When old friends get together, we'll reminise the good ol' days and have a good laugh about it. That was what we did over some horrible meal at Delifrance with Juan. Come to think of it, we've been friends for 12 years!
I recall the days in primary school, when we would be sitting along the corridor, playing five stones. Every single day, without fail. We'd gotten so good at it, we had to come up with ridiculous rules so as to make the game a tad more exciting. Until we got too bored with it, we moved on to Zero Point, got obsessed with it to the extent of playing at void decks after school ended. Not forgetting hopscotch, when even slabs of tiles in the parade ground became our playground during the short 20 minute recess break.
Remember our Moon Awards, where we combined classes to come up with a skit, so as to speak, for some assembly thing. It was hilarious! We even had the "celebrities" come up to give a short thank you speech. Our 鞋烧光 aka 谢韶光 was phenomenal. Unfortunately, I can't recall the rest of the names though.
Not forgetting our Mr Jumat bin Baba! Our beloved form teacher, who was a great teacher other than the times he made us eat chalk, get whacked by blackboard dusters, either on purpose, or if you got hit by accident, too bad too sad. We all remember Nicholas Tan, who always cried when he got scolded, Choon Guan, Juan's partner for a short while, who did not dare to sit down all cos he kept getting pinched by her, the lessons at the tiny "lecture room" behind the stage, when Jie Lun missed the first day of remedial lessons and when he got questioned why he didn't attend, all he said was "I went Fantasy Island with my family what."
That got him the nickname of Fantasy Island, with a few other people like, Victor, who was named Panadol and the list goes on.
Further, who can forget the food?! Rocket ice-cream, potato puffs, fried noodles, etc. The cheapest good food ever!
Head on to secondary school, greatest memories of the Jing Jang Gang, Mano, cheerleading, chilling out, bubble tea, takopachi, chicken mee, Pai Gu Mian, custard chicken, chilli fries, chicken rice, cup noodles and spaghetti!
Who can forget the hard work put in for the cheerleading finals, when we won 3rd?
Who can forget the countless remedial lessons we had to prepare us for the O Levels?
Who can forget the torturous Zhang HaiYan lessons, the horrible microphone and the time Evie poured super glue into the power socket?
Who can forget the performances our respective CCAs presented every single school function?
Who can forget the neverending practice sessions for the Singapore Youth Festivals?
Who can forget the skipping of classes?
Who can forget the breakfasts at Gombak Macdonalds?
Who can forget all these sweet sweet sweet memories?
We'll never find food like that, we can never behave like that, we simply are not 16 anymore.
Nonetheless, we still have fun our way. We still enjoy ourselves. We will still meet up over high tea with our husbands and kids in tow in future. We will still have days when we will let our hair down and just have loads and loads of fun.
Most importantly, we will still always be there for each other.
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Friday, September 29, 2006
I'm fine.
Someone remind me to not be home any time before 10.
In any event that I have to, please just let there be peace.
That's all I ask for.
The rest are fine and manageable and dandy.
Just this. I'm up to my neck, scratch that, up to the top of the hairs on my head in all other stuff. Simply leaving me alone will suffice.
On a far fetched note, I'm itching to have water contact. It's going to be ONE whole month more!
All right, I'm done screaming. Back to being *ahem* prim and proper and paying attention to the Garfield blabbering in front of me.
In any event that I have to, please just let there be peace.
That's all I ask for.
The rest are fine and manageable and dandy.
Just this. I'm up to my neck, scratch that, up to the top of the hairs on my head in all other stuff. Simply leaving me alone will suffice.
On a far fetched note, I'm itching to have water contact. It's going to be ONE whole month more!
All right, I'm done screaming. Back to being *ahem* prim and proper and paying attention to the Garfield blabbering in front of me.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Lil butterflies in my tummy.
Our obsessions are going way off.
With a new interest and getaway plan hovering our minds, we've got something to look forward up to 6 months down the road.
Scuba diving open water course cum Tioman getaway in March!
No doubt, our hobbies are getting more and more expensive. But the satisfaction and accomplishment - priceless. With the same interests and hobbies now, I suppose, our Energizer alter egos will surge us to even more fascinating and out of the world places and activities.
Saturday's picnic at the Wakeboarding World Cup is my drive for the week. After which, we'll be cruising event-less through October till my celebrations on the 28th! Words cannot justify how needed that is. Most probably a quick, short and much needed gasp in the next 2 months before I head down to Bangkok for the Asia Pacific conference and the girl's motoring show.
Perhaps, if all works out well, we'll manage to squeeze everyone into one room, and we can scream the walls down with our Jenga and poker cards!
After I get back, the girl and the editor in chief will be heading for Naga City, Philippines with their new (I foresee) PS3, vest, helmet, big bags and most importantly, barf bags to the Camarines Sur Ski Park. It'll be December before we know it!
To reward ourselves for our whole year of hardwork, tortures we had, emotional abuses, financial tortures, we shall reward ourselves to wakeboarding at Punggol! Well, we have to try sooner or later. Then we'll see if what Errol says is true.
For now, it's the firming up of plans for the 28th and March.
Our monthly makan sessions with the Super people are somehow working out just fine and dandy. Next Wednesday we'll let our hair and guards down once again!
Pls don't stop me from being excited!
With a new interest and getaway plan hovering our minds, we've got something to look forward up to 6 months down the road.
Scuba diving open water course cum Tioman getaway in March!
No doubt, our hobbies are getting more and more expensive. But the satisfaction and accomplishment - priceless. With the same interests and hobbies now, I suppose, our Energizer alter egos will surge us to even more fascinating and out of the world places and activities.
Saturday's picnic at the Wakeboarding World Cup is my drive for the week. After which, we'll be cruising event-less through October till my celebrations on the 28th! Words cannot justify how needed that is. Most probably a quick, short and much needed gasp in the next 2 months before I head down to Bangkok for the Asia Pacific conference and the girl's motoring show.
Perhaps, if all works out well, we'll manage to squeeze everyone into one room, and we can scream the walls down with our Jenga and poker cards!
After I get back, the girl and the editor in chief will be heading for Naga City, Philippines with their new (I foresee) PS3, vest, helmet, big bags and most importantly, barf bags to the Camarines Sur Ski Park. It'll be December before we know it!
