Rach’s Shouts of Joy (and Rants)

Was talking to Kai, my best friend just now… She was telling me what modules she bid for and what she was gonna study when she starts school in arts and soci in NUS this coming new semester. From her tone, i can tell that she’s pretty excited. And yes, i’m glad for her!

And i gave her some advice. haha… i dunno what came to me… but i guess i was just feeling ‘wise’ at that moment.

Haha…*wow! what a moment for Rachel right?* (maybe cos i get it so much from pple around me about how dumb i am… well.. sometimes i know i shouldn’t criticize myself like that, but just that, when people tell you that you are not very smart, you kinda feel so horrible inside and then, in long term, you really start believing that you are not very bright after all… hmm… so next time, with this in mind, i will never call my kids ’stupid’ or ‘dumb’… its kinda crushing for the poor kid and his self esteem. )

Well, i realise how i can get affected when others criticise a particular subject or the way the lecturer teaches/speaks. I’m sure almost everyone is like that too.

Comments like……..

“Wah lao… the ah-tiong(in layman terms-china) lecturer cant speak for nuts!?! I don’t understand loh! Wah… and cannot pronounce properly”

“Yuck man.. the ABNN/ah neh/ba-la (in layman terms-indian)’s accent is so strong! I think she is singing loh! How to understand?”(best said with the fake indian accent)

“Wah, this subject is so cheem… cannot make it one! somemore the lecturer is like s***…”

“This subject is a killer, study like siao but still no results. you die liao lah…”

Haha… just some common comments.

Well, all i wanna say is, don’t judge a subject/lecturer based on these comments. I notice that most lecturers, if one makes an effort to listen carefully, it is possible to understand him/her, no matter how bad their accent is. Yes, no doubt, you’ll miss some parts, but its better than sitting there and cursing and swearing about them and missing everything else right?

I dunno lah… it worked for me…^_^v

Then again, maybe cos i’m alone for lectures, so w/o people influencing me, thats why i’m thinking in this way?

And yes, frankly, i dun think i’m as dumb as you make me out to be? No doubt, academically i am not so bright, but i’m sure i’m more street smart. =)

Everyone deserves a second chance. [As learnt from Vince =)]

A smile is the lighting system of the face, the cooling system of the head and the heating system of the heart. –Unknown

Wow, the week is almost over! Pretty fast eh?

Well, next week, killer week begins, cos the tutorials finally begin!

So far, lectures seem okay. I’m blessed to have pretty good lecturers so far. I enjoy my Engineering Maths II lectures, though i’m alone and it seems pathetic, but i guess, it allows me to concentrate. Same for the other lectures. The other lecturers for the other subjects seem pretty ok too. Hope i’ll continue to have this growing interest! And may it never stop growing!

I know it sound funny, but my hands are itching to bake. haha.. i dunno why… its just some funny thing i wanna do. just feel like making something nice to eat… but yes, i have more impt things to do now… =)

Haha… finally, my tagboard is up and running again… was having bandwidth problems and so, it didn’t appear… but yes, hurray! its back!

Anyway, with regards to my tagboard, been receiving tags from an apparent admirer. I dunno whether to feel happy or shocked or just behave nonchalently. Oh well…haha.. will see how…

[ We have all heard of and know the speed of light, ermm, how about the speed of dark?]

*Edited at 11pm*

“A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked.” ~ Bernard Meltzer


It was a tough night yesterday for me. But after a good read from the bible, a good thinking session and a short but comforting chat with vince, i have learnt to forgive those who persecute me and look down on me. Because i know that i am answerable to God and myself.Those who persecute me, persecute Him. God taught us to forgive and He forgives those who do wrong. I was in the wrong, He forgave me. I apologised to them for any wrong i did, and i forgive them for all the hurt they caused me.

I also learnt something about myself in this whole issue. I am drawn to things that i don’t have.

I guess its innate in all humans.

Anyway, it was a rather hurting experience for me. I thought i had it all in the friends’ department of my life, i guess i was wrong. But the Lord has lighten my burdens tremendously and made me happier. =) Sometimes, maybe a few good true friends are better than too many acquaintances.

My mind is a tad stronger and my faith deepen. It was a blessing in disguise.

Thank you to all who showed me concern and stuck with me even though i’m slighty cracked. =)

How cool is that?

And i was just thinking back on how i started this blog. I just started uni and Von introduced me to the world of blogging. She got me rather interested in it and before i knew it, i started my very own blog with blogger. =) Thank you Von dear!

Its has been fun. Never knew i would be so interested in blogging. haha… But yes, i admit, it exposes my life to people. Majority whom i know, so, i’m fine with it. It gives them a chance to catch up with whats going on in my life. From the ups, downs, nonsense and pains. And its nice to get a tag/comment from my darling friends, be it a question or a note of encouragement or just a ‘hello’. =) Thank you peeps.

Ok, on a totally different topic. I might be moving out. To a apartment nearer to sch. Cos travelling is taking a toll on me. 1 hour and 45 minutes is no joke. Especially since most of my lessons would be 830! Its gonna be 6 pple sharing… so F.R.I.E.N.D.S like eh? But yes, still waiting for exit permit.. ^_^v

Hai~ I’m feeling really lonely in EEE. Cos all the lectures that i’m in, majority of them are the poly intake students. Frankly, i dunno how i planned my timetable until i ended up with them. Though its only 2 modules, but it can get kinda pathetic. But yes, maybe it’ll help me concentrate better… cos there’s no one to talk to.

