I only used this title because I have been hearing Wham!'s song of the same title over and over, from Singapore to Hong Kong.
There is a sort of melancholic happiness to this whole Christmas. Don't get me wrong, my travel companions, you have been great. I am just talking about my own love department.
I still don't have the guts to tell that special someone that I like him so. He is so near and yet so far away; so reachable and yet so unattainable. I have to keep reminding myself that he is just a friend by saying it out loud and repeating myself to friends that he is "just a friend" or "as a friend, I...".
I know, my girl friend must think that I am telling such a big fat lie. She must think, "Ya, right! As a friend indeed!"
I can't help it. That is the only way to keep myself in check and not to do or say anything that would jeopardise the situation.
Yes, I may also come across as cowardly to some but I would rather still have a friend than to regret making the wrong move. Therefore, this Christmas, like last Christmas, I am still single. Not sure about the swinging bit, but definitely single. The melancholic bit is (for me I guess) that I am getting used to it.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Bad service
My first personal bad experience with service happened on the second day at H&M, Central.
I was going on my second round of clothes trying and had to leave my basket at the counter, as it was their rule to do so. Fair enough.
As I was walking towards an empty cubicle though, I heard a crash. I turned around just in time to see the H&M staff throwing my basket unwillingly on the floor and walk towards my overspilled clothes to pick them up. She did not look at all apologetic and haphazardly put my clothes back into the basket.
I was not happy at all. I did not appreciate my to-be purchases being thrown about like that. I was most upset at the way she handled my clothes. What if there were sharp edges on the basket and it caused a run in my garments? Whatever it was, it was manners at its worst as she rolled her eyes and walked back to her counter as if nothing happened.
It spoilt my mood and I had half a mind to leave everything and not buy at all, but I eventually did as vanity got the better of me. In fact, it spoilt my mood for the rest of the morning (somewhat). If it were not for Tsui Wah Hong Kong Cafe's lunch of sliced fried beef with rice after that, I would have remained moody for the rest of the day.
I was going on my second round of clothes trying and had to leave my basket at the counter, as it was their rule to do so. Fair enough.
As I was walking towards an empty cubicle though, I heard a crash. I turned around just in time to see the H&M staff throwing my basket unwillingly on the floor and walk towards my overspilled clothes to pick them up. She did not look at all apologetic and haphazardly put my clothes back into the basket.
I was not happy at all. I did not appreciate my to-be purchases being thrown about like that. I was most upset at the way she handled my clothes. What if there were sharp edges on the basket and it caused a run in my garments? Whatever it was, it was manners at its worst as she rolled her eyes and walked back to her counter as if nothing happened.
It spoilt my mood and I had half a mind to leave everything and not buy at all, but I eventually did as vanity got the better of me. In fact, it spoilt my mood for the rest of the morning (somewhat). If it were not for Tsui Wah Hong Kong Cafe's lunch of sliced fried beef with rice after that, I would have remained moody for the rest of the day.
Strike @ the airport
Finally! Hong Kong!!
The plane had come to a halt and the sound of seat belts being unbuckled could be heard everywhere.
We were pretty quick, being seasoned travellers. Besides, we did not have anything at the overhead compartment above us. Flight staff were suitably nice as we exited the aircraft.
Our footsteps were brisk as we did not want to waste time. We were hungry, both for food and for shopping.
Customs cleared pretty quickly too! That was really surprising. It was much faster than before. Maybe now, they are Olympic-trained.
Everything was hunky dory until we were claiming our baggage. The baggage for two different flights were scheduled for the same belt. Baggage for the SQ flight from Colombo, USA kept 'spitting' out onto the belt but no sign of CX (Cathay Pacific) baggage.
It was an hour later that we got our baggage and my stomach was growling like a tiger. Still, I had to direct and navigate everyone to the hotel. Not that I am a good navigator. In fact, not a good one at all!! Anyhow, we eventually got to our destination.
I did not think so much about it until the night before we were due to fly back to Singapore. It came to light the cargo handling ground staff were having a strike. The company had announced that they were going to give staff a 20% pay rise but at the same time, that they were going to do away with performance-based bonus (Hmm...where did I hear that before? Maybe in my past life that is of little significance to me now). Staff were not happy and therefore went on strike.
