and so,

On My Way Here - Clay Aiken

And so, life goes on.

Two years ago, at this time, I am already in bed. Nice and warm. Oh if you are thinking about nice spring bed with superb comfy quilt cover, you are wrong. I was sleeping on the nicely heated mat, covered with thick cotton blankets, while the temperature outside was just a few degree Celsius to freezing point for water. Yeap it definitely felt as good as how you imagine it to be.
Only problem I had then was that I constantly allow my devious imagination to run wild. Relating the typical Japanese shed to the freakylicious Japanese ghost movie - Ju-On.
Yeap, I was living in a shed. An isolated building where my host family only came to for meals downstairs. It was small. I even had to clean all the thick layers of dust before settling in. Anyway, I'm drifting...
Staring at my YE blazer hanging five feet above from the tip of my toes, and the shadows of the pine trees swaying along with the rhythm of the winter breeze formed on the white surface of the cupboard, I was certain that I felt goosebumps growing out from the surface of my arms.

I was then, in Chiba, Japan, under a Lion's Club Youth Exchange Program. A nicer and more prestigious way to put it is that I was once a Malaysian Youth Ambassador!

Heh... sounds really cool huh? I know I know. *does the hand gestures* :)
Its a wonder how time flies.
.

I never really liked holidays, especially long holidays. Never really look forward to one.
Reason being that
I won't be seeing people I miss seeing. You get what I mean?
I won't be seeing my friends as often as how I do during schooling days. I love my friends. They are gorgeous people.
I don't get to go for yum cha sessions with them friends during break time.
Being at home, not really a good thing. Yeap, there certainly are days where I can just lie around, be a couch potato in my baggy shirt, comfy shorts and hair in a messy bun and no one gives a damn about it. Those are the days I don't mind at all!
Being at home, feeling incredibly bored. Aimless, yet not allowed to leave the home. That sucks. Just had to sit in front of the computer for some virtual indulgence while waiting for my skin to grow on the chair I sit on.
Being at home, doing all the house chores. That sucks to the core. No further comments on that.

On a brighter and more positive perspective, I get to go out! Christmas holiday is coming soon too. I adore Christmas decorations. So beautiful. Bring smile to my face. :)

p.s.: Always keep your hopes up high, the best has yet to come. xx

Stay tuned for more posts! Toodleloo~

Japan Part V

There are many other stuff I did while I was in Japan such as Ken Dou, making mochi, writing Chinese calligraphy and eating sushi.

I was " assigned " to hit the dummy with all the other small children. It was fun at the beginning but seeing the others of my age having sword fight with each other, I felt like I was omitted from the group. However, being able to wear the Ken Dou uniform mended all the unpleasant feelings.

Next was making mochi for New Year! It was fun doing something which can warm my cold pair of hands during winter. :D

Writing Chinese calligraphy was one of my favourite activities. Main reason was because my writing is not bad! The ones with black ink are mine!

Of course, eating sushi was a bliss. Love raw salmon. Unfortunately, I choked on the cuttle fish sushi. ;P

At the airport back to Malaysia!

THE END

Satisfied Evelyn

Japan Part IV ( A Little Ski )

Skiing is one of the most loved sports in the world. It can be fun yet dangerous at the same time. However, my ski experience in Japan was a little dangerous yet enjoyable.

I had once skied during my trip to Korea in year 2005. I admit that I managed it well enough as a beginner. However, things had changed when I skied in Japan. I was still at the beginner slope but things does not work that well for me.

I kept on fell and fell and there was once, the lift almost hit me from the back but fortunately, I was pulled to the side by the guard there in time. If it were not for him, I would be lying in the hospital right now. Sad to say, even the 5 year old kid did way better than me.

After the first session, we stopped for lunch and I was exhausted for all the falling down and getting up process I had been through. I you had the opportunity to ski, you would probably know what I meant. It was excruciating! I even fell asleep at the table after lunch. =.=

Fortunately, something put a halt to my short nap and I woke up and went out. I picked up my ski gadgets and headed to the park with determination. I believe I will reap what I have sown before lunch.

