at all, it's difficult not to be fast friends with this bunch. They're lively, friendly and shameless. :P I guess, given Kenny's character, it's easy to see why they can remain such good friends for so long.

So, TO OUR NEXT BIG BELLY CLUB HOLIDAY!!

P.S.: Try come to S'pore between 3rd and 9th Sept ...

~Big Belly Club~

To enjoy the adventures of the Big Belly Club, click here.

With love

2007-09-13T02:51:00.000+08:00

Can I freeze Time?

2007-09-13T01:31:00.000+08:00

"Time is what you make of it" K often quotes that to me when I'm supper stressed and feel like I'm racing against time to accomplish all I've got to do.

"It's just bad timing." I often hear this in relationship woes.

"It's amazing how time flies!" I totally believe in this. Especially when I'm in my 5th week in school and terribly lagging in work.

But you know my saddest relationship with Time ... is when it takes my closest ones away from me.

It's sad how the lack of time or bad timing can result in so little quality conversations shared and special outings planned. It's sad how with time, I feel me slipping away from you yet, drawn ever closer. For me, it's true that absence makes the heart grow fonder.

I've been so caught up with my race against time and my war in NUS that I've lost myself somewhere, somehow. To K, to my kids, to my family, I've changed.

Where is the girl that used to skip lectures and not finish tutorials so carefreely? Where is the babe who didn't care much for grades and only that the people around her were happy? Where is the girl who used to release her pent up frustrations through long tiresome complaints? Where has all her storybooks, movie-watching and drama serials gone? Where has She gone?

The nights are the loneliest. The cold ones, even worse.

Teamwork

2007-09-12T00:11:00.000+08:00

The word "teamwork" - everyone likes to quote it nowadays. It's the 'in' thing in all cultures, corporate and academic alike. Your resume should show it, you should have experienced it and it's supposed to be good for you.

How many really understand teamwork?

Is it about people relations and empathy? Or maybe it's just hard work and dedication? Many people have tried to study the dynamics and underworkings of teamwork. Gurus in this field have been sprouting out theories and concepts in the name of "TEAM".

I too have gone thru my fair share of such courses/camps. I've learnt about synergy, trust, listening skills, etc. However, it doesn't seem to be enough. Why are there times I find my patience running out?

I've learnt from a long time before, I can't work under a lousy leader. I may be anal but I seriously cannot handle incompetency. Everyone has their different working styles but some...just takes more getting used to I guess.

It's not too difficult to place yourself in another's shoe to understand and empathise. It's not too difficult to think of others when you pass certain comments or delegate work. It's not too difficult to be civil, courteous and yet efficient.

Sometimes, it is difficult to be a good leader. Especially when you have a #%^*$@! up team.

Life ain't gonna be a bed of roses. You like to party? Sure! But not when there's work to be done. You've got your own work? Well, so do others. It is not too difficult to take on a fair share of work. Do not always leave it to others to take the initiative or shoulder the responsibility. Stop looking down when work is being delegated. No one is always going to be there to work for you and clean up your mess. Grow up and be an adult. A responsible adult.

~Do unto others what you will others do unto you.~

Claim to fame

2007-09-04T22:10:00.000+08:00

My 2nd claim to fame:

Click on picture for full size

The Straits Times
Home Section Pg 7
3rd Sept 07

Remember my 3rd year design project which I blogged about last semester? Well, it's got its well-deserved recognition now.. :)

Unfortunately, I'm not mentioned nor featured in the article. Only my group leader Eric was. Hence, we're attempting to solicit a meal treat out of him for all the fame he's receiving. *heh*

Anyway, back to the chair ... it's due for mass production and commercialisation. *hooray* However, that does mean more work for the team as I do not think any of us are willing to drop our FYPs to take it back on...if only the offer came earlier on. Oh well...The chair's getting patented too!! *hooray hooray* Hopefully, we'll get paid. :P

Congratulations Team Velace! It's a well-deserved success... :)

On a sidenote, K got featured in the papers too! In the NewPaper that is. I can't remember which day's but it was about the Eusoff Hall's all-chinese takraw team. Although K's not from EH, that 's the team he plays with now. There's a picture of his 'funny' face. :D That's my 3rd claim to fame I guess...being his gf. *heh*

Ratatouille

2007-08-30T23:46:00.000+08:00

Pronounced Rat-a-too-ee, it's a story about a 'lil blue rat living his dream - a chef in great 'ol Paris.

Caught it in a cinema full of Merrill Lynch employees. They booked 4 cinemas at Engwah Suntec! The perks of working in a big big company ya? :)

Thanks to my dear Hui who got a pair of tickets free from her good pal, Mel... *heh* So two happy ladies trooped off to Suntec today, looking forward to a feel-good movie with free popcorn and drinks. And guess what we walked home with?? 1 Ultrasoft La Senza bra each! Well, they weren't free of course..

We were happily half-a-rushing to the cinema and I was commenting on how long it was since I last went to Suntec City (even the flooring was new to me) when both of us went "Ooh! 2 bras for $50!!" *zoom!* We were in the shop and out with a pair in barely 10mins. *haha*

The movie was quite cute really. No big surprise with the ending but there were some pretty hilarious moments I must say. And Pixar actually managed to make rats look cute. Hmm... but still, the idea of a kitchen FULL of rats?? Hmm (again)...

