Pictures Hanging Crooked On The Wall

Fun-filled Jan! For a quick post I've combed through months-old albums and picked out that which struck my fancy. The shots documenting my art shall appear in the following post, as some have yet to be transferred from camera.



Where old and new meet



My most beautiful keychain, from Auckland



It broke after I dropped my carkeys for the third time. ='(



Get your fix ;)
Oral Fixation candy in Damned Delicious Cinnamon

Of course, aside from the flavour, I fell for its packaging.
Sucker for boxes and paper products.



For the past year and a half, my bed has been used strictly for storage purposes.
*Ahem, didn't I just tell you, -paper products- ?* XP

I've been collecting boxes since primary schooldays, but stopped a few years back when I realised I wouldn't have space to keep them all. =(
Paper remains an active passion, though. Still perusing craftstore shelves, ending in debate as to which to take and which to leave.
You're gorgeous.
I don't need you.
But there's something about your colour, something I've never seen before.
What if I don't make use of you, wouldn't that be a waste?
What if I never see you again; a bigger waste?
As you can see, ladies and gentlemen, shopping is not for the mentally challenged.




Next up is a bunch of photos from nearing the end of CAL.

In college, Literature has always been where I felt weakest. The medieval-English text we had in A2 wasn't helping; spelling correctly in modern English would usually mean your textual knowledge was deplorable, 'cause the English had a completely different set of spelling back then. On the one hand, spelling like Chaucer made you feel less like an airheaded moron; on the other, spelling as you usually would made you feel sure of your sanity, that you hadn't yet succumbed to the Lit Invasion.
At least, that was the fear our seniors ingrained in us within the first week of classes: "Lit Will Take Over Your Life!!"

Well, I held on 'til the very end.



=P
A few weeks before the Lit paper, I decided I was tired of being unsure of Chaucer's spelling, and went all out to make friends with it.

(Photo evidence that desperate times call for desperate measures.)

Placed his work so I could see them



While I looked up to drink water...



While I washed the dishes...



While I brushed my teeth...



The bunch of 'em, over 40 quotes in total stuck all over the house.
Crazy is as crazy does. ;)



Pretty cell sketches from secondary Science,
dug them up as I was clearing out my old academic stuff.



Selling my CAL books off was rather gratifying.
I'd driven straight to Subang from Genting, got stunned by the flock of students camping about their cartons of books. None of the faces were familiar. Wanted to chicken out but I went chin up instead to do things I've never done before.
The sun blazed down with a vengeance and the whole lot seemed about wilting with the exception of one or two crazies who charged down the walkway roaring the most ridiculous rates in attempt to end their suffering. I expect they were among the ones who'd been there since 7 in the morning.
During the three hours I was one of them, I
Shouted like a potato vendor in a strawberry field. I was the only one selling CAL at that part of the walkway that day; everyone else was from SAM.
Chased a client across the street. One of the SAMs referred him to me, bless her. And chased after him again when he forgot to take half of what he'd paid for.
Did all that without lunch.

Now, as far as I know,
Nicole doesn't shout, she doesn't chase strangers across the road, and she definitely isn't one to miss a square meal.
But I did that day, and I'm glad about it. =D




A file for every occasion. =)



Dutifully sorted every piece of paper into one of three piles:
Fully used
Relatively blank
and
Ican'tremember,Ijusthaveathingforcategorisation.



Massive clearout.
Also the day I reclaimed my bed. X)



Our big Lit notes, three-quarters of which I didn't actually read. =X
It was plain slogging away!



So long, Bronte.
Jane Eyre fell apart and I had to send her for a second binding.


Off to work now. =)
Where we sing songs, blow bubbles, and do happy things.

Fingerprints

Something I should've posted weeks ago, to close the Kumon chapter.


Students I’ll miss :

- DYLAN!!! =X

- Nuraisyah Rahan (my little rabbit girl)

- and her cousin Yusof (aka the one who likes me)

- Hannah Faiqah (the girl who wears a necklace at all times; either a fuschia frangipani on cord or a string of pale pink pearls. And I LIKE those necklaces!)

- Aina Syafiqah (intelligent) and

- her little sister Aina Farzana (strangely husky-voiced)

- Jun (the cute guy who is unfortunately 17 years of age AND is in possession of horrid basketballer legs - somehow their stumpy, bursting appearance is slightly repulsive to me; I prefer footballer legs)

- Aishah (who startles me with her sudden smiles and dimples)

- Hong Ming (bashful-looking fellow who likes to sing softly even while in class)

- Nabile (good-looking chap, also very uneligible)

I Need Two Hands To Shop

My weekly red-letter day was spent at the Gardens, shopping while my mom had a facial. I gaily walked into Promod - good quality for reasonable prices. Slipped past the two store assistants who were chatting rather boisterously with a middle-aged customer; but that's the way I like it. To be left alone; not maddeningly tailed by some paranoid-but-acting-helpful shopgirl. It's majorly irritating, and doesn't help with "providing a great shopping experience" in the least!

