Candy Floss Dreamz

2012-01-23T09:41:00.005+08:00

This year, im not crazy over bags anymore! Instead, i've been drooling at these beauty...

Balenciaga leather biker jacket...so so gorgeous but costing as much as a giant part-time ( i need to decide between the 2)

and Alexander McQueen silk scarf. It feels so soft and smooth, im gonna get me one!

2010-09-07T19:59:00.002+08:00

I feel truly truly blessed to have found this job.

To me, it doesn't feel like work at all. In fact, it feels more like a learning journey, a continuation of the theory i've learnt in school applied into real life, helping real people and feeling a sense of real fulfillment and meaningfulness.

Not to mention my colleagues, who are ever so willing to teach, to guide and support me with such patience and sincerity. And my team leader, he's just so understanding and flexible, it's truly so pleasant working under him. The chief of department, though erratic and unpredictable, offers great wisdom and insight. Everyday, i feel like there's just so much so much more i could learn from them.

There's really no office politics and everyone works in a team. They are so approachable, so easy to talk to, and they all share my love for food (wait till you see the mountains of food on our office table). I feel belonged naturally.

I was really touched on my birthday. They got me a PINK cake, and few of my colleagues bought me pretty PINK stationery and cup to decorate my PINK cubicle. Team leader was on leave in the morning, but he specially popped by with his adorable kids, just to sing the birthday song. The chief even wrote me a card personally. With such wonderful colleagues, what more can i say?

I really really love my job. It's really a good place to kick-start my career and passion in Psychology, and i know such opportunities only come once and it is up to me to make the most out of it :)

2010-07-31T18:48:00.002+08:00

23rd wishlist

2010-07-11T23:33:00.000+08:00

Jiang's 23rd at Iggy's. Every dish was original, unique and gastronomic. Was it worth the money? Definitely. So i shouldnt elaborate and let the pictures do the talking!

all dressed up for his very special (and expensive) treat!

Foie Gras

Torchon,cromesquis, chawanmushi

Squid

Sea grapes, shiso, pomelo, dashi

Pork Belly

Parma Ham, barley, peanut, kalamansi, pearl onion

Southern Blue Fin

Nicoise vegetables,quail egg, olive and anchovy

Red Snapper

Leek, fennel, tarragon

presenting my favorite dish of the night (and i never knew egg can ever taste so good!)

Egg

Truffle, potato, poultry

Wagyu

Master kobe short rib, cecile potato, leek, horseradish

my second favorite. the kobe rib totally melts in the mouth, yumyummm

Hole in One

Petit pois, passion fruit, molasses

supposed to crack open the golf ball and mix it up to eat together

Butternut Squash

Pepitas, coconut, balasmic

something special for the birthday boy lone kalamansi marshmallow. the greedy bf ate his share before i had a chance to take a picture.

tall, dark, handsome bf?

2010-07-11T08:33:00.003+08:00

It has been one week of work and i'm totally loving it. Err technically, im still under training so i havent really started working yet. I spent my whole week reading and mugging the DSM IV and other common child and adolescent psychiatric problems ( i thought i've graduated already!). Oh well, this time im being paid to study, so im not complaining :p

However, i love the working hours (OT is rare which means i still have time to pursue dance!), my colleagues are really nice, supportive and helpful, and there's lots of nice food around my workplace in outram (not sure if it's a good thing, as this means that im gonna put on weight). Furthermore, the nature of my work allows me to move around so i don't have to sit in the office all day long :) Oh, and the pay and benefits are pretty reasonable too!

Most importantly, this job offers me the experience, exposure and training, and equip me with the necessary skills to work with patients. It also provides an excellent stepping stone for me in my further pursuit of clinical psychology.

It is really not easy for honors students to get a job as a psychologist in the mental health field, and I feel truly blessed to be offered this rare opportunity. I must treasure this chance and do my very best. Not everyone is able to pursue their dream due to practical concerns and i know i am very fortunate to be able to get a job that i am passionate about. It's not very high paying, but it allows me to earn enough for a comfortable living. To me, the pay is not important. What's most important is the work experience - whether it's enjoyable, fulfilling and provides a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, and the work environment. And of course, i must love what i'm doing. This job is really everything that i wanted and everyday when i turn up for work, i feel very happy and i thank my lucky stars for being so kind to me.

Life is really good now :)

2010-06-16T11:55:00.002+08:00

This song totally speaks my mind :)

You know I love music
And every time I hear something hot
It makes me wanna move
It makes me wanna have fun
But it’s something about this joint right here
This joint right here
Its makes me wanna…..Woooh

Let it go……
Can’t let this thing called love get away from you
Feel free right now, going do what you want to do
Can’t let nobody take it away, from you, from me, from we
No time for moping around, are you kidding?
And no time for negative vibes, cause I’m winning
It’s been a long week, I put in my hardest
Gonna live my life, feels so good to get it right

So I like what I see when I’m looking at me
When I’m walking past the mirror
No stress through the night, at a time in my life
Ain’t worried about if you feel it
Got my head on straight, I got my mind right
I aint gonna let you kill it
You see I wouldn’t change my life, my life’s just…..

Fine, fine, fine, fine, fine, fine, ooooh
Fine, fine, fine, fine, fine, fine, ooooh
Just fine, fine, fine, fine, fine, fine, ooooh
You see I wouldn’t change my life, my life’s just fine

Feels so good, when you’re doing all the things that you want to do
Get the best out of life, treat yourself to something new
Keep your head up high
In yourself, believe in you, believe in me
Having a really good time, I’m not complaining
And I’m a still wear a smile if it raining
I got to enjoy myself regardless
I appreciate life, I’m so glad I got mine
So I like what I see when I’m looking at me

When I’m walking past the mirror
Aint worried about you and what you gonna do
I’m a lady so I must stay classy
Got to keep it hot, keep it together
If I want to get better
You see I wouldn’t change my life, my life’s just…..
Fine, fine, fine, fine, fine, fine, ooooh
Fine, fine, fine, fine, fine, fine, ooooh
Just fine, fine, fine, fine, fine, fine, ooooh
You see I won’t change my life, my life’s just fine

I aint gon’ let nothing get in my way
(I ain't gone let nobody bring me down, no, no, no)
No matter what nobody has to say
(No way, no way, no way)
I ain’t gon’ let nothing get in my way
No matter what nobody has to say

Feels so good, when you’re doing all the things that you want to do
Get the best out of life, treat yourself to something new
It’s a really good thing to say
That I won’t change my life, my life’s just fine

Fine, fine, fine, fine, fine, fine, ooooh
Fine, fine, fine, fine, fine, fine, ooooh
Just fine, fine, fine, fine, fine, fine, ooooh
You see I won’t change my life, my life’s just fine

So I like what I see when I’m looking at me
When I’m walking past the mirror
No stress through the night, at a time in my life
Ain’t worried about if you feel it
Got my head on straight, I got my mind right
I ain’t gonna let you kill it
You see I wouldn’t change my life, my life’s just…..

Fine, fine, fine, fine, fine, fine, ooooh
Fine, fine, fine, fine, fine, fine, ooooh
Just fine, fine, fine, fine, fine, fine, ooooh
You see I wouldn’t change my life, my life’s just fine

2010-06-14T16:10:00.006+08:00

The Someone up there has been really kind to me this year.

A year ago, when i approached my prof to be my thesis supervisor, he told me not to get my hopes up on a first class. I was told that only one student received a first class for the previous year. I have a good CAP, but the department doesnt give out the necessary A- for thesis easily. I should aim for a second upper, and first class would be a bonus. And i thought to myself, why cant i be the one who get first class? I was determined for a first class honors, and that's what im gonna receive on my degree scroll on 12july :)

I applied for the masters program, but i was rejected on grounds of lack of work experience. A prof told me it may be a blessing in disguise, because she has seen many first class students who couldnt "fit in" the masters program, as compared to others who are older and wiser, and who have accumulated useful experiences in life. 1-2 years of job experience in related field would be good, and i was very blessed to be offered a job as a psychologist in a highly reputable institute in Singapore. Nowadays, it is really difficult to get a position as a psychologist without Masters, and you need relevant work experience to increase your value in applying for a place in highly competitive clinical masters programs. This job would be a good stepping stone for me to further pursue my dream in clinical psychology, and I feel really fortunate to have this opportunity.

