It's been 2 years since I left Malaysia for Singapore, to further my studies in what I think is a better and much more competitive environment of Hwa Chong. It's also been 2 years since I left my alma mater Lick Hung and see my ex-classmates of 6I/05. It was the time, alas, for a class reunion.
I had known, that previously, class reunions were held, only that I wasn't in the vicinity of Malaysia to actually attend them. However, I need to get down to what I feel - the reunion was a total letdown. Everything about it wasn't really good, to be straight and precise, a right failure.
Reasons being,
The date: it's the holiday period. People go to other countries during this period!
The activities: They were not properly planned out. (explaining later)
The organiser: Did not attend the reunion herself. (She said it was because of a certain emergency, and I gave her the benifit of my trust).
Myself: Maybe, just maybe, it's just me. It's my fault...?
So this was the plan, to meet at Sunway Pyramid's main entrance at 1230pm. I had arrived at 1220, as my sister was planning to go for Monash University's (which was near Pyramid) open day. My parents dropped me at the main entrance. I am usually a punctual person, however, I waited until 1250 pm, to see the first person from my class. Fine, at around 1, only 7 people were there. I already had a feeling that this wasn't destined to be fun...
We decided that no one else was coming, so we went on to the plan. Uh uh, sorry, there wasn't a plan at all. Everything was decided spontaneously, whether I (or anyone) wanted it or not. Before that, I already knew that something like that was going to happen. NO PLANS. If a reunion were to be planned under my hands, I would make sure there was a plan, like ice-skating, catching a movie, chatting at Starbucks... This could make an ultimately sucessful reunion! So this was it, someone suggested to catch a movie. And by that time, I was already disappointed that I went "whatever" (though I didn't say that out). And throughout the reunion, I didn't talk much... Only answering some questions, those that I get all the time (how's life in Singapore? how much allowance per month).
Now moving on to the people who came, 3 girls, 4 boys. 2 girls out of the 3, were closer friends during primary school. None of the boys were close friends (friends, yes, not CLOSE friends) when I was in primary school. Then, I was seated more to the front, and they were seated at the back, so, you get the idea... We didn't talk much, as a matter a fact, and found myself more comfortable with the girls.
When you go out to malls and places in Singapore/Malaysia, one sight that you cannot miss are monkey teenagers making noise and swearing in public and fooling around. Those were the type of boys who came to the reunion. I am usually associated with being quiet and reserved outdoors, I think of what people out there would think of me with my every action. And so we went up the escalator leading to the cinema, one of them sat of the railing of the escalator while talking to the others in loud, bashful and oh-I-don't-care-about-the-world-but-only-the-conversation-I-am-having manner. I felt thoroughly embarassed by those attitudes of theirs, and began looking at my shoes, as though there were something on it, and also stepping down a step from the escalator.
What's noticable was that the girls were pretty much left out. Those guys just care about themselves and their world. They walked fast, leaving the girls to catch up with them. And there was I, walking in the middle of both groups, so that I wouldn't leave either one behind. And thanks to my thoughtfulness, I'd bet that some of them would be now talking about how anti-social I am, walking alone, since I already heard some 学政很少讲话s, 学政是乖乖仔s along the way, behind my back, thinking I couldn't listen. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if there was 学政超级不友善s, 学政很不合群s.
True, I did not talk much throughout the event. That's why partially, I listed one of the reasons of the reunion being a failure as "Myself". Being separated from the Malaysian world for 2 years, I'd move on, they'd move on. I made new friends; they made new friends, but at the same time they kept old friends. They can contact through SMS, through school. Their friendship tightened, our friendship remained, or maybe even worse. Topics they talked about don't suit me, don't include me, don't interest me... The girls, well, talked about girl stuff and I couldn't possibly join in...
We bought 6 tickets as one of the girls couldn't make it (she had to leave early). Later, 3 more guys arrived, none of them I could talk to easily and comfortably as before. The only things that I talked to them, was my life in Singapore, as they asked, after they noticed my long periods of silence.
As there was still time, one guy said "let's go to pool/snooker", and without a word, marched off to the pool centre, located in the bowling centre. No opinions were asked, and since I was already in "whatever" mode. I tagged along. I noticed the girls weren't that interested, and so was I. But they'd tag along too. So we watched as those monkey guys played, and occasionally, made fools out of themselves.
