It's the hundredth post, and fittingly, it'll look to be the last for quite a while, since I'll be militarily occupied come 13th April. I'll certainly try to post nonetheless, because I've found so many reasons to do it. And I think I'll miss writing here, partly because it's become semi-routine for me. Oh and this may sound lame, but for this post, let me try typing the entire way WITHOUT the use of the backspace function. Just to let y'all see what comes out of it. Maybe it'll be infinitely interesting. Maybe it'll be downirhgt embarrassing. SHUCKS. *points at stupid mistake*
Let's start from Wednesday, shall we? (Ok I gind myself typing rather slowly, but SHUCJS there are still mistakes SHUCKS)(
Ok on Wdnesday I gfinally got my treat from J! I dont understand why so many people look so different. Either that, or they had their entire image overhauled ofr something. Is it to escape the shcakles of the schoolgirl image? Or schoolboy image? But I thought it was in whgat. Anyhow. So we went to T3 for lunch. Oh ya the treat was for my apparent help with her CSE IS. Whether or not my help proved, erm, helpful, I still rightfully got that treat okay. (See this is what happens when I can't backspace or edit - the coherence of the whatever I am supposed to produce just isn't there! THIS ISN'T ME I REPEAT THIS ISN'T ME.) Oh ya and I'm really happy for her! And glad.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT WAS iT. Another buffet, this time at a downtown hotel. Supposedly for my results i.e. a form of celebration. On a related note, other people TRAVEL AROUND THE WORLD to celebrate their resul;ts/graduation from junior college etc. but I get a dinner. Well I guess I still do appreciate it, since I do know how hard it is for my parents to earn money, and that we are alspo not that well-off. And they do know how to please me. A buffet is definitely more than enough. Okay lor, the usual. JUST ATE A LOT. What e;se tp do. I never thought I'd say this though, but I AM getting a ;little tired of eating alot. Oh well, this feeling wouldn't stay for long lah, it's not as if where I am soon going to will pamper me with gourmet cuisine ofr whatever. (My fingers are really dumb they are ot listening to me.)
Thursday night went out with G to IKEA restaurant/cafe at ALEXANDRA HOW FAR CAN YOU GET. It was really funny, because we missed each other two times, while trying to meet there. Probably couldn't recognise each other lah, didn't meet for so long, haha. TALKED LIKE A LOT. And then there was this elderly man (not as much as old as he was weird) who sat next to us (being the kind souls that we are. Actually, no, since he just sat himself down besdie us, I think) and proceeded with his meal. That's okay actually, until he finished his meal, and sat there for I think nearly a full halrf hour NOT DOING ANYTHING. G suspected something was up with the guy, and I of course couldn't disagree. I mean, sitting there and doing nothing, cannot just mean that he's enjoying the air-conditioning right? You know what maybe I do attract weird people. Then we went to a shjopping centre opposite where almost every boutique was a factory outlet!!! EQUATES to branded goods at low low prices. Couldn't fathom why all the outlets were there though. So weird. To make up for my stinky present of a file, I bought the BROTHER a cheap handphone pouch. THAT USED TO COST UNREASONABLY HIGH. So you see the gifts I buy are still thoughful (!), but nonetheless cheap and extremely cost-effective.
Friday morning went for a McDonald's breakfast with the FAMILY minus BROTHER, and for SOME reason, met a few familiar people at the Siglap outlet. Small world man. Too small in fact! Even though those were friendlyt faces. Then in the afternoon entertained SY, HM, JY, C, B at my place. First time having so many people over, and it wasn't even my idea! But ya, it was alright, though I suspect some of them got bored even before playing Risk but I tell you you should have seen their faces during the game. All the strategists were strategising and ONCE AGAIN I'M LIKE THE DE FACTO TARGET WHAT IS WRONG WITH THESE PEOPLE LET ME WIN FOR ONCE I HATE PLAYING WITH TJ PEOPLE hahaha. Oh before that let me now credit the MOTHER for the shepherd's pie and a friend for the tiramisu. Come to my house will get good food to eat don't even need to order pizza, how worth it. Well, I do hope they had fun even though Veggietales didn't quite agree with the DVD player. Minnesota Cuke would have tickled them all lah.
Oh and on Saturday I had an interview and test with ***, and I guess everything went rather smoothly, without any major hiccups. But by the looks of the profile of the interviewee population there, I do doubt that it is a place for me to study well in and to basically lead a fulfilling university career. I just can't seem to imagine myself as a student there, but I guess I'll still consider it, even though I might be so disinclined towards it at the moment.
So yes, I'm about to go in this Monday, and in th elast few days I've certainly found out friends and friends' friends who would be going in on the same day as me, which would probably mean that they might very well end up in the same grouping as me. Well, I guess that is probably a little of relief; familiar faces should make things a lot easier. I'll just have to keep reminding myself that this is perhaps an experience which would benefit me a lot more than I realise, and put everything into His hands. Hope to do good!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Shaven and shorn
That's what I am right now, in preparation for the BIG DAY. WHOOOOOO.
