peAch cHroNicLe

2011-02-22T04:30:00.000-08:00

haven't written for ages...theres so much to update about.

1. I found myself a job!! Will be starting work in Tokyo from April :)

2. Am finally getting a driving license. Should take one or two more months, but I can't wait to get my license!

3. Happily retired from my tutoring job. I helped out in the winter school, and then stayed till recently in February. I met a really really adorable student, who is rather spoilt but she is like a little sister of mine. Even after I've quit my job, we still keep in touch.

Kinkakuji :) I love Kyoto!!!

And now, I'm in Kyushu(Oita prefecture)with my friends(8of us!). We'll travel around Kyushu and then I'll fly back to Singapore end of this month :)

trip to Seoul

2010-11-15T06:23:00.000-08:00

Pictures from Korea! Went there with Ayano in late October.
Please don't ask me why these are mostly photos of food...I didn't take a single picture of the scenery actually. It was a short 3days2nights trip and we only managed to go around Myongdong and Sinchong area. We did visit TongDeMun but it was quite under expectation.
Shopping for clothes in Korea may not be my style. But nonetheless, shopping for cosmetics was quite cool. The shops which specially pleased me was THE FACE SHOP, ETUDE HOUSE and MISSHA. I love the purple eye liner I bought from THE FACE SHOP!
And since I am a cheapo, I love it when the shop girl gave me lots of samples whenever I buy some cosmetics from each store. Seriously, they have millions of stocks such that they can afford to distribute samples for free.
I enjoyed shopping in Myongdong! There stood my favorite stores like FOREVER 21, ZARA and
H&M <3

Samgedan??? Pardon the spelling...but this was the first thing I ate in Seoul.
This was exactly what we needed because that morning was utterly cold and we were craving for something warm. The mochi-like rice in the chicken was <3.

Myself in traditional Korean costume. I really think I have this Asian look.
This was the special service they offered at the Korean SPA place.

Korean dessert! I can't do without it :p

Well, we faced some trouble on the last day because a typhoon hit Tokyo and our flight was delayed till the following morning. Our 7pm flight was postponed to 7am the next morning...and the airport didn't offer us any meal coupons or at least something. So Ayano and I stayed in Macdonalds for like 4 hours. We ate, we chatted, we forced ourselves to stay awake.
The airport was so cold that I bet we could have caught a cold if we slept in the lobby. Incheon airport is supposed to be the hub airport in Asia but it didn't seem much appealing to me...or maybe I failed to find good points of the airport.
Well, we managed to kill time and got ourselves safely back in Tokyo.

Anyways, I'm very very happy I had the chance to travel with Ayano before our graduation (I've actually graduated already though :p) I hope I'll have another chance in spring.

Well, I have to prepare for my interview tomorrow....

subliminary impact

2010-11-09T23:33:00.000-08:00

Dear <....>,
I was glad to see you at the lecture yesterday. One thing I really miss about my college life is you. To me, you are perfect, and you are my motivation.
Talking to you yesterday made me feel like an idiot being disturbed by unnecessary dilemma.
I should not look at and care about things which lead me to nothing. Instead, there are many things I should invest my energy in. I hope to have a strong mind, have a firm vision of my future. Seriously, the relationships which are bothering me now are just NONSENSE.
Let me just look down at them for now. There are much more things I ought to pay attention to.

10th November
Waseda Campus

for my dear friend

2010-11-05T07:06:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Yining!! Stay as the bimbo whom I know, lol :)
I should stop saying I miss our days back in junior college...but i really mean it.
You, Pei Joo and I hanging out almost everyday, sitting together in lectures and tutorials,
surviving through the tests, SPAs, exams...etc...
I'm grateful I still get to meet up with you even after I left for Japan, and hope we'll continue to keep in touch :)

Time for some nostalgic/embarrasing moments.

I remember how you always cried out that I kept taking unglam photos of you.

Yay, I like this one.

To you and a happy 22nd :)

anne hathaway

2010-11-04T08:59:00.000-07:00

Yayy, I'm back with some favourite pics I've found from the movie "Valentine's Day".
I heard this film was rather similar to "Love Actually" in many ways so as a hard core fan of the latter, I didn't expect much from this film. But...Tata!!!!!!! I loved it very very much.
Since I watch "Love Actually" every x'mas, this would be the film I'll watch every Valentine's.
The cast was awesome, the story wasn't too monotanous, easy to watch and it was so so SWEET!
Among the cast, I love how Anne Hathaway pulled off the character. Moreover, the first fashion shw showed (as seen in the pictures below) is so pretty!
It's rather simple so I hope to coordinate this with my autumn wear.

Another news: I came back from Korea recently, will post pics up soon

my mum and I

2010-10-13T07:09:00.000-07:00

The main purpose of my Singapore trip this time was to celebrate my mother's birthday.
The date was 10/10/2010..must have been an auspicious day :)
If it hasn't been for my mum, I couldn't have so much joy and happiness in life. She is responsible for every single thing I enjoy till this date. Since I've graduated college, its time for me now to be independent. Support my mother the way she has done over the past 22 years.
Happy birthday and please continue to be my motivation :)

At the graduation ceremony.

My aunt and mom, in front of the Okuma statue.

Visiting my grandmother at an elderly's facility.

meeting up with my best bimbo friend :)

2010-10-11T18:13:00.000-07:00

Back in Singapore for a week. So far, the catch-ups I had with my friends were great :)

And the weekend Batam trip with my family was awesome! I'll definitely go back there for SPA and Pedicure :) Didn't get to do manicure this time round because I'm still job-hunting :(

I had much fun meeting up with Yining the other day after her work!

It had been 2 years since we last met each other...but I was glad she hasn't changed much, and she was still the 'bimbo' I knew since our CJC days :) The way we met at the choir audition was peculiar, wasn't it. I also remember we took the same bus home several times...And after the first three months, we ended up in the same class :) That was in 2005...so it has been 5 years since then!

Definitely meet up for Japanese dinner the next time round :)

And she was sweet enough to give me a belated b'day present

It'll be part of my fall/winter outfit.

Maybe I could wear it in a simple way like this one by Sarah Jessica Parker...

The one she is wearing looks a little different but I always love her fashion :)

i love PEACH

2010-09-28T08:44:00.000-07:00

I want to tell the whole world what wonderful friends I have.

Last Sunday, I had lunch with members of PEACH, my project group from the class of Global Health. 7 of us were in the same group, spending alot of time chatting, discussing about global issues, preparing for our presentation and sharing our future aspirations. And till today, even after 2 years, we still keep in touch and meet up for regular lunch/dinner sessions.

Although 3 of the members are already working, its wonderful that they still afford to share their time with us.

So, we met up last Sunday at Takadanobaba and I actually thought it was to celebrate Chika and Taro's return to Tokyo after a year of studying abroad. So the lunch went on till dessert, the waiter walked into the room with a cake. Then I realized my group members actually planned a surprise birthday + graduation celebration for me :D

THe birthday cake (which was really really good!!!!)

Me and Taro in the background.

And the present.

Isn't this album so so so sweet!? It contains photos of our past gatherings, and message from each members :) I'm sure this album is one of the greatest, bestest gifts I've ever received!

Omg, I'm tearing again...

I love PEACH :) Unfortunately, Chie-san couldn't make it cos she is still in Hiroshima...

left: Chika-chan, Me, Taro-san

right: Yuri-san, Yoko-san, Satomi-san

lovelovelovelove!

2010-09-24T09:32:00.000-07:00

it was a busy week...Had graduation ceremony on 20th September. I'm now graduated officially :) I'm glad that my mum came for the ceremony and that she is proud of me.
Now I have to find myself a job, and I hope to start work ASAP.

At the night of graduation day, I left for Sapporo for my post-graduation trip with my magic club mates(7 of us, though i was the only graduate). We rented a car, and drove through Sapporo, Hakodate, Touyako and Asahikawa. I just came back just now...and I'm missing Hokkaido already! I think I love Hokkaido the most, among all the prefectures in Japan. The food, scenery, hot springs were awesome!!!!! I took so many photos, but I'm going to catch some sleep for today...

UNU

2010-09-10T03:14:00.000-07:00

I'm back from Shonan! 5days4nights stay at Shonan International Village for UNU Global Seminar 2010. It is my second time participating in this event and the theme this year was 'Towards a sustainable global society'. The word 'sustainability' was so commonly mentioned during the seminar.

It was a pleasure listening to Prof. Dennis Meadows lecture, since he is like the pioneer in this field of environmental sustainability. I managed to chat with him during the welcome reception and he recommended some books for me to read.

I noticed a sort of 'change' within myself. I realized I'm now more out-spoken, am not afraid of sharing my views even in front of a large crowd. I must say, the experience I had over these years made me a much more confident person. And I guess the person who really left an impact on me was Dr. Uchida (my seminar prof). I may not be as intelligent as her but I would love to absorb her ideas and think about it for myself.

I'm glad I had the chance to talk to a number of professors and researchers during the seminar.

Prof. Fujimaki from Tokai University was very very nice to me. He recognized me even before I introduced myself, and he came up to me right after the plenary discussion and commented on the topic I raised during the Q&A session. I was simply touched by this because I don't think there are many professors who would actually come up to a student, praising that her question was good, and offering to discuss more about it. I hope I will have another chance to chat with Prof. Fujimaki :)

And Prof Myoe, who was our group advisor was wonderful!!!!!!!!! He was willing to interact with the students, actively participated in group discussions, bought us beer and potato chips (lol), and bought us HAAGEN DAZS ICE CREAM when we were dying from preparing for our final presentation!!!!!!!!! Yay, I'm glad I met him x)

After attending this seminar, I am reassured that I want to work in this field in the future. For that, I have to go do masters and I really want to study more. But the problem is, I'm not decided which field to further my studies in...like I'm interested in evolutionary biology, public health, epidermiology and population studies. They are not totally unrelated and I believe those fields of study inspire me the most. But I can't decide and I should not just choose randomly.

So what I'm thinking now is to get a job at the global company. After understanding how the economy works and how business is done, I may have a clearer insight of what I really plan to do. The friends I made at this lecture motivated me to do masters, so I'll definitely work towards my dream. Hm, I guess I really love studying, lol.

More photos will be uploaded on facebook, but for now, I shall end today's entry with this photo.

These are the wonderful people I've met this year. From group E-2, Hakan, Erina, Anu, Udita, Dimi, Trung, Shoiful, Ex, Kiku(Tomochan!), Hi-chan and Me :) I love love love love love love the days we spent together!!! Keep in touch!

gelato pique

2010-09-03T06:41:00.000-07:00

I'm practically blogging almost everyday and this makes me feel like I am such a free person.

