Fulfilling Life's Destiny

SPM Books For Sale

2011-12-01T16:31:00.000+08:00

Click here to view the books

Inbox me at helenthong(at)facebook(dot)com for more details.

Thanks

Istanbul #2

2011-07-29T00:14:00.000+08:00

Day 2 - 20th July
We started our day off with walking to Doga College. The college is a 15 minute walk away from the hotel. Along the way, there are a couple of donut stalls and a few other shops. When we reached the campus, we had breakfast in the cafeteria. Studying in Doga College will definitely make you healthy and lose weight because at almost every meal, salad and fruits are served. After breakfast, we convened in the Conference Room (probably the best place in the whole Doga College to be in because it has air-cond!) to start off the day with a morning assembly.

During the morning assembly, the theme song of the 2011 IDEA Youth Forum in Istanbul was revealed. Mind you, it is an addictive song titled Istanbul by Sertab Erener which is relatively easy to learn after you listen to it everyday for a week. Didem, the host coordinator taught us how to sing the chorus of the song and soon, we were singing and dancing to it.

After a few other announcements for the day, the demo debate began. For us Malaysians who have never seen a Karl Popper (KP) debate before, it was a good insight to how the debate would be like. A unique thing about a KP debate is that it has cross-examination (which can be interesting or really scary depending on how you look at it). The demo debate was done by a few of the coaches and trainers and I believe that the whole debate has been uploaded online, so you can watch it on the IDEA website.

We had some preparation labs after the debate with trainers to help us out in the debate. Our trainers were Rose and Sergei and they helped us a lot in finding our footing as we didn't really know how to approach a KP debate. We also had to settle some last minute points (a character typical of Malaysians) before our first ever KP debate which was going to happen on the same day.

Next up was lunch, and then the pressure began. The KPDC started and our first round was against Botswana. Don't ask how it went because it was a disaster. Thankfully, we lost by a split decision so we didn't feel so demoralised. [A big thanks to the judge who voted in our favour! You know who you are ;)]

Then, we were up against Croatia and it was time to redeem ourselves. This round went better and we
won with a unanimous decision.

For both rounds, we were debating on the extended time preparation motion (meaning that we were supposed to have prepared since April for it) that "Nations of the world should increase the protection of economic and social rights of migrants."

We were so tired after debate that we just headed back to the hotel and had a good rest for the day.

PS: I've just came back from a long, tiring excursion around the historical peninsula so please excuse my incoherence if I am not making much sense in this post.

As always, pictures will be uploaded later!

Istanbul #1

2011-07-26T12:36:00.003+08:00

Yes people, I am in Istanbul now and sorry if you've been trying to reach me for the past 1 week and failed to do so. I'll be here for another week or so for the 2011 IDEA Youth Forum.
The Youth Forum consists of a Karl Popper Debate Championships (which we ranked 23rd), educational tracks (I'm in the British Parlimentary) and also social activities every night! Life has been very hectic at the moment and I've been getting on the average of 5 to 6 hours of sleep each night.

Eleasha and Amanda are here too and there's also another Malaysian delegate from KL.

I'll try to give a brief insight into my life here everyday. Sorry if the updates are irregular as the Internet connection here is shaky and I can only use it in the mornings when everyone else is still asleep ;)

Day 0 - 18th July
We left the Penang airport at around 9pm for our connecting flight to Changi airport. The airline we used was Singapore airlines so you can imagine how comfortable we were and how good the food was :) The flight was tiring, more so since we transited in Singapore for 2 hours at the early hours of the day. I'm sorry that I can't really upload pictures at the moment as I'm rushing for time but I'll do it the next time I am free.

The stupid things we do in Changi while waiting for our flight.
Day 1 - 19th July
We left Changi on the 1am flight to Istanbul. The flight was all right, though we had to sleep all the way there and couldn't really make full use of the in-flight entertainment. Food was good and regular (kudos to SIA!) and service was prompt. The plane landed at around 7.30am on the 19th in Istanbul's main airport, Ataturk. After passing through immigration, collectiong our bags, we waited for our hosts to pick us up from the airport. We left the airport in a Doga College bus (Doga College is the official partner of IDEA in hosting this forum in Turkey)

The journey from the airport took around an hour. Istanbul's scenery is very different -- it probably has to do with the fact that Turkey is part Europe and Asia. We shared the bus with participants from Zimbabwe and Romania. In the bus, I sat with Noma from Zimbabwe and it was a fun trip talking to her.

Finally, we reached the hotel -- Greenpark Bostanci Hotel, one of the better hotels in Istanbul. Unfortunately (or fortunately) we were not assigned to the same rooms because we were supposed to be 'intergrated'. My roomate, Nicola was also from Zimbabwe (talk about coincidence) so we didn't have any problems introducing and fitting in because we had already met in the bus.

After a nice, long awaited shower, we went for lunch in a cafe down the road from the hotel. Unfortunately, the weather during the day in Istanbul is as hot and humid as Malaysia's. Fortunately, Turkish food is delicious, especially the way they cook their meat. We tried the kebab (or something like that) in the cafe and it was delicious as well as reasonably priced. I had beef kebab, and personally, that was one of the best beef I had ever tasted (probably due to the fact that I was starving!) because of the way they cooked (grilled?) the meat and it was thinly sliced.

We headed back to the hotel and tried to discuss about the motions which we were supposed to have done since months ago. However, we were so tired that we weren't very productive and we had another nap. By the time we woke up, it was time for the opening ceremony in the hotel where we had a welcoming dinner with Turkish food and music. The weather at night in Istanbul is very windy which makes it a refreshing change from the hot weather of the day. After a party, we went back to our rooms for more discussion on the debate for the next day.

I know I'm really slow, only blogging about the first day while a week has already passed but I'll try to be more regular and upload more pictures whenever I am free or have a stable Internet connection.

See you!

Hiatus

2011-02-12T09:15:00.000+08:00

Sorry everyone, I'm gonna have to take a break from this letter writing challenge as I've just been swamped with a whole lot of work. I'll probably resume during the March holidays (only a month away, don't worry) so please be patient! :)

Oh yeah, please pray for me too. I'm so scared for exams which I'm not prepared for and some other things that I'm doing on the side. If you have any questions, please inbox me. Thanks and see you after a month.

Day 9

2011-02-09T00:28:00.001+08:00

This letter is part of a 30 day letter challenge that I am doing.

Dear my love,

I am so fussy and picky that deep, deep down in my heart I know that I'll never meet you. But today, I am supposed to write a letter to 'Someone you wish you could meet', so I chose to write to you. I wonder if you're someone I know, but I highly doubt it. Hopefully, you're someone that I'll get to know in the future. I was made to write about you recently -- more specifically, the qualities and traits that I would like to see in you. That got me thinking long and hard about what I actually wanted in life. Personally, I feel that my essay did not reflect me that much because I still don't know what I want. And if I don't know what I want, how am I supposed to go and look for it? You'll always remain as a puzzle to me.

Love, yours.

PS: This letter is actually for my 'ideal husband'. I had to write an essay on that topic for my holiday homework. I'll post it up here after it's checked and commented by my English teacher. Keep on checking this blog for updates! :)

Day 8

2011-02-08T00:13:00.000+08:00

This letter is part of a 30 day letter challenge that I am doing.

Dear R,

I wonder if you'd count as an internet friend. I keep in touch with you through the internet so I suppose you are. I miss you so much and even more so now. Thank you for always being there for me and letting me be a part of your life although we can only talk through the internet now. Thank God for twitter, msn, facebook and of course for the phone because without these tools, I am sure that our friendship would not have lasted for so long. Come back soon, I miss you.

Love, H.

Day 7

2011-02-07T00:01:00.000+08:00

This letter is part of a 30 day letter challenge that I am doing.

Dear you,

It was never meant to be, and I have given up. Goodbye.

Me.

Day 6

2011-02-06T01:54:00.003+08:00

This letter is part of a 30 day letter challenge that I am doing.

Hi stranger,

I don't know you well. In fact, I don't know you at all. But I do hope I'll get to know you in time, if and when we ever meet. For now, I'll just hope that we meet because we might just end up being the best of friends.

Another stranger.

Day 5

2011-02-05T01:44:00.004+08:00

This letter is part of a 30 day letter challenge that I am doing.

Dear dreams,

Thank you for always entertaining me at night. Not forgetting during the day, especially during boring classes in school. However, you are the best on rainy days, because that is when I forget about myself and my problems and just let you take over. I wonder though, how much of you will come true, whether what I see in you now will actually happen in the future. Most importantly, will you ever change in the times to come? Please don't, dear dreams for I like you best now, what with the future being so uncertain. Sometimes, you're all I have in life because you have never left me even though I push you away sometimes.

Dreamily, yours.

Day 4

2011-02-04T01:47:00.001+08:00

This letter is part of a 30 day letter challenge that I am doing.

Dear 哥,

I've always wondered how life would be if I had an elder brother. However, as I will never know, I can only imagine. And in my imagination, everything is perfect and so are you. I'd like to think that you're at least 3 years older than me, maybe studying in a university now. In my imagination, you came back last week, to celebrate Chinese New Year with me. You were regaling me with your university exploits and we would talk past midnight. Later, you promise to help me with physics because you are good at it and I am thankful for that and also for you. I wish I had you but because I don't and I never will, I shall imagine you instead.

Love,
妹

Day 3

2011-02-03T01:31:00.015+08:00

This letter is part of a 30 day letter challenge that I am doing.

Dear mom & dad,

I'm sorry if I've been disappointing you so much recently. I hope 2011 will be better and less stressful for all of us. It's funny to see how fast time flies and how much things have changed now. Thank you for all the support, encouragement and love all these years. And of course, for all the financial support in everything I do. I am the person I am today because of you and I am eternally grateful for that. Not only for the height, but also for the talents and personality that I have. Although I don't say this often, mom & dad, I love you.

Love,
Your daughter.

Day 2

2011-02-02T01:46:00.002+08:00

This letter is part of a 30 day letter challenge that I am doing.

Dear L,

It's a wonder how I've liked you for so long (maybe 2 years or so?) but never got around to tell you so. It was love at first sight when my cousin and friends introduced me to you on that fateful day after exams. I love the way you play so many instruments and sing so awesomely well till you make me melt. Thank you for inspiring me and improving my Chinese. However, I know we will never work out, partly because of the age difference and also because you don't know me. Therefore, I can only remain

regretfully yours,

PS: Comment if you think you know who the mystery guy is! I promise to reveal his identity at the end of the challenge ;)

Day 1

2011-02-01T01:10:00.001+08:00

This letter is part of a 30 day letter challenge that I am doing.

Dear you,

It's been great knowing you all these years. Thank you for always being there for me, for listening to all my problems, for all the encouragement and for never stabbing me from the back. I understand that people change over time, but I'm glad that in spite of time and personality differences, we can still get along well, even until now. I hope things will continue to get better in time and although we will be parting ways very, very soon, (you will see what I mean soon, I promise) you'll be someone I'll always remember with fond memories in the years to come.

Love,

Me.

30 Day Letter Challenge

2011-01-31T18:09:00.000+08:00

Hi everyone, I'm sorry for being very inactive on blogger lately. I wonder how many people even bother to check my blog nowadays :x The truth is, I've been swamped with work (hint: school) and a whole lot of other things to the point I've neglected other activities I enjoy doing too. As a penance, I will be blogging everyday for the next 30 days to write letters to people who may or may not read this blog. This post was inspired by this and you are most welcome to comment and respond (that is, if you are confident that you are the person I'm referring to). Let's begin and hopefully, I will stick to this for the whole month of February and the beginning of March too :)

My 30 Day Letter Challenge.

Day 1 — Your Best Friend
Day 2 — Your Crush
Day 3 — Your parents
Day 4 — Your sibling (or closest relative)
Day 5 — Your dreams
Day 6 — A stranger
Day 7 — Your Ex-boyfriend/girlfriend/love/crush
Day 8 — Your favorite internet friend
Day 9 — Someone you wish you could meet
Day 10 — Someone you don’t talk to as much as you’d like to
Day 11 — A Deceased person you wish you could talk to
Day 12 — The person you hate most/caused you a lot of pain
Day 13 — Someone you wish could forgive you
Day 14 — Someone you’ve drifted away from
Day 15 — The person you miss the most
Day 16 — Someone that’s not in your state/country
Day 17 — Someone from your childhood
Day 18 — The person that you wish you could be
Day 19 — Someone that pesters your mind—good or bad
Day 20 — The one that broke your heart the hardest
Day 21 — Someone you judged by their first impression
Day 22 — Someone you want to give a second chance to
Day 23 — The last person you kissed
Day 24 — The person that gave you your favorite memory
Day 25 — The person you know that is going through the worst of times
Day 26 — The last person you made a pinky promise to
Day 27 — The friendliest person you knew for only one day
Day 28 — Someone that changed your life
Day 29 — The person that you want tell everything to, but too afraid to
Day 30 — Your reflection in the mirror

Lullaby

2010-06-22T23:35:00.002+08:00

For the past 3 afternoons, I had to tolerate what sounded like a stubborn cat howling noisily for hours. Then, yesterday, I found out that it was in fact my neighbour's new born child who had been crying.

Well, whether it is a cat or a baby. It does not make any difference. My afternoon nap was being ruined!

So this afternoon, I took 'preventive' measures to avoid the 'noise pollution'.

Guess what I did?

I actually played classical music using the computer and slept with it on. And it works!

Now, the likes of Chopin, Schumann and Tchaikovsky are on my playlist and their pieces really help in drowning out the baby's cries. And I get to sleep soundly again.

To everyone who thinks that the classical music I listen to must be very boring if I actually can fall asleep, it's not! In fact, classical pieces from the romantic period are my favourites and they are in reality very soothing and calming.

Some recommendations for those of you who need quality sleep or maybe, just want to be relaxed, you can try listening to these songs:

Chopin's Waltzes, Preludes and Nocturnes
Schumann's Carnaval Opus 9
Tchaikovsky's Les Saison

Happy listening and sleeping!

On Days Like These...

2010-06-21T17:12:00.000+08:00

I just feel like curling up into a ball and go into a deep deep sleep and not be bothered by random phone calls from people at odd hours.

Today was another one of those days where it just rained incessantly. Rainy days like these make me do things I hardly do for enjoyment (think add. math and mandarin) but then again, the cool weather just simply makes me tolerable even of the driest subjects (accounts) and thus the rain is good.

Okay, ignore that whole paragraph of crap above. My brain's not functioning now thanks to the lovely sound of the raindrops pattering on my window. I think I'll take a break for now and have a rare blissful moment of just enjoying the rain (while it lasts).

Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams. Ashley Smith

World Cup Mania

2010-06-13T14:04:00.000+08:00

I have yet to be bitten by the World Cup bug at this particular moment.

I watched 10 minutes of a football match yesterday night. It was between Argentina and Nigeria.

