Being Too Green

Everybody who knows me KNOWS how much I like green.

Okay, I'm gonna put it out there, once again for the gazillionth time: my favourite colour is green.

There! I said it.

That said, I'm now feeling a little worried that I may have overdid the colour a bit. In my room. The room that I will stay and hibernate for, at least, the next 39 weeks.

Just looking around and I see quite a bit of green. For one, the things I brought tend to sway towards the green-ish side of things already. Then, there are the things I bought. Green sheets from Ikea, but that's just cause they were the cheapest. And then, I had to go to Primark and get a green throw for the chair. Ok, to be fair, it was the nicest colour around and the chair was really not suitable for human seating. It's a fresh olive green. :D

And did I mention the pinboard against the table? It was HIDEOUS! So I got Christmas wrapping to kinda "wallpaper" the board. It's nearly Christmas season. Go figure. I didn't get the tacky ones though. I got the not-so-obvious kinda of wrapper. The only giveaways were that the colours were white, red and green (with blue too!) and that there were stars and polka dots (I suppose that's for snow?). Yeah, I 'wallpapered' the entire board with that. About 1m (l) x 3.5m (w) of wall/board space.

The drapes are really awful. I don't know if I can do anything about that. I doubt it. Spoils my room though. Argh.

So yeah, back to the topic. My room, is turning out to be a little too green.

Great for the eyes.

This is why I don't do interior decorating. Or design. Or art.

The First Week, Or So.

It's a chilly night in most part of London, and especially where I am, which is on the other side of the river. Mostly cause it's been raining the whole day. I'm pretty glad I took the time and effort to get my room in proper living conditions so I can just laze in here while I watch the rain trickle outside. See, it wasn't that heavy.

I did take a walk at about noon to Tesco. It's about a 10min walk from where I stay, and there is another supermarket, Costcutters, just below me. The price, however, is not as great as Tesco or even Sainsbury so I refuse to pay for more. Plus, I had all the time in the world, so why not take a little walk down the nice neighbourhood and get some cheap items, right?

'Cept that it was drizzling. Hmm...didn't think that through huh? Yeah...but it was alright in the end. Came home with all the things I need to live comfortably - toilet paper, bread, ham, detergent, coffee, sugar, coke...amongst other things.

I have eaten out a few times since I arrived in London. Besides the Gold Mine duck rice and maybe the Wanton Mee soup at London Chinatown, the (Chinese) food isn't that great and exorbitantly priced. I cook much better. And cheaper. Do you know, the price of one meal at any of these 'restaurants' can buy me supplies for 1 week of food? Yeah...THAT bad.

Which is great for me, cos I love love love supermarket shopping. And the produce here can be super duper cheap. Like a packet of cheese for 67p; that's about $1.30. And a lot of other stuff are cheap too...but I forgot the prices already. Anyway, it's great doing supermarket shopping here.

I've also caught Jersey Boys and Les Mis. Jersey Boys was beautiful. Loved the songs and the way it was presented. Les Mis was also excellent. Eponine, Jean Valjean and Javert were wonderfully played. The role of Marius was played by Nick Jonas of the Jonas Brother. Okay, not a big fan, and I thought he paled in comparison to the rest of the cast, but to be fair, I think he did a decent job.

Oh, in preparation of my room, I also headed down to Ikea and Argos. Ikea never lets me down, but the hot-dog area was a little filthy. I got all typical-Singaporeanish and started using wet-wipes (which I brought from SG) to wipe the table. I mean, there was ketchup and mustard stains all over. How to eat on it? Urgh! Argos was an eye-opener. Catalogue shopping is my new favourite type of shopping. Okay, maybe 2nd favourite.

Oh, as for selecting course (or what we call modules), my Singaporean roots came out again. I went into the system on the day and time it was open for registration and tried to register all the courses I want, plus select my timetable choices (some courses have more than 1 timeslot to choose from). Before I came to London, I was already looking at the courses I like and surveying the timeslots and options that would give me a good timetable. I had 2 main options, with alternative timetables for each option. Kiasu right? Yeah, you can take the girl out of SG, but you can't take the SG out of the girl.

Anyway, back to registering courses, I think I was far too efficient and quick for the system. End up, the system had some issues and didn't start exactly at 10am like they said they would. So after a whole day of dilly-dallying, I finally got in and got all the courses and timeslots I want. WAHAHAHAAAA....

BUT, it is not the end, because they have to approve everything, which is likely the case cause I didn't stray very much from the regulations. So if all goes the way I want, I could possibly have a two-day study week. Tuesdays and Wednesdays. NICE, right? WAHAHAHAHAAAA.....

So, it's been a rather fruitful week. It's the weekends, and I plan to go to town and get some stuff to continue with the sprucing up of my room. I have a list. Yes, I do. I always have lists. :)

Till then, tata~!

My First London Post: Observations

Hello from chilly, not quite gloomy (yet), sometime-windy London!

I got to do this quick, cos although I've been here for *counts* about 5 days, today being the 6th, I've still got quite a lot of things to do before I am REEEALLY settled into things. And also, I got to be in school in about an hour for an orientation talk.

School is LSE. Yes...no need to say more. *grin*

The weather is now in the tens, i.e. 10, 11, 12, 13...17. Today, apparently, would be between 11 and 18. That is not cold. At all. I generally just wear a tank-top, a sweater-ish top, and a coat with jeans or pants. It's toasty like that.

I'm loving a lot of things about London, as I always have. BUT...there is one thing I have observed that I'm not too keen about.

The air, my friends, is very dirty. Like smoke, soot, dirty particles...eeks. It makes my booger really, really...black. Yuck, right?

Okay, I will do another post about the food soon. I have tons to talk about with regard to food.

Signing off!

Goodbye Sunny-and-nowadays-flashflooded SG!

So the day is almost here. And by almost, I mean, just tomorrow. Yup, I'll be flying off from a hot, humid, tropical island, to a cold, gloomy, dry and bustling city!

Feeling excited, happy, and have been waiting for this day to come since, oh, can't even tell when. The countdown seemed to take forever, until the last couple of days, where it all seemed to flash by so quickly. Maybe it's the multiple farewell lunches/dinners/karaokes and the works.

Yet, also feeling slightly anxious. I don't know if my brain will activate when called upon. Not sure if I'd fit in. Not sure about a lot of things.

So God is my strength. And in times like these, I shall rest in Him and enjoy everything that He brings forth. I thank my Abba Father for everything and everything more.

Till a year later, SG!

Mac-ed Up and Ready to Go!

Hoohoohoo.

I am so delighted because I have finally bought a Macbook Pro. And now, I feel as if my life is complete. I don't miss my HP laptop at all. AT ALL!

Okay, so I'm exaggerating just a little.

But I am very happy indeed. My baby looks so cool. Awesome.

And in other news, I have finally got my visa. I got it on Thursday, exactly a week before I fly. What a relief! I had been all antsy the entire time my application was processed, thinking of reasons it could be rejected. But of course, the Lord is with me and I claimed favour over my application. As usual, my Abba never fails to deliver. Praise Jesus!

