I just woke up. I vaguely remember my dream. It had everything to do with ballroom dancing. Strangely, I don't remember dancing any latin...
Still, I dreamnt I was at a dance competition with my dance partner Jo. The dance floor was really tiny. My parents came to support me. First we danced the Quickstep. It was a terrible round. We couldnt get it together. Then the next dance was the Vienesse Waltz. Because the floor was too small, we were told to dance the dance around the floor. Surrounding the floor were a bunch of chairs. We ended up dancing beside the chairs where people would normally walk going around in circles. My partner seemed to not be in sync with me. Was again quite dissapointing.
However, I was still quite happy. I was dancing! *grin* I even had a tail suit on I think. I DONT have a tail suit.. I wonder where I got it from.. hehaehAHEa...
There's more to my dream. I know it was quite a lengthy one but I cant remember the rest now. I have a feeling that Weiqi was in it but I cant remember when... oh well...
Friday, December 30, 2005
Thursday, December 29, 2005
The model
After clearing up, we played Pictionary. Half way through, Yi Duan suggested that a penalty should be imposed on the loser. Unfortunately, she lost and we decided to make her our life size model. We got out all the available make up in the house, and all my hair gel and set to work. We gave her a full make over and got her to dress up and model for us. This is one of the many many photos we took of her. You may not be able to see much of the make up but we think that this is the best pic.
Dessert
Those of us who arent pudding fans had meringue instead with whipped cream, raspberries and tinned mango in syrup.
Christmas dinner
We had a fantastic Christmas dinner. Tried to make it as cheap and as traditional as possible. See the turkey under the bacon strips at the bottom left? Then there's carrots at the bottom right, followed by pork chipolattas and crisp bacon streaks. In the middle on the right is a plate of raw cherry tomatoes, and on the left is a bowl of brussel sprouts. The pot is filled with Roast Turkey gravy and at the end in the foil is the roast potatoes and roast parsnips in goose fat and thyme. Really yummy. And at the far end are the presents!!!
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Dungu: the conventional woman?
1. I like to plan and cook elaborate meals.
2. I fuss over those I love.
3. I love shopping... makes me feel happy.
4. I love my clothes and shoes.
5. I like to throw dinner parties.
6. I wear accessories.
7. I'm a compulsive shopper. I seriously just go completely mad.
8. I'm like an aunty. I actually enjoy grocery shopping.
9. I always want to look presentable.
10.I accessorize... for example, ties to men are like scarves to ladies
11.I cry at the movies.
12.I love the arts.
13.I sing, dance and play an instrument.
14.I'm terrible with computers and cameras.
15.I'm sensitive.
16.I like romance novels.
17.I love feel good movies.
18.I can be quite a bitch.
19.I love to gossip.
20.I wash behind the ears.
21. er... what else? Anyone?
2. I fuss over those I love.
3. I love shopping... makes me feel happy.
4. I love my clothes and shoes.
5. I like to throw dinner parties.
6. I wear accessories.
7. I'm a compulsive shopper. I seriously just go completely mad.
8. I'm like an aunty. I actually enjoy grocery shopping.
9. I always want to look presentable.
10.I accessorize... for example, ties to men are like scarves to ladies
11.I cry at the movies.
12.I love the arts.
13.I sing, dance and play an instrument.
14.I'm terrible with computers and cameras.
15.I'm sensitive.
16.I like romance novels.
17.I love feel good movies.
18.I can be quite a bitch.
19.I love to gossip.
20.I wash behind the ears.
21. er... what else? Anyone?
Friday, December 23, 2005
Merry Christmas everyone!
Happy Christmas! Look to the North Star. Make a wish and say a little prayer. Feel the spirit of Christmas all around and wait for the sleigh bells to ring!
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Leave all this to yesterday...
One Day I'll Fly Away - Nicole Kidman
Moulin Rouge
I follow the night
Can't stand the light
When will I begin
To live again
One day I'll fly away
Leave all this to yesterday
What more could your love do for me
When will love be through with me
Why live life from dream to dream
And dread the day when dreaming ends
One day I'll fly away
Leave all this to yesterday
Why live life from dream to dream
And dread the day when dreaming ends
One day I'll fly away
Fly fly away
Moulin Rouge
I follow the night
Can't stand the light
When will I begin
To live again
One day I'll fly away
Leave all this to yesterday
What more could your love do for me
When will love be through with me
Why live life from dream to dream
And dread the day when dreaming ends
One day I'll fly away
Leave all this to yesterday
Why live life from dream to dream
And dread the day when dreaming ends
One day I'll fly away
Fly fly away
Where did it all go?
Whimpers of sorrow resonate in my vacant heart.
Feelings which haunt me day and night.
Everyday.
Especially when I am alone.
My heart feels heavy and weak.
A lump of muscle losing its way.
So tired.
My aching heart.
Battered by strife.
Dread creeping in,
Taking a stronghold.
Pounding away at crumbling walls.
Floor boards creaking in this dilapidating place,
My secret place.
Tip toeing around fragile feelings.
Denying reality to delve in what’s left.
Tip toeing around dreams I once had.
Merciless time,
Moving with every breath I take.
Soon my dreams will die.
The silence broken only by echoes of a shattered and weary heart.
Feelings which haunt me day and night.
Everyday.
Especially when I am alone.
My heart feels heavy and weak.
A lump of muscle losing its way.
So tired.
My aching heart.
Battered by strife.
Dread creeping in,
Taking a stronghold.
Pounding away at crumbling walls.
Floor boards creaking in this dilapidating place,
My secret place.
Tip toeing around fragile feelings.
Denying reality to delve in what’s left.
Tip toeing around dreams I once had.
Merciless time,
Moving with every breath I take.
Soon my dreams will die.
The silence broken only by echoes of a shattered and weary heart.
