PHWOAR

So long didn't post anything already. It's actually weird because some time back I thought nothing of not touching this space on the web for an entire year, but now I feel the need to. Perhaps it's because it's one of the few ways I can (sort of) still be vaguely connected to others, since I don't have any accounts on Facebook or other online social networks. It's not as if a lot of people visit this place, BUT IT'S CERTAINLY MORE THAN THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO COMMENT OH MY GOODNESS WHOEVER YOU ARE IF YOU READ PLEASE LEAVE SOME SORT OF TRACE BEHIND I HATE TO THINK THAT SOME PEOPLE KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT ME BUT I DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THEM IT'S FREAKY I DON'T CARE IF I DON'T REALLY REVEAL WHO I AM BECAUSE I KNOW YOU THINK THAT I DON'T KNOW THAT YOU KNOW BUT REALLY I DO KNOW THAT YOU DO.
















I know okay.

Anyway I have so much to say. POSTERITY TIME.

So 123 came and went, and so many people remembered compared to last year! Must be because the A's are out of the way, and finally everyone can straighten out their thinking and remember the most important things in life. M gave me a nice pouch which I assumed was a handphone pouch, so now it's my handphone pouch because I assumed it was. The SISTER, since I bought her some expensive chocolate thing for her birthday, reciprocated with something from those gift shops that are out to suck money. But still it's a gift I will love it all the same and treat it well.

Ok on Friday the 13th it wasn't unlucky because I don't believe in that. Oh ya and also because I got a treat! From K nonetheless. She said that 'it was worth it treating a good friend' like me (something along that line, give or take eight or so words). So you know, I love treats, and by association I will adore people who give me treats. Went for Japanese food! (I still love it by the way but somehow a little less than before. WHY.) Then after that we got all moody about A level results (okay I shall shut up about that now), so to lift them spirits we went to the arcade! And played lame games like spot the differences and those ten-second things which stress you out greatly, especially for two people who can't play well/to save themselves/for nuts. Oh ya then came the first of many comments to come that said I looked good in work clothes (but of course) compared to school attire.

Saturday the 14th! YX and I chiong-ed

(colloquialism explanation time [to be imagined in those irritating computer voices with lame names like Martin or Jenna or doob that are always broken because they pronounce words WRONGLY 60% of the time]: chiong. To rush; to quickly accomplish a task in a frenzied state that will leave one debilitated for the rest of one's life. For example, we can say, "YX chiong-ed to the loo." Alternatively, we can also say, "YX chiong-ed her sandwich because she needed the loo.")

both NUS and NTU open houses, because spending the whole weekend merely on open houses is never justifiable in this universe.

We learnt a little,

got confused a bit,

and were tired plenty

at the end of it.

.

For the sake of rhyme,

I just ate a zit.

The MOTHER'S church friends remembered all of our birthdays, but since the BROTHER wasn't around, the SISTER and I got to celebrate it with them at night. So much food can, and it was very thoughtful of them because it was almost like a surprise, very unexpected. These days we get so little of that. <---- HINT DARNNIT.

Sunday the 15th I went out for dinner with ZY and SY for buffet. Apparently they now think I can eat a lot. Well, I can. So we stayed there from 6.45 all the way to 10.30 (closing time), and I ate the whole way MUAHAHA it's time to get my money back oh wait I didn't pay.

MUAHAHAHA.

Oh ya and I actually made small talk with this lady diner at the food counter who was wondering where the atapchi were. I pointed them out, and then she started telling me all about how they were fantastic with yam ice-cream, which was really nice of her but because I was too full I skipped that and just took ice kacang and plenty of fruit and more drinks. So funny right! Even funnier was that she turned out to be SY's cousin and all of 40-odd years old! SO FUNNY RIGHT. I think SY's family is stalking him or something hahaha. After that we had to take a walk because we were all too full. Took the last train home with ZY (I never did that before!) (I know, shaddap ah).

Monday the 16th was E's farewell party because she's going to this faraway place called the Nomadic Homelands of the Arizon (the barren sisterland of the Amazon) where the nightsky is amazing and the desert is everywhere. Oh yes and where people are friendly to you if you are tall so E should fit in quite nicely there. Met nearly the entire Lamentable Empire at the gathering, and ate a lot again. I hope E has a great time there, and that she won't come back too angmoh-cised and everything. Hahaha but I think she will.

Fast-forward to Friday the 20th: the BROTHER'S birthday!

I think he spent it like it was any other day,

to him it isn't much of a big deal anyway.

.

Er in two months' time it'll be Maaay.

(I think I make a fantastic songwriter.)

Oh ya and I saw D at the train station with a bloody mouth and Ms WYY in the bus. How ordinary. I expected ABBA at least.

Okay now I need to make a real point. I don't understand why some people see climbing the escalator as a requisite, and that not doing so is impolite or plain rude. I can understand if you are in a rush, and that's why I stand to the left side, and so do many other commuters. What I don't get is the perception that prevails among office workers in the CBD area, that climbing escalators is a given. Escalators aren't made for climbing! The steps are so high and such a distance from each other that climbing can give you

a) wedgies,
b) zao-kengs (for lack of a better and more fitting word) if wearing a skirt,
c) clanking sounds if in office footwear e.g. court shoes, heels
d) nasty falls, from the pointy things on the steps and the clumsy syndrome (I have this)

But anyway, it's okay to climb escalators lah. Unless I'm on the same one.

THIS IS MY BIRTHDAY POST SO I CAN SAY WHATEVER I WANT

"Greetings, people of Cramada!"

