Time really flies. In just a twinkling of an eye, another week has gone by. Another month is about to sail through. Soon, we'd be greeting November. And then, December and then we'd be welcoming 2008 into our lives-

It was exactly a week ago - Wednesday- that I got an sms from my dear friend PL.
Almost right after the sms, I began to sign up for an account in blogspot and began to blog.
As I have mentioned earlier in my previous post, I'm not the 'blogging' kind of person.
To me, to keep a blog going, it'll require an amount of energy, effort, time, determination and creativity. And I always felt that I wasn't cut out for blogging.
But it wasn't until that day when PL contacted me regarding this blogging experiment conducted by R.AGE, that I decided it won't hurt to give blogging a go! ;)
Of course, the experiment caught my interest, hence - i blogged....am blogging..and (hopefully) will continue to blog. =)

Some of you might be wondering, what's this experiment about?
It's all about R.AGE picking 3 people - who has no experience whatsoeva in blogging- to blog! As simple as that. =) and yeah, they are to tell of their experience within this period of blogging, which is exactly what i'm doing here. :)

We're required to blog for at least 5 days.

It has been a good experience, really. Who'd think that I'd be able to keep a blog going faithfully for 6 long days. Lol. It amazes me that I even had something worthy to post. Something which I deem interesting to share in this blog of mine. =) Now that I have got a blog running, it's really no sweat to keep it for as long as I could.

As the saying goes "A thousand mile begins with a single step."

The Good Samaritan

Today is a good day.
*sings* "I feel good... (na na na na na)..."
Good because........ err..um. O ya,I got enough sleep! :-D
yeah! that must be it. And I went for my jog. Feeling so refreshed after my shower.
And my dinner.....
Dinner was awesome! ;) Nothing elaborate though.
I had my red bean bun, my butter cake, my cup of coffee & the MOST deliciousss of them ALL
===> My mushroom chicken flavoured Campbell soup! With additional bread crumbs! My stomach simply loved the delectable taste!

Ok. pardon the repetitive possessive pronouns used. I think besides feeling good, I'm feeling quite possessive today. =P

Oh, and I went to the gym!

"whoaa.. your teaching institute got gym wan arr??"
*this is an imaginary question posted by the blogger's imaginary friend* :)

Yup. yup. yup, and I felt like a 'sesat case' there.
I mean, just looking around & taking in the sight of hugeee equipments *gulp*, and body builders around me *double gulp*, it just made feel so small, weak, out of place & lost.
And how do these machines actually function- i haven't a single clue!

that was when...... *pauses for sound effect*
My super hero made the magical appearing***

This guy, (one of those gym-sters) came forward...

"1...2...3...4... go on" he prompted

There smacked right in the corner of the gym, the clumsy round tomato that I am- was trying to balance a medicine ball with my left hand stretched as far as i could manage.
Speak of feeling good. I was feeling awkwardly miserable at that point in time. =(

( medicine ball => a round stuffed ball used for conditioning exercises.)- mine was 5kg- duno if that's the standard weight.

To cut the entire story short, my super hero decided to take some time off to enlighten me on other ways of exercising with the medicine ball.
We ended up playing "monkey" when a friend of his joined later.
I was given a quick overview of the different functions in the gymnasium after that.

So, my gym experience turned out to be great after all! =)... la la la

Am thankful for that. Ok, don't get any ideas. Am just glad that a good Samaritan came by to lend a helping hand. Now that I'm more equipped with gym-ing knowledge, can go gym-ing more often-lar
=)

Oh, my friends just invited me to watch some hindi movie called "Dhoom".
lots of talk abt that movie. So, thats it for today.
Ciaoz.!.!

"I feel good... (na na na na na na)..."

Letter from an Irish Mother to her Son

Dear Son,

Just a few lines to let you know I'm still alive. I'm writing this letter slowly because I know you can't read fast. We are all doing very well.

You won't recognise the house when you get home - we have moved. Your dad read in the newspaper that most accidents happen within 20 miles from your home, so we moved. I won't be able to send you the address because the last Irish family that lived here took the house numbers when they moved so that they wouldn't have to change their address.

This place is really nice. It even has a washing machine. I'm not sure it works so well though: last week I put a load in and pulled the chain and haven't seen them since.

Your father's got a really good job now. He's got 500 men under him. He's cutting the grass at the cemetery.

Your sister Mary had a baby this morning but I haven't found out if it's a boy or a girl, so I don't know whether you are an auntie or an uncle.

Your brother Tom is still in the army. He's only been there a short while and they've already made him a court martial!

