Had a bad nightmare in the wee hours of the morning again. This time, I chopped off someone's head (I think it was a guy's head), kept it in a container of some sort and went looking for another guy for help.
There was no blood whatsoever, but the thought of me having cut someone's head off and probably going to jail after that, just made my blood cull. The whole time, in my nightmare, I was just walking around this posh-looking apartment block that had posh dining places just next to it. I was just going round and round looking for this guy and looking for no one in particular.
When I finally found the guy (with no specific face in particular, as with most dreams), I tried to opening the container to show him the head. What happened was that 'dust' flew out and become a bluish redish spot of light. The light was moving about, as if a spirit was flying.
Somebody, a third person, who was having dinner with the guy I was looking for, reassured us that this light is a good sign. I panicked even more. I asked in my dreams, "How can it be a good sign when I have just decapitated someone?"
The third person, whom I vaguely remember as a woman, continued to assure and persuade me. Not long after, I woke up.
I was breathing real fast and until now, am still quite puzzled as to why I would have such a dream since I am not so stressed up about work already. Could it be that I am so sick of man in general that I went to chop their head off? Then why did I look for another guy to try to solve my problem? Is it because I still have hope? Haha! Not sure about these two explanations as I only just thought about it as I am writing this post.
If it really is so, then how could my brain be so wired up to make up such a 'chiem' and scary nightmare for me to dream? I mean usually, my dreams and nightmares are very direct and straight to the point.
Anyway, I will just leave it for awhile and if I do remember, I will ask my (ex) housemate, who has an interest in interpreting dreams.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
One last slightly leisurely afternoon
It is my last day of so-called freedom. Tomorrow I am back on full time again. Instead of my usual afternoon strolls and what-not s, I had to rush for night shift at my soon-to-be history part-time job.
Nevertheless, I managed to squeeze some time in between to enjoy myself. I need to find some bells to do craft work with and decided to go Takashimaya's Art Friend. Turns out that they no longer sell bells and they told me to try Spotlight instead.
Well, I did some window shopping instead. Wanted to buy myself a coffee mug from Coffeebean but I saw what the inside of the mug looked like and felt that it was not so safe for long-term usage. Thus I put it back.
Went to G2000blu and saw many clothing on sale, but because of time constraints I could not buy anything so...didn't spend any money there either.
The only place I splurged at was at Mr Sushi Grill, my favourite Japanese eatery. It was after all, going to be my last day at my old place and tomorrow will be a total new start. Thought I would give myself a silly excuse to treat myself. Order an "Ika Terriyaki set" and bought a box of salmon sashimi (which I think was a bomb, but still I wanted to eat. I have craved for salmon sashimi for the longest time. I didn't care if it was going to burn a whole in my pocket.
The sashimi was fresh, with the right amount of fat and oiliness. I enjoyed all 5 or 6 fat slices of it. See? I could not even remember how many slices of raw fish there were. It was simply yum, yum!
Ika is squid/ sotong. For this particular dish, it is grilled and it comes with sweetened sliced egg plants splashed with a generous serving of sesame seeds. Other side dishes include the typical salad with Japanese mayo and a bowl of miso soup. This is no ordinary miso soup though. It has got squids, fish meat, bits of carrot and even konyaku in it. I think for $10, it is quite value for money and quite a well-balanced meal too!
It was scrump-delicious! Only problem is that I had such a full meal that I was falling asleep behind the wheel!!!! It was so dangerous and I almost missed my exit at Woodlands. I had to keep slapping myself to keep myself awake. Singing did not help. It was terrible. I was also half wishing that it would not be my turn to do counter and then I could just scoot off to do some more shopping. Fat hope. Well, it would almost be over.
Nevertheless, I managed to squeeze some time in between to enjoy myself. I need to find some bells to do craft work with and decided to go Takashimaya's Art Friend. Turns out that they no longer sell bells and they told me to try Spotlight instead.
Well, I did some window shopping instead. Wanted to buy myself a coffee mug from Coffeebean but I saw what the inside of the mug looked like and felt that it was not so safe for long-term usage. Thus I put it back.
Went to G2000blu and saw many clothing on sale, but because of time constraints I could not buy anything so...didn't spend any money there either.
The only place I splurged at was at Mr Sushi Grill, my favourite Japanese eatery. It was after all, going to be my last day at my old place and tomorrow will be a total new start. Thought I would give myself a silly excuse to treat myself. Order an "Ika Terriyaki set" and bought a box of salmon sashimi (which I think was a bomb, but still I wanted to eat. I have craved for salmon sashimi for the longest time. I didn't care if it was going to burn a whole in my pocket.
The sashimi was fresh, with the right amount of fat and oiliness. I enjoyed all 5 or 6 fat slices of it. See? I could not even remember how many slices of raw fish there were. It was simply yum, yum!
Ika is squid/ sotong. For this particular dish, it is grilled and it comes with sweetened sliced egg plants splashed with a generous serving of sesame seeds. Other side dishes include the typical salad with Japanese mayo and a bowl of miso soup. This is no ordinary miso soup though. It has got squids, fish meat, bits of carrot and even konyaku in it. I think for $10, it is quite value for money and quite a well-balanced meal too!
It was scrump-delicious! Only problem is that I had such a full meal that I was falling asleep behind the wheel!!!! It was so dangerous and I almost missed my exit at Woodlands. I had to keep slapping myself to keep myself awake. Singing did not help. It was terrible. I was also half wishing that it would not be my turn to do counter and then I could just scoot off to do some more shopping. Fat hope. Well, it would almost be over.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Pillow talk
Today after work, I thought I would go and get the pillow to replace my present one. It has become so flat that I can hardly feel anything. At first I thought I could back the very nice one from my little rented place, but now that 2 other people have slept on it, I am not about to take it back. I am anal. Very anal about bedding stuff. I don't even go to bed without bathing!
