Did u noe i had to give a 'donation' of $5 to take a picture with them? (even tho i was using my own camera!)
Qi

Parrots!
Qi

How?

Today i had touch training, as i have been the last few weeks. It actually takes place every Mon, Wed and Fri. But i only go for Wed and Fri ones cos Mon is meant for newcomers.

Training went on fairly well. I questioned a drill pretty thoroughly (as pleasantly as I can). It wasn't that i didn't get how it works, but rather i doubted (a) that it is beneficial to the play and (b) even if it was, the complexity of it makes it virtually impossible for it to be used on the field.

To deal with (a), my coach went through everything slow-mo. It all looked fairytale-like as people were 'breaking through'. However, i noted that the defence line was playing the demo kind of defence where they reacted really slowly. But it certainly helps with the identification of gaps and all. So ya, i decided that i can agree that it works.

But my (b) doubt wasn't attended to. So i requested coach to run the drill at normal pace. And it was a fair mess. But well, when everyone got used to the drill, it was smoother and it achieved the effect of having us react to defence line rather than sticking closely to a set drill. I had my doubts cleared. And i was convinced. Most of the time, i just want to be convinced. So i ask prying questions. Pls don't let me get to u. I'm just trying to understand. I will try to be tactful.

This is one small part of the training. After the drills, we proceeded to playing games, which i enjoy thoroughly. And once again, i was the substitute. I understand that it's nothing to be proud of, so wat the hell am i doing, blogging about it?

Well, it's cos i'm troubled about it. And i learnt today that it is common for gals to have to let out their frustration by talking about it. (i talk a lot. So i'm not a pent-up person. hahahah) I have told 2 most dear people to me about it. But i'm still thinking about it. How ar?

I'm thinking of quitting. sigh

Let me provide reasons. hee. making lists is one of my talents.

1) i feel demoralised. And it's not making me feel good about myself.

let me explain. it's not that i only do things that make me feel good. cos if so, i would never have taken up rugby, to begin with. It's just that now i feel rather unfairly judged where skills and fitness is concerned. And i don't see why i have to put up with it.

2) it's time to move on. I intend to channel my energies to something else. Haven't thought of what exactly. but it's likely to be active and calorie-burning.

3) I don't like it that my appetite increases when i train. I feel stronger and all. But it's not that big a deal. And i do feel good. But not that good.

4) i don't like to attend training. I don't mix with the people there well. i feel awfully different from them. but i'm not very good at socialising. it's really just me i guess. Everytime i have to force myself to go. And it shouldn't be like that right?

5) I feel like i'm being treated like a kid in training. I'm an adult. And i'm a good person. not some childish adult.

argghhh. i'm complaining. it's bad. but i'l be praying about it. cos i remember that the last time i prayed about joining a club, God responded in such a nice way. I'l hear what He has to say this time.

Sleepless in Sunshine

i woke real early today to give Chippy a bath, after receiving a very serious warning from my dad. He suggested that we give Chippy away if i continue to skimp on his baths. So i gave him a really good scrub today. Now he's sleeping soundly. And not so scratchy anymore.

After that i went for a run. A good 40mins, not including a warm-down walk. I feel so proud. Ha. When i returned from the run i had a talk with my parents. They just got back from Manila. It feels nice chatting about nothing in particular with them. I was tempted to have breakfast with them, but i was too sweaty.

Later i'm goin to see the dentist! i'm just a little excited. Cos it's been quite a while since i saw one and i'm curious about the state of my teeth, from a professional's point of view. I'm going to arm myself with a book, for the infamous wait outside the dentist's office. whoo hoo.

For the record, this snail-loving me kicked one just now while running. i certainly hope it survived the little leap.

i'm burnt

i just realised just how sunburnt i am. Bathing in warm water feels like little pins raining down on me. Not enough to pierce me, but enough to prick me.

talking about a sun-burn. Got it when i was playing the league for touch today. It was a good game, against Wantoks B. While we didn't win (we drew 2-2), my team was happy. Cos we tried our best and i suppose our victory also came from the cameraderie built up on the field and the corporate desire to win.

If it's anything, we felt it today.

whoo hoo

hi. i have nothing substantial to say, again. But i have to tell u, today i attended NTU Comms Studies production. It was enjoyable (parts of). And i was impressed by the fact that despite the small cast, the turn-out was good. But then to begin with, i think their single faculty is about the size of the entire SMU.

And another happy thing: i am the proud owner of a Samsung Z500! i'm how cool. My dad got it for me from Manila. I'm how happy. The phone is damn power-packed and chio. Love it. But i tink i have to seriously get to noe how to use it, cos at present, i'm so accustomed to my Nokia phone.

I'l load the pictures later. whoo hoo!

Therapy

Today i got home early. So i was thinking, wat shall i do with my time? There were a few choices.

a) make a skirt. (yes, i do these things)

b) pack my room (in hope of a tenant)

c) read up on the course outlines and lesson plans.


i ended up baking cookies instead. They didn't turn out all that great. cos i wasn't supposed to melt the butter but i did. hee.

But at least it's edible. But a little on the buttery side. i attempted to make variations using the chocolate at home. Well, it turns out that my 'choc-chip cookies' are indeed edible, but tasty and irresistible will be a different story.

I'm done baking. I have now 2 small pots of cookies. it's fun. And while i was at it, it's very relaxing. Cos u let ur mind wander (not that i don't usually) for that moment. The 'feel-good' effect comes close to that of retail therapy. This falls in the same category as sewing therapy and making earrings therapy.

Not bad hor, these therapy methods. Cos at the end of it, u reap nice things that u can share with others. whoo hoo.

