Kate's Birthday

Mood: OK Health:Good Weather:Great

It was Kate's birthday celebration. Gloria and I came over to her place for awhile to wish her and also gave her a present. The theme was "neon".

Ooo... everyone was in striking colours which really caught lots of attention at night... I didn't want to dress up elaborately but I did wear bright colours to be 'in the place'.

Birthday girl (in the centre)

Me and my other coursemate, Hayley.

Hope they had a great fun at the club!

Uni is over!

"Yeah! 2 presentations plus 2 reports are over! I AM A FREE WOMAN in uni life!!!"

On the friday of the final week, my coursemate had organised a summer dinner. It was my last dinner with them... With hugs and best wishes, I said good bye. I will never forget hugging Paul, he is so huge at 6ft5. Take care everybody and all the best!

Me and some of the ladies in a bar after dinner!

Tan

Mood:Depressed Health:Damn good Weather:Cool

I am finally done with my last paper in the morning but I wished this happens tomorrow. Just give me one more day and I will do it perfectly. I only got new revision notes a day before the exam. With such a short time, I didn't manage to memorise all of them vividly. And they came out in the exam. As a result... sighs... sighs...

Yet I really want to thank Tan, a wonderful and helpful person who has helped me in this module. If it is not for her, I think I would have done very badly. She managed to nick "first class" notes from her senior and a friend a day before the exam. I was quite surprised when she offered them to me. Not many people would generously share their 'priceless' materials to someone whom they only knew this semester and not very close to.

I planned to have a good meal with her before she leaves tomorrow. Wow, she is leaving so soon yet I am struck in the university because I have 2 presentations and 2 reports. This is so ridiculous! Still working after exam!

So after the depressing exam (how I wished it is tomorrow), we went to M&P cafe, which was such a disappointment with their choices of food, then we headed to Harry's cafe and bar much later.

My peach smoothies and her summertime smoothies

Seafood mezzer for two

I planned to give Tan a treat since this was our last meal in UK and also to show my gratitude to her, but in the end, she insisted to pay for our meals in both places. As for my part... I have promised to bring her around in Singapore when she comes :)

In the jungle...

Haven't been updating my blog for some time. I have been rather busy with assignments and now, coming exam. Tomorrow is my first paper and I am feeling nervous today. The reason why I am so panicking about it, is because there are no lecture notes for this module and no past year exam papers to base on.

I felt a little insecure because I am not sure of the boundary, not sure if I have read enough for some topics, not entirely sure what the questions would be. As far as science is concern, topics are huge. Human organs comprise of electrical, mechanism, anatomy & physiology and chemistry. Besides knowing the nature body, the engineering aspects have to be considered for extracorporeal organs or implanted artificial organs. I could only based on my instincts in selecting topics to learn and of course chanting that I would be in sync with the examiner.

I would imagine my shocking face if the questions came out alien to me...

Good luck to me!

All Wales & Borders Course

Mood: Tired & Panic Health:Good Weather: Sunny & Cool

What does the below picture tells you?

The Wales border bridge

Ya, going out of Wales... I was traveling out of Wales to England. I have signed up for a three days 'All Wales SGI- UK course and was on my way to my destination on a friday afternoon.

Remember this place? This is Taplow Court - our SGI- UK HQ centre. I came here a year ago to attend the student division day. I am glad that I am able to come here for the last time before I finished my degree.

Not only that! I was able to stay in this century old mansion, owed by countless of rich earls in the past! Hahaha... a taste of their lifestyle!

The dungeon door to my checked in room...

Ok, I was just kidding. My room was actually at the 'used to be' servant's quarter. The space was amazing. The servant quarter was a later extension to the main building in the 18th Century. Can really tell how many servants they have and how rich they must be.

I have a shared room with six other women. Ooo... wonder if I will have ghostly encounter in this century old building...

Out of the window in the room

After checking in, I decided to tour around for a short time to see if anything has changed.

Everything seemed to be the same even the horses. Yes! I saw Mr. Brownie again! Unfortunately, there was an additional border and I couldn't have close contact with them like I used to! Ok, time to go for my course...

Exhibition of Sensei's visit in Taplow Court many years ago...

Theme for this course

Very attentive audiences :)

On friday, we got an opening ceremony & experience, followed by group meeting and lecture by Sanda McWilliam. Jonathan was our group leader and he shared his experience on the last day of the course. Sanda McWilliam's lecture evolved with 'the heart'. Hmm... remind me of my heart project...

Breakfast in the morning! I love English breakfast!

A good breakfast means a lot of energy to sustain the whole day. But I ended up with no lunch or dinner because I was too full for breakfast...

Beside the normal schedule, other highlights of the meeting included a tour of the mentor and disciple room. It was also the first time I entered the main building, which is the taplow court. OMB! (Oh my buddha!! A term more suitable for Buddhist than OMG) The interior design was awesome!! I don't want why, everytime I entered a building like that, I feel like writing a story. Unfortunately, as I was also a lilac (on duty), I didn't have time to snap a few pictures. Sighs... I hope one day, I will have the chance to visit the room again!

