Solace

Touring Bangkok

2011-02-20T00:00:00.000+08:00

Stepping afoot onto the land of smiles is no brainer job. Especially so with the entry of budget airlines offering competitive prices to this destination.

But it has been 10 years since I last perspired like a pig in it's capital. The beat thing bout this trip is that shopping is not the highlight unlike all other previous trips. Sightseeing was and I must it's pretty great to be doing something different apart from shopping and mall hopping in Bangkok.

Grand Palace

Historic stop: River Kwai Bridge

2011-02-15T23:01:00.002+08:00

Sams*ng Gala*y Tab 10.1 was officially announced on Vday and that's what I've been waiting for. To save the tech talk, it's basically an iP*d which operates on Honeycomb (read: Google's latest operating system), plays flash and shoots front and back. I am blardy salivating after it but I am also very cheesed off that it does not come with a single memory card slot. FML.

2011-02-10T00:06:00.003+08:00

No, I have not stopped blogging. Despite nobody else doing it. The whole world is facebooking.

I have completed five months of my third job, with much ups and downs. Heading into my sixth month, as well as the confirmation of my probation.

My senior's last day is tomorrow. Happy for her that she found something that she can look forward to even though this also means the entire pile of 'sai kang' is now on my plate.

People in this new company are generally fine, with some characters of utmost uniqueness and bring cheer and thrill into my very challenging but boring job scope.

Gist of it all is that my boss and I are struggling to manage one another in our own ways. This is utterly ineffective and has resulted in each of us trying to kill the other party mercilessly. I wonder if I am unhappy at my job. The way I grumble to one particular confidante in the office sounds like I am very upset with my boss and job. On the contrary, I tell myself every morning when I wake up not to be too bothered by my boss and be happy because there are fun waiting for me in the office.

Whatever. I'm going on leave soon. I shall see what happens when it's time to confirm my probation. The ball is in my boss' court.

2010-09-21T23:38:00.002+08:00

Today has been a pretty decent day for me. Nice and lucky. No lah, no lottery strike.

Received a text message from Good Friend L in the morning. While a text message is pretty standard in today's context with nothing worthy to rave about, it's especially special coming from this person because 98% of the time spent on our communication, I'm usually the one to initiate the conversation. Needless to say, Good Friend L is in a very unique situation, hence I'm showing extra patience with this person. If I were to take the story wholesale, Good Friend L has not been feeling well for the longest time and has been going in and out of the hospital on a rather frequent basis. In fact, in recent times, she has been spending longer periods at the hospital than at home resting. She refused to let me visit her, neither is she fit enough to attend outdoor activities by herself. I'm pretty lost with her situation, no idea how I can help her in any way. The only request from her is that I would 'talk' to her via SMS whenever I'm free. And I try hard to. Almost every other day we would have a conversation, long or short depending on whether my day has been eventful or not. Usually it's after work hours, after I had my dinner until she dozed off and stopped replying me. She thinks that I'm busy at work and dare not 'disturb' me during daytime. Until today. Well I guess that text message coming from her helped to make both her and my day. At least I know she's not down after some treatment and thought of me as a support pillar at times. And I love it, even though my work flow may be disrupted, but I feel that nothing could be more important than hoping to keep a person alive with a strong spirit.

Received another text message from Good Friend A in the afternoon. This time round, it's via whatsapp. It felt like good old days, fed my ego and satisfaction. This really helped to distract me away from work big time and it feels good to know that someone's thinking of you somewhere sometime. And this went on all the way until I reached my dinner place.

Received a present from Good Friend Y. My only comment was that "You are brave to want to buy something for me.". After digging out the contents upon reaching home, I have to say, Good Friend Y is not only brave, but smart and thoughtful as well. I wonder when I will attain that level of enlightenment though. It's not easy for me because I hardly want to use my brain on people. And I have no motivation to, currently. Although come to think of it, I may have somem motivations...eventually somehow from don't know where.

Count your blessings, they say.
I lost count. I'm glad to.

2010-09-18T19:49:00.002+08:00

Ignoring the fact I've started work at the new environment for a month short of three days but felt like a year, today has been a pleasant distraction from the hectic pile of homework pending.

Good friend M decided to set her big day on this day close to a year ago. Much as I wish to skirt away from such social events, I gave myself a little push to make sure I arrived in good time to be part of the receptionist team. And I'm glad I attended it because my gut feeling tells me this will be the once in a lifetime for Good Friend. Never mind that I had to put on a grin and think of nonsense when people said 'Hi', never mind that I had to face people I wish I never had to face again ever in this lifetime, never mind that I had to endure hours of thirst in case I miss any action.

For a moment, it finally dawned on me that Good Friend had grown up, no longer the petite sweet thing I still remembered my first impression of her 13 years ago. Still petite nonetheless, but at the same time exuding a charm of maturity which made her even more beautiful on her day.

Looking at Good Friend, then at the Couple, I saw what it means to be blessed.

2010-08-27T21:29:00.002+08:00

One can imagine what I've been doing for the past five months at my previous job.

I've officially started at my new job this monday and my first week at it seemed to zoom faster than a flash. All because every single second of my time was duly accounted for. Ignoring the fact that I am new to the industry and was prepared for information overload to learn as much as quickly as I can about this new industry, I was rather disturbed about a comment from an ex-colleague whom I met after work just now to take the train ride home together.

After getting past the first 10 minutes of excitement of seeing one another after one long week, yes we kinda missed each other, she took a step back and said I looked different. I said no, my hair didn't grew longer. She insisted there is and forced me to freeze as she scrutinised my facial feature. The conclusion? That I've aged. Oh my my my. How can I accept that? While I admit this whole week has been rather tiring, including standing on heels for two full days at a roadshow, it can't be so bad that one could tell the difference over a period of 7 days. Rather hurtful. Very harsh in fact. So much for wanting to work hard and challenge myself.

No, I am not calling it quits yet.

2010-08-18T23:13:00.002+08:00

Much has occurred since my last update, which is a good one month ago.

I've tendered and serving my final days of notice at current firm. Effectively I'm a job hopper in 2010. Three jobs and hopefully not counting anymore.

Beyond office hours, for some reasons, I'm too equally tied up with other stuffs. Like constantly coaxing a friend to develop the draft for his business idea so that I can start fine tuning it. I'm also busy reading up stuffs, in preparation for my yet-again new job. Then there's the sometimes meet ups with humans who are still interested in my life albeit my lack of a fb account.

The thing about fate is no science involved. Classic example strike on me today. I've been trying my utmost best, all the while keeping my fingers and toes crossed like nothing else, to avoid a certain someone for the past five months. This is no mean feat considering we work in the same building, with only two floors difference, we even travel the same lift route up and down. The closest I got other than today's incident was around three months when the lift door opened and I heard him talking outside the lift to someone else who stepped into the same lift as me. He did not enter the lift eventually. With just two more days to go, I thought I had the good luck of never bumping into him for the time I was with this short-fated job. I THOUGHT. As the saying goes, "I think, you thought, who confirm?" Our eyes met each other while I was waiting at the lift lobby and he just crossed the security gantry. SHEER TOUGH LUCK. Of course we spoke briefly on the way up. And as if once was not enough, we had to cross paths again when he took the upwards escalator while I took the downwards one, right beside him. I did not even notice him until he stretch out his hand to catch my attention. KCUF.

Five months at a job. Neither too long nor too short. Not long enough to develop mastery at anything. Not too short such that relationships could be established. Whether they are sustainable or not, that's an open-ended. I can only conclude I did not regret having spent these five precious months of my youth at a place which I felt has more minus than plus. I truly appreciate the exposure I've gotten from this firm which I believed no other company in this world could match for.

Break the dawn.

Slipping past the peak hours

2010-07-20T09:05:00.000+08:00

It never fails to puzzle me every working day morning that the train station has to designate someone to mop the floor during the peak hours which see well-dressed people dashing for every incoming train.

The person in command must be someone of similar calibre to me. One who gets high seeing somebody else committing silly acts such as slipping on wet floor. Or maybe it's meant to deter from chasing after the incoming train. Who knows. I've started taking morning trains regularly since I started working officially three years ago and I guess nobody bothers to make any comments, thus this has been a routine for as long as I could remember.

- posted via mobile

Being mocked at in the public

2010-07-14T23:17:00.000+08:00

I was being mocked at. Unshamelessly. In full view of everyone else except the mocker and the victim.
"What era are you from?!?!"
"How is it possible!??!?"
Yadda yadda...

All the reaction for not having a FB account.

It's not funny that this could be used as a yardstick in your judgement of people. It does not speak very well of you as a being. In terms of era, if you asked me, I would say the era of increasing number of FB accounts is over. And the era of people proclaiming that they have deleted theirs is here.

Cheers.

- posted via mobile

2010-06-24T20:53:00.002+08:00

Going to work these days feels like going to school.
There is the on time arrival you need to take note of.
The standard attire you have wear which will make you look similar to everyone else in the same organization.
The routine schedule of what meeting at what time each week/month and what time to go for a break/lunch.
The assignments which, sometimes, you have to bring home as homework to complete.
After submission, then you will be appraised like a teacher marking the examination papers and giving you the grade you deserve.
Of course, not to forget, you'll have the usual group of people, where some are just so detestable while a few are very much lovable as well.
And the purpose of stepping into class every day is to look forward to...
RRRRRIIIIIIINNNNNNNGGGGGGGG~

2010-06-21T00:36:00.002+08:00

For one good month, I stayed out of this place unintentionally. Not that I am extremely busy but I kinda lost the touch to type on a proper keypad (one of the trends inflicted by the iPhone).

I finally went for my orientation in Indonesia. In a small town, surrounded by jungle and Sumatran tigers. It's so small that there is no commercial flights to the place. The company has an airstrip which flies its own planes into the town from Seletar. Small plane indeed. The next smallest plane I ever took was an Delta Air plane from New York to Toronto, which is a 2x2 seater plane. Never did I expect myself to get a chance to take a 1x1 seater, totalling 18 passengers plus 2 flying crew. Anyone can see the full view of the cockpit and the window in front of it. Not to forget, the two propellers by the sides add to the simplicity of the structure altogether.

I'm an officially Mac convert from Windows. Byebye virus, once and for all. While I've been craving to get a Mac, the thought of using the same machine for both work and play previously simply irked me a hell lot. Now that I've moved on, having two windows for work cum play is as boring too. My intention to the PC show was only to offer my kind consultancy service to my mum who wants a new laptop, Windows of course. I tried to introduce her to Mac at a store previously but she was just not so turned on. We combed the two main levels offering laptops, talked to n number of people, collected four handfuls of brochures for three hours before my mum came to a conclusion. Nothing caught her fancy. She shall take my laptop (which is a year old) and gave me her budget to get a Mac instead. COOL. I readily accepted it and zoom I went, settling my bargain in the next hour odd.

The past one month at work seemed to be better that the first two months. Of course there are plenty of factors attributing to this and I do not deny there are the positive and the not-so-positive ones. Whatever it is, it's the World Cup craze now, my direct superior has gone to South Africa for the great immersion and I'll be gone to Europe for two weeks starting from next. Work shall only start in full swing when I'm back. Anyway my probation ends this week, which means my tender notice is four weeks instead of two. Sian.

A big fat flop

2010-05-04T23:39:00.001+08:00

I am such a big fat flop. Not mop, but flop. Utterly disappointed in myself. Can't seem to be capable of handling anything proper. It's surprising how days passed by leaving me unscathed. I don't want to sound depressed but I sorta detest living my current.

