Went for classes today and we had to learn about pre-natal and pregnancy. We even watched a video on how the sperms swim up towards the uterus and we saw some sperms that were either two-headed or two-tailed. Those were called rejects.
In that video, it is also said that the well-being of a child starts right from the moment when the sperm swims up towards our uterus. Therefore, we women have the responsibility to keep our wombs in tip-top condition even before we decide to have a baby. That is, if one ever wants one.
It was also interesting for me to refresh that the woman's eggs are already there since birth and it decreases as we age. How? You go use logic to figure out. Men on the other hand, produce sperms from the time of puberty till the day that they die.
Well, sorry to gross any of you out, but I felt I had to note down these facts that I find...worth noting.
Oh! Another thing is, we were all first created with webbed hands and feet. Only thing the cells die and somehow, fingers are then formed. The reason why some people have six fingers? Is that the cells did not stop growing until it was a little too late.
OK, enough said. Don't want to bore anyone anymore.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Rediscovering Toa Payoh
Had a very fruitful day today. Even though I only touched my bed at 3 plus in the morning, I managed to meet my colleague to have a field day at Toa Payoh!!!
I have long heard how the heartland shopping experience there is great but I did not know that it was so fantastic! Hahahaha!!! I managed to find a top which was originally $7, but after discount, it was only $4.90!!! I managed to get a set of top and bottom fo less than $10!!
Actually, I did not only get a top and bottom today. I got lots of clothes but for the same amount I used to pay for, perhaps, two items, I got seven!!! I also allowed myself to indulge in one pair of shoe for slightly less than $30. Let us see how long the shoes will last. It is the sort I like" wooden base with studs on the side. A bit like clogs.
Of course, most of the clothes are considered casual to smart casual wear, but for me now, I only need to wear those. If I were to wear long sleeves shirts and such, I would really smell funky :P
We went to the library after that to surf the Net. It was the first time I tried Wireless@SG. It was as expected, not so good. Kept losing connection. Nevertheless, I still managed to do what I wanted to do.
To end my day, I attended the evening mass at Risen Christ. I think I have found the church with the right feel. Perhaps it is the choir, or perhaps it is the congregation itself, but I just have the right feel when I attend mass there.
What is the right feel, you might ask. Well, I don't really know how to explain. I can just tell you that I am a person who goes with gut feel and aura a lot. There are times when I have stepped into a room or have just met someone and have decided there and then that I did not like the place and/or person. Same with churches. Or perhaps, it is because Father John Sim, my spiritual director during my RCIA days, is now the parish priest there.
Anyway, I foresee myself to be going to Toa Payoh more often, and it is not solely for religious purposes. Hee, hee!
I have long heard how the heartland shopping experience there is great but I did not know that it was so fantastic! Hahahaha!!! I managed to find a top which was originally $7, but after discount, it was only $4.90!!! I managed to get a set of top and bottom fo less than $10!!
Actually, I did not only get a top and bottom today. I got lots of clothes but for the same amount I used to pay for, perhaps, two items, I got seven!!! I also allowed myself to indulge in one pair of shoe for slightly less than $30. Let us see how long the shoes will last. It is the sort I like" wooden base with studs on the side. A bit like clogs.
Of course, most of the clothes are considered casual to smart casual wear, but for me now, I only need to wear those. If I were to wear long sleeves shirts and such, I would really smell funky :P
We went to the library after that to surf the Net. It was the first time I tried Wireless@SG. It was as expected, not so good. Kept losing connection. Nevertheless, I still managed to do what I wanted to do.
To end my day, I attended the evening mass at Risen Christ. I think I have found the church with the right feel. Perhaps it is the choir, or perhaps it is the congregation itself, but I just have the right feel when I attend mass there.
What is the right feel, you might ask. Well, I don't really know how to explain. I can just tell you that I am a person who goes with gut feel and aura a lot. There are times when I have stepped into a room or have just met someone and have decided there and then that I did not like the place and/or person. Same with churches. Or perhaps, it is because Father John Sim, my spiritual director during my RCIA days, is now the parish priest there.
Anyway, I foresee myself to be going to Toa Payoh more often, and it is not solely for religious purposes. Hee, hee!
Of mahjong and chicken wings
Woah! Last night, lost to my Dad in mahjong. Was very pissed with myself as it took me great pains to build the 'cards' but in the end, still did not win. Just not my day.
Anyway, my aunt made super delicious chicken wings in black sauce. Now, nowadays, I would not normally eat anything related to chicken, especially chicken wings. I have to eat it almost everyday as the cook is mainly given that to cook. Of course, I do get to eat a balanced meal of one meat and 2 veg, but really, I would try to avoid chicken wings at all cost.
However, my aunt's chicken wings were another thing. It has got XO!! Mind you, it is not XO sauce. It's the real thing. Haha!! It was cooked the night before and the chicken wings were steeped in gravy flavour. The meat was tender and my aunt took the pains to chop up the wing part from the drumette part. It was so yummy-licious that I took an extra bowl of rice with just the gravy alone. Mmm....... .
Anyway, my aunt made super delicious chicken wings in black sauce. Now, nowadays, I would not normally eat anything related to chicken, especially chicken wings. I have to eat it almost everyday as the cook is mainly given that to cook. Of course, I do get to eat a balanced meal of one meat and 2 veg, but really, I would try to avoid chicken wings at all cost.
However, my aunt's chicken wings were another thing. It has got XO!! Mind you, it is not XO sauce. It's the real thing. Haha!! It was cooked the night before and the chicken wings were steeped in gravy flavour. The meat was tender and my aunt took the pains to chop up the wing part from the drumette part. It was so yummy-licious that I took an extra bowl of rice with just the gravy alone. Mmm....... .
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Passing thought?
Having more and more strange thoughts by the day. In fact, from last night, after entering church, I have had the strongest feeling that God wants me to be a nun. It is real scary as the calling seems to become clearer and clearer.
The thing is, I don't think I am ready to become one. I am not ready to give up mahjong and shopping, and lots more other stuff. I am going to pray some more and ask God for guidance. I want to make sure that this is not some random thought and fancy that came to mind overnight.
However, it is hard to ignore that I have been having such passing thoughts for the past year and the signs seems to be getting stronger and stronger.
No matter. Shall just let it rest for now. After all, it is mahjong day today!
The thing is, I don't think I am ready to become one. I am not ready to give up mahjong and shopping, and lots more other stuff. I am going to pray some more and ask God for guidance. I want to make sure that this is not some random thought and fancy that came to mind overnight.
However, it is hard to ignore that I have been having such passing thoughts for the past year and the signs seems to be getting stronger and stronger.
No matter. Shall just let it rest for now. After all, it is mahjong day today!
Friday, September 26, 2008
When the going gets tough
It has been a horrible, tearful day. Must be due to the time of the month coming soon. Hearing one of Natasha Bedingfield's songs kind of made me look on the bright side of things though.
After all, there are two sides to a coin and one can choose to mull over things or to look on the bright side and just smile.
I went to pick up my wicker basket today. Was at Novena Square first and had to pass by the St Alphonsus Church (or what is popularly called the Novena Church) and although I told myself that I was not going to delay any further and get to my destination (to pick up my basket). Sub-consciously though, I think I did want to go in.
My feet brought me to the church proper (as I could not find the grotto, silly me) Nevertheless, I just prayed and prayed my worries and troubles away. It was very peaceful. There were some others who were praying or sitting there, having some adoration time.
After my own private time with God, I went on my way. The basket was big. Much bigger than it looked in the picture. Chatted with my friend for a while (or a little too long while) and finally, I waited for my bus to come.
One funny thing happened. This small boy was waiting for the bus at the bus stop with his mum and maid but he was playing somewhere else before. When he was called for and came towards his mum, he starting trying to peep into the basket, thinking there is an animal in there!! Cute!
He was not really convinced that there wasn't anything in there and took several peeks more. That perked me up a little.
