De one with OHP of transparency

Life philosophies

Puzzled over what "OHP" means? I doubt they still use these in school. Or perhaps in some they still. OHP is the abbreviation for Overhead Projectors. During secondary school days, apart from upgrading from black to white boards, teachers used transparencies (A4 plastic sheets) placed onto a lighted screen and transpose whatever that's written on the source onto a projection drop, using the techniques of periscopes.

Say what you mean and mean what you say.  (Someone changed it to "Say what you wanna say, Mean what you meant to say" Lol! Aiyah, pretty sama sama ("same" in Malay) la). One of the bedrock of my life philosophies. It's heart-gripping and troubling to conceal anything form anyone. It takes years to master the art of deception. Why waste our youths on learning something that would only come haunting us with "ballot lots" of regrets in later years.

I think such philosophies enable the development of self-confidence. It ain't just plain clinche conscience on the discussion table here since it's not entirely based on integrity, rights and wrongs. It involves a balanced share of pragmatism and exposing our inner selves.

Revolutionising social values have degraded our thoughts and thus, our behavior inaugural  to conform to socially deemed benchmarks. Some conspire. Others refused. It's a superficially subjective and double-edged sword.

As extreme as I could be, I try to be easy-going without compromising my principles. This is when the rational reasonable man theory comes in. No. Not "the". Lemme rephrase it to "my" personal opinion of the rational reasonable man (hereafter known as "RRM"). Technical terms? The best fit definitions of the RRM would be someone who is able to withstand 64% emotional and 36% logic.

Why the above proportion? Take double laws for example. In court, equitable laws precedes common laws. My analogy based the scales as a representative of human emotions (which inherent moral values, ethics and other stuff which have no definite rights from wrongs), the sword as an instrument symbolising human logic (which governs our knowledge, speech, decisions).

It is okay to have firm in decision and instinct the triumphany of thoughts over feelings. Tip alittle towards the latter yields flexibility. Vice versa, relied backwards on the former conjures rigidity. And the amazing reign of separation between both is transparency.

Widen your wavelength for self transparency.. I think this was something I studied during organisational behavior.. arh! Johari Windows!

With reference to the color abstract (in courtesy of aborsarwat.blogspot) above, transparency grows when we widen the yellow "open" window. Known to others and known to self reduces cognitive discomfort to others (in trying to know and get along better) and self (concern with what others think or feel about us). Yes, the course of "open" expansion is transparency.

To aid faster expansion, we call upon the "brothers and sisters": understanding, communication, honestly... Most of the time, it works. If it doesn't, like Patty Smyth and Don Henley had propagated, sometimes love just ain't enough.

Can't believe I'm saying this but there's an impressionable chinese phrase "xin1 ai4 rong2 yi4, xiang1 chu3 nan2". But I think bonding requires mutual transparencies. Let's not be an a** defending privacy. Honestly, privacy is an entitlement which has been pretty infringed or intruded with advanced development of technology. Some retains. Others doesn't. The best living examples are celebrities.

For the general population of us who does possess minimal privacy, why not take it as a gift which can be shared with the ones we love and care for. It's free-of-charge if that's the way to put across the thifty, or meant it as a comfort to those who are less fortunate.

Nobody loves opaque all the time, we rather prefer it clear.. if we ain't comfortable, there's always a chance to purchase curtains for refurbishment. Haha.. can't believe I'm behaving creating ideas like Dan Brown. Purely fiction!

De one with NUS

Tuesday with the Open book, Three Rings and Raise-paw Lion

It seemed like yesterday since I've clashed lectures at local universities. Haha. The last time was at NTU, with my ex or Clara, I hardly remember. But it's fun nevertheless. Doubled the fun with thrills of infiltrating into the crowds. Imagine doing that say 3 years later. I wonder if my looks are passable for me to do so.

Appointed with Eric and Gabriel (army campmates) to have lunch. Turns out I was delayed at the lawyer's office administrating the completion of Jimson's case. Although my helpful Crayon was informative in the directional texts, when I was on ground, I kinda lost my way and called Gabriel for help.

It was nice to see my fellow specs again. The first greeting I got from Gabriel was "It's good you've got my as a live-GPS".. which I felt was warm. If that's not warm enough, Eric "chop" this seats at the Art's faculty canteen which was under the sun la.. eventually, both my "hosts" decided to fetch me to the upper level where it was air-conditioned with "Lerk Thai" and "Burger King". According to them, these are more expensive. We had Thai cuisine though which was average. Only alittle over-priced. Must be the charges for the cool environment.

