TK Netball gathering on X'mas day. 

Miracle

Was it the moon I was talking to last nite - my confidant after a bad day, a terrible game, a sense of dread for what I'm to expect the following day?
Was it the stars I was admiring while sitting at the playground, humming them tunes from my mp3 player?
Was it the sky I was thanking that, with its beauty and vastness, enchanted me and emptied the worries and doubts I had in my mind yesterday?

Was it the date, today, 16/12/2005, 1month and 10days after my birthday?
Was it the LRT train number '26' that I took this noon?
Was it the number of stations between Outram MRT (12 stops) and Sengkang MRT (NE16)?
Was it the 4 of us watching movie on seats row D in cinema 4?
Was it the fact that 16 minus 12 is equals to 4?
Was it my parents presence on the last day of the selection trials?
Was it the good luck wishes I had from friends around?

Whichever, whoever and whatever you are.. I thank you with all my heart. I was proven wrong 'bt impossibilities. And I never felt happier to be wrong.

A surprise that catches you completely off guarded is TREMENDOUS. I was dumbfounded when I heard Vicki's voice over my phone. (An unknown number, a voice I'd never expect to hear.) I was at a loss for words, I didn't know how to react. A shock. A complete dream. So light, I felt like I'm flying. So surreal, I needed a hug from Yingqi to assure me it's not my time in heaven yet. So happy, I couldn't stop smiling to myself, despite stares from strangers, on my journey back home. Somehow I still couldn't stop thinking that it's all a dream.. It's a dream indeed. A dream come true. I needed to rejoice out loud to feel my presence in reality. The chance came when the LRT I took home was empty. -I was the only passenger. I was screaming and jumping for joy in the train like a mad woman, it could be the same kind of adrenaline I might have experienced if I won Singapore Idol. If there were security cameras in the train, they might have dispatched a guard from the control station to send me to woodbridge.- ME??! playing for the singapore OPEN team??! COMMONWEALTH games? It took me quite some time to fully register what this all means.. what I'm about to experience. Remember those sheets of papers in sec sch/ age grp squads where you have to fill up what are your goals are in Netball? My long term goal was to play for the Open team and play overseas in the World Champs. It's a mix of nostalgia and pride to look back on how far my passion has taken me to. The fact that I dared to dream big when I was small and am on the way to fufil that dream right now. It feels... more than exhilarating. Too good to be true.

NEVER did I even dare to dream of a chance to get into the Open team and play the Commonwealth Games. After the Asian Champs selections, with the pain still vivid in my mind, I couldn't and wouldn't even raise my hopes. I was playing/training hard as I could, yet, with hope waning, there's only so much mental strength can take me through. I was so desperate as to even plead my parents to come and watch me for the game at the last selection trial - "Just any form of motivation. To watch me play in the opens for the last time," I thought to myself. - There's simply no chance. I gave myself 10% of hope.

THIS is more than just a pleasant surprise. I held so much pride breaking the news to my family.. I cried happy tears. They taste bittersweet and I love them (like dark chocolates). When was the last time you had happy tears? My second last was the night with Zpig and moZ. I'll never forget. And I'll remember today too - 3rd earhole on my left ear. The day I'm touched by a miracle. =)

I am so happy and motivated, I feel that I can do anything right now. I'm charged with extra adrenaline, ecstasy, hyperenergy and inspiration to do my studies well and keep them on track before I go for any form of trainings, go long runs to lose weight and gain stamina, will myself to work hard no matter how tired I am during games and trainings, put in my uttermost effort to be a good captain/vice-captain, be filled with everlasting energy to encourage my teammates and pull up their morale... Oh..~ all the things I can do... Can you feel my joy? This is the best Christmas present. Ever.

Thank you Moon. You bring the brightest light and lit the darkest night. You are the miracle.

P/S: Thank you to you, the ones who shared my joy.

Earth to Grace

This is a pretty solemn, un-'dramaqying' entry. If you are in an apprehensive mood, I suggest you read this another time when you do feel good bt yourself.

Dumbledore once said in the Soceror's Stone, "It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live."

