DONG BANG SHIN GI


Man, I really like Dong Bang Shin Gi (a.k.a. DBSK). They're super young - with the oldest being a mere 21 of age; and each and every one of them are extremely talented. If they're not considered as such, then I don't know who - or what - else qualifies as being a "talent".


If you don't know what is DBSK, tsk tsk tsk!!!
Go google or surf the youtube.

I'M SWOONING...





Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Mr. Kim Jeong Hoon (aka. John Hoon).

And his live singing is amazing! So ethereally enticing, and soulful, and brimming with emotions, and indescribably soothing; way much more effective than the most potent cough syrup any pharmacist or physician can offer!
Can anyone sing live as well as he does, apart from the revered Celine Dion???

He's not only just a great singer-actor; but he's also terrificly brilliant - with an IQ of 146 (just 4 points shy of Albert Einstein's). He's an ace student, and even topped the whole nation of South Korea for the entrance examination for varsity.
AND he withdrew from his dentistry course in Seoul National University (the best No.1 university in the whole of South Korea, for your information) after completing 2 years of studies in 2003, and joined the entertainment world. He later enrolled into Chung-Ang University and studied Media and Acting.
AND he acted in Goong - Princess Hours; the hot hot hot popular popular popular K-drama that took Asia by storm in 2005.

He's Korean, but he speaks fluent Japanese too as he recently released a Japanese album (John Hoon is what he's more commonly known in Japan). AND he has a wonderful, wholesome personality - warm, humble, charming, and amicable; AND with gentlemanly charisma to boot! AND he's always smiling!



Men with brain charm me off my feet. Very much.


AND he has both brain and brawn. AND talent.
AND he's 27.
Got chance. Maybe.


Let me swoon... ... ...

I'll skip school just to see him; that is, if he comes to Singapore.
And he's the only person whom I'll do it for.


*lovesick*
Heavily poisoned by Cupid's arrow.
I need some Tian Shan Xue Lian to neutralize the deadly poison...

HELLO FLABBY MONSTER. BYE BYE ZZZ MONSTER - PART II


Genes and Society Term Test tomorrow at 1030am at MPSH1.

Social Work report to be sent by tomorrow night. 400 - 600 words; and I haven't decently started on it yet.

2 Analytical Chemistry Laboratory Reports due on this coming Wednesday, 10th of October.

16th October, 2 Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory Reports due. TO BE HANDWRITTEN.
The rest as follows.


OH MY TIAN.


It's been weeks since I've had a nice, long, undisturbed sleep; free of guilt and burden because of uncompleted school work, and free of a heavy heart, and a buzzing mind.

HELLO FLABBY MONSTER. BYE BYE ZZZ MONSTER.


Somehow, I realized that the flabby monster has successfully sneaked up, and entered, into my life for the past year.

OH MY GOSH.

Time to watch what I pop into my mouth, especially when I'm in Rubbish Bin mode.


Anyway, there's a Physical Chemistry to sit for tomorrow. AND a Genes and Society Term Test on Saturday.
There's loads of work cut out for tonight, and tomorrow night.

BYE BYE, SLEEP.


Ta!

NOW, WHO IS THIS???


NLB is funny, surely it is.

Got home from church last night, and there, laying on my desk, is a letter addressed to me. Of course, it's from the NLB.

I tore off the edges, and flipped open the letter to reveal the contents.

Turns out that NLB is "chasing" me for an incurred debt of 45cents for overdue loans. Gosh, that's nearly 1 year ago, when I dropped by the NLB at Compass Point to loan some books before going to Poh Lin's place.

*giggles* I think the cost price of the paper, printing ink, manpower cost and etc way exceeds 45cent liao lor. *guffaws*


And, to make things even funnier, they addressed the letter to me by my old name; before my parents had a deed poll done and christened me this current name.


Gosh, no one in living memory has ever addressed me as Ms. Li Jun.



Feels weird; this almost feel like a stranger.

Who is she???

BUSY


Finally, mid-semester term break is coming next week. But, as always, term breaks are ANYTHING BUT break. I have enough school work on hand to last me till next Easter. All of a sudden, how I miss primary and secondary school.

24th - 30th September: Term break

24th September (Monday): Group discussion to complete Social Work module report
2nd October (Tuesday): Inorganic Test 2
3rd October (Wednesday): Physical Laboratory Report due
5th October (Friday): Physical Chemistry Test 2
06th October (Saturday): Genes and Society Combined Term Test

1 week Term Break to rest and recharge? My foot!



And that's not all... ... ...

