Snuggle With Me

First Class Bulldozer

2011-12-08T14:28:00.001+08:00

On my way to work this morning on our glorious MRT, I was squashed beyond recognition. But I am not about to fire my salvo at the current government. Not even with the recent hike in taxi fares. It was the people!

Let's not talk about the commuters who refused to move into the middle of the train, rendering the rest of the helpless commuters standing by the train doors not being able to get into the train.

While waiting to get on the escalator at the legendary Raffles Place stop, some lady was trying to bulldoze her way through and was pushing me. As you can imagine, I could barely move then. I was very close to asking if her middle name is "Lawn Mower". A minute earlier in the office is not going to make her a better employee. She can try to be one if she makes an effort to come way earlier and show more graciousness. You can tell the type of person this is and I wouldn't wish to deal with her at a workplace. When you spare zero consideration for others and want things done your way, it's just a pity that you'll get nowhere in life. At that juncture, the best solution was to be a bigger person and not deal with her directly. Besides, it will only serve to be a huge waste of my time.

I would urge all my fellow Singaporeans to stop complaining about the foreign talents nor what the government can or should do for you. You should first learn to reflect and ask if you are of first class citizen quality to deserve first class treatment.

Christmas Came Early

2011-12-07T11:53:00.003+08:00

It's been too long and I'm sure my friends including A&E Quack would agree. Too much procrastination for such a commitment.

Buying Christmas gift for Watziznehm was easy this year. He got so poisoned by his latest road bike, all I had to do is to pay for the accessories which includes the funny shoes, the special pedal for the shoes, a professional looking pump, the bicycle stand etc. It is still a rather big gift considering his birthday that was over not too long ago was "enhanced" by the iPad 2.

We went shopping for watches because I had wanted the big ass Tag Hauer's Aquaracer.

Meanwhile, I was tempted by this awesome watch - Cartier Tank Francaise.

The temptation didn't stop there. Over at Hour Glass in Ngee Ann City, I was torn between 2 incredible looking Rolexes. One of those evergreen brands which I have never expected myself to be caught wearing one.

While I was caught with the dilemma, he asked me one question that made me dropped the idea of buying an expensive watch completely. Essentially, if I had gotten any of the Rolexes, I can forget about "The Ring" because it ain't gonna happen. It didn't take too long and I went... Diamond!

So I came to a conclusion - For the coming Christmas and my coming 31st birthday, I will be happy with a 60D. Almost without any hesitation, he told me he will be getting me one. That very weekend, we went camera shopping and I walked out of Parisilk with a smile that stretched from end to end of my face while he holds on to the bag containing my latest love and it's mate, the 18-200mm.

Since the 18-200mm is more for my travels and walk about, I needed to have something that satisfies the portraits-shooting me. He drove me straight to Funan and the next thing I knew, I was lost in the g'zillion shops there. I knew this is a gift that would empty my very own pockets as well. Apart from the usual screen protector, blower, I actually walked away from TK Photo with a Canon 50mm F1.4. Many would think I'm crazy to head straight to the F1.4 and not work from the F1.8 first but I'm a girl who knows what I want.

Now, don't hide away from me whenever I point my camera at you!

Christmas Exchange Game for Recruitment Consultants

2011-12-02T10:27:00.001+08:00

My email to the rest of the office and yes, it's an all girls office...

*Those words in italics are replaced as the original email contains intimate information.

Hello all you beautiful ladies,

It’s the end of the year and we’re gonna have some fun… As the self-nominated chief entertainment officer for whatever that is left of 2011, we will be having the Company Gift Exchange Extravaganza!

The Job Description as follows:
• Each of you will equip yourself with 2 gifts with value ranging from S$9.99-S$14.99 each.
• The gifts cannot be the following:
o From The Body Shop
o Soft Toys
o Edible
• You must bring it in on the 22nd Dec 2011 (Thursday) and place it under (or around) the grand Company Christmas Tree.

The official start date is on 23rd Dec 2011 (Friday) at lunchtime 12.30pm – 1pm (just in case you’re on the phone with any client/candidate at 12.30pm)

The Company “Offer” Exchange
o You will pick a number from a bowl. The number will be reflected on a gift.
o Our special girl, AJD will pick the first gift, opens it and shows it to the rest of you demanding consultants.
o Then the fun begins…
o AJD will have the honour of picking out the next person who will be choosing the gift from the pile. This person can 1. Choose to negotiate your package and swop your “offer” OR 2. Keep your “offer” and open it
o The game continues where “candidates” can pick their “offer” and exchange it with their potential client for a new “offer”.
o The game continues in this fashion through until all “offers” are offered and accepted.

Rules of Engagement
o A gift cannot be immediately stolen back from the guest who just stole it.
o A gift can only be stolen twice. The third guest to own the gift gets to keep it.
o All gifts that are eligible to be stolen must be in sight at all times.
o After the last wrapped gift is opened and kept, then AJD has the last turn. She can decide to keep their gift or trade it for an eligible gift (one that has not been stolen twice) and the game is over.

Please try to participate and I promise it will be fun.

Best consultant… I mean regards,
Snugloft

Home Acquisition

2011-11-30T11:18:00.002+08:00

Perhaps it's part of getting older, I'm feeling more inertia to post details of my life and to share it with absolute strangers. But at the same time, it's all useless if I decide to limit access. That's what blogs are for... So...

In an effort to record the journey of our home ownership...

Some time in May this year, we participated in the balloting of a development. And given the crappy luck that we both have at ironically named lucky draws, we thought we were never gonna get what we want so we plotted out our 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th choices etc. While having taken time away from work, I was in the midst of closing a transaction so my inbox needed my undivided attention.

The ballot started with a total of 3 VIPs, drawing 5 numbers each. I wasn't quite bothered because I was working on my laptop and considering my luck, it wasn't gonna happen soon anyway. The first VIP started drawing the numbers and they weren't even close to our number. We saw ecstatic future homeowners of this development whose enthusiasm we couldn't relate.

When the second VIP went up, she decided to shake the box of ballot tickets. Softly, I nudged Watziznehm to stop all the Facebooking and I was all prepared to shut my laptop. As I was shifting focus from my laptop to my Blackberry, I heard a familiar number being called out. It didn't quite register that my number could actually be called out. So I turned to my better half and asked in disbelief, "is that our number?" Together, we decided to uncover the truth by stomping to the front and checking out if we indeed brought Lady Luck with us that morning. As it turned out, she was there when we needed her the most. And hey, that just meant that we could pick almost ANY unit in that development. While being overwhelmed by the choices, we needed to make a practical choice. Watziznehm really wanted the penthouse unit but I wasn't too keen on the idea. I love the higher ceiling and the space and given the 10% premuim, it was still affordable and a darn good deal. But we knew it wasn't a practical choice because as bare top floor would mean alot more work required and that the house itself would be alot warmer from the evening sun. And if I'm to go on regarding the maintenance and cleaning up, you will hear no end from me although I doubt I'll be the one cleaning up the place. Clearly, having a green, cool chillout spot would be great. But we needed a sound decision quickly so...

We settled for the 4 bedroom unit that is just below the penthouse unit. At a grand total of 1335 sqft, we will have the VAST space that Watziznehm needed and for any future needs. Ok, it's not huge but considering the size of the houses now, I'm more than thankful. For now, my brain is lost in the abyst of having a WALK IN WARDROBE that is the size of a full bedroom. Location wise, this isn't the best spot but given our currently financial status, this is a fantastic compromise.

Option completed in May/June and we're now proud owners of this house!

Tentatively,

Bedroom 2 will be converted to be part of the Master bedroom, encompassing the WIW.
Bedroom 3 is our junior master bedroom that will be kept for future use and before the actual use for the room comes into play, it will be the mahjong room.
Bedroom 4 will be the study for him.

The HUGE balcony will be the designated oxygen spot. Standing on such high floor, the air has gotta be decent.

I have some concerns regarding the space constraints within linen room/dining room and unlike a flat, we can't possibly hang the clothes out.

But well, that's something to worry in 2014. Now, I'll just bask in the shiokness of anticipation and I'd better start making some decent money to pimp up the place when it's being delivered.

Arren Quek, you rock!

2011-11-14T22:54:00.002+08:00

SEA Games Singapore hauls 4 more gold from pool - Channel NewsAsia

To me, you're the cute little nephew who never fails to make me laugh.

To swimming, you're a true contributor with your body and soul.

To Singapore, you're a hero and a star.

I am so proud of you as an aunt, a spectator and a true Singaporean. We love you!

Lao Ban Soya Beancurd @ Old Airport Road Food Centre

2011-11-02T10:20:00.001+08:00

I rarely write food reviews but here's one...

After an incredibly satisfying dinner at Akashabu @ Kallang Leisure Dome, we proceeded to Old Airport Road Food Centre to pack food for BluePotatoes' parents. When we got there, I remembered someone mentioned some famous beancurd there but we didn't know which one it was. Then I saw a lady with 10 boxes of this Lao Ban Soya Beancurd and then I saw bags and bags of them carried by everyone around me. I was thinking, "it's gotta be quite good then..."

The queue was not very long with about 4-5 people before us and we got the loot quite easily. Within the queue, there were these teenagers (years of faint memory to me...) and you would bet your last dollar that they will not allow themselves to suffer to eat bad food, let alone queue for it.

If you're looking for HOT tau huey, you've come to the wrong place. It's all cold and after eating it, I knew why.

The Taste

Texture was awesome, really smooth but to be fair, there are some tao huey that are even softer and smoother as I slide my spoon in. The moment the tao huey went into my mouth, I was thrown off. It tasted so rich in soya bean milk, almost like I'm drinking from a box of Vitasoy. It wasn't too sweet. The surprise is in the state of the tao huey. It was jelly/pudding-like with that familiar hardened top look from any dessert with gelatin in it. But the very moment the blob of tao huey settles in your mouth, it disintegrates into soya bean milk instead. I needed to eat mouthful after mouthful of tao huey to just be able to vaguely describe the feeling. It was a rather pleasant experience.

However, it was not something I want to particularly shout about. I would recommend anyone to try it if they are at Old Airport Road for dinner but personally, I wouldn't go out of the way to get it. I'm also being unfair as I have special preference for hot hot tao huey.

I would say... Give it a try, you'll never know if you might fall in love with it.

Location: Picture taken from Google Maps

Financial Planning

2011-10-28T00:07:00.000+08:00

I'm not selling you insurance so there's no need to runaway or close this window immediately like you have seen an apparition. I have, however, bought some for myself considering that I have dropped all of them when I lost my job a while ago. Now that everything is starting to fall in place, it's time to safeguard my own interest and of those who are dear to me. It is through bad planning of those who are extremely close to me that made me see the importance of it. At this point in time, I probably can't afford much and neither do I think it will be sufficient for my retirement but some planning is better than none. And with this, I have a little more control over my expenditure which has proved to be haywire.

As of now, I am the "insurance" to some people and I don't want to burden my children (if I even decide to have any) this way. In a place like Singapore, we're probably more afraid to be a financial burden to our dear ones than facing impending death.

The actual disappointment is beyond what words can describe but I can only say, I have never felt so upset before in my life. The pain is very acute and real. The saving grace is having Blue Potato with me, being the sound mind, injecting the rational sense into me.

2 more months to prove my worth... March On!

The Journey of Losing Some Wisdom

2011-09-26T22:26:00.001+08:00

Guess I've been away for too long but I've been kept happy by work albeit rather busy. Nothing much has happened to me apart from a "major" surgery.

A couple of weeks back, I felt this excruciating ache at the back of my right cheek. The pain was familiar because it reminded me of my wisdom tooth. A trip to the dentist affirmed the lingering suspicion and this time round, my bottom wisdom tooth was impacted and made worse by the overgrown wisdom tooth growing out from the top. Inflammation was slowly eating its way into my threshold for pain. A dental surgeon was summoned due to the position of the tooth that was pressing precariously on the nerves, which I was warned as a matter of formality, that surgery might cause some form of permanent numbness on my lips. I pressed ahead and got myself on the schedule of the dental surgeon.

The dental surgeon isn't my usual dentist so I'm terribly unfamiliar with this character. As it turns out, he wasn't as gentle as my dentist. All the yanking, drilling and pulling in a normal dental surgery was amplified by the raw sense of unfamiliarity. Before the anesthetic jab did its job, the surgeon started tugging and I was put on the edge of cliff faint.

Within the longest 10 minutes of my life, I walked out of the operating theatre with the look of a miserable chipmunk. As Blue Potato was unable to take time off work, I made my way back feeling numb. Fortunately, Synflex knocked me out the entire afternoon. But the very moment I woke up, I could feel the pain slowly creeping in. Sitting in the living room all by myself while waiting for my liquid dinner to make its way to me, a rush of emotional engulfed me. I started crying and thinking to myself that I wish my Mom was there so that she could cook me a pot of yummy congee. It's been a long while since I felt so vulnerable. The last time was when I was in thousands of miles away in Shanghai and I was down with food poisoning.

The next couple of days became the best opportunity to catch up on my beauty sleep, knocking myself out with every fresh dose of painkillers. Work haunted me in sporadic bursts during the little pockets of time that I was actually awake or coherent. By Day 03, I was dying to be back in the office. Under the illusion that I was well, I hobbled my way into work the next day. Terrible mistake as the recovery wasn't as smooth as I assumed it to be. Paralysed by nagging pain, I could only be in the office a little more than half a day.

A week after the surgery, my pain did not subside and if anything, it became worse. I was hugging my right cheek as I tried my best to concentrate on the exciting Singapore F1 race shown on TV. The pain warranted an early night but pain isn't exactly sleep's best friend. The constant moaning of horny cats in the neighbourhood only frustrates a very sleepy me further. It doesn't take a genius to guess the next work day had to end early. Returning to the dentist was imperative. A quick inspection by the dentist concludes that I'm suffering from bone infection which is affecting the recovery process. Stitches will not come off until another round of antibiotics is completed and provided the swelling has gone down. So that's another week of suffering ahead of me. Meanwhile, I can only try to hit the sack early tonight and pray hard that the cats were exhausted from their vigorous activities last night.

Some Etiquettes to Note

2011-05-19T13:10:00.000+08:00

Taken from AsiaOne.

GOSSIP is normally viral in an office elevator, so be sensitive and careful.

These are simple rules to follow. Some may laugh and relate to them, others may find them useless, but bear in mind that when other people are using the same services, it is very important to be considerate of others. After all, that is what etiquette is all about—making others comfortable.

1. Let everyone out of the elevator before you enter. In office buildings, I see people scampering for the elevator without letting those already inside come out first. Wait for them to get out—not only is this the polite thing to do; it is also the safe thing.

2. Try to fall in line. This may be a truly idealistic request. On a recent trip to Japan, I was so happy to see people falling in line to enter the elevator. Correctly so, if you were there first, you should be the first to get in. Pushing and shoving are regular occurrences in busy office buildings and yes, even hospitals.

If building administrators can implement this, things would go much smoother. The line is formed on the right side facing the elevator so that the left side is free to allow those inside the elevator to step out.

3. Enter towards the back of the elevator, allow the others to enter, then press the floor. People tend to crowd around the console when they enter elevators. You can simply ask the person nearest the console to press the desired floor.

4. If the person behind you is about to exit the elevator, move out, hold the door open and allow the person out. Usually there is this person in the back who cannot even step out because people do not move, much less allow the person behind to get out.

5. As much as possible, keep the conversation to a minimum. There are other people in the elevator with you, so keep the conversations down. Gossip is normally viral in an office elevator, so be sensitive to this.

6. Do not sneeze or cough in this very contained environment.

7. If you are going up or down just one floor, try to take the stairs if possible.

8. Gentlemen, where are you? Have the days of gentlemanly behavior passed? Hold the door open and let the ladies in or out of the elevator. I actually saw a man shove past a girl just to get out of the elevator. Remember, each action is always a reflection of who you are.

Escalators

1. Children should be kept away from escalators. This is not a play area, yet in malls you see kids playing around the escalator area, either trying to go up downward escalators or playing with moving handles.

2. When riding the escalator, allow the person in front of you to step onto the escalator first. This sounds amusing, but I have been pushed from behind so many times because I admittedly get on an escalator rather slowly. Still, this does not give people license to push you from behind. Cutting someone who is about to go on an escalator is not only rude, but also very dangerous.

