Love, Madeline

Helllllllo Because of the recent O level buzz and the upcoming release of A level results, I’m going to do a series of posts with regards to education

So the O levels is history, you had been spoilt between the choice of going to a pre-uni, or a skill-based course. Within these two broad categories, there’s probably another million combinations to choose from (okok fine, probably not so much for pre-u courses), soooo, which is the supposedly right course for you? How to go about choosing it?

The first question I’m going to ask; what do you see yourself doing 20 years down the road? Most would be within the age range of minimum 36 to probably 40 years old. Do you see yourself as a Doctor? A lawyer? A business person? An odd-job worker? (Yes, I can hear your “huhhh”) The harsh truth is, yes, no one aspires to be an odd-job worker, but do you have what it takes to be a professional? Ask any odd-job worker; they would tell you that when they were young, they wanted to be xyz or abc profession, but ended up with their current situation because of some circumstances.

The point is, are you willing to put in effort in reaching your goals? If yes, then welcome to the 2nd part of this post.

If you’ve scored a good grade that enables you to be spoilt for choices, then congratulations, you have one less thing to ponder over But of course, more than ever, you don’t get this situation.

Let us first touch on the situation where your results are bad enough that only those unpopular courses are the only choices left. You are considering between going for a polytechnic/private diploma, or to retake your O levels.

Poly diploma: if you are a person who plans to take up a local bachelor degree, it would be advisable to take up a poly diploma. Although it might not be smth you like to do, it is still a path that could lead you safely to a local uni, provided you put on effort to score well. For local universities, a minimum of 3.2 to apply (higher for engineering courses and lower entry requirements for SMU) and 3.8 to secure.

Private diploma: If you are contented with a diploma and don’t mind the recognition, or not so persistent in going to local uni, then a private diploma would be enough for you. Institutions like PSB Academy, MDIS, Kaplan are among those recognised by MOE Singapore. You can google about them if you want to know more Choices, although almost similar with polytechnics, are limited as they are of much smaller scale. Do expect to pay more for school fees as well since there is no govt subsidy for private institutions.

Re-taking O levels: Now, you have generally scored well through out your upper secondary life, why is it that you panicked in exams and caused you to score badly for your O levels? You are determined that if given a second chance, you will definitely show them who’s the boss!

Well, if that’s what you think, I would advise you to consider again, because this is, in my opinion, the toughest choice of all. Not only do you have to ensure your determination won’t waver, you need to revise and score well, if not, to attend preparation class provided by private institutions. Based on what I know, not only is this path tough, it’ll be a ‘must-win’ path, because you’ve wasted one year of your youth, you have to work extremely hard. But ultimately, you’re still the one making the decision and i’m in no position to decide for you too

If you’re spoilt between the choice of doing a pre-u or diploma course, fret not because this section is dedicated for you! For people who are unsure of what they want to do in the near future, yet want to achieve a bachelor degree at the end of the day, a solid suggestion would be to go for a pre-u course. Many people are afraid of the stress level, but being in poly doesn’t give you an easier option either. It alllllll boils down to time management and your level of responsibility. If you are irresponsible, it will still spell doom for your diploma course.

At the age of 16, decisions made are seldom of rationality and usually in immature mentality state. Instead of choosing the subject field you’ll be in, a pre-u course would help you get ready for your university life. But if course, if you are scoring B4 and below for your English language, chances are slim that you’ll survive your GP as well, thus a diploma course would be ideal unless you’re willing to put in more effort to improve your language.

One thing to keep in mind is, there isn’t any shortcuts in polytechnics, neither does it guarantee a sure diploma. Sure, lecturers can be kind, but ultimately you would be the one at the losing end because only less than 25% of the polytechnic students managed to proceed with a local bachelor.

There has been a phenomenon of single digit scorers opting to do a polytechnic for varying reasons and causing the popular courses like business and biomedical sciences to have cut-off-point (COP) of 12 or lower (pardon me, haven’t update my info for quite some time). The standards have been rising constantly and it is impossible for those who managed to score average (typical passing grades, scoring between 15 – 20) to choose courses they like.

