Nicknames
I realized that for the whole of today, no one called me by my first name. Everyone called me by my nicknames! And it made me wonder just how many nicknames I have. Somehow when people first get to know me, they call me Charmaine. But once they have gotten close to me, they end up giving me nicknames. It lets me know they feel comfortable around me and that makes me happy too. (:

CHAR
The most common nickname of mine. Almost everyone calls me this if they don't feel like using 'Charmaine'.

CHARZ
Woon Ching gave me this nickname. But I think people like the sound of this so much they're starting to call me this too. Haha!

CC
This one is given to me by my class, FS0803, because we have 2 Charmaine's. Actually, I really like this nickname. It's short and sweet. Hahaha :D

MAINE
A rarer version. I found it weird as first but I eventually got used to it. Something special, lah. Lol.

CHARM
Another interesting one. (I don't think I'm charming, for that matter.) This one is given to me by Nabilah and Shi Hui. I think they came up with it separately, though.

LUCKY CHARM
Hahaha! Only one person calls me this: Bi Xue!

CUTIE PIE
I'd almost forgotten about this nickname until Li Ping called me this when I wished her happy birthday today. My secondary school nickname. Lol.

I still have other nicknames that only certain people call me, or many other nicknames to tease me. I think people just enjoy making up cute littles names for me...

FYP Presentation Day & Acknowledgements
After 3 months of Final Year Project—ok, 2 months for those who signed up as YOG volunteers—it is finally over. I've a whole lot of people to credit right now.

After my 3 months attachment at IFF's beverage lab, I was exasperated when I heard that I would be working in NYP's beverage lab (again, beverage lab!) for my FYP. This project hasn't been easy. There was a lot of labour involved. At the worst period, we worked almost 12 hours straight on our feet, carrying heavy equipment (bloody Stephan cooker!) and many litres of beverage around. We were overtiming just about every other day.

Things came to a head when the mould contamination occurred and threatened the entire project. It was when the entire FS staff and SCL directors came down to access the situation and come up with CCP plans that I realize the sheer magnitude of this project and how serious contamination can be in the food industry. I used to take it lightly because I've only read about it in my lecture notes. Nothing beats first-hand experience, huh?

But the project team picked ourselves up again despite the setback. I've had a damn good time working with this team—Lin Liang, Xin Hui, Wei Sheng, and Jessie. There were plenty of goofiness and teasing (Jessie's always the victim haha) and I really enjoyed myself. I've learnt quite a bit here and there from the other FS lecturers as well. IFF's beverage lab gave me exposure to the overseas beverage market, whereas NYP gave me an insight into food production.

Thank you Lin Liang for being a great friend and supervisor. Jessie and I slacked off sometimes, but you always let us off without a big fuss. Truthfully speaking, I think the one who had it the hardest all this while was you, though you would never show it. Thanks for riding it out with us all.

And to my dear project partner, Jessie Pua! Thank you for being a super fantastic buddy. I really, really enjoyed working with you. I think my tendency to do last-minute work has worried you many times, but you would let me work at my own pace while keeping me in check, and I appreciate that. There were a lot of fun times too. I'm not going to forget that time we squeezed 6 trolleys and the 2 of us into the lift! Omg, haha. Let's have fun in KL soon! (:

FYP also gave me a chance to get to know my FS coursemates better too. There are some FS0803 classmates who I do not have the chance to interact with often during the last 2 years. Probably 'cos we come from different cliques and everything. Glad I got to know them better. I was mostly acquaintances with FS0802 as well. Have been spending quite a bit of time around them during FYP and getting to know them better too. They're a fun bunch of people and never once made me feel left out. (:

* All photos used in this post do not belong to me. Credits go to Yi Ting and Jessie.


FYP poster and AES presentation at Q518 from 1-4pm. A lot of time was wasted on waiting since each group had to be assessed by two assessors individually. Jessie and I were the last to finish at 4pm, omg. I did have fun going around chatting with people, just laughing over stupid stuff, taking photos, and seeing classmates who had been away on attachment. (:

I freaked out a bit while waiting to present. Presentations are never my thing. Urgh. Thank you to those who wished me good luck or sent me SMS-es! They made me feel loads better. (:


Jessie and my poster for our project. Nice, right? (Better say yes, lol.) There was too much information to squeeze into one A1-sized poster, lah. Only ended up putting a tiny bit of it.


I can't believe even after wearing heels I'm still shorter (if not same height) as Jessie! She's about 160cm while I'm 157cm. -.-


(Clockwise from left): Shi Hui, Charmaine, Jessie, Yi Ting

I know the FYP presentation's tomorrow, that I've to submit the report, SOLID session reports, and a whole lot of other work tomorrow. All because FYP is officially after tomorrow. Well, they're almost done and I don't care. I was up till 6am rushing last minute work and then I'm off to meet Woon Ching.

There wasn't much to do. We felt more like talking, anyway. Haven't seen her in months. Spent the day eating and talking.


