Well, the first day of 2012 has been pleasant thus far.

I found my Christmas gift by Cissie in the drawer today. When I was told I had a gift waiting for me about two weeks ago, I was delighted through and through. Then I realised it's not so much of what gift it is that I was excited about. It is the very thought of it - that someone who bought a gift for you - that counts. Her simple gift definitely made my first day of the year.

That aside, the things I'm looking forward to in the next week:

• My first jog of the year
• Latin class! Yes, I'm most likely joining back a Latin class in a studio near my place
• Submitting all my assignments. Can't wait to get rid of 'em!
• Early dawn prayers
• The week starting 9 January, when everything is done and over with.

Thank God, classes haven't started yet. Otherwise I think I'll be over my head cleaning up the mess I created for myself.

On a brighter note, this is where everything begins. :)

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You Think Best in Your Bedroom

In order to be able to think, you need to feel like you have some privacy and space. It's likely that you spent a lot of time in your bedroom while you were growing up. It's your sanctuary. You need a high level in control in your life, especially when you have something important to do. The best thing about your room is that it's exactly the way you like it. Having things the way you want allows you to relax and think.

There is something to be said about the final day of the year. It makes you think and reflect on the one year that has passed. Not that you don't think or reflect in the last 364 days, but it seems more significant - somehow - to just sit and contemplate.

To be honest, 2011 was just so-so. Nothing spectacular to shout about nor was there anything so terrible to lament either. There was some good times, some bad times and even memorable times (though those are few and lil too far in between for my liking). At the expense of sound melodramatic, I did laugh, cry, hurt and grow up throughout the year. Looking back, 2011 was more like a year of transition.

Pensive thoughts aside, there are a number of things to look forward to in the coming year. Not so much of the social aspect but the others look promising. My resolutions for 2012:

• Exercise regularly (that means running at least 3 times a wee & stretching everyday)
• Lose 5kg by end of June
• Stick to my schedule
• Blog or journal regularly
• Have a quiet time everyday
• Complete my 'Things to Do before turning 21' list by the end of the year

Here's to 2012; come what may, I'll make this year an awesome one. :)

Have a Blessed New Year 2012!

After some thought and researching, I've come up with my list of things to do before I hit 21. Apart from updating my blog regularly, that is. At least on a weekly if not daily basis.

Gonna chronicle my life as a 20 year old neh. ;)

1. Win an award.
2. Live in another country.
3. Travel on the cheap aka backpacking.
4. Take a roadtrip with friends.
5. Try an exotic food I can't pronounce.
6. See a Broadway/West End show.
7. Go 48-hours media free.Or if I'm daring, a full week.
8. Have my fortune told. For the fun of it, of course.
9. Attend a Manchester United game in full fan regalia.
10. Donate blood.
11. Build a snowman.
12. Master a foreign language. French, most likely.
13. Go clubbing. Getting drunk is optional.
14. Achieve my ideal weight of 54kg.
15. Get a part-time job, preferably working with food or clothes.
16. Splurge on clothes or food.
17. Complete a full marathon.
18. Figure out what wine I actually like.
19. Write to my favourite author.
20. Read all the Shakespeare plays.
21. Perform my own choreography in front of a crowd.

 Seems like a tall order. But it'll be fun :D

It's that time of the year again. Pity that it doesn't snow in this region. But then again, living near the equator has its perks so I ain't gonna complain. Though it does make me wonder how Christmas in the UK will be like. Hee~

So much for blogging regularly. My apologies for not doing so. I'm afraid I am not feeling very festive this year. Perhaps with so many things looming ahead and stuff occupied in my overloaded brain... sigh.

Nevertheless, have yourself a Merry Christmas :)

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You Are a Bear Hug

You are optimistic and bright. You have a self-fulfilling sunny outlook on life. You tend to overwhelm people with your energy. It's impossible for you to hold back. You love your friends and family more than anything else in this world. And you always let them know. You are a childlike person who values adventure. You believe life is magical.

