Confessions of an Undisguised Drama Queen

Sunday, October 30, 2005

New photos!

Good news people: I'm back in the game.

Here are some lovely shots you missed over the shitty incident:
My New Albums

[Time of Confession] 3:30 PM
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Saturday, October 29, 2005

Picking up the pieces

It's been an emotional roller-coaster but it's good to be back home.

I feel safe, for once, in the past 48 hours.

I am overwhelmed by the help and support of my family and friends. They've been so kind, encouraging and sympathetic, I feel blessed in the midst of the crisis.

It's true that you really see who are the friends who genuinely care for you in times of need.

Those who have expressed concern and offered help, your kindness is very much appreciated by me. For all you out there who care, I will pick up the pieces and promise to move on and ahead, and not let this incident get the better of me. I am still toughie J!

And if the loser who is responsible for the big hoo-ha is reading this, I want to say to you:

NANNY POO POO! You can't get me down. And you loser, I bet you're crying in your little corner, questioning: Why? Why don't I have such good friends too??

You piece of crap.

Just in case you didn't know, there's so much more than just a laptop, handphone and a wallet with cash. I have the most priceless thing in the world: kinship and friendship, and you can't steal that from me even if you desperately wanted to.

And don't think you can get away scot-free.

I found myself a witness at the scene of crime. Even though it'll take me a bit to get her talking... but I'll get JJ to testify against you! And don't you try get near to her - she's under the Hammie's Witness Protection Scheme. Just you wait!

[Time of Confession] 7:27 PM
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Friday, October 28, 2005

Turning time

Did I mention in my previous post that I don't blame the thief?

I take back my words.

The event has not stopped haunting me that everytime I close my eyes, I visualize the scene of crime. How he observed from afar, how he took action, how he just turned my whole life upside down possibly in less than 5 minutes.

I wish I believe in karma, that what goes around comes around. But somehow, it seems like the streak of bad luck persists.

I want to question why, but what's the point, I won't be getting any answers.

C'est la vie. Elle est mechant. Je suis brise.
(This is life. It is cruel. I am broken.)

[Time of Confession] 10:31 PM
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An eminent silence

For the past 2+ hours, I have been telling my tragic story.

My Fujitsu laptop, my handphone and my wallet, were all stolen.

S-T-O-L-E-N.

It was just a harmless bath, no more than 20 min (I swear this is already one of my faster baths... i can clock up to 30 min per session!); but when I came back smelling sweet and feeling fresh, a silent fear gripped and there was a smell of foul play - my most prized possessions , as mentioned above, were taken from my room.

FYI: For those who usually don't lock their room doors when they head out for a bath or something, PLEASE take mine as a lesson and always LOCK your doors when you leave the room!

The evening wasn't supposed to end this way.

I was just out with a couple of my good friends to celebrate my birthday.

Why?

In the midst of the chaos, the numerous 'what-if's and the countless 'now how's, I admit that for once, I got scared and panicky and let my emotions get the better of me. I broke down when I called my mum to tell her what had happened.

But I realise that it's no use crying over something that I have completely no control over.

That's how life is, isn't it? We do the things in exactly the way we want, we make demands, we make sacrifices, but at the end of the day, we may just lose everything we've worked so hard for.

Okay, in my case, I may not have worked hard for the money to buy my laptop and handphone, but I have painstakingly accumulated my contacts in my phone, my work and documents, my pictures and songs etc. in my laptop. Can you say that it's not already become a part of who I am?

Indeed, these are just secular possessions that will not follow me to my grave (i sound so serious now, but hell, this IS serious!), but the thought of losing the memories, my little efforts, within seconds, because of someone's selfish act, causes me so much anguish and helplessness, I can only pray for divine intervention now.

I don't blame the person for doing what he did.

I feel sorry for him -that he had to resort to such petty crime to satisfy his superficial desires to fill his empty and hollow life. That he had to creep around in the dark to wait for the chance to gain my belongings, not knowing that in the process, he's lost the most priceless and valuable: righteousness and integrity.

All is not over. I have to get pass this. Even more so because my exams are so near.

However, if my dear friends feel bad and sorry for me, please do not hesitate to donate to my "Help Restore J" fund. Your generosity will be deeply appreciated.

If it's not within your means to provide monetary aid, at least do pray for me, that I will get back my important documents - so as to save the hassle of having to get them replaced.

Lastly, a big thank you to all my friends who have expressed concern and those who have helped me in the little things like asking around for witnesses and lending me stuff.

Especially Mokkie! (So sorry to have disrupted your studying)

And thank you to the police officer, Tommi, who took down my statement at the station. It was definitely a bonus to make the trip down. He was not only helpful, he is DARN good-looking. Ahem. At least a little something on top of the unlucky string of events to cheer me up :P

[Time of Confession] 2:34 AM
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Tuesday, October 25, 2005

Wrath

Kahlen from ANTM did a superb representation of this deadly sin.

