Chapter 27

Over lunch at the clan association yesterday afternoon, one successful elder made this comment:

你知道人老了哪三个老最重要?
1. 老伴
2. 老钱
3. 老朋友

And at the close of this chapter, it is time again to look back and list the things I'm grateful for for the past year...

Gary: Mr Chan, even if I am disappointed in you, I am really really grateful that you've pulled through and still remain around to annoy the hell out of me. So even if I won't get to see you,I'm just happy to know that you are still you somewhere in some parts of Singapore. Thanks for staying alive, that, to me, is the best birthday present ever from you..

Honghui:

My Japanese movie watching partner! Despite never figuring out how we grew closer only after NJC, I'm super impressed how you know me (err... or am I too easy to read?).. Just a simple "Nodame is coming out on 11 March?" and you concluded that I wanted to watch the movie. Not forgetting the crazy thing of watching 2 seasons of a drama so that I could watch another movie with you.. It doesn't matter how/when we grew closer, but I'm glad we did, Mr Ho!

[21/12/2010: I really didn't expect Mr Ho to get me the two things I wanted from last year (a mug from Chicago somemore!) and this year (the car). It's always an extremely nice feeling to be remembered by an important friend. By the way, what I wanted was those cheap toy cars for me to re-enact my accident matters. Obviously I can't bear to try it on this one! Still.. thank you!!!]

Koon:

2 crabs for 2 persons. I'm beginning to think that you've the impression that I can really eat, and therefore you should feed me as much as possible. Haha.. It's been 11 years since we were first classmates and I seriously seriously have no idea how you could have tolerated all my strange behaviour throughout the years. But you know what? Even when things are down, I'll always be able to stand up again because you are always there to lend a hand, or a listening ear. Mr Tay.. thank you ever ever so much, k?

LiJia:
Through adversity, we somehow grew closer over the past one year. No, that is not to say that I'm glad that things happened the way it did, but at least it's over and it brought along good things too. Thank you for being ever so protective over this year, including my birthday cake and balloon =) And not forgetting your friendly sms to Jiahan (Eh.. that's cheating!! Haha.. still, thanks!)

Weiguang:

You know, selfish me still holds this view that the actual birthday without you is just simply incomplete. Thank you so ever much for your presence every 20 December for the past many years. In spite of the umpteenth "Sorry, we've ran out of your order", lunch was still perfect because it was spent with you.. Not forgetting, I really really really love the bracelet. It's the thought that counts, and you know what? I'm so going to put it on for you to see the next time we meet. So that you'll know that the bracelet's simply lovely!

Xlei: The year hasn't been as wonderful as it should have been for you this year, and I doubt I've been as good a friend as I should have been. Nevertheless, thank you for still being there, through our ups and downs at work and in our personal lives. May both of us get prettier, stronger and even more powerful in the coming year. And I hope your prince turns up soon in the coming year!! You are, and do deserve to be loved wholeheartedly for being the wonderful person you are beneath your seemingly strong shell

Last but not least...

My prince charming: I should just put a full stop right after the phrase. Because that in itself says it all. From bundling me into your car, to staying up with me (even through the nights) when I'm working late, to my late night porridges, to the never ending array of yummy food at all times of the day, to coming to work (or rather, in your case, to read papers) on weekends, to boing boing, to the hike to my office in the hot sun just to deliver a Happy Meal, to the absolutely pretty tulips, to our nature walks, to the all the time massages, to playing bubbles, to my apple crumble, to my watch...See, just a preview of some of the things you've done and it's already one huge paragraph. Thanks for anything, everything and most importantly, for being you! (Err.. and for doubting my race *grinz*)

And with that, I close this colourful Chapter 27.

A chance encounter

Despite the disappointment from yesterday, something else rounded up today in a much better note...

Well done, Guohui! It was nice to chance upon you at the train station. In fact, I must say you've done remarkably well to bounce back from your stroke. =)

The Pleasant-est Surprise

Just when the day in the office couldn't seem to get any better. Seriously, which secretary talks back when their bosses tell them that they are careless and they ought to be more careful. "But it's only a DRAFT! You're supposed to check a draft!" If secretaries are entitled to be as careless as possible in their drafts, I might as well draft the things myself. That'll save me loads of time. Oh well, there are reasons why she'll always remain a secretary. Aside from having a Masters in word and grammar creation, she also has an absolutely impeccable sense of professionalism (Who else emails their clients "Pls let us have your instructions when you get up from your whiskey hangover" or quarrels with the opponents secretary over a mistake made by her?)