3. Stay on the right hand side. This is to give space to people who wish to climb up or down. The same goes for walkalators in airports. Stay on the right side so people can walk on the left hand side. Although in some countries it is the opposite, just bear that in mind.

4. If you are on the escalator with a friend or friends, do not congregate at the foot or at the entry point of the escalators. This happens a lot in malls, where people wait for family members and friends to get off at the foot of the escalator, leaving the others with no place to move forward.

Cooling Off

2011-05-05T23:18:00.003+08:00

It's been overhyped with anger and discontentment. I have to admit I've been in those emotions. I felt the need to have my voice heard and for someone to represent my needs. I looked back and I saw stability. I make mistakes, everybody does. We need to learn to look at the bigger picture. Vote wisely and do not be blinded by your anger.

It is very disappointing to see educated lot of people go bashing without a reason. If you genuinely believe something, and someone has shown their capability to materialise it, by all means, cast your voice in this democracy.

I need to ensure my future and those of my children are secured and stable. We need leaders who empathise and more importantly, they need to be sound. How many out there are sound?

I fear for the worst. While we need majority to become a smaller majority, we cannot let the majority become the minority. I cannot have someone who wants to throw billions of our reserves into relocating the manufacturing sector. Do you know how many people will lose their jobs? Why do we need 60bln to remove thousands of jobs from Singapore? Somethings are easier said than done. To transform an economy doesn't happen overnight and it has slowly morphed over the past few years. Give it some confidence and another few good years and I believe we will get there.

I'm not one of those all time supporter of any particular party. We vote for what we believe in and in what we need. We vote for the person whom we believe will look after our needs.

Political stability is undoubtedly one of the key reasons why many MNCs have moved into Singapore. I need stability in my job, in my company. Don't you?

Mini Voice, Mega Life

2011-04-04T18:40:00.001+08:00

Politics is usally avoided at all cost here. Today, I will veer away from the general rule and be brave, standing up for my Pink I/C.

With all the unpleasantries lingering, I need to regain some visual on the whole situation and to try to be as objective as I can. This is not fair to dig out her photos and comment on how she could have been leading her life, be it the swanky birthday dinners or luxurious bags. Coming from girl, I can totally understand that you don't need to be living on your last cent to be a politician and having an extra bag wouldn't make you any less of good one. However, when you are a public figure, "clear the cache" before you "publish" on stage. It is what is seen that will bring in the votes and in this case, not bring in the votes.

For as far as I can remember, MM Lee has always been like a disciplinarian and SM Goh, on the other hand, always comes across as very fatherly. Whether they are actually such a personality, we will not know but it does appear so. No matter how you present yourself, you need to know what effect it has on your supporters. Having a video of someone stomping their feet and with absolutely no clue of what to say, is fast becoming a "household" image. Tin Pei Ling may not be such an immature young lady nor is it fair to think she is unnecessarily extravagent according to her infamous picture with her Kate Spade gift. But all these together has definitely eroded my confidence of her in the coming elections. Did I mention that she's representing a party now? I would at least need someone whom I think is capable of hearing my voice and relaying my needs. I do not need someone who:

- doesn't seem to have strong views on how changes can be made
- have no ideas how or why certain policies should be created or monitored
- doesn't have any concrete plans to better my life
... (there are of course more but I'm sure you can form your own views)

Now, it is all too familiar that the general public aren't very pleased with the high salaries the minsters are drawing. Then comes the argument of paying for talent. If one is willing to serve his nation because of his love for his country, wouldn't using money to "buy" this person be a total insult? And if you're paying for top talent, do we (as taxpayers) think Tin Pei Ling is worth the $15,000/month paycheck she is being swiftly ushered into? Clearly, no.

If putting a young person brings in a younger perspective, there MUST be someone else (OH please do!) worth my consideration. Although she is not contesting in my area, her presence in the party will undoubtedly affect my vote's directly. Will my voice be heard?

鼎泰豐 [Din Tai Fung] in Singapore

2011-03-30T22:15:00.000+08:00

When 鼎泰豐 first came to Singapore, I was very disappointed as I held very high standard from the original Nanxiang in Shanghai. However, the variety and the price range kept me going back for satisfying meals. Lunch today was at 鼎泰豐 and the queue was horrible as usual. But they did fulfill the promise of the 15 mins wait unlike Putien (was at Putien over the weekend and they told us the wait was 30 mins but no tables even after an hour) which was utterly disappointly. As you can imagine, the restaurant was packed with people. I will not be talking about the quality of food but the service level at this Raffles City branch of 鼎泰豐.

Service was top notch. Little anecdotes to describe why I'd say so.

1. Orders were correct. Easily taken for granted but trust me, with a full house behind you, it's definitely commendable.

2. I was sharing my seat with my bag and the very moment the waitress saw that, she brought me this "barang holder" container to put my bag in it and not to mention, they also used a clean sheet to cover the top of it to protect your privacy and also to prevent any accidental spills damaging your belongings.

3. The tea cups were never empty and we never needed to ask for service.

4. There's always a waiting staff available to respond to your needs and not merely people who avoid eye contact so they wouldn't need to serve you.

5. Most importantly, throughout my time there, they always serves me with a smile no matter how chaotic the restaurant gets.

Just on the service level alone, which is extremely rare in Singapore nowadays, they will always get my vote (and money of course).

Universal Studios, Singapore

2011-03-28T19:25:00.000+08:00

For those of you people who have yet to visit the Universal Studios in Singapore and might be planning a trip there in the near future, let me share my 2 cents worth. According to a disclaimer that I have read somewhere on their website, they may open on different hours on some days but given that Singapore is summer all year round, I'm guessing that if it doesn't rain like the last Saturday that I was there, it will be opened from 10am to 7pm. I would advise that if you're not willing to take the gamble, please buy the tickets online since there is no difference in the pricing. Given the weekend crowd that I experienced, if financially it's not too much of a consideration, do pay for the Universal Express as it will save you hours (of standing, perspiring and lamenting all at the same time) from queuing in the rides. I spent more than half my time there queuing so do be warned.

The architectures in Hollywood/New York were captivating albeit it still looks a little too new. Stars spotting was part of the fun ranging from Frankenstein to Marilyn Monroe but it's more of a hit or miss thing. For one, I didn't manage to catch Po of Kungfu Panda which was a tad disappointing but not enough to ruin my day. "Lights, Camera, Action" by Steven Spielberg in New York was intriguing but definitely not a must watch if you're strapped for time.

While walking past Madagascar where the ride wasn't quite ready yet, we managed to catch some of the stars from Madagascar and even sneaked a shot with Alex the Lion when everyone else were all over the penguins i.e. Skipper & Friends. Parents with young children can bring them on the carousel which we obviously skipped so not much reviews we can achieve here.

It wasn't long before we found ourselves queuing in Far Far Away for our first ride of the day on Enchanted Airways. While queuing, we were kept amused by Puss in Boots entertaining the crowds with its antics. What we didn't know was that Enchanted Airways was really but a junior roller coaster. I suppose for a 10 year old kid, it could have been exhilarating but the ride that lasted for less than a minute was a little close to boring for senior people like us. To be fair, we were silly as to not find out more before we went for the ride AND the other little bits set along the queue line eg. Gingy in the ticketing booth and other interesting signs kept us entertained while we were in the snaking queue. The main not-to-be missed attraction in Far Far Away has got to be the Shrek 4D Adventure. To avoid being a total spoiler, let's just say, the timely hisses, tickles and sprays sent natural screams which made us feel rather silly thereafter. Right after the show, we were "ushered" into watching Donkey Live with the 2 shows one after another. It wasn't as good as the 4D one but the interactive element did squeeze a few good laughs out of us.

If there's one ride you must get on apart from the Battlestar Galactica, it would be the Revenge of the Mummy in Ancient Egypt. For this ride, you will need to store your bags in the locker which you can use almost for free if it's within the duration of the ride (including the queuing time) and for a nominal sum thereafter. There's a good reason why you're not allow to carry your belongings with you! The thrills from the high speed were unforgettable. Robotic Imhotep didn't manage to scare me but I was incredibly impressed by the intricacies of the props.

Now comes the climax of the entire outing - Battlestar Galactica. There are a total of 2 rides, Human (Red) and Cylon (Blue), taking off in tandem. The Red ride is a seated roller coaster with steeper and faster drops whereas the blue ride turns you in succession of loops and cockscrews. The adrenaline rush was enough reason to keep me going back for more! I was a scaredy cat so I went for 1 of the 2, no prizes for making the right guess but I know I will be heading back for more.

For 4 shows a day, the Water World was in business and we caught the last one of the day. Performers were getting some "participation" by getting some spectators all soaked from the pre-show entertainment. To be fair, the seatings were coded by whether you're ready to get a little wet or totally soaked. But if you prefer to stay dry, there were colour coded seats to prepare you for what you can expect. You were warned! Queues started as early as 30 minutes before the show so if you haven't got the universal express, good luck!

And since we were already wet, it didn't take much for us to head directly back to The Lost World for The Rapids Adventure. We were there earlier for the Canopy Flyer. We thought it was interesting as we heard screams hovering everywhere above us when we were having lunch at the "hotdog place" which obviously wasn't memorable. It was a pleasant ride but a tad too short. Before you know it, you're at the end of the ride. I was wondering almost aloud, "is that it?" The Rapids Adventure however shouldn't be on your list of must-do or in fact can-do if you can get sick from motion. It's like tea-cups but random and with absolutely zero control. I tried very hard to focus on points along the way so that I wouldn't throw up. Towards the last leg of the attraction when the raft came to a halt, I was fortunately well-placed to see a ray of light coming from metres below us whereas my fellow passengers were left wondering... "Hmmm... Why the pause?" Before we knew it, we heard a really loud splash.

Food wise, prices were acceptable but definitely on the high side. If the alternatively is to lug water, I'd gladly pay $3 for a bottled drink. The only full meal I had was at Goldilocks which reminds me a cross between Marrybrown and Popeyes. Just alot more herbs (read: MSG) and a little less yummy. I will not complain on the quality of food because it's a little better than mere acceptable but the waiting time was horrible. It was about 4pm, restaurant wasn't full but I waited for at least 30 mins (probably close to 45 mins) for 2 pieces of chicken. This took time out from my limited time for queuing up for the rides and now even to have a meal, I have to queue the same amount of time just to be fed! Totally ridiculous!

If you have been or are planning to go to the Universal Studios in Singapore, do let me know what else I should really look out for during my next trip there. Enjoy!

Japan Earthquake & Tsunami 2011

2011-03-16T19:13:00.004+08:00

When we first heard of the earthquake, many things went through my mind, including "maybe it's not that serious and people will come round this soon". With the progression of the blasts at the nuclear plants and news of "insufficient body bags around", this is getting worrying although I have heard that the Japanese people are very calm and are taking this in stride. Their unity in building up their nation at a pleasantly alarming rate got my fist clenched up and you may have heard me cheering on if you're within a mile. We know their road to recovery would be much easier and faster than any other economy but even then, my heart goes out to those who have lost their loved ones in the episode. The stoic Japanese with their calmness handling this turmoil gained my utmost respect.

For people around me, I haven't been specifically advocating nuclear energy but before you start ranting on, please read this article taken from Reuters. Of the entire article, I would like you to pay special attention to this part of the article:

Atomic power causes significantly less harm than fossil fuel.
In 2010, 11 people were killed in the Deepwater Horizon oil drilling explosion while 29 people died in a coal mine in West Virginia. Nothing so bad has ever happened at an atomic power plant in the United States or European Union. Annually, coal mining and oil refining accidents kill several hundred people: annual worker deaths at atomic power plants, and in uranium mining, are much lower. Fossil fuel generates greenhouse gases that are causing climate change: atomic power production is just shy of zero-emission for greenhouse gases. Smog from coal burning in the developing world causes respiratory diseases and tens of thousands of premature deaths each year: no similar problem is associated with atomic power.

This morning, Reuters said the Fukushima situation is “the world’s most serious nuclear accident since the Chernobyl meltdown in Ukraine in 1986”. That statement surely is true, but think what it means — a quarter century of atomic power did no harm at all, and now the major problem in Japan may be resolved with only minor public harm. In the same 25 years, oil and coal use worldwide have killed many thousands of people while triggering global warming.

I do admit that this disaster could be prevented if more care have been taken during the construction of the plant. But do not deny that nuclear energy is much cleaner than other forms of energy given the current technology to extract reasonable amount of energy. If we can commercially utilise solar energy without manufacturing solar panels which are actually harmful to the environment and be all over our heads just to light up a room, I will support it fully with all of my means.

My message across if to urge all of you people not to be narrow minded and judgemental before you know the entire story or if you're not an expert in a certain area. Of course, you will have the right to your own opinion (Read: The ignorant Chinese citizens who thinks this entire earthquake is karma for the Japanese for the atrocities the Japanese have done during the WWII) but please, every life is innocent until the day that specific being have killed or destroyed someone who meant anything to you. And if you truly believe in karma, your words will hit you one day. What irony!

My heart goes out to those who are in distress (and not despair) over the Japanese earthquake and tsunami. Lastly, please go your part and donate what you can. Please click here or the World Vision logo on the right and do what your part as a world citizen.

Up The Valley

2011-03-09T14:40:00.000+08:00

I've been meaning to post on so many issues ranging from my latest trip to Hong Kong to the property shopping recently but there's this inertia holding me back which I'm blaming stress from work. Having said that, I've never been happier. That could also be the reason why I don't find it imperative to offload via the blog anymore.

Working with a bunch of helpful people which includes my boss made money making alot easier. It's only the beginning but the pressure is on. The pressure I've created by myself, for myself. All the exercises on viewing properties are playing its part edging me on to build my career which has faced its fair share of peaks and valleys over the past few years. I'm more than ready to put the moves behind me.

Lesson #1 - Keep walking and not let small setbacks tie me down.

Lesson #2 - Be focused.

Meanwhile, just to share a quote from Good Will Hunting "The bad things in life open your eyes to the good things you weren't paying attention to before."

The Time Machine

2011-01-25T23:39:00.000+08:00

After several years of going my own way, learning about the world the hard of real way, I'm back to the melting pot. You might think it would be seeing the same people again in the same environment, different setting. Fortunately for me, none of the discomfort and I felt right at home. I would describe it as taking the time machine and place me right where I should have been. The same wordplay, the same corniness, the same hard work, the same simplicity of happiness. Now the pressure is on to build and bill. The laughters will make it easier...

It is REAL!

2011-01-12T23:10:00.000+08:00

Began my year with a trip to Hong Kong and back and before I could close my eyes, the bells for the big three zero rang before my eyes. No big celebrations were lined up. Just an over-priced dinner with the one person whom I'm totally comfortable with in my life. Simple cake cutting with people who are now family. The biggest surprise were the flowers from an extremely sweet boyfriend whom I've always categorised for being unromantic (Not that I have in any way risen him from those ranks though).

Do I feel older?

Staring into the mirror, looking at the lines around my eyes, I can't help feeling older. I wish I could turn the clock but I also know that if I could try to age more graciously, I will stay beautiful right inside. The key things for me in the new decade is to be able to establish myself in my field of work and at the same time, juggle some heavy family responsibilities. Trying not to be too ambitious, doing what is potentially beyond my means, I didn't dare plan too far ahead. The general blueprint of life is definitely present, waiting for interesting anecdotes in life to give it what it means to be my life.

People come and go. Friends fall in and out of the definition. But true relationships are closer to heart and there's no need to quantity. Just quality...

Dazzling Big 30 Gift To Myself

2010-12-30T13:18:00.000+08:00

It's been years that I've always yearned for a beautiful smile. A chipped tooth and another badly decayed has kept that sparkle at bay. Before this were years of discussions with my dentist and the only issue that has kept me from pursuing the smile was the bank account. Having gone through the braces with little success, the crown was inevitable. I could have just filled it up nicely but that's not going to change the lousy orientation of the teeth.

Running the risk of emptying the bank account after months of hard work, topped with sufficient courage, I told my dentist one day that he can finally go ahead to better the aesthetics. In order to alter the orientation, the veneer was out so the only option was a crown. About a week ago, the dentist shaved off my 4 front teeth. Seeing my reflection on the little LCD screen, I thought I looked horrendous. However, regret was a little late. Now I have got 4 temporary cap over the shaved tooth, giving me an awkward smile over the entire Christmas period. I am now extremely looking forward to next week when my crown would be officially on. Practising the new smile will keep me busy during my Hong Kong trip in January.

