Confused

I thought i planned my modules out like almost a month ago. Then I just realised that it isnt as feasible anymore to stick to it.

Shoots.

Im in search of modules. Need breadths/UEs. Any recommendations? Please comment.

Email Correspondances

NOTE: READ FROM BOTTOM-UP

Dear Ms XXX

I thank you for your assistance and have noted your suggestion. I do hope that my predicament can be looked into as I am sure that other students share my sentiments with regard to this matter.

Thank you once again.

With sincerest gratitude,
Farah

Dear Farah

We will look into the situation and see how we could help you. In the meantime, you may want to try bidding for PL3284_1 since it is only offered in Semester 1.

Regards
XXX (Ms)
Senior Administrative Officer
Department of Psychology

Dear Ms XXX,

Thank you for the clarification. However, I am gravely disheartened by this matter. You are implying that because of the 'system', I am unable to take both aspects of Lab in Applied Psychology.

As a student of this institution, I feel that I am entitled to the right to know why the two labs were bundled under one module to begin with. I feel that I should not have been disadvantaged because of the 'system'. I am interested in both aspects of applied psychology and am serious in pursuing this field in future. I feel that both labs would be highly beneficial to my studies now and for my post-graduate studies. Because of this 'system', I feel that it is unfair for me to have to choose between the two labs given that their content vary a great deal.

I am uncertain if you are the relevant party I should convey my grieviences to so I apologise if you are not the intended recepient. However, I truly appreciate if my email could be forwarded to whomever it concerns such that I may receive a clear, satisfactory clarification to this situation.

Many thanks.

Regards,
Farah

Dear Farah

We no longer have any manual registration for modules. All registration has to be done through the CORS system.

Regards
XXX(Ms)
Senior Administrative Officer
Department of Psychology

Dear Ms XXX,

If that is the case, will I still be able to take the module by manually registering for it? You mentioned that that the system will not allow as such but you did not mention if I am still able to take it if registration is done manually.

I find this to be rather peculiar if this is not possible as I will be denied of the opportunity to take modules which I feel will be of great importance in my undergraduate studies as a psychology major.

I look forward and am greatly appreciative of your clarification.

Thank you.

Regards,
Farah

Dear Farah

As both module are classified under PL3284, the system will not allow you to take the other group if you have taken one group in the earlier semester.

Regards
XXX

Dear XXX,

I am a third year and am rather keen on taking PL3284_1 (Lab in health psychology) this semester. However, I am also interested in taking PL3284_2 (Clinical Application of Neuropsychology). While I understand that it is impossible to take both modules concurrently, I am wondering if I will be allowed to take the other module the following semester. Is it possible to do so? Or will I automatically be precluded from taking it next semester as both modules fall under PL3284?

I look forward to your speedy reply.

Yours sincerely,
Farah XXX

My brother the scientist.

I'm proud of my brother. He just received word that his paper has been accepted and is now published in a journal. I mean common, how many people do you know in the flesh gets their papers published in an international journal?

His paper can be found in the journal Biotechnology and Bioengineering (2006, wiley periodicals, inc.) And check out the uber cheem title...

"Crystallization of IgG1 by Mapping its Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation Curves"

Please, i have no idea what that means. Maybe i should actually read it...later.

There's something about...

Haircuts.
The way a lady feels after having her hair preened and tended to cannot be explained. There's the worry, the loss (in some cases), the satisfaction and the sudden esteem boost. If all goes well, she'll feel good about herself the whole day, even if she snipped off like only 2 inches. In any case, I chopped off half my hair (in length) and most likely 3 quarters of it (in volume) yesterday evening so my head is significantly lighter and my neck isnt aching as much. And i felt darn good lah.


Stilettos.
Heh, i just bought a pair of this pair. Pretty huh? Its funny how your posture is immediately corrected and for the first time you realise that your calves are working and not just lumps of muscles cum fats stuck to the bones connecting your feet to your knees. And the fact that you feel a little bit more confident about yourself. Heels..I like.