My relationship hasnt been exactly smooth since the start of last year. Too much drama and uncertainty, and it has changed my views about love. I became emo, bitter and cynical. I was totally weak and dependent last year and i resented losing myself in this relationship. However, the separation that happened this year has resulted in a positive change in me. I see things in a different light, and i've matured and grown. I've become more independent and i'm not going to be taken for granted. Not everything is my fault, and im gonna stand for my rights. Fortunately, things have improved between us, and i hope it stay this way.

I've been dancing almost every weeknights. It's burning a big hole in my pocket, but it's all worth it. It makes me happy, and it helped tide me through the toughest period of my relationship. It makes me realize there's more to life than a stupid guy, and it helps me bond with old/new friends.

I have everything i want in my life right now - love, work, dance, family and friends. It's perfect. And i aint gonna let anything, or anyone, ruin it for me :)

2010-05-22T09:05:00.006+08:00

There's so much on my mind right now. Random thoughts. If i were to update on my facebook, i'd be flooding everyone's news feed.
This blog is, however, my space. And i really need to put my thoughts down. Then maybe, they'll stop flooding my mind too.

There comes a time when you can't lie anymore.

When somebody says it's over, most of the time, it's not. They say it's over because they want it to be over, they are trying to convince themselves that it's over. But truth is, if it's really over, you don't have to say that it is. It shows, and people could tell. So stop deluding yourselves.

It's a mess. A terrible, horrible, mess. And no, it's not beautiful.

Sometimes, i really wish that person would just disappear.

Yet, i wonder, who am i trying to kid?

PIctures are only part of the reality. The nice part of it. The ugly side is usually hidden.

Things are always not as they seem to be, huh.

Oh, and i need a job. Like, real soon.

2010-04-16T23:38:00.002+08:00

Tea at TWG. we were lucky, coz there was NO queue!sandwiches, yumyum
sakura tea. nothing like what i've ever tasted. Fabulous.
scones + fluffy light whipped cream = heavenly
tea jelly. ooh lala~
jasmine :)

after much contemplation, i succumbed to temptation...

yeah, i got my chanel sunglasses. isnt she lovely? :D

the chanel lovers <3

2010-04-09T23:59:00.000+08:00

Wild Honey, Mandarin Gallerynice, cozy ambienceMeet the Taitais :)

Meet the food

Banofee Brulee. some Banana with Caramel drink

Queen B. sweet!

lovely wild mushrooms

bacon! done to perfection

English Breakfast Set, love the baked beans

Tunasia Set

Belgium breakfast. waffles with mango and custard~

the drink is bigger than my face!

Happy birthday, geo tai!

more desserts!

2010-03-21T11:32:00.003+08:00

I'm going USA for my grad trip!

(yes, my third time to LA/SF in 3 years)

Victoria's secret, yosemite, Wicked, Debbie Reynolds and bobby newberry, Michelin, George Lopez...here i come!!!

2010-03-17T00:35:00.004+08:00

Too Much Countertransference

During clinics, i've seen many wives being treated for depression. Cause of their illness?

Cheating husbands.

Not only do their husbands not treat them well, they have extramarital affairs.

It's always the same. The woman will come into the clinic - angry, resentful, bitter. She will complain to the psychiatrist and me about how her husband cheated on her, how difficult life has been ever since, how she has suffered, how she wanted to end her life, only to be stopped by the thought of her children, and not wanting the husband to be "let off easy".

Eventually, the hatred dissolves into hurt. After ranting about the injustice, her eyes will turn red and tears will fall.

And that's when my countertransference sets in. I start cursing the husband in my head, i start thinking that guys are bastards and that women should be independent. We don't need them. Women are not born to be bullied by men. Not in this century.

What's the point of saying sorry after you broke her heart? Claiming that your wife is the only person that you love? Asking for forgiveness for that moment of folly?

What i say? BULLSHIT.

If you love her, you wouldn't have hurt her. You would have cherished her and made sure she's happy. Not shed those crocodile tears after tearing her apart.

And so what if she can forgive? She'll never forget.

A broken heart can never be the same again.

PS: of course, there are cheating wives too. But more often than not, it's the men who cheat. And that's what i see in clinics and in my life. And read in the news.

2010-03-12T01:09:00.000+08:00

Men who cheat ought to be shot in the balls, don't you think?

2010-02-22T06:45:00.000+08:00

NUS Dance Blast! presents...

An Emotional Kaleidoscope!

Our eclectic mix of choreographers present their interpretations of a myriad of emotions. From joy to sadness, frustration and regret. Experience the portrayals of different emotions, conveyed through various styles of Hip hop.

Limited tickets are available at the door 1 HOUR before showtime on a first-come-first-served basis!

3 more days to showtime!!! It's gonna be great, and i'm so excited!

2010-02-16T20:37:00.002+08:00

My DreamYes, call me materialistic, but isnt this the most tangible happiness in the world? I'm sooo in love with it. I've always wanted a chanel 2.55 and i've decided long ago that this will be the first thing i'm gonna buy with my first 2 months of pay. However, this gorgeous baby is only available in the spring-summer collection this year. READ: It cant wait!

I have 2 options. I can use my savings to purchase this little dream, or i can sacrifice a grad trip in exchange for this... what do you think? :)

2010-02-10T12:01:00.003+08:00

thanks everyone for your concern, im fine, really!

Im coping much better than i thought i would. In fact, even im amazed at how well adapted i am. Perhaps im much more resilient than i thought!

I'm kinda happy with the way things are now. Granted, i do feel lonely now and then, but it's not a big deal. I'll get over it eventually. And Im learning to be more independent and enjoy the freedom to do whatever i want without having to answer to anyone. Ok, actually that's not true. Even though, technically, i have the right to do whatever i wish and go out with whoever i want, i still care a lot and so im not as liberated as i should be. But that's alright, im not interested in anything else anyway.

Instead of worrying and getting upset about things that are totally in someone else's hands and out of my control, why not focus on controllable outcomes! Therefore, Im gonna make full use of my free time now to gain knowledge, dance, and hang out more with friends! Im gonna concentrate on my studies and get into graduate school, and also improve on my dancing! Seriously, im not getting much younger. So i better dance more while my aging body still can! Once everyone starts working, life's gonna be too hectic for lazy meals and girly talks, thus i should go out more with my girlfriends now. Who needs guys when you have girlfriends anyway :p And contrary to popular belief, i think girls are simple whereas guys are the complicated ones!

And with regards to the important decision that's gonna be imposed on me 3 months later, i'm not gonna care about it for now. What's the point since i have no role to play in the decision-making anyway! Whatever the outcome is, i can worry about it later. Meanwhile, im emo ching cheng no more!

Im gonna be happy for the next 3 months at least, yay!

2010-01-31T20:09:00.002+08:00

So, after almost 6 years, im back to being alone. Better start getting used to that.

2010-01-12T23:57:00.004+08:00

This is getting really confusing and vexing. I don't know what to do anymore. I dislike uncertainty. I like things to be predictable so i can plan and organize. I rather that there is a definite outcome. Good or bad, at least i know what to do, i can move on. I don't want to be stuck in this gray area, i cant proceed anywhere. I don't want to be unfair to myself, but yet i let myself get stuck in this situation and i cant master the courage and strength to pull myself out of it. I know i probably should open myself to opportunities, but at the same time, i feel guilty for even entertaining such a thought. I don't know why am i feeling bad about wanting to keep my options open, afterall, i have every single right to. Especially when i know the possibility of a good outcome is only 50%. Irrational? Maybe.

