On Monday, I submitted my drawings (2 working days late) for grading.

You know the best thing about one-on-one consultation with a lecturer, an experienced one in this case, is that you get tips on how to score well.

For the drawings I submitted, they were 'too flat, lack of tonal variation, presentation very bad, show no effort'.

The lecturer said I should try drawing perishable goods. Like fruits and hardy vegetables.

So I bought a couple of bittergourds and drew them for the following assignment which I submitted today.

Not much effort in particular, especially when I was watching American Idol while drawing.

BUT! the lecturer said that there is definitely improvement from the previous assignment.

Phew! After talking to him personally, I had to show some improvement.

I can so read him. He hates it when students say that they know, but still commit the same mistakes.

He had said that I could definitely draw, just that I needed to fine tune certain aspects. That made my day, most definitely. DUH!

This air pump thing is getting outta hand. Even my classmates have air pumps! I think I'll burst some time soon. But meanwhile, I will enjoy the moment.

It is my moment.

(Hahahaha!....)

Then I discovered that I'm technically the eldest in class.

I believe that is a good thing because I like to feel like I'm king.

(Hahahaha!....)

So today in drawing class, I unleashed a tinge of my sarcasm and received over-reactions.

The lecturer was showing us examples of good work and bad work. Then there was this particular drawing that looked kinda blurry, like there was fog or something.

So I said (quite loudly), "I think the person forgot to wear specs ar, cos the drawing is blur one,"

And I got some intense glares. This guy beside jabbed me in the side and told me to keep quiet.

Of course, I just went laughing.

On second count, the drawing module leader, a petite female lecturer, came into the drawing studio. I am quite casual with her because I kinda know her. But the rest didn't.

So when she stood among us, I said (quite loudly), "Whoa, she blend in siah!"

Obviously, she didn't hear what I said. But the rest did. They were like all glares and disbelief.

The faces did all the talking. They said, "How could you be so disrespectful? You crazy or what?!"

And I say (very loudly in my heart), "Gosh, you all are even more no-life than me siah! And wait till I fully unleash my mean streak. Y'all are in for some fun!~"

I am a mean and sarcastic person. BUT FOR A GOOD CAUSE.

Yes, being mean and sarcastic can still do good, FY-freaking-I.

I like to defend the weak and helpless. The get preyed on by the Meanies(not for good cause) and Bullies.

Therefore, I am there to shoo away these brats. The best way to counter Meanies and Bullies is to do it their way.

It's gonna sound very ambitious and very exaggerated, but I am standing up for the weak and eliminating the baddies.

Think Robin Hood.

(Hahahaha!....)

In my class, there's a trio-clique of girls. Two of them are very loud. Kinda like the bitch in my previous class, only 50% more loud-hailing and bitchiness.

One's an infamous foul-mouth. The other's the 'radio'.

No one really likes their vapid babbling, but no one rebuts them either. Hence, they think they can throw their weight around.

But hey! Here comes me!

I'll do everyone a great big favour!

Look, I am not particularly good at using colours on my drawings. Plus, my usual doodles are very 2-D. The drawings that I am required to draw need to look 3-D.

On Tuesday, during Concept Development class, I drew a full tonal drawing of some pineapples. Meaning black and white only. Very comfy for me. I absolutely love black and white. Very pure, very real, very cool.

But we had to transform that black and white drawing to a full colour one.

I went, "That's it, I'm screwed,"

But something came over me that day. I've never tried using colour until that lesson. My coloured pencils were brand new when I used them.

Well, all I can say is, I am a natural artist.

When the lecturer saw my black/white drawing, he was damned impressed. When I started on my coloured version, he was even more impressed.

Midway into the class, the lecturer left the classroom to chat with another lecturer.

Suddenly, I found both of them hovering over me from the corridor. (I was sitting by the window, which was plain clear glass panels. Hence, they could see what I was doing.)

I looked up and the other lecturer gave me that "You're doing great!" look.

So I waved back and felt myself floating into air. Remember the air pumps??

So here's my work, "Pineapples at 99 cents":

It's a Saturday and I'm bored at home.

I've spent 4 straight hours surfing the Net.

And I am getting more bored as time pass.

I tried doing an online purchase of a book using my new debit card, but there seems to be some glitches.

Whatever.

So I was reading up on Mohawks:

A Mohawk screams for attention. A Mohawk screams "F**K YOU". Because it stands up straight, it kinda replicates The Finger...

Whoa! I LIKE...