Chilling out with friends at a hawker centre.
It's so refreshing. Usually, i'd only go with family. But last evening, I went with ave and ade to beach rd food centre. I dont know if the other two thought the food to be good or not, but my stomach was really contented. I live on these kinds of food. Cheap and good. And i think from now on, i'll try to steer my other friends towards places like these. I think ive had enough of overpriced restaurants where the food is like not as palatable and yet 3 times its price.

Middle eastern decorations.
Im contemplating on doing my house up with in future with carpets, plush cushions, comfy sofas, paintings, ceiling drapes and chandaliers. And cool cute little teacups.

Taking photos.
Im still baffled. Why do girls get so excited when it comes to taking and having taken a photo?

Jeans.
Why is it that no matter how many pair you own, you'll only end up using the same one all the time?

Pink.
Well, there's nothing to say really :)

Themed eateries.
Billy bombers. Ive never dined there but I have this prolific urge to dress in long frilly skirts and have a ribbon in my hair, while humming "mr simon, give me a drink" should i ever.

Early preps

Spent 4 hours at tanjong katong complex shopping for my hari raya clothes like almost 3 months in advance. Amazingly, people have already begun shopping for them. I must say, the designs are getting more modern and trendy. But the price...oh the price. Worth it if you're using your outfit more than once but killer expensive like crazy if its just for that one day. In the end, after trying so many out, i came home empty handed...but im in no hurry to get one yet anyway.

Yesterday was a tad tiring. Tuition in the morn, salsa in the afternoon then swaps farewell. I guess the highlight of that was the fact i got to play the drums and i got a tour of chris's lovely house :)

Bidding starts next week. Im satisfied with the dept for blocking modules (3 of which im intending to take) in favour of yr 3s. Wohoo! :)

Also, I just feel like saying that..

I love my darling :)

Hello

I just came back from a 2D1N trip to Bintan. My sis is having her 1 wk leave and we decided to go somewhere nearby (45 mins away) instead of cameron highlands (10 hr bus ride) or bangkok (which requires flight and more planning).

Bintan is expensive, at least to me cos everything is in sing dollars and i dont feel as rich as i did in tioman where everything is in ringgit. Also, a 2D1N trip is more than sufficient before you get bored. Unless youre the type who just love tanning or whatever then you'll enjoy it very much. Then again, this is my 2nd time there so maybe im just not as excited....Bintan is just a place to go to escape the icky waters around s'pore's coast...and being 45 mins away, you can actually just take a day trip there from tanah merah terminal to take a dip and soak your feet in the fine fine sand and come back at night!

The water is very clear and yeah, you can see fishes by the shore...and that water is superbly calm. It felt like i was swimming in a lake rather than the sea! :)

Golf enthusiasts might like the course there as it is apparently in the top 100 golf courses in the world.

That aside, more bumming for me till school re-opens!

:) :) :)

Finally!

Thanks to ave, i finally have a list of halal places to dine around town besides the same usual places...

Copied this from the class blog to share so next time anyone wants to plan like an outing with muslims, you guys can suggest these places.. :) Oh yes, you can also go to the MUIS website to look at the entire list of halal food outlets in singapore.

Bumbu Restaurant @ Far East Square 63928628 ♥ Kintamani Indonesian Restaurant @ Furama Riverfront Hotel 67332081 ♥ Sofra Turkish Cafe & Restaurant @ Shaw Tower 62911433 ♥ Wang Yhingthai Restaurant @ Purvis St 63392520 ♥ Mackenzie Rex Restaurant @ Prinsep Street 63361702 ♥ Hajah Maimunah @ 11&15 Jalan Pisang 6291 3132♥ Larissa Café @ #B1-09/10 Orchard Hotel Shopping Arcade, 6734 7030♥ Mazmazza Café & Restaurant @ 67-68 Bussorah Street 6297 7472♥ Straits Kitchen @ 10 Scotts Road, Grand Hyatt Hotel 6416 7114♥ Café Vienna @ Royal Plaza on Scotts, 25 Scotts Road 6589 7799♥ Café De Laila @ 100 Orchard Road #01-03 Le Meridien Shopping Centre 6735 076

Still full closet and dusty hands have i.

