It's always the simplest things that brighten the day

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

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

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

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

I am a lazy pig...

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

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

Enough is enough..

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EQ vs IQ

Was just having an interesting conversation/debate about EQ and IQ. I still agree that EQ is way more important than IQ, and that I do not have much EQ, at least I seem to lose very often in my games of chess.

The call date is confirmed. 20th May. That's so fast. And tomorrow is Wei Shin's last day. One less da ge ge around. But I'll be fine, cause I'm Yaofang right?

Not much progress in my work. Don't know why, the pressure always feels worse when it's work for my pupil master. I think I pushed myself a bit too hard today to meet my self set deadline of tomorrow, since my shaky hand problem is surfacing again. I'm actually beginning to feel hungry but as I've said to myself, no real food until I finish my work. If I can't even take it for a few days, how am I going to survive beginning next week?

I'm still feeling disappointed, that the mass call is on 20th. This means JianPing definitely cannot make it.

No Weiguang and Gary around on MSN tonight. I actually miss having them online tonight, cause I just want to whine a little. I'm a spoilt brat, I must agree. Territorial exercises should be limited to territories, not spread to every corner. It's tiring you know? But I can press on simply cause I know I can.

Had lunch with KF and Xinyi yesterday. Finally managed to return the treat, so there's no pressing need to return lunch treats anymore. But lunch was fun and it was a good break.

Given this public domain, I think it's high time I removed these entries right? Should I? Or maybe I should just copy Mr Chan.

Tired. Shall let brain have a break and work.

Wonder if it's possible to get to work at 6+.

I feel so loved huh?

"As she is the only pupil who is not retained, could RE have her posted here for the rest of her pupilage. We can do with the extra pair of hands."

Hello.. I have a choice right? And I prefer to do something that's related to Income, not running errands for you just cause you need. If you want, ask properly and I'll be glad to do so.

That said. I don't feel anything. Perhaps I just hate all of you too much to be bothered

You know you've grown up when...

You were looking for dinner and you ended up buying some packaged cake because it reminded you of primary school, and how you used to buy it for $0.20 which meant you could save more than 50% of your pocket money.

Relativity

You know how much a friend means to you according to your reaction to their words. Judging from a friend's reaction to another friend's rash words, it's really obvious how much he means to her.

Just found out that Wei Shin is leaving the firm. The only da ge ge in the department whom I feel comfortable enough to hide in his room to talk. And come to think of it, I think I've disturbed him quite a few times. One less relatively familiar comfortable face. And he's always so nice. When I emailed him to ask if he's going for CDR on Wednesday afternoon, his reply was he'll bring me around the court on Wednesday! So he noticed the schedule and remembers he's bringing me!

Haha.. I sound so much like a kid =)

Talking about kids.. Today is Huijun's birthday. Though it's been so many years since we've graduated from IJ (Ponggol), somehow, I never seem to forget her birthday, or Jo's birthday (which happens to be tomorrow), or Lim Ting's birthday (which is a month later). If you notice, everyone's birthday pivots around hers. Wonder what she's doing now, and what Huiwen is doing. Wonder if Huiwen is still as cute as ever. In any case, Happy 24th Birthday, Huijun!

And talking about birthdays... LiJia is going on holiday to Japan soon! Actually I felt a bit bad asking her to get some stuff for me.

Navigating through this week

I've actually typed an entry in the wee hours of yesterday morning. An incomplete entry that I've decided to discard, simply because it's just way too difficult to bring myself back to my thoughts yesterday and type on from there. Same thoughts, but a day's difference makes lots of difference, at least, it's a bit harder to continue in the same tone.

Just got back from watching Brokeback Mountain with my mum (yes, it's like so long ago, but I just didn't have the time to watch) The show was.. in my usual description.. ok lohz.. Just that, I really didn't like one of the characters. Perhaps I just don't agree with or particularly like those who want others to conform or do things their way. Each of us have our own background, our own situation so a similar scenario may mean differently, and bring about different actions in them. Each of us have our own burdens and worries such that, if you truly care about the other, you would not really want to force the other to do things your way just to make you feel better or let the person be in a not-so-happy scenario.

Or perhaps it's just me.

