From ITE to Poly

Yesterday morning was my selection test.

By yesterday evening, I received a call from the section head at ITE Bedok.

She had said, "How about I refer you to NYP's Digital Media Design? They're quite established. I think you should go to a Poly. I know they've started school term, but it's still worth a try. I also want to ask your permission to submit your drawings to NYP."

I went, "Okay, it's worth trying. You can show them my drawings."

What a twist of fate right?

Then this afternoon, the greatest thing of all happened.

The course coordinator from NYP called me while I was shopping in Far East Plaza.

After a brief chat over the phone, I asked the million-dollar question:

ARE YOU OFFERING ME A SPOT IN NYP?

I got a priceless answer:

YES.

I scrapped my plans for the next 3 hours as I went down to NYP 'for a chat with them'.

I spoke endlessly with the Deputy Director. He gave me a short tour and went on and on about his lumbar injury.

Then he gave me a rude shock when he said, "I'm gonna give you a short sketch test."

My heart skipped a beat and I almost gagged.

We were on the way back to his office then. I so dreaded that moment.

But I just smiled and went with it lah.

In his office, he gave me a piece of paper and a pencil, grabbed a scotch tape dispenser, a jar and a small box, arranged them briefly and said, "Okay, draw."

What the freaking hell?!?!

Then he said, "I saw your drawings in the test you did at ITE. I just want to confirm."

Crazy ass. I was half freaked out.

It had been a horrendous sketch.

But I think he more or less was at my feet already, so he just said okay and handed me over to the course coordinator to settle the admin procedures.

And so, I start class immedately since they're already into theire second week of semester.

Tomorrow is my first day.

I am very excited. I am very nervous.

Most of all, I am Kang Yong. I create miracles.

Believe it.

They accepted me!

This wonderful morning, I went down to ITE Bedok once again.

This time, I was there for a selection test, essentially a drawing test.

I had to draw: whole and sliced tomato, whole and sliced cucumber, slice of bread and slice of cheese.

That was section one. I kinda aced it.

Section two, I had to draw my handphone, my own hand, or my watch.

I deliberated for so long, okay. I've said that I'm not the draw-things-as-they-are kinda person, so I was quite worried.

Finally, I decided to draw my hand. Because I was smart, I played up my strengths. I clenched my fist.

Hence, there was less details, less creases, and much easier for me.

Well, DUH! I aced it too.

The last section, I was given a curved line. Was asked to make the line as visually exciting as possible.

Without a doubt, I double, maybe even triple, aced it. It was my forte.

Then I flipped through my test paper and smiled. Very impressive. I didn't know I could draw that well.

Following my submission, I was called to be interviewed by the Section Head. Nice Malay woman.

She said I was overqualified. She said I was talented. She said, "Welcome aboard,"

Yesterday, ITE Bedok called me up.

Told me that my selection test is on Monday. Where I have to report at freaking 9 am with my drawing materials and all.

So cool right?

Regarding the Giordano thingy, there is zero hope for me.

I feel kinda stupid submitting that entry. Because I have wasted much of my bling-bling for nothing.

I didn't feel right about it, but I still submitted my entry. All foolishness on my part.

It was a sure guarantee that I wasn't going to win anything if I was feeling that bad about it.

Anyways, I took a look at the top 5 entries that were put on display yesterday.

All I have to say is, I'm still novice when it comes to design.

That's why it'll mean so much to me if ITE Bedok takes me in.

But frankly speaking, the selection test on Monday is essentially a drawing test.

I'm a little worried because I'm not exactly the draw-things-as-they-look kinda person.

I'm more like draw-as-you-think-it-looks-like kinda person.

However, it helps when you have someone telling you straight in your face, "Don't worry, I believe you can draw. You can do it one,"

And it doesn't really help when you have someone telling you straight in your face, "You sure or not? You really wanna go ITE?", "Don't waste your time lah," or "Why got short route dun wan, wanna take longer route?"

Despite all the negativity, it only takes a glimmer of positivity to make me feel all good again.

Kalis messaged me: "I think you should be featured in some magazine for your actions."

I replied: "Magazine like so chin chai, Straits Times lah."

My number is back in service!

But with good news comes the bad.

I lost all my contacts.

Therefore, to my loyal blog readers (blogder is still unacceptable lingo to me), in other words, my fans, I mean, friends, y'all might wanna text me a message with your name or something.

I am terrible at memorising contact numbers.

Regarding my lost L6, I didn't tell much people though I lost it during work. And yet I published it here.

