Disappointment is a sort of bankruptcy — the bankruptcy of a soul that expends too much in hope and expectation.
~Eric Hoffer
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Mojo
Good god.. my creative juices are dwindling...
(Sweet?) November came and went and all I managed was a pseudo-post.
Pathetic....
Procrastination be gone! Expelliarmus!!
No point crying over spilt milk.
December is the time to make merry and party our hearts out before the dreadful New Year commences.
(Sweet?) November came and went and all I managed was a pseudo-post.
Pathetic....
Procrastination be gone! Expelliarmus!!
No point crying over spilt milk.
December is the time to make merry and party our hearts out before the dreadful New Year commences.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Oktober Octobre
Oh dear October... no other month of the year is as special to me than you...
But what a dismal showing with only 2 posts.
I have let you down.
October has seen the strongest rally in a month this year amidst the global financial turmoil.
Trivia:
In common years January starts on the same day of the week as October, but no other month starts on the same day of the week as October in leap years. October ends on the same day of the week as February every year and January in common years only. In leap years, October starts on the same day as August of the previous year. Wikipedia
Teehee :)
But what a dismal showing with only 2 posts.
I have let you down.
October has seen the strongest rally in a month this year amidst the global financial turmoil.
Trivia:
In common years January starts on the same day of the week as October, but no other month starts on the same day of the week as October in leap years. October ends on the same day of the week as February every year and January in common years only. In leap years, October starts on the same day as August of the previous year. Wikipedia
Teehee :)
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
One man and a baby
 |
| At Iza's place |
Kate Spade in pink
My new pinky polka dotty Kate Spade iphone cover. I got it online at $10 coz I spotted the same one selling at a pushcart along change alley for $23! haha ;P
Friday, September 23, 2011
Thursday, September 8, 2011
FF!
I decided to join Fitness First after Aloysius kept extolling the benefits of exercising, which were beyond physical. Plus this Gym was above the rest.. unlike the market called Cali or the con-job True.
Previously, I had to sign up for a Personal Trainer to get a body fat analysis done.
What?!
Whereas I can do it everyday at FF. Yeap, we're on initials-basis now. BFF haha
Just to keep mysef in check, I thought I post my body composition analyzer results here as a log.
I might lose this crumpled piece of paper..
First of all, this might not be accurate. I was just standing on this weighing machine.
Secondly, the lady told me that I should have done this before my workout to get a better reading.
(But I did replenish my fluids before this.)
My height could be wrong, since they just took my word for it.
My mechanical weighing scale at home has been giving me 42-43kg. Although, I am short-sighted haha.
Happily thinking that I could just gorge myself with junk.
Seems like my happy thoughts worked? or not!
I'm closer to 45kg than I thought.
Which previously gave me a guilty relief that I didn't qualify for blood donation drives ;P that dreadful monster of a needle!
Oh well, thankfully, MTVAsia was showing K-POP MTVs. Those babes with toned gams and tight buns keep me reminded of my ultimate goal. hah!
Previously, I had to sign up for a Personal Trainer to get a body fat analysis done.
What?!
Whereas I can do it everyday at FF. Yeap, we're on initials-basis now. BFF haha
Just to keep mysef in check, I thought I post my body composition analyzer results here as a log.
I might lose this crumpled piece of paper..
 | |
| 17.1% ? Surely? |
Secondly, the lady told me that I should have done this before my workout to get a better reading.
(But I did replenish my fluids before this.)
My height could be wrong, since they just took my word for it.
My mechanical weighing scale at home has been giving me 42-43kg. Although, I am short-sighted haha.
Happily thinking that I could just gorge myself with junk.
Seems like my happy thoughts worked? or not!
I'm closer to 45kg than I thought.
Which previously gave me a guilty relief that I didn't qualify for blood donation drives ;P that dreadful monster of a needle!
Oh well, thankfully, MTVAsia was showing K-POP MTVs. Those babes with toned gams and tight buns keep me reminded of my ultimate goal. hah!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Confessions of a Shopaholic!
I.
Need.
Some.
Intervention.
Someone sign me up for shopaholic anonymous!
Goodness.
Let's see, I just got pink-spired by Katy Perry and Olivia Ong (spotted those M&M nails on Yi en too!)
Don't you just love the UBU purple eye defining brush and fuchsia stippling brush, 20% off at Watsons, I spotted these just beside Eco Tools Makeup Brushes. (rare find in SG!) As much as I would love to get ET brushes, the crazy girl wants it pink! And there were cheaper heh.. Will these bring me closer to the youtube make-up gurus? Erm I'm still pretty clueless ;P
Last night, Aloysius and I discovered how hip Cineleisure turned out to be. Thanks to Sebastian who posted in FB the cooly pink hello kitty hi-cut sneakers from VANS. A shopaholic will do what she gotta do. Make a beeline for it!
Alas, the smallest size was 2 sizes too big for me, they only had it in 39 when i'm a 37. Boohoo ;(
Still, that wasn't an excuse not to spend some $$ .. ahem ;X
My spoils for the day:
Since we're on the subject of shopping, we were away at Malacca 2 weekends ago. It was cheap cheap cheap! (this is Singaporean speak when we're traveling abroad)
Well folks, this is just the tip of the iceberg.
You have been warned!
Need.
Some.
Intervention.
Someone sign me up for shopaholic anonymous!
Goodness.
Let's see, I just got pink-spired by Katy Perry and Olivia Ong (spotted those M&M nails on Yi en too!)
 | |
| Fuchsia Nail Polish with Drama Queen and Picture Perfect! |
Last night, Aloysius and I discovered how hip Cineleisure turned out to be. Thanks to Sebastian who posted in FB the cooly pink hello kitty hi-cut sneakers from VANS. A shopaholic will do what she gotta do. Make a beeline for it!
Alas, the smallest size was 2 sizes too big for me, they only had it in 39 when i'm a 37. Boohoo ;(
Still, that wasn't an excuse not to spend some $$ .. ahem ;X
My spoils for the day:
 |
| Party like a ROCKSTAR!! it's $19 from the ultra-hip Rockstar by Soon Lee shop |
 | ||
| I got this and another similar sexier top which has bigger holes than fabric haha from FemmeX @$17.50 |
 |
| Smart Chicks Rule, a cheap and chick T that Aloysius chose for me at the fave FOS ;D |
 | |
| Got this sweet little tank top from a street stall along Jonker Street going for RM7 for 2!! Why did i only get 1? haha |
 |
| I chanced upon Public Library Tees at FOS (Sex and the City series), cool or what! Going for only RM33?! And hidden shly behind those Tees were Tokidoki Hello Kitty in PINK and in SMALL size. I was feeling as gleeful as a bee :D |
Well folks, this is just the tip of the iceberg.
You have been warned!
Let's give it up for August!
It has been decided, August is the month of the year 2011!
Such an unprecedented occurrence since the dawning of my blog.
We have seen not 13, not 14 but *drumroll* 15 blog entries! Woot!
September 2010 finished closely with 13 entries but that was when things just got started and I was just releasing the pent-up inspiration?! haha
Dear August, this song is just for you <3
Such an unprecedented occurrence since the dawning of my blog.
We have seen not 13, not 14 but *drumroll* 15 blog entries! Woot!
September 2010 finished closely with 13 entries but that was when things just got started and I was just releasing the pent-up inspiration?! haha
Dear August, this song is just for you <3
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Gone in 20mins!
 | |||||||||||
| fo shizzle my nizzle? |
MTD jobless reports have been the highest in a month.
BOFA is involved in a legal tussle.
Bloomberg's headline reads: US Stocks Tumble on Global Growth concerns and showing a picture of distressed dealers with a head of white or no hair at all.
Oh and DJI and S&P 500 lost over 4% in the 1st hour of trading.
I must be going bonkers to even think of embarking on this!
My broker probably doesn't take me seriously at all, well, he did make quite a tidy commission from me this month.
The squinty eye candy man and smurfs
Oh and before this post I had spicy popcorn chicken. Plus a donut for brekkie and fried wanton noodles for lunch.
Goodness gracious, I'm no closer to Nicole Scherzinger's body :S
 |
| The giants mocked the smurfs and tried to gatecrash the smurfs' party! |
Oh and I spotted this amusing scene amidst the smurfs' soccer game!
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Monday, August 15, 2011
In retrospect
My eyes were like saucers at 2115 when I got confused with the SGX timings, I gobbled a Magnum Almond in minutes to calm my jitters.
Watching the numbers dance from 7.43 (pre-market) 7.35 7.42 7.53 7.57.
My pulse was racing and my palms were sweaty while fighting the impulse to hit the Buy at 7.35-7.38.
The NYSE ain't for the weak-hearted and buttery fingers.
In retrospect, what were the events and conclusions that could have foreseen this jump?
Bloomberg reported that Stock futures were up.
BAC is liquidating it's Canadian CC division, relieving itself of $1.1 billion in debt and $8-9 billion in assets?
Google is acquiring Motorola Mobility, allowing Nokia Corp to jump on the bandwagon.
Luck + Timing + Courage + Emotional Detachment + Diligence
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Its not me ..its you
Oh and just so you know, since you provoked me. You are in no position to decide when to end this.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
I can't sleep so I write...
Call it a psychological catharsis.
I close my eyes and my mind instinctively does a mental 'stock-take' of the events that occurred earlier in the day or even before that.
I was at MBFC and was surprised to find a Spinelli's at Standard Chartered on the 21st Floor.
This random Indian Brit in the Q tried to be friendly and cool with me but I wasn't in the mood, I just muttered that I was having a Green Tea Latte.
Turns out he's one of Aloysius' business contacts.
Back to that Green Tea Latte which was sub-par and had a blueberry in it?
I had it at around 3+, which is way beyond my caffeine threshold.
Even so, I decided to finish it since we were expected to work late. (Although I wasn't informed earlier of the change of plans.)
Backtrack to the morning hours.
I woke up to DJI, S&P 500 and Europe closed in Green.
Citi was up more than 10%, BOA closed 7.6.
Naturally the herd mentality would trigger a domino effect across the other side of the globe. No?
I was eager to get out of bed to enter my Q to buy.
Grogginess and rashness got the better of me, forgetting that STI ain't no DJI.
The response was retarded and STI was truly and literally a little red dot amidst the sea of green at the market close.
What happened the night before?
I was studying the Time Value of Money:
Annuities, Future Value, Present Value, Effective Interest Rate, Nominal Interest Rate, Compounding Periods and a darn cuckoo calculator that wouldn't compute the right numbers.
Backtrack backtrack..
We woke up at 0700 and left for ECP at 0800.
We reached Macdonalds at 0845.
The time clocked 0900 and no one was in sight.
Previously, if we were late, we would get a earful.
Using this example, the lecture would go like this (in Chinese): "We were supposed to meet at 0900 not 0930." (ending with a singlish suffix)
Of course we would apologize.
No apologies from anyone this time round, except from Esther though.
The waiting around and eating was forgettable.
Lip-service awkward conversation was the call of the day.
Aloysius often told me, these friends were the most genuine people that he knows.
That's why he trusts them.
Never did we expect to be proven wrong.
And my backspace key is making a strange sound.
The worse can always happen.
Double-dip recession.
Lies and Betrayal.
Blueberry in my green tea.
Murphy's Law?
I maybe angry but I'm true and Cash is Sovereign.
I would get dirt on my hands for you.
I would skin my knees for you.
I would shed tears of joy for you.
I don't expect to be return in kind but I implore you not to:
Hide the truth to protect your reputation.
Defend yourself just to ease your guilt.
Take me for granted.
It's 0111 hours.
I'm restless, sleepy and less frustrated.
