LYMOND RANTING. Pardon me. (Safe from spoilers though.)
Suddenly wish I was born in the sixties, when Lymond first came out.
Apparently, the fan base had been huge and there were those really obsessed kinds (like the way some people are about HP today) who started writing fanfiction. And understand that there wasn't internet for use 40 years ago. So they actually put pen to paper and wrote fanfics. *collapses* They have what is called a fanzine. It's called Whispering Galleries in Scotland and the American version is called Marzipan and Kisses (I swear... I cannot recall the significance of marzipan and it's killing me! Another lymond yahoogroup is called marzipan.). I think the Whispering Galleries still exists and its 85th issue is coming out soon. (Found this out at www.ddra.org) Their fics are really serious ones, I hear (Like what happens after Checkmate)... and these fans are old now! Can you imagine? Can you imagine 4o years down the road when HP is still as fantastic a series as ever but the future fans will envy us fans now who get to WAIT for the books to arrive? And we get to read fantabulous fanfics like those written by Cassie...
Even though I've known Lymond for more than a year now, I find out something new almost every single time I bother to research or read through numerous discussion threads. It never ceases to amaze me. Apparently, it really pays off to pay close attention to minute details. So, way to go Eunice. If you manage to read till Checkmate, you'll be a Lymond expert... the way you try to find the meaning of every phrase or historical reference. I discovered something absolutely fantastic about the chronicles today. Something that really stunned me in its brilliance.
Dunnett is without a doubt a bloody GENIUS. DD - You are the master.
I can't help but think that people who do not indulge in fiction as much as others are seriously deprived of such incredible experiences. Why do people not read? Some people think me mad the way I go on about books and Lymond, but do they really know what truly awes me if they haven't given it a shot themselves?
I was speechless today, I tell you.
The true depth of the series is mind-boggling.
She was darn smart I tell you. How can so much knowledge be stored in a human sized brain?
Came across a site that listed out the research books she used in writing Lymond. My eyes bulged out I think. Enough said.
I shall sleep now, while my brain tries to accept Dunnett's awesomeness.
Sunday, September 26, 2004
Saturday, September 25, 2004
Did another lymond quiz. 'Which Lymond book are you?': I'm the Ringed Castle. Weirdly, I never thought it as my favourite volume... But there are still some nice parts there. I need to buy it after promos...
Speaking of which, I SHOULD BE STUDYING. And damn PW. Ruining my life even more. My workload is heavy enough as it is, thank you.
Went to challenger today. Bought so many things! Bought new video editing software, cd burning software, a tiny retractable mouse and 3 DVD-Rs. Yippee.
Oh... I now have a brick from school on my desk. It's a brick with RAFFLES JC carved in it. After pe yesterday, Ms Poon asked if we wanted them or else they'd all be thrown away. It's really a brick from some school wall I think... hahaha.
Crap. My conscience is telling me to go offline. It'd do me good to listen.
Speaking of which, I SHOULD BE STUDYING. And damn PW. Ruining my life even more. My workload is heavy enough as it is, thank you.
Went to challenger today. Bought so many things! Bought new video editing software, cd burning software, a tiny retractable mouse and 3 DVD-Rs. Yippee.
Oh... I now have a brick from school on my desk. It's a brick with RAFFLES JC carved in it. After pe yesterday, Ms Poon asked if we wanted them or else they'd all be thrown away. It's really a brick from some school wall I think... hahaha.
Crap. My conscience is telling me to go offline. It'd do me good to listen.
Did a 'Which Lymond character are you?' quiz. I got Gideon. Heh. And is that Colin Firth? Looks like him.
Congratulations! You're Gideon Somerville. It's too
bad you were killed off between books. You
deserved better. You are a caring and talented
individual but your own talents tend to be
overshadowed by those around you. That's okay
with you, though; you know your own worth and
you want others to be comfortable--even if that
means they have to get all the limelight.
Which Lymond Character Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
Congratulations! You're Gideon Somerville. It's too
bad you were killed off between books. You
deserved better. You are a caring and talented
individual but your own talents tend to be
overshadowed by those around you. That's okay
with you, though; you know your own worth and
you want others to be comfortable--even if that
means they have to get all the limelight.
Which Lymond Character Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
Thursday, September 23, 2004
I have a 'bumper sticker' calendar, where there's a different bumper sticker (collected from numerous places) for every day. Normally it's a joke or a contradictory phrase like, "What if there were no hypothetical questions?" or "5 out of 4 people have a problem with fractions." Yesterday's was one of the most amusing and apt ones I have ever come across.
It said: If I could get a grip of reality, I'd choke it.
Haha.
It said: If I could get a grip of reality, I'd choke it.
Haha.
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
Very, very little days left till promos.
At certain points of time, I am gripped with this immense fear of failing possibly every subject. I try not to do that too often, as it may have seriously detrimental effects on my psychological well-being. And somehow, ending up in an asylum seems worse than failing promos. I really try to work hard... Why do I feel so sleepy nowadays??? I reach home, fall asleep for two or three straight hours, and when I wake up, I panic like hell.
If only I were braver. If I only I didn't care to be different. Then it wouldn't matter if I got retained and had to stay an extra year. It would only enforce my knowledge of my subjects, possibly enabling me to do the S papers I want. But how can I bear being in J1 all over again? How about the torture of being spoken about and looked down upon by my current peers? Sad to say, I wouldn't be able to handle such a situation very well.
I suppose, to different extents, we're all scared of falling out from the norm. I really, really wish I weren't. It would make life much more painless, don't you think? If you didn't care at all what other people think, life would be very much easier. You wouldn't worry about how you think this person hates you for doing this or how that person thinks you look stupid.
I wish I had more courage... But it's so bloody hard to be brave. Especially when you always think you're small and insignificant. It really frustrates me sometimes. I know courage is not the absence of fear, but the knowledge that something else is more important than fear... And I think I would have enough courage when something close to my heart is threatened. I just hope I'll have the courage to face life when things don't go my way.
Ah sigh.
Time to get back to work.
