Sigh. I know that I said I'll be on hiatus for two months, but...

Was recording my audition tape the whole day today, from about 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Plus an extra 30 min to record to my laptop and burn it to CD. Gaaah. THREE songs only. 3 classical songs, only 20 minutes long altogether, and I needed, what, FIVE hours to record it. I kept recording the first song over and over again 'cause I was not satisfied. Major stress. I loathe that song now. In fact, I had to redo the first two songs quite a number of times. My last piece was the only one which I could do in one go.

I must really thank Sherissa for helping me out with the video cam. I feel so retarded, looking at myself play. -_-" I still made a few mistakes, and I feel I can play better, but ah well. I called my teacher halfway through and she said that it's alright to make mistakes, it doesn't have to be perfect.

Then I called my mom, and she thinks that I shouldn't apply to Indiana U. anymore (sorry, Jerry!) My mom was thinking about it the past few days and she thinks that it's just too expensive to send me over to USA at this moment, what's more with THREE siblings behind me whom my dad still has to support. Sigh... then she said that I can always do my Masters there, after I finish my Bachelor degree here.

If I get accepted into Melbourne Uni or UWA, that is. And if I have that kind of ability to do Masters. (Thinking too far...)

Down to two unis. Talked to Ern just now and he asked, why not apply to UK. I dunno, I guess that I've ruled out UK unis 'cause of the really expensive tuition fees, after my mom said that it's just too much. And again, 'cause I still have two brothers and one sister my dad has to support. *Sings "It's all 'bout the money"~*

Sigh.

I don't mind doing my Bachelor degree here. Indiana U. would probably be better for Master and Doctorate degrees anyway, I guess. What's more, I never had the confidence that I could get accepted anyway. Their requirements are really high. (I mean, they have two Julliard School graduates on the piano faculty!! Julliard!!!) And my own piano teacher did say that I should just study here first...

My mom is still keen on me to do English. So I guess I'll probably like, do a double degree in Music/Arts.

Or something.

I still would like to study in the States. But as I said, if I have that ability, then I shall do my Masters or something there. Sigh. I know I can't give up Music. I can't.

I guess applying to universities isn't as easy as it appears... Money is always a big factor.

Dear Sa,

Yes, it's your Charmed DVDs. Seasons 2 and 3. And yes, you have to wait at least two more months before I get back.

Yours truly,
Connie.

Woosh. It's holidays now, and I've been really slacking the past couple of days. Watched two interesting foreign films. Last night, it was 'My Wife is an Actress', a French comedy-romance, rather entertaining. The two lead actors are real-life husband and wife. And just now, while I was channel-surfing (there is a way better variety of shows over here) an interesting looking movie caught my eye: a dark German film, The Experiment. It's an intriguing psychological movie and very disturbing, which is based on a book, based on a true story. In short, it's a psychological experiment gone wrong.

Incidentally, both films are rated MA+15. Heh. But hey, the storylines are rather good, in my opinion. Especially The Experiment, which has some rather good reviews. Go watch if you can find it wherever you are. =D

And Jerry... "five hours drive only"??? -_-; And plus, it's a very big if that I'll get accepted into Indiana U.. x_x

Mocks coming up in first week of October. I will probably be on hiatus for quite awhile. So bug Jerry for updates. The pale one shall become paler. 'Til mid-November. Over and out!

Thanks, Jerry, for your prayer.

The competition was alright; I never realized that I was in the Recital category, ages 18 to under 26.

Yes, you read that right. Therefore, I was literally the youngest person there (being 18 and 2 months+ years old =S). I was against people who were "older, wiser and better" than I am. (Lit students with Mrs. Manik of 2004: remember this quote? Lol.)

Needless to say, I didn't win anything. I didn't expect to; I was there merely for the experience and exposure. Haha, what's more, at my age, I was doing my first competition, when these people have been doing competitions their entire musical life. It was really obvious, especially with the blonde guy who won first prize. And wow, was he amazing. Confidence simply emanated from him as he played with such exuberance, energy and skill. I was blown away. I really enjoyed his performance… Oh, I wish I could describe it. But even words fail me here. You just had to be there to fully appreciate it. (Meanwhile I lament the small size of my hands.) Or you can just think of all the synonyms of amazing, great, wonderful, masterful, etc. Yeah, you get my idea. Lol.

I made a couple of mistakes, stumbled on the unfamiliar keys of the foreign grand piano, panicked at certain stages, and basically didn't feel like I was there at all. When it was over, I slowly slipped back into reality and it felt like mere seconds that I was up there performing.

Surreal.

The adjudicator was from University of Melbourne, and gave comments at the end of the recitals. I must add here, besides piano, there were flute, violin, as well as voice. Soprano lady got the second prize. She has an amazing voice too. The flute girl was high commended for her performance, which I thought was very good indeed. But in the end, it was clear that these people are confident and they know what they're doing. They know their stuff, to put it in a nutshell. I have no doubt that they must have won or at least competed at other competitions too. To them, this is nothing but just another one in the long line of competitions to come.

I got rather positive comments (and what is with examiners with barely legible writing?? Darn it, doctors, as well. It must be some sort of conspiracy so that we can never be able to read properly what they’re saying. >=) It was quite encouraging. I reproduce his comments on my second piece (well, try to anyway):

“Sculthorpe These were evocatively played with pleasing
attention + all detail – tempo, rhythm, pedaling, dynamic
Impression work hard!”