No Nut Chocolate Chip Cookies from Famous Amos. Their cookies are the best! I can't resist the crunchiness. I wanted to try out something from Once Upon A Milkshake as well. Ordered a mini milkshake in the Pirate Queen Peach flavour. The milkshake's so thick I was struggling to suck it up the straw! It's nice that it's thick without being too milky and the taste is very natural with bits of peaches inside.


I personally like Mr. Bean's soya ice cream. The texture's so creamy and smooth. And it only costs $0.90. :D

I woke up from a dream at 5.35am. Not going to say what I dreamt about. Later on in the day, my intuition told me the same thing as my dream had. Makes me wonder if I am imagining things. (:

Frankly, I've nothing much to say now. I've said whatever there is to be said to Esther. I'd told her long ago that I would kick her butt to China myself if she is going to be wishy-washy because I can see this is her dream and calling in life. I'm glad the dream she had worked so hard for is coming true. (:

Met Si Min at T3 at 7pm for dinner before we met up with Li Ping, Mei Ling and Shu Rong.





These two can be so goofy! I enjoy watching their nonsense.






Woohoo, the Riverside girls photo.
(From left to right: Charmaine, Mei Ling, Li Ping, Si Min, Esther, Shu Rong)

Si Min presenting a farewell gift to Esther. And look at the number of luggages Esther's bringing over. I think they exceeded the weight limit by a few kilograms.


Lol. We look like we're having an intellectual conversation! Mei Ling's pose is so cute. (Actually, I don't remember what we were talking about.)




Raphael, Jin Xiang and Chesten came to find us at around 9pm. Here's another funny photo: They were caught tip-toeing to look tall!


More Si Min & Esther nonsense. I love these two photos. :D


Ok, Shu Rong started this! She calls it the smell-your-hair pose. Hahaha, and we all ended up following her.


Oh yes, I wasn't kidding when I said I would do the "Banzai!" when sending Esther off. :D

It is hard when someone you hold dear, someone who has been by your side all this while, is suddenly going to some faraway land. But I'm not going to cry because that is such a pain in the butt. I really look forward to being good friends with Si Min 'cos I think we're going to get along well. (:


That's Esther's flight. We would like to stay with her long but it was already 11pm and we're about to miss the last train home. We practically ran to the MRT to catch the last train to Tanah Merah! Finally reached home at 12.30am.


Till we see you again in January, Esther!

Oh, my God. This is AWESOMEEEEEE.

No, I'm not talking about the excessive display of abs. Screw that!

I love the mysterious storyline, dark theme and sleek dance moves. Raaahh! ♥

Went to JB for a quick shopping trip with Esther! A week or two ago, I'd told her about some nice stuff I'd saw at City Square and she agreed to accompany me on a second trip. It feels so good to grab a passport and get out of Singapore, even if it's just traveling to Malaysia. I'm addicted to the kind of freedom that comes with traveling.

The checkpoint officer was, like, "Hello. Going where?" with a smile. I replied, " Shopping!" with a smile, took my passport, thanked him and walked off to start my shopping trip. The older I get, the more strangers—of various ages and backgrounds—like to make small talk with me or tell me their life story. It's fun talking to strangers, though. To think many years ago when we were kids, adults were always telling us not to talk to strangers. Hahaha!

Had to get our stomachs filled up before we begin shopping. Just had to dine at Wong Kok Char Chan Teng. In my humble opinion, I think this HK cafe outlet beats all other HK cafes in Singapore. The waiters and waitresses were prompt and friendly, and the menu leaves one spoilt for choice.



I ordered a 四君子, which translates to 'Four Gentlemen' while Esther had a cup of warm almond drink. Their desserts have very interesting names and it always make me want to try them! I ordered mine because I knew the drink contains yam milkshake and flavoured puddings, and I love those! The almond drink was amazing too. It was sweet, fragrant and thick. If only almond drinks were more common in Singapore. It's one of my favourites.


Forgot what Esther's order was called, but it's a cross between an omelette and chee cheong fun. Ah, it was fried so nicely. Somehow, I always end up ordering cheese-baked rice at HK cafes. There were five types of sauce to choose from and I asked for the salsa one. It didn't turn out as spicy as expected, kinda mild.

I had a fruitful shopping trip. I got a dress and 4 tops for less than SGD$90. Yay! Now tell me where to find such low-priced, good quality and classy clothes in Singapore! Hah! >:D

I stayed up all night to do the FYP poster. Things never change with regards to project datelines: I would do the work only 1 or 2 days before the dateline and that usually means pulling all-nighters.

After I was done with the poster, I was headed to Esther's house around 9am. I stopped by the Ya Kun Kaya Toast outlet at Sun Plaza to buy breakfast. It's fun surprising someone with breakfast at their doorstep! (:

The main purpose of the visit was to get her clothes. There isn't a point in keeping the clothes in her wardrobe since she's going to be overseas mugging for the most part of the next few years. I ended up hauling a huge bag of clothes home!

