A simple night out.

It has been ages since I relived a simple dinner + playing games at the arcade.

On Friday, I reluctantly pulled myself away from the lappy and went to Jurong West St 91 for tuition. The last time I forced myself to yet another tuition was probably just a day ago. Sick and tired of the coffeeshop local delicacies, I invited my sister, brother and his gf over to JP for dinner after tuition. I applaud myself for making such a wise decision cause to me, that dinner was probably one of the best I've ever had in the week. I am well-known for turning up late these days due to overrunning of the tuition sessions 8 out of 10 times (Why do I give extra time, I seriously wonder?). Unexpectedly, I was the first to arrive at JP! So I went ahead to order two sets of the Korean BBQ while awaiting my family members.

Dinner was usual like anyone we have in the neighbourhood. Without fail, we gossip about our family with my DAD being the hot topic of discussion. However, details will not be divulged otherwise this entry will be seemingly long! So after dinner, we started to brainstorm for ideas for the after-dinner programme which was totally impromptu since Bro was on leave and he didn't want to head back soon. I suggested going for a movie so while walking towards the theatre, the joker of the day, MY SIS, did her usual stunts.!

Bro: "YAY! Harry Potter is coming soon!"
Sis:"Huh? Helicopter?!"

None of us could contain our laughter and burst out laughing. "Helicopter" and "Harry Potter" does sound alike in some sense but I conclude that she has hearing problems which she is aware of consciously! Movie timings were really bad with transformers all blinking in red and all other movies not to any of our liking. Though dejected, we decide to bite the bullet and head back home for a home-bounded FRIDAY night.! Fortunately, GOD bestowed me a "QUICK & SMART" brain so when we walked past the arcade, I suggested that we go play some games in the arcade, in particular BASKETBALL! My generous and easily psychoed Brother then had to part with $26 to buy us a game card worth $44, when he had already paid $20 to buy us durians the previous night.! LOL! The basketball game generated tickets which we felt was damn old-schooled since these days, almost every machine and item we use have been computerised. So, the 4 of us, whose age probably add up to 100 altogether, started to take turns to play basketball to earn the tickets, with "CHILDISH" sister enthusiastically pulling the tickets from the machine after every round.

Guess what we exchanged with the tickets? YAKULT! It was extremely hilarious. Imagine paying $26 to buy 4 yakults when you could simply buy 9 sets of them effortlessly.! Further, we were so engrossed that we missed the last bus home from the interchange and had to walk around 10 minutes to the bus-stop further away to catch another late night bus. Along the way, a mysterious shadow that my cousin witnessed during our family chalet a few days back then triggered a ghost-story-telling session along the way.

These moments made me recall my brother's 17th birthday when we did the exact same thing tog with BH after we had pizza hut as dinner as part of his celebrations. Looking back to 8 years ago, I realise I have grown so much older and I have forgotten the little things that will make me exhilarated like a meal at pizza hut, going to the arcade etc. Instead, it is my hunger to realise my dreams and ambitions that make me happy these days.

As I am sitting and typing this post, I am glad we had dinner and played arcade together. It made me realise that these little things that I used to fancy as a kid still thrills me these days especially when I am constantly being polluted by the cruelties of reality, the survival of the fittest ideology out in the bigger world embracing me and the pragmatism of the society. Further, the tightly knitted bond between my siblings and I always made me feel assured in everything I do because I know I pay no interest in borrowing their ears and taking their hand.

Also to my dearest cousin BH, I look upon you like a Sis too and I do not see how any petty and unimportant argument should affect us. So, do not brood over what happened. You've known me since the day I took my first breath on Mother Earth and spoke to me very since the day I utter my first sound. Words have no meaning and we put meaning into it and our interpretation of others' language often gets screwed up during moments of anger or impulse. So, if I have hurt you in anyway out of spite, I apologized! SORRY!

Family Chalet

Family Chalets used to be 1 of the most looked forward to event when I was young.
My mom will try to organise one every vacation.
As we grew up, the occurrences decreased exponentially.
Until in recent years, we picked up the old tradition once again.
However, we never live up to those days anymore.
Each chalet was plagued with quarrels, arguments, disagreements
I should not be pointing fingers at anyone in particular
Every bicker takes two hands to clap!
Nonetheless, I must say I did enjoy the recent chalet still.

Durian Eating Session..

At 6 am in the morning, all still fresh..