Monday, December 19, 2005
Penguins!!!
If you take a walk in Edinburgh Zoo at about 2pm, you may witness the march of the penguins. Not the movie, but literally, the march of the penguins. The zoo opened its doors to the public in 1914 and were supplied with penguins. On one fine day in 1919, the zoo keeper fed the penguins in their enclosure and headed back to his quarters. Unknown to him he was being followed. Many of the zoo goers were very amused by what they saw that day. The zookeeper had forgotten to close the door to the penguin's enclosure and the penguins decided to take a walk. With their little feet, they waddled after the zoo keeper whom they equated to be the source of food. So many people loved the parade of the penguins, the zoo decided to keep it so everyday (weather permitting) between April and October, the penguins would come out to waddle up the paths for a walk.
Penguins really are adorable creatures. What's also quite fascinating about them is they are documented to be monogamous creatures. They stay with their partners for life. Another interesting fact is that there are quite a few penguins in homosexual relationships. It is well documented that there are gay penguins and some of these 'couples' have been in monogamous relationships for up to 8 years! Take Cass and Wendell for example. They live at the New York Aquarium in Coney Island, Brooklyn.
This is not unusual. There are a lot of animals that have same-sex relations, it's just that people don't know about it. A book by Bruce Bagemihl, "Biological Exuberance," published in 1999, documents homosexual behavior in more than 450 animal species. The list includes apes, grizzly bears, dolphins, gorillas, flamingos, owls and even several species of salmon.
But can you imagine little gay penguins? AaAawWww... how sswwweetttt...
At the Central Park Zoo, Silo and Roy, two male Chinstrap penguins, have been in an exclusive relationship for six years. Once, they even fostered an egg together. They were given an egg to foster after they were found to have adopted a rock and protected it like an egg. They got all excited about it and they did a really good job bringing up the chick. However, recently in September, Scrappy, a new penguin caught Silo's eye and he decided to go straight with her. This puzzled many zookeepers. Proves that even some penguins are scum. However, "the real revelation in this story is that Tango, the female child they fathered together (after kind zoo officials replaced the rock they were nurturing with a real egg), has paired up with another female named Tazuni."(towleroad).
So what do you think? Aren't penguins fabulous creatures? *penguin waddle*
Penguins really are adorable creatures. What's also quite fascinating about them is they are documented to be monogamous creatures. They stay with their partners for life. Another interesting fact is that there are quite a few penguins in homosexual relationships. It is well documented that there are gay penguins and some of these 'couples' have been in monogamous relationships for up to 8 years! Take Cass and Wendell for example. They live at the New York Aquarium in Coney Island, Brooklyn.
This is not unusual. There are a lot of animals that have same-sex relations, it's just that people don't know about it. A book by Bruce Bagemihl, "Biological Exuberance," published in 1999, documents homosexual behavior in more than 450 animal species. The list includes apes, grizzly bears, dolphins, gorillas, flamingos, owls and even several species of salmon.
But can you imagine little gay penguins? AaAawWww... how sswwweetttt...
At the Central Park Zoo, Silo and Roy, two male Chinstrap penguins, have been in an exclusive relationship for six years. Once, they even fostered an egg together. They were given an egg to foster after they were found to have adopted a rock and protected it like an egg. They got all excited about it and they did a really good job bringing up the chick. However, recently in September, Scrappy, a new penguin caught Silo's eye and he decided to go straight with her. This puzzled many zookeepers. Proves that even some penguins are scum. However, "the real revelation in this story is that Tango, the female child they fathered together (after kind zoo officials replaced the rock they were nurturing with a real egg), has paired up with another female named Tazuni."(towleroad).
So what do you think? Aren't penguins fabulous creatures? *penguin waddle*
Beautiful Verses from Les Choristes
See on your way
Forgotten kids who’ve strayed
Give them a helping hanmd
Lead them to new horizons, help them understand
Feel, in the depths of despair
A surging wave of hope
The fervor of life
The glorious path
Childish delights too soon forgotten and erased
A golden light that burns forever at the end of the path
Feel, in the depths of despair
A surging wave of hope
The fervor of life
The glorious path
-----------------------------
Like a caress on the ocean…
LIghlty lands the gull…
On the rocks of a sunken isle…
Ephemeral winter breeze…
At last your cold breath fades awa…
Far into the mountains high…
Face the wind and spread your wings…
In the grey eastern dawn…
Find a path to the rainbow
And spring will reveal itself to you..
Calmly
On the ocean
-----------------------------
Billowing sails,
Faraway shores, it’s summer now…
With its song of freedom…
The clouds are gone
First flutters…
Shdders of joy
Summer glow,
A waking dream…
My heart takes wing high in the sky
Far from the Earth
My tears dry up
-----------------------------
O Night
Bring to the Earth
The enchanting calm of your mystery
The shadow which follows you
Is so sweet
It is such a sweet concert
Your voices chanting hope
Your power is so great
Transforming all into a dream.
O night
O leave still to the Earth
The enchanting calm of your mystery
The shadow which follows you is so sweet
Is there anything more beautiful than a dream?
Is there any truth sweeter than hope…
Forgotten kids who’ve strayed
Give them a helping hanmd
Lead them to new horizons, help them understand
Feel, in the depths of despair
A surging wave of hope
The fervor of life
The glorious path
Childish delights too soon forgotten and erased
A golden light that burns forever at the end of the path
Feel, in the depths of despair
A surging wave of hope
The fervor of life
The glorious path
-----------------------------
Like a caress on the ocean…
LIghlty lands the gull…
On the rocks of a sunken isle…
Ephemeral winter breeze…
At last your cold breath fades awa…
Far into the mountains high…
Face the wind and spread your wings…
In the grey eastern dawn…
Find a path to the rainbow
And spring will reveal itself to you..
