Ben and Ethel's Wedding (17/10/15)

  I attended my cousin's wedding. It was indeed a magical one! This morning, my parents and I came from KL all the way to my hometown, Malacca to attend the red letter occasion. This is my first wedding dinner in two years, the last one was Amanda's, she is too my cousin. I guess you must be why I have so many cousins. My maternal grandmother came from a big family. We have a long chain of connection  When it comes to special occasions like weddings, Chinese New Year, the fun will never stop!

  Speaking of dresses, I can't decide which one to put on. Even though it was hours before the wedding, I have to make my mind up somehow. Luckily, my mum brought a few dresses to try on. One was a sleeveless red dress which was not my sense of style, "There's a mini jacket you can put on," mum said. After putting on the red knee-length dress, the mini jacket is a perfect match. As they always say "mums know everything". 

   At 6.30 pm, we left for the wedding. I was in high spirits because I like big occasions which are lively. As we reached Ramada Hotel, dad dropped us first then he went to find a parking spot. At the entrance of the lobby, we bumped into my cousins, aunts, nephew and nieces. We went in together as a family. We took the lift to the seventh floor- that's where the wedding was held at the Grand Ballroom. Oh and I did mention that my school's senior prom was held at this very place as well? 

The room was packed with guests as they mingled around greeting each other. I held on to my grandma's hand as we mingled because there are a lot of people. I was almost knocked down by one of the guests (I mean, how rude they were?). 

  At 7.30pm, all the guests went in to take their places. The emcees introduced themselves as Dennis and Mary. When I heard Dennis' name,  I was star struck because he appeared a few times on JinnyBoy TV. He is one of Malaysia's famous top YouTuber! I can't believe he was the host of the night. 

  As the moment we were waiting for, the bride who is Ethel strolled down the aisle with her proud dad. This was the heartwarming scence ever! The couple went to the stage to cut the cake. Ethel gave her lucky bouquet of roses to her big sister. 

  Ethel hopes her sister will find her "Mr. Right". The dinner presentation was led by two singers, one by one waiters served dinner to our table. The Malaysian band entertained us with love songs. A magic performance by Zelvin- Malaysia's youngest magician. 

  My favourite trick was two cards were combined as one. How did he do that? I was so amazed! Ethel was even more amazed because she loves magic tricks since young. Every wedding dinner will have a toasting session. In the Malaysian way, we called it as "yum seng" which means "cheers". They showed the footage of the morning reception. There was a lion dance to welcome the couple

  As everyone was leaving, I saw Dennis, the YouTuber, who was leaving with Mary. As a big fan, I quickly went over to take a photo with him. "I'm a big fan of yours. My younger sister and I always watch the videos on Youtube with JinnyBoy," 

"Oh wow! I didn't know I have fans tonight! Which college you're in?" Dennis asked. "I'm in Sunway College," I said. He wished all the best in my studies. I was so star struck! 

  During the after-dinner party, everyone took photos because all the Tan family member are here. Not forgetting to take a photo with the stars of the day-Ben and Ethel. I had a time of my life and welcome to the family Ethel! 

 

MUFY Talent Quest 2015 (2/10/15)

  I haven't been on stage for a year since I last performed back in secondary school when I was completing my senior year. Today MUFY held its very own annual talent quest. We called it MUFY Talent Quest. Before you entered the competition, you have to go through an audition just like any singing competition which we watch on television. The audition was 10 days ago and the results was announced a week before the competition.

 Little did I know, I got in! I was so happy! I didn't expect to be in the competition, my aim is just to have fun and be in the spotlight once again. Well there was another surprise. My senior, Marverne got in as well! He didn't get through at first but he was told at the last minute, I was happy for him too. Our first performance as senior-junior, what's more, we were both singing solo! Well I picked If Someday by Malaysia's Queen of Love Songs- Fish Leong. While Marverne on the other hand sang Feeling Good and I've Got the World On a String by Michael Buble. 

  Before the show started, we had a rehearsal just to make sure everything was in tip-top shape. All performers were getting a run through. At 2 pm, everyone started to fill the hall in while performers were seated in front. The emcees introduced the first performer who is a boy band called the SPLURS. They sang a song by Dani California. The second performer sang a Mandarin song. Well, I guess I wasn't the only one who is singing Mandarin song. We even had a silent comedy which was performed by Aaron and Jason Lum (AJ) 

  Before it was my turn, I asked Marverne to record a video of my performance so I can show it to my mum. "Yeah, okay! I can do that," he said. After Marverne's and Ah Ri's turn, it was my turn to perform but I went to the washroom at that time which left the audience in a awkward situation. 