Well, when the going gets tough, there is mp3 music and then, there is God.
After all, there are two sides to a coin and one can choose to mull over things or to look on the bright side and just smile.
I went to pick up my wicker basket today. Was at Novena Square first and had to pass by the St Alphonsus Church (or what is popularly called the Novena Church) and although I told myself that I was not going to delay any further and get to my destination (to pick up my basket). Sub-consciously though, I think I did want to go in.
My feet brought me to the church proper (as I could not find the grotto, silly me) Nevertheless, I just prayed and prayed my worries and troubles away. It was very peaceful. There were some others who were praying or sitting there, having some adoration time.
After my own private time with God, I went on my way. The basket was big. Much bigger than it looked in the picture. Chatted with my friend for a while (or a little too long while) and finally, I waited for my bus to come.
One funny thing happened. This small boy was waiting for the bus at the bus stop with his mum and maid but he was playing somewhere else before. When he was called for and came towards his mum, he starting trying to peep into the basket, thinking there is an animal in there!! Cute!
He was not really convinced that there wasn't anything in there and took several peeks more. That perked me up a little.
Well, when the going gets tough, there is mp3 music and then, there is God.
Friday, September 19, 2008
On why I do not give away my blog addy freely
As you can see, I am pretty much a young blogger. The Internet, was for me, something of a taboo, right until recently and I tell you, there are still things that I would not do on the Internet, such as Internet banking. Will try it soon but with caution.
A lot friends are surprised that I actually blog. I know my cousin was. Hee, hee! In fact, I still am surprised myself. Sometimes. I am actually a rather shy person at heart and this thing about telling the whole world what I am doing, is a little too much for me at a certain point of time in my life.
Therefore, even if my friends exclaim about me having a blog, I am not all ready to provide them with my blog URL. Reason is, I don't want to seem too eager and come across as erm, desperate (for the lack of the right word to use).
I mean, why would they want to read my blog anyway? I would only give them my URL when they ask me for it. In this way, I know that they are genuinely interested in reading it. Well, come to think, they might be thinking the same. They might think why should I, the author, be sharing with them about my blog. They may be waiting for ME to give them the green light instead.
Seriously though, I would never ask "Do you want to read my blog?" That is so...tacky, and desperate.
The other reason is of course, that I may have written some things about them that I do not expect them to read about. It is true that there are hundreds of postings, but who's to say that they would not go and read each and every one of them?
Anyway, thanks for reading about my not-so-important life. Have a good weekend!
A lot friends are surprised that I actually blog. I know my cousin was. Hee, hee! In fact, I still am surprised myself. Sometimes. I am actually a rather shy person at heart and this thing about telling the whole world what I am doing, is a little too much for me at a certain point of time in my life.
Therefore, even if my friends exclaim about me having a blog, I am not all ready to provide them with my blog URL. Reason is, I don't want to seem too eager and come across as erm, desperate (for the lack of the right word to use).
I mean, why would they want to read my blog anyway? I would only give them my URL when they ask me for it. In this way, I know that they are genuinely interested in reading it. Well, come to think, they might be thinking the same. They might think why should I, the author, be sharing with them about my blog. They may be waiting for ME to give them the green light instead.
Seriously though, I would never ask "Do you want to read my blog?" That is so...tacky, and desperate.
The other reason is of course, that I may have written some things about them that I do not expect them to read about. It is true that there are hundreds of postings, but who's to say that they would not go and read each and every one of them?
Anyway, thanks for reading about my not-so-important life. Have a good weekend!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
My new friends now
I used to think that Tiger balm and Axe oil are for old folkies. Never did I imagine myself loving it to the point of addiction one day.
It all started when my GP told me to go buy a bottle of Axe oil to put into some hot water to inhale. It was a cheap an effective way to clear the air passages and blocked sinuses. While I was at the Chinese medical hall, I figured that I might as well get the Tiger balm as well.
Now, I wish I coul take it out as and when to rub it on my nose or chest but I do know that some people are irked by the smell and being the socially conscious me, I won't be doing that any time soon..
The other 'old fashioned' medication was the Nin Jiom. They used to only have it in the thick goowy,liquid format. When it first came out with the herbal candy, I was soooo skeptical about it. I thought it was some 'scam' sweet that they were trying to roll out and cover the different markets. Good marketing strategy but some useless superficial product. Or so I thought.
I was coughing real badly during class on Wednesday and one of my classmates passed me a sweet. The cough stopped completely. It did come back eventually but that is only because my cough is no ordinary cough (read previous posting). To me, it was already VERY effective!!
More on Natasha
Forgot to say that it is strange and yet coincidental that Natasha Bedingfield will be going on tour in the US with none other than, New Kids on the Block (NKOTB). Hahahahaha!!!!
They were my favouritest boy band during my time. NKOTB, Take That, EMF and a little more. Hmm....
Oh! By the way, I feel that she looks like a bigger version of Hilary Duff, whom I happen to like, due to her positive image.
They were my favouritest boy band during my time. NKOTB, Take That, EMF and a little more. Hmm....
Oh! By the way, I feel that she looks like a bigger version of Hilary Duff, whom I happen to like, due to her positive image.
Natasha Bedingfield
Quite a mouthful, I would say, for a star/singer. But this name has stuck with me. More like her voice has stuck with me.
I first saw her MV on MTV and I was thinking "who in the right mind would write a song that has lyrics so tacky that it made me hair stand?"
It was the song I want to have your babies. Now on hindsight, I think she did a great job for this as it is not an easy phrase to write into a song. What really caught my attention was the song Soulmate. It was like writing about how I was (and perhaps, is) feeling and when I fund out the name of the singer and put one and one together, I almost wanted to faint. How could I go out there and buy an album whereby I totally loved one song but totally had goosebumps when listening to another??
I eventually bought it anyway and did not look back. I find that her voice has this uniqueness about it. A little edgy but not too edgy like Duffy or Amy Winehouse and her lyrics have got meaning. Meanings that I like.
Just bought her US-released album, Pocketful of Sunshine a few days back. No regrets even though half of it were songs were from the previous album that I had (called N.B.)
Well, here is the URL for her MV on Soulmate (since the embedding was disabled):http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEzbkGj7EaQ
p/s: Sorry, please cut and paste as either, there seems to be something wrong with the function at Blogger or my computer is too security-tight. Link doesn't seem o appear when I publish.
I first saw her MV on MTV and I was thinking "who in the right mind would write a song that has lyrics so tacky that it made me hair stand?"
It was the song I want to have your babies. Now on hindsight, I think she did a great job for this as it is not an easy phrase to write into a song. What really caught my attention was the song Soulmate. It was like writing about how I was (and perhaps, is) feeling and when I fund out the name of the singer and put one and one together, I almost wanted to faint. How could I go out there and buy an album whereby I totally loved one song but totally had goosebumps when listening to another??
I eventually bought it anyway and did not look back. I find that her voice has this uniqueness about it. A little edgy but not too edgy like Duffy or Amy Winehouse and her lyrics have got meaning. Meanings that I like.
Just bought her US-released album, Pocketful of Sunshine a few days back. No regrets even though half of it were songs were from the previous album that I had (called N.B.)
Well, here is the URL for her MV on Soulmate (since the embedding was disabled):http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEzbkGj7EaQ
p/s: Sorry, please cut and paste as either, there seems to be something wrong with the function at Blogger or my computer is too security-tight. Link doesn't seem o appear when I publish.
A visit to the doctor. Finally.
Woah! Never felt so impatient in my life. Usually, when I go to my GP, I would be very patient, knowing that she painstakingly explains to her patients, detail by detail. Maybe it's because I met with boo-boo this morning and so I was rather frustrated at having to wait much longer.
The first patient took a good half an hour before she emerged from the room. The second patient, a man, was already very impatient while waiting. He was pacing back and forth, flipping through magazines without really reading them and fiddling with his handphone, trying to look busy. Maybe HE made me irritated.
