June 4th to 6th
Most important examination in my life so far; and yet, the most relaxing one.
The days flew by, panic and peace co-existing in a manner previously unimagined.
Within hours of shading the last answer in my AS,
I bid goodbye to both my favourite teacher and guy, bundled into Vinna's Cross Polo and began the vacation business without delay. X)
These were to be my HolidayHolidays before settling down for the 4-month grind preceding A2. Those four months will see me adopting a different approach to college life; something I'd always thought ideal but never found possible.
Carmen, Hong Onn, Yang Kang and I arrived at the home of Vinna's grandparents in Ipoh by evening.
Stately and lavishly furnished, it seemed we couldn't have had better free accomodation!
The stairway that had Carmen and I gushing about Beauty and the Beast.
There were graceful columns flanking the main doorway, Italian imports making up the dining set, motionless figures watching from their portrait prisons as you traversed the upper hallway,
but one particular feature which struck my fancy were the plaster murals - large painted works with a pleasing paperlike texture, mounted seamlessly onto walls.
On our last morning there I discovered a pretty one underneath the grand stairway, depicting a pair of windows opening out into a starry night. The classic teddy bear waiting by the windowsill lent a whimsical touch, reminiscent of the desire all soft toys have to run and play, as popularised by Enid Blyton.
Nearly as intriguing was a well-sized globe just behind me, white and unassuming.
Well, it didn't interest me very much until I took a closer look at Mexico which seemed to be shaped out of... red quartz. And look! Yugoslavia over there might be made of turqoise! Suddenly every nation on that globe took on a more impactful purpose of being there; they were all made of precious stone.
Interesting.
Strolling through the many rooms, I stumbled upon this sight - it took my breath away.
All around was pink and draped curtains, and the feeling of emptiness beckoning me to run for my luggage and establish myself here, right now, in this
fairy room!
I learnt something between then and now;
How to ignore the sensation of falling...
Don't look for a floor.
Yeah I always used to wonder who'd catch me when I fall,
said years ago
I promise I'll be here for myself, even if no one else is.
And to think
I used to write your name in the misted mirrors of yesterday,
used to dream and smile and then lay both down 'cause there was no truth in your eyes.
No more dreaming
No more reaching
'Cause you weren't worth my tears; I cried for the grey morning that now turned pain against me.
For a while at least
But I wouldn't let hope die; I dreamed on 'til you found me.
It was an odd reverie, that Monday night.
It was as though the past several hours of unconscious, enveloping comfort suddenly wobbled and - under the weight of thought - warped into a specimen for inspection. A prod. A wriggle. A need to be fully conscious; an unexplaination for this internal pantomime.
A place which felt like home
but wasn't mine.
Why, of all things, am I in possession of the need to think about happiness? More specifically, of happiness when I have it. When it's a constant presence in my life.
Sometimes I cannot figure myself out.
Tea at the curiosity-inciting Indulgence!
Best free meal I've ever had.
I liked the personal feel of the menu-listed names,
the warm and vibrant colours everywhere including the washroom,
and the originality of their offerings.
(Most of them, anyway.)
After a whole day on our feet
and a cardio workout for our wallets. XD
Our lovely host Vinna is seen here crouching in embarrassment 'cause her shopping bags were outside in a truck waiting for us to make way.
I'm kidding; she didn't buy anything 'cause she was going to Singapore for her shopping instead. =P
Girl Meets Life Aspiration
Nahh, how about
Easily Removable Clothing (no sleeves to turn inside out)
+
Loaded Wallet (cash or card, pick your poison)
+
Store-powered Stamina (as long as there are shops in sight, she keeps on going!)
+
OoohYeahBaby Environment
=
Shopaholic Unleashed ^ ^ *Rawrr*
Shoe-shopped 'til I dropped!
All cosied up
June 11th
After weeks and days of being kept in the dark, Kendrick's plans were unveiled to me at last. And it still makes me want to laugh, 'cause he's not the kind who plans faaar in advance - he's not like me.
The rain called for a change in plan; he had that covered and the evening went fine and dandy at Kenny Vale.
