Ceramic Vase..

After narrating the gist of my conversation with a particular friend to Mr Lim, I got the quote of the week :

" She reinforces my impression of her as nothing more than a ceramic vase."

Couldn't stop laughing when I heard that. But then again, well said.

Injured Federer..

Hiaz, woke up early this morning just to check whether Federer won his 1st round match. But the moment I switched on my hp, I got bombarded with not less than 8 sms telling me that he withdrew due to an injury sustained during warm up. I think its retribution for withdrawing from Madrid. I do believe in retributions.

To a particular Serene, if you are reading this, Federer's withdrawal certainly annoyed you. But he didn't do it on purpose. Perhaps you should now channel your energy to improving your social life by making peace with your so called friends (that includes free-riders, backstabbers, bimbos etc). I understand that working with a group of imbeciles is difficult. Just bear with it for a couple more weeks. School life sucks now but things can only improve, so look on the bright side :)

Sweet Revenge..

Simply ecstatic! Arsenal's unbeaten run finally came to a halt early this morning in the hands of my beloved Man U. Man U's form has hit a slump recently and boy, did they rise to the occassion to silence the critics and more importantly, Arsenal's cockiness. The game wasn't pretty with lots of rough tackles and tempers flying around. The weather didn't help either. Both sides only had a decent chance each at goal in the first half. Ok, there were controversial moments. Rio Ferdinand was nowhere near the ball when he shoved Freddie Ljungberg to the ground when he was racing clear. But come on, Ljungberg's first touch was so poor. Even if Ferdinand had not touched him, the ball would have rolled out. Anyway, the referee apparently lost patience with both sides and yellow cards were inevitably flashed out. The game ended 0-0 in the 1st half.

I hate to watch matches that end 0-0. It's as though I've wasted my 90minutes. Man U seemed to have read my thoughts as birthday boy Wayne Rooney won a penalty after a late tackle by Sol Cambell. I don't know how anyone can complain about that. It was nerve-wrecking watching Ruud van Nistelrooy hit the penalty. The goalkeeper dived the wrong side and the nightmare from last season was finally buried. You could just see the emotions spilled over Nistelrooy's face. Five minutes from time, my new favourite Man U player, Alan Smith, finally came on and what an impact he made. In injury time, he made a perfect pass and set up a goal for Rooney. 2-0. Game, set, match!

I think I'm in love with Arsenal's Jose Antonio Reyes. His eyes mesmerizes me.

Ok, back to econs and reality..

Sagittarius is..

"Very expressive, has an open mind, is friendly and sincere. Can sometimes be irresponsible and tactless. Oh well, nobody's perfect."

I found this description of my zodiac sign on a decade old bookmark given by my primary school friend whom I've lost touch with. I always felt that I totally do not fit in that description until recently, I realised that some parts are true.

1) Very expressive: Absolutely Not. I keep my thoughts to myself and I don't show people my true feelings.

(2) Open mind: Defintely Not. No explanation needed.

(3) Friendly: Unless I know you very well.

(4) Sincere: The only thing that it's true about me. A pity not everyone thinks so.

(5) Irresponsible: Not keeping my word.

(6) Tactless: Saying wrong things most of the time as my brain does not process what I actually want to say.

(7) The last sentence is a real consolation that I needed.

I know I'm wrong. But how does it feel when you take the initiative to open the door for someone, and yet he pulls the door away from you and slams it deliberately into your face? And it happened more than once. I feel hurt and humiliated. I can't even remember when was the last time I was subjected to such treatment by any of my friends. I have a strong pride and I really can't swallow the fact on how I was treated.

Despite that, I'm really sorry, and yes, I'm sincere.

Tennis & Test..

The ball girls at the Madrid Masters have been causing quite a stir. With their revealing tops and white skirts, who can blame male spectators and even the male tennis players themselves for drooling over them? Many tennis players welcomed the move. Agassi even suggested shorter skirts to improve their mobility. Anyway, I hope their eyes are fixed on the correct ball when they are playing.

