Guest Post: Goodbye Cempaka Damansara by Hisham Hamzah

Again, this fella has outdone himself with a brilliantly written article about saying goodbye to his beloved campus, Cempaka Damansara. Read more of SammoBammo's penmanship here: http://www.hishamhamzah.blogspot.com/

Cempaka Damansara. Photo credits: lumenstudet.blogspot.com

Had I known on Friday the 9th of September, I would be teaching for the last time in the Damansara Campus for the year, I don't know what would have gone through my mind. Of course now, in hindsight, many memories come flooding back from my own school days at Damansara Campus. But at that moment in time, my mind was elsewhere. Probably like many other Cempakans I was thinking about the coming weekend, although United wasn't playing, about how it would be a nice time to rest and get to grading my IGCSE Trial papers. I was also thinking about the week ahead, like most teachers are wired to, looking forward to the class activities, the discussions and the lessons I would be delivering.

That all obviously changed very quickly on Friday night. I was relaxing after dinner, enjoying some Splinter Cell (a great game!), when I received a call from Encik Raphael. He sounded worried and confused at the same time, asking me if Damansara campus was on fire. The immediate image that appeared in my mind was a small fire, something trivial that wasn't a cause for concern. I looked out the window of my house which, I think a lot of Cempakans realize from many of Dato' Freida's tweets, has a perfect view of the campus. The image I saw will stay with me forever - bright and blazing. The next few minutes was a blur as I ran to get the keys, jumped into the car and sped to the school. The rest has already been well documented on Twitter, Facebook and our own Schoology.

After the fire. Photo credits: The Star

 As you know, a few days after the fire, myself, along with other teachers were in Cempaka Damansara helping to move equipment. Moving from class to class, seeing them empty and bare left a bittersweet feeling with me. I walked the corridors I have always always walked since 1990 - then as an incredibly cute and fat 5 year old. I recalled all the memories: my tadika days at the canteen level of the primary wing; Standard 2 taught by Ms Choo at the office level; Standard 6 with Mrs Goh at the IT level (which was an old fashioned library back then); Form 1 with Puan Rahimah at the hall level secondary wing; Form 3 with the all star team of Puan Aimi, Puan Sapura and Puan Jamaliah at the link bridge classrooms (no link bridge then either); Form 5 with Cik Zainab, Ms Sandra and of course Mr Sheat next to the IT Centre. Not forgetting my principal then at Form 5, as yours is now, Puan Farah.

On moving day, everyone was involved including the cleaners, gardeners, volunteer students, teachers, principals and even Dato Freida herself - truly a family affair. Yes it was tough, and I am quite sore and have cuts in some places but it was absolutely worth it. How can I justify not helping? My job as a teacher is to ensure you have your education with everything within my power. Right now, besides our Cempaka@Home, I can do that with my two bare hands. And every desk we moved from Cempaka Damansara, meant one more student's education continues. I am truly proud and honoured to be with your other teachers, shoulder to shoulder, working together to ensure your continued education.

Teachers, staff, management and students helping to move tables and chairs.
Photo credit: lumenstudet.blogspot.com

 As time passed and called me to move on, I felt the pain of saying a slow goodbye to a very dear friend. It's true that we were already planning to move in 2014, but this was sudden and unexpected. The move had to be hastened to get school up and running again, but maybe I wasn't ready to say goodbye yet. Cempaka Damansara, I've learnt over the last few days, means more to me than I ever realised.

This is where I grew up, in every sense of the phrase. I was always among the earliest to school, and would stay back late most of the time (I walked to and from school). School holidays were spent working in the school bookmart, family dinners listening to my parents discussing school matters. More recently during my summer holidays from university, I interned in various departments of the school. This was my childhood.

Yes, my parents were extremely busy running the school, and except during the later years of my school life, my older brothers were at university. Yet, I never ever begrudged them that, how could I? A whole school raised me! A school, created for myself and my brothers that has since evolved into an institution of learning that serves other children. That is perhaps the most important lesson I learnt from my parents - that our place on this Earth is to be of service to others, to make others' lives better. I truly believe that these values are absolutely core to being a Cempakan.

