The day to leave...

Saturday, 30 June 2007

5 hrs shopping in Tamp Metro



As Metro in Tampines Mall is closing down, there was this 50% discount given to almost all items. That was the first time I had seen Metro so packed! There were pple everywhere. And there were the the suspended red cardboards with the '50% off' hanging almost above every section. Nothing beats seeing such favourable discounts.

I bought gd quality office blouse,office jacket and some other clothes. I don't know how, but we actually spent 5 hrs there. That day, I also bought 2 Puma analogue watches. 1 for myself and 1 for OY, as a farewell gift.





Badminton w CCH Bball friends again

Friday, 29 June 2007

Met up with Ai Ling, my ex-colleague for tea at Ah Mei Cafe. Had a gd time chatting with her. Talked abt lotsa stuff. Many funny stuff too. She's currently tapping the internet for her pot of gold. Very interestin. Here's our pic. (Note: with my skills, I managed to take not only us, but the signboard too. So we can remember where we had tea). Hey AL, practise more. Haha.



Played badminton with my friends again, at SIA Clubhse. This time there were 6 of us and we played for 2 whole hrs. Jinnie and I played singles twice. In the end, both of us were so exhausted. My muscles were so tired that I just wanted to lie flat on the floor. If it wasn't for the prickly heat I felt on my face, I wouldn't have been able to push myself to go shower.

Ziyan joined us for dinner at Asian Kitchen at Suntec. Just ytd, Jinnie and I, together with another grp of friends were at Suntec too, dining just at the Jap restaurant next to this Asian Kitchen (chinese). Jinnie intro us to their signature dish, Zha Ziang Mian. Almost all of us ordered that. Except for Cat, who's vegetarian. It tasted so delicious that I, who normally can't finish my food, gobble everything up. No need to mention, I was quite bloated after that.

We sat for a long chat after dinner. Reminiscing abt sec sch life. The topics revolved around 'popular' teachers and our personal experiences. So entertainin to hear abt such stories. Makes it feel like we have yet to graduate from sec sch.




Oh ya, b4 I forget, a big thank you to u guys for treating me to dinner. And a bigger thank you, for Jinnie Kiew, who has treated me twice. (She and I are together with another click too) HAHA. She kept complaining that she had to treat me twice. But like I said, u gotta pay more to see me more. HAH!



Another dinner treat!

Thursday, 28 June 2007

After playing Xbox at Ruilin's place, I headed to Bugis Junction and Bugis Street. I bought a pair of Converse shoes which I immediately wore when I met up Angeline, Shuli and Jinnie for dinner at Suntec. I also purchased a new dark grey canvas bag. It's quite big and can fit a laptop in it. Similarly, I unpacked all my stuff from old bag into the new one. Too excited abt my new belongings. Haha.

Waited almost half an hr for a cab at the taxi waiting area outside Raffles City shopping centre. All the cabs were waiting for pple to call up to make bookings. This way, they get to earn an additional $3. So sly. So unfair too!

We headed for Geylang to have beancurd and durian. Beancurd wasn't as smooth as the one from Mr. Bean, but cheaper though. The durian was quite gd. The durian seller initially had wanted to sell us the $40 one! I think they were trying their luck to push the expensive (but v superior quality) to us, upon seeing we were just young adults, amatuer durian eaters. Fortunately, he was still honest. He didn't try to cheat our money or make us pay more than the price he told us. Their service was very good too. They smiled alot, were not impatient to collect money and even offered us more, but still respected our decision when we declined.


The 4 of us shared a cab home. Angeline told me it was going to be the last time we 2 would be sharing cab, not until a long long time. She normally gives the taxi uncle directions to get to my place. So I gave her the honour of doing it for the last time.



My neighbour, Ruilin

Wednesday, 27 June 2007

Went for breakfast with Ruilin, my neighbour, at Ah Mei Cafe. We had roti prata and tea. Sat and chat for a while after our meal too.