He was seething with anger before, but above all, he's disappointed and hurt.
The two things that I (will always bear in mind) have learned about him (the tough way): Never Judge Him. Never Take him for Granted.
Simple principles, though it took me more than 2 years to have this etched in my mind.
He would go to the ends of the world for his friends.
Even though he knows they might not return the favour.
This doesn't stop him from doing so, he told me.
The only clause, is the deal-breaker.
I can't protect him because he's stronger than me.
The world is on the brink of another meltdown, yet some choose to get embroiled in such trivial and meddlesome 'wtf'? (it's the best adjective I could conjure at this time)
Mr Bloomberg is one of them.
He isn't getting the bigger picture.
All your doom and gloom reports won't do yourself any favours.
A King is nothing without it's people.
If Wall Street is going bust, there won't be any New York to Mayor.
Disclaimer: This post is a result of restlessness, insomnia and randomness. If you've got your wits, take it with a pinch of salt and a dark sense of humour, read in between the lines if you would. Even if you haven't got the decent IQ, a big heart would do just fine. Else, this space just isn't meant for you.
I close my eyes and my mind instinctively does a mental 'stock-take' of the events that occurred earlier in the day or even before that.
I was at MBFC and was surprised to find a Spinelli's at Standard Chartered on the 21st Floor.
This random Indian Brit in the Q tried to be friendly and cool with me but I wasn't in the mood, I just muttered that I was having a Green Tea Latte.
Turns out he's one of Aloysius' business contacts.
Back to that Green Tea Latte which was sub-par and had a blueberry in it?
I had it at around 3+, which is way beyond my caffeine threshold.
Even so, I decided to finish it since we were expected to work late. (Although I wasn't informed earlier of the change of plans.)
Backtrack to the morning hours.
I woke up to DJI, S&P 500 and Europe closed in Green.
Citi was up more than 10%, BOA closed 7.6.
Naturally the herd mentality would trigger a domino effect across the other side of the globe. No?
I was eager to get out of bed to enter my Q to buy.
Grogginess and rashness got the better of me, forgetting that STI ain't no DJI.
The response was retarded and STI was truly and literally a little red dot amidst the sea of green at the market close.
What happened the night before?
I was studying the Time Value of Money:
Annuities, Future Value, Present Value, Effective Interest Rate, Nominal Interest Rate, Compounding Periods and a darn cuckoo calculator that wouldn't compute the right numbers.
Backtrack backtrack..
We woke up at 0700 and left for ECP at 0800.
We reached Macdonalds at 0845.
The time clocked 0900 and no one was in sight.
Previously, if we were late, we would get a earful.
Using this example, the lecture would go like this (in Chinese): "We were supposed to meet at 0900 not 0930." (ending with a singlish suffix)
Of course we would apologize.
No apologies from anyone this time round, except from Esther though.
The waiting around and eating was forgettable.
Lip-service awkward conversation was the call of the day.
Aloysius often told me, these friends were the most genuine people that he knows.
That's why he trusts them.
Never did we expect to be proven wrong.
And my backspace key is making a strange sound.
The worse can always happen.
Double-dip recession.
Lies and Betrayal.
Blueberry in my green tea.
Murphy's Law?
I maybe angry but I'm true and Cash is Sovereign.
I would get dirt on my hands for you.
I would skin my knees for you.
I would shed tears of joy for you.
I don't expect to be return in kind but I implore you not to:
Hide the truth to protect your reputation.
Defend yourself just to ease your guilt.
Take me for granted.
It's 0111 hours.
I'm restless, sleepy and less frustrated.
He was seething with anger before, but above all, he's disappointed and hurt.
The two things that I (will always bear in mind) have learned about him (the tough way): Never Judge Him. Never Take him for Granted.
Simple principles, though it took me more than 2 years to have this etched in my mind.
He would go to the ends of the world for his friends.
Even though he knows they might not return the favour.
This doesn't stop him from doing so, he told me.
The only clause, is the deal-breaker.
I can't protect him because he's stronger than me.
The world is on the brink of another meltdown, yet some choose to get embroiled in such trivial and meddlesome 'wtf'? (it's the best adjective I could conjure at this time)
Mr Bloomberg is one of them.
He isn't getting the bigger picture.
All your doom and gloom reports won't do yourself any favours.
A King is nothing without it's people.
If Wall Street is going bust, there won't be any New York to Mayor.
Disclaimer: This post is a result of restlessness, insomnia and randomness. If you've got your wits, take it with a pinch of salt and a dark sense of humour, read in between the lines if you would. Even if you haven't got the decent IQ, a big heart would do just fine. Else, this space just isn't meant for you.
YZJ FML
Back to square one!
I was too rash and too optimistic!
But it did get me out of bed.
The learning points were:
Wait and See.
There will always be opportunities.
Cash is King!
I was too rash and too optimistic!
But it did get me out of bed.
The learning points were:
Wait and See.
There will always be opportunities.
Cash is King!
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Revelation
You may call it a revelation, enlightenment or just a sore reminder.
There times in life when you're put to the test and emerge stronger or weaker.
The choice is yours to determine if you want to take the lemons that life throws at you to make lemonades or be at the mercy of fate.
Alot has happened recently, and I admit I may not have handled it in the best possible way.
Allowing my emotions and expectations to get the better of me.
Well, thanks to Randy Pausch's Last Lecture.
He reminded me that most of us get caught up in going through the motions and not to pause and reflect on the whole scheme of things.
We should seize the moments that we have because once it's lost, you can never get it back.
Live your dreams.
Take a leap of faith.
Forgive and Forget.
Life is too short and precious to harbour any grudges.
True friends are like an extended family you wish you had.
Before it's too late.
Let's start over again and make it right ;D
There times in life when you're put to the test and emerge stronger or weaker.
The choice is yours to determine if you want to take the lemons that life throws at you to make lemonades or be at the mercy of fate.
Alot has happened recently, and I admit I may not have handled it in the best possible way.
Allowing my emotions and expectations to get the better of me.
Well, thanks to Randy Pausch's Last Lecture.
He reminded me that most of us get caught up in going through the motions and not to pause and reflect on the whole scheme of things.
We should seize the moments that we have because once it's lost, you can never get it back.
Live your dreams.
Take a leap of faith.
Forgive and Forget.
Life is too short and precious to harbour any grudges.
True friends are like an extended family you wish you had.
Before it's too late.
Let's start over again and make it right ;D
Friday, August 5, 2011
Hello World
Hello readers of my blog, you're an endangered species.
I can't guarantee that you won't go extinct but I'll try my best to prolong your lifetime.
Just so you know this blog is not private (yet).
This establishes the fact that my words are for everyone and that I have nothing to hide.
I may log in once in a while to post something nonsensical or I may simply vent my frustrations with half-past 6 grammar, although you might catch a rare glimpse of a few truly inspirational pieces (haha!)
If you take offense to what I've posted here or in facebook, I would gladly like to hear from you.
An artist doesn't improve without his(her) critics.
I do implore you to refrain from misunderstanding me, speaking behind my back and judging me unless you're the perfect being, if so I would kneel at your feet.
I may just be typing to myself here, but if you're out there.. somewhere... you have my love <3
I can't guarantee that you won't go extinct but I'll try my best to prolong your lifetime.
Just so you know this blog is not private (yet).
This establishes the fact that my words are for everyone and that I have nothing to hide.
I may log in once in a while to post something nonsensical or I may simply vent my frustrations with half-past 6 grammar, although you might catch a rare glimpse of a few truly inspirational pieces (haha!)
If you take offense to what I've posted here or in facebook, I would gladly like to hear from you.
An artist doesn't improve without his(her) critics.
I do implore you to refrain from misunderstanding me, speaking behind my back and judging me unless you're the perfect being, if so I would kneel at your feet.
I may just be typing to myself here, but if you're out there.. somewhere... you have my love <3
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Unravelling
The bricks had started to crumble on the 7th of July.
It's the 4th of August today, and the debris has lain on the ground while everyone else chooses to be a spectator while we try to figure out who should start patching the wreck.
The perpetrator tries to hide behind the veil of sympathy and victimization while another hypocrite instigates the flames of dissent and allows her own resentment manifest itself onto another.
Why do I even allow myself to get infuriated?
Why do I even care?
My show of concern and enthusiasm has been misinterpreted as "Envy" and "Over-Excitement".
So my intentions were purely selfish and my actions were the means to fulfill a personal agenda which I'm still curious to know?
Seriously?!
Possessions? Let 's see, you know less about money than I do, otherwise you wouldn't be struggling in that dead-end job. period.
Qualities? You have a degree and so do I but I reckon my school is more prestigious than yours. Back to the former point where in spite of your qualifications, you chose the easy way out. Envy? You mean contempt. Contempt for people who do not try and who live in their bubble of contentment and fear. People who choose to transit through life without a fight.
We can confidently conclude that you're severely lacking in the cerebral department.
Your looks? Yes, you're tall, neither am I short. You're slim, so am I. You have nice facial features, but I put in more effort than you to enhance my looks. Seriously, you can't dress-up to save your life.
It's a consensus.
Your voice, you mean croak. Enough said.
Your heart of gold? *laugh* you diss others who have no ill-intention towards you and you allow your own selfish demons to control you without sparing the thought of your other half.
Every time you have a "relapse" you push him away and doubt him and you go running to A for help.
EACH TIME.
He's one of the nicest guys I know and it's evident because his whole family is so open and warm. It is in their nature and yet you took it for granted and push your luck. And there's no way that he can fight back because this is how he is. He is always the nice guy. That good-natured heart is starting to get tainted and abused.
Luck?
I agree, you are lucky. Lucky that you have a friend like A to watch out for you, to be a confidant to your mess-up life. To introduce you his best friend to have a happy sane family together. EACH TIME, you get into trouble, you turn to him and he's always there to listen. Of course I'm envious. Because A chooses his friends carefully. Any girl is lucky to be his best friend's wife.
That's what got me furious.
How can you not cherish the people close to you and who genuinely want you both to be happy.
Why do I even care?
A never lost his temper at his best friend, no matter what. He may lose his temper with me or his family but he will never do it to his buddy.
He may nag, he may gripe, but he will always smile and always give his all for his friends.
This is the first time, I ever saw him so angry and hurt by his friend.
Why am I so happy for his best friend's big day?
It's not a posh hotel, there's no caviar or shark's fin or bubbly, I'm not even the bridesmaid or best-man (duh).
Why? Because I know how tumultuous it has been for the 2 of you, everyone knows it wasn't an easy journey. And to come full-circle and finally take the bold step to the next stage in life, it's a moment that's worth celebrating and genuinely be glad for. His best friend is like the brother that A never had.
How joyous it was at his house on the big day.
How painful it was at the hospital.
You probably don't know this but we were pretty into how i met your mother.
There was a scene when Lily and Marshall envisioned how their group of friends will grow old together, sitting at the porch in their rocking chairs with a head of silver hair.
That was what we all envisioned when we encouraged everyone to get a place in Punggol.
So that we can grow old together as friends and neighbours.
But there is no point in that now is there?
P.S. The above is based on Yuxiang's "explaination" on how the mess started. However, he insisted that no one else should know about this while he pretended all is fine and dandy. How gravely he has underestimated Aloysius.
It's the 4th of August today, and the debris has lain on the ground while everyone else chooses to be a spectator while we try to figure out who should start patching the wreck.
The perpetrator tries to hide behind the veil of sympathy and victimization while another hypocrite instigates the flames of dissent and allows her own resentment manifest itself onto another.
Why do I even allow myself to get infuriated?
Why do I even care?
