A moment

What's this?

I can taste the saltiness of the beads,

That runs down my face.

Uncertainty devours from within

To face the puppet-strung sun

Of which its brightness

Fluctuates,

Like the tide

Wash away the saltiness, please?

"For a moment, No."

The day UEM called

I've just finished bathing when I saw a missed call.
"UEM"

Eh?
Oh. Scholarship.
Called back but no one answered -dang!

In the middle of dinner, the phone rang and there it was, again - "UEM"
The scholarship has been offered to yours truly and I was supposed to confirm at the very moment. Yeah, as if fickle-minded ol' Sim Mei would make a big decision like that in an instant.
So, managed to defer the decision to today.
Called papa-o and mummy-o and guess what they said?
After a whole lot of other things; "Up to you."

Ah, but papa knows her daughter very well, so he basically knows that she will think a lot, so he thought for her instead.

The thing is, I would have to be bonded to them for 4 years, on top of the compulsory 4 years government service (1 year housemanship + 3 yrs service)
So if I were to accept and to decide to switch fields, I'd be a ripe old age of 32.
On the plus side, it would be an opportunity to learn from one of the main, if not the biggest pharmaceutical group.
And I would have a job secured for me after the compulsory service.
And oh, did I ever mention that I was actually contemplating a teeny weeny bit about switching to medic?
But that's beside the point and another story altogether. I've been blessed with what I'm doing right now and I'll make the most out of it. I will.

I've had a chat with my mentor and I think I have a better view on things.
But ultimately, the decision is mine, mine all the way.
Let's see how it goes, shall we?

When banners and papers went a-flying

It's election day today, a day when every single student of UM and other Universities too, it seems,( thanks to thestar.com.my), exercise their right to vote.
It was pretty darn exciting in my humble opinion. Maybe it's the fact that I get to vote, for the very first time in my life, just like how I've seen my parents vote, when elections swung by, seeing people in uniforms around the hall (blue, in this case) to take care of order-yeah,order in an empty dining hall- and having people crossing your name out with a red pen when you hand them your card.
The thrill of walking towards the silvery,covered compartments with pen attached, with a secret to keep, a secret that will be translated onto colourful pieces of paper, to be crossed and casted into ballot boxes as part of one huge, multi-tone voice.
I have to say though, that the days leading to it was fairly quiet, especially in my college- the college of "polite" and "nerdy" mostly medical fac's students. Nonetheless, the feel, albeit soft, was there, some of the candidates came over during dinner time (how smart are they, to catch hold of people when they're eating) to campaign in their coats and their flyers and their konco-konco (right hand men).
"How are you?, My name is... "
"Ni hao? Wo shi.."
"Enjoying your food? heh heh."

Seeing their sweaty faces, the least people could do was to stop eating and pay attention to them and to take the effort to read their manifestos. I mean, I'm sure it took guts to approach total strangers, whats more, to ask them to vote for you, so for that, they reserve respect. It's just plain rude to pretend they don't exist and treating their flyers of which they've distributed without any lack of effort as undigested waste material, excreted from the other opening other than the mouth.
It wouldn't hurt to show some support. An ear, an eye, even if your minds don't share the same inkling.

Of course, I've got a free keychain in the process too.

And with elections, there are politics. Pro-government, not so pro-government.
Sad to say, I don't much about either. I didn't get to join any ceramah of any kind, nor talks, nor get a hold of what they are actually fighting for. The only gist I have, carried by a little birdie, is that the government gave you a University building, gave you a place in the University and thus, you're obliged to 'X' near where you think you should.
Another birdie came by and said that you might get kicked out of the college if you don't vote like you, again, should.
Now, should you?
If I don't know any better, I would say that I sound just like a radical.
That's for me to know, and for you to find out.

I'm still waiting for my varsity life to start.
I so don't feel like a University student yet.

Wah, bangga.

There was a stack of papers on my class rep's table, 'NOTITIA' it read.
Why Pharmacy? Hmm. Why so very the familiar?
My Name.
It was embarassing and exciting at the same time. An article, by me! My name splashed onto the newspapers 2-paged papers all over the country all over the Pharmacy Department. It wasn't like something big or anything but to see my name printed onto papers distributed to each and every student, I can't help but feel a teeny bit proud.
Now the only thing left to do is to figure out how to distribute these self photostated Notitias' to the whole of UM. heh heh.
Or even to you. Just drop me your address, I'll gladly send you a copy.

