Best Before?

Either they can crap like me or it's really true ...

I always eat stuff that have past their Best Before date. And at times, I do eat expired stuff. But I feel safer eating those that have past their Best Before date compared to expired ones. I used to convince people it's ok to eat food that have past their Best Before date by saying :"aiyaa... before that, it's just best. Now past the best before date already, just not eating the best ... but still good to eat...." My reason, I just want to eat it coz I know it still taste good. As long as I don't see any worms, mould or yucky stuff or taste weird, then it's good to go into the tummy. Never really know whether there's a difference between Best Before date and Expiry date but I think I have managed to convince many that it's ok to eat stuff that have past their best before date.

Then came today ... I went shopping. On 1-day. They are having their Crap Sales and selling Extra Chewing gum. 36 packs of 10 pieces per pack for 10 bucks. Their best before date was a month ago and this was what it said ...

"Please note that the Melon Gum is past its Best Before date, but it is not an expired product. Goods that are past their Best Before date are still safe to consume; a Best Before date is mearly an indication of when the goods should be consumed by if you want it at its best quality. A ’Use By’ or ’Expiry’ date means the goods are not suitable for sale or consumption. "

Hahh!!! Either they really mean it or.. they are just desperate just like me .... ahahahaha!!!

updates

Blogged on 17th Dec

Time for updates!!

It's already halfway through December, soon another year is coming to an end. Another year to reflect on, but that, that will be later on la....

So, what have I been up to this summer? Well, here's updates!

Apart from the Kauri Run and Coromandel trip ...

First off, I got myself a new laptop. Well, my dad bought it for me as my early 21st birthday present.

HP Pavilion DV6700 Pearl White Special Edition

Love it so much. Always wanted a white laptop and now I got it. Just hate vista but other than that, it's my new baby and I named it Harry Potter for no specific reason. It just came to my mind right away when I was asked what's my baby's name. Coz I was thinking of what HP can stand for and Harry Potter just popped out in my head. How "creative" huh?

Next, I attended two 21st birthday parties. It did not turn out as I expected it to be. I always thought that 21st over here will involve lots of drinking and getting the birthday girl/boy drunk. That's what I thought the whites will do. But no, it was totally the opposite. Attended Mel's 21st at her home way out in South Manukau on the 15th. There were only 4 of us close sport science coursemates and the rest were her family members, cousins, family friends, grandparents, aunties and uncles and some of her close high school friends. It started off with nibbles and mingling around, chit chatting for the first two hours. And then, home cooked dinner. Roast chicken, the yummiest potato salad, fresh baked bread, and one huge roast pig that they roasted right in her backyard!! It was freaking huge but unfortunately I did not take a photo of it. Lolx!

After the yummy dinner, everyone gathered around the birthday girl and her dad started giving a speech, followed by her mum, her grandma, brother and few of her friends. Her sister who was in the UK wrote a letter which was read out by her mum. It was about them growing up as sisters and was really touching that brought a few people to tears. Really a birthday party I didn't expect and was so surprised it was so family oriented. Kinda enjoyed it as I am not the party kind of person anyway.

On the 27th, me, leighton and mel travelled all the way to tauranga for Ele's 21st. It only took like 2 hours plus to get there. So super fast compared to our drive to coromandel. Lolx! The weather that weekend was awesome. We arrived tauranga in the evening and had kfc by the beach as the party only starts at 7.30. After our KFC, we went to the taekwondo hall ele used to train at since she was a lil girl and we set up our tent there as we will be sleeping in the tent for that night.

Come 7.30, we all gathered in the hall. Same thing, chit chat, meeting her friends and family and munch on finger food. No dinner this time so thank goodness we ate. We had our own auckland corner which consisted of her flatmates and us sport science study crew. So nice meeting her family as they were originally from scotland so they've got their scottish accent. First time hearing Ele speaking in her scottish accent to her parents, so cool! After that, speeches again. Funny ones, happy ones, touching ones ... Again, tears from the birthday girl. Hahaha!!! This birthday celebration had more drinking and some dancing but not to the extent of getting drunk. Come 3am and my eyes were heavy and tired. Went and sleep in the tent. Woke up at 8 and few of us started to clean up the hall and laying down the mats.

Grabbed burger king for breakfast and chilled out at the beach. Got a tan and swam in the sea. Huge huge waves that went higher than me. So fun! And that, that's my weekend at tauranga without needing to pay any accommodation. I am so wanting a tent!!!

Next ... WORK ... MONEY

After my uni exams ... I went to supervise NCEA exams. This was on for three weeks. I did 8 sessions in total, earning myself $400, at which it hasn't come into my bank account. It was easy money, just 3 hours watching people sitting for their exams, laughing to myself saying .. "Thank goodness those days are over!" For one of my session, I only had to be there for 10 minutes. It was supervising a student with special needs but she didn't even turn up so I went back home and still get paid :p And another of my exam, I was only there for 2 hours coz everyone left by then. Hehehe....

Swimming
After exams, I worked a few extra days because some of the other instructors are having their exams. So yea... more money but tiring. One of the weeks, I was working Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sat and Sun! Crazy I tell you!! But yea.. just gotta think about the money. Apart from that, I finally managed to complete my logbook! Woohooo!!

Gym
I started working at Configure Express, the gym that Karen used to work at. Just in one week, I've work 27 hours. A record for me.! On my second day at work, I already took a lady for a personal training session and ran a circuit training session. On Monday, I finished work at 8pm and the next morning, I started at 6am. Tired! Today, Wednesday, I worked from 7-10am and will be going back in from 5-8pm because everyone is sick and I will be the only one working.

To be continued ...

Christmas Eve- 24th December
Ok, it's christmas eve and I promised to have this post up before christmas so I better get it done now. why the delay? Well, coz internet at home is down. I am actually typing this out on notepad and when I head to dad's office later, I will post it up before my dinner. Again, the past few days have been busy due to the Christmas season. So many orders from Trademe and Zillion, so much packing to do, trying to send all the items off before Christmas. Yesterday, was the last day of packing ... till after christmas. Phew!! Was also running around trying to get my car fixed. Still haven't got it fixed. Will do it after New Year's when I don't really need the car, when I start working at the gym again and when I get more money! Ahhh!! This whole month of work and next whole month of work money will all be used to pay for my car. Sighhh.....

So apart from working the past month, I've also done some socializing. Finally caught up with some of my Macleans friends on one fine Saturday afternoon at mission bay. Haven't seen them for a very very long time and it was just great catching up even if it was just for a few hours. Some are still studying, some have started working and some who are like me, have just graduated. Funny how we all graduated from college at the same time but are all now doing different things. On that very night, went to Wei En's house for her birthday celebration. Eat eat eat again and played Mafia! Haven't been playing it for a very long time and I must say, I am so bad at it already!!

Last Thursday was our last netball game before Christmas and New Year. It was the most worth it game ever. 10 bucks for 8 sets of games because one team didn't show up after our game so we continued playing. In total, I played 6 sets of centre in a row and 2 sets of attack at the end as I was pretty much dead. Did not win but I still had fun. But yea....after that, my legs were sore and my whole body aching.