16th October (Friday): 2 Inorganic Laboratory Reports due. HANDWRITTEN (!!!)
21st October (Sunday): Analytical Chemistry Reflective writing due
23rd October (Tuesday): Inorganic Test 3
26th October (Friday): Social Work module written test
1st November (Thursday): Analytical Chemistry Term test 2
2nd November (Friday): Genes and Society Essay assignment due
14th November (Tuesday): Inorganic Test 4


And all these are just a brief outline. I've not even included the weekly tutorials for each module, as well as the remaining 5 weekly laboratory sessions --- all of which will only ends on week 12. And now is only week 6.


I smell blood. I suspect a murder conspiracy. They're trying to kill us.

FOOD, OH GLORIOUS FOOD.


The only times I totally pig out and indulge myself fully and wholeheartedly in gastronomical delights are when 1) I'm super-stressed with school work --- which is an extremely common phenomenon especially in the face of final-year examinations, or 2) my aunt is visiting soon.


For this week, surprisingly, I have been taking my lunch meals faithfully and religiously and compulsively. Supper, of late, is my best friend. The craving for food; just to eat something, anything, is simply irresistable.
And this is coming from someone who skips her daily breakfast in favour of getting more beauty sleep, usually drinks a packet of Soy Bean or Milo or have a doughnut or a stick of spring roll for lunch in school; and her typical only proper meal for the entire day is only home-cooked dinner at 10pm plus --- the usual time she gets home from school or CGM or BS.


For these past few days, The Frontier canteen has suddenly become my favourite hangout; and Western Food, Chicken Chop, Chicken Cutlet, Char Siew Rice, and Dumplings Noodles are my constant companions.

I'm on "Rubbish Bin mode". Full gear.












Indeed, after ending a Physical Chemistry tutorial at 11am yesterday morning, The Rubbish Bin dropped by the canteen and eagerly and ravenously devoured had her lunch --- the ever so tender and succulent Char Siew Rice. Her next lesson, which is a 2hours-long Inorganic Chemistry tutorial, will only start at 2pm. This left The Rubbish Bin with 3 hours of break; which she spent fruitfully by trying to complete the Inorg tutorial worksheet with Meng Yong.

It was a mind-blowing, scream-worthy, and brain-numbing 2hours-plus session of trying to tackle the out-of-the-world tutorial questions. Our brain juices nearly evapourated to nothingness. But heck, I --- The Rubbish Bin --- gotta admit: throughout the horrible 2 hours of sheer torture, occasional thoughts of having a 2nd lunch before heading for Inorganic Chemistry tutorial kept flirting with me. Hmmm... ... ... The Chicken Cutlet tastes absolutely divine as I remember it. I just had it last Friday. Crispy. Crunchy. Tasty. And the portion, I recall, is perniciously gargantuan. So evil. So tempting. Speechless.


Considering all the food that I've been gorging and stuffing my stomach with for these past few days, this is sinful. Really. TOTALLY SINFUL.



And in case you're wondering, no, I didn't give in to my craving and did not have a 2nd meal for lunch yesterday.
Thank goodness.


But I did purchase 2 packets of prawn crackers on my way home, though.

NOW THAT IT'S OVER


Finally, it's over and done with.
Personally, I don't see what's the big hype about being 21. I don't see why 21 should be special.

It's just so labour-intensive and cost-incurring to organize birthday bash.
And, after all, age is just a number. I'm still the same as who I was yesterday, the day before, and even the weeks before.
It's not as though my IQ has tripled overnight, or I've suddenly gained the wisdom of Solomon; though I won't say no to it. Heh. And while we're at it, I won't mind having the beauty of Ruth, too. And yes, a heart of David's, too.


Anyway, here it is:

Isn't this beautiful?

And it's made by Cherissa.
It's seriously got to be one of the sweetest hand-made cards I've ever seen, much less received.

Really, I salute birthday coordinators. It's not just about spending time and taking the effort. Creativity is also a must-have. And I bet it's never easy thinking up a different one for each and every birthday.

If I were the coordinator, chances are I would just pluck one of the commercially-made cards off the shelves and ring them up at the counter. Because already, thanks to schoolwork, I'm clocking in about 2 - 4hours of sleep for most weekdays; since I have to get out of bed at 5.30am in order to catch my 8am lectures. And also, because my arts and craft totally sucks. Handicraft skill, to me, is almost non-existent.

Not everyone is talented. Heh.


And not forgetting the wonderful present... ... ...

A CHILD CALLED "IT"!!! !!! !!!
BY DAVE PELZER!!!

The very book which I have been eying on and drooling after for months and months and months!!!

OH GOSH!!!
I nearly shriek out loud when I finally laid eyes on the book, after shredding off endless layers and layers and layers and layers of newspaper wrapping before --- at long last --- revealing the present buried deep within.
Thanks ah.