(It's really scary how most things nowadays seem to me to link to Lymond in some way or other. For instance, if we're discussing good leadership in GP class, I'd think of how Lymond is far more demagogic than Hitler and as selfless as Ghandi. Or if I'm pondering about the concept of courage, I think about Philippa. In fact, almost every possible literature theme seems to exist in Lymond... Courage, death, love, honour, leadership, loyalty, friendship, mother-child relationship, betrayal, depression, tragedy... crap, even politics. What doesn't it have? No wonder I link practically everything to it...)
At certain points of time, I am gripped with this immense fear of failing possibly every subject. I try not to do that too often, as it may have seriously detrimental effects on my psychological well-being. And somehow, ending up in an asylum seems worse than failing promos. I really try to work hard... Why do I feel so sleepy nowadays??? I reach home, fall asleep for two or three straight hours, and when I wake up, I panic like hell.
If only I were braver. If I only I didn't care to be different. Then it wouldn't matter if I got retained and had to stay an extra year. It would only enforce my knowledge of my subjects, possibly enabling me to do the S papers I want. But how can I bear being in J1 all over again? How about the torture of being spoken about and looked down upon by my current peers? Sad to say, I wouldn't be able to handle such a situation very well.
I suppose, to different extents, we're all scared of falling out from the norm. I really, really wish I weren't. It would make life much more painless, don't you think? If you didn't care at all what other people think, life would be very much easier. You wouldn't worry about how you think this person hates you for doing this or how that person thinks you look stupid.
I wish I had more courage... But it's so bloody hard to be brave. Especially when you always think you're small and insignificant. It really frustrates me sometimes. I know courage is not the absence of fear, but the knowledge that something else is more important than fear... And I think I would have enough courage when something close to my heart is threatened. I just hope I'll have the courage to face life when things don't go my way.
Ah sigh.
Time to get back to work.
(It's really scary how most things nowadays seem to me to link to Lymond in some way or other. For instance, if we're discussing good leadership in GP class, I'd think of how Lymond is far more demagogic than Hitler and as selfless as Ghandi. Or if I'm pondering about the concept of courage, I think about Philippa. In fact, almost every possible literature theme seems to exist in Lymond... Courage, death, love, honour, leadership, loyalty, friendship, mother-child relationship, betrayal, depression, tragedy... crap, even politics. What doesn't it have? No wonder I link practically everything to it...)
Thursday, September 16, 2004
I knew I'd get some comment from a Lymond fan one day. Try typing Lymond in yahoo. My blog appears somewhere. There are not enough Lymond sites on the net.
Anyway, time to post:
Anyway, time to post:
'The Story of Wabbit'.
Written by Me, Eunice and Victoria in between classes in Sec 4 2003.
Jimmie was flying a kite in the garden when suddenly, he heard a whisper behind the bush.
He turned around sharply but could not see anything. A shiver ran down his spine...
... and up his spine again. His mum was calling for him. "Jimmy, dear boy, it's time for lunch!"
"I want to play with my kite!" Jimmy shouted back. "Not hungry, Mum!" He turned his attention back to the bush, looking hard for... something.
Then he spotted it. It. It.. It... It was a...
rabbit. "But a rabbit can't whisper, can it?" Jimmy thought. It was getting ridiculous. Rabbits cannot talk. "Hehe..." giggled the rabbit. Jimmy's heart skipped a beat.
The rabbit looked back at him with one beady eye, its buck teeth exposed as it grinned mischievously. I'm no ordinary rabbit. That's right, I'm a wabbit."
"Yes, I am a wabbit now... but look here, I transform!" *For those who don't know, wabbit = rabbit which can transform* To Jimmy's amazement, the rabbit grew bigger and bigger, then "PUFF", a magic cloud of dust and behold, there was a pretty lady there. She dressed in red. Red stockings too.
The lady looked kind of out of place in the beautiful red gown. Jimmy thought, "She looks rabbit-y."
"What are you...?" Jimmy asked.
"I've told you already," the lady said irritably. "I'm a wabbit." Jimmy then realised what it was that had let him to get the impression of her being rather rabbit-y. Her two front teeth were awfully big and abnormally off white. Did he mention they were extremely large?
His Mum was calling him again. "Jimmy, dear boy, time for lunch! I've prepared steak, baked potato, pizza, fries, hamburger... and your favourite ice cream!" Jimmy rolled his eyes. WHAT A NAG! Then the rabbit/lady/rabbit spoke.
"Is that what you eat? It's disgusting. Come with me... I'll show you something... Something much more delicious."
"Bring me where?" Jimmy asked. "What do you eat?"
"Follow me," the wabbit said, beckoning Jimmy towards the edge of the garden. Jimmy walked after her, his mother rattling off his list of favourite food.
"Here!" The wabbit exclaimed, pointing to a huge hole in the ground. She jumped in.
Jimmy tumbled through. He felt like Alice tumbling through the rabbit hole in Wonderland.
He landed with a soft 'thump'. OH MY GOSH! It was a dungeon!!! Captives were screaming, moaning, their arms stretching out.
Jimmy's voice was caught in his throat. His legs felt like jelly. He spotted wabbit a few metres away. It was no longer a lady. It had transformed back into a rabbit. A HUGE ONE. Its bunny teeth looked sharp. "Get behind the bars!" The wabbit ordered Jimmy, eyes fiery red. "You wanna know what I eat? I eat human flesh! Muahahahaha!"
Thankfully, just like Wonderland, ANYTHING could happen. Suddenly, finding himself armed with a brilliant adamantium sword, Jimmy shouted, "BRING IT ON!"
A battle followed, but the fighting skills of wabbit and Jimmy were equal. Exhausted, they slumped to the floor. Jimmy exclaimed, "I know! Let's end this with tic tac toe, my favourite game of all time." They took some chalk and started the game on the floor. Jimmy first. (By scissors, paper, stone game.)
*Here, Vic drew a tic tac toe game. And Jimmy wins.*
"AHA!!!" Jimmy cried out triumphantly. The wabbit looked devastated. Its face crumpled and it burst into tears. The whole dungeon fell silent as the prisoners stopped to watch in amazement.
Then the scene before his eyes disappeared and Jimmy found himself on a volcanic slope, face to face with the evil wabbit (or perhaps the only wabbit) yet AGAIN. "Muahahahahaha..."