After 10 minutes of browsing, one of the assistants sneaked up on me and words started gushing out of her mouth - much the same way as when she yakked with the aforesaid customer.
I listened, stunned, to her tirade of Chinese gibberish and near the end, made out the word 'interview'.

Ohh.

That one word saved what would otherwise have been wasted breath for her. Without missing a beat, I replied: "I already have a job."
Take that! Bet you thought I was some pampered, unproductive student with nothing better to do for her semester break, didn't you?
=P

On another matter...
I've been reading Anne Frank's diary. Actually, I've been reading more than one book and though the idea doesn't appeal to me, I've had to because two books are from Kumon and I have to return them by Thursday the 4th because thats my last day there! And on the very next, I'll be off to church camp in Malacca. No time to mourn the loss of my little students!
Perhaps I'll miss them. I will remember some of them, I know. How to tell them I'm leaving? How not to tell? =(
Anyway, the point is, I've been reading Anne Frank's diary. (See how my train of thought trails all over the place?)
And... I'm near the end of the book. I don't really want to finish reading it, because...

because it's hard to believe that this girl, with so many ardent admirers at her feet, so many beautiful hopes and dreams and plans; she died. Three years younger than I am now.
That someone so bright had so deserved to live but instead passed on to the next realm, it saddens me.

She wanted to be a writer, because when she poured her soul into her diary, her restraints, oppression and frustration at being cooped up in a secret place for two years, melted away. And today her thoughts and musings have been and are being read by millions all over the globe. What a way for her wish to materialise. Which brings me to... Is it worth it, to die for a dream?

Not that she killed herself to get published, but the very sufferings which brought her life to a close were the backbone of her writings, and the fodder on which she became mature.
All this only after a single read. I shall have a second, and third, from which to glean more insight as to this interesting personality - in future when I'm at leisure.

Wednesday night :

Sean needed help in picking a shirt for prom. Weellllllll, he asked the right person! ^ ^
We went straightaway to OU. Spotted one in a rich, warm shade of red. After which he couldn't stop thinking about it. Ahaha. Plus, I got a free pretzel after 'scolding' the cashier at Auntie Anne's! Something like that. =P

Thursday morning :

Continued where we left off, this time at Midvalley. Found a dark grey one, so close to black. But he liked it, that's what matters. Then in Sub, I pulled shirt after shirt off the racks for him to try. This is one of my dream jobs. It'd be lovely getting paid... to spend other people's money. => There was a heartthrob of a shirt we both liked, only, it was more of smart casual and less of prom king. He might still get it, after all.

Friday night :

Fell prey to a sudden fever. Woke up every few hours in the night, aching and feeling sticky all over. It felt so horrible.

Sunday, after church :

I shot off to pick Yann up and then to the Mines!

Power Beat In The House, yo!

Another dance finals I've had on my schedule for months. The thing is...
after obeying the impulse of gaining access into the Mines residential area and ogling at numerous grandly done-up bungalows (including one with a weird wavy UFO roof, and Mahathir's own residence),
debating whether to get free parking at the Mines Clubhouse (which we did),
and having a casual, very filling lunch... we arrived in time for the results.

T.T

What a let down! Maybe we shouldn't have eaten so much. Maybe I shouldn't have cared whether that house was cooler than the other or not. Maybe I should have skipped the debate and parked in the hot hot sun for RM2. Then maybe I would've had time to squeeze through the tall tall crowd to watch the final contestants properly. I felt quite deflated, after all the fuss and anticipation generated (by me). Frankly, if it weren't for the ReadMalaysia book fair, it would've been hard to cheer up.

So much for the 'largest book fair of the year'. The organisers of the BU3 fair didn't know what they were talking about, because the Mines do was definitely more heavyweight. The centre English section was dwarfed by the Chinese one on the left, and Malay on the right. At least it'll encourage reading among those ones. *Ok, didn't intend to sound like the Prime Minister or anything...* =>

And this week'll be even busier. It's college hols all around; my darling 'nett and Sean are on break! I'm squeezing them into schedule wherever I can. Steamboat, Picadilly, Asia Cafe on the menu? Then for a free screening of Zac Efron's 17 Again? Oh, swell. Anything, because I don't have to spend a cent for a great time with ya'll.