It was really frustrating though coz when I reached that place formerly known as Seiyu, the lady told me that the particular pillow I wanted had sold old. She rattled on and on about how if I came yesterday, that I would definitely get what I want, but today it is all gone. Sold out. And later on, the story changed to "they brought it back to the warehouse".
You know, I was not born yesterday. If you do not really know which particular model of pillow I am looking for, then don't say anything. If you are not sure when it sold out, then don't BS me. I GET REAL PISSED. It is patronising.
What was worse is that she did not have very good sales tactic. If she knew her products well, she would know that the pillow I was looking for was a little on the hard side, but the ones she kept recommending me were softer ones. How duh! can that be???!!!!
So, so super frustrated as I only like that particular model that I bought. I was not settling for second best and I got so pissed for her patronising attitude that I told her to forget it. I would rather not buy.
On top of that, she already irritated me from the beginning anyway. She is the sort who did not even allow you to breathe and have a look through and start pestering and following you all around the minute you step in, asking what you want, all at the same time while she was serving another customer. She ended up looking like she had schizophrenia, talking to two different persons at the same time.
Sigh...one more night without nice-nice pillow.
It was really frustrating though coz when I reached that place formerly known as Seiyu, the lady told me that the particular pillow I wanted had sold old. She rattled on and on about how if I came yesterday, that I would definitely get what I want, but today it is all gone. Sold out. And later on, the story changed to "they brought it back to the warehouse".
You know, I was not born yesterday. If you do not really know which particular model of pillow I am looking for, then don't say anything. If you are not sure when it sold out, then don't BS me. I GET REAL PISSED. It is patronising.
What was worse is that she did not have very good sales tactic. If she knew her products well, she would know that the pillow I was looking for was a little on the hard side, but the ones she kept recommending me were softer ones. How duh! can that be???!!!!
So, so super frustrated as I only like that particular model that I bought. I was not settling for second best and I got so pissed for her patronising attitude that I told her to forget it. I would rather not buy.
On top of that, she already irritated me from the beginning anyway. She is the sort who did not even allow you to breathe and have a look through and start pestering and following you all around the minute you step in, asking what you want, all at the same time while she was serving another customer. She ended up looking like she had schizophrenia, talking to two different persons at the same time.
Sigh...one more night without nice-nice pillow.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Leisurely, leisurely
After work today, I went to shop at Parkway Parade: a place that is away from all ERPs and what-not's.
I had a very leisurely afternoon, even though my meeting had pushed my personal time back an hour. I also know that, this would not last any much longer. This Friday, I will be going full-time again.
Well, what was the opportunity cost? I would spend less money and get a normal five-day work week. Plus, I think I will be younger at heart because of the people I face everyday. That means, hopefully, I would be a happier person overall. Hee, hee.
On the other hand though, I am not sure how well I can cope when school starts. I am keeping my fingers crossed.
I had a very leisurely afternoon, even though my meeting had pushed my personal time back an hour. I also know that, this would not last any much longer. This Friday, I will be going full-time again.
Well, what was the opportunity cost? I would spend less money and get a normal five-day work week. Plus, I think I will be younger at heart because of the people I face everyday. That means, hopefully, I would be a happier person overall. Hee, hee.
On the other hand though, I am not sure how well I can cope when school starts. I am keeping my fingers crossed.
Trek . Or 'kena' tracked by monkey?
I know, I know. I am working backwards, but my friends fill up my diary so much that I hardly want to touch the laptop when I reach home.
As usual, we did not manage to meet at the aforesaid time of 10am and by the time we reached Bishan, bought whatever stuff we needed to bring along as hunger saviour and had a very late breakfast (more like brunch), we reached Macritchie Reservoir at about 12 noon. Haha! Typical lazy urbanites, us!
The weather was exceptionally good though and the sun was hiding behind the clouds. Perfect for walking. After the treetop walk, I began to feel hungry and so we made a pit-stop at one of the benches. There was another group of English family with 2 kids. They were also eating. No sooner had a taken out my SoyJoy, did the monkey come a-looking at us.
I guess it was partly my fault. There were too many plastic bags and I was ruffling them around, trying to find my SoyJoy in the sea of things in my bag. It was sitting on the support handles for trekkers while edging nearer towards me and my (ex)-housemate (ehm), while both of us kept moving away. The only person he was afraid of or thought of as a threat, was my ehm's husband. It hissed at him.
Worse still, it saw me keep my snack and it knew that I had food. It came after me still. We kept screaming for my ehm's husband to distract the monkey so that we can get moving. It finally did get distracted and we ran down the wooden steps.
When we were at a very safe distance from the monkey, I quickly ate my snack bar as we continued to walk. Phew! What an experience!
As usual, we did not manage to meet at the aforesaid time of 10am and by the time we reached Bishan, bought whatever stuff we needed to bring along as hunger saviour and had a very late breakfast (more like brunch), we reached Macritchie Reservoir at about 12 noon. Haha! Typical lazy urbanites, us!
The weather was exceptionally good though and the sun was hiding behind the clouds. Perfect for walking. After the treetop walk, I began to feel hungry and so we made a pit-stop at one of the benches. There was another group of English family with 2 kids. They were also eating. No sooner had a taken out my SoyJoy, did the monkey come a-looking at us.
I guess it was partly my fault. There were too many plastic bags and I was ruffling them around, trying to find my SoyJoy in the sea of things in my bag. It was sitting on the support handles for trekkers while edging nearer towards me and my (ex)-housemate (ehm), while both of us kept moving away. The only person he was afraid of or thought of as a threat, was my ehm's husband. It hissed at him.
Worse still, it saw me keep my snack and it knew that I had food. It came after me still. We kept screaming for my ehm's husband to distract the monkey so that we can get moving. It finally did get distracted and we ran down the wooden steps.
When we were at a very safe distance from the monkey, I quickly ate my snack bar as we continued to walk. Phew! What an experience!
Pong*!
I have talked about playing mahjong like nobody's business and yet I think I forgot to explain that among my group of players, there were two Finnish.