"You think I will be conquered? Not that easy, boy! I took on your game, now I take control. Muahahahaha x 1000! Well, you see that crater? Jump in!" Commanded the wabbit.
Jimmy hesitated.
"After you," Jimmy said finally. "I've been brought up to be a gentleman."
"Jump in, I tell you!" Shrieked the wabbit, becoming angry with Jimmy.
"No, I insist, my dear wabbit," Jimmy said, as though they were anywhere else but on top of a volcano.
"Hey... Wait a minute," said Jimmy. "How old am I?"
"Who cares?" The wabbit answered. Suddenly Jimmy recalled that he had not had his lunch. His stomach rumbled. What should he eat? Hmm...
"I know!" Jimmy shrieked.
He grabbed the wabbit by its long ears and brought it over the crater of boiling lava. "I feel like some rabbit soup," he announced.
With that, he dumped the rabbit in and a ladle magicaly appeared. He drank the soup. Yum yum. And fished out the rabbit (roasted one) to bring back to his Mum.
As all stories go, he appeared back in the garden. Jimmy ran towards the house and shouted, "Mum, dear Mummy, forget bout those steak and fries... I have a roasted rabbit here!"
- And so ENDs our silly chain story. -
The rabbit should have been boiled, did you notice? It was boiled in lava. And notice how Eunice's part always tend to move towards Alice in Wonderland. Haha. Had a lot of fun doing this anyway.
Tuesday, September 14, 2004
I hate superposition. It is driving me nuts. And I am only at the stationary waves part. Don't bloody mention intereference or diffraction yet. Yuck, yuck, yuck. Ugh. I am struggling to finish studying all my subjects. Simultaneously.
And yet I still come here. It keeps me sane, I think. Besides, a life unexamined is not worth living.
I had a very fun civics lesson today! Laughed so much. We played a very interesting game called Suaku. Ms Lo distributed 5 M&Ms to each of us. And we were not to eat any of it yet. After that, taking turns, everyone had to say aloud what they haven't done before. For instance, you could say, "I haven't been on a rollercoaster before." In response to this, the rest of the class is to stand up if they have ridden a rollercoaster. And eat one M&M. At the end of it all, the person with the most M&Ms left is labelled a suaku.
Oh my goodness. We had so much fun. The confessions ranged from, "I haven't eaten snails before" (To which a few people stood up and confessed to have eaten snails.) to "I haven't reared chickedns before" to "I haven't gone on a date before" (To which, sadly, no one responded.)
On my turn, the girls were squealing like crazy for me to say, "I haven't had a crush on anyone on this class before." We were trying to sabo some people you see... And so I did. But really... who would have confessed to have had a crush on a classmate... Only Addy put up her hand... And Joel stood up. A certain someone we're always teasing didn't. Haha.
Was hoping to reach home at 3 pm today. But unfortunately, the moment I stepped out of the MRT station, it started raining cats and dogs. Cursing, I made my way towards the bus interchange. I really hate taking the bus nowadays. I'd rather have a nice walk home. So I took the bus. And got off at a bus stop. (Goodness. Where else would I get off...) Following that, I tried to keep out of the rain as I made my way towards my block of flats. Walked round and round and back and forth, looking for those sheltered linkways. And there were huge mighty puddles everywhere. Halfway through it all, I started laughing at myself. It really was pretty funny... That's the problem with myself. I have no problem laughing on my own. And God forbid anyone might see me. I really am insane. (I still can't forget the way Stephanie looked at me and said, "Why are you smiling at your plate of noodles?" back in Sec 2.) Finally reached home at 3.40 pm.
Kindly contributed by Sowmya: A short fortune teller who has run away is a small medium at large.
And yet I still come here. It keeps me sane, I think. Besides, a life unexamined is not worth living.
I had a very fun civics lesson today! Laughed so much. We played a very interesting game called Suaku. Ms Lo distributed 5 M&Ms to each of us. And we were not to eat any of it yet. After that, taking turns, everyone had to say aloud what they haven't done before. For instance, you could say, "I haven't been on a rollercoaster before." In response to this, the rest of the class is to stand up if they have ridden a rollercoaster. And eat one M&M. At the end of it all, the person with the most M&Ms left is labelled a suaku.
Oh my goodness. We had so much fun. The confessions ranged from, "I haven't eaten snails before" (To which a few people stood up and confessed to have eaten snails.) to "I haven't reared chickedns before" to "I haven't gone on a date before" (To which, sadly, no one responded.)
On my turn, the girls were squealing like crazy for me to say, "I haven't had a crush on anyone on this class before." We were trying to sabo some people you see... And so I did. But really... who would have confessed to have had a crush on a classmate... Only Addy put up her hand... And Joel stood up. A certain someone we're always teasing didn't. Haha.
Was hoping to reach home at 3 pm today. But unfortunately, the moment I stepped out of the MRT station, it started raining cats and dogs. Cursing, I made my way towards the bus interchange. I really hate taking the bus nowadays. I'd rather have a nice walk home. So I took the bus. And got off at a bus stop. (Goodness. Where else would I get off...) Following that, I tried to keep out of the rain as I made my way towards my block of flats. Walked round and round and back and forth, looking for those sheltered linkways. And there were huge mighty puddles everywhere. Halfway through it all, I started laughing at myself. It really was pretty funny... That's the problem with myself. I have no problem laughing on my own. And God forbid anyone might see me. I really am insane. (I still can't forget the way Stephanie looked at me and said, "Why are you smiling at your plate of noodles?" back in Sec 2.) Finally reached home at 3.40 pm.
Kindly contributed by Sowmya: A short fortune teller who has run away is a small medium at large.
Saturday, September 11, 2004
I have been guilty of the one thing I'd been complaining about a few months ago. Blog hopping.
But I didn't plan to blog hop! It just happened accidentally-on-purpose. I was visiting a friend's blog. A friend who I know pretty well. And I saw a link at her blog that made my eyes go wide. I was thinking, why should she be linked to this person? And I just kept clicking. And gasping. And clicking. And gasping. And I ended up at a blog far from the first person.
Felt a bit guilty.
