Ern and I were just chatting online just now, and from talking about our "new" glasses, the conversation somehow veered to English lessons with Mrs. Manik. We both agreed that our spelling and vocabulary have gotten worse after graduating from SAS. I remember one particular lesson, where we had to "fill in the blanks" with whatever. Anyway, one statement went:

"Let us be _____, Frank."

Or something like that, anyway. Ern and I were sitting beside each other, as usual. Mrs. Manik was making her rounds around the class. So Ern and I were figuring out what to put in that blank, and Ern suggested...

"Let us be frank, Frank."

Okay, that's like so retarded, I know! Anyway, we proposed it to Mrs. Manik.

Needless to say, she was not... very amused. But Ern and I really think that we did "tickle" her, it's just that she didn't want to give us the satisfaction of knowing that we succeeded in making her smile or laugh. Ern said that if she wasn't in one of her PMS-y days, she would have laughed.

Thinking about it, most of our female teachers were always going through those PMS moods - (suddenly I'm struck with the thought that a teacher might just stumble upon this blog. Scary!! Lol). Okay, maybe I shouldn't name names, but a certain teacher who dealt in the field of figures and graphs was always PMS-ing. But she was still fun! When she's not in her moods lah.

Anyway, the conversation led to the English compositions we used to write in class... one incident stands out in mind.

One of the topics we had on that particular Compo day was to make a story from the sentence "...and all that was left were footprints in the sand."

We all did our compos, handed in, and it was marked and returned. Anyway, Zakhir had always been notoriously protective of his compositions, and for that particular composition, Mrs. Manik made a really interesting remark, I think, so that got all of us curious. During recess time, we managed to "steal" his exercise book.

Oh man... it was the funniest composition we've ever read.

It was also the composition which made the least sense. I mean, there was no head or tail to it!

I can't really remember (someone correct me if they remember!) I think the essence of his composition was basically about this necklace with a curse on it... and there were a few paragraphs of this long-winded fantasy plot involving the necklace. And later on, for some reason, this girl found the cursed on the beach. She put it on, and -

She exploded.

Or was it the necklace which exploded?

But it was just hilarious!! She exploded, and "all that were left were footprints in the sand."

We have never laughed so hard before. I mean, it just didn't make sense at all!!

But to quote what Ern said: The funniest part was that Zakhir was convinced he deserved a high mark for it.

Jonathan Kok's compos were always revolving around the same theme: romance, and he always, ALWAYS kills off his main character at the end, usually by suicide. It led to Mrs. Manik labelling him as a romantic person, or something. Haha. I guess we all had our characteristics in our compositions.

Mr. AJ's Physics classes were funny as well... Ern lah! Always get me into trouble =P I remember one incident where we were sitting together (again), and we were doing absolutely nothing, but Mr. AJ gave us this really mean glare. Scaaary, okay! I didn't know what I did - maybe Ern did something. Lol. The "silence, class" and the "bang-bang-bang" with the palm of his hand on whatever surface he can find.

But I think Ern and I kind of created a "name" for ourselves, especially in Mr. AJ's classes. I remembered when Ms. Mary told Ern and I that Mrs. Manik (or some other teacher) thought we were a couple or something? That was in Form 3 or something? Lol.

But Ern and I do go quite a long way back... I remember we used to wait for each other everyday in Primary 4, and walk together to the bench to wait for our cars. Even when we were "split up" in Form 1, he always came to bother us in Form 1B. Lol. Yeah, Ern, I know you're drawn to me. =P But we were reunited in Form 4! Haha.

Okay, I should end this before I sound any more mushier. But anyway, bottom line is... I miss everyone back in Brunei! And the dream I had last night doesn't make it any better either. And to answer Ern's comment - no, it's not real! It's just a dream!! Just a dream.

But all that aside, I don't feel as homesick as I did last year (which was the whole year round, actually). I'm enjoying Melbourne, and already settling into life here... But I still can't wait to move out of this stupid apartment next year, and find my own place!! I need to find someone to share with, as well, and then I can rent my own piano from the Music Faculty instead of walking down to the practice rooms everyday.

It's ANZAC Day tomorrow, and it's a university holiday, so no school again! The classes I'll be missing tomorrow are replaced on Wednesday, though. Which is supposed to be my free day, but never mind!

Anyway, must go to sleep now... btw.. I want to see more pictures from Jerry. =P I've got no camera with me, so you can't exactly force me to put up pictures.


"So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, goodnight!"

Random

Easter break's over, and Easter camp was just amazing. Shall post more about it next time.

It's already autumn, and the weather's already chilling me to the bones - it feels like winter in Perth!! I can't imagine how I will be able to cope when winter really arrives later on. It's been raining/drizzling intermittently for the past few days (although it didn't today). I kind of miss the rains we had back in Brunei - the heavy, several-hours-long kind of rain. On those kind of rainy days, it's just lovely to stay home and do what I love best - either eat or sleep. =D

Speaking of sleep... wonder if any of you ever had a dream... where you're with all your friends, but for some reason, they're all denying you, and sever all ties with you. They pretend not to know you anymore, and whisper about things behind your back, and you just keep walking on, trying not to show that it's affecting you really badly. And when you try to find out what happened, no one wants to tell you anything, and for some reason, it's all your fault that you are no longer friends.

It's scary... I woke up from a dream like that this morning. A few of my closest and good friends were just being really mean... one or two were neutral, but I felt so alone and hurt. And it really did felt as if I had done something wrong. But I didn't know what.


Anyway!

Let's cast away that air of gloominess and depression and come back to happier things - like Jerry! You look different! Post more pictures of yourself =D

Speaking of that... I don't think any of you have actually seen me with my "not-so-new" glasses anymore... I was web-camming with my sister a few weeks back, and my brother saw me. Well, my sister as well. And my youngest brother said that I look really weird... Eeargh... brothers! My sister didn't really say anything, except that, "You have new glasses!"

I guess I really do look different, in terms of looks now! I mean, if you just compare how I looked the year before and now, it makes me wonder how I decided to have a perm, and at the same time, chop my hair off to have a fringe. And knowing me, it's quite a radical change, since I don't usually just go "all out". I mean, just before I had my hair permed back in M'sia, I even SMS-ed Ern just to get his opinion, so that I won't end up with weird octopus hair or something!

He never replied me, and the next minute I know, I was already seated on the chair with the curlers attached to my hair. =( I was seriously, seriously nervous - I didn't even know what I was doing, okay! It took a long time getting used to it - I remember after everything was done, I was regretting it, and complaining to my aunt (who probably can't be bothered putting up with my whining, since I wanted a radical change in the beginning). After a few weeks or so, it became part of "me".

Even my new glasses were just weird - I mean, I had worn my frameless glasses for three years, and though my prescription didn't change much when I had it checked at the beginning of the year, my astigmatism increased (again), which wasn't much, but my mom and I thought that I should have spare glasses, just in case. The spare, being my old glasses... And because thick-framed glasses are "in", I thought, heck, might as well be different.

And even after my new glasses were made, and even though my world was so much brighter and clearer, I couldn't, I just could NOT get used to seeing my face in the mirror with these thick-rimmed purplish-blue and metallic red glasses. I instantly went back to my old glasses after that, and once again, complained to my aunt and mom who were with me in S'pore. I wore the new pair on and off, and slowly got used to it. Now I can't wear my old glasses, because they feel weird!

