Watson called, "Daniel...sms...Tim...ATR...accident...too fast too furious..."
After desperately trying to reach Leow and Tim but to no avail, my IP card's remaining 6rmb was used up (how?!) and my VoIP didn't work. I sat at my desk, DAZED. All the time, I was praying praying praying... Next logical step: Go to Weilie and Eric's room. They'd find a way to get me connected to the guys in Phuket via their Singapore numbers.
Crap. The more I thought about it, the more I wanted to cry LAH.
Then...my hp beeped and I received a message from Tim. Many of his msges couldn't get through previously due to network problems, so pressing the "read" button on my phone always gets me nervous. God knew I had to read his message: "...some stitches, a chipped tooth...going for jaw x-ray..."
Heaved a sigh of relief. Watson called again and asked if I received news or managed to contact the guys... Thanks for all that concern pal!
Wanted to talk about more printing mishaps, my paper, the pizza I ate etc...but all have become secondary.
If you're reading this, please say a little prayer for Tim. Thank you.
gRacE =)
Tuesday, June 6, 2006
Monday, June 5, 2006
Do Not...!
If I’ve learnt anything today, that is: Do not attempt to alter your assignment at the very last minute.
I was studying for History of Chinese Culture when I came across Confucianism’s filial piety and was struck by how one of the Ten Commandants tied in. And so, I decided to add that little something into my paper. By the time I was done, I had half an hour to the start of my exam, I had yet to get changed, and I needed to print the assignment.
I got to Kai Qin’s 10-cents-per-page printing shop, and the in-charge, back facing me, mumbled something upon my entry. I said I wanted to print, and stood there for a minute, waiting to be served. Not wanting to waste anymore time, I asked if I could use the available computer, to which he repeated, back facing me, what he had mumbled, “晚上再来打印...” At night?!!
The second shop that I went to was packed with people. The third had suddenly converted to a photography booth!
I did manage to find a fourth printing shop that charged 20 cents per page. Fine, I thought, until my assignment came out double-sided. Argggggh!!! By that time, I had ten minutes to the start of my exam. After collecting the sheets from my second printing, I returned to the computer to retrieve my thumbdrive. The guy behind me had conveniently plugged it out without the proper ejection. Grrrrrowl!
I arrived at the exam venue ON TIME. The papers had been given out, and all seats appeared to have been taken. Can you believe it…I spent the first 15min taking my paper standing up! They didn’t care that I had my bag with me and they didn’t check my student identification. I was sooooo amused I caught myself smiling. =P
The kind teaching assistant did find me a seat between two Korean girls eventually, and many other latecomers were ushered into the classroom next door. The bulk of the paper was regurgitation. One, very likely to be used as a grade-distinguishing factor, asked for your opinion on traditional Chinese festivals. Hoooray! I completed the paper on time!
Walking to the back of the room to retrieve my bag (which I had left when moving to the seat), a couple of Korean guys at the last row turned back with expectant eyes. “同学...(with notes and exam paper still in hand) 这书里面有吗？” Hehhhhh…
15 minutes after my paper had been collected, the students next door were still taking the paper. Hehhhh…?! Meiying didn’t complete her paper and she protested vehemently. Grrrrrowl!
So much for my first paper in PKU.
Back at the hostel, the bathroom light was out again. For the second time this semester, I went down to inform the 楼长 “三层浴室的灯坏了”. He paused, pondered, looked at me and asked, “三层???” I nodded…and then realised that I meant to say “三号楼四层”. The third level only has male bathrooms!!!
For the record, last night, I locked my roomie in the room when I went to the toilet. Well at least now she knows how safe our room is! I really lock it every single time I’m out! =P
Looking back, I can still be thankful. Really appreciate mama for bringing bird’s nest all the way from Singapore for this exam period.
This morning, she came excitedly to my room not only with breakfast, but a much-needed fan from the market! What more can I ask for?
