♥하루 124 - Hi Singapore! (Day #1)

Aloha! I'm anticipating to write up this post for such a long time already, but I could not find time for it. Eeeeep. I can't wait to reminisce this super awesome trip, it must be one of the besttttt vacation I've ever went on. \o/ As for now, I'm jobless, and ready to begin a new chapter of life next Monday (I'm late by a week! #badass nah, made this decision too late). There's so many overdue happenings and it is unfavourable that I'm such a perfectionist when it comes to blogging. (the amount of times I QC every single syllable - grammar error - spelling mistakes) you never know.

Anyhoo, before I start with anything else, I want to announce that I finally..

Meet Peter.L! Say Hello! Actually I prefer the name Peter Pok. He will always be a Pok in my heart. His birthday is on Labour Day! (I doubt I'll still remember the date), Thank you big bro, pap, and dai sou! Anyway my friends are pretty overwhelmed with the fact that I finally own a piece of life-consuming gadget and we're going to have a celebration in conjunction with this "life-changing" event next week. (-.-)

By the way, you can choose to  you must follow me on instagram! (5 years too late lol) Three days ago I finally jumped into the insta-stream. I have this and I already have 8 posts. (Nicole you suck) HAHAHA. I also promise that this will not be a place I dump all my selfies. I promise. *place hands on heart*

Ok back to the topic! 

Where were we? Oh, right. We have not even started yet. 

I have lived in Malaysia for all eighteen years of my life, but have never visited our neighbouring country S'pore. "What are you serious?" Actually I don't think that it's such a big deal compared to the fact that two years ago I've not been to Sunway Lagoon and Genting. Hahahaha I also don't know why, but this is the very matter that have affirmed the awesomeness of my family and friends, who filled in my inessential vacation blanks throughout these years. Heh.

So during CNY I sat in big bro's car (abundant Joyseet glares) and we chit-chatted about a lot of things and suddenly the topic regarding S'pore was brought up. I mentioned that I have not been to the country before, hence dai sou invited me to join them on their trip on April. "Oi very lightbulb lah you" I thought so too but in fact I can be a very nice helper and photographer ok. HAHAHA. (self-reassuring) 

Javen boy is very insistent that he should walk on his own with no assistance! Hahaha

The Firefly plane is very tiny but surprisingly they provided free food (cheese cupcake!!!) and juice during the short flight. Hehehe #freefoodftw #yums #instafever 

So basically the plane ride there was pretty comfortable cause there were lots of vacant seats and I can selfie as much as I want. Kekekeke. Then half-way there I had a horrible stomach ache so I had to use the plane lavatory. During the 10 minutes time in there, the pilot must have decided to do some stunts cause the plane keeps tilting 45 degrees left and right OH MY GOSH. 

"Javen smile! No Javen you should not grab the camera lens!"

We arrived at Changi Airport! So beautiful and well-organized and so many ang mo I can't stop "wah"-ing at everything I see #rusamasukkampung #siasuay

Then dai sou's cousin, David picked us up from the airport and brought us for lunch at a famous Hainanese chicken rice stall at Maxwell food centre, China Town. (Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice) - got very very long queue! So David ordered from the neighbouring stall, which is supposedly related to Tian Tian but had some kind of conflict. Wah I've never tried such succulent, flavourful and tender steamed chicken resting in such fragrant sesame oil and soy sauce, topped with coriander leaves then accompanied with the special garlic, lime and chilli dip. 

I LOVE IT!

Then summore hor, all the food court there got NO FLIES AT ALL. and GOT NO RUBBISH AT ALL. (used tissues la used cigarette butts la sheeeesh) Then everybody pay and pick up their food in one go, then after the meal stack up their used plates neatly at the drop-off point. Impressively organized! *thumbs up*

Then, we checked into Marrison Hotel at Indian Street (65 Desker Road). It was Sunday afternoon when we arrived so the whole place was super packed with Indians and Bangladeshis, who are known to spend their weekends at that particular area, whereas the Filipino ladies will be at Orchard Road.

