Deepest Condolences

First and foremost, please help pray for my best friend, Chris, that she'll be strong enough to pull through this tough period as her father just passed away this morning. Deepest condolences. Chris (if you do ever read my blog), you always have us to rely on. Don't worry, we'll be around if you need us.

On a ligher note, I finally drove a super long distance today. From Bukit Batok to Lavender and then from Eunos to home. Wow. Driving on the expressway feels different. Getting more and more confident but still not totally relaxed because I am not too sure of the route. But at least I managed to make it home, without going wrongly. Is the portion from bukit batok to lavender that gave me the trouble. I definitely have to make an improvement soon, as dad is going to china in 2 weeks time and I am driving him to the airport and back, without him, but maybe with mum. Weekends will be my job to drive my family to church and back. So well, I have to gain my confidence. Parking is improving slightly. Can't blame me. I only get to touch the car on Saturdays and occassionally Sundays.

Signing off now.

Oh computer!

Oh computer computer, why are you slowly dying on me? Why now??

First my power supply unit fan isn't running

Next my printer run out of ink

My projects are due.. why now? why why why

Please pull through and don't burn my motherboard

Down with the flu

It's not a good day. Down with the flu and morning woke up with a terrible pain in my stomach. Diahaerroea (don't know how to spell, haha). 4 times before lunch. It was so bad. Anyway didn't want to let my mum know. Decided to go to Westmall to get the P5 science textbook for my DCS assignment. Ended up buying another 2 more science assessment books to help me through. The books are good. Took me the whole day to finish this assignment. Well, I stopped a lot in between to watch tv too. Who wants to let me vett the paper?

Stomach's still a little uneasy now, but much better than morning. Hopefully will be fine tomorrow. Nothing much to update. It's just a sick day for me.

Incosiderate Shatec Students

I have finally cleaned up my room. Cleared my study table and wardrobe. Unfortunately, I still cannot find the source of the ants. They are running everywhere! Urgh. With all those dust flying about while cleaning my room, I am now down with the flu.

I just started on DCS assignment. Test construction. It isn't easy to do. I don't have the Science Textbook and the assessment I bought doesn't cover questions that I need to set for my assignment. Damn. Stuck. Shall do tomorrow, maybe go to Westmall and get a Science Textbook. Just received an email from my tutor regarding DCE assignment, some pointers to note. Looks like I have to review my assignment and change it again. At least he did clarify certain things before we hand in.

Just watched Project Runway season 3 and it does look really good this season. Eccentric guys, high class woman and such. Pretty cool. Rumour has it that this season they will do a wide range of fashion. Am so looking foward to watching this season's Project Runway.

I saw something today that made me super angry. While buying lunch, there was this group of Shatec boys (not even fit to be called men) acting so childishly and inconsiderately. They bought drinks in glass bottles. Nothing wrong with that. But after finishing the drink, they threw the bottle in the air and let it drop onto the floor at the void deck. It's not just one bottle. I heared 3 shatters, so it is at least 3 bottles. Have they ever thought that there will be children playing in void decks and this bits and pieces of glass will injure them? They don't live in this area, they don't bother. Really felt like giving them a piece of my mind, but I didn't want to get into any trouble. It's no wonder that people do not have a good impression of Shatec. I've always closed an eye to their smoking, drinking and ah beng and ah lian-ness, and thought they just want to have some fun. They will mature. But this is too much. Maybe I should write in to Shatec. Would it help? Doubt so anyway. I think the principal can't even do much, dealing with such inconsiderate people.

DRTA done!

I have finally completed my DRTA assignment. I am halfway through my DLK assignment. The side effects? A sore bum for sitting down too long and a bloated stomach. Weird huh? Let you in on a weird habit of mine. When I think a lot, I drink a lot of water. That's why whenever I am in the exam hall, I will always have a water bottle with me. Unless my bladder is exploding or I have no time to drink, I will finish the whole bottle of water by the time the paper ends.

I think I shall put on hold my assignments for tomorrow. I am planning to do a major cleaning to my room. So many ants, wonder why. Once I am done with that, I will go back to do my assignments again. Will only sleep after I finish my DLK tonight. Hopefully. It's a dread doing it.

Signing off.

Assignments!

Ok now I am panicing. I have decided to embark on my DRTA assignment. I finally decided on my story on Princess Smartypants by Babette Cole. Interesting story and I believe many kids will love it and so do I! After selecting the story, I don't know how to start. What is the format of the project. Instructions are not clear! Guess will just do it step-by-step and double check with Sultanah.

Hopefully, I will finish my DRTA assignment by tomorrow and then move on to do my Science Test construction. I just bought a Science assignment book from Popular just now, to do this assignment. I know Sultanah is almost done with this. Gheez, comparing with her, I have a lot more to do.

My aim is to finish the following projects/assignments by this Thursday.
1. DRTA
2. Science Test Construction
3. Innovation and Enterprise Written Response
4. DCM 200 Problem Solving (depending on Gillian)
5. DLK assignment

Wonder if I can. Seems a lot. Need to have full concentration and determination. Well, I am going to start full swing tomorrow and I know once I have my momentum, I will get things done. It doesn't even feel like it's my holiday week! Or as most NIE students will say "Holiday? What holiday?"

Managed to take a picture of my 29cm demin skirt. Sometimes I wonder, why do I buy such short skirts when I don't even have the legs to show and bums too big and feeling so insecure the whole day, for fear of revealing my undies. I want to wear such skirts, but does it really fit me?

Day at Bugis

Went out with laogong today. We collected our rings already. I love it! Unfortunately, I cannot deliver the pictures as promised because the photos taken were not nice! Well to those who know me, will get to see me wearing it.