They went on strike from 1 pm to 4 pm on Saturday, 27th Dec. Well, my point of view is, it is silly to go on strike. The longer tourists and travellers take to get out of the airport, the less they will spend. From a macro point of view,it is bad for its economy.
The plane had come to a halt and the sound of seat belts being unbuckled could be heard everywhere.
We were pretty quick, being seasoned travellers. Besides, we did not have anything at the overhead compartment above us. Flight staff were suitably nice as we exited the aircraft.
Our footsteps were brisk as we did not want to waste time. We were hungry, both for food and for shopping.
Customs cleared pretty quickly too! That was really surprising. It was much faster than before. Maybe now, they are Olympic-trained.
Everything was hunky dory until we were claiming our baggage. The baggage for two different flights were scheduled for the same belt. Baggage for the SQ flight from Colombo, USA kept 'spitting' out onto the belt but no sign of CX (Cathay Pacific) baggage.
It was an hour later that we got our baggage and my stomach was growling like a tiger. Still, I had to direct and navigate everyone to the hotel. Not that I am a good navigator. In fact, not a good one at all!! Anyhow, we eventually got to our destination.
I did not think so much about it until the night before we were due to fly back to Singapore. It came to light the cargo handling ground staff were having a strike. The company had announced that they were going to give staff a 20% pay rise but at the same time, that they were going to do away with performance-based bonus (Hmm...where did I hear that before? Maybe in my past life that is of little significance to me now). Staff were not happy and therefore went on strike.
They went on strike from 1 pm to 4 pm on Saturday, 27th Dec. Well, my point of view is, it is silly to go on strike. The longer tourists and travellers take to get out of the airport, the less they will spend. From a macro point of view,it is bad for its economy.
Lost twice...
... And I have not even left for Hong Kong yet!!!!!!!!!!
What did I lose? My jacket. Well, it was not so much lost but forgotten on both occasions.
Of all things, my Dad had asked me where my set of car keys were, just as I was putting on my Doc Marts boots!!! I was so pissed. I mean, talk about 'good' timing!!
Anyhow, I wanted to be a filial daughter and hopped with one-boot-leg (wore one side of the boot only) to get the key for him. Earlier on, I had already brought the jacket out from the room to the dinner room chair.
Off we went to the airport only to get a call from Mum 5 minutes away from the airport. "You forgot your jacket. You can turn back to get it. There is still time. It is up to you."
Shoot! I had wanted to be punctual and now, it just seemed so impossible. Worse still, Dad refused to take road directions from me and insisted that he was right, when he was actually wrong. We ended up making one big round in Tampines.
Then, after checking in, I could not withstand being hungry and we decided to eat at the Killiney Kopi Tiam at the Departure Hall. I put said jacket on the backrest of the chair and ate my toast with 2 almost hard boiled eggs.
We left in the Kopi Tiam in high spirits as we were all excited about the trip (at least I hope so). It was only when I nearly reached our boarding gate did I realise that my had was one item too light.
I walked and ran, ran and walked like I never did before. "Air wear" (Doctor Martens) was good. It was very bouncy, but flat-footed me just could not take the pain on my arch (sole of the foot) afterwards.
This jacket cannot be lost. It went through a whole Korea trip with me. There are many more adventures that I would like to take it on.
When I reached Killiney, there it was, 'sitting' there quietly and peacefully, waiting for its owner. Sigh, what a relief!
What did I lose? My jacket. Well, it was not so much lost but forgotten on both occasions.
Of all things, my Dad had asked me where my set of car keys were, just as I was putting on my Doc Marts boots!!! I was so pissed. I mean, talk about 'good' timing!!
Anyhow, I wanted to be a filial daughter and hopped with one-boot-leg (wore one side of the boot only) to get the key for him. Earlier on, I had already brought the jacket out from the room to the dinner room chair.
Off we went to the airport only to get a call from Mum 5 minutes away from the airport. "You forgot your jacket. You can turn back to get it. There is still time. It is up to you."
Shoot! I had wanted to be punctual and now, it just seemed so impossible. Worse still, Dad refused to take road directions from me and insisted that he was right, when he was actually wrong. We ended up making one big round in Tampines.
Then, after checking in, I could not withstand being hungry and we decided to eat at the Killiney Kopi Tiam at the Departure Hall. I put said jacket on the backrest of the chair and ate my toast with 2 almost hard boiled eggs.