In fact, every exam, at any graduating level, the next path for average student is never easy. (Will talk more on university, the next post in fact)

By now most would have a rough idea where they would be continuing their studies at, and IF you’ve gotten into something you have no interest, put in effort to study it, because with good grades, you’ll be the one choosing the path you want in future. You could even possibly get a scholarship to pay for your fees incurred in your course of studies, but of course usually attached with a bond term

Like any that I’ve personally advised, it still boils down to what you choose, I can neither force nor make the choice for you. Eventually which ever road you’ve chosen, will still be of your responsibility and it is also your future that would be affected by it. I will still wish you the best for your future endeavours

For those who are upcoming undergrad students, stay tuned because the next post is for you!

Love you allllllll and best of luck considering your options!!

Hiiiii it’s madeline and her crap-ology again. Not sure why recently kept falling asleep like really early. Maybe because I’ve been waking up at 6 recently?

Anyway, I’ve got loads and loads of shit to spill but I start to think if it’s appropriate to say it here since it’s for the entire world to see. But I’ll keep everything to anonymity. Won’t pinpoint at any particular individual unless required.

Let’s start with school first. Everytime when i’ve to trouble a classmate to teach me smth, I’m always afraid that that individual will find me a nuisance. Of course, like any other human being, I don’t like to be regarded as a parasite to another person. But apparently I’ve been far too annoying that I think, people felt that I’ve been bugging him/her. And it really spurred me to think that, perhaps I’m really too much. I guess that is why, I don’t really have much friends.

Many thought that I’m a really hyper, outspoken, loud/noisy, happy girl. But does anyone really truly see the inner me? Some may be able to reach the inner me, but they always gave up finding out more once they found the inner me. They were contented to know that the inner me is just like any others, who are vunerable to people’s sarcasm, who would cry and yearn for people’s comfort when she’s upset. There hasn’t been one who can really connects with the inner me. Maybe she can, but only certain times. Most of the time, she would just live in her own world, indifferent about my feelings.

I had been telling people that human are superficial creatures who looks at appearance and sizes. Because looks, though not everything, it is still the first thing people look at before they decides to befriend with you. I wanted to lose some kilos.

Seriously. I need to restructure my character and be a capricious woman so that no one could find the inner me and hurt me. Everytime when I chose a particular individual to open up to but in the end I don’t get the same type of trust, I wrapped the inner me with yet another layer of protection and coated it with poison so that no one dare to approach it. I armed myself with more and more weapons and I’m getting tired with all these self defensive actions. Can someone worthy of my trust appear any sooner? I’m suffocating my inner self and I’m really getting tired.

I need a firm shoulder to lean upon. Can yours be trusted? I hate this feeling of being alone, as though the world had abandoned you behind and gathered together to snigger at you. And really, no one by the side to hold me up and tell me it’s okay and alright as I let those round and fat drops roll down my cheeks and face.

Can someone just slap me awake from my unrealistic hopes and wishes?

HELLO minty I’m finally here to blog!! And of course to others who have been hoping for me to blog (although I know there isn’t many around)

Ahhhh finally almost alllllll the things are done with, just left with one or two projects and the final exams to work hard for. Shall I start off with last Friday first?

Like what I’ve said, went to supperclub last friday with jenn & co, jityang and lewis/jake & co. We didn’t pay for any cover charges, (not sure is it because jenn’s friend who signed us in), but the liquor was quite exp, so we went to the nearby chijmes to get ourselves perked up :p

Jityang initially was with us because lewis was taking long to get to supperclub, but shortly after we reached, lewis called to say he reached but the friends were bringing the liquor, so only jityang went with them. As for me, I went with jenn & co to get ourselves “drunk”

We went to Harry’s bar (I think?) and ordered 5 or 6 bottles of beer, and I think there was a complimentary glass of ice wine or smth for everyone, but can’t exactly recall the name of that complimentary wine since I wasn’t the one who ordered (I’m easy on the type of liquor). It was nice if taken in sips, but sucks when taken in gulps. I love the sour sour taste in it, but the fear of getting drunk makes me take the wine in small sips.