Anyway, on Sunday, my family went out for lunch at this wonderful restaurant at Harbourfront. Older brother booked a table for five beforehand. The food is really excellent; and the shrimps are totally fresh, succulent, and crunchy. Totally divine. AND the best of all: The price is reasonable; despite being weekend. I won't mind going back there, definitely.
And it's kind of rare that an eating outlet would rub on me this positively; because my typical non-committal response when asked how does the food taste, is: "Ok lor".
I'm hardly fussy regarding food. And by the same standard of measurement, hardly any food would evoke praises from me too; with the exception of Crispy Coffee Buns and Tiong Bahru Chwee Kueh.



Back to the book.

"As a child, Dave Pelzer was brutally beaten and starved by his emotionally unstable alcoholic mother, a mother who played tortuous, unpredictable games that left one of her sons nearly dead. She no longer considered him a son, but a slave; no longer a boy, but an "it". His bed was an old army cot in the basement, his clothes were torn and smelly, and, when he was allowed the luxury of food it was scraps from the dogs' bowl. The outside world knew nothing of the nightmare played out behind closed doors.

Dave dreamed of finding a family to love and call him their son. It took years of struggle, deprivation and despair to find his dream and make something of himself in the world. A Child Called "It" covers the early yeas of his life and is an affecting and inspirational memoir of one child's determination to survive."

Anyway, A Child Called "It" is just the first part of a 3-volume book series; covering mainly Dave's childhood. The other remaining 2 books are called The Lost Boy, and A Man Named Dave, respectively.


After reading the introduction, you've got to admit that it's a nice book, isn't it?
I've always preferred self-help books and non-fictional books to fictional ones.


And If you wanna borrow... ... ...









Beg me loh.








I might consider.
If, and only if, I'm in a good mood.






Haha. Joking.

BLISSFUL IGNORANCE


Now it seems so real. I've never thought that standing in front of a class and using a whiteboard to teach would come this early.

Received an SMS on Wednesday from Daniel Chye, inquiring whether would I be available to take a 2hours tuition class for him this Saturday in the afternoon. JC1. Chemistry. The per-hour pay rate is definitely attractive, I would say. And it will only take up 2hours of my time.
I pondered for a moment, and didn't take long to agree. I have nothing to lose and all to gain, anyway.

I had initially thought it would be a typical one-to-one, home tuition session. But, of course, it soon became apparent that I'm very much mistaken when Daniel mentioned that he has to meet me up today to pass me some teaching material, as well as send me some email attachment to print out for the students (note the pural tense).

I was shocked. It is not a home tuition as I had initially thought it to be. Suddenly, my self-confidence came crumbling down with a speed faster than a diarrhoea-induced expulsion of digested waste, and my ego deflated like a balloon pricked with a needle.

One JC1 student on a one-to-one tuition, that I think I can pull off. But teaching a class of JC students? This is absolutely something different. To make things worse, I took Physics and Biology back in Secondary school, and I'm only a TP graduate currently armed with a Diploma in Biomedical Science, and not Chemical Engineering or Chemical Processing and such.

As you can clearly see, the discipline Chemistry and yours truly are THE perfect strangers; that is, until I ended up majoring in Chemistry last year. And yes, it's a big and crazy leap. There are countless times I itch dearly to set fire to my lecture notes and reference books and see them up in smoke.
And don't ask that question which I know you're dying to ask. I've asked myself that a million times. This is academic suicide. Why on earth am I studying Chemistry at varsity level when I have not even the slightest background on it.

Hastily, I sent back an SMS.

"Wah. Tuition centre ah? So that means teach class? JC I'm not so confident of taking. How tough is JC1 chem? Learn what one?"

Yes. I'm a bit sua ku. Applied for JC for the 1st 3months, and ended up skipping 99.9999% of the classes during my temporal days in NYJC. So, I have absolutely no idea what are the contents of a junior college education, and what's the level of difficulty.

"Haha. Only 3 students. Dun worry, it's not a big group. This Sat is teach them chemical equilibrium. On Le Chatelier's Principle and stuff."

3 students. And I'm armed with teaching materials. At least this makes things simpler. And Le Chatelier's Principle, Equilibrium Constant and etc are fairly chicken feed. Really. It was taught even way back when I was in Poly Year 1, when we had to take Principles of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry (PIPC) as one of our core modules (Don't ask. I never managed to figure out what on earth do Inorganic Chemistry and Physical Chemistry have to do with Biomedical Science). And, thank goodness, it was also covered during my first year in university.

I may not be a Chemistry prodigy, but well, I figured this topic on Chemical Equilibrium would not knock me off my dainty feet and give me a brain concussion. I've read through the teaching material and really, it's just like a recap of what's been taught in poly and uni1. In fact, I'm quite surprised. I thought simple stuffs such as Le Chatelier's Principle are taught in Secondary school.
Anyway, I'm fairly confident that I have a sound knowledge of the topic, and will not end up teaching a doctrine of my own. Afterall, Hydrogen is the heaviest element in the Periodic Table. No?

