We woke up really early in the morning to prepare. Mum's panicky personality forced me to wake up all bleary-eyed and we were the first to reach the hotel lobby. I remember the temperature outside was -7 degrees Celsius when it was still dark. We had to walk quite a bit to get to the restaurant for breakfast and I was grateful for the ski clothes which were warmer than my own clothes.

We later went up to the top of the mountain by the gondola. We shared a gondola with Yik Keat's family (the couple could be considered part of our group of four since we always sit together during meals). Too bad no one could see out of the window while we were making our way up since the glass was all fogged up by frost. The view was beautiful at the top. Everyone played with the think snow and took pictures. I didn't bring my camera unfortunately so I couldn't take any photographs while at the top.

After spending some time with the thick snow, our group went down to collect our skis. Andy helped to estimate our sizes and the skis were heavy. It was then on to our mini ski lesson with teacher Andy. Andy taught us well but I'm quite horrible at skiing, I must admit. Sure it was fun skiing down the slope, but I got bored after a while and it was a tiring climb back up the slope. Half the time I was busy helping people up and falling down anyway. In fact, mum and I were the first to head back to the hotel since I perspired a lot. I was honestly grossed out by my sweat and I decided to head back early to shower instead. I even managed to shampoo my hair twice even with a glass cup to splash water. After checking out, we returned our ski outfits and goggles to the rental shop (not before having our lunch first though!) Lunch was nice: Mushroom hotpot.

The next event was the sauna: Blue Canyon Water Themepark. I heard there are water slides and swimming pools inside. Unfortunately, mum and I didn't go and there were also a few who did not want to go too. We then spent the two hours together. There were a pair of siblings at the bowling alley and all of us just sat at the back watching them play. I mostly listened to the adults' chat.

Dinner was barbeque again and it was good. But because we were on the road for a long time, I was kinda groggy and nauseous. We then checked into Class 300 Hotel after braving the cold outside. The hotel was the best I stayed in throughout the entire week in South Korea. The first thing that came to my mind when I went into the room was: 완자 진짜 대박!! The toilet even flushes automatically!!

8 December 2010

The next morning Andy asked us to meet at the restaurant in the hotel instead of the lobby. We wanted to catch the sunrise but unfortunately, because it was too cloudy, everyone could only watch the sky brighten without actually seeing a sunrise. Breakfast was good though. After checking out, we left for Mount Sorak National Park.

It was beautiful! Because it snowed heavily in the area the day before, the path was slippery and dangerous. But the white snow made the scene look so ethereal! We ascended to the top half of one of the mountains by cable car, before going further up by foot. I didn't go all the way up to the peak though, since I found it too slippery. I stopped at the end of the steps with my mum with another mother from the tour group (I later found out that the lady was Bosco's and Kyle's mother). I wouldn't have problems going up actually, it's just that I was more worried about the coming down part.

After we went down, we visited a temple. It was built in the shape of the Buddha. We could hear the monk's chanting resounding from the belly of the statue. True enough, when we went in, there was a monk inside. There was a booth at the entrance for Buddhists to buy talismans. There was also another booth further out with candles for people to write well wishes on them. It was quite interesting since I usually only see those candles in dramas. It was my first time seeing it. We then left for Nami Island after lunch.

It was snowing when we got to the jetty! Everyone was so excited because they were hoping to see snow. It's pretty. Likewise, Nami Island was breathtaking, with its beauty further accented by the white layer of snow. We first went to the spot where the two leads of the famous Winter Sonata posed. I never watched the drama but it was funny when Andy taught a couple just how to do the exact pose as shown in the show.

There was free time afterwards for us to walk around the island. I saw a little house with two white dogs inside. I'm usually really scared of animals but because they were in the enclosure, I went over to give them a greeting. One dog actually came over and wanted to open the door to get out - maybe it wanted to play with me? The door was locked unfortunately. My new friends and I made do with staring at each other and smiling, if dogs could smile.

As I was walking about, I saw Ming Jun sitting at some frozen pond trying to bash a hole into the water underneath the sheet of ice. It made me wonder if the Han river freezes over during winter. Oh and Yik Keat made a huge snowball. He was collecting snow for his snowball since we arrived at Nami Island. The end product was actually much bigger than the one in the photo I took with him. I think he left it on the island before we left.

Dinner that day was at an eatery near the jetty. It was some vegetable with pork thing. Delicious! Later that night, because a few people wanted to go shopping, Andy brought the whole group to Dongdaemun. Mum and I got lost instead (just like in Everland), and used the 'trial and error' method to find the correct door to leave. We smartly went out when it was snowing heavily outside. I managed to take a pretty jerky video of the whole thing. The best part was when Andy later said that the weather forecast predicted that it would snow heavily but it did not. Little did he know that it did snow heavily but the whole thing lasted for a few minutes.

The third morning, we left for the airport right after breakfast, bidding a goodbye to Jeju. We were then driven to Gyeonggi-do after arriving on mainland. It was time for Everland!

Frankly speaking, if I'd thought Jeju was cold, Everland was freezing. Since Jeju was the southern-most part of Korea, I guess it can be right to say it's the warmest? I didn't even try any of the rides save for the safari ride that Andy made all of us take together as a group. It was too cold for me to even try anything that flings me up into the chilly air. But the safari ride was quite fun, since we got to see animals like the tiger, lioness (the lion wasn't there), bear, giraffe and zebra. The bears were a little lethargic since it's winter and I think they'd much rather hibernate if not for the tempting biscuits the driver was throwing out to them. The bus allowed the animals to be really close to us without endangering anyone's life.

There was also the Zootopia in Everland, making it the first theme park I've seen with a mini-zoo incorporated inside. Mum and I just spent our time there floundering around aimlessly, watching the animals. I even saw guinea pigs and roosters! I wonder how they can bear the cold.

We finally met the rest of the group after the sky darkened. It was beautiful when it was dark - the festive Christmas decorations came alive with their bright lights. I huddled under the heater while they were waiting for the rest of gather at the main gate most of the time actually. So unfortunately, I didn't take any decent photographs of the entire backdrop.

Later that night, we went to a ski rental shop to prepare for our skiing on the next day. All of us had to lug out bags and skiing outfits to our rooms at Phoenix Park Hotel after all the hassle of trying on the outfits and renting the ski goggles. I must say, mum and I were quite lucky to get a room with an awesome view of the ski slops from our window. But our shower wasn't working. By then it was already near midnight and my mum refused to disturb anyone for us to borrow their shower. That was the first time I had to manually splash water on myself using the pathetic bathtub tap. A glass cup was also used. Thank goodness no one dropped it in the bath, otherwise it will be a mess.

