Just checked the grades for the summer semester and once again, im pretty happy with my results. Improvement in both overall and communication major GPAs so hopfully, i’ll be able to exercise greater self-discipline when Im here to bring it up even higher! :)  i even have a notepad pasted with ‘3D graduation gown and certification letters’ stickers right at my desk board to motivate me!

It’s a ’stay-in-the-room’ day for me, so will most probably devote some time to re-decorating my corner (black/maroon-red theme), doing misc stuff and surfing the internet (watching Gossip Girl and The Hills. Such chick flick shows, i know! ).

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Quick update!

Close to a week since I left and finally, some time to use the laptop. New York City was awesome - I’ll let the pictures take center stage … But somehow, I can’t seem to find the usb cable for my camera. (it’s either i misplaced it or didn’t bring it along. darn!). So now, stuff unpacked and settled down at UB. Orientation week’s full of different activities and talks for us … international students from all across the globe - Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, Indians, Canadians, Malaysians, Africians, well - there’s a reason why UB is known for its wide diversity of races in its student population! My roomie comes from mainland China and she’s such a sweetie. It’s such a huge sigh of relief knowing that I aint  living with some stranger whom I can’t get along well with… so, things looking pretty good  i know that im a little incoherent with my sentence phrasing at the moment but frankly, im quite tired and exhausted. Been feeling alot more sleepy and less energetic ever since flying half-way round the world lol. All that I wanna do now is to snuggle up at the cozy corner in my room ( decorated in red/black theme!) and fall asleep (im such a pig, seriously.) but there’s still laundry & other misc stuff to be done. Im sleepy.

The last post before I head over to the states.
Thanks for all well-wishes!

“The return makes one love the farewell.”
~ Alfred De Musset

That’s the consequence when you leave everything to the last-min and now, have to cancel the meeting with the gals to do up the last bit of preparation and packing. Packing’s such a chore!

You know how everyone has their own little quirks? Here’s mine! I love to bring some of my little trinkets/charms with me when I travel! It’s not that im superstitious, it’s just that I’d like to believe that these trinkets each works in their own special ways.

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A deck of ‘Something you can do to make someone’s day’ cards. 

My ‘dream-catcher’ which never fails to accompany me for all my overseas trips. Not that it’s that effectively anyways.

Need some luck? I have double doses of luck from the ‘Shamrock’ (3-leaf clover). A necessity for me during examinations lol.

A dose of ‘friendship sparkle’ !

And all the other miscellaneous pendants!

My Love Story: A mini locket of baby & me
Ankh: The Gift of Life
Love Character in Chinese: Amanda darling bought it for me when she was in China!
Angel: Guardian Angel

Just slightly more than 24hours and it’s good-bye Singapore, Welcome NYC!

With 12th August just a mere few days away, it’s inevitable that my last weekend was spent packing, packing and more packing. And surprise, surprise - Im not quite done with it yet! So, as im writing this post and getting ready for my trip, it suddenly hit upon me that both Abby & Jocelyn had flown off. Eil and JZ’s turn tmr, before mine in 2 days’ time. 
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Look at the astonishing amount of winter clothes that I have! Trust me, that’s ‘A YEAR SUPPLY OF CLOTHES’ that I have there lol ! But nah, Im just selecting a few from that huge pile of ‘borrowed clothes’ lol. Did you really think that Im able to squeeze all of that into my tiny luggage?!

It’s supposed to be end summer over at the States now but a last check with the online weather.com stated that it can get as cold as 13°C over at Buffalo. Sheesh, imagine what it would be like when Nov/Dec approaches (apparently, it averages around - 20°C )!!! Yeeks! Im really starting to freak out that I wouldn’t have enough warm clothes!

A peekapoo pic of baby wearing the winter ‘cap’. !!!

Saturday, Happy National Day!

It’s National Day so that calls for a special celebration - Time for a family BBQ and baby dearest volunteered to be the ‘Chef of the Night’ ! Juls & Camy commented that we look like a ’stay-in & cook/bake’ couple- seems like they got it right this time round lol.