Next on, the lasik. Time to beef up the bank account again...

This Christmas

2010-12-27T11:25:00.000+08:00

Departing from the previous years of drinking, maybe it's part of aging, the fun is completely different. Some little things have warmed me like never before. Things are beginning to look different and I'm quite confident that the coming year would be better. In a nutshell, I didn't spend the entire Christmas Day nursing a hangover.

Bidding farewell to the place I called second home for the past months, I am forced to take a month off work and rest. Considering it's very much a festive month, this break was welcomed with open arms. I was kept busy running errands and being the man's chauffeur. Simple day usually ending with simple dinners and excessive time on the iPhone.

The plan for my big 30 gift hasn't quite gone down the drain. Working within necessary budget, no extravagent trips were planned but instead, it was one giving me a dazzling smile. More to come in my next post.

2 days in a row, dinners with friends and family kept me running around. Friends and family who weren't mine until some months ago. I was overwhelmed by warmth and contentment. Of all the pursuits in life, isn't this all what we have ever wanted. A smile at the end of the day...

Regular Musings, Not So Regular Lifestyle

2010-12-18T21:50:00.000+08:00

My life is far busier when I'm not working, believe it or not. My schedule (Yes, i do have one enough though I'm on garden leave) is filled with facials, manicures, haircuts which are all long overdue. Waking up early isn't an option as I would need to send the man to work just so I can use the car for the rest of the day. Afternoon naps are possible only IF I'm home at that time. More often, I'll be out buying or doing some stuffs. This only means the bank account is depreciating on a higher rate than a normal work day.

The change was unexpected, almost a surprise to many people and even to myself. It was a change that I know I'd be happy or at the very least, the one last change you would expect to happen until the next World War. The familiar faces and voices will probably ease the day to day drag and for that matter, no more drag. And for prepare for the new start, I needed a gift for myself. Well, that's just an excuse.

My big 3-0 is just round the corner and and my plans for a big Safari trip is looking bleak. Hence, the decision to dump some months' effort into changing the look of my 4 front teeth is underway. More details will be up by next week. I will get through Christmas with some ugly replacement and hopefully, by my birthday, the smile will look entirely different. Can't wait...

My Vision, World Vision

2010-11-29T21:46:00.000+08:00

As some of you may know that I have my adopted charity. What happens is that I do not make random donation but instead, I will channel my funds to either sponsoring children in less fortunate places and to make a year end Christmas donation. My adopted charity is the World Vision and on an annual basis near to Christmas, I will receive this brochure for a one time donation. Such gifts are really special and interesting. A couple of examples that you can donate (cost in brackets):

- Blanket to be send to Myanmar ($12)
- Goat or sheep for orphans in Ethiopia ($94/$155)
- 2 peach trees + 3 apple trees for the people in Lesotho ($11)

At different price ranges, you can donate what you can afford. A little goes a long way and to be absolutely honestly, the extra $50 more a month is not even going to be pinching you but it helps to build a community behind the beautiful faces of the under-privileged children.

Do what you can. Simply click on the World Vision banner on your right.

Zapatos-mania

2010-11-28T22:31:00.000+08:00

Ever since I started to indulge in the better things in life, my passion has revolved around cars and girly stuffs like bags and shoes. The ownership of a car took me away from the more feminine side over the past few years. As much as the petrolhead in me continues to live, part of my self fulfillment now lies in the purchasing of bags and shoes.

When it comes to bags, I tend to be a tad more conservative because my taste in bags tend to be a little exquisite. To counter the problem, my investments never tailed too far from classic and "amortisable" purchases. The rational mind will have their conversations and logic always prevail. It can be seen from my daily recycling habits of my bags. At some point in time, I would love to have a slightly more varied wardrobe of bags but before that day arrives, I will stick to my staples.

What retail therapy means to me apart from doing insane online shopping on Victoria's Secret and ASOS, would be my regular visits to Alegra. Alegra is jointly run by 2 ladies with incredible taste for shoes. At times they do some nice knockoffs which are slight variations from the runway. The designs are more practical and definitely wearable. If comfort is one of your worries, you can rest assured that although I indulged in killer heels and I do admit that they are not the most comfortable creatures in the world, the shoes that Alegra carries is definitely more comfortable than other shoes in the same price range. Over the past few months, I have bought more than enough shoes than what the excuse "I need this shoe to match this dress" can justify. On a day to day basis, I switch between about 10 pairs of shoes left in the office for convenience sake. The stamp card that Alegra gave me is now almost full and that means I can buy another 3 pairs at 20% discount. But according to Blue Potato, I do not need or should not need to buy any more shoes until the end of the this year. I don't disagree but I have to really peel myself away from Alegra whenever I walk past. Thankfully, the stuffs that really appeal to me are not normally on display. The best items are always hidden and tucked away in the store. Apart from Alegra, I have always bought countless pairs from Vincci whenever we have a drive trip to Malaysia.

Recently, Ferragamo was having this delicious sale but I have successfully convinced myself that the money could be spent more wisely. Considering that I have found a new "target", I should not just squander the littler-er money away and make myself feel miserable when I can't afford the more big ticket item.

Talking about big ticket, my teeth needs some fixing and I will have to decide in a week's time if I want to complete the project which I've always wanted to embark on.

The Adventures of The Misadventures

2010-11-21T23:25:00.000+08:00

Getting my wallet nicked at Platinum Mall wasn't the most pleasant experience. It was a girls' trip together with 7 others from the office. Great food and endless shopping marked most of the trip. However, just several hours into the shopping, I ran out of all money and it wasn't because I spent it all. Having seen the others in despair and reporting their losses, it was a funny sense of relief that I wasn't the only one. The floods in the country have brought the poor up into the city seeking money and definitely not the most of the legal ways. Fortunately for me, I have got friends who could financially help my through the rest of the shopping frenzy and someone at home who efficiently assisted me with cancelling the cards. The trip to the local police station was at adventure in itself. While trying my best to be understood so as to get my statement taken, I was wondering if I'm ever gonna get the massage that I was anticipating.

The trip ended with much regrets, not having the foods I was craving for and insufficient shopping that I had hoped I completed. It was still a trip I will always remember not because of the misadventure, but the company that kept me going. So looking forward to the next one. This time, I'll strap the money close to me with masking tape.

The Wisdom of the Blue Potato

2010-10-24T10:05:00.001+08:00

People are not to blamed if they are not born as intelligent as others. But it's the realisation of such inadequacy that can help you to be a better person in life. The hilarious part is when you're found to be a conniving person, instead of just losing trust, you will eventually become a joke.

I tend to be blinded with anger when some people try to get to me. The agenda is unknown or rather, it's not within a reasonable person's call to action for the most trivial of things. I ignore them till they blow it in my face. Leaving a conversation, looking like a beetroot and swallowing the flames wasn't the most easy of all decisions. But the Lord works in mysterious ways. He allowed me to see the bigger picture from a bigger person. He has blessed me with wisdom by giving me a hand to hold for life to guide me through the darkest of all roads.

Looking back, the people who calls themselves your friends, yet stabbing you beyond your sight, can enjoy each other's companionship as they grow old because with such narrow hearts, you will never be able to find space in the heart to accommodate someone else in order to love them beyond the way you love yourself.

Sitting here at Mcdonald's, looking at the Monopoly tab, it dawned on me that life is always about finding the Sentosa Cove tab because you're holding to the Marina Bay one. And so what if you had won the $80,000. It's being able to hold on to the wealth and let it blossom into something greater that really gives the prize winning some meaning. I may not have won the McDonald's prize but I found something even better.

Disconnect to Connect

2010-10-15T14:22:00.000+08:00

When I found myself having issues with Blue Potato for using his phone over dinner, I forgot to check out the reflection on the mirror. During a recent conversation, we recalled on how I was t'apping' away on my iPhone and I felt really guilty for being a social failure. Soon after, I forgot how the phone disconnects us from life.

Just about a year ago, I was posting proudly on how much of a Crackberry I was. It is not that I was unaware that human relationships eventually relies on communication, the non-electronic sort. I was unknowingly sucked into the whole "the game is so interesting" or "I so need to twit about this" moment and I didn't care about the other diners on the table nor the rest of the people in the conversation. I was in my world.

Blue Potato showed me this video to prove a point and it was home run. Guilt has overwhelmed me but his patience was too warm to ignore. The understanding that I received was pure bliss.

Farewell Ascocendas

2010-10-07T22:33:00.001+08:00

I won't pretend to say I know alot about the woman who has always been the one right behind the man who made a difference to my life and my habitat. But in my memories will be a woman who stood by her husband through thick and thin, in sickness and in health, with unprecedented poise and of Asian beauty. She will continue to live in my heart as a role model for the rest of my life. The basic lesson of simple contentment that will bring us round the ups and downs. Rest in eternal peace, Mdm Kwa Geok Choo.

F1 Fever

2010-09-25T10:51:00.001+08:00

This is the 3rd year that Singapore is hosting the race and I've yet to go for any of them. As many of you may know, I'm pretty much a petrol head but the fever just hasn't hit me. To be honest, I'd love to go for the races but I simply cannot justify paying for the tickets and still squeezing my way in there. By any chance, if I get offer a corporate suite at a reasonable price, I might actually consider. Having said that, I'd gladly watch the race in the comfort of my couch.

The inconvenience of the race has surfaced too many times to not talk about it. Going to and coming home from work becomes a chore. Having offsite meetings became insane. All because I work right in the middle of Central Business District where the race is being held. The road closures made me wonder what do I actually benefit from having the races in Singapore when on the other spectrum, it made my life so much worse. Although I know the benefits will not be so immediately visible or for that matter, tangible in any form, I'm still not paying any less in terms of taxes.

As a Singaporean, we have always thought that if we could provide a world class race (very much like a world class Olympic event), then we could get much publicity that way. But NO, we are often criticised for not having a great track which I do admit, it's absolutely true. The road conditions are horrible and when you see the machines bottoming up, you wonder aloud, "what an embarrassment!" Of all the taxes I've paid and the inconvenience that the race has given me, I'm still so far from providing one of the most impressive tracks the F1 has to offer. If there's any saving grace, the backdrop of the unique Singapore city night race is amazing.

It's exciting to get visitors coming to town and think that this small dot is more that just a blemish on the map. The impression that are telecasted across the globe only gives potential visitors an excellent image. It is still possible to retain the positive but someone has to work on the negatives to make Singapore the place that we've always been proud to call home. And please, no smart alec scholars who knows nuts about F1 races. We can only wish for an amazing someone to correct the situation. Fingers all crossed, let's watch out for next year.

Goodbye Kokoro

2010-09-12T22:05:00.000+08:00

Guess it is about time.

When I first decided to get Kokoro, it as my personal mark of achievement that I can and I will, which I did. It's been a little more than 2 years and over the past 43000km, that little machine has served me well. Despite all the time that it was in VCS to get the piston rings, mechatronics, manifold and whatever not it needs to make it feel good again, it has never failed me. Especially these couple of months after all the major changes, it hasn't even coughed a little. Till today, even merely looking at it makes me feel good about myself. Through turbulent times, keeping up with the upkeeping was draining.

The project began with the major transformation to look like the way when it first arrived. The process is still ongoing and by the next week, it's ready to be adopted for good. The love may be lost but the pressure will be off. A wise decision considering the situation. Time to let go of the love of your life when you know you're ready for the next stage.

This pain will be temporal.

A Fit

2010-09-05T23:13:00.000+08:00

Not the spasm sort but relating to people who makes you feel entirely comfortable around them. When this comfort extends from a person to the entire social circle of this person, it almost feels like a jigsaw fit. Mind you that in life, jigsaw fits will always have the impressions and the lines. The picture will not be perfect but you'd take it for the way it is because you paid for a jigsaw and have accepted the very way it came in. To even complete the jigsaw puzzle should be a feat in itself.

In most young minds, the thought is always the search for the high definition picture. But it occurred to me that the senior folks are very much satisfied with their pixelated screens as long as they carry the right message. In both views, different messages from a very same pictures are conveyed depending on their respective recipients. At the age straddling both bands, the expectations are better managed and not compromised. In search of very different objectives, the starting line will differ.

People come and go in our complicated lives and at various points of the timeline, the same footprints will inevitably cross our paths. The rest of how the history should be written depends on how we write them. Keeping the objectives clear will very likely steer us in the direction of the eventual goal. Having the blinkers on and the sight focused, the end point is never too far away. Yet again, these all boils down to perspective and managing expectations. The noise beyond these, should be ignored and erased. Interference will only slow down the race, albeit the race at walking speed.

Expecting The Supposedly Expected

2010-08-28T17:31:00.000+08:00

Expectations often disappoints because with the anticipation, we tend to feel loss but if it had never happened with no expectations, life would be filled with more smiles. Simply said than done, it's extremely tough to ignore the emotions. As B put it, we are people who tend to think too much and more often, it's not very healthy. When the thoughts revolve the brains, the mental energy gets zapped so quickly that we don't normally know how the term "mental exhaustion" came about because we only feel it when it's too late.

Exploration is yet another stage that prevents you to move ahead.If we are always in the exploratory stage, how can we even find the right time to harvest the crops. The song I last posted was titled 對的人 which means The Right Person. The lyrics moved me and encouraged me to be that but more patience. But when pushed too far, even with excessive patience, we can run out of it. If life is a waiting game, I've played too much of it and I become a slave to this game without realising it.

愛要耐心等待　仔細尋找　感覺很重要
寧可空白了手　等候一次　真心的擁抱
我相信在這個世界上　一定會遇到
對的人出現在眼角

對的人

2010-08-23T00:18:00.002+08:00

How do people know if they have found the right person? So what if the person fits like a jigsaw? According to Sod's, which my life seems to be closely adhered to, nothing seems to be smooth sailing. It's not as simple as the person whom I love doesn't reciprocate and the person whom I'm uninterested in, likes me. It's the nitty gritties that guides a relationship, be it the friendship, the dating process, the life planning, the marriage, health, death and to some, the divorce. The part whereby people take things for granted, the feelings of people who are affected by our very own actions. The anticipation of the good and the bad. The ultimate unknown and the not knowing the ultimate.

Patience will then play its role for one to hold their fort. Friends are always teasing me about the "Panic Button" but trust me, I am feeling anything but panic. I am very much fine to be alone like this but I know I wouldn't be happy. I can't always be seeking the left shoulder of Black Tulip aka Big Bear because one day, his both shoulders will be required by his Mrs. For now, all I want is to cry into those shoulders before one that I can call my own were to appear one day. I feel like I'm imposing his life. Do not get me wrong and go into the men and women can never have a platonic friendship. I think I know better although I am almost always wrong in judging people. But hey, I do not want to judge so let people prove themselves otherwise. Second lesson in law school, innocent until proven guilty. Do I have to go through the first one again? Alright, justice always belong to the person with deeper pockets.

The coming week is going to be a test on the weak spirits. Hoping with all my might that with prayers, all I have to do is to receive. Receiving before I die of excessive stress that is. Such a weak person... You're thinking of just that, isn't it? Dreading the first step of the week into the office isn't quite helping in bringing the spirits up.

It is important that we can feel... Still...

Arren Quek - My Favourite Athlete for YOG

2010-08-15T16:42:00.001+08:00

YOG isn't as celebrated as it should be. It is Olympics but somehow, the hype doesn't quite live up to the importance. I am, however, following very closely for one reason, one athlete. My favourite nephew, whom I'll always remember as the hyperactive kid with a natural hoarse voice, will be representing Singapore in swimming. I can't explain how proud I am of him but I know he's been training very hard, receiving very little support from the same body who would want them to do well, he's THE recipe for success. Being the perfectionist he is (the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree), he will not settle for second best. That said, we wouldn't want to put any stress on him because as it is, qualifying for the YOG is already incredibly impressive.

Join me to cheer for my favourite all Singaporean boy.

Food Prints

2010-08-15T14:58:00.000+08:00

Many have asked what I actually look for in a partner. More often, the answer is simply "the ability to hold an intellectual conversation". Even with friends, going home after having a fulfilling conversation may actually surpass the satisfaction from food. In actual fact, to gauge and judge a person's brain power during a conversation is extremely unfair. The point is not having an "airy" conversation and going home feeling stupider than before. It is of great importance that people around you makes you feel better about yourself and yet you learn from them. Such expectations are quickly becoming harsh so we, as forgiving human beings, shelf these. During times when you come out of a casual dinner coupled with a great conversation, the feeling is euphoric. I am not going to attempt explaining further because if you are unable to understand where I'm coming from, then no amount of explanation is going to help you understand. Let me qualify that that doesn't make anyone lesser of a person but it's purely my personal trigger point.

