Woo... Fast. Already half-way thru week 1 of break. And the past 2 days have been spent at courses & extra lessons. Tomorrow, there'd be a full day of meeting too. Then a chill-out house party where a dear fren's gg be an ad-hoc DJ and spin some music. Soon, i'd be on budget flight to HK/Shenzhen. Whirlwind.
Funnily, these 3 days, i find some of my thoughts wondering back to that sat-wedding-photographer... Hmmm, ppl tend to let their thoughts drift when there's less serious work stuff to keep them on toes eh. Distracted. Bleh.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Wedding
Back from wedding dinner. Had a full day today, as jie mei for the morning & afternoon, then as emcee for the evening & nite. Tired... but happy. Always wonderful to see real-couples-in-love get married. And we are looking at a marathon love story in this case, easily 15yrs in making.. and we are what, only on the wrong side of the 20s? Do ur maths. =)
And an added bonus is that, got to know of a great photographer from today's event. He's relatively young, very skilful, professional & *hee* charming. If any of u intends to get married/ROM soon, check this out - www.derrick-ong.com Really quite good, and from what my newly-wedded fren said, reasonably affordable too. But beware of long waiting period to 'book' his service. See if we'd keep in touch.
Okies, june break has officially begun. Very glad. Time for some personal space & time. May the coming weeks be filled with much fruitful times!
p.s. & yesterday's "Macbeth"... was pretty decent, just that there were also a no. of student grps ard, so it got somewhat noisy at times. Plus, too bad I was a little tired twds the end, so can't help but nodded off for a min or two. =P The stroll on the way back home was nice & leisurely though, and it involved crossing the "arty bridge". =)
And an added bonus is that, got to know of a great photographer from today's event. He's relatively young, very skilful, professional & *hee* charming. If any of u intends to get married/ROM soon, check this out - www.derrick-ong.com Really quite good, and from what my newly-wedded fren said, reasonably affordable too. But beware of long waiting period to 'book' his service. See if we'd keep in touch.
Okies, june break has officially begun. Very glad. Time for some personal space & time. May the coming weeks be filled with much fruitful times!
p.s. & yesterday's "Macbeth"... was pretty decent, just that there were also a no. of student grps ard, so it got somewhat noisy at times. Plus, too bad I was a little tired twds the end, so can't help but nodded off for a min or two. =P The stroll on the way back home was nice & leisurely though, and it involved crossing the "arty bridge". =)
Monday, May 21, 2007
popcorn time
This fri will be "Macbeth" day. Hope it'd be a great Shakespearian outing, then it'd be a swell way to round up term 2.
Caught 2 movies recently - "Next" and "Born into Brothels". Pls go ahead and skip "Next" for all you wish. It's really quite duh... all the more disappointing since it's supposed to have come from the same director of "Minority Report". Nicholas Cage, with his droopy eyes and a somewhat lost-in-lala-land dead gaze, as a magician who can tell the future by 2min ahead, involved in some race to locate a humungous nuclear bomb.... U get the pic. =P
"Born into Brothels", on the other hand, is no shallow R(A) spread but a critically acclaimed documentary film. Shot in India by a caucasian photographer who lived amongst prostitutes for yrs and got to know their kids and lives. Painfully raw yet uplifting at the same time, it makes one question the power of destiny, and rethink the relevance of our altrustic inclinations.
An outdoor adventure advert caught my eye couple of days back. Some tour agency's organizing a short 3 day msia getaway to do white water rafting + caving. Anyone else interested for a dose of adrenaline?
Caught 2 movies recently - "Next" and "Born into Brothels". Pls go ahead and skip "Next" for all you wish. It's really quite duh... all the more disappointing since it's supposed to have come from the same director of "Minority Report". Nicholas Cage, with his droopy eyes and a somewhat lost-in-lala-land dead gaze, as a magician who can tell the future by 2min ahead, involved in some race to locate a humungous nuclear bomb.... U get the pic. =P
"Born into Brothels", on the other hand, is no shallow R(A) spread but a critically acclaimed documentary film. Shot in India by a caucasian photographer who lived amongst prostitutes for yrs and got to know their kids and lives. Painfully raw yet uplifting at the same time, it makes one question the power of destiny, and rethink the relevance of our altrustic inclinations.
