for the excellent weather in the Maldives.
It had been unusually rainy the few days before I left for the Maldives (on Tuesday night) and I had feared that the rain would put a damper on the visit. However, God's intervention ensured not the weather was not only clear, but also not too humid or too sunny. Excellent weather for outdoor activities. =)
Been in the mood to complete evaluation forms recently. Sparked off by poor service and lousy food at Swensons, followed by poor service at Sketches and TCC and today, poor service and lousy food at Old Beijing in Plaza Singapura.
Had a craving for soup and a light dinner so we opted for Chinese food. We ordered xiao long bao, noodles, an appetiser and a plate of stir-fried seasonal greens. If I recall correctly, the menu said "Quick Seasonal Greens", which was spinach tonight. But it was anything but quick.
The noodles and the appetiser came in good time, mebbe around 10 minutes after we ordered, but the xiao long bao and veggies didn't. After finished the food in front of us, we decided that we had waited patiently enough so we asked the waitress to check what happened. She didn't get back to us. About 10 min later (half hr after we ordered), we asked the waitress again to check. She came back to say that the chef was making the xiao long bao on the spot as they had sold out. When we asked again about the veggies, she said that the spinach had also sold out. We decided to cancel the veggies and just have xiao long bao.
DD decided that it was time to fill an evaluation form. At the same time, the xiao long bao came. It was terrible. While xiao long baos are known to be soupy (you're suppose to bite the top and suck up all the soup inside before eating the bao), these were dry, with mebbe less than 3 ml of soup inside. And the meat was very salty.
We pondered if the dryness was cos the food was Beijing-styled, but that didn't make sense cos it was called "xiao long tang (soup) bao" in the menu. Ended up filling it in Chinese. =P Complained about the poor quality of the xiao long bao. The restaurant threw in two bowls of free dessert (longans with aloe vera) for making us wait so long. But even the dessert was mediocre.
We gave them the evaluation form and drank lots of tea to wash the saltiness away. When we called for the bill, they told us that they wouldn't charge for the xiao long bao since we had commented on its poor quality. They informed us that it was the chef's first day at work today so the quality was below par.
Even so, was very disappointed with the restaurant, especially since it belongs to the Tung Lok group.
If we had known that they wouldn't charge us for the xiao long bao, DD and I wouldn't have bothered to finish that salty thing which resembled unfried guotie more than xiao long bao. =P
... was saved by an angel.
Was very tempted to complain about work. Was really upset and angry. Suddenly, I remember something my colleague told me today.
My colleague Alicia is the best DSO in Singapore (and according to her, Batam too). Even though I pile last minute work on her, she always manages to do it with a smile. DD's gonna be sitting at my directorate's table for D&D in Jan. Today, Alicia came by to collect money for the D&D. As she stood at the entrance to my tsunami-stricken cubicle, I pointed out that DD didn't have any dietary restrictions. She asked why and I explained.
She was happy for me. That DD was prepared to face his family's objections to be with me. She laughed when I told her that I haven't really told Mum about DD's background but was happy that at least I won't have to convert. She encouraged me to try to guide him along God's ways. While I tried to tell her that DD was unlikely to want to convert, she advised that no harm trying and pointed out that one of her fellow church-goer was married to a non-Christian. And shared her own experiences with people in mixed marriages.
Didn't expect Alicia to share this perspective but I'm really glad she did. Cos if there's one thing that really made my day, it was her words of encouragement.
Thank God for placing people like Alicia in my life. =)
On leave today. After much persuasion by Princess and co, decided to try and relax at home and avoid thinking about work. Suppose to recover from that persistent flu that has been preventing me from breathing properly too. Oh. And to stop me from spreading more germs. =P
I'm breathing relatively normally now. At least my nose isn't runny anymore. There's still a bit of phlegm in my throat but it doesn't irritate me that much. However, trying to relax and not think about work is really difficult. Even though I've only gone online twice to check some emails this morning, as opposed to staying glued to my email all morning.
Try as I might to not think about work, there's still much to do from home. I guess it's cos I haven't really had a covering officer on certain issues, so it's difficult to hand-over to someone else to handle. And just realised that I need to make that Jan trip. =/ Darn.
I don't recall having been this sick this year. Nose is blocked 80% of the day and cough sounds super phlegm-y. Woozy most of the day too. I think it's the pills. I need to find a doctor nearby who would give me more than a 2-minute inspection and just prescribe antibiotics and drowsiness-inducing pills WITHOUT a MC. I mean, how do they expect you to be drowsy, and still work or study?
It's a not-so-sunny-Sunday, perfect for walking around. But feel kind of tired (despite the 10-hours of sleep). Gotta do laundry once Mum's done...
... is broken. We can't close it completely and I think if we close it too tightly, it might just jam. So we close it just lightly jam in the door frame. Pretty obvious that there's someone in there when the door is close so nobody would try to open the door.
Except him:
Meet Yang Yang. This three-year old kid is my mum's student. She's been babysitting him after school every day for a few hours in the evening cos his parents have to work late.
The above-mentioned toilet is used as a changing room. I came home yesterday and was greeted by his "Cheh Cheh". I went straight to the toilet to change clothes. As I was changing, I could hear him call "Cheh Cheh, Cheh Cheh", getting louder and louder... and the next thing I knew, this cute little thing had barged into my changing space. =P Thankfully, I had just managed to finish changing. =P
We think this little monster might eat us out of house and home. As I was eating dinner at the PC yesterday and had just took up my first spoonful, he ran to me and opened his mouth widely, expecting to be fed. Sis says that earlier, he had eaten as much rice as her for dinner! Mum gave him about 1/4 to 1/2 a bowl of rice, which upon completion, he still requested for more. Growing child indeed. =P
Watch this space for more updates on Yang Yang's escapades!