On Friday, went to Genghis Khan, a mongolian buffet restaurant for dinner with all the staff at Aquatica swim school, aka the A team. Definitely gonna miss this bunch of people. Dinner was good as we get to choose our own meat, our own sauces and then get them to fry it for us. It was yummy for the first two rounds but on my third, I got kinda sick of it as it all tasted the same despite the different sauces I put. Dessert was pancakes with ice cream. Mickey mouse pancakes! So cool man!! After dinner, we were all given a box of Cadbury Roses from Gary, the boss and then he made a speech thanking all of us. That was when I found out the swim school had over 600 students!! Far out!!!

Saturday marked the last day of work being a swim teacher. For all my lessons, it was just some warm ups and then the rest of it were games and races. Definitely gonna miss some of these kids. Giving them jumping high fives, throwing them into the water, pushing them off the big blue board and making them go dizzy doing tumble turns.... ahhh!!!! Some of them gave me hugs towards the end of the lesson, didn't even want to let go and I had to chase them out as I had my next lesson to teach :p Finished work at 2 and at the end of it, we had our final staff race. One last race before we leave. One last goodbye as I won't be seeing them anymore. Usually we would say "See ya!!" but this time.... it wasn't "See ya!" anymore. We don't even know what to say when we finished work. In the end ... this was what they say ...... "Have a good life!" lolx! At night, went for dinner at Bunga Raya for Rae Sher's birthday, ivan's friend. Food was so yummy and the cake after that was super duper awesome!

Sunday was working for parents. In the evening, went for a run near my place. Finally, the sore body from Thursday disappeared after the run. It was "tang yuan" day so at night, had big big dinner, good good food. Two nights in a row of yummy food. MmmmMmmMM!!

Monday saw me sitting in front of my laptop, trying to fix it coz it sorta crashed. Couldn't shut down. But now, it's all good but internet isn't working and the internet at the office is so slow. Sigh.... so yesterday ... I finally caught up with my grey's anatomy and I am proud to say I am into season 5 now! woohoo!!! Now gotta catch up with prison break. Way way behind.

So yeaa.... this is what I have been up to the past month. Swimming work, gym work, working for parents ... catching up with friends, socializing ... And of course spending time with you-know-who larrr.... Been quite tired actually for the past month. So glad that I am not working till after New Year's. Christmas eve tonight is just gonna be a quiet dinner, Christmas day will be having pot luck at Wei En's ... Boxing day will have me shopping ... ahh! can't wait!! I'm being deprived from shopping for a long long time....not sure what to do on the 27th yet but hoping to go for a one day trip. Parents are going away from the 26-28 to Tutukaka with other family friends. All adults hence I didn't want to go.

So this is it I think. My very last post before Christmas, and maybe before New Year as well. Wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

still alive

Still Alive

Ahhhh!!!!

I'm blogging I'm blogging. Ok, this is going to be a short one. You see, I blogged on Wednesday and not finished yet. That post is going to be a rather long one but then now no time so I am doing this short one just to say, I AM STILL ALIVE!! And no, I did not get eaten up by any lion or get sent to auckland zoo ... Ivan did not kidnap me and lock me up just in case you're wondering.

I have been working at the gym. I started two weeks ago and have been working nearly everyday. Some days I start real early at 6/7 and some days I end late at 8pm. Apart from that, still had to teach swimming so I get pretty tired by the end of the day. But yea... now swimming is all over, no gym work from now till Jan 3rd so I will post up that unfinished blog post next week!! I am still now busy with my parent's online business as it's Christmas time. Brother have gone travelling and I am helping him to do some stuff.

I can say I am rather productive this summer .. need the money to fix my car. Come January I will be working nearly everyday at the gym. More on that later la.... will blog soon! Before Christmas ok?

i'm a girl

I'm a girl

A year ago, in a diary that's only meant for my eyes ...

If I have the guts to tell you how I feel about you, I would...

For the past few months,

You're were always on my mind.
Getting to see you was just a privilege.
Having you coming to my farewell,
That was just joy that a girl in 'like' will feel.

That night as I flew off,
As I started a new chapter,
Thoughts of you lingered in my head,
I was trying to forget it, forget you,
I was trying to forget the impossible, the false hopes,
But I couldn't.

Every night, every night before I go to bed, I will think of you and I will go to bed with a smile on my face...

I always wonder,

Are you the One?

Or are you just another guy who would walk in and out of my life
One of those whom I kinda like but unsure
One of those who are out of my reach

"Perhaps one year from now when I look back,
I will probably be thinking on how silly I was
Perhaps one year from now
I will have these same feelings again towards a different guy ...
When I know I can't have you. "

Who am I kidding?
I hardly talk to you.
I don't even have the guts to initiate a conversation with you face to face.
I don't even know you that well.
Why o why is this feeling so strong? Am I just a fool?

You just blew me away with your character, your athleticism, your humour ... and the way you waited for me to come online to help me with physics. Why are you so caring? Do you like me? Do you notice me? Do I exist to you? Perhaps to you, I'm one who acts like a boy, who doesn't dress up and always in trekkies. Coz, this is me. But I am still a girl. Can you see this?

Everyday I always look forward to see you online.
Every single time I chat with you,
The loneliness over here just disappears.
Every morning I wake up,
I hope to chat with you for a lil while before you head to bed,
Before I head out to the wintery cold for my classes.
You always end up putting a smile on my face

And warmth in my heart.

I'm pathetic, but I can't help it, I don't know why. Why am I so weak? Why am I so shy? Do I like you? Is this what "like" is? If not, what is this? What is this feeling I am feeling?

Right now, I wish you are the one. Because I am tired... I am tired of searching for HIM.. I want you to be HIM... if you're not him, whoelse is going to come and give me these feelings again? Can I please close my eyes and stop searching?

Hope....
Hope it's like this at your end over there ...

Hope...

It's what I can only do now...

Oh please just wake me up from this dream, someone please.
Oh please bring me back to reality.
He's just a guy, a guy that I like.

Just a guy ...

Who seemed to fit nicely into everything I look for in a guy.

Now I shall just slap myself and wake myself up from all of these...
It's hard but I'll eventually get over it. Hopefully ...
I need to snap back to reality.

I am just a girl. It's ok for me to feel like this.

----------------------------------------------

And that was a year ago. In Canada.

"Perhaps one year from now when I look back,
I will probably be thinking on how silly I was
Perhaps one year from now
I will have these same feelings again towards a different guy ...
When I know I can't have you. "

And now when I look back ...
No other guys came to my attention during then till now.
You were always on my mind.
The feelings did not grow weaker.
In fact, it grew stronger as time passes.
How silly was I? Who cares.

No one brought me back to reality.
No one woke me from my dream.
And I refused to wake myself up,
I refused to stop dreaming.
I refused to look away.

Perhaps it was reality.
Coz one year from then ...
Coz now ...

