Get over "Frozen" already!

I always tried to understand why some people just hates Disney's Frozen but then I also do not get the rave about it. I watched it and i liked it, but not to the extend of obsessing over it. I was fine with it for the first few month since it's debut. The song was pretty decent and I didn't mind little children shrieking to it everytime it came on the radio or TV.
But one night when i was out for dinner (last week), I finally understood the irritation of the "Frozen" phenomena. The Christmas decoration theme this year is all about "Frozen", the usual Christmas song are replaced with "let it go". And I finally came to understand why people just hate to listen to "Let it go".
Okay, this was what went down. Two little girls, singing on top of their lungs, practically screaming "let it go" and that's just it! It's only stuck at the chorus. So i heard just the part "let it go, let it go" for the thousandth time that night. Like a broken record player, it just goes on and on with the "Let it go" part. Seriously kids?! If you really love the song, learn the whole entire freakin lyrics! It's not like they're kids who just learn how to form sentences, they are well above 7 years of age.
So yeah, my mind was mentally singing to the song too (along with them) when it came to that part, I want to just mentally continue with the lyrics but those kids just KEEP REPEATING that same sentence!! I couldn't mentally continue with that volume intruding into my ears involuntarily.
Even in TV, i see kids who sing just "Let it go" the rest is either replaced with gibberish words or hums or worse, left unsung. It really doesn't do justice to the song or the singer.
Back to the Christmas decorations! Just few days ago, I saw in a hotel, the "cast" of Frozen decorating the lobby. And it isn't even well made models, they look weird with the long faces.
Then there's halloween where all kids just wants to dress up as Elsa and in winter, normal snowmen became Olaf. Children T-shirt are printed with Frozen stickers, dresses designed as Elsa's gown, candies with Frozen wrapper, stationaries also printed with Frozen character all over it. GAH!! the horror.....
People! it's getting a little old. The Elsa character is overrated and Anna is underrated. Go watch something else and change obsession once in a while. Go with Big Hero 6 or whatever cartoon that's hot at the moment.
Spare my poor ears and eyes the sight and sound of "Frozen". It feels like i'm being haunted.

Birthdays

Sometimes I wonder why some people has to make a big deal out of birthdays. Some can explode into fits of rage when people forgot their birthdays.
For years, I just go through my birthday doing normal routine stuff. No extravagant parties or even special night outs. I wake up some days and forgot how old I was. 
Partly I guess my family never seems to remember and from young I always had to remind them. Maturity is the time where birthday isn't a big deal anymore. Or my birthdays has been terrible for years so I just naturally expects nothing or expect something horrible to happen.
I've spend my 19th or was it 20th birthday in a hospital, taking care of my injured grandma. Spent half a day flying across the country back home for the semester break, by the time I got home, I'm just too tired to give a damn. Every year has been an uneventful birthday that I tend to just forget. Even if I remember, I just live my day as any normal days. Nothing special.
Believe me, I once actually forgot my age, I had to minus that year with my birth year.
In fact, birthdays are sad. You grow older, more responsibility, knowing you're one year closer to death and for my case, you're just not significant enough for people to remember your birthday. 
All those brats out there who expects a grand celebration for their birthday will only be more greedy, expecting more the following year. In the end, they'll end up disappointed and throw a fit.
As for me, expecting nothing for my birthday and if someone miraculously wants to give me a surprise, that would be another wonderful memory to add.