Music:
By:

Or at least, in the morning.

Let's just say it involves a change in venue, lack of awareness, a cranky old car, a printer, 7 flights of stairs and a dose of self-deprecating humour. Not necessarily in that order. No wonder mom said I'll develop hypertension from all the unnecessary stress I inflict on myself. Figures ._.

After class, accompanied a classmate to shop for a pair of formal shoes. Ended up scouring all 3 floors of Midvalley - reminiscent of the shopping trip last year for prom shoes. The difference? I scoured all 7 floors of Times Square then to look for 'em. After all that effort and a new pair of shoes later, I found the same one with 20% discount in Sungei Wang. Talk about frustration. Sadly, the ones she likes are either unavailable in her size, too chunky or girlish. Mostly the former, tbh. Never realized she has such tiny feet!

Despite the unproductive shopping trip, I found a few pairs which actually fit on the first try (Yay!) at quite affordable prices too. But whether they're actually comfortable in the long run is a totally different matter. Ohmigosh, thinking like a working adult already and I haven't even completed my first year. Oh and I'm gonna continue using the word college. Uni just sounds old, not to mention odd (to me, at least). The labels for schools and higher learning institutions here are kinda messed up anyway.

Drive home was rather smooth for a weekday evening. Thought it'll be jam all the way home. Let's see, what I have on my to-do list:

• Pack for the ALSA conference this weekend
• Backlogged tutorial homework:
  - Cristian: involuntary manslaughter problem question, extra essay on reforms, study for OAPA quiz
  - Connor: privity essay, innominate terms essay
• Practice client-counselling with Lewis
• Timetable with deadlines for assignments
• UCAS personal statement
• Pre-reading as prep for conference

Looks like I've a pretty busy day tomorrow. However, to my great joy, there is no class tomorrow and on a Wednesday no less! Can somebody shout an amen, please?

For me, it's hallelujah all the way! 8D 

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You Are Pretty Happy

You generally have a happy, fulfilling life. But things could be a little better, and deep down, you know it. Maybe you need more supportive friends or a more challenging career. Something is preventing you from being totally happy. You just need to figure out what it is!

  

In a blink of eye, it's November already. Just another 55 days till the year ends. Can somebody please gasp and maybe faint in shock? It does me no good, you see. Just for the dramatics, really.

It is a long weekend for me. Will be heading off to the north for the national ALSA conference next weekend. Not feeling the excitement yet. Must be the copious homework I have for the weekend. Again, not a very nice thought. Surprise surprise, it's Contract. Well, for the most part that is. I've some Criminal law essays to write and Legal Method & System notes.

Which reminds me, I have not introduced my boyfriends yet. Meet:

1. Liam (Legal Method & Systems); the easy going one. Pretty laid back at the moment though I've been neglecting him. There are depths to him which I have yet to delve into.
   
2. Connor (Law of Contract) ; the evasive one who I’m still trying to be best friends with. He is a difficult one to get close with. He is also the one I've to spend the most time with on weekends.
   
3. Constantine (Constitutional & Administrative Law) ; a close second favourite of mine. Though appearing dull on the surface, he is pretty intriguing once you get to know him. He has a pretty dry sense of humour too.
   
4. Cristian (Criminal Law) ; my personal favourite.We sorta clicked right away on the first day of lecture. Though he's a lil morbid at times, he always have fascinating stories to share.
   
5. Lewis (Legal Skills) ; the practical one. Initially draggy, he's getting interesting now that he has gotten his act together. Hee, having my first assessment in two weeks times.

Going through the whole UCAS application process once more. Despite the experience, it still feels new. I find it short of tedious to rewrite my personal statement. Plus, I've to do more soul-searching this time round. But then again, nothing comes easy no?