My nieces, cousins, sister and I ton through the night.
We played fun games like Rummy-O and Taboo.
Had a good sea-view by the chalet
Played captain's ball, "monkey" by the beach
All these games were part of our childhood memories
My luck wasn't that fantastic on the mahjong table,
But I was merely a companion on the table to my grandmother.
They watched my sky-diving video @ 6am in the morning,
And had a good laugh out of it.
Still, sky-diving ROCKS despite all the laughter!
Played Wii tennis, badminton, baseball etc..
But Boxing is still my favourite.!
It lets you vent your frustration
And it was good workout definitely!
I was panting away after two games

The lovely seaview and trying to act emo..

Playing MONKEY - Obvious that Carol is a lousy monkey!

..

Hereby, I would also like to dedicate this post to my two dearest nieces

Doe & Eefty.

I watched them grew up from being an infant till a teenager today.
At certain crossroads in life, we may have drifted apart.
However, the occasional meet-ups, stay-overs, get together and plurking sessions have once again narrowed the gap that should have been widening.
No one has any idea what lies ahead of us in the near future.
But the constant warmth that radiates from you guys make my days.

It doesn't matter to me if I have to spread bread for you occasionally.
Cause I know respect is not shown in the form of ordering people of a lower rank than you to do things.
At least it really warms my heart each time I request for a sip of your drink or a bite of your food, you'll never reject me! :)
And I'm glad to play an active role as an adviser in your childhood
Blood runs thicker than water?!
Perhaps, perhaps not.
Or maybe because we all share the same surname?!
Honestly, I hope that one day they will all become successful in fulfilling their aspirations.
In life as you age, you might fall when you take a wrong step
But it is more important that you know you will be able to stand up on your own feet again.
Always remember, I have got your back so I will make sure even if the whole world gives you guys up, at least I will not!

Hap Birthday, Bestie!

Happy Birthday, Bestie!

There exists some people in this world whom you do not have to see often, talk to regularly or show concern for frequently. Yet, you know that you will always be best friends, and when you need someone to talk to or some good advices, he or she will be around. Though we call each other Besties, sometimes I am unsure if it is just a name in disguise or a designation that is meant to sound or look nice. Frankly speaking, I feel I have never done anything deserving to be his Bestie, hitherto. I see that as him basking in happiness which explains why he does not need any offers for help from an optimistic perspective. In contrary, I have practically done nothing constructive for him! But, the life ahead of us is seemingly endless still. Some day, I hope I accomplish something to truly and be worthy of the name he calls me.! :)) Yet, even if I do not, I know I will be spared still.

Unlimited Wants

B & I were having lunch today and we talked a lot about the future. I realise I have unlimited wants but limited resources and as an Economics student, I should be well aware of this trade-off that I am facing. By the end of the year, I would have graduated from NUS (hopefully). I plan to get a car a year after I graduate, meaning after graduation from NIE. With my bare minimum amount of savings since most were directed to traveling in the past 3 years, I doubt I can acquire my dream car yet. Thus, I have convinced myself to settle for a Honda Fit. Yet, last night while waiting for my student down at his condo, I saw a Subaru WRX whiz past me. Well, owning a Subaru WRX used to be my dream since Subaru is one of my favourite Japanese car brands! Despite being ferried around in a Subaru umpteen times already, the luxury and joy of driving one is indescribable. During tuition, I kept thinking and dreaming of driving a Subaru some day. After I came home, I discussed with B about the possibility of owning a Subaru some day. Yeah, the installment might not be hard to juggle with but the petrol consumption is gonna eat away a substantial part of my pay. Nonetheless, I grapple with the fact of settling for 2nd best again. Why waste money buying a Honda Fit first then after a few years, switch to Subaru again? In conclusion, I have decided to bid my time and put away my plans of buying the Honda Fit one year after graduation. Instead, I will save up a bit more first and let a Subaru be my maiden car.! Whether is it gonna be a WRX, let my financial status decide I guess.

Not do I struggle with buying my dream car, I need to think of my lifetime dream - travel around the world. With South Africa almost certain on my June agenda next year, I need to find time to squeeze in Darling AMERICA. So many places to visit, yet so little time to spare. But I need to reiterate the fact that I am a materialistic girl. I only go for things which I MYSELF can afford and I buy every single luxury and pay every single traveling trip with my own HARD-EARNED money. :)

And so I was so bored at home while doing my supposed-to-be-done homework, I took time out and take pictures of my prized possessions! Lol!

Dolce & Gabbana Sunglasses - List Price - $6xx/-
Age: 5 months 24 days

Eefty posing with it during CNY - probably too big for her!