My dream became reality.
It was all you,
All you all the while.

Sometimes I still think I'm in a dream
I'm still amazed that my dream actually came true
I'm still amazed that we both felt the same way
That our feelings lasted for over a year
That it took us over a year to finally confessed

I am one damn happy lucky girl and I can't be thankful enough. All those years of searching and waiting for my prince to come..... it actually paid off. And luckily, I waited and found the right guy who found me too.

It was worth it. You were worth the wait.

Thank you for giving me time
Thank you for not putting any pressure
Thank you for letting me know you better
Thank you for being my friend, my companion
Thank you for not giving up on me
Despite the countless of times where I missed those signs

Goodbye to singlehood
20 years of it ...
I had my time and I truly enjoyed it very much
I am glad I did not rush into this
I am glad I took the time to look around
I am glad I dreamt on
I am glad I kept on believing and having faith

I am glad that I still believed in fairytales
That there's a prince charming for everyone
That sometimes we just have to wait
Because he just got lost on his journey
On his journey to find his girl

I found my prince charming. You are my prince.

A fairytale dream came true.

Paper, scissors, rock ... some time back in winter 2007 where you've already caught my eyes...

Here's to 3 months :) And Happy Monkey Day too! Sorry I forgotten the 1st and 2nd ones :p

And to those who haven't knew, who I haven't told, who might still be wondering, who might still be guessing ... Yes it's true. I have found my significant other. Not my other half coz my other half is still Swannie... I can't have two other halves coz that would make me nothing. Ahahaha!!

The Great Cranleigh Kauri Run

3rd time at Coromandel

Back! Back from my 3rd trip to Coromandel. And again, I enjoyed it very much. Cathedral cove, hot water beach, clevedon oysters. It's like deja vu, except with a different bunch of people.

The people: Me, Karen, Yin, Wei En, Ivan, Shaun, Dallas

Car Rental: NONE!! Wei En and Shaun's car. Perfect!!!

21st November

We left Auckland around 6, with chicken sandwiches and snacks packed in the car for munching. The traffic was rather slow moving as it was just after work. I was in Wei En's car with Karen. We were trying to reach Coromandel town by 9pm to register for our race but failed to. The roads were windy and it was getting late. Having Karen in the car made the trip so much shorter. All her "kiddy" songs and brain teasers.... awesome!! Nobby hall ... Bachelor's Boy .. Aunt Betty ... Di di di ... Wei En was so funny trying to figure out those brain teasers... "I'm listening!! My head already so close to you!!!" ... Sorry, you gotta be there to know what happened :p

We reached Colville at 10. We stayed in a farm backpackers. It was pretty cool. First time staying in a farm. The guys slept in the caravan and the girls slept in the house. Colville is a very small place, 30 mins from Coromandel town. It was where the 13km finishing line was.

22nd November

We all woke up around 6.30, even the support crew, i.e. wei en, yin and dallas, also woke up. So nice having wei en and yin being the mummy figure and preparing breakfast for us runners while we headed to coromandel town to register. When we got back to colville, half boiled eggs were waiting for us on the dining table to be eaten. So nice!!

At 9, Shaun, Ivan, Karen and I headed to Waikawau Beach to start our race. Waikawau beach is located close to the tip of Coromandel. It was beautiful. Never been there before. The race started just after 10, with 320 runners. It started off with a 2km run along the beach. We had a pretty good start, completing the beach run just over 10 minutes. Following that, the rest were all trail running, crossing streams, muddy grounds, climbing hills.

It was tiring. I slipped a few times. Lost Karen around the 4km mark. Couldn't keep up with her. Had no idea when we lost Shaun. Thank goodness I had Ivan beside me, making sure I don't fall back, motivating me throughout the run. For every uphill I saw ... I'd go FUDGE!!! And after every uphill, I will take a deep breath before I start running. But not long after, another uphill will appear in front of me. Can never run the uphills. Always end up walking. And Ivan will be behind me saying .. small steps! small steps! At one point, I really wanted to give up but he was behind me, pushing me up the hills.

We had one pit stop which was at the 8km mark, the Waikawau lookout. The view was breathtaking. After consuming two cups of water, god knows how many pieces of sweet, juicy oranges, we continued our run. The run from then on wasn't too bad anymore. It was mostly flat or downhill and just a lil bit of uphill. At around the 10km mark, the trail diverted, where the 32km runners had to go uphill and for us 13km runner, it was all downhill. At the point where it diverted, we could see Karen from afar, running up the hill. I was like.. man! Thank goodness I chose the 13km.. I wouldn't be able to do it. I was already dying.

Downhill running wasn't tiring but painful. My feet were hurting, my knees were sore from braking and trying not to fall. I was so afraid of falling. And Ivan goes... Big steps! Big steps! During the last 1.5km, I told him to sprint and don't wait up for me. Reached the finishing line at 1 hour 38 mins, one minute behind him. Our very loyal support crew were waiting for us at the finishing line. Once I crossed the finishing line, I headed straight to where the oranges was ... I swear those oranges were the sweetest ones I ever tasted! Sweetest and juiciest!! Shaun came in 10 mins later and ... we sabo-ed him!!

It was a great run. First time doing such run. Sure it was tiring and torturing at some point but I'm glad I did it and finished it. I came 14th out of 45 in the 20-39 yrs women category so I guess it's not too bad. Gotta really thank Ivan for staying with me throughout the race. I think I would have started walking the rest of the race if it weren't for him. I remembered earlier this year during the Whenuapai 10km run, I had Sharvin beside me to keep me going. This tim, I got Ivan. I really wonder what would happen if I were to run alone in races. It's gonna be a challenge next year, as I do plan to continue running when I go to Sydney.

After the run, Shaun, Yin and Wei En drove up to Waikawau to get Shaun's car back. Me, Ivan and Dallas stayed back at the farm, waiting under the hot sun for them to come back. We then headed to Coromandel town to meet Karen where her 32km race ends. Not long after we arrive the town, we saw her running towards the finishing line. From far, you could tell that she was exhausted yet determined. It was as if she was in a lot of pain but yet she continued running. Really admire the mental power this girl has. She finished the race in 4 hours 44 minutes. RESPECT!!!! My goal next year.. 32 km.. hehehe.. but first, I need to complete a half marathon first!

After she recovered from her gruelling run, we headed to a fish n chips store in the town for lunch as well as claiming our free beer at a local bar. Monteith's Lemon and Lime ... yumm man .... tho I'm not a fan of beer, it was good! By then, it was already 5pm. Didn't think we would still be in the town at 5pm. So... we went to the school hall to claim our post race meal ... which was just beef, potatoes, mashed pumpkin and bread. Not much was left as it started at 4pm. Haha! Totally forgotten about it. Should have just went there intead of fish and chips. As we were too full, we just packed some beef and headed off to Hahei, where Cathedral Cove and hot water beach was.