An outdoor adventure advert caught my eye couple of days back. Some tour agency's organizing a short 3 day msia getaway to do white water rafting + caving. Anyone else interested for a dose of adrenaline?
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Dinner + Race
Just back from a colleague's wedding dinner @ Orchard Parade. The usual Tung Lok fare (except they've thrown in the unusual suckling pig & yam ring). Probably washed it down with too many cuppa chinese tea, that's why now very tired but uncontrollably "zombie-fied". Hope the caffeine will wear itself off soon.
Anyways, I was paying a little more attention to the emcees tonite, coz it'd be my turn next week. Would have been my 2nd time as emcee, and 4th time as jie(3) mei(4)? But today's standard was super high coz (kae, are u reading this?), it's a fm88.3 radio DJ helming the show. XJF with his magnetic voice & spontaneous bantering. Good stuff! Too bad for the occasional avac let-down.
Ok, an update on e sports day happenings. Yesterday, there were (thankfully) no false starts, no falling-flat, no passing-of-baton-to-wrong-person etc from me. The 4X100 relay went smoothly, and our team came in *gasp* 1st! But I must admit that it's the 2nd and 4th runners who executed all the crucial overtakes lah (I was the first to go). But then again, it's a team effort right? If the 1st or 3rd runner had messed up bad... then sayonara, no? Came in 3rd for telematch too. And by the time the event ended, was already wet with perspiration, dirty and smelly, so decided to go all the way and hit the basketball court with a few colleagues. Such a calorie-burning afternoon. And today's aching muscles are evidence of yesterday's exertion.
Tomorrow, there'd be lots to do. 2 wks worth of house-cleaning, lecture prep, scripts-marking, notes-reading, dinner-cooking perhaps.. and spiderman 2 will be screened on TV too. Hmmmm, another day will be over before I know it. =P
Anyways, I was paying a little more attention to the emcees tonite, coz it'd be my turn next week. Would have been my 2nd time as emcee, and 4th time as jie(3) mei(4)? But today's standard was super high coz (kae, are u reading this?), it's a fm88.3 radio DJ helming the show. XJF with his magnetic voice & spontaneous bantering. Good stuff! Too bad for the occasional avac let-down.
Ok, an update on e sports day happenings. Yesterday, there were (thankfully) no false starts, no falling-flat, no passing-of-baton-to-wrong-person etc from me. The 4X100 relay went smoothly, and our team came in *gasp* 1st! But I must admit that it's the 2nd and 4th runners who executed all the crucial overtakes lah (I was the first to go). But then again, it's a team effort right? If the 1st or 3rd runner had messed up bad... then sayonara, no? Came in 3rd for telematch too. And by the time the event ended, was already wet with perspiration, dirty and smelly, so decided to go all the way and hit the basketball court with a few colleagues. Such a calorie-burning afternoon. And today's aching muscles are evidence of yesterday's exertion.
Tomorrow, there'd be lots to do. 2 wks worth of house-cleaning, lecture prep, scripts-marking, notes-reading, dinner-cooking perhaps.. and spiderman 2 will be screened on TV too. Hmmmm, another day will be over before I know it. =P
Thursday, May 17, 2007
2nd last week of the term
Greetings, am back!
Well, went for a super intensive 1-day course @ HQ on Mon. Woah.. the trainers were 2 solid iron ladies, so terrifyingly knowledgable in their field + so super duper self-assured in their delivery of content.. scary. They could rattle off the exact names of 85 criterions without batting an eyelid, then go on to describe their descriptors with nary a break in momentum. My god... I gaped like I did when I watched Bonsak fiddle with his shuttle. At the end of that day, my head was like a floating marshmellow in a cuppa hot choc - soft & gooey. But I'd do it when it comes to my turn to apply what I've learnt. =P I'd better.