One of them, is my (ex)-housemate's husband. He can play super well and he had even won quite many limit pay-outs before!! The only funny thing is that at the end of the game when I sometimes request to see who was holding my cards, he would refuse to show anything.
Once, I put down all his cards (at the end of a game of course) and he got really angry. He said that this would show people how he strategised. Well, I am not so 'chiem' and really! I am not much of a strategist myself. I cannot even remember what card people throw out sometimes, let alone remember strategies.
Anyway, I guess I should have respected his wishes and not 'revealed' his cards like that. Guess I am too used to playing with my aunt, cousin and Dad.
The other Finnish, is his visiting friend from Finland. The hand that u saw in the earlier posting, is his. Spotting fella who places his cards not in a neat row, but in what we call "Stone Henge manner". Quite understandable, as he not too familiar with he many signs, symbols and characters. I had to write a translated sheet for both of them for the north, south, east , west and the numbers for ten thousand, twenty thousand and so on.
It was fun though and who knows? We might even be starting some historical thingy, being the first ones who passed the knowledge of mahjong to the Finnish!!! Hahaha!!! Fat hope. I am sure someone else has already done so and there are other Finnish out there playing mahjong too!
We did not play much last Saturday in the end as all could not get up on time and they went for some real swimming before dry swimming on the mahjong table. Hee!
Nevertheless, friendship grew stronger with whatever little time that we managed to meet up.
Did not end up eating any sushi but bought OCK (Old Chang Kee) and some good and delicious hawker food like fried carrot cake, chui kueh and ondeh-ondeh from Bengawan Solo which were bought by my mum and oh so delicious!
Knowing that we were going to trek at Macritchie the next day made me 'relax' about what food I put in my mouth.
*For my non-Mahjong playing friends: "pong" means to 'eat' a card from someone else to form three of a kind for yourself. One can pong from which ever player who has thrown out a card but if one was trying to get three cards in running order eg. 123, 456, etc) then one can only 'eat' from the player before oneself. Blur? Start playing mahjong. It works your mind and contrary to what some may take as gambling, can be healthy for the brains if one doesn't play with money or does not play too big. :)
One of them, is my (ex)-housemate's husband. He can play super well and he had even won quite many limit pay-outs before!! The only funny thing is that at the end of the game when I sometimes request to see who was holding my cards, he would refuse to show anything.
Once, I put down all his cards (at the end of a game of course) and he got really angry. He said that this would show people how he strategised. Well, I am not so 'chiem' and really! I am not much of a strategist myself. I cannot even remember what card people throw out sometimes, let alone remember strategies.
Anyway, I guess I should have respected his wishes and not 'revealed' his cards like that. Guess I am too used to playing with my aunt, cousin and Dad.
The other Finnish, is his visiting friend from Finland. The hand that u saw in the earlier posting, is his. Spotting fella who places his cards not in a neat row, but in what we call "Stone Henge manner". Quite understandable, as he not too familiar with he many signs, symbols and characters. I had to write a translated sheet for both of them for the north, south, east , west and the numbers for ten thousand, twenty thousand and so on.
It was fun though and who knows? We might even be starting some historical thingy, being the first ones who passed the knowledge of mahjong to the Finnish!!! Hahaha!!! Fat hope. I am sure someone else has already done so and there are other Finnish out there playing mahjong too!
We did not play much last Saturday in the end as all could not get up on time and they went for some real swimming before dry swimming on the mahjong table. Hee!
Nevertheless, friendship grew stronger with whatever little time that we managed to meet up.
Did not end up eating any sushi but bought OCK (Old Chang Kee) and some good and delicious hawker food like fried carrot cake, chui kueh and ondeh-ondeh from Bengawan Solo which were bought by my mum and oh so delicious!
Knowing that we were going to trek at Macritchie the next day made me 'relax' about what food I put in my mouth.
*For my non-Mahjong playing friends: "pong" means to 'eat' a card from someone else to form three of a kind for yourself. One can pong from which ever player who has thrown out a card but if one was trying to get three cards in running order eg. 123, 456, etc) then one can only 'eat' from the player before oneself. Blur? Start playing mahjong. It works your mind and contrary to what some may take as gambling, can be healthy for the brains if one doesn't play with money or does not play too big. :)
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Museum with a different view
Went to the Night Festival organised by the National Heritage Board last night and here are some pics that I took and felt was quite cool (the buildings itself and not how I took the pics). The building is actually white in colour, but with the help of projectors, it has turned into colourful, wonderful things. Check it out!
Down memory lane
Went to this God forsaken place last Thursday with my Primary school friend. It was not really God forsaken to me though as I grew up in the vicinity. My mum used to buy groceries from this place, I sneaked out of the house with my cousin to buy stationery when we were young and got a flagging from my mum.
This quaint little place is called Eng Kong Garden. Hidden in a row of nonchalant shophouses is this unassuming cafe-eatery called Cafe Fahrenheit (I think. At least I got the Fahrenheit bit right).
The environs of Eng Kong have not changed much. Even the low-rise flats opposite the shophouses did not change. Memories came flooding back. It felt so good to be back there. It was quiet and peaceful. I hope this does not change. I know that change is sometimes inevitable but I really hope otherwise.
The food we ate was fantastic and I was really full. My friend had the steak while I had the lamb stew with sweet potato gnocchi. They even have Sunday brunch but the owner (I assumed) told us that the cafe will be closed for awhile for some management change but will re-open in a month or so.
Here's a pic of the wonderfully scrumptious food we had:
Oops! forgot to take a pic of the dessert coz it was so yummy that we were busy finishing it all up!
This quaint little place is called Eng Kong Garden. Hidden in a row of nonchalant shophouses is this unassuming cafe-eatery called Cafe Fahrenheit (I think. At least I got the Fahrenheit bit right).
The environs of Eng Kong have not changed much. Even the low-rise flats opposite the shophouses did not change. Memories came flooding back. It felt so good to be back there. It was quiet and peaceful. I hope this does not change. I know that change is sometimes inevitable but I really hope otherwise.