It was kinda disappointing, to tell you the truth. I had been channel-surfing and finally decided to watch a match just for the sake of watching something. By the time I started watching, it was already 20 minutes into the game and Argentina had scored a goal.

5 minutes later, after getting lost in the sea of blue and green players, I gave up. Not only was it boring, there were also too many missed opportunities, especially for the Argentinian team. They failed to score when they should have. Okay, I know I risk angering all you football fans out there when I don't even know what I'm talking about. So I shall stop with my comments about this particular game.

Then, I started people watching. Unfortunately, the both teams did not have any eye candy, and I gave up watching after 10 minutes.

Err...never mind.

I started 'following' the World Cup in 2002. That was the first World Cup I actually took an interest in. At that time, being young and impressionable, I supported the top teams such as Brazil and England. I know, some of you will probably say that I'm being bimbotic and everything for supporting a team like England, but hey, I was only 8 at that time. I wouldn't have known better. I remember being all excited over players such as David Beckham and Michael Owen. And that year was also the first (and last) time I ever made a bet about football. I bet against my father that Brazil would win the finals against Germany. In the event that I won, we would eat at a restaurant of my choice. If I lost, oh well, we would still have to eat somewhere anyway. It was also the first time I watched 2 hours of football just to make sure that 'my team' won. To cut a long story short, Brazil won the match and I got to eat at a fancy Indian restaurant. And also had the opportunity to gloat that I 'correctly predicted' the winner and won my first bet. I know this sounds really lame, but 8 years ago, that was an exciting event in my life.

Fast forward another 4 years on to the next World Cup. I was rather upset with Brazil and England as neither teams made it through to the finals. But then, I was wiser, I didn't really support both teams even in the initial stages. Instead, I made it a point to support the underdogs (or more like obscure countries with funny names) such as Trinidad & Tobago and Ivory Coast. Of course, they never really made an impact, but I wasn't really that interested in this particular World Cup as I had other things to worry about (think UPSR). The finals was disappointing, Italy against France. I didn't even watch the finals as I felt those 2 teams weren't worth my time.

This year, I'll be supporting the underdogs again. On my list is the North Korea team! Never mind about what happens in politics. This is football and sports is one of the few things that actually unite people. According to the newspapers, North Korea has a team which has strong stamina but lacking in skill. Also, they are determined to win for the glory of their leader and country. Well, determination will get you somewhere, so I really do hope that they create an upset and kick out of the top ranked teams. Another team that I'm rooting for is the South Africa team as they are the host country. It'll be really cool if they make it far too.

There you have it, my (somewhat amateurish) take on football.

Of course, when all these teams fail me, I can always go back to another 'side' of football. WAG watching!

Waka Waka!

The Karate Kid

2010-06-12T13:16:00.005+08:00

I just watched The Karate Kid in Queensbay Mall and enjoyed myself tremendously. A must watch movie for the holidays.

This movie is about a boy, Dre Parker (Jaden Smith) who moves to Beijing. After being bullied by Cheng (who is my favourite Chinese boy is the show!) he learns Kungfu from Mr. Han (Jackie Chan). Dre falls in love with a Chinese girl Mei Ying who is apparently a violin prodigee. Dre joins the local Kungfu competition and beats Cheng.

It's really hilarious, especially when Dre speaks Mandarin with an accent. I also appreciated the efforts of the production team to make the scenes in China as genuine as possible, by including the local culture in it. The music in the movie is diverse too, with the latest hip-hop songs and also a beautiful classical song played by Mei Ying on the violin. If any of you know the title of the song, please do let me know. It's so sad and beautiful at the same time.

My verdict?

Watch the show. You won't regret it.

Love at First Sight?

2010-06-02T22:07:00.000+08:00

It was a Sunday morning when I first saw him. I had only caught a glimpse of him, but in a single glance, I knew that he was the one. He caught me staring and glared angrily at me. I immediately dropped my gaze. However, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed that he was still observing me. What does he see in me? I wondered. Nevertheless, I pretended to continue scanning through the paperback novel that I had been reading. After a few minutes, I could not take the suspense any longer. I stole a peek at him again. He was still looking at me. I ignored him and returned to my book. Suddenly, I heard a deep voice asking, "I see that you are reading a book. But why is your book upside down?" Cheeks red, ears tingling and heart pounding, I turned to my right slowly with a small smile playing on my lips.

Note: This was a combined effort of an English essay between my classmate and I. She supplied the ideas while I merely put them into words.

Post Mortem

2010-05-29T22:46:00.001+08:00

Let's just put it this way. I could have done so much better. I could have tried harder. I could have at least made myself believe I cared.

It's a little too late for all that now.

Life still goes on, and it's up to us to pick up the pieces and move on.

I could have made an impact. Things would have been different.

I need to stop thinking about myself only.

I need to start caring about others too.

I'm sorry.

Fame UP! The end of another chapter in life

2010-04-19T14:55:00.008+08:00

Fame UP!: The Musical is something that I'm very proud of.

I am so proud of the people behind this musical who have been working so hard for the past 6 months or so. All of you have put in so much effort into this musical that it is no wonder that all 3 nights have been a phenomenal success.

Thank you everyone, from the actors & actresses, to the band, musicians & cakgelong team, the unseen but highly appreciated members of the crew & production team and of course, the emcees and teachers who have been working tirelessly since last year to ensure the success of this musical.

Honestly, Fame UP! to me, initially started of just as another project, another project to accomplish, another project to include into my resume. However, as the days passed, and boy, did they fly pass me, I realised that this was indeed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity (I know how cliched that sounds, but it is true) and that I should make the most of it.

In the span of 6 months, I have made many new friends, people whom I don't normally interact with in school, but thanks to Fame UP!, all of you have become part of my family. You have all taught me so many different things, in ways you may not know of, but you have made a huge difference in my life, some way or another.

Planning and organising Fame UP! has not been an easy task and I am very fortunate to have such a supportive production team and teachers who have been such a blessing. It is indeed a joy working with all of you and I am glad to also get the chance to know you all better.

In the production of this musical, there were also numerous conflicts and arguments between the cast & crew but I am pleased that all of us (and me included) have managed to close ranks and work towards a common goal, which is to make this musical a hit. I know that I have been very harsh with some of you and I would like to apologise for my behavior. Please forgive me.

Words cannot express the feelings I feel whenever I see the cast, band and musicians performing to their very best and and not forgetting the crew who worked behind the scenes during the show. It is indeed a moment to be proud of, and I am very sure that you are all proud of yourselves too. Fame UP! is a huge success to me, and I do not care about the comments from others because I know you have all done your best for this musical and it DID pay off. And thanks to your hard work and dedication, Fame UP! is a success!

Fame UP! will always have a special place in my heart as it is the first and probably the last! musical that I have produced in St. George's. Thank you everyone once again for giving me this opportunity to work with all of you. I really miss all of you now and I will definitely feel lost for a month or so without having to attend practices, shouting at people and also being shouted at! :P

You have no idea how much you all mean to me.

Thank you Fame UPpers!

I ♥ you all.

Stalking Time!

2010-03-15T11:39:00.004+08:00

Dear All-My-Would-Be-Stalkers-Out-There,

You now have the opportunity of a lifetime!

Ask me any question. And I will try my best (note the try!) to answer it as honestly as I can within my capacity.

So have fun.

http://www.formspring.me/helenthong

I know you will.

Gosh, I wonder what nonsensical questions will my dear friends cum stalkers will pose...

A Reprieve

2010-03-11T20:21:00.002+08:00

Exams are over!

But God, please do something about my Bio marks. I think I might actually fail an exam for the first time in my life! :O

I know, I've abandoned my blog for more than a month. But school is really taking its toll on me and thus, I still have a lot of unfinished work to complete which is due in a week's time.

I really don't know what to do now. Should I publish all my previous posts from February and March or just leave it and start a new post?

(This post strikes me as a rather messy as my thoughts are all over the place. But what can I say? It's HOLIDAY!)

There Once Lived A Girl Named Zuhad...

2010-02-14T22:35:00.001+08:00

What a sight!
What a fright!
2A's becoming a little too tight.
How we groaned,
How we moaned,
Zuhad's strutting in on her own.

All the girls go Oooooo
Janice: Oh no! She's sitting in front of me.
Eleasha: Oh no! Her head's big, I can't see!
Helen: I wonder how she could be friends with Emily.

Emily:
That's only what you see,
Back then in primary,
In reality, her, me no likey,
Because she power crazy.
Sher Maine: Exactly!
Everyone else: Oh really?

As the days pass,
She made less of a fuss,
And smiling a must,
Sher Maine: How it creeped me out!

Then, we were given a task -
Teacher: Introduce a drama to represent your class!
How we squealed,
How we reeled,
Janice: This is SO gonna be good!
But oh wait, there's a problem,
If Sher Maine's gonna be Jake,
Then the part of Tracy - who will take?
I'm afraid it's gonna be fake,
Like Janice's half - baked cake! (Toastie)

From The Long Road Home to A Leap Of Faith,
A stunning performance you always gave,
Eleasha: Oh my gosh, she cries on cue!
Helen: I totally envy you!

Zuhad: I gotta go. My bus is waiting.
Everyone else: At the beach??!!
Zuhad: Oh shoot! I left my purse!
Everyone else: Zuhad, you're running in bedroom slippers??!!

WHAT??!!

Turn the pages and you will find,
Loads of things that will blow your mind,
Memories that will never fade in time,
And did you realise? This whole poem rhymes!

Eleasha's Iced Tea

2010-02-08T22:37:00.000+08:00

Dedicated to Eleasha's favourite Iced Tea ;)

Oh Tea,
You're as deep as the sea,
As delicious as a pea,
As cute as a bumblebee.
My Tea,
You resemble a stinky flea,
Oh Tea,
My Tea...

The Theorem of School Life

2010-01-23T22:38:00.002+08:00

This is the third week of school.

And these equations pretty much sum up my whole week so far.

Helen's Theorem of School Life

School = Work

Assignments + Presentations = Homework

(-Time) + Homework = Stress

Time - Homework = Sleep

(-Sleep) + Stress + Homework = EXHAUSTION AT THE END OF THE WEEK!

∴ School = Work + Homework = Stress + Exhaustion= The "Thank God It's Friday" Syndrome

Here's how this theorem came about.

Monday
We had to go to the school hall during the middle of our Civics lesson to listen to an announcement from our principal. Yay! No need to listen to teacher's lecture! Turns out that our school received the "Sekolah Berprestasi Tinggi" (High Performing School) award from the Ministry of Education. It seems that our school is the only school from Penang to receive the award. As much as I am happy for the school, I am fully aware that Awards = Work. Thus I am so happy that next year will be my last year in school! Anyways, it feels good to beat a certain school which shall not be named in receiving this award! *Nyeh nyeh nyeh*

Tuesday
My English teacher enlightened us on our class name today. I am in 4 Aked this year. And she just found out that the English translation for "Aked" is Agate. Nothing wrong with that, right? Wait till you hear how it's pronounced. Apparently, if you follow the International Phonetic Alphabet, Agate is pronounced as /ˈæɡət/. Dunno how to decode that? Basically Agate = Aggot (Think of maggots without the m) And all of us thought it was pronounced as A-gate. But no, we are now all 4 m-aggots! So whenever our English teacher feels like teasing us, she'll call our class 4 Aggot! Give me Aked over Aggot anytime!

Wednesday
It was a long long long day. I did not go home till 7.30pm for dinner. We had a Fame Up! practice in the school hall after school until 5pm. It was a combined practice between the acting and dance department. Overall, it went rather well and we accomplished a lot! I had to leave early at 4.30pm because of my music class and went straight from school to Sungai Ara which took about an hour. I had McD for lunch at 5pm in the car. Music class was fine, but I was very tired and sweaty and very uncomfortable. Slept more like collapsed at around 12pm after completing all my homework.

Thursday
Went for debate auditions after school. We had to speak on whether we are proud to be a girl or would choose to be a boy and give our reasons. I chose the stand that I was proud of being a girl definitely! and everything went okay. So, I think I'm in the team? But I honestly don't know how I'm gonna cope with everything - Fame Up!, debate, music, prefect duties, tuition and most importantly studies! To make things worse, I'll probably have to spend a week in KL in March for the HELP debate workshop and that is the exact same time Fame Up! practices will be intensified. Ohdearohdearohdear. If only I can split myself into 2. Or more.

Had sports practice immediately after debate auditions. We had to do high jump and shot put that afternoon. One thing for sure, high jump = epic failure! Almost the whole of the F4 Cavell population ran towards the bar and pushed it instead of jumping over it. Some students yours truly included ran towards the bar and veered off at the last possible moment, thus eliminating the need to even touch the bar! It was so hilarious watching the girls doing all sorts of crazy stunts and failing in the process. As Eleasha aptly puts it, it's even better than stand-up comedy! Shot put wasn't too bad though. We F4s watched the F2s being coached by a teacher on the proper technique of throwing the put. Fortunately, that teacher did not insist on teaching us F4s on the proper way of throwing too! But according to her, my throw isn't even far enough to get 1/2 mark!

I went home late as usual and had to rush for Math tuition after that. And my teacher made things worse by announcing that today's class would be 2 hours of Additional Math instead of 1 hour of Add. Math and 1 hour of Mod. Math.

Teacher: You are ahead in Modern Math now, so today we shall focus on your Add. Math.

Yours truly: Yes. Groans silently.

The next 2 hours was spent with me trying to decode the linear law of lines and integration. And of cause, trying not to fall asleep.

I reached home at 9pm, in time for dinner. I was too tired to finish my homework for the day, so I just went straight to sleep at 9.30pm. According to Emily who called me at 10.30pm, she was very surprised to hear that I was asleep! Oh well, I guess today was the rare exception.

Friday
Checked the prefect board first thing in the morning. The seniors reminded us that the list of successful candidates would be posted up on Friday. So yes, I am currently a probationary prefect under a F5 senior. And I received my duties from my senior during recess. I have so many duties now! There's canteen duty everyday, latecomers duty and also day duty. Goodbye to all free time of any sort starting from Monday. *Sobs*

Then, we were forced to do the lompat kijang (triple jump) for first period of PE. And to make things worse, I have absolutely zero knowledge on any kinds of jumps. And the assessment for this jump will be held next week. So wish me luck, I think I will really need it.

Saturday
Had school although it's a Saturday. However, I only stayed until 9.20am for chemistry because of a "family function". I don't think I will elaborate further lest I get into trouble. So that's all you will ever know about what happened in school/during school hours on Saturday.

Then, I went to QB to buy some books and things. Ended up buying a pair of Scholls too. They're really comfortable, compared to the gladiators/stilettos I wear. Although the mere mention of the word Scholls brings to mind a pair of what I call "aunty shoes", they do have fashionable sandals, though with that same price, I can probably buy 6 pair of gladiators from the pasar malam. Had lunch in a Japanese restaurant there after shopping. Don't ask me what it's called, I have absolutely no idea. All I know is how to get there and that the food there tastes good and is cheap.