Collected my M&B test today after much contemplation. Was told by the lecturer to work harder. Felt like telling him that there's a limit to my intelligence. But he was right anyway. If only I had bothered to at least study the differentiation problem, I would have scored 10 marks higher. I only realised how easy it was to differentiate after handing in the paper. Too late to regret now. Just have to work harder and SMARTER for the exam. Anyway, I'm extremely grateful to my new best friend who taught me how to solve one problem, which guaranteed me 15 marks and spared me the agony of memorizing. Thanks a lot :)

Highly Irritated..

Some people are getting on my nerves. They sms you the weirdest stuff at the weirdest times. Initiates a conversation on msn whey you are on away or busy mode. Keeps typing even though you ignore or give them 1 word answers. Don't they understand English?

Federer Withdraws..

So sickening. Federer withdrew from the Masters in Madrid. He cites fatigue as his reason. Seems rather lame as he has not played for 2 weeks already. So why should he be tired? Urghh.. Ok, maybe he's trying to focus more on winning his home ground tournament and the Masters Houston Cup.

I'm suddenly reminded of Federer coz I watched the movie Wimbleon yesterday. (Ok, not suddenly, he's always at the back of my mind, haha) Anyway, the movie is a bit far-fetched. Some wildcard entry, ranked 119, and a British, actually wins Wimbledon. Reason: the power of Love. That's seriously hard to believe. And when was the last time a Brit actually won Wimbledon? The whole nation is still awaiting for their beloved Tim Henman to win the prestigious tournament. Frankly speaking, his chances are getting slimmer each year as he ages. Anyway, the most infuriating part of the movie was that the losing finalist actually beat Federer on route to the finals! That's damn insulting. Why can't they mention Roddick or someone else? (I'm prepared to 'lose' a friend for a day here, haha)

Couldn't find what I wanted to buy yesterday. My 2 good friends told me that EVERYWHERE sells it. (Hope both of you are reading this and pls explain yourselves, haha.) Looks like I've to buy something else even though I feel that's the most suitable gift. Actually, I was told of 2 places that sell it. But I certainly won't go to 1 of them. So that leaves me with the other place, which I'm told, has a limited supply. Ok, I think I'll have to try my luck some time this week before it disappears.

Complains complains..

Tension at the dining table is unbearable. When someone opens her mouth, I know it will trigger off a spark from the other person. I wonder why that particular someone can't shut her mouth at appropriate times. I wish she could just stop complaining. And I wish the other person can be more tolerant. I've perfected the art of blocking off her words whenever that particular person starts complaining. Or rather, I'm immuned to her nonsense.

Complains yet again. The Straits Times Forum page had been flooded with letters from both parents and pupils whinning about how difficult the PSLE Science paper is. Seriously, I wonder what the whole fuss is about. Just because the questions are different from the past year's exam papers,complain letters start flooding in. I was rather amused when I read that students came out crying after the paper. Get a life. It's sad to know that Singaporean students' lives only revolves around examinations. Anyway, just a consolation to them: National exams are based on relative performance, not absolute results.

Another ridiculous thing I read in the papers. The Chinese syllabus will be undergoing a revamp (MOE bowing to the pressure from the complaints of our fellow citizens?). More focus will be put on speaking the language and less on memorizing and writing the Chinese characters. Isn't it contradicting? Students can memorize science answers but can't memorize Chinese words. If one can practice doing past year science papers and ace it, why can't one practice writing the Chinese characters so that they would not make any mistakes? I don't see the rational. What's the use of knowing how to speak when you can't read or write? Certain things have to be memorized. You can't do away with it.

Singaporeans should learn to stop complaining about the slightest stuff.

Guilty Feelings..

I feel guilty for neglecting her, ignoring her and finding her naggy and irritating at times. I only appreciate her when I'm not feeling well because she's the first person to show concern and take care of me if necessary.

From tomorrow onwards, I shall make an effort to speak to her more often . I sincerely hope everything will be alright by then..

Number One..

I've lost interest in the new Hong Kong drama serial shows. I look up at the clock every 5 minutes when I'm watching them now. The plots are getting predicatable. The cast are getting old. And some of their roles are highly irritating. According to my reliable source, the aeroplane show, the largest production of the year, is starting on 3rd Dec. I hope it won't disappoint.

Looking forward to Federer playing in his next tournament, the Tennis Masters in Madrid. Really hope he wins it and breaks the record of 4 Tennis Masters wins in a year. Would really be an icing on the cake if he also breaks Thomas Muster's record of 12 titles in a year. Muster won the French Open that year. Federer has won the Australian, Wimbledon and US this year. Just goes to show who's the better player. And not to forget the fact that Muster is a one slam wonder.

