Last day of 2012

After me being missing in action for this past half-month, I'm back!! :D Well, I've been back in Brunei a week ago and things have been great. I missed posting on Christmas, so even though it's a little late (better late than never right?), I just want to wish everybody a MERRY CHRISTMAS!! :)

I came back the day before Christmas eve to spend my Christmas back here in Brunei with family and friends. I had a wonderful Christmas dinner at Uncle Alex's and Auntie Jo's residence on Christmas eve with a few other families. You know, just to catch up with one another and to have fellowship. I, as well as all the others I'm sure, are all very well fed that night with all the delicious food that Auntie Jo prepared. Turkey, salmon, lasagna, salad, sushi, cakes... a delicious spread. :) 

I had a nice Christmas day as well. Had a Christmas service and I saw many of my friends being back in Brunei from their studies, winter break or just a nice short holiday. My family and I even went for a movie outing that Christmas night. We went to watch "Ah Boys to Men". Another Jack Neo's masterpiece. I love how the movie is hilarious, heartwarming and educating at the same time. I briefly tweeted after the movie and tagged Irene Ang (an actress from the movie whom I like since the Phua Chu Kang days), and never would I have expected, Irene Ang tweeted me back!! What a nice lady she is. Anyway, it's a really good movie to watch. My family and I love it a lot! It's almost a week since we last saw the movie... and we're still talking about it. Can't wait for the Part 2 of "Ah Boys to Men" to be out next February of 2013.

I've been spending my days back in Brunei well. Had many family moments and even went out to catch up with a couple of close friends. Little did I realise that THE LAST DAY OF THE YEAR IS TODAY!! Can you believe it?!?! I'm not sure if I'm ignorant or rather, living my days a little too well, that I didn't catch on soon enough that today is NEW YEAR'S EVE!! It wasn't that long ago since the last new year's eve right?? 

WOW!! What a year!! For the past 365 days (well, there's 366 days this year since it's a leap year :P), I've been on what-others-might-call-it, a roller coaster ride. I'm pretty sure that I'm not the only one experiencing it this year. There have been many ups as well as the many downs that I've faced. Trials and challenges, happiness and blessings, I've seen a lot this year. But, I'm very grateful to have come to where I am now. There has been many times where I would feel like giving up, especially this year for me, I've been having exams for THE PAST 11 MONTHS!! Yeah, you read it. 11 months of school based exams and public exams. Thank goodness it's over and done with.

I'm never one who has always excelled in my studies but I do try my best in whatever that I was doing. It was hard but thankfully, through prayers and support from many of my friends and family, I finished what I had to. It was really a challenging path. Oh boy... I can still remember doing maths until the wee hours of the night, crying so much because the maths was so hard and I couldn't do them. Haha.. what an embarassing moment to share but it's now a memory. Hopefully, my results would be satisfying so that I wouldn't need to retake my exams. *prayingeverydayforsatisfyingresults*

Anyway, there's just a BIG part in me that's just SO RELIEVED that this year is finally over!! 2012 has been a challenging year, I have no idea what 2013 holds for me. I'm praying and hoping that 2013 would be a year full of blessings and thanksgiving for me and everyone else. 23 hours more to the new year. So, just enjoy the rest of the day, have fun, raise your glass and ring in the new year! HAPPY NEW YEAR 2013 EVERYONE!! :)

Big love,

Hannah

Mid-December

How have you been? I'm sorry for the lack of post. I'm currently still away on my solo vacation. There's limited internet access so, I shall leave my writings until I'm more free. :) Have a happy holiday everyone!!

11 more days to Christmas,

Hannah

FIRST solo adventure

[UPDATED: 14 December 2012]

I am now sitting in a cosy corner of Coffee Bean at Wisma Merdeka which is in the city centre of KK, writing out this post and watching the city get more busy, with increasing population and cars on the road as people commute to work. It so happen that I wanted to go out to sightsee and do a little shopping, but my aunts are all working so, I'm left to wander around on my own. Since most of the shops are only open by 10AM, I'm taking my sweet time at Coffee Bean having a Smoked Salmon Norwegian Sandwich with a cup of Hot Double Chocolate for my breakfast. I'm now too full to even have my lunch on time. 

I was woken up early by my aunt to get ready so that we can leave together. Well, since her workplace is in the city centre also, might as well. Anyway, today would be the very first time that I'm going around in a foreign country alone (even if KK is my hometown - my birth place and my dad's home, I grew up all my life in Brunei. So, I can consider KK as a foreign country?). There's always a first for everything right? 

