I'M INNOCENT. NOT MY FAULT. REALLY.


Sian. Guess what???!!!


I entered the Gents in school last Friday afternoon!!! NOT ON PURPOSE!!!


AND I HAD NO IDEA I'M IN THE WRONG SIDE OF CAMP.


Totally none. Not even the slightest inkling.


Swinging open the door with my left forearm, I marched purposefully and hurriedly towards the sink. So, there I was - washing my dirtied left hand, and combing my hair with my right - blissfully unaware and totally oblivious to the fact that I stuck out like a sore thumb.

AND FROM THE REFLECTION ON THE MIRROR, I WAS STILL HONESTLY WONDERING WHY ON EARTH WAS THE GUY ON MY RIGHT LOOKING AT ME WITH SUCH A BEWILDERED LOOK OH HIS FACE!!!


He looked super amused, lah! His eyes widened and his mouth hang open in surprise, okie? And he locked his gaze on me for like, 10 whole seconds, you know??!! And there I was, determinedly pretending to look unperturbed, while all the while in my heart I was like, "Huh? See what see? So strange to wash my hands, meh? Never see people wash hands before, ah?"


And I think there was also this other guy. If I'm not mistaken, he was facing the wall when yours truly stormed in like Xena the warrior princess, so I believe he was using the urinal.

Gosh.



And if he was, then I'm sure that he did not wash his hands. Maybe he was intimidated by my presence and dared not approach the sink. Hohoho!


And I only realized that I'm in the Gents after I was done washing my hands. I was just so clueless, okie? Turning around and starting towards the door, my eyes nearly popped out of their socket when I realized - to my horror - that the tiles on the wall are BLUE, and not PINK. And FINALLY, it hit me. And I noticed a fact that I had failed to recognize a mere second ago. Why are there guys in a supposedly female toilet???

By then, the 2 gentlemen - who seemed to have finally recovered from shock - were starting to walk out of the door. Thinking quickly, I deftly sneaked behind them and hid behind their back, hoping that no students or lecturers will notice a gal walking out of the Gents.


Ahhh!!! Paiseh, lah!!!



Luckily I did not drink too much water on that fateful day. I don't doubt the fact that I might even unknowingly use the cubicles if I did.


I can be such a klutz at times. Geez...

Quickie Quick



It's the time of the year again - the season when people loves making and writing down resolutions and setting new goals for themselves.

Personally, I've never understood - and still have not - the purpose of writing down one's goals and thus, have never jot down a single alphabet with regards to goal-setting. The most I'll do is to make a mental, solemn "promise" to myself, to accomplish this and that by the end of the ticking time-bomb of 365 days (or 366, if it's a leap year).


Maybe it's just plainly the fear of disappointment. What a bitter pill to swallow. It's disappointing to know that you've failed to accomplish what you've initially determinedly set out to achieve, and it's just twice as bitter to see your own handwriting reflecting back in your eyes. It's a mockery, an added insult - adding salt to the wound, you know?

And now, I'm happy. Because my goals for year 2006 are met. And I don't face the potential mockery if I had not accomplished the goals.

Just my two-cents worth.


The end.


I've told you it'll be short. =)

I'VE GOT A DATE ON VALENTINE DAY!!!


Today is already Thursday. In the blinking of an eye, it's already the 4th day of commencement of Semester 2. Well, thing's pretty much the same as usual. The usual lectures. The usual lecture theaters. The usual bidding for modules in CORS. The usual balloting for tutorial slots and practical slots. The usual visitations to Science Library CBLC to get my lecture notes printed. The usual trips to NUS-CoOp. The usual food at the Science Canteen. The usual snacking of food and sweets in the midst of lectures.

Hate to admit this, but I still am in the holiday-ing mood. It's such a painful chore to drag myself out of my cozy bed early in the morning. In fact, it's downright a merciless torture and nothing less. I've always loved the feeling of defying gravity - lying on the bed luxuriously and stretching myself out the full length on the firm and springy mattress. Gosh, it's just simply such a wonderful feeling that no words can ever bring it due justice.