So I ended up taking the challenge. Besides, it's only 2 hours of lesson. And I'll teach to the best of my knowledge. Their lives would not be utterly and irrevocably destroyed in the span of that 2hours.

Had wanted to ask Daniel which JC are they from. But decided not to in the end. Because if it turns out that they're from RJC or NJC or HCJC and etc, I might lose sleep every night until Saturday arrives.

Sometimes, ignorance is bliss.
Heh!

POWERLESS IN SOME ASPECTS OF LIFE


"And, oh ya," My friend concluded, wrapping up her summarization on the whereabouts and going-ons of our old secondary schoolmates, " X's dead."

"Sorry?"

We were at the hawker on Thursday night near Heartland Mall at Kovan, dining on Western food. I was about to deposit a small piece of fried fish into my mouth when the fork froze in midair. I had heard the last part, but as the environment of hawker center is not the most ideal of all places to hold a pristine-clear-audio conversation, I chose to give it the benefit of the doubt.

"X". She repeated. "You know who she was, right? The girl from one of the N.A. classes? A bit ah-lian-ish."

I nodded.

"Ya. She died."

I chewed on my food thoughtfully for a moment. "What happened? When did it occur?" I asked.

"She went clubbing late one night and in a drunken stupor, fell down a flight of stairs. On her way home, I think. And passed away. It has been about more than a year ago."

I swallowed my food. In an instant, the dark and ugly images of death, wooden coffin, funeral, ashes, and teary faces flashed through my mind in lightning speed before I could block them out mentally. X and I had never been acquainted personally, had never so much as exchanged "Hi" or "Bye" before, and we only know each other by appearance. We did not have any common cliques of friends, and were only schoolmates; not classmates or even CCA-mates. But, as always, hearing such news --- especially those concerning a demise --- never fail to make one's stomach lurch abruptly.

Friends and acquaintances all start from the exact same spot, the same origin, the same starting point. Primary school. Secondary school. Junior college. Polytechnic. CCA. Whatever. And now, everyone is walking their own walk of life; embarking on their own journey; and entering into new and different chapters of life. Traveling the road that is predestined, and to a certain extent, which they had decided for themselves.

All of the guys are now in NS, pining dearly for the ORD that, in their opinion, seems like eons away. As for the girls, some of them are studying in local universities. Some graduated from polytechnic and are already working; while some are about to graduate. Some had completed junior college and gone overboard for varsity education. Some quit junior college and went to polytechnic. Some had completed their ITE courses and are now in polytechnics, while some simply and completely dropped out of school. One good friend had an abortion the following year after completing our 'O's level, while two secondary school friends are married --- one of whom already has a 2-months old daughter. And yes, one schoolmate has been dead since last year.


Yes, life is really unpredictable.


Each person has an individualized journey in life. And at whichever point where different entities converge together for whatever particular reason(s), these transient friendships and acquaintanceships are only once; and maybe never again.

I wonder, if X had known that night of clubbing would rob her of her young life, would she have quit the nightlife and settled down nicely and quietly?




It seems that with the advancement of age, one becomes increasingly aware of one's own limitations; that there's only this much that one can do. And this applies not only to the physical or mental or emotional aspect.

As a child, everything is a piece of cake. Life is a breeze. You generally get what you want; except the occasional unhealthy treats of ice-cream or chocolate cookies or McDonalds. A child gets appeased and satisfied so easily. A child lives, and lets live. In simplicity, in innocence.

But as young adults and full-grown adults likewise learn: Sometimes, what you want or demand or yearn hungrily for or work so hard for, may not be what you get. And you have to learn to live with it, to make do with it and, if you would, improvise on it using your resources and capabilities before climbing on higher to the level which you want to attain.
After all, if you don't like the way circumstances are, then go all out and change them. If you can't, then change your mindset.

A person can only grow as much as his horizons allow? The only difference between the impossible and possible lies in a man's determination? If there's a will, there's a way?
Yes, all of these sound inspiring and motivating. But it's a tyrannical mandate that we not only face, but learn to accept, the harsh facts of reality whether we like it or not. Yes, this is vitally --- as well as essentially --- important.

I've always loathe to even think along this line; but it is completely undeniable that not everything is in the control of our hands. The death of loved ones, for one. This is the unspoken universal truth. Some things we simply have not even the slightest control over; and sometimes, what we want --- no matter how badly --- is not what we get.