Anyway, I've digressed..

During lunch with Eddie, Mel called me and started rattling "I don't care. You are getting me 12 stalks of tulips. I don't care." Huh?? Come to think of it, my 1st reaction was hilarious. "Are you sure there's no bomb in the flowers? Or poison? You sure it's not from the mad woman?"

In any case, Mel was dead right about the sender. More importantly, the sweet smelling beautiful surprise more than made up for the angsty morning and brought a ear-to-ear grin on Ms Wong's face. (Although I must say, it made Ms think-she's-the-prettiest secretary even more grouchy..)

Whatever it is, THANK YOU, HAN!! I may not have sounded as excited, but trust me, I'm really super duper touched and well, super duper truly love the flowers loads!!! They're really really pretty, and they've really made my day. Thank you!!! =)

PS: Yes, this is an ultra bimbotic post but well, in view that I had an equally dramatic afternoon today, bear with me whilst I indulge myself for once? In any case, this entry's meant to thank the absolutely wonderful sender of the flowers too =)

Something that riled Reveriez

Saw something on facebook that got my blood boiling (just ask my secretary how strong my reaction was) but cured me of my headache..

Who cares if you're a secondary school teacher? In my humble opinion,you are, but a stupid and shallow fool who thinks you're on a moral high ground. For the sake of punishing people you think ought to be punished, you are effectively punishing the innocent as well.. think babies and wives. *rolls eyes* Wait till you kena something innocently and we shall hope you have no cure for whatever either.

Poor kids. Another not-very-smart "role model".. I know this doesn't sound very ladylike or proper (since when was I anyway?).. but just go and die lah, fool!

The Yummiest Noodles Ever..

Even when it's taken on a not-empty stomach at or about 4pm, it still beats restaurant food any time.

THANK YOU MR LEK!!! =)

PS: I wonder who's spoiling who. I'm so going to turn obese from all the food you constantly feed me! Haha..

FAIL!!!

*Breathes in* 1.. 2.. 3.. 4.. 5.. 6.. 7.. 8.. 9.. 10..

Reveriez fails horribly as a boss. =(

First, her secretary took the opportunity to do her own school assignment during office hours when both bosses were not around.

Then, just as Reveriez was happily ready to set off for gym at 6.30pm, the same secretary walked in to make Reveriez help her with her assignment WHEN SHE COULD HAVE ASKED DURING OFFICE HOURS. There goes my gym.

And so, Reveriez is staying back in the office to do work (since she cannot go to the gym). And fuming to herself.

Argh... I hate her. And so I hate myself.

******

[9.51pm] Listening to Rene Liu's new songs whilst working and this phrase 我痛的瘋的傷的在你面前哭得最慘 still continuously captured my attention. It's been at least 10 years and it's as though time never passed. Mr Tay, I don't know how I'll ever do without you. (Haha.. I think you're the only one who can make me obediently pack up and go home even when I'm not done punishing myself) Thank you! =) Can't wait to see you posing with a turtle!! =)

The Best Things in Life

与你分享的快乐胜过独自拥有 至今我仍深深感动
好友如同一扇窗 能让视野不同

Thanks for letting me buy you your birthday dinner, Mr Tan! And you can't complain any more about me not going with you guys for KTV, k?

Seriously though, I'm really really glad to be able to have dinner with you around this time each year (but it'll be even better if we can meet up on 14th instead?). Another year of friendship added to our (definite) many more years =)

By the way Mr Tan, thank you so so so so so much for the sweets below. I love them so much, I can't bear to eat them!

And of course, I was really really glad to be having dinner with my fave Mr Chan once again too, even if it meant you calling me names throughout the night. Hmpf.. Should I put up the video of you singing? =)

******

That said, the week was a super eventful week. From trial on Mr Tan's birthday, to Mr Tan's birthday, to sis's birthday.. Realised this trial date is almost exactly 2 years since the start of 14935LF1. What coincidence. And how time flies.