So the question which I've been entertaining as the day draws closer is, "How's the packing coming along?" Well, I'm please to say that the packing is somewhat done. Just some finishing touches that can only be done the day before I fly. Otherwise, I'd say, "All my bags are packed, and I'm ready to go..." :)

The nervousness is somewhat getting to me. I feel ill-prepared for it. Partly 'cause I've been watching a Korean drama for the last 2 weeks or so, and as most are, I've been caught up in it. I feel kinda dumbed-down now because it is so frivolous to watch Korean drama and laugh and cry. Plus the invigilation a week ago has also been a mind-numbing experience.

5 days to go, amigos!

5 Sep 2010

I must remember today. This day. This weekend.

What an awesome weekend; what an awesome day I had.

Dental, checked. Fish Head Curry, checked.

Yesterday was a busy, busy day. Much like the day before. And the day before.

I had a dental appointment. My first with a new dentist. My first dental visit in...like...3 years. I know, I'm not proud about it.

So I had this super teeth scaling and polishing that made my gums bleed. By bleed, I mean serious bleeding. It's as if my gums were having their period. Argh. It was a little uncomfortable at some bits, cos as much as I think I have been taking good care of my teeth, I haven't been taking good ENOUGH care of them.

And so, the dentist said it could be that I am prone to gum disease, and promptly gave me 2 special mouthwash to complement my dental care. And I promptly headed to Watsons after that to get me some new floss as well. No more half-hearted flossing. There is gonna be some SERIOUS flossing. I am determined to keep my sparklies sparkling for 1 year, till I can come back for my next dental.

My teeth felt so clean and bright, that I actually felt guilty drinking or eating anything besides plain water.

The irony was that I was meeting the past & present Hilltop girls for Fish Head Curry at Banana Leaf Apolo for dinner.

Argh!

Dinner, however, was FANTASTIC. While waiting for the 2 current Hilltop girls, Karen and I ordered a fish cutlet (minced fish, potato, spices) and some deep-fried onions-in-spices-thingy. When the girls finally arrived, we went straight for the jugular, and ordered a fish head curry, a masala prawn and a masala chicken. We all had biryani rice, which was yummy, and heaps of papadum. YUMMEH!

Dinner, of course, is not complete without lime juice and lots of updating, gossiping and chit-chating. It was a blast and I had fun picking on the leftovers while listening to the conversation(s). It was awesome.

No pictures because when the non-camera folks (past and present) come together, we generally forget to take photos, even when we already HAVE camera phones. Or maybe it was because we were all too hungry to bother. lol.

I'm so glad we met up. I'm so glad to know them, to have them as firm friends. They are part of a small group of people I know whom I feel I have some kind of affinity with. Some things just click with them. And it doesn't happen very often. So I'm glad.

Overwhelmed.

I think the stress leading up to today made me very tensed. It was super nerve-wrecking. Having gone through two times of hopefulness, and then to be told "please try again" when the bank does not seem to wanna help, is not helpful at all.

I'm glad the bank saw the light, and could now help.

And as nerve-wrecking as it was, I managed to pull through and got it done.

There, it's done. My part is done. Now it's not up to me.

And I have only 23 days to go.

EVERYTHING is riding on this. So I am still...very...worried.

I feel quite faint just thinking about it.

And then, trepidation sets in. This...that...what happens if...how am I gonna...? All kinds of questions. All kinds of scenarios.

Oh dear God, I know you'll answer my prayer. I have favour. I claim favour. Thank you, Father. In Jesus' name. Amen!

All Cutesied Up!

I can't remember if I've mentioned this before, but in a bid to NOT spend $20-$30 bucks on a diary, and also to make use of my vast notebook collection (so that I can buy somemore), I decided to use one of my existing notebooks to create a schedule-cum-diary for the academic year. Yes, like one of those academic schedules/diaries in the market.

I kinda did it waaaay back in April or something; one of those months that I was too free and too broke (hence, the great idea). I used my highlighters, koped my sister's colourful thin marker pens, and started from September 2010 to June 2011. I figured, any further than June 2011, or specifically 2 July 2011, I will just jot them after that. Can't really see or imagine what I'll be doing after that anyway. For now.

So, it's a boring black notebook. To the naked eye, it looks...just like a boring black notebook.

BUT, thanks to Serena, who got us a whole bunch of cutesy stuff, I managed to cutesied it up a little.

Okay, she got us these cute index-stickers, and I thought, why not use them to index the different months? So I did.

Isn't it adorable! They look like little cutie-pies peeping out of the pages! hahaha...

And then, I thought I'll spice it up a little to add some class to it. I happened to have some Chanel ribbons from an event months ago. So, tada!

Serena also got us some cardholders.

I don't really know what to do with them. My sis suggested using the one of the right for my transport card when I go over. My sentiments exactly! So that I will do. Not sure what to do with the other though. Hmm...lemme go figure.

Random Future Shopping List

As the days go by, I find myself thinking of the most random things I need to buy when I get there.

And I am being serious.

Like, coffee and tea. I need my coffee. 'Nuff said. I like green tea on a cold, winter's day. But once in a while, I would like some homemade lemon tea too. So I need red tea, and lemon slices. Hmm, I don't even make homemade lemon tea at home now.

That brings me to sugar and milk. Definitely need sugar. Even if I am getting instant coffee, I'd need the sugar for sweetening my tea and for cooking. Milk is a definite. I need milk for cereals.

So I need cereals too. I wonder if they have Koko Crunch there. That's actually the only cereal I eat.

If not, I'll need bread. To make breakfast. And cheese. Yes, cheese. I can make grilled cheese sandwich.

Condiments? Salt and pepper. Olive oil. Not sure if they have wonderful Chinese condiments like soy sauce, sesame oil and oyster sauce. That's all I need to whip up a homemade Chinese meal.

Rice? They have rice, right? So I've heard. I can buy some pasta too, and spaghetti sauce. Oh, and cans of soup! I love soup! Tomato soup, minestrone soup, mushroom soup, chicken soup. Yes, cold climates are the best climates for soup.

All the kinds of detergent, powder and stuff I need for cleaning: laundry, cooking, bathroom, general cleaning. Sponges.

And what about things to wipe? Paper towels, tissue boxes, toilet rolls.

Toiletries! Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, facial wash!

Hmm...have I left anything out?

At least I know I can print this if I really need a shopping list then.

Countdown: 30.

Yup. It's THAT close!

:)

Packing up, up, UP!

I like packing. In fact, I love packing. I can pack waaaay in advance and find reasons to re-pack again, and again, and again.

Say for example, this BIG trip I'm going on. I started packing 4 months in advance. Yup, I'm all about 80% done with a little more than a month to go. And get this, I even create lists to help me pack.

But there is also packing that is not that fun.

Packing my room, for example, is a chore. No fun. At all.