He took another half an hour or so. For an impatient man, that was certainly a long time! It was as if he was trying to outdo the previous patient, trying to make sure he gets his money's worth from by stretching his consultation time.
I was cheesed off. I was sick (still am) with my sinuses all blocked up and this intermittent itchy throat that threatens to itch and cough at the most unlikely of times, making me real embarrassed.
Well, by the time got to see the doc, she told me that I have caught the micro plasma virus, the virus that the other doc behind my house was warning me about. He had told me that the kids are having it but he did not diagnose me as a carrier??!
My doc told me if I delayed treatment some more, I might have gotten pneumonia. Scary. Plus, when I told her I was prescribed oral steroids of sorts (not the first time since I have bronchitis and asthma history), she told me that it is less harmful inhale than to have oral steroids.
Personally, I think both are no good but I guess it is a case of 'no choice'. No wonder I have been getting palpitations as the oral steroids gives me that. It was terrible. I was walking uphill and felt like I could not breathe properly and was going to die!! That was the other thing that the other doc behind my house did not tell me. It was not the first time I was taking that particular medicine, but I think it's a doc's duty to repeat every time they prescribe.
I am back on the inhaler and no, it is not Ventolin. It is Symbicort and it is NOT cheap. Burnt a big hole in me pocket.
Anyhow, doc' orders are to stay at home to rest for the rest of the week and if I do not recover by next week (still feeling out of breath) then I have to go back to her again. This time, I better either see the time properly or call first to ask.
The first patient took a good half an hour before she emerged from the room. The second patient, a man, was already very impatient while waiting. He was pacing back and forth, flipping through magazines without really reading them and fiddling with his handphone, trying to look busy. Maybe HE made me irritated.
He took another half an hour or so. For an impatient man, that was certainly a long time! It was as if he was trying to outdo the previous patient, trying to make sure he gets his money's worth from by stretching his consultation time.
I was cheesed off. I was sick (still am) with my sinuses all blocked up and this intermittent itchy throat that threatens to itch and cough at the most unlikely of times, making me real embarrassed.
Well, by the time got to see the doc, she told me that I have caught the micro plasma virus, the virus that the other doc behind my house was warning me about. He had told me that the kids are having it but he did not diagnose me as a carrier??!
My doc told me if I delayed treatment some more, I might have gotten pneumonia. Scary. Plus, when I told her I was prescribed oral steroids of sorts (not the first time since I have bronchitis and asthma history), she told me that it is less harmful inhale than to have oral steroids.
Personally, I think both are no good but I guess it is a case of 'no choice'. No wonder I have been getting palpitations as the oral steroids gives me that. It was terrible. I was walking uphill and felt like I could not breathe properly and was going to die!! That was the other thing that the other doc behind my house did not tell me. It was not the first time I was taking that particular medicine, but I think it's a doc's duty to repeat every time they prescribe.
I am back on the inhaler and no, it is not Ventolin. It is Symbicort and it is NOT cheap. Burnt a big hole in me pocket.
Anyhow, doc' orders are to stay at home to rest for the rest of the week and if I do not recover by next week (still feeling out of breath) then I have to go back to her again. This time, I better either see the time properly or call first to ask.
Two pictures of Chinatown during the Mid Autumn Festival
These pics were taken on the day of the lighting up ceremony at Chinatown. The whole road was closed for rehearsals as there was going to be performances and the lighting ceremony. I was trying to take the decorations on the bridge but obviously, it was too far. Will edit and post another that is clearer.
Another decoration in the middle of the road.
What time?
I am now stuck at home, waiting to go see my GP (general practitioner). You see, unlike most GPs, my doc has weird timings. When her husband, the paediatrician is around, she is usually not, unless it was a Monday or Friday morning.
She is usually only around in the afternoons and the annoying thing is that the clinic is closed on weekends. She is pro-family and having their own business means that they can manage their time, the way they want it.
I got this all wrong and last Friday, I almost went and see her in the afternoon. I would have been disappointed then. Today, I thought I had gotten it right and in my state of blur-ness from all that antihistamine, I went down straight. Note that she is far from my house; Hougang to be exact, but I still prefer to go to her as I have been seeing her for goodness knows how long. I think it was since my Secondary school days.
Well, as you may have already guessed, I was disappointed and now have to wait till after two to go and see her again, wasting petrol and time. The only consolation is that I got to eat all my breakfast, which I later offered to the porcelain God, if you know what I mean. This is not good. I feel terrible. I want to be well again so that I can do normal stuff and not go about feeling all blur and weak.
She is usually only around in the afternoons and the annoying thing is that the clinic is closed on weekends. She is pro-family and having their own business means that they can manage their time, the way they want it.
I got this all wrong and last Friday, I almost went and see her in the afternoon. I would have been disappointed then. Today, I thought I had gotten it right and in my state of blur-ness from all that antihistamine, I went down straight. Note that she is far from my house; Hougang to be exact, but I still prefer to go to her as I have been seeing her for goodness knows how long. I think it was since my Secondary school days.
Well, as you may have already guessed, I was disappointed and now have to wait till after two to go and see her again, wasting petrol and time. The only consolation is that I got to eat all my breakfast, which I later offered to the porcelain God, if you know what I mean. This is not good. I feel terrible. I want to be well again so that I can do normal stuff and not go about feeling all blur and weak.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
A visit to the doctor's. Finally.
Woah! Never felt so impatient in my life. Usually, when I go to my GP, I would be very patient, knowing that she painstakingly explains to her patients, detail by detail. Maybe it's because I met with boo-boo this morning and so I was rather frustrated at having to wait much longer.
The first patient took a good half an hour before she emerged from the room. The second patient, a man, was already very impatient while waiting. He was pacing back and forth, flipping through magazines without really reading them and fiddling with his handphone, trying to look busy. Maybe HE made me irritated.
He took another half an hour or so. For an impatient man, that was certainly a long time! It was as if he was trying to outdo the previous patient, trying to make sure he gets his money's worth from by stretching his consultation time.
I was murved. I was sick (still am) with my sinuses all blocked up and this intermittent itchy throat that threatens to itch and cough at the most unlikely of times, making me real embarrassed.
Well, by the time got to see the doc, she told me that I have caught the microplasma virus, the virus that the other doc behind my house was warning me about. He had told me that the kids are having it but he did not diagnose me as a carrier??!
My doc told me if I delayed treatment some more, I might have gotten pneumonia. Scary. Plus, when I told her I was prescribed oral steroids of sorts (not the first time since I have bronchitis and asthma history), she told me that it is less harmful inhale than to have oral steroids.
Personally, I think both are no good but I guess it is a case of 'no choice'. No wonder I have been getting palpitations as the oral steroids gives me that. It was terrible. I was walking uphill and felt like I could not breathe properly and was going to die!! That was the other thing that the other doc behind my house did not tell me. It was not the first time I was taking that particular medicine, but I think it's a doc's duty to repeat every time they prescribe.
I am back on the inhaler and no, it is not ventolin. It is Symbicort and it is NOT cheap. Burnt a big hole in me pocket.
Anyhow, doc' orders are to stay at home to rest for the rest of the week and if I do not recover by next week (still feeling out of breath) then I have to go back to her again. This time, I better either see the time properly or call first to ask.
The first patient took a good half an hour before she emerged from the room. The second patient, a man, was already very impatient while waiting. He was pacing back and forth, flipping through magazines without really reading them and fiddling with his handphone, trying to look busy. Maybe HE made me irritated.
He took another half an hour or so. For an impatient man, that was certainly a long time! It was as if he was trying to outdo the previous patient, trying to make sure he gets his money's worth from by stretching his consultation time.
I was murved. I was sick (still am) with my sinuses all blocked up and this intermittent itchy throat that threatens to itch and cough at the most unlikely of times, making me real embarrassed.