There are times when I prefer to express my feelings in English, rather than in Japanese @ mixi network.

Anyway, I had an interview with JAC and they are going to help me look for job vacancies back in Singapore or some other countries. Meanwhile, I'll be applying for summer/autumn recruitment at Japanese companies.

After the interview, I met Kozue at Shinjuku and we had lunch at Takano.

Kozue, with her fruit yoghurt and sandwich(which she had already eaten)

What was left on my lunch plate. Sandwich with bacon and tomato sauce-like fillings.

Kozue is the first Japanese friend I made at SILS. We didn't really have classes in common but I'm glad we still manage to keep in touch and enjoy lunch, like we did today. It seems like we share a common career vision, and though our approach to it maybe different, I hope we will somehow work together in the future.

Kozue left for her another appointment, then I decided to shop around in Shinjuku for my sister's birthday present. Went to KITSON, FREE'S SHOP, JILLSTUART but nah...nothing caught my eye. That was then, I walked into this store called GELATO PIQUE, which sells really pretty and comfy room wears.

Is it just Japanese girls or is it a world-wide trend? --- Wanting to wear pretty and fashionable room wears even at home. Of course I would love to have one of those but it may be too costly.

I would rather purchase a new pair of shoes, or go watch movies.

I got this lingerie pouch for my sister...the one in the front, but I realized this is my colour while the one in the back suits my sister better. So should I go back and ask for an exchange?

Alright now, I'm going to spend the night writing some resumes...enjoy my weekends, and then off to Shonan for UN University's Global Seminar for the whole of next week.

express

2010-09-02T02:58:00.000-07:00

I actually wrote the earlier entry on 2nd Sept(Yichun's b'day) but the date says 1st September...

Well anyways, hope you'll catch the message Yichun....

I'm happy to say that I've fulfilled the requirements for 3.5years graduation and I'll be graduating in September(which is like this month!) Well, I'm still searching for my job but I'm taking it easy, and I'm not sure whether thats a good or a bad thing. Just quit my part time job three days ago, so I'm finally kicking a start for the last bit of job-hunt. I'll be meeting a recruiter from JAC tomorrow. May be flying back to Singapore for work if everything goes well.

As for today, I spent my whole afternoon in Waseda, Building 11. I stayed in the SILS library till it closed. I read books, used the internet and so on. It definitely feels weird that I'll be graduating before long, not being able to use the library as my student ID will be terminated. So I guess I wanted to enjoy the last bits of what I could get from the college. I don't know how to express my feelings but I'll miss Waseda and me studying. I won't say all of the professors here are good but I'm confident that I chose the right professor for my seminar. She treated me so well and I couldn't have written my thesis without her. I just want to have a nice chat with my professor now, I love it when she starts criticizing man of today with her powerful knowledge and convincing theories. Sigh, my passion for this field of study hasn't died out yet, and I'm willing to learn more. Is this reason enough for me to consider applying for graduate school?

Still, I have to face the reality that me and my family aren't prepared financially. So it goes back to square zero ---- go find a job.

There are some photos which are deserved to be posted.

Yesterday, I had a date with Marika, a junior both from SILS and Magic Club. We had Turkish cuisine which we love so much, and headed for coffee after dinner.

Marika said that she admires me and my hard work, but I must say SHE deserves to gain respect from others. Such a sweet, sincere and determined girl, hope to go out with her again.

We had kebab. The butter rice was good :p

The beer was so drinkable, I prefer it to Japanese beer.

Turkish bread (Eze or something) and some bread paste. I love the one with spinach and yoghurt.

No wonder they say Turkish is one of the best cuisines in the world. Now I know where to travel next.

for the moment

2010-09-01T22:19:00.000-07:00

Heres a birthday post for my dear friend.

Happy 22nd Birthday, Yijun :) I'll decorate this post with my favourite photo of you!

Thanks for being by my side all these years, and giving me the support I needed.

I understand work in Archi is tough and you may not be able to enjoy your birthday again this year. But hang in there, and let's reward ourselves with the Bintan trip once everything is settled.

To you and a fabulous 22nd :)

Love,

Momo

end of august!!

2010-08-31T00:38:00.000-07:00

Today is the last day of August, and I'm taking a month leave from my part-time teaching job.
I plan to concentrate more on job-hunting in the month of September, while also attending UN University's global seminar, and going on an onsen trip with my mum.

One great thing about my job is that, it didn't make me feel like i was 'working'.
I don't know whether thats a good or a bad thing because I'm actually paid for it, but teaching my students was simply a pleasure. My colleague said my students would definitely want me back, but I will see how job-hunting goes.

By the way, I received the results from Ministry of Defence(Japan) regarding the examination I took earlier this year in June. And I am glad to say that I am...QUALIFIED. But the strange thing is, QUALIFIED is different from ACCEPTED. Let's say there are 10 people who are QUALIFIED, and among them 5 people with the best scores would be ACCEPTED. So apparently, I have to hope and wait for the 5 people to reject the offer.

Anyway, I would still proceed on with my job-hunting because I still don't know whether going to the Ministry of Defence would be the best choice for me. But I'm simply relieved that I've passed the civil exam of Japan, which was said to be specially tough this year because of the recession.
Now I've proven myself that even a overseas-educated student like me could pass a Japanese civil exam.

Here's a mug cup given to me by my student whom I adore so much, Yuka!!!
SHe is a Disney fan, and we talk about Disney almost every week :p
Yuka, I may not be able to teach you again but I'm sure you'll continue to do well because you're such a hardworking girl <3

2010-08-21T07:01:00.000-07:00

Had worked today, but I had 4 hours break (from 3pm to 7pm) because I had mistaken my schedule. In order to use my time wisely, I decided to go for a movie in Shinjuku.
My class ended at 3pm, the movie started at 3:40, ended at 17:55, and my next class started from 7pm. It was a tight schedule but I'm glad I managed to catch 'Hanamizuki', the freshly released film with Yui Aragaki and Toma Ikuta starring in it. I didn't know the shooting was done at my campus :p
I found the movie rather good, although some cynical people may not like it. Yui was sooooo cute.

I'll have work everyday from 9am to 9pm next week. Well, its just another 10 days till the end of August. Ganbarou.

holiday

2010-08-14T20:33:00.001-07:00

Full day off after consecutive days of work. I love my work and its the midst of summer school and I'm going to make much money so that I could travel in September :)
My sister visited me in Tokyo for the past week, and we spend lots of time shopping in Shinjuku.
Bah, I shan't shop with my sister cos she stilumates my shopping desires...I ended up buying a checkered shirt from ZARA, a hat and bordered camisole from EMPORIUM, a jacket, belt, vest from NATURAL BEAUTY BASIC. NOW i know why most of my salary is gone by the end of the month. What saved me was that what I got was the left overs from the Summer Bargain so they were bought at a cheaper price. Except for the hat from EMPORIUM!!!!! I LOVEEEE IT AND IT'LL BE A MAJOR PART OF AUTUMN FASHION :) :)

Anyway, since I don't have the mood to update my Japanese diaries from mixi, I guess i'll be updating this blog more often.

I'm going to make my way to the hair salon later in the afternoon, trim my hair, and then prepare for sushi party with my local friends in the evening :)

2010-08-13T21:16:00.000-07:00

Photo updates.

My secondary school Math tutor, Uncle Moses's visit to Tokyo. He and his wife stopped by Tokyo after attending his son's graduation ceremony in New York. Sad I only managed to meet up with him for a short lunch :( I miss his tuition classes.

Chika's came back to Japan after studying in U.K for a year. Catching-up session at Tokyo Ritz Cafe with Satomi and Chika. Satomi ended Shukatsu and Chika was as bubbly as usual :)

Jelaine's visit to Tokyo! We walked around Shinjuku (including the serene restroom with plants growing @ Marui), had Okonomiyaki for dinner, had Cold Stone Creamery ice cream, took Rilakkuma neoprints and so we had so much fun!!!! See you back in Singapore, Jel :)

Yichun and I's long-awaited date at Tokyo DisneySea.
This photo was taken at Mermaid Lagoon, my most favourite part in the theme park.
Maybe we shall start planning for our Bintan trip next <3

I went to see Cristal's architecture exhibition at Harajuku :) I hadn't met Cristal for such a long time that I got so excited the moment I saw her. All the best in China for your exchange program :)

Hiroko and I at Chiba. I love this picture.

I and Momo, the pig, lol.

Went to DisneySea for the second time this August, but with Ayano this time.
Hiroko was supposed to come but she fell ill the day before :(

Mori sisters and Koyama sisters. Momo, Anna, Marina and Mari (from the left).

Looking forward to Anna's wedding next February!

2010-08-13T05:13:00.000-07:00

Noticed I have changed the font size of my blog entries?? I actually had a hard time reading my blog on my small mobile PC. Anyway, I haven't been updating my blog for such a long time.
I was so busy over the past few months that I didn't have time to write any entries.

The best news I have is that I've completed my graduation thesis!!!
70plus pages, 15000words...Way above the required word count but my professor didn't mind.
She understands that the topic I was writing about was so controversial that there were many things to talk about. I'm very very fortunate that I've chosen Prof. Uchida's seminar and very thankful that she has been very supportive. After writing my thesis, I'm assured that I want to further my studies in this field.

I'll be officially graduating in September(hopefully). Plans after graduation not confirmed yet but i'm thinking whether or not to continue living in Japan. See how the next few months go.

2010-05-29T22:39:00.000-07:00

I have been spending much time researching on nature news articles recently.
They are for my graduation thesis.
Furthermore, I have to search for news involving East Asian nations, especially the Two Koreas for one of my classes in SILS.

The bad thing about surfing the net for research is that I tend to surf unnecessary websites and social networking sites such as fb and mixi. I shan't justify myself to open those sites and solely concentrate on research.

Perhaps, I've been too caught up recently that I don't even have the energy to upload pics on my poor blog. I do have some in my digicam but too lazy to upload them onto my computer.
I hope everything will be back to normal once I finish my MOFA exam in June, erm no...my graduation thesis in July.

Got back results from the mock exam I took earlier this month. The core subjects ( Constitutional Law/International Law/Economics) were a disaster. But I pulled up my score on general knowledge(which i don't consider it to be 'general' for a person who was brought up outside of Japan), thought i could score better in current affairs essay, and of course English Japanese Interpretation was the best score I had among all the subjects. A little disappointed that I wasn't placed in the top rankings but oh wells, I won't even make if my core subjects and 'general' knowledge remains to be this bad.

Well, I'll see how it goes.

What I'm looking forward to for the next few weeks:

SATC 2 !!
United Nations Student Seminar. Finally having a chance to meet up with Tomomi since our reunion last September. There'll be lectures by Katsuma Sensei (from GSAPS) and Daimon Sensei.