Now watch me.

Hell hath no fury like a ~~woman~~ pissed woman scorned.

Let me justify my fiery temper.

I went to bed early last night, hoping to get a good night's rest in preparation for today's mock exam and the long day ahead (9.30am all the way to 5.30pm); but alas, I ended up tossing and turning in bed all night through and couldn't get sufficient rest.

So, I woke up this morning a cranky and irritable woman with a left contact lens threatening to fall off every time I blinked.

Then, horror of horrors, I realised that my little private and quiet nerding haven has been intruded by a mass of other students.

Okay, can still deal with this. Besides, it's all about sharing and this room is not exclusively mine (sadly so. and i have to be reminded of this harsh truth after a three day affair with the room).

But these people had to push my buttons repeatedly by:
1. Talking and discussing their work. I really do adore the absolute silence during the happier days of our time together (referring to the room here). Really, if you need to discuss your work so badly, take it somewhere else. Spare me the raspy whisperings or worse still, the blatant conversations.

2. Eating. Eating.

Yes, EATING.

There's a reason why restaurants don't have carpeted floors while seminar rooms do. It's a simple logic any 2 year old can figure.

You eat at the restaurant but not in the nice, clean and new seminar rooms. (same goes for the lecture theatres too!!)

The smell of food lingering in an air-conditioned room is absolutely disgusting (especially because I myself, am not eating) and distracting.

I should be thinking about genetic maps and cloning, not what the next person's having for lunch!

And thank you very much, but I do not need to be reminded of how empty my stomach is because I'm on detox and only had a salad for lunch.

Think I'm being unreasonably petty?

You should see the sorry state of my supposedly NEW lecture theatre after the tsunami of litter, food bits, crumbs and split coffee hit us.

Why did this happen?

Not an earthquake.

Just some very inconsiderate punks who are testing the Richter scale of cleanliness by EATING (and drinking, for that matter).

Take a picture of me now. Oh yes please do. I think I can easily outshine Kahlen with the perfect snarl.

[Time of Confession] 3:19 PM
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Monday, October 24, 2005

A little piece of treasure I stumbled upon.

Def Jazz

There's nothing more precious than good music, righto?

One last Blogthings quiz before the new week beckons me to stay with my books.

The Keys to Your Heart

You are attracted to those who are unbridled, untrammeled, and free.

In love, you feel the most alive when things are straight-forward, and you're told that you're loved.

You'd like to your lover to think you are optimistic and happy.

You would be forced to break up with someone who was ruthless, cold-blooded, and sarcastic.

Your ideal relationship is comforting. You crave a relationship where you always feel warmth and love.

Your risk of cheating is zero. You care about society and morality. You would never break a commitment.

You think of marriage as something that will confine you. You are afraid of marriage.

In this moment, you think of love as something you thirst for. You'll do anything for love, but you won't fall for it easily.

What Are The Keys To Your Heart?

"You'll do anything for love, but you won't fall for it easily"
Couldn't have said it better.

[Time of Confession] 2:59 AM
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Saturday, October 22, 2005

When the going gets tough...

... the lot gets a little crazy.

When we were all still normal:

Tired but sane J

Tired but determined Mokkie

Tired but smiley Lydia

Mokkie gets a little cranky

Then insanity creeps in and the two girls are found doing something weird...

What are they up to?

Hmm...

THE lame pose, after many NGs.

And now for the ultimate sign of madness, lunacy and cuckoory...
we did a little facial muscle toning - imitating the very adorable Calvin:
Image hosted by Photobucket.com

(in sequence)
Image hosted by Photobucket.com

I have never laughed so hard before.

*muscle spasm*
NB: We look really awful in these pictures. But all in the name of fun and stress-relieve. Please remember that we DO look alot more hot and babelicious than what is portrayed here.

Author's note: I discovered, to my horror, that there was a security camera right at the corner where we were having our little fiasco. We must have been some really good comedy entertainment to the guard on-duty. A little apprehensive now that we might have been caught on tape... *gulp*

[Time of Confession] 2:40 PM
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Friday, October 21, 2005

For a good cause. Or two.

Talk about self-esteem.

Having had only 4 hours of sleep, looking dingy without my contacts, and dressed down for a Friday morning lecture because I simply lacked the energy to plough through the limited collection of clothes in hall for something more than decent to don, I had to have my ego crushed indefintely as I stepped into canteen A of NTU.

I was surrounded by a crowd of beautiful, stick-thin girls who, very very sadly, towered over me.

Why is it I don't wear heels to school again?

