. it’s over, for good .

Gl’amour girls’ night at Timbre
The times where we play, learn and grow together
From the JC kids we once were to the ladies we are now

ANJ Dance Event

While everyone else was mugging and preparing for the final stretch of the semester, yours truly was out with MK & Soy working at the ANJ Dance Open House event. The various dance demonstrations inspired me – a self-confessed dance idiot with 2 left feet – to want to give dancing a shot again. Time to get myself back in shape, maybe some booty exotic! Videos of the different types of dance that will set to get you grooving on the dance floor !!!

Latin Samba

Paso Doble

Jive

Argentine Tango
amazing footwork

.
.

The final paper on Thursday marked the end of my university days ( also, my life as a FT student ). Somehow, the “unofficial graduation” from SIM didn’t hit me as hard as back in sec sch/jc. Honestly, “indifferent” would be the right word to describe how I felt … For one, the previous semester was spent abroad and I was kinda missing-in-action for this semester as I only had 1 last module to complete ( which i fucked up real bad anws). Besides, SIM was, to me, just a venue where classes were conducted … More importantly however, were the interaction with fellow peers and the friendships fostered over the years. 2006 was thrilling, exciting to say the least … from the first person I befriended during Orientation ( Jane dear!) to the late night outs obsessing over WC’06 to having to overcome anxiety attacks by undergoing more presentations than i ever had to previously; 2007 – generally, the most bleak. Made new friends with the juniors as I was the OGL during orientation. Having to crawl on my fours during the steep hike up the rocks at Rainbow Falls. 2008 – the year where I started thinking more seriously about my career options and made the decision to work PT in addition to tuition. Another significant highlight that goes without saying – the unforgettable semester over at UB. Above everything else, here’s the bunch of close pals ( plus, Christine/Krystal/Cherlynn) whose friendships Im so grateful for. Without whom, my uni years wouldn’t be as colorful and memorable – entertaining “xoxo gossip”, ODAC M’sia hiking trip, paintball, “Prison Break” fiesta, World Cup 2006 Fever, chalet, dinner outings and the many laughter that we shared. For all the projects, bitching, politics and challenges that we went through together, we survived through our degree course and are progressing on towards the next stage of our lives … Till our official graduation in July, peeps!

.
.

Over the years, I have learn that it is too easy to identify oneself to details of our existence ( ie. study, work, being a parent). The ’serious’ goals that I was striving for in the past year were: Excel in studies and graduate w honors. Intern in a field of related interest to gain exposure. Fulfill my dream of studying overseas. Checked & done. Now that school can be considered as part of my history, I’m actually feeling a tad lost and directionless. Lost in the sense that I’ll be having losta free time at hand and thus, am spolit for choices as to what I wanna do next. Alas, the “holidays” mood has yet to kick in as I’ll still be interning till month’s end. So, the last bit of work responsibilities comes first.

Spent many days  discussing with baby, my mum and a couple of gfs regarding post-graduation plans, which is basically either: To stick to the practical and pragmatic route of finding a job straight away (esp, during such turbulent times) or to take an “infinite” vacation first. The “kiasu” spirit in me had me sending out resumes about a month back and going for a couple of interviews … 1 was a scam, 1 which i did well but the job wasn’t what i was looking for, 1 which i really wanted but screwed and another; awaiting for results but there’re many strong candidates up against. On the other hand, the “true” me just wants to relax and take the time to pursue other interests and goals. One advice that remains the same across all my working friends is that we’ll be working for the next 40 yrs, so what’s the hurry to embark on something that’ll eventually take over our lives? And it’s essentially true as once we start the ball rolling, it is easy to fall victim to work and success … career being synonymous with establishing our identity. After much deliberation, I think Im gonna settle for the “frivolous route” of taking a short break. Definitely, it’s a risk I take having to start later than the rest, but it’s a decision I shall live with. If I dont take this chance, I might just regret it down the road. Life is but a series of moments.