Her house is just on my left. We're both the same age. My sis is 2 years younger but her sis is 6 years older. So our playgroup consisted of only her, my sis and myself.

Ruilin has actually been my neighbour since at I was 6 (maybe even longer). We actually grew up playing together. Every afternoon at 5.30pm (my playtime after hw), we would meet outside our homes to play. My sis would join us too. Our games ranged from badminton to acting out imaginary detective scenes. Our weapons would be made with lego blocks. Just up and down our garden yard, our story would unfold itself, all based from our wild imaginations. I think I always played the bad guy cuz I felt it was cool and dark. Hahha.

My grandma would always nag at us to come back into the house, claiming that it was sunny. Of course, we nv obeyed.The sun would nv be too sunny when you're having fun. Our bell, was the the bell of the pri sch behind our houses. At 6.30pm sharp, it would ring and the national athem would be played. Ruilin, my sis and I would then wave a reluctant gdbye and definitely arranged another meeting for the next day. Same time, same place.

Unfortunately, from Pri 5 onwards, we nv really came out to play. Probably because of the significant increase in hw load and the fact that I was in EM1, I started to be bogged down by studies and felt a little too stressed to play. Maybe she was stressed too. Cuz I didn't see her hanging around outside too.

From then on, it was a downhill for our playmate relationship. Their family actually moved out for a few years later on, but returned. Still, we were both too preoccupied with our studies and personal committments to still behave like how we did back then. It was possible that in a year, we saw each other less than the number of fingers on a hand even though we live just next to each other.

Only after I told her I was going to leave for Melbourne in 2 wks' time to further my studies, our relationship rekindled. Ok, not in that love relationship sense. We had a special bond. One that existed between close friends, between childhood playmates. But it was eroded by the merciless long absences.

Gd thing was, we still hit if off very well. She invited me over her place for Xbox after our roti prata breakfast. We had great fun playing it. Played it for almost 3 hrs, but I had to leave for Bugis to shop for the stuff which I'll bring to Aus. I almost didn't want to leave. Hahha.

So glad that we met up that day. That day, represented a step closer to mending the vacuum. She said that it was such an irony. Just when we were starting to catch up, I was gonna leave for a foreign land. Ya, it sure is one. Fortunately, there's the Internet. Plus, I finally got her MSN add!!But I haven't seen her online yet. LOL.

A heartfelt thanks to Ruilin for inviting me over for Xbox and being such a hospitable host. When I return, most prob in Dec/Jan, you will treat me to roti prata. CUZ I AINT GONNA PUT ON WEIGHT. YOU'LL LOSE THAT BET WE HAD. Hah!!



Another treat by MJ Bball mates!



This time the group was slightly smaller than last night's. Still, it's alright. Been a long time since I saw all of them. The last time we met was probably in mid-May where we gathered to have a friendly match with our juniors back in MJ. Thrashed them badly. Hahhha. That match reminded me why I like basketball - you get to knock them and not get a foul as long as it's done properly on the pretext of getting the ball. Muahahaha! Evil, I know.



Kushin- Bo !!

Tuesday, 26 June 2007

Kushin-Bo is a Japanese buffet restaurant located in Suntec. That was where my former JC friends treated me to a sumptous jap dinner. As usual, I attacked mainly the expensive stuff like sashimi, prawns, unagi and shisamo.

There were 8 of us. There were loads of chatting. Actually, I was mainly doing the eating while listening to them joke. Can't really link with them since I was in J2. I can only joke and talk to a few of them, because the rest were in another class when we reached J2.

Still, I feel v grateful that they actually invited and treated me to dinner. Not cheap you know. Per person - $33.80++ At least, I got to catch up a little with them and know who is going to which course. It's v impt to know what the others, most imptly your peers, are doing and the reason behind them.

So full and a little sick of buffet. Had buffet just the 2 days before at Pariss International when my parents invited OY for lunch.



Sentosa!!