There have been many of these people in my fairly short life and I must say, my life has been enriched and I'm rather fortunate. Personalities like these come and go and have left their footprints. To me, I'll just have to keep looking forward to a less disappointing and non-vanishing pair of feet. The hope of leaving prints of 4 and not merely a spectator to disappearing prints on a sandy beach is fast eluding me. Optimism is what keeps the heart pumping for now.

Count On Me Singapore

2010-08-11T00:39:00.001+08:00

Happy Birthday Singapore and to be absolutely honest, without googling, I have no idea which birthday we are celebrating. I'm not going to pretend to be a saint but as you get older, you lose track of the number of candles on the cake, don't you. not really considering I'm hitting the big 3-0 in January. Big plans on the way and for once, one that involves just me and no one else. Maybe by then, I might get myself a travel partner or one who's for life.

In years, this is one of the rare occasion that I'm actually sitting at home, right in front of the telly, watching the live telecast of the National Day Parade. Previous years, I can be found drinking somewhere with some friends while trying to catch glimpses of the parade on the telly that no one's paying much attention to.

Singing along to Majulah Singapura triggered this spurt of patriotism. But what actually is patriotism. Compared to the Kamikaze spirit from the Japanese' Samurai culture, how many out there would actually die for the country when we are finally called for. As the Chinese saying goes, 养兵千日，用在一时。I started to question myself if I would risk my life when the enemies come marching in one day or will I pack my bags and call another country home? Nobody knows until we're put through the test one day. All talk is cheap.

Back to the parade, Singapore National Day Parade Choir 2010 reminded me of the times when I was in school and was forced to attend such activities reluctantly. Now that we're all grown-up, we look back and feel sorry for the kids. Then again, Singaporean kids are so spoilt, they aren't even bothered to fake a smile. The only adjective I can think of while staring at those sad faces is 'unenergetic'. Can I blame them? If I put myself in their shoes, I might don such a face but the educators behind them, should shoulder the responsibility to enforce the understanding of their importance during such a glorious parade. Before I start contradicting myself, being absolutely fair, we are in position to judge these kids. The way they are brought up is entirely different from our time. Now that sentence made me feel old the moment it escaped my fingers.

Still, I can't help feeling proud of the nation because for every man on the parade, there are thousands behind them that hold the same passport and go through hours of discomfort and labour for us who are watching the parade in the comfort of our couch and in my case, my very comfortable bed. Just when I'm fantasizing being in Kit Chan's shoes serenading the crowd with "Home",

As I listen to the beautiful voices, I thought of our very own first Prime Minister, now Minister Mentor "you know who". During those times, we needed the iron fist that ruled without the fatherly smile. Undoubtedly, because of his beliefs and strength, we are what we are today. A small dot on the big map, with a name impossible to ignore. However, my personal favourite for a Prime Minister has got to be Goh Chok Tong. I remembered looking forward to his rallies although at that age, they meant very little to me. Trying my hardest to get his jokes, I chuckle with every bit of the humour I could grasp. I can't simply explain how close I feel to this man but he made me as proud as I am of my old man who did everything within his means to provide me with a better life.

Now, the one scene that disturbed me was a son who didn't not help his aging father to be seated. Before I get charged under the ISA, I'm going to stop my comments. I'm so being watched.

Waffles Woes

2010-08-01T12:40:00.001+08:00

Sounds rather bimbotic but I'm on a mission to either hunt down the best tasting waffles in Singapore or to learn to make them. It seems rather simple but how often do you spot a waffle maker in somebody's home? This all began during training at Conrad weeks ago. Buffet was awesome and on the first day, I stuffed myself at the appetisers and mains that I was over the limit when it was dessert time. On the second day, I went straight into the waffles after I was about 30% filled. It was so warm, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. With just butter and maple syrup, I was whisked to heaven. It's a little crazy to be going for the buffet just to wolf down the waffles but desperation is getting to me. The insanity of a woman's craving.

Come Monday, everything at work will be the same. The only difference is not having our favourite intern around. Jonk who would be completing the rest of her internship in our Tokyo office, was off this morning after organising our last QBash. As usual, there was excessive amounts of alcohol and budget had to be closely adhered to before we bust it like we usually do.

The week was weird. Ran into some people whom you wouldn't want to see just because the week was too hectic and entertaining people isn't preferred at all. The same face that still brings that tear that occasionally roll down the cheek is still the same. The shoulders seemed much heavier but we all know it's a passage of life and part of growing up.

There's finally a glimpse of that light at the end of the tunnel. Although still pressured by the environment, given that the pace is never experienced before, the smile at the end of every struggle seemed to slowly sail me into the next struggle and the next day. I hope all these will pay off. I'm planning for a big present for myself but looking at the way things are going, I don't know if it will happen.

Things Fall Apart As Better Things Can Fall Together

2010-07-19T02:00:00.000+08:00

Saw the above statement in TongMama's blog and it touched a very raw part of me. In my insignificant part, it always seem like things are falling apart more than coming together. With friends who helped me along the way to seek the pre-existing contentment, things are alot easier to ride on.

Recently I've been getting the "you're not young anymore" rubbed in my face. I totally understand where they're coming from but that should not be a motivating factor for me to grab just anyone. I am lucky, really. I have people around me who truly cares and in no circumstance am I going to jeopardise the friendship. This is probably the time of my life I should focus my attention of what feeds me and the other mouths that depend on me. It is absolutely not an option to give them a life lacking in reliance and comfort. Even for the love for myself, to be absolutely selfish, dependence is not a trait I can afford to pick up.

Still, I suppose in the most unexpected situations, I should be hitting some jackpot. Maybe not the machine with the most payout but one that will bring me much joy.

Against Odds

2010-07-11T04:59:00.001+08:00

With people walking in and out of our lives, and particular for what I have to say today, people out or on their very way out. Maybe it's just the imaginary no entry sign that stopping the show from continuing. To encounter the familiar faces with the strangest feeling of it all, like an ostrich, avoiding seems like the natural way to handle the awkward situation. The thoughts rushed back and wishing only you can turn back the clock and change things. But truth is, it's always against the odds when people have changed their direction and had their eyes focused on a direction away from yourself.

See, I've been watching Scrubs from scratch. The part where Turk proposed and when JD finished making his toast as he watched 2 loving couples kiss on, I actually felt sad for him and subsequently reflected. Just a couple of hours ago, I found out a very good friend of mine whom I could almost qualify as my best friend because if I were to define best friend, I couldn't think of any. Then again, there's Black Tulips. The only one person who has got my back when I needed someone to talk to. In fact, he passed me exactly what I needed - Series after series of Scrubs for me to get past my weekends.

All these while, I've been intentionally drowning myself at work. On one end, I just needed to do it because it's my job, I love it and most of all, it pays bills. On the other, I just didn't have anything else in my life to occupy the time after work or to have any compelling reasons for me to leave the office early. Weekends become empty on the calendar and the desperate need to fill them out. Somehow, sleep is still incredibly lacking.

Something I heard on Scrubs that I really love - "No relationship is perfect. What is important is that you wanna be there even if it sucked." Now, if there's even something worth the while and the time. Maybe I meant, someone instead of something.

At the very least, I know there's any important lesson I have got to learn in this life. That is to pick my battles...

Saying Too Much

2010-07-04T16:02:00.000+08:00

When the email informing me of my training came in, I was a little disappointed. I should have expected that I'll be attending training in Singapore as compared to some others in the office as I haven't been amazing. At the back of my mind, I was wondering if given the same platform, would I have performed as well or even better? If the starting point is different, I only have myself to blame for being less than amazing. Logically, especially knowing how these P&L works, I know I'll be the one paying for them eventually but for me, it boiled down to personal achievements and how much of an asset you'd mean to the team and the man in charge.

I think I've broke too much rules since I came into this place. I never blogged about work, nor added colleagues on Facebook. So I'm gonna stuck the f*** up before I get myself into trouble. Just to qualify, I'm not unhappy with others but at my very own performance. I end up questioning myself if there's anything I could have done better. I too wish I can churn money like some of the better known "machines". Self-doubt will not help so constructive advice would be preferred.

I know my well-deserved holiday will come soon, hopefully. Weekends alone are so hard to survive...

Sleepy Battle

2010-06-28T01:14:00.001+08:00

Resistance was futile. The warmth revolving above the cheeks persisted. Pain proved to live longer than anger. Images flashed like they would during the last moments of oxygen intake. Personal failure was one of the discussion topics, discussion with the internal soul that is. The song on eternal repeat acts as the satire, sniggering at the plight. The heavy lids were in battle with a heavy mind. Flipping the Mac open for countless times on a sleepless night, singing the song to myself, feeling the warmth which was present only on that small spot. The rest were in shivers.

Wish one can be like a spoilt brat at the supermarket insisting on that lolly that caught the eye. By kicking legs, waving the arms and screaming at top volume just to achieve the likely conclusion. And by remaining the reactive one, with inertia greater than a normal passive mind, inactivity is clearly expected. The rack that I strolled to was empty, stripped of the last pack of snacks that could possibly bring the smile back. If the rain could wash away everything...

Some reaction would be good. But didn't they say be careful of what you wish for? Rather, some genuine concern would be comforting...

Rain rain go away... Little children want to play...

未來我得到的還會有很多，但失去的，只有你一個

2010-06-28T00:15:00.001+08:00

又來到這個港口沒有原因的拘留
我的心乘著斑駁的輕舟
尋找失落的沙洲

隨時間的海浪漂流
我用力張開雙手
擁抱那麼多起起落落
想念的還是你望著我的眼波

我不是一定要你回來
只是當又一個人看海
回頭才發現你不在
留下我迂迴的徘徊

我不是一定要你回來
只是當又把回憶翻開
除了你之外的空白
還有誰能來教我愛

又回到這個盡頭我也想再往前走
只是愈看見海闊天空
愈遺憾沒有你分享我的感動

我不是一定要你回來
只是當又一個人看海
疲憊的身影不是我
不是你想看見的我

我不是一定要你回來
只是當獨自走入人海
除了你之外的依賴
還有誰能叫我勇敢

除了你之外的空白
還有誰能來教我愛

The Most Important Value

2010-06-27T16:43:00.001+08:00

When Grandma was alive, she used to sing the "天黑黑" song to me. Dad and Mom never gave up even when there were regular false alarms. We would spend annual leaves and weekends just to be with Grandma fearing each visit would be the last. In our might, we did and gave all we could. I have never regretted a single moment. I'm proud to have such parents because they taught me the most valuable values I could only wish I can impart to our future generations.

If you are at any point proud of being an Asian, embrace your traditional values. These are priceless lessons you may not be able to afford no matter how deep your pockets are. Get your chest out, feel proud.

Fat Coke Only Please

2010-06-26T19:50:00.000+08:00

Following a series of unfortunate events, I'm home and Kokoro as dirty as before. The room needs to be cleaned too, that is after I can get my ass off this seat. The bump on the tyre is putting the pressure on the pocket. Togetherness is the time spent with my Mac. Busy weekends are a good way to pass time but there are bound to be moments when you are absolutely alone. Honestly, I did enjoy pockets of time like these but there are the others when you feel, even when you're just bummer, it's nice to have someone just there. Having said that, is that someone just filling space and the need or generally as human beings, we desire a sense of belonging?

Knowing very well that the full fat Coke is detrimental to the body, I could not resist indulging into the temptation of a chilled glass full of it. Then there are the harmful bits and pieces that come and go and yet continue to haunt you, very much like the after effects of Coke overdose. Such is life but how jaded that actually sounded doesn't really quite matter to anyone out there.

Yet another night out with the Fabulous Looking people and without any surprise, it was a night of fun. Things may not be the same as before but just by having a good friend or two, makes life worth its while afterall. Friends who can trigger smiles out of you easily are worth everything in this world to keep. Friendship never quite comes too easily. Seeing A&E Quack going around high fiving non-stop laughing at his own jokes made my day, no matter how exhausted I was after an entire day at work. The unsaid understanding of a true friend is priceless.

Another week of seeing my own name published on the local newspaper instantly made me feel like a star. Not exactly for the wrong reasons but I wish the intended readers would pick the information up. If next week develops into an incredibly busy week, I'd be a willing candidate.

Blue Clouds, White Sky

2010-06-22T23:43:00.000+08:00

The first thing I got when I stepped into the office today after an unwarranted long weekend, a vicious paper cut awaited me. It cut so deep, I could see my flesh, albeit a 0.15267mm of it. Sensing bad news a looming, I couldn't be more eager waiting for my desktop to start up. The calendar screamed at my face, I needed to do a presentation. Being still groggy from an overdose of medication didn't quite help with the speed nor the clarity. Incoherent was an understatement. Going through the slides, which by any means should be a piece of cake to me since I was last being trained to at least be able to present some topics plucked from the air, proved to be difficult. Firstly, the last of my voice didn't help. The pain in the throat was worsening every passing second that I had to speak. Lastly, I was all that the team had. Thankfully, just when I was running out of saliva to lubricate my throat, PapaTran came to the rescue.

The overpriced soup was possibly the most comforting dinner I can think of. Just 20 mins before that, I had to fight gastric pain and an useless bladder. It was pure relief to be home and to be on my bed. Just when I popped my last does of antibiotics for today, together with a cocktail of multi-coloured pills, an unusual box blinked. Reckon that it wouldn't be too important, I entertained my swollen eyes with ice packs. Intuition called me back. An uneasy feeling crept up my spine and so I checked.

What I read sent an array of emotions all around and not knowing how I should be feeling. The stuffed up nose still wouldn't pity me and let me go. The mind must be hallucinating, as I told myself. It was scary. I meant real scary because I thought I dreamt of exactly the same scene last night. It's NOT deja vu. I did dream of the same scene last night. I don't even know if I'm typing in my dreams now. Maybe the brains are too tired but I'm typing all these just to prove that at the point when I'm typing, I wasn't dreaming. Or am I?

Hold My Hand

2010-06-21T21:54:00.000+08:00

After a night of coughing, the decision to skip work was right. Concentration was no longer possible and my voice was almost inaudible. With 2 doses of antibiotics in me, the sudden surge of energy made me feel vulnerable. The need for a warm body to shower some concern became painfully clear. The disappearance of my Singapore Flyer months back woke me up from being reliant on anyone. It was be the swollen eyes that blurred my vision once again. Independence is not given and to internally fight for it should not be seen as tough. It could just be the bacteria-ridden brain that is making me think so negatively. Maybe getting back at work and to keep the mind totally occupied is not that bad an idea afterall. Getting the desk up and running is building the tenacity unknowingly and being a better person is not the natural result. The fight is unavoidable.

Spending time on the BBM with Black Tulip kept me smiling while waiting at the doctor's and while waiting for the right warm body to appear. It is a promise to myself that friends like such are rare to come by, hence not to be given up even if Prince Charming were to make his appearance one day.

Girls' Weekend

2010-06-20T23:22:00.000+08:00

Simple snacks with the right company made late Friday night easy to pass. Lonely weekends are far from over but comforting chats made time shorter. The cherry on the icing was an entire Saturday full of laughter. Massive amounts of food and loads of harmless gambling led to a group of World Cup widows screaming "what are the chances?" The unbelievable odds reflects very much on life. When you think it's close to impossibility, the unexpected falls upon. The only flaw preventing the perfect day out was the bad throat and sniffly nose. Sunday became a day of miserable self nursing and pure hope of recovery. There's so much I'd want to say, writing it the way I would normally do. But my cloudy mind is not allowing it. Proofreading becomes a chore. Tomorrow should be better. Good night.

Black Tulips

2010-06-13T21:10:00.001+08:00

Half of June has past me by and this is my first post for this month. Much has happened and too much work was done. Last nights in the office became common. Views were polished and sharpened but have also left the views even more hazed than before. At times, it's not necessary a blessing to see things this clearly. Criticism has to be taken lightly and improvements need to be actioned upon seriously. It's more than easy to say, life goes on.

People who have taken their leave are found to be closer in the weirdest sense possible. To be indirectly rejected will make way for newer searches, better fits. Blockheads are better left untouched before the beautiful turns ugly. While watching the TVB serial, I was reminded that the person who was able to keep the most to himself might almost always end up as the ultimate survivor. Happiness was another objective altogether.