I realised that being the kid I am. I probably have been chasing dreams on my imaginary broomstick for too long. Must remember that I still live on earth. Despite people envying how simple I 'seem' to see things (as Rach puts it. Bless her.) - being oblivious, living in my world and such. It's a choice on my part. Not everything is nearly as wonderful. Recent events have forced me to look at things the way I'd rather have not seen if I was given a choice. Torrents of thoughts and emotions start flooding in. I saw/heard how scandalous the society can really get, how politics can corrupt minds, how games of manipulation people play and the web of lies they spin can render others helpless. Yet, all is not lost. Growing up need not entirely be bad. I've seen the strength of love overcoming odds. Or when one stands alone, the amazing courage that person possesses within to heal and grow stronger. Also, the maturity and wisdom that one gains with age to weigh the pros and cons properly (many times too often) and make, perhaps, better decisions.

All these, I've seen or heard from aside. Now, I wonder when my turn will come to experience such turbulent affairs - firsthand. Hope it's not too soon cos I'm not the least prepared. Yet, I pray it doesn't come too late lest I'll never learn things the hard way. There is no Peter Pan to fly me to Neverland with. Really wish I believed in fairies as much as I used to. Right now I can only will myself to keep an open mind, stop straying in dreamland and focus on tasks at hand.

"Come what may.."

chapalang.

For once in my whole blogging life, I'm going to say anything that comes to mind and blog like those normal bored human beings who waste most of their lives away in front of computers describing what they had done in the day-noon-night, without attempting to use any bombastic words to impress anyone or telling any jokes to brighten up your day in whatsoever way. So unless u r realli interested in my life or genuinely concerned about me, I suggest u ignore this entry and read something else. 'Surf' some other sites if you will.

Today WAS a fun day. I tried windsurfing. I was super energetic. Falling and climbing back up and falling and climbing again. It's bloody difficult to balance on the board with the sail up. I was ecstatic the moment I can stay upright for more than 5secs and traveled for bt 5metres b4 I fell over. I never felt happier falling. The water's there to break your fall and it feels damn good to get wet! Woohoo~ Then I got up to try again and again and again, till I could balance pretty ok on top, even though I still din manage to do a proper turn successfully. At the end of the whole session, I realised I had orh cheys (blueblacks) all over my knees and elbows from the countless number of climbs up to the board after I fell. If the gor chiams & zik kaks (50cents n 1 dollar) marks on my body are real, I'd be a millionaire.// Countless scars in and out. I was dead tired after windsurfing. Gloomy night, coupled with my lethargy, apprehension and disquieting thoughts - I went just a bit crazy after seeing a different group of ppl altogether.. was lost halfway in the transition. Hope everyone out there is well. Those that I truly care about -you know who you are-. Tomorrow will be a better day. For you and me.

Dive Hantu for rescue course? die...

My 1st reaction when I learnt that my rescue diving course will have to be done at Hantu: I'll die diving. (kk. not so exaggerated) But, honestly, visibility is so poor at Hantu, how the hell am I gonna do my search and rescue?

Ok, I'm back here at home safe and sound, limbs intact and blogging. Great achievement considering my previous encounter; (phew~) even though, I pretty much flopped the skills required to perform for the course... I'm happy to be alive.

If the victim to be rescued were real, he/she would most probably have died in my hands- based on the fact that I nearly murdered my very-much-alive sister playing dead. When we exchanged roles, she took the chance to revenge by trying to drown me in the saltwater. Also, while on a task to search and rescue a missing diver, me & my buddy (aka my sister) got lost ourselves in attempt to navigate our way through opaque waters. And you thought we were 'Rescue Divers'. Muahaha. I shall not go on ranting about how bad everything went.

On the bright side, I managed to overcome my fear of Hantu. I wasn't the least bothered by it's opacity, being able to dive with people who know their way around. I actually got to see some interesting marine life, thanks to the trained eye of an experienced diver. Picked up a few tips from my instructor too, and it certainly built up my confidence to dive in singapore waters. And, yep, despite my laments, I had loads of fun, be it exploring the underwater world or having group activities with the others. Can't wait for the next dive trip. Hantu or Salu or Dayang or Phuket or wherever.. I'll be ready for you. I'm hooked and I wanna dive for life. (if i got the money..)

P/S: Wish I've got the chance to do the rescue course again and sharpen up my mediocre skills. I really don't want to kill someone when I'm diving in the future. ^teehee~

Ienttirensg Suftf

Got tihs off an aonn mial form the net (fwreodard form Ah! Bnag). Kewl~

Cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig huh? yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt!

