I have found my new love after the previous Channel 8's drama serial (the one with Ivy Lee as a lawyer) ended its run. My latest love is the Channel U's 7pm Korean drama serial - Princess Hours. Following Shen Caijing through her adventures is somehow a great remedy to dispel the exhaustion and gloominess of the day.
A very informal poll among some of my friends revealed that many are also ardent fans of this serial. In fact, 2 of them have not been able to withstand the anticipation of what will happen next in the serial and have succumbed to watching the serial over VCDs. *Envy*
It is basically a story about an ordinary and cheerful girl who was betrothed to the Crown Prince. Her adventures and heartbreak started from the day she entered the Palace as the Crown Princess.
I remembered a scene where Shen Caijing was hallucinating that she spoke back to the Prince for his arrogant and aloof attitude after she spilled water onto his shoes. She was telling the Prince off for being so full of himself just because he was the Prince. She added that in her family, she was also the Princess. Applause for such an encouraging and esteem boosting speech!
Somehow, now the highlight of the day is to rush home for my 1 hour of Princess Hours dosage of laughter and energy booster. ;-p
October 30, 2006
October 28, 2006
Siglap
My friend and I went to Siglap - a place I have never ventured to, for dinner tonight. I am hardly an east side kind of person, so I am completely lost when you ask me where are the nice places in the east. I always think the east is 'far far away'. Perhaps a person staying in the east will think that the north and the west are similarly 'far far away'.
My friend was just recovering from flu, so we opted for the blander Vietnamese food. The pomelo salad was rather refreshing. I had the shredded chicken noodle which I felt was a pretty healthy choice.
Then we adjourned to a cafe which specialises in cheese cakes for beverage. No, I did not choose chamomile tea this time as it was not even on the menu. In the end, I have ordered hot milk which I thought was equally healthy.
The ambience was nice - with alot of oldies being played in the background, eg "Over the rainbow". The decor was slightly Victorian (the lighting and the sculpture) but with al fresco and some contemporary art. The sofa was comfortable and relaxing. I did not find the cheese cake extraordinary as I felt the taste was slightly heavy. Pardon me, I am not exactly a connoisseur when it comes to cheese cake.
Siglap offers a whole stretch of a variety of dining choices and eateries. It was relaxed and not as crowded as other places in town. If one prefers a quieter place to get together with friends, it may be a good alternative.
My friend was just recovering from flu, so we opted for the blander Vietnamese food. The pomelo salad was rather refreshing. I had the shredded chicken noodle which I felt was a pretty healthy choice.
Then we adjourned to a cafe which specialises in cheese cakes for beverage. No, I did not choose chamomile tea this time as it was not even on the menu. In the end, I have ordered hot milk which I thought was equally healthy.
The ambience was nice - with alot of oldies being played in the background, eg "Over the rainbow". The decor was slightly Victorian (the lighting and the sculpture) but with al fresco and some contemporary art. The sofa was comfortable and relaxing. I did not find the cheese cake extraordinary as I felt the taste was slightly heavy. Pardon me, I am not exactly a connoisseur when it comes to cheese cake.
Siglap offers a whole stretch of a variety of dining choices and eateries. It was relaxed and not as crowded as other places in town. If one prefers a quieter place to get together with friends, it may be a good alternative.
Mums
I brought my mum to the gym today to introduce her to treadmill. Not that I am an expert when it comes to dealing with machines, but perhaps I am slightly more 'knowledgeable' about a treadmill than her.
Although I grow up in an age where computers have already infiltrated our lives, I still have a nagging fear of machines - the fear that if I press a button and then see smoke or the screen goes black. When dealing with any intelligent machines (more intelligent and automated than me), I proceed with caution. Afterall, 2 PCs have crashed while under my care. Before I go on, I must stress that their dying have absolutely NO connection to me! Their 'corruption' and eventual 'passing away' are pure unfortunate events.
Anyway, back to the gym story. My mum was terribly concerned when I attempted to start the treadmill for her. She struggled with her first few steps but managed to get the hang of it after a while. Her alarm bells started ringing again when she saw me running on the treadmill.
"Don't run! You will fall!"
"No, I won't!"
I am not trying to be defiant or rude. Given my poor motor skills and coordination, her concerns were not unfounded. However, you can either walk or run on a treadmill and the main function of the treadmill is to simulate 'real running', ie allows running on the spot to train you as if you are running in a park. Her cautions fell on deaf ears and I continued with my running.
Mums are still mums. No matter how old you are or even if you are already a parent yourself, they will still care and watch out for you.
Although age has caught up with my mum and it has reached a stage where I am watching out for her more than she can for me, she is still very insistent about sheltering and taking care of me. This does not apply only to my mum. My colleagues who are already the mothers of two share the same sentiments. In addition to their daughters, their mums have extended their protection and love to their grandchildren as well. In their eyes, we are always not capable of taking care of ourselves.
Mums are still the best! :-)
Although I grow up in an age where computers have already infiltrated our lives, I still have a nagging fear of machines - the fear that if I press a button and then see smoke or the screen goes black. When dealing with any intelligent machines (more intelligent and automated than me), I proceed with caution. Afterall, 2 PCs have crashed while under my care. Before I go on, I must stress that their dying have absolutely NO connection to me! Their 'corruption' and eventual 'passing away' are pure unfortunate events.
Anyway, back to the gym story. My mum was terribly concerned when I attempted to start the treadmill for her. She struggled with her first few steps but managed to get the hang of it after a while. Her alarm bells started ringing again when she saw me running on the treadmill.
"Don't run! You will fall!"
"No, I won't!"
I am not trying to be defiant or rude. Given my poor motor skills and coordination, her concerns were not unfounded. However, you can either walk or run on a treadmill and the main function of the treadmill is to simulate 'real running', ie allows running on the spot to train you as if you are running in a park. Her cautions fell on deaf ears and I continued with my running.
Mums are still mums. No matter how old you are or even if you are already a parent yourself, they will still care and watch out for you.
Although age has caught up with my mum and it has reached a stage where I am watching out for her more than she can for me, she is still very insistent about sheltering and taking care of me. This does not apply only to my mum. My colleagues who are already the mothers of two share the same sentiments. In addition to their daughters, their mums have extended their protection and love to their grandchildren as well. In their eyes, we are always not capable of taking care of ourselves.
Mums are still the best! :-)
October 27, 2006
A Mad Rush
A word from the CEO and we scrambled for information and had to put in place a succint, analytical and insightful 'pack'.
Yesterday, we rushed out the numbers, slides and analysis in one day. When we thought the dust has settled, my boss wanted a review of the slides. A meeting was called at 6 pm. Oh no, there went my dinner with my friends...
Anyway, the whole team stayed to go through the slides with our bosses. We were crossing our fingers and hoped that it could end by 8 pm, even though there were 40 over slides to run through. As we went through each slide, our bosses probed with more pointed questions. I was so embarrassed about the analyses that I have done! They sounded superficial, wishy-washy and to some extent conflicting. My colleagues have a lot more 'substance' in their analyses.
My boss requested us to prepare speakers' notes to elaborate on our analyses. The comparatives also had to be changed. By the time, we finished running the slides, it was already 10pm. We were too tired to continue with the amendment of the slides and analyses.
This morning, we put on full steam and started our amendments. Again, everything had to be ready by 11 am. It was another mad rush with alot of multitasking, ie making amendments on excel, asking the junior officers to help with the chart, calling my business people for the business reasons for some of the numbers.
Finally, everything settled at 7 pm today.
Let's pray that the CEO will not come out with new questions or ideas on Mon, or it will be another mad rush. :-(
P.S. Although it was tough, it was a great learning experience. Pointers raised by my boss allowed me to learn more about what management review and analysis are about.
Yesterday, we rushed out the numbers, slides and analysis in one day. When we thought the dust has settled, my boss wanted a review of the slides. A meeting was called at 6 pm. Oh no, there went my dinner with my friends...
Anyway, the whole team stayed to go through the slides with our bosses. We were crossing our fingers and hoped that it could end by 8 pm, even though there were 40 over slides to run through. As we went through each slide, our bosses probed with more pointed questions. I was so embarrassed about the analyses that I have done! They sounded superficial, wishy-washy and to some extent conflicting. My colleagues have a lot more 'substance' in their analyses.
My boss requested us to prepare speakers' notes to elaborate on our analyses. The comparatives also had to be changed. By the time, we finished running the slides, it was already 10pm. We were too tired to continue with the amendment of the slides and analyses.
This morning, we put on full steam and started our amendments. Again, everything had to be ready by 11 am. It was another mad rush with alot of multitasking, ie making amendments on excel, asking the junior officers to help with the chart, calling my business people for the business reasons for some of the numbers.
Finally, everything settled at 7 pm today.
Let's pray that the CEO will not come out with new questions or ideas on Mon, or it will be another mad rush. :-(
P.S. Although it was tough, it was a great learning experience. Pointers raised by my boss allowed me to learn more about what management review and analysis are about.
October 24, 2006
Peer Pressure?
I heard a piece of rather amusing report this morning and thought of sharing with you.
There was a report that the proportion of girls who were from girls' school was 50% among all the girls who have to receive help for eating disorders. My first reaction was it seemed very high and could it be due to peer pressure. On second thoughts, a girl will either come from a girls' school or a co-ed school, so the proportion of 50-50 is just a simple probability?
Then you may have argued that the proportion of girls' school to co-ed schools is definitely not 50-50, so the number of girls who suffered from eating disorders and who studied in girls' schools is still high. Then I will counter-argue that the number of girls in a girls' school is definitely higher than the number of girls in a co-ed school, thus the 50-50 again is a simple probability?
Am I getting more and more cynical about such reports and studies or am I over-defensive over girls from girls' school?
There was a report that the proportion of girls who were from girls' school was 50% among all the girls who have to receive help for eating disorders. My first reaction was it seemed very high and could it be due to peer pressure. On second thoughts, a girl will either come from a girls' school or a co-ed school, so the proportion of 50-50 is just a simple probability?
Then you may have argued that the proportion of girls' school to co-ed schools is definitely not 50-50, so the number of girls who suffered from eating disorders and who studied in girls' schools is still high. Then I will counter-argue that the number of girls in a girls' school is definitely higher than the number of girls in a co-ed school, thus the 50-50 again is a simple probability?
Am I getting more and more cynical about such reports and studies or am I over-defensive over girls from girls' school?
October 23, 2006
Allergic to Voice?
Can one be allergic to another's voice?
Somehow hearing this colleague speak in person is not as bad as hearing her speak over the phone. Whenever I hear her over the phone, I will get extremely irritable. My patience starts to wear thin and my only hope is to end that conversation that very second.
I have reached my limit today where I can barely control my irritance. She must have sensed that I was upset. She has even asked if I was very occupied with other things. Trust me, I was really trying very hard to control myself and avoid showing any signs of fustration. I guess I must have failed miserably.
This allergy is causing a very adverse reaction in my mood and if left uncontrolled, may even put a strain on our working relationship. We will still need to work with each other frequently in future. It is currently threatening my professionalism. *Sigh*
Can I overcome this allergy to her voice? :-(
Somehow hearing this colleague speak in person is not as bad as hearing her speak over the phone. Whenever I hear her over the phone, I will get extremely irritable. My patience starts to wear thin and my only hope is to end that conversation that very second.
