De one with How Was Weekend?

Emerging Sunshine

"How was weekend" had always been something raised in my morning texts to others during mornings while I'm on my way to work. Perhaps I was sucked into being those who didn't have to chance to spend my weekend adequately. Hence, that leaves me nothing but to ask what others have been doing, to remain alive I think.

Last weekend I spent with my close friend. This weekend? I caught some good times with a new friend. Went to work in the afternoon, trust me, it's almost perfect to be alone in the romantically lit office, the white shades half-drawn so that the sun could sip in and onto my desk without hurting my eyesight. The air-conditioner blew cool breeze. It's just lovely to work alone in office on Saturdays.

Well, nobody likes the idea of having to work on weekends. Personally, I don't condone but duty calls. My client arranged for collection of documents, so since I was in charged of the assignment, I had to be around. I mean you can't possibly get your colleagues to do stuff for you. It's just against my principles. Anyway, she came aroudn 3pm, I finished what I needed to do by 3:30pm and hurried for my weekend appointment with L (no, not "L" from deathnote please).

Sad to say, the bus left without me before I reached the busstop. No choice, first instinct was to practice some courtesy in informing L I'd be late. Who'd have known, both of us were late. I arrived before though, so I thought it'd be nice to drop myself at Pageone which I've to comment, it's nice place to visit, like libraries when you are early and waiting for friends. Well, I discovered the stuff over there are less temptateous and even if the purchasing-itch overpowers, a magazine cost less than 10 bucks.

Well, another alternative was to hit Starbucks. I weighed both and headed to Pageone as I didn't want to feel bloated from hydration. It was really impromptu planning which was undesirable but it's adventureous. We booked movie tickets first before going for membership collection, I bought the MAC recharge water (didn't get the sporty orange one on my last shopping trip). Since it was mooncake festival's around the corner, L wanted to browse the Marriott snow skinned moon-cake with cheese. Sounds lucious but turns out, it is only exlusively available at the hotel itself (if there's not what I heard wrongly). I confess, the variety of mooncakes were luring. Walking into the festive-exhibition felt like enrolling as a contestant on temptateous island. But, I didn't spend a penny. If there ever was a Confessions of a Shopaholic finale scene replay, I think mooncakes might dance "Flip- flop hop, Rock Twist and Roll" and peonie, dragons and fishes printed on the mooncake boxes might just come alive in joyeous pride of my thiftiness.

Lunch-cum-dinner was done at this florist cum cafe restuarant. Something extraordinary wasn't the settling of the shop or the kind of food they serve. Rather, it was ordering two main course so that the two of us could share. Well, that's my first and I should say, somewhat pleasant experience. One up for unique first-time encounters! Let's see, *food images deciphering in the dreamy thought-bubbles* there was steamy beef lasagne, golden-shimmering chicket cutlet served with refreshing salad and peppery-high creamy spaghetti, and last but not least, the famous Lady and Tramp's meatball tomato-sauced spaghetti. We reckoned perhaps it was a few day's old eatery, so the food wasn't nice but it's definitely reasonably price. An Arte La Carte plus two main courses which came with soup, juice and dessert for a price of $30+. It's definately comparable with level-field players such as Cafe Carte and NYNY.

Movie was humorly-filled. The Ugly Truth. It's kinda ok. Normal storyline about romance between two loggerheads who went through some commitments and realise they had fallen in love with each other. It's something like the replay of "Date with Ted Hamilton". It spells the truth that true love is viable and more than never, it is geniunely found in people who truly understands you, not just on foundations of looks. I enjoyed it, despite L kept saying I was caught falling asleep with a smile. I was not!

It was late but we didn't want to go home. A day ain't complete without coffee. That's something rubbed off my outings with Mohan (whom I have no idea how busy this guy have gotten himself into). We headed to Novena only to get upset by the crowd at Starbucks and "da yang" ("close shop" in Mandarin) of TCC. Left with no choice, we cabbed down to 24 hrs Mc Donalds and we spent almost 2 - 3 hours practically chatting. It was superb to interact with another, so comfortably.. like there's something to confirm my existence and more importantly, the letting-off thought about stamping the "close" case on my endangered social life.

Hope yours was crunchingly-delightful as mine. Otherwise, reading this blog might just fill whatever that was lacking. Cheers.

De one with Shopping Revisited

Curr-ching!

"So much for frugal lifestyle" I told Clara when I met her at Orchard. Pretty determined I was in MRT-ing. As I approached the control station, I fished for the EZlink in my wallet, only to realise it was nowhere to be found. "I'm in the card compartment in your Agnes B", the card personalised in my mind. Oh boy.. no choice, I got myself a one-way ticket. Then ext garbra thing, I bought a ticket for pitstop at Orchard instead of Somerset (where we were supposed to meet). Damn garbra la.

Well, if that wasn't bad enough, starving boy made the both of us walked all the way from Takashimaya to Heeren and back, only to abode our plan for lunch and settled for drinks at the news-stand outside Heeren.

Bloated with water, we announced our shopping spree when we set foot into Ngee Ann City, Sephoria. Clara got a lovely-colored blusher. The first item before our empty hands accumulated, so did the credit card bill an receipts... and having our eyes filled with things since our stomachs weren't furnished.

While accomplishing a task for Clara's hunt for watch (present for her colleague), we located ourselves at this German watch-seller store. Therein you bet you'd never fail to amaze yourself with the beautiful and interesting collection. The customer service was good. Thye bothered to explain to you the characteristics of the watches, somewhat competent in their knowledge of the stuff they've got in their trunk. This is even when you are not diffusing your "I shall buy something from your store" aura. The collections ranges from a few hundreds to 4 digits, nearing 8-9K. Exclusive and interesting would be how I would fill the feedback survey, if there ever was.

The shopping continued for nearly three hours plus, I bagged some facial products from MAC, a 0.32 carat earrings from Lee Hwa (the most valuable purchase for the evening), a dvd, my Biotherm restock and a cologne. Clara said "we certainly got a good shopping today".

Guess we are getting old for this, shopping from near 4 - 10pm, our feets were begging for pardon. We found ourselves having coffee, tea with their "friends", a new york cheesecake and this chocolate lava-fordue. Trust me, it's chocolaty and the chocolate's generously oozing out when the fork embed its teeth into the auburn dessert.

Fruitful day doesn't come without a price tag. My kneel took a toll due to overexertion from the morning run and long-houred shopping journey on foot. And, the pinch of aftermath guilt that will surface when the bank print the digits onto the statement of accounts.

De one with Ace of Jekyll and Hyde

Universally owned

It is full liberty which turns everyone else shameless. I wouldn't vouch that they throw their morale values. Rather, as a personal opinion of a twenty-four year old, I feel they might have modified the social norms into a way they personally or others of their kind, deemed acceptable.

Notwithstanding legislation which approves concubines and mutiple-marriages, Society views second wives or "the other women" as something utterly disgraceful. The Chinese and native-koreans are huge defenders of these. Some women out there are willing to come out to the media and propagate their existence and the deeds which they feel justifiable to have everyone knows. Some for revenge nonetheless. Some for a second oportunity to shamelessly deprive others of their wealth-status. I guess it would be a pretty familiar scene in family courts where mistresses fight for status and alimonies. Well, I was just watching this American drama and also HongKong drama on vicious creatures. Well...drama nonetheless but it must have happened for scriptwriters to plot about it.

When we open our personal acceptance, people oversees what is so important to traditions (which is most often deemed to be boringly-dry and conservatively irrevelant for reality, for some) and behavoir such as way which they thought or opinion exceptional or brave because everyone other ain't in favour or acceptance of.

Being shameless is something we are not proud of. It is even scarier when the wrong-doer feels or is unaware of the wrong things they are committing. Like Jekyll not knowing what Hyde has done right from the beginning.

Fundementally, it roots from the non-admission of wrong which stirred humans, us, to become shameless, coming up and giving tonnes of excuses and lies from the "book 1,001 reasons for being immoral", to shud ourselves from punishment, truth and integrity.