New toy for sis.. It simply reminded us of her fave soft toy.. (see below)

Just an irrelevant photo which I found in my camera that brought a smile to my face. In case anyone's wondering, they're staring at the (meant-to-be) bear and duck-shaped cookies.

致一位很难不令人着迷的人

一份简单的礼物，包含着送的人满满的诚意，让收到礼物者心里不禁感到满满的甜蜜。=)

To a little brother turning 21 today...

Nicholas Ho En Xian!!!

Haha.. It's been quite a while since I exclaimed that with a half smiley half stern look. Almost 6+ years to be exact. And 6+ years down the road, you're finally officially an adult today! (ok, but like I always say, you are and will always be my little brother anyway)

Seriously, I'm really glad to have had a chance to witness your transformation from a horrendously mischievous boy (eh.. you and your classmates caused me quite a bit of sore throat, k?) to a charming responsible boy with clear goals today. *gives thumbs up* In fact, I think you totally deserve an A* grade for the module on "Growing Up".

And that's why I was really glad to be invited (haha.. you didn't forget me!) and was more than happy to turn up at your birthday party on Saturday. And of course, you totally deserve a huge "HAPPY 21ST BIRTHDAY, NICHOLAS!!!" =) Whatever birthday wishes you have, may they all come true. And of course, whatever dreams and hopes you have for the future, may your path towards them be clear and unobstructed. And of course, if you are still aiming to study law, I truly look forward to having you as my learned friend in court, yah? =)

PS: On a super side note, thanks loads for going with me to the party on Saturday, my dearest Mr Lek! =)

Hougang has the poorest residents

Somehow it seems like the economy has significantly picked up (well, at least in the eyes of our Civil Service and the like) so much so that they seem to have more time to carry out rankings of the most amusing things.

Frankly, how is "conservancy charges arrears" indicative of how good a Town Council is? If anything, the fact that Hougang Town Council fared badly in this category merely suggests 2 things: (1) Hougang has the poorest residents (So do we get a discount off all forms of taxes??) and/or (2) Hougang Town Council has the lousiest debt collectors (read: kindest / most soft hearted).

Seriously, I wonder how many will take this ranking seriously. Especially when the worst town councils are Potong Pasir and Hougang and the best being Tanjong Pagar, Ang Mo Kio and the like. If anything, I still love my constituency of residence as much as ever, and would think it's way better than one of our neighbouring constituencies, where the pathment floods like nobody's business whenever it pours (mental note: take photo next time I've to wade through the puddle to get the train station). Seriously (a 2nd time), next time you do another study like this, at least make it more convincing can?

PS: On a side note, kudos to the Sunday Times for publishing excerpts from the latest book on Mr Lim Kim San, and saving me from wasting money on a book on this person. Even if you are a founding father (supposedly), it does not give you the right to say this of my favourite president (quote) "Ong wanted to have a powerful presidency. This may be unkind, maybe his chemotherapy and his problem with his cancer may have affected his judgment. He wanted to stay on as the president and die in office. This could not be supported because the president's work has to be done." Hello Mr Lim, I do NOT for a moment think that Mr Ong had wanted power all to himself. And it is most despicable to make use of another's illness to insult the person, even if you're supposedly one of the founding fathers whom we should give utmost respect to. In fact, for these words of yours, you've totally lost my respect for you. In fact, why did you have to curse my favourite president?!?! I'm totally indignant.

The best ever lunch cum dinner..

Even if I can't bear to eat the muffins at the time of this entry..

Thanks super duper loads, Mr Lek!! =)

Happy 28th Birthday, my favourite Mr Ho!

As promised, I avoided the use of "Happy Birthday!" on your facebook.. Still, that doesn't stop me from wishing you happy birthday publicly on my blog, right? =)

Come to think of it, I seriously can't remember why/when we started keeping in touch. The alumni concert with Yang Pei Xian as conductor?

Then again it doesn't matter. What matters is I'm really glad to be able to meet up prior to your birthday, and still be able to wish you "Happy Birthday!!" when I feel like it.

Happy birthday once again, Mr Ho!! =)

Deja vu

"u still alive ah.." That was Jason's first comment online. Eh.. Mr Teh, do I sound so lousy to you?

Thanks to long bean, I had the experience that I've not had since leaving GLC. For some strangest reason, working past midnight in the office after more than a year energised me once again, and it felt like I was time travelling back to the dreaded Muhlbauer days, preparing the Bundle of Documents for his royal highness. Long bean may have successfully burnt my evening, but hopefully it'll ignite the long dormant spark of hardworkingness in me.

