It's been quite a while since I posted and so much has happened over the last few months. I don't even know where to begin. I shall start with what I think is going to majorly impact my life - my admission to the pharmacy program at UBC! It's great to finally have some kind of certainty about what the future holds. For the longest time I had completely no idea what I wanted to pursue. It's kinda scary having to decide so early on (I still think it's pretty early to have to decide at 18/19) what I was potentially going to do for the rest of my life. I want it to be something that resonates with me, something from which I can draw deep meaning, something I can have sustained passion for. At the same time, I can't lose sight of the fact that I want to be able to give my parents a good/comfortable life. Well I think pharmacy pretty much fits the bill. I guess only time will tell if this profession is one that will continually motivate me and drive me to do my best, but from where I'm standing now it seems like the best option. I am so so grateful for this opportunity (: In other news, I am perfectly (and strangely) okay with not having gone back to Singapore this summer. I think I've just been enjoying the solitude, possibly a little too much. Not to say that I don't miss all my friends and homies and buddies back home because I do incredibly much! But what's the point of being sad about it? I'll just look forward to going back next year! (: Well life's been pretty much stable, not too many ups and downs, so I shall keep this short. Call me boring and unadventurous but stability has a certain value in my life right now. Bye! (:

Tired of leading life my way, I want to lead life His way, completely.

When I say "I am a Christian," I am not shouting that "I am clean living." I am whispering "I was lost, but now I'm found and forgiven."
When I say "I am a Christian," I don't speak of this with pride. I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.
When I say "I am a Christian," I'm not trying to be strong. I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.
When I say "I am a Christian," I'm not bragging of success. I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clen my mess.
When I say "I am a Christian," I'm not claiming to be perfect. My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I am worth it.
When I say "I am a Christian," I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.
When I say "I am a Christian," I'm not holier than thou. I'm just a simple sinner who received God's good grace, somehow!

These words couldn't have crossed paths with me at a better time. I've been feeling weak lately but I'm not ashamed to admit it because I know that it is when I am weak that God's power can shine even more brightly in my life. And I want to release the reins that control my life more and more each day because I know that it is through my vulnerability that God makes me strong.

The PCAT is finally over and now I have a truckload of schoolwork to catch up on. Not complaining though, I'm just happy that I can focus on school now!

Everyone has started to talk about their summer plans and I have to admit that I AM envious of those who get to go home because I really do miss Singapore and all the people I love so much. But I guess having my parents visit is already a gift from God so I'm learning to be contented!

As the possibility of doing well this term seems to distant, I'm learning to rely even more so on God because I know that ultimately it is His standards that matter, not those defined by the world. Even if I don't do well and don't get to where the world deems successful, I know that God will grant me a plan that's even better and that knowledge is tremendously comforting (:

The reason for my absence is, yes, laziness. I must be the laziest person around.

The holiday was over too soon, I felt like I didn't rest enough and now school has begun PLUS I have my PCAT to study for. KILL ME NOW. Still, I'm thankful for that little break because my energy to study has somewhat recharged!

Going to New York over Christmas made me realize how much I've gotten used to the much less hectic lifestyle in Vancouver. I guess city life, skyscrapers and crowded places are really not for me! But I guess when I go back to Singapore it'd be a very different story since it IS my home and no matter how the busy vibes try to beat me down, I'll always be comforted by the presence of my family and friends.

Been studying and doing work like crazy over the past 2 days and I'm actually amazed by what I've accomplished. But momentum is decliing and I'm praying for the strength to get through the next 2 weeks, at least until PCAT is over.

Okay this has been a much too dreary post so let me just say how grateful I am for the little lunch outing we had yesterday. It was nice to see them all again after the holidays and it was a good reminder that there are ALWAYS things to be thankful for (:

4 of my papers were over by 10am on Tuesday and since then I've been doing just about NOTHING academic, but instead preparing for Christmas in the form of gifts! Also, I've been very into cooking lately and have been trying to cook new things. Last night I made honey glazed chicken and it turned out well so I'm happy (: Any suggestions as to what I can try cooking will be welcomed!

Been quite troubled about my skin lately because I've been breaking out ): Well today I saw it in a new light! Because of it I changed my lifestyle quite drastically, including sleeping by 12 every night, drinking tons of water, eating lots of veggies and at least an apple a day, abstaining from fried and oily food, and making sure I dance so that I perspire and toxins get removed from my body! I always thought it would be difficult to stand by such a healthy regime but it's actually starting to grow on me, and it makes me happy to know that I'm being kind to my body (: And hopefully it'll help me skin clear up!

Another thing about abiding by these lifestyle rules is that I will not feel so guilty when I occasionally indulge in treats of the not-so-healthy kind like the cupcake I had on Tuesday after psyc exam! Went for a dose of cupcake with Elyssa at my favourite cupcake store (: Although it was ABSOLUTELY DEVASTATING that they did not have my favourite favourite favourite cookies-and-cream, the chocolate was not so bad too so YAY!

Anyway I'm so grateful that God stayed by my side throughout the exam period and pulled me through. I know I couldn't have done it without Him and now I completely trust that He will give me the grades I deserve/need.

Okay I know it sounds like my exams are over but they actually aren't. I still have an English paper on Monday but when you have such a long break between your second last and last papers you tend to start slacking too early so hehe.

Can't wait for Saturday when our brunch routine can finally resume! We have decided to go back to The Diner which I think will be a good reward for A after the whole week of studying (:

K now I really think I haven't been eating very carefully around my laptop because the 'b' button is kind of hard to press and I suspect it's because bread crumbs are trapped inside the keyboard :O

Going to prepare to go for dance now, can't wait for the endorphins to make me into a perky cheery girl! (: (:

There were a few days of sun at the beginning of the week which undoubtedly lifted my moods but then the sky started leaking again yesterday and gloomy days loom ahead. Nevertheless I will rejoice because tomorrow is the last day of school! (:

It is also the day that my English research essay is due and I've done two-thirds of it already so here I am taking a very undeserved break. Because I have taken so many breaks since I started doing it 3 hours ago which is why I am not done yet. BUT WHO CARES :p

Here is the update about last week's brunch escapade! It was at The Templeton which is quite a small diner but the food more than makes up for the cramp interior because it was good! Loved the rosemary potatoes. Okay disclaimer: I am not saying that all the brunch places we go to are good because I'm a glutton and thinks that everything is nice. I'm saying they're good because well, we tend to visit places that have garnered good reviews so they actually are good. Which is not to say that I'm not a glutton because I have my moments teehee!

