KGH YF Evangelistic Rally

Heads up, people! Klang Gospel Hall is holding an evangelistic rally this Saturday at 8pm and you're all invited! You should be there at 7.45pm, so that you'll get good seats. So, come if you can! I dunno what else to write... Oh yeah, this post is to kickstart my blog revival, haha!

Anyway, the rally speaker will be Stephen Low. Hopefully many souls can be saved that night =D God bless y'all!

Alarm-ed

Something really, really cool and scary happened today. Haha. Mr Choo asked me to take all his exercise books on his table in the staffroom together with a plastic bag full of liquid cleaners to his car. He handed me his car keys and I called Puvanaeswary to join me. So we went upstairs and got his things. I made Pune-chan (this nickname stuck since Form 1 =D) carry the heavier plastic bag. Bwahahaha... Then we walked all the way to the car park behind the canteen.

So I took the car keys out and put them into the driver's seat door. Then I opened the car door, and the alarm sounded. As a reflex action (haha, Science terms and all) I immediately closed the car door and pressed some button on some part of the car key thing. Whatever!

Then Pune-chan arrived. Haha, you must've thought she was around the entire time. No, the plastic bag was so heavy she was like halfway behind me. So I asked her to try. She did the same thing as I, you know, the reflex action thing. Haha.

This time, we tried pressing the button with the unlock sign, and opened the door, holding our breaths. Voila! It worked! Haha. When we piled the stuff into the back seat, we closed the door and turned the key once more to lock the car. Then, for no particular reason (and which is now still unknown to us) the van beside Mr Choo's car started sounding its alarm! It sounded like those toy guns you find in supermarkets or Toys 'R' Us stores, there was that bloody jingle... like a siren then something else and followed by another kinda annoying melody.

I looked at Pune-chan and went, "How did that -? Never mind, let's just go." And we fled! But we saw some mak cik kantin with a sinister look on her face; and we caught what she said: "Siapa main kereta ni?" Haha. Me and Pune-chan put on our most innocent expressions and walked off, shaking our heads and pretending we didn't know what happened [although, technically, we really didn't].

Drama Part III

I just got the pictures of the drama from CWC. Apologies on the poor condition of the pictures. Blame CWC!

Jas Min in 2S's drama - she's quite a talent

2E's burglary scene - rather weird, really

2D's Aranee (Raoul) and yay, Ciu Yi (Christine)

Look at our gay king - LOL [note Transamerica]

HOT - not! Beep...

Drama Part II

It was the highlight of my week... the drama! As I sat quietly in Mr. Teh's Science class, I could see the rest of the classes preparing for their drama. I took some time to muster all my courage (cause we asked him earlier and he said that the "drama has nothing to do with me" - we're not asking you to practice with us also!) and said, "Um, teacher, can you excuse the drama members because we have to prepare for our drama... as all the classes are already ready?" He looked at me and heaved a sigh.

"You know I don't want to let you all go out. If you're in the class wi-out me there, any-cing might happen. Who knows? Maybe the fan might suddenly dop on you, or maybe you all go stand on chair... It's hard to say." HUH?! Like that wouldn't happen if you were around, either. "So if you want me to let you all go prac-ice, you must call your subject teacher come and speek to me furst. If not, I can't give you all go."

So I went out and found Pn. Pari. But she said, "Never mind, just stay put in his class." And she didn't sound very happy. When I returned to the lab, I told Mr. Teh what Pn. Pari said. "See, even your English teacher don't want take risk. Anything can happen. Unfor-nate things... Haih, nowadays s-udents think they're the biggest."

2H was the only class that wasn't allowed enough time to prepare. We rushed and got ready, but when we reached the hall, the first class was already performing. Luckily, we weren't the first.

2S - True Relationships
I didn't really understand this one... marriage, help, defense... whatever.

2E - Anjali
This was a case of seen-it-all-before, because they did this in primary. But this time it wasn't that fun, though. The roti canai-throwing scene didn't go as smashing as was imagined. However, the violence was really great! When Robyn punched Catherine, gosh, that is dead brutal and so well executed.