But also felt enlightened. There are people out there who are really pretty good writers. And are able to express certain things I can't. Ah. Such talent.
I also realised that all RJ students mention promos every two entries at least. Or something about studies. I wonder if that happens for say, students from the UK. I wonder.
Am feeling pretty scared as well. Who knows who has read my ridiculous blog, which only existed for myself and close friends. Wish I had some way of tracking the people who have visited.
And people talk a lot about school. 80% about school.
I seem to split it half-half with books and fiction. Which proves how much I live in the dream world.
I suddenly recalled Yea Tian's beautiful poem entitled, 'apple'.
do you see?
that is why I close my eyes.
But I didn't plan to blog hop! It just happened accidentally-on-purpose. I was visiting a friend's blog. A friend who I know pretty well. And I saw a link at her blog that made my eyes go wide. I was thinking, why should she be linked to this person? And I just kept clicking. And gasping. And clicking. And gasping. And I ended up at a blog far from the first person.
Felt a bit guilty.
But also felt enlightened. There are people out there who are really pretty good writers. And are able to express certain things I can't. Ah. Such talent.
I also realised that all RJ students mention promos every two entries at least. Or something about studies. I wonder if that happens for say, students from the UK. I wonder.
Am feeling pretty scared as well. Who knows who has read my ridiculous blog, which only existed for myself and close friends. Wish I had some way of tracking the people who have visited.
And people talk a lot about school. 80% about school.
I seem to split it half-half with books and fiction. Which proves how much I live in the dream world.
I suddenly recalled Yea Tian's beautiful poem entitled, 'apple'.
do you see?
that is why I close my eyes.
My previous entry won't appear. Why. Don't let blogger mess up my blog...
Had the Mendaki Awards Presentation today. Saw Adibah. The first time in 3 years... or is it 4? I couldn't believe she's not taller than me. I thought everyone would outgrow me by this time. It's weird. She still seems the same although she is different. Think I have her on my msn list now.
Hate wearing stockings. Hate the idea of being so formal. Ugh. Was so glad to get out of my blazer and skirt.
Don't really have mood to blog.
Am so glad both Turk and Duck have decided to give Lymond a try. Jubilation! One day I might actually be able to talk about it and not just read and write.
Had the Mendaki Awards Presentation today. Saw Adibah. The first time in 3 years... or is it 4? I couldn't believe she's not taller than me. I thought everyone would outgrow me by this time. It's weird. She still seems the same although she is different. Think I have her on my msn list now.
Hate wearing stockings. Hate the idea of being so formal. Ugh. Was so glad to get out of my blazer and skirt.
Don't really have mood to blog.
Am so glad both Turk and Duck have decided to give Lymond a try. Jubilation! One day I might actually be able to talk about it and not just read and write.
Wednesday, September 08, 2004
My sister was digging through her drawer and came across an old tiny notebook we doodled in. The contents pretty much made me burst out laughing... I really have no recollection of doing such ridiculous things. It's a stupid conversation thing between my sister and me. It starts and ends abruptly and we think some of the pages have been torn away or something. In it, we're pretending to be other things... She's a chick and I keep switching identities... All the parts in green font are my sister's.
But why? Chickies are cute. Compared to a monkey like you!
A monko is not a monkey. A monko is a magical being born from the horn of a unicorn when sunlight strikes it at just the right angle - 38.67 degrees. So it should be clear that I am a rare creature. I am more intelligent than any centaur, man or wizard. But I cannot be seen by the naked eye. I only take up various forms... like a mist, or in this case, beautifully carved out words.
Wadeva Monkey! *shows the L sign wif finger*
I can see that your brain incapacity does not allow you the privilege of opening up your mind to the unusual, to the OUT OF THIS WORLD. You are so blind. That's why you're a chick. That's why all you have is yellow fluff on your pathetic skin. That's why all you're destined for is laying eggs in your stinky coop. You're too small and insignificant to be of importance to a monko. I have wasted my precious time. What a grievous fault to have spoken to you at all. GOODBYE.
*sniffles* WAAA! Why u have to be so meeeeaaannn!!! I HATE MONKOS.
Hello. I am a badger. Would you like to talk to me? Stop crying and I might make you a peanut butter sandwich. *smiles kindly and pats chick on the head* There, there.
Ok. WOW. YOU HAVE LOTS OF BADGES. No wonder your name is badger. COOL!
You are so corny. For that I give you some corns.
I thought you were gonna gimme some peanut butter sandwich? Thx anyway.
Bye. I have to meet foxie, my friend.
Can I see him too?
No. He's shy. You should go back to your coop.
No. I will follow you!
*BANG!*
*Badger shoots chick with pistol. Chick dies instantly.*
*open eyes slowly* Am I in heaven?
"You're in hell, buster!" Said an ugly demon whose appearance was so revolting, it is impossible to describe in words. "You have been too pesky. And for that, BURN WORTHLESS CHICK!"
But why? Chickies are cute. Compared to a monkey like you!
A monko is not a monkey. A monko is a magical being born from the horn of a unicorn when sunlight strikes it at just the right angle - 38.67 degrees. So it should be clear that I am a rare creature. I am more intelligent than any centaur, man or wizard. But I cannot be seen by the naked eye. I only take up various forms... like a mist, or in this case, beautifully carved out words.
Wadeva Monkey! *shows the L sign wif finger*
I can see that your brain incapacity does not allow you the privilege of opening up your mind to the unusual, to the OUT OF THIS WORLD. You are so blind. That's why you're a chick. That's why all you have is yellow fluff on your pathetic skin. That's why all you're destined for is laying eggs in your stinky coop. You're too small and insignificant to be of importance to a monko. I have wasted my precious time. What a grievous fault to have spoken to you at all. GOODBYE.
*sniffles* WAAA! Why u have to be so meeeeaaannn!!! I HATE MONKOS.
Hello. I am a badger. Would you like to talk to me? Stop crying and I might make you a peanut butter sandwich. *smiles kindly and pats chick on the head* There, there.
Ok. WOW. YOU HAVE LOTS OF BADGES. No wonder your name is badger. COOL!
You are so corny. For that I give you some corns.
I thought you were gonna gimme some peanut butter sandwich? Thx anyway.