It all started when I was indiscriminately cruising along the north spine after my lesson, feeling slighty healthier and probably 0.01kg lighter after the salad-lunch (to make up for last night's pig-out), when an angel-like figure approached with the most dazzling smile.

She was one of the finalists of the Elite Model Look Contest, who invaded NTU with their utopian beauty (here, critics will remind me that beauty is only skin deep and what matters is what's on the inside. i say, they probably don't have mirrors at home. quit living in delusion.since when are humans able to resist the allure of aesthetic beauty?).

They were here for a good cause: to garner monetary donations for the breast cancer foundation. And may I add, the guys in NTU really have it good today. It's your L-U-C-K-Y day to be blessed with 16 gorgeous women, even if only to look at.

And no, I am not bitter or envious (maybe a little. the height issue? and i should have picked up some tips on how they keep their complexion so clear and glowing. right, it must be the magic of make-up); in fact, to be honest, I really didn't care that I looked like some mop beside these pretty girls. I had an eyeful myself!

I'd like to think that I'm appreciating the wonders of nature, the amazing works of God. Haha.. And besides, when you're at a place/country where there's not much of the opposite sex to look at, you tend to check out gorgeous people of the same sex (for looking at ONLY ok...) --> i bet i'm going to have to bear some flak for saying this. but i'm sorry, it's an honest opinion and i will not betray myself to appease some inflated egos.

So there, I made a small donation with some persuasion from Samantha, got myself a little pink ribbon collar pin and a one-day pass at Amore fitness centre.

What bruised ego?

[Time of Confession] 12:41 PM
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It's close to 1am... guess where am I? In my school trying hard to be a nerd!

[Time of Confession] 3:57 AM
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Hardworking Tresa hasn't stopped working since morning! It's been project work non-stop for her and then mugging... Poor girl didn't even have time for lunch! But it's ok, I'm sure the super heavy supper with BBQ chicken wings made up for all the suffering!

[Time of Confession] 3:56 AM
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Grace and I on one of toilet breaks. Lalala... just to entertain ourselves in between the studying.

[Time of Confession] 3:53 AM
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Still bouncing with energy despite the fact that I've mugged for more than 6 hours! The thought of supper later is enough to keep me awake and motivate me to finish my studying for the night... erm... morning!

[Time of Confession] 3:52 AM
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It's almost 4am now. Got my hair blow dried (which is why it looks straight) and my appetite fully satisfied... time to get some sleep; I have about 4 hours before getting up for a totally boring Plant Biology lecture by a lecturer who irritates the shit out of me because he doesn't enunciate!

[Time of Confession] 3:50 AM
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Thursday, October 20, 2005

In Between

Taking a break from the books (yet AGAIN... i think my break times are longer than the mugging -_-")

As with every exam prep period (which always equates to looking disheveled, panda-eyed and plain tired), I find myself getting increasingly irritated with my.... HAIR.

It's too long, yet too short!

The whines of growing out short hair.

If I had the luxury of time to style my hair every morning before I headed out, I doubt I'd complain as much: I could make myself look like a million bucks.

(Experimenting with curls)

Okay, maybe a hundred bucks.

But it's still better than now when I feel like I'm worth less than 10 cents. Thanks to the horrendous dark eye-rings too.

Despite the growing dislike for my messy not-long-not-short hair, I'm quite proud of keeping my hair untouched and undamaged since a few months back. I've restored my virgin hair! No more split ends and chemically tortured locks. See, my hair actually has some shine. Yay!

But I'm more than tempted to visit the hairdresser, snip it short and do a drastic colour change. It's all about reinventing the look (I get bored easily)...

So since I'm such a time-waster while studying, I checked out Blogthings (again...) to see which hair colour suits me, IF, I should decide to change mine.

Your Hair Should Be Purple

Intense, thoughtful, and unconventional.
You're always philosophizing and inspiring others with your insights.

What's Your Funky Inner Hair Color?

Ok, purple it is then!

Or maybe not......

[Time of Confession] 10:53 AM
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Wednesday, October 19, 2005

Working hard - w/ my trusty 60 cents ruler!

[Time of Confession] 5:42 PM
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Exactly 25 more days!

[Time of Confession] 5:39 PM
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My large 'warning' sign

[Time of Confession] 5:39 PM
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Tuesday, October 18, 2005

I haven't uploaded pictures in centuries. So here's something to make up for it - a really awful picture of yours truly...

[Time of Confession] 12:03 AM
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Magnificent view.... guess where?

[Time of Confession] 12:01 AM
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Lala... aren't we supposed to be studying??

[Time of Confession] 12:01 AM
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Colours of the rainbow

See this is just one of the very plain differences between a guy and a girl.
Take a guy's pencil-case and pour out its contents, you get:
1. A black pen
2. A pencil
3. A ruler
4. An eraser
5. A yellow highlighter
6. Correction fluid (not absolutely necessary. they can always borrow it from the next person or simply CANCEL)
**NB: for some guys, WHAT pencil-case??

