Today I watched Little Miss Sunshine with my OG. Its a comedy-satire about a dysfunctional family going on a road trip where they encounter death, automobile accidents and life turning revelations. Its caused quite a stir in the OG when it ended because its ending didn't seem to provide a resolution to the story. Profanities were widely featured throughout, and I'm unsure how the family got away with things like breaking through parking barriers and other worse crimes.
I think its a movie about challenging conventions. Or maybe its just making a mockery of the whole American dream. But my literature is not good enough for me to be sure...
30 April 2008
28 April 2008
Mother dragged me along to see my sister receive her prize at speech day at dunman high school. Currently Dunman High School is located at the old RJC campus at Ghim Moh, so the venue wasnt altogether unfamiliar. I even knew where the toilets were without looking, thanks to fading memories of REACT that seemed so long ago.
But nostalgia aside, I wasn't exactly comfortable sitting in a midst of parents and eager Dunmanians waiting to receive their prizes. And the fact that I was wearing T shirt and jeans in contrast to a sea of formal wear did little to comfort me. Ah well. Luckily nobody seemed to pay attention. Distractions were abound, the brass band was playing, the NPCC were marching, and the Lion Dance Troop was performing. To while away the time, I read, while mother sat patiently waiting for the ceremony to start. My sister, oblivious to our presence, was chatting excitedly with her friend, fellow bandmate and exclassmate Kee Zhiyin who, incidentally, swept most of the prizes in her year. There's competition everywhere.
Nothing much was worth noting in the ceremony, except that I failed miserably in my task to photograph my sister receiving her award. (She was much too fast!) Perhaps it wasn't the most interesting way to spend the morning, but in my view it was worth supporting my sister in her first year of JC rather than idling at home doing nothing but reading.
After the ceremony, I had a good lunch with mother at the Tanglin Mall foodcourt. Following which, I ambled on to kinokuniya and finally borders at orchard. Something of note: Kino has no seats, while Borders has too little in its Orchard branch. At Borders, the seats were all taken and the soft cushion chairs present at Borders Parkway were no where to be found. So I sat on the floor at the childrens section. :)
On a separate note, I just finished "When We Were Orphans " today in addition to "The Bernini Mystery" a few days earlier. The first was interesting because of its historical setting in world war II and its unique storyline. Though I felt the plot felt similar to some Chinese drama serials. The latter was a good 'ol mystery story with what I felt was a rather clever, if slightly convoluted plot.
Interviewing samuel tay on friday. And getting myself involved in some research, which will hopefully prove a fruitful use of my holidays.
:D
But nostalgia aside, I wasn't exactly comfortable sitting in a midst of parents and eager Dunmanians waiting to receive their prizes. And the fact that I was wearing T shirt and jeans in contrast to a sea of formal wear did little to comfort me. Ah well. Luckily nobody seemed to pay attention. Distractions were abound, the brass band was playing, the NPCC were marching, and the Lion Dance Troop was performing. To while away the time, I read, while mother sat patiently waiting for the ceremony to start. My sister, oblivious to our presence, was chatting excitedly with her friend, fellow bandmate and exclassmate Kee Zhiyin who, incidentally, swept most of the prizes in her year. There's competition everywhere.
Nothing much was worth noting in the ceremony, except that I failed miserably in my task to photograph my sister receiving her award. (She was much too fast!) Perhaps it wasn't the most interesting way to spend the morning, but in my view it was worth supporting my sister in her first year of JC rather than idling at home doing nothing but reading.
After the ceremony, I had a good lunch with mother at the Tanglin Mall foodcourt. Following which, I ambled on to kinokuniya and finally borders at orchard. Something of note: Kino has no seats, while Borders has too little in its Orchard branch. At Borders, the seats were all taken and the soft cushion chairs present at Borders Parkway were no where to be found. So I sat on the floor at the childrens section. :)
On a separate note, I just finished "When We Were Orphans " today in addition to "The Bernini Mystery" a few days earlier. The first was interesting because of its historical setting in world war II and its unique storyline. Though I felt the plot felt similar to some Chinese drama serials. The latter was a good 'ol mystery story with what I felt was a rather clever, if slightly convoluted plot.