Im not really being emo here. A clinical psychologist must be emotionally stable, and that's what im gonna train myself to be. It's late at night and i'm exhausted, but i cant sleep. I keep reflecting upon these questions in my mind, trying to find answers to resolve this... even though i jolly well know there is nothing much i can do but to "wait and see" how things go.

Oh well, i guess nothing is for sure in life. That's what makes it interesting, exciting and a great learning experience. But i guess i could do with a little less excitement in my life ha.

If you know that you are equally likely to be successful or to fail, would u hope, or would you just give up?

If there's anything i learn in psychology, it's about finding meaning to devastating events. For me, I always believe that things happen for a reason. So please remind me about this should i get crushed one day.

2009-11-19T11:35:00.004+08:00

After all these, i'm beginning to question if this is what i want. I'm still happy, but at the same time, i feel bitter & unmoved. Maybe it's the unpredictability, the inconsistency, or the insecurity. Try as i might, i still cant get over it. We've been through this over and over again and i myself am starting to feel tired of the discussions and arguments with no satisfying solution. I seriously don't see how the problem can go away. We can control our behavior, but we cant' control our emotions and our thoughts. But until the unconscious is changed, the problem can never be resolved. Maybe i should learn to accept it, but sometimes i wonder, why should I? It's not my fault. I'm more than willing to change my bad habits, but is it reasonable to ask me to change my values? No, i don't think so. And since we can't get past that, i don't know what else can be done.

Sometimes i wonder, am i forcing something that's just not right? We have been trying so hard to make it work, but is it even meant to be in the first place? I envy others because i can't objectively see my own situation right now. Others may envy me, think it's so sweet and perfect and don't understand what i'm complaining about. But i feel terrible. It's not what it used to be, not what i thought it'd be...It used to be so simple, but it has become so complicated now i don't know how to cope with it.

I cry so much more easily nowadays. I cry because im touched by what others have, and im very disappointed and jaded because i would have this blissfulness too if not for this. I still feel the passion and everything...but there's this voice at the back of my head saying that this is not right, this may not last. All the nice things don't mean much to me anymore, because i no longer feel special. I feel it would have been the same had it been someone else, not just me.

Or maybe i should just close one eye and be happier...maybe things are not so bad, maybe i'm just expecting too much...

Bonta

2009-11-10T23:17:00.001+08:00

Daddy's birthday dinner at lovely Bonta. Every single dish here was heavenly beyond words <3 best bread ever
lots of cheese inside. dip it in olive oil, yummy!
home-made basil infused angel hair with jumbo crabmeat, chives and salmon roe in white wine sauce
spaghettini with tiger prawns, cod, sun-dried tomatoes and shaved bottarga
delicious squid ink linguine
mixed grilled seafood
Free range veal chop, served with wild mushrooms cannelloni and black truffle sauce

bonta trio dessert
traditional italian tiramisu, warm melted chocolate and the chef's dessert creation of the day

pannacotta with citrus salad, mint and raspberry saucebirthday dad

2009-10-19T19:13:00.002+08:00

sometimes i wonder...am i asking for too much? am i too idealistic to expect a fairytale? or am i blind to see the love & sweetness in this and choose instead to focus on the blissfulness of others? y do i compare so much? y cant i just bury my grievances and be happy with what i have? Im not perfect, so how can i expect perfection in this?

2009-09-19T19:19:00.000+08:00

As most of you probably know, i've recently started volunteering at IMH with IMHope, a volunteer group which has adopted one of male wards at the hospital and visit the schizophrenic residents there weekly.

I have to admit, my main reason to volunteer was nothing altruistic initially. I had my own personal agenda - to learn more about schizophrenic patients and boost my resume when i apply for the clinical internship and the masters of clinical psychology program. Helping the patients was only the secondary reason, part of the one stone kills two birds thing. Hence, at first, all i wanted to do is to find out more about them. I will probe about their family, their background etc, hoping it will help me intergrate and apply what I 've learnt from school. I try to psycho them to think rationally and act appropriately, like what clinical psychologists do.

However, i dont do this anymore. (not like it helps anyway, most of them are too disorganized in their thoughts to hold a proper conversation)

After my 3rd session today, i realize my person interest is slowly disappearing, gradually being replaced by the true eagerness to help. I no longer treat them like patients. I treat them as my own friends. Instead of attempting to be like a psychologist, i am like a play buddy, a listener. I play games with them, talk to them and show my concern for them.

I never knew volunteering can be so fulfilling. The anticipation on their faces upon our arrival, their excitement to welcome us at the door, their overwhelming friendliness (they often greet us with huge grins on their faces and a warm handshake)...i dont know, it just gives me a very good feeling that i cant seem to describe.

Today, we celebrated hari raya with them. We sang songs with them, and brought refreshments like pandan cake and kueh lapis for them. I find myself smiling and feeling really touched to see them clapping along to our music. This sense of fulfilment upon seeing the joy on their faces is addictive. It just feels so good to know that i can bring a smile to their faces, and i look forward to seeing them each saturday.

Most of them are chronic patients and have stayed in the ward for many many years with hardly any visitors. It is important to know that even though they are not mentally sound, it doesnt mean that they are emotionally disabled too. They feel too, just like us. They need social contact and entertainment just like any of us. They really enjoyed the interesting activities and games which we prepared for them every week. And I know our presence and friendships are much appreciated by them. All these are shown all over their faces.

Through this experience, I discovered the meaning of volunteerism and something about myself that i never knew - im not as self-absorbed as i always thought i am. Indeed, I realized im actually capable of giving. That for the first time, it's NOT about me (contrary to what our dear Ms World, Ris Low, would say), it's about THEM. I sincerely want to be their friends and make a difference to their lives.

It's funny how my inital intent has brought me on a path that has totally transformed into something so different, i could say it's almost life-changing for me. I'm really glad i took the step to volunteer with IMHope, the experience has really changed my perceptions about myself, about schizophrenia, and about volunteering.

If you are interested, come join us at IMH every saturday, 230-530pm, and see for yourself how rewarding volunteering can be. No committments required, just come when you are free :)

And dont worry, contrary to popular beliefs, they are not dangerous or scary at all. Most of their conditions are controlled under medications and they are in fact, very friendly and nice people. Other than their disorganized/odd thoughts and behaviors, they are not that different from us!

North Border Bar & Grill

2009-09-19T07:34:00.001+08:00

Early celebration of my birthday at North Border Bar & Grill with my family :)me and mr jiang reached early so he gave me my little blue box present while waiting for my parents
what is it!
pretty heart earrings <3 thank you dear!

bro
parents

complimentary nachos for appetizer

mummy's quesadillas
lamb chop!my delicious crabmeat & asparagus pasta

the best dish of the night - baby back ribs! ( i kept stealing it from daddy heh)

as usual, the son ordered the most expensive dish on the menu, grilled USDA angus ribeye steak (250 days cornfed they said!)

north border at night, nice huh?

north border's chili ice cream. the taste wasnt strong enough, which is just as well, im not sure i would like my ice cream to be too spicy...
and my birthday cake!

super duper yummylicious warm bittersweet mexican chocolate torte
simply woo lala~

2009-09-02T13:52:00.000+08:00

it's not that i dont want to blog. But my stupid blogger is pretty screwed up, i cant upload any pictures, grr!

I have so many so many things to update about! The great sentosa escapade with jiang, my 22nd birthday celebrations with family and friends i love, and my fabulous boracay trip with jiang...that's hundreds and hundreds of pictures that i wanna put up here to share but blogger isnt cooperating! Most of the pics are on my facebook though, so go take a look there :)

Meanwhile, i just realized it's the 4th week of school and im lagging in my readings! I have never felt so ill-prepared for school before, maybe coz i've been playing way too much this semester. I cant afford to screw up, so i better start gearing up.

Busy Busy Busy me...