As I proofread this post, I realize that I have loads of equations peppered throughout the whole post. What to do? I ♥ Math.

Can anyone tell me, is there any chance of next week's equation being Holiday = Sleep + Rest?

I guess not.

Of Onion Thieves, Sweet Sixteens and Pencil Boxes

2010-01-17T17:12:00.008+08:00

Well, the second week of school was definitely much better than the first.

I didn't miss that many classes, in fact I don't think I missed any at all!

Okay, the highlights of the week. In chronological order.

Monday
Did my first actual work of accounting. Accounts is not easy! And it's so frustrating when your debit/credit does not balance! *Urgh*

Can someone tell me if bank overdraft goes under debit or credit?

Tuesday
Nothing much today. Had a lot of homework to finish.

Wednesday
Co-Curricular Day in school. A whole afternoon of chaos as every club tries to make the most noise to attract gullible juniors (and some seniors!) into joining their societies. I had to help set up a booth for the Tennis Club as I'm the secretary. Fortunately, the other committee members wanted to leave early too and so we cleared everything by 4pm.

Thursday
There's an onion thief in my class! Jan's onion for bio got stolen! Luckily, one of our friends 'donated' our group an onion. The things people do - resorting to stealing onions just because they forgot to bring them for bio. Hello, you can easily buy them in the canteen!

The humble onion.

Also, I finished my first ever 400m run in school during sports practice! So happy. Looks like swimming really helped to improve my stamina as previously I could only run half of the track and walked the rest of the way. Sports practice ended early. What a relief.

Friday
My Birthday! My sixteenth one to be precise. Thank you everyone who wished me in school, via facebook and also to those who gave me presents and money! Y'all really made my day.

Almost 100+ people wished me via facebook alone!

Then, I had to go for a prefect interview. Fortunately, we were interviewed in groups of 5, so it wasn't that nerve-racking, though the atmosphere in the room was rather tensed. After the interview, I had caklempong/gamelan practice and as usual, we had a lot of fun!

At night, I went for a birthday dinner with my family in Waka Japanese Restaurant, City Bayview Hotel. View the pics here.

Saturday
Had a Fame Up! rehearsal in the school hall in the morning. We managed to accomplish quite a lot within 2 hours of practice. After that, I had another 2 hours of chem tuition. Thank goodness, our teacher didn't give any homework for the week. I fell sick at night but felt much better after sleeping for 12 hours. Probably it's because I'm always so sleep-deprived during the weekdays.

Sunday
Woke up feeling much better. Went to GP in the afternoon, but thankfully, I did not see anyone familiar. Saw a lot of HAMKs there, though. And I bought a new pencil box! About time too. My current one is already 2 years old. For some reason, I find it hard to buy pencil boxes because there's always something wrong with the size, pattern, colour and design. So I'm glad I found one that suits my taste.

My old one on the left, the newly bought one on the right. Same colour and style.

Till we meet again next week.

Tomorrow, what do you bring?

The First Week of 2010

2010-01-10T21:02:00.005+08:00

I feel as though a whole month has passed. Not just one week.

Take this weekend for example.

On Saturday, I had my first experience of being squashed inside a sardine can during Chemistry tuition. To add further salt to the wound, the teacher gave us 80 questions testing on the formula of compounds too! Today, I saw the Chief Minister and his consort in church, went to a bookstore to buy books and saw my Physics tuition teacher there.

Oh, and I spent a whole hour today completing the 80 questions too.

So now, I can proudly say that I have completed all of this week's work.

Sodium Oxide = Na2O, Ammonium Thiosulphate = (NH4)2S2O3, Manganese (IV) Phosphate = Mn3(PO4)4

Sorry, can't resist showing off!

Helen T. has officially survived the first week of 2010!

Tuition Culture Shock

2010-01-09T23:45:00.003+08:00

Today was my first chemistry tuition lesson.

It was a huge culture shock for me.

I saw half if not almost all of Penang's Form 4 population there.

Honestly, the only large tuition session I go to is for BM and even then, there's only around 30+ people per class.

Let me give you a description of my class.

Imagine an averaged sized room filled with almost 60 people, no air-conditioning and definitely no space to turn or move around.

I was in that condition for 2 hours.

I could not even move my chair at all because there was no space! And forget about pushing the chair back as the table behind is pushed all the way to your back. Writing notes was a nightmare. I had to be careful not to accidentally jog my neighbour's arm!

And I'm suppose to last in the claustrophobic-inducing condition for this whole year!

Oh well, what to do? The teacher is very good so I suppose I'll just have to bear with it.

I'll never complain about the amount of students and lack of space in 4A anymore.

First Week of School

2010-01-08T22:30:00.008+08:00

Everyone, I'm still alive.

Thank God.

So many things happened this week, that my head is still in a blur now. It really feels as though I've been school for almost a year! At the most, I've had only 5-6 hours of sleep each night. It's worse in school, I missed half of Thursday's lesson and the whole of Friday's class. I can practically qualify to be a teacher in school, judging by the amount of time I spend in the staff room everyday. And don't get me started on the homework.

On Wednesday, we had a Fame Up! photo shoot in USM. OMG! The pictures are so so so nice! *Melts* Especially the wedding ones and chicken head too! *Wink* Enough said. To the rest of the world, the pictures will probably released sometime nearer to the musical, so you just have to wait for it. Patience is a virtue.

Half of my Thursday was spent following teacher around the whole school and today, I spent the whole day in the gym, hall and staffroom. Honestly, I really don't know what will happen to my studies if it were not for tuition. Seriously.

I haven't had a proper recess yet, haven't had dinner on time and an afternoon nap with the exception of today, no time to watch TV, but oh well, I'll live, right?

Hopefully.

Anyway, I have to take more subjects this year. So far, I enjoy Chemistry (We have a really good teacher) Physics is quite okay too (Thanks to my tuition teacher) and Add Math (It's Math, do I even have to explain?) As for the rest of the subjects, well, we'll just see how it goes.

I'll probably miss another half day of lessons on Monday too as the Fame Up! Press Preview will be held in the school hall.

ohdearohdearohdear.

Wish me all the best!

Resolutions: Part II

2010-01-01T13:02:00.001+08:00

2009 is coming to an end. In the beginning of this year, I made 10 resolutions. Let's see how they have turned out!

My 2009 Goals.

1. Get straight A's for PMR. Fulfilled!

2. Study more, relax less. Fulfilled - 7As are my proof!

3. Practice my piano, violin and guitar more. Somewhat fulfilled, I think?

4. Pass my Grade 8 Theory exams in March. Fulfilled - I passed with the minimum passing mark!

5. Improve and master Form 4's Additional and Modern Maths. Hmmm....I have already finished the Form 4 syllabus. Does that count?

6. Make more friends and be less cliquish. Fulfilled.

7. Improve my mandarin. I think my mandarin has improved, somewhat.

8. Spend more time with my family and friends. Fulfilled.

9. Be more active in sports and school activities. Kinda fulfilled too?

10. Organize and/or act in a class drama/film. Fulfilled!! Watch Of Roti Bakar & French Toast!

Conclusion: Set manageable and attainable goals so that they can be easily fulfilled.

And now for the 8 Resolutions for 2010. Originally supposed to have 10 resolutions this year, but somehow, I just couldn't think of another 2.

1. Survive school. When I say survive school, I really mean scoring straights in academics (A+ = 90-100), juggling all CCAs successfully and surviving the harsh politicking which happens daily.

2. Pass Grade 8 Piano & Violin. Merit would be nice. Distinction would be a dream come true!

3. Complete SPM syllabus for Modern Math & Additional Math. The faster, the better.

4. Improve my English. Completely banish all usage of the various MSN abbreviations and acronyms.

5. Prepare for SAT and a whole lot of other entrance exams too. This is where the improved English and Maths comes in handy.

6. Stop wasting time. Procrastination is the thief of time.

7. Be more organized. I bought a planner this year. Let's just hope I remember to use it.

8. Get along with everyone. In other words, be more patient and smile more.

There you have it, my 8 goals of the year. Hopefully, by the time 2011 approaches, I will be able to say that I have managed to fulfill all of them.

Wish me luck!

Reflections & Revelations of 2009

2009-12-29T14:18:00.009+08:00

It is 12 midnight and I am thinking about the events of the year 2009.

Another night where sleep eludes me.

Then I think about my friends. And smile when I recollect those memories so dear to me.

First off, I just wanna state that this was the best memorable year so far in my schooling life due to the events and people which have played a monumental part in my life. Thank you so much to these people whom I call as my friends. You have no idea of how much I cherish the little things which you have done in my life which have made a significant difference in me. Each one of you has taught me that the best things in life do not come from materialism but instead love and joy can come from the simplest things which happen everyday.

As such, spending a year and sometimes more in your presence nearly everyday has made me realise that I can learn to overcome the adversities in life with a lot of support and encouragement from all of you. You are all special and you have taught me in different ways, in ways you may not know of, but you have made a huge difference in my life, some way or another. I realise that although years may past and friendships do drift apart due to unforeseen circumstances, I really do hope and pray that our friendships will stand the test of time. I was placed in the same class with you all this year and this has been a constant thanksgiving for me all this time.

So, I give you the 8 people whom have made an impact me - in some way or another, in ways you may not even realise, but which I am eternally grateful for. In alphabetical order - just like in the name list.

Eleasha Chew

I never really knew you in Form 1 although we were in the same class, probably because I was living in my own world at that time. Fortunately, things changed in Form 2 when we had to do our first proper English drama as a class. You were the one who made me appreciate drama more, planning each one meticulously, for I had not done dramas before, much less act in one. In that same year, you also gave the experience of producing a short film, a rare opportunity which I enjoyed deeply. We would spend days discussing plots for short films but write the proper script in only 2 days! Needless to say, everything went well and dramas and short films will definitely hold a special place in my heart. As for writing corny, cheesy lines for dramas and short films, camwhor - oops! I meant showcasing our artistic temperaments, telling grandmother stories about your interesting pre-secondary school life, planning the days when we would skip school together You did not read that!, writing crazy poems about our friends, these memories will always make me laugh whenever I think of them.

Emily Tan

I kinda knew you from Kumon, you were the smart girl who was already levels higher than me. I knew you better in Form 2, when we were in the same class. But back then, I hardly saw you in class as you were always so busy with your activities and competitions. It was a good thing when we were in the same class for Form 3, but by then you weren't the quiet Emily Tan anymore. You had changed into Miley Lee! Nah, just kidding. I remember when a group of us would always crowd round a newspaper and give our own comments of the daily news. Oh, and of course, hiding pictures of hot guys from Ms Zuhad Zubir who would then hog the whole newspaper to herself! You were the unofficial 'Ketua Kebersihan' of the class and could tell offhand of who was in charge for the day. And of course, interesting news about a cellist who shall remain unnamed for the sake of my safety. Enough said. Miley Lee, 加油!

Erin Ching

Although we were in the same class only this year in Form 3, it was only during the recorder practice that I got to know you better. Well, it looks like I have to thank Eleasha Chew after all for forcing me to play the bass recorder! After all, I don't regret it as I would not have been able to meet and know so many amazing people like you if not for this. Initially, it was quite hard to get to know you, you were so quiet, and I was even afraid of you at one point! Fortunately, after getting to know you better, your crazier, wilder personality surfaced and surprised me. You too have a very colourful and interesting story, just like everybody else, and I want to thank you for letting me into your confidences. Good luck and all the best with life in Singapore. I miss you a lot and hopefully, I will be able to go to Singapore soon and visit you and others too! You'd better treat me with ice-creams when I do come!

Janice Ang

Another person whom I knew before stepping into 1A. I had seen you before in BM tuition, but weirdly, never said a word to you! You were always cheerful and happy, you couldn't stop smiling every time. Everyone with 'issues' would go to you for advice as you were deemed as the 'wise one' who had loads of 'experience'. Do you get what I mean? PJ lessons were much easier, with you around to help us dancing-impaired people in choreographing moves for assessments. And of course, how can I forget about all the long talks we would have everyday about anything and everything under the sun. I think we often spent many hours talking about our grandmother stories, no make that Ah Chor stories and you would always mimic the mannerisms of our poor 'victims'. Oh, and your puteri lilin-ness and tendency to always crap about hot guys in short films never fail to amuse me. I can practically list down all the qualities of your ideal guy - ie: broad shoulders, muscular, tall etc. Thank you for always making me feel better with your cheerful spirit!

Luvenia Kalia

I knew you a looooooong time ago from the days of SKBL. We were so crazy back then. Who else would have sung London Bridge during UPSR! Having you in the same class in secondary school meant double the fun! You were always ready to act in our short films and your acting was very professional. You also helped a lot in script writing with your wonderful ideas and willingness to do anything when it comes to acting. Of course, the times when we would spend hours updating each other with the 'latest happenings' in our lives never failed to amuse me. As for studies, who could ever predict the day when you scored 100 for the Maths test! Also, who was the hardworking girl who started doing Add. Maths during the after PMR period? Luvenia Kalia, you are an amazing person and an awesome friend. Just ignore the rest who do not see you in that light.

Tan Sher Maine

You were the strict monitor of 1A whom everyone was afraid of. Your responsibleness in carrying your duties was superb and you were the only person I knew at that time who would actually be doing homework during the free period! I didn't really know you too until THAT incident changed everything. I'm sure you know which incident I'm referring to. THAT Form 1 MORAL incident. "Kesiaaaaan, Sher Maine." You suffered a lot, but at the expense of bringing all of us together, I'm sure you would agree that it was worth while, wasn't it? Then came Form 2. You were Jake, with loads of fans thanks to all the dramas! "Selagi bunga ini masih mekar, hatiku kepunyaan kau." You definitely melted every one's hearts with your sincere portrayal of Jake. Of course, there was also the countless times where we would tembak people in Plurk and boy, did we have a good time! Thank you so much for always being there for me.

Zuhad Zubir

If someone had told me 3 years ago that Zuhad Zubir would be one of my good friends, I would probably laughed it off. Fortunately, we were put into the same class in Form 2, although at that time, it was considered the worst misfortune of being put in the same class as you. However, I never did regret it and from that day onwards I had a new friend, who was the best actress I knew. Thank you so much for making all our dramas and short films a success. From Eva to Tracy to just Zuhad, your perseverance in making sure that our dramas and short films work out was invaluable. I'm sure that things would not have turned out so well without you. You were the one who always had the latest 'hot news' and the latest updates about music. I vaguely remember appointing you as my music advisor in Form 2. Never in my life would I have expected you to change so much for the better within these 3 years (Think HAMKs!) and I'm very glad that we are now good friends. Good luck and all the best for your MRSM application. As much as I would hate to see you leave, I understand that it is for the better and whatever decisions you make, I will always support you.

Those are the 3 Akedians who have made a huge impact in my life. However, there is also another Georgian which I would like to thank too.