Took the afternoon off cos I was going to spend the whole morning at the doctor's.
My regular doctor wasn't in today The doctor that I saw today happened to be my JC senior. =) What a coincidence. At least she found me familar. Anyway, she took a look at my eyes and referred me to the registrar, who thought I was recovering well (just tiny specks now) but shouldn't get discharged yet. So I'll be going back again in two weeks.
Yesterday, took time during lunch to accompany DD to the cemetery. I think that was my first visit to a cemetery here. Didn't think he should be going alone, and wanted to be there for him. So I went. We were hoping to get fast food and ice cream for lunch on our way back but the rain was a major deterrence. Oh well. It's better to skip the ice cream anyway. Getting fat. =P
DD had been planning to surprise me for a while... And surprised I was. He had contemplated blindfolding me and leading me onto the taxi so that he could tell the driver where to bring us w/o me hearing it. But he didn't have to - all he needed to do was to tell the driver where to go b4 I boarded the taxi. =)
Had to keep my eyes closed near the end of the taxi ride. When we arrived at our destination, he helped me out of the taxi, and led me to a waiting point. It was so scary to walk with my eyes closed, even though he was leading me along. I guess it was the uncertainty of walking blind. I held onto something while he went off for a short while.
I couldn't help taking a glance and saw DD queueing to buy tickets. Thought we were at Singapore River and that he was going to bring me on a bum boat ride. I confessed to have opened my eyes for a sec and guessed where we were. DD didn't realised that I had guessed wrongly and let me open my eyes. And I saw a huge balloon in front of me. =P
DD had brought me to the DHL hot air balloon... Decided to be sporting and kept my eyes closed as he led me from the pavement into the balloon. The view was pretty good; too bad the day was a bit hazy...
After that, dinner. DD had thought to flag down a taxi but we were on the wrong side of the road. =P So we took a leisurely walk... and ended up at Curry Favor at Capitol Building. We didn't really know where the main entrance was so stumbled into Moon River next door, which was apparently a sister outlet.
We had curry for dinner. Don't usually eat Jap curry cos I prefer sushi but it was pretty good. =) DD called for the bill and went to the front of the restaurant to check out their credit card promos. Next thing I knew, the waitress came with a Robinsons plastic bag and the biggest bouquet I'd ever gotten. Pretty much guessed that the present was a Barbie doll when I felt the box. =P
After dinner, we walked around the area:
Capitol -> Raffles City -> Citylink -> Esplanade -> Merlion Park -> Old Merlion Park -> Along Singapore River (Boat Quay?) -> past Parliament House -> past Funan the IT Mall -> stopover at Peninsula to buy green tea -> back to Capitol!
By the time we got back to Capitol, it was only 1015 or so. Felt like it was too early to go home. Asked DD if I could go to his place to play playstation games but he wasn't too keen and suggested that we could just take a bus ride to his place and from his place back to mine. Felt a bit let down... and DD caved in and brought me home. =P
While DD set up his playstation, I logged into my msn account on his PC. Chatted with CTC who is currently on course in India. We played a few games of Solitaire Showdown too. After that, we played a few Neopets games (Yes, I'm still playing Neopets games). Then we moved onto playstation and played a few rounds of Dynasty Warriors 3.
By the time we were tired, it was around 3+. The same thought crossed our minds - hit the swings. =) [Note: My favourite part of a playground is the swing.] As I sat on the swing, briefly reflected on the year that had passed... all the ups and downs and pondered if I had actually grown up over the last year. At 0354 hrs, DD brought me to the bench and sang me the birthday song... and popped out the final surprise of the day. =)
For my birthday, treated DD to lunch at T-mall. We had thought to go blading after that but the sky looked threatening and I didn't think I should be carrying blades on his bike. =P So at my suggestion, we went to Escape Theme Park. Only to find that it's only open on weekends! Sheesh... Since Wild Wild Wet was open and home was nearby, we rode home again to pick up my swimsuit. Spent an afternoon at Wild Wild Wet before dinner at Lemongrass to satisfy my craving for pineapple rice. =P
Thank you, DD for spending time with me to remember my 24th birthday...
Well anyway, thanks to everyone for their well wishes! Praying for a better year ahead, less blur, more efficient. =) Will blog about my two-day celebrations soon...
Very slow with work. And very disorganised - not just my desk, but also the way I work. Wonder if it's cos the period after YCE "quit" my dept, I regained my original portfolio at the peak amount of work to be done so I never really recovered from that even though I held on to the work for just 3 months... Just hoping to catch up with my work at some point in time... soon.
Met up w Peo and HD for dinner today. The ultimate LSR fan couldn't join us cos she had last minute job commitments. =P Haven't met them since X'mas last year, I think. Been so long! HD had her hair permed and is taking piano lessons now. Peo has become a fitness enthusiast and just keeps slimming down. Too bad I don't have the motivation to run twice a week like she does. =P Had dinner at Swensens at Parkway, which had terrible service. Food was terrible too. Won't ever go there again.
It was fun catching up with them. Peo's teaching in an all-girls sch while HD's back at our alma mater. We got HD to update us on how our former teachers are doing... and were amazed to know that some teachers have remained at status quo since we left school 8 years ago.
The perennial question of whether we would all make careers out of our jobs popped up in our conversation. The Today article a couple of weeks back also reminded us that it would be difficult for us to return to our "roots".
Peo, HD and I are a lot alike in certain ways, e.g. we haven't learned to drive. I suspect that the three of us (and quite possibly the ultimate LSR fan too) are also the kind who are too comfortable in our jobs to explore other options. =P Peo and HD commented that I'd been the most on-the-ball member of our group back in university. Wonder what had happened to me over the last year and half.