Well, by the time got to see the doc, she told me that I have caught the microplasma virus, the virus that the other doc behind my house was warning me about. He had told me that the kids are having it but he did not diagnose me as a carrier??!
My doc told me if I delayed treatment some more, I might have gotten pneumonia. Scary. Plus, when I told her I was prescribed oral steroids of sorts (not the first time since I have bronchitis and asthma history), she told me that it is less harmful inhale than to have oral steroids.
Personally, I think both are no good but I guess it is a case of 'no choice'. No wonder I have been getting palpitations as the oral steroids gives me that. It was terrible. I was walking uphill and felt like I could not breathe properly and was going to die!! That was the other thing that the other doc behind my house did not tell me. It was not the first time I was taking that particular medicine, but I think it's a doc's duty to repeat every time they prescribe.
I am back on the inhaler and no, it is not ventolin. It is Symbicort and it is NOT cheap. Burnt a big hole in me pocket.
Anyhow, doc' orders are to stay at home to rest for the rest of the week and if I do not recover by next week (still feeling out of breath) then I have to go back to her again. This time, I better either see the time properly or call first to ask.
What a mess!
Want to see how messy I got preparing myself for the wedding dinner? Check out this picture:
Plus, I used up five eyelid stickers for my right eye and I still didn't really get it right!!! These stickers are supposed to let single eyelid people like us look like we have natural double eyelids. It does look natural on my left eye though. I just think it has got something to do with the condition of my eye that day.
Nevertheless, a good haircut, with beautiful dress, matching shoes and bag, makes me a happy person.
As for the dinner, although the food was good but I think the hotel staff needs lots and lots more improvement. The floor manager did not manage timing properly and dinner only started at 8.30pm!!! I was also not used to not being cued for the very first dish. Usually, there will be the wait staff marching in to a grand piece of music. This time around, everything was quite haphazard, with wait staff just walking without music and two musicians preparing themselves on stage. We were quite unsure when to eat! Hahaha!!
That said, I had lots of eye candy that night as I had clean forgotten that my dear cousin is now an A&E doctor,while his wife is a paediatrician. The best surprise though, was when I saw a picture of myself, when I was young, lined up in a row, with some of my youngest cousins. I had forgotten how carefree we were and how, we did not know or care about the adults' affairs.
Plus, I used up five eyelid stickers for my right eye and I still didn't really get it right!!! These stickers are supposed to let single eyelid people like us look like we have natural double eyelids. It does look natural on my left eye though. I just think it has got something to do with the condition of my eye that day.
Nevertheless, a good haircut, with beautiful dress, matching shoes and bag, makes me a happy person.
As for the dinner, although the food was good but I think the hotel staff needs lots and lots more improvement. The floor manager did not manage timing properly and dinner only started at 8.30pm!!! I was also not used to not being cued for the very first dish. Usually, there will be the wait staff marching in to a grand piece of music. This time around, everything was quite haphazard, with wait staff just walking without music and two musicians preparing themselves on stage. We were quite unsure when to eat! Hahaha!!
That said, I had lots of eye candy that night as I had clean forgotten that my dear cousin is now an A&E doctor,while his wife is a paediatrician. The best surprise though, was when I saw a picture of myself, when I was young, lined up in a row, with some of my youngest cousins. I had forgotten how carefree we were and how, we did not know or care about the adults' affairs.
What a week (as I do not know how else to name this post)
It has been a crazy week so far, and I mean crazy. My cough would not go away and I talk with hardly any voice. Then last night, my car had the bad luck of going over this big metal plate with a nail and make me panic and call AA to replace a flat tyre.
It was something most unfortunate and I wished, one I would never encounter (having a flat tyre while driving, that is). It had to happen somehow. Just like the other time, a long time ago, when I said, I would never be caught dead without a foldable umbrella in China because their toilets have no doors. I was caught without a foldable umbrella when I went o China and I used toilets with no doors.
Well, all I can say is that I survived. I survived the door-less toilet and I survived the wait for the AA man to come change my tyres.
All these, and studies; rushing around like a mad dog and nursing my cough, I am glad that I passed my first module with not-so-bad results at all. Well, it is not a difficult module at all. After this module, the holiday ends and the (hopefully not) nightmare begins.
I wish the weekend will come soon! Going to my cousin's house again. This time, I am going for a sleepover. Haven't done that in years! The last sleepover...well, let's just say we had an adventure. Hahaha!
It was something most unfortunate and I wished, one I would never encounter (having a flat tyre while driving, that is). It had to happen somehow. Just like the other time, a long time ago, when I said, I would never be caught dead without a foldable umbrella in China because their toilets have no doors. I was caught without a foldable umbrella when I went o China and I used toilets with no doors.
Well, all I can say is that I survived. I survived the door-less toilet and I survived the wait for the AA man to come change my tyres.
All these, and studies; rushing around like a mad dog and nursing my cough, I am glad that I passed my first module with not-so-bad results at all. Well, it is not a difficult module at all. After this module, the holiday ends and the (hopefully not) nightmare begins.
I wish the weekend will come soon! Going to my cousin's house again. This time, I am going for a sleepover. Haven't done that in years! The last sleepover...well, let's just say we had an adventure. Hahaha!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
More about wicker picnic baskets
Hehe... the magic of modern technology. I just put up a peronal message about drooling over wicker picnic baskets on MSN and one friend has decided to sell me hers!!!! So very happy! Here it is:
Ha! Ha! recognise the fella in the background? He was the model for the rainboots, Kingsley! Poor fella had just walked up eight floors when this picture was taken as the lift's fire alarm had gone off.
Ha! Ha! recognise the fella in the background? He was the model for the rainboots, Kingsley! Poor fella had just walked up eight floors when this picture was taken as the lift's fire alarm had gone off.
Mooncake night
Tonight is the 15th of August in the Chinese calendar and it is the day when kids and sometimes adults alike, gather together, eat mooncakes, drink tea and carry lanterns.
Well, I will not be doing it this year. Although in recent years, it has become more of a barbeque event for my friends and I, with mooncakes, sans lanterns. Tonight, I will be attending the wedding dinner of another cousin.
We used to be close and I would go to his house to spend my holidays with him and his sister, but some family matters have made us grow apart from one another. I especially do not like the attitude of his sister.
All that aside, I am excited about being able to doll up and put make-up, the choosing of clothes and the matching evening bag with the correct colour of shoes and the whole lead up to the event itself. For me, any occasion to doll up is an exciting occasion :)
Didn't spend a cent on clothes and make-up this time round though. Everything I need, I already have. The part I spent money on was my grooming: Hair etc. I thought it was about time too. Too many greys showing :P
Will try to take some pics and put it up soon.
Well, I will not be doing it this year. Although in recent years, it has become more of a barbeque event for my friends and I, with mooncakes, sans lanterns. Tonight, I will be attending the wedding dinner of another cousin.
We used to be close and I would go to his house to spend my holidays with him and his sister, but some family matters have made us grow apart from one another. I especially do not like the attitude of his sister.
All that aside, I am excited about being able to doll up and put make-up, the choosing of clothes and the matching evening bag with the correct colour of shoes and the whole lead up to the event itself. For me, any occasion to doll up is an exciting occasion :)
Didn't spend a cent on clothes and make-up this time round though. Everything I need, I already have. The part I spent money on was my grooming: Hair etc. I thought it was about time too. Too many greys showing :P
Will try to take some pics and put it up soon.
Knees go weak for wicker pinic baskets
Okie...I have been wanting to get me-self a wicker picnic basket for a while. I envy my friends who have one. My EHM was even better. She picked it up from outside of someone's bungalow while taking a stroll somewhere around Singapore! It was in very good condition.
Another friend's wicker picnic basket came with the husband as he is, after all, British in origin and had to have one of those. Ironically, it had never been in use until she married him and brought their daughter out for picnic some years later.
