ehappyprince

Fox Theatre US Broadway Series

2007-09-08T23:40:00.000-05:00

Laa laa .... I'm enjoying myself with all the musicals I can watch here in the US! Fox Theatre is our historic St. Louis theatre.

After finishing work on Friday, I drove down to Fox to buy a season pass to their broadway series. Took the average seating. $258 for 6 musicals. That's my first pay-check from my work at Parkway after 2 weeks of work. I think it's really worth as I won't be able to get that price on Broadway itself!

I think I must start to keep track of all the musicals I've watched here in the US! Look out for it in my future posting.

I believe I'll enjoy all the musicals.

My Sister's Essay

2007-09-08T01:01:00.000-05:00

It sure is comforting to know that I am appreciated by my sister. I was really touched by my sister's school essay sent to me by my brother.

Faith - thank you! And I hope you too will grow up to be an adult that will impact someone's life.

An adult who has left an impact on my life

An adult who left a great impact on my life is my second elder brother. He is a social worker and just recently last year he left for the United States of America, St Louis to further his studies. He is currently taking his Masters in Social Work and from here he plans to take his PhD in Chicago.

One thing that I admire about him is his dedication to what he has taken up, he studied for honors in Singapore and his job as a social work pays him enough to get him by, however the determination to expand his knowledge and experience gave him the strength to bravely request to my parents to support him in this venture. In USA the weather over there has been terrible when it is winter it is very cold and when it is summer the temperature is much higher than Singapore but he bears with it just so he can study and he does not want to waste this chance to study.

I think that choosing social work as a job is a way which one can give back to society efficiently; also I like the idea of helping others to put their mind at rest. From his work that I have seen, it is a very tough and challenging job, some of the people he counsels are those who like to rebel or have been exposed to a very depressing situation are very uncontrollable and unpredictable, but he does his best in what he can, and that touches me.

He did not only leave an impact on me just because he is good at what he does he is also a good brother to me. There is a huge age gap between me and my brothers and my eldest brother is busy taking care of his own family, my second brother is just as busy but he does make time to bring me out once in awhile, he brings me to watch movies or play soccer and more. I am touched that he does try to spend time with me; I do get very lonely because I am the youngest and I have no one in my family around my age that I can play with, even in USA he keeps in contact with me by MSN and he sends things that he believe I would like I like having him as an elder brother because I like that I have someone to debate with on the current issues that happen around the world and what their views are like. He is more open minded compared to other adults that I have met, one example is when the Da Vinci Code Movie came to Singapore, with the uproar it was causing the Catholics and my curiosity, he thought that it would be good to bring me to watch the movie so as to understand more on what people believe around the world. Another example is cosplay, he supported this idea even though my parents disagreed because he though it would not only teach me the value of money but also the value of time management, because of his support I have the chance to put this dream into reality.

In conclusion, my brother would be the person that motivates me towards to road which I have chosen to walk, and the one who will support me all the way through, a person whom I can rely on in bad times as well as good times. His generosity towards me has made me learn how to appreciate him more.

Faith Tan (29)
Secondary 2/7

USA Labor Day (1st Sept)

2007-09-01T23:04:00.000-05:00

1st Sept. Nope it's not Teachers' Day here in the US. It's Labor Day.

I had an enjoyable weekend although I spent the whole of Monday, which was a public holiday, in school with Prof Juan working on his research study. Can you imagine what happened to me after intensively running various statistical tests from 1030am - 530pm? I had a terrible backache, so disturbing that I took 2 pills of muscle relaxant at 9pm and went to zzz.

Anyway, that weekend was still memorable with a Saturday Night party at Michal and Amy's place and a Sunday Night party at Sara Ward's place.

And the other interesting thing I did was to visit the St. Louis County Air Show in Chesterfield. I found it interesting to be visiting a fair here in the US. It's a completely different experience and culture from Singapore. When we have a fair in Singapore, what do we have? Pasar Malam... Here's what they have in the US:

Venue: The Historic Spirit of St. Louis Airport, Chesterfield

Early in the morning on May 20, 1927 Charles A. Lindbergh took off in The Spirit of St. Louis from Roosevelt Field near New York City. Flying northeast along the coast, he was sighted later in the day flying over Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. From St. Johns, Newfoundland, he headed out over the Atlantic, using only a magnetic compass, his airspeed indicator, and luck to navigate toward Ireland. The flight had captured the imagination of the American public like few events in history. Citizens waited nervously by their radios, listening for news of the flight. When Lindbergh was seen crossing the Irish coast, the world cheered and eagerly anticipated his arrival in Paris. A frenzied crowd of more than 100,000 people gathered at Le Bourget Field to greet him. When he landed, less than 34 hours after his departure from New York, Lindbergh became the first person to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.

Paid 8 bucks just for admission!

Beautiful Candy Land!

You scream, I scream, We all scream for Ice Cream!

Pizza anyone?

Wheeeee ....

This was really intersting to watch... They were having a competition to see which dog could "fly" the furthest! Better not stand too near! It's a big splash!

My lunch! It's called Funnel Cake. I remember Liz (a social worker at MPC) was telling me that she always enjoyed having Funnel Cakes at such fairs. Decided to try one. Not too bad... it's basically some deep fried flour with coated with custard sugar.

My STL Fighter planes ...

Anyway, one reason why I was there (and paid 8bucks!) was also because the Blue Angels were there. I've heard of the Blue Angels on many occasions and I thought I wanted to see how they were. Anyway, it also seemed that most of the crowds were there to see the Blue Angels. Clearly the crowds loved the Blue Angels with their cheering and ughs and ahs...

The Blue Angels

The Blue Angels’ mission is to enhance Navy and Marine Corps recruiting efforts and to represent the naval service to the United States, its elected leadership and foreign nations. The Blue Angels serve as positive role models and goodwill ambassadors for the U. S. Navy and Marine Corps.
A Blue Angels flight demonstration exhibits choreographed refinements of skills possessed by all naval aviators. It includes the graceful aerobatic maneuvers of the four-plane Diamond Formation, in concert with the fast-paced, high-performance maneuvers of its two Solo Pilots. Finally, the team illustrates the pinnacle of precision flying, performing maneuvers locked as a unit in the renowned, six-jet Delta Formation.
The team is stationed at Forrest Sherman Field, Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, during the show season. However, the squadron spends January through March training pilots and new team members at Naval Air Facility El Centro, California.
The Blue Angels are scheduled to fly 66 air shows at 35 air show sites in the United States during the 2007 season, as the team celebrates 20 years of flying the F/A-18 Hornet. Last season, more than 15 million spectators watched the Blue Angels perform.

They were really good. They put up a display for nearly 45 mins and I was just so amazed at their capabilities, speed and stunts. I remember there was this time during the show when we were all trying to spot where the Blue Angels were, when they suddenly zoomed out of nowhere, with their loud turbo engines just above our heads. The crowd just when wowowowow ...

I tried to catch a shot of the Blue Angels. Can you spot them?

Nope.

They were just too damn fast (or ... I was just too darn slow)

Another loser shot of the Blue Angels.

Finally. My best shot.

