Happy 25th Birthday, Ian!

In the end, I still didn't manage to find my autograph book. No autograph book means no address. That effectively also means there's no way I can send my birthday greetings, since that's the only mode of contact I have too.

Whatever it is.. and wherever you are, since I've no way of sending you this, I'll just type it here:

Happy 25th birthday, the senior I look up to most!

Theoretically, you can't exactly count as a senior either. But yet, in my 2 years of JC, you're probably the senior who left the greatest impact. I still have that note you wrote and whenever I feel like shying away even though circumstances say that I shouldn't, I'll remind myself of that note and feel a tiny bit less scared. Just like how your optimism is infectious. Jut like last year, the day before I was to start pupillage at some place, I turned cold and ended up emailing you to get some comfort. I didn't expect you to reply, but you did. And it soothe my nerves, even if I left that firm within a few weeks.

Ian, thanks for making that effort to be a really really great senior, even though you didn't have to. Especially since you weren't from my senior class, nor my CCA, and even if it's just being a senior in school, that was merely for a month only. Seriously, all these years, I just want to say a huge THANK YOU personally, though I'll probably still be too shy to say that.

And of course, Happy Birthday, Ian!

How much do you mean to me?

That thought crossed my mind sometime last week. Basically, a lot of things have happened over the past few days. Or maybe, there weren't that many things, just that, one significant one simply magnified everything, making every thing else pale in comparison.

Meisi has been warded at Tan Tock Seng Hospital.

When I first received that sms from an unrecognised number (it belongs to Yueting, but I didn't have her number before that), I thought it was just some evil prank. Meisi? Can't be. And of course, it could also be because I didn't want to believe anyway. Still, I called back and the truth came crashing down.

Numb. That was the first feeling. Especially when I was doing a summary on wills and probate the entire afternoon. Not a very auspicious way to receive such news. But, that was the first time I've ever felt as if I've been rooted somewhere. Smsed Jo, Guoxing, June. But the feeling still didn't feel real. That feeling is best summed by what zipped through my mind. Not Meisi. No... I don't want to lose MY friend, a friend who grew up with me, who went through the same primary, secondary, JC and in a way uni with me. When Guoxing and I were in here room, that lump just formed in my throat. You know what? Still remember the dinner we had, when you reminded me to tell you my blog address when I see you online? I haven't had the chance to yet!

Thankfully, her condition has improved now and according to her mum, she might be undergoing her operation this Thursday. Just keeping my fingers crossed that there'll be no residue effect. Meisi, you'll be fine! I know you will!

On another note, I was quite pissed with Jo. She knew Meisi was hospitalised, visited her on Thursday, notified her friends but forgot to tell me. Why? Cause I'm not Meisi's friend? Or not amongst those whom she calls immediately?

Then again, it really doesn't matter. Had Guoxing there that day and frankly, I would say that Guoxing makes a better friend than Jo. Was standing between the two of them and when I felt faint, I actually felt safer telling Guoxing than Jo. That was also the day when the two of us really chatted. Seriously, it's been so many years since we've really done that. Just like what I've said that day, even though I would prefer the old Guoxing as my friend, I do prefer seeing the current more cheerful Guoxing. Contradictory but true. And you'll still remain one of my most treasured friends, even if it's many many years down the road. Even if you always complain that I don't tell you everything, but you're one of those I still enjoy chatting with. Real chat, and not those sound-creating sessions where both just talk and talk about nothing. Don't always jump into conclusions!

You know how different friends mean to you when you are cheered up even by a no-meaning sms. It's nice to see an sms from Itak da ge, especially after a day of hating the whole world of stupid people.

Was just wondering aloud earlier about whether stupidity can be diffused through air. Somehow I think my brain is degenerating. Perhaps I'm getting snobbish, but I just can't stand how certain people think and you know the feeling of you wanting to just give certain people a tight slap? I think a lot of people really need the tight slap.

Thanks to some of those irritating pests, I decided to see Salbiah, as she had told me last week. Going in to see her meant that I'll be posted to branches and next week being the last week of me being in Servicing, it's highly likely that it'll be these few days. True enough, I'll be going to Hougang branch on Monday and Tues, and then Tampines on Wed and Thurs. In a way, there's a part of me that doesn't want to go to these branches. Maybe cause it's Jeremy's last three days of work, and my last few chances of having lunch with my lunch buddy for the past almost one month. Wonder how I would have survived here without him to talk to, 'argue' with etc. Seriously, the snobbish me would have felt utterly miserable, I'm sure. But thanks to him, the not-appealing workplace seems so much better. In fact, I'll miss having him around come July. And I'm still feeling scared about going up to Legal, somewhat cause I'm just not confident. If only he temps till end July, then at least I've someone to whine to whilst I'm settling in. Oh well, I'm beginning to sound like the kid and not the other way round huh?

Universal Language

There are just certain topics which bind people together.

Soccer, for one. As I was walking back today, I noticed the coffeeshop downstairs was packed. If my memory doesn't fail me, the last time it was more packed than this was during elections, after the WP rally in Hougang to be exact.

And there's always babies/toddlers that unite people. Somehow, it seems like people just cannot resist the 'cuteness' of kids. Whilst on the train yesterday, I once again saw two families of strangers talking to each other only because this toddler started running to the other family.

Then again, not all kids are cute. Just like the bunch of noisy primary school kids on the train last Friday. They were shrieking at the top of their voices. The best part was, there (presumably) lousy teachers didn't even bat an eyelid. Hello?!? Can't your school afford some school bus so as to contain the noise pollution. Those high pitch screamings are just way too much for people knocking off after a tired day of work, k? And the running arounds.....

******

A good friend once commented that I don't know how to keep my friends. I can't remember whether I was irritated when I read that then, but I guess I did agree then and there.

So many years have passed. Somehow, I don't think I've gotten rid of that bad habit either. Just look at how my mum comments about me having "friends of the month" or something to that extent.

Perhaps it's just something that I've learnt from childhood, that is, to hide myself from everyone. So much so that if a person steps pass my line of comfort, I automatically back off. Either that, or I just don't have a habit of being close to anyone, just so that no one really knows me well enough.

Oh, and there's the last category. Those who have made me unhappy.

Am I that hard to please? Hmm... Then again, little things do make me happy too. Just like a certain one line on MSN from a schoolmate cum CCA-mate whom I'm not even super close to:

"hmm okie.. just don't let whatever is affecting you to affect you too much k? :)"

The guy who typed that, thank you!! Stupid as it sounds, that concern just made my day =)

Kick Off!!

World Cup kicked off last night. Now that I'm counting, this is the 4th World Cup that I'm aware of, the first being when I was a Primary 6 kid. Time flies huh? And it just shows how much more gimmicky the whole thing has become. Only so few matches would be shown on free-to-air TV. Idiots.

Been a few days since I've updated. I'm beginning to agree that sometimes life is just so much the same that you just not know what to type. The other reason could be there's nothing much to whine, so the need to type and vent is not great and so, I tend to procrastinate.

Work wise, it's still the same. I guess I just focus on providing decent customer service when I'm working and so, I don't really think about any other 'if only's. That is, when there are no events that arise to make me remember all the 'what if's. Of course, there are still a few on and off. When someone left only the cover page of Writ and I had to bring it up to Claims the next day. That stupid lady at the reception there had to complain and complain about how they can't do anything with the writ. And I was like, but you have the other party's law firm, the case number, the parties involved, we can just appoint the law firm and they can follow up from there. It's not like a writ contains that much detail in the first place. Yet, she yakked and yakked on and on, till I just wanted to give her a tight slap. Or that day when I had dinner with Weiling and she was talking about her experiences in chambers, her running into Vicky etc. Thankfully though, I'm no longer in the phrase where I miss pupillage everytime someone brings a writ and asks for directions.

I guess I'm way better than the girl I was in JC, but I guess it still takes a while for me to leave the envious stage. Or would I?

Had training yesterday and I absolutely abhor trainings, cause they simply irritate me. I hate people acting over enthusiastic about the company. As in, I can understand if one is raring to go in a new environment. But if you do go overboard, it feels all so fake!