2D - Phantom of the Opera
I was expecting this to be really grand, but it was rather slow. The part where Ciu Yi was supposed to sing "Think of Me" didn't work out, because the radio was darn soft. Stupid radio! CWC's narration had quite an oomph! But she was really frust when they were overtime. The drama was left hanging.

2H - Puss in Boots
OK, I know this is my class's performance, so I might be writing a lot more. Since I was the narrator, and experienced everything first-hand. Here goes:

We began shakily. I started with the greeting, and continued with "The cast is... " And, for real, I think I kept on going "Uh, cast... ?" for nearly a minute. When they appeared, I read from the top again. Haha. Everything was alright, until the scene where Joanna as the miller's son wore the King's clothes. I was so caught up, and narrated before she was even changed. So I waited and waited, and I could see them struggling backstage. I'm sorry, guys! That was my fault. And one more snag was the Witch scene. I kept on going for one sentence, and saw that Puvanaeswary wasn't there... She wasn't there! I slowed down, so I sounded like this, "... lived... in a... cas---tle... near---by." Then she appeared, haha. But I think we did alright. Most important thing is we had fun!

2M - Mean Mother Madeline
Seriously, this has got to be the best! It was really lavish, really catchy, really comedic. Just... everything! But they were dead overtime. However, I still think they'll win. It was so cool.

The spunky part of this drama was Michelle and Amanda's roles as the evil sisters. They were so cool... with medieval age bling-bling and secret handshakes. Very nice! And there was the entertainer, played by Jesseca Long with the big Afro hairdo and the cheap tricks. Haha. Good job! That was smashing!

2P - Girls Just Wanna Be Mean
One of the most anticipated of all dramas. You can tell by the title that this is gonna be sensitive, and so it was. All miniskirts and pouty faces... whoa! The dance moves were cool, very nice... but the acting was really B-class - maybe C, haha. And the narrator went "In this drama, there are many moral values... " Everyone in the hall most probably smirked at that. The main part of this drama was the dance scene, it took nearly 4 minutes. The lead dancer was hogging the limelight most of the time. She did the dance moves well, but the way she acted, very "Mean Girl"-style, and a total mirror image of who she really is. Nevertheless, the drama was really fun. And FYI, they danced to "Beep" by Pussycat Dolls. Catchy? Yes!

2K - The 21st Century Ella
Obviously this drama took after the entire movie. A total screen adaptation. Sure, this one received lots of whoops and whistles, but only because the one who played the charming prince role was Tharshini. I don't get it! Just when you think it would be over, the curtain draws open once again. It's pretty messy. All the time I just see people rushing around and at the front, the prince kisses the girl's hand. Flowers... kisses... hands... the works. But, you know, I have to admit it, Pei Zhen's hairdo was pretty impressive =D

2T - The Buffalo and the Bell
I couldn't hear anything from this, although I was sitting at the front part. But still, I was really eager to watch it. I didn't know what was happening and where the story was going... so no comment on this. But, hey, Cuz, you didn't get embarrassed... now did you? I don't think so, haha.

That's the lowdown on the dramas performed. Will let you know the results when they're out. Hope none of my comments are taken as an insult. Apologies on my behalf if they did. Sorry!

So after that I went to 2D to get my Phantom of the Opera and Harry Potter 4 OSTs back, but CWC wanted to borrow it. The radio was on, so Sue Wen grabbed my PotO OST and put it into the radio. She turned to Track 10, "Masquerade" and took out her scorebook. Oh, what fun! Me and her were singing our hearts out with not a care in the world. The other students were looking at us, but that didn't really bother us. Gosh, I thought there was no one I knew that shared the same liking for soundtracks as I do! Haha.

The rest of the day was just studying. B-O-R-I-N-G! Now there goes the drama... the thing I was waiting for and all excited about... but it'll have to end sooner or later =)

Drama Part I

As all MGS-ians know, there will be an Interclass Drama Competition this Friday. So I'm the director for 2H, and we're doing "Puss in Boots". We only started last Monday, and so it's really been quite amazing how my class just pulled together and made it work. I have a great feeling about it... but then again, I don't know how the other classes are doing =D.