2009-08-16T09:57:00.003+08:00

Rj outing from quite some time ago. Nice to see everyone after so long!

what a grand attendance! :)

spotted andrea de cruz and pierre pang waiting for seats outside din tai fung, where we had been hogging the seats for very long heh. he's so handsome!!!

next up, ice cream at ben & jerry's~ (btw, pierre pang and andrea de cruz "followed" us to B&J after their dinner!)

hongyi queueing for vermonster!

the group of people who decided to stay out of this sinful affair

isnt it huge!

after a while, it was all mixed up and tasted the same, we really couldnt tell apart the different flavors! Most of it tasted like chocolate to me though...

hmm..yummmm. The beginning of indulgence.

check out the thrilled faces!

"manly" ben trying to show off his biceps. huh, wat biceps?after ice-cream high

happy people :D my artistic shot of jiang
hongyi's artistic shot of me!

trying to look emo.unsucessfully.

till we meet again!!!

2009-07-31T07:56:00.001+08:00

its back to square one :(((

S06A

2009-07-20T08:36:00.008+08:00

Last Friday's potluck at Weihan's place

(weihan's fruit salad was superb btw!)chen always looks so hilarious in photos manly talkits too dark without flash, but hongyi was trying to eat chen in the photo. I wonder why...does chen look that appetizing? haha
with flash, brighter and better, but everyone looked so serious!game of drunken elephant, our favorite game at all gatherings.
Here's how it goes: randomly take out 4 cards from the deck, and try to equate 21 using all 4 cards only once, you can + - x or /. So for example, let' s say the 4 cards are : 10, 9, 9, 6. So one possible answer would be : 9 x9 - 6 x 10= 21 or (9-6) x 10 - 9= 21.

so whoever got it will tap on the table, or you can pretend you get it and tap too. The last person who didnt tap will get to pick one person out and ask him for the answer. If that person has the answer, the last person will keep the cards. If that person is just faking it and doesnt have the answer, he will keep the cards. So the game goes until the whole deck has been used up, and the person with the most cards will have to drink. Besides that, those with any cards on their hands have to do the drunken elephan forfiet and spin like an elephant for a no. of rounds = no. of cards they have. If you think hard enough, most of any 4 random cards can be solved to form 21! go try!

Shape Run 2009

2009-07-19T16:23:00.001+08:00

Shape Run 2009, we did it again!

the pretty pink everywhere haha blastards!
not only can we dance, we can run too!after the run, i met Mr Jiang for the annual taka food fest! So much yummy food, we were at a loss! I was feeling so hungry after the run i couldnt wait to eat and eat and eat. Mr Jiang simply looked like a little boy in Toys R' Us, uable to make up his mind. And so we spent almost an hour and 50bucks there just looking for food and eating like pigs!
ever since i saw his friend's lagsana on facebook, i've been having a craving for it and now its satisfied! :D
i love squids, so chewy and yummy. (on a random note, dont you think unatamadon sounds like some swear word?)
Mr Jiang's favorite egg tarts. They had very unique flavors like bamboo charcoal, strawberry, apple cinnamon, green tea, chilli crab, curry chicken etc etc and we tried almost all of them! the shop can be found at suntec!

2009-07-10T21:21:00.001+08:00

We were supposed to go watch some french film at Ann Siang hill, but because of my excellent map reading skills, we ended up at holland v instead :(((

what's there to do there except chilling with some drinks and food? So we ended up at this place called Mykii.

i never knew a singapore stamp looks like this!the rose beer was fantastic for a girl like me, but too unmanly for mr jiang haha.but i seriously love it!
appetizers
lousy apple crumble
mango custard thingy? i cant remember what it's called, but it definitely tasted like mango pudding
After holland v, we drove down to Marina Barrage. It's really quite pretty at night, and despite its ulu-ness, there were many many people there! And we laid down on the grass and chitchat under the moon, one of our few romantic moments in a long long time haha...
Heart-shaped moon!
i love times like this where we can hang out through the night :)

Jiang's 22

2009-07-08T22:19:00.000+08:00

Mr Jiang is finally back fron his sailing training in london! And he bought me a cuddly souvenir :)
It's kinda boring eating at those fancy restaurants after a while, so for his birthday this year, we decided to prepare our own dinner!

all our favorite food - haagen dazs, yogurt, strawberries, kiwi, wine....i love grocery shopping!!!
I asked jiang what he would like for appetizer and he said crabcake and i was like damn, not easy! I didnt want to be lazy and buy those processed crabmeat from supermarket coz its gonna compromise the quality definitely, so i bought live crabs from the market, cooked them and painstakingly dug out the crabmeat manually. Nothing like fresh juicy crabmeat for a delicious crabcake!doesnt this look awesome! ready for the best 3course dinner in the world :)
appetizer: heart-shaped crabcake with crab omelette and strawberries
main course: australian tenderloin with asparagus ( this was prepared by Jiang btw!)
and finally, tiramisu without chocolate, birthday boy's favorite cake in the world!
the last bottle of ice wine which my dad bought from canadapresent time!!!yes, handmade knitted scarf by none other than me! I learnt it from my mum who's really really good at knitting (she used to knit those pretty little sweaters for me and my sis when we were young). And since im pretty broke this year i couldnt afford anything too expensive, and mr jiang has everything he needs anyway, i thought i should put in a little effort and do something more special for him, so i knitted a scarf which he could use when he goes sailing across the pacific next winter! It was quite difficult at first, i kept screwing up and pissing my mum off coz she would have to fix my mistakes, but slowly i got the hang of it and at last completed it in 2 months, just in time for his birthday :)

Of course, jiang is very very happy with his present. The most precious gift is something money cant buy!
and im so proud of myself :)
We also celebrated his birthday with his mum and cousin at No signboard!
jiang's mum just came back from her europe tour on his birthday itself and she bought him a fendi bag. But i got much more presents than him! check out my bagful of souvenirs - chocolates, bag, furla purse, cute strawberry slippers etc!

AYG Opening

2009-06-29T23:01:00.000+08:00

Asian Youth Games Opening Ceremony.

They said we are the very first and thus most important item for the opening ceremony, but judging from the media coverage on our item, i highly doubt so ha. Whatever the case, it was pretty cool to be able to perform in the Indoor Stadium. I mean, usually, we would be at the audience seats watching a performance, how many times do we get to be on the stage itself? The view from the stage was pretty spectacular, i never realized how close to the audience we actually were, i could even see the faces of the first few rows clearly! childhood idols
Not too many pictures taken because i wasnt too hyped up for this event, costumes were not exactly pretty, the waiting time was too long and i was bored, and most of the 100 dancers were from other dance groups (eg. Ensemble, chinese dance etc) or juniors of Blast! who i dont really know well.

And with my last year in NUS, im starting to wonder how many more chances do i have to perform on stage again...

Psychology observation program

2009-06-26T20:08:00.007+08:00

So, 2 weeks of the psychology observation program (POP) at IMH has come to an end and i know i will miss it. It has been an enriching experience which gave me the opportunity to gain new insights into this field and what it entails, learn about various forms of psychotherapy, interact with clinical psychologists and observe live/taped consultations and interviews with patients, and of course made some fabulous new friends.