The last couple of days, since I arrived in KK has been great. The moment I got out of the airport, my aunt brought me to eat my favourite dumplings at this coffeeshop at Hilltop. I have also met up with my other aunt and cousins over a Korean dinner at City Mall yesterday night. 

I'm going to walk around the nearby shopping malls a little later to see if I can grab any good shopping deals and enjoy the solitude. My first solo adventure begins now. :)

All by myself,

Hannah

p.s. I shall upload pictures of my trip a little later when I have the time :) 

FIRST solo trip

I'm really excited today!! Finally, the day has arrived. I'm going on my FIRST solo adventure!! There's many FIRSTS going together with my trip. I'm excited yet nervous for the yet-to-comes. I'm actually going back to my hometown - Kota Kindabalu (KK), Sabah, Malaysia, for a short getaway and yes, I'm going by plane.

As this post is published onto my blog, I would be hundreds of feet up in the air (because I scheduled this post to be published around the same time of my flight :P). It'll be my FIRST time riding on a plane alone. All by myself. And this is coming from me, a person with  anxiety issues. For the past couple of days, some scenarios flashed across my mind. What if I forget this? What if I that? Would I get into trouble for this? What would happen to me if that? However, despite all those, I'm just going to place myself in God's hands. I'm sure that I'll be okay and I'll reach KK safe and sound :)

It's also the FIRST time that I'm going back to my hometown alone. Usually, I would go back together with my family or my aunt. But this time, it's just me who's going back. I can't help but feel a little nervous and scared because this time round, there's no parents who's gonna look out for me or siblings to help me or entertain me. I guess this is what growing up is like. Although I'm staying with my aunts and grandma in KK, I still feel like this is an independent trip for me.

There's actually many more FIRSTS to come when I'm in KK, but I shall blog more on those at a later time. Until then, goodbye Brunei for a little while and HELLO KK!!

Flying solo,

Hannah

Hello December!

WOW!!! Can you believe that it's December already? 30 more days left for the year 2012, 30 more days to the year 2013, 24 days to Christmas and 4 more days before I leave for an adventure of my own! Well, HELLO DECEMBER~~ Please be good to me :)

This year has been a really long year for me but I still think that time passes really fast no matter what. During the past 11 months, I've been wanting for the time to go really fast because I just want to get my exams done and over with. But right now, I just want time to go slow so that I can enjoy my days of relaxation and freedom!

I'm loving my post-exam days, getting to do what I want. There's just so much that I want to do, I kind of wish that the hours of the day would pass by slower so I can enjoy my moments longer.

As I have said, I'm leaving for my own adventure in 4 days time. I'll blog more about it when the day of my adventure come, until then, enjoy your DECEMBER ;)

Oh happy days,

Hannah

1 week post-exam

Life's pretty good for me right now. It's been a week since my last paper for the exam. A week, and many things have happened. A lot of outings, movies and fun. I'm enjoying life as it is now. Better enjoy it now before my results come out. Already I'm worrying about my results when exams are just over. Well, that's Hannah.

I spent my morning cleaning half of my room. Ahhhh... what a chore. Well, I had to clean out all my stuff, discard those things that can't be used whereas, recycling those still good. This is what I get for not cleaning out my room often. I have many stuff piled up in my room, especially books and papers during the exam. Now that I have the time, I shall clean my stuff up, one by one. It's not easy but hopefully it gets done soon! :)

Anyway, dad, the youngest brother and I took a spontaneous movie trip yesterday night. Dad and I have wanted to watch "Cold War" for a long time (a couple weeks in fact :P), so we left for the 9.30 PM show yesterday night after dinner. "Cold War" was really good for me. "Cold War" has many big Hong Kong Household names like Tony Leung, Aaron Kwok, Andy Lau and many more. Check out the link. :P

I love how this movie has a good plot. It's not really that predictable with the many twists and turns in the movie. Though, there's not many action scenes and I don't really mind since I'm not a big fan of action scenes. I love how the movie needs you to think. Haha.. overall, I love that movie. Opening film for the 17th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) this year, yeap, you make us Chinese proud!! :')

Oh, and I think that the older Aaron Kwok gets, the more charming he looks. Haha!! He's just really good looking especially in the movie. He has this mature masculinity in him. :D Just go watch it. Recommeneded!! :)

Life's Good,

Hannah

p.s Sorry for the Aaron Kwok spam in this post, he's just really good looking. :P

Hannah's Wishlist

Being a normal person, there will, of course, be some of the things which you would want to have. Christmas is just round the corner and my birthday is coming right up in a couple more months. I know Christmas is not just all about presents but it would be nice to be gifted something right? 