Stayed at Tatahi Lodge. Was meant to go to Cathedral cove that evening but we were kinda late as it was getting dark. Plus, we were exhausted. Dinner was mushroom soup with those beef along with pasta ... wei en's instant maggi abalone porridge with egg, potatoes, and ... chips!! hahaha!! We played a round of drinking game with Sangria .. it only lasted for one round :( Should have bought more!! After the game, yin, wei en and shaun headed to dreamland whereas karen, me, ivan and dallas chit chatted for another hour before heading to bed as we felt it was too early to sleep. Haha! but yea.. once I made contact with the bed, it was straight to dreamland for me.

23 November 2008

Woke up at 4.45 as we wanted to catch the sunrise at Cathedral Cove. Didn't really get to see the sunrise when we got there as it was cloudy that day and we were walking and covered by trees when the sun rose. Did the usual at cathedral cove, i.e. cam-whored. something unusual was... i got pranked!!! Naughty mummy Yin asked ivan to hide the bags. We hung them on the tree branches and he hid it. When we wanted to leave to grab our bags, it was not there anymore and I was so worried. I was like asking Shaun to text dallas to see if anyone walked by with our bags as dallas did not follow us all the way down to the cove. I was seriously panicking coz my phone, wallet, and wei en's car keys were inside. I think everyone else knew about it apart from me and karen. Karen was however too blur to notice her bag was lost as well so she didn't panic. Arghh!!! But yea.... seriously.. who would be so crazy to come to cathedral cove at 6 something and steal bags??? seriously!! ahh so stupid!!! If only ying swan was there, then at least got another victim to get conned. RawrRrrRR!!

After that, went back to the backpackers for breakfast. Mushroom soup, toast, eggs for breakfast. Hot water beach after breakfast. sucks how it was a rather cloudy and cold day. Water was still hot but yea.. outside was cold. One thing that I never seen before ... jellyfishes!!! yea.. we saw jellyfishes being swept up to the shore by the sea and were stuck. At first we saw parts of dead jelly fishes... it really just looked like jelly... and then behind a huge rock, we saw a live jellyfish! Well, at least I think it was a jellyfish. So cool!!

After hot water beach, it was home time. I slept most of the way as I was really tired. Stopped by Tainui for lunch, where we were munching on fish and chips by the roadside and huge ass ice cream after that. Two mega huge scoops for just $2.60. Ahh!! I just love eating ice cream in small towns. They are just so generous!!

After lunch, I slept somemore. Just like the previous trip, we ended the whole thing with Clevedon raw oysters, suckin em' oysters by the wharf at Maraetai beach. Haha!

All in all, another great trip. And I think a rather cheap one too! Saved on car rental thanks to wei en and shaun. Saved on petrol thanks to low petrol prices now and wei en's car only consumed 1.5 tank of petrol throughout the trip!! No hassle in printing out directions coz it was all done by mummy wei en. We were well taken care off by mummy wei en and mummy yin. We had daddy shaun driving all the time. Uncle Dallas was .... just uncle dallas.. lolx!!

first date

So looking forward to the weekend!

Looking forward to the run, looking forward to the after run.

It's gonna be a fun filled weekend with mostly the oldies, with only karen, me and ivan being the students. Nyehehehehe.... Less responsibility.. bwahahahaha!!!!

All the searching for accommodation has made me so excited!!!

Going back to my favourite place .. Coromandel. It will be my 3rd time going there and still, I am so excited! Love that place. So far, it's my favourite place in NZ. Sad that we can't go for the pinnacles this time. Time constraint. Ohh well... More reason to go back again!!

Today all exams have finally ended. wooohooo!! Played volleyball in the evening. Full of fun and laughter where I probably only managed to get it right 0.1% of the time ...haha! I have come to accept the fact that I will never get it right and am very used to make a fool out of myself...Still, good fun! After that, Mussels and yogoberry - first .... apparently, lol! thank you .... :)

Uni exams ended today. NCEA school exams start today. Going for exam supervision tomorrow. By the end of it, I'll make 400 bucks :) Money to pay part of my accident. *in a sarcastic tone* Woohoooo!

Good night and happy holidayyysss!!! WEeEeEEEEeEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Decisions ...

I decided not to do the 32 km Kauri run. I chickened out.

But I'm still going for the run. 13 km instead. Stick to the old plan. What was I thinking before that? I haven't even ran 21 km before and I'm wanting to do a 32km. Doubt my body can take it. Hence.... I chickened out. 32 km is something way beyond my challenge. Plus it's off road which will make it even tougher. 13 km is challenging enough.

32km next year perhaps?

bored

Nights like this ...

Man, I don't recall any nights in the past few months where I feel so bored and have nothing to do.

I'll always be occupied with something to do, something to hand in.

Now, I'm just bored. And it's just too early for me to sleep. I think the sleep from the last two nights have replaced my lack of sleep for the past few months.

Exams are over and I am pretty occupied during the day still. I'll be working, I'll be catching up with friends and I'll be running.

But at night, there's nothing I can do. I feel bored. I feel bored right now. Lalalalala....

I ran yesterday. 4km. I got lost. RawrRrrR!! I can today as well. Over 6km. Wanted to go for 8 but I could feel my knees being a wee bit weird. So I stopped. I didn't want any injury before the 32km run. I am still having lots of doubts with this 32km. But I really wanna do it coz it'll be a big accomplishment for me, for year 2008. I always need something big each year to look back on.

Well, actually, lots of big things have happened this year. But I guess I'm still craving for more. Hehehehe... I want to complete 32km!!!

I've blogged about something rather ... juicy? But am still wondering if I should put it up now. Lolx! I'll just let you all wait... hehehe... the longer you wait, the better the effect. Bwahahahahahaha!!!

D to the O-N-E!

D to the O-N-E

Finally, it's all over. The race is over. And the race to the finishing line was sweet. The last paper today was awesome. Multi choice was all from last year's paper. So it was 30 marks straight into the back pocket. Short answer questions were taken from 2005, 2006, 2007 papers. Questions were attempted yesterday in that 13 hours. Hence, I managed to have a rough answer for each. The long answer question was something that wasn't taken from past paper and hence, I didn't know how to do it. But I did not worry because I KNOW I'll definitely pass and that's all that mattered for me. Halfway throughout answering the short answers (which wasn't really that short as I took one page to answer each question), I got tired. The ideas were all in my brain just that I was so lazy to write it out. I wanted to just leave the exam room coz I already knew I got more than half of it right. But my friends were still writing, and it's no fun leaving your last exam by yourself. Hence, I stayed and finished it. After 2 hours 15 mins, I was done. I couldn't write anymore. My friends were still writing. And so... I just sat there and waited. Lots of people left but my friends haven't left yet. I waited till 3 hours was up. Looked around, feeling all so happy coz I KNOW I will graduate!

It's quite a joke how majority is from past papers. But seriously, if it's a question that wasn't from past paper, I wouldn't be able to do it coz I know nuts about neuroscience and all those pathways. That 13 hours yesterday was very well worth it. I was on the verge of breaking down a couple of times on Saturday and Sunday coz I was hell worried that I won't pass this exam and will result in me coming back next year.