Must be the dehydration. *wink*
Went to the airport earlier to send off Spinky, Aki and Aki's mum, who have embarked on a one-week trip to South Korea. Wish I could have gone with them... not cos I've very keen to visit South Korea, more cos it's fun to travel with your close buddies. =) While waiting around, we pondered if the large tour group size (40!) would affect the dynamics of the tour group, and recalled how we were like when we went Japan last year! And such a coincidence that our Japan-based tour guide was at the same check-in counter! Though we didn't get a chance to go up to him.
A visit to the airport would not be complete without taking photos of those present and waving endlessly till the tourists pass the wall that blocks our view of them from outside.
At least it's comforting to know that Vin has confirmed that he would complete his studies in time for a visit to Japan next year to catch sight of sakuras! Looking forward to the trip immensely. =) Vin! You must pad yourself up before we go!
The very first live paid concert that I've attended! It's so cool to be in a stadium watching a live performance. =) Eyes couldn't stop tearing but I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. =)
Spinky and I were given inflatable balloons that said "I Sony Ericsson my hero" on one side and the name of the concert on the other:
My balloons deflated pretty quickly. -____- While Spinky's managed to stay firm throughout. =P
As expected, he concluded with "唯一" *swoon* Was hoping that he'ld do a piano solo as he sang that but it's still wonderful with the band. =) After the concert, Spinky and I attempted to catch sight of him leaving the stadium but only saw a dishy "side dish" - his 20-yr old Aussie guitarist Chris, who's doesn't know anyone in Singapore (according to Lee Hom) and is probably like 1.8m tall. =P
Anyway, Spinky and I resolved to buy tickets on the ground level (instead of at terrace level i.e. low/mid-priced tickets) for future concerts. =) And we concluded that the concerts that we are likely to want to go are Jay's, Mayday's and of course, Lee Hom's next one.
Oh Spinky! Realised why we only counted about 7 albums when "蓋世英雄" is supposed to be album no. 10 - "公轉自轉" was actually his 4th album. =)
I'm sure Spinky's preparing a full report on yesterday's concert so keep a look out for it on her blog!
Took leave today. Took a nap at 5 pm. Woke up at 7+ pm thinking that it was the middle of the night cos the house was dead silent. So weird to be home on a Friday night, and on the eve of a public holiday at that.
But this couldn't be helped. My right eye can't stop tearing. Went for a follow-up check up this morning. To date, FIVE eye specialists have inspected my eyes. At least they seem to have come to a conclusion of what I'm suffering from - Microsporidia infection. Microsporidia is a fungus, which I distinctively recall studying about in Microbiology class in year 4. Though I can't remember what it looks like, or what characteristics it has. Shall google it later.
So anyway, the doctors said that the infection is on the superficial layers of my cornea, so it's not that deep to require operation. In fact, the specks on my left eye are apparently healing; some are just forming scars. However, the specks on my right eye (apparently there are two of them now) were quite large and the doctors were concerned. So the doctor ordered photos of my eye to be taken for the records. Then she put some numbing eyedrops (local anasthetic) in my eye and scraped it with a needle. She promptly transferred the cells to a microscopic slide where she had earlier used red marker to draw a circle around where she would place the cells. Reminds me of the good old days... =P
The doctor gave me a prescription of painkillers (Ponstan), to be ingested after food and with anti-gastric pills. The same pills that I got after my teeth extraction during my orthodontics treatment 3 years ago. The doctor had warned me that it would be painful. Thought it couldn't be more painful than the teeth extraction BUT I WAS WRONG. I guess the painkillers worked better with teeth. =P Eye has a stinging pain and can't stop tearing, which results in a runny nose. Think I've lost lots of water today through tears. Hope my eye won't be too swollen tomorrow morning. And that it'ld be a lot better cos I still want to enjoy the Lee Hom concert with Spinky tomorrow night!
On a lighter note, my primary doctor's quite cute. She keeps asking me if I needed a MC, and kept checking what my allergies are. =P And I'm still quite amused at the number of doctors who have seen me. Should really thank the optician who spotted the specks in the first place. And thank the Cell for praying for me. =) and Prozac from being my consultant. And you-know-who for sticking with me through the process. *hugs*
I don't know. Ever since I've been aware of what a drug allergy is, I've known that I'm allergic to penicillin.
Spent the whole morning with three doctors - one at the polyclinic, one at CGH's A&E, one at CGH's eye clinic. All ladies.
The optician had said they could be abrasion marks.
The polyclinic doctor said I could have corneal ulcers.
The A&E doctor said I should see the eye specialist immediately.
The eye specialist said:
She also asked the question in the subject line, and why I took so long to see a doctor (since I first saw the optician on Sunday). Gave me various instructions (wet eyelids with warm water, don't wear contacts etc) and told me to come back for a follow-up checkup on Monday morning.
Was hit by a bout of tears while at the pharmacy. Don't think it's the I-feel-sorry-for-myself tears. Didn't feel like I could scramble home and get ready to attend a friend's wedding at 2 pm, so had to ask people to send congratulations on my behalf.
Prozac advised that if they really are corneal ulcers, I shouldn't even think of EVER wearing contacts. AND that no lasik for me cos the ulcers would have worn out my corneas a little already. =P
Oh well. Specs for life? =P
I meant to post this two days ago.
People have been asking me for my response to a decision that someone close had made, mainly if I was happy that the decision had gone this way, rather than that way.
I guess my first instinct when told of the decision that was to be made, was confusion. And I never really figured out why I was confused. Hence, when the decision had been made, I was just glad that it happened, rather than really think about its consequences.
Got myself a blog tracker recently, and saw some of the pages that led people to my blog... And I stumbled across some of my favourite old posts; like the ones of my dear cousins and the ones on my favourite movies/songs.
