What makes some best friends whilst others not?

You know you were super tired when you typed a post, and then re-read it a few hours later, and realise it simply does not make much sense.

It's just the same as doing any piece of work, just like the analogy I used about a spring. Maybe you're just over-stressing yourself, like what I've said yesterday, you'll be generating great work in no time, just cause I believe that you can. Have more faith in yourself, and don't pile too much pressure on yourself!

******

Was discussing this with Koon that day whilst waiting for Weiling. It started off with me commenting how 2 friends in his faculty, one having made me very hurt before and another not, yet how I still regard the former as a good friend whom I would go all out to protect whereas I'm not so nice to the other.

Friendship, like many other things involving feelings and opinions, has really no basis. It's just like, why do you like certain food and not others? You really can't explain such stuff, right?

It's the same as how friendship just suddenly becomes bland too. Of the four people I trusted most in JC, only 2 remains amongst those I consider to be my most important friends. Perhaps when I wanted to put an end to the friendship earlier this year, I really managed to, finally, this time round. It's weird how you just can't make yourself go into the can't-be-bothered mode for so many years, and then suddenly, you are able to do it. No reasoning, no basis.

Which brings to mind something Guoxing asked the other day. Did I take up law for the sake of the monetary returns? You should know that my answer would be no, right? But it's just a not-so-nice feeling when you see everyone running ahead of you and you're still struggling behind.

Or maybe I've just changed over the years, huh?

Little Things that Make You Happy

Finally, Income has gotten back with whatever they were supposed to confirm. To those who are still clueless by now, yes, I'm starting work this Thurs. My first month would be at Field Servicing (ie. customer service) before I'm transferred to Legal for good, or at least for the entire 6 months of the review. The pay is low, but, at least it's above what I thought they would give, so I'm not really upset. Or perhaps it was all the other tiny things that made me happy, so much so that, this lower pay really didn't make much of a difference.

The late buffet lunch yesterday was also great! Like what I've repeated a million times (Koon actually said I'm usually naggy. WHAT?!?) it's not the food but the company that counts. And any meal taken with any of my good friends is good, even if the food is bad. And then, Over the Hedge was hilarious (though it was marred by phone callS for me). So it was laughing and laughing for that entire hour, or sort of.

Don't know if Gek Koon noticed, but yesterday's conversation was rather different from our usual conversation. As in, instead of talking about school life, looking back at the past, it was more of talking about present as well as thoughts. It's actually a not bad feeling, as in, even though such topics are 'heavier' but, they're way more real. Then again, maybe it's usually my fault, since I'll normally have a habit of steering clear of the 'my thoughts, my feelings' kind of topic.

Actually, I was supposed to meet another person yesterday for lunch, but I didn't in the end, cause I was busy copying something and watching something else on another computer, and would probably have ended up late. I guess sometimes, the way you put something across does make a difference. As in, if he didn't make himself sound like a super busy person who had better things to do, I would have put in more effort in order not to be late. Haha... excuses again, but yes, I was already quite put off since, hey, it's not like I'm dying to have lunch with you either.

Ok, enough of that nonsense. In the end, I'm still glad I didn't bring the anger to sleep, else I would probably not be able to sleep well. Sometimes, 'resolving' matters feel a lot better. Actually, I really hate people to ask me if I'm angry. As in, if you can tell, fine. If you can't figure out, that's your problem. But I can't believe I actually replied in the affirmative. Then again, at least it got my point across, and admitting that I was angry did cause the irritated feeling to dissipate. Though seriously, can the person stop saying that I didn't take the photo because I didn't want to? If you didn't read the portion in that entry that was meant for you, that's your problem! Stop putting words in my mouth! Grr...

That said, that's one little tiny happy thing too (as in the no-longer-feeling-bad-and-not-pissed-off part)

And of course, JianPing is back in Singapore!! That concludes another countdown of mine, and that's another cheery event too, right?

See what I mean about little things adding together to make you happy? Maybe it sounds dumb, but there's no need for big big happy events to bring some sunshine into the day, at least not mine. Even simple things like talking to friends who matter to me is enough =)

PS: I'm still in the process of delivering all the things that I've bought from Taiwan, so erm.. so those who're still waiting, hold on for a while, k? Especially since I'm so good at procrastinating. Oh yes, and Gary, you still haven't told me about your new job!

It's great to be back!

It's really really good to be back, even though I was away for less than a week! The moment the plane touched down in Changi, there was just this unexplanable feeling of safeness and this smile within me. This, despite me loving my country as much as I used to, or how disappointed I am with a country that doesn't love its citizens as much as it should. Can still remember the time when we came back after 10 days in Cebu, how excited and hyper the whole bunch of us were, to the point that someone remarked that we should all pretend that we were from China, given how weirdly excited we were to be in Changi Airport and how we were crazily snapping photos here and there. We even took a neoprint, with me putting my soft toy cat in my blazer pocket.

Anyway, I guess I just like the safeness I feel here. Maybe that's the reason why I should just on a holiday by myself in future. I guess even though I don't mind looking after others, at the end of the day, I still like someone else to look out for me too, if I'm not out alone. Perhaps being the one who does everything, yet at the same time feeling as if I'm on my own just took a toil on me at the end of the trip. That's perhaps why I still love my Cebu trip, or Beijing trip so much, because it wasn't so much of one person looking after everyone, but more of everyone looking after everyone (although I think I was way too spoilt for the Cebu trip).