Monday, 25 June 2007

OY and I spent the whole afternoon at Sentosa today. I hadn't been there since P5! Today's outing would be our very last becuz I'll be leaving for Melbourne next Sat and I won't be back till Dec/Jan. What a bittersweet day...

Walking around Vivocity, I realised that it was really as huge as it was claimed to be. First time coming to Vivo for me. Bought tickets for Sentosa Express, a train, which would transport us to Sentosa. Collected the many brochures on displayed while OY queued for the tickets. I felt like I was a tourist visiting a theme park in another country. All that were missing were the tourist hat, bulky bagpack and the camera hanging around my neck.

Upon reaching Sentosa, we were welcomed by the scorching sun and warm air, greeting us as the traindoor opened. Our first stop was Underwaterworld. It took us quite some exploring to figure out how to utilise the buses and trams. After taking the first bus, knowing how to travel around with the different buses became a breeze.

Underwater world was having a Jun Holiday discount. Paid $13.50, as compared to the original $19+. Plus, it was inclusive of admission to Dolphine Lagoon! In Underwaterworld, I liked the animal dugong, which was super fat. But it still managed to swim with such grace, on it's belly, on it's back...




Following that, we headed to Dolphine Lagoon. Grabbed a small bite while waiting for the show to start.


I enjoyed the dolphine show becuz I haven't seen one for many years. But at the final and most impressive stunt, a family sitting in front of us stood up to leave. Thus, blocking our view. I think they wanted to avoid the main crowd started. OY managed to snapped some pic. I felt they were very well taken.


Fort Siloso was our last stop. I felt it was the best among all the parkeas that we visited. Cuz the land area was the largest and the crowd was the smallest. Plus, the history it yielded was great.

We took a cable car ride back to Singapore Island. There was a discount too! 50%!!! Paid $5.90 each only (one-way). Don't know when was the last time I sat in a cable car. At least 8 yrs ago. The view was not that spectacular cuz there was the Singapore's main port situated there. Many towering machinery and gigantic containers.


It was such an enjoyable day. Felt great to actually spend the whole afternoon, 100% quality time. Glad we decided on Sentosa.





Badminton w CCH Bball friends

Saturday, 23 June 2007

Played badminton with Chung Cheng High Bball teammates this after. Same batch as those who came for the BBQ last wk. Only 3 turned up to play badminton becuz others just couldn't make it. I invited them over to my SIA club. Could only play for an hr becuz I booked the court only that morning. It just slipped my mind. So I booked a pool table for an hr too.

Ziyan had to leave after the badminton game, so we were left with Flora, Jinnie and myself for pool. Good thing that Cat and Wei Lue joined us for dinner at Simpang Bedok. Cat even brought her bf cuz he wanted to tag only. Haiyo... How can a guy stand a few hrs of his gf's gathering, esp when he doesn't know anyone there. Don't really have a gd impression of these kind of guys. Makes him appear so sticky.

We dined at the Muslim food joint opp Shop n Save. Food was slightly better than avg. But the service was terrible. There'll be different pple taking orders from different menus, even though they're under the same restaurant name. To make it worse, there aren't any identification that indicates who belongs to which menu. Also, the waiter was so unprofessional. He practically muttered and just didn't want to project his voice. It's tough trying to hear him, but it became even tougher as he was speaking with an Indian slang. If he had projected his voice well, I wouldn't mind the trouble to decipher what he was saying, becuz language slang is normal. He most probably has to trouble himself to decipher other races' slang too. Plus, he didn't repeat our order! I don't mean to be so critical, but I just feel that pple are already hungry. We just wanna look forward to a gd meal without all that trouble and inconvenience.

Flora can really eat! Hahaa! We chatted for a long time. There was alot of reminiscing and laughing. Thinking of it puts a smile on my face. Heee...

We smelled of bbq smoke after that. But lazy me, still didn't shower of course. I did have a change of clothes though. Haha. Going to meet them again next Thu. That will really be the last time we'll be hanging out until a v v long while. I hope it'll be fun and memorable.