Have I mentioned how blessed I am to have the people around me here? Talking to the sister while we should have been sleeping last night really reminded me of how much I love her. Also, lunch with Elyssa, Gervais and Adam today reminded me that friends are God-given. Despite all the work we have to do, we still make time for each other and that is priceless (:

Okay I'm back to doing my essay now! If I don't drift off to do something else. Happy last day of school tomorrow UBC students! :D

Just reached home after Southeast Asian Food Night and I still have work to do but first I will post a short update! Southeast Asian Food Night was great not just because of the food but also because of the company. I love it when the whole group of us gathers together just to talk nonsense and have fun (:

I must definitely mention the 2 places A and I had brunch at over the past 2 weekends which have turned into our 2 favourite places so far. Firstly, The Diner is a small and very English breakfast place which gained our favour because of the fantastic food (especially the bacon - best I've eaten) and the cute funny old lady who served us. We ordered a generous amount of food and still managed to wipe almost everything out because the traditional English breakfast set and the beef and vegetable soup was just that good (: Will definitely go back there!

The other place is the Twisted Fork Bistro in downtown - a little far from where we both live but definitely worth it. We ordered the wild mushroom scrambled eggs and the eggs benedict to share, and both were superb! A couldn't stop raving about the spinach and the rosti which were served as sides haha. Also a place to return to (: I'm actually really starting to like this routine of having breakfast/brunch together at different places every Saturday (:

I managed to drag myself to dance class yesterday and I do not regret it a single bit :D It reminded me of why I could go for dance classes 4 times a week in the past - because I love it that much. After failing in the exercising department for the past 1 month it was certainly a welcomed workout. I'm aching quite badly today but it's good to know that my muscles are being strengthened (:

So I have an English test tomorrow and I also have to complete the core of my Physics final project, hence I am off to work now! Bye!

It is 518pm and the sky is already dark. The lack of daylight makes me feel as though there's no time to do anything. You wake up in the morning, you go to school, and before you know it the sky is dark and you feel like sleeping (or rather, I feel like sleeping). Plus the weather is getting unreasonably cold and I don't feel like being outdoors most of the time. Guess this is why hibernation exists.

Only 2 weeks of school left, then finals, then winter break!!! New York here we come :D

I'm supposed to be doing my tentative outline which is due in 3 hours and all I've written is 'Thesis:' but I really cannot concentrate!! So thought I'd get my writing gear started here first since I have the weekend to talk about anyway.

Saturday morning was too rainy but A and I went ahead with our breakfast plan anyway and thankfully we did because the eggs benedict was good (: Following, the most interesting thing happened: as we were on the bus back, this man started talking to us about relationships, about how we should not be scared and not doubt, and that just because a person makes a mistake doesn't mean he doesn't love you. Also, he was actually on the way to patch things up with his (ex)girlfriend and he seemed really determined so I hope things worked out for him!! But anyway, it really got me wondering if this encounter was God-given...

The day proved to be a continuously exciting one when I realised that I had a group Skype date with my favourite dancers!! :D Full attendance and I couldn't be more happy (: Conversation was retarded but lovely, as always. Till the next time, miss you guys loads!

Yesterday was a flurry of studying and getting work done, and I'm actually quite proud of how productive I was! It's actually easier to be motivated here, I feel, because the end is in sight and reachable. In contrast, studying for A levels was such torture because the end was just too far away and even as it was nearing, it did not feel near at all. But anyway, after a day of work, going to church was exactly what I needed and I thank God that I chose to go instead of stay at home and make friends with my books. The message and speakers were awe-inspiring and tremendously genuine, and their lives, in my opinion, are the epitome of God's power and might to effect change. God is truly great.

Did I mention my 2 fattening surprises yesterday? The sister got me my favourite cookies and cream cupcake and A got me my favourite blueberry muffin - sinful but made all the studying less dreadful and reminded me that life is good (: Simple pleasures in life!

Okay I'm ready to do my outline now so byebye! And can I just say, the weekend prepared me well for the week ahead (:

19th October - sweetest night of my life (:

The past 2 weeks have been a combination of tardiness, laziness and poor time management but I'm getting back into the rhythm of studying so hope it's in time?

Round 2 of midterms begin tomorrow!

It's been more than a month since I last posted and so many things have happened!

Most recently (like yesterday), the sister and I shifted to our new apartment where I am happily and comfortably typing away now. Everything happened so quickly, it didn't even seem as though there was a process involved. Like one day we just decided to move and -poof!- the next moment we were moving. We only decided a week ago that we wanted to move. God has been tremendously incredible in making all of this happen, we found and applied for the apartment in one day, bought all the furniture we needed in one night and shifted everything over in a few hours with the help of some amazing people (: I cannot express how grateful I am and I am still constantly in awe of how God has just been continuously been showering my life with blessings. What did I ever do to deserve such wonderful people in my life??? But of course it has nothing to do with what I've done but everything to do with how loving the Father is (:

So anyway because of all these things that needed to be done I'm accumulating a backlog of work to be done and that is not fun. I need to get back into the rhythm of studying because my next round of midterms start in 2 weeks and the proposal for my English research essay is due on Friday :/ I must also mention, however, how thankful I am for the grades I've received this week and I attribute them all to God. Without Him I definitely will not have achieved them, or least not with so much calmness. Knowing God is here with me has always helped me not to stress and face exams/results with peace (:

I want to take this time to thank my friends back at home who have been talking to me because it always makes me feel like home (: I miss all of you so much!

I also want to thank the sister for having taken such good care of household matters, I'm extremely fortunate to have her around and even though I don't say it all the time, you know I love you!

