大众书局书展—— 马六甲站（24/12/15）

  圣诞除夕也被称为“平安夜“。今年的平安夜，我到大众书局书展去“补买” 小说。我已经两年没到书展逛因为当时我在筹备去年的大马文凭考试。早上十一时，我们从家往MITC 的路程出发。由于当天是公共假期，所以全马各地的游客们到马六甲观光；游子们则回家乡探望父母和亲朋好友。

  十八年以来，我第一次到MITC 参观。平时当地举行不少活动例如：填色比赛、演讲比赛、保龄球赛等等。我们要找泊车位，但是几乎都泊满了！阿姨把车窗打开问正在站岗的保安大叔：“先生，我是否能泊在残章人士车位吗？” 保安大叔说：“可以。” 就这样，阿姨轻松地把车子泊在残章人士车位。不然我要走很远呢！

  我们走直然后转右，我看到大大的标题：大众书局大型书展—— 马六甲站。我忘了带小妹的大众书局会员卡，因为我的手机在充电所以没注意妈妈传送的简讯。我第一时间就是要到中文书籍购买红蜻蜓出版社小说，我问站在门口的志愿者：“请问中文书籍在哪儿？” 志愿者说：“左手边就是了！” 我向他道谢便往中文书籍。不到两秒，我已经找到红蜻蜓出版社小说了！

  我把还没拥有的小说一一放进篮子里，外婆看了看就说：“这么多啊！” 我却说：“是啊！” 我走着走着，突然间我看到一个熟悉的脸孔。是立裕！“立裕！” 我呼唤他，“袈文，这么巧啊？” 立裕说。我问他：“你怎么会在这儿啊？” 立裕告诉我他在这儿当志愿者。我们俩聊了几句。

  当场有干眼症测试，我一时好奇就尝试。几分钟，我到英文书籍找阿姨因为小妹要《哈利·珀特》的小说系列。但是只有两本而已没有完整的系列。英文书籍有几个传记例如：新加坡已故的总理—— 李光耀先生、猫王埃尔维斯· 普雷斯利、《最后一个的中国女王》等等。我们到普食书籍看看，然后我逛整个书展。

  阿姨正在付钱的时候，我和外婆到外面歇息我们的双脚。当我们离开我看到一个大大的告示牌写着：海外和本地艺人作者见面会。1月2日是红蜻蜓小说作者签书会，我一定要去！趁着我在家乡就把握这大机会吧！因为机会没等人

  还等什么？赶快到马六甲站的大众书局大型书展吧！

UK Trip (25/11/15- 4/12/15)

  "If you have the chance to go to the country of your dreams, where would it be?" That was a question asked by my Globalisation lecturer, Ms. Uma in class. Everybody in class had different answers. Some said the U.S. , Canada, Australia, New Zealand and even a very funny answer from one of my course mates when he said Thailand as his dream country to visit. The whole class cracked up! Relax, he was just pulling our legs back then. 

  As for me, I chose the UK as my dream country. Why would I choose the UK? First of all, it's historical connections. We all know, the then Malaya was conquered by the British until it gained its independence in 1957. Most places in Malaysia such as the mini Victorian fountain in Malacca, the buildings with the 18th century themed in Penang, also the traditional coffee making in Perak. These were left by the British. 

  Another fact, I love about the UK is the performing arts. Like The Phantom of the Opera, The Lion King, Charlie and the Choclate Factory and Les Misreables just to name a few. They have singing which I love the most, dancing as well as their music. In fact, I watched The Phantom of the Opera on the first day when I arrived in London at Her Majesty Theatre. It's really a fantastic musical! 

  I wanted to watch MJ Thriller Live featuring Songs of Michael and the Jackson Five but my mum said we will have the chance to watch it again when we come back. I was quite disappointed because I was staying opposite of the theatre at My Apartment in Piccadilly. I wanted to watch the show so badly but there are some other attractions were waiting for me. 

  I went to Buckingham Palace to watch the change of guards. For your information, the change of guards happen on alternative days in Autumn and Winter while in Spring and Summer, it is everyday. The change of guards starts at 11.00am (British Standard Time). My dream came true when I visited to the grounds of the Palace. 

The place where the Prince and Princess of Wales made their debut as man and wife in 1981. They appeared at the balcony of the Palace. 30 years later, same goes to TRH the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on 29 April 2011. It is not only for wedding appearance on Royal Weddings, also it acts as a place of Royal family gatherings such as the Diamond Jubilee, state banquets and also the annual of Trooping of the Colours. 

