The Place to be (Part II)

Merry Christmas everyone! :D The time of good tidings, blessed seasonal bliss, hearty turkey, twinkling lights, rebellious party-streamer-webbing-sprayers, merry-making (includes drinking) and present-opening. The lights at Orchard this year, although pretty, was a little too Chinese New Year looking, as you can see..


What's with the spooky looking trees?

So what did you do on Christmas Eve? Boyfriend was especially in the sentimental and Christmassy mood, churning out christmassy phrases at regular intervals and insisting we spend the night out to countdown to Christmas. Where according to him, at the strike of midnight, one is supposed to turn to a loved one and say 'Merry Christmas' and give that someone a big hug. Christmas is a nice holiday, but what makes it different from all the other days? Boyfriend says if I think like that then no day will be special. Some days have to be special he says, like one's birthday, its no use celebrating the day before or the day after.. it has to be on. that. day. Like that then special mah. Ok la.. let him win.

Actually we went out in the day too, had brunch at coffee bean then shopped for my bro's and cousin's and uncle's xmas presents as directed by mummy to do. There was this clearance sale selling all the branded items (Kenneth Cole, UCB etc.) at really really discounted prices, got a UCB top (United Colours of Benetton in case you don't know :P) for just $9! Reduced from $69!!! Now that's what I call a bargain. Boyfriend kept pulling out skimpy-looking tops from the bargain pile and hooking it onto my arms in an attempt to get me to try them on. Hah, nice try.

Anyway, went back to play tennis with the family after that shopping trip but had to meet him again soon after to 'countdown'. Hah.. went to Al Dente at Esplanade and had some frozen magaritas. At last, the thing I've been craving for since I came back from US. But they quite honestly sucked. Alcohol taste was far too strong and it was hardly sweet at all. The view was great tho', we were expecting fireworks but they never came. All we could see were the crowds down below screaming merry xmas when the clock struck 12 and running around spraying stuff at each other in a frenzy. As well as lit sparklers being swung around in the dark.


Margaritas and a view. Ze perfect combination.

Boyfriend and I then got into a lil' discussion, old issues were brought up, and feelings were stirred.. not in a positive way. Ah well.. let the old dogs lie and move on already. Its so hard to gain one's trust, or to really trust someone. Every little thing you do, every word you say at any point in time can have a profound effect on the relationship, being able to make it or break it. And then there are those expectations, those different ideas, and their imposition on other people. I expect a Chandler but in reality does that ever exist? And if it does, do I wait for it to appear and make do with what I have now? He expects a Sarah Jessica Parker but would I ever be that? And would it matter if I wasn't? So is it possible to change someone? And is it possible to accept someone for not changing? And does accepting mean giving up? And does love = convenience and compatibility? Or is love truly the spirit of all-out sacrifice without the tiniest hesitation? Rarrrr.. why are things always so confusing. Or maybe its really simple, like how when you drop something it falls to the ground. Just like when you love someone, all these things are bound to surface. Does it all ever work out in the end? Do the problems ever disappear? So you can see why with all these questions, instead of making out like all the other couples were doing by the bayside, we ended up talking the whole night. URGH! :S Anyway, things are more or less the same now, and in the end I guess only time will tell. Those age-old words, corny yet undeniable.

He got me an epilator for xmas girls!!! HAhahahah. I guess I whined about wanting it too much that he felt obligated to buy me one. Oops *puts hand over mouth apologetically yet smiling underneath* Muhahahha. Its the satin ice Philips one, best of its kind. Comes with a skin cooler (which is kept in the freezer!) to reduce the pain. It also comes with a shaver and exfoliating head. AND the best thing is it also works on armpit hairs and bikini lines. OMG!! I'm gonna be so perfectly smooth and silky all the time now!!! No more unsightly hairs :D I on the other hand, bought him a slutty t-shirt, literally. Hah. Darn, I don't think he would even wear it out, and its 3 times cheaper than his present to me. Oops. Really oops. Guess I'll really have to get him something good next time, although the slutty t-shirt was kinda nice I thought, ah well.