- posted via mobile

2010-04-25T00:49:00.002+08:00

Went to NTU for dinner today for novelty cum nostalgic sake. Settled for one of the more popular canteens which I used to love to patronise back in the good ol' days. Of course the place was bustling with people, especially students at dinner time. What's abit unusual was the presence of parents crowding around with the students as well. It was not too difficult to figure it all out after eavesdropping on the family sitting beside our table unintentionally.

The boy did not return home for the weekend since he chose to stay in hall and mug for his exams. Hence, the rest of the family came down to school and have a family dinner together for the week. It's amazing to witness the evolving parenting role, taking into consideration from my own parents to parents of current teenagers to parents of newborns. Parents these days do not think twice of playing a much heavier role in kids' lives, which inevitably may also lead to greater dependence of the kids on their parents. At another table, I saw a student waiting at the table with his younger siblings while his mother dart through the dinner crowd and fussed over them if they are fine with the food she just purchased.

On the other side of the coin, such involvement may also result in stronger bond between the child and parent, which is a plus certainly. It all depends on the approach undertaken and the macro environment surrounding the child.

In desire of more milk

2010-04-18T18:43:00.001+08:00

A tiring weekend indeed. Played two very effective rounds of badminton within 24 hours of each game. Of course, it resulted in my body severely deprived of liquid and glucose. Forgeting my breakfast didn't help. I was drowning myself with plenty of ice water for the whole of yesterday and for today, I had plenty of milk as energy boosters and other liquid drinks as supplements.

My body probably strengthened over the course of this weekend as well, by subjecting myself to more rigorous demands of the game and uplifting my own expectations.

-via mobile

A sight in wala wala

2010-04-16T22:14:00.001+08:00

Check out what everyone else was amused by on a usual overwhelming evening at Wala Wala this Friday.

2 hoggers at a much-desired table seat.

FO!!

-via mobile

A riddle for you

2010-04-15T08:20:00.001+08:00

Q: What do you a person who is female, claimed that she majored in microelectronics back in school, yet was unable to offer both a solution and answer for the most basic resistance question?

A: Bimbo.

-via mobile

2010-04-13T20:53:00.003+08:00

Oh yes. Can't stand my stupidity. To be capable of leaving the house without a mobile phone. Kindly note that I am an owner of two mobile phones by the way. Absolutely brilliant. Anyway it was only the act which made me disgusted.

Having without a phone by my side made minimal impact in my daily routine. Took out my earphones only to realise I could not find any holes to plug into. No TV watching nor music chilling. Felt really bored along the train ride and was itching for either a game or web surfing. Could do neither of course.

First thing I did was to dial some of the numbers which never fade away from my mind to inform about my mishap. If anything, call my office direct line. The land line did make some noise occasionally throughout the day.

Due to certain limitations induced on the company's server, I faced plenty of restrictions whenever I get bored thinking about raw material. I was always thankful that I have my mobile phones which allow me to surf the net with unlimited data usage, as well as log on to instant messaging and chat cheaply sometimes. I am even more thankful I had such luxury the day I missed it. I was constantly distracted without my distractions.

I was also expecting at least one call. The lady did call. Many times, in fact. And at one point, she left a voice message. I retrieved it when I regain access to my phones. The voice message sounded like she forgotten to hang out. I could hear her communicating with another customer with all the details. Spooky. She should be glad that I'm never an opportunist, even though sometimes I wish I was.

The same boredom, which tagged along with me to the office in the morning, followed me all the way back home as well. Staring into blank space and nothing else.

Conclusion:
Funny I did not feel lost with my mobiles, unlike some journalists who tried this old trick just to develop some inspiration for really boring article headlines such as 'The day I lost contact with my world' etc., I felt more boredom instead.

This is technology advancing. Communication is no longer limited to voice-to-voice. Neither does a mobile phone only serve the function of a phone. It is a mobile device which allows its user to be mobile yet stays functional. I didn't worry who couldn't reach me. I was only concerned about my high scores.

3am

2010-04-05T22:01:00.000+08:00

I must have rest too much over the long weekend such that I had a difficult time falling asleep last night, which is plain dumb because the following day is the start of a work week.

End up dozing off finally at 3am, all the time flipping, tossing, occassionally getting up for water, peeing before that. Interestingly I felt quite alright getting up 3 hours plus later. Am puzzled by my own body. But of course, such energy ain't sustainable. I could feel my brain giving way as the clock ticks into lunch time, tea break, meetings and finally off work.

-via mobile

2010-03-20T17:18:00.001+08:00

What a dumb ass.

In a bid to synchronise the iPhone contacts into the new E72, I deleted all my contacts away from both phones and the data in the computer. Haha, save me a whole load of trouble of having to synchronise.

Cheers!

A cruising break

2010-03-19T18:46:00.000+08:00

Yes indeed. In the transition of jobs, I had the good fortune of going on a cruise to Penang and Phuket in good comfort of a room with balcony outlooking the sea constantly yet not having much damage done to my pockets. *managed to cut costs by pulling some strings* And to date, it was way long since I last went on a cruise. Simply because the prices shot up like nobody's business when the people realised the good old thrill of going on a cruise. Partly also because I wanted to see more of the world other than just the surface of it.

This is the frontal view of the port in Penang which I thought looked pretty continental to a certain extent. And of course that's the ship I was on for four lovely days.

What seems like an neverending stretch of water throughout the whole journey with the occasional injections of other smaller-sized boats and overtaking them naturally.

Went for my long-awaited LASIK after the cruise yesterday, am careful with things now but am also relatively pleased that I can't even remember where I've left my glasses before the surgery. The procedure, although only took about 10 plus minutes, kinda made me fearful because there were strange things being poked into my eyes yet I am supposed to acknowledge their presence around my balls. Appreciate that the doctor was rather comforting and encouraging by saying crap like 'good, you're doing very well.', 'very good, I'm very pleased with your performance.' during the procedure.

Not to forget, I've gotten my current dream phone, which means I've been having loads of fun fiddling with two very smart phones all day long.

-via mobile

State of happiness

2010-03-10T23:31:00.001+08:00

Have been kept in a relatively pleasant mode for the many days that I've not blogged.
Despite having suffered ridiculous diarrhea bouts during my holiday trips.
Partly due to an enjoyable trip in Vietnam with Bian.
Despite having to endure a severe food poisoning lately resulting in non-stop vomit pangs throughout the weekend and a very weak stomach even as of now.
Partly due to some relationships being strengthened.
Despite the fact the I am still facebook-less.
Partly due to the fact that I am going on a cruise come this Sunday.
Despite the fact that I've been working late lately.
Partly due to the fact that some of my plans are being materalised bit by bit.
Despite the fact that I faced certain great challenges at work like having to craft an entire Letter to shareholders all by myself.

All in all, I'm well, kicking and alive.

Not to forget the new lady in the my mind of late - C... Fong. But I guess she'll be out of my mind as quick as she got in since I'm moving on. Salut.

-via mobile

Unexpected assumption

2010-02-07T18:14:00.001+08:00

Ever since the prevalence of deadly air-borne virus such as SARS and H1N1 these few years, not just my expectations but the overall standard of public washrooms improved greatly. All for the sake of keeping humanhood alive.

Imagine my great dismay when I was forced to go for a medical check up early weekend morning and found no soap in the whole toilet after collecting my urine sample. The only word that came to my mind at that instant was Fuck and it was, honestly speaking, too early of a day to be thinking of that word.

The toilet was not any public toilet but within the premise of the medical clinic, naturally I had higher expectations of the standards involved. Then again, having soap in toilets these days are no longer luxury but a basic necessity. I have a real good mind to post my grouses to NEA. Thankfully I had dettol wipes with me at that time. I wouldn't imagine what do the rest of patients do. I was very wary of people's hands in the clinic that day.

I still can't get over it. The big 'R' clinic. Fuck.

-via mobile

A nice gift

2010-02-06T00:10:00.001+08:00

I've been playing badminton on a regular basis lately. Maybe about two three months since. With a new bunch of friends made at the court itself. Through an ex-colleague. Every session was good. Sweat like a pig. Play like a kid. Laugh like a baby. Whack like a tiger. And because I've been enjoying myself, I was considering of getting a better racket for more thrill. Currently I'm using rackets which were with me since childhood and because I have quite a few of them lying around, I can't bear the thought of buying one more and adding to the pile at home. What's more to think of splurging 100 bucks for a real good one.

About a month ago, the string on my racket broke. And that gave me the best excuse to get rid of one racket. Not that I meant to waste, even the shopkeeper commented that it was not worth doing a restring on this racket because the racket will not last. I did not waste the racket in the end, I gave it one of the players who wanted to pass it to the kids in her neighbourhood. So I thought this is a good way of clearing some undesirable objects at home too, therefore I made up my mind to whack ruin all my present rackets first before I can buy a new one.

I've been holding my urge back for so long until last Friday when we made a trip to JB. One of the players is always telling me how cheap the rackets across the borders are and since I often go over, I should check them out. Guess what? For all the shopping malls which I went to on Friday, I couldn't find a single shop that sells badminton shit. It drove me crazy because I went with expectations.

After a long tiring day, and great disappointment, I suddenly thought of my father's business partner who is an avid fan of badminton in Malaysia. Haha. Got my mum to check him out, saying that I couldn't find any racket to buy in JB. The naggy side of him began to explain the situation in JB why it is not conducive to do such business in shopping malls yadda yadda yadda... The next best thing followed. He offered to look for a racket for me and offered to give it to me. I was so looking forward to it when I came home just now after I heard that news. The Mr Nice guy in him actually gave two rackets together in a badminton bag, all brand new. And the rackets are of girly colours, pink and purple. So thoughtful of him although the colours don't appeal to me, my sister was cool with them. Frankly speaking, I don't really care about colours when I'm playing and busy looking for opportunity to whack.

So there you go. One of the two which I gotten today and will start using tomorrow. Hehe.

-via mobile

Looking into your eyes

2010-02-03T23:44:00.001+08:00

I've been having lunch on a regular basis with a friend lately. A friendship which, yet again, dated way back and we couldn't be bothered to keep in touch with each other when we went separate ways after 'O' levels.

If we didn't somehow figured out that we are working right next door to each other, I would have wasted yet another precious month status quo. She is still as ever patient and sweet as I remembered her to be. Plus not fearing my weird temper. Accommodating yet not blind follower. Just yesterday when we both worked a little bit later than usual and took the train home together, it was then that I noticed her little dimple on her left cheek and realised I actually forgotten about it even though it did made an impression on me back in those days. A true proof of how I did not keep her in my mind for the past 10 years.

And then I looked into her eyes. I seldom look into the eyes of people. Maybe because I lacked confidence. Or I simply detest the fact of how communicative the eyes can be. Each time I looked straight into her eyes, I realised her double eyelids didn't change either. Still as striking as I could recall my 10-year-old imagery.

I am thankful for her appearance during this period while I seemed to be facing problems which I have abaolutely no experience in handling and there she is, my listener cum advisor. Realistic and practical, that's all I need to continue to look forward and move on confidently.

It was also sweet to hear her lamenting when she goes on leave tomorrow, we won't get to have lunch together and she quickly fast forward to her return and book the next working day for a lunch date. Then she goes on calculating shortly after, it will be my turn to go on leave and it will be a much longer one than hers, so she just goes on and on nagging for the long trip and how soon will she be able to meet me for lunch again.