And you guys know that I've worn my dolphin necklace for seven years now, right? Well, I'm not wearing it anymore - and that was a "painful" choice for me too. My mom bought me this new necklace in S'pore, with a really beautiful treble-clef pendant. Sort of a "present" for passing my Diploma... my dolphin necklace was ironically bought in S'pore as well, from my dad, for passing my Grade 5 exam with a distinction. I miss my old necklace! =(

=( Obviously, I have a complexity about letting go of the "past".

This is so random.

Er...

I need sleep now! School tomorrow, Easter break is over (and by the way, the first time in my entire schooling life that I had an Easter break). Haha, sakai of me, I know. =P

Night!

Dislike #1: Chain-Letters (grrr)

I received yet another one of "those" chain letters - sheesh, don't people just get tired of reading the same things over and over again?? I usually sort through my inbox email by email, starting from the top, and sometimes even the most innocent subjects can be the worst chain-letters. And you just seriously wonder why do people keep falling for it?! Especially when there are glaringly obvious flaws in the contents of the chain letter (email, I should say), itself.

Anyway, chain letters tend to follow a pattern; it's usually "if-you-don't-send-this-out-your-love-life-will-suffer" or "you-will-die-in-16-hours-if-you-do-not-follow-the-instructions". Or it might be "suffer-bad-luck-for-the-rest-of-your-life". Otherwise, it's always something related to love lives (makes you wonder about the people who aren't even in relationships) - "if-you-do-not-send-this-your-loved-one-will-dump-you".

Let's use the one I received today as an example. I won't reproduce the whole thing - it's just sheer idiocy, but let me have my fun of dissecting and lambasting it. *evil grin*

"This chain letter is real so follow the instructions and something good will happen!!"

*Huge, exaggerated yawn* Yeah, yeah, we've heard it all before. And how can you PROVE that it's real?? How is it real? Stop making all these ludicrous statements.

And as if they know you aren't convinced, they have to add an extra statement:

"Listen to this letter and good luck!!"

I won't even bother.

"Sorry, but this chain letter is for real. When Anne Wichert got it for the first time, she ignored it and a week later the love of her life jumped her for no good reason so BEWARE, and just send the stupid letter!!!!!!"

Okay, who the heck is Anne Wichert?! And why do we even care?! If you have like, an article with her photo, with details of her failed relationship, right down to proof of identification, and whatever nonsense, maybe we just might care a little. And why are you apologizing, anyway?! And anyway, millions of rational people probably ignore chain letters, and every day, someone probably gets dumped for "no good reason". And if this letter is "stupid", why are you even creating it?? (I assume that all chain letters must have originated from some smart wiseguy who has nothing better to do than to mess with the lives of innocent people.)

And then, after all this "declarations" and "statements", you have the usual contents - it's either some sort of retarded quiz, or just a really lo-so article on love and in my case, an article describing the rules of kissing and what-nots. (Tet~) Nonsense lar!!

Let's move on to the funniest (and lamest) joke I've ever seen -

"This chain started in 1887."

1887?! You've got to be kidding me. I almost fell off my chair. Wah-lau eh, I don't think technology was so advanced lor. And yeah, you may have the traditional "snail mail", but still!! I'm just thinking that it's extremely retarded that let's say, one person received this letter by snail mail in maybe 1995? (Computers becoming quite household already.) And let's say this person freaks out and goes, "Hey, look, e-mail! Fast, right? And can spread to even more people! Muahaha. I'm saved from the bad luck! (And I save tons on postage and envelopes as well~)."

Or whatever.

Never mind. Basically, it just sounds ridiculous to make a statement like that - for all you know, it might have started in 1500s or the Middle Ages~

Anyway.

"It is a love chain letter."

Like, duh, we know that.

"In an hour you are supposed to send it to 25 people. It is easy, just look into chat rooms and find them."

-___-"

I don't even go to chatrooms anymore (except when I want to download something, and we have MSN now~ maybe this chain letter was created in the late 1990s after all. And hey, what do you know, another major flaw - chatrooms in 1887!! You've got to be kidding me, right. And in 1887, can any ordinary person be able to replicate this letter and send it out to 25 people in only one hour??

Let's imagine:

A woman living in 1887 receives this in her mailbox outside her pristine country home. "Oh no," she exclaims. "If I don't send this to 25 people in 1 hour, I'll have bad luck in my love life! (What are chatrooms, anyway?) Never mind - must quickly get some pen and paper now, and envelopes and stamps!" (By the way, was the postal system already in effect by the late 1880s?)

I estimate that to replicate one letter will probably take 10 min or more - in cursive writing some more. (Since people tend to write in cursive in those times.)

Forget it.

"Anyway, send it to 25 people in 1 hour."

Yes, we've already got that in our heads.

"Now here comes the fun part."

Ooooh, what's that?? (/sarcasm)

"You then say the name of the person you like or love and then the person will say 'I love you,' or 'will you go out with me?'"

You know, if things can happen this easily, just by simply following some dumb instructions in a dodgy chain letter... And anyway, that's supposed to be "fun"?

And as if knowing that we doubt the authenticity of the letter -

"NO JOKE!!!!!"

In caps some more - plus 5 exclamation marks to augment the "seriousness" of the situation. -_-"

And as with every chain letter, you have the "consequences":

"If you break the chain letter, you will have bad luck in future relationships. If you don't break the chain, then you will be a happy camper!!!"

This ridiculous statement speaks for itself. Moving on~

"CONgRatULaTioNs! !"

Congratulations? Read on...

"You have been chosen to participate in the LONGEST and the LUCKIEST chain letter on the Internet! Once you read, this letter you must IMMEDIATELY (meaning within the hour) be sent to 25 people. After you send it, make a wish and it will come TRUE"

Oooh, don't you just feel honoured to have been "chosen"? It's not like we had a choice lor! (And again - 1887 = Internet??) They just keep reiterating the "1-hour, 25 people" thing.

Make a wish and it will come true? That belongs in the fairytales. And because these doubts are creeping into your head, and in case you're one of those people who decide to "send it later on, just in case", the chain letter warns you in a really loud voice (because it's typed in CAPS)

"YOU MAY NOT WAIT FOR A CERTAIN TIME TO SEND IT......"

Okay, okay, don't need to shout!!

"....REMEMBER, IT MUST BE SENT TO 25 PEOPLE WITHIN 1 HOUR, OR YOUR WISH WILL NOT COME TRUE!"

I think the numbers 25 and 1 hour will be floating around in my head for the next hour or so.

The climax is really at in this statement:

"If THIS CHAIN LETTER IS CONTINUED UNTIL THE YEAR 2004, IT WILL BE PLACED IN THE GUINNESS BOOK OF WORLD RECORDS!"

LOL. I won't even try to tear this statement apart. I think the absurdity of it pretty much brought it down already.