I have reached my limit today where I can barely control my irritance. She must have sensed that I was upset. She has even asked if I was very occupied with other things. Trust me, I was really trying very hard to control myself and avoid showing any signs of fustration. I guess I must have failed miserably.
This allergy is causing a very adverse reaction in my mood and if left uncontrolled, may even put a strain on our working relationship. We will still need to work with each other frequently in future. It is currently threatening my professionalism. *Sigh*
Can I overcome this allergy to her voice? :-(
October 22, 2006
Dear
You must be thinking I am referring to my better half. Or who else will I be addressing "Dear" to? For those who have worked closely with me at work or have seen the more 'agressive' side of me at work, you would have realised that if I start addressing a particular colleague as "Dear", the person is going to be 'in' for big time. It is almost like a precursor to my tirades of scolding. *Sheepish Grin*
The "Dear" I am referring to here is definitely not the sarcastic "Dear" reserved for the more upsetting moments. The "Dear" here is one of my best friend. We always address each other as "Dear", so the next time you hear me speaking to my "Dear" on the phone, you would know who I am talking to. *Wink*
We first met when we were in Secondary One. We always sat quite near each other during exams as her class number was often slightly before mine (because of the alphabets of our surnames). She was once my guardian angel who would shower me with frequent notes and encouragements. She was also one of my "granddaughters" as we liked to play "family" in our secondary school days.
We became closer when we went to JC since we ended up in the same class again. Moreover, we were one of the earlier arrivals everyday, so we would chit chat outside the classroom. I guess that was when we started to become closer. She used to live very near school and we often had our class barbecues at her house. Sometimes, I even dropped by her house in the afternoon after school.
Soon after graduation from JC, she went to UK for her tertiary studies while I stayed in Singapore. I cannot recall in details how we kept in contact during the period, guess it was mostly via ICQ (MSN and Yahoo messenger were not popular then).
We "rekindled" frequent contact when she came back to Singapore. We met almost weekly and often over sushi, porridge or la mian to complain about work and to shop. Sometimes, "Big Apple" (her younger brother) would gate-crash our outings. Actually, it was more like "Dear" had to bring along "Big Apple" under my incessant pleading (I always have a soft spot for "Big Apple" and somehow seeing "Big Apple" was one of the happiest moment of the week). He was quite good at cheering the 2 long-faced adults, even though it could be troublesome at times as we usually would need to make a detour to the Toys Department.
When work began to pile up for both of us, it became increasingly difficult to keep to the "once-a-week" meeting. Although we did not meet as frequently, we would still catch up via short SMS or over MSN. Through these years, she has always stands by me when I go through my ups and downs.
Soon, she will be moving to another phase in her life and I hope we can still keep our friendship (and also our shopping and eating) going strong thereafter.
The "Dear" I am referring to here is definitely not the sarcastic "Dear" reserved for the more upsetting moments. The "Dear" here is one of my best friend. We always address each other as "Dear", so the next time you hear me speaking to my "Dear" on the phone, you would know who I am talking to. *Wink*
We first met when we were in Secondary One. We always sat quite near each other during exams as her class number was often slightly before mine (because of the alphabets of our surnames). She was once my guardian angel who would shower me with frequent notes and encouragements. She was also one of my "granddaughters" as we liked to play "family" in our secondary school days.
We became closer when we went to JC since we ended up in the same class again. Moreover, we were one of the earlier arrivals everyday, so we would chit chat outside the classroom. I guess that was when we started to become closer. She used to live very near school and we often had our class barbecues at her house. Sometimes, I even dropped by her house in the afternoon after school.
Soon after graduation from JC, she went to UK for her tertiary studies while I stayed in Singapore. I cannot recall in details how we kept in contact during the period, guess it was mostly via ICQ (MSN and Yahoo messenger were not popular then).
We "rekindled" frequent contact when she came back to Singapore. We met almost weekly and often over sushi, porridge or la mian to complain about work and to shop. Sometimes, "Big Apple" (her younger brother) would gate-crash our outings. Actually, it was more like "Dear" had to bring along "Big Apple" under my incessant pleading (I always have a soft spot for "Big Apple" and somehow seeing "Big Apple" was one of the happiest moment of the week). He was quite good at cheering the 2 long-faced adults, even though it could be troublesome at times as we usually would need to make a detour to the Toys Department.
When work began to pile up for both of us, it became increasingly difficult to keep to the "once-a-week" meeting. Although we did not meet as frequently, we would still catch up via short SMS or over MSN. Through these years, she has always stands by me when I go through my ups and downs.
Soon, she will be moving to another phase in her life and I hope we can still keep our friendship (and also our shopping and eating) going strong thereafter.
October 21, 2006
Chamomile Tea
Again? You may be asking. Yes! Again, I ordered chamomile tea for my after-dinner beverage yesterday. This time, it is from Coffee Club.
Similar to other teas offered by Coffee Club, this comes in a pot. Fresh chamomile was used to brew the tea. Wow, this was the first time my friends and I have seen chamomile. Only then did we know that chamomile is a flower. Ok, I know you must now be giggling behind our backs on how ‘mountain tortoise’ we were. Well, it is never too late to find out. *Grin*
The fragrance was strong but soothing and the taste was light. The colour was pale yellow. It was fabulous. I guess this has even surpassed the one at PS Café.
It was like a small treat for myself after a long and hectic day (by the way, I finished meeting at 7pm and then rushed out the slides for my boss within half an hour). It made me feel happier instantly.
You must be thinking that I am exaggerating again or what an easily satisfied person I am. Well, I always believe in taking pleasures in little things to brighten my day, so that life is not so dreary.
Do you agree?
Similar to other teas offered by Coffee Club, this comes in a pot. Fresh chamomile was used to brew the tea. Wow, this was the first time my friends and I have seen chamomile. Only then did we know that chamomile is a flower. Ok, I know you must now be giggling behind our backs on how ‘mountain tortoise’ we were. Well, it is never too late to find out. *Grin*
The fragrance was strong but soothing and the taste was light. The colour was pale yellow. It was fabulous. I guess this has even surpassed the one at PS Café.It was like a small treat for myself after a long and hectic day (by the way, I finished meeting at 7pm and then rushed out the slides for my boss within half an hour). It made me feel happier instantly.
You must be thinking that I am exaggerating again or what an easily satisfied person I am. Well, I always believe in taking pleasures in little things to brighten my day, so that life is not so dreary.
Do you agree?
Expectations
One of my friends was suggesting that life would be simpler if everyone could master the art of having no expectations. Indeed, life can be simpler when everyone accepts whatever that comes along without prejudice and anticipation. Yet, is this desirable?
One may suggest that the notion of desire is already itself a judgment rather than science. Desire is already built on ideals. Before we plummet into another labyrinth of arguments, let us focus on expectation and assume desirability to be a state that is beneficial to the society.
Imagine if we have no expectation of ourselves, of tomorrow, of our current state, of the people around us and of everything else. Imagine that we just coast along from day to day. Yes, life is simpler because there is no conflict from expectation gap and management. There is no demoralization or disappointment associated with any shortfall of reality versus expectation. However, there will also be no improvement as one will not seek to better themselves when there is no benchmark. The society as a whole will stagnate. When there is no disappointment with shortfall in expectation, there will also be no motivation or delight in exceeding expectation. Basically, life becomes bland.
When one has ideal, dream or desire, it is impossible not to have expectation. Life loses meaning when one has no ideal, dream nor desire. Having a life does not equate living. Living brings out the meaning of life.
I am supportive of the idea of simplifying issues and even a simple life. Why complicate things unnecessarily? However, this definitely does not mean oversimplifying things. To me, having no expectation may be an example of simplifying things, perhaps it is even an escape from life.
Be brave. Dare to dream and build your expectations. Motivate yourself to meet or even exceed your expectations. If all things fail, at least you have made a chivalrous attempt and you may gain more from the process.
One may suggest that the notion of desire is already itself a judgment rather than science. Desire is already built on ideals. Before we plummet into another labyrinth of arguments, let us focus on expectation and assume desirability to be a state that is beneficial to the society.
Imagine if we have no expectation of ourselves, of tomorrow, of our current state, of the people around us and of everything else. Imagine that we just coast along from day to day. Yes, life is simpler because there is no conflict from expectation gap and management. There is no demoralization or disappointment associated with any shortfall of reality versus expectation. However, there will also be no improvement as one will not seek to better themselves when there is no benchmark. The society as a whole will stagnate. When there is no disappointment with shortfall in expectation, there will also be no motivation or delight in exceeding expectation. Basically, life becomes bland.
When one has ideal, dream or desire, it is impossible not to have expectation. Life loses meaning when one has no ideal, dream nor desire. Having a life does not equate living. Living brings out the meaning of life.
I am supportive of the idea of simplifying issues and even a simple life. Why complicate things unnecessarily? However, this definitely does not mean oversimplifying things. To me, having no expectation may be an example of simplifying things, perhaps it is even an escape from life.
Be brave. Dare to dream and build your expectations. Motivate yourself to meet or even exceed your expectations. If all things fail, at least you have made a chivalrous attempt and you may gain more from the process.
October 19, 2006
A Slightly Philosophical Series
If you like to question about the meaning of life, I would like to recommend a TV series which has injected philosophical issues to the drama. It is “Joan of Arcadia” which is showing every Sunday from 5pm to 6 pm on Channel 5.
The plot revolved around Joan who was a high school student and who was able to communicate with God. God often appeared as different strangers around Joan to pass different messages to Joan. Joan would then carry out the tasks which she has been instructed. In doing so, she helped others and helped herself.
Initially, she also asked God for miracles and answers. Gradually, she realized that she would need to work towards the outcomes, rather than wait for miracles. She would also need to seek answers herself. Things happened for a reason and one should not always see things at face value.
The theme was rather unique, and rather thought-provoking. If you happen to be at home on Sunday afternoon and have nothing else better to do, it may be worthwhile watching. Personally, I thought this series offers a break from the usual reality TV.
The plot revolved around Joan who was a high school student and who was able to communicate with God. God often appeared as different strangers around Joan to pass different messages to Joan. Joan would then carry out the tasks which she has been instructed. In doing so, she helped others and helped herself.
Initially, she also asked God for miracles and answers. Gradually, she realized that she would need to work towards the outcomes, rather than wait for miracles. She would also need to seek answers herself. Things happened for a reason and one should not always see things at face value.
The theme was rather unique, and rather thought-provoking. If you happen to be at home on Sunday afternoon and have nothing else better to do, it may be worthwhile watching. Personally, I thought this series offers a break from the usual reality TV.
October 18, 2006
Furniture Hunt
One of the upper floors would be undergoing renovation. After the renovation, it would be lower cubicles and more open concept. To accommodate this new concept, the current furniture has to be replaced. Most of the chairs and cabinets were in pretty good condition, at least in better condition than what we have.
