Project Paper Aftermath

The last break was a little heartbreaking for me... so here's a short summary of it.

THE PROBLEM

During the past Semester break holidays, I had one of my greatest heartbreaks. My project paper didn't do as well as I had hoped for after all the blood and sweat I went through. After all, I put in so much effort in the past year, I interviewed people, read many articles and wrote what I think was relevant and pertinent. So, basically I was upset because I didn't know what went wrong with my paper. I definitely find it puzzling to receive that mark when my lecturer said, 'you're done and okay with your project paper. You are ready to hand it in.' That said, am I supposed to just accept my pitiful fate as it is, without knowing what had went wrong, or how could I have done better. After all, when you receive a bad mark, it's obvious that the evaluator/ marker wants you to know that, "something is wrong, somewhere. Please find out what is wrong to improve yourself".

When a door closes, open ANOTHER door. 

FIND THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM

That said, finding an answer to this problem was a little difficult. I tried with my supervisor (rather busy *maybe reluctant) but he couldn't spare me the time/ answer in detail (only brief comments that just said I was not up to his expectations). But I did not lose hope, and managed to find another kind lecturer to go over my paper. She's Puan Maimuna Merican. She looked over my project paper and started going over each page critically (questioning me on my choice of title, objectives, scope) and soon I realized, I was really lacking in certain areas. Realizing that, I could come to terms to the result of my problem. Then, she made me realize how important it was for me to link my material facts and evidence adequately to show how they're connected (mindmapping/ diagrams), and she reminded me what I should do, 'be passionate about what you're doing'.

This struck me because I was sure, for I wasn't that passionate about taking my law degree nor was I passionate about the project paper, but I was passionate about the work I do (thus, the heartbreak I felt since I could do nothing to rectify a poor work done). For this strong reminder cum advice, "Thank you Puan Maimuna Merican".

THE NEXT STEP AFTER THE PROBLEM

I believe this step is the next most important step towards rectifying a problem, which is to learn from the problem. This is to ensure that we do not repeat the same problem again. Hence, knowing that I lacked so much in the paper, should I redo the paper (to show I've gotten a little smarter) or just get over it and do something else?

Honestly, I had mixed feelings about this. Wasn't sure what to do, what to expect. But thankfully, I met up with Datin Grace Xavier, 'Get Over It!' she says. I should, and I'll try. After all, it's no use crying over spilt milk, what's in the past is in the past. That said, it's easier said then done right? Coming from me, who has spent the past two months trying to get over this, so I asked her how. She said, 'Be with your friends. Join some activities. Concentrate on the subjects you have at hand.' What I wanted you, a student, to know when you wrote a project paper were it's procedures to conduct a research. If you pass it, it just shows me, your lecturer, you  know how to conduct a research. It's not something incredibly ground breaking if you aced this. That said, if you scored a C for your Jurisprudence paper, I'd want you to retake it. With that... I received my second enlightenment/ realization.

REALIZATION
I was reminded that school was a place for me to get my foundations, right. The main principles/ issues for a certain subject matter. If you can't get it, you should go back to get it right. Only then, when you get on with life, would I be able to find the answer to the problems (extended from the main problem) I faced.

Hence, I realized, she's right. Why waste time on matters that aren't important?

If I have the time, spend it better on more important things.

For all the above advice, thank you.
Sincerely

Music and it's attack.

Truth be told, when I woke up early this morning, I thought I prepared myself to receive the worst possible scenario; with regard to criticisms for my project paper. I thought I would be able to embrace all that I had done, but I was far from prepared. I couldn't even begin to ask about the problem because... I realized, I had been running round and round the problem, in my mind. Constantly thinking about it but not knowing the cause of the problem, which IMHO, is pathetic.

So, as I approached my school, my advisers, to ask for their opinion on my research paper, I realized I  couldn't even voice out what I really wanted to say without tears rolling down my cheeks. Even then, I knew  nothing about my project paper from them because they couldn't help me. So, I waited and waited for another appointment I made with another lecturer.

Thank God I asked for that appointment, for I was reminded of the true purpose I entered law school, the real reason I even considered law, which was, to not be idle for a cause I fought for, to be passionate about sth. And to know myself better, without which, I would be dead even if I am not dead.

After that session with her, my day was was sprinkled with a little bit of humour from Toastmasters at BASC.