And tomorrow is my institution's sports day. Argh... I had to run the 4X100m relay. Oh my god, running is so not my forte. Disliked it since the day I come to know PE. Pray... that I do not trip and fall flat on my face tomorrow... and that I do not pass the baton to the wrong person... and that I do not start running like mad before the person fires the start gun... and that... Ah well, just pray for me. I'd try my best loh. =P
One more week to mid yr break. Yeah. For sure, there'd be lots of meetings and courses to attend. But there's also the family trip to look forward to. It'd be HK + Shenzhen this time round. Time to hand over the cash & loosen the elastic band of the pants. =)
Well, went for a super intensive 1-day course @ HQ on Mon. Woah.. the trainers were 2 solid iron ladies, so terrifyingly knowledgable in their field + so super duper self-assured in their delivery of content.. scary. They could rattle off the exact names of 85 criterions without batting an eyelid, then go on to describe their descriptors with nary a break in momentum. My god... I gaped like I did when I watched Bonsak fiddle with his shuttle. At the end of that day, my head was like a floating marshmellow in a cuppa hot choc - soft & gooey. But I'd do it when it comes to my turn to apply what I've learnt. =P I'd better.
And tomorrow is my institution's sports day. Argh... I had to run the 4X100m relay. Oh my god, running is so not my forte. Disliked it since the day I come to know PE. Pray... that I do not trip and fall flat on my face tomorrow... and that I do not pass the baton to the wrong person... and that I do not start running like mad before the person fires the start gun... and that... Ah well, just pray for me. I'd try my best loh. =P
One more week to mid yr break. Yeah. For sure, there'd be lots of meetings and courses to attend. But there's also the family trip to look forward to. It'd be HK + Shenzhen this time round. Time to hand over the cash & loosen the elastic band of the pants. =)
Friday, May 11, 2007
to volunteer again
The last time I did overseas volunteer work was in June 2002. It's been a long long long 5yrs... The thought of re-volunteering has always been at the back of my mind. But recently, the urge became very much stronger. Just searched out NVPC website for such opportunities, and sent an email out to a particular coordinator. Really hope she gets back to me.
Error Error
On 11 May, I wrote:
Oh, many others faced the same prob too! About not being able to "create new post" these past 3 days. Kept getting a "This server is currently experiencing a problem. An engineer has been notified and will investigate. Status code: 1-500-19" error msg. Luckily some kind soul left a solution on the online blogger help forum - just type "www2" instead of the usual "www" and you'd be brought back to good, old "create new post" screen. Try it, if you are similarly stuck. Rather than sit and wait for the prob to be solved by engineers...
Anyways, typed out a quick entry yesterday nite on Word, coz just wanna get it out. Posting it here now.
On 10 May, I wrote:
Hee. Added a small feather to my cap on Tue. Cleared my interview, so am now on official appointment. Finally... after 2.5yrs of sincere community service (1yr as SH, another 1.5yr as H). I'd probably call it - 'justified redemption'? Thanks for the recognition. At least now, I think some ppl may think twice before they pull their weight on me. =P
There'd be a few treats coming along for those dear and near. Already bought mudpies for IE pals. And cakes (with notes of apprec) for my hardworking SHs and ASHs. Coming up next will be a durian dinner with volunteer buddies (plus some tile-washing if we are up to it). And a crystal jade snack with MLL - my faithful pal since we first embarked on this altruistic journey 4yrs ago. And of coz, simple breakfasts/lunches with dear paternal uncle and maternal aunt. Not to forget a get-together session with my subject comrades. And also a small treat for this unique 'critical-but-work-hard' grp in institution. [Marly and Fish, i've not forgotten about u both! U'd get ur turns when u return from respective foreign lands eh.] At the end of it all, I'd prob have to swim 100X around the olympic pool and would have burnt a small hole in the pocket. Bleh. Bring it on. Towards better days.
Boss's undergoing a tough patch these few days. Some kid, with his eloquent but reckless online writings, nudged his blood pressure to a brand new high earlier in the week. I was so afraid he'd suffer an attack as he perched precariously at the edge of steps. If I were his daughter, I'd prob worry all the time. =P And just heard news that boss's mama went to the heavens this afternoon.. Released from physical pain. Reminded me of ma of coz. But he is a luckier man, for at least he got to be with his mama for another 15yrs more than moi. But then again, one can never directly compare the exact minutes + seconds and draw valid conclusions, for it's the quality of time spent together that holds ground. In any case, my really sincere condolences.
