Saturday, January 29
My left cheek has been swollen since two nights ago. At first I thought it was just a sore throat that is causing the little bluge on the cheek. It didn't feel painful as long as I don't go and poke or touch it. So the next day, I went to school as usual, with the swollen cheek. The first thing Joel told me was whether it was mumps. I didn't know what mumps was but according to him, he said it is some viral infection of the throat. Anyway I didn't take it so seriously then. It was until recess that Mr Pang came over and talk to Audrie and I that I told him about the lump. He immediately said it was mumps and insisted that I go home. He said it is infectious and I better stay away from the guys in the class because if I spread it to them, it will cause them impotency. Gosh, I was totally freaked out. Impotency? then does it mean I am affected too?
So Mr Pang went to the general office and signed the early leave form for me and I took a bus home as he said there is better ventilation and will prevent it from spreading. The I received a call from my Dad, he was totally shocked to hear the news from Mr Pang. Honestly, the bus trip from school back home was the most horrifying experience of my life. I kept thinking about impotency and affecting the people around me. It seems like some kind of SARS virus. But anyway I managed to keep myself from thinking about it.
At the clinic, I didn't have to wait that long as there was no one in que. So shortly after I entered the clinic, I could go in to see the doctor. So the doctor asked what happened? I said mumps. And he burst out laughing, saying I was scaring myself. mumps occur on the neck area not the cheeks. I felt so embarassed of my inadequate medical knowledge. Gosh, I didn't even know what mumps could cause, except maybe impotency. Haha, I heaved a sigh of relief. After some examination, the doctor said it was just some tooth problem which caused infection on the gum hence the swell. Well, so after all that fuss, it was just a toothache actually. But anyway I guessed I needed to consult the doctor about my consistent runny nose and sorethroat. I was given two mc to excuse me from lessons that day and band which is today. As a result, I had to foresake the road race which was to take place 2 hours later. My Dad forbide me to go to the road race and wanted me to stay at home to rest.
Eventually, I was so bored at home and went online to chat. Serena happened to be on leave and was online. Then we started talking about the school annual magazine and she said how she wish she could see it. So we met up at compasspoint in the evening and I showed her the magazine and we talked about how's life these days. Meanwhile, I went online to research on mumps, only to realise it is a disease that is mainly spread in the rural areas and symptoms of it are vomiting, continuous cough and etc. Apparently, there was two forms of infection, one for the female and the other one is the male. The virus could cause testicular infection or something which explains the impotency part and also most importantly, the virus can be spread from human to human under close contact. As I was reading this, I realise the seriousness of the illness which was why Mr Pang insisted I go home. He even kept some distance from me fearing I would pass the disease to him (he is married but has no children yet, that was what he told me). So I gave the whatever look, oblivious to the seriousness of the disease. But anyway it was a false alarm and I am glad I do not have to stay away from school for 2 weeks. Ha. Ha. Ha.
3:59:00 PM
Monday, January 24
What have you done??
- little things do count for your personality
Singapore's education system has always been one of the top ranked in the entire world and it is no exaggeration to say that Singapore possibly has one of the brightest, diligent and competitive students in the world. Given the stress level of its education system, Singapore students have been mould to handle the challenges of such fast-paced system. I would assume that Singapore students are supposedly rationale and able to judge a situation based on logical reasoning as that is supposedly what the educational system tries to create out of its descendants.
It seems funny and almost pathetic that I should be posting such an entry. I have been observing this for quite some time, especially on my way to school early morning. The bus that comes at around 6.45am is always congested, in the front of the bus. If you were to shift your eye slightly towards the rear of the bus, you will be horrified to find that it is empty, almost vacant. And it is never a wrong guess to say that those blocking the entire entrance of the bus are students. How is it that educated elites of certain calibre can chuck aside their brains and engage in mindless talks with their friends, oblivious to the fact that many people are desperately trying to get onto the bus. It seems as though these kids have had a long holiday and cannot wait to converse with their friends. While people are stranded at the entrance and possible facing the danger of being crushed by the door, these people are not mindful of the situation and merely laughing their heads off at pathetic jokes and jamming up the entire pathway.