Took me some time to actually make that out. (I think that’s what Mr. Glenn Riddle is trying to say, anyway X_X) Sculthorpe is the name of the composer, by the way. And I don’t really get Mr. Riddle’s last few words. Anyhoo~ he did thought that my first piece (Bach’s Prelude and Fugue XII) needed a faster tempo for the Prelude as it was rather slow (I agree with him on that, actually).

So you see, I’m learning already! =D In the end, it’s ultimately preparing me for my diploma exam later on in early November.

Anyway, that’s my competition… and sorry if you don’t get the last few bits on comments and musical stuff, you don’t have to understand. And sorry if I sound like I’m blowing my own trumpet or anything, just telling it as it is… (Hides red face behind her hands.)

A-hem. Moving on..!

The more I read about Indiana University's School of Music, the more I hope to be admitted. Their School of Music is ranked among the top in the States. But their requirements obviously indicates a dedicated, passionate and talented student. Do I have that? I want to believe I do. I believe I do. At least I think I do. But is it enough?

Just a few minutes ago, while looking through the information and documents regarding application procedures and music auditions, etc., I was suddenly struck by a strong feeling of conviction that I want to do Music, no matter what. If I don't, I will regret for the rest of my life. I really will.

Thinking back on last night's competition, I realized that there are two ways I can treat it.

One, I can let myself be discouraged and deflated by the size of competition and talent out there. I can give up and believe that 'I can't reach that level, I just don't have that amount of talent and skill.'

Or, two, I can pick myself up, gain experience and learn from this, and strive to improve myself even more and work hard.

Which one will it be?

That's for me to know. And I don't even have to tell, do I?

Breathe.

Inhale. Exhale.

Hyperventilate.

Passes out.

In commemoration of an important day, you (Jerry Wong, yes, you) should feel extremely honoured that I'm taking time off my extremely busy schedule to wish you:

HAPPY 18th BIRTHDAY!!!

May God continue to guide you and bless you in your journey ahead. Hope you have a wonderful day. And not forgetting,

JOYCE!!! HAPPY 18TH BIRTHDAY as well!!

Here's a passage from the book of Proverbs for you guys to reflect on as you proceed in your future. Though the road ahead may not be smooth, and we may stumble every now and then, remember...

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart;
and lean not unto thine own understanding.

In all thy ways acknowledge him,
and he shall direct thy paths.

Be not wise in thine own eyes:
fear the Lord, and depart from evil.

It shall be health to thy navel,
and marrow to thy bones.

Proverbs 3:5-8 (KJV)

God bless and good luck!

Just came back from an Expo at University of Western Australia (UWA). I obtained all the information I needed for the Bachelor of Music degree.

But doubts are clouding my mind again. As I see it now, I have three options to do music: University of Melbourne; UWA, and hopefully Indiana University-Bloomington, School of Music (the one which I would have gone if not for Murdoch College.) IU has one of the best music schools. If I gain acceptance into all schools of music, I will definitely pick IU, no doubt about it. If.

[Frustration takes over]

Should I do Music? But if I do, what will I do after I graduate? I feel so confused. On the other hand, music is something I can't give up. I realize it deep in my heart now. So many times, I've had that feeling of the greatest conviction that, Okay, Connie, you are going to study music. It's something you love, and you have been doing it your whole life... it's you.

And then later on, the doubts come back to haunt my mind again and I think, But what if I can't make it? I mean, you guys think I may be talented and all, and I thank God for this gift that He's given me, but I can tell you that there are millions out there who are way more talented than I am.

I think to myself, my hands are small, and I still have difficulty trying to do octaves with my right hand (for some reason, my left hand is okay with octaves), while great composers like Liszt and Rachmaninoff could do twelfths. And I think, How the heck am I going to be able to handle songs with lots of octaves that only people with long fingers and huge hands can master?? (Ask a musical-knowledgeable person what a twelfth is.) And yeah, doubts like that keep plaguing my mind and playing on my fears of not succeeding. I doubt my own abilities. Sometimes I wonder if I'm good enough. Sometimes I think that I just can't go beyond where I am now. I want to improve myself, so much, but I get scared and wondered if this is really the limit. Is this all there is to it?

I don't expect myself to be the best pianist, and I know that there are better pianists than me. I can only do my best. And I know that I want to return to God what He has given me. My mother often told me... "Do your best, and God will do the rest." I believe that. I really do.

But then why am I so scared? I guess it's more of, what I'll be doing after I graduate. Wait, I don't want to think that far yet... Let's settle on whether I can even make it through the auditions or not!!

Apart from merely performing the pieces during the audition, there will also be a short interview, and when I found that out, fear took hold immediately. I don't really mind performing, it's just a matter of nerves, and controlling my nervousness, but interview?? The professor at the Expo today assured me that it's pretty general - just a few questions, like what you'd like to do with your music, etc.

And that's exactly my problem. What do I want to do with my music?

I need to talk to my mom.

Today was Multicultural Day, and I'm just glad to have a day off from studying. It wasn't too bad, ok-lah, but probably could have been better. =P Anyway, less talk and more visual. A picture speaks a thousand words, after all! ^_^ They're in chronological order, btw.

Ms. Dunbar-Smith, my TAG teacher, putting the finishing touches on my TAG (Teacher Advisor Group)'s stall. We were doing Greenpeace. Each TAG had to choose either an organization or a country. On our right was Germany, and our left was S'pore. It drizzled for a few minutes, while setting up our stalls, but fortunately the rest of the day was rather sunny and fine.