Interviewing samuel tay on friday. And getting myself involved in some research, which will hopefully prove a fruitful use of my holidays.
:D
26 April 2008
Today I headed down to the ComfortDelgro Driving Centre to apply for my PDL. I was worried I wouldn't be able to get the licence because I hadn't been able to print my BTT results, and became even more worried when I found that the results could only be printed at the kiosk there if they were less than a month old. (I took my test like 2 months ago) But they didn't require a hardcopy of the BTT, and the application went through without a hitch. The procedure was remarkably efficient, and thanks to my early arrival in the morning, I spent little time in the queue.
But a major obstacle has turned up: time! The instructor I had found was only able to find time two weeks from now, which is rather disappointing...
But a major obstacle has turned up: time! The instructor I had found was only able to find time two weeks from now, which is rather disappointing...
25 April 2008
This morning, I finally found a driving instructor! Hopefully my lessons can start next week after I register for my provisional driving license tomorrow.
Now that viva lists have come out, I am both relieved but also slightly disappointed that I wasn't going for any distinction vivas. Ah well. Just work harder next year I guess!
An Account Of A Not-So-Very-Long-Walk
In search of a cure for boredom, I went for a long walk today. Okay, I cheated a bit by taking the bus to Bugis instead of walking there, but it was still a long walk okay!
My first stop was the National Library. I had wanted to see if they stocked any video games that I could borrow using my premium membership, but alas all they stocked were audio books. If I wanted video games or anything of that sort I shall have to make my way to Tampines or Ang Mo Kio.. but wait a minute.. Marine Parade also hosts a collection! hah! But I knew that already. My findings today just confirmed the fact that the national library is not a good place to borrow video games from. But I did borrow two books, one a mystery book by Ian Pears the other "When we were orphans" as a more serious read.
Next, I trudged my way down North Bridge Road to Stamford Road and walked all the way to the National Museum. Didn't particularly see much, and not that I had an aim in mind. Simply took a nice long look at the surroundings and the architecture. I didn't want to pay the entrance fees, so I stayed in the free viewing area where there were nice sculptures and displays to look at. The things they have for show are kind of random, like a history of womens fashion in singapore, and an exhibit featuring everyday objects magnetically stuck onto a metal wall (supposed to be artistic i guess)
My next stop after the National Museum was a brief one at SMU. Admired their steel and glass buildings and had a short peek inside. I wanted to go into the library but had no matriculatiion card. Haiz. I initially felt that the strategic location and spanking new premises were great for a school. And they are. But I still prefer the natural greenery around Kent Ridge. No doubt long bus cum train rides can be tiring, but they also provide a time for relaxation and meditation.
Anyway. After leaving SMU I turned into Hill Street and into Funan Centre. I had initially wanted to find a nice game to buy but decided against spending the money. I mean, no point buying when I'm not that avid a gamer, and moreover the internet provides access to so many free games. But for want of something better to do, I went into Challenger and played on their Xbox a bit, following which, I grabbed a bite at Taco Bell and tried their Chicken Taco, which wasn't too bad. But how do you eat it without spilling the filling?!
I had wanted to head home after that, but in a sudden burst of spontaneity at City Hall I headed down CityLink Mall for the Esplanade, a place where I used to frequent to find scores, listen to performances and long ago, perform in. The library disallowed borrowing of music cds, but I was able to find some flute scores - one on classical flute solos and another holding practice pieces along with some tips on flute playing. (Hopefully I will use them.)
From the Esplanade it was another 15 minute walk before I reached my busstop opposite Suntec City Mall.
Total time spent: >< 6 hours
Now that viva lists have come out, I am both relieved but also slightly disappointed that I wasn't going for any distinction vivas. Ah well. Just work harder next year I guess!
An Account Of A Not-So-Very-Long-Walk
In search of a cure for boredom, I went for a long walk today. Okay, I cheated a bit by taking the bus to Bugis instead of walking there, but it was still a long walk okay!