Had the usual turkey lunch with the family on Christmas day. Woke up early to help my mum out, but she was totally organised as usual. The turkey however was a bit overcooked thanks to a miscommunication between dad and mum, which resulted in a little bickering, but no harm done, turkey was still edible and everyone enjoyed the feast. There were veal sausages, pumpkin soup (my fav kinda soup now), sauteed vegetables and mushrooms, brussel sprouts (love 'em!), corn, Virginia ham, baked potatoes and sparkling grapejuice (nope, no alcohol allowed for me), topped off with chocolate log cake from Gelare. Which was pretty unspectacular.. haha, we all thought it was an ice cream cake so I guess it was a bit o' a let-down when we found out it was just an ordinary log cake. Boohoo.


Cheers~!


Yum Yum! I ate all of that and you didn't!! Neh neh ni boo boo *does a funky dance* And in case you're wondering "where's the turkey?", the plate in the centre is where the turkey is. The meat that is, didn't manage to catch the live bird on camera :P

On boxing day, we played tennis, yes.. again, had a yummy breakfast and brought the dogs to Marina City Park. Had a whale of the time with the dogs in the car and Bonnie sloshing in puddles and mud with all of us screaming in horror in the background. Beth was also adorable, rubbing her nose on the grass and rolling around in sheer happiness. However, it was all met with dismay as she emerged with mud on her nose and grass sticking to her undersides. I feel sorry for the car. Haha, anyway, new year's coming round the corner. Yet another excuse to have loads of fun :D

This is outside Newark Airport, New Jersey. Supposed to be an artistic shot.. geddit? Me sitting on a stump looking out at the world, me against the world.. woah, deep huh. :P hehe, ok maybe not.

Anyway here's something for ppl with nothing betta to do, to do. If any of the following statements apply to you, hightlight/bold. Then, post. Quite interesting wad.. do it lar!

i have a cell phone.
i have friends that use me (doesn't everyone? not the close friends of course and even when they do, I guess they have that privelage :P)
i am an only child.
i love dangly earrings. (they're pretty wad)
i love cold weather.
i'm obsessed with the computer.
i have shot a gun before. (does a toygun count?)
i can't live without music.
i have no tolerance of ignorant people. (I think my tolerance level is pretty high considering the diff kinda friends I have :P)
i have ridden on a motorcycle before. (absolutely loved it!)
i'll be in this town forever. (gee I hope not lei :S)
i've been to 5 other countries.
i get annoyed easily. (don't necessarily show it tho')
i eventually want kids.
i have neat handwriting.
i have more than a few horrible memories.
i am addicted to chocolate.
i am an atheist.
i love airplane rides. (mainly becos it means I'm leaving the country and that's always exciting)
i love taking pictures.
i hate people who are fake.
i can be mean when i want to.
my parents care about my grades.
one of my best friends is a girl.
i have way too many wallets.
i'm obsessed with lip gloss.
i am easy to talk to. (or so I would like to think)
i would never eat raw fish.
i cry easily. (its a natural physical reaction y'know)
i hate when people are late.
i procrastinate.
i love winter. (I imagine I would lah)
i have too many clothes for my closet/dresser. (there can never be too many clothes :P)
i love to sleep.
i wish i were smarter (think I'm pretty smart already but no harm being smarter *smirk*)
i'm afraid of flying.
i hate drama. (although amusing it can be annoying if drawn out and persistent)
i bite my nails.
i have been on an 8 hour drive.
i never fight with my parents. (who hasn't? *puzzled look*)
i love the beach.
i have never had the chicken pox. (and I hope I never get 'em)
i have gone out in public in my pajamas.
i can't control my emotions. (sometimes)
i have a best friend. (let's say I have many good buddies...)
i have moved more than once.
i truly love my friends.
i have (had) braces.
i have never broken a bone.
i hate my computer.
i love guys that play the drums. (they can't help but be cute)
i state the obvious. (to annoy people :P)
i'm a happy person. (i try to be.. haha)
i love to dance.
i love to sing.
i love cleaning my room. (are u kidding me)
i tend to get jealous very easily (only when there's reason to)
i love cute underwear.
i love night better than day.
i don't like to study for tests. (like duh)
i have been on the phone for over 5 hours.
i am too forgiving.
i have horrible sense of direction.
i miss elementary school.
i'm a daddy's boy/girl.
i love the color pink.
i love to sew.
my eye color changes.
i should see a therapist.
i played on a girls sports team.
i become stressed easily.
i hate/detest liars.
i love the smell of rain.
i love my family.
i hate needles. (esp if they're meant to be stuck in me)
i am a perfectionist. (esp when it comes to report formatting, haa)
i always wanted to learn to play the drums. (already know the basics, would be cool to know more I guess but just too darn lazy to learn)
i hate the feeling of failure. (who doesn't.. geez)
i have friends in other countries.
i know how to cook. (heh.. I wish I were as great at cooking as some people :P)
i can be quite selfish.
at times, i still act like a little kid. (esp when hanging out with fellow kid-wannabe's)
i have food allergies.
i love to read.
i wish i were more motivated for school.
i love getting stuff in the mail.
i have problems with letting go of old feelings.
i hate being alone. (sometimes alone-time is good)
i love summer. (prefer spring.. if I had a choice that is)
i love the weekends.
i love black eyeliner.
i think I'm a looker.
i type with one hand.
i live in a one story house.
i wear make-up.
i have never rode on an underground subway.
i can't swim.
i have bad memories.
i go to church.
i sing in the shower.
i hate cheerleaders.
i usually get what i want
i have been on stage before.
i love roller coasters. (haha, its a love-hate rship)
no one knows my full story of my life.(not in detail, not everything)
i am close to my parents.
i don't have a curfew. (not specifically set but obviously in place when I come back home to a black-faced mommy)