Sometimes, I really don't know whether keeping a lay-back attitude and trusting one's friends to do what they think they prefer is really right. Just like last evening when I was out with a friend. There was a point in time when he had a pensive look.. yet, I just didn't want to ask because I thought he didn't want me to anyway. Is this the best way to show concern? I don't know. There's very little that can be done when one just stands by hoping to be able to watch over a friend. Then again, that's not even considered watching over.. it's just basically doing nothing!

In any case, I truly truly enjoyed last evening. Just like what I told Zhul in the afternoon when he asked about my lunch.. "Dinner will be much better". He thought I was just being optimistic. Little did he know that I was just making an accurate prediction, because I just knew that I would enjoy my dinner. Food hardly ever matters that much to me as compared to the lunch/dinner company I have. Ok, not that I'll be very happy if the food was disgustingly inedible of course, but the point is, so long as you have a great company, the food always seems much better. But, I noticed a very bad habit of mine too. I tend to go overboard in my attempt to make meet-ups light-hearted, so much so that the dinners could just end up crappy. Guoxing mentioned it the last time I met up with him and Shamini. And last evening, I consciously noticed it. In fact, I thought the nonsensical chattering forced my dinner company to automatically switch to a crappy mode, which should be rather far from what he was feeling yesterday (or was I just being over-sensitive and over-imaginative? I doubt so though) So much so that when we adjourned elsewhere later, I thought it felt a lot better to see the thoughtful look, just because it just didn't seem like he had to put in extra effort to put up a front.

But as I said, dinner was a highlight that played a role in helping me get through the week. Can still remember how much I dreaded the start of this week just before it started, because I had thought that it would be the start of emotional-torturing weeks ahead. But the week turned out otherwise, thanks to the beacons of star-light that beamed in through the week. In fact, a certain KM actually commented about me bouncing in the office on Thurs, and that, was just because I had spent the night chatting with another very close friend of mine. Actually, it wasn't only bouncing across the office (that was a muted form of skipping actually, since I couldn't skip around the office in front of everyone, like I used to across the NJC library). I actually skipped across the corridor when no one was watching, skipped instead of walk during lunch. Come to think of it, I must have looked rather idiotic, but, somehow, I really felt that light-hearted that day. See what difference my friends can make to my week?

Seriously though, despite being surrounded by so many fake ones all around, I'm still very thankful to have friends who are truly concerned. Just like.. when I told Gek Koon about me and my just increased number of tuitions, his first reaction was "kaoz...... dun take up so many assignements lah..." and after a longer period of chatting, he went "the main pt is not jioin u out... tink u shd keep some of ur time free for relaxation n entertainment" And stupid as it sounds, it actually felt heartwarming to see that. Thank you, gk!!!! Don't worry, I know how to look after myself! =)

That basically unsatisfactorily sums up my sunny week. To the 2 guys, thank you for somehow being the highlight of this week, for blowing away the rain cloud that threatened to ruin my week!! Really.. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's always nice to end the day happily...

And so it did. Even if it was a phone call to get me to use my sleepy brains. I just love hearing familiar voices that I do care about. And it made me a tiny little bit less sleepy too =)

After lying and pretending real life and virtually for an entire day, it's just pure pleasure to finally get to be the real me just as I'm about to fall asleep. Sweet dreamz! =)

Life's Little Ironies

To think that I was still cautioning a friend about watching his words yesterday night. I should have applied the same advice to myself. And since I didn't, I have no one else to blame, other than myself. Which probably explains why I didn't feel anything significant. It's just another lesson well learnt. Perfect.

Just like many many months ago when I really wanted to be in Liti. And now that I'm back in it, I'll just say I can't remember why I had so badly wanted in. "Oooh.. You can't let her do this, cause there'll be a conflict of interest" Hello! I've seen the entire file even before I went for my PLC, and that demand thing was done by me to. Oh well, as usual, I still can't feel a thing.

Perhaps I just can't be bothered any more. Nothing is real, and so, nothing is worth putting heart and soul for. Ironically though, I'm some sort of bothered by my can't-be-bothered attitude. The numbness once again made me want to prick it to see if I could feel.

It's always when people are not around that you wish for them to be. Just like these days when things haven't been smooth, I'd wish if JianPing were in Singapore. And today, it'll be nice if Gary was around too. Just that, even if Jianping were in Singapore, I would never allow myself to bother him anyway. Nor would I whine to Gary if he weren't on MSN either. It's just a matter of me preferring the "if only".