As expected, I performed well and did not fall as frequent as before. Was really pleased. I love skiing! Forever will adore it.

In the meanwhile, do enjoy the snow fall pictures!

Happy Evelyn

Courage.

A trip to Japan really changed my life. I have learned how to think, talk, do and most importantly, I have built my courage.

I used to be a person whom people often use the word " cowardly " to describe. I used to have stage fright, fear going into the confined space for my piano exams and even public speaking. When I get nervous, nothing seems to form in my head and all I can do was looking at the person or the crowd with an open jaw. So, I really sucked at these things.

However, situations in Japan shone light upon my miserable fears. I had learnt how to speak spontaneously and also to give impromptu speeches. That was how I stacked building bricks to the wall of courage.

Vivid memory on how I accepted Li Ann's offer to lead the Leo pledge hovers in my mind these few days. I could not believe that I managed it so well even though I ran into the room for being late. I was trying hard to catch my breath while saying the pledge out loud but I neither feel nervous nor shaking in my knees. After the pledge was over, that marked the end of my first task in the meeting.

Everything goes on as normal till the sharing experience session came. Only Pei Shan and I went out to give a speech. I prepared a speech for this session once I came back from Japan since I have to prepare a report for the Youth Exchange Program too. However, when I was out there presenting my experiences, it seemed like it was spontaneous! My written speech was practically a guideline. I admit that I was a little erratic yet over-excited at times, but my speech was quite fluent and I was a little astonished to have so many of them being a little engrossed listening to me. They even laugh at my little lame jokes. That pleased me though.

After my wonderful speech, I turned my head reluctantly towards Lion Ivan and Pn. Vasanthy and saw both of them smiled gracefully at me. My heart melted as I knew that were great signs. I knew I did a splendid job and Lion Ivan must be proud and pleased with me! WEE~~ Maybe a little "perasan" here.

A trip to Japan built my courage and I am really happy to be able to do things a little more confidently and am proud to be able to give such a great speech. I hope those whose parents allow them to participate in this program will grab the once in a life time opportunity.

I fully support this program and am proud to tell everyone that I am a LEO who have attended Youth Exchange Program to Japan!

GAMBARIMASU!

Confident Evelyn

Japan Part III ( Tokyo )

I believe when it comes to Japan, everybody will have Tokyo in mind. However, believe me, if you were to go to Japan, save it, DO NOT go to Tokyo unless you are there for the Tokyo Disneyland.

Tokyo is famous for the Tokyo Tower, Imperial Palace, Rainbow Bridge and Asakusa. Accompanied by my host mother and my district YE chairman, Mr. Kimizuka, I joined a day tour around Tokyo. I was indeed mesmerized by the beauty and elegance of the Imperial Palace. I love the sophistication of the palace with typical Japanese building structure.

The royal family must be very happy staying in such beautiful palace. Unfortunately, the palace is not open to public to explore and to discover.

Asakusa was a busy and crowded place of attraction in Tokyo. The incredibly large lantern which was hung at the entrance made it looked grand. Stalls were set up along the way from the main entrance to the temple inside. The things sold varied from food, souvenirs to new year decorations. There were so many things to see that I was busy clicking my camera. I wanted to take all of them down to share with my family and friends when I come back to Malaysia.

Some New Year must-have decorations.

I too, passed by the well-known rainbow bridge. At first, I was puzzled by the name of the bridge and was wondering why it was called the Rainbow Bridge. I finally break free from my misery after 10 days or so when I took my second trip around Tokyo and this time with my host family. Of course, I passed by the bridge once again but this time I did it at night. The rainbow light effect on the bridge was very beautiful and appealing.

In the mean time, the bridge was just another ordinary bridge but it was very brilliant of the Japanese to put rainbow effects on it and make it another 'thing' to see in Tokyo.

My next destination was the Tokyo Tower. Doubtless I was impressed by the panoramic view of the city in front of me. However, it was already 4.30pm in there and as some of you who have already knew, sunsets at 5.00pm. Subsequently, everything appears to be blur and 'hazy'. Didn't get to see Mt. Fuji when I was supposed to genuinely from the observation platform of Tokyo Tower. Inevitably, I was cast under the shadow of discontentment.

