Someone turns 19 today

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ERIC!

I hope that you're having a great time in Melbourne. Have fun celebrating your birthday! One year older, one year wiser. May this year bring you lots of fun, joy, and all the good things in life. I wish you all the very best in all that you do, my friend. We've had some awesome times and I'm looking forward to more in the future. Until we meet again, take care and have a great 19th year! :D

Much Love,
Crys

Parts and parcels

I haven't posted in a while because I was busy basking in the bliss that was the holidays.

Chinese New Year was so-so, nothing too spectacular nor drab. My flight going back was delayed due to some technical problems. The flight was initially retimed to depart an hour later than scheduled (and I only got to know this after I checked in and entered the departure hall with only a cup of coffee as my breakfast) so I had to find a seat, station myself there with my belongings while reading Digital Fortress. I was engrossed in the book so the wait didn't feel that long.

We boarded later than the rescheduled time. Once the plane was taking its normal starting up route, I was excited to reach home, especially since it was already the first day of the New Year. But the plane stalled twice while it was gaining momentum on the runway and it jerked really hard. The first time, I wasn't too worried. After I steadied myself, I just continued reading. But the second time was scary because it felt like the plane was close to taking off already, but it suddenly jerked to a halt. My immediate thought was GET US OFF THIS PLANE. I'm a frequent flyer, so I've learned not to overreact to jerks and a little turbulence, but that was freaky.

So we disembarked and went back into the terminal. Fast forward to the end, I ended up reaching home four hours later than scheduled. I was bummed that I missed the entire morning of the first day and that my first meal of the New Year was a pack of overpriced nasi briyani that cannot match up to a complete meal of New Year dishes. But I was very thankful that I got back safely. :)

I enjoyed my chill time at home because there wasn't much work to do. I loved my TV time a lot. And even though I'd gotten accustomed to not having a TV around 24/7 for two years now, I still really love it when I can morph into a couch potato for a whole day. It's very unhealthy to be so sedentary, I know, and I wince every time I see the walking meter on my phone and it reads a small figure like 100 and maybe 0.1 km. But, y'know, it's the holidays. And that's when the lazy bug infects most easily. :P

In the midst of all the merry-making around, I was very sad because our cat died. My little blue-eyed prince of almost 6 years old. It hurts so badly but you know, it's like that with pets. You love them and they love you, that's what makes it worth it. In the end, you experience a heartbreak, but when you think back to all the good memories, you'll realize that's what matters. I won't talk more about this because it saddens me. We have good memories and that's what we keep.

RIP Bobby, we love you always. :)

Now that school has resumed as per normal, we're picking up where we left off. It's back to readings, equations, and speeches. To kick off the week, I had a mid-term in an 8 am class on Monday. Last night, we had a barbecue which was a lot of fun. Right after class, I found myself in Giant, pushing a cart full of ingredients and charcoal. I was worn out when I came back to my room at midnight, but I ended up staying up til 3.30 am, which explains my sorta-dazed state now, even though it is already noon time. :P

I'll be off to lunch soon. Have a good week, everyone. :)

And the new year comes roaring in

It's Chinese New Year Eve. I did not have any pork at all today. Now that feels kind of odd. But never mind. Good food, here I come!

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!

May the year of the tiger bring you prosperity, good health, wealth, and all the good things you can wish for. :)

Some quiet and relaxation

I have so much free time to myself now that it feels kind of funny. The hostel block is almost deserted now because most people have gone back home. Me, I'm chilling by myself, spending my time the way I really want to. Except that I don't like meal times when I'm all alone. If you don't know, I hate eating by myself. I know some people enjoy the peace and solitude, but I'm all for laughter and camaraderie during lunch and dinner, no matter how short. But, oh well. It isn't too bad.

So far, it's been alright being alone here. I slept in, woke up to a good breakfast, spent time doing chores, and then finally got around to trying out my new nail polish. (It's a break away from my usual neutral light colors - I love it.) I like the fact that I can blast music loudly for as long as I want. I think it's best to spend some time getting my work done too because my public speaking midterm is on the day right after I come back here.