I love Cempaka. I care for the school. I hurt when it hurts. I know some will think it is ridiculous. How can one love a building or an organization? Of course you can't. I love the teachers that taught me and raised me like I love my own parents. I love all of you students like my younger siblings (not my children okay... I am not that old…). It may not always seem very obvious with me and my prickly nature sometimes, but it is true!

Serve others before yourself. Photo credits: Cempaka Group of Schools Facebook page

Furthermore, let's not forget Cempaka Cheras, who greeted Cempaka Damansara's call for help with open arms. As a proud alumni of both campuses, I was incredibly touched by the teachers and students of Cheras Campus who helped to unload equipment from Damansara without complaints but instead with warm smiles and open hearts. Once again, they embody the values of Cempaka - being of service to others.

The large Cempakan family. Photo credits: Cempaka Group of School's Facebook Page

 We are a family together. We triumph together, we hurt together, and we persevere together.

I know this is not goodbye for good to Cempaka Damansara, but perhaps it is more of a "see you soon". We will be back, stronger than ever. #CempakaBoleh

At the end of the day, Cempaka isn't an organisation. It's a family. Although I wasn't there for long, I am grateful to be proud of such a wonderful family. Thank you, Cempaka. I love you. 

Love always, 

DancerGal Sheryl! 

In the Life of DancerGal: My reaction to the Cempaka Damansara incident

For those of you who are unaware, a fire broke into the Damansara campus of my alma mater, taking down three classrooms and one dance studio. To be honest, I did not realize how bad it was until I stepped foot into the school on Saturday. Tears came to my eyes when I saw the wreckage. On Friday night, went I went onto the social media networks, on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, my heart just dropped.

I was appalled at some of the jokes that were made, yet I was so encouraged by the support and unity of fellow Cempakans. And yet through all of this, I was not ready for what I would be seeing on that Saturday afternoon when I walked in. I caught a glimpse of the wreckage from SammoBammo's house. We decided to go closer and took a drive out to the school. That's when I almost broke down. I saw everything up close. I walked up the stairs towards the hall and realised that the ceiling of the hall was black and covered in soot. That was when I noticed that the dance studio had been destroyed.

The fact that I am a dancer, and it was a dance studio was beyond the fact as to why I was distraught. I slept there around this time last year, during the annual Cempaka Christian Fellowship (CF) Camp. I slept in a sleeping bag, inside the studio.

But that all sadness and distraught went away when I read this post in the Lumen Studet blog called "To All Cempakans, From Cempakans". I really thank the writers of this blog, whoever it may be. The post reminded me of what happened in Japan back in 2004. The huge tsunami incident. What happened back in 2004 was very unfortunate, but look at Japan after that. They received support, encouragement, and love from the rest of the world. In the end, they ended up becoming a stronger nation and came up not only better, but also more productive and more innovative. I foresee that for Cempaka as well.

When news of the fire broke out, I read online that many students were upset. While in shock, there were many others, including current Cempakans already encouraging and supporting one another. I was so encouraged by their Cempakan spirit, that I took part as well. Listening to the concern of some Cempakans concerned me and I just wanted to comfort them, but to be honest, I was only a piece of grass in the field that is the Cempakan support system. Care about one another. Care about their alma mater. Care about their family, their home, where they spend most of their day.

It is very comforting to know that no matter what happens, Cempakans will always back one another and have each other's backs. I am truly proud to be Cempakan, and in the words of our Founder/Mentor, Dato' Freida Pilus, "Not to worry. We are made of stronger stuff than mortar and bricks" and Encik Hisham Hamzah, "Chin up. It's just the building. You and your classmates are Cempaka Damansara. That can never be burned down".

Within the next couple of days, the students from the Damansara campus will be moving over to Cheras. I caught an Instagram video of the Cheras students, making a line to help carry chairs and tables across. Best part of this? They were all doing it with a smile and I know that they will be more than welcoming to their fellow brothers and sisters from Damansara. Their warmth, their support, their encouragement, their care, their love, their camaraderie is what makes Cempaka such a strong body. The support extends beyond current Cempakans. Old Cempakans are sending their messages of love and care via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. It is truly a wonderful sight :)

It's true. The building does not define us as Cempakans. We define ourselves and just by this incident alone, I am already very confident that Cempakans will make it out of this, (as the song says) harder, faster, better and stronger! :)

Cempaka Cheras campus where I finished my A-Levels and where my heart will always be. 