Finally, after much effort, I was able to get onto the bus. The driver halted at the bus-stop for close to 3mins before he had to close the door on the anxious passengers. He was obviously waiting for the students to move into the rear of the bus but apparently they didn't heed his signal. Even when another passenger urged them to move in, they simply carried on their conversation and ignored the advice. It was not as if these students were about to alight at the next stop, their school were at least 5 bus stops away from the bus-stop I was at. It will at least take 15 mins to get to their school but they simply refuse to barge. It would be an absolute lie to say that these students were anxiously dying to get to school, because they took their own sweet time to get off the bus even after the door had closed.
After the SengKang area, most of the students had cleared the bus, and finally there was space to move about. When I went onto the second deck, I was shock to find that half the seats were filled. It was not because the students had cleared the seats for other passengers, but it was all along vacant as no one wanted to move in or move up. It made my blood boil when I saw what was before me. Are these students so lazy to even take a step to allow space for more passengers to come in? The bus went pass many stops and could not pick up more passengers due to the state it is in. And it is obvious that the bus-stop is piling up with passengers waiting for another bus 88 to come.
I definitely hope the situation will improve as it is unfair to people who are in a rush and those who follows their routine faithfully. These students ought to have the initiative to emphatise for other passengers especially with such thorough education on civics and moral values. Academic achievements aside, it is these small things in life that reflects the personality of a person.
8:02:00 PM
Thursday, January 20
another week has passed and I am soon adjusting to having wake up early in the morning, although I was late more than half of the entire week.
Thankfully, tomorrow is a public holiday and followed by a weekend. Much as I would like to enjoy myself, I will have to complete my assignments first and study for the economics test on Monday.
Yesterday Band's sectional was awesome. We spent the first 1 hour or so practising and guess what, the rest of the sectional was just fun and more fun. We sang at the top of our voices when names of various songs were mentioned. There was also, as usual, lots of gossip and stuff. Thanks to those girls. I guess it is these enjoyable moments that keep me going in band and school life, without which, I might have gave up long time ago.
Another memorable thing was that the class bought Mr Pang 31 can drinks, symbolising his 31st birthday. We wanted to surprise him with our efforts but only to find that he had gone home early to fix the pipe of his new flat. Well, guess we can only get to see his surprise look on Monday.
8:53:00 PM
Tuesday, January 11
8 Jan
This is a very special day for me, because it was the day I was born. In fact this is the time of the year in which I look forward to everyday. It seems as though it was meant for celebration and a date where all my friends can just gather for some chit-chat.
This year, I celebrated my 18th birthday with another special classmate of mine, she is also a very special friend and that is Audrie. In order to make things easier for our classmates, we decided to hold a joint birthday bash so our friends can meet up and just have fun.
This has been the day I was looking forward to for the past few months and a simple day like this can make me feel at ease and take a moment out of my hectic schedule. I didn't have to prepare much as my job was simply to call Canadian Pizza and get there before 5.30pm so that I can collect the foodstuff.
At about 6.30pm, it was still drizzling and the group of us almost thought this birthday bash wouldn't have been able to go on. Thank god the rain stopped before our friends arrived. By then the fire was ready and the BBQ had already begun. Audrie's friends volunteered to help everyone barbeque the food and they dominated the pit for the rest of the night. and thanks to them it saved us a lot of perspiration.
After most of my friends had arrived, I was busy entertaining each cliques and taking pictures here and there. It drained me what's left of my energy after the morning dance practice. They bought presents ranging from big to small, soft to hard. The montfort guys gave me two lame soft toys which sent my Mum questioning why I received such stuffs as presents. Well, can't figure out those guys. I guess they didn't have enough time and so they rushed to the nearest Kiddy Place to get a Winnie The Pooh and Tigger softtoy. Gosh, and I always thought kiddy place is for kids. like Duh.. I also received this super-gigantic size ayumi poster from the trumpeters. They were so insistent on buynig me something ayumi. well, apparently I have all her album collections so they couldn't find anything else that I needed. The percussionists gave me a metallic figure holding a trumpet. The figurine was awesome and it brought back a lot of memories when I first started playing the trumpet. Serena and Jocelyn gave me this caard which they must have spend a long time doing it. The minute I opened it, I felt really shocked and comforted by the card itself. The design and cuttings were so delicate and time-consuming. I must thank them for such a lovely card. I also received cool glass container from WenQi which ahd a card rolled up and put inside. It was only about 3 days later that I discover that the card inside which I thought was some instruction menu turns out to be a birthday card. Haha. I also got vouchers to Fox Men & Women from Melvin, Janice, Evelyn and Andy. On top of that, the class people gave me this body butter (as it is called), which you apply on your body after shower. No idea why they got me that. These weirdos. Haha, overall I received quite a lot of weird presents but it was nice and sweet of them.