  Quickly, I headed back to the stage. To make it up to the audience, I sang a short verse of Fish Leong's latest single. Then came the main part of the performance. After I sang If Someday, I sang short verse of J'adore. After my performance, the audience wanted more but the emcee said "Sorry, we're running out of time! Thank you Kar Marn for that amazing performance. Let's give her around of applause!" 

  The crowd cheered and clapped as I left the stage. I went over to hug my seniors and they were proud. "You did great Kar Marn!" my seniors said as I headed back to my seat. "Hey Marv, did you record the performance?" I asked. "Sorry Kar Marn, I forgot to record because I was too starstruck and amazed by your performance. Anyway, I'm so proud of you!" Marverne said. Tori chimed in "Yeah girl, you did a job well done! You made us proud!" She gave me a squeeze on the shoulder.  

 
  After the last performance which Darren and Tori performed Toxic by Britney Spears, a special performance was arranged. A lecturer showed her hidden talent! Well, even lecturers have their specialties besides teaching. After that, Mr. Prakesh- Malaysia's famous photographer, Youtuber and comedian came up to the stage to receive a token of appreciation from Ms. Helen James. He praised all performers for a job well done. "I would like to give a shout out to Kar Marn. The crowd cheered as they heard my name. "You really inspired all of us today. I sent a video of your performance to my girlfriend," Mr. Prakesh said. 

  The crowd cheered even louder while Tori gave me a proud squeeze on the shoulder as Darren and Marverne as well as Amber proudly look on their junior. Mr. Prakesh made a joke on the three language songs. It was time for the prize giving ceremony. One by one, the finalists went up to the stage. As the emcee announced my name, I proudly walk over to the stage and stood next to Marverne. He leaned over and whispered "Great job Kar Marn. I'm so proud of you!" I whispered back "You did a great job too!" 

  It's time to announce the top three winners of this year's MUFY Talent Quest. Third prize went to Allyson and her dance group while the second prize went to Darren and Tori- the power couple singers! First prize went to AJ- the champion of this year's Talent Quest. We took a group photo with Mr. Prakesh. Performers hugged and praised each other for a job well done. We even take selfies too!  "fans" came up to the stage to take photos with the performers. Even a young girl asked me to take a photo with her.

  Food and refreshments were served after that. The official photographer of the event took a photo of me. I had fun at the Talent Quest. I had the golden opportunity to make comeback to centre stage after a year. Thank you to parents, seniors, juniors as well as friends who came to support all of us at MUFY Talent Quest. See you guys next year! 

MUFY Sharity Carnival 2015 (3/9/15)

  It's been a month since my secondary alma mater- St. David's High School held a carnival and now Sunway College had one as well! We called it MUFY Sharity Carnival. The word Sharity is the combination of the word share and charity. This marked my first ever carnival in college. Clad in dark blue Sunway College t-shirt and a pair of grey jeans with a pair of blue Vans shoes, I made my way to the first class which was Globalization.  

  At 9.30am, I informed my English teacher, Ms. Felicia that our usual English classroom will be used as the Haunted Class for the carnival. "Thank you for informing me, Kar Marn," First, Fariz and I hang out for awhile until 10.00am because he wanted to meet up with his friends. Hui Yin and I waited for our next class in 30 minutes. Ru Tian came along so we took some pictures to kill our time. At 10.30am, we went class SW2-2 for English. 

   At 11.00am, it was time for us to head down to the Energy HUb to have some fun! All classes were reduced to half an hour because they wanted us MUFY students to join in the fun! Especially semester one students who are in the July and August intakes.


  "Hi, sorry I'm late!" I said. "No, no it's okay! You're just in time! Come and join my friends," Athira said as she led Ru Tian and I to a place. After settling my stuff down, Ru Tian and I went to the first stall to buy our food so I bought noodles. After having a few mouthfuls, I was totally stuffed! Athira and I just walked around while Ru Tian helped her Physics teacher at a stall where they sold jellies.


  After buying some stuffs, we went back to our place and stretched our tired legs. Athira and I tried the jelly which I bought earlier and it was really good! It looked reddish colour on the outside but when you scooped it up it is green. Hui Yin dropped by for awhile then she rushed to the library because she had some work to do. So just left Ru Tian and I. We walked around the stalls, looking for some food and souvenirs which will fit our budget, I mean the coupons.


  A Hena stall attracted a lot of people and the queue was super long. Ru Tian decided to try so I said "I'll wait for you at the Student Service Department," I said. "Okay," she said. After waiting for 25 minutes, I got bored so I went out just to have another look around. Suddenly, I saw a familiar person. It's my senior, Shu Yie! "Hey Shu Yie !" I said. "Oh hey Kate! Wanna hang out with us?" he asked. I nodded my head and said "Yes!"