Just like this evening, as I was walking to the MRT station along the oh-so-familiar route. It's been 5 years since I've spent a huge part of my day around that area, but somehow some memories just stay on. Just like the Shatec restaurant nearby that would always remind me of the lunch I had with Grace and Joanne, and how we ended up absolutely wet for class. Come to think of it, 5 years ago around this time, we probably have not even talked to Itak and Darmaji yet, and Darmaji was still Tarmaji in my eyes. The VCD shop is no longer there, but I can still picture the scene where they had just used my soft toy duck to make me smile before the break, and then during the break, they would sit there watching what's shown on the not-really-huge tv. Stupidly enough, these days, this is one of the stuff that reassures me and makes me break into a smile. Then again, as I was walking past today, I can't help but wonder, perhaps these memories were great, only because I don't really get to see them around. Less contact mean less chances of conflict. But seriously, I really do miss studying life with them and Joanne.

But I'm still thankful, in any case, there's always Weiguang online. It sounds pretty stupid to go "AHHhhhhhhh" for no reason but it just felt nice and SAFE. In these few months, Weiguang has turned into one of my safest shelters, so much so that it didn't occur to me what would happen if the safe shelter wasn't what I think it is. What would I do? I don't dare to think, nor do I want to. I'll just take it as it comes. Meanwhile, I'll just indulge in the safeness and comfortable hideout, at the expense of being an irritant. Weiguang, thank you! I really mean it..

Which reminds me, I wonder if a certain Mr Tan is free for dinner on say, Friday? If you are, then I'll try to reschedule my tuition. Can can?

I realised it's been a long while since I've concretely asked another male friend to meet up, thanks to a comment by some friend's friend. Actually, have you ever realised that, the reason why I bother to be nice is merely cause you happen to be a close friend of a friend of mine? But that doesn't give you the right to tell me what to do. The only ones who get to are people I treasure, and whether any one belongs to that category is for me to decide.

On the same note, I realised I still owe KF lunch too. And I have less than 2 months to repay the lunch. Only that he always seem to be busy or at least I assume so.

I may not be of any help...

Nor am I the best listener in the world. But I'm always willing to lend a listening ear any time of the day, just as I'm happy to lend you my shoulders to lean on/cry on if you ever need.

My Favourite Things

Don't know what came over me, but as I switched on the computer a few minutes ago, I started humming the tune "my favourite things" (I think that's the name of the song, though I can't exactly remember) from "The Sound of Music". If I don't remember wrongly, Ms Foo, as she then was, taught us this song when I was in Primary 2, a group of us had to sing this for one of the teachers who was retiring, and who didn't teach us. Come to think of it, I still have the tiny song sheets, stuffed in the book that Ms Foo gave me when I topped the class in Primary One. Much as I would like to say that it just felt like yesterday when all of these happened, somehow, these events are beginning to have a somewhat distant feeling.

Anyway, such nostalgic stuff are not supposed to be part of the entry today. The events over the past few months have taught me not to hold on to the past, but to look ahead. Any happy memories were, well, the past. And it's time to let go. There's no where in this society for nostalgia. At least it's not supposed to be for anyone to see

That's still veering off course. As I was going off to sleep last night, I received a relatively nice sms. Those were really nice/kind words, Daniel! Hee.. and then this evening, as the movie was about to start, Qi sent me an sms too! Don't really know how to explain it, but it's just... a nice feeling. =)

Suddenly thought of primary school.. The very first time I did someone a "favour" was when a Malay teacher asked me to help her get some food during recess. I can still vaguely remember that feeling of happiness when Ciku Rohani (I think) said "Thank You". And my first reaction was.. "Oh.. so that's what the teachers meant by zhu4 ren2 wei2 kuai4 le4 zhi1 ben3"

Sometimes, I can't help but think that I'm a lousy friend, plus lousy sister. Friend-wise, there are many others who are much better at showing true concern to others. For quite a number of my friends, for example, sometimes, I don't understand why they would still be my friends. I mean, I make one of the lousiest and most problematic friend in the world, yet they can still tolerate me, to the point that I really really do owe them a lot, more than I can ever pay back. As for sister wise, I noticed that my sister had a letter from a tuition agency today. Which means she took up another tuition. It's not the first time I've told her not to take up any more tuition assignments. I mean, it's really taxing to be giving so many tuitions, doing her degree, plus doing her MDIS course. I would much rather she spend time watching TV and relaxing instead. Yet, if I comment about this again, I can forsee that we would end up arguing. Spoilt by me, I guess. But I just can't help wondering whether I am that lousy a sister, such that my sister just cannot depend on me. But all the same, it just made me realise another reason why I should not be childish and do what my heart tells me to.