Having heard that there were many good and well-maintained chairs up for grabs, my colleagues and I decided to take a look and reserve the better ones for our own use. In case, you have not heard, although I have a full cubicle to myself, the furniture was abit old, especially the chairs.
Too bad, we heard of such good bargains too late. By then, most of the chairs were gone. However, I have still managed to lay my hands on 2 visitors’ chairs for my cubicle. Then I have also managed to find a better chair to replace my current one which was giving my backaches. Even my boss joined in the crowd to see what sort of furniture we have managed to “chopped” and even helped us push down the chairs.
Coincidentally, they were all the same colour. Great! Now I have matching furniture for my cubicle.
P.S. We did all these in the middle of a meeting. My boss actually granted the 3 of us who wished to change our chairs 15 min to 'shop' and 'grab' our chairs. ;-p
Having heard that there were many good and well-maintained chairs up for grabs, my colleagues and I decided to take a look and reserve the better ones for our own use. In case, you have not heard, although I have a full cubicle to myself, the furniture was abit old, especially the chairs.
Too bad, we heard of such good bargains too late. By then, most of the chairs were gone. However, I have still managed to lay my hands on 2 visitors’ chairs for my cubicle. Then I have also managed to find a better chair to replace my current one which was giving my backaches. Even my boss joined in the crowd to see what sort of furniture we have managed to “chopped” and even helped us push down the chairs.
Coincidentally, they were all the same colour. Great! Now I have matching furniture for my cubicle.
P.S. We did all these in the middle of a meeting. My boss actually granted the 3 of us who wished to change our chairs 15 min to 'shop' and 'grab' our chairs. ;-p
October 16, 2006
Blog TV
I have seen trailer of a new TV program which will be launched soon. It is titled “Blog TV” which essentially will be exploring the blog culture. For those who blog, who wish to know more about the blog or who read blogs, it may be worthwhile to take a peek at the program.
One of the issues mentioned during the trailer was that of blogging encourages a ‘me’ culture. Food for thought? In fact, all blogs at one point in time will definitely be a platform for the blogger to indulge in writing about oneself. It is often a matter of degree and frequency. Regardless of your style or intention, a blog, at its minimum, captures your experience. Since experiences are always unique and personal, a blog inevitably becomes a convenient medium for a blogger to talk about himself or herself. Perhaps in some people’s opnion, this encourages a very self-centred and, at its worst, a narcissistic personality where one talks only about himself or herself.
In other times, a blog can even breach on issue of authenticity of the content where the blogger can be ‘inventing facts’, especially for someone who is gifted with a creative and imaginative mind. It can also be a case where the blogger has unintentionally translated his or her fantasy to reality. Sometimes, it is easy to mistake fantasy to reality.
However, I will urge all to not take such a serious stance.
Blogging encourages a ‘me’ attitude? In a similar light, so do diaries and journals. Blogging is commonly known as the electronic form of diaries and journals. Yet, diaries and journals are often encouraged. They are supposed to improve one’s ability to express oneself and even help one release stress. I have heard that it was often a remedy employed by psychiatrist. The only difference is that blogging is open reading for all, while diaries are secrets and journals are only read by a selected group of ‘privileged’ people.
Our thinkings and feelings are often figments of our mind. The authenticity of thinkings and feelings cannot be easily verified with facts. Moreover, does anyone actually view thinkings and feelings as genuine or not? I am afraid not.
Even if some bloggers choose to create events or happenings, readers of the blog can often take things with a pinch of salt. Blogging is not meant for reporting facts. If a blogger chooses to hide behind a pseudo identity in his or her blog, we can often indulge the blogger a little. This is perhaps the blogger’s choice to escape from the harsh reality. As long as this distortion does not cause harm to anyone else or infringe upon any law, and as long as the blogger does not lose himself or herself in this imaginative world, this may be the long-lost creativity that we are trying to encourage?
Perhaps this sounds rather controversial and may incur the wrath of many bloggers, but believe me, I am neither a regulator, nor a moralist. By now, you would have realized that I have merely presented 2 sides of the coin.
I have again chosen to sit on the fence as what I have usually done in my GP essays in the past. ;-p
Afternote: Think it is either CNA or Channel 5 and one of the hosts is Flying Dutchman, don't recognise the female host though.
One of the issues mentioned during the trailer was that of blogging encourages a ‘me’ culture. Food for thought? In fact, all blogs at one point in time will definitely be a platform for the blogger to indulge in writing about oneself. It is often a matter of degree and frequency. Regardless of your style or intention, a blog, at its minimum, captures your experience. Since experiences are always unique and personal, a blog inevitably becomes a convenient medium for a blogger to talk about himself or herself. Perhaps in some people’s opnion, this encourages a very self-centred and, at its worst, a narcissistic personality where one talks only about himself or herself.
In other times, a blog can even breach on issue of authenticity of the content where the blogger can be ‘inventing facts’, especially for someone who is gifted with a creative and imaginative mind. It can also be a case where the blogger has unintentionally translated his or her fantasy to reality. Sometimes, it is easy to mistake fantasy to reality.
However, I will urge all to not take such a serious stance.
Blogging encourages a ‘me’ attitude? In a similar light, so do diaries and journals. Blogging is commonly known as the electronic form of diaries and journals. Yet, diaries and journals are often encouraged. They are supposed to improve one’s ability to express oneself and even help one release stress. I have heard that it was often a remedy employed by psychiatrist. The only difference is that blogging is open reading for all, while diaries are secrets and journals are only read by a selected group of ‘privileged’ people.
Our thinkings and feelings are often figments of our mind. The authenticity of thinkings and feelings cannot be easily verified with facts. Moreover, does anyone actually view thinkings and feelings as genuine or not? I am afraid not.
Even if some bloggers choose to create events or happenings, readers of the blog can often take things with a pinch of salt. Blogging is not meant for reporting facts. If a blogger chooses to hide behind a pseudo identity in his or her blog, we can often indulge the blogger a little. This is perhaps the blogger’s choice to escape from the harsh reality. As long as this distortion does not cause harm to anyone else or infringe upon any law, and as long as the blogger does not lose himself or herself in this imaginative world, this may be the long-lost creativity that we are trying to encourage?
Perhaps this sounds rather controversial and may incur the wrath of many bloggers, but believe me, I am neither a regulator, nor a moralist. By now, you would have realized that I have merely presented 2 sides of the coin.
I have again chosen to sit on the fence as what I have usually done in my GP essays in the past. ;-p
Afternote: Think it is either CNA or Channel 5 and one of the hosts is Flying Dutchman, don't recognise the female host though.
October 15, 2006
Girls’ Romance with Big Bags
Despite Ms Chan’s and my lukewarm support, Ah Peng was still determined to get her big white bag yesterday. Ms Chan even jokingly asked if she has decided to go back to school as a big bag is often associated with studies. Although neither of us was doing any studies, both Ms Chan and I were also carrying big bags yesterday.
Although a small dainty bag is often more demure, we girls often ditch style in favour of convenience. Indeed, a big bag is very handy in any situation. This is especially so for the more aspiring ‘auntie’ girls like me. We are more secured only when we have our foldable umbrella, water bottle(s) (I carry 2 if I will be out for at least half a day), shawl, promotion vouchers/coupons and even camera, in addition to our wallet, card holder, and mobile phone. It is a tall task to stuff all the above into a miniscule bag and even more mission impossible to take anything out later. A big bag will be able to satisfy all our needs.
I like to carry my big bag whenever I go shopping.
1) My wallet and mobile phone are buried deep among other things. It will be less susceptible to pick pockets.
2) I can put in many bottles of water as I take a lot of water normally.
3) Some of my purchases can be dumped into my bag, leaving both my hands free to look at other things.
It is black in colour which means I do not need to take too much care in maintaining it. When one goes Mango or Isetan sale, one may need to dump your bag on the floor while you try on in front of the mirror. If your bag is light in colour, any dirt or stain may be more apparent and such ‘neglect’ for your bag is a definite no-no.
4) It can act as a protective gear, especially in crowded place, from all the shoving and jostling among the girls during sale. A big bag means the next person beside you is already separated at a ‘bag’s length’ and you will be less vulnerable to any shoving or ‘hangar-attack’ from her.
5) Finally, after a long day, the big bag is very good for hugging when you can sit down to enjoy your coffee or on the train/bus home.
No matter how lady-like a girl is, I am sure she will have her ‘secret weapon’ (her big bag) hidden somewhere in her wardrobe. We simply love big bags. ;-p
Blur Again
Everyone who has seen me for the past few days have either stolen discreet glances or stared openly at my right arm. There was a huge ugly patch of blue-black pasted right in the middle. It was again another mishap of my blur and clumsy act.
My ‘overhead’ cabinet in office has a door which has to be pulled out and up and slided in above top of the cabinet when I want to fully open the cabinet. This is also where I store my notebook. I was taking down my notebook when the slided door slided outwards and downwards while I was holding my notebook. I have not pushed in the slided door backwards enough when I opened the cabinet. The door slammed right into my right arm. Luckily, I have not dropped my notebook in pain. Before I knew it, a large patch of greenish purple developed.
Those who were more candid inquired after my ‘injury’. Some just stared and were simply too embarrassed to utter anything, for fear that there was some untold story behind it. People who knew me would then shake their heads upon hearing the background. I guess they have already gotten used to my blurness and clumsiness over time.
Over these few days, the patch has developed from greenish purple to purplish black to blacklish brown and now brownish yellow. I guess it is on its way to recovery.
Hurray! Good bye to embarrassing stares for the time-being…
My ‘overhead’ cabinet in office has a door which has to be pulled out and up and slided in above top of the cabinet when I want to fully open the cabinet. This is also where I store my notebook. I was taking down my notebook when the slided door slided outwards and downwards while I was holding my notebook. I have not pushed in the slided door backwards enough when I opened the cabinet. The door slammed right into my right arm. Luckily, I have not dropped my notebook in pain. Before I knew it, a large patch of greenish purple developed.
Those who were more candid inquired after my ‘injury’. Some just stared and were simply too embarrassed to utter anything, for fear that there was some untold story behind it. People who knew me would then shake their heads upon hearing the background. I guess they have already gotten used to my blurness and clumsiness over time.
Over these few days, the patch has developed from greenish purple to purplish black to blacklish brown and now brownish yellow. I guess it is on its way to recovery.
Hurray! Good bye to embarrassing stares for the time-being…
Hard Disk Crashed!
For those who have met me over the last 2 days would have heard my incessant complaints about my dying, or rather dead, office desktop. It has decided to declare itself holidays from Thursday onwards, even though it is not yet Deepavali or Hari Raya.
You might also have heard about my grumbles about the 'relaxed' attitude of the helpdesk in resolving the problem. ('Relaxed' is meant to be a euphemism here, in case you did not manage to catch the sarcasm).
If you have the illusion that I have skived around for the past few days since I practically could not work without my desktop, I could assure you it was indeed a mere illusion. Firstly, I have saved most files in my hard disk without backups. This implied that I have re-create some of the critical files which I require in the next few days. Secondly, I also carry a notebook at the same time (fortunately). It took me some time to get used to the notebook because it was of a different brand from what I used to have, ie HP vs Acer now.