Monash Predeparture Talk

Friday, 22 June 2007

Attended the Monash Predeparture briefing at Hilton Hotel with parents in the evening. Lasted whole 2 hrs!! Sian diao...

Actually, it was quite benefitting. They covered on most of the main aspects that an international student would be concerned abt. For instance, what changes to expect, whom to approach for help, accommodations, procedures that must be done, stuff to not bring into Aus, student visa and other valuable advice. They also had a short segment at the end where they got current and past students to share advice and experiences with the audience.

When it was finally over, I couldn't wait to get home. So tired. Slept at 2am then got pulled out from bed by Mum at 9am to go shopping for my necessities. Snacked on 5 super spicy otah at night. Stomach still felt warm when I went to bed. Think I can expect a v hot time in the toilet tmr.



Fun Fun Day

Thursday, 21 June 2007





Settling my accommodations

Wednesday, 20 June 2007

I brought the bank draft to the OAL office to make payment for my accommodations in Melbourne. My agent, Serene, showed me the pictures of my apartment online. My god, the place is like super tiny!!

Upon entering, the toilet on my left and the small kitchen table on my right. Alongside the kitchen table, is a gas stove. A small fridge below, with drawers beside it and an overhead kitchen cupboard. Take a few steps forward, and ta-dah, my bedroom/study room/dining room/ living room. No need to fret, it's just me staying there and I'll get used to it.

Had dinner at home with family becuz it was Duan Wu Jie. Watched and learnt how my maid cooked (with grandma's supervision) a veg dish. OMG... Nv knew how much oil and fats (literally - My grandma took fats from chicken butt and pan-fried it). That night, I only ate a small portion of that dish. Hah. Becuz the image of the fats and the oil kept flashing in my mind.




Lunch out with Suhan and Kuan Loong

Tuesday, 19 June 2007

As I'll be leaving for Melbourne end of this month for the next 3 years, I've been arranging to meet up with good friends these few wks to have lunch with them. Spend some time together becuz it'll be a long long while before I'll be seeing them again. Met up with Kuan Loong and Su Han at Eastpoint Sakae for lunch this afternoon.

KL wanted buffet and was still boasting abt how many plates he could whoop down. Hah, but as it was still 2pm, buffet hadn't started. Suhan had such a small appetite - she had 2 plates only!! I had 5 plates. Quite an avg number for me - satisfied, but not too full.

We chatted alot. Hmm.. Let me rephrase it - KL talked alot, relating mostly abt his NS life. Quite interesting to hear from him becuz instead of emphasising on the borin stuff, he focused on the stuff which were v fun and those I had no chance of experiencing. He would go into detail abt his shooting test with much emotions the story became so engaging. I was listening intently abt his experience in camp, but I could see Suhan was a lil bored already. A bit of stoning is alright. Haha, I just continued listening to him.

Left an hour later and forgot to take pictures with them with the camera I brought.



My CCH Bball gathering

Sunday, 17 June 2007

I had CCH Bball friends over at my place for a BBQ and mahjong session on sat thru the night. We do this annually and I've always been providing the venue. It's been like this since Sec2. Slightly more tiring and troublesome to play host, but I still enjoy it. Feels like my effort is paid off when I see all of us having a great time.

3 came in the afternoon to help with the preparing of the food - Wrapping corn, marinating fish and sotong. All the purchasin had been done thanks to my mum who by nature is so hospitable. She always helps me with the purchasing and doesn't mind giving my friends a treat even if the purchases costed her $100.

It was mainly the 5 of us doing the grilling. Took many pictures while we were at it too. Could say we really worked as a team. Fanning the fire, flipping the food, spreading the magarine, holding the plate etc. Haha. The last time it was this fun was in Sec2, when everyone was really enthu abt it. Past few times had been steamboat becuz it was less troublesome and cheaper. But steamboat is basically quite passive as there's not much movement except for sinkin in and pulling out the food. So the last few times had been a little boring. Plus only a few stayed over.