These few weeks haven't been exactly the best, what with 外公 being hospitalised, then Reich's dad... and then an ex colleague's phone call (which luckily turned out to be a false alarm). Isn't it amusing that no matter how strong we make ourselves out to be, humans are still, at the end of the day, at the mercy of fate? And it's not only those who have been struck down, but those around are affected to. Well, whatever it is, since I can't be of any help.. I guess I can only say, "Reichmann, Michelle, jia you!!!"

The irony of all things is that, despite what would have seemed like 2 bad weeks, it really wasn't as draining as it seems thanks to the presence of friends, both new and old. Was somehow reminded of JianPing's annoyingly fave phrase in jc.. yes, the one about how friends cannot be made after sec school. I'm glad that despite my insecure nature, I still chose not to take heed of what Mr Chai said. Foolish or not, only time will tell.

On a side note, I wonder if dreams have any significance. How is it ever possible that one can dream of people / things that are not really existing in their lives? Hmm.. or was my dream last night a subconscious reminder of what nespray wrote years ago.. to speak up? Even then, it's a bit late isn't it? Haha..

******

PS: In my mindless blabbering and possibly another subconscious show of insecurity (well, to ensure that whoever's my friend doesn't regret later on), I think I "mumbled" something overboard earlier. If I ended up giving you the impression that I don't really like meeting up with you, I really didn't mean it. Perhaps cause you are really way too nice , so I didn't want you to get conned (remember, I told you I can be quite a bitch) and regret it later. But yes, in any case, even if I don't say so, I really do enjoy chatting / hanging out with you too. I'll try to kick the habit of saying mean things that I don't really mean, but in the meantime, the sweetest uncle can always bear with xiao mei mei's behaviour for the time being, right? =)

我们没有在一起

词:黄婷
曲:陈韦伶

你一直說的那個公園已經拆了
還記得盪著秋千日子就飛起來
漫漫的下午陽光都在臉上撒野
你那傻氣 我真是想念

那時候小小的你還沒學會嘆氣
誰又會想到他們現在喊我女王
你哈哈笑的樣子倒是一點沒變
時間走了 誰還在等呢

這杯咖啡忘了加糖
真不是我那麼傷感
世界太復雜 你說单純很難
我當然都明白

可是呀只有你曾陪我在最初的地方
只有你才能了解我要的夢從來不大
我們沒有一起至少還像情侶一樣
我痛的瘋的傷的在你面前哭得最慘

我知道你也不能帶我回到那個地方
你說你現在很好而喜歡回憶很長
我們沒有一起至少還像家人一樣
總是遠遠關心遠遠分享

...

我们没有一起至少还像朋友一样
你远远的关心 其实更长

******

Heard this on radio on Wednesday. The lazy yet wistful tune somehow made it ultra addictive to me. Coupled with the fact that the DJs mentioned one listener smsed that they should pay attention to the lyrics. It's been the most played song for the past few days... on my mp3 =)

Wistful but a really addictive song..

Happy Birthday!

Happy birthday, Honey 2!!! =)

Happy birthday, Chee Min!!

Happy birthday to someone else, who's the reason why I always remember the deadline for income tax submission (argh!), and everyone else's birthday and Sion Yoong's a day before..

******

Haven't had time to sit down and truly blog. Or rather, haven't had the driving force to do so for quite some time. A lot of things have happened throughout this period of time, but no worries, I've been doing really well =) [Haha.. is anyone even worrying in the 1st place?]

When one door shuts, another will open up.

Teochew lessons ended like exactly 2 weeks ago. It was really made up of mainly weirdos, many of whom slowly dropped out towards the end, thankfully. Amusingly though, it was only at the end of the last lesson that I made a friend in the class. I've absolutely no idea why I agreed to take the lift from Jiahan, but I'm glad I did.

Just like how I've absolutely no idea what came over me to befriend 2 other strangers. Whilst I still have doubts about a lot of what C says, C's ultra infectious optimism made it almost impossible to not be infected. Not to mention the way he talks reminds me totally of a particular senior either. And Mr Teh has turned from a stranger to someone I can chat about absolutely anything with.