5 mroe dyas to Ptoetr!~

Big 2day.

Everyone's congratulating me for joining the 'Big 2' club. Ok. It's not chua daidee. Though I wouldn't mind joining such a club if it existed. =P

It just dawned upon me that reaching the 'special' number, means losing the privilege to be irresponsible for certain course of action tt one may take which resulted in undesirable consequences, cos I'm no longer a 'Teen'ager. Well. It's not that bad actually.. Can always see it as simply taking more responsibility cos of the wisdom I'm supposed to have acquired with age? Haha.

However, you can argue that the above statement applies to any stage of your life. Heh. Forgive me.... I just have a 'thing' for dates and numbers. Just need to break that psychological barrier in telling myself that I'm not young anymore.

Ironically, as I'm willing myself to grow more mature up in the head, the gifts & surprises I received are indulging the child in me. No~ of course I'm not complaining. HAHA. Shows that my friends understand me well enough to know what I truly like. But I must really say.. the huge tub of Venezia (if KL insists) proved quite a challenge to test the strength of my 'Love'. Just when I thought I've managed to overcome an obstacle, I was put up to the test again when I got home. Thanks to moZ & Zpig, I had to 'treasure-hunt' my way to find the presents. Birthdays don't come easy afterall. They must have been plotting revenge against me after I walked in on them..........trying to set up my surprise birthday cake. Now I have the mark of their wrath imprinted on my walls everytime I switch on the lamp, which, by the way, is part of their gift for me. (It's an IKEA lamp that projects stars and planets of different colors on the wall- We named a few selected stars after ourselves.) Despite my 'angry' words, it's a very sweet moment if you can imagine. And to complement the 'fantastical' addition, I received a toy accordion, from TK netballers, to play music along with the dancing lights. HAHAHA. Lovely friends I have. Really. The sweetest ever. Also, I can't not mention- Inky's huge sacrifice to make a scrap'board' for me, complete with nostalgic photos and tulips, despite the teasing by nike-ians for being late. Thank you so much.

Enjoyed the time that we used to catch up with each other. For those who took the time to celebrate my birthday: - (In order of appearance)Inky, Shuang & KL, Dawn, Melis & Pig, Yiqi, XY, Rach, Corina - A simple 'Thank You' is not enough for the timeless moments, but I still have to say it anyway - Thank you very very much. Course, not forgetting those that smsed me your kind wishes, really appreciate the messenges. =)

I know this is starting to sound like a 'thank you' speech as if I've won an Oscar or something.. but.. (In Hagrid's tone) "Not everydaieh a young ladieh turns 20, eh~?"

HAHA. On this very last note.. I have something to look forward to after my Big2day... Go watch Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire. 17th November. Loves, Loves.

P/S: BHPians are not forgotten. We shall catch it together after I've 'premiered' it.

indulging my youth

I'm in love.... everytime I eat Vieneza yogurt-flavored ice cream. Haw Haw Haw. And I'm not exaggerating. You MUST try it, especially the BHPs. It's the next thing closest to heaven, I swear. Savour the sweetness of the ice cream, as it spreads smoothly across your tongue, tantalising your tastebuds with its coldness... Instant Ecstasy!~ OMG. I want a tub of Vieneza yogurt-flavored ice cream right now! I must thank Inky and all the other NJ netballers who introduced my love to me for the first time along 6th avenue after/before trainings. Gawd, it brings back memories. Miss those days (and the ice cream).

Talking about memories, was anyone's past sparked by lightning during the thunderstorm last night? Mine was. And that'll be another reason to add to my fascination with rainy days (together with being able to feel the cool droplets of rain in my face, splash water all over and sing out louder than the sky). Scary no doubt the thunder may sound, I used to imagine them as the stomp of dinosaurs roaming earth (during the Jurassic Park craze) and thought them to be So Cool. Such weird thoughts when I was still a primary school kid and most of my classmates were wailing like the rain outside. Adding to that, was my very old pri school compound (CHIJ Ponggol) creaking along with the howl of the winds. Scary~.. As if that's not enough, out of my classroom windows, one could see the church set against the dark sky, with lightning streaks flashing across it like some scene from a horror movie. HAHAHAHA!~ So fun lar! That's how vivid the storm brought me my memories. There were lots of other flashbacks I had but I shan't bore you with them. Though there's one I must mention (to my ex-idol): 2002 S/M series after last U21 game- It was raining heavily, but we were so happy, along with our triumph, we played in the rain like nobody's business. Kicking up and splashing the water like little kids. And KKKL was watching over us like a guardian angel, worrying that we would hurt ourselves in the kind of weather. So heartwarming for wad? Heehee.

