A Problem I Encountered and How I Managed It

Dear blog,

  Last weekend, my parents and I went to the supermarket in the vicinity to do the weekly grocery shopping. I actually find grocery shopping enjoyable instead of a chore. It allows me to take my mind off my homework and studies for a short while. I went through my routine of getting the groceries. Firstly, fruits and vegetables. Followed by dairy products, drinks and snacks. I am already very familiar with grocery shopping hence making the trip an efficient process.  We then proceeded to pay for our groceries at counter.

  My mum suddenly told me that she forgot to bring enough money the snacks I picked out and I have to fork out my own money. Just then, I felt my pockets. It seemed empty. My heart did a somersault. I could vividly recall that I placed my wallet into my back pocket before I left. The worst-case scenario would be someone pick-pocketing me. I was on tenterhooks. I then began to retrace my steps in search of my wallet.

  My parents and I combed the supermarket but we couldn’t seem to find it. However, I managed to find it in the most unlikely place. Lady Luck was smiling on me. I suddenly recalled that I was holding my wallet along with a packet of chips. As I placed it back, my wallet was also being placed on the rack by mistake. I heaved a sigh of relief. This incident will be etched in my mind for time to come and has taught me a lesson on being careful with my belongings.

 Bryan

A moment spent alone doing something you enjoyed.

Dear blog,

  Today, I incorporated the cooking skills I learnt during Home Economics to whip up a scrumptious meal for my lunch. It was already 4pm and I have yet to have my lunch as I was preoccupied with my homework. I then decided that I would cook up a storm in my kitchen. Even I’m not the top student in Home Economics class, I thought my cooking skills was acceptable.

  I rummaged through my kitchen cabinets. I had to make use of whatever that was accessible to me at that moment of time.  I managed to find the ingredients needed to make a plate of fried rice, similar to the one I cooked in Home Economics so I was no stranger to making this dish. Further more, I had a fairly high grade during that assignment.

  I was rooted to the ground after I placed the ingredients on the table. I left my textbook in school with the recipe in it. In addition, my mum was out and I could not ask anyone for help. Anyhow, I decided to have a go at it.

  To start off, I shredded chicken and washed and sliced the necessary vegetables. After the preparation of the ingredients were complete, I proceeded to oiling the pan and heating it up. I was slightly intimidated by the burning hot oil in the pan, afraid that it would splatter.  Then, I proceeded to adding the rice, egg, chicken and vegetables.  So far so good, the ingredients were being fried as well as expected. Just then, I decided to take a leak in the bathroom.

  On the way back to the kitchen, I smelt something burning. I bolted to the stove and realised my dish was turning charred. Hastily, I scooped the food onto a dish. Famished, I tucked in immediately despite the fact that it was burnt. Nevertheless, it was kind of expected that I mess my first attempt of cooking at home up. However, it was a really fun experience for me. I’ll definitely try again next time and hopefully improve gradually.

  Bryan

(approx 348 words)

Dear blog,  

  Today a really unusual thing happened to me. Before this, I thought my neighbors, the Wong family, living directly opposite my apartment were ordinary people. However, my impression of them changed ever since this incident. 

  Before I leave home for school everyday, newspapers will always be placed on my doorstep. As always, I heard a loud thud on the door, indicating that my newspapers have arrived. Just as I was about to collect it, I heard someone unlocking their door. Perplexed, I glanced out of the peephole of my door. It was Mr Wong. He snuck to my unit with silent footsteps and started flipping through my copy of the Straits Times, which I found unusual. I just let the matter slide and made my way to school after he had left.

  After school, I lugged my humongous bag and unlocked my door. Just then I noticed that in Mr Wong's unit, someone was seemingly spying on me. I saw a shadow through the little gap under the door.  This time I definitely felt uneasy. I told my parents about and they apparently had also a similar experience with the Wongs. I did not want to stir up any trouble, hence I did not go up and confront them. Even though it was rather weird and disturbing to have someone watching you, I can’t really blame them as I heard from my other neighbours that one of the Wongs is mentally unsound.

  However, my family did not bear a grudge against them and we certainly hope that it will never happen again.

