Freedom

Because the day I've been waiting for is finally today. (:

Sweet, sweet freedom..which came at a heavy price in the form of an impossibly difficult FP1 paper!

I could go on and on about how terribly hard the paper was and that I'm doomed to get a B at best but I shall not (this is me trying not to think about it).

From today onwards, I've got 11days to fully indulge in whatever I want.

So many things to do, so little time.

Another One Bites The Dust

And we're all done with Econs4. (:

Easy enough paper though there were some complications.

My nails were long enough to hinder my writing which was probably the worst thing since writing fast is only the most important thing after the actual facts for Econs4.

An hour and 15mins is seriously not enough time and I was writing way too slow.

Thank heavens though, my slow is still quite fast. (:

Finished the paper with 20mins to spare (was feeling rather proud with myself), added a couple of diagrams plus extra points to my first section and then decided to count the marks which suddenly didn't add up.

And then at 7.55, I discovered question 12E which was worth 9marks.

Once again, thank heavens for that 5min which was just enough for me to complete the question. Phewww.

Now, all that's left is M2 and FP1.

Lucky non-Further Maths students are all free already. Pfft.

Birthday at Bijou

Chinese New Year won't be the only thing happening on the 26th of this month.

Well, not for my family at least because the 26th is also my dad's birthday. (:

However, thanks to the fact that I'll be sitting for my Econs4 paper, we had to move up the celebrations to last night.

And the restaurant of choice was none other than Bijou.

Located in Mont Kiara, I've passed by this quaint little restaurant so many times but until yesterday, I'd never ventured in.

The interior of the restaurant sported a sophisticated yet cosy look. White floorboards, white furniture, sheer crimson drapes and tea light candles produced a lovely ambiance.

There were so many items on the menu that I would've loved to try but in the end, these won over.

Duck Confit Tart

The taste of mustard (especially dijon!) doesn't quite

agree with me and since this tart was loaded with it along

with onion chutney, port and balsamic reduction, I didn't

quite enjoy it (the parents did however).

Classic Caesar

Quite possibly one of the best Caesar Salads that I have

ever tasted. Instead of the typical smoke salmon or chicken,

they offered instead; sauteed garlic prawns and bacon.

Very very very yummy.

Parfait of Chicken and Duck Liver

Creamy and smooth which is just the way I like it. Served

with buttery homemade toasted brioche.

Chef's Special of the Day - Braised Oxtail

Before I start on the oxtail, let me say this; the mashed

potato was quite possibly the best I've ever had. The

oxtail was equally as delicious, soft and tender meat which

was infused with a sweet flavour.

Linguine Duck Confit

Not your typical pasta as it had an Asian twist, with

shitake mushrooms and a delightful soy honey glaze.

For a moment there, it reminded me of a typical Chinese

noodle dish. Delicious nevertheless.

Seared Duck Breast

Most places usually overcook their duck breasts until the

meat ends up a little too dry but this dish was quite the

opposite - slightly undercooked, which was great since

the meat was very tender. Not forgetting the homemade

marmalade which complimented it very well.

Spaghetti Herb Breadcrumb

Nothing to shout about here. Basically, your typical aglio

olio with the unique addition of breadcrumbs.

Bijou Chocolate Sampler; Black Forest Mouse, Flourless

Chocolate Cake and Honeycomb Nugget

I found the cake to be mediocre though the mouse was light

and quite yummy. My favourite of the three though, would

have to be the nugget. I swear, if Crunchies tasted like those,

I'd have a fridge full of em.

Bijou Mess

Fresh strawberries and almond flakes garnished the

layers of raspberry coulis and whipped cream while

meringue balls provided the extra dose of sweetness.

Killer Black and Whites

If you know me well enough, you'll know that I have a strong make that very strong love for heels.

Hey, anything that makes your legs look longer and slimmer is good, no? (:

Presenting the

Killer Black and Whites Collection
from Clothesbucket

The Oxfords
"...a perfect combination of androgyny, couture and style, The Oxfords from our Killer Black and White heels collection is made for strutting down the streets looking like you just stepped off the catwalk."