Oh well, grown ups, unlike kids, cannot run away from responsibilities, right? =)

Classification

I came across this word yesterday whilst giving tuition to the Primary 3 kids.

Classification is not just limited to science. In fact, each of us does quite a significant bit of classification each day. Food you like and food you don't. Your hobbies and your dislikes. Just like, people you trust and people you don't.

Had a short conversation (if you deem it as one, of course) with a PLC ex-classmate. It seems, classifications evolve everyday. Sometime last year, I had an entry basically commenting about how impressed I was with their group of people. Fast forward till today, I've actually more or less conclude that they're no less different from the other colleagues of mine, simply because they are but just another colleague in law. When I was talking to WL last Friday, she mentioned about how this ex-classmate of mine behaves like a certain M. As I thought through deeply, his resemblance to M really did become striking. And so even if I am still concern as an ex-classmate (how else do you think I've bothered to get information about retention yet not wanting to upset you should the results be negative), the fact is, if made to answer a question I had pose earlier this year, my answer is No, I don't think I'll be able to trust you, at least not anywhere in the near future. I guess I'm just too tired of caring and trusting and then have the real care, concern and trust betrayed. In fact, I actually do regret saying some things. A lot of colleagues "show concern" only in a bid to better working relations, without really actually meaning what they say. So even though I do not totally believe what another said about you, I also believe that your being nice is at least a little linked to work and usability. At least if I were to analyse carefully, I would believe it to be so.

Perhaps I'm just overestimating my usability. Earlier, I was telling Weiguang how pupillage and PLC had drastically changed me into a worse person. I do not extend as much care to as large group of persons and in fact, I can't exactly be bothered to. Why should I naively open up my heart just to let new people take a stab at it? I'm happy with my bunch of friends whom I'll always be ready to get hurt for. Just as what I've told another person earlier this week, just because you are amongst my treasured friends, no matter how much you hurt me, make me irritated or how much I want to give you up as a friend, the fact is, deep down in my heart, nothing can destroy the roots of that friendship. Even if I were to say that I've given up, I think it still doesn't take much for me to forgive you time and again. But of course, you have to get there first and I admit, it's getting tougher and tougher to get there.

But I sure hope pupillage has made me slightly more mature in dealing with people, as in, to watch my words. You know, at certain points, it no longer hurts at all even if a person you admire so much could have been the person who had played you out. You just feel disappointed and that's it. Just like what some shows had said, love and hate is only separated by a very thin line. It's the same as admiration and absolute disappointment, I suppose. Simply because throughout the entire episode, you've only managed to make me even more motivate to excel and outshine you someday.

Come to think of it, I was actually nice enough to offer to help photocopy stuff when I heard about the sudden appearance of more documents that were not included when E drafted his document. And I wasn't even unhappy that the real work went to Y instead whilst I was just acting like an extra pair of hands. A sign of maturity perhaps?

Then again, maturity means one would deal with matters more calmly right? In which case, I think I'll still fail, given how freaked out I was by that idiot stalker just now. He's the same mad man (at least he looks like one to me, and there are so many certified ones living in my area that it's no surprise if he's one anyway) who followed me into the lift twice, refused to tell me which floor he was going, followed me out of the lift, and then hid behind that pillar to spy on where I was going. The last time, I forced him to get out of the lift first and refused to bulge until he walked a short distance across that storey, when I was running up the stairs, I turned back to check and sure enough, that idiot stalker was behind the pillar spying again. As for today, I bumped into him at Watsons.. face to face. And that's it. He kept looking and looking and refused to get out of Watsons till he realised I wasn't going to leave until he left. And so he did, walking a few steps out of Watsons. To test if I were right, I popped into MiniToons, and yes, there he was, waiting outside, a few steps away. Hoping that Reich would be working at the Hougang Popular, I walked into it (I mean, it always feels safer with guys around, even if the guy is younger than me, agree?) Of course, Reich wasn't around. By then I was just plain freaked out and the thought of entering the same lift here was just met with a huge NO in my brain. I flipped through secondary assessments, then primary ones, all the while looking up and glaring at him on and off, just to see him looking in my direction. Thankfully though he finally went off but that was already more than enough to scare me. All the way home, I had to make Weiling talk to me on the phone, just in case he suddenly appeared out of nowhere and dashed into the lift again. What kind of nervous wreck have I evolved into? This is disgusting! Stupid idiot stalker. Go away go away go away!!