So far, i already have some of my days ahead planned out. MUST practice French. Volunteer for AFF. If time permits, maybe to hone my swimming skills so that i can start learning scuba diving soon. Travel is a must (!) for an addict like me, but all plans have been vague and unfirm.  So many places to choose from, all of which i WANT to visit, experience and explore.  A stroke of coincidence strikes as baby will ORD in slightly less than a month’s time too. In other words, it’s gonna be the “last period of calm before the craziness” for us as we both embark on a new journey together. Looking at visiting either P. Rawa or P. Besar for our next beach getaway !

So much that I would like to blog and write about, yet there’s always something that takes precede. All of which results in me feeling very shagged and exhausted at the end of a normal day. On a bad day? Headache. The result: Negligence of my blog. Being a person with many interests and a burning desire to try out a variety of stuff, I thus find myself getting a tad too overwhelmed by the handful of projects and goals that I set for myself… Inevitably, when life gets busy, it’s easy to lose focus on “myself” & the basics as a result. Interesting side-track stuff that’s been keeping me busy lately: Stuff that’s been keeping me busy lately: Basic French classes ( harder than i thought but i’ll probably be able to speak a bit of french after the course). Joined AWARE as a member (& hopfully to volunteer soon). Started testing out the job market by sending resumes to a few companies. So far, response’s been generally quite bleak ‘   (demoralising) though I’ve 3 interviews lined up! Weekends with baby slacking at home & indulging in a movie marathon fietsa … Fast & Furious 4, Red Cliff, Twilight, Knowing, Confessions of a Shopaholic.

Being a true-blue procrastinator, Im only FINALLY attempting my Library Skills Workbook now … and the only reason? All the 3 yrs of studying would mean nothing if I don’t pass this silly library skills workcourse. Now that the workbook’s done, it’s time for the final stretch – revision before the final paper and i’ll be done with school. The last chapter of my 15yrs of schooling life, oh! how time flies.

Fatigue’s setting in, ain’t gonna fight against it, a good night sleep is what I sought for right now.

.
 . 

Sok’s Birthday Dinner

PIT STOP with SIM gals

Flea Market at Mt. Sophia, with Shermin babe 

Flea markets, always the place to find hidden gems & treasures

The life of an intern. The past week had been extremely hectic and stressful for all of us at zcp due to the arrival of our leading star, International Jazz Sensation Laura Fygi. 3 consecutive days of photoshoot for publicity materials, television commercial filming ( TV ad for Ch5 in later part of 09) & to round it up, a press conference for the media & sponsors/partners. Exciting stuff for me as it’s my first!  Being an intern also equate to being a runner, which meant that I had to constantly run errands due to last-min changes made to the schedule. In fact, I can’t even rmr the number of times that I had to rush from destination A to B, back to A again and then off to C/D/E. For instance, heading over to A just to collect the gowns needed for the photoshoot. Buying lunch for the crew lol. D joked that I would have lost a ton of weight at the end of my internship lol. Events like these also require us to be flexible … having to wake up at 5am in ther morning to make it in time for our calltime at 6am and having to work late into the night. Long hours are inevitable. Yet running and being a PA aside, those 3 days actually taught me some of the most valuable lessons that I take from my internship. 

A  peek into the backstage production. Having to work with our hair stylist - and also, the master who does all our production wigs and headgears – Ashley (whom we all adore) , M.A.C MU artists & dancers.  Lots of waiting time in-between takes ( never a forte of mine cz I simply cant stay around for too long doing nth). To double up, once again as a dresser to steam all the outfits to ensure that they are in good condition. And only to have the dancers rmr me as the gal who steams the clothes lol. Call up a gazillion* magazine journalists regarding RSVP for our press conference. Be an artist liasion for Laura Fygi on the day of press conference to ensure that all runs smoothly for her. Even to help the hotel hsekeeping staff with housekeeping cz we had to ensure that the room was in the ideal condition for interviews. More importantly, learning to be flexible when the schedule calls for last-min changes and not to be too rigid. To have to come up with alternatives on the spot to overcome any hitch. Developing a better idea on the different means to publicise an event and its star and collating the press kits. Gotta give props to Mabel who did an excellent job as a publicist by getting AFP to do an exclusive interview with Laura which in turn, gave both zcp and the musical international coverage. Wired over to news agencies in China, Canada, LA and even Middle East! So, it’s great global exposure! Phrase 1 of publicity, according to D. Aim High.