Take a girl's pencil-case and pour out its contents (here, you've gotta have a really large space in front of you, lest the pens spill over to the floor; then you'll have to bear shrill screams because the pens will become faulty when they drop. there's no such thing as a spoilt pen for the guys. only out-of-ink-pens.), you get:

1. What you see in the picture above and more. Think a potential make-shift stationery store.

[Time of Confession] 12:00 AM
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With the pens

[Time of Confession] 12:00 AM
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Monday, October 17, 2005

Colours! With extended family members from Grace's pencil case

[Time of Confession] 11:59 PM
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Sunday, October 16, 2005

Hubba Hubba

Okay. I caved in.

I'm blogging in less than 48 hours from my previous post. But what the heck. I want to share this really cool article with everyone!

Again plagiarised from the "Social Issues Research Centre" website, I've learnt something about scent and sexual attraction!

(Men should definitely read this!)

Sexual attraction

The attractive powers of pheromones (scented sex hormones) have often been exaggerated - not least by advertisers trying to sell pheromone-based scents and sprays which they claim will make men irresistible to women.

Widely publicised research findings on female sensitivity to male pheromones have also led some men to believe that the odour of their natural sweat is highly attractive to women.

Women are indeed highly sensitive to male pheromones, particularly around ovulation, but many popular assumptions about the effects of these pheromones are the result of misinterpretation and over-simplification of the research results.

All male pheromones are not equally attractive, and some of the myths stem from an understandable confusion over their names. The male pheromone androstenone is not the same as androstenol. Androstenol is the scent produced by fresh male sweat, and is attractive to females. Androstenone is produced by male sweat after exposure to oxygen - i.e. when less fresh - and is perceived as highly unpleasant by females (except during ovulation, when their responses change from 'negative' to 'neutral').

So, men who believe that their 'macho', sweaty body-odour is attractive to women are deluding themselves, <-- all guys out there. PLEASE TAKE NOTE!

unless they are constantly producing fresh sweat and either naked or changing their clothes every 20 minutes to remove any trace of the oxidised sweat. Generally, the female-repelling androstenone is the more prominent male body odour, as the fresh-sweat odour of androstenol disappears very quickly.

In terms of scent, the sweaty macho-man is therefore likely to be unattractive to most women (i say, unless we're staring at your glistening, toned muscles from far... a distance great enough so that we don't smell you from where we are), most of the time - at best, he may elicit a grudging 'neutral' response from women who happen to be ovulating (which of course excludes all those taking oral contraceptives).

Although the male pheromone androstenol has been shown to be attractive to women, men's use of pheromone-based scents to attract women may not have the desired effect. An experiment in which a pheromone-sprayed chair in a dentist's waiting room was most frequently chosen by women is often cited in support of the attractive power of male pheromones. The problem with this conclusion is that the pheromone in question can only be detected at a distance of about 18 inches, so the women would have to have selected the chair and sat down before becoming aware of its scent.

A further difficulty in this context is that although pheromone-based scents may have an arousing effect on women, the women will not be aware of the source of their arousal. A man wearing pheromone scent at a crowded party will still have to compete with the other men present for the attention of the women. Only in a strictly one-to-one, intimate encounter could the arousing effect of the scent actually benefit the man wearing it - and to achieve such an encounter, the man must presumably be capable of attracting the woman by some other means. In the context of social situations, it is perhaps also worth noting that androstenol has been shown to be attractive to men, as well as women!

Another experiment showed, however, that daily use of pleasant-smelling colognes significantly improves the mood of middle-aged men, reducing mood disturbances such as tension, depression, anger, fatigue and confusion which are associated with the 'mid-life crisis'. This personal sense of well-being, good humour and confidence, which will inevitably be reflected in behaviour, may be of more help in attracting potential partners than the fickle and unreliable effects of pheromone-sprays.

Similar mood-improvements have been observed in studies of the effects of perfume use on middle-aged women. Women at mid-life, particularly post-menopausal women taking hormone treatments, tend to suffer fewer mood disturbances than middle-aged men. (Contrary to popular opinion, the so-called 'male menopause' seems to involve more pronounced emotional disorders than the female version.) But regular use of pleasant fragrances still had a significant beneficial effect on the emotional well-being of mid-life females, and another study showed that young women experience equally positive effects. Again, the cheering effect of pleasant fragrances may also make women more attractive to potential partners.