However, I am inspired. As the great Gusteau said: "ANYONE CAN COOK!" And so, Penny the Chef is born! *wahaha* Any tasters??

Panda me

2007-08-30T15:38:00.000+08:00

It's been one hellava week. Only into my third week of school and I am stressed. Feels odd to be the busiest ever in my final year where I have the least modules and no more hall activities. Hmm...

Anyway, I've apparently lost half my wisdom. Extracted one quarter of it and did surgery on the other to be exact. It's the 1 week anniversary of the loss of my 2 left wisdom teeth and I'm mourning its loss. Not so much for the fact that it's gone but rather the inconvenience they left behind. Considering porridge used to be one of my most hated dishes and that I love to eat... *sigh* Would show ya a pic of me swollen face but there are problems uploading from my hp.

Although I'm no longer half a chipmunk and considering I've not taken any painkillers, I should be thankful. But still...it sucks. My dentist asked me today, when I went in to remove my stitches, what were my plans for the right side. I just smiled at her. *haha* To go through all that again???!!!

So, I've still got 3 tutorials to do, readings to finish and my FYP which hasn't moved for the last two weeks. And I haven't even started on revision!!

I'm stressed. Gotta go be a mugger now. I love NUS.

Rag 0708 updates

2007-08-21T18:33:00.001+08:00

Found a short video of RH's float dance on YouTube. Unfortunately it's only the last part of a 5+min dance. Hmm...let's see if I ever bother to upload a completed version when I find one. *heh*

By the way, I have the Vidcom's Rag Dance 0708 video already so if you are interested I can send it to ya. Unfortunately, it's not been compressed hence the 1.2Gb size. *heh* Good luck to whoever wants it..

Bimbz

2007-08-20T22:00:00.001+08:00

Recently, my ladies were getting pretty upset about the lack of our supposedly weekly outings. I must admit, in the last four years, we have grown pretty apart. Granted, Hui and I have spent a considerable amount of time together last year but with the others, I have not been so fortunate.

When I first entered uni, I shut myself from my old life and spent much time building a new one. I have spent the last year trying to correct that mistake. With a little effort and some persuasion, I have been piecing back my life bit by bit. Last friday saw another jigsaw part finding its place back.

Regrets I have aplenty but not the time to dwell on them. Life's short - I've come to realize that, hopefully not too late. I've lost some really close loved ones and winning them back has not been easy. I'm still trying everyday to mend the wounds I've caused and maybe one day, we'll be alright.

It's not easy I must say, all the awkward moments and efforts needed. I'm sure you'll say it'll be worth it and I've been trying to tell myself that too. So, I promise you, my dear friend:

I'll try to be there when you need me.

I'll never turn you away in your time of need.

I'll do all I can for you.

And most importantly, I'll be there for your birthday celebration. :D

Never forget me.

Here's to my dear ladies, the closest companions I could have:

~3 years ago~

~stayover @ Swissotel: a night of revelations~

~lotsa love @ Jess's 21st~

~alien-ing around with e burfday babe~

~glutton pigs @ Hui's 21st~

~pretty ladies @ my 21st~

~what we do best: act cute~

~spastic girls and their hotpot~

~bullying Drey. as usual.~

~Last friday @ Vil'age :)~

So here's to slimmer, prettier and more mature bimbz. Love ya dearies...

Simple Joy in Life

2007-08-20T21:41:00.000+08:00

I finally visited a hairstylist in more than 6 months and I must say, it was really therapeutic. I had forgotten how comforting it was to sit in a salon and be seriously pampered. Now, to the clueless like a certain Enny who loves $10 haircuts :P a lady's love for hair and shopping therapy can hardly be understood.

I remember watching Legally Blond 2 with Joa and in the scene where Reese Witherspoon gave her speech which was injected with anecdotes of a woman's experiences, he was like >.<" and '???'. *heh*

How can I explain the feeling of being pampered ...

Upon entry, you are offered a selection of drinks which will be served in a pretty china cup. Your hairstylist approaches not long after and takes time to study your hair. He askes for your preferences, enquires how you normally wear your hair and finds out about previous treatments and cuts you had done. He recommends and suggests accordingly and the way he flicks and cuts easily puts you at ease. The shampoo boy does a pretty good job and his massages are really soothing. Last but not least, your hair gets styled and blown dry. You are now all pretty and ready to take on the obstacles for the day.

Boys, you get it?

When K heard the cost of the cut that really didn't change much of my hairstyle, he nearly fainted. *heh* Still, it was all worth it. No? :D

I'm right. No, I'm right.

2007-08-17T13:34:00.000+08:00

Everyone likes to think they are right.

Yet, sometimes, they clearly aren't.

But, doesn't that make you one of them when you think you are really right that they are really wrong?

Hmm...frustrating.

My famous butt

2007-08-17T13:21:00.000+08:00

Hey!! My bottom made it to the newspaper!! Yeap, I have a famous a**. :D

Check it out:

It's the middle one!! Haha...as for colour quality, beats me why everything's blue man. On Photoshop, everything's nice and sunny. :)

But the main point here is: Congratulations RH Float team!! Once again, our float has made it into the newspapers.. *cheers*

Rag photos

2007-08-16T14:24:00.000+08:00

Voila! All rag photos are out.. :D

For those ulus who aren't on Facebook or worse, have an account but did not invite me *tsk tsk* here's the link...