Budget Airlines..

Travelling by air is no longer for the elite class. The explosion of budget airlines certainly benefits the lower-income group. With ridiculous advertised air ticket prices like 49cents(or is it 29cents?), its even cheaper than the price of an egg a few weeks back. Those who have never flew on an aeroplane before can now easily fulfil their dream.

To me, budget airlines pose no threat to full-fledged airlines. Both are targetting different types of customers. The former, as explained, are also targetted at backpackers or those who already have secured accomodation at their holiday destination. The price of 49cents is only for 1 way. One still has to pay for the return air-ticket, airport taxes, airport transfer, hotel accomodation, spending expenses etc. All these adds up to at least S$300 (Unless you intend to stay at the red-light district in Bangkok). Exorbitant low price tickets are just a way to con mindless people into buying them without actually considering the full cost. One would be better off buying a more hassle- free f&e package by Thai Air or Singapore Airlines which includes all of the above at a minimum price ofless than $300. I wonder why so many people do not think before purchasing.

Full-fledged airlines are targetted at business travellers and people who would like to enjoy food and drinks, wider seats, more leg room, inflight entertainment etc. (And also at those who did their sums before deciding that budget carriers are simply not as cheap as they suggest). Business travellers make up the bulk of air travellers. I don't think any business company would purchase an Air Asia ticket for its employees to go to, let's say, KL. The poor employee would have to take a bus to somewhere in Malaysia first, and then catch a flight to KL. After that, he still has to take a bus/taxi to the city centre. Even though the amount paid is lower, the time travelled is much longer. In the business world, time is money. And of course, there are people like me who would rather pay a bit more to enjoy the comforts and bring in more luggage at no extra cost rather than squeezing like packed sardines into free seating aeroplanes and having to pay more if my luggage weight exceeds the pathetic minimum weight set by budget airlines.

Thus, in my humble opinion, full-fledged carriers should not bother much about the entrance of budget airlines. Budget airlines should only compete among themselves. With such low profit margins, it's only a matter of time before one of them bleeds profusely to death.

Woman drivers..

I experienced first hand why woman drivers are always a target for jokes. On the way out of the carpark (which was on an upward slope), I warned El-bien to stay at least 5m clear of the car in front. Reason? A woman driver was behind the steering wheel. Ok, here's what happened. She slotted in the cash card, waited a few seconds and removed it, all ready to move off. I saw the reverse gear lights on from the back of her car. "Oh no," I muttered to myself. She stepped on the accelerator, and her car slid down at least 3 metres. My heart was pounding even though I was laughing hysterically at the same time. It was such a funny sight. Luckily our car was not directly behind her car. I dread to think of the consequences. Moral of the story: Stay clear of woman drivers, especially on upward slopes. I'm saying this even though I'm a woman myself.

The Australian Open tickets are on sale in Singapore for the first time. Tickets are sold at all Sistic outlets. I must admit the allocated seats have a pretty good view of the court. Ticket prices range from S$48(Round 1) to S$200(Finals). I really feel like going. It has always been my dream to attend a tennis Grand Slam event live and Australia is the nearest country to Singapore compared to the other 3 Grand Slams. It's pretty hard to describe this feeling to non-sports fans, who would simply dismiss my dream as not only ridiculous, but expensive. I would definitely go if it's held in Decemeber. A pity its held in mid-January, when I would be schooling. I think I'll just stick to channel 22 of my television set. Looks like my dream will have to be fulfilled some other time..

Not again..

It has struck again. My sprained neck. I knew it was coming. Just that this morning's condition was the worst compared to the past few days. Was supposed to go out today to watch Wimbledon. Felt quite rotten when I had to cancel my appointment. But now that the afternoon has passed, my mood has changed considerably. Spent the whole afternoon completing my micro tutorial while listening to Best of Aaron Kwok's Cantonese hits. Yes, Aaron Kwok. Never really had much of an impression of him. Listened to the whole CD at least 3 times. I'm in a nostalgic mood these day. Just the other day, I climbed up to the attic to dig out an old CD and kept repeating one of my favourite songs more than 20times. Yes, i'm that crazy.