My birthday is really close to Christmas which means most of the things that I received are considered as a "Christmas-birthday gift" in one. Nonetheless, I still appreciate the gifts and the people even more! :) There are some things that I have been looking for a long time. Of course, it's just a wishlist and it doesn't means that I must and have to get one. Of course, if you're giving it to me, I'll be more than happy to receive it. :P

1. Polaroid Camera

I have always like Polaroid cameras. I find it fascinating. The way how I get my pictures printed out in an instant. I also love the films. I have always wanted many Polaroid pictures filling up a wall of my memories. Wouldn't that be nice? :)

2. Digital Camera

You might wonder, why in the world would I need a digital camera when I want a Polaroid camera as well right? The thing is the films for Polaroids are quite pricey. I can't capture EVERYTHING with just a Polaroid right? A digital camera will be easy to work with and all especially while travelling. My dad has a digital camera which has been really old and it's been dropped a few times and the functions are kind of sucky now + it belongs to my dad. I would love to own a camera of my own. :)

3. Laptop

Yeah, I want a laptop as well. My personal laptop. There has been constant conflicts about sharing disk space with the family. I would of course have my own stuff and my family, theirs. I've always wanted a MacBook, for it's look and all.. but if I really were to own a MacBook, I'd better get used to working with the Mac OS because I'm too used to windows. :P

4. A trip to Singapore

People who knows me well knows that I love Singapore.. a lot! Basically, the shopping, the food, the fun and the enjoyment that I don't get while here in Brunei. It's also close to home and I have friends over there as well. Weee~~

5. A trip to Korea

The same case as per #4. I like the Korean culture, food, ambiance, city, music and the people. Haha.. I've been watching Korean dramas since young with my mum and there are many iconic places to visit. I would love to go to Korea! :)

6. Car

Yeap, I said it. Well, I haven't got my driving license just yet but hopefully I'll be able to get one next year. Having a car makes it easier to move around, especially here in Brunei, we do not have reliable public transports. The buses are rarely on time and the taxis here are not many + it would be expensive wouldn't it?! But it would take me maybe a decade to fulfill this wish of getting myself a car. It doesn't hurt to dream right? ;)

This would be all to my wishlist for the time being. Adding more, would probably make myself look like a snobby, stuck-up person who just wants to have it all. Nah, out of the 6 items, I would probably get 1 or 2. But I'm happy. I have 6 items on my list because having only 5 is just too mainstream or I can't think of anything else at the moment. :P

*hint hint* ;) ,

Hannah

p.s. pictures attached don't necessarily mean that I want the exact same one. Haha.. just randomly found those nice ones which I found on the net. ;)

p.p.s any good soul who wants to buy anything for me, consult with me beforehand. Haha. :P

p.p.p.s Is there a genie lamp??

Freedom!!!

Yeap, you've guessed it! Judging by the title of this post, I've got my FREEDOM back! I'm finally done with my A Level exams and I'm really happy and relieved about that. The past 2 months have been a really challenging and stressful period but now, it's over! I've been looking forward to the end of my exams for as long as I could remember.

I finished my last paper on Wednesday afternoon. The feeling of me, actually finishing my exams, didn't quite hit me just yet until the very next day. I spent my Thursday morning yesterday, back in school, to complete all the documents and things necessary for me to leave school. When I returned my locker back to the school administration, it hit me that it's real now, it's the end.

Oh, and a BIG THANK YOU to Kenny for being such a great friend, driving us out to get the things we needed done and to Dean, for being a nice company the whole time. :) I think I'll miss this a little. The school life, the friends, the escapades. It's the memories that binds us all together. 

Anyway, I watched Pitch Perfect yesterday afternoon at the Times Cineplex. I think that this new Times Cineplex would be my new cinema to hang. It's really convenient since my dad's office is just nearby. I get to spend my free time waiting at the office instead of spending $7 on a cup of coffee so that I can wait at the coffee place to kill time until my transport to come fetch me.