Unfortunately, the narcissist in me only uploaded relevant pictures so for the full album, use the Raffles Hall - BOP link ya?

Three cheers for RH Float!! *ya ya!*

Rag Day II

2007-08-15T03:31:00.000+08:00

It's mid Aug and it's still frigging hot!! Sitting down for a game of bridge in the supposedly cool night air, I still felt sticky. Sadded...

Anyhoos, some pictures from Rag Day's out so just thought I'd leave ya with another series of RH diary moments :)

~prep talk by naggy choreographer aka bus conductor~

~stoning in the night hours~

~creature babes with funky Joot~

~bad peeps attempting to murder bus conductor~

~Float dancers 0708 w costumers~

~Phoenix princess vs snake/dragon~

~Pose!~

Till more comes out, check out the RH link for other pics.

Rag Day

2007-08-13T14:02:00.000+08:00

NUS Rag Day

11th Aug 07

SRC, Padang

For the clueless, Rag day is when NUS puts up a grand float parade with dances, one from each hall and faculty. The purpose of Rag day is to thank the public for its generous contributions during our Flag day which was held on the 7th of Aug.

This year, NUSSU is proud to announce a poignent moment in NUS's history as it's our first time having it at the Padang. Previously, we were confined to the lovely NUS stadium. The reason for shifting it to the Padang? If I did not recall wrongly, it was to bring it closer to the general population.

Did it succeed? In my most humble opinion, I think it was absolute rubbish. Ah...before NUSSU decides to drop me as a great non-contributing member, I shall explain.....

This year marks my fourth year participating in Rag day, whether as a flower-umbrella opening freshman or as a dancing senior. I have thoroughly enjoyed my experiences with no credit going to NUSSU but all to the hard work put in by my fellow hostelites. Every year, without fail, the hostels' floats will be the ones that stun and amaze the audience.

This year, there was a drastic drop in the standards of ALL hostel floats. I wonder why. Was there ever a consideration to all the logistics involved in transportation and welfare? Aid was promised but was it ever delivered? Free buses that only come at specific times like an ungodly 4am (when the event starts at 3pm) doesn't seem like a great help you know...

This year, we danced in front of a crowd that had the sun in their eyes. You needed to ballot for a ticket to enter although the NUSSU website did say that there were standing areas aplenty. They however, failed to mention that you would be standing BEHIND the performance area which meant you could only see the butt of the float and nothing of the dance. Hmm.....so much for thanking the public huh...all I saw in the audience were NUS students and the President.

Which got me thinking: was the proposal to bring Rag to the Padang for the public or for the university itself? Granted, it is a very good form of publicity. But, was it worth it? Ask any hostelite and I'm sure you'll get a resounding No. I do not speak for all, but has any relevant authority bothered to ask for our most humble opinons and feedback?

The many many months of hardwork put in - to raise OUR OWN funds, to find OUR OWN materials and people, to make OUR OWN float, to settle OUR OWN logistical problems, to meet NUSSU's many (new) rules and regulations...all to have it called "NUSSU's Rag Day" on the banners.

Without even starting on the ridiculous rules set (like cancelling your performance if your truck breaks down enroute to the Padang) and the anal hostelites sent to check on your rule-fulfilling capabilities, it's obvious I'm disappointed.

NUSSU could be caught in the middle of it all, between us grumbling students and the Higher Beings but as a Student Union nonetheless, shouldn't your priority be our welfare?

Great ideas can only be followed through by willing participants. If you want your Rag day to be successful, you need satisfied participants. Miracles are almost impossible but small aids would have been greatly appreciated. The tents for performers were wonderful but my hall's floaters were at the Padang since 10pm the previous day for what? To wait for your twice-a-night shouts of "touch up!!"?

I really really appreciate all the efforts my hall's floaters have put in. Without them, this year's experience could not have happened. Thank you for making my final year this wonderful. It was indeed memorable, not because it was held at the Padang but rather, because you all overcame all the odds against us and produced THE float that made it to the newspaper. :)

studies studies

2007-08-10T03:18:00.000+08:00

In the midst of all the Rag Day preparations, bidding for modules have started. Two more semesters in NUS yet my general account is frigging poor, which is really sad as this means I am limited on my Mgkt options. :(

Anyhoos, I've gotten all the modules I think I should/want to take. Penny's academic committments for 07/08 are:

ME4101A Bachelor Of Engineering Dissertation
ME3261 Computer-Aided Design And Manufacturing
ME3263 Design For Manufacturing And Assembly
LAM1201 Malay 1
MKT2413 Marketing Research

Not too bad..considering I will be taking only 3 papers of which both TEs are openbook. :) Unfortunately the last paper falls on my birthday!!!! *boohoo* ar well, problems of being an NUS student.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to Saturday's Rag Day. My final one already??? Goodness, I am old.

Life

2007-07-31T03:11:00.000+08:00

The simple pleasures in life:

a packet of mini chocolate chip cookies and low-fat milk to take away my sorrows.

With the comforts of a loved one, there is nothing else to want.