It was fun letting the alcohol settle in, and mood rising to be high, but of course not getting drunk good experience really, and even after settling the bill for the beer, the change was used to purchase another 2 bottles of alcoholic beverages, which by then everyone forsake the beer for the sweet and good tasting alcohol (btw, harry’s bar beer isn’t nice IMO).

We were finishing all the beverages when we realised lewis/jake & co were around. We entered the club first, climbed the stairs up (since the interior of supperclub is divided into two levels), stayed for awhile, then went down to the dance floor. Surprisingly, the boys were already there lol. We danced with our own friends of course, and I totally enjoyed dancing with jenn and of course jenn’s friends. But the music sucked a little at times, (and its like as if the air-conditioner isn’t working) but nonetheless whenever I clubbed with jenn I won’t feel bored

We stayed in the club all the way till around 3plus, and I managed to persuade most to have a mac breakfast before saying goodbye :p Was really nice to have finally enjoyed a clubbing experience after such a long period of time, 2009 was really a bad year to club, I think almost all the experience (except the one with jenn) sucked x: Photos are up in fb but there wasn’t much since that night jenn’s friend brought a better camera along Still waiting for the pictures, but I think most of them I look crazyyyy in them (there were some taken on the dance floor, so after seeing the pictures..you should get a rough idea how I behave when I danced. LOL…I shall now keep a secret how I behaved then )

Met up with Eliza and Liting on 23/01 to shop around in orchard, but I was late!!! Like super ultra late :p (couldn’t wake up on time because slept too late on 22/01). Luckily Eliza had Liting to accompany her, else I’m really a sinner to make Eliza wait alone :/ Anyway, managed to buy the horse doraemon (which is my zodiac btw) and perfumes for myself and my mum. We then went travelling around to some cool place but sadly, I would have to keep it a secret :p Check out fb photos if you want to know where we went

Anddddd finally on 24/01, I took time to go for a revision for my then-upcoming quiz for REI, but as to who I went with, you guys would have to make a guess since I’m a person who loves to play the guessing game we went to NLB and for the benefit of those who aren’t familiar with it, it’s actually National Library Board. There were a total of 14 levels, plus basement levels, but there wasn’t enough place to study at alllllll!

Seriously dead disappointed by it, and as mentioned, we in fact had to resort to admitting that we are some ESSEC students then we get to study properly, but with me this chatterbox around, of course many hours are spent on chatting rather than studying :p

Was having a hard time concentrating because most of the time my stomach were churning :/ Had a hotdog bun in the morning, so of course by lunchtime wasn’t really hungry, but since my study partner was still busy eating, I went shopping at Bugis and bought my favourite peppermint mocha…which later became the culprit of my pain :/ by 7pm my stomach was too much to bear!! So had to bother my study partner to pack up and to have dinner with me.

I think I’m a very very very bad study partner because I couldn’t stop interrupting x: But of course, I hope I get more chance to study with my study partner, since it’s rather beneficial for me to study with my study partner lol.

Now now let’s see, left with today…which was, rather bad. We had the seminar today and everyone could tell that I was very nervous, and in fact…I stuttered A LOT. Panicked like mad, and I don’t know why I panicked. Was there someone inside the audience that made me nervous??? Lol..maybe. Once I started stuttering, simply can’t stop. It’s really bad, should ask those who attended, and some even conmented that I didn’t pronounce the word precisely.

Although the CEO of SAEA Ltd mentioned that he is discussing with Dr Keow to have yet another seminar and might ask me to be the MC, I think the possibility is rather low, I’m just baddddd (and he’s just being nice and trying to encourage me to build up my confidence). Argh, I should have let someone else to take the MC position :/

I’m off to kill myself already, I’m dying in shame byeeeeeeeeee see you guys in msn!