Women who believe that the use of 'sexy' perfumes will attract men, however, may be misguided. Women's sensitivity to musk, an ingredient commonly used in perfumes, is 1000 times greater than men's. ‘Sexy’ perfumes containing musk are therefore much more likely to arouse the woman wearing them than any potential male partners. <-- so ladies, no need to splurge on GUCCI already But by making a woman feel more sensual, the perfume may affect her behaviour and thus indirectly increase her attractiveness.

A number of women's magazines have recently carried good-news reports claiming that the smell of cinnamon buns has been proven to 'boost male erections' - some use the more scientific-sounding euphemism 'increase penile blood-flow'. A few reports also mention lavender.

In fact, the study in question - conducted by the Smell and Taste Research Foundation in Chicago - discovered only that 'in those with a normal olfactory ability, a variety of odours can increase penile blood-flow'.

These odours included pumpkin pie, liquorice, doughnuts and lavender, and various combinations of these, as well as oriental spice and cola.

The most effective were a lavender/ pumpkin pie mixture, a doughnut/ black liquorice mixture and a pumpkin pie/doughnut mixture - but the results depended on other factors such as whether the participants’ partners wore cologne and how many times they had had intercourse in the last month.. In short, the only reliable conclusion to be drawn from this is, as the authors themselves admit, that all sorts of smells can increase penile blood flow.

Even this is not very surprising, as any strong odour will have a stimulating effect, which will cause a general increase in blood flow to the extremities - inevitably including the penis. A very powerful odour, such as smelling-salts, can even revive someone from a dead faint. If your partner is actually asleep or unconscious, this old-fashioned remedy may be more effective than the lavender/pumpkin pie mixture - and probably no more offensive.

[Time of Confession] 10:32 PM
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Saturday, October 15, 2005

Time

"Like sand through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives" -- quoted from a famous soap opera.

I haven't been updating my blog recently and possibly anyone can guess why.

I don't have the time and luxury to.

But then there are those that argue that if I put my heart to it, I will somehow find or make time to pen down my thoughts and recollections at the end of the day.

I beg your pardon but I'd rather be doing something more worthwhile.

Not that blogging is becoming like a chore; but for everytime I decide to stay away from the computer or tv, my day becomes miraculously longer...

I get an extra minute to...

stare at the sky and appreciate how blue it looks;
smile at the people around me and ask how they've been;
chew on my food longer and savour every taste of it;
watch my little hamsters keep themselves amused by digging at the plastic walls;
listen and not just hear when people speak;
be sensitive to emotions and be less self-centred;
stay in lala-land longer so I'm a more pleasant person when I wake! (i am really a terror with the foulest moods and at my most touchy and irritable when i lack sleep *roar*)

So you see, my absence in cyberspace is justifiable.

I came across an article yesterday and it totally freaked me out. It was actually a social study on young Britains who are increasingly dissatisfied with their lives but can't pinpoint why. The freaky part? It sounded like it was talking about me. Specifically.

Here are snippets of it that reflect my exact sentiments:

Today's young school-leavers and graduates are less certain, less single-mindedly materialistic, but also more ambitious: they want 'fulfilment', although they are not quite sure what it is, and even less clear on how to get it.

The 'something' they are searching for may well be unattainable, but they have high - some would say unrealistic - expectations, and they move from job to job, or indeed from career path to career path, desperately seeking perfection.

"I like the idea of being a journalist, maybe a science journalist, but then that wouldn't satisfy my artistic side, designing and making things - but then I wouldn't just want to do art or design as a career; I need something more intellectual..."(quoted by an interviewee)

"I am quite happy being single. I don't have time for a boyfriend. Sometimes after a bad day I think it might be nice to have someone, but generally I get my little hits of flirting on a Friday night that keep me going for the rest of the week." Female, 33

"I think expectations are very high on everything in one's life and what it should be like, and that definitely includes a partner. I think there is a lot of disappointment and break-ups as a result of that expectation." Female, 22

So, underneath all of the apparently random and restless job-hopping, mate-hopping, house hopping, boomeranging and lifestyle-shifting, we can see that young people are actually, if anything, rather more conservative, moderate and conformist - and certainly more cautious and anxious - than their parents' generation. The majority have fairly unadventurous, bourgeois aspirations: they want to own their own house, find a good job, settle down, get married, have children, be successful at work and financially secure, and so on.

Although their expectations are higher - they are less willing to 'settle' or an unfulfilling job, an imperfect partner, a rented flat - their ambitions are essentially much the same as those of their parents. They want better, more personally 'tailored' versions of the same things their parents wanted, and they are prepared to experiment, to 'shop', for longer in order to find the life that fits and suits them best.

(And something I particularly liked in this article...)

Thirty, rather than the traditional 18 or 21, is now seen by many as the real point of transition to adulthood. This view is by no means universal, but other social trends suggest that it is becoming more widespread. It is no mere coincidence, for example, that 30th-birthday parties have increasingly become a 'big event' in many people's lives, a more significant 'rite of passage' than the 18th or 21st birthday, and certainly one that is the focus of much more anxiety and soul-searching.