Andrea Ong

It's funny how you can be in the same school with someone for 3 years and never say a word to her. Fortunately, everything changed during recorder practice. That was where the idea for FAME UP! came along. We never expected it to become a reality as it was just a random topic which we often talked about during our practice breaks. Fast forward a few months and now, we're now in the same committee, working hand in hand to ensure the success of this musical. It's really a blessing, being able to work with you as I have learnt so many things from you. Being a part of FAME UP! means so much to me as it has given me a wonderful opportunity to learn new things and meet so many new people. Thank you so much for letting me be a part of FAME UP! I really appreciate it.

So you have it, the 8 people who have made my entire year a memorable one. Thank you so much again for everything you've done. If I have done anything to offend you, please mdo forgive me. I will always cherish these friendships as true friendships last forever.

True friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, impossible to forget.

I love you all.

Yuletide Greetings

2009-12-21T12:48:00.004+08:00

So I did keep my promise to blog again. Wheeee!

Okay, never mind.

A Blessed Christmas, Wonderful New Year and Happy Holidays to everyone.

In case you're wondering if I have lost my mind in wishing people when it isn't even Christmas yet, I am just wishing everyone in advance because I won't be around the whole week. I'll be celebrating Christmas with my relatives in KL.

Enjoy yourselves everyone!

Oh, and here is a little something to help you get into the Christmas spirit if you haven't felt it yet!

A Revival of Some Sorts

2009-12-17T22:07:00.011+08:00

Honestly, I really don't know where to begin as it has been almost 4 months since I last blogged. Then, thanks to some whimsical impulse, I decided to check my blog tonight.

I was quite surprised to see that my page views had gone up significantly even though I hadn't blogged in a long time. And I was even more shocked when I noticed that some people even commented on my chat box! A thousand apologies for not seeing and replying to all of your comments.

Okay, so since I have been inactive since August, I will try to give an update about my life so far. I'll try to make it brief.

1. End of PMR!

Of course, there were loads of celebrations after an exam which took 3 years of studying! However, amidst our happiness, we were sad too as a dear friend, Erin left for Singapore, the land of kiasu-ness to further her studies under the ASEAN Scholarship. Erin, I miss you like crazy, but I know that you're definitely having a lot of fun indulging in ice-creams there!

2. The baking of our first successful cake under the tutelage of THE Domestic Goddess

I proudly present to you the metamorphosis of the domestic wreckers into the not-so-domestic goddesses! This was one of the funnest ERT classes ever and Sher Maine was so relieved that we didn't burn her house down! Oh, and the cake was a early 1 month early! birthday gift for a close friend of ours, Zuhad Zubir.

THE Domestic Goddess

VS.

The Domestic Wreckers

3. Shooting 'Of Roti Bakar & French Toast' in Sandy Bay Paradise

Our second short film not that short after all, come to think of it which was shot on the weekend immediately after PMR. This time, we had 2 guys joining us, thus relieving Jake oops! I meant Sher Maine, the immense pressure, more like fun!, of acting as a guy!

4. FAME UP!

A musical in conjunction with St. George's Girls' School 125th Anniversary. Now I know that while some of you have seen the synopsis/summary of the musical a million times in blogs/facebook, here it is again, for the benefit of those who have been living under a rock all this time.

Princess Violetta Rose has always been overshadowed by her more outgoing sister and longs to escape from the palace to pursue her passion - dance. Discovering FAME, a school of performing arts is a dream come true! In a desperate attempt to follow her dreams, she enrolls in FAME. She is swept into a whirlwind of new experiences - along with them, the first whispers of romance. Enter Scarletina Harloch - the past glory of FAME who is willing to do anything to get Princess Violetta out of the picture. Torn between two drastically different worlds, the Princess has to choose only one. Fast. But just for how long can she keep her secret - a secret?

PS: I'm one of the directors!

5. Holiday in Taiwan!

8 days of food and fun! I have never eaten so much in my life for a week!
Kilos gained: Not telling you! :P
More pictures here.

6. 'Of Roti Bakar & French Toast' The PREMIERE

Watch it here. Then comment, discuss and review here. This is an order.

7. Daddy's Birthday

HARD ROCK HOTEL! Watch the clip here.

Did I miss out anything? Tell me if I did forget about you/that incident/that holiday. I hope I didn't!

I promise that I will try to blog more often.

TRY.

The Flea and the Elephant

2009-09-03T22:38:00.001+08:00

A short tongue twister which we created in school during BM class!

The challenge: How many times can you say this poem quickly without stumbling over the words?

Eleasha and Evan bought eleven elephants,
With them, they watched Even Stevens,
Sitting in the oven sold in Seven Eleven,
If you want to know the reason,
Ask the flea on the unshaven elephant,
He'll tell you it's proven,
That Eleasha will always be with Evan!

PS: Zuhad was the one who came up with the amazing last line!

An August Update

2009-08-29T14:50:00.003+08:00

1. Trials are over.
2. Music exam is over.
3. Term break is almost over.
4. PMR is almost approaching.
5. I think I've gotten over blogging.

:(

Merentas Desa 2009

2009-07-05T17:00:00.005+08:00

Fine, I'll admit that this is my first time going for Merentas Desa during secondary school. And that I would not have came this year, if not for the performance my friends and I had to do.

A big thank you to Eleasha, Emily, Erin and Zuhad. It was great fun working with you guys.

Cheer Chick.Dude.Nerd.Guitarist.Violinist

Don't forget to watch our performance and comment!

Recorder Competition

2009-07-03T14:16:00.004+08:00

We did it! We won!

Finally, the team from St. George's emerged as winners again. After 2 years, if I'm not mistaken.

We were the first team in Dewan Sri Pinang to perform and we played 2 songs, Lembayung Jingga and Moon River. It went rather well and then we returned to our seats to continue watching our competitors.

After all 7 teams finished performing, the judges spent a few minutes deliberating on the results. All of us held hands and started hoping. The emcee announced the third placed winner. It was a school from the mainland.

Then, second place went to PFS. All of us groaned as we expected the first place winners to be SGGS. Suddenly, the emcee said: "If PFS who performed second, won second for this competiton, would the team that performed first win first too?"

All of us feared the worst. That the emcee was poking fun at us as we did not win anything. We had never looked so depressed before this.

The next minute, SGGS was announced as the winner for the state level recorder competition. There was a few moments of silence as all of us were too stunned to respond. Then, we screamed.

Real loud and high.

All of us rushed to the stage to claim our trophies and smiled broadly.

We had finally proven ourselves. And that all the time and effort spent was worth it.

All 12 of us

Practice Makes Perfect

2009-06-29T16:31:00.004+08:00

Recorder competition is tomorrow and I'm still sitting here typing this out although I'm supposed to be staring at my score, trying to memorise the notes.

Oh well, but I have a fantastic memory, so I guess I'll do it in a while. Procrastinates.

This few days since school reopened has been filled with endless talks, sharing stories, counting-to-20-games, truth or truth, and of course, practising for the recorder competition.

Honestly, the music room has become my second home. The last time I entered any classes was a while ago. But, I don't mind. Everyone is having so much fun "practising" in the music room till we even try to cook up excuses just to miss classes! (Sejarah) Just kidding!

But of course, we still do practise, and so we hope to win this competition which will be held in Dewan Sri Pinang tomorrow. Anyway, here is a short video of what we do in the music room when we take a break from our beloved recorders.

Enjoy!

The Return...

2009-06-20T18:53:00.001+08:00

...to school was harder than I anticipated.

Sunday night was horrible. I think I only managed to close my eyes at 3 in the morning before opening them again at 6am.

So not looking forward to school after 2 weeks of holidays :(

Looking like that on Monday morning.

But school is kinda fun nowadays, as we're not studying much yet. I declare, it doesn't even feel as though we're Form 3s who are gonna sit for that PMR in 4 months time. Sorry F3s, I just had to remind myself.

Students from my class currently spend their 7 hours in school:

1. Talking in class about random stuff while the teacher tries to mark the exam papers in a noisy classroom. *Hangs head guiltily*

Enough said :D

2. Blowing extremely big and heavy and I'm not exaggerating! bass recorders in the music room. Thanks to Eleasha Chew! Grrr...

3. Sleeping at the back of class, especially during Sejarah lessons! You know who you are :)

4. Cheerleaders practicing for cheer in the gym. Go Vivacious!

We still study sometimes, especially during Science where it would be a miracle if teacher was absent/decided not to teach. And on the rare occasions where my other teachers decide to take a break from marking our test papers and teach, half the class would invariably disappear to collect money/find teachers and seniors/practice for competitions/sleep.

Eh, where did everyone go?

So many people are not in class most of the time as everyone is busy preparing for some competition or another. I really hope that all of us will do well for PMR this year as the students last year didn't, due to all of their activities.

Time to start mugging at my books again!

*Starts looking for my Sejarah textbooks*

Hannah Montana: The Movie

2009-06-14T19:05:00.008+08:00

Better blog before this before school starts as I'll have less time when it does. Finishing assignments and folios, running all over the place like a headless chicken, doing jobs and duties, and most importantly studying for that dreaded PMR. Hey, that's a normal schoolgirl's life.

Okay, so I do admit that I was a leetle bit too skeptical about watching this movie. Hannah Montana? Definitely NOT my type!

But that was before I watched the movie. It was hilarious. And I especially loved the country music sung by Taylor Swift and Rascal Flatts. Not forgetting songs such as Butterfly Fly Away, The Climb and Hoedown Throwdown by Hannah herself, or should I saw Miley?

Anyway, I was rather surprised to find that the only cinema showing the movie was GSC in Gurney Plaza. And the small cinema hall wasn't exactly that full either. Well, at least I don't regret watching this movie at all!

Thanks for making my day :) <3 ya!

Angels and Demons

2009-05-31T14:16:00.004+08:00

Yeah. So I finally watched the movie. A few weeks later after the release thanks to its 18PL ratings.
But seriously, there's nothing wrong with it other than it's rather violent brandings and murders and conspiracy theories.

Oh, before I forget, Tom Hanks has an improved hairstyle in this movie. But the lead actress was rather dull and did not add much value to the show. I liked the Camerlengo who was a good actor as he managed to switch characters so easily until I could not decide for myself whether he was the good guy or the villain.

Tom Hanks in Da Vinci Code: Note the horribly long hair.

Looking so much better in Angels and Demons

Overall, the movie is so much better compared to the Da Vinci Code as it was more fast paced with less boring moments. A must watch!

Wannabe Want To Be!

2009-04-03T14:11:00.001+08:00

During our English lesson in school, we were asked to write a paragraph about a job description. This is my paragraph here, original and straight from my book.

Enjoy!

Instruction: Write a paragraph about a job description, what you want to be when you grow up. Begin with I want to be a ~. Explain why and how.

I want to be a wannabe because I want the best in life! To have a great time and be the heart and soul of a party. I want to strut down the catwalk in Paris, New York and London. Most importantly, I think I have what it takes to be a wannabe as I have loads of wannabe friends too! As they say, imitation is the best flattery and so, it looks as if I'm already on my way to superstardom!

Goodbye Paris, Hello Helen!

Just kidding! Happy April's Fool :)

PS: I hope teacher won't faint when she reads this!

A Moment of Randomness

2009-03-15T18:09:00.005+08:00

Whee! Exams are over!

Actually, at the point of writing, I have a Grade 8 ABRSM Theory Exam tomorrow morning, but oh well, if I don't take the time to post this, it may never see the light of the day.

This piece of literature here has been on my computer for 2 weeks because I had no time to publish this thanks to the intense cramming I did during my exams.

Anyway, here's an interesting story/conversation/literature which will make you ache from laughter or stare blankly wondering if we are out of our minds.

Note
Yours truly: Normal
Lilypad: Italics
Blush Queen: Bold

I haven't blogged in a long time and I don't think I want to blog now.

But since I'm in school and have nothing better to do, why not?

Okay.

So here it goes.

Lilypad just said that she willingly marry a rich guy for "equipment".

Hmm....what "equipment"? That sounds so wrong...

(Video equipment so I can do AWESOME films on all of you.)

No wait.. She thought about it and then she said that she also wants a WHOLESOME guy. Both criterias - important.

A wholesome guy? Is that even possible to find?

Here is Lilypad's definition of wholesome guys - Lilypad is currently not available. She is sitting on her leaf in the frog pond smoking bananas. (Is there nicotine in them??)

Okayyyy, fine. Since we're not getting anywhere, why don't we switch direction and head 180 degrees southwards!

Here we go!

Plurk....doesn't that word just give you ideas of a certain someone?

Strangely enough, that word Plurk seems to conjure certain images cast in a very pink, romantic light.

Hmmm...

It talks of the first whispers of romance, one's knight in shining armour, the rose-bud tinted pages of girlhood and the rosy blush which shadows one's face when comrades very slyly give subtle hints and knowing looks. *nudge, nudge* *ahem...ahem*

Oh yes, I know about that, cos I'm one of the comrades involved in the teasing...

But of course, I'm not in the position to tell further. Why don't we just go straight to the source herself, Blush Queen?

So, Blush Queen, what do you have to say?

Firstly, Plurk is not as you described. And also I am wondering what those comrades of mine are whispering behind me. I learnt from someone.. " Why bother denying something if its not true?" So like the phrase says.. I am not gonna deny anything if there is nothing to deny..

So you're implying that every thing's true then? That you have a significant other?

How can I be implying that everything is true when I for one never said anything at all?

Since the gist of the two lines above is basically : How can you say it is not true when it's true AND How can you say it's true when it's not true?

(Wait, so do you even get that?)

If words cannot portray the blatant truth, let us now use the aid of expression. If I had a camera now (which I most unfortunately don't), you would thrill to the great, HUGE blush that has crept on her face. It's like TOMATO RED!! You get it? Tomato. And tomatoes=VERY RED.

It doesn't stop there. Blush Queen hasn't stopped laughing and giggling and giving herself little assuring smiles. I bet her heart is beating a million times a second, cartwheeling and doing 1000 meter high somersaults.

WOW!

That's the power of love :)

Firstly... OMG!!! Expression? That ain't fair. I do not look like a tomato nor do I match the colour of a tomato. I do not and am not giving myself reassuring smiles. My laughing would result in my turning crazy due to the exams. My heart is beating like a normal "human heart" unlike Lilypad's heart which can beat a million times a second. and also my heart cannot cartwheel due to the fact that it is caged in my body protected my my ribs. (science fact)

Not because someone has locked up your heart and kept the key with him? Are you sure? And you have been very good-natured lately, with all your I love yous in Plurk. if you want rock solid proof, all you have to do is pay a visit to our dear Blush Queen's Plurk for all the juicy details.

What are you trying to do? and no.. no.. and yes i am sure no one has done that or anything like that whatsoever. Isn't it good to be good-natured? Would you prefer me like the last time? My Plurk is my thoughts and people would do well to leave it alone.

Your argument is kind of weak. Haha. I think I know why. Simply because the truth is the truth and the truth shall set you free :)

And because this is like getting really redundant, let's rest the case until further proof surfaces :) :)

That sounds awesome.. =)
Moving on..