Just like I've said, a lot of things have transpired since the last entry, but overall, things are really not too bad. Not to mention Melissa's going to be my sec again starting next month. =)

Ok, plenty of other things that I've been wanting to type, but first, off to clear things off my table!

Job Hazards..

Amended one of my earlier posts since one particular phrase may/may not give rise to a defamation suit (whether the suit is successful or not is another matter altogether. Still, for my wrong choice of words, I apologise.

Although I couldn't help but thought, if you cannot take certain comments, then maybe you shouldn't be snooping around. That'll save you the trouble of putting it up on your msn nick. =)

Ok lah, but that said, I need to be less aggro and learn to be more zen in the brand new year too. (Actually, that's pretty much a job hazard too, come to think of it.) That shall be another resolution too! Those shaking your heads, stop it hor. Maybe I should ask Adrian how he mellowed down over the years. Hmm..

Someday, I'll probably get killed along the streets

Well, but before that happens, I must say that I'm still horrendously childish and simple cheap thrills actually made my day. Thanks so much, Mr Ang! =)

On another note, pineapple tarts!! Don't look that pretty, but hey, they taste nice and are easy to made. I wonder if I can make a bigger second batch next week. =)

PS: Yes, I really meant my subject title. Seriously, do I look like I can fight 3 guys on my own? If not, why the hell did you ask me to go down and settle matters? That's how much my life's worth huh?

Volunteer with an agenda?

Received a horrifyingly hilarious phone call this afternoon. Essentially, the caller was trying to find someone to do pro bono work with so that parties could cross refer clients.

Volunteer and then try to get these people to pay you for work? I thought it is disgusting enough that people in jc volunteer for the sake of the community service hours and cannot be bothered to put their hearts into what they are doing. An adult doing the same for the sole selfish reason of gaining clientele? That sounds not any better. Especially when you were trying to convince others that it's no big deal cause other [insert race] lawyers are doing it to. That's even more disgusting.

Like I said, I think it's against the rule. And even if it isn't, it's against my principles. Volunteering should be done only if you truly mean it, not when you have some other hidden agenda. Otherwise, I can tell you I truly despise you.

That, is at least something that I'm sure of, and you can rest assure that I'm proud of my stand, even if it sounds prudish to you.

This shall be the last time....

I'll allow myself to contribute to the reservoirs because of you.

Come to think of it, you're the only friend who has made me tear-ed up more than once and still survive through the usual yellow cards that I love dishing out to people. Why? Because you were one of those who helped me survive through JC? Because I'm grateful for the times when you were always there to cheer me on, make me smile? I don't know. But what I do know is, for all these reasons, you ended up having been one of those friends who really mattered a lot...

Still remembered the first time I ended up tear-ing, it was just before you entered uni and had just received your latest posting results. Instead of letting me show concern, you effectively pushed my concern away with your "good what, you're in law school" and your "law student" snide remarks, as though being a law student was some terrible fault of mine, making me not worthy to be your friend. I've heard those snide remarks before, from some primary school schoolmates when I was in RGS, but that didn't hurt as badly, cause they were not my friends. But from you? I've always wanted to know, but I know I'll never get the answer from you... Am I that not worth it as a friend? You've even made it very clear, whether on purpose or not, in one of your latest blog entries when you said you met up with ALL your friends, after cancelling the word "most". Yeah, I'm not your friend, that's why you didn't have time to meet up for dinner at all after agreeing to it. Why? Cause there were more important people whom you had to meet on a daily basis. Call me petty, jealous if you want, but yes, it showed how unimportant an acquaintance I am, and yes, it hurts.

Frankly, after the 1st incident, I should have known better and struck you off my important friends list. You remarked once in jc that we've not had any storms in our friendship and we should create one to make it more interesting? Congrats, you managed to do so not long after that. Why? Do grades really matter that much? Must I really be dumb-er in terms of grades in order to be a friend?

But like what I kept telling my other friends, I'm idiotically useless. Despite all that, I was still reminded of a dream I had at 18 years old, a scary dream where the tears in it felt so real I can still remember how upset I felt about losing that friend in that dream. And so, even if I've said long ago in another entry about removing excess baggage (yes, I was referring to you), I still couldn't help but find time to get you that and then deliver it to your place, even when I was really tired last night.