Stuckened

Revisited Taylor's at Sri Hartamas on Wednesday, just to pick up the June intake subject combinations for A-levels. Of course, I spoke to a counselor as well, and was disappointed to find that any which way, it was not possible to take both Psychology and Law. Such is the arrangement of subject combos. =(
And to my distaste, Economics was in every single combo. Gahh. It happens to be the one sub I really consider not signing up for.

The dilemma can be said to have three components :

>>>> Location.
A toss between Help and Taylor's. Help is a reasonably short distance from home, but Taylor's (Sri Hartamas campus) trumps it in terms of convenience, despite guzzling toll money and parking fees.
Taking Psychology as a sub would make Taylor's my absolute choice, as Help does not offer it in A-levels. I've always been fascinated in exploring the thoughts and motives behind a person's actions; this is where I can find more answers to those questions.

>>>> 3 or 4 Subjects?
Oh man. If I answered candidly, it would be 3, of course. Why heap on the workload? But since I'm taking my future seriously... *as I should be*... 4 is obviously the safer choice. Note that I don't say "wiser". Because won't I be able to focus better and therefore excel with one less subject? Ughh.

*After giving the above question some thought*

>>>> Which Subjects?
Mathematics is quite a prerequisite for me, otherwise I wouldn't be able to take Business if I want it next time. So then we move on to the subs which appeal to me, and which I seriously consider taking :
# Psychology (top of the list, as always)
# Literature in English (they say there's lots of reading to be done, but that's what I love!)

and

# Law (Didn't think about it 'til my father mentioned how much he loved it. Since I'm a lot like him, I thought I might like it too. But I don't know much about it, because I've never studied anything like it before. The same goes for plenty of other tertiary level subs.)

And then there is the annoyingly practical option of Accounts, sitting squarely in the table, stolidly saying "Why not take me? I could give you a secure job and you could probably live with me, without being in love with me..." It's almost as bad as choosing which boy you'd want to upgrade to 'boyfriend'.

I'm praying for a sign from God. Seriously.

Anyway, I bumped into plenty of people during my brief visit. First there was Athirah; she was just going for her SAM test with Farah Diyana. Descending on the escalator, I spotted Marsha. And on the ground floor there were Fion, Kah Fai, Hadi and Jia Min. And last of all, I recognised a mate of Lynette's, whose name I'm afraid I'd spell wrong and that's why I'm referring to her in this ultra longwinded manner. XD



Got my hair trimmed on Thursday morning and stepped into work to find my usual place usurped by some old newcomer. A boy one year my senior, who has apparantly worked at Kumon previously, but seems to know less than me. Oh, my list of abilities at work have expanded to :
1. Marking worksheets (was basically hired for this)
2. Listening to recitations of the multiplication tables, stopwatch in hand
3. Guiding students who come up to ask questions
and as of Friday...
4. Preparing specified worksheets for students to do in class
5. Writing down 'teacher stuff' in students' record books.

Cikgu Nicole. > <'

And yesterday, it was breakfast with Amirah at Village Park - very mamak-ish but still not classified as mamak. I got to drive her Hyundai back. =] Extremely light steering, weii.
Then I packed my oven into my car boot and my load of baking equipment in the backseat, and spent 4 hours in church preparing Mother's Day cookies. Supposed to be only 2, but then my great idea of making the packaging more 'festive' created a huge delay. > <' That's me; always wanting to "make things special", according to Jules. Mother's Day was pretty fine this year. There was scrumptious strawberry jelly served after service; it's texture a sort of very watered down Konnyaku type. Superb. I left without eating anything else, to take my mom out for lunch! Feels good to say that. =D We had Swensen's and then I dinner-ed with my father (seems like a huge chunk of my afternoon went missing aight, hahah) after which I laid out my Help and Taylor's papers for what I hoped would be The Talk That Would Decide It All. Only, it wasn't. Which is what prompted this post in the first place. Oh man.

Peachy Keen

This weekend has come like an unexpected train station; I've been enjoying the ride. There are no bad days at work. In fact, there have been times where I've left for Kumon in low spirits, and returned home decidedly tranquil, and even a little uplifted. By tomorrow, I would've worked at Kumon for one whole month. The experience has been gratifying so far; I do believe I couldn't have stumbled upon a more perfect first (student) job.
No standing wearily all day, giving murderous looks to shoppers who casually unfold garments and toss them aside (typical store assistant); no strenuously staring at a computer screen for hours on end (typical data entry dude); and certainly no putting on a courteous mask while serving strangers who leave a mess for you to clean up after (common waiter).