Finally, I want to thank God for A who has been super sweet to me and taking care of me all the time. Life would be so different without you and I hope you know I appreciate you tons (:

Well, the rainy season officially began on Friday and gloomy days await but I know that with God and the people around me I can most defintely remain positive and rejoice in all circumstances (:

And so slowly yet so quickly, the 9 month holiday has passed and school life has resumed. College is vastly different from JC, definitely, yet there are similarities which, strangely enough, I'm happy about. Familiar things like sitting in a lecture hall with those pull-up table things, taking notes, studying in silence at the library make me feel closer to home than I actually am. Then the differences set in and remind me that I'm in college - having to be independent and gather information on my own, sift out what's important because textbooks just throw chapters and chapters of information in your face, and resolve problems on my own because I don't know many of my classmates.

That's all the studying stuff, then there's the social part. I can walk into a lecture hall and literally know NOBODY. In those lectures I basically sit next to a different person every time (wherever there is an empty seat) and talk to whoever is next to me for that period of 50 or 80 minutes. I definitely think it's a privilege to be able to meet so many different types of people but it's human to desire familiarity.

Speaking of different types of people, I feel compelled to make a record of how amazed I am that Vancouver is so diverse, in case I take it for granted in future. Firstly, international population. I've met people from all around Canada (obvious), Singapore (also obvious), Malaysia, Thailand, China, Zimbabwe, USA, Iran, Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, etc. It's so cool how I can walk around campus and hear people speak in all sorts of languages I don't understand! Secondly, style of dressing. On a typical day you will be able to see people wearing all sorts of attire - some dress like it's really warm (shorts and tank top) and some dress like it's really cold (winter jacket and scarf). Maxi dresses, spag dresses, fringe tops, boots with heels, you name it. Thirdly, mode of transport. It's pretty common for people to cycle to school but to skateboard to classes? Girls bringing their skateboard into the classroom - that's pretty cool.

While many things are still amazing to me, I have to say that orientations here are pretty disappointing. I've been for 3 and had fun in none of them. Guess nothing's perfect! Actually glad that orientation is over because it's tiring making superficial friends over and over again.

God has been wonderful to me though! I've met quite a few Singaporeans and Malaysians and they make me feel so comfortable! I'm so glad to have them and planning things with them has been great! Did I mention that most of them are Christians too? That's really incredible. I cannot thank God enough for how much he has blessed me. Went to Tenth Church with Elyssa, Gervais and Adam on Sunday and I felt that it was a very special place to be. I do see myself going back there regularly! Also had nice Japanese-Korean food with them after which ended the night perfectly (:

Also, God has taught me over the past 2 weeks the meaning of
"do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thankgiving let your requests be made known to God." -Philippians 4:6
In so many situations I was worried about school stuff but they all worked themselves out pretty smoothly and I can't help but be in awe. I registered for my courses about 2 months ago and barely managed to arrive at a timetable that was decent but not quite desirable because of things like having to get to a class a thousand miles away in 10 minutes and having to wake up at 6 plus 3 days in a row. Well, THE DAY BEFORE classes started, I managed to change my timetable and now it's so much better! Also, I have the older edition of the bio textbooks and some pages are missing. Was frantically in search for people who would lend me the newest edition of the textbook but I didn't have to because that person appeared so easily next to me in English yesterday and the timing for borrowing and returning the book worked out perfectly. These are just 2 examples and if I go on this would never end. The point is, my worry was almost always unfounded because God understood what I needed and always provided. Always.

Anyway I need to get back to Psychology reading so that's all for now! My motivation to study hard for the rest of the week is Playland on Saturday!!! :D

This is the first time I'm saying this but if you're reading this, thank you for remembering me while I am so far away and thank you for caring (:

Every once in a while you meet someone so incredible that you wonder 'how did I get so lucky?'. But life is hardly that simple. You have to meet that person at the right place and the right time too.

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So the past 2 weeks have been mostly a flurry of buying books and getting in as many dance lessons as possible before school starts. I also got to go out with friends and the sister a bit more so I'm thankful (:

Went to the Richmond night market last Friday and it was slightly homely with all the yummy food stalls and cheap goods because they have those in Singapore. Went tanning at Kitsilano Beach the day after and it was relaxing just soaking in the good sunshine. Afterwards we went to the PNE fair where there were SO MANY food and games stalls, kinda like a carnival. You know, those kind of games where you throw something and then win a soft toy. Also, discovered mini donuts which are so nice! Then Colbie Caillat and Gavin DeGraw performed live there!! I think that was my first time watching a live performance and I have newfound respect for singers who have such great stage presence. Having a good voice is one thing, having an infectious personality is another. So glad I went :D

I must also mention that on Wednesday I went to Tartine bread and pies where I had amazing strawberry rhubarb pie! Was craving pies for a while so the sister and I decided to head down there and get us some pies! She had beef pot pie which was also good (: I love how the cafe's ambience just shouted 'freshly baked goods' and it was such a chill place to hangout (:

Yesterday we went to Apgujung for Korean food and as someone who isn't crazy about Korean food I would say it was AWESOME. Loved the food there! Even had my favourite gelato at Gelarmony after so I would say it was a good food-night (:

Been pretty grateful that it's been sunny during the day for the past few days because it's so much easier to enjoy the day out! It's also been forecasted that it'll get warmer this coming week so hopefully!! -fingers crossed-

Going out with friends in about an hour so I'll stop here to get some reading done!

Can't believe school life is going to begin again in 2 days :O

'Gather my insufficiencies and place them in Your hands.'