And because you still won't believe it, the letter begs you not to listen to the logic in your brain which tells you to just press the "Delete" button on top of the screen and watch it sit in your Trash folder:

"PLEASE CONTINUE IT NOW!!!"

x_x

And as usual, after the "consequences", you have the familiar "warning":

"IF YOU DO NOT PASS THIS ON, SOMETHING BAD OR WORSE WILL HAPPEN TO YOU:"

I think we already got that idea from the very beginning of the letter when we read about Anne-what's-her-name who got dumped.

"NOTE: THE MORE PEOPLE YOU SEND THIS TO THE MORE LUCK YOU WILL HAVE IN YOUR LOVE LIFE."

I think we'll get more bad luck considering the irritation of our friends who receive childish chain letters like this.

*Whack*
"What was that for?!"
"Flood my inbox with such nonsense lah!"

"IF YOU BREAK THE CHAIN LETTER (IT HAS BEEN GOING SINCE 1887) YOU WILL HAVE BAD LUCK WITH YOUR LOVE LIFE FOR SEVEN YEARS."

Sheesh, enough with the 1887 thing already! And that whole bad luck thing! Life itself is full of ups and downs - if we can make our lives stress-free, bad-luck-free, and everything else free, then what's the point? There's no excitement and "life" in cruising along smoothly. We need bumps now and then to help us learn and get us through our journey.

The funniest part of all:

"THIS IS NO JOKE".

LOL.

And hey, what do you know, it's already an hour *huge grin*. Does that mean I will be plummeted with bad luck from now on for the next seven years?

If I add up all the chain letters I've ignored thus far, I think I should be suffering for the rest of my life. =D Otherwise, I ought to be, by right, already dead. -_-" And I'm sure a lot of people ignore chain letters as well.



P/S. I might sound a bit too condescending in this post... but it's all in jest! Just pretend I'm Jerry blogging. =P (No offense meant to you, Jerry! Lol. J/k.)

....

今日さむいですね。

The weather's turning colder and colder... if I'm already freezing now, I can't imagine the situation when June comes around. I'll probably turn into an icecube.

JERRY WONG SIA HOW, WHERE ARE THE PICTURES YOU PROMISED???? WHERE IS THE POST YOU PROMISED TO PUT UP???

Now that's over and done with... onto my usual "updates"...

....

......

..........

*mind blank*

Okay, this certainly shows how interesting my life is.

Rant

Bloody lifts...!! GRRRR.

This has to be the 3rd time this week that I have to walk up and down NINE floors of stairs.

What the heck are the maintenance people doing??!

'Poke-able'

Does that word even exist? I doubt it! But I can't think of any other word.

Today during lunch, I was sitting with Chiew Hui and Pamela.

(A conversation is carrying on between Connie, Chiew Hui and Pamela. Suddenly...)

*Poke*

Connie: (startled) What?!

(Connie turns around in her usual blur fashion, searching for the culprit. She turns to her right and sees no one, and whips to her left to see...)

Connie: ONG CHI!!

(After some random conversation - a lot of exclamations coming from Connie, as expected - Chiew Hui has to leave for her lecture. Ong Chi takes her place.)

(More random conversation. Suddenly~)

*Poke!*

(Again, Connie looks left and right to see the culprit. This time it was - )

Connie: Bell!!

(Bell goes off to sit with her friends at the next table. Conversation carries on, with more 'exclamations' from Connie before the conversation actually gets back on track.)

(Conversation resumes. Time passes. And then~)

*Poke!!*

Connie: (not again! Turns to see) Grace!!

(Connie is very sorry to say that she started 'ranting' in her very Connie-way about why everyone is 'shocking' her today by poking her from one angle and appearing at another angle. All that at Grace's surprised face. Sorry!! =P)

As lunch break nears its end, Fate and a little bit of Suay-ness decides to play with Connie for one last time -

*Poke!!!*

Connie: (immune by this time liao~ turns around and sees) Lin...



I think lor, if someone poked me one more time, I won't be surprised anymore, even if I see a real ghost. Probably just stare and be sotong.

Titleless

Hello!~

Daylight savings end today - yes, an extra hour in my day!! The time difference between Brunei and here is now 2 hours; not that it's significant in any way at all. Just felt like saying it. =P

I'm bored.

No, I'm not bored, actually. I have a presentation tomorrow, a couple of assignments dued on Thursday, a response paper dued on Thursday as well. This is my busiest week by far. I'll be tackling all that later.

What's that I hear? Music, you ask? Oh, I'm quite enjoying it, thank you very much for asking! I have to "build up the strength in my fingers", though. I have to work on my technical skills to achieve that. Gah.

I see your eyes glazing over now, your attention shifting. I know my post is boring today, but it's just to *huff* keep this *puff* blog going... *breathe*. If no one else blogs *HINTS VERY STRONGLY AT A CERTAIN SOMEONE*, then it'll just slowly die a sad and painful death again. I have to do my part to "inject" a bit of life into it.

No matter how boring my posts may be.


[edit]


By the way, if anyone wanted to know, Chiew Hui definitely was in pink that day!! (So I'm not that blur!) I've clarified that with Ong Chi, but Chiew Hui showed me her shirt the other day when I was at her place - we've come to a compromise: She was wearing an orange-shirt-turned-pink.

^_^

Broadcasting from OCW187 FM!! (One Corner of the World)

(Just something funny my friend sent to me...!)


*The awkward first phone call*

The Scene:
The Girl is a 23-year-old investment banker, working in New York.
The Boy is doing his residency in Boston and was given her number by his mother, who is a friend of the girl's aunt's brother-in-law's cousin's uncle's wife in Chicago.

Time:
Monday night, 10 p.m.

Girl: Hello?

Boy: Shit, she's home! Um, hi! Is this Pooja?

Girl: Speaking.

Boy: My name is Karan. I don't know if you know who I am. God, what if she doesn't know who I am? I don't even know why I'm doing this!

Girl: Oh, you live in Boston, right?

Boy: Yeah. Okay, so she was told about me, that's some relief. I wonder what she was told - "He's a resident, tall, and fair and he graduated from Ivy League school!" God, she probably hates me already!

Girl: Yeah, my mother mentioned you had my number. I can't believe he actually called!

Boy: So, how are you? Oh yeah, that's real original, but what the hell else I am supposed to say - Umm, hi, I don't know you, but do you want to be my wife?!

Girl: I'm fine. And you? Okay, this is off to a great start.

Boy: I'm good. Okay, think, think! So, I heard you're an investment banker? Oh, that's a real winner. Now I can be a bad conversationalist and an idiot!

Girl: Yes.

Boy: Okay, she is not helping me at all! Where do you work?

Girl: Merrill Lynch.

Boy: Hey, that's a great firm! I sound like a complete moron. I should just hang up except my mother would somehow find out and kill me!

Girl: Yeah, it's a nice place to work. God, this guy sounds like a complete loser!

Boy: So... Stall, stall!

Girl: So you're doing your residency in cardiology? Like my mom didn't tell me that 500 times already!!

Boy: Okay, I can handle this... Yeah, I'm in my second year. Alright, now say something else, but what do I say? Do you drink? 'Cause if you want to marry me, you can't be one of those goody goody Indian girls who think that if they kiss a guy, they've practically gone all the way! So what do you like to do in your free time?

Girl: Umm... get wasted... Oh, you know, hang out with my friends, go to movies...

Boy: Where do you like to hang out in NY?