We chatted merrily about army times, updates of each other, what are their future career paths. Apparently, I realised none of us changed much. Perhaps our hair grew longer. But personality wise, we remained the same. So were our memories. It didn't take long before Crayon arrived that I decided to toned down the conversation. Kinda felt bad he came and wasn't into the conversation. And I pre-empt he might feel intimidated because my company were seniors.. seniors who succeeded in their studies. We parted hastily as we were running late. Aww... so wonderful seeing them.

BUT! This is when the next segment of the day begins. The lecture hall. The appearance of the LT bears resemblance of those in NTU. You have an elevated corridor and declined platform which leads to the doorways to LT. They have this "Lecture in progress" signal on the top of right entrances. Reminds me of those operation rooms exteriors.. spare the difference in color.

It pretty filled. The lecture. Oh, the lecture or should I comment on the lecturers. There were accounting and law. Both were very interesting people, employing different lecturing techniques to delivery their teaching objectives. The accounting had song effects and bitchy conversations. Law lecturer was hilariously long-winded like a primary school teacher and shown us videos with her in it. Not bad, there were cat-calls when she made her appearance. Ha.

Here's the juicy part. Crayon told of even amazing facts concerning these lectures. The accounting guy, Winston is in his 40s and man.. you should have looked at his personal grooming. The hair's so slick.. he's like a grown-up toy-lookalike Astroboy la.. The law lecturer, Catherine holds double qualifications in medicine and law. Omg. *gurp* 

After 4 hours of mental-exhausting lectures, we made our long journey to Yusof Ishak House for dinner, study and snack. The wanton noodles... not so bad la.. wonder what would be Huimin's comments, considering she always eats these in school.

Well, I was led on an expedition to one of the top.. erm.. *clears throat* scandalous place in the campus. Oh well.. nothing much la. It's pretty adventurous but the dark alleys gave me the creeps. It suppressed my interest to explore. Haha.

Ya, a wonderful break from my routined and hectic work-life. As much as I had enjoyed and let down my hair, I kinda regretted not heeding my Mummy's advice on securing a place in the local unis. Kinda miss the taste of hall-days. But pragmatism casts away these clouding yearnings of the past. Moving forward... treasure the remaining days of my student status. Haha.

De one with Proliferated Premonition

Halting emotions

The flame-orange maple leaf detached itself from its mother plant, landing on the surface of a steam. The smooth current guided it along the journey, until it hit a limestone.

The two became attached. Limestone served as a barrier, preventing the leaf from sipping into the vast river. However weathering spoils everything. The limestone was crippling. All that held the leaf to it was a slit to hold the leaf loosely.

Leaf said, I'll shelter you from further corrosion. But the limestone refused "This is nature. Years of weathering will give me beautiful shapes. For a true reason why I was built this way. "Moreover, through cracks will you be able to secure your roots and grow."

The maple leaf was fearful of the forthcoming storm, that it would depart and that the limestone might just erode away or disintegrate. It considered detaching itself so other mineral sediments could aid its nature companion.

Actually, all it required was for the both to stick together and let time tell. The leaf worried the dismissal of limestone. Limestone was worried about the life-line of the young leaf and aspire to take its natural course.

The proliferated premonition of nature's course had unveiled its core-truth. It hurts, seriously. Quantifiableless. 

De one with Tolerating Nexus Nonsense

Urrgghh

Totally hate it when things are unstable.. it's nerve-raving worry. Kinda upset when I brought my Nexus One, got the MMS fault resolved. For no reason, not only did the MMSdidn't work. GPRS too. Seriously, I don't know how far my tolerance is gonna last.

De one with Dropping Everything Else

Unloading

If I hadn't inherit patience from Daddy, I honestly doubt if I'd have remained my cool. Faced with an excruciatingly experience at work today. Its the third time in my two years' association with the company. So upset, I nearly brimmed with tears. But I knew it was unmanly to let any emotions. You just have to clench your teeth and handle the prevailing situation. I had been doing this and I employed the same behavior again today. It feels sucky to see the ugly side of people. It makes me sick seriously.

Augh, it's furtile dwelling over what I kana ("encountered" in Malay). Rebecca said, tong wan mi shwang zhong ren. She explained it means two/multiple characters developed despite all feeding on the same staple food/rice in this context. Just unfortunately today's not my day.

Knowing so, I ended work on time and "fled" to Paragon to remedy the MMS problem. Ernest, the customer service officer told me they needed time to configure the settings which probably takes 30minutes. I made my way to Coffee Club to dine alone. As much as I was reminded of my striving-low-profile and independent secondary and JC days, I realised I was a shell just eating for the sake of eating. The dishes on my table weren't what I really wanted. So I practically stoned after a few bites of pennes.