To prepare myself for the supposed shock that most guys get that is, when they see themselves in all the bald and shiny glory, in front of the mirror in all its bald and shiny glory. Surprisingly though, I was instead rather shocked, that I wasn't that shocked. I guess there was a bald guy in me after all. Okay lah I'm not completely bald, but close.
My head looks a lot bigger than it used to (which is saying a lot because my head really is the big and round type. Sad but true), and it feels a little lighter as well, as though an elephant finally decided to alight and go on its merry way to Africa instead of hitching a ride on my head.
I won't say I look doobish, but close to that. On the contrary, some people I've met so far say that I look better. To that, I seriously wonder how I looked like to the same people before the hair was gone. I must have looked doobish.
On another note, I am seriously glad Ms K is my referee. I handed her yet another report on such a tight deadline, but she still did it for me anyway WITHOUT telling me off. Thank God for her!
OH ON A RELATED NOTE, I don't get why some universities BOTHER to use online application portals when they can't even get the portals to work properly. I don't understand that at all. Okay so they may want to keep up with rest of the seemingly superior competition (because these universities actually do have proper, working portals), but if your portal isn't going to work properly at all, that whole impression you're trying to give? IT'S GONE, YOU LAWN.
AND ON ANOTHER RELATED NOTE, I seriously hope universities and scholarship providers alike do manage to make the effort to at least contact me or someone in the FAMILY, if anything. Please do not follow the example of *** and call me, drop me a lame voicemail, and leave it at that, expecting me to eagerly dial the number and listen to the voicemail in great, giggly anticipation. At least email lah. Interviews are good and beneficial you know, everyone should have them for breakfast.
Yeah, I think scholarship providers should give EVERYONE who applied the chance to be interviewed. If not for practical reasons such as casting the net wide enough, it should be for patriotic reasons, because the first interview is always the stinkiest. I remember having my first interview (not telling where/who/when), and it stank so bad they fainted. Like seriously, there I was not really quite knowing what to say, giving answers that sounded like they were to the point but after some thinking through I think they knew I didn't know what I was talking about. And I had the weird habit of looking heavenwards when I was thinking, which probably irritated them. I think. *looks heavenwards*
So as I was saying (shaddap I didn't digress, ALL of it was to the sharpest point), if these providers provided more people with interview opportunities, many of us would instantly become more eloquent speakers and express ourselves better (this one I'm serious). Then all of us can become better than some of the angmohs that many Singaporean office workers complain about (all talk no work), because, we, can, then, TALK AND WORK. So see it's patriotic okayrestmycaseIwin.
Side-note: Ah see, no food mentioned in this post. Haha.
To prepare myself for the supposed shock that most guys get that is, when they see themselves in all the bald and shiny glory, in front of the mirror in all its bald and shiny glory. Surprisingly though, I was instead rather shocked, that I wasn't that shocked. I guess there was a bald guy in me after all. Okay lah I'm not completely bald, but close.
My head looks a lot bigger than it used to (which is saying a lot because my head really is the big and round type. Sad but true), and it feels a little lighter as well, as though an elephant finally decided to alight and go on its merry way to Africa instead of hitching a ride on my head.
I won't say I look doobish, but close to that. On the contrary, some people I've met so far say that I look better. To that, I seriously wonder how I looked like to the same people before the hair was gone. I must have looked doobish.
On another note, I am seriously glad Ms K is my referee. I handed her yet another report on such a tight deadline, but she still did it for me anyway WITHOUT telling me off. Thank God for her!
OH ON A RELATED NOTE, I don't get why some universities BOTHER to use online application portals when they can't even get the portals to work properly. I don't understand that at all. Okay so they may want to keep up with rest of the seemingly superior competition (because these universities actually do have proper, working portals), but if your portal isn't going to work properly at all, that whole impression you're trying to give? IT'S GONE, YOU LAWN.
AND ON ANOTHER RELATED NOTE, I seriously hope universities and scholarship providers alike do manage to make the effort to at least contact me or someone in the FAMILY, if anything. Please do not follow the example of *** and call me, drop me a lame voicemail, and leave it at that, expecting me to eagerly dial the number and listen to the voicemail in great, giggly anticipation. At least email lah. Interviews are good and beneficial you know, everyone should have them for breakfast.
Yeah, I think scholarship providers should give EVERYONE who applied the chance to be interviewed. If not for practical reasons such as casting the net wide enough, it should be for patriotic reasons, because the first interview is always the stinkiest. I remember having my first interview (not telling where/who/when), and it stank so bad they fainted. Like seriously, there I was not really quite knowing what to say, giving answers that sounded like they were to the point but after some thinking through I think they knew I didn't know what I was talking about. And I had the weird habit of looking heavenwards when I was thinking, which probably irritated them. I think. *looks heavenwards*
So as I was saying (shaddap I didn't digress, ALL of it was to the sharpest point), if these providers provided more people with interview opportunities, many of us would instantly become more eloquent speakers and express ourselves better (this one I'm serious). Then all of us can become better than some of the angmohs that many Singaporean office workers complain about (all talk no work), because, we, can, then, TALK AND WORK. So see it's patriotic okayrestmycaseIwin.