The lecture that I enjoyed most was by Kazuo Fuji. I loved the many analogies he used. It just made people remember them! On the 3rd day, I suffered from fatigue. I was so tired that I couldn't focus in the experiences and lecture by Robert Samuels,who was also my favourite lecturer. It was because I didn't have enough sleep. On the first night, I was quite weary and my mind was on the radar for something interesting if you know what I mean. It turned out that the servant's quarter was 'clean'. However, on the second night, I thought I was doomed...

I went to another shower as the one closest to my room was occupied. This shower was an underground type. I went to the shower, shut the door then close the shower door. Five minutes before I was done, ghost and spirit came to my mind... a lady figure dressed in 18th century, which I quickly brushed it away. Ooo... As I tried to open the shower door after I had finished, I realised it was struck!

"OMB! I can't be that lucky!"

If the door was shut, it wasn't that bad since I could knock and shout at the door. But being struck in the shower is not a good idea. Not only I was a few steps away from the door, I didn't have towel with me. Worse! It seemed that I was alone in the underground. OMB! Maybe I have to wait for hours before they realised I was missing... I was panic!!

What happened then? I am not telling here. It is a mystery! Hahaha...

At the end of our course, we got a surprise! The special choir group in our organisation, came to our hall and presented a beautiful song! So many of us were so touched and tears were flowing down. It was not surprising how people got so emotional at the end of the wonderful course. I guessed everyone just wished that the 'encouraging, inspiring and learning' were not coming to an end. Hopefully they will maintain high spirits once they got home and in the 'reality' world!

My reality world is to revise for my coming exam. I am so glad that I have made it to my last course in Wales. Cheers!

Revision Starts!

Mood:Hungry Health:Good Weather:Cool

Finally, I am able to sit down for revision! One week ago, I planned to start my late revision for my coming exam but it didn't happen because of a group report. We targeted to finish all our bits on Tuesday and compile them into a group report but it didn't happen.

I finished my part before that day and I was very relieved thinking that I could concentrate on my revision. Who knew. One of my group member told me that what I have done, was not what they wanted. Apparently, I was being allocated to the control system of the pacemaker to the total artificial heart. I was absolutely clear about this!

With less than three days from the submission date, I was told that they wanted the control system within the artificial heart! Infact, I only have a day to do a 12 weeks work because we needed at least a day to put all the messes together properly. Can you imagine the look on my face? Yet, I felt thankful that this happened now rather than later. So I didn't sleep that night, working on the research and report.

The next day...

I shown my draft to some of my group members. Imagine if someone told me "this is not what I want" again... I feel like slapping that person! Thanks goodness, it didn't happen. I felt really appreciated when I was told "Yes! This is what we want! Good work! This is great!"

Just when I thought we could compile them already...

Sighs... that the problems of working in a group... Wasted so much time waiting for people to come, waiting for one another to finalise their report. It would be acceptable if it was me since I was doing a last minute job :P Sighs... my people, do you know that you are jeopardising everyone time for revision?

This time round, my exam is much harder than before. We don't have lecture notes to depend on and have to do abundant of reading on ourselves in order to prepare for our exam. Also, you never know what the examiners have in mind about the questions. These examiners... sighs...

New Snacks!

Mood:OK Health:Good Weather:Cool

I wasn't interested when Jeff shown me a pack of crackers until he said "maybe you won't like it!" and that remark caught my attention! I took the pack from him and opened it... I see... it was pork lards! Can't believe that I would find pork lards here and more surprising, as snacks like potato chips!

I was even more amused that it was double the price of potato chips! Who would eat this thing especially the British? Hmm... Weird... Let see how long this product can last on the shelves here!

So Jeff was wrong! He thought I would be disgusted about eating pork lards but I like it! In Singapore, I go for the fried kway tiao and dry needles with pork lards rather than vegetable oil as it tastes better. Now with this product, I could have pork lards with noodles here! Haha :)

Wales Leaders Meeting

Mood:Excited Health:Good Weather:Good

I was so excited this morning!! We went to Brecon for all leaders meeting. Today was the first time where all the leaders in Wales gathered for this meeting. Woon was our 'chauffeur' and Lizzie was our road directory. The rest of us, Jeff, Alisha and myself spent most of our time, enjoying the beautiful scenery of Brecon. But I was more hard working! I was counting the numerous sheep on the fields as our car passed by.

Lizzie said that there are more sheep than humans in Wales. Hmm...

Our venue was an interesting place - a committee centre in the Llangors village. Cool!! Unfortunately, I forgot to bring my camera and Jeff forgot to take more pictures!! Also, we didn't have enough time :(

The start of the meeting was a song sang by some of the leaders singing. Their voices were so amazing given the fact that they are not professional or in the choir group. This is what it should be! Either give a good show or no show!

I know... I have said this many many time. I love meetings in UK so much. I don't remember attending a leader meeting in Singapore where I felt relaxed. Oops...

Yeah!! Lunch break! From right: Junichi and Alisha.

Then with Jeff...

Seems like Jeff and myself were wearing school uniform right? He was a prefect and I was a secondary school girl! Hahaha... just kidding! We were dressed for duty that why!