Grumbles are reserved for people who can accept you for who you are and that to me would mean the very person whom my bloodstream is rooted to.

Too much to say but no way I can put it such that it will remain my style, cryptic that is. Thankfully, there's one listening ear for me. That was the ear with no agenda and happy flowers. To say this person is a big brotherly figure is so cheesy yet so accurate. The only thing missing is the pat on the head and the big bear hug before my tears will readily roll down my cheeks. To be more liberating in emotions is close to impossibility. Not that anyone would care and on the contrary, it's more likely to be read the wrong way. The worst way imaginable. Emotions are probably best to be kept to oneself. Meanwhile, I'm happy to share it with Black Tulips.

Time Runs

2010-05-30T22:52:00.001+08:00

Grandma is 74 today! For once, I feel that age is catching up on my last surviving grandparent. Last week, she had to go under the knife for cataract and as she was walking down the steps just now, she was struggling. I cannot believe what I saw because she has always been rather healthy.

Now now, that makes me feel how far I'm lagging behind in terms of life's natural progression as compared to my peers. Being Asian, most of my friends from school have screaming kids tugging onto their dresses as they attend yet another wedding of a friend's. Biological clock ticking? Nope. About 4 years ago, I would have agreed but right now, it's just leaving everything to "what comes may". Having experienced enough irresponsibilities and disappearing men, becoming cynical was just expected.

If you ask me, I just want to go on a race on the track with the C63 AMG for now and dump all the tiring thoughts behind.

By the way, I never thought too well of Speegies (if you don't get it, that's cuz I meant it that way), I just do not want to become one. Having said that...

Yardstick For True Friendship

2010-05-24T00:00:00.002+08:00

Yet another 2 weeks has past me by. Time moved faster than I can imagine although things have definitely gone against my vision's peripheral. Some people have chosen to come and others to go. The yardstick for sincerity just shifts itself before you can even get your eyes fixed on it.

On Friday, A-litigator brought up several issues about life in general. Thoughts progressed and lingered. We all have choices even if it comes to companionship and this in turn, will result in the type of lives we end up living. Yet another friend reminded me of possible vicious words and with sufficient sincerity, we should be able to keep true friendships. Living in daily confusion of uncovering truth and locating the truths behind the truth, this world of lies leaves all of us gasping for the rare breath of fresh air.

Escape is meant for fools and it's not suited for me. The courage to face up and to deal with it would be my way but I won't impose it on anyone. If the choice is to silently walk away, so be it. To think that the initial choice was right but it was proven wrong subsequently and maybe knowing the truth will actually hurts.

Speaking of the devil brought about new meaning. The truth about talking about someone and to run into someone immediately. Hope this isn't yet another disappearing act but I know very well, this lunchbox belongs to another.

Incredible Weather

2010-05-09T16:07:00.005+08:00

Has it always been such or is it global warming?

Just weeks ago, it was raining regularly every afternoon. It wasn't the most welcomed thing but looking back, I'd rather have a rainy afternoon. Recently, it's been hot and I mean, too hot! Hitting highs of 35 degree celsius doesn't quite feel fun. Having to shuttle in and out of the office going for meetings after meetings, all you want is to have meetings in the office and no where else. Unfortunately, with the change in portfolio, more opportunities arise for me to brave the heat to get to another location too near yet too far. The heat brought about cruel headaches and even on a Sunday, sitting in the room with the AC and fan on, the headache persists.

In the every littlest effort I can to reduce global warming, being environmentally friendly wasn't a choice. It was a calling to make this planet a better place to live in. Before I sound like the irritating overly environmentally friendly freak, all I'm asking is to use ONE less plastic bag whenever you can. Carrying a 環保袋 will help the world more than you think, especially if everyone of us can just save one plastic bag every day. If there's no need for one, ask not to have one. Admittedly, some of us use plastic bags as trash bags and there aren't much alternatives. But truth is, don't most of us have excess of such bags at home and to dump one away when trash isn't quite filled to its capacity? It's quite a shame when other countries are showing the efforts and a developed nation like ours isn't playing its part. Whatever happened to BYOB?

Do your mini part, do what is within your means. The next time when you buy a drink from 7-11, tell them that you don't need a bag. And I'm not even asking you to buy a packet drink over a bottled drink! Do me a favour by doing mother earth a favour and you'll find that, you're doing yourself a gigantic favour.

Wrong & The Wrong

2010-05-08T16:09:00.001+08:00

Another work week passed and finally having time to type my mind out again. Watching the way I type and careful not to ruin the careful "paintwork", I sat down on my bed in this cold room, staring at the rain and watch the day go by. Questions pop up and you ask yourself if it's such sheer coincidence that when the confidence dwindle, things happen to force you to have double takes. Is truth that hard to grasp?

Musical chairs is inevitable everywhere I go. It's more than plain familiarity. In this case, it's the unveiling of a hidden star and the focus on the better. The want for a faster drive, a better life and a concrete roof will mean a tougher time, harsher objectives and greater heights.

Checking on numbers send shocks but giving it back to feed the people who protect and contribute, blame could only be on bad accounts management. Putting in the hours will in hope, bring some glory back.

Yet another weekend... To another week to prove myself.

Not So Sweet Potato

2010-05-01T19:55:00.000+08:00

Physical food may fill you but beyond the acceptable point, the body would just reject it all. Mental food sits on empty dishes and the dishwasher goes into overrun. Standing alone in that oven-like carpark, staring at the spot that was replaced by a giant machine, tears were warm, gently reminding you that it's a mistake. It could have been the poor memory or the inability to forget but the constant shower of words about the cold, makes breathing really harsh in this tight space. Putting the index finger on the reset button, the lack of courage pulls you back. The need to have some firm answers on the definition of happiness sends you a frightening moment that made it sound almost deaf. The blocked off atmosphere became so physical and tangible of a sudden. The need to run into the warmth familiar smell again developed into a stinging pain.

Funny how the sweet potato isn't that sweet after all.

Pretty Weekend

2010-04-25T23:44:00.001+08:00

Never did I ever have such long nails so I decided to do something about it, considering my last manicure/pedicure session was more than a year back when that big toe nail was bruised. Believe it or not, it took a whole year for the new nail to replace the dead one. Armed with a sudden sense of adventure, I went with a bright pretty pink. When I saw the girl next to me walked out with green nails, I felt guilty thinking that I'm actually adventurous. Call me conservative but I'm loving it. Weirdly enough, with the newly painted nails, I became really girly. I could finally understand why some of my girlfriends took forever in the washroom. I could hardly zip and button up my jeans with that newly manicured calcium blades.

Brunch with Attituder at Spruce was way overdue. With the same old giggly us and re-enactment of our classic antics, we had a great afternoon complete with good food and company. During these times, you start to think, "the men never gets it". Fondling with my Miu Miu Mini Bow, which we found out by accident that both of us bought the same bag in the same colour and the same size, you wouldn't imagine two boyish car-loving girls squealing over handbags.

The weekend quickly came to an end. Too short but there's always the next one. Sleep debt is something I regretted not paying off but time with friends was even more valuable. Appreciation is on top of the list.

Q-Bash on Friday was totally insane. This is the first time in my life I actually went to an event not dressed up to the nines. Instead, I was dressed like a Mexican man sporting a moustache that was stopping me from smiling, laughing and talking properly. If you need to imagine how I spoke, just stiffen your upper lip and continue that imagination with hair getting into your mouth all the time. The night was nothing short of fun. I am already looking forward to the next quarter and of course, before all the celebration means loads of hardwork. I'm now recharged and ready to take on more. Bring it on!

POP!

2010-04-16T02:30:00.000+08:00

My first Pop! Not that this is my first placement but it came especially sweet after a horrible career downturn. This makes me feel that I'm finally back on track and ready to shine even brighter than ever. Life is way less decadent than how it used to be. Contentment marks the difference. But no amount of contentment is going to evolve into complacency. Up is the only way and the direction guide provides no roundabouts. Objective now is to create another (and yet another) miracle for my foundation preparing for the bigger and the better. Having a great team and the great work, life is almost complete.

Then again, life is like a game. When you reach the high points for this level, you will find yourself leveling up. Your experience points will appear low and although it feels like starting all over again, you know you're already above the rest.

Life is afterall, a game. Am I right?

P.S. Secretly, I'm a complex, confused and competitive person. Keep your fingers and toes crossed. The above sentences have no relevance but I needed to say what I wanted to.

Delayed Telecast

2010-04-15T02:12:00.000+08:00

Those in Italics were written when I was sitting in the last hotel hotel where we enquired on the availability of rooms... Sense the frustration!

I ended up in KL checking into Traders' and spending a fortune away. Even when I'm home now, I'm still thinking of my Marc Jacobs. I simply miss Ritz in KL and their plush beds.

It cannot be anymore impromptu. Upon my last meeting, I hit right home to grab Kokoro and we were on the road for the next 3 hours or so. To be able to reach KL in 2.5 hours was a feat considering the fact that there was a stretch of road when it rained cats and dogs, I had to really slow down and squint my eyes for the last bit of visibility. Travelling on the North South Highway was all too familiar. The heavy lids after a long working day wasn’t. And hell wasn’t I vaguely prepared for what was awaiting.

The drive from the base of Genting all the way up to the chilly top, I displayed the infamous trait of the “B Road Sleeper” as affectionately given to me by Saints. With the face turning green and coupled with my head continuing to spin from the lack of sleep, I ended up with the worst nauseating feeling ever. My body felt like it was falling apart and meaningless tearing went on overdrive. I needed a place to sleep.

When I got to the hotel, I thought, finally! I couldn’t have been more wrong. I’m sitting in the lobby of the 4^th hotel I went to, only to get the unapologetic, “sorry, full house”. And I’m contemplating to drive downhill to try out Awana and worst still, to go down to KL instead. It was meant to be an unwinding trip and I ended up worst off than just staying at home, sleeping the next 24 hours away. All I need now is a steaming hot shower and a clean comfy bed. I would pay a fortune for it. I swear I would. Trust me! I asked for the best suite in town and I still got the “full house” answer. How is that possible?

I’m freeeaaaaking blogging from my Microsoft Word because I haven’t got internet access. If I had, I’d spend the entire night meddling away with Facebook. I’m feeling like an idiot. A miserable one. Right now, I’d rather be back in the office, slogging away. I am absolutely serious. And I’m absolutely miserable. Yes I’m whining. I need my beauty sleep.

*chug

Just out of curiosity - Are Italics called Italics because some Italian came up with it or that the Italians are not so straight up (relative to the Germans)? Tough joke to laugh at. I know!

"Pop" Goes My Heart

2010-04-06T23:26:00.001+08:00

Hectic is an understatement to describe my week or rather, the past weeks. The toiling is finally showing some fruits. It was an empty piece of canvas and now, it's got sketches and lines of a blueprint. It's a matter of time when the colours are filled. There's no need for a Monet but it's about completing the picture that you can call your own. I can't wait for the first "pop"!

Networking is always preferred when they come naturally. Business cards that runs out too fast only goes to show the pace I've been on. At the end of the day, it boils down to the company when the most mundane of all things take over. The constant laughter brought me past day after day way easier than I thought a Raffles Place life would be. Basking in the sun post lunch became decadence which I haven't had the chance to do it since I started in this concrete jungle again. My mealtimes are regularly 2 hours after everyone else's. Lunches at 3pm became common. Dinners at 9pm are an inevitable way to send indigestion and fats cultivating in the right path. But read this, I'm a happy camper. There's no way to possibly imagine me dating a few years back looking at my calendar right now and be feeling pleased. The people made it possible and I'm glad the choice was right then. There's mental note that I've been sending to myself read, "I could be more competitive..." In a good way that is.

Parking is impossible in this part of the country. The queues for lots are measured by quarters, in not, years. No longer is it the ability to pay for the exorbitant season parking charges, miscellaneous ERP charges and other costs of owning a vehicle, altering the situation the least bit. My car will just continue to sit in my semi-sheltered carpark to collect dust with the occasional weekend stripping of petrol making the main difference. Mileage sensitive me now has one less thing to worry about apart from the pending insurance and road tax costs. Supping up my baby and racing him has become the next on the list after Chanel.

The fingers typing is post is extremely rest deprived. The next weekend is highly anticipated.

How I love this world...

Talk About Insensitivity

2010-04-03T05:57:00.003+08:00

What is the million dollar question you should never ask your ex-girlfriend?

"I remember you once told me about your contact who sells diamonds..."

Thought bubble popped with unseen eyes rolling in all directions - 'Yes I did because you were talking about marrying me!'

Is that a subtle way to announcing your pending wedding bells ringing or is it just pure insensitivity?

By the way, I hate it when I'm too smart to catch the little details.

Thou shalt not dwell as memories are meant to stay beautiful. To taint it any further is strictly forbidden. As a friend, the care for your well-being hasn't been terminated. As an ex-girlfriend, all one can ask is a little respect to not tear open a wound that has healed. Too much to ask for?

Fully Geared

2010-04-02T21:19:00.001+08:00

The moment I got seated in front of my stylist, I told him to do whatever he wants and to cut it short if he wanted to. I didn't want to know what he had in mind so I would be in for a surprise by the end of the hour. While he chopped and snipped away, I was fussing with Facebook. I came across a joke. Considerably the joke of the millennium. I had no intentions of taking any action and if I ever do, it would be legal. No one taunts this cookie and I've made it absolutely clear. People who know me knows very well, I can be nice but don't attempt to even trifle with a well you can hardly measure. Drowning is no fun. This is not a joke which is why, this post is not dated on April Fools' day.

Had a chat with Peter Pan earlier on whether I should stick to banking or to return to legal. The conclusion was simpler than I thought. With the existing team, I'm extremely blessed. Having a mentor like Sexy T and a teammate like Sherzer, I shouldn't be asking for more although legal remains my passion. I suppose in life, you can't always have the best of both worlds. In my world, this is more than sufficent. From a quality to quantity driven role, a switch of mindset was mandatory. As far as I'm concerned, I will ultimately conquer the industry and be the same superstar I used to be in legal.

Prepare!

Roar! Book of Eli... As though that narcissistic man will ever appear here. Let bygones be bygones.

假装多好

2010-03-27T16:20:00.005+08:00

On a Friday night, my phone was silent. I was happily overworked but I knew I needed to have a life after work. Drowning myself in more work in order to keep the mind from thinking didn't help. Getting out is just a way of staying sane. Some things or people are just not worth the attention. Or was it me trying to self hypnotise? I was trying to convince myself that only work was worth my time. I needed to prove myself and I'm not exactly a very patient person.

Dinner with Lao Ma & Da Shu must be God's evil scheme to make me fat again because when I lost weight, I kept meeting the wrong people. Not that when I was chubby, the people were right anyway. Having an office that doesn't stop eating and everyone still looks good, is driving me into a guilt trip everyday for not working out the calories. It's always good to be with people who genuinely cares about your well-being.

An unexpected night out to Club Atlantis was icing on the cake. With someone whom I treasure as a friend because we're so alike, we always fall into the same kind of trap. Unfortunately for her, she's always taking those steps before me. As a great friend, she will warn me ahead just so I don't get slashed like the way she did. She's almost like my own pre-emptive measuring instrument. My tolerance for alcohol has amazingly gone up. I may not have drank like the bottomless pits but I think I fared well.

By the end of the night, I found myself sitting in the car, parked beautifully in a bungalow lot, crying to myself. Mentally, I was exhausted. Is this a sign of burning out?

假装多好我只想要再拥有一秒

去相信你的拥抱一直会让我依靠

我被自己困在自己设下的圈套

假装多好...
我的拥抱已随风飘

How To Train My Dragon

2010-03-26T00:43:00.002+08:00

While trying to stay healthy in a busy day, the solution is an Elephant portion salad from The Salad Shop. I was happily ticking and considering the amount of Caesar dressing I added in there, the healthy part went straight out of the window. Meetings were back to back. Tiring became an understatement. Not to worry, I'm not about to get burnt out. Happily working should be a description more apt for my situation. With a group of fun colleagues and an excellent team led by a great mentor whose exactly like me, making more money together than individually became a common goal. As an incentive for their hardwork, they were being treated to a movie. I tagged along and we watched "How To Train Your Dragon" in 3D. As a person who gets motion sick very easily, I think I survived the movie well without having the need to throw up in the middle of the show.