And that stupid Sebastian. Can someone tell him the meaning of 'empty vessels make the most noise'? He irritates me to the core. Think you are very smart, go to the front of the classroom and then turn around and tell me at the top of your voice to stop using MSN? Shut up your stupid mouth! I'm not as dumb as you to not know how to use the net, or know that when the computer is slow, you should stop clicking and clicking non-stop since it does nothing but further slows down the computer. And why the hell would I know why the lawyer take the money and run away? I'm not him and I'm not a psychic. Like I've said on my MSN nick, I hate stupid guys especially when they talk a bit way too much for my liking. After all my cold replies, he still had no brain (oops, I mean no folds in his brain since everyone has brains, just that the number of folds determine your level of intellect) to understand that I didn't want to talk to him. And he blabbers and blabbers noise.

Ok, just like what I had on my nick, I'm just an obnoxious girl. But, I guess I'm just irritable cause I'm still not in the open up mode yet.

That aside, training was not too bad, given that I had motivation to finish all my modules asap (though I was still not fast enough) just so that I could drop by Arul Chew & Partners! Everyone still feels the same, Annie, Raji, Mr Arul, Mr Ling and Adrian! Mr Arul came out to chat and I sat down in Mr Ling's room for a chat too. Everything just feels so familiar and so nice. I wish I was still the year 3 undergrad doing attachment there. Somehow, even though I was super happy to see Adrian, it just feels as if we didn't really have much to talk about. Still, the visit really made my day! Even though I saw Aravind there too. Oh well, who cares. I really really miss being an attachee.. Just like I miss doing my attachment at Yeo Marini & Partners too. Even if I don't mention it at all. I really really miss being immersed in these law firms, doing anything.

I guess what makes me different from the 16+ year old me is that, this time round, I know that there are other things around to be thankful of, even if something doesn't go the way I want it to be. In fact, in life, you gain some and you lose some. Even at work, I may not be doing what I want to do, but at least, I'm happy in the environment, with some of the friends I had already known beforehand, and a new friend that I've made. And, certain friendships are still way precious than anything else.

Just like the dinner I had earlier this week and today. The food today was great, just as I enjoyed dining with my dinner company as much. Somehow though, we really didn't talk much right? And yes yes... I was late. It's just interesting how the same things can evoke different feelings and thoughts.

Oh, you know and the earrings, they remind me so much of Guoxing too. The two of you are the only ones who bought me non-clip-on earrings!! Still, they're pretty!!!!! Thank you!!!! =)

I so do NOT look like a Malay!

Argh... Do I look so not Chinese? Somehow quite a handful of customers came in, and started speaking to me in Malay. Otherwise, they ignored me and turned to Jeremy instead when they wanted to speak Mandarin. The best part? After serving one relatively elderly couple, the guy commented that my pronounciation was good, and asked where I learnt it from. I went like, but I AM A CHINESE! and pointed to my dog-tag.. oops.. I mean name-tag. They just went like, "Oh.. sorry.. but you look like a Malay!" Argh..... That's the reason why Nithi almost died of laughter today, and Jeremy had his chance to suan me a little bit. Grr...

Work was still enjoyable of course. And in order to wait for a certain Mr Chan for dinner, I actually worked till 6.45 or somewhere thereabout! So you see, I can still like what I do huh?

Someone is asking me if it's possible to sustain passion without sufficient reward. My view? No. Unless the passion is superbly strong of course.

Dinner with Gary was of course not bad! Though the food wasn't as great as I imagined, given how much Gary wanted to dine there. Still, it's not too bad, thought the dessert made me a bit high, and poor Gary had to tolerate my disgusting antics later. =)

Another lawyer seemingly ran away with client's money. Don't know why, when I saw PJ on the news, there was just a sense of comfort and familarity...

Continuing in the long marathon...

And so the jog continues. Only that this part of the race is physically torturous! Throughout the day, my toes hurt like never before and my ankle and calf feels like they're going to forsake me soon. And the worst part is, all these standing does nothing to weight loss. In fact, I think I gained even more weight than before!

Still, I really don't mind being a (in Dharmedra's words) overpaid and overqualified receptionist. The customers are generally nice and polite, with the exception of some stupid hateful ugly guy who scolded me. Oh, and he's a blind fellow too.. eyes pasted with too many stamps! He actually insisted that he wanted to see Jeremy, the manager! Even if I told him that Jeremy is not! See what I mean about dumbos? After all that, the assistant head and another came over to supposedly comfort me, but hey, since when did I look upset by those mad-dog blabberings? There were worse stuff when I was at Power Supply anyway. And, these people are just so fake. For the former, it's so evident that she's only nice to her own people. Whatever. Who cares about these fakes and hatefuls? As long as I do my job well, it doesn't matter what nonsense any of them come up with. Afterall, I just have to tolerate them for a month, and there are other colleagues and customers who make being at that department not too bad too!

Yes, almost every one of the customers were really nice. And sometimes, being a receptionist allows you to hear a lot of stories from people of all walks of life. For example, a guy came in today and as I served him, he started telling me about his son having run away. There was this little girl who was so super cute and wanted all the yellow mentos!

Seriously, being at the reception is really not bad.

Then again, work may have been not that painful, and a little enjoyable because of my 'manager'. Time passes so much faster when you have people whom you can get along with, talk to and bully throughout the day. Seriously, without Jeremy there, receptionist life would have been utterly unbearable. Since I've a friend there, who cares what nonsense I get from some others, right?

Shall be an even better receptionist tomorrow! If all else fails, there's always the dinner treat from Gary to look forward to! *beam*

On another note, it's high time I stop visiting some blogs. It's quite stupid when you know that a knife can harm you and you still go ahead and walk right into the blade. Since there are certain things I do not want to know, I should just not be bothered to read.

Tiring but Interesting Day!

Actually, the tiring part refers to almost the entire day of running here and there, whereas the interesting came from the last part. It's always the case isn't it? When something ends of nicely, what you remember is the end, and not the less than nicer parts of the day.

Watched a theatre performance at the Esplanade, thanks to Jeremy. Have you ever thought of a 'play' without actors and actresses? It was just comics and comics! That guy can really draw fast! And it was pretty good too.. (Definitely better than any of my drawings anyway). And somehow, it felt like his drawing speed matched the tempo of the music too! Only that there was little talking, and even if there were, it wasn't in English. That meant I had to read and read the words on the screen! Thankfully, the words were minimal too. There's something else I don't really understand too. The Esplanade is a place for both locals and foreigners to watch artistic performances, correct? So why are the seats so narrow? I'm sure the foreigners would have even more trouble sitting comfortably!

At the end of the performance, there was also some tea reception too. I never thought one can add jam into tea! Well at least we were told that we could, as well as adding that piece of lemon. The taste wasn't that much different from what we are used to, so I wonder what difference did the jam make. Well, other than turning my tea a little red.

Still, whether the evening was interesting depends a lot on the company too, right? Jeremy was great company, though I wonder if I over bullied him. But, he was fun to be with and talk to, and you don't really remember that he's way younger. As I was walking towards Marina Square just now, I realised he's of the same age as YuanXing etc. That made me feel super old again. Then again, he really doesn't talk like a kid. In fact, he's more matured than even some people of my age, maybe me included!

As anyone can tell, I did enjoy myself, even though I was dead tired from rushing here and there throughout the day, and not having really sufficiently rested from tiring Friday. At least, it brightened up the otherwise relatively gloomy week and made the week seemed not THAT bad afterall =)

1823

This so reminds me of Wu Qing Kang's book 2359. Think I finished the night book, but not the day one, since sis and I each took a book to read, and the one I had with me was the night one. Shall read that someday when I'm free.

Gary said that day, and then Koon last night, that I should try to think of something positive, so that I can survive through.. So, since I'll still be a receptionist at least for the next few days (I doubt it'll be the whole month) I might as well aim to be.. the MOST outstanding receptionist! Who cares about lousy irritating stupid colleagues?