For all my experience stated above, I thank Ms Maimuna and BASC Toastmasters for making my day, a challenging but  fruitful day.

Thanks.

Experience: Fitness First Menara Axis

On the 22nd of May 2013, Chris invited me to join her for a cycling class in her gym at  Fitness First Menara Axis. That being said, none of us was able to wake up early enough so we ditched the class and at least I; XD played with the equipment.

So, how was it?

Honestly, I have entered a commercialized gym, a club gym, a school gym, apartment gym and even a home gym and I have got to say, commercialized gym makes exercising feel luxurious and compact.

Upon entering the gym, I found it to be really cool since they require a card for access and locker. Then when I walked into the dressing room, it was even more cool since I noticed that there were changing rooms in between the lockers! Really sweet!

So, the first thing I did with Chris and Viv was jog on the treadmill. Well...
I have to say, maybe it's because my mum bought a really good treadmill or I'm a dummie with theirs because I found it difficult to configure the speed. ( I didn't mind my previous apartment's gym cause I really played with it and knew how to configure it fast). It's really tiring to press the speed button while I'm jogging. That being said, I thought that the treadmills were stable and strong enough to withstand the body weight of the runner.

Other than that, if I'm not wrong, it's possible to watch the TV while jogging but I did not bring my earphones (to hear the audio), so I've got no comment regarding this facility. LOL. That being said, I only think it's reasonable to watch TV while jogging if you're not really intent on pushing yourself because you wouldn't even be able to concentrate at what they're saying if you're not. XP I did 1 set of 8 mins. with Chris and Viv, and anor set of 8 mins. just with Viv.

After trying out the treadmills, we found Chris doing crunches! OMG!! Crunches/ Sit ups, I'm not sure what to call it is but since I've done crunches on the mat before, I found the equip. facilitated the proper posture to do them. She was doing normal crunches, side crunches, and even raised lug crunches. Really cool.

Then she played with some of the upper body equipment and guided me along the way. OMG. Chris was so cool, just like a personal trainer!

Then, we chilled a bit; at this point I tried their Sauna and Steam Room. I didn't really like the Steam Room because I thought there wasn't enough Steam (due to the door not being able to shut properly) but I did love the Sauna. Very invigorating.

Oh well, my personal view of a commercialized gym?

Motivation

I found it really lively when people were motivating each other in the gym but other than that, slightly intimidating when I think of all the treadmills being used at the same time. Reminds me of a hamster with a wheel in cage. LOL and all it does is run in the wheel when it feels like it.

That being said, I think it's good to join one if you're interested in joining the gym classes because the atmosphere to exercise would really motivate each participant to really push themselves. =) AND if you're joining a gym class, you'd get to learn different fun ways of exercising. Sweet, no?

Relaxation

I liked the fact that they had a sauna and steam room, really nice shower rooms, and a really nice hairdryer. LOL. It's been ages since I hair dried my hair with a hair dryer because of the paranoia that I'd disturb my roommates (because it does disturb me) and I truly loved their pro hair dryer. XP

Refreshments

I didn't try their drinks but they did provide refreshments. =) Good tactic. LOL. But they really could up their refreshments by labelling the amount of calories for each cup so the patron drinking high calorie drinks is able to ensure that they stay on track with their fitness goals (and to reduce restocking that drink station). 

Overall, I do see myself going to one in the future since I hate traffic jams and I'd rather be exercising than being stuck in one for the whole period. LOL. AND because of the operating hours; rather long... poor staff., but good news for me, XD.

Thanks Chris and Viv!

My Virgin FULL Marathon

Me, at a Toastmasters Area Contest, a day just before the marathon.

Can still smile! X)

I'm no sports enthusiast but I do love exercise as it helps my mood and stress levels; other than the fact that it allows me to not be on a restricted diet! XD Oooh Yeah!

So, with that in mind, how do I keep myself motivated to continue exercising?

Well, I favour jogging so I DO marathons! This year, I've ran 3 marathons.

My latest run is actually, TO-DAY! It's the Women's Day Marathon centered at i-City which is approximately 5 - 10 mins. from my mum's office; a reason not to miss and it's held on the weekend my semesters break starts; another reason not to miss.

Then, here comes my point of view of the marathon as I ran the race!