Pitch Perfect was AWESOME! Haha.. kidding you, NOT. I love movies like these, all the singing, the chick fights, the music, the good amount of romance = good chick flick. I loved how they mixed and mash up their songs. I like the actresses and actors. Any movie with Rebel Wilson in it, is worth watching. So far, all the movies that I've watched with Rebel Wilson in it has not disappointed me. It's just hilarious! Oh, and the actor Skylar Astin, a fresh face, who plays Jesse in the movie has this nerdy kind of cuteness. :)

Other than that, I started reading "Catching Jordan" by Miranda Kenneally yesterday. This book was lent to me by Maria a few months back but due to my studies, I couldn't really find the time to read it. But when I started reading it, I CANNOT PUT THE BOOK DOWN! That was just how good and captivating the book was!

I found myself giggling, laughing, tearing up, getting angry and frustrated as I was reading the book through. I have the habit of putting myself into the shoes of the character, which allows me to fully understand the story better. It has a nice story plot with a good amount of high school football and a little bit of high school romance. A great read and I recommend it. :)

I finished the book this morning. Time taken to finish this book, less than 4 hours. I'm liking this author. This book was my first from Miranda Kenneally and I'll definitely be looking out for more of her books now.

This is how I spent the last couple of days post-exam. It's wonderful and I have more activities lining up for me which I can't wait! Looking forward to the fun except for the dental appointment which I have for tomorrow afternoon. I never liked dentists. 

Having a ball,

Hannah

Thanksgiving

This week would be the final week of my A Level exam. My last paper would be on Wednesday in fact, so counting down 3 days to the ultimate freedom. I can't wait for all this exam period to be over! Looking back, it has been a really long and tiring journey for me - the tears, the sweat and the blood that I've shed due to much pressure and stress. Ah, this makes me look like a weakling but those facts are true. I've never been the one who excels in my studies but, I do try my best at it however it still falls short.

Almost reaching the end of the year, I've been experiencing many aspects of Thanksgiving for the past week. I'm just really thankful for all the blessings that I've received. I'm thankful to God for everything that I have and that He has brought me through this period of time where I thought I would not be able to. I'm thankful to my family and friends for all the love, care and support. I learnt that we should always be thankful for whatever situation that we've been given.

Instead of receiving all the time, I should be giving more to others. It's a small thing when said but it's a BIG thing when doing. Be it little things or big things, I'm just thankful. Oh, and I can't wait to taste the sweet freedom!! Counting down - 3 more days!!! :D

With a thankful heart,

Hannah

One more week

I'm now running the last leg of my A Level exams. The past few weeks have been exhausting and mentally straining. Boy, am I glad that it's ending next week!! It seems that my posts have been rather few these weeks.. because I totally have no idea what to actually blog about as my life for those weeks have been all about exams, studies, revisions, exams, studies, revision. Quite a bore to read them every time ain't it? Even I get bored of writing all about exams, studies and revisions. Haha!!

So, I took an "off" day today. I took my youngest brother to the Times Cineplex today. The Times Cineplex was opened a week (or 2 or 3? I forgot ><) ago. I saw pictures and heard positive as well as a few negative reviews. The Times Cineplex is situated at the 4th floor of Times Square in Berakas. They don't have any newspaper listing of their screening movies, so I had to go there and check since I don't have their number as well. 

Times Cineplex had a standing banner at the lifts with it's phone number. I found the number rather easy to remember, 234 1122. It's a nice number. Anyway, I wanted to watch Skyfall but my brother wanted to watch Frankenweenie. Being the nice sister I am, I watched Frankenweenie or maybe because I've heard too many bad reviews of Skyfall. Frankenweenie was okay for me, I didn't really like it because it was a little too kiddy. I would have liked it if I were a few years younger. Haha.. and it was all black-and-white. However, I enjoyed the wide, comfortable leg space and the comfy chair. :)

For once in a long time, I got to do something interesting. Hehe.. I just can't wait for all my exams to be over and done with so I can have my freedom back!!

Counting down 7 more days,

Hannah

17 days and counting down

I have approximately 17 days until I finish the whole lot of my A Level Cambridge Exams. I can't wait for that day to arrive! Right now, I just need to concentrate on a few more of my papers and I'm all good. I have 4 more papers left and the most important one are mostly all over.