We left in the Kopi Tiam in high spirits as we were all excited about the trip (at least I hope so). It was only when I nearly reached our boarding gate did I realise that my had was one item too light.
I walked and ran, ran and walked like I never did before. "Air wear" (Doctor Martens) was good. It was very bouncy, but flat-footed me just could not take the pain on my arch (sole of the foot) afterwards.
This jacket cannot be lost. It went through a whole Korea trip with me. There are many more adventures that I would like to take it on.
When I reached Killiney, there it was, 'sitting' there quietly and peacefully, waiting for its owner. Sigh, what a relief!
Me as Mum
I'm back! Just before I recount what went on in Hong Kong, I must tell you something funny that happened to me tonight.
I was out buying Chinese New Year decorations for my workplace when both me and my colleague realised that we were out of cash. She told me she will go and draw money and I told her I would wait for her at the stall (which is at HDB Hub, Toa Payoh).
The shop owner, either had too much dinner to eat or did not know what to say in front of pretty girls, that he asked me, "Your daughter, ah?"
Hahahahaha!!!!! I wasn't half angry but I just felt very funny by it all. I am actually happy coz now, nobody really treats me like some 14 year-old and treat me for who I am, for real! I giggled and told him that we were colleagues. He was obviously quite embarrassed.
I also wanted to laugh as a similar situation like that happened before between me and my ex housemate. That time, she was the one 'instigated' to be the mum as she is tall while I am small in size and looked real kiddish with all that kiddish nonsense that I wear :P
Anyway, I had a happy ending to a very tiring day.
I was out buying Chinese New Year decorations for my workplace when both me and my colleague realised that we were out of cash. She told me she will go and draw money and I told her I would wait for her at the stall (which is at HDB Hub, Toa Payoh).
The shop owner, either had too much dinner to eat or did not know what to say in front of pretty girls, that he asked me, "Your daughter, ah?"
Hahahahaha!!!!! I wasn't half angry but I just felt very funny by it all. I am actually happy coz now, nobody really treats me like some 14 year-old and treat me for who I am, for real! I giggled and told him that we were colleagues. He was obviously quite embarrassed.
I also wanted to laugh as a similar situation like that happened before between me and my ex housemate. That time, she was the one 'instigated' to be the mum as she is tall while I am small in size and looked real kiddish with all that kiddish nonsense that I wear :P
Anyway, I had a happy ending to a very tiring day.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Lapse
The lapse in writing is largely due to the stress that I was facing both from school and from work. Had to prepare to meet the parents and deal with tests. It was hellish.
It did not help that both my bosses were so stressed out themselves. They would tell me not to be stressed but they have that stressed look on their face. Made it even worse for me. Anyhow, that is over. At least for now.
There is going to be more lapses as I go on my trip as I do not believe in the 'on-the-go' shit. I would rather enjoy myself fully. I still need to pen down my thoughts about Malacca too (if I ever get to pen them down), but I think I would come back with many pics and stories to tell. Wait for meeeeee!!!
Till then!
It did not help that both my bosses were so stressed out themselves. They would tell me not to be stressed but they have that stressed look on their face. Made it even worse for me. Anyhow, that is over. At least for now.
There is going to be more lapses as I go on my trip as I do not believe in the 'on-the-go' shit. I would rather enjoy myself fully. I still need to pen down my thoughts about Malacca too (if I ever get to pen them down), but I think I would come back with many pics and stories to tell. Wait for meeeeee!!!
Till then!
Panic? Not, or don't.
Preparing for my trip tomorrow. Thought I had packed most of my stuff and yet, there seems to be this nagging thought at the back of my mind that something's not packed.
Also, as I did the bookings for the air tix and hotel. I am really, really afraid that something might go wrong (touch wood, touch wood). The other worry is that I may not be able to get up. Flight's at 0815hrs and check-in will be 2 hours before. Thank goodness I stay real near to the airport. If not, if I ever woke up late, I may...touch wood, touch wood. Hee!
All this pre-trip excitement and jitters. I guess everything will be ok. Just have to take it easy.
Also, as I did the bookings for the air tix and hotel. I am really, really afraid that something might go wrong (touch wood, touch wood). The other worry is that I may not be able to get up. Flight's at 0815hrs and check-in will be 2 hours before. Thank goodness I stay real near to the airport. If not, if I ever woke up late, I may...touch wood, touch wood. Hee!