People come and go in my life. The best people are those who come at the right time and go when it's timeout.

-via mobile

Childlike once again

2010-02-01T00:27:00.001+08:00

Getting another chance to fool around and be childlike once again was the highlight of this weekend. In particular, it was thanks to Digimon who agreed easily to joining the outing for elderly when she mentioned that she would like to visit the vegetable farm. It was a coincidence that the itinerary of the elderly outing was something which she was never exposed to, considering her not-so-straight-forward background.

It was also my first time seeing her since her return from MBA studies and our second only in the past 10 years since we last said goodbye to each other. I never realised I missed her so much until we met up this time round. Then again, other than the fact that I'm smaller sized compared to school days and she being more naggy and auntie-ish, the affinity remains. Her hysterical laughter was the same, I was as loud as she remembered, she even probed about my most dramatic yet questionable event of 2000. Haha, she remembered certain details, I was shocked because I've cleanly forgotten about it until she reminded me. We ended up poking fun at each other and everybody else around us the same way we used to do, chuckling ourselves to estascy mode and making sure that the affection between us is still as real as ever.

She revived the lively mode inside me, something which I seemed to have hibernate ever since I started working life where I am unsure of people's hearts. To put it simply, I wear a mask. Not to hide anything hideous, but rather to cover all that I have as much as possible. Like a game of Liar Poker. Until showhand, then you are forced to show your last card.

-via mobile

Food of love

2010-01-30T03:18:00.001+08:00

What else other than to do with meat. Getting to cook meat to own tastebud preference just beats everything else.

A slab of hot stone. A plate of raw meat. Perfect combination.

-via mobile

Deep reflections

2010-01-23T23:41:00.000+08:00

In deep reflections, 2009 was nothing close to fantastic to me, neither was the soon-to-end Year of Ox. Shit happened to me unrelentlessly while my family was not spared from it too.

From tyrannic ignorance of my family's religious beliefs to complete loss of emotions for work. From losing bags along the streets of Lan Kwai Fong to giving up demanding relationships. From dealing with umpteen times of disappointment to forcing myself to do things which I am not cool about. From crying out loud inside my heart to talking loudly in frustrations at nonsense. From enduring pain physically to breaking out in cold sweat literally. From getting sick to getting old.

The only good stuffs worth noting are, thankfully, a handful. Like having my sanity still intact despite the constant emotion rollercoaster rides. Like seeing my brother off to UK for a, crossed fingers, better future which he worked hard for. Like getting a second chance at a relationship that stood froze since 10 years ago, albeit slow progress but at least it's better than still at 10 years ago stage. Like believing in myself still.

If I have to use only one word to describe my past one year, the word is meaningless.

-via mobile

My J World

2010-01-14T23:33:00.000+08:00

It's plain coincidental yet interesting. To work with a team with names beginning with 'J'. I'm refering to one of my client where the people I've been communicating and liaising for the past 2 years. Check out what I mean:
John
Jason
Josephine (left already)
Jin
Joon
Jenny

I am contemplating to get them to call me Jessica or Jace.

-via mobile

New year takes the old out

2010-01-06T22:39:00.001+08:00

Ushering a brand new year takes more than just popping poppers and sparking sparkles into the clear starry night.

It also means getting rid of the old and welcoming the new. The first to kickstart this process was my undesignated blanket. A big piece of cloth so dear to me that I have effectively forgotten how long I've been affectionally hugged by it. A gentle reminder from my mum was having it followed me faithfully during our house moving approximately 10 years ago.

In my least expectations two days ago, it seems that my faithful lover has ceased to love me. It turned itself into such an ugly state that my mum decided that I need a change of love.

Anyway, here's byebye old lover as I await patiently for the new one.

-via mobile

Christmas along Orchard

2009-12-23T23:52:00.001+08:00

If you had set the main shopping belt as your choice spot for settling all your Christmas buying and did not choose to do the usual underpass route, you would have been pleasantly surprised, like me, with all the various entertainment acts available along both sides of Orchard, keeping every other shopper attracted.

Coupled with the elaborate lightings as the backdrop and a cool, non humid environment as a booster, everybody's spirit is lifted to the max. Needless to say, the spending desire.

I overheard one shop personnel exclaiming to his colleague, "I love singaporeans." His colleague gave him a weird look for his outburst. The former went on, "they can really buy!"

For the better of the economy. For the better of the world.

-via mobile

Cold sweat

2009-12-20T01:45:00.001+08:00

As I moved peacefully into lalaland late last night, what was to come and disrupt my much needed sleep in view of the early badminton session I was going to have was something I least expected.

Cold sweat. Stomach aching procedures. Forced regurgitation. Bile juice.

The repetition process was tiring, having to clean up myself and get myself out of bed just as I was about to doze off again. The entire ordeal finally came to a permanent end after I put my fingers forcibly down my throat to vomit on purpose. Otherwise the damn feeling will be stuck inside me, only hindering my sleep.

By then I was in full sweat and resorted to taking a quick shower again in the wee hours before finally calling it a day at last.

The funny thing about this whole saga is, I've been thinking for the most of today, I ate the same type of food as my friend and also drink the same type of drink. But nothing seems to happen to him whereas I suffered badly.

-via mobile

Neglience big time

2009-12-14T23:22:00.000+08:00

Due to my neglience, I found myself in the most undesirable and embarassing situation of double booked.

No, this is not a case of show off of being very desirable. I can't be bothered with that.

It's about a slip up on my part, a neglience I've sinfully committed for the first time in my past quarter century lifetime. I've always prided myself on paying extra dillgence in managing my daily schedule, whether with the aid of a scheduler of any type or not. Never would I allow myself to land in such a situation where I am at fault yet unable to provide a decent explanation.

Then again, there's always the horrible first time. And subsequently, it will just be another case of 'oh, not again.'.

Either it's a sign that I am losing it or it must be a clear sign that I've lost it already.

-via mobile

Over the crisis

2009-12-11T23:10:00.001+08:00

Yes. Feel like the festive mood has kicked in. Not only that, the global economic turbulence seem to have taken a step back in consumers' minds.

I can still vividly recall the aloof scene of Orchard Road on Saturdays after the collapse of some Brothers. Cold, grey, none.

While I still have no preference for crowds, I was pretty happy to note the crowd swarming into the malls along the street, especially the new sparkling ones. This means our people' lives are improving, or at least their perceptions of quality life are.

-via mobile

A deep rut

2009-12-08T22:29:00.000+08:00

Stuck in a rut.
No matter what I do, there only seems to be one way.
And that is deeper down.

dinko -.- via mobile

Pattern more than badminton

2009-12-06T00:49:00.000+08:00

Went for my second bout of badminton today. Was rather dreadful of it before the actual thing because of the extreme achy feeling which I experienced from the previous round two weeks ago (I manger to fall ill last week to skip it).

Again, in the least expectations, I did not suffer from any of those which I dread. On top of that, I was even complimented for playing so well today, at least the people watching the game felt that it was exciting. And I perspired comfortably. Must be due to the heavy rain which the entire atmosphere humid, increasing the ability of my spores with greater diffusion capacity.

Then again, in my eagerness with the game, I didn't even realise I've developed a blister on my index finger. It was only during one particular stroke which broke the blister then did I feel the agony.

The thing is I am terribly afraid of blisters. To me, they are unfathomable. Unlike wounds which have the skin cut or split open to ooze some blood, blisters are not as straight forward as that to me. To me, blisters often come with a package of complications which could range from ingrown skin to recurring blisters. In short, I'm fearful of them. I'm always helpless when faced with them, be it on me or others. Despite the fact that I was trained in First aid ever.

dinko -.- via mobile

Wounded

2009-12-06T00:48:00.000+08:00

A bad bruise which I least expected from my bumper ride treat a week ago.

dinko -.- via mobile

A dumb conversation

2009-12-03T21:51:00.001+08:00

A cut of a teleconversation I had earlier on in the afternoon:

Me: hi, I would like to check with you whether there is a sale event today at X (name of departmental store) together with Y (partner, a local telco).

Operator: yes, there is.

M: is it a closed door event?

O: yes.

M: so how may I gain entry to the sale?

O: by the main door.

M: no, what I mean is do I need to produce any special item as an entry pass.

O: oh yah, either yadda yadda...

Imagine my dismay at that line, by the main door.

dinko -.- via mobile

Kukup - nth time

2009-11-28T23:28:00.001+08:00

For my first time driving into Kukup, I must say that I'm gonna comment 'sian' the next time I'm being jio-ed to that little fishing village again. Haha.

No resentment towards the place but to my own interests, I am sure getting sick of it with the very limited number of to-do stuffs which I could memorise already. Putting aside the pleasure of having fun as a group, it's a big no-no to me.

I need to find new places to get tired of.

dinko -.- via mobile

Trip down memory lane

2009-11-28T23:20:00.001+08:00

Had the golden chance today to play bumper cars. To add on to my excitement, there wasn't a huge crowd, which means the next round due while we were in queue only had us for play. Shiok because I have the freedom to do pretty much whatever I wanted during playtime.

Whether to crash into or drift away from you was within my sheer control. I enjoyed the feeling of situations under my good control, doing things to the benefit of both you and I.

No doubt I also ended with bruises, the experience was a cool relief for my mental where I was the freedom to do anything under the moonlight.

If I chased, you would be running away from me. Vice versa, if I didn't chase, you would be going after me trying your best to give me a hit. It's almost impossible to see both of us simply circling around the play field harmlessly without even bumping into each other accidentally.

Beyond the play field, things are pretty much similar.

dinko -.- via mobile

Nowhere to progress on

2009-11-26T23:51:00.001+08:00

I don't know where to start saying from.

Loads of frustration bottled. From all aspects and perspectives. It's plain tormenting. Whoever said about letting it out will make one feel better must be one who never had a single worry in his life ever. It didn't work for me. While I am getting tired of repeating certain stories in great hope of seeking comfort, or better still solutions, all I get in return for a well narrated, time beating entertainment story was disdain. Ok, to be fair, most were more of unsympathetic understanding than whatever else.

I have absolutely no idea what else I can do. Certainly these issues by themselves are not life threatening. But when put together at the same time, the quality of my life is definitely affected to a very significant extent, which totally disgusts me at my lack of capability in finding viable solutions.

Seriously I've been having sleepless nights for so long which in turn affects my attention span where work is concerned. Everyday when the sun sets and I am back to reality, having to face the entire crap which did not go missing during daytime but only forgotten in the midst of work. Every night I wish the next day would come quicker. Yet I spent every night in good attention, pondering into wee hours before I finally catch some forty winks.

I talked to people. I guess I will probably stop doing so because I am tired plus there isn't any progress made. Other than using words such as crappy or ridiculous, I have no more energy to think of even more apt words to describe the entire situation I am stuck in.

Don't come and talk to me unless you are a qualified lawyer. And no, I don't want those specialized in corporate law either.

dinko -.- via mobile

One fine day

2009-11-25T00:00:00.001+08:00

Because I went for a very strenuous bout of badminton on Sunday, hence I am suffering from very painful aches top down from muscles to joints except for my left hand which only came useful in picking up shuttlecocks.

It also means I am walking at a much restrained pace currently. Such limitation offers me one good realization though. Because I am walking slower than the usual, I had more time to turn my neck around and see more things (smell more roses). Which also reminded me one particular night when I was driving home from town, due to my tiredness, I must comment that I was not bothered by my usual need to cruise without much obstruction. Instead I took my pace easy, at a very comfortable speed which requires minimum supervision yet allows me more time to glaze the mirrors and everywhere else outside of the vehicle.