To reward ourselves for our whole year of hardwork, tortures we had, emotional abuses, financial tortures, we shall reward ourselves to wakeboarding at Punggol! Well, we have to try sooner or later. Then we'll see if what Errol says is true.
For now, it's the firming up of plans for the 28th and March.
Our monthly makan sessions with the Super people are somehow working out just fine and dandy. Next Wednesday we'll let our hair and guards down once again!
Pls don't stop me from being excited!
Monday, September 25, 2006
bla bla bla
Today spells trouble.
It's so not going well. I can't wait for Garfield to go home and leave me to do my work in peace.
My head is throbbing.
Pardon me. I just need to scream. Don't mind me.
It just irks me. The voices. The noise. The ringing in my ears.
When I was young, I loved opening letters, jumping for joy every time I receive a letter. It definitely was once in a blue moon. I'd scramble to the letterbox every time, even if it was some brochure, as long as it was addressed to yours truly. With my name on it.
These days, I barely glance at the pile of letters with my name on it everyday. Sometimes, it stays there untouched for days, cos I know, the letters are evil. Evil to my pocket.
I reach home after all in a day, all I want to do is lie down in peace, complete silence, no talking. Just let me be for a while. I'll blabber the house down after that.
It's not a mood swing, I just need to do a quick run through of the day's events, get in touch with my emotions, batter myself up a little and I'm up and running.
I wonder, what I'm blabbering now. Excuse me please. I shall get back to my leaning tower of work.
It's so not going well. I can't wait for Garfield to go home and leave me to do my work in peace.
My head is throbbing.
Pardon me. I just need to scream. Don't mind me.
It just irks me. The voices. The noise. The ringing in my ears.
When I was young, I loved opening letters, jumping for joy every time I receive a letter. It definitely was once in a blue moon. I'd scramble to the letterbox every time, even if it was some brochure, as long as it was addressed to yours truly. With my name on it.
These days, I barely glance at the pile of letters with my name on it everyday. Sometimes, it stays there untouched for days, cos I know, the letters are evil. Evil to my pocket.
I reach home after all in a day, all I want to do is lie down in peace, complete silence, no talking. Just let me be for a while. I'll blabber the house down after that.
It's not a mood swing, I just need to do a quick run through of the day's events, get in touch with my emotions, batter myself up a little and I'm up and running.
I wonder, what I'm blabbering now. Excuse me please. I shall get back to my leaning tower of work.
Sunday, September 24, 2006
yours truly
An insight on yours truly, through a personality quiz:
Your view on yourself:Other people find you very interesting, but you are really hiding your true self. Your friends love you because you are a good listener. They'll probably still love you if you learn to be yourself with them.
The type of girlfriend/boyfriend you are looking for:You like serious, smart and determined people. You don't judge a book by its cover, so good-looking people aren't necessarily your style. This makes you an attractive person in many people's eyes.
Your readiness to commit to a relationship:You prefer to get to know a person very well before deciding whether you will commit to the relationship.
The seriousness of your love:Your have very sensible tactics when approaching the opposite sex. In many ways people find your straightforwardness attractive, so you will find yourself with plenty of dates.
Your view on yourself:Other people find you very interesting, but you are really hiding your true self. Your friends love you because you are a good listener. They'll probably still love you if you learn to be yourself with them.
The type of girlfriend/boyfriend you are looking for:You like serious, smart and determined people. You don't judge a book by its cover, so good-looking people aren't necessarily your style. This makes you an attractive person in many people's eyes.
Your readiness to commit to a relationship:You prefer to get to know a person very well before deciding whether you will commit to the relationship.
The seriousness of your love:Your have very sensible tactics when approaching the opposite sex. In many ways people find your straightforwardness attractive, so you will find yourself with plenty of dates.
Your views on education:Education is less important than the real world out there, away from the classroom. Deep inside you want to start working, earning money and living on your own.
The right job for you:You're a practical person and will choose a secure job with a steady income. Knowing what you like to do is important. Find a regular job doing just that and you'll be set for life.
How do you view success:You are afraid of failure and scared to have a go at the career you would like to have in case you don't succeed. Don't give up when you haven't yet even started! Be courageous.
What are you most afraid of:You are concerned about your image and the way others see you. This means that you try very hard to be accepted by other people. It's time for you to believe in who you are, not what you wear.
Who is your true self:You are full of energy and confidence. You are unpredictable, with moods changing as quickly as an ocean. You might occasionally be calm and still, but never for long.
Your view on yourself:Other people find you very interesting, but you are really hiding your true self. Your friends love you because you are a good listener. They'll probably still love you if you learn to be yourself with them.
The type of girlfriend/boyfriend you are looking for:You like serious, smart and determined people. You don't judge a book by its cover, so good-looking people aren't necessarily your style. This makes you an attractive person in many people's eyes.
Your readiness to commit to a relationship:You prefer to get to know a person very well before deciding whether you will commit to the relationship.
The seriousness of your love:Your have very sensible tactics when approaching the opposite sex. In many ways people find your straightforwardness attractive, so you will find yourself with plenty of dates.
Your view on yourself:Other people find you very interesting, but you are really hiding your true self. Your friends love you because you are a good listener. They'll probably still love you if you learn to be yourself with them.
The type of girlfriend/boyfriend you are looking for:You like serious, smart and determined people. You don't judge a book by its cover, so good-looking people aren't necessarily your style. This makes you an attractive person in many people's eyes.
Your readiness to commit to a relationship:You prefer to get to know a person very well before deciding whether you will commit to the relationship.
The seriousness of your love:Your have very sensible tactics when approaching the opposite sex. In many ways people find your straightforwardness attractive, so you will find yourself with plenty of dates.
Your views on education:Education is less important than the real world out there, away from the classroom. Deep inside you want to start working, earning money and living on your own.
The right job for you:You're a practical person and will choose a secure job with a steady income. Knowing what you like to do is important. Find a regular job doing just that and you'll be set for life.
How do you view success:You are afraid of failure and scared to have a go at the career you would like to have in case you don't succeed. Don't give up when you haven't yet even started! Be courageous.
What are you most afraid of:You are concerned about your image and the way others see you. This means that you try very hard to be accepted by other people. It's time for you to believe in who you are, not what you wear.