Well, I listened to my senior's advice and ate lots of carbohydrates on Thursday since my run's on Sunday. Thank God I did, I wondered what would have happened to me if I had not listened to her! XD

On the day itself, I woke up at 0300 hours since my race starts at 0430 hours (42+ km **was it planned? XD), got my milo, (since I ate a heavy dinner) and reached there approximately at 0330 - 0345 hours, did a short aerobics session ( to warm up) and moved on to the starting line (just like any other normal marathons). Surprisingly, nobody was crowding the starting line (maybe cause it's bloody long). Then I ran.

I was basically at the front line of the marathon. That being said, after 2-3 km, I started to slow down (probably no pacer/ motivator) and walk(hehe). Then, runners from behind me would motivate me, "Run sister run! You can do it!" Then, somehow out of nowhere, my legs could move further and faster; alas it was short lived. That said, the guy (pacing for his girlfriend/ wife/ daughter) moved on while I lagged behind again. Then, out of nowhere, a girl in black shirt and short pants touched me. That small touch made all the difference. I paced with her pacer and her up to the 20^th km mark (with another small touch – hehe). Then, all hell broek loose as my legs failed me and I just lagged behind after that. Believe me, it was awful. I was basically limping as the balls of my feet ached, the heel of my feet ached, the sides of my feet ached, my leg muscles ached, and my butt felt like it’s going to shit anytime soon (there were many movable toilets but I didn’t want to use it since I doubt the cleanliness). What made me terribly irritated was that I still had the stamina to go further but the physical incapacity to complete the race AND it reminded me of Marcuz cousin's experience, "Limping through the marathon". HUHU... It had to happen to me too? TOO??

So I limped around the Mosque (part of the race route), did stretches on my feet now and then and continued limping until I thought there were too many people cutting me. Then I asked the runners, “What length are you running?” The reply was, “21 km, we still have 2 more kilometres to go, let’s do it!” Listening to her enthusiasm, I almost took the easy way out; after all, I still had 19 more km to run. So, I walked and jogged with her near her turning until I heard the call for 42 km runners to take the U-turn. THEN, instead of taking the left turn back to my house, I took the U-turn. I TOOK THE U-TURN! I’m shocked at my own stubbornness and relentless desire to finish the race but when I did the U-turn, I knew there was no turning back anymore. After all, I had devoted MYR 100.00 to this race, like it or not, I’M GOING TO FINISH THIS! DAMN MY LEGS AND GIVE ME MY PRIDE TO FINISH THIS RACE!

So, I basically limped and walked and jogged. I realized I was walking cum limping quite slowly (because people who were walking rather slowly were cutting me), damn my competitive streak; I can’t run anymore and I’m not going to call for an ambulance to save me from the excruciating pain. So, I reached the end with pride even if it’s a turtle’s pace, 6 hours 30 mins. to 7 hours. Pathetic but possible since I limped and walked more or less 5 hours of the race.

However, I do realize me completing the race wouldn’t have been possible if not for the motivators (the guys, aunties, young adults and performers; including the running nurse). Thanks! A LOT! Now I can proudly say I ran 42 + km thanks to  you!

There were other freebies, but this was in the Finisher's bag with 2 bananas and 3 apples. 

Lessons learned from the race

1.     Be armed with power pack (chocolate liquid stuff) **experienced the difference when given at one of the water stations – it allowed me to run just a tiny bit of  a distance with those aching legs, and most of the runners do have it with them

2.     Wear better shoes – so the shock my legs receive is less

3.     Wear good socks – same as the above

4.     Stay hydrated – with isotonic and water at the stations, and get sprayed by water when possible.

5.     Eat bananas – keeps you sane if you’re a monkey (LOL- no, for the energy)

6.     Train  your legs to not incapacitate you (at least regular trainings of 30km)

7.     Tablets (if you’re really serious to prevent cramps and et cetera)

Personal thoughts on the race

1.     I hated the scenery, it was dull, ugly and repetitive (the mosque and lots of other areas – did a few U-turns).

2.     The parking cost me MYR 10.00.

3.     They did not publicize how to get the discount at MYR 10.00 and had me limping to and fro the ticket counter and the marathon counter.

4.     There was good guiding (bicycles, ambulances, police, supporters, and volunteers).

5.     Frequent water booths.

6.     Good timing devices (not too big and scary)

7.     Very positive and supportive atmosphere.

Temporary Battle Scar

My Results!