School Social Work Conference

2007-08-30T23:14:00.000-05:00

I've signed up for this conference!

The 40th Annual Midwest School Social Work Council Conference
Cleveland, Ohio
Orchestrating Harmony
School, Home and Community

October 4, 5, 6, 2007

16 Year Old Gabriel from HIHS

2007-08-27T21:20:00.000-05:00

I suspect I may have come across Gabriel in my work @ HIHS, especially if he is a peer support leader. Was he there at either the Sec 1 or Sec 2 camp last year?

Nonetheless, I share in the grief of his parents, teachers and friends. Life is simply so fragile. A young innocent and bright life just gone at a spur of the moment. I've been flowing up on some blogs by HIHS students. Somehow, he has touched the lives of many...

There were students who posted pictures of him in their blogs and blogging about memories of him; for those who don't know him personally, they blogged about how the news was broken to them and their reactions (I thot one of them wrote so nicely of how the Principal broke the news to them by explaining that God always picks the most beautiful flower to plant in his garden, and Gabriel was that beautiful flower); while there were those who called on their friends to put a flower at the front of their msn nick as a mark of respect.

Gabriel has indeed impacted many in his own ways. His life was indeed well lived.

I hope that we can all live meaningful and fulfilling lives.

609

2007-08-24T19:33:00.000-05:00

609 is a pub along Delmar Loop, just outside my house. It's been the venue of many student events in Brown School. I was taking a nap when I was woken up by S' MSN mssg to me.

It read "Let's go 609 to grab some fresh chicks"...

I was like huh?

Anyway, 609 was hosting the new students to Brown School. Yaps, since I had nothing up that night, I went with him. Not for the fresh chicks but more for a couple of nice cold beers...

This afternoon, after reporting to Parkway for some counsellors and social workers meeting, I went to St. Louis Metropolitan Art Museum for the Napoleon Symbols of Power exhibition. I lined up for a free ticket last week otherwise I had to pay 10 bucks for admission.

Anyway, it was a big disappointment. It's nothing really special. There were only 3 pieces of art work, and lots of furniture - which looked ordinary to me. Nothing compared to the musuems in New York and Chicago. Thank goodness I got a free tix. I won't pay 10 bucks on this. It took me 20 mins to cover everything.

After the musuem visit, I was contemplating to either go to school or back home and snooze. Decided for the former and it was a BAD CHOICE!

Unexpectantly, a staff came into the computer lab to inform us that an immediate weather alert was just sent for us to be cautious of a tornado. She also reminded us of the evacuation procedure to the basement of the building in the event of a tornado, and informed us to check our email for more updates.

This is what it read:

Dear Community,

If you have had a chance to look outside, you know we are experiencing severe weather, with more storms heading this way. In the event that tornado sirens should sound, please remember to go to the lower, most interior area of the building you are in. Goldfarb and Brown Halls both have basement levels.

Rick Tyler and Linda Specker are walking through the buildings now to make sure that you know where to go in the event that a tornado siren sounds. No need to be alarmed, we just want to make sure you know where to go in the event of more serious weather.

If you have a radio or access to the web, we encourage you pay attention to the weather. Please use your best judgment as to whether you should leave or not.

Many thanks,

Ellen Rostand
Director of Communications
George Warren Brown School of Social Work
Washington University in St. Louis
Campus Box 1196
One Brookings Drive
St. Louis, MO 63130
Phone: 314.935.8215
Fax: 314.935.8511
Cell: 314.283-8368

Yes, you can guess. I was stuck in school for nearly 2/3 hours just for the weather to clear. The weather here is really unpredictable. One moment it's hot and humid and the next moment, a big big thunderstorm.

Once the weather cleared a little, I took the opportunity to quickly make my way home.

Look at this poor tree just outside my home. It's botak. With burnt branches scattered on the ground. It must have incurred the wrath of the lighting.

It's still raining now and they're expecting more storms through the night. I think I'll have a good night's rest. I like to sleep during cold, rainy weather.

It's a welcome break from the hot weather I've been experiencing.

Parkway School District

2007-08-22T18:19:00.000-05:00

Here I am. I'm back to where my passion lies - working with students in school.I started my internship with Parkway School District, Chesterfield on August 15th. So far, I'm enjoying every moment of the placement. As part of my intern, I'll be covering 4 elementary schools, 1 middle school and 1 high school in the district over 3 days/week. That's quite a lot!

Here from me soon!

Heh. I like the lanyard given to me by my supervisor! It's a nice gift from her... = )

Metropolitian St. Louis Psychiatric Center

2007-08-13T19:24:00.000-05:00

May 21 - August 13. This is my stint with Metropolitian St. Louis Psychiatric Center.

It's my first and important exposure to the field of mental health. Since arriving here, I thought I wanted to take the opportunity and expose myself to something different besides youth work.
Hence, my venturing into mental health. As I reflect back to my previous practice experience, I found myself lacking the knowledge and skills in intervention with both adults and youth who exhibit symptoms such as mania and depression. So, besides doing coursework in the DSM IV, which allows me to make diagnosis once I attain my clinical social worker licensure, I've also equipped myself with knowledge, skills and experience in mental health.

What was really memorable were the patients that I worked with during my stint. Especially patients with deep seated depression, generalized anxieties and alcoholic problems. These are the people who are really down and out in their lives to the extent that they require psychiatric intervention. Working at that deep level with the patients can be nerve-racking, especially when I have to hold the emotions of the patients. However, in my short stint, I see changes in some of my patients. I am confident that some will do well.

For the record, during my nearly 3 months there, I saw exactly 70 patients.

So as I handed in my ID Badge on my last day, I was really glad for this exposure. I can't help but to hope that the people who come through the doors of MPC will be able to find that inner peace and healing in their lives.

God Bless America!

Road Trip (Aug 4 - Aug 10)

2007-08-10T18:39:00.000-05:00

Here's some pictures of Jacqueline's visit and our road trip...

Starting off at St. Louis...

Here's with Subas, Khudo at Red Sea, Delmar Loop (STL)

After that we took a drive from STL - Chicago (approximately 4.5 hrs)

Inside the "Silver Bean" Millenium Park, Chicago

Chicago by night... Don't you think it looks like Singapore River?

Navy Pier, Chicago. Singapore also wants to build a Ferris Wheel like this. Hmm... so much for originality!

Breakfast at Lou Mitchell's. Highly Recommended to any visitor to Chicago! It promotes itself as the "World's most wonderful breakfast." Well, the breakfast is really yummy!

Art Institute of Chicago

After a weekend in Chicago, we drove up north to Ann Arbor, Michigan (also approx 4 hours).

At a micro-brewery in Ann Arbor. This is a place where they brew their own beer!

Streets of Ann Arbor, Michigan. This is a really small, quiet town! I think I'll be bored staying there! If I stay there, I might just become a hermit...

University of Michigan, School of Social Work!

Subsequently from Ann Arbor, Michigan, we drove into Canada to Niagara Falls....

Maid of the Mist. This is a boat ride that brings you near the foot of Niagara Falls. I didn't get to do this during the winter. So at least I'm glad I came back to do this! An advice for visitors to Niagara Falls, do all your tourist thingy on the American side. It's much cheaper!