My first stop was the National Library. I had wanted to see if they stocked any video games that I could borrow using my premium membership, but alas all they stocked were audio books. If I wanted video games or anything of that sort I shall have to make my way to Tampines or Ang Mo Kio.. but wait a minute.. Marine Parade also hosts a collection! hah! But I knew that already. My findings today just confirmed the fact that the national library is not a good place to borrow video games from. But I did borrow two books, one a mystery book by Ian Pears the other "When we were orphans" as a more serious read.
Next, I trudged my way down North Bridge Road to Stamford Road and walked all the way to the National Museum. Didn't particularly see much, and not that I had an aim in mind. Simply took a nice long look at the surroundings and the architecture. I didn't want to pay the entrance fees, so I stayed in the free viewing area where there were nice sculptures and displays to look at. The things they have for show are kind of random, like a history of womens fashion in singapore, and an exhibit featuring everyday objects magnetically stuck onto a metal wall (supposed to be artistic i guess)
My next stop after the National Museum was a brief one at SMU. Admired their steel and glass buildings and had a short peek inside. I wanted to go into the library but had no matriculatiion card. Haiz. I initially felt that the strategic location and spanking new premises were great for a school. And they are. But I still prefer the natural greenery around Kent Ridge. No doubt long bus cum train rides can be tiring, but they also provide a time for relaxation and meditation.
Anyway. After leaving SMU I turned into Hill Street and into Funan Centre. I had initially wanted to find a nice game to buy but decided against spending the money. I mean, no point buying when I'm not that avid a gamer, and moreover the internet provides access to so many free games. But for want of something better to do, I went into Challenger and played on their Xbox a bit, following which, I grabbed a bite at Taco Bell and tried their Chicken Taco, which wasn't too bad. But how do you eat it without spilling the filling?!
I had wanted to head home after that, but in a sudden burst of spontaneity at City Hall I headed down CityLink Mall for the Esplanade, a place where I used to frequent to find scores, listen to performances and long ago, perform in. The library disallowed borrowing of music cds, but I was able to find some flute scores - one on classical flute solos and another holding practice pieces along with some tips on flute playing. (Hopefully I will use them.)
From the Esplanade it was another 15 minute walk before I reached my busstop opposite Suntec City Mall.
Total time spent: >< 6 hours
Three Diary Entries: A summary of the Lakota Outings one week after Pros
17 April 08
22 April 08 [the programme was very similar to 18 April, but no two days can be the same...]
17 April 08
- sakura sushi ($22++),
- cineleisure rent-a-room ($2++) - basically a room equipped with facilities like Xbox and computers, so you can play dota and watch movies like the lake house. movie rentals cost extra, unless you have a special voucher like sheila had.
- a walk down orchard road with your og mates after pros (PRICELESS)
- eating dou hua at a famous yet ulu, old yet airconditioned restaurant/coffee shop (70c)
At 3.30pm, we agreed to play basketball: boys against girls. tried my best, but the girls kept scoring. argh! Sometime later, we decided that mixing the two genders would allow for a more balanced game. I joined the team that included glen and charlene, and this time things went better, but more because I was on a better team. [note to self: need to practise shooting/stop playing basketball]
At 5+?, the ten of us started playing soccer. basically it was the guys + sheila doing the shooting. lol. stupid ball kept flying into the drain too! all the guys except jason got a chance to pick the ball. Sometime later, jason, christina, theng whye, julia and charlene left, leaving me glen sheila weilun elizibeth for the dinner outing: another famous recommendation of sheila's (think last weeks post anatomy tauhuei.) TADA! XO beehoon! I took sheila's car to the place, and remarkably we found a parking lot quite easily. Glen had some difficulty though.
At 8+?: the quintet proceeded to island creamery at serene centre. charlene joined us. despite choosing very carefully, we ended up with two very sweet flavours (too sweet? advert for euyangsen birds nest on tvmobile come to mind) naturally, we didn't finish the two tubs that we ordered. (cost: $2.67)
Then at 9+ we went for a walk at the botanic gardens! very romantic! except weilun kept complaining about mosquitoes, which i admit, we present in large numbers (kind of reminiscent of field camp.) and frogs kept croaking. i wonder why...