"Why do u think that everybody always think that relationships are suppose to last forever?" - I think that's a quote from "Before Sunrise". Which I had been watching by myself in 2004, when I should have been studying for my Hons yr Sem 1 exams. =P I remember wishing that I was watching it with someone, rather than by myself. Recently, yt commented that it (or Before Sunset) was the ultimate chick flick (i think).
"Are relationships meant to last forever? If they were, people won't have to break up, would they? Or were these people just thinking that they were in a relationship, and did not fully understand the definition of a "relationship"?
Just went to the optician's. First time that I visit this particular shop. The optician put some stain in my eyes, looked at them and asked if my left eye (the astigmatic one) felt more uncomfortable than my right one.
She later explained there there could be a tear in my cornea (or possibly detached retina cells). She'ld have to take a look again in a few days times when my lenses are ready. After she made that comment, it struck me that my left eye HAD felt more uncomfortable than my right; it tends to feel drier.
Hope it's not serious.
Haven't played since secondary school i think. Don't recall having played that in JC. Showed off my total lack of pyschomotor skills yesterday. *laugh* Didn't do any warm-ups before starting so in less than 10 minutes, pulled a muscle in the back of my left thigh. Ouch.
The haze is getting from bad to worse. Down with flu today. =( It's gonna be a lazy day today...
Was chatting with Weiqi at Kembangan mrt when the train pulled up. A surprisingly large group of people got off the train. As i was boarding the train, an old man tottered to the door. He hadn't stepped out yet and the door closed on him. Thankfully, he was able to pull back and avoid getting stuck. At Bedok mrt, a lady said to her companion "we'd better stand closer to the door before we suffer the same fate". They got off at Tanah Merah mrt.
I can't believe the train driver did that. It was terrible! The poor old man was visibly dazed. Lodged a complaint at Tampines mrt... Hopefully it'll have some effect.
That's the mark just above my right elbow. Got it somehow from paintball today I guess. Though I really don't remember getting hit there.
Paintball was... breath-taking. Literally. Suffering from the severe lack of exercise, I was. It was quite fun. =) Quite amazed at how no one really noticed me in the last game in which i shooting left, right, over the target. Despite the fact that I was wearing a bright red top which everyone commented to be "excellent" for camouflage. =P
All roads lead to OCC - it's just a matter of how long it takes. For a while, we thought we might end up in Johor and panicked over the lack of passports. Nonetheless, our driver WJ deserves a big thanks for showing us parts of Singapore which we might have not seen before. =)
WENT TO SEE LEE HOM@JUNCTION 8! Quite glad that I did. Nice poster. =) Too bad he was looking away when I went up to him. He was less than a metre away! I'm pretty sure the Ultimate LSR fan's sister was out there somewhere. Made a pathetic attempt at being a screaming fan. =P Should practise so as not to disappoint Spinky at the concert on the 21st. For more details, check out Spinky's latest blogpost.
The drama serial was at a scene where this woman professed her love for her good friend and pleaded with him not to leave her. He told her that maybe she didn't really love him, and that maybe she only thought she loved him cos the feelings that she put in were not reciprocated.
I've felt that way before. Had a crush on someone and thought that maybe I really liked him and was crushed that he didn't reciprocate it. Some time later, when that someone suggested that we could give things a try, I realised that I didn't really like him after all.
As an aside, Princess said today that she liked me less now cos I've put on weight. *sob*
Angels should be happy... laughing and smiling and feeling joyous.
Probably from insufficient sleep. Or possibly the on/off flu I've had the whole day. Shall sleep early tonight.
Drove my sis away from the PC to see if some friends whom I needed to talk to were online. Some weren't; the ones who were... don't seem to be interested in chatting. Oh well.
Visited my pregnant former labmate today. =) So happy for her... Apparently, a name that had been tossed up were "PPT" as in PupPyTail (not "PowerPoinT" or "PreciPiTate") cos the baby will arrive in this world at the end of the Doggy Year (hence the name "Puppytail"). However, the couple decided that their daughter would be named Phoebe (after "Phoebe" in Friends) cos they still wanted a "P" name. =)
We are who we think.
I've been meaning to blog about this topic for some time.
A week ago, a friend of mine blogged about how almost every girl she knew had at some point in time made a piece of handicraft for their boyfriends and pondered if girls are just trying to highlight our femininity or whether it is our innate ability to "turn" feminine when we are attached.
I'm one of those girls who make stuff for friends. I guess always feel that the personal touch would have a greater effect. Also cos in those days when I didn't get much pocket money, making things was always the cheaper option. =P Of course, each object came with a message... Like the roses for the choir pals that mark every christmas... (did i make any last year? memory failing me le... =P ) or the ez-link cards to commemorate 10 years of friendship... Or the cookies and cakes...
I hate baking for myself because although I enjoy baking nice stuff, it's meaningless when there's no one to share your joy in eating them. Therefore, I only bake when it's for someone else. And since the dear sister dislikes the cakes that I bake, the only cake that i bake regularly (or at least try to) is cheesecake for Godma. I'ld usually bake cookies.
I guess for me, baking stuff for the people that you love and the people around them makes me happy. Applies to making crafts too. It's nice to know that people appreciate the effort that you put into making something for them. And if its for that extra special guy, then it just makes me feel extra happy. =P
And when you meet someone who wouldn't be able to appreciate the hard work that you put into honing your baking skills (from failing in sec 2 home economics class to today's decent cookies), you can't help but feel a bit disappointed I guess.
The taste of the 3 or 4 pcs of chocolates that I ate today.
The taste of the ice cream last Saturday.
The word that most people seem to use to describe me with. I think I've actually used it on myself... in JC 1 when Mr Goh told us to add an adjective to our names. =P Sometimes I wonder if my "sweet" demeanour is just a front...
