Royal Wedding Dress

The newly titled Duchess of Cambridge (Kate Middleton)'s wedding dress is oh-so beautiful!

It showcases simplicity yet elegance in this dress which was designed by Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen.

I love the intricate and delicate designs for her sleeves and the lovely, gentle pleated skirt. I too love the sheer veil she wore with the tiara lent by the Queen. Her overall look is modern, chic and natural with minimal accessories.

I like the saying that goes "Nobody does pomp and parties like the British". How true is that? I can literally feel the waves of emotions from the hundreds of thousands well-wishers that gathered along the procession route and many more in other parts of London and Britain. It certainly is a gigantic party.

As I watched the coverage by BBC, I couldn't help but wish to be there. One can't help but to get draw into the appeal of the royal wedding of the century. The atmosphere is more than high and I'm sure everyone is giddy with excitement and anticipation. There is something very memorising and enchanting about being part of a 21st century royal fairy-tale wedding.

Amid the gloom and doom surrounding the world, this is indeed joyous occasion as we witnessed the union of a happy couple. Everyone needs a little romance and perfection sometimes.

Royal Wedding of the Century

"Everybody loves a good love story, and when it's a royal love story, it's the best love story" ~ Piers Morgan

Today, 29th April 2011, marks a new chapter for the British Monarchy where Prince William marries Ms Kate Middleton. They are a very compatible and loving couple and have withstand the test of times since University.

Congratulations is in order for this wonderful and joyous occasion.

May them stay blessed and loving together for many years to come! Here's wishing them every success and happiness in this marriage!

I will be glued to the television screen, on the other side of the world, watching this big day.

Day before the Wedding

Since Princess Diana's wedding to Prince Charles, no other wedding has caught the imagination of the world in the same way. (Extracted from Sowetan Live)

The royal wedding of the century is just around the corner and it is set to be watched by millions around the world. Not only does it abuzz Great Britain, the rest of the world is also up in gear to celebrate this special day.

Indeed, what’s there not to love? Weddings are joyous occasions to be celebrated, and with the added charm of royalty, it is set to send hearts fluttering. Isn’t it every girl’s dream to have a “fairy-tale wedding”?

The British monarchy is one of the more renowned royal families in the world and one of the oldest. The thought of royals and palaces can be quite whimsical in this modern age, and I think this is one of the factors that awed people.

After all, they are quite elusive and it is only on special occasions that they are featured prominently. Furthermore, special occasions are quite hard to come by.

There are questions raised as to why non-Britons are interested in the wedding procession and I say Why Not? There is no denying that there is a certain X-factor the British monarchy enjoys and let’s just say there is this “Anglomania” going around, even in the 21^st century.

To quote Ms Ong Soh Chin, senior writer of The Strait Times “The propensity of human beings in general is reduced to stupefaction before royalty.”

That being said, I love being an audience instead of the recipient. With every movement and action scrutinised by the general public and the paparazzi is not my idea of fun. You will be considered “public property” and people look up to you as a role model. There are strict protocols to adhere too. Gone are the days of plain fun and carefree living. You can’t go out to the streets without being hoarded.

Yes, the wedding will be grander than most people could hope for but there are sacrifices to be made. It will not be a close-knitted wedding, with friends and families. Oh no, foreign dignitaries and other royalty will be invited as with others.

What makes a strong marriage, particularly one in such circumstances, is knowing this is what you want. I think that the couple has enough time to think through carefully and this can be a happily-ever-after. As put by others, they met as equals and enjoy each other company for around 10 years, this should act as a strong base for them.

As for me, I have been looking forward to this day and it does not help that there are news articles about royal wedding trivia every other day. I will be looking out for that wedding gown which is set to make audience sigh and the procession to come.

The whole wedding will set to thrill millions tomorrow and I wish the couple every happiness in the world.

Three times the Charm?

"Too much of a blessing does not necessary mean a good thing"

Oh gods, I just received a phone call from SMU saying that I have been shortlisted for their Business Management course. The interview and English test is scheduled next Wednesday in the evening.