I guess the Aces of Jekyll and Hyde had been burnt into effect at some point in our lives. Like Magic cards, all cards drawn needs a mana point. The mana point for employing the Ace card, lie to yourself.  

Nothing much. Just silly reasoning morales to state herein. 

De one with Epiphanic Moment

Momentary

Was on a leave today. I jolly-well might have all the excuses and reasons for taking medical certificates for getting overburned from last night's project mad-rush, go on holidays or just a day for family matters, study for exams. But for today, ask and my answer would be I have completely no idea why I applied the break for. Nope, not for a prolonged long weekend. The question and filling of leave application form was just as sudden as I least expected.

My day started at 8am. Watched this american drama series. Thought of heading for a tan today. Turns out ah ma said today was the last day of hell-gate's opening. Not "pan-tan" ("supersitious" in Malay), well, better to be safe than sorry. The wet weather didn't permit me as well, after all the considerable amount of incense-fernancing since yesterday night. Give the environmentalist a break. Tradition overrules i supposed.

Was expecting my crystal kris bears to arrive. Apparently it din't deliver until nine plus in the evening. Anxiousness transformed to relieve before turning into disappointment when I open the nicely-wrapped purchase to observe its arm positioned lower and detached from its sleeve. Not saying the arm is broken. It's just positioned away from its sleeve and the gap in between just makes the look weird. First was Johnny kris bear with the wire rope detached and uneffected waranty because the seller didn't stamp on the certificate. Man.. it's kinda mood-drowning. Perhaps I pinned too much hopes for.. satisfaction at higher-than-expected levels. I emailed the vendor and requested replacement to be processed.

Night time came when I just have to get this thorn in my mind - RT booking. It's dreadful. The schedules for selection is unconvenient for me given I have classes on Tue, Wed and Fri. Plus examination's due on 28th October and 5th November. Each RT session last three hours. Goodness, think i'll just take it as a gym session, getting reimbursed me for my attendence too..so that they could pay me more after I pass. How's that sound (?)

Well, this still doesn't bribe nor silence the frustrated inner soul, who's integri-ously having his hands on my head and shaking me awake, asking why we gotta be put through such tortitious obligations when the rest of the world ain't doing it. I mean you want the country to flourish economically, then why place so much emphasis on those who have served their commitments and you're getting fresh batches every year. It ain't physical fitness but discipline (de core) that forms the fundemental principle of the martians. But what can be done, everybody's too wimped to repel anything. The best solutions people are gonna fling at us "lgive up your citizenship and leave". It's just the same analogy as whistle-blowing.

Not suggesting havok.. just listen to what could be worked out and.. hey, we're not emphasising human rights.. just let us be what we can, be practical, and put our resources to better use, considering our options.

Indeed a rusty screw is unslightly, it holds the hinge for door

which serves as protection nonetheless.

 (Picture in courtesy of JuanJ, Flickr.)

Main lesson learnt for the blog? because life or things in life are imperfect, the more we have to discover how to notice the perfectness within the imperfectness.

De one with Project Group

Air of complaints

Honestly, those who love (I said "love", not "like" or "enjoy") project work, raise up your hand so that I could see or perhaps discharge my project load onto you. Not my fault, I'm just doing likewise what some of my projects mates are doing to me. Alright, cover your ears, Mr J's complaining.

Thanks to my low-esteem-hindered socialising, I never quite relate myself with group projects which amplifies my preference to go solo. Well, except it's mandatory for group work which I recalled once in which my group came up top and was invited to presenting at assemblies, I did fine at individual projects during primary to secondary. The other part which accounts for my dislike for group projects is the undesirable consequences of doing group project. Trust me and as most would agree, it gets alot dreadful when you have less-than-expected performance from those which the group recruited. 

Let's lay out these "undesirable consequences" shall we? First on the hussle list is "troubles in forming concesus". It involves three or more to constitute group work. It spells troubles when the members have different ideas and opinions. I'm stating a case notwithstanding the creativity, ideas-generation, equal distribution of workload so as to achieve productibility and quality of the project as a whole. Unfortunately, decision making is tough when you have people of different minds. People live apart. All these factors often land the group the initial problem of where and when to meet and approaches to completing the project. Recently, I personally encountered the problem of meeting up. We came up with a solution, pathetic but it was the best of all. We acknowledged the need to spilt up our work and just do separate parts before consolidating. "Mere patching up of individual works" we often call it. It doesn't take the reader long before he or she or he-she notice the non-cohensiveness in the completed work, nonetheless incomplete as it lacks synchonisation. Recently, Zhen Ze and I made use of technology. We applied work etiquette - net-meeting to discuss our projects.

Second hussy derives from unfairness which is inherent in every group projects. There is always a leader as well as the "under-performers", or "free-riders" or "slackers" in modern lingo. It gets off the scale as to how much work load each accepts and actually accomplish. Seriously speaking, it is group work which expose people to unfair treatments. Gurrh, I hate it when people fail to realise how much you've done. Instead of appreciating and acknowledging your contributions, they conveniently ask you this favor and that, on basis that you're free and in capacity to accomodate more. It's very sad.

Project work doesn't guarantees increased efficiency. On the contrary, it lowers efficiency when the group lacks discipline. You can have people on the laptop, distracting you with conversations or phrased-out. Definitely no no. When I'm with such members, I often pray hard for my mutation cells to evolve during my life-span for me to have special powers to control the behavior of these annoying people like a remote control!

Nevertheless, despite being an advocate towards group work, I think group work does has its beautiful sides. Apart from those earlier mention, I guess group group extends your contacts in a way and thus, builds your character in dealing with your peers sitting at the same table. Through the quality of the work they produce or notice the way they presents themselves at project meetings, you genuinely learn more about your associates. The strengths and weaknesses are identified. For me, I learnt and it teaches me who I could approach for their fortes.

Much discussed, I shall revealed today I was kinda pissed after reading what a p-mate sent me. He instructed me what to do and I.. took it in a bad way coz I felt I done quite a fair bit already. Aww.. and I reconsidered again.. it's just not worth getting too bothered. Whichever we are asked, we just help whenever we can. Taking it like a mouthful of bitter medication. It would be accounted by those above, "you-know-who". Better use the time to complete whatever there is left and expediate on closure.

De one with Flash the Red Light On!

Dear all,

If you love me please stop my "evil twin brother", Ja5on from making such gutter decisions! Goodness, he's splurging nearly a thousand for these...

 

(From top, left to right: Francois, Fritz, Johnny, Kaatje and Kumiko. All pictures in courtesy of google web and Swarovski crystal. This website has not affiliation with the sellers nor are the pictures with intentions to action sales nor purchase) 

Damn, He saw my 11 "precious" and now the appetite's gotten into him.. and these are the previous collections which had been unrevealed via the most "evil tool" he's possessed - the Internal and Ebay. *palm on forehead*

He's got them all.. "recruiting" from United Kingdom, Netherlands, Australia and US.. Jesz.. I've gotta drive some sense into this guy in me.

 

Actually, I reckon both of us fell for the cute features and the joy it brings. You know, certain things/person in life are just too perfectly adorable, its irresistible cute appearance just capitvate our hearts.

In fact, I do admit money can't buy anything. What's that? It's Love. Or to be more specific, genuine love. Well.. showering gifts to gain accompany isn't a form of buying love, it's bribing. Transfering money to have someone is providing finance assistance or even rosier, charity to the Ministry of love. True love? It can't be bought but earned through sincerity, commitment and trust. Prerequisites? Chemistry (so I supposed those doing fine at chemistry perform likewise in love?)

Alright lame. I'd think love is a lottery. When the place, time and most importantly, the person is right, it will be yours for the keeping. Joy is the winning. What about those who yet to find the right one?

For me.. I reserved a space for that special someone to claim the throne.. like all Disney cartoon characters, they have these "calefare" or bit-role characters (mostly in the form of animals which magically talks or are able to express their emotions to humans), I have these exquisite pals to accompany me, despite they aren't interractive but hey, it's just sufficient to accumulate joys from life when other aspects aren't available.