2010-05-15T05:47:00.000-07:00

Theres something about Japanese and their suits.

I went to take the MOD exam today, and apparently 90% of the examinees were wearing suits.
I've heard from my seniors that it would be best to wear something comfortable, especially when the exams last from 9am to 5pm...

Anyway, I'm going to take a short break from studying/working, and go watch the Waseda VS Hosei baseball match with my mum tomorrow. Sadly I can't take her to the famous Sokei( Waseda vs Keio ) match but well, at lease she got to watch a college baseball match while I'm in Waseda :)

Its going to be a busy month ahead.

2010-04-29T06:34:00.000-07:00

This year's Golden Week. Guess I'll be studying in the college library often, working part time here and there.
On the first day of golden week, i had lunch with my sempais who had graduated earlier this year. One is working at an insurance company, the other at a publishing company...
Cafe Cotton Club serves really good lunch. Salad, drink, soup, main dish and dessert for just 1000yen :)

lunch with kristina

2010-04-21T07:36:00.000-07:00

Had lunch with Kristina this afternoon at AsanoHa, a Japanese restaurant near Waseda station.

I was impressed with the menu...affordable for students yet the quality was really really good.

I think it actually could be sold for more than 1500yen. I should have taken a photo of it :(

My mum opened a store in Parco Millenia Walk recently...

People in Singapore, please go check it out! It'll be perfect to search for pretty interior items and gifts for friends...Remember Mother's Day is coming soon :)

2010-04-19T09:08:00.000-07:00

adding on to the movie therapy I mentioned in the previous entry,
I'm also up to dessert therapy whenever I'm tired of studying/working/moving around.
No wonder I gained 3~5kg ever since I started living in Japan but please understand how irresistable the cakes here are.

This is from ONE PLUS ONE CAFE, just around 3 minutes walk from the campus.
The mont blanc was average, but the combination with English Tea made it much better.

This is from cafe TSUBAME, located next to one plus one cafe.
Well, one could see that i was studying the Constitution during then.
Anyway the dessert here is a MUST TRY. The waffle was crispy (soft inside :p ), and i totally love the home-made jam. Moreover, the ice coffee with cream on top was heavenly.

Since this is my last year in Waseda, my recent pasttime is to search around the Nishi-Waseda area for cafes. It costs my quite alot, but i love it and its worth my time and money :)

movies

2010-04-19T08:01:00.000-07:00

i hate to admit it but i feel stressful recently. Have been eating like nobody's business( oh no...), not having the mood to do anything and so on.
Last saturday, I gave up studying and decided to go to the cinemas since i didn't see the point in studying when nothing comes into my mind. I enjoyed an evening movie marathon, where I caught Nodame Cantabile and Alice in Wonderland, both were out on the same day.

Nodame Cantabile was really good, though i prefer the first one (out of the two movies).
Ueno Juri and Tamaki Hiroshi look really compatible in these characters...
I think I'll return to the cinemas to catch this film again :p

Alice in Wonderland reminded me of Chronicles of Narnia...(i believe it was a film from Disney too, no?). Lol, I remember watching that film in plaza singapura with my friends from OCIP.
Anyway, I really think Johnny Depp is one talent...

I realized I have been watching many movies these few months.
What I want to watch now is COCO Chanel and Time Traveller's Wife..both out in DVD already :)

around the corner

2010-02-27T05:32:00.000-08:00

Its getting warmer in Tokyo. I guess spring is just around the corner.

Really really adorable Rirakkuma at Kichijoji LOFT.

I wanna hug it :D

More photos from Egypt

At the temple near Sphinx

Giza.

land of pharaohs

2010-02-21T07:52:00.000-08:00

It has been snowing rather often in Tokyo this year.
I love the white scenery I see after a night of snowy weather.

a picture from my balcony.

taken at kamishakujii station.

I came back from Egypt a week ago and have been attempting to concentrate more on studies....
Sigh, I need to mug even more and more to prepare myself for MOFA exam.

Anyway, pictures from Egypt, only a part of it.

The Great Pyramid of King Khufu!!!
We actually had the chance to enter the pyramid(which is only limited to 300 tourists per day).
I do not recommend people who are claustrophobic to go in...The passageway was really narrow and the height was low, so we had to crawl in and climb till the room where the coffin is.

This was what happened on Day 1 and I suffered from muscle ache for the rest of the trip...

Yuri-san and I, we travelled with H.I.S :) There actually were 4 couples within the tourgroup (out of 15 people), and 3 couples were on honeymoon. I initially questioned their choice but I changed my mind after the trip...simply fascinated by its greatness :p
But the tour at H.I.S was quite rush, so we spent less than an hour at each tourist spot and instead spent most of the time travelling in the bus...well, that is why the tour was rather cheap.

I will definitely visit Egypt again for its Nile River Cruise and to camp at the desert :D

Lol..one of the random things I wanted to do at the pyramid.

Maybe more photos in the next post.

2010-02-01T04:48:00.000-08:00

some post-exam events.

Some girls from magic club came over to my place for takoyaki party.

Glad my house was big enought to accomodate six people( was quite packed though :p )

We ate, drank and talked for such a long time.. Mami, Hiroko and Aki-san ended up staying over at my place.
Heres Aki-sempai and Hiroko on my bed.

Celebrated Shun's belated birthday at Takadanobaba on Saturday.

The menu at the restaurant was so good

Shun brought his guy friends along but they were so "nyao", lol.

met up with EnHui on Sunday at Ogikubo. Had tonkatsu for lunch and went to Sembikiya for desserts. The Waffle was really good and the half-size was big enough to make me happy :)

Green Tea Waffle

2010-01-30T06:01:00.000-08:00

exams are over!!!!

it was such a busy week...reminded me of A Levels, haha.
The schedule was like...

Mon,2nd period: test
Mon,4th period: essay due

Tues 4th period: test ( the professor said that there'll be 30MCQ but it was all short-answer questions -.-")

Wed 1st period: test
Wed 2nd period: test
Wed 3rd period: test

I was so anxious whether i could study enough for all the tests on wednesday :s
No-open book tests...All memorizing...All essay style...
But I'm glad its over and I was still rather active after three tests in a row

Thurs 3rd period: Essay due and presentation for graduation thesis

I finished the paper 40min before the class, and made the resume in 20 min...
So it was all in time.

exams are over, and i'm having my spring holidays now, YAY :D

Flying to Egypt next friday!!!!

2010-01-16T18:45:00.000-08:00

TAKOYAKI party with my friends from magic club.
Since it was close to x'mas, we exchanged presents :D I got a handkerchief and phone strap from Uta-chan :)

Specially bought a chocolate fondue set from Franc franc.
Glad the girls love it <3
I must go to Franc franc before the sales season end!!!!!

A special ice-skating ring in Omotesando-Hills.
It was quite romantic but I didn't really appreciate Omotesando :p

Maybe it'll take me few more years.

so far, i'm done with 2 essays.
The one about Hittite empire was quite tough, I had to search through the library for materials.

But I'm glad I chose the topic because I had interests in its collapse ever since I read the comic 天は紅い河のほとり :p

I'll definitely visit Turkey one day.

Once I finish the rest of my essays and tests, I'll prepare for Egypt trip right away...

Test on Ancient Egyptian Civilization will be on 27th of this month, and I'm so motivated to study for it :p I'm fascinated by the photos Dr. Kawai shows us in class.

Back to work, I have to submit a couple of entry sheets and start typing out an outline for my grad. thesis before my prof gets disappointed....

2010-01-09T23:50:00.000-08:00

i know your mind is unstable.

but it doesn't mean you can play with mine.

stronger

2010-01-08T05:21:00.000-08:00

at Hong Kong cafe after the party

SCgirls

I miss CJ days

I'm so glad I got to meet T37!

CHERYL!!!!! not having met for 3 years after she flew to Canada :(

with my mum on new year's day!

dearest CJCians

our annual bus stop pic :)

haven't updated for such a long time...

HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone!!!! its a little late though.

As usual, I spent my new year in Singapore with my family :)

I had a chance to meet up with my SCGS friends, and CJC friends at a tea party organized at my condominium. Thanks to all who came down to the party :D

I had a really hard time in Japan last November to December...But meeting up with my friends in Singapore helped me alot. Reminded me of how strong I could be, and how much my dear friends support me. The trip made me stronger and now I'm prepared to accept new challenges.

Firstly, I have to deal with my sch assignments,ahhhhhh

1. Collapse of Complex Societies Essay --due on 12thJan

2. International Cooperation Essay----due on 25th Jan

3. Global Environmental System ---- test on 26th Jan

4. International Development ---- test on 27thJan

5. International Organizational Law --- test on 27th Jan

6. Ancient Egyptian Civilization ---- test on 27th Jan

7. Seminar Report and short presentation --- due on 28th Jan

i think i'll be dead in the last week of January....

MOreover, there is an urgent need to submit entry sheets online for job-hunting.

The good news is...I'll be travelling to Egypt in February, dropping by at Doha xD

Cairo, Aswan, Luxor...can't wait!!!! Now I'm motivated to study for my Ancient Egyptian Civilization exam :D

ahh!

2009-10-11T08:34:00.000-07:00

ANGELINE!!! I RECEIVED YOUR PARCEL TODAY!!!

After all the confusion, I finally got the post office to send it to me x(

THANKS SO MUCH ANGELINE AND DEONE :) :)
LOVE YOU GIRLS <3

2009-10-01T08:30:00.000-07:00

These are the courses I'm taking this sem.

Monday:
2nd period: Hygeine for Living
3rd period: Ancient Egyptian Civilization
4th period: Theory and Practice of International Cooperation

Tuesday:
3rd period: Thai (thinking of dropping it...but i shall bear with it..)
4th period: Global Environmental System
5th period: The Collapse of Complex Societies

Wednesday:
1st period: Theory of International Development (at faculty of political science)
2nd period: Law in International Organizations (at faculty of law)
3rd period: Ancient Egyptian Civilization

Thursday:
2nd period: Human science of sex differences
3rd period: Advanced seminar

And i have no classes on friday!!!
I may be crashing the class on International Journalism and East Asian Diplomacy on saturday if it is interesting.

Another happy thing is that... I got my pay today!! YEAH!

2009-09-27T07:37:00.000-07:00

school is starting tomorrow. End of my summer vacation GAHHHHHH.

Well, I turned 21 two weeks ago.

ALthough i had work on my bday, lol, i had a great day cos i received so many messages on facebook, my cell phone and email :) 'Its the thought that counts', ever since I came to Japan I understand what that really means...As long as there are people who spare a thought for me, I know I can move on :)

Celebrated 15th September(the day before) with Karpie at a bar in Shinjuku.

