And the results...

Judgment day!! This is the 2nd time I've gone to get judgment for a trial, and the 1st time I'm getting results for a trial that I conducted myself. When the phone call came at 10++ to ask if we could go earlier at around 11am instead of 2pm, I still felt that sudden surge of panic. hankfully, this time round, it was a favourable judgment. 80% in our favour. But nope, my boss didn't say anything. In fact, I don't even think he realised the judgment's today.. hahaha..

On hindsight, I'm glad I limited my cross examination to that hilariously amusing few questions. However, I wonder if I would have done better, if I didn't "showhand" as much as I did. The best part was, just before my trial, someone a lot more senior whom I was chatting with along the corridors was warning me not to do just that!

Anyway, it's over and I'm still pretty proud that I survived it without much help. Well, except for the help of a really nice guy, who gave me a lift to the scene one weekend, and give me ideas on phototaking. Thanks for contributing so much to my survival of my first trial! And of course, not forgetting my favourite Mr Tan as well, who knew well enough that I'll start panicking before trial, and sent me the encouraging smses to give me confidence. Thanks too, Mr Tan! :)

I survived my 1st ever own trial!

For the 1st time ever, I did the entire thing, from opening, to cross examination, re-examination, to submissions all by myself. *looks smug* Especially when the other side's witness suddenly threw in something unexpected. Lol. On hindsight though, I should trust myself more next trial. Now for the judgment next week..

On another note, I finally realised how wrong one can be if you simply just take whatever that's written in papers wholesale. So, here's me debunking some mistaken belief of mine with regards to our all white MPS:

(1) MPs do not conduct the MPS. They don't even necessary have to be there, and you may not necessary run into them. I think I must have been spoilt by virtue of my ward. I've always thought your MP would at least be there and have a table for his meet the people's session!

(2) The assistants at the MPS are not necessary professional. Well, unless you tell me that the following constitutes professionalism: (1) shaking his legs so vigorously like he had ants munching at his balls; (2) complimenting people on how nice their beard looks; (3) asking dumb questions about people's complexion.. Did I mention they name-drop too? *yawnz*

That, in essence was the main impression that I took out from one of such sessions. Impressed? Very, by the opposition MPs in my ward (and neighbouring constituency). If this is the sort of standard you get, I'll say, pay me the S$15,000.00 and I'll do a better job.. *yawn*

Macbeth and the picnic

Thanks to the highly cooperative weather that decided to pour as hard as possible in the morning and remain dry in the evening, our date with Shakespear went ahead without a hitch..

The stage

I must say though, a play in Shakespearen English in a unenclosed area may be a bit difficult to understand at the beginning. Nonetheless, the 3 witches and Adrian Pang made it a production not to be missed.

And of course, next time we'll get more decent food for our picnic too, right?

I think the year of the tiger was last year, really..

Once in every 5 years, there's this event called "elections" that starts making newspapers all that thicker. Everyday, articles and articles of who said what, and who did what religiously appear endlessly until "D-day" itself. But amidst the hustling and bustling, if you think about it carefully, how effective would 10 days of campaigning bring?

Elections and campaigns are not limited to a country only. Think back to secondary school, jc days etc. How often did you vote for someone just because you were won over by him/her during the campaigning period?

Come to think of it, it's not that different now either. I'm sure most people would have already decided for themselves who they'll be voting for, regardless whether their choice candidates actually do actively campaign for their votes. The campaigning process is really to swing the fence seaters most of the time, but still, I really do wonder if the campaign process goes really that far.