Went to Siam Kitchen for buffet today at Bugis. Service sucks, food sucks, don't ever go back there again. I think the Siam Kitchen at Jurong Point is so much better. In the end, the price we paid, is equivalent to going Seoul Garden or other steamboat places which I prefer.

Went to have dessert after walking around a little more after dinner. Went to Ice Monster for milk ice. I had super fresh mangos with mango sherbet and shaved milk ice and laogong have strawberry with strawberry sherbet with milk ice. Stupid waiter told us to sit outside, because I think he cleaned inside already and didn't want to clean again. What service! But luckily the dessert was good. Two thumbs up for that. Of course, you also have to be willing to pay the price of about $5 for a bowl. But with the amount of fresh fruits, I think it is worth the money. Next time will not go nearing their closing time. Service sucks then.

Took pictures with laogong today at Pretty in Tokyo. Those machines were you can design and play around. This machine we took had movable stage and a fan. It was cute, but we didn't really know how to pose, and choose only the best 4 pictures. Here it is. Some nice, some not. It was fun.


Bought a shirt and a skirt today. The skirt is denim skirt and it is super duper short. Let me measure the length of the skirt. Oh gosh! It is only 29 cm. Wonder if I really dare to wear it out. Will definitely "zhao geng".

Update on my chalet. I still cannot get aloha loyang chalet. So sad. So I decided to try my luck at aloha changi. Managed to get Chalet I from the 24th to the 27th December. My parents went down to check the place today and they say that it is quite ok. Will be designing invitation cards when the date draws nearer. SP Choir pals, NIE pals, Poly classmates and other friends, please please please keep 24th december free at least. If you wanna stay too, just let me know. Shouldn't be a problem. Am so looking forward to my birthday! We're gonna BBQ. Yeah!

Oh yeah and I forgot to update something and so I am editting this post. Laogong gave me a big surprise yesterday. At about 10pm, he came my house and I didn't know it. He entered my room and I still didn't know it was him until a few seconds later. He made tiramisu for me.. and my family. But I know it is for me. HE MADE IT HIMSELF!! I can't believe it. Well, it tasted great (except it was a little too sweet)! Nevertheless, it is the thought, effort and sincerity that counts. I love you laogong! It was a wonderful surprise.

Happy 3rd Anniversary Laogong!

It's the day! 3rd Anniversary with laogong and I want to tell laogong that I love him so much. It's definitely not been an easy 3 years, we've even through so many ups and downs. Without you, my computer will be in a hopeless state, I will not have so many free stationary and army t-shirts and no confidence in my driving. So you see, I need you. Haha. Sometimes I wonder how I can tolerate you, and likewise how you can tolerate me. Nevertheless, I love you so much and hope that there will be many many many countless years more to come.

Unfortunately as I have to work and go to church today, we are unable to celebrate this day today. However, we will do so tomorrow. We'll go to our usual hang out place, Bugis, collect our rings and then just loiter there the whole day. I'll make laogong buy a matching pair of handphone pouch. Muahahaha.

Update on my chalet. I'm so disappointed! So many people must have been trying to log into the system at midnight yesterday that the server was lagging and I couldn't log in. By the time I did, all the units were gone. And I thought I was the only smart creature to try booking at midnight. There are many more smart creatures around. Last try tonight to try booking on christmas eve. There are still some units left. If all else fails, I guess my plan for my birthday celebration will have to be scrapped. Hope it will be successful tonight. I hoping to be a little smarter today. Will station myself not too early, not too late.

Update on my parking. There's an improvement seen and indeed, Sultanah's method works. It's a straightforward method for simple minded creatures like me. Not that laogong's method isn't good. But I'm just too stupid for it. Drove home from church today and well, I guess I'm getting the hang on it. Dad wanted to lend me the car out tomorrow. Guess though he nags at how much more practice I need, I think he quite trusts my driving.

Looking forward to tomorrow. Am so looking forward to getting the rings. It's custom made!

Announcing the Arrival...

Oh yeah! It's here it's here, it's finally here! My Photocard Driving Licence if finally here. Although I think my photo in my licence kinda sucks, but who cares? It's here! I saw the postman just now just as I was walking to my house from the lift. Mum just signed the acknowledgement form. Tore off the envelope quickly to look at my hard-earned licence. Oh yeah baby!

Was a little pissed off this morning during my DCM class. The question that I spent many hours typing and drawing it out on word is rejected, because the question is too straightforward. I was really really upset. How much time and energy did I spend just to rush it out. Couldn't be bothered to pay attention during the rest of the lesson already and just kept thinking of a new question for her approval. Finally, I got the question and approved, but my project partner doesn't seem to enthusiastic on it. Shrugs, what should I do?

Latest update on the chalet booking. The time is drawing near for me to book. And the units are taking up fast. Units that I am eyeing at are already taken and so now I have to consider the remaining units. Can only book tomorrow night. I hope no one beats me to it. It is confirmed already that I will be booking the chalet from 23rd December (check-in) to 27th December (check-out). My parents want my celebration at chalet so as to ease up the housework and both of them are going to sponsor for the chalet and food. Wow. I guess, this must be the best birthday present ever!

Sultanah taught me how to park just now, on paper. I shall attempt to try it tomorrow, if dad is willing to drive out for dinner, which I doubt he will. So, maybe I will only get to try her method on Saturday. Her method seems easy and reasonable and not too difficult. Hope it works. Because once I can park, when dad goes to China next month, I know he will feel better entrusting the car to me, and I can drive to school.