Ernest called, the mms was enable. Subconsciously, I suspected something was wrong. Have been having migraine these few days. That was when I got reminded of NUH and decided to go there to snack and sat... perhaps this was how I feel better - pursuing your memories, reflect the events.. As I locate myself at NUH, I recalled the days when I was a trainee specialist and was appointed to visit this medic at this medical building somewhere between NUH and NUS compounds. It was a moment of freedom. And I feel... lighthearted. Dissipating all the self-doubts, self-disappointment.. with breezy nostalgic therapy.

I had to.. to prevent my loss of confidence and find composure. Really hate being moved and jeopardising control/grip over myself. It's a sigh of vulnerability. It's a taboo for perfectionist.

Survived a crisis on how to get home from NUH :: Topo my way through to Commonwealth MRT. It was until I reached Outram Park than I decided to meet Clara for a chat. Well, I was pretty impressed I traveled on the public transport for longer than expected.

Whatever doesn't kill you means you stronger. True indeed.

De one with Debut of the Temptatious

First time ever...

Omg omg omg! Recently I realised I've more prone to succumb to cravings for ICE CREAM!! Omg omg omg!

The vanilla, milky texture.. sizzling cool vapour swirling up seductively into the air. Just take a look at it, all laid in the fridge.. man, hell had no lush for an ice-cream temptations. Ah-woooo~

Eh?! where's Eva Longoria? Omg omg omg! Ladies and gentlemen, for the first time, hot has succumbed to coldness. Eh wait, didn't they show how Bobby "the Iceman" defeated Pyro in X-men 3? *Someone get this spoiler out please... * Muahahah.. ok, where was I? Yup, the hot Eva had been absorbed by the coldness. To lower the temperature further, *whispering* perhaps she had too much re-shoots and over-consumed too much first bites of Magnum. Haha.

Goooddddarrrnnit. It all starts...

*harp melody*

A very long time ago, in a small town, there was a little boy named Jason. He went to the "300+" marketplace (named derived because the marketplace was located in the vicinity of HBD flats with block numbers with 300+) with ah-ma on weekends morning. Ah-ma will do her grocery shopping, buy bah kuht teh or pig trotter's soup from this famous hawker store. While little Jason enjoy staring in front of this corner mini-aquarium store, fascinated with the tanks of guppies; play continuously in this small-scale public stage in front of the Town Council or...terrific times with a Mr Softee from 7-Eleven! In fact, that's a doting reward from my ah-ma. Hehe.

*glamorous wink*

Kindergarten was filled with days of ice-popsticks, those which comes in the form of two-plastic sausages shaped, requiring a twist to the middle to break the wrapping before you could taste the syrup soaked ice. and ice-cream with bread (from those pushcarts ice-cream uncle). Haha. After that, we "upgraded" to Push-cup ice-cream, Popsicle ice cream.. AND! there was the Paddle-Pop Rainbow ice-cream.. oooh.. that's a can't be miss! And there's one with the lime coating with vanilla  core.  Super nostalgic.

*flickering eyes*

Ageing don't seem a bad thing because during occasions like this will I get to eat Firehouse ice-cream from Swensons. It's a 3 flavoured ice-cream, the standard strawberry, vanilla and chocolate with a banana stock in the middle which lights a candle to give the ice-cream bowl a birthday cake-makeover. Back then, I thought this was the ultimate ice-cream in the world until my encounter with Earthquake ice-cream. More dry-iced smoke, and oooo... more flavors!

*delirious grin*

Recall there was this expensive ice-cream which wavy layers and chocolate favour. Hmm.. kinda forgot the name liao! Something "Vienna..." Super sinful.. but perhaps not as condemning sinful as the Mud pie! (every girl's desire) tsk tsk tsk. Yes.. the optimistic side of ageing is greater exposure to better indulgences.

*sinister laugh*

But everyone has their all-time favorite. Mine happens to be... *grand orchestra fanfare* Sundaes from Macdonalds. Like Pocky, it comes in chocolate and strawberry flavors! Haha. No preference actually. Tastebud sovereignty!

*V-sign*

Believe it or not, even till today, I have this mis-perception about Ben's and Jerry's being a lover's ice-cream brand. When I announced my point of view to my colleagues, the first reaction witnessed would be their "shock / jaws drop facial expression", followed by "Is it?" before they proceed with a chain of laughter. Oh boy..

*hands hits forehead*

If you ask which are my favourite ice-cream flavors? Press 1 for English. Press 2 for Nothing. Kidding.

Consolation places goes to rum and raisins. Fruitty flavors. Coffee perhaps.

Second runner up would have to go to "Orange Sherbet".