And I kinda have to pack it up before I leave, seeing as to I won't be around for about a year. But looking around the room now...makes me sleepy.

And so I procrastinate. Another day. And another day.

And each time I wait another day, things pile up slowly.

I know! I shall make a timeline for when I need to do what! I love timelines too!!!

And lists. Did I mention I love to create lists?

45!

It's National Day! Singapore's Birthday! 45th!!

And coincidentally, it is also 45 days to go. Woah!!!

As you can see, I'm generally very excited about National Day, because there is NDP. It's been like that since I was young. National Day = NDP. And it's even more exciting because I'll be heading down to the Padang to watch NDP up-close and personal! Woosh!

This would be my 4th consecutive NDP. The last 3 years, I was on the ground with a pass. It was work, but not really. By the time it is actual day, there is very little left to do and I can really soak up the atmosphere, watch the parade, get all jumpy and excited when the troops march in/marchpast/march out/VIPs come/aircrafts zoom past, and sing the National Day songs, swinging my hands in the air and getting all watery-eyed.

And this year, I'd be on the stands. Still excited. Still happy I got blessed with tickets to go with my mum. She's excited too. I told her to prepare a red/white top, cap and sunglasses. She was parading in them yesterday. LOL.

On another note, this week is gonna be quite a special week.

Monday kicks off with National Day and NDP.

Tuesday and Wednesday - I'll be having my last lesson with my 2 classes. (Unfortunately, I may be observed for one. Argh.

And right after class, I'll be heading somewhere for a loooong over-dued relak-Jack holiday! Woosh! Sun, sand and sea, here I come!!!

And next Monday, I have my very important appointment. Fingers crossed, everything will be done!

To Do List...before I go

I have a brilliant plan.

To stuff myself with yummylicious food, loads of activities, and clear backlog before I pack my bags and am ready to go.

Here it goes.

1. Eat steamboat. At Tian Tian Steamboat.

2. Eat fish head curry, either at Muthu's or Banana Leaf Apollo.

3. Eat Tian Tian chicken rice at Maxwell. (Yes, I see the pattern here...tian tian.)

4. Eat otah. The one from Jalan Kayu. Loads of it.

5. My fill of chwee kuey, chee cheong fun and white kuey (in cantonese, I think it's "Pah Tong Gou".)

6. I need to use up my mani/pedi package. Last set, I think. My nails are in a terrible state. Argh!

I think that's it for now. Heeheehee

Living on the Edge...or a Prayer?

*le sigh*

I wouldn't want to say that my biggest fears are coming true, because my tongue holds power. So what I don't want to happen, I will not say.

However, I do want to whine a bit.

I had this grand plan in my head. A plan which would start 6 months ahead and would prepare me for greatness. Problem with plans is, they never happen EXACTLY the way you want.

So I've had bits and pieces of this plan coming to fruition, while the other bits are kinda falling through. Falling. Not fallen.

And now, with less than 2 months to go, and because of some miscalculation and lack of awareness on my part, I am made to sit and wait for at least another 2 weeks before I can get another go at it. Booooo!!!

So, I'm living on the edge. And a little worried.

I keep reminding myself to cast my worries and cares onto Him, and enjoy the next couple of weeks, which would be really exciting and happening! Since He has brought me so far, He'll also bring me there. THERE.

So there. in 2 weeks' time, I will head down to 'that office' and submit all the stuff, and it shall be fine. And then, a few days later, I will be told that I am given the green light and it's all systems go!

I thank the Lord, and claim favour and all things good.

In Jesus' name, AMEN!

Today...

I feel it sooo strongly today. More than any other day.

I can't wait.

My 'Secret' Ambition in Life

I wanna be a detective.

Or a criminologist.

Or a behaviour analyst.

Or a public prosecutor.

Or an ass-kicking special agent.

I have been watching too much TV.

Law & Order, Law & Order Special Victims Unit, Law & Order Special Intent, Criminal Minds, NCIS: LA, Flashpoint, CSI, CSI: Miami, CSI: New York...you get the drift.

I sometimes wished I'd study criminology or victimology or criminal law. Then, I also realise that reality is not like what you see on TV. Especially US television programmes. Soooo far off.

I wanna be a smart-talking, shades-wearing, quick-thinking, ass-kicking detective. Or agent.

Isn't that just soooo cool?

P/S: I sometimes pretend like I'm some special agent or working undercover. Maybe this is why I like typing. It makes me look like I'm doing something serious, when I'm doing frivolous stuff.

Like blogging.

往事只能回味

From when I was a little kid, my mum would make us sing. I think she always liked music, but cause she has...how shall I describe this...a tone-issue, so she doesn't sing when there are others around.

She used to make us sing ALL kinds of songs, especially those she can't sing. Like Mandarin oldies, and Japanese songs. She can't read Chinese characters. So she'd tell us which songs she like and want us to learn. Then she would write down the hanyu pinyin of the Japanese words (cos at one point, she could read Jap) and make us learn the songs. After that, she'll make us sing the songs over, and over, and over again!

往事只能回味 was one of the songs she made me learn. And learn I did. I learnt the song so well that I knew every 转音, pitch and tone. My mum also knew exactly how to make me sing it over and over again; she'd say things like "Wah! You sound exactly like the singer!" and it'll boost my ego that I didn't mind singing it so many times over.

Recently heard the song on TV, and felt so tempted to sing it. No chance to, so I can only blog about it. One of these days, I should record myself singing all the old songs I used to sing. LOL.

JUST did it again!

See what I mean?!?! Itchy backsides! (Read previous post)

I JUST did it again! Barely 5 mins ago!!! Baaah...

And now, because of what I did, I wanna do some serious ass-kicking!

I honestly can't stand it when people are so prejudiced, judgmental and SNEAKY! They think they know better, but really, they know nothing. And in what I would say to my students, they communicate irresponsibly.

And I can't stand EVEN MORE, those who hang out and lim kopi or la teh with this kind of people to add fuel to fire. I mean, why in the right mind would you do that? Don't you know he has a screw loose or some parts missing up in the thing above his neck? He ACTUALLY thinks he knows better. HE DOES!!!

BUT, because I will take the high road, I will just quote Russell Peters and say...

"Somebody's gonna get a hurt reeeal bad..."

Things you know you''ll regret doing, but will still do.

Some days, I feel as if one should not have an itchy backside.

In colloquial-speak, an "itchy backside" means "an action that asks for it". "It" being whatever you didn't want to get; a feeling, some kind of retribution, or action.

And I, for one, have an itchy backside.

I mean, I know for a fact that I should not do some stuff, or say some things, but somehow, I still do it. And then, when I have to face the consequences, I wish I hadn't had an itchy backside and started it. That is when I start regretting what I did/said, and wished I had the cow sense to not do/say those things.

Why does that happen?

Hmm...curiousity mostly. Sometimes, it's sheer stupidity. I don't know which comes first. I suppose it's stupid curiosity.

For example, there are somethings I DON'T NEED to know, but I still WANT to know, just because I wonder what it is and what would happen IF I knew.