We have a great cast... I think. And I hope everything will go in order. Our lead is a Malay and so she's coping surprisingly well, considering the fact she has quite a lot of lines to remember. But the thing that we have to worry about is the props and costumes. Although it doesn't bother me - because I figure the cast ought to worry about that. Haha. So they are.

The drama will be at 2pm, so all you people who are reading this blog, keep your fingers crossed for us. We'll be hoping to do well - if not then it doesn't really matter either way. Haha.

Week-long Break... and What I Did

There was holidays for a week... and I only did stuff on Monday and Friday. Haha, it's a coincidence. On Monday, Kym and Lydia came over to spend the day. It was so hot that we spent most of the time in an air-conditioned room. Then Ee May was here in the afternoon because she wanted to play Dynasty Warriors on the PS2... =D.

And the next 3 days I just went for tuition and stayed at home. On Friday, I went out for a movie with Jo, Wei Shern, Wei Lyn, Jon, and his two other friends. We watched Final Destination 2. It was supposed to be my first horror flick in the cineplex... but it's actually a thriller. Haha.

Wei Shern and Wei Lyn stayed over that night... because we asked their mum for them. And me and my brother were like, "Yeah, please! It's the last weekday of our holidays. And we'll help them do their homework!" And she was like, "Oh, OK lah. Not enough playing ah?" I just smiled.

That night all we did was finish up our homework =P. And the next day I played captainball for KGH in the evening. Yan Teng and a whole lot of other schoolmates were there for volleyball. What a surprise! We lost 16-13 to PKGH. Ah! Sad, sad.

Spelling Bee '06

"Oh yes, before I forget, class, there's Spelling Bee - today or what? I think today. Who wants to enter?" Pn. Pari's words before she ended 2H's English lesson, first period. Thankfully, I've already received news about it the day before from Jas Min (who was supposed to be with me for Spelling Bee this year - T_T she couldn't make the cut); oh, and Cuz (she forced me to put her name in but you know she did tip me off - I just forgot her). Pn. Pari is getting older every single day! She's so absentminded.

So me and Joanna were chosen. And the thing was at 5.00pm. So after break, me and Joanna headed upstairs to the hall where a few of the contestants were already assembled. A few classes were there - I forgot which. Then the contest started and words were asked. I got pass them and in the end it was me, Usha (2M) and I-Vie (2T). Usha went out and it was down to me and I-Vie. We had to spell "obscure" and I-Vie spelt wrongly but was called back because the next word would determine the Bee Queen. If I could spell that, then I'd be champion. The word was "adjudicate" and I spelt correctly so I won.

Ironically, earlier in the day two Form 1 girls came around the classes and asked for the president to write the president's and vice-president's name on some paper where all the details of the other classes were already recorded. So one of the girl was, "Are you Amanda Hoi?" Why did she ask? "Uh, yeah." "So you're the one who always wins Spelling Bee?" "Haha, only once lah." So that's one thing.

Pn. Kavita pronunced some words wrongly, like escalator was heard as "escalarator". What? But once she defined the word as "moving staircase" then it couldn't be anything but escalator.

I'm glad I won the Spelling Bee because Lavenya threatened me that if I didn't win then - well, let's not go there. And besides, at least it's one of the things that 2H can be proud to be associated with. I mean, it's like, last year 1H was the most notorious class. How very humiliating... haha.

When it was over, I walked back to class. And Amelia was walking with me. I'm so happy that she could watch this Spelling Bee competition because she was watching last year too. So it's really nice that she was able to watch both Spelling Bees :) She's like, the only friend I have who's seen me in Spelling Bee when I was Form 1 and Form 2. Cool, huh?

And I saw springtime in Malaysia today. What a sight! So wonderful... the weather and it felt like air conditioners were installed in 2H. WOW! A once-in-a-lifetime moment. Anyway, today was a great day... I was so high. Hehe. Thank God for today!