Girl: Shit, what am I supposed to say? This guy could be some religious freak! I can't say bars - I'll say clubs, you can go to clubs and not drink... Oh, sometimes we go to the movies, or there's a couple of clubs that are good... That was good, I made it sound like I like clubs, but I'm not really into them...

Boy: Okay, she goes to clubs, that's a good sign. If she was really religious, she wouldn't do that. Yeah? I like to dance as well.

Girl: He likes to dance - that's a good sign. He can't be that stiff! So where do you hang out in Boston?

Boy: Should I say it? Alright, I'll say it, what the hell! Umm, the same, bars, clubs, stuff like that.

Girl: He said bars! So he probably drinks. Good sign. I should explore this further... Are there any good bars in Boston?

Boy: Yeah, there are some nice onces, I mean, I'm not a huge drinker, but I like having a good time. Okay, that gives the impression of someone who enjoys drinking but is not an alcoholic - pretty good, if I do say so myself!

Girl: That sounds really positive. This guy sounds kind of cool. But if he's so cool, why is he calling me? Shouldn't he have a girlfriend? Or not need to call random girls his mother tells him about? God, what if he's completely ugly? Yeah, me too. Although I hope my parents never find out.

Boy: Yeah. I know exacvtly what you mean.

Girl: Okay, so he didn't freak out at the living a double-life reference - another good sign! I just wish I knew what he looked like... So...

Boy: Or she could be really fat with a huge mustache. Well, there's only one way to find out! So... I know this sounds a little crazy, but I'm visiting some friends in NYC next weekend and I wonder if you'd want to get together for coffee some time.

Girl: Coffee. That's totally safe. If he's totally nasty, I can have a quick expresso and run like hell! Yeah, that sounds great.

Boy: Alright, that went pretty well. Coffee's pretty harmless. And who knows, maybe she'll be cool. Now I have to get the hell out of this conversation... So, I have your e-mail, should I just e-mail you soon and we can figure it out?

Girl: E-mail is sooo much better than the phone. Thank God for e-mail! Yeah, just e-mail. I check it all the time at work, so - God, this is getting painful.

Boy: Alright, I'll e-mail you soon. Meaning in two days, 'cause I don't want to look too desperate, but at the same time I don't want to look like I'm trying not to look too desperate.

Girl: Cool. Well, I'm glad you called. I think...

Boy: Me too. Well, I'll see you soon. Please be hot, please be hot!

Girl: Alright. Bye. I can't believe he called! Too late to back out now. Besides, maybe he's cool. He didn't sound so bad on the phone.

Boy: Bye. I did it! I am the man! I think she wants me. Yeah, she definitely wants me...


Regarding my previous post: Chiew Hui said that she was wearing orange, NOT pink, yesterday... I don't know what's right anymore! I can't believe I'm that blur!! Am I?! I have to clarify with Ong Chi... I can't believe this, if Ong Chi says "orange", I think I'll just die. My blurness would be officially confirmed.


I went for my first Ensemble class - they were cancelled for the past couple of weeks. I missed the 1st week since I hadn't transferred then; the 2nd week, the teacher was in Moscow for a music conducting conference. He came back in the 3rd week, but the weather in Russia left him feeling a "little worse for the wear" (because of the "snow and ice"), so that was another class cancelled. We finally had a lesson this week. The Ensemble I was put in is the Faculty Choir (since I joined too late to be able to get into other ensembles).

I really enjoyed it! Lol. Singing!! It may not be pop, or your cup of tea, but it's definitely mine! We're learning this choral work by Gabriel Fauré. It's called Requiem, and it's his most famous work. The text is in Latin, and it sounds absolutely beautiful (even though requiems are technically funeral masses).

Aside from the lessons (which I'm finding rather enjoyable!), I have a couple of assignments, a response paper, and a couple of presentations dued in the coming weeks. Will be quite busy!

I'll update again soon. Jerry thinks that I'm "making up" for the lack of his posts since I'm posting quite often recently.

Well, let's put it this way; one corner of the world is better than silence from all corners! (No matter how lame that may sound.)

Love it or hate it =P

Chiew Hui accompanied me on my piano practicing today, and something that came up was the topic of parents sending (read: forcing) their kids to learn piano or some other musical instrument.

Interestingly enough, my mom never forced me to take. I remember asking her before something about why she sent me for piano lessons (or something along those lines - basically, how did I get started learning the piano, anyway).

"You yourself asked for it," was the answer she gave me.

I remember staring at my mom, dumbfounded. I asked for it? Do all 4 or 5-year-olds ask stupid questions?

My mom started piano lessons while she was pregnant with me, and after she gave birth to me, she continued, until my second brother was born, and then she stopped. Apparently I must have been intrigued by the funny sounds coming from the bulky black box when you press the rectangular black and white blocks on it. I pestered my mom about wanting to learn it, and so at the age of 5, I was promptly sent off for piano lessons.

Because I wanted it.

-_-"

I can't even remember! But then, who remembers things clearly enough at that age? Probably a blur of vague memories.

But I do remember practicing hard everyday in my entire primary years (1 to 6). There was one moment I remember quite clearly; I think I was only in Primary 2 or 3 (because I remember it was in the morning that I went for a piano lesson). I was actually going through all the pieces one more time before I left the house, and I remember discovering one extra piece which I had completely forgotten to practice. I remember panicking and telling my mom, and asking her to wait. I promptly practiced the song on the piano 10 times in a row.

(Not making that up.)

I wish I'm that motivated now.

When I reached Form 1, I kind of lost my enthuasism and motivation; I was supposed to sit for my Grade 6 practical exam that year, but I absolutely hatedthe piano, I loathed practicing everyday. In the end, I had to be constantly nagged by my mother, and in the way, the exam itself kind of 'woke' me up. I almost failed it, passing by just a few marks. It was a major shock to me; I kind of regained back that enthuasiasm.

The 'I-hate-piano' phase was really bad; bad enough that I even asked my mom to let me quit. But she refused. I guess I'm really grateful now. But I believe everyone has to go through that kind of phase sometime. After all, my life was constantly revolving around the piano, and in a way, "familiarity bred contempt".

It's turned into one of those "love it or hate it" relationships. No matter what I choose, I can't leave it without feeling lots of regret and misery (like I did at the beginning of the semester, but thank God that I made the transfer to Arts/Music). And even if I do go through moments of "I hate piano!", I can't leave it anymore.

Okay, this post is sounding weird now. I shall stop. =P



On a lighter note:

I was with Ong Chi and her friend and walking to the Economics & Commerce building, when suddenly a pink figure materialized in front of us.

Being blur, as always, I kind of "saw through" the pink aura. Actually, to tell you the truth, I didn't notice anyone or anything at all!! I was just intent on getting to my destination.

Suddenly,

"Chiew Hui?!"

I blinked my eyes, and suddenly she was in front of me, materializing out of nowhere.

(Man, I hope I don't walk around looking that blur.)

But apparently I wasn't the only blur one: Ong Chi told me later that in her mind she was thinking, "Who is this pink freak staring at us?"

No offense, Chewy!!! I seriously didn't notice you!! Hehe. Hontoni gomen-nasai!