So I find out. And I know. And it does NOTHING GOOD for me. I don't feel good about it. And I wonder now, WHY did I even bother finding out when life would have been SOOOO much better if I didn't.

Okay, hold that thought. Now, this concept does not apply to people who cheat and/or lie. If someone is cheating or lying to you, you'd better do ALL you can to find out EVERYTHING so you can make an informed decision of DUMPING him/her. By dump, I refer to all KINDS of relationship: personal, intimate, friendship, business, whatever.

Back to the topic.

Yes, there are just some days I slap my forehead and whack my tushie to chide myself for being such a busybody. And I ask the perennial question,"WHHHHHYYYYYYY????", followed by an exasperated "argh!!!".

You'd think with age and experience, you'd be a little wiser.

But nooooooo............

Puh!

Hair

I have an obsession with hair.

Those on my head. (Hello? What are you thinking???)

I have a (bad) habit of touching my hair from roots to ends and feeling if it's frizzy or curly or not quite right. And I can spot a short - wait, make that very, very, VERY short strand that is not growing out right. How short? Say, less than a centimetre? And I'll get my sis to take a tweezer and pull it out.

Whenever I have nothing to do, or reading or studying or stoning, I touch my hair. I feeeel my hair.

My mum says it's my bad habit. My cousin, who once saw me studying and playing with my hair, once remarked, "She touch-touch her hair only, then can study already (as in, do well in my studies)!" LOL.

Actually, I don't know what it is about hair that I am so obsessed about. It's slightly OCD-ish. I can't help it. As much as I feel bad whenever I pull a hair out, whether accidentally or on purpose, I still do it.

AND, I noticed other girls who do it too. So, I'm not alone.

I really can't explain it. I just hope I won't get bald in the process. *Knock on wood*

Good, bad, happy, sad?

Some days, I wonder if the reason why I really cannot think of anything to blog about is because I am not miserable, depressed and sad.

I remember the times when I wrote stuff with so much emotions, innuendos and "philosophies of life". And I would always get these comments about how true they were and how I was speaking their minds, etc etc.

But you know what? I really wasn't happy then.

I suppose for many people, it's all these sad, miserable, depressing thoughts that gives them the inspiration to write. But I don't like how I felt then. I felt inadequate, unappreciated, unworthy, unhappy, and all the other words with a prefix in front of a nice, positive word to make it the exact opposite.

Nah...I don't want that. I like that I am happy now. That I am satisfied, yet hopeful. Joyful and feel completely worthy.

So I should write about things that makes me happy in life.

Like today, I went to church and heard an awesome sermon, despite feeling a little sleepy at times. Then, I had fish-head curry for dinner, even though I shouldn't, with my throat not feeling that great. And now, I am ALMOST done with grading this class.

Tomorrow, who knows what tomorrow will bring? I may not like it now (cos I have a class tomorrow), but hey, I know it'll be a blessed day and a day full of hope and happiness!

I may not be happy all the time, but I have joy in my heart, and I will be a happy person.

That's all that matters.

That's it. I'm sick!

Boo...

There are 2 things I really hate.

1. A sore throat.

2. A cold = runny nose

I don't really know what happened. Probably was a result of the weekend binge on heaty food. Let me see, what did I have? A hearty McDonalds breakfast, some bacon aglio olio, and chix wings? I suppose I didn't drink enough water or ate enough fruits and vegetables. Sunday night was when I started downing water like there's no tomorrow. Monday came, and I went for class with a hint of a sore throat.

Yesterday (Tuesday) was spent trying to rest and heal the sore throat. By the evening, I started sneezing like there is no tomorrow.

Alas, there IS a tomorrow. And today was it.

I developed a runny nose.

So, all those Difflam lozenges, Panadol Cold tablets, those spoonsful of normal Pi Pa Gao and special (Luo Han Huo) Pi Pa Gao and the 1000mg of vitamic C did nothing for me. At least until today, there is no visible sign of getting better. The sore throat is still sore (though not painful at least), and the nose is kinda blocked.

Baaa...I hate being sick. I'm feeling all lethargic and I haven't even started on my grading yet.

This sucks.

Give me something to read!

I can't surf endlessly. I can't even do that for more than 20mins.

This is why people should write more often in their blogs.

I need to find things to occupy myself with online. The next best solution would be to play online games, but that's not ideal, methinks. I really like reading my friends' blogs and finding out what is happening in their lives.

You know, this would be increasingly important. When I...am away and am alone.

So people, please write more.

And if anybody reads this and wants me to do the same, I'll oblige too. That is, if anybody reads this. And wants me to.

What goes in, must come out.

I have been pondering on a theory in the last couple of weeks intermittently.

It is MY theory that I do not retain stuff well.

Evidence 1: After my first meal, be it breakfast or lunch or brunch, it would "activate" my bowels almost immediately after I complete the meal. Without fail.

Evidence 2: I can't drink more than a glass of liquid without wanting to go pee soon after. This is one reason why as much as I like sitting at a coffee place for hours, I often can't last more than 2 hours. Cos I need to pee.

Evidence 3: Have you seen me?

So. while others have a problem IN water retention, I have a problem OF water retention. Or any kind of retention, less waste materials, for that matter.

I suppose, as long as healthwise, it's all fine, then I should have nothing to complain about. So I thank God for giving me good health!

And in the meantime, I'll just have to...errr...work the system.

Hitting the half-year mark

Isn't it shocking that it's almost July already?!? Yup, half a year has gone by with the twinkling of an eye. In fact, many halves of years have gone by in the twinkling of an eye.

So what have I done this year thus far?

Actually, I don't like this question. I'm not one who looks at the past. Neither do I look too far into the future. I am a present person.

I like presents.

*ice cold*

To be honest, I can't recall much of what has happened, even in the last 6 months or so. I know, however, that I've had a very restful time. My mum would say TOO restful, but I beg to differ. I think it is necessary to rest. Rest physically, rest emotionally, rest mentally, rest in the Lord.

Anyway, it's the year of Restful Increase! So the more I rest, the more I'll have...whatever I want.

The next 6 months are gonna be a blast. That's for sure. Looking forward to infinity...and beyond~~~!!!

Inner Thoughts: Penetrated

A few things:

1. My FB has been compromised.

2. I should have just done what I've always done. Shut it.

3. People think too much. Waaaay too much.

4. People read too much into words. Waaaay too much.

5. People hint too much. Why bother?

Note to self: Hang in there. Almost out...

What do you do at 1.30am?

Actually, it's already 1.45am.

The parents are asleep. Even the sister is asleep. The dog is probably dreaming by now.

And I am all awake, thanks to 2 things: Hell's Kitchen on FB, and a large Coke from BK.

Did you know the medium Coke at BK is probably the same size as the regular Coke at McDs? So the large Coke that I bought actually is more like a medium to me. Shouldn't all fast food chains just standardize their cup sizes? Economies of scale!