Ok lah.. but the trip wasn't bad, really. I did like wandering around =) And it's always nice to be able to speak the most common language in a country. Oh... and the food there is nice!! (Though I need to lose weight again!!) And they were having elections there too! So they had those vans with speakers moving around. Too bad I didn't get to watch any rallies though =)

Photos later, perhaps. For now, it's more photos of the mass call first:

Photo with the family first

And of course, the next photo will be with Weiling. The photo is quite dark though

Next up, the photos with the other pupils from Rodyk. Not every single one of them though. Just realised I didn't manage to get a photo taken with Wanqing again!

Laura, who's Ben (ie. tomato)'s room mate and who gave me sufficient things to keep be busy and slightly cheerier when I was in RE and IP:

My plaintiff for FMS:

Friends I made during PLC (maybe with the exception of Stephanie, my most-often-negotiation-partner):

Err... and Law school friends and one of their girlfriends (ie. Mark's):

And of course, Tee Meng, who came down too!

I think someone is still quite pissed off with me for the photo incident that day. Actually, when he typed the words "not your fault for not wanting to take photo with me" and then "i'm not andy lau nor aaron kwok" I actually felt even worse. He's not that bad looking really.. and I'm sure he has way more confidence in himself than that, so that was just an obvious reflection of how angry he still is. Don't know lah.. I'm getting a bit tired of apologising and apologising and it sounds super irritating too. We'll see how it goes. Somehow though, I've this nagging feeling that he won't be able to make it for lunch in the end. Still, I guess I'll just try my luck then... at most.. to quote what we used to hear often in primary school, "don't friend then don't friend lohz". I don't know. Since I was in the wrong, I shall see how it goes?

Somehow, he reminds me of JianPing, particularly that incident in the LT during the NJCO camp period. I guess the only difference is that JianPing will blow up, whereas he doesn't?

Talking about JianPing.. it's 3 more days, I think!

Income hasn't gotten back to me YET, as usual. When on earth will you be telling me when I'm starting, where I'll be posted to and my salary??? If you are really not interested in taking me in, I can always work elsewhere, so just tell me! I hate being neither here nor there. If you want to disallow me from practising first, you jolly well have a position ready and not take a million years to do something.

Before I run off...

More of flying off actually..

Not a good start to the holiday, but oh well, it's not like the first time anyway, you'll just get used to it. How else can I always lend my listening ear nowadays? That's just cause I've come across such similar nonsense too. Just like why I took up my scholarship remember?

Anyway, it's JianPing's graduation today, I think. Don't think he really reads this, but just in case, CONGRATS MR CHAI!!!!!! You've done a good job (don't you contradict me!) and I'm just super glad that one of my closest friend will be back in Singapore soon! (That's 7 days from now, and a mere 3 days by the time I get back! That's definitely something to look forward to!)

Mr Tan and Mr Chan should be flying back in a few hours time.. I sure hope the 2 of you brought back the present I want most --> so, I do get to hear that both guys are more relaxed and cheerier, right? =) In any case, welcome back!!! I miss the 2 of you too, even if it's 3 days! (What to do.. I'm a brat, and I love my closer friends nearby)

Better run off... before I get scolded again.. just like what happened a few hours ago when I was typing the previous entry. In case anyone thinks I'm way too full of me and myself, hey, I haven't finished uploading yesterday's photo, at least the ones with my friends. Shall get that done once I'm back...

I'll miss all of you... really!

Happiest Day in Many Months... Maybe..

As I was packing my bag to get to office yesterday, it suddenly dawned on me how time just flew past. The poor pass that I was returning yesterday was already showing signs of age when I returned it yesterday:

Much as I wasn't totally very happy there, there were pleasant memories too. Perhaps that's why there was a tinge of "holding on" as I left the office after borrowing the court robe yesterday.

Of course, borrowing court robes means that it's mass call today! It feels just like yesterday that I was just a fresh graduate, taking loads of photos with my own friends at the expense of my classmates at law (http://reveriez.blogspot.com/2005_07_01_reveriez_archive.html) and today? It's another round of photo taking, another 'ending' to a part of my growing up. This time round, fewer of my friends came, so that Weiling can no longer use the word 'contigent' to describe my friends. Even so, it was sufficient, because they were friends who matter a lot to me too!

Itak da ge was the first to get to the High Court. If I were to say that I was super happy to have Gek Koon promise to come down for my call that day, then I can say that I was immensely excited when Itak da ge smsed me last night using a Singapore number. He did come down to Singapore afterall for serious matters. It didn't matter simply because he could drop by for my mass call! That's like such a rare guest at a place that reminds me of him and Darmaji too! Just as I told someone else last night "you lose something, you'll gain something in return". Some friends may no longer be as close, but it's not that bad given that I've Itak da ge as one of the friends in exchange for those close friends lost. He may not be always as book smart, but he's always able to drop words of wisdom whenever I needed any, listen to me whine within judging me before that. Itak da ge, xie xie ni!!

Of course, how can any of these photo sessions be without my dearest, nicest, most wonderful friend Mr Tay? You know, even though I didn't say it (cause I think you'll just get irritated by me thanking you non-stop) I'm actually super grateful that you made the effort to wake up early just to take photos with me. Just that I'm such a useless friend, somehow, for my commencement and today's call, I seem to be always neglecting you. How else can you explain this only photo of you? But you know, that day when you said you'll definitely come down unless you oversleep, I was already super super happy. It really doesn't matter whether you did oversleep in the end (although knowing you, you won't if you've made a promise) because it's just the thought that matters and I'm sure you knew that you turning up can just make my day. Thanks for always being the friend I could depend on during JC, through university and all the way till now. Really... thank you!!!