My show of concern and enthusiasm has been misinterpreted as "Envy" and "Over-Excitement".
So my intentions were purely selfish and my actions were the means to fulfill a personal agenda which I'm still curious to know?
Seriously?!
en·vy/ˈenvē/
Noun: A feeling of discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone else's possessions, qualities, or luckPossessions? Let 's see, you know less about money than I do, otherwise you wouldn't be struggling in that dead-end job. period.
Qualities? You have a degree and so do I but I reckon my school is more prestigious than yours. Back to the former point where in spite of your qualifications, you chose the easy way out. Envy? You mean contempt. Contempt for people who do not try and who live in their bubble of contentment and fear. People who choose to transit through life without a fight.
We can confidently conclude that you're severely lacking in the cerebral department.
Your looks? Yes, you're tall, neither am I short. You're slim, so am I. You have nice facial features, but I put in more effort than you to enhance my looks. Seriously, you can't dress-up to save your life.
It's a consensus.
Your voice, you mean croak. Enough said.
Your heart of gold? *laugh* you diss others who have no ill-intention towards you and you allow your own selfish demons to control you without sparing the thought of your other half.
Every time you have a "relapse" you push him away and doubt him and you go running to A for help.
EACH TIME.
He's one of the nicest guys I know and it's evident because his whole family is so open and warm. It is in their nature and yet you took it for granted and push your luck. And there's no way that he can fight back because this is how he is. He is always the nice guy. That good-natured heart is starting to get tainted and abused.
Luck?
I agree, you are lucky. Lucky that you have a friend like A to watch out for you, to be a confidant to your mess-up life. To introduce you his best friend to have a happy sane family together. EACH TIME, you get into trouble, you turn to him and he's always there to listen. Of course I'm envious. Because A chooses his friends carefully. Any girl is lucky to be his best friend's wife.
That's what got me furious.
How can you not cherish the people close to you and who genuinely want you both to be happy.
Why do I even care?
A never lost his temper at his best friend, no matter what. He may lose his temper with me or his family but he will never do it to his buddy.
He may nag, he may gripe, but he will always smile and always give his all for his friends.
This is the first time, I ever saw him so angry and hurt by his friend.
Why am I so happy for his best friend's big day?
It's not a posh hotel, there's no caviar or shark's fin or bubbly, I'm not even the bridesmaid or best-man (duh).
Why? Because I know how tumultuous it has been for the 2 of you, everyone knows it wasn't an easy journey. And to come full-circle and finally take the bold step to the next stage in life, it's a moment that's worth celebrating and genuinely be glad for. His best friend is like the brother that A never had.
How joyous it was at his house on the big day.
How painful it was at the hospital.
You probably don't know this but we were pretty into how i met your mother.
There was a scene when Lily and Marshall envisioned how their group of friends will grow old together, sitting at the porch in their rocking chairs with a head of silver hair.
That was what we all envisioned when we encouraged everyone to get a place in Punggol.
So that we can grow old together as friends and neighbours.
But there is no point in that now is there?
P.S. The above is based on Yuxiang's "explaination" on how the mess started. However, he insisted that no one else should know about this while he pretended all is fine and dandy. How gravely he has underestimated Aloysius.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Animal Farm
The third-class bitch started barking and biting off more than she can chew.
Apparently she started a grand mess and shirk all responsibility.
How do you make the bitch stop and feed on her own crap?
Apparently she started a grand mess and shirk all responsibility.
How do you make the bitch stop and feed on her own crap?
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Adventures of the Favourite Kind
During Lunch Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeee....!
 |
| Eight treasures tea at $3.80 a pop and served in luke-warm water?! |
 |
| Scrumptious Xiao Long Bao.. the only other saving grace |
 |
| Super Spicy and Greasy.. tongue-numbing Sichuan Pepper Eel |
 |
| The oddity of rice-krispies with savoury seafood sauce.. ermm it's called Crispy Rice Bubble here |
 | ||||||||||||
| 900 feet above sea level |
Verdict: Only for expense accounts, and I hardly felt on top of the world.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011
If only...
... I could turn back time...
................ If only I could save what I still had....
If...
Only...
I Could...
................ If only I could save what I still had....
If...
Only...
I Could...
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
The Psuedo Blasphemer
I hereby proclaim the mid month of the year not a period of balance and congruency, rather, celebrate the underdog of ironies and oxymorons.
Such as ....a Gay-Beng.
Go Figure!
Such as ....a Gay-Beng.
Go Figure!
Monday, June 20, 2011
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
The Beginning of the End
21st May 2011 has come and gone, unlike the prediction of the doomsayers, the birds are still chirping, the sun is still shining (hotter than ever) and the monkeys are still terrorizing humans for food (evolution happening right at our own backyard). Signs of the apocalypse were not evident, however, that doesn't signify that it will not happen. The worse is not over because the worse hasn't been realised. Much has been speculated about the end of times since the dawn of the previous millennium. Every now and then, self-proclaimed doomsday prophets would posit their bizarre theories, however, this theory can only be proven true when life cease to exists. Who then, would be there to crown the winner? Do we spot a Catch 22 situation here?
In Christianity, the end times was synonymous with the judgment day of humanity. The Rapture will be a day where the believers will be caught up to heaven to be with Christ, whereas judgment will be cast on the rest.
In popular culture, alien invasion has been the trend for the world to end, and it usually starts in a major city in US, naturally so since that's where the movies are made. If you have been following my blog, you would recall that I did mention that all we need is Will Smith to save the world Haha.
And who hasn't heard of Nostradamus, his documentation of quatrains has lead many to believe that he predicted the worldwide catastrophic events. Purely a logical fallacy of cause and effect?
The only true prophecy is a self-fulfilling one, whereby humans being weak-willed would believe any plausible theory and thus in effect alter their behaviour to lead to that outcome.
This being said, would fear, eventually lead to the downfall of the human race? So how do we overcome ourselves?
If we succeed, would it lead to the immortality of the Earth and it's living creatures all big and small?
The planet Earth is physical matter just like everything else in the Universe. In theory, infinity is possible, theories are merely words and numbers, created by Man.
Humans may be the most sophisticated being that walked on this Earth, but we are not alone. Flora and fauna complete the Eco System and each creature has it's role to play. Modernity and industrial progress has upset this delicate balance of nature that has been forged through eons of evolution; the adverse effects of our plundering may not be immediate however the realization may arrive too late. Science has long taken over religion as the ruling ethos of society. However, human nature does not change with the times, the obsession of power and greed hasn't lessen. It's just manifested in different even more complex forms. How does one make use of Science to weld power as the religious leaders did in ancient times? By amassing the most resources and in turn monopolizing the most advanced technology feasible. Nuclear warheads and biological warfare (pure evil) are probably at the head of this game.
Although, I've forgotten what I've learned about particle physics but clearly the use of nuclear energy seems more fatal than beneficial. Apparently, the countries (the usual suspects) seem to be competing against each other on who has the most resources to manufacture weapons of mass destruction.
Why would anyone want to split the fundamental building block of matter?! It's like a curious toddler experimenting every toy with his teeth and hurting himself in the process.. duh?
Although I'm not starting a Green movement like dining in the dark or hugging every tree. I admit I'm a tissue paper monster, and this terrible habit has got to go! So I'm threading with baby steps here :)
One thing I know for sure that when Man thinks that he can play God, he is just thwarting the course of nature. Lest we forget that we are just an inconsequential speck in the Universe. Once Man believes that we are at the top of the food chain, Nature is not going to relent to this provocation and that will be the beginning of the end.
You can't choose when or how when you will die, but you can choose how to live.
So ask yourself, if the world would come to an end tomorrow, how would you live your life?
In Christianity, the end times was synonymous with the judgment day of humanity. The Rapture will be a day where the believers will be caught up to heaven to be with Christ, whereas judgment will be cast on the rest.
In popular culture, alien invasion has been the trend for the world to end, and it usually starts in a major city in US, naturally so since that's where the movies are made. If you have been following my blog, you would recall that I did mention that all we need is Will Smith to save the world Haha.
And who hasn't heard of Nostradamus, his documentation of quatrains has lead many to believe that he predicted the worldwide catastrophic events. Purely a logical fallacy of cause and effect?
The only true prophecy is a self-fulfilling one, whereby humans being weak-willed would believe any plausible theory and thus in effect alter their behaviour to lead to that outcome.
This being said, would fear, eventually lead to the downfall of the human race? So how do we overcome ourselves?
If we succeed, would it lead to the immortality of the Earth and it's living creatures all big and small?
The planet Earth is physical matter just like everything else in the Universe. In theory, infinity is possible, theories are merely words and numbers, created by Man.
Humans may be the most sophisticated being that walked on this Earth, but we are not alone. Flora and fauna complete the Eco System and each creature has it's role to play. Modernity and industrial progress has upset this delicate balance of nature that has been forged through eons of evolution; the adverse effects of our plundering may not be immediate however the realization may arrive too late. Science has long taken over religion as the ruling ethos of society. However, human nature does not change with the times, the obsession of power and greed hasn't lessen. It's just manifested in different even more complex forms. How does one make use of Science to weld power as the religious leaders did in ancient times? By amassing the most resources and in turn monopolizing the most advanced technology feasible. Nuclear warheads and biological warfare (pure evil) are probably at the head of this game.
Although, I've forgotten what I've learned about particle physics but clearly the use of nuclear energy seems more fatal than beneficial. Apparently, the countries (the usual suspects) seem to be competing against each other on who has the most resources to manufacture weapons of mass destruction.
Why would anyone want to split the fundamental building block of matter?! It's like a curious toddler experimenting every toy with his teeth and hurting himself in the process.. duh?
Although I'm not starting a Green movement like dining in the dark or hugging every tree. I admit I'm a tissue paper monster, and this terrible habit has got to go! So I'm threading with baby steps here :)
One thing I know for sure that when Man thinks that he can play God, he is just thwarting the course of nature. Lest we forget that we are just an inconsequential speck in the Universe. Once Man believes that we are at the top of the food chain, Nature is not going to relent to this provocation and that will be the beginning of the end.
You can't choose when or how when you will die, but you can choose how to live.
So ask yourself, if the world would come to an end tomorrow, how would you live your life?
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
My fellow Singaporeans
Since stumbling into adulthood, I have never thought I would address my countrymen and countrywomen as such.
Back during my school days while I was still wide-eyed and innocent, wearing a school uniform gave me an identity. Singing the national anthem and reciting the national pledge at every morning assembly instilled in us that we should never forget who we are.
This daily routine however, was long forgotten once I've entered NUS. My concerns were far from what I can do for my country or what my country can do for me. Fortunately, by virtue of my gender I didn't have to serve NS. Although it made men out of boys, it didn't exactly make any of them more willing to die for their country. Conversely, these men questioned the rationale for NS when PRs and foreign talent were not required to serve their national duty. Furthermore, if war breaks out, does it mean that our natives have to defend the immigrants? When it comes to the crunch, where do the true-blue Singaporeans stand?
What is it that binds us together as one?
What is our national identity? The Flag? The Orchid? The Merlion? Singlish? Complaining? Chilli-Crab?
For the teenage me, it was the national pledge that vaguely gave me a sense of national identity. As powerful as the national anthem is when our voices resonate in harmony with the orchestral fanfare, it was however in Malay. Which was none of my learned languages.
The pledge however, by sheer memory through endless repetition, never fails to overwhelm my heart with pride whenever I recited it during the National Day celebrations accompanied with the instrumental background.