MH17

MH17: Grief and Prayers

In the wake of the latest news of Malaysian Airline MH17 which was allegedly shot down near Ukraine, I would like to express my deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to all the families of the passengers on board. Indeed it is a tragic year and I have no idea how we are going to live through this disaster.
I think this will be the darkest day in aviation history whereby so many innocent lives were taken, I like to believe God has a better place for them in heaven and they are merely going home to the almighty one.
I was due to have an exam this morning but after reading about the news, I just couldn't concentrate and broke down crying. It's hard not to when you hear and see such a tragic case. 
I was so afraid my friend was on that plane, she hasn't replied me and I really pray that she's alright. Its hard not to fear for the lives of our loved ones right now. I fear for the lives of my parents who would be taking a trip this year end and for my life. This incident made me realize how fragile and unpredictable life is. You could be alive this minute and gone the next, the person I care about would have been okay yesterday and missing this next day. It made me wonder why God has let things happen. Why has this happened to us?
It had been a tragic year for Malaysia with two aviation accidents happening to the same airline. Barely has the wound healed and another tragedy happened. I don't know how to describe this overwhelming sadness and grief I felt. How are we going to live through this trauma?
Most infuriating of all was the report that the plane was mistakenly shot down! Mistake?!
This is a mistake which caused lives! A mistake where over 200 loved ones were taken away. I really prayed whoever involved in this will spend the next living years reveling in their guilt, if they feel any guilt at all. I hope the images and the faces of the victims are etched into their memory so they spend every waking and sleeping moment seeing their faces till it drives them to madness.
This is unforgivable even if it was a mistake. 
Right now when everything is in chaos, everyone can't help but speculate. This is a national crisis and everyone has to stay united to find the perpetrator. I call this a terrorism act and the murderers has to be brought to justice.
Let's not forget the still missing MH370 which just disappeared 4 months ago. Malaysia is wrecked with grief for losing so many wonderful people which didn't get a chance to know. I pray that it can be found soon. 
As for now, my prayers are to everyone involved in the crashes of MH370 and MH17. Be strong because you have to live on for the others. 

My Trip to Singapore- Part 2 (Universal Studios & S.E.A Aquarium)

     What irks me all the time is when I'm hungry and there's nothing to eat, nowhere to hunt for food and my feet are already getting tired from excessive walking. Well, that's what I faced the first morning since arriving in Singapore. It was 9pm and I'm out looking for my breakfast in Chinatown Singapore. Being unfamiliar, I walked the entire streets and all the shops are still closed. Rounding a corner, I saw my savior! McDonalds. Imagine this, you're in a foreign country, wanting to try local delicacies and yet still end up in McDonalds. Even the food street isn't open! I didn't have a choice. There is no shops opened. Although later that day, I discovered places where you can get food is inside a shopping mall. Geez.....

     To spent the entire day, we're going to Universal Studios and S.E.A Aquarium in Sentosa Island. I didn't have enough time to check out the beach but I heard it was awesome just strolling in the island. Take a MRT into the island or a cable car. 

     Easter just passed not long ago so the theme in Universal Studios is naturally Easter day. I really love the themed diners in the park. The choice is pretty good if you are looking for variation. There are different diner themes at different zones- a Sci-Fi inspired diner, Retro Diner and many more. It was pretty gloomy that day and it was good in the sense that I won't get sunburn but it rained heavily later that day which put a brief halt to all outdoor activities. 

     I remember the most memorable rides i took was Revenge of the Mummy and Transformer 3D ride. It is a must when you visit the theme park. Again, please purchase your ticket beforehand and expect a LONG line. It took me an hour to wait for my turn in the transformer ride. But don't worry, along the way you'll be entertain by the TV or rather your "mission" to save the world. The interior is pretty cool and the ride was worth it. The ride is essentially all 3D experience, tricking your eyes instead of plunging a steep depth or whatsoever. All i felt was rocking back and forth in "Evac" and he does reverse but other than that, the glasses do all the trick.

     I took the Revenge of the Mummy ride when it was raining. I'd say, it's the best ride in the park. Go into a long dimly lit tunnel before arriving at the starting point. Then the car will slowly move into total darkness before emerging into the "intro" of the rides before the unexpected plunge down. The ride will halt suddenly so do stretch your neck before the ride. The rest of the ride consist of you getting thrown backwards, reverse and more plunging. Oh, do expect sudden "things" jumping out next to you and real fire being ignited above you. I loved the ride I even took it twice. Outside, you might catch a glimpse of a few Anubis walking about. Take pictures if you like but beware, they love to "bite" you. And my~~~ those Anubis has great abs <fans myself>.

Hot looking Anubis

Revenge of the Mummy entrance

     Want to relax after a whole day in the heat or rain? Go enjoy a brief 4D show with Shrek at Far Far Away Castle. It looked so pretty and glorious outside I couldn't resist going in. Upon entering you feel like you'll get ripped off cuz its an open space where everyone is watching a TV screen but be patient. The real show is inside. Keep all cameras and phone in your bag. Why? I was splattered by donkey's "sneeze" numerous times. Also, freaked out by "spiders" crawling up my leg. It was a nice experience, it's my second time watching a 4D. My first ride was actually the Enchanted Airways which is a junior roller coaster, not really exciting but its a good start. 