Thank goodness past papers saved me. Thank goodness for the friends I have to study with me. So glad that I chose the right bunch of sportsci friends from the very start of my course. Seriously, without them, I won't be able to make it. I will not be able to attempt those past papers by myself. I'd give up after reading the first question. So so very thankful. Now I wonder how am I gonna survive next year in Sydney without them? Hope I'll be able to find friends like this over there. This kind of friends are not easy to find. People who would share all their notes with you and genuinely help you out. Friends who are not competitive and not stingy. Friends who help each other out not caring if you did better than them or not. All they do is care that everyone did their best. Friends who are genuinely happy for your high marks eventhough it's better than theirs. Friends who will not leave you behind and will try their very best to explain things you don't understand till you get it.

These are the friends I have in sport science that stayed with me throughout the past 3 years. So lucky to have them and I would deeply miss them. All the times in level 0 and grafton. Munching on chocolates and chips. Making fun of people around us. The number of times we have Subways. Butter chicken pie. Energy drinks. Nerdalicious. KFC before exams. AhhhHhhhhHH!!! One thing is... no photos! So silly of me! Either having too much fun or just too stressed out that I didn't take any photos of any of those times. I should have! To remind me of those times. Times I will never forget.

Definitely no regrets with choosing Sports and Exercise Science as my degree when I was 17 and had to decide. Thankful that I did not choose biomed. I have learnt a lot throughout the past 3 years with this degree. I have learnt things that I was curious about, things that stimulated my interest to know more. I really enjoyed my last three years doing this degree. Sure there were countless moments that drove me nuts. With the amount of readings and reports. But if I were to compare it with other courses, it's nothing. So what if I graduate without a job? At least now I know what I want. To be a physiotherapist! And the things I have learnt the past 3 years will defnitely help me with my master's for the next two years.

Uni has not ended for me yet. There's till post exams celebration and hence, I am not gonna say uni has ended. Only the tough part of uni has ended. But the fun part hasn't!!!

Good luck to all those who are still having their exams. I shall sit here quietly and wait for you to finish and not disturb :p

WoooOoooOOT!!!!!

last one

Go Go Go!

Last one of all.

Spent 13 hours at level 0 yesterday...

I do hope it will be my last time ever setting foot in there!!!

May at least 50% of the questions be from past papers else i'm screwed.

Go Go Go!!!

A race to the finish line!

half way

Half way there ...

And by tomorrow, I'll be left with just one.

Man, so not prepared for tomorrow's paper. I have no idea why I lack the strive to get a good mark in this paper. Nothing is going into my head, nothing. I'm like constantly thinking of how I'm gonna tackle movement neuroscience on Monday and hence not being able to focus on tomorrow's paper. Just hope the calculation question that ivan was helping me on will come out and I will be able to do it. Not easy teaching me trigs and maths. Thank you and I hope I won't disappoint you, lol!

And plus all the thoughts and plans on what to do after the exams. Taking away my focus even more, right swannie? Lolx!! And I need to start running!! Exercise! Do something! Coz i'm getting fatter ... ohh the tyres!! think Michelin!! AhHhHHHHHhHHH!!!!

Have I mentioned that... i'll be doing the 32km Kauri Run instead of the 13km? Why do I have a really strong feeling I'll be cursing halfway during the run and call myself silly? lolx!!

Ok ok.. back to mechanics of injury...... lalalala..

And the above is an example of a fatigue stress fracture between the middle and distal thirds of the tibia. 6-14% of running injuries is represented by this injury. It is due to the summation of microcracks, leading to the weakening of bone structure, where injury rate exceeds repair.

Not bad right the things I learn? Lolx!!! Just hope this doesn't happen to me during the run.. ahahaha!!! K, study study!!!!

1 after another and another and another...

1 down, 3 to go... the next few days is gna fly by really quick.

Come Monday 12.30pm, I'm a free person!

For now.... late nightsss and cramming ....

I ran out of grain waves already :S

0 down 4 to go

0 down, 4 to go

This is such a torture I tell you. One whole week of studying and still exams aren't here yet. Not even one paper. Next week is gonna be hell. With 4 papers all crammed up. I have finished studying for Sport Psychology. The very first paper on the 5th. Still have to do past papers. But I'll leave that for the day before coz I have a feeling that I've forgotten everything that I studied and crammed into my head. But not too worried for this... coz I pulled it off during the mid sem where I woke up late, didn't study one chapter and scored a borderline A :p I will have to focus on Exercise Physiology for Special Population which will be on the next day. A harder paper in which I have not finished studying. This paper, I predict a B if I study hard enough, and thus leads to less attention being paid to sport psych. *sigh*

And then there's Mechanics of injury on the 7th. A paper where I have already passed with internals of 57/60. Finals is 40%. This is the paper where I had to do the stupid literature review that drove me nuts. But effort was well paid off... with a 20/20 for it. Wahahahahahaha!! Damn the chances of getting an A+ is rather high for this. But, I'll have to throw that dream away because of Movement Neuroscience on the 10th. This paper, this paper is a big big big nightmare. The thought of failing this paper is constantly lingering in my head. It has affected my concentration the whole of this week. Even when I study my other paper, I kept on thinking of this paper. I failed my mid sem for this. The only test/exam I failed throughout my entire degree. It scares the crap out of me. I've been doing the readings and still I have no idea what it's talking about. And to even think that when I was in 7th form, I was considering doing Biomed in uni and specialize in Neuroscience. Thank goodness I didn't. Coz I'd fried my brain.

My grades this semester is not gonna be good. It has the potential to be rather good but because of the Movement Neuroscience, I have to throw that A+/A thought away and focus to just pass neuroscience! RawRrrRR!!!

On a brighter and SWEETER note....

I went shopping on Monday... and I bought a lot!! over 100 bucks!! Go me!!!!
What did I buy?

This is my so-called brain food for the exams. And before you start questioning if I'm ok and worry that I over-eat and overdoze myself with sugar, let me clarify those photos up there first. It's a combo of mine and karen's brain food. Two of us. We went rather crazy at Pak n Save. And karen can clarify that she's bringing the kit kat cookies and cream bars back to msia. We'll see how well she can control herself :p We got pulled away with chocolates and chips that we nearly forgotten to buy the essentials - milk, bread, cereals, yoghurt. Ahahaha!! This is my version of shopping therapy :p Ahahahaha!!!

And if you see a rather pimply and chubby shermayne after the exams, don't be surprise. But don't worry, I'll work it off right after that and eat healthier (maybe?) as I gotta prepare myself for the Kauri Run 12 days after my final paper!

Good luck to all of you!!!!!!

Happy Halloween!!!!! Ahahahahahaha!!!

happy bday

10 years ...

10 years... 10 years of friendship. Know this person for exactly half of my life! Still remembered way back in std 4, I was the girl who wore my cap in the car before training as I didn't want to waste time wearing my cap in the pool. He was the boy who laughs at me when he saw me coming out of the car. It was then our friendship started.

