The transition has come!

After going through a long application process and interview, I have finally gotten the offer and have a chance to return to the kangaroo land!

Yup, doing my postgraduate in DESIGN! I have always been looking forward to return to school after graduation. The geeky cherry will be back in no TIME! (next March, to be precise)

“Emo-geek”

I will be enrolled to College of Fine Arts! So exciting and nervous at the same! Will be surrounded by arty-farty people who talk gibberish during their presentations just to impress the lecturer. One thing that I have learned from my school mates was to “sell” your work with all kinds of theories and grandmother’s stories. I was skeptical at first but hey, they worked!

We had presentation almost every week. It was good because there was no excuse for not doing our homework. Our lecturers wanted to see our progress each week and it would be so embarrassing to show NOTHING in front of the whole class.

Then it was the “Comments, anyone?”. There I was, standing in front of the class receiving “constructive criticism” from the classmates and lecturer. Though it sounded intimidating, those feedbacks did help me to wake up with my big fat idea and to improve my work! In fact, the “tormenting commenting session” has become something that I look forward to because I always went back with lots of ideas and improvements.

One of my favourite lecturers. On the far left with grey hair. The guy on my right, Karl, was my very first friend at school. His surname is Valentines.

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My boss bought me a white board before I leave for the Langkawi trip. My colleagues were very excited about writing on my board.

Nat started the “fill-in-the-blank”.

And when I got back from the trip, the “blank” was filled by Douglas. He meant it as a joke but then he realised that he used to wrong marker and it couldn’t be erased (unless he uses “nail polish remover”).

It really cracked me up! But what I didn’t expect was after a week….the imaginary friend has somehow….COME. TO. LIFE. Hence, Jean’s caret ^. *gulp*

Posted under Life documentaries | [13] Comments 

A student of my colleague looked for him one day about his exam result. He received his result via sms and claimed that one of his subjects (PRSP) wasn’t graded.

My colleague called up several people to check his result and got back to him.
“You have gotten a D for PRSP. And by the way, why did you say that you didn’t receive the result for PRSP?”

The student showed him the sms.

“CMATHS:C; PRSP; XXX:B.”

Obviously his result was “converted” to smiley. Hello!! Didn’t he question or find it odd to see a smiley in his exam result sms which was SENT BY THE SCHOOL? I don’t think that the school is so “humurous” when it comes to this matter, but the students are.

Posted under Mind ur language | [4] Comments 

Roy & Marjanne’s wedding

Roy is my ex-colleague and former cell group leader. A friend who is always there when listening ears and help are needed. He left the country, family and friends and moved to Netherlands a year ago to be with Marjanne. I called it, the leap of faith.

I was the usher for the matrimony, hence the wrist corsage. I’m very honoured to be part of their wedding. I guess I’m just getting better in helping out in wedding. All started from Jean’s wedding in June.

Ah…so nice…

Cycling at Pulau Ubin

Mom said I was darker than my sister for the very first time. After cycling and snorkeling under the scorching sun, who doesn’t get “roasted”?

A beautiful quarry (with a “DO NOT ENTER” sign, actually)

Was supposed to be a photography trip but was too exhausted to take pictures after cycling around the island for almost 5 hours. My butts hurt real bad and can’t walk with my legs closed for awhile.

Tee hee…I wasn’t the only one interfering the “breeding cycle” ok? SHOOO! You BAD ANT!!

It’s so much better to go to places like that on the weekends than shopping and going to cinema. I must go there again!

Capoiera – Brazilian martial art dance

The “Jingga” gang

Just happened that my sister came to visit me and I bought her a Capoeira session at Esplanade. Just noticed that both us wore the same pink top.

We did some awesome martial art moves like kicking, cartwheel and handstand (both I can’t do for nuts!) and sang some portugese songs when we did the moves!

Painting

More like an experiment instead. We were very inspired after seeing some of the great paintings in Langkawi.

