Closing chapters

Yesterday was my last exam. After the exam, I felt like the happiest duck in Singapore!!!

The exam didn't go so well. I concluded one question using parts of my 'Think Local Act Global' entry, with a powerful thought that all marketing efforts should be localised, no more standardisation. I don't think the prof will like that idea...will keep you posted on my results.

After the exam, Denise and I went to NYDC at Heeren. Then I rushed off to meet the gang at East Coast Park. KL organised a Chalet, BBQ session for us. Wow. I have never been to a more posh Chalet in Singapore!!

http://www.esrcc.com.sg/bungalow/index.html
http://www.esrcc.com.sg/bungalow/gallery.html

For non Singaporeans, this is an idea of how the typical chalet looks like
http://www.costasands.com.sg/web/exploreAndPlan/facilities.aspx

We played cards, Taboo! (Singapore version. The word I had to describe was "Soya Milk" so i said, "Dou Jiang!!" and they didn't give us the point!!! evil opposing team!) , we also bowled (my end score was 47 points...) and Chris, Rachel and Eileen taught me how to play Mah Jong!

I won 2 games. Granted I had Chris sitting beside me as my "Si-Fu". And at the end of the night, my reaction was much slower, so my "Pong!" (an expression you use when you take another player's card to make you have 3 of a kind) was like "Poonnggg...' (slow motion) I want to play more and become a master at it.

Today (sunday) I've been resting. Marsha is such a sweetheart, she got me tickets to see "The blossoming of Maximo Oliveros". I went to watch the movie by myself, first time I did this in Singapore. I munched on a small box of caramel popcorn, sat back and enjoyed the film. It is a filopino movie about a young transvestite who is in love with a police officer, and who is torn between his love for the police officer and his love for his criminal family. Quite good, but apparently super censored. Then after the movie, my flatmates, Kathy, Weils, and Gilbert treated me to my graduation dinner! So sweet of them! I feel sad leaving Singapore.

I really feel sad about leaving Singapore, especially after spending time with everyone at the Chalet yesterday. I came to Singapore knowing nobody, and I found myself such nice and loving friends. I don't know why I booked my tickets for August 20th!! I want to extend my stay til the last week of August.

I got the sweetest SMS from Nelson today, "Thanks for helping me get Rachel the best chocolate bday cake she has ever had. Please try to make it for WOMAD. Luv." This might not seem very sweet to you, but if you knew my big brother Nelson, the additional "Luv" is HUGE!!! melt my heart.

Spoke to mom and dad today about it, and I could tell that they were disappointed and I hurt their feelings. The cost of changing my ticket is 36$. I cried because I don't know what to do, they say it is up to me, but I could tell they want me back earlier. I just cannot deal with the fact that I am closing my Singapore chapter in 2 weeks!

I think the fact that my academic chapter closed yesterday, meant that my reason for being in Singapore is no longer valid. So I have no justification to want to stay longer, only my own selfish wants to spend time with friends and enjoy alone time before I throw myself into a strong collectivist family culture and demanding work environment.

My goodness, it's already monday morning! Means that I only have 14 days left here?
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am going to bury my head under my pillow.
Excuse me.