My birthday video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elhXHqftWaM

CHRISTINE LIM ROCKS !!!!! NO ONE HAS EVER DONE SOMETHING LIKE THIS FOR ME BEFORE !!!
Oh, you make me wanna cry.....................

She sang ' You and Me' ( my favourite song from Lifehouse ) and uploaded it on Youtube for my birthday !

THANK YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Would anyone ( ESPECIALLY A CERTAIN J. FAM N. JIU ) like to sing me 'Big Girls Don't Cry' in an Indian accent ????

**** And for the record - The Jazz classes of 18th and 19th of February has definitely got to go down in history as one of the best classes I've ever done before ! I actually..didn't suck...and did...well..

So I'm giving all thanks to God !!! For showing me that hard work and perseverance actually brings results !
Always do your homework ! And push yourself a little further !!! *******

Goodbye Kiddo

I've only been 18 for a day and already I feel so weary. What happened to the elatedness of youth ? The exhiliration of turning 18 ? Pah, rubbish I tell you. The last hours of my 17 years were frankly some of the happiest I've experienced so far. And I tell you, I've experienced my fair share of pain, agony, discrimination, heartache, humiliation, stress, and fear, so I have every right in making comparisons.

But thanks so much, everyone who came and got me prezzies ! It was such a last minute thing, I'm frankly shocked you guys managed to come...Did you know they ran out of food ? Was it that good ? I wouldn't know, I was running up and down, hugging ( if before,I told everyone that dancing's the best exercise in the world, I now declare hugging the best calorie burner activity ever ! ) all my friends who came. I know some of you couldn't make it, and seriously, it's okay.
Perhaps Fate decided the attendees in advance. And I know, ramai yang kena buat performance, kerja, ajar, tak dapat cari transport, pergi cuti dah, and etc. Don't feel a pang of guilt, I rather you use that energy to plan our next meeting or think of a great bday prezzie for me ;) !

The evening went on pretty well, from what I hear from my party planner ( LOL !!! ). Games were awesome, according to various sources - you guys sure enjoy watching someone else get humiliated on the floor ! sadistic sa kais you -, but the highlight of the evening was definitely Khai Hoong and Jon Fam's singing rendition of my birthday poem, composed by the former ;)
Gosh, I can't believe I've only known you guys for 2 months..And I thought I'm the writer ? BLAH...No wonder you two were grinning in that overly gay,conspiring way...( please, Kelly, gay here means happy k, not the other one k )

Here's the poem for those of you who missed their song and for those of you who didn't..
Admire.

Now my friends we gather here,
Just before Chinese New Year,
Oh what a thrill,
We're in Bukit Jalil,
For Stephanie's party,

She is just eighteen years old,
With a scholarship thanks to Astro,
Fresh out of school,
But she's nobody's fool,
And bound for Colorado,

She's so tall I asked her why, ( Khai Hoong, you're treading on DANGEROUS GROUND here )
That's because she's a quarter Thai,
While growing up,
Saying 'sawadeekap',
That's just not Stephanie, ( yea lar, I know I'm short lar..you two tall handsome dudes laugh at my 5''6 height la )

We all know she loves to dance,
That the door at every chance,
From a ronde
To a develope,
And jump and slide and sway,

When she surfs the internet,
She likes to talk,
And she's proud of her blog, ( YES YES I AM !!! I cringed and laughed when they sang this part...)
It's called ADAGIO,

Just before we end this rhyme,
( I'm going into Extra Time )
We'd like to say,
On this awesome Friday.....
To Steph, Happy Birthday. ( perfect rhyme..excellent )