This was lost as the years past, when selling your time for money was the only way to carve out a living in the vicious rat race. We were all saddled with debts even prior to joining the workforce, not including the privileged who's families have deep pockets to fund their education with ready cash. Indeed, we don't live to work, but sadly we have to work to live. Only the fittest survive and this is the mandate in the corporate world, which reveals the ugliest in everyone, backstabbing, boot-licking, manipulation, Donald Trump would definitely approve.
Somehow, our culture has enhanced this characteristic, where the government is always quick to control any anomaly or disparity, any individualism or critical thinking was nipped at the bud hard and fast. People became wary and selfish.
The fear of being unconventional and shame from drawing unwanted attention has been ingrained into us, which is typically an Asian trait. However, this has festered into near-paranoia whereby folks are afraid even to speak openly about the government; for fear of being secretly surveyed and that ninja ISD officials will pounce out of nowhere and arrest you?!
It all started on 28th April 2011, around 7:30 PM, I was at Hougang with Aloysius, walking to the Workers' Party Rally. There were throngs of people heading towards the Rally ground. We were barely approaching the stage and it was already packed to the edge of the field. However, we managed to maneuver through the crowd and find a spot nearer so that we could listen to the speakers. The anticipation while nearing the Rally was already bubbling. I was marvelling at the turn-out and the positive response of the people around me and amused at a few 'loudspeakers' shouting in tandem with the speakers as well as throwing in their own quips. There was no doubt however, that I felt something that was dormant for the longest time, the last inkling of which was during the National Day Parade.
This time round, we were not just spectators watching a show, we were involved, we had a real stake in the outcome. The show would not go own without the other.
There were people of all races and ages, people who rushed from the office, still decked in their working attire and munching their takeaway dinner while listening attentively. Sprightly old folks making their way to the front of the stage like groupies attending a rock concert.
Each time the speakers emphasized a point that addressed the common pains we have, everyone cheered in unison. The field was uneven and we could scarcely see the stage, furthermore it was a humid night, still, everyone stayed put. There was no network reception (SingTel) at all, those on the ground did not know the extent of the crowd. Although, I left after sometime when my back started to act up, I did climb 10 flight of stairs to the top of a nearby HDB block nonetheless to look for Sebastian and Ai Jia.
The view from above was jaw-dropping.
It was alive, it was real, it was awe-inspiring, it was stirring something in all of us, a political awakening, telling everyone that apathy is for fools. The time is now, for everyone to make their decision count, it is a grand time to be an eligible voter in Singapore (except for Tanjong Pagar).
This was just a start, it was like a political......"tsunami". It starts off as an earthquake beneath the surface and the tremors surged through the waters and magnifies exponentially as it approaches the shore. Everyone came together as one. We were drops of water in the vast ocean, almost insignificant. All the puny water droplets bonded by a collective force of the water current that could reach the height of buildings and destroy anything in its like.Together, we have the power to make a change!
I was awed by the WP's drive for a change, moved by the SPP's (Chiam See Tong) heart to reach out to the common folk, skeptical of the PAP's frills and last minute apology, very impressed and proud of (girl power!) NSP's (Nicole Seah) maturity and confidence and of course revolted by TPL's presence throughout the campaign period.
Each time I watch Chiam See Tong's Rallies and while attending his closing session at Bishan Stadium, I felt a lump in my throat. His approach was not of the offensive by tapping on the gripes of the masses, it was simple and sincere. He's humble and he's real, he expressed his love for his country and his people which is driving force all these years (more than a quarter of a century) despite of the odds against him. I was elated to know that he was contesting in my ward. Yet I was apprehensive that this might be his last election in view of his health condition. Speaking of which, each time he was on the podium, it was far from easy for him. On top of which he was attending walkabouts throughout the day. He had difficulty walking and standing upright, spoke slower than the rest and lesser as well but he had the most cheers and you could catch a glint of sparkle in his eye, which showed that he still had the passion to fight for his conviction.
I knew my decision, but on the morning of Polling Day I was feeling unsettled. My intuition was going out of sorts. I was saddled with emotion and almost teared, I was genuinely worried for Mr Chiam. Everyone could see that he was taking (a calculated?) risk, by leaving his beloved Potong Pasir to his wife's hands and venturing towards Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC. Being a Bishan resident for more than a decade, I knew very well, we're nothing like Potong Pasir. Bishan is a relatively new town, with not much history, culture or heritage to speak of except for having record-high HDB prices, which plainly spells out the type of folks that Bishan appeals to. Sigh..
It was too true...
Although I was present at Hougang Stadium to celebrate WP's victory,the atmosphere was like none other. Albeit it was with a heavy heart and mixed emotions, upon learning that Chiam See Tong has lost both Potong Pasir and Bishan-Toa Payoh. Was this the end of his legacy, since PAP taking over the helm allowed them to redraw the boundaries and thereby turning Potong Pasir to a GRC thus minimizing the opposition any chance to contest for it?
For 27 years, he was the lone-ranger in Parliament. The only minister without a comfy office at his town council, the only minister who had to fight for HDB upgrading in this town when it can be granted freely to the rest of the constituencies. His accolades might not be as fanciful as the other ministers but he might be the only one of his kind to touch the hearts of many beyond the boundaries of Potong Pasir.
The very next day, I scoured the trusty Internet (Facebook, Twitter and Yahoo news) for any updates on the aftermath of his lost.
He was quoted "Next time we will do better. We shall never surrender. In the end, we shall win the battle, we shall conquer. Thank you everybody for coming,"
Wow! Mr Chiam won me over again and deserves all my respect. He's a fighter till the very end. Spirit undampened in spite his age, physical condition and the setback of the polling results. Words could scarcely describe the respect and regard I have towards him.
He has emerged victorious in spite of the outcome of this election, he made a difference in not just in my life but everyone else. Venturing out of his comfort zone, he's fully aware that he might jeopardize his ministerial position. He has spread the word of democracy and hope across this country which was crippled with apathy.
He holds a pivotal role in this dawning of a new era. I hope that everyone will return the favour and continue his fight together for a better future for us. A future whereby everyone is engaged in the public arena, the interests of the greater good of the community is the focus of the public service and constructive political discourse is encouraged not shunned.
This is just the beginning of a new age.
Back during my school days while I was still wide-eyed and innocent, wearing a school uniform gave me an identity. Singing the national anthem and reciting the national pledge at every morning assembly instilled in us that we should never forget who we are.
This daily routine however, was long forgotten once I've entered NUS. My concerns were far from what I can do for my country or what my country can do for me. Fortunately, by virtue of my gender I didn't have to serve NS. Although it made men out of boys, it didn't exactly make any of them more willing to die for their country. Conversely, these men questioned the rationale for NS when PRs and foreign talent were not required to serve their national duty. Furthermore, if war breaks out, does it mean that our natives have to defend the immigrants? When it comes to the crunch, where do the true-blue Singaporeans stand?
What is it that binds us together as one?
What is our national identity? The Flag? The Orchid? The Merlion? Singlish? Complaining? Chilli-Crab?
For the teenage me, it was the national pledge that vaguely gave me a sense of national identity. As powerful as the national anthem is when our voices resonate in harmony with the orchestral fanfare, it was however in Malay. Which was none of my learned languages.
The pledge however, by sheer memory through endless repetition, never fails to overwhelm my heart with pride whenever I recited it during the National Day celebrations accompanied with the instrumental background.
This was lost as the years past, when selling your time for money was the only way to carve out a living in the vicious rat race. We were all saddled with debts even prior to joining the workforce, not including the privileged who's families have deep pockets to fund their education with ready cash. Indeed, we don't live to work, but sadly we have to work to live. Only the fittest survive and this is the mandate in the corporate world, which reveals the ugliest in everyone, backstabbing, boot-licking, manipulation, Donald Trump would definitely approve.
Somehow, our culture has enhanced this characteristic, where the government is always quick to control any anomaly or disparity, any individualism or critical thinking was nipped at the bud hard and fast. People became wary and selfish.
The fear of being unconventional and shame from drawing unwanted attention has been ingrained into us, which is typically an Asian trait. However, this has festered into near-paranoia whereby folks are afraid even to speak openly about the government; for fear of being secretly surveyed and that ninja ISD officials will pounce out of nowhere and arrest you?!
It all started on 28th April 2011, around 7:30 PM, I was at Hougang with Aloysius, walking to the Workers' Party Rally. There were throngs of people heading towards the Rally ground. We were barely approaching the stage and it was already packed to the edge of the field. However, we managed to maneuver through the crowd and find a spot nearer so that we could listen to the speakers. The anticipation while nearing the Rally was already bubbling. I was marvelling at the turn-out and the positive response of the people around me and amused at a few 'loudspeakers' shouting in tandem with the speakers as well as throwing in their own quips. There was no doubt however, that I felt something that was dormant for the longest time, the last inkling of which was during the National Day Parade.
This time round, we were not just spectators watching a show, we were involved, we had a real stake in the outcome. The show would not go own without the other.
There were people of all races and ages, people who rushed from the office, still decked in their working attire and munching their takeaway dinner while listening attentively. Sprightly old folks making their way to the front of the stage like groupies attending a rock concert.
Each time the speakers emphasized a point that addressed the common pains we have, everyone cheered in unison. The field was uneven and we could scarcely see the stage, furthermore it was a humid night, still, everyone stayed put. There was no network reception (SingTel) at all, those on the ground did not know the extent of the crowd. Although, I left after sometime when my back started to act up, I did climb 10 flight of stairs to the top of a nearby HDB block nonetheless to look for Sebastian and Ai Jia.
It was alive, it was real, it was awe-inspiring, it was stirring something in all of us, a political awakening, telling everyone that apathy is for fools. The time is now, for everyone to make their decision count, it is a grand time to be an eligible voter in Singapore (except for Tanjong Pagar).
This was just a start, it was like a political......"tsunami". It starts off as an earthquake beneath the surface and the tremors surged through the waters and magnifies exponentially as it approaches the shore. Everyone came together as one. We were drops of water in the vast ocean, almost insignificant. All the puny water droplets bonded by a collective force of the water current that could reach the height of buildings and destroy anything in its like.Together, we have the power to make a change!
I was awed by the WP's drive for a change, moved by the SPP's (Chiam See Tong) heart to reach out to the common folk, skeptical of the PAP's frills and last minute apology, very impressed and proud of (girl power!) NSP's (Nicole Seah) maturity and confidence and of course revolted by TPL's presence throughout the campaign period.
Each time I watch Chiam See Tong's Rallies and while attending his closing session at Bishan Stadium, I felt a lump in my throat. His approach was not of the offensive by tapping on the gripes of the masses, it was simple and sincere. He's humble and he's real, he expressed his love for his country and his people which is driving force all these years (more than a quarter of a century) despite of the odds against him. I was elated to know that he was contesting in my ward. Yet I was apprehensive that this might be his last election in view of his health condition. Speaking of which, each time he was on the podium, it was far from easy for him. On top of which he was attending walkabouts throughout the day. He had difficulty walking and standing upright, spoke slower than the rest and lesser as well but he had the most cheers and you could catch a glint of sparkle in his eye, which showed that he still had the passion to fight for his conviction.
I knew my decision, but on the morning of Polling Day I was feeling unsettled. My intuition was going out of sorts. I was saddled with emotion and almost teared, I was genuinely worried for Mr Chiam. Everyone could see that he was taking (a calculated?) risk, by leaving his beloved Potong Pasir to his wife's hands and venturing towards Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC. Being a Bishan resident for more than a decade, I knew very well, we're nothing like Potong Pasir. Bishan is a relatively new town, with not much history, culture or heritage to speak of except for having record-high HDB prices, which plainly spells out the type of folks that Bishan appeals to. Sigh..
It was too true...