Helen I'm bored TELL ME A STORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

One day, there lived a girl called Eleasha. She was fat and stout and lived in a teapot. She had bad grammar and always needed to be corrected by her darling-ish friends. Before going to bed in her cottage every night, she fries two fish. Oh, who's the other fish for? Someone else? And she can cook????

Didn't you know of my awesome cooking skills? I can even fry the entire house in two minutes. That reminds me, we have a cooking class later. I wonder if she will surprise us with her culinary skills and serve us fine-dining style.

BOREDOM IS KILLING.VERY KILLING.

Eleasha, I'm super borrrreeeeddddd....... TELL ME A BETTER STORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

One starry night, two figures strode up Helen's doorstep. One was slender and slim, the other firm and muscular. They were Blush Queen and Ahem..ahem :)

So, Helen being very hospitable and very eager to know why these two people were together ON HER DOORSTEP ON A STARRY NIGHT, prepared a steaming, piping hot pot of tofu char. (EWWWWWW.... Digusting. How 'nice' of you Helen..)

She sat them down right away but there was ONE PROBLEM. There was only two chairs in the entire house and Helen needed to sit on a chair as she was VERY TALL. If she stood up, there would be a hole in her roof. So, the big question was this: Who would get the chair???

She was about to ask them to play 'Scissors, Paper, Stone' when she realised that they were totally absorbed in each other.

THE END

Moral of the story
Number 1: Don't cook tofu char for guests. It makes them ickyy-bicky-ishly romantic :)
Number 2: Buy more chairs
Number 3: Love is so CUTE!!

This was written by yours truly, Lilypad and Blush Queen in a fit of boredom and randomness during IT class.

Hope this made you feel better!

10 Random Quotes

2009-02-17T01:58:00.002+08:00

Sorry, I know I've been neglecting my blog lately, but I've been really busy with a lot of things.

Talking, plurking, replying messages on Facebook, eating.

Oops, I meant finishing my pile of homework, practicing my music, studying, completing assignments, doing my duties and generally being a very good girl.

*Faints*

Anyway, here is this short and random post for now.

10 Interesting/Funny/Insulting Quotes I Have Heard/Received Recently

# 1 I like to kiss. It's faster and easier. The person who said this was referring to her pet on Pet Society, Facebook. But still, another friend only heard these 2 sentences and thought of the worst.

# 2 You like David Archuleta just because his cute. Obviously the person who told me that preferred David Cook. And is also a guy. Excuse me!!! David A can sing!!!! Much better than David C! So there. Humph!

# 3 I think I do flirt subconsciously. Aha! That proves my theory! Never knew that was possible, didn't you? But it seems there are some people who are good at this!

# 4 I am gay as in happy. Hmmm. That makes me wonder. Are you straight or what? Why bother acknowledging something if it isn't true? Anyway, this statement created lots of responses. Whether positive or negative, that's for you to find out.

# 5 I hate Maths. Oh-my-gosh! How can you say that? And you are a so called top student! Maths is fun and enjoyable and relaxing and easy. *Grins* But obviously, I'm very biased.

# 6 I didn't recognise you until much later. Gosh! And you've known me since I was born. But it's not really your fault anyway. I did look and act differently.

# 7 Eh, I love this song! *Starts singing* NOOOOOOOOOO! I'm already sick of that song and hate it a lot. It's that Chinese song, Mor Li Hua. (Jasmine Flower)

# 8 I don't like him! But my mum thinks he's handsome. Haha. I think you should just trust your mum's judgement.

# 9 My mum keeps asking me if I have a boyfriend and keeps assuming that every guy I talk to is. Oh, dearie. Why don't you just tell her everything? That should keep her occupied. Or shall I help you to tell her?

# 10 Hello, Helen. How are you? How's life? This is the typical greeting sent by a friend of mine through MSN. He doens't use short form at all and is very particular about the correct usage of full stops, capital letters and commas. Which I only use for the English exam.

Chinese New Year

2009-02-11T20:30:00.001+08:00

As the 15 days of CNY have ended, I had better blog about them before it's too late.

Like other people, I visited relatives and friends, entertained guests, ate a lot, talked a lot, drank a lot and best of all, collected loads of ang pow!

*Leaps with joy*

Anyway, here are some pictures of what I did during the 15 days of feasting and merry-making.

Yee Sang

Yee Sang after being tossed.

Noodles

Shark fin soup. My favourite!

Prawns

Steamed fish

Some dessert which I didn't like.

My family. (Father's side)

The other side of my family...

My uncle's birthday was on the same day as the first day of CNY!

One of the unofficial chefs of the night for the BBQ party...

Who also had to be one of the photographers.

Assistant number 1

Obviously, the cake was so delicious that he finished it.

Enjoying the cake.

Even my 3 year old cousin loved it!

Guess what this was...

Aha! Caught in the act. Oh wait, I forgot. You're over 18 already!

Another family photo.

Why can't it be CNY everyday?

*Sobs*

A Cruise to...

2009-02-09T15:31:00.002+08:00

Nowhere.

Imagine a clear blue sky with white clouds floating by, glistening blue ocean, a clean white ship, oh-so-delightfully-entertaining people, money-making and losing sessions in the smoky casino, eating delicious buffet food twice, taking endless pictures of ourselves with 3 cameras and basically having a fun time for 10 hours on a ship.

That's exactly what I just did. And boy, was it fun!

Except the losing-money-at-the-smoky-casino-part, of course.

Actually, this was an impulsive trip. As my relatives had come down from KL the day before, we gathered in my uncle's house that night for some makan and chit-chat. My aunt informed is that the 3 of them had booked a cruise to nowhere and asked us to join them. My aunt and uncle from KL immediately agreed and persuaded my parents and I to tag along. So, that's how it all started.

The cruise was from 10am to 8pm. After parking the car, going through a customs check and boarding the ship, we were finally off!

Pictures ahead. Let them tell the story instead.

Upon reaching the ship...

The photo-taking sessions began...

Fingers were pointed...

At the photographers...

Who took shots...

Other than ourselves...

Ahh...that's better...

We rested for awhile...

Before heading for the restaurant...

To queue up for food...

Yong Tau Fu...

Salted egg and chicken...

Sandwich...

A mixture of everything...

Dried fish...

We went to watch a movie, The Day The Earth Stood Still before heading to the casino to lose, oops! I meant win money.

Then, we ate dinner.

Yee sang...

Dried kuetiao...

Us stopping to smile for the camera...

We headed outside...

To catch the sunset...

And begin posing again...

In a retarded way...

As the sun went down...

The moon came up...

So we enjoyed the breeze...

While the moon shone upon us...

We were finally satisfied...

But we checked the photos first...

To make sure that we had took every possible shot...

Before taking this shot...

And before we knew it, it was time to leave...

Goodbye, ship.

It was an unforgettable experience.

Changeling

2009-02-08T22:04:00.001+08:00

I watched the movie Changeling in the cinema recently.

It's a nice movie which makes you think a lot. One of the good things about the show is that it is based on a real incident which happened many years back in America. It tells of Christine Collins who's son mysteriously disappeared while she was away working. After a few months, the police notify her that they had found her son. However, the boy sent to her was not her son although the police kept insisting it was. They locked her in a mental institution without a warrant as she had threatened to expose their corruption and wrongdoings.

Luckily, a boy came forward and told the police that he had been an accomplice to murder of 20 boys around the country. And he identified that one of the boys he helped to kill was Christine's son. After a thorough investigation and a court trial, the police system was revamped and several changed were amended to the law. Although the police could not prove that Christine's son was one of the 20 who were brutally murdered, Christine believed that he was still alive and kept on looking for him. Nevertheless, she never found him although she looked for him till the day she died.

It's a touching story, one that makes you assess your life and think about the choices you make. A recommended show, but a reminder, some of the scenes are a little gruesome and gory.

Anyway, it's one of those better shows to watch compared to all those chick flicks.

The Meaning of Chinese New Year - As Told From A Different Perspective

2009-01-23T21:41:00.001+08:00

Firstly, I would like to wish my dear readers a very happy Chinese New Year. Gong Xi Fa Cai.

Since it will be a non-stop celebration for 15 days and nights, here are 2 stories for your enjoyment.

Preface

I did not write these stories. The author wants her identity to be a secret. But the stories are based on true incidences, conversations, people and places. Except for some exaggerated ones. The stories were written during our IT class in school. As we had nothing to do and no internet, our dear author decided to write a story, no make that 2, of our lives, which were told by conversations we had during that class. Our author listened to what we talked about and cleverly put them into a story for your enjoyment and entertainment. Sadly, she did not write about her experiences, which in my opinion is a pity as they are very interesting. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the stories as they are funny and have moral values, or at least I think they do.

HELEN AND THE MANDARIN ORANGE

A big thud landed in outer space. Ang pows started flying around, as if a certain magic had overcome the place. Helen looked gleefully at the ang pows and started jumping up and down, trying to grab as many ang pows as she could. With every ang pow she caught, she was richer. YAY!

Then she was sad because she couldn’t ‘plurk’ during Chinese New Year. That was one of the only setbacks that CNY brought. Other than that, it was all good. All of a sudden, the ang pows stopped flying and a big orange landed on her head. Helen stopped in her tracks, feeling bewildered with this occurrence. She didn’t quite like mandarin oranges. Tears started to roll down her face and very soon she was drowned in a pool of salty tears.

Then, the sun started shining and she smiled again. Actually, mandarin oranges were not that bad. Feeling altogether quite tired from the emotional stress, she rested her head on the huge, spongy mandarin orange. The mandarin orange made quite a good pillow and in no time she had fallen asleep. She drifted off into Dreamland.

In Dreamland, she met a girl named Sher Maine. Sher Maine was a very particular girl who insisted on people doing everything fast. Helen told Sher Maine of her misfortunes and her adventure with the Mandarin Orange Pillow. Sher Maine sympathized. Helen was touched and cried tears of happiness for someone understood her. Before long, their conversation had turned desultory and they had started talking about wine and how it was ‘good for health’. They were surprised to find that they did know quite a lot about each other.

Similarity no. 1 – They had a crazy fetish over Plurk and had a common hobby of influencing people to spend hours ‘plurking’.

Similarity no. 2 – They repeat their MSN conversations to each other until each knows the other’s ‘dark secrets’.

Conflict no.1
- Helen: Wants a certain teacher to teach Sher Maine in ‘Dreamland School’.
- Sher Maine: Is totally against it and is frozen in the fear of Helen’s wish which may very well come true. (Author’s Note: Well Helen, I have a feeling your wish might come true because in Dreamland, everything is possible :D) Sher Maine: NOOOOOO!!!!! *pours out buckets of tears*

No!!! Please don't!!!!

After identifying certain conflicts and similarities, they both had a lovely stroll down the lane. They arrived at a pretty ice-cream parlour, where Sher Maine treated Helen to a MANDARIN ORANGE ICE-CREAM!!!

Helen: Um… Sher Maine, were you listening to me just now?
Sher Maine: Of course! I do not have some hearing defect :P
Helen: Did you get something about perhaps… mandarin oranges?
Sher Maine: One word: You LOVE them.
Helen: WHAT???? *leaves the ice-cream parlour, while Sher Maine stares in disbelief*

Helen is jolted very rudely out of her dream. She pinches herself and wonders whether Sher Maine exists. Suddenly, she realizes that her hair is wet. ‘Oh no! It cannot be what I’m thinking it is!’ And then… a waft of orange-flavoured air reaches her olfactory organ. She sits up with a great shock and looks back. The mandarin orange sits there, open and squashed, with orange liquid squirting out of it. Oooh! An orange juice fountain! She rushes over and drinks the juice. It tastes ethereal. She drinks and drinks until she is entirely contented. At the end of the day, she can’t help but wonder if she actually likes mandarin oranges or not

Haha.

There's more to it. As we continued talking for the next period, this story came to life.

THE MEANING OF CNY

We sit staring at the computer, blank in the mind but our mouth being exactly the opposite.

Helen: What are you going to do during CNY? I’m going to take loads of pictures and drink shandy and beer into the late night.
Janice: Ooh!! That’s nice. I really want to experience getting drunk. I want to see if I’ll walk sideways, frontwards, backwards or zig-zag :P What are you planning to wear on the First Day Of CNY?
Helen: Hmm...mumbles an unending line of words which are foreign to the author. Among them were spaghetti straps & shorts. *The author shrugs*

Then, a genie appears and grants us three wishes. Janice squeals with delight and says, ‘I really want FOS clothes for Chinese New Year. And I really really want coloured contact lenses from Prangin Mall.’
Genie: Oh, don’t be silly Janice. Those things are easy to come by. They just need money. Ask me for something more meaningful.

Helen and Janice stare at each other and contemplate the genie’s statement. Well, he is right. Chinese New Year is not about the ang pows, cookies or oranges. The meaning of Chinese New Year goes much deeper. It’s about strengthening family ties, realizing how blessed we are and showing love to the distant family members of whom we hardly see. So, on behalf of Helen, I urge you to spend your CNY in the most meaningful way ever.

Lots of love,
The Author
(I think Helen will divulge my identity *sob*)

By the way, I do not like mandarin oranges and the first story has given me a phobia of them. However, every time I see mandarin oranges during these few weeks, I will definitely think of the author, the people featured and the stories here.

As said earlier, lots of love to everyone and have a blessed new year ahead.

Have fun!

Oh, and I want my ang pows, please and thank you!

And who said that money does not grow on trees?

The Power of Persuasion

2009-01-22T20:28:00.002+08:00

I pride on being a not-easily-influenced person. And a person who can persuade others quite well.

However, yesterday, I was persuaded by my Godmother and I think I've gotten influenced by her.

My mum and I went over to her house as my mum wanted to pass her a few things. As I felt really tired and drained out as I came back very late yesterday, I did not want to stay on for a long time. All I wanted to do was to go home and sleep.

However, my mum and my Godmother talked for a long time. As usual, they went on from one topic to another. Soon, it turned towards me.

As I feel the laziness syndrome kicking up in me again, I will not bother to type out the whole conversation here.

My Godmother asked me what I wanted to be when I grow up. I told her that I have not decided on a suitable occupation for myself. And that I would decide later, in a few more years time.

I can't imagine myself as a doctor. Can you?

Then, it all started.

She persuaded me to become a doctor as it was a noble profession. Besides that, doctors were always in demand and one could easily find a job, even during hard times. She also said that the pay was good and if I were a well-known doctor, I could dictate the working hours and take leave whenever I wanted.

My mum sided my Godmother and repeated the words of my cousin who is a doctor in Australia. During my trip to KL, he told me that most of his courses were computer simulated and that you did not have to dissect bodies unless you chose to be a surgeon. By the way, he's a psychiatrist.

I countered back with my own excuses. I told her that Science was not my strong subject, that I was afraid of blood and I just generally did not like the idea of working as a doctor.

My Godmother continued on and said that I did not have to touch blood if I chose not to. Of course, she said that for people like me, choosing an option such being a cardiologist or surgeon was out of the question. But then, she gave several alternatives such as being a pediatrician, optician, or just a GP.

