A weekend of fun!

A very eventful week. Enjoyed myself and used my time to the fullest.

Last Saturday was SYCO's July Concert. Happy to hear that the tickets were sold out at the very last week,  and even open up the gallery seats. Although we felt we weren't very very prepared for the whole concert before the actual day, everyone was really motivated and did well during the concert itself. Esp. when it was a coincidence that it was Mr Quek's bday the next day so everyone was extra motivated? But actually that should be the way. I wished it was more competitive so that everyone is more hardworking. Whatever it is, really glad that the concert ended well. I was totally drained after the whole day and my back and waist was aching like hell. Had to force myself to sit straight throughout the concert but it was super tiring. Almost died. HAHA!

Sunday was time for 《老九》. Frankly speaking, I wasn't very sure if I should watch it at first, but since sister was interested to go, I decided to give it a try. Actually, it was better than I expected! Just that the first half was kind of draggy, as it always happen in musicals, but the songs were good. And the actors were better than I expected too, esp. the lead Sugi. He did very well, together with some other veterans in Theatres, I like the '大马' acted by 刘俊葳, he was really good. The special moment was when 老九 narrated that his teacher passed away after 3 months, a kid behind us said 'huh!'. We all giggled at that point. 很有效果.

And was dinner with the JC peeps. Also a birthday celebration for my buddy - von. Sometimes I feel that if not for her and yuhui, i will bid goodbye to them. Haha. Nah, just joking, I'm happy to have such friends who have gone through jc life with me and have become so close since then. And even happier to receive good news from one of us. Got to prepare for it next year. But sometimes I feel guilty that they treat this grp of friends the most important but I didn't. But I really appreciate all those we have come through these years and I think we will still be friends for a long time. :) The reason why I said the above it plainly because I think they although they may feel I'm important in the group, but I'm not that important too, because I don't think they ever cared what I'm doing and how I'm doing. All we do when we meet up is just to talk about them, and I don't know, how on earth we can always talk so long and loud without addressing to everyone. I mean unlike my other groups of friends who will remember what I said and ask me how I'm doing or what. So, I don't feel as attached. I mean, they didn't even remember that my birthday is during their bali trip when they plan, and didn't even remember I can't make it on certain days even though I've said it so many times, and didn't even remember I mentioned that I going overseas on whatsapp. But the good new was, our dear han is getting married next year! :)

Then was on a trip to Zhuhai and Macau after that weekend! :) Will blog about it in another post.

田馥甄

Caught Hebe on her 2nd tour concert to Singapore 《田馥甄 To My Love 演唱会》, held at RWS Compass Ballroom. My first time attending a concert there. But don't really like the place though, ceilings too low. And space too wide, so sitting at the sides really cannot see much. :(

First outfit - Photo from xinmsn.com

田馥甄的唱功真的是没话说，而且人也比我想象中的亲切。我以为她演唱会上不会太多话，但是错了! 哈哈! 说话很顺、很诚恳，也很有趣。有歌迷一直喊话，想引起她说得更多，但有时歌迷的话却让人觉得有点不舒服？其实一听就知道这样喊话的歌迷应该不是本地人。她也说了她以为新加坡的歌迷都很保守，没想到会这么开放，其实那个人就不是啊！

刚才说到唱功：很惊人。就算是没听过的歌，也能从她的口里感受到什么。而且背后只有一位和音天使，是很厉害了！连阿妹的《开门见山》都能有完全不同的诠释；先是利用音效变声，有种遥远的距离，后来又回到了原版的摇滚。这身材瘦小的可人儿，不简单啊！

这场演唱会没有过于华丽的舞台，服装更是简单 - 她只换了一次衣服，而且还是天使型连身裙，美！没有舞群，也没有烟火或之类的舞台效果 (也是场地的限制关系吧)，但也有吸引人的灯饰，像是下着雨一样的灯光，配上她的情歌，我觉得是很有小室内舞台设计的心思。

