Day 2 (Sunday):
Woke up to a rainy morning. I silently (OK, not so silently) cheered at the prospect of it. I would meant that we'll get to stay indoors right? Wrong!
At around 10.45, with 15 minutes to spare before McDonald's breakfast orders close, we ordered breakfast to be delivered to us. I was really hungry since last night.
After a nice breakfast, we were told to get ready for the continuation of the visits to the Little India. I think most of us are reluctant to do so. We thought we could evade it, but can't, obviously.
Most people just want to stay in the apartments instead of going to these places. And if the teachers wanted our opinions, they should respect it. What's the point of asking if there is only one choice?
I get that this is a school-organised event to get to know the cultural side of things, but this is supposed to be an informal event. That's why my mood turn bad when I saw the itinerary in the 1st place.
Took the bus to little India and walked around in the rain. It's Sunday, and it's raining. Little India was filled with people and worst, it's raining. Did I mention raining?
After one big round, we still went back to the Indian shop for our lunch. I'm not a fan of Indian dishes so I shared with my friend. So, it was oily, too oily to do good...
Took the MRT to Bugis and through the crowded Bugis street and to 四马路观音庙 to do god knows what. In the end, we just sat there for an hour plus and stoned. My mood was not any better and it will get worst in other circumstances. But, I tried to control it.
Left for Payar Lebar where we were supposed to gather at 6.30pm to go to Geylang Serai Market. It's like this huge bazaar except that it filled with people and smoke and goods. I can't stand crowds nor smoke so together with some friends, we went in for a turn before coming out.
Didn't get anything from there. Had takeaway subway for dinner. This was my second subway in 2 days. Then, we went off first. I can hardly wait to go back to the apartments.
Decided to take bus 69 from Bedok interchange. Seems like a bad idea because the bus took so long to come. I timed, it was like 15 minutes. At last, on the way back!
Played the second challenge "Who wants to be a Slumdog Millionaire" in the empty UK room. Some of us were still wanting to go there and bathe in hot water before they start but we bathed after. Basically, we had to prepare questions for the other teams regarding the country of our room.
In the morning, we had fun picking out facts from wikipedia and making up wrong answers. We made it pretty tricky.
Germany's questions were a laugh. India got first in the second challenge and we, the "Japanese" got second.
The other people and the teachers went for movie in the lecture hall but I didn't go with them. I was already cranky and wanted to take a nice, hot shower before relaxing.
Went Caltex again with those who didn't go for the movie. Bought breakfast for tomorrow.
Slept at about 2am.
Day 3 (Monday):
Hooray! Was ready to go back home!
Woke at around 9 plus, I think. The others were still asleep because they came back late. Had disgusting cup-noodles and milo for breakfast. I really hate the taste of cup-noodles. It's vile.
Saw the third challenge. It was dancing related to the assigned country. Wanted to forfeit along with others. But, all the same, we searched for it via youtube. There's the traditional Geisha dance, the robot dance, the ParaPara etc.
It was free and easy for us until 4pm. Much as I wanted to go back to Orchid Park Sec during this year Teachers' Day celebrations, I can't because of they ended quite early. *Sighs* next year then.
Decided to go for the long awaited movie: The Proposal. At about 12.45pm, we went to wake the others from other rooms to see if they wanted to go.
10 of the girls went and there were so many people, mainly school-children in the cinema. The Proposal is a hilarious movie! Had a great time watching it.
We thought we'll be late for the challenge since the movie ended after 4pm and we had to take a bus back. However, the challenge was pushed back as always.
It was nearly 5pm when it finally started. Before that, packed up our luggage and took some group photos.
Our group decided to do the Visa commercial dance who took a leaf out of the book from "Where the hell is Matt?". It has a deeper meaning than just the Visa advertisement. In "Where the hell is Matt?", he visited many countries and dance a jig. It's transnational, we said.
Haha, after 3 challenges, Japan was in second place with Israel in the first.
Then, came the dreaded part. I had to lug my luggage from one end to the main entrance which is like one stop bus-stop away because I'll need to return the DVD I borrowed. I was huffing and puffing along the way.
With my father's car in sight, I hurried to deposit my stuff from my hands.