The plan that wasn't a plan was actually to have lunch after they finished their game. However, one game led to another, and soon, it was time for the movie (1430pm). I hadn't had any breakfast, naturally, I was hungry. So, we headed for the cinema. I bought popcorn and a drink and waited for them to buy theirs. Now, 9 people and 6 tickets. The girls took 2 tickets from the guy keeping them. Then, he handed the remaining 4 tickets folded and said to that worker, "tickets for 6 people". That's how all of us got into the cinema... Though I did strongly disapprove, I did not say a word but instead I gave him an icy stare. He did not notice though, with all the talking going on with the other people. They laughed about how that worker did not realise or check the tickets.
I watched Alvin And The Chipmunks, by the way, which was a rather lame movie despite of the cute chipmunk songs. It got a few laughs from me, despite everything that was happening today. When it ended, everyone needed a toilet break, so we went to toilet. Naturally, the girls were slower. During the wait, they'd complain about the girls taking a long time and walk a few steps further away from the toilet. I half-followed them and then refrained again because I wanted to be here AND there at the same time. Again, not to leave any group of people behind.
After that, the girls announced that they had to leave. The guys said they wanted to catch another movie (I Am Legend) starting at 7pm. Since the girls were leaving, I had no fun at all, and I already watched a movie today which was more than enough, I said that I had to leave too. Then, I left in much of a hurry, waving to them goodbye. So that disastrous reunion becomes their boy-bonding thing. And so, end of story. I considered calling this post "More Ramblings", and decided against it. These are complaints, far from the milder term of ramblings.
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I have a few things to say in Chinese. Usually, I use the lighter and easier language of English to compose, and I have yet to post in Chinese. However, this time, I feel that the use of Chinese shows and describes the heaviness in my tone and my feelings better.
“保持联络”，在这次班聚是做到了，何况是小猫几只。以前，在新加坡，也曾有想念小学朋友们的时候。今天，看到他们，却有一种“干脆不搞班聚”的想法，可说是非常矛盾。也许是我自己吧，我要求太高，我不求实际，我自私。但到头来，自己也想有一个完美有享受的班聚……
这次失败的经验，更是让我恐惧下一个班聚。会不会像上一次那样的失败？以后的班聚，我该不该参加？到了新加坡将近两年了，感觉与小学朋友的感情越来越生疏，这次的班聚，更让我看清楚这点。不是我不想跟他们说话、不想和他们交往，但两年的时间真的让我们之间的距离越来越远。我喜欢的话题，你们不喜欢；你们喜欢的话题，我不会欣赏……
人家说，时间可以冲淡一切。这句话，此时此刻的我，终于明白了…… 班聚，因该是一个让大家叙旧、重温当年大家的愚蠢、快乐、悲哀…… 今天的班聚，却是谈无谓的话题：游戏、电影…… 我今天刚听到我姐姐说，她以前的班聚，整个下午都坐在餐厅里叙叙旧、谈谈大家的近况等。这，才是完美的班聚，举办班聚的原因啊！
现在的我，只可用徐志摩“再别康桥”中的一句话来形容：“悄悄的我走了，正如我悄悄的来；我挥一挥衣袖，不带走一片云彩”。此句，显出了当时徐志摩离开康桥时，心中其实是有多么的不舍。我的确是不舍得我的朋友们，但今天我所见所闻，我只能悄悄的回到新加坡去，不带走这次班聚任何不好的回忆（云彩），并希望以后可以参加一个更好的班聚! 但愿如此! 哎……
Sorry for the continuation of the "Ramblings" series, but these few days there are just more and more things that are complain-able and are ramble-worthy...
So, here goes. Read a message on SMB about class allocation next year... I joined the Humanities Program. So obviously I'd be allocated to a Humanities class. 5 people in my (ex-)class joined Humanities (Shien Yang, Yong Xiang, Foong Wai and Lit Xian [Chuan] and I). I was allocated to 3-H2, the second class. And... to my (almost) horror, Foong Wai was joining me (no offense to him though, no matter how 'fun' and 'special' he can get). Chuan, Shien Yang and Yong Xiang were in 3-H1.
Well, these are ramblings, so they do not bear much of any significance. In fact, I don't mind being with Foong Wai, but only if all 2B-ians were together, wouldn't that be so great? By the way, I should get back to the rambling part. 'Notable' classmates include Nicholas Tang (old pro, who according to Shien Yang, has a 'smell' that I might have missed when he was my lab mate for Biology in Term 4), Jonathan Fu, Izumi... People I know and don't really mind they are in my class are Foong Wai (you'll get used to it soon), Dee Zhen and Alvin of Class 2M (I THINK, that's the same guy who was in the same group with me in OBS Camp. Well, he doesn't talk much).