I never pay much attention to lyrics of songs. I'm more of a music person. The tunes of a music piece are much more important to me. It's not surprising as I'm much better in numbers than alphabets. I have problems remembering words. On the other hand, numbers are a breeze to me. Anyway, I'm glad that I was given the opportunity to learn how to play the piano. It's ironic that I only enjoy playing the piano after 10 yrs of piano lessons. I hate classical music. Mastering the 3 pieces and scales was a torture to me. I treated it as a weekly routine. Wonder how Miss Tan is. Just figured out how to play 1 of the songs after hearing it numerous times. I don't look at scores. (Anyway, I don't have the scores of most of the songs I like). It stifles my creativity. Improvising and figuring out the correct key and notes myself gives me a sense of accomplishment.

Read from the newspapers that the MOE Career Talk is around the corner. My ambition when I was in primary school was to be a teacher. Why? Because I enjoyed marking. But as I grew older, the thought of being a teacher scares me. Why? I have a living example in my house. Besides that, from what I hear about her colleagues and friends, and what i gauge from my own teachers for the past 12 years, this is what I conclude -

1) Teachers like to complain. Public enemy number 1 for them: Their respective principals. They can go on and on about them for hours without changing the subject.

2) Most teachers are selfish and stingy. Just look at what they bring(if they bring any) to my house when the living example throws a gathering. A few pathetic slices of cake or a loaf of bread. Worse still, they would bring back any leftovers from what they brought. This has happened numerous times. I'm speechless by their actions.

3)Downright rigid. My form teacher when I was in sec 4 warned us not to bring our mineral water bottles into the exam hall in case we get accused of cheating as there are chemistry terms printed on the paper of the water bottle. Sigg water bottle was not invented back then. Besides that, if I'm not wrong, the exam booklet states that there should be no eating and drinking. Hence, she concludes that we had better not bring water bottles into the exam hall. Favourite phrase of hers: "Better not ah!"

4) Most teachers' brains become stagnant or may even worsen (Unless one is teaching in the top few schools). Imagine teaching the same syllabus over and over again. It's even worse if you are teaching those less academically-inclined for consecutive years. The only thing that is left in teachers' brains are simple mathematics or whatever subject they are teaching. It's worse for english. Imagine reading hundreds of ungrammatical and senseless essays. How does one improve?

This list is not exhaustive. Maybe I'm just bias or I havent met a good teacher in my years of edcuation. But whatever it is, the thought of ending up with the above character traits puts me off.

Off to bed now. Sleeping with an extra pillow tonight.

Here it goes..

Inspired by a certain Serene to create a blog coz her blog is really entertaining and amusing. The funniest part is that she doesn't find it funny at all. She says I'm mad. Yes, she has said that to me countless of times already. Why is it funny? Coz she's superbly sarcastic and she's full of praise of Mr R. Federer while it's the exact opposite of Mr A. Roddick. I do not fully agree with her views though coz I feel that she's too harsh on Roddick. Well, we are all entitled to our own views. So, she's free to express whatever she wants. ( Not that true actually. She actually re-edited one of her entries to sound more, as she puts it, politcally correct.) The real reason I suspect is that she's afraid of getting a backlash from Roddick's fans or a letter from his lawyer. haha.

Just came back from school a couple of hours. Attended a lecture by a guest lecturer who failed miserably to entertain us. Nobody laughed at his jokes no matter how hard he tried. The only person who was truly entertained was our lecturer, who laughed flirtatiously every couple of minutes. Our sense of humour really differs from hers. It was smart of Alice not to attend. What he covered was exactly what I learned from an English module last semester. I ended up reading my econs lecture notes left in my file from yesterday while Elayne did her tutorial. Whatever it is, I felt truly sorry for him as people started streaming out of the LT in numbers at 3.45pm while he was still talking. I think this would be the first and last time he would want to come in as a guest lecturer for this module. Come to think of it, he's not that bad actually.

Having a long weekend this week. No school tomorrow and next monday. Not much reason to celebrate though coz I've lots to catch up on. Worse still, no sports this weekend. Federer is not playing any tournament and Man U is not in action as there's world cup qualifiers. Guess I'll be a hermit this weekend unless I get confirmation from someone. Hiaz.