All this pre-trip excitement and jitters. I guess everything will be ok. Just have to take it easy.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Hair affair
Two days to going for my holidays and I have yet to tidy up my hair!!
Was supposed to do so last Sunday but coming back at 5 plus in the morning from Zoukout knocked me out till 2.15pm!!!! My appointment with my hairstylist was at 10.00am!!!!!!
Luckily I managed to arrange for an appointment today. Going off soon! See you with a new hair colour!!
Oh yes! Just in case I do not blog anymore before my trip, Merry Christmas everyone!
Was supposed to do so last Sunday but coming back at 5 plus in the morning from Zoukout knocked me out till 2.15pm!!!! My appointment with my hairstylist was at 10.00am!!!!!!
Luckily I managed to arrange for an appointment today. Going off soon! See you with a new hair colour!!
Oh yes! Just in case I do not blog anymore before my trip, Merry Christmas everyone!
Friday, December 19, 2008
Snap happy
Got me-self a new digital camera in preparation for my Hong Kong trip. Did some really, last minute research the night before and under the recommendation of Spacecake, went for either Nikon Coolpix or Canon. I also managed to narrow it down to just one or two models so that I will not get myself too confused.
My final choices were either Nikon Coolpix S560, Canon Ixus 980 IS or the Canon Ixus 870 IS. I finally got the 870 and was really happy that I had made that one of my choices.
Went to get the camera with a friend and she recommended for us to go to John 3:16 at Funan Centre. It is on the 5th floor now, just in case you knew that it was on the 3rd floor before.
As with many Christians, they were warm and friendly, BUT they were not pushy. The camera idiot in me just blurted out Nikon digital camera when the guy asked if he could help me. Immediately, I got two adamant "No, we do not recommend Nikon digital cameras".
It was really funny coz they seem to specialise in sellling Nikons! Of course, they went on to explain that Nikon is best for their SLRs so unless I was going for that pro stuff, I should not even consider (hehe!).
The guy went on to ask me which other brand I had in mind and I told him I would like a Canon. I got a resounding "Ah! That is a good brand to consider" from both guys. More amusement and happiness on my face. Happiness because I had a gut feel that it WOULD be good as I have seen what my father's camera was capable of taking.
Then the guy proceeded to ask me which particular model I was looking for (Woah! Like giving me a test on how I know about my cameras). I quickly whipped out my piece of 'research paper' and rattled off the models. More resounding approval from salesperson.
Anyhow, I finally got the Ixus 870 IS in champagne gold. Love the camera to death and love what it can do. I could not stop talking about the whole buying experience until my friend thought I was infatuated with the guy.
Sigh...I may yearn for male companionship but I am not desperate. I guess it's just that I am in a too much female company, such that the slightest male interaction makes me yak and yak. Or perhaps, I was very taken in by the genuine friendliness of the staff which created a very memorable experience that made me talk about it so much.
Whatever it is, I will just quote Kelly: "If you are happy, just be happy. If you are sad, just be sad. Just be. No one can stop you from feeling."
My final choices were either Nikon Coolpix S560, Canon Ixus 980 IS or the Canon Ixus 870 IS. I finally got the 870 and was really happy that I had made that one of my choices.
Went to get the camera with a friend and she recommended for us to go to John 3:16 at Funan Centre. It is on the 5th floor now, just in case you knew that it was on the 3rd floor before.
As with many Christians, they were warm and friendly, BUT they were not pushy. The camera idiot in me just blurted out Nikon digital camera when the guy asked if he could help me. Immediately, I got two adamant "No, we do not recommend Nikon digital cameras".
It was really funny coz they seem to specialise in sellling Nikons! Of course, they went on to explain that Nikon is best for their SLRs so unless I was going for that pro stuff, I should not even consider (hehe!).
The guy went on to ask me which other brand I had in mind and I told him I would like a Canon. I got a resounding "Ah! That is a good brand to consider" from both guys. More amusement and happiness on my face. Happiness because I had a gut feel that it WOULD be good as I have seen what my father's camera was capable of taking.
Then the guy proceeded to ask me which particular model I was looking for (Woah! Like giving me a test on how I know about my cameras). I quickly whipped out my piece of 'research paper' and rattled off the models. More resounding approval from salesperson.