Side-note: Ah see, no food mentioned in this post. Haha.
Friday, April 03, 2009
PHWOAR #2
It is official. PHWOAR stands for Posterity Happens When Occasions Are Remembered (I'm good at acronyms I know I know I know). Which basically means a post because I need to remember the things that happen to me, even if they seem trivial, because all the little things add up!
Okay last time I blogged was last Wednesday, so let's do a little time-travelling.
When it was Thursday, on the 26th day of March, the boss gave us ALL a treat! Supposedly in my honour some more. Now you can't get that at a huge firm because that'll just be plain uneconomical. So we went for, er, Thai-Indonesian-Peranakan-anything-you-can-find-in-Southeast-Asia-just-throw-it-in food! It was filling, but...
To be honest, my discerning tastebuds could tell that the assam prawns weren't assam enough, the tom yum soup wasn't tom yum (or is it yam?) enough. Basically, the tastes should be sharper and more flavourful. The chef must have had a scolding from the boss, that's what I think. Either that or he is a boring old man.
After work I went home and TOILED till 4am. See later why.
OKAY FRIDAY THAT DAY. My last day of work. Note the lack of exclamation mark because I was sad. That was bad. They specially cooked porridge and brought a lot of side dishes, and then sat me down and made me eat lunch with them, hahaha. (One of the aunties said that I was now all ready for NS, after they had given me enough nutrition already. Which is quite true.) Anyhow after lunch I gave them each a personalised letter that I had TOILED over the night before. They were really quite touched (and rightly so! A lot of effort put in, until I dozed off midway I NEVER DO THAT), some with tears in their eyes (didn't cry lah but can see). So that basically dragged on until the end of the day where they each came up to me and said their goodbyes and gave me some motherly advice hahaha. And I hope they'll make good on their promise to let me know to go back if they've got some good food (yes that's most important and probably one of the things I'll miss most).
OKAY SATURDAY. Ate breakfast with M (no shaddap it's not Judi Dench) at Delifrance. Somehow that place manages to make very little food seem like a lot (and that's saying a lot because I can eat a lot). Or maybe it's because of the free flow of coffee/tea (the MOTHER says that's quite worth it because tea at pseudo-café establishments tend to be overpriced). We talked a lot (yes I only eat and talk don't ask me to do anything else), and well, I'm glad to be of some help at least. (:
After that I went to get a little something for the BROTHER'S birthday. Actually got him two brightly-coloured, screaming Disney files (on purpose because all his things no colour), but the SISTER spied a file she liked after I bought them both and went for lunch with the PARENTS plus her. So now the BROTHER has the file with the Disney babies in all their infant glory. Haha and I actually forewarned the BROTHER that the file was fake, only to let him tell me actually it was the real deal. Okay I feel appeased for the weirdly high price for a piece of flimsy plastic. Oh and I'm so sad I couldn't eat much during lunch because I ate too much breakfast. That's how I get emo, hahaha (okay shall shaddap).
OKAY SUNDAY. So after church and cell group, I FINALLY meet SY and YX for dinner. You know where? It's the Heartland LINE-OF-SHOPS-IN-AN-AIR-CONDITIONED-ENVIRONMENT, that's where. NO it cannot be called Heartland MALL, because it is seriously made up of too few shops and too narrow walkways it becomes a concrete pasar malam. Oh wait pasar malam got more shops hahaha. So I went there and ate from some Hong Kong cafe thing that CHARGES FOR PLAIN WATER HOW LAME CAN THIS GET I DON'T GET THEM. But the food was okay though YX was complaining about the LOUSY CURRY HOW LAME CAN THIS GET SHE DOESN'T GET THEM.
OH YES AND THANK GOD I WENT AND MET UP WITH THEM, REALLY. A certain university required both submission of both application AND supporting documents ON THE SAME DAY and I didn't realise it until then! FIASCO (actually the word sounds quite vulgar). If not for them, I'd probably miss the last boat. And Ms K was also very nice about it even though I informed her late.
On to happier and less stressful things. I got my overdue present! Aaaand, it's a bag with apparently feminine buckles as mentioned by SY. How anti-climatic, bestowing a, might I add, rather expensive present and then whoosh, pouring all the cold water on it, hahahaha. BUT NO, it's not feminine! Where got buckles feminine?! Like that guys cannot wear belts because they have freaking big feminine buckles in the middle ABOVE the nether regions... So it's like imposing its feminity on the symbol of manhood, suppressing it even! *HERRR!* (no it's not a war-cry for feminist, Amazonian women warriors a la "HER! HER! HER!" but the sound that is produced when a sharp breath is drawn a la *HERRR!*) But no, buckles are but unisex accessories, asexual even. So that means that SY and YX know me pretty well, ahaha. Well, the bag is nice, and through my brilliant deductions, I know the general price of the bag, HEEEHEEE. Anyhow, thanks to the both of you! Going to try use it some before going in.