This cake with raspberry syrup tasted really good :)

I promise myself I'll spend another meaningful year, till my bday next year x)

Another significant event for me was the United Nations Uni. Global Seminar at Shonan, Kanagawa. Spent 5days at a village in Shonan, attended lectures on East Asian Community, had group discussions till midnights...etc...Reminded me a lot about the camps I had when I was in JC.

These are the wonderful people I met at the seminar. Serena, Soong, Manuel, Daniel, Krishna, Andrea, Remi, Mai, Emi and Katsuma sensei :) I LOVE GROUP E3 :D

Another friend I met at the seminar, Tomomi from Sophia University.

We became good friends although we were in different groups. She is only a freshman, but the thoughts and ideas she has about international cooperation are as professional as that of a postgraduate student...We had lunch the other day at Yotsuya, together with Rui from SILS :)

..In preparation for the diplomat exam, I've been practicing writing essays on economics, international law and Japanese Constitution...I dislike myself for not being able to produce good essays neither in Japanese nor English (--"

Alright, get prepared for another semester of work now x)

2009-08-24T08:26:00.001-07:00

its so warm and humid in Japan now :(

I can't wait till autumn! I've been eyeing on this fashion brand called "ehyphen world gallery" located at Shinjuku. The clothes there are stylish, fashionable yet rather affordable.

Raiders jacket is the first thing i have on my autumn wishlist.

Anyway, August is coming to an end. Time really flies, its already the 9th month of 2009.

Since I didn't manage to concentrate much on studies in August, I promise I'll spend more time in double school...I have many stuff to catch up with.

Photos to illustrate:

PEACH gathering. I love my Global Health members! Chika, all the best in London!

Magic Club summer camp at Ibaraki.

I look drunk but i insist i wasn't!!!!

Dinner at my place, for Miku(on the left) who's going to California for study abroad.

Next up, farewell party for Tomoyo, who's going to France.

We made TAKOYAKI====!!!!!!!

Lol, these are the happie photos i took :)

its getting humid

2009-07-29T08:25:00.000-07:00

...so far, i have been spending my summer vacation working, studying, working and meeting up with my friends. I feel sorry when I could only spend few hours with my friends, just to have lunch or dinner...but it can't be helped, i have lessons to attend at double school, and students to teach at juku. And maybe this tight schedule makes me treasure the limited time I have with friends.

Surprisingly, I'm satisfied cos I think i'm catching up with those I've wanted to meet. Especially Juna, who is going abroad next month to Paris. Plans for a PEACH gathering this Sunday, for Chika who'll be going abroad to U.K. Makes it sound like this is some farewell season...but its a time for reunion too, for those SILS students who have come back from study abroad. WIll be meeting Seo soon, catching up with girls talk and stuff :)

photos from the lunch with Juna

all the best in Paris :)

After Karpie's entrance exam for graduate school. Early dinner at Cotton Club.

these are the gladiator sandals i bought this summer.

Study session tmr. FOCUS!

finally

2009-07-18T16:48:00.000-07:00

i'm done with my exams for this semester!

The previous week indeed was a pain...

4000words essay due on Monday
Two final exams on Wednesday (Not open-book, piles of notes to study from)
Presentation and a Research Proposal on Friday

Moreover, i had part-time work everyday xD

But I've survived it! I'll spend the money I've earned during the exam period to get myself a pair of swimming suit for the summer camp　合宿.
Well, after this semester, I've found out that I really lack the knowledge of modern Japanese history, the legal system and diplomatic relations of Japan. I guess I have more to learn, and to research on my own. Anyway! I'm looking forward to the MOFA seminar next Friday, and the 5 days Global Seminar scheduled in early September.
Getting accepted in the Global Seminar was a encouraging news I received during the exam period, cos I heard it got more competitive this year, with many students applying from Waseda. Only 5 students from Waseda can get accepted if I remembered correctly.
I thought i screwed up the application essay but what matters was that I wrote my essay in English and explained how I would like to relate this seminar to my future careers.

So, tada! 5 whole days going to be spent in Shonan(Kanagawa) together with students from other universities, and the theme this year would be East Asian diplomacy.

For the time being, my schedule is filled with studies for gaisen, part-time job(really busy with the summer supplementary classes), and of course some leisure :)

Oh I forgot I have another essay to write by next Monday :s

All the best to Karpie who is having his entrance exam for graduate school (><)

2009-07-04T05:22:00.000-07:00

I made curry for dinner :D Lol, random...
Its July, and its time for final exams and term papers.

Hm...things to overcome
1. History on War and Peace Finals
2. Law and Society Finals
3. Foreign Policy Research Paper and Presentation
4. Taiwan studies Research Paper

After all these, I'm going to spend my third summer vacation in Japan.
Not going back to Singapore this time, cos if I could, I would like to stay for at least two weeks.

Hm, I feel uneasy...maybe i should go down to the convenience store nearby to get some icecream for myself...

I got disgusted after hearing from my good friend how possessive her bf is...
And she still listens to what he say. Blah, why are girls so blind...
thats why i hate 肉食系boys
lol

2009-06-23T07:20:00.000-07:00

rough plans for summer vacation.

1. Initially, I planned to go to Korea but I found a cheaper LOOK JTB package tour to Thailand.
I maybe changing my mind cos I'm currently taking a Thai language course at college.
But my overseas trip may be cancelled if I have too many classes to cover at my workplace.

2. My trip to Nagoya in mid-August is confirmed. I've booked tickets for World Magic Seminar which will be held there :p So this would be my second trip to Nagoya, can't wait to have Tebasaki, Hitsumabushi and Miso udon.

3. Study for diplomat exam...I have lots to catch up for International Law and Japanese Constitution.

4. Work!!!!! And, looking for some internship information x(

Alright!! Gotta start on my term paper for law and society class

i love shopping

2009-06-14T08:48:00.000-07:00

FINALLY!!!!!! I GOT A PAIR OF GLADIATOR SANDALS!!!!!
So, it has been the trend since last year. Still hot among young girls in Japan.
Since I had my pay, I've decided to get one pair for myself. But searching for the ideal pair was quite difficult, like, should I buy flat gladiators or the one with heels. After few months of window shopping, I finally got one pair from PAGEBOY, a store in Shinjuku.

I'll upload photos in the next entry, but i'm just really really happy I got my sandals :D

planning for...

2009-06-13T07:56:00.001-07:00

Making plans for summer vacation. I'm thinking of a trip to Korea, it'll be my first time there.
My friends told me that travelling in September would be much cheaper but that may not be true...I just picked a random pamphlet from JTB today and I found out that the cheapest time to travel is early August :s Gotta check out for cheaper packages though.

I happen to have time for myself today :) Shall force myself to work on the essay for law and society, or to revise economics for classes tmr.

interns and more

2009-06-04T09:00:00.000-07:00

Searching for internship infomation online, mainly on rikunabi.
My first choice would be MOFA, but the man at Waseda career centre didn't give me enough infomation....And for MOFA, i have to apply through college.
Sigh, I have to make a trip back to the career centre again.

Anyway, I've signed up for several companies, wait and see whether I'm lucky enough to get one. And I think I'm hopeless at writing resume/reasons for application....... GAHHH, how am I going to survive through job hunting.

Meanwhile, I shall think of what else to do during summer :)

picasso

2009-05-29T08:58:00.000-07:00

Dinner with Ayano and Hiroko last week at Baba after training.
My favourite gossip girlssssss :)

Ayano with the fish-shaped letter her grandpa sent to her

Hiroko posing with the mustard

Lunch with beloved PEACH members tomorrow at Baba!!!!!

Followed by dinner with Yuumi sempai who has just graduated in April and now working in Nomura Holdings. I shall ask her some things regarding shukatsu(job hunting).

Seems like I've been spending my free days meeting up with friends....but I still have many people whom I wanna meet for lunch/dinner. The list is never-ending, lol.

Off to study for International History mid terms.

2009-05-27T22:37:00.000-07:00

lalala, i got my pay!!!!! :) :)
i'm thinking of buying a gladiator sandal this summer x)
haha, i have to control my spendings cos i want to save up for summer vacation!

i hope my application for the Global Seminar at Shonan will get through :(
If not, i'll just be working in the month of September (-_-#)
And of course studying for my gaisen(diplomat) exam. It may seem like I have no life in Japan, but I do enjoy myself....I mean, I hope all these will get paid off upon graduation.
Consecutive days of work and study, and maybe a day for leisure, thats what i'll be satisfied with.

Anyway, I'm simply happy i got my pay, lol.
Gonna do some housework, and off to juku for more work ...

random thoughts

2009-05-26T09:37:00.001-07:00

gosh,,,,,i'm sleepy (-_-)

but i still have to prepare for my presentation tmr at the class about law and society...
and to make a spelling test for my grade 7 student at juku.

focusfocusfocus......

i want to go for a drink, sigh.

can't wait for the PEACH gathering this saturday.

i actually enjoy studying the Japanese Constitution, at Waseda Seminar

I'm now reading the 'Angel and Demon' novel, translated in Japanese though.
I bought each book for just 100yen at BOOK OFF. I've watched the movie with my magic club gang too. Quite good, better than Da Vinci Code i guess :)

YES, back to work!!!!

p.s : Yi Chun, i posted a letter for you yesterday!

catch ups and more

2009-04-28T04:54:00.000-07:00

I met up with HuiHui the other day... YES HUIHUI FROM SCGS AND CJ :D

She is currently at Keio University for NUS exchange program :)

We had okonomiyaki at SHibuya, went to take neoprint, ate baskin robbins ice cream, and went shopping for clothes at HANJIRO.

YEAHHH, lets go out again xD

And i had lunch with Anh, my friend from SILS, at the 9th floor of the brand-new SILS building today. We had an enjoyable talk, discussing about our schedules for the Golden Week, and listening to each other's complains abt the courses we are taking this sem.

Here are some old photos taken earlier this month

sakura blossoms at Meguro River.

Karpie and I then went to this Motsunabe restaurant at Nakameguro.

Motsunabe is this steampot with lots of vegetables and collagen...

It is said to be good for skin complexion, and is now the famous menu among Japanese women.

Karpie having his favourite sunagimo stick

enjoying my motsunabe

GOLDEN WEEK NEXT WEEK!!!!!!!!!

but i'll be in Tokyo studying....studying...and baito....

2009-04-13T07:35:00.001-07:00

let me share some pretty photos with you *)

Sakura flowers at Toyama park, 10min walk from my university campus.

Karpie and I grabbed our bentos and went to Toyama Park for hanami during lunch break.

Having a picnic under Sakura trees is better than all things in the world.