At 5+?, the ten of us started playing soccer. basically it was the guys + sheila doing the shooting. lol. stupid ball kept flying into the drain too! all the guys except jason got a chance to pick the ball. Sometime later, jason, christina, theng whye, julia and charlene left, leaving me glen sheila weilun elizibeth for the dinner outing: another famous recommendation of sheila's (think last weeks post anatomy tauhuei.) TADA! XO beehoon! I took sheila's car to the place, and remarkably we found a parking lot quite easily. Glen had some difficulty though.
At 8+?: the quintet proceeded to island creamery at serene centre. charlene joined us. despite choosing very carefully, we ended up with two very sweet flavours (too sweet? advert for euyangsen birds nest on tvmobile come to mind) naturally, we didn't finish the two tubs that we ordered. (cost: $2.67)
Then at 9+ we went for a walk at the botanic gardens! very romantic! except weilun kept complaining about mosquitoes, which i admit, we present in large numbers (kind of reminiscent of field camp.) and frogs kept croaking. i wonder why...
22 April 08 [the programme was very similar to 18 April, but no two days can be the same...]
3.40pm: I arrived at PGP porch expecting everyone to be there. but only jon was there. lol. but soon enough (in 20 mins) people started arriving and we headed down to the foyer to play table tennis. I was not terrible at table tennis, but most of the people were better! hahaz. not that i minded though. i think i picked up a few skills here and there, though if i really want to improve i would need to play on a more regular basis. jipson and alfred joined us for the games!
As more people arrived (charlene and sheila arrived i think more than an hour late) there were insufficient tables/rackets. so most of the girls (except sheila) went to play tennis
Then me and jonathan got bored of table tennis too and went to see how the tennis game was progressing. it turned out that it had just ended. so jon and I started attempting to play tennis! (I'm sorry, zikai, anyi and vipul at this point cause I suddenly could not remember how to play tennis like we used to. but its been 2 years.. so..) hmm jon and I remember that the furthest we got to rallying was like 5 hits.. so it was like.. erm really bad.
At this point jason christina and sheila emerged into the court and at this point i decided to head back to the foyer to continue practising table tennis. i had a rather intense game with glen ( i think for him it was rather relaxing) trying to learn how to spin. the thing about playing amateurishly is that a lot of time and energy is wasted trying to pick up balls that you missed. but i guess thats part and parcel of learning..
At 6+ we headed off for dinner at Adam food centre where some friends from another og was enjoying their meal. what a small world! I got to try the famous nasi lemak from a stall whose fans included the sultan of brunei among others. I didn't find the food particularly special, except the chilli paste they spread out generously on the plate. The paste was supposed to be crowd puller, so I finished almost half of it despite the fact that I am not a huge fan of chilli. And it was not bad, but maybe not enough for me to come back repeatedly for it. hehz. my only complaint was that the portion was a little bit small, so luckily I shared a bit of mutton soup with alfred as well. Perhaps the light dinner was why the og headed to our next destination: island creamery!
Most coincidentally, we met our friends there again! what happened at island creamery was a blur, except that people kept gossiping and glen kept taking random photos of people trying to catch them in their most "unglam" poses! [these photos are now on facebook if you're really interested] we were rather noisy, and i hope we hadn't spoilt the mood of other diners in the vicinity. and the flavours for the night were reverso (very chocolately and fudge-like, i bet my sis would like it), burnt caramel and soursop. (Much better choices compared to those on our previous visit) Soursop was a refreshing flavour after you have had too much cream for your palate.
Despite the wonderful flavours, the icecream was not all finished due to the fact that the remainder had melted into a semisolid slush which looked much less palatable. ah well. but it was still a lot of icecream nevertheless, so it was a natural decision to take a walk down the botanic gardens into the law campus.The first thing that struck me when I entered the premises of NUS law was the sheer grandeur and colonial feel of it compared to the medicine campus at Kent Ridge. And, despite its age, the law campus didn't feel old. Being there was like getting transported into the 1960s, when our parents roamed the earth. This was the impression I received just by entering from the side gate. When we reached the courtyard, the beautiful scene simply overwhelmed me. (ok, I'm exaggerating here, but it was beautiful, even at night) The landmark in the courtyard, we guessed, had to be the four pillars guarding the gigantic tree that reached high above us. we had a field day trying to guess what the four pillars represented, and given the rivalry between law and medicine, this meant a lot of ribcracking jokes. haha.