   We went back to SSD to get my stuff and the rest of the day I spent time with my seniors- from both high school and college. Suddenly, the deejay said "Please enjoy our national anthem, the Negaraku. Someone wanted this song to be played," As the national anthem was played, everyone stood up and sang. When the song ended, everyone cheered.


  Around 3pm, under a watchful eye of Shu Yie, he escorted me to the car. My uncle picked me up and headed home. The best day of my life! My first carnival in college would be a memorable one.

A Meal with College Mates at MKN in Sunway University (27/8/15)

  After Fundamental Maths class, Wali and I went to class NW-TR-1-2 to look for my friends Fariz and Michelle. They were just done with English class. "Do you wanna hang out for lunch?" I asked Michelle. "Yes, I love to but I have to Athira at MKN in the university itself," MKN which is MaKaN for short. "Is it across the college?" I asked. "Yes, yes it is! Would you like to join us?" Michelle said. "Yes, I love to!" I said.

  Along the way, I asked Wali how was his stay in Malaysia. "Malaysia is an awesome country! I have been staying for seven years!" Seven years? That's a long time. I thought. "That means you can speak Bahasa Malaysia? " I asked. "Yes I can. Actually, I learned to speak the language last year and now I can speak well," Learned the national language in a year? That's fast! We tried to take the lift but it was not working. 

"Shall we take the stairs instead? Since the lift is not working," I suggested. My friends turned to me and gave a blank stare. "Katelyn, are you sure?" Fariz asked. "Yeah, I'm sure. Besides, I was used to the stairs back in high school, so why not?" I said. As we reached the stair case, Michelle held my hand while Fariz carried the bag and the crutches. We took two flights of stairs down. After we said goodbye to Wali, it was just three of us. 

  To get to the university, we have to cross the pedestrian walkway. Unfortunately, there was a big lorry blocking the main stairs so we had to take the side stairs. We took the lift to the first floor. When we stepped out of the lift, Michelle said "Oh right, MKN is at Upper Ground floor so we have to go one floor down, sorry guys I just remembered," I said :"It's okay. Besides, this is my first time going to MKN," 

  When we reached our destination, Athira was having her chicken rice. I tapped the glass window to catch her attention, she was surprised. Fariz opened the door for Michelle and I to go in. "Hey Athira, sorry we're late, we took a wrong turn just now," Michelle said. "Oh no, it's okay!" Fariz was about to leave because he used this time in the library. "Fariz, join us," I said. "Oh okay," Fariz said. We talked about our studies, hopes and dreams. We even took a wefie on Michelle's iPhone. 

  After we had our lunch, we headed back to the South Building of the College by using the short cut. It was really fun to hang out with your friends when you're in college. I wish I could hang out with my friends more. 

  

St. David's High School Carnival 2015 (1/8/15)

  After five months when the SPM results were released, this marked my first time going back to my alma mater- St. David's High School, Malacca, as a senior. I was clad in my Buddhist Society t-shirt which I wore back in high school with a pair of jeans and black shoes. I arrived at 9.00am. I walked straight to the Buddhist Society stall. I saw Cikgu Asmi- who is my Form 1 Malay language when I was in Form One and History teacher in Form Four for a few months. 

  Okay, let's go back to the main part. As I was saying, the main purpose I went back because I wanted to give back as I mentioned earlier. After dropping me at the stall, my mum left with my aunt. My junior Jing Hua explained the price for each item. "For magnets, key chains and handmade letter openers are RM 1 as well as the vegetarian food," Jing Hua said. One by one customers thronged to the stall. I have to say, business was running high. 

  The first senior who came by to the stall was the school captain of 2012-2013- Lee Jia En. I was happy to see her. "Hi, Jia En Jie! Welcome to the Buddhist Society stall," I said. "Hi, Kar Marn! Are you helping out?" she asked. I nodded. Before she left, we took a senior-junior selfie! My ex-classmates came to drop by too but they didn't buy anything. 

  Janice Ng- one of my juniors came to the stall. I bought a book marker from her. "I pick randomly for you, is it okay?" she asked. "Well go ahead, be my guest," I said. She picked out and read it out loud "If you dream it, you can do it!" I think it's very suitable for anyone whose dreams are big! A famous magician once said "Keep dreaming and keep the magic real," 

  When I was helping with the coupons, I saw a familiar face at the stall. My primary school friend- Ong Jia En came to drop by. Well, I haven't anytime for myself so it was time for me to get out of the stall and roamed around. I met up with my friends of class 2014 as well as some seniors who graduated in 2013. I walked around to meet up some juniors and teachers as well.  