It is really different, cause if we were in Malaysia we will probably be shaking in fear of crazy rapists or snatch-thieves under such environment. Surprisingly at S'pore you don't worry much! There are video cameras everywhere, and there are not much vehicles on the road. Even if there are any, it's probably a BMW, Audi or Porsche, if not Volkswagen. (80k S'pore dollar for a driving certificate! You gotta be really, really, extravagantly well-off!) Most of the cars are taxis, which provides great convenience to the public. (more about that in post Hi Singapore! (Day #4))

  

Marrison Hotel is surrounded by charming shop lots and houses that probably carry decades of stories from our grandparents' generation.

After resting, we took MRT to the financial centre to meet up with dai sou's cousins for dinner. The whole place is deserted during weekends and there aren't any shops open except for this high class 7-eleven which sells all sorts of imported products including these Magnum flavours we've never seen before. Honestly, Singaporeans' living costs are actually super affordable if the money you earn and the money you spend is in the ratio 1:1. SUPER AFFORDABLE. ;/

Hehehehe! ♥♥♥♥

Dinner at No Signboard Restaurant, Geylang. This restaurant was opened in the 80's, where at that time Mr. and Mrs. 朱亚九 didn't have money to make a signboard, but their seafood is very famous and people from everywhere come for it. Hence the customers named the place "无招牌海鲜" (No Signboard Seafood). This place is well-known for their chilli crab and is fully packed every night. 

Sorry no photos of food cause I was busy eating and my hands all chilli gravy from savouring deliciousss, fresh, juicy seafood. Hee hee hee.

After the belly-bulging and satisfying meal, dai sou's cousin Tango took us for a little walk at the Merlion Park, One Fullerton. My "wah" unlocked a new level! Seriously. It's splendid! There's a slight breeze and there are many people strolling along in groups or hand in hand, and some of them riding in LED-covered boats. There are also restaurants and bars which overlooks the place, at the dazzling city lights, and superb Marina Bay Sands. 

THEN I FINALLY SAW THE MERLION!! HI MERLION!!! #whyyousoembarrassing #shutupplease It's huge and there's a concert going on further away so there's a little thumping of bass underneath our feet, and the distant chatter, and lots of "say cheese!", and the merlion's slosh of saliva spraying on everybody nearby in tiny drops. It's just awesomely serene. 

Ofcourse I had to take a selfie with him!

The One Fullerton buildings, which I realized look similiar to how it looks like in reality if I manually focus em'. The lights are stunning! and do you know that the 'lake' is actually a water reservoir? Here let me give you some #nerdtime

That is the Marina Barrage, (滨海堤坝) Singapore's fifteenth reservoir. It is a S$226 mil project that turned Marina Bay and Kallang Basin into a new downtown fresh water Marina Reservoir. It provides water supply, acts as a flood control and is a proven new lifestyle attraction. *combs long white goatee*

Then it was a pleasant surprise that we got to watch the Light Show. Initially dai sou thought it's at 8pm but it's actually at 9:30pm, and we were there right on time after all! Basically the laser light would light up the sky from the roof of the Marina Bay Sands, and reflect on the water. The lights seemed like to be dancing, accompanied by orchestral music that could be heard all around the bay area.

I wouldn't say it's very spectacular cause laser lights are pretty skinny hahaha but it's worth a watch if you're a tourist, like me! 

Really hugeee thanks to dai sou's cousins Tango and wife, David and wife, who took time off after a day's work to drive us around the business district and guide us in search of good food and cool places. ;)

This is day 1/4. Too much awesomeness to summarize into one post! The next day we went to the Singapore Zoo and had a delightful dinner in the heart of China Town. Stay tuned! ;)

I was feeling pretty guilty on the first day, cause I keep saying "If this was Malaysia.. (inserts all sorts of horrible comparisons)". Aiksss. However I know it's true and I feel horrible inside cause Malaysia is my country and is definitely the country I love most. If everybody migrates to "somewhere better", malaysia will probably turn into a desert, and S'pore will sink. As the saying goes, "The grass is always greener on the other side." Ok, so why not we water our own grass?