Of course, having spent one paragraph typing on such frivolous matters, I must of course thank Weiling for keeping me company on the phone else I wouldn't have dared walk home, and Gary even if he couldn't walk me home. You know, it's always a very good feeling when your friends do genuinely show concern by calling back to check. So.. you are great, Gary!! And being such a great person, I'm very sure better things will come your way. It's always those who are blind and dumb who are unable to see the brillance in you and it just so happens that there are way too many such dumbos around. To the particular Mr Chan friend of mine, if you ever need a cheerleader to cheer you on (though of course not a very professional one, but, not that badly CMI though lahz..) you know where to look, k? Cause a supporting pillar does not necessary have to make noise but can always be there, yahz?

On the same note, to the Mr Speech-expert, have more confidence in yourself! Whatever the most adorable little girl says is always the truth so you have no choice but to believe her words, understand? Somehow I'm just reminded of a comprehension passage in primary school, humans are like springs, if it's not stretched, it will rust, but if it's overstretched for long periods, the elasticity will be gone. (Come to think of it, this part applies to an ex-classmate I mentioned earlier too) Anyway, I'm sure you get what I mean too, right?

Since I'm still in the mode, the person I've been calling "mummy" very often is a very capable person too, k? So, don't always be so unsure of yourself or put yourself down. Like I've mentioned to another friend above, your most adorable little girl-girl will always be around to be your cheerleader when you need the motivation.

Of course, and finally, to my favourite Vampire-VCD-lender, don't be discouraged! It's just one of the obstacles that dumb lecturers put along the way, but being the computer expert you are, you will excel and outshine the lecturers by the end of the sem! Jia you jia you!!!!!!!!! =)

Ok, I know it sounds weird to be talking to people on what is supposed to be a record of my day, but I don't and won't say such stuff directly (it just feels plain mushy and gross lahz.. or rather, I'm just not comfortable saying it in a conversation) so talking to my blog is just my indirect way of telling them I care. And, since the Legal Profession Act (I think) requires lawyers to have integrity, and integrity includes not lying, all of you can be assured that whatever I type here is of course the truth, otherwise I wouldn't dare to publish it for all to see, right? So believe me, all of you are brilliant, capable, talented in your own ways.. cause I said so! =)

Gems

This has of course nothing to do with the new slogan to promote good service. That can be reserved as a topic in itself which more often than not, I don't have much to say anyway.

Anyway, as I was typing the above, the phrase "friends are like wine, they just get better with age" suddenly popped into my mind. Because of a chat with a long time friend (at least I consider so lahz..) last night, everything just miraculously felt better and I'm suitably recharged. Somehow, I could even sleep soundly last night unlike the previous few nights.

Ahz..The power of my friends...

Further note (9.59pm): Couldn't be bothered to start a new entry, so I'll just continue here. Even if the friend I was chatting with last night doesn't read this, and I'm not planning to let him know about this blog, I still owe him a huge THANK YOU! Not that he did much actually, now that I think of it. Still, it's been a really long while since there wasn't this huge stone weighing on my shoulders day in day out, to the point that I've almost forgotten how it feels like. I can even sleep early simply cause I know I can finally fall asleep and sleep soundly again.

The co-relation between mood and exercise

The topic sounds a bit serious but then again, I am really serious about the topic.

Being not of sound mind lately (or perhaps I'm always so), I decided a few days ago that I would attempt to walk home after work. Then, Gek Joo smsed me near 6pm today to ask if I wanted to walk with her to City Hall MRT (apparently, she thinks she wants some exercise too) and so, I agreed. The only difference is that, instead of merely walking to City Hall MRT only, I continued walking and walking to Boon Keng MRT. That's 6 out of the possible 10 MRT stops home. I am slightly impressed by myself.