Although I was present at Hougang Stadium to celebrate WP's victory,the atmosphere was like none other. Albeit it was with a heavy heart and mixed emotions, upon learning that Chiam See Tong has lost both Potong Pasir and Bishan-Toa Payoh. Was this the end of his legacy, since PAP taking over the helm allowed them to redraw the boundaries and thereby turning Potong Pasir to a GRC thus minimizing the opposition any chance to contest for it?
For 27 years, he was the lone-ranger in Parliament. The only minister without a comfy office at his town council, the only minister who had to fight for HDB upgrading in this town when it can be granted freely to the rest of the constituencies. His accolades might not be as fanciful as the other ministers but he might be the only one of his kind to touch the hearts of many beyond the boundaries of Potong Pasir.
The very next day, I scoured the trusty Internet (Facebook, Twitter and Yahoo news) for any updates on the aftermath of his lost.
He was quoted "Next time we will do better. We shall never surrender. In the end, we shall win the battle, we shall conquer. Thank you everybody for coming,"
Wow! Mr Chiam won me over again and deserves all my respect. He's a fighter till the very end. Spirit undampened in spite his age, physical condition and the setback of the polling results. Words could scarcely describe the respect and regard I have towards him.
He has emerged victorious in spite of the outcome of this election, he made a difference in not just in my life but everyone else. Venturing out of his comfort zone, he's fully aware that he might jeopardize his ministerial position. He has spread the word of democracy and hope across this country which was crippled with apathy.
He holds a pivotal role in this dawning of a new era. I hope that everyone will return the favour and continue his fight together for a better future for us. A future whereby everyone is engaged in the public arena, the interests of the greater good of the community is the focus of the public service and constructive political discourse is encouraged not shunned.
This is just the beginning of a new age.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Where do we go from here?
This isn't where we intended to be
We had it all
You believed in me
I believed in you
Certainties disappears
What do we do for a dream to survive
How do we keep all our passions alive?
As we used to do
Deep in my heart
I'm concealing
Things that I'm longing to say
Scared to confess what I'm feeling
Frightened you'll slip away
You must love me
You must love me
Why are you at my side?
How can I be any use to you now?
Give me a chance
And I'll let you see how
Nothing has changed
Friday, April 29, 2011
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Procrastination
Could it be true that the word Lazy came about because the offenders needed to substitute the mouthful 5 syllable word?
There was a boy...
A very strange enchanted boy
They say he wandered very far...very far...
Over land and sea
A little shy
And sad of eye
But very wise
Was he
And then one day
A magic day he came my way
And while we spoke of many things, fools and kings
This he said to me
"The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love..
And be loved In return"
They say he wandered very far...very far...
Over land and sea
A little shy
And sad of eye
But very wise
Was he
And then one day
A magic day he came my way
And while we spoke of many things, fools and kings
This he said to me
"The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love..
And be loved In return"
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Milk
Waiting.. I dread it.
Waiting for something to happen.
Hoping that it will happen.
Being taken for granted that you would always be waiting.
What happens to Milk if you left it waiting outside?
It turns Sour.
Waiting for something to happen.
Hoping that it will happen.
Being taken for granted that you would always be waiting.
What happens to Milk if you left it waiting outside?
It turns Sour.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Miss Understood
There's nothing more to say when others cast their judgment on you regardless of your intentions.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
A little story to remind us to cherish our loved ones
When I got home that night as my wife served dinner, I held her hand and said, I've got something to tell you. She sat down and ate quietly. Again I observed the hurt in her eyes.
Suddenly I didn't know how to open my mouth. But I had to let her know what I was thinking. I want a divorce. I raised the topic calmly.
She didn't seem to be annoyed by my words, instead she asked me softly, why?
I avoided her question. This made her angry. She threw away the chopsticks and shouted at me, you are not a man! That night, we didn't talk to each other. She was weeping. I knew she wanted to find out what had happened to our marriage. But I could hardly give her a satisfactory answer; she had lost my heart to Jane. I didn't love her anymore. I just pitied her!
With a deep sense of guilt, I drafted a divorce agreement which stated that she could own our house, our car, and 30% stake of my company.
She glanced at it and then tore it into pieces. The woman who had spent ten years of her life with me had become a stranger. I felt sorry for her wasted time, resources and energy but I could not take back what I had said for I loved Jane so dearly. Finally she cried loudly in front of me, which was what I had expected to see. To me her cry was actually a kind of release. The idea of divorce which had obsessed me for several weeks seemed to be firmer and clearer now.
The next day, I came back home very late and found her writing something at the table. I didn't have supper but went straight to sleep and fell asleep very fast because I was tired after an eventful day with Jane.
When I woke up, she was still there at the table writing. I just did not care so I turned over and was asleep again.
In the morning she presented her divorce conditions: she didn't want anything from me, but needed a month's notice before the divorce. She requested that in that one month we both struggle to live as normal a life as possible. Her reasons were simple: our son had his exams in a month's time and she didn't want to disrupt him with our broken marriage.
This was agreeable to me. But she had something more, she asked me to recall how I had carried her into out bridal room on our wedding day.
She requested that every day for the month's duration I carry her out of our bedroom to the front door ever morning. I thought she was going crazy. Just to make our last days together bearable I accepted her odd request.
I told Jane about my wife's divorce conditions. . She laughed loudly and thought it was absurd. No matter what tricks she applies, she has to face the divorce, she said scornfully.
My wife and I hadn't had any body contact since my divorce intention was explicitly expressed. So when I carried her out on the first day, we both appeared clumsy. Our son clapped behind us, daddy is holding mommy in his arms. His words brought me a sense of pain. From the bedroom to the sitting room, then to the door, I walked over ten meters with her in my arms. She closed her eyes and said softly; don't tell our son about the divorce. I nodded, feeling somewhat upset. I put her down outsidethe door. She went to wait for the bus to work. I drove alone to the office.
On the second day, both of us acted much more easily. She leaned on my chest. I could smell the fragrance of her blouse. I realized that I hadn't looked at this woman carefully for a long time. I realized she was not young any more. There were fine wrinkles on her face, her hair was graying! Our marriage had taken its toll on her. For a minute I wondered what I had done to her.
On the fourth day, when I lifted her up, I felt a sense of intimacy returning. This was the woman who had given ten years of her life to me.
On the fifth and sixth day, I realized that our sense of intimacy was growing again. I didn't tell Jane about this. It became easier to carry her as the month slipped by. Perhaps the everyday workout made me stronger.
She was choosing what to wear one morning. She tried on quite a few dresses but could not find a suitable one. Then she sighed, all my dresses have grown bigger. I suddenly realized that she had grown so thin, that was the reason why I could carry her more easily.
Suddenly it hit me... she had buried so much pain and bitterness in her heart. Subconsciously I reached out and touched her head.
Our son came in at the moment and said, Dad, it's time to carry mom out. To him, seeing his father carrying his mother out had become an essential part of his life. My wife gestured to our son to come closer and hugged him tightly. I turned my face away because I was afraid I might change my mind at this last minute. I then held her in my arms, walking from the bedroom, through the sitting room, to the hallway. Her hand surrounded my neck softly and naturally. I held her body tightly; it was just like our wedding day.
But her much lighter weight made me sad. On the last day, when I held her in my arms I could hardly move a step. Our son had gone to school. I held her tightly and said, I hadn't noticed that our life lacked intimacy.
I drove to office.... jumped out of the car swiftly without locking the door. I was afraid any delay would make me change my mind...I walked upstairs. Jane opened the door and I said to her, Sorry, Jane, I do not want the divorce anymore.
She looked at me, astonished, and then touched my forehead. Do you have a fever? She said. I moved her hand off my head. Sorry, Jane, I said, I won't divorce. My marriage life was boring probably because she and I didn't value the details of our lives, not because we didn't love each other anymore. Now I realize that since I carried her into my home on our wedding day I am supposed to hold her until death do us apart.
Jane seemed to suddenly wake up. She gave me a loud slap and then slammed the door and burst into tears. I walked downstairs and drove away.
At the floral shop on the way, I ordered a bouquet of flowers for my wife. The salesgirl asked me what to write on the card. I smiled and wrote, I'll carry you out every morning until death do us apart.
That evening I arrived home, flowers in my hands, a smile on my face, I run up stairs, only to find my wife in the bed - dead.
My wife had been fighting CANCER for months and I was so busy with Jane to even notice. She knew that she would die soon and she wanted to save me from the whatever negative reaction from our son, in case we push thru with the divorce.-- At least, in the eyes of our son--- I'm a loving husband....
The small details of your lives are what really matter in a relationship. It is not the mansion, the car, property, the money in the bank. These create an environment conducive for happiness but cannot give happiness in themselves. So find time to be your spouse's friend and do those little things for each other that build intimacy. Do have a real happy marriage!
If you don't share this, nothing will happen to you.
If you do, you just might save a marriage.
Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.
My friend shared this on facebook and I was reading it while on the train. It made me tear but thankfully the train wasn't crowded.
Suddenly I didn't know how to open my mouth. But I had to let her know what I was thinking. I want a divorce. I raised the topic calmly.
She didn't seem to be annoyed by my words, instead she asked me softly, why?
I avoided her question. This made her angry. She threw away the chopsticks and shouted at me, you are not a man! That night, we didn't talk to each other. She was weeping. I knew she wanted to find out what had happened to our marriage. But I could hardly give her a satisfactory answer; she had lost my heart to Jane. I didn't love her anymore. I just pitied her!
With a deep sense of guilt, I drafted a divorce agreement which stated that she could own our house, our car, and 30% stake of my company.
She glanced at it and then tore it into pieces. The woman who had spent ten years of her life with me had become a stranger. I felt sorry for her wasted time, resources and energy but I could not take back what I had said for I loved Jane so dearly. Finally she cried loudly in front of me, which was what I had expected to see. To me her cry was actually a kind of release. The idea of divorce which had obsessed me for several weeks seemed to be firmer and clearer now.
The next day, I came back home very late and found her writing something at the table. I didn't have supper but went straight to sleep and fell asleep very fast because I was tired after an eventful day with Jane.
When I woke up, she was still there at the table writing. I just did not care so I turned over and was asleep again.
In the morning she presented her divorce conditions: she didn't want anything from me, but needed a month's notice before the divorce. She requested that in that one month we both struggle to live as normal a life as possible. Her reasons were simple: our son had his exams in a month's time and she didn't want to disrupt him with our broken marriage.
This was agreeable to me. But she had something more, she asked me to recall how I had carried her into out bridal room on our wedding day.
She requested that every day for the month's duration I carry her out of our bedroom to the front door ever morning. I thought she was going crazy. Just to make our last days together bearable I accepted her odd request.
I told Jane about my wife's divorce conditions. . She laughed loudly and thought it was absurd. No matter what tricks she applies, she has to face the divorce, she said scornfully.
My wife and I hadn't had any body contact since my divorce intention was explicitly expressed. So when I carried her out on the first day, we both appeared clumsy. Our son clapped behind us, daddy is holding mommy in his arms. His words brought me a sense of pain. From the bedroom to the sitting room, then to the door, I walked over ten meters with her in my arms. She closed her eyes and said softly; don't tell our son about the divorce. I nodded, feeling somewhat upset. I put her down outsidethe door. She went to wait for the bus to work. I drove alone to the office.
On the second day, both of us acted much more easily. She leaned on my chest. I could smell the fragrance of her blouse. I realized that I hadn't looked at this woman carefully for a long time. I realized she was not young any more. There were fine wrinkles on her face, her hair was graying! Our marriage had taken its toll on her. For a minute I wondered what I had done to her.