Let me ask you guys a question. Supposing you have a friend. You see that friend in a bad mood and you went to talk to that friend, hoping to cheer that friend up, or at least see the truth of things. And that friend scolds you back "Shut the F*** up". Would you be angry and ignore that friend, just like I did? I've even swore to ignore that person forever. Don't think I am overdoing things right? People like these are not even worth to be considered a friend in my opinion. I've not considered forgiving that person. It happened quite long ago already. And I am still sorely pissed with that person.

Dreading Friday's class too. DLK 200. Just finished my metacognition assignment for conferencing, but I think it is a total piece of crap. Why? I do for the sake of doing and it isn't graded. Just did it to have something to conference with her about, if I do decide to conference with her again. How many more dreaded fridays will I have? Seems like a very long time.

Nalgene water bottle

I finally got my nalgene water bottle and I love it so much. It's big. 1 litre. Can't help it, I am a water tank! Here's my water bottle. Purple with flowers. Bought it for $19. Bought one for laogong too.


So let's see what things laogong has and I have the same.
1. Handphone - k610i. Mine's red, laogong's black
2. Nalgene water bottle. Mine's purple with flowers, laogong's black
3. Ring! We finally went to custom make our couple ring today at Bugis. Costs $72 for a pair but at least I know that there won't be any ring around that is the same. The rings must come in a pair before the full picture can be seen. Will be collecting it on Sunday and I'll take a picture then and post it up here.
4. Handphone pouch (yet to buy, but planning to)
5. OP T-shirt - Monkey design. So far laogong has only worn it like twice.

Am obsessed with getting a matching pair recently. Ah! I think I will drive laogong crazy.

Took an act cute picture just now too with my phone camera. Oh dear, see the eye bag! and my messy table behind me. Need to clean up my room and my wardrobe again. I need the determination and motivation! With so many projects piling up, I can't seem to find the mood to clean up my room. Anybody wanna be my slave? Hehe.



Wow! Recalling old days or what? Today I saw 2 of my secondary school classmates, Boon kok and Min Yu. Then my choir friend, Esther messaged me on msn. Friends that I have not contacted for such a long time are like coming back to me.

Dreading school tomorrow. 3 hours DCM class and tutor is downright boring!

Toxic Friends

Toxic Friends! Yeah, I'm pretty sure you have them. I have them too. Why this post today? Well, I'm pissed and started thinking them too.

First case: I'm currently pissed off with this guy, Derrick. Ok, no secrets, he can jolly well read it if he wants to! What is he trying to prove? That he is the best and that it is SP Choir's loss not to have him? Although I have graduated already, but SP Choir still lies deep in my heart. What's his point by having to put up our horrible (yes I admit) performance up on you tube just to have other people criticise SP Choir? Is he trying to get back at us? You can't blame us for chasing him off. First, he was expelled. Then, he refused to turn in the room keys. Can't blame anyone for being mean to him. And all the time, he trys to befriend us so that we will give him chances to create a name for himself. Yeah, it did. Notoriously. So superficial! If NYP choir loves him so much, good for him. As my msn nick goes, if SP Choir sucks, he sucks more!

Second case: Always late when meeting up. And doesn't bother to inform you beforehand and you end up waiting for a long time? There is no basic courtesy just to SMS saying that I will be late or what. Nothing. Makes me never want to meet this kinda friend.

Third case: Your friend knows that you are waiting for him/her and yet he/she takes her time to do her things, like talking to other friends, ignoring you as a result, or have long conversations on the mobile phone and you feel bad to interrupt and such.

Fourth case: Being your friend means that when he/she is broke, he/she knows that he/she can depend on you. Basically, you give and give and give and the other person just take and take and take. It is not just monetary, but also in terms on time. Unfortunately, I have too many of these type of friends.

Fifth case: Finds you only when he/she needs your help. It happens all the time. We all do experience this don't we?

It is not easy to maintain a friendship. It is never just one way. Always beware of those closest to you as they will be the ones to hurt you the most! That's what laogong always tell me. I've become aware of this and so do you.

To my friends out there, you will know whether I treat you as a good friend from the way I treat you, so no worries, if I am warm towards you! Be sincere and I won't bite.

Oh gosh, I sound so mean.

Ahhhh!

Damn it! I hate it. When is it every gonna go away? What am I talking about? My headache! Been having headache since DCS lesson today. After that went to have lunch in school with Gillian and Chris before going to Jurong Point to walk around with Sultanah.

Wanted to do manicure and pedicure. After much consideration, I decided to do it myself. Bought 2 new colours, a dark red and nude pink. The darker colour used for my toe nails while the pink is for my finger nails. I still had some stickers left from my previous manicure, so I used that first. This is the only week I can keep my finger nails long, because there is no piano lesson today. But when it reaches Sunday, I've gotta cut my nails short again. Sigh. I love long nails, and I must admit that my nails are very good to do nail art, but I can't do them. I wanted to put those crystal beads, but the cost price is just too much for me. Anyway, I love my nails now and like the colours too. I've decided to cut down on my trips to do manicure and pedicure to save up some money.

My brother is going for the SP leadership camp to Rendang Island and then cruise back. How fast time flies! I remember going for the cruise on Superstar Virgo just a few years back. How I enjoyed my time there with Lingling and Ifrah, my cabin mates and other friends. The formal wears we had to wear for dining and such. Kinda miss all of them and the jokes we used to crap.

Last but not least, thanks again to Gillian for that box of mooncake!

New mobile phone!

I'm in a rather good mood today. Here's why.

1. As in yesterday's post, all my piano students pass their exams. I am proud of them(except for one girl) and I can see that they are all very grateful and thankful. I will definitely push them to achieve more.

2. I managed to drive today, although I still can't park. I think laogong wants to give up on me already after teaching me for an hour. Nevertheless, I drove my brother to church today, in the heavy rain. I finally saw the danger of my habitual wide turning. Must improve on that, if not will get into accident! Still, I am happy that I am safe and sound. I need more experience definitely!