Look, we even had a piece of the ‘National Day Celebration’ over at my place. Yes, the flying of the various planes & helicopters ! :)  Brings back memories of my childhood when my sisters and I would immediately run towards the windows to gaze into the sky to spot the planes whenever we heard the loud, roaring sounds of the engines! Frankly, a habit that I can’t get rid off, even at this age!

Everyone slacks while baby cooks ~

With food in hand, what’s there not to smile about?

Amanda dear loving the camera and giving it her best poses lol.

That’s my parents and amanda indulging in the yummy & hearty feast that we had - beef kebabs, honey-glaze chicken wings, chicken satay, otah, fishball, crabmeat, gigantic tiger prawns, you get the idea! (Too bad, ginnie can’t join us cz she’s off for a durian-tasting party! ). And that’s baby at the back, hard at work being the Chef lol.

Yes, when I say that it’s a family affair - that includes our lovelies too! Here’s Fat Girl as she’s the only 1 that will stay still and post for pics! Typical female’s trait - Photogenic eh?

Food! Everyone was pretty much bloated and bursting after such a heavy and delicious feast. No complains from anyone, good job done Baby Boy. 2 thumbs up! :)  But I seriously need to hit the gym and lose those extra pounds, yes -im as weight-conscious as any gal would.

And to end off a fabulous day, a piggy-back from the boy!

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Ever been caught in a situation where your credit card debts just seem to keep increasing & spiral out of control and that there’s nth you can do to help salvage the situation? Read “Save Karyn” and have a great laugh over it. A brillant and funny read - that was how I spent half of my national day too - reading! lol.

Here’s the link to her original site, take a look -
http://savekaryn-originalsite.com/

Ever feel that you are stuck in a rut? That there seems to be something wrong with the current picture despite living a rather perfect life? Or that you feel like you are a confused and lost soul and that life doesn’t seem to make much sense to you? Do you feel that life seems to be nothing but emptiness to you?

Life’s strange at times, isn’t it? Everyone aims to be happy and want to lead a life with purpose, passion & happiness but like what Eve said, ”Contentment is the hardest thing to achieve in this world” . Life is never a pure Shangri-La, never so idyllic and never away from all those flaws that plunge us.

I think for the majority of us - especially living in an increasingly demanding and competitive country like Singapore, we don’t just want to lead an ordinary life - we want something extraordinary, something that allows us to push beyond what we think we can do and further allows us to explore the exciting opportunities that awaits us.

Joan Perry wrote in her book that the ‘Wheel of Life’ consists of 7 key elements: Family, Social, Career, Financial, Mental, Physical & Spiritual and that it is important for each individual to strike a healthy balance across all 7 elements in order to keep herself contented and fulfilled in life.

Will you finally reach that state of bliss and fulfillment knowing that you eventually work your arse off at becoming the high-flying career person that you always wanted to be since young? Maybe, just for a temporary moment but knowing human beings, there will always be other elements in life that will bring us down. Perry believes that while we might not think of such stuff at the point of time of our pursuit, we might however have moments later in life whereby we just wish that we could have devoted more time in pursuing the other factors in life (be it, in a relationship with GOD *religion* or to spend more time exercising and be healthy). After all, we do hear stories from friends’ friends or people whom we know personally who have devoted so much time in their careers or money-making that they eventually die young cz of a certain illness that plunge them. Or how some people lament their lack of love & social life because they spend so much of their time working and becoming successful. We all know of people who seem to lead such perfect and flawless lifestyles (that makes us go WOW! ) but deep down, they’re just like anyone on the streets - like you and me, who have vulnerable moments in our life and imperfections.

Quoted from somewhere, “Life feels like a plate spinner. Work, family, recreation and relationships can involve a blur of responsibilities that all need to be accomplished yesterday.”  It’s true - it’s always easier said than done. Who doesn’t want a balanced lifestyle right? I want, You want, everyone wants too. But it can be a bitch managing life and its priorities when time’s scare and there’s only so much energy that we can utilise each day.