Mini Cooper

2007-07-27T21:36:00.000+08:00

2 weeks ago, I had the luxury of sitting in Wee Wee's new car - a red Mini. *heh*

~w WeeWee & his new baby~

I can never forget the sight of poor Eric squashed in front. Apparently, if it has more than one pax, no aircon for its passengers. heehee....and with four, uphill's not a guarantee. Talk about a windblown experience.

We headed for Club St. It's a real nice place I must say. Lots of cosy outlets which are good for chilling outings. Ended up in a French wine place whose name I can't remember but it's definitely worth a return visit.

~w my 'wrong order' wine~

~e 2 gay SIA Engineering interns~

~what I do best - bully Eric *muahaha*~

~attempting a scandal~

~supper buddies~

So, that was my first Mini experience and my first time riding downtown with the wind in my hair. Rather nice supper outing I must say. :D

Harry Potter update

2007-07-24T02:22:00.000+08:00

Psst. It's arrived.

I'm fighting all sorts of temptation not to start reading NOW! *haha* To think it's just a storybook. hmm..

Anyway, to all potential spoilers out there: Don't you DARE come and tell me ANYTHING to do with the story. I'll seriously MURDER you....

Okies...nightey everyone. :D

Harry Potter

2007-07-23T11:00:00.001+08:00

I'm counting down the days till I receive my pre-ordered copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Yeah yeah, I know it's been released and all but my collector will only be able to meet on Thursday ma...and if you wanna borrow, join the queue. I'm the owner and even I am in the queue. *haha*

Hurry home to me.... :D

FYP

2007-07-23T10:51:00.000+08:00

I've got my final year project topic already and I'm thankful that at least my project title is self-explanatory:

MN10 An anatomically correct, kinematic model of the human torso.

That wasn't too difficult to understand was it? :) Now, I just pray the project includes the close study of the male species torso and in order to create an aesthetically pleasing model, hunkylicious male species to be exact. *hehe*

So ladies, if you see good-looking bods trooping out of my room, don't be jealous ya? Only problem is, where to find them in Singapore???

27th months on

2007-07-11T05:10:00.000+08:00

I've come to really enjoy the special ennies days out. Those intellectual outings, beach playtime and walks we had are starting to take their special places in my heart.

K's now on another work trip to Myanmar but before he left, we managed to squeeze in another special outing - a short trip to Cafe Del Mar in Sentosa to catch up on our books.

My current read - Star Struck by Pamela Anderson. Trust me, this is one good beach read. It is totally brainless and full of juicy sexy tidbits.

As you can see, he's supposed to be reading The 10-Day MBA but I convinced K to read the first chapter which was full of erm...action in a certain part of the house. Well, in Pam's case, various parts of the house.

~lovely sunset @ Cafe Del Mar~

I miss you bu. Hurry home.

And darling, Happy 27th Month anniversary.

Being Superficial

2007-07-11T04:31:00.000+08:00

When my mom first went to Pattaya to help my dad settle in, we bought a dvd set for her, a Korean drama - My Lovely Samsoon.

~My Lovely Samsoon official pic~

I have spent the last few nights watching it again with my mom and just completed it tonight. Now, what is interesting about this show is that the female lead is a chubby, not-pretty and very crude 30-yr-old woman. She's talented at baking and is desperate to get married (well, so is her mom).

Okay, the summary of the show: chubby girl ends up liking her boss whose ex (who is really slim and pretty) returns from a sudden hiatus to the US. A really handsome ABC also arrives soon after and behold, he is interested in the ex. Let me now introduce the characters:

~Female lead~

~Male lead~

~The Ex~

~The really cute ABC~

So, to cut a long story short, chubby girl ends up with cutie 1 and the ex ends up with the ABC cutie. However, throughout the show, I felt a little uncomfortable. This was the first show I'm watching where the girl who snags the lead ain't slim and pretty nor does she undergo any form of transformation to become slim and pretty. Thus, romantic scenes just did not seem as romantic as others...which got me thinking:

Am I so superficial? Has it come to be that only pretty girls and cute guys can have romance?

Alright, now is the point I foresee receiving hate mail but seriously, give it some thought: aren't the leads in romantic shows always good-looking?? Girls swoon over good-looking couples and that's what keeps ratings high. Of course in reality, good-looking couples are really hard to find. Trust me, I've searched long for a suitable partner :P

At the end of the show, I still felt better watching the second couple kiss than the leads making out. Sigh....and I always thought I wasn't particular about appearances. Who was I kidding...

A loved man

2007-06-26T00:17:00.000+08:00

To K's kong kong who passed on the 14th of Jun 07:

You led a life filled with love and laughter. For the short 2 years I've known you, there was never a time that went without humour and laughter.

You led a life by example that will be carried on by those you left behind. Seeing the love your grandchildren have for you, I have a renewed respect for you sir.

Those 5 days spent in Seksyen 17 have touched and inspired me. I strife to lead a life like yours - with love, respect and by example. I have learnt much from you kong kong.

I never stopped thanking God for giving me K and now I thank Him too, for giving you to him.

We know that if our earthly dwelling, a tent, should be destroyed, we have a building from God; a dwelling not made with hands, eternal in heaven.