On the fourth day, when I lifted her up, I felt a sense of intimacy returning. This was the woman who had given ten years of her life to me.
On the fifth and sixth day, I realized that our sense of intimacy was growing again. I didn't tell Jane about this. It became easier to carry her as the month slipped by. Perhaps the everyday workout made me stronger.
She was choosing what to wear one morning. She tried on quite a few dresses but could not find a suitable one. Then she sighed, all my dresses have grown bigger. I suddenly realized that she had grown so thin, that was the reason why I could carry her more easily.
Suddenly it hit me... she had buried so much pain and bitterness in her heart. Subconsciously I reached out and touched her head.
Our son came in at the moment and said, Dad, it's time to carry mom out. To him, seeing his father carrying his mother out had become an essential part of his life. My wife gestured to our son to come closer and hugged him tightly. I turned my face away because I was afraid I might change my mind at this last minute. I then held her in my arms, walking from the bedroom, through the sitting room, to the hallway. Her hand surrounded my neck softly and naturally. I held her body tightly; it was just like our wedding day.
But her much lighter weight made me sad. On the last day, when I held her in my arms I could hardly move a step. Our son had gone to school. I held her tightly and said, I hadn't noticed that our life lacked intimacy.
I drove to office.... jumped out of the car swiftly without locking the door. I was afraid any delay would make me change my mind...I walked upstairs. Jane opened the door and I said to her, Sorry, Jane, I do not want the divorce anymore.
She looked at me, astonished, and then touched my forehead. Do you have a fever? She said. I moved her hand off my head. Sorry, Jane, I said, I won't divorce. My marriage life was boring probably because she and I didn't value the details of our lives, not because we didn't love each other anymore. Now I realize that since I carried her into my home on our wedding day I am supposed to hold her until death do us apart.
Jane seemed to suddenly wake up. She gave me a loud slap and then slammed the door and burst into tears. I walked downstairs and drove away.
At the floral shop on the way, I ordered a bouquet of flowers for my wife. The salesgirl asked me what to write on the card. I smiled and wrote, I'll carry you out every morning until death do us apart.
That evening I arrived home, flowers in my hands, a smile on my face, I run up stairs, only to find my wife in the bed - dead.
My wife had been fighting CANCER for months and I was so busy with Jane to even notice. She knew that she would die soon and she wanted to save me from the whatever negative reaction from our son, in case we push thru with the divorce.-- At least, in the eyes of our son--- I'm a loving husband....
The small details of your lives are what really matter in a relationship. It is not the mansion, the car, property, the money in the bank. These create an environment conducive for happiness but cannot give happiness in themselves. So find time to be your spouse's friend and do those little things for each other that build intimacy. Do have a real happy marriage!
If you don't share this, nothing will happen to you.
If you do, you just might save a marriage.
Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.
My friend shared this on facebook and I was reading it while on the train. It made me tear but thankfully the train wasn't crowded.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Men are like Rubber bands and Women are like Waves
From the bestseller Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus:
Men are like rubber bands. When they pull away, they can only stretch so far before they come springing back.
When a man loves a woman, periodically he needs to pull away before he can get closer.
Men instinctively feel this urge to pull away. It's not a decision or choice. It just happens. It is neither his fault nor her fault. It is a natural cycle.
Women misintepret a man's pulling away because generally a woman pulls away for different reasons. She pulls back when she doesn't trust him to understand her feelings, when she has been hurt and is afraid of getting hurt again, or he has done something wrong and disappointed her.
A man pulls away to fulfill his need for independence or autonomy. When he has fully seperated, then suddenly he will feel his need for love and intimacy again. Automatically he will be more motivated to give his love and receive the love he needs.
Why Men Pull Away
If a man does not have the opportunity to pull away, he never gets a chance to feel his strong desire to be close. It is essential for women to understand that if they insist on continuous intimacy or 'run after' their intimate male partner when he pulls away, then he will almost always be trying to escape and distance himself; he will never get a chance to feel his own passionate longing for love.
A man automatically alternates between needing intimacy and autonomy.
Why Women Panic
As Jeff instinctively pulls away without any explaination to Maggie (or to himself), Maggies reacts with fear. She panics and runs after him. She thinks she has done something wrong and turned him off. She imagines he is expecting her to reestablish intimacy. She is afraid he will never come back.
Why Men and Women Doubt their Love
Without an understanding of this cycle it is easy to see how men and women begin to doubt their love. Without seeing how she was preventing Jeff from finding his passion, Maggie could easily assume that Jeff didn't love her. Without getting the chance to pull away, Jeff would lose touch with his desire and passion to be close. He could easily assume that he no longer loved Maggie.
How Women Misinterpret Men
To a certain extent a man loses himself through connecting with his partner. By feeling her needs, problems, wants and emotions he may lose touch with his own sense of self. Pulling away allows him to reestablish his personal boundaries and fulfill his need to feel autonomous.
Obstructing the Intimacy Cycle
There are 2 ways a woman may unknowingly obstruct her male partner's natural intimacy cycle. They are: 1. Chasing him when he pulls away and 2. punishing him for pulling away.
Chasing Behaviours:
The man grows to understand his own cycles and reassures her when he pulls away that he will be back.
This is just an excerpt from the chapter on understanding the male behaviour. Although I've read it eons ago, it has slipped my mind and now re-reading this has made me realize and understand certain aspects of Aloysius and myself. It's definitely less confusing and frustrating now. The only challenge is for him to open-up to read and understand the fundamental gender differences and how the book can help us and anyone for that matter who is determined to have a long-lasting and fulfilling relationship.
Next up will be the 2nd part on crazy female behaviours.
Men are like rubber bands. When they pull away, they can only stretch so far before they come springing back.
When a man loves a woman, periodically he needs to pull away before he can get closer.
Men instinctively feel this urge to pull away. It's not a decision or choice. It just happens. It is neither his fault nor her fault. It is a natural cycle.
Women misintepret a man's pulling away because generally a woman pulls away for different reasons. She pulls back when she doesn't trust him to understand her feelings, when she has been hurt and is afraid of getting hurt again, or he has done something wrong and disappointed her.
A man pulls away to fulfill his need for independence or autonomy. When he has fully seperated, then suddenly he will feel his need for love and intimacy again. Automatically he will be more motivated to give his love and receive the love he needs.
Why Men Pull Away
If a man does not have the opportunity to pull away, he never gets a chance to feel his strong desire to be close. It is essential for women to understand that if they insist on continuous intimacy or 'run after' their intimate male partner when he pulls away, then he will almost always be trying to escape and distance himself; he will never get a chance to feel his own passionate longing for love.
A man automatically alternates between needing intimacy and autonomy.
Why Women Panic
As Jeff instinctively pulls away without any explaination to Maggie (or to himself), Maggies reacts with fear. She panics and runs after him. She thinks she has done something wrong and turned him off. She imagines he is expecting her to reestablish intimacy. She is afraid he will never come back.
Why Men and Women Doubt their Love
Without an understanding of this cycle it is easy to see how men and women begin to doubt their love. Without seeing how she was preventing Jeff from finding his passion, Maggie could easily assume that Jeff didn't love her. Without getting the chance to pull away, Jeff would lose touch with his desire and passion to be close. He could easily assume that he no longer loved Maggie.
How Women Misinterpret Men
To a certain extent a man loses himself through connecting with his partner. By feeling her needs, problems, wants and emotions he may lose touch with his own sense of self. Pulling away allows him to reestablish his personal boundaries and fulfill his need to feel autonomous.
Obstructing the Intimacy Cycle
There are 2 ways a woman may unknowingly obstruct her male partner's natural intimacy cycle. They are: 1. Chasing him when he pulls away and 2. punishing him for pulling away.
Chasing Behaviours:
- Physical: when he pulls away, she physically follows him.
- Emotional: When he pulls away, she emotionally follows him. She worries about him and wants to help him feel better or feels sorry for him. She may look longingly or hurt which in a way pleads for his intimacy and he feels controlled.
- Mental: She may try to pull him back mentally by asking him guilt-inducing questions. She may try to please him and be overly accommodating. She tries to be perfect so he would never have any reason to pull away. She gives up her sense of self and tried to become what she thinks he wants.
The man grows to understand his own cycles and reassures her when he pulls away that he will be back.
This is just an excerpt from the chapter on understanding the male behaviour. Although I've read it eons ago, it has slipped my mind and now re-reading this has made me realize and understand certain aspects of Aloysius and myself. It's definitely less confusing and frustrating now. The only challenge is for him to open-up to read and understand the fundamental gender differences and how the book can help us and anyone for that matter who is determined to have a long-lasting and fulfilling relationship.
Next up will be the 2nd part on crazy female behaviours.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
WHY?!
... must everyone piss me off??!! f*ck all of them ! ARGH!
I need to displace all this negative energy ;((
I need to displace all this negative energy ;((
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Forgiven but not forgotten
UN Ambassador Susan Rice deemed Libyan's leader Qaddafi “delusional” and “unfit to lead”. Rice said the fact he was laughing at questions while “slaughtering his own people” showed that he was disconnected from reality.
This extreme consequence of the lethal combination of power and lunacy even has the UN has to intervene to resolve this crisis.
This might be a very high-level macro instance of insanity, but I can definitely name a few closer to home.
How do you identify someone like that?
When he/she:
When this occurs on the global scale, the UN will help to save the victims. So what do you do when you're a victim of this collateral damage?
Firstly, you should do all you can to salvage the crisis, regardless of who is right or wrong.
After the damage control, what's the next step? Should you be a bigger person and give in?
Yes, you can forgive but never forget.
Never forget those that love you and never forget those that vilify you.
Godspeed that Libya finds peace soon, and in turn there might be hope for the rest of us.
This extreme consequence of the lethal combination of power and lunacy even has the UN has to intervene to resolve this crisis.
This might be a very high-level macro instance of insanity, but I can definitely name a few closer to home.
How do you identify someone like that?
When he/she:
- manipulates and abuses everyone to his/her bidding by virtue of blood relations.
- hides behind the excuse of not trying hard enough to appeal for sympathy.
- lies and lives in self-denial at the expense of others.
- tortures anyone who stands in his/her way.
- thinks too highly of him/herself when he/she is worth nothing.
- expects everything to be given to them by obligation.
When this occurs on the global scale, the UN will help to save the victims. So what do you do when you're a victim of this collateral damage?
Firstly, you should do all you can to salvage the crisis, regardless of who is right or wrong.
After the damage control, what's the next step? Should you be a bigger person and give in?
Yes, you can forgive but never forget.
Never forget those that love you and never forget those that vilify you.
Godspeed that Libya finds peace soon, and in turn there might be hope for the rest of us.
Monday, February 21, 2011
"Singaporeans are the 2nd coolest people in the world"?
A recent article on CNN says Singaporeans are the second coolest people in the world, beating out Americans, Japanese and Jamaicans. Our claim to fame? Being a bunch of 'absurdly computer-literate' geeks.
According to the article, Singapore is geek central and its people can claim their rightful place as "avatars of modern cool". It also highlighted 10-year-old Singaporean Lim Ding Wen, who made headlines when he published an iPhone app he wrote at age 9.
What's not so cool is that "with everyone stuck at their computers, the local government actually has to encourage Singaporeans to have sex", said the article.
The tongue-in-cheek article made no bones about its entirely subjective standards for ranking nationalities, and was clearly intended to draw laughs. So who beat Singapore for the title of coolest people on earth? Samba and soccer-loving Brazilians, of course.
STOMPer Cooly responds to the dubious award:
"According to a recent CNN article, Singapore is the second coolest nation in the world! Now I feel so cool being Singaporean!