Not gonna discard these babies away but i'm sure, they contain fond memories in years to come. Very unlikely we throw our memories away do we? Such pretty artefacts that glitters charm unto my heart.

De one with Falling Petals

Petals falls, crystal clefts

Sometimes I just wanna sit down, glaze at the ceiling, anything and stone. That's precisely what I'm doing as I blog. The only parts of my body which are busy working now are my fingers and eyes.

Don't you find it amusing, somewhat miraculous most of the time certain things we desire in life end up becoming something else or worst, nothing. Most will shrug their shoulders and say "well, that's life. Everybody's accepting it. What can we do about it?". Expecting me to say likewise? Hmm.. I can deny yes, I'm afraid sometimes, it is.

Things don't go our way all the time, especially when we grow out of the protective years in which our parents pamper us with all the possiblities of making everything smooth-sailing. Pulling the focus back to me. I have education, work exposure, family's love. To top the cream, I've got one of the leading facial care, wardrobe-ful of colognes and footwear, invest-able-bags and clothing, supplementary cards, best friends, family who loves me to the brim. I maximise my lifestyle with books, tea and coffee chill-out, admire and feel rejoyed with my Swarovski collection, fair bit of jogging, occassional swim and tan sessions. Not forgetting embarking on overseas traveling experiences. Have you lovelites watched "Confessions of the Shopaholic"?.. I believe leading a life like a book, that's filled with anything, ranging from self-drawn delights, Tiffany ribbons, metals from Lee Hwa, pen-marks from colleagues on my birthday card, receipts from Orchard road, picture-freezed memories to fragments of my shattered heart.. Ahh yes.. anything but the matters of the heart. It's a bottle that's half-filled, mainly attributed by my family. Embedded it thick based is the bespoken love from those who left.

Little did I ever realise this could occur to a guy. But I am feeling it. Worried in fact, I'm running out of..  (mubbles)... I heard sighs, another staring into blankness. And.. another comes, gently places his hands on my shoulders and gives a grip. He whispers a voice which echoed a mimicking mind: Love comes to those who least expect it.

True enough, it is.. I know it's a temporary pacifier which I would grow out of. Bought so much crystal, the gleaming silver lining ought to be out someday. Trust.

De one with Most Wanted Revealed!

No, this is not MJ news

Suspense is such thrilling thing! My manager wrote on my recent birthday card: "God (Please take this as an universal love) loves the cheerful giver". These little indulgences are expensive but each and everything joy it derived me carried me through these few tough weeks.

 

All products are my purchase but hey, (in courtesy of) Swarovski logo did appear in some of the photos above.

Since little, I have always got a thing for crystal and collection. Primarily because I love having things which are complete. A set of variety within a group that's bonded/identifiable with a sense of belonging. My first crystal was an anniversary gift from my Daddy when he returned with the similar navy blue box which contained swans. When we went Australia, I collected a set of crystal bears playing musical instruments.

After more than a decade, these appeared. Thanks to the love that never fail to guide me through when torments of life are taking its toll on me. The rediscovered love from innocent. I watched this film recently, "The Boy in Pajamas".. it opens with this phrase which I felt it to be true.. "Childhood is measured by sight, smell and sense, until the evils of logic comes in". I wouldn't deny I'm a child no longer. One might feel I'm escaping back in time. No I'm not. I am moving forward with my current purchasing power, using my past experience, the fuel from a childhood's joy, to propel me forward against the challenges life has in-stored for me.

Don't you just love them?

De one with Pre-episode

Feeling Blue (in a good way)

My favorite color - blue. Anything associated with this always means good to me. That's the color of the elegant packing with contains my latest billboard list of...! Slimmer down.. shh.. it's a secret.

Lately I'm amazed I go through this crazy week. The rest were cheering me on. Thanks guys and the fighting spirit which persevered on. And lastly, "Wonder girls" for their groovy catchy award-winning song, Nobody. It's a highly recommended must listen song. The chorus' addictive! Not for the softhearted though.

Youtubed them. These korean girls can really dance. Boy, they really franked out every sexy and feminine moves, every strength a woman could possess. Award them the two-thumbs up. I must say, the dance choreographer ought to be talented. Besides, thunderous applause for the music director too. Really displayed the wonders of music. Same song, same lyrics but different versions, difference genre of music - from pop, to sentimental ballad, to groovy disco-beat.

That made me feel better. Landing me spaces to enjoy the teeny bit of life amongst the pricky grey moments. Bouncing back to high-moods or at the least, the "green" zone. Stay tune for the next blog folks!

De one with Contemplating

Sea of thoughts

Today my mood was as dark as my black outfit. Somehow I couldn't help but feel left out or astrayed. It's time I address this inner-unhappiness. Don't get me wrong. I love my job. I have a burning passion for it. But it's just the system and the way things are being administrated, it's restricting or pissing me to a certain extend. Human relationship bothers me. I hate it. Perhaps this is "politics" - a strategy I'll never master.

I am contemplating whether I ought to take a break. I texted Clara. Of course, I worked out the pros and cons mentally. Damnit, of all things I hate most is to sit on the fence. Where I know I can't "buy both, when in doubt" unlike shopping.

Perhaps I should. Maybe not. What's gonna happen next semester when I'm already struggling like mad this semester with so much projects. Ooooo boy. Wish some guardian angel or fairy god-brother would appear and give some advice.

Shhhh... there's a secret held in the heart of the little boy. Who came out of the cacoon and slip back in.

De one with Out Loud, Scream & Shout!

Let's get loud

Have the lights dimmed for the silence to fill the brightness chased away by absolute darkness. After 5 seconds, an astounding spotlight reveal itself, bring with it shimming precipitation of silver and gold dust, falling lightly onto a small figure who stands centre-stage.

"Oh.. this is thrilling" he thought, with a racing heart putting sweaty palms to work. The estasy of excitement burnt his glowing cheeks, melting upon interaction with the icy-prick from temporary pride, as well as fright - like the fusion of a solvent and solute. It's nerve-racking to be embraced with attention whenever you make your appearence yet we enjoy being a willing-subject of a crowd's focus.

Yes, that's the leo in action. I just adore this moment as though time itself had decelerated for the nano-seconds reserved, exclusively for me.

It's no use making a grandeur appearence if you can't substain. I can't. My avoidance of eye-contacts, the best companion of perilous shyness, gave me away like the clearing of mist by a hasty gust. And the de facto lead, the soft-voice.

I figured alot of things as I gazed out blankly from the cab's window. Ideas, issues and matters churning like a rotary. And the lightbulb floating above my spikey-hair came to life before it burst and engulf itself into flames. Jason needs to possess another skill. The capability to speak out fcuk*ing loud and confidently, like how highlighters do.

Emo's definately not a channel this time. Enough demagnetising people like static. Enough is enough! Speak up! Be heard! And set the inner-charisma ablazed and glorified!

De one with Joe to Complete My Birthday

Lovely ending

Don't we just hate endings. As we grew older, I guess we learnt to appreciate the process before and after. Pardon my philosophies these days. Couldn't think of better way to add fragrance to my blogies. Just bear with me alright?

I believe in having the best things in life, if they are within my capability or reach. For my birthday finale, my close friend, Ms Clara planned a two-thumbs up movie, cuddled with a first-time dinner encounter, short shopping therapy and warm coffee.

Before movie, we went for a little window shopping. Both of us concluded my shopaholicism had ceased. Can you imagine I purchased nothing after having patronised PageOne, River Island (ok there was this shirt which didn't have my size), NUM and Zara. Frugal lifestyle - spending way below my means!

G.I.Joe ain't favorably commented good without substance. Verified it with my own eyes. There wasn't much of a story line (except the good triumph over evil who tried to take over/cause destruction to the world) but you'll most likely look over this with such heart-thrilling action scenes and mind-inspiring nano-technology prototypes.