*a resounding silence followed by half-hearted attempts to start uproarious Applause but because everyone is so timid they don't really catch on and thus the half-hearted attempts remain just that and soon after they die down because the people who started them aren't exactly brave either*







*more resounding silence because the speaker was dumb enough to expect Applause because of the temporary trend of being fashionably late but apparently the Applause just seemed to be like some over-grown full-term baby unwilling to pop out and instead the nurses can only see its damp head swathed in black and nothing else*

*eyes scan the cavernous hall, trying to detect some signs of life. Any life*

*clearing of throat because that's the only thing one can do when one is nervous, utterly embarrassed, and acutely aware of one's dismal situation, all at the same time*

"I, the Deputy Executive Senior Minister of The Order of Calendar, Associate of the Greats of Cramada, Rear-Admiral of the Seventh Division of Murmur, and disputed Ruler of the Eastern Regions, *catches breath*, am deeply honoured to declare the 12th day of March a day of great celebration and reflection, a day when the senior will reminisce the great feats of our Founder, and a day when the young will begin on the foundations of their character."

*pauses for dramatic effect*

"From the deepest recesses of ancient history, our great Leader demonstrated immense tenacity and powerful resolve. It was his ever indomitable spirit that has seen us through the ages, living on in each of us, empowering us to excel and to forge frontiers. His strong character and principled actions have instilled in us the greatest sense of humanity and community. It is as thus we are the most powerful and yet the most compassionate of beings, while not even being remotely interesting nonetheless."

*dry cough from the deepest recesses of the hall*

*stare*

*glare*

"We have certainly come thus far, as a nation, as a people, as a family. While we prosper, we should never take things for granted. Like that time, when I told the coffeeshop auntie to prepare coffee (what else) for me, I took it for granted that she would brew me premium Blue Mountain coffee, since I'm the Deputy Executive Senior Minister of The Order of Calendar, Associate of the Greats of Cramada, Rear-Admiral of the Seventh Division of Murmur, and disputed Ruler of the Eastern Regions, *catches breath*, but no. She sneered at me after that, and said that she was the ultimate ruler of the Nether Regions. Whatever. I still rule in the Eastern Regions."

"And we should never bow to other countries, but we must embrace the Outsiders with open arms. After all, that is what our Magnificent Moomoo would have done. His gentle empathy for other beings and aversion to narrow-mindedness are enduring lessons for our citizens. For we cannot be called true Cramadians unless we effortlessly display that level of graciousness. And you over there. Yes you. Yes the one with the ugly shirt on, stop looking around, I'm talking to you. Now get over with the small talk and listen. No no, don't give me that constipated look. I hate it when people do that. Pay attention or else you will get to know what happens when you interrupt an Associate of the Greats of Cramada!"

"As it is often said among Cramadians, the sh-"

*GONG*

*Another grand-looking person holding a gigantic clock a la Alice in Wonderland waltzes up to the podium*

"That will be enough, Deputy Executive Senior Minister of The Order of Calendar, thank you very much. I, the Enduring Timekeeper, would like to note that time is of the essence here, and it seems that you took too much Brand's this anti-night. That is, might I add, anti-legal in Cramada because we don't believe in its said properties."

"We will now, at this point in time, partake of a Minute in Silence, to commemorate His Greatness' penchant for quiet and solitude, before the Annual Carnival of noise and anti-silence. Let the Minute begin."









*after one minute of silence, which wasn't too hard to achieve anyway and would have probably dragged on longer, if not for the Timekeeper's addiction to anti-tardiness, because everyone was too disinterested*









"Thank you for your kind cooperation. Please proceed to Wing Five for the reception, and to Wing Four for the special durian cream puffs. Might I add that the aforementioned puffs are only to be consumed before meals, in the example of our Most Esteemed Comrade. Those who intentionally pit themselves against the glorious memories of the Conqueror, please proceed to Wing Ten. You will be accorded appropriate treatment. Thank you and have a great Founders' Day."

My eyes have been opened

My eyes have been opened. It was the collection of results today. My human nature may be happy about my results, but spiritually, I am rejoicing. My trust in God has carried me through, and helped me remain unexpectedly collected, at least by my standards.

But why do I say my eyes have been opened? I've been in the college for the past four years, and I can safely say that the A levels have been such surprise springers. Achievers have been known to crumble, and there are those who rise from the ashes. It's very much like the tumbling thing in a washing machine; the A levels reset everything - it doesn't matter how well or whatever you did previously, apparently the only thing that matters is the now, the now when you get the results back.

But I disagree. To everyone out there, whoever is so reading - consistency is what truly matters. The results may give you the extra boost, or one foot in the door, but it cannot mask mediocrity in the long run. Keep doing what you are passionate in, it will pay off; never let the results decide what you are good in or not, of which have only been determined in what, three to six hours?

So many of the people I know are specialists i.e. they are especially proficient in a subject or two. The A levels require you to take a spread, and the Singapore syllabus is more demanding - you need to take a subject that could be entirely out of your field. Kudos to those who can handle it, but the real world doesn't necessarily work that way. I don't need trigonometry if I want to read Law. I don't need to be painstakingly familiar with Operation Coldstore if I want to take on Engineering. I don't have to care for externalities if I am into the Life Sciences. While I fully support the push for multi-disciplinary learning, don't let any mal-performance in this area bring anyone down. Because it's not for everyone.

While there are always issues with the subjective examination of scripts especially in written subjects, that cannot be helped in the near future. What I take issue with is the lack of disclosure of how we scored exactly. Definitely, the examination board should be trusted as a relevant authority, and of course we don't want people to be scrambling for their grades to be pushed up. But if there aren't any mistakes made in examination, can't all of us clearly see there isn't any point in harassing for marks? We would only look dumb and irrational if we did so. Barring the case of mass hysteria (it happens I guess) in such circumstances, I don't see why how the grading is done should not be disclosed. Shouldn't we learn from the mistakes we made?