  In addition, I went to Madamme Tussad Wax Museum where all the wax figures of famous people are displayed. From Tom Cruise to David and Victoria Beckham to Angelina Jolie and Bradd Pitt and whole lot more! My favourite part of the museum was the Royal exhibition where they displayed past and present Royals including HM the Queen Mother, HM the Queen, HRH the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, HRH Prince Harry of Wales and Diana, the Princess of Wales. 

  The music exhibition was one of my favourites as well. We have Britney Spears, the Princess of Pop, Rihanna, Amy Winehouse, Adele, Lady Gaga, Madonna, the Queen of Pop and of course Michael Jackson, the King of Pop! He was one of the most legendary icon in the music world. He made a better world and will spread the message of love to the world. His legacy will live forever! 

  World leaders such as the US President Mr. Barack Obama, India's Prime Minister, Mr. Mathatma Gandhi, the current British Prime Minister, Mr. David Cameron and also the British First Lady Prime Minister Madam Margrate Tatcher, who was also known as The Iron Lady. 

  During the trip, I got the golden opportunity to stay at a real country side in South West. It was a great way to stay out of the hustle and bustle of the city. For the first time in my life, I had the chance to live my life as a country girl. It has a beautuful garden and there's a tree house as well! The place is amazing! It is called Debbie and John. 

 I had so much fun in the UK! I hope to visit the country in the near future. 

  

点心记 （12/11/15）

  “铃……“ 早上八时分， 身旁的闹钟不停地响。 我伸手把闹钟按”停“ 按钮。我再看看屏幕的时间显示早上八时五分， 我迟起了五分钟。当我要到洗手间洗澡时， 外婆说：”文，你回来时才洗澡吧！待会儿仕维要来载你。“ 洗刷后，我到饭厅喝一杯好立克“顶饱” 肚子。我再回到房间取出我的手机然后放进背包里。当我在穿鞋子时， 哥（仕维）的车子已经到了。阿姨说：“还不快点？你的朋友已经到了！” 我说：“哦， 快好了！” 我戴上墨镜便走出门外。

  当我上哥的车子时，我发现有一辆车子。”哪是谁的车子？” 我好奇地问。“林汉的车子。” 哥说。不久，锡忠向哥拨电话说可以出发了！我们向外婆道别便往去点心店吃早餐。锡忠和智彬在前方；我们和林汉则在后面尾随着。我望着窗口，听着电台播出的歌首，心里带着雀跃的心情因为我首次和朋友们到出逛逛。

  我们驾驶入家喻户晓的文化街，“我们在这儿吃点心吗？” 我问。哥说：“对啊，就在这儿！妹，你们先下车，我去泊车。” 我小心翼翼从车子“钻” 出来。我们女生位子，店外有刚好七个座位。我们点了莲容包、鱼丸、烧卖等等。不久，男生们来了！哥问：“你们点了吗？” 佩盈说：”已经点了！剩下你们。”

  一碟碟的热腾腾点心碰上桌了！我最喜欢的点心是烧卖和莲容包。我们也拍了团体照留念，我也把店的环境上传到社交网站向外州的朋友介绍，以后他们来马六甲就可到此店吃点心啦！锡忠说：“你们有没有去西伯利亚雪橇犬咖啡馆？” 他们纷纷说：“有啊！我们有听过但是没去。” 说到狗狗，我就怕了！

  我曾经在七岁的时候被一群的野狗追逐我，所以从当天起我对狗狗有恐惧感。我说：“如果是我，我是不会去。” 哥说：“妹，你家里有养狗，你还怕？” 我只好向他们坦白啦！ 锡忠补充说：“他们有设定的时间和狗狗零距离交流。” 小妹一定会去因为她喜欢动物而我则恰恰相反。

  我们吃饱后就到英雄广场走走。其实，我已四年没到哪儿逛逛。上次，我到当地是观赏妹妹的新春表演。我们进入停车场时，锡忠对智彬说：“我们可以泊在残障人士泊车位，方便袈文。” 我从皮包里取出卡片，这样就不会碰上任何的麻烦。我们乘坐电梯时，突然间锡忠的手机响起。电话里传出哥的声音，他说：“我们正要来了。” 门打开的时候，我们遇见哥他们。