Calmly
On the ocean
-----------------------------
Billowing sails,
Faraway shores, it’s summer now…
With its song of freedom…
The clouds are gone
First flutters…
Shdders of joy
Summer glow,
A waking dream…
My heart takes wing high in the sky
Far from the Earth
My tears dry up
-----------------------------
O Night
Bring to the Earth
The enchanting calm of your mystery
The shadow which follows you
Is so sweet
It is such a sweet concert
Your voices chanting hope
Your power is so great
Transforming all into a dream.
O night
O leave still to the Earth
The enchanting calm of your mystery
The shadow which follows you is so sweet
Is there anything more beautiful than a dream?
Is there any truth sweeter than hope…
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Saturday, December 17, 2005
Feelings... nothing more then feelings...
Everyday is becoming more of a struggle. Sometimes I wake up feeling happy and it lingers for the rest of the day, and sometimes, I wake up and the reality of my situation hits me hard and a cloud would hang over my head the whole day.
Still, I try very hard to keep my spirits up. Not let my mood swings get the better of me. But its quite difficult when I think about all that I have to lose. All the "what ifs" start to cloud my mind. When I forget about my blues I start to feel like my ol'self. But something will remind me of my problems and I plunge into depths of sorrow.
Like a yo-yo it goes up and down, up and down, up and down, up and down... hills and valleys? I'm in a ravine. Still, the sun rises everday. Bringing new hope even if my heart refuses to look up into the azure sky. It trudges through the swamp of desperation. I may wear a smile, but it comes with a heavy heart. Everything's become a facade. But there are cracks if you look close enough.
To be happy or not? To keep smiling in the face of adversity? Does everything really happen for a reason? I wonder what awaits me yonder the horizon...
Still, I try very hard to keep my spirits up. Not let my mood swings get the better of me. But its quite difficult when I think about all that I have to lose. All the "what ifs" start to cloud my mind. When I forget about my blues I start to feel like my ol'self. But something will remind me of my problems and I plunge into depths of sorrow.
Like a yo-yo it goes up and down, up and down, up and down, up and down... hills and valleys? I'm in a ravine. Still, the sun rises everday. Bringing new hope even if my heart refuses to look up into the azure sky. It trudges through the swamp of desperation. I may wear a smile, but it comes with a heavy heart. Everything's become a facade. But there are cracks if you look close enough.
To be happy or not? To keep smiling in the face of adversity? Does everything really happen for a reason? I wonder what awaits me yonder the horizon...
Friday, December 16, 2005
THE GLORY OF LOVE (Bette Midler)
You've got to give a little, take a little
And let your poor heart break a little
That's the story of,
That's the glory of love
You've got to laugh a little, cry a little
Until the clouds roll by a little
That's the story of,
That's the glory of love
As long as there's the two of us
We've got the world and all its charms
And when the world is through with us
We've got each other's arms
You've got to win a little, lose a little
Yes, and always have the blues a little
That's the story of,
That's the glory of love
That's the story of,
That's the glory of love
And let your poor heart break a little
That's the story of,
That's the glory of love
You've got to laugh a little, cry a little
Until the clouds roll by a little
That's the story of,
That's the glory of love
As long as there's the two of us
We've got the world and all its charms
And when the world is through with us
We've got each other's arms
You've got to win a little, lose a little
Yes, and always have the blues a little
That's the story of,
That's the glory of love
That's the story of,
That's the glory of love
Monday, December 12, 2005
With each passing day I crumble more.
I am sinking lower.
I feel so helpless,
Like a fly trapped in a cob web.
The verdict was passed.
I did not do enough.
I am to blame.
It is all my fault.
Yet there is so much calm in the midst of this turmoil.
Why is there no panic like how I feel?
Why is there only acceptance of the state of the situation?
I am not worth it.
I am so confused.
I am sinking lower.
I feel so helpless,
Like a fly trapped in a cob web.
The verdict was passed.
I did not do enough.
I am to blame.
It is all my fault.
Yet there is so much calm in the midst of this turmoil.
Why is there no panic like how I feel?
Why is there only acceptance of the state of the situation?
I am not worth it.
I am so confused.
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Entry No. 179
Time moves too fast. It seems not so long ago I was still in Sheffield. When I went back on Friday, I was caught in phases of reminiscence.
I was contemplating whether there would be an European Fair at Fargate. I had Jung Ying for dinner. On the way to Jung Ying, I walked past the Royal Hallamshire Hospital. I couldnt help but burst out laughing. A memory had resurfaced. When I was in Uni, me and Lyn were looking for a stupid tutorial/seminar class. The only instructions we got were that the class was being conducted at RHH (Royal Hallamshire Hosp.) We were supposed to look for Seminar Room 2.. or maybe it was 5.... ANYWAY, we weren't sure where we were supposed to go. I then walked into the reception in the hospital to ask where the Seminar Rooms were. The receptionist blinked at me, then replied, "I think you want the University. Go outside, turn right, and it's right at the corner." My gawd.. how embaressing... we really didnt know where we were supposed to go and we didnt know that the Uni had a little faculty at the hospital. Now I can look back and laugh my head off.
I stayed with Isaac and spent some time with his housemates. I realise how much my life has changed since I left Sheffield. They were leading lives I once had when I too was a student in Sheffield. Life back in Sheffield seems so much simpler. We didnt need much to entertain ourselves. We had our friends around us. We only had to concentrate on our studies. We were never alone and we were having the times of our lives. Where did that all go?