That's besides the point and shall remain as a one time outliner event. Coming back to my slow walking, not only do I get to see more things, I am also open to the sensitivity of the rest of my other senses. I strike conversations with three strangers, I bought 4 assessment books for my cousins, 1 sudoku for my mum and a book for myself. I also had the time to offer some Ang moh tissue when she spilled some bubble tea on herself. I heard that the fruits were going at such cheap prices at the market. I also heard that one gotta be careful about the fine prints on the price tags besides the fruits. I felt the wind today. Despite the warm sunny weather, it was pleasantly windy at lunchtime. So at least I was not perspiring while I squirmed my eyes to get around.

Zzz.

dinko -.- via mobile

My workstation state

2009-11-16T23:19:00.001+08:00

The undesirable state of my workstation. Basically my seat is where you can see the lit screen is. And my trash spilled all the way to the adjacent workstation which has been vacant since April, I think.

2009-11-12T16:56:00.003+08:00

Since the beginning of this week, it has been a roller-coaster ride and I am still on it. More downs than ups. Having to deal with death in its face upfront is nothing easy but the grappling of this fact and all possible associations with this fact for the living people around death is something unmatched in difficulty as well. It is not only emotion stirring but also mentally torturing for the person making decisions.

I have nothing but pity for the six-year-old whom I am not sure if she knows what's happening to her father. I have no courage to speak of death calmly in front of her, for fear of creating undesirable fear and anxiety. I can do nothing except to keep my fingers crossed and hope for the best while enjoying the companionship of three little brats as I volunteer my babysitting services.

2009-11-07T14:36:00.002+08:00

This week has been such an eventful week. Totally tire me out.

Engaging in competitive discussions with one across the straits and two from banks. From the fundamental basis that I am not a born debator, it is therefore much taxing and tiring on both physically and mentally to get across my point effectively and achieving my expectations successfully at the end of the discussion. Thankfully I was focused enough and time and effort were not wasted from my perspective although I may not able to say the same for the other party in each case.

A whole day of driving was equally eventful. I passed by cops at three different points along expressways, each time being at least 20kmh over the speed limit. I had to stop illegally for a while at some bus lane and some cop had to come along doing his routine checks. On another ocassion, I had to wind down my window and shout at the taxi driver beside me because he was trying 'mean'ingfully to cut into my lane as we both turned side by side from a traffic junction. Our cars ended so close to each other that when I signaled him to wind down his window, he did so and could hear me perfectly. I refused to let him gain the edge and insisted my way when the next green lights came, resulting in both of our side view mirrors whacking each other. I don't know and don't think there's much damage done since mine doesn't seem to have any fault.

For the first time ever, I was stuck in a lift. The least expected event ever. All the buttons were faulty even the alarm buttone did not work. Thankfully there was still a tinge of signal on my phone which I called my mum (who luckily got into another lift before me) to get some idiot outside to fix it. Being all alone in the lift waiting for rescue was plain boring even with me playing games on my phone to distract me. My mum even called me to tell me to behave myself because the people in charge were viewing me from the CCTV. Haha. Interestingly the lift besides the one I got in was cordoned off as faulty.

I need a good rest.

2009-11-03T23:28:00.002+08:00

I was nearly knocked down by a car this afternoon along Robinson road while i was using the phone at the traffic junction. Got distracted when I saw somebody crossing the road and mistook the green light for green man and started crossing. Of course the guy knew he was jaywalking so he was crossing the road at an unusual speed. But it took few sounding horns for me before I realized that I just moved into some danger zone. And because I could still type here coherently, it only means I escaped unscathed but not without the fear still much instiled. My first thought after clearing that horrifying incident was that it would be an utter waste to lose my life or my limbs over a call, what's for a pretty redundant call. What the hell. Certainly my life is worth much more than that. Was pretty much stoned at work for the rest of the day, not to mention having two sleepless nights in a row really enhanced my rocky mental.

2009-11-01T23:02:00.002+08:00

Yup, I know this has nothing to do with my style. But this displays the affection of an eight-year-old for me and I have no reasons to say 'no' when the knot is being defined on my right hand. It certainly looks silly on me. To the extent that my mum threatened to kick my ass if I insist on wearing it out with her to town. Seriously, I will remove it soon. But not today.

2009-10-29T17:19:00.001+08:00

2009-10-25T21:32:00.002+08:00

My bad for failing to update here more regularly. Clearly there were many other matters that seeks my attention. Like getting two new tech toys simultaneously which totally blow me off every single day, even till now. It doesn't help a single bit to figure out that I barely forked out much cents for them. Constantly, you can say. Totally no desire to sit in front of computer anymore. Tried to blog on my new toy but midway through the typing, I got distracted by other seductions and never looked back since. Haha.

Out of curiosity, I went for a hot yoga trial session on Friday. While the people in charge were more concerned about me getting dizzy and knocking out due to the demands of the session, the mishap I had to endure was actually a stiff back. Felt a sharp strain while attempting one of the poses and went flat totally. It was pure stone for the next five minutes before I could muster enough courage to pull my body up from the mat. For a clearer illustration of the pain, I had to forgo a badminton session (also a new one) the following day.

2009-09-16T22:18:00.002+08:00

Everyday I am waiting patiently. Waiting is such an enduring process, especially when the potential end result is much awaited. It's as though I'm living for the result and nothing else. Yes, it also means my life is much meaningless, except for the wait. The day the wait ends shall be the day I stop or start living again.

2009-09-12T14:00:00.000+08:00

For my breakfast today, I had a duck drumstick, a duck wing, a curry chicken drumstick and a curry chicken wing. I thought these would be sufficient by the time I had them in my stomach. I realised I was still feeling peckish after all these, went searching for more food in the fridge. And I swallowed a dark chocolate flavoured snow skin mooncake plus two pieces of bak kwa which I bought recently. And I was still deciding whether to take milk or fruit juice to hydrate my throat after eating so much. It's not a lot of food, really. At least I wasn't feeling bloated. But my daddy was quite disgusted with the amount I could load for a breakfast which he only prepared the duck drumstick and wing for me. My brother said he wants to slap me by just watching me eat.

I really have no idea why they are disturbed by my eating habit. After all, it's my eating habit.

Finally had a chance to check out the riders cafe as recommended by a freelance darling of mine. It's indeed a great place, decent food, decent crowd, decent environment. Save for the occasional whiff of horse shit, the air is so refreshing that my lungs felt so clean taking in deep breaths. Not to forget I had half a bottle of tattinger in my system bubbling. And I didn't have to fork out a single cent from my pocket.

And yes, I want to sell my Canon S3 IS. Are you interested?

2009-08-24T18:49:00.000+08:00

Am pretty down on my luck recently.

Went to Hong Kong & Shenzhen for a week the week before. Came down with flu, throat infection and bad cough while I was there. Had to endure a bizarre experience while making our transfer from Shenzhen to Hong Kong which eventually got the hotel's GM to settle it for us. Our entire day's worth of shopping was gone when the cab refused to open the boot and made its escape route swiftly. Ridiculously, the cab company could not do much, neither could the police. My brother dropped his sim card while he was entertaining me, so in a way, it's a case of those 'luck' rubbing onto him.

The whole of last week at work was kinda horrible. Simply because having to deal with him requires an awful ton of energy, not to add that having to deal with him constantly for the entire week.

And I sprained my wrist yesterday. Damn it.

When is this going to stop?

2009-08-09T00:04:00.000+08:00

I finally had the courage to speak about it. About Mario and Luigi. Or codenamed M&L. While the entire confession was not planned, I just couldn't stop once I started the ball rolling. And I must say, I am glad that I got the entire crap out of the system and I did feel better, lighter (without a load of whatever it may be) after the session. Subsequently I could laugh until my throat ached of tiredness.

I admit I am partly responsible for the way things are today. While I remain non-regretful of what I've done and experienced, I do want things to stop and end right now. I am concerned that the immediate action may be too much to endure and I've since decided to take it in grace and execute it gradually, so that it will not hurt you so much, with me bearing half of it for you.

Last night at old school was great.
Never mind the fact that I reached earlier than consensus.
Never mind the fact that you were late.
Never mind the fact that I was standing while waiting for you.
Never mind the fact that I stood at the waiting point looking on helplessly as you bypassed me.
Never mind the fact that it was a decent distance away before you realised you left me behind.
Never mind the fact that we had to queue for a table.
Never mind the fact that I rejected the first table because it was in the smoking area.
Never mind the fact that I refused to compromise and be satisfied with a slightly smaller table.
Never mind the fact that we went from being the last in queue to the first and back to the last in line because of my fussy mental.

It was awesome.
It was fabulous.
It was laughter choking.
It was humid.
It was with you.

2009-08-02T20:43:00.000+08:00

Such a good girl I've been for the entire week to abstain from anything to do with alcohol that the chap up there has decided to reward me by finally releasing the mobile phone I have been waiting impatiently for. And yes, it gave me cheap thrill to catch the ad on the papers. Only to my much dismay that one of the three service providers have not gotten the model to offer, which obviously is the one which I've stuck with great loyalty ever since I became more contactable.

Nonetheless I hold high hopes that it will eventually offer it (better be next week and not any slower). Anyway I am also considering of switching camps, hence maybe at the end of the day, it doesn't really matter.

--

The past week has been much an emotional one as I tried my best to conceal my true feelings. Many words have swopped. Many glances have exchanged. Here I am, remaining at the same position where I was first spotted to be, trying my best not to make any obvious move in case I be deem a traitor on either side. It's not difficult but neither is it easy. I wish I was invisible.

Data -> Information -> Knowledge
How you make use of each to its best depends on your motivation and, of course, the level of your brain activity.

2009-07-26T23:25:00.002+08:00

Since the start of last week, I have been having a new lunch partner. Someone pretty close to me and I totally love the company. Workplace is just a stone's throw away from mine which makes me really happy. Question as to whether the workplace is good for her though, is not up to me decide and determine. Am just enjoying whatever that's on the plate right now.

Popped by Orchard Central and checked out Heaven'sLoft. I must say I enjoyed the ambience of the place. Given that I was having a high chair (something which I usually try to avoid), alfresco style (right beside the smoking area), but it's nice. I enjoyed the fact that I could keep hallucinating what I could throw down eight storeys to hit anything floating along the main street of the shopping hub. And the company was cool. It was an impromptu decision and I am glad we did that and the acidbar, even though Lian didn't enjoy her drink that much but I was immersed in the unplugged music presented.

--

Am struggling mentally with certain issues lately. Not that they are big problems which are causing distress or making me depressed, but no doubt an emotion package is certainly attached and I wish I can tide through these safe and sound, in one piece. Very selfish, I know. Man for himself. Reality it is.

--

Spent a good half of today with some elderly at some chartiable vegetarian food fest. I tell you, the amount of sugar intake I have today...easily outweighs any amount I take in on any other week. Sugar high. -.-

2009-07-24T16:44:00.001+08:00

If there is only one thing I could want, I want the world to evolve around me.

2009-07-19T20:23:00.002+08:00

Ok, bad of me not to be bothered to type any entry even though I am using the computer perpetually everyday. There must be like thousand and one million things distracting me away.