This tiny fact of life really irks me in a strong way; and knowing that it is true --- with not even a tiny fraction of an element of falsehood lurking stealthily beneath the calm facade of truth --- makes me more disgruntled, resentful, and stubborn. It propels me forward blindly with unnecessary aggression coupled with flaming, blazing anger; making me even more geared up to fight back and challenge whichever individual or authority or whatever fact that opposes me, telling me of things otherwise; even if it's being carried out bearing good intentions.

But yet, whether defeat is acknowledged and conceded willingly or not, the fact remains unshaken. It still stands steadfast and impregnable. That we are totally and arrantly powerless to even alter certain things, no matter how desperately we want to.


Perhaps I'm too used to getting what I aim for and having things fitting nicely into personal plans without major hiccups or massive deviations. But still, I vehemently detest and strongly abhor this horrible feeling of helplessness.

EAT BOOKS ALSO CAN FILL STOMACH ONE. DON'T PLAY PLAY.


As this is only the 2nd week of a new academic term, tutorials and laboratories have not started yet. They typically start on the 3rd week. As a result, I only had 2 lectures to attend on Tuesday; 1 of which is from 8am - 10am, and the another from 6pm - 8pm. There's an 8hours long break from 10am to 6pm.
Having printed lecture notes at the printing center after ending the 1st lecture, I headed to the library at 11am, with the intention of reserving a reference book. Unlike normal reference books on the shelves which have loan periods of 2weeks, this particular reference book is in the restricted section, and thus, die-die also has to be returned to the Loan Desk within 2 hours. And it just so happened that someone (at freaking 9.30am in the morning) has gotten his/her hands on that book before I could, and so, I had to "queue" in line.

Anyway, at 11.30am, I headed down to the Loan Desk to retrieve it. Went up to Level 5 to photocopy what I needed, and returned the book to Loan Desk at 1pm. It was only then, did I realize that the library is freaking crowded.

This is Science Library at early 1pm plus in the afternoon.

The same library at late 4pm plus in the same afternoon.

THIS IS CRAZY. THIS IS ONLY THE 2ND WEEK OF TERM. NEED TO BE SO SHIONG A NOT, YOU TELL ME???!!! YOU THINK CHIONG SUA, AH???
Stressing, sia! This is, I repeat, ONLY the 2nd week of school, can? Arrgggh!!!

Don't they need to eat, by the way?

WHAT'S NEXT???


I remember reading --- some years back --- with overwhelming disgust and revolting disdain over a news article on milk formulas for infants. This particular unscrupulous company has been manufacturing substandard milk formulas and putting them on sales in the market. After noticing that infants and babies appear malnourished in the long run and, by a stroke of luck, laboratory tests were carried out on the suspicious tins of milk formulas and voila! No surprises here.

But what TOTALLY chills me to the bone, and remains deeply etched in my mind until today, is the fact that the laboratory chemical analysis results revealed that the milk formula is hardly more nutritious than a pail of water that has been pre-rinsed with rice.


Seems like it's the tip of the iceberg, after all.


It started with Rabbit Sweets being tainted with formaldehyde.

Then, it's the uproar over cardboard-stuffed buns (yes, it's a prank, I know. Oh well, but still...).

This is followed by toothpastes containing diethylene glycol, a chemical used as antifreeze.

After that, the paint on toys contain high amount of lead.

Following which, it's exploding mobile phone and laptop batteries.

While reading Today earlier just now, it turns out that 2 more items have been added onto the ever-growing and burgeoning list. Clothings and bracelets.

Apparently, in New Zealand, 2 little boys were injured when their flannelette pyjamas -- which has been labeled with "low fire danger" --- caught fire (so ironic). Upon launching a probe, it was discovered that the cloth contains HIGH amount of, again, formaldehyde. And some of the clothes tested had a reading of 900times the level which has the adverse potential to cause harm to human health. (!!! !!! !!!)

And formaldehyde, which is used for embalming and preservation, can cause problems ranging from skin rashes to cancer.

And, a British toy seller has pulled out 2 of its products after discovering that they contain high level of lead. One of these 2 imported products from C____ include bracelets which have been found to be made of 93percent lead --- a dosage level high enough to cause brain damage and potentially kill a child who chewed on it.

Harming innocent little lives really bother me alot. I get so pissed off whenever I read of things like these. The children are innocent and have done absolutely nothing to deserve such treatments, ok? Don't they have any conscience? All in the name of profits and monetary gains, is it worth it??? Won't they feel even a slight of guilt?
If the manufacturers want to get themselves poisoned to death by lead or formaldehyde or antifreeze or mercury or whatever-it-is, then go ahead. But leave the young alone.




Of late, I have been a tad more mindful than usual with the food I eat.