Bye. I have to meet foxie, my friend.
Can I see him too?
No. He's shy. You should go back to your coop.
No. I will follow you!
*BANG!*
*Badger shoots chick with pistol. Chick dies instantly.*
*open eyes slowly* Am I in heaven?
"You're in hell, buster!" Said an ugly demon whose appearance was so revolting, it is impossible to describe in words. "You have been too pesky. And for that, BURN WORTHLESS CHICK!"
END
My sis says she recalls us doing that when I was studying. Which explains the pesky part. And my insistence on ending the silly conversation.
Really amusing.
One day I will post the Wabbit story done by Vic, Turk and me in between classes last year.
Monday, September 06, 2004
Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take, but the moments that take your breath away.
I want to list out the moments in my life that have taken my breath away. As far as I can remember, that is. Here goes.
The time my family went to the southernmost tip of Australia, Albany, and I stood at the edge of a cliff. The ocean waves were crashing on the rocks below. It was about 7 pm. And the sun was setting. The weather was perfect. It was in short, breathtaking.
The time when we were driving back to Perth after the visit to the Albany coast and it was pitch dark on both sides of the country road. I was sitting at the back of the van. I tilted my head back to look out of the window and was astounded by the number of stars in the night sky. I never knew you could see so many stars! Of course I knew there are millions of stars in the universe... But I didnt know you could see that many from the surface of the Earth. And they seemed so close! I remember thinking... If I reached out far enough, I could pluck out one star from the sky...
The time I first set my eyes on DOT, the website my dearest bird friends created for my 16th birthday. I was thinking, 'They did this for me? They did this for me?'
The time I found out DM got AIDS.
The time I found out DM did not actually have AIDS.
The time I saw the DM lookalike at Orchard MRT station. I completely freezed up.
The first time I touched snow. Went onto the ice plateau on Jungfraujoch, Switzerland, and the wind almost knocked me off my feet.
The time my great grandmother died. She was the first person I knew who passed away. I remember how surreal the situation felt...
The time Pakcik Mail died. He died so suddenly, in his sleep, because of pneumonia and malnourishment. Yes, he was old. But... we never expected it.
The time when my sis and me were in the car at a petrol station in Bukit Timah. My dad was paying. And one of the Shell employees shouted 'Fire! Fire!' My heart just jumped up my throat. My dad rushed into the car and we drove off. Without paying. There was actually a tiny fire in a drain nearby but they managed to put it out before anything happened.
The time I took a rollercoaster ride which went backwards. I couldn't scream for a moment. But after a while, I did.
That's all for now...
I want to list out the moments in my life that have taken my breath away. As far as I can remember, that is. Here goes.
The time my family went to the southernmost tip of Australia, Albany, and I stood at the edge of a cliff. The ocean waves were crashing on the rocks below. It was about 7 pm. And the sun was setting. The weather was perfect. It was in short, breathtaking.
The time when we were driving back to Perth after the visit to the Albany coast and it was pitch dark on both sides of the country road. I was sitting at the back of the van. I tilted my head back to look out of the window and was astounded by the number of stars in the night sky. I never knew you could see so many stars! Of course I knew there are millions of stars in the universe... But I didnt know you could see that many from the surface of the Earth. And they seemed so close! I remember thinking... If I reached out far enough, I could pluck out one star from the sky...
The time I first set my eyes on DOT, the website my dearest bird friends created for my 16th birthday. I was thinking, 'They did this for me? They did this for me?'
The time I found out DM got AIDS.
The time I found out DM did not actually have AIDS.
The time I saw the DM lookalike at Orchard MRT station. I completely freezed up.
The first time I touched snow. Went onto the ice plateau on Jungfraujoch, Switzerland, and the wind almost knocked me off my feet.
The time my great grandmother died. She was the first person I knew who passed away. I remember how surreal the situation felt...
The time Pakcik Mail died. He died so suddenly, in his sleep, because of pneumonia and malnourishment. Yes, he was old. But... we never expected it.
The time when my sis and me were in the car at a petrol station in Bukit Timah. My dad was paying. And one of the Shell employees shouted 'Fire! Fire!' My heart just jumped up my throat. My dad rushed into the car and we drove off. Without paying. There was actually a tiny fire in a drain nearby but they managed to put it out before anything happened.
The time I took a rollercoaster ride which went backwards. I couldn't scream for a moment. But after a while, I did.
That's all for now...
This is from Checkmate, Lymond. I love the nickname... Yunitsa means cow in Russian. But it was also the name the Tsar called one of his wives, I think, and can mean sweetheart. Francis used it after he and Philippa shared a joke about cows. Only Philippa never thought it could have double meaning... So Francis keeps calling her that, and she never picks up the hint. Not that Francis wanted to actually hint her... I suppose it gives him some satisfaction to call her something affectionate without her knowing it.
The following series of pictures were meant for an assignment for a photography workshop I attended this past few weeks. The instructor, Nic, gave 4 themes. At first, I chose the one entitled 'Red'. Almost everyone did that. Afterwards, I discovered that finding red things in my house wasn't as easy a task as I thought it would be. So I decided to choose one of the other themes - 'There's Something About Me'. Each of the 7 photos I took says something about what I love, like, do or am obsessed about in my life.
If you know me, you will sort of roll your eyes at certain things... Anyway, just enjoy!
You can tell me what you think.
If you know me, you will sort of roll your eyes at certain things... Anyway, just enjoy!
You can tell me what you think.
Saturday, September 04, 2004
More pictures at the beach. Those are my sister's legs, in case you were wondering... And playing at the beach was so darn fun! The wind was fantastic and the sand so soft. Of course, I didn't play soccer... but we played other stuff. Something the elders called 'jelun', which required two opposing teams to block and prevent each other from getting to one end of the playing area. Quite hard to describe. But it involved a whole lot of screaming and falling over, which was no problem since we were in the open and like I said, the sand was soft. Southeast Asia can be beautiful too, despite all the heat and sweat. Just go to the beaches... A warning though. It gets pitch black at night.
Thursday, September 02, 2004
I can't help it. I know I've read it before. But it's still so hilarious...