Somehow, it seems like I'm destined never to consume any food from these functions. By the time I was done with my photo taking in the auditorium, I was already one of the last to leave! Still, that wasn't that bad since at least I would have space to have lunch with Itak, Koon and Tee Meng.

Actually, with 2 of my closest friends turning up, I should have been over the moon, completely hyperactively estatic. Somehow though, even though I was really really happy, in the end, something stupid that I did became a dark cloud that eclipsed over my otherwise super happy day. I shouldn't have been so wilful, such that even though I realised my fault a (long) while later, it was a bit late to "make amends". Plus the telephone conversation. Somehow it just casted that dark shadow for the rest of the day, which somehow I just couldn't get rid of.

In the end, I still cancelled all my tuitions. Poor Itak had to walk with me from our lunch area, which was near UOB Plaza, to the old High Court for more photos.

Itak da ge is really a super nice big brother. As we were walking from CityLink Mall through Suntec, my ankles were beginning to truly hurt a little. But because I didn't want Itak to know, I just ignored the pain and walk as per normal. There was one point when he suddenly ask if my feet hurt, and when I said no, he actually said something to the extent of "You are lying if you say it doesn't hurt". Da ge bu kui shi da ge. And despite me refusing to admit, he still made me sit down once to wait for him and instead of walking back to the MRT, we simply took a train (although it was already like 6+++pm by then, meaning we had walked for hours!). Ah.. and that was when we bumped into Fer-Fer with Dingquan. To think that Fer has just graduated and is working already! It just seem like yesterday when she was still one of the juniors in RGCO!

******

To the friend I was really mean to today:

In the end, I really still want to apologise.

I guess when I first said those words, it really didn't occur to me how un-nice they sounded. Perhaps it was just the rebellious me not liking the fact that I was supposed to do something before you would do me that favour. That was really in jest, really, and I got your friend to help me take the photo, because someone else was asking you to help them take the photo then. And then, I was just running around taking other photos with people right beside me that I forgot all about it until much later. That was when I realised how mean I sounded, felt guilty and called you.

I really didn't realise that I sounded that hostile. Come to think of it, I really did cause you to xia bu liao tai in front of your friend. I'm really really sorry. I really didn't notice my tone. Perhaps, I admit, I was a bit irritated by something I heard from another some days ago. Still, just as what Itak and Gek Koon had chided me about, that was really not a valid excuse for my tone. I guess I realised it was wrong even before they 'reprimanded' me, cause immediately after hearing you said that, somehow, I just felt really bad for the rest of the day. Perhaps it sounds pretty stupid, but I guess it's because what you said made sense, that's why the words just stayed for the rest of the day, and made me reflect.

Whatever it is, (even if there are some things that you say/do that I may not agree with) I'm still really glad to have had you as my classmate during PLC, for the few times when you had not much choice but to 'hear' me 'say/complain about' some not-so-happy stuff. For that, I'm really really grateful. And I guess, this almost one year worth of PLC and then pupillage would have been much less colourful if you hadn't (unfortunately for you) been in my tutorial class during PLC, or you hadn't (unfortunately for you, once again) been asked to help another classmate reserve a seat (I think that was the first time I said anything to you.. hmm) So you see, I really really really didn't mind the photo even though I sounded so to you, cause you were part of the memories of this short but eventful growing up journey too. Hmm.. it doesn't make sense nor sound right.. but I presume you understand what I'm trying to get at, right?

Actually, I've got a pretty dumb suggestion.. I really don't mind still taking a photo... errr.. at some more scenic place though.. something like the old high court! (Although err... we should try weekends, so as to seem less dumb) If you are interested, then just tell me and I won't return the court robe so soon..

In any case, I really want to say:

I'm really really really sorry, Kum Fu!

I really shouldn't have behaved the way I did today, even though I really didn't mean it the way you saw it. Still, it's not really a valid excuse, so I really hope you won't take it to heart. I guess you've finally realised what misfortune it is to know of my existence right? Yah.. sorry for my really really childish and like you said, ren4 xing4 behaviour. Sorry!

Yaofang

Running Away Mode

Obviously the title has no meaning.. Just couldn't think of a better title.

I suddenly feel like going out! At the same time, I realised I've been slashing my "circle" of friends. I know it's not some sale, and I know the number of people I count as friends are already highly countable but... there are just some people I no longer trust, some I no longer feel as cheery with..

On another note, I'm not afraid to admit (unlike some people who obviously were worried about retention but refused to admit, but that's long over already of course.. ) that I am really envious of those who will be applying for their PC. Why am I looking at the classifieds on the Law Society website? Oh well, I made a bad decision and I'll live with it. Actually I'm not terribly upset anymore, I mean it's been so many months already.. and, like what someone I look up to once said, I'll just have to find one thing I like there in order to keep me going. Yups, so Yaofang will be fine! Just envious.. =)

And... if only I can have that senior at my mass call.

Daniel's Birthday Celebration

Actually it wasn't only Daniel's birthday celebration.

Had lunch with Terence today. Actually I felt quite bad. I wanted to lunch with Terence because I wanted to buy him lunch. For being that perfectly wonderful big brother. In the end, he paid for the lunch instead. ("Thank you, Terence!") It was a pretty enjoyable lunch (even though Liat Yeang was also dining there, but that's besides the point) though I wonder if Terence felt tortured by the childish one (ie. me).

In any case, Terence is still my favourite LA in litigation.