The Artsy Fashionista
"... a pair that looks like it's splashed with black paint which then drips forward to the front- and by doing so, incidentally creating an illusion of longer legs. it's perfected with a glossy finish, resulting in a pair of heels no one will be able to take their eyes off"

*All photos and captions credit to Clothesbucket*

I couldn't resist, I had to buy them. And now that I've got them, I'm so in love that it's bordering on obsession.

Time to prance around my room in my new babies! (:

Movie Musts

One of the first things I absolutely must do when freedom comes (just one week more!) is reacquaint myself with the World of Film.

I've been deprived for months! The last time I went to the movies was last year (which was really just a month ago).

Here are several films that I absolutely have to watch.


Changeling - this Academy Award nominated thriller stars Angelina Jolie who plays the role of Christine Collins, a mother who realises that the boy returned to her after her son's disappearance is an imposter.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - based on the 1921 short story of the same name, Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett star in this Academy Award nominated film. Brad Pitt plays Benjamin Button, a man born with the appearance and physical limitations of a 86 year old who grows younger day by day.

Bride Wars - Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson star in this romantic comedy as two best friends, Liv and Emma who are brides-to-be. When unforseen circumstances occur, the two find themselves in an all-out-war as they fight for their dream weddings.

Inkheart - Brendan Fraser plays the role of Mortimer "Mo" Folchart who has the extraordinary gift of bringing characters from books to life when he reads aloud. However, this gift comes with a price; when a character is brought to life from a book, a real person disappears into its pages.

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans - this prequel traces the origins of the centuries-old blood feud between the aristocratic vampires and the Lycans. With Kate Beckinsale missing from the cast in this installment of the Underworld series, can Rhona Mitra (playing the role of Sonja) possibly fill in the role of the female lead?

Bedtime Stories - Adam Sandler's first appearance in a Disney film shows him playing the role of Skeeter Bronson, a hotel handyman who brings stories to life (somewhat similar to Inkheart).

Yes Man - Jim Carrey plays the role of Carl Allen, a guy who signs up for a self help program. Carl promises to stop being a "No Man", and to answer "Yes!" to every opportunity; request; or invitation that presents itself.

Just 3 More

The lack of updates just screams neglect, doesn't it?

My apologies but, I'm currently in Nerd-Mode which simply does not include blogging daily. That's right.

Anywaaaay, here ends the second week of exams!

Tuesday, 13th
Physics Practical (3.45-8.00pm)

Thursday, 15th
Core Maths 3 (2.00-3.30pm)
Physics 3 (7.30-8.00pm)

Friday, 16th
Economics 3 (2.30-3.00pm)

Monday, 19th
Core Maths 4 (6.30-8.00pm)

Wednesday, 21st
Physics 4 (2.10-3.30pm)
Statistics 2 (6.30-8.00pm)

Monday, 26th
Economics 4 (6.45-8.00pm)

Thursday, 29th
Mechanics 2 (2.00-3.30pm)

Friday, 30th
Further Pure Maths 1 (6.30-8.00pm)

Seven down, three to go!
I can almost taste freedom. (:

I Hate Exams

If you don't fall under the categories of "The Nerd" or "The Genius", you would probably agree with me as well.

I hate exams.
I loathe exams.
I detest exams.
I abhor exams.
I despise exams.

And you know what else I hate about exams?

Exam season is binge season.

It's a period of excessive and uncontrolled indulgence in snacking. Yes that's right, I'm on an eating binge.

Oh my god, I think I'm gonna grow fat. ):

Ke Wei Crocs

This is me taking a break from studying.

Somehow or another, I'd totally convinced myself I was prepared for my Econs Unit3 paper a couple of days ago.

Until last night, someone asked me a MPC question and I had no clue what the answer.

So, now it's time to cram.

And on a totally unrelated note, presenting the winning video of the Thank Heavens for Crocs competition.

Do take your time to watch it as quality and humour are guaranteed (it did win 10k after all).

And now, back to Econs. Ugh..

Today Is The Day

In less than 3hrs, my first paper starts.