I later heard from the others that some rooms had problems too. One could not flush the toilet and they could not use it for the night and another didn't even have water to bathe with!

I know it has been slightly more than a week since I returned from Korea, but it seems strange not to post about it when I've been there. Korea was cold but awesome. The people in my tour group were great too - well not all, but all of us are only human.

3-4 December 2010

Mum and I went to the airport slightly earlier than 11.15pm just in case. We were trying to spot who was going to be in our tour group. I initially expected girls my age who were crazy over kpop to be in the group. When we were there, we could only spot a few Korean families who were waiting to check in their luggages for the same flight and a huge family waiting at one side. My mum guessed correctly that the Singaporean family would be in the tour group. I didn't believe her though - because there were only two boys near my age in the group. More people gathered after a while. Imagine my surprise when I saw more boys my age than the girls.

Our tour leader was a really friendly lady. Carole treated us like family for the whole week in Korea. At the start, my mum mistakenly placed a bottle of lotion and toothpaste in our bags instead of the luggage despite the 100ml limit on fluids on bags that are hand carried. Since we had already checked in our luggage at that point of time, Carole magnanimously let us put the banned items in her luggage instead since she hasn't checked in. She later gave them back to us when we checked into the hotel the following night.

The flight was after midnight and maybe it was because of the medication, but I didn't experience any dizziness or migraine. I must admit that the flight was smooth actually. I didn't suffer much during turbulence. I couldn't sleep much on the other hand unfortunately. At the beginning of the flight, even though it was 2am, everyone was busy playing games or watching movies on the plane. I watched a little of Step Up 3 but got bored somewhere at the part where Natalie was apologising to Luke for lying about her identity. The dancing was excellent but somehow I found the pace of the plot slow and that made it bland after a while. But I found the choreography awesome - I was focusing on the dance moves rather than the plot, so I lost interest after a while.

I tried to sleep next but lo and behold! Someone one or two rows behind was snoring loud enough to hold a concert for it. I didn't sleep a wink while the rest of the plane was in darkness and everyone was snoozing away. Even if my eyes were closed, I was counting down to the end of the flight with my watch. I even tried to listen to my own music on my iPod but amazingly, the snores could penetrate through the cover of my earphones. I know how there are people who can claim that snores can be taken as a lullaby. But I couldn't do it - not when the snores had a bigger resemblance to a series of thunderclaps than a peaceful, innocent lullaby. Breakfast finally came at 7am (Korea time). I fell asleep right after breakfast, while everyone was awake. At least there was no snoring before we landed at Incheon airport one and a half hour later.

We were greeted by Andy, our Korean tour guide, and Anthony (whose name is also An Kijung), who was the unofficial photographer for the tour. Time was given for everyone to change into suitable clothing before we set off from the airport. However, because our flight was delayed, there was no time for us to visit Nami Island (which was the original plan) if we wanted to catch the six o'clock evening flight to Jeju.

Our first stop was a Ginseng Chicken soup shop. Lunch there was great although it was the first time I had such a big chicken in the soup just for one person. It was nearly three times the serving in Singapore! Andy told us about the history of the dish while we were on the bus. We drove past the Presidential Blue House and went into this place filled with portraits of Korea's past presidents. Andy then went on to talk about Korea's history and each President in detail. I didn't quite catch everything because it was in Mandarin but I think I got the general idea of their history.

After that, we went to Shinchon Fashion Streets, where I bought ear studs and a hoodie. My mum and I even ventured into a Neoprint shop and took pictures. I think the girl at the shop had a hard time trying to explain how the machines work over there in Korea. Plus we had to change our notes for coins.

I fell asleep again on our way to Gimpo airport afterwards. I woke up in the middle of the long journey when I heard the thunderous snores again though. The one who snored on the plane was sitting right behind me. I couldn't remember the face since I was so tired but it was one of the children's fathers if I'm not wrong. Carole then asked if anyone wanted to buy some sticky thing to paste behind the ear to relieve the pressure since we were going to take a submarine ride the following day. Those could be bought over the counter at the airport. Thank goodness I followed my mum to the shop, because I spotted the Le Sucre rabbit I wanted at the shop opposite it. I nearly squealed in excitement and insisted to buy it. In fact, we were the last to check in while everyone was rushing in just for me to buy the rabbit. The shopkeeper, a really nice lady, tried to tell me the name of the rabbit but I didn't quite catch it since I was already rushing. At least I got the rabbit - even if it was a little expensive: 35, 000 won. That rabbit accompanied me for the rest of the week in Korea. 

Maybe because it was winter, but the sky starts to darken at five and by six, it's completely dark outside. When we arrived in Jeju, it was really dark outside and the coach drove us to the Yongdaum Rock (Dragon Head Rock), where we got the chance to look at the famous landmark of Jeju in the dark, with all the bright lights.

Dinner was at a traditional Korean restaurant where we had to sit on the floor. Quite a few of the restaurants we went to for the rest of the days required for us to sit on the floor too. It was a seafood feast that day and thank goodness mum brought her medication. I ate a clam raw but it was awful because I forgot that it was cold and nearly frozen because of the temperature outside. They served loads of dishes and I lost count after a while. Right after dinner, we drove on to the Jeju Grand Hotel where we would be staying for two nights. 

We met the tour group at the hotel lobby at seven the next morning. We were then driven to an eatery where they served bread, an egg and abalone porridge. It was the most delicious breakfast I had there actually and I finished everything that was served. The abalone pieces were small but they were caught by the island's women divers. Most of the women divers are more of less old because most youngsters have gone over to the mainland to work instead of keeping the tradition. 

We then went to a tangerine farm, where we could pick the fruits and eat them right on the spot. It was a fresh experience for me. The tangerines were quite sour however. The farmer said that we should keep them for a few days and the taste would be sweet instead. Many people bought the famous 'chocorin' products and tangerines from the farm. The farmer was also really kind and gave us a huge bag of tangerines as a gift to us. 

Midway to the submarine place, we stopped at two places where we only had less than an hour to look around. We went to a Rape Seed Flower Farm, where everyone posed for photos against the yellow background. We also went to Seongsan Sunrise Peak. No one could reach the top sadly, since we were pressed for time (we had to go for the Submarine Tour at noon). The Submarine Tour was cool! We took a boat to a little jetty in the middle of this place that seems to be a lagoon. Then we climbed into a submarine with windows before the submarine went down into the sea. There were coral reefs, and ruins which they dropped into the water for the fishes to make their homes. There was a diver who swam down with us and attracted hordes of fish with food so that we could look at the variety of sea creatures in the water while trying to snap clear photos of them. There were no sharks fortunately. According to Andy, if there were sharks, no fishes would come and we would have to spend the entire tour just watching the sharks swim about. 