Oh, Let Me Burn for You

Here in this place
I can feel Your touch
As I seek Your face
You're showing me Your love

I need You now
Come and wash me over
Your spirit rains
Filling me with power

Open up my heart
And You will find
This fire burns so deep
It burns so bright for You

Lord I will burn
Lord I will burn for You
Lord I will burn
Lord I will burn for You

It's A Happy Day ~

As is visible, today is a happy day, even though it's a test day. So, anyway, I finished my English paper and was all frustrated because I did silly mistakes like describing the Phantom with no mouth. Yeah, I did that. Than Lin Kee, bearer of good news that she is, told me that I needn't worry because so and so did this and this to that and that. So I practically hugged her until she nearly suffocated. She was really red.

Than when we had to do our Maths paper, I totally understood the questions that I felt like jumping up and yelling my lungs out. But of course I didn't do that. But the main highlight of Feb. 28 has got to be what happened in 2H during Maths paper.

You see, I always bring an alarm clock during the test/exam period, and so it was no different here. But I didn't use it like I always did, because I got a great view of the clock on the wall of 2H, unlike last year in 1H. So, I left it in my bag and I'm so sure I did not on the alarm. But all of a sudden, when Encik Yarha was the invigilator during that time (for 30 minutes) there was the resounding "ti-ti-ti-tit ti-ti-ti-tit" and people were turning around and wondering who was making the noise. I myself was thinking, "What stupid fellar put the alarm clock on?!" Than Hui Li and Seah Yih were, "Cikgu, ada alarm clock." "Di mana?" Hui Li pointed at the bags gathered behind, where mine was. And Joanna was, "Amanda, it's yours!" I was like, "No... no, it isn't." Puvanaeswary from the other end was like, "Go!" And I knew it was definitely mine. Than Encik Yarha spoke: "Siapa punya?" Than I raised my hand - weakly. And he nodded. I walked behind and unzipped my bag, turning off the alarm. 2H was laughing at me - but you know, it is funny. Haha. And Ah Kym Bo says she's never heard anything like this happening before. LOL!

Here's a public apology on the web where everyone can see. Sorry to have disturbed you guys during test time, my fellow 2 Harmoni-ans.

P.S. I want to officiate something: Yan Teng is the noisiest student in class during any test or exam. :D

Uh... Tagged?

I just realized I got tagged by Robyn on February 12th, LOL! But, well, here's my... I dunno what you call it:

10 years ago...
>I was 4
>I was pretty much brainless
>Life was sugar, spice, and everything nice
>I was completely innocent

5 years ago...
>I became Head Librarian - for a year, haha
>I had this really, really short teacher

A year ago...
>I was 13
>I had a new best friend who was nothing but perfect
>I didn't go for tuition (now I do)
>I had to experience fleeting emotions (haha, so dramatic)

Yesterday...
>I had P.E. in the sweltering heat
>I found out something amazing
>I went for tuition after skipping the last 3 weeks (due to unavoidable circumstances - really)

5 foods I enjoy...
>Seafood
>Popcorn
>Takoyaki
>Veggie burger
>Mum's cooking

5 songs I know all the words to...
>All for Love
>Wonderwall
>Home
>Sugar, We're Going Down
>On Fire

5 places I would run to...
>The staffroom (haha, duty calls)
>Upstairs
>Downstairs
>School
>PC

5 fave TV shows...
>The Kumars at No. 42
>Smallville
>The Simpsons
>King of Queens
>Whose Line Is It Anyway?

5 bad habits...
>I'm super lazy
>I get distracted easily
>I'm blur at times
>I always look unhappy
>I have mood swings (less now - hopefully none)

5 people I tag...
>Matt
>Ee May
>Who?
>Uh, can't think of anymore
>. . .