Of course, the cheap and easy way out is to buy a chiller bag from Carrefour and dump the rest of the non-chilled stuff in a bag and go. Hee. When it comes to 'events' like that, I would like to have the proper utensils and gear. Just like how I would dress up to go watch a theatre performance, even if it at a very old theatre like Victoria Theatre. Maybe there is a bit of colonial in me that was passed down by teachers from young.
I have found out a few websites which, for my own convenience, I will list here:
1.http://www.picnicbaskets.com/
2.http://www.picnicbaskets.com/
3.http://www.picnicfun.com/
(Sorry guys. Link doesn't seem to be appearing on actual post so if you want to take a look, please cut and paste.)
The one offering the best price so far is number 1 and number 3. Site number 2 seems to offer things at a higher price. I have not asked about the shipping prices though. It may end up being the same. Only site number 2 offered an estimated shipping price and it is not cheap.
Not even sure if it would be worth it using Vpost either as it charges for shipping from the States to Singapore , by weightage. With the stuff weighing at least 10 lbs, I think I might be paying a bomb. Will have to find out more from Vpost.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Only just realised how lousy I am at labelling/tagging my posts as I never used to think that one should put so many complicating labels. I was trying to find my past posting on Vpost and it took me a good two to three minutes!!!!! Hahaha! Will be more careful and diligent in labelling next time.
Another friend's wicker picnic basket came with the husband as he is, after all, British in origin and had to have one of those. Ironically, it had never been in use until she married him and brought their daughter out for picnic some years later.
Of course, the cheap and easy way out is to buy a chiller bag from Carrefour and dump the rest of the non-chilled stuff in a bag and go. Hee. When it comes to 'events' like that, I would like to have the proper utensils and gear. Just like how I would dress up to go watch a theatre performance, even if it at a very old theatre like Victoria Theatre. Maybe there is a bit of colonial in me that was passed down by teachers from young.
I have found out a few websites which, for my own convenience, I will list here:
1.http://www.picnicbaskets.com/
2.http://www.picnicbaskets.com/
3.http://www.picnicfun.com/
(Sorry guys. Link doesn't seem to be appearing on actual post so if you want to take a look, please cut and paste.)
The one offering the best price so far is number 1 and number 3. Site number 2 seems to offer things at a higher price. I have not asked about the shipping prices though. It may end up being the same. Only site number 2 offered an estimated shipping price and it is not cheap.
Not even sure if it would be worth it using Vpost either as it charges for shipping from the States to Singapore , by weightage. With the stuff weighing at least 10 lbs, I think I might be paying a bomb. Will have to find out more from Vpost.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Only just realised how lousy I am at labelling/tagging my posts as I never used to think that one should put so many complicating labels. I was trying to find my past posting on Vpost and it took me a good two to three minutes!!!!! Hahaha! Will be more careful and diligent in labelling next time.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Got to have more gumption
Even though I am already so old (not revealing OK? Only friends know how old), I still had to ask my Dad about things, especially things pertaining to the English language. I would hate for the day when I can no longer ask him any more such questions, but that is another story altogether.
I was angry with myself this morning. I had wanted to split the profit from the house 70& (my share) to 30% (his share) but I had let him argue his way out of it and had to settle for 50-50. This is not an isolated case. Another very recent incident with another friend made me feel that I back down too easily and I really do not know the art of arguing and standing up for myself.
No gumption. That was the word I had to ask Dad. I had to make sure I had the meaning right. He told me that it is like not having guts. Yes, all my life I think I have been bending over backwards for people (a lot, I think) and I never really know how to say no. In the end, I end up getting hurt, whether by boys or girls, or in my case, men or women.
Well, as I was still boiling over the matter, my Dad told me to let it go as there are too many things to worry and be angry about and what is done is done. Life is too short to be angry with so many things. Of course, he had to add that I should have discussed it way before we sold the house, yada, yada, yada....
Well, while I try to figure out where to find some gumption in me, I shall try my best to be who am I now and who I am going to be. After all, as I learnt many years from Sesame Street or one of those children's programmes, "It's no use crying over spilt milk".
I was angry with myself this morning. I had wanted to split the profit from the house 70& (my share) to 30% (his share) but I had let him argue his way out of it and had to settle for 50-50. This is not an isolated case. Another very recent incident with another friend made me feel that I back down too easily and I really do not know the art of arguing and standing up for myself.
No gumption. That was the word I had to ask Dad. I had to make sure I had the meaning right. He told me that it is like not having guts. Yes, all my life I think I have been bending over backwards for people (a lot, I think) and I never really know how to say no. In the end, I end up getting hurt, whether by boys or girls, or in my case, men or women.
Well, as I was still boiling over the matter, my Dad told me to let it go as there are too many things to worry and be angry about and what is done is done. Life is too short to be angry with so many things. Of course, he had to add that I should have discussed it way before we sold the house, yada, yada, yada....
Well, while I try to figure out where to find some gumption in me, I shall try my best to be who am I now and who I am going to be. After all, as I learnt many years from Sesame Street or one of those children's programmes, "It's no use crying over spilt milk".
A long and 'trashy' post
I am suffering from blogger's trash (as opposed to blogger's block). It is a term that I thought up myself. Why? Because I seem to want to blog about everything and anything that I see. Every step I take, there seems to be something to write about and I would tell myself that I must blog it but when I see the next thing, I cannot remember what I must blog!!
Anyway, I have more verbal diarrhoea, just wanted to say that I went karaoke with some ex-colleagues and we had quite a bit of fun. We first went to Maxwell Road Food Centre, but later adjourned to Bugis Topone instead. After k-ing, went for supper at Newton Circus Food Centre. As usual, they are really cut throat. I think better not order clam or shell dishes when eating out coz there are more shells than meat. What a waste of money.
Back to blogger's trash, all this came about as I was walking to church along the park connector at Tampines. I thought I had to blog about how I was saving money while exercising at the same time. Then, I had to sit and rest as I was wearing wedges (!) and my calves were aching. I saw those yellow birds that are native to this island but sometimes, if you do not look carefully, can be easily missed. They make very nice chirping sounds too.
Then I saw a black crow stop on top of a lamp post and saw it crapping in action. This was really the first time. I thought I wanted to blog about it too. As I continued my journey, I felt I had to blog about how slowing down and taking leisurely walks like that is good for health, mentally and physically.
The next 'trash' came as I thought about my kids. I wanted to blog about how I think this was really my calling. I wanted to blog about how so many of my friends, when I tell them I am working where I am working now, all tell me almost similar answers: "I will die if I had to handle children for even 5 minutes. I would never survive."
I just have this feeling that God had wanted me to do this all along and that was why whenever I prayed about whether I should leave my previous job, I seem to get the answer of "not yet".
Even with my so-called experience with kids, I think nothing can prepare me for my present job, but everyday is a new learning experience, even for me. Kids can teach you things you thought you knew and you learn and re-learn.
The funniest thing is that I actually love to change diapers. Hee! Hee! I never thought I would say it, but I do! I think it a great time to bond with the kids and you find some of them are actually so helpless and you just want to make sure that they are changed and alright. Even poo-poo is OK as long as I get over the funky smell and I have learnt that you are what you eat. Hahaha! Shall stop here about this business.
From diapers, I just thought of my very special one, my very special girl, Avina. She may never learn as fast as the other kids and she may have to go to Rainbow school or Pathlight full time in the future, but she is the one who understands the most and gives you the brightest smile when she wants to. She is never too quick to show you how she feels and her favourite word is "No". She would swipe her head and lower it to one side and say it at the same time to show displeasure. She really has a strong mind of her own, but when she lies trustingly in my arms when I carry her or change her diaper, you know that she is fully dependent on you.
See how much 'trash' I accumulated and 'puked' out??
There might be more but I thought I might leave it till the next posting.