That said, it's not exactly true that everyone of my new colleagues are lazy useless bossy bums or hateful dumbos (no, not idiots, cause idiots are reserved as endearing terms for my preferred friends, not people I hate). Apart from the friends I knew even before this (ie. Dons, Teck San, Legal people etc), yesterday wasn't that bad cause of my 'supervisor', this 'little' 19 year old boy. Ok, I guess Jeremy doesn't behave any bit like he's younger than me. On the contrary, he feels older than me. The day always seem to not be as awfully long when you have people whom you can chat with, or rather, people you prefer chatting with. Perhaps I'm just a stuck-up obnoxious one, but it's really nice to have Jeremy at the reception! Even if Jeremy doesn't see this, I still want to say a huge 'Thank You!!!!' for making my day, and of course, to prevent me from strangling some stupid colleagues, otherwise I'll need to employ Kum Fu after just a mere 2 days of work! =)

In line with my aim to be the most outstanding receptionist, I should also dress smartly, even if standing for so many hours kills my feet. And so, I went out shopping for shoes today! Two pairs of high non-chunky heels (though not high enough, in my own opinion), one pink and one black. I still need another white one! Actually, trying to dress smart affects my wallet most! Argh, I'm poor again! Wonder when Rodyk will send me my cheque for PLC fees..

To the gal who was apologising furiously on your blog. Actually, I was quite pissed that day, because of work and because my friend asked me again. Otherwise, I'm not that badly pissed now, so don't worry! Just needed an outlet to vent, and blogs are the most useful without hurting others, at least I think so.

Sometimes, time really changes a lot of opinion. Do you think that by 'meddling' in the affairs, you're actually helping? Perhaps you are, to the other party. But you just make me hate you even more. I guess I'm just easily jealous, but you know the feeling that a friend doesn't really care about you or rather cannot be bothered, but seems to be more concerned about another? You just gave me that feeling again. Much as I said I cannot be bothered again, it's still not a nice feeling, and you just make me hate you even more for making me unhappy. Next time if you want to contact me for anything other than for yourself, maybe you just shouldn't? Cause my immune system can only take that much, yah?

Things to look forward to next week: Better performance as receptionist on Monday, Tuesday dinner with one of my dear friends, and training at International Plaza on Friday! I sure hope we don't have to go back to work after training (which is probably so, given that the course supposedly ends so close to knock-off time). Let's see, I may then get to pop by Arul Chew and see Adrian and Annie? I guess lunch would probably be with my other colleagues (cannot be anti social) otherwise, I can ask either of them out for lunch, or even my cousin! Can't remember which building he works in though. Hmm...

PS: Haven't seen another dear friend online in a while, or rather, haven't really had the chance to really chat with him. Despite me whining and whining like a spoilt brat, I didn't overlook your less-than-happy mood too, k? Since I can't type this directly to you, I just hope things have improved. A person's talents do not vanish into thin air. Once a while, they're just hidden amongst other things. I'm sure that's the case for you, so don't despair. In any case, just remember there's always the most adorable innocent likeable little one here (that reminds me of Jeremy's sms today.. he actually described himself as 'the one and only intellectually brilliant'.. Maybe he doesn't behave that old.. haha) will always be around to cheer you on whenever you need, k? *hugz* =)

Where is the more optimistic Yaofang?

Gary, thanks so much for the dinner company today. Is this the most complainy session you've had with me? Or am I always so whiney? In any case, thanks for the company, and for remembering and smsing, including that sms slap, which I think I needed =)

Just like, thanks Weiguang! Thanks for smsing me early in the morning, should be around the time you start work for the day right? Thanks for being the first to sms and figuring that I needed that assurance, without me asking for it. It may not be alot from others' point of view, but I really needed something to make me feel better. Thank you.

Cherissa too. It's not like I know her very very well, but she remembered that I was starting work today and sent me a cheery sms so that I could start my day on a positive note.

Weiguang and Gary, thank you thank you very very very much. I really really love the 2 of you.. Thanks for always smsing/calling/chatting at the very moment when I needed the 2 of you. Thank you!

For the rest, don't ask me about my day, ok? Depending on your importance to me, you'll either get a reply or you don't.

On another note though, I'm really glad to have Chee Min online now. Perhaps what I need is not cheering up, but just a nonsensical talk crap session, so that I'll forget what was bothering me. I'm sure that meano won't believe me, but seriously, thank you!

Another note, Gary said to look for positive things.. And I just found one. It was great to have Dons around to talk to, since I know him before all these and we didn't have to indulge in those fake chats. It was great bumping into Teck San too. Familiar faces are always wonderful to have =)

Finally, I really hate going after people for my stuff. I try not to do that because it just doesn't feel nice and I normally trust the other party, but when I need it to lend somebody else, sometimes, you ought to be a bit more zi dong right? Especially when the other party said she'll be zapping. Don't tell me it takes years? I am pissed.

More...

I guess I do recover quite quickly. I'm actually fine now. Maybe some Ian effect did rub off on me. Of course, and Beatrice's efforts at chatting with me too helped a lot too. It's always in the least obvious places that you get the most comfort. So..... thanks Beatrice!

Lunch today was with a group of unlikely lunch companions. Actually, I don't know what came over me to make me ask to meet them both (I mean two of them) other than the fact that I just wanted to pass whatever that was for them to them. Not that I really regretted though, cause it wasn't that bad, in fact, it was.. relaxing (with the minor exception when we had to walk past Paul whilst walking to the Vietnamese restaurant). But I really really enjoyed myself, so thanks Beatrice, Chee Min and Clarissa!

Talking about my lunch companion reminds me of something that someone said yesterday:

"you always try to avoid when it's me, beatrice and chee min"

Frankly, I don't. But come to think of it, I guess I might feel out of place too, if I tried. Perhaps I just really don't blend in well when there are too many people.

Wonder if Itak da ge is still in Singapore. Maybe I should just 'bug' him for some reassuring words. I'm sure he'll be able to come up with some to make me feel much better too. See what I mean about Yaofang being a huge brat?

Care to lend me some optimism?

Exactly 1 year and 15 days ago, I was in a super scared and uncertain state. The first person I thought of to email to was this senior. I didn't expect a reply from him, since he wasn't really that much of a senior, but he did anyway, and somehow it reassured me a little.

Fastforward to now. Ian, wherever you are, can I borrow your limitless optimism? Your way of looking at things in a positive light? Somehow I think I went overboard in making myself cheery, to the point that I'm losing control of myself. And then now, I'm just feeling awfully scared, upset whatsoever. Perhaps I didn't really change that much from the supposed shy person you thought I was. I still don't feel comfortable mixing with strangers and don't like to face the unknown. I don't want my lao ban or my colleagues for that matter to realise that what they think of me is simply a facade, that I'm actually quite dumb and slow. In the first place, a part of me still doesn't want to face reality, doesn't want to turn up in Income and just wants to run away. Perhaps the grass is greener on the other side, maybe that's why I really really really want to do something else even though the outcome may be better. I know you've told me that so long as one can find one positive aspect in the job, that aspect will sustain the person, somehow it doesn't seem to work on me. How? I just feel very very helpless.. you know, like someone trying to clutch on to some straw in the sea. I don't even know why I'm feeling this scared, reluctance now. If only there's some way to get you, so that you can still drop some words of wisdom and allow some of your cheerfulness to rub off on me.

Sounds quite useless right? Hmm... and even though Weiguang once said I'm relatively independent, I don't think I am now. In fact, can I borrow a hug from someone?

***Later***

Is it that hard to reassure someone? Actually, all I needed was just someone to just type the word *hug*... somehow it seems difficult huh? Even when I actually asked someone who used to be always able to reassure me whenever I asked..

What makes some best friends whilst others not?

You know you were super tired when you typed a post, and then re-read it a few hours later, and realise it simply does not make much sense.

It's just the same as doing any piece of work, just like the analogy I used about a spring. Maybe you're just over-stressing yourself, like what I've said yesterday, you'll be generating great work in no time, just cause I believe that you can. Have more faith in yourself, and don't pile too much pressure on yourself!

******

Was discussing this with Koon that day whilst waiting for Weiling. It started off with me commenting how 2 friends in his faculty, one having made me very hurt before and another not, yet how I still regard the former as a good friend whom I would go all out to protect whereas I'm not so nice to the other.

Friendship, like many other things involving feelings and opinions, has really no basis. It's just like, why do you like certain food and not others? You really can't explain such stuff, right?

It's the same as how friendship just suddenly becomes bland too. Of the four people I trusted most in JC, only 2 remains amongst those I consider to be my most important friends. Perhaps when I wanted to put an end to the friendship earlier this year, I really managed to, finally, this time round. It's weird how you just can't make yourself go into the can't-be-bothered mode for so many years, and then suddenly, you are able to do it. No reasoning, no basis.