3. My handphone gave me lots of problem this afternoon and other days. So, I decided to get a new handphone today. Settled on Sony Ericsson k610i. Red colour, exclusive only to Singtel. I love the phone although the navigation is driving me a little nuts, because I've been a Nokia user far too long already. But I am getting the hang on it. I can finally take pictures and upload to my computer. Traded in my Nokia 7260 for $100, at Singtel, a deal better than I expected. Bought this for about $358, after trade in and a 10% Singtel credit card discount. But, in the end, I still don't need to fork out any money, because mum says she will claim for the $600 her company gives their staff for some benefits. Basically, to me, this is free! Here's a picture of how my phone looks like. Nice right? I think the red colour is so cool! Laogong and I are now using the same phone too. Yeah! Haha.



4. Coming week is going to be a very good week, I think. At least no project datelines for the next week, and Tuesday's lesson is from 2.30pm to 4.30pm only and Wednesday from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Friday's lesson is sort of optional. It's going to be a short week. Coming Saturday is the 3rd anniversary with laogong too! We'll be going to get couple rings. Specially customized. Am so looking forward to it. I haven't planned where to go, what to do yet. Anyone has any suggestions?

So yeah, here's why I am feeling a little cheerful today. Too bad, I didn't strike toto or 4D. Well, as long as things are going well, don't ask for too much.

First taste of driving

Had my first taste of driving without the L plate. I got scolded so much by my dad and mum. Dad was rather encouraging, mum's scolding was rather demoralizing. And I still can't figure out how to park. It took me a long time today. Drove from commonwealth to home today. It was generally ok, in my opinion. Now my mum says when I was turning halfway, light turned red, and there was red light camera. I hope nothing is wrong. Now I know how it feels like, being so worried. Sigh, am I really cut out for driving? Feeling a bit demoralized now. Maybe I should keep my hands off the car. Hmm.

Anyway, I think I am becoming like an auntie. Even my mum said so this morning. Well you see, I am currently hooked onto this song, qian li zhi wai, by jay chou and fei yu qing. And the only reason why I am hooked onto this song is because I like the way fei yu qing sounds! I think I am going to be his fan too, amongst all the aunties. Then my dad said that that day in NTUC, I was like those auntie, pushing my way through, with my big basket of groceries, just to select the nicest peaches, grapes and strawberries. Oh dear! Maybe I am being like an auntie.

Good news! All my piano students pass their exams. Which means, they get to move on to a higher grade and I get more pay. Yippie! At least I can relax now.

Current songs that I am hooked onto now.
1. Fei Yu Qing & Jay Chou - 千里之外
2. 183 Club - 甜蜜约定
3. Fan Yi Chen - Love Story
4. Li Shen Jie - 关于你的歌
5. ShinHwa - Once in a Lifetime
6. F.I.R - Get High

ShinHwa - Once in a Lifetime

As above. I recommend this song. Although it is in korean, the song itself is just so catchy and I can keep listening to it for hours and hours. After searching high and low, I finally managed to find it. I am so happy. Yippie! Who wants the song can message me on msn.

Going to school today is a total waste of time. Conferencing for DLK200 and it took like less than 5 minutes per person and the rest of the time we were just reading our textbook or doing the assignment. Waste time! Next week is going to be the same thing. I hate fridays because lesson is 2.30-4.30pm only and I don't like DLK200. Sob sob.

Didn't get to drive today. At first thought I could drive out for dinner. But dad bought a new tv today for his bedroom, and mum wasn't keen to go out and weather is erratic (not erotic, tsk tsk) today. Well I guess that's how it feels like to pass and get the driving licence. Dad says he will let me drive tomorrow. He wants to see how I drive.

Brr. It's cold today. But it's nice to sleep too. Shall end here. Playing literati with laogong now and he is losing big time! Muahahaha.

And the verdict this time is...

I passed!!!!! I am as happy as an ant! Hmm where does that simile come from? I don't know. Who cares as long as I pass. But it didn't come easy. Let me tell you my ordeal.

I got the same tester AGAIN. 3 tests, 3 routes, 1 tester. What's the probability? As what my tester calls it, fate. Although I don't want to have much fate with him. Anyway, he remembers me and as usual as he is, tries to be friendly.

I would say out of the 3 attempts I had, this test is the best and most smooth. I was quite confident I could pass. After the test, in the briefing room, he scolded me for lots of things. And it felt like deja vu! I thought I was going to fail again. After all the scolding, he gave me 14 demerit points and a pass. Haha, I was so happy and shocked. Thanked him immediately.

Got my QDL now and my p-plate. 10.15am seems like a good slot for test. 14 testees, out of which 10 passed! Even the BBDC instructors were surprised to see so many passes during this timeslot. So people going for their driving test, get the 10.15am slot!

Went out with laogong to celebrate. Went to kbox and I sang from 2-6.30pm. Went to causeway point with laogong and both his sisters to sakae sushi for dinner buffet. I am so full now. Laogong had to tell the waiter I am a water bucket (shui tong) and the waiter really kept coming to refill my cup of water. Made me so embarrassed.

It's been a great day. My parents are really happy that I finally pass and dad is really keen in me taking over. Wonder if he meant it as a joke when he said, "Girl, I am going China next month. Drive me to the airport and drive the car back. You can take the car while I am in China." My mum was stunned and said no to that idea. But after a while, she kinda relented and told me not to be over confident and drive safely.

I would like to thank everyone for all the encouragement through your SMSes and msn messages. And most importantly laogong, for taking off to go down to BBDC to support me, so early in the morning and celebrating the day with me. I love you laogong!