During the process however, I realised how similar everyone can be. No doubt, I am cheesed off by those who glorify themselves and belittle the "lowly" ones. But then, if you think again, it's really very much a sign of "I support my clan and so you guys are wrong". So really, whatever that you don't agree with, just relegate it all to "noise" and everything will be a whole lot simpler (Though I really must say, I thought some woman putting on facebook that anyone who wants to kill HER tiger has to deal with her first was childish and pretty much needs to brush up her Chinese really)

Despite having come to terms about different opinions and choices, I'm not any bit more morally correct than anyone else. Frankly, I admit I find it obnoxious that there are people who treat rallies as carnival. I mean, seriously, do NOT tell me that you are proud to be a Singaporean just by attending opposition rallies. That, in itself is just pure laughable, and it very much emcompasses the "it's great to have a good opposition, but not in my backyard yah?" syndrome. Or some other kind of syndrome which I don't plan to bother describing. Seriously, just because you as a pro-establisment person attends and is proud of an opposition leader doesn't make you stand on any higher grounds. That thought itself, in my humble opinion, is somewhat akin to the lip service attitude we've been getting isn't it?  If you want to be pro-establishment, stay at that. At least that gets more respect from me than the "oh, it's such a difficult choice, it'll break my heart either way" comment. But in any case, that's just in my humble opinion..

So yes, come 7 May 2011, we'll know what the people have chosen and we'll stand by that for the next 5 years. In the meantime, to each his own (well, as long as you don't wake me up on weekends mornings and then disappear when I finally decided that my sleep has been disrupted too many times to continue)

PS: The above is just my own personal views. Any similarities to anyone may/may not be intentional. However, the author would like to inform that no clarification will be entertained simply because she doesn't particularly like soothing people after she makes what she humbly thinks is her true opinion. Any hurt to anyone is purely unintentional.

"I stole your MP!"

That's what my big boss said when he saw me.

Whilst not really surprised that my respectable MP has chosen to lead a team elsewhere, I can't help feeling a tinge of sadness. The guy I watched for since primary 3 is no longer the guy for my constituency. But you know what? He's still my MP, at least to me. To those lucky ones in a certain GRC, please treasure what you have. My MP really attends all funerals in the ward without fail, goes on his walkabouts when the GE is not anywhere in sight yet and deals with problems immediately when told and is always so friendly, whatever ward you are (I bumped into him near sub courts once and when I smiled, he said hi. Unlike a certain other minister who asked my dad which constituency he was from first, before ignoring my dad totally for staying in the neighbouring ward). And, for those who still do not know, Hougang residents had their lift lobby and corridor renovated, WITHOUT forking out a single cent. In fact, some blocks had the stop-at-every-floor upgrading for free too, before it was decided that all Singaporeans have to co-pay for upgrading..

So so so... if Aljunied-ians do not recognise a gem when they see one, please return my MP to me. And in the meantime, go Mr Low!!! Welcome, Mr Yaw!

Ramblings of an insignificant one

Elections are coming. You can feel it just by reading through the papers. Not only do they drone on and on about stop-bullying certain candidates and how we would be buying the wrong insurance, we even had a particular wife talking about her noble achievements. The mention of her participation in some moots certainly brought back memories of our conferences in the toilets. Bleah..

Amidst all these and after dealing with a particular "FT" again today, I certainly wonder what constitutes "T". The inability to think beyond sheer copying and changing certain facts? (Not that her ability to purely copy is perfect either.) But seriously, for someone with such salary and apparently studying for her diploma (I thought she completed last year? Wonder why she still has to take exams..hah) I wouldn't want her if I had the choice. If only.. But well, we need to be forgiving of such "T"s, they've so much to worry about, you know, for example finding herself a handsome rich guy who would ensure she would never have to work her brains again.. Or planting and protecting vegetables.. I wonder if it constitutes national service if the "FT" makes life difficult from a resident of opposition ward for the past year. Or does she need 10 years of that before she's suitable? Hmmm..

On a lighter note, I still had time to witness some hair transformation yesterday. That, in itself, made all the abovementioned statements somewhat more positive. =)

Before - Or rather, after hair cut, but at the initial stage of styling. Somehow it reminded me of one of the OGLs during RJ orientation...

Styling in progress.. Armani being flattened..

And finally...

