Major Changes Underway...

When life suddenly sprouts turnips instead of lemons, you know you have to do something about it...

I haven't been a faithful blogger lately. Here's an excuse: the phone line was cut off so no internet connection for almost 3 weeks! Ha! How about that?

Anyway, I received my results. 8As and 2Bs. I cried because of the two Bs. At least, I thanked my teachers right after, whom, in my honest opinion have poured lots of love and knowledge my brain certainly had absorbed through those years.

By the way, I received distinctions in Physics and GCE-O English! Good news for me.

Right now, I'm trying to find relevant courses thathave to do with English Language and Linguistics though I don't mind at all doing Electronic Engineering. However, I am actually looking forward to studying my first choice and also working on a diploma of political science. I am aiming to be a lecturer OR diplomat. Let's hope I get to be the latter.

In the mean time, I am trying to enrol in language classes, particularly French and German as well as English for Business and Communication. That way I could be prepared for the challenges I would face later on when I do pursue a career in International Cooperation.

However, I am having a financial crisis. If I do not recieve a scholarship or study loan, I would have to find a part-time programme to pay for the tuition fees. If, however, I do receive one, I would be absolutely releived as my mother would not have to fork out a hefty sum of money to support my studies in uni/college. Mom would be able to pay her debts and the rent.

As for a few bright moments, I am quite content that, even without asking for rewards, my relatives still found in their hearts the compassion to award me with monetary gifts to help support my future to commend me on my SPM results.

So, without further ado, I say THANK YOU GOD! Without your blessings and compassion, I would never have the pleasures in life presented in ways I could never imagine.

By the way, I cannot play the piano anymore. Mom sold our piano to the dealer who turned out to be its first owner. So if I have a hankering to play the piano, I would have to go to my neighbour's house (we're close, by the way), just to sastisfy my addiction.

So, au revior mon ami! I'll be posting again as soon as I can.

A New Leaf Turns

In life, change is inevitable...

Lately, I have found absolution. At least, that's what I have likened the new changes I could see in myself.

I've braved new challenges; opened a bank account that I actually use, opened another education fund by myself, taught 10 to 12-year-old children in 4 subjects, learned how to drive a manual car...

There's so much you can do in so little time.

Then there's that waning addiction towards japanese anime and fanfiction. Don't get me wrong, I still like them, just not as crazy as I used to.

On the other hand, I still hadn't made a dent on Liszt's La Campanella. I know I'm supposed to practice the piece but I've been sidetracked by other endeavours, namely the pieces: Musette by Mozart, Moonlight Sonata by Beethoven, Canon in D by Pachalbel, An American Tail Theme Song (my staple, I'm afraid), Pomp and Circumstance by Edward Elgar and a few Chopin works.

Suffice to say I'll have to start back from the beginning if I were to successfully play La Campanella - and avoiding note omission where possible, of course.

Besides that, there's the fact that SPM results will be announced in mid-March. I'm so nervous and scared I could vomit. At least I have done my university and college applications already. If not, I'd be in a world of trouble.

In the meantime, I'll use the time in my hands to better myself before furthering my studies. I'm sure something worth doing will come. After all, take life by the moment, take the moment as if you are living a lifetime. Take a lifetime as if there is no tomorrow. In other words, God is always your guide for tomorrow might be the day God decides to call you. Keep in mind that always do good today before your chance to do good tomorrow is taken away.

That's a piece of wisdom for now.

For the time being, it'll do.

This is me, signing out for the night.

Finally

One to three and finally...

Last Thursday I had my final SPM paper. Hurray.

Anyway, I am kind of scared of the results. However, I will try to busy myself with fulfilling activities.

So yesterday I walked into a children's clothing store. Applied for a part-time job and got it on the spot. I start today.

The pay's not that bad; especially considering I've had no experience and I'm just fresh out of school.

My mom laughed, in fact everybody laughed when they fond out I applied for a job at a children's apparel store. Guess they thought that I would never in a million years stand in a children's store and work there.

There is a shred of truth there. Since I didn't get Borders, I decided I'd try anything else that's going to give me the experience I need. Besides, I'd get an hour break and it's only half a day except for overtime shifts. Considering that, not bad at all.

Now I better get going. Don't want to be late on my first day!

Graduation Day

Farewell...

This is dedicated to my fellow Form 5's of SMK Damansara Utama. Remember that we sang this as our graduation song this morning to the melody played by the school orchestra? Lots of tears and hugs...