Then again, walking allowed me to think and reflect on how childish and wrong my behaviour has been. It's just a few months, I should just be a good girl and stop creating trouble. That's what I resolve to do on top of walking as often as I can. =) But I must say, there were certain areas which were both familiar as well as scary, if you know what I mean. I managed to keep a straight face, and not show how scared I was at certain areas. The problem with my area is just that there are some areas where I wouldn't dare walk, so it means I'll still have to take the train no matter what, unless some nice people out there want to keep me company to walk that stretch. Haha.. Then again, I don't think anyone who lives around here reads my blog anyway.

Even though I'm in a light-hearted mood, I need to complain a little. The parent is driving me nuts. She calls and calls and calls! Like I've nothing better to do than to entertain her. And when I don't pick up her calls, she sends me sms-es to complain. What a spoilt brat.

Aside from that, the day was relatively ok. Despite the fact that there were still certain instances when I actually wanted to borrow a shoulder to lean on for a moment (I'm a jellyfish, can?) just like the past few days.. Anyway, I managed to meet Xinyi for lunch, had work from Eugene and PL and incompleted work from Terence. I must confess I said something which upon reflection didn't sound appropriate in response to a comment that Eugene made. Oh well, just hope he and Qi-en doesn't take it to heart/remember what I blurted out without much thinking.

Should I walk again tomorrow? Hmm... let's hope I don't get muscle ache tomorrow morning first =)

Giving me a choice will not make me like you any better

Received a reply to my email this morning. Thankfully with Weiguang online to remind me, I'll never send out stupid replies (Then again, even without Mr Randall around, I'm still sensible enough not to do that.. Just that his online presence allowed me to let off some steam.. and show how rude I can get, if only I want and can be)

If given a choice, would you:

(1) Request to do something that you are interested in, that you might fill up your checklist with, but might not get any work because there are too many people (which means you can't fill up your checklist anyway) and there are many people you would want to avoid and hate, and that you probably have to force a smile everyday; or

(2) Request to do something that does not interest you as much and which probably won't be as useful for you since you don't see yourself doing it in the near future, but you like the people you sit with, the people you see and putting on a smile is not as difficult.

Which would you choose? I'm quite tempted by the latter, but is it very dumb?

Inner Pressure?

Some people say that dreams are a reflection of what you've been thinking. In that case, it probably means I've been subjecting myself to quite a bit of internal pressure. Even after being awake for half an hour by now, my heart is still racing as badly. Someday, this is going to get me to IMH.. But interestingly, I was once again able to reason very nicely in my dream today. Still, why did I feel so lost throughout the dream?

Anyway, enough of dreams. No point typing and typing about "scary" things, right?

Thursday, I met up with my cousin for lunch! He was working in that area that day, and so he smsed me. Hee.. his first sms was funny "do you know who am I?" or something to that extent. And as I was telling him, this is the most I've spoken to him in 24 years! Actually, that should be 23 since he's a year younger. I couldn't have spoken to him before that, right? =) Still, it was fun.. and cheery. At least as compared to lunching with fellow law people, perhaps because I could be more frank and I could avoid certain topics that would hurt.

Friday. Since a certain guy wanted some honourable mention in my blog and since I'm such an adorable little nice one, of course I'll grant him his wish. Actually, I do believe I did beam when I saw him (though I don't know how I happened to be looking in that direction at that particular time). It's always a great pleasure to bump into the friends I hold dear. And I realise the fact that I love my non-law friends a lot more than my law ones will probably always hold true. Maybe because I'll always feel safest with them and so, even if last week was a particular bad week, Friday night was a good medicine =) though Mr Tan, it'll be even better if we do get to meet for dinner someday! =)

Yesterday, it was still tuition as per normal in the morning. And then latter in the afternoon (cause she complained about having to go out in the hot sun), I went with my mum to Chung Hwa Medical Hospital at Toa Payoh. Actually, it was more of me forcing her to, since Western doctors are getting more quack these days (at least most of those we see) and I heard Chung Hwa was good. Luckily we went late too. Cause the next queuing time was supposed to be at 6pm, so we had to queue for an hour before they gave out queue numbers and started registration. And after that, it was another 1 hour wait for the doctor because the doctors start work only at 7pm. Ever since I've stopped going to polyclinics.. ermz .. since primary school, I don't think I've queued that long to see a doctor. But it wasn't that bad, given that the place was pretty and I guess I'm better able to waiting now (especially since I'm trained to do that almost every day anyway.