~Corinthians 5:1, 6-10~

GSS - clothes, shoes, books & more..

2007-06-25T23:42:00.000+08:00

It's official - Penny has turned into a shopaholic.

The recent sales during the Great Singapore Sale (GSS) have been absolutely irresistable I must say! The day after my first round of shopping, I ended up with a bandaged ankle.

~bad ankle~

Goodness knows why but I do suspect it was from overwalking. *haha* Since then, I have gone for approx 5 more rounds but with no more injuries.

Since I'm too lazy to take photos of all my great bargains, I shall just give a rough breakdown of Penny's GSS adventures..

Shops patroned:
G2000
Blush!
Island shop
Gap
Tangs
YEN
Six
LaSenza
Mondo
IP Zone
37 Degrees
Mugigae
Osprey
Red2
Nichii
Joop
Fox
Nike

Types of great finds:

16 pieces of clothing

3 accessories

2 pairs of heels

1 wallet

1 backpack

1 bag for K

Total damage:

$564.10

(including the $190 hiking backpack)

uh-oh...considering my poor unemployed status, I negotiated a deal with my mom - all my shopping shall be my birthday pressi this year. *heh*

oh, am my family has finally started on the revamp of our living room. First up - a new 42" TV!! *woot* Pity it wasn't the 130" one. heh..kidding..

~introducing the new member of the Koh family~

Next up - a new sofa set and TV console. Courts Megastore, here I come....

Girls Nights Out

2007-06-12T15:39:00.000+08:00

Of late, I've been spending much (long overdue) time with the girls. Especially now that Jess's exams are over.. :) Congrats darling..

So, we stuffed our faces with sushi, went clubbing and just chatted. It's been a long time since we've been able to do that hasn't it. Looking forward to more girlie outings.. :) And may we have a successful clubbing session where all 4 of us are present and on time... *crosses fingers*

~for once, i'm not the glutton~

~a feast @ Sakae Sushi~

~Ladies night @ Zouk~

~hungry girls @ Cafe cartel~

~w Hui @ Gatsby party @ Zouk~

More pics here.

Results celebration

2007-06-07T14:08:00.000+08:00

The 26th of May was D-day for some...and I was expecting it to be one for me too. It was the day Mechanical Engineering Year 3 results were released. Unfortunately, that day was rather busy for me and I thus put off the checking till 27th morning. (Think I was just scared :S)

*drum roll*

Penny had her best result yet! Sem CAP: 4.0/5.0 *weehoo*

Okay, prob to many it ain't fantastic...but still...I'M HAPPY :D Dear K was the first to know (sorry for waking you up..heh) and he was real nice to take me out for a celebratory dinner @ Modesto's, Vivocity... *weehoo*

~the celebrant~

~the celebrator~

Now, only 2 more semesters to maintain...right....

men

2007-06-02T03:44:00.000+08:00

I've just completed me latest drama serial, Devil Beside You. Yeah, I'm into this kind of mushy love stories. Guess the draw is: they seldom happen in real life.

~Devil Beside You~

Which is my point actually...why don't they? Too much drama? heh. Well, ain't that what makes life interesting? Personally, I feel the most significant difference between reel and real life is, Men.

I ain't no feminist chick but having watched a few of these serials, I see no differance in the female characters compared to the average Jane Doe. Well, except for a few pretty facial features and body parts BUT that's not the point...all women act and expect the same on and off screen! But not the other gender...onscreen, their moments of sweetest simply makes your heart melt..probably cause the script was pre-written. In reality, they'll rather dig their hearts out than admit "no matter where you run or hide, I'll always find you. No matter what."

~one of many romantic scenes~

So what is it with men and sweetness? Tonight I tried to coerce tender and heart-melting words from a rather stoned and beer-ified K but hmm...it was a rather funny attempt. Anyhoos, he said that if he told me anything, it'll spoil the surprise. :) What surprise I have no idea but...that was kinda sweet in its own way I guess..

People say men are from Mars and women from Venus, hence the lack of understanding and communication gap between the two. Most of the time I can't help but agree...ahh...Love: a joy to some, a burden to others. Hard to live with it yet you can't live without it.

Like men.

A thai holiday

2007-05-29T21:49:00.000+08:00

Finally, the pics from my Thailand trip are available. Unfortunately, Blogger's been a bit screwed up and I have not been able to upload my pics proper. Hence, the rest of the pics are available on photobucket. :)

However, since it takes eons to upload online, the album will be in the process of completion over a few hours or days. In the meantime, here's the lowdown on me trip:

It was a tiring 5-day trip for the ennies as we spent much time in shopping centres and travelling to fill our tummies. The food in Pattaya was okay and the shopping centres were nothing great really. The beach wasn't anything to rave about too. So why do tourists still flock to Pattaya? Beats me..but the view from my dad's condo's really really nice. You literally wake up to a sunrise over the sea's horizon....sigh....

For the clueless, my dad has changed jobs and is now stationed in Pattaya, Thailand with my mommy for company. :) A perpetual honeymoon..hmm..maybe not for papa. :P So the whole gin gang (including the other halves) joined them last week for a short holiday.