Who is your true self:You are full of energy and confidence. You are unpredictable, with moods changing as quickly as an ocean. You might occasionally be calm and still, but never for long.
How true? Well, scores pretty high on the scale for in terms of accuracy.
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Getaway indulged.
This is what you call procrastinating. Almost 3 months since our getaway to Bangkok, the girl's virgin trip to Bangkok and our many misadventures, she finally sent me the photos!
Here goes!
Our first night in Bangkok!
2nd day at Chatuchak Weekend Market We literally shopped till we dropped and couldn't move anymore. Went back to the hotel after and cam-whored a little, we were so exhausted we slept all the way till at night! We even gave up the idea of more shopping!
MBK, Siam Center, Siam Paragon, we conquered them all!It was complete tai-tai's paradise in Siam Paragon. With absolutely nothing we could afford, we did what we did best! Window shopping and cam-whoring. Siam Paragon was simply breathtaking. No single mall in Singapore can beat it. Honestly.
Fashion runwayIndulged in local street hawker food, with a fashion show of our buys, we made a huge mess out of the hotel room. Had a hard time packing our lugguages, we almost had to sit on them in order to get them zipped up!
Well, when we packing our bags again?
Friday, September 22, 2006
Stimulation
Settler's is addictive.
We are exhausting the deck of cards for Taboo. Goodness! Not all ferries are called penguins!
It's a good thing though, bikinis and boards are physically stimulating and Settler's mind stimulating. It's a inside out and upside down entire body workout.
Sweet torture playing in the realm of my kingdom in the clouds.
We are exhausting the deck of cards for Taboo. Goodness! Not all ferries are called penguins!
It's a good thing though, bikinis and boards are physically stimulating and Settler's mind stimulating. It's a inside out and upside down entire body workout.
Sweet torture playing in the realm of my kingdom in the clouds.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Childhood relived
Last night was an unexpected twist of events. It turned out to be loads of fun, hand trembling, heart stopping and laughter!
Went for dinner with Errol at Holland V. I think he morphed into part Sham yesterday. I couldn't stop laughing on the way there and through dinner, even though the jokes were targetted at me. He made me walk so far to get to Holland V, even though I insisted the other route was shorter. Fine.
Coincidentally met Juan and Vinod there, and they instigated us to head for Settler's. Wasn't too keen on it at first cos the both of us were dead tired.
We were wrong. Proven wrong.
Despite the short 1 hour we had, we managed to squeeze in 2 games - Jenga and Taboo.
Jenga was heart stopping. All thanks to new found methods of playing, which Juan and I could not possibly attempt. The tower of bricks was twisted beyond recognition. For the very first time, 1 single round of Jenga can extend past half an hour. Yes, all thanks to our dear Errol, I was the one who toppled the tower. There was really no way out. We should have taken a picture!
Next up: Taboo
Now we know what's on every one's mind when given key words.
Anything small, tiny is a nipple to Vinod.
Juan's main ingredient in a hot dog bun is meat. She just couldn't get the word 'sausage' out.
That was so funny.
Anyway, you guys won cos we kept forgetting to turn the hourglass!
Went for dinner with Errol at Holland V. I think he morphed into part Sham yesterday. I couldn't stop laughing on the way there and through dinner, even though the jokes were targetted at me. He made me walk so far to get to Holland V, even though I insisted the other route was shorter. Fine.
Coincidentally met Juan and Vinod there, and they instigated us to head for Settler's. Wasn't too keen on it at first cos the both of us were dead tired.
We were wrong. Proven wrong.
Despite the short 1 hour we had, we managed to squeeze in 2 games - Jenga and Taboo.
Jenga was heart stopping. All thanks to new found methods of playing, which Juan and I could not possibly attempt. The tower of bricks was twisted beyond recognition. For the very first time, 1 single round of Jenga can extend past half an hour. Yes, all thanks to our dear Errol, I was the one who toppled the tower. There was really no way out. We should have taken a picture!
Next up: Taboo
Now we know what's on every one's mind when given key words.
Anything small, tiny is a nipple to Vinod.
Juan's main ingredient in a hot dog bun is meat. She just couldn't get the word 'sausage' out.
That was so funny.
Anyway, you guys won cos we kept forgetting to turn the hourglass!
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Indiosyncrasies
A night long of report writing and cleaning up crap work combined with barely 2 hours of sleep before head crashing into a mad day of work is not a good idea.
So not a good idea. Move clock hands, MOVE. Of course, using my subconscious self's lousy attempts to will the clock hands to move faster is NOT working.
I am about to raise the white flag and lie flat, ready to be trampled over by the garfield himself.
Caught a telecast of the news about the military coup in Thailand and my mood was dampened even before I place my foot into the carpeted floor of the office. More work. Great job, guys! As garfield says, better now, than before the elections.
Our Asia Pacific conference will be clashing head on with the elections in Thailand in November. Night before the elections and before you pen your vote, no alcohol to be consumed. Strictly no alcohol. By orders of the government. It's illegal to drink even a single drop of alcohol that night.
Absolute culture shock. That's understanding cross-cultural diversity.
Inability to focus, fuzzy eyesight, crazy blabberings and slight loss of hearing are preliminary symptoms of ineedtosleepnow andimeannow - a very scientific term for a serious sleep disorder.
No, I am not a hypochondriac. I think it's just one of my idiosyncrasies.
So not a good idea. Move clock hands, MOVE. Of course, using my subconscious self's lousy attempts to will the clock hands to move faster is NOT working.
I am about to raise the white flag and lie flat, ready to be trampled over by the garfield himself.
Caught a telecast of the news about the military coup in Thailand and my mood was dampened even before I place my foot into the carpeted floor of the office. More work. Great job, guys! As garfield says, better now, than before the elections.
Our Asia Pacific conference will be clashing head on with the elections in Thailand in November. Night before the elections and before you pen your vote, no alcohol to be consumed. Strictly no alcohol. By orders of the government. It's illegal to drink even a single drop of alcohol that night.
Absolute culture shock. That's understanding cross-cultural diversity.
Inability to focus, fuzzy eyesight, crazy blabberings and slight loss of hearing are preliminary symptoms of ineedtosleepnow andimeannow - a very scientific term for a serious sleep disorder.