"However, one thing that was not so cool about the article was they used a photo of bar-top dancing in China Jump.
"For those of us old enough to recall, China Jump closed about five years ago!"
Hold on a minute... our claim to fame is being 'absurdly computer-literate'?!
And we beat the Spaniards and Jamaicans to the 2nd place?! How about the painfully-chic French?
This is undoubtedly absurd, there's nothing impressive about being cool by such standards.
Most Singaporeans are too apprehensive and insecure to express their true selves.
How do you deem that cool?
True, we have our iPhones, iPads and we're connecting on Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare and whatnot.
We're virtually connected but we're socially-detached, in the fundamentally physical sense.
The onslaught of technology has definitely taken a toll on our social confidence, since our virtual identities provide the convenience of anonymity and the lack of face to face time interaction.
I am guilty of this in the first degree.. arghh!
I find myself instinctively reaching for my iPhone during pockets of time when I'm commuting between places, even while I'm walking on the street. Even if it's just to plug in to my iPod. (Music is food for my soul.) I could be fiddling around on Facebook, checking my mail, or *gasp playing Texas Poker!
I dread the day that my social skills will be obsolete.
So, before it's too late, I'll choose to strike up a conversation with a cool stranger than to keep the latest gadgets on my fingertips.
According to the article, Singapore is geek central and its people can claim their rightful place as "avatars of modern cool". It also highlighted 10-year-old Singaporean Lim Ding Wen, who made headlines when he published an iPhone app he wrote at age 9.
What's not so cool is that "with everyone stuck at their computers, the local government actually has to encourage Singaporeans to have sex", said the article.
The tongue-in-cheek article made no bones about its entirely subjective standards for ranking nationalities, and was clearly intended to draw laughs. So who beat Singapore for the title of coolest people on earth? Samba and soccer-loving Brazilians, of course.
STOMPer Cooly responds to the dubious award:
"According to a recent CNN article, Singapore is the second coolest nation in the world! Now I feel so cool being Singaporean!
"However, one thing that was not so cool about the article was they used a photo of bar-top dancing in China Jump.
"For those of us old enough to recall, China Jump closed about five years ago!"
Hold on a minute... our claim to fame is being 'absurdly computer-literate'?!
And we beat the Spaniards and Jamaicans to the 2nd place?! How about the painfully-chic French?
This is undoubtedly absurd, there's nothing impressive about being cool by such standards.
Most Singaporeans are too apprehensive and insecure to express their true selves.
How do you deem that cool?
True, we have our iPhones, iPads and we're connecting on Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare and whatnot.
We're virtually connected but we're socially-detached, in the fundamentally physical sense.
The onslaught of technology has definitely taken a toll on our social confidence, since our virtual identities provide the convenience of anonymity and the lack of face to face time interaction.
I am guilty of this in the first degree.. arghh!
I find myself instinctively reaching for my iPhone during pockets of time when I'm commuting between places, even while I'm walking on the street. Even if it's just to plug in to my iPod. (Music is food for my soul.) I could be fiddling around on Facebook, checking my mail, or *gasp playing Texas Poker!
I dread the day that my social skills will be obsolete.
So, before it's too late, I'll choose to strike up a conversation with a cool stranger than to keep the latest gadgets on my fingertips.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Adventures away from the concrete jungle
The past weekend has been quite eventful and exhausting nonetheless.
12th Feb was the Safari Zoo Run which dear Aloysius asked me to gatecrash since he didn't have a running partner and we're both animal lovers ^_^
I had to admit though that we weren't prepared, I got the timing confused, thinking that the run starts at 3.30pm (5pm instead). As usual we're running late again....
We had trouble getting a cab (which is the usual case during weekends) during which, we spotted a Filipino couple decked out in 2XU gear; so obviously going for the run. We bumped into them again at the orang utan enclosure haha.
Mandai Zoo isn't exactly accessible nor centralized, and there's only 1 long road leading the way to the entrance and the other lane was closed (for the run) and the sun was blistering hot. The cab fare came up to about $14 and we were traveling really light, I only had an arm pouch and between us we only had a measly $26!
The road was congested so we decided to alight and walk the rest of the way, the weather didn't help and I wanted to kick myself for not bringing a bottle of water (hydration is vital during a run).
The exclusive Safari Zoo bottled water sells for $3 (500ml), that's daylight robbery!
We endured and boycotted the obvious ploy to monopolize drinking water at a secluded location.
After finding out that the run kicks-off only 2 hours later, I got a ticket and we set-off to the zoo (again) =)
It was Aloysius' second time and my umpteenth time; previously I brought him here too in 2008, and on that day I actually got my 1st digital cam (on the spot at AMK hub) just especially for his special excursion =D
Back to the present day, we were looking forward to the adorable otters! But they were in a drowsy slumber from the afternoon heat, sigh.. although I could still smell them haha
We also saw the Penguins, Orang Utans (the adorable little ones were struggling when trying to swing around the trees and one fell smack on the wooden ledge), Tigers (the same angry one pacing around in his corner, I think he's up to something), a lone Crocodile as still as a wooden log, pink Flamingos, the Gibbons weren't home =(. There were Elands and Rhinoceros with gigantic poo, Zebras with their alluring stripes, so uniformed and perfectly patterned.
Then spotted Giraffes gettting close to some people on a bridge and we ran there, and it's feeding time! How lucky =D The giraffes are huge and fascinating creatures and their heads are as big as Aloysius torso and you can feed them for just $5 and they're just next to you haha. Aloysius couldn't resist so he stood beside them although there were quite intimidating since they're the tallest land animals. They were stretching their long tongues out to gobble the carrots and he got a lucky lick from a Giraffe =D
It started to drizzle and soon it was pouring and we had to run to the nearest shelter which is the Cheetah enclosure. 3 lazy jungle cats lazing by the glass pane in the sand while everyone was looking at them. It's just 1 inch of glass seperating us from the fastest land animal.
We weren't the only ones seeking refuge from the very unexpected change in weather conditions. There were tourists and crying babies and the rain got heavier, I would have felt better without the company of so many.
While Aloysius was captivated by the giant cats and I was looking out into the open, watching the Zebras feasting in merriment despite the rain, their tails swaying in a pendulum in front of their shapely striped bums haha. It's a strange scene.
The rain didn't seem to be letting up anytime soon but everyone with their brollies and ponchos made their way out. We were about to go when I noticed 2 of the cats lowering their heads in unison, a keeper had entered their enclosure with a broom. This didn't seem right, I thought he was there to clear out something, but he approached them and the cats growled. He got closer and just shooed them off with his broom, 1 human vs 3 cheetahs?! My heart almost skipped a beat when we witness this right in front of us. The cats retreated and the keeper had shooed them off, presumably for their feeding time. He was muscular and armed with a domestic weapon but these are wild animals! This was something...
We made a dash out to the next shelter but the raindrops got heavier before we reached Ah Meng cafe. It was packed with runners who were stranded.
There was hardly any 3G reception, we couldn't see the animals and we're surrounded by just people..arghh..
I was getting restless, I don't like to sit around and wait, so we tried to make our way again after the rain subsided.
We finally reached the entrance and there was a snaking Queue. You can take the girl/boy out of Singapore but you can't take the singaporean out of a local. So naturally we joined in the Q hahaha, and we asked the friendly girls in front of us, and they were just as clueless. They found out that it was for the water bottle, but there wasn't any water. We were severely dehydrated so I grabbed some 100plus from the tents outside, we endured for 2 hours for this, oh my..
Slowly, it turns out we were the last few in the Q and they gave (only) Aloysius the finishers' medal?
The rain has ceased and we heard a few runners crossing the finishing line. It turns out that the run for the Mens' Open has started and they thought he was the 1st few finishers?! hahaha
It was too late to start running, so we went back to look for the rest of our animal friends.
There were so many deja-vu moments when we kept passing by the Ah Meng Cafe, the Orang-Utan enclosure and the 7KM mark! Yet I still felt lost...
We looked for the Giant Tortoise, the swimming Crocodiles, the Komodo Dragon, Squirrel Monkeys, the Sleeping Snakes, we caught the last bit of the Sealion show, who was just adorable and playful, and he's pretty huge ;)
We found a brave Pelican sitting on the edge of the Sealion pool, who was apparently oblivious to the gawking humans haha.
We eventually reached the other end of the compound where the kids zone was.
There were horses in the stable, and we were surprisingly closed to them, it seemed like they could leap out anytime. Candy was the only one that stuck her head out of the railing to graze on some of the stray hay and she gave us a shock when she let out a huge snort haha. They're really huge and beautiful animals.
The Ponies didn't look happy though, there was one that was looking so emo and standing so still with her hoofs closed together.. hmmm and most of them were cramped in 1 stable with alot of poop...poor things.
Next door, the Goats were chewing non-stop on the metal railing, which I bet doesn't taste good at all, but they couldn't stop and everyone was trying to pat their heads. I doubt Goats are friendly creatures though.
While looking for the Kangaroos, we heard screeching and a keeper was crouched in the bushes and there was a small portable cage. I thought was catching a creature on the loose, then we saw him holding the neck of a flying squirrel with it's 'wings' all stretched out. I was confused, he placed it on the trunk and supported it with a rod, then he let go while it tried to clamber up then it lost it's grip and fell! Then he carried the fella to another tree and this time it went up to the branches, but it's back was facing the ground and it fell again! Smack onto the ground, the poor creature was petrified and still hurt. Yet, something new we saw today, wow!
Sadly, the Monkeys, Baboons and giant Orang Utan were no where to be found, so were the Elephants, but the sun was almost setting and it was time for the nocturnal animals to reign.
It's been a long while since I spent a day like that with Aloysius, just walking, far from urbanization and close to nature, it was a really good day although it didn't go as planned. Life is always full of little surprises ;)
12th Feb was the Safari Zoo Run which dear Aloysius asked me to gatecrash since he didn't have a running partner and we're both animal lovers ^_^
I had to admit though that we weren't prepared, I got the timing confused, thinking that the run starts at 3.30pm (5pm instead). As usual we're running late again....
We had trouble getting a cab (which is the usual case during weekends) during which, we spotted a Filipino couple decked out in 2XU gear; so obviously going for the run. We bumped into them again at the orang utan enclosure haha.
Mandai Zoo isn't exactly accessible nor centralized, and there's only 1 long road leading the way to the entrance and the other lane was closed (for the run) and the sun was blistering hot. The cab fare came up to about $14 and we were traveling really light, I only had an arm pouch and between us we only had a measly $26!
The road was congested so we decided to alight and walk the rest of the way, the weather didn't help and I wanted to kick myself for not bringing a bottle of water (hydration is vital during a run).
The exclusive Safari Zoo bottled water sells for $3 (500ml), that's daylight robbery!
We endured and boycotted the obvious ploy to monopolize drinking water at a secluded location.
After finding out that the run kicks-off only 2 hours later, I got a ticket and we set-off to the zoo (again) =)
It was Aloysius' second time and my umpteenth time; previously I brought him here too in 2008, and on that day I actually got my 1st digital cam (on the spot at AMK hub) just especially for his special excursion =D
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| Stretching |
Back to the present day, we were looking forward to the adorable otters! But they were in a drowsy slumber from the afternoon heat, sigh.. although I could still smell them haha
We also saw the Penguins, Orang Utans (the adorable little ones were struggling when trying to swing around the trees and one fell smack on the wooden ledge), Tigers (the same angry one pacing around in his corner, I think he's up to something), a lone Crocodile as still as a wooden log, pink Flamingos, the Gibbons weren't home =(. There were Elands and Rhinoceros with gigantic poo, Zebras with their alluring stripes, so uniformed and perfectly patterned.