This is all seven of us on Spore's version of luges at Sentosa. See how great we look as a gang of luge-riders (aside from the lagging CC :P)... we should do this cross country some time, haha.

Today was an exceptionally fun day. I think I appreciate sunshine and beaches much more after I went to Florida. In the past, the beach was just somewhere hot and scorching, where sand just gets everywhere and makes you feel dirty no matter how well you clean yourself. Now, the beach is like a haven, the sun is luxury as it warms the skin and turns it golden brown, the water is clear blue and beautiful and the sand just feels nice and comforting when you dig your toes in it. It was with a sense of nostalgia and anticipation as I donned my pretty white bikini and slipped on my Paris Hilton shades, all ready for a day at the beach. The unplanned brunch that kicked off the day was surprisingly good, perhaps a sign that the rest of the day would be as great, lovely noodles of just the right consistency in yummy sauce with mushrooms and shredded chicken. Yums. Even my ulcer didn't complain as I was wolfing it all down. Familiar faces started appearing and joining us at the table, some faces I haven't really seen in quite a long while. After a few hearty jokes and with everyone more or less full and happy, we entered the premises of a little island called Sentosa.

The first thing we headed for of course was the new ride in town, the Sentosa Luge. Heard raving comments about it from Gigi and Shan, and all of us were eager to try it out. Everyone was feeling resoundingly similar, sense of apprehension about going down a slope in a little unimpressive looking black cart, but all of us were kinda looking forward to the chairlift part where we get to sit and ride above the tops of the trees. Ok, maybe I was more excited about that than anyone else. Haha. Anyway, the cart, though simplistic and rather 'backward'-looking, was easy to manoeuvre. Although was feeling a bit out of control at first, especially when a formidable obstacle course loomed ahead within just a few seconds of the ride start. But I'd like to think I caught on quick enough :P, and in no time was racing down the slope with fellow laughing ex-classmates screaming "wooohoooO!!!". Hahahah. It was all over in no time, and soon we were headed back up the hill for a second try via chairlift. I think the chairlift was scarier than the luge. HAH! But the scariness was mediocre and mainly due to the great height from which we were hung from. The view was lovely though, but I realised my hands were trembling when taking photos.. haha, so afraid something would drop :P

Well after all that luge excitement, we chose our spot on the beach and began our frisbee marathon. Haha, trying to sound like we do this all the time.. like didyaknow we were frisbee champs in the Tokyo Frisbee Tournament 2000? Here was our award-winning pose:



Okok, so we were playing for the first time. But we had a helluva fun time especially when we broke into teams and started playing rugby-style. Hahah. Was a damn good work-out too, everyone seemed outta breath and shagged out within minutes of running around trying to grab a bright orange disc. So we alternated card-playing with frisbee to not feel so physically inadequate. Haha. Played those good old card games we ALWAYS used to play, and the traditional donkey was once again crowned:


He gets crowned with the title of most annoying donkey every year. He goes "hee haw" when poked in the ribs.