So, anyway, I spent about an hour trying to beat the high score on Hell's Kitchen on FB. I can't even beat my own high score. And the more I try, the worse I get. I think I should just try it in the day. Perhaps it's the Z-bug hitting me.

So besides just lamely surfing, I decided to do a little housekeeping. I use this word loosely. I just refilled my cotton pads, found I ran out of cotton buds, and that I have a whole lotta crap in my cupboards.

This is bad. I need to get rid of them, and quick. But you know how clearing the mess you've created (and hoarded) is always such a chore? And I keep telling myself, "Tomorrow, do it tomorrow." In actual fact, tomorrow comes and goes and I have done nothing. Zero. Zilch. Nada.

I think like all things, I need a timeline.

Oh, but it is SUCH a chore to work out a timeline.

*Heading to bed*

角球，点球，犯规？

It's World Cup season. Due to the exorbitant susbscription fees, despite having both Starhub Cable and mio, we have not subscribed to the World Cup channels.

Neh ni neh ni boo boo!

BUT, I have getting my fix through the wonderful technology of the Internet and online streaming. It's clear, gives me live coverage, and best of all, it's FREEEEEE!!!

The only little issue is, it's in Mandarin. As in, from China. Chinese commentary, soccer terminology and analysis.

It's not too bad. Soccer is an international language anyway. And I find it all quite amusing sometimes. Especially when they start using the idoms (成语) to describe the game or players. It's sooo funny! Super entertaining.

Oh but boo...the matches I've watched so far aren't too interesting. The worst so far is the England V Algeria match. Soooo boring. AND it's at 2-blardy-30am, ending with a 0-freaking-0 draw!?!?!

Waste time. Even though I have a lot of time.

Booooo...

Countdown!

So school has re-started and I'm still feeling the lag from the 2-week break. I just have to keep reminding myself that each time I come to work, it's $_$!

Actually, the work isn't that bad. I generally still have a lot of time for myself. That's good, considering the countdown has begun! I have things to sort out and settle, but they are coming together. *happy*

Yesterday, I met the 2 angels for lunch. They had tons to update me, which I always enjoy, regardless whether I am there or not. I do miss interacting with them sometimes, and we had so much fun as a team. And now that it's almost NDP peak season, I miss singing National Day songs with them in the office while we slog our guts out. Now, when I sing National Day songs at home or with friends, it's just not the same. Everyone thinks I'm nuts. Not them. haha

Well, this Friday would also be a fun one. Meeting Kite, my ex-student from MC/MS days, and Chriz, my our-chemisty-is-always-soooo-good singing partner for late lunch and KARAOKE!!! Wow, it seems like forever since I last sang. I don't know if I can sing now. Honestly. Baaaah...

I wanna sing all the Glee songs!!!

On other note, in preparation for my *ahem* destination of countdown, I have borrowed Lim Chong Yah's book Southeast Asia The Long Road Ahead. How's THAT for heavy bedtime reading?

New Layout!

Yay...blogger's got new layouts! So I decided to change. I like change anyway. Yay to change!

Oh yes, World Cup has officially started. Somehow, I have been quite lukewarm about it. Maybe I will catch a few of the England matches if I get a chance.

I had a few things to blog about but the excitement from the change of layout has sucked all my inspiration away. Thanks, Blogger.

Morning struggles

This morning, much like many mornings, I struggled to wake up.

I only woke up because my mum woke me up to eat lunch. At 9am. Yes, this has been the norm recently. She will cook at 8plus, and lunch is served by 9.

So I woke up, brushed my teeth, and slowly, struggled to eat lunch at 9am.

Lunch today was macaroni-shells and seafood soup. Yummy, but still not easy to eat so early in the morning. Nevertheless, I finished the whole bowl.

Now, I'm struggling the sleepy bug, 1.5hours after I am out of my bed.

Winner.

The Girls are Baaaack! (SATC 2)

Finally caught SATC 2 yesterday with Shir and Lynn (her colleague/friend). We had Pepper Lunch for dinner (super yumz, as always), and laughed about googling our names. Yeah, I do that from time to time. I have to make sure nobody is talking crap about me!

Anyway, SATC 2 was...okay. I mean, it's not gonna be anything serious ANYWAY. It's just for old times' sake that I catch it, and I will probably be watching it a couple more times on the plane or HBO or on DVD. Yeah...I'll buy, just to make the collection complete. heh heh

Love love LOVE Miranda the most. I think she's the most sane of the lot, and the most smart of the lot, and the most...real of the lot? I don't know why but unlike most girls, I connect with Miranda the most. You know how they say that girls always relate to one or more of the SATC characters. Well, not in that sense, but I just find Miranda quite...relatable (for lack of a better word).

Anyway, Shir teared again. She tears very easily. She teared the last time we watched SATC, which was understandable 'cos of the failed wedding scene. She teared this time around again. haha

Oh yes...but Abu Dhabi looks good in there. Of course, that's really Morocco cos they couldn't get a licence to film there. I can see why. Hahahahaaaa...Samantha, oh, Samantha.

Enjoyed it, nevertheless. Always did, always will.

Who are these people?

I just realised that my blog has a following of 5. Scratch that. I meant, I have 5 "followers". Who are they anyway? I don't recognise any of those names.

Same as Twitter. I always get some random people following me. Who are you, 4dsiao? Was it because I randomly, on one single rare occasion, mentioned about 4d? And superkumantong? Li si siang?

Good thing is that I have a rather strict policy about adding Friends on Facebook. You'd better be a friend to be added as a Friend. But even then, sometimes, I forget who some of these people are. Hmm...this name sounds familiar? Where have I met you? And then, there I those I wished I didn't know. Don't get me started on why I even added them. I forgot why I lost all sanity and went against my better judgement NOT to. Bah.

I've given up on world/cyber domination. At least via blogs. For a few reasons, especially after browsing some very pro blogs.

1. I don't particularly enjoy thinking about layouts, pictures and stuff. In fact, if you haven't noticed by now, I'm quite lazy with posting photos. I've even more lazy editing them. Sometimes, I'm even too lazy to upload. Make that, most of the time.

2. I've got nothing interesting to write about (for now). Not a celebrity (of any and all kinds). I'm not in some happening PR or media industry that holds the deepest darkest secrets that I can expose. Nothing particularly fashionable about me. No interest in politics, defence news (yeah, you'd be surprised), celebrity culture, popular culture, lifestyle, any other random topic. Have no insights on any particular occupation (that I can talk about, at least), couplehood (nope), singlehood (depressing) or motherhood (zilch).

3. I've got faith. But don't want to write anything that may be deemed sacrilegious, blasphemous or controversial.

4. And if by now you have not noticed (who are you?), no one else reads.

So why bother?

But I write for my own entertainment. And because those fidgety fingers need to type oh-so-often.

My fingers have a mind of their own. Tipperty-tappity-tap.

That's why I blog.

But really, who are you people???

My Money-Saving Ways

It's amazing how little things you do can save you some moolah, especially when you need to do it oh-so-desperately.