Steph Lee's Thank You List

1. MOM - is this the largest font ??? I LOVE MY MOM !!! SHE'S THE BEST MOM EVER ! SUPPORTIVE, DYNAMIC, LOVING, CARING, FUN,SARCASTIC - haha I had to put this in ! where d' ya think I get my sense of humour -, CREATIVE, ORGANIZED, GORGEOUS, and ABSOLUTELY FABULISTIC !!! Mom, you're the coolest mom ever, you give me anything and everything I need or desire in your power to give , the latter most of the time ! WITHOUT YOU, THERE"D BE NO ME... gosh, and that would be a sad sad world....
2. My family. I know my friends are a great bunch of people, and I'm so lucky and don't think I deserve your friendships really, but honestly speaking, I think the people who've always pulled me out of trouble and stuck by my through thick and thin are my parents, my sis, my cousins ( HONG LUN I HEART YOUR T-SHIT, sorry SHIRT ), my late grandma, my Mom's darling siblings who are also my AUNTS..and my other set of extended relatives.
3. GOD. IF the whole world abandoned me, You'll still be there for me, my Abba Father whom I hardly make time for...THANK YOU FOR LOVING ME shitless, even if I totally fucked up everything I did, YOU'd STILL LOVE ME UNCONDITIONALLY despite my vast stupidity,foolishness, naivety,plain bodohness, YOU"d still wouldn't condemn me and love me WHOLE HEARTEDLY which is something I'm just plain grateful for.Oh the power of cussies ! won't all you teenage people agree with my raging 18 yr old hormones which are just about to be taking over my sanity WAKAKAKAKAKAKKAKAKAKA...
4. Everyone who came to my party and wished me Happy Birthday. Here's the exhausting list - just scroll down and look for your name la, tak payah busybody and kepoh lol..

• WMSers - ( In no particular order k, I don't play favourtism, I hate and love you all exactly the same! ) Zhuang Xiao, Alex, Jian Han, Jason Loh ( and gf !!! so cute you two ) , Cheng Lee, Xae Hoyy, Khai Wen ( and bf !!! ), Tarrant, Peak Sheng, Mary, Jason Chow, Hui Shan, Munnie,Rachel How, Sue Ching,Mel, Yiing Chyi,
• C.C.C people - Once again, no particular order...but admittedly I love some of you more, and you know who you are.. Jenn and Jo Lau, Ryan Chew, Christine Lim ( the 1st guests to arrive I LOVE YOU 4 !!! ), Pastor Micheal and Sis Siew Chin, Hai Yen, Emily Tang, William Mok, Wing Tsun, Agnes, Daniel Quah, Kumar, Daniel Lim, Cherie, Alyssa, Beatrice, Cheryl, Joel Yap, Annette and Matthew Chan, Desmond, Tommy, Josiah, Abigail.
• My BK FRIENDS !!! Ken Jon and Jon Mah
• MY ASS-TRO [sorry sorry, TYPO, Astro.. ;) ] soon to be workmates and already superbly tight friends Joel Lee and Shawn Liam
• The Jokers of the Evening...Khai Hoong and Jon Fam...adoi you two....
• My SBU muakxxies... Kim Loh, Peh Lin, Sze Min, Shin Yi
• All those who tried to make it but couldn't : Claire, Sam, Yi Zhen, Thomas, Rachel Janaki Raju,Ruki, Hui Wen, Zhi Wen, all my dance ( BOTH BALLET AND JAZZ, CAN YOU BELIEVE IT ??? THE PEOPLE WHO'VE SHARED MY PAIN, JOY, LAUGHTER, AND TEARS FOR NEARLY A YEAR...WHO MEAN SO MUCH TO ME...) classmates - party planner's oversight la.......Sharon !!! ...-, Chow Sook Yee, Jackie, Richmond, Asher, Sarah, Kim, Elsa, Yean Xin, Caryn, Kay Lee, Pui Yee,Rachel Heah, Denise Chuah, Andrew Chow, Connie, Jason Lim, Natalie, MY DARLING PRAYER SIS - Joanne Lee, Bahirah, Shaj, Manpreet, Janice, Mikella, Samantha fr church, Raymond fr church...