It's been a year since Delhi. To the 12th FSBP, Happy Delhi Anniversary! 5 (including Disa) have left us for greener pastures. To the survivors, thanks for hanging around. =)
Oh... And found out today that I'm a size 35 for Raoul shirts, i.e. can't fit, since they only have even sizes... =P
Came across a poster on "occupational stress" at work today. After taking a quick glance at the list, I concluded that I'm probably suffering from that. Been so forgetful recently...
As I was going home today, was suddenly hit by an exceptionally strong thought. Wonder why...
Visiting a fellow mouse-killer this weekend... Looking forward to tasting vinegared pig trotters next year. =)
If I was strict about the friends classification system, an acquaintance who was bordering friend was promoted to friend status today. =) Funny how it happened though. Out of boredom. Haha...
He offered me some advice and reminded me that one doesn't need to go out with someone else on "single dates" to get to know one another better. That somethings can't be changed, so people need to find a comfortable acceptance level. To take time to know someone.
Ice cream wasn't the only thing that melted today.
You know those air fresheners that people spray their washrooms with? Was in the cubicle in the washroom just now when i heard the distinct "pish! pish! pish!"sound of violent spraying outside. When I stepped out of the cubicle, I was greeted with the choking smell of air freshener. The toilet wasn't even stinky before. Sheesh.
Have you ever felt heavy hearted but unable to cry?
Switched to beta Blogger the other day. After which, the Chinese text in my sidebar became gibberish and my friends couldn't comment. Sigh...
Today's lunch stirred up some old memories... Memories of how we always wanted to do certain things but never got to do so. We always thought, "we'll do that next time" but we never did. Or maybe it's my fault. Just like how I've been meaning to give my godparents a treat for ages and have not done so to date. =P
"The chance will come" - it's one of those phrases that one says all the time but does the chance ever come? Sometimes, if you'd missed the chance, would it come by again?
Sometimes, as one chance slips by, another of the opposite nature appears... Coincidence or destined? For one or for both?
Am I a natural pessimist or optimist?
Take careful steps and don't look back.
My sis wants a guinea pig. My mum is going on and on about the responsibilities involved in taking care of a pet i.e. we won't be able to handle it.
There's a lot of things that we may think that we can't handle, but we can. If we try. Many times, we're a lot stronger than we give ourselves credit for but we'ld rather reproach ourselves. Recently, a friend related a story of how she was bullied in secondary school and no one stood up for her. How this made her into someone who stands up strongly for a friend. Never knew that an incident like that had such an impact on someone like her. As I thank her for being my friend, I recall how I always thought she was the senior who had her own clique and was too cool for me. Guess not. =P
As I re-read a friend's blog just now, I was reminded of something that I constantly ask myself too - am I ever nice enough to ever be someone's chosen Ms Right? Sometimes I find that I really am not a "nice" girl by various definitions but somehow, I seem to have left certain impressions on some ppl that give the impression that I am "nice"... and maybe just enough. Thanks... for thinking so nicely of me. ^ ^
You're not alone. We all have our vulnerable moments where we want to just wallow in self-pity or think that we have to face the difficulties by ourselves. Sometimes we forget that our true friends are always there to lend a helping hand. Even if you don't think you need it, your friend stands by you. So don't lock your heart and throw away the key. Failure just means we need more patience. You may not know it, you may not have faith in it, but God has made plans for you. With each heartache, be it cos of relationships or friendships, comes a better understanding of yourself and your strengths. =)
As an aside, I found out today that the grapevines in the office are well entwined. =P As much as I think I'm just an insignificant employee, there seems to be much interest in my personal life. Wonder how many colleagues actually read my blog?
盼不到我爱的人 我知道我愿意再等
疼不了爱我的人 片刻柔情它骗不了人
我不是无情的人 却将你伤的最深
我不忍我不能
别再认真 忘了我的人
离不开我爱的人 我知道爱需要缘分
放不下爱我的人 因为了解他多么认真
为什么最真的心 碰不到最好的人
我不问我不能
拥在怀中直到他变冷
爱我的人对我痴心不悔
我却为我爱的人甘心一生伤悲
在乎的人始终不对
谁对谁不必虚伪
爱我的人为我付出一切
我却为我爱的人流泪狂乱心碎
爱与被爱同样受罪
为什么不懂拒绝痴情的包围- 裘海正
Just caught sight of Casa Batlló, Barcelona in a travelogue where Kym Ng led a group of tourists to Spain. Looks so lovely... Though I've always felt like Italy was the one country that I would like to visit and would satisfy my desire to travel, think I'm gonna add Spain too. =P Will probably be tempted to visit other parts of Europe too if I had seen Terk's photos...
Miss those days when the choir was travelling in Europe! It's been 7 years since we first went to Germany/Luxembourg/Paris/London together! Sigh...
Yes... after a brief chat with Spinky this morning, I bought my first ticket to a pop concert. =)
Was quite suay just now. I was leaving Suntec and the up-escalator at the overhead bridge to Citylink had broken down. So I had to climb up the stairs. After that, I came to the broken down down-escalator in Citylink. =/
We're having exercise later. Wonder if I'll be able to catch a taxi after that.
So blur. Just got a non-Friendster birthday reminder email and msged my friend thinking that it was her birthday today. When it's actually next Thursday. =P Must be the post-nap gong-ness. =P
Today, marks one month of singleness - well... semi-singleness. =P
.jpg)
A girl wearing 4 in stilettos stepped on the middle toe of my right foot on my way home today. =/ Left a small red mark.