1. I converted an old (well, not THAT old) notebook into an academic diary of sorts. You know, the kind that starts from somewhere in July/August, and goes until the next July? Yeah, I did that. My own DIY. I'm gonna find some old craftware to juice it up a bit. Amount saved: probably around $20-$30.

2. I borrowed books to read, instead of buying them. Current read is the LKY Memoirs. Amount saved: according to Amazon, about $200.

3. Reuse paper or use sister's stash of paper for printing. Amount saved: $4.50

4. Have lunch at home at least twice a week. Amount saved: $6-$16 (it depends on what I eat).

5. Lose the cab-rides. Amount saved: at least $200

Well, there are probably more of these little tips, such as going on a shoe/clothes/entertainment diet, but it's too much work to think harder.

And on an even better note, I'm gonna get $200 GST credits! Into the savings, they go!!!

Not the best blog in the world

i'd been reading the blogs of the news presenters at CNA and came across Ali Smith's one on "The Best Blog In The World".

And after reading a few others, I got real guilty for not writing more on my blog. And not often enough.

So though my blog may not be the best in the world, it's enough for me to keep friends updated, and to jot down memories that I could use to write a memoir if I ever get famous in future.

Of course, it's all just pretty talk and daydreaming...about the memoir. You see, I'm reading LKY's memoirs. But it got me thinking that if someone did compiled all the blog postings I've ever written, plus all the journals I have, you'd get quite a decent idea of who I am, what I like, dislike, and what I think about certain things.

But I digress, Nothing unusual here. I always digress.

So what have I been up to?

I've been planning, packing and preparing.

To do what?

To get away from it all, once and for all!













Nah, I'm just kidding. About the getting away from it all.

Keeping you in suspense, whoever YOU are.

Yeah, even if you are one of those people who are trying to find out more about me, or trying to figure what I'm doing, or think you have an idea of what I'm doing. Whatever rocks your boat, man.

Oh, for those who already know, YES, I am THAT (over-)excited! :D

But otherwise, I've been obsessed with the songs in Glee. And Carrie Underwood. I would like to go for a KTV session where all we do is sing songs from Glee.

Hey, Glee creators, an idea here! Why don't you make a Glee Karaoke DVD. I betcha, it will sell like hotcakes.

I'll buy it in a heartbeat!

Nana, out!

who rocked AI?

let me tell you...

janet jackson rocked!!!! (*pant pant*)

carrie underwood rocked!

bret michaels rocked!

alanis morrisette rocked!

the bee gees rocked!

and of course...

simon cowell rocked for the last time on AI.

i love you, janet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'll stand by you

Thanks to glee, I'm currently infatuated with this song.

I'll stand by you, okay? :)


I'll Stand By You

Oh, why you look so sad?
Tears are in your eyes
Come on and come to me now
Don't be ashamed to cry
Let me see you through
'Cause I've seen the dark side too
When the night falls on you
You don't know what to do
Nothing you confess
Could make me love you less

I'll stand by you
I'll stand by you
Won't let nobody hurt you
I'll stand by you

So if you're mad, get mad
Don't hold it all inside
Come on and talk to me now
Hey, what you got to hide?
I get angry too
Well I'm a lot like you
When you're standing at the crossroads
And don't know which path to choose
Let me come along
'Cause even if you're wrong

I'll stand by you
I'll stand by you
Won't let nobody hurt you
I'll stand by you
Take me in, into your darkest hour
And I'll never desert you
I'll stand by you

And when...
When the night falls on you, baby
You're feeling all alone
You won't be on your own

I'll stand by you
I'll stand by you
Won't let nobody hurt you

I'll stand by you
Take me in, into your darkest hour
And I'll never desert you
I'll stand by you
I'll stand by you
Won't let nobody hurt you
I'll stand by you
Won't let nobody hurt you
I'll stand by you

A little perspective

As i get involved with all these youngsters in school, I sometimes wonder what they would be like when they step out of their little comfort zone into the big, (sometimes) bad world.

I can't imagine myself being at 16, 17, 18 and going through all these politics. I keep telling them, if they think it's hard now, wait till they start working. And also, you don't want to start all these nonsense now; you have the next 40 years of your life to do that.

And then I wonder why people go through all that at all? Can't we just live and let live?

I get mad at people, pissed off and irritated, but I try to not let that affect the way I treat that person or even my day. Time is too precious to hang onto it. I'd rather think of happier things I could be doing.

It really doesn't mean that I have to be zen all the time. I just don't want to worry about too many things, especially when they are out of my control.

But kids will be kids. They think they're old enough to handle all these nonsense. I don't think they are, but I'll let it be.

Let it be, let it be...there will be an answer, let it be.

My 'Endless Love'

I've recently got my hands on the Glee soundtrack and I've been listening to all my favourite songs on Glee. And this "little" ditty has been playing in my songlist, and now, it's stuck in my head.

THAT brings back some memories of how I learnt to sing Endless Love, and sorry, but I haven't actually found someone who can sing this song with me. Oh wait, there is one: Peter laoshi...but other than him (since he can sing ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING), nope, there is no one to duet this song with.

Like I said, it brings me back to the time I learnt this song. I'll try to be objective about it because err...well, the person whom I sang this with...well, you'll see. I'll TRY okay?

So, that was a few years back I think, when I was still in MS. We had a gig at a wedding, I don't remember where but some posh hotel in Singapore. So the couple wanted 4 couples to sing duets and love songs for their wedding dinner. We had gowns and suits sponsored, and it seemed like a fun thing. So you probably know where I'm getting to now...after a few rounds of going through songs, we chose to sing Endless Love. I sang it with somebody I shall politely refer to as X, and we thought it would not be too tough. (Kidding ourselves, as I see now, in retrospect.)

So, first, we had to learn the song. I'd heard the song a few times before, so I wasn't totally unfamiliar. However, I'd never sung it before, so, I started listening to the version by Lionel Richie and Diana Ross a few times, over and over again. I think I catch on to melodies and harmonies pretty quickly. After the 4th or 5th time, I kinda get the drift. Not Mr X though. He could get the melody, but couldn't get the counter-melodies or harmonies. I had to learn them, and try to "teach" it to him, and still be all nice about it since he had a HUGE ego. Can't TEACH him, no, no...or else it would seem as if I'm trying to be Miss Know-it-all. Fine. I'm not Miss Know-it-all. I'm Miss Know-it-more-than-you. Honestly.

It was SUCH a chore! I couldn't show that I was exasperated cos he was SUPPOSED to be IN the industry and was SUPPOSED to be good in it. Obviously it was all a farce, which most people eventually found out. Some...probably to this day, never will find out. Still under the veil, or under some 'magic potion'. Thank God I've got the antidote. Ah...but I'm drifting off point.

So anyway, eventually we (I) managed to simplify it such that X didn't have to do a lot of counter-melodies or harmonies. We also had to transpose the song by 2 keys cos...err...somebody couldn't reach the notes. Oh by the way, at that time, I said that WE needed to down the key. Well...let's just say...I've tried it a couple of time in original key and it was okay.