After the entire thing, Audrie and her friends went to Fishermen Village to cut her cake, it was a present from her friends. She was kind enough to let me share the cake and also invited our classmates along. I felt pretty bad leaving my friends back there, but I guess they can entertain themselves. Well, for one I must say that it must have been pretty weird for some of my friends and I apologise for not being a good host that evening. Hopefully next time there will be more interaction and hopefully more fun.
Just finished the history test, doubt I am going to do very well, although I knew what I wanted to say. Hopefully by the end of the block test, I will be able to clear it and proceed on with life. Taking a look at the year's schedule, it seems that time is really running out and I ought to start preparing myself for the final thing, A Level. Signing out.. see ya. material child.
9:13:00 PM
Friday, January 7
First week of school
the first week of school was not all relax and have fun. In fact the teachers have already begun the intensive training that will prepare us for the A Level. It is going to be a long, tedious and stressful run but we just have to push on as Mr Pang said. Sometimes I find that a lot of things that Mr Pang says are pretty true and logical. IT makes you think about yourself and everything. I guess Mr Pang has a lot of personal experiences to share with us, be it solemn or realistic talks or crap jokes. You have to give it to him. I totally respect him and I hope not to disappoint him in anyway, especially in terms of academic results. It never fails to learn something when you are with Mr Pang.
Can you believe it, I was late almost everyday this week. I guess I have yet to adapt back to the school timings but it will gradually come back to me I guess. It is always the first week that I screw up many things. On top of that, the people that fills the entire eastern side with noises, the JC1 people and the OGLS and leaders. You have to give it to these people when it comes to being exhilarated about anything that can show their group's enthusiasm. It was cool to see them like this for the first few days but as the orientation got by, the JC 2s are somewhat frustrated with them for the noise and inability to concentrate. Even the tutors give them the look. We always fear when someone announces "they are back". well these people are happily enjoying themselves before they embark the path to university and there is no turning back once they begin. And it is called jealousy that the JC2s and tutors are feeling. Who wants to be stranded in the classroom while the rest of the school is having the time of their life.
Meeting a friend.
Today I met up with Desmond whom I met from friendster. He is a pretty outgoing and outspoken guy. I guess he has experiences meeting onlinne friends. I was pretty edgy before meeting him as the MRT station looked as though everyone could be the potential one. There was this person staring at me and when he was approaching me, I turned and walked away quickly as he looked very fierce. But luckily it was him as he was late. However uncertain I was, the minute I saw someone walking from the busstop towards the MRT station, I could recognise that it was him. Despite the distance, it seems sort of Deja Vu that I could recognise him instantly. Well, it didn't turn out too embarassing as he initiated most of the talks. I'm not one who can be very sociable on first meetings. People said I look very 'Dao' (arrogant) when they first saw me. Perhaps, I don't know.
Apparently, Both our phones had some problems and I thought since he knows where the panasonic building is, he could bring me there to repair my phone. NOw I am stuck with this proto-panasonic phone that is so difficult to use. Damn. Miss my phone and I will probably only see it three days later. We went to catch a Ocean Twelve. I don't know whether the story line was a bit confusing or it was just me. I couldn't seem to focus my mind on the movie. And I was falling asleep at some point of the movie. But luckily at the end of the movie, everything was revealed and I finally grasped the giss of the plot. Then we walked around aimlessly as I always did in orchard before heading for dinner, actually it was rubbish food, Tako Balls and we went home as he had to meet his parents for some dinner. Well, quite interesting for a first meeting I must say. Think he will make a good friend.