I was contemplating whether there would be an European Fair at Fargate. I had Jung Ying for dinner. On the way to Jung Ying, I walked past the Royal Hallamshire Hospital. I couldnt help but burst out laughing. A memory had resurfaced. When I was in Uni, me and Lyn were looking for a stupid tutorial/seminar class. The only instructions we got were that the class was being conducted at RHH (Royal Hallamshire Hosp.) We were supposed to look for Seminar Room 2.. or maybe it was 5.... ANYWAY, we weren't sure where we were supposed to go. I then walked into the reception in the hospital to ask where the Seminar Rooms were. The receptionist blinked at me, then replied, "I think you want the University. Go outside, turn right, and it's right at the corner." My gawd.. how embaressing... we really didnt know where we were supposed to go and we didnt know that the Uni had a little faculty at the hospital. Now I can look back and laugh my head off.
I stayed with Isaac and spent some time with his housemates. I realise how much my life has changed since I left Sheffield. They were leading lives I once had when I too was a student in Sheffield. Life back in Sheffield seems so much simpler. We didnt need much to entertain ourselves. We had our friends around us. We only had to concentrate on our studies. We were never alone and we were having the times of our lives. Where did that all go?
ManComp
We rocked at the Manchester Comp. We were recalled for all our events, making the semis in the Advance Quickstep, Basic Quickstep, Advance Jive and Rumba, and Basic Cha. We somehow managed to get into the Open Samba finals and were placed 6th. As for the team event, we danced A team jive and were shocked to have been placed 2nd, let alone make the finals! And of course, how can I not compete in the All Male Rumba. We made the finals and were placed 4th. Not too bad eh? It was a good day.
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
What's Your Ideal Relationship?
| Your Ideal Relationship is Marriage |
 You've dated enough to know what you want. And that's marriage - with the right person. You're serious about settling down some time soon. Even if you haven't met the person you want to get hitched to! |
Re: Who are our best friends?
My best friend when I was in kindergarten was Gee KB. When we entered Standard 1 at the same primary school, we were placed in different classes. However, he decided that he did not want to 'friend' me anymore. He wanted new friends.
My best friend in Standard 1 was Lim Soo Long. According to my mother, he would tell stories and exagerate them. For example, he told my mother he was sick and out of school for 3 months. He moved to Penang that year or the year after.
My best friend the following year was Seng CH. I even wrote him a letter just for the heck of sending a letter to him despite seeing him in school everyday. I remember I wrote about Austin Pools which is a stream I used to frequent back home. I dont think he replied my letter though. After that we drifted apart...
When I was in Standard 3, I became close friends with Timothy Lim. We used to have sleep overs and trips together. I would follow his family on holidays and vice versa. Once, we ransacked his sister's room and she swore that one day she'd flush me down the toilet for doing so. Unfortunately, we drifted apart after that. Though we still talked to one another, Tim's not one who bothers keeping in touch with anyone.
When I was in upper primary, I thought of very few people as my best friends. Perhaps I could say I enjoyed the company of my group of friends. However no one really stands out.
In Form 1, schools amalgamated. New faces arrived. J. Viknesh, a rival athlete from a different primary school became my new best friend. We would train together and hang out together with our friends. Slowly though, in Form 2 and 3, I became close to Emmanuel D and Viknesh C. We were the 'cool' kids apparently. Our clique were above average students (or so I thought) and rebellious to a certain extent, so that made us 'cool'. I made other friends of course. But these were my friends.
However, in Form 4, when I gained favor with the teachers, Emmanuel started poisoning the minds of my other friends. Both the Viknesh's in the group whom I once called best friends turned against me somewhat. They wanted to disassociate themselves from me. I became an outcast. Betrayed by my 'best friends'. Later though, the group apologised, but such bonds of friendship and trust had been broken forever.
I started mixing with other people and found good friends in Chuan Yi and Benny. Perhaps one could say my 'best friend' after that was Benny. We were always together, doing things together, hanging out together. But now, we hardly ever correspond. We dont email each other or call each other. However, whenever we meet up after months of silence, we act as though nothing had happened.
Though I still do consider some of these people, such as Benny and Chuan Yi, close friends, I do not think I can actually say now that they are my best friends. Dont get me wrong... they are great people and God knows I do love them. However, I believe that college really opened my eyes. I can safely say that Pei Lyn is one of my best friends. We have been friends for what... coming to 5 years? spending 4 of those years laughing and keeping each other company through thick and thin. Really taking the piss out of others (secretly of course). I could be myself. Finally, someone who I could bitch with and know that I can say anything at all and she wouldnt be offended. She was cruel but kind, independant, intelligent, fiercely ambitious and had a burning desire to prove everyone wrong. Shadenfreude like me and enjoys good food like me so those are pluses. We understood each other very well and we still do. Even after a year apart, we're still bitchin.
And of course, I can never forget my dear sweet Weiqi. My offbeat assistant, my ballroom dance partner, and like Pei Lyn, a true kindred spirit. Gentle and demure when you first get to know her, dont be fooled by this facade! She actually has an infectious laugh and quite a sense of humour too! She perseveres and strives to be the best she can be in everything she does. She shares a great passion for dancing like me and also for good food. Weiqi is one of the few people I truly admire. So dedicated, genuine and hard working. She's so sweet you could get a toothache talking to her. Such a beautiful person with a wonderful personality.
Best friends are people who stick by you when the going gets rough or even when you're down and out. Loyalty, trust, good food and great humour is a great combination. People you know you can always confide in. People who will always be willing to help you out when you are in need. They stand by you in your darkest hour and though they may not say anything, you can feel their understanding. They encourage you and believe in you. They dont have to always keep in touch I guess. It's only human nature. Some people are eager to keep in touch and some arent. You cant force these things. If you can pick up a conversation you left off with someone a couple of months or even years ago and feel at ease, then you probably have a close friend. What differentiates a best friend and a close friend is the kind connection you share with that other person. A best friend will share the same excitement you do. They share common values, possibly dreams and even hobbies.