Also, on this trip, I wish that they didn't develop the Niagara Falls area to what it is today. I just thought that it's rather commercialized. Somehow with the casinos, hotels in the region, it loses the majestic feel of the power of this great falls...

From Niagara Falls to Cuyahoga Valley, Cleveland, Ohio...

Brandywine Falls. I thought I enjoyed this much more than Niagara Falls. From Buffalo (USA), we drove to Cuyahoga Valley where we stayed in this national park. From our lodging, we did a simple 30-40 mins walk to Brandywine Falls.

Our new friends made at the lodging...

And finally, we ended back in Chicago with our new friends. Doing something really American! Watching baseball. The Chicago White Sox!

2007-02-16T22:24:00.000-06:00

This is my Chinese New Year

Snow and Blowing Snow Advisory

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE ST LOUIS MO
949 PM CST FRI FEB 16 2007

...SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW EXPECTED OVERNIGHT AND SATURDAY...
.A STRONG ALBERTA CLIPPER WILL DIVE SOUTH ACROSS THE MIDWEST
TONIGHT. TWO PERIODS OF SNOW ARE EXPECTED TO MOVE ACROSS THE REGION
INTO EARLY SATURDAY MORNING. TOTAL SNOWFALL AMOUNTS WILL BE
MAINLY IN THE 3 TO 5 INCH RANGE WITH LOCALLY HIGHER TOTALS. WINDS
WILL GUST TO 35 MPH OR HIGHER AT TIMES AS A COLD FRONT MOVES
SOUTHEAST ACROSS THE AREA ON SATURDAY MORNING. THE COMBINATION OF
FALLING AND BLOWING SNOW WILL REDUCE VISIBILITIES BELOW ONE MILE
AND LOCALLY CREATE NEAR- BLIZZARD CONDITIONS. HAZARDOUS TRAVEL
CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED OVERNIGHT AND SATURDAY.
...SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM
CST SATURDAY...
A SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM CST
SATURDAY. THIS WILL REDUCE VISIBILITIES BELOW ONE
MILE AND LOCALLY CAUSE NEAR-BLIZZARD CONDITIONS OVERNIGHT AND
SATURDAY...MAKING TRAVEL DIFFICULT.
A BLOWING SNOW ADVISORY IS ISSUED WHEN A STRONG AND GUSTY WIND
WILL COMBINE WITH FALLING SNOW TO PRODUCE BLOWING AND DRIFTING
THAT WILL REDUCE VISIBILITIES TO BELOW ONE-QUARTER MILE OR LESS
AT TIMES. SNOW ON GRASSY AREAS WILL LIKELY BLOW OVER ROADWAYS...
PARTIALLY COVERING OR FURTHER BLANKETING THE PAVEMENT. SNOW
DRIFTS WILL LIKELY FORM NEAR STRUCTURES SUCH AS HOMES...CARS...OR
TREES AND COULD BECOME SIGNIFICANTLY DEEPER THAN IN AREAS EXPOSED
TO THE WIND AND AWAY FROM STRUCTURES. IN ADDITION...MINOR
ACCUMULATIONS OF SNOW WILL RESULT. TRAVEL WILL BECOME HAZARDOUS
AND MOTORISTS SHOULD PLAN FOR A SLOWER THAN NORMAL TRIP...AND BE
ON THE LOOKOUT FOR SUDDEN DROPS IN VISIBILITY AS WELL AS DRIFTING
SNOW THAT MAY IMPEDE TRAVEL.

It's going to be a WHITE AND COLD Chinese New Year

2007-02-13T23:40:00.000-06:00

SNOWSTORM

I've been getting a lot of snow the last 2 days. Been snowing since last night. It was rather cold over the weekend, it started to rain non stop on Sunday night, became freezing rain on Monday, before snowing non stop since Monday. The whole place is really filled with snow.

What I don't like is having to walk near roads. The cars just drive by and splash up dirty snow on you. I got my shoes really wet and dirty through crossing roads. Snow on the roads are black and dirty as a result of all the cars driving through it. Yucks!

I've not had so much snow since I came. There was a news report on CNN about the north being covered in snow till chest high. I don't think I'll have that much snow. The airport at Chicago is closed too due to the snow storm.

Oh... and my electricity was cut last night around 11pm. It was crazy. I was rushing an assignment to be handed in today and gosh ... I had to work in the dark. Thank goodness my laptop's battery was able to last me until I finished my assignment!

Anyway, power was restored this evening. Thank goodness! In fact, I was prepared to live in darkness for tonight.

Casino

2007-02-12T00:06:00.000-06:00

This is the Casino where my Dad won some money during his trip here. Anyway, not too sure if I've mentioned this before but it's very interesting why Casinos here are on "boats" over the Mississippi River. Apparently Missouri has a rule that no casinos are allowed on land. So the best way round it? Have casino on water loh .... When I heard about it, it's like so DUH ....

2007-02-10T23:18:00.000-06:00

Super Size ME

You know, things in US are always so SUPER SIZE... and it's much cheaper to buy things in bulk! My BIG tub of Oats costs something like USD$1.70 and my BIG packet of Cocopops is like USD$2.50... wow. I'm sure these can last me for a month!!!

2007-02-06T23:07:00.000-06:00

It's been freezing the last few days ...

This is my house's therometer which is conneted to the gas heaters. Can you believe it? It fell even below the lowest reading.

And this is the reading on my alarm clock which has a thermometer as well. You look at the bottom right and it reads zero deg celsius in room temperature!!! I think it cannot read any lower temperature.

This is the first time I've ever seen such readings since I came. The temp now ... -17 deg. Gosh ... it's really freezing.

Anyway, if you notice the top of my alarm clock, you'll see it's a little deformed. This was the result of putting my alarm clock in front of my heaters. Imagine the shock when I got up the next morning? I was really thankful it was not my glasses or my handphone. I better becareful of what goes in front of my heaters.

You know, it so cold that one of my clasmate was describing an incident where he left hhis waterbottle in his car and after a few hours when he returned, he wanted to drink from it and he got a shock that it was all ice. It was so funny hearing him narrate about it.

Anyway it's so cold that I have to put on many layers. This is I (and everyone else!!!) look these days ...

Don't you think I look like an astronaut?

Anyway, I like fresh snow. It really makes the place look beautiful. Whenever it snows, I always like to take a walk, kick the snow or drag my feet in the snow! = )

snowing

2007-01-31T23:34:00.000-06:00

It snowed again! Yday, the weather forecast predicted that midweek there is a 20% chance of snow. Just now when I was in school, my friend told me that the latest update was that at 8pm, it was 70% chance of snow. No wonder the place felt a little empty. People were rushing back as they didn't want to be caught in a snow storm.

As I was walking back at 7pm, it already started to snow ...... it's so amazing seeing the whole place turn white in front of you. Fresh snow is really beautiful!

Anyway, I just finished my first DVD in US. Felt a bit tired from lessons and some library research that I decided to drop by this movie retail shop just outside my place. I was so amazed at the range of movies available pertaining to my research interest... hahaha... If you know me well, you'll know what it is...

