=Simply Rowan Atkinson=


  • Thursday, April 30, 2009
    Out of birdcage
    I AM NO LONGER A DESIGN STUDENT WITH EFFECT FROM 30/04/2009!

    I am now in the School of Engineering, Diploma in Information Communication Technology.



    I will cut down on my social life and study hard for this diploma as its my given last chance! I am so glad that they accepted my appeal!
    Thank you once again to my beloved sis, (if you are reading this), and the management of School of EEE for accepting me into the course.

    And to my previous classmates,

    I will miss all of you! Even though I may not been seen loitering around the corridors of the Design block anymore, but I will still be within the school compound! Meet up soon if the schedule fits! (I was given the timetable already, and it was packed!)

    I was told by the manager that the life for me will be very different from design school already. He even wanted to know if its really the decision I am going to make.

    I said "Yes", and that I am willing to learn.

    Apologies to Shrek. I left before you come back from China. But, I hope you won't forget me! I really felt like a locked-up bird in a cage in the design course, and I hope this is the freedom I am seeking for.

    My dad is happy for me, and I know I must not disappoint my family members anymore. Even though I had wasted 2 years in a course that I could not even graduate out of, it made me think a lot. I know product design is not for me, and I shouldn't waste more time on it.

    I am looking forward with a tinge of fear for the new lease of life. Goodbye, DXPD. (At least, the school of design director is nice.)

    Wednesday, April 29, 2009
    Star Trek Preview



    Got selected by OMY to attend the special premiere of the latest Star Trek movie yesterday night. Look at their "tickets"! (How I wish I could keep them as momento, but they collected it before entrance =/) Anyway, we were still given free cute Star Trek badges for keepsake! =D

    It's a pity that I am not able to take any photo(s) as we were told not to bring any digital camera(s) or handphone(s) for safety reasons. (Their security was really tight for the premiere!) They were even walking to and fro to check on the audiences during the screening.

    Nevertheless, both my dad and I (I brought him along as we were given a pair of tickets) were fascinated by the high-technology computer graphic effects used in the movie. If you love sci-fi movies, you will definitely love this! Yes, be amazed. Very amazed.


    Go! Go and watch this sneak peek here: (Remember to mute my blog audio before loading this video!)




    Shiok boh?! I know you can't wait to watch this! Hehe.

    Throughout the movie, I marveled at the large extent of realism injected in the movie. Its like, you know things like these are non-existent, and yet you are watching them as though they are REAL. Even the characters are wonderfully portrayed and made me feel as though I am IN the show with them with all the action and excitement. (How I wish it were a "3D movie"! I am sure it will be one of the most stunning movies ever. Gosh!) Just look at the spaceships (Are they called spaceships?) and the scenery. Its astonishing, and unbelievably real.

    On top of that, I think that one of the male leads is cute *aww*. He is quite a "comedic" character in the show, and had a lot of hilarious lines that made the audience roar with laughter.



    (Ahh, yes, the "normal-looking" one on the right, of course! =p)

    Admittedly, I find that some of the characters look weird. (I mean, with their hairstyles, eyebrows and ears.) But well, this is understandable as its something about outer space and they are not humans anyway. (LOL)
    *And one of the most unforgettable scenes was the intimate kissing scene in the lift. A long, dramatic kiss.. Wooo...*

    Overall, I think its a great movie produced, and its something that will have you seated glued to the chair as you witness all the heroic acts and disasters happening right before your eyes. Film fans are going to love this film and that means Star Trek Lives Long and Prospers! (The line that was used in the movie.)




    Yes, catch them in cinemas near you soon! Welcome aboard!

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    Tuesday, April 28, 2009
    OMG
    Omg, just did a quiz in Facebook regarding my true age. And I found out my inner self is actually 41-50 years old!
    And here is the description I was given:

    "You feel wise. Your knowledge and experience is the most valuable thing that you believe you can give to others. You feel you have accomplished more than enough in your life, and now your are soaking it all up. Everything is in perspective for you, and your perception of life is complex. Share your experience with others."