曲目方面，只能说由于只唱自己的歌的话一定达不到演唱会时间的总长，所以唱别人的歌是必然的。可是我们田小姐喜欢的曲风也不是热门的那些，所以结论就是 - 有好几首歌都听不懂。不是语言的关系；是cannot appreciate。 真是不好意思。

最喜欢的还是《寂寞寂寞就好》，《My Love》，《花花世界》，《还是要幸福》，《魔鬼中的天使》，还有最近突然喜欢的《妳》，当场听到真的就想哭了。

I really treat the concert as a birthday celebration though nothing else special happened, but I was happy enough. Really had a great time, though there were times she was so far away that the view was totally blocked. Well, I say, a good saturday night spent! :)

Second outfit - Photo from xinmsn.com

Singapore Arts Festival 2012 (SAF)

This year, I'm purely an audience at the festival. I hoped I was asked to be a festival ambassador, but thankfully I wasn't selected, if not I will be feeling even worse to have to reject them eventually due to my horrible work load and schedule outside work too.

Anyway I chose 4 ticketed shows out of the many, which is considered the most shows I have watched for SAF. 

1st show: The Flight of the Jade Bird. It's the opening act of the festival. I was having high hopes on the production although I have the slightest idea what is going to happen. I was more excited to see the musicians by the way, as we have known a few of them. But I feel it hasn't really reached what I perceived it to be when it started and when it ended. (Sad to say).

2nd show: The Languages of Their Own. I say it's an eye-opener. I've never watched a show ONLY based on words and voice expression. There was very little direct physical contact between the 4 actors (or should I say performers), the only one I was and remember was when Daniel came out and gave Ming a hug. To speak the truth, I was quite taken back at that moment, because there wasn't any close contact in the scene(s) before that. But I would say the character build, atmosphere build was really good. And at the end when they were cross speaking their thoughts, so separately but so together at the same time. It's amazing timing. I didn't know it's originally an English show long time ago until I read the reviews. I was quite surprised that it doesn't feel weird listening to it in Chinese, even though usually 'gay' is associated with the English and more open-minded society, like the place the play was set. But the idea of 4 guys with different background, having the same identity and understanding each other, makes people think a lot eh?

The conclusion of the play is: I seen some friends attending the show and then I'm quite certain of some things?

3rd show: End of the Road. It's kind of a musical but with no story line, sang and performed by a UK group Young@Heart. All the performers are at least 60 years old and the oldest is 90 years old! 90years old and still could sing and dance on stage! It's probably one of the most precious and memorable one. I was so touched and inspired by the whole show. And very impressed too I must say. The effect is kind of the same when Lu Chun Ling came, just that I didn't watch the actual. But, I really have to say I'm very impressed with everyone's voice and energy.

And then I thought, what will I be doing at their age? Not to say in the 90s, I can't imagine what I will be like in my 50s and 60s already. Will I even have the energy to still do what I like and perform like them? Will I even continue to love my passion like I do now? I would definitely wish to. The power they tried to project is so unbelievable. Very very impressed. I really love to be like that when I'm old.

4th show: I didn't watch it in the end. Because I double-booked myself for that day. There was another concert going on elsewhere and I thought it would be more worth to watch a world class percussionist who seldom comes to Singapore to perform. Sorry OMM and Rite(s) of Spring! :/

The Avengers Movie

My first superhero movie ever. Never ever watched any of those movies before, be it Ironman, Captain America, Hulk, Batman, X-men, Spiderman or whatever man. Except for half of Thor (or more, or less) on the plane (I fell asleep, haha), it was nice, but I couldn't be bothered to re-watch it again. So I kind of went to the show without knowing any of their abilities. Haha! Luckily I'm quite receptive in the sense of drama, so still can understand.

Anyhows, if you ask me what kind of superpower I wish I'd possess, I will say 'Reading Minds'. Not sure if I've mentioned before, but that's what I've always wanted to have. But well, superpower doesn't exist in the world, right? I have never believed in them, either, and probably that's why I don't really watch them.