Today I was reminded that a small miracle exists in every breath I take. And you know what else is a miracle? The sky some day last week. We were in the car, driving across a bridge. The sky to my left was orange, yellow and green, the sky to my right was pink, purple and blue. I don't think I have ever seen such a beautiful piece of art across the sky. It reminded me of something I learnt last year, which is to never cease to be amazed by what God can do and create (:

I GOT MY SECOND EAR HOLES TODAY! :D

It's been almost 2 weeks since I've updated and that's because we've been so busy packing and unpacking for the move to our new home. That, coupled with making multiple trips to Ikea and grocery shopping really drains my energy! The room is still currently in a mess but we're taking a break and just resting tonight because WE WENT HIKING for 5 hours today at Bowen Island. I feel like my leg muscles are stronger already hehe. Hiked to and around Killarney Lake! The hike itself was tiring but when we sat down for breaks, photo-taking and fishing (only the boys and it was completely fail) it was mighty relaxing (: Definitely a good and a refreshing getaway from the mainland. Dinner at Snug Cove was great, I had lamb shank, the sister had duck breast, Waiho had pork schnitzel and Shaun had ribs! I would say that I'm glad I went despite all the slopes and rugged paths (:

I have also been dancing for 2 weeks now at a dance studio here! Feels so good to be working out in the way I like best again (:

English test results came back last week and I got a level 5 out of 6 for my essay so I'm contented (:

Last weekend was fun! Went Kayaking with the sister, Desiree and Guakhee on Saturday at Cates Park which was about an hour and a half away! We had so many unfortunate bus encounters in one day that we just resigned to our fate eventually. Thankfully we had awesome food at Banana Leaf for dinner (which took forever to come and we were starvingggg) and even more awesome gelato at Gelarmony after :D LOVE GELARMONY!!

Then on Sunday we had kind of a farewell dinner in our apartment because we were moving out and everyone cooked a dish! I fried egg with ham and mushrooms (haha I know so easy right) and there were veggies, mashed potato, spinach and pork ribs soup, sundubu (this Korean stew thing) and meat! Everything was so delicious and we ate till we were so full!!! On top of that there was canned longan and lychee PLUS fresh cherries for dessert! WHAT A FEAST. Thank goodness I decided to go to the gym the next day or I will never forgive myself for eating so much! :O

Can't really remember anything else because I'm just too exhausted so till next time!

I can't believe that yet another month has passed. Just one more and school will start! Apprehensive.

Anyway, the past week has been exciting, just like the one before that and the one before that one. Saturday was spent at English Bay with picnic food, poker card games, taboo and lots of sunshine! Then at 10pm, fireworks went off right in front of us, I think we had like the perfect view of the wondrous lights! I have never seen anything like that before, no wonder the beach was so super packed that day! Then went for ramen after that and headed home. Since we got back so late on Saturday, we had the most chill day ever on Sunday, just watching shows and knitting the entire day.

And yes, I HAVE COMMENCED MY KNITTING JOURNEY. It's actually really simple but of course that's because I'm doing the most basic of basics.

Moving on, we went ice-skating on Monday FOR FREE (except for skate rentals) because being a student of UBC entitles us to that :D Then at night we had WINGS for dinner and it is SO GOOD OMG. Am definitely going to go back there some day between 2-5pm for 47-cent-wings!! Tuesday was karaoke night and I can't believe we sang for more than 5 hours! Lost my voice the next day hehe. Thankfully Wednesday was rest day other than going to the gym in the evening and grocery shopping at night.

Thursday we went to Sushi Garden AGAIN for lunch. It is the aforementioned BEST JAPANESE FOOD I HAVE EATEN IN MY LIFE. And, it still is :D YUM!!! Headed to UBC Robson Square on Friday night for ballroom social and it was pretty fun though we didn't stay long! Then briefly checked out the clubbing scene here in Vancouver!

Went cycling at Stanley park yesterday and the seawall was so beautiful! Loved the view. A nice 3 hours spent (: Then had this spicy noodle thing for dinner and it was actually pretty good! Wish I knew how to make the sauce... The highlight of the evening would be the amazing gelato we had, too good too good :D And because of the gelato, Desiree and I went to the gym when we got back although it was already 11 plus pm. I just felt so bad for eating junk food!!

And then we have today, which is me staying home while the sister goes out to meet the boyfriend. Guess it's good for me to get some rest because I have gotten ill over the past week and I now have disgusting phlegm and a very runny nose :/ Shall now resume my knitting and show-watching! Byebye! (:

Been busy the past half a week volunteering for a baseball camp and then feeling tired after the camp that I haven't been posting, but here I am now! The camp is for 6 to 12 year olds and let me just say that THE KIDS ARE SO CUTE! Especially the younger ones like the 7 and 8 year olds :D They always say such cute and funny things that make me so happy! And I really think some of them are very good at baseball! Like during scrimmages some of them are such daring runners who challenge the fielders, make such cool plays and get some awesome hitting and throwing done -in awe- Due to my supposed experience in softball, I also had to do lots of throwing and catching, at least more than my old and rusty body would like to so I'm aching :O But I'm pretty amazed that I still can throw and catch decently :D

Also, all of us will be going down to watch a baseball game tomorrow! It's my first time watching a professional baseball game live so I'm pretty excited :D

Last Thursday I headed down to Granville Island with the sister, Desiree and Joy and we had really good fish and chips! Then went sightseeing and took pretty pictures! There were so many seagulls :O Following that we had a long walk and finally ended up at this place called Bard on the Beach I think where we took even more photos! The sun was great, the view was great, the company was great - what's not to love! And then they brought me to try Poutin in downtown which is like fries with gravy and butter and it was yummy! Just that I already felt so fat because fries was in our lunch menu as well :/ Then we went to a playground and watched all the cute little kids running around! We were talking about how complex and dangerous the playground was as compared to the ones we played in our days! Anyway we took turns to sit on the swing next to this small kid and had so much fun trying to swing in sync with him. Cheap thrills haha.

On Saturday the sister brought me to Metro Town where we had frozen yogurt with these magical fruit balls which burst in your mouth! HOW COOL IS THAT. Shopped for a while then went to eat THE BEST JAPANESE FOOD I HAVE EATEN IN MY LIFE. I'm not even exaggerating. If anyone should come visit me I am definitely bringing them to go eat at that place!!! It's called Sushi Garden I think. SO GOOD.