In case you are wondering why on earth would I be using a desktop when I already have a notebook. I personally prefer working on desktop because the screen was bigger. I work with spreadsheets alot. A bigger screen will not cause as much strain to my eyes as a notebook.
Then you must be wondering why on earth would my boss be issuing me a notebook when I can work on desktop. My boss is not wasting resources. The nature of my work requires me to attend meetings frequently and for long periods of time as I support the business people. Access to a notebook means that I can work more effectively off my workstation and with my business managers.
As I get used to my notebook, I really learn to appreciate it better as it is really small and light, much lighter than the previous HP. Perhaps my hard disk crashed at an opportune time to 'force' me to really learn to use my notebook. ;-p
You might also have heard about my grumbles about the 'relaxed' attitude of the helpdesk in resolving the problem. ('Relaxed' is meant to be a euphemism here, in case you did not manage to catch the sarcasm).
If you have the illusion that I have skived around for the past few days since I practically could not work without my desktop, I could assure you it was indeed a mere illusion. Firstly, I have saved most files in my hard disk without backups. This implied that I have re-create some of the critical files which I require in the next few days. Secondly, I also carry a notebook at the same time (fortunately). It took me some time to get used to the notebook because it was of a different brand from what I used to have, ie HP vs Acer now.
In case you are wondering why on earth would I be using a desktop when I already have a notebook. I personally prefer working on desktop because the screen was bigger. I work with spreadsheets alot. A bigger screen will not cause as much strain to my eyes as a notebook.
Then you must be wondering why on earth would my boss be issuing me a notebook when I can work on desktop. My boss is not wasting resources. The nature of my work requires me to attend meetings frequently and for long periods of time as I support the business people. Access to a notebook means that I can work more effectively off my workstation and with my business managers.
As I get used to my notebook, I really learn to appreciate it better as it is really small and light, much lighter than the previous HP. Perhaps my hard disk crashed at an opportune time to 'force' me to really learn to use my notebook. ;-p
October 14, 2006
Food Trail
I have eaten alot today. I really mean ALOT, especially the dinner. Before I move on, please get tissue ready as I share with you the mouth-watering food I have eaten today.
Lunch
I met my ex-colleagues. Can I refer to ourselves as the 3 musketeers - Ah Peng, Ms Chan and me? The reason is you would have noticed by now that I met up with many ex-colleagues and not to confuse you with who I was meeting, I might need to give a name to different cliques soon.
We went to Aiwo because we decided to eat something healthier. I had Atlantic Seabass. Ms Chan had Pan-fried Salmon and Ah Peng had lemon and rosemary chicken. It was served with barley. Initially, I thought it looked decievingly small portion, but it was quite filling. The place was rather quiet and good for chi chatting. We were busy taking photos of the food for 
they had good presentation. (The waitresses and waiters must be thinking we were commercial spies.)
Personally, felt that it was not that healthy as I found the food abit salty. Or perhaps I am getting old and prefer blander food.
Dessert
We decided to go for 'Hokkaido' ice-cream - the ice-cream outlet at Marina Square. It was normally crowded on weekends with long queues.
As I was still feeling immense indigestion from the lunch, I did not share the dessert with the other musketeers. Think I must be getting old and metabolic rate has dropped drastically. I have experienced indigestion more often than noth these days.
Anyway, according to Ms Chan, the Strawberry Sundae was 'ok' - one of her normal responses. ;-p
Dinner
It was about 8 course (if I include everything I have put into my mouth) dinner which I have had. I really lost count. Let me do a mini list here.
1) raspberry sorbet (appetiser)
2) mushroom and cheese spread on bread
3) fruit salad
4) grilled mushroom
5) fish soup
6) bread crusted fish
7) sesame pudding
8) lavender tea
The staffs there were very warm. When I did not finish my raspberry sorbet, they have even asked me if I did not like the food.
It was a nice place to go to where the staffs were generally knowledgeable about the food and were warm towards the customers. However, perhaps it would be better if I have gone with an empty stomach rather than mild indigestion.
Oh no, I am growing fat. I must really go on diet and exercise.
LunchI met my ex-colleagues. Can I refer to ourselves as the 3 musketeers - Ah Peng, Ms Chan and me? The reason is you would have noticed by now that I met up with many ex-colleagues and not to confuse you with who I was meeting, I might need to give a name to different cliques soon.
We went to Aiwo because we decided to eat something healthier. I had Atlantic Seabass. Ms Chan had Pan-fried Salmon and Ah Peng had lemon and rosemary chicken. It was served with barley. Initially, I thought it looked decievingly small portion, but it was quite filling. The place was rather quiet and good for chi chatting. We were busy taking photos of the food for 
they had good presentation. (The waitresses and waiters must be thinking we were commercial spies.)Personally, felt that it was not that healthy as I found the food abit salty. Or perhaps I am getting old and prefer blander food.
Dessert
We decided to go for 'Hokkaido' ice-cream - the ice-cream outlet at Marina Square. It was normally crowded on weekends with long queues.
As I was still feeling immense indigestion from the lunch, I did not share the dessert with the other musketeers. Think I must be getting old and metabolic rate has dropped drastically. I have experienced indigestion more often than noth these days.
Anyway, according to Ms Chan, the Strawberry Sundae was 'ok' - one of her normal responses. ;-p
Dinner
It was about 8 course (if I include everything I have put into my mouth) dinner which I have had. I really lost count. Let me do a mini list here.
1) raspberry sorbet (appetiser)
2) mushroom and cheese spread on bread
3) fruit salad
4) grilled mushroom
5) fish soup
6) bread crusted fish
7) sesame pudding
8) lavender tea
The staffs there were very warm. When I did not finish my raspberry sorbet, they have even asked me if I did not like the food.
It was a nice place to go to where the staffs were generally knowledgeable about the food and were warm towards the customers. However, perhaps it would be better if I have gone with an empty stomach rather than mild indigestion.
Oh no, I am growing fat. I must really go on diet and exercise.
Bad Service?
When my excolleagues - Mich and Ah Xiong, and I went for dinner and after-dinner drinks on Fri night, we have encountered the same 'treatment' in 2 different F&B outlet.
To digress a little. You must be wondering why for someone who has been putting weight recently, I have been so indulgent in food, especially after you hear about the food I had. However, before you chide me for the lack of discipline, I must stress first that this is not the focus of what I am going to say next, so please leave your shaking of head to the last paragraph.
Back to the 'treatment' which we have been subject to. My colleagues and I have quite a good appetite on Friday. We managed to finish either our food or the drink not long after they are served. We were initially hoping that after we have satisfied our stomachs, we can then focus on catching up with one another. Afterall, we have not seen one another for some time and we missed the chats we had when we were working in the same office.
Much to our chagrin, the waitresses at the restaurant kept hovering our tables and clearing away the plates and cups - a very explicit signal for us to leave. When I asked one of the waitress to add more water, she has actually given me a blank look. I have to repeat my request several times. Is this a sign of my poor command of Chinese or does she have a hearing problem? In the end, she even attempted to take the entire glass away, until the Manager spotted that there seemed some confusion and walked over to assist. We were not unreasonable. We left soon after when we saw many people queuing outside waiting to be seated.
We adjourned to a coffee outlet again thinking that we should now be able to chit chat leisurely. It was the same kind of scenario. After we finished our drinks and cake, the waitress kept clearing away the glasses and plate, disrupting our conversations. Then she attempted to get us to order more. When we declined, she even asked us if we would like to ask for the bill. Fine. We could always pay first but stay on for our chit chat. After we have paid, she again came over to clear the last glass which my colleague has just finished drinking. Alright. We were not ignorant of the blatant 'hint', so we left soon after.
Is it this difficult to find a place where you can enjoy a quiet chit chat with your friends without constantly being 'harassed' by 'over-enthusiastic' waitresses/ waiters?
Am I asking too much to be given some peace while I am enjoying both the food and the chit chat while the restaurants can leave the clearing up to after we leave?
I thought it is commonly understood protocol that a well-trained and professional waitress / waiter will not never intrude or impose on the customers, but rather be in the background but will be more than willing to help when a customer has a request. Is this too ideal a picture to be painted for our service level? Perhaps before we look at going the extra mile for services (GEMS), we should first try to get the basics right.
Notwithstanding these 'hiccups' for the night, we still have had a pretty enjoyable chat and we parted the night with promises of more meet ups.
P.S. The brownie at the coffee outlet was indeed delicious and mouth watering.
To digress a little. You must be wondering why for someone who has been putting weight recently, I have been so indulgent in food, especially after you hear about the food I had. However, before you chide me for the lack of discipline, I must stress first that this is not the focus of what I am going to say next, so please leave your shaking of head to the last paragraph.
Back to the 'treatment' which we have been subject to. My colleagues and I have quite a good appetite on Friday. We managed to finish either our food or the drink not long after they are served. We were initially hoping that after we have satisfied our stomachs, we can then focus on catching up with one another. Afterall, we have not seen one another for some time and we missed the chats we had when we were working in the same office.
Much to our chagrin, the waitresses at the restaurant kept hovering our tables and clearing away the plates and cups - a very explicit signal for us to leave. When I asked one of the waitress to add more water, she has actually given me a blank look. I have to repeat my request several times. Is this a sign of my poor command of Chinese or does she have a hearing problem? In the end, she even attempted to take the entire glass away, until the Manager spotted that there seemed some confusion and walked over to assist. We were not unreasonable. We left soon after when we saw many people queuing outside waiting to be seated.
We adjourned to a coffee outlet again thinking that we should now be able to chit chat leisurely. It was the same kind of scenario. After we finished our drinks and cake, the waitress kept clearing away the glasses and plate, disrupting our conversations. Then she attempted to get us to order more. When we declined, she even asked us if we would like to ask for the bill. Fine. We could always pay first but stay on for our chit chat. After we have paid, she again came over to clear the last glass which my colleague has just finished drinking. Alright. We were not ignorant of the blatant 'hint', so we left soon after.
Is it this difficult to find a place where you can enjoy a quiet chit chat with your friends without constantly being 'harassed' by 'over-enthusiastic' waitresses/ waiters?
Am I asking too much to be given some peace while I am enjoying both the food and the chit chat while the restaurants can leave the clearing up to after we leave?
I thought it is commonly understood protocol that a well-trained and professional waitress / waiter will not never intrude or impose on the customers, but rather be in the background but will be more than willing to help when a customer has a request. Is this too ideal a picture to be painted for our service level? Perhaps before we look at going the extra mile for services (GEMS), we should first try to get the basics right.
Notwithstanding these 'hiccups' for the night, we still have had a pretty enjoyable chat and we parted the night with promises of more meet ups.
P.S. The brownie at the coffee outlet was indeed delicious and mouth watering.
October 10, 2006
Attractive Quality of a Guy
We have a 2-hour lunch today, so we have quite a long chat.
2 of us were 'questioning' another colleague about her boyfriend. Apparently, they got attached last year but we only heard about her attachment recently. We asked about how they met and what she found attractive in him. My other married colleague also chipped in with what she liked about her husband. We were chatting and laughing loudly in the staff cafeteria, totally oblivious to any stares coming from neighouring tables.