The last job is the one I'd never consider, simply based on the fact that I dislike wiping tables - and I get to do that a lot at home already. Hehe. What I love about my job is how it brings me closer to my students. Those who recite their multiplication tables with speed and precision, I admire and think of what it took me to do the same, many years ago (that would be standing on my home staircase, reciting while my mother listened with cane in hand - she is, after all, an Add Maths tutor). Those who struggle with the same table again and again, I find fulfilling in guiding; 'cause I know I'm making a difference.
On one recent occasion, a student candidly asked me,

"Do you like to look at the dogs, or d'you just sit and do your work at your table?"

I blinked. Then I remembered the row of houses which could be seen through the glass behind my desk, and the barking I'd heard occasionally. I gamely obliged by turning to squint at the dogs she meant, "one black and one orange". The orange dog was actually a light brown; and I thought it was rather a pity that there weren't any orange dogs, only orange cats. Ever thought about that?

Wednesdays being off days, are rather red letter for me. This week, I took the liberty of dropping my mother off at the hair salon and coming home to find myself effectively locked out. I had no phone, no keys; nothing. Except my car (and obviously, carkeys to start the car with). With relief, I went straight to Najjua's place with the intention of calling my mother from there. But the car was out, and I assumed she'd been behind the wheel. So I drove instead to Yann's, knowing full well she was probably still asleep. Still, I cordially greeted her new maid (who had only seen me once before) and she let me in. Ahaha. To Yann's great incredulity, I'd just slipped into her house without so much as a hassle. Her dog didn't even raise a bark. =) People, you are therefore more than welcome to invade Yann's house. NyekNyek. Well I couldn't reach my mother with her phone, so I just upped and went to the hair salon myself. What fun, to disrupt The Sleeping Yann's peace of mind so early in the day. XD

A few hours later saw us shopping in Midvalley. The first thing I bought was a(nother) pair of flip flops; but these aren't just ANY pair of beach slippers, they had suede (my favourite material) thongs and sparkling rhinestones along at dainty intervals. My first pair of Banana Peels. Before walking away, I couldn't help but inquire as to the attractive shoe bag. It could be mine for RM4, the salesgirl said. I stared. And made up my mind. Comon, firstly it was a convincing shade of brown - nothing like those watered down versions you find on some other products. And secondly, I couldn't take my eyes off the lettering upon it. My mind is distinctly programmed to lust after all manner of swirls and fluorishes. A brief transaction later, I had it dangling merrily from my wrist. What a lovely start, I thought.

I'd stepped on it, hoping to reach Midvalley in time to catch He's Just Not That Into You. But the cinema queue was too long, anyway. So we settled for Crossing Over. This movie bordered on raw at times; the way it brought to life the fragility of fate; of whether one fell into a good lot or otherwise. It is a wake up call as to how circumstances may be beyond our control; because no person can dictate where he or she is to be born, or exactly when, or how others may use those circumstances against us. It tells us, all we have is our determination to make it through; that, or letting the defeatist in us take over.
A rather wordy review? Well, that's just how I view the show. =)

It ended, and we walked stiffly out and into more shops where I picked up where I left off. I got stalled by the new Nike Free 5.0 in cool blue and deep grey combination. Quite very gorgeous. @.@
A lovely day indeed.


Friday was Aida's last day of work. She's now to focus on learning Japanese to the point of being good enough to obtain a degree in Psychology with. Which means to say, she got a JPA scholarship to study it in Japan! Congrats, babe. Jaf and I took her out for a farewell lunch, at Kozee Cafe where I discovered the deceptively unassuming Hokkien Fried Rice. It was like nasi goreng pattaya with generous helpings of Cantonese gravy.
Or, as Jaf would put it, like Cantonese kuey teow in rice form. Hahah.


And last night, an impromptu drink was arranged at Devi's Corner. Sean, Jaf and I; catching up on lost time. I gleefully ordered Sean to pick me up - his recently acquired driver's licence still being a novelty to me. Sean and I had two drinks each; I don't know how Jaf stretched his for so long. And now I wonder how Sean's bladder stretched too; 'cause I sure couldn't go on without a bathroom. So they sent me back home for a toilet break, without realising they were to pick me up again in a couple'a minutes. - -''
I called them back and we took a spin round Taman Tun before parting. Don't know why, but this phrase formed in my head to surmise the delightful hangout :


We Are Young, And Only Eighteen.


I guess it anticipates the many, many more times I've got to spend with mates, old and new, before we inevitably age to the degree where we can't just strut around, carefree and laughing. We'll have to observe decorum and not gawk at limousines and Porsche's parked in front of humble little pubs in our neighbourhood.

Jaf : It's my first time seeing a limo in real life.
Nic : Me too. Oh look, there's another one!
Sean : These people are bl**dy rich. Did you see the two Porsche's?