The problem is, I don't even know if I want to do Business anymore. Furthermore, SMU is not my choice of University.

Now that I have 3 Universities offering me courses, each a different one, this is definitely a dilemma. NUS will be my best bet. NTU Economics is out. As for SMU, well, the course offered is my first choice but do I want to do accounting again? Do I even want to be there?

Anyway, I will go for the interview, if I screwed it up, then it will be fine. All the more I will choose NUS. If I managed to score an offer, well, that's another tale for another day.

One is my second choice in the University I like the best. The other is my first choice in the University l like the least. The problem is should I go for something new or do maths again?

It is better if I did not receive the lousy phonecall at all. Sighs. I have already made up my mind to go into NUS. I know there are a lot of people who want a place in SMU, but given that, I think I should make an out-of-the-box choice.

A few weeks ago I was thinking unsavoury thoughts about what would I do if no Universities were to contact me. Then, NUS came with a salvation. Although it is not my first choice, there was something. I am thrilled. I almost made up my mind.

Few days later, NTU came with an offer of Economics, also my second choice. I would have jump at that months ago if I had not been enlightened. I want to minimise the risk of taking calculus again.

The last surprise is today, when I received that phonecall. It does not mean that I am offered a place, it's just shortlisted for an interview. Now I am more shell-shocked than pleased.

Interviews are not my thing. But I will go through them because there is no choice. My problem with SMU is partly because of this, and that I don't see what the big deal is. Everyone sings the praise of SMU but the way they conduct the classes don't appeal to me. And I had a hard time convincing myself that I don't need to go through calculus or Maths again. Am I quite naive to think that way?

I shouldn't say too much, eh? Else I would put my foot in my mouth if I choose SMU.

Nomination Day 2011

It's Nomination Day today in Singapore. Watching the live coverage on Channel Newsasia makes me excited even though I can't vote this year. The political scene is Singapore can be colourful, especially when it is the time for elections.

This year, fuelled by the extensive usage of social media sites, looks to be a highly competitive election with 82 of the 87 seats contested.

In my case, it is no secret which party I support. As with my brothers, we have a certain soft-spot for the ruling party since a long time. Though I can't vote this year, I will sure be watching the rallies and giving my moral support for my supported party.

The race is on to convince the voters of what the each party can offer.

Another Offer

I just received an offer of acceptance from NTU to read Economics! I am elated of course. I'm so proud to get selected without an interview. However, while I cheered, this is my second choice. I didn't get chosen for Business once again.

Sighs. Why? Perhaps it is just not meant to be. Anywho, Economics used to be the path I want to take, until I realised how much calculus there are. Econometrics, the sound of it turns me off. So, I decided to wise up and give up the dream of having a Degree in Economics. Yes, it's impressive but why do I jump into the fire pit when I know I'll get burnt?

Putting Economics as my second choice for NTU was meant not to be taken seriously. I feel like I have to expand my limited choices and therefore put 2 courses. Not bad, it's a 50-50 chance.

So, it's a recognition for my efforts and I am thrilled. As for SMU, I'm in a conundrum. On one hand, I don't have a good impression of the University, long story. On the other, I know it's quite a good University. But the idea of an entrance exam and interview just isn't my cup of tea.

Looks like I have one foot in for NUS.

Of Nail Polish & Money

Went for a pedicure today as a treat. The colour I picked is this deep pinkish plum named Do You Think I'm Tex-y? from Texas Collection 2011 by OPI. It's not bad though I wish I could have pick something more eye-popping.

If there is one thing I have a weakness for, it's nail polish, especially those from OPI. It is a downer because OPI collections are always more expensive than other brands. But the wide variety of colours to choose from...

Before I make any decisions to buy, I will always think twice and look through the swatches provided by bloggers. The colour depicted on the website or inside the bottle may not look the same on the nails. It's great that there are people out there who act as "samplers" and give readers a look at the real shades.