The postman came by while we were sitting in front of her desktop watching Arashi crack and munching away on kaya toasts. The orders Si Min, Esther and I had placed for an online NYX cosmetics spree have arrived! One of the items I'd ordered was missing, though. Hope it comes soon.

I've no idea why I want a fiery red lipstick either. Guess it just reflects my mood of late—impulsive, reckless and temperamental.

Today has been a super super fun day! My fun lasted almost 12 hours straight. Lin Liang wanted to treat Jessie and I to a meal now that the project is close to completion. And we wanted to give her a belated birthday celebration. (:

Initially, Jessie and I had thought of decorating a brownie. But Jessie overslept (ahaha!) and we decided to do a cake at The Icing Room instead. We bought the 6" cake, thinking a larger cake would be safer in case we have more people going for the makan session.


When 'Happy Birthday' becomes 'Happy Birdday'. Jessie's idea. And she didn't even spell it. Drawing birds seem way more creative. Birds, eh? If only Lin Liang's a guy. Lol.


Used the sugared pieces to spell Lin Liang's initials. It was a nightmare doing the border (ok, it was my idea). Squeezing out tiny drop after drop for a 6" cake is no joke.


We thought it would be nice to get a gift to go with the cake but had no idea what to buy. Ended up passing by a party shop and decided to get LL one of those balloons on a stick. We got a plain one so we could write her a message.


Crazy Jessie. I told her her handwriting is nice one, lor! My handwriting is like a bloody computer font—people actually mistake my handwritten documents for printed ones! I always envy people who can write cursive fonts 'cos they look so good on greeting cards.

It was funny back at NYP too. We kept trying to think of ways to hide the cake and balloon. It was a good thing Jessie (the TSO, not Jessie Pua) allowed us to use the fridge in the sensory lab 'cos the other labs' fridges were either switched off or reeked of something foul.

I miss slogging it out with Jessie, Lin Liang, Xin Hui and Wei Sheng in N5. Granted those times were hectic, there were light-hearted moments too. It's damn funny watching Lin Liang and Wei Sheng tease Jessie about her love life the whole afternoon. They're relentless, oh my gosh!

We ended work around 6 and took a train down to Clarke Quay. Decided to try Marutama Ramen at The Central.


Their menu is reeeeally simple. There're only four types of ramen to choose from, some additional toppings for your ramen, and some side dishes. Drinks only consist of green tea and beer, though iced water is always free.


We ordered a plate of Japanese chashu (or char siew as the Chinese call it). IT'S SO GOOD!! The slice of pork was so fragrant, the meat was tender, and the fats were soft and moist. The whole slice just about melted in my mouth! I always throw the fats away but this one is so good, I just ate it all. :D

We roamed around Clarke Quay trying to find a nice bar. We even stopped to watch people trying out the G-MAX bungee jump ride. Jessie's ok with taking the ride with me next time! :D Yay! It's so hard to find someone who will join me.

We finally decided to try Muchos Mexican Restaurant & Bar. They were having a promotion: A jug of margarita and a nachos dish for $30. Not bad for a group like us.


The chilli sauce for the salsa is so good, I'm tempted to go back there again just for it. There were a few flavours we can choose from for the margarita and we settled on strawberry. I like looking at salt-lined margarita glasses—so pretty. (: I got a surprise when I licked the glass, though. They'd used sugar instead! How weird.



I'd brought along a lighter from home just in case, but we didn't need it at all. There's already a steady fire source in front of us!




Hahaha we didn't bother to dish out the cake slices at all—we just dug right in! We ate only a quarter of the cake 'cos we were too full from the ramen and nachos.




Playing with fire. Lol!
I had a little too much to drink, though. The effects only kicked in 2 hours (that's freaking long) later. I'd reached home and my mother was telling me about her friend's problem involving a beyong parental control daughter and seeking my two cents. I was perfectly logical and all right up till then but suddenly I knew I was going to faint. Within seconds, I was losing my hearing—my mother's voice became muffled—and I started having tunnel visions. I blacked out for a few minutes before I regained mental consciousness, but it took my body another few minutes to function again. Thank goodness I'd fainted at home and not while I was still on the way home.

I can finally begin to understand why people drink to drown their sorrows. I kid you not—it actually feels good. But I still think true strength lies in having the courage to face your problem and solve it, even if you get yourself drunk a couple of times along the way before you're ready. (:

CHARMAINE CHEONG.

I’m a somebody and a nobody. I’m rational and emotional. I’m critical but I’m non-judgemental.

I like my things categorized by types and chronologically. I like taking photos to preserve the moments of my life. I like dystopian literature. I like reading Wikipedia articles at random. I like travelling to foreign lands and seeing the world. I like long conversations over good food. I like pop and classical music. I like guitars. I like cats. I like writing random, mushy letters and notes to the people important to me. I have a whole long list of things that I like, but you’ve got to get to know me better to know them all.