The cast were well selected. Channing was handsome, the promoter to intrigue people to catch the movie. What you expect while watching it proved more than just handsome cast. Clara commented "Anna" (Sienna Miller) was pretty. Her face was made for the spects she wore for the role in the movie.. you know..like how Famke Janssen looked in X-men 1. I thought Megan Fox was much of a Venus compared to here (if we run the "beauty cum sexy" test on both Sienna and Megan).

The above aside, both of us felt the most captivating character for G.I.Joe, Rise of the Cobra went to Snake Eyes, the hero who doesn't talk due to a silence vow he made on his teacher's death. I guess he's the real person who can fight. Those slick ninja moves and the fascinating sword moves. Wee.. you just gotta catch it. This is what's called a movie!

We had Italian food, as I requested since I wanted pizza. Modesto. It's pretty good. But I pondered why Clara had to make a reservation when it wasn't really crowded. She totally enjoyed the squishy mushroom appetizer. Nearly killed me. I must say.. the pizza (tomato, cheese and chicken sausages) complemented the "deadly" appetizer. Funny thing was, the waiter only bring us the chilli-flakes and cheese when we each had our first piece of pizza. Weird.

Clara wanted to take photos of whichever that was laid on the table. I was too fast with most of the dishes. So the food pictures end up being cut. Haha.

We had our fill, I insisted we go to Orchard coz I was looking for a mug to buy. You see, the white lovey mug I had was cracked because I had knocked it against while washing in the toilet. Damn it. Now I'm deprived of drinking from a mug. Desperately needed one. Thought I was fortunate to be able to locate one. Turns out the mugs there were all not so friendly-arranged.. all were placed closely with each other, I had trouble exercising so much caution and picking the designs, I gave up. Think it's easier if I get it at Ikea.

Went to NUM at Heeren but Clara made it inevitably short-time for me to decide whether or not to step into the store. Oh well.. look on the bright side, I didn't get to incur any cash outflow. Which is good.

I got my 4th birthday gift. Though the packaging wasn't glamorous. Erm, I just couldn't resist commenting, she didn't have time to shred the magazine, end up roll magazine like love-letters crackers to provide.. (here's the hilarious-climax) cushion for the pair of irresistibly-adorable pair of Chip and Dale pushies. Hahaha. She never fails to buy gifts which made me smile ear to ear. Plus her actions and the back-stage stories.. like she contemplated whether she really wanted to give the C&D to me because it was just too cute to be given away. Damn amusing. What are the chances that you buy presents for others which you'd like to keep it for yourself. Oh boy.. but I must admit, as much comic as the presents contained, it carries its significance of sincerity. That.. was something gifts from a close friend never lacked.

We didn't talk much over coffee or latte so to speak. Perhaps that's what to expect when you put two lethargic souls together. We did conversed over a few.

Received two birthday cards. One from my colleagues who mostly wrote I was too quiet. On this, I felt perhaps they really didn't know me well. I am a chatty person, friendly too. But my voice was soft (I'm those who would lose/hoarse my voice if I strained talking loudly for overly long). Hence, it takes one-to-one interaction and a conducive environment to pick up my talkative capabilities. Ha.

So ya, this year's birthday's definitely rosier. No birthday wishes, gave out expensive goodie bags but I'm contended enough. Hope there are more to come? Wishing all had enjoyed as much as I did. Look forward to celebrating next year's with improved adventures!

De one with Bottomless Pit

So much for love

Of all things, love is something that nobody could control or reckon with. Could it be really the workings of fate? Nah... fate just brings people at some place during some point in time.. often repeatedly. Could there really have been a Cupid who cause people at random to fall for each other?

Could this person be or not to be..that's a difficult question to clarify yourself with. Man.. what's gotten into me. I keep chanting to myself faithfully that it's no rush. Coz doing so just brings forth infactuations which ain't gonna last.

Love is a funny thing. It is a feeling. A passion that's short lived for some, yet otherwise, so powerful for some who got their lives disturbed by it. In any case, receiving love can be a problem. So does rejecting it.

I need chocolates. Life's too dull with that red and gold streak. Mr Emo go away, brush pass me and go and die.

De one with One Year Less Quarter a Century

Transition

Last year's birthday was pathetic I think (sadly). No lovely, romantic dinner. No grand celebration except rushing back from client's place to have a subtle lunch with pizzas. I don't know what's wrong. People all seemed quiet in my presence, unlike the rowdy scene when others were having their birthday. Well, at least at night my granny and cousin celebrated. Oh, and there were alot of cakes.

I reckon there's no hybrid in life. You couldn't have better things without having lose another. Likewise for this year, there were more people spending my special day with me, more presents but less cake and no birthday wish. Haha. Why? You see, my colleagues celebrated my birthday at Glasshouse Fish and Co. Their custom was to have the birthday boy stand on the chair, get the restaurant's attention and request you blow off the candle from where I am standing without bending. So the pressure with the entire restaurant gazing at you and accomplishing the challenge of blowing off the candle (was only successful on my 2nd attempt). All these just make me wanna get things done and get over with. By the time I realise I didn't make my birthday wish, it was past twelve.

Movie with a friend. UP in 3D. Pixar's productions are wonderful, starting off with the touching short animation on the "friendship" between a cloud and a stork before the main heart-opening stories of the loving promise between Carl Fredricksen and his wife, Ellie to live by "Paradise" and the friendship between an endangered bird, Carl and a little scout. It was good. Like dim sum for the heart Except! The spects was heavier than expected. It caused my ears to hurt, largely because I was not accustomed to putting on spects.

The last few minutes after I officially became one year less a quarter of a century was well-spent with my god bro and his dear one. It was a simple "suaning" ("being criticised" in Hokkien) session. The good part was they waited for me as my movie finished 30 minutes late. They got this gold present, beautifully wrapped shimmering cream-colored ribbons. Bad part, got "suan-ed" by my god bro. To make things worst, that friend I had movie with suggested ostracizing me. I couldn't admit I was.. never mind. Retain the pleasant, discard the uglier ones.

Went out to have dim sum with Daddy and cousin @ the Fortunate Restaurant. The service is pretty bad. Trust me. Lemme share what's bad service. Bad service is having to sit and wait for tea to be served, look around, trying to viy for assistance and asking for normal dim sum items such as "zi bao gai" ("paper-wrapped chicken" in Cantonese). Good service, on the other hand, is constantly being pampered with choices, promptly served with assistant, filling of tea cup, and having stuff on the table to eat without time to look up for pushcarts.

No matter how my birthday's were celebrated, certain things never change. Firstly, I am contented someone remembers. It's a day my existence was affirmed. Secondly, I'll think of my mother and unwind the deep-buried misses of the days we used to celebrate my earlier birthdays. Thirdly, the smses I get without having me to initiate. Thanks everybody.

Personally, I feel adding a year to age doesn't mean anything unless we pay attention to the wisdom we've acquired. Apart from the undeirable denial of recognising you're ageing, this year I realised along the pave in life, some people leave, others comes to stay. What's wonderful is to live life and be thankful of the footprints they left behind, like a paint-drop, filling up the chapters in my book of life.

Happy birthday to me.

De one with Ethical Presentation

Done and get over it

Like fluids along the riverbank, it approaches a coarse path and gets cloaked. The same for the blood in my brain, perhaps the flawed workings of anatomy. The spirit is rushing in reaction to my life's schedule. I attempted and failed my IPPT (Individual Physical Proficiency Test). Alright, do admit I hadn't been training. I mean I got this shoulders aching since my injury. Plus, I was sick all the way three days until test date. To make things worst, work and project pressures tagged along. The problem-cluster.

What can I do? Pray for a miracle. Yet I wonder, could it be someone's cursing or doing voodoo on me. Aww.. I truly DON'T WANT remedial training.

Nevermind about today. I recalled on National Day, we were preparing for this ethics presentation on a prescribed case study. Was high on drugs for my influenza. Remember clearly my entire body was heated up. Well, commitment over social-responsibility, I just had to be there. Else, we wouldn't be as prepared today.

