Hello long, well-deserved weekend!

It's the long weekend! (silly happy face here)

Monday's a public holiday, so a lot of things are happening this weekend. Which is good. =)

First and foremost: the most boring part of my "report"/blogpost, work-related. I'm glad that my new mentor (not the Indian dude) actually showed me new things, made sure I understood terms, and even let me know it's still not too late for me to switch to another department (i.e. infectious diseases) in the institute that's more related to what I'd been studying if I want to. He told me to think through it during the weekend, but I'm still deciding to stick to his project and the current (though boring, computational) project that he's assigned me to do- since it's already been a month of me reading and studying this particular field of confusing population genetics. Not to say that it's totally unrelated to microbiology, but switching to another supervisor would (most certainly) involve more readings and more admin stuff which I can't be bothered right now.

So yeah, I'm just trusting in God that this is will be beneficial to my studies (somehow) and that I will have something to do during these next 2 months, and also something to write about in the report after this attachment/work.

Met up with Greg and Janice before they went back for graduation. On Wednesday night, went to the Max Brenner cafe again at the Esplanade. Then just before we left, Ron secretly bought a small slice of cake for the Gns to celebrate their graduation. AFTER they made their wish, blew the candle, and we started eating the cake, then the manager (I think) of the cafe suddenly came up to us and said in exact words "You're not allowed to eat the cake here". Basically he went on about how outside food is not allowed in the cafe as they sell cakes as well. Long story short, we were quite upset (Greg particularly) about how he could have mentioned it to us earlier (before we started eating) and especially when we asked for extra forks, and he could have said it in a NICER, more polite way. Was glad Greg actually challenged the manager: "so what do you want us to do now?" he told us he had also wanted to say "spit it out from our mouths or shall we just carry on eating the cake?"

That would really embarrass the manager. We had noticed he wasn't too happy taking photos for us at the first place. Thing is, we weren't unhappy that we can't eat the cake in the cafe (or that we were told off), but to only get that "You're not allowed to eat that here" comment WHILE we're already eating, and it's not like we didn't order anything from the cafe either, plus he was being very unprofessional and lacks any customer service skills whatsoever. Too bad that the cafe offers good drinks/food, and we'd love to go back, but now- super bad impression especially if he's still working there. So much for a good reputation.

Finally met up with Julianna (from my group of good friends back in secondary school) who's been studying here at NUS after so long (2 years, wasn't it?) Had left my camera at home as initial plan was to watch movie. But we ended up in a nice restaurant at VivoCity and talked quite a bit, shopped around as well so decided to skip the movie. Feels great catching up with old friends. =)

Speaking of which, I caught up with John aka bunny (from SFEC, church back home in Kuching) and Uncle Voon and family this morning. Woke up super early, went to some malls (Vivocity, Queensway, IKEA) and spent time with them till 4pm-ish. Went to church after that, had dinner with church friends, and finally came home after more than 14 hours been out.

So accommodation has been confirmed! =D I'd signed the rental contract for 2 months, starting on the 8th of December, so most probably will move in on Monday since it's a public holiday. Exciting- would meet my other flatmates as I only know one of them, my colleague. And no more waking up super early to catch mrts and buses anymore yay! The new place I'll be staying will be about 10 to 15 mins walk away from work, maybe even closer with the free shuttle service.

before the unpleasant encounter with the manager @ Max Brenner
Janice & I were wearing the same t shirt- Illuminate! =)

nice Christmas deco outside the Esplanade

Uncle Voon and John @ Sky Park, VivoCity

guess what we found at the harbour? MV DOULOS!!!
haha, again. Saw it at Auckland around June/July this year, bought many books; didn't expect to see it here in SG to be honest. The Voon family: Aunty Roselind, Uncle Voon, Vyner, & Kevin.

"MushaBelly" talking toy @ Toys R Us, buy 1 get 1 free!
haha didn't buy it of course, John got it for his nieces.
May: it actually looks like the one you gave me, right? or your piggy one too

Tommorow Ron and I will be going to Batam (Indo) for a one day trip! haha only time I heard about Batam before I came here 1 month ago was during the Phua Chu Kang shows. =P Jaslin mentioned about the nice spas there, so maybe will go have a try hehe!