My bro went earlier then my sis & David. Lucky them for I am told they had many afternoon naps and time to laze on the beach. My sis said that since me and K arrived, we've been super busy and by the time we reach back to the hotel, we're dead. "Goodnight Kenny" and *snort snort* are all K gets to hear from me everynight. heh.

But at the end of the day, although I had many complains throughout (sorry Ken for the constant noise I provided :P), I guess having time spent with the family was most important. Even though me and my mom had our disagreements (like why would I want to spend my holiday in Carrefour??!!), everything's cool now..and we did get to watch the Tiffany show... 0.0 trust me ladies, the day they are able to change one's voice, we women can retire from the face of this earth. Some of them are so pretty.......it amazed me!! And caused K's saliva to drip a drop or two. sigh...

Speaking of tranverstites, we visited a place called Walking Street. Think Geylang with a mixed variety of genders on a glamourised street such as Bugis Street. Moreover, the bar names are definitely photoworthy memories - Take Care Bar, Lucifer Disco & my fav..Pussys Galore. Hmm....and not forgetting the sign that read: "you will enjoy company with a round sexy girl". heh..I wonder...

Anyway, I've left Thailand with a little tan, a few prized shopping items and many memories...till the next holiday!! :D

~Jomtien Beach~

~Never knew so many kinky bars existed~

~our first dinner in Th~

~dining with the family~

Space - MY space

2007-05-28T20:39:00.000+08:00

Everyone deserves their personal space - to breathe and be themselves. Whether to poop, blech, embrass themselves, love or hate, everyone deserves their right for privacy.

So when are you encroaching on another's personal space?

Is it when the person starts rejecting your offers? Or start giving away your precious and thoughtful gifts? Or is it when they start giving unemotional answers to questions they never gave much thought to?

When do you find out enough is enough and understand the need for some distance?

When I was undergoing training in customer service, I learnt of the existence of an invisible circle drawn around every individual. It's not easy to enter this invisible circle, known as one's personal space. Beyond this comfort zone lies our inner emotions and actual selves. To bring another to such depths require much trust, faith and respect.

When feelings are changed or lost over time, those on the inside can soon find themselves on the outside. How then can they cope with their new status? Or can they even?

Too much efforts put into the relationship, too much pain endured over the years, too much at stake to lose.

Relationships - is Love enough?

2007-05-27T22:00:00.000+08:00

I realized in this blog, I have yet to enter an emo entry. Compared to previous blogs, I seem....happy. And I am. Recently, some relationships around me have taken beatings. From witnessing acts of betrayal to actual breakdowns, they have greatly saddened me.

I am a very lucky girl for my guy makes me happy. The more I see other relationships fail, the more I appreciate mine. Is it so difficult to make things work?

The building blocks of a relationship are simple - Love, Passion, Understanding and Trust. Or so I thought...why is it some can't get it right? They claim incompatibility...really? They say "he ain't understanding and accomodating enough", I ask "did you try to accomodate him"? I never believe one could find the Perfect One where both moulds would fit as one. I always felt relationships required some compromising and changes to one's expectations.

I always tell friends around me, we may be young but I thought we should enter relationships with a future in mind. If it ain't gonna work out, why waste our time? Maybe some would like to spend their youths playing before settling...it's a mindset that's beyond me. It ain't always about marriage, but if it's for fun or lust...then I don't get it.

A guy can make you happy now. He can pamper you with gifts, tender words and lots of attention. Can he sustain it or is it only in the honeymoon period? If he tires or changes, can you accomodate him? Do you appreciate all he does for you? Do you try to understand things from his point of view? And most of all, can each be filial to the other? Infactuations can occur - "that girl's hot...the guy's real nice to me..." - but will you remain pure of heart towards your partner?

Sigh...a loved one once asked me 7 years ago: "Isn't Love enough?" I said "No". It takes committment, devotion, passion and understanding to complement the "L" word. But most of all, Trust, which is sorely lacking in many of the relationships around me.

K once said: "To love someone is to want what's best for him/her". I'm trying to live by that everyday. How about you?

Updates

2007-05-22T03:55:00.000+08:00

After more than a month of abandonment, the great Penny has returned...heh. Thus the two entries to update me dear readers...

After one whole month of slacking, Penny has decided to get off her ever growing bottom and find a job. I think i've been rather efficient actually. In one day, I've got a temp AND part-time job. Hmm...looks like my holidays have returned to normal...busy busy busy..work work work.

24th-25th & 28th-29th

National Achievers Congress

Singapore Expo

Unknown job scope

Early June - June 07

Estee Lauder

Town Area (I think)

Sales Associate (Part-time)

Mondays

Tuition with Brandon

Buona Vista

Wednesdays

Phonics class with K1 & K2 children

Dover CC

Right...sooo need to cancel my accounts with the other employment agencies...Therefore, if you wanna book Penny, please leave your name and contact and she'll try to schedule you into her diary. :P kidding...but do book in advance. heh.

Leaving you with pics of my oh-so-cute cuzzies..

~Chloe & Bran~

~w Kookai~

~Penny by Chloe~

Special Outings

2007-05-22T03:15:00.000+08:00

A special post to remember special outings with special people:

1) Celebratory dinner with Team Velace

BROTH

1st May 07

(No photos unfortunately)

2) Hitting the long-forgotten clubbing scene with Hui, Eric and Wee Wee..