Your Uncle Patrick drowned last week in a vat of whiskey in the Dublin Brewery. Some of his workmates tried to save him but he fought them off bravely. They cremated him and it took three days to put out the fire.

I'm sorry to say that your cousin Seamus was arrested while riding his bicycle last week. They are charging him with dope peddling.

I went to the doctor on Thursday and your father went with me. The doctor put a small tube in my mouth and told me not to talk for ten minutes. Your father offered to buy it from him.

The weather isn't bad here. It only rained twice this week, first for three days and then for four days. Monday was so windy one of the chickens laid the same egg four times.

We had a letter from the under-taker. He said if the last payment on your Grandmother's plot wasn't paid in seven days, up she comes.

About that coat you wanted me to send you, your Uncle Stanley said it would be too heavy to send in the mail with the buttons on, so we cut them off and put them in the pockets.

John locked his keys in the car yesterday. We were really worried because it took him two hours to get me and your father out.

Three of your friends went off a bridge in a pick-up truck. Ralph was driving. He rolled down the window and swam to safety. Your other two friends were in back. They drowned because they couldn't get the tailgate down.

There isn't much more news at this time. Nothing much has happened.

Your loving Mum

P.S. I was going to send you some money but I had already sealed the envelope.

A tomato story

Imagine this :
A bright red-faced tomato on the running tracks.

That was the exact image onlookers had their eyes on when yours truly was trotting (with much difficulty) on the field this evening.

Huffing and puffing (hyperventilating) as I sprung my foot forward -one after the other on what seemed like an endless track.

I was jogging alright! =P

"NO PAIN( right foot forward), NO GAIN ( left foot forward)
NO PAIN, NO Gain
NO PAIN, NO gain
NO PAIN, no gain..."
I repeated to myself for what seemed like the 1000th time before i felt -- tiny droplet of sweat beads appeared on the sides of my cheek...

I'd usually first feel the blood surge up to my face, my cheeks would then experience a burning sensation as it vibrates violently on both sides.
Ok-lar, strike off the "violently". Maybe not to that extend-lar. But to some extend of the word, it's true and that goes to show all the more the need for me to exercise. Especially after what seemed like a "10-dont-come-by-easily-raya-break."

Yeah...
Holidays are a great time to relax and unwind.
Holidays are a great time to take a step back and enjoy the wonders of our surrounding.
But...Holidays are ALSO a greeeeeaaaaaaaT time to "E-A-T" & "S-L-E-E-P."
I call it plain pigging out.

That explains where all the extra fatty tissue pop out! (if this sentence is even scientifically correct) =P

Ok, so back to the bright red tomato.

The problem is this; every time i engage in a strenuous activity of any sort- be it jogging or outdoor activities, I'd blush ten shades and be as red as a lobster.
No kidding!
I'm quite used to the sight of myself in such a state. But not onlookers who happen to drive/stroll by. They'd be ogling me with that worried look plastered on their faces - afraid I might working myself to hard and am about to faint.

There were a few times, during the cross country run in my lower secondary school years in which I had to repeatedly gesture to the teachers placed at different checkpoints (even in my breathless state) that "I'm reallly reaaallly up to this!".
And mind you, a mere thumbs up from me won't do to justify my state. I remembered once I had to practically run up to one of my teachers to assure her. Can you imagine what a waste of quality time that would be during a race? =P
Nevertheless, I'm really thankful for caring teachers. =)

Running has always been one of my better sports. I have indeed accumulated for myself, throughout the years a few medals of which I cherish dearly :)

However, I still can't help feeling all self-conscious after a jog. Especially now that I'm in college, and there are many people who'd work out in the field in the evenings.

Recalling a friend's remark ---
"But I still think you look sweet when you turn red. That's you mar! If not red, then it's not the Christine Lee that I know already..."

that got the silly grin plastered on my tomato face for days! =)

Which brings a story to mind :

A family of three tomatoes were running downtown one day when the little baby tomato started lagging behind. The big father tomato turns to look at the baby tomato.
Guess what he said??




tomato, ketchup! (catch up)

60s' style, today's glam

As I came down the staircase this morning and plopped myself comfy on the nearest sofa, my brother eyed me from the back of his full-rimmed silver spectacles.

"Jie, your new specs look so geeky on you!"

I made a funny face at him and gestured for him to hush up- or else...

"Ok ok just stating a fact!" he replied good-naturedly.

"So not a fact, just your silly opinion," I retorted.