Evelyn

Japan Part II ( Tokyo Disneyland)

One of the “must go” place in Japan is obviously nothing else but Tokyo Disneyland. Everyone would love to go to Disneyland and that goes for me too! This has been my childhood dream. I can still remember whenever my dad asked me to throw a coin into the wishing well and make a wish when i was young, the wish is nothing else but going to Disneyland. Fortunately, I was invited to the Lions Club District 333 YE reception party, which was held in Club 33, located in Tokyo Disneyland.During the party, I met many other youth exchangees from other countries like Malaysia, Japan, Mexico, Australia, Italy and Singapore. I was so glad to meeting some of the youth exchangees who went to Japan with me and loved the other youth exchangees from every other countries except for those from Singapore. There were three of them in total. Not to say i am against Singaporeans but their attitude really blew my head off. Let me make this crystal clear. One of their rudeness was when the whole formal thing was going on, they started acting like human from rural areas or even from the jungle, aborigines, uncivilised people. They actually shouted across the hall just to be able to talk to each other and it was during the function. Shocking eh? Then the youth exchangees from different countries were supposed to gather in a group to think of a performance to perform. And there they went again, playing and screaming like a cat falling down from a tall building. Anyway, we Malaysians volunteered and took the stage first performing Rasa Sayang which was the most gay performance. Wowed the crowd. :D *high five*After the welcome party, I explored Tokyo Disneyland with six other youth exchangees from Malaysia and a few Italians and Japanese.I enjoyed the three roller coaster rides despite the very long wait ( at least 90 minutes) for each ride. The rides were thrilling! We made use of the time waiting sharing experience with each other. We talked about school, host families, daily live in our own countries et cetera. Within moments, we were already well bonded.At the end of the day, I shopped a little around disneyland to find all the things sold there are EXPENSIVE. In the end, bought some cookies with the coupon my district Lions Club gave. I was too, expecting a spectacular fireworks show to end the day in Tokyo Disneyland. Unfortunately, the wind condition forbade it.Guess that's about Tokyo Disneyland...

To be continued...

Tata ;D

Dissolve.

Happy New Year! It is year 2009 already. I can still remember vividly how i counted down for 2008. Everything seemed so fresh in my mind yet it has already been a year. Time flies so fast like a bolt of lightning, flashes right before your eyes and disappears. Before you even get frighten, it was over for a long time.

It has been a month since i last posted my last post of the year 2008. As most of you already know, i just came back from Japan on the 4th of January and obviously i attended school as usual the next day. Been very busy for the whole week so i do not even have any time for neither blogging nor online chatting. I have to catch up with everything and get used to the busy life again after two months of carefree lifestyle. I will blog about Japan a little here and there as what i have been through there were too much to be put into words. I don't even know where to begin.

Once i stepped down Malaysian Airlines, cold air rush up my spines along with excitement. It was where everything in Japan began. The first lunch i had in my host family house made me feel like a fool. There were Japanese pickles on the table and also cucumbers too. Since cucumber is my all-time favourite, i took a piece and ate it. Guess what? It is salty. I did not expect cucumber to be salted and even it is salted, i did not expect it to be that salty. I almost spat the whole thing out but i forced it down my throat. The scenario was awkward yet hilarious. :D

My host father registered me in Mobara High School temporarily so i stood a chance to experiencing school life in Japan for three days ( 15/12 - 17/12). For Malaysians, feel lucky that our school ends at 1.05pm and 3.30pm the latest for Chinese class students. Students in Japan have to bear with the teachers and boring lessons from 8.30am till 2.30pm. Extra lessons ends at 3.30pm and students have to stay back everyday till 5.30pm for co curriculum activities. Bear in mind, that is their daily schedule. Fatigued.