Having always been a careful consumer who checks the expiry dates before making any purchases, I've recently acquired the new habit of noting down the place of manufacture as well.
Before popping sweets into my mouth to perk myself up during lectures, I would double-and-triple-check to ascertain that they're not made in C____. I have no wish to foam in the mouth in the midst of a lecture, you know?


I've always known that I'm a little of an extremist. And admittedly, at times I wondered am I getting a tad too overtly paranoid over this whole made-in-C_____ issue.


However, after reading the article on Today, I'm thankful.
It's always better to err on the side of caution, if you ask me.


So now, I'm definitely NOT GOING to use any products that's manufactured in C_____, if I can help it, that is, considering that C____ is practically THE manufacturing hub of the entire universe. Just a glance around, and it's so easy to spot products made in C____.

And I'm not going to limit myself in terms of food only. Clothings. Toothpastes. Batteries. Hair conditioners. Body lotions. Shampoo. Body soaps. Canned food. Instant noodles. Tissue papers. Facial towels. Whatever.
I'm going to STEER WELL CLEAR OF ALL M.I.C PRODUCTS!!! From this day on, I'm NOT going to purchase ANY M.I.C products until their quality meets health standard and guidelines.






Paranoid me? WHATEVER. *shrugs*
I don't really bother about what you think of me because I'm the one who's ultimately responsible for my own health.


=)

OF AGE AND PAIN


I went to UHWC, the campus health clinic, this evening.

Cheerful, amiable, polite, and good-natured he is. Never mind his strange accent. The admirable and sunshine attitude he carries at work endears him to everyone almost immediately; maybe even unbeknownst to him himself.

"Here," he beckoned to a young lady in a friendly tone and handed her a piece of clothing, "change into this. Remove your shirt and bra. And oh! Your necklace too." And he directed her to one of the changing rooms.

I winced inwardly. If there is one thing I dislike, it is indiscretion. Women deserve their privacy, you know? And it doesn't help that due to overcrowding, there were 3 gentlemen sitting beside me in the Female Waiting Area. To be fair, I can't fault the radiologist too. There's nothing much he can do. I feel bad for the lady, really. But well, at least that piece of clothing is in a dark navy blue shade, and not an embarrassing white.

In my opinion, some occupations are best left to womenfolk. Fine examples are gynaecologists and radiologists.

Luckily for me - as I was pretty far back in the queue - by the time it was my turn, only a professor was left waiting with me in the Female Waiting Area. The radiologist was keying in my particulars into the computer system when I was called forward.

"Miss Phua," He turned from the computer and smiled, "I'll need you to sign here. You know, the usual procedure to declare that you're not pregnant. And I'll need you to fill up this information here too." Pointing at the tiny box on the bottom-right-hand side with the words "LMP:_________", he continued, "The last date of your menses."

My eyes widened. Gosh. So strict, ah? They need to know the exact date of the last menstruation too???!!! And I thought it was already enough to declare that there's no life existing in my abdomen area.

"Errr..." I was lost for speech. Gesturing helplessly with my left hand and careful to face my back to the professor, I jabbed my index finger southwards, towards the floor. It's the universal body-language to indicate the word "now".

"Oh. You having?"

"... ... ... Yah"

"Which day already?" He asked conversationally, as though he's inquiring about something no more paranormal than the weather.

Something in me sank, and I groaned inwardly. Can't he spare me? Is there a necessity for such fine details? It feels weird and freaky, you know, discussing something this personal with a male. AND a stranger at that. Wrinkling my forehead in an attempt to backcount and careful to whisper, I replied, "The 3rd".

"3rd day ah? Ok, no problem. Sit down for a moment please, while I complete the registration."

I've said. Gynaecologists and radiologists should be females. Males should be banned from these professions.


Anyway, today's my first time doing a sacral scan. And it's a fresh experience, you know, not having to change into the X-ray cloth-apron that's reserved for females for lung scans. Definitely a lot less cumbersome. And unlike lung scans where we have to press up against some cold and hard vertical surface, I get to lie down on the bed. And what's more, there are no incessant, barking orders of, "OKAY!!! BREATHE IN BREATHE IN!!! INHALE DEEPLY!!! FULLY EXPAND YOUR LUNGS!!! AND HOLD IT THERE!!! DON'T MOVE DON'T MOVE!!! DON'T EXHALE, HOLD YOUR BREATH!!! 1! 2! 3! Okay! Done!"

Awww Ahhh... Peace and quiet.



Lying in a horizontal position, with the radiation-scanner towering over me like the dentist's spotlight, I can't help but to wonder, "Is this how it feels like to be in an Operation Theater?" And I started to wonder if this is also how it feels like for a pregnant woman in a delivery suit too. Except that it would be, in my opinion, much more worse because 1) she's in extreme pain 2) she's worried for the health of the baby and birth complications, and 3) she's in a room with a team of complete strangers and midwives and nurses and doctors.
The trepidation, apprehension, and the sense of foreboding. Shivers. It's something that men will never understand.