Which brings to mind something Guoxing asked the other day. Did I take up law for the sake of the monetary returns? You should know that my answer would be no, right? But it's just a not-so-nice feeling when you see everyone running ahead of you and you're still struggling behind.

Or maybe I've just changed over the years, huh?

Little Things that Make You Happy

Finally, Income has gotten back with whatever they were supposed to confirm. To those who are still clueless by now, yes, I'm starting work this Thurs. My first month would be at Field Servicing (ie. customer service) before I'm transferred to Legal for good, or at least for the entire 6 months of the review. The pay is low, but, at least it's above what I thought they would give, so I'm not really upset. Or perhaps it was all the other tiny things that made me happy, so much so that, this lower pay really didn't make much of a difference.

The late buffet lunch yesterday was also great! Like what I've repeated a million times (Koon actually said I'm usually naggy. WHAT?!?) it's not the food but the company that counts. And any meal taken with any of my good friends is good, even if the food is bad. And then, Over the Hedge was hilarious (though it was marred by phone callS for me). So it was laughing and laughing for that entire hour, or sort of.

Don't know if Gek Koon noticed, but yesterday's conversation was rather different from our usual conversation. As in, instead of talking about school life, looking back at the past, it was more of talking about present as well as thoughts. It's actually a not bad feeling, as in, even though such topics are 'heavier' but, they're way more real. Then again, maybe it's usually my fault, since I'll normally have a habit of steering clear of the 'my thoughts, my feelings' kind of topic.

Actually, I was supposed to meet another person yesterday for lunch, but I didn't in the end, cause I was busy copying something and watching something else on another computer, and would probably have ended up late. I guess sometimes, the way you put something across does make a difference. As in, if he didn't make himself sound like a super busy person who had better things to do, I would have put in more effort in order not to be late. Haha... excuses again, but yes, I was already quite put off since, hey, it's not like I'm dying to have lunch with you either.

Ok, enough of that nonsense. In the end, I'm still glad I didn't bring the anger to sleep, else I would probably not be able to sleep well. Sometimes, 'resolving' matters feel a lot better. Actually, I really hate people to ask me if I'm angry. As in, if you can tell, fine. If you can't figure out, that's your problem. But I can't believe I actually replied in the affirmative. Then again, at least it got my point across, and admitting that I was angry did cause the irritated feeling to dissipate. Though seriously, can the person stop saying that I didn't take the photo because I didn't want to? If you didn't read the portion in that entry that was meant for you, that's your problem! Stop putting words in my mouth! Grr...

That said, that's one little tiny happy thing too (as in the no-longer-feeling-bad-and-not-pissed-off part)

And of course, JianPing is back in Singapore!! That concludes another countdown of mine, and that's another cheery event too, right?

See what I mean about little things adding together to make you happy? Maybe it sounds dumb, but there's no need for big big happy events to bring some sunshine into the day, at least not mine. Even simple things like talking to friends who matter to me is enough =)

PS: I'm still in the process of delivering all the things that I've bought from Taiwan, so erm.. so those who're still waiting, hold on for a while, k? Especially since I'm so good at procrastinating. Oh yes, and Gary, you still haven't told me about your new job!

It's great to be back!

It's really really good to be back, even though I was away for less than a week! The moment the plane touched down in Changi, there was just this unexplanable feeling of safeness and this smile within me. This, despite me loving my country as much as I used to, or how disappointed I am with a country that doesn't love its citizens as much as it should. Can still remember the time when we came back after 10 days in Cebu, how excited and hyper the whole bunch of us were, to the point that someone remarked that we should all pretend that we were from China, given how weirdly excited we were to be in Changi Airport and how we were crazily snapping photos here and there. We even took a neoprint, with me putting my soft toy cat in my blazer pocket.

Anyway, I guess I just like the safeness I feel here. Maybe that's the reason why I should just on a holiday by myself in future. I guess even though I don't mind looking after others, at the end of the day, I still like someone else to look out for me too, if I'm not out alone. Perhaps being the one who does everything, yet at the same time feeling as if I'm on my own just took a toil on me at the end of the trip. That's perhaps why I still love my Cebu trip, or Beijing trip so much, because it wasn't so much of one person looking after everyone, but more of everyone looking after everyone (although I think I was way too spoilt for the Cebu trip).

Ok lah.. but the trip wasn't bad, really. I did like wandering around =) And it's always nice to be able to speak the most common language in a country. Oh... and the food there is nice!! (Though I need to lose weight again!!) And they were having elections there too! So they had those vans with speakers moving around. Too bad I didn't get to watch any rallies though =)

Photos later, perhaps. For now, it's more photos of the mass call first:

Photo with the family first

And of course, the next photo will be with Weiling. The photo is quite dark though

Next up, the photos with the other pupils from Rodyk. Not every single one of them though. Just realised I didn't manage to get a photo taken with Wanqing again!

Laura, who's Ben (ie. tomato)'s room mate and who gave me sufficient things to keep be busy and slightly cheerier when I was in RE and IP:

My plaintiff for FMS:

Friends I made during PLC (maybe with the exception of Stephanie, my most-often-negotiation-partner):

Err... and Law school friends and one of their girlfriends (ie. Mark's):

And of course, Tee Meng, who came down too!

I think someone is still quite pissed off with me for the photo incident that day. Actually, when he typed the words "not your fault for not wanting to take photo with me" and then "i'm not andy lau nor aaron kwok" I actually felt even worse. He's not that bad looking really.. and I'm sure he has way more confidence in himself than that, so that was just an obvious reflection of how angry he still is. Don't know lah.. I'm getting a bit tired of apologising and apologising and it sounds super irritating too. We'll see how it goes. Somehow though, I've this nagging feeling that he won't be able to make it for lunch in the end. Still, I guess I'll just try my luck then... at most.. to quote what we used to hear often in primary school, "don't friend then don't friend lohz". I don't know. Since I was in the wrong, I shall see how it goes?

Somehow, he reminds me of JianPing, particularly that incident in the LT during the NJCO camp period. I guess the only difference is that JianPing will blow up, whereas he doesn't?

Talking about JianPing.. it's 3 more days, I think!

Income hasn't gotten back to me YET, as usual. When on earth will you be telling me when I'm starting, where I'll be posted to and my salary??? If you are really not interested in taking me in, I can always work elsewhere, so just tell me! I hate being neither here nor there. If you want to disallow me from practising first, you jolly well have a position ready and not take a million years to do something.

Before I run off...

More of flying off actually..

Not a good start to the holiday, but oh well, it's not like the first time anyway, you'll just get used to it. How else can I always lend my listening ear nowadays? That's just cause I've come across such similar nonsense too. Just like why I took up my scholarship remember?

Anyway, it's JianPing's graduation today, I think. Don't think he really reads this, but just in case, CONGRATS MR CHAI!!!!!! You've done a good job (don't you contradict me!) and I'm just super glad that one of my closest friend will be back in Singapore soon! (That's 7 days from now, and a mere 3 days by the time I get back! That's definitely something to look forward to!)

Mr Tan and Mr Chan should be flying back in a few hours time.. I sure hope the 2 of you brought back the present I want most --> so, I do get to hear that both guys are more relaxed and cheerier, right? =) In any case, welcome back!!! I miss the 2 of you too, even if it's 3 days! (What to do.. I'm a brat, and I love my closer friends nearby)

Better run off... before I get scolded again.. just like what happened a few hours ago when I was typing the previous entry. In case anyone thinks I'm way too full of me and myself, hey, I haven't finished uploading yesterday's photo, at least the ones with my friends. Shall get that done once I'm back...

I'll miss all of you... really!

Happiest Day in Many Months... Maybe..

As I was packing my bag to get to office yesterday, it suddenly dawned on me how time just flew past. The poor pass that I was returning yesterday was already showing signs of age when I returned it yesterday:

Much as I wasn't totally very happy there, there were pleasant memories too. Perhaps that's why there was a tinge of "holding on" as I left the office after borrowing the court robe yesterday.