But I believe what really differentiates a best friend from a close one the most is if he or she treasures the friendship as much as you do.
My best friend in Standard 1 was Lim Soo Long. According to my mother, he would tell stories and exagerate them. For example, he told my mother he was sick and out of school for 3 months. He moved to Penang that year or the year after.
My best friend the following year was Seng CH. I even wrote him a letter just for the heck of sending a letter to him despite seeing him in school everyday. I remember I wrote about Austin Pools which is a stream I used to frequent back home. I dont think he replied my letter though. After that we drifted apart...
When I was in Standard 3, I became close friends with Timothy Lim. We used to have sleep overs and trips together. I would follow his family on holidays and vice versa. Once, we ransacked his sister's room and she swore that one day she'd flush me down the toilet for doing so. Unfortunately, we drifted apart after that. Though we still talked to one another, Tim's not one who bothers keeping in touch with anyone.
When I was in upper primary, I thought of very few people as my best friends. Perhaps I could say I enjoyed the company of my group of friends. However no one really stands out.
In Form 1, schools amalgamated. New faces arrived. J. Viknesh, a rival athlete from a different primary school became my new best friend. We would train together and hang out together with our friends. Slowly though, in Form 2 and 3, I became close to Emmanuel D and Viknesh C. We were the 'cool' kids apparently. Our clique were above average students (or so I thought) and rebellious to a certain extent, so that made us 'cool'. I made other friends of course. But these were my friends.
However, in Form 4, when I gained favor with the teachers, Emmanuel started poisoning the minds of my other friends. Both the Viknesh's in the group whom I once called best friends turned against me somewhat. They wanted to disassociate themselves from me. I became an outcast. Betrayed by my 'best friends'. Later though, the group apologised, but such bonds of friendship and trust had been broken forever.
I started mixing with other people and found good friends in Chuan Yi and Benny. Perhaps one could say my 'best friend' after that was Benny. We were always together, doing things together, hanging out together. But now, we hardly ever correspond. We dont email each other or call each other. However, whenever we meet up after months of silence, we act as though nothing had happened.
Though I still do consider some of these people, such as Benny and Chuan Yi, close friends, I do not think I can actually say now that they are my best friends. Dont get me wrong... they are great people and God knows I do love them. However, I believe that college really opened my eyes. I can safely say that Pei Lyn is one of my best friends. We have been friends for what... coming to 5 years? spending 4 of those years laughing and keeping each other company through thick and thin. Really taking the piss out of others (secretly of course). I could be myself. Finally, someone who I could bitch with and know that I can say anything at all and she wouldnt be offended. She was cruel but kind, independant, intelligent, fiercely ambitious and had a burning desire to prove everyone wrong. Shadenfreude like me and enjoys good food like me so those are pluses. We understood each other very well and we still do. Even after a year apart, we're still bitchin.
And of course, I can never forget my dear sweet Weiqi. My offbeat assistant, my ballroom dance partner, and like Pei Lyn, a true kindred spirit. Gentle and demure when you first get to know her, dont be fooled by this facade! She actually has an infectious laugh and quite a sense of humour too! She perseveres and strives to be the best she can be in everything she does. She shares a great passion for dancing like me and also for good food. Weiqi is one of the few people I truly admire. So dedicated, genuine and hard working. She's so sweet you could get a toothache talking to her. Such a beautiful person with a wonderful personality.
Best friends are people who stick by you when the going gets rough or even when you're down and out. Loyalty, trust, good food and great humour is a great combination. People you know you can always confide in. People who will always be willing to help you out when you are in need. They stand by you in your darkest hour and though they may not say anything, you can feel their understanding. They encourage you and believe in you. They dont have to always keep in touch I guess. It's only human nature. Some people are eager to keep in touch and some arent. You cant force these things. If you can pick up a conversation you left off with someone a couple of months or even years ago and feel at ease, then you probably have a close friend. What differentiates a best friend and a close friend is the kind connection you share with that other person. A best friend will share the same excitement you do. They share common values, possibly dreams and even hobbies.
But I believe what really differentiates a best friend from a close one the most is if he or she treasures the friendship as much as you do.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
I have lost
Dark times are looming.
Light is leaving my plane.
I fear there are no more avenues.
I am hanging by a thread rubbing against a sharp edge.
My time is sliced away as I dangle in despair.
Sorrow, consuming me from within.
Savaging my being.
Tears leaking, and rivers flowing.
Flowing down a waterfall.
My dreams dropping off the edge.
My doom is certain.
It awaits me at its doorstep.
I have to leave.
Light is leaving my plane.
I fear there are no more avenues.
I am hanging by a thread rubbing against a sharp edge.
My time is sliced away as I dangle in despair.
Sorrow, consuming me from within.
Savaging my being.
Tears leaking, and rivers flowing.
Flowing down a waterfall.
My dreams dropping off the edge.
My doom is certain.
It awaits me at its doorstep.
I have to leave.
Monday, December 05, 2005
Cadburys Happinness Factory; Amsterdam
In view that I've already been to Amsterdam, we decided that we should take things easy and relax and to walk aimlessly through the streets of Amsterdam. We wanted to let Amsterdam reveal her secrets and discover her charm and distinct character. The trip was fantastic. The food was good. The weather was not too bad. The hotel was excellent.
There were only a few things that didnt go right.
Firstly, we missed the dinner cruise we had on our itenary. We were on time according to our travel agent's information. It stated that we needed to be at the dock at 7.45pm for an 8pm cruise. We were there at the right time. However, we were informed that the cruise had left at 7.30pm. Apparently, all their evening dinner cruises for winter leave at 7.30pm. It was really dissapointing. The cruise was worth 69 euros per person! I'm definitely going to call the stupid travel agents tomorrow.