The show itself was good. As per every other big budget animations, the hidden message for adults is always present and all too valuable. The title reminded me of someone who told me recently on keeping a tiger in a big cage. It is naturally instinctive for a tiger to pounce on the freshest piece of meat once it is being dangled in front of it. It is not vaguely possible to be able to train the tiger to go against it's instincts. Not that anyone can or should be blamed for it. The blame is on stupid people who walk into the cage. Trust me, this world doesn't lack stupid people and as much as I cannot stand them, I become part of them every now and then. Now that the tiger has gone abracadabra, the cage is irrelevant be it having the ultimatum of having hope and although with the hope, people always hope to be proven wrong. The very fact that they are waiting to be proven otherwise only goes to show the actual likelihood. I have always been hopeless in numbers or statistics but when they are almost non-existent, I should know very well.

Good night, world. Good night, Book of Eli.

Up, Up & Away

2010-03-21T23:42:00.000+08:00

After 2 solid weeks of training, the conclusion is such. It was probably one of the best training I'll ever experience in my life. It was an all rounder that covered every possible aspect you can even think of although the actual mastering of it will take more than just time. Beside on occasions that I was merely trying to fight the Z monster away, I thought it actually taught me quite extensively on what I would need to know to do my job well. To think that I came with a few years of related experience behind me, there were still things I never knew I needed so much more training to refine it.

As much as the nature of the job hasn't changed, the industry and the type of roles are drastically different. It is comparatively volume driven and the expectations are higher. In terms of expectations, it is very much self-imposed because this is one opportunity that didn't come easy and I'm not about to take it for granted. Besides, fruits of harder labour are sweeter to the tongue.

The only desire right now is to have sufficient sleep apart from the fact that I'd love to be able to drive to work again. As we're speaking, Kokoro will need to spend some time back at Volkswagen General Hospital again. This time, he might be put into intensive care and I would reckon his heart would be taken out for the anticipated operation. Get well soon my "sour" baby...

Loving It All & Hating It All

2010-03-21T07:39:00.001+08:00

Period.

Girls' Night Out

2010-03-15T23:15:00.001+08:00

How would you describe a girls' night out? Compared to some guys' nightclub wild fun, this may seem like child's play. But trust me, the fun is not any lesser. With the right crowd, party happens everywhere.

It was my first week at work. Getting along well with colleagues sounds like an understatement. May I say that we hit it right off. And as such, I decided to join them for the last Chippendale performance in Singapore. It was really a last minute decision as one of our colleagues couldn't get back to town in time so there was an extra ticket. I didn't hesitate much... I needed to "open up my eyes" at some point in time.

More than 10 girls of all ages, shapes and sizes made their way to Chilli's at ResortsWorld right after work ended. Excessive food was just part of the routine considering that it's been a while since I felt hunger. Which also explains why I'm putting back on the pounds I lost a while ago. Dinner was a rush but not that anyone was complaining. The hot men helped with the digestion I bet.

From before the show started till the end of the show, we were screaming non stop. And at most times, we were screaming for the fun out of it and laughing at one another. The joke was on each other. Half the group stayed and paid for an entire cabana whereby the hotties would come by and chat with us. For the first time in my life, I felt like I'm enjoying the tip of THAT ice berg that those men have been enjoying every single night at the nightclubs. Only difference would be the cowards like us would never sleep with those guys.

Some of you might be lamenting on how much of a waste that would be, to us, the school girls' scream and a night of fun with the girls was enough to close the night with satisfaction. But of course, the hugs and kisses showered on the girls was enough to leave an impression and a lifetime of memories to reminisce on. One of those things that makes you go like, "I've done it before..."

Not A Crap Life Afterall

2010-03-13T09:07:00.001+08:00

Since the start of the week, I've been so tied up at work. I've been given one of the best training I think I'll ever undergo and it's still ongoing. Nothing is being taken for granted and success is expected. To perform is not a choice. The team is a bonus and an important catalyst to make sure you get twice the results in half the time. Time is no longer mine and what is left of my very own is just pathetic. If you think I'm grumbling, then you're wrong. I've been waiting for so long, seeking for so hard to find a place like that for me to shine. I think I've found it and I'm going to give everything I can back in exchange for the shine that has eluded me for so long.

People come and go in your life. What is ultimately the most important is the love for self. Only when one learn to love themselves, then will others know how to love you. If others cannot understand that it is all for loving yourself, then they don't deserve your attention either. And not, I'm not talking about being narcissistic. Excessive is never good but the right does makes you a better person, friend and partner. Being understanding is the least one can do.

To follow me during this tedious period, get hooked up to my Twitter. That will keep you in line and be prepared to get tons of my crap on a regular basis.

I got this from TongMama's blog and it made alot of sense to me. Hope it brings a smile to your face.

Busy Bee

2010-03-04T01:28:00.000+08:00

The Chinese New Year season has finally ended with February. As you may have noticed, I had only a handful of entries in February or maybe, you didn't even have the time to visit any blog during the festive season. Too much of gambling and getting together with friends. The challenge was to put the body through too many hours of staying awake and still despearately trying to look good.

The array of goodies has its effect of tempting you to chomp down on yet more snacks. The weighing scale has to go into hibernation as the jump in the needle might end me up in the A&E from some massive heart attack.

For now, I'm just going to prep myself to have a brand new shining star and have enough fun while I still can.

Walking Alone & Lovin' It

2010-02-23T16:02:00.000+08:00

It was totally awesome just walking alone down the streets and watching the dried bougainvillea leaves drifting in the air. Since my legs couldn't take me any further, I sat myself down at McDonalds' and got myself some ice cold Coke to go with some fries. People watch I did. Countless thoughts came to mind and I filter them out slowly. Achieving peace wasn't easy. Repeating one song in my head that helped with the clearance significantly and planning my next steps in my life.

If one is unable to control what people speaks, then one has to control being able to see oneself in the mirror before you head to bed. Armed with the right pair of comfortable walking shoes, I will choose to walk on and prepare myself for the tougher roads ahead.

Alone time is good. There can actually be times that you really do not need anyone to influence your thoughts. I guess that can eventually make you a stronger person.

Raffles Place Fan

2010-02-21T01:59:00.002+08:00

It's been a while since I've enjoyed such an easy weekend. Should I say I'm happy that the "good days" are going to be over soon? By all means, call me weird. Maybe I'm destined to lead a workaholic's life. I totally enjoy work but the pre-requisite should be at least some basic enjoyment of what I am or will be doing. I've always believed that if I enjoy what I do, there'll never be a day I have got to work. With reasonable amount of stress, non enjoyment throughout the total 365 days of the year can be pardoned. As long as I have at least 2 good weekdays in a week, I'll be contented. That shall be the new resolution for the coming year. That said, let me officially announce... I'm going back to the industry that I enjoyed albeit not in the specific niche area that I came from. I can no longer hold the excitement so drinking I went last night.

To get picked up by guys at a club can be flattering before they get on your nerves. At times, you just feel that maybe by hanging a placard that screams, "Leave me alone!" you'll have more peace while drowning in the loud music. Please do not get me wrong. I'm not saying I'm attractive and I get picked up but maybe the guys are getting too bored. Their courage deserves the applauses.

Another fortnight of idling, I will be back to CBD, having my subway lunch beside Singapore River while replying emails on my Blackberry. The one hour of solace that I used to enjoy while trying to escape the air-conditioned room and getting some sun is one thing I know I'll looking forward to. Another few days of Chinese New Year driven gambling, I need to seriously get my butt going and engine rolling. Or does "engine going and camera rolling" sound better? Whatever makes your day. I'm a happy girl now and I can't care less. No one shall take the smile away from my face for now. I genuinely believe I've gotten myself into a great team and better work awaits me. The ladder is now free for all to climb. Come come... Climb climb...

沒那麼簡單

2010-02-19T15:42:00.005+08:00

Was talking to this person I truly treasure as a friend. Both of us are people who aren't very lucky in our love lives. We're very strong girls but emotionally, all shattered. She recommended this song. I cried upon hearing it. But like she said, once you're out of it, it's a nice song and it will no longer bring tears. I can't help but agree. She's is definitely a level above me and miles ahead. I just need to learn to 放空自己. An important lesson for me - 別人說的話隨便聽一聽自己作決定

沒那麼簡單就能找到聊得來的伴
尤其是在看過了那麼多的背叛
總是不安只好強悍
誰謀殺了我的浪漫

沒那麼簡單就能去愛別的全不看
變得實際也許好也許壞各一半
不愛孤單一久也習慣
不用擔心誰也不用被誰管

感覺快樂就忙東忙西
感覺累了就放空自己
別人說的話隨便聽一聽自己作決定
不想擁有太多情緒
一杯紅酒配電影
在周末晚上關上了手機舒服窩在沙發裡

相愛沒有那麼容易每個人有他的脾氣
過了愛作夢的年紀轟轟烈烈不如平靜
幸福沒有那麼容易才會特別讓人著迷
什麼都不懂的年紀
曾經最掏心所以最開心曾經
想念最傷心但卻最動心的記憶

Big 3-0

2010-02-19T00:43:00.000+08:00

Amidst the Chinese New Year frenzy, we celebrated B's big 3-0 at Relish and Firestation. Having the 5 private minutes with him was nothing short of comforting. The friend who is always there to listen to your ranting, the ever timely offloading sessions. Not forgetting Daftbitch's ever-ready concern that never fails to warm the heart.

I just hope that in this new coming year, things will get smoother and better for all of us. Good news seem to be popping up bit by bit and I think things will just get better without a doubt. For myself, I need to get the engine cranking up and start to create a bang again. Fingers crossed, great news should be around the corner. And no, I'm not getting hitched.

The past week has been full of ups and downs and I mean, extreme ups and extreme downs. Getting to know some people and upgrade the relationship from acquaintances to friends. With some others, the trust erodes. The pain seeps in more vividly than one can imagine. The white flag is being risen slowly. Doubt fills the mind.

Nevertheless, I just hope that in the new year, friends will see less of the edges of the mouth heading south. Happy Birthday B! We love you loads! Now you're making me worried of my pending 3-0. Horror!

Get Me Busy

2010-02-10T01:34:00.002+08:00

It could be being jobless for too long, I am starting to feel really lethargic. I appreciate the fact that I can wake up late, spend hours on Facebook and have meals with people from all over the place. Time with friends and loved ones are extended and enjoyed at ease although everyone else still has to plough back at work the next day. Given that the holiday season that is near, many are very much in the holiday mood so activities are starting to really pile. Am I happier? I don't know. I can't say I'm a workaholic but I definitely miss working. I miss clocking up achievements making me feel that I'm a better person by doing something good or rather, contributing to some form of good to some people in general. The cooking has stopped as Mom has piled up the entire fridge with food enough to last 2000 Chinese New Years. The bank account is drying up faster and panic mode sets in. If you think the anticipated ang pows is going to help, I can reassure you, it will probably feed me enough for 3 hours, not forgetting the gambling that would erase all that "earnings".

For weeks, I've been actively looking around and by now, I am looking at choices. Unfortunately, many things are not that well-timed and not all options can be presented altogether. I'm looking at the one on top of my list. Oddly enough, the industry that this role is focused on, isn't leveraging on my forte. But what is enough to bring a smile to my face, they belong to the "mothership" industry that I once loved and I know I'll probably enjoy the processes all over again just like how I did slightly in excess of a year back.

The choice is tough weighing the options that are vastly different in terms of package, area of focus and the very team that decides how much you will enjoy your time there. Having been in the industry for a while before, I do realise that sometimes, money isn't all that matters. Your colleagues will probably form the majority of your smiles and tears. The money, if it can make up for the unhappiness, then it will be worth it. But if you have none of those, that's when you pack up and leave for greener pastures.

I have been told recently that the pressure with all these thoughts in my head, tend to put me on a very short wire. I haven't been the best tempered person and I have to admit that. I don't actually see myself being that much more impatient but it seems that there's actually one person who thinks I've sunken into a bad patch and quite obviously, it was felt by the petitioner. I hope with something keeping me busy and my bank account happy, I should be a better companion? So what will happen to quality time and the love? Who knows? No one can or should predict. One thing I'm sure, He knows what's best for me.

I think my intelligence and patience are being fried. Extreme sensitivity isn't just a problem I can "Sensodyne" it. Exhaustion, despite all the sleep, is present with the main purpose to reduce me back down to a pile of useless slime. Too much time, too little to achieve... Yet. Will want to turn that around faster than you can read your own name... Wish me luck! Will appreciate a prayer...

What Comes May...

2010-02-06T12:45:00.001+08:00

Totally burnt from the airshow but it was a good experience. Being about to sit in the cockpit of various planes, it would probably be a once in a lifetime experience for me. I guess the lobster red is well worth the while but the pain when I tossed and turned to get to sleep was undoubtedly, painful.

Life is weird. How should one begin?

There are just some things that you experience once and over again, learnt how to deal with it and yet, it'd repeatedly happen to you no matter you like it or not. There are people and things you avoid to deal with. Somehow, problems will probably find its way to you. When you think life should be simple, it gets more complicated than ever.

It's the time of the year when you get the older folks asking you questions you would gladly avoid talking about. Because by talking about it, it brings up the issues you would want to avoid altogether. Some things just don't work both ways.

Dealing with speculation isn't healthy to the mind. Then again, it happens because of too much uncertainty and too little trust. Is dealing with things as they come enough to cope with the limited sanity? There are times when you want to just scream, "enough is enough". And yet, unhappiness finds their way to attack the weakest link and before you know it, you are reduced back to nothing. Your energy fails you. Your strength kills you. You're left with the prayer and that's one last thing you genuinely believe in.

I am praying for things I have never thought I'd pray for. I'll keep my hands open just to receive. Whatever comes may...

Epic Fail

2010-02-01T22:36:00.001+08:00

When talking fails, communication fails.

When communication fails, trust fails.

When trust fails, love fails.

When love fails, the tear duct fails.

滿身傷痕累累也來不及痛
那是指引我走向你的清楚感受
不管危不危險都要放下一切跟你走
只要一起承擔
只要你不放手

Where Are You?

2010-01-30T01:58:00.000+08:00

Have you ever walked into a situation whereby the problems are all new and you've never experienced it before? Results will often be disastrous. You may be willing to solve the problems as they come, one at a time. Then troubles started rolling in faster than you can handle and more often, they take you by absolute surprise. You're left more lost than ever. With only the last bit of comfort you can seek, you walk on with all the courage and hoping that problems will be gone before you have to face it head on. The problems will then start eating you up bit by bit. Before you know it, you have vanished into thin air and dungeon is the place that you go to for comfort.

If only Grandma is here, she'll probably run her fingers through my hair and give me a pat on my head. That was all enough... If only...

Mambo Jambo

2010-01-21T16:48:00.000+08:00

Last night was Mambo Jambo night since a long time. To see organised dancing kept us giggling the entire night. Alcohol kept me happy. The group reminded me of Pink Elephant and hell yeah do I wanna party there again. Before I went, I was wondering if we would be the oldest patrons but as it turned out, besides the young punks, there are quite a fair number of people around our age. Dancing ourselves silly before tucking ourselves into nice hot Bak Kut Teh at Balestier is probably the most interesting thing I've done in months.

I'm not in a mood for a lengthy entry so here you go...

Local Food Galore

2010-01-20T17:02:00.005+08:00

Saw some pictures of friends pretending to be tourists at their very doorstep and I must say, it looked pretty darn interesting. Hell no, I did not decide to be a tourist. But by pure chance, I was up on the Singapore Flyer earlier this month. With friends visiting, a couple of us went down to East Coast Lagoon last night and decided to fatten up ourselves. Here's a list of the food excluding the beers:

- Char Kway Teow
- Hokkien Prawn Noodles
- A variety of satays
- Chilli Crab + Man Tou
- Gong gong (Some kind of shell fish)
- Sambal stingray
- Otah
- Gao Lak (Roasted chestnuts)

All these food among 6 people. I must have put on another kilo or 2 from last night.

After dinner came the fun part. I must admit that post dinner, my NYC Twin and myself decided that no decent coffee place would be open so we would love to head home. Eventually, we stayed and beer was "served" by the beach and conversations didn't end till the storm blew us away, literally. It was simple yet so much fun. All the laughter and teasing made up the night.