Come to think abt it, it was reallly quite unexpected that I ended up as the host. When we were in Sec2, after our trng in Dec, someone suggested to have a BBQ. Then on learning that I live in a private housing estate, they asked if they could hold the BBQ at my place. Well, that was the first time I ever held a gathering/BBQ for my friends cuz normally, I prefer to not invite friends over. Playing host can be quite tedious at times. Plus, I don't have anything interested my play station or comp games to entertain them. They also suggested a stayover. Woah... I tot my dad wouldn't allow the stayover, but he actually did! Both the BBQ and stayover! That time, almost the whole team, plus my coach and teacher in charge came. It was really enjoyable!

With those that stayed over, we watched Exorcist (The Beginning). We were all so freaked by that show. Up till now, all of us can remember still certain scary parts of that show. We slept in my room together on mattresses, together with my dog, Lucky. Hahaa.

Woke up the next day and we left for trng together. I think it's something like that. 5 yrs ago, so I can't recall how it went exactly. But I do remember we had BBQ twice in a row for dinner and they stayed over twice. That was really a fun-filled gathering. From then on, they've been bugging me to organise a gathering every year end. From watching horror flicks at night, we've switched to playing mahjong through the night, which I think, is much more fun than movies.

I'm so relieved and glad that this year's gathering was so so enjoyable. Especially when this would be the last gathering, not until I'm back from my overseas study. Although lesser pple turned up than the time in Sec2, I still had a wale of a time. BBQ, chatting with all 8 of them and mahjong... I shd take the initiative to continue being the organiser and let everyone keep in touch with one another. Or else, all of us would drift apart and experiencing this feeling of friendship would become impossible.






A fun-filled day

Friday, 15 June 2007

Haircut >> Charsiew Rice Lunch >> Pool >> Watch DVD

Had to pull myself out of bed at 8am today for my haircut appt with Ben's regular hairstylist - Mark at 10.30am and all the way to BOON LAY. Dozed off on most parts of the ride. I was half asleep when a person came to sit beside me. Our upper arms touched (Triceps area only) and it felt warm. So comfortable becuz the train was v cold. I accidentally kicked the person's shoe and felt the heel. Person was female. So ok. I can continue tapping her warmth. Sounds disgusting I know, but I was more interested in catching some beauty sleep. At the next stop, I opened my eyes to check which stop it was. Then OMG, the person whom I've been tapping for warmth is a MAN! AN INDIAN MAN!!! ARH!!!! After that, I quickly inched away and do wat? Continue sleeping.


Haircut + wash took abt an hr. Felt paiseh for making Ben wait so long. Not v satisfied with my new haircut on the whole. Think it lacks that natural finishing where the ends shd be tooth-edged and not horizontal. Fringe also a bit stiff. But still looks presentable. So nothing to worry abt.


Lunch was alright. Charsiew Rice with a special sauce (not the normal sweet one). Something new.


Pool was great fun. Finally discovered the reason that I've been hitting inaccurate shots.

Situation: Because of some obstruction at the female's chest, although the cue has been aligned correctly initially, it would be unconsciously shifted away from the alignment.
Solution: Arch back upwards to make some leeway.
Evaluation: Accurate shots but terrible terrible backache after a short while.

Looking forward to playing pool again.

Made our way to Ben's place. Watched BABEL and got so bored by it. Storyline progressed quite slowly and ended with a feeling of 'ok....'. But that's my opinion, others might find it worth watching since it has bagged quite a few awards.

Left his place ard 9pm. I volunteered to walk to the MRT station by myself cuz I didn't want to trouble him further. Got onto the train, got a seat and went to sleep. Journey doesn't seem long when u're sleeping.

Eh Ben, next time u'll be coming over to my area. Always making me travel from Simei to Clementi and back. Tsk Tsk...



X-ray & Health Check-up

Thursday, 14 June 2007

I was scheduled for an X-ray and a health check today. My sis had to go for the same before she was enrolled into Poly. My sis mentioned that all I've to do is remove all my top pieces and put on a long, thin garment. That relieved me a little. I still tot I had to strip. Nv done any X-ray before.