Overall, I think I did good on some and also badly on some. The bad would be my maths paper. I'm originally very bad in Maths, being one of the weaker students in my class and having really crappy results with my tests and exams in school (Don't judge me okay). So, after I finished my Pure Maths Papers and my Mechanics Paper, I felt like I lost all hope. Haha.. that's how bad it went for me. I won't even be expecting much for it myself. Hopefully, my family won't too. I really tried my best doing revisions and studying.

Also, sorry for the lack of posts but I promise to be back with more after next week!! This is what's up with me at the moment. Not very interesting but it's gonna be ending soon. Can't wait!! :)

Counting down the 17 days,

Hannah

Uncertainties

Today has been rather slow for me. The sky is gloomy and dark today which makes me feel very lazy and tired. That can't work out for me since I have to do my revisions. All these kind of suck for me because I hate studying for exams. 

Well, I've been doing some thinking.. you know, about life and the future for me. This is hard because I have no idea or whatsoever what I want to do or even to be. I shudder at the uncertainties that life holds for me. It's like walking in a never-ending stretch of path in a dark tunnel, finding the bright light that everybody said is at the end of the tunnel. My life is filled of "what if" s. What if this, what if that, what if everything. 

It's a little frustrating seeing everyone else being sure and enthusiastic (or not?) about their future plans, what they're going to do, what they're going to become and where they're heading to. Well, this are just some thoughts that were in my head for a while. Some people are always telling me that, "You should think about my future already!" or even ask me, "Why are you not worried?!". 

Hey, not to sound rude and all but I just want to say that without anybody telling me those, I'm also thinking about my future, my life ahead and worrying about all the things that are around me already since a few years ago. It's just that I really have no idea at all. I hope that all things will fall into its place soon. Thinking about all these is stressful and tiring. 

As I grow older, I finally get to see what they meant by "life is not a bed of roses". As I grow older, my worries and frustrations definitely piled up. As I grow older, more responsibilities to shoulder, I have. What is life without challenges? Hopefully, I'll get to see the bright light at the end of the tunnel soon.

It's me against the world.

Hannah

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"Hello World" by Eia is now available for purchase and download on iTunes and Amazon. Go check it out and show your support! :)

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Birthday Shout-out : Maria

Happy Birthday Maria!! You're 20 today!! How time flies. We were still little girls not that long ago and in a blink of an eye, we're all grown up now! 

I've known you all my life. You're a great sister, a cheche and a friend to me. I will remember all the times we spent together, your nagging, your love, your care and your comfort. You've always reminded me that you're just a text away no matter where you are and where I am. Thank you so much for being there during my good and also my bad times. 

Today, you're embarking on a new journey. I wish you nothing but the very best with your music, Eia. You have always shared your love to us through your music and now, it's time for the rest of the world to feel your love too. I'm sure that you'll be the bright, shining star that you've dreamed of. You dreamt big and now, YOU DID IT! I can't be anymore proud of you!

It's not going to be all easy on the upcoming roads ahead, but I pray and hope that you'll be able to place your trust in God. You have a big support system behind you. Your family and also your friends. Bring out the best in you! I believe that you'll be able to touch the hearts of others with your music. 

Dare to dream big! All the best and I love you!

Hannah

Still in the midst of exams

I haven't have much time these days to come online much. It seems like a long time since I logged into Facebook, my e-mail and all. Wow. There's so many things to look into. Well, I'm just here for a short post to show that I'm still alive and that the exams haven't actually killed me just yet.

This week is a free week for me as I don't have any papers to sit for this week, however, the revisions are never ending. It seems like there's always so much to revise and to look through. Is it my lack of confidence or is it just me progressing a little too slow? I'm at the stage where I feel like giving up but I can't give up. Haha.. if that actually makes sense. Preparing for my papers is very tiring. Even when I sleep, I dream about my revisions, my teachers or my class. Then when I wake up, I felt like I haven't had any rest at all. These kind of dreams happen to me once in a while but those dreams have been occurring frequently these days, it's horrible.

Other than studying and preparing for exam, I'm just trying to live each day as productive as possible. Of course there will be some days which I cheat and that results in me regretting not being more productive and useful during the course of the day. Oh well, it's not like I can turn back the time or something. So, I remind myself to BE PRODUCTIVE every single day.

On a lighter note, do you still remember one of my previous post about Eia? Well, Eia is releasing her DEBUT SINGLE, "Hello World" on iTunes tomorrow! Be sure to go buy her single and show your support! Spread the love, Share the music.