Turn

It's a hard way to come home
You've got me on my knees
The walls come tumbling down
The falling night believes

Days turn into months and years
I can't forget that you weren't here
I feel your presence everywhere
In the corner over there

Turn your eyes from me
It's time for me to go
Across the hills and over the sea
I want you more than I know

It's a wild world out there
And nobody gives a damn
In cold blood we don't care
And we don't want to understand

I'm sitting here alone at night
My sleepless eyes are open wide
What do you want me to say
What we had has gone away

The sky is high, the road is long
Show me what I should have done
What do you want me to do
Take it all away from you

Turn your eyes from me
It's time for me to go
Across the hills and over the sea
I want you more than you know

Irony and Conspiracy

Irony has something to do with fate. And I've been experiencing that nowadays. For example, I'm to do an essay for English, so I chose psychologist since it was "My Ambition" although it certainly wasn't. And when I watched the TV, my mum was watching something focusing on a psychologist. Haha. The irony! And there's a lot more but it's not important.

While I was checking out the dictionary I found this paper that had the words for Spelling Bee 2005 jotted down. And I was trying to find it, but it seems it only appeared a year after I gave up. So amazing, huh?

OK, so about my post title: "Irony and Conspiracy", here's the conspiracy part. You know my class did this dedication thing, and they didn't get the permission of our homeroom teacher, but I, for one, did not know this. So, our teacher found out and brought it to the principal. Than during PE session today, Pn. Pari instead of teaching us gave us a short talk. She was saying that we shouldn't be doing this, but I'm not exactly sure, because I was at a presidents' meeting in the science lab across from 2H.

When I arrived, I heard Pn. Pari saying, "Now, don't cry." What... who's crying? So knowing that the situation's a bit tense, I just went ahead and stopped my knocking. I said "Evening, teacher," and before I could turn and walk to my place, Pn. Pari asked, "Amanda, did you know about this?" beckoning towards the Valentine's Dedication paper she had in her hands. Than it became clear: this had something to do with the dedication and my friend was crying. "Yes." "Than why didn't you tell me?" "I thought they were doing it with your permission." And she nodded, and I walked back.

Chew Yong was laughing, and I was mouthing, "What're you laughing at?" as I walked back. Than later she told me it was because I was taller than Pn. Pari... but, than again, what's so funny about that?

After that, a lot more happened [even more than things related to the dedication], but I won't say on this blog. Cause I'm so lazy to type 'em all down.

Of Fireworks and Japanese

Every weekend I'm in Subang. And every time I'm there, I'd most probably be eating aside from shopping. So, yesterday I was at Uncle Lim's Kopitiam, and I ordered Asam Laksa and Roti Bakar. And the table beside me sat a lady whom I didn't really look at. Than her husband and her son came. And they started conversing in Japanese. So, as I'm fascinated by the language, I turned and looked at her, and gosh, was she pretty! I guess it's in their blood. But that's not the main point. The thing was they were reading the menu and here's what I heard, if my weak command of the language bid me well:

Son: Roti bakar?
Father: Yes, it's a Malay word.
Son: Bakar? Haha.
Father: And this is Ah-sum Lak-ser.
Son: Oh. But roti bakar? What a funny word!

In case you don't know, 'bakar' sounds really similar to 'baka', which means idiot in Japanese. So, yeah, adorable. Though it might sound rotund to you, but... uh, never mind.

Did any of you get some peaceful shuteye yesterday night? I'm sure I didn't. A neighbour staying across my road was having a big CNY farewell, with a bang - literally. And on the right, somewhere further, there was another fireworks show. In addition to that, if you look straight ahead, you can see firecrackers illuminating the sky. But they were very, very noisy! It was like forever. And my dog was stuck outside because she kept on barking at the fireworks, and if she's in the room, it'd be impossible to sleep. So, anyway, just be a little considerate when you're playing fireworks in the wee hours of the morning. Not everyone's celebrating CNY, you know.

Fatt Choi Spirit

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!!! Okay, before I go any further, I'd like to make it clear that my post title's no pun intended. Haha. So all, how was your CNY? Hope it was a blast! Mine was... fine.