    No way, no way, no way! It's not accurate (because apparently, I do not want to admit that I am old!) Hee hee hee.


    P/S: Just submitted my second appeal for the transfer of my course this morning, with thanks to my sister. I just hope I won't get rejected for the second time again! I must promise myself and my family members that I will strive hard for the next course I am enrolled to. Yes, Catherine, there is no time to waste now. Stop procrastinating and get serious in life!
    Ahh, how I wish I can be a little kid again. At least, I do not have to worry about studies and financial stuff.~

    Monday, April 27, 2009
    Scrabble


    I print-screened the above shot when I was playing Scrabble with Gera in facebook. It was my first time playing online, and it was hard! Grrr.

    Anyway, I am feeling better about the stuff that happened yesterday. My pitiful right eye is still swollen (but it's not from the crying! There is a pus growing near the lid!) And I still had to bring along a pair of sunglasses to school. =_="

    How unlucky can I get?!

    Anyway, the results for the top 10 finalists of OMY's Y Bloggist will be known on 30th April 2009!
    Here's my entry: (Rate, rate, rate!)

    http://yzone.omy.sg/index.php?articleID=12963&option=com_article&task=detail&type=


    And don't forget to vote for me as many times as you can HERE! (Click on the familiar "Mr Bean" logo!)

    http://contest.omy.sg/ybloggistpopstar/vote.html


    On behalf of me, Onion head says thanks!


    Sunday, April 26, 2009
    Swollen eyes
    Had a hectic day today which left me crying for 5 hours. (My eyes are now swollen.)
    I shan't elaborate much on it.
    Sometimes, its really difficult to stay optimistic when obstacles are encountered. Being a human isn't as easy as I had thought after all.

    Gone are the days when I led a happy-go-lucky life.

    Anyway, thank you, my sis, for trying to help. I understand everything is for my own good, and you are going through all those trouble just to ensure I lead a better life in future.
    I sincerely appreciate it.

    Although there are times when I was overwhelmed with pessimism, but I still managed to hold on. I must kick all those suicidal thoughts away from my mind because I don't want my parents to waste their efforts in raising me. (Sometimes, I think I badly need a counselor. And the counselor is no one but me and myself.)

    I am at the lowest peak of my life now... but I shall hold on... I shall...

    Saturday, April 25, 2009
    Hot weather


    Gosh, the weather in Singapore is so SUPER UBER hot right now. I am sweating profusely. AND THE ABOVE PICTURE IS KILLING ME!

    The picture was taken in school on the Hotshot Cafe's official grand opening day, and I was given a "BUY-1-GET-1-FREE" coupon by one of the library staff! And Cherlyn happen to be that lucky girl whom I gave the free drink to. (lol)

    Its so worth it, lah! I bought two cups at the price of 1. Thanks to the library staff who had given me this valuable coupon!

    Anyway, I saw this picture in the newspaper a few days ago:



    HAHA, its the 20 finalist photo that we had taken on the Shokudo day! It brought a smile to my face =)

    On a random note, I finally got the chance to webcam with SHREK today. It's my first time using SKYPE. (But I do not have a webcam yet, so she was unable to see me.)



    I print-screened it. SEE HER FACE?! HAHA. Take care in China ah! SHREK YOU. I think the connection was not very good and I was unable to hear her clearly. But nevertheless, its still better than nothing! =P I MISS U, SHREK! COME BAAACK!

    Friday, April 24, 2009
    Infuriating
    Why am I always facing such injustice, whenever it comes to school and stuff?

    I can't help but feel disappointed and angry when I was classified as being "late" today for school, and not even allowed to participate in my group's presentation. (I was supposed to present a project today for a class with another group member.)

    But how much does the lecturer know about the F-A-C-T-S?

    I HAVE MY REASONS FOR BEING LATE. YES. MY FREAKING REASONS.

    Does he have any idea how terrible the state I was in when I woke up today? I woke up with a sudden dizziness in my head, and I couldn't even maintain my balance when I walked!
    (I am not exaggerating, I felt myself "tumble" to one side when I stood up, and my head was spinning.)