The food we ate was fantastic and I was really full. My friend had the steak while I had the lamb stew with sweet potato gnocchi. They even have Sunday brunch but the owner (I assumed) told us that the cafe will be closed for awhile for some management change but will re-open in a month or so.
Here's a pic of the wonderfully scrumptious food we had:
Oops! forgot to take a pic of the dessert coz it was so yummy that we were busy finishing it all up!
Friday, July 25, 2008
I did it. Again.
I did it. Again. This time with more conviction. I informed my old work place that I would not be able to continue to work part-time for them and I told my new bosses that I will be working with them full-time from August. Like the last time that I signed up for my diploma course, I feel this sense of relief.
I guess having a permanent job DOES give one a sense of stability and security. I am so much poorer in monetary terms but yet, I feel so much richer in terms of health and spirit. I guess it is an opportunity cost that one has to take.
Now, and only now, can I say that I have fully closed a chapter (at least work wise) and completely starting a new one. It was a gradual lead up to this new chapter and I am glad it happened this way. It allowed me to get used to the new environment and there were lots of learning opportunities and my bosses gave me lots of chances to learn and grow. They hand-held me and yet, they let me go when necessary, so that I could learn to do things on my own.
I have also come to the realisation that although now, I am supposed to have more time for my friends, I actually have less!! I will need to re-learn how to divide my time amongst the different group of friends :)
I guess having a permanent job DOES give one a sense of stability and security. I am so much poorer in monetary terms but yet, I feel so much richer in terms of health and spirit. I guess it is an opportunity cost that one has to take.
Now, and only now, can I say that I have fully closed a chapter (at least work wise) and completely starting a new one. It was a gradual lead up to this new chapter and I am glad it happened this way. It allowed me to get used to the new environment and there were lots of learning opportunities and my bosses gave me lots of chances to learn and grow. They hand-held me and yet, they let me go when necessary, so that I could learn to do things on my own.
I have also come to the realisation that although now, I am supposed to have more time for my friends, I actually have less!! I will need to re-learn how to divide my time amongst the different group of friends :)
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Since when?
It's funny how I get blamed for things. I just went to IKEA today and wanted to buy this cabinet that had many squares. I could fit in boxes (from IKEA of course) that could help me store my things without being looking too untidy.
As always, I asked for my mum's opinion as my room is super, super small and I already have some cupboards and storage cabinets in my room. I wanted to seek her opinion on how to fit everything in my room or at least be able to 're-house' my old cupboards in another part of our house.
From such a discussion grew this accusation in my direction. She said it was because I brought back so many office stuff, that she had to go and buy and extra cupboard to put in her room to store my stuff!!!!!
How absurd! I did not ask her to buy the cupboard. I was not the one who could not stand the short while of boxes lying around the house. She took her very own initiative to get it and now is happily using that new cupboard as her own storage place as well.
My mum can say the strangest things at times and she is very quick with accusations, even though sometimes it is indeed her fault. What can a daughter do but to just nod and say yes to everything?? If not, I might even end up with my Dad telling me off. Sigh... C'est la vie.
As always, I asked for my mum's opinion as my room is super, super small and I already have some cupboards and storage cabinets in my room. I wanted to seek her opinion on how to fit everything in my room or at least be able to 're-house' my old cupboards in another part of our house.
From such a discussion grew this accusation in my direction. She said it was because I brought back so many office stuff, that she had to go and buy and extra cupboard to put in her room to store my stuff!!!!!
How absurd! I did not ask her to buy the cupboard. I was not the one who could not stand the short while of boxes lying around the house. She took her very own initiative to get it and now is happily using that new cupboard as her own storage place as well.
My mum can say the strangest things at times and she is very quick with accusations, even though sometimes it is indeed her fault. What can a daughter do but to just nod and say yes to everything?? If not, I might even end up with my Dad telling me off. Sigh... C'est la vie.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
From Mahjong to food
It is the second Sunday in a row that we were playing mahjong and there is going to more this coming week except that we will be playing on a Sunday so that we can play till quite late and recuperate the next day!
On the first weekend, we ordered KFC home delivery so I thought we should have Pizza Hut the next weekend. Turns out that nobody likes Pizza Hut and we ended up ordering California 241 Pizza instead. Turned out real good and delicious as they have put lots and lots of toppings! Yum!
For the coming week's mahjong session, I am thinking of getting sushi party sets. Not sure if they would be full with that. Anyway, will ask their opinion.
See that little thingy on the finger? It is their Hello Kitty charm!!! Hahahaha!!!
On the first weekend, we ordered KFC home delivery so I thought we should have Pizza Hut the next weekend. Turns out that nobody likes Pizza Hut and we ended up ordering California 241 Pizza instead. Turned out real good and delicious as they have put lots and lots of toppings! Yum!
For the coming week's mahjong session, I am thinking of getting sushi party sets. Not sure if they would be full with that. Anyway, will ask their opinion.
See that little thingy on the finger? It is their Hello Kitty charm!!! Hahahaha!!!
Travels and TV programmes
Recently, my family and I have been spending lots of family time together. I think that is one thing good that came out of this inflation and ERP crap: I stay home more, in order to spend less.
We watch a lot of TVBJ Hong Kong Cantonese serials. There is one particular serial that I am catching vehemently catching as two years ago, when I was in Hong Kong, it was showing and I did follow it a little.
I just find it interesting how a Hong Kong serial can cause one to remember the good times one had during travels. Just last night, my Dad and I were watching an episode of "Trimming Success" and he had the impression that he had seen a certain scene before. That was when I told him that we did watch that particular episode in Hong Kong and we even postponed dinner till about 8 plus in the evening just so that we could finish watching the episode.
Indeed, in retrospect, local TV programmes are an essential part in my travels. It helps me understand the local culture and also to remember my travels more vividly, just how I remember WWF dubbed in Korean was so funny I could not stop laughing at first! Soccer matches with Korean commentary was also very funny. I could only make out the names of the players and the rest, I had to make it out myself.