First runner up is none other than "Vanilla with macademia*.

And our most anticipated champion goes to.... *roll roll roll your boat*.. Thin Mint!

There you have it.. is that your stomach growling, heart's itching and lips biting? Hahaha.. Chill and relax, have a chillout, have an ice-cream! Ok, gotta cease, wouldn't want Media board to come apprehending me.Ohh! (Pictures in courtesy of Google.com search engine)

De one with Dubious

Sunday for validating honor

If only life was as clear as the Maldives oceans, if only it was as perfect as a Tiffany ring, if only it was as determinate as trees, if.. and IF only.

Suppose the biggest regret is not knowing how to embrace uncertainty. Not even people or objects within your grasp, be it a spouse or inseparable childhood friend. It's even more heartbreaking to prempt to all things comes an end. For example, the product life cycle of a market product (right, in courtesy of amadeo.blog.com). It rises to a peak and fades. Likewise the fate of all things. Not being pessimistic, just realistic here.

During vulnerable times, I'd fail not to self-reflect. This being one of the fastest way to understand the situation. Nevertheless, ain't attempting to solve any problems. Alot of times, people perceive instantaneously and leap straight into conclusion, flagging it off as self-denial, pessimism. Reality is, there weren't any problem to being with. It's plain situational analysis and comprehension. Let's just stop being so impatient and ignorant. Take the backside and listen.. sense.. approach life with an open mind.

I would deny as simple and confident as my appearance portray, being this tissues and muscles inhere doubts as to what I'm putting up with. Wouldn't prize myself for being persistent and goal-accomplishing at times but there are times I crumple when faced with circumstances ambiguous and seems out-of-my-control. Take a very good example, bondings. It's innate gift to be considerate towards others' feelings which translate such sensitivity in my actions and behavior. Regardless, it might work with most but not all who I associate with.

Stripe me of my flowery words, thoughtful poems and long texts of concern, concentrate and find me doubting whether I'm willing to commit. The heart is willing but the situation just doesn't permit. It's like holding a risky investment portfolio. Or a fragile ribbon. Hold it tight and it will snap. Leave it loose and it might flutter away with the winds.

Could it be really me? When I effort and it doesn't yield results, I retreat alittle. No, it doesn't mean I am giving up. Just have to deal with the uncertainty arising from non-responses. It's true, certain things are better left unresolved. "Like a sack of entangled rubber bands." (Christopher N., 2009) Relentless trials to dislocate them just gets it worse.

The above being said doesn't necessarily voice my decision to sweep dirt under carpets. Perseverance comes into picture in situation like this, to serve as a thoughtful reminder to hang out till it's over (in better or worst). If improvements apparent, good, its a hint for me to proceed closer. Otherwise, I think it's better to stay put. Think. And evaluate if its worth the wait.

Parallel lines won't meet (Nathaniel Ho, 2009). Travel forth and notice both are heading in the same direction, leading to somewhere in hopes it will converge. Look at the tracks on  the left (in courtesy of Draw One-point Perspective, S.Helen), it seems they do meet. But trust me, it'll not be meet who will bend. True enough, self-principles have to be guarded. And you haven't even noticed.

Most critically, live and let live. Feels much better. Clarity with writing. Cup emptied. Now I have spaces for more.

De one with Quiet

Time will tell..everything

It's true. Secrets have no answers to them. The quiet one holds the most secret. I supposed that's why they feel lost most of the time.

(Image in courtesy of www.fanpop.com)

Of all people around, I understand completely how it feels to self-contain unspoken troubles. Come here, let's give each other all the embraces we need.

De one with Cactus and EGM

Declining days

Lemme ask you a question: Have you ever watched this movie "Just my luck"? It stars pretty Lindsay Lohan and above-average Chris Pine. Or even better, you get to live it? Yes, I've been suspicious on whether I'm being "sucked" into being in a living script. My luck's kinda in jeopardy. Wondered if it was the cactus for Xmas which are strewn all over office except my table. For a moment, I thought "indoor cactus pricks your life" (Crayon, 2010) was nothing but a mid-wives' tale. Turns out..hmm.. nears convincing.

Since Monday, every morning's buzzing with eventful of... Urgh.. unpleasant "surprises"! Mails missing during postage and had to be reprocessed, calling client to solve other people's problem, being faulted for stock take conducted last year, solving discrepancies without information; feels inevitable and terribly-alone against the odds. Should I continue further, it'd have formed a chapter of my memoir.

Come closer.. let me share something with you alright.. All thanks to my cardio-blood cells.. they have managed to revived and revamped a bottle right in the inner compartment of the left ventricle. Mitral valve has been contained successfully. Projection plans has it for extra "problems" storage for 30% of the left atrium. Yes, the Jasons held an extraordinary general meeting today.