Know that I should be at least a little embarassed or guilty, but heck, what's done has been done, isn't it? I totally missed the whole of a 2-hours lecture on Wednesday. Hohoho! And the reason? I OVERSLEPT. Well, who could blame me? The lecture is from 0800hours - 1000hours, leh! And I stay in Punggol - the very very very last and secluded North-East end of Singapore - leh! *looks indignant*
The journey to school usually takes 1.30hours. Thus, I would normally wake up 2hours before the lecture, wash up and brush teeth and bathe and comb hair and wear shoes and blahblahblah, and get my pretty ass out of the house in 30minutes.
And since the lecture is slated at 0800hours, I had to take into account the crazy morning rush, and estimated my journey time to be 2hours. Thus, I need to wake up 2.30hours before my morning lecture on Wednesday - this means that I need to wake at 5.30am!!! Gosh, siao ah??? Try as I might, I really can't bring to drag myself out of the bed at this unearthly wee hour - especially when I'm still in a holiday-ing mood, and the impact of books and mugging have not hit the unfrazzled me yet (come to think of it, about time that it should, too).

Gosh, I honestly and desperately need a morning call (!!!) at 5.30am on Wednesday mornings. Really can't afford to keep missing my Wednesday morning lectures. AND, to make things worse, this particular module does not have multimedia webcasts. =(. It's either die-die attend the lectures, or really die for real.



And on yeah, did I mention something about Valentine Day?

YEP!!!


I've (finally) gotten myself a date on V-Day, 14th February 2007, Wednesday!!! Whee whee!!! Heeheehee!!!

I'm feeling so upbeat and delirious already.


I recall mentioning a few weeks ago that I've been making a personal promise to myself every year, that I'm not going to spend the next V-Day alone. Having made the sickening promise for 4 sickening years in sickening successive running - and having it fulfilled NOT EVEN SICKENINGLY ONCE - I now believe that making this kind of promise is a form of curse by itself and will not be going to make it this year round?

Well, sometimes, unexpected things happen only at the last moments.

And so, yep, I'm going to be out on V-Day night (a night of romance!!!).


While all the world's love birds and mandarian ducks are holding hands and gazing into each other's eyes and strolling in parks and admiring the moon and counting stars and singing lullabys and whispering sweet nothings, I'll be sweating it out in either LT11 or LT12 in FASS from 6.00pm - 8.00 pm, trying my utmost - and to the best of my ability - to complete the essay questions for Class Test 1 of SSA2204 Nation-building in Singapore (History).
6.00pm - 8.00pm!!!!!!!!! It's the romantic hours somemore, leh!!!
=( *sulks* *pouts*

I! don't! want! to! spend! my! Valentine! Day! taking! a! test! from! 6pm! to! 8pm! !!!!!!!!!
I dunwan. I dunwan. I dunwan. Dunwan. Dunwan. Dunwan. *pouts harder*
I'm crushed. =(


Perhaps, to liven up the mood and add some sensuality to the atmosphere, I should try to surreptitiously smuggle in a glass or two of sparkling red wine. Or maybe I should put forward a suggestion that the lecturers play some romantic love songs (I honestly think Forever Love by Gary Barlow or Nothing's Gonna Change My Love for You by Glenn Medeiros would be a brilliant idea) while we, the pathetic students, sweat blood and tears over the essay questions.


And I've already made my plans. After the Class Test, I'll take bus 33 from Kent Ridge Terminal and head down to Tiong Bahru Foodcourt (Yeppie!!! Delicious food!!! I can taste it already!!!) and indulge and gorge myself silly on the famous Tiong Bahru Chwee Kueh.


HOW ROMANTIC.





P.S. Love's in the air, definitely. I firmly suspect that the lecturers are having a secret crush on me or something.

CHWEE KUEHS AND SCHOOL


So, I overslept and was late for my first lecture of the first day of Semester 2. Not my fault, really. I did not sloth away in my bed. Instead, I was taking bus 963 from HarbourFront. My eyelids were already drooping while on the NEL train. (I slept at 3am the night before, okie?). Seeing that it'll be around 10minutes before the bus reaches the Buona Vista Flyover, I closed my dainty and sparkling eyes to take a rest. The next moment I opened them, the bus was already journeying along Pasir Panjang Close. WHAT! THE! So, I alighted opposite Kent Ridge Terminal, and took the Internal Shuttle Bus from Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FASS) back to Faculty of Science (FoS). I was a grand 15minutes late, but luckily, the lecturer had just finished with the usual nonsensical introduction of the module's "aim and objective, overview, library resources, reference text and whatnot" and was just about to begin delivering her lecture when I arrived. *phew* Thank goodness that I've not missed anything important.

Guess I'm still in a holiday-ing mood. I was bleary-eyed for the whole of today. *grins*


Anyway, I've just realized that my schedule on Monday is simply torturous. I have lessons straight from 10.00am onwards until 6.00pm, with no breaks in between.
Have to be in LT27 for CM1121 from 10.00am - 12.00pm,
LT11 (which is at FASS!!!) for SSA2204 from 12.00pm - 2.00pm,
and detour back to FoS again for LSM1401 laboratory session from 2.00pm - 6.00pm.