No, I am not a hypochondriac. I think it's just one of my idiosyncrasies.
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Dreams of cinamon sugared pretzels and late night movies
I'd turn back the clock 4 months back if I could, to redo all that happened. I shouldn't though, even if I could.
Yes, I shouldn't.
Words spoken can't be taken back. A tinge of regret for what was said, though perhaps, unfounded. I stopped feeling what I was supposed to feel. I stopped all that emotional abuse. I stopped feeling sorry for myself. I stopped hating, or should I say, I didn't really touched upon that.
Miles away, both physically, emotionally and mentally, the void is there to feel. The hurt, mellow and throbbing, underlying all the laughter. Nonetheless, the laughter, the happiness, the joys, the fun, these are all real. There's no reason for me to hide, no reason for me not to feel what I'm feeling.
This time round, I truly wish you the best, from the bottommest of my heart, and the toppertest of my tummy of course.
I do hope you see the pure honesty of this entry. This how I feel, free of all hate and hurt for now. It's not meant to persuade or convince.
"To the world, you may be one person. But to one person, you are his world."
Ditto to the quote you told me once, I will find that one person.
Yes, I shouldn't.
Words spoken can't be taken back. A tinge of regret for what was said, though perhaps, unfounded. I stopped feeling what I was supposed to feel. I stopped all that emotional abuse. I stopped feeling sorry for myself. I stopped hating, or should I say, I didn't really touched upon that.
Miles away, both physically, emotionally and mentally, the void is there to feel. The hurt, mellow and throbbing, underlying all the laughter. Nonetheless, the laughter, the happiness, the joys, the fun, these are all real. There's no reason for me to hide, no reason for me not to feel what I'm feeling.
This time round, I truly wish you the best, from the bottommest of my heart, and the toppertest of my tummy of course.
I do hope you see the pure honesty of this entry. This how I feel, free of all hate and hurt for now. It's not meant to persuade or convince.
"To the world, you may be one person. But to one person, you are his world."
Ditto to the quote you told me once, I will find that one person.
I love this feeling.
After 6 years of friendship, its astonishing to realise that my dear Xue Er and I have not been out, just the 2 of us alone before. Oh my, we'd better do more of this.
The heart to heart talk session became a laughing marathon between the 2 of us, on the verge of being drunk. All thanks to her. It was after my wakeboarding session, meaning, I was dead tired and not functioning. I couldn't even open my eyes properly halfway through conversation.
I came to a conclusion last night.
I love being in a relationship. Seriously. I love the feeling of having someone to whine to, someone to do things together, someone to hold, someone to keep me warm, someone to encourage me, someone for me to buy sweet little nothings for, someone to laugh with, the whole list just goes on forever.
I even like the ups and downs of it. I mean like, not love. Except, of course, the heartbreaks and phobias, the quarrels and breakups.
I absolutely love this feeling.
The flowers I received the other day. We'll share the flowers all right?
The heart to heart talk session became a laughing marathon between the 2 of us, on the verge of being drunk. All thanks to her. It was after my wakeboarding session, meaning, I was dead tired and not functioning. I couldn't even open my eyes properly halfway through conversation.
I came to a conclusion last night.
I love being in a relationship. Seriously. I love the feeling of having someone to whine to, someone to do things together, someone to hold, someone to keep me warm, someone to encourage me, someone for me to buy sweet little nothings for, someone to laugh with, the whole list just goes on forever.
I even like the ups and downs of it. I mean like, not love. Except, of course, the heartbreaks and phobias, the quarrels and breakups.
I absolutely love this feeling.
(1).3.jpg)
The flowers I received the other day. We'll share the flowers all right?
Remember my dear, regardless what time, I'll just be a message or call away. Unless I'm wakeboarding though, then the tender loving care will come a tad slower.
I am happy.
The long waddle home.
Saturday was fun, fun, fun and more fun! Though a slight lack of eye candy and a slight increase of show offs, it was fabulous.
Errol and his friend, Kelvin, joined us this time round and it was so amusing to see Kelvin's virgin wakeboarding experience at Batam, NOT wakeboarding, but wake-skiing. The "never give up" attitude of his is remarkable though. I'm impressed.
Bad news. I face planted again. Good news. I face planted further away from the start off point.
Great, I face plant so much, my neck's getting toned.
Is that something to rejoice for?
I'm aching so bad again. It feels like I got rolled over by a bulldozer or something.
Dear penguin subjects,
The next week's going to be the week we waddle everywhere. From home to work, to school or whatsoever.
In pain, in aches, a duct-taped ankle and red noses. Oh, and blistered palms. Armed with Osim massagers, we'll squirm our way through, till October 28th.
With lotsa love,
Penguin Princess
Whilst the long wait for the penguin shuttle back to homeland...
Errol and his friend, Kelvin, joined us this time round and it was so amusing to see Kelvin's virgin wakeboarding experience at Batam, NOT wakeboarding, but wake-skiing. The "never give up" attitude of his is remarkable though. I'm impressed.
Bad news. I face planted again. Good news. I face planted further away from the start off point.
Great, I face plant so much, my neck's getting toned.
Is that something to rejoice for?
I'm aching so bad again. It feels like I got rolled over by a bulldozer or something.
Dear penguin subjects,
The next week's going to be the week we waddle everywhere. From home to work, to school or whatsoever.
In pain, in aches, a duct-taped ankle and red noses. Oh, and blistered palms. Armed with Osim massagers, we'll squirm our way through, till October 28th.
With lotsa love,
Penguin Princess
Whilst the long wait for the penguin shuttle back to homeland...
The girl with the duct-taped ankle.
He saved me from the evil wakeboard.
More pics when the girl gets motivated to upload. Probably in 2 months time.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
A simple gesture, a touch to my heart.
Woke up crying today. Guess it was the effect of bottling too many emotions up for far too long. Finally, the dam gave way. It was much needed in a way. Started off the day with a musty breath of melancholy, looking forward so much to Saturday to get away from it all.
Just as I was wondering how to get over these 2 days before the arrival of Saturday, I got the shockest of all kinds of shock when my colleague walked over to my desk with a bouquet of roses! FOR ME! Furthermore, it's the really really dark red kind of roses that I like, delivered fresh from the florist!