It's kinda stupid how I lost it, so I'm pretty ashamed to tell the story. And I don't like it when my mother calls up someone and tells the whole story.

Today, my manager told me that our big boss has prepared something for me because of good publicity. And I thought they were devoid of gratitude. =D

You know, back when I was still in SP Biotech, I was my class' Class Rep. It's kinda funny how it started. I think I got the kinda of face for that kinda job because the class tutor zoomed in on me the very first time. I mean, how could I have rejected it?

Then now that I'm outta the scene, it's down to the classmates' choice, not lecturer's choice. And I heard the current class rep got sabotaged like hell. Well, I said classmates' choice already what...

If I get admitted into ITE Bedok, I don't know how I'll cope with the uniform. I'm very worried that I'll look bad because school uniforms have been deemed by moi as 'unflattering and ugly'. Which is true, okay!

One of my long-term goal is to look my best at all times.

So far, so good.

But if the uniform kicks in, I have no idea what kind of hell will break loose.

Then again, I find it almost impossible to picture myself being ugly and all. It's just so hard. Whenever I look into the mirror, I just go gleaming. 'Cos I am beautiful, no matter what they say. And no matter what I wear.

And all of a sudden, I'm reminded of the Giordano competition. I think the exhibitions on from tomorrow onwards. But I haven't heard anything from them. What's that means? Okay, I just got my phone number back in service also, but will they dump my entry just because I was uncontactable???

I exhausted my bling bling resources just for that. And it's freaking NON-RETURNABLE. Oh well, for the experience if I don't win anything.

I prefer gaining experience to gaining just knowledge.

Hairianto has plenty to say on that gaining knowledge thing. You can request him to give you a seminar or something. He charges reasonably.

Monday morning, I went down to NAFA and got rejected.

Got rejected despite being shameless.

Rejected by two ugly receptionists.

It's like triple slaps across my face, you know.

Still, I'm shameless.

Then further into the day, I opened the mail and found a letter from TP.

Saying, "We have given careful consideration to your application and regret to inform you that we are unable to offer you a place of study in the above course(s). Thank you for your interest in Temasek Polytechnic."

And I say, "F*** YOU LAH!"

So this morning, I went to ITE Bedok and applied for Digital Media Design.

The lady got a shock when she saw my results. She became speechless, literally.

Now I wait.

Missing

Okay, it's like one devastating news after another.

I lost my handphone yesterday. Yes, I lost my new Motorola L6.

I went to clear my bowels in the toilet. I left my L6 on the tissue dispenser. I cleaned and I happily left.

When I realised I didn't have my phone with me, DUH, too late. Some asswipe had already set off with his new found prize.

I called my own phone, and the asswipe still could pick it up and not make a noise. I stupidly talked nicely to him when I could've cursed him. Well, I wasn't thinking very well at the moment, you know. I was more like shocked.

Nevertheless, this lousy rat who pocketed my L6 will face dire consequences. Of course, not that I wish for him to die lah. I'm not so evil.

I JUST WISH FOR HIM TO SUFFER BAD LUCK THE REST OF HIS PATHETIC LIFE, OR WHATEVER'S LEFT OF IT!

I'm not evil, but I'm psychotic.

What goes around, comes around. Karma is the word, people.

I consider myself quite calm after such a heart wrenching loss. You know, all my candid shots with friends (but mostly alone), pictures of my artwork and all.

I think this is a very obvious sign that I should invest in a proper digicam.

But then meanwhile, I'm more concerned with getting a phone.

Which leads me to the Giordano Graphic Tee Design Competition.

I hope I win the Sony Ericsson phone. Because I submitted an entry anyhow!

I was thinking, just taking part gives me a chance. If I didn't, there was no chance at all. But then the results only come out on 27 April.

My design consists of a background with splattered paint in red, blue, green and yellow. In the centre, there is 3 hearts of different sizes, each shamelessly studded with bling bling (Duh, like you don't know me). Then there's this huge drip trail of red paint from the collar down. Right down the middle to merge with the hearts. I cut the hearts out from felt and studded lotsa bling on.

I intended wings behind too, but was too lazy. I had stayed up quite late the previous night to complete with finishing touches.

I hope I win myself a new phone.

It's a great thing to know that I am not alone. I have a couple of people I know who's, well, kinda stranded. You know, just hanging around, when we're 'supposed to' be studying.

Just something quirky to share with you: The other time, I needed to get the credit card from this lady customer. She flipped open her purse and asked me to help her take the card out because she just had her nails done. Yeah, nails done right before a movie. So cool, right?