I am currently in awe over the latest collection, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. I bought one of the polishes today, Sparrow me the Drama. It's a pink creme and hopefully, looks lovely on my nails. There is another which I want, Mermaid Tears, a minty green creme.

On another issue, it isn't till you start working that you know how hard it is to save money. There are 101 things out there to tempt you! Of course, I am not a spendthrift. I am quite the hoarder. I am not earning lots, just some pocket money which can help me tide over. At least, when there are stuff that I really want, I can fork out the money for it, without asking the parents.

Up till now, most of the "essentials" and "non-essentials" are paid for by the parents. And unlike most teenagers out there, I don't spend it on electronics or presents or what have you. I have soft spots for clothes, bags, shoes and accessories, not forgetting books. That's pretty much it. I love vacations too.

Days Leading up to May

April is coming to an end. Wow, I know I have said it many times but time sure does fly when you are on holiday.  

Today, a new semester starts in Temasek Polytechnic but of course, it is over for me. Do I miss school? I guess. A little.

May is a month fill with importanr dates. Labour Day is on 1st of May, a Sunday, which means the next day will be holiday in-lieu. Polling Day is on 7th May, a public holiday. Mothers' Day is on 8th May after which comes my birthday on 10th May. Gasp* I am hitting 2-0. I am not ready to be a "real" adult.

Vesak Day falls on the following Tuesday, 17th May and Graduation is on 24th May, another Tuesday.

So you can see, May is not a good month for work, but it's a good month to relax. As with so many holidays, there will be a need to do catch-up.

FASS

I went to the NUS Arts and Social Sciences briefing on Wednesday and was late for it. Thankfully, on the way, I met a fellow Poly student who sort of became my first acquaintance. I followed them to the lecture hall which I can never find it by myself.

Wow, it is an upward climb up to lecture theater.

The briefing gave me a lot to think about. My mind is not made up. I do not have a sure choice. I am thinking between Geography and Sociology among others. Sighs, I wish I am not given so many options.

I think the chances of getting another offer from the other Universities is quite bleak. I do not know, my GPA certainly is better than their 90% percentile. Perhaps the competition this year round is just too tough?

I do not know if having a Degree in Arts and Social Sciences is what I wanted. Will it get me a good job in the sector I want?

Travel the World

One of my dreams is to travel the world. Sort of.

Hopefully, I can do it once I am older and perhaps wiser. Afterall, I have plenty of years ahead to fulfil this goal. The world can't end yet!

Europe is definitely a must. It will be my goal for University graduation, in about 3 years time, if everything goes right. I don't think backpacking is my idea of fun. A tour group sounds better and maybe I can do an extension. Of course, tour groups don't cover my favourite countries in one package and it can be too demanding for my tastes.

I like the slow-pace life. So the best way to travel Europe is free and easy. However, this means that I have to travel with a couple of friends and make sure we know our way around.

Scotland is another hot favourite of mine and I have pay tribute to it in previous posts. Maldives is a great place too. Perfect for a getaway.

Like my brothers said, why go on a vacation if you are planning of saving every bit of money? To me, the point of going overseas means you are financially well-managed and can afford small comforts like flying with a better air company and staying in comfortable accommodations. I am not even talking of 5-stars luxury hotels and flying first-class.

To go on a holidays means I have to save and I will gladly do so.

To Each His Own

The worst thing is not being to achieve what you set out to do. I feel kind of cheated, it has been my goal for over one year and it's the strength to my success. Seriously, I save all my money for this.

I know, it sounds quite silly to go halfway across the world for something that has to do with my favourite fantasy world. But isn't this what dreams are made of? To each his own.

I think it's perfectly fine because we all have our own likes. What I hate is for people to pour what they call "cold water" on your plans. Urgh, it just pisses me off.