Far Far Away Castle

     Going into the Madagascar zone makes me feel all childish cuz all the rides are for kids. But to spend the rest of my time, I took the Crate Adventure. It's just a short and relaxing ride, listening to the characters of Madagascar talking while you drift by. There was a waterfall in there and I was thinking "Oh shit, the camera is going to go all wet" then the waterfall split in the middle for the raft to pass. You'll still be as dry as you went in. 

     A fan of Steven Spielberg? Visit the Lights, Camera, Action! Sound stage. You'll be entering a stage where Spielberg's movies are made possible thanks to the creative effects. The stage we entered is a hurricane blowing through a city and we, in a boathouse. You'll see glass shattering, fire burning, shaking docks and dropping gutters-finally, a huge ship crashing into the boathouse right at you. Beware, you'll get wet...a little.

Open Ocean Tank

   After exiting Universal studios, straight into the aquarium. All aquariums tend to look the same to me and this is no exception. Well, there is an impressive collection of fishes from from different seas. I was more impressed at the Open Ocean where a vast tank stretched out wide open inside the building. I mean, how did they do it? Its my first time seeing manta rays and boy are they HUGE. Yea, I'm impressed by Manta ray. It's nice just sitting in front of the tank, bask in ocean blue and just looking at fishes, rays and sharks swim by. It's peaceful... There is the giant grouper which is bigger than a 5-10 year old kid. 

See what I meant?

The Magnificent Manta

    The Shark tank was the least impressive. There's just a bunch of normal looking sharks which are small and sloth. No hammerhead sharks, nurse sharks, great whites and other usually documented ones. There was a whale shark if I'm not mistaken. I don't remember. I did remember seeing shark pouches where tiny little sharks hatch from. Its a round yellow sac and seriously gross cuz the little sharks are twitching inside. 

Spot the baby sharks!

    Dolphins are such graceful creatures. I fell in love with them. These dolphins would do routine swim to allow you to take pictures of them, but be on stand by, they swim fast. 

    I ended the day with a short walk to the Sentosa Merlion to take a picture before returning to the mainland.

My Trip to Singapore-Part 1 (Chinatown & Singapore Flyer)

      Singapore-recently crowned the most expensive city and the land where young or old has their nose stuck to their smartphones 24 hours a day. 
      As you can see from the title, I took a 5 days trip to Singapore last month. It's very much the New York of South East Asia and I agree they do live up to their reputation. Tech Savvy and clean. When I'm on a holiday, my habit is to visit as much attraction as I could, much to the horror of my travelling partner (Dad) and my own feet. Advice? Prebook or purchase your admission tickets online or at the hotel before you depart for the attraction. It saves you time and a few hairs (from tearing it out of frustration while waiting in a LONG line-I'm not kidding).
     First up, how did i get there? I thought travelling from Johor (Malaysia) which is just a highway across, is cheaper. NOT! Take a plane directly to Changi Airport, it's less time consuming and less hassle. I stayed near Johor Sentral so on that day, I took the bus to Singapore. The Johor-Singapore Causeway was jammed packed because it was a weekday and it took 1 hour instead of a 15 minute ride (according to the distance of the causeway if there is no traffic congestion). It is advised that you avoid the 6-9am, 4-8pm rush. Anyway, upon arrival, there's the security/immigration check point I needed to clear and it took another hour to queue and have my passport stamp. Once I'm cleared, back to queuing for the bus to take me downtown.
      Public transport in the city is so convenient. Take the LRT instead of bus, its easy to understand, convenient and doesn't cost much. I traveled within the city without using a taxi for the 5 days. Buy the ticket, and ride the train. If you get lost? No worries, as long as you don't get your ticket scanned, you can ride and ride until you find your destination.
     What I love about the city is that it's clean. No litters on the street and clean LRTs. 
First 2 night was spent in Chinatown at a hotel named Porcelain Hotel. The exterior is really pretty and I was attracted to it but the rooms, albeit clean, was too small and cramp. TV at the foot of your bed, so close, you can use your feet to switch channels. Washroom is a tinted glass an arm-length from the bed. There isn't space for me to walk around. Since I was planning to spend most of my day out of the hotel, it doesn't really matter that much. 
     It was hot and humid, thin clothing are advisable. Chinatown is a really suitable place for people to hunt for souvenirs. I was so attracted to the Chinese Handheld Fans sold at few stalls. The embroidered and intricate details made it so dainty that I wanted to just frame it up. A few walks away led me to a square where groups of old folks (men mostly) are locked in a leisure game of chess. When in Chinatown, don't miss the Food Street where you can savour most of the local delicacies. It gets better during the night. I was lucky to catch glimpse of a food show going on at the Chinatown Food Street.