Can't wait to get it over and done with so I can do this:

Tuesday, 13th
Physics Practical (3.45-8.00pm)

Yeap, small things like this make me happy. (:

Edit:

I'm done with paper number1 (ooh, that ryhmes)!

Even if I royally mess up my Physics Unit 3, I swear I won't retake it. Quarantine sucks big time. ):

A Dress-y Affair

I first saw this pretty dress at the Karen Millen outlet in Gardens.

I'm not sure how long I stood outside the store, staring up to the mannequin wearing possibly one of the most prettiest dresses I'd seen, but I reckon it was pretty long because the sales attendant asked me if I would like to come in. Yeah, embarrassing I know.

Standing a couple of feet away, I'd thought the dress was pretty but standing up close, it was gorgeous.

Sheer beige chiffon sparkling with an array of silver sequins formed the first asymmetrical layer which draped over the black satin lining.

But of course, I knew such a gorgeous dress would come with an equally gorgeous price tag.

I took a peek and 3 zeros (before the dot mind you) stared mockingly back at me.

That's when my dream of owning that perfect dress ended.. until last Friday. (:

If you've been to the new revamped Bangsar Shopping Center, you'll know that several designer outlet shops have become temporary tenants there.

And one of those aforementioned designer outlets is none other than Karen Millen.

And gracing the front window was none other than my dream dress.

Now, I would've walked right past, to spare myself the agony of not being able to make the dress my own but 4letters (S, A, L & E) caught my eye and before I knew it, I was walking right in.

Even though there was a sale, I didn't dare to hope for much of a discount. Perhaps 30-40% if I was lucky?

I searched for the price tag (a little frantically, I must say) and was greeted by the sight of a round green sticker.

"Excuse me, what does a green sticker mean?"
"Green sticker is 70% miss."
"SEVENTY PERCENT!!?"
"Y-y-yes!"

Poor salesgirl. I think my outburst shocked her. Heehee.

Seventy percent off was unbelievable. Mental maths gave me an estimated figure of around 4hundred.

"I'd like to try it please."
"Miss, that's a size12."
"Oh..Is there any other size?"
"No miss, this is the last piece."
"WHAT!!?"

A freaking size12 which is like two whole sizes bigger (though I probably wouldn't mind being a size12 just to wear that dress)!

However, I couldn't bring myself to not try it on. Who knows, I might have ballooned up over the past few weeks, right?

Once I put the dress on, I felt like a princess. A princess who decided to slip into her obese mother's nightgown. Yes, it was way too big for me.

And then I remembered the wonders of altering. There was hope yet. (:

Until I realised; some of the sequins were missing and stray threads were poking out everywhere. The dress was clearly not in good condition and buying it would be a very very dumb move.

And that's when my dream of owning that perfect dress ended.. again.. probably for good. ):

Untitled

I don't usually blog when I'm emo, I usually go to you but I guess there's a first time for everything.

Because I've given you everything and now I'm empty inside.

Unbelieved.
Uncared.
Unloved.
Unwanted.

That's me..or how I feel at least.

Oh my God, I sound so fucking emo.

Soak Republic

Is the name, "Soak Republic" foreign to you?

If not, then good for you! You're already acquainted with the world of online shopping and the treasures it has to offer. (:

However, if you're completely clueless, do yourself a favour by clicking here.

Soak Republic is an online handmade jewellry boutique which offers fantastic pieces at fantastic prices.

A couple of days back when they launched one of their latest collections; Uno-a-Kind, I fell in love with two very unique pieces.

Love it? Hate it? Wouldn't be caught dead wearing it?

Whatever your answer is, it doesn't matter because they're mineminemine.

I couldn't resist, I had to buy them. (:

Go get your own Soak Republic piece today!

PS. They've just launched a new collection; The Glorious Kingdom, which has some fancy gold and silver pieces (one of them's a snake) for less than RM25.

Quarantine

I've always been thankful for the fact that my parents gave me my christian name, Rachel.

Sure, it's pretty common (I know about another 20 other Rachels) but it sure as hell beats my chinese name. Yes, I do have a problem with my chinese name and I would disown it if I could.