As the first line in our school song says: CEMPAKA MEGAH BERDIRI.

Love always,
Old Cempakan DancerGal Sheryl! :)

In the Life of DancerGal: New Toy! :)

Last night, I got my hands on my very first Digital Single-Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera and it was the Nikon D7100 (source image below) and a lens (Nikon 55-300mm VR)

Nikon 55-300mm VR
Photo credits: www.taringa.net

Nikon D7100 with kit lens
Photo credits: www.prweb.com

I am superbly excited to take on a new journey with my new camera and I cannot wait to start blogging more photos. I am in the midst of scouting for a good watermarking app/software (other than the insanely expensive Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator) to include more photos into my blog and I am thinking of the possibility of starting on vlogs, considering that now I have part of the equipment. 

Took this trial shot this morning over breakfast... 

Do let me know in the comments below if you have any options of good watermarking apps or softwares (preferably free-of-charge)! Also, please be reminded that your comments are moderated by me to eliminate trolls from my blog. Regardless of what people might think, at the end of the day, this blog is a personal blog, to capture my personal feelings, thoughts and opinions. Comments, feedbacks (both good and bad) and questions are most welcomed. Haters aren't. 

Love always, 

DancerGal Sheryl!

In the Life of DancerGal: Cempaka Voices in Concert 2013!

Last Friday, I was at the annual Cempaka Voices in Concert 2013! I was pretty darn excited when I heard about the theme: Back to School! This meant that Cempakan Alumni was gonna be coming back to perform. And I really need to thank SammoBammo for allowing me to bring friends. That was really an amazing gesture. Thank you :)

So, one of my Monday Show buddies, Joyce, agreed to come along. Joyce is this really awesome sweet girl and I thank her for agreeing to come along and I hope you had a great time girl :) Please note that I am uncertain of the classes that these kids graduated from so I am guessing or based on what I heard that night. Please feel free to correct me! Thank you!

Joyce Wong, Monday Show Entertainment

So we left my office at about 6pm and it took us TWO hours to get to Cempaka Cheras. The traffic was insane thanks to stupid rain! Thank goodness when we finally got there (close to around 8pm), the show hadn't started. I felt so sorry to Joyce because the poor girl had to sit through traffic with me while eating her dinner in the car. And traffic was HORRENDOUS but this gave us the chance to chat and catch up. I'm really glad I got to know this girl better :)

So once we got there, I met SammoBammo and the rest of the Cempaka family! Always makes me so happy seeing all of them, especially my very special teacher, Dr Wong. Even as I'm typing this and thinking about them, I'm smiling. Hahaha!

Fareed Hamzah and Hisham Hamzah (SammoBammo) 

I like how because the theme of the show was "Back to School", Fareed took the initiative to wear the school tie which I thought was super awesome! Kudos! SammoBammo came dressed up pretty well, I must say. Smart casual at its best.

Joyce and I before the show!

Gabriel was the emcee for the night and started off by giving some casual greetings and then proceeded to introduce the first performer, Cheryl Tan, class of 2006 (if I'm not mistaken!) where she belted out some amazing jazz tunes. Her voice was totally amazing and I followed her immediately on Facebook just so I could find out more about her upcoming performances :)

Cheryl Tan singing - Photo credits: Lau Jiaying

Shortly after was Teh Gao Jye, class of 2011 (if I'm not mistaken?) and I was blown away. He sang two songs, one about lifelong love and the other about regrets. The best part is that both songs were actually composed by him! Awesome and talented much? I really loved the first song that he wrote. Can't exactly remember the title of the song that I liked though. If someone does remember, please let me know, and do let Gao Jye know that he needs to record it! :D 

Teh Gao Jye singing original compositions - Photo credits: Lau Jiaying

After that, Annatasha Saifol, class of 2010 (if I'm not mistaken?) serenaded us with a piano cover of Katy Perry's Not Like The Movies. I was totally amazed at the talents of this particular firecracker. She is a student in culinary arts, currently a young entrepreneur, the photographs were taken by her, she plays the piano, sings like an angel, AND she is also a dancer. Amazing! All thanks to the education from a great school, Cempaka Schools :) 