Argh… and i’m soooo angry with myself!!!!! I was in the library this morning when the add-drop period started this morning and i could get a better timing for one of my tutorials and i stupidly did not add it then, thinking that i could do it when i get home.

Argh!!! I am SO WRONG!!!! Big mistake! Came back and logged on and guess what? All the timeslots have ZERO vacancies left!!!! AHHHHHHH…. i’m such a 猪头! There goes my tuesday afternoons.

Bah! Its gonna be a stressful, mad and tough sem ahead. I hope i can come out in one piece. =)

I miss my true genuine smiles and laughs.

Clowns are sometimes the saddest people around.

What happened to the old independent me? Come out, come out where ever you are……

Uncontrol emotions. But aren’t all girls like that?

Bitter… like bittergourd.

Afterall, everyone has feelings. So watch it!

Hmm… funny feeling seeing them again. And somehow, there’s just something ’bout them.

Rain = gloomy.

I realised i develop a hate for things i cannot get.

I wanna see THAT look. muahaha…

=)

Almost every single NTU friend whom i know, blogged about the opening of school.

Well, i shall NOT be an exception. hehe…

*moans and groans*

Argh! School is starting! The holidays just flew past, across my eyes. Ok, to be fair, it was a nice and relaxing holiday for me. Didn’t bother to work(which explains my dry bank account), and just spent my time ‘nua’ing and doing things i like. Picked up serious baking and perfected quite a few recipes. *smiles*

Well, how ready am i?

I am doing majority of my ‘ta-bao’ed subjects, so, though i’m gonna enjoy seeing alot of familiar faces in year 1 cos my guy friends from my 1984 batch are starting school, i’m gonna have alot of explaining to do.

24 AUs. To all you layman or non-NTU students out there, this may seem foreign, but yes, ask any NTU student and they’ll tell you that its quite a heavy load.

I hope i can survive. And if i do, continue to survive the next 3 years in EEE.

Well, to achieve that, i gotta be super discipline. Do my tuts, ask questions if i need to, attend lectures. So, yeap, i gotta stop being such a social creature.

So, heres a upfront ’sorry’ to all my darlings if i reject your dates… Got greater priorities…

I think God is really working quietly and yet, deeply in my life. And I’m learning to see things from a different light now. Looking back at all the topics that i have been better at in the areas of physics, i realise that being in EEE might do me good. I realised that i have been better at electricity stuff than mechanics stuff, right from the very beginning, from secondary school days up to JC days and yeap, in Uni. I have always been more interested in the electrical side of physics and would be the 1st few to complete my circuits in class. Ammeters, voltmeters, crocodile clips, batteries, switches, parallel, series… all these were more interesting to me, as compared to moments, vectors and other mechanics related stuff. No doubt, it will definately be much much much more than crocodile clips and voltmeters now, but it would be something i would have something to look forward to.

I guess, i was ‘blinded’ into telling myself to take MPE. And i made myself so upset when i couldn’t get it. Indeed, i think the devil thought he could make me blame God for what is happening. But he is wrong. I can now see a clearer picture of why things are the way it is.

Well, i also chose MPE cos Vince is there. And I thought that with him there, he could guide me if i had any difficulties, cos considering he’s so smart… But yes, i guess, God doesn’t want me to be too dependent on him. Afterall, its my own studies. And ultimately, no one can help me but myself. Well, i believe God will provide for me and He will make a way for me. And i’m trusting Him to open the way for me. =)

Well, these few days have been filled with lots of fun… haha… spoiling myself before i start grueling work again.

Went shopping on Friday and bought myself a nice rugged backpack. And to think that i just bought another sling bag the weekend before! Haha… well, nice new bags for a new school term. =) Haha… bought quite alot of stuff throughout the hols actually… a few nice pieces of clothes, shoes and yes, bags now… but yes, i’m a happy girl!

Went for 2 driving lessons… and today’s lesson was great. The instructor brought me all over tampines, kaki bukit and bedok reservoir road… Finally managed to go REAL driving instead of just around the roads outside the Ubi driving school. And i drove on roads that allowed 70km/h! Wow… love it… =)

And now, food time!!!

Made durian cream puffs on Saturday afternoon and this afternoon…

Verdict from everyone who managed to sink their teeth into it: VERY GOOD!

Well, i’m glad everyone loved it. Its just so nice to see people’s happy faces when they bite into it. Guess i’m just a sucker for smiles. haha… Daddy loved it so much that he says it tastes like those from Goodwood Park Hotel!!! And when we brought it to grandma’s house, everyone liked it!

The raw puff… as you can tell, i pipe the dough out and the shape looks a little questionable… haha…like dog poo poo hor? hehe…=p

The baked puffs. Nice and fluffy.

The completed product! With icing sugar on top and durian filling inside! Yum!

And finally, went for a nice dinner on Saturday nite. I planned and executed a nice dinner date for my Lobbie King and I… Wanted to bring him to Bakerzin at One Fullerton, with the intention of watching the fireworks with him since there is NDP rehearsals at the Padang.

But the road was closed and the pathway to One Fullerton was blocked, so we dined at the Al Dente Trattoria Pl at Esplanade. Al Fresco dining on the rooftop and the view was fabulous! It was money well spent.

The fireworks were great. Loved every moment of it. Haha… felt like a little girl all over again… getting excited over it… Anyway, i filmed part of the fireworks… check it out here…on Vince’s blog… You can even dl the video!

Well, gotta get to bed now… And prepare for a brand new day ahead… a brand new school year. So exciting! =)

I’m fine.

Feeling much better.