And so we talked all night about the rest of our lives
Where we're gonna be when we turn 25
I keep thinking times will never change
Keep on thinking things will always be the same
But when we leave this year we won't be coming back
No more hanging out cause we're on a different track
And if you got something that you need to say
You better say it right now cause you don't have another day
Cause we're moving on and we can't slow down
These memories are playing like a film without sound
And I keep thinking of the night in June
I Didn't know much of love, but it came too soon
And There was me and you, and then it got real blue
Stay at home talkin' on the telephone and
We would get so excited, we'd get so scared
Laughing at our selves thinking life's not fair
And this is how it feels

Chorus:
As we go on, we remember
All the times we had together
And as our lives change, from whatever
We will still be, friends forever

So if we get the big jobs and we make the big money
When we look back now, will that joke still be funny?
Will we still remember everything we learned in school?
Still be trying to break every single rule
Will little brainy Bobby be the stockbroker man?
Can Heather find a job that won't interfere with her tan?
I keep, I keep thinking that it's not goodbye
Keep on thinking it's a time to fly
And this is how it feels

Repeat chorus

La, la, la, la; yeah, yeah, yeah
La, la, la, la, we will still be friends forever

Will we think about tomorrow like we think about now?
Can we survive it out there? Can we make it somehow?
I guess I thought that this would never end
And suddenly it's like we're women and men
Will the past be a shadow that will follow us round?
Will these memories fade when I leave this town
I keep, I keep thinking that it's not goodbye
Keep on thinking it's a time to fly

Repeat chorus 3x

Vitamin C - Graduation Song (Friends Forever)

This morning, I wore my crisp white shirt and black dress pants. I seriously considered wearing my pink 'baju kurung' which was incidentally the same colour of the dress shirt my beau decided to wear this morning with his red tie. I should've worm the pink 'baju kurung'. We'd match then.

I arrived at school at around 7.15 am. When we arrived, everyone was getting ready. Some girls were in the toilet putting final touches before the ceremony, me included. I wasn't about going to put any mascara or the sort. Just to emphasize my lip balm -succulent taste, by the way.

When I got to the assembly area, people were already putting on their robes. I quickly put away my bag and went around asking friends for safety pins to spare. I managed to put on my robe and class code with a little bit of help.

Even before the ceremony, people were already starting to take pictures. Our teachers had to tell us to sit down and calm down. Heh, I promptly did as told anyway.

The whole ceremony was short and sweet. I particularly liked the Head Prefect's speech. Funny, bittersweet, cute, short, nice and all the right stuff. Even the Senior Principal's address was not bad. Then we all received our scrolls (Believe me when I say funny things happened during this time.. This was followed by awards for 100% attendence and best student for each course (Science, Arts/Social Science).

After that, we sang the graduation song followed by Peterpan's Mungkin Nanti to the melody played by the school orchestra. Then we sang the school anthem. I have never heard my fellow form 5 students sing that loud since form 1. I guess we all have already missed normal school life and that the song has sentimental value.

Finally, the ceremony ended. Photographs were taken and tears were shed. I hugged some of my teachers. Took pictured with them. I cried when I hugged my former Malay Language teacher, Pn Zaiton. I guess I love my teachers, especially her, more than I thought.

After that, we went for some small feast. Then the picture-taking frenzy continued after we had returned our robes.

At around 12.30 pm, my dad arrived and I got home.

Well... that's about it! The written and compressed version of Graduation Day. I hope that we could all stay in touch and never lose sight of the friendship and good times we have shared. Finally, good luck and all the best to my fellow DUrians! Let's live up to our reputation and give stellar academic performance.

Just about tertiary education

Life can bring surprisingly good spring rolls...

This morning, my class was one of the chosen classes to go on a trip to Kelana Jaya for the Education fair. Needless to say, it was fun.

In fact, I met my primary school teacher whom I greatly admire. We were quite close. She was the teacher advisor when I was president of the Environmental Club in Primary 6. We had a chat about our current doings and future prospects as well as my performance in school (that was her part. I was quite embarrassed to tell her.)

Anyway, I went through a lot of colleges and local as well as international institutions. Let's put it this way, I'm confident that I want to major in English and Linguistics and minor in other languages. In order to do that, I would have to pursue a Foundation in Arts or A-Levels or equivalent. Quite a huge leap from the current Science subjects I'm currently taking right now.

After going through so many institutions, I finally narrowed it down to UCSI, Curtin and New Zealand Universities. UCSI offers English and Communication degree (3 years) after undertaking a Foundation in Arts (1 year) at any UCSI campus which is locally situated. Curtin is in Australia. I'm not so sure about going to Australia to further my studies ... it all depends on whether I will be financially able or not. As for New Zealand universities, I could probably snag a scholarship if I am able to ace all of the subjects I am currently taking in SPM (10 subjects). Foundation studies is in New Zealand, but I could take pre-U courses instead (i.e. SAM, A-Levels) if I wanted to.

If that doesn't work out, I might just be able to study Electrical and Electronics Engineering at UNITEN (Universiti Tenaga). If I get very good results, I should be able to secure a scholarship from Tenaga Nasional in some form. When that happens, less financial burden would be placed on my parents. Besides, when I'm a graduat of UNITEN, I would get an opportunity to work with Tenaga Nasional Bhd. or with UNITEN itself.

On another note, I was thinking of setting up an account with SSPN just in case I need to apply for a study loan. I need to go to BSN and apply. An RM 500 minimum savings is a must.