1st Week of University

It's been so long since I've been back to school that yes... I did get thrown off balance when I returned to school.

So... how was it? XD Well... I have a lecture mate who's now staying at the same building as me AND I have an event to hold that I'm going bonkers about due to the deadline and the problems that are associated with it. WHY IS TIME RUNNING FROM ME!!!!??@@##!! Oh well...

Law? Usual. Read my English literature; Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe.

It's a really good book. Introduced me to a different world altogether; the African culture. It has given me real insight towards their culture, their way of thought and how a society braces a different culture.. What's more, I heard a Nigerian boast that he really pays great respect about his parents while reading the book; reinforcing my views as I read further. So... my say? This book deserved the price it won and deserved the number of translation done on it!

I love my Russian class!!! IT RAWKS!!! Just haven't learned to read and write yet. XD

Latest cooking endeavour? Mwahahhahaa... Pop the popcorn!! Pop pop pop!!! 

Ngahahahhahaa.... okay okay okay... From now on... I've also made up a new resolution. I WILL NEVER EAT any deserts if it is not made by me. After all, sometimes... you don't know what's in it and really... the trouble it takes you to do it really makes you think whether it's really worth it to even get the desert in the first place... but yeah... I've toiled and toiled in the kitchen this past week and have come up with a tutorial to make popcorn.

Popcorn

Ingredients

Popcorn kernels

Cooking oil

Directions

1. Pour some hot oil into the wok (enough to contain all your popcorn) and cover it. After some time when you think the oil is becoming hot, add four or five kernels into the wok.
2. Wait till you hear the pop-pop of the kernels before adding the rest of the kernels that you're going to make.
3. While it's popping, shake your pan so that the heat is evenly distributed.
4. When you find that the pop has subsided, set the wok aside. 
5. The pop corn is now ready for seasoning.

Seasonings

Caramel story(I mainly referred to his method to make the caramel but there's basically a long story about this...)

Yes... Like any stupid and confident girl, I thought caramel was as easy as ABC so I made my first batch of popcorn today just after reading a recipe (after much persuasion to try a sweet version) thinking that if I melt approximately 3/4 cup of sugar, 2 tbsp of water and 1/2 cup of oil, things will work out just fine... YEAH RIGHT... it failed... (after I mixed it together with my popcorn {wasting that as well} hoping that it would stick in the end... which it did not). Amateur-ish of me but I am an amateur in the kitchen... XD, but I found this video rather helpful. Gordon Ramsay... you're my savior. Basically, the ratio is 1:1 for caramel sauce, Liquid : Fat.

So good luck playing with the frying pan. ( I tried at least twice before getting it on the third try)

Caramel (Wei Chin's way)

3/4 cup of sugar

Margarine

1. Turn on the fire, place the sugar in the frying pan and follow Gordon Ramsay... XD
2. When it starts to turn amber in color, get the pan off the gas (just switch it off). Continue rolling it until the all the sugar has melted.
3. Then add in the fat (margarine in my case since it was the only one available at the grocery store downstairs).
4. Whirl it around till all fat and liquid has been well-blended.
5. Immediately drizzle it over the pop-corn unless you're planning on making caramel candy.
6. After it is cooled down, pluck the balled up pieces apart and store it well.

Things I've learned from making caramel

• Don't wait too long when before drizzling the caramel on the popcorn. My caramel hardened because I'm doing caramel sauce, the dry way. (2nd Try Mistake)
• To clean the pan or anything containing sugar, simply heat whatever that has sugar on it with water till it's dissolved into the water or easily removable. (Basically, just imagine yourself making a sugar solution - like a Science student conducting an experiment)
• More tips? Refer to David Lebovitz.

Fragrant butter

If you're running low on butter, extend the usage of it's flavor by melting some butter into oil. Then drizzle over the popcorn.

Olive oil and rosemary

Heat olive oil with rosemary and drizzle it over popcorn.

Olive oil + Cider Vinegar Vinaigrette

This mixture does not last overnight as cider vinegar is water hence it will shrink and moisten the whole batch (spoiling it quicker then ever), so... don't do this if you're not planning to use it.