Anyhow, one person who, so to speak, rose from the ashes, is N. I'm really happy for her, because I know she put in a lot of effort. I've helped her with quite a few subjects before, and I could see the diligence. Something redeeming about the A levels is that, well, they are redeeming.

I smsed many of my teachers who had taught me the various subjects, thanking them for all of their dedication. Here's what some of them said (more or less, and without the sms English, haha), for posterity's sake:

Lit Teacher 1:

"Hello darling! I'm very proud of you. :) But your A was entirely your own effort. Good luck with everything you do in the future and be in touch. Much love."

and later on

"Celebrate lots. :)"

Lit Teacher 2:

"Aw you're so welcome Cram! You were such a joy to teach - I really miss teaching your class by the way - and I'm so happy you did well. Your hard work paid off :) congrats and have fun celebrating."

The Lit teachers are great lah; they bring the subject to life.



Econs Teacher:

Basically I had quite a long sms conversation with her, especially since she already wasn't around in college. So these are the noteworthy bits.

"How did everybody else do?"

I told her what I knew.

"Ok. Thanks for informing me!"

I thanked her again.

"That's good. I'm very worried for your class, actually."

"Ya, the college did better this time round."

Hm. Ok. She's interesting in that way, haha. I can really see the passion and zeal for the subject in her eyes when she teaches sometimes. That's what teaching is all about.



CSE Teacher:

"It has been a joy teaching you. You have been a pleasure to teach. I wish you all the best and I'm sure that you will go on to better things. :)"

This is one whom I have seen grow as a teacher. He was a greenhorn at first; now, I can actually learn a lot from him.



GP Teacher:

"Hey you truly do deserve your excellent grades in your subjects. And I delight in your flair for the English language. Best wishes!"

She has been very encouraging to me, and is always very positive. That is especially crucial during crunch time.



Maths Teacher:

"Hahaha you are welcome. :) Your grades are not bad. :)"

and later on

"Just in case you didn't know; you are a good student with good attitude. :)"

(more or less)

.

That totally moved me. Coming from a Maths teacher some more. Maybe I knew all along (haha), but to be affirmed by someone else, it is another thing altogether. I answered him by saying that I will try not to lose it.

.

Hm.

.

.

.

That's what opened up my eyes. Affirmation is a powerful thing.

.
The A levels may have come and gone. Some have won, others have lost. But what I have gained, I will never forget.

writing and Him

Somehow I think every professional out there has got ugly handwriting. No wait, that doesn't quite cut it. Ugly handwriting is still tolerable if it can be deciphered. It's more of illegible handwriting that every doctor, lawyer, or consultant seems to have. So much so that it seems like, if you've got horrendous writing, you've made it big in the world. Or, every professional requires those scrawls to prove their mettle or capabilities as, professionals. Or something like that.

It's always like that. My grandma sometimes visits the nearby polyclinics to get medicines and pills, and when she gets back home and wants to administer, she can't. Because she can't understand whatever's written on the bottle or at the back of the box. She'll ask me whether I can tell her how many times a day to take the medicine, how many times a week, and for how long. And I'll have to tell her, I don't know, because the 3 looks like an 8 looks like a 5 or something. So she'll just follow a loose routine of popping them after every meal, three days a week, until they're all finished. So far she's alright. I guess that's working out then.

And now my boss. He sometimes passes me stuff I have to do, along with scrawls they call writing on the margins; I'm expected to understand them and carry those instructions out accordingly. I tell him I'm unable to decipher it, and I'm referred to his secretary because he's a busy man (which he is). His secretary deciphers half of the scrawls (it's more hieroglyphics, really), and then I'm left to my own devices. So sometimes during the office hours you can see me hopping from one desk to another, trying to get the colleagues to help out. It's a team effort, really. Each one of us apparently is able to recognise some of the words that other colleagues somehow just can't. Are we special, or what.

It will be Friday when we get our results back. I can't say I don't feel anything, but at the same time I think I feel quite alright nonetheless. Don't get me wrong, I'm not being all overconfident or anything, but I can rest easier knowing that God has got my back. I've got to trust in Him. He's all I got.

squeak squeak

Ok so I went jogging again today (basically yesterday, in the afternoon), and this time I took the Changi Business Park route. It's really really ulu there it's great, unlike Max Pavilion and Expo carpark on Saturdays, where basically next to half of Singapore somehow ends up. Changi Business Park was really empty today because it wasn't a working day and all.

Then I saw a car. It was one of those Chinese brands, which model their cars after European makes and designs. Therefore it looked like a constipated Mercedes Benz. It was parked beside the path I was running on, and sooner or later I was going to be right beside it. Funny thing was, I noticed somebody inside. And the car was like rocking or something. I could even HEAR it rocking away. *Squeak squeak squeak* like some constipated car would naturally go. Then I got closer and guess what I saw.







GUESS LAH.







I saw two naked people. Behind some darkly tinted glass. But they were clearly naked. And they were very intimate with each other. (That's all I'm going to say.) But that's probably a gross understatement because as I realised, the car was still rocking away like some freaking cradle. It was so bad I tell you. And they didn't even notice that I ran right past them. Or they didn't choose to lah. But I guess that's better. And at least get curtains lah, or put newspaper or something. Evidently, they didn't count on joggers chancing upon them. I also saw other couples around the area, some walking around and taking pictures near the putrid and algae-clogged body of water they call an eco-lake. Apparently it's Valentine's Day in that area, I don't know.

On another note, I'm really satisfied with my job. Not that's it's easy or anything, but I learn so much from it. Oh ya, and office gossip is really something I tell you.

first day

So today was my first day on the internship. The office isn't that big, and the people were unexpectedly quite warm. Of course there were grumpy faces (it's a Monday), but most of them were middle-aged women so they knew how to treat people well. Like making dessert from the rice cooker in the pantry and fussing over my broadband connection.