***

The following were resolved:

The members have unanimously agreed and hereby approve for halo-Jason to be reappointed as secretary for the "don't-know-how many(th)" neuron-wave of meeting. The Board veto against emo-Jason who was vying for similar post. Poll of votes was executed with 1 breath-second. Results were in favor of Board's proposal.

The members voiced their appreciation to healthy-Jason for his recommendable efforts to deter fats and face-buanging ("dire-condition" in sound-effect Singlish). Except an imaginary thumbs-down from lazy-jason, the remaining members unanimously agreed and hereby approve to reward the said Jason a few hours of time for continual physical training and dieting.

Operation "telling others your problems" have been put to haul. The members have been warned and whom agree for utilisation of "bottling-up". Effective day as at today. Concerns were raised on future blood-pressure expenditure and scarcity of energy. The members proposed and vote in favour of forming a "bright-a-Jason-day" cabinet headed by easy-going Jason; co-opt by optimistic-Jason.

As there were no further business, the EGM was concluded.

Finally, a vote of thanks to the CEO Jason for chairing the meeting.

***

Yup, yesterday was amusing, conspiracy "maybe I should get a big cactus or garden of cactus to tareh ("withstand" in Malay) all the power of neighboring effectors". Today cooking up with the holding of EGM. Man.. everything's woohaaing do I need a shrink?? Obviously not! I'm good. Just drained from work and lectures, quando quando quando ("maybe" in Italian). 3 down, 3 more to go for this week. Xiong!! ("fiercely challenging/demanding" in Hokkien). Just my luck!

*nearly fell off the chair*

De one with Feared Beginning

Test of time

Today school resumes full throttle. It's back to the enduring days of work, rushing to campus and three hours lecture. By the time home-arrival is accomplished, the clock reads plus/minus half past 11pm. *lets out a big sigh*

Work wasn't in fact good. Someone was right.. I didn't have a prancing day today. Early morning a client called to report the lost of mail of important reports. I explained to him the course of action which will follow under all possibilities. He's still not satisfied, called my boss. Sigh, I felt bad not due to the fact that my boss might be angry with me or feeling mad I've been backstabbed/complained, just feel disappointment primarily because I seemed to have caused disappointment to others. It's like not having good results when a child shows his/her report card to the parents for signature. There were other matters to attend to. All swammed toward me like a blast.

Afternoon had a "reprimanding" session with Rebecca when I was just following instructions. No.. instructions which changed. Oh well, but I am surprised recovery came earlier than expected. I didn't texted anybody to complain. Didn't have the time either. My current assignment is teething everywhere. *sigh*

Felt alittle guilty I put a tiny brave front in my replies to Crayon's texted. Evening lecture wasn't bored since it was strategic decision making. The poor lecturer was putting so much effort in engaging the class yet in vain. Poor guy. Little did I know the role I undertook, being marketing, is gonna be tough challenging because I just realised my teammates had to wait for my forecast, product cost requirement yadayada before they could proceed with their responsibilities. Omg. Pressurising. Interesting at the same time. But still.. pressurising ya..(?)

Okay, time to sleep. Tomorrow's a brand new day. Hope the week should improve   :)

De one with School Starts Tmr!

The day before tomorrow

Everybody looked forward to weekends. I ain't exception. Like many, I anticipate a break after a hectic week of work and rainy days. Completed a breath-taking assignment during the week. For that, I think I deserved a good weekend and pretty well, it turned out fair this week.

The prelude to a weekend begun with an evening jog on Friday. The majority in office left on time. Was waiting for my dinner buddy. Considering that person wouldn't arrive till 8+pm, I proceeded with my initial training for the forthcoming countdown. I have not been eating dinner well. But cared nontheless. Recently I discovered Mr Bean's soya milk with chendol's tasty and filling to the stomach. This discovery was realised on the night before after rushing down to Fairprice Xtra under the impression that it was near closing. Arrived at around 9+pm after I came back from a jog also, and surprisingly, it's still operating. Wuao.

Dinner buddy came (so much so for turning up with a filled-stomach). So dinner wasn't much except filled with a cup of Soya milk with chendol, Sundae hot fudge and a few bites of Ribena blackcurrent pastilles. And you know what?! 7-Eleven doesn't sell Mr Softee ice-cream anymore.. Sigh.. the old nostalgic childhood of going to the Blk 300+ estates when my ah-ma never fails to buy me Mr Softee. Those were the days and long bidden goodbyes now the product line is cut.