Of course, borrowing court robes means that it's mass call today! It feels just like yesterday that I was just a fresh graduate, taking loads of photos with my own friends at the expense of my classmates at law (http://reveriez.blogspot.com/2005_07_01_reveriez_archive.html) and today? It's another round of photo taking, another 'ending' to a part of my growing up. This time round, fewer of my friends came, so that Weiling can no longer use the word 'contigent' to describe my friends. Even so, it was sufficient, because they were friends who matter a lot to me too!

Itak da ge was the first to get to the High Court. If I were to say that I was super happy to have Gek Koon promise to come down for my call that day, then I can say that I was immensely excited when Itak da ge smsed me last night using a Singapore number. He did come down to Singapore afterall for serious matters. It didn't matter simply because he could drop by for my mass call! That's like such a rare guest at a place that reminds me of him and Darmaji too! Just as I told someone else last night "you lose something, you'll gain something in return". Some friends may no longer be as close, but it's not that bad given that I've Itak da ge as one of the friends in exchange for those close friends lost. He may not be always as book smart, but he's always able to drop words of wisdom whenever I needed any, listen to me whine within judging me before that. Itak da ge, xie xie ni!!

Of course, how can any of these photo sessions be without my dearest, nicest, most wonderful friend Mr Tay? You know, even though I didn't say it (cause I think you'll just get irritated by me thanking you non-stop) I'm actually super grateful that you made the effort to wake up early just to take photos with me. Just that I'm such a useless friend, somehow, for my commencement and today's call, I seem to be always neglecting you. How else can you explain this only photo of you? But you know, that day when you said you'll definitely come down unless you oversleep, I was already super super happy. It really doesn't matter whether you did oversleep in the end (although knowing you, you won't if you've made a promise) because it's just the thought that matters and I'm sure you knew that you turning up can just make my day. Thanks for always being the friend I could depend on during JC, through university and all the way till now. Really... thank you!!!

Somehow, it seems like I'm destined never to consume any food from these functions. By the time I was done with my photo taking in the auditorium, I was already one of the last to leave! Still, that wasn't that bad since at least I would have space to have lunch with Itak, Koon and Tee Meng.

Actually, with 2 of my closest friends turning up, I should have been over the moon, completely hyperactively estatic. Somehow though, even though I was really really happy, in the end, something stupid that I did became a dark cloud that eclipsed over my otherwise super happy day. I shouldn't have been so wilful, such that even though I realised my fault a (long) while later, it was a bit late to "make amends". Plus the telephone conversation. Somehow it just casted that dark shadow for the rest of the day, which somehow I just couldn't get rid of.

In the end, I still cancelled all my tuitions. Poor Itak had to walk with me from our lunch area, which was near UOB Plaza, to the old High Court for more photos.

Itak da ge is really a super nice big brother. As we were walking from CityLink Mall through Suntec, my ankles were beginning to truly hurt a little. But because I didn't want Itak to know, I just ignored the pain and walk as per normal. There was one point when he suddenly ask if my feet hurt, and when I said no, he actually said something to the extent of "You are lying if you say it doesn't hurt". Da ge bu kui shi da ge. And despite me refusing to admit, he still made me sit down once to wait for him and instead of walking back to the MRT, we simply took a train (although it was already like 6+++pm by then, meaning we had walked for hours!). Ah.. and that was when we bumped into Fer-Fer with Dingquan. To think that Fer has just graduated and is working already! It just seem like yesterday when she was still one of the juniors in RGCO!

******

To the friend I was really mean to today:

In the end, I really still want to apologise.

I guess when I first said those words, it really didn't occur to me how un-nice they sounded. Perhaps it was just the rebellious me not liking the fact that I was supposed to do something before you would do me that favour. That was really in jest, really, and I got your friend to help me take the photo, because someone else was asking you to help them take the photo then. And then, I was just running around taking other photos with people right beside me that I forgot all about it until much later. That was when I realised how mean I sounded, felt guilty and called you.

I really didn't realise that I sounded that hostile. Come to think of it, I really did cause you to xia bu liao tai in front of your friend. I'm really really sorry. I really didn't notice my tone. Perhaps, I admit, I was a bit irritated by something I heard from another some days ago. Still, just as what Itak and Gek Koon had chided me about, that was really not a valid excuse for my tone. I guess I realised it was wrong even before they 'reprimanded' me, cause immediately after hearing you said that, somehow, I just felt really bad for the rest of the day. Perhaps it sounds pretty stupid, but I guess it's because what you said made sense, that's why the words just stayed for the rest of the day, and made me reflect.

Whatever it is, (even if there are some things that you say/do that I may not agree with) I'm still really glad to have had you as my classmate during PLC, for the few times when you had not much choice but to 'hear' me 'say/complain about' some not-so-happy stuff. For that, I'm really really grateful. And I guess, this almost one year worth of PLC and then pupillage would have been much less colourful if you hadn't (unfortunately for you) been in my tutorial class during PLC, or you hadn't (unfortunately for you, once again) been asked to help another classmate reserve a seat (I think that was the first time I said anything to you.. hmm) So you see, I really really really didn't mind the photo even though I sounded so to you, cause you were part of the memories of this short but eventful growing up journey too. Hmm.. it doesn't make sense nor sound right.. but I presume you understand what I'm trying to get at, right?

Actually, I've got a pretty dumb suggestion.. I really don't mind still taking a photo... errr.. at some more scenic place though.. something like the old high court! (Although err... we should try weekends, so as to seem less dumb) If you are interested, then just tell me and I won't return the court robe so soon..

In any case, I really want to say:

I'm really really really sorry, Kum Fu!

I really shouldn't have behaved the way I did today, even though I really didn't mean it the way you saw it. Still, it's not really a valid excuse, so I really hope you won't take it to heart. I guess you've finally realised what misfortune it is to know of my existence right? Yah.. sorry for my really really childish and like you said, ren4 xing4 behaviour. Sorry!

Yaofang

Running Away Mode

Obviously the title has no meaning.. Just couldn't think of a better title.

I suddenly feel like going out! At the same time, I realised I've been slashing my "circle" of friends. I know it's not some sale, and I know the number of people I count as friends are already highly countable but... there are just some people I no longer trust, some I no longer feel as cheery with..

On another note, I'm not afraid to admit (unlike some people who obviously were worried about retention but refused to admit, but that's long over already of course.. ) that I am really envious of those who will be applying for their PC. Why am I looking at the classifieds on the Law Society website? Oh well, I made a bad decision and I'll live with it. Actually I'm not terribly upset anymore, I mean it's been so many months already.. and, like what someone I look up to once said, I'll just have to find one thing I like there in order to keep me going. Yups, so Yaofang will be fine! Just envious.. =)

And... if only I can have that senior at my mass call.

Daniel's Birthday Celebration

Actually it wasn't only Daniel's birthday celebration.

Had lunch with Terence today. Actually I felt quite bad. I wanted to lunch with Terence because I wanted to buy him lunch. For being that perfectly wonderful big brother. In the end, he paid for the lunch instead. ("Thank you, Terence!") It was a pretty enjoyable lunch (even though Liat Yeang was also dining there, but that's besides the point) though I wonder if Terence felt tortured by the childish one (ie. me).

In any case, Terence is still my favourite LA in litigation.

Since lunch time was till 2pm (though I think I caused Terence to exceed lunch time a little, especially since I was late..) I had many hours left to kill before the mass call rehearsal. I should never allow myself to wander around shopping centres whenever I've something in mind. Too much time + specific thing I'm looking for = Spending money! Yes, and I can be disgusting at saving in such a case. Finally found my clip-on earrings! Not one, but three. Though I found some nice ones online too (See http://www.e-shop.com.sg/index.php?cPath=53_47 ) I want!! But should I? Hmm.....

Finally, Daniel's birthday. Photos later. Dinner felt the best of all the other times, maybe because we had more to say (I think it was me being over excited on the topic of elections). Grr.. Koon laughed/giggled so many times. Hmpf.. But it was pretty evident that Dan wasn't very happy today. Maybe if we had other days to reschedule, he won't have to be forced to have dinner with us even though he was unhappy, and clearly had other things to worry (even though he'll deny when asked).

Mass call on Saturday. Don't think Itak da ge will be in Singapore then, given his ambivalent reply. Still, it's not all that bad, I suppose. I guess I won't be as crazy as last year to ask all those who kept me company whilst I grew up these years though it'll be wonderful if Guowen and kor could turn up. Or maybe even milk powder (though that's even more far fetched!) Hmm...