On another note, here are some photos I didn't post up earlier. These were taken on the night we gathered to have dinner with Eric who is leaving to Australia tomorrow.

All the best in Aussie, Eric! :)

Mwaaah

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DADDY!

<3

Cheers

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2010!

Jingling bells

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Someone turns 19 today

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RACHEL!

Hellooooooo, dear!

I know you're busy right now, but hope you can still enjoy your big day of turning 19. I hope you're doing well in Michigan. :)

We'd had some really good times in INTI. I remember meeting you for the first time when we went to church. Karyn had told me about "a Sabah girl" but I had no idea who you were. We hit it off well after a couple of times, though. Remember all our food chats in the van to and from church? Ahhh, wonderful chats they were. Haha! By the way, Karyn and I still do it sometimes. :D

You've always been the cute, blur one who make us laugh when you go 'HUUUHHH?'. ;P Thanks also for letting me crash your room every now and again. And helping me with my laundry. Every Saturday morning when I'm about to do my laundry, I think of how you used to help me check on the washing machine before I headed downstairs to wash my clothes.

You've been a wonderful friend to me, Rachel. Here's to hoping that you'll ace your finals and enjoy the Christmas season. May you be showered with blessings of alllllll the good stuff in life! ;) *hugs*

Much Love,
Crys

For the other human resident of our house :)

Oh, hello, Che che! Look what I can do!

I can squeeeeeeeze myself in here...

And grab the wire! HAH!

AAAAAAARRRRR AR AR ARRRRRF!

She's constantly moving, dashing from one person's feet to the nearest foot rug to another person's feet. It's hard to capture a photo of her that isn't blurred with all those motion lines.

Doesn't she look like a fat lil piglet? (She sounds like one sometimes too!)

And this playful pup loves nothing more than some good ol TLC. Though that might involve some foot-nibbling with some pretty sharp teeth...

Resident: Miss Hostile

MEOW MEOW MEOW (overload)

YOUR favorite spoilt brat

She gave me the pissy look when I switched on the light... like, seriously, cat, gimme a break. She ended up shielding her eyes like that. :P

One day, I shall reign over the humans... Watch me...

There's your dose of our house pets. :)

Someone turns 19 today

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DENISE!

Denise, I know you don't read my blog, but I'm gonna make you read this dedication post. :P

I hope you're doing well in Canada. I know you'll always be the same tough cookie no matter where you are. You're always the little girl whose silence signals a lot of gear-turning inside. Despite your quiet nature, you sure pack a lot of oomph that makes you Little Miss Go-Getter.

Every time I bump into someone I'm walking beside, I think of you. (I know it seems like such an insignificant moment, but think about how many times that happens considering how drunkenly I can walk sometimes!) There are little things that remind me of you, like a lot of green things, long shirts, and checkered tops. These seemingly fleeting moments can make me smile because they bring images of your blur/smiley face into mind.

Here's wishing you all the best in everything that you encounter and tackle along the way. Have a good birthday, darling!

Much love,

Crys

Someone turns 19 today

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JOANNE!

Today is 09/09/09, however you arrange the numbers. Today also marks the day a good friend of mine turns 19. Another 9!

You have always been a very supportive and kind friend to me. We may be different in some ways, but we are also similar in many ways. I think that sometimes we just know it when we get each other, and with you, I think that that chemistry came naturally with time. (The bonding sessions involving a lot of foosball certainly helped too!)

Even though we aren't staying in the same place or attending the same classes together anymore, I definitely cherish the time we spent together, be it hanging out in the school library or the hostel canteen, walking around Boon Keng, walking back from school and smelling coffee beans on the way to the MRT station while talking about anything and everything, going to Elim Church together, or spending time by the pool. I can't do all that anymore; there are times when I really miss doing all these things with you. There are many things that make you a great friend, Joanne, and I hope you know that. :)

I wish you all the best in your future endeavors, from A-Level to whatever path you choose to take after that. You are capable of many things and I hope that you will meet favor in all that you do. Once again, have a very happy birthday, girl!