  Kumar asked me what I wanted to do when I grow up one day. "Well, I want to help kids who are going through the same pain as me. And I want to be either a writer, singer or a professional blogger one day," I said. They were quite impressive! "Good keep up the good work! We hope to hear your voice on the radio or see you on television one day," he said.  "We will always be there with you no matter what because to us, you're our sister," Nichloas said. 

   Around 2pm, Jia En went back home so did Ling Hui because she was on duty. As I got back to the stall, I took off my shoes and stretched my tired legs. Not long after that, I spent time with my seniors again, this time was even longer. I even met up with Dylan! Samantha gave me a cup cake with picture of Elsa from the animated Disney hit movie Frozen. We joked around and talked about the fun stuff that we did back in high school, it's a total different kind of crazy! 

  After that, under a watchful eye of my senior, Nitin, he escorted me to the canteen. This was the best day of my life! Thank you St. David's High School to give me the golden opportunity to give back. 

  I love St. David's High School! 

  

Cousin Xander's First Birthday (25/7/15)

  Xander- my cousin celebrated his first birthday today. The party was attended by family and close friends. The event was held at Equitoral Hotel Malacca. When we arrived at the party, it was themed with blue colour which marked the birth of a boy one year ago today. While I was finding a seat, I saw Stephanie, my distant cousin was waving at me so I walked over to take my seat. She was alongside with her grandparents. 

  "Hey Kar Marn, how's it going?" Stephanie asked. "Everything is going well, just busy with college nowadays," I said. Not long we were having our meal, one of Xander's older brothers took the microphone to announce that we should go to the front of the hall because it was time for the cake cutting ceremony. Everyone gathered around to sing Happy Birthday to the Xander's who is the star of today. 

  After that, Stephanie made a move. I saw Brian, my other distant cousin, who was taking pictures of the family of five. "Brian Gor Gor (big brother in Cantonese)! " I went over to hug him. Putting a protective arm around me, "Hey Marn, how are you?" he said. "I'm good! Let's go over there and talk," I suggested. We talked about college, life and a lot of things to catch up since we last met at Amanda's wedding on 20 September 2013. 

  Phoebe and her family arrived an hour later after the party had started at 1.00pm. Well, as long as you attend a party it's okay better than absent from it. We played a little game of darts. I did aim a few targets but not a bullseye. Well, this game actually did apply on Physics in terms of consistency which I learned back in high school. "Finally I applied on Physics!" said my sister.

  The party ended at 4.00pm, everyone went home. We thanked Uncle Soon Seng and Aunt Siang Ting for inviting us over. "Thank you for coming! Have a nice day!" It was a day to remember. Big family parties like this, it is worth to come. 

聚会记（17/7/15）

  今天清晨六时三十分，我往马六甲家乡回家因为今天是开斋节的第一天。为了避免堵车的情况，我和父母在这时候离开首都吉隆坡。早上九时零三分，我们到马六甲家乡。由于早起身我头还很胀！感觉不爽啊！昨天我和哥哥（仕维）说好今天聚集。我传简讯在微信告诉他我已到家乡。

  在途中我们购买摩卡咖啡在星巴克免下车，妈妈已喝一半的摩卡留给我。我喝半杯的摩卡以及几片的奥利奥饼干。然后我到房间，躺在我永久的床。哥哥传简讯说他来载我，我开门对妈妈说：“妈咪，仕维说他来载我聚会的地点。” 妈妈回应：“好啊！待会儿你准备，别让人等久。”

  我头还是很胀所以在长凳躺一阵子。突然间我腹部痛，我到洗手间。当我从洗手间出来时，哥哥在拨电话，我拍拍他的肩膀。“妹，你好了吗？” 他问。我点了点头说：“哥，我好了！” 外婆看看哥哥说：“仕维，你瘦了！” 妈妈和阿姨接口说：“对啊！瘦了！” 

  哥哥说：“很多人也这样说，不只是你们而已。” 我离开之前对妈妈说：“妈咪，拜拜！” 在路上，哥哥说他刚才有急事所以迟到。我说：“哥，没关系！反正我有睡一阵子，精神就不会那么差。” 我们到Oldtown White Coffe喝茶点。我本来点矿泉水，哥哥说：“别省啦！” 于是我点了烤面包和柠檬茶。不久，志豪、Shi Yuan和Vincent也来了。“你们吃了吗？” 哥哥问。“吃了。” 他们三人答。

  吃饱了后，我们回家啦！途中，哥哥的车子出问题了，我问：“哥，你车子会有事吗？” 他安慰我：“妹，别担心！哥现载你回家不然让你家人操心。” 他送我回家之后，他开车往回自己的家。我目送车子。

  虽然只有我和哥哥两人聚集，但是我很开心！这是最好的安排。