You know when people call the younger generation "strawberries" who can't withstand any forces. Well, who mound us that way? It's the typical Asian parents and society. When the chance arrives, just let us go, I say. I don't get it. Thousands of people are travelling in and out each day. Is it because of age? Well, even if you are thirty and the company sends you overseas, you still have to travel out for the first time. And you will still be afraid, darling.

External forces are keeping us from being independent and all that jazz. So, they have a hand in keeping this generation being dainty flowers which can only thrive in the greenhouses under controlled elements. Gods, no wonder we are accursed of not able to think out of the box.

Swarmed

I'm swarmed by the tons of information and dates should I accept the offer from NUS.

Seems like there is high chance of me doing so. C'mon. Up till now, this is the only offer I received and I am grateful for this opportunity. Besides, the thought of not having to go through an A Maths exam is enough to thrill me.

However, I am not so thrilled when I realise all Polytechnic students have to take the Qualifying English Test. What?! Why? I agree that the last time I had properly wrote an essay was in O levels 4 years ago.

But, I have been editing and writing reports in Polytechnic. I think that my command of English is not that bad. I am nervous about the thought of writing an argumentative essay. I can do reports and factual information, even recommendations, but arguments, not so much. Furthermore, with the heavy usage of writing online with help from spell check and online dictionary, spelling is not my greatest strength. Hence, asking me to put ideas to paper is going to be tough.

Oh dear, oh dear, of course I will take this test over A Maths anytime. I will have to give it my best. Now I know how tough it is for Polytechnic students to get into a University. That being said, I don't regret going into one, because I will not do as well if I were to go into a JC. Believe me, it's a gut feel.

With so many deadlines and tasks to do, I can only hope that my planned trip to the States will go ahead. 10 days should be sufficient to do what I need.

Offer of Acceptance

Pardon me while I do a jig.

Just when my mind is filled with morbid thoughts about not qualifying for University in Singapore, I received an email saying that I got accepted into NUS Arts and Social Sciences. OMG!

As we like to say it "hallelujah"! Wow, I have been waiting and waiting and everyday I started thinking about what to do if I can't make it to University this year. Furthermore, remember when I said I kind of screwed up the application process for NUS? I thought I had ruined my best chance.

NUS Arts and Social Sciences is my second choice in NUS. First is Business Administration. I really do want to do that, since that is what I studied in Polytechnic. I guess my GPA of 3.75 is not good enough. Afterall, I only met the cut-off point of 0.02 based on last year statistics.

Beggars can't be choosers. I am thrilled. Now, regardless of whether NTU or SMU accept me, I have a back-up plan. I like back-up plans.

Of course, if NTU offers me their Business course, I will go for that. If SMU offers me the same course, I don't know if I should choose that or NUS Social Sciences. I think what my mother said make sense, I already have a Diploma in Business and that is sufficent in the working world. A Bachelor of Social Science is a good catch too.

Oh boy, at least, right?

Blend

There isn't much to write about these days. Life is pretty mundane and I have yet to receive an acceptance. Oh crap. I tried not to think too much into it.

Hopefully.

It's horrible how fast the time is passing. Once again, another week has past. The days are beginning to blur together. I want to get back on track but it's hard since I wake up wanting to do nothing. The joys of holidays. I've forgotten what stress taste like.

Angsty April

Oh dear, oh dear, the joint acceptance portal is opened and now the race begins. Or should I say, doom's day has arrived.

I used to think that my GPA of 3.75 is not too bad but now, I realised that people having been getting 3.9 and 3.8! Of course, it is made more substantial when people are discussing it online. I have spent too much time spelling out my fears, how am I to stop?

I am not that confident anymore. These few days will be crucial to me. I need to gain acceptance to NUS first. Please. This will be the hardest to get into. Screwing up the checklist for NUS only add on to my fears of rejection.

I should be enjoying my holidays but how am I to enjoy when there are battles to be won? Huh? When I have one acceptance in my stash, only can I rest easier. I wish I could do more to ensure that I will be accepted. I already did my best and there is no use thinking about have-beens and what-ifs.