Spent 12 hrs in a poorly-ventilated "bunker" today. This morning, my nose was still quite irritated from the bad air yesterday. Thankfully, it cleared up quickly. =) Apparently PS had already complained that we needed more air-conditioning but they couldn't perform magic overnight. =P
Don't know why I was so happy to get his call just now. Scrambled to my phone for fear that he would hang up (though would have been cheaper for me to call him back on my home phone =P). Am I just happy cos I got a response? Or happy cos it's him? Just a 1 min 04 sec call to say where he was. Was a bit disappointed that there were no queries on my toe but then again, it's just a toe. (He clarified that he didn't read the msg carefully. =P)
Was looking forward to watching CSI on Channel 5 (hadn't been able to watch cos my parents had been watching Korean/HK drama at the same timeslot for the many past months). Found the remote control, changed the channel and found out that THE SEASON ENDED! *cry*
To add salt to injury, mum just shook her head in disgust at my flabby arms. =/
Will be working late next few nights. Wonder how I'm gonna be able to concentrate. I wonder if I have some sort of sleeping disorder - I sleep lightly at night but at the same time, I can doze off practically anywhere. =P
Bee, may your meetings in Manila go smoothly.
Btw, non-Blogger readers can now post comments on my blog. =)
Haven't taken an afternoon nap in ages! Slept for four full hours just now. *blush*
Was lying on my bed and fiddling with my new markers later. Didn't realise that one of the marker caps fell off. =( Was wondering why I had ink on my palms when I realised that my maker had left a stain the size of a 20-cent coin on my bed. =/ Oh well. Klutzy me.
What am I looking for in a relationship? Should I just rely on a "strong feeling"? Can something that feels right actually be wrong? I guess I need to pray more for clarity and guidance...
Yesterday we waltzed. In front of a large group of people, including our PS. Why? Primarily to make Aunty Cat happy. But also because I wanted to. Cos I wanted to show people that I could dance ok and that I'm not always a klutz? If my singing or dancing can make someone happy, I don't mind having to do it in front of a crowd. =P
Oh... and Happy Teachers Day! To all my teachers and friends who have joined the profession. =) May you continue to mould young minds into great ones.
Just came home. Having yesterday's soup for dinner. Yum yum... ^ ^ Or should I be upset that yesterday's leftovers were waiting for me at home? =P Anyway, mum didn't let me have much soup. She read somewhere the other day that drinking too much soup late at night isn't good for digestion. =/
Went for purpose-driven shopping with Princess just now. Walked round the bookstore before I asked the information counter if they had the book. I only gave the title and the sales exec said, "By Joshua Harris?" I was amazed. I bought myself my fourth book on relationships. =P
Well... actually my first one - "The Everything Dating Book" was a gift for my 21st birthday from my two best guy buddies. I shall now admit to have only flipped through the book and not read it from cover to cover.
The second and third... are by the Peases. I bought them in Bhutan. Why Bhutan? Cos they cost me just S$10 each there. =P I remember from my JC days how I used to stand in the bookstore and read bits of it cos the books are so funny! =) Anyway, sad to say, since I got them on my v-day trip to Bhutan, I haven't read them at all. I guess cos I didn't really see a need to read them then, except for light hearted reading when I felt like it.
This book that I bought today was recommended by a friend, who had gotten a recommendation from someone else. Really should thank someone else. I read the preface on my way home and it inspired me to think about the way I handle relationships...
I feel tired... Maybe I should just have an early night. =)
Did a fair bit of running around today:
Went to Settlers at Telok Ayer with Hyperjive pals just now. =) Finally won at a snap-type game! Had lots of fun... But going out tonight meant that I missed dinner at home and mum cooked my favourite chicken soup with white fungus and carrots. Too full to have any now. =/
Exhausted. Shall sleep soon.
It was Mum's birthday yesterday, 28 Aug. She didn't realise it and I almost forgot, if not for a survey that she was doing.
My mum's only dream is to watch us wear our graduation gowns and collect our degree scrolls. 2 down, 1 to go. I've always admired mum's innovativeness and wondered how come I never inherited that. Or her sewing skills... Or learned how to cook soups. =P
She picked up my mini project just now and said：“你缝的啊？不会散啊? 这边好像不平的。。。” Then she picked up a ruler and measured. Maybe that's where my perfectionist side comes from. (Btw, it was even. Ha. =P)
Happy 49th birthday to Mum,
though you can't remember your own birthday... =)
I would rather read then hang out with friends. OR
I love all animals.
I picked the second and scored as Preppy: "You got a prep. He cares for everything in the world including you. He will have to spend time with you every day."
If I had chosen the first, would have got a Geek: "I hate to break it to you but you have a guy that would rather study and do good in school then hang out with friends and you. Sorry."
Somehow, these two types seem to describe the situation that I'm in...
Geek | 67% | ||
Preppy | 67% | ||
None | 50% | ||
Emo | 33% | ||
Punk | 17% | ||
Goth | 0% | ||
Skater | 0% | ||
Loner | 0% |
OK... I really didn't mean to blog so much but as a friend was asking me about how to delete blog comments, I suddenly realised that I had 8 comments dating back to Nov 2005 that I didn't moderate and allow for publish. =P Apologies to those who had left the comments and wondered what happened to them! Gomen ne!
Amongst these were one left by Princess in July, before the conclusion of my last relationship. And I wish I had read her comment earlier, before I went to Hong Kong, because it articulated, so clearly, the problem that I had with Bee.
Because you see, you can't love someone for the promise of what
they can be. You have to love them for their imperfections.
I guess you can see how bored I am when I'm single and not motivated to do work. =P This post is just to mark the birth of Butter (scroll to the bottom of the page), a grey hamster that I just adopted. Would have picked mouse if they had one, and made it brown in memory of its namesake*. But I guess a hamster's pretty close. =) You can click the wheel to make it run or click "more" to feed it strawberries (click at its mouth; If you click elsewhere, it would sniff at it).
