A moment's silence for the passing of a respectable opposition

In a country where fire-brand oppositions usually appear to be more concerned about getting their face in papers (and behaving like circus animals) [in my humble opinion], one such man stood out for his belief and passion for his nation. Unlike some others who opposed merely for the sake of opposing, few could fault him for being more concerned about personal fame than his beliefs for the good of his country, for if the former were true, it would have been way easily to just stay on the ground after each fall (or possibly whine to any sympathisers in hope of gaining more sympathy).

Yet, this was the guy whom many of us have "bumped into" outside MRT stations, shopping centres etc, peddling his book with signs of his age, and possibly a tinge of weariness showing. I can't say for others, but each time I saw the look in his eyes and how everyone seemed to shuttle past whilst ignoring/avoiding his presence, I couldn't help but feel sorry for this guy. At his age, he could have been happily retired at home, enjoying the fruit of his labours in the early years. But for the sake of what he believed in, he became a bankrupt at an age when people would be planning or even enjoying retirement. Instead of resting in the comforts of his home and indulging his passions, he was sidetracked and out there probably doing what he could to get back on track once again. Regretfully, I never once bought a book from this pitiful old man, even though I would normally have bought those packets of tissues/draw tickets from the other elderly I see. Gutless? Perhaps. I was just no different from the others who were shuttling past.

It's such a pity that after all his efforts of getting out of bankruptcy and then getting his licence to practise once again, his time was up, just like that. In fact, he didn't even have the chance to conduct a notable case, as yet. That would have at least justified all his efforts, but no, it wasn't meant to be. And I wasn't meant to read about it in the papers either.

Perhaps like what some say, at least he didn't leave this world as a bankrupt. In any case, for all that passion in your beliefs, for your want of the betterment of the nation and your fellow Singaporeans(regardless whether everyone agreed with your views or not), for being a stayer rather than a quitter, you deserve our utmost respect.

Rest well, Mr Jeyaratnam, for you'll be remembered as being one of those who played a significan role in the history of the politics in our country

Interested, anyone?

Just noticed the latest update on SAL events: http://www.sal.org.sg/Web%20Pages/SAL%20Events/Events_SocialEvents.aspx. I didn't realise Avenue Q's that expensive. Hmm.. And I'm still interested in The Office Party and Tooth Fairy (Mr Tan?)...

Sounds like I need to be more discerning..

PS: Congrats, Mr Tan! =)

简单的幸福

Question: When is falling sick not that bad an event?

Answer: When you get to feel concern from the people around you.

Granted, the above must sound extremely silly to most people. One of my friend's friend had this comment on her nick since eons ago "幸福到底有多远?" Perhaps it's just me, but 幸福 is just a measure of content. You do not need superbly high and difficult to attain goals. Sometimes, the simplest things may just be the key to feeling 幸福.

Just like how I'm content with the two packets of sweets from Jan when I was supposedly coughing terribly. Or LiJia's sms. Or Weiguang's observation that I was "missing" on msn. These things may not be worth much in monetary terms, but it still leaves a lingering sweet aftertaste

The sweets from Jan. Not forgetting the cute chocolates from Weiguang too! =)

Can't remember when I first heard the phrase "休息是为了走更远的路" but this short break has definitely given me time to recharge and feel a lot lighter (though I'm not sure if this will disappear the moment I step into office again tomorrow.. haha).

As I've admitted to some of my friends, I was somehow more keen about my lunch than the other matter when I had to turn up at "z-moon" today. There are some people whom you can chat with without divulging much more about yourself, and then there are others whose presence is enough to bring endless smiles. Maybe I'm just useless, but each time I think that we've already become less close over the years, I'll still end up feeling highly recharged, a lot "lighter" each time after we meet up. 拥有好友的陪伴，这，也是一种简单的幸福吧！

The 帅哥 who bought me lunch

It's funny how you tend to think that you prefer something beforehand, but later on, you realise that you're actually more keen on another thing. Despite my reservations about "z-moon" (other than my lunch lah) and my interest in "the hill", at the end of the day, what piped my interest more was actually "z-moon". No doubt the scope at "the hill" sounded way more glam (and it might actually fulfill my "daydream"). Somehow I felt "z-moon" sounded more exciting. Still, you never know till the last minute, and well, like I mentioned to the 帅哥, I had my reservations about "z-moon" too. Nevertheless, just like the earlier experiences, I've learnt lessons through the experiences today, making the day relatively worthwhile (ignoring the lunch again, cause that's besides the point, for now). In fact, one thing that the lady at "the hill" said was the need of experience and independance, something which I would have to bear in mind in deciding my future food suppliers. And of course, I need to bear in mind "z-moon"'s comment on the constant changing of food suppliers will just lead to indigestion.

Let's just see how things go. Time to 回到地球表面 and deal with furballs tomorrow!

Cough Day 5

Periodic bouts of intense coughing. A hoarse voice.

Sajlia(?) left a message on my facebook, about some RGS 10 year reunion. Can't even think of who I'm actually close enough to in RGS to want to turn up for the reunion. But I ended up "spying" on those ex schoolmates and it's mostly those I don't really want to see. Haha..

On another note, I thought Lijia and Ryan's school uniform photos are nice! But then... did you guys really keep all your uniforms?!?!

Stubborn-ness

"It's a bit crazy. But not unlike you!"

Seriously, thanks ar, LiJia, I don't know whether that's a compliment or an insult =p

Still, Yaofang being Yaofang, she'll always be able to come up with something that's a little off "normal". Take for instance yesterday. Despite having a slightly more aggravated cough, I still agreed to watch "Boom" with my favourite Mr Tan.

Not that I regret though. The "corpse" was really good. In fact, my favourite parts were all those involving the corpse and Mr Government. Whilst the corpse was funny, "Mr Government" was sincerely... earnest. All in all, the chemistry between them felt better than the son and the mum.

Lest you think that's the extent of my "non sane-ness", we ended up having dinner at this Japanese restaurant somewhere nearby till pretty late. The grilled food was especially nice, if only I wouldn't cough that much. And it was pretty fun sitting at the glass panel over looking the chefs too.

Chefs hard at work.

We even had the opportunity to watch the restaurant staff having supper(?). Note: Quite a number of them were squatting so that we wouldn't see them eating

Not forgetting to mention, their desserts were nice too! (Though I didn't really like the egg pudding as much.) The soya bean panacotta was smoother and richer than the usual soy beancurd and the macha tiramisu was more tiramisu than macha (unlike some other similarly named tiramisu elsewhere).

With good company, good entertainment and good food all rolled into one evening, who's to say that going out whilst tolerating that irritating cough of mine is a bit too crazy?

PS: To the friend who "complained" about the lack of photos in my blog, this entry should sort of placate you, right? *grinz*

Bondbreakers Lunch

Well, at least that was how Beng Chye started naming it. Although technically, it's not totally apt since we had lunch with Irene, Theng Theng, Joyce and Doris too.

It's obvious how irritating my cough is when I'm not bubbly even at the prospect of going for the lunch. This, considering how I could still bounce up and down in excitement when I first noticed Beng Chye's name as the other side's lawyers despite running a fever.

Anyway, after 久仰 Beng Chye's 大名 for so long, it's nice to finally be able to meet the famed Income scholar in person.

On a side note, Guohui's fever supposedly hasn't subsided since Sunday. Not a good sign. Hope he gets better soon.