Annatasha Saifol on the piano and singing - Photo credits: Lau Jiaying

Then, I started screaming my head off because out came 6 vocalists. Annatasha Saifol, Savira Sigit (class of 2013), Julie Chan Nuo En (class of 2011), Teoh Jun Vinh (class of 2011), Gabriel Tham (class of 2011) and Teh Gao Jye. They sang a medley of pop songs (mostly from Bruno Mars!). I was so insanely thrilled to hear Julie sing again. I used to be the house-mistress in CILC when Julie was head prefect and we got to know each other better then. I am privileged to have known someone like Julie. Don't forget me when you make it big, woman! :P Also, Savira, wow. A superstar in her own right. She has been accepted into a performing arts school in the US of A and I am just so crazily proud of her. I remember back in the day when I used to work in Cheras, she would come and greet me in the mornings with a big hug. Oh how I miss those days. *memories*

From L-R: Julie Chan, Teh Gao Jye, Annatasha Saifol, Gabriel Tham, Savira Sigit, Teoh Jun Vinh
Photo credits: Lau Jiaying

From L-R: Julie Chan, Savira Sigit, Annatasha Saifol, Teh Gao Jye, Gabriel Tham, Teoh Jun Vinh

Then out came, Jes Ebrahim who performed a couple of songs. One with his brother, Jes Ismail, and two songs with Abdul Muhaimin. Jes and Muhaimin did a guitar duet of "Getaran Jiwa" and that was just amazing. It did however, remind me of the duet that Jes once did with another Cempakan alumni, Aiman Ahmad Marzio. At this point, I still wasn't aware of what was happening and I was already in lala land thanks to all these super talents. Little did I know, I was going to be even more amazed.

Abdul Muhaimin and Jes Ebrahim - Photo credits: Abdul Qayyum

Jes Ebrahim and Jes Ismail - Photo credits: Abdul Qayyum

After their performance was a performance by alumni Farah Alya Ali, class of 2011 (if I'm not mistaken?) and she sang "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus. The Miley Cyrus that was still sane and could actually produce good music. The way Farah performed it, gave the song a very elegant twist and it was so simple, yet beautiful. Nice!

Farah Alya Ali singing "The Climb" - Photo credits: Lau Jiaying

Then, came my favourite Cempaka skit, directed by Mr Scott McQuaid, Private Eye. There was part 1 and 2 a couple of years back. This year, they did Private Eye 3 starring Muhammad Luqman, Savira Sigit, David Estrada, Nimeesha Chan, Farel Sigit, Cheah Yi Jane, Syakirah Md Saadon, Tengku Dayang Adeira, and Caleb Choo. This skit was pretty hilarious and clearly didn't disappoint and Farel was insanely adorable as "The Big Boss".

Luqman and Farel going head to head. - Photo credits: Lau Jiaying

Farel playing "The Big Boss" - Photo credits: Abdul Qayyum

Soon after, Gabriel Tham gave his rendition of Josh Groban's Broken Vow. Beautiful song and even more beautiful cos you can see Gabriel's face. For those of you who don't know, Gabriel played the Beast in Cempaka's Box Office Production (CBOP) of Beauty and the Beast, followed by Kerchak in CBOP's Tarzan. It truly is a nice change seeing his face outside of make up and fake hair. His voice really does remind me of Josh Groban to be honest.

Gabriel Tham belting out "Broken Vow" - Photo credits: Abdul Qayyum

After Gabriel, out came Julie Chan who belted out Second Hand White Baby Grand. I nearly cried listening to her sing. As I mentioned before, Julie and I got a bit closer during my stay in CILC and I remember her telling me about how she came to know God. It was truly a memorable moment listening to her sing again. I remember when I first heard her sing "Defying Gravity" on stage through a video. To hear her sing live, is really an honour :)

Julie Chan singing Second Hand White Baby Grand - Photo credits: Abdul Qayyum

Then out came Lumiere, better known among his peers as Teoh Jun Vinh. Every time he steps out on stage, I will never forget his amazing stint as Lumiere (the candlestick) from CBOP's Beauty and The Beast. Beauty and The Beast was the first musical I worked on when I was in Cempaka. I watched all six shows, and all six times, I was amazed by his performances. This boy can sure sing! He belted out Michael Buble's "Haven't Met You Yet", one of my favourite songs from one of my favourite male vocalists.