And nothing, I'm telling you, NOTHING, beats warming up to a cup of hot chocolate at the comfort of your home during the thunderstorm, while spending time to marvel at such past memories - or snuggling up in bed with a good old book to read. Oh, how I love rainy days.~

Haunted by Hantu

Diving at Palau Hantu definitely makes one appreciate Palau Dayang a lot more. That, my friend, is an understatement. In case you are lost, Palau Hantu is an island offshore the mainland, but it's still Singapore (where else Dayang is M'sia). So, you can roughly imagine what the water looks like. Visibility is bad. Very bad. very very bad. In fact, I lost sight of my dive partners almost right after we descended. I could only see up to an arm's length in front me and nearly swam into reefs that appeared out of nowhere so many times. Shall not comment on my further expedition. I can only say that I'm discouraged.

But... fear not, I'm Gracias 'Sakuragi' Potter, the Ox. I'll bulldoze each obstacle standing in my way one by one.. Even if it means using more of my brains (that has turned so rusty since sec sch days). First, I must learn to navigate properly and stop getting lost in my own world in and out of the waters. Other lessons should fall into place when the time comes (even if it's at the expense of $60 or more). On a brighter note, I did at least manage to find a seahorse (was told it's pretty rare to see one). Also, it's kinda an achievement to have experienced diving in waters of different colors - Blue to green to yellow- makes quite a change (not necessarily nice though). And of course, the poor visibility also made the dive pretty challenging. Must stay off Hantu till I make a better diver. I'm still haunted by the mere thought of it.

"Hantu, I'll be back with a vengeance!"

P/S: Sorry to have made anyone worry. Double apologies to 'Jessie' Toh for the numerous trouble I've caused.

Dayang's Disastrous Diving Dog

Jumping down the jetty 'chihuahua' style.

Back from Dayang again. Goes without saying that Gracias has done something out of the norm once more, else my surname shall not be Sim.

Let's see.. During the 1st dive (30m deep), I bit my regulator (equipmt you place in the mouth to breathe) so hard, the mouth piece broke. Maybe it's cos of the jitters I had, the dive being my 1st after sometime and the fact that it's still early in the morning (note: I'm not a morning person). But again, I wasn't so sure if the mouth piece wasn't broken in the first place b4 I put it in my mouth. blah blah blah ok. Then, during the same dive, I lost my mask. sheesh.. I had to fin on the surface like an idiot while the others were helping me to scrounge for it. Nice way to start a first dive. How very encouraging.

I was determined not to make any more mistakes losing equip or spoiling them again. So determined that I've decided to take the blame upon myself. Physically. I knocked my head on the boat, not once, not twice, but THRICE! Accidentally, of course, and on different occasions.Gee...so much for once bitten, twice shy. But I must defend myself at this point. 1st, I'm tall. 2nd, the ceiling is too low. 3rd, the boat was rocking. etc,etc. bleah. And of course, anybody who knows Gracias Simone Potter, will know that I'm ultra accident-prone. So that shall be included in my defence as well.

As if I hadn't suffered enough, I had to put up with the chants by the very evil people around: Zhong4 Tou1 Jiang3~ (win top['head' in chinese] prize). Furthermore, they were teasing me about my hair LAR!~ SO ANGRRrrY!~ It's just the normal 3 way-tie style I used during any netball trainings, to hold up my irritating fringe. I didn't forsee that my hair on the 2 sides will stand up in the water, with resemblance to dog's ears or even horns. So as you can imagine, I turn out to be another joke for the others to laugh about. I hereby announce my new nick name, not-very-proudly-but-better-than-for-you-to-find-out-through-other-ways-from-bad-people: The Diving Dog, Chihuahua. Grrrowwwl..~

Heehee. Ok lar~ Nothing new to be teased by people around. I'm used to it. And to be honest, I'm actually a very important medium for people to break the ice and unite in the team. hohoho. Not just diving, but for everything else. So I'm actually being very wei3 da4 (noble)! Dun pray pray ar~. And, despite my complaints, the whole experience was far from bad. I didn't spend $400 to suffer. HAHA~ I had my fair share of the pie making fun of others. Also, $400 not for not solely play on land but for the underwater exploration (which is the main purpose). I completed 12 dives in the weekend alone and saw lots of new creatures - sea turtles, squid, blue-spotted stingray, box fish, bumphead fish (which happens to be another joke on me if you get it).. etc. FUN, FUN, FUN! Needless to say, I'm pretty proud of myself, having completed the Advanced Open Water Course successfully despite my disastrous nature.