Alrights, dunno why a happy start ended in a sombre manner. Writing can be as unpredictable as real life eh. Goodnights!
On 11 May again:
Okie, successfully posted. Am gg to meet my volunteer pallies now. Hope the blogger dudes managed to solve the broken thread prob soon.
Oh, many others faced the same prob too! About not being able to "create new post" these past 3 days. Kept getting a "This server is currently experiencing a problem. An engineer has been notified and will investigate. Status code: 1-500-19" error msg. Luckily some kind soul left a solution on the online blogger help forum - just type "www2" instead of the usual "www" and you'd be brought back to good, old "create new post" screen. Try it, if you are similarly stuck. Rather than sit and wait for the prob to be solved by engineers...
Anyways, typed out a quick entry yesterday nite on Word, coz just wanna get it out. Posting it here now.
On 10 May, I wrote:
Hee. Added a small feather to my cap on Tue. Cleared my interview, so am now on official appointment. Finally... after 2.5yrs of sincere community service (1yr as SH, another 1.5yr as H). I'd probably call it - 'justified redemption'? Thanks for the recognition. At least now, I think some ppl may think twice before they pull their weight on me. =P
There'd be a few treats coming along for those dear and near. Already bought mudpies for IE pals. And cakes (with notes of apprec) for my hardworking SHs and ASHs. Coming up next will be a durian dinner with volunteer buddies (plus some tile-washing if we are up to it). And a crystal jade snack with MLL - my faithful pal since we first embarked on this altruistic journey 4yrs ago. And of coz, simple breakfasts/lunches with dear paternal uncle and maternal aunt. Not to forget a get-together session with my subject comrades. And also a small treat for this unique 'critical-but-work-hard' grp in institution. [Marly and Fish, i've not forgotten about u both! U'd get ur turns when u return from respective foreign lands eh.] At the end of it all, I'd prob have to swim 100X around the olympic pool and would have burnt a small hole in the pocket. Bleh. Bring it on. Towards better days.
Boss's undergoing a tough patch these few days. Some kid, with his eloquent but reckless online writings, nudged his blood pressure to a brand new high earlier in the week. I was so afraid he'd suffer an attack as he perched precariously at the edge of steps. If I were his daughter, I'd prob worry all the time. =P And just heard news that boss's mama went to the heavens this afternoon.. Released from physical pain. Reminded me of ma of coz. But he is a luckier man, for at least he got to be with his mama for another 15yrs more than moi. But then again, one can never directly compare the exact minutes + seconds and draw valid conclusions, for it's the quality of time spent together that holds ground. In any case, my really sincere condolences.
Alrights, dunno why a happy start ended in a sombre manner. Writing can be as unpredictable as real life eh. Goodnights!
On 11 May again:
Okie, successfully posted. Am gg to meet my volunteer pallies now. Hope the blogger dudes managed to solve the broken thread prob soon.
Sunday, May 06, 2007
My Idol
He came. And he conquered. 2 straight sets over China's Chen Yu. It was a hard fought match, with some heart-stopping moments of incredulous cross-court smashes and equally incredulous moments of unforced errors. Know what, this Bonsak athelete's a PhD (what an amazing combi of brain + brawn)! And during his post-match conference, he said he'd be giving ALL his champion prize money to his mommy! Holy moo moo... Dear dear Bonsak, you must be near extinction. I promise to be your no. 1 fan from now on (abeit an overaged one). =P
The mens doubles and ladies singles games were equally breathtaking. Many times, esp for the former, the shuttlecock flew so fast, I couldn't even track its trajectory, and can only gape like some big-time idiot. Commentator said it was the best aviva series ever and I tend to believe him.
Alrights, enough of badminton rambling, I know. For the upcoming weekly exercise, I'd try to apply some of what I've seen. Watch out, my friends! Hiak hiak.
The mens doubles and ladies singles games were equally breathtaking. Many times, esp for the former, the shuttlecock flew so fast, I couldn't even track its trajectory, and can only gape like some big-time idiot. Commentator said it was the best aviva series ever and I tend to believe him.
Alrights, enough of badminton rambling, I know. For the upcoming weekly exercise, I'd try to apply some of what I've seen. Watch out, my friends! Hiak hiak.