And yes, i have decided to let things go as it is. That is, accept EEE and major in that.

I cant believe i’m gonna major in the same thing as Daddy. Like father, like daughter. Good? I don’t know.

Am kinda skeptical of the new sem to come. Worried that i cannot cope. Cannot understand. And knowing me, I hate asking questions. Grr…

Was really upset about not getting MPE. Really really upset. And i wanted to go appeal again. But talked to my dad and he adviced me to give EEE a try. Sometimes i don’t know if he is encouraging me cos he wants me to be like him. haha…

And he was consoling me… Telling me that he’ll do all the arrangements for me to do my IA overseas,perhaps in the Japan HQ of his company. And he’ll arrange for Vince to come along too! Haha…

“Wow!” was all i could say. =)

Actually, i’m not so worried about IA… i’m more worried if i can catch up in class. Mummy was right. If a particular thing has no interest to me, i shuck it aside and not pay attention to it. Obviously, if i continue like that, i’ll be in deep shit.

So, now, all i need is some discipline. Discipline to be dilligent and pay attention in class.

Rarr… school’s starting soon! Next week in fact! Let the journey begin…

First and foremost, lemme apologise…. I’m sorry.

Why?

Cos this entry is gonna be sad. And full of angst…

Its pouring like crazy outside… Maybe the sky is crying on my behalf.

So wanna cry out loud. Cry and cry and let everything out.

I didn’t get it. Rejected. Unsuccessful. No.

At first, i didn’t know how to feel when i read the email. Until someone asked me if i was ok. Then it all came crashing down.

I really dunno how i’m gonna survive. It really scares me.

I was thrown into that lonely hole. All alone. I thought i could climb out of it. I tried my best. I guess i didn’t try hard enough. So, now, the gate is closed and i have to stay in that hole.

I’m trying very very hard to think in the positive light regarding this whole issue. But everything is just so cloudy. I feel as if i’m doomed. And now, i’m really really left alone.

Its gonna be a tough run. A struggle. Bah.

Why? Why? Why? And should i continue to be persistant with the school? Argh…

Food galore! Yum!!!!

And all made/baked/cooked by yours truly!

Haha… was playing ard with the collage feature and decided to create one with all the yummilicious food i’ve been making! Haha…

Feast your eyes peeps! =)

Sometimes i read my past posts and i realise how immature i can be?

Haha… it seems like my posts are not your serious, thought-provoking kind, but rather, more of “oh, this happened today…”, “i’m feeling blah blah blah today”, photowhore-style of blogging…

Maybe its just me.

I feel kinda ashamed actually. i’m a 21-year-old but yet, i dun behave like one?

But then again, what or how can we define what a 21-year-old is supposed to behave?

Well, i guess i admire those who can write in that thought-provoking way… and i secretly wanna be like them! haha… but unfortunately, its not in me to write like that?

Well, this is me. I am more open. I am real. I am just Rachel…your typical Singaporean student, graping with the stress of studies in the ever competitive education system… learning to grow and live in the hustle and bustle of Singapore. Just another individual.

And yes, having a constantly happy disposition… kinda makes me what i am, i guess?

=)

And yeap, from the very beginning, my blog’s name has been Rach’s shouts of joy! And not Rach’s thought provoking whispers… isn’t it?

So yes, happy dandy is here to stay! hehe.. yay!

[something tells me, i'm just trying to console myself that i'm NOT behaving childishly or that i'm just making up for not being able to produce 'thought-provoking' posts! haha...oh well... you decide. =) ]

Ahhh…. i’m sitting comfortably on my bed while writing this post…

I’m dead tired… but i cant sleep yet… Argh!

Why? Cos i had dinner at 9pm and the food is still not digested! Sleep now and i risk getting all the fat back on me!!! Well, i kinda have a no-food-4-hours-before-sleeping rule… It helps i feel…

Well, today was pretty eventful…. and expensive… haha…

First, met up with Vince for lunch at Fish and Co… We have been craving for their mussels in lemon butter sauce for almost the whole week! haha…. And we decided to have a good treat today…

We headed to the glass house outlet, next to Park Mall… And we decided to have the seafood platter for 2 instead… together with the Sharkie Freeze Big Fish Drink…

The meal was HUGE… haha…. well, cos the seafood platter was huge and our Sharkie Freeze was hugemongous…Thankfully, we weren’t as greedy as to order an extra order of mussels… Sharkie Freeze wasn’t up to our expectations… guess we’ll stick to the yummy Jungle Freeze next time.

Look at the yummy platter!!! Yum!

The huge Sharkie Freeze..

Took a pic at the bar before we left… doesn’t the bar looks nice? Nice ambience eh?

After that, we took a slow stroll down to Orchard… to digest all the food…

And after that, we headed to Shunji Matsuo… where Vince had an appointment to highlight and cut his hair…

So, i just sat down there… accompanied him while they attended to him…

I watched and watched… until i got the urge to trim my hair too! haha…

The lady at the counter helped me find a stylist… and wow… it was ex! I have NEVER spent so much on my hair before!!!

But yes, i kinda like my cut… its simple… and looks neater now… i must say, it kinda looks a little like my old style cos the length was kept the same, but its lighter and with this style, i dun have to hide the curls that i always dread! haha!

Well, its a once-in-a-blue-moon haircut, so, yah, decided to spoil myself…

And yes, Vince looks so dashing now! haha… the highlight and cut really looks good on him! haha… The stylist did a good job on the haircut… cos its really nice… *smiles*

Indeed, just need some polishing on the gem and it really brings out another facade, another kind of shine…

Look at our hair! And compare it with the pic we took above!!! Nice eh? I think we both look great!