BBQ tomorrow. Yay, the most anticipated event of the year, 8 January. woohoo. tomorrow I will be having a joint birthday bash with Audrie. Her birthday is on 11 Jan. I think it is gonna be fun because there will be so many people whom we know who are gonna be present and it can be a gathering and time for people to just relax and chill out. hmm.. looking forward to tomorrow. There will be dance practice and I am also looking forward to the formation thingy. awesome man.. and the evening party.. yay.. someone cease my excitement.
shan't crap on any further.. see ya..
10:48:00 PM
Saturday, January 1
Another year has passed.. a review of 2004..
2004 has been a pretty smooth-sailing year for me, although I have been saying how stressful I feel about JC life, but honestly, I feel I haven't been giving my best at my studies and it is high time I ought to do something about it.
One thing I must say is that I have learnt many things throughout the entire year which will benefit me for the rest of my life. From working experience to studying in a competitive institution like Meridian JC, I realise there is so much to the world that I have yet to explore. For example, school work, especially Literature and General Paper has exposed me to issues and higher level of mind-work which I have never imagined I would have thought of back in those younger days. From now on, I am able to view things with a more open mind and a deeper and more sophisticated analysis. For example, reality TV used to be just pure entertainment for me but however, I am able to look back at these scripted reality and let my mind ponder on the issues that revolves around them. Pretty amazing I must say. Besides these, I am also more concern with the world issues like the economy, simply because of Economics which I am taking. I never realise how the country's economy and various market work. But once you are exposed to them, you will experience a totally new change within you that will send you 'aww, so that is how it works'.
I have also learnt to appreciate the people around me who have been so patiently stayed by me even through my darkess and most unreasonable moments. I guess I owe these people a big thank you. There were many times I was very confuse as to what decision to take and what ought to be done, but my friends have never abandoned me nor rushed me into making a decision. I have all the time in the world to make those decisions. What I find most interesting is that, when you get to higher levels and more intricate specialisation, you realise that people whom have always been around you suddenly turn out to be geniuses and superstars. I guess this is the point in life where the talented are filtered from the mediocre. But nevertheless, I learnt to accept this fact and slowly work my way up. There is no point rushing and end up backfiring and falling behind. But it is also where you know where your friends are heading in life and what kind of circle of friends you will have in your future. Pretty Interesting.. haha.. people of different walks of life.
I guess that is all I have to say for 2004. I am very greatful for all that I have and everything around me. I will treasure them and remember them for as long as I live. I am definitely looking forward to 2005 as it will lead me onto the next phase of my life. Pretty cool isn't it. And plus I am going to be 18 soon. HAha, it feels as though it was yesterday that I celebrated my 10th birthday. Haha, and in no time I will be 20. 8th January - Highly anticipated date. My birthday, hopefully I wil have a birthday party cum housewarming.
Countdown Party
This year suck for a countdown party so called. I watched a movie with my friends - meet the fockers.. so ultra funny. Those people are so so good at bawdy humors and sexual innuendos. Anyway after movie, it was barely 10 mins to 12midnight and the crowd was already gathering and spraying everyone and anything that they see.. And so we squeezed into the crowd. We intended to go to downtown east for celebration as they had a concert going on. But the train had stopped running then. Irritating shit. SO we ended up in at Esplanade hoping there would be a performance. But apparently there was none so we ended up walking around Clarke Quay. We actually wanted to crash a club but my friends didn't dare so we had to stand outside. I thought such clubbing and smoky places only existed in drama serials but that was what I saw over at Clarke Quay, what an eye-opener. After walking around aimlessly for a while, it was about 3am that we decided to take a night rider to Pasir Ris hoping to catch some last minute partying. The bus took 2 hours to get to PAsir Ris, and by the time, everything had ended. And so we stayed around sfoodstall and ate LAksa and played Uno. It was around 6.30am we took a cab home.
One more day to go before school reopens, I am looking forward to it and dreading it at the saem time. It marks the start of a long labourous journey towards the A Level. Good Luck to me..
10:06:00 PM