远水就不了近火

很久很久以前，有一个毫不起眼的桌面。这桌面看起来稳固，事实上，它的平稳却是与桌的四只脚紧紧相系。过了不久，这四只脚个别被用于其他地方。桌面为了要表现坚强，努力地继续当一个有用的桌面，甚至拼命的做一个比一般巩固的桌面，殊不知桌面越拼，其实也只不过是在让自己本来就不坚固的个体变得更加脆弱。最脆弱的那一刻，桌面总忍不住怀念过去那四只脚，盼望着能再次回到拥有四只脚支撑自己的那段日子。。。

******

Mr Chan, 谢谢你！Think it's the 2nd time I've dragged you out like this, only that this time, I don't think I can be a delivery girl the following day, just to show my gratitude. =p 在这样的一天，就是需要一个距离不远又能依靠的朋友，才能在绵绵细雨的夜晚里增添一点儿暖意. Thanks, Mr Chan! =)

The best tranquilisers in life are...

My friends.

Despite me blowing my top from the incompetence and lousy attitude of my secretary, lunch with a friend calmed me down significantly and brought the smile back on my face. Whatever will I do without my friends?

Much as you'll never see this, Thanks, Lenz!

A short prayer

I know I'm not exactly the most pious person on earth, but dear all gods, please protect my friends and family from any harm. I'm willing to be good, to not lose my cool at all when that secretary of mine does (or doesn't do) anything to make me lose my cool. So please gods?

On another note, even if I'm not the closest of friends with Guohui, the moment I heard what Irene said, I had this sudden fear that he'll be like Meisi. I know I make the worst friend on earth (I haven't even visited Meisi in almost a year) but it doesn't make me any less protective of the people I call friends, so please don't let any of my friends come to any harm, please?

Update: Phew.. Guohui's sister says he's recovering, though no visitors at the moment. Do hope he's really doing fine!

The "Orange Juice" Wedding

For a person who hates socialising and is self conscious, attending wedding dinners is usually a painful affair to be avoided as much as possible. Truth be told, a huge part of me was really reluctant to attend Daphne's wedding because I dread seeing my ex classmates/schoolmates like Jamie, Kailing. Not so much because I didn't like them, but more of, I felt self conscious, even at the thought of possibly sitting with them.

Whatever the case, I don't know whether me ending up with a table of her parents' church friends and her family's Chinese tutor was a better thing. Not that I saw any of the sec 4/3 people either. The only person I recognised was in fact Francis, whom I saw from afar, and immediately walked in another direction. I thought the person helping with the photography was Derrick's good friend from S03J, but couldn't remember his name at first. Up till now, I still haven't figured out whether that guy was indeed Kah Hee (Err... not sure if his name is even spelt this way!) Food wise, it was not too bad. If fact, we even had exotic food like ostrich meat, though it was quite a waste that the table was only half filled.

In any case, at least I've made it through another wedding dinner. More importantly, I'm glad Daphne has found someone who has as clear an aim in life as she does, and someone who loves her that much (the story about the bottle of orange juice each morning was really sweet) and whom she loves as dearly too. Congrats Daphne! May you have a really blissful marriage and a really happy married life!

PS: Much as I dread wedding dinners because of the need to socialise, MingHui, jia you, yah? Haha... that goes for all the other friends who mean a lot to me too...

Happiness = Meeting up with friends you hold dear

If you happen to be in need of a dose of a happy movie, you may just want to consider watching "Boys over Flowers" (seriously, I can't figure out why the English title is as such.. anyone care to enlighten me?). Whilst there wasn't much of a plot, and each part was pretty predictable, it's still a feel good movie to watch on a bright Saturday afternoon.

In any case, thanks for the movie treat, Mr Ho! I hope your headache got better. Remember to look after yourself!!

Common sense?

If your boss tabs certain pages in a particular file for your to photocopy, do you remove the tabs before you photocopy?

I would have thought that was common sensical, but apparently not. Someone took off the tab, pasted it at a corner of the document, and photocopied the document with the tab. It's not just 1 document, but one plus arch files worth of documents. And I'm still waiting for the others that were given to her like some 2 weeks ago.

Mental note: I need to tell her to take the tabs away and not paste it anywhere in the document when photocopying next time. Just like how I need to tell her to make sure the papers are aligned nicely before punching holes. I wonder if it's just me, or I really do have a "brilliant" graduate secretary. Nevermind, shall look forward to having dinner with Cailing this evening instead.

Thanks, Ms Tan!

Thanks for the sweets in the mail! I suppose that's my children's day present for this year =p

Still, thanks!! *grinz*

It takes many rights to right a single wrong

Despite suggestions from certain camps that I should live and let live, I choose to take action against the errant one. Those who truly know me would know what clear segregation I have for my likes and hates. Besides, do I need to get killed/hurt before I lodge a complaint? One wrong yesterday simply rewrote all my earlier experiences, making me one nervous wreak again. So why would it be non justifiable that the errant one be punished for his wrong? Yes, so I still think one time is still one time too many to play with my (not of much value) life.

That aside, lately, I realised a lot of wrongs require more than just a simple right to correct. Despite the influx of time, certain shadows will always remain.

Have you ever had friendship which you thought meant quite a bit to you, only to realise suddenly that things have changed overtime just because of a wrong? I never really noticed how significant certain (minor) events are, until certain conversation make me realise how much less the friend means to you. That one incident, sparked off by the lack of courtesy from a friend's friend (yes, she's NOT my friend) is probably the trigger to the irreparable damage. Even if you've never noticed it, I've never regarded her as my friend. My politeness was only because she was your friend. Still, I chose (brainlessly) to lend her something, only to have to publicise it on the world wide web before she would get you to arrange for me to meet her to get my stuff back. All this while without an apology. To top things off, you arranged so that I had to meet her at a place of HER convenience just to get MY things back after that million and one years. I doubt you remember, but you, in that fateful phone call, made it sound like I had no right to be pissed. It didn't occur to my consciousness then, but the fact is that that was the turning point. Even without me realising it, your action of siding the wrongdoer had caused the irreversible harm. Yes, I would still care to an extent, but no, not as condition-less as before. So much so that even if you do not want to share something, I can't be more bothered to find out either.

Why does that so remind me of Joanne too?

Anyway, recently one of my closest female friend remarked in her blog about her ability to pick up bad female friends. Well, if it helps, I'm not any better either. Just do up a list of the excess baggage I've never successfully rid myself of, and you'll realise that, hey, it's part and parcel of growing up to. So, cheer up cause what doesn't break you will only make you stronger, k? *hugz*

Disclaimer: The above post is a reflection of the author's thoughts for the day, and is not directed to defame, annoy, upset any characters. Any possible incitement of anger to any party is purely unintentional.

Persistence

After years of searching some people using Google, you would think that I would finally give up and stop this meaningless search. But no, I still insist on trying my luck every year.

In any case, Happy Teachers' Day, the teachers whom I respect, especially those whom I'm not been able to locate in any way (esp Mrs Leong). If not for all your guidance, the Yaofang today might have been a different one.. I don't know.

On another note, flipped through "My Paper" and noticed that 28 August was the date when Mr Ong Teng Cheong was first elected as our President. Had this feeling of "wah".. It's been that long. And the scene of Mr Ong's black and white photo on the TV screen whilst I was on the phone to check if Derrick was joking remains etched in my memory.

Braggart for sale

Or rather to giveaway. If anyone wants.

You are bloody rude when you tell your 2 colleagues to go away when they were "forced" to attend your talk (if you can even consider the nonsence you churn out as talk). And then you try hard so that your colleagues do not get to mingle with the participants. Not that they mind, but it was plain rude to do it blatantly.