Paprika and salt

I basically popped my popcorn in the oil containing paprika and salt for an even coating on all my popcorn (stir the mixture in the oil to prevent clumps), after popping, I added salt and paprika again according to taste ( My first batch of popcorn and honestly... since I like paprika, my favorite)

There are basically more seasoning combos for popcorn but it's really up to you in the end cause you're going to be the one eating it... XD... I try to mix in some spices to kick up the health benefits of the food I eat ; hence producing the above combos but basically, they're also one of my favourite spices; therefore justifying my special mention of these spices. Mwahahha

**Special note, just in case you're going to dismiss popcorn altogether because it's unhealthy... think again for I've got research to back me up! Popcorn becomes healthy or unhealthy due to the choice of seasonings, So good luck at your attempt in making popcorn. XD

Lectures on the 5th and 7th of September 2012

On the 5th of September, I participated in The 26th Sultan Azlan Shah Law Lecture. My verdict of it? Well... Mandarin Oriental is a nice venue. Really classy . Just look at the candid photo I took and you'd think that we were having a super formal and serious meeting... A-hem... yeah right... just chilling at the lobby because we were too early. XD

 Hot 1st Year 2011/2012 Class Representative, Vivien Yeow...

 So how was the lecture? I don't think I've gained so much but these few words still ring in my ears...
Respect must be earned, not commanded. Which reminded me of my uncle who once told me these few words, which has now been repeated by The Right Honourable Lord David Pannick QC in his speech, Scandalising the Judiciary - Criticism of Judges and the Law of Contempt.

Which I believe is a rather neutral point of view for I too share such a view. However, he too shared that the law of contempt be abolished. Me? I think that it is rather reasonable for it to be abolished as there is the Sedition Act and the Defamation Act. However, if I were to forget that there exists both these acts, would my decision change? Maybe.

With reference to Article 10 of the Federal Constitution (the Supreme law of the Land), we have the right to life. Having this right, it is right for us to share our views. However, is it right to injure another's reputation by spouting lies? Definitely not! The judiciary is a body that upholds justice in the country. If even the judiciary is doubted, why not let it be doubted? It should also be open to scrutiny like any other governmental body. We never know, when; how; why; where corruption may occur. So having doubt backed by reasonable facts would put the judiciary on their toes to always uphold justice based on their fair and just judgement! Hence, producing a judiciary that can be trusted and relied on by the public. So why not? If a dog is barking at a mountain, let it bark. The mountain won't move. Similarly, if someone spouts contempt to the court, if the public has no reason to believe them, then the reputation of the judiciary will not be affected. It is only when the judiciary has constantly placed itself in a disreputable position that the public in general will have a unanimous contempt towards the court. Consequently coming to my stand that, the law of contempt is unnecessary as it hinders the government to produce a country that works efficiently, effectively and fairly.

Other than this talk (which I've combined with the 7th talk), what did I enjoy? Definitely the food!! I loved the desserts (ooh... I still remember the Blueberry Cheese Mousse, Chocolate Cake, Lamb Satay and Salmon Sashimi). What did I not enjoy? Having my bags moved everywhere and not being told where it is... Just look at Pauline frowning with her camera, for she too had her bag moved to who knows where... TT.TT

All in all, the lectures that I've gone to rocked to the max! Above is the picture of the 2nd Years that attended (almost typed 1st years... XD).

My first facial

It's been so long since I've return here... but yeah... it is not all for naught for I've become a half-zombie with blisters on my legs... Yeah right... haha....So yeah... the list of activities goes like this.

This Monday, on the 3rd of September, I became a practiced hawk... waiting for the digital clock on my laptop to show 9.00 to register my course... then... I registered at 9.00 to unfavorable co-curriculum classes... Which I think I'll drop to take on in  a different semester.Then, by 11.00 o' clock, I went and did my first facial at Fahrenheit 88... wuuhuuuhuuu, just look at my poor face.

That would teach me to look after my face...My nose still hurts....TT.TT... The girl who was doing my face was like... girl don't cry... and I was like... but it's so pain... XD

I'll update soon~

Universal Studio, Singapore

I visited Universal Studio, Singapore on a Wednesday that was NOT a Malaysian/ Singapore School/ Public Holiday, so if my experience differs from yours if you visit during those times, TOO BAD... LOL, XD

So, how did I spend it? Well... My sister was following Google's map directions there but there is a different way to get there. Now, this is the important question, what time should I go there? If you're going there without the VIP pass, go there during the opening time to buy tickets BUT if you look like a lucky person, hopefully there's a promotion and you'd be getting the VIP ticket to totally skip the super long queue like me and my sister!