I'm awfully sorry if I missed out anyone...believe me, I didn't mean to do so ! Tried my best to remember who came...coz I didn't exactly draw up the guest list so...but thanks everyone, lova ya all...

I miss being 17 already. When I poured that champagne, and blew the candles, I glanced around, trying to remember every single detail, every single face, every single thing. Memories are all I have. I don't think I'll ever have such an awesome party again, perhaps, this is an 'if' clause. We'll all leave and go our seperate ways, travel and settle down in different countries around the world, I doubt I'll ever be able to gather the same bunch of friends under one roof ever again. For some of you, this might be the last time I ever get to see you.

I guess, what being 18 really means, is, farewell to 17. Like Hong Lun and Aemilia so aptly wrote, ' Welcome to Adulthood'.

PS : No one can say God's not fair.

My 1st day of 18yr-hood came with its fair share of challenges. One of the most self negative days I've had in awhile. Couldn't concentrate in classes, my pupils prob thought I totally sucked, cried while listening to one of my birthday presents, I didn't prac dance because of stupid stupid argh I don't want to say it,

But, Celeste smsed " Happy Birthday " to me. SILENCE. STUNNED.TOTAL HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY. And Tilla and Sze Ann msged me right after that. More birthday messages soon followed and it rained real bad the whole evening ,so now, there's that fresh, after rain scent which I just love. I couldn't go to the pasar malam and get my fav pancakes but I opened Jason C.'s chocs instead and had FOUR gorg ones all to myself. I got paid today despite all the shouting and threats and near death situations..Stupid Switchfoot concert's on today and I didn't go because...argh another stupidity of mine but anyway I went to KLCC anyway and met up with Jia Wei - happy b'day girlie ! , Theng Koon, Rachel How -AGAIN !!! - , Li Geok, and the stupid Clinton supporter Kenneth, which was way more fun than any stupid old rock concert would have been. Oh, but meeting them at Chilli's reminded me so much of Thomas..

I haven't got anyone to spend Valentine's Day this year with !!!! SHIT..I'm actually gonna be celebrating it alone...even my gf/bf's aren't here to celebrate it with me no more.. PEOPLE ! If you're celebrating it without that stupid over rated so called better half/special someone, COME FIND ME !!! But then again, I've lunch dates for next Tues and Wed...and meeting my darlings Jenn and Jo for lunch tomorrow too ! And so many CNY open house invites this year !...And the guy I'm currently eyeing..seems to be eyeing me too...His gorg smile..Oh Swooness..

Yea, no one can say God ain't fair.

happy birthday to me..............

Birthday Wishes

This is so funny; when I tell people of my party, the first thing they ask isn't ' What do you want for your birthday ? ' as opposed to 10 years ago when I had my birthday party.
( GOSH IT"S BEEN SO LONG SINCE I ACTUALLY HAD SUCH A BIG SCALE B'DAY BASH... )

The first question 8 out of 10 people ask / exclaim very loudly in mock horror is " What to wear / what's the dress code ??? "

Adui people !!! It's a pool party, you can wear WHATEVER you like ! This is so strange, I mean, the invitation says POOL PARTY, how can you NOT know what to wear to a swimming pool ?

LOL LOL LOL LOL

I'm laughing myself silly as the 10th person asks me ( and of all people, it's TARRANT KWOK ) what's the dress code.

OK, laughter aside.

This year, Steph Lee's gonna give in to her materialistic wants for a change. She's gonna ASK for what she wants, instead of fighting for it her way ( read : slogging at work, toiling out in the sun/studio, scrimping on food, penny pinching, exercising extreme persuasion skills and magnificent self denial )

Besides that, telling people what I want is actually really practical; the chances of me getting something that I'd hate ( and I detest quite a number of things ) will be much slimmer. But then, the chances of me getting surprised...will also be much much slimmer...