But part of the shock is just that, the uni is so big, and everyone's timetable is so different, that you're even lucky to meet up once or twice a day during the course of your day. And when you're rushing to go to your next class, you tend to just ignore everything around you.

Well, at least I do that. =p

Ciao!

Gaming... and alter-egos.

Listening to soundtracks from games and various anime on my playing list, I’m suddenly overcome with nostalgia for the past.

I remember spending at least a few hours each day, playing Final Fantasy IX on the PS in my brother’s room, and being all happy and smirking about it, because I was further ahead. Lol.

I miss the feel of the controller in my hand… okay, that just sounds a bit weird. But anyway, I just miss the good ol’ days… when there wasn’t so much worries, so much stress… and there was still enough hours in the day to play and finish your work.

Arrggh. I have a sudden desire to grab a PS and play the RPG games all over again!! Final Fantasy, of course – every gamer’s must-have and must-play! Tales of Destiny, Grandia, and other less well-known RPGs…

Yeah, I know, these games are considered old in the modern gaming world, but they’re still good! XD I remember playing Guardian’s Crusade with GameShark the whole way through, and I was basically just cruising through the game. But seriously, it’s practically impossible to even win a battle without cheating… LOL. But the graphics and storyline were lame. Thinking about it, it was the first game I actually finished. (Yes, with the help of GameShark =p) Oh well, I was just bored… and that was like… how many years ago… back when I was in primary.

Tales of Destiny! Now that is one old RPG, the graphics were in 2D in playing mode and the not really “up” there in terms of the quality and standards of today, but the FMVs were really detailed and remarkably beautiful for its time. I really enjoyed playing that, but never got round to finishing it! ToD was really long, filled with lots of puzzle-solving activities and mysteries that you have to solve in order to proceed on your journey. The storyline was really good though, but I just couldn’t crack one really confusing riddle somewhere at the end. I drove myself crazy over it, and ended up getting lost traveling here and there. I really would love to get back to it sometime; no matter how outdated I may be in doing so!

Then there was Grandia. It was another RPG I was really into. Grandia was around my upper primary/lower sec years. (I kind of gamed less and less as I slowly ‘grew’ up.) Anyway, there I was, happily leveling up my characters, getting new spells, obtaining new skills, etc.

And then I got stuck. (Again.)

Countless hours were spent wandering around that stupid forest (I remember lots of weird plants, typical fantasy games lah) and battling random enemies, which gained me even more experience, which was good I suppose… but I freakin’ just COULD NOT FIND MY WAY OUT. Because of those countless hours, I can still remember how that stupid place looks like in the game!! Yes, even like, 5 years later!

So that was another game give up in frustration. The storyline was quite good, though… sad!!

Does anyone know Star Ocean, the Second Story? Or something like that. It’s one of those RPG games with lots of endings, depending on which path you choose. So lame, and too lazy to explore the so-called “over 80 endings!” (as it said on the back cover of the pirated CD my brother bought). Who actually has that kind of time to play a game 80 miserable times over??

I gave up few minutes into the game after being defeated by the enemies… and any RPG gamer can tell you that I’m probably retarded for dying so early in the game, when the enemies aren’t suppose to be that hard!

(Actually, the same happened to me in FFVII, but I’m not going to say more about that. XP)

And, not forgetting Legend of Legaia!! My brother and I were playing it simultaneously, and he was ahead of me, but who cares… it’s a cool game, but I’m ashamed to say I didn’t use skills – I used the power of the GameShark (again), lol… 'cause it was hard!! *hides from stares* Anyway, most of those were played when I was in Form 1, actually.

So now you all know… this pale ghost is actually a gaming freak underneath. Heh. If it wasn’t for my brother, I wouldn’t have gotten hooked. I remember my brother persuading my mom and dad to buy the PlayStation. You know how they always have those promotions, like, buy one console and get 30 or so games free? Yep, that was how it happened. My brother and I messed around with a few dual-player games. It was enjoyable, really… Many games came and went, among them, Parasite Eve(which I watched my brother played - freaky storyline, but enjoyable, with nasty monsters), Resident Evil (I will never find the nerve to play horror games - one memorable scene from the game: main character walks down the stairs, suddenly a zombie crashes through the window. I had the shock of my life and actually screamed), Thousand Arms, Musashi, just random RPG games most of the time. Oh, yes, and there was Crash Bandicoot!! That was a nice one. It feels so long ago... The racing games were good as well.

Most of those days are gone now… playing, often with my brother beside me, watching and forever criticizing the way I play… not that I minded. I usually let him defeat the bosses for me since I often become over-excited and will die anyway! Excited, as in, when the boss attacks my characters, you can hear me squealing, “Oh no, my characters are dying!” (even when they’re not). Every time! No wonder my brother makes fun of me. (But I finished FFIX by myself, so there!!)

I know this is probably a little out of character for me to talk about games out of the blue, and I probably don’t even seem like the gaming type to most of you. Well, now you know! Lol. I actually wanted a PS2 very badly when FFX came out, and that was around after our Form 3 PMB exams finished as well. When my results came out, my brother was bugging me to ask my parents to buy for me, since I – um – did quite well.

But I didn’t. And I regret. =’(

I think I would have preferred most of the old PS RPG games though.

I haven’t touched a game in over a year… (PS game, that is!) Maybe when I go back at the end of this year or something! Lol. Just for ol’ times’ sake.

Disclaimer: What you have just read is not REALLY Connie; she's in a really weird mood now. So for the moment, just assume that this is her alter-ego in an alternate universe where only oddities exist. That’s because you know that she’s not REALLY a weirdo (as blatantly obvious in the undercurrent tones of the above post).

Right?

Live ... from One Corner of the World

I thought I better quickly type up a post before I continue on with my music assignment - and, this time, I shall not apologize anymore for lack of updates, not updating often, or whatever. Thanks to Tiong, who pointed out that almost all the beginnings of my posts start with a "sorry" or some kind of apology.

Therefore I shall not apologize anymore =P. It's my blog after all! Oops, I'm sorry; I meant, the blog which I'm supposedly sharing with a certain 18-year-old who is currently in the States. Yeah, remember him? A lanky, skinny guy whom I have not seen in over a year.

Me: The blog is called OPPOSITE CORNERS OF THE WORLD.
J: Don't wanna blog till something fun happens...if I do, I'll be wasting people's time.
Me: It's not ONE CORNER OF THE WORLD.
J: HAHAHAHAHA
J: Good one.

You dare laugh?? >=/ *glares at Jerry from her corner of the world*

To sum it up, it's like, all communications have been cut off from the other corner of the world, and the data is flowing (though not smoothly!) from only one corner of the world.

This blog might as well be renamed: Silence from All Corners of the World.

Anyway!

I totally forgot to mention! Commonwealth Games are currently going on in Melbourne. It's been one week already. I don't know if there's any news about it back in Brunei, but the newspapers and media here is so pro-Australian, it gets a bit tiring to see all the glory and credit focused on the Australian winners. The other countries who do win get little publicity. Shows how biased the media can be. Anyway, apparently Brunei is in lawn bowling and some other weird events? Lol. Not that I know.

I was actually out on the opening night of the Games, and for the first few days, the newspapers often showed pictures of the Queen and other royal and distinguished dignitaries. But opening night! Not that I actually went, but I happened to went out with Chiew Hui and her friends, and then, and then....