  我们走着走着，我们突然提起仕聪，他班上被学生称 “阿龙” 。哪知道，说到曹操，曹操就到！“袈文！”他们纷纷喊我的名字， 我也觉得奇怪！“阿龙，这么巧会在这儿遇到你啊！” 哥说。“是啊！这么巧！来逛逛？” 我们点了点头说：“是啊！才刚吃完点心，打算来这儿走走。” 我们离开之前，我把仕聪喊住然后给他一个调皮的眨眼。哥说：“袈文跟你眨眼呢！” 我们带着笑声离开。

  后来，他们到询问处向柜台的服务员说：“我们请求一个轮椅，因为我们有一个朋友行动不方便。” 我却到附近的衣店看看。当我走出，轮椅就在询问处了。哇，这里服务很快呢！“袈文，来你坐上。” 我坐上轮椅，他们轮流推。男生们用驾车的技术来“控制” 。走一段的路程，我们到麦当劳喝汽水解渴，好凉爽啊！怎么会少榴莲泡芙呢？然后我们在继续我们的路程。

  我们来到“新文化街” 。“新文化街” 有一座小桥还有几间售卖娘惹服装和美食。我们就在小桥拍照留念。 到了午餐时间，我们到士林来买小吃。虽然疲倦，但是我开心!

Semester Break Day Out (8/11/15)

  The semester break is here! Most of us from college are out of town, we went back to our respective hometowns on the last day of examination itself or the day after. As for me, I went back to my hometown where it's in Malacca, on Saturday. Actually I wanted to go back couples of days after the examination which is on November 6. But due to my dad's busy work schedule, so the day of going back was postponed to Saturday. Yes, I'm back for the semester break!

  Days before the semester break, my high school friends and I planned for a gathering since everyone is back for the holidays. We decided to have our day out at Hungry Bear in Bukit Beruang. I was very excited because I got to meet them again after three months since the Hari Raya holidays. At first, it was 12.00 noon but then it was postponed to half an hour because Yu Xuan had some things going on. As long as we have a day out it's fine by me. 

  I put on my black and red DC canvas and sat at the living room to wait for Shi Wei, my brother to pick me up. He was also picking Yu Xuan as well. I thought it the car but then it wasn't. After a few minutes, a car's honk woke me up from my thoughts. My friends were here! "Hey sis, we're here!" called out Shi Wei. I quickly put on my bag and sunglasses, then I walked out from the house. My sister's dog, Furry was barking at them, she doesn't like strangers around the house. 

   I tried to sooth her down "Furry, it's okay!" Before we left, grandma told us to be careful on the road. As I hopped into the car and it's off to Hungry Bear. Along the way, we chatted what we were up to during the past three months. We hopped down from the car once we reached our destination. We went into Hungry Bear and found a perfect spot at the corner of the diner. 

  The waiter gave us to have a look at the menus. We ordered a regular of Aloha Chicken pizzas, while drinks on the other hand, I ordered lemonade. Shi Wei asked if we could Andelin to join us. "Yeah, I'm okay!" Yu Xuan said, she turned to me and asked my opinion. "Fine by me!" I said. "Great! I'll call her up," he said as he took out his phone.

  Not long after that, as Andelin arrived, our food just served up in time. "Hey guys!" Andelin greeted us as she took her seat beside Shi Wei. We chatted about our days in high school and plans about our future. The topics is basically on friendships and international colleges. We decided to have another round of pizza. A surprise visit from our friend, Shi Yuan came to drop by. Around 3.30pm, we left because Yu Xuan was going to visit her grandmother in Tampin. Her dad picked her up from the place.

  Andelin gave me a ride home. After dropping me off, I got a text from my college mate and best friend XY, who was on a trip to Malacca with her family.We actually promised each other months before the big semester break. Whenever she visits to Malacca, we will have a day out. Around 8.45 pm, we left for Mahkota Parade. When I arrived, she was waiting for me at the entrance of Nadaje- a cake shop where it was our meet up place.

  As the time was late, the shop was at the closing time so we have a quick bite of Mocha Choclate cake, it was so good! We took a selfie while eating the cake. Mr. and Mrs. Lee asked about myself. "I live in Malacca with my maternal grandparents, aunt and sister. I stayed in KL with my parents since I started college," I said. As I was about to call my mum, she came just in time. It was an awesome night out with your friends. Especially those who are out from town.

  I had the best time of my life

Having lunch with high school friends at Hungry Bear 

Welcome to Malacca, XY 

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.