Since lunch time was till 2pm (though I think I caused Terence to exceed lunch time a little, especially since I was late..) I had many hours left to kill before the mass call rehearsal. I should never allow myself to wander around shopping centres whenever I've something in mind. Too much time + specific thing I'm looking for = Spending money! Yes, and I can be disgusting at saving in such a case. Finally found my clip-on earrings! Not one, but three. Though I found some nice ones online too (See http://www.e-shop.com.sg/index.php?cPath=53_47 ) I want!! But should I? Hmm.....

Finally, Daniel's birthday. Photos later. Dinner felt the best of all the other times, maybe because we had more to say (I think it was me being over excited on the topic of elections). Grr.. Koon laughed/giggled so many times. Hmpf.. But it was pretty evident that Dan wasn't very happy today. Maybe if we had other days to reschedule, he won't have to be forced to have dinner with us even though he was unhappy, and clearly had other things to worry (even though he'll deny when asked).

Mass call on Saturday. Don't think Itak da ge will be in Singapore then, given his ambivalent reply. Still, it's not all that bad, I suppose. I guess I won't be as crazy as last year to ask all those who kept me company whilst I grew up these years though it'll be wonderful if Guowen and kor could turn up. Or maybe even milk powder (though that's even more far fetched!) Hmm...

Backtrack..

It's been quite a while since I've typed here. Perhaps I've grown to be less reliant on the blog. Perhaps I no longer feel as safe typing here. Perhaps..

Polling day came and went, just like the last day of pupillage. Of course, my favourite MP won in my estate, with a greater margin. I think I screamed myself hoarse at the announcement, and bounced around the place for the next few minutes, just like I did when a certain "small white face" lost despite tugging hard at coat tails. Ah... next time, maybe I can offer you better shoes, to feel the ground better, yah?

Still, the results were disappointing.

9 days of elections campaign left me totally worn out, even though I wasn't running for it at all! Just try standing for 3 hours two days in a row in super high heel shoes and you'll know what I mean. One particular field was also disgustingly lousy, in that I could actually sink into the mud. But it was all worth it!

Last day of pupillage came and went. I wouldn't say that I didn't feel anything at all since that would be super unlike me. The day before, we had our review session and the pupillage partner asked me for my comments, which I refused to say. Just like what we think a pupil master should be. I'm glad my pupil master answered the question about the number of times he had brought me out for lunch.. uncountable.. How smart. It was truly uncountable, simply because there wasn't anything to count. Not that I really care cause you are only a pupil master in name only. To think that stupid me actually looked up to you to that great an extent before PLC. Oh well, I must be blind.

Siang Pheng feels a lot more like my pupil master. To think my tears actually wanted to surface when he came by my table on the last day. You see, what I think a good pupil master should be is not the number of times you bring your pupil out for lunch.. but more of, noticing your pupil and taking part in the actual training of your pupil. When I passed him the cookies that day, I actually wanted to say "Thank you, Mr Lek.. Thank you for being a good teacher, for letting me feel that I've a 'stand-in' pupil master for the other non-existent one. Thank you for not letting me feel left out, for being interested in my training, for suggesting to me the things to be done, to try out. Thank you, Mr Lek, for being the fatherly figure.. for always giving me the comforting smile whenever I walk into your room. Thank you for telling me to staple things with their corners neatly stacked together. Somehow that habit stuck and I became more particular about stapling. Thank you for everything, Mr Lek.. for pupillage.. and for my attachment." Of course I didn't, cause that sounds super childish, and it'll just bring up other hidden meanings. Still, I'll not forget to have more confidence in myself, that I'll survive in practice, if I ever do practice. Thank you Mr Lek!

Actually, there were a lot of other things that I wanted to say that day, that I didn't cause it sounded just so not right. Just like... I passed the cookies to Terence without saying "Thank you" at all, even though he's one of those whom I really really wanted to say that to (my pupil master not included). Terence, thanks for always making an effort to make me feel comfortable, be it during attachment or pupillage. He's so much like a big brother, and a very nice one. I still remember the first day of pupillage when my pupil master didn't have anything to say to me, and just told me to go home even though it was way before 6pm. Terence popped by to chat... and made me feel comfortable instantly. Even that day when Wanqing and I were back to deal with our call papers. He was the one who made me look for the provision in the LPA, and then read that provision. Terence, thank you... really!

Hmm... however, the last week also reinforced a view, that is, not to trust law students. Sometimes, you may think that what you said is chivalrous, but you are just giving me more problems. What you say will just get passed on and on.. until it gets out of hand. And thanks to what you smartly told another, I shall remember to watch my mouth even further.

Then again, that once again doesn't matter too.

Was just telling some people that I really don't feel like going for the mass call cause it's just a photo session, and the people I want to take photographs with won't exactly be present. JianPing is overseas.. Koon, I don't want to tell him, simply cause I don't want someone else there, but telling him and not the someone would just put him in a spot if the other person finds out, and I don't want to do that. Hmm... I can't possibly be such a huge brat to ask if Itak da ge is coming to Singapore next weekend right? But mass call would be so worthwhile, even if only one of them turns up.. Hmm...

Went back for NJCO concert on Thursday. I don't know why the impact was so great. When I heard Yao Zhu Wu Qu, memories just kept flooding back.. The happy things that happened during NJCO days... That encore piece.. William Tell.. reminded me of my last concert with RGCO too. Everything just flew by, just like the wind. Before you can even grab hold of them, they've disappeared into dust. But, I still remember how to play those pieces, the notes, who's coming in when etcetc. Some memories just don't fade... I really miss all of you.. I really do...