Surprisingly I got quite a lot of work on my first day! Not that I'm complaining; in fact I think it's good, at least they trust me to do the work, and it's good training as well. My boss asked me to vet some bank insurance policy contracts and format my comments into letter form. And I'm so relieved he was quite happy with what I did. Thank God! He had to do very little editing, and zoom, off they were sent.

And I already know I have work waiting for me tomorrow.

Now if only the food was good.

Eating escapades...!

Ok so recently I met up with K after a long, long three months for dinner. Basically, the whole later half of last year I didn't really have the chance to sit down and have a loooong talk with her, so the dinner was to make up for that, I guess. Well, the busy lady kept me waiting for I think 20-25 minutes at the reception where she worked, because she had some last minute stuff to rush out, so I finished up two business magazines and now am a whole lot smarter about SMEs and renewables. And K looked very professional, impartial and just in her get-up; even I was fooled. We went to this restaurant/eatery that served savoury and sweet crepes, which was also the place the class gathering that I could not turn up for took place, and the food wasn't that bad at all, surprisingly! Changed my perception of crepes. Shared the tiramisu crepe dessert, which was crepey in an unexpected way. The meals weren't exactly value for money, but not bad either lah. At least rats didn't drop out of the ceiling.

OH WAIT OF COURSE NOT, because there wasn't any ceiling; we were surrounded by the rest of Basement 1. So much so I bumped into a cousin (yes, while sitting and eating in a restaurant) and she bumped into a primary school friend (yes, while sitting and eating in a restaurant). But, despite that, we talked. About legal liggles and school-life giggles, and my evidently non-existent lovelife (and hers as well, equally evidently non-existent...?).

Here comes a point where I realise, and soon after am confounded as to why, people keep on asking, "Ooh what's going on...?" or "What do you see in your future partner?" and things along that line. I mean, don't stop asking, it's actually fine by me to discuss these birds and bees that I have yet to chance upon (sad urban world I live in), and I don't mind, I think. In fact, I guess it's in a way oppositely interesting, to get a feel of what kind of a person who doesn't really have crushes, infatuations, objects of affection or any of the sort really is like, especially in the hormonally-charged circumstance of the teenage mindset. So for now, I guess, that is a mainstay conversation topic.

Then we went to get the MOTHER'S present, which was a piggy pencilcase. The next day, we celebrated HER birthday! And I'm so glad K and I didn't go for Japanese cuisine in the end, because the FAMILY went for Momoya ala-carte buffet! Stuffed myself so much. Waiter kept giving us more than we ordered but who cares, we ate it all in the end, hahaha. I think I still managed to order for more than its worth, and that gives me a fuzzeh feeling.

And then, I went to teach Indian migrant workers. I did a conversational thing with some of them today to encourage them to speak in proper sentences, because at the moment they do not. So you know, we were exchanging questions and replies. I then asked them what they intended to do in the future, what they had planned for. And then the same question got thrown right back into my face, and I got stumped for a second.




Then I remembered and said NS.

AND THEN AND THEN I was on my way back, and I bumped into an SC junior and we went back home together. But that's not the point. So we were on the bus. And I now understand why they have those signs about how it's illegal to harass/abuse/assault the bus captain or something.

AND THEN AND THEN go figure.

We are all skinny people

Ok so went for dinner with SY and YX around six or seven hours ago, at NYNY (of all places right, but we're still subsisting on a teen's budget, so). And apparently I was late.

Well that doesn't matter because SY has YX to entertain/disturb him. Hahaha.

First impressions: It's not as if I don't know them or anything, but I hadn't seen YX in three months. I recently met up with SY, so he doesn't count. Though he's apparently been working out, but I can't really tell yet. Not to worry, it'll show in I think a few more weeks? Skinny people are like that lah. So anyway, YX all of a sudden looked quite mature, possibly because of the hair, and the contacts. I think that's good (it's about time), but she didn't behave very much differently compared to three months ago, hahaha. It's good. I guess.

A few things. We sat at this table, which was very awkward for three people. Basically, none of us faced each other. While that may be a good thing FOR ME, it made it difficult to converse and all. Though it was basically me and YX just yakking away. And pointing knives here and there to make our point. SY, most of the time, did a HB and stuffed himself silly with his food, and some of YX's and mine. Skinny people are like that lah. Ok basically I'm what people would call a slow eater and YX was struggling with her food, which in itself is a strange phenomenon.

Before that, when the food just came, I took the liberty of squeezing all manner of ketchup and chilli sauce on the perimeter of their plates. (I always do that now when there're bottles of those, and a proper plate.) And after that the waiter found it hard to clear our plates; I must be one of the more problematic diners one could come across.

Then after dinner we walked around aimlessly, while talking about random stuff and throwing random insults at each other. Actually we had an aim, of getting something cold and sweet. But after that our stomachs told us otherwise. Skinny people are like that lah.

OW MY BUTT

So I went cycling with G yesterday from around 11.30 am onwards. TILL LIKE AROUND 6PM. We basically cycled A LOT, and considering I hadn't even touched any kind of bike since I think one and a half to two years ago, I think I did pretty well for myself. Can you actually believe that G actually can average an actual 30 km/h on a bike?! Crazy, hahaha. I previously thought it was 13 km/h, so you know, I was like "Oh ok, that's actually alright to handle" but NO, it was 30 km/h because of my previously messed-up hearing. But obviously I cannot handle such supersonic speeds, so for the first part of our entire adventure we only averaged 15-17 km/h, but on the way back it was more of 20-23 km/h. G kept on saying "Feel the burn...". OH YES I FELT THE BURN. Hahaha.