With charges applied of course.

For you.

Tsk tsk..sim mei..been neglecting !

How do you say goodbye to a friend who has been part of your life for as long as you could remember?
How do you bid farewell to a classmate of 6 years in primary school, occasional classmates but primarily schoolmates for 5 years of high school and classmates for 2 years of pre-U;
A total of 13 years?
How do you say adieu to a buddy, gossip kaki and lepak mate who's always been so nearby that you can go kacau all the time, well, not all the time, but still.

I don't know how.

But I do know that you've been waiting for this opportunity for the longest time.
I know that this noble journey will bring you towards immeasurable happiness and satisfaction.
And I know for sure that you will achieve all the success in the world and bring to reality the very dream that you're harbouring in your heart.
And that the goodness that is in you will radiate through what you do and what you are.

You've always been someone that I can have conversations with, about life, opinions and principles; someone who I feel (though you might feel differently, but what-ever, lol ) shares my views in most things. Note : Most.
But of course, life would be boring without someone to bicker with.
And we do bicker and fight - you're one helluva superb debate team mate- but it never did get in the way of our friendship, and for that I'm grateful.

We had lots of laughs didn't we?
Lots of good memories to share; intersecting, union sets and subsets of.
And with the powers of technology, loads of stories more to talk about.

So Li Wei, I bid you a safe journey, and that the road that you are on, be filled with pretty, Chanel No. 5- smelling roses.
Have a good time over there, take real good care of yourself, for I'm expecting you to be back in one whole piece! -preferably in a fatter piece- *evil laugh*

Ciao, buddy!
We're so gonna miss our loudspeaker.

*SCREAMS

I'm Freakin frustrated !
I studied so darn hard for my 2nd Biostats test considering I didn't do well the first time around and it went TOTALLY and INCREDIBLY and HORRIBLY WRONG!
I knew the formulaes, I knew what to do , I knew the tricks
and yet..
It bombed.
The bomb fell through my stupidity and silliness into the pit of despair.
I made mistakes I shouldn't had done.
I feel like banging my head against the wall.
*Bang Bang Bang Bang*

And I totally screwed my practical.

What's the matter with me?!

DANG!

The past is the past...
Let go and look to the future..
No regrets, just lessons.
A chance to learn and to remember.
I did my best,
that's all that matters.
Breathe.

Of excitement and of almost disappearing off the mark

I’ve been neglecting again, thousand apologies! *with palms together and head wobbling ala Punjab*
Those words that you’ve just read are the first of many, (I hope) in the relative comfort of my own room in the University, on my brand new lappie –laptop- that my BELOVED brother had gotten me just over a week ago.
Mucho gracias dearest koko!
The wooden plank of a table is where I’m at, sitting atop a plastic chair, with the beautiful view of a sun drenched white wall in front of me. Michael is learning to rock in the background following the signs left by Justin Timberlake and Snoop.
Too bad there’s no Wifi service in my room, so I would have to drag this later to the dining hall for this piece to be published.
Nonetheless, I’m good.

This contented feeling is a far cry from just a moment ago when I thought that I would have the adventure of my life.

I got caught in a lift.
Alone.
It was already 4.30 pm, and most of the students had already left the Department and I, alone, was about to leave the 4th floor to head to the Dean’s Office somewhere in the Faculty.
The lift at the end of the corridor was opened though nobody was there.
Somewhere deep in the pit of my stomach, I felt that something was wrong but being as blur as I could actually be, I unsuspectingly stepped into that empty lift.
The doors closed. I pressed G.
The button lighted up but it was Not Moving. I pressed 2 and 1 and the open door sign. The blardy buttons lighted up cheerily but the lift still would not budge.
What the hell?!
Breathe, amy, breathe.
Don’t breathe so much, you pig, conserve the oxygen! You wanna die in a lift ar?
The button bearing the picture of a bell seemed so, so tempting.
Should I? Shouldn’t I?
Being as honest as honesty can allow, the very first thought that entered my head was,
“OKay, So, you’re in a lift, and it’s not moving. Hmm..so. CRAP! There usually is no line in the lift! I wonder how long would it take for them to find me…started dreaming of a tall, muscular, hunky fireman coming to my rescue..”
Checked my phone, full bar of line. *heaves a sigh of relief, wipes off sweat* and tried pressing the buttons again.After for what seemed like forever, it still wouldn’t move. It wasn’t funny anymore.
Budge you gila lift, move it!
Even if you don’t want to budge, open the door, please? I know I’m fat and I need the exercise..I’ll take the stairs..just open the doors..
Decided to call my room mate –Please open lar- dialing –I’m not joking, you better open up, you stooopid lift you,-- and then..