Next, will be the Rescue Diver Course. Watch OUT... ... ... for more accidents coming. Grrrowl~.

Escapade

I know the singing pretty much sucked and is out of tune. But desperate times call for desperate measures, had to 'show off' I've learnt the strumming of this song (more or less), before leaving for Palau Dayang. Diving again. Running to the paradise that's made up of all my favourite colors. To those that I hold dear, allow me to carry your load of woes together with mine and dump them in the sea. Hope you'll find peace in Singapore or, whatever 'Palau' you're at, enjoy yourself. Bon voyage to me and all out there.

"It's not hard to fall, when you float like a cannonball.~"

High on Pot-ter

OMG OMG OMG!~ I was about to turn in to sleep (it's 6am in the morning) when I recalled that I haven't watched the latest trailer of Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire. For those who haven't seen it. You is to MUST! Must to is.

Goblet of Fire Website


I almost jumped off my seat watching it. It looks so promising!~ "Everything's going to change, isn't it?" Keeping my fingers crossed that it'll be better than Azkaban. Though, already I have one great disappoinment. The actor casted as Mad-eyed Moody is the furthest thing from what I've imagined. Otherwise, the computer graphics and atmosphere for this instalment seems just right. And from the trailer, I'm guessing most of the details from the original book has been kept this time(as compared to Azkaban). Wonder if the duration of this movie will be longer..

As of now, I, Gracis Simone Potter, pledge to catch this movie on or before (if possible) the 18th November 2005. Else, I'll be condemned to the Prison of Azkaban. Pig & Melis, both of you are obliged to date me or I'll drag the both of you in as well.

The big day has finally almost arrived. I can't wait any longer since my grievances of the book, HP & Half-Blood Prince, has drained away any form of happiness and hope, along with 'his' death. Sobz.. Meanwhile, as a temporary mood-booster, I'm gonna catch the trailer once more (frame by frame with Quicktime) and drift to slumberland with thoughts of Potter's magical world. Good -- morning~

Mini Advertisement

Diving @ Palau Dayang with Sunny Cove.

Yo ppl, diving @ beauutifooo Palau Dayang, 13th-16th Oct(Thurs-Sun), for a 2-in-1 Open Water/Advanced Open water course for only $595(abt 10 dives)? Rented gear, accomodation & food included. Super Cheap lar. Interested contact me ya?

-Your ever-friendly 'agent',
Gracias

Back @ last....

Sorry Prof Dumbledore, to have taken so long to remove those ugly banners plastered over your face. I sincerely believe, however, that you'll forgive me if you were alive. It's the heart that counts rite?

Anyways, I can tell this skin won't last long cos it's pretty ugly. But to my supporters out there:... Tell me you are here for my words of wisdom, not for the physicalities!~ (Although music must be often changed.)

Recently, 'Ms-multi-talented-but-never-really-excelled-at-anything-Grace' has found a new passion in life. Anybody who sees me on msn will know it's diving. Gorgeous beach @ Palau Dayang, clearer-than-crystal-clear-water, exotic marine life underwater... Let me tell you. Life's at it's best. There are so many things and places yet to be discovered. (Sorry, husband Guitar for I've neglected you.) I feel like an explorer now, all-adrenaline-charged. Even though I'm still suffering from the 'bobbing head' effect from sea travel, I feel it in my guts that I've found the dream job I've been waiting for. - A Pirate - (hohoho, whadya expect. hey, wait. Aren't I one already? I'm pirated Qying, remember?~ pronounced 'Queeng') Crap aside, I'll probably go for the advanced open water course soon. (when I earn $$ - diving not cheap) And I hope by the time I get the advance cert, I will be able to control my buoyancy in the water well enough to stop destroying the corals and marine life where I slapped my huge finning feet on. Stay tuned for my very excellent diving pictures. Teehee~^

