Goodbye Autumn
Snapshots from Clumber Park

I don't know why all my posts are in retrospect.

I think Autumn is my favourite season. It makes me love going outdoors; the amazing fall colours never fail to elicit a sigh and a "it's so beautiful" from me. My favourite moments this semester were all last season. Kicking through a pile of crisp, freshly fallen leaves, lying on the soft hay, looking for splotches of red and yellow amisdt the fleeting green. And most of all, walking/biking through the canopy of towering multi-coloured trees by the lakeside in my school. The view and experience is simply breathtaking. "I feel like I'm in a postcard!" :)

Now that it's winter, I dislike going out. Cold, rainy, miserable weather. It's much colder this year; last year we had a warm winter. It snowed quite heavily last Sunday night when we went to watch "Elizabeth: The golden age". Very good show. I like Cate Blanchett lots.

This semester has whizzed by. Will things ever slow down? It's tutorial after tutorial, readings after readings, late nights after late nights and the ever looming thought of the coursework deadlines and exam dates in the back of my mind, tacked in full view onto my noticeboard. I didn't even feel like celebrating my birthday. Why was last year so different? Cos our grades weren't counted. This year counts 50% towards our final law degree.

I have to finish preparing for my EU law tutorial soon.

On the bright side, I'm going to spend Christmas with Grace Tan! Who will be flying to London from Kenya! She's actually studying in New York though. I should be honoured that someone whom I haven't seen in 3 years will be traversing continents to spend Christmas with me. :) I'm looking forward to seeing an old friend (best friend in fact), whom I know very well, am comfortable with and who shares the same outlook and values as I do. This semester has been rather lonely at times. Don't really have any close, like-minded friends with all the Sherwood group back in their respective countries and the everyone else like Jen, Aidan and Hannah all so busy. Even for myself, I don't really have the time to socialise and make new friends. Hence, thank you Lord for Grace! God has also provided in the form of Cat Fairbrother. I signed up for this 1-to-1 bible study program in my church and she's the one I was paired up with. She's 23, married and living in Beeston, 5 minutes away from me. She's really nice and someone I can relate to; sensitive, soft-spoken and not intimidating. Will be meeting her every Wednesday to study Ephesians together.

And a shoutout to Cheh, I just received your package!!! It arrived a day early. :) I love the jewellery set, the pearls are so pretty! Will be wearing it tomorrow. Thank you so much! Feel so loved from home.

London pics

LONDON
September 2007
(the photos which shld have accompanied the London blog entry)

This is Covent Garden. I love it; went there every day! It's very quaint and charming; buskers flock there to perform. We saw this Irish guy swallow a blown balloon!! And an African guy balance a shoe, then a whole metal trolley on his head.
It's also the setting of William Wycherly's "The Country Wife", for those who did A level Literature. Horner, the protagonist of the book stayed there.

This is Vincent (who took all these wonderful photos) and I. We're in the Embankment, which has a naval theme to it. The lamposts and benches have engravings of fish on them. In the bankground of the picture you can see the Big Ben and the houses of Parliament.

This is a very cool art display in the Embankment. The structures show the expulsion of water from the body, in different ways. In the foreground, you can see vomitting. There were spitting, urinating, perspiring etc too.

This is Whitehall on a cloudy Autumn day. There are guards and horses on the other side of the building. You can see the London Eye in the backdrop. I'm wearing my new Muji rain-proof coat here, bought from Covent Garden! hehh

I'm posting all this as a response to Dazz's endorsement of my blog on her's. haha.. She says to read my blog cos my life is so happening here. Unfortunately I haven't been taking that many photos of life in Nottingham, (so used to it now) so here's something about London! Hope is reader-friendly enough!

MSS events

MSS Halloween Party
Guess who?