Then spotted Giraffes gettting close to some people on a bridge and we ran there, and it's feeding time! How lucky =D The giraffes are huge and fascinating creatures and their heads are as big as Aloysius torso and you can feed them for just $5 and they're just next to you haha. Aloysius couldn't resist so he stood beside them although there were quite intimidating since they're the tallest land animals. They were stretching their long tongues out to gobble the carrots and he got a lucky lick from a Giraffe =D
While Aloysius was captivated by the giant cats and I was looking out into the open, watching the Zebras feasting in merriment despite the rain, their tails swaying in a pendulum in front of their shapely striped bums haha. It's a strange scene.
The rain didn't seem to be letting up anytime soon but everyone with their brollies and ponchos made their way out. We were about to go when I noticed 2 of the cats lowering their heads in unison, a keeper had entered their enclosure with a broom. This didn't seem right, I thought he was there to clear out something, but he approached them and the cats growled. He got closer and just shooed them off with his broom, 1 human vs 3 cheetahs?! My heart almost skipped a beat when we witness this right in front of us. The cats retreated and the keeper had shooed them off, presumably for their feeding time. He was muscular and armed with a domestic weapon but these are wild animals! This was something...
We made a dash out to the next shelter but the raindrops got heavier before we reached Ah Meng cafe. It was packed with runners who were stranded.
There was hardly any 3G reception, we couldn't see the animals and we're surrounded by just people..arghh..
I was getting restless, I don't like to sit around and wait, so we tried to make our way again after the rain subsided.
We finally reached the entrance and there was a snaking Queue. You can take the girl/boy out of Singapore but you can't take the singaporean out of a local. So naturally we joined in the Q hahaha, and we asked the friendly girls in front of us, and they were just as clueless. They found out that it was for the water bottle, but there wasn't any water. We were severely dehydrated so I grabbed some 100plus from the tents outside, we endured for 2 hours for this, oh my..
Slowly, it turns out we were the last few in the Q and they gave (only) Aloysius the finishers' medal?
The rain has ceased and we heard a few runners crossing the finishing line. It turns out that the run for the Mens' Open has started and they thought he was the 1st few finishers?! hahaha
It was too late to start running, so we went back to look for the rest of our animal friends.
There were so many deja-vu moments when we kept passing by the Ah Meng Cafe, the Orang-Utan enclosure and the 7KM mark! Yet I still felt lost...
We looked for the Giant Tortoise, the swimming Crocodiles, the Komodo Dragon, Squirrel Monkeys, the Sleeping Snakes, we caught the last bit of the Sealion show, who was just adorable and playful, and he's pretty huge ;)
We found a brave Pelican sitting on the edge of the Sealion pool, who was apparently oblivious to the gawking humans haha.
We eventually reached the other end of the compound where the kids zone was.
There were horses in the stable, and we were surprisingly closed to them, it seemed like they could leap out anytime. Candy was the only one that stuck her head out of the railing to graze on some of the stray hay and she gave us a shock when she let out a huge snort haha. They're really huge and beautiful animals.
The Ponies didn't look happy though, there was one that was looking so emo and standing so still with her hoofs closed together.. hmmm and most of them were cramped in 1 stable with alot of poop...poor things.
Next door, the Goats were chewing non-stop on the metal railing, which I bet doesn't taste good at all, but they couldn't stop and everyone was trying to pat their heads. I doubt Goats are friendly creatures though.
While looking for the Kangaroos, we heard screeching and a keeper was crouched in the bushes and there was a small portable cage. I thought was catching a creature on the loose, then we saw him holding the neck of a flying squirrel with it's 'wings' all stretched out. I was confused, he placed it on the trunk and supported it with a rod, then he let go while it tried to clamber up then it lost it's grip and fell! Then he carried the fella to another tree and this time it went up to the branches, but it's back was facing the ground and it fell again! Smack onto the ground, the poor creature was petrified and still hurt. Yet, something new we saw today, wow!
Sadly, the Monkeys, Baboons and giant Orang Utan were no where to be found, so were the Elephants, but the sun was almost setting and it was time for the nocturnal animals to reign.
It's been a long while since I spent a day like that with Aloysius, just walking, far from urbanization and close to nature, it was a really good day although it didn't go as planned. Life is always full of little surprises ;)
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
February
The month of love is here..
It was a recent revelation that I realised my typo for February, I used to spell it as I pronounced, i.e. without the extra R.
Anyway this is just a regular dose of randomness..
Happy Chinese New Year my (fictitious?) readers! hahaha :)
It was a recent revelation that I realised my typo for February, I used to spell it as I pronounced, i.e. without the extra R.
Anyway this is just a regular dose of randomness..
Happy Chinese New Year my (fictitious?) readers! hahaha :)
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Why does it have to binary?
Are humans such simplistic creatures that it's either one or the other?
Does someone have to be wrong for another to be right?
Why do people don't always mean what they say?
And why are the painful memories the ones that we must forget but we have to remember to protect ourselves ?
Does someone have to be wrong for another to be right?
Why do people don't always mean what they say?
And why are the painful memories the ones that we must forget but we have to remember to protect ourselves ?
Why?
does it have to happen? sigh...
Paulo Coelho wrote this story:
A rose longed for the company of the bees, but none would come to her.
Even so, the flower was still capable of dreaming. When she felt all alone, she would imagine a garden filled with bees that came to kiss her. And so she managed to resist until the next day, when she opened her petals again.
“Aren’t you tired?” another rose asked her.
“No. I have to go on fighting.”
“Why?”
“Because if I don’t open up, I wither.”
I have to keep fighting....
Paulo Coelho wrote this story:
A rose longed for the company of the bees, but none would come to her.
Even so, the flower was still capable of dreaming. When she felt all alone, she would imagine a garden filled with bees that came to kiss her. And so she managed to resist until the next day, when she opened her petals again.
“Aren’t you tired?” another rose asked her.
“No. I have to go on fighting.”
“Why?”
“Because if I don’t open up, I wither.”
I have to keep fighting....
Monday, January 24, 2011
2012
Hurrah it's the start of the new year, a time for new beginnings and to work on our resolutions.
But folks, this means that 2012 is looming ahead....
Coincidentally, I just watched the eponymous movie (again) while at the hair salon.
Even so, I still teared at the emotional scenes, very much to my embarrassment, since I was helpless in the chair.
With rollers in my hair and wires attached to each, so I looked like an alien myself.
Back to my point, there had been recent reports by a US-based scientific agency: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) claiming that 3 giant spaceships have been detected en-route to Earth with ETA 2012.
Fact or fiction?Either way, we can scoff at it or be well-prepared, uh-huh.
Well, I thought it would be handy to document these (useful) survival tips from 8 days in case we ever encounter an alien invasion:
But folks, this means that 2012 is looming ahead....
Coincidentally, I just watched the eponymous movie (again) while at the hair salon.
Even so, I still teared at the emotional scenes, very much to my embarrassment, since I was helpless in the chair.
With rollers in my hair and wires attached to each, so I looked like an alien myself.
Back to my point, there had been recent reports by a US-based scientific agency: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) claiming that 3 giant spaceships have been detected en-route to Earth with ETA 2012.
Fact or fiction?Either way, we can scoff at it or be well-prepared, uh-huh.
Well, I thought it would be handy to document these (useful) survival tips from 8 days in case we ever encounter an alien invasion:
- Forget the video cam (as seen in Cloverfield), I can't sit through this movie by the way (along with Quarantine and Blair Witch), my face turned green and my head was spinning argh!And may I add, as seen in Skyline (the lead actor armed himself with a camera after his friend got sucked..what?!) too! (extremely lame movie, that I endured with butt vibrations at the state-of-the-art 4D movie theatre in Incheon, pity that it's wasted on this show. 8 days says: Seriously - it's the end of the world. Your supposed Oscar-winning footage of an alien invasion won't even make it to America's Funniest Home Videos if all of civilisation is wiped out. So gather what you need and make your escape in helter-skelter fashion, instead of lugging around a video cam like those folks in Cloverfield, ridiculously trying to capture every moment of the last day of your life
- Look for Allies (as seen in Transformers) If there's anything the Transformers movies taught us (besides the fact that Megan Fox looks hot) it's that everyone has an enemy you can use against them. And the enemy of thy enemy is thy friend. If not for Optimus Prime and his Autobot pals, Shia Lebouf and the rest of the human race would be toast courtesy of the Decepticons. Bottom-line: Suss out the rivals of evil alien invaders, befriend 'em and bring 'em to the party.
- Anything Can be a Weapon (as seen in District 9) What an everyday item is to us could be Kryptonite to alien nasties. Remember invaders defeated by the common flu in War of the Worlds and ETs undone by water in M Night Shyamalan's Signs? Try a can of coke, your own fart or play Justin Bieber's music - just get creative. You can even make a few alien friends by offering them something they can't resist.. like cat food. Hey, it worked in District 9. After forging alliances, destroy 'em when their guard is down.
- Trust No One ( as seen in Species) You never know what form an alien can take. Be extra wary if someone starts behaving oddly, even if he's your husband. Especially if he's an astronaut. Just ask Charlize Theron in The Astronaut's Wife. And guys, if an uber-hot babe suddenly finds you sexually irresistible despite the fact that you still live with your mum, have no life and play video games 24-7, chances are she's not really of the same, um, Species.
- Find the Motherload (as seen in Independence Day) All aliens have a ginormous mothership that they report to. At least according to Hollywood. Find the damned thing, figure out a way to infiltrate, and then mess them up big-time from the inside. This is especially effective if you're Will Smith.
- Hang Out with the Right Folks (as seen in Aliens) Make friends with people most likely to survive an invasion: A military hardhead, some gung-ho security guard, a Sigourney Weaver-type dominatrix, a down-and-out scientist whose alien conspiracy theories no one bought. These guys will form your ragtag team that'll take out the mothership. Oh, and don't forget Will Smith.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Dream Log
I didn't recall falling asleep, although I vaguely recall dreaming. I was so conscious of the timer that I set for the air-con, almost counting-down the 2.5 hrs until it shuts off. It didn't happen though.
Here goes: the memory is in bits and pieces.
I was seated in a row, seemed like some sort of class, I was all the way to the end (right). I felt like I was much younger.
All the kids had cutlery and food and they were passing down some food and it reached the boy before me and he finished it. I was confused and disappointed. Although I remember it was just beancurd and beansprouts haha.
There was a code mentioned.. something with 37.. arghh.
I seem to be on a trip, heading to some rural area, looks like a village.
We were assigned a resting place on the left side.
There were giant iguanas blocking the path, although it seemed like some sort of obstacle course.
We were supposed to jump on an elephant's back, I couldn't seem to do it right on the 1st try, so I jumped again.
Dreamsigns in the above dream, with Dreamsign Categories:
Here goes: the memory is in bits and pieces.
I was seated in a row, seemed like some sort of class, I was all the way to the end (right). I felt like I was much younger.
All the kids had cutlery and food and they were passing down some food and it reached the boy before me and he finished it. I was confused and disappointed. Although I remember it was just beancurd and beansprouts haha.
There was a code mentioned.. something with 37.. arghh.
I seem to be on a trip, heading to some rural area, looks like a village.
We were assigned a resting place on the left side.
There were giant iguanas blocking the path, although it seemed like some sort of obstacle course.
We were supposed to jump on an elephant's back, I couldn't seem to do it right on the 1st try, so I jumped again.
Dreamsigns in the above dream, with Dreamsign Categories:
- Seated at table - Context
- Passing down food - Action
- Heading to a village - Context
- Giant Iguanas - Context
- Jump on Elephant - Action
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