Students there were very friendly and always smile at me wherever i go. At least i feel welcomed there. In the mean time, they were also fascinated by the 3 1/6 languages girl. Obviously i speak English, Chinese and Malay and also Japanese which i learned a little last year and some that i picked up during my stay in Japan. When situation like this happens, you do not have to worry how you present yourself in school especially in front of the students. When i introduce myself in English, they were amused by my fluency and ability of speaking English. When i introduce myself in Chinese, they wondered what i was talking about but still impressed that i can speak Chinese. When i introduce myself in Japanese, they simply stare at you with their jaws dropped, supported by their collarbone.

Mobara High School is a typical Japanese school so it is compulsory to all students, teachers and even visitors to wear slippers provided in school. Of course the slippers visitors wear differ from the slippers worn by students. I went into almost all of the classes in the school in 3 days time as the school is small. Interacted with the students during lessons and also ate lunch with them. Most of the lessons i was assigned to were English lessons but i attended Home Economy Class where i cooked Nimono and Omochi. Delicious. Basically, my English is the best in the whole school and even better than the teachers there. Not to say i am a big talk fellar or i am bragging about my English. I admit my English still have loads to improve on but over there in Japan, its one in a million you can find people who speaks good English. By the way, I played volleyball with the school volleyball team too! Besides that, i wrote chinese calligraphy during calligraphy lesson and gave the students the greatest shock of their lives. " She can write calligraphy too!" Didn't get to join their marathon though.

To be continued...

P.S : Pictures will come later. Connection low now. :)

Bye Bye

It has been four days since my YE went back to Japan, I really miss the time we had together. The moment i hug her on the car right before i leave for Physics tuition is still hovering round my mind. Sometimes you just have to move on and store the past in your 'computer' as a memory.

Anyway, it is Independence Day again. My class is united! We sang Sejahtera Malaysia and Tanggal 31 and won all the other Form 4s and appear as FIRST! But now, my class seemed to be a bit obsess with both the songs. Today, we practice on purpose during Encik Alim's period and succeed skipping one of the two periods we had to bear with him. And our class decoration is nice! A bit too exaggerating though. Pau Ling the 'CNN Reporter Merdeka Special' kept me update with the number of flags in our class. The final number is 313 Jalur Gemilangs. That's a big sum for a small class-decorating competition for Merdeka. I got a feeling that we are going to win pole position again.

Tomorrow, i am going to a PRS camp with Yi Xuan and be MIA for the choir performance. Sorry class but i believe you all will make our class proud and make 4BR shine upon the heavenly light once more! Show the spirit, show them who are the 4BRians!

Pei Ning signing off for the last time before leaving for her going-to-be-very-patriotic camp.

Japanesey

Yuka! I have lots of thing to say about her, yet they are all feelings and are tough to put into words. It felt like we have known each other for quite a while and have totally zero problem in communicating with each other. As i have said, she is hyperactive and the only moment that she can be still and calm is when she is concentrating on her English homework.KLCC! Proceed to Pavilion after that...

In Genting indoor.

Sunway Pyramid

Yes, she brought loads of English assignments to Malaysia to do. She can do her homeowrk till late at night around 2.00am and still got the energy to do. We will always tease her saying, " Faster do, due tomorrow!" and she will laugh her heart out. Is that so funny? She likes to laugh at small stuff - her laugh receptors are too sensitive. Is that a good thing? I don't know. She is kind of obssess with ghost movies also. Guess what? Her first time watching ghost movie is in Malaysia in my house! Shouldn't Japan's ghost movie suppose to be a 100× scarrier than any other countrys' ghost movie?

Surprisingly, she don't mind the odour of the durian although she hate the taste. She don't mind if we eat in front of her, beside her, behind her, around her but as long as we don't toss it near her nose and mouth, fine for her. Wierd huh? All 3 of my YE before her would run away from where the durians are! She is SPECIAL! And she really like many Malaysian cuisine. Really make us happy when she smiles all the way while eating.

Morning market... contrasts to... Night market!
Yau Zhar Guai! Ham Chin Beng! She has problem remembering those...National Monument --> Physically attracted to things?

Yi Xuan, I love her more ( inside joke)

XOXO

Evelyn