10 years after ... We've gone our own ways. So many memories, good and bad throughout all those years.... . But.... Thank you. Thank you for that friendship, one that will never end. Here's to 10 yrs of knowing each other and still counting .... :p

Happy 20th Birthday Matthew Lee Yee Loong!!!! Have a great one and take care!!

SM, S, M

And before the hot sexy mama in that photo start to merajuk ....

A very Happy Belated Birthday to her on the 16th of October ... my extra pair of ears ... who's always there to listen to me. Who's always been there when I needed someone to hear me out and keeping it all to herself. Not 10 years but 8 years is very long too!! Shaleeni Jayamani, Happy happy belated birthday!!! Thank you, thank you so much. I wouldn't know what to do without you. Thanks for all your encouragement, your tips and advices too!! Doubt I'll be where I am today without you. Hahahaha!!!

Good luck with your finals, we can do it!! Add oil!!!!! And good luck with ur job application and I want to see you in Oz next year!!!! Muakxxxx!!!!!

DONE

D.O.N.E.

Done with final report last night. The last 10%. Finally over. Relieved. And for the record, I finished it before midnight!!! All referenced, printed and placed in a folder nicely, before MIDNIGHT!!!

So glad it's over now. No more reports, no more assignments, no more article critiques, no more reviews... all of this done for my entire sportsci degree!! Wooohoooo!!!

I feel like I'm on holiday, but in fact, it's not all over yet. Still have finals to study for. One week to study for 4 papers. But bluekkk.... For now, I'm on holiday!!! for 1 day. hehehehe....

frustration

RAWR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

it's all coming to an end...

And soon ... it'll all be over...

It's all coming to an end. 2 more weeks till lectures are over. 4 more weeks till exams are all over. 4 more weeks till I complete my degree. 4 more weeks till FREEDOM!

Can you believe it? It is THAT soon.

These last two weeks is all about wrapping up. One more 10% lab report due in next week. One more 5% presentation. One more 3% journal article critique. And then that's it!! No more assignments!!! No more labs!!! No more reports!! I'll still be battling it out for the next two weeks. But I'm glad... glad that it'll all be over soon. Glad that it's all the last one I will ever do. Last report, last article critique, last presentation.

And after that, it's the final leg of the race. EXAMS. 1 week of cramming it all followed by 1 week of battle, regurgitating everything. And then after that... forget them all and celebrate ... celebrate with my other half who finishes on the same day of me. 10th november!!!!

Ohh let's roll down the hill :p

Good luck to all of you. We are almost there....

doing good

i am doing fine without my laptop.

i will survive. no money to buy new one. lolx! and no time to go and search where to send it for repair... at least i have my important uni files in my usb stick!

but seriously, seriously there's something going on ...

i had a friend whose laptop crashed on tuesday night as well. and she had her assignments all in it and did not back-up. worst than me.

And today when i went to help my supervisor, he told me the lab's laptop crashed yesterday...but it was only used to run Chart i think.. so that wasn't too bad...

And yesterday during lecture, my lecturer told us that few computers from the sportsci department got stolen... containing works of the phd students... so kesian...

so yea.. i'm actually not in a bad state at all... others are worst than me...

besides, not having a laptop is pretty good. i cleaned the house today and washed the car :p i facebook less too.. haven't been playing my slayer... wahahaha!! and somehow, soon... in the near future... i will study more?? lolx!

I'm all good :D

My laptop is ........ dead ... *sighs*

why does it have to die on me??

Somehow I feel that lots of unfortunate things are happening around. Not only to me but others... what's going on?

hell week is over

And so the hell week is over ...

Yea!! That's right! That freaking 20% literature that left me with 6 hours of sleep over two nights was torturing. But at least it's over now :) Still need to prepare for my presentation on it next Friday but yea.... at least it's not 20%. 5% only :p It's gonna be boring coz majority did theirs on lateral ankle sprain, including me :p

And so there's till lab reports and article critiques and assignments to be done but yea.... it's no longer hell week. The worst of assigments is over I must say. Now even 10% lab reports do not scare me as much after that 20% literature review.

I ended the hell week with a blast! Eating and stuffing myself up on Saturday with a raya celebration in the evening, lots of yummy yummy food. Rendang la.. ayam masak merah lah.... sayur lemak lar... roast duck lar.... char kuey teow la... sambal telur la.... and so many many more. I contributed too... with my kuih bingka which leaves the aunties asking me for recipe :o Teeheee... i feel so proud...hahaha!! And the eating session did not end there. Right after we ate, it was pot luck at Mamasan's at night. Followed with charades and drinking as punishment. Thank goodness I had Karen as my representative for drinking. My excuse... I needed to be the sober driver :p And well, she was a happy girl... saying that it's been ages since she drank. So... that's good. Wahahahahaha! Both sides benefit.

And on sunday... it was a morning of social crazy netball. Haven't had that in ages and it was good!! The day followed on with me starting on my lab report and trying to get back to study mode. Which was... HARD!!! Couldn't think and the results I had didn't make sense making it difficult to explain it. And this resulted in me handing in my lab report yesterday at 4pm on the dot! That was the due time and I popped it in the pigeon hole right on 4pm. For once, it was literally last minute.

What's next?

Week 10
3% article critique
5% lab

Week 11
5% lab
10% literature review
3% article critique
5% presentation

Week 12
3% article critique
10% lab report

Looks like it's not all over afterall huh? It just keeps coming all the way through the final week. But.. seriously, the worst is over :p Need to start preparing for finals because.. I so do not, and cannot afford to fail!!! I've been offered a place in Sydney but in one condition, I need to pass my remaining papers with an average of 65%. And also, offer only stands provided the remainding places are not filled up. Hmmmnnn..... so it's still not confirmed yet till... till i complete my finals and get my results and wait for them to get back to me.

On a brighter note ....

13 km Kauri Run @ Coromandel - 22 Nov 2008

I am so looking forward to it!! Perhaps I should start doing some training now? It's only a month and a half away!!! So excited!! Karen is going to do the 32km one. She's super fit ... nearly everyday, she goes for a run... gosh.. the discipline! respect!!! My turn in doing that will come.. one day.. one day.... When I'm more focused, more fit and mentally stronger. Lolx!!

In the mean time, i'll stick to the 13km course and look forward to that weekend! It's gna be a a run and a mini road trip as well. Wooot wooot!

this is call major procrastination

This is call major procrastination ...

Part 1
I don't care.. from now till I finish my literature review, i'll be blogging constantly and blab. Eve the tiny, little things.. i'll blab too....Wahahaha.... just to procrastinate. Hehehehe...

For the past 5 hours, i only managed 3% of my lit review. That's.... just the introduction. Apart from that, i've been trying all kinds of things just to escape from reality. A waste of time really and it's not doing me good coz eventually, I will still have to complete it.