But it was very enjoyable, because I got to see parts of the country I don't often see, or even at all. Parts of the country where they don't resemble Singapore as well. Or it's probably because I'm not that outdoorsy. But still. And then also because cycling wasn't that boring because we could talk about quite a lot during cycling. I totally empathise, when G pointed out the place of a horrendous fall. The ground looked like it could cause a lot of pain.

We stopped by McDonald's for lunch, and later on at Changi Village for bandung. Come to think of it, those were awful choices for F&B when you are cycling, but that's done. When we were cycling back, on the home stretch, within reach of G's house, it rained. No, it POURED. And we were caught in it. So I had to bathe at the house and all. Then we played Wii after dinner, where I played a game that makes you go "What?!", and where I sadly lost at tennis for two games after I first Grand Slammed G.

But now my butt feels Grand Slammed. All because of the tiny bike seat that only supported like, what, one-third of it?! (G's seat got cushion sommore leh.) My poor butt, and sunburnt arms.

Awww

The SISTER just gave me an angpow with a five-dollar note and some chocolates inside. So nice right. If you are human, say "Awwwwwwwwwwwwwww".












Maybe she's already thinking of marriage (?!). Hahaha.

Ratatouille

So finally I met SY today (actually, make that yesterday, considering the ungodly hour I'm typing this at). We went over to T3 (my idea, again) to have lunch. If it isn't obvious enough, I love food and every appointment I have with people MUST revolve around food. I cannot live without food, and I don't know why skinny people must diet. But I tell you, having a rat (even though it's a baby one and SY thinks it's cute, I have no idea on earth why) drop down on the table beside you, WHILE EATING, is freaky. I mean, I'm sure plenty of people have had such unpleasant encounters before, and it's definitely not impossible or anything. But when it happens to me, it feels surreal... and later on my legs felt itchy. This is all because of the slow service staff.

"Ahem, I think there seems to be a rat under that table over there, on the chair." *Points to said piece of furniture* SY just looks on nonchalantly, and apparently develops feelings for the rat.

Waitress looks befuddled just for a second. *Eyes follow my irritated finger* Her face unleashes an expression of constrained horror (so as not to further freak me out). And then she continues looking befuddled, and surreptitiously whispers to fellow waitress.

They go behind the counter, and then another waitress comes out with a wipecloth to clear up the sawdust mess on the table that the rat had conveniently left after dropping down from the ceiling (which was tastefully done by the way). But.

The rat was gone. WHAT. Come out with wipecloth catch what.

Restaurant manager comes out and offers to change our seats. All this time SY and I acted as if nothing happened; it's not nice to spoil other customers' appetites. SY said actually it wasn't the restaurant's fault, but I said (and rightly so) that the customer is eating in the restaurant, and if there is any inconvenience caused to the customer's dining, the restaurant must first claim that responsibility, and then after that shift the blame elsewhere. That is then truly the pinnacle of good customer service. Anyhow I don't blame them; if anything it's T3 I'm sure.

So we continued eating. Our appetites fortunately didn't become victims. But we didn't know where the rat had gone to. Everyone knows that if there is a bee in the room, it is better to see it than not, because even though that would freak you out, not knowing would freak you out more. Likewise in my case.

Then SY spied the rat. Running in the MIDDLE of the restaurant. WHAT. WHAT.

A waitress rushed out with broom and dustpan in hand. Couldn't catch it. SY told me not to move my feet. I freaked. Manager took over. He caught it, but not before it toured the entire restaurant. But I think all the customers deserved commendations for not raising their voices or complaining to the restaurant staff about the supposed lack of hygiene, even though they didn't know where the rat came from. Everyone basically continued eating. An SIA stewardess even spied the rat but merely looked amused, according to SY. I think she and SY share the same brain.

But I still felt itchy.

Anyway we talked, ate (Thai food, I'll never think about it the same way anymore), talked some more, and ate some more (muddy don't-know-what pie and lovely shortbread biscuits). This is basically what I do when I meet people. But the fun is in the talking. I found out things about SY (hahaha) that are so out of character for him. Like how he actually ******** **** *** ******* and even ******* *** ** *** ****. Wah so unexpected.

Thank goodness I don't have tastefully done ceilings at home.

jogging!

Nowadays I exercise. I go jogging around the neighbourhood, following the road, all the way up to Expo, maybe go a few rounds around the Max Pavilion when it's empty except for this security guard whom I now am acquainted with by sight and through silent nods of greeting, and then around the Changi Business Park for a little while, and maybe circuiting the Expo carpark a few times. I used to run all the way to the Newater plant and back, but figured that change is good.

I'm not supposed to be like that. I'm supposed to be sedentary, and I'm supposed to be the kind that does not voluntarily exercise. But I guess things are different now, especially with enlistment looming, as well as the need to get off my butt. And it's refreshing, getting to enjoy the little things you never quite notice when you are in the car, on a familiar road, back to home. I've realised that where I live is actually quite ulu in Singaporean terms; there are huge plots of empty land waiting to be developed, but until they are, they are good jogging trails, because of the road network there that as yet, does not serve any building. Sometimes I do see those big white birds standing in the field (I thought those were herons, they look like them, but I doubt so), and even wild dogs further off. I usually run for about an hour, from five-plus to six-plus or seven, managing to see the sun set.

I guess things really are different now, where I'm in this limbo, where I don't really have to do much, and have the luxury of time, to do things I've never really seen the point in doing last year because of the opportunity cost. Taking things slow is a lot more fun than I imagined. The education system here really does something to you, but I choose to see it another way - it allows us to appreciate the little things more.

double-duty

That's my favourite word of the week! Haha I have an affinity with alliterations. Lookie that.