Lin, Claire, me, Hanisha. After setting up stalls, we were free to wander around to check out other TAGs, but most people went on a photo frenzy. Obviously. There was about an hour plus before the main program began.

Teruna, Pamela, me, Keisha (is that how you spell her name?) They're all from S'pore.

Dian and I. Dian is Indonesian-Chinese.

Navreen, Lisa, me. Both are in my E. Lit class, and Nav's in my Econs class as well. They're both Australians, but Navreen's roots are in M'sia.

Emily, Mizuha, Divya, Raechelle, Yasuko, ..um, don't know her name =/ .. After eight months, you can't expect me to know every Year 12 int'nal student's name. =p

Mary, last year's Murdoch Idol, who has a really beautiful voice. She's from the Phillipines, but grew up here. She sang a Filipino song.

Holly and I. We used to have Chem and Human Bio classes together, until I changed my timetable, and was put into different classes...

Raechelle, Holly, Divya. An attempt at French-plaiting the other person's hair. Haha. Randomness.

Hanisha, Ms. Kate Dunbar-Smith, me. Ms. DS is our Economics teacher, also my TAG teacher.

Guests from some primary school, who performed the Maori (the New Zealand indigenous ppl) traditional dance, called the Haka, also a kind of war dance. It was a bit comical, but probably 'cause it's done by primary schoolkids =P I'm sure that we would have been a bit more appreciative and awed if it was performed by actual Maori warriors. Lol.

Two adorable little girls came to perform a Scottish cultural dance, which is characterized by their hands laid stiffly by their sides, and resembles tap-dancing. Know Riverdance? Haha, yeah, it's something like that.

This was an interesting albeit rather tame Shaolin kung-fu demonstration by the Shaolin Association. No wild moves - just basic, prepared stunts (with each other, with swords, with daggers... as well as a bench) to show us.

Some random people from some Lawn Bowling association came to explain and demonstrate the art of lawn bowling, supposedly one of the biggest games in Australia.

Cute Jill! She came dressed in a Japanese outfit, but she was really cosplaying an anime character from a very popular Japanese anime. A few people did guess, and asked her. You anime-freaks should know this!! Can you guess?

The Australian Aboriginal spiritual dance.

The Malay performance by our own Ind'sian and M'sian students.

Some guy who won 'Australian Chinese Idol' last year (I never knew such a thing existed X_X) came to present 'Qing Fei De Yi' by Harlem Yu. (That really popular song few years back because of Meteor Garden, which, in my opinion, is one of the worst Taiwan dramas I've ever seen. Sorry to all F4 fans out there~)

Really random. Was bored, and sitting beside one of the Japanese students, Takaashi. Noticed his authentic Japanese slippers and discretely snapped this. Lol. The sneakers at the right top corner belongs to Takaaki =P

The dragon parade. It's cool, and all, but it's not Chinese New Year. I'm wondering why, and what is the significance of the dance at this time of the year. Bring prosperity and joy to Murdoch College? *skeptical laughter*

The dragon's head.

The flags.

Rungend and I. Didn't see her at all until the end of the festivities. Either that, or I'm just blur as usual. =/

The finale. Dragon dance and flags of the world. I still do not understand the significance of the dragon dance. -_-"

How multicultural do you think all that was? Well, hope you guys enjoyed the pictures! There are actually so many more, but I have to skive all the rest off my friends. Heh. I'll probably post up more group pictures next time.

Anyway, got to do my Eng. Lit. essay now, which is dued tomorrow... =( Ciao!

Just thought I’ll quickly blog before I go to sleep… Welcome to A Day In The Life of Connie Foong.

I rushed home from school as soon as possible as soon as possible. I quickly showered, changed, grabbed everything I needed for my piano lesson and then for church fellowship meeting afterwards. I met Thel Khin on the bus, which was really interesting… She showed me a really nasty bruise on her left lower arm, which had seven jabs. Yep, she and her lab partner had just practiced jabbing each other with needles that afternoon. *Shudder* Which is why I can never be a doctor. She thought it was “cool”. Ah well, to each her own.

I digress.

Anyway, coming back to my piano lesson… I know, I know, so what; it’s just a piano lesson. But today, I stepped into my teacher’s apartment at about 5.10 p.m. (I arrived a tad bit early), and was greeted by the sight of three lovely children; two little boys, one about six, the other probably ten, were sitting at the table, doing theory, and my piano teacher was teaching the little girl at the piano, who looks about six too.

The ten-year-old smiled at me. “Hello,” he said.

I smiled back and said, “Hi.” Kids can be so adorable.

Okay, you may think. So what? You have a piano lesson, and you met these cute children. Yeah, whatever.

But wait! There’s more. You may call me really gullible and over-reacting, even, but…

I sat at the table and waited. It’s always interesting to meet other students my teacher teaches… even if they are all younger than me.

A few minutes later, the two boys started speaking to each other. I didn’t pay much attention at first as I was watching the little girl and my teacher, but then their conversation caught my ears.

“Ooh, they’re speaking another language,” I realized. They looked Asian, and I tried to identify what they were speaking. Japanese? (Nope, I’ve been around Japanese friends enough, and watched way too many anime.) Korean? (Nah, I’ve watched enough Korean dramas and heard the Korean ‘gang’ in my school enough times, too.) Vietnamese? Cantonese? Negative and negative. Weird. Some sort of exotic language. It sounded really unique.