Talking about last night, I'm beginning to wonder whether I was really lying when I wrote that it didn't matter to me whether you decide to bring it along to US or not. Well, at least at the time of writing, I thought I was lying. I mean, if I couldn't be bothered, I wouldn't have even bothered getting it and delivering it. But then, when you said you still had space in your luggage, it's light and so you can always bring it along, I wasn't that happy either. It felt a lot more like a stab, now that I've decided to make myself write you off. Even when you offered to walk me to the bus stop and keep me company whilst I wait for the bus, it felt a lot more like stabs, reminding me of what the long time friendship could be, but will never be. Yeah, and I acted cool by refusing it firmly. But you know what? The moment you went off, the useless tears started to roll (discreetly?) for the demise of a friendship and refused to stop until a long while later..Useless right? Well, at least I'm proud of the fact that I stood my ground about not sending you off even if I woke up quite a no. of times and was consciously aware of the time.

Whatever the case, yes, a particular person can be proud that she's won hands down. But it's ok, I'm not that unworthy a friend to some others who'll still dote on me and share the ups and downs of their lives, right?

In any case, I'm really happy to note that you've made more friends at your previous jobs, given how you didn't seem to have a lot of friends who were truly concerned about you before that (save for the 2 of your closest friends).

And even if you're never going to see this, take care of yourself yah? Try making a few more allies whilst you're there so that the 18 months will be much more enjoyable, yah?

旧的不去，新的不来

A new year, a new start. Even within the short span of a few weeks, 2010 seem to have brought quite a bit of change to those around me. Of these, Robin da ge's new saloon (anyone wants to go?), Mr Wong Kum Fu's return as one of my learned friends (then again, I really hope I won't kena any matters opposite him), Mr 0543 moving on from his car no. 188 to a new job were the happier changes. BZ's departure and imminent new firm should be considered neutral. Then at the other end of a spectrum, one of the best-est female friends I can ever have is ready to move on to another stage in her life...

No matter how good things are, stagnating is perhaps one of the worst things to do. If we stay at one point, we'll never be able to see the perhaps more beautiful corners. Even the more accomplished celebs (well, at least in Singapore) like Adrian Pang and Daniel Ong are moving on with their professional lives too, what more small fries like me?

And so, even if it's a bit late for new year resolutions, (hey, I can be unique and make Chinese New Year resolutions, right?), here is the list that I would, hopefully, at least seek to do in this Tiger (or Tigeress) year:

1. Hit my self-set mental billing target comparable to the one I had at GLC (Don't seem to be pushing myself hard enough yet. But if I don't, how am I to be one step closer to buying Mr Tan & Mr Chan dinner in Japan, right?)

2. Give my VVVIPs priority in utilising my time, even if it means putting aside everything else because nothing should matter as much as them to me. (Doesn't sound convincing? But hey, I'm really trying)

3. Aim to pass guys' 2.4km run by next year. (Don't ask me why. Haha.. Think GK mentioned before that guys' 2.4km is way harder, so I'll take that as my new challenge after driving?)

4. Be a more serious and cooperative learner just like my previous role as a learner driver. (If I can be friends with my driving instructors yet still learn well under them, it shouldn't be much of a problem applying this to my trainer before he decides to disown his protege here, right?)

5. Learn and master (at least half bucket lah) a new skill/dialect

And finally...

6. Not attempt any form of tort on unworthy creatures on this earth

There you go, think they shouldn't be too unattainable, right? If anyone sees me veering off course, please feel free to give me one tight slap or a good hit on the head, k? (Though I think that constitutes battery, no?)

*******

To you know who you are,

Like I've said to you before, friends are not here to tell you what to do, but to be there to stretch out their hands to pick you up from your falls. Now that you've thought it through and made your decision, remember, you'll always have my moral support (yes, including the reminders not to be weak as requested, though I think I'm more of a weakling than you). I hope you've really moved on, and are not putting up a "high" front, simply cause what matters most is your smiles.

And of course, friends LOVE to be bothered (or at least for me lahz). So if you ever ever need an environmentally-friendly tissue, a movable and slightly flexible pillar, a breatheable emotional rubbish dump, a self-controlled anti-not-soft toy (ie. it hugs you rather than you hug it).. remember, there's always one of this strange/weird character here..k?

*hugz*