We then had lunch at a eatery where they served barbecued pork. The pigs they used were native to Jeju Island and are black. It was delicious! Eating the lettuce with pork wrapped inside and then accompanied with rice - it was heavenly. We sat with a couple and the four of us were wondering if we should follow how they eat in those Korean dramas: Wrap the meat with vegetable and push it into your mouth. But after seeing a  few Koreans doing the exact same thing nearby, we decided to just eat it that way. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. 

Right after lunch we went for the horse-riding. It was a wonder that I didn't puke from my nervousness. The horses were all well-trained however. They could even follow the path without any guidance at all. My mum was right in front of me and she was singing some song to her horse. The horse ended up trotting to the beat she was singing. I was too nervous to even say a word to my horse sadly. Poor horse. I should have given it a pat or something. My horse kept trying to look at me. It kept turning its head. Overall, it was fun and my horse was really clever and good but I pulled a vein while coming down from the horse. I fed carrots to the horses in the stables afterwards but I just couldn't find my horse. Poor horse.

After horse-riding was the trip to the Teddy Bear Museum. I rushed through the exhibits because I knew that I wanted to buy a bear from the gift shop (I was aiming for this once I saw that the museum was included in the itinerary). In the end, I bought a pair of bears over there. Unfortunately, because I zeroed in on the Gift Shop, I didn't visit the third part of the Teddy Bear Museum which was outside the building. It was really cold anyway, so I didn't really bother. Heh. We later went to the Glass Museum. Mum and I smartly decided to leave our coats on the coach. I was freezing at the Glass Museum. Nearly all of the exhibits were outdoors. The two of us rushed through the beautiful glasswares. 

We then got a chance to drive through the Mysterious Road, where things rolled up the slope instead. We could not alight to look at the surroundings sadly - it was already dark and I could barely see out of the window anyway. We also went to watch the famous Nanta Show! It was really entertaining and funny.

날 위해 한국을 기다려!

My mum's mad at me right now. Life is miserable.

I'm still in the midst of packing for my trip. I hope I will be able to sleep on the plane tomorrow. It's going to be a midnight flight. Hopefully, it won't be too hectic when we reach Seoul and then transfer to Nami Island... I wonder if there will be enough time to wash up and wear my contact lens at the airport...

Oh well. The next few days will be a blast! :DD 

After reading my last post, I realise that it sounded a little arrogant. Maybe it really is my fault. Could it be that the awkward me never really left? Do I make others feel uncomfortable? I often worry about that.

There is a reason why I love soft toys so much. They used to be my substitutes for friends. I often spoke to them when I was just a mere kid, and had tea with them nearly every afternoon. Each time any of them had a tear, I would cry and pestered my mum to patch it back for me so that the stuffing won't come out. Sure, they did not respond to my questions and my one-sided conversations, but at least, I had something to talk to while my parents were at work. It has become a habit I guess, having my soft toys around me. I really enjoy having soft toys and it's impossible for me to give away any of them. Well, unless I disliked them - there was a snake and a frog I gave away. I also gave away a clown. I dislike them. Clowns, I mean.

Prom on the 18th was alright, I guess. I wore a really simple white dress with a few accessories. Everyone did so much to their hair, makeup, gowns etc. I was surprised by a few faces which were caked with cosmetics. I didn't really like the food though. The old lady serving our table was utterly horrible too. Seriously horrible. 

She pushed her way to the table to serve the food without feeling apologetic at all - and she is nothing like a pint-sized model, mind you - in fact she was certainly quite well-fed. She trod on my toe, stepped onto my birthday presents, spilt food on the tablecloth, and was certainly rude. Throughout the whole thing, she elbowed me each time she served us a dish. It was infuriating. She is also the first service staff I know, who needed at least twenty minutes just to serve a cup of plain water. Aside from that, she even demanded for me to move my chair over to accommodate her hips so that she could serve faster. Whatever happened to the magic word 'please'?

She somewhat dampened my mood.

Alright, frankly, she absolutely ruined my mood. It didn't help that I have grown fatter and just looked like an elephant next to all my svelte friends.

But I did feel a little sad after prom. I didn't feel it during the Graduation Day because I knew I was going to see all my friends again during O'Level. Prom somehow gave me the sense of finality - that it was finally the ending of my Secondary school life, no matter how much I wished it would not come. 

It's funny when I actually look back. I was previously adamant about not wanting to a girls' school because I'd mistakenly thought that it would be boring since there would only be girls and girls are usually quiet and demure, so school would be just as stagnant. In the end, I chose this school on my own because I'd wanted something different. And what a good choice it turned out to be. 

Although I rather wish not to comment on the fact that it has been pure hell to get up at 5am every morning just to get to school, it has indeed been an awesome four years. I have met so many friends and with the girls, it was so much more easy to be spontaneous and carefree without feeling insecure. Seeing some of my friends from co-ed schools getting embroiled in and troubled by their relationships with boys, I can't help but think, 'at least I needn't go through that since there are no boys here.' 

Aside from the school, sometimes I admit I do go, 'Ah, if only I'd joined that CCA, or joined this, I wouldn't be troubled.' But choir was where I met such great friends too. The Secondary Fours who have accompanied me have been a cool and funny bunch. It was great fun fooling around between practices with them and they always helped me. Juniper and Yi Bin always helped me when we were in the committee too. Although I can't say that our juniors are working well together like we did, I actually really enjoyed working with the both of them. It was easy working with them and I can't actually remember fighting with them. Maybe just one or two arguments which just end up with us talking things out and go back to joking about. I honestly hope choir won't break up , but if it ever comes to that, I really think it will be a little disheartening to the past conductors. 

My classmates, both from C1 and G1, have been really nice to me too. They were always offering their help when they see me struggling. They also bore with the expressionless me in the morning, when I'm far too sleepy to care about the world. In this school, it was the first time I never had to sit alone during recess or lunch periods. Everyone sat together without anyone saying a word. 