These two weeks, a once relatively close friend appears to be keeping in contact more often. By right, I would have been relatively happy, but I really don't feel a thing. Cause now, I'm just the silly "guardian angel" (ok.. a bit thick skinned.. but... something to the extent of a person protecting another) who is there to "lend you my shoulders to lean on".. Just as I've said, I'll try my best to help you deal with the current situation (though I don't think you need me actually) before I retire. Though I don't think you noticed what I typed yesterday, or realised what I meant.. What a junior said that day about another having sacrificed/put in a lot really stuck in my mind. I guess I still prefer to watch from afar, appear when needed, before disappearing into the crowd again. I chose to allow myself to be used simply because you still retain a certain standard of importance (as compared to those who have never reached that level of closeness, yet chose to be bigmouths) as a friend.. yet at the same time, you are not as important a friend any more too given that your presence/absence doesn't make that much of a difference either. Contradictory isn't it?

Koon, JianPing.. can I borrow your back to lean on for a while someday and then chat and chat and chat?? I really miss the bus rides, the times in the library where I could talk, talk and talk.. Just like, I miss talking to you too, Itak da ge.. when will you be coming to Singapore again?? Hmm...

Seasonal fruits

I realise that some seasonal fruits are making their appearances when theoretically, it's not that particular fruit season yet. Walked past fruits stall just now, they were selling durians for $1 per pack. Too bad sis is still having her exams. Better not get sick, so decided not to buy.

Still, nowadays, people no longer have to look at the shell, feel the thorns to buy durians. Everything can be prepacked, so I don't think buying durians requires that much skills isn't it? Pardon me if I'm wrong, but I thought it's a, if it looks good then buy? But if it looks crumbly, then you'll just avoid it?

By the way, I heard it's chiku season now. Somehow, I think I'm just plain unlucky, I don't see any chikus in the supermarket yet, not even unripe ones!

******

There's definitely something wrong with me.. some screws missing I think. Why am I so hyper and high today? Even for lunch, although I'm normally quieter when there're strangers, I was actually super high and a bit nonsensical even with Chee Min around. I'm sure he thinks there's some screws missing from my brains too.

Oh, and my pupil master asked me if I want to follow him to court on Tuesday. That's rather rare, but interestingly, I'm not that excited. Since he says he's bring a bitch (in my own humber opinion) for one of his court stuff, why doesn't he bring her for the other? Just saves time for him. Oh well.

Buried Memories and Calm

I wonder if it's a sign of aging when you hear a song that you used to dislike on the radio and find it calming. I sure hope not, considering that I just found myself relaxing as I listened to one Aaron Kwok's song on radio today (a soothing one, not the noisy ones). Given how much I didn't like Aaron Kwok's song in primary school, such reaction does provide some food for thought huh?

Anyway, a recap of last week. No, I did not disappear into thin air. Rather I was just way too tired... from watching VCDs late into the night. Not that I can help it either, given that by the time I get home from tuition, it's already rather late.

As I was saying, last week was peppered with more divergence from the usual week. There was the Monday meeting. Then the lunch on Thursday with Tee Meng. It's quite amusing how we've never actually talked to each other before this. The first and last time I saw him was during my sec 4 RGCO concert and we roped him in to sabo Jamie. Jamie and her blue rose. For most strangers, there would usually be some awkwardness. But not for this 'senior'.. although strictly speaking we are really very much like strangers too!

Then, there was Thursday night dinner with Meisi. Much as I think that the Certificate of Good Character (or something to that extent) is crap, it provided a reason to meet up after so many years. Although I can't say that we've not seen each other for as long as I've not seen Tee Meng, but considering how our friendship goes back to primary school days, the few years since the two of us have really sat down to chat and chat and chat can really be considered super long. That said, I miss having her living nearby. Not that it makes a real difference but, it's just a feeling.

Reminds me of Jo and how she used to live opposite too. Somehow a certain scene of her waiting at her void deck to pass me the homework when I was on MC from school always flash across my mind when I think about how nice it'll be to have her opposite. It's always a good feeling to have your closer friends nearby.

Speaking of which, I was still asking my sis whether I should get Ciyao or Jo to sign my other set of forms.

Friday night dinner with Weiguang. How bad can dinner be when you have your friends as company? In fact, without all this tiny "checkpoints" to tide me through the days and weeks, time would pass so much more slowly and it'll feel a lot more painful! Which brings to mind something Gary wrote in one of his entry. I'm not sure for others but I still need little rewards along the way to push myself forward, so things like meeting up with people who mean a lot to me, or even talking to them just makes all the difference.

Fastforward to Sunday, I turned up for the first time at the clan building since the dinner a few weeks ago which ended with me offering to help out. Although it was almost half a Sunday spent with a bunch of grandfather-like figures, it wasn't really all that bad, even if they were speaking Teochew most of the time (and my brain had to work overtime trying to decipher what they were saying). Still, unlike what people think about clan associations being dowdy places, I actually thought it was rather homely, somewhat like having a bunch of grandfathers looking after you. It's really not too bad. Seriously.

Ah.. and of course the main news for the week. Polling day is next Saturday! How I love parallels especially when they are brilliantly done.

Hmm... would you ever liken yourself to an animal just because you like a particular song with that animal? Take for example, would you want to be associated with a cockroach just because you like the song "Bu Pa"? I won't definitely. But then, there are always people who would (I mean the analogy, not referring themselves to cockroaches)

That's enough on polling day. I'm actually looking forward to attending the rallies once again. This would be the 4th round of rallies I've attended! From the basketball courts to the field opposite Nativity Church, to Hougang Stadium (and probably Hougang Stadium again this year). How things have changed and how I've grown from the primary school girl I then was to the first-time voter I am now. Hmm...