I've consumed half a bottle of powerade, one packet of mi goreng, a few tim tams, rice crackers, lobak kuih, one mouth of red bull, chewing gum, two slices of raisin bread ... and i've just cooked rice (i discovered a new way of cooking rice using the stove which guarantees no sticking!) and i'll be eating my dinner soon eventhough i'm not hungry :p

I've been facebooking, reading blogs, friendster-ing (tho there isn't much in friendster anymore), slayer-ing of facebook, msn-ing .... you know, the typical net surfing. In addition to those forms of procrastination, i've been doing sit-ups and push-ups, star jumps, frog jumps to escape from reality. This is the only good thing about staying at home and do assignments, you can do all sorts of stupid things coz there's so much space! but yea.... it takes a longer time to complete ur task. Wahahahahaha!!

Thank goodness I don't have work this week orelse i'd be working just now and yesterday. Thank goodness there's no lab tomorrow. I think it's a sign saying that I should make full use of this and complete my lit review, no excuses! The extra time is there for me... but somehow I don't seem to be making full use of it yet. Bluekkk....

dinner time :D

Part 2: 9.26pm

I had dinner. I did more push ups and sit ups. I chat on MSN. I received several texts asking how I wrote my results and discussion for the literature review and I can't answer them because... I haven't even started. *sigh* see how behind i am! I just finished my methods. That's another 3%. Gosh i'm working so slow. and now.. now i'm discussing netball with audrey.. wahahhahaa..... fun! i want to win tmrw!!!!!

living in denial

Living in Denial ...

That's my current status. Trying to avoid doing my literature review. I haven't even found 15 articles that can be referenced. I only started by typing out the topic and my name. Found a few journal articles but not all can be used. At least I started? 20%. Due on Friday. And here I am, hoping Friday will not come so I do not need to hand it in. I've been eating and eating, just as an excuse not to do it. *sigh* Gaining weight but not gaining any words in my review.

And now, I'm hoping Friday to come quick, so that it will be over. Argh!!!

I just need something to get me started. And I do not know what. How how?

I think i'll just go back to eating. Next snack: instant Mi Goreng! :p

founded :)

and then... it was found :D

i did not lose it, i just... misplaced it :p phew!!!

my black scarf..

I lost my black scarf today :(

And you say it's just a scarf huh? It's not just an ordinary scarf. It's not just a Kathmandu scarf. It is THE scarf. Can't believe I lost it. Someone must have taken it. Sure, another scarf can be bought to replace it, kathmandu is everywhere! But this particular scarf was somehow just so special. It had its own values that made me appreciate it so much. Always feel the warmth when I'm wearing it. Warm and secure. Now I am without THE scarf ... Aikzzz! And it only lasted for 2 months? Damnn!!

So that's me. Lost 2 black scarf this year. *sigh*

Sorry!!!! maybe i shld just go buy myself a black scarf and pretend I never lose it :p but kathmandu winter season over d!!! damnit!!!! lolx!

happy 20th swannie

18th September....

A special day because 20 years ago, a very special someone was brought into this world. This person, is .... "my other half".... A girl that I've known for almost 3 years. A girl that I have seen grown and changed the past few years. From lil innocent blur first year to a very responsible, tough and a bit less blur 3rd yr student.

I am sure you all know who I am talking about. No one other than Swannie Swan Swan. I wanted to write about all the memories we shared the past 3 yrs but I decided, that can wait for another birthday. What I am so impressed about this chic here is what she had done the past one year, what she had gone through and how she eventually battle it all, overcoming every obstacles thrown at her.

Organizing the commitee, making sure things run smoothly, making decisions, attending meetings, functions ... having so much responsibilities on her shoulder.. and at the same time, juggling it with her studies ... family .... friends ... sports ... a big hands down to that!! RESPECT!! From what i've seen, it's really been an emotional roller coster ride for this tough chic over here.... if i were her, I would have already broken down during the middle of the year or even earlier. I would have probably burst and screamed or stranggle people. Whatever shit people give her, whatever crap that is being thrown at her, this girl here still stood strong and handled it all with very little complaints.

And just when everything seemed to be lifted off her shoulders, a very unfortunate event striked her ... she lost so much and yet.... on this day, she is still standing strong. She's the type of person who keeps her emotions at home and when she meets us, she is still the typical Swan, even after that incident.

Babe, I'm so proud of you .. as a friend and as a leader this year as well. you've made it!! You've set good examples for the next person who will take up your role. You've set the bar high. and I'm sure you've learnt a lot from it and you've definitely gained a lot of confidence. All these qualities will take you far. As my other half, you were still always there for me despite being so busy. For hearing me out and telling me if I did anything wrong/overrreact. Thank you! And also for keeping my secrets. Hehehehe.. Our friendship definitely have grown even more this year...things that we dont' usually talk about are now discussed. Thank you so much for being the one whom I can share it with.

Happy 20th Birthday Swannie!!

Here's to a better year ahead filled with joy and happiness and reduced stress and worries. Haha!! Remember, I'm always here for you if you need me. Always your other half no matter what ;)

Hope you had a wonderful birthday. You know we all LOVE you.

Let's go casino!!!

She's the Man!!!! hahahaha!!!

4 year old

Bloggie turns 4, Sexy turns 1

My blog is now 4 years old. And Sexy is now one year and one day old!

Sexy is the name I gave to my sexy frisbee scar.

So when you see me the next time, please say Happy Birthday to Sexy.

It's just so nice having a blog. To read back what happened a year or two ago. To see what was on my mind at that particular time. Reflecting back to a year ago, situations change but yet some feelings remain the same. It really amazes me to see myself growing and changing. And best thing is, only me and only me knows what really was going on in my head and to observe those changes. Not much have changed since my last post in last september. I quote myself last year : "I'm pretty much a happier person, really living life to the fullest, trying my best to make the most out of everything". This still stays true :)

Have a lil faith, have a lil hope. This is what I always believed in. And having patience will just make it all worth it in the end. No rush, things will happen if they are meant to happen. If they don't, then it's just not meant to be. I know, because it was proven to me.

And this is just the beauty of having a blog. Not only to update people with what is happening in your life, but also to pen down the thoughts in your head ... so that few years down the road, you read back and ... you smile :) That's what a blog is for me ... a reminder for myself...

Happy Birthday to my blog.. and Sexy... hehe...

Now... back to my report writing. Hehehehehee....

Piling up

Piling up...

Just came back from a road trip. The weather just made it all rather disappointing. I am still yet to do the Tongariro Crossing!! Next winter.... my next winter will probably be in 2011 if I do go to sydney. *sigh* And no, I do not want to do it in summer because I want snow!

And now, being back ... looking at my due dates of reports and assignments ... I'm in deep trouble. It's this point of your study where you say... I can't wait for all of this to be over! I want to graduate!!!

I really need to switch my brain to working mode and be prepared for some sleepless nights. I really need to. Please please please get warmer ... for I can only work well in warm environment. I really need to work hard. I failed my mid-sem for neuroscience. Never have I failed before so yeaa..... deep deep trouble. 13% gone just like that.