OKAY MONDAY. Ms K got back to me really quickly, it is much appreciated. Spent the day doing applications.
OKAY TUESDAY DITTO MONDAY.
OKAY WEDNESDAY. Today I met SY's paternal side of the family, or more like the one whom paternal is derived from. He chauffeured SY and me to the university to drop off our applications and documents. I got a rude shock over there when I realised the website instructions were different from the words coming out from the admissions officer's mouth. Breakdown in communication much?
So of course I had to tell the truth: that it was their fault. No, really. Anyway that was settled soon after (I hope). Then SY's father brought us for lunch there. It was quite a nice place as well, and I wished that he didn't spend so much on my meal. Even I do feel bad sometimes no matter how appearances may deceive you, hahaha. Anyhow, I especially enjoyed the soup with the pastry hat (don't know what's it called), but wow, was it filling. I think I ate the most there. Oh wait of course I did. Even gladly took leftovers from others, haha.
SY's father's really quite nice, and I can tell he thinks like an engineer (he's one). Don't know why but I somehow sort of admire people who can think as such, probably because I can't think like that really well.
OH YA and I played a game of pool with SY. Even though I won (yesss I won), admittedly SY is the better player. Just that I managed to get well-placed shots most of the time. Oh whatever actually I'm quite good too, hahahaha.
And you know what?! I went for international buffet later on! As if I hadn't had enough food. It was at a nice hotel, which I didn't expect to be upmarket but it looked really classy and modern, much to my surprise, so that was good. The food was good too, with a reasonable spread and lovely presentation. All that only means one thing: I could increase my chances of bankrupting the place. I seriously ate so much that even I surprised myself. I'm so scary, hahaha.
OKAY THURSDAY. MORE APPLICATIONS MORE.
So far that's about it. (:
Okay last time I blogged was last Wednesday, so let's do a little time-travelling.
When it was Thursday, on the 26th day of March, the boss gave us ALL a treat! Supposedly in my honour some more. Now you can't get that at a huge firm because that'll just be plain uneconomical. So we went for, er, Thai-Indonesian-Peranakan-anything-you-can-find-in-Southeast-Asia-just-throw-it-in food! It was filling, but...
To be honest, my discerning tastebuds could tell that the assam prawns weren't assam enough, the tom yum soup wasn't tom yum (or is it yam?) enough. Basically, the tastes should be sharper and more flavourful. The chef must have had a scolding from the boss, that's what I think. Either that or he is a boring old man.
After work I went home and TOILED till 4am. See later why.
OKAY FRIDAY THAT DAY. My last day of work. Note the lack of exclamation mark because I was sad. That was bad. They specially cooked porridge and brought a lot of side dishes, and then sat me down and made me eat lunch with them, hahaha. (One of the aunties said that I was now all ready for NS, after they had given me enough nutrition already. Which is quite true.) Anyhow after lunch I gave them each a personalised letter that I had TOILED over the night before. They were really quite touched (and rightly so! A lot of effort put in, until I dozed off midway I NEVER DO THAT), some with tears in their eyes (didn't cry lah but can see). So that basically dragged on until the end of the day where they each came up to me and said their goodbyes and gave me some motherly advice hahaha. And I hope they'll make good on their promise to let me know to go back if they've got some good food (yes that's most important and probably one of the things I'll miss most).
OKAY SATURDAY. Ate breakfast with M (no shaddap it's not Judi Dench) at Delifrance. Somehow that place manages to make very little food seem like a lot (and that's saying a lot because I can eat a lot). Or maybe it's because of the free flow of coffee/tea (the MOTHER says that's quite worth it because tea at pseudo-café establishments tend to be overpriced). We talked a lot (yes I only eat and talk don't ask me to do anything else), and well, I'm glad to be of some help at least. (:
After that I went to get a little something for the BROTHER'S birthday. Actually got him two brightly-coloured, screaming Disney files (on purpose because all his things no colour), but the SISTER spied a file she liked after I bought them both and went for lunch with the PARENTS plus her. So now the BROTHER has the file with the Disney babies in all their infant glory. Haha and I actually forewarned the BROTHER that the file was fake, only to let him tell me actually it was the real deal. Okay I feel appeased for the weirdly high price for a piece of flimsy plastic. Oh and I'm so sad I couldn't eat much during lunch because I ate too much breakfast. That's how I get emo, hahaha (okay shall shaddap).