But this year there was a new contender, who looks slightly smug and contented with the given prestige:



Hehe, well we planned to watch the musical fountain. But hell, its a boring show anyway so we decided to give it a miss and head to marina bay for a hearty steamboat instead. For 10 bucks there were crabs, never-ending supplies of meat, LIVE prawns (they hop about!), tomyam and chicken soup, satay and potong ice cream. Probably one of the most worth it deals one can find in Singapore. Plus free shuttle to and fro from the MRT! Shopkeepers are getting smarter nowadays. Well here are the remains of my indecent scavenging:



Here's to many more successful fun CG18/00 outings! Cheers~ :D

This is Daytona Beach, FL. See that truck? It sells ice creaaammm :D And look at all 'em streak marks on the sand, caused by the cars that are allowed to drive down and park ON the Beach!

Watched Castaway on Sat. So true that we have so many things at an arms-stretch away, or rather nowadays, a click-away, we tend to forget how hard it is to even do the simple essential things. Like getting fresh water or starting a fire. All to simply survive. Not to get that promotion, go out with that someone you like, buy that fast car you always wanted, but just, to survive and keep on breathing so you can experience the joy that all those things can bring.

Boyfried fell sick after eating a hunky beef burger. It's probably not related, but it happened like that, his nose started running once he finished the burger and it just got worse from there. So I haven't seen him for the whole weekend, oh, the tragedy. Haha. But hell, I still have fun without him. Went to join mae and jm for an Amore kickboxing class on sunday. I know! Kickboxing! It was pretty fun, the trainer was kinda hot and he wore bright yellow boxing shorts.. woot. And it was kinda exhilarating punching and chopping and uppercutting and kicking. But it got real tiring at the end. It got so tiring, I stopped hopping on the spot which everyone else was doing, and just sticked out my arms in a pseudo-punch when I saw everyone else doing it. Hahaha. But it was a good workout, haven't been exercising in a long time. After that mae and I went shopping and gave our wallets a good exercise too. Haha.. bought this indecent Mango top, I didn't realise it was THAT see through until I got home and tried it on again. Now I have to find something to wear above or below it, urgh, but it's real pretty tho, lacy and dark turquoise :D Bought another top that was a white stripy halter, reminded me of Charlotte from SATC, schweet. Mae bought a nice plaity skirt too, schweet. Haha, and jm is finally attached! And we SAW him even though she tried so hard to avoid us, just goes to show how its all destined to be. :P

Mum went back to Penang for the weekend so the house is pretty quiet and I've been feeding the dogs every morning. Been trying to avoid picking up their poop but I guess I have to face all that accumulated shit soon. Mum would kill me if she comes back and finds the whole garden covered in poop.

Borrowed some books from Orchard library today. George Durrell is real funny, came across his books in the animal biology section and suddenly remembered that Sue read his book in one of the book reading competitions in GM (which I also took part in and won 1st prize.. one of the rare occasions I actually win anything..) Don't ask me why my memory suddenly so sharp and zai, I just remembered her story about the scorpions crawling all over the dining table and scaring his whole family out of their wits! But it was hilarious. The book's hilarious, all Brit authors are hilarious. *nods*

I'm playing hexic till my eyes are popping out. That's what boyfriend and I do every night, play hexic till we see hexagonal colours in our dreams. Hexic's an msn game btw, rather addictive and mind-boggling. I'm fast at getting lotsa points but I always get killed by bombs in the end. Boyfriend however can make a single life lasts till god knows when. He's amazing like that. Haha. Alrighty better head to bed soon. Nightey nites!

Christmas is coming! Christmas is coming! *does the xmas jig jig* I think December is the best month of the year. Its got a holiday christmassy cheer to it, filled with cold rainy nights, midnight movies, nice warm food, snuggling, alcohol, ice cream.. the whole month seems like a holiday. Cos everything's all lighted up and pweety and people are smiling and everything's going on sale.