Chest X-ray wasn't scary at all. Just 'zap' and thousands of cells die. But felt the same as before. She also took a passport-sized pic. Wonder how I look. She didn't let me smile :(

Following that, was the health check-up at Paragon. Had to do eyesight and urine test. Still remembered how my sis related to me abt the correct way of carrying the cup back into the clinic - must cover with a piece of tissue paper and try not to knock into anything or anyone. Haha. Ya, I was very cautious abt that.

It was a quick health check-up. No prior operations or medical conditions to declare. Out in half an hour's time.

On the whole, not a bad experience. Nothing that will give me a phobia for health check-ups.



My New Passport

Wednesday, 13 June 2007

Went to collect my new passport at ICA Building this afternoon. The moment I stepped out of Lavendar MRT Station, I knew it was definitely going to be a LONG LONG wait for my new passport. So many pple were walking out from ICA Building, which can only mean that there will be even more pple inside.

My stared with horror at my queue no. There were 177 pple in front of me! Luckily, I found a place to sit. Even more fortunately, that I could chat with Angeline on my mobile. Or else I would have biodegraded and returned all my nutrients to earth. 40min passed and we had to hang up, becuz she had to stop slacking and get back to work.

When my no. was skipped, I panicked. "OMG, DON'T TELL ME I WAITED ONE WHOLE HOUR FOR NOTHING? Do I have to take a new no. and wait all over again?" Yet, when my 3023 finally blinked on the display board, it looked so foreign. I think it was the 'omg, izzit really really true' effect. Of course, it was followed by a huge sense of relief.

Oh ya. COSTS FREAKING $70 FOR PASSPORT RENEWAL!!

Headed to OAL (my agency office) to hand agent my new passport. She scheduled me for a mandatory health check-up this coming THU. X-ray and full body check-up. Don't know how many pieces have to come off. SO PAISEH LA...



Where are u, toned body?

Tuesday, 12 June 2007

Received a sudden call from Shan Chun, my JC ex-classmate, to meet up with him and Suhan for a chat at Eastpoint BK. I managed to get a gd table, somewhere in the middle, where it's least cramped. Then I saw Shan Chun walking in, my god, he looked damn gd with his lean, muscular body (Not bulging muscles, or else it'll be scary). The skin colour was abt just right too.

So envious. I don't wanna get all muscular, but if I can look lean, without the flabby 'friends' on my arms and thighs, it'll be great.

Ok Hui Ying, stop complaining. What can I expect, I've stopped slogging at the gym and I'm so lazy. Haha. Ok. So I'll start by making sure I don't overeat during meals or snack at night. Leaving for Aus soon, so working out can wait. (see, lazy me)



Stayover at my place

Sunday, 10 June 2007

Last night was a fun night! Angeline, Shuli and Jinnie came over to my place for a stayover.

After dinner, we started playing mahjong. Lady Luck eluded me for the whole game. I had to declare bankrupcy by the West round. Only won once! So unbelievable. Plus, it was such a small hand. Luckily, we didn't play with real $$, or else, my heart will surely ache.

That would be abt 3am. Bored, so at Jinnie's recommendation, we watched 200 pounds of beauty online. Man, I had no clue that it was online. OY and I actually paid $7.50 each to watch in a cinema. Only Shuli and I watched the whole show. Angeline and Jinnie were knocked out by then. But somehow, they managed to recharge with that 45min of rest and 4 of us watched the last part together.

They left at 7am. Standing at the door, I waved to them gdbye with weary eyes. Slept till 2.30pm. That pig Angeline must have gotten up much later than me. Haha.

Met up with OY at night. We just walked aimlessly thru the HDB estates. Quite an interestin yet cheap way to hang out. Can't do it too often though, gets quite boring.



All decided !!