Went for a run just nowtoo… wow… i pushed myself and ran 4 rounds around the stadium and walked 2 rounds… that explains why i’m so tired now… phew… it was a good jog though….

And yes, to top it off, ended it off with a 14-storey climb back to his house…

Now, today’s food didn’t feel all that sinful afterall! haha… all thanks to a good jog…

Oh yes, i baked strawberry muffins yesterday! It was good… really yummy… I used the “To-Die-For” blueberry muffins recipe but just substituted the blueberries with strawberries… it was still as good…will post the recipe very soon… =)

Ok, as promised, from the previous post… picture galore ahead! Enjoy!

Yummy seafood pasta from Al Forno… Its the Italian restaurant we ate at, on my bday…

The yummy and creamy Carbonara…

Before i partake my pizza… haha…

My guests from New Zealand…
From left: Mummy, Paddy, Khim and me…

From left: Mummy, Khim, Jo-ma(my godma), Paddy and me…
(Hmm, i wonder what was Paddy looking at…?)

Sorry i’ve not been updating… reformated my comp, so was in a process of putting everything in order…

I feel soooo lazy…

And school is starting soon… Argh… 8.30 lessons… long days… Back to haunt me…

I guess the good thing coming outta school is that, i’ll see all my friends again, and yes, see all my 1984-batch-guy friends who are starting school!

Went out for a superb dinner on my birthday. Went to an authentic Italian restaurant along East Coast Road… And had seafood pasta(which was big and stuffed with lotsa seafood), a pizza with italian bacon and onions and a carbonara pasta(which the boys were eyeing for…)…

Mmmm… i’m so spoiled! haha… It was sooo yummy… will post pics of that evening soon…

Went jogging on wed… Wah… have not ran/exercised in quite a while… And it kinda felt good… Ended the exercise with a 14 storey climb up to Vince’s house…

Am still feeling the sore muscles even now…. Guess i should be exercising more… getting flabby after the long break… hehe… =)

Met up with Khim and Paddy, my overseas friends from New Zealand yesterday. They were in Singapore for a short stay and hang out with them for lunch and some shopping… Haha… Khim and Paddy’s mum, Aunt Gerry is my mum’s sec school classmate and really good friend. They lived together when my mum and dad were staying in England…

Well, Paddy is a year younger than me…(after my mum gave birth to me, Aunt Gerry saw how cute i was, and decided to have another baby! haha…) and i can still remember, when we were young, the first kiss that i got, was from Paddy! haha… It was at the airport, next to some trishaw displays… and we were taking pictures, cos their family was going back to England. And our parents took a picture of Paddy giving me a kiss on the cheeks, and i was cheekily looking towards the ceiling when he was kissing me! haha…

Indeed, those were the young and innocent days. Today, we have both grown up.. Both have our own partners… haha… Oh man, if i have a scanner, i would scan the picture of the both of us when we were young! haha…we were so cute…=)

Anyway, as promised to Maddie… A durian cake recipe…

180g butter
200g castor sugar
5 eggs
250g plain flour
1 tsp baking powder
130g durian meat, mashed

Directions:
1. Grease a baking tin and spinkle with flour. Preheat the oven to moderately hot 375F.
2. Beat the butter and sugar until pale and creamy then add the eggs one at a time.
3. Sift the flour and baking powder together, then fold in the mixture.
4. Put in the durian flesh and fold in.
5. Place the mixture in the baking tin and smooth over the top. Bake for 1 hour 15 mins. Cover with foil if the cake turns too brown.
6. Turn out onto wire rack to cool.

Enjoy!

I’ll post the To-Die-For blueberry muffins recipe soon…I wanna make some adjustments to the recipe first…

Stay tuned!

Hehe….

Happy Birthday to me!!!

I’m 21 today! Gosh…

How am i feeling? I really dunno… Well, am i supposed to wake up and suddenly become someone else? A more mature person perhaps?

Haha… well, i still feel the same… My age just increase by a number and i’m legally allowed to vote, watch R21 shows, don’t need parental consent when signing forms… I’m an ADULT le!!! haha…

Anyway, thank you all for all the wishes… I have been getting smses from friends who remembered. So touched man! Thank you so much! Haha… i even got one from McDonalds too! Haha…

Well, as promised, i wanna do a “Thank You” post… to thank everyone.

Its gonna be a pretty long list cos i dun wanna leave anyone out. But yes, it isn’t in any particular order.

Thank you to…

1. God. For being so merciful. Without His love, i wouldn’t be what i am today. He has truly blessed me deeply.

2. Dad. For financially supporting my party. And for being such a joker sometimes. Daddy always has many funny jokes that he cracks…

3. Mum. For helping me with the food for the party. She also helped set up all the glass bottles and created the perfect ambience for my party.

4. Andrew. For helping to entertaining the kids and for taking pictures every once in a while. And yes, i think you’re gonna turn out to be pretty witty considering all the sarcastic remarks you sprout out every now and then… Just don’t over do it k?

5. Vince. Thank you for taking time off to come help me. For being the ‘Bull-strength’, carrying all the tables and chairs. Helping me in the days before the party, and on the day it self. Without your help, it wouldn’t have been as successful. Thank you for the lovely bouquet of roses. It was a nice surprise. Also, thank you for the little bag. I know i have been struggling with the button on the other bag for sooo long, and you decided to get me another bag! haha.. Thank you my love… for everything.