The doors opened.
I dashed out like my life depended on it, even the fastest cheetah could never compete.

*Ting* (Doors of lift closed behind me, mockingly.)

You made me use the stairs.
And my gorgeous fireman scenario did not materialize.
You shall pay, evil lift, one day!

That was one thing, now I’m excited over the other. I finally have my UM student tag, laminated and all shiny! It even came together with its own UM band.
NOW I so feel like a University student. *tingly spine*

That’s today, Monday, the very first day of the week. What will the rest of the week bring?
I know, 2 TESTS !
Oh goody.
BAH!

Brunch at Kayu's

I have never laughed this much with this bunch of people for the longest time.
I so didn't want the makan to end.
Missed their antics, the carefree school days, the endless laughters, their muhibbah spirit that will just make you go, "Aww.." and our own innocence.
Hard to believe but it's been one whole year since I've met them, them as in Vinesh, Anne (both back from Ukraine over the summer holidays) , Shazeer, Deebs. Unfortunately though,the rest of the gang couldn't make it: Edgar, who's going off to the US on Weds (lucky fella) had a family outing and Hao Shen, who's already Down Under, in Australia.
Nonetheless, it's so good to meet up with them again, especially with Sindhu and Li Ern.
Havoc reigned in Kayu and we took pictures like there's no tomorrow. Literally.
I have a nagging suspicion the person manning the CCTV directly over our heads was laughing his arse off.
Oh well.
Pictures !

With Sindhu, Ern & Anne

With Shazeer, Vinesh and Deeban

Snapshots!

Posing part 1 -Notice Vinesh's face

Can't see? HERE. LMAO

Posing 2

Self portrait - Failed attempt cause Sindhu was no where to be seen!

There she is!

Heh Heh Heh..

It was good fun.

Let's do it again!

p/s : Yeah, Hao Shen, it was lousy of us to have a good time without you... No worries, when you come back, we'll have double the fun!

We will remember

I knew you by name, we were acquaintances, though not close;
We shared many common friends.
You were intelligent, bright,
You were beautiful,
You shone.
Like an evening star, first to appear in the dimmed skies,so early,
That early you left.
You touched many lives,
Your mark, though brief, will always burn,
Forever engraved in memories of sweet, in hearts with fondness,
Wrapped in blankets of warm love.
Soon, too soon. But we know,
You live on.
Your smile and presence,
You live on.
You live on in those who were lucky,
To have bumped into the flower scented path,
that is yours.
You live on.
In words spoken, in deeds done,
You live on.

And we live,
In memory of you.


The news broke.
No words could express.
Silent prayers.

In memory of Lam Soo Kean,
a friend.
I am honoured to have crossed your path.

Finally.

So there I was, like a kambing from a kampung, stepping into my dream University ever since I could remember, the prestigious University Malaya, with no clue of what to expect and hoping against hope that I will not be too disappointed, in a sea of people from various backgrounds, of multitude of attitudes and stuck with thousands of unrecognizable faces.
I pretended I didn't care, I acted cool and nonchalant but in fact, but I was intimidated and I was terrified.
I have to be away from home, for goodness sake, having to make new friends and create brand new impressions all over again.
Since I was thrown into the ocean, I gotta swim!
And the longest week of my life started, Minggu Haluansiswa.
The only thing I could remember was sleeping at the wee hours of the morning and waking up at 5.30 a.m. of which my roomie and I overslept 2 days IN A ROW.
The feeling of waking straight up and seeing that it's startlingly bright outside churns your stomach, I tell you.
We got punished of course.
Ahem.
I remember feeling lethargic all the time, with the various activities happening almost one after the other and I remember walking a lot to the Dewan Tunku Chanselor(DTC) and back, with each trip a 15 minute walk I think? , sometimes having to run all the way there.

And most of all, I remember being awed by the sheer size of students in the DTC, in numerous colours of the colleges, thousands and thousands of us, gathered together, as UM students.
I remember thinking how small I am, in this wave of youngsters, future prime ministers, doctors, professionals, singers, accountants, all so articulate, so different, so raw.
I remember feeling a tingling sensation up my spine.
But that is all tangled up in memories of getting insufficient sleep.