“Connie, do you want some coffee?” my teacher asked me, breaking my train of thought. “I have some mocha, if you like.”

Ooh, yes, please. I’ve become somewhat a coffee addict of late.

While I got myself the mocha (the kitchen is just adjacent to living room), I got curious and asked my teacher in Mandarin, “Where are they from? And what language are they speaking?”

“Oh, they’re from Mauritius,” she answered. “They speak French.”

Wow, talk about unique. That was cool. Apparently they’re migrants. But it’s très cool. And, what’s more, it’s not everyday that you actually get to listen to a French conversation!

Have you ever heard little kids communicate with each other in French? *wide grin* It was really intriguing and interesting to hear French coming out of their mouths; so cute and innocent.

Haha, I know, I’m just really ‘sakai’. But I always enjoy listening to little kids talk in foreign languages. I mean, come on, even a little boy or girl speaking in Japanese or Cantonese sounds really cute, especially if they’re quite fluent. Same case here. But it’s French. I want to learn, too!!

Later on, after they left (and I found out that the younger two siblings, are fraternal twins), and towards the end of my lesson, my teacher started playing Canon in D, which was arranged for the harp. That led to an enthusiastic talk about harps. My teacher is learning to play the harp, and she told me that it’s really similar to the piano; once you know the piano, harp is really easy.

Remember one of the things that I can't do? I can't play the harp, but I definitely want to learn how to play the harp! But~ a harp costs about $3000, according to my teacher. o_O

Nooo…. I vowed right then and there that I shall be a millionaire by the time I’m 30, buy a harp and learn!!!

Oh yeah. To Patty and DJ, about the competition. I quote the letter they sent me:

“…Your family and friends are also welcome to attend – there is a small fee at the door.”

So yeah, you guys just have to show up at UWA and buy the tickets at the door. For a “small fee”, of course. But thanks for actually wanting to come. Very much appreciate your support. Although I doubt I’ll win anything, it’s really more for the exposure and for me to gain more confidence for my Diploma exam later on. (Those aren't my words; they're my teacher's =P)

I just realized that I'm really random... jumping from French to harps to competitions.

Well, that’s just a day in the life of Connie. Night night!

Jerry... you are obviously very, very, very bored. Do post up something of QUALITY, my dear boy. And help, we're getting spam in the comments. It's irritating to read something like, "Hey, I stumbled upon your blog, and I think it's really cool and interesting so I'll bookmark you blah blah blah , by the way, if you're interested in gardening, visit so-and-so site."

-__-;

Watched Charlie and the Chocolate Factory yesterday. Wasn't too bad, but if you are a huge fan of Roald Dahl's books, then you would share some of my disappointment in the portrayal of the Oompa Loompas. I have never seen such ugly, irritating faces, all identical, how gay they are when they're dancing, and oh, not to mention, the songs. The hip-hop, pop background music is just... *shudders as she recalls their dance moves*

Not to say that it was totally bad, I mean, at first, I was just really amused and laughed, but it just became really irritating later on. It's so weird. I enjoyed the book a lot... and after the movie ended, I just really wanted to get my hands on the book to wash my brain of those scary images of dancing Oompa Loompas. Yeah, as you can see, I have a problem against them in the movie. =P

Phew~ Now that I've ranted out that, Patricia was so "kind" as to pass me the 7 Things Baton. I have to say, I have absolutely no idea what to write. So excuse me for the nonsense.

7 Things That Scare Me

1. Horror movies. And you guys should know this better than I do.
2. Er... walking home alone after the sun sets. I mean, I try not to think too much. ^_^
3. If anything happens to my family.
4. Ugh... I can't think of anything!!! How about... Jerry dressing up as a drag queen.
5. What else... my laptop dying on me... It's not really scary, but I'll be freaked out. Does that count?
6. (Mind blank... There's got to be something else... )
7. Yay, we've reached the last number! =D Er... um .... ah...

I give up. Next, please!

7 Things I Like The Most
Ah, this I can probably answer better.

1. Music.
2. Books! Particularly fantasy.
3. Dogs, puppies; I like cats too.
4. Oh no. My mind's shutting down on me again... I know!! FOOD! *huge grin*
5. I like... I like... I like... I like to sleep. Right now.
6. Oh, no, there's more?? Alright, alright, I like my laptop.
7. (Sudden thought) I like the companionship and caramaderie of friendship when I'm with my friends...

Moving on..!

7 Important Things In My Room
Can I make it through this one without drawing a blank??

1. My laptop.
2. My bed. Hehehe.
3. My keys... or I'll be locked out.
4. Um... my water bottles. Yes, that's plural. I'm not going to die of thirst in my own room.
5. My calendar.
6. My phone.
7. FOOD!! (I have a hoard of snacks in my room... ^_^)

Wow, that went by fast.

7 Random Facts About Me
Whaaaa....?

1. Um. I'm extremely blur. But I suppose you all know that already.
2. I'm slightly allergic to cats... =( My skin becomes itchy and my eyes itch, and turns red and teary... (Bet some of you didn't know that, eh?)
3. I... play the piano and violin, and a bit of guitar.
4. I.... like to read. =D
5. I......like to gaze at the night sky, full of twinkling stars.
6. Oh yeah. I'm EXTREMELY gullible. No doubts about that. Time has proven it, again and again...
7. My unruly wavy hair has been straightened about 5 times as of now. For the past four years. Jan'05 being my fifth time. I think... (Haha, how's that for random?)

