The Lion King musical

I'm really glad that I'm able to catch one of the last few shows of The Lion King at Marina Bay Sands. I've always wanted to go, and now that it is leaving Singapore, there is no time to waste.

My uncle helped to book the tickets and with a group rate, the tickets for C reserve were cheaper. We ate dinner at Rasapura and I must say, the IR still impressed me.

It was a sell-out show with lots of kids and parents turning up. There were also school children in their uniforms turning up in classes. A single ticket costs quite a lot and they certainly have the means to do so. Perhaps, their school did sponsor them?

With good sense, we checked out the theatre shop before the show because it will be teaming with people when the show is over. I bought a pin which has the lion king logo on it and the event booklet which costs S$15.

It is a captivating show and the costumes are simply stunning! The songs are sung powerfully and the score with its African origins haunting. The portrayal of the animals are quite realistic. The lion masks were extremely detailed and beautifully hand-crafted.

The Lion King defines theatre and I think many people will be surprised that plays can be as good as films.

This is a showcase of what theatre can be: taking an epic tale and adapting it onto the stage. Theatre has that certain charm and "human touch" that films do not have. Knowing that there is only one chance to make it right and getting a standing ovation, it is not something you can get from a film.

During the 2 and 1/2 hours show, the theatre was transformed into the African plains with leaping antelopes, stately giraffes, and sleek leopard. The stage exploded into a myriad of colours and it is certainly a feast for the eyes. The backdrops are magnificent and lighting and music ties everything together nicely.

I'm happy that my parents got a chance to watch it as well, after much cajoling from us. Seize the day, that's how the saying goes. Who knows when will the broadway show be in Singapore again?

Voyage de la Vie

On 14th July 2011, the whole family went to watch Voyage de la Vie at Resort World Sentosa.

One ticket originally cost S$100+ but because my uncle's colleague had some special deal, it only cost S$20+. Our seats were the second best from the house, just 3 rows away from the stage!

It's thanks to such deals that we get to watch this kind of theatrical shows. Can you imagine us paying the full price as a family?

It was quite amazing actually. It has a Cirque du Soleil feel to it, except this is smaller in scale. The storyline is pretty simple as the main course is the effects and stunts. I particularly like the one with the crossbow and arrows.

Now, my wish is to watch Lion King at Marina Bay Sands. Truth be told, Lion King appeals to me more than this.  

That afternoon, after my Qualifying English Test at NUS, I went to watch Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 by myself. That was my first time watching a movie alone and I must say, the only bad thing about it is there is no one to discuss with after the movie.

As for the test, well, I think I did alright. Hopefully, I can pass without having to take up any English modules. Fingers crossed.

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.

Screw you, MBS

It's not about passing, it's about scoring.

C'mon, if my goal is to pass my exams, I'm already there.

No, it's about maintaining my As and getting at least a B for those subjects which I don't really like.

The study week had passed, I can say that this time, I started earlier in my revision. But, whether that is the indication I will do better, I can't say for sure. My mind seems blank! The thing I studied a few days ago seems wipe from my mind!

Screw you, MBS! I really tried my best, but I've no confidence in doing the exam. I want to get an A, but I'll make do with a B+.

I've nothing more to say now except prayers.

Summary of term 2.1

So, term 2.1 officially ended last week. I was too lazy to update.

Firstly, I'll make a summary of my coursework.

For Business Finance, I've halfway to an A. This means that for the end-semester exam, I'll need to score an A too. For HRM, I've a 70% B. It met my expectations (I was praying for at least a B) but I didn't know why I still felt a little upset and disappointed. PBL 2 was quite alright, my group had a B+. For MBS, we received an A for group project, and an A for the overall coursework. 60% with an A, leaving 40% for exam.

Holy, I'm going to work hard for the 3 subjects. I mean 2.1 is supposed to the "easy" term due to the lack of subjects. However, it's difficult too. 2 As and a B+ is what I'm aiming for!
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I know, term 2.1 was not a happy term for me. First of all, my wonderful Freshman group mates are all in different classes. I truly missed the times we had together, as friends and as group members.