Up up up!! *grinz*

Shoo extra air, shoo!

Please godS, please let my little brother get well soon. Ask all the unwanted extra air to go away asap, please please please?

Get well soon, uncle!

Sometimes I wonder..

Why must I support 2 mouths when they are sometimes more a hindrance than help?

Cheers to the years of friendship!

You know how much a friend means to you when, despite feeling faint and struggling to get through the day, you agree without hesitation, when your friend smses you in the day to ask for a meet up.

That was what happened on Friday. Despite fighting an almost lost battle not to concuss, an unknown number telling me that a big brother was here and would be leaving the next day made me all excited. Even if it meant another late night ahead. It's been almost 2 years since we met up, why would I miss this opportunity to meet up with da ge?

PS: Thanks for coming all the way down and giving one of my most important buddies (and his family) a lift home, dearest!

Strange Dreams

Just the other day, I dreamt that appeared before my fave DJ at CDR in something not our usual penguin attire and was admonished by my fave DJ.

I wonder if it's a sign of stress when you keep having strange dreams related to work, or wake up every few hours to check whether it's time to get up to go to work.

Auntie Cheng, get well soon! I'll probably drown under greater stress if you don't come back soon!

Do litigators make good novelists?

Or novelists make good litigators?

Whatever the case... I need a huge dose of red bull..

Sharing is caring?

It's ironic that for a person in my profession, I somehow instinctively prefer to avoid conflict with those dearest to me, rather than to share everything that's bothering me and risk conflict. Yet, after acting up yet again, me sharing what was bothering me made the pressure within me no longer as stifling, something that was slowly but surely hurting the both of us. So whilst a certain website may not have this in mind when coming up with this motto, I would think that your constant mention of this slogan is by no means a joke. Sharing is caring, that's what we, or rather I, will strive to do this year, yah?

On a side point, this year's Chinese New Year felt more happening. Instead of the usual visit to my grandparents' place only, we even had a visit to my kindergarten teacher's place after that. How time flies when she produced some photographs we took at the now defunct Ponggol seafood place. Yesterday too, my aunt called us to go up for a visit and then off I went rushing to Mr Chai's place. The visit may not have been long, but it was nice to meet up with one of my closest buddies in jc and meet up with his wife and their absolutely cute son. Yes, even if it meant travelling to the other end of Singapore 2 out of 3 days. I wouldn't mind visiting Mr Chai each year though, but I wonder if he'd mind instead. Haha..

Happy Bit-bit Year!

Yes, Mr Lek, that was the 3D rabbit I was trying to make that night..

Xin Nian Kuai Le! It's once again the time of the year to wave goodbye to one animal and wave hi to another.

Looking back, the tiger year was supposed to be a trying year for one and all. Still, the true grit and willpower of the tiger ensured that I moved forward in the past lunar year, and even when things were down, there were always people around to drag me on to face the challenges headon. In fact, even as the tiger year threatened to end on a black note, the dark skies soon cleared for the sunny skies again, well, at least for now. One thing I've learnt better last year, speaking your mind makes you feel a lot better.. and when you thrash things out, be sure to thrash out all and not leave a part hanging, particularly so if the last part is really the crux of it all. Things may or may not be resolved to your satisfaction, but at least, it prevents that last part from lingering and haunting you every now and then until it blows out of proportion. And yes, too many cooks spoil the broth too. Whilst you may mean well, any form of relationship, be it between friends, couples etc, is really between the people involved. What you think may be for the good of that person, you may in fact, be hurting the person you call friend instead. So in this rabbit year, may I humbly request that those I care for and love do leave me to be my own gardener of my life, to care for and grow the buds myself. When I said nay, do take my word for it and not add more water/fertilisers. For a bud may not blossom in face of too much water and fertilisers as well.

That said, it's time for us to enjoy the start of the rabbit year! To my dearest dearest friends, I hope the bouncy rabbit brings along all your fulfilled wishes in this year. And as the rabbit hops away, that it'll bring away from you all the bad health and unwanted unhappiness.