Answers from left: Lara Croft, William Wallace

I know this is super late but I havent been uploading my photos. A picture taken b4 my camera went out of battery.
My first clubbing experience in the UK. Besides "clubbing" in Sherwood C16 last year!! Unfortunately it was a most traumatising experience since I was put in charge of the cloakroom. Slept-talked about it all night. :(

Nottingham Games went really well! :) About 500 people from all over the UK universities attended the event. Met Shi En's sister there too, she came down from Warwick to play netball.
Good job everyone.. and especially to Vincent for the wonderful Pretty Orchid dinner buffet. Mmmmm.... Some mouth-watering dishes to tempt your tastebuds: Rendang beef and potatoes, sambal king prawn, tofu with vermicelli, sambal chicken drumsticks, mee goreng and coconut milk rice. Ahhh... Marshah our secretary hyper-ventilated when she saw the rendang beef. Hahaha. So did all the Japanese players who came the earliest. They loved the food and were very polite, thanked us for the food b4 leaving. Oh yes, and we sold ALL the lunches we bought from Pretty Orchid during the food fair! :)

Anyway, off to dinner and to doing tutorials....

updates

Hi all,

Sorry for not updating. Have been very busy lately- to the point of not blogging or checking facebook.

The workload is piling up. Even though I've alot less lectures this year, there's still alot of independent study.
Have to finish Criminal Law tutorial which is tomorrow, so it's off to dinner and reading Criminal cases after this post.
Then there's a dinner at Hannah's place tmr evening where the Sherwood 9:20 group gets together.
Friday moving stuff to the Sports Centre in preparation for Nottingham Games on Saturday.

Yes, MSS stuff has been taking up ALOT of time. So after the culmination of everyone's hard work into Saturday's Notts Games, there should be alot more breathing space.

Got my questions for my Psychology essay already. Need to start preparing next week!

Yes, life is really different from last year's free and easy days. On the bright side, I've been learning alot. Time-management, efficiency etc... AND most importantly, how to cook!!! :)

I've been cooking alot of breakfasts which usually consists of sausages (Cumberland, stuffed cheese, British pork, beef) toast, eggs and sometimes mushrooms. Can do all this confidently now, without Vincent's instructions and supervision! Also prepared dinner all by myself a few days ago- Tortelloni (wild mushroom and smoked salmon) with garlic, peppers and chorizo. Proud of me??? Hehe

Tonight Xuanee (a Malaysian friend/neighbour) is cooking.

Today Vincent and I went to study at the Lakeside cafe. It's a really nice place, just overlooking the University's lake. We had mocha and Viennese Whirls. :) Autumn is coming to an end though, cos it gets dark at 4.30pm. We had to cycle back in the dark- it was fine because he installed lights on our bikes. I think I'm quite ready to brave this winter cos I've got all my warm stuff- A Zara wool coat and a Gap wool jumper which I just bought yesterday. Pricey, but at least I like them and will wear them. The exams start a week earlier too, so sigh... Will be busy studying this winter vacation.

Ok, off to prepare tmr's lunch! Becoming so domestic now. Unexpected huh!

Clumber Park

Weekend at Clumber Park

It was a clear Autumn day.

Clumber Chapel

Tandem-biking, which was really really fun! Explored all the bumpy forest trails on bike.

Swan lake. I counted 21 swans in just 1 part of the lake. :) We actually saw swans fly in a V formation! It sounded like a small plane taking off; the whirring of their huge wings brushing against the water surface.

081007

7th month anniversary at Le Bistrot Pierre

We had an exquisite candle-light dinner at Le Bistro Pierre. (The photos are so bright only because the camera was switched to night mode with flash). starters were mushroom ricotta, portobello mushroom wrapped in bacon and our mains were sirloin steak and salmon with mussels in tomato and white wine sauce. Dessert was chocolate and raspberry tart with ice cream. :) We just had to go there as we were turned down twice on 2 separate occasions for dinner; manager explained that the restaurant was full with bookings until 10pm. So Vincent googled it online, found that it had won consecutive (Best Value) awards in Nottingham and Leicester and promptly made a reservation. The conclusion: Great food, great service, great atmosphere. And there was a 20% discount for students; just that we forgot about it! Haha

The other French restuarant in Nottingham is excellent too. It's called Le Petit Paris. I had the best cheesecake and mango sorbet I had ever tasted in my life. :)

Anyway, afterthat we went back to Redwoods, where Vincent brought out his guitar, sang and then taught me how to sing Everytime I Pray in Chinese. Cool right! So we were singing the chorus in both English and Chinese. :)

FOOD in Redwoods

Food in Redwoods
Courtesy of Chef Vincent

Here are some pictures of meals that we've cooked so far. From left: stir-fried chicken with mixed vegetables, steamed plaisce fillet, tortelloni with peppers, olives, anchovies and sun-dried tomatoes and finally, a hand-carved melon.