Won't elaborate much on it. I just hope that this movie will come to Singapore. I liked it - for the storyline, the characters and their acting. Anyway, after going through the bonus tracks, I know why their acting is so good.

If you're interested go google and find out what this movie is about. And if it comes to Singapore and you're intrigued by the topic. Go watch it. You will feel for the characters in the movie!

2007-01-30T23:58:00.000-06:00

I miss my Geylang Hor Fun ... and the Frog Leg Porridge

During times when the weather is super cold, I start to miss food back home.

How I wish i can have hot, yummy Jalan Kayu Prata with spicy curry

Gosh... cravings

Anyway Mum, Dad - my bee hoon turn out to be quite good rite?

That's all I can content with at the moment

Freezing cold

2007-01-29T01:51:00.000-06:00

I remembered I previously mentioned in a post that I've experienced the coldest temperature here. Gosh ... today is really the worst! I've been checking the weather forecast and each time I check, the temperature drops further. Currently, I'm at -8 deg. I have a thermometer and my room temperature reads as 2 deg despite having 2 electric heaters on.

I've decided to wear my big duffle jacket to sleep. Just like mashmellow man ...

Anyway, I'm looking out for ideas (and recipe) for nice soups to keep me warm in this crazy weather. I'm kinda sick of always having corn and chicken soup. If anyone out there have recommendations for me, please email me k!

Anyway,

A murder has been committed!!!

2007-01-25T22:39:00.000-06:00

A murder has been committed.
I was walking around school and this is the scene of crime.

So who killed Mr. Snowman?

So poor thing. Just left there to be melted away ...

Look mum! I can cook!

2007-01-23T23:02:00.000-06:00

I've been having such nice yummy food! So Mum, you don't have to worry! You see, I know how to cook a nice dinner ...

See, I have some marinated chicken wings in Kikkomon, a tinge of Cinnamon and Rosemary leaves and 2 eggs with mushrooms for an Omelette ...

Plus some sandwiches to fill up my tummy. Topped with an apple (to keep the doctor away) and a cup of orange juice for the Vitamin C.

And ta-da! There you have it! My nice yummy dinner. Oh, btw - you can spot my 2nd little one in this picture. Spot a little purple hippo?

Walking in the Winter Wonderland ....

2007-01-23T08:23:00.000-06:00

Lalalalalala .... My school's looking rather beautiful! ...

It's snowing!

2007-01-21T00:26:00.000-06:00

It just snowed 5 mins ago! I was working on my computer when I suddenly heard noises that sound like little stones were thrown at my window. I opened the blinds and this was what I saw!

Fresh snow! you can see snow flecks in the picture. It's really beautiful... I stretched my hand out to touch the snow!

This is my first time experiencing snow here in St. Louis! Or rather seeing fresh snow falling from the sky. Hence my excitment! This is my view from another window.

I believe tomorrow's going to be a beautiful day! Will wake up early to take a walk.

Happy Social Worker's Day!

2007-01-20T23:17:00.000-06:00

Hey... Happy Social Worker's Day!

I'm in touch with news back home and today's our first ever Social Worker's Day AND the good news... the Government has finally heard our cries and is pumping more money to increase the salaries of social workers!!!

This is really long overdue.

Now I think some of you out there can really reconsider coming back or joining this field.

Anyway, since today is meant to celebrate social work. Here's some "social-workey" posters I see here in St. Louis ...

I kinda like the first one. Did you watch the Incredibles? I think they're really funny. Oh yeah, I'm afraid of becoming like Mr. Incredible one day with his big bulging tummy ...

Oh, and this second poster reminds me of Terry Fox and yes, I visited his monument in Canada - I think it's in Montreal.

Let's never give up the spirit and passion that makes us true, blue social workers in helping people. Cheers to all fellow social workers!

Cold, Sleepless Night

2007-01-19T19:27:00.000-06:00

I do not know what happened last night. My electricity was cut at 3am and that affected my electric heaters. Couldn't sleep after that ... was constantly waking up trying to find ways to make myself warm by wearing additional clothings.

The first thing I did in the morning was to call my housing company to complain. They got the power restored within an hour.

Come to think about it. Last night I could have gone to on my gas heaters ... Think I was too dazed in my sleep and trying to get myself warm!

Anyway, told you all about my bedsheet and side table which I bought. Yaps. My bedroom is now nicely done up. = )

This is my first layer with fleece

And the next layer with my thick comforter!

Oh that's Tommy in bed. One of my 4 little ones which I brought over. Will slowly introduce them to you all! You can see my little slide table and bed side reading lamp too.

Hoping for warmer weather...

2007-01-18T20:07:00.000-06:00

Initially I was really excited about the winter. As time goes by, gosh... i'm missing the warmer temperature.
Good thing I bought these ear muffs in New York. Paid US$3 for these at Chinatown. It's really cold that your ear, toes and fingers freezes up. Yes - my toes and fingers freeze despite my socks and gloves.......

Did some shopping today at Walmart. Thanks so much Yoo San for bringing me there! Bought a bedsheet cover for my bed and a side table. Will make up room very nicely tonight! = )

Little Squirrels

2007-01-17T19:22:00.000-06:00

I love observing all the little squirrels. You get to see a couple of them here and there. They squint around, hurriedly moving from place to place looking for food I suppose. It's not easy to catch one on the camera. They look so cute.

I had my first lession on social work practice with gays, lesbians and transexuals. It's a small class of 10 and I must say that the reading is like WAHHHHH. A whole list of readings with 5 recommended books and 2 optional books. Somehow I don't know why but the textbooks here are super expensive. Some in the range of USD$80 - $100. I think I would shop online. My coursemate was telling met that it'll be cheaper to buy online. Anyway, I picked up one book from campus which I would need to read before the next lesson. This is the title, and this is how the cover looks ...

Hmm... any comments? Looks very apt for the topic isn't it? It's actually a novel of a homosexual teenager. I think our lecturer got us to read this for the first week so at least there are some basis for discussion.

Freeze

2007-01-16T22:02:00.000-06:00

Gosh... today is really cold. I think it's the coldest I've experienced in STL.

I left home this morning feeling quite happy that the sun is out after a whole weekend of freezing rain. Thought it'll be warm BUT i was deceived.

I see some signs of snow and lots of flurries (small flecks of snow) in the air. Can't capture the flurries in my picture. But just imagine small flecks of snow that just melt on contact.

I had my first lesson in Social, Economic and Political Environment. Whenever I tell people that I'm taking the module under Mark Rank, I get a very cautious reaction from people, warning me that he's very demanding. I even knew of someone who switched lecturer after hearing Mark Rank's reputation.

Despite these, I was still determined to meet Mark Rank. I heard about this book which he wrote which I was really interested in and hence decided to take the module under him. Apparently he's well known in the States because of this book. Picked up his book from the campus bookshop a few days back.