What promo? It's this promo... where we got to skip certain queues with an additional $ 2 top up. Well, since I'm already spending $75, I MUST SPEND my time well there and ensure EVERY DOLLAR worth in THERE until Universal Studio satisfies me... XD mwahahhahahahahaha

So, what did I do/ watch when I got there? Mwahahhaa, upon reaching there I did not run hysterically like a mad woman. Non non, I took picture like a civilized human with a prop hat and the props there! 

Then, I saw two big birds (Woody and his gf I suppose... XD, didn't watch the show but I remembered it from somewhere) so...kekeke

Since my sister and I saw everybody rushing to the right route, we walked to the left. (I recommend taking left first to warm-up). The left was Madagascar sponsored by Maybank (the Crate Adventure), nothing much; safe for kids since the worst that can happen is water squired from the zebra's mouth...

The only ride I managed to sit there was King Julien's Party-Go-Round which I think ...hmm... my sis forgot to click my camera's shoot button... TT.TT, so my sister's picture goes here...At least the Zebra looks super happy... XD

Then, it was Far far Away where the smelly ogre lives...

There's Shrek 4-D Adventure which was really stimulating and cool, then the Magic Potion Spin (ferris wheel) right after the adventure and finally the Enchanted Airways (roller-coaster). It was cool, a good start-up for the later crazy rides... XD.

Continue walking and you'd reach the Lost World. The only thing I may regret not bringing is a water poncho for this attraction. The ride will get you wet as you would be in a raft that is directed by water (so... basically you'll get a little water splashing on your clothes) but it was really FUN...The rafting experience! Then at 12.00 there was the WaterWorld live show. IT IS SOO cool, but I really don't recommend sitting at any of the wet zones unless you really want to get splashed for no reason. SOoooo... yeah... be smart, and get your priorities right! There was a camerawoman (Universal Studio) for this, so there's one with me and my sis!

Then, we headed on to Ancient Egypt...where there's two cosplayers you can take a picture with...

The guy from the mummy show... found him while waiting for Treasure Hunters and ...

Nearby the Revenge of the Mummy site.

I LOVE the Revenge of the Mummy. I basically rode Revenge of the Mummy TWICE in a row before proceeding to Sci-Fi City... Mwahahhahah... IT ROCKS! (I did return for more... about two or three more times...*blek...) It goes in every direction, up backwards round and round and it's HOT! I loved the coaster ride and all the movie effects.

Entering Sci-Fi city, there are TWO roller coaster rides... I actually preferred the Revenge over this but among Galactica, I preferred the Human (2 times) over the Cylon (bots - 2 times) not because I'm sitting but because of the Adrenaline... Then there's the Ultimate 3D Battle (2 times),which also rocks but really... in my opinion, everything pales in comparison to Revenge of the Mummy... XD.  So who/ what can I take a picture with? These people outside the Galactica rides and ...

Some bot since I didn't watch Transformers...XD, there's also some car there but since I didn't watch Trans... so it's kind of pointless to get soooo hyped up. XD

So... was it just rides and rides around Universal Studios  (other than Waterworld)? Apparently... NOT!

After watching Lights, Camera, Action! which is mind blowing, I managed to catch The Rockafellas doing street dance and some of the general public dancing in NY section!

Then, my sis and I moved back to Hollywood where managed to hear Daddy O's and Marilyn Monroe (who is super tall) and my favourite... the man that got his head cut off cosplayer!!

 

Then. there's the Monster Rock musical. It is fun, musical and cool so don't miss it... It's the last thing me and my sister did in Universal Studio anyway.... XD, the last show... if I'm not wrong is at 6.00 and the closing time is seven so... XD... go for it!

Basically, there's an MRT from VivoCity to Universal Studio Singapore/ Sentosa (for free). My sister was not aware of it and I was not aware of it but if you prefer the MRT go ahead (I took the MRT back because we found it accidentally) ... if not just take the bus like me! LOL... HardRock Singapore is also over there... at RWS so for those real HardRock Cafe fans... Singapore's Hardrock is there... Yeah... it was just coincidentally that I was wearing a HardRock shirt. XD

Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands

Referring to my previous post, since I was already in Marina Bay Sands, so... I CAN"T just NOT visit Gardens by the Bay, right? It just opened and if I don't go, I believe, I probably won't until the far future. So... from the Science & Arts Museum, my sister and me walked to Gardens by the Bay.