And of course, I was in the sketch too, and though we had to sacrifice sleep to practice, and though we didn't win, but the praises we got, and the friendships made, was well worth it. Sweet.

And oh btw, my group, Group 12, won the best group. LMAO.

Honestly, being in a University isn't all it's cut out to be. Sometimes I feel like I've placed it on so high a pedestal that I ended up being sorely disappointed. Adjustments had to be made immediately for practically all chinese there speak mandarin as their main language, making me feel like an utterly complete fool but they are kind and willing to help a banana like me.
I have to say though that it hurts to actually feel the injustice since you're in the midst of it all, towards STPMers, those who couldn't get what they wanted and those who didn't get anything at all. But that is a sensitive topic. For they advocate the fact that no matter where we come from, we're ONE once we're in.

In a way, that's true as we're on the same level field now, but the field a yard before this field isn't all that level after all, if you get my drift.

Sigh.

I'm coping right now, and I feel better than I did during the first 2 weeks, and I'm grateful.
The only thing I can do is to hope that everything will turn out right for everyone and that pretty soon, we'll be able to settle in, I will be able to settle in.

One day at a time.
One breath at a time.

Hakuna matata, baby!

1 minute update

I have 1 minute to do this, as the next batch of people's about to enter the lab for pharmacoinformatics, so here goes. Super short, mind you.

- I'm dead tired.
- Crappy orientation still going on with classes already starting, plus practicals, reports and assignments due every day
- Crappy signature taking from the seniors, with some totally unwilling to give without some humiliation of some sort.
- I've drank air kencing manis so far.
- I've danced.
- I've acted as if I found loads of money and realized they are fake.
- I've modelled.

-I need some sleep.

-I need some familiar faces to pull me out from this rut of self-destruction.

-I shall slowly detail my first few weeks in UM later on.

-I need to go.

Farewell to potty

I am to embark on a brand new journey tomorrow morning. Uncharted territory, treacherous, murderous, unstable.

So drama.

I'm really going off now, for a week? 2 weeks before I come back home? who's to know.

To ma tai is it? or tai ma (big horse) ? lol.

To ye ol' University.

I'm the epitome of mixed emotions. Excited one second, terrified the other, selamba the third and messed-up the fourth. Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera.

Independence has it's own pulling power ( Cousin : UM very the near to Bangsar hor *wink wink* )

But you can bet your last dollar on the fact that I will miss my family so darn much it almost hurts.

I'll try to leave with no expectations, an open heart and an open mind.

Until the moment I find spare time in an old, computer-filled, lighted computer lab, or till the time I'm back home, I bid you,

Adieu,

and Goodnight.

Lots of love,
Me.

Of Superman and The Last Supper.

Finally was able to meet up with Esther (who was on holiday some more), Hao Shen and Kin Wai yesterday before KW leaves for Johor, and me to K.L (so far hor) this weekend. HS will be leaving too, to Australia on the 14th; HS if you're reading this, you better not leave without a word !
And so we went to watch none other than the man of steel, superb Superman on the silver screen. I was anxious, excited and I wasn't disappointed.
The very moment the opening credits start to swerve in and out, in the middle of space, with its millions of stars on a humongous screen whilst its familiar spine-tingling tune -da da DA, DadadaDaDADA.. boomed in surround sound, I knew that was it. I was a born-again fan.
I liked Christopher Reeves who was somewhat irreplaceable but Brandon looked the part and fitted almost like a glove. He's cute to boot, sometimes too perfect to be real as Esther had pointed out in the cinema.
Plus, I've always loved Kevin Spacey since The Negotiator and it's alright that Kate Bosworth was one time Legolas's (Orlando Bloom) rumoured or not? lady love. Who can blame him?
And OMG, that hair with the curled 's' in front. I've almost forgotten about that!
It was great and it was a feast.
Go watch it.

Met Anne-who had just came back from Ukraine for a 2 months break and Thava too, after lunch and after Kin Wai had left. We practically stood there in a circle talking for about 45 minutes before deciding to sit down and talk somemore. They're both well and doing good, I might add.
Both of 'em left, and the 3 of us trooped back to watch another movie, for a steal of RM3 thanks to KW's free tickets, for Scary Movie 4.
Like I've expected, a silly spoof movie, with crude laughs in between.
But at least I've watched it. *grins*

Night falls, YJ and I went over to Mr. Prasad's to give him a gift before meeting up with the gang at Lil' Asia.
Ah, tuitions.
No more for me !
They're called tutorials now.