ARGHHh!~

Ok. My blog is resusticated. Thank you slim~. I'm kinda frustrated though.. With the design and stuff. Wanted to do this up earlier before the launch of the book. But I dreaded the amount of time I'll have to spend staring at the screen.. like wad i have jus done. Only to find out that, clever Blogger.com places ad on the top left screen of all blogs and blocks out my beloved Dumbledore's face. To think that I've spent so many hours switching between screen resolutions and changing layouts to make sure tt my blog will look fine in both and still complement my favourite wallpaper... Geez.. somebody.. Hand me a knife.

really tired now. (jus look at the time, bleah..) Blunt entry, thanks to Blogger. Will be back soon (heh. i promise) to fix this skin. Can't stand my blog looking ugly. Adios. (sorry to have failed you Professor Dumbledore)

(ok. to end off in a brighter note. Though the book is tragic, a huge surprise lies November 18th. And Christian Bale is handsome. Loves.)

Queerqying

Found out today that the term Queer actually suggests Gay (from the movie Summer Storm). I've put the title as it is for the fun of it since it rhymes so well. *LOL. Anyways, from today onwards when people see my new image, they might think I'm threading the androgynous line again. Yes, I cut my hair today. Short but not all that short. Well, it's no big deal..But BEWARE.. I'm so handsome now, I might be the next Most Valuble Defender in the Netball Super League, drawing votes from little school girl fans. Now that idol Dawn is not playing this season, nothing is standing in my way to claim the title. (like real) Ok. But I still have the advantage from being the poster girl. *LOL. Think the new haircut gives me an overdose of ego. Queer as my outlook may be, you'll find me the same Sim.

P/S: Hey little cutesy fan there from XX pri/sec sch, vote for me! Call 1900-Idol-5566. I'm that all-too-good-looking short-haired defender playing for Marlins in the position of Wing Defence. My full name is Gracias Simone Potter. Write it clearly and properly on the papers. Bring along that poster, I'll sign it for you. Remember, 1900-Idol-5566. Waiting for you.

Extreme Drama

All those that think I have a bad memory and observation skills, the incident as mentioned below will prove you wrong. (I did exaggerate a bit la.. It's a once in a lifetime experience after all. And the account is very much summarised.)

I witnessed some Malay guy trying to steal Kaisi's wallet in TKPS while i was umpiring. (Don't ask me why my eyes weren't on the court. The game was just too boring.) So there he was wandering suspisciously around our bags, And he didn't look like he was very interested in the games...Then I saw his hand digging in Kaisi's bag. blah blah blah... ok. Let's skip to the drama. So I ended chasing the man in his bicycle in the middle of the road while dodging cars and sch kids. I got so close that I was within reach to jump into the wagon attached on his bike. The idea crossed my mind but I thought the better of it. I was afraid the man will turn violent or bring me somewhere. We exchanged confrontations and he accelerated further. I tried boarding a cab to continue the chase. And... well.. I lost him. The cab driver was driving like a snail. And that's an understatement. I could have crawled faster than his taxi. And he dared to charge me $4 for the cab fare. (Though I only paid $3 & watch his face turn nasty.) Gee.. Anyway, the thief had to come back to school cos the sch has his address and home number (Yep. He's a parent of one of the students in there). We got him into the General Office and he tried to deny everything so we got the police involved. During the questioning, he bit the police when one of them tried to take him to the station to record his statement. I was in the next room and I could hear the commotion. Luckily I wasn't within his sight, else I'm sure he'll do something nasty to me. When he turned violent, just being in the place gives me the shivers. More drama to this tale when we were leaving the school... I saw his kid waiting outside the office for his dad and watch him being escorted to the patrol car to be detained. Feel sad for the boy.

On a brighter note, I got to skip the Opens training in the evening cos I had to record my statement as a witness. (That's where the memory and observation skills come into play.) Hee hee. But hey, afterall I had my little interval training while chasing the man and boy can I still feel that adrenaline rush. It's one hell of a lifetime experience. Way cool~ =)

(I don't know what happen to the man and his son after that. But Kaisi's wallet was found by the garbage collector on duty today. Nice people still exists afterall.)