Gosh, what had I done?? Not only had I not left myself any breaks, I've even got to rush to and fro from FoS to FASS and back to FoS again, and during the afternoon peak hour, no less! AND on a day when I have laboratory session, too! Gosh gosh gosh.

On a happier note, I've a 4hours break from 12.00pm - 4.00pm on Tuesdays, and only a 2hours lecture on Thursdays. It'll be wonderful, and I can squeeze in some tutorial slots in between. This is great!


Anyway, since this week is the first week of school, there are no tutorials or laboratory sessions to attend. Thus, I only had CM1121 and SSA2204 lectures for the whole of today. And man, SSA2204 Nation-building in Singapore, offered by the department of History, is so dead boring. For the first lecture, that is. The lecturers spent the first hour going through the usual nonsensical "aim and objective, tutorials, CA tests, library resources, blah blah blah...", and the remaining other hour going through the overview of each and every of the 18 lectures. And of course, no prize for getting it right, I slept like a dead log for the second part of the lecture. Even the usual Polo mints failed to perk me up. I mean, if it's an overview of something interesting like, French, Psychology, Sociology, Biology etc, fine, I won't doze off. But hello, HISTORY??!! This is evil torture at its best. *faints*

I'm a sleeping beauty princess. Haha!


I jolted out of my blissful sleep just in time to hear my lecturer saying, "see you guys next week". Bolting out of LT11 with a new-found spring in my steps, and since I'm already at FASS, I decided to take bus 33 from Kent Ridge Terminal. It's high time to purchase the famous Chwee Kueh at Tiong Bahru Foodcourt which I've been pining dearly for for months. Luckily, I managed to alight at the right bus stop. The first and last time I've been there, was about 6 months ago, somewhere in June or July. Li Huey, Serene, Ian Loke, and I were dining at Bie Fu in Tiong Bahru Plaza, and decided to pop by the Foodcourt to sample the famous Chwee Kueh, after having read the recommendations and glowing appraisal in Strait Times Life!. It's ranked among the top five best Chwee Kueh stalls in Singapore, okie? And it is in the 2nd position, okie? Don't play play, ah!

Of course, my first trip there was quite a disaster. Ian Loke was leading the way. And, if you ask me, it's a case of the blind leading the blind. We walked for approximately 45minutes before reaching the Foodcourt (and it was supposedly to be only one bus stop down from Tiong Bahru Plaza!!!), and made a big U-turn detour around the blocks of flats opposite Tiong Bahru Plaza. Why was I so sure? Because I noticed something interesting while walking. You know the way Singapore HDB blocks are built and located - with the block numbers in running numbers? Well, I noticed that for the blocks opposite Tiong Bahru Plaza, there were block 6 to block 8, followed by block "???" to block "???" (have forgotten the numbers. Only remember that they're 3-digit). It's quite interesting, lah, having single-digit HDB block numbers smacked right in the middle of those with triple-digits.

When we finally reached the Foodcourt a grand 45minutes later, I was commenting jokingly to the rest that this is the FIRST time I've walked 45minutes just to purchase an item of food. And chwee kuehs, of all things, at that!


Anyway, the Chwee Kuehs smell oh-so-heavenly. They're totally out of this world, man! I bought 16 pieces all in all (for my whole family lah, not me alone. I'm not a pig, but a princess!), and I kept sniffing the packets on my way home. Gosh gosh gosh, smelling the heavenly aroma makes me feel like I'm already in paradise. Hohoho!

Seriously, someone should really classify Chwee Kueh as one of the world's finest delicacy. What's the hype over the rubbery and tasteless abalones? And what's so fascinating about Shark's Fin Soup? The only thing remarkable about them is that they are capable of burning a big hole in the pocket.
I say, Chwee Kuehs and Coffee Buns should rule the world!!! They're considerably cheap, and they taste absolutely heavenly.


I'm aware that I'm rambling and blattering away. Okie, it's time to go to bed and readjust my badly conked-up biological clock.