We figured that Lil' Asia wasn't enough and so we adjourned to LW for more lepak'ing sessions.
He had to go home early you see.
I called home, explaining the crisis.
"Mom, we're going over to LW's house, Pauline will send me home later."
"Oh. Why?"
"Because he had to go home early."
"Ah, and the rest of don't have to?"
Almost immediately : "Yeah."

Wait...that doesn't sound right.

And the sentenced replayed in my head again, coupled with my mom's sarcastic tone :
"And the rest of you don't have to ?"

Oh. Crap.

"Er, no lar no lar, heh heh "-attempt to rectify mistake, failed.

We bought a tub of ice-cream over and there we were,
Pau, Ling, YJ, LW and I, in the living room having our last (at the moment) supper of fattening ice-cream together.
In the spirit of togetherness : One fat, all fat!
Pau will be off to Johor tomorrow before the break of dawn, YJ to UPM and Ling to Sabah on Sunday.
And of course, the tai lou, LW to the Czech Republic in September who never fails to remind us how lucky we are to remain in Malaysia.
I admit, I was sad, it was melancholy and sombre.
Of course, they HAD to dig up some personal old buried history but that's the thing, it's history that we have together. Best-forgotten history, best-remembered history, laughter, stumbles and secrets.
As beautiful as the memories are,
I do believe that the future's just as beautiful.
New steps, now, baby steps at first but we'll run soon enough.
And by then, we'll have new stories to share.

New memories to build.

Sheep in the city

I played tourist guide to my parents today.
The only thing missing was a purple umbrella, a bright smile and sticker tags.
So, we went to the big city of Kuala Lumpur, like sheeps in the city. Brought them to Taman Jaya Putra LRT Station-"Har? Have to walk so far ar? I thought you said the station is beside the Amcorp Mall parking bays?" " It IS, mom.", commuted to KL Sentral and then hitched a ride on the Monorail(of which was my mom's and dad's first) to Bukit Bintang.
I know, I know, why not stop at Imbi and save 50 cents?

Me : "So, here we are. If we stop at Imbi, it's RM1.60 and we would have to cross the road and walk not far to Sg Wang and Bintang Walk. If stop at Bkt Bintang leh, it's more expensive but no need to walk lar."

Mom : "No, I don't want to walk, Stop at Bkt Bintang !"

'Nuff said.

Thus we arrived at around 1 pm, while my Kuok Foundation Interview (which was why I went there in the first place) was scheduled at 4 pm. So what's a girl and her mom, and her trudging dad to do but to while the time away, shopping ? Give my mom a shopping complex to walk in and she won't ever complain about having to walk a lot.
After lunch of course, at KFC.
Dad : "Come to K.L to eat KFC. Yeah."

"The chicken here is nicer!" Of course.

And so I bought, well technically my parents bought for me, trackpants, working slacks at 50% off and a long sleeved shirt at 70% off over at Sg. W. and Isetan.
And, surprise of all surprises, my mom bought me a white gold ring, which I kinda liked very, very much and best of all, it was at a bargain price.
And I'm there to beg for a loan and/or grant with a white gold ring, Esprit watch and gold chain. YEAH. Smart right?!
For the record, the watch was a gift, the ring less than 40 bucks and the chain was bought long time ago. Shucks, I should have just gone there without anything.
Without any accessories, not clothes, mind you.
But they're all my good luck charm mar.

I wasn't nervous, at first, but when you're sitting on the couch outside the room, freakin cold with the clerk fiddling with the computer, knowing that whatever happens behind that door will decide whether you get or not, my heart involuntarily palpitated. For a while.
I don't get it, I tend to be nervous during interviews, making silly lame jokes and sounding more nervous, squeky and softer than I would have liked.
And I'll bla until I don't know what I'm bla'ing about.

A bell rang, an indication that I'm supposed to go in.
2 chinese ladies sat at the table, with a chair placed opposite them.

Lub Dup Lub Dup.

"Good afternoon, er, Miss Chuah?"

Lub Dup Lub Dup.

"Good afternoon ! " Trying to sound as cheerily and less forced as humanly possible.

"Please sit."