And it came along with a few perks.

Since R is near the end of the alphabet, I'd usually be at the bottom half of name lists.

Which meant; 3rd shift for Physics Practical!
Which meant; no quarantine!
Which meant; not being cooped up for hours with nothing to do.

FYI, during Physics Practical (Chemistry too) there are 3 shifts which occur one after another.

Why? I guess the labs can't accomodate the entire student population at one go.

So, the 1st and 2nd shift have to be quarantined so the questions don't leak out.

Quarantine here meaning being shuffled to some empty class, your communication devices taken away. Basically, they leave you there to rot.

Rot, rot, rot all the way until 8 freaking PM.

Seriously, I was estatic that I was in the 3rd shift for Physics Practical.

Yeah, was. Past tense.

Because... now...

I've been dumped into the 2nd shift!

Which means; two and a half hours of qurantine!

NOOOOOOOOO!!!

What arse luck. ):

The 1st shift gets it the worse though with their paper ending at 3. That's like 5 whole hours of rotting. God have mercy.

Thank God for Econs Tuition

12 hours ago; I couldn't tell the difference between "profits", "normal profits" and "supernormal profits".

12 hours ago; I had never heard the words "short", "run", "operating" and "condition" form a single phrase before.

12 hours ago; if you'd asked me what I did know about Econs Unit4, I'd probably have said, "It's about Industrial Economics," (which is the title of the unit) and that would've been it.

12 hours ago; I knew jack shit about Econs Unit4.

9 and a 1/2 hours ago; my brain was filled with 2 and a 1/2 hours of Econs Unit4.

Now, all we've got to do is plug it in, to make sure it all stays inside and then let it loose on the 26th!

3 Week Plan

You probably won't understand the following post.
Not unless you're a HELP A-Levels student.

Tuesday, 13th
Physics Practical (3.45-8.00pm)

Thursday, 15th
Core Maths 3 (2.00-3.30pm)
Physics 3 (7.30-8.00pm)

Friday, 16th
Economics 3 (2.30-3.00pm)

Monday, 19th
Core Maths 4 (6.30-8.00pm)

Wednesday, 21st
Physics 4 (2.10-3.30pm)
Statistics 2 (6.30-8.00pm)

Monday, 26th
Economics 4 (6.45-8.00pm)

Thursday, 29th
Mechanics 2 (2.00-3.30pm)

Friday, 30th
Further Pure Maths 1 (6.30-8.00pm)

This, my dear readers, is my exam timetable for the following 3 weeks.

Posting it up on the blog is a method of motivating myself to study. (:

So I'll be surfing the web (read: not studying) and will happen to come across my timetable, feel guilty and hit the books. Well, that's the plan at least.

The Eve Of 2009

The night started at two hours from midnight, taking place at the new Ng residence which sits right on top of Kiara Hills.

And to keep ourselves occupied, what better than a fun game of Monopoly!

Which turned from "just for fun" to a competitive, property grabbing, money minded game.

Yes, that is what happens when big kids play Monopoly. Lol.

Every time I play monopoly, I insist on being the dog.

I mean, the dog is obviously the coolest piece to play. (:

And then, it was fireworks time!

Carmen's new place had a pretty awesome view since we could see the fireworks from five different locations. The best though was the ones at Mont Kiara (I think?) since we were so darn close to it.

I love fireworks. They preeeeeeeeeeeetty.

When I grow up, I'm gonna become a fireworks maker. (:

By the way, this picture is actually three different pictures I mashed up together. Can you tell? Or did my fabulous Paint skills pull it off? (:

Yes, this is a pretty miserable shot with the Twin Towers and KL Tower being tiny tiny blotches in the background but it was the only shot I had with them in it.

And then it was back downstairs where the real fun started to take place (yeah, we ditched Monopoly).

Okay, so we camwhored a little more after that.

First photos of the new year k? Not something to be taken lightly.

And then real fun started (for real this time) in the form of Strip Foosball.

No, we weren't drunk. We were just having fun. Oh yeaaah. (:

What a wonderful night.

Happy New Year!