Then again, we understand that you were there to brag. About things that were not done by you.

You are not exactly endearing yourself, but you'll get by. Good luck to you, the guy who was the first person in Singapore to be tried for illegally using other people's password, Mr Phan. (http://www.landfield.com/isn/mail-archive/1998/Jul/0079.html)

Just a short note..

Survived yesterday's lesson relatively unscathed. Probably because of the instructor was nicer. Either that, or Mr Tan's assurances and his narration of his own experience made me slightly more assured. Whatever the case, thanks Mr Tan! Really...

逆风时就当成在冲浪

The final time I'll have to take a cab home just for a particular file, for quite a while at least:

Bye, Muhlbauer!!

******

On another note, 五月天 seems to come up with new songs quite frequently lately. Not that I'm complaining, since my (and my sis's) ringtone gets updated ever frequently now (ie. everytime a new song of theirs come up). In fact, 开天窗 is so lively and happy, it'll be a better alarm music then ringtone.

如果你 活的有一点悲伤

答案是 用力丢掉鲸鱼 用力甩悲伤

Well said, 阿信! To my dearest friends who are feeling down at the moment, jia you!!

顺风时就展开双翅飞翔

逆风时 就当成 在冲浪

没有风的时候那就让我 开开天窗

Disjointed Reverie

Earlier this week, a long-lost (kind of) secondary school classmate smsed me to find out if I was available to attend her wedding some time in September. This was a friend whom I sat with during most of my lesson (we had the floating classroom system in sec 4), and one of those people I gossiped/stuck with during the painful Chinese Orchestra practices. Someone whom I exchanged numerous notes with during 1st 3 months, and then subsequently stayed in touch through infrequent letters for the rest of JC. Somehow or rather, everything stopped after that, just as how my letter exchanges with Kailing also ceased. Hmm.. How time seems to fly. And I couldn't help but wonder if Joanne and Nicholas are married. Even if I consciously chose to take a step back from our long friendship, I still hope that she's still well somehow in some part of Singapore.

In any case, congrats, Daphne!

******

Was supposed to meet Peiqi at 6.15pm today. Of course I didn't since it's almost impossible for me to leave office on time, whether we have an extended timeline or not. Luckily for me, RT was nearby and popped by to collect something, else I would probably not be able to leave even after 9pm. You see how much I dread making dinner appointments? It almost always means I'll be starving my friends. Makes me sound like a super bad friend huh? Thanks for popping by and saving me, dearest RT! And thanks for waiting and not complaining or scolding me for being 3 hours late for our dinner appointment, Ms Tan! For the rest of my friends whom I've been making empty promises about meeting up, I'm sorry I'll find some time somehow, and ensure as far as I can that you don't have to starve to death whilst waiting for me. Or at least I'll try to the best of my ability.

******

Frankly, I still think I'm being surrounded by childish monkeys. And to a certain extent, I do feel guilty toward Mr Koh for all the antics that he has to put up with. Despite all these, and despite him being on the other side, I'm still grateful that he has taught me quite a bit during this trial, much more than any other person involved in the matter. I can't believe this is the person I couldn't stand during attachment and then pupillage. Oh well, opinions of people do change along with time, and changes to the person. So even if you'll never know this, thank you, Mr Koh.

Cannot Grow Up?

Despite suffering from a lack of sleep (again) this morning, the sight of the following package on my piano jotted me awake to prepare for the start of another day..

Thank you, Mr Tay! You know, your cards will always make my day, so no need for chocolates, k? Cause I'll still not bear to eat it. haha.. =)

人有悲欢离合　月有阴晴圆缺

Typing that never fails to remind me of the DPM cum President that I admire most. It feels almost like yesterday when he was reciting this phrase during the passing of our then First Lady. Or how he was to attend this dinner organised by the Children Society but missed it just by a week.

It's hard to grasp the importance of existence, at least until the existence itself then becomes a question. Who would have stopped to appreciate how the existence of MediaWorks in changing the media in Singapore? Or would you stop to even notice the existence of the DHL balloon just right outside your window?

If time machines were not a product of imagination, would it enjoy a overwhelming popularity? The strains of music that accompanied me after work today somehow invoked the soon blurried images of familiarity, and made me long for the comfort-ness of those long serious chats at the staircases, the carefree-ness of whinings and assurances, the safety in the belief in the company and the dependability in spite of the frequent cold wars. And I couldn't help but miss the safety and cheeri-ness of falling and getting up together with my dearest of dear friends. But growing up, we must. And so, each of us takes our own paths forward, at times crossing and at other times, diverging.

***IMPORTANT: NOTE DIGRESSION***

Anyway, happy 26th birthday, my dearest dearest friend! We may have grown up over the years and embarked on our own journey in life, but believe me, your birthday is always worth remembering simply because it has added a whole multitude of colours into my otherwise [bland] life. And so, on this really important day of the year, your most adorable little "granddaughter" just wants to say... "Happy Birthday, Guoxing! May you always be surrounded by loads and loads of happiness!"

走火入魔

It's not a good thing if you doze off on the couch upon returning home and wake up in the midst of the night to have a not-exactly-favourite-voice booming "I stand guided by you on this, your Honour" booming into your head non-stop. Or wake up intermittently to ask yourself, "are the transcripts in?" "I need to get them to Prof Tay tonight".

Contrary to all the hype surrounding the matter, when the trial finally started, a lot of the issues really felt like non-issues. With 5 witnesses of fact cleared within 2 and half days, there was 6 days left to deal with just 2 expert witnesses.

But, things never go according to plan, and after 2 days of grilling, our expert witness continues to be grilled again later today.

The toil of the trial is getting to me. Just on my way back from Clementi, I struggled to stay awake in the cab and succeeded as much as to wake up intermittently. Certain things, I'll never understand, like how a bunch of guys would need the only female to carry boxes after boxes with significant weight whilst they throw their weight around. Looking over at the other side, I can't help but feel a tinge of envy. I don't suppose they would get screwed for every minute thing that happens. Or rather, they wouldn't have a royal highness who complains about how last minute you are behind your back, when he jolly well remembers that he had volunteered to be in charge of something. In fact, I've learnt not to believe when he says he would deal with something. Chances are, he'll remember it as much as a goldfish would remember its route, no offence to the goldfish here.

Still, there are times when I really can't help but feel bad. Just like today. Somehow when things want to go wrong, they do. Like how they always end up getting the crappy documents. I'm really really sorry, Mr Koh. I really didn't mean to let you all have the Bundle that wasn't paginated, or rather, I didn't even realised there were any that weren't paginated. Still, the whole episode has just demonstrated the extent of fakeness royal dumbness is capable of, especiallyafter how he tells us that we should not care about the state of documents to the other side, and then kicking up a huge fuss in front of the other side about how it's our fault for not double checking.

Whatever the case, it's a good feeling that the end is finally in sight, hopefully. No more "Greenwood Terrace" (Thanks, Derrick!) or "Clementi Crescent" to haunt my nights.

Happy Birthday!

If my memory doesn't fail me, I think it should be your birthday today. Happy 27th birthday, the senior-whom-I-look-up-to-a-lot! Can't help but wonder how you've been (should be really successful now, right?)or wonder what you would say about me breaking my bond. Hmm...

You can't get a better boss who...

Asks your colleagues eary in the morning "So did anyone get red spots? Everyone came to work right?" Well done, boss. You just made me like you even more today.