When I saw that people had been getting one pointers for their O levels, my heart sank a little. When I saw that those who got acceptance came from Singapore Polytechnic and Ngee Ann Polytechnic, my heart sank even more. Did I make the wrong choice? Was I mistaken from the start?

I did not regret the choice I make, well, at least it is not something of importance. I did like TP. I was given many chances to prove myself and I am grateful for the opportunities.

There is nothing left to write. I bare my heart out in these posts. No one can elevate my fears. Should all else fail, I can only curse my bad luck and try again next year. Right?! No!

Plan C

Crap! I just found out that I screwed something up. It is seriously depressing. I just realised that I left out the checklist when I was submitting the supporting documents to NUS.

All these time, I was only following what the NUS application guide brochure said. It was only today, when I looking through the website that I realised it. It's like a month too late. My mood fell immediately. Will I get a penalty for not doing that? Will it affect my application? NUS is my top choice! What will I do if this application falls through because of such a stupid mistake?!

I emailed the University and hopefully, they will give some good advice. I know, it's too late to make amendments. If anything untoward was to happen, then it is my fault.

I don't know what is wrong with me. Things have been wrong and I am getting so jittery nowadays. So what if I get a Diploma with Merit? It cheered me up but with all the things happening now with Universities, I don't know if that will be of any help.

I am thinking of worst-case scenarios if my worst nightmares come true and find myself in some parallel universe. Say I did not get in this year, what will I do? I will need to look for a job, go for a vacation, take up driving lessons and maybe do community work to boost my credentials. I will try again next year for Universities and this time, I will register for SIM too. There, it's only 1 year, one freaking year wasted.

I will look ridiculous, won't I? People have been telling me that with such grades, I should have no problem getting into a local University. Now that I have a Diploma with Merit and on the Honours List for being top 10%, it should boost my chances. But, why am I still so afraid and worried?

I have such fears and worries that I am too confident of my chances. Why can't I be satisfy like some people? Why did I have the thinking that a degree will lead to better opportunities in life? I am going crazy soon.

Freaked Out

I'm officially disturbed by SMU application. List 3 CCAs you considered to be important to you, what the crap, I only have 1 in secondary school. Anyway, I managed to squeeze out 3 for myself. One as a member, one as a committee member and the other for community service. Thank goodness the teacher elected me as a committee member.

I have finally applied to SMU although I have yet to send out the supporting documents.

I'm so jittery now. For one, I am freaked out by the mere thought of interviews in NTU and SMU. For that alone, I am determined to enter NUS. I know, pretty silly of me, but what can I say? After the interviews, I will be freaked out whether I'd screwed them up. I will sort of rest easy when the time for joint online acceptance comes.

Then, I will be worrying about the horrors of orientation. Gods, I sure have lots of things to worry about. And I entertained the thought of how carefree I'll be if I do not have such ambitions.

You know, if I have not done well the first semester and subsequently, just breezed through the rest of the semesters with Bs and Cs, I wonder if I will ever think about going to a local University which resulted in all these worries.

If only I can be contented with a part-time job and work full-time without a degree. If only in my dreams. I can't, that's not who I want to be. I want to have at least a degree. It is a common perception that having a degree will result in more opportunities in life.

I admire those people who have the means and will-power to drop everything they have in Singapore and leave for an overseas University. Afterall, it has been a dream of mine to study overseas until recently.

Ok, let's tackled things one by one. Interviews first and then the rest. I just need some time to breathe and conjure up politically-correct answers.

I need to have choices, damn it. That being said, please, let it not be just SMU which will accept me. I know I should be pleased to have a place, but I don't want to have to choose between SMU and nothing.

I have forgotten to mention about one very important aspect. Additional Mathematics. Yes, the bane of existence in secondary school. SMU and NTU requires one to have a good pass in A Maths, are you kidding me?! I don't even know if my C5 grade is acceptable. I can't go through an entrance exam in A Maths, I will just give up and walk away. Not after so many years of putting the misery behind me...