Not bad eh! Had I been living alone, it would have been bread, cereal, porridge and frozen food every day. But now every night is a feast! :)
I haven't taken any photos of my studio flat yet, cos it's very messy. Will put them up soon though! I LOVE it!!!

Here is my new address:

Flat 14/14 Redwoods,
Broadgate Park, Turnpike Lane
Beeston
Nottingham
NG9 2UT
England.

I miss all of you!

London Sep 2007

LONDON September 2007

Italian food with Grace & Danny, my wonderful hosts from UCL.

Covent Garden, my favourite place where we went to everyday.

Millenium Bridge.

Hyde Park which I really loved. :)



Cooked and biked to school and Sainsbury's today, which was very fun... Scared at first cos I've never ridden bicycles outside a park before, the exception being my near-death experience in Krakow. But it was fine with Vincent reassuring me and giving directions as he rode behind.. :) Yes I'm happy cos I'm doing things which I never thought I'd do! Never thought I'd be able to cook too. BUT it's a brand new beginning! All fired up for the 2nd year now. Good night.

Summer/Autumn in London

I'm in London now and loving it!

Day 1: Went to many places that I haven't been to before, like UCL (where my wonderful host Grace is studying), Covent Garden (where Horner from The Country Wife stayed), Carnaby Street etc. Got a little bit lost walking back to her apartment with her housemate Danny but I didn't mind, as I got to see even more of London and chat with him about his Christian faith. Our legs were achingly tired though, after walking for 6 hours non-stop. I really like Grace and Danny!

Day 2:Covent Garden again for shopping and lunch. I bought a buttterfly jewellery stand and toiletries! I like this pair of Fossil shades, shall keep in mind. I just loooove shopping here, things r so unique. We went to Belgo for lunch, which has a very industrial design; it looks like a factory, albeit a really cool one. Next stop was The National Gallery in Trafalgar Square where my personal tour guide pointed out all the interesting and famous paintings. Walked some more to Leicester Square to check out tickets for Les Miserables and da pao duck meat and sio ba for my housemates. I really enjoyed myself today.. :)

Will be going to the Embankment, Waterloo Bridge and Hyde Park tmr.. Excited as I haven't been there before too!

Siem Reap

Siem Reap: 25-27 August 2007

From left: Me, Daddy, Mummy and Aunty Lily in front of magnificent Angkor Wat, still standing after 200o years. Forgotten for centuries, accidentally discovered by lost colonial soldiers. Truly, it was entry into another world, another empire so foreign, so surreal. It was fascinating trying to imagine these ancient ruins in its former glory, teeming with life, activity and colour.

My fave pic; of these little boys playing with lotus flowers. I showed them the photo on my digicam and the smaller one was amazed to see himself!

The boat people of Tonle Sap's floating village. Very eye-opening.

I really enjoyed this trip although I was unwell. :) Relaxing, enriching.. Blessed by Aunty Lily's presence too, feeling her joy and enthusiasm for life despite her sicknesses.

Resolution Year 2

The summer hols have just flown by like that. I've been back for about 2 months already and will be flying back to the UK in 2 weeks time. It hasn't really hit me yet; the brevity of my time left in this place I call home. Other things to absorb too, the fact that the home I've lived in all my life will be torn down when I return in June next year. No more welcoming, comforting Joy Court to return to, all that will be left are 20 years worth of memories. Perhaps it marks a significant transition for me, the physical shift in house would parallel my move into adulthood. Also a milestone of birth and new beginnings, for my niece will be born there! :)

My new school year resolutions are as follows:

1) Set boundaries.
-Guard my walk with God and my commitment to Christian activities.