For a first-timer like me, I consider it a remarkable movie though, and although I never had any prior knowledge of the heroes, I can relate to the context of the one yea. Okay, if I have a chance to see the other movies I may watch them to fill in on the details all right?

Draw Something?

It's been a long time since the last update? Been busy anyway plus there's no exciting things happening in life! How sad.

Lately, everyone is in the craze of playing DrawSomething. I was quite resistant of it at first, because my drawing sucks all time. But in the end I succumbed to temptations to download the app. And well, it goes that I'm drawing something! And I think i'm quite okay leh. At least i'm drawing instead of writing. 


And at least I Feel I'm slightly better than some of my friends. HAHA!

The Lucky One with Zac Efron :)

My first time watching a movie premiere, and it's a Zac Efron movie! I was so excited! Too bad the cast wasn't here to promote for the movie, if not I would have seen Zac Efron in person. HAHA!

Anyway, I was kind of lucky I guess, to see the contest on fb, and joined it and then got picked randomly to win the tickets. :) Dragged a friend along to watch the show.

I have always enjoyed every single Zac Efron movie I watched, so do I have to further elaborate on the movie? I don't think you will believe me fully anyway, so I shall save my breath. But I must say I was taken away by him. HAHA! Go watch the show for yourself lah. :)

SYCO makes my life complete 2012

SYCO has gone into another year. I think I say this every year, but it's really kind of different every year, isn't it? And especially when more and more friends have left us for greener pastures. Nah, just joking, they left to other matters they have to cope in life. And sometimes it's not like they really wanna leave, and I understand, one day I will leave too. Sooner or later.

The funny thing is, I'm treating every year like my final, and still the same this year.

But somehow, the feeling is not so strong anymore, even though I know that eventually when I leave, I will still feel sad. I feel so emotionally attached to the group, we are not just people who play in the same orchestra, we are a group of close friends, a family. And I know I will miss everyone there.

Actually I kept on have to convince myself that it's time to leave, and I really do feel so, but I feel so attached to sy that I'm afraid of the emptiness I will get when I really do leave. Everyone is saying that next year is the 10th anni of sy and it should be quite cool to be there for a 10th anni. Same sentiments, but will I really be able to commit. And to be truthful, sometimes I see it as a hindrance to whatever I want to do in life. Seeing people with so much freedom without commitments like this, I'm envious. However, the fear that things will not be as I see it worries me. Oh wells, I blame myself for not being young enough. HAHA!

I think I got sick of myself talking about the same things every year after sy concert, so I'll save that for now. But I'm quite glad for this year's concert, erm, somehow, haha! I admit that I haven't been practising much (which is also one of the reason I feel that I should go already). There are so many more worthy of staying inside than me, though my attendance is probably better. But I was quite surprise that at the end of the day, we got to where we should be on the stage, and could see Mr. Quek is quite satisfied, by the expression and gestures he made. The sy miracle we always say. Everything comes alive on the stage itself. :)

And so, we still made it. And in fact, I was kind of touched during 边巴 that I nearly teared, thinking of some friends I miss and will miss in future (kind of silly also), but eventually I resisted, knowing that I really shouldn't tear on stage. But the music was just so good, really love the song.

Then, ironically, this is the first year I totally don't feel like performing for the finale song, because I didn't have time to practise and I would have a bit more free time if I wasn't involved. Plus, I've been in for ALL the years I was in sy, so I don't feel there's any regrets, unless if you want to consider the completeness because I did. Actually this part was quite funny, we were rehearsing with the SCO musicians for the first time and Zhangls thought I'm sitting with him since I already did for the past 3 years. Then I got to break the news that I'm not. LOL! He was a bit shocked. I had to go: '老师，今年我不是坐你旁边! 哈哈!' and he went: '啊？'. Ok, my worth proven. hahaha! Just kidding. :)

iLight, iSee, iShoot. :)

Went to iLight Marina Bay 2012 on the last weekend of its exhibition.

Glad that I went, and it gave me some feeling of Vivid Sydney we went last year. And they are still doing it this year. If you are going to Sydney during this period please go to the festival. :) http://www.vividsydney.com/.