Lub Dup Lub Dup.

And so I sat, at the edge of the chair, back straight.

"Oh, do lean back, relax, don't worry"

And so I did lean back, a little.

"You can lean back some more , make yourself comfortable"

I haven't even noticed that I hadn't lean back as much as they would want me too, so I meekly did as I was told.

And so it started.

Lub Dup.......teeeeeeet [ straight heart line indicating no heart beat]

I wish.
I shall not bore you with the details, though.
It ended and let's pray hard shall we?
Even if I don't get it, I'm sure they gave it to more deserving students who needed the help more than me. So it's alright.

On the way home,

"It's pretty easy isn't it travelling around K.L."

"Yeah."

"So next time your papa and I can go jalan-jalan by ourselves when you go off to the University la"

WTH, without me?! " er..Yeah."

T-A-G-G-E-D

I've been tagged by dear Shin Dhee!

Numero uno : Name 20 people from the top of your head. No peeking!

Numero dos : Answer the questions.

Numero tres : Tag other people.

Simple?
Here goes .

1. Pauline
2. Li Wei
3. Yi Jiang
4. Woei Jye
5. Chia Hau
6. Ee Von
7. Esther
8. Maggie
9. Kenny
10. Li Ern
11. See Wah
12. Steve
13. Karin
14. Kam
15. Choon Yen
16. Shin Dhee
17. May Lynn
18. Kin Wai
19. Preeta
20. Gaya

1. How did you meet 14 [Kam]?
From school..Were schoolmates since Form 1, and occasional classmates for some years.

2. What would you do if you had never met 1 [Pauline] ?
What would I do? I would hunt around for someone like Pauline!
It would indeed be a shame to miss out on meeting someone with as much heart and goodness as her. And I would miss a lot of laughter too.

3. What would you do if 20 [Gaya] and 9 [Kenny] dated you?
Lol. I wouldn't mind both actually but I suspect in both cases, many people would be after my head!

4. Would 6 [ Ee Von ] and 17 [May Lynn] make a good couple?
They are already kind of related anyways and both have other halves, so no!

5. Describe 3 [ Yi Jiang ].
Heh heh. Where shall I start? He's obviously extremely intelligent, articulate and smart. Fun, friendly and conscientious, not to mention popular. A bundle of energy and very reliable. A great friend, really!

6. Do you think 8 [Maggie] is attractive?
Definitely! Without a doubt! Sooo cute!

7. Tell me something about 7 [Esther].
She's the longest and dearest friend of mine. 14 years?! She's generous and extremely caring; has a bubbly personality which endears her to those that are close to her, like a magnet! Can practically talk about anything! You can never have a dull moment with her around!

8. Do you know anything about 12's [Steve] family?
I know they're in Bentong lar. But that's about it.

10. What would you do if 11 [See Wah] confess that he/she likes you?
I wouldn't be surprised..she does show some lesbian tendencies..in a good way! lmao.

11. What language does 15 [Choon Yen] speak?
English, Mandarin, Hokkien i guess?

12. Who is 9 [ Kenny] going out with?
Erm...I don't think he's going out with anyone right now..If there is, he'd better tell me!

13. How old is 16 [ Shin Dhee ] now?
Just turned 19 this month!

14. When was the last time you talked to 13 [Karin ]?
Quite long ago, I think it was during Kenny's birthday bash.

15. Who is 2's [ Li Wei] favourite singer?
Only one?! I know he listens to people like Jason Mraz, That Italian fella, Gavin deGraw, that Blue fella.. Maxim ain't a singer though.

16. Would you date 4 [ Woei Jye]?
He's already taken. Just recently!

17. Would you date 7 [Esther]?
In a heartbeat!

18. Is 15 [ Choon Yen ] single?
Yeap.

19. What's 10's [ Li Ern ] last name?
Her surname's Chee.

20. Would you ever consider being in a relationship with 11 [ See Wah]?
She's a girl. I'm a girl. SO whaddya think? *winks

21. What school does 3 [ Yi Jiang ] go to?
He'll be a University student very soon. An excellent University student, I'm sure.

22. Where does 6 [ Ee Von] live?
I know enough lar!

23. What's your favourite thing about 5? [ Chia Hau]
Innocence? heh heh.

Now, it's your turn,
Esther, Maggie, Kin Wai !

A little conversation

"When you're in the University, you must take care of yourself already."