And, I'm backed home with my beloved bed and bigger bathing space. Home-cooked meals are the best.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Overall, it's been an experience to have. The room-mates are lovely too. But, I can't see myself living there for 3 weeks without losing my temper. I was in very low humor on the second day. If with other people, I'd have snapped at them.
So glad, that it's just 3 days and is informal.
Showing posts with label TNS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label TNS. Show all posts
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
TNS day 1
Day 1 (Saturday):
My father drove me to school as I was carrying a lot of stuff for the 3 day stay in the apartments at school. I met up with my friend to borrow DVDs in the library before lugging our luggage over to the apartments.
Draw lots for the roommates. Well, I know most of them anyway. Only 3 rooms will be occupied instead of 4. The country we got was Japan.
Moved in. It's hot and dusty. Immediately, I switched on all the air-cons in the bedrooms to 16 Degrees Celsius and put the fan on high. It's really too bad the living room has no air-con.
Saw our 1st challenge. We had to prepare a dish from the country we got, which was Japan in our case. It's so much easier to prepare than the fare from Israel and France. At least we didn't have to research.
Went to Tampines 1 for lunch and to buy the necessary ingredients for the Japanese curry and miso soup. It's all instant, except for the chicken, potatoes and carrots.
After that, left for Lucky Plaza via the Express bus service in which we have to pay $2 plus. And because there was so many people, there isn't any seats for us. Well, isn't that dandy?
We had to "infuse" ourselves in the "culture" and took some pictures. Took another bus to the Peranakan Museum. I liked this part the best. It's really insightful to see the cultural side of the Peranakans. Had fun embossing pictures on the paper too. The designs are really beautiful!
A few of us decided to cab back because of the heat and the crowds. No way am I going to waste money on a bus, standing no less for half an hour. I rather spend a little more, comfortable in a taxi. Apparently, some of us had the same idea.
Reached first and started cooking. Found out the stoves don't work and the hot-plate too. So, we used the one in the empty UK room. It took too long to boil the water on hot-plate and we had a good idea. To boil the water in the kettle and used it to cook the chicken pieces. The cooking was quite a success.
Finally, after everything was done, we took the pots and some cutlery to the BBQ pit. The Israel team were already there. They prepared chicken wraps. The French team prepared garlic soup and French toast. The teachers started their grading and tasting since the guys' teams (Germany and India) were late.
And that was our supposedly dinner. Knowing me, however, I just ended up eating some rice and miso soup. I did try the sausages too. The BBQ, in the last minute, was cancelled.
Went to opposite petrol station for some food. We wanted to go for a midnight movie but didn't.
I brought Love Actually the uncut version there because my friend asked me to. Got all of them excited over the uncensored parts. Haha, however, they were not fated to watch it as it would not start in all the laptops. We tried and tried to no avail. Ahh, they were disappointed.
Bathed in cold water since the heater was spoilt. Slept at around 2 plus and woke up at 4 plus because of the air-con. It's really, really cold despite me setting it to 25 Degrees Celsius and a low fan. I wore long pants, jacket and socks with a holey blanket.
So, I woke up around 4 plus since I can't stand it. Felt quite awake then. Went online for a while and went to bed in another room at about 5 plus. Slept till 7 plus and woke again. During the dawn, I switched off the air-con completely.
My father drove me to school as I was carrying a lot of stuff for the 3 day stay in the apartments at school. I met up with my friend to borrow DVDs in the library before lugging our luggage over to the apartments.
Draw lots for the roommates. Well, I know most of them anyway. Only 3 rooms will be occupied instead of 4. The country we got was Japan.
Moved in. It's hot and dusty. Immediately, I switched on all the air-cons in the bedrooms to 16 Degrees Celsius and put the fan on high. It's really too bad the living room has no air-con.
Saw our 1st challenge. We had to prepare a dish from the country we got, which was Japan in our case. It's so much easier to prepare than the fare from Israel and France. At least we didn't have to research.
Went to Tampines 1 for lunch and to buy the necessary ingredients for the Japanese curry and miso soup. It's all instant, except for the chicken, potatoes and carrots.
After that, left for Lucky Plaza via the Express bus service in which we have to pay $2 plus. And because there was so many people, there isn't any seats for us. Well, isn't that dandy?