It has become to natural so me, so much so that I feel uneasy when I eat alone in the canteen. To think that I used to be so frightened of buying food and eating with others in Primary school. I was such a wimp, huh. I guess Secondary school gave me a second chance to make up for all the friends I'd lost previously due to my silly phobias. I used to make hurtful and sarcastic remarks to others last time to mask my nervousness and fear, but I finally and truly opened up to others now. And it's all thanks to the girls I've met in these four years. 

My mum was angry last night and told me about how I'm always taken for granted by most of my friends. 

I've always thought that all relationships were just about 'give and take'. As long as you bear this in mind, all friendships and relationships will work out. I had a really difficult time making friends when I was younger because of my phobia. It cost me plenty of friendships up till Primary six. I then decided to become a different person altogether once I came to Secondary school. I forced myself to be spontaneous, funny, and loud. It was tough initially, I didn't even recognise who I was anymore. Once I reached home, I would be so exhausted being someone I'm not, that I couldn't even speak to my mum, since I was too tired. 

After some time, I found out that there is really a spontaneous side of me. I didn't need to pretend at all. I just needed to be who I am, and forget about the old me who was so afraid of people. After I was selected to be a Vice-chairperson, I knew that there was no turning back. I enjoyed being a student leader. I wasn't the same girl who refused to be the class monitor back in Primary school. I could laugh freely with everyone. It was a great weight off my shoulders. Maybe it was what they call 'the period of finding your own identity'. 

But yet, my fundamental belief that human relationships are always about 'give and take' still stays with me. It was the part of me that never changed. Yet, it was this that hurt me time and time again. I know that all my friends care for me. Sometimes however, I can't help wondering if some of these friendships are nothing but superficial. There are a few friends who disappoint me time and time again. I never blamed them, neither have I ever gotten angry. I'd always blamed myself. From the time I made my first friend in kindergarten till now, I have been taken for granted for countless times. 

I know my mum worries ceaselessly about me. I remember friends borrowing things from me but never giving it back to me unless it spoilt. I remember friends who smile sweetly to me but laugh at me when they didn't know I was there. I remember friends who told me they hated me in my face. I often wonder, just how much more do I have to 'give', to be able to 'take'. 

Perhaps I started to be such a dumb person since the beginning. I used to be in a clique, where I often tried my best to please my friends. I gave them presents, I shared my things with them, I helped them whenever they needed me. But they never gave me anything, they never noticed me till I offer my help, they called me a fool. I guess I am. 

Or could it be that I do not know how to choose my friends? Am I so blind that I can't figure out who my true friends are? Many people think that I'm popular, since plenty of people know me (I didn't know that but that was what someone told me). I do realise that many care for me. There are indeed friends who help me in times of need. Yet there are some who leave me in a lurch. There are plenty who forget me often. Those are the people who never seem to remember my existence whenever I'm not needed.

Rather, have I ever been needed or wanted as a friend? It's not that these people do not treat me well, they do. But I have never been the 'first choice', I'm always the substitute, the 'back-up', the 'second-best', more specifically put, the one they will only think of when they need one more person to join their team. But what makes a true friend? How much does it take to be able to have a reliable support for me to share my joys and pain with?

Or, could it just be that I'm a greedy person? I know I'm not a selfless person, but I don't know if I'm being to selfish here. 

It's decided: Sungha Jung is my favourite finger-style guitarist, and he is only 14 years old. 

I've been listening to (or more like getting awestruck by) his songs on Youtube. This is just one of the many songs he covered: Twilight by Kotaro Oshio. I don't know what I should feel: envy or admiration? 

His skills are incredible! He takes only three days on average to learn a new piece. That's what I call raw talent. 

Should I get fingerpicks? 

I've been having dreams of people I know from the past recently.

Among them, the one who stood out the most was a person whom I used to like very much; a person who knew me really well.  Or maybe it's just the strong sense of nostalgia that's hitting me so suddenly. Could it be that the flu I'm having is affecting my sleep? 

When I graduated from my previous school, there wasn't much fuss about it. There was no 'Graduation Night' nor a celebration. The last day of school just quietly came and went just like that. Perhaps I could have done much more and forge stronger friendships if not for my painfully shy attitude towards my peers. But even then, friends drift apart no matter what. That I realize just a year ago. It hurts I suppose, when you realize someone whom you used to talk to over the phone about the most trivial and mundane matters at the end of each day has grown distant. It hurts even more when you finally know that your status has changed from someone who matters to that of just a mere acquaintance. Perhaps the least painful way out is to ignore the irrational feeling of somehow being betrayed and just move on in life. In time to come, new friends replace the old and life's good once more. Sometimes though, it's hard. Especially when the person used to be someone special to you. It's just too hard to forget, and too difficult to ignore. 

Sometimes, I can't help but wonder if I'd ever been a truly great friend to those I've drifted apart from. Maybe, just maybe, if I'd been much more persistent, if only I'd not been so passive, could I still have sustained those lost friendships or bonds which have been shriveled up to nothingness?

Right now, I honestly wish to wallow in self-pity at some remote cobwebbed corner of the house and play with my shadow after knowing about the avalanche of homework given.

No one ever said it was easy, but teachers are giving us homework like their lives depended on it. The amount of homework for just each subject is already colossal, let alone the total amount of stuff I have to do. In fact, the man question now is: Will I break down first or die trying to complete everything before that happens? 

Is it even possible for a mere mortal like me to finish the assignments and papers? 

I swear teachers are sadists - they make the students go through the mental anguish while they make themselves feel better by marking all our scripts frantically. It's like compensation. 

My fingers hurt, especially my little finger. After not practising for such a long time, it does hurt when I play the more challenging pieces. I'm still trying to slide properly, since it can be a pain sometimes. It's also frustrating how I'm really bad at barre chords. I really need to improve on my skills since we are advancing one level as of October. Meaning to say that there will be new techniques and more tough pieces to learn.

I've been to listening to quite a few of this guy's pieces. (click on the titles to listen)

I especially love 天空の城ラピュタ and 千と千尋の神隠し. This guitarist is really good in my opinion. I don't really like to listen to professional classical guitar players most of the time. Instead, I usually listen to guitar covers done by these kind of talented Youtube guitarists.

(I know that I declared a hiatus, but I'm just dropping by...)
I made a pact, or rather a promise, not to buy any notebooks or soft toys for at least two months.

It went along fine actually. I managed to refrain from buying them for two months. I didn't even buy a new album recently, although I'm really really tempted to hunt down 이승기 4th album, Shadow. But of course, as in life, there are always slips. I bought two teddy bears on Tuesday, which was actually the last day of my so called "promise". So I guess that could be considered a celebration? I realise I always manage to get membership cards from shops like Artbox and EIII Street. All the shops with soft toys in them. Not really surprising. 