I was quite intrigued by some of the figures reported in his book. Quite hard hitting figures he has. Can you imagine 3/4 of all Americans between ages 20 and 75 will spend at least one year of their lives in poverty?and 2/3 aged 20-65 will be on a welfare programme and this figure will go up to 40% in 5 or more years. Sounds impossible considering America as the strong hold of the world's economy but real as what I see since I arrived.

Some hard facts and numbers and I liked the way he likens American poverty to a game of musical chairs in which once the music stops, more often than not politicians will only focus on the players out of the game without seeing how the game is structured to produce losers in the first place. I also like this part of the book which he described an observation made that if a homeless person were to die on the streets, the person will get the attention and resources of Police cars, ambulances, emergency services BUT is not entitled to any resources before his death.....

I can go on and on about his book but anyway, after attending his first lesson, I don't regret at all. In fact, I think he has a lot to offer. I like his sense of humor as well.

Tomorrow's my first lesson on Social Work Practice with Gays, Lesbian and Transexuals. Interesting huh?

Frozen Cars

2007-01-15T17:08:00.000-06:00

There have been 21 deaths reported due to the ice storm. All of which occured on the roads. It's not surprising considering how frozen these cars are ...

Car completely frozen in ice
Frozen antennas ...

On Delmar Loop during the Ice Storm

2007-01-14T17:12:00.000-06:00

Today's weather has been better even though things outside are still covered in ice. The weatherman actually forecast that there will be another wave of freezing rain either today or tomorrow. But people around are taking the opportunity to play with ice! Well, I took a short walk down Delmar Loop before walking briskly back home due to the freezing temperature ...

Children playing on ice slides...

People actually taking out blocks of ice and start carving and it doesn't melt!

I think a beer from Mr. Ice Bear will be good to warm up in the cold ... *hic* hahaha

Along the way, you also get to see these dirty puddles of ice cleared out either from the roads or the roof - before it gets too heavy and collapses!

Ice Storm

2007-01-14T16:38:00.000-06:00

I'm currently hit by an ice storm. It's really cold outside and it's freezing. So far there are parts of St. Louis that are without electricity due to snapped power lines (either from fallen frozen trees or under the weight of the ice). Thank goodness my area is still ok! Can't imagine how it would be without electricity!

Here's how it look outside. It's so amazing. It looked as if STORM from Xmen just blew a breath over the place. Everything outside is frozen!

Trees covered in ice. When the wind blows, you can actually hear the "cracking" sounds of the ice... There were some reports of snapping frozen branches damaging cars and snapping power lines...

Fences covered in ice...

And even signs are frozen in ice ...

Let's go shopping!

2007-01-13T18:53:00.000-06:00

Went with the Office of International Students and Scholars on a 4 hour shopping trip! We were brought to major shopping areas here in St. Louis.

First stop: Chinese grocery store at Olive Blvd

Second stop: Target Departmental Store - gives me the feel of John Little

Third stop: Walmart - gives me the feel of NTUC

While at the Chinese grocery store, it was really funny as my Nepalese and China classmate were with me. You know in Nepal (I visited Nepal twice before!), they call those chinese dumplings which we call "Jiao Zi" as "MoMo". At the store, they were selling those frozen dumplings and my Nepalese classmate was so excited about seeing "MoMo" which my China classmate was like "err... what is MoMo?" It was really hillarious trying to explain to the both of them that it's the same thing.

Finally bought a mattress after a week! I used the gift card which Meiling gave me! Thanks so much Meiling!!!

I bought an air mattress those which you use a pump to inflate it. Got a queen size and it only cost USD$24! I was really happy with the buy as the advertisments I see on campus are selling 2nd hand spring mattresses for like $50 - $80. I was hesitant to buy a 2nd hand mattress and I'm sure a new mattress would cost much more! Finally I don't have to wake up with a backache...

I also bought electric heaters which were on promotion. Thought I'll save on using the gas heater which heats up my whole apartment by using the electric heaters. FYI - Gas is much more expensive than electricity here in the US.

Continental Hostel

2007-01-04T23:04:00.000-06:00

Continental Hostel @ 330 West 95th Street
USD$16 per night in a bunk of 4.

This was where I was staying from 2nd - 5th Jan. I would highly recommend people to stay there. It's not too far from the Subway and from Times Square. Place is clean and is more secure as you actually hold to your bunk key. It's much better than where I stayed previously at Times Square Castle!

D. had a scary experience where she was previously staying. Her hostel was robbed and only after that did she found out that it was actually illegally operated. Thank goodness she did not lose anything!

Anyway, I had a good experience there. Was in the same bunk with Jason. One thing really fun about staying in hostels is that you actually get to interact with different people! Learnt a lot about Americans from Jason. He taught us how to sing a Peanut Butter Song! On my last night, we went out for a nice Chinese dinner at Chinatown. After that, we walked to East Village looking for a pub and ended up at one which had 2 levels. The first floor was a dance floor while in the basement, there was this band which was playing their own composition - kinda remind me of the 8th Mile (if you remember that movie).

New York's National Library

2007-01-04T19:44:00.000-06:00

I feel so angry about our what they did to our Stanford National Library......

Visited New York's National Library and *gosh*, I really feel that I've walked into a library. It's just so majestic and there's a pride the building holds.
Singapore's library? It's too modern and there's no soul in the building. I felt that our Stanford Library was the nearest we have to New York's. But where is it? GONE! The only thing I heard they conserved the red bricks and fused it into the design of the library at Victoria St.... it's like duhhhhh

The inside ceiling of the library

The entrance of the library

The hallway

My coat at one of the reading tables

Don't you think the structure is really beautiful?

Guggenheim Museum

2007-01-03T20:08:00.000-06:00

I remembered about 2 years ago, I hosted a Caucasian Priest, Fr. Jerry. He asked me to bring him to art museum in Singapore. I brought him to the Singapore Art Museum (old SJI). That was my first exposure to appreciating paintings. I remembered he taught me how far to stand to view paintings and what to look out for in paintings - the strokes, the history etc.

Well, acting like a great appreciator of paintings, I visited the world renowned Guggenheim Museum. Thanks to my earlier exposure to appreciating paintings, I really had a good time there!

What a pity the exterior was being renovated and it won't be ready until end 2007. Go visit www.guggenheim.org to see how the exterior looks like. Anyway the interior looks equally impressive.

They had an exhibition on Spanish arts. Viewing the paintings helped me to understand more about Spain's history and culture.....

United Nations

2007-01-03T19:04:00.000-06:00

Yaps... these are some of my pics taken at the United Nations. Even though this was in New York, it is actually international land! Yaps, that piece of land doesn't belong to USA.

I've often heard so much about the UN but I was always not sure of what exactly do they do. Signed up for a tour of the UN! My tour guide was a Swedish and he brought us into all the chambers and explained it's function to us. Does this place look familar? One thing interesting about the UN, they employ their own Police, Military and Post Office. I actually lined up to send postcards to Felicia and my Sis and it was just my luck to be behind an avid stamp collector. I actually had to wait half hour just to send my postcards. Had a chat with that guy and he apologized for the wait. He said he travelled all the way from California just to buy stamps. 'When you're a stamp collector, you'll do anything just to get your stamps ..."