Anyway, I have more verbal diarrhoea, just wanted to say that I went karaoke with some ex-colleagues and we had quite a bit of fun. We first went to Maxwell Road Food Centre, but later adjourned to Bugis Topone instead. After k-ing, went for supper at Newton Circus Food Centre. As usual, they are really cut throat. I think better not order clam or shell dishes when eating out coz there are more shells than meat. What a waste of money.
Back to blogger's trash, all this came about as I was walking to church along the park connector at Tampines. I thought I had to blog about how I was saving money while exercising at the same time. Then, I had to sit and rest as I was wearing wedges (!) and my calves were aching. I saw those yellow birds that are native to this island but sometimes, if you do not look carefully, can be easily missed. They make very nice chirping sounds too.
Then I saw a black crow stop on top of a lamp post and saw it crapping in action. This was really the first time. I thought I wanted to blog about it too. As I continued my journey, I felt I had to blog about how slowing down and taking leisurely walks like that is good for health, mentally and physically.
The next 'trash' came as I thought about my kids. I wanted to blog about how I think this was really my calling. I wanted to blog about how so many of my friends, when I tell them I am working where I am working now, all tell me almost similar answers: "I will die if I had to handle children for even 5 minutes. I would never survive."
I just have this feeling that God had wanted me to do this all along and that was why whenever I prayed about whether I should leave my previous job, I seem to get the answer of "not yet".
Even with my so-called experience with kids, I think nothing can prepare me for my present job, but everyday is a new learning experience, even for me. Kids can teach you things you thought you knew and you learn and re-learn.
The funniest thing is that I actually love to change diapers. Hee! Hee! I never thought I would say it, but I do! I think it a great time to bond with the kids and you find some of them are actually so helpless and you just want to make sure that they are changed and alright. Even poo-poo is OK as long as I get over the funky smell and I have learnt that you are what you eat. Hahaha! Shall stop here about this business.
From diapers, I just thought of my very special one, my very special girl, Avina. She may never learn as fast as the other kids and she may have to go to Rainbow school or Pathlight full time in the future, but she is the one who understands the most and gives you the brightest smile when she wants to. She is never too quick to show you how she feels and her favourite word is "No". She would swipe her head and lower it to one side and say it at the same time to show displeasure. She really has a strong mind of her own, but when she lies trustingly in my arms when I carry her or change her diaper, you know that she is fully dependent on you.
See how much 'trash' I accumulated and 'puked' out??
There might be more but I thought I might leave it till the next posting.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Being kneaded like dough
I have been going for massage for a while. It was a package that I bought before I left my previous company. Plus, the person who used to massage me was an 'old friend'. I already started going to her for facials and body massage when she was operating from home.
Not so recently, I have let her student become my main masseuse as I feel she can do the job as well as her teacher. Then yesterday, she could not make it as she already had another lady to massage (it's an all ladies only place) and I almost died under her arms. She is a China Chinese and she uses cow strength even though I repeatedly told her not to press so hard.
She is quite skinny but somehow, it is still painful when she does it lightly. I came to the conclusion that she does not have meaty fingers. Hers are the sort of fingers, that when they poke people, no matter how fat that person maybe, will still be painful on the meat.
Anyway, I feel like dough being kneaded on a kitchen table and I have learnt my lesson and will stick back to my normal masseuse. I am not mean. I did tell the receptionist that different people like different styles of massage. Just that I would rather not have such a heavy-handed one as I detox very easily. If she massages too much, I might detox via my sinuses (read: running nose and puffy eyes) or feel really tired.
Not so recently, I have let her student become my main masseuse as I feel she can do the job as well as her teacher. Then yesterday, she could not make it as she already had another lady to massage (it's an all ladies only place) and I almost died under her arms. She is a China Chinese and she uses cow strength even though I repeatedly told her not to press so hard.
She is quite skinny but somehow, it is still painful when she does it lightly. I came to the conclusion that she does not have meaty fingers. Hers are the sort of fingers, that when they poke people, no matter how fat that person maybe, will still be painful on the meat.
Anyway, I feel like dough being kneaded on a kitchen table and I have learnt my lesson and will stick back to my normal masseuse. I am not mean. I did tell the receptionist that different people like different styles of massage. Just that I would rather not have such a heavy-handed one as I detox very easily. If she massages too much, I might detox via my sinuses (read: running nose and puffy eyes) or feel really tired.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Good news
I was supposed to have a real stressful week this week. Having to hand in lesson plans and having classes 3 times this week instead of 2.
When I went into class on Wednesday though, I was in for a great surprise. Teacher was sick and lessons this Friday is postponed. Yipee!! Which means I can go plan my own stuff and the best part is that our quiz (like a test) has been cancelled. I couldn't have been more relieved.
Then,while we were doing group work given to us via email by our lecturer (I suspect), I got this nice compliment from one of my classmates too. She said I looked like a child. I knew she meant that I was very child-like and she did tell me not to get offended before telling me that.
Well, I told her this is not the first time I heard it and I am really flattered. I think I am getting along pretty well with my classmates and I am beginning to understand that we do have to get along well as we ARE spending quite a huge amount of time together!
When I went into class on Wednesday though, I was in for a great surprise. Teacher was sick and lessons this Friday is postponed. Yipee!! Which means I can go plan my own stuff and the best part is that our quiz (like a test) has been cancelled. I couldn't have been more relieved.
Then,while we were doing group work given to us via email by our lecturer (I suspect), I got this nice compliment from one of my classmates too. She said I looked like a child. I knew she meant that I was very child-like and she did tell me not to get offended before telling me that.
Well, I told her this is not the first time I heard it and I am really flattered. I think I am getting along pretty well with my classmates and I am beginning to understand that we do have to get along well as we ARE spending quite a huge amount of time together!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Bartender of another kind
It was Monday yesterday and it was the day of the week for me to make the different concoctions again. What kind of concoctions? It is the sort that I had to remember how many scoops and how many ounces of water.
Yes, I am talking about making milk for the children. I used to get all nervous about it as there were so many to make and so many different instructions. One would bring milk powder from home while the other would have a tin readily provided.
Then I also had to remember who was taking milk at nap time and who was taking at tea time. There were several occasions whereby I made the milk too early and poor kid had to drink it.
Why call myself the bartender? Well, I think the way I shake the milk bottles look very much like the bartender shaking the cocktail mixer. Hahahaha!!!
Yes, I am talking about making milk for the children. I used to get all nervous about it as there were so many to make and so many different instructions. One would bring milk powder from home while the other would have a tin readily provided.
Then I also had to remember who was taking milk at nap time and who was taking at tea time. There were several occasions whereby I made the milk too early and poor kid had to drink it.
Why call myself the bartender? Well, I think the way I shake the milk bottles look very much like the bartender shaking the cocktail mixer. Hahahaha!!!
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Confused
To tell you the truth, I haven't gone to church for quite awhile now. I had one of those periods where I was questioning myself and God again.
Today though, I think God wanted me to go. Could not do my hair (read my previous post) and so I had enough time to get to church and could even have some quiet time with God.
Today's sermon was a bit confusing though and I think I need to pray some more to ask God what He really wants to tell me. There was the readings about how if I was wronged, then I should tell the person who has wronged me. Of course, I should not take it in the literal sense and I have to go back and read the readings. The priest also kept talking about marriage, marriage encounter and couples who run into problems in marriage.
How strange as I recently was questioning myself again as to whether there would be this small little chance that me and my soon-to-be-ex would get back together (only because there were little signs that I was unclear of).
I am still not sure and am still unclear of it all, but I am going to sit on it a little and pray about it a little and see what I can get out of it all.
Today though, I think God wanted me to go. Could not do my hair (read my previous post) and so I had enough time to get to church and could even have some quiet time with God.
Today's sermon was a bit confusing though and I think I need to pray some more to ask God what He really wants to tell me. There was the readings about how if I was wronged, then I should tell the person who has wronged me. Of course, I should not take it in the literal sense and I have to go back and read the readings. The priest also kept talking about marriage, marriage encounter and couples who run into problems in marriage.