* Butter - female mouse, brown. Pet mouse when I was in Sec 3 or 4. It mated with Bread (black male mouse) and produced Milk, Cookie, Salt, Pepper and I-can't-remember-the-name-of-its-fifth-baby (Therefore, the others were named after easy-to-remember stuff. =P)
Mummy cooked watercress soup today... even though i dislike watercress, thought I'd better take more soup in hope that my sore throat would go away...
Anyway, I wonder how many people actually talk over the phone these days. For me, I usually only use the phone to chat with boyfriends. =P Before boyfriends came along, I hardly ever used the phone to chat with anyone.
People seem to be using instant messaging a lot more... Is it part of the multi-tasking culture? That instant messaging would allow one to be able to multi-task better? Or is it because instant messaging would give one time to think of a reply, rather than have to say things over the phone that could potentially explode in one's face? Or is it because instant messaging allows us to hide our emotions?
Yes, facing that problem again. One of the reasons that puts me off using SE phones. Maybe I'll switch back to Nokia next year...
If not for the lousy connection, would have uploaded some pics of my completed mini-project. =) The magazine said it'ld take 6 hrs - I took 6 days. =P Of course, it's only because I was only working on it for an hour or so per day, even when I was in the Maldives. Maldivians had never seen my mini-project type of stuff before! I was quite surprised. Anyway, hope this thing will brighten up someone's day...
Anyway, after effects of not drinking enough water in the Maldives - zit developing on my forehead and woke up w a sore throat today. 3 dessertspoons of Pi Pa Gao hasn't had much effect... =/
The left side of your brain controls verbal ability, attention to detail, and reasoning. Left brained people are good at communication and persuading others. If you're left brained, you are likely good at math and logic. Your left brain prefers dogs, reading, and quiet.
The right side of your brain is all about creativity and flexibility. Daring and intuitive, right brained people see the world in their unique way. If you're right brained, you likely have a talent for creative writing and art. Your right brain prefers day dreaming, philosophy, and sports.
How could I survive
Without Your love
Without Your touch
You're the
One that heals me
And cleanses my heart
And sets me free
Led the cell through this song just one or two weeks before I stopped attending cell.
The message in yesterday's service was that
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." - Phi 4: 13
How? By receiving abundant grace, walking in active faith and resting in His love. Faith is our response to God's Grace. Pastor Gerald also showed a clip about Rick Hoyt and his dad Dick. A touching true story about at how Dick, spurred by a father's love for his son, participated in triathlons FOR and WITH him. It reminded me of a poem that I came across on a friend's blog earlier yesterday afternoon.
I was further reminded that we should always have faith in the Lord and of something that someone had said to me. By the end of yesterday's service, I came to a decision to let someone go. And I did. For the third or fourth time. Even though I agree with Aki's logic on why it was more important to have a good boyfriend than a good husband cos no one knows what will happen in the future anyway, at this point in time, I am unable to take that bold step onto the path that would be fraught with difficulties.
If we're meant to be, He would lay the path for us.
Thank you for loving me.
The Idealist |
As I sat on a speedboat out of Male yesterday, the nickname from my JC1 choir days suddenly came to mind. Hence, the update at the sidebar. Back then, there was this craze over 《神鸼侠侣》 and we were naming ourselves after characters from the book/drama serial (yes, the one that Fann Wong and Christopher Lee acted in).
Yesterday, I was yet again reminded of how blessed I am. Someone made sure that I brought water to the Maldives. Someone made sure that I drank water and not get dehydrated. Someone helped to pull my trolley back halfway across Male to the jetty. Someone wanted to pay for my dinner. Someone said that he would always have a soft spot for me. Someone said that he would always be around.
Is it because I can't take care of myself and need people to take care of me? =P Nevertheless, I would like to thank all of you for being around and caring. *hugs*
"Absences makes the heart grow fonder..."
Postmodernist. Postmodernism is the belief in complete open interpretation. You see the universe as a collection of information with varying ways of putting it together. There is no absolute truth for you; even the most hardened facts are open to interpretation. Meaning relies on context and even the language you use to describe things should be subject to analysis.
What is Your World View? created with QuizFarm.com |
Picking 2 would have made me a Cultural Creative, a member of probably the newest group to enter this realm. "You are a modern thinker who tends to shy away from organized religion but still feels as if there is something greater than ourselves. You are very spiritual, even if you are not religious. Life has a meaning outside of the rational."
Someone who is quite guai because I am also quite guai
But also someone who is not super-religious or super-guai
Like, someone who is not hung-up about adhering to a strict moral code
But able to let loose and have fun and be slightly naughty every once in a while
Then, someone who is quite smart but not dao-dao artsy-fartsy smart
Who can also appreciate down-to-earth jokes and kopitiam food
Someone who is not super flamboyant or loud, but is also good humored and can be funny
And someone who is NICE
Yup. In preparations for the trip tomorrow. I guess I really should have brought my laptop back on Fri but I didn't feel inspired to do so. =P
As I walked down the corridors of my office, I thought of how last year, was surprised to see Kon, who had just joined not too long ago, working in the office on a Saturday. Back then, I was trying to do my filing...
Was also surprised by 烧卖's call at about 11 am this morning. Had gained conscious at about 9 am, sent him a sms and went back to sleep since he hadn't reply. Our conversation was interrupted by someone whom I later confirmed to have called the long number. -_- But then again, I guess he didn't want to have another long teleconversation. =P Shortly after, got a "good morning" sms from 地毯.... Speaking of smses, I've finally deleted all of Bee's smses, including the one he sent on my graduation day last year.
My older cousin came by earlier and asked how's things going with Bee. I didn't see the need to lie, so I told him that we had broken up. My cousin then started giving me advice on how I should look out for someone who shares the same vision of the future as me...