The 18th birthday brings some new privileges, but very few responsibilities;
the 21st is just an excuse for a celebration; <-- see, I've always insisted that the 21st yr is really not that big a deal.
the 30th is the one young people worry about, the benchmark date by which they feel they should have made some important decisions about their lives and careers, or at least cut the umbilical cord and left home...

For the full story, click here

[Time of Confession] 7:40 PM
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Tuesday, October 11, 2005

Countdown

It's been a while.

I have been pretty caught up in work and errands.

But just this morning, it struck me that, other than counting down to my exams, it's also less than a month to my 21st birthday.

And when that day comes, my blog will no longer be valid.

I will no longer be a Pre-Adult.

*gasp*

If I were to pretend that day never passed, can I still relish in the Pre-Adult days?

No fair. I don't even get to celebrate because of the darn exams.

But if my dear friends still want to shower me with their love and presents (I am so thick-skinned... but also know that I'm practical and have no use for large teddy bears or flowers and the like).

Generous contributions to the J-needs-retail fund would be very well appreciated (shopping vouchers). Need more choice? The Send-J-to-Europe fund could do with some donations as well (travel incentives, travel vouchers must be valid beyond yr 2007!)

[Time of Confession] 11:10 AM
3 Wisecracks for Me

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Wednesday, October 05, 2005

J like you never knew

I've been tagged by T&T!

Rules of the game: Post 5 Weird and Random facts about yourself, then at the end, list the names of 5 people who are next in line to do this. Also leave a post on their Xanga/blogspot to let these people know.

And since Mokkie insisted on 10, I shall oblige and reveal 10 little known facts about MOI.

10. My greatest pet peeve is.... dirty toilets. (Which sort of explains why I haven't been to China)

9. I have a chronic skin condition - eczema, and have to rely on a steroid medication that may cause some brain damage if used excessively.

8. I have never bowled in my life; not even put my fingers through those teeny holes.

7. My very first ambition was to be a policewoman (after watching too many dramas), followed by a teacher. Now I think of neither.

6. I'm immune to the Hepatitis B virus even though I never took the vaccine for it.

5. I started using makeup when I was 13 (yeah I'm a vainty pot). Know what's worse? I used to sneak into my mum's drawers to use her makeup.

4. Actually, I used to put makeup wayyyyy before I was 13 - I was quite the performer. I used to sing in the church children's choir (don't ask me how come i can only croak now!!) and even sang in the backup for a record that one of the church member's released. I performed at the now-defunct World Trade Centre for my primary school's 80th anniversery when I was 6 and sang in a school production/ musical when I was 10. In spite of these experiences, I still get stage fright.

3. I used to have a crush on someone 8 years my senior. It lasted a whole 2 years but we never said more than Hi and Bye. I guess I still have a soft spot for him; I admire him alot for his passion and positivity in life.

2. I need to write with a ruler. Even on ruled paper. (To make sure that I write in a straight line. This is just one of my many weird anal antics)

1. (my close friends should know this!) I'm allergic to sharks' fins and bird's nest. *groan*

Next in line are.... SK, TY, Grace Leong, Jordan and Alicia!

[Time of Confession] 8:43 PM
4 Wisecracks for Me

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Monday, October 03, 2005

Rush of emotions

After all these years of playing squash, I've finally realised a winning formula (for me at least).

I've been training somewhat consistently with my guy friends, hoping to improve my reaction and speed. Training after training, there seems to be an improvement in my playing (even my friends think so and thereby certify me 30% male *snort*) but it's not good enough.

I have a terrible flaw. I under-perform under competition stress.

It probably happens to everyone else but mine must be the worst case ever. Sometimes I can lose solely by missing the service. Very frustrating! Because I know I can usually receive such shots but somehow, I just lose focus in a real game.

So anyway, I played a match today and expected myself to win but, again, the nerves got to me and I played a really loose second set, allowing my opponent to beat me 2 sets to nil. Urgh.

Almost immediately, I was scheduled to play with a senior of mine (I've played with her before and lost most of the time. In fact, I think it's all the time) and I decided to stop TRYING to focus but instead just play to win really badly. To do that, I had to muster up the 'winning formula'.

Anger.

Not too much so that I'd feel like throwing the racket at my opponent (goodness no...) but just enough to want to win so much that I'd push myself to run for every ball and to whack the ball really hard if it took all of my biceps.

It worked!

I won that match. And even though I didn't come out tops, at least there's still a medal for the 3rd placing. A slight boost of morale... I can do it! GRRrrrr *angry J baring teeth*

Other than anger, I'm also feeling a huge bout of frustration. Not squash-related this time. But brain-related.