Anyway, I burned a big hole in my pockets. The sacral scan cost S$40.00. I had initially thought that it would be cheaper, at a price of at most S$20plus, since the fees are heavily subsidized by campus. It was only in the X-ray room then did I realize the reason behind the unexpected steep price: I had to take 2 scans of my lower back --- 1 from the front, and 1 from the side.

Grrr... S$40 flew away. And another additional S$1.82 for the painkillers and antacids. A total of S$41.82 off my pockets.

Hope that the X-ray films will reveal nothing wrong with my vertebrate column. The lower back pain has been bothering me for weeks. It's so bad that I can't fully stretch out both legs while sitting on the floor. And I can't incline or bend forward without sharp pains shotting off from the lower back region. And no, I don't intend to pop the painkillers. Because my daily movement is not very much hampered in any way; provided that I don't attempt to stretch my legs or bend my back. Because I believe that medicine should always be taken as a last resort. Because I believe that medicine generally have side-effects; known or unknown. Because the painkillers I've been prescribed with can cause gastric pain, and hence the antacid as a counteract. AND because I hate to sallow pills. As always, yours truly have a thousand and one excuses not to eat her medicine.




Sometimes, you know that age's catching up with you when pains and aches don't go away as fast as they used to.

Aiyo. Don't want to admit old also cannot, lah!

IT'S ONLY THE FIRST DAY...


And I was late for my 1st lecture by a grand 30minutes.

To set the record straight, I did not oversleep. I woke up at 5.40am in order to catch my 8.00am lecture, and got my arse out of the flat by 6.10am. Made a detour and went to Punggol Interchange to purchase my Bus Concession. After which, yours truly took bus 62 to Macpherson Road before transferring to bus 151 to get to Kent Ridge Cresent. And FINALLY, took an Internal Shutter Bus to get to Faculty of Science.

And what time did I reach the lecture theater??? 8.30am.
GOSH.


Think I have to leave the flat by 5.45am in future. =(

Anyway, just realized that my timetable this semester is horrible. It's practically worse than holding a 8-5 job.

Monday - 8.00am - 6.00pm
Tuesday - 8.00am - 8.00pm (12 whole hours - half of a day - spent in campus)
Wednesday - 10.00am - 5.00pm (7 hours of LABORATORY SESSION!!!!!!!!!!)
Thursday - 8.00am - 6.00am
Friday - 8.00am - 8.00pm (another half-day gone for good)

Horrible. Really.
And I can't do anything much about it. Because the 8.00am - 10.00am lectures and 6.00pm - 8.00pm lectures are my CORE MODULES. So I have to take them and be present for the lectures whether I like it or not.

This means that I have to wake up at 5.15am, get out of the flat by 5.45am, and will reach home at 10.00pm+, on every Tuesdays and Fridays.

Hopefully something good will come out of this. Perhaps it'll take a couple of pounds off the scales. I'd love it.

Sigh. I'm practically camping in school.
I should get an automobile.


Yeah, right.

CAMP PICTURES



Early in the morning at Arts Forum near Central Library.



Playing of Jacob's Ladder. Now you know how and why I got stepped on. Twice.


Amazing Race. Oh yeah, I hope I did mention that the terrains in campus are super-mountainous. Did I?



After completing the "I love you very much" shouting stunt from the rooftop of the old Law building (the new Law campus is at Bukit Merah, I think. Or is it Bukit Batok???), we proceeded to act sexy.



Ask not. I don't know what we're doing.
Peiyun looks like she's tanning under the sun somewhere in Hawaii. Haha.



Finally dragged our ass down from the rooftop of the old Law building and back to ground level.



"Committing suicide" outside MacDonalds at the Engineering Block.



We love Mr. Ronald MacDonald. Really, we do.



Had to take a photo with a bike at Food Republic at Vivocity before having our dinner. Expensive place where a normal-looking plate of wanton noodles costs SGD$5+++. *mumble grumble*



At 1am plus in the morning, when we had to play games to kill time when waiting to venture off for Fright Night/Confidence Walk in groups of three.




And finally, the snapshots of the urinals.

DO NOT DISTURB. FINDING GLUE


Was doing some stuff in my room yesterday afternoon when I noticed this.


*guffaws* I think it's supposed to mean "FINE GLUE", instead of "FIND GLUE".






I is busy woman. Excusez-moi while I search for moi glue.


P.S.: Yes, it's made in Ch__a. And it doesn't feel "gluey", but more like water.