I was also impressed with the exhibits within UN. They had special gifts from all over the world which were presented to the UN. Pope John Paul II had a gift of a mosaic picture of a dove. China had a beautiful ivory carving, USA had a gift of a picture "Do unto others what you will do onto yourself". What struck me was the exhibit on the effects of the atomic bomb over Hiroshima. You see this pic ... it's actually metal cans fused together by the bomb.

It was really an educational trip for me! I was a bit bo-liao at the end ... I purposely walked outside UN to look for our Singapore flag. Yeah ... and I found it!

Music of the Night

2007-01-02T23:16:00.000-06:00

I used to say that my best musical experience was Oliver. That is nothing now compared to what I've experienced at Phantom on Broadway.

Phantom was suppose to start at 7pm. I arrived at 630pm to collect my tickets which I booked in Oct, gosh ... there was this long queue in front!

While lining up, there were many people asking to buy tickets and had to be turned away. Apparently tickets for today's show was sold out a month ago! Considering this was their first show for 2007. I had very good seats, I was 13 rows away from the stage and I paid around USD$70 for my tickets.

Yaps! That's me at my seat. The theatre reminded me of Capitol cinema (remember at Stanford Street?) Anyway, it's CLOSED. Hopefully they'll revive it and not transform it into some modernist building and losing its soul. Back to my Phantom ...... I must say that the theatre wasn't that big, maybe about 30 rows? But the glamour and the spectacular of the theatre adds to the mystery of the plot. Something Esplanade would not be able to create.

Phantom really left such a deep impression on me and I really wish Singapore would do more to have a more vibrant arts culture. I think such things cannot be created overnight just like that.

Firstly, you have to provide the hardware of the buildings. Buildings must have the soul and meaning to it which takes time to develop. STOP DEMOLISHING buildings and trying to recreate them somewhere else. Culture does not exist in vacuum of time!

Secondly, start to instill an appreciation of the arts in the young and in the people. Teach them about appreciation of the arts. It helps to mould and shape their character ..... To do this, make tickets more affordable. I remember back in Singapore, there were a few musicals which I went that was poorly attended. I think one factor that deters people is the high cost! My suggestion - follow Broadway's system of selling unsold tickets on theatre day at special discounts. During the last few days, I always see long queues at that ticketing booth.

Thirdly, produce more local musicals! Let's have more Dick Lees. Also not only having more musicals and talented, creative people, have a resident musical at a particular location. Just like Phantom at Broadway, or Les Miz at Broadway, or Lion King at Broadway. I think our more renowned musical would be Forbidden City. I watched that and I thought that was also really good! Why can't we have Forbidden City as Singapore's resident musical. We don't always have to have it at Esplanade and later having to hard sell tickets to prevent making a loss. Why not refurbish Capitol Building and stage it there permanently?

I think I should write in to the forum ...

Rockerfella Center

2007-01-02T22:37:00.000-06:00

Went back to Rockerfella Center before heading down to the Phantom. Saw this interesting picture taken during the building.

I went there specifically to catch the sunset there. It's really magical how Manhattan (and Empire State Building) just dims and lights up in front of your eyes. I can't describe the feeling and you have to be there to experience it ...

Times Square

2007-01-01T16:32:00.000-06:00

I was really thankful to join half a million people at Times Square. Security was tight with bag and body checks just to enter the area.

Haha... but look what C. managed to smuggle into the area ...

He managed to smuggle in 4 bottles of hard liquor and 2 bottles of champagne. Well, these are some of the people I made friends with during the countdown. Met up with a New Yorker, a Dutch and 2 Australians (Tasmania)! Their company made the countdown really fun!

This is my view at Times Square. I was really in a good spot with the ball drop in front of me and the stage behind. I was really in the heart of it all!

It came to a point when they started to throw out official goodie bags and I caught one! I was really so happy with it. I just jumped as high as I could and held tightly to a packet once I touched one. This is what was inside the bags ...

I was there like 8 hours before the countdown itself. Can you imagine having to squeeze with everyone for that long? That was the longest time I ever stood at a single spot. Anyway, during that period, every hour was something which we could look foreward to as we countdown for a particular country crossing their new year. So I actually had 8 countdowns......

What was really memorable, were all the confetti which fell on us at every hour. Can you imagine experiencing heavy rain of confetti?

As we approached midnight, there was a sense of excitment. The atmosphere was really electrifying

And at midnight, we popped the 2 bottles of champagne and shared it with everyone around us... It was really fun as we just hugged each other and wished everyone a Happy New Year! It was really amazing that we just hugged anybody!

This is the aftermath of Times Square ...

Happy New Year everyone!!!

You're in New York, Go in Style!

2006-12-31T15:39:00.000-06:00

That's the slogon of Charmin, a brand of toilet roll. Visited Charmin FREE toilets on Dec 31st morning... They did an advertising campaign in Times Square and it really left such an impression on me.

They get people to dress bears (their mascot) and toilet bowls with lots of dancing and singing on the walkways. They get people to enter their toilets ...

and it's all Charmin products ...

and I must say they're the cleanest and nicest toilet I have ever experienced in New York!

Hmm... do you think in Singapore we can have such advertising campaign?

Last few pics of my trip

2006-12-30T23:20:00.000-06:00

Montreal. The first sign of snow on our trip

Haha... caught my Dad in action!

Old Quebec City. This was the coldest area of my trip. I think the temperature was something like -30 deg. It was really beautiful especially with all the snow ...

Know who this person is? haha

John Harvard! At Harvard University...

These are the last few pictures of my trip before my family left on 30th Dec to go back to Singapore.

Niagara Falls

2006-12-27T19:54:00.000-06:00

And here I am in Niagara Falls. Last night I was at the American Falls and this morning we crossed over to Canada to view the other side of it (called Horseshoe Falls). On the left of this family photo is the American Falls and on the right is the Canadian Side (Horseshoe Falls). Here are some close up of the Horseshoe Falls.

I took a video on my handphone and kinda gave my own commentary of the falls. Tried to upload it but somehow it's in a different format. Will need to go back to St. Louis and figure out!

And more pictures!

2006-12-27T19:39:00.000-06:00

Here I am in Washington D.C. Have always seen these places either on TV, movies, in newspapers or on US dollars. Wow and now I actually get to visit them myself!

This is the White House. I always thought that the White House was really big but acutally it's like maybe the size of the Istana back in Singapore? Was interesting to see a "protest camp" set up just outside the White House. There is an elderly couple staying inside the white "tent". I took a walk in front and saw a note that they have been there since 1981 24/7. I'm not too sure how effective their protest campaign has been but it appears that people are just ignoring their "blabbings". Appears to me that they are just trying to legitimize their homelessness. Visited Hershey's Chocolate World too! Somehow it just reminded me of Willy Wonka. Told my sister to be careful and not fall into a pond of hot chocolate! I felt very much like a child too!

Times Square!

2006-12-25T23:26:00.000-06:00

This is where they will be having their ball drop on New Year's Eve! I'll be there! Family at Times Square with the bright lights!
Haha.. and this will be the musical i'l be watching on 2nd Jan! I've bought my tixs and will be seated 16th row from the front = )
Visited the United Nations Building too!
And the New York Stock Exchange on Wall Street too!