Im airing my cupboard. Well, at least thats a pretty valid excuse for walking away from the mess ive made in my room.

I got rid of all the clothes i have not worn in the past 2 years and which i do not intend to wear..again. I was about to donate them to some needy indonesians cos this guy in the newspapers is acting as a middleman, collecting old clothes and stuff for the needy there. I told my grandma about it and she decided that she wanted to give them to her maid. so yeah. either way, i know my clothes arent gonna be wasted.

Amazed at how brilliantly fast I had done my wardrobe, I decided to well, do my bookshelves. The ones which were stuffed with all the mess from the exams. Threw away all my social work notes. Dont think im gonna need them anyway. Decided to keep my psych lect stuff. And my GEK1525 notes are still with me. Kenneth has asked me to pass it on. So anyone out there taking Evaluating Claims Related To Health, look me up, im giving it away. NM2219 book up for grabs too. Im still deciding if i should keep it cos its in such good condition and its a really nice read. But then again, whats the point of keeping it? Im already wondering if i should have hung onto my PL1101E text. Whats the point of keeping that? Im thinking of selling it already. I dont see myself referring to it in future considering it only somewhat scratches the surface the topics in psych.

Its funny how its so easy to keep books but so hard to figure out what the heck to do with all those tutorial readings and stuff.

I have 2 more pigeon holes to finish before moving on to my drawers and perhaps dresser. Argh.

In any case, I just completed this book by Paul Coelho. Its called "The devil and Miss Prym". I highly recommend this to everyone who wants a short hmm-ish whoa book that touches on the mumbo-jumbo about whether humans are essentially good or evil. (gosh, i can never be a book reviewer but ive never intended to be one anyway)

Im also reading another book "Why we do it: Rethinking sex and the selfish gene". Its something that delves into evolution theories and stuff. Im still struggling with the 2nd chapter. Its been a long time since i read a academic kinda book.

In the meantime, I'll be re-reading Shape :)

I think that this holiday has taught me a lot about people. The most hardworking person ends up a slob when he/she has nothing to do.

Fine, thats just me.

And crap. Im left with 1 month before school starts and look at me. I havent worked out as often as i can to lose the exam-induced fats on my body.

Dear friends

Due to certain obnoxious circumstances, I have decided to suspend my tag board. Feel free to leave your comments though yea? I figured that at least i can moderate the comments before they are published so heh, only the ones which are 'genuine' can be seen.

Finally, a way to control the spam ive been putting up with! :)

Mods

WHYYYYYYY?

I cant seem to be able to piece a nice time table together :(

Besides, bio psych, adolescent psych and lab in applied psych (of which im not even sure if lab in health psych is offered under it), i dont know what else to take if i want a 3 day week again.

Im still deciding between
1) general bio
2) management intro for breadth

and
3)org culture and power management intro
4) intro to world religion
5)understanding emotion in interactive processess
6)understanding careers
7)intro to cultural studies for UE.

PLUS im looking for breadth/UE mods that doesnt require textbooks.

ARGHHHHHHH.

But either way, i see a 4-5 day packed week looming.........arghhhhhh.

Aside: The psych camp was great..at least looking at the way the campers enjoyed it. I mean, i wasnt really around..but im gonna try my darnest to be there for the whole camp next year....besides, it might be the last in which i can be a faci. Then its time to grow up :(

Think ive got the flu bug. Darn it.

Dirty dancing: Havana nights

My gosh!! I love love LOVE this movie.

I finally rented the DVD last night. Heh, i know, the movie was out eons ago..a bit slow la heh.

I wanna dance like them too! Unfortunately, the dance in there isnt salsa. Its like a whole mesh of stuff. The cheoreographer mixed here and there and everywhere but..