I LOVE JAPAN SIMPLY FOR THIS! XD

2009-04-13T07:13:00.000-07:00

i have to study more seriously for the gaisen examination :(
its like a qualification exam to enter Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
I'll be sitting for the exams next year, so its time I shift my focus to the gaisen examination instead of SILS work :p I mean...I'll be glad if I could earn enough credits and graduate in 3.5 years.

Anyway, these are the courses I'm taking this sem!

Monday 3gen:International History of War and Peace
4gen: Taiwan and its International Relations

Tuesday3gen: Thai Language
4gen: Law and SOciety in Japan

Wednesday 2gen: Swimming
3gen:International History of War and Peace
4gen: Law and Society in Japan

Thursday: FREE DAY!!!! STUDY IN WASEDA SEMINAR

Friday 3,4gen: Japan's Foreign Policy
Saturday 2gen: International Cooperation

I'm in the same class as Maya and Aki-sempai :D :D Having classes with people I know encourages me x)

YIJUNNNNNNNN!!!! I attended the Taiwan politics class today and i don't know why but it reminded me of you. I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU AGAIN (><)

2009-03-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

pictures from Singapore

a really 'Singaporean' photo, I must say.

JANICE ;) dinner at Clementi

My favourite pic from Jurong Bird Park

We were tired after walking around in CHinatown...SO went for desserts <3

The fruit jelly cocktail I had was really refreshing!

our same old catch-up at Ding Tai Fung :)

CELLO was as active as usual

Close encounter with a macaque in SENTOSA :)

old memories. I remember swimming/walking up this place during our j1 orientation...

glad it was still there :)

thats it for my Singapore trip.

I've started my classes in Waseda Seminar, a special cram school in Takadanobaba area, to take the MFA qualification examination in 2010. Constitutional Law is killing me...AHHHHH.

I have to revise now and then :(

bday

2009-03-22T08:10:00.000-07:00

it was karpie's 21st birthday earlier this month...

these were what I made for his mini birthday party at my place.

it was supposed to be a sponge cake... but it turned out to be a really thick pancake after baking

:( sigh, i was quite upset but it tasted okay so nevermind.

Fried chicken and potato fries. My favourite recipe :)

Cream stew, salad...etc..... Everything made from scratch.

Now I like cooking even more!

2009-03-21T03:54:00.000-07:00

back from Singapore! The flight journey was pretty good, i was on the aisle and the seat next to mine was empty, so I got to stretch my legs on two seats while watching movie, eating and sleeping. And it was quite shiok :p

This time round, I enjoyed Singapore in a tourist's point of view since I was bringing my Japanese friends along with me. Seriously, Singapore has changed, I was especially amused at Sentosa, Night Safari and Jurong Bird Park..
Our schedule were as follows:
1st day: Botanical Garden, City Hall area( Raffles Hotel, Merlion Park), Singapore river cruise, Arab Street, Bugis Street, Dinner in town
2nd day: Jurong Bird Park, Chinatown, Little India, Night Safari
3rd day: Sentosa, dinner at Vivo City(seafood!!!!)
4th day: Shopping in Orchard Area

I guess the things we missed were only the Singapore Flyer(which I refuse to ride on), and the Singapore Zoo(but we went to Night Safari). Although those were the places I've once visited when I was a child, I still enjoyed it. Probably because of the changes made to the attraction, and of course, the company :) Travelling around with Yuri sempai and Natsuki sempai was soooo fun!
Telling them about Singapore and introducing them to local food.

I didn't fail to meet up with my local friends too!!!
Janice, we'll have our satays next time round.
YiChun, all the best for your exams, lets talk on Skype.
Jeremy, it was great meeting up with you, my sempais and I had a great time :)

Photos coming your way..I got to study for an exam first :s

2009-03-06T21:33:00.001-08:00

as some people may know, I lived in a student dorm during my freshmen year, which is 2007.

I had the chance to make several friends there, all from the same university but different faculties. Even after I left the dorm, I still keep in touch with a couple of them...and they are AYA and MIKU
We meet up once a month for a dinner party in Kamishakuji, cos all of us live around the same area, approximately 10 min walk from each other's house.

Lets see, in the past we had....
hot pot party @ my place
okonomiyaki/takoyaki party @ Aya's place
pizza party @ Miku's place
So thats one rotation done, and last monday we had Gyoza party @ my place again

gyoza making is fun...and it serves as a bonding session xp
We wrapped weird stuffs like Kimchi and chocolate.

Since it was doll's day, we bought a cake for ourselves :)

I simply LOVE this decoration.

Next up, its curry party @ aya's place :)

our first overseas trip

2009-02-22T04:25:00.000-08:00

OUR LONG-AWAITED TRIP TO TAIWAN <3

First day:

The flight was delayed for over 1.5 hours so we arrived at Taoyuen airport at 10pm plus, so our initial plan to visit Shilin night market was cancelled :(

In the bus from Taoyuen airport to Taipei city.

Second day: We followed LOOK JTB TOUR led by Sakamoto-san（さかもっちゃん♪）

I think these bikes look like super sonic.

中正記念堂. We then went to 龍三寺, where I bought an emlet :)

Attended a tea seminar where they served us several varieties of tea...and dried foods.

Karpie wasn't happy that dried lady fingers were served on the table. But I loved the dried mango and plums.

AND THEN.... TADA!

xiao long baos <3

Yichun, lets date at Ding Tai Fung again when I go back in MArch okay ;)

忠烈祠after lunch.

Karpie and I observed this guy for a while...counting the no. of times he blinked cos さかもっちゃんtold us they aren't allowed to move or to blink while they are on service.

The last tour location was 故宮museum...

We then enjoyed the paradise of taiwan massage in the evening x)

We cabbed to 西門町 in the night for shopping. We didn't purchased much things like clothes or cosmetics but pigged around instead :D

Third day: We boarded a bus which brought us to Jiou Fen...

The view from Jiou Fen

I wanted to visit this place cos I heard it was the model for the movie Spirited Away :)

I love the nostalgic atmosphere and the things there were really cheap so we managed to get some souvenirs.

The third day was practically spent travelling and walking around in Jiou Fen, so we didn't have enough time to go to other places(like Dang Shui and Shilin market Yichun recommended...)

Nevertheless, it was a great 4 days and I enjoyed myself very much x)

day of LOVE

2009-02-15T06:13:00.000-08:00

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY
Wanna tell all my friends that I really care for every one of you. LOVES :)

Valentine's Day :) I remember making chocolate-coated strawberry when I was J2.

I really miss spending VDay in JCs. Everybody going around giving sweets and chocolates...spreading the love. Its an event of giving...all about sincerity and generousity :)

Anyway, i spend the day in Roppongi. My aunt gave me tickets to piano recital by Kazune Shimizu...

this is SUNTORY HALL. Anyone who've watched Nodame Cantabile should recognize this place.

After the piano recital, we thought of watching Benjamin Button at Roppongi Hills Cinema but the tickets were sold out...unfortunately (--#)

Dinner was at this Western Restaurant serving burgers, meat dishes, pasta, pizza and so on.

My personal best was this paella served with prawns. IT WAS GOOOOOOOD!!!!!!

Heres the vday gift, with chocolate truffles in the box.

my recent works

2009-02-11T05:25:00.000-08:00

these are the stuffs i've made at home for dinner/lunch.

Tofu steak :)

Pork with vegetables...fried with special miso sauce :)

my diet menu. Udon with negi, egg and natto :D

My next challenge would be nikujaga and truffle chocolate for vday :)

WMC SKI

2009-02-07T05:25:00.000-08:00

i'm back from Niigata ( erm...to tell the truth i thought the ski camp was at Nagano but it actually was at Niigata :p)

I still suck at ski-ing but i think i improved at least a little from the previous year, lol.

What made the ski camp an enjoyable one was the company.
I love my magic club members to bits <3

Especially Hiroko who organized the whole camp, with some help from Miku.

We travelled to Niigata by Night Bus...and i always think that is fun as long as there are friends to talk with. So I spoke with Hiroko throughout the whole 7hr trip.

so thats Hiroko and I in the bus.

Akakura Ski Resort. I heard there aren't much snow this year :( sigh, global warming

This is how luxurious our dinner was.

thats us again

Drinking time. My recent favourite has been this brand of umeshu (plum wine)

Last day, before we board the bus back to Tokyo.

And heres my cute grade 3 student whom I tutor every week.

He is wearing his setsubun mask.

SO nows my long-awaited spring holidays :) My schedule are as follows...

1. Resuming work next week, at Takehara Eigo School.

2. Baito as invigilator at the Entrance Exam for the School of Literature (bungakubu) on 12th Feb.

3. Having PEACH (global health team) reunion/otsukare dinner on the same day :)

4. Off to Taiwan on 18th Feb :D

5. Get my application done for the Goldman Sachs Program.(I finally got contact with Prof. Bacon and he has agreed to write a recommendation letter!!!!)

I'm glad the ski camp allowed me to start this spring holidays with some optimism :)

My upcoming event would be the Gaimusho (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) guidance on Monday 9th Feb.

2009-01-30T20:07:00.000-08:00

just to remind myself...i actually do keep an lj account too.

http://sumomo1988.livejournal.com/

but i hardly update it cos its just there to keep in touch with my friends who are lj users( its convenient whenever i want to comment on their diaries...rather than being anonymous)

and YICHUN, please update ur blog! And when can we next talk on skype ?????

some photos

2009-01-29T05:02:00.000-08:00

these are the wonderful people i met in the 'Global Health' class <3

From left, Chie from School of Social Science, Chika from SILS , Taro from Social Science, Yoko-san from Law, Yuri from Education, Satomi from Human Science and ME :)

I guess it was the best class i had ever since I entered Waseda...

Everything was ab0ut group work, studying global health issues while being reminded of the limits we students have. It was quite tough but I totally enjoyed it <3

The day of our presentation was Chika's b'day :) SO this is the cake Yuri-san got for her.

CAN'T WAIT TILL OUR REUNION/OTSUKARE DINNER ON 12TH FEB :):):)

My spring hols will be starting in few days time!!! YEAHHH!!!!

I gotta study for the exam for 'EU integration and French Culture'..but the exam is about translating a French passage which talks abt the education in France now...and electronic dictionaries are allowed... (--") I hope I'll at least get a decent grade though (><)

AND! I went to the SILS building this afternoon to visit Prof. Bacon and to ask for a recommendation letter for the Goldman Sachs Program but he wasn't in his office during his office hour.... :(
I've sent him an email but he hasn't replied!!!!! I'm gonna try my luck on Monday, hope he'll be there. Oh, and I asked Mr Lee to write the other recommendation letter for me... cos i need two.( one from a faculty member, another from a non-family member, who has supervised my education before)
Lol, I'm still bothering even after I've graduated from CJC.