Backtrack..

It's been quite a while since I've typed here. Perhaps I've grown to be less reliant on the blog. Perhaps I no longer feel as safe typing here. Perhaps..

Polling day came and went, just like the last day of pupillage. Of course, my favourite MP won in my estate, with a greater margin. I think I screamed myself hoarse at the announcement, and bounced around the place for the next few minutes, just like I did when a certain "small white face" lost despite tugging hard at coat tails. Ah... next time, maybe I can offer you better shoes, to feel the ground better, yah?

Still, the results were disappointing.

9 days of elections campaign left me totally worn out, even though I wasn't running for it at all! Just try standing for 3 hours two days in a row in super high heel shoes and you'll know what I mean. One particular field was also disgustingly lousy, in that I could actually sink into the mud. But it was all worth it!

Last day of pupillage came and went. I wouldn't say that I didn't feel anything at all since that would be super unlike me. The day before, we had our review session and the pupillage partner asked me for my comments, which I refused to say. Just like what we think a pupil master should be. I'm glad my pupil master answered the question about the number of times he had brought me out for lunch.. uncountable.. How smart. It was truly uncountable, simply because there wasn't anything to count. Not that I really care cause you are only a pupil master in name only. To think that stupid me actually looked up to you to that great an extent before PLC. Oh well, I must be blind.

Siang Pheng feels a lot more like my pupil master. To think my tears actually wanted to surface when he came by my table on the last day. You see, what I think a good pupil master should be is not the number of times you bring your pupil out for lunch.. but more of, noticing your pupil and taking part in the actual training of your pupil. When I passed him the cookies that day, I actually wanted to say "Thank you, Mr Lek.. Thank you for being a good teacher, for letting me feel that I've a 'stand-in' pupil master for the other non-existent one. Thank you for not letting me feel left out, for being interested in my training, for suggesting to me the things to be done, to try out. Thank you, Mr Lek, for being the fatherly figure.. for always giving me the comforting smile whenever I walk into your room. Thank you for telling me to staple things with their corners neatly stacked together. Somehow that habit stuck and I became more particular about stapling. Thank you for everything, Mr Lek.. for pupillage.. and for my attachment." Of course I didn't, cause that sounds super childish, and it'll just bring up other hidden meanings. Still, I'll not forget to have more confidence in myself, that I'll survive in practice, if I ever do practice. Thank you Mr Lek!

Actually, there were a lot of other things that I wanted to say that day, that I didn't cause it sounded just so not right. Just like... I passed the cookies to Terence without saying "Thank you" at all, even though he's one of those whom I really really wanted to say that to (my pupil master not included). Terence, thanks for always making an effort to make me feel comfortable, be it during attachment or pupillage. He's so much like a big brother, and a very nice one. I still remember the first day of pupillage when my pupil master didn't have anything to say to me, and just told me to go home even though it was way before 6pm. Terence popped by to chat... and made me feel comfortable instantly. Even that day when Wanqing and I were back to deal with our call papers. He was the one who made me look for the provision in the LPA, and then read that provision. Terence, thank you... really!

Hmm... however, the last week also reinforced a view, that is, not to trust law students. Sometimes, you may think that what you said is chivalrous, but you are just giving me more problems. What you say will just get passed on and on.. until it gets out of hand. And thanks to what you smartly told another, I shall remember to watch my mouth even further.

Then again, that once again doesn't matter too.

Was just telling some people that I really don't feel like going for the mass call cause it's just a photo session, and the people I want to take photographs with won't exactly be present. JianPing is overseas.. Koon, I don't want to tell him, simply cause I don't want someone else there, but telling him and not the someone would just put him in a spot if the other person finds out, and I don't want to do that. Hmm... I can't possibly be such a huge brat to ask if Itak da ge is coming to Singapore next weekend right? But mass call would be so worthwhile, even if only one of them turns up.. Hmm...

Went back for NJCO concert on Thursday. I don't know why the impact was so great. When I heard Yao Zhu Wu Qu, memories just kept flooding back.. The happy things that happened during NJCO days... That encore piece.. William Tell.. reminded me of my last concert with RGCO too. Everything just flew by, just like the wind. Before you can even grab hold of them, they've disappeared into dust. But, I still remember how to play those pieces, the notes, who's coming in when etcetc. Some memories just don't fade... I really miss all of you.. I really do...

These two weeks, a once relatively close friend appears to be keeping in contact more often. By right, I would have been relatively happy, but I really don't feel a thing. Cause now, I'm just the silly "guardian angel" (ok.. a bit thick skinned.. but... something to the extent of a person protecting another) who is there to "lend you my shoulders to lean on".. Just as I've said, I'll try my best to help you deal with the current situation (though I don't think you need me actually) before I retire. Though I don't think you noticed what I typed yesterday, or realised what I meant.. What a junior said that day about another having sacrificed/put in a lot really stuck in my mind. I guess I still prefer to watch from afar, appear when needed, before disappearing into the crowd again. I chose to allow myself to be used simply because you still retain a certain standard of importance (as compared to those who have never reached that level of closeness, yet chose to be bigmouths) as a friend.. yet at the same time, you are not as important a friend any more too given that your presence/absence doesn't make that much of a difference either. Contradictory isn't it?

Koon, JianPing.. can I borrow your back to lean on for a while someday and then chat and chat and chat?? I really miss the bus rides, the times in the library where I could talk, talk and talk.. Just like, I miss talking to you too, Itak da ge.. when will you be coming to Singapore again?? Hmm...

Seasonal fruits

I realise that some seasonal fruits are making their appearances when theoretically, it's not that particular fruit season yet. Walked past fruits stall just now, they were selling durians for $1 per pack. Too bad sis is still having her exams. Better not get sick, so decided not to buy.

Still, nowadays, people no longer have to look at the shell, feel the thorns to buy durians. Everything can be prepacked, so I don't think buying durians requires that much skills isn't it? Pardon me if I'm wrong, but I thought it's a, if it looks good then buy? But if it looks crumbly, then you'll just avoid it?

By the way, I heard it's chiku season now. Somehow, I think I'm just plain unlucky, I don't see any chikus in the supermarket yet, not even unripe ones!

******

There's definitely something wrong with me.. some screws missing I think. Why am I so hyper and high today? Even for lunch, although I'm normally quieter when there're strangers, I was actually super high and a bit nonsensical even with Chee Min around. I'm sure he thinks there's some screws missing from my brains too.

Oh, and my pupil master asked me if I want to follow him to court on Tuesday. That's rather rare, but interestingly, I'm not that excited. Since he says he's bring a bitch (in my own humber opinion) for one of his court stuff, why doesn't he bring her for the other? Just saves time for him. Oh well.

Buried Memories and Calm

I wonder if it's a sign of aging when you hear a song that you used to dislike on the radio and find it calming. I sure hope not, considering that I just found myself relaxing as I listened to one Aaron Kwok's song on radio today (a soothing one, not the noisy ones). Given how much I didn't like Aaron Kwok's song in primary school, such reaction does provide some food for thought huh?

Anyway, a recap of last week. No, I did not disappear into thin air. Rather I was just way too tired... from watching VCDs late into the night. Not that I can help it either, given that by the time I get home from tuition, it's already rather late.

As I was saying, last week was peppered with more divergence from the usual week. There was the Monday meeting. Then the lunch on Thursday with Tee Meng. It's quite amusing how we've never actually talked to each other before this. The first and last time I saw him was during my sec 4 RGCO concert and we roped him in to sabo Jamie. Jamie and her blue rose. For most strangers, there would usually be some awkwardness. But not for this 'senior'.. although strictly speaking we are really very much like strangers too!

Then, there was Thursday night dinner with Meisi. Much as I think that the Certificate of Good Character (or something to that extent) is crap, it provided a reason to meet up after so many years. Although I can't say that we've not seen each other for as long as I've not seen Tee Meng, but considering how our friendship goes back to primary school days, the few years since the two of us have really sat down to chat and chat and chat can really be considered super long. That said, I miss having her living nearby. Not that it makes a real difference but, it's just a feeling.

Reminds me of Jo and how she used to live opposite too. Somehow a certain scene of her waiting at her void deck to pass me the homework when I was on MC from school always flash across my mind when I think about how nice it'll be to have her opposite. It's always a good feeling to have your closer friends nearby.