Yesterday, I worked the midnight shift. It left me sleeping till 2 pm today. So shiok.

Yesterday, I was late for work because I was having lunch with Kalis and Hui Yi.

We were at Swiss Culture, at Suntec City Sky Garden.

Food portions like kena zapped by reduction laser. But the fondue was so much fun.

Because it was my first time having fondue. I was very excited. I gamely posed for Kalis' camera with my mouth full of chocolate. I was flashing my smile like a shameless bitch. Then I had one shot with chocolate on my lips. Then I looked like some freaky drag queen.

Before that, I went to Candy Empire at Millenia Walk and had a mini shopping spree. Candy Empire has recently become one of my favourite hang-outs. Especially after I discovered that it's only, literally, a stone's throw away from Carrefour. Eng Wah Cinemas above Carrefour. Therefore, Candy Empire is freaking near where I work.

Candy Empire sells like massive variety of sweets and chocolates. It's like heaven for sweet-tooths and hell for calorie-control freaks. They even have Wonka bars. I thought they only existed in the Willy Wonka movie.

Until Hairianto asked me to buy 20 Wonka bars for him. Actually, that was kinda the start of my constant patronage to Candy Empire.

And then I came to know that it was established by Indians. Cool.

But it is uncool to know that registration for Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts has closed. Nevertheless, I'll try to apply. Be shameless. Late and shameless. It's worth a shot. My cousin also asked me to just try. My cousin knew because my mother told her. My mother told her because she thinks I don't know what I'm doing. But she is wrong.

Last weekend, I went down the Motorola Service Centre to get the USB cable so I can transfer files from computer to phone. The person told me that stock would come the following week and that she would call me. But did I hear my phone ring? NO! Obviously, she lied. But I'm gonna give her till tomorrow, which happens to be the official one week after that day.

As each day passes, my thirst for design grows more intense. It sounds very strong. That's because IT IS!

Giordano has this Graphic Design Tee competition going on. Closing date tomorrow. I got to know about it like a little more than a week ago. I was very excited about it because I was urged to submit an entry. So I'm halfway through with the T-shirt design. But then I kinda lost the thrill for it. I don't feel like submitting the entry.

I stand a chance to win (well, if I submit an entry, that is) a Sony Ericsson phone and Giordano shopping vouchers. And winning entries get exhibited at Suntec City Tropics Atrium from 21 April. Goes on for a few days.

On Wednesday, the day when I found out the devastating news, I decided to pamper myself. And you know where I went? I went to my favourite diner, Billy Bombers!

At Century Square. And yes, ALONE.

I just had to order their jumbo hotdog. I can never get enough of their humongous hotdog. makes me feel like king instantly.

The freaking manager gave me a window seat, where every single schoolkid in unflattering school uniform could see me from my head to my toe. But I just took it anyhow.

Throughout my whole meal, I caught the service crew throwing constant glances at me. You know the worst thing? This irritating waitress decides to patrol the aisles to check on every table. She would kinda scrutinize the table. That made me a little uncomfortable. But since I'm pretty shameless, I continued stuffing the hotdog into my mouth. How I wanna eat my dog is for me to care. So is who I decide to eat with. In this case, nobody.

See ya.

Today I feel much better. Actually I was much better yesterday already because I overhauled my mindset. I have many doors open for me. I'm lucky that I see them.

Last night, I talked to my mother. And then I didn't feel like talking anymore, because she was all negative and stuff.

Then today, I suddenly thought of emancipating from my family. I know it's super crazy. I'm just letting you know what weird thoughts I have from time to time.

It actually paints a really perfect picture in my head.

Temasek Poly is making me wait. I could appeal, but I still have to wait. School terms starts, and I could still be waiting. I do not play the waiting game well.

Then I was thinking, take a look at the other open doors. And ITE came into the picture.

I've come to reognise that design is my life. It is what I do.

In Singapore, I am not afraid of not being able to receive education. But my mother thinks otherwise. She thinks what I'm doing is just fooling around. I was insulted.

But of course, this is serious stuff for me. I've never been this serious about something. I feel it in me. It's who I am. It is what I'm meant to do.

Therefore, I will pursue design. No Poly, then there's ITE.

People say I downgrade. They say I'm stupid. They say I'm wasting my time. They think I'm jumping off a cliff.

But's that's what they say, that's what they think. Not me, though.

I'm very proud that I live my life for myself, not for anyone else. It'll be otherwise pathetic.

I am not pathetic, I am not stupid.