The only downside of the visit that day, was that, Earth Hour was also on that day, thus the site was all dark from 8.30-9.30pm. So we also stood in the dark for quite some time before everything got lit up again.

It's a nice walk through the installations though. Luckily the night wasn't too hot or cold. But the walk is so long we got rather tired at the end, and we still didn't finish all the installations before the lights are off at 11.30pm. (Supposed to be 11pm, think they extended due to Earth Hour).

Quite a few interesting installations along the way. The site is so far away long the whole coast of Sg river, from the floating platform to merlion park. (from the longer way). And so it's the first time I actually walk through the whole MBS (outside), to a park I've never been before, and go through the river bank before reach Fullerton Bayfront Hotel, where there were a few interestingly made white park benches, some which can't even be sat on, then back to Merlion Park. By right the merlion itself has one of the installations, but we were too late lah. So we walked back to city hall to take train home after that.

I say, a very worthy trip. Although I wished more friends joined me.

林俊杰之《学不会》

好像又好久没跟大家分享音乐了。不好意思，因为我的人生有太多不同的主题，还真没办法一直往一个方向走。

在12月31日，我最喜欢的林俊杰终于发了新创作专辑《学不会》。还没发我就很期待！虽然没有第一时间买到专辑，而且还因为已经预定了台湾版而斟酌了一下要不要买新加坡的，最后为了帮偶像榜上有名还是买了。还是在出售的头两个星期内买的！哈哈！(现在等着台湾版到达我的手里)。

[Edit] 26/2: 今天去拿专辑了～ 有亲笔签名，还写上了所有人的名字，诚意100分！:) [/Edit]

There goes Rabbit, Here comes Dragon!

I think I never failed to post about CNY every year, so this year will not be spared as well. This year was a bit tough because first 2 days were Monday and Tuesday. So the weekend before it was kind of wasted because it wasn't new year yet.

But this is quite a special year for us as we had relatives coming over on 21st, 22nd and 23rd. HAHA! 21st was lunch after paying respect to our ancestors at the temple. Ever since we don't have a common house, we have been roving around a few houses after the session at the temple. And so, we lost our usual reunion dinner place as well. So from last year, reunion dinner is at my place. But it's kind of not everyone is here anymore. Still, we had a good time with the families. And we had kind of a reunion dinner on 21st already, just my family.

And this year, the only different part is that Erjie is no-longer just a 'Lim'. She's also a 'Wong' now. So she wouldn't be with us all the time. I miss her! And so, Dajie and I made our way to 三舅's house and then we went to 大舅母's house together. And my cousin asked if they will see my Erjie because this is the first year they are going to receive angbao from her. And commented that it's kind of different without her around. Eeyer, want the angbao then say lor. HAHA!

So back to my place, sit and talk and eat. Forgot that we should use the time to take photos. haha! And didn't have the time and energy for Wii also. In the end Erjie came with Bro-in-law to 三叔公's house. Yay! And joined us for the rest of the day.

Should have tested my luck that day. But I'm too scared of losing. Totally don't like the anxiety of gambling. So I didn't play at all. But I still gained a Magnum from it! hahaha!

At night was as usual the Lim Family visiting our place. Truly speaking I was totally tired at 10+pm already. Still, tahan-ed till all the guests left.

2nd day is again as usual, go to the temple for my grandma's death anni, then travel around, really nothing much, except for all the little conversation I've made? I think I did. haha!

3rd day! Boss gave holiday. Hohoho. So no need to wake up early, had another day to slack and regain energy. Very important you know, because CNY is so tiring. Da-jie also on leave, so it was good food for lunch. Hee. :)

And so back to work, and then.... visiting on the weekends again!

The first sat, to 团拜 with NUSCO peeps. Long time since I met them. Steamboat at Kevin house, and then to Andrew's place. Meet-ups with this group are usually associated with games (cards or console). This year we had a new game - Dixit. Quite fun! Got to be imaginative, creative and a little scheming to win. Haha! But quite a interesting concept and nice drawings on all the cards. So impressed. And the usual 三国杀! We have quite a few experts there lah!