So I went up to KL over the weekend, last weekend, I mean. And it really wore all my energy away. Must be really getting damn fuggy old. It didn't help that I hardly caught a wink on the first night. For some reasons which I have no idea what. So even though we only hit the sheets at 4 odd in the pre-dawn, I was up and pestering everyone else to get up by 10, after I was done with my daily routine. Of course, I managed to fall asleep the following night, considering the overload from the first night plus an extensive day out under the sun which literally suck away all my whatever remaining energy, I was knocked out by 5. BUT the old fogey inside me got up at 9 plus 10 again, and while I try to entertain myself as much as possible so that the rest could sleep more, I got so so bored that I went to dig them out of the bed again and I was so sure they must be cursing at my old fogey body clock. Haha.

It's a pity I still didn't get to go up to the bridge between the Petronas Twins because we just couldn't make it. But as observed by my friend, clearly this was a more relaxed trip, less of watch-watching, not so full itinerary, more of play by ear. I guess that should be the way anyway. I didn't go to KL because I needed a workout session. To sum it up, the trip was awesome. Because the crowd was young. Yes I am a 'pedophile', I love mixing around with the younger ones. Haha. At least it helps to make me feel younger alright, despite all the hints from my fogey body. Because I got to explore more areas than the very usual ones which I am more or less sick of. Because I achieved my main objective of the trip, which is to get the toy helicopter which I've been thinking about since the last October. Because my traveling partner tested my patience to a near limit.

Came back on Sunday and took the following Monday off as well, which was perfect timing because Elaine came back from the States (for good!) over the weekend. Told her abit about my trip and when she heard whom my traveling partner was, her only comment was, "you must have like her enough to want to travel with her." Haha. That comment certainly caught me off guard because I didn't have that thought while I was deciding who to travel with to KL. To me, it was more of a by-the-way thing. Then again, it sets me thinking. Whatever it is, I had fun and some moments of pissed-off. But the balance out of it was favourable.

Went back to work, really loaded with some work which made my brain work really hard. It wasn't easy to start the engine after a weekend of total slack. I struggled and I survived. Am glad that's the end of the week and I literally slack over the entire weekend, as much as I can.

I don't understand why but I have been driving like a terror lately. Oh maybe it's because the rest of them drove like big terrors. I don't know why. But the probability of getting into accidents lately is like 80%, 20% being screamed at by my passengers hence avoiding the terrible. I am certainly losing my sane on the road and I guess I should just restrict and abstain myself away from the wheel as long as I could tolerate. After all I love to take control of the wheel. Or maybe I should just take the wheel when I am all alone.

I love K*C breakfast.

2009-07-09T09:38:00.002+08:00

Finally got the great opportunity to try the breakfast offerings from K*C. The commercials always make me drool and lust after it but I must say that it's really not convenient for me to get breakfast from any of the outlets available. Firstly, it is not available islandwide, across all outlets. Next is the timing of breakfast served. Most outlets start serving only at 8am, with a few dong 7.30am. To me, 8am is late. The other breakfast place used to start serving breakfast at 7am, before the whole 24 hours craze kicked in.

There is no K*C breakfast along my entire journey to work, so I never seem to get it. On top of that, serving it at only 8am means my daily butler is unable to meet my demand because that's the time I leave home after breakfast.

Today, with the great luxury of time, I finally had it. At Tampines. Yes you won't believe. From one end of the island to the other. Just for some breakfast. And I must say, it's worth the effort. I like the breakfast. At least it doesn't make me feel as sinful as when I am eating some muffins. And according to the butter expert that I was with, the quality of the butter provided was way better than the other side which was too watery usually.

Anyway it's great breakfast and I wish I could have more of it.

2009-07-08T20:19:00.003+08:00

With effect from today, I will working from home for the next one week. Reason? Putting H1N1 precautionary measures in place so that we would not be caught helpless if anything, as provided by the management.

'Shiok' you probably say. To me, I don't take it as a much big of a deal. I'll still work, from another location away from the office, that is. The only good thing about this whole arrangement means I do not have to look into my boss' eyes for one week. Then again, out of the five working days, I'm taking two days off. Haha. So it ain't really nothing fantastic to speak about.

2009-07-06T22:28:00.000+08:00

On a happier note, my parcel has arrived safely at its destination, which means I'll be able to get my shopping soon. Yeah, so glad it arrives intact because I decided to be risky and bought no insurance with it. All I can do now is to wait for its return by some kind soul...

2009-07-06T22:03:00.004+08:00

I had an awesome time over this weekend. Totally enjoyed myself. In bed, that is. It's been quite some time back since I last had the opportunity to slack under the blanket. And because I work really hard on workdays, all the more it is necessary to allow quality time for my rest.

To start on the wrong note, I ended my friday night not early. Can't remember exactly but it's probably 4 odd by the time I hit the sheets. Set the alarm before I knocked out because I've got a 9am appointment. Was feeling real awful and gave myself a hard kick for arranging such an early timing on a saturday. Anyway I was back in bed by the afternoon and slept all the way through, only getting up for food and insipiration before plonking back into lalaland.

Really in a blink of the eyes, it's morning, sunday morning, bright and sunny. Wonderful weather to simply do nothing and slack nonstop, which was what I did precisely. Watch TV for the entire day. A great pleasure which I've not managed to enjoy for at least the past 4 weeks.

Cut the story short, great weekend. Looking forward to the next weekend!

2009-07-02T17:21:00.006+08:00

Check out my second attempt at masterpiece creation!

And that's how it looks like on my victim.

Oh yes, the master at fore.

2009-07-02T14:06:00.003+08:00

Okok finally got the chance to show off my new toys. Alright, they are not very new anymore, after more than a week of aging since. And I must say, they have been chucked aside by me since day two. AND I've not looked at them since because I only see my bed when I get home.

Without the need for introduction, I'm sure all of us know what the hell are the two creeps below. Hehe. Yes, my all-time favourite game characters! A certain Mr M and a certain Mr L.

A colleague has kindly brought them back for me from Tokyo. Very nice. I love them.

2009-07-01T09:40:00.002+08:00

The art of my love. My first attempt at skin art. Haha.

Having being part of the creative industry, I needed to do something to show that I've been influenced by it in a positive manner.

Clearly I was enjoying it while my poor victim was left with no choice but to wise up and stay still.

2009-06-28T22:06:00.008+08:00

Great Saturday I had. A fund-raising event set in the style of 'the amazing race' centred around the CBD, entirely on foot. My role in the event was to act as a guardian angel to a team throughout the entire race, i.e. follow them around, making sure that they do not stray away from the stipulated route too much, ensuring that time is kept in check and to provide tasks and clues along the way when necessary.

Frankly speaking, I could barely wake up to arrive on time, which is an earlier timing from the participants because I needed to be briefed. All the tiredness snowballed from the whole week and crashed on Saturday morning itself. However, I must admit that I much enjoyed the fresh air of CBD on early Saturday morning, minus the fanatic crowd and whatever the usual stuffs you see on the busy weekdays.

Breathe in. Deep deep.

The day has yet to start.

One of our many unsung heroes who work so faithfully so that passer-bys (including tourists) have a great impression of the city within the city.

Familiar? Still remember the campaign this friendly fella promotes?

Step inside for the EPSO* photography contest results. Apart from the winning entries, it also showcased the rest of the entries. All are emotive enough. You'll notice that most of the winning entries involve children, especially children in emerging economies. Those are the places where you'll get 'unprocessed' kids with true-to-their-hearts feelings which show naturally on their facial features.

I'm supposed to be part of them by the time I took this shot. But I was still dragging my body because it was plain lethargic. Yawnz.

The one who had been waiting patiently for me to arrive. Patiently because she's really mild-tempered. Briefing briefing briefing. Non stop. Finally all the participants arrived and we can get things started going on. Excited. The guardian angels draw lots to determine the routes. The teams draw lots to determine their respective guardian angels.

My team was made up of 5 men. 5 tall, lanky men. I certainly was not expecting what to come during the race based on my first impression of the team. They started running. Right from the starting line to the first pit stop at Merlion, across the Esplanade bridge to War Memorial, dashed across the road madly (without me) towards SMRT, all the down to Peranakan Museum with only momentous break at the traffic junction. I swore I was cursing non stop for such an enthusiastic team. I was panting non stop as they ran non stop.

One of the tasks they had to perform which require slightly more time. Hence I had the opportunity to take a breather and snap some quick shots of them.

Trying their best to memorise every single detail possible so as to score points later.

Everyone in deep concentration.

Check out the sweat beads.

They were even more motivated when they successfully overtook one team at Central. Went even crazier and charge on a greater high. It was both physically and mentally taxing on me. Mentally because I knew the distance beforehand. Physically because I know the distance. Went up to Ann Siang, down TP station and race down Robinson Road to get to Lau Pa Sat.

Finally another pitstop which I could rest for abit more while as the station master entertained them. Charade. Luck was with them as they chose the easy category, Sports.

While they were doing the task, I spied something else and snap it away.

It was too easy for them as they became the team to complete this task in the shortest time among the rest of the teams. As commented by the station master himself.

Guess the sport?

Nature jungle vs corporate jungle.

Three cheers to the team which not only came in first but also at a timing which the organisers did not expect. 2 hours and 14 minutes. The last time I did a brisk walk, it took me close to 4 hours. Imagine how much energy I exerted. My legs felt like they were detached from me. They are aching today. Totally didn't feel like getting up to walk. But that's besides the point.

The final winning shot! Coolz.

2009-06-26T00:14:00.002+08:00

Am very upset because I have not received my new toys pictures which I promised earlier on that I would post them here as soon as I get them. And I was expecting to get them like yesterday?

Anyway I had great fun at wala wala tonight. Amongst the youngsters, or rather strangers. Once in a while, it's nice to shake hands and exchange names. But I am really not that social as a butterfly. It doesn't give me cheap thrills or new highs in doing so. In fact, I really can't be bothered. It's only because they are 'pushed' to me, that's why I am pulling my right hand out to be contanminated by others.

It's killing me softly to get to work on time. The point here is that I get to work before the dot. Usually way before the dot. So early that I could afford to eat down at maxwell and enjoy my breakfast, whichever my appetite could swallow.

I am losing my mind and I have no idea why I am typing this entry for. It has no gist. Totally.

2009-06-23T23:36:00.002+08:00

My regular lunch partner these days has a habit which I totally detest. No, it's not nose picking. Neither is it loud burping. Nor is it spitting on my machine-washed shoes. Smoking, it is. The need to take a puff before and after the meal irks me. It's not that I'm bothered by my own health. It's part of the reason, I admit. I simply do not understand the rationale behind this need. It feels absolutely redundant to me. Of course I can't appreciate the goodness about it since I am not the one enjoying the puff. This need also draws a barrier between us because I don't even want to sniff the leftover lingering on the body, clothes, hair and whatever.

Nonetheless, I accepted the whole sequence for I-can't-remember-how-many months somehow until I instilled a smoking ban lately. The choice between having cigarettes or me for lunch. Not even allowed to bring cigarettes along. I don't think I will die if I have to lunch alone, I'm thick-skinned enough to stay oblivious and cool about that. It's been a week and the notion has been working fine so far. I am just waiting till someone breaks the rule before I throw a temper. Anyway it's been so long since I last threw a serious tantrum.

Yes I am being viewed as cruel for those in the know. I am even refusing to come close after the occasional puff break outside the office. It's really because I cannot tolerate the smell. And no amount of mint helps.

You may say that I am bad, limiting a person's enjoyment. I don't care. Smoking is nothing good to begin with.