2) Rise up to new challenges
-Heavier workload in school (2nd year law)
-Leadership commitments
-Develop meaningful friendships while being in a relationship.
-Growing responsibilities (cooking and cleaning for myself as I move out of hall)

3) Personal development
-Be equipped for independence
-Self-discovery (my interests, talents, how God has wired me)
-Learn to have a balanced lifestyle, one that does not revolve solely around work/study.

To do so, I really need to set my priorities right and good time management!! Also learn to change my perspective. From being trapped in fear to faith in practice!! I want to live my life for God, I want Him to be glorified in all that I do. I am so inspired by my big sis, she makes me want to live with a sense of purpose again. Thank you for giving me hope. Thank you for helping me see for myself, that God is still important to me.

You.Can.Only.Type.ONE.Word.

1. Where is your cell phone?x floor

2. Your boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife?x vincent

3. Your hair?x brown

4. Your mother?x loving

5. Your father?x provider

6. Your favorite thing?x cats

7. Your dream last night?x forgotten

8. Your favorite drink?x water

9. Your dream car?x VW beetle

10. The room you are in?x homely

11. Your ex?x jerk

12. Your fear?x failure

13. What do you want to be in 10 years?x wife

14. Who did you hang out with last night?x family

15. What you’re not?x loud

16. Muffins?x yummy

17. One of your wish list items?x dunno???

19. The last thing you did?x webcammed

20. What are you wearing?x clothes

21. Your tv?x 50-inch

22. Your pet?x cat

23. Your computer?x dell

24. Your life?x blessed

25. Your mood?x sleepy

27. What are you thinking about right now?x naps

28. Your car?x non-existant

29. Your work?x starting

30. Summer?x home

31. Your relationship status?x attached

32. Your favorite color?x blue

33. When is the last time you laughed?x today

34. Last time you cried?x heathrow

35. School?x exciting

Meeting Vincent tonight!! :)

I'm going to pick Vincent up at the airport in a few hours time... He's back from HK! :) And he got to meet my hallmates there! Haha it's so fun to have international friends. Don't know where we're going, maybe Clarke Quay or Esplanade. Anyway, I'm so excited! :D

On another note, I really like the song "At the Foot of the Cross" by Kathryn Scott.
Last night I got all stressed and worried- about Mum's sudden outbreak of rashes, about next year's workload, about the future... and I realised how much there is out of my control, as well as the revelation that I do not like it one bit! That's why the worry comes. So many uncertainties in this uncertain world. God I need you! I take hope in His promises. "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11

And my favourite verse which I meditated on last night when I couldn't sleep. Why the insomnia? Because I watched the Ghost Whisperer! ARGH! And I watched it in the bright daylight of the afternoon too, on Starworld. Yes I'm pathetic. My younger sis and I both got nightmares after watching the Phantom of the Opera movie. -_-". Anyway I didn't feel so fearful after reflecting on this verse and drifted off peacefully to sleep. "The Lord is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life- of whom shall I be afraid?" -Psalm 27:1

Vincent comes to visit me in Singapore

Vincent comes to visit

Vincent has come and gone on his 3 day whirlwind trip to Singapore. There is some truth in the saying "Absence makes the heart grow fonder". He got to meet my family and friends and experience a little of the life that I lead here in Singapore. We went to Maxwell Market, Chinatown and Suntec City with his family, then to church on Sunday and Crystal Jade with my parents on Monday. Little things like taking the MRT together, sparring with toy swords in Toys R Us, introducing him to my furry darling, or him buying my family ALOT of tasty treats just made me so happy and grateful. Although there were some major hiccups in the planning, everything went smoothly, way better than expected. It taught me to be more patient and understanding, as well as to see things from others' perspective. Mum gave me words of wisdom at the peak of my frustration, "Learn to let go and the Lord will bless u even more". Indeed. We were both extraordinarily happy. :) I count my blessings.