We had to "infuse" ourselves in the "culture" and took some pictures. Took another bus to the Peranakan Museum. I liked this part the best. It's really insightful to see the cultural side of the Peranakans. Had fun embossing pictures on the paper too. The designs are really beautiful!
A few of us decided to cab back because of the heat and the crowds. No way am I going to waste money on a bus, standing no less for half an hour. I rather spend a little more, comfortable in a taxi. Apparently, some of us had the same idea.
Reached first and started cooking. Found out the stoves don't work and the hot-plate too. So, we used the one in the empty UK room. It took too long to boil the water on hot-plate and we had a good idea. To boil the water in the kettle and used it to cook the chicken pieces. The cooking was quite a success.
Finally, after everything was done, we took the pots and some cutlery to the BBQ pit. The Israel team were already there. They prepared chicken wraps. The French team prepared garlic soup and French toast. The teachers started their grading and tasting since the guys' teams (Germany and India) were late.
And that was our supposedly dinner. Knowing me, however, I just ended up eating some rice and miso soup. I did try the sausages too. The BBQ, in the last minute, was cancelled.
Went to opposite petrol station for some food. We wanted to go for a midnight movie but didn't.
I brought Love Actually the uncut version there because my friend asked me to. Got all of them excited over the uncensored parts. Haha, however, they were not fated to watch it as it would not start in all the laptops. We tried and tried to no avail. Ahh, they were disappointed.
Bathed in cold water since the heater was spoilt. Slept at around 2 plus and woke up at 4 plus because of the air-con. It's really, really cold despite me setting it to 25 Degrees Celsius and a low fan. I wore long pants, jacket and socks with a holey blanket.
So, I woke up around 4 plus since I can't stand it. Felt quite awake then. Went online for a while and went to bed in another room at about 5 plus. Slept till 7 plus and woke again. During the dawn, I switched off the air-con completely.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Of holidays & Scotland
Yes, I know I didn't have time to update on the last post about the Volturi pictures. Well, that's going to wait until I reach home on Monday.
Was packing for the TNS 3 day stay in school starting tomorrow. *Sighs* It's like leaving home. What a hassle! I'm the kind of person who have lots of toiletries to take along and must have this and that.
I'm taking a sling-bag of clothes and towel, a backpack for the other stuff and a laptop bag.
Went to Borders first and Kinokuiya at Orchard area with a friend. I cna't find the novel I'm looking for! I'm kind of disappointed in Borders. It let me down, again and again.
In the end, I did buy one of Lynn Kurland's novel. I'm thinking about whether I should just ask them to pre-order it for me. When I have the time in the next few weeks, I'll make a trip down again.
I didn't even have time for myself! I want to rant on it. It's the holidays, why am I having all sort of activities?! Holiday is for me to enjoy and to relax!
My idea of relaxing is to curl up with a nice novel, music wafting by, and maybe some ice-cream to go by. Add Autumn breeze and the smell of lovely country-side to that and I'll have the perfect vacation. Too bad, this is Singapore.
Can't wait to make a trip to the Scotland Highlands. All these books about the wilderness and wonderfulness of the Highlands makes me swoon. The native language too. Scotland has moved up in the place of "a must to visit" countries in my list. Europe remains the top destination to go. But maybe, just maybe, Scotland and England will be my destination to go to first. Afterall, the exchange-rate is better?
Will stop here now.
Was packing for the TNS 3 day stay in school starting tomorrow. *Sighs* It's like leaving home. What a hassle! I'm the kind of person who have lots of toiletries to take along and must have this and that.
I'm taking a sling-bag of clothes and towel, a backpack for the other stuff and a laptop bag.
Went to Borders first and Kinokuiya at Orchard area with a friend. I cna't find the novel I'm looking for! I'm kind of disappointed in Borders. It let me down, again and again.
In the end, I did buy one of Lynn Kurland's novel. I'm thinking about whether I should just ask them to pre-order it for me. When I have the time in the next few weeks, I'll make a trip down again.
I didn't even have time for myself! I want to rant on it. It's the holidays, why am I having all sort of activities?! Holiday is for me to enjoy and to relax!