I know this place has been really quiet for quite some time.

But.

I now declare a hiatus till November.

Till then.

I may still write some stories every now and then though.
You're welcomed to read them on the other site.

Sachoom (사춤), the dance musical, is a really great show.

My mum actually got tickets for the two of us for yesterday's afternoon show at the Esplanade Theatre Hall!

Our seats were quite good actually. Even though we were at the side, it was the third row from the stage. Due to the NDP rehearsal, the show started fifteen minutes late too - more than enough time for the Korean family who rushed all the way in to sit in front of us.

The dance moves were executed with utmost accuracy and the dancers were all outstanding, even those without the lead roles. Ah, if only I could dance like them.

Halfway through the show, one of the dancers (the best looking guy, in fact) came over to our seats and started to hand out freebies to the two kids in front of me. When he approached me, his body language told me that he wanted to give one to me too. But that guy chose to tease me further, by handing it over to my mum at the very last minute despite my outstretched hand. Afterwards, he did indeed hand me one key-chain and even gave me a high-five as a bonus!

There was a mini photo-taking session with the dancers after the show. I almost took photos with all of the dancers save for two guys because there wasn't enough time. It was such a pity that the guy who gave me a high five was one of the two whom I did not manage to take a picture with. Oh the disappointment. :\

Cr. SapphireMoment @ sj-world.net

Saturday's audition was alright since I managed to hit all the notes without cracking despite losing my voice only days before and being sick. However, I couldn't get the second note right halfway through. That was when I actually freaked out right in front of the conductor. How smart of me.

I didn't think of telling them that I was sick. I don't think that they would be more lenient even if they knew anyway. The interview was normal till the last question. They asked me to tell them more about myself and I was stumped at that. I then proceeded on to telling them about really random stuff and how I got to like singing - they said the last question was partly for their own entertainment anyway, since they were bored sitting there, so I guess the answer doesn't really matter much. Yi Bin didn't get the question for her interview though. 

Right now, it's homework, homework, and homework. I have been procrastinating. Ah well. How I abhor holiday homework.

I know I may get bricked by some people for mentioning this. But I really find 성민 singing 규현's part in 미인아 to be really good. And I prefer 성민 to do the slide rather than 규현. I admit I think 규현 has improved a lot in his dancing and he is a good singer. But 성민's slide seems to be more smooth and less robotic than 규현's. And the part where 규현, 은혁, 동해 and 신동 dance in front. I wish 성민 could replace 규현 for that part. 규현 is much taller than the other three so when he jumps or moves, it just doesn't blend as well as them. I just find that they should have placed 성민 or 이특 for that part. I mean, isn't uniformity something all dancers hope for for group dances? But this is just my opinion. And I do think that 규현 looks good performing his parts nevertheless. (Just that sometimes the focus seems to be on KRY only)

I hope 규현 would come back soon. But I will definitely miss 성민 singing the high part after 려욱, and the sliding. 

And triple crown on 인기가요!!! If I'm not wrong, this is Super Junior's third time getting triple crown!!!!! First was for 'U' in 2006, then 'Sorry Sorry' last year, and now for '미인아'. 

The best part was when I knew Super Junior only got #4 for Music Bank last week, I kept wishing that they would at least get a Mutizen. But they actually got a triple crown instead! 슈주4집대박! 슈주 완전대박!

Right now it hurts even to speak. I'm not sure why I am always so prone to falling ill and my throat swells so easily. My mum said that it could be tonsillitis - I really hope not. So. The biggest problem now is that I have an audition this coming Saturday. And since I am in first soprano, I would have to sing the high notes...How am I even going to reach a high 'A' with my current situation. Sigh.

I really like this line: 

Chatting with Jolene never fails to make me amused.

 !meijun says:

 what will be your first reaction

 if i am your classmate next year?

x  me says:

 O.O

 *looks again* *pinches*

 The

 *then

 freak out

 and then, calm down

 say HI

 again

!meijun says:

 HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

 i was just thinking abt it

x  me says:

 oh well

!meijun says:

 hahahahhahahahahahaha

 just thinking about it

 makes me laugh

 xD

x  me says:

 I don't know

 whether to look forward to it

 or hope

 that I will NOT see you again

 next year

!meijun says:

 xD

 look on fb

 i counted

 this is our 7th year together!

x  me says:

 Didn't you realise...?

!meijun says:

 no i always thought 5

 D:

x  me says:

 ....

!meijun says:

 HAHAHAHA

 i cant stop laughing

 i had this dream

 that you screamed

 when you realise we were classmates

 again

x  me says:

 HAHAHAHHAHAHAAH

 LOOOOOL

 OMG

 what if

 it comes true

!meijun says:

 i will ...

 i dont know what i will do

 i would think that

 it will be cooler if i get to be classmates with a cute guy for 8 years instead

 -.-

x  me says:

 ....................

 Mei Jun

 that's not very possible

 since that cute guy

 can't possibly go to

 crescent

 you do realise

 right?

!meijun says:

That's just sad D:

!meijun says:

 I hate dsa

 D:

x  me says:

 me too

!meijun says:

 should i call them to back out?

x  me says:

 no

!meijun says:

 ...

 87 applicants

 fighting for 5 spots

x  me says:

 You still have

 a one in twenty

 approx

 chance

 of getting in

!meijun says:

 ...

 nah

 coz

 number one

 i have trouble keep my pitch now

 somehow

 D:

 WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO MEEE

x  me says:

 ...

 CHILL

 CALM DOWN

 GO FOR IT

 EVEN IF YOU SCREW IT UP

 OR DON'T GET IT

 AT LEAST YOU TRIED

 IF YOU DON'T GO

 FOR ALL YOU KNOW

 NEXT YEAR

 YOU'LL LOOK BACK

 AND REGRET GIVING UP

 THAT ONE IN TWENTY CHANCE

 DO YOU WANT TO GO VJC OR NOT?!?!?!?!

!meijun says:

 err yeah

 but D:

 its a cruel sch

 D:

 the stupid cuttoff

x  me says:

 ....

 I NEED TEAAAAA

 ARGGGH

!meijun says:

 ...

 want breakfast tea?

x  me says:

 no

 i think

 i'll finish my orange juice

 then go make some tea

!meijun says:

 ...

 THAT WILL UPSET YOUR DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

 DDDD:

 NONONO

x  me says:

 .....