THIS IS NOT X-RATED, DEFINITELY NOT


Have been making a conscious effort to memorize mobile numbers every other few days. Ok, fine. It is not as consistent as the "2 mobile numbers per day" promise that I had made a mere few weeks ago. But heck, at least I'm trying to disciple myself to do so (yes, I'm trying to redeem myself again. Hohoho!). Let's see how far I've progressed.
The numbers that have been memorized thus far are:

1) Dad's HP
2) Mum's HP
3) Bro's HP
4) Our residental number
5) Xiao Wei's HP
6) Kelvin's HPs
7) Yao Hui's HP
8) Joanne Tan's HP
9) Kelvin Lim's HP
10) Zhi Wei's HP
11) Xu Bin's HP
12) De Quan's HP
13) Poh Lin's HP
14) Pei Hua's HP
15) Jun Ming's HP
16) Wei Ting's HP
17) Boon Yew's HP
18) Adrian Tan's HP

Haha... The list currently stands at a modest 18, up from the inital 8. 10 new mobile number committed to memory; this makes it 10 x 8 = 80 numbers! Whee whee!!! (see how fast I've executed my mental sum. I've mentioned somewhere before in a blog entry that I'm a child prodigy and a Math whizz, didn't I? Now you've witnessed my prowess. Hohoho!)


Anyway, met up with Poh Lin at Compass Point at 5.30pm today. (let you guys in on a secret. She woke at close to 4pm today. Haha!!!) She needs to purchase some arts stuff for school, while I need to purchase my MRT Concession as Semester 2 commences tomorrow. As my Bus Concession will end on the 11th Jan (I only purchased Bus Concession during my 1-month semester break), the MRT Concession can only takes effect on the 12th the Friday. What rubbish, man? What kind of system is this? Do they need to wait for my current Bus Concession to end before starting my MRT Concession??!! Where's the link between the different concessions, anyway? *rages*

Back to the topic, then. After purchasing her arts stuff, the both of us went to Cold Storage. All along, I've thought that I'm the only weirdo strutting on Earth who enjoys grocery-shopping in the supermarkets. Turns out that I'm not the only one, apparently. We're such a strange breed, Poh Lin and I.

Anyway, we walked around the supermarket, feasting our eyes on the wide range of products on the shelves. I've always loved walking around in supermarkets; it always make me feel like a little child in a massive candy store - totally spoilt for choice.

Learnt a couple of new things about Poh Lin too. Realized that she too, enjoys dipping cream cracker biscuits into her coffee. I've always done that when I was young - dipping my biscuit into my coffee for a few seconds, and popping them immediately into my mouth. My Dad taught me this, I can still remember. It's sooo yummy and tasty, trust me. The biscuit is crispy with a faint aroma of coffee. And we both (Poh Lin and me, not me and my Dad. Haha!) hate it when the biscuit turns soggy; which often happens when the biscuit is soaked in coffee for a tad too long.

Anyway, I was telling her how fattening biscuits are. Don't be deceived by even the packages with screaming words, "Wholemeal", "Wheat", or "Oat". They're just as fattening and unhealthy as their normal biscuits counterpart, if you bother to check the nutrition chart at the back of the package. All biscuits are generally high in trans fat and saturated fat; both of which are bad for our heart.


And we happened to walk past a shelf with packets of condoms on display. I made a little joke, and mentioned that the condom companies should have invented one that's durian-flavoured. Anyway, it turned out that she has no idea why are some condoms laced with flavour, so I told her the reason behind it. Now, don't point fingers at me and accuse me of polluting innocent minds. This is golden, precious general knowledge, hor!!! Haha... Frankly though, don't the respective manufacturing companies realize that this is Singapore we're talking about, and that most Singaporeans positively adore durians? And what's up with those traditional flavours like strawberry? It's time to be innovative, think out of the box, and come up with something new. On second thought, apart from durians, I won't mind one that's coffee bun-flavoured, too. Hohoho!
Anyway, I also taught her what are lubricants used for. I suddenly felt like a sex guru tonight. Haha... And no, I'm not polluting minds again. This is, I repeat, general knowledge. Heeheehee!

We also went to a dozen different shops - City Chain, Helen, Watsons, Guardian, and etc. And I "proposed" to her with a ring in Montip, a shop which sells accessories. Had an enjoyable time hanging out with her today. I've always did. Guess apart from my own Cell Group members, she's one of the rare few whom I'll meet up with occasionally to chit-chat or spend time together. I guess the cab journeys home from Cell Group Meetings really jump-started and catalyzed our friendship. We never fail to chat non-stop on the cab home.


Anyway, school's starting tomorrow. Hope that I can drift off to dreamland earlier tonight. Have been sleeping at 3am plus for the past few weeks, and waking up at 10am plus.
It's certainly time to readjust my biological alarm clock.


Princesses need their beauty sleep =).