Sunday was with family again, supposed to be with SYCO ppl too, but planning was so bad and since they don't really care if I was there, then be it lor. So I was with family to 3rd Uncle's place for lunch, which is really good! :) Then to 8th Uncle's house and to 7th Uncle's house. By then, it was nearly evening! In the end, we decided to watch 'We Not Naughty' that night, and I went to Laoshi's house with Via before the movie. It was a short one, but at least we did. haha!

Last but not least the last weekend. Sat was a totally busy day at work for our season launch. And dinner at night with the Royals. Nice dinner at Hua Yew Yuan although the place was a bit noisy. It was full the whole night. How amazing.

Sunday was a day out with Beloveds. Accomplished quite a lot I feel. Had a good steamboat for dinner at Dj's place too! Thank all the mummys for cooking/preparing the nice desserts for us! We had desserts from morning till night (before the steamboat). LOL! :)

I hope every new year will be as good, or, even better! :D

我見識了蕭氏精神

蕭氏精神，你見識過了嗎？昨天（1月14日），我見識了。很了不起。

每想到他跟我同齡，就覺得自己落在後面，然後很想朝著那方向走。對一個年輕人來說（對，我們都很年輕），是很了不起的事。當然，前後兩個星期都看了演唱會，一定會比較一下吧。以我各人的評價，上星期的Amei依然在我心裡蕩漾著。我想，在看到下一場更震憾的演唱會以前，Amei的那場還是我最懷念的。但是, Amei 怎麼說也是唱了十五年的唱將, 這樣比好像對老蕭很不公平! 哈哈!

雖說如此，我也好喜歡這場‘有一種精神叫蕭敬騰’演唱會。開場是我很喜歡的Four Seasons，利用了4位美女拉奏小提琴與大提琴，好爽！還在想為甚麼要用這首曲的時候他的開場曲便是《狂想曲》。歌詞讓我明白了，舖好了梗。

Photo from xinmsn

AMeiZing 太 Amazing!

目前為止讓我最high的演唱會，而且也是讓我最感動的演唱會。

 Photo from xinmsn

本來就好喜歡Amei, 所以很多年前就好想到現場聽／看她的演唱會，但是以前還是學生，又沒賺甚麼錢，所以一直都沒有實現。這次，毫無考慮的，我知道我一定要去，結果很快的，買了兩張票，請二姐一起去。果然，是個不可能會錯的決定。演唱會現場，我們兩都瘋了。

2012, Let's go!

Why do we have to set resolutions every year?

I'm still sticking to the 三十岁的目标 I've set somewhere late 2010, because I only completed one of them which is to get my driving license. The rest, some I'm trying to keep, and the rest, not fulfilled yet. And if I were to add anymore to them, it may take me my whole life.

So to keep it simpler, I just want 2012 to be better than 2011. And somehow I need this to happen to me. That day I posted on fb that 2011 was so bad that things can screw up even when I was overseas, eg. missing planes in aus, caught in typhoon while taking cable car in hk, and getting bites so badly in hk also. Thus, this year has to be better, please.

But well, I will just try to remember the goods. :)

I'm not having a far vision for this year as well, or rather, I didn't dare to have a far vision for this year, after what had happened the last, in my least expected circumstance. But it's ok, I'm ready for 2012! Let's go! :)

At least I've had a great start with one of the best fireworks experience and a whole day and night of fun. :D

那些年，我想到的人

你看過今年最多人關注的《那些年，我們一起追的女孩》了嗎？你也有跟我一樣的感受嗎？－想起當年喜歡過的人或被追的那個人？還有跟一群死黨一起讀書的日子？

我想到了很多以前在讀書時的事。中學也好，高中也好，都是我會回味的日子。有很多好事，也有很多不好的，但我想這些都是人生的一部份吧。雖說讀的是女校，但慶幸認識一群好玩的朋友，有時也會做出瘋狂的事。雖然都不是戲裡的那些, 但是感覺是一樣的.