I really enjoyed these 2 weeks and im more sure than ever that this is really what i wanna do in my life. It is a very challenging yet rewarding job, and with the new and interesting cases that clinical psychologists encounter each day, it'll never be mundane and boring. Hopefully, i'll be able to get into the NUS Masters of Clinical Psychology program and be on my way to becoming a clinical psychologist!Gloria
smilingnot smiling
alicia and grace
genevieve
xiao keng
ryan
nooreini
jie fang
crazy
certificate presentation with Dr. Patricia
trainees of POP
with our coordinators, Daryl and Dr. Pat at the psy. garden with Dr. Matthew and Ms Clare H1N1 prepared!
And now it's back to my boring slack at home life again... :(

BDC

2009-06-22T08:36:00.001+08:00

The last update of my USA travel as i wanna save the best for the last :)

The main highlight for me in New York City was the Broadway Dance Center! I was so thrilled about going for Luam's classes!my idol choreographer !*squeals*

me and LUAM! She is so humble and patient and nice and im so in love with her choreography!the standard of Dance in USA is really much much higher compared to Singapore. I could only make time for the advanced beginner class and at first i thought it would be rather slow paced. However most of the dancers there were advanced beginners NOT! They were more like intermediate or pros! Especially the japanese and the blacks...they were really strong dancers. Even the warm up was like x2 the pace of our warmups here. Lucky i didnt go for the intermediate classes...i would be so lost! Nevertheless it was a great learning experience and i've really learnt a lot from her in that 1.5hours. I wish i could stay in NY and go for her classes every week!

And now i cant wait for AYG to be over so i can go for sheila's and bryan's class again!

central park

2009-06-20T07:21:00.000+08:00

The gorgeous Central park in upperside Manhattan Woolman's Rink if i live in Manhattan, i will get a dog and bring it joggin with me at central park everyday!
her dog is sooo adorable!
i couldnt resist!fetch!cherry cherry boom boom
soooo pretty!!!

Open Happiness

2009-06-13T20:10:00.004+08:00

Coke Flash Mob event to promote Open Happiness!!!

Actually they asked NTU MJ to do the show, but MJ needed more dancers to make it 80 so 26 of us from Danceblast! joined in to make up the numbers :) Best thing is, we only had 2 rehearsals to learn the simple steps and we get paid for this, so fun~we were camwhoring at the basement of Heerens most of the time
girlicioustracy!
in our coke tshirts!
bottle of happiness :D life is bare without coke :(so we need coke to open up some happiness!!!
The muttons, jocie guo and derrick hoh BLAST photo!!!

2009-06-01T14:22:00.001+08:00

i miss you, mr jiang.

2009-05-31T09:12:00.004+08:00

Jiang left for his UK sailing training early this morning at 225am and i went to send him off. It's always so hard to say goodbye, especially after spending so much loving and happy time with him the past few days. Exactly 5 months ago, he was the one who sent me off at T3 when i left for my sep. Now, im sending him off for a month in UK, with very little internet connection or even hp reception! Really couldnt bear for him to leave, but i know he has to, it's something he has always wanted and i know he's really thrilled about his sailing. I definitely support him in this and all i ask for is him to be safe during the tough trainings in the rough oceans. Anyway, one month isnt really that long right? I survived 3 months (even though not a very happy 3mth) without him by my side, so there's no reason why i cant do this. And i shall make myself damn busy with dance, thesis, going out with friends, and my IMH observation program so i wouldnt have time to miss him too much!his mum supper at kopitiam before his flight
yee onn, who's embarking on this exciting journey with him
and their friend edwin, the only friend there to "send them off" hahaif you get the internet connection to see this, i miss you dear!

7atenine

2009-05-29T23:10:00.000+08:00

7atenine for drinks after dinner! i really really loved it, drinking red wine with my favorite person in the world on the big comfortable couch, eating nice sweet dessert, enjoying the music from esplanade concourse...total indulgence.yuzu and raspberry verrine

Jang Shou Korean BBQ

2009-05-29T22:23:00.000+08:00

The day before he left for UK, we spent the whole day out. Watched Terminator Salvation, go watch if you havent'! The only complain i have is not enough Christian Bale! I think he's so super hot but somehow i didnt feel as if he had much of a role in the movie except being the legendery john conner. the other guy totally stole the whole show!

raffles creamery for a hot hot day!
then it was korean bbq!
side dishes. I think those at Ju Shin Jung East were better though.

the super damn good grilled beef-rib! finally i satisfied my beef craving!
wrapped in lettuce tasted even better!
grilled olive pork ribs. Not as fantastic though.
after dinner was a romantic walk along singapore river :)
i love it when he smiles like that. looks so happy and handsome right!!! Haha i damn bhb, call my bf handsome...but really what, he looked really nice in this picture!

2009-05-28T21:28:00.001+08:00

Me and jiang went into a pub somewhere along East Coast Road to watch the soccer match of the year - Man U vs. Barcelona champions league! I love the atmosphere of watching soccer matches in pubs! There was this funny guy who kept saying " don't pass to kimchi!" along with all his F vulgarities when Man U lost the ball to Barcelona.He was great entertainment haha.A disappointed Jiang whose favorite team lost the match. And a happy chingcheng who didnt really care who won because it was a pretty darn good match and Barcelona rocks lar, seriously. Their 2 goals, especially Messi's header, were really fantastic!
After the 90minute mark, we quickly drove back to Jiang's place because he couldnt bear to see Barcelona winning the trophy and also because it was already 430am and we need to sleep and get ready for Club21 Bazaar the next morning!so exciting...wonder what good deals were waiting for us!
especially Jiang, he loves the bazaar more than me! Last year he was the proud owner of a CK black leather bag and brown leather jacket for below 500bucks and he couldnt wait to spend again this time!
His proudest purchase. A Dolce and Gabbana suit for only 400bucks(original price was $1999!)
All the black things. I only bought a pair of AX pants for my IMH program, whereas Mr Jiang bought his D&G suit, Armani winter coat and diesel cargo pants. Total damage = $620 only. Whoa!On the way to get the car, we passed by the flyer and we realized we have never been there before so we decided to go explore, since we still had some time left before meeting his Mum at parkway for dinner.
yakult rainforest
at the Singapore River

5th Avenue - Empire state buildling, St. Patrick's Cathedral, NY public library

2009-05-26T08:49:00.000+08:00

Down the streets of Fifth Avenue - a shopaholic paradise
my desires...Rockefeller Center
St. Patrick's Cathedral
New York Public Library, one of the leading public libraries in the world. And i would say it's the prettiest too!Empire State Building, 102-story high- the tallest in Manhatten
huge Macy's departmental store Madison Square Park Flatiron Building, one of the tallest buildlings in New York City at the time it was built

Top of the Rock

2009-05-22T06:27:00.000+08:00

Rockefeller Center
we chose top of the rock instead of empire state buildling because only then can we see pretty empire state building at night!going up up on the elevator
We made it to the observation deck just before sunset so we get nice views and take pretty pictures before it gets too dark! The paranomic view was breathtaking!

Twilight
the many pictures of empire state buildling, the icon of Manhattan dusk is setting in...

Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island & the Financial District

2009-05-18T07:55:00.000+08:00

It was a gloomy rainy day when we visited the statue of liberty but we aint gonna let it ruin our day!

approaching liberty island!

getting closer...coin pressing machine

my 3usd statue of liberty coin as souvenir :)

Manhatten skyline

statue of liberty!

in the museum after a 1hour security queue

internal structure of the statue

After lunch at liberty island, we took the ferry to Ellis Island

Ellis Island Immigration Museum where the immigrants first entered in America for their health checks many interesting information about Immigrations in America

After our visit to the islands, we walked down to the Financial district

the bull of Wall street! It has many fans and we waited for quite a while before we had a chance to take a quick snapshot with it

Ground Zero Wall Street...not as buzzing and exciting as it used to be huh?

New York Stock Exchange

FED of NY

2009-05-15T11:38:00.002+08:00

I think what Chuck did for Blair was really really sweet. I was so touched i almost cried.

Love is never about yourself. It's about making the person you love happy and his/her life perfect and that is the only thing that ever matters.