    Feeling really terrible, I closed my eyes shut and covered them with both my hands, plonking back onto the bed. My dad, who witnessed that, had asked if it was okay if I skipped school today.

    Immediately, I said "NO", as there was a presentation today. I PRACTICALLY DRAGGED MYSELF TO GO SCHOOL DESPITE THE CONDITION I WAS IN.
    My dad was worried and insisted on accompanying me to school for fear that I would faint anytime.

    When I checked my watch upon reaching the train station, I was near to being late. Then, I felt terrible and went to the nearest toilet to VOMIT.

    I vomited my hearts out in the toilet while the clock ticked away. I took a glance at my watch. I was very late.

    I came out of the toilet and my dad was waiting for me outside. He even wanted to send me to my school block for assurance of my safety. (Initially, he thought I had fainted inside the toilet as I took quite some time to come out.)

    Then, when I FINALLY managed to make it to class, other students were midway through their presentations.
    My group was the last one to go, and after awaiting for what seemed to be forever, I heard both our names being called.
    As we stood up, the lecturer then added, "Only Cherlyn can present."

    I stopped in my tracks. I hoped I could protest, but I did not want to create a scene. Sadly, I returned back to my seat and watched while Cherlyn presented the slides- ALONE.

    To the lecturer: Do you know how OFFENDED I actually was when my reasons were not even bothered to be heard just because you ASSUME I was late just for the SAKE of it?

    NOT everyone's reasons for being late are just "Oh, I overslept.", or "I was stuck in a traffic jam," and etc.
    I AM SURE THERE ARE ALWAYS EXCEPTIONS TO EVERY TYPICAL SITUATION!

    If you don't freaking believe me, please kindly check my past records. I HAVE STUDIED FOR TWO WHOLE FREAKING YEARS INSIDE THE POLYTECHNIC, AND HAVE I EVER BEEN LATE BEFORE?

    NEVER!

    And I was penalized because I was sick? I think the sick one is you.

    Well, what could I do now that everything's over? Even if I told him the truth, what's the use? ARE WE ABLE TO CRY OVER SPLIT MILK?
    He had already stated his seriousness in students being late. If I am not wrong, I remembered him saying that even being stuck in a traffic jam isn't a valid enough excuse to be late.
    AT LEAST, HEAR THE STUDENT OUT. KNOW THE REASON OF WHY HE/SHE IS LATE BEFORE JUMPING TO CONCLUSIONS THAT "OH, THIS STUDENT IS LATE BECAUSE HE/SHE IS!"

    Do all the lecturers in my course have a problem with them or something? I am sure they themselves have been students before, and can't they understand the feelings of being one?


    This reminded me of a similar incident back to the days when I was working at a *Japanese* company. (I do not wish to name it, although its obvious enough.)

    I broke into a major quarrel with the agency that introduced me the job in public, just at the backdoor of the company. The reason of the quarrel? I was maligned for my lateness.
    That was worse, not even a single explanation did they even bother to listen despite attempts trying to explain. They did not even give a damn if you get into accidents/stomachache or ANY impromptu reasons. BEING LATE is just LATE.

    That was wayyyyy beyond the term "unreasonable" to me. Feeling a sense of injustice, I decided to make matters big by reporting them to the media through videoing. AND I WAS CAUGHT RED-HANDED.
    And that's when everything began. I was even threatened to be sued.
    I did not wish to get into details (I believe most of my friends know the story by now as the matter was quite blown up.)
    Eventually, the agent did apologize (although in a very general way.)

    Not even a chance if you think you deserve an apology. I know my rights.

    And for the "heck-care" lecturer who seemed to understand NOTHING about people's anguish, I shan't care.
    You wanted us students to hand in our work by 8.am, and 8.01 am will be deem as late work, I AM FINE WITH IT.
    You wanted us students NOT to be late, I AM FINE WITH IT.

    BUT I AM DEFINITELY NOT FINE WITH BEING COMPLETELY IGNORED JUST BECAUSE YOU ASSUME MY REASONS FOR BEING LATE ARE JUST ANOTHER TYPICAL ONES.