Badminton Craze
Ronald Susilo lost. But the Erdinger flowed anyways. To keep the homecooked dinner company. Tried out new brand of mash potatos. Cutesy packaging, like instant kopi/tea, each serving in its own packet. But it's too overwhelmingly buttery and slooshy (wet) for my taste. Good to look at, not nice to eat. Anyone wants the remaining 8 packets?
The disappointing mash
The rest of the dinner
Today, goggle box's telecasting live finals. It's China ladies fighting China ladies on screen now. Nothing to really cheer about. I'd be waiting for the men singles final and the mixed doubles final. Those 2 matches will be super duper pom pee pee I tell ya. And I'm rooting for Thailand's Bonsak Ponsana (over China's Chen Yu) this time - that's right, he's the one who beat dear Susilo yesterday, and man, is he good! Same age as Susilo (25+) but he just looked and played so much more "youthfully" i.e energetic, happy, bouncy, huge + unpredictable variety of shots, energizer-like stretches to 'rescue' balls, quiet confidence, shy boyish smile, victorious punching of fists in the air, phew.... you bet I'm on my way to becoming his No. 1 fan - provided he keeps up with his awesome performance later. Go Bonsak Go!
The disappointing mash
The rest of the dinner
Today, goggle box's telecasting live finals. It's China ladies fighting China ladies on screen now. Nothing to really cheer about. I'd be waiting for the men singles final and the mixed doubles final. Those 2 matches will be super duper pom pee pee I tell ya. And I'm rooting for Thailand's Bonsak Ponsana (over China's Chen Yu) this time - that's right, he's the one who beat dear Susilo yesterday, and man, is he good! Same age as Susilo (25+) but he just looked and played so much more "youthfully" i.e energetic, happy, bouncy, huge + unpredictable variety of shots, energizer-like stretches to 'rescue' balls, quiet confidence, shy boyish smile, victorious punching of fists in the air, phew.... you bet I'm on my way to becoming his No. 1 fan - provided he keeps up with his awesome performance later. Go Bonsak Go!
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Shuttling about
And I thought I would sleep... or work... or go hit some golf balls with dad... or brainstorm for an upcoming interview...
But in all reality, the past 2.5hrs was spent in front of goggle box, watching the live telecast of semi-final matches of Aviva Open! Adrenalin-pumping games of livewire shuttlecocks zooming back and forth, dropshots and smashes, sidelines and front. Whew... kept the bum on the edge of sofa most of the time. And with a witty commentator providing real-time jibes, it was a nice distraction from all things bland. Tomorrow would be the live telecast of the finals. I guess it'd be another afternoon of using electricity to power the black box. Singapore Powers must be smiling. It's 2-7pm worth of meter-rolling in every badminton fan's living room.
Haven't cooked dinner for quite some time. Tonight, I will broil some greens (brocoli & carrot), slice some tomatoes, whip some mash, and put some chic thighs in the oven. And perhaps open up a bottle of Erdinger to celebrate if Ronald Susilo hits his way into the finals later (his match's going to start in approx 30min time).
As of now, Thailand's mixed doubles, China's men doubles have booked their slots in tomorrow's finals. Playing now... men singles semi-finals - China vs Denmark. Support the underdog. =P
But in all reality, the past 2.5hrs was spent in front of goggle box, watching the live telecast of semi-final matches of Aviva Open! Adrenalin-pumping games of livewire shuttlecocks zooming back and forth, dropshots and smashes, sidelines and front. Whew... kept the bum on the edge of sofa most of the time. And with a witty commentator providing real-time jibes, it was a nice distraction from all things bland. Tomorrow would be the live telecast of the finals. I guess it'd be another afternoon of using electricity to power the black box. Singapore Powers must be smiling. It's 2-7pm worth of meter-rolling in every badminton fan's living room.
Haven't cooked dinner for quite some time. Tonight, I will broil some greens (brocoli & carrot), slice some tomatoes, whip some mash, and put some chic thighs in the oven. And perhaps open up a bottle of Erdinger to celebrate if Ronald Susilo hits his way into the finals later (his match's going to start in approx 30min time).