The LV Collection
Damier Canvas - Ebony - Billfold with 3 Credit Card slots & Coin Purse - List Price - $6xx/-
Age: 3 years 8 months 4 days (No longer on sale in the market!)Damier Canvas - Ebony - Pochette Bosphore - List Price: $8xx/-
Age: 1 year 5 days

Damier Canvas - Azur - Business Card Holder - List Price - $3xx/-
Age: 6 months 15 days

More to come for sure!!

School to reopen?

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/index.htm

Pls vote for the extension of the school holidays now that the Influenza A is rampaging.!

Women.

I found this to be really funny..

Whatever you give a woman, she will make greater.
If you give her sperm, she'll make a baby.
If you give her a house, she'll make it a home.
If you give her groceries, she'll give you a meal.
If you give her a smile, she'll give you her heart.
She multiplies and enlarges whatever is given to her.

So, if you give her any crap, be ready to receive a ton of SHIT!

Happy 1st year Anniversary

Today marks the 1st year anniversary of my visit to Paris!! :))

I have friends who are gonna be back from SEP from Europe and others who are bound for the most lovely continent. From time to time, I think of the times in Paris and Europe and it makes me wanna go back there soon...!! Hope I do not have to celebrate too many anniversaries of my last visit to my dream city, Paris! :)) Wonder how my Parisian friend, Damien is doing now?! It's been ages since I last talked to him..

The sketch I did in Paris of the Eiffel..

My little Paris.Eiffel CollectionAnd the video of the Acrylic Eiffel changing colours.. -

Happy Anniversary!! :))

Ronaldo's Song. Just before he leaves.

Just before I bounce off to bed... And before he leaves...

He plays on the left
He plays on the right
That boy Ronaldo makes England look shite



BenC a.k.a Liverpool fan showed me this.

Atas Day.

Went shopping with dear BH this afternoon.
Was initially out hunting for her ideal Gucci wallet.
Ended up in the LV Store!
I knew I should not have entered.
Each time I enter the store,
I come up with a new dream item.
But like I told BH,
Sooner or later I will collect a whole set of LV bags.
Wallet.Cardholder.Sling Bag.Hangbag.Clutch.Papillion.
And finally the LUGGAGE BAG!!!!
I think I am an LV Fanatic!
But I am still young.
And for now, I cannot buy anymore since I just bought one last year!!!
I have time to complete my collection still.
I should just bid my time and not buy too many.
More haste, less speed!
Lol!
But honestly, I don't think I will ever get enough of LVs.!
No Gucci for me, cos I am loyal to that one and only brand-Louis Vuitton.
Don't forget,
It has been the love of my life ever since I was 16. :))
Plus I got my first when I was 18. :))

Truth

Someone asked me if I ever re-read my blog posts last night?

"Yes, I do but only when I have nothing to do or I wish to recall something that should have been on the back of my mind but apparently I forgot."

So I came home and re-read my blog post over our conversation more than a year ago. It did knock some sense into me that when things happen and you do not know the truth right at that very moment in time, then simply move on and do not attempt to seek the truth again. God meant to keep it as a secret from you, ain't it?

I was pretty sure I had forgotten all about it until I was once again being reminded. I admit my curiosity was almost killing me back then but since I did not get a concrete answer, I decided to take things in my own hands and make my own judgment. Now, you tried to tell me perhaps I have gotten it all wrong back then. But so? There is no time machine in this world and we can turn back time, no longer!

I do not wish to get it all wrong again so I chose to withdraw myself before things get out of control. Simply hate to linger in those nonsense again. Why should I be left sitting in a corner of my room, trembling and questioning why would anyone let the cat out of the bag?

Certain truth really hurts.

I just wanna pack up all my bags and loads and not be in this dilemma again. Goodbye.!

我最幸福的事
牵着你的日子
一段爱从开始
直至分开
我们都对彼此诚实
最幸福的事
对那片海用力
大喊永远的样子
想得起的事
那天和你傻笑着认识
是最幸福的事

Nonsense Transfer Market

I honestly have no clue what Real Madrid is doing exactly. First, they brought Kaka over from AC Milan, with a record transfer fee of 59.7GBP. Subsequently, they baited Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United for 80GBP. Now, Zidane is being employed as a messenger to try to lure Franck Ribery to Real Madrid as well. If all of the top players in the world play in your team, what else is there to watch?! STUPID!

Like I mentioned in my previous post, I anticipated that C.Ronaldo will leave for Real Madrid this Summer. I do not deny that I feel the pinch that he's leaving because he is someone who scores like 30-40 goals a season and he is an eye-candy of mine. He is near to being irreplaceable. With him gone, no doubt it will take some time to reorganise the squad and do something in the coming season.