Grief

No crappy thoughts of the month. Shall not feel obliged to blog here only when I feel ecstatic. Many happenings lately. Hope everyone's okay and happy... soon. I enjoyed the walk in the rain today under one small umbrella though. Felt cold outside yet warm inside. Strong kid, Thank YOU.

P/S: Recover well, B3.

Grace the Technician

Siti. You moved me to update my blog. So forgive me if I had to lift some of your life-inspiring quotes.

I bought time with money or rather.. I could have saved money if I had more time.. It's just a matter of perception, really. Yep, it's last-minute-Grace's theory. That i have learnt, through my desperate measure to buy the 80G HDD few days ago, after months of 'too-lazy-to-travel-all-the-way-to-sim-lim' days. Don't ask me how much I bought it for. I give Compass Point the benefit of the doubt.

Talking about the HDD, I felt like a computer technician trying to fix the parts in the motherboard. *If that's what you call it. I don't know the technical terms. I seem to have a natural talent for the job.. given my love for puzzles. Try dissecting your computer, it does have an uncanny resemblance to a jigsaw puzzle. Just that it's 3D, expensive and requires even more patience. *Just remember to switch off the electricity. I'm not to be blamed if you die of electrocution.

Anyways, now that my comp is up and working and has 160G of storage capacity. I'm on the 'super-downloading' mode. Don't be offended if you see me on msn and I don't reply you. Maybe I hate you, but chances are I'm leaving my computer on throughout the day(s) to download stuff. So, don't cry for me...(Argentina). Also, due to my msn connection problems, my status is usually wrong. I apologise for the going online/offline alerts. I swear.. It's Wasn't Me. Till then. Goodbyeh is not forever. (But fats is.)

P.S: Happy Birthday Mei Lay.

Happy New Year

The best thing about Chinese New Year is the food. No. It's mahjong or pak gao. No. It's the angbao. hmmmm.. Take your pick. Whatever it is, Chinese New Year is the time where you see relatives that you never knew existed, practise your chinese idioms via greeting them and count the amount of angbao money you've received. Call me materialistic but, hey, who doesn't like money. Honestly.

So.. If you've never gambled in your whole lifetime, it's time to break that chastity and pick up a few new year trades. It's fun.. as long as you don't go into professional gambling. Meanwhile.. I wish you luck in the new year - Gong Xi Fa Cai - as long as you don't meet me on the mahjong table. *Huat ar!~ Hoki ar!~

Back from Australia

The Human Sydney Opera House.

One of the best things to be a national open player is that you can get to go on overseas trip without having to pay any money. (Muahahaha) On top of that, you have an excellent manager who never lets your stomach go empty. (I can't imagine life in Sydney without Vicki - when you have no $.)

Other than gaining playing experience, it's good to have a change of environment. The weather in Australia is just perfect. And may I add, the lifestyle too. You'll never find a kancheong spider there. A place for slobs like me. Though, I still prefer Perth. Feels more familiar.

However, when it comes to shopping, there's no place like Sydney. Sale here, sale there, sale everywhere. I can finally buy clothes that I can fit and look good in. Oh, and did I mention.. they are cheap, cheap, cheap! And as I looked obviously like a tourist, I was free from discrimination by the locals. No rude people in buses. Nice. (We didn't take any public buses though.)

Whatever it is, there's no place like home lar. It's good to hear people speaking broken english, chinese and hokkien whey again. And of course, seeing my 'very missed' friends and family - (other than the open team people) - is the most important factor.

Good to be home~
and.. yes, I found my peace. Thank you Inky, for your kind wishes and very sweet messages. =) [even though they might cost a bomb -heehee, haven got my bill yet- I still appreciate them.]

Blood Donor

Had my very 1st blood donation today. Finally could be a proud blood donor after being rejected twice in a row in my prevoius attempts. My blood is not dirty and I certainly do not have syphilis, AIDs or other STDs. I was rejected cos I was too young the 1st time and menstruating heavily the 2nd. With my persistance, I finally got to be an official blood donor. I went through the registeration and was interrogated by this doctor. Instead of having to answer a whole series of questions, I could have just told her that I've never had sex. But I shy laa..

Throughout the process, there's no hassle at all. I left with a blue smiley band aid on my arm. The thought of being able to help someone made me real happy. And the needle didn't hurt more than an itch in the arm..