"Look, you whinging, pie-faced newt, this isn't about you, this is about me. Why would any girl go out with every boy on this campus, and yet neglect me, when I'm obviously the handsomest bloke at this school and in fact for several surrounding counties?"
"THINK A LOT OF YOURSELF, DON'T YOU, MALFOY? BOY, DOES THAT MAKE ME SICK."
"Does anything not piss you off?" Draco wondered aloud.
Harry paused and thought for a moment. "I don't mind Hedwig," he said finally, in a normal voice. "She's a good listener."
Draco blinked. "You're barmy, Potter," he said, in a more respectful voice than he'd ever used towards Harry before.
*
"WHY THE HELL IS MALFOY ORANGE?" he demanded of no one in particular. He glared around at his silent classmates. "FINE, DON'T TELL ME. NOBODY EVER TELLS ME ANYTHING."
" Mister Malfoy," Flitwick squeaked. "Ten points from Slytherin for upsetting Harry and coming to class orange. Now sit down"
"Look, you whinging, pie-faced newt, this isn't about you, this is about me. Why would any girl go out with every boy on this campus, and yet neglect me, when I'm obviously the handsomest bloke at this school and in fact for several surrounding counties?"
"THINK A LOT OF YOURSELF, DON'T YOU, MALFOY? BOY, DOES THAT MAKE ME SICK."
"Does anything not piss you off?" Draco wondered aloud.
Harry paused and thought for a moment. "I don't mind Hedwig," he said finally, in a normal voice. "She's a good listener."
Draco blinked. "You're barmy, Potter," he said, in a more respectful voice than he'd ever used towards Harry before.
*
"WHY THE HELL IS MALFOY ORANGE?" he demanded of no one in particular. He glared around at his silent classmates. "FINE, DON'T TELL ME. NOBODY EVER TELLS ME ANYTHING."
" Mister Malfoy," Flitwick squeaked. "Ten points from Slytherin for upsetting Harry and coming to class orange. Now sit down"
Actually did some PW. Unbelievable. Sat in front of computer and crapped everything I knew about henna. There's something about the keyboard which makes my creative juices flow... Give me a pen and paper and I'll fall asleep. But give me my blogger account and there I go, typing away merrily...
Hectic day today. Got home and felt like I had been shredded to pieces. Felt that tired. Must have been all that PW. Must have been!
And there's chem mock SPA tomorrow and I have virtually no idea how to do it. And neither have I completed my tutorials for tomorrow. How is it humanely possible for me to do everyhing by tomorrow morning? And it's 11.26 pm now. Oh... why doesn't the school catch fire or something... Goodness.. that's a bad thing to wish. I take it back.
Janicia was one more from the group of stressed out people in school. (Hey, everyone's stressed out now.) She was writing a sort of timetable for tonight and I saw her assigning work for 2 am, 3.30 am and so on. And I couldn't help but exclaim, "Oh my god! Please remember to sleep!" And she laughed. Ah well. At least, I gave her some amusement.
And now I shall remember my own sleep. Whatever shall befall me tomorrow, let it be. I need to rest. Even my dad gets to sleep and I can't?! I only wake up a half hour later than he does and I get off school later than he gets off work.
I tell you, students are working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A 5 day week promised by PM Lee is pretty much impossible...
Hectic day today. Got home and felt like I had been shredded to pieces. Felt that tired. Must have been all that PW. Must have been!
And there's chem mock SPA tomorrow and I have virtually no idea how to do it. And neither have I completed my tutorials for tomorrow. How is it humanely possible for me to do everyhing by tomorrow morning? And it's 11.26 pm now. Oh... why doesn't the school catch fire or something... Goodness.. that's a bad thing to wish. I take it back.
Janicia was one more from the group of stressed out people in school. (Hey, everyone's stressed out now.) She was writing a sort of timetable for tonight and I saw her assigning work for 2 am, 3.30 am and so on. And I couldn't help but exclaim, "Oh my god! Please remember to sleep!" And she laughed. Ah well. At least, I gave her some amusement.
And now I shall remember my own sleep. Whatever shall befall me tomorrow, let it be. I need to rest. Even my dad gets to sleep and I can't?! I only wake up a half hour later than he does and I get off school later than he gets off work.
I tell you, students are working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A 5 day week promised by PM Lee is pretty much impossible...
Wednesday, September 01, 2004
Everytime I visit Cassie's journal, I can't help but look at what all her fans are posting and saying and commenting. It is so very entertaining. And in case you didn't know, Cassie's going to publish her original fiction! I really, really am excited! She might still use Cassandra Claire as her pen name, but she says maybe not. Oh my goodness... I can't wait. And I don't even know what her story is supposed to be about!
The thing about Cassie is that... she knows a lot of things. She knows stuff. She reads practically everything, watches every movie or show worth watching... And she always manages to make any topic interesting. I read the characteristics of Draco and Harry list again... it's so sad... and funny too.
The reason I'm in front of the computer is because I'm supposed to be doing PW... But I really have no idea what to write... and everything else online is so distracting.
Wish I could be like Cassie. Sit at home all day and write. That's what she's doing now, apparently. And she likes it.
I want to write!!! I want to write! I need to write. I have to finish certain things... ARGH.
Yesterday's Teacher's Day was pretty interesting. Had ACES workout. Which is more or less a disaster... For the fact that practically everyone was backing away from the flagpoles, and people were running off to disappear somewhere. It really is very sad. I wanted to support those councillors but it still feels stupid to be doing the workout in front... But luckily, the girls in my class (the ones who actually turned up) walked up in front together. And did it together. Laughing throughout. But at least we did it.
Then there was the concert. The teachers were great. They put in a lot of effort, considering how much marking and SPA-ing they had to do already. And somehow I felt everyone was still not appreciative. Applause was half-hearted. There was no cheering for your teachers. It was all pretty sad. I miss the whole screaming your hearts out thing at RG. That was fun! Is it the boys? Are boys really that boring? And is it because the boys aren't enthusiastic, the girls feel they shouldn't be too? Or is it just the behaviour of 17 year olds? 'Hey, we're practically adults now, why should we be screaming like little kids'? It's all in the name of fun, WHAT! Grace is wonderful... She was the one who kept cheering on... I just wonder where all her spirit comes from. Ms Lo was so daring. Yes... she revealed the bimbo in her... Heh. And Mr McTay is simply amusing. I don't know... I think it's the way he walks, his expression or maybe how he seems to be oblivious to his surroundings. The moment McTay was announced, I looked at Nikki and she said, "Koory poof!" Hahaha.