I am proud of my A Maths grade. It took me huge effort to get from F9 to C5. But, heck no, I am not going through the torture again. I'll take up tuition if I have to, but please, not an exam on A Maths. Not now.

Rude Awakening

I've been living my bubble of peace these past weeks. Therefore, it's a rude awakening for me when I realised one of my friends went for interviews for NTU and SMU. Already?!

As you probably will know, this bought me tumbling back to the ground. I have been dreading the news since I knew that there will be interviews. I know that I can't escape interviews in this lifetime. But, somehow, I just have this aversion and phobia for it.

I blushed terribly. This is what I am afraid of. And that I'll make a fool out of myself. There, I said it. My fear is so simple and yet profound. If I go to a counselor to voice my fears, their advice would perhaps be "don't worry, they don't know you anymore than you know them" or something else. The truth is, I know all these. I know the theoretical parts, but I just can't apply it to real life.

Sigh. I don't know what I will do. Of course I want the Universities to contact me, it will be a step towards gaining acceptance. But, on the other hand, I am so scared and worried that I would not do well. Seriously.

People will probably say there is nothing to worry about and it's very normal. I am not a normal person. Nevertheless, since there is no escape, I will just have to make the lines as I go along. I am good at that, no? It will give me a heart attack and makes me hyperventilate but if the results is good, then I have conquered.

Silver Lining

Now that I have time to cool off and take a closer look at my grades. I can see that they aren’t that bad. Of course, I am not as happy as I ought to be.

Managerial Accounting 2: B+

It’s a well-deserved grade because I remembered the horror when I received the 50% coursework of C+. After calculations, I realised that I need to score at least 80 marks in the exam to push the grade to a B+ and I did it.

Legal Aspects of Business: B+

Again, I had a B+ for 50% coursework. I could have had an A but due to complications in the group project which I underestimated big time. So, this is a grade I can live with.

International Business: B+

I only know one component which is 20% of the overall grade. I received a B for mid-semester test.

Given the lack of understanding of the project specifications and low confidence levels of scoring, I must say we did a pretty good job. In one of my previous posts, I stated that I was the one who interpreted the problem and did most of the researching. So, kudos to me! Like I said, I deserve this grade. If I can get an A, it would be the best.

Practice of Entrepreneurship: A

The only A this semester. Thankfully, this subject did not let me down. I felt that the project was good and I had confidence in this subject. Therefore, it is brilliant to see the fruits of my labour.

Student Internship Programme: Pass

Big letdown here. I am still reeling from the shock that I failed to score a “Pass with Commendation”. How is that even possible? I work my a*** off to get a good appraisal and in the end, I was dealt with a huge blow from my liaison officer.

The most crucial aspect in this whole drama is the cumulative GPA.

Semester 3.2’s GPA is the second-worst in the 6 semesters with a point of 3.63. In the end, there is only a 0.01 drop in my CGPA which is the silver lining in these dark clouds. My overall CGPA of 3.75 is still within the range to get acceptance into local Universities. Phew, after all these hardships, isn’t this the most important goal?

So, fingers-crossed that I will acceptance to all three Universities and give me the choice to choose.

The Curse of B+

Bloody hell! This is a bummer! What the crap! It was the worst semester ever!

My goal is to get 3As and 1 B+ and in the end, all I got were 3 lousy B+ and 1 freaking A! 1 freaking A!

This is disastrous! How am I going to qualify to a local University with such grades?! This will completely pull down my GPA!

I won't be truthful if I say I aren't upset. I am really not happy with this. At least there should be another A to counter the curse of B+. Seriously. My semester 3.2 GPA falls to a all-time low of 3.63. Are you kidding me?!

Come to think of it, remember the previous month when I got a D and C+ for some components? My goal then was to pull the subjects up to B+ and that was met. So why am I not happy?

Since when did I move my goal up to As?

It's not just about passing. It's not even in my agenda to get Bs. Sobs. I am not pleased at all with this development.