Phuture @ Zouk

2nd May 07

~w ma lady~

3) Ladies Night with K, Kok & Wan Jane, another couple (WJ's future flatmate)
Main Arena @ St James Power Station
9th May 07
(No photos but lotsa drinks..)

4) Sushi dinner w Hui, WC, Drey & K
Meidi-ya - Hui's house
15th May 07
photos here

5) Spider-Man 3 w K
GV Tampines Mall
15th May 07

~cool movie~

~one of my fav actresses~

6) Embarking on our first trip with the family
BKK-Pattaya on Tiger Airways
16th May 07
(More photos to come)

~in the cramped space @ 6.30am~

~amongst the heavens~

7) Catching up with an old friend :)
HK Cafe @ Siglap
21st May 07

~w Remus and part of his arm~

~testing his lousy photography skills :P~

Next up:

8) Long-awaited bowling session with WC
SAFRA Tampines
22nd May 07

they who matter most

2007-04-18T05:17:00.000+08:00

My family - a post dedicated to them.

My family loves to travel, not just to faraway places like Holland but also to good 'ol Pulau Ubin. And when we travel, we live by the motto: "When in Rome, do as the Romans do". Hence, the babi kuling in Bali (where we had absolutely no idea what we were consuming) and the ants-filled and unlockable-toilet-door tent in Batam.

We never stay in hotels of more than 4 stars; I've only been on 1 tour and we've travelled to more than 10 countries. The thing we love to do most as a family? Relax. Seriously, what my family does best is facing the great ocean or sitting in the backyard of a countryside inn with a great book in our hands. Well, other than my mom at least. :)

I love holidays with my family...counting down to the 16th of May 2007. Till then, I'll remember the great times we've had...

15th Jan 05

Pulau Ubin

Camping Trip

~pitching the tents~

~chef David~

~an idyllic life~

~food glorious food!~

~sis on the flying fox~

~my mommy too!! so proud of her~

~bro on the wall~

~a really looong trek home~

~a well-deserved break~

14th May 2006
Botanical Gardens
A holiday at home

~my siblings?~

~my parents on a romantic stroll~

14th July 2006
Ramunia
Holiday

~ferry ride from Changi~

~one of our past times~

~w grandma~

~my fav man w my fav fruit~

16th May 2007
Pattaya, Thailand
Here I come!!

Internship

2007-04-13T21:05:00.000+08:00

Today was a bad day: Bad cramps. Rush to print RH Ed issue 8. Term paper to complete. Sewing of wheelchair to be done. In the midst of it all, I received a call. The call I have been waiting weeks for...

"Hi, is this Penelope? This is Penny calling from Forever Jewels. It is regarding the Retail Management Trainee internship you applied for..." *weehoo* *jumps up and down!!*

oh yeah..oh yeah..oh yeah..

Yeah yeah..it's just an interview but still..... *grins from ear to ear*

Now, all I can do is pray. *crosses fingers*

Dang! I wish I really stuck to my Lenten fast......

Retail Therapy

2007-04-11T03:03:00.000+08:00

Me & hui finally went for our shopping trip yesterday! *weehoo*

1st on our agenda: a pressi for the ennies' 2nd anni & K's bdae. The month of Apr is when Penny is the brokest (if there is such a word) cos both the anniversary and bdae falls in the same month. Not including all the exam snacks..sigh...sometimes, I really wish I did print money...anyhoos, pics of the pressi (yes, Mr. Wong, there's only one cos i'm a poor student) is of cos not up as it has not yet been delivered. But rest assured, it definitely blew my bank account. *cry*

To drown my sorrows, I indulged myself in some retail therapy. Talk about making (financial) matters worse. But the two babes concluded: never mind how poor we are, as long as we got a good buy, we're happy girls. :D Which explains how I ended up having to survive the rest of the month on $70 only. heh.

~spoils for the day~

Bikini - $29.70

Necklaces - 2 for $14.90

Body mist from C&E - $28

Hp pouch - $4.90

Goldlion belt (not pictured) for K - $29

Total damage - $106.50.

Retail therapy experience - Priceless.

ME3102 - Team Velace

2007-04-10T10:21:00.000+08:00

It's been a rough 2 semesters for Team Velace but we've done it! Well, almost. Just a presentation and exhibition to go BUT, the jist of the work's done, on my part at least. :D So, to chronicle this remarkable journey, I have collated pics from the two resident photographers for this entry. Thanks Faz & Steph!

~busy Eric sawing metal~

~hard at work filing~

~building jigs for welding~

~sanding for finish~

~Operation Wheelchair~

~sleepy Penny at 9am~

~dismantled~

~4-wheel configuration~

~3-wheel configuration~

~Velace~

The team has got its ups and downs, moments of tension and of joy. The chair's been a headache but also a source of pride. We've gotten through all problems, physical and emotional. What counts, is that we've managed to finish a project tougher and more gruelling than others.

9am to 6pm
Tuesdays & Fridays
Manufacturing Lab WS2
Corner table

Goodbye...

lovesick

2007-03-29T16:27:00.000+08:00

Today is day 5. Counting down to Saturday to K's return from Myanmar.