It's tomorrow!!

It feels as if...

A thousand butterflies are flying in my tummy

A million ants crawling on my butt

I am suffering from Attention Deficieny Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

I have no control over my bowel movement

It's dooms day tomorrow

Ok, it is my driving test tomorrow and I am getting all the nerves again, even though it is my 3rd attempt. Will I pass this time? The usual optimist, Marie has become pessimisstic! I don't know, but I am not expecting to pass again even though I will want to.

Lesson today was horrid. Traffic at 6-8pm is horrendous and I had to drive pass a school zone and students just cross the road as if their lives didn't matter. So many stopped vehicles at the side of the road and I had to stop so many times just to signal, let traffic through in the other direction, and then go, and lane change back again. Unfamiliar with traffic at that time, it was quite a nerve wrecking experience driving on bukit batok road and lane changing. Ah lu said I did a good job, and I guess, I did. But silly me, forgot to stop at the pedestrian crossing! I didn't see her because she was at the other end, and ah lu nearly strangled me.

It's heart warming to know so much well wishes for my to pass tomorrow and I hope I do not let you guys and gals down. I will do my best no matter what and try to treat the test just like my normal lessons, with Mr Low. Cannot treat it as if with ah lu because ah lu is too chatty and the tester doesn't chat with us at all.

Wishing myself all the best! *hugs myself*

Feeling down

First and foremost, DCM 200 test is over! First to strike out from my list. Yes yes yes! I've also finished both my reflection responses for my DED 200 to be handed in tomorrow and will also be striked off the list, if he accepts it and does not ask me to redo. And so... the race to datelines and test dates have begun!

Ok, I'm feeling down again. It's the freaking driving test. Another person I know, just passed his driving and he started later than me and I hate losing out! The big question is, will I pass this time round? From 2 failed attempts, I've learnt not to raise my hopes too high again, if not the drop is painful. I'm known to be a confident person, but I think it don't show that anymore. Keep telling myself to think positive and such, but it is so hard. Sometimes I feel like I am like air trapped in a botle. Someone comes along and tries to squeeze the bottle and I am compressed. Squeezed harder and I may just explode. Argh! I need to blast loud music, but it is 11.21pm now as I am typing this. How to?

Just signed 2 insurance policies with NTUC income. It looks attractive and gives good prospects, with my principal sum assured. However, due to my medical condition, my worry now is whether they will raise my premium fee. I guess that is what is weighing on my mind too.

Today I have to complain about someone, gillian and I nicknamed mozzie. Why mozzie you may ask. Well that's because mozzie is mosquito and mosquitoes are irritating and that person is downright irritating. My group members were all so irritated with him. We were given a piece of groupwork homework, of planning a lesson, last week to be presented this week, ie, today. However, we finished doing it on the day itself.

1. Mozzie did the whole thing for the group of soft copy and didn't let any of us know. (We were thinking, if you volunteer, at least let the group know so that no one will do extra work, but luckily no one typed it out.)

2. Mozzie came into class and told us to present his work. (Right! How do we know what he typed and he didn't even print a hard copy for us to refer to. He presented ultimately.)

3. Mozzie had to tell the whole class and lecturer, he conducted the lesson on his students. (Quite a show off to show the lecturer how enthusiastic he is and making the group look bad, as if he is the only one doing the work. Is there a need to announce to everyone? Can't he just conference with tutor at his own time?)

4. The answers we discussed last week, were not used at all by him, making us waste all our time and effort. (Is it group work or individual work huh?)

Everyone in my group was so irritated with him today. He has been irritating me these few weeks especially. Stopping me halfway when I am talking to my friends just to ask, "any homework?" and move on to tell me about his wonderful ideas, which doesn't concern me, or calling me to sign attendance by using the attendance file to poke my arm. Grr! I gotta do the mozzie wipe out. What preventive measures should I take?

Packed day

I think I am going nuts by the minute. The pressure is coming in! Test tomorrow, dateline submission on Wednesday, driving lesson and driving test and conference with lecturer on friday on assignment. So many things to do and I am dead tired. As the chinese saying goes, hand busy, legs messy.

It's a long day today. Went for my driving lesson at 8am, and it was rather good. Well, I won't deny that I didn't make any mistakes because it is natural, but I would say that today I made the least mistakes. Ah lu didn't teach me today, today's my other instructor, Mr Low. I guess wednesday's revision lesson should be taught by ah lu. See the different ways I call my instructor. You should be able to deduce that ah lu's lesson is more relaxed and fun.

Went to school after that, but keep wanting to sleep during lecture. Stayed back in school a little while to discuss project with gillian. At last we got the problem solved and can move on to the next step. Then I went for my piano class. Class was alright, but I could feel my energy level running low already. Came home, study for tomorrow's test and am going to do my readings for the reflection deadline on wednesday. My eyes are drooping now, guess I may need matchsticks to keep my eyelids open.

Got a call from a financial planner just now. Let me tell you, I hate financial planners and insurance agents! This planner is recommended by gillian. Thanks ah! Now I got one more person to avoid. 3 financial planners on my butt now. Dear friends, please please please, do not recommend me. I have my own plans already and I don't want to pay so many premiums. I know you mean well and think it will benefit me, but I am maxed out. Gill, no hard feelings k =)

Am I losing my confidence?

Looking back and reflecting, somehow I feel that I am losing a lot of my confidence. I used to be really steady when it comes to presentations, tests and projections. I realized that nowadays, I tend to panic and sometimes I speak with a stutter. Why? Is it the pressure of school so that I can get to crossover to the degree program? Seeing the datelines and test dates on my navigation column, you can imagine the amount of work I have.