What do you think of CNY ads? I think they're really smashing. Especially this one which I watch on 8TV twice (there's only RTM1 to 8TV in Kemaman, :D) by Petronas. The setting is in an old folkies' home where these few old grannies are eating chee cheong fun and talking about their kids. But it's really just a heartwarming ad that lasts like 3 minutes and is really fun to watch.

This year I collected only 20 ang paus. But I guess that's all right.

Okay, I know every CNY is red packets, cookies, and reunions, and this year was no exception. But I think I kinda overdosed on the cookies part, although the red packets sorta went down. I hope I won't be too blown up when I start school. Gosh! I can't even think about it. However, this might be a good way to start the new year... in a prosperous way. Yep!

Oh no, school's starting this Monday and I've barely finished my homework. I guess laziness takes a toll when it's the festive season. So, anyway, when I was in the East Coast I stopped by at Kuantan and all I did was play the PS2 with my friend: Tony Hawk, SSX, Need for Speed... nothing intellectually enriching.

Oh yeah, just now at 4.50pm I catched a screening of Fearless, Jet Li's latest kungfu flick. It's really violent... bloody, gory, gruesome, wincing commercial fight scenes. But it's really cool, and all in all, a fun watch. And I really don't get it why people who come to the cineplex to watch films make so much noise when doing that will make it harder for you to pay attention to what's happening on the screen! Malaysian viewers are as rude and inconsiderate as they are on the road. Except those that I know... since we're actually all Malaysians, and I know not all of us are as annoying in the cineplex. {I am straying away from the topic}

I think this blog is long enough. So, bye!

Schooling Life

The title of this post might sound pretty boring but I don't think this blog is. Anyway, sorry I haven't been blogging much. And to all you strangers on Chatterbox, gimme names and thanks for the compliments... once again. All that flattery's put half my head in a cloud.

So, as we all know, school's starting again. But during the time before school, I did some stuff. Church camp, holidays, birthday party... loads of things. It was really a cultural shock, cause all the guys did was stay in the room and play Dynasty Warriors on the PS2. What?

OK, OK, I'm straying out of topic. Gosh, I guess I do miss blogging! Haha. So about schooling life, I got elected unanimously as president of the class [and we all go "Woohoo!] It's stressful, lots of things to remember, and there's like this underground conspiracy going on that I can't talk about. P & C, you guys!

But, oh, well! Here's just a little, alright? Keep it to yourselves. Today during Moral the teacher said she wanted to talk to the president alone. So I was all ears! She was like, "So you know that you have to keep record of the __________________ come in. Who are you gonna support: the ________ or _______?" And I said, "I'll do as I'm told." And she was, "OK."

2H's homeroom teacher is Pn. Parimala. We're the only ones who got a new teacher - from the morning session too. So, at least figuratively, it should be words of wisdom from years of experience!

Now I sit at the back. And there's this girl called Catherine who's now my friend. Psst... she's from Convent! Talk about "fraternizing with the enemy". Haha! But she's fun, really. And my friends nowadays are Jolene, Cuz, and the normal ones, ya know. I like school a lot. And I have fun everyday. But I've got to tell you, I've learnt that humans just have plenty of problems! Ahhhh.......

I guess I've written enough. Cause there's nothing else I can think about. So, enjoy this rare piece of blog that I've typed for you wonderful strangers. Feast your eyes on it!

Harry Potter 4 OST Review

This time, hearing the soundtrack for a Harry Potter movie, namely Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire has bid me well. The first three soundtracks, helmed by award-winning composer, John Williams would indeed sound very promising, but pardon the opinion, I feel that the soundtracks for the first three films was very poor in capturing the whole package of the Harry Potter movies. Sadly disappointing. However, it was great to rope in Patrick Doyle to do Harry Potter 4, and it looks like there's most certainly hope.