The Flip Sides

By right, being on "Hospitalisation Leave" as a result of chicken pox shouldn't be a bad thing, unless you've an urgent matter to attend to, and you trust the person covering you as much as you trust that it won't rain despite the dark clouds. Thankfully, it helps when you have a boss who's so thoughtful that he doesn't even want to walk past your closed doors, asks your secretary whether he should disinfect your room once you've left. All these, just because you wanted to ensure that nothing goes wrong for him whilst you're away. That's when you think "What the heck? It's none of my problem."

And so it is, that marked the start of a slack week off from work. In fact, my sis actually made a relevant comment earlier, "Will this affect your bonus?" Truth be told, it might, given that his reason for a lower bonus for some was cause of their absences from work. But then, if you slog really hard and die at work, do you think you'll be thanked for that? Frankly, I doubt so.

Anyway, on a brighter note, even though chicken pox is supposed to make you feel ultra uncomfortable, thankfully, it hasn't been that bad. *touch wood* In fact, thanks to it, I've finally received a sms from someone I haven't heard from in almost half a year, despite my boliao smses occasionally to attempt to get a response. Seriously, other than asking your good friend how you've been, I really have no idea what you've been up to lately. In fact, I don't even think your good friend actually answered my question... hmm.. right?

And so it is, there's a flip side to everything, chicken pox or not..

******

Was watching some variety shows on Youtube last night. Someone from a Taiwanese group made a comment on how the singers from an era would affect the students of that era, who would then affect the society when they grow up. Apt?

Which led me to read the blog of a particular singer I used to listen to a lot in the past. The song that was playing on his blog immediately transported me back to the corridor outside 6 Love, or even the 6 Faith classroom (I seemed to be with my friends from 6 Faith a lot more than my own class huh?) I wonder how HuiJun is... how Huihui is now... Hmm.. Anyway, I love the following paragraphs from the blog I was reading:

"人生最幸運的事情
就是遇到好的朋友。

好朋友會為了你好跟你說實話
會原諒你的過錯 給你空間
會花時間了解你 感受你 看懂你 陪伴你"

For those who fit the description, thank you. I don't think I would have been the person I am without you all.

Theory of Relativity

When do you consider someone your "close" friend, as compared to one who's not?

Unlike nouns, adjectives seem destined to belong to the "grey" area, the area where the seemingly simple idea of relativity resides. If you haven't kept in touch for almost a year or so, is that a definite example of "not close"? Whatever it is, I chose to believe that the sms meant that you believe that I'm a closer colleague, and not just a fellow member of the bondbreakers club.

On another note, I'm glad to have met up with Mr Tan again today when I was intending to rot for a moment or so. Seriously, I still think the 2 items are nicer than the last item. =p Forgot to add, I'm getting Mr Tay to help me get stuff too, so I'm sure my shopping may just make me end up like you today. Haha.. In any case, I'm still grateful for Mr Tay offering to help me get everything and anything under the sun in US. Seriously, you're there to work and explore, not to help me get things, yah? Still, thanks, Mr Tay!! =)

What do you do when you need to squeeze a cupboard-ful of documents into your already packed room?

You stack them up!

Apparently, our (new) accounts person is coming in soon, so we had to clear out the entire cupboard, plus drawer filled with documents relating to our favourite file. Since according to the director's "You shouldn't put it there in the first place" plus the fact that we couldn't possible store them in the conference room or our director's room, the only possible warehouse was, of course, MY room *curtsies*

And so, to deal with the problem, and our manager's disbelief that everything could fit into my overcrowded room, I amazed myself with my sense of innovation:

Looks like I can consider working as a warehouse supervisor in future, given my "experience" in this field.

Through the Looking Glass

Time flies. Before you know it, you move from one side of the equation to the other side of the equation.

Had that feeling when I watched the NJCO concert on Thursday. It may not have been as "wah.." as last year's, or Wanhui's batch, but I couldn't help but wonder if we sounded like this back then. Watching them from the audience, I wondered if this was the same feeling Mr Tek had when he was watching us back then. Afterall, the age gap was pretty similar.

Even if it wasn't the greatest, it was still their hard work. For that, they deserve another round of applause.

MayDay Concert: Singapore vs Taichung

Even if I vehemently deny being a crazed fan of 五月天, this post would unlikely support my assertion.

Anyway, the past few months flew by in a crazy mess. Having to be subservient to one extra royal dumbness's whims and fancy did little to ease the stress and burden of the humongous load of administrative work that was related to the matter. To prove my point, just picture me having to stay till approximately 5.30am, Saturday to do photocopying and binding. To top that off, I was back in the office before 10am again to continue facing the voluminous stacks of paper, just so that his royal dumbness may collect his possessions by his last-minute self appointed time in the afternoon. Of course, royal dumbness never turned up, and I was left to DHL the possessions to his highness's palace.

Thankfully though, there was light at the end of this whole darkness. Even with negligible sleep and unbelievable weight carrying on that day itself, there was still one thing to look forward to - 回到地球表面! I can't believe how I managed to pull through, but I did! It helps too, to know that the seats I had were not too bad! =) A preview of how close we were:

Listening to loud music when you have little sleep is really very much a bad idea because you'll get a headache. Still, I loved the 360 degrees stage that brought the band closer to their audience. The "action packed" introduction added more thrill to the otherwise less interesting video. Choice of songs wise, I thought I preferred last year's. Still, with increased audience participation, the concert became more memorable and more scream-worthy. Totally value for money, and worth the anticipation.

One always thinks that what one sees is the best, until something comes along to better it. If I thought the Singapore instalment of 回到地球表面 was excellent self-reward for the hard work earlier on, then the Taichung instalment would probably be described as breathtaking.

Attending the Taichung instalment was never on my plans, unless you count my sudden whimsical comment of "Maybe I should just fly off on the last day of trial". Somehow by sheer luck (or unluckiness, depending on how you look at it), the High Court "overbooked" the judges, leaving none to hear our matter on the day of trial. Just imagine. 2 weeks of trial vacated just like that! Which also meant that I was free the very week of the concert itself! What followed just a last-minute booking of air tickets (would you believe that Silkair tickets were actually cheaper than Jetstar?) on Monday, and jet-setting on Wednesday morning.

To cut a long story short, Saturday saw me and my sister rushing to board the train to Taichung, and then rushing off in a cab to our first venue... the stadium! Being used to the system in Singapore, sis and I thought it would be too early to enter at 6++pm, and decided to go in only closer to 7pm. How wrong we were! The place was just like our National Stadium during NDP, and by the time we entered (which was past 7pm), we were relegated to the one of the higher rungs of the stairs!

That said, the concert really felt like it was plucked right out of our very own NDP. Rather than simply depending on special effects and rather tame fireworks, the Taichung concert could simply be a showcase of fireworks. The part leading to 五月天 appearing on the stage after a bout of intense fireworks at the end of the video was simply breathtaking, and the mood was akin to how it would be after the pledge was taken, the fireworks display was over and everyone would start singing songs like "We are Singapore".

Perhaps it was home ground advantage. All of them appeared more eager to please, and a lot more energetic. Even my sis agreed that the relatively subdued (at least during the Singapore concert) 石头 was way friendlier and would interact with the crowd more actively (He even sat down beside a little kid and strummed his guitar). The most touching was no doubt when Ah-Xin related the earthquake related story and the crowd broke into chorus and would not stop for a long while. Just imagine, floodlights off, blue lightsticks up, and approximately 50 000 people humming a tune together.