Went to church on Sunday, had ramen for lunch then went to watch The Dark Knight with sister and friends! Not bad I would say (: Then went to eat Indian food which I really enjoyed!! Had chicken curry with naan and got to try other people's fish and lamb which were good too! Who knew curry could have so many different tastes :D

If it seems like I've been talking about food a lot it's not because I'm greedy!! It's just because, you know... we have to eat everyday! And it so happens that I've been eating all these awesome food :p But been having sandwiches and fruit for lunch these few days because we pack lunch to the baseball camp! PLUS homecooked food for dinner (:

Alright I'd better sleep early tonight so I'll have energy to deal with those little monkeys tomorrow! Till next time! (:

Everyday is a new adventure! (:

Went out yesterday to settle more stuff like submitting forms and dropped by the rose garden on the way! It is SO PRETTY. Red roses, pink roses, orange roses, yellow roses, they have it all. Also, went to wreck beach in the evening! We wanted to tan originally but by the time we reached it was about 730pm so the sun wasn't very strong anymore :/ But it was still out! So we had a good time just lying on the sand and taking pictures (:

Oh did I mention that the sun rises super early like before 5am and sets super late like after 10pm? So basically it's really difficult to tell what time of the day it is most of the time!

Had a productive morning studying today, then cooked pasta, ate and napped! Then together with my sister's roomies, we went down and got us some $1 burgers and corn! SO FILLING. Following that we headed over to Liselle's place to play Rock Band, Just Dance and some Mario thing hehe it was awesome :D

Can't wait to find out what tomorrow will bring! (:

I’m in Vancouver!!! :D

The flight was bearable because I was able to sleep on the 2nd flight (11 hours), thankfully. Time did not pass as slow as I expected so hurray! The most difficult part about our journey here was having to lug our hand carry baggage at each airport, first in Singapore, then in Taipei, then in Vancouver. Each time it felt like such a workout because 1. The bags were not small and 2. They were almost 10kg in weight. Luckily it’s over, phew!

When we arrived here, the weather was a fine 19 degrees celcius. It felt almost perfect in comparison to the sweltering heat back in Singapore. In the day, the sun is shining but cool wind is blowing so I feel like I can really enjoy sunshine without sweating buckets! (: It’s really interesting though, because when you’re fully out in the sun you feel comfortably warm with the heat taming the effects of the cold wind but when once you step into shaded space like under a tree or something you instantly feel cold :O

Got a few things done today when we finally managed to get out of the house.
1. Got my UBC student card! They took the photo for me there and then and the card came out just a few minutes after. I don’t know why but I was PRETTY amazed at that haha. I had 2 tries at the photo so at least I don’t look like crap on one of my cards because I do on all the others.
2. Bank account!
3. Phone! I have now joined the world of smart phones after being so out of the loop the whole time I was in SG. So if I haven’t added you on whatsapp, facebook message me! (:
4. Had lunch with Kenneth & Lucy, it’s good to meet new people & have friends here!

I’ve only been here for about a day and I already think I’m going to like it here (:

For one, people are REALLY friendly. Like the service you get at stores and eating places is really good because they are just so warm and friendly. Also, people open doors for you ALL THE TIME.

Really looking forward to all the tentative activities over the next few weeks! Cycling, ice-skating, movies, etc. Also, I will be volunteering at a baseball camp starting next week so that should be fun! Kids, baseball, sunshine… what’s not to like! (: AND Jason Mraz in September!!! :D

But first I have to get through my LPI (this English test thing) this Saturday. Hope I do well! (:

I never fail to make the wrong decisions. Sigh :/

I would love to pen down all the things I did over the past 2 weeks but it's too much so let me just say that I love my friends and family (:

18 days to do too many things!!!

Out of sight, out of mind.

Time to take a breather after a hectic but completely cherished week (:

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Let's see, over the past week I-

1. Finally got in touch with the fish spa experience, it was way ticklish but also very fun (:

2. Finally had lunch with Caroline after so long! (Oops) Lunch with her and the sister was very pleasant (:

3. Finally had a proper catch-up date with the very beloved Sammy! I'm going to miss that wonderful girl so much :') I admire how she has been putting up with all my nonsense over the past 5 years, it is always so fun to fool around with her!

4. Finally met up with my softball batch!! Wow this truly IS finally because these spurts of excitement and suggestions to meet up normally amount to nothing. Everyone is basically the same in terms of retardedness haha. I can't believe softball was so long ago and now everyone's venturing into different things, I feel so happy for everyone who's pursuing their dreams/interests (:

5. Finally arranged to meet Anthea and had a great time talking to her about anything and everything (: Our plans had better work out, TIME IS RUNNING OUT!!

6. Finally started collecting polaroids with people, I hope I take enough over the next few weeks to make a collage in my room in Vancouver (:

7. Finally tortured my feet enough such that I now have 5 painful blisters on them, all of which I burst because I couldn't stand knowing that water was trapped in them :O

8. Finally realised that I have only 4 weeks left to spend with people and pack and study, WHICH IS BARELY ENOUGH TIME! Okay the realisation is more that there's barely enough time.

--

Over the coming week I-

1. Will meet the best friend and catch up properly for the first time since he entered OCS.

2. Will have the time of my life dancing till I drop during Jitterbugs' open house this Saturday from 10 to 6!! :D At the same time, I will meet so many of my friends at the open house, I AM EXCITED.

3. Will no longer be learning partner dances due to lack of funds (cries) but I will do so again in future when I have the ability to support my passion!

4. Will catch up on my reading and studying which I have sadly neglected because I've been out so much.

5. Will finish doing my research and planning my course timetable so I will not panic when the time to register for my courses comes!

6. Will continue dancing and dancing and dancing (:

--

I am so so grateful for my life.

Casualty is in the building once more. Suffered a terrible fall during jazz yesterday, it must have been the worst fall I've had in my entire life because I actually fell parallel to the ground and now my knee and hip joints are horribly painful ): I hope I can still dance tonight!

Sentosa on Saturday was fun! I loved the weather, it was breezy and not too hot (: But I loved the company even more, my classmates are just such an amazing bunch, I'm so grateful for them! Hope to see them more more more!! And I have missed the beach.

The sister is back and although we haven't been hanging out much because we have our own activities, I feel that this home is complete once again. Yes I might have been annoyed the past couple of days that her hustling and bustling around the house early in the morning woke me up (and I get REALLY grumpy if you wake me up) but it's nice to have her around at other times. After all, I grew up with her. And now that our wardrobes have merged, HEH HEH HEH.