Outstanding tracks that I like referring back to is "The Quidditch World Cup", "Underwater Secrets", "Another Year Ends", and "Hogwarts' Hymn". Although the three tracks performed by Jarvis Cocker, Jonny Greenwood, Phil Selway, Steve Mackey, Jason Buckle, and Steve Claydon, who have a cameo appearance in the movie as band, Weird Sisters received high publicity, the only one that stood out was most certainly "Magic Works"; the other two were too rockish for me.

All in all, this soundtrack has been a pleasure listening to, and worth the RM38.90 its sold at. However, you only get that price at MPH Bookstores, as my survey shows that Tower Records: RM45.90 and Rock Corner: RM45.50. If you're an ardent Potter fan, get this soundtrack and relive the film if you don't plan on watching the movie again.

I have to learn how to let go

China Trip

Hey, all! It's been two days since I've returned from China. Missing it by the bucket-loads... wishing I could return; and hoping that I've treasured my time there as much as I should've. Here's a blow-by-blow, day-to-day account of my smashing time in one of the world's greatest places. Reminds me of how amazing and wonderful God has made the earth - and only in 6 days.

DAY 1

Touched down in Beijing Airport around 7.45am, I guess. Most people would be thrilled to arrive at a foreign country, kickstarting a would-be brilliant holiday. But mine began on the wrong foot. In the plane itself, I didn't get enough sleep, and while I was in dreamland for very little time, I accidentally albeit sub-consciously knocked my eyebrow against some part of the window ledge, and hurt my soft tissue. The pain was so excruciating, I could've cried. And the food they served was absolutely horrible, I felt like throwing up. Indeed, I had a bad first day.

Our first place to visit was Tian An Men Square, and thank God for Alken! He asked me about the plane food and as polite as I was, I answered his questions, hiding the fact that even talking about plane food could make me puke. Sure enough, I did regurgitate everything I ate during the flight. I felt so good after that. I was running, jumping, flying - you name it, I could do it.

Tian An Men Square was huge! The Mao Zedong Memorial Hall was located in the south, and up ahead was the Parliament. The place was flocking with visitors - foreigners and nationals alike. DID YOU KNOW THAT TIAN AN MEN SQUARE IS THE BIGGEST SQUARE IN THE WORLD? Yep, and Berjaya Times Square is totally out of the picture :D So, anyways, we walked across and me, Jo, Wei Shern, and Wei Lyn took a wacky picture of us jumping in mid-air before heading for the Palace Museum aka Forbidden City. We had to take that photo thrice, because I was always the only one jumping.

Than we arrived at the Forbidden City, home to nearly three dynasties of emperors. So, we went through the many gates that all led to the inside of the palace. There were many halls, and all were built for separate reasons. Quite a sight, really!

When we finished at the Forbidden City, we had lunch than adjourned to the Pearl Factory.

Back from Perak

Hey! I've just returned from Kampar, Perak where I attended a cousin by the name of Chung Ern (which I didn't know until I reached Kampar) who was going to wed. He's 22. Anyway, I'm gonna tell you what I did there. We left Klang at 8.30am and headed for Subang to pick up my uncle, aunt and two cousins who were following us to Perak.

We stopped for breakfast at those R 'n' R stations... to be specific, the Sungai Buloh one. Our breakfast was at Burger King, but Anthea, one of my cousins had Dunkin' Donuts. After that, we continued our journey and arrived in Perak at 11.30am. First, we stopped at Kam Ling Restaurant and bought some mooncakes and a regular-sized loh tee kai (chicken bread), a specialty of Perak's. And I've never tried it before. Another shop was visited by us, and we bought more kai chai pheng (chicken biscuits), also another specialty.

It was lunch time and we proceeded to eat at my tai ku's house, but I didn't because, well, the food didn't look that appetizing :P Straightaway after that, we left to check into Hillcity Hotel & Condo in Ipoh where Uncle Chooi Ming had booked a four-bedroom apartment at the condominium.