There were fireworks!!!


Hahaha!! I was so sakai. I think Chiew Hui was probably embarrassed by me. But it was really really beautiful, okay!! It went on for about 5 minutes, and a lot of people were on the streets in the city, so there were quite a few crowds at the various spots where you could see the fireworks clearest.

Last Sunday, there was also a marathon, but I didn't get to actually see it. The roads outside my building were blocked, but I attended church in the morning, and probably missed it altogether. By the time I walked back home, the roads were cleared already.

For all the hype over the Commonwealth Games, I actually don't see much action, apart from that first night, and the various officials and volunteers dressed in blue or wearing name tags, that you see every now and then. It still feels pretty normal, save for the increased security on the first night. Police cars patrolling the roads every few minutes, and security guards walking up and down the streets.

Well, uni life, as I said, is hectic, but it probably depends on what course you are doing. My timetable, at first glance, is actually quite relaxing, but if you calculate the number of hours you have to spend on practice and homework and self-study, it pretty much eats up all the spare time you have. In lectures, you just sit there and listen to the lecturers drone on and on, but most of the time, you have to study by yourself. No more spoon-feeding, you have to print out all your lecture notes yourself, you have to go online like, everyday.

I swear, if you do not have Internet access, you can just DIE and FAIL all your subjects. Everything is online, and one of my music units, Music Techniques, has its whole textbook on its website, so I'm basically dead if I can't access it. I think for other courses, the teachers sometime assign online tests as well.

Makes you wonder how students in the 70s, 80s, early 90s actually survived. I mean, most of the material went from books and paper to electronic media just like that.

Okay, got to stop here now. I've got a really busy morning tomorrow. I have 2 assignments dued by 9.30 a.m., a Music Techniques lecture at 10 a.m., a Concert Class at 11 a.m., a two-hour lecture of Media, Politics & Society at 12 p.m., all the way till 2 p.m. No break!! =(

I can already hear my stomach complaining. "Be patient and quiet, O dearest Stomach!"

Right, that's for your reading pleasure today, ladies & gentlemen! Will update again soon!

I'm really sorry for not updating; I finally have got my internet set up!! *does victory dance* The stupid company gave me the wrong username and password, which explains why I wasn't able to log on for the past week! Arrgh.

Anyway, this blog has become so dead that I bet no one visits here anymore.

First day of uni - I know I had promised to blog, but it's already the 4th week, and honestly, the past few weeks have been so hectic that I can barely remember. I made the internal transfer to the double degree, so thank God! I'm now doing BA/BMus. I still find it highly amusing that UWA had rejected my application for music, while Uni of Melb accepted me.

But in the process, I had to drop many units from the previous BA degree, so I'm no longer taking Japanese, I was compelled to drop Modern Lit, because it clashed with my Piano Class. I have three weeks of work to catch up on since I came in late. I always do things like this! >=/

But apart from the troublesome paperworks and tedious process of the transfer, I think I can just start to enjoy it all, once I catch up to my work. But, still: Uni - relaxing? Hah. It's far from relaxing. There's assignments to do every week, and though my timetable is actually quite relaxing, it's the amount of work that you do which takes up all your spare time.

This guy told me that if you are already dying in first year uni, then you have to get used to it - "dying". Not funny, I know! It sounds scary, man... Because the 2nd, 3rd, etc. years are much more hectic. And to think that most of us are already finding first year busy!

I suppose it's all about finding the balance, and juggling work and play properly.

I can't think of anything else to say, and I've got loads to do anyway. I'll try to blog about more interesting stuff next time. Jerry has gone AWOL on me! Blog, you donkey!! Contribute YOUR share of uni life as well!!

I'm still alive, I'm not dead yet. =P Reached Melbourne safe and sound.

Firstly, HAPPY BELATED 18TH BIRTHDAY, ERN!! I sms-ed you, but you never replied. 12 years of friendship, still counting! I'm really sorry that I couldn't be there for you, but who ask you to be born so late in Feb?? =P

Left Brunei on 20th, transit in S'pore for two days, where I did nothing but shopping. I have never felt so 'excited' - I'm finally in S'pore after how many years, and I'm finally in S'pore to do serious shopping! When I reached Changi, it felt so surreal. In the cab, I was thinking to myself, "I'm in S'pore, I'm in S'pore", over and over again... No pictures to feed your eyes, sorry, guys!

DAY 1 in S'pore

My mom and aunt were with me; my mom to send me off, and my aunt to accompany my mom. My mom had to go for checkup too. We stayed at a cheap hotel - 2 days only mah, no need to stay in some luxuriuos 4-star hotel. We went to Paragon. My aunt was scouting around for branded handbags for her colleagues. It seems to be a 'tradition' in her office - that everytime someone goes to S'pore, that person is always flooded with shopping requests. So we were going into all these branded stores (Burberry, Guess, Dunhill, Versace, etc.) where we were kind of 'ignored' by the salespeople. Sorry, we not 'posh' and 'high-class' enough for you kah? Lol.

There was one particular Chinese restaurant which stood out in my head. At the basement level at Paragon I think - the restaurant makes its own noodles and stuff, and I really enjoyed the meal - maybe partly because I was starving as well. Hehe.

At night we walked around some more around Orchard, where I bought lots of things to bring over to Melbourne. I can't believe how much we bought. My heart pain eh, see the money just ka-ching away like that. I also can't believe how easily my mom and aunt can just pay for the stuff we bought. Shudder. I really can't shop. I keep calculating. That's why I'm not a really good person to go out shopping with. Apart from that, I can't make decisions and I don't have an eye for fashion. And if I do buy something I like, I will always have some form of feelings of regret later.

Went to make glasses. I have a new look, people. I'm no longer wearing frameless glasses, but I have frames now. I still can't get used to my new look, but you can ask Chiew Hui, who has seen me with it. Lol. My world looks so much brighter and clearer now, though. 3 years with my frameless glasses. My astigmatism increased (again) but my prescriptions remain constant, which is good. And my frames are red and purple. It doesn't look as bad as it sounds. >_<

DAY 2 in S'pore

Um.. let's see. Memory failing me a bit here... Orchard again, I believe. Oh yes, my feet were aching like anything when I got up and planted myself gingerly on the ground. So painful... all the walking around. Shopping is fun, but tiring.

It was shopping, more shopping and even more shopping! Finally met up with Sherissa and Erin - we ate at Crystal Jade Restaurant at Takashimaya at night. It was really good to see them.

DAY 3 in S'pore

My last day. Leaving at night for Melbourne. At the airport, I felt all choked up with homesickness and tears again as I left my mom and aunt. My aunt cried a little, but my mom didn't. Haha, weird... But now that I'm here, it's not so bad the second time round. I know now what to expect, at least, and even though it's a new place, I'm not totally blur... I think. =P

The plane trip was 7.5 hours. I was on Qantas, and watched Corpse Bride and Pride and Prejudice (again). I started watching Walk the Line, but only got through about 15 min - it's actually not bad. Anyway~ I only got about an hour of sleep, and I got the middle seat. I reached Melbourne at 4 a.m. Brunei time, had to wind my clock forward by 3 hours.