According to Shien Yang, in my class, there are many Judo guys, some of them who are 'gay shit'. So I was like, er... okayyyy.... Congrats Shien Yang too, for getting the NOT lag and NOT lame Joel as a classmate. *confetti and fireworks*. I soo enjoyed having him as a groupmate in camp! That applies to Chuan and Yong Xiang too!!! And that WAS sarcasm, if you honestly cannot detect that...
More ramblings too, when I found out that the "Maths Gang" are together... Arrrr.... Shi-Jie, Eng Keat, Chern Yuen, alongside with Ian, Han Loong, Bo Xiang and Bo Jun are in the same class! So lucky! And JUST to ramble, my class is the largest Humanities class. Though that may be a good thing, I just wanna ramble in this post ;)
First Rambling Conclusion: Don't get me wrong not, I AM grateful that at the very least I'm not the only 2B guy in my class. Well, I know, we'd be friends sooner than you think, but it's always good to have some one you already know rather well in your class... So, seems that these ramblings aren't really valid now. But well, ramblings are usually based on first impressions and reactions, so you can't really blame me. After thinking it through rationally, it's er... okay. You'd get over it quickly :) Yes, yes, I am rational, I know.... hehehe...
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The second rambling is made on behalf of my sister :) Yesterday (2 days ago really, it's midnight), Secret Recipe celebrated its tenth anniversary. In conjunction of that celebration, they made a buy-one-cake-free-one-cake promo. Yes, I know, rare chance....
Since my sis's birthday is nearing, we decided to buy a cake (free one cake la). So, tenth birthday ma, so promo starts at 10. My sis and dad woke up at 9, and reached at 945. By that time, the line was soo long that it reached World Of Sports (about the distance from canteen to ping-pong tables in school).
To make matters worse, and for the sole purpose of rambling, a Bengali lady cut the queue, slipping into the line when she was talking to a 'relative' (it was later revealed that they weren't related when Miss Bengali started talking to other people and cutting their line when they did not notice. "She's my relative" Miss Bengali said. My dad said "Okay, then I bring all my brothers and sisters to join in my line" :) Miss Bengali kept quiet and tried to be friends. Sis and father went sour-faced.)
Another thing to ramble about. A Malay lady kept talking non-stop like Japan's bullet train. She talked about this White Chocolate Macadamia cake and how so damn good it was. My sister went "bu shuang" mode because THAT was the cake she wanted and she feared the after the lady's recommendations to the people ranging from her front to her back (my dad and sis and more behind them), the cake would be sold out by the time they got to the front.
Conversation went (something) like this:
"AIyooo, saya SUkaaaaak Secret Recipe punya kek sangat. Sangattt sedap! Terutamanya kek White Chocolate Macadamia itu.... Saya dulu-dulu tak sukak Chocolate putih, makan sikittt sahaja pun sukak sangat.
Setiap hari jadi saya, saya mesti (emphasize) beli Secret Recipe punya kek. Suami saya hari jadi saya beli dari Holiday Villa. Aiyaaaa, selepas 8pm, ada 50% discount tau...? (I really had no idea, useful news though). Dia tanya kenapa Secret Recipe takda flavour ini, saya kata 'new flavour, new flavour' hahahaha (laughs)"
Anyway, at the end, the person before her bought the LAST White Chocolate Macadamia cake. Hahaha, some sort of poetic 'retribution' huh? So she chose other flavour and left disappointed. And by the time my sis and father got to the front, they are left with only 7 (not popular) flavours out of the available 21 flavours.
Ramble, ramble... so they chose the flavours simply... The moment they paid and left, new cakes arrived!!!! Oh my god, things are going so poetically. My sis was disappointed. Luckily the couple after them went kesian kesian and offered to switch one cake so that my sis could get a White Chocolate Macadamia cake. Only good thing that happened...
And THIS incident is sooooooo ramble-worthy!!!! I simply love rambling!
Second Rambling Conclusion: Not much to conclude. I wasn't actually there. But I do feel sympathy for them. They queued for three hours! While I was peacefully in slumber. *blushes*paisehpaiseh*. Oh, and one more thing, that WAS a good promo! Cheap and creative =D Though I doubt they would do it in Singapore. The people there would queue from 1am and bring sleeping bags and all (un)necessary things to get those two (or more) cakes. Come on, even Malaysia got people wait from 7am lo, some even brought their whole family to buy 3 (free 3 total 6) cakes since one person can only buy ONE cake to get another free! Singaporeans might bring their whole company employees to buy! Whole Hwa Chong! Whole extended family and neighbours! Secret Recipe would go bankrupt by the next day (Okay, they actually limit to 350 cakes per participating outlet... I was just exaggerating)!!!