After that we had the class party. To think that we were afraid there wouldn't be enough food. We had too MUCH! We kept donating to people. People kept popping into our room too, hearing about the pizza. But there was still so much left. We had two unopened tins of cookies, uncountable packets of crackers, one tray of brownie, 3 bottles of gassy drink and one box of pizza. Shafia said we have enough to last till half of next year. Haha. The biscuits are currently residing in Jean's locker.
And 10.40 am, me, addy and nikki set off for our respective ex-schools. Nikki, to cedar and addy and me back to qiaonan, not rg. Felt a bit guilty for not going back to my secondary school, but really, who am I actually dying to see? Truly, no one. Of course, it'd be nice to see some teachers... my cikgus, ms leow maybe, mdm yeo, who have been nice to me... But... I wouldn't know what to say! I mean, throughout my four years in RGS, I haven't been close to any of the teachers and suddenly I'm coming back and being all buddy-buddy and I-miss-you-teachers-so-much ing? Not bloody likely. If I had gone back there with Lilian and co, the most I would do is stand around and smile. A tag-along, in short.
So I went back to my primary school. It never ceases to amaze me how much one thing can change and yet how it still seems the same. The uncle who sells the drinks has a fantastic memory. He still remembers me and addy! He still does. Everytime I come back, he remembers. Bought a peel fresh drink like I always used to back then. The tables seem really small. Addy and me kept recalling all the food we used to eat... how delicious it was... and how cheap! The first stall now has halal tim sum! I can't believe it. The uncle there is the same too. And oh my god. The cleaner lady is the same.
Saw Mrs Choo, who besides her increasing number of white hairs, looks the same. When we came at 12 o'clock, she was still teaching. (They had lessons! Poor things.) So we hung around till 1.15 when they would be done. Saw Ms Chua, the music teacher. She has really grown older... Mdm Sutinah, Mrs Vera Tan (who doesn't seemed to have aged a day!) and Mrs PC Tan. She taught us Social Studies and I'd forgotten how much we loathed her! Until she started talking on and on. I don't hate her now of course, but when I remembered how much we used to dread her lessons, I really wanted to laugh. Everything seems so funny. She just loves to talk! Goodness... she would ramble on about this niece, that relative, who she knew was in university now... but she has always been nice. But I remember that when she became angry, it was scary.
When it was finally past 1.15, and we could talk to Mrs Choo... there was stiff competition. Practically EVERY STUDENT IN SIGHT wanted to talk to Mrs Choo. That's how popular she is. But Addy and me, being the oldest, won. She talked to us first. Asked about JC life... talked of a future gathering where everyone would come. And all the while, students walking past said hi to her, passed her presents... students wearing unknown uniforms even... Students from everywhere, who remember her. It really is amazing. To the extent that she would forget some of them... We had a lot of fun trying to remember the name of a boy who came up to her. With spiky hair and who was supposedly dressed 'coolly'. At first I had no idea who he was, then it struck me. And I said, unable to stop myself, "Oh my God!" He looked so different! Besides the fact that he was much taller (he used to be shorter than me, so imagine my surprise), he was just so changed from his nerdy, prefect self. He is 2 years my junior. So Sec 3 now. And I remember how he used to take the same school bus home. And I stood there, pretty much shocked. Boys really change a lot when they grow up. When I think of it, if I haven't been seeing my brother every day, I'd have freaked out by the way he's changed over the years.
So... we had a good chat with Mrs Choo. Hugged her a couple of times. Laughed at a few things. I gave her my present. And then we let her attend to her other students. My sister was around too and she went to see Mrs Choo as well. According to her, there was a queue of people to see Mrs Choo. I suppose this is the reward for being a dedicated teacher. And I don't think she'd want to be anything else. She's made to teach and inspire.
Some teachers have their share of fans too. But the thing that makes Mrs Choo so loved is perhaps because of her capacity to care. She cares for everyone. And she shows it. When we had a class, she used to be concerned about each student. We had a lot of fun with her. Normally, teachers tend to have favourites. The smart ones. The ones who participate. The ones who ask questions. The extroverted ones. And it's fine. It's natural to be more attentive of those who speak up, who make themselves heard. But Mrs Choo somehow reached out to everyone. Me, the quiet, meek one. Though I suppose I could classify as the one who always got high marks... hey primary school what. But even the 'mat's! The naughty kids. The delinquents. THEY COME BACK. Because, I suppose, they appreciate her. Half of my class isn't pursuing a college course. A lot are in polytechnic. Some have started working. A few Cambodians have gone to their native country to work. But we all remember her. Of course, this year, my batch didn't really turn up... but we're going to have a gathering. I hope it materialises. It will be exciting to see how everyone is now.
The thing about Cassie is that... she knows a lot of things. She knows stuff. She reads practically everything, watches every movie or show worth watching... And she always manages to make any topic interesting. I read the characteristics of Draco and Harry list again... it's so sad... and funny too.
The reason I'm in front of the computer is because I'm supposed to be doing PW... But I really have no idea what to write... and everything else online is so distracting.
Wish I could be like Cassie. Sit at home all day and write. That's what she's doing now, apparently. And she likes it.
I want to write!!! I want to write! I need to write. I have to finish certain things... ARGH.
Yesterday's Teacher's Day was pretty interesting. Had ACES workout. Which is more or less a disaster... For the fact that practically everyone was backing away from the flagpoles, and people were running off to disappear somewhere. It really is very sad. I wanted to support those councillors but it still feels stupid to be doing the workout in front... But luckily, the girls in my class (the ones who actually turned up) walked up in front together. And did it together. Laughing throughout. But at least we did it.