I hate Real Madrid! I will never buy any of their merchandise. They are a bunch of idiots! :(

Fab Federer II

Yay! Federer finally won the Roland Garros title!!

Read the full story report on the finals by clicking on me.I!
Read the full story report on the finals by clicking on me.II!

4.5 months ago, I was very bothered by the fact that he might not win another grand slam again to meet Pete Sampras's record of 14. Today, he made history by being the 6th man to win all the 4 Grand Slams and also to match up to PS. Extremely euphoric over his win now!

I came to know about this legendary figure back in my Polytechnic days when I was not still not a big fan of tennis yet. Though I was amazed by his achievements back then, I still was not into the sport myself and did not follow up with his news that often. However, on 10 June 2007, things took a turn when I happened to caught him on tv playing against Rafael Nadal. I was heartily absorbed into his fantasy world of tennis in that compact hotel room in Dalat, Vietnam during the afternoon break from all the tour and walking. Despite him eventually losing out to Nadal on that clay court, the elegance and class that Federer showed on the court was unequivocal. I agreed with what Soderling said in the closing ceremony just now, "He really give me a lesson on how to play tennis today." So did I take home a precious tennis lesson 2 years ago. I became determined to follow tennis to witness this legendary player make history some day and told myself to pick up tennis at all costs.

Roland Garros 2007

After he lost...

When something means the world to you, you break down when you do not get your hands on it. Ironically, when you finally get to plant your kisses on it, your tears start to mimic a sky tap. Those were emotions that I picked up from Federer's face on two occasions this year, Australian Open in January and the Roland Garros just half an hour ago. Ever since he lost to Nadal in the Wimbledon in 2008, feelings of anguish and disappointment had embraced him and many critics spoke about him losing his champion aura already. Today, he has successfully made a comeback and truly deserves the title like what the other fans and players commented. The applause, cheer and adulation that he gets from fans all over the world (from Australia to France) only proves one statement - he is still the best in the world, hitherto, even though Nadal surpasses him in the rankings. Out of the last 20 Grand Slams in the past 5 years, I think he made it to the semi-finals in at least 14 of them! I truly admire him from the bottom of my heart.

"I've had a tough draw," Federer said. "Of course, it's not Nadal on the other side of the net, but I beat him a couple of weeks ago on clay [in Madrid], so I really feel like I really deserve it."

Roland Garros 2009

Knowing that he has won it.!

Hence, I hope his accolades continue after he claim his first French Open. After all, he has put in so much sweat, effort, and hardwork all these years. It would have added icing to the cake if Nadal had been his opponent hours ago instead of Soderling. That would silence critics that he can beat any other guy except Nadal. Yet, do not forget, he triumphed over Nadal just weeks ago in the Madrid Open in two straight sets.! Now, after all the fanfare and history-making, I believe the pressure to lay his hands on the Wimbledon title again (preferably surmounting Nadal if possible) and write his name in tennis history once more will mount for him again.

But I have faith in him that he will live yet another magical moment in his life... We all love Federer! :))

Trade-offs in Life..

As an economics student, I am fully aware that the fundament of all economic principles, theories, models, analysis etc arises from two concepts - scarce resources and opportunity cost.! Yet, I hate to have to apply these concepts to my own life, because that implies I will have to face a lot of decision making in life and be conscious of the trade-offs that haunt me.

Battle Round 1 - The Battle of the two A's -- America Vs Aussie
Eventually, God made the decision for me implicitly through his messenger, Chris since he decided to pull out anyway. So, I was not too bothered about it.

Battle Round 2 - Special Semester or Internship
I slightly regretted having checked my school email and chancing upon this Asian internship to either Turkey, India, China, Taiwan or the Philippines. The organisation deals with global social issues like poverty, human rights, environmental change etc and honestly, I was very fascinated and took a liking to the work that they do. Ever since I pen for MOE, I have not been building up my personal portfolio that much. First and foremost, I was unable to apply for most internships as they preferred students without a bond after graduation. Secondly, MOE organises some sort of attachment, courses, seminars etc for us almost every vacation which means that I would not be available anyway. Surprisingly, I am free this holiday thus this internship is a golden opportunity for me to erect my personal portfolio once again. Yet, things are holding me back.!