I also don't feel as confident when driving. As the saying goes, once bitten, twice shy. It's going to be my third test in a few days time. Would I have to continue the saying by, once bitten, twice shy, three times, sure die? I hope not. I will still put in my best effort and not make stupid errors and hope for the best. However, those people around me who have driving licence are telling me to do this or not to do that and it's adding to my stress. I don't feel so confident in things that I feel or think that I've been doing correctly anymore as too many people are telling me otherwise. I don't know. Why do I want the licence? Does it really mean that much to me? Or am I just going with the flow? Driving class tomorrow. I hope it goes well so that maybe I'll regain back my confidence. Maybe I should just listen to 2 people. My instructor and laogong.

Emailed my lecturer a few days ago telling her that I won't be going for my class on thursday. However, in my explanation, I typed wrongly! I said that I am going for my driving class instead of driving test and her reply was rather fierce. I replied apologising saying that it was a typo error and I meant test. But still, I feel so guilty, as if I have been blacklisted by her as not knowing what my priorities are. Hope she understands. Why am I so blur? Sigh. Another thing blur today, I was eating cheese hotdog on a satay stick and I poked my lip with the satay stick while trying to eating the hotdog and my lip bled a little. Blur right? But then again, I bang myself up pretty often such as hitting the wall on my knee, kicking the chair and things like that. Not purpose, it just happens. Not a single day goes by without me hitting anything or getting injured.

On a lighter note, I went shopping again. Like what Wesley told me when he read my blog, it is full of eating and shopping. Quite true. Went bugis shopping, my favourite place. Was supposed to go to the expo for the book fair, food fair and john little sale, but since laogong didn't take the car today, I felt a little lazy to travel all the way there. So I ended up buying quite a few things today. A pencil case, a shirt, a bag and some tidbits. Had seoul garden for dinner, in which, I got my hand a little scalded cos of the "popping" oil. Gotta work off all those fats, maybe will go jogging today. Yeah surprised? So am I. I surprised myself too, by even thinking of going jogging, an exercise I totally hate. Hmmm, but since I didn't eat lunch today, I guess it ain't that bad right? Haha. Excuses, I know. Will have to exercise!

Posted the pictures up of what I bought. Total damage on wallet today: $70 approx.

Pencil case, pink color, cost $5.90


Shirt, red strips, beige base, cost $16


Bag, beige/brown, cost $23 (Bought by laogong)


I wanted to get the white colour bag but then white is a hard colour to maintain and I don't want to dirty it and so I got the beige-brown bag. It's nice too, though I felt that the price can still be reduced. But like what laogong said, the guy that sold us the bag is rather new on the job, his 2nd day only, a little blur still, but had good service attitude so we didn't mind paying the extra few dollars. Laogong says that guy is cute. *gasp gasp*

Time for a little bitching today. Have you ever been in a bus or a train and someone is playing music out from their mobile phone through the loudspeaker? It's ok if the song is from the genre that you are listening to. But what if it is some song that you hate? Or worse, that person just plays 1 song? Every Sunday, on my way to work in the bus, there will be this guy, in Sheng Shiong uniform who will be playing just 1 song on his mobile phone, and volume put to the max. I tell you it is irritating because it is so loud that I cannot even hear my own music from my mp3 player. I had to turn the volume up 5 notches before I could hear my own music. Inconsiderate fella.

Student with Major Attitude Problem

I've this student who simply drives me nuts, up the wall or bonkers. She has one major attitude problem and none of the teachers at my music school is willing to teach her. She's smart but I think her aim is to piss the teacher off. 2 weeks ago, during her lesson, I scolded her very loudly. I gave her a piece of homework, only 5 questions, simple and straightforward. She's 11, from RGPS and doing grade 1, and learning piano for at least 3 years already. Here's the scenario of what happened.

(she enters and seats of the piano chair and arranges her books while I took her theory book to mark)
Me: (opens the book, sees the mistakes and inhales loudly)
She: (turns to me smiling)
Me: (fuming) Do you know why I took such a deep breath? You know that it is a sign that I am getting angry with you already and you still dare to smile.
She: (continues smiling)
Me: Do you know that all the answers are wrong?
She: (no reply)
Me: Do you understand how to do this piece of homework? Is it because I didn't explain well enough or you forgot how to do or you can't be bothered?
She: No.
Me: Then what? You have to tell me before I can help you.
She: Nothing.
Me: What you mean nothing? You are the one doing the homework. If you don't tell me what's wrong how will I know, how can I help?
She: (turns the other direction and ignores me for 10 minutes)
Me: Hello, I'm still waiting.
She: Nothing. I said nothing and that's my answer.
Me: Ok, nevermind. I will re-explain to you and then correct the mistakes. First you have to make sure 1 octave of the scale has 8 notes. Look at the key given to you and then write the accidentals on the notes. Accidentals come before the notes. Semitones are 3-4 and 7-8. Understand?
She: Yes (in a very heck care tone)
Me: Ok, redo.
She: Redo what?
Me: !!!!!!! What do you think?
She: Don't know.
Me: (takes another deep breath) You mean what I have been telling you for the past 20 minutes, you still don't know what your mistakes are? You want to redo the whole book?
She: Anything.
Me: Even if you want to redo the whole book, I can't be bothered to mark your work since you can't be bothered too. Redo these 5 questions.
(stormed out of the music studio and returned in 5 minutes)
Me: (Staring at her) Do you understand what I am trying to tell you?
She: Yes.
Me: Then why still wrong?
She: (keeps quiet smiling)
Me: I said you have 3 mistakes here. Change these.
(I walked out again to calm down)
Me: (5 minutes later, blowing my top) Wrong! I said accidentals before note. Do it in front of me now.
She: (Still draws accidentals behind note)
Me: (Screaming) I said in front not behind!
She: (erases as if she hasn't eaten in 10 days and redraws the accidental after the note)
Me: Erase all and show me how you do step by step.
She: (anyhow erases and does rubbish again)
Me: (erasing for her) Do for me question 1. First do this then do that..blah blah. Ok, now do the rest by yourself.
She: (rubbish answers again)
Me: Ok fine, you still refuse to do properly right? You stay back. You sit outside the studio and do your work properly before you can go back. I have to move on to the next student. Knock on the door when you are done.
(Went to tell her mum that I will be holding her back and explained that her daughter refuses to do her work properly.)
She: (5 minutes later, knocked on the dorr)
Me: So fast? (surprised) All correct answers.