We can dream on, boys.

Every Man Has A Line He Draws For Himself

You know how chicken soup is reputed to be comfort to an ill person? Well, apparently it can't be all that good, 'cause I finished a whole can of Campbell's on Wednesday night - all on my own. Added with a couple of J.Co's the next morning (chocolate and mocha), it set me up for a steadily worsening sore throat. On Thursday night I lost sleep due to a majorly swollen throat. I fought with all the artillery I had - watermelon skin powder, Breacol, Strepsils, warm drinks, watermelon skin lozenges... The sore throat receded.

And it got replaced by a flu instead. It feels like I've been holding this off for weeks, staving off illness with a foot-long pole. But I can be grateful as this period has given me a much needed 10-hour sleep, and 8 hours for last night. I've been skimping so much, it's no wonder I went down.

This past day, I've been suspiciously waiting for a fever to continue the parade. But thank God, there's none. And I don't think there will be, if I sleep well again.

__________________________________________________

The afternoon before that disastrous can of Campbell soup, I finally got to catch Confessions of A Shopaholic! NyekNyek. It had some degree of unpredictability which made it a very watchable film, something I could see again... and even again! Highly entertaining; Isla Fisher carried the role superbly, making me want to laugh and cry, one after the other. This flick was touching, comic and poignant to all shopaholics - anyone who has ever dreamt of owning a DOZEN 'magic' cards. XD

And at work... I noticed a big-eyed, curly haired girl handing in her worksheet. A glance at her first page revealed her name to be Fairuz. I did a double take. Fairuz sounds very much male to me; nothing that would suit an adorable she-child with Barbie lashes. Naming your little princess Fairuz is, to me, like choosing to name your daughter Tom. Which would be short for Thombelina, probably. Or worse, like meeting a grown guy in business; and when you look at his name card, it says Sally. Jaf knows of someone like that. *Shudders*

Road Trip

Amidst these fickle days where the masses have one by one succumbed to the mysterious pull of the bulky DSLR, I must've been a fool to think I could've escaped none the wiser. As in, I'd been looking forward to never having to learn how to wield one.
Just another odd notion of mine.

However, it was practically forced into my hands yesterday at work.
Dare ye trust the Kumon instructor with the Nikon? =P

I'd unwittingly accepted my boss' offer to snap candid mugshots of all the students, thinking she'd hand me an ordinary compact camera. Next thing I knew, I was half-reluctantly putting the Nikon's strap around my neck, as one would arrange a noose around one's neck.

Three hours of bending, kneeling and half-squatting later...
I did not deign to see the absolute fun in this. Do you know how hard it is to get some kids to look you in the lens?? The moment you appear within their field of vision, down goes their head; as though they've suddenly decided to resize their writing to compete with the dots on the division sign.

Hehe, did manage to get some nice facial expressions though. Don't exactly know what the boss wants them for.

What made my day...
My soulmate dropped by at work! Aaaaand she's passed her driving test! That meanssss we can go out soon!!
Amen, I felt so glad for her 'cause I still remember how devastated she was the first (and only) time she failed her practical - and that was on SPM result day.


_________________________________________________



Mosquitoes like to bite me around the eyelids, for some strange reason.



Today's temporary double eyelid stayed the longest in the history of my life; nearly 20 minutes!


This morning I got up at 7 to follow Najjua's mom to work at Institut Jantung Negara. The plan was for me to drive back 'cause Naj hasn't gotten her licence yet and is just learning the way. She's gonna send her mom to work everyday soon. =)

'The plan' got a little more longwinded when her sister took the wheel at IJN and drove all the way to University Islam Antarabangsa, where she was to sit for her exam. Prior to this, I had no inkling how far UIA was. Now I know it's far enough for me to get carsick, lol.
And then she left us. And me with the wheel, on a route I'd never laid eyes on before.
Not the wisest decision, methinks.

So we set off from UIA, two girls fresh out of high school, cruising round in a bigass Hyundai family car. We got lost without a map; I saw us passing by Selayang, Batu Caves and goodness knows where else - 'cause I certainly don't.
This is why the element of surprise is important; it makes us do things we'd otherwise never plan to do. I know I wouldn't ever plan to drive far without a freaking map.
We made a few detours and found our bearings in the end. And after driving nonstop for over an hour, I was just so tired. Didn't even want to bother with lunch, but I had to get up and eat a little for work. Ahaha.

Ever since last year, Naj and I had talked and dreamed about going on our own food tour, and a road trip... This is just the beginning. XD




I don't need you to write my happy ending.
'Cause I already am a writer.