There was also the time when I re-visited Melbourne and I remember how I enjoyed watching their programmes as it brought back memories of university days. I remember exclaiming how Kerri-Anne and Burt Newton were such monsters as they still looked the same like ten years before. In fact, Kerri-Anne must have done something to her face as she looks much younger now.
One of my friends who had just come back from Melbourne was commenting on the lack of night activities there. I just told her about how I caught up with lost times with the square box!
We watch a lot of TVBJ Hong Kong Cantonese serials. There is one particular serial that I am catching vehemently catching as two years ago, when I was in Hong Kong, it was showing and I did follow it a little.
I just find it interesting how a Hong Kong serial can cause one to remember the good times one had during travels. Just last night, my Dad and I were watching an episode of "Trimming Success" and he had the impression that he had seen a certain scene before. That was when I told him that we did watch that particular episode in Hong Kong and we even postponed dinner till about 8 plus in the evening just so that we could finish watching the episode.
Indeed, in retrospect, local TV programmes are an essential part in my travels. It helps me understand the local culture and also to remember my travels more vividly, just how I remember WWF dubbed in Korean was so funny I could not stop laughing at first! Soccer matches with Korean commentary was also very funny. I could only make out the names of the players and the rest, I had to make it out myself.
There was also the time when I re-visited Melbourne and I remember how I enjoyed watching their programmes as it brought back memories of university days. I remember exclaiming how Kerri-Anne and Burt Newton were such monsters as they still looked the same like ten years before. In fact, Kerri-Anne must have done something to her face as she looks much younger now.
One of my friends who had just come back from Melbourne was commenting on the lack of night activities there. I just told her about how I caught up with lost times with the square box!
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Catching up with friends
After signing many papers this morning, I met up with 2 of my Primary/Secondary school friends. It's been a long time since we met one another. We have been too caught up with our own lives.
We went to Turf City and had nice and cheap Malay food while one of my friends 'deposited' her daughter at this huge play space called Fidgets. Nowadays,kids' money is easy to earn. I remember the times when I went to Burger King's (I think)where they had a ball room and my Dad would let me go in there before our food came and I will be swimming in a sea of balls (Ooops! That did not sound quite right, but it was true!)It came complementary with our meal.
Now, one would need to pay to put their kids in a indoor playground to play. Of course, Fidgets is bigger, much bigger than the ball room at Burger King's. Just feel that kids' market is an over-exploited market.
We had a leisurely afternoon and thanks to my Dad, I saved some money by taking a free shuttle service from Toa Payoh Interchange. We talked about anything and everything under the sun. It was just like old times, except that my nose kept dripping despite me having taken medicine in the morning.
Anyhow, it was a leisurely afternoon that I enjoyed very much and I hope that there will be more of such lunches and afternoons.
We went to Turf City and had nice and cheap Malay food while one of my friends 'deposited' her daughter at this huge play space called Fidgets. Nowadays,kids' money is easy to earn. I remember the times when I went to Burger King's (I think)where they had a ball room and my Dad would let me go in there before our food came and I will be swimming in a sea of balls (Ooops! That did not sound quite right, but it was true!)It came complementary with our meal.
Now, one would need to pay to put their kids in a indoor playground to play. Of course, Fidgets is bigger, much bigger than the ball room at Burger King's. Just feel that kids' market is an over-exploited market.
We had a leisurely afternoon and thanks to my Dad, I saved some money by taking a free shuttle service from Toa Payoh Interchange. We talked about anything and everything under the sun. It was just like old times, except that my nose kept dripping despite me having taken medicine in the morning.
Anyhow, it was a leisurely afternoon that I enjoyed very much and I hope that there will be more of such lunches and afternoons.
Part one completed
My first appointment with HDB is over. Not buying flat but selling it of course. Now I will just have to wait till the last and final appointment will be September. I will have to act fast. I need to go and find out some stuff from my lawyers. If I can, I will already start filing.
It is not as if someone else is waiting for me at the other end of the line. On the contrary, I have no one at all. Yet, I feel fulfilled, for now. I don't know what it would be like when I start becoming full time and have to juggle studies at the same time, but I think I am ready to face that challenge.
The fact that I still want to go to work despite having sniffles in the mornings is proof enough that I love my job enough to want to keep going. If you sense the half enthusiasm in what I have just said, it is because I am afraid of jinxing it. I don't want to say that I LOVE my new job scope and I LOVE my new place etc, etc and then find out later that I have lost all passion for it. I am just being careful here.
My ex-colleagues have gotten bonuses and many were discussing on what to reward themselves with. I have nothing this year, but the strangest thing is that I still feel happy. I cannot afford big things like going for a holiday in Europe or Hokkaido or my watch (which I usually get when I get my bonus), but I feel fulfilled and happy.
Maybe it is because I am happy with my work place and am surrounded by friends that I really care about (see next post). Maybe I am finally learning what contentment is all about.
Whatever it is, I think I am ready to finally close a chapter of my life and leave it behind. I have spent many a year worrying that this day would come and that I would not know what to do, but now that I am here, I think I am doing OK.
It is not as if someone else is waiting for me at the other end of the line. On the contrary, I have no one at all. Yet, I feel fulfilled, for now. I don't know what it would be like when I start becoming full time and have to juggle studies at the same time, but I think I am ready to face that challenge.
The fact that I still want to go to work despite having sniffles in the mornings is proof enough that I love my job enough to want to keep going. If you sense the half enthusiasm in what I have just said, it is because I am afraid of jinxing it. I don't want to say that I LOVE my new job scope and I LOVE my new place etc, etc and then find out later that I have lost all passion for it. I am just being careful here.
My ex-colleagues have gotten bonuses and many were discussing on what to reward themselves with. I have nothing this year, but the strangest thing is that I still feel happy. I cannot afford big things like going for a holiday in Europe or Hokkaido or my watch (which I usually get when I get my bonus), but I feel fulfilled and happy.
Maybe it is because I am happy with my work place and am surrounded by friends that I really care about (see next post). Maybe I am finally learning what contentment is all about.