It is 47 days to my departure.

After the inactivity last week, this week saw me getting back into shape with all the dancing on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and yesterday! (: Plus I went running last night so I'm very pleased heh heh :D

I am also very happy that I got to meet Egoh, Liqi, Yihong, Chewlin, Enghan and Ziyad over the week due to meetups, dance and police POP. I have missed you guys :')

Also, SENTOSA TOMORROW WOOHOO!!! I hope the weather will be kind to us in the form of a sunny yet windy beach! (: Really looking forward to catching up with classmates, taking lots of happy pictures and basking in the novelty of simply being at the beach (:

I just painted my fingernails a loud dark pink and I am very proud of myself for being so adventurous because it wasn't something I would have done before :D I really think that I have developed a fetish for nail polish and bold, bright colours :O

The sister will be back tomorrow!!! Yipeee :D

In conclusion, life is good, thank God (:

The weather is supposedly a fine 27 degrees according to the little thing on my laptop, just in time for my little trip to town later on! (: I find it so amusing how certain weather reports will say things like "31 degrees but feels like 41 degrees" HAHA SO TRUE.

If you're wondering why I sound rather cheery today, it's because I AM. I'm going back for dance tonight and I couldn't be more excited! The ankle isn't completely recovered from its little mishap but I think it will be able to withstand a bit of activity. It will not stop me, NOBODY STOPS ME FROM DANCING. Okay crazy already. Anyway, thinking about finally stepping out of the house and soaking in some sunshine also sends happy thrills through my body :D

I am very pleased with the amount of reading I managed yesterday, a good one-third of a novel - which, for me, is a very substantial achievement. Insert smug face here. Finally moving on to Prozac Nation which has interested me for quite a while but only landed in my hands a few months ago. I aim to read at least 3 more books before I fly off. Perhaps this will provide much-needed but unlikely improvement to my standard of English which has slowly but surely slipped away over the past few months due to the lack of rigorous writing which will be required of me during my LPI exam. Oops that was too long a sentence.

Eagerly awaiting 26th of May when the sister returns!! (: Note to self: first thing to do when I see her must be to pinch her round fat squishy chubby over-sized explosive cute cheeks!!! Hehe if you're reading this, WATCH OUT :p Unfortunately I will not be heading to the airport to pick her up because... 3L GOES TO SENTOSA! Another blockbuster event that triggers kid-like responses from me. Yay sunshine sand schoolmates!

Kk I shall go study my physics for a couple hours before going out. Bye!! (:

This must be the longest that I have not been out of the house since A's ended. 3 full days at home because of the ankle. Surprisingly I haven't been very bored thanks to reading, watching shows, talking to people and other random stuff. But tomorrow I shall go back to dance regardless of whether my ankle is fully recovered!! I WILL NOT LET IT RESTRICT ME.

Excited about meeting my qin ai de from work tomorrow, and also Egoh on Friday! Yay yay yay :D

So I'll be leaving in exactly 2 months less a day. I don't know how I'm supposed to be feeling. I guess I'm happy that I'll be starting a new life there but at the same time I will miss the familiarity and accessibility of everyone and everything here. 19 years of foundation built will not be as easily uprooted from Singapore as I made it out to be. And I just started to get more involved in the dance community here, to feel comfortable stepping into dance studios, no longer intimidated. In my mind, it seems like dance studios over there will be a lot more intimidating especially when you're alone. I hope I will be able to find friends who share the same passion.

I thought that as my leaving date creeps nearer and nearer, I would be more anxious about meeting people, about getting things done, about tying up loose ends. But I think ultimately it's all psychological. If you think it's a big deal when it actually isn't then you would put more effort into making it SEEM like a big deal. After putting things into perspective, there really isn't a need to rush to do all that because even after I leave, I will still be somewhere in cyberspace, as accessible as ever. So friends, we will meet again.

Performance is over. Being on stage again, it was amazing. I've missed performing and I really hope this will not be my last time. A million thanks to the people who came, thank you for being there with me, to watch me re-live my short-lived but golden moments on stage. Profound and under-expressed appreciation to those who performed with me, thank you for sharing the stage and the passion for dance.

Unfortunately, I slipped on wet ground yesterday and twisted my ankle quite badly so I'm not able to dance. Temporarily. I guess I'm very relieved that it only happened after the performance but on the other hand, WHY MUST IT HAPPEN! Times like these really make me hate the fact that I'm clumsy. Was moody pretty much the whole day because I cannot dance and I'm cooped up at home because it hurts to walk. Please please please pray for my ankle to recover, I am very depressed right now ):

Text conversation between me and my mummy this morning:
Me: I got accepted into NUS science!
Mummy: Haha
Mummy: What u having for lunch?
Me: Chicken pie and maybe pizza hehehe.
Mummy: U gonna pile on extra kilos.. Sometimes can just cook porridge wih scallops n mince meat n egg...
Me: I need energy to dance! If I eat porridge I will faint on stage later.
Mummy: Eat fruits for fiber... got apples n grapes
Okay noted. Firstly, IS IT FUNNY THAT I GOT INTO NUS?? -.- Secondly, my mummy obviously thinks I'm fat ): But my mummy is quite cute lah :p

Anyway, I've been eating waaay too much! I seriously need to be more conscious of how much I'm eating and STOP USING DANCING AS AN EXCUSE FOR MY HIGH CALORIE INTAKE! I don't know why but I just feel like eating ALL THE TIME :'(

TOMORROW IS PERFORMANCE DAY!
I miss the stage & I miss performing. Tomorrow will probably be the last time I get to perform on a stage so I will cherish every second of this opportunity. Looking forward to full stage run later on and hope everything goes smoothly (:

It's a new month again, time passes so fast.

It is true that life will always keep trying to knock you down, you just have to stand back up and prove the world wrong.

Habit is such a scary thing.

--

Been so busy meeting people the past few days, I think right now is the first time in a week that I can actually sit here and properly compose a post.