Unbelievable, but it's the first time in my entire life that I've received flowers from anyone. Serious. Dead serious. As people ask, how can it be possible? Not even on Valentine's Day or any other occassions?
Yes, I repeat. Never.
I've always been a no-frills kind of person. Though highly appreciative of gestures of such sort, it's not a must have, or the kind where I would kick up a big fuss over. It's a bonus if there is, it's fine if there isn't. In fact, put away the exhilarating feeling of receiving flowers, I had always rather not receive flowers. Where to put? Where to hold? I rather have consistent sweet gestures, regardless how tiny, then to accumulate and put it into a bouquet or a gift and brush off putting in effort for the remaining 360 days.
Double standard, i agree. No doubt.
At times like this, a simple gesture can warm the coldest of all hearts. Even without the flowers, a nice message to remind a friend that you care and is on your mind, is enough. That alone, can bring a smile, and push away negative feelings, at least for the time being. Yet, some people, just don't bother or don't see the importance of it.
There are times, when a timely message, or a timely act of concern can save a life. It has happened. When you feel like messaging someone just to say you miss him/her, or just to say, take care, just do so. Don't hesitate. You really never know how much it means to that person. Trust me. Been there.
All in all, thank you very very very much to the guy who sent this bouquet to me, simply to cheer me up. It's so much much much appreciated! The sun somehow seems brighter now!
Just as I was wondering how to get over these 2 days before the arrival of Saturday, I got the shockest of all kinds of shock when my colleague walked over to my desk with a bouquet of roses! FOR ME! Furthermore, it's the really really dark red kind of roses that I like, delivered fresh from the florist!
Unbelievable, but it's the first time in my entire life that I've received flowers from anyone. Serious. Dead serious. As people ask, how can it be possible? Not even on Valentine's Day or any other occassions?
Yes, I repeat. Never.
I've always been a no-frills kind of person. Though highly appreciative of gestures of such sort, it's not a must have, or the kind where I would kick up a big fuss over. It's a bonus if there is, it's fine if there isn't. In fact, put away the exhilarating feeling of receiving flowers, I had always rather not receive flowers. Where to put? Where to hold? I rather have consistent sweet gestures, regardless how tiny, then to accumulate and put it into a bouquet or a gift and brush off putting in effort for the remaining 360 days.
Double standard, i agree. No doubt.
At times like this, a simple gesture can warm the coldest of all hearts. Even without the flowers, a nice message to remind a friend that you care and is on your mind, is enough. That alone, can bring a smile, and push away negative feelings, at least for the time being. Yet, some people, just don't bother or don't see the importance of it.
There are times, when a timely message, or a timely act of concern can save a life. It has happened. When you feel like messaging someone just to say you miss him/her, or just to say, take care, just do so. Don't hesitate. You really never know how much it means to that person. Trust me. Been there.
All in all, thank you very very very much to the guy who sent this bouquet to me, simply to cheer me up. It's so much much much appreciated! The sun somehow seems brighter now!
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
The sweet measure of success
Came across this chart just a couple of minutes ago, sparked off a fireworks display of thoughts and emotions.
The impact it had on me went straight pass my mind and hit me straight in the heart with a nail. We're all chasing what we want the wrong way. That's why, even if we get all the way up, we won't be happy. I'm not saying for all.
A very gentle and subtle yet piercing reminder of what I am trying to achieve and where am I headed. Passed by Ogilvy Center, where Ogilvy and Mather is housed, and the feeling was that of awe. Despite it being a Sunday, without the hustle and bustle of the people working in there, it still brought me to a standstill right at the doorstep.
The realisation that it's so near to us, and yet, still so far, was a luminous post-it note sticking out from Raffles Place, where it somehow, doesn't look like it belongs. We've been passing by this place time after time, without taking any notice of it. Perhaps, we were ignorant of the existence of Ogilvy and Mather. Perhaps, our destination then was different.
Now, it's no longer just a building. It's no longer just Ogilvy.
It's a dream. Somewhere we want to belong.
"Power is a quiet smile. It's knowing that no matter what, you can. It's understanding the value of friends; and having friends. It's the strength to hold on; and to let go. It's being fair in an unfair world. Power is being you. Power drives you. Then you drive it."
Wakeboarding frenzy
The girl just announced her going to Philippines, Naga City, for her wakeboarding mania with her wakeboarding maniac of a boyfriend. As usual, tempting me to go. "You want to go?" flooded our conversations last night.
Your guy always shocks me with his ideas. I thought I was hearing things. The next thing we know, he's already planning for Texas next year.
Last night was great. I think I ended up laughing in my sleep. All thanks to the !kung Bushmen and whatwashisname. He really gets entertained by me, doesn't he. I need to work on my Q&Q more.
This whole wakeboarding thing is making everyone nuts. I didn't think I would do sports, let alone, willingly and excitedly look forward to being in pain. As said before, we're sadists to the max. So many have laughed their way home upon hearing that I am going wakeboarding. I myself, is appalled.
Your guy always shocks me with his ideas. I thought I was hearing things. The next thing we know, he's already planning for Texas next year.
Last night was great. I think I ended up laughing in my sleep. All thanks to the !kung Bushmen and whatwashisname. He really gets entertained by me, doesn't he. I need to work on my Q&Q more.
This whole wakeboarding thing is making everyone nuts. I didn't think I would do sports, let alone, willingly and excitedly look forward to being in pain. As said before, we're sadists to the max. So many have laughed their way home upon hearing that I am going wakeboarding. I myself, is appalled.
Monday, September 11, 2006
Where our feet takes us.
It's true how you said it, both of us have said words or done things that have make things forever scarred. I'm not pointing fingers now. I wrote what was written in angst, it wasn't meant to come off as a personal attack, but it was what I felt then and there. I didn't think that much about it, just to let out what I thought and wanted to say.
Likewise for you, did you think of how I would feel when you did all you did and said all you said? Sorry doesn't count for any thing more in our context. What I said in that 1 mere entry doesn't justify or account for all that you've said to me and done to me.
Since saying all these to you are useless, as per your words, I shan't say much, but what I feel. What was said may not be pleasing to you, but what was done cannot be undone. I doubt you are thinking of me in a good light now either.