OKAY SUNDAY. So after church and cell group, I FINALLY meet SY and YX for dinner. You know where? It's the Heartland LINE-OF-SHOPS-IN-AN-AIR-CONDITIONED-ENVIRONMENT, that's where. NO it cannot be called Heartland MALL, because it is seriously made up of too few shops and too narrow walkways it becomes a concrete pasar malam. Oh wait pasar malam got more shops hahaha. So I went there and ate from some Hong Kong cafe thing that CHARGES FOR PLAIN WATER HOW LAME CAN THIS GET I DON'T GET THEM. But the food was okay though YX was complaining about the LOUSY CURRY HOW LAME CAN THIS GET SHE DOESN'T GET THEM.
OH YES AND THANK GOD I WENT AND MET UP WITH THEM, REALLY. A certain university required both submission of both application AND supporting documents ON THE SAME DAY and I didn't realise it until then! FIASCO (actually the word sounds quite vulgar). If not for them, I'd probably miss the last boat. And Ms K was also very nice about it even though I informed her late.
On to happier and less stressful things. I got my overdue present! Aaaand, it's a bag with apparently feminine buckles as mentioned by SY. How anti-climatic, bestowing a, might I add, rather expensive present and then whoosh, pouring all the cold water on it, hahahaha. BUT NO, it's not feminine! Where got buckles feminine?! Like that guys cannot wear belts because they have freaking big feminine buckles in the middle ABOVE the nether regions... So it's like imposing its feminity on the symbol of manhood, suppressing it even! *HERRR!* (no it's not a war-cry for feminist, Amazonian women warriors a la "HER! HER! HER!" but the sound that is produced when a sharp breath is drawn a la *HERRR!*) But no, buckles are but unisex accessories, asexual even. So that means that SY and YX know me pretty well, ahaha. Well, the bag is nice, and through my brilliant deductions, I know the general price of the bag, HEEEHEEE. Anyhow, thanks to the both of you! Going to try use it some before going in.
OKAY MONDAY. Ms K got back to me really quickly, it is much appreciated. Spent the day doing applications.
OKAY TUESDAY DITTO MONDAY.
OKAY WEDNESDAY. Today I met SY's paternal side of the family, or more like the one whom paternal is derived from. He chauffeured SY and me to the university to drop off our applications and documents. I got a rude shock over there when I realised the website instructions were different from the words coming out from the admissions officer's mouth. Breakdown in communication much?
So of course I had to tell the truth: that it was their fault. No, really. Anyway that was settled soon after (I hope). Then SY's father brought us for lunch there. It was quite a nice place as well, and I wished that he didn't spend so much on my meal. Even I do feel bad sometimes no matter how appearances may deceive you, hahaha. Anyhow, I especially enjoyed the soup with the pastry hat (don't know what's it called), but wow, was it filling. I think I ate the most there. Oh wait of course I did. Even gladly took leftovers from others, haha.
SY's father's really quite nice, and I can tell he thinks like an engineer (he's one). Don't know why but I somehow sort of admire people who can think as such, probably because I can't think like that really well.
OH YA and I played a game of pool with SY. Even though I won (yesss I won), admittedly SY is the better player. Just that I managed to get well-placed shots most of the time. Oh whatever actually I'm quite good too, hahahaha.
And you know what?! I went for international buffet later on! As if I hadn't had enough food. It was at a nice hotel, which I didn't expect to be upmarket but it looked really classy and modern, much to my surprise, so that was good. The food was good too, with a reasonable spread and lovely presentation. All that only means one thing: I could increase my chances of bankrupting the place. I seriously ate so much that even I surprised myself. I'm so scary, hahaha.
OKAY THURSDAY. MORE APPLICATIONS MORE.
So far that's about it. (:
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
WAH AGAIN
WHOO got a treat today! One of my colleagues treated me to crab noodles/bee hoon! Y'all know what it is right? A WHOLE crab is placed into some broth with noodles (or they add in the noodles later, I don't know) and simmered to crab noodles/bee hoon perfection! So R (that's her) (that's the colleague) ordered two different kinds (black pepper and er, brothy?), and then we took a bit of each; trying more varieties is good. I didn't expect it but it was really nice! It was either because the crab was really fresh (whole chunky slivers of meat/whole slivery chunks of meat/FRESH MEAT MUAHAHA), or because I was eating for free. Hm. Well I think it was the former mostly lah.
UNTIL I KNEW THE PRICE. Wah, really expensive, at $16++! Okay lah, it's crab and it's really good, but still it wasn't a fancy place or anything like that. But it was really good. The place was packed with office workers. Who said there's a recession?
And R is a professional crab eater. By the looks of it, she eats whole crabs at least thrice a week, which is a lot. Haha no I'm just kidding. Probably every day, seven times a day. The way she manages to get the meat out in aesthetically pleasing chunks is amazing. I've learnt something new today!
Okay so you know I've been through so many harrowing experiences. All of it is traumatising my innocent mind, and it's really too much to take! *squeals*
WELL GUESS WHAT PEOPLE, THEY AREN'T LETTING ME OFF. THE TRAIN IS A SMORGASBORD OF PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION READY FOR SALE. IT'S LELONG TIME THERE I TELL YOU.