     The first night was spent at the famous Singapore Flyer (giant Ferris wheel) dubbed the Eye of Singapore. Its a stone throw away from the majestic Marina Bay Sands and across Gardens by the Bay. I arrived rather early, at 5.30pm. I was waiting for nightfall, when the view would be truly magnificent. So i spend the time just sitting at the end of the river, watching boats drift by and people jogging.
     By 7pm, I waited in line to board the Flyer. It wasn't a long queue so don't worry but there's strict security check before entering. The round trip took around 30 minutes and the dim lights around each car makes it so romantic especially for lovers. It's a slow climb to the top, I thought I didn't have any fear of heights but as I slowly ascended to the top, my legs started to go wobbly. My advice is don't look down if you're afraid of heights, look straight. The view on top is wonderful. When the lights go up in the city, it's light a beacon-Skyscrapers everywhere and you get a full view of Marina Bay. The Marina Bay Sands looks absolutely stunning in its full glory. I couldn't afford the trip up the Skypark but I bet the view on topof the hotel would be breath taking since it's even taller than the Flyer itself. The Supertree at the Gardens by the Bay looked like glowing purple mushrooms, cute.

Check out the glowing purple "mushrooms"

Marina Bay Sands (Left) and city

     My nightmare during the entire trip also happened here when I realized I lost my hotel room key. After telling security, I waited an hour for that same car that I took to come back around just to hear them say they can't find it. Being a very careful person, this was a big blow to my self-esteem. I was giving up when my dad suggested we stop by the security check to find it. It was there, it fell out of my pockets when they told me to empty it. Geezus! My mood was pretty down thereafter.
     Going back to Chinatown, I was surprised to see the streets cleared off stalls and shops. It was only 9.30pm mind you. They close early and open late. So back to the hotel I go and sleep off my frustration on how i became so careless these days.

Loving life now~

Being an interning reporter now, it’s so exciting. Everyday is a new experience and new day. I wake up everyday anticipating what’s in store for me, loving the autonomy the job gives. Freebies, food galore, you name it. I went to a lobster luncheon testing yesterday and it was my first time eating it. I used to think lobster must taste good because of the price, turns out it tasted to me like any ordinary crustaceans. I swear I’ve gain a few pounds from my internship.

But there is of course downside to it, writing about politics freaks me out often, I’m so terrified I might write the wrong things and might get terminated and fail my internship. My dad didn’t help much by trying to freak me out more with worse case scenarios.

And boring governmental events is a chore. No excitement, no suspense or whatsoever. There only got thing I get out of it is free food again and meeting hard-to-meet ministers.

I get to write stories I want independently, but these days I’m too busy to have the time to think creatively. I don’t even have time to blog. I’ve been trying to write more articles related to psychology but that isn’t really what the editors want. Bummer!

What I have really enjoyed so far is meeting new people, being able to socialize with others while being anonymous. Living in the shadows of parents and sister, I always felt restricted and unnatural. But now I meet new people everyday, making friends as I go. There’s so many interesting persona to be observed. I’ve met downright snobby reporters and politicians, those eyes looking at you up and down, scrutinizing even when we don’t know who the heck are they.

Then there’s shy and quiet one’s that kept to themselves or their small group of friends. I guess I’m still under that category but I’ve been more of an active participants in socializing these days. Coming out of my shell~

Moving on, I’ve met really friendly and sweet people who coincidently share my love for food. We can talk endlessly, laughing like a bunch of crazy hyenas while stuffing our faces. They are my new best friend now~ in the reporting line that is.

Not forgetting the older people (Reporters) who feel the need to turn into mentors or teachers when they realize you’re new. I don’t mind as long as they don’t feel the need to be strict, I’m more than happy to listen to their experience in the field, who to approach, what to ask and how to act.

There are also the gossipers. I usually listen and try not to interrupt, it can be mean but it’s the best way to know about a situation fast.