Much love,

Crys

Someone turns 19 today

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PETCH!

I really enjoyed the times we got to hang out and experience your good humor and nice gestures. I hope all is going well for you now. Even though I won't be able to meet you in Singapore anytime soon, here's to hoping we can meet in the States some day. All the very best in your future undertakings. I miss you, Hot Thai! :)

Love... is a many splendid thing

I'm turning 19 in just over two months, but there's a part of me who has always remained your 16-year-old sister who bawled like crazy in the airport when you left in your peachy orange sweater (which I'm sure you have chucked out by now because oh my gosh, you won't be caught in that... ANYWHERE).

Today marks the third year since you left to live your dream. There's no one around to lecture me not to mess with the wrong guys (which I don't), drink on an empty stomach (I don't even drink), or study too much (which I don't think I do, too). I've seen you grow through the weirdest phases like your Alien Workshop phase, your frizzy hair to dead-straight hair phase (which earned you a major blow-up... somehow I still laugh when I think of it), your crazy-over-camp-guy phase (I don't think I'll ever forget his name!), your phase of staying out late past midnight and making me open the door for you, and your many other phases.

If there is one point which I can return to now, I'd probably pick the time when I quizzed you on Sejarah facts (like stuff on siput geweng) while you were showering in the bathroom adjoining to our rooms. Because that was the time when we were both growing into the different phases of our lives. You were in Form 5, struggling to keep up with sabun and those stuff. I was stepping into Form 1, unsure of what laid ahead. But I had you and you had me. And that was when I really discovered the joy of having a sister because before then, we were always bickering over who did the house chores. At that time, I could confide in you about this guy and that guy (and, boy, the stupid things we talked about) and whatever else I couldn't tell anyone else. You can't buy that kind of trust anywhere, anyhow.

Come clubbing mishaps or bad break-ups, you'll always be my sister whom I love so much. :D

PS: You know what, this can be your birthday dedication. What about that, a 2-in-1? :P

PPS: Did you notice that the post title is from a Mouline Rogue song?

Sunshine after the rain

A friend told me that I won't know what the silver lining is until I see, feel, and experience it. Well, maybe the silver lining is more than just one thing or person. Maybe it's picking random dresses off the racks, handing over the hangers to salesgirls while giggling, and going into and out of fitting rooms to try on quirky outfits with my girlfriends.

Maybe it's trading news over a good old Malaysian meal, complete with fatty, semi-charred satay and char kueh tiaw.

Maybe it's just going out to lunches and dinners with my friends, knowing that we'd always stop at the junction and go, "To the yellow shop or the middle shop?".

Whatever it is, I've moved on. Thanks for bearing with me and for all the encouragement, everyone.

:)

To my Daddy

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Surrender

Hold up
Hold on
Don't be scared,
You'll never change what's been and gone
May your smile, (may your smile)
Shine on, (shine on)
Don't be scared, (don't be scared)
Your destiny may keep you warm,

'Cause all of the stars,
Have faded away
Just try not to worry,
You'll see them someday,
Take what you need,
And be on your way and
Stop crying your heart out

Get up, (get up)
Come on, (come on)
Why you scared? (I'm not scared)
You'll never change what's been and gone

I have this song playing on a loop on my laptop. A while ago, I wondered what it means... but you know what? Maybe I don't wanna think so much tonight.

I want a resolution. God, please show me the way.

**

Selamat Hari Gawai to everyone who is celebrating! :)

<3

Last Saturday, I headed over to Mid Valley to meet up with Eric and Denise, both of whom I had not met since last year. We spent only 4 hours together but it was an awesome 4 hours. After I grabbed a copy of Nicholas Sparks' latest book, The Lucky One, I saw them waiting for me outside MPH. We took a while to settle on a nice place to go to. We ended up going to the nyonya place at the ground floor of The Gardens.