2009-06-23T09:09:00.002+08:00

Haha did I just lay down the rule that I shall cut down my alcohol intake? I think it's pretty futile. And it's not my fault. Went to a watering hole yesterday with the good 'ol intention of just warming the seat and go. With the persistent cough that I've been nursing for the past fortnight, I certainly must stop doing damage to my lungs. I even refused to have plain water, for the bimbotic fear that the pipe may be containminated with some alcohol from elsewhere.

So don't ask me what happen, I ended up with martini swish-swashing in my tummy an hour later. Damn it. So much for resoluting to abstain. Bleh.

Anyway on a cute note, I've got two new toys. Hehe. Took some pictures yesterday while drowning on martini. Will show you when I got them.

2009-06-21T23:56:00.004+08:00

Quick greetings from Melaka. I forgot to bring my camera which I only realised when I was crossing the causeway. Not very smart, I know. Anyway I took these photos with a camera phone (8 megapixels). Test shots, see if they are of certain quality or not.

I love this windmill. Right smacked in the city centre.

The river gave me a sense of peacefulness.

The very much conserved heritage site.

Back alley food. I can only pray for my immune system.

One of my many local guides.

2009-06-20T18:35:00.002+08:00

Wow, it's been close to a month since I last blogged. Obviously my time has been occupied by everything else, inclusive of during office hours. Then again, on hindsight, there doesn't seem to be many matters that I was busy with. Must be the blogging fatigue setting in.

Blogging on my new laptop, am very excited as usual. Got it from the PCShow last week. Loads of goodies bundled with it which I was not really excited about. Instead I was even bargaining to refuse the goodies for a greater discount on the price. I am stuck in a mini dilemma over the fate of my old laptop. Whether to keep it or not. I would love to keep it. You would understand why if you have ever seen it. It's like one of my babies whom I really dote on. The only reason why I had to replace it was that it's dysfunctional with breakages at the two ends of the screen, not because it's old, slow and useless.

Went to Kukup as a quick weekend getaway. For some reasons, it was even more relaxing than the previous trip. Similar gang of people. Similar itinerary which means familiarity. Similar enjoyment. Similar output. Pure relaxation and tiredness. Haha.

Went to Malacca on another weekend which was equally good though this was way more tiring because I hired no driver. But I love the food there and each time I head north, the focus of the itinerary is sraight forward. Good ol' food. Never mind the calories. Never mind the digestion speed. Never mind the miles travelled. Never mind the not-so-clean environment like here. Yellow wine mee sua. Braised duck mee (where the number of duck slices outnumber the number of noodles). Pig blood. Sambal prawns. Char kuay teow (way different from any crap you have here). Chicken rice balls. Chendol. Nasi lemak. Satay. Clams, cockles, snails hidden at the back alley. Seafood by the coast. All these non-inclusive of the fruit trip which involves going to an orchard and eat fruits for the healthier reason. Durians, especially, was the highlights. Even more fulfilling for the stomach. Thank god I was able to curb my own appetite for that.

I drank alot over the past month too. So much that I clearly feel fatter, heavier and less agile (read: clumsy). For whatever reasons, I cannot recall. Let's set the agreement that I shall cut by at least half the frequency for this coming month.

Am looking forward to the KL trip next month. Made the transportation arrangement already. Coach in, plane out. Hopefully it'll be great fun. Blardy hell, check out my contribution to our dear neighbour's economy. Haha. Generous, ain't I?

And I went for a quick trim near my place this afternoon. I love my hair real short. Am very jealous at this moment that I am not working at DBS where I can get to shave my head for a good cause without any necessary approval. That's after patronising my teacher's mum's cooking demostration session at Jurong Point. I felt like a damn AUNTIE, being swarmed around by countless of them. Haha thank god my teacher was as fun loving as ever.

Oh and yes I took sick leave. Twice in three weeks. Hehe. I tell you, my boss was clearly irritated. He demanded to see the certificate the second time when I returned to work two days later. Haha. Cheap thrill for me, yes I know.

2009-05-24T21:01:00.002+08:00

I don't know why but I am still thinking about the slap I gave Ryan on Friday. It wasn't meant to be a rude one, neither was it meant to be offensive nor hurt. But I guess I should not have done it, regardless of what the purpose was. On hindsight, I felt guilty and it's really not a nice gesture, no matter how positive I may try to justify for it.

I hate it when I become too playful for my own good sometimes.

--

12km of cycling. 3 hours of walking. Yesterday. Today. Am feeling the surge of heat in my body which makes me uncomfortable all over. Like as though the symptoms of heatstroke are surfacing but am doing much to subside it. My body is not aching. It's more of the internal system which clearly is a sign of aging. Wahahaha.

2009-05-20T11:46:00.004+08:00

Yesterday was a day where, casting work aside, it was simple, happy and wonderful.

First thing to note was the fact that I got a seat on the train to work at the second station of my journey, which was a good surprise since I wasn't expecting it at all. Then came along this one guy, not any good looking, prim and properly dressed as like any other CBD dwellers. The train was not crowded as per the usual, so this guy stood right in front of me. Frankly speaking, I had nothing better to do on the train that day so I was looking at him. Throughout the entire train journey. Not because he's gorgeous looking (as mentioned previously, he's not).

All he did throughout his entire journey was to fiddle with his mobile phone. Each time after he finished his business with the phone, he would have this very wide grin to himself and swaying his hips from left to right and back to left a few times. Until the mobile phone vibrates in his back pocket again. Then he would repeat the whole procedure, pressed the buttons, kept the phone into the back pocket with the wide grin on the face and swayed. Well I guess he must be feeling really happy because he was swaying so un-manly, like a kid who got his much desired ice cream, like me when I get a shot of adrenaline. It was a very nice sight for me, beats the standard faces which tell me messages like 'I need more sleep', 'it's work again', 'when's the weekend coming' etc. Seeing a stranger happy makes me happy too, somehow.

The rest of the day passed by peacefully, apart from the usual work jingles which I can't be bothered to elaborate much. Just before the end of day, Baby came by the area and we had our much-missed ice cream treats. Under the terribly warm weather. It was a nice distraction for me because I was getting so so restless at work that I was going around everyone who was present, disturbing them to a possible extent. My ice cream didn't feel cold and my body finally stopped shivering from the damp coldness in the office.

Went down to town to search for my polycarbonate paint, the one and only one kind that I want, though I've not decided what colour to get. Kinda stupid to go all the way down to Ise Tan just for that but I was in a real damn good mood that nothing else matters. Took a bus and caught sight of the new light facades of Orchard, despite the very obvious work-in-progress situation. Comparing to the stretch of Orchard, they are outstanding. In comparsion among themselves, they are nothing much of a big deal. At the very least, they didn't excite nor fascinate me. As I said, something different from the usual.

At least I managed to get the paint. It wasn't too tough to make a decision on the colour, there were not many options in the first place. Haha. I chose the grey, don't know whether it is a warm grey or a cool grey because I don't trust the cap representation. Shall touch and feel it after I sprayed it.

Hopped on to a cab and this cab driver (again!) was very pleasant to carry a decent conversation with. Speaks very well with the proper service connotation, dabbing the word 'Mdm' in every other statement of his. He has a day job in a nice cool office environment and due to the global recession which his company executes the four-day week policy, he does cab driving on the off days. The best part of it: he's enjoying every bit of this arrangement, offering an alternative to meet more people and etc. Very optimistic. And opportunitics.

2009-05-17T19:49:00.006+08:00

Boys and girls, I am very happy because I got a present. What's more this present is chosen by myself. Haha. But thou shalt keep it a secret meanwhile what the present is.

As a teaser, I am unwrapping it so that I could show you what lies within the wrapper.

2009-05-17T19:21:00.005+08:00

Yes, my first ever attempt at making tiramisu. Haha. AndI am not even sure if I spelt the name correctly or not. Just like how I had to take special effort to look at the word 'cappuccino' carefully before I realised its spelling. And 'espresso' and not 'expresso'. Haha. I certainly am not clueless enough to make such dumbs but apparently google told me some people do. To note, I ain't no coffee drinker, therefore it's great knowledge that I am gaining, such as coffee beans are green and not brown as you usually see on posters and billboards. That's before roasting.

Anyway who cares about coffee now that I decided the focus is tiramisu for this weekend. Haha. It's simple fun actually. Didn't realise it didn't require much hassle as well. To top it up, given the fact that I can personalise it to my preference, it was the minimum amount of coffee powder versus the maximum possible amount of cocoa powder and baileys. Then again, I figured that too much baileys kills the presence of the tastes of everything else. So it's about the good balance. There's no right balance, only the good balance which suits your tastebuds.

Here's my yummy darling and haha, yes I know it looks gorgeous but I can't be bothered to want to share with anyone. Unless you think you have real good thick skin to ask for it. I much prefer to enjoy my own warfare in solitude.

2009-05-10T23:18:00.003+08:00

I must have mentioned before about 'The Boy in Striped Pajamas' book. The one liner on the cover which caught my eyes in a book store at one of the airports around. I finished this book in two reads, within hours. Heart wrenching is the emotion stirred after the read. But it is also a very meaningful read, something which appeals easily to me. Literature novels which gel in the topic of history as well.

I finally got myself the book despite the version without the one liner on the cover because ever since after the film release, there does not seem to have anymore of the original book around. All that I've seen are reprints after the film release. Just to satisfy my hunger for the story. Coincidentally some kind soul got me the same book from the States, albeit without the one liner still. But it's alright because I have already decided what to do with the extra.

My next read: Magical thinking

2009-05-05T23:35:00.002+08:00

I must have been taking a significant intake of protein lately because my nails are growing faster than the usual speed and I am kinda affected by it because it means I have to trim them sooner than expected and it's one of my least favourite grooming tasks because I hate the hard core cutting sound the nail clipper makes each time I press it and I don't trim nice nails because I can't be bothered by it or rather it's more of my brain lacking the development on the right.

That may be one of the worst sentence structure ever constructed by me as of now. Shame on me.

2009-05-05T23:25:00.002+08:00

If you asked me, I think there are many many aspiring chefs among the busy crowd although in reality, they are reporting to the corporate jungle for work duty as per most commuters during the morning peak. And of course the evening peak when it's after work hours. They aspire to be this one great michelin star chef behind some awesome 'zi-char' stall at some ulu location operating 24 hours daily.

Why so, you wonder. How else do you explain the very commonly-frequently-sighted behaviour of stir frying the bags or wallets or purses or whatever which would contain their supposed ezlinks while jamming up the exit gantry with the entire queue snaking right behind them? Worse still, some cases would unrelentlessly continue to deep fry their whatever belongings, hoping that the hot oil eventually reach the inner parts and feel the presence of the ezlinks finally. It's plain duh and one should stop being stubborn or rather learn from mistake and simply extract the main ingredient - which in case is the ezlink - and feed it directly to the sensor. And what's so difficult about that if you have two proper standard limbs hanging loose and active from the shoulders.

I don't get irritated. I was amused.

2009-04-23T10:37:00.002+08:00

The one excuse I have minimal tolerance for absurd behaviour is telling me that the phone battery went dead. Frankly speaking, technology is advancing continuously and you cannot deny the fact the batteries are made with greater efficiency constantly. Of course, not to forget that mobile phones are getting complicated with nonstopping lists of functions and capabilities which consume power mercilessly. But damn it, the standard retail package these days usually comes with a dc charger and a usb cable. Ideally, that's two sources of power already. The only issue is whether you are capable of maximising the use of both to your exact needs.