There are so many things we could learn from advanced countries like S'pore, how their public transport systems work and is always punctual (in fact, sometimes the train comes earlier), how their escalators move in order to keep the rush hour flow going smoothly (it's like spitting people out from the station wahahaha). When the public transport is improved, the pedestrians pathways are well organized, and a driving certificate costs a freaking bomb (not necessarily but it definitely controls the quantity of drivers, hence car owners), the traffic conditions improves 200%. There is no need for so many petrol stations, which are confirmed to be one the main reasons for pollution. Then summore they build so many smart tunnels beneath lakes (which are also reservoirs) so can save space to plant trees and plants. Walaoeh.


I feel like I'm back in the school hall, completing my SPM English paper 1 again.
HAHAHAHA.


My verdict for the first day. How much far behind we actually are. I promise I will stop comparing but honestly, something needs to be done! This is not a comfort zone. We are richly abundant in resources and it's just the matter of utilizing them the right way.


I love you Malaysia and I'm a proud Malaysian.

Thanks for reading!

♥하루 123 - A momentous event: SPM result day

SPM result day was one of the most anxious day of my life. It feels even more surreal than SPM exam month itself  "walaoeh I thought this day will never come". Hahaha. My heart was beating like a drum, like how a drum will sound if you put sukkie near it with a pair of drum sticks in her hands (trust me, the noise is incessant!! T_T) and my hands shaking cold. (Thank you for jess's hands - heat equilibrium pls ok I didn't get A for physics blergh)

Why you so drama one ish

The night before we had a 'WELCOME HOME AREECCA' yumcha session with the girls' at Papparich, which we coincidently met up with the ASSAM's. It feels nice to see them again after so long, their super wide smiles and super loud laughter wahaha. Anyway they helped us out with the banner surprise too "What banner surprise?" I have gotten help from the children at daycare to assist me in completing this mission under the disguise of ‘CREATIVITY CHALLENGE’ - to colour eleven huge alphabets with their limitless creative power. It is a challenge cause usually 8 year olds' are not capable of colouring such complex cut outs without tearing the corners or getting bored. 

They were rather enthusiastic about this!

basically cause "There's a mysterious present for the most creative child ngek"

 And turned out exceptionally good! I drew the pattern on the alphabets for them and they drew add-on's (some extra polka dot and complimentary happy faces for your meal, sir?)

Well I coloured most of the alphabets, (I love colouring!) but these kids are notably talented so I got them packs of spongebob milk chocolates as their reward. As for the surprise, we shamelessly shouted "WELCOME BACK AREECCA" in the middle of the cosy ambience at Papparich when she arrived (late, as usual) and had a wonderful time catching up with one another, hearing Areecca's fascinating stories from ns camp and Jess's college life, and Nicole's developing mushroom farmville. LOL. 

Fyi the banner is currently hanging contentedly at my house - I feel really invited every time I enter the door! Kekeke. *syok sendiri*

When I got home afterwards, I talked to my parents about how restless and jittery I felt about the next day. And I moaned about it constantly the next morning, while I waited for areecca to pick me up, despite "I WILL GO AS LATE AS POSSIBLE" My parents were very positive (and realistic) about the matter and told me that "Aiya, don't worry! You have already done your best, now leave the rest to God. Plus this is a fixed fact and it's already there and there's nothing you can do to change it now." in which I replied, "But mom, I didn't do my best, I was soo lazy T_T" so she was like, "你知道就好" gah!

Okay right now I do feel like the biggest noob in the world cause this is such a minuscule matter but it is significant cause once again that day reminded me of how blessed I am with a pair of level headed and wise parents, and a bunch of encouraging (and stinky) siblings. 

Ok let me continue my story.

I stepped into school with Jess after getting our gardenia buns for breakfast, strawberry for her (ew) and corn for me! and a very punk sue came running towards us hahaha! I tell you this girl super cool now one side of her hair is shaved off she will be the coolest optician you can ever find (plus there's no chance of hair getting into her sight) I just feel so thrilled to see everybody again, there's so many warm hugs (the weather is freaking hot) and screams and "GRACE WHAT HAPPEN TO YOUR HAIR" or "GRACE WHAT DID YOU DO TO YOUR HAIR" and I just never realized how much I missed everyone. 

A selfie with chuan phing, one of the niceeeest friend you can ever find! Fate brought us together from form 2, when I rescued her and the bunch from their terrible transfer class. Hahaha! I really miss the whole bunch when we're juniors and have no care for anything else except if is there food to eat during class. LOL. 