So we took our seats in a corner and caught up over drinks. (There were two ladies beside us who kept on looking over at us as we talked. They even smiled at me. I was kinda puzzled, but just smiled back. We weren't even talking about anything so attention-catching unless you count "But he's ALWAYS been weird! So what's different now?" as something worth checking out. Hmmm.) It was really nice being able to reconnect and find out what's been up with each other since we've all gone our separate ways. It was then that I realized how much we've been through since we last met. We used to go about our daily routines the same way. Now we're so completely different. :O

After an hour or so, I suppose (because I wasn't really keeping track of the time), we decided to walk around a bit. I didn't even do any window-shopping because my main intention was just to catch up and not shop. That was the first time I didn't even feel like shopping even though there were SO many people bustling all around, vying for the best grabs.

We decided to go to Paddington House of Pancakes for dinner. It was mine and Eric's first time there and we were not disappointed. Denise and I declared the comfy couch ours. We took a looong time to flip through the menu and pick our dishes. We ended up wanting to have the same dish named Tokyo. -.-" Anyhoo, Denise and I chose burgers instead. I ordered a Mexican beef burger which is the definition of Huge. Denise ordered the chicken burger that came with an impressive portion of chicken. I don't know what Eric ordered but it looked pretty good too. It felt so good indulging in quality food!

Mmmm, and here comes the real pancakes bit. Denise and I were set on trying out #186 (or was it #168?), which is a dessert that is so sinfully chocolatey, inside and outside. Le sigh. Eric ordered pancakes with maple syrup with a scoop of ice-cream drizzled with fruit sauce. MMMMMMMMMMM.

I was so satiated and happy. A bit on the broke side, but happy! :D

Clockwise: Mine, Denise's, Eric's

The wonderfully crispy, hot pancakes :D

Sugar rush!

Me and Denise! :)

The three of us, very full and satisfied!

And here comes Eric's (very late) dedication. I'm sorry for forgetting, Eric! Anyhoo, thanks for being such a great planner. I don't know why but we've always turned to you whenever it comes to planning our outings, especially when we were about to leave Singapore. You've been a good friend, always willing to put up with our teasings and jokes. I'm glad that you're happy being in Taylor's now. It seems like the life there really suits you and congrats on being made the VP of the Student Council! You must really love SC, huh? ;) Many apologies for not doing anything for you on your special day, but I hope this makes up for it. Sure hope to meet you soon! May 23rd, eh? Let's keep our fingers crossed! :)

Let's celebrate :)

First off, I'm sorry if I've been blowing everyone off lately. I really didn't mean to ditch catch-up times, but I've been so busy with so many things. Life has been crazy these three weeks and it shows no signs of slowing down. *wheezes* Since last Friday, I've been doing almost no other work except for the trial stuff. I was so glad when we finished almost the whole trial on Tuesday night! We have another witness from the defense testifying in class today, and then the two lawyers will present their closing statements, and after that, the child abuse case will be over and done with. I shall be sitting in as a jury in the other trial of the racism case.

These last few nights have been mad because my sleeping hours have gotten out of whack. Seriously. Yesterday, I came back to the room late and flopped on the bed at about a quarter to one am. I set two alarms to ring at 1.00 am and 1.05 am but I ended up sleeping all the way to 4.30 am, without my blankets on and with the light on. When I woke up, I couldn't decide if I should just stay up and continue studying for the test in the evening (by then, I still had 1.5 chapters to go and I could barely recall the other 1.5 chapters which I'd already read). I stared at my desk for a while, feeling dazed. I ended up sitting at my desk and studying. This is a record for me. Never in my whole life have I studied at 4.30 am. I guess desperation can do many things to people. =/ I studied up to about 6.00 am and then decided, well, it's now or never.

I keyed in my username and password. A swift hit on 'enter' later, the page loaded. All it took were the first two words and I already knew. I'm sorry. I knew. I just did, even before that. But when I read through the statement, it sunk in immediately. I guess a part of me just knew but suppressed it for long enough. No, a dam did not burst. No, I did not feel the life being sucked out of me. I didn't cry. I didn't even frown. Doesn't it scare you sometimes when you fail to react in a manner you thought you would? All I did was read through the statement twice, smile dryly at a particular sentence, log out of my account, and head to the bathroom.