One, I am going for special semester to ensure that I successfully graduate by December this year since I failed to overload last semester. If I choose to go for internship, I might forfeit my chance of graduating this December. Two, Manchester United is coming to Asia this July! My brother and I have made a pact to go to KL to watch the match and I have already gotten the tickets! Internship = No more man utd match. As an ardent red devil fan, I hate to have to give up this opportunity to watch them play.! But truth to be spoken, this is not as big a sacrifice compared to graduation. :)

Third, my tuition assignments and students. I tutor POA at secondary school level and the bunch of students I have on hand are kids who are ill-disciplined and have extremely weak foundation in their accounting. Having tutored them for the past 3 months, I still do not find them able and capable of handling the POA exam. To translate their grades from an absent or F9 to a decent B3 is a matter of time but apparently, time is running out. They have the tendency to skip the weekly tuition that we agreed upon and this gets on my nerves at times not because I lose the income but out of my fear that they will flunk their exam. However, the student that I care most about is my cousin, Benjamin. I see and sense his determination to do well in the GCE 'O' levels and personally, I believe that he deserves to do well and pass with flying colors. No doubt his foundation is weak but with my magical hands, wisdom and knowledge coupled with his perseverance to excel and positive learning attitude, he can be transformed. Lol.! Lastly, I have another lucrative economics tuition knocking on my door and I find it hard to reject. After all, I love teaching economics and impart the language of this beautiful subject.

So how should I make the decision?

Something that touched my heart yesterday while reading....

She suddenly realised that she was praying. That silent, simple God was looking at her, apparently understanding her words and taking them seriously. For a while, she sat waiting for a response from him, but heard not a sound and saw not a sign. The answer was there before her, in that man nailed to the cross. He had played his part, and shown to the world that, if everyone played their part, no one else would have to suffer, because he had suffered for all those who had had the courage to fight for their dreams.

I would leave the interpretation of this paragraph to each's will and heart.

For me, I decipher it as follow; He (Jesus) had played his part (of being God's messenger to Earth), and shown to the world that, if everyone (men) played their part (acknowledging God, accepting their role as God's messenger to Earth since each one of us were bestowed different Gifts and contributed to Mother Earth in different ways), no one else would have to suffer (be sent to Hell or burned to death), because he (Jesus) had suffered for all those who had had the courage to fight for their dreams.(selfish acts of us, Men)

Cristiano Ronaldo :) I will always love him...

Pay attention to the 40second when he does the trademark smile... So cutee......!

Home

Many a times, I think that the word above has been used too loosely. Whenever you tell someone you are going HOME, everyone will interpret that you are going back to where your family lives since most of us live with our parents in Singapore. In addition, you store your house number as HOME or HOME SWEET HOME.

Watch the below video and I would like to share with everyone a different perspective of home, at least the way I decipher HOME:



I love Westlife's songs all my life. Of course they are not the original composer or singer of this song. I have the original version of this song as well but I guess the way Westlife related it touched my heart more.

If you have been away from home for a period of time, as in you lived abroad or went overseas to stay for more than a month or two, I believe this song would have brought back memories of your stay overseas, when you were away from your loved ones. For me, during the times when I were in Stockholm, though I did not literally miss home as much as I would have expected, I realise that every time I encountered some unhappiness, I thought of HOME immediately and all the care and support that would have come about if I were not that far away.

After 22 years of existence, I have come to interpret HOME from another perspective. It is not a place where you sleep, eat, drink, watch TV or relax but more than that. It should not be merely a physical venue but rather a place where your heart gets the rest and comfort that it is desperately seeking, after a long, trying and frustrated day or period out. Some people would request their home to have this, this, this and that facilities, air-conditioner, games, internet access, big kitchen, comfortable sofa blah blah blah. Yet I feel that if your home is full of warmth, care and concern from people who truly care about you and vice versa, those material needs somehow become immaterial. Those people who constantly seek the material comfort are people whom I deem feel the lack of warmth in their house, which is why they chose to substitute material comfort for genuine care and concern.

Just like when I was in Stockholm, my room had nothing but a kitchen, table and internet access. I had no gigantic, comfortable and leather-skinned sofa, no spacious decorated room, no bolsters, my favourite soft-toys or the so-called spring mattresses that ensure you a good night's sleep. I was away from all my favourite clothes, my mom's definition of clean and white clothes that are hand-washed by her and her well-maintained house. The TV in the room had none of my favourite sequels, serials or entertainment shows and soccer. Yet, at the end of the day, even a year after I left Stockholm, I still deeply miss that place and will always call it my HOME.

So, I hope in the near future, if I ever get to set up my own family and a HOME, I wish for it to be a place full of genuine care and concern for everyone that belongs to it, away from all the hassles of nagging and conflicts and of course, somewhere where every of its member will deeply miss and proudly call it their HOME wherever they may be. With the above all said, that is provided I do have a home of my own in future. :)

Now ask yourself, is your so-called HOME now a place like what I have just mentioned?