Wednesday: Chloe for lunch, dance till 11.
Thursday: Joanna for studying, dance till 11.
Friday: Favourite dancers for a day of fun at my place!
Saturday: Zahrah for lunch and catching up.
Sunday: Egoh & Enghan for church at Presbyterian High which is so near my house, dance, back to church at SAC.
Monday: Varsha, Shaun and Hamzah for lunch and shopping (where they made me walk from Suntec to 313 under the scorching sun pfft), dance. Then met Sophia for dinner and joined by Khihuin and Kenneth later on where they brought us for our virgin experience of LAN (:O) and my first time watching a midnight movie. Reached home past 3am, slept at 5 and woke up at 2pm today.

Will be heading out to meet Shaun and Anthea in an hour!

Love meeting people but also absolutely looking forward to finally being alone at home tomorrow before going for dance.

Don't be afraid.

I need to stop dancing and start performing.

Accepted my UBC offer on Saturday so I guess everything is really confirmed.

15 Things You Should Give Up To Be Happy

1. Give up your need to always be right.
2. Give up your need for control.
3. Give up on blame.
4. Give up your self-defeating self-talk.
5. Give up your limiing beliefs.
6. Give up complaining.
7. Give up the luxury of criticism.
8. Give up your need to impress others.
9. Give up your resistance to change.
10. Give up labels.
11. Give up on your fears.
12. Give up your excuses.
13. Give up the past.
14. Give up attachment.
15. Give up living your life to other people's expectations.

Found the above on the sister's tumblr and thought it was worth the read. There were more details under each point but I thought they were sufficiently self-explanatory.

--

Started studying physics today. Well, let's just say there was a reason why I chose to drop it as soon as I could. I'm not saying it's boring or useless, it just doesn't appeal to me at all. Been dealing with the basic/simple stuff so it's still quite manageable, just hope that I will not have to trouble people to help me with it too much!

Also, I have been reading a little more now and gosh how I wish I could write well! The beauty of words comes right after the beauty of dance for me, I love how I can just drown in line after line of crafted fiction (I cannot decide if there's redundancy here) so tirelessly (:

Okay I shall find more things to add to my recycle pile now. Byebye!

Security - I think this is the closest I've ever felt to it, and in more ways than one. What can you call it - a concept, an idea, a dream? I always thought it to be something so intangible but it turned out to be more material than imagined. It's still a feeling alright, but it really isn't as abstract or as complex as some make it out to be. Maybe I've learnt not to let my personal experiences be swayed by external factors.

This week has been so hectic, I haven't even found the time to take a breather and spend some quality time alone and with God. Everything has been done so haphazardly because I haven't had the time - or maybe I haven't bothered - to indulge. I've literally been scurrying everywhere on a daily basis trying to get things done and meet people. I feel a bit like a social butterfly :/ Which brings me to the thing I was pondering the other day.

How do you treasure a moment? What must you have done or thought in that moment to have treasured it? I don't understand why some people make 'treasuring' sound like such an active thing to do, like 'oh you should treasure your whatever experience more'. I'm guilty of that too. I feel that treasuring should be more of a subconscious thing, then it would have been the most genuine? But that's just what I think. And anyway no matter how much you try to treasure a moment, or even a person, it/he/she would slip away eventually so maybe all I can do is hold on tightly to memories.

I'm just rambling again, aren't I? In one of my slightly skeptical moods again I guess.

There hasn't really been anything to do on the Internet, it bores me within 10 minutes of opening my browser. Perhaps I'm outgrowing all the cheap thrills I used to get from whatever it is I used to do online - oh gosh I don't even remember! Okay maybe I do but they are too embarrassing to be published on such a public platform hehe.

A while back I posted about having lost touch with hip hop after repeated exposure to more technical and 'softer' dance styles. Now I'm happy to say that I'm absolutely loving it and hip hop gives me so much enjoyment! So glad I decided to start doing it again (:

Okay I have to go out soon, at least I got the morning to sleep in and rest!

I am indeed a pig. Oh well.

"It takes an athlete to dance, but an artist to be a dancer."
Today, I felt like an artist, not an athlete.

I don't know when I started becoming so obsessed with being active and improving my physical condition. I just feel like moving and dancing and stretching ALL THE TIME. Even when I wake up in the morning, the first thing I feel like doing is exercise. It only occurred to me recently that I've been trying to pack dance into my schedule whenever I can, and now that my contract is ending I've started to plan my exercise regime. IT'S CRAZY. And it's kind of scary. I know that when I hurt myself or overwork my body it is only wise that I take time to recuperate but when I do that I just feel like such a sloth! Is this normal? :/

Anyway, waiting for midnight to arrive so that I can very timely send out a birthday text (:

I don't want to hold a heart in my hands. I don't want to squeeze the life out of it.

Been busy and tired but I'm surprisingly okay with it.

All that dancing has not made me sick of dancing at all. In fact, I'm really looking forward to focusing more on dancing after work ends this week. I like having something to work towards, something to prepare for. Like when I had SYF, the sense of satisfaction was tremendous.

As much as work tires me out, I really don't know how bored I'm going to be after it ends. At least my work made me feel human, because I come into contact with so many patients and NOKs everyday, each with his/her own story to tell. Will the sudden increase in isolation from human interaction feel foreign to me?

At the same time, I also really want to catch up on reading and writing letters. People can be so contradictory sometimes.

I felt the first bout of sadness yesterday. I always thought leaving would be - well, not easy - at least bearable. But I just realised how much I'm leaving behind. Then again, so much of this will turn out to be inconsequential and I might just be wasting my youth worrying unduly.

Being offered admission to UBC is an exciting thing. But I never thought that all the planning and discussions following would be so frustrating. I don't want to leave in May ):

Dance to express not to impress.

Been seriously exhausted, really looking forward to end of work tomorrow which will mark the end of my 6 day work stint! And also meeting Varsha and Darren over the weekend (:

Costumes vetting in less than a month, STRESS!!!

Praise God (:

The sky was magical last night. The moon was a perfect crescent and a more than usual number of stars dotted the sky. Really want to do some proper star-gazing some day (:

Also, I chanced upon this website with beautiful, beautiful photographs of ballerinas taken in unexpected places:
Ballerina Project

Had a rather unpleasant day at work today but tomorrow is a new day and dance will cheer me up (: Praise God for friends and the gift of dance.