My idea of relaxing is to curl up with a nice novel, music wafting by, and maybe some ice-cream to go by. Add Autumn breeze and the smell of lovely country-side to that and I'll have the perfect vacation. Too bad, this is Singapore.
Can't wait to make a trip to the Scotland Highlands. All these books about the wilderness and wonderfulness of the Highlands makes me swoon. The native language too. Scotland has moved up in the place of "a must to visit" countries in my list. Europe remains the top destination to go. But maybe, just maybe, Scotland and England will be my destination to go to first. Afterall, the exchange-rate is better?
Will stop here now.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Of exams and holidays
Looking back at the last 3 days, it has been some brain cells-frying days.
Seriously, MBS paper was quite tricky in a way the MCQs were like crap. Options are A and B are correct, A and C and D are correct etc, should only appear at least twice. But no, it has to be for most questions.
I know that A is definitely correct, but am not sure about the rest, how in the world am I going to answer these MCQs? In the end, I just used my intelligence thinking.
B+ should be alright, I really hope.
HRM paper was quite easy though. My hand cramped and my handwriting was bad. The 'S' looks like a wriggle or a 'C' by the time I did the short-essays. Like any other paper, I did not remembered everything but I tried my best.
Today's Business Finance is a killer, for my body and my mind. Adrenaline just pumped into my blood as minutes ticked by and I had a panic attack last night. I slept around 12 plus because I was looking through past year papers.
This is the first time I did something like that because I desperately want to get an A. Not B or B+.
The paper was OK overall. I didn't remembered everything but did some trial-and-error. In my sub-conscious, I knew that this is over that, just not sure enough.
Oh well, 2.1 grades will be out on 10th September. Wow, I can hardly wait. I'll be dreading and anticipating it at the same time. 2 As, 2 B+ and 1 B is the target if I want to maintain my GPA of 6.3.
I promise myself if I get my targeted grades for 2.1 and 2.2, I'll purchase the Slytherin tie I've been wanting. It's clearly a want for I've no use for a tie, I don't even use tie as an accessory. I need an incentive to get the tie from USA and wear it for the premier of Deathly Hallows part 1 and 2. It's so lovely but extravagant.
Now that holidays are here, I have lots of things to do. Went to the library on my way home. Finally, I can replenish my brain cells by doing light reading.
I was not in a good mood earlier after seeing the TNS 3-day-stay itinerary. Suddenly, I don't feel like attending it. Gods knows what I'm thinking when I submit the form.
Maybe, it's due to the fact that I want to visit my secondary school on Monday because of teachers' day celebrations, but I'll need to get permission to leave early from the stay. Besides, I'll need to get friends to return with me. *Sighs*, this is enough to give me a bad mood and a headache. I really want to go back... Or maybe it's because I just don't like having to draw lots for room-mates. For goodness sake, this is an informal event.
Then again, perhaps, I shouldn't read too much into it.
My first week of holiday is packed full of stuff. Tomorrow I'm going to Borders with a friend. On Saturday, I'll be going for the TNS. On Wednesday, I'll be attending the class chalet. On Thursday, I'll be going to start work.
Not sure I like my holidays to be productive. I'd rather be a jellyfish for that short while.
Seriously, MBS paper was quite tricky in a way the MCQs were like crap. Options are A and B are correct, A and C and D are correct etc, should only appear at least twice. But no, it has to be for most questions.
I know that A is definitely correct, but am not sure about the rest, how in the world am I going to answer these MCQs? In the end, I just used my intelligence thinking.
B+ should be alright, I really hope.
HRM paper was quite easy though. My hand cramped and my handwriting was bad. The 'S' looks like a wriggle or a 'C' by the time I did the short-essays. Like any other paper, I did not remembered everything but I tried my best.
Today's Business Finance is a killer, for my body and my mind. Adrenaline just pumped into my blood as minutes ticked by and I had a panic attack last night. I slept around 12 plus because I was looking through past year papers.
This is the first time I did something like that because I desperately want to get an A. Not B or B+.
The paper was OK overall. I didn't remembered everything but did some trial-and-error. In my sub-conscious, I knew that this is over that, just not sure enough.