Mellben Seafood

2009-05-12T21:49:00.001+08:00

It's the time of the month again! I've been reading reviews raving about Mellben seafood so me and jiang decided to come try their famous claypot crab beehoon soup for our 2nd monthly-versary :) Heard that the queue can be pretty long during dinner time so we rushed down to Ang Mo Kio after his lecture ended to avoid the dinnercrowd. And poor jiang spent like 20 over bucks on parking today so the food better be good! Guess what? it's super worth ti! :)
the MUST TRY!
another recommendation: creamy butter crab!
so exciting!
ooohhh very delicious butter crab! the sauce reminded me of cerealprawns which i love...
claypot crab bee hoon!awesome!slurp!crab shells with celebrities' signatures
stefanie sun had gotten herself a special yellow crabshell!
tsk tsk! the picture was plastered everywhere in the restaurant haha
the remnants of the 2 crabs which we devoured hungrily and mercilessly. Not a single piece of crabmeat left!
mr jiang loves the soup so much he drank every single drop of it!
he even drank the butter sauce too!
we were so full after that...my mum said we are crazy, 2 person eating 2kg worth of crab plus the beehoon! But its so declicious...

midtown east

2009-05-09T14:18:00.000+08:00

Grand central terminal
Junior's! must try their cheesecakes which are huge, cheap and awesome!
chocolate mousse!very yummy strawberry shortcake cheesecake!
UN headquarters

2009-05-06T08:27:00.000+08:00

you once said that

Love is
being happy for the other person when they are happy
being sad for the person when they are sad
being together in good times and being together in bad times
Love is the source of strength

Love is
being honest with yourself at all times
being honest with the other person at all times
telling, listening, respecting the truth and never pretending
Love is the source of reality

Love is
an understanding so complete that
you feel as if you are part of the other person
accepting the other person just the way they are
and not trying to change them to be something else
Love is the source of unity

Love is
the freedom to pursue your own desires
while sharing your experiences with the other person
the growth of one individual alongside
and together with the growth of another individual
Love is the source of success

Love is
the excitement of planning things together
the excitement of doing things together
Love is the source of the future

Love is
the fury of the storm
the calm in the rainbow
Love is the source of passion

Love is
giving and taking in a daily situation
being patient with each other's needs and desires
Love is the source of sharing

and i will always remember and keep this in mind...

2009-04-29T22:53:00.001+08:00

Celebrated Mad's birthday with her at Astons :) Han and PJ are still away on exchange, so there's only 4 of us left. It's so hard to meet up in full force nowadays cos someone will always be overseas. First, it was me who was away in California. Then now it's pig in china and pj in netherlands. Soon it will be Cindy to Virginia, Weizhen to Australia and Mad to i-forgot-where. I guess the next time all 6 of us can get together again will be in end july?

Btw can someone tell me why is there always a long queue outside Astons at The Cathay when the food wasnt really that good? It used to be better but now it's just bleah...mushroom soup was pretty good
dry and tasteless new york strip
hickory chicken still the best!
salmon steak
presents time!
Happy Birthday!

Cafe Biz

2009-04-26T21:50:00.003+08:00

Another celebration for grandma's 78th, this time with the rest of the extended family at Cafe Biz, trader's hotel. Food wasnt great though, not quite worth the price of 45++ per pax . But who cares about food and money when you have the company of 40 over people who were happy to gather together to catch up and celebrate grandma's birthday :)super fresh and fatty sashimi slices!
lobster bisque
me and jiang's favorite!
more of it!
nice indian food
finally time for desserts!
happy birthday!
:D

asia boat show

2009-04-25T21:52:00.004+08:00

Jiang has got complimentary tickets to the Asia Boat Show at KeppelBay and so we went to take a look at yachts! Mr Jiang plans to take his day skipper course here after his one month of sailing training in UK in June. Once he gets his license, he would be able to charter a yacht and he promised to sail me around!

before going to the boat show, we grabbed some ice cream because the weather is insanely hot!
grey goose vodka at the boat show
cosmopolitan
mr jiang is sailing a yacht!!!
so could I! hee~
he wants to fly too!the yachts
Audi A5
i just got my license last week so i can drive toO!!!!
so red already still drink! no lar...it's fruit punch this time, not alcoholanother yacht
i wonder if im red from the booze or the sun...
this is my favorite yacht!
tea break (and to escape from the sun) at Prive Bakery!
Mr Jiang is obsessed about his clipper race...but there again sailing is really a damn elitist (like him haha) sport and sailing for 6 wks across the pacific is indeed something to be proud of
fruit charlottedanish apple strudelcrab cakes!
and trio mini wagyu burgers...yum yum!

grandma's 78th

2009-04-23T17:08:00.003+08:00

Celebrated my maternal grandma's 78th birthday at The Line! They have this "flash your age" promotion now so the buffet lunch was really really cheap...less than 100bucks for 8 of us! It was really crowded though and i dislike crowds at restaurants. Wasnt too thrilled about the food too since i came last year for their dinner buffet with Jiang and both of us left unimpressed. And my take on The Line is still the same even after today...good quantity but mediocre quality, not worth the money. Wouldnt bother coming if not for the promotion. as usual, i headed for the dessert table the moment i entered the restaurant!
sashimi...my fav too!
the seafood was pretty freshdimsum
satay...hawker centres have better
noodles
laksa was good though
and fabulous desserts!
too sweeeet grandma!its a girls outing!4 daughters and a daugher-in-lawand 2 of her 7 granddaughtersHappy birthday!

times square

2009-04-19T14:04:00.001+08:00

Times Square!all the broadway shows that i didnt get to watch...regretfully :(
3 storey M&M store Hershey's!
my fav berries & creme donut which i ate almost everyday in New york!
at night...

chinatown

2009-04-14T13:49:00.004+08:00

Upon reaching New york on the first day, i met up with Chen who's hosting me at his dorm at NYU and he brought me to chinatown for nice and cheap chinese food!

Chen's NYU dorm on 5th avenue

Washington Square Park where most NYU campuses are NYU is like SMU - buildlings are scattered everywhere

then its chinatown for lunch!really tasty dumplings!
chinatown
and the next day we went for some handmade ramen!
passed by Manhatten bridge the iconic brooklyn bridge
" The only place on earth where an airplane could fly over a pedestrain who is walking over a car that is driving over a boat that is floating over a train"
first steel suspension bridge in the world

our 1st month

2009-04-12T23:50:00.009+08:00

After 5 years, we decided to reset the counter and start all over again to facilitate counting haha. So this is our first month celebration! To celebrate the first 12th since i came back, i made tiramisu without cocoa for Mr Jiang! It wasnt perfect, but it was still pretty good so im rather proud of myself :D then we went ECP to cycle! Time to blast the fats from the tiramisu away :)

the shirt that i gave him exactly 5 years ago!

kiss kiss!After cycling we were starved! And we were too tired to walk far so we went to the Korean restaurant nearby :) By the way we realized we had never eaten in a Korean restaurant before so this is our first time!
happy Jiang loves korean barbeque!

pork collar

marinated chicken legfreeflow of the little side dishes

yummy potato!i love kimchi!

crab! i think its raw though...but really nice!

very delicious BBQ!watermelon in hearts!

then we went parkway for desserts! Hello kitty pocky!

and icewine all the way from Canada ended the perfect day!

Niagara Falls

2009-04-11T06:48:00.000+08:00

We travelled a whole day from New Jersey to Buffalo in New York State just to capture the view of the spectacular Niagara Falls and it's so worth it because the waterfalls is just so amazing!

On our way to Niagara Falls we passed by She-Qua-Ga...not as breathtaking as Niagara but still pretty famous in its own right.

Finally, after almost 10hours on the roads, we saw the Niagara River. That means Niagara falls is just nearby!

Althought Spring had arrived...the water was still icy cold!

We knew its the Niagara Falls when we saw the cloud of mist produced by it!