But my Mohawk don't exactly scream, you know. Rather, I think my Mohawk only manages a weak cough up of 'F**K YOU'.

Yet, people give me stares when I'm out in public. Like what? They no life or what?

In school, a couple of people exclaimed, "Nice hair,"

But I'm way smarter than that. The underlying message is strong.

Yesterday, I went out shopping for things again.

First I went to IKEA. I got myself a nice lamp so that I could properly illuminate my drawing subjects. My drawing lecturer said that it'll be easier to pick up the highlights and contrast this way. He's damn right. Then, very obviously, I had to buy their hotdog! IKEA hotdogs are good! But I coulda bet my life that they shrunk their sausage.

Then I went to Art Friend at Takashimaya. I much prefer the one at Bras Basah Complex, but I kinda made friends with the auntie at the Taka branch, so I feel kinda obliged to go there. Furthermore, she's a nice lady and she renders help voluntarily. And it always makes things easier with familiar faces.

Next, I went to Suntec, hoping to catch a free movie. Well, I tried my best in hoping already. I have no idea why the company 'rewards' us with complimentary passes when all these complimentary passes come hardlocked with absurd terms and conditions. I'm quite fed-up with this. Hence, I burnt away all my complimentary passes. Yes, I really burned them. I cannot stand the sight of insincerity and these complimentary passes reflect nothing but insincerity hyped up to the limit.

This point in time, my Mohawk stands up at its tallest and straightest. You know what I mean...

After my brief appearance in Suntec, I walked to Art Friend at Bras Basah Complex because I needed to stock up on paint. I am smart because Daler-Rowney acrylics get 20% off only at Bras Basah's Art Friend.

But much to my dismay, the bling-bling is out of stock! It's been outta stock for some time now. I suppose they flew off the shelves after I bought them.

And yes! You can walk from Suntec to Bras Basah Complex. It's not quite as far as you think. Bugis is the perfect place to be if you ask me. It's very nice how everything is set up there. Very maze-y and full of cool things tucked into the nooks and crannies.

So from Bras Basah Complex, you cut through Seah Street.

While cutting through Seah Street, I noticed a cool signboard saying 'Actually'.

But you know how shophouses are intimidating right? So you see a cool sign and it directs you up the cramped and steep stairs to your right. You look up and you're unsure of what lies upstairs. So duh, you give it a pass.

But it's these places that you discover diamonds in the rough.

Then I read that 'Actually' is well, actually a boutique.

These boutiques in shophouses seldom stand out. I've walked through that street for so many times, but never noticed it being there.

Sometimes, you have to slow down and really look at the things around you.

Yay! I'm officially 18 already. I'm legal.

So on Thursday, I met up with my friends in the evening, after a long day in school.

That day didn't exactly start well.

I woke up early to rush a couple of assignments. Obviously, I didn't really complete them. So I g a teeny weeny bit frantic and flustered.

Moreover, I was supposed to submit a plethora of sketches for grading, which I failed to do miserably. I'm lagging quite far behind in drawing.

And the most irritating thing is, the drawing module holds 6 FREAKING CREDIT UNITS! I'm so screwed up...

When I left house for school, I was already feeling quite dejected.

Very strangely, I took quite a long time to feel good again. And whaddya know? I get some great news later in the day.

I was in Colour Theory class. The lecturer returned me my 'Colour Wheel' assignment.

I GOT A BIG FAT 'A'!!!

This classmate saw my colour wheel and went ga-ga over it. Believe me, he literally went ga-ga over my top-notch painting skills. Consequently, he worshipped my colour wheel.

He asked, "What if I destroyed this colour wheel?" (grins)

I replied, "Oh, then I just make another one lor," (straight-faced)

**************

People like to ask me, "You like Black EYE Peas ar?"

I'd reply, "No, I LOVE Black EYED Peas!"

It's Black Eyed Peas for goodness' sake. I tolerate people coming up to me and say, "Hey, I didn't know black eye peas got 'd' in the 'eye' one!"

That's because your Enggrish cannot make it...

**************

On Wednesday, I went for a haircut!

You're thinking, "Haircut only what..."

But this time, I got a taller Mohawk.

I NEVER admit to sporting a Mohawk. I just want to have a cool hairstyle.

So I was describing what I wanted to my haircutter.

And she went, "So you want Mohawk lah!"

(exasperated and cocks an eyebrow)

"Yes."

Hence, I now sport a Mohawk, whether I like to admit it or not...