A picture of Pn Hiew, my former class teacher and the ultimate bio teacher, "Don't want take picture lah I look so sweaty now" hahaha she's my most favourite teacher! Jess, Areecca and Nic would roll their eyes to the moon and back if they see this. Pn Hiew is so cute and I love it when she calls everybody "My dear" and when she refers to all sorts of organelles/ bacteria/ virus/ body cells as "This fella". She's also the most dedicated teacher you can ever, ever find. The irony is that I slept and trash talked through her class my entire form 4 year. Ack. However. It's less conscience-stricken to know I didn't fail her expectations! wooohoooo

I always have this habit to write down quotes when I heard one, and here's Pn Hiews collection (those I still can find), 

PN. HIEW'S COLLECTION OF QUOTES

“Hard tough stuff”

“I think today must buy lottery already. It is the second time in the history of this class that everyone is present!”

“So I heard pengetua came into your class today.” 

Ya, we told her bio is the toughest

“What la you!”

“You know! The presence of the nipples! The nipples!”

“The erythrocytes, it look like a donut. But in the test paper they ask 'what shape is the erythrocyte? you don't go and answer 'donut' ah. Then you only donut lah.”

“Don't blame the potato ah!”

“This girl.. I predicted you can get A. Show me!”

When some of the us grumbled about the crazy amount of things to memorize for Sejarah,

 “Minum, makan sejarah.. mati dengan sejarah. I hate this the most! What a stupid slogan! So ridiculous! This is a democratic country! Frankly speaking ah, I hate sejarah the most. I hate it when they test us how much we can remember. So during my time ah, I pick geography over sejarah.”

 “The minion must have occur this jaundice lah”

I cried like a moron after I revealed my results.. in private, ofcourse. I stood by the corner of the world (inside joke) Everybody was either too busy being happy or feeling disappointed at their own results. I sobbed like a freakkkk but it was so nice of Ee Ling to stay and pat me on the shoulders and comfort me whilst she could have went and celebrate or something. Ok la my results wasn't exactly horrible I know I should be thankful but I just feel upset cause I didn't accomplish my target. But I know God has given me this outcome and it's for the best! Yay! (plus SPM only ma cheh. roll eyes. LOL.)

Though I wasn't this optimistic that day. Heh. So I tried to sulk throughout the day but failed cause we headed for lunch and movie with Brian & friends, plus Jess, Areecca and me. We had ss15 chili pan mee! My cravings for weeks are finally satisfied but it left my stomach a burning pit after. Eeek. It's impossible to sulk around this bunch of people cause they're friends and friends make each other happy. Thank you guys! I'm also wholesomely proud of you guys for obtaining such glorious straight A's and I know you guys deserved it. ;) "Ok crossing the world now" (inside joke) #BFFOREVER

After watching Divergent (It's an awesome movie! I just finish reading the book ah so good) and had dinner at Kim Gary's (celebratory french toast with jess) I head home and find my sister eunice slaving over something in the kitchen while I cried (again) when I see momoke sigh why am I so pathetic T_T  gosh momoke was so happy when she sees the slip and keeps analysing each subject and telling me how great she thinks everything is. I love my mom.

What is the big sister eunice slaving over in the kitchen?

These monster slimes! HAHAHA. She's so sweet lah. She made some ultimate chewy sweet potato balls too! She knew I'm upset and tried to cheer me up using the most obvious solution LOL. Fooood ftw!

I think the monster slimes are supposed to look like this. Genetic misconduct, probably. Hehehe.

Then I showered and Joyce came home and showered and we sat around the dining table gnawing, grinding and working our molar tooth off with those sweet potato balls. HAHAHA.

There was this phone call I had with my mom earlier that day I can never forget, which here I quote her,

“无论成绩怎样都好，你还是我的女儿”

“我们一定要去庆祝，就算你没有拿到 A 我都打算要庆祝的。明天我们一起去吃晚餐，我请!”

There are many things which are impossible to put into words, those overwhelming emotions and fondness for these precious relationships and bonds that will never come apart, seperti air dicincang tidak akan putus. Heh. This is a  momentous day and here I'm going to remember it forever on my blog! 