NYC - Other Pictures!

2006-12-25T23:17:00.000-06:00

Well, here are the other places I visited!

The New York Metropolitian Museum - the best which I've seen!

On top of the world - At Top of the Rock! And Empire State Building in the background. King Kong (the movie) just in case you don't draw the association...And this is the world's tallest Christmas natural tree at Rockerfella Centre!

New York City - Ground Zero

2006-12-25T23:10:00.000-06:00

Didn't have internet access for the last few days. Managed to get internet access and here are some of my pictures of my trip!

Visited Ground Zero. It was quite a sad scene there with lots of pictures of that fateful day around the place but somehow, there is also a sense of HOPE especially with all the publicity of the new Freedom Tower which they are going to build.

Here's how Ground Zero presently looks like. Quite amazing how the world's tallest building was built on this site and how it crashes down on 911.

Happy Feet!

2006-12-23T01:57:00.000-06:00

Visited the St. Louis Zoo today. It's a 20 mins walk from Forest Park Metro station. The walk in Forest Park was really nice and pleasing. It's also some exercise for me (and Dad! Heh). Guess what? Entrance into the zoo is free of charge!

Although Singapore Zoo is apparently the world's best, It was quite worth our time and effort visiting the zoo exposing ourselves to the different species of animals. I thought the penguins exhibit was really the best, we were really near the penguins and they have many different species. Oh and this big FAT camel was also quite a sight!

After the visit, we had our lunch at the Boathouse. It's next to a beautiful small lake in Forest Park. After that, Faith and I went back to University to pick up some documents while Mum and Dad headed to the casino. Dad made a bit of money and Mum says that their shopping in St. Louis is sort of "sponsored" by the casino! Here's some photos which Faith took for me at the University!

Will be heading to New York tomorrow to begin our land tour.

Interesting Numbers in USA Today

2006-12-22T22:46:00.000-06:00

Some interesting numbers which I read about in USA Today

Scared at school?
Percentage of students ages 12-18 who were bullied at school during the previous six months, by location of bullying:
Inside school: 79%
Outside of school grounds: 28%
School bus: 8%
Somewhere else: 5%
(USA Today, December 20, 2006)

Not too alarming and surprising considering students spent most of their times in school. I think the numbers will be similar with Singapore. I do see some cases of students being bullied outside school grounds, but most are inside school. Will be interesting to know the nature of bullying faced by students inside school... = )

Suicide rates spikes among troops sent to Iraq War
Suicide rate per 100,000 soldiers:
2003:18.8
2004: 10.5
2005: 19.9
Suicide rate among troops deployed for Iraq War reached it's hightest point last year since the 2003 invasion.
(USA Today, December 20, 2006)

This is something which we don't hear much about. No wonder Bush is facing so much pressure over the Iraq war. He admitted recently at they are "not winning the war" but fall short of admitting that they are "losing the war". I guess the stress and pressure faced by soldiers when the invasion first started in 2003 had it's toll on the soldiers. Things got better over time in 2004 but looks like the prolonged war is zapping the soldiers and soldiers are starting to snap!

Premarital sex common for decades, study finds
A study which used statistics from the 1982, 1988, 1955 and 2002 National Survey of Family Growth, asked about 40,000 people ages 15-44 about their sexual behaviour and traced the trends in premarital sex back to the 1950s.

Of those interviewed, 95% reported they had had premarital sex; 93% said they did so by age 30. Among women born in the 1940s, nearly nine in 10 did. At the same time, people are waiting longer to marry; 2005 data show median age at first marriage is just over 25 for women and 27 for men.
(USA Today, December 20, 2006)

Wow. This is like erhm...? Are you sure about this? The figures are like super high! Is it valid? Can it be generalized? I remembered the report ending with a call for sexuality programme to move beyond abstinence only. I'm sure these numbers will be controversial. Anyway, this is the US isn't it? I suppose with more time i can comment further on the numbers ... =p

My new house!

2006-12-22T07:25:00.000-06:00

There is so much talk among my friends who are getting married about their new housing. Well, though I'm not getting married, I still get to post pictures of my new house! = )

This is the outside of my new place...

I'm on the 1st floor on the unit to the left. This is how it looks on the inside without any furnishing. I'll need to slowly furnish my place to make it look nice and cosy!

You know what's the best thing? The carpet is brand new and it was recently given a new coat of paint. When I was there, the contractors were laying the new carpet. It's really cool! I even have a separate bedroom. The whole unit is 530 sq ft, and there will be ample space for anyone of you who wishes to visit me. The best thing ... there is a church just 50 steps away from my doorstep!

The Gateway Arch

2006-12-22T01:17:00.000-06:00

Also known as the Jefferson national Expansion Memorial. This is like the monument of St. Louis. Construction was completed in 1965 and it was opened to public in 1967. This is to commemorate St. Louis' role in the westward expansion (towards Los Angeles, San Francisco etc...) of the United States between 1803 and 1890. USA sort of started from the East (which is where New York is).

There's Dad and Faith leaning their heads backwards to see the top of the Arch. It is 630 feet, which is like VERY high! There are trams that will take you all the way up for a bird's eye view of the area, but as you can see, it's very cloudy so we decided not to go up. There are also museums around the place (old Courthouse and the Museum of Westward Expansion). Took some time to walk around. We wanted to take a boat ride down the Mississippi River that day but anyway, it does not operate during the winter season = (

Yes. That's a little family photo which we took. Try to figure out who is who. Heh.

That day, we actually went past the Arch a few times of the day. It really looks magnificant!

Residence Inn Marriott

2006-12-21T10:00:00.000-06:00

Here's where my family and I are staying until this Friday. I really like the place we're staying. It's near the metro - Richmond Heights and near St. Louis Gallaria, a major shopping area. It's really comfortable and cozy and everyone is happy! So it's like *phew*! That takes care of my family.

This is the front view of our place - 1422! When my sis first entered, she liked the place. We stay in the unit at the top right. It has a split level unit and comes in 2 queen size beds. One at the bottom and the other on the 2nd level. So the guys sleep at the bottom and the gals at the top. I have a little problem sleeping with Dad sometimes ... I find myself woken up at night either by his snores or without a blanket (which I need to pull it back from him!)

It even comes with a nice fireplace which my sis asked if we could have a fire. I was like hmm....? *scratch head* How to answer that?

And here's Dad and sis over the meal table. Glad to have my family with me. It really makes transition much easier and of course it helps in terms of luggage allowances. I've lots of things so I don't need to buy much here to start up!

Pictures of my campus!

2006-12-21T02:31:00.000-06:00

This is George Warren Brown School of Social Work in Washington University in St. Louis. Was told that is is recently renamed and known as "Brown School of Social Work". The place where I'll be spending the next 2 years ...

My sister commented that it's "Harry Potter's School". This drew laughters. The courtyard of Brown School:

Some other buildings on campus. Not too sure what buildings they are. But just thot that they look really beautiful!

You have to be here to really experience the beauty of the campus. The first time I stepped into it, I just loved it!

