I'm happy! I just had a great time at the bbq for ex-Tk Malay students. It was organized by a whole bunch of boys who are on their Poly break. When I first got the sms from Netty, written by Nabil, I thought, just what is going on? The sms said that there will be a bbq held for ex TK students. I was wary since the beginning. I passed the message along anyway and asked Netty if she was going. After some discussion with some friends I decided to get Nabil's number and ask him myself. I did and almost got peeved at first, but since Nabil was all nice about it, I let things pass. He told me that the bbq is organized by a group of boys and gave me a string of names, many of which were familiar, but I don't know these boys! He even told me not to worry about the "cash" and that I should just come down and have fun. Somehow, that just sounded good. Maybe he just sounded really sincere, which he was. Netty then told me that the bbq was only for the Malay students from our batch. I really wanted to get Aaron, especially, and Jie Kai and all to come but hey, it's not my event. If it was, I'll probably invite everyone and anyone! Haha!
I wasn't keen on going at all- I mean, come on, it's organized by the boys, for the Malay students (and just how many do I know besides those from my class? And I don't even mix around with the Malay students much...don't ask why) and at the back of my headI'm thinking, this is all a big joke. I so wasn't into the idea of going to an event that was paid solely by the boys. I mean, I don't exactly have a habit of taking anything from guys, call it ego, whatever, and these boys and I never really did get along (We probably even hated each other, and maybe a lot) and now I was to have fun at their expense? No way!Those who know about the guy who tried to pay the cab fare for me and my girls would know what I'm talking about. I am capable of paying for my own things.

So there. Never in a million years would I ever have turned up at such an event or even think about going...but I went! I admit that the insistences of my friends were the biggest factor that made me go and I also felt that it was better to accompany them girls just in case something were to happen. As you can tell by now I didn't exacty trust the guys very much. When I saw the girls who were waiting for one another either at Pasir Ris interchangeor the mrt station I somehow started to have a good feeling about the whole thing. More people came and I met up with my girls- Shaidah, Syahirah, Herma and Afridah (who was lateand made us all wait for her...then again, I'm always doing that...oops!) Before long, actually I suspect it already happened on my way to the interchange, I just started feeling really good that I was going to this event.

We found the pit and when we arrived most of us were kinda reluctant to just immerse with the small crowd that was already there, mostly guys, maybe all were guys, I can't remember.Nabil asked us all to come join in, to sit, to eat what was available, make ourselves comfortable and the guys will try to get the food barbecued as fast as possible so we could all eat. First thoughts: Huh? Did he just say that? Did Nabil just try to accommodate us and was actually being really nice? I so wasn't prepared for all that, especially have guys being nice to me. They never were in secondary school anyway. So, Afridah began scooping food for us and I asked Nabil if he put anything inside the food. I was being very serious by the way. He laughed and said of course not. I said some other stuff to him, before and after that question. He just laughed and was being all nice about it, I almost couldn't be mean to him...actually, I couldn't! Throughout the day he just told me a few times that I was trying to push his buttons and that he was going to throw me intothe sea. (Hah! We'll see who carries who! Lol!)

On of my fondest memories of the bbq is that I actually talked to some of the guys, guys who were with me for four years in school but I never talked to. That however was because Netty was there and she being the ever-friendly one just talked to everyone. I too began talking to the guys. I am...shocked, amazed, surprised?, among other feelings, at how nice they were. I am almost certain that they were not always like that and that it wasn't because I didn't bother mixing around or try to be their friends that I never saw that side to them. I suppose they grew up...and yes, that age old "conclusion": people change. I had fun talking to them. And, i actually got excited about having made guy friends, and Malay guy friends, which I don't have many.For the record, Chewy/ Chee Wee (I'm not sure what her real name is cos that's what we all call her) was there, and so was Janar. So for those of you who think that the bbq was an entirely racist thing, no it was not. The guys probably thought it was easier to organize such things since we all went through similar things together, like the teachers and Malay-related events that kinda got us together in school sometimes therefore we possibly all know each other better and stuff like that. Nowthat I think about it, it's like being in school overseas and joining a Singapore student support group or activities club. Something like that. Chee Wee and Janar have always beenclose to the Malay "clan(s)" anyway.

Anywho, Netty and I thought that it was really sweet of the guys to have arranged such an event. Firstly, it gave us a chance to meet up with friends we probably wouldn't meet up with or get the chance to if the bbq wasn't organized. Secondly, from my point of view, and a few other people, for a group of guys to organize such things, when we didn't think they were capable or that they would even think of such, just makes it all the more sweeter! Thanks for the good time everyone! And to the guys, we had fun, thanks a bunch! The party was swell! Can't wait for the next one...haha...and Nabil, I want the scanned version of the plate we wrote on!
Another thing about the day that...made me feel nostalgic, comforted, tugged at my heartstrings, gave me a sense of familiarity etc etc was how the course of the day ran. Morning, choir practice, then had lunch with friends- Jasmine, Grace, Fei Mao (Shi Yun), Marie, Zofia and Jeffary and then walked around some more, and then in the evening met up with another group of friends and just hang out. Reminded me of how things used to be when I was back in school, how Saturday mornings will be taken up by choir practice and all plans like meeting up with friends, hanging out, shopping will just have to be done after that, and can sometimes end quite late. I miss being in school. I miss my friends, being in the school environment as a student, having to worry only about results or homework that needs to be done before the teacher gets to class or what to do or eat during breaks, stuff like that. I told Fei Mao and Jeffary that I don't even remember how doing homework feels like etc and they didn't agree with me...sorry you two! I just miss everything. And the bbq also made me realize how much I miss Tk. For the longest time I just missed college. I was especially glad that I met Netty there and we were just chattingand laughing out loud and having so much fun! The last time we hung out was at my birthdayparty when we were in Year 1 of college! I love you girl! I can't wait to be back in school, hopefully soon!

(It poured real hard while the girls and me were on our way back from the bbq…I hope everyone got back safely and in one piece…haha…and hope those who were still at the bbq were alright.)

I read a friend's blog and found out that she agreed with me on something- that the time the two of us and another friend spent talking in the room was the best thing that happened at another party that we attended. I'm glad she thought so, especially since I was so in the wrong mood and frame of mind for that party.

Oh, found out that my cousin got into NTU. Well done, Ira! I am so proud of you! In fact, she did so well for her Poly exams that she came out that 5% of the entire cohort that theuniversity offered her a 3-year course instead of a 4-year one. That means that the momentshe enters uni, she'll be advanced into Year 2 of the course! Goodness, she must be a genius! Hmmm…you were the dark horse all along weren't you? Hopefully I can join you there. Keep praying for me everyone! And thanks in advance!

So, that's, as mentioned in the previous entry, the story so far. And Elroy, you're so nice. Thanks, for just being you, for rubbing your positivity on me, for being there for me, for caring, for everything, from the bottom of my heart.
In fact, thanks to all my friends! I love every single one of you! Remember, true friends are always in the heart and soul, even when they are apart! Even though we don't meet up or talk always, or anymore, I still think of you lot.

Till then, fellow traveler( Why travelers? Cos we are all on the journey of life and self-discovery.) Take care and GOD bless! Have fun!