At night, a friend came over to talk to me about her results. I'd already known what she wanted to tell me even before she spoke. The frustration and pain were clear on her face as she narrated her day to me. She asked me why I was so calm about receiving a rejection letter. For a moment, I hesitated. I didn't know why either, but in retrospect, maybe the answer had been there all along. You know how sometimes your gut feeling just works out in real life? I suppose it was just like one of those moments. And I told her. I prayed to God to grant me His favor in this, but I also knew that He has the last say because He is the only one who knows my future. She said, but why? Why aren't you upset about this? Why do you seem so OKAY with it? For a while, it sounded as if she was envious of me being okay.

Nothing I said could get through her frayed nerves, so I chose to end the conversation in a light manner. In the end, it is her choice to make, not mine. She already has one path ahead of her. I am still waiting for my path to reveal itself. I am not meant to be an Ivy League school student, and I accept that. For those who are still feeling the sting of the Ivy rejection/s, I think it is okay to be sad. We worked hard for these and we put our faith into them, but we also recognized the possibility of not making the cut. And now that everything's out in the open, it is okay. This isn't the end because we still have many options ahead of us.

I am very proud of my friends who got into Harvard (WOOTS! YESSSSSSS everyone is making a big fuss out of him now because he needs to belanja us makan!), Cornell, and Penn (in the Ivy League), NYU, UMich, UWash, UC-Berkeley, UCLA, Wisconsin-Madison, etc, and also those who were shortlisted in other universities such as Yale, Dartmouth, Cornell, Northwestern, etc. I think our batch rocks. :D

On another happy note,

HAPPY 19th BIRTHDAY, KARYN!

<3

Someone turns 20 today

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JONATHAN!

*Kuning sebab you macam keju. :P

Jonjon, today you embark on the second decade of your life. WOOHOO! :D

I've always seen you as the level-headed, dependable one, because no matter how much I didn't wanna hear the stuff you had to say, you didn't bother mincing your words and said it as it needed to be said. I remember those times when you would very matter-of-factly speak the thoughts I didn't dare to voice out. Especially during those particularly low points. I enjoyed your company a lot because you were honest but still understanding.

I know that at times you can be very *ahem* thick-skinned (like choosing to carry my smallest box instead of offering to help me with the bigger bags and saying that you forgave me for things I did not even do... What did I do, really?), but you're a good friend, really. :) I say that because I know that you're not as blur as you seem on the outside and that you're just a good guy (I think you should know that there are reasons behind my saying this). And you know when not to mess with girls. (That's a plus point, keep that lol)

Another thing I won't forget about you is your willingness to relent whenever I pester you. Like when I kept on digging into your sinful chocolatey dessert and when I wanted that bowl of ice-cream so badly and everyone else was so satiated. Speaking of that, I remember how you insisted on spending no more than $2.50 per meal in the beginning and you eventually gave in and started spending on food like everyone else. :P

Anyway, Mr Phoon, here's wishing you a lot of prosperity in the coming year as you battle through your A-Levels!

PS: You didn't think I'd forget this, did you? I miss your hairrrrrrrrrrr. :(

Someone turns 19 today

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SHING YEE!

Hey, girl!

You know what, up till today I still grin when I think of how you insisted on using your very pink umbrella even when we had to walk across the street toward a shaded walkway. And I still remember our serious talks at late night too. And how you used to sit outside our room to talk on the phone. And how can I forget the endless teasing you put up with from me? Hehehehe.. Just so you know, I think you're still the best person to tease. :D I hope that all's well in school and choir for you. I know how much you love singing and I'm glad I managed to see you in action twice. :)

Today you turn 19. I wish I can be there with you (then we can go jalan-jalan at Clarke Quay *ahem* You like romantic places, don't you?), but I can't, so know that I wish you well and that I hope that this year will see you embracing blessings of all the good things you wish for.

:)