It's only been a week and the last time I've missed him so much for such a short of period of time was when we first started dating. That was like...2 years ago! Maybe cause this time I don't get to talk to him at night? Gone are my daily closures...

This is so unlike me. haha...and I think I know why.

It's all because of the last Friday night we spent together. I've changed since that night. I sat up thinking about it when he had slept and had done so for a few days after. I've made some decisions and life-changing choices. I've matured. :)

Hurry home Mr Wong. I miss you.

Help needed!!

2007-03-28T23:38:00.000+08:00

Dear all, please help with this 3mins survey for my module GEK1030 Service Work: Winning Hearts and Minds.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=433493547448

There are only 10 questions that requires lots of clicking. No long answers required so no worries!

Help really appreciated.

Thanks dearies. :)

Post DU madness

2007-03-27T21:15:00.000+08:00

Dance Uncensored 0607

Your Heart's Desire

25th Mar 07

UCC Hall

Cool people are we;

Crappy management are they. *urgh*

~my stage of fame~

~and here we go!~

~Jootz and his cool poses~

~w dear Celine~

~what RH is famous for :P~

~our very own boyband *weu weet*~

~w pretty Mel~

~babes~

~Xiao's (horny) dancers~

~happy on stage~

~w Freda from EH~

~w darling Hui~

Thanks Drey for the lovely flower. :)

To Hui & Harold, PW & PM, Aunt Vero & family and MY FAMILY, thanks for all ya support. :D

Enough performances for the year...time to hit the books. *urgh x2*

A night to remember

2007-03-24T02:44:00.000+08:00

Had a lovely dinner with K last night @ Morton's The Steakhouse @ The Oriental. For those who have heard of it, you would know of its exorbitant prices. Goodness, when I first saw their menu a few weeks back, my eyeballs nearly popped out. A piece of ribeye for $84??!! If not for LL's generous $100 gift cert, Morton's would be on my to-visit list till I'm probably 40.

From the moment I made my reservation call, I could tell their service was exceptional. And it definitely did not disappoint. The staff really seemed to enjoy their work and their interactions with customers were just exceptional. You really can't help but have an enjoyable evening there.

Many things about that place stood out but these were the most memorable:

The huge warm loaf of bread served that seemed to feed more than the two of us.
The "visual" menu - fresh whole vegetables, lobsters (it was moving) and salmon were wheeled to your table to introduce you to their dishes. And this "visual menu" concept was applied to the alcohol and desserts selection too!!
The friendly banter and jokes cracked by the staff.
The warm chocolate cake that takes 30mins to prepare...yummylicious I tell ya...

~Morton's cosy interior~

~feast for the night~

~delightable sin~

~the ennies~

Thanks dear, for the wonderful dinner. And a night to remember. I will never forget my promise to you. I promise.

Birthday wishes

2007-03-24T02:36:00.000+08:00

Happy Belated Birthday Mei Kit!!!

~don't be deceived by the small no of candles~

~Pressis galore~

Held a surprise party for her the night before her actual birthday at Tummy's house. I must say his house is really big but super ulu....CCK man...

The Man Utd cushion from BY was a hot favourite and all her bdae items were courtesy of NUH. wahaha...

I had loads of pressis that day too....5 mosqui bites to be exact. *sigh*

Kaleidoscope of Dreams

2007-03-20T16:01:00.000+08:00

A Kaleidoscope of Dreams
Raffles Hall Dinner and Dance
16th Mar 2007
Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa Resort

An evening of great company, not so fantastic food and hilarious performances.

Another event to lock away in my RH memory book.

Looking forward to my final DnD in 2008.

~my personal makeup artist :) thanks babe~

~w FY Jian Ning and his bunny ears~

~ooh..Erwinnie lookalike!~

~w Kel~

~my annual "frightened" shot~

~Table 21~

I'll miss you Fish...

t@tty Bear.Inc

I wonder

Dance

Stuff on my mind 2

Stuff on my mind

UPDATES!!!

The Holidays Are Over! *boohoo*

Movies galore

Work Life

Christmas Shopping

Optimistic Frustration

After so long, where do I start?

Graduation '08

Random

The other kind of love

Berkelah Falls

It's been a while

Dance 4 Life

I learn

A thoughtful night

In a nutshell

Life Lessons

Birthday wishes

Tickle me funny

Life

Rest day

Yet again, I'm broken ...

Like a rose

Ouch.

It's Valentine's

Urgh!

Just a song

Irked.

Singapore Reflections

Thank You

It's not easy

Growing up

Dear Jesus

To You.

Space

Road Trip

So many questions...

K-craze

2008

Maybe Tomorrow..

NUS BINGO Middle East trip 2007

Another year older

It sucks. Period.

Binoculars Football - Hilarious

turtle me

RH FYSP : Talanto (τάλαντο) finals

warning: it's long

Holiday II

small achievements

#$@! NUS

These four walls

Holiday

With love

Can I freeze Time?

Teamwork

Claim to fame

Ratatouille

Panda me

Rag 0708 updates

Bimbz

Simple Joy in Life

I'm right. No, I'm right.

My famous butt

Rag photos

Rag Day II

Rag Day

studies studies

Life

Mini Cooper

Harry Potter update

Harry Potter

FYP

27th months on

Being Superficial

A loved man

The Holidays Are Over! boohoo