But you probably think I'm pathetic and stupid.

Continue with that, it's how you think. I cannot change it.

Meanwhile, I'm happy with my life.

Offered Intake Admission Exercise: DAE
Status: Unsuccessful
Status Date: 07/04/2006 03:25:00 PM

Today, I bring devastating news.

Duh, you can read for yourself right?

-

On a happier note, I got myself a new phone! Motorola L6! I went completely crazy with the camera.

I love it because it's ultra slim, ultra cool. I feel that it is my phone, for once. A phone that's really me.

Last night, we went over to Hairianto's house to celebrate his birthday.

Very exclusive. Not in some public place, like others who are just desperate for attention.

Actually I'm quite freaked out now. Because I just found out my application status. On Monday, TP Design School called me and told me that the school is quite full, and I can only wait for people to back out and then I come into the picture.

Quite devastating, but I'll make sure they get me in. Maybe speak to some big shot or something.

Meanwhile, I'm moodless to blog more.

In my last entry, I was saying how I was ripping the company of its funds by working hellhole-y hours, and my working hours got reduced this week because of that?

Guess what? I was damn right.

From a reliable source, I've come to know that the company is kinda cutting back on labour costs. Second hand information, but highly accurate and reliable.

Tsk, tsk, these people...

Yesterday, I trawled the higher end shopping malls. I ransacked Guess, fcuk, Ralph Lauren, Zara and projectshop boutiques in town. That was as high up the branded ladder as I could bring myself to go.

It was exhilarating. And mind-blowing.

I didn't notice any furtive glances at me though. I was trawling Paragon like I owned the place. But seriously, window shopping won't hurt. Who cares what the people think. I may not be able to afford, but at least I can see and look, right?

Clothes from Guess are so freaking nice! I was very inspired after raiding the boutiques in Ngee Ann City, Paragon and Suntec City. What Marciano can do, I will be able to do. I have to press on!

On Saturday, I was at Billy Bombers at The Heeren. I just became a fan of Billy Bombers.

Because I couldn't help myself, I ordered a hotdog. I really wanted to see how it was like in American serving. I love hotdogs, by the way. And Hairianto hates it. 'Cause it reminds him of, well, whatever hotdogs remind you of. Think, member... What member? Goldmember, member... Yes, that...

Anyway, when it came, it just left me in shock. 'Cause it was really jumbo. It was like nothing you've ever seen. A hotdog of gargantuan proportion.

Beaming from ear to ear, I took my first bite and immediately felt ethereal.

Hairianto, on the other hand, was shuddering in disgust as I even took photos of it.

The huge dog costs me $11. I think it was worth the money. I went from famished to full in one sitting. Very impressive. Very memorable. Always brings new surprises.

Hey, recently the first Campus Superstar was born! Yay! Zhiyang, is it? I think he deserved it because he can sing, he can talk, and most importantly, he can act.

Not drama-act, act, but say-good-things-only-to-media act, act. They figured that he was probably the smartest of the lot. Plus he has the face that is unlikely to offend. The singing is just a bonus.

Did you see his face when he won? Cos I didn't. But I think he grinned like a child.

Suddenly I feel happy for him. Oh yes, he's very politically correct also. The producers were definitely looking out for that in their winner too. He's smart lah. Check out his blog: http://justme-willy.blogspot.com/

Tomorrow's my off day. It's perfect timing for a free day. I have like a gazillion things to do tomorrow. I got a couple of projects to embark on and I shall cram them in tomorrow. It's a long day ahead of me.

I see you, when I see you. DUH.

My Live Journal

Hairianto introduced me to LiveJournal.com.

He has since moved on from Blogger.com to LiveJournal.com.

And I just changed his link.

I was fiddling with my Live Journal too. Or L.J. in short, as they like to call it.

So I was fiddling with my L.J.

And the first thing that comes to your mind is?

I'm fiddling with my what?!?!

Yes, I'm fiddling with my L.J.

What do you ignorant people reckon L.J. is?

When I was still ignorant like you, L.J. means something rude in Hokkien.

It's like the Gbuy thingy from Google.

Anyways, it's quite confusing with my L.J.

I think I need more time to familiarise myself with it.

Maybe you wanna help?

Hairianto posts his wish list in his latest entry.

Therefore I shall go shopping today.

My work schedule this week is feeble.

I suppose they think I'm overworking myself. Which leads on to the company having to pay me more money. That is not a good thing.

So my working hours this week got reduced by at least 30%. I even have two off days, as compared to the usual one off day.