Was supposed to have meeting for rehearsal. End up certain agenda called for my necessary absence. Turn up I was late today because I needed to get something for my client (since I'll be returning and expecting my last day there). Reason for the gift? It's because they have been so hospitable and nice to me. Old lady making milo and asking me to drink plenty of water and.. I stayed late yesterday, she had to stay (later than usual) because I was pushing for my audit. Then she brought me a packet of cheese biscuits and hot water because the office was pretty cold (centralised airconditioning.. you know how bad it was).

Despite rushing in a cab, i was 15 minutes late. Felt guilty. During break time, my team rehearsed to let me have a feel of how the flow's gonna be like. When the turn came, all of us were nervous. Or at least I was. Stage fright was something that could only be controlled if I've been repeatedly doing this for a few times. When y turn came, I knew I had to use the mic. To play it safe. The previous two speakers didn't use any mic. I knew roughly what I needed to say but you know.. during the actual, we kinda didn't perform as well as we expected.

The paper (my script) was trembling in my hands. To conceal my flaws, decided it's best to have it placed on the table and spoke on improvision. Never liked eye contact but I tried my best to overcome, looking in the direction of the audience yet not concentrating on any of their faces. At times, maintained eye contact with the lecturer (to get through what I'm trying to explain). So ya.. there was a handful of concurrent actions. Was controlling my speech, sometimes my hand-gestures tend to bring the mic away and I have to bring it back near my lips to be heard. Thank goodness. At the end of the day, we got 7 out of 10. Fair enough for me. But my teammate was pretty disappointed from his despaired expression.

We received feedbacks from our classmates after that. They said I was the wisest. Thanks to the mic. One asked why our words were pink (actually it was red on the laptop screen) when the entire team consist guys. To make things worse, two of us wore T-shirt which read "Brokeback mountain". Hilarious.

Oh well.. what's done is done. There is still a loadful of projects to come and cared for.

So much for striving for a frugal lifestyle, I cabbed home again.. did some weights lifting. Dumbbells actually. Hopefully.. for all the luck in the world, look forward to having a pass by next tues. Else, my worst nightmare will come.

De one with Last Week

Recovery

Received a message from Clara this morning announcing the demise of Loo on his flight to some place 6 hours apart. Despite being dizzy-headed (most probably last night's flu-medicine and the paracetamol to blame), I couldn't help but be amused by the contents. I replied, the way she put it was as though Loo was Kenny died in SouthPark(though I have never watched any episode) and you know, his friends said "there goes Kenny" without any facial expression... like those cartoon characters saying calmly that their friend got blowned away, so random that you couldn't help but sense the inferred joke.

It seemed like only yesterday I was out with this buddy. Last Saturday to be exact. My good friend Loo Wan needed to do some last minute shopping - things on this "peace or hell" list which was crucial to the outcome of his overseas attachment cum vacation at Holland. Still lost? Don't be. He was caught in a dilemma of getting a new camera or just an additional battery for his existing one. Holiday at Europe, taking pictures are too good to be miss, don't you agree?

So we met with my neck still intact..thankfully it wasn't aching so much, just that I couldn't turn as I wished. Sidetrack abit.. ya.. it's been what? 4 days and it ain't healing back then. Went to chinese physician, he said it would take 3 days to recover. My family GP said it will take a week. Today, res ipsa loquitur, it's taking more than 2 weeks. Still aching randomly.

Back to Saturday, we had a sumptuous lunch at Sakae sushi. I mean literally. Two of us tabbed the bill at $90 ought. We tried a couple of new stuff.. like hotplate Unagi (Loo kept telling me it was nice), softshell crab (this being my firsttimer experience), cold salmon dish. There were the usual.. cheese tori, chawamushi, miso soup, 9 plates of gunkan shushi, tuna-shashimi salad (Clara wasn't here, so we did away with her all-time favourite sakea salad..eeewkk.. the jellyfish makes me legs go weak, lol). It was so much the table wasn't enough to fill. So we had to do alot of first-in-first-out eating strategy. Damn rush. By the end of it, Loo didn't want to leave. We came to conclusion it was Clara's fault for not turning up, else we'd be so full. Haha. Anyway, we reminded ourselves of the agenda for today. Only did I pay at the cashier did I realise my card expired. So did my birthday voucher attached with the ex-card. No choice, reapply again. Anymore drama? Loo and I "waged war" on who's going to pay. Haha.. obviously I won. Reason? We both had OCBC card, my membership claimed victory.

It took us a few minutes to plan our route. So we headed to Marina cause he was looking for a Sony shop. Only when we arrived there did we figured my mistake. The "sony" store turned out to be "Creative". Haha. Fortunately, he managed to get his disposable underwear and waistpouch at Traveller's. Pretty ex though. But the undies were selling 20 cents per piece. Provided it last for two days.

We made our way back to Raffles where Loo wanted to browse at G2000. Apparently there was a sale. But no luck. So we headed down to Sim Lim. I tell you, it's amazing.. you could learn so much there. We went to two stores and they taught us what's the pros and cons of a "genuine" Sony battery and a "compatible". You see, the "genuine" Sony battery cost around $54-58 but last shorter than its counterpart. Might be due to certain production cost budget or ISO standards (they wouldn't want the battery to go bursting the cameras). Compatible provides more power at around 40% price cheaper but risk leakage problem which ends up spoiling the camera too.

Besides this, Loo needed a SD-card reader which he managed to get. The former purchase was conclude-less as his brother could get a new battery for less than $20.

I bought a book - "Millionnaire next door" as recommended by Chin Yu. As much as I am enthusiastic in reading it, current life schedule and health doesn't seemed to permit me to. Sigh.

Completing our purchase for the day, we dropped by TCC at Bugis. There was a pretty few "NEW" stuff in their menu. Since our stomachs were still filled from lunch, we had drinks and some light-snacks (ie Vege-quinche and nachos). Ok, so much for light snacks. We had an hour plus chat.. concerning our future, girls and me adopting his children, current friends issue and.. most importantly, I confided all my problems with him. I was expecting otherwise. Or I wasn't pretty sure of the reaction Loo might have to the things I was confiding it. Turns out he was ok with it and even consoled me. Which was unexpectedly good.

It was a Saturday well spent. Friend. Lunch. Shopping. And chat over coffee. Life couldn't get better. And I shall dedicate this blog to my good friend Loo, whom I shall not see the next 5 months, likewise as I've texted.. take care and remember to email us. Have fun and do come back in fit-piece. ;)

De one with Gamble

Risk-taking day

Never knew what it means by "waking up on the wrong side of the bed" until this morning. Yes, bad things happened again. *Lifts both palms up, in a surrender manner*. Not being pessimistic but it's true.

First things first, my aching neck and shoulders resumed its bad condition - Merciless sharp pain. Ouch! No signs of improvement. Seems as though the previous agonies were tolerated for nothing. Which also leads to serious doubts over the medication I'm feeding myself past two days. As much as I feel annoyed with my unfavourable health condition, there's nothing I could do to make life easier.

I couldn't but feel overwhelmed with guilt for not turning up at work during this crucial time when my jobs are due for clients' submission. Called back office, had a chat with my manager and understand that my existing jobs were, to my discontent, showing a fair bit of problems. Most of these post-review points requires couple of amendments. This was disappointing but not the least. The "worst part" was feeling awfully-terrible having learnt that my colleagues in office are slogging to clear my mess. I was disgusted with myself coz I've always strongly believed it's alright to help others but never have others bear the responsibility, on my behalf, over something caused by my fault or folly. You see, self-responsibility means a great deal! Personally!

As much as I wanted to head back to office, there was nothing I could do. Rebec advised me to pray to God. I said my faith wasn't that strong. He wouldn't help me for sure. So.. Jasons decided for me to sleep over it.