7 Things I Plan To Do Before I Die

1. Backpacking around the world, visit as many countries as I can, with my friends.
2. A PhD in Music or some other course? LOL. (An obscure dream, but nevertheless a dream.)
3. Meet my special someone.
4. Live somewhere else (other than Brunei, Malaysia or Australia) for at least 10 years of my life.
5. To be able to play Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 3 in D Minor...Rachmaninoff's piano concertos are among the hardest and most difficult, and the Third Concerto is supposedly to be famous for its technical and musical demands on the performer. And with my small hands... =( But it'll be so cool to master it. It's approx. 45 minutes long. =D
6. Go on a mission trip and evangelise.
7. I just realized, my lists are making more sense now. Lol. And finally... to tell my family how much I love them. And we all know how hard it can be to say, "I love you."

7 Things I Can Do

1. I can play the piano!! And Beethoven's Pathetique Sonata at that. =P But still, nothing compared to Rachmaninoff... :(
2. I can read.
3. I can write!
4. I can walk!!
5. I can talk!!! (Sounds like Pinocchio... -_-")
6. I believe, therefore I can. =P
7. I can swim. And let me tell you, it counts, 'cause there are many people who can't swim!! =P

7 Things I Can't Do

1. I can't play the harp. I want to learn. That's one thing I definitely must learn!!
2. I can't ... try to act not blur.
3. I can't lie. For some reason, if I try to, I'm always found out, like, 3 seconds into my lie. I fail miserably at lying. Hahaha. That's probably a good thing.
4. I can't cook proper meals. *Reminder: Must get Mom to teach me all her delicious dishes when I get back.
5. I can't stop thinking.
6. I can't stop worrying.
7. I can't stop the urge to just stop right here. =P But I will persevere and finish the rest of this.

7 Things I Say The Most
What do I say the most, anyway? I don't pay any particular attention to my speech, and this is probably one that you guys are better able to answer anyway.

But I do know what I say the most:

1. Going, "Haaaaaaah?" when I hear something really ridiculous or shocking. As in, really loud and gullible-sounding "Haaaaaaah?"s.
2. "I'm going to die, I'm going to die..."

Can I give two only?

7 Celeb Crushes
Man, I'm not even up-to-date with the entertainment world nowadays.. I'll try.

1. Tobey Maguire. That came about after I watched Spiderman. Lol.
2. Ewan McGregor. Hehehe. That happened after Moulin Rouge. I didn't even know that he was Obi-wan Kenobi in Star Wars until my brother told me... -_-"
3. Johnny Depp. (Most people would probably groan at this one.)
4. Edison Chen!!~
5. I used to like Ekin Cheng as well. =S
6. A long time ago, I liked Kian from Westlife. But that's like, two, three years ago?
7. Keanu Reeves. Now, how could I have forgotten him? =D

I'm finally done!!! Liberated from the clutches of this thing. I really don't know who else to pass the baton to... 7 other people? Hm... I'd like to send to Unique Unity, but that'll be cruel, to kena all of them at once. Haha.

Sharon and Jerome from Luvsickz, Juan, Beverly, Joyce and Azam from Unique Unity, and finally... Jerry Wong, my blog partner. =P

Hope you guys enjoy stressing over cracking your heads in thinking up things, though for some of you it might be easier. Haha.

Off to eat dinner now! (Yes, I know, it's freakin' early, compared to our normal dinnertime in Brunei about 7-8 p.m.) But what to do..? =/ Bye bye!

Sorry for not updating the past few days... but I have to say first, that I probably won't post so regularly in the coming next few months or so, with my school exams and piano exam coming up.

I've just confirmed my date for my DipABRSM exam. 5th November, 2005. Morning. Time not confirmed yet.

What's more, my final exams start on 7th November.

[Takes a deep breath... Exhales]

I have three tests lined up this week, all in a row. I have two tests next week. I have one test (at the moment) the week after. Hip hip hooray.

I have a piano competition on the 21st, and I shall not panic.

I need a break. Like, seriously.

On a brighter note, Multicultural Day is next week, on the 13th. I'm really looking forward to that. It's more for the break from studying, actually. And I'll probably take lots and lots of pictures, if possible.

Just listened to the news on the radio... Another plane, another, has crashed in the 3rd largest city in Indonesia... (That makes it about the third or fourth (?) major plane incident in less than two months' time. I think. Someone correct me..?)

What is this world coming to?

四是四，
十是十。
十四是十四,
四十是四十。

Just being 无聊 [wúliáo] here. Don't mind me.

*For those who can't read; ask someone to tell you! ;p See if you can pronounce it right. It's not hard. =D

The Road Not Taken
Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that, the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I marked the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.


I like this poem. I very much doubt that any of you would actually have taken the time to read through it and reflect on its meaning. But it really reflects the crossroads at which most of us are right now, doesn't it?

For me, the first stanza really captures that dilemma of decision making: standing there, confused. Two paths diverge before you, and wanting to go down both, but you can't. And just like the voice in the poem, we look down the path, trying to look far into the future, but like the undergrowth that mars our view so, our future is uncertain and clouded.

But unlike the voice in the poem, we don't know which path we will take yet: Will we take the well-worn path, trodden by so many others before us, or will we take "the one less traveled by"?

Only time can tell... Five or ten years later, where will we be? Will we be satisfied with the path we have taken?

Sorry if this post is too "literary" for some people's tastes... Just feeling a bit reflective tonight.