WEDDING BELLS


Ok, fine. So I did the merlion again; and on the matrimony day, no less. Hurrying to the Ladies twice in successive running, the newly-weds were about to walk down the aisle when I emerged from the washroom for the second time. It's sweet, really, watching Chee Foo's and Xiao Wei's back as they walked arm in arm down the aisle. I stood outside the entrance to the Ladies and waited until the door to the matrimony hall has closed behind the newly-weds before entering the hall quietly and stood at the back of the hall where the rest of the ushers were.

Anyway, before the commencement of the matrimony, the radiant groom walked past the rows which I was ushering. Uncertain of whether does he recognize me, I held out my hand in congratulations and asked tentatively, "Congrats!!! Do you remember me?" Come to think of it, the only times when we've met is when Xiao Wei officially introduced him to our Cell Group, which is like, donkey months ago. And the last time I bumped into him was a couple of weeks back on the week of Christmas, when I was helping out as a Santarina for the Sunday service. To my pleasant surprise, he recognizes me, and mentioned that I look different from the photos. Unabashedly, I quipped, "Prettier, isn't it?" He replied, "Ehh.. Ya" And I answered smugly and exuberantly, "Aiyo, of course, lah!" He was visibly taken back when he heared my reply. He quickly recomposed himself, and the faint look of surprise on his face was then replaced by amusment, and he threw me a grin.

Gotta give him credit for it, really. I'm incorrigible at recognizing faces. Plain downright hopeless.


After the matrimony has ended, the male ushers had to help out in stacking the chairs. Angeline, by then, had left to join her Cell Group. Well, I could similarly go off, join my Cell Group at the rooftop, and indulge my growling and rumbling stomach which has been complaining since 11am. But it just doesn't feel right. Afterall, we reported for our usher duty together, and how could I leave them just like that? Not wanting to go ahead without them, I waited for Kelvin Lim, Zhi Wei, and De Quan (the poor guys. It's times like these when I think that it's a blessing to have XX sex chromosomes instead of XY) and whaled my time away by sifting through Mr. and Mrs. Wong's wedding album.

Anyway, while princess (yes, it's yours truly again) was waiting for the 3 macho and muscular guys, Ling Qiang, the usher IC of the day, passed me a small stack of red packets, and asked me to distribute it to the ushers. Gosh!!! What a pleasant and sweet surprise, really. I'm caught nonplussed by the kind gesture. I hadn't expected anything at all. Afterall, it's only ushering and nothing much. That's Xiao Wei; always so gentle and thoughtful. Anyway, we reached the rooftop just in time too, for a photoshot. And we rushed down for service after that. I was so deadbeat tired (I slept at close to 3.00am and woke at 6.45am, leh) that I slept soundly like a dead log all the way from Boon Lay MRT station to Expo MRT station.


Marriage is such a beautiful and sacred thing. And personally, I think that marriage is definitely more than living in matrimonial bliss and happily ever after. Yes, it involves these two, but it also encompasses more than that.

Marriage - in my opinion - is the sacred union of two individual souls, bonding of two flesh into one, and beautiful intertwine of two different lifes. The cessation of "I" and "you", but hereby the existence of "we". It is the embarking on a new chapter, a new journey, together as an entity - not as individuals. Picking each other up. Cheering each other on. Being each other's personnal cheerleader. Reaffirming the other party occasionally. Encouraging each other when needed. Sharing of burden as well as happiness. Rendering discerned and wise advises. Cooing to each other's hurts and nursing each other's bruises. Sharing of heart-felt opinions and feelings. Crying together, and rejoicing together.

Simply put, it's Level5 communication.


And I feel that marriage is one of the few safety refuge where you can afford to just be yourself, and be true to your inner self. It's one of the few much-coveted havens where you can simply let your guards down, grief your heart out, and express your darkest secrets, deepest disappointments, inner fears, heavy worries, hefty anxiety and whatnot. Unlike what the society or workplace expects so demandingly, there exists the luxury of not requiring any facades or putting on of strong front in a marriage. You can just be who you really are deep inside, and no one will laugh, despise, make fun of, or tsktsk at you. And that, in my opinion, is the innermost beauty of marriage - knowing that there will always be a reliable pillar to count on, someone who tries to understand and, instead of pushing you to measure up to some invisible expectations or criticizing you for being weak and not stout or stalwart enough, accepts the soft side of human nature and delights in the real portrayal of the inner you which is normally locked away and kept frpm the public eye.

The trust, the unconditional love, the never-dying support, and the mutual understanding - what more can one ask for?