I thank God for my favourite 雪菜肉丝面, and the fact that Eric’s weighing scale didn’t shock me. ;)
One paper down; five to go.
gRacE =)
I was studying for History of Chinese Culture when I came across Confucianism’s filial piety and was struck by how one of the Ten Commandants tied in. And so, I decided to add that little something into my paper. By the time I was done, I had half an hour to the start of my exam, I had yet to get changed, and I needed to print the assignment.
I got to Kai Qin’s 10-cents-per-page printing shop, and the in-charge, back facing me, mumbled something upon my entry. I said I wanted to print, and stood there for a minute, waiting to be served. Not wanting to waste anymore time, I asked if I could use the available computer, to which he repeated, back facing me, what he had mumbled, “晚上再来打印...” At night?!!
The second shop that I went to was packed with people. The third had suddenly converted to a photography booth!
I did manage to find a fourth printing shop that charged 20 cents per page. Fine, I thought, until my assignment came out double-sided. Argggggh!!! By that time, I had ten minutes to the start of my exam. After collecting the sheets from my second printing, I returned to the computer to retrieve my thumbdrive. The guy behind me had conveniently plugged it out without the proper ejection. Grrrrrowl!
I arrived at the exam venue ON TIME. The papers had been given out, and all seats appeared to have been taken. Can you believe it…I spent the first 15min taking my paper standing up! They didn’t care that I had my bag with me and they didn’t check my student identification. I was sooooo amused I caught myself smiling. =P
The kind teaching assistant did find me a seat between two Korean girls eventually, and many other latecomers were ushered into the classroom next door. The bulk of the paper was regurgitation. One, very likely to be used as a grade-distinguishing factor, asked for your opinion on traditional Chinese festivals. Hoooray! I completed the paper on time!
Walking to the back of the room to retrieve my bag (which I had left when moving to the seat), a couple of Korean guys at the last row turned back with expectant eyes. “同学...(with notes and exam paper still in hand) 这书里面有吗？” Hehhhhh…
15 minutes after my paper had been collected, the students next door were still taking the paper. Hehhhh…?! Meiying didn’t complete her paper and she protested vehemently. Grrrrrowl!
So much for my first paper in PKU.
Back at the hostel, the bathroom light was out again. For the second time this semester, I went down to inform the 楼长 “三层浴室的灯坏了”. He paused, pondered, looked at me and asked, “三层???” I nodded…and then realised that I meant to say “三号楼四层”. The third level only has male bathrooms!!!
For the record, last night, I locked my roomie in the room when I went to the toilet. Well at least now she knows how safe our room is! I really lock it every single time I’m out! =P
Looking back, I can still be thankful. Really appreciate mama for bringing bird’s nest all the way from Singapore for this exam period.
This morning, she came excitedly to my room not only with breakfast, but a much-needed fan from the market! What more can I ask for?
I thank God for my favourite 雪菜肉丝面, and the fact that Eric’s weighing scale didn’t shock me. ;)
One paper down; five to go.
gRacE =)
Sunday, June 4, 2006
A Letter
Hello gRacE,
Your exams begin tomorrow! What are you doing staring at the window pane and wondering why moths are attracted to light? Why did you knock on the glass and scare that poor lizzard, causing it to fall?
Completing your assignment and finally understanding why religion is viewed as 唯心主义 and atheism as 唯物主义, has NOTHING to do with your paper tomorrow. Stop thinking about why China is adopting socialism!
Your vocabulary has improved TODAY, because you now know words like 不惴鄙陋、域外奇葩 and 言人人殊, but that's not sufficient to write a proper paper! You need Chinese tuition... Ohh...you mean you are giving Chinese tuition?
At least for these few days, forbid yourself from thinking about the following:
1. Shopping
2. Ping Pong
3. Year 3 Subject Registration
4. Leaving PKU
5. Watching your 5th and final 张艺谋 film
You have one and a half more hours to go. At least read the chapter on 史书 ok... Aim beyond passing!
Hang in there...You'll make it through.
Best regards,
gRacE
Your exams begin tomorrow! What are you doing staring at the window pane and wondering why moths are attracted to light? Why did you knock on the glass and scare that poor lizzard, causing it to fall?