Oh.. and some photo since it's been quite a while since I've uploaded any here, I think. Before we set off for Toa Payoh, my mum made me try the hat that her colleague gave her and we started boliaoly taking..

And since I'm in the mood to upload photos today, here's another photo I took before running off to work one Friday. No points for concluding that I was late for work that day.. I think..

Today. tuition got cancelled relatively late. Else I could have either taken up Weiguang's offer of movie with him and Gary, or gone cycling with Nelson, Vicknesh and company. Not that the latter mattered that much actually, since even though I really wanted to go cycling especially at a certain place so that I can return something to someone who lives relatively nearby, I didn't like the rest of the company. I shall not mention names since I know some of their friends will probably see this. Sometimes, I really cannot imagine how someone is older than me, because he simply does not seem to be able to understand or reason like an adult. This is on top of the fact that he doesn't even seem to understand what can or cannot be said. Then again, maybe I'm just making a molehill out of nothing since he's not the only person I know who does that.

Another week has just gone by. Just a few more weeks more to go. In fact, I think less than 10 right? What can't kill me will just make me stronger, so.. Yaofang, you can do it!! =)

A letter to Laoban

Dear Mr Y,

The fact that you see me typing this letter (which of course you'll never receive) shows the extent of how much work I have. In fact, I would have typed this earlier this morning, if not for the fact that I thought it wasn't very nice to be doing this during office hours. But I've really nothing else to do anyway.

Mr Y, when you said our panel of lawyers would not bite the hand that feeds them, do you merely mean our panel lawyers would not overwork me, or ill-treat me for no reason? I'm sure you didn't think of the possibility of me not having much work, did you? Or did you mean that as well?

Perhaps I've just not been a very smart girl, for telling the truth to certain people and causing myself to end up in an even more unhappy situation. So I more than deserve my current position. Or perhaps I'm just too dumb, too careless that no one trusts me with any work?

Frankly, too much free time on my hands is just eroding my self confidence, which I must say I didn't have much in the first place. And it's making me way too whiny for my own liking. I hate disturbing others at work just because I am way too free. I hate complaining to them when I know they have their own problems too. I hate being so reliant on them. I hate being so needy. I hate being so easily upset or so easily on the verge of tears. The old me wasn't like this. In summary, I just hate the person I've become. I do not like to cry and I do not like to allow myself to cry.

Would it have been better if I had not informed you about my predicament. Somehow I sometimes think you got involved just because you didn't want me in a firm with someone you don't like. But I am not your pawn although by coming here, I've made myself one. I really hate myself for going back on my word, about not coming here for pupillage definitely. I should have stuck to my guns, but as usual, I am never firm about my stand. In the end, I just make myself end up disliking something that I thought I loved at first.

I really really hate myself for making stupid decisions, by thinking the best of a number of people, only to expose myself to greater hurt. You see, the more highly I think of someone, and then when they do prove me wrong, it hurts more. But I am just blind and easily manipulated, I guess and I truly hate myself for that. I'm not as strong, bubbly and cheerful as I force myself to be.

I really do not want to be so unhappy but at the same time I do not want to complain to you because it wouldn't be of much use. Can you tell me what to do? Please? I really want to learn something so that it'll be of some use to me.

Thank you.

Yours sincerely,

Yaofang

Spinning

"Rather than allowing myself to deteriorate into becoming super whiny, I think I should just start talking to myself"

"The things that some guys do are just sufficient to irk me"

"Different things from different people's mouth get different reactions. If you want, try being someone I don't really like and make some stupid comments about my dressing. Please do not think I'm obliged to be nice about it. Subtle politeness can go on leave sometimes too, particularly if you are weary"

"Sometimes I don't understand why you want to make me do something. Build better working relationship so that it'll be beneficial later on? Has it ever occur to you that you're just making me detest you even more?"

"I saw the 'classifieds' and I saw your name under that column. Although there were two other names, both of which do provide minor cuts, why do I feel most unhappy at seeing that particular name?"

