my caffeinated mind

I can't seem to upload videos to blogspot still. I give up. Just check out multiply for the optimum level of laughter and endless nonsense (that is, if you share my quirky sense of humour).

I said this before and I'll say this again. My exchange programme has ended and this will mark the closure (end of blogging days for blogspot account). I couldn't leave without saying some last words for the beautiful people i met in the last six months. They are afterall, totally wicked people. :)

Exchange started off with much frustration and sometimes, I overload myself with the unnecessary stress. I never had problems being alone. In fact, i do treasure very much the space and privacy that is bestowed upon me by my generous parents... what with the hostel stay in Singapore and now, this exchange programme. I cannot thank them enough.

I do admit though, that halfway through exchange, i did feel lost. More than anything else, i wanted to crawl back to Singapore even if it takes ten years from England. Point is, i wanted to be ON MY WAY home. Singapore, home. Why? I still am not too sure. Probably the lack of company and how time flies too slowly for me to fully seize the day. It feels endless. The calendar- planner hung loosely on the wall, counting down the days that my source of sanity should arrive. I reflected on that again. Maybe all i needed was company at that point of time. No excuses, but really... PMS is no joke. Hence, every time of the month is met with teary- eyed Aida seeking attention from home. This is as honest as it can get.

I failed miserably in learning what the exchange is all about until so much later. I did not see the point of making new friends. After years of seeing people come and go, i told myself that friends are those i can keep for life. Why bother with acquaintances? They'll leave and your next close encounter would be when you bump into them one day (if you do at all). I met the Lboro exchange students from other parts of Europe, Lboro Singaporean undergraduates and the fellow NUS exchangees. Somehow, I did not grasp that opportunity fast enough. If there wasn't International Day, I would have completely overlooked Xian, Yan lian, Lydia, Lester and Alwyn. Not that they are insignificant... who wants to mix around with low EQ people right? :)

Mel's bad. Not low EQ at all. These people, they're really sei (cool).
Then, there's the Lboro undergraduates who made the small town rock like Las Vegas - Jeremy, Wee Yong (Willie), Jerry, Alicia and the rest. You know who you are.
Next, thank you God for the existence of Helena, Sarah, Saara and Daniella. Without them, the exchange experience won't be complete at all. Lastly, the Arts NUS exchangees also known as the sorority - Melody, Yingzhi, Yushan, Joan, Yuen Mei and Huiran. I can't imagine a more exciting girl talk than the ones we had. Somehow, we never got bored over the same topic.

Each and everyone of you are precious to me and although things appear a lil bit difficult here back in Singapore when it comes to meeting up, do keep in mind what each of us promised over there. For myself, me trying to the best of my ability to manage time well and put some time for occasional gatherings. If there is one thing i learn from this, it would be how relationships take up a lot of one's effort. No loss there though, for such given experience brings joy and many smiles.

How can one say no to:

1. Jeremy's fantastic human / non- human impersonation,
2. Wee Yong's constant mumbling and lack of understanding on the meaning of crisps,
3. Jerry's metrosexual needs,
4. Alwyn's demands for late night tea sessions and politics,
5. Xian's incessant challenges in board (bored) games,
6. Melody's whining needs,
7. Yingzhi's "BIATCH" exclamations,
8. Yushan's need for "extra services",
9. Huiran's fashion talks,
10. Yuenmei's cooking recipes,
11. Joan's philosophical take on love,
12. Yan lian's famous chocolate cake,
13. Lester's fantastic cooking skills and
14. Lydia's sweet smiles and lovely company.

It is tempting to continue gushing about the fun moments even when it comes to grocery shopping and our battle for the bombay mix. I just wanna say THANK YOU, for your hospitality, never-ending support, love and laughter. Those five months will remain in my mind (and heart) as long as this cognitive mind of mine is still intact.

Quoting Mr Xian, "Goodbye, my Lough. It has been a loughly five months".

This is not a secret.