Jun Vinh singing "Haven't Met You Yet" - Photo credits: Abdul Qayyum

Then came the land of the musicians. Andrew Ng on the violin, Abdul Muhaimin on the bass (the fella bought a new bass!), Caleb Choo on the drums and Mr Wong Shen Vee on the piano played Claude Bolling's Suite. It was pretty classical in the beginning, just violin and the piano, but when the bass and drums were added in, it sounded pretty darned awesome! There's just something about Andrew when he's on the violin that makes the whole world stop for a while and just focus on his playing. That is one talented boy right there. When Caleb is on the drums, it's like he is in a world of his own. You can watch him on YouTube where he does covers. It's pretty interesting.

Abdul Muhaimin on bass and Andrew Ng on violin - Photo credits: Lau Jiaying

Savira sang her solo, "At Last" made famous by Etta James. As usual, Savira at her age, gave us a flawless Savira-ised version of the song and it was beautiful. And there was this adorable moment where the musicians backing her (Mr Wong Shen Vee on piano, Mr Lee Voon Foong on saxaphone, Abdul Muhaimin on bass and Caleb Choo on drums) were doing their thing, and she scooted to the back of the amps, took a sip of water, and then continued with her great performance. Truly an artist in the making and a superstar in my heart :)

Abdul Muhaimin on bass, while Savira belts out her tune - Photo credits: Abdul Qayyum

Savira Sigit singing "At Last" by Etta James.- Photo credits: Lau Jiaying

The show then led to an amazing and adorable dance performance by Abdul Muhaimin, Teoh Jun Vinh, Annatasha Saifol and Natasha Lama. Their dance was called "Hey Pachugo!", which I believed to also be the name of the song they were dancing to, and the two boys were basically trying to catch the two girls. I don't really know how, but Muhaimin ended up tapping on a table. THAT was pretty darned awesome! Annatasha also did a "trailer" to the dance which was pretty amazingly done! Natasha as always, did not disappoint when it comes to dance, and Jun Vinh was just awesome! Flawless cast!

Muhaimin tapping on the table - Photo credits: Abdul Qayyum

The one with purple hair is Annatasha, Natasha and Muhaimin - Photo credits: Abdul Qayyum

The final solo performance of the night was of course, the one and only, Razlan Saharuddin. Student of the Berklee College of Music, Razlan has performed many times in Cempaka as alumni and every time he performs, he sings his own music (well, most of the time!). On the night of CVIC 2013, he sang all original songs, but one in particular made me tear. I don't remember the name of the song, but it was about his best friend's sister who had run away from home. It was just a touching number and I really enjoyed it so so much. Also, Darren Ashley was his drummer and back-up vocalist. Awesome much? :)

Razlan explains the meaning behind every song before singing it to us. - Photo credits: Abdul Qayyum

Razlan in crooner mode - Photo credits: Lau Jiaying

There was this beautiful finale, Seasons of Love, crooned by the entire cast (Julie Chan, Annatasha Saifol, Savira Sigit, Gabriel Tham, Teh Gao Jye, Teoh Jun Vinh, Razlan Saharuddin, Jes Ebrahim, Cheryl Tan, Farah Alya Ali, etc) backed by all the musicians (Abdul Muhaimin, Caleb Choo, Mr Wong Shen Vee, etc). It was truly an amazing showcase of the pool of talented alumni/students from Cempaka Schools. I am proud to call myself an alumni too (although I'm not HALF as talented as all these people are!). 

Seasons of Love Finale - Photo credits: Lau Jiaying

As most of you can see, the photos (the awesome ones!) were taken by Cempaka alumni Abdul Qayyum and Lau Jiaying. Another group of talents. These were some amazing shots and thank you for allowing me to use your photos on my blog. 

