When I was the Princess...

on the 21st of April. I turned a whole year older. I received some killer gifts this year, especially from my family. Of course, they did not consider them as presents because I always ask things from them and they will just get them for me, regardless the occasion. But this time, the things I received are pretty expensive. So much so that I was reluctant to accept some of them, while others I graciously (and readily) accepted. My generous father bought me an MP3 player which cost a bomb. My sister bought me a pair of 'to-die-for' sexy shoes and my mother bought me a black bag, one that I have been looking for for months. My best girlfriends in college bought me the prettiest water-globe, which I proudly display on my dresser. My class gave me a cake, which was without a doubt the best chocolate cake I have ever tasted. And no, I am not JUST saying that. It was not much of a cake, because there was more icing and chocolate cream than the spongy part of the cake, which is the part that I hate most. So each bite melted in my mouth and of course, made my teeth all brown. I actually find myself scanning through cake shops to find that piece of cake so that I can enjoy it one more time! Yes, it was THAT good. Certainly, not forgetting those who wished me good wishes on that special day personally, or via text- I truly appreciate it.
I cannot believe I am 18 already! I can legally go clubbing now and get my grind on! Right, like that is ever going to happen, even when I turn 80! Then again, maybe I should not speak too soon.
Anyway, I spent Special Tuesday studying for my history test. I did not mind as much as I probably should, particularly because (almost) everyday is a celebration for me- weekdays with my girlfriends and on weekends with my family. So my birthday, if not for the singing, the cake and all the self-indulgent attention (just look at the freakin' title of this post- GUILTY!), is a day like any other. And everyday is like a celebration on April 21st. Damn straight, aside from my studies, life is good.

Off to meet my secondary school girlfriends in the afternoon later. What should I wear?

Friends today. Complete strangers the next. We should be more consistent.
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Know this: On the 21st of April 1944, in France, women received the right to vote.

Accomplished

Told you the number '13' haunts me. Anyway,I had my Nationals this week. My performances for my 200m and 100m events were fair, I personally feel. I have been told that for someone without the secondary-school-days training advantage, I did well. I know I did my best. And somehow, with a strike of good luck, plenty of prayers and a miracle, I qualified into the semi-finals for the 100m event. I was utterly shocked. I was ready to sell my spikes to the juniors that Tuesday. I remembered vividly during the 100m heats I told myself that that was the last race that I will ever run in my whole entire life, so might as well 'run like hell' (Aqila if you are reading, *winks). And I did. I was convinced that I would not qualify into the semi-finals, looking at the other girls. They were all so confident. Although I did not qualify into the finals, I was glad that my 2 years of training under coach were not entirely in vain. Although I am happy that this is all over, I am grateful for this opportunity. So to the other sportsmen and women of SAJC whose season may not be over, I wish you all the best!
But give it a month or so, I think I will miss my Track trainings. This is it. No more trainings for me. No more Dynamic warm-ups. No more pick-ups. No more starting-blocks. No more King Tut's pyramid work-outs bullshit. No more hurdles. No more Core exercises. No more.
At the same time, no more Coach's sarcasms. No more of the sprinter boys' jokes. No more feeling of satisfaction after a great work-out. No, no more. All these I say in melancholy. There will be things I miss, for sure. But I am glad that I have been through everything and I came out of it all, alive. Trainings were tough, but there were definitely good times I shall cherish forever (*cue the violins).
On Thursday, I had my 2.4km run. It was my personal best ever and I think it has largely to do it being the last 2.4km run of my whole entire life. So, must 'run like hell' (Aqila,*winks) I just hate it so much and am very extremely ecstatic that it is over. No more 2.4 forever and ever and ever baby!
So this whole week, I did a whole lot of running. Not to mention rushing back from the Choa Chu Kang stadium to school for a Math test, Literature timed-assignment and my LAST 2.4km run, on all the respective days I was not in school in the morning because of my races.
Today is Friday and I feel very accomplished. However, I have a pile of homework and revisions to do, so I should probably get to it right this second.
By the way, I should probably take this opportunity to thank my PW group mates for co-operating and achieving the 'A' together. We sure as hell deserve it, kiddos!

'When you like someone, just go and talk to them.' Right.

Know this: The world's youngest parents were 8 and 9 and lived in China in 1910.

A Work in Progress

Last Saturday, my class and I had Service Learning at Tiong Bahru with the elderly. Honestly, I think we could have done much more than we did there, as all we actually did was serve food to the elderly, clean the chairs, wipe the tables and sweep the floor. However, the elderly seemed thrilled to have us there. I guess all they were looking for were fresh faces at the centre. I suppose they wanted to be accompanied by a younger generation. Either way, we made their day and I am glad.Later that evening, my girls and I had to rush to Bukit Batok for a play in Millenia Institute entitled 'Awang Belanga, Bingkisan Lama'. First of all, I must concede, the school is BEA-YOU-TO-THE-FUL. The entire landscape was magnificent, with the airport-like entrance. Second of all, the play was AWE-TO-THE-SOME. I laughed so hard that my jaw started hurting and I was in tears. 'Eh, lampu kat sane?' Bravo, Millenia Institute for that phenomenal production! From the story-lines, to the costumes, to the setting, to the music, to the singing and dancing and even the audience interaction sections, you guys really nailed them all! My girls and I agreed we would have payed $50 to watch the play, 10 times more than what they actually charged. I had a blast, man!
Last Wednesday, we went back to the Old Folks' Centre to finish another 2 hours for our CIP. Although it was at 8pm, and all of us had a tiring day at school, I still had fun. It was karaoke night and it was exciting to see the old follks excited as they clapped along. I interacted with some of them and I was not surprised that most of them understood Malay. I had fun. I must mention, some of them looked really adorable!
Moving on, yesterday, I participated in yet another All-Comers Athletics Competition, in the 200m event. My timing remained consistent, but I had hoped for an improvement. On the bright side, I saw that super adorable boy again. But of course, the standard brief glances, and we went our separate ways. Great to see him again, anyway.

And regarding my previous post, which somehow raved some very much appreciated concerns, I would like those who actually gave a damn to know that I am fine now. I realised that if I were to let this anxiety get to me, it will cloud my everything. I cannot afford to be afraid and lose focus, as time is of the essence. It is still not too late, if I start now. So do be understanding and supportive when I choose to bury myself with my studies. When it comes to revision or doing homework, I am more productive when I am alone. It's nothing personal. It's just the 'A' Levels.

And coming from a position where I was never in the bottom, the situation for me right now is difficult, to say the least. Remedials, counselling, pep-talks with my CT, Parent-Teacher (maybe HOD)- Meeting... I mean, I never had to worry about these things before. But now... I guess it is for my own good. Well, I suppose there is a first for everything. So I will just have to suck it up, swallow my pride, build a damn bridge and get the fuck over it, with grace.

I may not be 'fixed' just yet, but a work in progress, indeed.

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I'm too shy to ask. I'm too proud to lose.

~Westlife "If I Let You Go"

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Know this: After eating too much, your hearing is less sharp.