* * * * * *

First day..

Tell me, how rare is it that there's no one in the MRT cabin these days?

Surrounding our homemade yusheng..

Second day.. We watched "It's a great great world". I must say, it was a really not bad movie. Rather than being pure silly (imho) like what certain others, this movie kind of tugged at the heartstrings a little (or is it just me?)... And after that, we took a stroll somewhere nearby...

Green light = You may walk

Look! The bird park has moved to the Istana.. for a day!

Xin Nian Kuai Le, everyone! :)

2 bak zhangs... almost

Thankfully not.. *cross fingers*

But the (probable) bak zhangs always make me end up treasuring my guardian angels even more.. Thank you =)

Tatty Teddy!!! =)

Something in my mail brought that wide grin onto my face once again. Another tatty teddy card! And 2 wrapped packages =)

Thank you so so so much, Mr Tay! Tatty Teddy cards for birthdays, encouragements, cheering ups. They're really so you, and they never fail to make me grin like some mad woman. =) Thanks for remembering my request for toy vehicles too! From now on, each time I do my langar files, I'll be reminded of you!! (Though it means I cannot do chain collisions involving more than 3 vehicles hor? *grinz*) And of course, I love the owl too!! Thank you, Mr Tay! Whatever will I do without you? =)

When a Heavenly King descends upon Plaza Sing..

Guess who I saw when I went to Plaza Sing to get something yesterday?

And nope, I'm not a fan of his. Just that my mum didn't believe I saw him at Plaza Sing. So what other better way than photos to prove that the real person was there?

Unfortunately though, my mum still thought those on stage were not real people.. Grrr

Happy 30th Birthday, Mr Chan!

Happy 30th birthday, dearest Mr Chan! I'm really glad to have met up with you today, even if I had to endure both of your suanings and the scary stories. In spite of your occasional annoying-ness, you'll always be a really dear friend to me. And that's why I'm glad to say once again, Happy 30th birthday, Gary!

To a dearest friend who needs some energy lately..

Frankly, I was both surprised and not surprised by your decision last night. Not surprised because it has been wearing you down more these days. Surprised because it felt as though we were both trudging on for the sake of it.

But you know what? I agree with what you said. Happiness vs material wealth (not that our pay's really that high in the first place). Things will gradually become more bearable as the end becomes in sight. Even if there are people who may make things difficult in the process.

Jia you, WL!!!

Happy birthday, Mr Lek!

Happy birthday, dearest! May every single one of your birthday wishes every year come true!

Did you grow a year older or did you grow up by a year?

A Today columnist pondered aloud in his column some time last week. Once again, another year has drawn to a close, what better time to look back and reflect on the year that had passed..

If there was something that I took along from 2010, it'll probably be the realisation that the best present I can give anyone important enough is really my time. Instead of spending a majority of time slaving away at work, 2010 was a year when I took leave more liberally, eg. zoo with Koon or simply lunch with my favourite Mr Tan.. And this, I have to thank another very important person in my life.. For letting me know first hand how devastating it is to watch you down, and the possibility that you would no longer be there to laugh with me, suan me, make mean remarks about me or to show concern to me. Yes, if there was one incident that left the deepest imprint, it would have been that particular 1+ week..

You would have thought that with the lesson learnt, I would have been more liberal with my time. Unfortunately though, there were still instances when I could have done a lot better. I could have dumped everything aside and bugged Mr Tan for lunch on his birthday itself instead of having a belated birthday celebration. Or spent more time with people who mattered.

In any event, a new year, a new beginning. And so, for this year, I resolve to:

(1) have more disposable time to spend with people who matter;
(2) Work harder (unfortunately I think my standard of work is no longer near to that when I was at GLC);
(3) Be healthier (ie. more exercise.. right Mr Lek?);
(4) Be happier.

So what's your resolution?