With exam dates being out as well ....
5/11- Psychology of Physical Activity
6/11- Sport and exercise physiology for special populations
8/11- Mechanics of Injury
10/11- Movement of Neuroscience

Looks like I won't be doing the Auckland Half Marathon on 2/11. *sigh* Priorities. Priorities. Perhaps in 2011 as well huh?

I'll get through this. I eventually will. Someone please whack me.

P.S. I have something to tell you

P.S. I have something to tell you...

Hey there, how are you? How's things?
Hey there, what's up? How's everything?
Hey there, where have you been? How's life?

I haven't spoke to you for ages
I haven't heard from you
And you ... and you ... and you ...

Say what?
You're flying off? To where?

Say what?
You're back? Since when?

Say what?
You're done? What's next?

We're so busy with our own lives
We're so tied up with assignments, uni, work
We're so caught up with the new people around us

That we just don't have time to catch up with old friends
That we just become so outdated with their lives
That at times, that lil voice in us will tell us that we should be ashame of ourselves...
For not keeping in touch with those who once made an impact in our lives.

So here I am
Telling all of you
I'm thinking of you right now

No matter how far we are
No matter how long we've not talked
No matter what happened in the past

I'm thinking of you right this very moment
Each and everyone one of you :)

-Sher Mayne

No i'm not emo...i was just browsing facebook, saw some familiar faces that I haven't seen for AGES and yea.. i realized, man, it has been so long since i last saw these people. then i thought of others as well. there's so many people in our lives that have touched our hearts in many ways but as we move on with our own lives, we're no longer on the same page with each other anymore. We walk our own different paths, having different dreams, making new friends, finding new interests. We really do get caught up with what's going on around us that we just don't have the time to sit down, compose an email and ask a friend... "Hi, how are you? what's up?" It's just that simple but we just don't do it. So hence, this post, for you to go and drop a random email to an old friend right now, asking how they are... hahaha! Or .... Send a Message on Facebook. Lolx! I'm sure a reply from them will make your day :)

The Red Carpet - UMSA Ball 2008

And then it's over...

UMSA's annual ball for 2008, The Red Carpet, has finally came to an end, a successful ending I must say. After months of planning and preparation, it finally ended, with a BANG!!!

Despite being unable to attend my last ball being an audience and not doing anything, just the feedback from others who enjoyed themselves that night made it all wonderful.

The day started off with the majority of us having very little or no sleep at all.At 10am, it was off to the ballroom to get it set up. I was part of the photo spot team and all I did was pinning up the black cloth, taking it down and then pinning it up again. Lolx! Had trouble of thinking where to put it but its final placement was just perfect. Guests were greeted with a red carpet as they entered the ballroom, leading to the awesome photo spot. Wished I could have helped out more with it but I had to go for dress rehearsal. *sigh* The backdrop was pretty awesome too. A job well done to the deco team, for making such a wonderful photo spot and backdrop :)

my other half and i before the ball...

La Familia...

The fashion show rehearsal went on longer than planned. Yes, I was dragged into the fashion show as they did not have enough models at the start. Something I would never have imagined myself doing. Still can't believe I actually did it. I'm probably the worst of all, not knowing how to walk, pose and be confident. I can only be confident if I'm myself, which is, being silly. It was really an experience I must say. Besides, I got my hair and makeup done for free. Love the hair, Jeannette did my hair and it was awesome. Also, being a noob, I washed my hair right before I went to get my hair done. Apparently you're not supposed to wash your hair on the day you want to style it. I didn't know that. I got a text saying we have to wash our hair the day before, I just thought it was so that it doesn't smell when they are styling our hair!! So I thought, wash it right before they style it even better la... smell nice ma....hahaha!

my hair!! if u're wondering.. no, i did not dye my hair.. chlorine from work is killing it...

The make up was... well, not me but hey, it's free so I couldn't complain. Though I did took it out after the fashion show coz I'm just not used to it. The fashion show went pretty smooth I must say. I gained my few seconds of fame not by being all elegant and pro, but by being myself, taking up a dare and did something you would not see in a normal fashion show. This is UMSA's ball, anything can happen :p So if you weren't there to see it, you missed it.

a hint of The Dare... spot daddy!!

So yeaa..thanks to jo's shop, aka thedresshop.com for making this fashion show possible, putting up with us noobs, especially me and getting our hair and makeup done too!

Next, it was to skit rehearsal. I was part of the skit team and the journey to it wasn't smooth at all. Not being a creative person, having so much other things on my mind, it wasn't easy. But we all know, there's no "I" in team, and hence, with few other brains, the skit turned out pretty good, achieving the main point for having a skit, which is getting the audience to laugh. A great big thanks to Roger who's not in the skit team but really helped out a lot. He did the filming, the video editting (till he did not sleep at all), and contributed a LOT towards getting the final script done. Thanks bro!! I owe you heaps! Also thanks to Boon for helping out with some of the filming too!! Thanks boonie!! Well done to the skit team- kevin, ali, andrew, june ... and of course, to the whole committee, for being such wonderful actors and actresses, for being so sporting, being super crazy and went all out on the night itself, covering up the mistakes, making it awesome!! And lastly, to all who attended the ball, laughing at the right time and enjoying it.

Bimbim and Bobo ...

my ultra sexy housemate, Karen, all dressed up in red

I guess Joker isn't too happy with his makeup? My masterpiece!!

Next, it was time for bands rehearsal. Heard them played a few songs and all 3 were good. On the night itself, they really engaged the crowd and it looked like everyone enjoyed it, wanting for more! For me, I was just standing behind, just listening to the songs, and enjoying it, not doing anything as I was rather tired and just glad it was all over. Enough of moving around for me for that night. Apparently the food was good but I couldn't really enjoy it. Didn't eat much. Didn't have much time to eat. I took desserts which were to be eaten after the skit but once it was over, I still couldn't eat. No appetite I suppose. All I wanted to do was sleep.

Marilee singing!! She was awesome!!!!

Slow dancing...

After the bands played, the clocked striked 12 and the Negaraku was sang since it was the 31st of august. We didn't have the song on the computer and so, we had jun bin playing the negaraku. Awesome man!! After that, it was all over. Took photos with the photospot, the backdrop, cleaned up and off we go.

And he never fails to make me laugh... are you the next msian idol?

We were meant to go to sixth sense for the afterball but the line was long. Went to BK and McD instead. I was so sleepy in McD and didn't talk much. I just wanted to sleep. I have been longing to sleep for ages. And so, we went back to the hotel, took out all the pins in my hair, showered and slept. A very good 5 hours of sleep I must say.

And so... that's the ball, The Red Carpet. Well done to the whole UMSA committee, for being co-operative on the night itself, for making it happen, for making it an awesome, memorable ball. As Adrian said, we ran the ball and did not let the ball run us! Woot!! After all the sacrifices, the countless moments of feeling like running away or stranggling someone ... it was all well worth it in the end and I'm glad I was part of it :) TOGETHER, we did it!!!

The people behind it all...

And Ms.President is exhausted but relieved :)