    You have no ABSOLUTE idea the anguish I was feeling. Try getting sick yourself to the extent of not even able to stand up while rushing for an important meeting! If I had known earlier, I would have rested at home instead of making sacrifices to rush to school.
    I even paid Cherlyn half the price for her taxi fare because she rushed to school in a cab as she was almost late, too. I offered to share the fee because I know I have a place in the group. AND NOW, WHAT DID I GET?

    IF I fail ever fail this project and am given a "0" grade for it, THAT'S IT. I will gladly leave the course with a bad impression of poly lecturers.

    Guess what? Screw you.

    Wednesday, April 22, 2009
    Food, food... FOOD.
    Boxes of mini cakes! Lelong! Only one for $0.20!















    Siao. I was just joking. They are not going for $0.20! Actually, they were the cakes that were presented to us in class yesterday for a Food Design assignment.
    You must be salivating and drooling over the pictures, right? I ate them on a first-hand account, and almost found them hard to swallow!

    No offence to whoever baked the cakes. Probably my appetite wasn't at its best yesterday. I almost puked once I placed the cakes into my mouth. To me, they are either SOUR or BITTER. I sense no sweetness in them at all. As for Cherlyn, she was enjoying them. =_="
    And I started to doubt my taste buds. I mean, THEY LOOK REALLY DELICIOUS!

    See? The designs on the cakes are really appealing. I like the purple one most.



    What a waste for not having the appetite to eat them yesterday. Furthermore, they are FREE!
    (Well, maybe not quite. Who knows if they will charge us extra in our school fees. HAHA)

    Anyway, just a good news to share!
    I received a call this evening from the film company which I had auditioned for two weeks ago, and was told that I was selected for the show!
    I was super elated. Hopefully the filming will be a success!

    And... and... I saw this video from OMY today:

    《部落Y格斗》:享用美食 建立友情 <--CLICK


    You can catch glimpses of me in the video during the Shokudo event, and I think I look so unglam, leh! EEKS. (Like auntie like that.) But thanks anyway for the video upload.

    Tuesday, April 21, 2009
    Working...!
    I had just ended my ITP job, and I am working now!

    In my own school library. HAHA. It has been so long since I had been a librarian. (Since primary school?!!)

    It was such a coincidence that Shi Yun spotted me while I was on duty today. Well, too bad that we could not chat much as she was rushing for her lessons. Nice meeting you anyway, Shi Yun! =D

    If anyone is kind enough to drop me a visit or you happen to walk past the color zone in the library, remember to say "HI!" (that is, if I am on duty. HAHA. )

    My first day of school was a so-so one. And I felt so outcasted because I am now with my juniors. I have some photographs to upload, but am having time constraint now. Tomorrow, okay? =)

    And yes, its about food again. Because we had a food design assignment today, and I am more interested in taking pictures of the food than the lesson itself!

    HRMPH.

    Sunday, April 19, 2009
    Shokudo Food Review!
    (Warning: Pictures of yummy-licious food and descriptions ahead. I am not responsible for any saliva drooping(s), nor grumbling stomach(s).)

    *Please kindly wait for the pictures to load due to the huge numbers being uploaded in this entry. *

    What do you get when you ask "Where can I eat the
    BEST and AFFORDABLE Japanese cuisines in Singapore?"

    Yes, YOU GET SHOKUDO!



    I was glad to be given this opportunity to visit such fascinating "Japanese food heaven" (that's what I called it) with the other bloggers who got into the 20 finalists, organized by OMY and the management of Shokudo. The atmosphere was lively as it was filled with laughter and chatters amongst the bloggers.

    Alright, I guess describing everything in text is not enough to convince you. I shall bring on the juicy photographs!

    Just look at the beautiful traditional lanterns that were decorated outside the restaurant! (This probably has nothing to do with the food, but I took this anyway because they are just so attractive and light up the exterior of the restaurant!)