BEFORE THE CLOCK STRIKES 0000HOURS AND 09TH AUGUST DRAWS TO AN END...


Your Royal Highness Princess would like to... ... ...







Sing... ... ...








"Cow on me, Singapore~~~ Cow on me, Singapore~~~"

FIRST TO BATA, THEN TO SCHOOL


Too bad it's been 5 years since I've last worn canvas shoes.

Another new term officially commences this coming Monday the 13th. Having been on vacation since the start of June, the prospect of heading back to school and getting beleaguered left, right, and center with staggering stacks of notes is welcomed with mixed reaction.
And the thought of 7hours-at-one-go per lab session per week simply makes one feel deeply nauseant. I'm going to adore my Wednesdays, from 1000hours to 1700hours.


SSD2210... Managing Singapore's Built Environment.... 24/11/2007 (Sat)...... 9:00 AM
CM2111... Inorganic Chemistry.............................. 29/11/2007 (Thu)...... 1:00 PM
SW2104... Human Development over the Lifespan...... 30/11/2007 (Fri)....... 1:00 PM
CM2132... Physical Chemistry............................... 01/12/2007 (Sat) ...... 1:00 PM
CM2141... Analytical Chemistry............................. 03/12/2007 (Mon).... 9:00 AM
GEK1527... Genes and Society.............................. 05/12/2007 (Wed)..... 9:00 AM


Just like any other sane students on the streets, I don't like examinations.

And I have a sinking premonition I'm not going to enjoy Physical Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry.
Numbers never fail to make me see stars, and Albert Einstein is my arch enemy; my nemesis. I would love to give him a good flying kick, as I would cats.

And there are 2 papers to sit for on 2 separate Saturdays. Duh...

CAMP


Went for a 2D1N orientation camp in school about 2 weeks ago, on the 23rd and 24th of July. It was totally action-packed, fun-filled, and physical --- with loads of screaming and shrieking and yelling and yelping and cheering and running up and down and scrambling here and there --- especially on the 1st day. And it doesn't help that the terrains in campus are nothing short of horrible.


OVERVIEW

DAY 1. 23rd July. Monday.
- Gathered at Arts Forum at 9am.
- Played Jacob's Ladder. And someone accidentally tripped over my ankle and another one stepped on my left calf. And both are guys, can??? Not some dainty and petite little ladies loh. PAIN ONE LOH!!!
- Played Earthquake. And run somemore.
- Lunch at TechnoEdge (Engineering's canteen).
- Speech by Mr. Darren.
- Amazing Race. And run somemore. And did I mention that there are nothing but mountainous terrains in campus?
- Played Secret Pal.
- Photo Shoot competition.
- Dinner at Harbourfront.
- Fright Night.
- Showered at 4.00am at Multi-Purpose Sports Hall. (!!!)
- And finally, slept at 4.30am.

DAY 2. 24th July. Tuesday.
- Forced to wake up at 7.30am.
- Walked to West Coast for breakfast at MacDonalds. And a production crew happened to be filming a MacDonalds commercial. And admittedly, it's kind of satisfying and entertaining --- in a somewhat sick, and sadistic, way --- to see those people having loads of NGs while indulgently munching away on your aromatic and succulent hot pancakes smattered with thick honey and butter.
- Adjourned to West Coast Park.
- BATTLE TIME!!! Had a series of 3 war games where the different orientation groups (OGs) pit against each other. AND I think it's not fair, as my OG - out of a total strength of 14 - had only 3 guys. Of course, needless to say, we lost in each of the war games.
- Last but not least, WATER BOMB. Gladiator-style.
- Walked back to campus.
- Revealing of Secret Pal's 如山真面目 (ru2 shan1 zhen1 mian4 mu4).
- Performance by each OG.
- Award presentation.
- 6.30pm --- BOOK OUT!!!



Taken during Amazing Race. Gosh, Engineering blocks are really nice and sophisticated.



Taken at the rooftop of the old Law building during the Photo Shoot competition. We had to do loads of silly things like making a video of us shouting down from the rooftop "Wo hen ai ni" (translation: I love you very much) to our OG guys who were stationed below, take pictures of us "committing suicide" outside MacDonalds at the Enginnering block, and... ... ...



Taking a photo of girls flushing a row of urinals together. (-_-")

We decided to be creative; and thus positioned an OG guy smack in the midst of the girls.


Can you spot the ONLY man in black? I think it must be somewhat traumatizing for him. And I wonder, will it have any negative impact on him in future. Perhaps, going to the gents will never be the same ever again. Hohoho.


Sigh. Did I mention that it's mountainous???


Battle scars, wounds of bravery, and bruises of courage --- courtesy of action-packed war games gallantly fought.


I counted at least 7 bruises.
Aiyoyo-yo-yo.