We didn't quite had the chance to bid each other goodbye but would that matter since we're heading to Zouk tonight. It is Wednesday and it's Mambo night. Mambo nights to many of us meant "last decade" so it's gonna be mainly people watching. Somehow, my sixth sense tells me it's gonna be an insane night.

This song by 庾澄慶 will always remind me of his ex-wife, 伊能静. I guess the most unexpected things do happen and it's not for any bystanders to say who's right or wrong. Was watching the entertainment news and saw the way he was protecting his son made me want to watch more of his videos on youtube and figure out what kind of man he actually is. His relationship with 伊能静 actually went back a long way and it's sad when breakups like that happen. But it happens...

Brunch @ Spruce

2010-01-18T14:43:00.000+08:00

On a lazy weekend, all you want to do is to wake up to a lazy breakfast and slump back to laze the rest of the day away. Yesterday was slightly different but I must say, it's been a while since I had such a well-balanced and enjoyable Sunday. Apart from the fact that I didn't go to church, everything was almost perfect.

The day started with me jumping out of bed after hearing KWD's voice on the phone going, "you mean you're still in bed?" I was late for brunch on the weekend that followed my birthday so as much as I know it may not be a birthday celebration, I did expect a birthday song ritual to go off as some point in time. Lunch was organised by Atomic Pilot but unfortunately, he was unable to make it. Nonetheless, laughter filled the air in the private function room of Spruce.

Talks about wedding themes got everyone laughing and contributing to more stomach spasms. The HUGE slice of cake was shared amongst everyone, force fed by me with a single spoon. Looking back when Skeeter Mom tried to hold me back from an oxygen break, it brought a snigger to this quiet room that I'm in blogging on the event. I will probably never be able to forget that I told her, "Why later? Got cake huh?"

After lunch, KWD and myself braved through the heat and crowd of pre-Chinese New Year frenzy of Chinatown to look for this accupressure place I went to years back. Surprisingly, they were still there! So off we went to attempt to relieve the pain from my ankle injury and his stiff neck by putting ourselves through even worse pains.

A movie was all that was needed to end the beautiful Sunday. We couldn't get tickets to "It's Complicated" hence we picked any movie that was available. It was never a choice to watch "The Spy Next Door" but just because it's a Jackie Chan's film. As usual, it didn't disappoint us but I must say, some of the actions and tricks are getting kinda stale. It's almost like, I've seen it before! But the bloopers at the end of the movie was hilarious. If you ever go catch this film in the theaters, stay till the very end.

Sorry Sorry

2010-01-16T01:10:00.002+08:00

Watching my words with tact has never been a forte. But for once, I knew my words stabbed right into where I knew it'd hurt most. Sadly, it's on someone I care the most for. The words didn't hold what it really meant but was said in a fit of anger. The damage was something I didn't expect. I do admit that I've taken the "everything nice" for granted. Sorry didn't sound like the hardest word for once. I had to volunteer the apology knowing that the fault was rightfully mine.

Even amongst all the tension, the gift of love was delivered to me. It wasn't the tangible material part but the love behind the surprise that was presented given all the pain I have put the giver through. My indifference did not reflect how grateful I really am. The subsequent silence stabbed me back in spiteful revenge. It was the kind of pain that I have to go through but nothing like what I caused. The least I could do was to give you the space you need until I'm needed once again.

A lifetime is a lifetime. Only you'd understand...

Mad For Garlic

2010-01-15T15:39:00.016+08:00

Wanted to share a latest yet understated discovery. For all the foodies (like myself) out there, you have got to try this place.

My first encounter with Mad For Garlic was when I was in Seoul sometime last year. The food impressed me hence my excitement when I found out that they are in SG. Take a walk down Suntec and right opposite Harry's (beside Top Shop), you will find this restaurant tucked in the corner and IMO, not doing it much justice. The vaguely gothic design reflects a simplified version of what they are in Seoul and I actually prefer the SG one.That said, here comes the most important part. The food...

How can you go to a restaurant with a name like "Mad For Garlic" and not have garlic bread? Now, here's their version of Garlic Bread. It's in a tower and after flattening it up, it cuts in 4 x 1.5" size. Feeds 2-4 comfortably. Absolutely yummy and it doesn't have the yucky pungent smell of garlic. At least I didn't burp garlic at the end of the meal... The bread was fresh and HOT OUT OF THE OVEN. Absolutely love it! My only gripe was that I should have asked for some olive oil to dip it in which I didn't because I wanted to have it original. Will try that on my next visit though.

Now comes the main. Unfortunately, I was too quick in gobbling down my favourite Garlic Snowing Pizza which has a generous yet just about right amount of cheese on it. It's the new Hawaiian! Then again, if you're allergic to shrimps, then please try this other pizza with 4 cheeses. Forgot the name but tasted as heavenly. The pizza selection is by far my favourite over the others including their very own menu of risottos and other dishes. I'm biased cuz their pizzas made me wanna go back for more ALL THE TIME. I guess that's what they call CRAVING!!!

And me, being a fan of good steak, I'm usually very particular. I get disappointed easily with horribly or overly cooked beef. I love mine medium rare and that was it. Even then, I plucked up enough courage to order the following dish which I totally forgot the name. (Yes, good food does that to you...) I was so prepared to get disappointes, as they say about having high expectations... And guess what, I wasn't. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised with how the beef turned out. It was succulent and soft. The rice was a little too spicy for my liking cuz haha, I can't take spicy food at all. But I guess I could have requested for them to have it less spicy. But those of you who like spicy food, they have got a great selection of really hot stuffs.

If you have got a private event to host for a small group, they even have a private room. Managed to sneak a picture for you guys...

Now here comes the most important part for some of you... The pricing. I guess for many of us, if the food is good, the price wouldn't be too much to consider but this is definitely not gonna burn a hole in your pocket. On average, I would say it ranges from $20 to $40 per pax. At about $30 per pax, it's quite a comfortable meal.

Service wise, the staffs are very young and inexperienced. They do make blunders that makes you roll your eyes. But somehow, they're rather sincere so I kinda forgave them for it. And them being a new restaurant, it'll take a bit of time for the staffs to be fully trained up. Meanwhile, good food is enough to keep me going back for more.

Makansutra Horror

2010-01-13T03:09:00.001+08:00

Was channel surfing and came across "Makansutra Raw" on Discovery Travel & Living. Needless to say, it is one of my favourite channels. Upon hearing a familiar accent, I stopped for a good 5 minutes because the host was introducing irresistible Royce chocolates.

And you may have guessed it, the host was not other than Seetoh. I have no issues with the accent but this chap, being the foodie that he's supposed to be, showed no respect for food. He gobbled down any and every dish that was in front of him. To be fair, it might be required of him to display some form of desperation for good food. But please, given that you're a travel/food channel host, can you please eat with your mouth closed? The crude and unsightly chewing definitely put me off from anything that he introduced. They certainly do not look more appealing (or even vaguely appealing) after his introduction and on the contrary, he could have easily killed your lunch or dinner if you have tried to watch him during your meal times.

If Makansutra is of any relation to good food, this guy must be the one hit failed actor from a very bad porn movie who no one will want to remember. There is no reason how he could host the show apart from being the person who founded Makansutra. I am utterly disgusted.

Have I ever mentioned his cameo appearance in Anthony Bourdain's trip to Singapore? If not, let me put this in record that the places that he brought Tony did not properly introduce what Singaporean food actually is. Very ironically, Seetoh brought him to some of the places that locals will never go. This is not a good reflection of how Singapore is like to the g'zillion other foreign viewers that get to watch the show in the comfort of their couch wondering what a horrible food Singaporeans can dish out.

By any chance if he gets to read this post, my advice to him is to get a decent wardrobe if you decide to appear in front of a TV show (especially as a host!), potentially to the rest of the world, please wear something decent or at least, TV worthy. The money that they pay you, include having you looking good but of course I understand that it's not easy for you. Please don't let me hate my favourite channel.

Bleah...

Yes, I'm that close to 30. But not quite...

2010-01-11T11:15:00.003+08:00

Now! That's a party!

Finally, it's the end of yet another decade and another last 365 days before I hit the BIG 3. At some point before I hit the sack last night, I slump into some kind of very superbly mild depression. More of a moment of "mid-life crisis menopausal mood change". I felt old and thought, if only life could be simpler. If not for all the complication, would my life be more peaceful and settled? Everything seems to be hanging around in the air. It doesn't stink, or rather, the air smells good but it's still the air.

Doesn't matter because I'm a happy girl today. I refused to be called a woman until I'm 30 and I have got another year to go. I'm a big big girl, in a big big world...

Weirdly enough, I'm dying to get dead drunk some time this week.

My Potato & Egg Salad

2010-01-08T01:40:00.003+08:00

Years back, whenever there's a party over at KTM Yacht's place, there would be copious amount of food, drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and cigars. Now that everyone is apart and I've lost total contact with almost everyone in that group, apart from all the fun and laughter that still lingers at the back of my head, KTM Yacht's Mom's wicked potato salad lived on in my memories. So days ago, I decided to make some for myself. Afterall, it can be refrigerated and be eaten for the next few days. And since I'm home most of the time, having something delicious to munch on is always a good idea. Then again, the fact that it's extremely unhealthy makes it a love and hate relationship.

While I start with the intention to make potato salad, I ended up with Potato & Egg Salad since I added a little too many eggs into the equation. Frankly, I never work with recipes and I wasn't working on any. But when I added everything together, I knew I'm going to have an egg-ified potato salad. Fresh bacon bits could have made it yummier but it was a trial. Thankfully, it turned out alright. It's just potatoes, eggs, onions and bacon. How bad can it get? Well, the onions are alot more pungent than I'd like it to be and now my fridge smells like durians galore. No one's complaining so I guess that's a good sign.

Creating Dreams

2010-01-06T02:17:00.003+08:00

Cakes have always been the age old celebratory tool we have all enjoyed and experienced too many times in our lifetime. Be it birthdays or weddings, it is a must. From old pictures, I had my first birthday cake shaped after the number "1". Subsequently, birthday cakes for me became smaller or in recent years, non-existent. The design of cakes, however, did not stop at traditional designs which we now consider it to be cheesy.

While surfing local confectionary sites, I salivated not at my favourite passion fruit meringue which my loveliest Meiren Cousin got me for my birthday a couple of years back, I was going through pictures of their amazing combinations of croquembouche and cupcakes. Although I've always wondered why have they not ventured into croquembouche of macarons, the gallery was enough to keep me busy for a while.

As my excitement level grew, I decided to feast my eyes with more beautiful pictures of confectionary, cakes in particular. Our very own talent, Cheryl Shuen, has never failed to amaze me time and again. If Vera Wang is to wedding gowns, Cheryl Shuen is to wedding confectionary in Singapore. I have to say that her popularity has a part to play in limiting her creativity but I'm always excited to see her new masterpieces on her blog. Essentially, she's selling a dream. A very beautiful dream that most brides & grooms would want her touch on their cake if given no limiting budget.

To not sound like a frog in my own well, I have seen even crazier, prettier designs and some are out of this world. They make you gasp for air and will catch you lost for your own words. But given the stifling environment in Singapore and the high cost of setting up a business, it's amazing that she was not discouraged then and went on to make a name for herself in the industry. For that, I have to applaud her courage and genuine ability. This girl is selling not just cakes but dreams and hopes. Even being able to see her finished work on her blog forces me to have nothing but respect and of course, much smiles every now and then when I return for a visit. Looking at her cakes make me happy.

Return of the Twitter

2010-01-05T03:00:00.004+08:00

There's a slight revamp to this blog. Irrelevant information has been removed. Twitter is back... So are my rantings!

In the new year, I'll try to upload more pictures after I finally figure out how to extract the pictures from my iPhoto! I'm a new Mac convert and still am an IT idiot. It takes a while... Not too long I hope. Bear with me for the time being.

If you're reading this off Facebook, do check out my blog when the writings become incoherent cuz it might be over a picture or a video that I grumble about. During other times, I'm just being myself by being incoherent. The auto upload doesn't allow me to sift and select which are the posts to have it on Facebook and which else not to, and if you happen to know how to, please let me know.

First Discovery For 2010

2010-01-04T15:18:00.003+08:00

Call me a hermit but I have never liked to get myself in amidst of Orchard Road on a weekend. The crowd never fails to make me think I'm having an anaphylactic shock. The heat along the street melts me as I stroll down looking for the next ice cream seller and with KWD looking for his regular fix of Starbucks. The past couple of weekends of mine were all in town for one reason or another. Admittedly, one of the few reasons were either Kate Spade inside Takashimaya or Miu Miu over at Paragon or Ion.

Yesterday, we decided to check out new territories. So off we trotted to the brand new mall, 313. The moment we stepped in, yet another Epicentre greeted us. That kept us busy for the next 15 mins or so even though we came from Wheelock and Ion. For a moment, we wanted to skip basement altogether thinking it'd probably only lead to the subway. I couldn't have been more wrong and I'm thankful I felt a little more adventurous that day.

The moment I got off the escalator, a familiar name blinded my eyes. It read, "Lemongrass House". As I walked it, I knew it was the same place I visited in Phuket years ago. Then, I had to drive a couple of hours from where I stayed at Karon Beach in search for this Lemongrass House. The rest was history and a basketload of "victory". The owners were a couple, what is commonly known as a farang in Thai, it was a Caucasian man who married a Thai wife. There in Phuket, they started their aromathepeutic spa products. My favourite were in the flavours of lavender and lemongrass. Subsequently, I had to sift through the thousands of stalls in Chatuchak (Bangkok) for their branch but to no avail. And many years later, I finally found it on our little island.

Although the prices are steeper as compared to when I got it in Phuket, inflation and rental did play a big part. Even then, I was happy to finally be able to get my hands on them. The only piece missing right now is to make another trip back to the same ol' Phuket store and check it out again and to see if they have modernised with the rest of the world like the shops in Singapore.

Happy 2010

2009-12-31T12:11:00.009+08:00

In 2007, same time of the year, I forced myself to dress up for a party when I was in Manhattan. I was down with viral fever and the aches were killing me. It felt miserable in winter and being all alone in the apartment surely didn't help. I needed to get out! I did and the night wasn't as fun as I anticipated it to be but my aches were gone. Partying helps I suppose.

This is 2009. I'm down with viral fever again! The aches are killing me. I couldn't sleep in peace last night. Dreams plagued the night. Stinky perspiration soaked the bedsheets. Goosebumps can be spotted everywhere on my body. My back hurts. My arse hurts. My skin hurts. My bones hurt. This feels too miserable. I'm beginning to think, viral fever loves welcoming the new year.

I hope that's the last of the suffering that's going to happen in 2009 and 2010 will just be a fantastic year. All the aches and pain will be left here in 2009 and we're not bringing any along. 2010 will be absolutely wonderful.

Go attend a party or something and get your arse out of the house!

Limping With Fear

2009-12-28T19:39:00.003+08:00

When you feel life has finally taken a right turn, your worst suspicions come falling down on you. You become the worst of your nightmares. You slump into the further abyss of no return. Fear becomes the most cruel of all murderers. Doubts about the rest of the world falls on you all at once. Tears become the first thing to hide and being strong is inevitable. Self protection mechanism kicks in almost immediately.

Powerless is the only emotion. Prayers are like crutches enabling you to walk. How far is this journey going to be?

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T14:49:00.002+08:00

This has got to be one of the best Christmas by far given the turbulent year that precedes it. Started from the Christmas service last Sunday at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. The message wasn't as powerful as what it was like last year but I firmly believe that 2010 is going to be an excellent year.

A birthday surprise began the night and spending some time just sitting around with friends was already more than what I could ask for. A "budgeted" dinner turned out to be hilarious as usual. The usual quips sent laughter filling up the room. Coupled with great food, the evening just got better. For us, the night couldn't possibly end without some singing and alcohol. The presence of KWD just completed the best picture.

My night didn't end there because I'm a very talkative drunk. The evil concoction of insufficient sleep and alcohol didn't stop the inaudible mumbling. Don't ask me what I said because I don't remember but I genuinely believe I would only tell the truth when I have too much to drink. It's the only time when you let go of all your inhibitions and nothing holds you back from what you never dared to bring it beyond your lips. Fortunately, only KWD got to hear all the rubbish that would have sounded nonsensical to any bystander.

All in all, it was a great night out and I'm already looking forward to Christmas dinner tonight.