Completing your assignment and finally understanding why religion is viewed as 唯心主义 and atheism as 唯物主义, has NOTHING to do with your paper tomorrow. Stop thinking about why China is adopting socialism!
Your vocabulary has improved TODAY, because you now know words like 不惴鄙陋、域外奇葩 and 言人人殊, but that's not sufficient to write a proper paper! You need Chinese tuition... Ohh...you mean you are giving Chinese tuition?
At least for these few days, forbid yourself from thinking about the following:
1. Shopping
2. Ping Pong
3. Year 3 Subject Registration
4. Leaving PKU
5. Watching your 5th and final 张艺谋 film
You have one and a half more hours to go. At least read the chapter on 史书 ok... Aim beyond passing!
Hang in there...You'll make it through.
Best regards,
gRacE
Saturday, June 3, 2006
Hot Hot Hot! Re Re Re!
The Boyfriend's headed for Phuket tomorrow morning with Leow and 2 other Fairfield classmates. Thus far, the most beautiful thing I've seen in nature was snow-capped Mount Fuji. Because mama cannot tolerate the heat, and beaches do not appeal to her, we have not travelled to islands or holiday destinations in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand etc.
A pity...Phuket looks charming...
The Boyfriend deserves a grrrrrreat holiday! ;)
My Day...
Only ping pong can grab my attention for three full hours...
李楠 was really "seh", and she's also one of those rare 直板 pros.
But I was most impressed by 16-year-old 冯亚兰!
After the competition, we headed to 家园餐厅 for dinner. Last night and early this morning, Kai Qin, Jian Kang and I ALL suffered from mild food poisoning after dining outside school. We suspect it's the mutton! Thankfully, tonight's dinner was goodie...and hmm...I still feel norrrrmal typing this post... =P
Our favourite dessert - 拔丝香蕉!
Suppose to read up on History of Chinese Films tonight...not as productive as I've hoped. =(
明天再充斥！
gRacE =)
A pity...Phuket looks charming...
The Boyfriend deserves a grrrrrreat holiday! ;)
My Day...
Only ping pong can grab my attention for three full hours...
李楠 was really "seh", and she's also one of those rare 直板 pros.
But I was most impressed by 16-year-old 冯亚兰!
After the competition, we headed to 家园餐厅 for dinner. Last night and early this morning, Kai Qin, Jian Kang and I ALL suffered from mild food poisoning after dining outside school. We suspect it's the mutton! Thankfully, tonight's dinner was goodie...and hmm...I still feel norrrrmal typing this post... =P
Our favourite dessert - 拔丝香蕉!
Suppose to read up on History of Chinese Films tonight...not as productive as I've hoped. =(
明天再充斥！
gRacE =)
Friday, June 2, 2006
Reflective
I am still unable to see how NJ fits into God's plan in my life. I vividly remember the day I attended the LEP briefing at HC, looked upon its school building, and decided the school wasn't for me. Two years in NJ...Why? WHY?
But tonight, I've been affirmed on my decision to NOT specialise in journalism. =)
I wonder if the local students here secretly tag "exchange" and "international" students as wild, unstudious, and playful...I wonder if hall life IS indeed distracting... While I must have learnt things in the past few months here, I feel that this revision period prior to my exams has been the most fruitful.
*knock knock*
SMS *ding dong*: i'm knocking on ur door
"OH MY...!"
My roomie thought I received flowers...haha...got a big Chinese fan instead for this stuffy hot weather. Thankful.
gRacE ;)
But tonight, I've been affirmed on my decision to NOT specialise in journalism. =)
I wonder if the local students here secretly tag "exchange" and "international" students as wild, unstudious, and playful...I wonder if hall life IS indeed distracting... While I must have learnt things in the past few months here, I feel that this revision period prior to my exams has been the most fruitful.
*knock knock*
SMS *ding dong*: i'm knocking on ur door
"OH MY...!"
My roomie thought I received flowers...haha...got a big Chinese fan instead for this stuffy hot weather. Thankful.
gRacE ;)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)