Whatever it is, I think I am ready to finally close a chapter of my life and leave it behind. I have spent many a year worrying that this day would come and that I would not know what to do, but now that I am here, I think I am doing OK.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Still on the subject of toilets
Yesterday, I saw this notice displayed on the walls of the Ladies. It said "Please flush the toilet after use. Thank you for your consideration".
I thought (and still think) it sounds funny. I just thought that it would sound more grammatically correct if it had been "Thank you for being considerate".
Oh well... .
I thought (and still think) it sounds funny. I just thought that it would sound more grammatically correct if it had been "Thank you for being considerate".
Oh well... .
Gratifying + Satisfying
Last night, went out with my ex-colleagues (for convenience I will call them that. In fact, I should use the term "part-time colleagues" now that I am just a part-timer there).
Anyway, they met up with me to give me my 'farewell' present and have a meal together. We went to Downtown East where it had a new part added to it. That new part is where the cinema was located. The most amazing thing is that it had an indoor Ferris wheel that I was so tempted to take a ride on.
The restaurant of choice was simply called "BBQ Chicken". It was a Korean chain and I recognised it as the one from Lotte World. They had a unique way of packaging their chicken nuggets: they are placed like a cover over the drink. Very nifty!
We had fun making fun of the names of the dishes that we were ordering. There were the originals (like KFC original kitchen, but much better!) and then there was this particular chicken dish called the "Jerk BBQ". We could order family sets with the different choices of flavours of chicken.
One colleague said this when confirming our orders (not in front of the wait staff of course): "We are the originals and you are the jerks...you all like jerks so you all can take the jerks... .".
Another colleague replied," Never mind we hate jerks so we will eat them up."
When we have tasted the originals, ginseng crisp chicken and the jerks, one of them commented,"Actually, I like the jerks! They are very nice!"
We all had a good laugh. We were so ambitious that we went on to order desserts. Luckily we did not each order one serving as it was really huge! We all took the dessert called "Pat Bin Soo". It had rice cakes, lots of ice, ice cream and loads of other things.
I say, Jerks is the way to go for it is charbroiled in the chicken's own fat and the bbq sauce is simply mmmm-mmmmm. It might take longer for it to reach your table though as they charbroil it only when you order so make sure you are not too hungry.
p/s: No pictures coz I am not inclined to take them when I am enjoying myself. All that I need to remember is in my mind. Kekeke... .
Anyway, they met up with me to give me my 'farewell' present and have a meal together. We went to Downtown East where it had a new part added to it. That new part is where the cinema was located. The most amazing thing is that it had an indoor Ferris wheel that I was so tempted to take a ride on.
The restaurant of choice was simply called "BBQ Chicken". It was a Korean chain and I recognised it as the one from Lotte World. They had a unique way of packaging their chicken nuggets: they are placed like a cover over the drink. Very nifty!
We had fun making fun of the names of the dishes that we were ordering. There were the originals (like KFC original kitchen, but much better!) and then there was this particular chicken dish called the "Jerk BBQ". We could order family sets with the different choices of flavours of chicken.
One colleague said this when confirming our orders (not in front of the wait staff of course): "We are the originals and you are the jerks...you all like jerks so you all can take the jerks... .".
Another colleague replied," Never mind we hate jerks so we will eat them up."
When we have tasted the originals, ginseng crisp chicken and the jerks, one of them commented,"Actually, I like the jerks! They are very nice!"
We all had a good laugh. We were so ambitious that we went on to order desserts. Luckily we did not each order one serving as it was really huge! We all took the dessert called "Pat Bin Soo". It had rice cakes, lots of ice, ice cream and loads of other things.
I say, Jerks is the way to go for it is charbroiled in the chicken's own fat and the bbq sauce is simply mmmm-mmmmm. It might take longer for it to reach your table though as they charbroil it only when you order so make sure you are not too hungry.
p/s: No pictures coz I am not inclined to take them when I am enjoying myself. All that I need to remember is in my mind. Kekeke... .
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Have we become lazy people?
There are many car owners that forget to turn on their headlights at night and are travelling dangerously or 'dangerously' on the roads. Just the other day, I saw 2 cars without headlights turned on at night, again. Then I saw that it was a Lexus and I said to myself,"No wonder, it is a Lexus. They have auto sensors and the lights come on automatically when the car system detects that the surroundings are too dark."
Then I thought to myself again,"Is it really that bright on the roads, or have we become too reliant on technology?"
Why that question? Because, as I go into the Ladies (sorry gals), I see wades of paper stuck you know where. I know that there are also auto sensors that can detect when our bums leave the seats, but hasn't anyone heard of experienced first hand, faulty sensors?
For me, I always check before I leave the cubicle, just to make sure that whatever needs to disappear, disappear. I think it is a part of social etiquette. Even if a cleaner auntie is there to help us make the toilet cleaner, we should still be more socially responsible. I always give myself the supposition that who knows that one day, I might have to clean other people's toilets.
Well, I try. I am no angel and people cannot change overnight. We just have to tolerate one another and life goes on.
Then I thought to myself again,"Is it really that bright on the roads, or have we become too reliant on technology?"
Why that question? Because, as I go into the Ladies (sorry gals), I see wades of paper stuck you know where. I know that there are also auto sensors that can detect when our bums leave the seats, but hasn't anyone heard of experienced first hand, faulty sensors?
For me, I always check before I leave the cubicle, just to make sure that whatever needs to disappear, disappear. I think it is a part of social etiquette. Even if a cleaner auntie is there to help us make the toilet cleaner, we should still be more socially responsible. I always give myself the supposition that who knows that one day, I might have to clean other people's toilets.
Well, I try. I am no angel and people cannot change overnight. We just have to tolerate one another and life goes on.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Curiosity killed the cat
After I left my company of almost 8 years, I still went back to work as a part-timer, sometimes showing my 'face'.