6. Jo-ma. Thank you for being such a great godmother all these years… Thank you for always being encouraging, in words and in actions. I’m really thankful to have you. Thank you for the beautiful cross. I like it alot…

7. Kailin. The bestest friend anyone could have… BUT, I GOT HER! haha… Babe, thank you for everything. You are the only one i can tell anything and everything without ever worrying about what you think of me. Thank you for always being there for me. This friendship has been going strong for close to 15 years. Lets keep it going till our faces turn wrinkly and backs break! haha… Thank you for the lovely sunflower! So sweet! and yes, for the Borders gift voucher and the cash!

8. Josiah. You didn’t come for my 21st bday celebrations!!! What is this?!? K lah, you were sick… But yes, nonetheless, thank you for being a great great pal all these years. For being the 1st male-influenced advice (other than my Dad), esp when it comes to guys and r/s… haha… May we also continue to be best of friends till the end… Thank you for the cash! haha..

9. Sihui, Luther and Arthur. Only get to know the 3 of you in the recent years… Well, i thank God for wonderful and funny friends like you, to make church a little more happy and fun. Thank you for coming for my party and yes, thank you for the cash and the little game. Sihui, thank you for taking the time to get all the chorale members to sign the card! So thoughtful of you! =)

10. Mabel. My little mei mei… Sometimes i think you are even more mature in thinking than me! And you are only like… 17? haha… Well, growing up with you has been wonderful. From all the holidays abroad, we have bonded and becomed like sisters. Thank you for coming for my party! And yes, thank you for the chunky bracelet! I like it alot! =)

11. Amongbi. I dunno if you’ll read this, but yes, thank you for the pair of earrings! I like it! Well, thank you for being like a big sister to me. Glad you are part of my family… from you, i learn abit more of your culture which i feel is enriching in some way! Come back to QLC and visit us often k?

12. Anna and Boon Keng: Thank you for the nite out at Dbl-O. Thank you for the Volcano(that killed me) , for the other drinks and most importantly, for the company. Thank you for the cute little skirt(which i have been wanting for the longest time!!!), the cute fruity undies and not forgeting the bag! You two have been great pals.. Thank you so much! Boon Keng, come back often to visit us, and don’t worry, i’ll take good care of your Anna… haha… (and share many more kisses with her!!! muahahaha…)

13. Alex and Sherlyn. Thank you for coming to my party! And for being gamed enough to try both the games! Alex, thank you for being a great pal since the beginning of sch. Through you, i got to know the other people in class… Well, though we are not in the same course liao, but yes, keep in touch yah? Meet for meals and supper!!!! Intro me to more good food! haha… Thank you for the seven dwarfs poster and the pair of earrings!

14. Von and Chun Poo. Thank you for rushing all the way down from NTU just to celebrate my birthday! Well Von, thank you for being my buddy the whole of last sem. Indeed, we have becomed really closed. Thank you for encouraging me in my studies and yah, for constantly reminding me of God’s love. Love ya babe!

15. Jianming and Irene. The new daddy and mummy! To married man… thanks for always bringing/sending us from one place to another…And for all the suaning.. gosh, sometimes, i wonder if i really look like a target board to you!?! anyway, You are a new daddy liao! Wow…. haha… to irene, thank you for introducing me to so many new recipes… And being as enthu as me when it comes to baking! haha…

16. Jiapei, Kai Xiong and Spencer. Thank you for the Burberry Perfume!

17. Lynette and Geraldyn. Thank you for the Pierce Cardin wallet. Its so sweet! hehe…

18. Samantha and Shawn. Thank you for the cute bear photoframe. And help me thank your mum and dad for the lovely diamond pendant! I LOVE it alot! haha… well, diamonds are a girl’s best friend, isn’t it?

19. Ah Har, Ah Hoe, Andria and Brandon. Thank you for coming!

20. Vfrens girlies. Thank you for the lovely pair of shoes from X’odus. And for the dinner at Swensens! Really love you gals… May we con’t to be best of friends!

21. Chin Chun. Thank you for the cute tee from FCUK! I love it alot! I always wanted a tee from there but never bought any! Thank you!

22. Alvin. I love the cross! Its so blingbling! haha… thanks alot pal!

23. Hong Chuan. Thank you for the little journal! Haha.. a place where i can pen my thoughts!

24. Elmer and Songyan. For the bottle of wine! Will open it when i have some special occasion again!

25. Jeremy, Jean, Ian and Zhi Guang. Thank you for the chocolates and the top from Mango! I love it! Thank you for all the laughs. Every outing with you guys are ALWAYS filled with lots of laughter. Its really a joy to hang out with you guys. Thank you for everything and may we con’t to be close!

26. Peiwen. Thank you for being the 1st one to give me my present! I love the bag! Hehe..anyway, you take care and rest well at home k? Sch is starting liao! Catch up in sch!

27. Not forgeting all the rest who wished me.. Thank you!

28. And yes, to you reading. Thank you for ’supporting’ my blog. hehe…

Well, here are the pics to most of the presents i received. Thank you for everything!!!

The lovely flowers! 21 roses in all!

The sunny sunflower!!!

The guestbook that i created!

Oh yes, some of my frens blogged about my party …

Check them out!

Nor, Faith, Chin Chun, Sihui

You may have to scroll down to find the post on some of their blogs cos blogger only supports monthly archives.

Like i said, it was simply great.

What?

Obviously, my 21st birthday party lah!

I’m glad it was memorable to everyone. I’m glad everyone enjoyed themselves.