Short summary of this happening week out of my un-happening life! (LOL not supposed to be blogging but still….hah)

22/01 – Out clubbing @ supperclub with Jenn and her friends after working in clinic. The night with the highest level of F.U.N and totally HIGH But of course I wasn’t drunk, lol. Not sure why though, even though I drank like, much faster and much more than what I usually will Jityang, Lewis/Jake & Co joined in to club as well. Ultra fun and Lewis is a loser hahahah! Kay la just kidding

23/01 – Out with Eliza & Liting! So lucky that Liting came in the end, and so apologetic that I was super duper late >.< Overslept to the max hahaha, forgive me! Heh heh. Shopped awhile, and managed to get my cravings of something satisfied You girls should know what I mean

24/01 – Studied @ NLB for like freaking FIRST time!! Got denied access to the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library and in the end resort to lie that we're students from ESSEC Its cool to feel comfortable with you And thanks for the listening ear seriously…I know there must be zillion reluctant "cells" screaming in your brains..hahahah

Okay! Shall start revision NOW More updates soon!

PS: MINTY TAN I WANNA SEE YOU SOON AHHHH!

I recall three years ago, weina and I were having this conversation about marrying at 23. At that point of time, we were one 17 and one 18-year-old who were pretty much single. Three years down the road, she found a bf whom she loved oh-so-deeply for 2 years and me? Still single

Perhaps there are many girls out there that shares the same dream to wear that White dress at a young age, but to speak so, how many guys are willing to be tied down at such young age? (Assuming their partners are of similar age) Many guys probably just graduated from their degree, if not, just finished with their NS. But it IS proven that the smartest kid are usually the oldest, because that’s when all your sperms and eggs are at the best quality!

Compared a 23-year-old and 30-year-old sperm under the microscope and you’ll see what I mean: the 23-year-old sperm probably can swim two times faster! And I’m not making this up! You can google this up but I’m just a tad too lazy today…

Anyway I’m digressing! I actually wanted to blog about something else today. Why is it that no one can believe in the fact that I’m not holding a torch for someone!? I know throughout my whole entire life I may have been always talking about some particular individual a lot but he’s well over! There were too much differences between us. And seriously, no one has really caught my eye. Of course, i’m not in hurry to make sure I don’t get “left on shelf” since I am pretty much aware that my 2nd sis isn’t planning to marry.

It’s a whole load of reasons mixed together in a blending machine and giving a perfect concocted situation. I’m rather happy with my current status, being freed of obligations. But of course in no time, mad would probably get bored of it and starts to whineee, oh well oh well.

Projects had realllly realllly been killers. But of course between the slaughtering of our lives, its a must to sneak out some time to have a break. Noon was really crazy, using the last few minutes to get everything ready. But now, I just want to relax and soothe my achy back. Arg, I’m like what, only 20! Yet I’m having backaches. This is badddd. Like real bad, but not as bad as not being able to get my headphones

I’m considering to post something of relevance to furthering studies, because I realised, even after many research and talking, people can still get confused (example number 1: Mie) and I should aim to help all my friends out isn’t it? Perhaps..if I’m not so busy over the weekend, or have some time to spare next week, perhaps I might share some info for those “lost” undergrads-to-be that are confused.

For now, its BANK loan and INTEREST rate that matters!

It has definitely been a crazy week..many things occuring and my mind has been in a whirl. There are so much things to be done, deadlines to meet, research to be done, exams to be studied. I sometimes wonder if we will all become deity after studying the tertiary education, and how tertiary educated working adults managed to even complain about their workload after going through such tough period.

There’s a lot of things waiting for me to do, but I just don’t feel like doing them. Why should I always be the responsible one? I am an ordinary girl too, with her own issues to care about, there had been so much chalking up in my mind that, I can’t seem to find a suitable person to talk to. Maybe instead of saying it’s others fault, I start to think if it’s just me who is changing. Starting to be unlikeable, hard to accommodate to, difficult to please. Maybe it is, that’s why very initially Jeslyn left, and then Joey. Perhaps now the next person would be Mie. We had been getting into bad squabbles recently and I can somehow sense that her irritation is increasing. Sometimes I worried if one fine day I’ll be left alone, and not realised that I’m the one who is annoying, instead of the other.

Anyway, (sorry for the digress) it sucks when everyone looks at you and ask you every single shit. And you’re even expected to know the answer. At the end of the day, they think you overdid things.