Much Ado About Nothing!

Just as what Gek Koon had said, I was worried for nothing!

Basically nothing was really said during the meeting that couldn't be said over emails. Even the waiting part.

I actually regret saying the lower end of my expected salary. I can so expect them to at most give me my minimum expected. Forget it, like what Wanqing had said, if not happy, just move off. So I'll just take one step at a time, yahz?

You know, it's times like these when you feel most loved. Whatever would I do without the people who are so dear to me?

Gary, thanks for the offer to let me call you after 8.15pm. But I'm fine what... did I sound any bit like I wasn't going to be? =)

Weiguang, thanks for you 101 reassurances.. and company

Gek Koon, for always believing in me, the day before I went for my scholarship interview, all the way till now, the meeting before I start work..

And the bear that I was clutching to at work.. my favourite 18th birthday present from one of my closest friend....

Irene too, for providing me with so much insider info...

AND of course, the unexpected:

Thanks Xinyi, for the well wishes and the listening ear..

And Mingyi, for calling those few times to check if I'm fine..

With so many people giving out warmth, and such safe shelters to rest in.. there's no reason why I should not be grateful =)

Nervousness...

Gosh..

I'm nervous I'm nervous I'm nervous...

Less than 24 hours left.

Why am I nervous anyway?

Still,

I'm really nervous..

I saw my MP today!!!

Ok, the title sounds pretty lame, but yes! I saw my MP today. =) Just suddenly realised it's been 15 years since I watched my first election rally. Back then, it was held at the basketball court downstairs, then it went to that area beside Nativity Church and the last time, it was at the sports stadium. How things change, just like.. my MP seems to have aged a lot since the last election when I saw him at the polling centre.

Anyway, no blogging on political matters.

Other than that, it was pure tuition today. Once in the morning and once in the evening, even though the two places were so near! And I so wanted to strangle the second kid when he perpetually couldn't do simple multiplication and division for fractions although he's in Primary 6! That's not the point. The point is.. his mum said I wasn't to give him any homework! Oh well, but after what I commented today, I think I've sufficiently freaked his mum out to make her more receptive to the idea of homework for her kid. Parents these days are just plain weird...

As I'm typing away, it's Derrick's birthday again. Even though he doesn't know of this blog, nor does he really care about non-important-people wishing him.. as a matter of habit though.. "Happy 24th Birthday, Derrick!"

My wrist hurts!

Contrary to what Weiguang chooses to think, I'm actually not irritated. I even told Joseph that it was ok when he says he owes us lunch. I mean, this is part of my job. Remember NJC's school motto? "Service with honour" Well, I'll just call this service. You pay me, I do whatever you tell me to do. That's it, isn't it?

Ah.. but of course it makes a difference who does the asking. Some IDIOT pupil came over apparently trying to get me to do a repeat of yesterday (Oh yah, unless you are Gary or Weiguang of course, you wouldn't and couldn't have known that I stamped the page number on 5608 pages yesterday, though I did more stamping than that since I made some mistakes and had to redo some of them, but that's another matter). Of course I said no. Firstly, you are but a pupil. Secondly, I do not like your face. So what if you think you're very great? You are but a pupil too, so don't try to tell me what to do. It's your work, so you jolly well do it yourself.

That's all I shall say for work.

I still love my personal friends more.

Was looking forward to having dinner with Weiguang and Weishi, but yesterday's work made me think that it wasn't possible. So I told Weiguang and in the end, dinner was cancelled even though in the end, I changed my tuition till tomorrow and Saturday. =( In the end, I got Gary to keep me company instead. I guess the Income meeting is kind of weighing me down, making me nervous... but with a wonderful company, how can one ever continue to feel down for so long? Thanks Gary! For making me so much cheerier... and for giving me an "immunity boost" for what is to come on Monday.

As you can tell, I'm still kind of apprehensive.

In the end, I did ask that colleague if he was free for lunch on Monday. Although he gave a non-committal answer, somehow, it didn't matter to me. Not when I have comforting-to-talk-to people like Gary to talk to about anything, or when there's always the ever-dependable Weiguang around online, or the always-supportive Gek Koon who is just an sms away. Yup, so I don't need to artificially get someone else to calm me down, cause I'll be fine!

And of course, the start of my weekend just got even better as I'm typing this, just cause I've one of my most-trusted friend online now too!

"Dreamer: My computer runs slower than the time I take to shower says:
i always see u online very late into the night... take care hor"

JianPing, THANK YOU!! I know this sounds stupid and ultra emotional, but.. that just made my day.. I mean.. week..

Then again, that's so not right!!! I've already stopped going online so late into the night, k? But still, that bit of concern just feels super nice on this cool Friday morning.

Yaofang will be fine cause despite a sleepy start, she's now feeling ultra happy! =)

Let's just hope Monday will turn out fine.

Walks

Somehow, people tend to comment all at the same time. Or is it because I haven't been online for quite a while, so the moment I'm on, I get the same comments about how I haven't been online and how I haven't been updating my blog.

These days, I tend to walk home from tuition, whether it's at Woodbridge.. I mean Buangkok, Hougang or Yio Chu Kang. Partly to save bus fare (cause in any case I still have to walk a distance to the bus-stop where I get on and then get off) but also, walking especially late at night allows me to think (unless I'm on a lookout for stalkers). That's the time I used to plan my speech on Saturday. The time when I get my thoughts sorted out too.