Today, I start work at 4 pm. Which leaves me pretty free for this half of the day.

Hairianto's birthday is in 8 days.

He is excited. So am I.

Duh, it's the big 18 leh.

Because he said I shouldn't be cheapskate in buying his prezzie, then I figured that I shouldn't.

So I'm going shopping in town.

The other time, I was over at Hairianto's house to steal.

Steal photos lah. He allowed it because I DO NOT HAVE A DIGICAM.

And then now, my freaking phone is giving me hell by giving me nothing.

It's always good timing to change it. But when?

When I grow old enough lor.

When I hit the life-turning 21.

Then me and my pals are gonna go travelling together. We plan to start saving up now. It's called, Double O - Operation Overseas.

Yes, Double O. Not dbl O.

Enough about Hairianto.

He must be grinning away like hell from all the free publicity.

Now it's about me.

What about me?

No idea, either.

Let's wait for the next brainwave.

Woo! Yayin's gonna be back from Shanghai in under 12 hours. And it all seems to be quite fast. She wasn't really gone that long.

Today is my off day. My only off day for this week. I'm a super workaholic. But then as I've said, since I enjoy what I do, it really isn't considered work. As such, time kinda just slips through and before you know it, it's the weekend once again!

Recently, I took a listen to the radio. Popular English station playing contemporary hits and Billboard chartbusters. It's been a couple of years since I listened to that station. After they had some major revamp, I just turned it off completely. Furthermore, I began shopping furiously for CDs. And the MP3 player came along and my CDs are pretty much what I listen to 24/7.

Okay, so when I tune in to the station, it's the late night show that's on. I'd be lying on my bed, with my earphones on, listening, listening and listening. Very comfortably, I'll just fall asleep as a soothing voice continues on with boring and hyptonic topics.

Yes, that's Mr Hypnotic for you.

He's such a freaking boring jock.

But the producers were quite smart though. It's like the easiest way to hike up listenership. Well, listenership with the insomniacs, that is.

I could almost see people gathered at the Insomniac Club sharing their ideas and opinions, then this excited man comes up and say,

I think y'all should take a listen to this radio station that my daughter listens to. I overheard it the other night and for my first night in 10 years, I fell asleep like a baby without having to pop those pills!

He takes out a recording of the radio programme and played it for all to hear. Duh, before you know it, all the insomniacs are like sprawled on the ground, deep in slumber.

Ladies and gentlemen, Mr Hypnotic with you on 789fm, your companion to sleeping like a baby.

-

I was just looking at my face, then I thought, "Wah lau, I think I not fated to have good skin siah,"

My friend was kinda given this job opportunity as a cosmetics girl. Then she told me, "But I thought you need perfect skin to do such job?"

I was like, "It doesn't matter, just try it,"

Then just recently, what she said came to my mind and I was like thinking, "Well, she could be out there showing people that you don't need to have perfect skin to be able to put on make-up."

Then again, what do I know about make-up anyway?

However, I'd like to discover what a concealer stick can do wonders for me. This face of mine is so terrible. Once I outrightly says that it's getting better, it simply gets worse the very next day.

Thankfully for me, I understand that Fate has to be fair. It's only a shame when Fate is fairer to some and less fair to others.

-

Last night, I was working the midnight shift. And very unfortunately, I was doing main cashier. That meant lotsa stock counting, sales settlement, blah blah. This isn't something I was good at. In fact, I'm a total ass at it. But I managed to round up everything at 1 am.

After that, I decided to take the night rider bus home. After walking to Bugis, I had second thoughts and hailed a cab.

Then I realised that I had 13 dollars on me. I figured that should be enough. But hell it wasn't.

The taxi ended up having to take a longer route. I spent all my 13 dollars on the cab fare and I still had to freaking walk a freaking 12 minutes home!

Damn these itchy feet. Like I wasn't weary enough.

I reached home all sweaty and hot and tired. After a shower, I plopped onto my bed and got on with sleeping. This time, there wasn't any Shan Wee to soothe me to sleep. I was plain worn out.

Then today I woke up fresh and watched TV and decided to paint on a T-shirt.

I painted two black clouds, each with their own impressive lightning bolt and in between, an angry face. Because I cannot paint real life eyes, I made the guy wear shades. It's so much easier for me. And whaddya know, of course I splattered some paint on the overall design. Just tiny specks of paint. Unfortunately, I ran out of superglue to stud on my precious bling.

Come to think of it, if every one of my T-shirt has bling-bling, wouldn't it be like an obsession already?