Besides that, I was also thinking of buying a PIN number from my school counsellor to apply for diploma programs after SPM. This is just for back-up purposes only. We can never be too careful.

Now, without futher ado, I shall excuse myself for a long-needed rest and relaxation. Tomorrow is Graduation Day! I'm graduating High School! I can't believe it's already been five years since Primary 6.

Later, I need to drop by the pharmacy to buy things as well as something for my cat's eye.

Ciao.

The next few days will be memorable...

Hurray! Friday's THE day. Graduation day. It feels melancholic but at the same time, it marks the beginning of a new journey.

I know that graduating from high school is a huge deal. Some are unfortunate to be unable to finish their secondary education. I consider myself blessed and lucky to be able to continue to further my knowledge in the fields I love and cherish.

Well, now that we've come to that... The rehearsals, robe fitting will be held tomorrow. The only things that mars all of this is the fact that my bestie is not going to the graduation ceremony. Too lazy, according to her.

Anyway, there will be a trip to Kelana Jaya this Thursday. There's this tertiary education convention with all the prestigous institutions taking part. It'll be exciting for sure. My only hope would be that the participants won't be MIA on that day. Otherwise, trip's cancelled. It's a chance of a lifetime!

As a side note, I'd like to announce that I have created a website with the sole purpose of publishing my fiction works -including school essays. You may visit http://publiclyunveiled.weebly.com to see for yourself.

To remind all blog readers, SPM (Malaysian Certificate of Education) examinations is just around the corner. In about a month or less.. to be precise, 11th of November, the SPM examinations will begin. Let us do our very best and pass with flying colours. Besides, for SMKDU student, you all have about a week excluding Friday next week off since PMR students are sitting for their public exam. So use the time wisely. I'd even go so far as to extend this advice to myself for I believe I hardly follow my own advice.

That's it for now. Ganbatte ne!

Choice and Consequence

Everybody likes to go their own way—to choose their own time and manner of devotion.
Jane Austen (1775-1817)

I probably should add this too:

I've put my trust in you
Pushed as far as I can go
For all this
There’s only one thing you should know
I tried so hard
And got so far
But in the end
It doesn’t even matter

- Linkin Park, In The End

Anyway, it's been about 3 days since I last posted an entry. I've been busy. The last paper, Biology (written practical) aka Paper 3 was on Friday. I really don't have time to blog when my grades are at stake.

Since the trials have finally ended and I have about a month before the real SPM exams, I thought I should at least make an effort to appease my muse.

Right... Back to business. Next Tuesday is the Eidul Fitr. My sister's birthday is the day after. We'll be going to mom's hometown to visit my grandma and the day after, her eldest brother. It's gonna be a brief visit, especially with a cat of my own and two other cats belonging to my neighbour who is also my uncle to take care of.

I personally think that the world according to moi is turning Topsy-turvy. The Lailatulqadr was on the night of 27th September. I missed it. Don't blame me... blame my friggin hormones.

Indeed... it is only a week of school break; 9 days to be exact. But once school reopens, it'll be less than a week until SPM. I'm getting goosebumps just thinking of it. So now, I found myself sticking my nose in my History textbook trying to memorize every single detail to be able to score an 'A'.

Perhaps I should pay attention to my science subjects. I didn't seem to be paying the attention I should have poured onto these subjects. I'm borderline bored about having to memorize chemical reactions and properties and the salts. It's not like I don't like Chemistry, it's just that I'm bored of taking exams. My life so far has somewhat been about acing exams year after year. It does get to you... honest.

So let me see... how does this relate to that Linkin Park song at the beginning of today's post? Simple; I find that it doesn't matter what people say. I would still go my own path. I will be me and not a person I am dictated to be. I am capable of making my own decisions. So I will strive for that success.

That's it for today. I'm off to watch a repeat of Supernatural.

Help!!!

I've never been so tired before...

Physics and Chemistry papers are done for now. Tomorrow is purely Mathematics -modern maths. I hope I won't make as much careless mistake as I'm prone to do during exams.

Ramadhan will be over in about 5 days. I'm thinking that SPM will follow very soon after. It's only a month until the dreaded SPM.

Anyway, graduation is on the 10th of October. It's a senior affair. Fair enough. I'm not going to the senior prom. Tickets cost about $120-$150. I don't have that much money. SO I'm going to settle on hanging out at home, playing with sakura-neko and improving my skills on the piano.

The recent trials had me miserable enough. I got 6A, 3C and 1D. It's very bad. I have to pull my grades up if I'm ever going to get any scholarship after SPM for further studies.

On the other hand, I have one less thing to worry. The renovations that my house has been going under is almost complete. Cabinets are in, lighting's done, paint jobs are finished. Just exterior painting and timbre decking is all that is left.

In a few hours, my physics tutor is coming in. Dad has asked me to prepare chicken curry for breaking of fast. Let's see... 7.11 pm is the breaking of fast and 6.30 pm is the time I finish my tuition class. You think I might have enough time? I hope so.