Was feeling lazy on Saturday.. considering I slept at 5am. (Man, speaking of this, just realise I ought to adjust my sleeping time earlier. Where's that lubricating and hypnosis brainwave hiding at the corner of my brain when I need it badly?). Didn't head out of house until 4+pm. Met Crayon's friends for a little less-fetched coffee chat. Wasn't a little bit bored, rather I was faced with some language communication barrier - I thought everyone at the black starbucks table was more comfortable with conversation in mandarin. Knowing my weakness and limitations in mandarin, I decided to take a back-seat to observe than make a fool out of myself in speech. Besides, I kinda misjudged the beverage needed. Should have ordered a grande instead of a tall ice shaken lemon passion tea. I needed the drink badly to sustain conversation. Else my voice will end up straining itself before it starts to crack into hoarse. Haha. At the same time, I didn't want my presence to cause much awkwardness than expected. So yup, I tried my best to be engaged as much whenever the opportunity presents itself.

We departed from the nice pair and did shopping as intended. Embarked on my quest for the forthcoming new year, thank Crayon's accompany I managed to find this "buy-me" retro-Tee at FcUK and replacement for Kenzo cologne. Oh, by the way, my feets couldn't help resist but stepped into Swarovski outlet for its long-distant organ, my eyes, to glimpse if there were any new Kris bears on sale. Turns out more than meets the eye, prices per quantity have rose by almost 16% (Price comment as casual remark without prejudice) Thank goodness I bought my "babies" way before "effects from inflation" (as Crayon had said).

Had a sinful but satisfying dinner at Shokudo. I guess this restaurant retained my different meal experience although the same dishes sat on the table. Recalled there were birthday parties with colleagues where I pushed my colleagues' heads (a guy and a gal) together while taking photos; laughter-to-tears sessions over playing games (to finish the leftover dishes) with Reb, YW and Alice after work once; welcome-Jielong-back to Singapore dinner with himself, Loo and me; making Clara mad and crying while celebrating her birthday over lunch because Loo and I went overboard with our joke; after work meet-up and investment chats with Zhen Ze and GH. This evening, it was just Crayon and I, ordering less dishes, desserts and ironing issues for sustainability consensus. No idea when it would be sabotaged again, but well, a truly fresh experience to the collection for Shokudo I guess!

What's good didn't end until today. My friend Francis drove me to Vivo. That was where my NY quest was revisited. Bought 2 Tees from F.Perry, 1 from Zara and a lovely blue shirt from my most frequent R.I. Francis shown me this touch-screen PC screen which was fascinating. Ooh, he never fails to excite me with new gadgets informatives. What's more eye-popping is the price which is still within budget! Which I perceived to be high. Gurrrh, pardon me! I ain't any IT guru. Wuao! Looks like it's getting competitively price-affordable as technology progress rapidly and new products coming out with intriguing sophisticated yet desirable interfaces.

We ate sumptuously and bloated meal at Shin Kushiya before heading to the cinemas for a dull but interesting "logic-packed" Sherlock Holmes movie. Scores pretty well with all those detective and evaluation plot, not so much with the pace.. so much so Francis fell asleep twice amid the film. Omg. Furthermore, was in GV max theater, the aircondition was strong, freezy fuzzy therein.

Good times sure end in a blink of the eye. Except SMU (my empathy with Loowan), uni reopens tomorrow.  As much as it dreads, please Ganbante!     

De one with Backpeddling

Losing

The events are unfolding like a film I've audience/played in a few times. First, excuses. Second, no meetings. Ending, departure and one party gets left behind. Plotting this on a graph, it's gonna reveal a downward exponential curve. No, it doesn't hit zero. There's only so much a guy's heart can take.

If I'm getting the wrong impression, prove me wrong!

De one with Sundaying Clara and Carebears

Week-closing

An uneventful Sunday turned out for the better when I received a message from Clara last night when I blogged about her! Wanted to do supper but decided it'd be better for brunch next morning.

Was awoke from a text from her on postponing the brunch to 12:30pm instead of the initial 11am. Didn't have much to do, I decided to go for a hair-cut since it was about time anyway. The last hair cut was some 4-5 months ago? You must be wondering..

("nobody nobody but you..")

Eh, sorry sorry. Not WONDERgirls! Cut the lame crap.. hehe. Sorry, that's my evil twin brother. I was saying, you must be wondering how did I survive without haircut for these period. Truth was, DIY. I trimmed my hair personally. With a pair of scissor, a portable mirror (when I cut my back) and my standing mirror. How?

("how can I liveeee.. without you, I want to know.. how do I...")

One more time, Jason and we're quits. How do I cut? Just look myself into the mirror, conjure some courage and snip off where I feel should depart from my hair. Hehehe. It's that easy.