So we performed during the wedding, and boy was I relieved to get it out of the way. I think that was probably my most nervous duet performance ever.

And here you go...

photos. A LOT of photos.

in a bid to simply upload all the photos from my phone...well, not ALL, but some, i've decided to just...do...this.

louis and his mint bone.

crab dinner with syl, jay, chriz and josh.

same dinner, but drunken prawns. yummy!

back to louis. and his new toy...a chipmunk (still known as bear-bear).

my sis...giving him a goooood time. heh heh heh

this needs to be rotated but anyway, this was yummy pre-ROM dinner for shirley.

my spicy miso ramen at parco millenia. GOOOOOD!

and the following were the girls' ones. can't remember which is whose.

and last but not least...

Congrats Shirley and Steven!!!

wassup?

a lot apparently.

and i don't even just mean in my life, although that has been a major bulk of 'excitement' - some nice, some not nice.

drama mama...

on the 'job' front, it has been quite nice. i'm getting the hang of it and it is only gonna get harder. it's only the 3rd week and already, more drama. managing different personalities and playing the mediator while really trying to help the kids. argh! looooong story.

on the 'other' front, things are moving. the countdown has not begun, but the info-gathering and administration is sooooo on the way. dates are almost firmed up. ALMOST.

on the home front, more stuff. but ah...too personal so :X let's just say i have been travelling to-and-fro a lot and surprisingly, i think the family has been coming together a lot more and that's something we never really did. at least we hadn't done it for a while.

so yeah. life's been like that. God's favour has and will see me through everything. And in all things, I have Jesus!

The Nana Fund

I'm accepting all contributions into The Nana Fund.

Yes, the only beneficiary would be me. It's for a very noble cause - my future.

And your contributions will be greatly appreciated.

For more information, you can msn/sms/fb pm me.

Thank you!

fishing for information

i'm sure i'm NOT the only person who uses facebook, twitter, blogs, and other online avenues to 'fish' for information. i mean, give me a break. i am QUITE bored. there is SO MUCH one can do when one is not doing anything concrete.

so, i recently found some very interesting information. one was particularly...curious for me. it got me totally confused, though it came close to "shocking".

then, it occured to me that i have been completely out of touch with certain people, certain places and certain events that i used to be in touch with. i wondered if they were deliberate decisions. i suppose if they were deliberate, i would know. yet, i'm not quite sure just how much of it was a conscious decision and how much of it was circumstancial.

hmm?

anyhoo, maybe it's for the best. :)

i *heart* my lappie

was looking back at my last post and i realised just how disorganised i am when it comes to my blog. i literally type what i think of. what happened to proper planning? *throw out of window*

so, my mum has returned all in one piece. she enjoyed her trip, and i think she is planning another trip in a couple more months. looks like it'll be hong kong with my aunt (her sis). hee hee...i overheard them talking on the phone when i was mock-asleep this morning.

so anyway, i wanted to say, i lurve my new lappie. although it's not very small, and it's been reconfigured (which i heard was actually unnecessary, but nvm....), i love it! a new laptop is like starting life all over again, because there is nothing in there. u have to download programmes and software and create new folders, etc.

and i like typing on it. it makes me feel...so...busy. hahaha. the lack of necessity to type has made typing a fun activity for me. isn't that weird?

ANYWAY, the weather is nuts too. one minute it's mad white hot, and the next minute it's grey and gloom. it's no wonder people are getting sick. i have been a little under the weather the last week or so. no big problem. just a little sorey throaty and a little flu-ey. i guess i haven't really made an effort to get better. i will i will.

yes, i really like to type on my lovely lappie. :)

hours before my mum flies off

my mum is going to bkk for a short trip. yes, amidst all the chaos there. she has balls. like me. hahaha. but worry not, for her god-daughter is thai and lives there, and will take good care of her. anyway, i think it's not THAT chaotic. not for tourists anyway. she may get some good buys out of it since i doubt there would be many tourists at this time.

and so, the sole responsibility of my dog lies with me for the next few days. i know, it's supposed to be my responsibility but i've been spoilt to the point that my mum is the one that wakes up every morning to bring my dog for a walk and feed and wash him. it motivates her cos she thinks she's losing weight by running with him. and i let her think that. :p

yeap, louis, you're stuck with me buddy!

sidetrack a bit.

i keep smelling this burning smell every night around 12 plus 1. i don't know if something is burning, or it's the haze. sometimes it smells like burnt rubber; sometimes like the incense my mum burns at home; sometimes it smells like a cigarette (i suspect one of my neighbours upstairs or downstairs smokes out of the window and hence, into my window. prob downstairs since smoke goes up. argh!).

so yah...it stinks. i feel disgusted and smoked out. yurgh!

alamak. i hear the fire engine!

*cross fingers*

it feels like...

had pepper crab over the weekend with some friends. and now, it feels like i'm about to get a sore throat.

and last weekend, i had jalan kayu otah - THE BEST OTAH IN THE WORLD!!! the problem was, i had otah for dinner...a bit too many sticks of them. ended up with an uncomfortable tummy the entire night.

so this wraps up another food item that i cannot eat in excess:

1. rice vermicilli (tung hoon)
2. otah

but the otah is really damn shiok lah!

while taking a break from training

i'm at a training session now for my new "job". it's day 2 of the 5-day programme and i'm having a lunch break now. so while waiting for the afternoon session to start, thought i'd just pop by to...ramble.

so...

it's great that i am only a 15-min walking distance away from home. i get to exercise and to reach work in a consistent time. 15-mins flat. no worries about traffic conditions at all. it doesn't matter. i just need my 2 legs. it's not a daily thing so i will not get tired of it...i think. haha

and i STILL get some free time. yay yay yay!!

alrightey. my post is really boring. aiyo. why like that?

toodles!

Rainy days

I'm pretty happy that it has been raining recently. I mean, it is TIME, please, dear God! It was getting soooo warm and humid, it was getting on my nerves.

In fact, I wish Singapore was cold and clammy and gloomy. Like London. Wouldn't that be great?!? :p

So today was one of those days again. Rainy. Just like I like it. And my poochie pooch, Louis, loves the weather. He's been lazing all day, enjoying the nice cold wind and even colder floor.

Look!

Cute right? It's the first time I've seen him in this position. And I think he propped the pillows up himself. Awww...

Bring on the rain!!!

MRT Annoyances

i'm quite irritated with the ppl on the very mrt that i boarded right now. now. this very moment. there is a dork who thinks he is the next best thing in the world when in fact, he is a dork. if i could, i'll tell it to his face how his very presence annoy me. then there is this girl who is holding a deck of cards and ONLY flipping the 7diamonds over and over again. arrgh...so annoying!

Casualty No. 37583021

Yeah yeah...I got hit by the CNY bug. Flu, sore throat bug, that is.