Cempaka, megah berdiri,

Tahun '83 bulan Januari, 

Bersatu, berdisiplin, dan berdikari

Melahirkan generasi yang berhemah tinggi

Kami semua, anak Cempaka, 

Berbilang kaum, bangsa dan agama, 

Bersatu, mencapai cita dalam perpaduan

Harapan ayah bonda, dan juga negara

Berkaliber, dan berdedikasi,

Itulah prinsip guru-guru kami, 

Mendidik dan membimbing, sepenuh hati

Meninggikan prestasi pengajian kami

Cempaka, oh Cempaka,

Harummu semerbak merata-rata,

Hijau dan kuning warna gemilang, 

Kejayaan diutamakan

Marilah, mari bersama, 

Mara maju ke hadapan, 

Majulah, oh Cempaka, hingga berzaman

Majulah, oh Cempaka, hingga berzaman

Love always, 

DancerGal Sheryl! 

Self-Reflection: Relationships

I have never blogged about relationships and I've never really seen myself as a professional cos I've honestly only had two, and have been in my current relationship for the past 3 plus years. This blog post DEFINITELY isn't gonna be lovey-dovey, nor is it going to be comparing the two relationships I've had. This is just for a reminder to myself to keep my head in the game and obviously, look at the bigger picture.

So why wouldn't I give advice to other couples? Well, to be honest, unless you are a certified therapist, you shouldn't be giving any form of advice. Why do I say this? Every relationship is different. Every partner, even though you are the same person, will be different which will lead to different scenarios, different circumstances and most definitely, different personalities.

I think the difference in myself between the last relationship and the current one is definitely my maturity. I still am super "manja", but I think there's a different demand now that I am more mature. I have also learnt a lot about myself and I will continue to discover myself. My partner would have to continue to learn about me, as much as I will continue learning about my partner. In my current relationship, because we are also on the road of finding our paths in our respective careers, it can sometimes be quite frustrating. But the best part about this is, we learn more about each other, sort of at the same time. And what I like to remind myself here, is that we are not there to help solve each other's problems, but just for support. Of course, trying to help would be great, but the main deal here is to support one another. When the one you love supports what you do, that's 60% of the battle won and the frustrations gone.

To me, love isn't just about saying "I love you", but actually showing love, support, care, commitment, dedication. A relationship when you're in your teenage years, it's mostly about exploration. Learning to be responsible and accountable to and for someone. When you're my age, it's more than exploration. You don't exactly have the time. I think what took me aback was a talk that I heard by Nick Vujicic.

For those of you who know me well, I come from a family whose parents are separated and I live with my mum. My dad obviously lives with the other party. Since my first relationship, I've always been fearful of adultery because of my background. Thing is, although I wasn't cheated on technically, I would still say that I was cheated on, because three weeks after we broke up, my ex was already with someone new. But I am honestly grateful that I went through that relationship. He taught me a lot of things about relationships. Especially what NOT to do.

According to Nick, FEAR stands for False Evidence Appearing Real. This fear is a seed that will soon grow into a tree and bear fruit. I've had the fear of adultery for a very very long time. Even with my current partner. But then, Nick said something. Once the seed is planted, it will continue to grow and grow no matter how much you try to stop it. The only way is to just UPROOT the damn tree. And then, when I got a hug from him, that was when I decided that I would uproot my fear. So I did just that. I decided to take the plunge and just uproot my tree of fear. I've never been happier.

My current relationship seems a bit more on the calmer side now. Haha. Of course, my partner has been an absolute gem, helping me through so much. My insecurities and my dramas. The poor chap has suffered, I believe. So now that I've grown up (a teeny bit!), I think it's time for me to at least give this chap a smoother journey and ride it out. At the moment, we just want to enjoy our lives as single people. We know we are committed to each other, and we know that we want that future, but for now, let's just enjoy our lives. I think for me, relationships tend to be a lot easier when you remove the element of expectations. You want him to say "I love you"? Ask for it. You want him to kiss you? Ask for it. If you don't ask, you won't get and you can't get disappointed if you don't get it.

To me, and again I reiterate, this post is meant as a reminder to myself and not an "advisory" post. I am very happy in my current relationship, and as we continue to grow and learn more about each other, may we grow stronger as individuals and continue on this journey feeling more confident each day.

I love you.

Love always,
DancerGal Sheryl!

In the Life of DancerGal: Four Drug-store Make Up Products that SavedMe!