Turn out was great! I was so touched by the company and everything. So touched that i cried when i gave a mini speech b4 cake cutting! haha… *embarrassed*

But yes, I enjoyed myself too. Lots. =)

That was what i set out to achieve and i did it!

I can be a party planner now! haha…

The wordle game was well received.

EVERYONE loved the special dessert that i promised: CHOCOLATE FONDUE!

Had lotsa rave reviews for it. Haha… i’m really happy. Glad that everyone enjoyed it as much as i did! And yes! That means, i can have more fondue sessions! Cos i passed the test! Hmm, maybe i can even go out and set up a fondue cafe! haha…

Once again, thank you all!

I shall stop talking and let some pictures do the talking! I collected and compiled my pictures from all my frens who took pictures…

Happy viewing!

Preety bottles which i painstaking prepared and painted before the party! But they were nice! And they made the ambience much warmer!

Welcome to Rachel’s home!

Dinner time! Look at the spread of food!

Mabel and Sihui… from my church!

My guy pals from JJC… my S12 classmates.

The little rascal, my little cousin, Brandon…

“Tiger beer and fishballs are great!” shouts my uncle…
Oh, this is my mum’s twin brother!

The Russian Clown and his Strawberry Shortcake… Haha… actually, its Boon Keng and Anna…

Ahh… lovely floating candles with flowers to create the ambience too!

The Birthday girl quickly grabs a bite!

The yummy yi fu noodles

The tender beef rendang…

Prawn paste chicken, Satay and Fishballs.

Overall layout of the food!

Anna and Boon had to rush to Arjun’s bday party, so we took a pic before they left… (Happy birthday Arjun!)

My yummilicious fondue that everyone enjoyed. Had 9 different items that we could dip.

1. Strawberries
2. Bananas
3. Kiwis
4. Cherries
5. Peaches
6. Pineapples
7. Home baked peanut butter cookies
8. Marshmellow
9. Chocolate chip bread

It was a good spread… And the colours look good huh?

The secret chocolate sauce that everyone was raving about! haha… Its really THAT good! Thick and had honey comb bits in it.

Talked to Jeremy after my party and he said its even better than those from Coffee Club and Fulleton’s chocolate buffet!

And it was served to every table…. Where everyone attacked it! haha…

Sri says that Kiwi goes well with chocolate! Yum!

Enjoying the yummy fondue…

And we had some simple games.. Wordles was one of them…

The Wordles game! Can you do them???

Mabel gives a sweet smile… ” Ermm, Rachel? Can you give me a clue?”

“Just is between YOU and ME… so its “Just between you and me!” explains Lynette…

Haha…Everyone cracking their heads to solve the interesting wordles…

“Look at this little whale painted on the bottle! So cute!!!” squeals Sri…

A family pic with my maternal side of my family…

Me and my beautiful cake!

“Thank you for coming everyone!”

Ahhh…. i got so emotional halfway! haha… and started tearing! Bah! So paisay! haha….

But yes, guess i was so touched that everyone came…

“And i’m her ATM for this party!” exclaims my Daddy!

Well, thank you Daddy and Mummy for the financially supporting my party!

Make a wish, make a wish~~~~~

Me, cutting the cake…

With my cousins from my maternal side…

From top, clockwise: Me, my bro(Andrew), Mei Har, Samantha, Shawn, Brandon, Andria and Kheng Hoe.

Cousins from my paternal side…

Starting from me, in clockwise motion: Me, Andrew, Kai Xiong, Geraldyn, Lynette, Jiapei and Eugene.

My VFRENS girlies!

Clockwise from me: Me, Faith, Norhana, Sri and Evina.

My JJC classmates.

Starting from me again: Me, Hong Chuan,Elmer, Alvin and Chin Chun.

My 1st 3 months pals from JC.

Jeremy, me and Jean.

My church gang!

Clockwise, from me: Me, Kailin, Luther, Arthur, Jo-ma, Amongbi, Mabel and Sihui.

My bestest pal in the whole wideeee world! Kailin and me…

My God-ma and me.

My uni pals… Alex, Sherlyn, Vince and me!

A kiss from my Lobster King!

My delicious and wonderful Blueberry cheesecake from Cheesecake cafe!

Alex and Sherlyn tries the “Tied-up” game… haha…

My 1st 3 months classmates. From left: Jeremy, Me, Jean and Zhiguang.

Sihui and me!

My Vfrens girlies again!

Look at that beautiful bouquet of roses from my Darling! Hehe! And it has a meaning!

My last guests… Yvonne and Chun Poo rushed down from NTU! It was late, but nonetheless, glad they could make it!

Well, thats my PARTY!

There are many other pictures but due to space constraints, i cannot post every single one.

Please view them here!

Password: rachel

I have separated the pics out… The main album contains photos from my own camera. Photos from my other pals are in other albums. Feel free to browse around!

PS: the pics have all been resized on my blog and on the photo album. So the quality has been compromised. To get the original pictures, pls contact me via MSN or at rachelsng@gmail.com.

Vince has also blogged about my party… check it out from his point of view! There are even pics that i didn’t post here… Click here!

Coming up next: My presents!

Stay tuned!

It was a GREAT party!

I’m so glad that it turned out soooo well!

Stay tuned k? I’m in the midst of collecting the photos to have a photo-log of the party!

Thank you everyone! For the pressies, and yes, ultimately, for coming!

It was a blast! I totally enjoyed myself!

=)

The last 2 days have been Eventful! Yes, you saw it right, eventful with a capital ‘E’…

With what?

Pre-birthday celebrations with my friends.