(WAILS)

"I WANNA DANCE LIKE THAT!!!"

hrmph.

Still, salsa is better than nothing i guess!
First step salsa, then who knows :)

And im kinda inspired by the two lead actors. Did you know that neither of them could dance like that? They had to go through 2 months of intensive lessons before filming.

So there's hope for me!
Yay!

And the soundtrack rocks.

Lor Mee and Salsa

First, I FINALLY have a hobby ie thing-to-do-on-a-weekly-basis-during-my-hol! :) Wednesdays nights are now Salsa nights!

Next, I had my first taste of lor mee at the coffee shop at Bugis. Is it me, or does Lor Mee taste like mee rebus?

Complaints

Dear whoever.

I would like to lodge a complaint regarding the service (or lack of it) which I received on the 26th of June, 2006 at your esso kiosk along TampAve7.

I am appalled at the lack of personnel to attend to the petrol pumps at this station. I visited this kiosk at around 11pm with the intention of filling up my car tank as it was nearly empty. I waited for some time for an attendant to assist me before my father urged me to pump the car tank myself. Being a novice driver, I was reluctant and continued to desperately wait for assistance. I overhead a man over the PA system asking one of your staff to come to Pump number 1, yet no one came. I therefore decided to do it myself. I was immedietly soaked in petrol as soon as I pressed the trigger. Still, nobody came to my aid. My father, too, was sprayed.

In the end, we decided that since you did not offer us any service, we would not offer you any of our money. We ended up leaving the kiosk, paying $1.30 for the spilled petrol.

I am highly offended that the cashier aka the man over the PA system, who was well aware of our predicament, did not even apologise for the lack of service. I am even more alarmed that your company, which obviously faces a manpower shortage at this station, should not have hired more staff.

All in all, I am gravely dissatisfied with the entire experience. Unless something is done to rectify the situation, I am afraid I shall avoid this petrol kiosk.

PS: In this day and age, it is wise for a company as huge as yours to actually have an email address the public can send their responses too. Your website is superbly consumer user unfriendly. So anyway, I guess the only people who will ever come across this post will be my "readers". But never underestimate the power of information dissemination via blogs. Who knows, one day, even you might actually stumble upon this site or whatever.

For now, catharsis will suffice.

Ahh. i feel better already.

Cant believe i had to shower....AGAIN...and scrub myself hard to get rid of the pungent pertrol stench. eek.

Pet Peeves

Clerks or whoever it is that answers phone calls for a living are paid to be helpful and saccharine over the phone. Regardless of how cranky they are in person, their job is to be nice to people calling them up.

I CANNOT STAND rude, curt and arrogant persons who do not have the decent courtesy to be nice to me when Im freaking nice to them over the phone.

Whats up with you people anyway? Sheesh. You hate your job? Then quit! Nobody's asking you to pass your angst over to me on a friday morning.

And now, im affected. Sigh. Breathe in....breathe out.....

I was calling up some schools this morning to apply for register myself with them as a relief teacher. And my gosh, have i blacklisted 2 of them already. NEVER will my kid be sent to a school where the staff arent taught manners. On the other hand, some of the schools i called up were pleasantly friendly. Even if they werent as friendly, they didnt sound like im a pesty student playing a prank call on them for the umpteenth time. I mean, really, what if i were a reporter or a parent? Is that how you entertain such calls? Not even with a sincere good
morning?

RUDE RUDE RUDE.

I cant stand em. cant stand em at all.

yappings

So, i was reading the newspapers this morning when i chanced upon one of those celebrity-endorsed weight loss programmes and NO WAY. How is that earthly possible that that ex-spore idol contested loss so much weight? Sure not? Must be air-brushed...

Which led me to another product endorsed by an ex-vj student now celebrity endorsing a drink which contains probiotics. Since when does SHE have a cleavage? Rubbish lah. Ive seen her around and ive been at least less than 1 metre from her and i remember no such thing. Unless her uniform was really really baggy. NOT that i was staring at her cleavage in school or anything.