So this is for u Mr Lee, t37 will always love you!

Enhui is back from Helsinki and we had kaiten sushi (sushi belt :p) at Nakano the other day.

I don't know why but kaiten sushi has been my latest craze. She gave me some KarlFazer chocolates which was SOOOOOOOOOOOO GOOD!!!!!!!!! I especially liked the Milk Chocolate one :D ARIGATO (^0^)/

Alright, time to prepare my documents for GSLP.

ciao and HAPPY CNY EVERYBODY!

plans for spring hols!

2009-01-24T08:01:00.001-08:00

2nd Feb~5th Feb: Nagano ( Magic Club Ski Camp)

honestly speaking, i don't really have the mood to ski but the turn out for the winter camp this year is quite pathetic, and Hiroko is begging pple to go :( So I guess I'll try to work some fun out in Nagano.

18th Feb~22nd Feb: TAIWAN!!!!

my first trip to Taiwan!!!!!!!! I'm looking forward to it :D

Middle March: My senpai from Magic Club wants to visit SIngapore so i'm going to be their tour guide x)

to U

2009-01-21T09:30:00.000-08:00

obsessed.... i luv this song. Especially because my group used this song as the BGM for our global health final presentation. Its a really wonderful, lovely, and meaningful song.

'To U' by Bank Band. Please go listen to it ...

http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=z7bLyxZgtRw

2009-01-20T09:51:00.000-08:00

YESSSS!!!! I'm finally done with my global health presentation!!
6 months of hard work, sweat, tears, laughters, fun, meetings, discussions, dinners, sleepless nights totally paid off by the 20 min presentation :)
i love my team and there are no words to describe how wonderful they are.

pictures of them will be uploaded soon!

anyway, i feel so relieved now...the thing i have to worry about now is Biological Anthropology Finals. A lot of stuff to study x(

I'm now going to watch the movie 'Darwin's Nightmare'!!
Totally unrelated to my studies, but i'm just curious :)

maternal health

2009-01-15T07:24:00.000-08:00

i'm done with 2 of my works.
Media STudies report done, EU hw done.

the biggest task next week will be the Global Health presentation next week.
Seriously, it is the class i spent most of time this semester...
Cos its a student-initiating class, the teacher just gives some guidelines, and we can decide how to approach it. Our research theme is ' Maternal Health', one of the Millenium Development Goals......I've been working on this theme for the past 6 months, searching for ways how Japanese students could get involved in the maternal health situation in developing countries.
There are no fixed answers,so we have to come up with the answers on our own.
I guess it is the toughest course i have ever taken :(

But its great that i made new friends through this course...especially my fellow team members.
I hope our presentation will go well next week.

2009-01-07T07:16:00.001-08:00

...and i got dragged back to Japan land a week later...

anyways, HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! Its 2009 and I'm going to start my 3rd year in Japan! It was great spending new year with my family, meeting up with old friends, classmates, simply spending time with the people who really mean alot to me.

Talking with them gives me the motivation to work harder in Japan.
Photos all uploaded on facebook...but I may upload my fav. photos whenever I have the time.

Right now, i'm rushing all my homeworks and presentation matters....

My to-do list for this few weeks!!

1. EU policy assignment
2. Global Health powerpoint...
3.Global Health report...
4. Media Studies report
5. Study for Bio Anthropology
6. Study for EU and French culture exam

Gosh, I'm losing my concentration....STAY FOCUSED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-12-29T08:45:00.000-08:00

back in my sunny island....!!!!!

only for a week plus though, but it is meaningful to spend the new year with my family here....
I can eat my mum's homemade osechi and the whole family watch kouhaku together.

I'll be going for hatsumoude with karpie once i fly back to tokyo.

Anyway, the past 2 days have been wonderful!!
Met up with Yijun at toa payoh yesterday, had dinner at home(my mum made tonkatsu...!!!)
I drank the sugar cane juice from tiong bahru market...and the bubble milk tea from koi cafe in tpy :P YUMMY

On the second day, I met up with AdYee who is currently back from the UK. We had lunch at Takashimaya Crystal Jade.... and then in the evening I headed to Bishan with Yijun for Din Tai Fung Xiao Long Baos!!!!!!!!! The red bean paste xiao long bao was soooo good, heavenly.
Chatted in cafe cartel till 10.30pm...i believe we had lots to catch up :P

photos will be uploaded on facebook once I get back to Tokyo!

girls can rock!

2008-12-03T09:44:00.000-08:00

SOme purikuras from the Waseda Magic Club Girls Gathering the other day...

I organized it at a Yakiniku/Okonomiyaki restaurant in Shinjuku.
The food and drinks were of average level, but what made the day was the company we had.
Most girls from WMC got together, from senior girls to freshmen girls...so i had the chance to get closer to the girls from every level :p

Taken at the arcade in Shinjuku

In clockwise direction(starting from top left)

Risa, Yuumi, Marika, Secia, Ayano, Me, Yukako, Miho, Aki, Chiaki, Moro, Sayuri

It was sooooooo fun, i wanna organize it again :)

I'll be going for the John Lennon Super Live next Monday together with Marika :D
Famous singers from Japan such as Ayaka and Bonnie Pink will be covering his songs!
YEAH :D

my seijin pics

2008-11-26T20:37:00.000-08:00

in Japan, theres this ceremony(?) called 'seijin-shiki', commemorating a person's 20th year...I think it is called 'Coming of Age day' in English but I translate it as Happy 'becoming an adult' Day,haha :D
On this special day, girls wear furisode(a type of kimono) while guys could wear either hakama or suit.
Seijin-shiki is usually in January but since my mum came to Japan last week, we decided to get my seijin pics done. I'm not sure whether i could go for my seijin-shiki next January too.

Anyway, I got my hair and furisode done in this hair salon in Yotsuya...and then my furisode photos were taken at a film studio nearby.
The furisode my aunt prepared was so gorgeous that I fell in love with it in first sight.
It is said that my grand-aunt order-made it in Mitsukoshi and it is the 'real' kimono made from silk. The texture was so soft and fragile that I had to treat it carefully the entire day.

At my uncle's house at Nakameguro.

My mum and I visited my grandma at this day-service centre.

She is so old that she can't recognize me already but I'm glad I could present my furisode to her.

My aunts who gathered at Nakameguro.

At the photo studio. My mum took this pic by my digicam. I can't wait for the seijin album!!!

Outside the hair salon in Yotsuya.

I'm planning for a trip back to Singapore from 26th December to perhaps 5th January.

I can't wait to meet up with my friends!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-11-11T07:47:00.000-08:00

Haven't blogged for a looonnnngg time...

Something new about me...erm...I started work at a pasta restaurant at Shinjuku, its rather convenient cos I can go straight home from Seibu SHinjuku station. And I'm teaching a couple of Eikaiwa classes for additional income.
Thats about it for my work update.

Gonna upload some photos from the date I had with Yuumi senpai and Yukako senpai at Jiyuugaoka. This place is quite famous for its cakes :D

Sasebo burger. We shared this huge burger among the three of us.

I like the way they decorate the cakes, pretty yet fragile.

And we had a MAGIC CLUB GIRLS PARTY at SHinjuku the other day but the photos are with Marika...so I'll wait till she send me the pics :)

2008-10-07T10:28:00.000-07:00

i didn't know that the courses i took this sem require so much readings and preparations...
AHHH, i'll survive through it.

Job Interview this friday, i swear, i'll start a new job before the end of this month.
Mostly in order to earn a descent amount of money to travel in the spring holidays x(

Gonna play volleyball tomorrow :) and then off to Shibuya to accompany my sis for her last day shopping in Tokyo.

this semester

2008-09-30T08:13:00.000-07:00

my registered courses for the fall semester

Monday
3gen European Union and French Culture
4-5gen Biological Anthropology

Tuesday
3gen Global Health
4gen Selected Topics in Media Studies

Wednesday
2gen European Integration and Foreign Policy
3gen Volleyball

Thursday
2gen Golf
4gen Selected Topics in Media Studies

No class on Friday!
And i'm off for a 5days intensive ski course in February to earn 2 credits....

I want to plan for something for my Spring Holidays...
maybe Hokkaido trip and a trip to London to visit my friends there.... :p

Huh, I got to look for a job first... x(

2008-09-23T06:16:00.000-07:00

my bday report

pictures to elaborate :)

i did the most ever silliest thing on my last day as a teenager....but i shan't blog about that :p
so this was what happened on my birthday this year

shopping at Shibuya.
I thought of pamperinf myself by buying clothes, accesories, bags and shoes.
But unfortunately, there wasn't much attactive merchandise so i only got a bag from ZARA.
I'm looking for a new pair of boots as a fashion buddy this autumn and winter.

and then we went to Ginza for more shopping and dinner.
Karpie got his shirt from ZARA as well.
We had dinner at a casual french dining in GINZA PRIMTEMPS.

My favourite photo of the day

The cake I bought at a pastry store near my house

this was what Aki-senpai and Miku prepared for me when I went to Aki-senpai's house the other day. They bought those cakes from Aoyama.

More pictures on facebook :)

2008-09-17T02:23:00.000-07:00

thanks to seo, bao hua, mai, huihui, kevin, pei joo, queen, marina, xiao wei, dawn, adyee, janice, mariko, julie, jasmine, adelyn, jess, peng yi, arisa, yining, enhui, hiroe, namiki, miri, ct,christine, jean, wendy and my brother for the msgs on facebook!!!!!

of course yijun and jean for the tag on my blog!

peiyi and huiting for sending my e-cards!!!!

mr yee for his email!

andrea for leaving a msg on lj

ayano, hiroko, miku, utako, risa, yuriさん, renさん, aya, miku, shino for sending me bday msgs to my cell phone :)
my brother for sending me a bday card all the way from melbourne

karpie for spending the whole day with me

and of course my mum and sister for giving me a call at 12 midnight sharp

my bday couldn't have been better without all the people mentioned above

thanks so much

i can't ask for more.

dinner at a casual french restaurant in ginza.

being 20 :)

2008-09-13T07:43:00.000-07:00

can't believe i'll be 20 in three days.

i wonder how the day will be like

2008-09-12T03:58:00.000-07:00

My summer report...

Since I've quit my job at the English juku(tuition centre), I don't have any earnings for the past few weeks(except for the weekly private tuition with a boy at Shin-Okubo)
Yet I'm having so much fun going out with my friends.

I'm not earning...but I'm spending....

Which means, I'm broke ;p

Fortunately, I'll be having a kenshuu(training) at Catal Tuition Class next week and a job interview next next week at Odakyu Travelling Centre.