And you can share your biggest dreams and innermost, dearest ambitions, and not have to worry about being teased or being labelled as overly-ambitious or an unrealistic dreamer. Instead of critics, there will be a supportive cheerleader to cheer you on.


And personally, I find it beautiful when a man cries to his wife. It just takes my breath away. But not wailing or bawling away in public like a crybaby over a trival matter, of course.
It's simply so touching when a man puts aside his ego and manly pride and - despite his long-sleeve shirt, sharp blazer, power tie, big buckle belt, shiny leather shoes - tear to his loved ones and be true to himself. It's definitely not cowardy or sissy. Not at all. On the contrary, I find that men who allow themselves to cry are much more braver than those who don't. It takes courage to cry, but it requires twice as much to portray who you really are, and how you really feel, deep inside. Men who allow themself to tear are courageous and real to themselves, really. They're so brave.

A man tearing and expressing his emotions, thinking, and feelings; it is just like a strong career woman who calls the shots at work being submissive, gentle, and loving at home. Such breath-taking beauty. Such an awe-commanding sight to behold.


Marriage is a covenant between two individuals. A promise to stand by and love each other no matter what; in richness and poverty, in sickness and in health, till death do us part. It is a declaration that you'll be with each other for the rest of your life, once and for all. And most importantly, it's an oath to continue loving each other no matter what; even when you've been hurt so deeply or disappointed so badly.
It is an oath that you'll never give up on him/her come what may, no matter what he/she has done, said, or committed.

Marriage is so beautiful.

CHICKEN FEED


Have just uploaded a song onto blogspot. Well, the music is nice, but personally, I find the music volume a tad too loud. The blaring music is bursting my pretty eardrums, but alas, the volume can't be adjusted. Any other servers to recommend, anyone? Geez...

Today is the 5th. 3 more days to Semester 2. Whoa... Time really fly. It'll be days of mugging again. Hohoho!

Anyway, have just finished planning my timetable, and voila!


PC1328 ....... Life as a Complex System .................... 21 Apr 2007 (PM)
CM1131 ...... Basic Physical Chemistry ...................... 25 Apr 2007 (PM)
SSA2204 .... Nation-Building in Singapore (History) ... 27 Apr 2007 (AM)
CM1121 ..... Basic Organic Chemistry ....................... 30 Apr 2007 (AM)
LSM1401 ... Fundamentals of Biochemistry ............... 30 Apr 2007 (PM)


I have one Level 2000 module. *bleah* Wonder will I be able to tackle it, but heck, who cares? I'll have the Singapore Studies module graded as Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory if worse comes to worst. Hohoho!

I think this will be a wise move. The school system limits each student to take up to a maximum of 11 Level 1000 modules only, including the core modules.

Considering that I've fulfilled 1 Breadth module and 1 Unrestricted Free Electives module on the previous semester - and this semester I'll be taking 1 Faculty Requirement module and 1 Singapore Studies module - I'm still left with 2 Unrestricted Free Electives and 1 GEM to complete. I'll use 2 out of the 3 modules to fulfill my remaining 2 Life Science modules requirement. And after which, my Curriculum Studies 2 will be cleared! Whee whee!!! Lalala!!! And students can't Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory any modules which are offered by their own host faculty. So, I can never S/U the Life Science modules, and thus, by taking them as at Level 1000, chances are I won't fare as badly as I would if the modules are taken at a higher level. So, my C.A.P. is "protected". Hohoho!


Never mind if you catch no atoms (opps, catch no balls, I mean). Anyway, I've taken a Physical Science module to fulfill my Faculty Requirement. Well, there are not much choices for me to indulge in, anyway. It's either Physical Science, or Computing Science. I know nuts about Computing as I do Physics. But at least I have O-Levels Physics to lean on, that's what I've figured.

And "Life as a Complex System" sounds easy enough, right? I mean, come on, how tough can it get? And how much more cheesy can the module title get - Life as a Complex System? It doesn't even sound like Physics! Chicken feed, la!!! *keeping my fingers crossed*


Chicken feed. Chicken feed. Chicken feed.
Physics is chicken feed.



At least, this is what I hope for Life as a Complex System.

ONE LITRE OF TEARS


Have been watching the Japanese drama series "One Litre of Tears" on YouTube for the past 2 days, and hence the lack of blog entries of late. This drama, "One Litre of Tears", is based on a real lifestory of a Japanese teenager, Kito Aya, who is stricken with Spinocerebellar Degeneration Disease (SCD), which is also known as Spinocerebellar Ataxia.