Came afternoon, a dispirited self wanted to call off the appointment arranged with Chin Yu a week ago. However conscience caught up with me, cause me to feel kinda bad should I back-paddle now. Thus, decided to clenched my teeth, bear the ache and head to Ion as planned. As much as I needed to get out to have some fresh air, I was kinda worried about two things. Firstly, whether my back condition might be aggravated. Secondly, what if my colleagues spot me outside when I'm supposed to be resting at home. Wuaoo.. I felt so small and strange being at Orchard mrt which obviously transformed so much (mainly because I had been traveling to work cabbing). It took me 3 minutes to figure out the path to Ion entrance and see my good friend (who's here on his 4th trip). Man.. I feel so uninformed and.. small because this new shopping mall is complicated and huge.

Chin Yu wanted to try this chinese restaurant.. but the food wasn't to my liking. So we travel some 200 metres and located this Japanese DIY teppanyaki, SHO-Teppan. The food concept is obvious - hot plate. Something like Pepper lunch, except it's one step before the practice at Pepper lunch where the food was sizzling by the time it was served. At SHO-Teppan, ingredients like the meat, eggs are served raw. You place it on this thermal glass (expensive capital assets) and wait for the cooking to begin (that accounts for the "DIY" print on their promotional menu).

Prices hovers around $9.90 to $14 bucks(?).. meals comes in teppanyaki or soup-based choices..accompanied by a miso soup and salad. Drinks sold separately. Worth the price. But well..it's something that will most likely bored your tastebud if you been there like twice. For someone who loves hot-plate.

Chin Yu introduced the 1-2nd floors are for (price) middle-range products. The top floors are for high-range. It's true. Harry Winston, International Watches moved in. LV, Bally, Prada? well..the standards.

I bought two pairs of Havaianas. Bearly did I know though the brand is common, this store, Havaianas and NUM are in fact competitors. How do I know? We were patronising the loggerhead-store at Heeren and the store assistant asked permission to see what their counterparts are selling. Sigh.

There wasn't much to shop for. Perhaps because we had what we wanted for the day. I remembered walking around with my arm pressing my shoulders to massage in desperate hopes to ease the ache. The important thing I've learnt is.. Chin Yu told me of this book, Millionaire Next Door. For those who didn't know, it's a best-seller some years ago, written by a researcher Thomas J Stanley, on the rules and secrets of the elites or wealthy people in US. I do agree to what Chin Yu briefed about the contents of the book. It made me reconsider about my lifestyle. Not being rich. Just what's going on with my satisfied yet uncontented lifestyle. Hmm.. I do admit it is wrong. He mentioned "frugal" (means "fiscal self-restrain"), caught my attention like a nail in the head. Hmm.. this is an interesting book which I ought to have my hands on.

Finally, apart from my friends, something for me to indulge myself in!

De one with Recent

Pain in the neck

Honestly, I have no idea how one could sprain their necks. Ridiculous as it sounds but it really does happen... on me. My colleagues and friends asked in concerned about the cause. Could barely figure out the reason myself. Had dinner with Max on Monday. Didn't buy anything. Next morning I woke up, showered and my left shoulder-blade felt a sharp pain. Since then, the agony begun and waged on till this very day.

Agony brought drama. As it was too excruciating to move my neck around literally, I had to take medical leave. Got Mama to fetch me to this Chinese physician at Ang Mo Kio Ave 4. There, we learn I had inflammation - the bottom of my neck was red and swollen all the way till my shoulders. Sounds bad. He rubbed some medication before sticking this medicated pad of chinese herbs on my back, scrotch-typed. It's ugly but I couldn't care less.. I'd wear anything just as long as I get healed.

Everybody told me I needed rest. Yes. But the traumatising experience is having to feel the sharp pain everytime I get up. Sigh. I texted Efi saying I feel like ripping my head off my body. Sleeping at night was troublesome too. Every movement concerning the turn of my body, neck, arms, sneezes and yawning would trigger the "sting" on my back. It disturbed my sleep, waking me up 2-3am.

Yesterday night, I figured if I sleep face-down, it helped reduced the impact of the pain. So all I did was to lay face-down before I retard my turn to lie on my back. Just had to do the reverse to get up. Torturous.

Went back to the chinese physician in hopes of getting further treatment. End up in vain. He was right la.. massaging or "tui na" would only worsen the swelling. Hence, left with no choice, we headed back to Western medical aid which was why I found myself waiting in the queue to see my family general physician some 10 minutes later.

She gave me a jab. On my bottom. It's abit embarrassing. What else could be done if the boy wants rapid parting with his sour-ache nightmare?! The painkiller jab didn't take effect until late afternoon. Prior this, I was back at home, like a helpless paralysed "vegetable".. inconvenient at making much movements. The best thing to do was to nap. Like H advised, the best is to take advantage of this time to rest and only by doing so will my health get restored so I could get back to work.

Speaking of work, all my jobs are pressing for my attention. All at its final laps - the review and final clearing of points. Deadlines are tomorrow and hell..there's only so much we or I could do, given my unplanned-for health situation, it appears nothing allows for any damage-control. Nor possible.

I told Clara, this frustrating drama might most likely seeded from bad karma. All my goodest friend promoted was her "brillant" old wives' tale of BBQ-ing my pillows under the scorning sun. Oh boy, her promotion period lasted damn long lor...

Back again on the karma, am i thinking too much? Don't wish to. My neck doesn't permit me anyway.

De one with Hiatus

Glad to be back

The month of June wasn't a good one for me, given what happened. Don't worry, I'll shall be blogging about it in blogs to come. And.. well, you shall get a re-enread of these past few weeks.

Right now, it seems my hands are full, juggling components of life: Deadlines from work, friends' accompany, sorting my chaotic feelings. It's sick. Like D said, that's life and we gotta keep moving, even when it means dragging ourselves from standstill.

I've always known possessing the traits of an introvert is my curse. It's something I've been trying to deal with. Trust me, it's a tough fight. It's true the saying goes "a leopard would never change its spots". Suppose that couldn't be more appropriate here.. no matter how much concealers or makeup would even help my innate flaws.

Oh well.. My epic idol once commented "I'm not God, it's impossible for me to please everyone". That's true. Take it or leave it. And no looking back.

The glitter never sparkles every minute. It needs alittle polishing to revive the glamor.

De one with Westepedition

Exploring Singapore

Clara suggested I should very well name this blog "Journey to the West". Firstly, I was afraid China media or some writers might press charges against me. Hah! Secondly, it's a little corny don't you think? Ok la.. shall be mercy on the a Saturday morning.. not good coz my stomach's feeling weird. Wanna k-po about the reason? Stay tune for next blog. Haha.Let's not divert shall we.. The time was 6:40.. still no sign of my friend who texted me earlier that she's gonna try to be here (Boon Lay) by 6:30. Ended up she conceived a plan to take a ridiculously-long trip onboard bus 166 to fetch her from AMK to Clementi mrt. Thereafter, mrting down to Boonlay. Sigh. I was like a living eye-candy from middle-Singapore, stationing at the entrance of the newly extended Jurong Point while the "Western dwellers" feast their eyes. Ok kidding. Well, I had good view to make me forget about the boredom from waiting. Was eyeing on the condo which is still under construction I believe, but still visible. And I thought it's nice isn't it? To own a condo located just above a shopping mall. Notwithstanding the noise pollution in the presence of the MRT line located too close the building.

The late-princess finally turned up, warning me of my "pissed" look as she approached me. Like two crazy kids (threatening to struggle each other's neck), we begun our expedition. Wuao.. JP's changed alot. Still as crowded but it's goodbye to the miserable shopping mall. It didn't take very long before we landed ourselves at Billy Bombers (well.. lady's choice). I'm impressed what hunger can work its magic on human. Here in front of me sat a lady who's never mindful of the food she eat - Baked salmon with cheese-included-mashpotatoes, accompanied with thick and creamy chocolate-milkshake! Ok la.. everything at BB's all carbo-packed. My dory fish and chip was sinful enough. Side dish was the same as slim Clara's, completed with a kiwi and peach soda (erm, bad choice). Dinner was contentful nonetheless except my drink :: disappointing.. taste pretty much like perrier water and a pinch of sugar.