SO for the time being, I'm going to have as much fun as I can working out with whatever money I have. Trip to Okinawa with karpie next weekend :)

2008-09-10T19:43:00.000-07:00

results from the spring semester is out.
Hm, a lil worse than the previous semester but I knew it cos I had to miss some classes to practise for my stage performance....and some courses I took was so boring I didn't bother working on it.

Lesson learnt from this sem, never take 6gen....u'll lose ur concentration...
and courses for slackers do not suit me.

I'm pretty glad Prof Uchida gave me an A- for evolutionary biology...cos the grade she wrote on my final paper was a B. So maybe I should stick to taking courses related to science, cos thats what I would want to study for. And a surprise A- from Prof Muehleisen :)

Course registraiton for the fall semester starts tmr.
I decided to take up sports this sem cos i'm gaining weight, and i'm not exercising at all x(

CALIIIII!!!!!!!!!!

2008-09-07T05:45:00.001-07:00

long-procastinated photo update.
i've uploaded most of my photos on facebook, so those who have an fb account, pls check it out there :)

these are mostly my favourite and memorable photos...

with my mentor Kumi. I couldn't have overcome this whole summer exchange study without her....She is Japanese but she has been living in LA for 10 years, and she is such a confident lady!!!! I admire her alot x) She encouraged me every single day.

with Ali, a member of the lab. He was really kind to me :D

with Chris from Yale and Kevin from UCSD. The first 2 friends i made in the lab :)

My personal trip to Hollywood. The Walk of Fame

Which movie character is this??

The random thing I wanted to do before i turn 20

I love the sky in California...

Visit to Universal Studios with Yuko

Huntington Library

My hotel room

The breakfast i had every morning...looks pathetic but it helped me cut down on my food expenses

Yuko and I

Trip to Chinatown

LA zoo

Check-out day.

2008-08-30T10:02:00.000-07:00

ALOHAAA!!!!
BACK FROM CALIFORNIAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!

It was a splendid trip...Learning and learning, many times i got disappointed at myself for being so hopeless and unknowledgeable....but the people I met were so kind enough to help me whenever i was feeling low :))

It deepened my love for Science and this trip was indeed a significant one for me.

Photo updates next time round.

I need some sleep x(

2008-07-28T20:19:00.000-07:00

PICTURE POSTS

DisneySea. GOOFYYYYY :D Goofy's gloves on my shoulders makes it look like I'm wearing puff sleeves :p

Gosh, i look like a poser

MICKEY and his BON FIRE DANCE. Trust me, the shows in Disney Resort are fantastic. I enjoy them more than the attractions.

I'm always excited whenever I get the chance to go to Disney Resort.

The art of million smiles. This picture is made by combining many many tiny photos together.

Nomikai with friends from Magic Club. From left; Daisaku-senpai, me and Hiroko

Acting cute...Its forgiven since I was a little drunk.

Karaoke after that :D From left; Miyashita-senpai, Hiroko, Kawashima-senpai and I

YUKATA! WATERMELON!!! ITS SO SUMMER :D

SUMIDAGAWA HANABI TAIKAI. Fireworks fest!

And to my disappointment, my friends pang-sehed me yesterday when we were suppose to go out for dinner (--")

i hope i'm correct

2008-07-27T06:03:00.000-07:00

j'ai travaille en dix heures aujourd'hui!!!!!!!!
mais je ne suis pas fatiguee :)
parce que je peux gagner d'argent apres ;p
alors, je dois gagner plus d'argent.
Au Japon, tres cher....

2008-07-26T06:54:00.000-07:00

voila!
j'ai fini mon examen hier matin!
mais, j'ai un devoir a finir :(

ok, now i'm making a habit to write diaries in french.
I enjoy learning french. Maybe its the joy of learning a new language.

So i just wrote that I had my last paper yesterday morning but I still have one assignment.
I'm going to research about the Breton language which is one of the endangered languages now in France.

Next week, I have long awaited dates with my friends from SILS and from Magic CLub.
Omg, I can't believe I'll be flying to LA next Sunday.

Je vais aller aux Etats-Unis dans une semaine!!! C'est tres bien!

Tout ca! A bonne weekend! Au revoir :)

done

2008-07-21T09:23:00.000-07:00

done with my 2000 words essay on the image of Japan in the West.
Next up, revision for my final exam for Application of Language Studies.

And I hope I can survive through my 7 min French Oral Exam with Prof. Abrial on Wednesday...

STOP SLACKING MOMO.

will upload photos from my disney sea date soon
(went there when I was actually supposed to study for my exams :p)

hm,, no fun no life x)

2008-07-03T19:33:00.000-07:00

SUMMER BREAK iS COMING!!!!

but before that, i have all my final reports and examination....
i'm glad that i'm done with the European culture finals, the course from the Open education centre.
Now, i got to revise for my evoutionary biology finals scheduled next week.
And at the same time, deal with the administrative stuff related to my summer exchange.

Just a little more, and BOOOOOMM!!!! off to California for a month.

On addition, i hope to visit either Hokkaido or Okinawa in September for maybe just 3-4days.
There are really cheap package tours to Taiwan and Hong Kong too.
But i shall keep Taiwan as an option till next time when i can go with Yi Chun x)

and i miss Singapore...enough said.

2008-06-28T07:50:00.000-07:00

Magic show FAMILY PARTY 2008 is over!!!!!!
I think we did a great job, much better than the show last year :p
Six months of sweat and tears were all paid off on that one single day.

SOme photos of my clubmates.

Risa, Marika love, Ayano and I, in the morning before going in to the theatre to prepare.

After the show, gathered at UmiNoYA for overnight stay.

Hiroko, Momo and Ayano. My favourite girls :) And I hadn't removed my stage make-up.

Unknown movement.

And there'll be the 31st Students' Council Gathering tomorrow...
SIGH...I really really really wanted to go for it....
But it wasn't possible for me to fly back for like just 2-3 days...
I MISS ALL MY FRIENDS FROM COUNCIL.

To be honest, I thought of flying back to Singapore several times cos the rehearsals I had for the stage were quite tough. Guess I needed the support from my friends and family back in Singapore. I'm proud that I've gotten over it, but now I wish for a reunion with my friends.

Hm...I got to go for my club's general meeting tomorrow.
But my heart will be in Singapore...

FINAL EXAMS ARE COMING UP. My first paper will be on next Thursday...
GAHHH, after all these mess and I'm going to California!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CITY OF HOPE SCHOOL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-06-14T08:43:00.000-07:00

I'm done with my Darwin essay!

Now left with Application Studies Assignment and Molecular Biology essay.

Had the 3rd rehearsal today for the Magic show 'Family Party 2008'. Gosh, I can't wait for next week to end...I've been leading a monotonous life since last month.

Attend classes, practise, rush my assignments, practise, go for work, pratise and practise and rehearsals and rehearsals...

It'll be over next week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'll have to catch up with my friends after next week, and start my revision for some courses.

Below are the photos from FESTIVAL. which was held early this year in march

i look blurr

2008-06-08T07:21:00.001-07:00

omg,

31st SC gathering on the 29th June..

GAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!

I want to GO------!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-06-04T08:00:00.001-07:00

whats the problem with high school students in Japan.
They think they are some big figure or something.

I told my student in juku( tuition centre) to do a comprehension question today but she refused and she insisted on doing some grammar questions. I asked her why and this was her reply

"Cos I can do comprehension at home. But I want you to explain these grammar questions.
I'm paying you tuition fees, so u better teach me something rather than giving me something that I can do alone."

LIKE WTH----------!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

okay, she got a point that I'm being paid for teaching her.
But but but, its HER parents who are paying me and she got no right to instruct me how to conduct the lesson.
Don't come to a tuition centre if u have enough confidence to do a comprehension alone in the first place.
That wasn't the only rude stuff she said at me,
Spoilt brat, she surely has some attitude problem.

GAHHHH

2008-06-03T09:23:00.000-07:00

i got to mug!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
for application of language studies...evolutionary biology....molecular biology....

surtout Francais!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GAHHHHH, I'm in deep trouble....like loads of work piling up.

But I'm glad that I'm done with the SHOGUN presentation, it didn't really went well though...
Honestly, I don't like the idea of doing GROUP projects even in University.
Cos I don't really have time to meet up with my group mates.
You see....its not like we're in JC, we're not in the same class...we have our own timetables to follow....etc...
So I didn't get to plan the presentation flow with them xp
Anyhow, I'm done and I got to buck up by writing a decent essay about SHOGUN (its individual work :p)

also....my next stage show is coming up on the 21st of June!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Got to update about it soon...

And I hate it that I don't have enough time to catch up with my friends from SILS.
Like...we just meet up for lunch and thats it. Wish I could spend more time with them.
Wait till I'm done with my stage! (><)

AND YICHUN!
I received your letter! Thanks so much for ur long, sweet and touching letter!
I almost cried while reading it in the train, haha...
LOVE YOU-!!!!! I miss you so so so much too.

2008-05-29T04:51:00.000-07:00

Exploiting the computer in Building 22 right now...
My laptop doesn't have the Powerpoint software so I have to do it in sch pls...
Making a presentation powerpoint based on this novel and tv miniseries called SHOGUN, a story about a English sailor stranded away in 1600 feudal Japan.
Arghh, apparently I'm getting all the info from Amazon and Wikipedia.

Okay, back to work.

2008-05-18T06:39:00.000-07:00

Homeworks are piling up and i haven't work on them yet.
The intermediate course on Evolutionary Biology is quite tough...with mini quizzes every week.
But it is a good course...the professor is quite strict and we are forced to work hard.
I love her seminar about chimpanzee politics too.

On the other hand, I'm starting to slack at work...I'm quitting the tuition centre in end July, so I got a chance to look for a new job. Targetting a job in a cafe...to learn how to make all those coffee and mocha drinks and frappucino whatnot.

And I applied for a summer studying abroad program at City of Hope, Bio labaratory in Los Angeles.
Hope I'll get it cos there are only 2 vacancies.

To add, I'm upset that Mr Yee's visit to Japan got postponed to November (-_-#)
I miss my friends in Singapore.

Anyway, picture update!
Had a SHinjuku date with Lynette, Seow Han and Xiao Wei last last week.
We had pasta and baskin robbins ice cream for dessert!!!!

Lynette, SP3 student from NUS.

Seow Han(Reiko) from NUS as well. They will be going back to Singapore in July *sobs

Xiao Wei. She is from NJC

Yummy yummy baskin robbins ice cream.

Went to a Yakiniku restaurant in Nakano with karpie last Tuesday after my job interview.