"Erm." -to mean, yes father I hear you loud and clear. Without all those extra words.

We were in the car after dinner with padawan's family.

"Cannot say don't want to eat this, don't want to drink that in the morning."

"....Erm."

"Don't simply mix around, must choose your friends wisely."

"Ah. " - to mean, affirmative.

At this point, my mom who was driving, turned around to look at me, smiling. One glance said it all.

I shrugged and made a face. I had to listen, there's no way out of the car.

"Take care of your stuff, don't simply put here put there."

"Okay."

"Must go to the temple to get protection ady."

Mom interjected, "She already has one from a temple in Taiping. A strong one some more."

"Where got such thing as strong or weak one?"

Ahem.

"You must be intelligent, not only in studies but other aspects too."

".......O..kay.."

"Campus life is very different !"

"Like lar you've been through it before."

"Eh! I almost made it okay. It's just that they gave me the wrong exam paper when I sat for it!"

My mom glared.

I'm just normal...that's all..NORMAL

He replied.

Who?
He lar, haven't you been paying any attention?

In the not too distant past, if you remember, I commited myself into sending my sweat-inducing 1500 words essay for the IMU Scholarship to the doctor I was talking about, therefore I did. He didn't give any feedback nor replies or anything and thus I conveniently forgot the whole thing.
That was until I returned to the clinic to get my Hepatitis B Lab Results, of which I'm a negative by the way, and he mentioned that his e-mail account has been bug/virus infected and thus could not receive anything.

Oh.

But it was the afternoon of D-day anyway (19th) and after getting the lab report, relayed to him the good news that I've been accepted into UM to do Pharmacy.
Rounds of congratulations later, blabbed about what to expect and the like ( he's a UM alumni). But not for long ler, there were poor sick souls waiting outside (I ain't heartless!).

So that's that.

And then, just now, saw a reply from him in my Yahoo! Mail; with a phone number attached.
And I acted all schoolgirl-ish.
Crap.
I feel a crush bubbling inside.
What the hell,
he's married with kids for heaven's sake.


Oh man.
What's with me and older men?!

My life took a turning, to where I couldn't see but of which I can feel.

Okay, how shall I start?

Like zis.

Thank You for all the blessings that You have showered upon me, for lighting the way when the path gets dark and for bestowing upon humble me, opportunities that many would kill or willingly give an arm (or leg) for.
Life has thrown me around in a rollercoaster ride of anxiety, grit, disappointments and helplessness,
But also peace, sheer joy and multitude of chances.
A path laden with potholes but blessings to overcome them.
Of support to be found everywhere I turned.
A bright light shining of which I'm eternally grateful.

Ahem.

So, 19th of June was just like any other day EXCEPT for this little rumour going around that the UPU results will be out. I think most of the ex-STPM-ers were sweating like pigs the previous night. I cannot deny being worried myself, I mean, it's MY future they're deciding after all.
But I had a good night's sleep and that's the most important thing.

Dawn broke over the horizon..okay, fine, more like midday when the sun was already in an almost perfect vertical above your head, that I wondered if the rumour was real, or fake.
Being a big cowardly chicken, I didn't check through SMS straight away, instead I

Flipped through the papers; Nope, no news whatsoever -already thinking it's half-fake
Checked the website; Tadak pun - Definitely a false alarm
Messaged a few people, namely Esther and Yi Jiang ; Both gave a negative -WTH, worry for nothing

The sun dipped futher west and then YJ called,
"Eh! Results come out ady! Faster check!"

Switched on the computer, waited for the darn screen to show the desktop of green hills and serene blue sky while calling and messaging the rest, informing of the newly obtained bit of information.

Keyed in my IC, Angka Giliran and waited..and waited..and waited with my father's brooding presence directly behind me, 2 pairs of eyes staring intently at the screen.
Before the page could even load, YJ called,
"Congrats! You've got what you wanted...."
And there it was in front of me.


NO KAD PENGENALAN / MY KAD : ****
KATEGORI : S - Lepasan STPM 2005
ANGKA GILIR STPM 2005 : ***
NAMA : CHUAH SIM MEI

TAHNIAH!

Anda telah berjaya ditawarkan program seperti di bawah :
KOD : MF00
NAMA PROGRAM : FARMASI
IPTA : UNIVERSITI MALAYA (UM)

For some reason or the other, the first thing I saw was the words :
UNIVERSITI MALAYA (UM)

UM.