Speaking of which, I was still asking my sis whether I should get Ciyao or Jo to sign my other set of forms.

Friday night dinner with Weiguang. How bad can dinner be when you have your friends as company? In fact, without all this tiny "checkpoints" to tide me through the days and weeks, time would pass so much more slowly and it'll feel a lot more painful! Which brings to mind something Gary wrote in one of his entry. I'm not sure for others but I still need little rewards along the way to push myself forward, so things like meeting up with people who mean a lot to me, or even talking to them just makes all the difference.

Fastforward to Sunday, I turned up for the first time at the clan building since the dinner a few weeks ago which ended with me offering to help out. Although it was almost half a Sunday spent with a bunch of grandfather-like figures, it wasn't really all that bad, even if they were speaking Teochew most of the time (and my brain had to work overtime trying to decipher what they were saying). Still, unlike what people think about clan associations being dowdy places, I actually thought it was rather homely, somewhat like having a bunch of grandfathers looking after you. It's really not too bad. Seriously.

Ah.. and of course the main news for the week. Polling day is next Saturday! How I love parallels especially when they are brilliantly done.

Hmm... would you ever liken yourself to an animal just because you like a particular song with that animal? Take for example, would you want to be associated with a cockroach just because you like the song "Bu Pa"? I won't definitely. But then, there are always people who would (I mean the analogy, not referring themselves to cockroaches)

That's enough on polling day. I'm actually looking forward to attending the rallies once again. This would be the 4th round of rallies I've attended! From the basketball courts to the field opposite Nativity Church, to Hougang Stadium (and probably Hougang Stadium again this year). How things have changed and how I've grown from the primary school girl I then was to the first-time voter I am now. Hmm...

Much Ado About Nothing!

Just as what Gek Koon had said, I was worried for nothing!

Basically nothing was really said during the meeting that couldn't be said over emails. Even the waiting part.

I actually regret saying the lower end of my expected salary. I can so expect them to at most give me my minimum expected. Forget it, like what Wanqing had said, if not happy, just move off. So I'll just take one step at a time, yahz?

You know, it's times like these when you feel most loved. Whatever would I do without the people who are so dear to me?

Gary, thanks for the offer to let me call you after 8.15pm. But I'm fine what... did I sound any bit like I wasn't going to be? =)

Weiguang, thanks for you 101 reassurances.. and company

Gek Koon, for always believing in me, the day before I went for my scholarship interview, all the way till now, the meeting before I start work..

And the bear that I was clutching to at work.. my favourite 18th birthday present from one of my closest friend....

Irene too, for providing me with so much insider info...

AND of course, the unexpected:

Thanks Xinyi, for the well wishes and the listening ear..

And Mingyi, for calling those few times to check if I'm fine..

With so many people giving out warmth, and such safe shelters to rest in.. there's no reason why I should not be grateful =)

Nervousness...

Gosh..

I'm nervous I'm nervous I'm nervous...

Less than 24 hours left.

Why am I nervous anyway?

Still,

I'm really nervous..

I saw my MP today!!!

Ok, the title sounds pretty lame, but yes! I saw my MP today. =) Just suddenly realised it's been 15 years since I watched my first election rally. Back then, it was held at the basketball court downstairs, then it went to that area beside Nativity Church and the last time, it was at the sports stadium. How things change, just like.. my MP seems to have aged a lot since the last election when I saw him at the polling centre.

Anyway, no blogging on political matters.

Other than that, it was pure tuition today. Once in the morning and once in the evening, even though the two places were so near! And I so wanted to strangle the second kid when he perpetually couldn't do simple multiplication and division for fractions although he's in Primary 6! That's not the point. The point is.. his mum said I wasn't to give him any homework! Oh well, but after what I commented today, I think I've sufficiently freaked his mum out to make her more receptive to the idea of homework for her kid. Parents these days are just plain weird...

As I'm typing away, it's Derrick's birthday again. Even though he doesn't know of this blog, nor does he really care about non-important-people wishing him.. as a matter of habit though.. "Happy 24th Birthday, Derrick!"

My wrist hurts!

Contrary to what Weiguang chooses to think, I'm actually not irritated. I even told Joseph that it was ok when he says he owes us lunch. I mean, this is part of my job. Remember NJC's school motto? "Service with honour" Well, I'll just call this service. You pay me, I do whatever you tell me to do. That's it, isn't it?

Ah.. but of course it makes a difference who does the asking. Some IDIOT pupil came over apparently trying to get me to do a repeat of yesterday (Oh yah, unless you are Gary or Weiguang of course, you wouldn't and couldn't have known that I stamped the page number on 5608 pages yesterday, though I did more stamping than that since I made some mistakes and had to redo some of them, but that's another matter). Of course I said no. Firstly, you are but a pupil. Secondly, I do not like your face. So what if you think you're very great? You are but a pupil too, so don't try to tell me what to do. It's your work, so you jolly well do it yourself.

That's all I shall say for work.

I still love my personal friends more.

Was looking forward to having dinner with Weiguang and Weishi, but yesterday's work made me think that it wasn't possible. So I told Weiguang and in the end, dinner was cancelled even though in the end, I changed my tuition till tomorrow and Saturday. =( In the end, I got Gary to keep me company instead. I guess the Income meeting is kind of weighing me down, making me nervous... but with a wonderful company, how can one ever continue to feel down for so long? Thanks Gary! For making me so much cheerier... and for giving me an "immunity boost" for what is to come on Monday.

As you can tell, I'm still kind of apprehensive.

In the end, I did ask that colleague if he was free for lunch on Monday. Although he gave a non-committal answer, somehow, it didn't matter to me. Not when I have comforting-to-talk-to people like Gary to talk to about anything, or when there's always the ever-dependable Weiguang around online, or the always-supportive Gek Koon who is just an sms away. Yup, so I don't need to artificially get someone else to calm me down, cause I'll be fine!

And of course, the start of my weekend just got even better as I'm typing this, just cause I've one of my most-trusted friend online now too!

"Dreamer: My computer runs slower than the time I take to shower says:
i always see u online very late into the night... take care hor"

JianPing, THANK YOU!! I know this sounds stupid and ultra emotional, but.. that just made my day.. I mean.. week..

Then again, that's so not right!!! I've already stopped going online so late into the night, k? But still, that bit of concern just feels super nice on this cool Friday morning.

Yaofang will be fine cause despite a sleepy start, she's now feeling ultra happy! =)

Let's just hope Monday will turn out fine.

Walks

Somehow, people tend to comment all at the same time. Or is it because I haven't been online for quite a while, so the moment I'm on, I get the same comments about how I haven't been online and how I haven't been updating my blog.

These days, I tend to walk home from tuition, whether it's at Woodbridge.. I mean Buangkok, Hougang or Yio Chu Kang. Partly to save bus fare (cause in any case I still have to walk a distance to the bus-stop where I get on and then get off) but also, walking especially late at night allows me to think (unless I'm on a lookout for stalkers). That's the time I used to plan my speech on Saturday. The time when I get my thoughts sorted out too.

As I was walking back today, I suddenly thought of dinner at somewhere East this Thursday, just so that I could deliver a cake to someone's place. Still remembered approximately 5+ years ago, on an early December night, someone commented about how he liked chocolate fudge cake, and I promised/offered to get one for his birthday. Somehow that never materialised, simply cause the friendship started turning haywire about 2 months later when our A level results came out. I don't think you still remember that day, we were out hunting for your tie after my work and dinner was at Snoopy Place cause I liked Peanuts then and had wanted to go there a long while ago. That was one out the two times I dined there before it closed and frankly, I still like that place quite a bit. And I still remembered the comfort you provided the following day, during my class chalet, just because I didn't want to see the bitchy teacher.

Back to your birthday. I wonder if you still remember I actually promised to get you one of the Swatch watches when I finally start work? That was when we spent half a day hunting for the piano book that I needed for my exam and we finally found it at Peace Centre. Neoprints was still a fad then, and we took some that day. In fact, I was quite pleasantly surprise to see one of it pasted in the card that you gave me for commencement.