Cooking & Chomping

2009-12-23T21:22:00.003+08:00

May I just say the worst part of cooking is the cleaning up? Putting some system into place did made things easier. I've been unofficially appointed as the chef for the household... Well, not everyday that is. That's what chefs do right? All they do is to instruct the cooks and watch on. Jokes aside, I've always been someone who enjoys cooking on a whole. Being able to put a smile on the face of your loved ones when they chomp down on your cooking speaks volume. Admittedly, they are not of restaurant standard but the effort that is put into the preparation process, down to the size of the carrot and potato bits requires more than just attention. Geared with the thought of wanting the best for the end diner, no amount of hard work is too much. It is more than sheer fortune to be able to prepare just a simple dinner. On a normal workday, by the time the work day ends, all we can think of is some warm food in the tummy.

Take a day off and cook a simple dinner for your family or that special person. I just had a rewarding experience so I'm urging you to do something for yourself by getting you to do something for the people around you. All you need in return is a smile at the end of the dinner and it's all worth the while.

The Wedding Planner

2009-12-21T23:29:00.004+08:00

Staying at home and leading the tai tai life isn't as fun as I thought it'd be. Fair enough, I got rid of the dark circles and eventually paid up all the sleep debt. It was just pure boredom after the eyes reopen, more often than not, to the mid afternoon sun. Overly subscribed to Facebook, the meaning to life is running on reserves. The weekly basketball game is barely keeping the spirit alive. You know you have arrived at the peak of boredom when you go into planning for a wedding that hasn't got a date. Which got me thinking... How would my wedding be like?

To satisfy the folks, the dinner cannot be shelved. The money needs to be spent! Have I not mention that there's a vulgar amount of money involved in weddings? I wouldn't dare start looking at the numbers. So the dinner will be the way to end the day and what will start it then? The usual traditional stuffs with the gatecrashing and tea ceremony. To avoid a logistical nightmare, minimal traveling is required and one location is hence, preferred. The solemnisation must be squeezed in no matter what. So a small affair by the pool is in the plans and only immediate family will be involved. Friends will still be invited for the dinner. As though the day doesn't sound packed enough, there will be a full 9 or 10 course dinner minus off the sharks' fins.

Now, there's so much talks and plans, there's no date but that shouldn't stop you from saving up if you think you're gonna get invited eventually.

See! I'm truly overcome by boredom.

X It All

2009-12-15T22:24:00.002+08:00

Shock took over and being left stranded wasn't fun. Recovery actions were taken and survival came into play. The fight to keep the head above water began. The frustration of helplessness continued. The desperation was beyond words.

As though miserable was a word insufficient to describe the innermost, digging deeper into the other unseen, unsaid, unannounced wound doesn't seem to numb any pain.

The clicks that were normally avoided were explored out of boredom. The sheer information screamed into the face. The status was spelled with OUCH in CAPS. Hiding became an option. Insanity and thinking excessively was separated by only one thin line. The next click was on the big X on the top left hand corner.

Maybe sleep can bring everything away... Maybe... Just maybe...

Gone, Not Lost.

2009-12-14T01:14:00.007+08:00

请容许我小小的骄傲
因为有你这样的依靠

Nightmares of losing a loved one always comes when you least expects it. The fear of losing somebody really dear to our hearts will inevitably send tears running down the cheeks. The struggle to wake up from the dream with the choked sobbing is one of my worst experience but my inability to describe how desperate one actually feels is preventing this post from continuing. During the days when I wake up trying to find that familiar backview and that snoring that I grew so used to, I find my pillows actually covered in tears. It was almost like the person was there 5 seconds ago before you realise it's all gone. The pain starts to prick you. Beautiful memories then start to heal the wound and you have a scar to show it all off with. The pain will soon be long gone before another bout of familiarity hits you.The fragility of the scar that has just recovered will be back to haunt you every now and then. It's only there's a special phone whereby you can pick up without speaking and your thoughts would all be conveyed through the comfortable yet stinging silence.

等下一个天亮把偷拍我看海的照片送我好吗
我喜欢我飞舞的头发
和飘着雨还是眺望的眼光

用简单的言语解开超载的心
有些情绪是该说给懂的人听
你的热泪比我激动怜惜
我发誓要更努力更有勇气

Live Like You Were Dying

2009-12-12T14:06:00.002+08:00

One of my all time favourites by the husband of Faith Hill who sang my "White Knight" song, "This Kiss". Tim McGraw and Faith hill has always given me the impression that they were simple country people making great music and this song can't be more meaningful. The full song can be accessed by this link. They refused the embedding request hence the above "LIVE" clip. The 2007 show, "The Bucket List" is one that I haven't got a chance to catch so if you happen to have the DVD, please send it this way, I promise to return it! This is a great song and if you pay some attention to the lyrics, you'll know what I mean.

He said I was in my early forties, with a lot of life before me
And one moment came that stopped me on a dime
I spent most of the next days, looking at the x-rays
Talking bout' the options and talking bout' sweet times.
I asked him when it sank in, that this might really be the real end
How's it hit 'cha when you get that kind of news?
Man what did ya do?
He said

I went skydiving
I went rocky mountain climbing
I went two point seven seconds on a bull named Fu Man Chu
And I loved deeper
And I spoke sweeter
And I gave forgiveness I'd been denyin'
And he said some day I hope you get the chance
To live like you were dyin'

He said I was finally the husband, that most the time I wasn't
And I became a friend, a friend would like to have
And all of a sudden goin' fishin, wasn't such an imposition
And I went three times that year I lost my dad
Well I finally read the good book, and I took a good long hard look
At what I'd do if I could do it all again

Like tomorrow was the end
And ya got eternity to think about what to do with it
What should you do with it
What can I do with it
What would I do with it

Skydiving
I went rocky mountain climbing
I went two point seven seconds on a bull named Fu Man Chu
And man I loved deeper
And I spoke sweeter
And I watched an eagle as it was flyin'
And he said some day I hope you get the chance
To live like you were dyin'

There's just so much to life that we need to grasp. We don't have that much time to be upset or indecisive. Do we really take it for granted that we're all going to live a ripe old age and hopefully by then, things fall into place nicely. There are just things in life you'll lose it if you don't grab it. Once you have let it go, you won't pick it up again and your life will eventually be laden with regrets. But as human beings, we never quite learn and we do it again. If only we are kids once again and learn how it is like to fall and not kick the same brick again.

If we have the courage to put down everything and do what we've always wanted to do so we'll die with no regrets, will we lead a more fulfilled life? Or does it take a death sentence to bring us to realisation that life is that fragile afterall?

Do you have a bucket list? Please don't pass me "The 1000 places to visit before you die" because unless you have that bank account to support your craziness, crap doesn't quite qualify to be in your bucket list. Maybe some things on the wish list aren't as simple to fulfil. Maybe some can't be bought with money. But as the song goes, you can try to love deeper and speak sweeter. The happiness that you bring on to others may just be unmeasurable.

Bliss

2009-12-10T11:07:00.003+08:00

Mothers do go through more than 12 hours of labour. Surely, that shocked me. Mom told me I took about 5 hours so I must have been a really impatient baby. Earlgrey Junior "launched" this morning so congratulations to Mr & Mrs Earlgrey and to B cuz he can save his huge red packet up until the next 1212 baby.

Family values has always been important to me and relationships with my cousins have always been an integral part of my life. An unexpected turnout over dinner last night brought me back to the family bliss that tends to occur only once a year during Chinese New Year. Corny jokes and excessive food was part of the package, as usual. The introduction of a potentially permanent member brought about moments of forks pointing in my direction and being held down by my uncle and cousins despite my injured ankle. As much as it sounds like a torture session, I couldn't have been happier. Things seem complete apart from the "when's your turn?" questions. Discussions on other people's wedding dinners were gently avoided. If only Grandma's here to see all the smiles and laughters...

Bliss is exactly what surrounds me now and I can't possibly ask for more.

This Kiss

2009-12-08T11:01:00.002+08:00

A great workout every week is something I really look forward to so that I can sweat it out and burn some fats. My weekly basketball session became very much therapeutic. Having rested for years, I finally got myself to shoot some hoops in hope that the knee has healed itself over the years. So far, they have been behaving themselves and not been giving me much problems. Last night, I had to land on someone's foot after scoring a beautiful one (to me at least). When I heard the ankle crackling as I landed, I knew I'll be having some difficulties walking for the next few days. True enough, I couldn't walk at all and had to rest. Being the stubborn me, I went back into the game as soon as I could walk. It has proved to be a bad idea. Now I have an ankle that looks like an elephant's. But it's all because of the ankle, I had a white knight who rushed to my rescue the moment he knew I was in pain. How can one be more thankful?

I don't want another heartbreak
I don't need another turn to cry
I don't want to learn the hard way
Baby, hello, oh, no, goodbye
But you got me like a rocket
Shooting straight across the sky

It's the way you love me
It's a feeling like this
It's centrifugal motion
It's perpetual bliss

Cinderella said to Snow White
How does love get so off course
All I wanted was a white knight
With a good heart, soft touch, fast horse

Ride me off into the sunset
Baby, I'm forever yours

阿嬤的白頭髮

2009-12-06T21:52:00.015+08:00

Spring cleaning can't be completed in a day. Tested and proven. Just the wardrobe alone, left piles of unpacked clothings on the bed, leaving myself only a tiny corner of this seemingly comfy bed. Too many things in our lives might take a while to get spring cleaned but there's also the likelihood that we'll just give up and stop packing altogether. Is not packing and living with the dust an option? Actually, all that needs to be done is a little dusting and wiping, ain't it? It is not in anyone else's prerogative to judge on whether others should clean up their room I suppose.

I've been watching but the stars refuse to shine
I've been searching but I just dont see the signs
I know that its out there
There's got to be something for my soul somewhere

It's amazing how a single question can throw one off balance. The fortress seem to have opened itself up to be attacked openly and no one is to blame because the reason for such vulnerable exposure is purely because of your very own acceptance and willingness. Let's just say...

Every morning on the way to work, I'd expect PIE to be jammed up. When it isn't, it's a bonus. But why does it have to be jammed? Am I not longing to have just one last trip that it's clear? But maybe I shouldn't expect too much and live with the traffic jam. Whoever will understand the pain of getting stuck? Everyone is in their very own jam.

All I want to do is find a way back into love
I can't make it through without a way back into love
And if I open my heart again
I guess I'm hoping you'll be there for me in the end

Just when I feel I need the refuge, this video made me behave like a child again. I went back to my bed and countless pillows, alone... Like what Meiren said, we're both 阿嬤的心肝. Every word touched the most sensitive part of me. Tears became uncontrollable.

Urgh!

2009-12-04T16:20:00.002+08:00

How can one explain frustration beyond a normal person's limits? The line broke. Or maybe it just almost because I've yet to blow it. Reshuffling the thoughts with some deep breaths, the warmth of another was so much needed. And this was having only taken 10 steps into a full day of anticipated excitement. Right...

I'm really trying to piece my thoughts together... This is not going to be coherent.

Way Back Into Love

2009-11-30T21:09:00.004+08:00

One of my all-time favourites...

I've been living with a shadow over head
I've been sleeping with a cloud above my bed
I've been lonely for so long
Trapped in the past, I just can't seem to move on

I've been hiding all my hopes and dreams away
Just in case I ever need them again someday
I've been setting aside time
To clear a little space in the corners of my mind

All I want to do is find a way back into love
I can't make it through without a way back into love

I've been watching but the stars refuse to shine
I've been searching but I just dont see the signs
I know that its out there
There's got to be something for my soul somewhere

I've been looking for someone to shed some light
Not just somebody to get me through the night
I could use some direction, and I'm open to your suggestions

All I want to do is find a way back into love
I can't make it through without a way back into love
And If I open my heart again
I guess I'm hoping you'll be there for me in the end

There are moments when I dont know if it's real
Or if anybody feels the way I feel
I need inspiration, not just another negotiation

All I want to do is find a way back into love
I can't make it through without a way back into love
And If I open my heart to you
I'm hoping you'll show me what to do
And if you help me to start again
You know that I'll be there for you in the end

In Search For Perfection

2009-11-30T14:33:00.002+08:00

Triggered a brainstorm within myself after reading this article on Diva and the comments on it, were priceless.

More often, women find themselves searching for "The One". I tend to disagree that we are in search for the perfect man. That said, there are a few criteria to be fulfilled. Wrong? No and let me explain why.

As most of us have heard at least once in our lifetime, Mom knows better. Geared with the natural instinct to only want the best for their children, Moms tend to be a little too conservative and over the top when it comes to protecting their "herd". However, the truth is usually not far. Only when certain factors are stable, love can continue to grow into life and commitment. Instability will brew undesirable arguements.

On the contrary, looking for a man more superior should not be one of the criteria but instead, looking for an equal should be the basic benchmark. At least to me, the guidelines are as such and Mom did play a part in building them up.

1. A stable job/career - Without this, life would be tough. Inevitably, women tend to seek some form of stability because the foresight of trouble usually brews from inconsistency. A man who plans ahead with some responsibilities would be in a better position to be able to provide the companionship to plan a lifetime with you.

2. Filial - Only when a person who looks after his kins will he be able to provide the necessary support for his family. 'Nuff said.

3. Sanely Communicative - Without communication, relationships are headed for doom be it at work or in your personal life. It takes 2 to tango and that is a fact of life that will never change. And by communication, honesty is imperative.

The rest are minor and highly subjective. It's essentially the reason why some people end up with some and not the others.

Life can be weird sometimes...

Life's Monopoly

2009-11-29T05:16:00.004+08:00

It's been a long day and I should be hitting the sack. But before I do so, just felt the need to "scribble" something.

Some days can be just so simple and happy. To not be bothered by hardship beyond one's control, the next best thing is to have a open mind and just live life as it comes. Carpe diem!

It's already a year since Baby Aidan reported to earth. The celebration was pretty much categorised into:

1. Men - The photographers
2. Kids - Monkeying around
3. Women - Fussing around the topic of handbags

The scratch on Babe's pink Birkin sent a strange bout of pain into the hearts of the all the girls present. Pictures were demanded to be taken without the ugly socks. Food were excessive because the kids were too busy playing. Conversations were uber enjoyable because the crowd was right. Initiation of the new member was prematured yet aptly timed. Smiles never left the corners of the mouth.

The second birthday celebration was filled with excessive women talking about wedding and the preparations. The hassle and the constant discussion put Attituder and myself wondering if a better time to discuss would be nearer a wedding that is closer to our hearts. Over the years of hearing people getting married within lightning speed of knowing one another always drew skeptical opinions. Myplyn was unfazed and tied the knot earlier this year. Until now, it was almost like the smile on her beautiful face never faded since her wedding day and she was all out to prove the rest of the world wrong. According to her, it's all about finding the right person. Again, do we really know who's the right person?

Life has played its fair share of games with me. Let's hope it's not yet another game of monopoly where there's only one winner and the misery goes round and round with the pining hope that we never ever get the "Go Straight To Jail".

Careless Tears are Unnecessary

2009-11-28T11:02:00.003+08:00

As I was watching this clip, a comment rang out. "Careless tears are unnecessary"

How many times when people are in love and they swear never to hurt the other person? Admittedly, some hurts are not deliberate. But have we ever considered the carelessness in causing tears and pain in the other person?

Beginning of the End; End of the Beginning

2009-11-23T01:31:00.003+08:00

If there's a climax to the song from my previous post, it's got to be...

到现在还是一个人吞噬着自己的能耐
到最後我可以不爱了你却说舍不得

你可以不爱了别说舍不得

Starting from Friday evening, the weekend began with an anticipated yet unexpected dinner. The smiles that vanished for a while, came back for a visit. The retarded exploration melted some ice. The comfortably paced night brought about 2 consecutive drinking sessions. The drinking only made me realise how predictable I am and how hopeless I am with drinking games. Bystanders could even guess whether my next call was 5 or 10. It was THAT easy to read me.

Saturday was your typical day of rotting away except that in the life of a person who has petrol running in her bloodstream, it will mean spending hours at the workshop but not doing anything to the car. Little Tristan started the day with exceptional fun and a little too much gummies. Running into familiar faces at BVO wasn't that much of a thing from the past. And being carless for the rest of the day wasn't that bad of a thing afterall. Dinner was getting better with curry that wasn't as spicy and tummy wasn't as affected. Maybe it's about getting used to the new flavours.

Some smell just lingers beyond words.