Horseshoe falls (the waterfalls on the canadian side)

the American falls at sunsetit looks so pretty with the glow of sunlight!

see the bridge behind? it's called the Rainbow Bridge and soon, we would be crossing over it to Ontario, Canada!

me and angela

our hotel was just a few minutes walk away from the waterfalls so we decided to take a stroll out in the cold cold night to watch the illuminated falls :)

rainbow bridge at night

rainbow colours...PRETTY!

the waterfalls in the picture that is closer to us is the American falls while the horseshoe falls is the one further away. The 2 waterfalls are separated by Goat's Island, which you cant really see in the picture because it's dark, but you know it's the gap between the two waterfalls.

we went back to see the waterfalls again the next morning

It was a pity that Maid of the Mist only starts its operation in May so we didnt get to take the boat ride to see the waterfalls up close :( Instead we went to the tunnel behind the falls but it was a disappointment too because you cant really see much with the heavy mist and the balcony was closed due to safety concerns (there were still ice on the balcony floor so it was pretty dangerous).
the waterfalls up close
rainbow!

Goodbye waterfalls! It's time to travel another 400 over miles back to New york city!

Washington D.C. & Philadelphia

2009-04-07T06:10:00.000+08:00

Travelling to Washington D.C. from New York, passing through New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland, we finally reached the capital of USA :)

US Capitol Hill

lantern from the Japanese

Federal Supreme CourtLibrary of Congress

National Mall, national park in downtown washington, along which you can find many Smithsonian Museums

we are in the season of sakura!

National Gallery of Art

National Air and Space Museum

the white house!

Pretty Cherry Blossoms along the Tidal Basin

Jefferson Memorial

Washington Monument Lincoln Memorial

the president who freed the slaves Vietnam Veteran Memorial. Names of the soldiers who sacrificed in the war were engraved on the black walls

WWII Memorial

Arlington Cemetery where dead soldiers were buried

Changing of Guards Ceremony at Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers

Burial site of J.F. Kennedy The next part of the historial tour is Philadelphia, the "Birthplace of a New Nation".

Independence hall where the declaration of independence was signed

Liberty Bell

georgina's birthday

2009-04-04T23:00:00.000+08:00

Met up with my dearest hip hop taitais today to celebrate Georgina's birthday. Gosh i miss my taitais so much! I had been so lonely in US during SEP without the company of them and i really missed our taitai outings.

So today we watched Confessions of a Shopaholic (great movie btw! every girl should watch it) before heading off for steamboat buffet dinner at Novena :)

yummy eclairs!

testing mascara on me!

taitais love victoria secrets!

Happy birthday Geo tai! hope you enjoyed your birthday and like the presents :)

2009-04-04T05:20:00.002+08:00

Home sweet home!

yes im finally home!!! thanks for all the welcome messages...its great to know that there are so many people who are happy that im back :)

the first thing i grumbled about the moment i landed is the heat! I miss the nice cool weather in New York...i miss wearing my coats...it's so freaking hot here! When jiang picked me up, i demanded that he on his air-condition in his car full blast. When i reached his house, i complained that the 18 degree celsius air-conditioning in his room is melting me! Im so used to those below 5 degree celsius temperature in US this hot weather in our sunny island is killing me!

Suddenly, Singapore seems rather unfamiliar to me. Seems like i have been away for a really long time even though its only 3 months. But strangely, me and Jiang felt as if i have never left...

my room is in a huge mess. so much unpacking to do! And i have like thousand over photos to sort and upload onto this blog!

and guess what? i think im jet-lagging! i woke up at around 4am and i couldnt get to sleep :(

getting excited to see my lovely taitais later!

2009-03-24T07:40:00.002+08:00

Hello everyone!

Im in New York City already and it is definitely my favorite place of USA!

I must have been in santa cruz for too long because im suddenly unused to the tall buildings and buzzing streets of New York...but im really thrilled! And it's really cold here, unlike California which is becoming really sunny and warm...i love the weather in New York!

I have been staying with Chen at his NYU dorms for the past few days and guess what? it's right on 5th avenue and i took a long stroll down 5th avenue while he was in class today! The branded shops, the crowds and the noise...i could feel the adrenaline rush as i walk down the city! small towns like santa cruz is defiintely not for me!

And i met up with Feng over the weekend and she's still pretty much the same. I had fun catching up over dinner with Feng and Chen as we reminised about old RJ times and talked about our classmates and how they are doing :)

If i were to move to USA, im certainly gonna choose New York!

Even though New York is really great, i still cant wait to get back to my sunny island because everyone i love is there!

About 10 more days and i will be home! yay!!!

But first, im super duper ultra excited about going for L.U.A.M.'s class at Broadway Dance Center tomorrow! This is my main highlight of New York and I bet it's gonna be awesome!

:)

Santa Cruz

2009-03-20T23:19:00.000+08:00

the people, the food, the places and the things that i will miss...

cinnabon!yum yum :)

2 for 5usd Haagen Daz...where to find this kind of deal in singapore!

The pretty San Lorenza park just behind my inn. I have to walked through this park everyday to get to the metro station or downtown. The duckies always make my day :)

lunch to go!my healthy and delicious and nutritious avocado turkey sandwich!

inside my lunch pack i have yogurt banana drinks chips and my sandwich!

the omelette that i usually have for breakfast...im gonna die from high cholestrol!

Kiantis! my favorite italian restaurant (actually its the only italian that i go to)!

dinner with krystal and her roomate and the roomate's friend
dinner with thengyiu angela my rooomate and her friends
the super awesome spicy lagsana!
gourmet pasta. looks disgusting with the green colour and all...but actually it was super yummy!
spicy pasta!
santa cruz has the most bikes in USA

check out the bike shuttle!

how straightforward

downtown Santa Cruz

2009-03-17T09:44:00.001+08:00

Downtown Santa Cruz :)

indian lunch buffet...cheap and surprisingly good!

yummy ice cream!!!

yummm...why don't they have ice-cream like this in Singapore? :(cookies! my fav is Dr Midnight...triple choc so sinful!!! But i always eat it whenever i feel down and it never fails to make me better :)

bride's war!downtown at night :)

UCSC

2009-03-15T12:30:00.000+08:00

University of California, Santa Cruz
the next laptop im getting is gonna be MacBook!

lecture...

social science buildings where i have my econs classes

oakes college science and engineering library

lower quarry

village & the farm

East Field house (for recreation)

let me show you the beautiful place that i go running at :) it has such great view...it made running really exhilarating

hmmmm yummy fries that im so gonna miss!

that's all!

2009-03-12T00:00:00.003+08:00

It has been a wonderful 5 years. Thanks for caring for me and loving me like no one has ever done before. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me and im truly grateful for that.

Happy 5th anniversary and hope there's more to come.

Love you always :)

Quinceañera

2009-03-07T23:27:00.002+08:00

My roommate, Julissa invited me to her sister's Quinceañera. It is to celebrate the girl's 15th birthday, her coming of age from a girl to a woman, and it is a really grand celebration for the Latin Americans. It's almost like a wedding, seriously! im not exagerrating. Once you look at the pictures below you will understand what i mean. The best way to describe it is..erm...Malay wedding. Yup that's the best description i can think of :) They also played a video of her pictures...like those wedding videos that you see at wedding dinner.

the invitation. anyone can read spanish here? zhen, if u r reading this, can you tell me what it says? haha

Mexican food for dinner...i love nachos!!!

girls and boys who are younger than the birthday girl will start a dance

then...welcome birthday girl! It's pretty obvious who's the birthday girl here :) look at her gown, im not kidding when i said it's like a wedding right!
After the dance, it was a toast for the birthday cake followed by cake cutting. Then they started playing spanish/mexican music and the dance floor is open! I dont really know how to dance to mexican music though...but i went up to the dance floor anyway :)

Rachael (and julissa behind)

it was an introduction to another culture and i had fun :D

2009-03-06T12:18:00.003+08:00

i signed up for the IMH Psychology Observation Program held at IMH during June and im really thrilled! Though the timing was pretty bad cos it's just right in the middle of the 3 mth break and that means its gonna be tough looking for internships that are more long term. But it's ok i figure this program is more useful and closer to what im looking for and it'll really help when i look for psychology-related career when i graduate next year. Not to mention that i have more time to slack during the break! (actually i have my thesis to keep me busy during that period boo)

Anyway below are the details for those interested :)

About POP:Trainees observe live or taped sessions via video or audio. Observations are done in a group for a minimum of 12 hours with clinical psychologists on a variety of cases which are less complex and more straightforward. The programme includes 15 hours of case discussion which may include, at the presenter’s discretion, some lectures on various forms of Psychotherapy, as well as attendance at Clinical Teaching Sessions, journal clubs and departmental training.