Secondly, I do not recommend sleeping in the airport. If ever you had the choice, NEVER sleep in the airport. My gawd.. the seats are so uncomfortable and because of the arm rests, you can hardly position yourself on the seats! Not to mention you need to mind your belongings most of the time.
The ground stewards were bloody useless. Nobody knew what to do or what was going on and the stewards just went about their business ignoring passengers. They werent much help really... not until past 5am when the bloody airport opens!
Once we arrived at the hotel, we zonked out. We put a 'Do Not Disturb' sign on the outside of the door. Unfortunately, there were a bunch of guys who thought it funny to disturb those who had hung 'Do Not Disturb' signs up. They kept knocking real loud on our door. It happened about 4 times and I would have poured boiling water at them if I had the strength to get out of bed. It was SO annoying.
All in all, I tried my best not to let these (and other minute) 'black spots' get me down. It wasnt worth it (though I'm still a little pissed about the cruise and the assholes in the hotel... gawd.. how childish could you get?!). But anyhoo, the trip was definitely at least a B or B+ rating. Was much better then how I remembered Amsterdam. Of course, since it wasnt rainning, we could actually see Amsterdam properly. Thank you Cadbury! *thumbs up and smiling into the camera with a bar of Cadbury Choc in my other hand*
There were only a few things that didnt go right.
Firstly, we missed the dinner cruise we had on our itenary. We were on time according to our travel agent's information. It stated that we needed to be at the dock at 7.45pm for an 8pm cruise. We were there at the right time. However, we were informed that the cruise had left at 7.30pm. Apparently, all their evening dinner cruises for winter leave at 7.30pm. It was really dissapointing. The cruise was worth 69 euros per person! I'm definitely going to call the stupid travel agents tomorrow.
Secondly, I do not recommend sleeping in the airport. If ever you had the choice, NEVER sleep in the airport. My gawd.. the seats are so uncomfortable and because of the arm rests, you can hardly position yourself on the seats! Not to mention you need to mind your belongings most of the time.
The ground stewards were bloody useless. Nobody knew what to do or what was going on and the stewards just went about their business ignoring passengers. They werent much help really... not until past 5am when the bloody airport opens!
Once we arrived at the hotel, we zonked out. We put a 'Do Not Disturb' sign on the outside of the door. Unfortunately, there were a bunch of guys who thought it funny to disturb those who had hung 'Do Not Disturb' signs up. They kept knocking real loud on our door. It happened about 4 times and I would have poured boiling water at them if I had the strength to get out of bed. It was SO annoying.
All in all, I tried my best not to let these (and other minute) 'black spots' get me down. It wasnt worth it (though I'm still a little pissed about the cruise and the assholes in the hotel... gawd.. how childish could you get?!). But anyhoo, the trip was definitely at least a B or B+ rating. Was much better then how I remembered Amsterdam. Of course, since it wasnt rainning, we could actually see Amsterdam properly. Thank you Cadbury! *thumbs up and smiling into the camera with a bar of Cadbury Choc in my other hand*
Step 1
Here's how you eat a Croquette (it's apparently something very Dutch). First, the Maggi Flavor enhancer... just a few drops will do.
Strangle
You can't actually see what I'm holding or what I'm doing, but I'm actually strangling a Dodo. Stupid bird...
Confused
We strolled into a toy shop and I couldnt decide whether the soft toye I had in my hand was a platapus or a mole. I was pretty sure it was a mole...
A canal at night
One of the many random pictures taken whilst walking about aimlessly... Jim says it's postcard quality.. what do you think?
Museum
Revisiting sites I visited over 2 years ago. Unlike then, it wasnt raining so we took the opportunity to snap a few pics.
Amsterdam
Arrived at last in my room at the hotel. Was on the 5th floor so we had a spectacular view!
Sunday, November 27, 2005
Friday, November 25, 2005
Called at Lincoln's
"Mr Dungu by the authority and on behalf of the Masters of the Bend I publish each of you a Barrister of this Honourable Society."
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
A team
London A team cha and waltz (Though I'd much rather dance team Jive. Just unfortunate no one can dance cha for A team) From right to left, me, Joanne, Mike and Katherine. Joanne and Katherine had only bought their dresses a week before! Stunning aren't they?
Latin shoes
How about a nice pair of Latin heels? DANSport Black Calf Latin (1½ inch heel) Size 8. Again, only worn once!
Ballroom shoes
Lelong! Lelong! Anyone want a pair of DANSport Black Patent Ballroom Size 8 shoes? Only been worn once at the Warwick Competition!
Monday, November 21, 2005
Warwick comp
I did the stupidest thing a dancer could do when going for a dance competition. The night before I sat up listing out all the things I needed to bring, i.e. my costumes, food, hair gel, snacks, etc... packed everything and then went to bed.
I got up at 6.40. Got ready and was out of the door at 7.30/7.40. Happily on my way to Coventry for the comp. We arrived at the hall at about 11. The Competition was starting at 12. I quickly got my stuff out to prepare for the comp. At 11.30 I had everything in place and was about to put on my shoes when it struck me. I FORGOT MY BLOODY DANCE SHOES! I had left them at home. I had brought everything I needed for the comp except the most important thing. MY BLASTED SHOES!
Most of the time, I'd have time to get onto the dance floor and get the feel of it. Run through my routines with my partner to jerk our memory a little right before the competition started. However, this time, I became quite frantic. It was pretty frustating and funny at thte same time, but I really needed dance shoes. I ended up buying 2 new pairs. One for ballroom and the other for Latin. sighz... complete madness. I got the cheapest ones available at the comp. However, I am planning on selling them. I've already sent out emails to the dance team to see if any dancers want to buy them off me. Next I'll put up an advert at the inter-varsity dance forum. *fingers crossed*
Anyhow, the comp was alright. Messed up the Ballroom comp big time, but then again it was quite a tough comp. Quite a few very good couples competing. However I managed to scrape into the quarterfinals!! Of course, I only had to be recalled once to get into the quarterfinals. There weren't many couples at this first comp. I DID make the semis for the intermediate Latin though. Again, there weren't many couples. But thats as far as I got in the competition. I should have entered the Open Latin but I didn't have the time to work out a Samba routine with my partner.. gggrrr... we might have made the finals... suprisingly, the standard in the Open Latin was lower then the intermediate Latin. damn.