Anyhow, I finally got the Ixus 870 IS in champagne gold. Love the camera to death and love what it can do. I could not stop talking about the whole buying experience until my friend thought I was infatuated with the guy.
Sigh...I may yearn for male companionship but I am not desperate. I guess it's just that I am in a too much female company, such that the slightest male interaction makes me yak and yak. Or perhaps, I was very taken in by the genuine friendliness of the staff which created a very memorable experience that made me talk about it so much.
Whatever it is, I will just quote Kelly: "If you are happy, just be happy. If you are sad, just be sad. Just be. No one can stop you from feeling."
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Hot, hot, hot!
Oh, forgot to tell you that I am sort of hooked onto Sze Chuan hotpot (steamboat with super red hot chilli and chilli oil). I eat it almost every week and I actually feel a little embarrassed when I go there coz they see my face so often. My colleague told me not to worry; that they could not be happier to see me back there so soon.
Anyhow, brought my cousin there to eat last week and I think she is hooked too! This one is along Beach Road. It is called Chuan Xiang. Of course, we do not eat pure hot pots but ask for the yuan yang (half-half) pot instead. Which means...well, I shall take a picture the next time. Every time, we are so overly enthusiastic about eating that we forget to take any pics.
Stopping now. Coz I must really go to bed.
Good night!
Anyhow, brought my cousin there to eat last week and I think she is hooked too! This one is along Beach Road. It is called Chuan Xiang. Of course, we do not eat pure hot pots but ask for the yuan yang (half-half) pot instead. Which means...well, I shall take a picture the next time. Every time, we are so overly enthusiastic about eating that we forget to take any pics.
Stopping now. Coz I must really go to bed.
Good night!
I am still alive
I am still alive. It is just that nowadays, I am so tired that I wish not to do anything else but sleep. Or should I just say that my life is so filled with other activities other than sitting in front of the computer, that I have little time for blogging.
Anyway, I am rushing to choose a digital camera to buy so that I can bring it with me when I go overseas. Dad can keep his own and I shall have exclusive rights to mine.
Spacecake has mentioned Nikon or Canon. Although I was more Canon at first, I now wish to take back my words and say that I might prefer Nikon instead. Reason being that at first, I thought Nikon only had old fashioned, ugly, black coloured ones. Now that I have gone through their site though, I think Coolpix can be quite cool too.
Nevertheless, I have already narrowed down my choice. I will let you know when I have finally bought it and see who comes out the 'winner'!
Anyway, I am rushing to choose a digital camera to buy so that I can bring it with me when I go overseas. Dad can keep his own and I shall have exclusive rights to mine.
Spacecake has mentioned Nikon or Canon. Although I was more Canon at first, I now wish to take back my words and say that I might prefer Nikon instead. Reason being that at first, I thought Nikon only had old fashioned, ugly, black coloured ones. Now that I have gone through their site though, I think Coolpix can be quite cool too.
Nevertheless, I have already narrowed down my choice. I will let you know when I have finally bought it and see who comes out the 'winner'!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Missing in action (MIA)
Hi, I know I am have been out of action for quite some time. It could mean two things: One, that I am in a relationship and is so happy that I cannot be bothered to blog or two, I am so down and out trying to sort out my own life that I have no time or even the energy to switch on the computer.
Well, it is actually the latter. I am good now though, so please do not worry. Or if anybody worries at all.
Went to Malacca with some of my colleagues over the long weekend despite the fact that I had a test to do yesterday.
Photos and updates will come soon but I must say I really enjoyed this trip a lot and might go back there again with my cousin. There is lots to discover yet but I can only steal the long weekends to go if I wanted to go with my colleagues as we are one another's covering.
Later then, as I need to stress about Parent-teacher conference this coming weekend. Not my favourite part of work. At all!
Well, it is actually the latter. I am good now though, so please do not worry. Or if anybody worries at all.
Went to Malacca with some of my colleagues over the long weekend despite the fact that I had a test to do yesterday.
Photos and updates will come soon but I must say I really enjoyed this trip a lot and might go back there again with my cousin. There is lots to discover yet but I can only steal the long weekends to go if I wanted to go with my colleagues as we are one another's covering.
Later then, as I need to stress about Parent-teacher conference this coming weekend. Not my favourite part of work. At all!
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