Okay here are the circumstances of the accident. So I boarded the train and saw four people sitting on the floor of the train, at the part where two carriages meet (the part which always shifts about whenever the train turns or something). Surprisingly (or unsurprisingly) they were of the same race as the previous two couples. Beats me, seriously.
Three were girls (the other is now obviously a guy). Two of the girls looked normal (the other now obviously doesn't). In fact, she looked like a little *gasp* dull in her outlook on life as well. AND GUESS WHAT THE GUY HAD HIS HANDS ALL OVER HER AND YES, SHE HAD A REDDENED FACE AS WELL AND WAS TEARING. AGAIN.
Well this time the guy didn't look smarter or anything, as was the case last time. The guy, he looked to be sixteen/seventeen, but he was studying a P6 maths book. I kid you not. How were his hands all over, you ask. Well, use one hand lor. One hand busy with work, the other hand busy with play.
Haha I don't know whether I'm desensitised or something, but I didn't feel so uneasy this time round. It was more of amusing really. Picture this. The guy (he's King Kong from now on, not that he looks like one, in fact he looks much better, but that he BEHAVES like one) likes to put his arm around the girl, and so he does it repeatedly even though the girl is all teary and red-faced and refusing his King Kongish advances. She starts to tear more, and then all of a sudden, she goes into a retarded fit and whacks King Kong madly, pinching every part of his body she could reach (yes every part now shaddap). He grimaces fakely and puts on this pained look, probably because he wanted her sympathy/concern (?), but the girl BIT HIS EAR. Then he sort of shouted (like some silverbacked gorilla), and everyone looked. Way to go I tell you.
The other two girls laughed like normal girls do, and the teary girl just teared. Here comes the part that takes the cake. I don't know whether it'll seem funny or not, but it sure did just now.
He made a few pats on his shoulder closest to her, gesticulating like a monyet (how animalistic).
"Nar, sleep." (Don't ask me what nar means, it's the sound of King Kong.)
"Sleep lah."
"Sleeeeeep."
Then he SHOVES her head onto his shoulder. See I told you he's King Kong.
The head bounces back up and tears some more.
Shove.
Bounce.
Shove.
Bounce. Shove. Bounce. Shove. Bounce.
She didn't go into some mad, retarded fit again though. I guess she didn't have a chance to because King Kong decided that was that, and went back to his P6 maths.
Okay that wasn't really a public display of affection lah, if I should say so myself. It was just a public display of animalistic behaviour. Better go to the zoo for that. More worth it. Train rides are so expensive nowadays.
UNTIL I KNEW THE PRICE. Wah, really expensive, at $16++! Okay lah, it's crab and it's really good, but still it wasn't a fancy place or anything like that. But it was really good. The place was packed with office workers. Who said there's a recession?
And R is a professional crab eater. By the looks of it, she eats whole crabs at least thrice a week, which is a lot. Haha no I'm just kidding. Probably every day, seven times a day. The way she manages to get the meat out in aesthetically pleasing chunks is amazing. I've learnt something new today!
Okay so you know I've been through so many harrowing experiences. All of it is traumatising my innocent mind, and it's really too much to take! *squeals*
WELL GUESS WHAT PEOPLE, THEY AREN'T LETTING ME OFF. THE TRAIN IS A SMORGASBORD OF PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION READY FOR SALE. IT'S LELONG TIME THERE I TELL YOU.
Okay here are the circumstances of the accident. So I boarded the train and saw four people sitting on the floor of the train, at the part where two carriages meet (the part which always shifts about whenever the train turns or something). Surprisingly (or unsurprisingly) they were of the same race as the previous two couples. Beats me, seriously.
Three were girls (the other is now obviously a guy). Two of the girls looked normal (the other now obviously doesn't). In fact, she looked like a little *gasp* dull in her outlook on life as well. AND GUESS WHAT THE GUY HAD HIS HANDS ALL OVER HER AND YES, SHE HAD A REDDENED FACE AS WELL AND WAS TEARING. AGAIN.
Well this time the guy didn't look smarter or anything, as was the case last time. The guy, he looked to be sixteen/seventeen, but he was studying a P6 maths book. I kid you not. How were his hands all over, you ask. Well, use one hand lor. One hand busy with work, the other hand busy with play.
Haha I don't know whether I'm desensitised or something, but I didn't feel so uneasy this time round. It was more of amusing really. Picture this. The guy (he's King Kong from now on, not that he looks like one, in fact he looks much better, but that he BEHAVES like one) likes to put his arm around the girl, and so he does it repeatedly even though the girl is all teary and red-faced and refusing his King Kongish advances. She starts to tear more, and then all of a sudden, she goes into a retarded fit and whacks King Kong madly, pinching every part of his body she could reach (yes every part now shaddap). He grimaces fakely and puts on this pained look, probably because he wanted her sympathy/concern (?), but the girl BIT HIS EAR. Then he sort of shouted (like some silverbacked gorilla), and everyone looked. Way to go I tell you.