1 simple question - Can we have it all in life?

It was reported once that the people of Bhutan (yes, where Carina Lau and Tony Leung got hitched at) are the happiest people on Earth and it’s often a cliche that sometimes, the happiest people are those who have less complicated life and less expectations in life. I’ve quite a number of friends who prefer to live in laid-back countries such as Australia, Canada or New Zealand any day over Singapore. Should we settle for something less but lead a generally happier life? Or is this just a form of naive idealism? Is there ever a way to achieve that level of contentment in life? Or are most people basically just expecting too much from life and themselves?

* Im feeling great about my life at this moment, but just wanted to pen down my reflection on life.

Took a sneaky snap shot of baby boy as he was getting ready for work lol. It’s gonna be months later before I can capture you in a shot like this again …

Tuesday out & about with Claire darling!

You know how girls love their locks? Im no exception and somehow, it seems to be taking me forever to grow my hair to my desired length. Just when it grows to a longer length, I often find myself having to go for a hair-trim to maintain the shape and rid of any dead ends and unfortunately, when that’s done it’s back to square 1 of having slightly shorter hair again. Seriously, how long is it ever gonna take me! Another year? Speaking of hair, there’s a new ‘Vain Beauty’ outlet over at FEP, Bao Shuang and her gals seem to be thriving real well in this ‘hair extensions business’ ! Was telling baby that darn, i shld have foresee that trend and start a business in it!

In fact, the mere few hours with Claire babe didn’t seem enough as we wanted to proceed on with a phone chat following our meeting. I didn’t think anyone would remember much about dates & details but this gal here really amazed me. She could actually recalled the exact date that I flew off to Japan a year ago, something which i frankly couldn’t even rmr lol. Plus that I was feeling unwell prior to leaving. Well well, What can I ever do without you dear?

Thursday: Exam’s done, school’s out and finally, yea it’s time for us to have our well-deserved holidays!

Missing those ‘oh-so-adorable’ shots of the hamsters? Some hamster loving before I head out!

Dustball - still behaving like a little kid despite being a father himself lol!

Baby Runt! Remember then that he was the tiniest of the lot? Well well - he’s all grown up and a big boy now (bigger size than his dad lol ! :)  With his signature, cute little pinky nose.

First up, Camy and Juliet babes at Vivocity !

Looking back, it’s neat to see how our friendships have developed through the years. What started out as mainly a clubbing khaki ( the frequent girly nights’ out at clubs .. the dancing, drinking, dressing up! ) have since evolved to something more substantial and deeper than just pure fun & club. More in-depth talks about things that truly matter and the exchange of different opinions/views. Now that I think about it - I really do have to thank Olivia darl for some of the friends that I made in my life thus far - Juliet, Camy ( The Sex & the City bunch! ), Su and a few others and yes, a particular Mr Teo. Ming Kiat too.

Please allow for some final camera loving times with the babes before the separation.

Look what Juls did specially for me. I always envy people who received friendship collage from their other pals and never did think that I would finally receive it. Now, I can officially say that I have a friendship collage of my very own! As you know, no other ‘purchased’ gift beats (except maybe, a Balenciaga bag! Or a pair of Manolos. Or sth glittering from T&Co. haha, jk. ) a personal handmade gift such as this! It’s gonna be going into my luggage and off to US! Thanks babe

Next up, Swensons for dinner with SIM pals.
* Cherie, Christine, Jane, Jia Zhen, Krystal, Loisa*

The last time that I got to see the girls before heading off to UB and frankly, even though the parting ended off with good-bye waves, big hugs and smiles … it was however a sense of sadness and sorrow that I felt knowing that I wouldn’t get to see them for the next few months. After all, these are friends whom I see almost every weekday for my past 2yrs+ at SIM. The times that we had lunch together, the times we struggled through trying to complete our group projects & assignments, the times we secretly pass notes to one another in class cz the lecture is so darn boring, the times we gossiped and self-entertained ourselves - school wldn’t have been memorable without you guys.