DANCE.

The past 2 days have been craaaazy.

Went to work yesterday, then ballet, then jazz rehearsal which ended past 11. Went to work today, then contemp, then girls' hip hop rehearsal which ended at 11, and now I'm eating my cup noodles. Apart from feeling completely exhausted, I am also STARVING because didn't have dinner yesterday and only managing dinner at this time today. AND I STILL HAVE WORK TOMORROW KILL ME NOW.

But it's okay!!! Rehearsals have been fun and I'm so excited. Just hope my body and my leg will hold up!!

He is truly a God of wonder. When I went back for dance yesterday, I felt perfectly fine and able to do so. From the injured leg and fever to that, it really is something. Thank God for answering prayers. In awe to the maximum.

"His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness."
-Lamentations 3:22-23

"Just because you fail once, it doesn't mean you're going to fail at everything. Keep trying, hold on, and always, always, always believe in yourself. Keep your head high, keep your chin up, and most importantly, keep smiling because life's a beautiful thing and there's so much to smile about." (:

As we collect our A level results in 2 weeks, wait for uni decisions, scholarships, work and for the boys army, some of us are going to experience failure - or what people perceive as failure. But I just hope that everyone will remember to remain positive and keep smiling because life in itself is already such a wondrous gift. And smiling is contagious so you'll never know if you pass the smile on to somebody who really needs it (:

--

This has been a truly blessed weekend.

Baking with Zahrah and Varsha yesterday emphasised the fact that I miss schooling so much. All of us agree that working around adults has made us more serious and less retarded. Being so completely stupid and fooling around with them was simply priceless. This is mostly the reason why I don't like growing up :/

Dinner with Darren was very nice! So glad that we got to catch up and update each other about our lives (: Even though he seems to have matured A LITTLE BIT, I'm thankful that there was still an appropriate amount of joking and harmless insults hehe. AND he said that the cookies we made were nice yay :D and that I'm not completely useless after all - I'm just going to forgive him and take that as a compliment since army has OBVIOUSLY messed with his head.

Today was pure relaxation, I actually got up at 830 :O and lazed around in bed for about an hour. Then sat in the most comfortable chair at home and indulged in 2 hours of good reading. Also, managed to watch 2 episodes of some show on youtube throughout the day and did more reading in the late afternoon. And then homecooked dinner! Sunday is homecooked dinner day :D Bliss.

I think my fever is completely gone by now because I'm so good at nursing myself back to health :p Although I now have a runny nose but that's better than burning up! A million thanks to those who prayed for me <3

Also, I am able to point my foot without my leg hurting!!!! Happiness. I am going back to dance tomorrow yay yay yay I'm so excited :D But I will first have to make it through a day of work which will not be a problem because I have the strength from God (:

Maybe my way of showing love differs from the way you'd like to receive it, but I will continue loving each person God has placed in my path in the best possible ways I know.

--

Had a fever of 39.1 degrees this afternoon and tried all means to get the fever to go down before mummy returned home because I didn't want her to worry. Thank goodness she couldn't tell at all when she came back! Why is it that just when I really want to focus on dancing all these things happen? Things that weaken my physical condition and make me so sad ):

But my resolve to dance cannot be weakened along with my body. I must continue to trust in the Lord's providence and healing.

"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts."
-Isaiah 55:9

In our limited understanding of God we often place artificial restrictions on what we think He can accomplish, and our prayers become reduced to what we believe is actually possible. In this sense, our low level of faith has limited what God provides.

--

Just came back from the doctor's and my lower leg looks like those Christmas ham things still attached to the bone you see in advertisements. The bandage is SO THICK. Didn't want to visit the doctor because I was afraid he would tell me I cannot dance, but with recital rehearsal starting next week I had no choice but to seek help now :/ I have thus abandoned dance plans for the rest of the week so that my leg can properly recover. Really really hoping to return to the dance floor by next Monday!!!

I am so thankful that mummy didn't oppose to me taking part in the recital even though rehearsals end so late. She even said she might come pick me up if she feels up to it! I love my parents <3

Slightly worried about going to work for the next few days because doctor says I should try to minimise walking and I should refrain from taking the stairs, and I actually want to listen to him because I don't want this to become an obstacle to my dancing... Oh well!

With late night rehearsals starting next week and still having to wake up early for work, I truly need miraculous strength, motivation and discipline to pull through, and I know that can only come from God.

"Let all that you do be done in love."
-1 Corinthians 16:14

Just an update, the spaghetti sauce turned out too watery, not as good as the last time :/ BUT I shall not be discouraged!!! I am going to keep working on my cooking skills because I want to make the people around me happy with my cooking next time (:

Also, haven't baked in the longest time and looking forward to baking with Zahrah and friends next Saturday! I love baking too :D

--

Favourite army boy has been making quite a lot of time to talk to me, much to my surprise! (: Thought we wouldn't talk at all. Hope he knows how much I appreciate it (: (: Can't wait for dinner with him! And I can't believe he is in the same platoon as my closest girl friend's favourite army boy, HOW COINCIDENTAL IS THAT hehehe :D

Anyway I'm going to bed soon, really need to conserve energy for the remainder of my 7 days straight of work. 1 down, 6 to go! Just wanted to drop off some happiness here to remind myself of the little blessings in life (:

It's almost 1.30 am and I'm just done preparing ingredients for cooking spaghetti tomorrow! So excited, hope it turns out fine like the last time, or even better (:

Today, I saw for the first time, somebody crying in the admissions office. Sitting there watching her sob made my heart go out to her. What touched me even more was that an even older lady in a wheelchair went over to comfort her. I instantaneously stopped whatever work I was doing because I couldn't peel my eyes off them. I wanted to go over to hug them both...

Anyway it's been a super long day and I'm going to retire to bed now. Can't wait to see Guanrong tomorrow in school where I will be eating my beloved tom yam from Haw's teehee :p

CHRISTIAN
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loving;
GOD
&everyone

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LIVE, LOVE, LEARN

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might."
-Deuteronomy 6:5

"Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart."
-Galatians 6:9



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