However, I was made to pay for my recklessness in walking straight to the donation drive through training in the evening. I was supposed to abstain from exercise the same day after blood donation. But silly billy me acted hero and decided to get on with training anyway. (Hey, it's not entirely my fault. The training program stated that we were supposed to do the review on the m'sia trip tonight.) I thought losing that bit of blood wouldn't make a difference as one menstruating. Hell, I was wrong. I couldn't catch my breath during training and had to stop halfway through the drills after feeling giddy. It'd be dumb if I were to announce to them, "Oh, cos I went for blood donation today." So I used the excuse of being hit in the face by Vane's ball to explain my giddyness.

I've learnt my lesson now. But I didn't regret going for the blood donation exercise. I'll choose a better timing instead. Now that you know donating blood doesn't hurt that much, you are encouraged to practise good karma too. Just make sure you don't act hero and train afterwards. =)

TV/Games addiction

Been looking for this article tt I've read abt for a really long time. Glad that I managed to find it. It's about how from watching too much TV or playing too much computer games can over stimulate a part of the brain, affect its developement and lead to mental illnesses.

http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg/printfriendly/0,4139,75297,00.html

Pretty long ago, I suspected that I was suffering from some mental disorder due to my abrupt change in behavior. (o, and I had a teen bit of 'self-diagnosed' compulsive behavior too.) I was irrational, irritable and couldn't get my priorities right. This article explains the minor symptons I had and made me see the light. I realised that having spent too much time in front of the screen, I got too absorbed in the games I've played, so much so that I forgot about time. I skipped my meals and paid attention to nothing else. I didn't respond to anyone who called for me or any messages that I received. And I got so pissed with those who disturbed me in the midst of my game, I would shout at them to leave, regardless of who they were. It's quite scary to think about it, like I'm in a trance, not being able to see anything else except my game. I recalled playing a game for 24 (or was it 48?)hrs non-stop. FF7. And I felt so sad and lost upon completion of the game, I didn't what to do next. Luckily I changed my delinquent habits on the computer soon enough, else you'd be visiting me in Hougang chalet now.

I've kinda learnt my lesson. Guess I don't have as much time as then to play comp games anyway. And when I have the time to, I do tear my eyes off the screen now and then to communicate with people in the real world. I switch between reality and the virtual world more readily as I take charge of my priorities. I promise to touch games only when I really really have the time. heh~

Just a word of caution to those youngsters, don't waste your life away in front of computer games. There are bigger things to accomplish. =)

New Year New Template New Resolutions

I read from somewhere that someone realised how fragile life is after the tsunami tragedy, things that one worked so hard for were simply washed away by the merciless waves. Inspired, I urge everyone to stop and smell the roses, savour every moment and have the courage to explore cos life is, indeed, beautiful.

After months of lazing around (I really like the frog pic, and I knew that creating a brand new skin will take years.), I'm finally motivated enough to create a new template. I have decided that I'll have a brand new look for my blog in the new year. (Also, I'm doing Siti a favor so that she won't have to avoid looking at the frogs whenever she reads my blog.)Thank you Yingqi for moving me, Here it is..

After 2days of hard work, it's finally done. Phew.. The script for this skin is pretty complex, I must say. It took me hours and hours to decipher which code is for what through trial and error. Also, another couple of hours, admiring the picture even though I made tiny changes. Time wasted as I decide to put pictures in and out of the layout cos I didn't want them to block the background. But most of all, it was the message that I wanted to convey through the look that took the most time. Though the resulting template could have taken me just a couple of hours to do, my perfectionism surprised me. (GRACE SIM --> PERFECTIONIST??!! my toes are laughing.)

Now that I'm done with it, I think it'll take quite some time before I'm ever gonna change my template again due to the following reasons:

1. This skin is just too nice. muahahahahah
2. School's started and I'm starting to dread computers.
3. Not much time la.. (Trainings and stuff and stuff.)
4. No design inspiration as yet. (Just lazy to kill brain cells.)

Whatever the reasons are, they are excuses. I'll try my best to beautify my blog whenever I can. It's a always nice to receive compliments about my blog skin.


Year 2005 will be a brand new start for me. I'll be kicking some bad habits now than I'm no longer a Teenager. One of those habits includes my sloppiness and another.. much to the BHPians dismay, my greediness for food. (Now that will be hard.. trust me)

Meanwhile have a great year ahead and a pleasant new year. =)