The Lunar New Year has been pleasantly uneventful thus far, and surprisingly, not that it matters plenty, but hongbao takings have not dwindled but have actually increased. That is pleasantly surprising, considering the recession.

I've spent some time with the Indian migrant workers so far, and it has been very amusing and interesting. Apparently, in the Tamil language, there is no such word that connotes 'is'. So this reflects a difficulty for them in grasping the English syntax. During student demonstrations, they always end up saying things in front of the class like, "My name... Bala" or "This... a book", even after repeated corrections and all. I brought over some English picture books last week that were associated with certain parables, and they were all very interested in it; just goes to show how hungry they are to learn.

And to walk to the place where we teach them, you have to walk an entire lorong, complete with seedy atmosphere and all. Pimps cat-whistle, and sex workers mingle and patiently wait for their catch outside an imposing Hotel 81.

All in a day's work I guess.

overdue

Ok so I met up with G on Jan 20 for dinner, was really an overdue one; we hadn't seen each other since the last day of school. Because both of us are such nice people (and very indecisive too), we had a hard time choosing where to go for dinner. But in the end, we went to this Japanese food outlet, which is a household name in Singapore, but with my bias and all, I've only patronised it I think once (or not at all) before. Yes, it is the dreaded ***** ***** outlet.

Flashback/Context/Memories that should not be dug up:
Annoying neighbours who think other people cannot own both a condo unit and landed property except them.
Crowded roads in the housing estate because of their inconsiderate party-goers.

But anyway, review: Not fantastic at all. Fish not fresh enough. The table smells like it was not cleaned properly. Green tea not green enough. Soup too salty. Tempura not tempura enough. I think that's bad enough. Hahaha.

We had a good time though, just talking and catching up, and later on bought ice-cream and strolled around Tampines, and continued talking. Long time since I had ice cream, by the way.

We probably will meet up some more, lest it becomes overdue again.

eye-opener

Okay the mundane thing first: shopping.

Initially I thought my parents wanted to do CNY shopping i.e. getting all the goodies and stuff, like candy, confectionery and other crunchy, chewy, crumbly things. But no, Expo sales come first. Especially if it's the second last day and it's so close to our place (yet we don't exploit that enough). So we shopped instead for New Year clothing and all. Come to think of it, it was the first time I remember I did serious clothes shopping for the New Year. Hm. That is either a good thought, or a really bad one.

Anyhow, I'm amazed at what an amazing shopper I am! HAHAHA. I'm so serious, really. I immediately (and accurately) zoomed in on all the best deals, the deals that boasted at least more than 50% off their price tags. Okay, I know I'm el cheapo and all, but I'd rather blow a lot on food than on clothing. My tastebuds deserve the best.

And I was a prolific shopper compared to the FATHER and even the MOTHER. Just goes to show how little we shop. I think I scored around, hm, ten or eleven items within one and a half hours for both the BROTHER and myself. A big apology to the salespeople there though; I left big messes of clothing in my wake as I flitted around (who asked them to put the S's and M's at the bottom of the pile?!).

Okay, on to the more exciting bit of my day - the eye-opening bit, in a good way of course.

So the MOTHER knows a few friends committed in the area of community service, and we were invited to attend an orientation of the place around HS. HS is basically an organisation first initiated by a few doctors to cater to the local migrant worker community, and has now expanded to include quite a few charitable and commendable services, such as medical consultations, counselling, English lessons, and walk-abouts around the area i.e. Geylang, all to further extend His kingdom. I know some Singaporeans may be thinking "Geylang?! All the sex workers hanging around there; what a seedy place to be in!" and all. But hey, from what I saw tonight, there is a need there, and some people need to fill that need. Besides, the food is good and cheap there.

So okay, one part of the programme entailed a walk-about, where I was in the group that was to visit a dormitory housing Indian migrants. We walked through plenty of backlanes to get there, and obviously chanced upon many a sex worker, and other foreign workers just lazing there, either engaging in conversation or having their supper. But we were turned away when we reached; they were 'busy'. Fortunately, we managed to enter another dormitory in a shophouse. In it, there was a room that supposedly housed ten of them, with a rent that was quite reasonable, compared to more exorbitant rents that are said to exist for other migrant workers, even up to $200 a month just for a bed and a toilet shared by seventeen others. This is compounded by often unhygienic conditions (you'll never imagine the extent of it until you see it) and danger lurking everywhere, from unreasonable/abusive employers/pimps to thieving/violent co-workers.

And it was surprising that they were so eager for us to pray for them! One of them wanted us to pray for his niece that had undergone open heart surgery that very day. And out of the seven or so of us in the room, he asked ME to pray, bypassing even the person-in-charge that guided us around the area. Of course I gladly obliged. (:

Later on as we left, I realised that this was what encapsulated "missions at our doorstep", a phrase sometimes overly used (I feel) by some churches. There are so many opportunities for many Christians and non-Christians alike to serve the community in this area; many of the foreign workers here are in so much need for a friendly face among the community, and in just that hour and a half, I noticed the dire void between the citizenry and these foreign workers. It really explains, unfortunately, the Serangoon Gardens incident.

But the world will be a better place.

Evaluation

Perhaps this is a little late, but right now, I'm going to evaluate all the A level exam papers I took last year. Sure, it's already an issue one and a half months behind, but still, I recently thought about (in a sketchy, vague way) my performance, how I felt I did. Certainly, most of us (I think everyone, probably) would acknowledge the fact that we could have done better and all that, but I think, just for the sake of it, as well as to bring some sort of closure, it would do me well to go over the motions and evaluate each and every paper. To those who may be reading this and who went through the same examination as I did last year, apologies, and if you want to, you may stop reading now. To those who don't care a bit about the last statement, do continue on.