When I read THAT message, I went "WHAT??!!" I was thinking "We're on holiday, how can they treat us (okay, that time I was thinking 'me') like that?"
You might be thinking "what message is that". If you know me well enough, you should know that I well, am not an active member of my CCA. In fact, this unenthusiastic-ness and cold, hard feelings towards my CCA actually caused a few (maybe even many) seniors to actually hate, despise and detest me (by the way, hate all you want. Everyone deserves a thought on anyone, anything. And I certainly am entitled a piece of my mind about HuaGang). And truthfully speaking, the Secondary 2 batch of members are not the most enthusiastic bunch out there (hmm... maybe with the exception of Zhi Hao).
Throughout this year, I'd skip activities of my CCA (hold your words, I'm not the only one). The camp, certain competitions, certain seminars/lectures/classes, though I would not skip the actual activities every Friday. Reasons being i) Well, it's only once a week (give face); ii) Some unknown guilt; iii) I'm risking my CCA points. In fact, I skipped every single activity Chinese Drama held for the entire holiday (not that I'm actually proud of it). Reason: I'm going home to Subang Jaya and bus tickets are hard to get during holidays. Okay, so part of them are truths. In fact, all of them are truths.
So I am going back. Truth. Bus Tickets are hard to get during peak season. Truth though admittedly I could go for the more expensive bus tickets that offers luxury and everything but sadly, I'm not THAT rich. Furthermore, a good few hundred(s) of Ringgit, just for a bus trip to and fro for a friggin' lecture/class? You know, there's something called being practical here?
The truth not included in my reasoning: I am not at all motivated, let alone interested to go for these activities. Though I couldn't say that in front of the people or risk having some hot, warm dung thrown onto my friggin' face, or worse, a kick in the butt that would eventually lead to a kick to another CCA.
Okay, ramblings (quote Jaya Ranee) aside, that particular message was from Chinese Drama. Everyone was to produce a script out of thin air and hand it in to the hungry, stretching hands of the EXCO members for criticizing and a good chance for them to label your work as "ramblings". In Chinese, 说好听一点是 editing.
A few months back, I had co-written a script, 《成长》, with Shien Yang (I'm not that thick to claim that I and only I wrote that script by the way) for the inter-class drama competition. The idea was a brainchild of Shien Yang, Zhi Hao, Foong Wai and me (not so much of Foong Wai and me though, but I did write large parts of the script, mind you). That experience proved that I'm not so much of an idea guy, but a writing guy. Give me an idea and I'll expand and express it using words. And though I had always stressed that I am not a good member of my club, the writing experience was actually fun, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Not so much of the 'brainstorming for an idea/plot' thing. Maybe, this has absolutely nothing to do with drama, but the fact that I like writing.
At first I was like, you know, read paragraph 1. But then after some thinking through, I decided that I would use that script as a template, a reference. Maybe, twisting the situation or the plot could do some good after all. Though thinking of a new situation might be some challenge. And so, I rest my case. Yea, it's not THAT hard after all. See, that's why the above texts are called 'ramblings'.
Rambling Conclusions: Performing just isn't much of my thing. Yeah, I can do it and all, but I'm not that interested in performing after all, something I found out AFTER I joined CD, but it was already too late. From primary school, I'd been doing story-telling, speech-giving, debating and almost everything related to stage performing (with the exception of singing and dancing) in all three languages. I'd win competitions, I'd beat the rest. I had been doing it since Standard 1. I'm not shy to perform, with all the experience, and no matter how nervous I get (it's normal ok?), I get over it once I'm on stage. So naturally, when I came to Hwa Chong, I thought that Chinese Drama was the best choice, the natural choice, given my past experiences. How wrong was I.
Sure, performing can be right fun, especially when you're doing it with friends. But I soon came to realise, I'm performing not out of interest, not out of passion, but out of my do-it-once-do-it-best mentality and just because I can do it. Sure, I did enjoy every second on stage during last performance, but it was because of my friends and my personal rule to perform the best for the crowd, for myself. The atmosphere helped a bit too (the excitement in the cold air, the running around to solve last minute problems,). You might say those were displays of me loving to perform, but that was just a few hours of heated passion (at this point, I have to remind you to throw away all erotic thoughts), and it all comes back to the perform-my-best mentality. In fact, a person who TRULY loves performing, would love it all the while, all the way...