("If Jason can cut, so can you!")

That I would have to agree. Kidding. Mimic more, either Martin Yan or Food Network's gonna charge me for patent!

I wanted to just have salad. But my teary eyes gimmick failed to convince my way through Clara. She literally wanted me to follow suit with her "Junk food" day. Faint. And she even had the cheek to question "says who" and self-directed a response to her question "Coz I said so.." I nearly went bonkers. Under further undue influence (she had the pen tip up my neck), I acceded (*orhhh~*) and ordered the Texas grilled chicken. Herself? Pork chop - both were gutter sinners. Omg.

As usual, she wanted to pay. I ninja-ed held the bill and flashed my card faster than her...

("Everybody loves kung-fu fighter, Hooo! Hahh! They were as fast as light-ning, Hooo! Hahh!")

We decided to stroll our sins away, so we found ourselves escalating up to top level and patronised Laser faire. Thereat, we dropped our gutter-sin and picked up spend-thrift sin. *Hands over face*. Yes, we got fascinated with some nostalgic films. Madagascar 1 and 2 for Hers. Hunchback of Notre Dome and Shrek 3 for Him. Hehehe.

I played a joke over at the cashier. I said "hey, I wana buy Barney!". Almost instantaneously, Clara went weak on her kneels. Haha. Damn pei he ("spontaneous" in Mandarin). Super duper comical.

We next went to Action City and More than Words to visit the collection of care bears.. Told her I expect the entire collection - all bears placed on a sofa.. haha.. she did the math on the spot. Cost nearly $100 and she responded: "Sorry, too ex.." What a cheap thrill. But we laugh at it. Saw this package with a "ugly" unpleasant looking carebear mug, a calendar plus a mug cover. Clara wanted the third item. I wanted the second. So I suggested, why not we get another person who wants the first one. Hehe.

Clara wanted this massage-cushion which costs like 70 bucks. I heard this gadget has 6 modes of massage. Hmm.. I advised why not pay more ofr an Osim, being a more trusted brand and product.

I needed to buy box tissue. Clara needed to buy pocket tissue. So two tissue-purchasers descended to Fairprice at basement. Haha. Sounds spastic. But ya, i wanted this Mickey Mouse design which was stacked up on the top shelves. So I got the staff to get it for me. Out pops Clara, delivering the climax for the day la..

She swooped from behind and commented loudly la.. :"Aiyo, so old already still want the mickey mouse design.. how old liao".. If I was a cartoon, you might just see a red shade ascending from my neck to forehead. Totally embarassed! I was like "THANKS arh".. collect the tissue package from the guy still on the ladder, and walked away slowly. To exaggerate alittle, there was a large bead of perspiration on the back of my head.

See lar.. the type of things we do to each other, regardless of venue or time or public.

De one with Christmas Revisited

Festive Seasons

How was your Xmas 2009? Pardon for the late update. Well, Christmas didn't really turn out well as the Ippt ruined the festive feeling somehow or rather. Didn't pass it again due to my SBJ. Sigh. Anyway, I didn't get to go for any countdown.

But for what's good, the tribal gang proceeded with its annual Xmas outing. Clara volunteered to be event-organiser this year. I arrived late. Well, I wasn't feeling well anyway. Probably due to the over physical-exertion from all the remedial training and continual days of pushing myself to the limits. Gift exchange was well. I received Weicai's present again. That being an octagon box of chocolates. Haha. As usual, everyone darted Ivan's present. All because he said he dug it out from somewhere at home. Sigh. End up Weili got it! But it wasn't as bad as expected. It was this mug which had an external layer. You open the layer and out comes a strip of paper which enables you to color the pre-printed Snoopy characters and it circumferences the mug to look as though you painted the external surface of the mug yourself. A chance to create something on your own.

I got "Taboo" game (left, in courtesy of WhyGo TEFL) for Tribal gang exchange this year. Although the budget was 20 bucks, I cared none the less. It's the spirit of giving. So was the gift exchange for my colleagues. By chance, the person whom I choose was Yiwei. Got him a Raoul cufflinks which cost triple the budgeted 15 bucks (decided by all). But I wanted the gift to mean more, considering he has helped and guided me through my past 2 years of experience with the company.

It's an unspoken practice amongst our office to get presents for everyone, besides the gift exchange's. Last year I got candy canes. This year, I decided to bring "green" to office. Yes, as you can see above, I bought cactus! Everybody came asking how often they should water the plant. Haha.