Leaving out the entertainment over dinner was a No-no. Like always, I commented on Clara's milkshake, uninvited. She kept emphasizing the taste resembles the good-old milkshake from MacDonalds. I kept explaining the milkshake contains so much milk, chocolate powder and every other things disgustingly-fattening. The outcome, she drank every single drop of the drink of sins. Faint.

If you don't mind the agony of traveling distance and street brands, I'm sure you'd love JP, gals. For guys, quite a nice place to bring your gfs to and watch them splurge your wallets empty. Nothing much for guys there. I didn't get to buy anything except this Kawagana store. Now this store sells all kinds of tidbits. Most are old school stuff. Like those soft candies (the most famous flavor was grapes), candies in a can with a basket of fruits printed on it, waffle biscuits, cereals, maggie mee. There are rare stuff such as Kiwi flavored Pokki. Be ready to be spoiled for choices (especially for first-timers *wink*). Perhaps the indecisiveness can be managed when you sight the price tags. From those I've saw, prices on range from $4.50 to $45 (tin of Hello Kitty butter cookies). I contributed over 50 bucks to their annual revenue hor! Ok, enough of that, they don't pay me advertising fee. Please don't view me as their ambassador too.

I didn't want this JP checking-out trip to be about me buying things. It was for my friend - something decided right from the beginning. Indeed, she spent on clothing. I spent on the tidbits which were too irresistible. So proud of myself la.. not having bought my usual stuff.

What's more about the extended JP? Spare the usual suspects like Zinc store, street-brand stores, Old Chang Kee, Adidas and the heartland jewelery shops, there was a POSB atm which allows you to make withdrawals of $200 at minimum (something new or am I just ignorant of this in city?), there's a link which delivers a few metres of Japan scene. Here you are able to spot a few japanese restaurant. There was a store which sells all those unique stuff. Take for example, a big wheeling/rotary-rack for footwears. It has 12 slots, sounds like an ideal house for my collections of slippers and shoes right? Not so pricey at $100+. It's worth it when you see it yourself! However, it's quite space consuming coz it's requires a space where you put those cupboard-shoerack. Ya.. so I reconsidered announcing my purchase and conjuring my wallet.

My feet was on the brim of exhaustion (coz I feel it aching..dude, my feets are showing symptoms of ageing). After Clara's final stop at Levi Signature, we hopped into the cab. The night was still young but all the shops were closed. BUT! That was not the end. The night continued while we were on the cab. I noticed the cabbie behaved weirdly. He seemed unresponsive towards our questions. I insisted on sending Clara home first. She suggested otherwise. Only did we reach Adam's road to make me realise Miss Scatterbrain was right - It's better to drop me off first. When we communicated our change of course, the cabbie didn't acknowledge. Seemed like a communication blackhole or something going on.

Then came the money-struggle part. Funny. She knew I hate taking money out of my wallet and having it rejected. She still like this. Same old same old. Well, so much for the live cab-drama to conclude our expedition at JP.

That's west down for now. Left with the East to conquer. Woohoo!

De one with Awakening

Saw some light

How's Sunday? Account for it before I share mine, which you can read more here. Woke up around 11 am. Man.. it just getting late and later with each weekend. Probably a little exhausted from yesterday evening's outing.

Yesterday evening had dinner with my close and good friends. I was late - the usual. Being a latecomer, I had to decide and what the heck, we landed ourselves to Fish N Co. @ Suntec. 5 minutes after settled down, my Jude went dishing off the table, landing some 20 metres away after we placed our orders. I didn't stand up nor did I grasp in horror. Just waited glamorously for the waitress to pick up my cellphone and accept it with a "5 carat" smile in appreciation.

I revealed the cause of this dinner - to celebrate the goodest of best news aka. " I cleared all the papers from last semester!" Which means I'm on track to graduation.

Loo had the Swordfish with rice (which makes him the "Hill Red (bukit merah) boy" coz that dude battled hard with swordfish over the 1 hour dinner!). Paste with prawns for Clara. All-time New York Fish n Chips for myself. We had a slight competition with the couple sitting on our right (Loo's left). Despite us outnumbering them by 1 person, they seemed to finish their calamari alot faster than us! I was surprise my gestures were fine all day. I wanted to tell Loo (who sat opposite me) without letting our competitors heard/see me talking about them, I had the sovereign covering my right as I mouthed and use my eye as directors. Lol.

If that's not bitchy enough, here's more - we kinda bit** about everyone. Including the guy sitting next to Loo, whom Clara couldn't help getting irritatingly-distracted by his shaking-foot. Yup.. perfect bit**ing dinner we had.

Oh.. Loo shared his talent on earning himself the prospect of "face-geometry". Taught us of the beauty of having our plates finished clean and warned about the consequences of landing up with a future spouse with face full of blemishes/acne according to the leftovers on our plates. Sounds familiar? Clara and I were "tingling" with our decipher of housewives tales.

We laughed alot, being lame and bit**ing.. witnessing Loo's half-successful battle with his meal. That dude kept wasting a heck lot of effort with his meal just because he mixed up his utensils. Like using the fork to scrap the flesh of the fried fish and holding it in place with the sppon which otherwise had been efficient using the other way round. I couldn't take anymore and borrowed the un-used cutter from Clara, the spoon for calamari and giving buddy a hand. Trust me guys, next time, never ever have your dates eating this dish coz it wears you out just to have the swordfish eaten-clean. *Menace grin*

We wanted to proceed with the "Ben's and Jerry's" expedition (proposed from our previous dinner). Turns out we foregone it because all the shops were closed by half-past nine. Well, what's good was Loo decided on buying a bike. Which was literally cheap. Prices were slashed from hundred bucks to below hundred and as low as a cent off 60.

Left with no alternatives, the trio parked ourselves at Starbucks for chill-out. It's funny..really, more throat-slashing talks, discussions and laughs over people at work, our talked-about-but-never-fulfilled overseas trip this August, inconsiderate people stealing our sofa-seats. God-forgive-me, I commented the girl who swooped over to the sofa seats - our long awaited target right from the first minute we stepped into the cafe. Just don't understand, she isn't pretty, still wear a thigh-revealing jeanie-shorts. I said out aloud, she must have had a 28.5 waistline. Oops. Anyway, she and her boyfriend, two person occupying a four-seater sofa seat. (pretty inconsiderate dotcha think?). And worst, they kept taking photos with flashes. Goodness, the cafe was brightly lit.

Poor Clara had work early tomorrow. To make her life even more miserable, she had eye-infection. She even mentioned about her plans for lasik coz the cause of her infection was due to the contacts she worn. Well.. Loo and I considering Botox for ourselves. Bet Clara rolled her eyes like 1080 degress. Metaphorically of course. Lol. Hence, we never stayed long. By 11pm, we were out and waving goodbyes to Loo at the MRT. The remaining took a cab.

After sending Clara, the cabby was abit funny when he started conversation with me. Topic was about life being hard and not having earned enough money. Alot of things went through my mind. Perhaps "he's implying for me to give him more tips".. or "he's just complaining or whinning".. I seriously don't have an answer to that. I was accomodating him, finding it tough to use the appropriate mandarin words to communicate effectively with him. He has four children. Life must be hard for him.

Back to Sunday. Today. I continued where I last left my midnight-oil work. Realised I was kinda stuck and gave myself a break with Lipstick jungle. It was then I realised I have to blog about this.

I believe things or events occur in our lives for a reason (regardless for now or later). For me, perhaps the conversation with the cabby was to make me aware there are worst-off people. Two ways to perspect this. One: to treasure what I already have. Two: to stop being miserable about myself because I ought to realise how fortunate I am compared to others.

Honestly, the person I let down most is myself. Always undermining my potential. Feeling sorry for myself because of little setbacks which are incomparable to those magnified problems of others. Like Mohan said, I yearn too much for things which are not there and neglecting those which I already have.