No thank you.

I have no idea on what I want now. Being a pediatrician is not my cup of team as I don't really like to work with children. Of course, when they can be such darlings whenever they're angelic but when they're sick, they tend to throw tantrums. And I don't really like to see children suffer from diseases as I don't think I can handle it. So, maybe being a pediatrician is not a suitable choice right now.

Which do you prefer? This or...

this?

As with the other options my Godmother suggested (there are too many to list down), I don't know. They sound like viable options, but I'm still not sure if being a doctor is really my calling and what I'm destined to be. Of course, I have my other interests such as Mathematics and IT, so maybe I could choose a profession in that area.

But certainly, through my Godmother's prowess in persuasion, being a doctor may as well be one of my options. Because the idea of being one is stuck in my head now.

So what do you think?

Should I be a doctor or pick something else?

A Tribute to Rose

2009-01-18T00:11:00.007+08:00

Finally, I've actually taken the time to upload the compiled video.

Firstly, I'm not really sure whether the title of this drama/sketch is Ros or Rose as there are two conflicting names in the script.

But for convenience sake, I'll stick to Ros as I'll have one letter less to type.

Ros was a Moral sketch which we planned and performed in August last year for a Moral competition. As like the previous, we did not win first and only managed to get second.

Personally, I feel that Ros is the best sketch we ever planned and performed due to a few reasons. We had more time to plan it out and practice, we had talented people as we had to combine with another class, and we also had improved in our acting and planning this time round as we had plenty of experience now.

So, my class, 2 A, combined with 2 M to come out with this sketch. At first, Eleasha and I did not want to take lead in this sketch as it was quite near to our exams and we felt that we should give others a chance to lead too. But, after some discussion, it looked as if that things would be the same again.

Coming out for the script for Ros was a tough time. We had a discussion during our Moral class. But there were no ideas coming out from the rest of our classmates. Eleasha and I thought of backing out and letting the rest take charge and come out with a horrible sketch just for the sake of doing it. Fortunately, after some mild threatening, the others agreed to cooperate and help out with the sketch.

After the minor hiccups, everything was quite smooth sailing. Our classmates readily came out with a rough plot for the sketch for us to work on. As usual, we decided on the actor/actresses, props, music, clothes and everything else.

On the day of the competition, everything went quite well. We managed to record the whole sketch for memories.

And now, presenting a 2 A/M sketch, Rose. Watch and comment!

Cast
Narrator - Erin Ching
Rose - Cheryl Tan
Jake - Tan Sher Maine
Jan - Janice Ang
Rose's mum - Chuah Hui Jing
Jake's mum - Helen Thong
Ros's siblings - Meroshini, Lavannya
Branches - Eleasha Chew, Dhiviya Dharshini, Adele Lau

Crew
Director - Eleasha Chew
Script - Eleasha Chew, Helen Thong
Props - Chan Hsu-Lynn, Ling Poh Yuen
Music - Helen Thong, Ruth Yee
Videography - Siti Sarah

Sleep Talking

2009-01-16T23:33:00.005+08:00

Yes, I'm an expert in it because I have had a lot of practice in sleep talking.

Somehow, for some reason or another, people do not phone or talk to me whenever I expect them to. They just have to wait till I go to sleep before making that phone call. In a day, there may be no calls for me but the minute I decide to take a nap as I feel sleepy/tired/bored, inevitably, the phone will start ringing off the hook and it is always for me.

My maid will then bring the phone to me and wake me up to answer it. To all of you people who are guilty of this, you will know how I talk to you.

But yet, according to the people who call me, I manage to talk sense although I'm actually sleeping halfway. They know that I'm sleeping but they say that I make sense and they know what I'm talking about. However, I tend to forget the message once I wake up so it gets dangerous as I have no idea of what I'm supposed to do.

A few examples.

Erica: Hello, Helen. I know you're sleeping right now. So sorry. But I want to tell you that you don't have to fetch me to tuition today cause my dad will fetch me today. You just have to fetch me back. Okay?
Helen: Yeah, okay. See you later. Bye.

A few hours later, once I've woken up.

Oh no! Did Erica phone me to tell me she's going or not? Do I have to fetch her?

Scratches head and tries hard to recall.

Luckily, after pondering for a few moments, it always comes back to me.

But not always though.

Aunt: Helen, I'm putting your IC in the third drawer. Make sure you keep it properly when you wake up. I'm going off now.
Helen: Yes, yes. Just put it there.

Once I've woken up.

Eh, where's my IC? I must have lost it! Aiyoh, where did she was going to put it?

Phones aunt to ask about the IC and receives a reprimand for being such a scatter-brain.

Of course, with lots of practice, I eventually improve and can even give directions even though I'm half asleep.

At 8am on a Saturday

Eleasha: Hello, Helen. I know it's really early but I have to ask you something.
Helen: Okay. What is it?
Eleasha: About the skirt, what am I supposed to do to it? After cutting it, I have to send it to the shop to fix it properly first or do I start sewing immediately.
Helen: First, you cut it. Then you send it to the shop. You only start sewing once we go back to school.
Eleasha: Oh, now I know. Okay, thank you. Have a nice time sleeping!
Helen: Bye.

Of course, I never actually knew what I was talking about, but the people above claimed they understood me, so I guess I must be quite good a sleep talker.

Maybe I can even progress to sleep blogging now. On second thoughts, that's a rather dangerous idea as I may type nonsense into the computer.

I think I'll just stick to sleep talking for now.

But that doesn't give you the excuse to call me when I'm asleep!

I need my sleep!

Housekeeping

2009-01-15T23:31:00.006+08:00

This is one topic where I'm bad at. Very bad at, actually.

Housekeeping skills.

And my room is a testimony to that fact.

Anyway, we had an ERT (Living Skills) class today. As usual, the teacher talked non-stop while we tried to stay awake. After she was done with her notes, she ordered us to clean up the cooking room.

Eleasha and I had to scrub 3 towels, rinse them and hang them outside to dry.

At first, when we heard what we had to do, we had the "look" on our faces.

Oh my gawd! How are we gonna to do this? What are we supposed to do first?

We walked towards the sink and placed the basin into the sink. Using our fingers, we slowly picked out a towel and placed it into the sink. Then, we stared at it for 10 seconds.

Thank goodness, the "pro" was in the same class as us. For the first time in 3 years.

Eleasha: Sher Maine! Help! What are we supposed to do?
Sher Maine: Gives the knowing look. Take the brush, then scrub the towel.
Helen: Why must we scrub the towel? It's clean already what. Wasting time only.
Sher Maine: Sighs and laments over the fact that Eleasha and Helen have such good housekeeping skills.
Helen: To Eleasha. Seriously, this is why we should never be roommates. This is already bad enough.
Eleasha: What do you do next? Rinse it?
Sher Maine: Patiently. Yes. With water. Till there's no more soap.
Eleasha: Actually, come to think of it, this is rather fun! Splashes water around.
Helen: Yeah! Luckily it's the end of school or else we'll get all wet.
Eleasha: And the water is so cold! So nice.

After 10 minutes of squeezing, rinsing and washing 3 small towels.

Eleasha: Eh, my towel still got soap-lah. How-ah?
Helen: Never mind-lah. It's clean already what. Just leave it there. Let's hang them outside now.
Sher Maine: Tsk, tsk tsk. My towel has no more soap. You must keep rinsing and washing it till all the soap comes out.
Helen: It's ok. It's clean already. I'm just gonna hang it up and go home!
Eleasha: Moans. My hands have been exposed to harsh chemicals. What am I going to do?
Helen: Put lotion-lah. It helps. That's why I don't like washing plates or cloths or anything that requires me to use detergent.

Now you see why I have such horrible housekeeping skills?

I know you're shocked and amused.

The only time I actually did any housework was when my maid went home during the holidays. I had to sweep the floor, wash the plates, make my own bed and many others. It was terrible as I detest doing housework and am very slow in these things.

Enough is enough.

But still, a little experience is better than none as I will definitely have to do my own housework when I grow up.

Sigh.

The moral of the story: Study hard and get a well paying job so that you will be able to hire a maid.

I'm just joking.

Housekeeping skills are not a joke. They are a talent which will come in useful in life.

So I had better get cracking and learn up some simple stuff.

Just in case.

Narnian Nonsense

2009-01-14T23:52:00.007+08:00

Disclaimer: Names will not be mentioned here as I don't want to see an answer posted to this in any of my friends' blogs. But of course, if you're smart enough, you will be able to figure out everything.

Note: There are 4 people involved in this conversation including yours truly.

30 minutes to the end of school.

C: Have you heard from N recently? On MSN?
A: Yes! He chatted with me recently. And I didn't know what he was talking about.
D: Typical. The only person he thinks about is you.
B: Practicing excellent selective hearing at that moment. N! A, he's still chatting with you? You and him are so opposite like maybe A and D?
A: Pulls a face. He told me that he likes watching romantic movies as he can learn about other people's lives. How shallow is that? Unlike me, I love watching movies with deep messages. Such as Prince Caspian. Looks into the distance dreamily.
B, C and D: Roll eyes while giving the knowing look.
D: You've watched the show like for a million times. Especially the kissing scene. It's all you watch only, right?
A: I don't like that scene. But I like that scene because of the emotions portrayed.
C: So indirectly, you like that scene right?
A: Looking for an answer. I guess? I like it because of the leaving. What a bittersweet ending. Just like the Prisoner of Zenda. My favorite!
B,C,D: Groans.

This is followed with more private stuff which shall not appear here for A, B, C and D's privacy. Actually, more for A and C's privacy.

End of school

A and C continue about the topic for another 30 minutes while eating fruits before finally moving on to another topic.

A typical day in school with loads of time wasted.

Note to A: I don't want you to write about me in your blog! I didn't mention anything inappropriate here and no names were disclosed. But as I promised, I blogged about it and I'm gonna upload a picture for you!!!

For the one and only hardcore Narnian fan I know!

PS: Sorry, couldn't resist linking you!

3 Aked

2009-01-10T11:30:00.000+08:00

I guess this title sums everything up.

I'm in 3 Aked this year. The so-called first class. And the largest class this year since all the music students are in this class.

A very competitive class too. Everyone in 3 A is super smart and brainy and talented and the list goes on...

Hey, but since I'm in that class, I must be one too!

*Grins with a smug face.*

I see a lot of raised eyebrows now.
Anyway, I'm glad to be in 3 A this year as most of my friends are in this class as well. And we have good teachers this year too! Finally, I have a Maths teacher who can actually speak English and teach clearly and properly, an English teacher who makes lessons interesting, a Science teacher who makes the subject easy, an easy-going Geography teacher and etc.

Oh, also a History teacher who's a walking textbook and can talk non-stop for an hour and a half and sometimes put us to sleep, a funny Music teacher who conducts many activities and so on.

Now, I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that my class will get a certain Moral teacher which we all like as our current Moral teacher has announced that she will be only teaching us for 2 weeks. She is quite fun, but to some people who know everything that happened in 2007, most of us are keeping our fingers crossed that our Moral teacher will be a certain someone. If that wish comes true, there will never be a quiet moment in the class as all of us will be laughing our heads off. For the wrong reasons, as Sher Maine would attest and agree.

During almost every Moral class.

But I must stop here and not say anything more about this or else I will not live to tell the tale if we do get that Moral teacher.

*Keeps her fingers and for that matter, toes crossed that we will get that Moral teacher.*

PS: Sher Maine has written an answer to this post, so kindly head over here to read her point of view of this matter.

Mamma Mia! The Musical

2009-01-09T00:05:00.000+08:00

I know I'm really late in blogging this, but I've been really busy ever since school started.

Even the pictures taken haven't been fully uploaded yet.

But I will try my best to hurry up as if I don't blog about this and post the pictures, I may never do it.

Okay. So here it goes.

I woke up really early and packed all the last minute stuff into my bag. I went to school to board the bus. We talked all the way to KL except during some sleepy moments.

Mummy dearest aka Sher Maine sleeping.

Mee Quin sleeping.

We reached KL really late. We left Penang at 8.30am and only reached at 3.30pm. I could have gone to Melaka by car by that time. We checked into the hotel and started unpacking and bathing.

I shared a room with Sher Maine, Luvenia and Amanda. After everyone bathed and changed into formal wear, we boarded the bus and headed to KLCC for some window-shopping and dinner. Why window-shopping? Cause everything in KLCC was branded designer stuff, read Chanel, Prada, Coach, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, you get the picture. We could only afford to shop in Watsons and had dinner in McDonald. Posed and took some pictures in the KLCC toilet and stairway.

In the toilet near the food court.

Stairway pictures

Then, we went to Istana Budaya which was only a 15 minute drive from KLCC. Istana Budaya kinda looked like the old Penang Airport. But it's really grand inside. After collecting our tickets from the teacher and taking some photos, we went in. The place was really grand. It was so huge. We sat down at our seats which were good as they were about 10 rows away from the stage. Then, as it wasn't time yet, we took more photos. Make that a lot.

Istana Budaya

Penang Airport. Spot the resemblance?

Outside with the backdrop.

Inside the hall.

Promptly at 8.30pm, the musical started. But, there was an anticlimax as the national anthem was played. Sigh, I thought I would only be hearing that in school. We had to sing as the people around us were singing and we didn't wanted to get stared at. Then, the musical started. It was indescribable. It was awesome, spectacular and everything wonderful. I loved the actors and the actresses and the music and the props and the dance choreography. It was so good that I felt fortunate that I had upgraded my ticket as I had a good seat.

During the intermission, we talked about the show and walked down to the orchestra pit to look at the instruments. After about 15 minutes, the musical resumed. It was funny and entertaining. At the end of it, the actors/actresses came out for an encore. All of us stood up and clapped along.

We returned back to the hotel after the musical. Then we resumed our posing session in the hotel room and along the corridors.

In the corridor.

Emo pose.

In our hotel room.

After that, we headed to Dharshini, Isabelle, Mee Quin and Jeanette's room for a food and drinks party. The room was in a mess when we left. We went back to our own rooms at about 2am.

The next day, I woke up at 7.30am. After bathing, we went down for breakfast. We left the hotel at 9.30am and headed to Mid Valley Megamall for shopping and lunch. From there, my parents and relatives picked me up and we headed to a restaurant for lunch. I did not follow the bus back to Penang as I extended my holiday in KL.

After breakfast.

So, that's basically about my Mamma Mia school trip to KL. As for the rest of my holidays in KL, I don't think I will blog about it as I have no time and most of the time in KL was spent with my family, specially with my cousin from Australia and with my nephews.

Resolutions

2009-01-08T20:02:00.000+08:00

Have my dear readers made their New Year's resolutions yet? Any interesting one's you would like to share?

This year, I have only one resolution which is to not make a resolution.

This is because I find it very hard to achieve my resolutions and feel very demoralized whenever I fail. Therefore, for a change, I have decided to make both short and long term goals this year. They should be achieved easily if a lot hard work and effort is put into them.