The other two girls laughed like normal girls do, and the teary girl just teared. Here comes the part that takes the cake. I don't know whether it'll seem funny or not, but it sure did just now.
He made a few pats on his shoulder closest to her, gesticulating like a monyet (how animalistic).
"Nar, sleep." (Don't ask me what nar means, it's the sound of King Kong.)
"Sleep lah."
"Sleeeeeep."
Then he SHOVES her head onto his shoulder. See I told you he's King Kong.
The head bounces back up and tears some more.
Shove.
Bounce.
Shove.
Bounce. Shove. Bounce. Shove. Bounce.
She didn't go into some mad, retarded fit again though. I guess she didn't have a chance to because King Kong decided that was that, and went back to his P6 maths.
Okay that wasn't really a public display of affection lah, if I should say so myself. It was just a public display of animalistic behaviour. Better go to the zoo for that. More worth it. Train rides are so expensive nowadays.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
I must really be living under some rock
Why? Because, when I witness public displays of (rather extreme) affection I get a little uneasy. Call me a prude or whatever, but it's because I don't witness them from afar or in an easy-to-escape-if-I-want-to situation. It's when they're within a certain proximity from me or sitting right next to me for that matter. And I'm sorry, but it's especially worse when the girl looks a little Down Syndrome-ish (no I'm serious and by this I'm not mocking or anything) and the guy who's doing all sorts of things to/with her looks like he's taking advantage of some little naive girl. I feel uneasy, for the girl who doesn't seem to mind whatever he is doing to her, and for myself because I do mind. Well, not to the extent where I'll burn them on some stake or something, but close enough. Like rolling my eyes or something, hahaha. But as it is known, that isn't going to work. Of course not. Who cares about your rolling eyes when all they care about are rolling tongues. Okay I feel uneasy already.
So the first time was when I was at the beach, then I saw this couple there. The girl seriously looked like she suffered from Down Syndrome, with the overtly button nose and high, sometimes bulbous forehead, and the guy's hands were, let's put it this way, everywhere. The guy looked like he was five or seven years older than she was. To be fair, she herself looked older than me.
She was tearing quite a lot or something, her whole face was red and the mouth was down-turned. Obviously this raises alarm bells, and yes, the whole LAPD and Scotland Yard ran in through one ear. The left one, to be specific.
But then the whole force and K-9 unit ran out again, sirens, batons and all, through the other. Why? Because her hands were everywhere as well. I can't possibly go there and scream, "Stop it!" and have both of them look at me and say "WHY????????" in that irritating, whining sort of way where they really want something and you are trying to stop them from getting/doing that very thing, and then they continue with whatever they're doing. No.
The more recent encounter was in the train. This is what I mean by the cannot-escape-even-if-I-wanted-to sort of situation. This couple (note that I'm not bringing up any unnecessary physical description like race because even though both couples I've mentioned so far share the same race it's not isolated to only that certain race okay), again, hands everywhere, faces everywhere. So, I was standing next to them, and I thought I spied the girl's hands going too far south on him. Don't forget that she also looked quite dull, in the mental acuteness kind of way. She was also in uniform, possibly from a special needs school, I'm serious. But then, she seemed to be rather sexually mature, considering her actions at that point in time. So I moved away, like about four steps, because more would have drawn too much attention to myself, and that would show that I mind. Actually why do I even care, I saw some of the other passengers audibly tsk-ing their merry way. But that's how I thought at that point in time. AND THEN, GUESS WHAT.
GUESS LAHHHH.
They moved towards me! Like somehow, they waddled three steps in my direction, smooching-wooching all the while. In the meantime I tried to look bored. So I faced the opposite direction i.e. towards the other end of the carriage.
They moved even CLOSER. I could hear them better but not see them any. What's wrong with these people. So I shifted to the opposite side of the carriage, this time breadth-wise, which means that I stood nearer to the initially-opposite row of seated, tsk-ing people. (People don't just tsk for nothing you know. The tsks come whenever a kissing sound is made. HAHA. So it's like *kiss* *tsk* *kiss* *tsk* and the really big ones like *mua* or *oua* or whatever are followed by the assorted wah laos and sighs, ahaha.)
So, GUESS WHAT. Okay no need to guess, this one you know already. They somehow followed me again. This time it wasn't really following, but they did move to the opposite side of the carriage i.e. my side again! See what I mean by being in such situations.
Okay lah it's possible for me to escape if I really wanted to, by like screaming and shouting at them to get away from me, but that would be extreme. Then again, desperate times call for desperate measures. Oh that just sounds so wrong in this context.
I think everyone sort of noticed what they were doing. But you know what, it was a coincidence really (I think), because after I gave up moving around, they continued doing so. Which means they weren't following me. Which is true because for the most part the world doesn't revolve around me.