However, towards the end of the term, I have had fun, especially with those who have the same CDS as I do. Late nights for TNS equal to hanging out in school when most people went home. It's great knowing the difficulties we faced and complaining about it. "We understand each other".

Also, the things we like. My friend, I discovered, likes the characters from Harry Potter despite not reading the books. I'm so happy to find a kindred spirit. We talked about lots of things and I enjoyed myself. I should think, this is the first time I open so much of my heart. I usually don't talk about the things I like to people.

Desipte everything, we'll still be leaving for our respective classes in next semester. Once again, the project groups will changed. Once again, there'll be new people to make friends with. I actually hated this procedure. Not only is it a hassle, it's too much for me...
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I guess I'm one foot into working during the holidays. Hope things will run smoothly for me. The experience is one thing, the cash on the other hand, is an incentive.

Many things to do once the exams ended; trip to Borders/Kino, 3 day camp for TNS, class chalet, work. In that order.

Gods, suddenly I wanted to read this book very much. To the point where I'll buy it if only Borders sell it. I sure hope so, or else I'll order from Borders. Stardust of Yesterday by Lynn Kurland is the book in question.

I'm suddenly addicted to her novels. Why is it that I like to read during exams period? I did something sinful on Friday. Went to the library, borrowed her novel, and read it in one go.

Will stop here now.
All the best for the exams.

Musings & Oh The Horror!

Ahh, my travel bug has subsided, at least for now. It just makes me sick to think of flying on a plane.

But, not too long, I'll be envying those people who are travelling when I go to Changi Airport, again.

I miss the coldness and crispness of the air in Sydney! I miss Baskin Robins, whom ice-cream is just lovely. There are still so many flavours I have yet to try. I miss eating ice-cream on a cold day.

Next time, when I return to Australia, I'm going to Hunter's Valley, where the vineyards are. I'm going to get a kangaroo toy with a joey inside its pouch. I really want one of those.

Anyway, I got extra holiday in the end. Since Australia is one of the affected countries of H1N1 Flu.

I returned on 17th, Wednesday night, which means that I will only returned to school on Thursday, 25th. But, my course manager counted wrongly the days and told me to go back on Wendesday. So I did. In the end, he called me, and told me to go home.

Well, well, what a dilemma... It is a good thing, because I'm back home when I should be having lessons now. I just went for one lecture today.

Tomorrow, I'm back to school. It will be one lecture and the TNS programme.

Really, I can't understand why people have such a big reaction when they know that I came from Australia. Please, I may love the "extra holidays" that the school gives but people's reactions are starting to irk me.

I'm home for so many days, and I'm fine, so don't give me weird looks and asked why am I not quarantined. Hundreds of people are returning from affected countries each day, and you don't see every single one of them being ill.

And one more thing, in the affected country itself, everything is normal.

What bad luck! I was walking down the stairs and nearly fell, thereby, twisting my left foot. I'm walking with a limp now. And it hurts.

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Enough of all these. I'm really dead this term. (I thought that this term is where I could pull up my GPA...)

Gods, I can't believe the awful marks my group gets for the HRM PBL 1. 62%! And it's 20% of the whole subject combination! Worst still, there's PBL 2 with 25%! That's is altogether 45% of marks worth.

Actually, I can believe that.

I won't want to point fingers, especially here. Be it the group itself, or the familiarity or the toughness of the Problem-Based Learning 1, this was our first time doing it and being in this group. I can only guess that we didn't foresee this and that we didn't take it seriously.

PBL 2 will be different, at least for me. I'll put in my utmost efforts in doing my part and more. That being said, my resources are finite.

This is going to be a wake-up call for all of us. Hopefully. To look on the bright side, it's better this way. Better to get a rude awakening now and work hard next time, then the other way round, isn't it?

Seems like I have to rely on exams to pull my grade up afterall. To think, I was cheering at the prospect of riding on the projects due to the high percentage. I've forgotten that this was not my year 1 group I was with. It was at this time that I missed my old group even more.