As I was walking back today, I suddenly thought of dinner at somewhere East this Thursday, just so that I could deliver a cake to someone's place. Still remembered approximately 5+ years ago, on an early December night, someone commented about how he liked chocolate fudge cake, and I promised/offered to get one for his birthday. Somehow that never materialised, simply cause the friendship started turning haywire about 2 months later when our A level results came out. I don't think you still remember that day, we were out hunting for your tie after my work and dinner was at Snoopy Place cause I liked Peanuts then and had wanted to go there a long while ago. That was one out the two times I dined there before it closed and frankly, I still like that place quite a bit. And I still remembered the comfort you provided the following day, during my class chalet, just because I didn't want to see the bitchy teacher.

Back to your birthday. I wonder if you still remember I actually promised to get you one of the Swatch watches when I finally start work? That was when we spent half a day hunting for the piano book that I needed for my exam and we finally found it at Peace Centre. Neoprints was still a fad then, and we took some that day. In fact, I was quite pleasantly surprise to see one of it pasted in the card that you gave me for commencement.

So many years have passed, I wonder if you still remember the things I had promised then, but I still do. Just that, I don't even know whether I'll be sending you that birthday sms since I don't think it really matters to you. That day, you were talking about birthday presents, but you know, you do have some very precious presents, in the form of 2 friends who would probably do anything to protect you if the need arises, even if they are pissed with you. Really. But whatever it is, your birthday is worth celebrating even if from afar because without the wonderful friend you were during JC times, I wouldn't have been as happy and cheery JC girl as I was then, right?

Then, as I came closer home, somehow, there were a lot more bicycles along the road. Watching them cycle reminds me of 2 friends too.. Guoxing used to cycle to school too, until his bicycle was stolen. Still remembered this time when I was super pissed with you for don't-know-what-reason and didn't really want to talk to you. But you still brought me the papers.. 6kg worth of it.. On top of your school bag and stuff.. And you cycled to school. All this just because my class wanted to win that chalet stay and I asked you to. Just like the Cebu trip when I refused to have the raw egg on my breakfast or the greyish-black looking rice at Maranathan.. Or the times when you would get biscuits for me when you hear of me skipping lunch/recess cause of the long queues.. In fact, that day I had the strawberry Polky(correct spelling?) for lunch just cause it reminded me of JC. Come to think of it, I really miss those days when we talked on the phone, at the staircases, along the corridors and wrote postcards.. Those were such carefree days (ok, minus school work since I remembered our grades were almost equally bad.. Must be my bad influence..) I really missed the chats we had then. But we've all grown up over the years and have changed somewhat. Somehow we aren't as good friends as we were then. But you know what? No matter how we grow, one thing will never change, that is, you'll always remain one of my most treasured friends (yes.. even if you were to irritate me at times)

Talking about treasured friends and bicycles, how could the image of a certain Mr Chai not pop up? You wrote either in one of the letters or in my autograph book that we would still have to keep in contact after graduation, cause you still hadn't taught me to play the guitar or cycle. Actually, till now, you haven't! But I've more or less learnt how to cycle, albeit rather dangerously still. I still remember my first attempt at learning. You were the one teaching me and as usual, you took extra care so that I wouldn't be injured, even though it meant you ending up with cuts given my perchant for zooming into rubbish bins =) Even though I kept commenting about how I couldn't learn properly as a result of you focusing so much on not letting me get injured, I was and still am very thankful for that. Really. Just like how you played a role in ensuring that I didn't get straight Fs for my A levels. Stupid whoever. I so wanted you to come down for the mass call, but they had to make it so early which means you can't be there. I wonder how you're coping with your exams in US now. Hmm.. I really miss the times when we took the bus to that SCGS bus stop together, come to think of it, I must have been quite a chatterbox during those few minutes huh? Actually, I can't remember why I started changing buses instead of taking that one direct bus home.. but if you ask me, I don't think I'll regret the changing bus. Even if we were having cold wars on the bus at times. Hmm... I really really miss those bus rides, but even if we do take the same bus again, somehow both of us have changed so much, sometimes I think we've even run out of things to say. Perhaps that was one reason why I enjoyed my commencement that much too.. somehow that day it just felt so much like JC.. Have I ever said this before? Thank you, JianPing.. really..

If Jianping was the pitiful classmate who had to bear with my chatterings and kiddy behaviour, then Koon must be the poor classmate who always had to hear about my problems, when I do feel like confiding. Don't know why, I kept having this memory of us sitting in the Chinese books side of the library and I started talking about something that happened at home. Or the times he had to get me out of scrapes, for example the stupid bitchy Ms Yang incident. I spoke my mind about her childish behaviour, and then refused to contact her further and Koon had to take over the dirty job and he never once scolded me too. And then there was the time when I was doing attachment at Income and was somehow somewhat akin to having depression. Smsed in the afternoon, and we met up in the evening and just talked and talked. He was still in NS then, so I can't remember why he could be out on a Wednesday evening. But as usual, he's always able to drive the rain clouds away. Although I know you'll find me irritating for saying "thank you" on and on.. I really really mean it.. Thanks for being my safest and sturdiest pillar all these years. Really...

Wonder what made me think of these 4 most treasured JC friends. Perhaps work, Income just makes me miss them and the very safe feeling...

In any case, the Income meeting is next Monday. Don't know why I'm feeling nervous now. If only one of them were nearby. But of course that's only a "if".. Hmm... don't think a certain Mr Wong Kum Fu reads this.. else he promised lunch on the afternoon of my meeting with Income HR. But.. I don't think I'll ask.. somehow, I really don't understand why I'm so conscious of what Derrick's friend said to me the last time.. It's just plain old-fashioned thought... but...