Duration: Two to three weeks (Intake period: Nov/Dec & Jun/Jul)
Programme fees: S$350

More information at the website http://www.imh.com.sg/clinical_specialties/pop_index.htm

2009-03-06T01:33:00.000+08:00

Around 2 more weeks, and i'll be leaving Santa Cruz. Ironically, i have grown to enjoy my stay here. I remember how i kept whining about missing home and hating this boring little town...but somehow over the past 2 months or so, im gradually getting used to this independence. Though i hate to admit this, i think i will actually miss it here.

Frankly speaking, i know i would have enjoyed it more if not for Jiang. Not because of anything, but because he's the person i miss most dearly. I hardly miss my family anymore, i email them occasionally to keep them updated and i call my grandparents every fortnightly. This is enough to keep me from missing them. But despite chatting with Jiang on MSN every single day, i still miss him very much and cant wait to be back in his arms. Maybe it's because i spend more time with him than anyone else even back in Singapore, that's why it feels so different without him here. I feel weird that i cant sms him or call him as and when i want. I feel a lack of intimacy and companionship over here because the only person who can give this to me is him and he's not here :( and sometimes i just feel so lonely here i end up feeling depressed...how useless!

But seriously...i think long distance relationship doesnt quite work for us...it makes me too insecure... especially the asymmetric issues that we have...but there's nothing i can do about it since im so far away. So, im glad my exchange is only a relatively short 3 months and i really cant wait to be home soon! hopefully things will return to normal once im back and i can be happy with his company once again :)

That being said, i realize i do enjoy this independence sometimes (not the emotional independence that im forced to deal with though). The freedom to do whatever i want, whenever i want is exhilarating. Not that i ever felt constrained at home, my parents have given me lots of freedom which im really grateful for, but still sometimes some nagging is unavoidable and i certainly dont miss that at all.

I love the cool but not chiling weather here, i enjoy taking only half an hour to get to school (compared to an hour half to NUS), i take pleasure in the slackness and stress-free environment where i can still score well without pushing myself too hard, i like the pleasantness and friendliness of the people here, i am extremely entertained by the cable tv i have in my room ( Lost, 24, ABDC,George Lopez, Sex & the city, gray's anatomy, scrubs, family guy, HBO etc etc are all the shows that i watch here to pass time), and i delight myself with all the American consumer goods that i can only get through sprees in singapore (like A&F, Victoria Secrets, Bath & Body Works ...). I certainly will miss all these when im back to Singapore!

I realize i havent really blogged about the places of Santa Cruz. So, to conclude my stay here, for the remaining 2 weeks, i shall attempt to blog about the things here that i like and will miss :)

The proudest moments of my life

2009-03-01T08:34:00.002+08:00

Shut up and Dance videos are up! like finally!!!

watching the videos...i feel pride and disgust at the same time. Pride because im really proud to be part of this dance production...i learnt a lot and i love to perform on stage.Some people need to do big things in their life (like Jiang). To me this is the best thing that i've ever done - dancing for my loved one. And disgust? My filmsy arms (4 years already still so messy!) and stiffness...i wished i had danced better...but i know i did my best and it wasnt as bad as i expected. But still much improvements need to be done!

anyway here are the links for the videos (i dont know why i cant post it up on the blog)

Poplicious: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-l1KeVyfeg&feature=channel_page

can you spot me? (BIG hint: im the one wearing pink jacket and purple tights...yeah the shortest one in front)

Dare to dream: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkEJW_yW_hI&feature=channel
this is a bit harder to spot since everyone wears the same costume :)

you should watch the other videos too...the other items are just as amazing!

2009-02-20T11:21:00.002+08:00

I think im a geek because somehow, the thing that i find most enjoyable on this sep is the Econs lectures. I enjoy the econs classes here, i really do. I like how the lecturers always bring in real life examples to help us understand whats going on in the world, instead of just teaching us theories and not integrating it into context (unlike NUS lecturers who basically regurgitate the whole book). Not to mention that the professors here have so much more experience working in the real world and are rather distinguished and influentical economists themselves too. This probably stems from the fact that they are Americans and many key economic ideas were proposed by Americans themselves. Furthermore, since they are living in America, it is more likely for them to work in major institutions which are based in USA, like the FED and NBER.

For example, my Money & Banking lecturer used to work in the Federal Reserve Banks and he knows prominent economists like Mishkin and Ben Bernanke is a long time friend of his! Im always delighted when he shares with us his experience of working in the FED and how he interprete recent events. He said the congressman are all lawyers who know nothing about economics, he has a good mind to give them a seminar or two on economics, and i totally agree! I still dont quite approve of the bailout plan... to me, it's just a transfer of wealth from the poor to the very rich. I think it would be more effective to give that money directly to the poor and help them through this tough period instead of giving it to the rich and hoping it would drain to the poor, coz it doesnt.

I love the insights from the lecturers, i love how they make me think critically about economic policies. I wish my major is Econs instead of psy and i had taken up a scholarship to study Econs in the states instead of psy in NUS where career prospects seem bleak.

I think im probably the only one who discovered that she comes on sep to really learn, rather than play and travel (my dad will be glad to know that!).

PS: i topped my class for my money & banking course and mummy rewarded me with a pair of UGG boots :D

valentine's with jeslyn

2009-02-16T11:10:00.001+08:00

Jeslyn came to visit during valentine's weekend so that means my valentine's day is lonely no more! It has been raining like mad these few days and i was praying that the sky will be clear so that i can show jeslyn around. Well, it was cloudy but at least it wasnt pouring :)

Monarch trail

Natural Bridges State Beach

natural bridge...partly eroded alreadysuper strong winds! i felt like i was going to be blown away and for once, i wished i was heavier jeslyn :D

my attempt to take an artistic picture

i brought jeslyn to UCSC and came across this church group which gave us a flower each

Santa Cruz Wharf

so ugly...they were trampling over each other! We were cold and hungry so we had dinner at the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf :)

yummy clam chowder...they say its award-winning

Rustic Fish Stew. assortment of fresh fish!

my cravings... we woke up early the next morning for breakfast at Zachary's, a popular place that attracts huge crowds! apparently the rain didnt stop people from coming and by 9am there was already a long queue of people waiting for a table.

the menu

mike's mess

uber yummy scone!

hope everyone else has a sweet valentine's day :)

valentine's day!

2009-02-14T11:07:00.008+08:00

Guess what came in the mail today? A dozen of pretty pink roses in a cute little vase and a delicious box of chocolates!

the flowers came in a box and were not prearranged so i have to DIY! Lucky it came with a guidebook or i wouldnt know what to do. So i followed the instructions - fill vase with 3/4 water , add 10g of flower food ( i never knew there's such a thing), cut 1 inch of the stem and remove the outer petals...then arrange!

the mess after everything...

my virgin floral arrangement! not bad for a first timer right? :) It's really quite fun, listening to my favorite music and arranging the flowers! and the roses here are so huge, unlike those puny singapore ones

top view

the pretty vase of flowers on my desk so i can look at it everytime and feel extremely loved and happy :)

im very proud of my first flower arrangement attempt!

I was really touched. I feel your presence even though we cant spend vday together cos now my room smells of roses. And i think it's really more meaningful to receive a bouquet of fresh roses that i can water and take care of. Thank you for spending your whole sat talking to me online despite having an important exam a week later, thank you for making the effort and thank you for the lovely roses and chocolates that must have cost you dearly.

Happy valentine's! <3

PS: we are exactly halfway through...i'll be back in your arms soon before long! Miss you! :)