Holy crap! With 20% being a C, I have to get a high A for my end-semester exam to cover up this blunder. At the very least, I have to get a B for the overall HRM grade or it's adieus to my three-point something GPA.

Gah! My GPA! My dream of going to study overseas, on a scholarship! Never had I been so in tune with this side of me before. I have my pride too.

Let's work hard and I won't have to see HRM again in my Poly life. Luckily, I didn't choose HRM as an elective...

I'm also sad to say that my MBS may be in deep water too due to implications. What am I going to do? MBS being computer-based is already a big problem. And now this...

This term seems all about exams. It seems to be wistful thinking that I can ride on the success of projects. Too much factors at stake here...

Enough of thinking what should have been and what could have been.

I'll stop here now. Pictures will be uploaded as soon as I have the time to do it.

Mid-sem tests & updates

I'm finally back! *Deep breath* Feels good to write again!

For almost one week, I've been trying to keep my mind free from "clutter". All that is allowed in my head are theories and information. It's really taxing. I've always been the dreamer, the one who come up with fantasy plots for "stories" and anything that goes.

Now, my mind is free! I'm free! I can continue with the "stories" in my head. They are the fanfictions that I never penned on paper.

Mid-semester tests started on Monday, 1st June.

MBS paper was first. I always study the most for the first paper. It was fine, actually. I just studied all those notes covered in the revision lecture and I think it was great. I did get some MCQs wrong though, that I know that much. The case-study should be alright. An A for this paper!

Tuesday was supposed to the day where we see whether we got into the electives that we chose. I did not go back. Who will want to spend almost 3 hours journey to and fro just to get know that? But, due to some "technical difficulties", they postponed the release date.

My friend's and my theory? We reckon that administrative staff don't have enough time to allocate the electives so they postpone the date. Well, regardless, this Monday, 8th June, I'll know if I got into Entrepreneurship and Tourism electives.

Business Finance is my pet subject this term. Last year was Economics. For some reason, I've high expectations for it and I expect myself to score. Furthermore, the first 5 chapters are the easiest, so I'm digging my grave if I don't do well.

Unfortunately, my mind went blank the moment I read the questions. I didn't know if I should use average long-term needs or full 12-months long-term needs to calculate. I studied that so many times and yet I forgot. Initially, I use full 12-months long-term needs, towards the end of the test, I decided to switch.

Thank god for that! There really is a god, at least in my world.

The same for the other question. I cleanly forgot the formula for that calculation and wrote the wrong one first. I changed it and this time, I think I should get it correct. Am I lucky or is my sub-conscious trying to surface?

The other questions should be fine.

Today was HRM paper. The last one and I got the jitter-bug. I studied all those notes covered in the revision lecture and nothing more than that. I was worried that the lecturer may trick us.

I went to the room, read the questions, and silently cheered. Yes! The MCQs are so easy. I should be scoring full marks for it, unless there's something wrong with my eyes. The mini case-studies are great too. Although, I'm worried that I didn't write enough information. I mean, what they asked, I wrote the answers down. But is that enough? I did give definitions though.

I think my common-sense always deserts with me. Things often work with common-sense, but for me, it's just difficult.

Crossing my fingers that I'll get 80% for all the 3 papers. Mid-semester tests are the easiest to score, I should do that to help myself.

I depend very much on internal and external factors in this kind of scenario. Internal being, I will study hard for tests. External being, I believed in prayers, lucky charms (four-leaves clover) and all that.
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School's out! And my friend is coming to Singapore! Yay!

Someone is playing a trick on me.

I wished that H1N1 Flu will hit Singapore last time so that maybe school will be closed. Now, it's really here, with 11 cases so far and what? My friend, from USA, is scheduled to reach Singapore on Sunday.

Among those 11 cases of H1N1 Flu, most of the patients went to USA. I don't want things to get mess up... That's all I'll say.

I've lots of things to do this holiday. Pictures will be updated next.