-Above are usually one of my rantings during my long bus ride to school..sometimes it usually gets a little off but as usual, you guys who read it, bear with it!

Thirty-first December… The very last day of every year, a day for all to think back what they’ve gained, they’ve lost, they’ve learnt, they’ve forgetten… 2009 was definitely eventful, like all past years.

I’ve gained much, like the confidence to overcome my very much bleak future and the loveliness of people around me.. The care and concern that each individual in this world had showered me with this year, will not go down the drain many thanks to all who had been there for me all these while, and all those new friends I’ve made! All those sweet darlings I got to know through alb.. Most importantly Audrey and Eliza!! Too much to say about all the events that happened there… Yes memories that only we will have

I’ve lost many as well, the love from my 2 utmost important darlings…because of misunderstandings and perhaps, difference in our ideologies. Too much tears shedding in our hearts, which are all part and parcel of growing up. Watching the days walk by, the ones whom you loved not being part of your life…hais..too much.

the ugliness of human nature, the selfishness of

Had been having very few hours of rest recently…didn’t rest for more than 4 hours on thursday night, then didn’t even rest on friday….couldn’t take it longer, thus last night literally after my last meal, I K.O-ed…the last time I saw the clock was around 11.30pm, and I slept throughout without even noticing when my phone rang with call/sms alert x:

Christmas was very nice, spent it fruitfully earning $$ And plenty of self pictures taken! Which means – its time for me to change my profile picture!! Hahahaha sorry I’m just being random You will realise that I’ve decked myself with accessories! Which is so unlike me..hahah. But nevermind, it was a good try, although I know everything is kinda like…shit. x: ahhaa..see the pictures and you’ll know!

Thats all folks Happy holidays!

Hey all I’m here…!!! First of all, a round of applause for the happening of a miracle i.e. me keeping to the so-called promise!! Lol… So how have the first hour of the 2009 Xmas been? Hope it’s filled with fun instead of snores! Lol…anyway, thought of blogging cuz I’m kinda worried for my health now..

Recently have been feeling kinda unwell, kept having this “inability to take a deep breath” symptom.. Initially it wasn’t so much of a concern because I thought it was probably due to my lack of exercise routine thus I’m feeling so, but it seemed to worsen over the last few days and I’ve got to rely on breathing through my mouth to get the satisfying feeling of “filling my lungs completely with air”.

Earlier, I would only have to probably yawn to get the as-above described “satisfying feeling”, or for example if I’m lying flat on my stomach on my bed and I can’t breathe properly, I’ll feel better if I adjust my position. But now it’s like, sometimes I even have inability to yawn and changing positions don’t even help me feel better

So the very worried me decided to do a google search about it and the results? Seems like this is a very normal symptom experienced by people from all walks of life and there is a possibility that it can be a physical condition (eg asthma or low bp) or a psychological condition (eg panic attack due to stress level or something known as “hyperventilation”)… x: Well it is indeed kind of comforting to know that I’m not the only one experiencing such symptom..but it IS worrying to know that I might be asthmatic or even worse, psychologically “panicky” :/ I don’t deny that I feel stressful at times because seriously, the people I’m grouping with are…worrying. Some of you might know why, some perhaps don’t even have an idea what I’m talking about.

Ok allow me to put it as simple as possible to apprehend:
Try grouping with people with some degree of language barrier, and people who will worry you with the amount of effort they are putting in for the projects… That’s my sources of worry. Is it even possible that they can chase the source of my worries away? I strongly hope that it is possible but rationally, I know its impossible

Anyway there’s plenty of planning to be done, eg meeting agenda, tasks to be done, format of report..etc :/ I should be off now, enjoying the remaining moments of my freedom let’s all pray that my condition is nothing serious, just me worrying too much. Hope this sat morn will not be a busy one and dr will be free to let me consult ba! everyone, 保重呀！

Yep you didn’t see wrongly.

Mad is typing a new post After so much talking on probably not even blogging on christmas, miraculously I had mood to blog today (but actually I should be sleeping by now… must be due to that peppermint mocha I had at 10plus!) LOL!