Today I went to the lab at 8 o'clock in the morning. Yup, this month of December although cheery and bright, has a deadly ring to it for those poor darned mice. It's an important month for my project, the best time to get the most experiments done. And everyone else thinks so too, which is why the "older" students (it's in " " because yes we're seniors, but we ain't old fogeys.. yet) can still be seen in school, with dark circles around their eyes, carrying a load of papers and an ACME anvil of stress on their shoulders. But.. yells gallantly: "I shall not be affected by the evil streeess monster!" I shall not mope if I do not get results, instead, I shall try me darndest to get the best results ever and blow everyone away and publish a paper and be so goddamned famous that even those expats at Biopolis will be falling at my feet, dying to hire me. Hah!

Was watching America's Next Top Model, the episode which catches-up with what the winners and past contestants were doing post-show. And it seems, that all them models live in New York! I've been there! They kept showing Times Square.. sigh. New York's such a vibrant little hub, romantic in it's own way, the way those tall buildings soar upwards to the sky with a little valley of a cement road speckled with bright yellow taxis and an occasional limousine. US flags hanging over the pavements and gargantuan statues or intricate carvings done into the brick of those formidable entrances. I liked those fire escape staircases too, and those yellow traffic lights that hang over the middle of the roads. The bright billboards and little diners and eateries, with posh dessert places and Starbucks alternating in between quaint little bakery stands which sold bagels and hotdogs with hot coffee. The nice green parks were just so nice to just sit in and read at (with a book which can be bought for a dollor or so from the numerous outdoor book garage-like sales), with the cool wind tugging at your hair and the neighbourhood's dogs playing in the pen, sunlight filtering through the orange-yellow leaves. The weather there was perfect when we went, think it was spring-time. Over here, just sitting in the park will get you sweating heaps and wishing you were back home in your little air-con hole.

Take a look at this and you'll know what I mean...


This is somewhere in the Soho/Chinatown vicinity, check out them traffic lights :)


This is in New York's Chinatown, you know it can't be Spore cos of them cool fire escapes :D *wonders how ppl escape from Spore buildings in event of fire*


This is some church. There are a hell (heh heh.. hell.. geddit? muhahah) lotta churches in the streets of NYC. And they are just so beautiful. The architecture looks gothic-like and ancient Romish dunnit? Perhaps its them architects that are the ones who have attained enlightenment.


This is the world-famous Times Square. Where a huge ball drops from every new year I hear. The pretty lights will have you slightly star-struck.


There are alotta streets with US flags hanging over them. This was taken on Fifth Ave I think. The road that divides New York in halves, aka East and West.


Pweeetty coloourrs..


Face-painting at Central Park. I like this picture. I want my kid to look like that.. isn't she adorable? They say if you look at any particular picture while you're pregnant, your kid will end up resemblig the thing in the picture. So whatever you do.. Do not look at things like frogs, warts, lady's fingers, lemons and what nots.

Alrighty, enjoy December folks.. while it lasts.. toodles~

Your Birthdate: May 23

You're not good at any one thing, and that's the problem. You're good at so much - you never know what to do. Change is in your blood, and you don't stick to much for long. You are destined for a life of travel and fun. Your strength: Your likeability Your weakness: You never feel satisfied Your power color: Bright yellow Your power symbol: Asterisk Your power month: May

These are overgrown pumpkins in a sciency garden at Epcot, World Disney Orlando. Now that's what science should be for, making humongous pumpkins so we have a never-ending supply of yummylicious pumpkin juice.

I guess I'm sorry for the lack of recurrent updates. Poor diary, you've been neglected. I guess I forget that this place serves as an outlet of frustration from which I can spurt and blurt anything on my mind (within set boundaries of course, we're in spore y'know) and just let my fingers run loose on the keyboard. Right now my mind is a flurry with thoughts. Its funny tho'. One night while sleeping over at boyfriend's, I kept him awake with my inexplicable restlessness. I could not sleep, mind was thinking too much, while he on the contrary was already in a state of slipping consciousness. Hehe, I was being unforgivably mean not letting him sleep, forcing him to talk to me instead. He moaned and groaned and whined but we did manage to carry out a half-baked conversation before falling off into dreamland. It was about what we were going to do this weekend and utterly mundane stuff, but it worked in getting me to sleep. hahah. I did tell him tho, that I was worried. About everything, that's how I am y'know. One of the main things I'm worrying about now though.. is the future. Or perhaps more specifically, my future job.