If you're wondering what the heck is Gardens by the Bay, that's the official homepage for it.

There's basically the free of charge garden and the garden that you'll need to pay for.

So... first, I'll share a little about the FOC garden.... XD

I believe the FOC garden is a good place for joggers/ cyclist to have a good workout. Maybe even walkers. It has sufficient greenery and the gardens are themed. The one seen above is an Indian themed Garden. If I recall correctly, all the Asian themes and a few others on the way. But it's not really that spectacular.

What about the mushrooms/umbrella you saw above? Hehe... that's the OCBC skyway.

Looks great right? There's actually a sky bridge connecting these mushrooms but I didn't fork out the $5 to walk since it was actually rather cloudy then. Fortunately too... since the one I paid for later covered for it... So... my sister and I hurried to the Gardens that were covered, the Conservatories that cost me $28.

The first conservatory I visited was the flower dome. Like it's name sake, there are tonnes and tonnes of flowers everywhere...  Well... not just flowers but cactus too and olive trees and all the weird trees that you've either never noticed the name or just never seen before. There's also the Western gardens put up here. 

So what's my verdict about the Flower Garden? It's good if you want to teach your kids to be a herbalist, expose them to plants they've never seen before, or maybe a good place for a garden designer to be inspired by the various plants there. Well, also maybe for those who love to appreciate flowers and greens, this is the place to be. So what about the next conservatory? KaBoom! that is the BOM man... it's so worth it to be amazed there!

I 

It is simply beyond words. I can't begin to describe this complex structure and how the heck it works but the people who built it are geniuses. Basically you can go right to the top and come all the way down. It's a really nice adventure in the garden. The waterfall (right, it falls from the lost world; the peak of the whole mountain of rock you saw me hugging (virtually at least)) is just an amazement that I still can't begin to describe it in words. So... go for it if you have the chance. Besides that, you being at Cloud Forest also gets you  the OCBC skyway view therefore  I thought it would be a waste of money to go for it. But if you still want to do it, go AHEAD. I'm happy enough with the Cloud Forest! XD

Science and Arts Museum, Marina Bay

The thing that I love most about Singapore is their public transport. It's really efficient and effective, if and only if, you know how to use it. So, on my first day in Singapore, we left my grandma's apartment a little too early got charged by ERP (before 9.30 by just 4 minutes) and parked in a hospital whereby we had decided on taking public transport particularly the bus to Marina. Unfortunately, the bus that my sister was looking forward to was not available on that day... haha... so we waited for approximately 30 minutes before figuring that out! LOL... cause she finally took out her bus directory to check the bus operation hours. Therefore, though we passed by ims2square twice where there's an MRT when we were on the way to use the bus, we took it after 1 hours and 30 minutes our estimated time for using the public transport. haha... It was really funny as we saw so many of the same bus no. passing by before leaving the bus stop and boarding the MRT which we passed by earlier to top-up my sister's ES2Link card. LOL. Lesson learned, after 15 minutes check for the operation hours of the bus you are planning to board instead of shaking your leg at the bus stop. LOL

So... where did I go first after boarding MRT? I visited the Esplanade!! The Esplanade is abuilding that supposedly looks like a durian. Below is the real thing followed by one I took with the model.

Inside there is nothing much but perhaps it's building design is what distinguishes the rest... And... me! After all, I am someone able to float / balance on water... haha

It's basically free of charge to go to these places... BUT I didn't come all the way to Marina Bay Sands for just... this. Mwahhahahahaha... Non non... IT IS for none other than Harry Potter!

However, there is a restriction to my camera... huhu... TT>TT

So, no more pictures of me being there in the Science and Arts Museum in Singapore to attend Harry Potter's Exhibition in Marina Bay Sands. Entrance fee wasn't that bad... just $24, but since we looked like poor kids, the receptionist told us there's a promotion event done by Coca-Cola that is willing to sponsor our tickets for Harry Potter and Andy Warhol if we purchase half a dozen cans which also costs $24. LOL. So imagine me any my sister lugging 6 cans of coke each everywhere till we went back home!