And so you see, major attitude problem right? Anyway, her mum called yesterday and spoke to my boss saying that her daughter doesn't like me to teach and said that I didn't give her face by making her sit outside the studio, at the reception area to do her homework.

My views? Complain la! I don't care. She can don't like her, as if anyone at the music studio likes her either. Make her sit at the reception area is better than making her sit on the floor right? At least the lighting is better, there's a table and chair for her too. My boss says maybe she will change her teacher. I was so relieved, but I still have to teach her at least until my boss finds another teacher willing to take her.

Got a teacher's day present today because there was no piano lesson last week. Fiona, my highest grade student gave me a towel. She appears to be ah lian and sometimes rude, but underlying her, she has a nice heart. I think its the company of friends that she has. She's trying to be in. Plus she is the only child, so she's a little pampered. Hope she changes for the better, I see lots of potential in her.

I'm considering if I should set up another blog and link to this to do reviews on novels, books, movies, magazines, etc. It'll be a lot of work, but I think it would be fun. Should I?

DLK200 is scary!

I received feedback that my top portion looks odd. I can't help it. I don't have photoshop to do some picture editing so that it looks good. I made that portion using Macromedia Freehand and paint. I'll probably change it once I get photoshop installed into my computer. Hope to create something nicer.

Went to causeway point today. The pasar malam there is cool. Had cheese toufu and cheese hotdog. Yum yum.. so cheesy. All thanks to the recommendation made by Gillian. I'm so craving for that now. I also have another craving now. Sakae sushi. Nearly went there for dinner but had to think twice as it is rather costly. I have to save a little this month so that I can spend more on 3rd anniversary celebration with laogong.

Went swimming this morning, after much determination to wake up. I nearly fell back asleep but I told myself, after the buffet yesterday, I had better exercise it off. And luckily I did, because I ate a lot today after dinner. Laogong says I've become more tanned. I hate using sunblock lotion, but a lot of people have been telling me to use. Do I really have to?

DLK200 is turning into a nightmare module. The tutor's good, the lesson is rather interesting, but the grading of assignments and test is scaring me and everyone else. There's like so much to remember and yet the concepts seems logical like what we have been doing everytime. Do you get the feeling when something that you've been doing all your life in a certain and seems so natural to you, and then someone tells you the concept behind it, and you start to pay attention to the details and you start feeling weird. It's that kinda feeling for me.

Bought a waist trimmer belt from Watsons just now. Knowing how lazy I am, I will use any easy way out to lose weight. Hope it works. I want to wear beautiful clothes. I've thought of wearing g-strings to eliminate VPL, but so far dare not wear one out because I am used to undergarments that can tuck in fats. I believe that for a person to be able to wear a g-string out, that person is a self-confident person. Well, I am in a way confident, but not of my looks. Off you go fats and way to go to a slimmer figure. Let's hope I am determined enough this time to lose off those excess inches.

It's saturday tomorrow and I've gotta work. Dreading it a little as I have to see that irritating student of mine tomorrow. Big attitude problem kid. Oh well, think of the money then.

Completion of blogskin design

I am proud to say that... I have finally designed finished my blog. Finished including all the add ons such as my youtube videos and my ticker timer. Adjusted the top portion here and there and I'm pleased with it! Took me a lot of work and have spent 3 evenings on it. I like the layout of this blog as it is very clean and straight cut. Simple and easy to look around and most of all, like what laogong says, "it is very you."

I don't have much to update today but just to announce the this blog design is completed. I will try to change the videos regularly for your viewing pleasure. Watch the 4th video on Japanese trying to speak English and those students are not supposed to laugh. But it is so hilarious, they laugh and get whacked hard, on the butt. You can try not to laugh, but it's gonna be an uphill task. Enjoy.

New look, new shoes

How's the new look for the blog? I find my top picture funny. Well, no choice, because I don't know how to change the position of the blog search portion, so I had to put this picture in to cover it up. In a way, I believe, I am smart. Hehe. Took my many hours searching for a nice blog skin, only to rip it apart, and add in my inputs. Laogong said I took the hard way out by editing the codes when I could have just done everything in dreamweaver! Sweat!! But nevermind, the good point of it is, I know a little more about coding again. So anyway, wah la, here's my new blog look. Still adjusting certain things here and there and may add in some you-tube vids and such. Stay tuned for more.

Big news big news! I went to Jurong East with Sultanah today, to buy shoes. Was supposed to go with Gillian and Chris too, but Gillian ended class early and didn't want to wait for us. So I thought Chris might feel weird going with me and Sultanah and so I told Chris, we'll go again next time, and that's how I ended up going with Sultanah. If I do go again, I doubt I will buy, rather just to accompany them. It was a major feat! I bought 5 pairs of shoes, totalling up to only $39.50. Can you bet that price? Let you see the shoes I bought.