高中又不一樣了。高中的我好像有點平凡無奇，好像又有點荒唐。有很多值得回憶的事，又有很多不想回憶的。而矛盾的是，有些事是一樣的。總之，是心情很複雜的一個時期。不知道是好是壞，有很多的遺憾，又沒有好好用功，又沒有很瘋狂。

Sister's Big Day! :)

Finally my sister is officially married! After all the engagement, ROM and finally the custom ceremonies over the past 2 years.

It's quite fun but tiring having a family member getting married. Why didn't my eldest sister get married leh? And I've met so many people I haven't met for a long long time. Okay, let's start from the morning.

朋友到了极乐世界

最近有认识的人过世了。虽然和对方不是很熟，但在社交网上有互动，所以还是有所感触。而且我根本没有想到这样的事会发生在一个还很健康的人。她好像和二姐一样年龄，结婚刚满三年。最近因为发烧住入了医院，以为只是小事，结果因为细菌感染而去世了。很震惊。也有些许的难过。

知道消息的时候，朋友已经出殡。也许我也不会出席，只是看到她弟弟因为这件事影响很大，也会有一点感慨。而且，这也再次提醒我们要珍惜身边的人。因为谁都不会料到这样的事会发生。前几天还好好的，结果就这样，离开了人世，真的好可惜。想起来还是觉得无法接受。而且刚开始心情还难以平复。

结果，只好跟这个朋友说再见了。希望她一路好走。

Hong Kong - Revised.

Feel like talking about the Hong Kong trip and the camp.

Been to HK so many times and I haven't felt sick and tired of the place. Every time there is something new, every time there is something for me to look forward to and enjoy. And I think I will continue to go to HK. I even ever secretly hoped that I will be able to work there, even though my Cantonese is really cui. Haha!

Anyway, we took a midnight flight to HK because it's cheaper (we are trying to go all budget). But we still took a Cathay Pacific so as not to sacrifice our instruments for the strict rules of budget airlines, moreover, Jetstar wasn't any cheaper.

A-Inn Hostel
We got ourselves very cheap hostel, 4 in a room with private bathroom, and allowed check-in at any time of the day. Perfect for us since we are reaching that early and it's quite impossible for normal hotel to allow to check in at 8am, no? It's the first time I actually took a public bus out of the airport - something new for me. Haha. In the end we still got to the hostel so early that nobody was there yet. Had to call the number at the door to get someone to come. Nevermind about that, at least we weren't left there unattended for hours.

I realise I have quite good memory on what's here and there. I could recall the cafes, restaurants I've been to, pretty much. Heh.

Dim Sumsssss
Dim sum is essential. So we went to 好彩海鲜酒家, 莲香楼 on first day and second day morning respectively. Both of them looked the same from the last time I went. 好彩 back in 2007, and the other in 2009. LOL! 莲香楼 is really good for experiencing traditional local dim sum practice. We practically shared the table with 2 other group of people. Although they were quite nice, we didn't manage to get any desired food at first try. They guys were shocked at the speed the food was taken off the trolleys that just came out from the kitchen. But in the end we still managed to eat quite a number of different dim sum, after they got the hang of getting the food from the trolleys. Haha!

Other Foodsss
Okay, it's kind of unfair to list the rest just under 'others', because they are very nice food and very important in the trip too! haha!

Wanton Mee
I'm not exactly a fan of Wanton Mee, but knowing it's quite famous in HK, we went to try the one Von went before. Not bad actually. The portion is kind of big and there was a lot of people by the time we ordered.

Mido Cafe
I swore to go to the cafe again ever since I saw it being featured on 刑警. hahaha! But seriously, the food aren't really cheap at all the 茶餐厅s. But the milk tea is really good. :) and the 菠萝油! Love.

Porridge
Generally, I loved the 海皇粥店 there. We went to a shopping mall too late to meet the closing time of a eating place so we just stopped at a random porridge shop on our way back to our hotel, and it's actually just opposite the place. Randomly, the food is nice everywhere around there!