It's always the simplest things that brighten the day

Had tuition today and after that, since the tuition was at Compassvale Lane, I thought I would drop by Reich's place to borrow the stuff I wanted. But in the end, he cycled over to pass the stuff to me. And initially, I wanted to make sure he get back safely. In the end, he was the one who sent me all the way till downstairs.

It's been such a long while since I've last seen him. And it's always a joy to see the little-boy-who-had-just-grown-to-be-a-bigger-boy. Thanks for the books! And for sending me back! =)

On another note, I met up with Priscilla too for lunch. Not that we talked much, but, lunch was just relaxing.

Shall look forward to dinner with Reich and company... soon? =p

I am a lazy pig...

In the end, I still succumbed to temptation and started blogging before I start on my work. I've spent so many days on 2 ought-to-be-not-too-difficult-tasks set by my pupil master, but the dumb me just hasn't finished it. Somehow, work from my pupil master always stresses me out. I don't know why, but sometimes, much as I like doing work for my pupil master, I'm always in this adrenaline-high state whenever I'm not done with the work. The last time I had this sudden panic attack was the week before PLC exams, I think, when Kum Fu seemed to have studied so much and I felt I was just plainly not studying. This time round, I was watching my weekly Saturday TV (which I missed for the last 2 weeks, but that's besides the point) when the sudden panic came zooming in and paralysed me. This is so not good. I think if I don't start on it, I doubt I'll sleep well tonight. Then again, I've tuition tomorrow morning and if I really don't sleep, I think I'll just doze off tomorrow!

Anyway, my tuition line-up next week is beginning to sink in. Perhaps that's the reason for my panic attack too.

Enough is enough..

What a certain Mr Tan pointed out (I think.. can't really remember what he said though...) was really true. It's just plain childish to move blogs each time you want to avoid certain readers. So after some pondering (which I normally do on my 45min walks home) I thought, this can't go on all the time. And like what another guy said to me many weeks ago, though he was talking about himself, so long as you are able to take responsibility for your words, you don't really have to worry that much.

Someone just drove home the point about how my "colleague's treatment" should be extended and applied to one and all. You had to affect the start one of my weeks, though your actions didn't do that much harm, at least I couldn't be that bothered with whatever you did. But you just had to spoil my otherwise-relatively good week again by insisting on serving some unpalatable "dessert". Whatever it is, thanks for driving home the point about being extremely cautious.

Thankfully of course, your extent of ability wasn't that great. There were better things along the day that made me forget about you, until I sat down to type this of course.

Was once again the first to reach my side of the office today. It's always so much nicer to work when there's no one around. SP came in later followed by my pupil master. To the not-informed, seeing my pupil master at 8am is an extremely rare occurrence, or rather, I've never seen him around at that time before. Somehow, he came by my table, peered his head over and asked "Are you alright?" That was a pretty dumb question, given that I was doing work and I wouldn't have answered anything else anyway. But he continued with the "Are you sure? You look rather sad lately" something to that extent, though I can't remember what exactly he said. It felt not bad, my pupil master actually noticing me (even though I still think I'm always smiling brightly although a certain Weiguang apparently begs to differ). But, I guess the estasy of getting concern from my pupil master is not longer as great as before PLC.

Which reminds me I'm still NOT done with my pupil master's work.

Ah.. and I did leave the card and cookie on Wei Shin's table early in the morning even though I didn't talk to him or say bye when leaving. I mean, so many people going in to talk/say bye to him, I don't have to add to the numbers, right?

Oh yahz, to Xinyi who left a comment on my yesterday's entry on my transitional blog, don't worry, I survive pretty well on biscuits and my soya bean drink. And, call date is on the 20th, want to come?? Though I don't think it's very exciting.

And since the above paragraph is for you, can you try to remind me to say something? Thanks gal!

Meanwhile, it's time to catchup on my long lost sleep!

EQ vs IQ

Was just having an interesting conversation/debate about EQ and IQ. I still agree that EQ is way more important than IQ, and that I do not have much EQ, at least I seem to lose very often in my games of chess.

The call date is confirmed. 20th May. That's so fast. And tomorrow is Wei Shin's last day. One less da ge ge around. But I'll be fine, cause I'm Yaofang right?

Not much progress in my work. Don't know why, the pressure always feels worse when it's work for my pupil master. I think I pushed myself a bit too hard today to meet my self set deadline of tomorrow, since my shaky hand problem is surfacing again. I'm actually beginning to feel hungry but as I've said to myself, no real food until I finish my work. If I can't even take it for a few days, how am I going to survive beginning next week?

I'm still feeling disappointed, that the mass call is on 20th. This means JianPing definitely cannot make it.

No Weiguang and Gary around on MSN tonight. I actually miss having them online tonight, cause I just want to whine a little. I'm a spoilt brat, I must agree. Territorial exercises should be limited to territories, not spread to every corner. It's tiring you know? But I can press on simply cause I know I can.

Had lunch with KF and Xinyi yesterday. Finally managed to return the treat, so there's no pressing need to return lunch treats anymore. But lunch was fun and it was a good break.

Given this public domain, I think it's high time I removed these entries right? Should I? Or maybe I should just copy Mr Chan.

Tired. Shall let brain have a break and work.

Wonder if it's possible to get to work at 6+.

I feel so loved huh?

"As she is the only pupil who is not retained, could RE have her posted here for the rest of her pupilage. We can do with the extra pair of hands."

Hello.. I have a choice right? And I prefer to do something that's related to Income, not running errands for you just cause you need. If you want, ask properly and I'll be glad to do so.

That said. I don't feel anything. Perhaps I just hate all of you too much to be bothered