But despite the wonderfully cool midnight breeze blowing in our faces, we wanted air conditioning. Charlene knew the way! I still don't know the name of that building, but it was a medium sized hall framed with glass windows and fitted with two sets of sofas. Comfortably, we hopped onto the soft cushions of the expansive chairs and began our long conversation that went on long into the night. What was that game we played? with red green and amber? traffic light! whatever it was, playing it got me home at a ungodly hour of 1130pm, even after hailing a cab.
As more people arrived (charlene and sheila arrived i think more than an hour late) there were insufficient tables/rackets. so most of the girls (except sheila) went to play tennis
Then me and jonathan got bored of table tennis too and went to see how the tennis game was progressing. it turned out that it had just ended. so jon and I started attempting to play tennis! (I'm sorry, zikai, anyi and vipul at this point cause I suddenly could not remember how to play tennis like we used to. but its been 2 years.. so..) hmm jon and I remember that the furthest we got to rallying was like 5 hits.. so it was like.. erm really bad.
At this point jason christina and sheila emerged into the court and at this point i decided to head back to the foyer to continue practising table tennis. i had a rather intense game with glen ( i think for him it was rather relaxing) trying to learn how to spin. the thing about playing amateurishly is that a lot of time and energy is wasted trying to pick up balls that you missed. but i guess thats part and parcel of learning..
At 6+ we headed off for dinner at Adam food centre where some friends from another og was enjoying their meal. what a small world! I got to try the famous nasi lemak from a stall whose fans included the sultan of brunei among others. I didn't find the food particularly special, except the chilli paste they spread out generously on the plate. The paste was supposed to be crowd puller, so I finished almost half of it despite the fact that I am not a huge fan of chilli. And it was not bad, but maybe not enough for me to come back repeatedly for it. hehz. my only complaint was that the portion was a little bit small, so luckily I shared a bit of mutton soup with alfred as well. Perhaps the light dinner was why the og headed to our next destination: island creamery!
Most coincidentally, we met our friends there again! what happened at island creamery was a blur, except that people kept gossiping and glen kept taking random photos of people trying to catch them in their most "unglam" poses! [these photos are now on facebook if you're really interested] we were rather noisy, and i hope we hadn't spoilt the mood of other diners in the vicinity. and the flavours for the night were reverso (very chocolately and fudge-like, i bet my sis would like it), burnt caramel and soursop. (Much better choices compared to those on our previous visit) Soursop was a refreshing flavour after you have had too much cream for your palate.
Despite the wonderful flavours, the icecream was not all finished due to the fact that the remainder had melted into a semisolid slush which looked much less palatable. ah well. but it was still a lot of icecream nevertheless, so it was a natural decision to take a walk down the botanic gardens into the law campus.The first thing that struck me when I entered the premises of NUS law was the sheer grandeur and colonial feel of it compared to the medicine campus at Kent Ridge. And, despite its age, the law campus didn't feel old. Being there was like getting transported into the 1960s, when our parents roamed the earth. This was the impression I received just by entering from the side gate. When we reached the courtyard, the beautiful scene simply overwhelmed me. (ok, I'm exaggerating here, but it was beautiful, even at night) The landmark in the courtyard, we guessed, had to be the four pillars guarding the gigantic tree that reached high above us. we had a field day trying to guess what the four pillars represented, and given the rivalry between law and medicine, this meant a lot of ribcracking jokes. haha.
But despite the wonderfully cool midnight breeze blowing in our faces, we wanted air conditioning. Charlene knew the way! I still don't know the name of that building, but it was a medium sized hall framed with glass windows and fitted with two sets of sofas. Comfortably, we hopped onto the soft cushions of the expansive chairs and began our long conversation that went on long into the night. What was that game we played? with red green and amber? traffic light! whatever it was, playing it got me home at a ungodly hour of 1130pm, even after hailing a cab.
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