Spent Mon feeling worse for wear, but sneaked out all the same to meet Shir. It was a good meetup, although I can't say for myself if that was good for my sick self. After I went home, I developed a fever. Gre...at.

Tues was a groggy mess. The fever went off overnight, thanks to some serious self-medication and groaning and moaning in bed. Oh, and a big box of tissue one one side, and a plastic bag on the other side (just in case I puked). Couldn't eat much on Tues, which was perfect since I had no lunch prepared for me. Eventually, I mustered enough strength to cook meself some porridge for lunch. Just plain porridge with pickled veggies. Couldn't stomach anything else. More self-medication ensued.

Wed was much better. Still a little groggy. I think over the 3 days, I slept more than I was awake. At least I've got my appetite back and I could eat and crave for food. Like at night, I craved for chips, and cookies, which is probably NOT good. I settled for an apple instead. Crunch. Finally, something that required use of my teeth. After 2 days of porridge, that was some comfort for me.

Today, I'm up and stronger. Still with a hint of flu and cough but it's nothing really. And I'm gonna have dinner with the Jan Wedding Bunch. heh heh.

I know. I'm such a trouper!

Stock up!

I realised that in a bid for me to get more people to follow my blog, I need to do a few things:

1. Write more often.

2. Write about anything and everything to endear myself to a wider audience

3. From time to time, write about controversial/provocative/taboo subjects.

Don't worry, there is none from s/n 3 this time. Or should I say, I'm sorry to disappoint, all you gossip-mongers and kaypohs.

I'm gonna talk about boring ol' CNY.

I know everyone talks about the food and the goodies and the angbaos. Personally, I'm not that keen on the food, nor the goodies, and don't even get me started on the angbaos. I mean, the food is good, and I eat, perhaps a little more than usual, but nothing crazy. The goodies...well, I don't like pineapple tarts and I am not a big fan of bak kwa, so not too crazy about those. I'll eat the occasional love letter, nuts and melon seeds and kueh bangkit but that's it. Angbao...*big dramatic sigh* I'm reaching that age where giving an angbao is expected and receiving would invite unanswerable and painful questions.

So, I generally only look forward to a few things. Diplomatically, it would be to see all my relatives and catch up or update each other. Other things would include the mandatory SMALL game sessions: MJ, blackjack, in-between (this year, I forayed into Guitar Hero). But I thinkg the best of the lot is that for this one season in the whole year, my fridge and kitchen cabinets are stockpiled with...*holds breath*...PACKET DRINKS!!!

*slurp packet of lemon tea*

Yup...cartons and cartons of glorious packet drinks. Lemon Tea, Crysanthemum tea, mango juice, green tea, et cetera, et cetera... I love it that I can just reach into the cool-box and get meself a nice, cold, sweet packet of slurping goodness.

Actually, I'm not sure if I'm excited about the packet drinks or the fact that there is a stockpile of them.

I think, perhaps, things that come in large quantities amuse and excite me.

Happy Tiger Year~!

thanks, FB and twitter

as most would know/notice, i've been rather free. and the result of being rather free is that you tend to FIND for things to occupy time. some of these things, for me at least, is social networking (almost constantly) such as updating my status and random pearls of wisdom on FB and twitter, and surfing for information: news sites, gossip sites, blogs.

and i noticed something.

apparently, thanks to FB, twitter and probably other social networking sites, people DO NOT BLOG ANYMORE!?!?!

and i'm bored.

and now i know how people who are bored and free are constantly looking for others to blog so that they can catch up. even for a mundane read.

so i apologise for the lack of blog postings in the past 2.5 years. i blame it on having a job.

NOW that i do NOT have one, i can blog all the time. in fact, i should blog all the time. Hey look! i blogged twice today already.

AND...

Lo and behold! I even uploaded pictures!! something i am (in)famous for never doing even when i said i would!

wow!

now, i hope to garner enough people to read my blog so that i can make money off it.

*taps fingers and waits*

Singapore Airshow 2010

This was my 2nd airshow, and the first that I did not work in. But then, there has ONLY been 2 Singapore Airshows. Nevertheless, I was there as a "special" guest. Thanks to the Party people. :p

PHOTOS!!!

Reached just as the aerial display started. Ran to catch them as the aircrafts roooooared past me overhead. From the RSAF, the F16 and Apache!

So, the Apache is like my 2nd favourite aircraft. My favourite is the Chinook aka the Banana-Boat. I've got a weird taste in aircrafts.

I don't remember if this was the American one or the South Korean one. I think it's the American one. Ah well... *yawnz* I was getting quite restless on the ground by then. So, UP i went...

to look down at the crowd below. Look at that! Oh my...

The Party Planners. And me. Yes, up where it's COOLER (and has a better view).

The Charlie's Angels reunite!

Post-"party", Uncle Charlie brought us all to Swensons at T2 for some yummy and some slurpy.

As you can see, while the Chief is still quite energised, the young 'uns are almost knocked out. Experience scores, people!!!

But at least some effort was made to look more lively.

Not so much for Angel No. 2. She had to deal with a party POOper.

Hence, the face.

And this one...i'm not sure what her problem is.

I know! It's just her. >_<

- the end -

post-grammys thoughts

my favourite of the entire awards season would most definitely be the grammys. it's really a celebration of the best (and most popular) songs of the year, no matter which genre.

and my favourite part of it is the performances! in fact, i love to catch all the performances during ALL the award shows. obviously, when it comes to the grammys, performances don't get any BIGGER.

this year, however, i felt the performances were a little muted. in a good way. okay so muted may not be the best word to use. it's a bit more low-key. but i like it. they were sooo much more impactful, i feel.

my favourites: pink's hanging in the air one was brilliant; loved the earth song performed by MJ, celine dion, usher, jennifer hudson, carrie underwood and smokey robinson (absolutely moving); and last but not least, bridge over troubled waters by mary j blige and andrea bocelli and david foster on piano (WOW!)

i did like a few others too, but i think these 3...absolutely took my breath away.

i can't wait for next year already.

p/s: to backtrack a little, i say, bring ricky gervais back as host for next year's golden globes! he is HILARIOUS!!! love it love it love it!

p/p/s: can't wait for the oscars.

Give yourself a break.

after the holiday seasons, i have just ONE advice to everyone.

give yourself a break AFTER your overseas holidays.

you know how people often plan their holidays swee swee so that they can squeeze as many days as possible out of as little leave as possible? i think that's just wrong. you end up feeling so lethargic and absolutely moodless for work/school.

and vacations can be really tiring stuff, especially if you try to max out the trip to go to every single place of interest/shopping.

so the way to go is, plan your vacay such that you do 1, or at the max, 2 main things a day. plan smaller stuff that you can do in-between or on an optional basis. and for the shiong stuff, spread it out to have at least 1-2 days apart so that you don't tire yourself out.

and once you come back from the trip, take more than the weekend to recharge. it it NOT enough! give it another day or two, preferably on mon or tues when the mood is usually very blue and everyone is whining.

trust me, you'll feel much more re-charged. =)