Just a little note: while I may sound a little regretful later on, I still do know that I tried a good deal of my best in each paper, and whatever the outcome may be, I will be satisfied in that knowledge. And even if I do garner good results in papers I might appear not to be entirely happy with, please do not think that I'm being a little too modest or even that I'm overly critical of myself; the following evaluations are truly my honest perspectives on each paper. I say it as it is.

General Paper 1 (Essay): Okay, for this paper, I realised that the 12 questions set were unconventional, to say the least. Though there were familiar topics, there were also a few that were entirely foreign, in that we were never much exposed to these areas of content knowledge. On my part, I chose an essay question that I felt I had an edge in, in terms of content knowledge e.g. examples and all. But structure-wise, I felt that I could have done a better job on hindsight (but that's almost always the case for every GP essay I do). All in all, I felt it was a job well done, considering the circumstances i.e. question-wise. While it didn't examine me on my pet topics, neither did it confound me to no end.

General Paper 2 (Comprehension): It was a surprise as well, in terms of the passage that was given to us. While some may say that the content knowledge in this case would come easier to arts-inclined students like myself, I wouldn't agree entirely. The passage tested more on whether one could glean knowledge and understanding from the text, and not on whether one knew a lot about the content itself, except perhaps in the Application Question section. But even then, it was certainly do-able. I felt quite alright for this paper, and some of my peers would even say that I SHOULD feel more than alright; I acknowledge that my competency in this subject is much above average. But even then, anything can happen; it's up to God's will. (:

Mathematics Paper 1 (Pure Maths): Well, I'd thought that even with just the merely adequate grasp of the subject that I had, I'd be rather prepared for the paper. Unfortunately though, there were some questions in the paper that were, to me, overly centred on trigonometry, which under the A level syllabus here, rates only as assumed knowledge. Compared to the paper in the previous paper, the first of its kind in the revised syllabus, it had much less focus on trigonometry. Given that I'm in the IP, I'll admit that I'm a little less well-adjusted to trigonometric concepts than mainstream students are, because trigonometry, as a whole, is considered a very primary topic in the O levels, but much less so in the A levels. But that shall not be an excuse. Previously, I had only been practising other schools' preliminary examination papers as advised by my Maths teacher, but the A level paper turned out to be rather different from those. So, as you can guess, I got pretty much a rude shock that day. I felt really dejected after that paper, and yes, I would say that I also cried over it, trying to overcome a tumult of emotions. But silly me, I know I shouldn't have, because it would also affect my mental strength. I also tried not to let this on to too many people as well, given that it would not be very nice of me to also affect them during that crucial period. But this really got me working extra hard for the next Maths paper, and also got me started on the ten-year-series (a little late, but better late than never) (which I don't specifically remember being reminded to do, only the prelim papers), in a bid to prepare me for the kind of questions that would come out in the next Maths paper. And so I worked hard, and really depended on God in that space of three days.

Mathematics Paper 2 (Pure Maths and Statistics): Well, I had set myself a pretty high aim for this paper, given that I was eager to make up for whatever I had lost in the last paper. And thank God, the paper was much more manageable this time. I managed to do all the questions if I remember correctly, but of course, in trying to guesstimate my score, I left room for the potential errors. This greatly boosted my morale at that time, along with encouragements from some friends. Just want to say that, here and now, whatever my Maths grade, I will be satisfied with it. I know that I did my best with whatever I had, and the rest will be up to Him.

Literature in English Paper 1 (Reading Literature): I went into the exam hall with a little mixed emotions, no doubt I had already entrusted it to God, because no one really knows what to expect from Lit papers. But I say that, on the whole, the three essay questions were manageable. Though, the question I chose to do for the Pride and Prejudice section was a little, hm, weird. Hard to say. Again, it was not the typical kind of question I would see in the papers set in school.

Economics Paper 2 (Essays): Okay, Econs has been an up-down-up-down subject in which I'm never quite certain of the grade. One moment I may get an A, another, a C or even a D. It perhaps reveals that even though I may be quite adept at the subject in certain areas, in others, my foundation may not be so strong after all. Anyway, all that I have to say is that for this paper, the questions set were rather tricky, and were phrased in a manner that was quite different from what I was used to. For the microeconomics question, I felt that that answer was the most unsatisfactory, relatively. I felt that I answered the second part perfunctorily, and that the first part was below par as I did not cover enough ground. For the two macroeconomics questions, I felt that one was answered well, because I believed enough content and analysis and even evaluation were portioned out. The other one I had at first thought to be entirely off-point, but later on, as in I think a few weeks later on, I chanced upon the notes for that topic, and realised I had actually answered quite satisfactorily. Well, it depends. For this paper I can never be sure of my grade. Again, and I don't care if it sounds repetitive, it has been given up unto God. (:

China Studies in English Paper 1 (Case Study): After the paper I felt quite confident. Surprisingly, during practice in class, we also did some practice on the exact same topic of the case study that was examined. But later on, our CSE teacher mentioned that a certain question was rather tricky as it required us to identify as well that 2002 was the year in which power was transferred from Jiang Zemin to Hu Jintao, which I didn't quite identify (and I think the rest of the class), so that was a little bummer-ish. But all in all, I still felt alright.

Economics Paper 1 (Case Studies): Time wasn't quite on my side here, as I would have liked to finish up the last question of the second case study in a more full and polished manner. Anyhow, I felt that I actually understood most of the questions this time round (sometimes in school exams I never really quite answered to the point), and managed to provide pointed answers. So that was good. Other than that, the content material was quite understandable as well.