!meijun says:

 why not mix it all together?

x  me says:

 -.-

 no thanks

 orange-y stuf + tea

 is ...

 doesn't agree with me

 I know, since I destest earl grey

!meijun says:

 i hate homework

 i hatehatehate homework

 i wish to stuff it into my neighbour's dog's throat

 and also to let it poop on it...T^T

x  me says:

 your neighbour

 would...

 sue you

 and i think

 it would die

 or something

!meijun says:

 well it cant stop barking

 im doing service to the rest of the neighbourhood (depending on how we see it, hahahaha)

 -.-

but yeah, I don't think I will ever have the guts to do it anyway...and I don't dislike the poor dog THAT much after all...

x  me says:

 LOL

!meijun says:

 and i wish that the stupid pile of papers

 will magically vanish

 i gave up trying to flush it away

 it will choke the toilet

 GAH

x  me says:

 looolxz

!meijun says:

 GAHHHH

 i hate hwhwhwhwhwhw

 salalalalkfdposadk

x  me says:

 -.-

!meijun says:

 JAJAJAJ

 BALH

 BLAH

x  me says:

 ..............

!meijun says:

 that was the voice of a person's inner frustrations

x  me says:

 hahaahahaha

!meijun says:

 do you know

 the trumpet

 can render a person deaf

x  me says:

 well

 i'm not deaf

!meijun says:

=)

 guess so

 you know

 my dream

 my biggest dream

 is to be able to star in a musical

 someday

x  me says:

 o.o

!meijun says:

 someday=10% chance of ever happening

x  me says:

 it willll

 well you can always strive to your dream

!meijun says:

 HAHAHAHA

x  me says:

 JY YOU CAN DO IT

 at least your dream

 is more attainable

 then mine

 -.-''''

!meijun says:

 HAHAHAHA

 i will vote  for you ?

x  me says:

 -.-

 I don't want

 to be

 the PM/ anything

 that requires

 voting

!meijun says:

 ah well

Sometimes, I think that the reason why Jo and I can chat with each other everyday on MSN is because both of us are insanely random people.

Anyone wants to teach me Korean?

I've not been here for quite a long time...

Well, right after Chinese Language written paper for the O' Levels, I have been out all week.

After my exam on Monday, I went to VJC with Yi Bin to submit our application forms before going for ACJC's 'An Evening With Friends' concert. This is my second time attending their choir concert, and they are still as good. I especially liked Sons of Jacob.

We met Juniper and Claudia for dinner for the concert and the smoked salmon sandwich I had was really filling. The hour spent in Papermarket with Yi Bin before dinner gave me ideas for my mum's birthday card too. Otherwise, our time at Raffles City before heading over to Esplanade was quite uneventful. Oh, but Juniper nearly got off the train at Raffles Place instead of alighting at City Hall just because we asked her to meet us at Raffles City Shopping centre. Heh.

Tuesday was spent filing all the Chinese Intensive notes, and tidying up my desk. Sad to say, I didn't really start on much homework...

Wednesday on the other hand, was quite a painful day. My mum and I bought new shoes the week before, and I decided to wear my new stilettos since they complement my outfit for that evening. I managed not to trip for the entire day but the walking to VCH from Raffles City with Anna was excruciating for my poor feet. It was good that we went to Raffles City before the concert however, as I got to buy all the materials for my mum's birthday card.

TPJC's 'Plaisir de Chanson' is the first concert I've watched for TPJC choir. They have a really different sound from ACJC. And while ACJC sings more of sacred pieces, TPJC focuses more on folk songs. TP has a brighter tone too - probably due to the Sopranos having such a bright colour. And this is the first time I've seen so many sopranos in one choir. I won't compare both choirs since they sound so different. But I still kind of prefer the songs in ACJC choir (also because they sang The Sons of Jacob). Anna said she likes TP more though, since she doesn't like sacred pieces and finds them more boring. Oh, but the song with all the sounds in the forest...that was awesome! There was this girl in TPJC choir who could imitate the sound of an ape. And a boy who could mimic the cricket sounds!!!

After the guests choirs performed, the choir went on to put on a musical when intermission ended. I wonder when will I ever get the chance to be able to take part in a musical. I don't really think the ABBA medley we did in Musical Evening could be counted.

Thursday morning was then spent on my mum's birthday card. It's finished now, and I really hope my mum will like it! I went to visit Crez choir that afternoon. It's really scary how they are just a week away from their overseas performance and they still have three more songs to learn. I really don't understand the slow progress and they all seemed to be in agony while singing the songs. But I think the worst news was that Mrs Lim chose all the challenging pieces to make up the repertoire. As much as I wish to help them and learn the pieces with them, we do realise that we should make the juniors independent instead. Somehow, the juniors have come to rely on us a lot. I'm not even sure what to do now.

I had dinner with Ms Ong, Ariel, Juniper, Yi Bin, Claudia, Timothy and Ms Ong's other student from Wild Empire on Friday night. We ate at Modesto's. We talked loads about the different choirs. Dessert from Fruit Paradise wasn't really my cup of tea although the rest seemed to love it. Yi Bin also went on to take plenty of candid shots of everyone.

Saturday came and I met Yi Bin to revise on our singing techniques with Ms Ong. It was really a last minute decision and a crash course. I did badly.

Guitar lesson on the next day was alright I guess. I managed to play the entire piece in its tremolo version. But I still can't do the tremolo technique nicely. Well, the teacher said it takes years to master it. Waltz is the next song we have for homework.

I won't be surprised if I fail the auditions actually. Sure, I have lots of CCA points, I have a few leadership positions since my first year in my school. But my singing is not all that outstanding. And to add on, I'm having a sore throat and I can't reach the high notes nicely anymore. My support techniques are weak. I can't kick my diaphragm as fast as last time. The list goes on and on. I guess, I must start doing leg lifts and crunches again? Oh the horror.

If only I can focus just on my Chinese language instead of needing to study for my MYEs too...

On a lighter note, I passed my Chinese Oral!!! I almost thought I'd failed because I guessed so many words in the reading passage and my conversation component was really lacking since I didn't really know what points to say... Ah well. The best news to me about this oral exam however, was that I scored a good 9/10 for my reading. Which is just unbelievable, because I'm well-known to be atrocious in speaking Mandarin. Maybe it's because the teacher said I had good expression. Heh. Ah, if only O'levels would be this smooth-sailing...

English language oral examination was not for my mid-year results however - the result will be taken and added directly to my preliminary exam results. Given that I didn't really practise or prepare, I thought I did alright. It was a waste that I stuttered during the reading part and I *gasps* interpreted the picture wrongly! I wonder if they will penalize you for that...