A job is so different from a subject in school. In school, there's pressure alright but you just have one goal, score well, or at least try to. And it's simple really, you can't go very wrong. Even if you fail, you just have to retake the subject and hopefully pass the second time round. Just get through it. But then what? You leave school with a piece of paper with your name on it, and maybe remnants of the tonnes of books you skimmed through, bits of notes that you memorized here and there, and faces of teachers and lecturers telling you what the definition of photosynthesis is, or what they thought of your 'performance'. Then you get thrown into the big ol' world where you're supposed to search for that perfect job. You know the perfect job? One which pays like lots of money a month, puts you in a nice office with a good view, lets you work with cool people you can chill with after work at the nearby pub, and gives you promotions and salary increments so you know what you're worth. There are challenges everyday which you learn new skills in overcoming, setbacks abound but they're just part of the learning experience, the boss never puts any pressure on you cos he trusts you to do it right. In reality does that ever happen?

Right now I'm studying sciency stuff. I find it alright, pretty interesting, but what kinda jobs are there which deal with that now? Perhaps its my expectations. I suppose I could ask my Prof for a position in his lab once I finish school to extend my research there. But then again, what would be the point if I've already spent a year there doing that project? Wouldn't it be better moving on to a perhaps more dynamic environment? The lab there now is a'ight, the people are kinda nice, but, its not really as dynamic as I would like it to be. The Prof is exellent though, totally understanding and a real good boss. I suppose the only advantage to staying is I could probably write and publish some papers in my name. I mean, that's research. Yet.. I still ain't satisfied! I want that job where I can really really test myself and see what I'm capable of achieving. And it can't all be about research. Bending over a lab bench, messing with something day and night, night and day, and finally revealing something brilliant with a breathtaking flourish. Sure, that would be something. Maybe I should start off with that. But I know I'd want to do something even greater, something which impacts people. Damn, why suddenly so ambitious? Machiam I wanna be Prime Minister :S

Raawwrrr.. right now I can't even figure out what 'dissolve HBSS in 0.5M HEPES (20 ml) + 980ml dH20' means. I think too much donch I!!!!!! Gimme some alcohol to stop this brainwave!~

This is shan and I grooving at Pleasure Island (doncha lurve that name) in Downtown Disney, Orlando. It was a Monday night, hah, explains the emptyish dancefloor behind us. But no matter... we still had fun :P


along with the cops who threatened to handcuff us for 'disturbing the peace' :P

It's post-mambo now. Just had a bath and waiting for my hair to dry. Was super-duper crowded at Zouk, hordes of ppl crowding the entrance, the queue stretched way back to the shophouses at the end where the carpark was. And being diligent and obedient, law-abiding students, we queued from the back. The queue was crawling but moving, the worse thing was though, when we were nearing the entrance, a guy came out with a loudspeaker telling us Zouk was packed to the brim and we had to enter through Velvet. Owell, we were horded to the Velvet queue, good thing we were already near the front, so we got in soon later. That was about 1am. HAha. But mambo finished at 4am tonight! hah.. so we had our good dance workout :D Supplemented with jugs of long island and a tequila shot. Music was great, played all the fav retro songs. Boyfriend was jiggling his boobies, haha, wei was doing those famed ahbeng dance moves, and jo's fren was absolutely hilarious gyrating like crazy and singing loudly off-key to EVERY song.

Its so good to let loose after those tiring exams. That's why it should be a tradition to mambo after every stress-filled situation, no matter how old you are. For goodness sake, we even saw Aunties and Uncles there, driving their BMWs, wearing posh jackets and puffing on ciggies. Saw some pretty cars too.. BMW convertibles are just too good-looking to be out on the roads like that.. sigh, I want one.

Hah, oh no, I can see the sky getting brighter, damn. Exams are over, and it's the December hols. The time of chilly nights, christmas lights, and hot turkey covered in gravy.. mmm.. can't wait for xmas lunch. Can play as much tennis I want, go blading in the park, have drinks, dinner, supper.. but only for a month. And I'll prob be going back to lab everyday anyway considering how much work the Prof has mentioned I can do for 'extra credit'. Ahhhhh!

Why isn't my hair drying...RAWR.. but I'm bloody awake. Breakfast?