Living to the fullest~

Everyone in the PHC was listening with keen interest as Mr Lambkin, Head of 6^th Form, delivered his short speech. Its been awhile since we had a full school house assembly due to the examinations. So perhaps that explains why everyone was focesed on every word that was addressed by Mr Lambkin. Or perhaps it was the topic…which was about Valentines day.

“It originated from St. Valentine, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. He died on February 14, 269 A.D., the same day that had been devoted to love lotteries. Legend also says that St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer’s daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it "From Your Valentine". Other aspects of the story say that Saint Valentine served as a priest at the temple during the reign of Emperor Claudius. Claudius then had Valentine jailed for defying him. In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honour St. Valentine.

Gradually, February 14 became the date for exchanging love messages and St. Valentine became the patron saint of lovers. The date was marked by sending poems and simple gifts such as flowers. There was often a social gathering or a ball.”

Valentine’s day… a traditional day where lovers express their loves by sending poems, letters and like what Mr Lambkin said, gifts such as carnation. And a ball…a ball was what we got! It was the social event of the term and everyone had put a lot of effort into making it a night worth to remember. There will be members of staff as well as special guest and governors present so we have to make a good impression of ourselves and take it as a formal social ball.

Preparation was made early. Everyone were in their tux with bows and ties and carnation ready about 1 hour  earlier before the night began. All the lads looked great in their tux…I looked great even if I have to say so myself! =P ( all the lads looked lil bit lyk James Bond!) The night officially began around 7 in the evening.  There was a picture taking session where every couple had a chance to have their pictures taken professionally. Everyone looked great and some of the couples were adorable! Cute and lovely together…After the session, we had a little chat before going to our tables.

After a little bit of another short session of our very own photo taking session and mingling with the guests, we had a taste of the well-seasoned exquisite buffet. It was far better the usual meal we get served daily from the canteen so some of us took advantage and took a plateful of this heavenly meal. Bon Appetite!! Ohh… not forgetting our table manners of course…

Once we’re done with our dessert, Tom and Nicholas were upstage to provide some entertainment with some songs. We had a great time as we waltz around, do the cha cha, and even rock the dance floor  with some informal type of dancing ( which was kinda shocking to me as I was told this was supposed to be a formal ball).Everyone was enjoying themselves and having a great time.

The ball ended at round about midnight. By that time, everyone was clearly exhausted from all the dancing…and for some.. from the drinking. When you’re awaken the next morning, your life might feel to be just a little bit different, after knowing how magical it is to be in love~

Wishing a Happy Valentine’s Day to all the sweet couples out there!!

Finally! I need not wait any longer… at last I get a chance to see, feel, touch and experience SNOW in winter. And the feeling is brilliant!! And what a wonderful time it is to be snowing… just perfect. The hype howeveer began 2 weeks ago…

23 January 2007…temperatures went below 0 degree Celsius. Ice was on the pavement and it was the very 1^st time I see it… natural ice!! As it was the first time I see it, natural ice, the German guys started to laugh at me ( cant blame em. I was acting like a complete idiot getting all excited by seeing ice on the ground ). And from then on, I waited excitedly waiting for the day it will begin snowing…

05 February 2007…just 5 days ago. I was awoken by a knock on the door. “ Its going to  snow today if your lucky, “ Mr Price, our housemaster said with a smile. I quickly woke up, and went to the common room, log on into one of the computers and check the weather forecast for the day. I knew that one day this day will come!! But it wasn’t today…It was just another cloudy day … However, at the end of the 5-day forecast table, was the forecast for Thursday. And I sat there smiling…knowing that it wont be long now.

08 February 2007…730am. As my alarm rang, I woke up and immediately stared out the window. And the sight that greeted me was amazing. Everything was white! The grass, trees, the rooftops of houses… everything!!  As I dressed up for school, Amir and Jonas came. “Have you seen it?? Have you touched it?? What do you think??” And  I simply replied ‘BRILLIANT!’ 

As we went for breakfast at the cafeteria, I stood outside our house, admiring the gentle soft snowflakes falling before me…watching in awe as everything was covered in a blanket of white snow. It was like in a dream. As I stood there enjoying watching the gentle snowfall, I got a wake up call bringing me back into reality. A large snowball hitting me directly on the side of my face.How did it felt?? Painful..?? Not one bit!! It was soft and cold…and a minute later, wet! And after that, as more students started arriving, everyone started doing it. SNOWBALL FIGHT!!! The whole day.At every opportunity we had. Jus before school, during breaks, before register, after lunch. When there’s an opportunity, we’ll be there. Snowball fight…everywhere by everyone. From year 7 to year 13. At the tennis court, outside the 6^th form centre, and by the Hill!! Theres not a single place you can hide!

After dinner, we went sledding down the hill.  Using trays, bins, tyres, anything we can find!! It was great fun, fast and exciting…dangerous as well. I suffered  scratches and bruises on my hand and legs though it dint really hurt as my body was too numb to feel anything. But I’m sure I’ll be sorry in the morning!! ><

At days end, as I prepared my bed ready to go to dreamland, I stared out the window for one last time. Today was indeed a special day. A wonderful day. A day when a boy’s dream finally came true. The white blanket of snow on the ground will be melting by tommorow . I know it’ll be freezing cold then. But with my youthful blood rushing all around my body filled with excitement, I’m pretty sure it won’t be much of a problem!