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/entertainmentfeatures/view/419583/1/.html

So, what’s this musical? The Asian adaptation of Broadway musical ”VICTOR/VICTORIA” . The original broadway musical cast Julie Andrews in the starring role … Well, no Andrews for us, but we have Laura Fygi. Taken from the press kit:
” Armed with a passion for singing, Victoria Grant arrives in Paris to fulfil her dreams. A chance encounter with Carroll Todd convinces her to pretend to be a female impersonator. She becomes Count Victor Grezinski and is the toast of the town. Things however get complicated when a Chicago gangster, King Marchan, falls in-love with “her”. Victoria has to make the ultimate sacrifice – will she be true to her love and give up her passion or will she pursue her passion and surrender true love? “

At the zoo where Laura officially named the latest addition to the Malayan tapir family,  ”Victoria”. How apt.

.
.

The reviews have called it the place that offers “No Frills Fine Dining”. Basil Alcove, a tiny corner cafe that is synonmous with mouth-watering fine-dining food and cheap prices. Situated along the roadside, Basil Alcove manages to create a rather romantic al-fresco ambiance by placing candles & flowers on the table.  Being avid seafood lovers, MK baby & I started our dinner with half a dozen of mussels. Unfortunately, the dish of mussels disappointed us big time as they weren’t fresh and were thus, tough to chew on. For mains, MK had Chicken in peaches & herbs whereas I opted for shrimp pasta with orange sauce. To start off, my pasta dinner was really value-for-money. Costing at the usual $12+ , it came with a generous serving of at least 8 pieces of succulent prawns   Taste-wise, nothing spectacular but the orange tangy sauce offers a refreshing taste. However, nothing beats the “Chicken in Peaches & Herbs” main dish – Juicy and delicious, this unique combi with its rich flavours just kept me wanting for more. Overall, the dining experience was alright … didn’t exactly meet my expectations ( dishes are no longer as cheap as claimed ) but it’s a diner that I would patronise again ( just for the chicken in peaches or when Im feeling poor but want a haute cuisine meal lol) .

Basil Alcove
190 Middle Road
#01-07
Fortune Centre

.
.

Biotherm White D-TOX Workshop

Saturday was kinda a mad rush for us. Our itinerary was as follows: Biotherm event, CentrePoint -> Facial ( courtesy of luv-a-thon) at Beauty Affairs, Bugis -> Orchard again. Once again, much thanks to CC for selecting me for this beauty session. An informative session, the trainer definitely gave me a better idea on how a MU Base functions; for instance, the different shades that we can use to enhance the various parts of our skin & how it’s able to help us achieve a flawless complexion. Best part? That goes without saying – the door gift! Sample-sized products such as the White D-Tox gel and Pore Reducer which certainly come in handy! To top it off, a Biotherm keychain that can also act as a mobile accessory or handbag charm.

Passion by the Beach event

If you were to read my entry a year ago, you will realise that MK & I attempted to attend this animals’ event a year back. Only then, we didnt as we were at the other end of ECP … plus, it was storming heavily. This time round, we succeeded though there was no escaping from yet another heavy downpour ( what luck, 2 consecutive times in a row). Saw a wide variety of dogs, most of which are very common amongst Sg dog owners – Shih Tzu, Maltese, MS ( Loisa! ), Chihuahua, Pom, GR … And the star attraction of the day? The Great Dane ( the world’s biggest dog breed). Refer to the pic of the black GD below. It might not look as gigantic in the pic but Im certain that it will tower me if it were on stand on its 2 hind feet. Was so tempted to place the puppy chihuahua ( so tiny that it can probably fit into bowl)  right beside the Great Dane – a comparison of the biggest and smallest dog breeds! Never exactly a cat person, but I fell in love with the beautiful & cuddly ragdoll that held so closely to me that its paws got tangled in my top. Visiting animals’ events like this never fails to get MK & I on the topic of getting a dog together soon. Alas, it’ll remain just a dream for we’re both too busy & selfish to commit to such a heavy responsibility for now. Driving license 1st.

I’ve been so busy lately that it slipped off my mind to post this – Happy Belated 1 Year, 3 months baby!