During the team competition, I was forced to dance A team cause there simply isnt anyone else who can do it. Luckily I had strong teammates. We made it into Division 1. Then we got into the semis. Somehow we got into the finals too! We came out third in Division 1 which is really good for the first comp, but I've got a feeling that most Uni teams didnt come in full strength whereas we did for our A team. We only lost to Oxford and Nottingham A, bearing in mind that lots of other strong Unis didnt take part in the team event. Anyhow, I dont know why, but they only gave 1 trophy to each couple. HOW ARE WE SUPPOSED TO SHARE IT?! ggggrrrr..
Got home about 2.30 or 3am. Real exhausted but what the heck, it was fun!
I got up at 6.40. Got ready and was out of the door at 7.30/7.40. Happily on my way to Coventry for the comp. We arrived at the hall at about 11. The Competition was starting at 12. I quickly got my stuff out to prepare for the comp. At 11.30 I had everything in place and was about to put on my shoes when it struck me. I FORGOT MY BLOODY DANCE SHOES! I had left them at home. I had brought everything I needed for the comp except the most important thing. MY BLASTED SHOES!
Most of the time, I'd have time to get onto the dance floor and get the feel of it. Run through my routines with my partner to jerk our memory a little right before the competition started. However, this time, I became quite frantic. It was pretty frustating and funny at thte same time, but I really needed dance shoes. I ended up buying 2 new pairs. One for ballroom and the other for Latin. sighz... complete madness. I got the cheapest ones available at the comp. However, I am planning on selling them. I've already sent out emails to the dance team to see if any dancers want to buy them off me. Next I'll put up an advert at the inter-varsity dance forum. *fingers crossed*
Anyhow, the comp was alright. Messed up the Ballroom comp big time, but then again it was quite a tough comp. Quite a few very good couples competing. However I managed to scrape into the quarterfinals!! Of course, I only had to be recalled once to get into the quarterfinals. There weren't many couples at this first comp. I DID make the semis for the intermediate Latin though. Again, there weren't many couples. But thats as far as I got in the competition. I should have entered the Open Latin but I didn't have the time to work out a Samba routine with my partner.. gggrrr... we might have made the finals... suprisingly, the standard in the Open Latin was lower then the intermediate Latin. damn.
During the team competition, I was forced to dance A team cause there simply isnt anyone else who can do it. Luckily I had strong teammates. We made it into Division 1. Then we got into the semis. Somehow we got into the finals too! We came out third in Division 1 which is really good for the first comp, but I've got a feeling that most Uni teams didnt come in full strength whereas we did for our A team. We only lost to Oxford and Nottingham A, bearing in mind that lots of other strong Unis didnt take part in the team event. Anyhow, I dont know why, but they only gave 1 trophy to each couple. HOW ARE WE SUPPOSED TO SHARE IT?! ggggrrrr..
Got home about 2.30 or 3am. Real exhausted but what the heck, it was fun!
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
World's Shortest Personality Test
| Your Personality Profile |
 You are funky, outdoorsy, and down to earth. While you may not be a total hippie... You're definitely one of the most free spirited people around. You are very impulsive - every day is a new adventure. However, you do put some thought behind all your actions. Still, you do tend to shock and offend people from time to time! |
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Incident on the No. 29
I was on my way back from a dance class yesterday. I was on the 29 when a bunch of black guys, probably 6 or 7, boarded the bus at either Camden Town or Holloway Road. I dont mean to be racist, but these guys were all kinda intimidating. Most of them wore scarves or hankerchieves around their faces. 2 of them had masks on. It was Halloween. One of them was wearing the mask the other way round so the mask was at the back of his head whereas it was just a black piece of cloth over his face. The other had his mask on his head, but still you couldnt see his face. Only one or two of them didn't really have their faces covered. I was with a friend at that time and he immediately expressed his discomfort. I thought to myself, "Boy, if these guys wanted to, they could rob the whole bus!"
Anyway, when the bus stopped at Finsbury Park, passangers started to alight. I was talking to my friend when suddenly there was a commotion. We were all sitting on the top deck. One of the black guys was beating up this white guy. His friends came along and started helping him too. Other passengers started to tell them to break it up but no one really dared intervene. Then a Latino looking man got up to try intervene. First he tried to get the first black guy off the white guy and when the black guy starting hitting at him, he grabbed the black guy from the back and threw him on the floor and started beating him up. From behind, the black guy's friends seemed to want to attack the Latino guy, but I think people on the other side were trying to stop them. It was getting really rough and I feared they would come to the back of the bus where I was at as they kept moving up and down. Passengers from that part of the bus literally jumped over seats to get away.
Other passengers were also trying to get the Latino guy to stop cause of what they saw. Apparently some of them saw one of the black guys wield a knife about a foot long. Once the Latino guy stopped, the gang of black guys ran off the bus. People saw one of the black guys keeping his knife in his jacket before he alighted. The bus driver came up to see if everyone was alright and if anyone was stabbed or anything of that sort. Shortly after the police arrived. However, by that time everyone else had left the top deck of the bus and taken other busses to continue their journeys except the white guy, the Latino, me and my friend and one black guy who appeared not to want to engage with anyone. He had his eyes closed and his hand covering his eyes.