"I really don't know. I really don't. Who's telling me the truth? And who's not? I don't want to think because the truth sometimes hurts.. a lot. But why do I feel so confused? And I can't even find the answer"

"You always sneer at us, especially me, saying that just because I've completed University, I think I'm very smart, but I just don't know but someday I will know. Of course I am not as smart as you. As if regular donations to Singapore Pools is not enough, you've actually donated $200 in a day to the NTUC club. Who else can be more brillant than you? I can't, cause I have a possible huge debt that you, of course, wouldn't and have no means to clear it for me. In fact, I think you should thank your lucky stars. Don't even have to pay for huge school fees, can enjoy certain luxury FOC, and have all the money in the world to make regular donations. On top of that, a free slave to do all your admin matters too. Frankly, you are the one who taught me how useless and undependable guys can get. Perhaps I should thank you huh?"

"Stop complaining about how tough it is to work and how it's better to retire. Everyone else has their problems, just that they don't say it. If you want to retire, fine. Don't expect me feed your regular donations, especially since your own not-low pay is not even enough for your expenditure. I absolutely cannot afford it and I can't be bothered. It'll just remind me of how you made me lie, and when I didn't, how you abused me in public. In fact, if someday some creditors appear, I might just decide to disown you so don't try it"

"As if everything is not enough, you had to bring her to what you deem good massage. And the result? Bruises here and there. And now? Not any better, in fact worse. One bruise at the spine somewhere close to the kidney. Faintness. Now more worries for me. Time to take her to what I think is better, not some run-off-the-mill, I bet cheap-skate stuff."

"Can you stop giving me more problems than I can possibly cope?"

"Everything linked to money. No wonder money is the root of all evils. Why does money cause me more tears, heartache, worries? And interestingly enough, money really can't buy my real smiles."

"That's enough whining for the day"

Would you be rather be a great person to all, or a wonderful person to some?

As I was walking along the all-so-familiar-route to a tuition kid's place (it's familiar because that's the route I take to primary school, and NOT because I've been to her place millions of times), I couldn't help thinking of the things I've read, heard about Mr S Rajaratnam over the past few days. Together with the reports and stories that were published following the deaths of Mr Ong Teng Cheong, Mr Wee Kim Wee and even Mr Devan Nair, I couldn't help but wonder, would it be better to be a great person respected by all or just a person whom a few would describe as wonderful? (In case you are wondering, the word 'wonderful' came from Dr Tommy Koh's description of Mr Rajaratnam)

On my way back, one particular electrical shop had most of its big screen TVs tuned to Channel News Asia. Interestingly enough, there was a relatively large group of people, or rather uncles, watching. Not that I think they are interested, in fact, some of them might just be watching out for lucky numbers, or to indulge in their kaypohness. Everyone else was carrying on their work as usual. The children were still running around, making loads of noises. The adults were simply looking, strolling, shopping. Everything was simply as per normal, even though the state funeral was shown on almost every single one of the screens. It didn't concern them, at least not personally, anyway.

So what if you are one of the founding fathers of the country? Or the guy who championed the idea of multi-racialism? Or the author of the well-memorised pledge? All these do not matter because at the end of the day, you are just someone whom everyone admires, respects for your achievements but these achievements have no direct impact (or rather, an impact that could be felt) at all.

Contrast these with the personal anecdotes on how these public figures touched the hearts of some by their seemingly simple gestures. Only these people would truly mourn the loss of a helpful friend, a kind benefactor or a caring relative. To the readers, or rather to me, it is these stories that truly tell me what this person is.

It is interesting how most parents tell their children to aim big and achieve something great. Weirdly enough, few seem to care as much about their children leaving an everlasting (positive.. just in case you were wondering) impact on those around. The most important part of the plane is not necessary the engines, for without the bolts and nuts to hold everything together, the plane would not be able to take off too. (Ok, I admit I kind of quoted this off some TVB drama serials... but who cares)

To me, the most important gauge of how successful a person I am is still.. the number of people who would mourn my loss (Hmm... this phrase sounds weird, but I can't figure out why) although of course I'll never know the answer, and perhaps, in a way, I'll rather live in self-delusion and not know the answer. =)

But yes, to answer the question I pose in my topic, I'll rather be a wonderful person in the eyes of only a few.