I tell you… yet again, i realise i’m such a blessed girl. I cannot tell you how happy and thankful i am for all the lovely and wonderful friends i have around me.

THANK YOU ALL!

Ok, i’m still a little groggy from last nite, considering its only 930 AM and i slept so late still feeling high! Ah, more about that in the later part of the post!

But yes, i was woken up by the silly construction site just adjacent to my house with all the bloody pounding and noises. And my room is toooo bright and i dunno where i last left my eye-mask? And yes, i woke up with so much thoughts and excitement that i HAVE to blog’em all NOW!

Lemme think 1st ah…

Ah yes… Wed’s events…

I PASSED my final theory liao!!! So HAPPY! haha…

Now, you might ask, “Why the big ruckus?”

Cos i was stupid the 1st time and failed. And yes, i was determined to pass the 2nd time i took it, and i did. =)

Yay…

You know? the silly instructors can get irritating when you take the practical lessons? They keep asking me whether i taken my FTT…

I have taken only 2 lessons, oh… and i loved my 2nd lesson! I went out onto the road! And the instructor was kinda impressed with the level of confidence i have on the road! Ha!

You know? Though i get a little scared when i first enter the car, somehow, things get better when u can step on the accelerator. Whoar! I love driving now!

Oh, i digressed! Back to the silly instructors, yah, they KEEP asking. not once, but many times. Hello sir? I told you i have not taken it yet! Can u stop asking?

Bah! I guess cos i’ll need it to take the practical test. Ok, so on the account of that, and the fact that it was only the second instructor (who was kinda cute! Haha… he reminds me of my cute physics teacher in JC- Mr Lim! But yes, he’s Peiwen’s “bf” lah! Not mine! Damn!), i shall not go on about it.

Ok, next up.

I had a gathering with my darling girlies from TK! My gang- VFRENS. But yes, sobs, without the ‘N’ though. Norhana couldn’t make it! =(

Nor? We miss u! I miss you! Meet up again real soon k?

My darling girlies brought me shopping and bought me a lovely pair of shoes from X’odus with nice comfy Heavenly Heels(a padding to prevent me from getting blisters!). I shall post a picture of my present together when i do my “Thank you” post after my birthday, where i compile all the photos and pressies from the upcoming PARTY!

Oh, and they treated me to dinner at Swensens! Yum! I had Teriyaki Chicken with Pasta! Love it!

And when the bill came, i reached for my purse and Evi said,” Ah ah, put it back! We’re paying!”

Aww… i was touched! Thank you so much darlings!

Ok, photo time! With my girlies!

From left: Evina, Sri, Me and Faith.

Two babes! hehe…

Faith and Victoria.

Now for Thursday’s events…

I baked peanut butter cookies! Yum! For my party tmr. But i hope there is enough to go around. Frankly, i think there will not be enough! haha… cos it taste pretty good! haha…

Here! Have a look!

Then, I went to watch War of the Worlds yesterday evening. With mummy, daddy, andrew (my bro) and vince.

It was good. as in it was exciting.

But yes, you have to understand the beginning and end to truly understand the whole thing… and frankly, that was just the gist of the show. the rest i feel, was just action action action, just put in to emphasize that point.

Then later that evening…

Haha… had a pre-birthday celebration at Dbl-O… Supposed to have gone with Von and Wen… But Von!!! Why you miss your flight??? We missed you lots!

Nonetheless, we had a small gathering… just Boon Keng, Anna, Vince and me. Boon’s frens were there, but the 4 of us stuck together most of the time. And Boon was so nice, he bought us drinks. ALL kinds of drinks. I have never tried any liqueur other than the softdrink cocktails like vodka ribena and stuff…

But yesterday, i tried Cowboy(which tasted nice, creamy and sweet!), Lychee Martini(I liked this one!) and the powerful one which was what ‘killed’ me… Volcano.

Seriously, i dunno what they put in that. But the set-up was cool and interesting. 2 martini glasses with the drink, then stack up with other glasses until its really high. Then they pour Bacardi down the entire structure. And it was lighted up! Phoarrrr! But you have to drink it FAST. or your straw would melt! And then they give you something to wash down. That tasted like Baileys.

But yes, the after-effects, are crazy! Ok, it made me crazy. I was super high! I admit, i couldn’t walk straight after that. And the effects lasted through supper, all the way, till i reached home and konked out. Luckily, i didn’t have to camp out at the toilet bowl. My body was nice to me, and allowed me to keep all the pig trotters, bak kut teh, you char kueh and alcohol in me. Wahaha… But yes, i can still feel groggy now. Must be a hang-over. haha…

And i insist, i did not get drunk. I was just high. Very high!

So i say, it was the Volcano that ‘killed’ me. It swallowed me. But yes, thank you Boon, for letting me try all these interesting drinks!

Haha, well, Boon was killed by the Volcano too.

Oh yes, thank you Anna and Vince for the little bag. Hehe… my birthday pressie! Will post a pic about it with the other presents.

Ah, and now, some pics from the nite… Haha… photo whore!

Haha… we were photographed by the pple at dbl-O and yah, i’ll post the pic when i get it off their web page!

Anna and me! We were having bak kut teh for supper…

Ah! A kiss for the birthday girl from Anna!

And the birthday girl gives Anna a kiss!
And yes, you can tell my face is really near Anna cos my nose was squeshed! haha…
[Pssss, we are closet partners! Haha... thats why we kissed! Haha...and yes... Anna? I think you secretly like me! (haha, our private joke!) ]

And yes, this is Vince! I dunno why, but he just doesn’t like smiling. Hmm…

Ok then, it was a long post… gotta go prepare for tmr! Its gonna be a long day! But a fun one! Looking forward to it!