As of now, Thailand's mixed doubles, China's men doubles have booked their slots in tomorrow's finals. Playing now... men singles semi-finals - China vs Denmark. Support the underdog. =P
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Mon + Tue
Monday evening -
I finally finished the 2 assignments. All within 3 days (minus time off for sleep, baby cousin's 1yr old bday party, toilet breaks and meal times). Madness. 2 weeks would be a more practical timeline, esp for those who haven't seen these documents ever before. Poor planning? Anyways... I'm glad I handed them in liao. Perhaps I'd see them again for some suggested 'beautification'?
Spent the nite chilling out with IE pals. @ vivo's Marche. Food was sub-standard coz the cooks had to rush to handle/appease a super big crowd. Not a good idea to go on eve of PH or weekends. Don't say I haven't warned you.
Marche @ vivo
After dinner, we drove across the bridge & hit Sentosa. Checked out the much hyped, (not-so-new now) Cafe Del Mar. Was quite a funny sight seeing those queen-size beds littering the sand. With sofa beach chairs, a super-still, blue-fluorescent-lighted fresh water pool, and drapy al fresco pavilions behind it all... Hmmm, quite a novel set-up. But one thing for sure, the drinks were disappointing. Flat-tasting. And it was a really hot and humid nite, so with nary a wind sneeze and a single fan in sight, it was a sweaty 1hr with eeky drinks and bikini-clad nubile waitresses shuffling ard.
Cafe Del Mar
Can u make out those queen-sized beds in background?
Blue still pool
Inside the pavilion
Me & pal
May day -
Dad's hatchday. Threw a treat @ Taka's Imperial Treasure Nan Bei Restaurant. 300+ bucks for an 8-course ala carte lunch for 8 pax, I guess it's not too bad. Brought along Choya & red wine too. I'd recommend the Deep Fried Fermented Bean Paste Pork Ribs, Baked Salted Egg Prawns and the Herbal Soup Fish Head. (I won't elaborate further coz I remember my promise not to yak abt food).
Then, it was an afternoon @ Ikea with uncle to get stuff, before retreating back to hermit house for peace and rest (and shell-cleaning). Time flies when you are recharging. It'd be back to work in a couple of hrs...
I finally finished the 2 assignments. All within 3 days (minus time off for sleep, baby cousin's 1yr old bday party, toilet breaks and meal times). Madness. 2 weeks would be a more practical timeline, esp for those who haven't seen these documents ever before. Poor planning? Anyways... I'm glad I handed them in liao. Perhaps I'd see them again for some suggested 'beautification'?
Spent the nite chilling out with IE pals. @ vivo's Marche. Food was sub-standard coz the cooks had to rush to handle/appease a super big crowd. Not a good idea to go on eve of PH or weekends. Don't say I haven't warned you.
Marche @ vivo
After dinner, we drove across the bridge & hit Sentosa. Checked out the much hyped, (not-so-new now) Cafe Del Mar. Was quite a funny sight seeing those queen-size beds littering the sand. With sofa beach chairs, a super-still, blue-fluorescent-lighted fresh water pool, and drapy al fresco pavilions behind it all... Hmmm, quite a novel set-up. But one thing for sure, the drinks were disappointing. Flat-tasting. And it was a really hot and humid nite, so with nary a wind sneeze and a single fan in sight, it was a sweaty 1hr with eeky drinks and bikini-clad nubile waitresses shuffling ard.
Cafe Del Mar
Can u make out those queen-sized beds in background?
Blue still pool
Inside the pavilion
Me & pal
May day -
Dad's hatchday. Threw a treat @ Taka's Imperial Treasure Nan Bei Restaurant. 300+ bucks for an 8-course ala carte lunch for 8 pax, I guess it's not too bad. Brought along Choya & red wine too. I'd recommend the Deep Fried Fermented Bean Paste Pork Ribs, Baked Salted Egg Prawns and the Herbal Soup Fish Head. (I won't elaborate further coz I remember my promise not to yak abt food).
Then, it was an afternoon @ Ikea with uncle to get stuff, before retreating back to hermit house for peace and rest (and shell-cleaning). Time flies when you are recharging. It'd be back to work in a couple of hrs...
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