All good things must come to an end. With another fiery of fireworks and after the umpteenth encore (yes, they had to re appear on stage more than once), it was the end of a really pleasant experience. Unluckily for me, this has only served to whet my appetite for more overseas concert. Looks like I've to slog even harder so that I can enjoy such luxuries as and when my whims bring me.

The Day Reveriez Got Super Mad

As in angry... simply cause of unreasonable behaviour at work. But all felt better after I got to see whom I wanted to see:

A new beginning?

Our only paralegal (well, the other good-for-nothing one doesn't really count as one to me) left last Friday. My secretary gave birth to a really cute little girl last Saturday. All in all, it simply meant that starting today, both of them will not be in the office for me to "lean on".

It's a weird thing how people can grow closer or more accustom to each others' presence over the course of time. Granted, there were numerous times when both of them simply did (or rather did not do) things and annoyed me no end. Still, their presence is simply what makes coming in each day something not as daunting.

Much as I refuse to allow myself to dwell on it, and even if 天下无不散之宴席, and even if my secretary will be back in 12 weeks' time, I still can't help missing the two of them. A case of over-reliance, I guess?

A Penny of Mish-Mash Thoughts

Mad rush often ends with a feeling of discontent.

I'm beginning to have doubts whether an extremely hectic work life is necessary a good form of escapism. Perhaps it's just one too many incidents, but there are times when it just feels too stifling and dreary. Especially when one begins to get boss-phobia, and would rather hope that the phone will just not ring, or when one's supposed to be resting in bed, but ends up worrying that she would be asked back to work, whether she's well or not.

Tired. Can't help but recall an article I was reading (on Sunday, I think) about a lady giving up her high position to be a receptionist. Perhaps having a slacker job is not all that bad, at least you get your peace and quiet when you are really not well. But then, it's so not me to give up on money and the name huh?

I really wonder how a certain Mr Chan is. Haven't been hearing from him in a while. I think people tend to drop friends when they get older. You tend to have less patience with nonsense. Or maybe it's just me. I'm suddenly more enthusiastic about keeping my distance from certain people at work.

新年快乐！

Super sleepy from work these few days. Still, it's still a must to say...新年快乐 everyone!!

In the meantime, for those who are free, do visit the following website to do your bit for the lonely elderly. http://fun.omy.sg/omygong/r_form.php

Choices

The supposed final episode of 有话就说 came and went. Woke up in the midst of the replay and managed to catch the round-up by each of the guests. One comment struck me, and continued lingering even after the show. In his final comment in the entire series, 蔡深江 said something about such programmes inevitably having lower viewer ratings, and that it's a matter of whether one values the part on "提高新加坡人的素质" over viewership ratings. Ultimately, if the viewers prefer watching light-hearted shows, the broadcaster could simply broadcast these shows only and then Singaporeans' 素质 will not improve.

Relativity

X means more to you than Y if simply chatting online with X can chase away the gloom that was indirectly caused by Y. Similarly, W means a lot more to you than V if the sudden presence of W can stick an almost permanent grin on your face and erase the deep frown was caused by V.

Whatever it is, thank you for the pleasant surprise, V. Your extremely unexpected presence is worth way more than any stress relief sessions one can get. And as weird as this sounds, I'm just glad to see you in good shape! =)

新衣哪有旧衣好

Was thinking about what I was going to type in this entry when the song just popped into my mind. It feels just not too long ago when 黄老师 taught us this song one Tuesday during our Higher Chinese class. In fact, it's almost the 11th year since both 黄老师 and Mr Foo sang this song on Chinese New Year. Come to think of it, I really wonder how and what Mr Foo is doing now. Hmm...

As you grow older, you can't help but agree that "friendships" made past school days may just not withstand the test of time. Or perhaps, this time round, it's just me being over demanding. Still, it certainly doesn't feel good to find out how one of your friends is unhappy through some internet social network system, particularly if this friend happens to be a person you whine to when things happen. One cannot help but wonder if one is really that unreliable. Then again, one just cannot be bothered anymore. Perhaps this was simply just a matter of "usable connection".

It was only over dinner with Tony, Jeremy, Vivien, Guohui last week when I realised it's coming to 2 years since I first joined Income. And almost 2 years since Meisi had her brain hemorrhage. Bumped into her and her parents this evening, and found out that she'll be going for her follow-up operation on the 21st this month. It's a long road to recover, and I'm not even sure if things would become back to what they were. Still, I'm just glad to be able to keep my friend of 18 years and counting and to be able to talk to her too.

Just like I'm thankful to be able to chat on MSN almost daily with a particular old friend. Like I said earlier, perhaps only older friendships can withstand various thunderstorms. Or rather, they may just be the ones most deeply etch in you that it becomes way harder to erase without a trace.

The first peek into 2008

Wonder if age has anything to do with the number of people I know making resolutions this year. In any case, reading all the resolutions made me decide that the main thing for me to achieve this year would be less reliance on my friends. Looking at matters these few days, I'm still wondering if this would be achievable.

A brand new year usually brings about fresh new starts. That's perhaps the reason why I've been hearing of certain resignations these few days. First, there was Jeremy "informing" me just before Christmas that his last day would be 4th January. And then, there was the email from Lenz as well saying that his last day was yesterday.

Cliche as it sounds, time really flies. Over dinner with Tony, Vivien, Jeremy and Guohui today, I realised it's been almost a year since my resignation. In fact, the IEs (ie. Tony, Vivien and Jeremy) are well on the way to finishing their 2 year bond with Income. To think it felt just not too long ago that I was stuck with them at Sentosa. I couldn't even remember how I got closer to Tony. Too much free time on my hands? I really can't remember.

One of Guohui's colleague asked me yesterday if I regretted joining Income. Frankly, I would say, much as I didn't exactly see eye to eye on many of their policies, Income is, and will probably always be an integral part of me. Without Income, I probably wouldn't have had Christopher as my pupil master. No opportunity to be a over-paid receptionist and truly enjoyed my first month of work. I probably wouldn't have met a lot of my Income colleagues, whom over time became friends, or people who could bring a smile to my face. I guess work is not just work alone, but a complicated mesh of relationships, contacts as well. And most of the time, it is the latter that makes or breaks the memory of the place, and funny enough, Income will always retain a special "homely feel" for me.

Goodbye 2007!

As we start counting down the minutes to the end of 2007, I thought it'll be nice to do a top 5 list of happy moments for the year. Granted, they may sound minor, and utterly worthless to be worth a mention, yet, it's always these simply pleasures that make the year worth remembering!

1. Being introduced as "a good friend of mine" by someone I've always regarded as a big brother, ever since the very first job I held.

2. The really cute and sweet bear delivered to my office on 14 February this year. It was memorable, not only because of the extremely sweet gesture, but also because it coincided with me suddenly thinking of the time when we were out buying gifts together for Friendship Day some 8 years ago.

3. Presents! The earrings I wanted from Taiwan, and the comics that I didn't finished in anticipation of my job-hopping.

4. Meeting up with some friends I hold dear but have not seen for over a year, eg. Honghui, Derrick; seeing teachers I've not seen in a long while, eg. Mr Jimmy Lee; attending NJCO concert and meeting (up with) NJCO friends and juniors.

5. Relates to job changing, but not in the way most people would think it should be. More of, the voices of support given when I was about to make the switch. And a not-asked-but-still-super-grateful-to-have offer to help with a small portion of my bond by a good friend, if I so requested.