Thank you for thinking of me, and missing me. Maybe there's truth in your words, the reason's not mine to speak.
You've gotten me all wrong, like you said I've gotten you all wrong. Yet, this misunderstanding is here to stay.
With all that's said, we'll go where our feet takes us, whether you choose to go in angst, or whichever other way.
Likewise for you, did you think of how I would feel when you did all you did and said all you said? Sorry doesn't count for any thing more in our context. What I said in that 1 mere entry doesn't justify or account for all that you've said to me and done to me.
Since saying all these to you are useless, as per your words, I shan't say much, but what I feel. What was said may not be pleasing to you, but what was done cannot be undone. I doubt you are thinking of me in a good light now either.
Thank you for thinking of me, and missing me. Maybe there's truth in your words, the reason's not mine to speak.
You've gotten me all wrong, like you said I've gotten you all wrong. Yet, this misunderstanding is here to stay.
With all that's said, we'll go where our feet takes us, whether you choose to go in angst, or whichever other way.
Being nice doesn't change anyone.
Eve's right. I've got to learn my lesson. Being nice doesn't change anyone. It's just shortchanging myself. Some people just don't deserve the chance, nor any goodwill for that matter.
I've had a lot of chances to learn, chances pushed up my face, chances served to me on a nice platter with garnishes. I have learnt now. Yes, Errol was right, Farena was right, Eve's right, I need to learn. I will and I have.
It's true that what doesn't kill you will make you stronger. What makes you stronger, makes you harder to kill.
Friday night with my Jing Jang girls. We went on a sashimi eating frenzy. Swept up plate after plate after plate. Stuffed ourselves silly while laughing our heads off. Initial plan was Alleybar after dinner. Turned out a tad too packed for comfort. Settled for Ice Cold Beer and we were all cosy and nice. The updates and stories started to come in too.
We practically hogged and tortured the waiter into taking endless photos of us, criticising his every shot. Then again, they really were horrendous.
I've had a lot of chances to learn, chances pushed up my face, chances served to me on a nice platter with garnishes. I have learnt now. Yes, Errol was right, Farena was right, Eve's right, I need to learn. I will and I have.
It's true that what doesn't kill you will make you stronger. What makes you stronger, makes you harder to kill.
Friday night with my Jing Jang girls. We went on a sashimi eating frenzy. Swept up plate after plate after plate. Stuffed ourselves silly while laughing our heads off. Initial plan was Alleybar after dinner. Turned out a tad too packed for comfort. Settled for Ice Cold Beer and we were all cosy and nice. The updates and stories started to come in too.
We practically hogged and tortured the waiter into taking endless photos of us, criticising his every shot. Then again, they really were horrendous.
Sunday, September 10, 2006
Warped.
No words can describe you. It's all just a matter of time. You don't deserve what you have cos you don't treasure any of that bliss. You think you have everything, but in fact, you have nothing at all.
You're just a shell. An empty shell. With nothing inside of you.
Treasure what you have now, with all your might, cos they all don't belong to you, and it's going to go to where they belong. Wait and see.
Step out of this picture and I want to laugh. It's a huge joke. So are you. You've nothing to envy for, you've nothing for me to lust for, you've nothing for me, or anything to offer.
Congratulate me quick, cos you mean nothing now. Stop the attempts to victimise yourself. Stop the attempts to make me quiver in my stand. They will just make me want to laugh.
I look over my shoulder, I see you defeated. This you don't see, or refuse to see. You don't love yourself a single bit, you don't appreciate it all, you're just trying so hard to be, someone you'll never be.
It's like having the most beautiful and biggest house to boast, until you step inside, you realise it's all of rotten wood and weak foundation.
Not saying I've got it all, but I've got what you don't. Self respect and my values, a heart and a mind of my own. Not one that's manipulated by riches, beauty and all things superficial. You can remain warped for all I care.
Go somewhere to butter your own ego and live in your own pretense.
You're just a shell. An empty shell. With nothing inside of you.
Treasure what you have now, with all your might, cos they all don't belong to you, and it's going to go to where they belong. Wait and see.
Step out of this picture and I want to laugh. It's a huge joke. So are you. You've nothing to envy for, you've nothing for me to lust for, you've nothing for me, or anything to offer.
Congratulate me quick, cos you mean nothing now. Stop the attempts to victimise yourself. Stop the attempts to make me quiver in my stand. They will just make me want to laugh.
I look over my shoulder, I see you defeated. This you don't see, or refuse to see. You don't love yourself a single bit, you don't appreciate it all, you're just trying so hard to be, someone you'll never be.
It's like having the most beautiful and biggest house to boast, until you step inside, you realise it's all of rotten wood and weak foundation.
Not saying I've got it all, but I've got what you don't. Self respect and my values, a heart and a mind of my own. Not one that's manipulated by riches, beauty and all things superficial. You can remain warped for all I care.
Go somewhere to butter your own ego and live in your own pretense.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
My Disney world.
We looked far ahead when we were young. We yearned to soar.
In school, we wrote compositions on "My ambition", "What I want to be when I grow up?", it all varied not far from that line. Teachers, doctors, lawyers, psychologists, policemen, were repetitions down the list.
With so much energy, youth and dreams inside of us, yet so little knowledge of how the world is like, we could foresee ourselves to be anything, anyone we wanted to be. It wasn't hard. We could fly around the universe, swam all the way to America if we liked, and no one would have reminded or informed us that it wasn't practical, or it was a near impossible feat. That's the way it is, everyone subconsciously protects the child's mind to think simple thoughts, to block out the harsh daggers of reality.
We had things simple then. We tried to make things complicated and exciting.
Fast forward fifteen years. That's all you need. Things change.
Gone are the energy, the zest, the bounce in our footsteps, the pure innocence, the gleam in our eyes, the "I can be what I want to be" attitude. In place, are the feelings and thoughts we are oh so familiar with.
Things become complicated.
More factors coming into the equation, forming simultaneous equations, then integration and differentiation starts forcing its way through. You do the math. A thousand and one more commitments and responsibilities. From now on, you're responsible for your own future. Every single step we take, is answerable not only to ourselves.
We worked so hard, spent over a decade or two in schools, only to push ourselves into this bottomless pit, and we start asking ourselves, "Is this what I really want?"