Then he took me for a play - Beauty and the Beast.
First of all, I've always wanted to be brought to see a play - without having to ask.
Secondly, the past few years have got me curious about Sri Cempaka's annual productions - seemingly topnotch by school standards.
He shot two arrows through my one heart that night.
The opening was promising; elaborate props and style-appropriate costumes.
Then the first highlight of the play happened for me: when Belle sang her sweet high notes to tell us that the protaganist of her favourite book wouldn't appear "'til chapter three~". Even in the movie, that moment always stood still for me.
Quality work all through; a faithfully followed script, a delightfully dashing and debonnaire Lumiere, a beautiful and accurately-timid Belle with a splendid voice to match, and another character worth noting was Gaston - devilish in his cocky arrogance. =D
Midnight drew near; Cinderella alighted with a smarting ankle out of the pumpkin we did not - after all - purchase.
After the day's earlier formalities - to suit me, what transpired was as natural and unceremonious as someone like him could have wished for.
And I set off his house alarm within minutes of becoming his girlfriend.
June 12th
Anan and I went to Plus8 for dinner.
Expected a mamak since it looked like Rasta from afar but it was a little more upscale than that - a high-class mamak! Hahah
Wide choice of Western and Chinese; we settled for rice and dishes since the Lychee Chicken sounded tempting - and turned out simply delicious! Had that together with Mayonnaise Prawns - fresh, generous helping.
He sat back before the plates were cleared and let me do the honours. So I was pret- make that very full by the end of dinner.
But I had to do justice to the beautiful cake he surprised me with; baked mere hours ago by his pastry chef friend in Sheraton where he works.
Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake
Topped with strawberries, raspberries and gold leaf.
*Droooools*
Week Three of June
A lively one of Going Out and reacquainting myself with the piano.
Watched Karate Kid with Kendrick, followed by rock climbing which left me powerless to wear any of the five pairs of shoes I'd bought in Ipoh - flipflops were the only footwear that wouldn't hurt. Life's irony. =P
Talked all day long with 'nett, quality bonding time despite a dreadful ulcer. Cheap and delicious lunch at HongKong Point, Centrepoint!
Music practice at night, and a headache.
Monster tummy upset for my soulmate Najjua. Recovered in time for us to have tea at Tutti Frutti regarding which she made the
Quote of the hols: "I gotta kluakan monay dulu. Is a gold diggin place man."
Prom Night
which I totally skipped, ahah.
Spent it with Kendrick instead, and an express snack-smuggling operation, and The A-Team.
Two music practices in one day which quite drained me.
Father's Day, on which my father gave an afterthought call to say
"Don't come for dinner just because it's Father's Day, if you're tired,"
which sounded silly to me 'cause of course I'd go no matter what; naps were meant for that purpose!
June 21st & 22nd
Was dreadfully late for our Solaris date, but things righted themselves soon enough.
A whole day with Kendrick, what else could I ask for?
To my satisfaction, we did spring-cleaning for his wardrobe and part of his room; Meet the Family didn't really work out hahah, but little Kenneth made up for it by insisting he stay at home with us instead of following everyone else to the airport. =)
Lake Gardens, where a frog hurtled onto his shoulder and bounced off me, and into the night.
Kendrick stomping around looking to kill the bugger.
Tea at Delicious with Kendrick.
Done, done, done.
Both families taken care of.
June 23rd
Day out in Cheras, hosted by Carmen. The Korean bakery - and the sole attraction of South City Plaza - was closed, so all I bought there was a scrunchie.
Went on to do the Mines where I got a new schoolbag and a pair of flipflops. I knOw this is the third pair I've gotten these hols, but it's in a whole different league, I'm serious!! X)
Continued the eating at Connaught night market - longest in the Klang Valley - without a cent in my pocket (figuratively, since I never do keep anything in my pockets).
Denied myself many purchases but still had a decent time on borrowed money.
And now with a play tonight and three more appointments to keep, I hereby announce myself flat broke.
Let the congratulations pour in.