Wednesday, 6 June 2007

All the confusion confusion confusion have come to an end after the phone call from my parents from Lanzhou, China, last night. I had been so undecided on whether to choose Commerce on Business (banking & finance).

My dad has managed to persuade me to take up the Business one becuz it'll be more specialised. I told him that I was worried that I wouldn't be capable, decisive, fast and judgemental enough to pursue specialised occupations. Also, I was afraid that banking and finance might not be how I perceive it to be and might not enjoy it eventually. But he explained and explained and finally, boosted my confidence that I'll be able to make it in this industry.

My initial choice was Business, but becuz of the recommendations by the Monash Rep and overseas friends, I was thrown into this web. That time, I really hoped that she hadn't brought up the Commerce course. However, after much reflection, the past few days have been worth it. At least I've a clearer picture of what I've chosen and my alternatives, so I wouldn't regret it when I reach there.

From this episode of decisions and confusions, I learnt that gathering opinions from pple of different backgrounds and experiences are essential in making the right choice. There'll be times when they do not give us any obvious directions. So after we're pass the stage of gathering opinions, the final route to take will be up to ourselves. Not forgetting, A LEAP OF FAITH - to trust and believe that everything will turn out right.

So I've decided on my route and I won't look back.



CONFUSION



As I've yet to decide on either Commerce or Business (bankin & finance) to study in Monash, the whole of today and ytd were spent gathering suggestions and reading in-depth on the different modules. It was a tiring, stressed and confusing day for me.

I was practically reading and comparing the modules from both degrees and I also compared them to S'pore's NTU. I must had stared at the screen for a total of 5 hrs. Felt so brain-dead after that.

The reason I'm still undecided is becuz both courses have their pros and cons. Furthermore, I've 50% votes on both sides and everyone made v logical sense. I was lost in the fields of confusion. One moment, I would be leaning on one side and then after some time, I would lean towards the other course. And when I think that I'll just do the first course, I can't totally give up on the latter becuz I haven't been 100% convinced that it's the right choice.

Haizz... Decisions, decisions...



Oh Happy ddaYYY...

Tuesday, 5 June 2007

I was awakened this morning from my sleep from a msg from my dad - he would like to invite OY for a lunch one of these days.

I'm overjoyed! Totally over the moon! Finally I can introduce him to my parents. Kept asking OY what he was planning to wear and advising him on things to take note of. Oh, and there were the uncontrollable giggles. Haha. Can't wait for parents to return from holiday, then we can have the Japanese buffet at Hotel Furama.

We spent the early afternoon making enquiries for my accommodations in Melbourne. On seeing the weather being so wonderful, we travelled by foot from Raffles Place to City Hall. Walking past towering office buildings, crossing scenic bridges and magnificent hotels, I realise that I really love being in a city.

It's also a special day today, becuz it's Angeline's bday. Happy Birthday Angeline! Shuli, Jinnie and I treated her to dinner at Out of the Pan in Raffles City. Crepes filled with deliciously-flavoured meat. My filling was grilled minced mutton. We bought her a pair of outing slippers and a card.

Hanging out with them has always been enjoyable. They were my Sec Sch classmates since Sec3 and the 4 of us have been best friends ever since. They're all v valuable friends. Leaving for Aus, I'll definitely miss them. Really hope we'll still remain as close as before.

It was a happy happy day...



Seein the Monash Rep again...

Monday, 4 June 2007

Made my way alone to the Orchard Hotel to hand in my Monash Uni application form to the Monash Rep, Genie. This was the third consecutive time I was seein her for the past 3 days. Hopefully I don't have to see her anymore cuz I feel a bit paiseh abt it. Don't know y. As usual, the queue for the Monash Uni was the longest of all the other Aus universities and I ended up waiting for 20min.

She recommended me another course, Bachelor of Commerce, which was more popular, flexible and recognised in Aus than the Business (Bankin & Finance) which I applied for. Nv did I expect that that was going to be the cause of all the confusion and stress for the next few days.