They stayed in the same carriage, glued to each other, but they were still moving around. Like floating weeds or something. After a while they gravitated towards the metal pole in the centre of the carriage. Hahaha. It reminded me of the spiders' mating dance I used to see on documentaries, where the spiders would be connected to each other (somehow) and they would do a sort of dance all around on the female spider's web. Or was it some other kind of insect. All the same.
I must really be living under some rock, I tell you. Some big rock, where things like these are so funny, amusing and weird at the same time.
Side-note: SY and YX (especially) better make it this weekend. Or I'll lock them in the same carriage with the pseudo-spiders in heat.
So the first time was when I was at the beach, then I saw this couple there. The girl seriously looked like she suffered from Down Syndrome, with the overtly button nose and high, sometimes bulbous forehead, and the guy's hands were, let's put it this way, everywhere. The guy looked like he was five or seven years older than she was. To be fair, she herself looked older than me.
She was tearing quite a lot or something, her whole face was red and the mouth was down-turned. Obviously this raises alarm bells, and yes, the whole LAPD and Scotland Yard ran in through one ear. The left one, to be specific.
But then the whole force and K-9 unit ran out again, sirens, batons and all, through the other. Why? Because her hands were everywhere as well. I can't possibly go there and scream, "Stop it!" and have both of them look at me and say "WHY????????" in that irritating, whining sort of way where they really want something and you are trying to stop them from getting/doing that very thing, and then they continue with whatever they're doing. No.
The more recent encounter was in the train. This is what I mean by the cannot-escape-even-if-I-wanted-to sort of situation. This couple (note that I'm not bringing up any unnecessary physical description like race because even though both couples I've mentioned so far share the same race it's not isolated to only that certain race okay), again, hands everywhere, faces everywhere. So, I was standing next to them, and I thought I spied the girl's hands going too far south on him. Don't forget that she also looked quite dull, in the mental acuteness kind of way. She was also in uniform, possibly from a special needs school, I'm serious. But then, she seemed to be rather sexually mature, considering her actions at that point in time. So I moved away, like about four steps, because more would have drawn too much attention to myself, and that would show that I mind. Actually why do I even care, I saw some of the other passengers audibly tsk-ing their merry way. But that's how I thought at that point in time. AND THEN, GUESS WHAT.
GUESS LAHHHH.
They moved towards me! Like somehow, they waddled three steps in my direction, smooching-wooching all the while. In the meantime I tried to look bored. So I faced the opposite direction i.e. towards the other end of the carriage.
They moved even CLOSER. I could hear them better but not see them any. What's wrong with these people. So I shifted to the opposite side of the carriage, this time breadth-wise, which means that I stood nearer to the initially-opposite row of seated, tsk-ing people. (People don't just tsk for nothing you know. The tsks come whenever a kissing sound is made. HAHA. So it's like *kiss* *tsk* *kiss* *tsk* and the really big ones like *mua* or *oua* or whatever are followed by the assorted wah laos and sighs, ahaha.)
So, GUESS WHAT. Okay no need to guess, this one you know already. They somehow followed me again. This time it wasn't really following, but they did move to the opposite side of the carriage i.e. my side again! See what I mean by being in such situations.
Okay lah it's possible for me to escape if I really wanted to, by like screaming and shouting at them to get away from me, but that would be extreme. Then again, desperate times call for desperate measures. Oh that just sounds so wrong in this context.
I think everyone sort of noticed what they were doing. But you know what, it was a coincidence really (I think), because after I gave up moving around, they continued doing so. Which means they weren't following me. Which is true because for the most part the world doesn't revolve around me.
They stayed in the same carriage, glued to each other, but they were still moving around. Like floating weeds or something. After a while they gravitated towards the metal pole in the centre of the carriage. Hahaha. It reminded me of the spiders' mating dance I used to see on documentaries, where the spiders would be connected to each other (somehow) and they would do a sort of dance all around on the female spider's web. Or was it some other kind of insect. All the same.
I must really be living under some rock, I tell you. Some big rock, where things like these are so funny, amusing and weird at the same time.
Side-note: SY and YX (especially) better make it this weekend. Or I'll lock them in the same carriage with the pseudo-spiders in heat.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
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
both NUS and NTU open houses, because spending the whole weekend merely on open houses is never justifiable in this universe.
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!
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.
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.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
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."
*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."
Saturday, March 07, 2009
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:
and later on
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.
I told her what I knew.
I thanked her again.
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:
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:
She has been very encouraging to me, and is always very positive. That is especially crucial during crunch time.
Maths Teacher:
and later on
The A levels may have come and gone. Some have won, others have lost. But what I have gained, I will never forget.
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.
Thursday, March 05, 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, March 01, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, February 23, 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, February 16, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, February 08, 2009
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.
Maybe she's already thinking of marriage (?!). Hahaha.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
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.
"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.
Monday, February 02, 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, February 01, 2009
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.
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.
Friday, January 23, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
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.
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.
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