The next day, which was my birthday, I strode out in style.

My drawing lecturer was like, "Aiyo, why you sport this type of hairstyle? So wild, don't suit you,"

I just laughed it off, though a myriad of bitchy thoughts came into mind.

There was this once I saw a picture of a girl with a big orange Mohawk. I immediately fell in love with the look. I'm kinda working towards that, whether YOU like it or not.

Then on one episode of Superband, Belinda Lee got an Afro-Mohawk. Super cool.

**************

Talking about Superband, I think it's a really good show.

Good in a fashion kinda way.

The stylists are superb!

Every episode, you're dazzled by bling-bling on the hosts.

They are ALWAYS SHAMELESSLY AND HEAVILY DRAPED IN ED HARDY!

My goodness! It is not fair!

But it definitely ignites and excites my senses.

Talk about good clothes and impeccable style, Channel U's Superband is top-notch!

It's very inspiring for me.

VERY inspiring.

On Satuday morning, I went to Art Friend and got my easel and gigantic clipboard.

It's like finally, I have my own home drawing studio!

I reckon that I'm a smarty-ass because on Saturday, I was working the midnight shift. Which means I get reimbursement for my cab fare. Which means my bulky barang-barang gets free transportation home!

I'm best at taking advantage of situations.

Yesterday, I helped Hairianto with stencilling.

Hence, he now has another 'Made in BOSNIA' tee dished out in gold letterings on a black background.

I also borrowed his digicam so that I could take narcissistic photos of myself.

Believe it or not, it's all part of my school assignment.

Wahaha!.. I'm so loving what I'm doing.

This huge assignment is titled, "Self Portrait"

SELF PORTRAIT!!!

*hyperventilates*

The best thing is, it is completely freestyle! Meaning I can go all crazy and wacky.

Then there's dumb and boring people out there who asks stupid questions like, 'Need to draw specs?', 'Need to draw hair?', 'Can use what?' and many other senseless questions.

The poor lecturer answered, 'It's all up to you,' to all the questions.

These no-brainers just have to disgrace themselves like that in a mass lecture hall.

Truth is, I'm very prejudiced against people younger than me.

Fact is, most coursemates are younger than me.

It's very irritating.

On Thursday, I started to express my dislike for that freaking loudhailer-bitch.

And she was like, "Wah lau, you today a bit attitude lehx.."

Luckily for me, I start lessons in a new class today.

It's really not all that bad, you know...

Last night, I dreamt that I was offered a place in TP. And I accepted it. Then I felt a nagging urge to reject them because I kinda like it in NYP. In the end, I woke up.

Haha!... I know, short dream.

The point is, TP can take their time to figure out what that Finger of mine means. They can wallow in self-pity for the rest of their lives for not taking me in.

Because right now, I'm so loving NYP.

Never in my life have I looked forward to going school.

It's like a vehicle, fuelled by passion and driven by motivation.

This particular guy asked me, 'You not sian meh? Come to school everyday and face all these boring stuff?'

I went, 'No,' and grinned like nobody's business.

Back to the vehicle analogy..

I feel that I'm alone, though. I think I'm very alone in the 'fuelled by passion and driven by motivation' thingy.

I believe that my vehicle fits one only. And that one seat has been taken by me. I am comfortable alone. After all, why do I wanna hang out with kids anyways?

Somehow, I feel very special. It's my time, you know...

Talking about me, it brings me to the calendar.

On Thursday, I turn 18.

I mean, I TURN 18!!!

So very exciting! I'm finally there, you know. Not barely there or nearly there, but THERE THERE!

I get to meet up with my dear friends too. I have my favourite drawing class on that day too. I'll be at my favourite diner too. I'll be looking good (as always) too.

I don't know why, but all things good seem to be happening to me. You could say that life is unfair. I totally agree too... because I'm on the better end of the unfairness scale.

This morning, I had drawing class again!

I am by far the most enthusiastic artist around.

I go to drawing class fully prepared. Most would say I'm kiasu, but frankly, I'm just well prepared and well stocked with drawing paper.

When the wise lecturer told us to draw more stuff, there were people who said they didn't have paper.

And the reason they didn't have paper is because they only started with one miserable piece.

And you know where that miserable piece came from?

Someone else.

The kids in this class are quite atrocious.

Like being labelled 'kids' is not bad enough, they have to be 'atrocious' kids.

That's how bad it is.

I didn't take long to tell.

You know how I despise human leeches, right?