Conversation went rather well actually,

My second question was

Actually, I think I could have said more and answered better for the other two questions. But alas, because I was overly concerned and nervous about my answers, I didn't really expand or elaborate much on my views. Which is a great pity. I hope I will still be able to do well, despite all the mistakes I made.

Alright then, I shall sign off here to get back to studying!~

Fighting!

Somehow, I feel that time is trickling by way too fast for me. Before I know it, I'm already drowning in mock examinations, class tests, timed trials, pop quizzes and the Mid-year examinations which is looming over my head like a blade ready to slice through my thick neck.

Why is it that they praise our education so when the students don't seem to have any time to breathe? I sometimes wonder that. I do cherish the fact that I get the chance to have a proper education, in a nice and clean environment with good facilities and such. But I guess all things come with a price. I feel like I have lost all my dreams and cheeriness to school sometimes.

Most adults work a nine to five job. Most students study from seven to five. Not to forget the workload students bring home is comparable to most adults. In the end, the worries about unpaid bills and grown-up stuff is nearly comparable with the stress lots of students face with their academic pursuits and peer pressure. Not to mention the expectations and competition they must consistently tackle. And the equally late nights and even earlier alarms which results in more sleep deprivation in students today as compared to adults.

In fact, I rarely hear adults saying that we students have it good anymore. Instead, they tell us that we have a hard life and sympathise with us, never failing to mention that in their time, it was so much more easier and going to school actually seemed to be a likeable prospect - something almost impossible to comprehend by many students.

See the difference?

It's true that you can't have the cake and eat it.

The person I've become. What would those I'd previously known say if they see how I am now?

Sometimes, I feel that my childhood had been much shorter than my peers, because of the various events that took place within such a short period of time. I found myself maturing far more quickly that my classmates then. I grew independent. Yet lonely at the same time.

My fifth birthday wish was impossible to come true: I wanted an older brother. At that time, I still didn't have my 'bird and bees' talk and thought that a family could pre-order their children. Well, but of course I got distracted by my first pink bicycle which I got for my birthday instead. How easily children are satisfied.

Maybe it is indeed better for one to be the only child. After all, a sibling would steal your parent's attention and affection. Or parents would make comparisons between the siblings. That would be awful, I agree.

Somehow, the wish to have an older sibling has disappeared. But just sometimes, a small part of me wishes that my mum would be happier. I realise it's almost impossible to be happy with the job she has. That aside, I sometimes wished she has more friends to support her. She has given up so much for me. How great an unconditional love is - especially a mother's.


A chapter of my life has come to a small ending - I will need to focus on my major examinations now. My last choir performance was Speech day. Even though we sped up, we did well I guess. My beloved juniors prepared so much for our batch that I was too surprised and touched to say much in person.

I will miss choir so much. I wonder how it will be not to practise or perform for the months ahead. Some say they live to eat. Well, I live to perform. One of the times I feel the happiest would be when I'm preparing tirelessly for an upcoming performance and another would be when I finally get out there onstage and show what I'd worked so hard for, and to be under the limelight, receiving every one's encouragement. I really do love performing. Not being able to perform makes me feel helpless and stifled. I wonder what my future career would be. Of course, my dream is to be an artiste, or a performer. But it's kind of difficult. Plus, this country's entertainment industry is really small. There isn't even much of a market to start with.

I feel helpless.

I'm tired of it all.
I wonder when I will be able to escape from these shadows.
I wish it will stop hurting.



.

I’ve been feeling quite moody for the past few days. It is true that it’s partly because I’m sick and currently am only able of croaking or sounding like a guy at my best.

This is the first time I could not cheer for Keller or anyone during the Sports Carnival. And to think this will be my last Sports Carnival. It was quite boring at some parts but everyone was especially excited during the Staff Relay. I never knew Mr Chng and Ms Loo could sprint so fast! As for Mr Tan, he didn’t let Keller down and his sprint impressed many people. Well, for someone who participates in marathons each year, it’s not really that surprising. Unfortunately, even though the three teachers were really fast and helped Keller to be the first for that race, we are still the last house. Keller has never won anyway.

This week seemed to jolt me back to my past though. I met Hui Xuan’s mother while on the MRT train on Tuesday. It was really awkward to answer her questions about me however – I found the questions a little too personal. I felt a little bad for not telling her the full picture of what happened to my family and other things. But that feeling disappeared after her questions turned really personal and she started to give me advice which I do not actually need. I don’t know why but I get a little apprehensive and uncomfortable when she started advising me about my family matters. I mean, she doesn’t know the full picture so I don’t think it is right to assume what had happened. But, I’m sorry, auntie, that I just told half-truths and didn’t want to answer your questions directly. If only I didn’t tell her my name, things would have been better. She didn’t recognize me at first and said that I have changed a lot in terms of appearances.

Monday’s train journey back was one that shocked me the most though. I thought I saw someone important who I haven’t spoken to since January last year. That person had been a confidante. Till now, I still don’t know if I had offended that person but it definitely is sad that we don’t talk to each other anymore. I tried to ask if I really did see the person on the train the day after but as usual, there wasn’t a definite answer. But I’m sure I didn't recognise wrongly this time. How and why did we drift apart again? I used to hope that I can forget.

"Do you think we will still keep in touch with each other years later?"
"Hey, if you have a girlfriend one day, will you still call me?"

We are still masters of our fate.
We are still captains of our souls.
-Winston Churchill

Warning: Kpop mentioned in post.

I feel a little guilty for neglecting to update this blog as frequently as I used to. Homework, assignments, projects, mock examinations and timed trials are taking their toll on me though.

The Singapore Entertainment Awards event was fun.

I was browsing through the shops in Raffles City shopping mall before meeting Rosi for dinner. Somehow or rather, I managed to get mistaken for a tourist again. A girl near my age spoke to me in Korean and English. I was in Papermarket and there was this container full of cute pencils, and I automatically held one up and debated whether I should buy it as a gift or for myself. Suddenly the girl popped up on my right and immediately took another pencil of a similar design and stated, "Pencil." and smiled widely at me. I honestly did not know how I should react and just smiled and nodded at her. That action alone seemed to get her even more excited and after I placed back a sharpener I have been holding onto the shelf, she picked it up and stated, "Pencil sharpener!". I then wondered if she was a tourist. In the end she started to speak to me in Korean. Once she realise I didn't understand a single bit of the one-sided dialogue though, she walked back to her group of friends in one corner of the shop with a disappointed look. Throughout the whole scene, I could not think of anything to say at all. It was just too surprising.