Of course, not included in any of this, but most importantly... I'm glad to still have all those I hold dear around me, despite all my unbecoming behaviours throughout the year. Thank you, my dear friends, and I promise I'll be less of an irritating brat in the new year.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Didn't have much chance to write Christmas cards this year, so.... To all those dearest to me, thank you for all the 包容s and 关怀s showered upon me for this year. And so, during this festive season, I just want to wish you all a really lovable Christmas!

朋友是值得珍惜的

Heard this line on my way home earlier, and couldn't agree more.This entry would probably sound like something that you hear only during those award ceremony, but who cares? This is by far the nicest birthday I've had, even if it happened on a rainy day. Still, with so many "wishes" fulfilled, it's hard not to worry if it's the beginning of an endless unhappy moments (yes, I'm a pessimist who believes that when one has too much good luck, it's the start of a list of bad stuff... and I'm not usually wrong anyway) Anyway, here's the list of people (in alphabetical order) whom I really really want to say a huge THANK YOU to...

Ciyao: I know I've been a real bad friend this year, yet, you still remembered and you've still sent that sms. Thank you so so so so much, my dearest friend!!! I promise I'll make a greater effort to meet up in the coming year, for example, your birthday next year. And I promise I'll not make you wait for me!

Daniel: Are you really sure I make a A++ daughter? Cause somehow or rather, I don't think I've really been a good friend throughout this year. In any case, the really sweet (not to mention over flattering) birthday sms was a really great way to start my day. Thank you, mummy! =p

Darmaji: How can I not bounce up and down when I get an unexpected long-distance sms from a friend I hardly ever hear from? Thank you!!!

Derrick: Can't remember when it was, but one of the birthday presents that I really wanted was just to meet up and chat like the way we did when we were JC kids. Over the years, some of the things that happened made me doubt whether the friendship should be sustained. Then again, somehow subconsciously I don't think I can ever bear to give up one of my most treasured friendship. Perhaps that was why one of my birthday wishes for this year was just to meet up with this once really really good friend of mine, and perhaps just turn back time, even if it were just for a day. So even if like you said, you didn't get me anything, or there were certain periods when it appeared we had nothing to say, it really didn't matter, cause I've already received the only present I wanted from you, that is, meeting up, and even walking down the entire Orchard, just like when we were back in JC. Thank you!

Egeus: Eh... Thanks for the birthday greeting over msn! =) How on earth did you figure out?

Gek Koon: Enough said from the earlier entry. Oh, and did I mention that on my way to the Family Courts on Tues morning, one cab driver actually asked if I was in a super good mood cause I was grinning to myself?

Guoxing: Even as you apologised for the lack of birthday card, it really didn't matter, cause the only present I was waiting for was that sms that you never fail to send each year. Yes, I may sound like a huge spoilt brat, but that's really the present I look forward to each year. Thanks, grandfather! =)

Itak da ge: You never fail to remember and sms every time this year too, even if you're away in another country. It's really really nice to be remembered. 大哥... 谢谢!

Jeremy: I know I'm the world's most stubborn gal, but still, delivering the soft toy etc wasn't out of the way. Or at least, I didn't really mind cause it'll always make my day when I see one of my most treasured friends! (okiez.. I'm really sorry for the spoilt brat-ish act that most likely inconvenienced you even though you said otherwise.. but I vaguely remember you once mentioning that you didn't really like meeting up with people too often cause it meant spending more money (or something like that) and so I unilaterally decided it'll only be fair if I delivered the things I bought to you) Anyway, thanks for the birthday wish! Even though it seems like it was forced on you.. haha =)

Lijia (& Ryan): Hey gal.. Thanks for smsing me at 4++ in the morning! And making Ryan sms me too... Take good care of yourself, k?

Qi: Thanks for both the birthday wishes, the day before and the day after!! =) Frankly, I don't think I can bear to use the cute highlighters lehz....

Sis: Thanks for the really fun dinner company last night (and for willingly waiting in vain for some dinner appointment without complaining) and the whole load of comics! I was merely thinking aloud whether to buy the entire series of comics since I didn't manage to finish it in my bid to save money to break my bond. I really really didn't expect you to spend so much money buying all of them. (I shall remember not to make such senseless comments next time, else you'll have to spend so much money) Still, I really really love it. Thank you!!! =)

Weiguang: Mr Tan!!!!!!! Sorry for cancelling out on you today, though I really appreciate your effort at getting being the first to sms me and for getting me to meet up with you. Thank you for being a superb friend throughout the year, and letting me be the adorable brat I am. I'll be looking forward to dinner tomorrow and I promise I'll try very very hard not to be late (Whoever causes me to be late can go and die lahz... cause Mr Tan is more important!)

Weiling (the "gorgeously evil"): Thank you! For the super early sms... for your offer to keep me company just so that I don't have to be at home. You weren't feeling well yesterday, so I thought you shouldn't be out at all, even if you said your fever's gone. Take care and we'll meet up soon. Oh.. and thanks for the Eeyore card! Who says I'm the one who calls myself cute? I AM adorable! haha

Xikai: Thanks for the (written-in-advance) birthday card! THAT was a surprise! Plus your birthday greeting. Thanks for remembering! =)

All in all, (including those not mentioned here) thank you! Haha.. once again, I feel so super loved! =)

天下无不散之宴席

Even though I subconsciously kept my distance after the unhappy incident, the news that one of my colleague would probably not be around in a few months time did make me feel a bit blue, even if I didn't want to show it. Then again, it's probably for the better, so there's no need to voice the 不舍. It was probably the same when I chose to leave Income, right?

朋友往好的方向前进是件好事, 与其有点儿失落, 不妨衷心地祝福.

The ONLY thing I want

"As per your request, this is a birthday card enclosed with the warmest greetings from the nice guy sent all the way across the vast pacific ocean to the tiny dot on the map"

1 sentence from my mum "I think your present from Gek Koon is here" drove away a otherwise sulky and weary face, and brought on a huge cheshire cat grin. 1 look at that first sentence, and you have one crazy girl half laughing to herself.

Yup, that me. Those who know me well enough would know that I'm indecisive, to the point that I'll usually have no preference whatsoever. This year, however, I insisted on a particular present from one of my most important friends. Much as this sounds super spoilt brat-ish, it's very much linked to the very reason why I love buying presents for those who mean a lot to me whenever I go overseas (No, colleagues don't count, cause that's a must buy). It's just my way of letting these friends know that, no matter which part of the world I am at, they are still thought of, and much cherished. In the same way, a birthday card from half a globe away is more than sufficient to induce a wider than wide grin on my face, simply because it signifies that I've been remembered by one of my most important friends, no matter where the friend is.

Whatever it is, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR MY PRESENT, MR TAY! Even though you said in your card that you've no idea what to get me, you've actually already gotten me the present that I want most this year, ie. remembering me across half a globe, and being safe and sound! Like what I told a colleague last week, buying presents for me is both easy and difficult. So long as you're amongst my precious and highly treasured friends, I'll just love anything you get, even if it's the simplest sms or card.

On a side note, I've just received an overseas call that thrilled me no end too. Looks like I'll get to see Mr Chai this week too! But then, looks like this phone call indirectly made it clear who my subconcious mind values more too.. Can only say, time does change a lot of things..

Grrr...

For a moment, I was so tempted to scream "I hate my job". But then again, work is not meant to be loved anyway.