My neurobiology module is so darn hard to study!!!!!!!!!!

Damn it!

Phew, just needed to let out some pent up emotions.

Thank you very much. It's time for me to continue trying to sort my notes out again.

[Time of Confession] 8:51 PM
9 Wisecracks for Me

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Sunday, October 02, 2005

Weekend Blabber

**In view to the latest Bali bombings, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the victims and their families. Shame on the terrorists for inflicting hurt on people while they smirk in euphoria. Shame on them for causing the death of a 16-year old boy. Shame on them for ruining such a beautiful beach/ tourist location!!! I hope the heartless cads get their well-deserved retribution soon.... (and damn it, there goes my intended beach holiday)

The world is getting younger

Aunties are chasing idols and Korean soap stars amidst the giggly and fanatic teenagers.
Uncles visiting clubbing spots and pointing fingers in the air, shaking their booties to Mambo tunes.
My friend's mum rebonds her hair and reads CLEO.
My dad talks and jokes with my 12 yr old sister like old friends,

and,

Blogthings thinks I'm 28.

You Are 28 Years Old

Under 12: You are a kid at heart. You still have an optimistic life view - and you look at the world with awe.

13-19: You are a teenager at heart. You question authority and are still trying to find your place in this world.

20-29: You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences.

30-39: You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more!

40+: You are a mature adult. You've been through most of the ups and downs of life already. Now you get to sit back and relax.

What Age Do You Act?

Unless, unless, the world is as it is but I'm getting older.

As a very NICE Jack described, I am becoming more auntie and less girl-girl. (Thanks hur... can't u say that I've matured and not ah soh-ish or not? I very auntie meh??!!)

My first spa experience

Being the AUNTIE I am, I need to relieve myself of the worldly woes and burdens and do spas to relax and slow down aging right?

Anyway, to those who spend tons of money a month to visit spa sanctuaries, nanny nanny poo poo!*sticks out tongue* I can spa in my very own home!! My mum installed an ultrasonic spa tub in our toilet ages ago but it was my first time using it only yesterday.

The aroma of the chamomile, eucalyptus and lavender oils was calming, but when I turned on the spa, there was violent bubbling akin a pot of boiling water. Not very enticing... but I climbed into the tub anyhow.

Getting used to the bubbling took awhile. It initially felt like I was being punched all over. But within the next 5 minutes, my muscles were somewhat numbed and could no longer feel the discomfort. I just lay motionless, trying to fall asleep, failing miserable only because of the occasional spurts of water up my nose. Snort. I thought it was supposed to be a relaxing experience??!!

Anyway, I probably turned the speed up to high so it was less relaxing and more invigorating.

Invigorating it was, alright.

I emerged from the tub feeling exhausted. Like I've just ran a marathon or something. Even after showering and toweling dry, I continued to perspire. The machine really increases the metabolism leh! Wah, must have burnt alot of fats in the short half an hour! Yippee...

And the skin definitely looks smoother and glowing... this is definitely going to be my weekly routine. I am such a vain pot.

Something interesting snipped off Blogthings (I hope I'm not getting addicted to it)

You Know You're Chinese When....

You unwrap Christmas gifts very carefully, so you can save and reuse the wrapping (and especially those bows) next year.

You only buy Christmas cards after Christmas, when they are 50% off.

When there is a sale on toilet paper, you buy 100 rolls and store them in your closet or in the bedroom of an adult child who has moved out.

You have a vinyl table cloth on your kitchen table.

Your stove is covered with aluminum foil.

You use the dishwasher as a dish rack.

You keep a Thermos of hot water available at all times.

You eat all meals in the kitchen.

You save grocery bags, tin foil, and tin containers.

You use grocery bags to hold garbage.

You always leave your shoes at the door.

You have a piano in your living room.

You twirl your pen around your fingers.

Even if you're totally full, if someone says they're going to throw away the leftovers on the table, you'll finish them.

You don't own any real Tupperware -- only a cupboard full of used but carefully rinsed margarine tubs, takeout containers, and jam jars.

You also use the jam jars as drinking glasses.

You've eaten a red bean Popsicle.

You bring oranges (or other produce) with you as a gift when you visit people's homes.

You have a collection of miniature shampoo bottles that you take every time you stay in a hotel.

The condiments in your fridge are either Price Club sized or come in plastic packets, which you save/steal every time you get take out or go to McDonald's.

Ditto for paper napkins.

You never order room service.

You carry a stash of your own food whenever you travel (and travel means any car ride longer than 15 minutes). These travel snacks are always dried. As in not just dried plums, dried ginger, and beef/pork jerky, but dried cuttlefish (SQUID).

Your parents vehemently refuse the sack of gold coin oranges that their guests just brought just to be courteous.