Tell you what guys, try and surprise me. This is my 18th Birthday after all.
But I will put a GENERAL GUIDELINE in here...just to guide you, of course, if you think you know me better ( and that's a DARE ), go ahead and disregard, ignore, and pretend it doesn't even exist.

What I'm currently currently trying very very hard to get for myself, using my own time,effort,and cash

1. Music Cds.

I'm really in love with Brit rock right now. Some call it alternative rock / emo-rock, but anything is way better than Pop-Rock.

Favoured bands include : Lifehouse ( HUGE HUGE HUGE FAN ) , Oasis, Muse, Coldplay, Maroon 5, The Fray, Timberland, Musiq, Sum 41, movie soundtracks, the soundtracks from my favourite TV series - House, Grey's, The OC, Prison Break, Ugly Betty - ( okay maybe some of them don't really count but they're still awesome, no? )

Not forgetting,the STARBUCKS music compilations ! The current one has a really appealing album cover. Plus they actually get original compositions from music composers all around the world, effectively promoting world music and awareness using their own stores - an effort we should most definitely support. Coffee Bean's looks good too. ( Now, I am not superficial...but looks do count in terms of appeal, not shelf life perhaps ) Thank God world music is no longer just Latin music..

But thanks to Khai Hoong and Jon Fam, I totally heart Salsa music / Salsa-influenced songs now...ESPECIALLY the salsa influenced version of Maroon Five's She Will Be Loved - gives me the impression of relaxed, elegant,romance in a garden setting.

Salsa, classical, and Jazz music albums please ! Live recordings would so totally rock ! Make my day, won't you?

If you still can't crack your heads to decipher my needs ( yes I need good music ! ) or simply to lazy/busy to, just...

• Get me any music to do with Ballet - whether to get the short piano pieces dance students use in class or the full length classical ballet ones, really isn't the issue here !

• Get me soundtracks from musicals - RENT !!! LES MISERABLES !!! MY FAIR LADY !!! MAMAMIA !!! and more.. ;)

• Get me any album by Joaquin Rodrigo - SPANISH PIANO COMPOSER. Ha, the fact that he's Spanish and therefore reeks of sophisticated maniless is already making me keel..make me swoon with his music..and get one cd for yourselves in the process. You will not regret the terrific bargain I tell you.

• Get me CASTING CROWNS !!! and Delirious and Jars of Clay. But C.C is the best of them all, they beat Hillsong and Planet Shakers hands down la..But I don't mind Hillsong/ Planet Shakers, all gospel rock is good ;) While you're at it, can you get me a Switchfoot too ? I mean, I've a backstage pass to their concert but I've only heard like maybe..3 songs of theirs. I need to know more about them before I can attend their concert..which is incidentally..on my birthday..LOL !

• Get me a Stereophonics - They're new Brit rock group that I haven't really listened to yet. But apparently they're quite good.Their album titles sound quirky enough to appeal any ear - Language.Sex.Violence.Other ? 2005 & Pull the Pin 2007/08. The latter has a GREAT ALBUM COVER ! So..stimulative and seductive in hot pink and black..

• Same goes for Angels and Airways's new album, I-EMPIRE. Remember Delonge ? Yes, BLINK 182 !!!

• The safest bet ever : The HAIRSPRAY and BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN soundtracks!

• Perhaps a dbClifford..his jazz albums are not too bad..and I like the green message in his latest album : Recyclable.

• LIFEHOUSE's SECOND ALBUM ! actually...I still don't have the first one..

• Harry Jr Connick ! I really really want to go to his concert in March. However, short of funds..I so heart him though....The hottest Jazz pianist ever...

• The Timberland album with the accoustic version of Apologize - THE SONG OF THE YEAR ! NO WAY RIHA-ELLA>>>

• Deacon Blue's Raintown - A colleague told me it was good...wanna try your luck ???

Okay will blog more about my bday wants next time...
Need to fall asleep to 'You and Me' - HINT...........