The police started to take details from the victim and the Latino and I got to hear that the first black guy was actually trying to rob the white guy. He was sitting with the white guy until we came to Finsbury Park and just before he got up, he had grabbed the white guy's backpack. The white guy then got up and grabbed for his bag. That was when the black guy started to attack him. The police then asked if he could identify any of them and he said he couldnt because of the masks. Then they looked around and ask the rest of us if we could. Me and my friend then explained to them that the attackers were wearing masks, hoodies and had most of their faces covered. They asked us if we could see their hands and etc and I confirmed that though they covered their faces, you could see that they were black because most of them had their eyes exposed. As for those with masks on, I said I was pretty sure they were black too.
Not long, more cops arrived and they discussed the situation. Attempted Robbery. They then talked about pursuit of the culprits but they were unsure if they had jumped into Finsbury Park or had run the other direction. Right after the black guys left though, a phone was found on the floor and no one claimed it. When we told the police the phone had been taken downstairs by a passenger who had already alighted the bus, they then left.
Not too long after that, we were on our way...
Anyway, when the bus stopped at Finsbury Park, passangers started to alight. I was talking to my friend when suddenly there was a commotion. We were all sitting on the top deck. One of the black guys was beating up this white guy. His friends came along and started helping him too. Other passengers started to tell them to break it up but no one really dared intervene. Then a Latino looking man got up to try intervene. First he tried to get the first black guy off the white guy and when the black guy starting hitting at him, he grabbed the black guy from the back and threw him on the floor and started beating him up. From behind, the black guy's friends seemed to want to attack the Latino guy, but I think people on the other side were trying to stop them. It was getting really rough and I feared they would come to the back of the bus where I was at as they kept moving up and down. Passengers from that part of the bus literally jumped over seats to get away.
Other passengers were also trying to get the Latino guy to stop cause of what they saw. Apparently some of them saw one of the black guys wield a knife about a foot long. Once the Latino guy stopped, the gang of black guys ran off the bus. People saw one of the black guys keeping his knife in his jacket before he alighted. The bus driver came up to see if everyone was alright and if anyone was stabbed or anything of that sort. Shortly after the police arrived. However, by that time everyone else had left the top deck of the bus and taken other busses to continue their journeys except the white guy, the Latino, me and my friend and one black guy who appeared not to want to engage with anyone. He had his eyes closed and his hand covering his eyes.
The police started to take details from the victim and the Latino and I got to hear that the first black guy was actually trying to rob the white guy. He was sitting with the white guy until we came to Finsbury Park and just before he got up, he had grabbed the white guy's backpack. The white guy then got up and grabbed for his bag. That was when the black guy started to attack him. The police then asked if he could identify any of them and he said he couldnt because of the masks. Then they looked around and ask the rest of us if we could. Me and my friend then explained to them that the attackers were wearing masks, hoodies and had most of their faces covered. They asked us if we could see their hands and etc and I confirmed that though they covered their faces, you could see that they were black because most of them had their eyes exposed. As for those with masks on, I said I was pretty sure they were black too.
Not long, more cops arrived and they discussed the situation. Attempted Robbery. They then talked about pursuit of the culprits but they were unsure if they had jumped into Finsbury Park or had run the other direction. Right after the black guys left though, a phone was found on the floor and no one claimed it. When we told the police the phone had been taken downstairs by a passenger who had already alighted the bus, they then left.
Not too long after that, we were on our way...
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Castle Rock Hostel
Castle Rock Hostel was right beside Edinburgh Castle. See the castle up there? Fantastic location!
Roman carving
In 1997, there was an unusually low tide at the river leading out into the sea at Edinburgh. A fisherman had noticed something sticking out of the sand, and returned later with a bunch of men to find out what it was. They dug out this statue of a lion devouring a human. It dates back to when the Romans were in Scotland and this was used as a tomb, probably for a high ranking officer because of it's representation. The Romans were in Scotland because of the gold found in the Highlands. Pretty neat eh?
Haggis
Haggis, Neeps and Tatties... as obscene as it may sound, this is the national 'dish' of Scotland. They tell you that Haggis is a mythical creature. Descriptions of it may vary. Some say it has one short and one long leg. Another description is that is has only 3 legs and is furry. They're only available in the Autumn apparently...
Urquhart Castle
Urquhart Castle was once used as a defence for the government troops. The Jacobites failed in their attempt to take over the castle. However, shortly after, the troops controlling the castle decided that they weren't going to use it anymore so they blew it up.
Loch Ness
Loch Ness! The coach ride took us along the entire stretch of Loch Ness... all 26 miles of it. It's 1 mild wide and 800 feet deep. 3 times the depth of the North Sea. It holds more water then all the lakes and ponds in Wales, England and Scotland combined. It would be impossible to conduct a complete search for Nessie as there are also many caves and caverns under water. There are also fish the size of double decker busses apparently!!! Oh, and that's Urquhart Castle on the right.
Fort William
I THINK that picture's taken somewhere near Fort William. I just thought it was a beautiful scenery despite the gloominess of the weather.
Glencoe 2
With Jim in front of 2 of the 3 Glencoe sisters. Glencoe was shaped when the ice from the ice age melted away and scraped away dirt, leaving the beautiful landscapes now known as the Highlands of Scotland.
Loch Lochry
The weather was temperamental on my day trip to the Highlands and Loch Ness. This was the first of the Loch's I passed on the coach. Beautiful, but really gloomy...
Arthur's Seat 1
Successfuly hiking up Arthur's Seat. You can sorta tell that I'm sweating like a pig. Behind me you can see part of Edinburgh.
Roman thing
A Roman monument thingy on one of the hills in Edinburgh. Like Rome (and Sheffield), it was built over 7 hills. However, the founding fathers of Edinburgh wanted it to be known as the Athens of the North.
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