It's like, "What are these kids becoming nowadays?"

Marcus is a classmate. We used to be in the same class in lower secondary.

Marcus is different in most ways. But generally, he's nice and harbours zero ill intentions.

The f*cking bastards in class, hence, take him for granted and leech off him.

So in all, they are atrocious f*cking bastard kids-leeches.

Enough of all these trashy people.

We move on the the people with more spunk and sophistication at the same time.

That's gotta be ME, thank you very much...

Like getting a late enrolment and late start in semester is not bad enough, I'm being bounced around from class to class by the school!

It's kinda sucky how the whole system operates.

So right now, the online records show that I'm in Tutorial Group 8, while I've been told a week ago that I'll join Group 10.

A while ago, the wise drawing lecturer called me to ask about my name appearing in more than one class list. And what? I was supposed to know what was going on?!

Then again, it's not really my problem.

Just think. How many students have the privilege of class hopping? How many students have the privilege to mix with people of the different tutorial groups?

Therefore, it is my privilege.

Furthermore, I can feign confusion and stall more time for me to finish up my plethora of sketches.

This is called working to the situation's advantage.

Sane people who graduate from 'O' Level will never in a million lightyears think of enrolling in an ITE.

I am not sane.

I have enrolled myself in an ITE prior to this.

It had been a great experience.

Mdm Rashida, Section Head of Digital Media Design at ITE Bedok, had got her boss, Ms Yeo Sock Tin, Director of School of InfoComm at ITE MacPherson, to appeal my case to NYP.

NYP took me in.

My gung-ho actions made me cross path with the right people.

When I spoke to Mdm Rashida, she had said that it was TP's loss that they rejected me. Furthermore, I hadn't met the correct person.

But that Ms Yeo, boy, she had connections! She knew the 'industry people' and there I was in NYP.

Mdm Rashida told me that she'd consider me as on of her students and that after my graduation, Ms Yeo would welcome me if I'd like to join their teaching force.

*smug*

*more smug*

*even more smug*

Talk about job prospects!

*smug*

*more smug*

Talk about meeting the right people!

*smug*

As my smugness subsides, I'd like to mention that being in NYP, I feel like I am the Salvation.

Salvation for the Weak and Frail.

I don't know if you've noticed, but there are some really weak and dependent people around you.

They cannot live alone. They cannot stand tall. They speak of nothing. They are the Weak and Frail.

I just happened to notice a couple of these people, and no one seems to be lending a hand. It kinda bugs my conscience (yes, I do have a conscience, FYI,). So I was just thinking, why not help?

It feels good to be nice, unlike some irritating bitch in my class.

Appearance wise, she is not bad. That is, until she starts talking.

When I first noticed her in class (trust me, it's not difficult to notice her unless you're deaf), I was like, "Wow! This girl packs some punch!"

First impressions last. Hers didn't.

A couple of days with this bitch in class, she turns from 'This girl packs some punch' to 'This girl deserves some punch'.

I am not kidding.

She is so loud! Too loud for her own good.

I've never met a genuinely dumb bitch.

Now I have.

You know what I really feel like doing?

I really feel like giving myself a few tight slaps.

Do you know it's very irritating to keep procrastinating assignments?

Then all you can do is sit and watch your backlog of assignments snowball into a humongous pile of work...

That's when the short-cuts come in.

On Friday, during drawing class, the lecturer said that people who use short-cuts are people who utilise their brains.

Therefore, contrary to popular belief, I'm actually quite an avid user of my brain.

I take the lecturer's words to heart because he is a wise old man.

I take experienced people very seriously.

When my new classmates found out that my 'O' Level aggregate point is only a meagre single digit, they started seeing me differently.

All they could say was, "Smart lah, you! Wah lau, so smart still here.."

That's what I call discrimination.

It hurts me to discover that majority of the people there are very stereotypical.

It hurts me even more that majority of the people there are boring.

In the previous class in NYP, all the people talked about was DOTA, DOTA and DOTA only.

And you know what kills me?

Majority of the people there have the fucked up attitude towards learning.

I have wondered very hard why they're even there.

And freshies will always be freshies.

They are like kan chiong spiders.

Cannot hand up late work, cannot be late for class, cannot miss lecture, must attain 100% attendance, blah, blah..

But then when I see the work that they hand up, it's like shit.

As though they did their work with their eyes closed and brain shut down.

Now that I'm doing so much drawing assignments, I've come to really believe in the principle, "Either you hand in work with effort or you don'thand in at all."

