Been pretty stressed out lately! And its been all due to school and tests. I think its also because everyone in my dorm is stressed from studying for their exams too, and I suppose their stress has probably rubbed off on me. But I guess its good in a way, since the stress is making me become really paranoid and more studious than I normally am. Especially today! I actually did my Independent Study Journal for Academic Study Skills (a.k.a. English) which I never did properly last time. Can't believe I spent like almost two hours on it! Supposed to devote three hours every week to it, but I find it so useless and a waste of time that I don't touch until its due for submission. So I guess Rachietan is really changing! And I kinda like it. Just wish that my subjects in school would be easier to understand so make things better for me. Stupid Chemistry I hate it!! My nightmare in JC has finally come back to haunt me. Sigh-

Got back my mid-semester report yesterday, and although my scores are pretty good so far, I'm quite disappointed in my Biology grade even though it's a B. Guess I asked for it since I didn't really put in much effort for the first test. And my 79% in the second test wasn't enough to pull the average to an A. And I think this is one of the reasons why I'm feeling the stress to improve and change the errs of my ways. Finally, my wake-up call has arrived. Need to pull up the averages of my tests for all my subjects, so that I can increase my chances of getting an A next year. I guess I'm feeling pretty serious about all this now because I've realised that I absolutely cannot afford to screw up because if I do and I don't get into my uni course next year, then well, my life is doomed. I already threw away my JC option, and now I'm overseas studying I just can't fail can I? So therefore.. Study, Rachel, study!

The weather for the past two days has been pretty nice, I must say. After almost a whole week of scorching sun and soaring temperatures that saw Melbourne hotter than Singapore, yesterday's cool temperatures of high twenties was a nice reprieve. Today, however, was totally fantastically awesome. Not too hot, nor was it too cold. The evening was just perfect, and Lingchi and I ate outside the dining hall under the sky. Breeze blew, birds chirped and the food was good. I was in a good mood. :D After dinner, I brought Ranielle out to the courtyard to do some work while Lingchi watched her show. The evening was so nice that I really wished that I had my family there with me so that I could share that moment with them.. Wanted to Skype but my parents were at a function so I couldn't. ): Ohwell I guess there'll always be another day, God-willing. (: Mama came to join us and we all had a nice time basking in God's wonderfully-made day. (:

View of part of the courtyard from where I was sitting

Today was To Write Love On Her Arms Day! Its a day where people write the word "Love" on their arms, however big they want, to prove to someone in need that there are people around that care for them. Its a cause by To Write Love On Her Arms, a non-profit organisation, that started in the States in '06 by a group of friends rallying around another friend who had fallen on hard times with drugs and self-harm. For anyone suffering depression, anxiety, addiction, self harm or suicide, TWLOHA is there to support them and show them the services available to get them through hard times. Anyway! Mama, Kakak and I wrote "Love" on our arms and enjoyed ourselves while enjoying the evening.


Discovered a rock climbing wall tucked away in a corner of the wings of my school campus' Sports Centre on Wednesday and Gen, Jeri, Lingchi when I went through the back door of the swimming pool to see some friends. Ecstatic as I was though, the wall was in bad shape. To start of it wasn't a proper climbing wall, it was more of a few tiles scattered on a brick wall. Looked more like a commercial wall for non-climbers than a real wall. But I told myself, "Better than nothing, at least there're tiles.." Upon closer inspection, however, it was confirmed that the wall was crying out to be maintained. It looked like it hasn't been touched in years, with the tiles all covered in cobwebs. It was pretty disgusting. And it was probably true, that the wall hasn't undergone maintenance in a long time. I felt so sad for the wall! Actually that area has a lot of potential to be an awesome bouldering gym, but I have no idea how to put that idea forth to the Sports Centre. But anyway, I've been going to climb for the past two days, even though the wall's so messed up. Did some endurance drills on whatever little tiles that I can hold and use. Because its a high wall, I'm limited to the really low tiles, and I daren't go higher because there're no crash mats. So yeah, its quite a pathetic site but I guess its better than nothing, at least I can get back some of my movements (albeit really limited) and strength on the wall.

The part of the wall that I climb on.. It's much worse than it looks here.

Other half of the wall with even worse tiles (some GLUED to the wall)


Lastly, the GCE A Levels have started! I just want to say to all my friends back home in Singapore running their final leg of the race all the best and may God be with them! I'm so proud of them, because they've all survived thus far. Its something that I really admire and respect, because heck, I didn't even make it past the quarter mark hahah. But that aside, yeah. I hope everyone's coping well and not going crazy with the stress! Of course, my stress here can't possibly be compared to that of those taking the A levels now. Heard that the first few papers were really hard though, but I hope that doesn't get everyone down and out, continue to keep your chin up guys! I'm here supporting you guys all the way. And before you know it, the nightmare will be over! And you'll have absolute FREEDOM. :D And as a bonus, I'll be coming back! So look forward to it. :D

Can't wait for Christabel to come over in December with her family too!!!!