On a brighter side... there HAS to be a way to reconcile the time differences in our blog, Jerry. X_X I realize that this blog is actually following YOUR time, which is, like, hours behind mine, so I have to change the time and date everytime I post... and that explains why your posts always end up below mine, even if you posted AFTER me.

I know... let's take the Greenwich Meridian time instead =P

It's the final day of August. Another month has passed, and just another three more months to endure here..!

It's National Day for Malaysia today, but even though I grew up in Brunei my whole life, and don't even know the words to Negaraku, Malaysia's national anthem, or even attended any Malaysian National Day parade in my entire existence, I'm still proud to be a Malaysian. Even though I really ought to be feeling more patriotic for M'sia than I do for Brunei =P

Home really is where the heart is. Sigh~

[Long, poignant pause]

Once again, I'm sorry my life isn't more exciting than Jerry's. But enjoy and take care over there, Coconut! And post up pictures, you doofus! =P

Finally Jerry comes back to life... You seem to be having so much fun over there! But the stress of college life is finally getting to your holiday-numbed brain, huh? Hahaha =P

I called my mom last night, hoping I can get some advice or direction about what I want to do, but after the conversation, I hung up the phone, feeling none the wiser. Basically, it's just "up to me", and I guess I should be thankful for that, knowing that some people are forced to do what their parents want them to do.

Hm.

Speaking of Ripley's museum reminds me of the one that I've visited twice back in Genting Highlands, KL. Twice I went, nothing changed. Waste of my money the second time. The first time, I discovered, is always a novelty, but even though it's a year later that I went back, the second time just doesn't seem so fun anymore. Aiyah, Jerry, why you don't visit? I'm sure Ripley's vary from country to country.... Haha, next time, next time, we all go together ;p

Ooh, and speaking of taking illegal pictures remind me of an incident few weeks back when I went shopping with a few friends for prom gowns. We went into this super-posh store called Intangible, which specialises in ball gown attires and stuff. I tried on this really beautiful dress, and we took a picture or two, when the lady came in and said, "I'm sorry, you'll have to delete the pictures on your camera. Our designs are copyrighted, and we don't want anyone copying it."

-_-" What was she doing, spying on us?

It happened that I had my digital camera out, so I had to delete the picture in front of her, for her satisfaction, but what she didn't know was that my other friend had taken one too, and the camera was already safely in her bag =P

Did I also mention that the dress cost a whopping $565? =D It was nice to feel glamorous for fifteen minutes, though.

There's about less than four weeks left before Term 3 ends, and the teachers are all rushing to complete the syllabus. Sigh. I'm trying not to stress.

[Tells self, "Do not stress. Do not stress."]

I'm calm.

Anyhoo~ post up a few pictures taken last week; ought to have posted up last week, too, but just got lazy. To Sherissa, Rungend and Jonathan: here are the pictures!





<--This is what happens when you're supposed to be studying, but you're bored, and you decide to play with straws. Wu-liao.












The process of making hearts out of straws --> The hands belong to Sherissa (the sensei), Jonathan and Rungend, her apprentices =P




<-- The finished products. Three straw hearts.
Were we seriously that bored?? I mean, I was taking pictures the whole way.. X_X









A close-up view. The straw hearts juxtaposed next to each other. -->




Like I said, we were obviously feeling seriously bored, when we should have been studying for a Human Bio test. Haha.

So retarded =P

*Yawn* Time for me to sleep... Zzz. (When it's still day/afternoon for you, Jerry!) Update more next time.

Lalala.

Would someone please explain kindly to me why the heck is the sidebar navigation all the way down at the bottom?

Haven't done much work, really slacking. Yesterday was the first day in this whole term so far that I finally got a real break. I didn't have any stupid seminar or any piano lessons, and I basically just wasted myself in the house. I slept in late for the first time as long as I could ever remember, and you all know what a pig I am when it comes to eating and sleeping. Now I regret 'cause I have tons of work to do. But when you've been on your toes for more than a month without any real break now, what can you do?

Sigh.

Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.

[Heavy silence fills the air]

There's only so many things that I can say on a public blog.

Okay, just going to quickly update before I go for youth group meeting at church later.

First off: Jerry, so fun!! Makes me also wish I had decided to go USA after all =P And yes, your period is after the apostrophe (in reference to your post). As is, 'sakai'. Sorry, I just had to answer that!

Well, today has been a quite upside-down day; see, we were supposed to be having an Economics test today, and I was a bit apprehensive, having done little revision. I had two free study periods before lunch, so I was thinking I'll just study the whole way through.

Anyway, as with the case - and ALWAYS, with Economics, this is the procedure for What Happens When You Have an Economics Test:

• Econs students in Period 1 take their test. Too bad for them, but lucky for others...
• Period 2. The questions have leaked. Why am I not surprised?
• Recess. According to statistics, and judging from my personal experience, about half the Economics students know, or have an idea of, what is on the paper.
• The situation becomes a huge game of Telephone: where one student tells another, who tells another, who tells another, who tells another...
• Lunchtime. Basically by now, virtually everyone who are Economics students (98%, probably) know what the questions are, have looked up the answers, and are "prepared".

Except that, in today's case, what made the situation twice as bad was the fact that the test paper was based on a past paper, and the answers were online on our school website.

See, the system works this way: every student has his/her own page which you can access by typing in your User ID and password. And on your page, you can access your subject courses, whereby teachers put up solutions to tests we have done, lesson materials, etc. And occasionally, a few past year papers for the diligent few.

Those past year papers sometimes come with suggested solutions.