Proximity vs True

My fren B is in the army now. And top of his prayer request list is "God, pls let me ORD". Yesterday he asked me, "Will i find true friends in Uni?"

B just got accepted into NUS Law and he'll be in time to use the Bukit Timah campus recently vacated (and stripped of signboards) by SMU. Darn proud of him. I was optimistic about it. Optimistic that he'll find friends he'l keep for life as well as horrid people he'l earmark for an equally long time.

Friends.

Sounding simple enough, yet at times seeming so cluttered with unnecessary emotions and complications. i have conveniently (in my accountant-trained mind) broadly categorised them into 2 sections, namely the proximity-based and the 'true' friends.

True friends surpass distance and time not spent together. They are the type of people you don't have to meet everyday. In fact, after long periods of time, u meet and talk with all the familarity intact.

Proximity-based friends are more interesting. They are the people u see really often cos u work together or simply meet often. U talk about almost everything. Sometimes the things that are shared may even be heartfelt or 'secret'. People see u together a lot. The frequency meets and the interests collide. There is so much to talk about. But when term ends or the project is handed in or the time-table is altered and it's just not so convenient to meet anymore, it's an 'out of sight, out of mind' thing. These are ur proximity friends.

But all in all, both categories are still friends. And definitely worth keeping and worth putting in the effort for. =)

$5 haircuts!

Today i went to cut my hair. It was just a trim. I wanted the thick fringe that i had before the musical. I had to thin my fringe for the wig i had to wear for it. So today i decided i shall revive the look. I also trimmed the back a little. It was a small change but i hope it'l encourage more ardent hair growth.

To thick fringes! whoo hoo! =)



my new haircut.
Qi

Friends meeting up

It was a nice friday evening when 4 friends decided to meet up. What else was there to do, besides eat? the only other obvious choice was to drink. But most of the drinking places were a little on the noisy and crowded side. So we settled on desserts at NYDC. It was most enjoyable, with a lot of laughing.

i look forward to more laughing sessions.


5 people sharing 3 sinful dishes.
Qi

D and his new phone.
Qi

D being extremely facinated by the camera function of his new phone
Qi

Wat became of it.
Qi

Of CEO Talks and Book Launches

This is just about the start of my 4th year in SMU and i have finally attended my first CEO talk and book launch. All in a matter of 2 days. Was tellin J that we are truly the epitome of 'zo bo' (do nothing in dialect). But it's kinda fun.

Realised that CEO talks is a time when students get to rub shoulders with profs and staff get to rub shoulders with outsider big-shots and permutations continue. Students may also attempt to be noticed by profs by bravely approaching the microphone to ask the invited guest a question.

Tony Fernandaz was the speaker this time. And i must say, i was entertained. He certainly is a passionate man. And i think he has left great impressions on the people who work for AirAsia.

The book launch was also very interesting. The speeches presented by Prof Hunter and Prof Tommy Koh did quite a bit to inspire the importance of reading. I also think that one of the ways to prevent cultivating an SMU crowd only capable of being 'different' on the outside would be to encourage reading for purposes other than just academic ones.

All in all, it was a good time. And definitely more fruitful than my wake-up-at-3pm days. But i love them all! whoo hoo!

Pagoda Street

Today i went to watch Pagoda Street. A musical production by a bunch of Singaporean students who studied overseas. It was enjoyable really and we certainly have lots to learn. For example, their sponsorship was fantastic (not that ours weren't). Given perhaps their connections were good. But i think a lot of effort went into it as well. Their programme booklet and tickets were well done, especially for a small-scale production like theirs (perhaps because of ample money from sponsors).

Another thing that i thought was quite cute was this video that they showed on a TV at the reception area that chronicled their rehearsals as well as charity visits. It gave the audience a slight idea of the work that goes on behind the glitz and glamour shown on stage. But i don't noe whether some might think that this may be unprofessional and 'schoolish'.

Some of the lines were rather smart. And i did in fact like the general story. However, there is indeed room for improvement, as with most musicals.

What Pagoda did for me was to stir up some nostalgia. I do miss Anything Goes. And I feel so proud of having been part of an awesome production. Pagoda also showed me that musicals is actually a very powerful tool that can be used for many purposes. In this case it was for charity. They invited some people from the beneficiary. And other than allowing them to watch the show, it also reminded the audience that the money spent in support was for a meaningful purpose. I certainly hope it has a perpertuating effect.


the leads. The female lead being someone who does TV shows too.

The cheongsams on the girls in the background actually belong to the Four Flowers from Anything Goes. I personally felt that the era of Pagoda Street was pretty confusing. The lead was wearing washed out Levi's.

V, as 'Sangee', seen here with 'Bambi', the bimbo of the show.
Qi

Almost the full company.

Their sets remain like this through out the show. Only at some scenes do they add some tables and chairs to protray a restaurant. But i have to add that the doors must have been pretty strong as there was a lot of door-slamming. hee.

V, whom we went to support. She acted as an Indian lady!
Qi

this is for you. =)

my fave song at the moment:

you are my covering
in you i have everything
you're all that i need
my world is complete

how precious your offering
it's not about what i can bring
it's your sacrifice that has brought me in
into the holy of holies

i fall at your feet
declare you're my king
i cast my cares before you
your peace shall reign in me

i fall at your feet
declare you're my king
i live my life in worship
your grace abounds in me.

Old Campus Tour

31 July 2005 marks the last day of SMU's ownership of the Bukit Timah campus. This is a rather hurried tour as i was really tired. hee.


The corridor i pass when i go and bathe after touch trainings.