    The set-up and decoration was really fascinating. (Yes, the Japanese wordings on the light spell "SHOKUDO")




    Upon entrance, I was taken aback at the design and ambience of the whole restaurant. It really isn't themed as "Street of Japan" for nothing! I was instantly amazed. The spacious area was lined with different stalls selling different types of Japanese cuisines- definitely a place worth any Japanese food lover screaming in joy for. (I am a Japanese food lover myself and this got me all excited!)

    Even their counter is so well-designed. Professionalism indeed.




    Every minor detail is so "japanese-styled" (EVEN THE WAY THE CHEFS AND STAFF WERE DRESSED). To me, it is totally a "little Japan" situated in Singapore!






    (There are loads more stalls, do check them out!)

    Most of the bloggers, including me, were so excited and anxious in capturing pictures with our handphones and cameras. (And I had already used up a large amount of memory space even before the food were served!)

    We were then led to a cozy space with reserved tables and got ourselves seated through groupings.



    And for now, the moment you've been waiting for. THE FOOD! (Oh my goodness, uploading these pictures are killing me! I can't stop my mouth from watering. *gulp a mouthful of saliva back down my throat*)



    The 1st dish- A Japanese-Style omelette, known as SAKURA EBI OMELETTE!



    Do not be fooled by the simple egg exterior. This very Sakura Ebi Omelette is no ordinary omelette.
    Wrapped beyond the tender soft egg layers are filled with baby shrimps, bread and other tasty ingredients that will leave you lusting for more after each bite.

    The inner view of the omelette: (Photo courtesy of Yongwei.)


    See? They are made up of different layers aside from the egg. The baby shrimps have a sweet distinct taste that will instantly hype up your senses. Unlike other shrimps that may be hard to chew on, theirs was actually soft! I just love the interesting combination of the three main ingredients of egg, bread and shrimps!


    Ratings:
    (4/5)




    Our 2nd dish-Mushimono (Steamed)- Bamboo Prawn Rice (MY FAVORITE!)

    (So what lies beneath it?)


    I warned you. I am not responsible for any saliva droopings! But I know that you will read on because of the irresistible temptation.

    .
    .
    .
    .
    .

    *TA-DA*!



    Tasty bamboo rice with soft, squishy prawns that are accompanied with sweet-tasting mushrooms and vegetables. On top of that, a small addition of sesame was sprinkled on top to produce the most stunning taste in your mouth ever.

    What I like most was the rice that it has a tinge of mild stickiness to it. I love it that it is not overly-sticky and such. Every mouthful produces a fantastic aftertaste, and you will definitely be eager to have another spoonful even before you swallow the first! Combine every mouthful of rice with the sweet mushrooms and it will leave you with a "hanging sensation", yearning for more.

    Not only that, their prawns are the tastiest and freshest ever. Do note that they are NOT the "hard-to-chew-on type". (Some not-so-well cooked prawns that I had eaten before elsewhere are like that.)



    In fact, these prawns are 100% chewy, and go really well with the rice. Moreover, the flesh of the prawns is amazingly soft and "bouncy" to a large extent. Perfect.


    Ratings:
    (5/5)



    3rd dish-Japanese Western- Rosti with sausage!



    You must be wondering, "Huh? Japanese western?" Yes, you heard it right. Shokudo serves Japanese western food! The full set comes with the sliced sausage and potatoes (known as "rosti"), together with special mayonnaise sauce for dipping.

    Personally, I do not really fancy potatoes, but this one completely caught me off-guard! (I was not even aware that they were potatoes when I first saw it.) Being doubtful initially, I took a small mouthful. They are surprisingly SOFT and CRISPY!

    I immediately sat up and stared at it. And started to begin having a lot more mouthfuls. It tasted a bit like french fries, AND even better!

    The sausage was not bad, either. Although its a bit hard on the exterior, but it leaves a strong taste in your mouth when/after you chew on it. I took several bites of it, too! To add on to the eating pleasure, dip it with their special mayonnaise sauce. (Their mayonnaise has a slight "lemonish" taste!)