Btw, it's already 12.30 a.m. here, and I'm still not asleep. I have my first day of classes tomorrow, and I ought to be getting a good night's rest. Everytime I look at the clock now, I keep thinking that it's still 3 hours earlier in Brunei. Like, now it's only 9.30 p.m. I can't believe it. I feel CHEATED of my 3 hours!!

I feel so regretful! I should have taken a double degree with Music. I have never ever felt so foolish and miserable with my stupid decision. After finally convincing myself that Music is IT. Why do I keep making these kind of mistakes? If I can get a distinction in my course this year, then it's possible to switch to a double degree...

Sigh.

I shouldn't have slacked last year... >=/

I have to transfer, no matter what!!

It's already 1:11 a.m... and that is 11 plus p.m. in Brunei.

My timetable is quite relaxed. No classes on Friday... wheeee~ Only 4 days of schooling. But I expect the workload to be heavy. I chose mostly Eng. Lit. units, and all are heavy essay-writing stuff. I chose Japanese as well. I'm going to learn a new language, and that's the only class I'm honestly excited about looking forward to. Lol. But it still feels quite surreal. I can't believe I'm already in uni. Time is moving too fast ... the past week seemed to have just whizzed by, and I'm still struggling to catch up.

Time out for me now... I don't want to KO in my classes, not on the first day! Sayonara!

Jerry, why you never update?

(I realize that I almost always begin each post with a complaint to Jerry. =P)


This Chinese New Year has been one of the more memorable and enjoyable ones... Now that we're all 'growing up', we can drive around, go visiting, and there are less restrictions as well.

Growing up...

Sometimes I wish I can just stay at this age forever. Everytime I think of the future, I am filled with mixed feelings of trepidation and excitement. Even now, I still have no idea where I'm heading towards. I mean, as for now, I'm decided on going to Melbourne Uni and hopefully transfer to Law in my second year. But I don't know if it's really what I want to do. Science holds no excitement for me. So much for being in the Science class for those two years, huh?

Medicine is definitely out of the question. I'm not that weak-hearted, and I don't faint at the sight of needles or blood, but needles make me nervous. (To be more realistic, injections make me tremble all over. As in, really trembly that I can't stop shaking. It's happened before.) Blood I can tolerate, I suppose, but cutting up someone's body is out of the question. I'd probably faint even before the knife touches the skin.

I used to want to become a journalist, but there's too many objections and doubts surrounding that one. Then for some time, I was really sure that Music would be it. But then, things happened and then the doubts crept in again. I know that my mom would much rather me do something else than music, and I know that she'd wanted me to do Law. Not that I mind. But I don't want to become like one of those kids who listen to their parents and end up being unhappy. I want to be happy in what I'm doing.

I want to enjoy what I'm doing.

Sigghh... I don't know anymore. I guess I'll just take it as it comes...

My maid isn't coming back anymore... She worked with us for two years, and she's the best we've ever had, but her dad wants her back in Indonesia, and she's getting married as well. My mom got a part-time one, but she won't be back till Monday, so I have to help out with chores till then. Anyway, I've got lots of time on my hands. I'm leaving around 20++ February. (Ern... I'm missing your birthday for the second time... =/ )

Anyway, it's really great to see everyone... Really miss those times in SAS. One of the pangs about growing up is knowing that we can never re-live those moments again. Moments that will remain forever as memories, to be laughed over and talked about, over and over again.

Don't you just wish you can turn back the time?

Since I haven't updated in such a long time, I shall have to make it up with a long entry, I suppose (apart from the fact that Jerry actually sent me an email, asking me to update!) This blog has been dead for a very long time!

I shall regal everyone with stories of my driving experience thus far. And I know that a few of you in MD have been laughing your heads off over it.

Let's start from last Sunday. A most memorable day, indeed, especially for my passengers. Embarrassing, yes; but I am used to being ridiculed =/

After attending Sunday service at church, Ong Chi and I decided to call up Mandy to go out or something, since we were quite bored. My sister had a meeting in the afternoon, so I sent her out, and after dropping her off, we went to Kiulap to pick up Mandy as well. Thus began the dangerous experience of riding in a new driver's car.

We went to Gadong to buy some snacks -

1. I attempted to L-park into this tiny space (well, it's tiny to me!) in front of Hua Ho (the one near Centrepoint). The results of my parking: I couldn't get out of my driver's seat as it was blocked by plants. Yes, I parked too close to the plants, so I had no choice but to get out through the other side. My cacat parking was so that the left side had a lot of space. -_-"

2. Getting out of Hua Ho was the worst experience. As I attempted to turn left, too late, I realize I steered too early. It was a - um, very bumpy experience. We hit the curb and I think the car got a few good bumps on the bottom rear.

Unfortunately for me, there were two ladies standing at that curb, and the looks on their faces provoked uncontrollable laughter from Ong Chi and Mandy, who found the scenario very amusing, much to my chagrin. They said the ladies looked as if "got tsunami". Tet~


Later at night, we went to Joyce's place for her BBQ. I sent Mandy back to her place first, where Ong Chi and I waited for her to bath and change. We picked up Fei along the way, and then it was off to Joyce's place in Muara.

None of us are familiar with the roads of Muara.

I shall never ever forget the way to Joyce's house now.

Thinking we were very smart, we followed all the board signs that had "Muara" and the arrows on it. We ended up driving almost one hour on the road circling around Muara, reaching as far as Jerry's place, pass Vanessa's house, and we somehow ended up in Kota Batu. We were almost at Muara Town (which is a whole different place than Muara itself, as I have discovered). Muara is LARGE. We even drove all the way to Mentiri, and I'd probably have reached Ern's place as well.

Worse of all, we were running on a very low gas tank. We even switched off the aircond halfway to save fuel. x_x

Finally I called Tiong for directions. And we had to go all the way back from where we came from. We finally made it to Joyce's place (and even then, we overshot her simpang, and I had to U-turn back again).

As we were going home later, I had to send Jessie and Chiew Hui back as well. So now we have a car full of giggly girls.

The petrol station somewhere near the airport area was still open, so we went in to fill up my fuel tank. Stopping beside the tudung-ed lady, we met with another dilemma.

I had no idea what fuel the car was using. (I know, I know!)

I decided to call my mom.

"Don't use the phone here, it'll explode!" someone exclaimed from the back.

So Mandy ran off a safe distance from the station to call my mom. Coming back, she told me that my mom was laughing on the phone. Laughing! She laughed at me!

(The car was using unleaded petrol, by the way.)

We told the Malay lady to use "green" - and then -

I had no idea how to open the fuel door. I mean, I didn't know where the button was.

Mandy and I felt all around the driver's seat for the button. By this time I was feeling flustered. I mean, the tudung lady kept staring at us, and there were cars behind my car!! Mandy found the button and I filled $10 worth of fuel.

"I shall never ever go back to this petrol station again," I informed the others. "At least, not in this car."

There you have it, your today's reading pleasure - yep, another very 'Connie' kind of situation.

If I can only stop doing stupid things like these! Lol. But then, you wouldn't have anymore reasons to laugh at my antics, would you? =P

Await for more adventures in Connie's car!