 

Notice the bag? Since I'm really such a loser that is not willing to giveaway my coke after paying $4 for each... not in RM but in $, yes... it hurts when you know you've spent so much on one coke when you can afford a whole meal back in Malaysia which includes one can of coke so... yeah... I lugged it everywhere until I got back home... haha... Oh well, I spent the first half of my day in there...I'm kind of regretting that I didn't get a set of wands... it'll be a nice set for display. Really beautifully carved wood but the price nearly chopped my head off so no...TT.TT... huhu... I'll post soon to update on the second half of the day spent there cause I need to work tomorrow. XD

Trip to Singapore

On the 15th of July 2012, me and my second sister went down to Singapore which we managed to fit in lunch with my grandma, aunt, uncle and JiaJia. XD. Well, since we managed to fit in lunch there, haha, it means that we have to leave home considerably early (around 10 to 11 o' clock)... for a long trip... haha... Anyway, lunch there was superb even though my aunt had a limited pantry. My tummy was filled to the brim with her various dishes that were both yummy and filling! The pregnant fish really has a special place in my sis's heart now. LOL. Anyway... back to my trip to Singapore... I didn't board the train so my sis and I took turns driving. I got the easier part of the journey; just the highways from my home to Pagoh, Johor where my sister continued from thereon. No kidding, after that, if you're not familiar or not really wide awake, it'll be dangerouns. WHY? Cause our timing was perfect and this was the view that we had for approximately 1.5 hours.

Notice the man there? Fortunately there was no accidents, so he was just out there cause he wanted to stretch his legs while waiting for the queue. Lesson learned, don't drive to Singapore on a Sunday night. XD

So what did I do in Singapore?
Day 1 - Arrival
Day 2 - Marina Bay Sands
Day 3 - Aunt, Johann and Orchad
Day 4 - Universal Studio
Day 5 - Depart

Trip to Parliament

After the Enviromental Debate Competition, I went to the Parliament.

Just in case there are a few who are not sure what or where is the Parliament building, I will supply a picture to aid these poor souls...

Has the building's structure rung a bell? It's in Kuala Lumpur by the way and it has really beautiful scenery despite the ugly structure (at least in my opinion, if you look at it from far away).

Right? Anyway, I won't post anything here regarding the trip until my next post, just the experience itself for this one... So... I went there with lots of seniors... XD LOL... I was the only junior but it was fun and there was G-R-E-A-T food... Unfortunately, the gaps between the meals were too short I couldn't stuff everything down my throat...*sniff sniff

A picture we took with the YB Yang di-Pertua Dewan Negara and somebody else...XD

Debat Alam Sekitar 2012/2013

The first thing I had on my planner other than the failed volunteer attempt to volunteer for Standard Charted Run was to be a runner for this Enviromental Debate.

Well, due to that... I had to be there approximately one week early. So I had to check in on the 22nd of June 2012... LOL... Almost one month from now...XD Anyway... back to the point, I was a runner for Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia students. All of them were bumiputras except for one aborigine. They were really cool and had a really large support group that continually support each other. Fortunately, they were able to make it quite far, up to the semi-finals... It was so hard to show my support to my home university when I was being their runner...TT.TT Sorry UM. Oh well, so how was my experience in this debate?

Well... the first week there was much lazing around in an air-conditioned room since all meetings were postponed so often that I lost track of it. Due to that, I couldn't manage to go to MidValley to watch a movie and kill time... instead... I ended up sleeping like a pig... in an air-conditioned room (it was really cold) and reading storybooks from UM Law Faculty's Library. Then, as the days got closer to the 29th, we shifted the tables and chairs of my faculty into one of the Lecture Halls and the briefings for the competition.

Well, a runner's is really simple for this debate... Making sure my debaters got to their places on time and their tummy wasn't empty...XD... So it was a really easy job and entertaining as well, looking at the debaters from various university debate; albeit in Malay. In short, it was fun!  

Semester Break Posts!!

It's been soooooooooo long since I last posted so ... dun dun dun dun.... I think it is about time I posted again!! Mwahhahahhahaha... The biggest and most important update of all is my brand new spoil... MY CAMERA...*drools... feast your eyes on the box... I'm not showing the real thing cause the colour... the colour of my camera is too neon looking... IT"S NEON PINK!!!!...

*sniff sniff... couldn't be salvaged...TT.TT and I'm using it to take pictures so how am I to take pictures of it? ... LOL