On a more amusing note, I had my first spa experience today! Went for a massage and facial. Judging by the sore muscles, I figured massages are best done when thy muscles are actually sore or tensed. Which in my case, is pretty moot as I don't have dance for a week. Me thinks I would have enjoyed it more if I was more in need of a massage. Abysmal timing. Meh. Despite that, there is a certain sense of enjoyment and fun at being pampered.

As for the facial, the removing comedones part was kinda painful that I teared but it was worthwhile for the massage and cleansing part. Indeed, no pain no gain - all for the sake of beauty. I realized they took the liberty of shaping/trimming my eyebrows. Thankfully there is not much of a big difference or I would've flipped. Ain't comfortable with the whole idea of plucking/threading eyebrows yet. Actually, I doubt I'll feel comfortable about it at all. Trying to slow my transition into the vain territory for as long as I possibly can. Mom will prolly rebut that and call it grooming instead. Looks like I've to take greater care of my appearance. I remember someone commenting a few years ago: after a certain period of time (aka age), one can't go out without putting some make up on - at least some lipstick - or one will look less presentable. I've a feeling that time is fast approaching (if it is not already now that is). Omg, I'm growing old. D:

Then there is also the issue of my hair. No, I'm not cutting it short or anything (though I have entertained that thought). Wondering whether to colour it red this time. Then I remember after I coloured it a few months back, I vowed never colour my hair again. Then I thought some more and figured nah. I'll just wonder and maybe tinker around in photoshop instead. Plus, when the roots grow out, it looks kinda messy.

Toying with the idea of doing either 20 memorable things throughout 2012 or something memorable/outrageous each month to so-called commemorate my coming of age. Just for fun of it - wanna make the year I turn 20 an exceptional one. Though it's mostly so that I've stories to tell to my kids/grandkids. What do you think? :)

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You Are Realistic Fiction

You are an outgoing person and very interested in others. You have many relationships that are important to you. You are always willing to lend an ear to a friend with a problem. And you're even pretty good at giving advice! Some may accuse you of loving drama, but you just seem to find yourself in the middle of it. You are a true people person. You find the lives of others to be fascinating. You're up for hearing anyone's life story.

Forget that it is a form of sexism (to some) or the implication that females are the weaker sex. It is genuinely nice to have open the door for you. Especially when it is done by a member of the opposite gender.

The clincher? It was done on purpose. As in: he gets up, holds the door open (with a smile) for you to pass through and then goes back to his seat. All without a single word uttered.

Did I mention he's kinda good-looking?
Cue me going all mushy. (=´∇｀=)

This dude really made my day. Hahaha!

Places visited:

Snapped photos at Stadthuys and Christ Church which interestingly had Dutch etchings inside on the ground. Not as grand as some churches I've been to but just as quaint.

Had the famous chicken rice balls for lunch. Nothing extraordinary but the chicken was goood. Had durian cendol afterwards at a speciality store across the road. I still prefer the original cendol. Ain't too fond of durians. Hee.

Holy sheep, look at what I found! :D

What a lovely start for a weekend: it's raining and you're chilling on a bean bag with a steaming mug of tea in hand. Over there, sits your date for the weekend - a combination of tutorial homework, assignments and leftover lecture notes to complete - vying for your undivided attention. Ideally, you should be spending time with your date all day (and night) long during the weekend. Ideally, lah. Heh.

Classes today were surprisingly a breeze. Even legal skills was interesting to an extent. Did my first client counselling practice/exercise and was commended for my cool composure in the face of a rather difficult 'client' (played by one of my classmate who -me thinks- intentionally made it challenging). A tad pleased as it was my first attempt. Alternatively, I could have planned the flow better and include the confidentiality agreement in the first part. I'm starting to get into the groove of legal skills yo~