"Seriously though, mummy (glancing sideways towards mom who was sitting in the dining area across the room), why nowadays the latest fashion seem like it's bringing us back to the 60s, 70s or even 80s?" my brother inquired.

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I think he has got a point there (needless for him to know tho. =P)

I mean, think about it...
Think of the time whereby frameless specs were so "in"... those kind of specs were considered classy as when one wears, it isn't obvious that he/she is wearing specs. However, if you see a person sporting one of those full-rimmed/plastic framed specs, you'd not think twice to label them as dorky or nerdy or even geeky..
But now?

Newly fashioned specs seem to be hit by the back dated 'plastic-framed glasses' bug.
Sneak a peek!




Oh, and tht does not stop at spectacles.
Take a look at the latest displays in shopping malls. You know, those wrap-around dresses with a mess of floral art imprinted on them?


Ain't these all bringing us back to those days.... in the 60s where...




floral prints were in style? ;)

Not to mention those 'carrot-styled' pants (or tights they call it) of the 60s you see worn under those "2-size-2-small" dresses. Ain't these popular nowadays as were bell bottom jeans (1960s) a few years ago?





Oh ya, have you checked out your nearest hair accessory outlet?

If you have, you would be familiar to the sight of these new hair scarf-bands. Well, can't say "new" exactly, it's just a rebirth of the 1950s classic style.




Or be amazed by the latest, trendiest hair bands. Those huge, polka-dotted bands of the hip 60s.

Okkkayy... 'nuff updates in the fashion arena.
Next up...

Houses these days... have you noticed the new concept homes?
Let me show you a picture of this show unit :




Heard of he Modern Minimal concept?
Houses are seen looking block-ish with very simple designs- classy in fact! Designer nowadays extol a flexible modern minimal scheme for our modern day-to-day living.
Gone were the days where one would opt for extensive and intricate elements added to the house to make it look glamorous.
Here we have it! -- the modern retro style of the roaring 40s and 50s!

Doesn't it all (once again!) bring us back to houses of old where the homes were plain square-rish looking blocks?

SO, with these in view.. could we already conclude that as fashion revolves, it does (whether we like it or not) bring us back to our great great grandparents' age?

=) SO, better not be too quick to discard all your "outdated" possessions. You might actually find it 'wear-able' or 'use-able' decades later! =P

Untitled

Was awakened by the tune of "Shining Friends" coming from my handphone this morning.
the screen on my handphone read "Hi! How are you?" sender - Jowie.
Stared blankly at the message for a good two seconds before drifting back to dreamland.

It was a real luxury to be able to sleep right into noon time. I don't get this opportunity once class resumes on Monday. The night before, I was frantically trying to complete my Social Studies assignment on Martin Luther King's "I have a dream" speech. Sleep finally came to me at 5 a.m. That was when 'I had a dream'~~ =)

Had lunch at 1 pm after which, we (dad, mom & i) took a ride down town. Had some errands to run. Me ,to get my specs -yes! my new specs :), dad, to do some banking stuff and mom, to get my cousin Colin, a birthday pressie.

Returned home just in time for dinner.

Continued with my assignment after makan..

Might seem a little dull - this day of mine. But i'm enjoying every moment spent with my family before returning to JB.
I guess time spent with loved ones would be always fun! fun! fun! regardless of the place.. even if it's just confined to the walls of our house. =)


Alrighty, have to get on with my assignment. Boy, time sure flies! I still can't believe it's Friday already... just last week i was eagerly looking forward to my 10 days Raya break..
On a brighter note, there's another row of holidays too look forward to - Deepavali holidays! =D
That should suffice in keeping me energized for another two lonnng weeks.

MARTIN LUTHER~~~ here come I!

then and now...

Ever wondered how so many things could change with time?

When I was 12, I often thought "When will I ever grow up?"

Now, I wish time would just freeze in its place, or at least slow down in pace... my age's catching up :)

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When I was 12, people kept telling me "Girl... u're too young to understand, wait till u're older"

Now, at 19 I'm beginning to cringe in view of the complications life has to offer.

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When I was 12, I actually did consider trying dog's food- some biscuit in the shape of a bone! Looks yummy to me! hmm..

Now, once in a while I do have a sudden craze for baby's biscuits, the one u dissolve by adding in hot water, and it melts & look so creamy (not 2 mention-yummy!)

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When I was 12, I disliked the idea of shopping for girlie clothes! Lacey dresses never cease to irritate me. It was totally on my "no-no" list no matter how my mom coaxed me into trying!