Fast Food(s)
Actually we had quite Mac quite a few times, KFC once. And there's more variety in KFC than Sg, and more drinks selection in Mac. They have the HK milk tea in mac. haha! Quite cool. Nuggets are nice too.

Bubble Tea(s)
It's a blessing to drink the 贡茶 there. It's the large cup at a price cheaper than Sg's smaller cup. And it's nicer! And we have one just around our hotel! :) Oh and we have a 歇脚亭 right outside our door. So we tried too. Not bad lah. Haha! Basically, usually the milk teas there are nice. :)

Dessert(s)
Tried 高记甜品 and 满记甜品. Can't remember the rest. Mango desserts are love. :)

Ok, I got to confess now that I can't remember anymore details. =x Blame it on the procrastination.

Other than shopping, we only went to visit The Victoria Peak, Madam Tussauds Wax Museum and Ocean Park. The last time was really the wrong company to go to Ocean Park. Had so much more fun this time. Esp. at the Marine World, we were there for such a long time looking at all the fishes and such. Still didn't see the panda this time round. But played more rides, took the cable car up to the theme park area, and the express train down at the end. And we were so 'lucky' that the typhoon came halfway through our cable car ride. How coincidental is that?! So of course we had no choice and had to tahan till the end of the ride and still got stuck at the station. Luckily we had poncho and we ran out with it on when the rain got lighter. And luckily the weather became better afterwards, if not we wouldn't get to play those rides and wouldn't be able to watch the animal show as well.

Ya. There's just so much I could remember about the shopping part. =P

Batam Stayover - Done! :)

Had a getaway to Batam last weekend with some beloveds. (Note: I didn't use 'trip' because it's not long enough to be considered a 'trip' for me. Haha!)

Been long since I last went to Batam. And I've never been there on my own without any family member before. And never ever done free and easy on my own with friends before also. Everything I go there, my cousins will be driving us the moment we reached till we leave. Ok, for a tour like that, it's the same lah. We got coach to bring us around (to places I've never been to I think) and to and fro the pier.

It was quite ok, one of us couldn't make it last minute, but it was good that we can cancel out the name easily. Of course the package money is paid, but at least we saved the fuel charge and all that. And it was fun because of the company! :)

Apparently we went to this seafood restaurant for lunch and everything is so familiar, like the one we've always gone to in the past. The settings and environment are all the same, but I couldn't be sure if that was the one. Next time I go again must ask them. Lunch was ok if we weren't in such a rush. And I'm still harping over the fact that I only had 1 pathetic piece of calamari out of the whole big plate because some auntie whom we shared a table with scooped all the remaining pieces onto her plate without even asking or noticing other ppl. Totally sian-ed after that. The aunties are seriously in their own world and totally in the spirits of Singaporean aunties.

Seriously, how coincidentally one of the auntie approach yih to ask a stupid question on mer's tattoo, and then secretly cut the queue to clear customs. And then happened to be on the same coach as us for the whole holiday, and share the same table for lunch. Gawds. Luckily that was the ONLY meal we had to eat together. Thankful for that.

But at the end of the day, we saw something which we couldn't understand. Seriously don't know what the aunties are trying to play with. Disappearance? My friends only do that when we were in sec school. And at this kind of time. Not very funny. Ok, so the auntie who approached us actually told her 2 friends to wait at the departure area while she went on to eat and shop. She might be kind of wrong in this but I reckoned the 2 friends didn't want to walk because at the shopping mall the previous day I saw the 2 aunties resting at the stage area (with chairs) for quite some time. So the auntie came back nearing the boarding time to look for her friends and couldn't find them. So she asked if we've seen her friends, well, of course we didn't lah. So she was quite anxious and worried - her stuff are with them I think, and obviously if you can't find your friends you panic lah, moreover in a foreign land right. So the auntie couldn't decide if the friends have already gone in, so she queued to clear the customs (she cut the queue btw), while she was doing that, we saw the 2 friends actually inside a waiting area and didn't want to let her know, keep asking us to keep mouthed about it. Hello, we are not interested in your game. And please, how old already still play this kind?! Eventually, they entered the departure area at different time and cleared the customs with some interval in between each other, a bit weird I say. And they still sat together in the ferry. Weird kind of friendship I say, or if you even consider that friendship.