How strange as I recently was questioning myself again as to whether there would be this small little chance that me and my soon-to-be-ex would get back together (only because there were little signs that I was unclear of).
I am still not sure and am still unclear of it all, but I am going to sit on it a little and pray about it a little and see what I can get out of it all.
Hair again.
Woah!! Wanted to cut my hair today but was half-hearted about it. I might as well just have stayed at home as my hairstylist has gone on leave. Will only be able to do my hair next weekend.
That is cutting it real close as my cousin's wedding will be on Sunday and I am only doing my hair on Saturday. Oh, well, I am stuck with him as I only trust him with my hair now.
That is cutting it real close as my cousin's wedding will be on Sunday and I am only doing my hair on Saturday. Oh, well, I am stuck with him as I only trust him with my hair now.
Regarding work and relationship
Someone told me very, very recently that I was jealous of her success in her career and her love life. She has a job that pays her a lot, while I got a huge pay cut after resigning. She has also recently gotten married to a foreigner.
Just to be sure of how I felt about myself, I waited a few days before penning this down. For even before this was said to me, I was already feeling this sense of joy in my life that I have never felt before. I had already made the preliminary conclusion that it must be my new job and my constant contact with children.
With this person's comment, I must of course, then make doubly sure that I was not dreaming or trying to convince myself that I like the job etc, etc. That's why the lag in final conclusion.
I guess it is very hard to believe (and sometimes I find it quite unbelievable myself), but I am happy. It is more exciting to try to find ways to save and to challenge myself to be able to use a significantly smaller amount of money to buy stuff that looks classy and yet usable. I should have done this way before I resigned. I would have saved much more. I was just too much of a spendthrift. Right now is my time to take stock of what I have bought and start using them.
Besides, why should I be jealous of people who have a high post or earn more than me? This present job is what I chose to do and I truly feel that it is a calling from God. He had directed me to this and He has greater plans for me yet. No, I am not jealous as I get to leave work on the dot at 5.30pm everyday, five days a week and as mentioned in previous postings, get instant gratification. I don't need to do over-time and I do not need to face much office politics.
In fact, I am so happy with my work that I pray everyday that I do not fall sick and do not have to visit the doctor so that I can see my kids and to continue working. I also linger after work so that I can play with my kids for a little while more.
As for married life, I am not jealous. Envious maybe a little but happy sort of envious. Happy that she is able to find someone in her life since she has been looking for so long and envious because she has the guts to chase her dreams to find her dream guy, unlike me, who is still hiding in my shell. But not jealous.
Why should I be?? I am trying to get out of a marriage right now. Why should I be jealous?? Maybe the only jealousy is that she is in some form of relationship and I am not.
Yes, I do yearn for a relationship but not marriage. I have had my own fair share of issues with marriage. Why should I be jealous of her? Anyway, at this point of time, I really, really feel this sense of calm and that I will be OK even if there isn't a guy in my life. Maybe it is also because I am finally, slowly accepting God as the centre of my life.
Not that I did not have a God-centred life before (haha...going to get myself into trouble if I don't explain properly). It's just that, as a normal human being, I tend to falter and drift away for awhile. Somehow, He has a way of leading me back to where He wants me to be.
Therefore, my conclusion is that I am happy and I am not jealous. The rest of the world can think all they want and say what they like. Those who are not convinced will still have something to say even if I say till my mouth runs dry. I really don't care. I will concentrate on my own life.
Just to be sure of how I felt about myself, I waited a few days before penning this down. For even before this was said to me, I was already feeling this sense of joy in my life that I have never felt before. I had already made the preliminary conclusion that it must be my new job and my constant contact with children.
With this person's comment, I must of course, then make doubly sure that I was not dreaming or trying to convince myself that I like the job etc, etc. That's why the lag in final conclusion.
I guess it is very hard to believe (and sometimes I find it quite unbelievable myself), but I am happy. It is more exciting to try to find ways to save and to challenge myself to be able to use a significantly smaller amount of money to buy stuff that looks classy and yet usable. I should have done this way before I resigned. I would have saved much more. I was just too much of a spendthrift. Right now is my time to take stock of what I have bought and start using them.
Besides, why should I be jealous of people who have a high post or earn more than me? This present job is what I chose to do and I truly feel that it is a calling from God. He had directed me to this and He has greater plans for me yet. No, I am not jealous as I get to leave work on the dot at 5.30pm everyday, five days a week and as mentioned in previous postings, get instant gratification. I don't need to do over-time and I do not need to face much office politics.
In fact, I am so happy with my work that I pray everyday that I do not fall sick and do not have to visit the doctor so that I can see my kids and to continue working. I also linger after work so that I can play with my kids for a little while more.
As for married life, I am not jealous. Envious maybe a little but happy sort of envious. Happy that she is able to find someone in her life since she has been looking for so long and envious because she has the guts to chase her dreams to find her dream guy, unlike me, who is still hiding in my shell. But not jealous.
Why should I be?? I am trying to get out of a marriage right now. Why should I be jealous?? Maybe the only jealousy is that she is in some form of relationship and I am not.
Yes, I do yearn for a relationship but not marriage. I have had my own fair share of issues with marriage. Why should I be jealous of her? Anyway, at this point of time, I really, really feel this sense of calm and that I will be OK even if there isn't a guy in my life. Maybe it is also because I am finally, slowly accepting God as the centre of my life.
Not that I did not have a God-centred life before (haha...going to get myself into trouble if I don't explain properly). It's just that, as a normal human being, I tend to falter and drift away for awhile. Somehow, He has a way of leading me back to where He wants me to be.
Therefore, my conclusion is that I am happy and I am not jealous. The rest of the world can think all they want and say what they like. Those who are not convinced will still have something to say even if I say till my mouth runs dry. I really don't care. I will concentrate on my own life.
Dinner!
Well, I promised you pics of the claypot XO chicken rice. Here they are:
Claypot itself. Oops! Sorry, it is quite blur.
Once the lid is opened. We added dark soy sauce and sesame oil and stirred it like mad before tucking in. Yummy-licious!
By the way, the XO is real alcohol and not XO sauce. Shlurp! Shlurp!
We also had champagne truffle snow skin mooncakes from Sheraton Towers Hotel for dessert. Comaparable to the ones I bought from Raffles Hotel and the skin was softer and thinner too. Lovely!
Claypot itself. Oops! Sorry, it is quite blur.
Once the lid is opened. We added dark soy sauce and sesame oil and stirred it like mad before tucking in. Yummy-licious!
By the way, the XO is real alcohol and not XO sauce. Shlurp! Shlurp!
We also had champagne truffle snow skin mooncakes from Sheraton Towers Hotel for dessert. Comaparable to the ones I bought from Raffles Hotel and the skin was softer and thinner too. Lovely!
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Break time
I am having a break from my mahjong session now. I have won some and lost some but I must say, we have all graduated. We are playing at a much faster pace now and we can really chit chat while playing. I used to be real nervous and not be able to enjoy a good conversation.
Tonight, my aunt is going to cook claypot chicken rice. YUM! I shall see if I can take a pic of it and post it later.
See ya! Back to my game now!
Tonight, my aunt is going to cook claypot chicken rice. YUM! I shall see if I can take a pic of it and post it later.
See ya! Back to my game now!
Part Two Completed
Almost forgot to write about this significant moment in my life. I officially handed the keys over to the new owners of the flat on 5th September 2008. I just need to wait for my cheque to clear and make arrangements to file for divorce.
There is a even greater sense of relief now. Yesterday, instead of acting hostile towards my soon-to-be-ex husband, I was friendly with him. Very recent events with friends made me realise that I should not have forever-enemies. Life is too short. Hee, hee....yet I still hesitate over whether to add friends on my Facebook. They have asked me to confirm them and till now, I still have some reservations. Past bad experiences make my fingers hover around the "Confirm" button but not click on it. Maybe I should do it soon.