Then there was the concert. The teachers were great. They put in a lot of effort, considering how much marking and SPA-ing they had to do already. And somehow I felt everyone was still not appreciative. Applause was half-hearted. There was no cheering for your teachers. It was all pretty sad. I miss the whole screaming your hearts out thing at RG. That was fun! Is it the boys? Are boys really that boring? And is it because the boys aren't enthusiastic, the girls feel they shouldn't be too? Or is it just the behaviour of 17 year olds? 'Hey, we're practically adults now, why should we be screaming like little kids'? It's all in the name of fun, WHAT! Grace is wonderful... She was the one who kept cheering on... I just wonder where all her spirit comes from. Ms Lo was so daring. Yes... she revealed the bimbo in her... Heh. And Mr McTay is simply amusing. I don't know... I think it's the way he walks, his expression or maybe how he seems to be oblivious to his surroundings. The moment McTay was announced, I looked at Nikki and she said, "Koory poof!" Hahaha.
After that we had the class party. To think that we were afraid there wouldn't be enough food. We had too MUCH! We kept donating to people. People kept popping into our room too, hearing about the pizza. But there was still so much left. We had two unopened tins of cookies, uncountable packets of crackers, one tray of brownie, 3 bottles of gassy drink and one box of pizza. Shafia said we have enough to last till half of next year. Haha. The biscuits are currently residing in Jean's locker.
And 10.40 am, me, addy and nikki set off for our respective ex-schools. Nikki, to cedar and addy and me back to qiaonan, not rg. Felt a bit guilty for not going back to my secondary school, but really, who am I actually dying to see? Truly, no one. Of course, it'd be nice to see some teachers... my cikgus, ms leow maybe, mdm yeo, who have been nice to me... But... I wouldn't know what to say! I mean, throughout my four years in RGS, I haven't been close to any of the teachers and suddenly I'm coming back and being all buddy-buddy and I-miss-you-teachers-so-much ing? Not bloody likely. If I had gone back there with Lilian and co, the most I would do is stand around and smile. A tag-along, in short.
So I went back to my primary school. It never ceases to amaze me how much one thing can change and yet how it still seems the same. The uncle who sells the drinks has a fantastic memory. He still remembers me and addy! He still does. Everytime I come back, he remembers. Bought a peel fresh drink like I always used to back then. The tables seem really small. Addy and me kept recalling all the food we used to eat... how delicious it was... and how cheap! The first stall now has halal tim sum! I can't believe it. The uncle there is the same too. And oh my god. The cleaner lady is the same.
Saw Mrs Choo, who besides her increasing number of white hairs, looks the same. When we came at 12 o'clock, she was still teaching. (They had lessons! Poor things.) So we hung around till 1.15 when they would be done. Saw Ms Chua, the music teacher. She has really grown older... Mdm Sutinah, Mrs Vera Tan (who doesn't seemed to have aged a day!) and Mrs PC Tan. She taught us Social Studies and I'd forgotten how much we loathed her! Until she started talking on and on. I don't hate her now of course, but when I remembered how much we used to dread her lessons, I really wanted to laugh. Everything seems so funny. She just loves to talk! Goodness... she would ramble on about this niece, that relative, who she knew was in university now... but she has always been nice. But I remember that when she became angry, it was scary.
When it was finally past 1.15, and we could talk to Mrs Choo... there was stiff competition. Practically EVERY STUDENT IN SIGHT wanted to talk to Mrs Choo. That's how popular she is. But Addy and me, being the oldest, won. She talked to us first. Asked about JC life... talked of a future gathering where everyone would come. And all the while, students walking past said hi to her, passed her presents... students wearing unknown uniforms even... Students from everywhere, who remember her. It really is amazing. To the extent that she would forget some of them... We had a lot of fun trying to remember the name of a boy who came up to her. With spiky hair and who was supposedly dressed 'coolly'. At first I had no idea who he was, then it struck me. And I said, unable to stop myself, "Oh my God!" He looked so different! Besides the fact that he was much taller (he used to be shorter than me, so imagine my surprise), he was just so changed from his nerdy, prefect self. He is 2 years my junior. So Sec 3 now. And I remember how he used to take the same school bus home. And I stood there, pretty much shocked. Boys really change a lot when they grow up. When I think of it, if I haven't been seeing my brother every day, I'd have freaked out by the way he's changed over the years.
So... we had a good chat with Mrs Choo. Hugged her a couple of times. Laughed at a few things. I gave her my present. And then we let her attend to her other students. My sister was around too and she went to see Mrs Choo as well. According to her, there was a queue of people to see Mrs Choo. I suppose this is the reward for being a dedicated teacher. And I don't think she'd want to be anything else. She's made to teach and inspire.
Some teachers have their share of fans too. But the thing that makes Mrs Choo so loved is perhaps because of her capacity to care. She cares for everyone. And she shows it. When we had a class, she used to be concerned about each student. We had a lot of fun with her. Normally, teachers tend to have favourites. The smart ones. The ones who participate. The ones who ask questions. The extroverted ones. And it's fine. It's natural to be more attentive of those who speak up, who make themselves heard. But Mrs Choo somehow reached out to everyone. Me, the quiet, meek one. Though I suppose I could classify as the one who always got high marks... hey primary school what. But even the 'mat's! The naughty kids. The delinquents. THEY COME BACK. Because, I suppose, they appreciate her. Half of my class isn't pursuing a college course. A lot are in polytechnic. Some have started working. A few Cambodians have gone to their native country to work. But we all remember her. Of course, this year, my batch didn't really turn up... but we're going to have a gathering. I hope it materialises. It will be exciting to see how everyone is now.
You are a GRYFFINDOR!
As a Gryffindor and as an NFP, you are idealistic,
loyal, and committed to doing what you know is
right. Creative, optimistic, and interested in
possibilities, you prefer to keep your options
open. You are curious, imaginative, and
perceptive. You value harmony highly, and are
excellent at resolving conflicts.
Hogwarts Sorting Hat: Based on Myers-Briggs Personality Typing
brought to you by Quizilla
I can't believe they actually have such a thing! And it's accurate too. It doesn't have the introvert part, but apparently it doesn't matter how loud you are. Wheeee! Love this. A Gryffindor... Got this quiz from one of cassie's fan's blog... who did it and is in Slytherin.