The single-but-attached colleague mentioned that she was attracted to the gentlemanliness of her boyfriend. When she was with him, she felt comfortable and felt taken care of. The married colleague and I were full of envy and were very happy for her.
Indeed, all of us concurred that one of the most attractive quality of guys which we observed to be missing from many nowadays is that of gentlemanliness. For instance,
2 of us were 'questioning' another colleague about her boyfriend. Apparently, they got attached last year but we only heard about her attachment recently. We asked about how they met and what she found attractive in him. My other married colleague also chipped in with what she liked about her husband. We were chatting and laughing loudly in the staff cafeteria, totally oblivious to any stares coming from neighouring tables.
The single-but-attached colleague mentioned that she was attracted to the gentlemanliness of her boyfriend. When she was with him, she felt comfortable and felt taken care of. The married colleague and I were full of envy and were very happy for her.
Indeed, all of us concurred that one of the most attractive quality of guys which we observed to be missing from many nowadays is that of gentlemanliness. For instance,
- Some guys would not hold the door for just another second for you even though we were already running quickly on our heels. The door practically slammed into our faces.
- Once, a guy saw me running towards the lift door, yet he continued to press the "close" button and refused to make any eye contact.
- The bill arrived after a meal (be it a group gathering or individual dates), the guy refused to pick up the tab. We, ladies, definitely were not trying to be free loaders. If it were an expensive meal, more often than not, most ladies would offer to go Dutch. If not, we could always pay for the drinks subsequently. The shying away from paying first by the guys disappointed us.
- When we went on dates with guys in places where self-service was required, not many have offered to order or buy the food for us.
- We are not even asking for guys to open car doors for us, and not even closing the car door for us. I must confess I have not encountered such gentleman behaviour yet. I have to admit waiting for the guy to open car door for us may be asking too much and it can be a total waste of time. Yet, it is always flattering if there is such behaviour.
Sometimes it is such small gestures that make us feel 'taken care of'. Although we are getting more independent, we still like to feel taken care of? In many ways, we may still be old-fashioned and may equate such gentlemanly behaviour to the guy's sincerity.
We are always more than happy to be pampered. :-)
Day of Waiting
We waited, and waited, and waited, and waited. Then I gave up waiting. Ctrl + Alt + Del = end task.
Conclusion: If we have to spend this amount of time waiting for the report to run each month, then it will be really counterproductive.
Isn't technology supposed to improve productivity?
The trainer said it was because we were tapping on to Development server which currently does not have alot of resources. In addition, there were about 16 PCs executing the same report or query at the same time.
Excuse me? 16 PCs is very few compared to the number of users (1 user = 1 PC) at month end while we are preparing our reports...
I thought the previous software I have used for reporting was bad, this seems worse. The only consolation so far is at least IS will be doing all the system administration.
Sigh!
Think life is much simpler when we were relying on Excel, isn't it?
Conclusion: If we have to spend this amount of time waiting for the report to run each month, then it will be really counterproductive.
Isn't technology supposed to improve productivity?
The trainer said it was because we were tapping on to Development server which currently does not have alot of resources. In addition, there were about 16 PCs executing the same report or query at the same time.
Excuse me? 16 PCs is very few compared to the number of users (1 user = 1 PC) at month end while we are preparing our reports...
I thought the previous software I have used for reporting was bad, this seems worse. The only consolation so far is at least IS will be doing all the system administration.
Sigh!
Think life is much simpler when we were relying on Excel, isn't it?
October 09, 2006
Extremely Blue Monday
Everyone around my office seems to be shrouded in an extremely blue mood today, including myself. For my case, it was more of fatigue than anything else, especially when I was looking at complicated worksheets in the late afternoon. I really have difficulty concentrating.
My boss was feeling easily irritable and was abit grouchy over a lunch meeting's arrangement.
One of my colleagues was nearly falling asleep while trying to explain his spreadsheet. Can't really blame him. I was almost falling asleep while listening to what he was saying. In the end, we both have to say the same things to each other several times before the sentence sank in.
Another of my colleague was also asking if I was feeling very blue before he decided to drop another bomb on me. Sigh! More work to do and again with a turn around time of a day. When I called him to ask about his case, he was abit short-fused and was abit grouchy over some amendments that I suggested.
Fortunately, it was over.
At least, I have a break from office tomorrow.
My boss was feeling easily irritable and was abit grouchy over a lunch meeting's arrangement.
One of my colleagues was nearly falling asleep while trying to explain his spreadsheet. Can't really blame him. I was almost falling asleep while listening to what he was saying. In the end, we both have to say the same things to each other several times before the sentence sank in.
Another of my colleague was also asking if I was feeling very blue before he decided to drop another bomb on me. Sigh! More work to do and again with a turn around time of a day. When I called him to ask about his case, he was abit short-fused and was abit grouchy over some amendments that I suggested.
Fortunately, it was over.
At least, I have a break from office tomorrow.
October 08, 2006
Factfile (October 2006)
Ta Ta! Here is the fact file for October 2006.
I hope through these fact file entries, you can know me better. Since there are many things which I can share in the fact file, I have decided to organise it a little. I shall organise around a theme. The theme for this month will be "The Most .... Moments". Let's travel down my memory lane together.
1) The Most Playful Moment
I was most playful when I was in upper secondary. This does not mean that I loitered around Orchard McDonald's everyday (afterall, my school is just a stone throw away from Orchard Road). Playful here refers to plain naughty and mischievous.
We liked to play hide-and-seek with teachers on April's Fool Day during our Jap class. We (the girls from RGS and St Nicholas) have even persuaded (more like coerced) our Chinese High classmates to join the 'dark forces'. They hid with us rather reluctantly. We were trying very hard to suppress our giggles from behind the chairs at the back of the class room when our sinsei (teacher) walked into a supposedly empty classroom.
We also act out skits which exaggerated some eccentric preferences (eg, the preference for purple colour) of our teacher.
Although it was hilarious to us then, on hindsight, I felt that we were rather cruel on some of the pranks we have played.
2) The Most Embarrassing Moment
It should be the time I fell down the stairs at my old workplace about 2 years ago because it was an ugly fall. Moreover, a particular Head of Department has witnessed the entire fall. My whole professional image was crushed in front of her and she already did not think very highly of me then.
She was extremely sweet and helped me dress up the wound and took the train with me. Thereafter, she was even concerned enough to call me and asked after my injury.
3) The Most Stressful Moment
Everyone who has known me for some time will know that I was extremely stressed during my JC days. I was constantly reminded of my academic inadequacies in front of my "Olympic" and at-least-9-A1 classmates (I was not one of them). I was always one of those who failed tests or only managed near the bottom of the class. The two years were cramped with classes, tutorials, tests and 10-year series.
I was so stressed that I nearly made a big mistake in my Econs paper. I have erroneously thought that I have entered the wrong question number on the cover sheet which meant that my essay question would be totally out of point. I went to the chief invigilator to amend the question number and he refused. I was so upset that I cried all the way home. Fortunately, he has refused my request or I might have flunked my Econs paper because I have actually entered the correct question number.
4) The Most Relaxing Moment
The most relaxing period which I have enjoyed was the period between the end of A Levels to the start of University. There was no exams and temp jobs allowed me some financial liberty for a while. I was so relaxed that I was at my 'fattest' moment then (I shall not reveal how much I weighed then).
5) The Most "Active-In-ECA" Moment
One of my teachers used to always encourage us to be more active, ie avoid being 'beige' people who blend into the background. I have never been a very active in ECAs, except during my upper secondary school days. I was then a peer leader, the secretary for my club, a student correspondent and even represented my school in a current affairs competition.
6) The "My Parents' Proudest" Moment
It definitely was the day of my graduation from NTU. In today's world, graduates are everywhere and no longer a rarity. However, to many of my parent's generation, I guess they still feel that being a graduate is almost like a honour. During the graduation ceremony, my parents were dressed in their best (my Dad was in long-sleeve shirt and my Mum was in one of her most expensive top).
However, think either the mortar board and the gown were too heavy or I was already on the verge of falling sick, I actually went on 4-day MC after that day. :-(
I hope through these fact file entries, you can know me better. Since there are many things which I can share in the fact file, I have decided to organise it a little. I shall organise around a theme. The theme for this month will be "The Most .... Moments". Let's travel down my memory lane together.
1) The Most Playful Moment
I was most playful when I was in upper secondary. This does not mean that I loitered around Orchard McDonald's everyday (afterall, my school is just a stone throw away from Orchard Road). Playful here refers to plain naughty and mischievous.
We liked to play hide-and-seek with teachers on April's Fool Day during our Jap class. We (the girls from RGS and St Nicholas) have even persuaded (more like coerced) our Chinese High classmates to join the 'dark forces'. They hid with us rather reluctantly. We were trying very hard to suppress our giggles from behind the chairs at the back of the class room when our sinsei (teacher) walked into a supposedly empty classroom.
We also act out skits which exaggerated some eccentric preferences (eg, the preference for purple colour) of our teacher.
Although it was hilarious to us then, on hindsight, I felt that we were rather cruel on some of the pranks we have played.
2) The Most Embarrassing Moment
It should be the time I fell down the stairs at my old workplace about 2 years ago because it was an ugly fall. Moreover, a particular Head of Department has witnessed the entire fall. My whole professional image was crushed in front of her and she already did not think very highly of me then.
She was extremely sweet and helped me dress up the wound and took the train with me. Thereafter, she was even concerned enough to call me and asked after my injury.
3) The Most Stressful Moment
Everyone who has known me for some time will know that I was extremely stressed during my JC days. I was constantly reminded of my academic inadequacies in front of my "Olympic" and at-least-9-A1 classmates (I was not one of them). I was always one of those who failed tests or only managed near the bottom of the class. The two years were cramped with classes, tutorials, tests and 10-year series.
I was so stressed that I nearly made a big mistake in my Econs paper. I have erroneously thought that I have entered the wrong question number on the cover sheet which meant that my essay question would be totally out of point. I went to the chief invigilator to amend the question number and he refused. I was so upset that I cried all the way home. Fortunately, he has refused my request or I might have flunked my Econs paper because I have actually entered the correct question number.
4) The Most Relaxing Moment
The most relaxing period which I have enjoyed was the period between the end of A Levels to the start of University. There was no exams and temp jobs allowed me some financial liberty for a while. I was so relaxed that I was at my 'fattest' moment then (I shall not reveal how much I weighed then).
5) The Most "Active-In-ECA" Moment
One of my teachers used to always encourage us to be more active, ie avoid being 'beige' people who blend into the background. I have never been a very active in ECAs, except during my upper secondary school days. I was then a peer leader, the secretary for my club, a student correspondent and even represented my school in a current affairs competition.
6) The "My Parents' Proudest" Moment
It definitely was the day of my graduation from NTU. In today's world, graduates are everywhere and no longer a rarity. However, to many of my parent's generation, I guess they still feel that being a graduate is almost like a honour. During the graduation ceremony, my parents were dressed in their best (my Dad was in long-sleeve shirt and my Mum was in one of her most expensive top).
