Plain amazing, how a call can brighten up one's day.
Nice to hear from you, J. Missed your absence over the past few weeks- even though it wasn't a lot (well, especially when I was working quite hard in school).

Anyway, the phone call's not a big deal. There's something else more important to note, something else that was felt and realised today.

So after lunch with my family, I dropped by the library@Esplanade again. An old hangout, frequented especially often last year, when I was busy preparing myself for papers after papers which eventually led to the big 'A's.

At that point in time, I can still roughly recall, every time I set foot into that icy-cold paradise (well, it really was- for the more artsy fartsy people), I was prepared to be fully focused and driven to work at my best. Didn't succeed all the time but I tried, I remember I did try. And every time when I felt that I needed some break, I'd get off one of those tall chairs stationed along the 'inner circle' and walk around the mall or hunt for discs in the library that would have music that I believed was nice. On certain Saturdays, I'd be fortunate enough to sit in the musical performances at the Open Mic whenever I wanted to be liberated from work for just a little while.

Those were the days which I had that burden on me, that burden which so many others were carrying together with me.

I didn't know it was so heavy.

Not until today, when I visited library@Esplanade for the first time I believe- the very first time after that burden was lifted off my shoulders.

The feeling I experienced was undoubtedly different. Had plans to finish reading my book (that's been with me for quite a few months) before heading for dance, but ended up doing other things instead. I borrowed two movies that I picked from the shelves (and this careful selection took me close to an hour), and then adjourned to enjoy the beautiful pieces performed by some budding local singers at the Open Mic.

It was during the show that the memories of the past surfaced, together with several thoughts and a simple reflection.

Being in the same place, where everything is pretty much stagnant and the unchanged, does not necessitate the generation and experience of the same emotions you've once had. This revelation's not exactly something completely new to anyone I believe (I do remember thinking about something similar previously), but what's different this time is the concept that came upon me.

The concept of impermanence.

Nothing ever remains the same- even if the conditions were, would your feelings and thoughts still be like before? It's something we don't need to proclaim to or convince the whole world about. We know it best.

So here's a gentle reminder- to all and myself, to remember to let go. We should begin with letting go of attachments, so as to be able to move on with life and embrace the present moment.

Opportunities, spotlight, aspirations.
- Best Dancer, NJC Graduation Night 2011 

Sorry for neglecting you, my dearest blog. BUT I'M BACK TO REVIVE YOU!

No way am I able to elaborate on how interesting and fun-filled my life after A's is; it's just too much yeah, but I'll try by keeping things short and stating only the memorable features.

Right.

Actually fun started RIGHT AFTER A's were over. Went over to Qizhen's place to celebrate her 18th! It was a pretty good time chilling out at her place, watching MAMA, pigging out, playing with her baby cousin (I forgot that cutie's name though, I think it's Darius) and chit-chatting. Couldn't camp over 'cause I figured that I needed to recharge for the next day's FUN and it could have been better if we had a sleepover another time. AFTER YOUR JAPAN TRIP YEAH, CHEESE :)

So on the 30th, I WENT TO UNIVERSAL STUDIOS SINGAPORE!!!! Yes I certainly enjoyed myself, so much so that I almost got sick of the most exciting ride 'cause I sat on it so many so many times ._. It was still a really good experience though, especially when I got to catch up with my old buddy too. Heh.

From Thursday to Monday, I was rather caught up with Grad Night affairs - with little events popping up occasionally. Skipping this part.

And here's a Grad Night photo to make this segment less dull. Grad Night reminds me of Council, and Council reminds me of my dearest Core. Couldn't find a perfect shot, but I guess any would do yes?

Tuesday was a rest day; needed it rather badly since I was up almost the entire night chatting with Chungz. We only returned to the hotel room from Starbucks @ Wheelock close to 6.30am on Tuesday morning itself 'cause I couldn't wait till I wake up to get my Starbucks tumbler. A fool, a kia-su, yes that's what I am. At least I got my tumbler! :P

Wednesday was BFY Dance + OG outing day. First dance lesson I went for after my hiatus, which lasted close to a year. Rusty already, but I'm determined to polish myself so as to shine like before. As for the OG outing, I went late 'cause I went only after dance. Guess what mattered most wasn't that much of the time spent with the bunch, but getting to see all of us gathering together even after school has ended is more than just amazing (at least to me). Some ties don't last this long, really.

Thursday was fairly exciting as well, as I went to town with Vanessa. It was pretty much a last minute thing, 'cause we had something up our sleeves (which I don't believe that it's timely to disclose just yet). Surprising as it may sound, but it was actually our first time going out together. Figured that we really got to know each other better through our not-that-long HTHT over our "mission" and food, which made the day a really sweet one to me. 

Not to forget, Ah Yeh and I had KFC for dinner on that Thursday. Sometimes it's not really what you eat that matters, but the circumstance and the people you enjoy your food with :)

OKAY YOU KNOW WHAT. This will take too long and the description of each day will only be more and more meaningless. So, I should do a summing up. :)

What I appreciated the most after A's is the time I now have to do what I wish to do. Not all, but at least some of the many things I have wanted to accomplish. Needless to say, I wanted the time to spend with, and catch up with my friends and all the ones dear to me. It's a different experience, really, to meet up with those people during school days and this break. I guess the main difference is the sort of liberation and light-heartedness you get when you communicate with the ones you care. I felt less worn out, less bogged down with burdens and responsibilities, and certainly more carefree.