When I went into That CD Shop, one sales assistant could not stop recommending albums for me to buy. It was really amusing. I made it clear to her the first time she asked that I was only browsing through and do not intend to buy anything from the shop. But she did not give up and continued suggesting CDs to me and after a while she decided to pester a few tourists instead. I felt a little bad for the lady beside me who was ignored by the girl the whole time. She wasn't a tourist. Then again, does it really matter if the customer is a local?

I found people glancing at me in the shopping mall too. Maybe the sight of a girl shopping alone seemed odd to them. Or maybe it was because I was just walking around the whole mall. Seeing Winny at the entrance while waiting for Rosi at six in the evening was surprising - I didn't expect to see anyone familiar.

Dinner with Rosi and Yitong at Shokudo was really good. My plate of cold noodles were tasty albeit a tad too filling. We then met Sarah, Jia Wen and her family afterwards. Our group walked a the way to the Marina Floating Platform. We nearly went in the wrong direction if not for the large crowd walking to the venue - they were also going for the event.

We managed to find our seats without too much difficulty and had a mini photo snapping session of each other. Everyone went wild when SHINee made their entrance. In fact, I realised that a good half of the audience were Shawols. The girl sitting in front of me had a SHINee light stick.

All the artistes performed well although 小鬼's voice sounded a little hoarse - I suspect he was sick. When SHINee performed, the crowd went absolutely wild. Everyone either stood on their seats or rushed forward to the barricades. And the screaming was a huge indication of the number of Shawols present. Even the emcees were surprised.

Of course, SHINee didn't disappoint and pulled off a great stage performance. However, once they left the stage, people started to leave, even though the singer, Eason Chen, was still performing on stage after SHINee. It was a little awkward and I felt a little sorry for the poor singer on stage even though I never really knew how to appreciate his songs. Sometimes, fans can be insensitive unknowingly.

I met my mum after the event and unfortunately, we could not catch the last train home. We had no choice but to try for a taxi which took ages to come because everyone was queuing up for taxis too.

These days school life has been pretty exhausting. I can't wait to step down because it's getting more difficult to manage all three leadership positions in one go, with my studies included. Hopefully, I will be able to focus more on my academics when I let go two of my leadership positions. I am getting a little worried about choir though - the seniors are not doing as well as they should. I'm just praying that they will be able to guide the juniors when the time comes.

I have way too much to post about, but too little time to note every detail.

Directly after my last paper ended, we had a little break before setting off for our Learning Journey field trip to the Singapore Discovery Centre. I managed to play a bit of Foosball - wonder who made that orange newspaper ball.

After setting off for the place, I got a little groggy on the bus, but no, I did not puke. I think I'm getting better at controlling my headache and pains nowadays. Who knows, maybe I will not even have the problem of motion sickness in the future (is there a cure for it anyway?)

The trip was fairly interesting. They gave us a talk in an auditorium and showed us a video which revealed some gruesome acts committed during war. There was also another video showing a little of how NS life is like for the boys in their first three months. I have always been grateful that the boys are serving the nation through their national service but after watching the videos, I think my admiration just increased.

Right after the talk, they let us taste a bit of the standard Army rations and let us hold the two rifles placed on the table in front. I now know that holding a rifle is definitely no joke - not when it weighs a tiring five kilogrammes...just how do the guys carry it while they run in their trainings? Oh and I really like the biscuits and the rice dumpling!

We had lunch after that but I was really full from eating the biscuits. Somehow the biscuits were really filling. I shouldn't have eaten the biscuits though because I could have bought the pizza in the cafeteria. I remember buying the pizza from the cafeteria over there a few years back and it was delicious. Ah well. Angela didn't eat much too. I was trying to find a water cooler in that place, but to no avail,

"Hey, have you seen any water coolers anywhere?"
"Have. There!" *Points to the water fountain thing in the middle of the pond/lake/water body outside*
How typical of Yimin to be so smart.

Our SAFTI tour then started. Charmaine TTT helped me take a few photos from her side of the bus. While we were walking to the tower, I spotted this little scooter which had a basket in the front! And there was this rear mirror in the plastic cover of a 'Victory' sign hand. It was super cute! Rosi and I went back to take a picture with it afterwards.

Despite having gone to SDC thrice before, I have never gone up the tower - the previous three times always ended with heavy rain and the guide never let us out of the bus because of the bad weather, so I'd always settled for staring at the tower from a distance. Finally, I got to go up the tower and the view is magnificent, although the height is a little scary when you look down. I think my mum would be freaking out if she went up. When we went down, everyone in the lift greeted the two guys waiting outside with a "Good afternoon, sirs!"
I think they were really amused by us. We also took a class photo at the grassy slope at the bottom of the tower.

We then went to the Army museum. Where everyone took lots of photos. But because the guide moved too fast and didn't really give us much time to take them, I took more photos of people and plants than artifacts.

After the trip I fell asleep on the bus and woke up with an ache in my neck. Somehow I felt really tired.

Right after that day, we had our "I Am Gifted, and So Are You!" programme in school. It starts at 8am and ends at 9pm. When I first got to know the schedule, the first thing which entered my mind was: Wow, are we able to camp in school secretly instead so that we can get more sleep?
But yes, the programme was fun. There was a session whereby the trainers listed scenarios which made us question ourselves about how much have we done for our parents despite their unconditional love. Everyone cried really hard. I started crying way before that though. Somehow, when I watched the video of this guy who remained really positive despite having no legs, I couldn't stop my tears from flowing. The rest of the night was spent with our eyes red and tired from all the crying.

And thanks to Jolene's dad, I got to arrive home on both nights in less than an hour. Because she lives in Simei, her dad was really nice to let me take a lift from them. Thanks!
On the last day there was also the Parents' Seminar where most of our parents came and learnt a portion of what we did from the programme. I think I was the only one who didn't cry when I spoke in front of the whole crowd to my mum. Maybe it's because both of us are close, I guess. I thought I would've cried too, but somehow I managed not too. And I actually needed the toilet, but was afraid to leave the place because the atmosphere was really sombre. Ah well.

My guitar teacher just gave us the song Mary Had a Little Lamb and wants us to finish re-arranging the piece by the next lesson. But he spelt the title wrongly: Merry Had a Little Lamb. Well, Merry sure is a nice name anyway. I'm sure it is a cheerful name. Anyway, I really ought to start on the task!