For more information, please go to Eia's Facebook Page. 

For an exclusive preview of Eia's first single, "Hello World", log onto Eia's Myspace Page.

Have a nice day,

Hannah

In God, I will trust

Tomorrow is the second week of the Cambridge A & AS Level that I'm taking. This week is a little heavy for me. 3 papers with 2 of them being Maths. Oh bummer... I suck in Maths big time and that's no secret. What's worse is that I'm particularly poor with the mechanics paper. Hopefully, all things will go well especially with my revisions and my exam.

Yesterday night during Youth, during the Praise & Worship session, I came across a couple of Bible verses. Romans 8:38-39. I've read those verses many times before however, those verses just struck me. The versus just spoke to me and it suddenly just made me realise something that I should have done before. 

Romans 8:38-39

New International Version (NIV)

³⁸ For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, ³⁹ neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

I'm sure that many of us have felt very unloved and unwanted, scared and alone. Sometimes you just feel that nobody really cares for you even with all the people like your families and friends around you. I've felt these feelings before. Sometimes, I'd just think, where are all the people when you need them? Like this verse has said, nothing can separate us from the love of God. God has always been there for me, the bad times and also the good. 

Like for me, I'm never a person who can handle stress that comes altogether at me at one time. This is rather bad as I'll be at a disadvantaged when I go out to the work force or stumble upon some horrible crisis. Right now, with all these exams going on, I sometimes feel like giving up. I'm a pessimistic person when it comes to my studies. I'm not any good with them and I'm absolutely no "straight-A" student like how all parents want their children to be. But with that verse, I'm sure I can pull through because I know that there's somebody who loves and cares for me a lot. Like what Philippians 4:13 says. I'm more positive about me pulling through these few exam weeks.

Philippians 4:13

New International Version (NIV)

¹³ I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Also, other than the Bible verses, a song that we sang during Praise & Worship , describes what I'm feeling right now. It's amazing how God sends somebody to show me these words of wisdom in my time of needing some pick-me-up.

Still by Hillsong

This song really speaks to me. How many a times where I have tried to rely on my own strength when there's somebody MUCH BIGGER than what I am is able and is wholeheartedly willing to share my burdens with me my fears and the challenges that I face. I should learn how to place my trust in God more often and not just relying on my own strength  No doubt that I'm still learning and there are many more life lessons to learn, however, I know that I'm not alone facing the storms. 

I have more courage and peace within me now as I know that I won't face this exam period all by myself. No matter what happens, I know that God has a plan for me. 

In God I trust,

Hannah

Hanging On

1 paper down, 10 more to go. It's been one week since the start of my exam period and I'm feeling very demotivated already. This can't be happening to me but I'm hanging on in there. It's a phase that all students have to go through. I must persevere and endure. Bitter times now, sweet memories later. 

And so, my youngest brother has already finished his PSR (Primary 6 exam in Brunei. Similar to the Malaysia's UPSR and Singapore's PSLE). Seeing my brother enjoying his freedom, makes me feel a little jealous of him. However, I'll tell myself that I don't need to be jealous because once I finish my exams, I would have an even longer holiday. YAY! Can't wait for that to happen. So, for now, I must press on. Study, study, study!

Exam sucks :P

Hannah

Exam Fever

And so... the exam fever has finally hit me (and all the other people who are preparing for their exams). Panic, anxiety, stress, lack of sleep, worries.. what more to add to my list? I really do pray and hope that all will be well for me this exam. No anxiety attacks and all during my exams and all. These days, I'm starting to feel the stress of the exam which is kind of good as it pushed me to study even harder.

I'll still be updating this little blog of mine if I have the time in the midst of exam. I wish all the exam students the very best for their exam! Study hard and study smart. ;)

Good luck!

Hannah

To Tigger, with love

To those who have read some of my Twitter tweets a few days ago, I have found my cat, Tigger. Unfortunately, Tigger was found dead. It was pretty sick when I last saw him, vomiting clear liquid quite frequently and it won't take in any food or water. We suspected that it was either poisoned, or ate something deadly beforehand. The next thing I knew, he went missing and we weren't able to find him around and we were  keeping our fingers crossed, hoping that he would come home soon.