Now, I guess I would (often times!) walk right into a shop and snap one up for myself. (ironically)

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When I was 12, I had this hugeee crush on Aaron Carter! simply adored his spikes - couldn't get enuff of them..

Now, I can't believe I was actually into him! I guess, I'm more down to earth now.. spikes don't intrigue me anymore! They just pose as a danger.

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When I was 12, I got chased by this black cat... ever since then, cats just never cease to give me those creeps!

Now, what can I say? I still don't find cats very appealing... still wondering if there's a truth in cats having 9 lifes? *shudders*

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When I was 12, I wondered what it would be like if the ceiling would just trade places with the floor. Like, imagine.. that the house goes up side down.. Imagine being able to walk on yr ceiling!

Now, well, well, I guess physics did teach me a thing or two abt the existance of gravity.. but still! Sometimes, I can't help but to wonder how things would be like walking on my house' ceiling >_<

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When I was 12, my all time favourite tv show would be "Honey, I shrunk the kids!" & "The Three Ninjas"

Now, my virtual life revolves around sappy korean series =p, reality tv shows such as : Fear Factor !

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When I was 12, I wondered how would life be after my schooling days...

Now, I wonder how would life be when I start working - like for real!...


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When I was 12, the coolest tag line would have been "Rules are made to be broken!"

Now, the coolest and most meaningful lines has got to be from the bible! And if there were anything breakable in it, that would be the 10 commandments.

SUP[p]ER-liciously Yummy~

The time now is 1.06 a.m and I'm wide awake!
Actually, I have just gotten back from supper... yes, you heard me, alright.
Goes to show I - Christine Lee Sue Yen, am up for food, anytime! *hint hint*
Am glad and thankful my family (dad & bro - excluding mom) has an equally
"healthy" appetite when it comes to eating
We had "tai chow" for supper, - yee mee, hokkien noodles & fried rice.
I know full well that I ain't doing my waistline any favours by indulging in these yummy-licious delights -especially at this hour of the day..Nevertheless, i simply couldn't resist. =P


Have got 2 assignments at hand. So i'd better get on with it. Ciaoz!
(my mind works best after supper) =D

A baby's first ever steps into the world of blogging

The Scents of yesterday enveloped me as i racked my mind for a thought provoking, worthy piece to post..
Unlike many others, i fall far from being an avid, inspired blogger. I prefer to simply pen my thoughts down in a diary where i am at peace to know the details remain a precious secret tucked away from the eyes of the world. However, with the recent hype and talk which surround blogging i'm lured to try this out. To contribute to the already growing ring of bloggerines maybe? ;)

As i was mentioning, (before my delving into the reasons for starting a blog) my thoughts actually took a stroll down the memory lane of yesterdays, where the scents still linger and tug at me..
It was that one moment in time when I got the letter!

"What letter?" I hear you say. :)

The letter of acceptance for the KPLSPM programme- (B.Ed TESL course fully sponsored by the government) which I applied for and have been, well, often times down on my knees appealing for a place from the highest of authorities - God Himself.

There was I, confined by the four walls of a tiny cubicle (it was my high school's toilet, alright!) overwhelmed by exceeding joy upon hearing that I have been accepted.
It was a dream come true! Everything around me dissolved into surrealism.
You see, my mommy called to inform me of the results posted via online. And for those out there whom i have held wondering ; the reason for me being in that "tiny cubicle" to answer my phone explains itself when you have been through the life of a student. You know- the "dos and don'ts" whilst the teacher is teaching in class- hence me opting to answer the call in the
"best of places" =P

Johor Bahru was the location where i was purportedly heading to. The thought of being away from home for the very first time back then, brought about huge baggages of mixed emotions - thoughts of the unknown, coupled with a deeper desire to uncover the new path which lies before me in a foreign land, plagued my entire being.
Don't get it the wrong way though, I was ecstatic to be wonderfully blessed with the course of my choice - i really was - especially knowing how difficult it is to land a place in this scholarship. It was all too good to be true! But on the other hand, a growing sense of nervous feeling crept inside me & (if i remembered correctly) it did at some point threatened to exhibit itself in tiny droplets of tears.

That was when I was comforted by a wonderful reminder from Psalm 23
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for You are with me ; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."

Knowing that He will be behind me, before me and beside me at all times filled me with immense peace & warmth.

Today, one year has passed by all too quickly. My course has taken me through bad hair days, assignment pains, exam & tests, new friendships, wonderful fellowship with the assembly in JBGC & several other momentous memories which i hold dear to my heart & will one day (I believe) make fragrant the scents of yesterday ~