This time, my purpose for each outing isn't that much to allow myself to relax and take a break from the hustle and bustle. It is more of taking the effort to make up for the times I'd missed out with my close ones and to sustain, if not revive, the friendships that were made. So, no matter how much cash I burn in the process, no matter how tired I am, I know I need to maximise the amount of time I have at this point in time. Such long breaks are rare, you know.

Oh I am glad that I'm able to read during this break as well; it helps to keep my brain cells alive and ensures that my intellect won't be all gone in no time yeah. ;)
Cleared "The Essence of Happiness" already, and I'm beginning with another now - "The Spirit of Buddha".

Back to friendships. It's actually now that I discover how little I know of the ones I care. No, I don't mean it in a negative way, but pretty much in a happy way. It's that kind of, "wow, I think you're really even cooler now that I know you even more" feeling. I managed to see the different perspectives of people that I've never seen, and I must say that it was enlightening. Exhausting as it may be, but getting to know more of the ones dear to me only gives me more motivation to carry on with my hectic self-planned schedule.

What else can I say, but I'm contented, or even more than contented, with the life I have right now.

Will not be resistant to change though, for I recognise that the Suffering of Change can be remedied. ;)

Hello bloggie, Makie's back to visit! :)

Let me share a story with you.

More than ten years ago (about twelve, to be more exact), I was down with chickenpox. And yes, I was quarantined for two whole weeks - slacking in bed, doing nothing besides sleeping, eating, watching TV and perhaps a little bit of work. It was so long ago that I can't remember the specifics yeah. One thing I know for sure, though, was that I had (and still have) a great and affectionate grandpa who bothered to travel all the way to my Primary school to meet my teacher to collect my homework during my absence. From that moment, I knew that she was a special teacher. She was my form teacher - Mrs Gopal.

That simple pleasant-looking lady who wore her sari (I think) to school daily, still resonates vividly in my mind. It occurred to my grandpa that she's an exceptionally caring teacher and being a little girl who I was, that notion and impression of Mrs Gopal was deeply embedded in my mind. I'm sure, to a large extent, Mrs Gopal contributed to my childhood ambition of taking up the teaching profession.

(It's not that I don't want to be a teacher anymore but, you wouldn't want to jeopardize your children's education by placing them in my hands yeah. I'm not exactly proficient in anything in particular.. BUT, I may soon be - you'll never know.)

That's pretty much the end of my chickenpox story, which brings me to share with you the next thing on my plate - teachers.

I'll skip Secondary School and move on to The College of The Nation - Home of Scholars and Leaders (and Amanda Mak) who Serve with Honour :)

[Noooo, I love IJSN and (almost) every single bit in that little cozy home but I can't ramble on about every single school I've attended since I was born - this post will take for ever to be done.]

Having spent close to four years in MY current abode, I've to say, my love for it isn't that simple or little. Friends aside, environment aside, it is the teachers who shaped me into what I'm today. Definitely not the best student in all aspects, but certainly not one of the worst I suppose. Without them, I wouldn't have the drive to study hard and keep up with the pace of work. Without them, I wouldn't have mustered the courage to step out of my comfort zone to embark on many of my life's firsts. Without them, I wouldn't be here with the words I have to say.

I love you, teachers.

Thanks for every ounce of effort you spent preparing for classes and helping us learn. Thanks for always attempting to make lessons engaging and interactive. Thanks for offering your support and listening ears when we need them the most. Thanks for being there, to share and care. You make us special; and for that, you are special.

Couldn't reach out to all of you teachers who once enlightened me with your wisdom, but here's a message to wish all of you, the happiest Teachers' Day (I know it's belated but, it's always better late than never!) and even though most or all of you won't see it, I hope this gets sent into your dreams, somehow, in some way.

Hope you enjoyed reading my little prose, bloggie! Will be back to talk a bit more about myself soon - when I feel like it, HEH.

FOR YOUR RACQUET, MAKKKKK! Black's not v. nice and somehow, the feel isn't exactly there either :(

Haha hello bloggie! It's been a while since I last visited you. Guess what, SUPERMAN GREW EVEN MORE THIS WEEK. So happy for it! :D

Hm and I've to confess, I haven't exactly been a good girl this week. I didn't keep to my promise of sleeping early. And the punishment for that is a hideous pimple and horrifying eyebags :/

Worst of all, I HAVEN'T BEEN VERY PRODUCTIVE TOOOOO. I seem to have mastered the art of slackingz. I know this for sure as the Facebook tab is staring straight into my eyes. Oh well, I'll just take it as some form of training - by training myself to leave Facebook on YET be able to complete my work.

Yep. That should do. :)

Oh oh! And I'm pretty proud of myself today! Right, if you thought that my comment on my racquet grip is purely random, you are WRONG. I'm proud of myself because I WOKE UP EARLY TODAY TO PLAY TENNIS WITH SYLVIAAAAAA! I woke up before 7am today all right! No mean feat eh (bearing in mind that today's a Sunday)! I'm happy because I finally brought Mr Reddie to suntan a little, after cooping it at home for almost a year.

I PROMISE THAT I WON'T LEAVE YOU ALONE FOR SO LONG ANYMORE K!

And another proud achievement of mine - I CLEANED THE FAN IN MY ROOM TODAY. :D

Heh, that's all for now I guess! I shall continue doing work :)

WATCH OUT.