However, think either the mortar board and the gown were too heavy or I was already on the verge of falling sick, I actually went on 4-day MC after that day. :-(
Struggling On with Ironing Board
I took 3 hours to finish ironing my clothes. Even then I was not particularly satisfied with the results. I felt that I could do better on some of the items and they could be more crisp and pressed.
I have ironed 1 pair of pants, 3 tops (coincidentally all white), 4 skirts (2 of them were new and pleated) and 1 dress. I was still struggling with the use of the iron board.
Was I too slow and inefficient? Perhaps those who are more adept at using the ironing board can impart some secrets to me. *Sigh!*
I have ironed 1 pair of pants, 3 tops (coincidentally all white), 4 skirts (2 of them were new and pleated) and 1 dress. I was still struggling with the use of the iron board.
Was I too slow and inefficient? Perhaps those who are more adept at using the ironing board can impart some secrets to me. *Sigh!*
October 07, 2006
Relationship Checklist
Watching some TV programs recently triggered some wondering about whether some people have gone into or stayed in a relationship for the sake of it.
1) In love with love
I heard about this many years ago from a teacher. She was commenting that some people go into a relationship because they are in love with love itself rather than the other person. They either like the idea of romance or have the fear of loneliness that they mistake this for loving someone.
Before you enter a relationship, do a self-check and make sure you are not in love with love.
2) Habit
Sometimes, we may have a nagging feeling that something is not quite right, yet we have allowed things to continue for fear of disrupting the status quo. Some attached and married couples have stayed together despite having many complaints about each other. It makes one wonder they are still together purely because of habit. Afterall, few have the courage to step out of their comfort zone.
When things are no longer meant to be, the amount of hurt may be reduced by taking more courage.
3) Quality Time
Some have not spent enough time with each other and they rush into marriage which they regret thereafter. Some cease to spend time with each other after they are married. Then when they finally do, they realise that each other has changed so much that the other person has almost become a stranger.
Spending quality time with each other is important. By quality time, I really mean devoting the time to communication about your thoughts, your value systems, your day, etc. It is not just sitting together in front of the TV.
P.S. I am not relationship expert and neither do I aspire to be. I am merely capturing down my thoughts and hope that these will always serve as reminders for myself.
1) In love with love
I heard about this many years ago from a teacher. She was commenting that some people go into a relationship because they are in love with love itself rather than the other person. They either like the idea of romance or have the fear of loneliness that they mistake this for loving someone.
Before you enter a relationship, do a self-check and make sure you are not in love with love.
2) Habit
Sometimes, we may have a nagging feeling that something is not quite right, yet we have allowed things to continue for fear of disrupting the status quo. Some attached and married couples have stayed together despite having many complaints about each other. It makes one wonder they are still together purely because of habit. Afterall, few have the courage to step out of their comfort zone.
When things are no longer meant to be, the amount of hurt may be reduced by taking more courage.
3) Quality Time
Some have not spent enough time with each other and they rush into marriage which they regret thereafter. Some cease to spend time with each other after they are married. Then when they finally do, they realise that each other has changed so much that the other person has almost become a stranger.
Spending quality time with each other is important. By quality time, I really mean devoting the time to communication about your thoughts, your value systems, your day, etc. It is not just sitting together in front of the TV.
P.S. I am not relationship expert and neither do I aspire to be. I am merely capturing down my thoughts and hope that these will always serve as reminders for myself.
Track Changes and Grammar
You must be wondering what is the relationship between track changes and grammar. Then you must also wonder what 'track changes' am I referring to. Spare me a couple of minutes and you will understand.
'Track Changes' refers to a tool in Microsoft Word. I am not sure if it is available in other MS Office tools, like Excel or Powerpoint. I have so far witnessed its 'power' only in Word. Basically, it allows a reader to make amendments to a document and all its amendments can be shown clearly, ie deletions will be shown as strikeouts on the original portions while additions would be highlighted in usually red, underlined font. Even changes in formatting can be shown clearly via a comment box at the side of the paragraph.
'Track Changes' was a common tool used at my previous office. Often, a document has to be 'stamped' by all the relevant parties before it could be published. As it routed through different hands, 'track changes' was used to mark their 'territories' (places where they have amended to show that they have read the document).
Personally, I still feel that it is an extremely unfriendly, though effective, function. Much of it could be due to the fact that I have suffered numerous 'paper scolding' from all these changes. Sometimes, when I opened up an amended document (after it has gone its 'rounds'), I nearly fell off my chair looking at the sea of red. Often, the sea of red represented corrections over my grammar.
Two days ago, my friend recounted that she has just suffered a similar fate. The day after, I saw an article about an initiative to drive grammar studies back to school. What a coincidence! I fully support this initiative.
I confess I may be a little slip-shod at times when it comes to writing with as correct as possible grammar. Perhaps you have already noticed from the incorrect grammar that may be very prevalent in my blog. *Sheepish Grin.* It is not a deliberate oversight. It is often my own bafflement with what should be the correct grammar. I am not being humble. Neither am I cracking a joke. I am sometimes confused with the tense that I should be using for reported speech. To-date, I have yet to solve the 'mystery'.
Let me ask you. Should it be:
"He said she go to the library."? or
"He said she went to the library."?
I opted for the former. I vaguely recalled my primary school teacher mentioning that the tense in a reported speech should always be present. Yet, often the 'track changes' which I have received reflected the latter. Eventually, I have just used the latter in all my documents.
Perhaps the initiative to introduce grammar back to curriculum should be extended, so that working adults like us can be given a second chance to be reacquainted with grammar.
'Track Changes' refers to a tool in Microsoft Word. I am not sure if it is available in other MS Office tools, like Excel or Powerpoint. I have so far witnessed its 'power' only in Word. Basically, it allows a reader to make amendments to a document and all its amendments can be shown clearly, ie deletions will be shown as strikeouts on the original portions while additions would be highlighted in usually red, underlined font. Even changes in formatting can be shown clearly via a comment box at the side of the paragraph.
'Track Changes' was a common tool used at my previous office. Often, a document has to be 'stamped' by all the relevant parties before it could be published. As it routed through different hands, 'track changes' was used to mark their 'territories' (places where they have amended to show that they have read the document).
Personally, I still feel that it is an extremely unfriendly, though effective, function. Much of it could be due to the fact that I have suffered numerous 'paper scolding' from all these changes. Sometimes, when I opened up an amended document (after it has gone its 'rounds'), I nearly fell off my chair looking at the sea of red. Often, the sea of red represented corrections over my grammar.
Two days ago, my friend recounted that she has just suffered a similar fate. The day after, I saw an article about an initiative to drive grammar studies back to school. What a coincidence! I fully support this initiative.
I confess I may be a little slip-shod at times when it comes to writing with as correct as possible grammar. Perhaps you have already noticed from the incorrect grammar that may be very prevalent in my blog. *Sheepish Grin.* It is not a deliberate oversight. It is often my own bafflement with what should be the correct grammar. I am not being humble. Neither am I cracking a joke. I am sometimes confused with the tense that I should be using for reported speech. To-date, I have yet to solve the 'mystery'.
Let me ask you. Should it be:
"He said she go to the library."? or
"He said she went to the library."?
I opted for the former. I vaguely recalled my primary school teacher mentioning that the tense in a reported speech should always be present. Yet, often the 'track changes' which I have received reflected the latter. Eventually, I have just used the latter in all my documents.
Perhaps the initiative to introduce grammar back to curriculum should be extended, so that working adults like us can be given a second chance to be reacquainted with grammar.
Decision Making
For many who know me, they will know I loathe indecisiveness and my decisions are often ruled by rationale than emotions.
Thousand apologies to those who hate the Channel 8's 9 o'clock drama. Please bear with me again when I draw references to the scenes of the show again. ;-p There was a scene where Shuyang was lamenting about her impetus when she has wrongly jumped to conclusions about Gao Ming and Jie'er and plunged into marriage with Weilun. She was regretting her rash decisions despite her training to be always rational and decisive for work purposes. Similarly, Gao Ming who appeared to be very objective and decisive in fighting his cases became wishy-washy when dealing with his ambiguous relationship with Jie'er.
They are not the only ones.
Many people I have met were in similar situations or faced similar issues. Many who are very decisive and rational in work often falter when making non-work related decisions. The decisions to be made can range from something as trivial as deciding which brand of detergent to buy to something as major as marriage.
I am slowly plagued by indecisiveness when it comes to non-work related decisions, such as what to eat, where to go for a gathering, whether to watch Phantom of the Opera, etc. Hopefully, this shortcoming will never spread to work-related decisions. Why is it always easier to maintain an objective, rational and decisive approach to work? How many of us can exhibit the same qualities for both work related and personal decisions?
When I was sharing this 'interesting' observation with my friend recently, she commented that perhaps for certain decisions, it should not be driven by rationale but should be ruled by emotions.
What is your take?
I guess I trust rationale more than I trust my emotions. Despite the difficulty, I hope I can still rely on my rationale to make most decisions and to make them decisively. Somehow I feel that making decisions with rationale is likely to be more weighted and considered and outcome is more within control. Afterall, emotions can be rather fleeting in nature, isn't it?
Thousand apologies to those who hate the Channel 8's 9 o'clock drama. Please bear with me again when I draw references to the scenes of the show again. ;-p There was a scene where Shuyang was lamenting about her impetus when she has wrongly jumped to conclusions about Gao Ming and Jie'er and plunged into marriage with Weilun. She was regretting her rash decisions despite her training to be always rational and decisive for work purposes. Similarly, Gao Ming who appeared to be very objective and decisive in fighting his cases became wishy-washy when dealing with his ambiguous relationship with Jie'er.
They are not the only ones.
Many people I have met were in similar situations or faced similar issues. Many who are very decisive and rational in work often falter when making non-work related decisions. The decisions to be made can range from something as trivial as deciding which brand of detergent to buy to something as major as marriage.
I am slowly plagued by indecisiveness when it comes to non-work related decisions, such as what to eat, where to go for a gathering, whether to watch Phantom of the Opera, etc. Hopefully, this shortcoming will never spread to work-related decisions. Why is it always easier to maintain an objective, rational and decisive approach to work? How many of us can exhibit the same qualities for both work related and personal decisions?
When I was sharing this 'interesting' observation with my friend recently, she commented that perhaps for certain decisions, it should not be driven by rationale but should be ruled by emotions.
What is your take?
I guess I trust rationale more than I trust my emotions. Despite the difficulty, I hope I can still rely on my rationale to make most decisions and to make them decisively. Somehow I feel that making decisions with rationale is likely to be more weighted and considered and outcome is more within control. Afterall, emotions can be rather fleeting in nature, isn't it?
Morning Walk
I was walking around my neighbourhood this morning. Haze was worsening. If not for the burning smell lingering in the air, it was as if I was in a foreign land where the morning mist hanged over the surroundings - a slightly poetic and melancholic feel.
In the quiet of the morning, it was especially conducive for clearing one's thoughts. Somehow, I was able to clearly analyse an issue and come to terms with my decision. It was not a pleasant one but I guessed it might be the best for all of us for the time being.