Baking Day

It's a rather lazy Thursday afternoon with alot of breeze. How I will miss staying in big, airy Joy Court! I just read more of Lee Kuan Yew's memoirs, which really makes the Singapore Story come alive. Tons better than boring National Education lessons which we had in school.

Since today is such a free day, I have decided to do some baking. Will make a trip down to NTUC later.. Brownies or mango crumble, or both? Hehe I'm going to swim and then cook Japanese with Cheh on Saturday morning, so am looking forward to that. Then await Somebody's grand arrival in Singapore! Roll out the red carpet! I can't believe we're meeting after 2 months of being apart. I'm used to not having him around already, but I'm sure things will be fine. Haha got to practice my Mandarin in the meantime.. Dun wanna be labelled a kantang. Excited... :) Can't wait for him to meet my family and friends and experience the life I live here. He will be so overwhelmed!! Xin instructed me to tell him "Eh Carol's CGL wants to meet you". Hahaha.

Separation is hard. He keeps dreaming of me; how come I don't dream of him? It's not fair. Only in dreams can I be in 2 places at the same time.

Inquisitive Itchy (the neighbour's cat) is on my window sill playing with the curtains now. She followed me into the house last night! Naughty... Anyway Whisky has recovered; his eye is much better and he is cute and clean once again. :)

Vincent comes to visit

Shoutout: Vincent is coming to Singapore in a week's time!

:D

God's blessing

I just want to give thanks to God for providing my family with the ideal house!
We'll be moving to Tanah Merah next January (of course I won't be there; will be welcomed back in June to a brand new home. hehe)

Truly, the whole house-hunting episode is nothing short of God's amazing provision. My parents were going on an intensive 2 week search for a new house and getting rather tired and anxious at the end of it. They were almost going to sign the contract with the Malay owner of a 3 storey corner terrace, even though they had reservations about it. The turning point came when Mum asked my Dad to pray. As I was out for cell group, my parents and Dazz prayed last night, for God's direction. Coincidentally, I prayed about that too, that morning itself! Then this morning, my dad searched Classifieds property, then went straight down to see the house, skipping his breakfast to do so. (This is unprecedented) Got to the house, looked around, liked it and signed the contract with the agent/owner in 5 minutes. Just like that! Both my parents had a very good feeling about the house.

-10min walk from MRT
-spacious enough for extended family. 4+1 rooms
-big living room
-garden
-reasonable price
-bright and breezy

It just reinforced the message delivered by Ps Philip Huan a few weeks ago- When God opens the door, He opens it completely. :)
He always provides us with the very best!
Praise the Lord!

neglected

My poor blog is so neglected.. :(

Most personal things that matter to me are written down in my journal already; I don't think I wanna publish it here. You never know who's reading!

Anyway, the chapter from the book I'm reading is about how God speaks through circumstances.
2 things that I could immediately apply to what I learnt.

1) The South Korean hostage crisis in Afghanistan.
For sure, ppl question why God, if He's so mighty, doesn't save them from being killed by the Taleban. All I can say is that, God is sovereign. He is still in control. I like the remarks made by Daniel's friends when they were in the lion's den.. Draw some parallels- I'm too tired to type it down now.

2) Whisky's return home. :):):)
I am ELATED.
Will elaborate more on this tmr.

Just have that niggling sense that I need to articulate what I learn, before I forget.

Good night, world.

Whiling away the time

I feel like I'm whiling away my time by reading too much.
Should just get my butt out of the house!!!
And stick to timetables. And exercise. Seriously need to get fit again. My fitness freak boyfriend either plays tennis or goes to the gym every day. I feel like such a slob now! Ahhh

Playing badminton today. Perfect rainy weather now. :)

going around the world

Maureen is coming to stay with me this Saturday! She will embark on her whirlwind tour of Singapore and Malaysia. Whoa super fast... Hehe exciting.

Vincent coming next month. :)

And I will be in Cambodia from 25-27 Aug. We were supposed to go a week earlier but tickets were sold out. Done my research on Siem Reap and Angkor already. Whee! I wanna go to Penang too...