Seek And Destroy

Wednesday :
My final photoshoot with Yann. We kept it simple, as opposed to our previous one. No lugging around of heavy hardcovers, no gingerly transfering numerous outfit changes from wardrobe to car, and no boxes and boxes of accessories to complement aforesaid outfits - which weren't even utilised, by the way.



Here she is, seen with my most precious collection of classic novels. Katy, Anne, The Little Women... all in her hands.
And then unceremoniously chucked into her car boot. =(



Her mission : To Seek and Destroy.

What else?
It's Yann, after all. I first knew her as a first-class annoyance and relentless (though mild-mannered) bully.

Oh, those weren't all the books we used. She filched two piles of hardcovers from her father's book cabinet, and we spent hours arranging them on my father's lawn, on the dining table, and on the stairs.
Yes, I sat among ants like I wanted nothing more than to read the words with them;
and I climbed onto the dining table as though I needed more light from the chandelier overhead;
and I reposed on the steps as if it wouldn't hurt my back to read there for hours.
To top it off, we did a bonus shot on the white rug, which stuck to my favourite shorts like a giler-shedding dog.

This last photoshoot was good. The location was TTDI's Taman Kiara, and the process was tiring but we got some satisfactory shots!
There was lots of monkeying around on rocks, grass and water features.
Note : My aunt spotted a black cobra in that park, about to cross the jogging track ahead of her. So please be wary the next time you drop by.

That same night, I resolved to go for a movie as I've been meaning to for weeks. Only, we didn't manage to catch Fast&Furious4 OR Shopaholic. =( Too many couples dating! Gah.
So we watched Knowing instead. It had a pretty gripping storyline, and was significantly creepy at times, but I was so disappointed at the ending where it turned out to be just another sci-fi. I hate sci-fi's.

_________________________________________________


Today was the second time in the week I took leave early from work. Don't think I'll be doing it again for the rest of my job duration. That's 1 month plus for you.

I left early mainly because I was on duty in church that night, but I also took the opportunity to meet up with my Lynette for a quick jog and even quicker clicking of tongues.


I brought her to check out the Taman Rimba Kiara, which I've never really seen before.



Turned out to be rather deserted except for a bunch of Indian boys. I rather regretted my choice of destination when they started calling out derogatory terms to which we - for what else was to be done? - showed complete oblivion, with a sliver of distaste for good measure.
We talked all the more, to show them we didn't have time to listen to their nonsense.



Slightly picturesque.
Many benches, to cater to...
nobody.



Penny for your thoughts, babe.



'nett and I slapped mosquitoes off each other all the time, and I got bitten by a red ant for the first time - after all these years of laughing at other people's fear of ants. Ahaha.
That doesn't make me any more afraid, though.



The cherry on top was catching sight of this holycowbig spider, spinning its web high in the trees.



That's...
pretty far away from us short people. XP


In conjuction with Good Friday, my church screened a movie entitled Fireproof, at night.
It was nearly faultless; with a cleverly written script, and dialogue not too contrived nor too plain. Upon the rolling of credits, I'd concluded that it had been even better than most commercial movies shown in cinemas.
Therefore, going for tonight's movie - Facing The Giants - is a given.

Recoil.

Another M.U. jersey, red.



So hooked on him.



This is what we get paid to do.

Neh, I'm kidding. Jaf was just doing what I really wanted to, towards the end of a tiring day. But I was busy marking more papers.

Anyway, we have been trusted with additional duties, making us official teachers. Kids actually come up and start "Cikgu"-ing me!
Erk? XD



Our daily materials.
You can show up at work with absolutely nothing on you, like Jaf; who doesn't get thirsty, hungry or sweaty during the eight hours of work. Meaning he buys water from the cafeteria when he feels like it, steals snacks from us, and is perfectly normal because it's so cold there that no one sweats.



We're obliged to write our initials on marked worksheets, so that the boss can give us a sounding if we slip up. Okay, not so much as a reprimand; just a friendly warning. Our boss treats us really well. =D
I was never comfortable with how my initials look exactly like those of a certain abhorred local program...


Discovered another perk of my job!

Infobyte : Kumon also teaches English. There is a little library of books at the front for students to utilise.

And I bashfully asked if I, too, might borrow books home.

Y-E-S!



My very first pick : The Velveteen Rabbit, a picture book.
*Clutching my new pepper spray, lol. Haven't had the opportunity to use it yet!*



The right choice, definitely. I love the art on its pages.
Rich colours on display here.



The setting of a nursery, with the Rabbit sitting fat and bunchy.



Smiling, fat AND bunchy!
=>



Soft and brilliant colours at the same time.
My second favourite picture.