On the one hand it is good to be back but on the other, it gets a little tiring when everyone is asking you the same question: "You are now a permanent part-timer?", "You resigned? When?", "What are you doing now?", "You must be a rich woman to do this (NOT!)", "How many hours are you working now?", "How much do they pay you (a little on the rude side, I think)?", "What?! You have to go to Woodlands as well?Why?", "So what DO you do?"...the questions go on.
Well, for most times, I can pick out those who are really concerned about me and those who just want to 'kay-po' about what is going on in my life. Those are the real irritating ones.
Anyhow, I am yet at another crossroads. This new place that I was working part-time for has asked me to go full time. Not that I do not like it. It would mean that I fully belong to that place and not just a part-timer.
That would mean that, that I may have to give up THIS part-time job, which was my original profession. Sigh...decisions, decisions.
On the one hand it is good to be back but on the other, it gets a little tiring when everyone is asking you the same question: "You are now a permanent part-timer?", "You resigned? When?", "What are you doing now?", "You must be a rich woman to do this (NOT!)", "How many hours are you working now?", "How much do they pay you (a little on the rude side, I think)?", "What?! You have to go to Woodlands as well?Why?", "So what DO you do?"...the questions go on.
Well, for most times, I can pick out those who are really concerned about me and those who just want to 'kay-po' about what is going on in my life. Those are the real irritating ones.
Anyhow, I am yet at another crossroads. This new place that I was working part-time for has asked me to go full time. Not that I do not like it. It would mean that I fully belong to that place and not just a part-timer.
That would mean that, that I may have to give up THIS part-time job, which was my original profession. Sigh...decisions, decisions.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Trying to do my part to save the earth
I keep telling myself that I have to save the earth and that I should use less plastic bags but I never do.
I have tons of those very nice re-usable bags from my many clothes acquisitions (they give you very nice bags in the hope to get free advertising from us consumers). I also stopped myself from buying ANY of those recyclable bags (except for the Carrefour one). I feel that buying more of these types of bags are actually another waste.
What did I do? I walked out of my own house without taking a bag and in the end, had to use a plastic bag. Sigh... .
Anyway, I would like to think that I am already doing my little part to save the earth by not taking more plastic bags than necessary. If I bought something from Shop A and then went to Shop B. If the stuff bought at Shop B is able to be kept in Shop A's plastic bag, I will ask them not to give me anymore.
I have tons of those very nice re-usable bags from my many clothes acquisitions (they give you very nice bags in the hope to get free advertising from us consumers). I also stopped myself from buying ANY of those recyclable bags (except for the Carrefour one). I feel that buying more of these types of bags are actually another waste.
What did I do? I walked out of my own house without taking a bag and in the end, had to use a plastic bag. Sigh... .
Anyway, I would like to think that I am already doing my little part to save the earth by not taking more plastic bags than necessary. If I bought something from Shop A and then went to Shop B. If the stuff bought at Shop B is able to be kept in Shop A's plastic bag, I will ask them not to give me anymore.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Moving on
This is to update all my dear friends that my first appointment with HDB is coming up soon. Selling of my flat is a done deal and once the papers are done and everything is paid up etc, I am going to file for divorce.
No, I would not have spelt it out so blatantly a few years back, but I must say this once again, I am at peace with myself. I am even at peace with God. I am leaving it up to Him, boyfriend or no boyfriend, alone or in someone else's company.
I have...began...the process of...loving myself. Why all the dot dot dots? I am almost afraid to admit it (just in case I jinx it or something), but yes, I have begun the last league of my self-healing process (I think) :P
My current job (those of you who know) although leaves me physically rather tired, but gives me a great amount of satisfaction (if you really want to know, read back to my previous postings and you might just get a clue).
I am moving on, slowly, very slowly, but surely. I am neither excited nor upset. Just normal. I think that is the way I want to approach my feelings and thoughts and even though I missed out on my mid year bonuses, pay increments and what nots and a bl&@dy huge pay cut, I am actually happy. Very happy. I am contented and everything thus far is fulfilling.
I don't know how long this will last but at least, I am enjoying the moment.
No, I would not have spelt it out so blatantly a few years back, but I must say this once again, I am at peace with myself. I am even at peace with God. I am leaving it up to Him, boyfriend or no boyfriend, alone or in someone else's company.
I have...began...the process of...loving myself. Why all the dot dot dots? I am almost afraid to admit it (just in case I jinx it or something), but yes, I have begun the last league of my self-healing process (I think) :P
My current job (those of you who know) although leaves me physically rather tired, but gives me a great amount of satisfaction (if you really want to know, read back to my previous postings and you might just get a clue).
I am moving on, slowly, very slowly, but surely. I am neither excited nor upset. Just normal. I think that is the way I want to approach my feelings and thoughts and even though I missed out on my mid year bonuses, pay increments and what nots and a bl&@dy huge pay cut, I am actually happy. Very happy. I am contented and everything thus far is fulfilling.
I don't know how long this will last but at least, I am enjoying the moment.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Hissing terrapins
Ever heard a terrapin hiss? I just did! They were big terrapins at that. Apparently, when they were first bought, they were tiny little things. Now, they are about the size of a dinner plate, or maybe even bigger.
Don't ask me why (at least not here) I need to do this, but there will be one time a week where I have to change the water for them. It was a scary first time today, but perhaps more psychological rather than real harm. Just imagine, I had to wear gloves!! Hahaha!
I am just wondering what is going to happen next week. Will have to wait and see.
Don't ask me why (at least not here) I need to do this, but there will be one time a week where I have to change the water for them. It was a scary first time today, but perhaps more psychological rather than real harm. Just imagine, I had to wear gloves!! Hahaha!
I am just wondering what is going to happen next week. Will have to wait and see.
How do you know that I am really tired?
When I cannot express myself properly in Mandarin, that means my head is not functioning properly already. Haha.
Reason being that I cannot mentally translate from English, to what I can say in Mandarin. You will hear me go "Erm, erm..." and often, using the wrong phrases.