Thus, I need to restructure myself, priorities, life. I'm a person who do as I deem fit.. with emotions. It's time to sprinkle some rationality in to govern my thoughts. Item one, I have announced my plan for Hume's Avenue. Perhaps a plot of land would be better. Alright, maybe this is not a good example.

How about improving my grades? Hmm.. learn my ropes at work. I am sick of scrapping too. It's not enough building glass laddles. It's safer to strengthen my foundations in my knowledge. Gonna reinforce my laddle with concrete or steel.

I'm losing my touch on stamina. Yup, that's something I gotta work on. What else.. hmm..saving fund? It's feasible. Right? Wait.. changed Jason's covering my mouth.. talking too much is useless. Revealing too much either. Time to conceive plans in silence.

De one with Finally Saturday

Relaxed

All the late sleeping to be blamed, I woke up only around 10+ when the handphone buzzed and lighted with text messages. One asking whether I'd like to go suntanning, the other asking if I was awake. Another asking if I was going out today. All got me smiling - a good sign to start a brand new day. After a week of hectic work.

Nothing to eat. So I did my daily ritual of brushing teeth and face-cleansing while I left the water boiling before I proceed to cook maggie mee with sausages and cheese to complete it off. Y'know, adding cheese makes the soup more nutritieous. hehe.

To make my Saturday morning even fabulous, there's caramel frappacino - left it in the fridge when I bought my dinner last night.

Today's nothing much. Decided to let my mind rest. Log onto MSN, earn some friendly talks, listen to cool songs. Life's like this. Isn't it great?

I searched the internet and landed with this.. pictures of the house of an uprising star on my idol list, Zac Efron. This is the kinda house I want (in courtesy of its owner and google).. need.. must have.. maybe I should consider buying a plot of land at Hume's Avenue instead. Haha.

What do you want in your house? Ask me ask me! Tsk tsk..

I need a living room which opens to the pool. Love white couches. So i could nap on while reading a book. Or watch TV when I'm lonely. Oh yes..carpeting so I could play board games or sit on to do work on a low glass table.

A kitchen. I cook. The best with a central counter top in the middle of a spaceous kitchen. Oven would be necessary, could get Clara to come over to bake me some cookies or cake. Haha. Of course, a hidden fridge large enough to store all the tonnes of groceries which happens everytime I land myself in NTUC.

Bedroom must have space for a Queen size bed (not very greedy for a King size). Must have carpet too coz I love the feeling of setting my feet on the warm cosy carpet whenever I got off the bed. Ok.. I am aware of the chore of regular vaccuming for the carpet. Hehe. Lighting must be good. It creates ambiance.

There must be bathrooms. Two of them as a minimum. Each of different design. One must have a shower. The other equipped with a bathtub.

A MUST HAVE would be wardrobe room! Reason is obvious. I need it to hold my shirts, pants, T-shirts, bermuders, running attires, slippers, shoes, belts, ties, caps, cufflings, colognes, bags... hehehe

A study room cum library. In fact, I have lots of books. Better have some hidden bookshelves would be cool.

Awww. A pool would be cool. So whenever I can go out jogging, I could burn enough fats through swimming in privacy. A suntanning bed. Don't know why.. but i just love suntanning by the pool. Or I could have an indoor suntanning bed? haha.

Car garage? Not so soon.. might consider that..perhaps in years to come ba.. high maintenance eh..

Hmm.. what else I need.. oh well..tt's all. Hehe.

De one with Full of Ironies

Fighting dilemma

If you have too much money, you might realise there are things you can't buy or having bought things you wouldn't derive joy in.

It's even funnier when you finally have that something which you have wished throughout a lifetime, and all you find yourself doing is something stupid, like pushing it away with all the excuses or sensitive thoughts and doubts on whether all that's happening is too good to be true.

Only when things are coming to an end does the heart fond for delay.. particularly when things are over do we treasure it further. Abit too late huh..

Faintz.. man and their lives full of ironies.

De one with Better Results

Nearly cried

... when I was onboard 851 en route o Bukit Batok where my client's place will be. Jude in my arm, flashing its blank screen as I waited for the login page to load on my web browser with undoubtly- high anxiety as well as anticipation (measured by the rapid heartbeats).

In last than a minute, the downloaded screen completed to reveal a set of small text. I double tapped to expend the screen to get a visible sight of my results. Tears of joy filled to the brim of my eyes as I witness the set of positive results flashed before me.

I let out a sigh of relief. As though by doing so all the tremenduous pressures weighted on my shoulders would be released. Finally, I passed all my modules. Most unexpected, thank god, was I managed to get a 5 marks passing grade despite my unforgettable mistake in my tax computation (plucked the wrong figure into the beginning).

I closed my browser and proceeded sharing my joy with Rebecca, senior and my closest friends (Mohan, it's expensive to message you when you are still in London). Happy-head over heels was what I described myself when Rebecca texted to ascertain how I must be feeling.

Perhaps it's the Tiffany ring which brought me luck. Perhaps its the miracle of my answered prayers. All in all, something which was lost sometime ago, returned and derived other than Tiffany.

Hipp-hipp-hooray!

De one with Food Exhibition

On sick leave

I think I'm getting worse at this. First thing first I had a headache as I buried my face in my pillow and chipmunks. My granny's voice screaming for me and my cousin to wake up for work - unlikely occurrence on me. That moment I thought, I couldn't turn up at client's place like this so I searched the bed for my Jude (Samsung hp) and have my aunt on the line to plead her to make an medical appointment on her way through the neighborhood market place.

Wasn't really bad. Just couldn't focus on functioning normally. Oh dear.. It's abit agonising. Ate breakfast, didn't bother changing or tidying my hair and proceeded to the clinic. Controls are tight nowadays. Looks like everywhere are taking precautious measures, such as filling up a register of visitors. It's good. Not complaining. Well, the doctor whom I consulted was abit unprofessional. She sticked the thermometer in my mouth and expected me to answer her questions. Sigh.

Couldn't care, i got medication.

Didn't nothing much but get all the rest I could. Watched an epidsode of Lipstick Jungle or two.. Mama (my aunt) wants to go to this food festival held at Expo. Recently I realised I could get ready alot faster than I normally take. Perhaps I cared less abou details.

My expectations never failed me, the undesirable crowd situtation was true. Well, I guess it's unavoidable. Essential too. Else the food exhibition wouldn't be look like one. Moving through, the stalls weren't fantastic. Neither were the assistants or food. Probably because all were local products.

The only thing which marvelled me was the marketing strategies they use. Its the old-school pasar malam tactic - any 3 for $10. Haha.. classic example of selling children's clothes/power ranger berms at our night markets. They make things appear cheaper through bundle selling. I was at this bah kua counter and the aunty next to me was sharing with her friend/relative: "Cannot la.. buy 500gms they don't have anything free to offer. (The free packet of pork floss is available only with the 1kg purchase)". Living example of a prey of successful marketing strategy.

I was trying my best to keep my enthusiastic ( was pretty much looking for something offering international food) as I had to accompany my aunt. I am sure she love to buy alot. Apparently she didn't, doing her decision making.. with me providing her with fast calculations. All we bought was a few packets of popcorn chicken, a container of DoDo products and bah gua.. Haha

Wanted to birdnest from this horse-brand. But Aunt discouraged me, counter-offering with her volunteer to purchase at other places she had in mind. Lol. It's not my fault. I merely voiced what I wanted and other people will provide alternatives and having themselves volunteering. Is that what it meant by "spoiled child"?

On our way back, I insisted taking a cab. Failed on my first attempt at Expo. I obliged to take the MRT pass Tanah Merah. When we board the main East-west line, I came in hard on taking a cab from Bedok. My aunt succumbed but well, she complained a couple of times on me wasting money. My stand was..don't people take cabs for long distance journeys? And why bother squeezing like sardines when I'm having frozen food in my carrier.

Came home, did nothing much. Was on msn, replying emails and thinking what I am missing in life. Right now, I'm gonna invest my time thinking of what I've been missing.. gotta derive happiness-sustainability. Tiffany's one of them. Now I am craving for more (less materialistic things perhaps) *wink*