China Studies in English Paper 2 (Essays): The content knowledge that was required for the six essay questions was familiar to me, but again, the phrasing of certain questions left quite a lot of doubt due to the ambiguity generated. Nonetheless, I chose only the questions that I felt I was more capable in. The compulsory question was the most challenging for me, because it required analysis based on social and economic factors, and I wasn't sure whether to analyse them separately or in tandem, so I did both. The essay structure which I adopted for I think all of the questions was also slightly different. Instead of the factor-aligned structure which had been stressed upon the most during class, I opted for a more analytical approach, trying to inject more depth as and when I could, instead of only at the conclusion. It felt a little experimental, but I also felt more secure in doing that, especially since its the subject's first major appearance in the local A level syllabus.

Literature in English Paper 4 (Imagining Other Worlds): There was a rather lengthy break between this final paper and the previous one, but I tried to put the time to good use to study and just gear up for the final leg in this race. The questions were understandable, but I felt that my answer to the Practical Criticism component was a little too simple, though very understandable. I felt that the other two essays were more well-done, in that I actually put in more of what I learnt into them.

Okay, so there it is, my humble evaluation of the papers. Whatever the results, to God be the glory. (:

pseudo-EMO

It's funny how I miss school a little, missing the activity and the bustle of it, and maybe it's also because I don't get to see schoolmates as often now. Yet I wouldn't want to go back to school in a different capacity, say as a senior or even as a teacher; it just isn't quite the same. Maybe it's because it had been a full four years there, so bonds and relationships forged there perhaps run a little deeper, and memories linger longer.

I felt the same way leaving two years of secondary school behind. While maybe I didn't quite like the curriculum and those who imparted it then, I did have quite a few friends that, on hindsight, I found quite hard to leave without feeling even a little tinge of sadness. I still keep in touch with some of them, but as it is always, it isn't quite the same.

But this time, I believe these same emotions would definitely be stronger (even though I believe most of my friends think me almost emotionless). The end of 2008 signalled a closure to many things I had been previously familiar with, education and all. Perhaps the advancement to something more foreign and the reluctant venture out of my comfort zone leaves me a little helpless, and honestly it is quite distressing.

But leaving so much behind and all the what-could-have-been feelings... sigh.

things that go on at a typical barbecue

1. Prawns that are half-cooked but taste just as nice.
2. Chicken wings that are half-cooked but taste just as nice.
3. The SISTER being the proud cook of the aforementioned items, toiling over the open fire with surprising enthusiasm. The marathon chef, as she is called - even the UNCLE had less endurance.
4. A debate over whether the sugar in the marinade caused the carbon build-up on the wings - a debate that never fails to arise during bbqs, whether with the MOTHER'S side or not.
5. The clever innovation that was our very own marshmallow roasters - sticks that stick out of the grill at such beautiful angles to roast them mallows nicely, which produce wonderful saggy and rippling curves of brown, freckled crust and soft, woozy filling.
6. The downing of red wine which awakens allergic reactions in me - though I don't actually mind; I don't fancy alcohol.
7. A gathering of the family and all its nice, warm, fuzzy feelings - even if we do turn to what's on TV later on.

new year

So it's the new year.

Spent the time up to countdown (and about 4 hours thereafter!) with some of my cell group friends, over games and a potluck supper, just talking, eating and card playing, enjoying their company. Hopefully, for this new year, we'll be able to 'grow up well', so to speak.

So I woke up at around 2 plus in the afternoon. For lunch, the MOTHER invited over some of her friends for an authentically Peranakan new year lunch. She even dressed up in a pink-dominated sarong kebaya, and modelled a hair bun, to top the look off. Most of our family has been bitten by the Little Nyonya bug, so I guess that's why. The food was really good, with the whatever-whatever udang being the best.

Then I played with the RABBIT (it's in caps because it's now part of the family). It was a Christmas gift from one of the MOTHER'S friends, for the SISTER. But I play with it a lot.

Ok so the SISTER named it Lovely. What a lovely name.
But I call it Ah Nia, haha. And somehow it stuck. So it's now Ah Nia (which sort of means 'lady' or 'woman' or something, the term itself connoting some form of respect or reverence, I think).

So now it's as if the rabbit is some revered demi-god. But no it's not. Ah Nia is basically brown all over, with a grey tinge on its underbelly and feet. Its ears have a black outline, or as I like to know it, thick earshadow. It has a big brown patch that covers its nose and the part above it, so it looks as if its nose is two times too big for it. Best part of all, it's really not so smart, and looks like a beaver (sort of) if you cover its ears with your hand. And it's really a bit of a glutton.

So as some people call it, it is cute.

But I prefer to think of it as Lovely.












Just like I hope the new year will be. Thank God.

MADOFF

How interesting is that guy's surname you tell me?

Anyhow, I believe just about the whole of the developed world is privy to the financial scandal that acknowledges its creator in Bernard Madoff, borne out of, for some, greed, for others stupidity, and yet for others, both. Then again, we can't blame them squarely. Read a report about how exactly Madoff managed to flummox many in the industry - through his stellar track record, his philanthropic work, and most importantly, the high level of trustworthiness and morality within the Jewish community.

Speaking of which, the report also mentioned that reactions from the Jewish community have ranged from anger to disappointment, with notable reference to how the entire scandal seems to confirm and champion the stereotype of the thieving Jewish banker. The stereotype has long existed and even influenced many historical events. After all, it is this stereotype that lent itself very well to the radicalisation of the Adolf's very own anti-Semitic world view.

How sad isn't it, when the misdeeds of black sheep, while few and far in between, almost always have a lasting and indelible impact on their compatriots and associates. The trust and rapport built between the Jewish and other American communities will never be the same again, plagued by the shadows of this scandal even far into the future, especially with the magnitude and scale of it.

But I hope this doesn't go down the path from which the entire country of Germany took, when it beat up itself for the atrocities Adolf orchestrated like the Holocaust, where its national pride was wounded for decades and only recently, has it taken a turn for the better. The Jewish community hopefully will know better.