On Leaving

So after a week of spending every spare minute with Shaun and dear friends, 4th Aug came reared it head. I spent most of the 3rd and 4th on my hands and knees vacuum sealing bags and weighing bags and packing and re-packing.

So here's the end result: 1 backpack, 1 duffel, 1 suitcase and a camera bag. A whopping total of 52.7 Kg. Mind you, that's more than I weigh! There was some drama at the check in counter but thank God the lady let me through after seeing that I was not kidding about not being able to take anything out. Apparently it was $100 per Kg!!

My send off party was massive, friends and loved ones from school, my internship and church were present and even my extended family came. It was wonderful and I don't think I've realised that so many people feel that I matter to them. I hugged each and every person who came to say bye to me, and I was fine...right up till I hugged Shaun then I lost it for a while. But I heard Arman's soothing voice telling me I'll be back here in Changi in no time, and he was right. Then I felt better leaving my baby behind to fend for himself in Sinagpore.

All my bags aren't packed

I know vacuum packs are a great help, but trying to squeeze 12 knitted sweaters, 10 woolen pairs of socks and leggings, 5 pairs of gloves, 3 winter coats, 1 trench coat, 5 scarves, 5 jackets, 5 pairs of pants, 2 dresses, 3 skirts, 12 tops, lots of underwear and 5 sets of long johns into 2 suit cases while trying to keep at 20kg...I WILL need a miracle. And this is even before I pack in my chilli sauce, tom yam pre-mix, kim chi and instant noodles and shoes!

I'm a legal alien

Naina (dad) was kind enough to make a trip down to the Swedish embassy yesterday to leave my passport with them so the visa can be stuck inside, and he went back down today to pick up the prepared document. He happily sms-ed me "Visa has been collected, you can leave for Sweden anytime". Back home he was quite excited to show me the sticker that would technically take me away from home for six months. I think it's cool that he's so supportive, or perhaps my parents just want a break from me :s

Someone who's still supportive but more sad than excited about the visa, is the boyfriend (Shaun). He probably hates the guts of this sticker since it's going to pry me away from his side.

So four trips to the embassy, 3 'about me essays', numerous emails and phone calls and $180 later, here is my Swedish Student Visa. Yay!

Temporary Girlfriend Wanted

I can't quite imagine how my boyfriend is going to handle my six month absence. I can't quite imagine how I am going to handle not having him around all the time. But from experience, I've realised that it's usually a tad easier for the one who's going away. So, being the thoughtful girlfriend that I am, I've created this post as an advertisement to find a stand in.

Vacancy for Temporary Girlfriend
A sensitive, considerate, attractive male seeks a female
companion from August 4th 2009 to January 20th 2010
to take the place of girlfriend who will be going abroad.

Must posses the following qualities

• Good sense of humor
  
• Able to give morning wake up calls
• Must like long bus rides
• Enjoys serving in church a plus
• Loves Japanese food, especially Sashimi
  
• Encouraging and supportive
• Must not be grossed out by perspiration
• Must love good music (no nonsense like The Veronicas or Flo Ryder)
• Must be between 22-28 years old
• No taller than 1.63m
• Only below average lookers need apply
  

Fans of Transformers, Gundam robots, Japanese Manga, Marvel comics and fast food need not apply. (We don't want him falling too madly in love with you.)

You will be paid in kind and intangibes.

• Regain your self esteem
• Learn how to be sensitive and self sacrificing
• Be showered with constant attention and care
• Never fall or loose your balance on a moving/crowded bus or train again
• Have someone to share your calories with
• Get discounts at the Esplanade
• Be serenaded on occasion

Interested parties should leave a comment and send in a resume with a picture attached to getthatboyawoman@gmail.com by 24th July 2009. Interviews will be conducted on 26th July 2009. Only successful applicants will be notified.