Oh well, 2.1 grades will be out on 10th September. Wow, I can hardly wait. I'll be dreading and anticipating it at the same time. 2 As, 2 B+ and 1 B is the target if I want to maintain my GPA of 6.3.
I promise myself if I get my targeted grades for 2.1 and 2.2, I'll purchase the Slytherin tie I've been wanting. It's clearly a want for I've no use for a tie, I don't even use tie as an accessory. I need an incentive to get the tie from USA and wear it for the premier of Deathly Hallows part 1 and 2. It's so lovely but extravagant.
Now that holidays are here, I have lots of things to do. Went to the library on my way home. Finally, I can replenish my brain cells by doing light reading.
I was not in a good mood earlier after seeing the TNS 3-day-stay itinerary. Suddenly, I don't feel like attending it. Gods knows what I'm thinking when I submit the form.
Maybe, it's due to the fact that I want to visit my secondary school on Monday because of teachers' day celebrations, but I'll need to get permission to leave early from the stay. Besides, I'll need to get friends to return with me. *Sighs*, this is enough to give me a bad mood and a headache. I really want to go back... Or maybe it's because I just don't like having to draw lots for room-mates. For goodness sake, this is an informal event.
Then again, perhaps, I shouldn't read too much into it.
My first week of holiday is packed full of stuff. Tomorrow I'm going to Borders with a friend. On Saturday, I'll be going for the TNS. On Wednesday, I'll be attending the class chalet. On Thursday, I'll be going to start work.
Not sure I like my holidays to be productive. I'd rather be a jellyfish for that short while.
Monday, July 27, 2009
The End
Boy, am I glad to rid myself of Human Resource Management!
Few more weeks and I'll have burst.
Whee! I'm done with PBL 2 and I can only hope that the marks this time round will be a B. I think PBL is an improvement. We seem to have learnt our lessons. However, I have no idea if our project will be marked as late or not. We slightly toed the time... Crossing fingers.
Tomorrow will be the role-play on discipline and then I'll be truly be free. I'm glad.
Handed up my TNS reflective journal. Apparently, the country that suits me best is Belgium. All I know is Belgium chocolates are absolutely divine!
Really, countries which I'm interested in like UK, US, Australia don't match what I'm looking for. But of course, this is just a perception. It doesn't mean that if a country is more on the neutral side, all the people will be neutral.
So, the TNS teacher told me that he will be organising a 3-day stay in the Glocal Village in school right after exams. Hmmm, I don't wish to go. It's the holidays! I should be doing the things I want. Then again, if my friends are going, I reckon I'll go.
Few more weeks and I'll have burst.
Whee! I'm done with PBL 2 and I can only hope that the marks this time round will be a B. I think PBL is an improvement. We seem to have learnt our lessons. However, I have no idea if our project will be marked as late or not. We slightly toed the time... Crossing fingers.
Tomorrow will be the role-play on discipline and then I'll be truly be free. I'm glad.
Handed up my TNS reflective journal. Apparently, the country that suits me best is Belgium. All I know is Belgium chocolates are absolutely divine!
Really, countries which I'm interested in like UK, US, Australia don't match what I'm looking for. But of course, this is just a perception. It doesn't mean that if a country is more on the neutral side, all the people will be neutral.
So, the TNS teacher told me that he will be organising a 3-day stay in the Glocal Village in school right after exams. Hmmm, I don't wish to go. It's the holidays! I should be doing the things I want. Then again, if my friends are going, I reckon I'll go.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Good results
Hooray! I'm in a good mood today, thus the updating.
I received my Business Finance results today. Yes, my friend told me that the last 2 MCQs answers were not what most people thought it was. Needless to say, I fell for the trick questions, so that's 2 marks gone.
Nonetheless, I got 17/20 for this test. So, that's 40% of A for my overall marks. Got to work hard for the end-semester exam!
What made my day, or rather night was the fact that I received the Transnational Studies test results. I barely spent time on it since I had Business Finance test that day too.
On Saturday, the teacher was telling me that I did well for the test and I was sceptical about it.
Eeek! I really did do well. 29/30! I was grinning when I saw the marks. I did wish he would show us the papers though, I need to see where I got wrong.
This TNS session had been great, given that it's the second last lesson. The powerpoint is looking good.