A moment spent with my family

  During the 2010 December holidays, my family went on a trip to Korea! I was especially hyped up for the trip as it would be my first time experiencing snow and going to Korea. From what I heard from my friends, going to Korea is an unforgettable experience.

  It was 23rd December when we proceeded to the airport where we somnolently waited to board our flight for nearly 3 hours. We were so drowsy that once we gotten onto the plane, we dozed off in an instant. 8 long hours later, we finally arrived at Incheon Airport. It was really big and I took it all in. I could feel the cold air from inside the airport. We then met up with our tour guide who asked all the tour members to brace ourselves for freezing weather and icy gusts throughout our trip. When we stepped out of the airport, I was caught off guard. I didn't expect the weather to be cold to that extent and regretted wearing only 1 layer of clothes.
  Without even resting at our hotel, we proceeded to our first location for lunch to try Korea's local delicacy - Ginseng Chicken. It was surprisingly delicious and a great way to start of the trip. We ravenously finished our food. The rest of the day was spent at the theme park, Lotte World. Due to our fatigue, we didn't really went on the rides at the theme park, instead go to the nearby coffee shop for a drink.
  We were lacking sleep and worn out on Day 2. We went to Nami Island which was the coldest by far. With temperatures as low as -20 and strong winds, I started to miss the weather back in Singapore. It was so cold that our hands were freezing despite wearing gloves. That same night, we took a domestic flight to Jeju Island. We were to visit many attractions the day after.
  We were at Jeju Island on Day 3, famous for it's windy climate. We visited some sort of rock formation and then proceeded to picking fresh tangerines from a farm. Next we went on a submarine ride which was an interesting experience, considering the fact that I don't appreciate aqua life. After visiting the Teddy Bear Museum, there was snow. The children in my tour were exceptionally excited. It is definitely a memorable time feeling natural snow for the first time.
  On Day 4, we visited the Glass Museum. Followed by a visit to the Gyeongbokgung Palace.

  On Day 5, I finally learnt how to ski! We went to the ski resort and we were briefed on the Dos and Don'ts of skiing. I was the first person to try and I picked up skiing really quickly, impressing many of the tour members. It was definitely my favourite part of the trip hands down.
  We went to Everland on Day 6. This time my family had fun at this theme park as were were charged with energy. I bought a banana toy from the souvenir shop as well.
  Day 7, our final day in Korea. We went shopping at the shopping district before heading to the airport and taking a few photos with my tour members for memory's sake.

  Overall, this was a trip that will be a part of my memory for a long time. I will definitely not mind going there once more in the future. I made many friends there and had one of the times of my life.

  Bryan


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Something that took place in school

  Dear blog,

       Last Monday, I had co practice. We had the cca orientation! I met many Secondary 1 pupils students in search of their first cca in VS. They all seemed so boisterous and filled with enthusiasm. They came in class by class and my seniors welcomed them to the practice room. They were introduced to the various sections of the chinese orchestra. Their joy was evident as they guffawed through my senior's speech which was quiet amusing.
       After the speech was over, the secondary 1 students rushed to the percussion instruments which were most outstanding with the drum set being the most popular among the pupils. Everyone was so excited to have a go at the instruments. Watching them made me reminisce about my days as a secondary 1 pupil, being all exuberant.  After they tried the instruments, the chairman of CO started flaunting his skills as the secondary 1 pupils watched in awe. There was then a ridiculous contest initiated by my senior. For whoever who sings the alphabet song backwards, he will be able to thump the mallet on my seniors head. It definitely lifted everyone's spirits. Everyone was chuckling uncontrollably. Fortunately for my playful friend, no one successfully sang the song backwards. He then did a demonstration and everyone was baffled, including myself. It was one of the most funny experiences in my VS life by far. 
       After the trails were over, pupils starting forming a long waiting line behind the shortlist for priority to join the co. That definitely made me feel proud of my seniors for doing a good job, preparing for the trails and make co an attractive cca for the new batch of pupils.
    
        bryan

Hi.

Now I'm practicing blogging. Today I had cca and sec1s came from their trails. It was fun. Bye.

Dear blog,

My day in school was average. The class spent many periods with our favourite teacher, Mr Daniel Tan. After school I went for my cca. It was boring. Goodnight.