Ok, i just made myself sound like some pervert justifying her/his comments.

Anyhoos, bottom line is, you can never be too sure if someone is really you know how he/she appears to be in print cos there's ALWAYS airbrushing.

Yesterday, played badminton till my butt ached. I have loss my stamina. Ade's gonna thrash me when she gets back.

Also went to check out the new gym at tamp swimming pool. Nice. Big. People in all shapes and sizes. Comfy. There was a weighing machine there too. Shocked, am i. Shocked.

NO more chocolates for farah. Quite frankly, ive already cut down on fast food. Ive only eaten at such joints once in nearly 2 months. And ive stopped snacking. Where is the so called drastic loss in weight? Elementary farah, elementary. I havent been exercising much, thats why!

I have to curb my eating disorder too. I always always eat when i study. Its an outlet for my anxiety. Which may mean that if i keep this up, by the time i graduate, i wont be able to squeeze through my door.

And as much as people(except my dad...and mom...and sis...and bro who tells me point blank) tell me that im not fat (oh, you kind kind people) I am officially the heaviest now than ever in my life. And that is pretty depressing. Especially when you have skinny friends around you. But whatever lah. I'll just have to work something out.

I need to exercise more. If not for beauty sake, at least for my cardiovascular system and overall wellness. I dont wanna die of a heart attack. Or diabetes. Or stroke. Or high blood pressure.
Although, given my diet, race and history, it is quite probable. Everything is just a matter of time.

Enough of morbid thoughts. I am going to pick up a hobby.

Now that i am officially CCA-less, having quit the Ridge cos i was in it for the experience only and i think ive had enough of 'journalism', i need to pick something more fun...that involve me physically doing something.

My darling's picking up arabic lessons and akido. He's asked me to join him but, ur, Im thinking of dance of some nature or running or blading or smt that would make me sweat at the same time. And i'll have to do that every single week. While akido sound cool and stuff...i mean...er...i want something fun.

Any ideas? And i know i have tonnes of dance enthusiatic friends out there..so my question is, what is the best type of dance which is relatively easy to pick up and which simultaneously offers a total body workout which wouldnt too strenous to injure my sensitive lower back?

Comms Ball

Tioman trip was excellent. Ive never enjoyed myself so much. Considering this is my first trip abroad with friends, Im definitely excited at the prospects of future embarkations with my peers. Its just so different from travelling with family! And rauf, nadeem and farhana...you guys are like THE best! Did snorkelling, open water fishing, rode a 4 by 4, jungle trekking, waterfall, beach volley, and tonnes of other memorable stuff like travelling 'amazing race' style and many many other stuff that shall not be mentioned here :) In short, Im satisfied with the whole budget vacation.

Having said that, I dolled myself up one day after i returned from the island to attend najib's commissioning ball at the swiss hotel. It turned out to be like a mini dunman reunion! Quite a number of ex-dunmanites turned out to be officers and heh, the companions were from there too! :) I even met my buddy layhong! :) Such a relief cos i thought i'd be bored stiff, having to smile at people I dont know and will never remember their names but have to pretend i would. Food was much much better than the prom at Ritz. And its my first 'prom' with a date :) It feels so nice....

Oh yea, they had this studio peeps come down to take our photos and najib and me went to the place at suntec to select and order. Man, the way they made us pose...so hilarious! Anyway, here are some pics using his camera.
(deleted photo)

I honestly thought the lady doing my hair was just messing it up but after looking at this pic, i love love love the way she did my hair!

(Deleted photo)

My favourite pic of the night. Heh, yes, i made him bite the rose.

(deleted photo)
See the chain Im wearing? He gave it to me that evening.

(deleted photo)

Mini-dunman gathering! My buddy Layhong and her date. Or should it be the other way round?

How about that for a nice welcome home!