Parents left for holiday today. Dad seemed a bit uptight. He normally does before he goes on every holiday. I feel a bit nervous too. Cuz the next few days I'll be deciding on my uni matters (payment, courses, visa, etc.) but he won't be by my side at this very impt turing pt of my life. How?!? He has always been there.Luckily, there's still the invention of phones and skype. If not, I would be so LOST right now.



Aus Open Day

Sunday, 3 June 2007

Attended Aus Open Day at Orchard Hotel with OY. Sat in for the University of Queensland (medicine) seminar. For him. For me only in my dreams. So the AngMoh lecturer goes on and on abt the course. When he showed the slide on course fees, my eyes almost popped out with that figure glaring straight back at me. In total, the whole degree would have burnt A$200k from some parent's pocket. Well, another one to have his conscience pricked. Haha.

I managed to speak with the Monash Uni representative again at the booth. Guess wat, she remembers me! Haha. I thought she would have forgotten that I spoke to her ytd at OAL office considering the huge scores of pple she had talked to.

Also caught POC 3 with OY. Quite a long show, but still very gd. I like the soundtrack alot too. We had dinner together too. Variety of otahs, yakitori and buns. Variety, my favourite!

Reached home and shared with dad on my findings for that day. Aiya, forgot to ask her abt accommodations. Nvm, tmr. I'll have to hand in my application form tmr to her anyway. And she'll give me the offer letter. Right on the spot! So unbelievable! A representative has that much authority.

My god. I'll be leaving on last wk of Jun, which means I've 3 and half wks left here in S'pore. There's so much preparations to be made. Plus, I'm not mentally-prepared! I'll be leaving behind my family members, and closest friends, special one and my dog... MY LUCKY BOY BOY... I miss his scent already. Then there's my grandma who's in her eighties. Haiz...

Am I really gonna leave with no peace of mind?






1 step closer to Aus

Saturday, 2 June 2007

Met up with Shuli and Jinnie to buy Angeline's bday present this afternoon. We were walking abt Marina Sq. Kept forgetting that our objective was to get a present becuz we got distracted by the clothes on sale. Finally, after much walking abt and deliberating, the present was chosen. I left immediately after that cuz I had an appt with trinity college representative to enquire more abt doing foundation studies in Melbourne.

Getting to that building where Overseas Academic Link (OAL) was located was not easy. Esp for a blind mouse like me. Plus, I left the address behind at home. Luckily, I still remembered the street name - Cecil St.

Trinity College gave me a Letter of Offer on the spot, immediately after i filled in the application form. Such shocking speed! After that, I spoke to the representative of Monash Uni. I was equally surprised when she said that I qualified for entry. 2nd best uni in Melbourne, yet I could enter with my average results. Actually, I had already decided on doing the Foundation Studies but after discussing with my dad, what for waste the 7months and A$19 000 if I can advance to Uni straight.

Education really has become a money-spinning industry, esp for Aus. While locals pay a subsidised rate for Uni fees, international students have to pay the full sum. That's why educational instituitions are more than happy to accept international students. If I was a local, with that results of mine, I wouldn't even be able to smell Monash.

It pricks my conscience that my dad has to pay so much more just to buy me an overseas education. However, the experience of living/studying overseas excites me. Well, I better shower more love on him then.

I'll be attending Aus Open Day tmr with OY. There'll be all the well-known aus uni setting up their booths to handle enquiries. Shd be helpful for me.

Me
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Hui Ying here. A simple and sporty gal with v picky tastebuds.

Likes
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I LOVE food! BUt I'm a v picky eater who eats only the tasty stuff. My greatest love is steaks.
Favourite pastime: Daydreaming and hanging out with my closest buddies.

People
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Many Thanks
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Designed by: Slayerette
Picture from: Google
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Last but not least, Ben. For without him, I'll still be blog-less.

Precious Words
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Past
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March 2007
May 2007
June 2007
July 2007
August 2007
September 2007
November 2007
December 2007
January 2008
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