What my vision of the future like? To be with someone who loves me as much as I love him? To have two kids and try my best not to turn them into spoilt brats or neglect them? I'ld like to think that I'm a simple person, who doesn't ask much but am I just thinking too simply? Is love sufficient to overcome it all?
Met the Pals for lunch, shopping and baking yesterday. Yes, we used the Hilton recipe cut out from Straits Times. If they hadn't proposed that we try baking it, I'll probably not do it by myself till December or so.
Realised that the recipe called for plain cream, but didn't indicate what it was for! But the cake turned out really well... =) I think it's all to the mixer's credit, to produce a cake so smooth! So tempted to buy another mixer - a proper one that won't die on me after being used thrice. =P
Since Prozac's birthday was 16 Aug, we decided to stick a candle and surprise him. So nice to be spontaneous every now and then. =) You may wish to refer to Little Miss Dreamer's blogfor photos and a more detailed description of Operation Cheesecake. =)
While the cake was baking, my love life was up for discussion again. =P The conclusion was that it was interesting enough to be turned into a script and submitted to Mediacorp. We also talked about whether, if the two were mutually exclusive, we would choose a good boyfriend or a good husband. Instinctively, I thought a good husband would be more important since I'ld be spending the rest of my life with him. But I also agree with Aki's thinking when she picked good boyfriend. If this guy can't even make a good boyfriend, how can you be sure that he would be a good husband?
| Physical Touch: | 8 | |
| Quality Time: | 7 | |
| Words of Affirmation: | 7 | |
| Acts of Service: | 6 | |
| Receiving Gifts: | 2 |
Tears for one
Being with the second
Mind on a third
But heart... where art thou?
My past seems to have caught up with me, though I knew that it would, a week before I started work. Perhaps, as much as I thought I could be 洒脱, I can never truly be so. Perhaps, I care too much for making others happy, that I've left my own sense of happiness in their hands...
Bee: Do you know what's wrong?
Me: I'm going around breaking people's hearts.
Bee: Exactly.
.....
Bee: Do you know what's your problem? It's because you don't know what you want.
How do people know that their partners are THE ONES that they wanna be with for the rest of their lives? Because they can imagine...
Because they thank God for bringing these people into their lives?
I guess I've had all of those feelings at one point or another and I've come to realise that while such feelings may be sufficient to kick start a romance, it takes a lot more effort to keep it going for eternity. When I think I know what I had been looking for, it turns out that perhaps, I'd wanted more than that. Sometimes I don't trust myself anymore. Therefore, I am indecisive.
My last experience had taught me to be more patient but I guess I wasn't patient enough. Anyway, I'd reached the last chapter of that book. Time for me to take a break, enjoy the scenery before embarking on a new book, that would hopefully last me a lifetime. =P
Was tweaking my blog yesterday (correcting a typo as pointed out by Spinky) when my brother said this. He couldn't recognise the girl in the blog header. =P
Saw a little girl in a PCF uniform on the train today. Short hair, cut very evenly and not layered. Wide eyed and in wonder of the world around her. Reminded me of when I was a little girl, when I aspired to be a scientist, or a pianist or a artist. Well... I jumped off the path to be a scientist, never got to learn to play the piano and art... I find that my sketchings are too restricted. When I do draw, I draw what I see as is. I often wish I could sketch more and every now and then, I'm tempted to buy myself a set of colour pencils (you know, the kind where it's a set of 128 and there are all sorts of funky colours), sit down somewhere and just draw. But I know that being the perfectionist that I am, I'ld probably be too engrossed in making something perfect, then to actually accept something random.
I look back and think about how simply I used to think:
Back then, I didn't know what hyprocisy and heart ache were. I remember that up to university, I left people the impression that I was a carefree girl. Although I think that my desire to be carefree had churned out problems of its own. =P
The path of getting to where I am today has been more difficult that I had imagined it to be when I was five. But I constantly remind myself that my path has been a much smoother one compared to some others out there. I'm lucky to have the support of my family (though we don't really express ourselves. =P), the Pals and all you guys out there who have made a difference to my life in one way or another.
Thanks.
I've uploaded long-awaited photos on my new Webshots homepage, which you can access here or click on the link at the sidebar, right below "back on the shelf". =P
Visit the site to view photos of:
Ta da! First attempt at personalising my blog. Quite pleased with myself. =) Yellow text does go quite well on various colours. =P At the very least, I can now surf my blog using IE and not have to use Opera (which distorts the alignment).
Just a simple design... maybe one of these days will scan in something that i sketched as a background.
Had lunch w YT the other day. I enjoy talking to YT cos he's always so insightful and gives practical advice. Felt quite motivated to revamp my wardrobe after that. Yes, that long overdue task. I think my sister would be pleased. Given the time that has freed up now, I guess I shall make an appointment with my sister to go pamper myself (or her, since I'll probably end up buying stuff that she likes. =P)
The recent ongoings... made me realised that I leave a pretty good first impression on people. =) I never realised that there were people around that actually noticed me.
By chance, I came across an article in "Duet" (yes, the SDU magazine) yesterday, talking about dating traps. One of which was that people shouldn't think that there is only one soul mate for them out there. I guess it makes me think twice about my outlook on dating. There really are many nice guys out there who would say that they care about you. You know that they aren't lying but how do you know who's really The One for you?
"Each Baci , which means "kisses" in Italian, with its creamy dark chocolate and rich hazelnut center, comes wrapped in a poetic love note in four languages describing the course of love — a true gesture of romance."
You're France!
Most people think you're snobby, but it's really just that you're better than everyone else. At least you're more loyal to the real language, the fine arts, and the fine wines than anyone else.
You aren't worth beans in a fight, unless you're really short, but you're so good at other things that it usually doesn't matter. Some of your finest works were intended to be short-term projects.