The worst part of the trip was on the return trip, trying to get out of the building to go on the ferry. We were all squeezing actually. Initially, we queued up because everyone was queuing. But towards the boarding time, everyone just crowd themselves around the gate, and so the queue dissolved once they announced for us to board the ferry. It was crazy and aunties are really good in all these, they encouraged younger people in front of them to squeeze and not give way. Typical. At least in the end we still managed to sit together. Credits to daijing who was able to squeeze out the fastest with the help of an aunties pushing the 2 girls behind daijing. haha!

Best part of the trip is at least we get to eat some good food, get some cheap clothes and buy cheap tidbits! :D Though didn't buy a lot, but we had our fair share of fun, esp. when we were playing saboteur in our room at night. It was kind of crazy and fun.

And I had a big bed to myself!! Woohooooo! :D

I'm actually looking forward to the next time I go back there to find my cousins again. But probably it wouldn't be so soon, and I wouldn't be able to get on such trips again easily, because I'm trying to get more students to earn more money. It's hard to give up some things (fun and rest) for such, but it's the age to do so and I'm going to heed the advice from my teacher to make it a break before I don't have the energy to do so. :) And so, I want to save up more for future better trips. :)))

The next trip?

Last week one of my friends asked me, if I could only go to one place, where is the first I want to go. And you know what, I can't even answer this question. In the end I still had an option answer. i.e. Shorter period (1week) - Japan, Longer period (2weeks) - US. So it depends on how much time I can afford. Oh, and probably how much money I can afford too. Plus, if I can afford, I would really want to go to London. One of my dreams to watch some musicals there! Omg. I can't wait for myself to go already.

The thing is, there are so many places I'd want to go!

So now I've got to start saving. =.=

They say if I stop going to all the short trips to HK, I will have the money to go to these places. But but but... I <3 HK! And I seriously don't mind going again. Esp. for the camp or just shopping. Okay, maybe not the camp anymore because I believe that those memories are the best to keep. :) But shopping, yes!

You see, I haven't been to HK that often. The last time was 2 years ago. HAHA! And I haven't only gone to HK mah. And I visited other places before. So it isn't fair to say that.

Ok. Got to plan for next year soon. So that I can save up well. :)))

End of 7th Year!

10 Sep Chamber Series concert marks the end of SYCO 2011. (Ok, there's still the reception). I hope I won't get emo then.

I remember 09 I wanted to stop because of the possible clash in school lessons and practice days. But somehow the schedule allowed me to go for practices, only to fill all my weekday evenings. Definitely one of my hardest year but I pulled through.

To be truthful, I can't really say which year I enjoyed the most. Every year there's something the same, something different. Every year there's a different feel. But I can safely say I became more and more attached to the group every year. And that's the exact reason pulling me back from the most cruel decision, and the thought of 'I  should have done it earlier'. But I'd say I have never regretted anything for SYCO for the past 7 years.

And now, it's time to make a decision again. To stay or to leave. I very much want to stay, then again, I had to consider some other things happening in my life, or I think I should be doing. Esp. when I know that some things are too difficult to achieve in the orchestra. But if I leave, it means I'll be left with no orchestras at all! And that is sad.

I don't know exactly, 2 voices are shouting out very loudly to me. 1 saying, 'Stay! Your passion, your friends are all there!', and the other saying, 'No, you should spend more time building your own career and stop wasting time because you are not young anymore!' Both are like damn true.

Like I always say, it really takes a lot of courage to give up something. Esp. when I don't even know if it's worth giving up yet since I haven't got any solid plan that will be happening for sure if I do. But if I do not give myself more time first, how do I execute any plan? Ahh!! Still a dilemma after all. I need more time.

Anyhows. I <3 SYCO max. Thank you people, again, for another wonderful year. :)