And even if you allow the battery to die on you, tell me there is no other mode of communication available on earth. It is only a matter of whether you want to seek for it. Am much irritated with last minute matters. And it doesn't help an arsey tinge bit when I had a very long and 'demanding' yesterday and the last thing is having to endure the sickening smell of congested cabins with a fucking heavy head which is spinning around like nobody's business, while hoping the destination could just get closer faster.

--

At least I could think back on yesterday and try to install my memory well. That I met a sweet face. A face so sweet that it took me two minutes to find it familiar, five minutes of futile attempt at recollection and 10 minutes of recalling successfully with very helpful clues and pointers.

2009-04-21T17:08:00.001+08:00

For some he-better-knows-what-they-are reasons, I’ve been receiving prank calls and they are sure damn effective in irritating the hell out of me. And it’s a private number wor. No joke. I can’t trace the arsehole unless I am willing to pay my service provider some bucks to start tracking my calls. Plenty of conditions though. If it’s an overseas call, then there’s no way the tracking service is useful. If it’s a local one, I got to receive the prank call at least thrice a day for two consecutive days before they can track it. And when the prankster is tracked (*hopefully*), the service provider will issue a warning to IT on my behalf. But seriously, like what if IT does not prank on me at least thrice in a day. It’ll be a good waste of my moomoolahs.

--

I really don’t feel excited when I can see my belly ballooning vividly. And it doesn’t help a single tinge bit when my mummy also commented that my tummy is growing (!AGAIN!). But who cares. I don’t care how I feel. As long as I don’t feel bloated, it’s good enough.

--

I was ‘forced’ to go on sick leave last week and I was bored stiff. Everybody else is busy with either school or work. Decided to head for the opposite shore and was really pleased about the entire trip. Got my handsome to do a new haircut despite his much reluctance. Got two pairs of shoes, which were so dirt cheap that the amount due did not qualify me to make payment via credit card. Got 10 bottles of Ribena, crazy I know, heavy I carry. Got new lenses and glasses as well. Not to forget my favourite teochew porridge and the very smooth-traffic customs so that I could get to the clinic just in time to churn a medical certificate. 10.30pm and I was the second last in queue. Nice.

2009-04-15T19:27:00.002+08:00

YET again, I am in a freaking good mood. Join me if you so desire. You must, you must.

It feels weird to be in such consistent good mood. I have no idea why to.

Anyway it's mid week and it's great time for some damn good fun.

It helps when there is companionship for fun as well.

By the way, I have four dollars in voucher form for THATCDSHOP. I don't have any keenness in getting anything from there. Hence, depending on our level of relationship, I may give it to you if you stretch out your hand long enough. Alternatively, you may also try banking on my opportune good mood where I may just give it to you no matter what the level is. I'm serious.

I am back to gaining weight again. No thanks to solidified milk from BJ's. Influx is really doing me no good.

Talking about having damn good fun, I am still in the office. Damn it. Waiting, though, is boring.

2009-04-14T12:16:00.004+08:00

I am in such good mood (again!) yesterday that I ventured to the hippest mall in heartland. And it's damn blardy far lah. But I must say, it's not anywhere near in comparison to the one near my place. Both are malls but there is no apple-to-apple comparison.

Of course, there's only one key attraction point over there and it's none other than the first shop of such brand on this island. They limit the number of shoppers within the store for the comfort of the shoppers (I guess!) but this tactic is plain effective. Check out the queue snaking right outside the store and congesting the entire walkway of the mall. After queuing for a certain amount of time, the only psychology talking in your head is to make sure you get the worth out of the time spent on queuing. Hence this means developing a 'die-die-must-buy-something-from-the-store' attitude. And yes, as evident, people are walking around the other parts of the mall with big plastic bags from the store.

Being trained in the fundamentals of economic theories, I maintain my stance as a very rational person. It also certainly helps when I am not a brand whore plus I got to experience such new brands already. But I too understand the lure of new things.

2009-04-13T13:12:00.009+08:00

Spent a load over the long weekend, damn it, why must the weekend be long. Anyway I love this one buying of mine and I just gotta share it.

Ok, it's just a piggy bank. No big deal about it.
If you didn't know yet, I am collecting a dollar coins dated 2006 & 2008. Hence if you come across them, kindly save it for me and let me know. Thanks.

It's a DIY piggy bank. And here are the pieces.

The instructions sux. Was told to start from the bottom. But the bottom is crazy. Decided to start from the top instead.

Piecing everything together first in three main phases.

Then comes the connectivity part.

Clearly, it's a very simple job for a pea brain like mine.

Because I began from the top, this thing is upside down (currently).

After fitting the bottom lid, here comes the finishing touch.

Voila. Sweet like nothing.

And the great opening ceremony.

2009-04-11T12:59:00.008+08:00

Alright. More photos galore because I am still in a good mood.

On our way to the end of this island.

In our own comfort zone. But being the very typical human being, I wished I'm part of the contingent. Then again, it's not like I did not experience such crap before, it was grueling torment.

Leaving the pack behind and steering forward.

Oops. We hit the wrong turn and desperately need this sign.

Finally. The end of land. Welcome water. Those are coastal guards embarking.

Gross? At least the air doesn't smell badly.

We tried to make a challenge, whoever is brave and strong enough to wade to the other side will get the prized prize of the kelong itself. A pity the prize ain't enticing enough.

That looks like BGates' place in Seattle, albeit the Asian version though.

I may jolly well be charged for taking such pictures. I don't know. And I can't care anymore once I hit the button below in awhile.

We found a very friendly fisherman who's willing to let us take a ride on his sampan to his kelong.

The new venture.

Along the way.

This is a water neighbourhood. Everyone's friendly to each other. Psst. One of these kelongs has a celebrity with them. Nah no big deal to me.

Oh check out that flying fish!

Fighting for food. Basic survival instinct. Fight to survive, grow bigger in size and end up good and yummy on my plate. The reality of food chain.

The colour is good enough to make look like a piece of corpse, a standing one though.

As we depart the kelong. Friendly uncle giving us a ride back to land.

This chameleon is crawling over the spikes (whatever you call them) without getting hurt.

Seriously, this shot made me feel like I'm at the coastline of Florida. Sunny sun. Bluey blue sky. Clean, tall coconut trees. The row of building being resorts. Not to forget the breakwater, sandy beach and salty seawater behind me.

2009-04-10T19:41:00.018+08:00

I bought a new camera at the recent ITSHOW and I've been shooting randomly whenever I'm in a good mood. And since now I am in an extremely good mood, I may as well share some of my kodak moments with you.

Told you my gay partner is leavng the firm. On his last day, as usual, as expected, he went around taking pictures with people he both loves and hates. To those that he did not take pictures with, it only means he has no feelings towards you. Take heart.

And yes, damn it, as you can tell, I am one of those who's just tagging behind and not qualified to stand beside 'her' and take pictures together.

This is what the boss paid for, with me as the executor, with my brilliant idea for him. Slut unleashed.

I can't pinpoint exactly the reason but this imperfect photo looks so comfortable to me. Thanks to him, I got kinda sick of eating steak this week.

Due to our incapability, we struggled to get such a gorgeous picture of this starter that I just have to show it, no matter what.

What my gay partner termed as 'installation art', this little spot helps to bring cheer to me occasionally.

I like to look up whenever I pass this area on most mornings. It gives me a feeling of liberation and a sense of beyond. Positive.

I usually do not notice this but I did on this particular day when I had the camera in my hand. Since it caught my attention, why waste it?

This is how things look around me when I forgot to wear my glasses before I leave my house.

I thought if this is a tree, it is a very very big tree. The thing to note here is not the tree but what was happening when I stopped on my way to the office to take this picutre. A colleague passed me by and did not say 'hi' to me, which I noticed from the corner of my eyes while I was trying my best to fit the tree into the frame, WHICH I was much relieved about because she ain't that desirable to me anyway.

I like the overexposure where the bottom absorbs all the flash, leaving the actual object in a dark focus, less noticeable but strikes the desire in you to want to know what that is.

No comments.

No I am not a fan of red wine. Neither am I a lover of tea. I only like the glassware used.

Shall I cut my fringe short? I need ideas for my next haircut.

Clearly, I am busy figuring the menu so that the photographer has something to munch on later.

A snapshot of my hardworking colleague's workstation. Already three cups of coffee and counting.

Offering myself as the bait for the fish, it was my first try and I enjoyed it. Am always game for another round. Being the typical cheapo, I even sunk my hands in for the best value derived. Haha.

The order of the day: orderliness.

Goat milk in the process.

Also my virgin visit to a goat farm after hearing so much and so much about it, it's yawnz.

The typical sunset view in the west.

And the typical night view in the south.

Such a bright and cheerful smile to lift up my spirits after a day at work.

I know this shot is not anything worth wowing over, it's just that the STARS have been around the area for film shooting. After so many days of spotting, the colleagues had been urging to take a shot since I had my camera. This shot is taken purely to shut them up.

I like this angle shot because it's capable of featuring any body into a slim silhouette.

Act cute. Try guessing her age.

No this is not meant to look scary. It's meant to bring peace and tranquility to me. Her name is Misaki.

I am not a coffee drinker, therefore I will never be able to understand why anyone will pay 6 bucks for a cup of coffee when you can get coffee for a fraction (10%) of that price at local coffeeshops. Not even after studying the case study of Starbucks and visiting its first shop at Pike's Place.

Ok I am tired from the commentary part. That's all for today. Appreciate your attention.

2009-04-10T19:28:00.002+08:00

Yesterday marks the last day for my gay partner a.k.a. my partner for many crimes as well with the firm. While he dropped a damn blardy obvious hint the day before on how he wants his farewell party to be like, I couldn't be bothered too much to give him whatever he is asking for.

--

As the chinese saying goes, "Mix with the red and you'll become red, mix with the black and you'll become black." Bad literal translation, I know. But you know which one I am refering to if you know Mandarin well enough.

I must admit I have drinking quite a fair bit lately. Not to make the claim that I am turning into an alcoholic, but have been drinking in the name of fun. So much that I kinda experienced my first ever hangover (mild though) this morning. Ironically, I still vividly remembered my first taste of alcohol which was so awful to my tongue that I thought it's the next worst taste to cigarettes. I also remembered how too much drinking can make me grow fatter and I don't want that again! Haha. Yes I am reflecting on myself aloud and I do not need your comments on this matter.

2009-04-10T19:21:00.002+08:00

It's amazing. I was amazed by my own willingness to dash out into the rain, across the whatever just to get an umbrella. All because you said you were stuck and needed to shit desperately. Haha.

2009-04-08T18:29:00.000+08:00

You asked if I miss you.
I did something for you.
I threw it away.

2009-03-31T12:46:00.002+08:00

I decided to be punctual for work today. By punctual, I mean plus minus 9am. This thought demands a certain amount of effort. From getting my mind to persuade my body to get off the bed before the alarm went off to not wasting one more minute on every single activity of my routine which always accumulate to a substantial amount of time waste.

It also means not taking the detour train so as to get a seat on my way to work. It also means not waiting for the next time which is estimated to arrive in two minutes' time and hence will contain lesser mass-occupying bodies than the current one.

Fine. So with the many bodies lurking around, there was also the much noises around. On top of that, I've decided not to plug into my ears to rest my ears. *got a damn feeling that they are deteriorating at a speed unspeakable of at my age* Noises because much was foreign languages which obviously I have no sense about. Thankfully there wasn't much pushing around.