Your dad thinks he can fix everything himself.

You majored in something practical like engineering, medicine or law.

When you go to a dance party, there are a wall of guys surrounding the dance floor trying to look cool.

You live with your parents and you are 30 years old (and they prefer it that way). Or if you're married and 30 years old, you live in the apartment next door to your parents, or at least in the same neighborhood.

You don't use measuring cups.

You feel like you've gotten a good deal if you didn't pay tax.

You beat eggs with chopsticks.

Your parents' house is always cold.

You have a teacup with a cover on it.

You reuse teabags.

Your mom drives her Mercedes to the Price Club.

You tip Chinese delivery guys / waiters more.

You're a wok user.

You like Chinese films in their original undubbed versions.

You have acquired a taste for bittermelon.

You like congee with thousand year old eggs.

You prefer your shrimp with the heads and legs still attached -- it means they're fresh.

You never call your parents just to say hi.

You always cook too much.

If you don't live at home, when your parents call, they ask if you've eaten rice, even if it's midnight.

Your parents tell you to boil herbs and stay inside when you get sick. They also tell you not to eat fried foods or baked goods because they produce hot air.

Your parents never go to the movies.

Your parents send money to their relatives in China.

You use a face cloth.

Your parents use a clothes line.

You eat every last grain of rice in your bowl, but don't eat the last piece of food on the table.

You starve yourself before going to all you can eat sushi.

You've joined a CD club at least once.

You know someone who can get you a good deal on jewelry or electronics.

You never discuss your love life with your parents.

Your parents are never happy with your grades.

You keep most of your money in a savings account.

You've been on the Love Boat or know someone who has.

Your toothpaste tubes are all squeezed paper-thin.

You love Chinese Martial Arts films.

You have Tupperware in your fridge with three bites of rice or one leftover chicken wing.

Shao Lin and Wu Tang actually mean something to you.

You love to go to $1.75 movies.

You love to go to $1.50 movies even more.

You never order sweet-n-sour pork, egg foo young, or chop suey at a Chinese restaurant.

You hate to spend more than $5 for lunch.

Someone in your family drives a Honda... with custom rims.

You have a Chinese knick-knack hanging from your rear-view mirror.

You like to eat chicken feet.

You suck on fish heads and fish fins.

You turn bright red after drinking two tablespoons of beer.

You can get a buzz on Coors O'Douls or Miller Sharps.

You look like you are eighteen.

You only buy used cars.

You have more than five remotes in your house.

You leave the plastic on the lampshade for ten years or more.

You can't bear to throw things away.

Your dad washes his hair four times a day, or never at all.

Your unassisted vision is worse than 20/500.

You've worn glasses at least since the fifth grade.

Your parents (or some other close relative) own a grocery store or restaurant.

You drive around looking for the cheapest gas.

You add twice the amount of water recommended when making orange juice from concentrate.

You've never seen your parents hug.

Your grandmother lives with you and your family.

You never order desserts at restaurants.

You always have water when dining out.

You say "aiya!" and "wah!" frequently.

You love Las Vegas, slot machines, and blackjack.

You love to play mah jong.

You have to read all your parents' mail written in English.

You are constantly being set up with uninteresting (and usually ugly) people by your parents.

You hate eating cheese.

You have a big aquarium filled with colorful fish somewhere in your house.

Your mother is strangely obsessed with plants.

White people look at you strangely if you tell them you are Buddhist.

You notice the main topic at family get-togethers is food.

You seldom ever owned new clothes if you were a second child.

Your folks never speak under 10 decibels at family gatherings.

You never made the school football or basketball team.

You have two middle initials instead of one.

You grow your own bean sprouts in the kitchen.

Your mother made you peel water chestnuts and snow peas.

You have an lonely unmarried relative who frequently drops by during dinner time.

You received little red envelopes containing money on special occasions.

You use the underside of a porcelain bowl to sharpen your knives.

You cut your own hair? or had someone in your family do it.

Your grandmother has a lot of gold teeth? especially in front.

You keep fresh garlic and ginger in the kitchen at all times.

You know what the term "lemon" or a "banana" means.

You only have to shave every other day (maybe).

You wash and reuse ziplock bags.

You know at least three people named Alan Wong.

You never drank milk after eating cherries.

Your parents collect jade jewelry.

You always drink tea after a meal.

Your dad owns at least one bird.

Your parents grow vegetables in a garden.

You use doilies to decorate your furniture.

Your grandmother rapped your knuckles with her chopsticks while reaching food with your fingers.

You're proud to be Chinese - and you pass these jokes on to all your Chinese friends!

Get Your Own "You Know You're" Meme Here

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Blogthings

[Time of Confession] 10:24 AM
3 Wisecracks for Me

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