Have been going back the last 2 days to settle some of my administrative stuffs. Met up with some classmates. I believe it's going to be interesting! So far I've met up with Koreans, people from China and Nigeria (or was it Kenya?)

Do people deserve a second chance?

2006-12-20T08:52:00.000-06:00

Just came back from breakfast. Will be going out to view housing in 15 mins.
It's raining here in St. Louis and people are saying that I arrived at a good time. If I came a week earlier, I would be caught in a snow bizzard. Many houses during that week was also without electricity. Won't want to be in that situation if not my family won't get to see St. Louis! Also heard about the flooding in Singapore - good thing I left at the right time or I might face flight delays.

Today's big question in the media - Do people deserve a 2nd chance?

Ms USA was summoned before the pageant board regarding her conduct after winning the crown. After coming from a small town, going on to winning the crown - apparently she was so caught up with her BIG life that she is now struggling with drugs and alcoholism. Some people were advocating for her to be stripped of her crown but the chairman of the pageant board says that they are going to give her a second chance. One reason cited - she is only 20 years old. This drew applause at the press conference which was really heart warming.

If only we can give more people a second chance ......

The Metro

2006-12-20T06:09:00.000-06:00

Nope. It's not the departmental store. It's their MRT.

Travelling is very simple. Residence Inn (where I'm staying temporily with my family) is in Richmond Heights. Brown School of Social Work is a 5 mins walk from Skinker Station. When I first heard it, I was like "Huh? What a name!" The major attractions here are at Forest Park and on both sides of the Mississippi River. Yaps as you can see it's really easy to travel.

Just in case you're wondering, the fare is USD$2 for a single way trip (to anywhere, any distance - valid for 2 hours) or USD$4.50 for unlimited travel for one whole day! I thought that the price is very reasonable. It's very clean, spacious and comfortable. And it runs till like pass midnight.

Oh btw, I was told that with my student card, I get to travel unlimited on the Metro. It was like *wow!*

Dad commented that he doubts it is making money. I'm not too sure about that... but I remember at that point of time I rambled about how with the transportation price hike in Singapore, the cost of living will rise....

Washington University, Brown School of Social Work

2006-12-20T01:26:00.000-06:00

Here I am, I've arrived in Washington University in St. Louis, Brown School of Social Work. It has always been my dream to study overseas and I'm glad that my family is supporting me in this dream. I never expected myself to get into Brown School of Social Work. It is ranked #2 school of social work and I was told that they only accept 10% of all applicants. Furthermore, being offered a partial scholarship by Washington University was also a bonus. What can I say? I was so overwhelmed when I received notification of my admission.

It was a nice welcome when I entered the admission office. The first thing I saw was a welcome sign with my name on it! I'll be registering to take up 4 modules this semester. Hope it's not too heavy and i believe 4 should be manageable for me. Come on! After going thru honours year I believe I will be able to manage it! = )

Yaps - there's the other picture of my family at the steps of the main entrance of Washington University. The campus is really beautiful and I will post more pictures of the campus. Look out for it!

Residence Inn Marriott, Richmond Heights in St. Louis

2006-12-19T00:26:00.000-06:00

i've finally arrived after travelling and transiting for 32 hours. i've also lost all sense of time! frankfurt is 7 hours before Singapore, New York is 13 hours before Singapore AND St. Louis is 12 hours before Singapore. *gosh* i've really lost track of time and don't know how many hours i have gone without sleep.

anyway, a fellow singaporean studying in the same university picked me up from the airport. it was really very nice as i was not expecting him to come. he has a nice BIG MPV which he shared that it costs US$13,000. In Singapore, I believe such a car will cost Sin$80,000? My parents think it would cost much more than 80k... it was also so cool with all the gadgets - he has a GPS which gives you instruction of how to drive as well as a "police rador" sensor. So once it senses a police speed rador, it warns the driver of the presence of police. cool right!

i really need to go to sleep now as i can really feel the jetlag as well as the lack of proper rest. i'm going to the university tomorrow morning to report that i've arrived!

Added Note on 20th Dec.
Oh I must mention about our flight to St. Louis. Taking the domestic flight was really an experience. It was this small 24 seater (3 per row) plane with only 1 flight attendant and the pilot. The plane is so small that you can't really stand up straight without hitting your head! Security screening was also very tight boarding domestic flights - with thorough screening and having to remove our shoes for x-ray.

Left Singapore on SQ26

2006-12-18T05:59:00.000-06:00

I've finally left Singapore to Washington University, Brown School of Social Work in St. Louis!

The last few weeks were really tiring, with all the packing and meeting up and I'm glad I managed to get some rest on the plane. I've left Frankfurt a couple of hours ago and am now currently 4 hours away from New York. Really glad that this flight has free Internet access and hence can reply all my backdated emails and can find time to blog.

So far, I've been travelling for nearly 20 hours. I left Singapore on SQ26 to Frankfurt and now after 1.5 hours of transit, moving on to New York. It was good that I flew on Singapore Airline. My little sister is enjoying herself with the video games and I've just finished my fourth movie!! Yaps, I watched Step Up, My Super Ex Girlfriend, Monster House and lastly Crash. I've nearly 80 movies to chose from. Not too sure what I'll watch next or maybe I'll just play my childhood Super Mario Brother. Haha ... been ages since I last played that.

The time difference between Frankfurt and Singapore was 7 hours. It was cold there... 1 deg when I arrived. I'm not too sure about New York - will blog about that once I've arrived. I'm also hoping to put up some of my pictures so that we can all remain connected with each other.

Look out for more ...

2005-06-16T22:41:00.000-05:00

Memories of my honours room 2003-2004. Isn't that fun ... I used to sit at the back of the class with Uncle Jim and we were really having much fun then! Haha not paying attention in class ... Look at HP at the cozy corner ... isn't that Cindy's Bailey? FYI - those are my notes there in the centre!!! It was the best time of my life!

2005-06-16T22:29:00.000-05:00

Me and all my lecturers!!

(Left to right)
Prof Paul Cheung (Former Chief Statistician of Singapore, presently Director of United Nations Statistics Division) , A/P Vasoo (Former MP Tanjong Pagar), Dr. Alex Lee, A/P Maliki (Parliamentary Secretary of Ministry of National Development, MP Sembawang GRC), A/P Tan Ngoh Tiong, John Ang

What's John Ang doing huh? I still rem he wanted to introduce his son to Ally ... haha. And of course who will not forget Paul Cheung and all his corny jokes! "Oh... I forgot what I wanted to say... change in air pressure". I remembered we had this gathering of my honours class at my house to celebrate the end of honours year. This photo was taken at this gathering.

2003-06-29T22:25:00.000-05:00

My Social Work Honours Class 2003! Thanx so much for all the happy memories... it was really fun! (Photo taken during Commencement Ceremony 2003)

2003-06-29T22:21:00.000-05:00

So this marks the start of my career as a Social Worker. Going to the University and making it thru my honours was really a blessing! This first picture in my blog is dedicated to my family who has been supporting me always.

Thanks Dad, Mum, Ka & Faith!