Occupying My Day While Waiting For Bedtime

Mattress baby cuddled me deeper and deeper, my blankets didn't help by wrapping me so tightly with their love and warmth. On the other side of my bed, my soft, candy-cottony fluffers begged to pillow and cushion my head/ass - they're interchangable and alike to all the occupents of my bed. I refused to slide out of bed and obey Mom aka P.A.C ( Personal Alarm Clock )

But I did, in the end, and this is a short summary of what I did to pass the time before I could go make love with my sheets again.

1) PDC. I so heart Zhou Lao Shi !!! He said so many enlightening things ( per usual ) and really really brings the whole philosophy of ballet in such a practical down to earth manner ; Be clean in your movement, position, and feelings.

" Classical Ballet is so easy, it's just 5th's,push,pull,turnout, and extension ! Move with the music ! "

No wonder Ms Ellie fell for him..I would too if he were 25 years younger and 25% better at English...I pity ballet students who've never gotten a chance to take class with this wonderful teacher. Granted, he doesn't really notice me most of the time, but today, he commented 3 times about me ! YAY !!! ~~~ yeah I'm a sucker for teacher's praises/comments..it shows I'm a part of the class, wanted and needed.

Right now, I need all the attention I can get, to take my mind off a LOT of headachy things.

2) Personal Dance Prac. - Did jazz - warmed up core by doing lots of twists, warmed up legs by doing lots of hamstring stretches, and practised mostly turns and jumps. Woo hoo ! I felt so light and actually paused up in the air ! Woo hoo !!!!!! My turns were more secure and controlled, my arms held..but I didn't think about my hips today, all that was in mind was : PELVIC FLOOR LIFT and SHOULDER RETRACTION... ( Pilates terms )

3) Read some very interesting articles in the newspaper and I will blog about my opinion about the Lingam case later..Oh, but please read this.

" Let somebody else do it seems to be the accepted notion. There is that popular story about the four people -- Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody goes.

Everybody thought Somebody would do it, Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Well, Somebody was very angry and upset because after all, it was Everybody's job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realised that Everybody would not do it. So, Everybody blamed Somebody and Nobody asked Anybody! "

I got this from an article in the NST today by K. P. WARAN: Let's not live with a sea of rubbish. The article is bril. Funny, memorable, and something we can all totally relate to. GO READ GO READ GO READ......

4) Taught class at Kelly's. The kids are a joyous burden. You totally rock Kelly, my no 1 supporter !!!

5) ADVANCE BIRTHDAY LUNCH !!! Woo hoo !!!! Yayzers...muakxx muakxx muakxx donnedd@hotmail.com...

6) The mere fact that I'm alive and have such a great God who looks after me, fab Mom who takes care of all my earthly needs, darling sis and many many dear friends who care and listen and support, a passion for dance which helps me to stay focused..

7) I've just discovered text colour. Yay Peako, I can rival you now ! Woo hoo !!!!!

8) This guy at the gym thinks I'm fit enough to join some Contender contest for gym bunnies/worshipers..: HAHAHAHAHAHA, first of all, ME, FIT ? * looks at her lumps of fat and prodding stomach and rolls eyes, moving them on to her massive thighs and arms next, then shakes her head sorely *

Gila. Even if I was super muscular and have not even an inch of fat on my body, why I would want to join that insane competition to show off my physical abilites ? I'd be showcasing my physical limitations rather...and a lot of skin..and obviously, a lot fo flab as well.

But it was a really sweet compliment...I kinda have a semi crush on him now..which will wear out by tomorrow - which is now already today because it's past 12 midnight already.

I can't stop thinking bout you...

~ Thanks, Aunty Sylvia and Cheng Lee for being so nice to me at Life Chapel, though I was probably a bore and a chore to entertain.. ;)

BACK TO MY BED !!!!!!!!!!
We're gonna make beautiful music all night..till 5.45 am because I've to get up for work.