As some of you might know, I found Tigger in a drain late at night while it was raining. He was meowing very loudly because he was at the edge of the drain. If he falls, it would be the end of his life but he was so tiny at the time that he couldn't climb out of the shallow drain himself. My dad rescued him out and then he ran off. A couple of weeks later, we found out that my next-door neighbour was keeping him but due to certain circumstamces, they weren't able to keep him anymore so we took Tigger over.

Tigger was my favourite cat out of the 5 cats that I have. =) He was my favourite because he was the first cat that I took care of since my last cat who ran away a year ago. Tigger was the only male out of the litter and also the eldest and largest, so he took care of the other 4 young female kittens. Tigger was best friend with *Lily, good friend with **Snowie and was a fatherly figure to 2 very young kittens, ***Patches and Laces.

* Lily was the 2nd cat which we took in because it was abandoned and is kind of blind in one eye.

** Snowie is the 5th cat that we took in which was also abandoned outside our house during a night where it was raining heavily.

*** Patches and Laces were the 3rd & 4th cat that was abandoned outside our house with giant red ants all over them which left them swollen and in pain.

All of the cats that I have are all abandoned cats. They were all in bad condition when we found them but after some tender, loving care, they are now well. A few of them had cases of worms maybe because they were strays and were abandoned, not sure what they actually ate before they came to us(We did de-worm them though (= , so no worries). We feed them minimum 3 times a day with cat food, water and occasionally milk. The cats are bathe at least once a week. So, they are all taken good care off.

Well, it was sad thing that Tigger is now gone but at least he's no more in pain or suffering now. Tigger, thank you for giving me a beautiful memory to remember you by. :)

To Tigger, with love.

Hannah.

Disclaimer: All photos do not belong to me unless stated so. Credits to the original photo uploader.

3rd last day of school

I would always wonder how time flies. Don't you? It goes past so fast that you can't help but wonder what happened to the extra time you thought you had. Today is the 3rd last day of my A Level schooling. It scares me somehow, knowing that with me finishing with school, it would be the start of the BIG FINALS! I mean, it was not very long ago that I just entered into a new school, new environment and now, I'm getting ready to leave.

Well, some classes of mine have been the very last today due to some events happening tomorrow and on Saturday. It has been a bittersweet feeling, parting with the friends you've made, the teachers you've known and the attachment to certain places that we frequently hang out in school and all.

Somehow, this 2 years of school life will leave with me as a part of my "crazy teenage" memories. I hope that one day I'll be able to look back at these days in the future with a smile even though A Level is a really tough one to get through.

Persevere and endure.

Hannah

Happy Teachers' Day 2012

In Brunei, Teachers' Day falls on the 23rd of September every year which coincides with the birthday of the 28th Sultan of Brunei. Hopefully, it's not too late to wish all the teachers of the world a HAPPY TEACHERS' DAY! 

I'm rather blessed to have met many good and wonderful teachers during all my studying years. Many of which I will remember for as long as I live. That's how great you are to me, teachers. Teaching is a noble job. It takes patience, love, commitment, perseverance  and passion! It might sound cliche but without teachers, I really would be nothing and I would not be where I am today, finishing my last year of A Level.

I've been schooling for 15 years of my life and each teacher plays a different role to me. 

Kindergarten teachers have taught me to spell and count and to read and write, also to sing and dance.

Primary school teachers have taught me the many lessons and skills that are needed to lay the foundation for the years of education ahead after primary school.

Secondary school teachers have taught me uncountable school and life lessons. Other than the normal school stuff, they have taught me that it's okay to make life mistakes while we're young and if we fall down, we have to learn to get up again. To never give up when we stumble and fall.

College teachers have taught me all the further education needed to prepare myself for the university life ahead. They have encouraged me, directly and indirectly, on and on to not give up and to continue press on when I feel discouraged during my 2 years of A Level.

School life has been a challenging road to travel but with the help of teachers, they make it easier for us, students, to keep walking on. I appreciate my teachers and you should too because they are the people, other than your parents, to mould your being and to guide you to the right path. Also not forgetting my ECA teachers, like my piano teacher, my ex-English mentor/teacher, my Sunday School teachers and my Bible Class teachers, you guys are great and I thank you for your tutelage. 

So, a BIG THANK YOU to my teachers for being there and HAPPY TEACHERS' DAY! May all of you continue to share your wisdom and passion to the many generations after.

Thank you, teachers.

Hannah

Disclaimer: All the photos uploaded aren't mine unless stated so. Credits to the original photo uploaders.