Shoe 1: Green cover shoes, with string ribbon at the top. Costs $3.90


Shoe 2: Metallic purple, open toed. Costs $9.90


Shoe 3: Pinkish orange, covered toe shoe. Slightly pointed top. Little "pearls" at the tip. Costs $5.90
Bought 2 sizes bigger so that my toes won't hurt.


Shoe 4: White, wedge with backstrap. Costs $9.90


Shoe 5: Pale pink/purple wedge with backstrap. Flowery design on the side. Costs $9.90


Quite a bargain right? I love shoe 3 and 5. There were many other shoes really nice, but I had to stop myself, if not I will probably be buying 10 pairs instead of 5.

Today, my 800 word esay was rejected. Why? Due to my own blurness, and I saw the wrong question and did it. Luckily my tutor was nice and understanding enough to tell me that he will extend one more week for me. Phew! Also saw my SPC senior today, Josephine. She's also now in NIE, studying to be a teacher. Wow it was a pleasant surprise and we spent some time catching up in the bus.

8.30am lesson tomorrow and its a 4 hour lesson. Gotta get to bed now. Good night!

Tired!

Swam 30 laps non stop today. Quite an accomplishment for me. Especially since I was nursing an aching leg because of my driving lesson this morning and since this is my first lesson in like 4 months, I was kinda rusty and wasn't used to the clutch again. I can feel a pull in my leg muscle now as just now while swimming, when straightening my leg, I felt a "tuck". Ouch!

Anyway, driving today was good. That Lu taught me today. He still remembers me and laogong. I wasn't expecting him to. He gave me a lot of encouragement as usual and as always, I enjoy his lessons more than the other 3 instructors. Next 2 lessons will be on 11/9 and 13/9. Test on 14/9. All the best to myself... again.

Well known, Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin passed away while filming a documentary. He was stung by a stingray. Condolences to his family members.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/228451/1/.html

Look out for a major revamp of my blog soon!

Comex

Comex 2006, Expo Halls 4-6. Mega big event and it caused a major traffic jam. Guess how long we took to finally get a carpark and to get through the jam? About 1 hour, and we were lucky. The road to turn into the carpark was initially closed, but when we stopped there, the security guards removed the barrier and we could turn in. A while later, the barrier was put back. Why must they put the barrier there, I wonder. There are so many carparks still available. Why must they make cars go through a big U-turn just to go in. Totally uncalled for. I was awed by the number of people there. Just outside, it was crowded enough. Burger king and Orange Julius was overflowing with people. Vending machines and 7-eleven ran out of drinks! Can you believe it? In the exhibition hall was worse. Totally spoilt my mood. So many people. It used to be held at Suntec and I thought it was bad. Well, now is slightly better, spread over 3 halls, but still too many people for my liking.

Have started planning for my 21st birthday! We have decided to book the aloha loyang chalet from 23/12/2006 till 26/12/2006 (ie: check out on the 27/12/2006). Dad says that he is going to sponsor me $1k. Yippie! Chalet costs $200 a night. We will have BBQ and probably catering. Well, good also in that way, no housework to be done and will be easier on my parents. One night will be for my friends. One night for relatives. I will pull laogong to stay. Take it as his ORD celebration too. Another 3 more months for him to ORD. So friends out there, keep a lookout for my invitation on the 24th December ok? Give me face and come for my party!

Anyway, we went to Changi Village today for dinner and I ended up eating mutton soup. Disappointing right? I've been bugging laogong to bring me there to eat nasi lemak and I end up eating mutton soup! Too bad the hawker centre was so crowded and stuffy and the nasi lemak queue was awfully long. Maybe next time.

Jurong East Central is having a shoe sale, as cheap as $5.90! Heels and covered shoes all have. They will have the sale till 17th September but I guess I will go this week before all those nice shoes are taken. I wanted to buy yesterday, but I didn't have time and a little tight on my wallet. Tuesday, when my pay comes in, I'll put some aside for my shoes.

My driving test is on the 14th September. Third attempt and I really hope that I will pass. I believe that my skills really aren't that bad. Sigh. I have to pass because I told myself that only if I do, then I will buy myself a new handphone. Probably Sony Ericsson's K610i. The same model as laogong's phone, but the red colour version. Phone price is about $430. Pricey and definitely the most that I've ever spent on a phone but if I pass, it will be my reward to myself. Must budget myself this month if not I'll go broke again soon.

Think I am going to fall sick soon. Came down with runny nose last night and had to take a flu tablet before I slept. Today my throat's a little painful, but not amounting to sore throat. Whenever I have this feeling, I know I'm going to fall sick. Better build up my body resistance. Thinking of going swimming tomorrow. Been eating too much the last few days. I want that nice figure and then I can wear tubes and spaghetti strips out. Think I should also do 50 sit ups a day to reduce my tummy.

Finally, my WoW character finally has a mount! Played till nearly 3am this morning just to get it. I am finally enjoying another stage of my life in WoW. Haha.

Happy Teacher's Day!

I received 2 cards from SEPOMs today. Both cards had my name printed this way:

Since when has my name changed from Marie to Mane!?!?! Figured out that must be during the previous Expo fair that when I wrote my name for them, I connected my r to i and they viewed it as n. Grr. Both cards had the error. Funny thing they put me under different reference number. Don't they have a system of matching records? Hmmm.

Oh yeah! Finally 39 in game. Another 1 more level before I get my mount. No work this weekend except for a make up class on Saturday so most of the time will be in game to get our mount.

There ain't much to blog about much today, except, Happy Teacher's Day to:

• Gillian
• Chris
• Faith
• Nafsiyah
• Sultanah
• Christal
• Vivien
• Belle
• Sheela
• Hamida aka Twinnie
• All educators