It doesn't take much to guess what had happened. So with a few modifications to the earlier scenario I have presented, this is what happened:

By Period 3, people were printing the answers from the computers at the library, with a few actually photocopying to resize it to a miniscule size to smuggle into the classroom.

By Period 4, the word that "The answers are online!" have spread like wildfire. The "wonders" of technology. And the student grapevine is as ripe as ever.

By lunchtime, you can see students studying the answers, memorizing...

And by Period 6, the last period of the day, which was when my Economics class is... the situation was pretty much out of hand. I mean, the Economics test has turned into one huge, giant FARCE.

And somehow, I wasn't too surprised when in between changing classes from Period 5 to 6, the word already reached our ears that "the test has been cancelled". The teachers have called our bluff. The conspiracy has been uncovered. The seemingly infallible plot had its flaws, after all. I laugh wickedly at the thought of those students who had spent, excuse me, wasted their credit on their student cards printing out, photocopying...

Haha, that's just mean of me... But I felt relieved: partly, for the extra time, which I can spend revising more, and partly, 'cause I felt guilty about knowing; although almost everyone also knew, except for the odd few. (But come on, the answers were there, the paper was right there, in front of your eyes.) As a friend, Takaaki, put it, "Why are the teachers so stupid to do this?"

So yeah, that's how my day was. Now it's been postponed to next Thursday, and I feel better. It was unfair, and it was simply getting too ridiculous. Even a few rather studious and hardworking people I know were part of the plot. It's absurd.

It's almost laughable.

On another matter, I have to agree with Jerry's last post... coming here, I realize, like him, how much we've been spoonfed and babied. I experienced a lot of "first times" upon my arrival here.. Like, learning how to navigate your way around, taking the bus, making your own decisions, buying your own stuff, and not depending on your parents/driver to chauffeur you around. Instead of asking mom, "Can I go to this or that", you're making that decision for yourself, and being mature and independent. You're on your own out there. There's no mommy or daddy to run back to. They're a million miles away, and what can they do on the phone?

I attended a University of Melbourne presentation yesterday, and the place seems really beautiful, and the credibility and achievements impressive. Applications for international students close on 31st December, and my choices have come down to basically Music, Media or Mass Communication (which I would do Journalism), or I might take Law... But I feel really confused. Oh yeah, congrats, Jerry, on finally knowing what you want to do. =)

No, I'm not going to bother you all with details about my confused state at the moment. And even now, decisions like this, ultimately it's my own, and my mom can't do anything except help and support me.

It's tough 'growing up'.

Rottnest Island. Perfect spot for fishing. Or being alone in solitude?

It seems like only yesterday that I entered St. Andrew's School for the first time and walking into Primary 1G.

It seems like only yesterday that everyone was calling me "Popcorn". And me accepting it. X_X

It seems like only yesterday that Ern and Wen Jei conspired to make my life miserable in Primary 6. -_-"

It seems like only yesterday that Wen Jei, Ern and I were sitting in 6G together, laughing and joking and getting scolded by Mrs. Woo =S

It seems like only yesterday that Zakhir had blue ink all over his shirt and mouth and the fact that it tasted "Sweet".

It seems like only yesterday that I was at the British Council after PCE Exams for some random English course for people like me, Jances, Marshal, Sebastian and Tung Ming who have nothing better to do for the primary 6 holidays.

It seems like only yesterday that I was walking towards Secondary 1B and finding out with much horror that I'm put in the same class with Tiong. (Hehehe..)

It seems like only yesterday that we were practicing countless times for APEC, twirling ribbons and watching Ms. Mary yell at Azam and Michelle countless times =)

It seems like only yesterday that I was lying on my bed listening to music from my stereo in my room after PMB exams.

It seems like only yesterday that we were standing outside our classroom before classes start, during recess, after school...

It seems like only yesterday that we were lining up under the hot blazing sun for National Day practices.

It seems like only yesterday that I was practicing the dance to "Someday We'll Know" with all the other girls for our class (Sec 4s1) presentation.

It seems like only yesterday that Tiong, Azam, Fei, Jo, and I were practicing our speeches for the interschool debates.

I chasing after people to do their duty Form 4. =P

I was in the Chem lab at SAS at the back, titrating, laughing and fooling around with Sebastian, Azam, Tiong, Mandy, Jeremy...

In the classroom, during one of the random free periods just talking to friends and gossiping and just acting silly.

It seems like only yesterday that we were in class, being samsengs and talking nonsense.

Me being tricked by friends. Countless times.

Only yesterday that we were sitting at Teo Poi Hoon or at Yayasan enjoying lunch and rushing back to school in time for extra classes.

It seems like only yesterday that it was MusicFest, and I was playing the piano for Becky's "My Immortal".

It seems like only yesterday that it was prom, and Fei and Zam were crowned Prom King and Queen...

It seems like only yesterday that Jamie and I were going nuts over the newsletter. And playing mahjong with her and Jessie at her place.

Sitting in the canteen with everyone cramming in last-minute details before our O-Level BM paper start.

Only yesterday that I was sitting in the car with my mom after Additional Maths O-level exam. (I remember that because I felt miserable and tired after it.)

Only yesterday that I was at SAS church rehearsing with Jerry, Tiong, Fei, Joyce, Bev, Jerome, Kim Wei for Nativity Play.

Only yesterday that I was in KL shopping, during the holidays after O-Levels.