Till we meet again, my dears!

Finally, look what I received in my mail box on a mid wkday! Something from Trixie babe (Lequinte). Handmade clay flower encasted in a 14K gold finish locket. Ah, the feel of old-fashioned romance. Yea, just the perfect charm for me to bring over to US when Im missing the boy!

* last pic credit to lequinte

Time to stop procrastinating and start packing now!

Slightly less than a wk to the departure date.
Oh baby boy, I would miss you ever so much.
” A goodbye isn’t painful unless you’re never going to say hello again.”

Remember my previous love ? Well, I stumbled upon this ’spinning Love-O-Meter’ trinket & yes, “Love is a many splendid thing”. Anyone feeling confused over how much love they’re feeling right at this moment? Look no further, here’s a lovely charm that will pretty much help you solve that little dilemma of yours! What’s even more unique is that it’s in both English and French (flip-sides) !

French version: Je T’aime, Un Peu, Beaucoup, Pas Du Tout, Passionement

English Version: I Love You, Madly, Very Much, A Little, Not At All

* both pics credit to ‘pickypicky’ on esty.

Off for a hair cut and meet-up with Claire love soon …

Thursday @ Ms Clarity Cafe

I always dig a night out with my girlfriends. Tonight’s with Chern Chieh, Evelyn, Wendy, Rachel and Sahradah. It’s pretty amusing how we always ended up talking about a certain topic, without fail on all our gatherings. This is 1 crazy, superbly hilarious bunch of friends here and trust me, you will know that we’re in the house cz there’s never a silent moment with us around. I’ll miss all of you babes! Perhaps, a karoke session the next time round even though i admit that im a horrid singer.

Weekends!

Half of friday’s gone running errands.. STA card, health check and changing of new spectacles frame. How interesting eh. And here’s the 2 of us cam-whoring while trying out the different sunglasses. (i love the Fendi that im wearing but the price is OMG!). If you ask me, I would totally agree that we look ’super poser’ in these shots lol.  

Here’s something for a change on our 7th monthiversary together. Something handmade, something personal, something that documents our journey together. Return to the olden days where people don’t use the various applications of internet to document their lives; instead, it was traditional scrap-booking and photo albums. I can’t even rmr when was the last time I actually sent pictures to be developed!

Kristin babe is 1 helluva busy gal and when she makes time for you, you know that you’re 1 important person in her life :)   And, we always have fun sharing our different travel experiences over a nice meal together!

Nothing extravagent, just a simple meal of ice milo, eggs and toast to fulfil our hunger pangs.

Like I mentioned once before, it’s a family affair when it comes to ‘The Mummy’ movie series so sat night’s spend with family and baby at the cinema.

.Movie Verdict.

You know how most of the time, the sequels to popular hit movies can never match up to the original and are “better left dead” ? As much as I love the ‘Mummy’ series, I can’t help but to comment that the 3rd movie pales in comparison with the previous 2. Let’s not even get to the plot - it’s more of like having all the action-packed scenes being lumped together and nothing substantial coming out of it. Well, being a ’super-hero’ movie, there’s no denying when 1 says that the plot is pretty much predictable and like what my dad said, the suspense leading up to the plot or various scenes is rather weak too.

An action-packed movie, it sure it. The usual computer-generated action-adventure scenes - some might complain that it’s pretty cheesy & contrived but i did enjoyed it, gripping in some aspects to say the least. However, you can’t help but wonder what’s with the trend of having ‘the dead risen up from death and fighting against the evil-doers’ and having the screen pan out to a scene where a whole mass of good fight against the evil. (similar to that in LOTR, POTC). Quite cliche & over-used. Finally, you got to give both Brendan Fraser & John Hannah credits for adding a little humour and regeneration to the otherwise lacklustre film.