Lastly (for me)- the helpful individuals. Usually they will have to know I’m new in the line and they get REALLY helpful. Explaining to me the names of ministers, their designation, what they do and all. I really appreciate these individuals. These are the type I can always turn to.

That sums it up. I’ll be wrapping things up here in 2 weeks and I am really reluctant to leave. I’ve grown too attached I guess but I still need to finish my degree. If I get real lucky, I might come back here to work. I’m sure they won’t mind an extra hand.

My internship: Knowing about reporting line

Ok, my first post of the year wasn't how I imagined it would be. I thought this would be the first.
I haven't been blogging for months since last year, mainly cuz I have much more important things to focus on and I'm too lazy, uninspired and lack of internet access.
To round up what I've been up to for the pass few months, I have been doing my internship. Yeah, finally... I've been dreading this for a very long time. Thinking that OMG I'm so gonna embarrass myself and die.
I am currently doing my internship at a national newspaper company as an amateur reporter. As a psychology major, EVERY single person I met asked me the same question "How is it that you are a psychology student  but interning as a reporter?"
I'm so sick of answering this questions that the answer is etched into my mind. I put on autopilot everytime i answer then "Oh, its like this...... I applied for the human resource department at first but they don't have it at the bureau where I wanted to be placed in. So i just took the available reporting vacancy cuz I'm just looking for work experience."
There you have it. I haven't been entirely honest. This is partly true. But actually I have been aiming for this company since day one because of the good reputation and I always wanted to be a writer. AND also, I was super desperate because no other companies are taking me in and the deadline is near.
I still remember the day I was called up and told I was accepted. I was in the class and the phone rang, in a rush to get out of the classroom to answer the call, I almost slipped TWICE (the floor is tiled and my heels are slippery). I'm pretty sure everyone was looking at me and giving me the "whats with this girl" snicker.
I was grateful that they are taking me in but later to my horror, I thought "How the hell am I going to link psychology to reporting?". There's where my dilemma sets in but after much reassurance from my lecturers and family, I didn't care anymore.
When I first start out, I thought I wasn't going to last the 14 weeks at all. I thought I was going to quit after the 3rd week but miraculously, I made it to week 8 now. Partly because I have such awesome co-workers and mentors, PLUS my work hour is so flexible I can come in to work after noon and still go home at 5pm (depending on my workload). It isn't as stressful as I'd imagine the reporting line would be.
As an intern, they took care of me well (like a fragile fledgling actually). They teach me all the basic stuff and gave me much autonomy in what I do although in the end they'll check my end products.
Being a new reporter myself, I was surprised at how cooperative reporters could be with each other even with the competitor companies. They are like old friends, sharing information and joking around.
They have impressive connections and contacts of all big shots and famous figures. And mostly, they don't really stake out at the minister's house and stalked them unless it's really something big.
I was terrified at my first function but my mentors were really nice. They gave me tips and guided me throughout the time. I ended up producing pretty good pieces.
My first solo coverage of an event was nerve wrecking but I still pulled through. From there, things got much better. My mentors are so sweet and considerate. Since I'm not really good at recognizing roads, they'll offer to fetch me up at the office and we'll go to a function together.
Needless to say, I have gained much experience while interning there. I know more about whats going on around me and I don't have to be the ignorant blur person when someone ask me a question.
Talking to strangers have always been a phobia to me but after being in the reporting line, it has significantly reduced because it is part of the requirement that I call up some ministers and interview them on the phone. I find myself more open and sociable thanks to my job.
Through encouragement and advice from these people, I manage to write an article on ADHD to help me link psychology to reporting. After a few days within its publication, my lecturer (who i sought help from) told me my article has attracted the attention of the public and he was receiving calls for more information. It took me weeks to produce that one article but I was proud of myself. At least, I'm doing something for the community. 
Then my mentors challenge me to write a color story, something I excelled in. It's what I do best, writing. It appeared as the headlines the next morning. It wasn't my first headlines, previously, another article I wrote made the headlines and couple more with bylines. I guess, as an intern, it couldn't get better than that. For that, I am grateful for the opportunities they gave me. It is so touching that, these reporters are giving me the chance to shine on my own, pushing me to reach a higher target, achieve success.
It was an awesome experience so far, I really hope that I can do this again next time although i can't imagine myself as a reporter forever. For the remaining 5 weeks, I'm just going to enjoy my time and hopefully I'll score good for my evaluations.
Ciao for now.