Now, here's a little of biology lessons and background information. Nerve cells are mainly separated into 2 different group - Peripheral nerves, and Central nerves. The term "peripheral nerves" refers mainly to nerves which branch out from our spinal cord and communicate with our muscles, bringing about motor movements. Meanwhile, central nerves are nerves which make up important organs and parts in our nervous system such as the cerebellum, cerebrum, brain stem, diencaphalon, and spinal cord - of which, cerebellum is mainly responsible for maintaining balance and movement coordination.

SCD is a cruel, autosomal recessive genetic disorder disease which attacks the cerebellum, causing it to atrophy and eventually, disappear into nothingness. The usual early symptoms include instability in walking, frequent falling, blurred visions, poor muscular coordination, slight impairment of motor movements, inability to measure distances (e.g. grabbing the air besides, and instead of, a bottle) etc. Gradually, the body will feel increasingly unlike one's own. Sufferers lose command of their own body, and are unable to control their voluntary muscle movement. From a walking cane, to a wheelchair, and eventually, become bedridden. As the disease progresses, the sufferer faces linguistic challenges, loses the ability to talk, experiences difficulties in swallowing,and eventually, might never gain consciousness while sleeping. All these while - despite not being able to move one's body - the mental intellectual is not a tad affected or debilitated; but very much alert and alive.

Currently, there is no cure for SCD.


"One Litre of Tears", is based on the diary of Kito Aya, a bubbly teenager who was 15-years-old when the disease strike her. She wrote and wrote, until she could no longer hold up a pen; and died at the tender age of 25. And the diary epics clearly the simple wish and innocent desire of a young soul who yearns so much to live. Aya desperately wanted to live her life till the end, and the purpose of writing is to remind her not to give up. She shed tears of sadness many times, but yet, on a happier note, her family and friends all rallied around her, encompassing her with their rich, unconditional love and support.

Aya's diary was published as a book after her death; mainly because of the inspiring, genuine, and courageous message behind it - "Just being alive is such a lovely and wonderful thing" she wrote. The brave 10-years battle against a cruel disease fought by a vivacious little 15-years-old teenager has raptured hearts, and tugged the heartstings of many.



It actually reminds me alot of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), otherwise known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Notable personals who suffered from it includes theoretical physicist Stephan Hawking, China's Mao Ze Dong, and Morrie Schwartz (from the book Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom).

Just like SCD, ALS attacks the central nerves, causing it to degenerate; resulting in muscle weakness and atrophy. The muscles, in another words, are wasted. And not unlike SCD, ALD sufferers lose their command of voluntary muscle movement, but yet still retain their mental capacity. And both diseases, currently, are incurable.


Sad, really. It's so touching to "witness" brave young souls battling the storms, and refusing to bow down. Just like a candle in the wind, fighting against the odds.


Anyway, I've watched up to Episode 4 only. It's taking quite some time to upload the drama from YouTube. Semester 2 is starting on the 8th. Gosh, I want to complete the whole drama series before I get thrown into school work!!!
I! WANT! TO! FINISH! THE! ENTIRE! DRAMA!
Chiong ahhh!!!


And anyway, there a loads and loads of comments in YouTube, of people gushing about how touching and sad the drama is, and how they had cried while watching the 1st episode. (!!!) Oh my gosh, I'm already at the 4th episode but I've yet to shed even a single tear. What is this, man??



So, I've resorted to putting my status as "Away" or "Busy" in MSN. The only times when I put my status as thus are when I'm doing some important stuffs, such as rushing a laboratory report, researching on the internet etc.
"Away" simply means that I'm doing my stuffs, and would prefer not to be disturbed. On a side note, I won't mind chit-chatting once in a while when I'm in "Away" mode. Hohoho!
"Busy" also means that I'm doing my stuffs, would prefer not to be disturbed, but also that I'm rushing for time as the deadline is due pretty soon. It's times like these when I won't like to see orange-blinking icons on my TaskBar.

So, don't ka-jiao when you see me on "Away" or "Busy" mode these few days. It simply means - that instead of rushing some stupid laboratory report - I'm watching "One Litre of Tears" on YouTube. Don't ka-jiao and spoil the atmosphere and mar my mood and interrupt the momentum.
I'm trying to squeeze out a drop of tear. At least one drop.