It seems like only yesterday that I was at Sasa's house after New Year's Eve, laughing and all of us getting high on vodka =P

It seems like only yesterday that all of you were at my place for a farewell party.

Only yesterday that Jerry saw me off at the airport.

Only yesterday that I landed in Perth, and everything appeared to be a dream because it was so surreal.

It seems like only yesterday that I was sitting in Excapade having dinner with all my friends, everyone enjoying themselves and laughing and simply appreciating the caramaderie between us.

Only yesterday that I saw you guys, and we were having dinner at Nyonya's and just "lepak"-ing around Gadong after watching Infection with Juang and everyone else.

Only yesterday that I visited you all in MD and wishing that I could share the day with you all.

Only yesterday that I had my final lunch with Jerry, Hui, Tiong, Juang and Jeremy at Thiam Hock.

Only yesterday that I left the airport alone on the plane, sitting beside a stranger and feeling homesick.

Only yesterday...

Sometimes I couldn't help wishing that I had stayed in Brunei instead, sharing funny moments and little things that make up one of life's many experiences that simply makes friendship worthwhile and special.

I miss home and everyone.

Must apologize for the lack of updates... Internet has been a bit wacko lately. I've been meaning to tell/complain to my homestay dad for awhile now, but just couldn't be bothered. Seems like he was trying to do something with it last night as I went out. So I'll just wait a few days more and then if things don't improve, I'll let him know that I'm having problems with the Net..

Anyway~

What to update?? Um. Today, I had an Applicable Math seminar, but I doubt anyone would be interested in knowing about Sets, Probability and Counting Techniques. After the seminar, went for dim sum with Pat, Sherissa, Erin and Jonathan. And then played two rounds of pool, where we took some pictures, but I'll probably post those up another time when I get those pictures from Jonathan. (It's amazing how many Jonathans there are... as of now, I have four Jonathans on my contacts in my phone.)

After pool, Erin suggested going for Karaoke... and that suggestion was met with a very, very enthusiastic response from all three girls.

We proceeded to sing our hearts out for the next four hours. From around 4 p.m. till 8 p.m. English songs, Chinese pop, Canto-pop, you name it. Even Thai and Hokkien songs were part of the mix - and those were the most "entertaining" of the lot.

The amount of money I've been spending for the past month or so is simply shocking!! But I won't go into details. I vow to be a miser till the end of the year.

To end the post, I'm posting up this: but before that, sorry, Pat!! But couldn't resist ;p Kachuaz also ask me too!!

Patty and Erin (under covers) last Monday night; sleepover at my place. And yes, Pat, I did take a picture of you that night after all. =D

Sorry if this post is a bit dry... but that's just how mundane my life here is. Jerry should have interesting things to tell us. Like... his orientation. Hint, hint!!!! Don't think that just simply shouting out is counted as "updating", boy!!

Came across this beautiful and enigmatic picture in the July edition of the National Geographic magazine in the school library today. My first thought was, "Wow, that is such a beautiful underground cave or something", 'cause it looked like some primitive, million-year-old cave. I was admiring the beautiful waterfall and design of the rocks.

Imagine my surprise when I read the caption:

"Pietersite
Photograph by Bill Atkinson

You can almost hear the roar as a waterfall tumbles over craggy boulders, one of countless imagined landscapes discovered in a polished slice of pietersite."

Isn't it amazing? This is merely an intense, close-up view of a small slab of rock. It's amazing. Read more about Bill Atkinson's Discovery in Stone here.

Jerry seems to have disappeared off the face of earth - probably enjoying himself too much and too happily in Kentucky, whereas the rest of us have to STUDY. (Do you even know the meaning of "study" and "school" anymore, Wong Sia How? =P)

Yesterday had a Chemistry seminar in the morning... Sat morning!! *sob* Supposed to be a day when I can sleep in, but nooo, we just simply must have a Chemistry revision class with Mr. Beveridge who didn't bully people so badly this time, but still has the weirdest sense of humour and in the end annoyed the mild Jonathan Chng (a friend at Murdoch) with his "very irritating voice!!"

Went with a few friends to the city after seminar where we had dim sum... That was super syiok. I realize how long it's been since I've tasted chicken feet and all the usual dishes... The waiters and waitresses had the idea that we could speak Cantonese and proceeded to speak to us in Cantonese, when our group consisted of the Pale One (who is Cantonese, but can't form a legible sentence for the life of her), Sherissa, who is pure Hokkien in and out, Yasuko, who hails from Kobe, Japan, and Jill from Singapore, who knows only English and Mandarin.

We randomly walked around the city after eating and basically bummed around till about almost 7 p.m. when we all went our separate ways. Sherissa and I were taking the same bus back so when we reached the Murdoch suburb...

That's when Sherissa and I both realized that she missed her last bus home when we reached Murdoch Park 'n' Ride. By a mere 7 min. What's more, it was an extremely windy and cold night (and I mean really windy. I was almost blown off my feet a few times.)

To cut a long story short, we had an impromptu sleepover at my place, with Patricia "sneaking" out of her house at 11 p.m. plus to join us after Sherissa and I called her. And we basically laughed and irritated each other (well, Pat and Sherissa anyway) for the remainder of the night.

Three laptops - like having conference of the PCs or something. And yes, this is my room.

A cockroach and a patty cake.

For more information and pictures, go over toe Sherissa's site here.

And to leave you with a final picture:

My neighbourhood. Johanson Promenade, Murdoch. Don't you love the blue sky? =P

And Jerry: how come I can't access the blog settings??