The one thing that woke me up literally was the rush crowd at the destination station itself. Wow. When was the last time I was part of this rush? Well, either I reached the office fashionably late or extremely early which won't be by public transport then. It's really some cool stuff to feel like I'm finally part of this whole cursed economy. The only thought that came to my mind at that instance was if only this entire crowd lingers along Orchard Road everyday, then I'm confident that the local economy will spring back in no time.

2009-03-30T08:54:00.005+08:00

I woke up exceptionally early today, with the aim to reach office exceptionally earlier than the usual too. When the alarm went off, the sky was still dark. Did the usual routine, of course without spending the usual amount of time in the bathroom though. My crap has a biological clock too.

Took the lift down to the lobby, minus the usual irritating men who occupy endless space in the limited space. There was a schoolgirl instead. I checked my watch when she came in. 7.15am. Isn't that the timing when all underaged teens start singing the daily lullaby at the school compound? Clearly she was running late. She came in flip flops, with a bottle and shoes in her hands. Lucky for her, she has the luxury of a doting mummy who's already waiting in the car for her, all ready to make sure that her daughter does not get to school too late.

Then there was the sight of all the students still at the school compound when the train past by a certain secondary school along the way. Wow. When was the last time I saw something like that. Literally brought back both fond and unfond memories of whatever I had remaining of my own school days.

Let's look forward.

2009-03-19T18:36:00.001+08:00

For the first time, for three hours, I was labeled missing. But I did nothing exceptional. All I did was to switch off my phone after office hours on purpose so that the people in the office can stop bothering me. Who would expect my loved ones to have such wild imagination when they failed to reach me. After all, I’ve always been one who doesn’t announce my whereabouts constantly. I don’t understand the big fuss, neither do I appreciate it. That’s me.

2009-03-17T11:18:00.002+08:00

Up till yesterday, every single day has been an emotional roller coaster for me. Every single day. And it's literally eating my energy away. I don't think I am brave enough to list every single item out here.

On a happier note, I bought a new camera. Nothing fantastic. It was a replacement over my two-year-old $199 Pentax toy. And I've got a cheaper toy. At 169, I'm prepared to accept any flaws the camera may present in my subsequent usage. And I accidentally chanced upon the Burberry sale going on at the same time, same place as the IT show. Accidentally because apparently the entire world knows about it and nobody bothers to share with me. But good luck is with me and I managed to sieve out some good stuffs not just for myself but also for my siblings. Earlier last week, my gay partner was generously enough to bring me to the Loreal private sale where we splurged controllably. But my spending was decent because my shopping included my sister, my mum and my grandma even. Unlike the gay who only bought everything for he himself.

As evident, I went on a good track of retail therapy, hopefully to conclude the end of everything unpleasant last week.

The office has been starstruck last week. With the mediacorp crew filming along the same street and some even popping into the office to say 'hi'. I am unbothered about the names but if you're interested, I'll let you know when you ask.

And if you ask me now, for some good reasons, I am terribly upset.

2009-03-07T20:18:00.002+08:00

Mraz's concert was a showcase of self-confidence and enjoyment. Frankly speaking, I didn't think much about his music until the personal experience at his gig. He understands his unique talent and plays with the crowd with a warm appeal. Passionate is one word I supposed is apt to describe.

--

Have been nursing a very bad cough ever since my trip. In fact I started coughing before I flew back, which I accused the sudden influx of beer to be the culprit. Of course, I refrained from it with great hope that the cough will subside eventually. To no avail. Even after three doses of various medicine. This is bad.

2009-02-28T00:00:00.002+08:00

Came across a book whose tagline on the cover caught my attention as I was glancing through the shelves while waiting for my transit flight. It reads, "A story of innocence in a world of ignorance". I picked it up and went through the prelude. Indeed, the short introductory paragraph of the book was emotive, to the extent which I would use the word 'heart-wrenching' to describe my immediate emotion upon reading it. I did not get the book on the spot. Came back and googled to find out subsequently that this story has been made into a film as well, although I have no idea whether it has been cast in Singapore yet. Having gone through the geisha stage, I much prefer to read the writing than to watch any translated movie about a book.

--

Every now and then, I would receive gentle (or not) reminders that there remains people around me who care and bother about me. And sometimes, I am much ashamed of myself that I do not bother myself to care more or worse, wish that these people stop bothering me. This is just how sinful I am. I know my wrong. But I am not making much efforts to make corrections or even amendments. I will only continue to be guilt-stricken. *useless*

2009-02-21T18:47:00.001+08:00

For some reasons which I have absolutely no idea about, a certain Annette has been trying to add me on msn each time I log on. It's pretty irritating because it feels like a spam. And I have no interest in Annette. The only closest thing I can get is Marie Antoinette.

2009-02-19T18:00:00.001+08:00

A quick snapshot of my current location. It's also to make up for the very lack of visual here.

2009-02-15T22:08:00.002+08:00

For all the hype about Valentine's Day, who has the mood to notice that it was Friday the 13th as well.

I need to stay far away from chips. I can feel the damage to my system after gobbling down a large packet of salt & vinegar every other weekend. I so need the discipline. And I am weak.

It's pure sinful, but I love quail stuffed with foie gras.

2009-02-08T23:26:00.002+08:00

Am very pleased with the fact that I only got out of bed at 2pm today. The fact that my effort to try to sleep in during the weekends was not disrupted by the morning sun which breaks in effortlessly everyday. The fact that, for once of the rarest blue moon, I managed to clock more than 10 hours of sleep. Must be attributable to the fact that my body fell prey to the widespread cold virus during the week and was unable to rest very well during the week.

My always well-planned strategies to sleep in were often thwarted in some way or another. Imagine my great shock when my mum came into my room and loudly announced that I only need to lie in bed for another 3 more hours or so and I could eat 3 meals at one go in a day. At that moment, I thought it was only 10am.

Anyway, it doesn't matter. Very much glad that I get a good rest. Finally.

2009-02-08T00:43:00.002+08:00

Once in a while, it's very pleasant to meet cab drivers who display more passion for their jobs instead of the money.

It was less than 15 minutes before the clock strikes midnight, i.e. the exorbitant 50% surcharge would kick in by then. It was also clear that I was desperately trying to get a cab fast enough so that I would be able to get off the cab before the surcharge starts ticking away automatically.

I was lucky enough to get one within few minutes of waiting because the direction I was waiting in was ridiculous shit for any empty cab to head that way. The cab also happened to be one of those having automatic gearbox, which is of course my preference.

Two clear evidence which gave me the urge to find the time worth blogging here. He didn't bother to take his own sweet time to travel while hoping secretly that the midnight clock would strike soon. In fact, he speeds up whenever he could, exceeding the usual mundane speed limits, which I really appreciate (I love the feeling of being inside fast-moving objects) and only slowing down when necessary (speed cameras). Upon reaching the destination, the meter read a 20 cents but he did not charge me for it even though I had given him more than enough to return me 80 cents change. While I insisted that he takes it, he also insisted on his stand and shoved back the note instead of coins to me.

I mean, I'm sure you have met drivers who would rather wait that you dig and dig for that 'prized' 10 cents, and here is one guy who generously offered not to take the 20 cents into consideration for his efforts. My goodness, and I checked my watch when I got off the cab, reads 23:59:30.

2009-01-27T00:47:00.002+08:00

The complexity of the grey matter in human beans.

"Don't forget the lyrics" is currently showing and each commercial break during the hour-long display is accompanied by a "Homeviewers Contest", in a bid to entice the audience at home and hopefully engage them to chalk up more viewership ratings.

The contest format goes like this: A song would be played at the first commercial break, with the title and three options given for the missing lyrics. Any interested party only had to send a message via sms with the chosen option plus the necessary details of yourself. This whole process is subsequently repeated over the next two breaks as well. However, from the second break onwards, there is an inclusion of the status of the competition so far. Which simply means showing the percentage of each option chosen.

The statistics shown will definitely show a large percentage at the right option while the other two options enjoy 'compassionate' votes. And this is the part which struck me after watching this entire process for two weeks (though not consecutively).

Firstly, given the fact that it is a homeviewer contest, certainly you must have some access to somewhere where you could search for the right answer, instead of ham-tam-ing on your gut feeling. It's a clear win contest for anyone and all you need is to compete on who has the luck to be the chosen one to win those attractive prizes. But for some reasons, which I am having problem understanding, there is (without fail) a bunch of viewers who will try to be different and seek the alternatives, hence effectively eliminating themselves of the slightest possibility of even competing on luck.

Secondly, even if you do not have the tinest clue on where to search for the best answer, wouldn't it be more realistic to just wait for the second commercial break when the statistics are shown and give a clearer indication of what the answer might be. It's plain wasting the money (which obviously is peanuts to some no-brainers). I don't understand how can anybody want to do something which they are not confident of hitting the right note. Ok, clearly, they must have been very confident while they sent the message each time.

This bunch of people. Either they are very very much confident of themselves that they refuse to double check anywhere else to confirm their knowledge. Or they are cheap thrillers by trying to test luck by ham-tam-ing any answer that came to their mind first. Or they don't regard that pathetic few tens of cents charged significant in their lives. Or they are damn bloody risk takers. Or they are what any lousy economy would love, the spenders who would turn on the economy. Whatever.

2009-01-24T13:05:00.002+08:00

Clearly the past two weeks had been a much 'fullfilling' period which left me no time to update here. Let's try and do a simple quick recap here, apart from work itself.

Fostering closer ties with colleagues. Ok I know I'm not to mention about work but I guess fostering relationships, albeit at workplace, has nothing to do with work. There was an influx of new colleagues few months back. And I supposed these few months were a good gauge for me to determine who are the ones whom are worth my effort to delve into a deeper relationship with. For starters, I really appreciate the way I look now. Coupled with the volume of my vocals, I do not get the luxury of making very good friends right from first impression, which is fantastic for me given that first impression are usually a big bad wolf in disguise.

Strengthening the bond with certain someones. The first one threw a tantrum like an idiotic cry baby and got me slightly cheesed off. But it takes two hands to make a clapping sound, so I guess I have to be responsible for playing a part in igniting your temper as well. I'm glad both of us did not persist in making a big fuss and continue to love each other. I certainly cannot bear the thought of knocking it out with you. The second one, how should I put it... The fact you bother to speak and share the truth with me tell me something about the level of trust we own in this relationship. I am very appreciative of your trust in me and all I can do is to cross my fingers that I'll never get myself drunk and start uttering nonsense. Haha.

Steering clear of DOM aka Dirty Old Man. Have been making conscious efforts to be out of sight, out of path, out of universe such that I do not have to endure uninviting troubles.

Stepping afoot onto the offshore islands of Singapore, which is none other than Sentosa. Haha. Crap a load, I know. It was an outing with the elderly and I guess I enjoyed myself in the capacity as a volunteer, participant.

Going forward,the next two months are going to be an even more 'fulfilling' period. Thou shalt emerge triumphant!

2009-01-12T18:50:00.002+08:00

The sight was comical. It's been some time since I last got on a train heading home at 6 plus in the evening. Therefore the sight at the interchange was amusing to me. Different from the morning counterpart where commuters in the morning are considerate enough to think of those who always got left behind by the train if the space in the middle of the cabin is not fully utilised. The off-work crowd literally crowded around the door area, leaving the entire middle space empty with sufficient air flow for the sitting ones and creating overdues on the platform. It's plain pathetic to see everyone squeezing at the door end as though all possible space is taken up but the big clear window displays will tell anyone who got left behind on the platform that's not the case. Plain disgusting. Lucky I was not among the unlucky ones.