The whole afternoon was spent lazing around (and buying pomelos) until 6.30pm when we got ready and than headed to Kampar for the night's highlight, the wedding dinner. As we weren't exactly familiar with Kampar's lefts and rights, we ended up at Yau Kee Restaurant (the old one) and this is its description (sorry, didn't take a picture):
An old, downtrodden, antique, nearly caving in building. It's signboard shows "air-cond" but I think otherwise. The interior is dirty and unwelcoming with dusty tables and chairs. Upstairs, it is dark with broken windows and who knows where the stairs is.

In desperation and disbelief, Uncle Chooi Ming contacts tai ku and she says it is Yau Kee Restaurant. We ask the restaurant lady and she tells us that the new one is just around the corner. We heave in relief and get to Yau Kee Restaurant (the new one). We are shuffled to our table, where pak pak and pak leong, my uncle and aunt as I'm to call them are waiting.

My stomach is grumbling and I'm all ready to dig in... but wait right there! The food does not come... at least it does, after an HOUR. The first is the conventional Four Seasons Platter, followed by Braised Shark's Fin Soup, Steamed Fish in Soy Sauce, Steamed Chicken in Soy Sauce, Chilli Prawns, Glutinous Rice with Mixed Nuts and Assorted Fruits. Pretty normal fare. Than, we return home after meeting Chung Ern and his bride.

The next day, it's rise and shine as we head for Foh San Restaurant, home of Ipoh's favourite dim sum fare. The place is packed, as expected, and me, my brother and cousins are stationed at all potential tables to attack the target when clear :D After nearly a 45 minute wait, a table is free and we sit ourselves down, happy to be back on our butts again.

We start choosing food and dig in. Conventional items such as chi ma cho, siu mai, chee cheong fun and wu kok are ordered, but there is no porridge or har gow as they most probably have all been sold out. When finished, we drive around Ipoh town, than retreat back to Hillcity. After some rest, we check out and head to our last destination: Kampar for the cham cha ceremony at the groom's house. My parents and my aunt and uncle are served tea by Chung Ern and his bride, than after that, me, my brother and my cousins shake hands with Chung Ern and his bride, and in return, gain ang paus. Woohoo! Boohoo... it's only RM2, we find out.

Than, we leave Perak for Klang. And here I am, finishing this blog...

Happy Birthday, Puan Jamuna!

Warnings and hushed whispers are the order of the day! Lavenya has repeatedly threatened the class not to tell a single soul that today we'll be holding a party for our form teacher, Puan Jamuna. But, alas, the secret leaked out. Sonu of 1 Kreatif had asked Puan Jamuna about today's party, and Puan Jamuna was... clueless.

Anyway, we went on with the party. Sharon and Chew Yong had headed for the staff room to ask teacher to come to the kantin lama as we were holding the surprise party there. Puan Jamuna was like, "You all are up to something."

When she arrived, we all welcomed her with a bang, in the form of those small, smoke-filled, popping stuff. Than she made a wish and cut the cake (which was, um, okay). All the teachers who taught 1 Harmoni soon arrived, and Puan Jamuna was, "You invited the teachers? Oh, so you all knew!"

They took pictures and all... actually, to be exact, they took two. I wasn't in both... why? Because it won't make any difference if I'm in or not :D Besides, my jaw is aching from pretending to smile :O... just kidding! But I'm sure seeing me in the picture is worse than seeing me in it... or is it? ;} What am I saying?

The best part was when we were cleaning the place up after break time was over. We took 3 wacky pictures:
i) Me, Lin Kee, Puvanaeswary, Seah Yih and Chew Yong are pointing at Rathnna [who knows why?]
ii) Me, Lin Kee, Puvanaeswary and Seah Yih are caught jumping in mid-air.
iii) Me, Yan Teng, Seah Yih and Chew Yong are posing hip-hop style [freakin' posers :D]... mind you, I don't pose like that, so it's rare that I do that... {yes, yes, I'm polluting my blog - again}

After that, when Puan Jamuna went back to our class for English lesson after break time, she said: "Thanks very much for the party. Never in the last 20 years have anyone celebrated my birthday, since I don't tell anyone when it is."

Puan Jamuna is... ahem, this might be confidential... 43.