Since relatively exciting events are taking place in my otherwise dull life, I have decided it is time to update.

First and foremost, is the farewell assembly yesterday morning, which consisted of a powerpoint presentation by Mrs Chan and a rather lame concert which I actually found inordinately funny. Later, we went for a special CT session, which was actually a phototaking session (and in the case of my class, a storytelling session). After some great deliberation, the guys in my class decided to attempt lifting Mr Ng for a picture, despite some rather vehement objections from the latter.

The scene played out something like this:
(Mr Ng, face contorted in a rictus of terror. Many guys lifting him rather precariously from the sides.)

Guys: One, two, three! (Mr Ng is tossed up slightly into the air)

(Strangled shout ensues from Mr Ng)

Guys: One, two, three! (Mr Ng is tossed up slightly into the air)

(Strangled shout ensues from Mr Ng)

Guys: ONE, TWO, THREE! (Mr Ng is tossed up slightly into the air)

Mr Ng: ARgh

I also noticed several new additions to our school compound, the most notable being that of big red banners proclaiming: SingTel welcomes you to VJC! (Leaving us all in no doubt who our biggest sponsor for OpenHouse is). This is certainly a company rich in tradition, because the banner design looked twenty years old.

The second exciting thing happening in my life right now is that my house is having a major upgrade. This is truly an example of something that Started Out Small, but Became very Big.

The seeds of this project were planted in my mother's mind two weeks ago, when she saw two polishers working on the marble of our neighbours' flat. So she invited them over to give a quotation for our floor, and began to Make Plans.

Problem 1: How to shift the furniture out?
Solution: Our sofas are old. Good, teak wood; resources should not be wasted. Conclusion--Why not send it for a polish?
The Thought This Leads to: The display cupboard has VENEER doors and drawers, although the frame is solid teak. Therefore, we should replace the doors and drawers, since we're at it.
The Next Thought: Might as well do the coffee table too. It's in good condition, but it Can Be Improved.

So the contractor which helped to do our in-built cupboards was invited up to see a price. Since he was already in the house, it was Only Convenientthat he takes a look at the kitchen as well.
Overhanging in my mother's mind: The stoves are a little spoiled. How much to replace them?
Then: Come to think of it, the tiles are somewhat loose as well.
On top of it all: The cupboards are creaky.

The Final Conclusion: Major Upgrade

As of yesterday, she was eyeing the toilet, though fortunately no concrete plans have been made in that direction. I've been spending the week looking as inconspicuous as possible while my parents grumble at each other and at me; and I stayed up to three this morning to clear my room so that the polishers could work on it. (I must admit after coming home today that the floor is a lot shinier). Actually, this is a lousy time to be in the house.

I realised when packing the room that the Singaporean Kiasu spirit was ingrained in me. There is a burgeoning stack of written foolscap paper from practice papers in my room, which I hardly look at and don't know what to do with, but I just can't seem to bear throwing it away. I managed to recycle some though, because at least that satisfies the instinct for conservation.

Oh, and miracles of miracles: MY COUSIN CALLED FROM AUSTRALIA. (!!!) WE had a good chat though.