Today marks another interesting day in Rachel Sng’s life.

She took another step in trying something new.

“The first one was the worst!” was her first response when interviewed by this reporter.

“Thankfully, it wasn’t that bad after that. I guess its a matter of getting used to.”she said later.

It was like a test for her. And she was pretty proud of her results and how she fared this time around.

Others who have gone through this have been known to scream after going through it. But she didn’t yelp at all. Not bad for a first-timer!

She was seen smiling after the whole ordeal and was overheard telling another fellow ‘victim’ that she wouldn’t mind trying it again next time even though the after effect is a little soreness.

=)

(”Huh?” you must be thinking? what is this siao char boh saying? Haha… the only clue i’m gonna give is – ‘Ouch!’)

Changed my tag board as you can see…

Its improved and much much better and i cannot stop raving about it! Hehe… Its good!!!

Took some time this morning to settle it and get used to it! Haha… And now i have a sub-domain on a server! Cool! I might recreate my own blog, and say good bye to blogspot! But yes, i have to read up on how to do it… And not forgetting, i can use the new skin that i have recently created!

But yes, one step at a time.

And thank you to Vince for so patiently helping me! And its thanks to him i got a server to run my tagboard, and in future, perhaps, own webby! =) Oh yes, he has a newly designed webby! Its pretty chic and minimalistic.

5 days to my big day! And i’m still in the midst of preparations.

Bought quite alot of stuff already.

Contacted the caterer and booked already.

I’m left with the ordering of my cake, preparation of some simple games, my guestbook and my dessert special.

Ah, friends have been asking about my dessert special. Haha, well, wait till that day to find out! And those who has the privilege of knowing about it, pls dun spoil the fun!

Actually, i almost couldn’t convince my mum to let me go ahead with it… But thank God, she slowly accepted and bought most of the stuff required for me! I’m so blessed!

And yes, another thing to rejoice about? Presents have started coming in! hehe… =)

And to those who are still clueless to what to get me? well, i wouldn’t mind a new bag that i can use for school? hehe… or more clothings! or worst case scenario, gift vouchers! then i can shop!!! yay! =) hehe…

yes!

yes!

yes!

yes!

yes!

YES!

YESSS!

YESSSSS!

AHHHHH…. YES!!!









(gosh, this is starting to sound so orgasmic rite???)

I wanna announce…
I finally went REAL shopping and bought something i like! Clothes!!! Yay!

Ok ok, sorry for the major commotion i caused up there…

i was far too excited as you can tell.

Place that set me off and made me high? MANGO… and specifically, the MANGO SALE.

Hehe… damaged caused: $42… which i think is okay! considering that i got a top and a skirt!

Hehe… being vain… trying my new clothes!

Ahhh….I’m soooo happy now… =)

grinning from ear to ear… =)

Ahhh… bliss… retail therapy IS good…… hehe…

Went to watch Initial D yesterday. And yes, this is coming from a Jay Chou fan… so… you should know my reaction… ITS GOOD!!!

Well, i understand when others say that Jay should just stick to composing and singing music. He seems so ’sian’ and a bit blur blur in the show. But yes, you have gotta watch the original Initial D cartoon to understand whats going on. The Takumi in Initial D is a ‘boh chup’ person who doesn’t see how good his driving is. He just wants to get home asap to get his beauty sleep since he has to get up so early in the morning to deliver tofu. Its only later that he realise his true abilities. So, i think it was really natural for Jay to behave/act in that way.

Thoroughly enjoyed the show. Really made my day! hehe…

Wanted to go real shopping yesterday. the GSS is soooo tempting but i just have not been real shopping yet! Well, next week… i’ll shall conquer the shops next week!!! haha…

But yes, i did pick up something yesterday, though not for myself… but its such a cutie pie. haha.. you must have seen it above. Trying out the new photo posting service by blogger, hmm, but i cant edit it to appear later… the photos only appear at the beginning of the post. Guess i prefer my photobucket-style of posting. more tedious, but i prefer it. =) And contradictory to the title of this post, i think it looks far too gentle to do anything evil. hehe…

Life is all about learning. And everyday, you learn something new. Whether about someone, or something. I feel that i’m learning alot everyday, but my memory cant keep up with the storage. So sometimes, i ask stupid questions and when i know the answer, i realise that i have asked about it before. haha… Well, i just blame it on my ssslow brains, with little memory space. And this memory is only good for keeping things that are not so important… and important things like physics, math and studies, doesn’t seem to stick in there.

Well, i learn more and more about people ard me everyday. Even though i know them for such a long time, i still learn something new about them. Like my mummy? Gosh, sometimes, i cannot understand those mood swings of hers. She is screaming away like a mad woman one day and singing away the next. Ah, now i know where some of my odd mood swings come from. Its in the genes. Argh… Mothers… cant understand them sometimes.

Sometimes, i dunno whether to keep quiet. i’m kinda confused. Contradicting… thats a gd word to describe what i feel about certain situations. Well, what can i say? I’m still learning… still trying to understand and do what is right. It isn’t as easy as it seems, but i’m still learning. But sometimes, you cant blame me for being overly excited? Cant you? I’m just easily thrilled i guess…Easy to please, easy to satisfy. Oh well, i’m sorry.

Hehe… next week, is my big party! Countdown is starting!!! and i’m gonna get all busy! but i’m enjoying the whole process! Bring it on! =)