I guess the best Christmas present have to go to this! I guess I've been a good boy this year, Santa decided to got someone to make my wish come true!! My long-searched and awaited display house for my deary Kris bears finally arrived! Wahaha.. Trillion cheers! (Sorry Clara, appreciate your gift. I recommended but the cologne only came 2nd runner up)

Was supposed to memorise the "12 days of Christmas song" today.. but don't know why it didn't materialise. Haha. I've been trying to get this song right for the past 5 years. Turns out every Christmas, only the melody incubated in mind, less the lyrics. "-"

Haha. Anyway, belated Merry Xmas to all! *grins*

De one with New Year

Stand still and look forward

The moment of anticipation with the night clock ticking. I believe a few silhouettes in the crowd shared the same anticipation, I "buoy" ("glanced" in Hokkien) and caught them looking at the fancy faces of their watches. Crayon slided on the Iphone to calculate how much longer before the agenda for the night occurs. Roughly half an hour ago, we grabbed Subway and coffee at Kallang Leisure Park, chatting in the chilly winds before we found our spot at the sands of Kallang Park (if I didn't get it wrong).

Nobody counted-down out loud. No beers for cheers. Just the two of us, sitting on our flip-flops and spending the most simple of times. We played the "Peeing" game and "Spot the Difference" on Crayon's Iphone until the first white-burst shot its splendor in the sky some 2km away, above the Kallang condos. Throughout the ceremonious display, Crayon was laughing, overly amused by the young Muds. Every firework which exploded in the stars-free skies never fails to be accompanied by a humoring "wahh.." or grasp by the Malay kids. Until one particular fair-skinned kid said "it's amazing" did Crayon stopped his laughter to commend he's impressed. Least to mention, it further purports his racism. Hah.

I've always liked fireworks. Though short-lived, it's stunning presence never fails to create the alluring, soft-envy in the hearts of many, and its significance of unexplainable, ceremonious-felicity set ablaze by varying pyrotechnics. It's captivating! Especially having it accompanied with music or quiet presence of someone dear. I recall the most memorable sight wasn't the fireworks at NDPs but rather, the magical and fantastic fireworks-display at HK Disneyland. Like a never-ending lullaby playing in your head, I couldn't cast the vision of Aladdin's Whole New World chorusing in the night, and the combustive-lights literally danced to the music. Totally melt my heart~ aww...  

 

As much as I enjoyed a spectacular night, part of me pondered how the rest of the people I cared about spent the mark to a brand new year. While sitting at the busstop in front of People's Association with Crayon who was inquiring the arrival of the bus, I took a private moment to wish all my guys, best wishes to a brand new year: No endeavors, just smooth sailing year. A year of joy ahead.

I never replied any well-wishes texts. This was since Christmas. Feeling unapologetic, I suppose you guys would understand my re-prioritising this december. Besides, I trust my heartfelt wishes (like a Priest in prayers) would meant more than electronic words appearing on your handphone screens.

New year's resolutions? Well, I wouldn't say much here because I didn't really have the time to think about it. Hence, pardon me for being unable to pen everything in here. For what's current, I hope my wishes as above-mentioned would come true for all that I love and care about. With that, a very happy, eventful and joy-enhanced new year to all you out there!  *winks*

Finishing is not the end but the start to new beginnings. I'm in luck this year! I mean, after all that's happened during the year: My poor health, remedial training, disappointing dates, I guess towards the end of the year, the bad were salvaged with Crayon who accomplished what I've yearned for during the beginning and throughout the calendar year. Eg. zoo trip, watching fireworks together. You'll be a Coca-cola, something that I foresee never fails to delight in 5 years to come! Coz you'll still be an "all-time favourite" on the life-menu . I feel... it is unlikely I'd ever get sick of you.

Of course, I appreciate having opened out myself to new friends whom I foresee sticking with me through years to come. You know who you are.. don't tear alright.. Hehe

My good friend Clara, who recently got promoted to "bestest friend", for being supportive of all my decisions and showing relentless concern despite her "life-depriving" work schedule. I've crystallized all my appreciation in the Swarovski Moomoo presented to you during Xmas. Hope our friendship would grow like age.

Chin Yu, congrats on your new found love. Thanks for hanging out and your suggestions on helping me get fitter. Lol.

Shuqing. My "sister" who I adore so much. Deepest gratitude and graceful congratulations on your forthcoming wedding. Ooh, is that the distant bells I've hearing in my ear? Hehe. Don't worry, I'll do anything, sing or be your best "Man-of-honour" if the occasion arises. And hmm.. we've been talking for almost 2 years and yet to meet!

Dearest Mohan, regardless of where or how buzzy you are, I missed the good old coffee chats, b*tching sessions and shopping trips. Are we still getting our condo together?