UM.

UM.

Oddly familiar.

OMG! UM, baby!

Of course, the second thing i saw was FARMASI.

I AM very, extremely grateful that I've got my first choice. UM-Pharmacy.
I mean, many many people couldn't get their first choices and many didn't even get into Universities (which absolutely sucked, big time.)

I'm good. Good as in satisfied, mind you. I'm not tooting my own horn.

It's my dream University, prestigious and honoured.

I'm good.

I've got a place and it's nearby, next to UPK (University of Port Klang) of course -inside joke.

I'm good.

I'm able to save loads of money on my parents behalf.

I'm good.

I wouldn't have to be far from my family after all!

I. am. good. I'm blessed. Enuff said.

Thank you people for your good wishes, hopes, and shared happiness.
Let us embark on this brand new journey together?
Newly paved roads.

Mamak-6BS1/AS1-Reunion

It was Saturday night, June the 17th and after little planning and huge word-spreading, 6BS1/AS1 reunion finally happened in one quaint little shop called Kayu.
Perfect because it's very affordable, privacy was not a problem, and I can safely attest that everyone loves mamak food. Who doesn't, please raise your hand? See, None.
Practically everyone was fasionably late, almost 40 minutes, thanks in no small part to the huge jam in Banting road and the Bayu-Bkt Tinggi traffic lights (2 main roads towards the destination) but all is forgiven the very moment they step into the room.
Such is the power of friendship.
I haven't seen some since The results day so it was great to be able to meet up, catch up and eat.
Squeals of joy, hugs, screams of "Ohmygodyou'reherehowyou'vechanged!"and "Howareyouwhatwereyoudoingwhatareyoudoing?" filled the air. And of course, of "GOAL!" thanks to the flat TV, privately for us.
All in all, it was an enjoyable dinner and a golden chance to be at the same place, at the same time before going off on different routes. The only disappointment on that night was the fact that some couldn't make it so it wasn't a full reunion but attendance was surprisingly satisfactory.
Although we were in the same class for only about a year plus but this is one tight group. I guess the tribulations and the immense suffering brought us together like nothing ever could. (",) We've got each other's back!
Us, being us, of course you could count on pictures.

Girls Part 1

Girls Part 2

Machas!

With Preeta, Priya and Pushpa (Eh! 3 P's' ..) plus Perempuan.

But anyway, these are from my going-to-no-battery camera, so very few pictures; more is with Yi Jiang. And since the whole universe is in a big Hoo-Haa over the recently announced University Applications Results, I guess I won't be getting more pics from him anytime soon so these would have to do.

Ah. University Results.

That's a WHOLE another blog post.

Why not 8 perfect lovers instead? Ish...

I've been tagged and I know this post is overdue-sorry! But the anticipation makes it all the more sweeter right? *grins*
I would think the characteristics of my version of a perfect love would be longer than 8 but since I'm being restricted to 8, so here's 8 lar.

1. Sense of humour - A person who could look at things from a humorous perspective always wins points in my book. Laughter's the best medicine anyway and He who does not take himself seriously is he who is happy!

2. Loving / Caring - A perfect lover would of course, have a loving soul, one who loves himself, the people around him and the world he lives in.

3. Worldly wise- He does not necessarily have to be smart, just world-conscious, knowing that the World Cup is held every 4 years and that the leatherback turtle is on the brink of extinction. In short, he musn't be ignorant; which is why I find myself having crushes on older, brooding, sophisticated men. lmao.

4. Mischievousness - A hint of mischievousness is much preferred than all-the-time seriousness. Naughty but nice!

5. Patient - One who knows certain things cannot be helped, like getting stuck in a massive traffic jam , or knows that certain things cannot be rushed but be allowed to run its course, and one who isn't easily irritated is good, because I can get pretty irritating sometimes!

6. Kind-hearted - Who would want one with a heart of stone?

7. Brave - Not afraid to show affection, not afraid to admit mistakes, not afraid to show emotions and not afraid of moi.

8. Passionate - Passionate in what he believes in and passionate in living.

Okay, that makes it 8. I'm done !
Not as easy as I thought.
Now I gotta tag 8 people, and they are *drumrolls*..
Kexin (hehe) , Kin Wai, Ee Von, Maggie, Adrian, Seng Aun, Shirlyn, Chee Shin.
8? Right.
Har Har. Have fun cracking your head!