Ryo gave me his Japanese rice balls after the meeting. This was the first time I had rice balls. It was a mixture of kidney beans and Japanese rice. The Japanese seems to have very simple meals some time, just plain rice balls with one ingredients unlike the Chinese, where we have more appetising dish or dishes to go with our rice.

SGI-UK Student Division Meeting in London

Mood:Good Health:Good Weather:Good

From Cardiff university, Junichi and myself board the coach to London, Victoria at 6.30am. As the whole railway stations from Victoria to Brixton were closed due to engineering works, there was no tube to Brixton this weekend. However, the authorities devised a solution for the commuters - 'railway replacement' buses!

Junichi and myself hopped on the free of charge bus at Victoria and set off to Brixton.

Brixton underground closed

Unlike Cardiff, there were less whites in Brixton. The streets were crowded with performers, who sang or rapped and also passers-by. The SGI- UK centre was located within a short distance from the Brixton underground. Many members did not make it to this meeting due to the coming exam. Nevertheless, we made many friends.

I always enjoyed meetings in UK whether it is held locally (cardiff) or nationally. The pace, the topic, the way study are presented, the agenda makes the whole meeting refreshing from the start to the end. I remembered how my mind would drift when I attended meetings in Singapore. Junichi also has the same experiences with me - too dragging, too heavy at home!

I realised how lucky we were when some people shared about their difficulties in arriving the centre. Unlike them, Junichi and myself got to know about the railway engineering works and the alternative bus services the night before. So we were well- prepared for the trip and arrived here without any problems.

There was a lot of sharing and I was very encouraged throughout the meeting. It was a pity to those who missed this meeting, they have missed the encouragements which would help them deeper in their revision. Robert Samuel gave us a short lecture that day. He is a popular lecturer in the organisation. His lectures were well- understood as he explained very clearly using analogies. The meeting ended after his lecture and soon we headed home.

The returning coach was more than three hours so we brought dinner and have it on the coach. Hee... see what I had...

Yeah! Sushi!I tell you.. the last time I had them was 8 month ago when I was in Singapore. I got really annoyed when my Singapore friends at home said "I didn't have Japanese food for a long time." It turned up to be just 1-2 months ago! Hello! Don't compare with me! Japanese food in Singapore is affordable and common (you can have it anytime you want). Whereas eating out in UK is generally more expensive.

If Junichi didn't mention about the sushi stall at the Victoria tube station, I won't even buy it.

Junichi was enjoying his dinner very much. Like me, he misses food from home. Sighs... his next trip home would be a long time after his PHD finishes next year...

Sighs... my Easter holiday will be over in a couple of hours and my class would resume again next week...

SGI-UK Student Division Meeting

Mood:Busy Health:Good Weather:Great

Tomorrow, I have to get up at 5am for a trip to London. We will be having our SGI-UK Student Division Meeting in Brixton.

If you remembered, last year I went to Taplow Court for this event. This time, we will be going to another centre at the south of London as shown below.

It maybe a challenging trip since Junichi and myself will be going there on our own by coach and tube. I am going to pack my stuffs and sleep early tonight. Watch out for more updates tomorrow!

Souvenir from Egypt

Mood:Good Health:Good Weather:Cool

Ning came back from her long holiday in Egypt two days ago. She was so sweet. She brought me an Egyptian painting in paper scroll. Wow... still I can't stop my envious over her Egypt trip!! I also want to go...

Just to show my appreciation to her, I will cook her something these days.

"A successful author is someone who produces a mutual understanding in his readers."

Except for story telling, which might allow its readers to create their imagination, facts should be presented in the most apprehensive manner. It would be very useful to have diagrams, tables, flow charts etc... Sighs... these people just gave me headaches as I have to flip the pages to and fro, to link the concepts!

Eat eat eat...

Mood:Good Health:Good Weather:Sunny

This is the first time I made braised pork belly and eggs. Two days ago, I have a graving for fatty bacon. Ooo...

The sauce is black but the stream arising affected the camera lens, hence the colour of the sauce.

Ok, after all the meaty meals I have for the past two weeks, I decided to go for healthier diet - "witch soup". It is said that I could lose weight by taking the "witch soup" for seven days. Hmm...
I have a strong taste and I found the soup really blend. Felt a bit torturing to have them even for a day. Ok, I shouldn't complain because at least I have food compare to the poorer people. I am going to keep the best shape before I go back to Singapore to kill all the local delights. Fried Kway tiao, black carrot cake, xin zhou vermicelli, chicken rice, nasi lemark, mee goreng etc...

I won!

I couldn't believe what I saw when I opened my email. I was elated at first, then fell into suspicious state. I was told that I have won $100 pounds in a lucky draw :) Hmm... I can't be that lucky!! Maybe it is a fraud... maybe they would only give me the money if I met certain criteria.

I was told to call the person to give my details but I was afraid. I even thought of giving up the money even if it is for real. After analysing the weightage of the truth and falsehood by the content of the email, I decided to call the person the next day.

The truth is... I really won $100 pounds and I am going to get a cheque soon :) How am I going to spend the money? I am going to pay for my 'All Wales Training Course' fees which I have signed up recently and also the transportation.