My 2009 Goals.

1. Get straight A's for PMR. In the progress...

2. Study more, relax less. Trying hard now...

3. Practice my piano, violin and guitar more. Going on rather well, thanks to a well-followed timetable and loads of encouragement.

4. Pass my Grade 8 Theory exams in March. This should be quite okay.

5. Improve and master Form 4's Additional and Modern Maths. Seem like a mammoth task now. But should be okay as the months pass.

6. Make more friends and be less cliquish. I've made more friends recently.

7. Improve my mandarin. China's opening up very fast now.

8. Spend more time with my family and friends. Not alone, by myself in front of the computer.

9. Be more active in sports and school activities. For my fitness and health and also for the co-curricular marks.

10. Organize and/or act in a class drama/film. Very important! Since my class has all the talented people this year. Eg: Actors/Actresses, Props, Music

So, I hope that everyone will have a blessed 2009. May all your resolutions and goals be achieved!

An Interlude

2008-12-28T08:00:00.003+08:00

Let's take a short break now, shall we?

It isn't easy blogging all the time. To rack my brains for something amusing and interesting every other day isn't exactly the easiest thing to do. So, I will be taking a short break from blogging as I will be having a week-long holiday in Kuala Lumpur. I will be in KL to watch Mamma Mia! The Musical with my friends and also to visit my friends and family there.

I will be in KL starting form today (28th) until the 2nd of January. Hopefully, I will be able to make some time to blog about my holiday in KL when I'm there. But they will only be published once I'm back. Loads of photos will definitely be uploaded when I return. So, have a smashing holiday, the new year is approaching! and remember to keep on reading Fulfilling Life's Destiny.

Till we meet again,

♥ XOXO
~Helen T.~

Australia

2008-12-25T21:45:00.007+08:00

First and foremost, a very Merry Christmas to my dear readers. I know I'm rather late in wishing and there's only a few more hours before it's Boxing Day but oh well, it's the thought that counts, right? Anyway, I have my reasons for not being able to blog earlier and wish everyone Merry Christmas.

As I said earlier, I have my reasons as to why I could not blog earlier. I was in Gurney Plaza watching Australia. By the way, it's a movie, in case you're wondering.

It was just released today.

It's an interesting movie where many important and relevant issues are raised. The scenery is also lovely, with a good cast. Nicole Kidman is a good actress and is perfect in her role. There are loads of action scenes and the movie is not boring at all. However, it's rather long about 2 hours 40 minutes, but it was worth every moment.

A must watch, especially those who love action and Australia!

Oh yeah, it has nothing to do with Christmas, in case you were wondering. I wonder why it was released on Christmas day itself.

So go and watch it!

Cause I said so.

Fans, Be My Followers

2008-12-23T21:15:00.001+08:00

Dear readers of Fulfilling Life's Destiny,

I really appreciate the fact that you, and yes I do mean you are taking the time to read my blog. Without you guys who lighten up my day, brighten up my life, colour my world and provide me with interesting and amusing anecdotes to blog about, this blog wouldn't have existed.

Now, can you people just help me out in another small matter? As you can see in the top left corner of this blog, there is a widget called Fans and Followers. If you have a Blogger account, please sign in with that account and click on the button that says Follow This Blog. In that way, you will receive instant updates whenever I publish a new post.

For an easy way, just click on this. And I will love you forever.

To the small minority who have already followed my blog even before this post, I commend you and I hope that you will keep on following my blog. Besides that, I also hope that you will link me in your blogs. I link everyone who links me. After you have linked me in your blog, just send me a message in my chatterbox with your name and your URL so that I can link you. One good turn deserves another.

So, I hope that you all will be my fans, followers and most importantly, friends. Remember to keep on following and reading Fulfilling Life's Destiny.

With loads and loads of love,

♥ XOXO
~Helen T.~

What's In A Name?

2008-12-22T00:53:00.005+08:00

Answer: Everything you need to know about a person.

But not always though. Sometimes, I have had people walking up to me and saying the weirdest kinds of things. Such as telling me that I look and sound like a so-and-so, am working as a this-and-that and many other weird things which I will save for another blog post.

I had the idea for this post when I met a friend of my parents recently. A few comments by my parents made me think for a while and I decided that this topic could be explored further and be transformed into a blog post.

Let me give you the overall background so that you will understand better and have a clearer picture of what's going on.

Mr. EJ is a businessman selling all kinds of dried foodstuff in town. My parents go to his shop to buy the things they need since a long time ago. He is my mum's sister-in-law's brother-in-law. Okay. I have officially made everyone confused. Never mind. To simplify things, he is a distant relative of mine.

Confused? Read on. It gets worse.

I usually follow my parents to his shop as it is in town and they normally go there on Saturdays. I have been there since I was 3, perhaps? And as I was a rather quiet and shy girl last time, quite hard to believe, right? I did not talk much but instead stared a lot at the things sold there.

Mushrooms. Plenty in the shop.

One year, during Christmas, my uncle and aunt who are related to Mr. EJ came down to Penang. They live in KL. That year, Mr. EJ did a party in his house and invited my family along as well. Then, my uncle decided to tease me and asked me whether I knew Mr. EJ. I answered loudly with a decided yes. My uncle asked me, "So what is his name?"

And I am very ashamed to say that I didn't know his name at that time. So I answered, "mushroom man." I think most of you will be wondering how I came with that name. Well, one of my earliest memories of going to Mr. EJ's shop was to buy mushrooms. A lot of mushrooms. So I came to associate Mr. EJ with mushrooms.

My mushroom man. Figuratively. Not literally.

Coming back to the present, my family and I bumped into Mr. EJ at Dewan Sri Pinang. My dad immediately told me, "Here's mushroom man." After saying the usual formalities, my parents excused ourselves as we wanted to go home. A few steps later, my dad asked me," Eh, so what's his name again? I keep forgetting as I call him mushroom man like you do."

Luckily, my mum still remembered his real name and told us. My dad and I were like, " Oh yeah. I totally forgot. Must remember his name and call him by his real name next time."

Anyway, I still have a chance to call him by his real name. My relative, Mr. EJ's nephew, is going to get married soon and the wedding reception will be held in early January. Hopefully, my brain cells will function properly and I will stop associating him with mushrooms.

No more mushrooms or mushroom man for me. Not anymore.

A Phone Call

2008-12-21T15:47:00.012+08:00

I know this title sounds so creepy. Like those Asian horror films which I absolutely detest and do not watch at all.

Just looking at it gives me the creeps.

But in reality, this post is going to be a funny, hilarious and fun entry just like the posts before.

A few days ago, I received a phone call from my Ah Mah (grandmother). Normally, I would have freaked out if I picked up the phone as I would have to converse with my Ah Mah in Hokkien. It would be even worse if my parents were not around as I would have to talk to my Ah Mah in Hokkien on the phone.

A typical conversation with my Ah Mah a few months ago would have been like this.

Ah Mah: Hello, Heleh-ah. Wa ai ka loo eh mak kong wa. Hello, Helen. I want to talk to your mum.

Yours truly: While panicking and looking around in desperation. *Yells* MUMMY! AH MAH'S ON THE PHONE. FASTER PICK IT UP!!! Then on the phone to my Ah Mah, Tan chi eh, Ah Mah. Ah Mah, please hold on.

How I normally feel.

And that would be the end of our conversation.

But of course, over the last few months, I am very proud to say that my Hokkien has improved! Thanks to ardent listening to my relatives conversation and of course, reading my Hokkien guide.

So, when the real test came, I was kinda prepared for it.

Ah Mah: Hello, Helen. Loo eh mak ooo ti-oh? Hello, Helen. Is you mum there?

Yours truly: Wa eh mak bo ti. My mum is not at home.

Ah Mah: Loo eh pa-eh? What about your dad?

Yours truly: Ee chut ki liao. He has gone out.

Ah Mah: Oh, aa neh kuan-ah? Ho la. Ah Mah ka lu kong, ma chai Ah Mah cho ee. Kio lu lang lai Ah Mah eh chu. Oh, like that-ah? Nevermind. Ah Mah tell u, tomorrow Ah Mah is making tang yuan. Ah Mah wants you all to come to my house.

Yours truly: Oh, aa neh kuan-ah? Wa mui wa eh mak seng. Oh, like that-ah? I'll ask my mum first.

Ah Mah: Wa ua ten ua liao. Loo kio loo eh mak pak ten ua hor Ah Mah. Loo lai asi bo lai pun ai pak ten ua hor Ah Mah cai. Ah Mah kior lu eh Ah Chek hor loo wa eh xin ten ua. I changed my number already. Ask your mum to call me. Whether you come or not still must call me to confirm. Ah Mah will ask your Ah Chek to tell you my new number.

Your truly: While scrambling for a pen and paper. Ho. Ah Mah, tan chi eh-ah. Ok. Ah Mah, please wait for a while.

Ah Chek: Hello, Helen. Wa lang eh xin ten ua si **********. Hello, Helen. Our new number is **********.

Yours truly: While hoping and praying that the number written down is translated correctly. Si **********. Tio-oh? It's **********. Correct?

Ah Chek: Tio. Ah Mah ai ka lu kong ua. Correct. Ah Mah wants to talk to you.

Yours truly: Ok.

Ah Mah: Aa neh wa bo mi kia kong liao. Loo kio loo eh mak pak ten ua hor wa. I have nothing to say now. Tell your mum to phone me.

Yours truly: Ok. Bye-bye. Oops, a faux pas.

Ah Mah: Suprisingly. Bai-bai. Bye-bye.

Note: Ah Chek means uncle. In this case, I was talking to my dad's youngest brother.

Tang Yuan

By the way, I did not go for the lunch as my parents and I were busy. So no pictures available. Sorry.

So, what do you think of my Hokkien?

I improved a lot, right?

See, I can have a long conversation with my Ah Mah now!

Yippee!

Composing Compelling Creations

2008-12-19T00:08:00.003+08:00

I seem to have developed a fondness for alliteration these days.

Must be all the Jane Austen novels I read.

Anyway, going back to the topic today, I have also found out that I can actually compose songs using Apple's GarageBand and they do sound good. According to a few of my friends who enthusiastically heard and reviewed my songs.

As blogged earlier, I attended a 3 day course in USM that was organized by Apple. I was taught how to create movies, songs and websites using Mac software. It was really a fun experience using Apple's GarageBand, iMovie, iWeb and others as they are really simple and easy to use.

For the benefit of others who are not so close to me and haven't heard my wonderful songs yet, they are available for listening. If you wish to download them, feel free to contact me personally and I will send you a copy of the songs with the composer's love.

Listen and comment.

Late Night Jazz

Rojak Club Mix

Thanks for your time and attention!

They're superb, stupendous, stunning! And that's only the S's!

They're astounding, amazing, astonishing! And that's only the A's!

Love you guys so much! Have a heart each!

Anymore to add?

Mesmerizing, marvelous, magnificent! Only the M's!

Capital, classic, cool! Only the C's!

Fantastic, first-rate five stars! Only the F's!

Wizard, wonderful, whiz-bang! Only the W's!

Take your pick, there's more than enough for everybody.

And composing.

Apologies

2008-12-18T00:09:00.001+08:00

I think I owe some of you people an apology.

I forgot to add the English translation to some of the Hokkien phrases in my previous posts. So, I'm really sorry if some of you couldn't understand what I was saying in some of my previous posts.

Looking back, I just realized that some of my posts contain lots of phrases and sentences in Hokkien. So, to satisfy everyone, I have edited all those posts which contain Hokkien and have put the translations next to the phrases/sentences.

Here are the posts that contain Hokkien and have been edited.

Ageing Woes
Much Ado Over Jams

Feel free to have a look at those 2 posts again. If you think you have a better translation, feel free to notify me.

From now on, any phrases/sentences in any language but English will be translated for the benefit of everyone.

I promise.

Just The Way It Goes

2008-12-17T00:33:00.002+08:00

Not again.

Just after I did the blog post about my pet peeve, someone has to come up to me to ask, so, your working as a this-and-that right?

But, I guess, this people do not know me, so I have nothing against them.

They probably don't even read my blog anyway.

So here it goes.

2 cases in point this time.

Case 1
In Borders, Queensbay Mall

Guy: Excuse me, miss. You work here right? Can you open this magazine for me?
Yours truly: No, I'm not a worker here.
Guy: Oh, sorry. I thought you work here.

At that time, I was leaning against a bookshelf near the magazine area but I wasn't holding anything. So he must have assumed that I was a worker.

Case 2
In Evolution Music House, Gurney Plaza

My mum was looking at some guitars while testing them out. I decided to walk about the shop to look for anything that interested me. So I went to look at the music books on sale.

Worker: You play the guitar and piano?
Yours truly: Yes, I do.
Worker: Are you a piano teacher?
Your truly: No, I'm just a student.
Worker: Oh, really? Sorry. You looked so much like a piano teacher.

Note: I'm not a piano teacher nor any kind of music or non-music teacher. So, please don't come to me for lessons. I don't teach. I learn.

I wonder, when will these people get it that I'm only a 14 year old student who studies and does not work?

Sometimes, they just never do.

Miraku Restaurant, G Hotel

2008-12-16T02:11:00.003+08:00

A few days ago, I just had an absolutely scrumptious Japanese dinner in the Miraku Restaurant in G Hotel. It was perfect (partially because someone treated me to dinner) and also because the food was delicious and value-for-money.

G Hotel

The lobby

We (me mum and I) had helped a few friends to choose a proper guitar as they wanted to start classes. So after shopping for 2 hours in Evolution Music House in Gurney Plaza for that perfect guitar and listening to many horrid ones in the process, my mum's friend finally found a guitar which she liked, sounded good and was within her budget. Furthermore, the shop gave a lot of discounts as she bought a guitar tuner, guitar stand, guitar book and a guitar book.

After shopping, my mum's friend decided to treat us at a Japanese restaurant in G Hotel as it was very convenient. Besides that, her children and sister who tagged along enjoyed eating Japanese food. So, we walked over to G Hotel and went up to the Japanese Restaurant.

It was tastefully decorated, but very confusing as I could not see the way in easily. It was like a mini maze and I had to follow the waitress in. Then, we started ordering and the food came.

The portion served in Miraku is very big, so be very careful when ordering unless you are a big eater. The appetizer was served with salad and a little cold meat. Then, the main course came. As I had ordered the sushi set, I was very shocked as the portion was very large and there were many types of food in the set. It looked so much better than the pictures provided in the menu.

Note: The following pictures are taken from various websites and blogs as I didn't take my camera there.

Tempura set

Soba set

Salmon set

It was heavenly. So tasty and delicious. Although the portion was large, the restaurant allowed us to pack the food that we could not finish and take it home. The waiters and waitresses there were very good and well-trained too. They could remember who ordered what and were very polite. After sitting there and talking for 2 hours from 6pm to 8pm, we decided to go home.

Another nice day of shopping and in my case, window-shopping.