I've found a kindred spirit in one of my new friends. It's really surprising to find someone who share the same interests as me. And amazingly, I have no qualms about revealing what I like. I usually don't share what I like or is passionate about with others. Haha, it makes me laugh when I think about it.
So, overall, today has been a wonderful day.
Oh yes, this will be the 399 post, which means that the next entry will be the 400th! Should I wait till Friday to mark this significant "event"? Maybe I should.
Till Friday then~
I received my Business Finance results today. Yes, my friend told me that the last 2 MCQs answers were not what most people thought it was. Needless to say, I fell for the trick questions, so that's 2 marks gone.
Nonetheless, I got 17/20 for this test. So, that's 40% of A for my overall marks. Got to work hard for the end-semester exam!
What made my day, or rather night was the fact that I received the Transnational Studies test results. I barely spent time on it since I had Business Finance test that day too.
On Saturday, the teacher was telling me that I did well for the test and I was sceptical about it.
Eeek! I really did do well. 29/30! I was grinning when I saw the marks. I did wish he would show us the papers though, I need to see where I got wrong.
This TNS session had been great, given that it's the second last lesson. The powerpoint is looking good.
I've found a kindred spirit in one of my new friends. It's really surprising to find someone who share the same interests as me. And amazingly, I have no qualms about revealing what I like. I usually don't share what I like or is passionate about with others. Haha, it makes me laugh when I think about it.
So, overall, today has been a wonderful day.
Oh yes, this will be the 399 post, which means that the next entry will be the 400th! Should I wait till Friday to mark this significant "event"? Maybe I should.
Till Friday then~
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Insanity & oh well
Oh gods, I'm really losing my sanity.
I know that I said 3 weeks will pass quickly, but when you live by the day, it just seems like a long way.
This week is completely insane. I don't get proper dinners. I don't have time to do my things. I don't have the rest I needed. I'm wore out.
I start each day early and end each day late. I reached home in the night everyday! Even the working people don't have it that tough.
I eat muesli/chocolate bars for dinner. I'm pathetic and feel pathetic. I can't enjoy the fun times I have online. I don't have time to go to the forums, read other fanfics... The book I borrowed has yet to be read.
However, it's the little things that keep me sane and make my day. My favourite fanfics are updated and I had a great time reading them. I get to spend some time with my friends.
I'm kind of regretting joining TNS. Yes, it will be a good experience, but it just saps my energy.
I'm disappointed that I didn't get into the Director's Honour List.
I wasn't expecting to get in in the first place since I don't know of it. But then, my friends whose GPA are slightly higher than me got in and I didn't. Well, I really want to get in because I feel that my GPA of 3.63 is still within my standards...
That feeling is something like "what you didn't know of, that's ok. But, when you know of something and it didn't happen to you, the disappointment comes."
I'll really try my best to get in this year. Things aren't looking quite good at the moment, what's with the projects and all. And even if I didn't get in, at least my GPA must be maintained.
I know that I said 3 weeks will pass quickly, but when you live by the day, it just seems like a long way.
This week is completely insane. I don't get proper dinners. I don't have time to do my things. I don't have the rest I needed. I'm wore out.
I start each day early and end each day late. I reached home in the night everyday! Even the working people don't have it that tough.
I eat muesli/chocolate bars for dinner. I'm pathetic and feel pathetic. I can't enjoy the fun times I have online. I don't have time to go to the forums, read other fanfics... The book I borrowed has yet to be read.
However, it's the little things that keep me sane and make my day. My favourite fanfics are updated and I had a great time reading them. I get to spend some time with my friends.
I'm kind of regretting joining TNS. Yes, it will be a good experience, but it just saps my energy.
I'm disappointed that I didn't get into the Director's Honour List.
I wasn't expecting to get in in the first place since I don't know of it. But then, my friends whose GPA are slightly higher than me got in and I didn't. Well, I really want to get in because I feel that my GPA of 3.63 is still within my standards...
That feeling is something like "what you didn't know of, that's ok. But, when you know of something and it didn't happen to you, the disappointment comes."
I'll really try my best to get in this year. Things aren't looking quite good at the moment, what's with the projects and all. And even if I didn't get in, at least my GPA must be maintained.
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