By the way, thanks for not giving up on this mouldy blogger *sniff *

Goodnight!

xx

♥하루 122 - The children & MH370: Let's pray together

"Kids, they have not found the plane yet."

Facts Time with the children these few days have been around the MH 370 issue, aeroplanes and control towers, emergency plans in a plane and possibilities of accidents happening in the air. We also talked about mummies and the reasons why mummies exists, which led to the reason why pyramids are built. 

"Teacher the sunway pyramid is fake one!!" 

Most of the kids in my class are worried for the passengers in the unfortunate incident, but they're also rather concerned about the mysterious disappearance of the Boeing-777 plane, "TEACHER IF THE PLANE DROP IN THE SEA THEN GOT SHARKS EAT THEM LO?!" and Dani was like, "Teacher they got pizza anot". (Dani loves pizza - he will be having his 8th birthday party at a pizza parlour this Sunday, which I'm really excited to attend! He's one of my most favourite kid ☺) However, despite their wild imaginations, the troubled expressions showed how anxious are they; as though they could comprehend the rocky path the families of the crew-on board MH 370 are walking on right now. Although most of them assuredly claimed that they know where is the plane.  (Spongebob's land - next to the pineapple under the sea) Aiks!  

Children, you don't underestimate them.

I told them that we're going to make good luck cards for the passengers and their family today. They weren't sure if their cards would reach the intended recipients but they enthusiastically went about it. 

There was one moment when Jun Yu couldn't find any pilots in the drawing book and he decided to draw his own version of a pilot, which turned out a bit fat at the hips so Cassidy said, "Aiyo you draw his butt so big later he see your card he come and scold you ah"

They even drew tanks, helicopters and planes from "Everywhere in the whole world" to help the search of MH 370 and to rescue all 239 people aboard.

 Jun Yu's pilot! (picture in the middle)

 Hay Yan's card. She expressed that her father is very upset too, cause it appears that her dad's friend is one of the missing passengers on board. After completing her good luck card, "Teacher my plane got eyes one so can see easier" she requested for another paper to make a card for her dad so that "He'd feel better".

It's difficult for me to understand how the family and close friends of the MH 370 passengers and crew feel right now, but I can bet their anxiety is beyond what we can think of. 

The only thing we're capable to do right now is to keep them in prayers, for God's comfort to be upon the family members involved and His protection upon the people in the missing plane. Let's hope for the best and may His mercy be among us. When bad things happen, it doesn't mean that God doesn't exist, or is "punishing" us. Trials happen for a reason - what matters is to have faith and peace in Him!

The situation right now may seem unfavourable, as the water rationing has started already and the haze getting worse day by day (my nose is having allergic reactions to the air *sniff sniff*) but I believe through these occurrences we may learn and experience new things that we will never ever get to learn in our comfort zone.


NEW THINGS THAT WE NEVER LEARN IN OUR COMFORT ZONE
compiled by: Grace Koh

1. How to shower with only 4 scoops of water 
2. How does the water supply system function in detail
3. Learning to be grateful of the things we always take for granted (flushing toilets)
4. We're only human, weak and incapable - most of us complain until die when no water to brush teeth

And we have to always remember to look on the brighter side during adverse conditions!

BRIGHT SIDE OF GETTING OUT OF OUR COMFORT ZONE

compiled by: Grace Koh

1. No need to wash hair for days with a valid excuse
2. No need to brush teeth for days with a valid excuse
3. No need to wash, dry, fold, iron clothes for days with a valid excuse.

Ok. Just kidding. Hehehe I brush my teeth everyday but I love the skipping hair wash part. Hehehe.

Anyway if you are wondering how many kids I have in my class, there are 6 in total! Only 4 of them are allowed to make their good luck cards today though cause Marcus and Rong Jun have been naughty and dawdling badly (not doing homework) so I got mad. I wanted to let them do their cards afterwards but there isn't any time left plus Marcus still have not finished his math practice! 

Anyhow,

Please #PrayForMH370. It's great to see people with all sorts of differences coming together, comforting each other and praying hand in hand. Let's have trust in God for we know that nothing is impossible with Him. 

Getting a present for Dani's birthday. (ﾟ´▽`ﾟ)

Goodbye.

x