A novel trumpet bubble-blower.



Bubble closeup.



Fat&Bunchy surrounded by real live rabbits.



Roll up your newspaper and have a go at the dragonfly. XD



Hugabun.



In this picture, I like the oil lamp.



The magic of fairies.
All that sparkle makes me stop and stare.



Absolutely radiant.



My favourite scene of them all. =)


Intermission :
Good news is, I now only work Friday mornings. That is, in addition to the usual four afternoons.
And my part time maid shall come six days a week, effective today.
Once I train her to do some stuff that I do, sleeping in will be in order.
Wooot!




Yann went grocery shopping with me, after my work and dinner.
We probably got served the last ice-creams of the night, all so melted already.
That's me holding a boysenberry single scoop. Made myself order something other than chocolate!

Uhm, we concluded that gelato is much TASTIER and better value for money compared to Baskin Robbins.
I've always favoured gelato over ordinary ice-cream anyway, ever since I discovered it many years back.



*NyekNyek*
I couldn't freaking stop my ice-cream from dripping in time. We were laughing too hard, I don't know at what. Probably an innocent passerby. Or my ridiculous expressions in response her super blur statements.


_______________________________________________



Weekends like the one that has just passed are quite unlikeable, to me. Juggling numerous responsibilities between home and church, I felt like a clown struggling to keep up the charade with his fast-moving pins.

Saturday, I sang backup in Youth service for the first time. And it wasn't so bad; don't think my voice cracked or anything.
Youth ended past 5 and therefore music practice (for Sunday) began late as well.
Which translates into : Practice ended late, about 7.20.

And I had a committee meeting at 8. Fantastic lah.
The initial time of meeting was 7! But a mate of mine pulled a few strings, and I was happy with 8 o'clock.

I allowed myself 45 minutes to prepare dinner at home, eat and bathe. Then I hurried back to church to find the other committee members still eating.
Sometimes I wish I didn't have to want to be punctual.

The meeting lasted 'til 11pm and then I sent a couple of mates home.
Reached my own home close to midnight and was obliged to get up early to play keyboard the next morning.
I didn't really know how to play two songs out of five.

On top of that, I just wanted to sleep. Oh sleep.



Today was the first time I went to work in rainy weather. Walked from my usual parking spot armed with an umbrella.
Then, the lift just had to be out of service. So I climbed four storeys up to Kumon. And Jaf wanted to scare me on the first floor but I saw him BEGINNING to run away to hide. That was funny. XD
I felt rather dull and tired until the later part of the afternoon, when Dylan entered. He brought back the sparkle in my day; I began to laugh more.
Hmm.
I wonder if Jaf secretly judges my happiness level each day, by the amount of laughter I emit. O.o
That would be rather accurate, though. =P


Jaf and Aida walked me to my car after work; it was time for lame jokes.
If they're lame enough, they might just remain in my memory long enough for me to make my grandchildren wince at their lameness.
Fortunately I'm still waiting for such a joke.

It's Just A Crush

He caught my eye.


And then he slayed me with just one look, my way.


I can safely say, he.is.the.cutest thing; with a little mark in the middle of his chin.


And a gaze that stares quite unafraid, momentarily, into mine.


His name is Dylan. And I can't wait to see him again.



The very first time I saw him, he was wearing a blue Bob The Builder shirt! I don't know why, but I freaking found that adorable.

Then today, it was a black Man. U jersey. Uh oh, a Liverpool fan falling for the enemy? =X
Ahahaha, I took first dips for his worksheets, gladly scanning the endless


10 - 8 =

11 - 3 =

8 - 5 =

...etc.


Who says you have to be tall and buff to be a ladykiller?
XD


________________________________________



Here's my inaugural effort for actually playing the game of tag online.
I usually find it cumbersome or likewise, but since it's my best friend tagging me... lol.
A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta, man.


1) The person who tagged you is:
I kena Double Kill, so I've two answers :
Lynette ('nett)
&
Kok Loong (KL).

2) Your relationship with him/her is:
'nett : Best Friend
KL : Old Friend. Now upgraded to Good Guy Friend.

3) Your first impression of him/her is:
'nett : Look like doll oni.
KL : Clone of Lionel!

4) The most memorable moments with them:
'nett : Sitting in the alley before my breakup.
KL : Valentine's Day.

5) The most memorable thing he/she has said to you is:
'nett : 'This paper has been kept since I was 12 or 13. Just waiting for the right time to use it." (That paper was a beautiful GREEN and it said Best Friend. That's when I knew.)
KL : "I'll say you're an angel."