Okay, so yesterday was super crazy. I knew that there was this event called the Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Awards 2013 (APEA 2013) happening yesterday. The Founder/Mentor of Cempaka Schools, Dato' Freida Pilus, won the award under the Outstanding Entrepreneurship Award. Because the event was of such that SammoBammo made a tux just to wear to the event, when I found out that I wasn't attending this event, I was sorta relieved (no shopping = saving $$$!). However, as luck would have it, yesterday itself at around 11am, I received a call saying that someone would not be able to make it and that I was specifically invited by Dato' Freida straight after this person couldn't come. This happened while I was at work, which meant no clothes, no contact lenses and no make up.

So during lunch, I flew home to pick up a selection of dresses for her to choose for me, and made calls to my optician to make sure he got me the contact lenses. I asked for dailies so that I could wear them for that night only. When I got back to my office, I realised that I had forgotten about make up. So after work, I headed back to SammoBammo's home where we took turns showering and getting ready. By the time we were both dressed, it was almost 6.45pm. We left for Bangsar Village where I ran into Caring Pharmacy to pick up the following 4 products.

Revlon Grow Luscious Plumping Mascara

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey

Maybelline Clear Smooth Shine Free Clear BB Stick

SilkyGirl Eyeshadow Quad

So in the car, I worked up some magic. I first started out with the BB Stick and used it as Foundation. Made dots and lines across my face and blended it in with my fingers. Yes, did all of this in a moving car. All in the name of vain! It was tough cos not only did I not have a proper brush, I also had no rubber bands to tie up my hair, which meant that hair kept falling back into my face. And cos at this point, I had already put on my contacts, I wasn't able to face the aircond as well.

After blending in the foundation, I started on the eyes using the quad. Used the silver on my middle and inner parts of the eyes. My fingers were the brushes. It was tough using my fingers because with brushes, you can define how thick and thin you want them to be. So it was kinda tough making them thin. Once I had blended out the silver which I used to sort of define my eyes, I used the navy blue to line the top part of my eyes. Seemed pretty simple right? Well, aside from using my finger as an eyeliner brush, technically it was kinda easy. 

I wanted to use my eyeliner and mascara but cos the car was being such a bumping monster, I couldn't do it up until I got to the hotel. So I used the Balm Stain and rubbed a teeny bit onto my fingers to be used as cheek stains (because I was too cheap to get a blusher) and then went onto stain my lips. Killed two birds with one stone! Woot woot! 

When we were in KL town, traffic was kinda bad, and at each traffic light, I would whip out the mascara and liner. By the time we got to the hotel (Shangri-la Hotel, Kuala Lumpur), I was already done with everything :) SammoBammo was pretty impressed by the whole thing especially cos I did everything while my car was super bumpy! By the time I got to the hotel, I looked something like this...

Final look when I got to the hotel...

SammoBammo and I 

At the end of the night...

Photo with SammoBammo and his dad

I was pretty pleased with the look I got by just picking them off the shelves in 5 mins. Although it was quite stressful, but I'm grateful things turned out the way they did. :) I had a great and fantastic evening and I cannot wait for more awesome stories to come! 

Love always,
DancerGal Sheryl! 

In the Life of DancerGal: A truly memorable night, 20th August 2013...

On 20th August 2013, I was dared to lift up my hand and ask for a hug. Initially, I was frightened, but when I remembered how much I wanted to meet this person face-to-face and everything that I ever dreamed about, I did it.

I did not hug just anyone.

I hugged NICK VUJICIC. 

A moment that can never be bought. A priceless and truly memorable moment. A hug from Nick Vujicic.

For the rest of my life, I will always remember that one day, the day when I when I got a hug from Nick Vujicic. The day when I cried on HIS shoulders. The day when I realized that you do not need arms to hug someone. You need sincerity and love. I remembered him whispering "I love you very much, God loves you very much". Thank you.

Kum Gheng's hands were shaking when he took this photo. It was truly amazing. 

Thank you, Kum Gheng, for giving me this once in a lifetime opportunity. Truly an unforgettable moment, and all possible only thanks to Inspire.FM. Thank you once again. 

Keep living life without limits. 

Love always, 

DancerGal Sheryl!