Quick update:

First of all, a sincere apology to Jerry for ignoring our blog for more than a month (by the way, YOU have not updated since your Christmas post as well) =/

What I have been up to:

• Passed my driving test! =D
• Had a change of hairstyle (and eyebrows, for that matter) thanks to my aunt =X
• Had almost all my time taken up by driving lessons ever since I returned to Brunei and kept reappearing and disappearing.
• Currently... bored.

Oh yeah... I remember I did say I would have a pool party...

Juan, Chiew Hui: have not asked my mom yet! But I shall ask... after this post =) I'll SMS one of you guys to let you all know.. and you can pass the word around.

Tiong!! Beach party!


Signing off!

I've finally received all my luggage (well, almost, anyway).

...

Okay, I really do not know what to blog about. My 5 days in Miri were pretty much uneventful... my twin cousins are really tall for their age. The older twin is 140 cm, but the younger twin is taller by 1.5 cm.

They are only 8 years old.

I think I was a midget at that age. Their legs are as long as mine now. My uncle and aunt are tall, though, so I guess it's genetic. But the twins are already past my aunt's shoulders. And they're 8 years old!!

Lol. And we thought kids are becoming smaller and smaller these days.

I'm currently waiting for my L license to be issued... I can't wait to start my driving lessons after I get it. I'm probably going back to Miri next week, and staying there for two weeks or so, depending.

I just realized I'm sounding a bit robotic in this post. Shall end here.

Juan, Jamie & others: when is the best day you all can make it to my place for Pride & Prejudice? =D Saturday or Sunday afternoon? Let me know when is the best time, since most of you are leaving Brunei next week.

Jerry Wong Sia How: update!!

This blog has become so dead... and Jerry, what do you mean, you were shot??!

Brunei is as hot and humid as ever, but there was heavy rain and thunderstorm for the past few nights, and the first night I came back, my house experienced a blackout... I asked my sister if it had been raining like this the previous few weeks or so, and she told me, "No, only when you came back."

-__-"

I'll be leaving for Miri tomorrow and won't be back till Saturday... I can't believe it, my car/mechanics (whatever) class is only on Friday/Sat, what am I supposed to do for the next few days at my aunt's place? Well, I could play with my cousins, but I can only last for about a day before I'll be screaming "boredom".

My sister's gone to Kuching for 6 days in the meantime for some performance her music school is having. Did I mention she bought a $3000+ violin?? And the violin is handmade in Germany, plus it has to be kept in an environment with a humidity of about 60%. There's even this little hygrometer which helps you to check that. I know, I know. And I thought she was joking when she told me.

Meanwhile, the only sounds coming from the violin when I play it resembles a cat screeching.

I haven't got my haircut, I have yet to get my ears pierced, I shall have known how to drive a car by the end of this year. At least that is something which is actually going right.

Sherissa and Pat: I'm not too sure if I'll be coming to S'pore. Will let you guys know.

Oh yeah, as some of you might know, I left half my luggage back in Perth. Weight limit and all that. But I'll be (hopefully) getting them back by end of this week, as my aunt has *ahem* some connections with RBA, so I have three air stewardesses helping my to carry back my things. Finally! I know Sa's looking forward to her Charmed DVDs. Hehe.

Juan and others: Don't worry, I still want to watch Pride and Prejudice with you all!! =D Will let you guys know.

I really can't confirm many things right now... And Tiong, the pool party will have to wait as well. Till further notice. =P

Will update again when I can... Retarded BruNet connection. Grrr.

And did I mention that I stupidly left my laptop adaptor and wires in those boxes (which are happily sitting in Perth) right now? Double grrr.

Somehow I don't think you guys are too surprised *sigh*. I'm just blur. As usual. Ah well. =D

Jer: update bah.

PS. Sorry if I sound whiny. Just need to vent a little.

I can't believe I'm still up.

One more day... just one more day... must... be... patient... *struggles*

I've only got 3 takers for my Pride and Prejudice thing!! Where are you girls?! Lol. Tiong can go and splash by himself in the pool.

Speaking of that... About my "pool party" - it is yet to be confirmed... provided that you guys do want to come over. I have to ask my mom as well, but let me know about your schedules, so that it doesn't conflict or anything.

I can't wait. But I'm scared as well, that we won't have much to talk about (there I've said it. I've admitted it. Arrrr... =/)

Like a certain bird told me, "Be thick-skinned!"

So I shall be thick-skinned and will not hold back when I meet up with you all again. I shall talk and talk and ask and ask. I shall be extremely ... un-Connie. =P (whatever defines me anyway.)

I want to watch Harry Potter as well!! Some of you might have already seen, but I'm going drag you guys along with me, I don't care! And whatever movies are out as well. Finally, I can watch movies at reasonable prices. The stupid movie tickets here cost $11.50, and that's like, what student price?? My foot! It's almost $13 in Brunei dollars lor. And guess what, Harry Potter coming out here in Perth only on Dec 1. That is so lame!

My sister apparently went to S'pore on my parents' last trip there, and she bought tons of stuff... sekali turn into shopping trip... x_x . She sent one message which got me a bit suspicious again... but... nvm.

Apparently my aunt (the one who owned the hair salon, who's in Miri now) went along as well... I don't know, I feel worried again, but don't want to worry lah... Anyway, I'll be home in just less than two more days!!!

Please don't alienate me when I come back!!

(Need sleep... all your fault, Tiong! =P Lol.)

Exams are over!

I've booked my flight... I'm coming back next week!! Confirm liao...!! 22nd November, here I come! =D I'll probably touch down in Brunei around evening. By this time next week, I'll be at home, home, HOME.

Wheee...~

Today I went with a couple of friends to watch Pride and Prejudice (starring Keira Knightley). Those who have read the wonderful classic before, you guys should know what a beautiful love story this is. I don't know if it's premiered in Brunei yet, apparently, the movie is showing in select cities currently, but it'll be premiering worldwide on 23rd November or something. I don't mind watching it again... Maybe I'm just a really sappy person for love stories like this, but I couldn't help crying towards the end, when ... (not going to spoil it for you!)

I was actually about to burst into really loud sobs, but then realized that I'll be making a fool of myself, and suppressed those sobs and swallowed hard.

*Embarrassed laugh*

Yeah, I know... Don't give me those looks. =P

Ah, I'm just a sucker for romance.

After drying my tears, I immediately dashed off after the movie with my friends to hunt for the BBC series which was made in 1995 starring Colin Firth. Apparently it's a much more faithful adaptation, and Colin Firth makes a much cuter and charming main character. =P It runs for 6 episodes (an hour each). The movie I just watched is quite condensed (as with all movie adaptations). And I can tell you, especially to the girls, once you've read the book or seen any adaptation of it, the character of Mr. Darcy sets the benchmark for your dream guy.

It doesn't hurt to dream. So I shall continue to dream. Lol.

Oh yeah. My point is, I bought the DVD of the series, and just wondering if any of you interested souls out there are interested in coming over one afternoon, and watch it for six hours straight. I'm not joking! =P We can laugh, smile and cry together. It's a beautiful story about how a girl let her pride get in the way of true love, and her prejudices blinding her from the truth in front of her.

Let me know!!

Miss you all and can't wait to see everyone again!