If you can say yes without a single regret or doubt running across your mind, please give yourself a pat on the back, a round of applause and I would give you a trophy if I could. Undeniably, many a times, we don't get where we want to be, or set foot on where we had planned to be.
We see the friends around us, those friends whom you know since primary school, and still counting. You ask the IT specialist, "Hey, didn't you want to be a doctor?". Deja vu hits you right smack in the face. No, you didn't see this coming when you were ten.
On the backend program called "Relationships" running in your life, it sometimes become another entity altogether. Ideal scenario would be for the backend program to support your frontend, and work together seamlessly. Time to wake up and get your feet flat on the ground. Feel the cold cement floor.
Enough said. One just has to pray, that your entire system doesn't raise the white flag and crash altogether.
We started off simple. We made it complicated.
We got it complicated. We want it simple now.
Recall the time we learnt about irreversible changes? There. A whole new perspective away from burnt sugar and cooked eggs.
In school, we wrote compositions on "My ambition", "What I want to be when I grow up?", it all varied not far from that line. Teachers, doctors, lawyers, psychologists, policemen, were repetitions down the list.
With so much energy, youth and dreams inside of us, yet so little knowledge of how the world is like, we could foresee ourselves to be anything, anyone we wanted to be. It wasn't hard. We could fly around the universe, swam all the way to America if we liked, and no one would have reminded or informed us that it wasn't practical, or it was a near impossible feat. That's the way it is, everyone subconsciously protects the child's mind to think simple thoughts, to block out the harsh daggers of reality.
We had things simple then. We tried to make things complicated and exciting.
Fast forward fifteen years. That's all you need. Things change.
Gone are the energy, the zest, the bounce in our footsteps, the pure innocence, the gleam in our eyes, the "I can be what I want to be" attitude. In place, are the feelings and thoughts we are oh so familiar with.
Things become complicated.
More factors coming into the equation, forming simultaneous equations, then integration and differentiation starts forcing its way through. You do the math. A thousand and one more commitments and responsibilities. From now on, you're responsible for your own future. Every single step we take, is answerable not only to ourselves.
We worked so hard, spent over a decade or two in schools, only to push ourselves into this bottomless pit, and we start asking ourselves, "Is this what I really want?"
If you can say yes without a single regret or doubt running across your mind, please give yourself a pat on the back, a round of applause and I would give you a trophy if I could. Undeniably, many a times, we don't get where we want to be, or set foot on where we had planned to be.
We see the friends around us, those friends whom you know since primary school, and still counting. You ask the IT specialist, "Hey, didn't you want to be a doctor?". Deja vu hits you right smack in the face. No, you didn't see this coming when you were ten.
On the backend program called "Relationships" running in your life, it sometimes become another entity altogether. Ideal scenario would be for the backend program to support your frontend, and work together seamlessly. Time to wake up and get your feet flat on the ground. Feel the cold cement floor.
Enough said. One just has to pray, that your entire system doesn't raise the white flag and crash altogether.
We started off simple. We made it complicated.
We got it complicated. We want it simple now.
Recall the time we learnt about irreversible changes? There. A whole new perspective away from burnt sugar and cooked eggs.
From 峨眉山 to 武当山 we go.
The meetup with the poly girls yesterday was a flashback to poly days.
Ignoring the initial frustration of us 4 road idiots, trying to find our way to Club Street, it all turned out well. Weaved in and out of Raffles Place, trying to get our bearings right. Well, we used to *ahem* get lost in SP too.
Poly days went past in a flash, can't remember much about it. We were always busy doing projects after projects, presentations after presentations, skipping classes and rushing off to work.
Remember the 峨眉山 that tortured us?
Remember the few lessons we had at 武当山. From 峨眉山 we had to travel so far, up and down the mountain to 武当山?
Remember how we had to climb over the gate to get home, cos we stayed in school to do our project past 11pm.?
Remember how it was always a frantic rush to print out projects at the very last minute and we could never find a computer somehow?
Remember how we were always pissing off lecturers?
Remember how we missed every single E-Commerce lecture, except for the very last one when he said he'd give us exam tips, and the lecture hall was overflowing with people?
The list goes on and on.
3 years in poly, I went in without a friend, and came out with lots. Did tons of projects, some meant to wow, some flopped, quarrels with project mates, dramatic project discussions...
1 year after we graduate, 9 months since we last saw each other, I realise, most of us haven't really changed.
The one with the star dreams, still with the star dreams.
The one with the glitz and blings, still with the glitz and blings.
The one who's quiet and all, still quiet and all.
The one who's always missing, is still missing.
The one who's always grumbling, is still always grumbling.
It's a pity we all were too tired to bring the night further, but the pizzas were good, I think the wine did us all in though. We should thank Alvin for it.
Next up: Dinner cum bitching session with the fussy bitch and Ben.
Ignoring the initial frustration of us 4 road idiots, trying to find our way to Club Street, it all turned out well. Weaved in and out of Raffles Place, trying to get our bearings right. Well, we used to *ahem* get lost in SP too.
Poly days went past in a flash, can't remember much about it. We were always busy doing projects after projects, presentations after presentations, skipping classes and rushing off to work.
Remember the 峨眉山 that tortured us?
Remember the few lessons we had at 武当山. From 峨眉山 we had to travel so far, up and down the mountain to 武当山?
Remember how we had to climb over the gate to get home, cos we stayed in school to do our project past 11pm.?
Remember how it was always a frantic rush to print out projects at the very last minute and we could never find a computer somehow?
Remember how we were always pissing off lecturers?
Remember how we missed every single E-Commerce lecture, except for the very last one when he said he'd give us exam tips, and the lecture hall was overflowing with people?
The list goes on and on.
3 years in poly, I went in without a friend, and came out with lots. Did tons of projects, some meant to wow, some flopped, quarrels with project mates, dramatic project discussions...
1 year after we graduate, 9 months since we last saw each other, I realise, most of us haven't really changed.
The one with the star dreams, still with the star dreams.
The one with the glitz and blings, still with the glitz and blings.
The one who's quiet and all, still quiet and all.
The one who's always missing, is still missing.
The one who's always grumbling, is still always grumbling.