When that happens, mum will tell me that she actually understands English and she would rather I spoke to her in English. Gets too tedious for her to try to fathom what I am trying to say :P
Reason being that I cannot mentally translate from English, to what I can say in Mandarin. You will hear me go "Erm, erm..." and often, using the wrong phrases.
When that happens, mum will tell me that she actually understands English and she would rather I spoke to her in English. Gets too tedious for her to try to fathom what I am trying to say :P
A very unlikely place to relax
When I say petrol station, what would conjure up in your mind? Simply a place to pump petrol, get that occasional magazine or cigarette pack and go?
Well, I found this quaint 'little' petrol station that conjures up the most unlikely feelings in me. First of all, they sell "premium Australian beef and mushroom pie" and they have got Old Chang Kee stuff. YUM! Plus, they have a small corner with bar stools and table, overlooking the ever-busy main road.
I never imagined that I could ever find solace and quietude in a mere petrol station, but I did. The flavour of the beef pie brings back memories of Mrs Mac's pies from Australia (except that it is even better) and downing it with Starbucks Frappucino after, just makes my day. I know, I know, I am not supposed to like Starbucks and it is a lot more expensive than the Pokka canned coffee, but it sure tastes good. I'll remind myself that it is a little luxury that I can only drink once in a while.
Old Chang Kee does not open till later in the morning, but it is good in that way for then, I do not have to stop myself from the temptation. Too much fried food will make me grow so fat.
It is really a quiet little place to rest and relax without being disturbed. It is situated somewhere along Dunearn Road so if you really have the time, do have a little hunt for it. I wonder how many such petrol stations do exist here in "the little red dot".
Good luck!
Well, I found this quaint 'little' petrol station that conjures up the most unlikely feelings in me. First of all, they sell "premium Australian beef and mushroom pie" and they have got Old Chang Kee stuff. YUM! Plus, they have a small corner with bar stools and table, overlooking the ever-busy main road.
I never imagined that I could ever find solace and quietude in a mere petrol station, but I did. The flavour of the beef pie brings back memories of Mrs Mac's pies from Australia (except that it is even better) and downing it with Starbucks Frappucino after, just makes my day. I know, I know, I am not supposed to like Starbucks and it is a lot more expensive than the Pokka canned coffee, but it sure tastes good. I'll remind myself that it is a little luxury that I can only drink once in a while.
Old Chang Kee does not open till later in the morning, but it is good in that way for then, I do not have to stop myself from the temptation. Too much fried food will make me grow so fat.
It is really a quiet little place to rest and relax without being disturbed. It is situated somewhere along Dunearn Road so if you really have the time, do have a little hunt for it. I wonder how many such petrol stations do exist here in "the little red dot".
Good luck!
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
I did it!
I finally did it!
I went to sign up for the Early Childhood course yesterday. I wanted to blog all about yesterday and say "I signed up for the course TODAY!".
Of course, I was too tired to even press that start button on the CPU and fell straight to bed. Well, better late than never.
I took all my certs and forms with me in the morning yesterday, still not sure whether to sign up or not. Then, as my work day drew to a close, there was this strong inner voice telling me to just go and sign up. That was what I just did. I dropped down at the wrong MRT stop (Dhoby Gaut) and walked about 4 bus stops to my destination. It was one of the hottest days but it was one of those days where I walked the most.
After what seemed like umpteen numbers of form-filling (actually only one), I finally made payment. It never felt more right. I am also relieved. This particular school already has very good reputation and I just found out that a close family friend also teaches there. Unfortunately, she is teaching the Chinese course modules. If not, we will really be having fun trying not to know each other, all in the name of fun!
I am in a I-want-to-learn-everything-under-the-sun mood. My friend has encouraged me to study my translation and interpretation course simultaneously. Then, I would also like to resume my french lessons and take my D.E.L.F 1 certification. Health-wise, I would also like to resume my Bikram Yoga (hot yoga), which I have neglected for about 2 years now. This one, I tell you, really slims me down fast. Only thing is that I must maintain and watch my diet. If not, I will bloat back up again. Kekeke... .
Well, I will take things one at a time and see how much load I can take. Plus, I must also have the financial means first before I embark on anything.
I went to sign up for the Early Childhood course yesterday. I wanted to blog all about yesterday and say "I signed up for the course TODAY!".
Of course, I was too tired to even press that start button on the CPU and fell straight to bed. Well, better late than never.
I took all my certs and forms with me in the morning yesterday, still not sure whether to sign up or not. Then, as my work day drew to a close, there was this strong inner voice telling me to just go and sign up. That was what I just did. I dropped down at the wrong MRT stop (Dhoby Gaut) and walked about 4 bus stops to my destination. It was one of the hottest days but it was one of those days where I walked the most.
After what seemed like umpteen numbers of form-filling (actually only one), I finally made payment. It never felt more right. I am also relieved. This particular school already has very good reputation and I just found out that a close family friend also teaches there. Unfortunately, she is teaching the Chinese course modules. If not, we will really be having fun trying not to know each other, all in the name of fun!
I am in a I-want-to-learn-everything-under-the-sun mood. My friend has encouraged me to study my translation and interpretation course simultaneously. Then, I would also like to resume my french lessons and take my D.E.L.F 1 certification. Health-wise, I would also like to resume my Bikram Yoga (hot yoga), which I have neglected for about 2 years now. This one, I tell you, really slims me down fast. Only thing is that I must maintain and watch my diet. If not, I will bloat back up again. Kekeke... .
Well, I will take things one at a time and see how much load I can take. Plus, I must also have the financial means first before I embark on anything.
I think I know why...
You know how I was telling you that I have been having dreams of car accidents? I think I know why. I was reading those Chinese astrology predictions for the year and my housemate did say that our Chinese astrology sign will most likely meet with accidents and such if we did not carry a gold or jade rooster with us.
Well, I am not supposed to believe in such stuff and so I shall just pray hard to God that He will keep me safe and sound.
Well, I am not supposed to believe in such stuff and so I shall just pray hard to God that He will keep me safe and sound.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