6) If he/she becomes your lover, you will...
'nett : Play Audition together for our honeymoon. =>
KL : Pass our slow-eater genes to our kids. Lol!

7) If he/she became your lover, what should he/she improve at:
'nett : Killing butterflies. So she can protect me.
KL : Same as above.

8) If he/she becomes your enemy, what would you do:
'nett : Press Rewind, right away!!
KL : Pakat with Ashley (his diabolical sis) to make his life Hell.

9) If he/she becomes your enemy, the reason would be:
'nett : I've become an arrogant, sneaky, backstabbing slut. *Woah*
KL : I suddenly start eating reli fast. Ahaha.

10) The most desired thing you want to do for him/her now is:
'nett : Bake nut-less brownies so she can try them! (Though I doubt they'd taste good.)
KL : Drive over. To borrow the DVD player again, hahahah.

11) Your overall impression of him/her:
'nett : My babe, growing up so quickly!
KL : Again, the Most Patient Guy On Earth.

12) The characteristic you love most about yourself:
Fiercely loyal and protective of loved ones.

13) The characteristic you hate most about yourself:
Can be prejudiced towards strangers.

14) The most ideal person you want to be is:
Sara, from A Little Princess.
She held her head high, even when on the lowest of rungs; serving as a servant girl with her rightlful inheritence withheld for years.

15) For people that care and like you, say something to them:
Nice to meet you! =P

16) Pass this quiz to 10 ppl who you want to know how they feel about you.
1. Ashley
2. Yann
3. Michelle Tang
4. Bryan Piggeh
5. Giovana
6. Jafri
7. Juliana
8. Kok Loong
9. Lynette
10. Sean

(Not actually tagging, just inserting your names kay. It's up to you to feel tagged or not, hehe.)

*I'll do all readers a favour, by putting the actual persons' names instead of numbers.*
Cheers, yo.

17) Who is 6 having a relationship with:
Jaf is having a fictional relationship with Alyssa. He reminds me of her existence every single day, without fail.
*It's the only thing that could make work suck, lol. But so far, so good.*

18) Is 9 a male or female:
Lynette... Female all the way; down to the once-a-month thing. =X

19) If 7 and 10 were together, would it be a good thing:
Juliana and Sean. =O
They'd both puke their guts out if it were to happen, that's how bad.

20) What is 2 studying at the moment:
*Ahem*
Yann is currently taking her Masters in the Art Of Crapping; don't play play!

21) When was the last time you had a chat with 3:
Chatted with Michelle just yesterday. =]

22) What kind of music does 8 like:
Kok Loong likes all emo songs. And oldies.

23) Does 1 have any siblings:
Ashley has to make do with Kok Loong as her brother. And as if that's not a burden enough, she has another brother, even older! =P

24) Will you woo 3:
Michelle?
Perhaps. I mean, if someone weren't already wooing her. *Wink wink*

25) How about 7:
I used to think about wooing Ju. Day and night, oyea.
And I know we used to sleep together a lot, but OF COURSE NOT!

26) Is 4 single:
Bryan eh...
Unfortunately yes. Or is that fortunately? =P

27) What's the surname of 5:
Oh.
I mean it; her name's Giovana Oh.

28) What's the hobby of 5:
Oh enjoys watching Korean and Japanese dramas.

29) Do 5 and 9 get along well:
Giovana and Lynette have met; they're ok with each other. =)

30) Where is 2 studying at:
The Second Cell To The Left in Yann's Brain
Under The Coconut Shell
Covered By The Bush Hair
XP

31) Say something casual about your eyes:
One has always been bigger than the other. Somehow.

32) Have you tried developing feelings for 5:
Ooh, they're well developed, no worries.
Gio and I, we're so in love, ahaha.

33) Where does 9 live?:
From my house to Lynette's :
Go down the main road, cross the bridge, take the second last turning left.

34) What colours does 4 like:
Blue. And blue. And I don'treallyknow,Piggeh. =S

35) Are 5 and 1 good friends:
Gio and Ashley attended my party last year but nope, they don't reli know each other.

36) Does 7 like 2:
Ju LIKEs to bully Yann. That's all. XD

37) How did u get to know 2:
Yann and I kept going out for cycling together 'cause everyone else was busy or tayar pancit.
Two years later, their tayar still pancit. - -''

38) Does 1 have any pets?
Uhm, Ashley is Kok Loong's sister and Kok Loong has a 20sen pet fish.
Is that still considered yes?

39) Is 7 the sexiest person in the world:
Yes, Ju very well is the sexiest.
If the world consisted of only her and Kok Loong's pet fish, that is.

40) Are you sexy?
Sexier than Kok Loong's pet fish, for sure.



THE END.