Anyway, I think I am better off being friends with my soon-to-be-ex husband than being his wife. I just hope the divorce will go through smoothly.
There is a even greater sense of relief now. Yesterday, instead of acting hostile towards my soon-to-be-ex husband, I was friendly with him. Very recent events with friends made me realise that I should not have forever-enemies. Life is too short. Hee, hee....yet I still hesitate over whether to add friends on my Facebook. They have asked me to confirm them and till now, I still have some reservations. Past bad experiences make my fingers hover around the "Confirm" button but not click on it. Maybe I should do it soon.
Anyway, I think I am better off being friends with my soon-to-be-ex husband than being his wife. I just hope the divorce will go through smoothly.
School, flu, school (Shoo fly, Shoo!)
It has been a long and tiring week. School started on Wednesday and I just had another lesson yesterday. All this while having flu and having to conduct lessons is no joke.
I was walking around work like a zombie most of the time, but school was fun though and I am still rearing to go. I am just wondering how I long I can 'tahan' till I burn out. Next week, is the worst. I have 3 days of night classes. I am praying to God that I do not fall sick at all.
I am just amazed at what creatures of habit we are and how we hang on so dearly to our comfort zones. My observation is that most of my classmates have sat back exactly where they sat during Orientaion and we have all quickly made friends with our neighbours as we know that project/group work is coming up and we need to find a 'group' to belong to. It's scary and I am scared. I don't want to be left out and become the lone ranger so the only survival instinct thing to do is to make as many friends as possible.
For once, I think I have some form of order in my life. Hopefully I can maintain it and get through these two years.
Oh yes! Just before school started, there was a little-big hoo-ha about my subsidisation of school fees. Just one day before school started, they called me up to request for my payslip and told me if I did not produce it by the end of the day, I will not get the subsidy.
It was so ridiculous. They called me near mid-day (which I did not pick up coz it was an alien number) and by the time some familiar number showed up, it was nearly 5pm in the evening. First of all, who in the world would bring their payslip around with them?? Secondly, they must realise that not everyone has the privilege of a workstation or computer in front of them. They wanted me to fax or scan it to them there and then. If not, I will not be entitled to the subsidy.
Then I became furious. Give me so little and expect the world out of me and asking the impossible at that! I shot back at the lady from NTUC, "Why did you inform me so late in the first place?"
She told me they tried reaching me in the morning. Even then, I told her it was still very late! I have to work and I cannot afford to go home as and when I like and I sent in my application very early and you are going to penalise me for not being able to provide one small information that you want at the very last minute??
I asked her again why she requested for my information so late when I had submitted the form about two months back? She could only reply that "the system is like that". They cannot do it earlier.
Seriously, I think it was a human error. You may have to key it in only a day before school starts (that's system constraint) but you could have physically checked through the applications first before going through final processing.
This last minute way of doing things made me feel like that they did it on purpose and that they were hoping I would not be able to meet the deadline and then they don't have to give me the subsidy.
Nevertheless, the lady was very nice after the small argument and she helped me the best she could to get my subsidy application going. Thank goodness too, that I have an all in one printer/scanner/copier at home. Wonder what I am going to do if I did not have any of the above!
I was walking around work like a zombie most of the time, but school was fun though and I am still rearing to go. I am just wondering how I long I can 'tahan' till I burn out. Next week, is the worst. I have 3 days of night classes. I am praying to God that I do not fall sick at all.
I am just amazed at what creatures of habit we are and how we hang on so dearly to our comfort zones. My observation is that most of my classmates have sat back exactly where they sat during Orientaion and we have all quickly made friends with our neighbours as we know that project/group work is coming up and we need to find a 'group' to belong to. It's scary and I am scared. I don't want to be left out and become the lone ranger so the only survival instinct thing to do is to make as many friends as possible.
For once, I think I have some form of order in my life. Hopefully I can maintain it and get through these two years.
Oh yes! Just before school started, there was a little-big hoo-ha about my subsidisation of school fees. Just one day before school started, they called me up to request for my payslip and told me if I did not produce it by the end of the day, I will not get the subsidy.
It was so ridiculous. They called me near mid-day (which I did not pick up coz it was an alien number) and by the time some familiar number showed up, it was nearly 5pm in the evening. First of all, who in the world would bring their payslip around with them?? Secondly, they must realise that not everyone has the privilege of a workstation or computer in front of them. They wanted me to fax or scan it to them there and then. If not, I will not be entitled to the subsidy.
Then I became furious. Give me so little and expect the world out of me and asking the impossible at that! I shot back at the lady from NTUC, "Why did you inform me so late in the first place?"
She told me they tried reaching me in the morning. Even then, I told her it was still very late! I have to work and I cannot afford to go home as and when I like and I sent in my application very early and you are going to penalise me for not being able to provide one small information that you want at the very last minute??
I asked her again why she requested for my information so late when I had submitted the form about two months back? She could only reply that "the system is like that". They cannot do it earlier.
Seriously, I think it was a human error. You may have to key it in only a day before school starts (that's system constraint) but you could have physically checked through the applications first before going through final processing.
This last minute way of doing things made me feel like that they did it on purpose and that they were hoping I would not be able to meet the deadline and then they don't have to give me the subsidy.
Nevertheless, the lady was very nice after the small argument and she helped me the best she could to get my subsidy application going. Thank goodness too, that I have an all in one printer/scanner/copier at home. Wonder what I am going to do if I did not have any of the above!
Monday, September 1, 2008
Happiness cancels out unhappiness
It was supposed to have been a good day. After all, it's Teacher's Day and I had a day of rest! Turns out it was real bad. I put the blame on medicine that made me drowsy and made me do silly things like sms-ing couples who quarrelled yesterday and unbeknownst to me, were still not talking with each other today.
I became their punching bag over the sms 'airwave' and was being accused of being inconsiderate. Well, in retrospect, I think I was, but I blame it on the antihistamine that I took the night before. It has made my head go topsy-turvy and not think straight.
Anyhow, I had wanted to bitch about how bad it was and how whatever, whatever...but I think I choose to focus on the happy stuff and not sweat over things that is, at the moment, too trivial for me to care.
After visiting my doc, I want to visit one of my dad's aunt who had a fall recently and was home-bound. She used to be really active and would go places on he own but now she is quite a depressive state. She was really happy that we went to visit her though.
Plus, we also asked my aunt to meet us for high tea. She met us at the aunt's house and we went to high tea at LingZhi; a treat for us teachers. Hee, hee!
To forget all the unhappiness and the sarcasm that I received from my ex-housemate, I sent out sms-s, sending regards to my friends who were either not feeling well or were recovering from medical conditions. I also received nice sms-s back. I also sent out Teacher's Day sms-s to friends who were (or still are) teachers.
I still feel a little feverish. Shall go sleep now while I have all the happiness with me.
I became their punching bag over the sms 'airwave' and was being accused of being inconsiderate. Well, in retrospect, I think I was, but I blame it on the antihistamine that I took the night before. It has made my head go topsy-turvy and not think straight.
Anyhow, I had wanted to bitch about how bad it was and how whatever, whatever...but I think I choose to focus on the happy stuff and not sweat over things that is, at the moment, too trivial for me to care.
After visiting my doc, I want to visit one of my dad's aunt who had a fall recently and was home-bound. She used to be really active and would go places on he own but now she is quite a depressive state. She was really happy that we went to visit her though.
Plus, we also asked my aunt to meet us for high tea. She met us at the aunt's house and we went to high tea at LingZhi; a treat for us teachers. Hee, hee!
To forget all the unhappiness and the sarcasm that I received from my ex-housemate, I sent out sms-s, sending regards to my friends who were either not feeling well or were recovering from medical conditions. I also received nice sms-s back. I also sent out Teacher's Day sms-s to friends who were (or still are) teachers.
I still feel a little feverish. Shall go sleep now while I have all the happiness with me.
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