2008-05-10T18:46:00.000-07:00

FREE TIBET...FREE TIBET...FREE TIBET....

how it looked like in my university campus when Hu Jingtao visited.
It was seriously chaotic cos the main gate was closed and there was a group of students protesting. Bet the police had a hard time guarding the Ohkuma Auditorium.
My friend participated in the protest too(just for fun though).

studies...

2008-04-23T07:32:00.000-07:00

I'm afraid whether I can keep up with my studies :(

These are the courses I'm taking this semester.

Intermediate Seminar 14: The Image of Japan in the West
Introduction to Application of Language Studies
Evolutionary Biology
Molecular Biology
Sociology of Japanese Art and Culture
French III
SOme course related to International Volunteerism
The cultures and languages in Europe

Yup, as you can see, I still luv Biology :)
And it is quite cool having a professor who got her Phd at Harvard University...
I'm crashing her Intermediate Seminar too, studying about Chimpanzee behaviour and evolution.

It sucks that I am like the worst learner in my French class. Everyone can speak so well...
Sigh, I need to spare more time on revision...

Golden week is coming. No plans at the moment.

2008-04-13T07:30:00.000-07:00

ohhhh, btw...I just moved house end of last month.

The 1year contract with the dorm is over so I've rented an apartment in Kamishakujii.

Its newly built and I'm lovin' my new home :)

MY NEW HOME :)

MY PREVIOUS HOME :)

rhunts.

2008-04-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

The spring term has started, and I've been busy with orientation...

They call it "SHINKAN" in Japanese...whereby the 2000 plus (so-called) CCAs in Waseda University go crazy hunting for new members.
And sadly Magic Club is involved in it, so I've been going around advertising our club.
Seriously...who would want to join Magic Club actually...
I myself joined the club cos my senpais were really kind and they treated me well.
Sigh, I hope more freshmen will turn up for the next COMPA.

On the other hand, I finally made the decision to quit my job.
I told my boss to let me quit by the end of May but he was reluctant to cos the tuition centre is seriously short of teachers.
But please...I want to keep myself busy with my work at university this 2 semesters.
I'll rather have a job with a flexible shift.

Argh, I'm tired.
Went to Megumi Ogata's concert yesterday at Yokohama. I LOVE HERRRR.

I hope my friends in Singapore are doing well...

Happy Belated Birthday to Jelaine, Shou Lian and Peiyi !!!!!!

haha..

2008-03-21T18:01:00.000-07:00

watched a television programme this morning, and it was featuring the famous spots and local food in Singapore. Firstly, they talked about the new fairy wheel( what do u call that actually? SIngapore Flyer or something...?), underwater world, the feng shui fountain in Suntec City, the Merlion...

Hm, nostalgia...

I feel like having Yakun Kaya Toast and Bubble Milk Tea( the one which you treated me to, YiChun).

2008-03-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

As promised, photos from my trip to Kinugawa Onsen.
There still are many places in Japan where I haven't been before. SO I shall spend my time in Japan wisely to make some small trips to different places :p

I managed to visit Nagano and Tochigi during this spring vacation.
Planning to explore Hokkaido or Kyuushuu next.

Starting point was SHinjuku station. Gosh, I almost missed the train...
The train was about to leave when I climbed up the staircase leading to the platform...
SO I dashed through the crowd and slided into the train before the door closed.
phew...may have wasted my whole trip.

After all that trouble, finally arrived at Kinugawa -onsen station!
In chinese characters....the river of angry demon??? haha.

Onsen Manjyuu--! Yummy. I believe that food is the best way to find out the area's culture.

Kinugawa River!

At Trick-Art Museum. Touching the leg of the women in the picture.

Hm? Who is pulling my jacket....

Isn't this freaky??

My pet dragon.

I'm swimming towards th. dolphin

Dinner back at the hotel. I had Shabu Shabu that night!!!!
Told ya, food is culture :p

Just like a scene in Japan Hour. xp

the aftermath.

Visited the World Heritage in Nikko the next day.
Its called 'Toushouguu', where they worship the Edo Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu.

In front of Toushouguu.

School is starting in few weeks time.
Results from the last semester is out. Did fairly well, at least better than my first semester results :p Made it into the Dean's list as well( top 10% of the cohort).

Juggling my academic studies, part-time job and the magic club definitely wasn't an easy task.
But I guess I have to work on with it.

2008-03-15T07:07:00.000-07:00

JUst came back from a 2days 1night trip to Kinugawa Onsen(Nikko).

I was planning for this trip ever since the spring holidays begun...but has procastinated till this week :p Went to the Trick Art Museum, walked a distance of like.. 4km... x( , had shabu shabu for dinner, relaxed in the hot spring, ate a couple of onsen manjyuu, visited Toushouguu(the World Heritage which worship the Edo Shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu)...

Pictures uploaded in my next entry....

Other updates about my spring vacation.

Made a trip to Tokyo DisneyLand with my dorm mates, Aya and Miku.

Plenty of photos uploaded in my facebook account... but here are some for those who do not have facebook.

Haha, thats us in the last two rows. Posing for the camera as the boat(or whatever) fall from the steepest slope in SPLASH MOUNTAIN.

3 green monsters.

Awwww, so sweet!!!

Thats us again in Minnie Mouse's house.

Mickey Mouse Musical

Cinderellabration, the crowning ceremony of Cinderella as the princess of the kingdom.

Can u see the glass slipper on the top of the fountain??

I was just simply impressed by the rides, the musical shows and the parade in Disneyland.

They are so well planned and exercised.

2008-03-06T09:22:00.001-08:00

...An apology for my friends back in Singapore for not sending postcards or replying to the letters....
I miss my friends a lot :(

festival

2008-03-04T15:15:00.001-08:00

How I have been spending my spring vacation...

I've been working with my circle(Magic Club) for most of the time cos we are preparing for two stages. One in March and one in June.

The one in March, "Magic Show Festival" was held last Sunday at Tanashi, and that was the stage which I worked as an assistant. My 4th year senpais organised the concert all by themselves cos they wanted to perform on the stage for the last time before they graduate.

I'm so glad quite a no. of people came to catch the performance despite it being held at such an 'uluh' place :p

Thanks to Laura, Seow Han, Alex and Minhe(and her friend!) for coming all the way down.
blurred again... Laura and Seow Han.

It was quite fun wearing the costume :) Though it made me realise that I have to diet.... x(

random shoutouts

2008-02-20T08:43:00.000-08:00

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY WENDY!!!
AND HAPPY BELATED VALENTINES DAY TO EVERYBODY :)

Hello, I just got back from my winter camp in Nagano last Thursday.
It was my first attempt to ski...which turned out to be totally hopeless.
We visited Nozawa Onsen Village, and it was a really cool place with 13 hot springs in just one small village!!!!!!! We were there for only 3days 2 nights so I only got to enjoy 4 out of the 13 hot springs :( Oh wells, I had fun anyway.

Time for pictures!

My seniors, Iwata Senpai, Takagi Senpai and Akira Senpai.

Hunting for food...The Onsen Tamago(egg) tasted really good.

One of the houses with hot spring "Oh-Yu"

Snowing and snowing....

Blurred... Me, Ayano and Shino during the Nomikai.

Same combination.

Off to ski!!!!!

Our hero, Akatsuka.

Pretties....SHino and Miho Senpai.

A lot of snow.

Thats all from the winter camp.

Next up, I went to Disney Sea with my friend Seo, together with 6 elementary school children.
We were there for baby(or perhaps child)-sitting.
Gosh...the children were really active. They kept riding on rollar coasters...
Centre of the Earth, Indiano Jones, Raising Spirits, Tower of Terrow, some ride in Mermaid Lagoon...etc.... By the way, Tower of Terror was quite good.
I'm simply impresseed at how creatively Disney Resort design the themepark and how well they operate it.

Amui and Yukino, looking really happy with they long-awaited buffet.

The kids, and Seo infront of Tower of Terror.

HOW CUTE! Mickey shaped Yaki-Onigiri.

Seo and the kids with PLUTO!

ME WITH PRETTY DAISY!!

This is how I'm spending my Spring vacation. Unfortunately, I won't be going back to Singapore for this holidays :(
I'm planning for some Onsen trip....

Tokyo tour

2008-02-03T07:01:00.000-08:00

Had a personal tour around in Tokyo today.

Started out in Takadanobaba(the station near my university)
Took a bus to Ueno Park.
Had a short walk in Ueno Park, till my feet got frozen cos of the snow.
Evacuated in DOUTOR cafe for a cup of hot Cafe Mocha.
Studied for my French Lang test(which is the day after :p )
Resumed.
Walked around Ueno area, window-shopped in AmeYoko(i think its a Japanese Pasa Malam)
Took the Yamanote Line to Gotanda.
Had Okonomiyaki at this restaurant which I saw in the magazine "Tokyo-Walker".
Was fabulous...Okonomiyaki,ModanYaki, Soba-Yaki, Soba-Meshi, and a scoop of Choco Mint ice cream for dessert xp

I gotta study for my last paper. And then I'm off to Karaoke with Risa and Kazumi :)

2008-01-27T02:13:00.000-08:00

EXAM PERIOD!!!! I'm now left with 2 French Exams and International Politics Finals...

The problem is that the schedules for my exams are quite far apart...so I'm losing the drive to study....bad habit...

Erm...anyway...it snowed in Tokyo last Wednesday!!!

My gosh, it was beautiful. Like I woke up in the morning, whining to myself cos i had IR finals, report submission and work on the same day, got out of bed...and looked outside the window...

OMG ITS SNOWINGGG!!! Haha, I got really really excited cos it was my first time seeing snow falling.

Tried taking pictures of snow...but I guess it was a failed attempt :(

Updates on the exams i've took so far.

IR finals was alright...The report from 'International Exchange and Social Volunteerism' was quite challenging, it was my first time writing a report in Japanese...7 A4 pages long, I hope it'll be alright.

Environmental Science...sigh, i think i could have done much better :( Hope the exams won't pull down the grades of my biofuel essay.

English Plus Essay and Presentation, the one which I had the most problem with.

I was suppose to read a person's diary(which my prof. got from E-bay...), imagine what kind of life he went through...and make a presentation on it.

The essay was quite tedious too.

Anyway, I'm done with it and Prof O'connor actually liked the presentation *phew*

3 more papers and I'll be having my spring break :) Will be going to Niigata for winter camp with my friends from magic club in the middle of February.

Miku and I are thinking of going to Izu for some onsen(hot spring) as well...

Work had been pretty fine recently...although there are some impudent students (-_-")
Can't wait x)

Random photos.

MAKIKO!!!! My friend from SILS, love her :)

Prof. Gray Robert, my no.1 prof.

candid, taken by Makiko