Did some explorations and experimentations of creating textures on canvas using acrylics.

Don and I shared the same canvas. Our objective was to portray contrasts and differences on a common theme. Then, our “good friend” decided to join in as well.

I have decided to do more “healthy” activities on the weekends nowadays (besides work) than surfing net. Now you know why I had disappeared from the online world for awhile. Am going to do more paintings over the weekend!

Posted under Artsy-craftsy , Life documentaries | [6] Comments 

My “beachy” holiday

Ya. Finally, I have gotten my long-waited beach holiday. Didn’t go to Cathedral Cove as I was planning to, but this trip was more fun, adventurous and unforgettable.

A happy cherry

TIPS to travel in Langkawi

1) Able to speak malay is an extra BONUS
Most of the locals can’t speak English. It is sad when you need to ask for direction or general help. And of course, bargaining in Malay can give you good deal!

2) Do research online before renting a car
I found a dealer online and called him before going to Langkawi. And of course, must speak malay. At the end, I rented a decent car for RM50 a day.

When I collected my car at the airport, we found out that it was going for RM100 a day, as written on the flyer if we would to rent the car from the counter. *gulp* We saved 50%!

Me enjoyed being at the back seat once in awhile.

3) Rent a car
It is extremely convenient if you rent a car. We traveled around the island and it was convenient when it came to rainy season. Traveling with a comprehensive map is fun and thrilling. Also, we got to explore many nice restaurants and chill-out bars around the island.

This bar was cool! Great retro music and atmosphere, friendly and helpful staff. We were “dragged” by a drunk American to dance. I LOVE TO DANCE!

We were the only Asians in the bar. Can you spot me?

Since it is a duty-free island, the beer and liquor are very very cheap. This Calsberg only costs RM4! (less than SGD 2!)

4) Collecting flyers from different spa to compare prices
Having a car also allows you to travel around to collect flyers on the way. Compare prices before choosing one. I went for massage twice!

5) Bargain for tour packages
Bargain if possible. I called the same guy who rented us the car for snorkeling packages. We save RM40 per person!

Pulau Payar – It was great to travel with a “photographer” and a “creative director”. They made me do funny poses. So funny that I have decided not to share them here.

Some decent ones..

Sea urchins. Looks scary but tasty…

7 wells (telaga tujuh). Be ready to climb many many many stairs to reach to the top. Beautiful scenery. Though I was “half-dead” climbing the stairs, the waterfall was magnificent.

Note: The feeling of dipping my warm feet into the icy-cold water after trekking was…. indescribable.

We spent most of the money time on food actually. The seafood was so-so and wasn’t cheap.

It was such a fun trip that we had problem adjusting to our work and life back in Singapore. The folks in Langkawi live a simple life. The folks in petrol kiosk just sat there, fanning and waiting for customers. Otherwise, they would just sit there and watch the cars go by.

It is that simple and it was hard for me to comprehend their purposes in lives. But it is so sad that if our purpose in life revolves around our work. The journey really got me thinking and reflects on my life.

We met a few Japanese who have set up restaurants and spas in Langkawi for years. Asked them why they moved to such as deserted island. They said:”Tokyo was too hectic and busy for us. You know..traffic jams. I like nature and this is the place for me!”

I told my friends that I would set up an art studio, selling paintings and conducting drawing classes in Langkawi for tourists when I am 50. After all, Langkawi is only 2 hours boat ride to Penang, the place where I truly belong.

Posted under Glorious food! , Travel | [12] Comments 

See.. I even had a “rabbit tooth” on.

I think I look like my grandma!!

I created albums for my bosses, colleagues and friends. Surprisingly, most of them said one of the pictures looked like their dad, grandpa and great grandpa! The hair stylings and costumes do make a vast difference. Why did the highschoolers in 50’s dress like old people!!??

I know “who” to be for the upcoming halloween party..:)

Posted under Random ramblings | [9] Comments