So yah, it's back to work. Actually, rather than "celebrating" my birthday by pooling money, I would have thought an alternative present would be way better (and cheaper). That is, LEAVE ME ALONE haha..

Don't worry, I'm really fine. Maybe with the exception of more fine lines after a while from all the frownings.. =) But I'm really fine

甜甜的

Either I'm easily pleased, or just plain attention seeking, but it sure feels super nice to see words somewhat amounting to care and concern coming your way, especially from people you least expect. Whether they really do mean it or not. Or maybe it was just from a friend whom I didn't want to be bothered with but couldn't not be bothered with. For eg. "i'm going for lunch now... you go too k! dun skip ah"

Of course, there are other conversations, where the things said may not amount to anything, but they're still sweet to the listener/reader, maybe cause the listener/reader is just plain easy to please. Whatever it is, the rain and all those unhappy matters have not seem to dampen this festive season. To the contrary, it's beginning to feel really Christmas-y, just because of the warmth exuded from the various MSN conversations from my beloved friends.

I feel so loved. Haha.. And easy pleased =)

Back

A simple sms, a simple gesture.

2003, after a horrendous holiday abroad, that birthday greeting sms from Guoxing whilst I was away reduced me to tears. Simple, yet sweet.

Along the way, there were many other smses too. Each of them brought warmth to the reader, and brought her the comforting sense of "I'm back".

This time round, I thought the "glad to have you back. that's sufficient" was especially sweet.

Whatever it is, thank you, Weiguang and Jeremy.

A lot of the recent events have emphasised the fragility of life, and the importance of treasuring. So I'm really really thankful to have you guys around. Not forgetting Gary and Weiling too, for just listening to me, and being there for me when I smsed those stuff whilst overseas. And Peiqi, for just replying to my questions too.

Thank you and.... I really love you! :)

Congrats, Grace!

There are things that you prefer to blog about, and others that you prefer to put down on pen and paper..

******

Just got back from Grace's wedding. A pretty sweet and quiet (I think this is the most quiet wedding dinner I've attended), though the service of that particular hotel left much to be desired. Still, seeing the look of blissful-ness on Grace's face was, erm... heartwarming. I'm sure Ivan will make a really strong pillar of strength for the one with the really lady like charm Grace.

On another note though, some people can take note not to invite too many law people, and particularly not whiny brats. Imagine how fun it'll be when you've a guest who whines and whines, including not getting her drink fast enough, not having the table gift at her seat (and insisting that the waiter gets one for her). You get my point.

But that said, it was still a really sweet affair. (Even though I doubt you read my blog) Congrats again, Grace!! =)

简单的快乐

简单的快乐是：

（1）一位你在乎的朋友的“甜言蜜语”，即使你不清楚到底他说的是真是假

（2）一位休假半天的好友老远跑下来配你吃饭，吵吵闹闹、嘻嘻哈哈地过了短暂的一小时

（3）一位在一起工作不久的同事愿把你当朋友，或至少还会不太希望你走，虽然也不知是真是假

其实，快乐能是很简单，也可以是复杂的。有些人可以用金钱买快乐、有的却把快乐当无价。 就如蔡深江（还是黄明德？）所说的， 能埋怨也是一种幸福， 因为你还有闲情逸致去埋怨，总好比那些须为了三餐而苦恼而没时间的人来的好吧。

所以即使今日的天空有那么一点儿蓝，却因为有你们的点缀， 天色也变的灿烂起来了。

私心狂想曲

真正的关心，是让他人在辽阔的天空中自由自在的翱翔。

******

有一鼓冲动，想说自己有那么一点 blue, 但想想，珍惜的朋友追随着自己的梦想／快乐其实是件超棒的事啊！问题只出在多愁善感的自己在不知不觉中太过依赖这些朋友了吧。

但这是好事啊，所以还 blue 什么 blue?

星期天的随想

美思的那么一通电话竟平辅了我错乱的世界..

或许在“争权夺利”，封闭自己的当儿，我也逐渐失去了自己。不知从何起，耀芳已不再是朋友诉说心事的对象。　反倒是变成那个整天埋怨的那个..

但隐藏在深处的我，依然愿意也希望能守护着她深深在乎的朋友，即使她不愿明显的表现出来..

只要那些她在乎的，不要过于明显的伤害她吧..

Horribly Nostalgic..

Just watched some of the real Channel U's snippets on Youtube. 2 years do make such lot of difference to a person. Whilst doing some 'time travelling', I realised the changes have been so drastic..

Wonder what Honghui is doing for his hols now. Haven't seen him online in a real long while. Feels just like yesterday when I was on the verge of breakdown before my Public Law paper. Hmm..

I don't need new friends. Just give me back my old friends, under all the old circumstances. Maybe throw in everything old too. Moving too quickly just means losing grasp.

Oh.. and the rain reminds me of the December holidays in primary school.

Dinner with Gary!

Finally! Seems like it's quite hard to meet up, even if it's just to pass Gary my present from Malacca! In exchange, I received a really really cute bear which I played with the entire night (much to Gary's dismay.. haha) and a really nice dinner! Thank you, Gary!

Anyway, how can it be possible not to have a running commentary and photos here? Here it is..

First of all, dinner at the Kopitiam opposite Cineleisure! My mum actually commented "How come you ate sting ray?" cause I had commented earlier this year about how I wouldn't want to eat murderers (for those who have not been following the news, a naughty sting ray in Australia did become a murderer! hmpf!) Anyway, since Gary would it eat anyway, why should I not touch something that I like, right? Haha.. And whilst waiting for our dinner to be cooked, I started bullying Gary into taking photos with my bear! =)

I've deliberately chosen the blurred one, since the main character (err.. aside from my bear!) prefers the blurred one. =)

And then, we went off to Taka, initially thinking of our dessert..

That was a difficult tree to take a photo of. Next time, they shouldn't make it so tall!!! =(

Since wherever we wanted to go to was crowded, we decided to run off to another branch. But not before checking out the Heeren for something resembling that of Gary's bag badge:

(picture missing because blogger refuses to upload this for now)

And just to compare my bear's size with a set of CDs' keyboard-like covering:

Finally, it's dessert and snacks time!!! Gary is always ordering the same drink!! But I had a new dessert!! =)

I loved my dinner yesterday, Mr Chan! Thank you!! And thanks so much for the bear!! Just imagine, I took more photos with my bear when I got home..

Yoooohoooo!!!

Who cares if I have to face bitches and assholes? And really dumb ones too..

My pupil master replied my email!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Seow Hwei called me this afternoon after she heard from MY pupil master that the company I am in does not take a certain stand, something that I did not realise at that point too. The gist is, I emailed him to thank him and I assumed that he wouldn't reply.

But he did!!!!! And I actually exclaimed from my seat!!!

I am not so sure about the legal basis, but I recall at least a couple of your chaps saying this to me over the past few years.

Anyway, hope things are going well for you.

I'm sooooo happy now! =) All the squeals and barks of those bitches can be ignored for today! =)

You know how clean your office is...

When two rats are caught in a single mousetrap in the office.

Of course, it's also telling when two mouse traps are set up, one on each end of the office and then the two rats were caught in the same trap, not on my side of the office *phew*

Although it means noise pollution will whine and whine the entire day.

On another note, I received another email that thrilled me immensely..

Yao Fang

same as the time when you were here, you can call me by my first name. no need for "Mr". I am not that venerable.

thanks.

Best Regards

SP

He left out his surname in the sign off too. Although, I think I used to either call him 'Sir' or 'Mr L' too.. Thank you, Mr L! =)

认识你, 真好!