Number 52

http://ap3.fas.nus.edu.sg:8000/appl/web9/deans_list/DeansList200506s2.html

A post before I leave for Tioman tomorrow :)

Last saturday was my darling's commissioning parade. After much ado and fretting about meeting his family (his grandma, aunties, cousins, sister, parents were there cos his cousin was also graduating), I resolved that i'd pluck up my courage and meet them all at one shot. However, after all the psyching myself up and stuff, another problem came up. Ticket.

Apparently, this cohort of graduants was too large a size that tickets had to be issued to limit the number of guests each graduant invites. Blah. So farah couldnt have a tic cos his family took up all of it. So naturally, i was disappointed yet faced with mixed emotions. Its hard to explain.

But anyway, in the end, thanks to a very very very fantabulous friend, and her friend, i managed to attend the thingy! :)

(deleted photo)
The girl who made it all possible...karina!! with josh's help and his sir's help :) Really wanna thank you guys once again. :)

Here are some other pics. Heh, i couldnt recognise him and ended up taking pics of the wrong contingent until the march past... anyway, the pics are kinda small..here they are!! :)

My darling's contingent! So proud of him. I know how much he hates drills :) 6th from the right.
(deleted photo)
One of the more interesting highlights: receiving blessings from leaders of the various faiths in singapore. Check out their outfits below :)
(deleted photo)
Below: One of the cooler drills. Slow march. Kinda unexpected :) Cos they broke off into rows and to the surprise of the audience, each row went up a flight of steps right next to our seats! So i was like 10 cm from my darling who was looking oh-so-serious until i called him "baby!!" and he was trying his darnest to suppress a smile :) Told you i'd make you laugh.
There he is! The uber dark one, 5th from the front. Tsk tsk..so sun burnt.
The guys celebrating after throwing their hats and all....

Oh yeah, I got him a little surprise that night! And the next day, we set it up!

My darling's surprise belated birthday present! A fus-ball table! Im gonna beat you next time..just you see.
Arent i the coolest girlfriend on the face of the earth? :P

Alright, need to pack for my trip tmr :) I shall be back by friday! :)

Through gritted teeth

Dear Mr Boss Person,

I want my bleeping PAY. I am leaving on tuesday morning you ninkampoop and I need the moolah to travel. Why cant i collect it on Monday? Why did you ignore my sms and email? Totally bad PR you know. Sheesh. Cant believe I had to call you and ask you nicely how i can get it. But know what, it's my right!!

I have to come by when I get back? What makes you think im bloody free (fine, i maybe but still) you assuming person!

GRRRR.

As of now, you owe me $542.10. And no, I will NOT waive the 10cents.

Looks like I'll have to dig into my savings for this trip. It just doesnt feel the same using my savings instead of my earnings over the last 9 days. I mean, the only reason i took the job was to cover my expenses for this trip. Bleah. Eventually i'll get the money so okay okay...fine.

Aside: Going out with sharena. One of the rare friends i can bimbo-shop with :) It feels good to be the consumer once again.
Then heading over to nadeem's 21st bday. Hmm, i just realised that all the bday parties i went over the year were girls' parties. Wonder what a guy's 21st party wld be like.

Another many asides revolving around nudgie's commissioning ball on the 17th:

Should i dye my hair before or after i go to tioman?
Should i cut my hair?
Should i do it up or let it down for e commissioning ball?
Should i accessorise in gold or in white/silver/crystal?
Must my shoes match my bag?
And must my shoe (and therefore bag) match my jewellery?

PS: im wearing the same black dress i wore for my bday since he actually bought the dress for the 17th in the first place...

Oh fashion guru, where art thou?

Conference Call

I am speaking to 3 other people at one go and this is getting very confusing! But this is so fun! We're planning our trip over the phone and we're trying to figure out how come farhana cant seem to receive faxes and this is important cos the hotel over there is gonna send something soon. We're all fax-idiots. Hahahaa...this is so hilarious. Beeping noises everywhere! :)

I cant believe im going on a trip with friends!!! :) Im leaving for Tioman on Tues and I'll be back on Friday :)

Anyway, today is my ONE year anniversary :)