My ideal situation

Mesmerizing iMac

2008-12-15T10:49:00.013+08:00

I ♥ Apple's iMac.

Having said that, I've only used it for a few hours so far.

Actually, I'm attending a 3 day course on using Apple's Mac. So far, it's quite okay. It doesn't feel like Microsoft's Windows but somehow, using iMac seems like a natural instinct for me. Call me perasan or whatever you like, but hey, who knows? I may just have a natural talent for computers.

I see many raised eyebrows now.

Fine, okay.

Going back to the topic, (I don't want to offend others who think they're more superior than me in computers but are actually not) iMac is a nice computer to use. After hearing the trainer speak of all the benefits of using a Mac, (won't crash, won't get virus, don't have to reformat, etc) I actually feel like getting a Mac now, since my computer is already 4 years old and for other reasons as well.

But we'll see.

Cause knowing me, I tend to have this mindset where I like new things easily but hate them after a long time, something like familiarity breeds contempt kind of attitude. But don't worry, I have that kind of mindset only to certain non-living things and not to people.

Oh well. I don't thing I'll actually get a Mac anyway. Cause my dad who will most probably buy a computer for me is a hardcore fan of Windows. And I'm also afraid that the many applications I use won't be compatible with a Mac computer.

So we'll see, how I feel after this course, whether it's worth getting a Mac when my Windows is still usable.

What I'm using now.

Steamboat Dinner

2008-12-14T15:26:00.002+08:00

Yummy!

Especially when eaten with your own family.

Note: Sorry, but this post may take a longer time to load. Lots of images coming...

My relatives came down from KL to Penang for a short visit (3 days). And as usual, for my family, we went for another big feast. This time, it was a steamboat dinner, suggested by my cousin.

I think I'll just let the pictures tell my story. As they say, a picture paints a thousand words.

Disclaimer: Not for the gastritis-prone. And do not charge the medical bill to me.

The shop's signboard

The exterior

The interior

The different kinds of sausages and fish balls

Fresh seafood

Chicken and beef. I think

Chicken and pork?

Definitely prawns

Squid

Marinated fish

Cockles

Marinated fish (different breed and style)

Pre-fried food

Steamboat with 2 different types of soup (Normal and Tom Yam)

Barbecued food around the steamboat

The unofficial cooks of the night

I can't remember what we were saying

Having fun

It was good, wasn't it?

Tag, You're It!

2008-12-13T20:25:00.002+08:00

Some of you may have noticed that I have never done any tags and posted them on my blog. Some of you have tagged me in your posts and may have even wondered why I never bothered answering them.

The reason is this: I detest answering tags as they do not help in enhancing my blog except for adding more posts. Ditto for emailed stories and jokes. Since you already sent those to me and probably everyone on your contact list, why should I post them up? Everyone would have read them by now. I prefer blogging my own stuff.

But don't worry, I do not have any problem against people who love to answer tags and tag others. I just do not like to answer tags and tag others. So, you won't see any tags in my blog. Previously, I debated whether I should answer tags and tag others but I felt that I had enough to blog enough to the extent that I would not have to answer a tag.

If you still want to tag me in your blog post, please go ahead. I won't deprive you from the pleasures you get from answering tags and tagging me. But why bother tagging me when you know I don't do tags? Tag some other people you know. At least, you may get an answer.

Not answering tags.

Mathematical Magic

2008-12-12T14:39:00.006+08:00

I just found out that Additional (Add.) Maths is quite challenging and confusing. Well, at least certain topics, for example, Chapter 1 which is Functions. But then, there are some relatively easier ones like Quadratic Functions and Equations and Simultaneous Equations.

Quadratic Equations

Simultaneous Equations

On the other hand, Modern Maths is quite okay, compared to Add. Maths. It's like the Form 3 syllabus, only a harder version of it. And yes, there are Quadratic Expressions and Equations in Modern Maths too! That's my favorite topic and one of the easiest for me. Cause I spent a whole year learning how to factorize and expand thanks to Kumon, which I stopped. I really couldn't cope with Kumon and I had less time to finish my paper. But still, I never regretted stopping Kumon and taking Maths tuition because the lessons at my Maths tuition are more structured and easier to understand. For me.

If you would ask me, I think I prefer Modern Maths. For now. Add. Maths is a tad harder than Modern Maths. But that doesn't mean I won't take Add. Maths when I'm 16 cause I think I should be okay in that subject in a few months time. For the record, I'm only 14 but taking Add. Maths and Modern Maths. Being kiasu as usual.

But I think having the background in these 2 subjects will really help in my Form 3. And as I already skipped a year because I started the 2 subjects a year earlier, I can begin to start doing test papers in the start of Form 5. Just like how I'm doing test papers for my PMR Maths now. I did my Form 3 Maths this year and this is why I'm continuing my Form 4 Maths now.

If only I could do this for my other subjects, I would be so happy.

I dream on. Again.

Much Ado Over Jams

2008-12-05T13:48:00.009+08:00

And I don't mean this type of jams.

Nor this.

But the hypertension causing-sweat inducing-curse uttering kind of jams.

Know what I mean now?

And, by the way, I don't curse. It's just that some people curse whenever they are in a traffic jam. I really don't see the point, as I get to listen to more music in the car whenever I'm caught in a traffic jam. But then again, I'm not a driver, so I wouldn't really know anyway.

Recently, I noticed that there were more cars than usual in Penang. Probably due to the holiday season. Whenever I go out now, there are so many cars that I have to leave earlier to avoid being late. Or my parents will be having a discussion of their own in front in Hokkien as to which way is the fastest to their destination.

Thanks to my rudimentary grasp of Hokkien, I managed to understand and pick up a few terms and conversations.

Examples

Loo iong chi peng. Ka kuai. Use this way. It's faster

Mai la. Jelutong highway ka kuai. Don't want. Jelutong highway is faster.

Jelutong highway ka hee lay Penang bridge chin chia kin. Penang bridge tia tok jam eh. Iong Greenlane ka ho kia. Jelutong highway is very near to the Penang bridge. The Penang bridge sure jam. It's better to use Greenlane.

Wa already peng chi peng liao. Loo kua, bo jam mah. I already turned in here. You see, it's not jam.

What about me?

Well, I sit behind and feign ignorance while listening to the radio. It's nice, especially when you have a remote control to switch channels.

I guess it's just a blessing in disguise that I cannot drive yet.

Or I just may end up crazy due to the traffic jams and rude drivers in Penang.

Aaaarrrrgggghhhh!

Procrastination

2008-12-02T22:51:00.005+08:00

Procrastination has always been a part of me ever since a long time ago. During the exams, it had improved and I actually did a schedule and stuck to it. However, since the holidays, I have been letting my guard down again. Which let to this.

Every Tuesday evening, I have what I like to term the double killer - a double music lesson of piano and violin. One that always fills me with dread when I do not practice, especially when I was busy or simply just plain lazy.

And this week so happened to be those weeks where I would just laze around, doing nothing, sitting in front of the computer or reading storybooks instead of diligently practicing the piano. Yes, I did practice a little of course, as totally not practicing would have meant committing instant suicide. But it was those practices where I would just have a one time go at all of my pieces before heading upstairs to sit in front of the computer again.

Then, it dawned upon me that I had the double killer coming. In a day's time. But I still did not panic and assured myself that there would still be enough time to practice. I lazed around doing nothing. Actually, not really. I started studying science, history and mathematics for PMR. Yay! I consoled myself with the fact that there would be a full day to practice the piano and violin tomorrow.

Tomorrow soon came. Although I woke up at 11 am, I still took my time to bathe before sauntering downstairs for my lunch. Then, I decided to go online for a while before I started my practice session. As the hours ticked by, my heart sank as I knew I had to finally start practicing.

I dragged myself downstairs and opened the piano. As I practiced, I become more and more worried as I could not really play the pieces properly. My teacher even wanted me to play with the metronome and I knew that I would struggle during my class later. It was 2 pm, and I still had another 4 hours or so before my class started. I decided to take a break and play the guitar for a while before resuming my piano playing. After half and hour, I made up my mind to play again. I played the pieces over again, trying to master them immediately.

Suddenly, the phone rang.

I practically jumped up and ran to answer the phone.

It was my music teacher calling. She had a few things that she had to settle so she had to cancel the class today. But she would replace the lesson on another day.

Phew! What a relief.

Never have I been so happy.

I immediately closed the piano and headed upstairs to on the computer. And I didn't even practice the violin.

Oh well, I guess I'll have to pay the price next week. As I will be going to Perak for 4 days from Monday to Thursday, I canceled my music lessons and replaced them on Friday instead. I doubt I'll even have the time to practice.

Anyway, the moral of the story is that procrastination pays.

Sometimes.

Ageing Woes

2008-11-29T21:46:00.013+08:00

Please bear with me as there are many dialogues and no pictures in this post.

As this is the umpteenth time that it has happened, I have to do something (blog) in order to clarify this issue.

For your information, I am 14 years old this year and will be turning 15 in January 2008. You know what to do.

I cannot understand why so many people ask me so many illogical (in my opinion) questions about my age and make the most hilarious statements when they find out the truth.

*Note: All names have been changed to protect the guilty and the not-so-guilty.

Case 1
In the clinic

Doctor: (While injecting me) So what college are you in now?
Yours truly: (While cringing in pain from the jab) I'm only in secondary school-lah.
Doctor: Oh, really? So what college are you going to after that?
Yours truly: Umm...I haven't thought about that. Cause I'm only 14 this year.
Doctor: Really? I thought you are in Form 5 or 6 already! OK. You can go now. Come back in 2 months time for the second dose.

Case 2
In church

Mr. O* : Hello, I'm Mr. O. What's your name?
Yours truly: Hi uncle. I'm Helen, from the youth group.
Mr O: Oh, so you go to the youth? My son goes there too! His name is J*. You know-ah, the one that plays the piano.
Yours truly: Yes, I know J. But I don't see him in youth anymore.
Mr O: He's in KL now. He's actually studying in M* University. What about you? What university are you in now?
Yours truly: Err...I'm only 14 years old-lah uncle. Still studying in secondary school.
Mr O: Really-ah? Sorry. You look so matured I thought you are already in university!

Case 3
In the restaurant

Waiter: (In Hokkien) Tan ji eh-ah, miss. Loo eh bee-hoon ai ho liao. Wait for a while, miss. Your bee-hoon is almost ready.
Yours truly: (Smiles and nods)
Waiter: So, loo tua ta lok cho kang? So, where are you working?
Yours truly: (Still smiling while trying not to panic) Wa bo cho kang. Wa ba lu chap si hui nia. I'm not working. I'm only 14 years old.

Thank goodness my bee-hoon was ready after that!

And of course there are more than these but those are to a lesser extent. Luckily.

Now, to all those that have read this, please stop asking me which college/university/factory I'm in. It's hilarious watching your expression once you know the truth but it gets irritating when too many people do that to me.

So please stop it, will ya?

It's for your own good.

And also mine.

Thanks!

Mamma Mia! Mania and Kiasuism

2008-11-24T14:21:00.003+08:00

Yeah. I know.

My Hokkien's improved.

Tremendously.

Thanks to regular studying of this.

My Hokkien lifesaver.

But you don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure out that Malaysians, especially Penangnites are all Kiasus in everything they do.

Even me.

Grins apologetically.

I woke up today realizing that my trip to KL to watch Mamma Mia the Musical was in a month's time. And that I had forgotten to read about Abba and watch the movie again.

Why?

Cause on the last day of school, our music teacher called a meeting to brief us about the trip. Apparently, she had organized some quizzes and games on the 2 buses which were gonna fetch us to KL. She asked us to watch the movie, listen to the songs and read up on the history of ABBA in preparation of the quizzes and games. Moreover, she had purchased 2 copies of the Mamma Mia! The Movie Soundtrack as prizes for the student with the best score on the quiz.

My precious.

And that person is going to be...

Me. Of course.

Who else can it go to?

You?

Fat chance.

Haha.

That's why, I'm reading about Abba now on Wikipedia. And listening to the songs on my computer. Watching the movie again on DVD. In hopes of getting the soundtrack for free. Did I mention it's original? That's why the kiasuism streak in me is turning darker. At least that kinda proves that I'm a Penangnite deep deep deep down. You have to dig really deep to find the Penangnite in me cause my Hokkien is at elementary level, I loath durians and I avoid hawker food.

Luckily, the kiasu side of me still shows sometimes, especially in times like this.

I'm proud to be a Penangnite.

And I still want the soundtrack.

Sigh. Being kiasu again.

But it really proves to be a good quality.

Not all the time, though...

Of Gamelans, Caklempongs and...Rabbit Meat

2008-11-17T23:50:00.006+08:00

Okay. Fine.

I know most of you must be wondering about the title.

Has Helen lost her mind?

Rabbit meat?

But they're so cute.

Rolls eyes.

Anyway, more on that later.

Today was the first day of the Gamelan and Caklempong music camp in school. It was conducted by a Mr Ronald from Malacca. FYI, this is how a gamelan and caklempong set looks like.

Gamelan set

Caklempong set

It was fun. I sat at the Saron Pekin and we managed to learn a grand total of 1 song. It was Latin Gold, a medley of 3 Latin songs. The sessions were fun as there were many breaks in between.

Enter rabbit meat.

As some of you might know, my Hokkien isn't good. I can barely speak, only understanding certain phrases and words here and there. And when I speak, I sound like an Ang Moh (white man) Yay! I do know how to speak Hokkien after all! speaking Hokkien for the first time. Ask any of my friends. They (especially Sher Maine) will burst into hysterics whenever I speak in Hokkien.

During one of the numerous breaks we had, we were talking about monkeys as Mr Ronald had earlier compared the F4 students in his school to monkeys. What a nice compliment. Then Janice asked Sher Maine the Hokkien word for monkey. Apparently, it was Kau. We thought that it was dog, but then Sher Maine explained that there were many pronunciations for each word. She then started to recite the Chinese Zodiac in Hokkien and began to teach us to say it out loud.

It went something like this.

It Chu, Jee Gu, Sar Hor, See Thor....

That's all I remembered.

Anyway, I immediately asked Sher Maine to explain the meaning of all the animals. It was : One rat, two ox, three tiger, four rabbit...

Immediately, I exclaimed, " Wa suka chiak thor bak!" which earned me nasty stares from my friends.

There's a long history behind this. I have eaten many things, some disgusting and some cute which are revolting to my friends in their opinion. Those are turtles (China), rabbits, ostriches, deer, frogs, snail and many more. Therefore, Sher Maine calls me a murderer as I have eaten turtles which are the cousins of her pets (tortoises). How could you? I thought you were my friend!

But what can I do? I have eaten all those animals and I do admit that they actually taste good!

I know.

Say all you want. Scold me. Nag me.

Call PETA.

I won't change my mind.

But don't worry, I don't think I'll be eating those in the future unless you decide to treat me!

Then I'll happily take a few dishes of each. And mind you, I can eat.

Just ask my family and friends.

Still have an appetite to eat?