好久好久没有华语写什么了. Just had that urge to type in Chinese, until I realise it's not very practical to do so, given the lack of a Chinese program. I'll probably take years to finish this entry whilst creatively using Babelfish to translate single words.

Before I start on another paragraph, I'm suddenly reminded of Ms Dorothy Chua's numerous "no link!" comments in my GP essays. Yes, at the risk of having no links between the paragraphs, I shall continue typing just whatever that pops up in my mind.

Seriously, one never realises how fast time flies until one stops and thinks. Just imagine, as we were talking about Mr Frankie Tan, Mr Timothy Chee and even Mr Swaran Singh today, 6 years or so had just zoomed by us! Yet, at the same time, time seemed to shrink so significantly as the group of us laughed at the reminder of Mr Singh's erm... aesthetic sense? =)

There are many kinds of happiness. There's the super heady kind where one gets a sudden huge dose of cheer. Then, there is also the really mild kind that lingers on and on, somewhat like the feeling after bitting on a piece of 甘草 (licorice, according to Babelfish).

Frankly, I didn't expect this evening to give me that latter feeling. Thanks to the newest tuition kid that I don't exactly like, I almost didn't turn up for the mini class dinner today. Not sure whether I should be thankful to the Metro-Parking thing or not, but it made me just decide that I couldn't be bothered about what the kid or his mum would react.

Which is a good thing actually.

All of us have grown and moved on in our lives. And when you get together again, you realise that you don't exactly know everyone already. Yet, the 2 years when we studied together provided just that fine line to join all of us together, and as certain memories pop up, the ice thaws and you still get to laugh together. After a day at work dealing with the dumb-est people in the world, it's always very nice to moth back to a person you used to be.. Instead of being the irritable, ready-to-bite-off-stupid-colleagues'-head person, it's really warm to be smiling and just simply relaxing with people who matter.

Yes... 99S29.. I love you!

A pleasant surprise

Just when the weekend threatened to become a really boring work-like one, I received a surprise MSN message from a big brother of mine. And that was how I spent the late part of the day immersed in crafts (ok, we were only browsing). I never knew such 'fair' existed until today, nor did I realise the number of people who make their own crafts to sell.

Thanks for the handphone cover, and more importantly, the big brotherly concern!! =) Although... who says I keep dropping my phone huh? I've more or less kicked that habit, k? Still, I love the handphone cover!! Yes, and thanks for contact lens solution reminder! =)

Mental note to myself though, I need to kick my habit of being late! I think I caused Itak da ge to wait for almost an hour (although I didn't realise what time he would get there.. Hmm) Still, sorry!! If only da ge would scold me.. Then again, da ge being da ge, I doubt he would...

Actually, I thought I would be tempted to sneak a peak at a person's blog for photos of another person's brother's wedding (I'm more or less sure that this person would put it up anyway). In the end, I'm not, and I don't ever think I actually feel like seeing the photos anyway. Good! Just shows that spring cleaning has not really gone to waste. Besides, I've more than sufficient friends whom I hold dear!! =)

On a side note though.. Good luck for your final paper, grandfather! And good luck for your series of PLC papers, SY! =)

Too much of something may not be a good thing

Was pretty much excited on Thursday, all the way till Friday, even though certain people irritated a whole lot out of me those 2 days. But it didn't matter, because I was supposed to get a quotation from R----, and my manager had told me to email my pupil master. MY PUPIL MASTER! I haven't heard from him since I've finished pupillage, and in a way, I guess he's glad to have finally gotten rid of his pupil, but still, the thought of being able to send an email to my pupil master and getting a response simply thrilled me no end. The feeling of wanting to skip all around just at the thought of being able to email my pupil master. Besides, if matters progressed to a trial, I might finally get a chance to watch my pupil master do a trial! It's something that I've always wanted, but never had a chance to. Even though in the end, my manager still made me email Mr Lek. It doesn't really matter. I'm still excited at the thought of the reply email from Mr Lek, and wondering who would be assigned to the case.

It's been a really long while since I've been so thrilled about a piece of work, although I do agree that if I were to be able to do this very often, I may not be as excited as I am now. Too much of something that exciting may just simply turn that thing into something bland.

Just like the chocolate buffet I had with LiJia.

We survived the first round relatively ok. Then we went for our second round.

Delicious looking isn't it? Disappointingly though, we had a REALLY hard time finishing this. Which meant we didn't had a go at the chocolate drink or the chocolate fountain!

Still, I do hope the birthday girl enjoyed the chocolate torture! =)

On a side note though, I realise we've not taken a photo together! Let's take one next time we meet, k?

Mum's birthday

Happy Birthday, Li Jia!

Dearest Lijia,

After knowing me for so many years, I'm sure you should have figured that I always tend to procrastinate. So, instead of mailing you a snail mail birthday card, which would have been much sweeter, I ended up typing this open letter to you.

Can you still remember the first time we met? All of us were sitted at the sports gallery. I think you said 'hi' to both Clara and me. We ended up talking a lot as we had our lunch at Ghim Moh void deck that day. Orientation... Pufferilla... Amongoeth... ZQ... and then 1S03J.. Chinese lessons (or rather the lack of).. Council elections.. Somehow or rather, you were there in almost all the memories of 1st 3 months JC life.

Perhaps that was one reason why I really didn't mind having to go through the heartache of changing schools. Even if I had another choice again, I don't think I'll want to enter NJC during my first 3 months. No. That would mean one less friend whom I didn't really know how to treasure in the past, but who'll always play a really important role in my life. A treasure whom I might be able to do without, but I don't really want to miss.

Jia, thank you for all the laughter, tears and perhaps even the irritation shared. Thank you for tolerating my less-than-nice behaviour when I had a short fuse. Actually, more importantly, thank you for being my friend all these years, and giving me the honour of being one of the rare few who are permitted to call you by your Chinese name.

Happy birthday, dear!

May all your birthday wishes come true and may you always be surrounded by people who love you dearly!

Of course, no matter what the future holds, or whatever decisions you make, you'll always have a friend here who will stand by you!

luv

Fang

Catching Up

In order to be in tandem, 2 persons have to move at the same pace. If one dashes forward whilst the other inches on, the gap in between will inevitably widen.

Not that I am saying that the faster one should be moving at the latter's pace. Rather, a good leader is not one who is always ahead of the pack, but one who is able to look back and motivate those behind to move forward. Instead of moving forward alone, isn't it more important for a group to be all moving forward at a reasonable pace?

There is nothing wrong in increasing prices, yes, nothing wrong, if the entire society is indeed progressing well as a whole. Like the countless analogies of stabbing someone and then giving out plasters, I really do not see how increasing GST would benefit the less well off. What does it mean when you say that the economy has improved, that the unemployment rate has gone down? Would you consider an ex-manager currently working as a cleaner as a sign of improvement? I doubt so.

The point is, if the lead is going to continue running at his own pace without looking back, all the while expecting those behind to keep up, someday, he's going to lose sight of them. Then what happens? He would have to stop in order to continue to be a leader of a group instead of the sole member of solitude. In a world that is constantly moving forward, can he afford that?

Perhaps getting a balance in life is always much easier said than done.

The same goes for friendship, doesn't it? Or any human relationship for that matter. If you want things to remain the same, the only way to do so is not to remain unchange, but rather, change at the same rate. Perhaps even at the end of the day when two paths diverge, one can always be glad that you've once been at the same pace.