Attempted to sleep at 12plus since I was done with washing up after getting home from tc work today, but I toss and turn and toss and turn = can’t sleep So I switched my darling lappy on, and time literally went zooooooming fast, just a blink of an eye, 3 hours passed with fb-ing, browsing of lj shops, checking of email, and checking of my bank transactions.

Its quite scary to know that I can spend like over 200 within just a few days….first off was the buying of home necessities which cost me ard $12, then its my lens solution, another $26 (!!), so thats like $38 in a day. Then another day, spent $15 on groceries because I was itching to cook, another $3 on milk to go with my cereals in the morning, $18 for someone’s surprise! Damage = $36 Following on the day I finished my papers, think was too excited or smth, spent $30 on a facial cleanser (and here comes my inner voice saying, “its for your skin’s wellness!! You haven’t been treating it good ye know!”) and $29 on a tunic from MNG sales (opps do I sound like an auntie??? LOL!) anddddd a not-so-surprising-surprise with a shared cost of $33, so its another $92 flying away

Its only 3 day’s spending and ye look!! $38 + $36 + $92 = $166!!! Oh goodness And my spending on upgrading my iTouch software, and buying a USD0.99 app, that costed me around S$9, 4 threadless tees and shipping which amounted to USD43.50 (converts to S$61), miscellaneous stuffs alr costed $70!!! I’m like a damn spendthrift laaa :/

And yet! Now I still can’t stop my shopping fit Very very VERY much tempted by all those lj, they must be earning big bucks lor..I almost spent yet another $11.50 on apparel, but luckily, there was a mistake in their inventory list and that item I wanted went oos, so I was refunded.

Think this festive mood thingy has got to stop! I have to control my mind if I want to have savings!

M-u-s-t
c-o-n-t-r-o-l
i-m-p-u-l-s-e
b-u-y-i-n-g!!!

Arghhhh its so dead hard There’s always pretty clothes, but pity if: 1) Size doesn’t fit,
2) Even worst, NO $$$!

Life is realllly filled with hardship man! With all those temptation, arggh, its a miracle I didn’t bang myself on the wall and die. Haiiiiiiiii (longgg longggg sigh) I should actually get my mom to do some sponsoring isn’t it? Christmas is here anyway mah, can give an advance present! I always adore apparel pcs from missypixie & indiesin, but recently their standards are going down and prices are going up, makes me wonder if they are too greedy to try earning 120% profit from their customers

Missypixie used to sell a pretty top in 20bucks, but now, you rarely see any item with the price marked below $23, and I used to fancy a number of their pcs in a single collection, but now, probably only one apparel out of so many pcs in the collection.

As for Indiesin, their prices are more or less the same, but I don’t usually shop for their new arrivals. I like to linger around at their basic, specials and sale page, because items there are usually very unique and pretty pcs, selling at only a fraction of the price at other online shops! (Dang, I sounded like an auntie again righttttt!?!) But guess too much people know about these pages, lesser and lesser quality apparels for grabs and more junks are stocked at these pages. But good thing is, price still doesn’t change much Ok la, must be fair abit, Indiesin is not that bad actually, if you have the time to browse through carefully, should be able to find something you will like.

Think I spent slightly more than 30mins at the site, total amount of the items that caught my eye snowballed to $90+! But after much consideration and deliberation, cut it to $52 (with shipping of $2.55)…thinking if I should buy..since its really like a “market basket”, everything also have, apparels, accessories, belts, things that can help revamp my wardrobe! LOL..

In fact, I DO feel like revamping my wardrobe :/ anyone kind enough to sponsor me??? Or SG should have their version of “Extreme Makeover”, I would probably queue to register if it will give me a chance to do the revamping for free >,<

BUT! Oh well, that will only remain as an unrealistic dream Okkkk done loads of typing alr, think I should stop here lest anyone fall asleep reading this And yes mie, I know you merely skimmed through only

Nights everyone! Looks like chances of me blogging on 24 is rather slim since I've typed sooooo much tonight!

TEE-HEE! ☆v☆ (being higa-licious!!!)