All that aside, for all guys out there - there’s a valid reason why you SHOULD catch ‘The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor’! Isabella Leong! She’s such an eye-candy ( sounds like I might have some girl tendencies here but hey, everyone loves to look at attractive people. Dont you too?) Probably, the next ‘Zhang Ziyi’. Baby, here’s some pretty pics for you too oogle at lol :p

Sunday!

Everyone’s supposed to be hitting their books for the final revision prior to examination but if you know me, im 1 big procrastinator lol. decided to do my nails in preparation for my trip. Anyone wants a cheap deal on mani/pedi? Yea, i did a package of both classic mani and pedi for only $30 !!! Great deal! Pretty happy with my clean and polished nails, rid of cuticles and dry skin!

1 thing that Im definitely gonna miss when Im over there is the hawker and local feast! Esp. my fav. sliced fish soup! Somehow, I have a very strong feeling that im gonna be putting on alot of weight being in a fast food nation which sees coke as its daily dose of water lol.

I know everyone’s pretty much feeling excited for me. But strangely, Im feeling the blues now more often than before. Perhaps, the reality that Im really leaving for quite awhile is starting to sink in me. Or, just a case of cold feet and being all anxious? Or, maybe it’s cz i still have alot of packing to be done, which i have yet to do so and time’s running out. The feeling of not being totally prepared. I know that Im making it seem like Im going to be gone for years but in actual fact, it’s only gonna be 4.5 mths, with the last 2 weeks with my family for a lovely vacation. Dont get me wrong, Im always keyed up about travelling - if there’s any luxury that I can’t live without, it’s got to be the opportunity to travel. Guess I have to thank my parents for instilling a love for travelling in me :)  But this time round, it’s more than just being a tourist in a foreign country. It’s also about adapting the norms and different lifestyles (albeit for a short time), having to live and work outside of your comfort zone ( a new room-mate from a totally different country. And if you have 1 whom you cant get along with, oh man. good luck! and of course, having to work with other people outside of my SIM friends whom im already so comfortable working with). In a way, starting afresh - it can be a daunting thought. Despite all my ‘emo talk’ now *lol*, this overseas experience is something that i wanted since secondary school so as cheesy as it might sounds, it’s kinda like a ‘dream fulfilled for me’.

It’s also at this point of time that I realised too, that time is too precious. I mean, I’ve always known that time flies but it hasn’t exactly hit me as hard as lately. In her blog, Sara love talks about how ” it’s too late to apologise” … about how sometimes in life, “it’s too late and we can only regret” some of the things we had done so far or “the people we were before”.  Was doing some self-reflection over at the library a couple days back and I fully agree head-on with what sara said … in life, there shouldn’t be too many regrets, it’s important (as cliche as it might sound) that we learn from our mistakes made in the past and to improve ourselves. Life’s short, no time to mull over the past - what we have is our future and it all depends on how we make do with it. We can either continue being upset and getting all beat up over the past or move on to hopfully, better pastures. We all know this theoretically and on paper but to really act upon it ain’t easy. How many times have you told yourself that you would change but eventually, still commit the same mistake? Or the number of times you say that you will do a certain thing (say, volunteer.) yet in the end, only to find excuses such as no time for it? Personally, I’ve always wanted to spend more time with my grandparents- to accompany them on their daily dates (yes, they’re such an adorable couple who still goes out for lunch every wkday!) or spend more time talking to them but somehow, other stuff & commitments always consume me of the time and energy to do so. It’s however a great thing that I stay with them so there’s always the family dinner together. It’s strange how all these just set in me when Im just about to leave - it’s almost as if there’s no tomorrow and i want to ensure that i do those that I promise myself that i’ll. As the time draws nearer, it’s also when I want to spend more homely time with my family, esp. my grandparents. I don’t want to regret not being able to spend as much as i would like with them. It’s often very easy to take our family for granted and that’s probably the 1 thing that Im most guilty of.

So kiss me and smile for me
Tell me that you will wait for me
Hold me like you’ll never let me go

Cause Im leaving on a jet plane
I dont know when I’ll be back again
Oh, babe, I hate to go …