Also, I discovered that a good partner is important to an extent. One counsel dominating the interview doesn't seem very professional nor does it reflect good teamwork, imo. But then again, my partner today was pretty blur and I had to cover up for his silence which was a tad daunting in itself when the 'client' started to question my 'capabilities'. Today's exercise coupled with the talk by Puan Hendon during PDC yesterday, I've a better understanding of the legal profession and good materials to work on that major arc in TIT. Self is pleased, very pleased indeed. :)

The short pep talk by my Criminal Law lecturer this morning was both sobering and inspirational. How she managed to accomplish that I've no idea but she's cool like that. I've lost count of how many people telling me this; your time in university is the best years of your life so make the most out of it. Work hard, but play hard too - just know where to draw the line. She said that each one of us have the potential to do very well & go far if only we make an effort. It struck me then that I wasn't giving my all yet and made me question myself; what is holding me back?

Yes, cue those self-searching questions. I definitely need to sit down, stare into space and just ponder sometime during the weekend. Indeed, where am I heading to? Questions, questions... O answers, where art thou? Like seriously ._.

So yeah, silly me for thinking that all is hunky dory when I just only begun to learn about the real world. The arrogance of a teenager entering adulthood, perhaps? Maybe, maybe not. Ah me, I'm becoming philosophical. Hee :)

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You Are A Peanut

You are popular, even with people who tend to have picky taste. Kids love you, as do dogs. From rednecks to snobs, most people have a place for you in their hearts. As popular as you are, there are some people who can't be near you. Don't take it too personally. There's just a few people you rub the wrong way.

 

Well, today went surprisingly well for a Monday despite the not-so-stellar morning.

Arrived just 5 minutes past 8 in the morning and I had to park all the way at the back where the spaces are narrow. So narrow and packed with haphazardly parked cars that I had to literally squeeze my way out of the parking lot. No easy feat and thankfully the brush with one car did not result in any scratch marks. Phew~

Library system was down when I was in dire need of a statute book this morning for contract tutorial. One of the helpers who manned the counter refused to let me borrow the book for an hour. Went to see the librarian in person and the (rather elderly, judging by his shock of white hair) librarian gave the green light after chastised the helper, saying he sees no problem by 'checking out manually' as they've been doing all these years (presumably before the computer systems took over). Felt a bit bad for the helper who adamantly denied me but wow, for the librarian to say such things.

Joined T2 for their replacement Contract tutorial. It was all right at first then it became tensed as Ms K was upset that nobody read up on the cases. I ended up explaining most of the cases. Felt bad for so-called stealing the limelight ('cause I'm a stranger to the tutorial y'see) but then again, if I didn't prepare anything it'd worse. After sitting in their tutorial class, I'm grateful for my tutorial group. Immensely. Surprisingly, Constitutional tutorial was fun. Dealt with the separation of powers and the UK constitution.

After lunch, rushed off to run errands. Drove through town to go to the police station then made way to the insurance office. Surprisingly, the roads were relatively smooth throughout the way. Also felt a little more grown up doing those errands. Then went for ballet and did well in centre practice. I feel goood~

Down side of the day: my phone service is disconnected for some reason and I'm a lil miffed about that. Can't call nor message so it's pretty much only a one-way communication now. At the way things are going, I will most likely have to go to the Maxis centre and get it connected on my own. Next thing I know, mom will prolly tell me to pay for my own phone bills. Meh.

On a random note, I'm wondering if it is worth skipping two days of classes to go for the IAG camp this December. Though it's the final week before my semester break starts, I'm a bit reluctant to skip Consti, Contract and legal skills lectures as well as tutorials for Criminal and Contract as I'm afraid I'll be missing out on things. On the other hand, it's has been two years since I last coached. Kinda miss those times along with the company of the 'oldie' gang. Ah, the moral dilemma!

Looking forward to rest of the week and the weekend. I've a feeling that it's gonna be a great week up ahead. Who knows, it may very well turn out to be exactly what I feel. :)

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You Are 57% Addicted to the Internet

You're somewhat addicted to the internet - but who isn't? You can keep it under check, and you're by no means a hermit.