It's a pity we all were too tired to bring the night further, but the pizzas were good, I think the wine did us all in though. We should thank Alvin for it.
Next up: Dinner cum bitching session with the fussy bitch and Ben.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
My kind of wonderful.
It's a season of catching up.
Met up with doris yesterday, tomorrow's dinner date with the poly mates, Thursday's the monthly meetup with the ex-colleagues, Friday's the night for my girls.
This guy I knew from way back in secondary school, we talked through the then very popular IRC chatroom. We clicked, we talked, but only in IRC but we both knew who the other was in real life. In reality, he and I were of different cliques, there was totally no way we could have crossed paths. It's the kind when friends would ask, "How on earth did you know him?".
As we moved on, we lost contact for quite a number of years. Caught up recently, how I do not remember. It's funny how gone one big round, and still end up talking to each other only online. I've bumped into him once while on my first date, but I didn't dare acknowledge cos I didn't think he'd remember me. Apparently, I've changed since secondary school.
Dropped him a message soon after, only to realise, he recognised me.
We still haven't met up or bumped into each other since then. Perhaps, soon.
It's really odd how things work out to be, when someone who's close, yet you really don't know the person, becomes your confidante, someone you'd message when you can't get to sleep.
It's odd how we could get back in contact, after totally losing contact for years.
It's odd, how things are meant to be.
Is there really truth, in friends forever, as we used to write in each other's autograph books?
Met up with doris yesterday, tomorrow's dinner date with the poly mates, Thursday's the monthly meetup with the ex-colleagues, Friday's the night for my girls.
This guy I knew from way back in secondary school, we talked through the then very popular IRC chatroom. We clicked, we talked, but only in IRC but we both knew who the other was in real life. In reality, he and I were of different cliques, there was totally no way we could have crossed paths. It's the kind when friends would ask, "How on earth did you know him?".
As we moved on, we lost contact for quite a number of years. Caught up recently, how I do not remember. It's funny how gone one big round, and still end up talking to each other only online. I've bumped into him once while on my first date, but I didn't dare acknowledge cos I didn't think he'd remember me. Apparently, I've changed since secondary school.
Dropped him a message soon after, only to realise, he recognised me.
We still haven't met up or bumped into each other since then. Perhaps, soon.
It's really odd how things work out to be, when someone who's close, yet you really don't know the person, becomes your confidante, someone you'd message when you can't get to sleep.
It's odd how we could get back in contact, after totally losing contact for years.
It's odd, how things are meant to be.
Is there really truth, in friends forever, as we used to write in each other's autograph books?
Monday, September 04, 2006
The ultimate sadistic addiction.
The day we were supposed to fall in style came and left in a whizz. But we were far from falling in style. We fell flat on our faces, not once, not twice, I fell till I was all water clogged, felt like my brain was swimming in water.
The ferry ride was a lazy picnic on board while being amazed by geographical sights.
How we tortured and mangled our poor bodies.
The recuperation and bonding time..
It was fun. It was an escape. To do something totally un-me. To be somewhere we restore our sanity. To balance our lives.
Most importantly, to bring out the Energizer and Duracell bunny in us.
Now, to recover from the bruises, sprains, aches and miscellaneous injuries.
Yes, we're all sadists. We enjoy tormenting our poor bodies.
The ferry ride was a lazy picnic on board while being amazed by geographical sights.
How we tortured and mangled our poor bodies.
The recuperation and bonding time..
It was fun. It was an escape. To do something totally un-me. To be somewhere we restore our sanity. To balance our lives.
Most importantly, to bring out the Energizer and Duracell bunny in us.
Now, to recover from the bruises, sprains, aches and miscellaneous injuries.
Yes, we're all sadists. We enjoy tormenting our poor bodies.
Friday, September 01, 2006
Stronger...than yesterday
"Only when you hit the lows, then you can start to reach the highs, and appreciate the highs, cos you've been rock bottom before."
Many of such philosophical idealogy, we all know somewhere, somehow, somewhat. It's the practical aspect. Things will go down, definitely, at some point in time. Sometimes, you just can't be bothered with it.
This post has no relevance to whatsoever or anyone in particular. It's just something that sparked off after a conversation with a girlfriend.
Likewise, no matter how high the frequency of the highs and lows, it ultimately still becomes monotonous, a routine by itself. By which, either you travel along with the ups and downs, getting all dizzy, confused and disoriented, or you take a step back, find the pattern, and find a way to work things out around it.
When things spin out of control, take a breather, settle any uncertainties, before pushing on. You may think you've got the worst luck ever, but there's always people who are worst off than you. Definitely.
There has to be a ceiling to which one wants to achieve, or you'll never be satisfied, or truly happy. Spend your life trying to hit that ceiling when all you ever do is constantly push it further up.
You, me, him, her, we're all different, what we see, what we think, what we feel, how we're affected, how we handle things, it's just impossible to be the same. Strive to celebrate the differences and not compare and try to push others down.
Well, then again, there are just too many grey areas.
Once again, we fall, we learn. I'm definitely stronger than yesterday. I'm grateful for that.
Many of such philosophical idealogy, we all know somewhere, somehow, somewhat. It's the practical aspect. Things will go down, definitely, at some point in time. Sometimes, you just can't be bothered with it.
This post has no relevance to whatsoever or anyone in particular. It's just something that sparked off after a conversation with a girlfriend.
Likewise, no matter how high the frequency of the highs and lows, it ultimately still becomes monotonous, a routine by itself. By which, either you travel along with the ups and downs, getting all dizzy, confused and disoriented, or you take a step back, find the pattern, and find a way to work things out around it.
When things spin out of control, take a breather, settle any uncertainties, before pushing on. You may think you've got the worst luck ever, but there's always people who are worst off than you. Definitely.
There has to be a ceiling to which one wants to achieve, or you'll never be satisfied, or truly happy. Spend your life trying to hit that ceiling when all you ever do is constantly push it further up.
You, me, him, her, we're all different, what we see, what we think, what we feel, how we're affected, how we handle things, it's just impossible to be the same. Strive to celebrate the differences and not compare and try to push others down.
Well, then again, there are just too many grey areas.
Once again, we fall, we learn. I'm definitely stronger than yesterday. I'm grateful for that.
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