Seriously, drawing is a feeling thing. And drawing what you see is very challenging.

I am not kidding.

Taking design is not easy. It is still hard work.

In fact, I think it's more taxing because you end up using your brain more.

I'm beginning to feel myself becoming an artist.

Right now, I'm like totally sucky at drawing from observation.

And the assignments just keep coming.

The psycho lecturers are just out to wipe us out.

Scheming bitches, they are.

I find myself enjoying drawing class very much.

Even though I kinda suck at it, I still love attending the three hours of it.

The most comforting thing to know is that despite the many people who are much better at drawing than I am, there are plenty more that are much worse at it than I am.

Sometimes, I think I'm Superman.

I've been working for such long hours that I don't have time to do my long overdue assignments.

Plus it's not like I've completed all my administrative procedures.

For so much trouble, I question if it's all worth it or not.

But I guess it should be worth all the trouble because thinking of what I can do after I acquire the skills just gives me the chills.

Good chills.

Anything that gives good chills is definitely worth everything.

Yes! I'm back!

It's been quite hectic the past week or so.

Even before I can say 'Ahh', I was already thrown into class at NYP. Then there's the horrible enrolment procedures.

And you know the worst thing? I have also a backlog of assignments hurled at me.

But at least they were all drawing assignments.

For once, I feel at ease with what I am doing. It is definitely me.

I've never done so much drawing in my life. It still takes some getting used to. But overall, I'm enjoying myself.

Drawing is a very feeling-dependent thing to me.

I keep telling myself that I have 10 different sketches to submit and 100% of the time, I end up with nothing but frustration.

You see, once I start seeing things as 'assignments' and 'obligations', I automatically harbour intense hatred for it.

I have to feel good before I can draw. And I assure you, once I get started on the drawing, nothing matters more. Not even food.

This is my second week in school, although it's officially third week into semester one. I was a week late, thank you very much.

The beginning of this week, I was posted into a permanent class. The people were a much better bunch as compared the the previous class I was attached to. Thank god it was only temporary with that class. I'm very glad that I got assigned to a better bunch of people.

As a design student (I can finally finally call myself a design student!!!), I realised that I should take a hell of a lot pride in my presentation.

Presentation of myself. How I dress myself up.

So it's very inspiring when I flip through fashion catalogues. I feel as though a great deal of inhibitions have been thrown out of the way. I feel free. I feel open. I feel adventurous.

But you know the one thing I cannot stand? Pairing a denim jacket with denim jeans. ALL IN THE SAME FREAKING SHADE! It hits a big fat ZERO in the style meter without much thought. Plus it gives the very 'wannabe' look. I'm all out against it.

Then there's the hair issue. A certain bombastic and spastic male lecturer spent 30 minutes of a 2-hour tutorial addressing the group on how to dress and how not to dress. Specifically, he said, "Guys, if you wanna keep long hair, NYP is not the place for you. If you wanna get outstanding colours for your hair, NYP is not the place for you."

Instantly, I felt a tingle in that finger of mine as hot blood rushed through my veins and the nervous impulses grew strong.

Then again, whatever.

Throughout his 'pep-talk' speech, I was smirking non-stop. I was incredulous at how ridiculous he was.

I remember on my first day, I met a very interesting lecturer already. The best thing was, we did a small exercise on concept development and he acknowledged my creativity in expressing ideas. It's like, you know, he brought an air pump along, stuck the nozzle in my head and began pumping furiously? I didn't know it felt so good...

The first thing I noticed about Mr Juinn, sadly, was his poorly-masked receding hairline. Then I noticed his futuristic orange specs. (I'm not in his class now, but I saw him the other day and he was wearing this futuristic transparent specs.) He is definitely a Design lecturer. Looks the part.

That's why, I said, "Presentation is the KEY."

Well, it's not just me that's saying that. I remember Mr Juinn implying that too. He's kinda weird, that's why he's fun. I can totally relate to that. Plus, he brought that 'air pump' to my first class in NYP! How could I not mention him?!?!

And he is by far the most interesting person I have met, apart from when I look into the mirror, that is.

There's the other lecturers too. But they're boring. You know, no bitchy comments, no quirky dress sense, no cheesy taglines, no nothing. Just plain boring.

I so look forward to meeting bitchy lecturers with cutting edge lingo that can drive me crazy. Frankly, I just need someone to open up my Channel of Sarcasm. Its about time to let it flow!