    Ratings:
    (4.5/5)




    4th dish: Robatayaki -Tsukune



    Fancy some meaty grilled balls? They will live up to your expectations if you like grilled stuff! Personally, I do! Upon sinking your teeth into it, you will realize that this Tsukune is actually chewy and rich in the meat. I chewed for quite some time before swallowing each bite because the taste actually gets stronger when you munch on it. Definitely something different from all the other grilled balls I'd tried before. It leaves a lingering meaty aftertaste.
    Thumbs up for this!




    Ratings:
    (3.5/5)



    5th dish: Dessert-Tofu Cheesecake



    Do not look down on these small slices of tofu-looking cheesecakes. Each mouthful may be small, but the taste is SIMPLY EMPOWERING.

    There is a small crunchy layer right below every slice that blends in well with the cheesy taste. If you are a cheese-lover like me too, this is a NOT-TO-BE-MISSED dessert that you must try!


    See? The crunchy layer at the bottom. AAH, this photograph just don't do enough justice to the real deal!



    To further increase the eating pleasure, add a flow of strawberry sauce to it!




    And there you have it.




    The soft white layer that is a combination of TOFU + CHEESE literally melts in your mouth without really having to chew. The cheese consists of a tinge of saltiness which contributes to its superior taste. Not only that, the addition of strawberry sauce to the whole dish produces a lingering sensation of mild sweetness, but yet not overly sweet nor sour!

    The only complaint I have about this is that WHY DOESN'T IT COME IN LARGER SIZES?!
    (Alright, maybe I am greedy... but I really love this cheesecake to the core!) In fact, I love it so much that I made use of a blogger's lightning equipment and themed this photograph as "A dessert descended from heaven". (Look at the strong light shining on it!)



    I had difficulty trying to restrain myself from popping it into my mouth at one go. I believe the other bloggers love it as much as I do, too, as they managed to finish them all in a flash.

    One word for this. "Heavenly".

    Ratings:
    (5/5)



    Above are the 5 dishes that we were invited to try out, and if you were to ask me if I would recommend this place to my friends, I would give a definite Yes. (In fact, I am intending to visit the place again on my birthday!)
    There are simply too many varieties for you to choose from that I am sure you will be spoilt for choice. Not only that, the services they provided was superb.

    So, start planning with your friends and make a trip there now to enjoy the most genuine Japanese cuisines in their cozy premises. You'll love it!

    This picture reads: Catherine loves Shokudo.



    Shokudo Streets of Japan @ The Heeren Shops
    The Heeren Shops
    260 Orchard Road, #B1-01
    Singapore 238855
    Tel: +65 6736 1216

    Operating Hours:
    11.00 am – 11.00pm


    Check out their website for more information!

    http://shokudoconcepts.com.sg/



    Before I end my looong entry for the day (I had actually been uploading the pictures and blogging for about 8-9 hours on this!) , I present you a group photo which we had taken. (The 20 finalists photograph! Yay.)



    Oh, see that guy with the mustache kneeling down in front? I told him that he kinda reminds me of something. (No offence, though!) I tried to take photographs of him and he gladly posed for the camera =_=".


    Damn it, I regretted not asking him to take off his glasses!



    Photo extracted from his blog (Yongwei)
    He's actually a friendly and fun guy despite having that weird mustache on him. I bet he got it as a free gift when purchasing a year's supply of Pringles.

    Anyway, the whole event at Shokudo was drop-dead fun. Even though 10 of us will be eliminated soon, I still feel glad to have this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet the other bloggers and experience the delicacies at Shokudo. Its definitely something memorable.

    A sincere THANK YOU to the OMY and management of Shokudo once again for making this event possible.

    A cute magnet given by OMY. The words on it read "omy reminds you not to forget Omy".


    *sticks it to my fridge*

    Don't worry, I won't forget Omy. Ever! :)

    P/S: And don't forget to VOTE for me too! http://contest.omy.sg/ybloggistpopstar/vote.html

    (Credits to Pei Wen for helping to assist in capturing some of the photographs, and to Yongwei for the permission in the usage of two of his photos.!)

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  • About


    Name: Catherine
    Singapore Polytechnic-DXDIP
    A fan of Rowan Atkinson
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