At least, I have ended up with a lighter heart and head after the walk. :-)
In the quiet of the morning, it was especially conducive for clearing one's thoughts. Somehow, I was able to clearly analyse an issue and come to terms with my decision. It was not a pleasant one but I guessed it might be the best for all of us for the time being.
At least, I have ended up with a lighter heart and head after the walk. :-)
October 06, 2006
A Series of Unfortunate Events
Three weeks ago, I have sneaked into the Children's section of the National Library.
STOP!
Rewind......
Three weeks ago, I have ventured in the Children's section of the National Library. I have not done so since Harry Potter days, where I am literally "competing" (though more like fighting) with the children for one of the Harry Potter books. This time round, I guess the competition is less intense, ie there are no kids lurking suspiciously behind me when I grab the books of Lemony Snicket's "A Series of Unfortunate Events".
The stories of the Baudelaires children are meant to be sad and tragic. What have happened to the Baudelaires are indeed tragic. Lemony Snicket is not just narrating their stories. He has employed alot of "reverse pyschology" and "word definition" in his story telling. For instance, he will ask the readers to put down the book or discontinue reading at various stages in the book if the readers prefer happy-ending books. In other instances, he will spare a few paragraphs to define the less common words used in the previous paragraphs. The definitions used are often humourous. These have sort of broken the pace a little and reduced the intensity of the misfortunes. Hence, despite the sad plots, one could not help having a smile on their faces while we flipped the pages of the book.
Do try to pick up a book if you have the time.
P.S. Don't fight with the children over the books. *Wink*
STOP!
Rewind......
Three weeks ago, I have ventured in the Children's section of the National Library. I have not done so since Harry Potter days, where I am literally "competing" (though more like fighting) with the children for one of the Harry Potter books. This time round, I guess the competition is less intense, ie there are no kids lurking suspiciously behind me when I grab the books of Lemony Snicket's "A Series of Unfortunate Events".
The stories of the Baudelaires children are meant to be sad and tragic. What have happened to the Baudelaires are indeed tragic. Lemony Snicket is not just narrating their stories. He has employed alot of "reverse pyschology" and "word definition" in his story telling. For instance, he will ask the readers to put down the book or discontinue reading at various stages in the book if the readers prefer happy-ending books. In other instances, he will spare a few paragraphs to define the less common words used in the previous paragraphs. The definitions used are often humourous. These have sort of broken the pace a little and reduced the intensity of the misfortunes. Hence, despite the sad plots, one could not help having a smile on their faces while we flipped the pages of the book.
Do try to pick up a book if you have the time.
P.S. Don't fight with the children over the books. *Wink*
Accounting Rules...
Who says accountants are boring people? If you take a look at the Financial Reporting Standards (FRS), you will beg to differ from the general conception that bean counters are dull people.
I have spent the last few days ploughing through FRS in order to determine the 'correct' way of recognising a particular transaction. When I thought I have made some headway, the tax and the regulatory experts will indicate that there are tax and regulatory issues. Then it was back to FRS again to look for other solutions. Finally, managed to 'unearth' an alternative treatment today, hopefully it will be acceptable by my boss.
My boss seems to have a not too correct impression that I may be quite up-to-date with FRS, since I have just helped with the financial statements preparation in my previous job. In actual fact, I think I am quite inadequate when it comes to applying FRS. Hopefully, I can quickly finished this assignment and get done with it. *Sigh!*
I have spent the last few days ploughing through FRS in order to determine the 'correct' way of recognising a particular transaction. When I thought I have made some headway, the tax and the regulatory experts will indicate that there are tax and regulatory issues. Then it was back to FRS again to look for other solutions. Finally, managed to 'unearth' an alternative treatment today, hopefully it will be acceptable by my boss.
My boss seems to have a not too correct impression that I may be quite up-to-date with FRS, since I have just helped with the financial statements preparation in my previous job. In actual fact, I think I am quite inadequate when it comes to applying FRS. Hopefully, I can quickly finished this assignment and get done with it. *Sigh!*
October 05, 2006
Dreaming of a Holiday
My colleague and I were talking about going on holidays again. It has always been one of our favourite topics. Talking about going to the various destinations, what to do, where to go, what to see, seems to bring you closer to the dream vacation. Sigh!
Again, she mentioned about Japan and I went deep into Taiwan. She mentioned about the culture, how to get around in Japan, the food...... I seemed to be travelling with her as she described.
Japan has always been one of my dream destination. From the way she described, it seems pretty easy to get around in Japan. Maybe I can start planning for a trip next year, and I will drag my sister along. We can go on a free and easy tour again.
I never use to imagine being able to survive free and easy tours until I went to Taiwan. Thereafter, I simply cannot imagine going with tour package. Imagine the things that you have missed out, the adventures of trying to read the maps, talking to the locals and really blending into the cultures......
I must start saving now, so that I can go on holiday next year!
Again, she mentioned about Japan and I went deep into Taiwan. She mentioned about the culture, how to get around in Japan, the food...... I seemed to be travelling with her as she described.
Japan has always been one of my dream destination. From the way she described, it seems pretty easy to get around in Japan. Maybe I can start planning for a trip next year, and I will drag my sister along. We can go on a free and easy tour again.
I never use to imagine being able to survive free and easy tours until I went to Taiwan. Thereafter, I simply cannot imagine going with tour package. Imagine the things that you have missed out, the adventures of trying to read the maps, talking to the locals and really blending into the cultures......
I must start saving now, so that I can go on holiday next year!
October 04, 2006
Simple Mindset
I am quite addicted to the current 9 o'clock drama on Channel 8. Found the plots pretty new and engaging. I think some of them could even be adaptations of real stories.
I recalled this scene where Shuyang was chatting to Jessica about how an old lady for whom she was handling a divorce case could be very forgiving. The old lady doted on the illegitimate blind son of her husband's mistress more than her own. Despite her husband's cheating on her, she still stood by her husband all the years and magnanimously cared for the illegitimate son as if her own.
Shuyang and Jessica's conclusions were that perhaps the women of the older generation were more simple minded. This was a virtue in itself. By being simple minded, they were more easily contented. They would not mull over things for too long and generally they were happier.
Isn't to be happy the most important? Sometimes, the more educated and intelligent we are, the more we like to complicate things with analysis and justifications. This will only impede moving forward, especially when we sink into a situation where we keep thinking of the same issue and keep carrying the same emotional burden. Simple mindset is a fortune. Afterall, isn't there a common saying "ignorance is bliss"?
Let us motivate and check on each other. If you or I happen to dwell on something too much, remember to remind each other that life can be simpler and there is no point in complicating things. One just need to be responsible and be ready to bear any consequences that follow. Do you agree?
Maybe I should start now and stop thinking about the issue which has been bothering me for a while. I should just take things as they come. Life can definitely be simpler. :-)
I recalled this scene where Shuyang was chatting to Jessica about how an old lady for whom she was handling a divorce case could be very forgiving. The old lady doted on the illegitimate blind son of her husband's mistress more than her own. Despite her husband's cheating on her, she still stood by her husband all the years and magnanimously cared for the illegitimate son as if her own.
Shuyang and Jessica's conclusions were that perhaps the women of the older generation were more simple minded. This was a virtue in itself. By being simple minded, they were more easily contented. They would not mull over things for too long and generally they were happier.
Isn't to be happy the most important? Sometimes, the more educated and intelligent we are, the more we like to complicate things with analysis and justifications. This will only impede moving forward, especially when we sink into a situation where we keep thinking of the same issue and keep carrying the same emotional burden. Simple mindset is a fortune. Afterall, isn't there a common saying "ignorance is bliss"?
Let us motivate and check on each other. If you or I happen to dwell on something too much, remember to remind each other that life can be simpler and there is no point in complicating things. One just need to be responsible and be ready to bear any consequences that follow. Do you agree?
Maybe I should start now and stop thinking about the issue which has been bothering me for a while. I should just take things as they come. Life can definitely be simpler. :-)
New is Never as Good as Old
Urgh! I got blisters again. They are again at the same spot - the area at the back of my feet and on the same parallel direction to my ankle.
This time was a wrong anticipation. I thought I would get blisters at the front of my feet, usually on the first, fourth and last toes because this is a pair of front-covered shoes. The back of the shoes are straps and I used to be able to take straps very well. To minimise any pain, I have even rubbed the inside of the front with moisturizer. Alas, it was not the front that grows blisters, it is the back!!!
This is a perpetual problem which I have to bear with for all new shoes. Regardless of the type and material (even genuine upper leather kind) of the shoes, I. Will. Still. Get. Blisters. Period.
My blisters are not just blisters which will shrink and recover themselves very quickly. My blisters are those which will break very easily, then the skin will be chaffed and blood will ooze out. I better not go on further, in case you turn nauseous at the image. I guess you have more or less gotten the picture. Moreover, it takes ages to recover. Even after it recovers, there will still be a dark mark at the spot to serve as a constant reminder of the pain.
Maybe I have lousy skin? Or maybe I have fat feet, so that I have to live with blisters on new shoes?
The conclusion is: new shoes are never as good as the old. Unfortunately, by the time the shoes really grow on you, they are almost at their "dying" stage. Then it will be pain all over again. "Sigh!"
This time was a wrong anticipation. I thought I would get blisters at the front of my feet, usually on the first, fourth and last toes because this is a pair of front-covered shoes. The back of the shoes are straps and I used to be able to take straps very well. To minimise any pain, I have even rubbed the inside of the front with moisturizer. Alas, it was not the front that grows blisters, it is the back!!!
This is a perpetual problem which I have to bear with for all new shoes. Regardless of the type and material (even genuine upper leather kind) of the shoes, I. Will. Still. Get. Blisters. Period.
My blisters are not just blisters which will shrink and recover themselves very quickly. My blisters are those which will break very easily, then the skin will be chaffed and blood will ooze out. I better not go on further, in case you turn nauseous at the image. I guess you have more or less gotten the picture. Moreover, it takes ages to recover. Even after it recovers, there will still be a dark mark at the spot to serve as a constant reminder of the pain.
Maybe I have lousy skin? Or maybe I have fat feet, so that I have to live with blisters on new shoes?
The conclusion is: new shoes are never as good as the old. Unfortunately, by the time the shoes really grow on you, they are almost at their "dying" stage. Then it will be pain all over again. "Sigh!"
October 03, 2006
Expectations of a Woman's Role in the Family
I read with amusement and much concurrence about an article written by another reader in Today's forum. The article was candid about the slightly unfair expectations and responsibilities of a woman in a family.
Despite the higher education level and the narrowing of gap between the sexes in the workforce, women are generally expected to take the primary role in taking care of the family. For instance, women are still expected to do a larger share of the household chores, eg cooking, washing of clothes etc. When the children fell sick, women are expected to drop their work to take care of the child. In the event that someone really needs to stay at home, the women are expected to be the one to quit from her job. Many justified that these are mainly due to women having a natural maternal instinct and thus can better take care of the kids and household chores. The reason for women being asked to leave the workforce, in the event someone needs to stay at home, was women normally earn lower pay than their husbands.