So many years have passed, I wonder if you still remember the things I had promised then, but I still do. Just that, I don't even know whether I'll be sending you that birthday sms since I don't think it really matters to you. That day, you were talking about birthday presents, but you know, you do have some very precious presents, in the form of 2 friends who would probably do anything to protect you if the need arises, even if they are pissed with you. Really. But whatever it is, your birthday is worth celebrating even if from afar because without the wonderful friend you were during JC times, I wouldn't have been as happy and cheery JC girl as I was then, right?

Then, as I came closer home, somehow, there were a lot more bicycles along the road. Watching them cycle reminds me of 2 friends too.. Guoxing used to cycle to school too, until his bicycle was stolen. Still remembered this time when I was super pissed with you for don't-know-what-reason and didn't really want to talk to you. But you still brought me the papers.. 6kg worth of it.. On top of your school bag and stuff.. And you cycled to school. All this just because my class wanted to win that chalet stay and I asked you to. Just like the Cebu trip when I refused to have the raw egg on my breakfast or the greyish-black looking rice at Maranathan.. Or the times when you would get biscuits for me when you hear of me skipping lunch/recess cause of the long queues.. In fact, that day I had the strawberry Polky(correct spelling?) for lunch just cause it reminded me of JC. Come to think of it, I really miss those days when we talked on the phone, at the staircases, along the corridors and wrote postcards.. Those were such carefree days (ok, minus school work since I remembered our grades were almost equally bad.. Must be my bad influence..) I really missed the chats we had then. But we've all grown up over the years and have changed somewhat. Somehow we aren't as good friends as we were then. But you know what? No matter how we grow, one thing will never change, that is, you'll always remain one of my most treasured friends (yes.. even if you were to irritate me at times)

Talking about treasured friends and bicycles, how could the image of a certain Mr Chai not pop up? You wrote either in one of the letters or in my autograph book that we would still have to keep in contact after graduation, cause you still hadn't taught me to play the guitar or cycle. Actually, till now, you haven't! But I've more or less learnt how to cycle, albeit rather dangerously still. I still remember my first attempt at learning. You were the one teaching me and as usual, you took extra care so that I wouldn't be injured, even though it meant you ending up with cuts given my perchant for zooming into rubbish bins =) Even though I kept commenting about how I couldn't learn properly as a result of you focusing so much on not letting me get injured, I was and still am very thankful for that. Really. Just like how you played a role in ensuring that I didn't get straight Fs for my A levels. Stupid whoever. I so wanted you to come down for the mass call, but they had to make it so early which means you can't be there. I wonder how you're coping with your exams in US now. Hmm.. I really miss the times when we took the bus to that SCGS bus stop together, come to think of it, I must have been quite a chatterbox during those few minutes huh? Actually, I can't remember why I started changing buses instead of taking that one direct bus home.. but if you ask me, I don't think I'll regret the changing bus. Even if we were having cold wars on the bus at times. Hmm... I really really miss those bus rides, but even if we do take the same bus again, somehow both of us have changed so much, sometimes I think we've even run out of things to say. Perhaps that was one reason why I enjoyed my commencement that much too.. somehow that day it just felt so much like JC.. Have I ever said this before? Thank you, JianPing.. really..

If Jianping was the pitiful classmate who had to bear with my chatterings and kiddy behaviour, then Koon must be the poor classmate who always had to hear about my problems, when I do feel like confiding. Don't know why, I kept having this memory of us sitting in the Chinese books side of the library and I started talking about something that happened at home. Or the times he had to get me out of scrapes, for example the stupid bitchy Ms Yang incident. I spoke my mind about her childish behaviour, and then refused to contact her further and Koon had to take over the dirty job and he never once scolded me too. And then there was the time when I was doing attachment at Income and was somehow somewhat akin to having depression. Smsed in the afternoon, and we met up in the evening and just talked and talked. He was still in NS then, so I can't remember why he could be out on a Wednesday evening. But as usual, he's always able to drive the rain clouds away. Although I know you'll find me irritating for saying "thank you" on and on.. I really really mean it.. Thanks for being my safest and sturdiest pillar all these years. Really...

Wonder what made me think of these 4 most treasured JC friends. Perhaps work, Income just makes me miss them and the very safe feeling...

In any case, the Income meeting is next Monday. Don't know why I'm feeling nervous now. If only one of them were nearby. But of course that's only a "if".. Hmm... don't think a certain Mr Wong Kum Fu reads this.. else he promised lunch on the afternoon of my meeting with Income HR. But.. I don't think I'll ask.. somehow, I really don't understand why I'm so conscious of what Derrick's friend said to me the last time.. It's just plain old-fashioned thought... but...

It's always the simplest things that brighten the day

Had tuition today and after that, since the tuition was at Compassvale Lane, I thought I would drop by Reich's place to borrow the stuff I wanted. But in the end, he cycled over to pass the stuff to me. And initially, I wanted to make sure he get back safely. In the end, he was the one who sent me all the way till downstairs.

It's been such a long while since I've last seen him. And it's always a joy to see the little-boy-who-had-just-grown-to-be-a-bigger-boy. Thanks for the books! And for sending me back! =)

On another note, I met up with Priscilla too for lunch. Not that we talked much, but, lunch was just relaxing.

Shall look forward to dinner with Reich and company... soon? =p

I am a lazy pig...

In the end, I still succumbed to temptation and started blogging before I start on my work. I've spent so many days on 2 ought-to-be-not-too-difficult-tasks set by my pupil master, but the dumb me just hasn't finished it. Somehow, work from my pupil master always stresses me out. I don't know why, but sometimes, much as I like doing work for my pupil master, I'm always in this adrenaline-high state whenever I'm not done with the work. The last time I had this sudden panic attack was the week before PLC exams, I think, when Kum Fu seemed to have studied so much and I felt I was just plainly not studying. This time round, I was watching my weekly Saturday TV (which I missed for the last 2 weeks, but that's besides the point) when the sudden panic came zooming in and paralysed me. This is so not good. I think if I don't start on it, I doubt I'll sleep well tonight. Then again, I've tuition tomorrow morning and if I really don't sleep, I think I'll just doze off tomorrow!

Anyway, my tuition line-up next week is beginning to sink in. Perhaps that's the reason for my panic attack too.

Enough is enough..

What a certain Mr Tan pointed out (I think.. can't really remember what he said though...) was really true. It's just plain childish to move blogs each time you want to avoid certain readers. So after some pondering (which I normally do on my 45min walks home) I thought, this can't go on all the time. And like what another guy said to me many weeks ago, though he was talking about himself, so long as you are able to take responsibility for your words, you don't really have to worry that much.

Someone just drove home the point about how my "colleague's treatment" should be extended and applied to one and all. You had to affect the start one of my weeks, though your actions didn't do that much harm, at least I couldn't be that bothered with whatever you did. But you just had to spoil my otherwise-relatively good week again by insisting on serving some unpalatable "dessert". Whatever it is, thanks for driving home the point about being extremely cautious.

Thankfully of course, your extent of ability wasn't that great. There were better things along the day that made me forget about you, until I sat down to type this of course.

Was once again the first to reach my side of the office today. It's always so much nicer to work when there's no one around. SP came in later followed by my pupil master. To the not-informed, seeing my pupil master at 8am is an extremely rare occurrence, or rather, I've never seen him around at that time before. Somehow, he came by my table, peered his head over and asked "Are you alright?" That was a pretty dumb question, given that I was doing work and I wouldn't have answered anything else anyway. But he continued with the "Are you sure? You look rather sad lately" something to that extent, though I can't remember what exactly he said. It felt not bad, my pupil master actually noticing me (even though I still think I'm always smiling brightly although a certain Weiguang apparently begs to differ). But, I guess the estasy of getting concern from my pupil master is not longer as great as before PLC.

Which reminds me I'm still NOT done with my pupil master's work.

Ah.. and I did leave the card and cookie on Wei Shin's table early in the morning even though I didn't talk to him or say bye when leaving. I mean, so many people going in to talk/say bye to him, I don't have to add to the numbers, right?

Oh yahz, to Xinyi who left a comment on my yesterday's entry on my transitional blog, don't worry, I survive pretty well on biscuits and my soya bean drink. And, call date is on the 20th, want to come?? Though I don't think it's very exciting.

And since the above paragraph is for you, can you try to remind me to say something? Thanks gal!

Meanwhile, it's time to catchup on my long lost sleep!