BUSINESSMAN OF THE YEAR



On Saturday, we were, as usual, fellowshipping around our seats while waiting for service to start. Among other things, we were gushing about the upcoming matrimony, and Zhi Wei, who was seated beside me, nearly fell off his chair when I told him that the event is in a mere week's time. He threw me an unbelieving don't-bluff-me-I-know-you're-bluffing-me-right look, turned to the right, and reconfirmed with Kelvin Lim, who affirmed with a solemn nod. Gosh, I think Zhi Wei has been living in his own world all these while. Haha!

Anyway, the funnyman Zhi Wei suddenly asked a not-so-innocent question, "Will there be any shuttle bus to bring us back to Expo after the matrimony?" Xiao Wei, who was seated in the row in front of us, caught that and threatened jokingly, saying that she will ask Wen Hui (who will be leading us for the next few weeks) to disciple him. I quipped on excitedly, "Great idea!!! Perhaps we can collect a S$2.00 transportation fee per head. We can charge the leaders at S$3.00 each, since most of them are already working, and are probably richer, with fatter wallets. The profit earned can either be split among the members, or go into the Cell Group Fund!!!" Xiao Wei rolled her eyes, pointed her finger at me, and stated, "You too!!! Discipleship!"


Anyway, it's the 1st of Jan, 2007. Gosh, 2007!!! I'm already unofficially (I've not had my 2007 birthday yet, hor) 21!!! Oh my goodness... I'm aging - and at a rather fast pace at that. 4 more years to go - I want to get married before I hit 25! And I want to have 3 dozen children! Hohoho!

I seriously think that time really fly. I can still remember groaning miserably and lamenting with grief about the then upcoming 2006, the year when I'll hit the big 20s (no more 10s, liao. How sad! What a tragedy!). And now, I'm already going on to 21. Gosh gosh gosh...


I've been having such disturbed sleep lately. Either I'm dreaming of dreams that I'm not supposed to dream about, or I'm having weird and nasty dreams. Just yesterday, I dreamt that I was holding a medical slip in my hands. I tore off the sides, and unfolded the medical slip. Typed neatly on the top right hand corner, is "CONDITION TYPE: Chronic". In another sentence at a lower center part of the medical slip is written, "MEDICAL CONDITION: Chronic Diabetes", and "PROGNOSIS: Approximately 1 month left". OH MY GOODNESS!!! (and dreams are so illogical. With such rapid advancement of medical technology, since when is diabetes considered terminal? Geez...)

The impact hit me in full force. 1 month left - and I'm only 20, going on to 21!!! I've not really lived life yet, and have not embarked on a real journey yet! Even in my dream, I could feel blood draining off my face, and I felt the wind knocked out of me. I could feel the disbelief, while the rational voice inside me keeps telling me to accept the irrefutable facts, and not delude myself.

The next thing I remember, is crying on someone's shoulder. The best part is, I can't remember who is that guy in my dream. I only remember telling him to keep it a secret for me, while letting me grief for this one last time - after which I will make the absolute best out of my remaining 1 month left on earth and not grief about my death sentence anymore - but to fight a good battle, hold out as long as I possibly can, and do something impacting and benefiting to people around me, like Morrie Schwartz. And man, did I cry and wail and bawl! Even in my dream, I could feel the sorrow.

While crying, a thousand and one thoughts just crossed my mind. There's still so much I want to do. I want to grow up and be a working adult. I want to graduate, start teaching, and impact the life of my students. I want to get attached, be blissfully married, experience the joy of being pregnant, have children of my own, and be a dutiful and submissive wife and spouse. I want to walk down the aisle with the man whom God has prepared for me - with whom we'll go through thick and thin, ups and down together as one flesh. I want to be his personal "cheerleader" and "ego-boaster" as my Significant Other goes around planting churches and preaching the gospel. I want to build a home that's overflowing with love - one which my Significant Other looks eagerly to coming home to; the simple and humble fares of home-cooked meals, the joyous melody of our children's laughter, and us drifting off to dreamland in each other's arms lovingly. I want to build orphanages and children's homes, sponsor some stricken children from 3rd world countries, put food on their dining table, and put the little under-privileged kids through school.

I realized, while I was crying on his shoulder, that for the past 2 years plus since I've got saved, I've not done much for His Kingdom. Not enough.


And I realized, I don't want to go home with the Father so early. There are still loads of things I want to contribute, do, experience, and achieve.
Time is short, and wise is the man who learns to number his days.



The Beautiful Side to Each Person

Leaping Terrorist Lizards

Going to be a Nun Soon

Row Row Row Your Boat

Bittersweet

Pause. Think. Reflect. Act.

Understand

Psycho

Five Love Languages