Nothwithstanding that there is some truth in some of the justifications for expecting the women to do more for the family, to the extent of sacrificing their jobs, I guess it is timely that the men should take on a more active role. To a large extent, I acknowledged that many men nowadays are contributing more to the family, not just in monetary terms. Many men have attempted to share the household chores and even help in taking care of the kids. However, more can be done. This is especially so when many women have taken on jobs which are more demanding.
Starting a family may not be too difficult. Sustaining a family is no easy feat which requires both the husband and wife to work together and even making personal sacrifices when the needs arise.
Anyway, I encourage you to read the article if you can grab hold of yesterday's Today.
Despite the higher education level and the narrowing of gap between the sexes in the workforce, women are generally expected to take the primary role in taking care of the family. For instance, women are still expected to do a larger share of the household chores, eg cooking, washing of clothes etc. When the children fell sick, women are expected to drop their work to take care of the child. In the event that someone really needs to stay at home, the women are expected to be the one to quit from her job. Many justified that these are mainly due to women having a natural maternal instinct and thus can better take care of the kids and household chores. The reason for women being asked to leave the workforce, in the event someone needs to stay at home, was women normally earn lower pay than their husbands.
Nothwithstanding that there is some truth in some of the justifications for expecting the women to do more for the family, to the extent of sacrificing their jobs, I guess it is timely that the men should take on a more active role. To a large extent, I acknowledged that many men nowadays are contributing more to the family, not just in monetary terms. Many men have attempted to share the household chores and even help in taking care of the kids. However, more can be done. This is especially so when many women have taken on jobs which are more demanding.
Starting a family may not be too difficult. Sustaining a family is no easy feat which requires both the husband and wife to work together and even making personal sacrifices when the needs arise.
Anyway, I encourage you to read the article if you can grab hold of yesterday's Today.
October 02, 2006
Greatest Gift
I always feel that the greatest gift that one can give to someone you love is time. It should be quality time as well.
Time is always the most scarce resource and for which we will never know when it will be taken away from us. We are always fighting against time to do more within the limited time. We have to allocate time for work, rest and for the different people we love.
When you love someone, you will naturally want to spend more time with them. If you are very blessed, you will find that you have many who love you and whom you love in return. This means that you have less time for each of those you love.
When is the last time you have spent quality time with someone you love?
Look around you, is there someone you have neglected for some time?
Do not hesitate anymore, arrange quality time with him / her. Remember, you do not know when your time or his / her time is taken away.
P.S. I have not spent much time with my mum these days. If I do not need to work this Sat, I really need to spend some quality time with her.
Time is always the most scarce resource and for which we will never know when it will be taken away from us. We are always fighting against time to do more within the limited time. We have to allocate time for work, rest and for the different people we love.
When you love someone, you will naturally want to spend more time with them. If you are very blessed, you will find that you have many who love you and whom you love in return. This means that you have less time for each of those you love.
When is the last time you have spent quality time with someone you love?
Look around you, is there someone you have neglected for some time?
Do not hesitate anymore, arrange quality time with him / her. Remember, you do not know when your time or his / her time is taken away.
P.S. I have not spent much time with my mum these days. If I do not need to work this Sat, I really need to spend some quality time with her.
People Watching
I love people watching because there are always different stories to tell. Frankly speaking, I have not done any people watching for a long time. By people watching, I really mean you do this full-time, ie you just sit down and watch the people who pass you by. Just don't stare too hard in case people misunderstand you to be rude.
I did that yesterday with my mum along Orchard Road. We were tired after walking around for sometime. While waiting for someone, we decided to engage in a little people watching.
From the footsteps that the passerbys take, you can tell if they were tired, happy or simply suffering from blisters of uncomfortable shoes. From the way two people walked together, you can tell if they were dating, platonic friends or even married couples. Some rushed by as if constantly fighting against time; some strolled along as if they had all the time in the world.
Do try it if you have the time. You will be surprised at what you can observe. A word of caution: find a comfortable spot as you may be there for a long time. *Wink*
I did that yesterday with my mum along Orchard Road. We were tired after walking around for sometime. While waiting for someone, we decided to engage in a little people watching.
From the footsteps that the passerbys take, you can tell if they were tired, happy or simply suffering from blisters of uncomfortable shoes. From the way two people walked together, you can tell if they were dating, platonic friends or even married couples. Some rushed by as if constantly fighting against time; some strolled along as if they had all the time in the world.
Do try it if you have the time. You will be surprised at what you can observe. A word of caution: find a comfortable spot as you may be there for a long time. *Wink*
October 01, 2006
Second Month Anniversary
Happy 2nd month Anniversary to my Blog!
Initially, it was more of a curiosity fuelled by inspiration from a speaker of my June's 2-week course that I decided to 'launch' my blog. I thought my blog will be a good platform to share my thoughts and life with my friends, some of whom I may not have the chance to meet on a regular basis. It was also meant to be a form of capturing some of the thoughts and events which I have felt strongly at a certain point in time. With age, my memories are starting to be less trustworthy as before.
I have received both positive and negative feedback on my blog. Some of my friends enjoyed finding out my latest food 'expeditions'. Some were amazed at the different side of me which they have never seen, for eg, my shoe collection. There were also some who felt that readers of my blog might misconstrue some of my writings, especially when I wrote about conversations which we have had. Regardless, I welcome these feedback. Firstly, it means that you have been following what I have spent efforts updating. This shows that all my 'blood and tears' have not gone to waste. Secondly, perhaps by sharing your feelings, you have already started to feel with me on some of the issues which made me aggrieved, touched or pondered upon.
Although I have hoped that my blog will become a conduit for better and more communication with my friends, I certainly do not wish it to be the ONLY form of communication with my friends. I sincerely do not want a situation where my friends see no reason to see me personally anymore because they already know what is happening to me. I always feel that nothing beats face-to-face communication, not even phone calls (By the way, I have an aversion towards phone calls if you have not noticed by now.) I also do not wish to see that during our chit chats, topics from my blog are the only topics that we can talk about. Hey, I am sure there are many other things which we can talk about and which I may not have registered in this blog.
I really hope my well intentions in the beginning will not turn against me.
I have shared so much about me with you. When will you be sharing yours with me?
Initially, it was more of a curiosity fuelled by inspiration from a speaker of my June's 2-week course that I decided to 'launch' my blog. I thought my blog will be a good platform to share my thoughts and life with my friends, some of whom I may not have the chance to meet on a regular basis. It was also meant to be a form of capturing some of the thoughts and events which I have felt strongly at a certain point in time. With age, my memories are starting to be less trustworthy as before.
I have received both positive and negative feedback on my blog. Some of my friends enjoyed finding out my latest food 'expeditions'. Some were amazed at the different side of me which they have never seen, for eg, my shoe collection. There were also some who felt that readers of my blog might misconstrue some of my writings, especially when I wrote about conversations which we have had. Regardless, I welcome these feedback. Firstly, it means that you have been following what I have spent efforts updating. This shows that all my 'blood and tears' have not gone to waste. Secondly, perhaps by sharing your feelings, you have already started to feel with me on some of the issues which made me aggrieved, touched or pondered upon.
Although I have hoped that my blog will become a conduit for better and more communication with my friends, I certainly do not wish it to be the ONLY form of communication with my friends. I sincerely do not want a situation where my friends see no reason to see me personally anymore because they already know what is happening to me. I always feel that nothing beats face-to-face communication, not even phone calls (By the way, I have an aversion towards phone calls if you have not noticed by now.) I also do not wish to see that during our chit chats, topics from my blog are the only topics that we can talk about. Hey, I am sure there are many other things which we can talk about and which I may not have registered in this blog.
I really hope my well intentions in the beginning will not turn against me.
I have shared so much about me with you. When will you be sharing yours with me?
Forbidden City: Portrait of the Empress Dowager
I was glad I have managed to catch the last second run of "Forbidden City: Portrait of the Empress Dowager". It was a touching and mesmerising experience. I felt a strong sense of pride and patriotism for my homeland.
Before I move on, I must confess I am neither an Art nor Music connoisseur, not even an amateur. I am also neither artistically nor musically inclined. If you ask me what I think of the music, the plot, the settings, the acoustic, I will probably give you a bland layman answer. However, I felt that the Art or Music is not just about technique, sometimes it is about about the feelings that they manage to convey. I am also not well-versed with the history of Qing Dynasty. If you want a synopsis of the plot and its realism and accuracy, you will again be disappointed with my answer.
The theatre was about three-quarter filled on a Saturday afternoon. The crowd was varied with young and old, family and friends. To my untrained ears, the orchestra played beautifully and the actors and actresses' singings were almost flawless (Almost because I have some slight difficulty catching the lyrics of some of their singing.) Kit Chan's singing again touched me, just as before. I was seated at the foyer area which was still on the first floor. Although I could not see the facial expression of the actors and actresses razor sharp, it was nevertheless still a pretty good view.
This is the second time I have been to a performance at Esplanade Theatre.
The first was "Leading Broadway Ladies" about a year ago. It was a pure musical performance of myriad songs performed by some of the singers of Broadway production and accompanied by SSO. I remembered feeling slightly overwhelmed then, by the surroundings and the ambience. During the intermission, we were standing outside the theatre and enjoyed a very good view of Singapore River.
I felt that the singing in Forbidden City was comparable to that I have heard in the "Leading Broadway Ladies". I have heard Kit sing live before. She was just as good, if not better. It made me really proud of Singapore. Singapore has also produced many talented artistes. In addition, many Singaporeans are getting appreciative of the arts, by the turn-out in yesterday's performance and their age range.
Way to go, Forbidden City. Let's bring Singapore's production to the world!
Before I move on, I must confess I am neither an Art nor Music connoisseur, not even an amateur. I am also neither artistically nor musically inclined. If you ask me what I think of the music, the plot, the settings, the acoustic, I will probably give you a bland layman answer. However, I felt that the Art or Music is not just about technique, sometimes it is about about the feelings that they manage to convey. I am also not well-versed with the history of Qing Dynasty. If you want a synopsis of the plot and its realism and accuracy, you will again be disappointed with my answer.
The theatre was about three-quarter filled on a Saturday afternoon. The crowd was varied with young and old, family and friends. To my untrained ears, the orchestra played beautifully and the actors and actresses' singings were almost flawless (Almost because I have some slight difficulty catching the lyrics of some of their singing.) Kit Chan's singing again touched me, just as before. I was seated at the foyer area which was still on the first floor. Although I could not see the facial expression of the actors and actresses razor sharp, it was nevertheless still a pretty good view.
This is the second time I have been to a performance at Esplanade Theatre.
The first was "Leading Broadway Ladies" about a year ago. It was a pure musical performance of myriad songs performed by some of the singers of Broadway production and accompanied by SSO. I remembered feeling slightly overwhelmed then, by the surroundings and the ambience. During the intermission, we were standing outside the theatre and enjoyed a very good view of Singapore River.
I felt that the singing in Forbidden City was comparable to that I have heard in the "Leading Broadway Ladies". I have heard Kit sing live before. She was just as good, if not better. It made me really proud of Singapore. Singapore has also produced many talented artistes. In addition, many Singaporeans are getting appreciative of the arts, by the turn-out in yesterday's performance and their age range.
Way to go, Forbidden City. Let's bring Singapore's production to the world!
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