If you are into philosophy or you have found books of Jostein Gaarder and Mitch Albom interesting reads, it will be difficult not to be drawn to The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.
Santiago was a young shepherd who had given up everything to be a shepherd because he wished to travel. Though travel, books and his sheep, he found that he had learnt more than a formal education. One day, while he was resting in a church, he had a recurring dream of finding treasure at the pyramid.
He went to a gypsy lady for an interpretation of this dream and was told it was a good omen to pursue his dream. Soon, he met an old King who knew about his dream and encouraged him to pursue his dream. From then, he set forth a journey from Spain to Egypt and back to Spain where he learnt about life and the Soul of the World. During his journey, he met an Alchemist, and Englishman, a Crystal Merchant, a thief, a monk, tribal chiefs and the love of his life – Fatima.
Despite encountering fear, pride, despondency, enthusiasm and love, he had also learnt different lessons from his travel mates. Finally, he found his treasure.
The plot sounded similar to the Little Prince who had also set forth on a journey and met with different friends in his journey. The Little Prince has a sad ending. The Alchemist has a happy ending. However, the Alchemist provided a stark reminder of the basic lessons in life that one remembers less and less as we are burdened with the trivialities of living.
Here is sharing of some of the lessons and ironies that we should be mindful of.
1) Everyone has a personal agenda. It is the dream of our life or the meaning of our living.
The personal agenda is known since we are children and in our hearts but they are gradually forgotten. Sometimes, we wish to pursue it but hold back because we fear of failure or we fear losing what we have achieved so far. Sometimes, we hold back because we want to be with our loved ones.
In an anecdote that the old king shared with the young shepherd before he set off, the king shared that of a young boy who went to a wise man to seek knowledge on what was happiness. The wise man gave the young boy a teaspoon of oil and asked him to tour his beautiful castle for 2 hours without spilling the oil. The young boy was so busy ‘looking after’ the oil that he failed to notice all the beautiful sights. When the wise man asked whether he had noticed his beautiful castle when the boy returned, the boy replied in the negative and was asked to tour the castle again for 2 more hours and to take note of the beautiful sights. The boy did what the wise man had told. However, when he returned 2 hours later, the oil has disappeared. He was too preoccupied with the beautiful sights that he had forgotten about the oil.
We might meet ‘distractions’ long our treasure quest, we should still remember the ultimate personal agenda. However, we should also take time during this journey to observe and to learn. The process is as important as the outcome.
2) Pursuing one’s dreams mean giving up what one has achieved so far.
This was a constant weight on the young shepherd’s mind every time he wanted to move on to a different place after settling down so as to continue his treasure quest. The alchemist shed enlightenment on life’s decision based on the theories of alchemy. If what you have left behind is of pure matter, they will remain as they are when you return. If they are not, you also will not need to stay for their sakes.
3) Follow your heart and the omen as they speak the language of the World.
With civilization and the development of culture, we tend to rely more and more elaborate languages and pictures as instructions and information. We have ceased to notice the signs given by our heart and by omen. Listen to what your heart has to say and observe the omen that comes your way, they are signs given to tell you what you should do next when we are at crossroads.
4) The success one gets when one first starts is the Beginners’ Luck. However, to be successful eventually, one needs to be strong and to overcome tests of severity.
The Beginners’ Luck is a way of nature to whet our appetites on what lies ahead if we were to succeed in pursuing our personal agenda. It serves both as an encouragement and a temptation.
The crystal merchant whom the young shepherd had met had the personal agenda to go to Mecca – the land of pilgrimage. He set up a crystal business so that he could save enough for the trip. However, over the years as the business dwindled, he lost hope and he became contented with the peaceful lifestyle. Gradually, he forgot about his personal agenda until the young shepherd came along and helped him improve his business. When the young shepherd was living, the business was bustling. The crystal merchant’s dream of going to Mecca was reignited as he saw the opportunities that his business could bring. He could no longer ignore his dream and be contented.
However, to succeed, one would need to overcome numerous tests of severity so that when we obtained our ‘treasure’, we would have learnt the lessons of the World.
It was a book abundant with the lessons of life. When I turned to the last page of the book, it was with guilt and regrets.
Do I have the courage of the young shepherd?
Do I still know what my personal agenda is?
How long ago when my heart last spoke to me?
Perhaps the book is an omen sent to me to remind me of the need to look for my personal agenda.
June 30, 2007
June 23, 2007
A Banquet in Stone / Furniture Design
A Banquet in Stone is the latest exhibition at the National Museum of Singapore. It is a small exhibition at the Pavilion which combines food and rock – 2 of the greatest prides of the Chinese.
The rocks featured (includes goby, limestones and the other sedimentary rocks) are in shapes and colours which resemble shark’s fin, dim sum and fish. For those who find some of the exhibitions on culture or history too heavy, this will definitely be one that men on the street can more easily relate to.
At the lobby, the award winning furniture is on display. Many have unique formations and colours which combine both play and function. It allows the user to restructure the furniture differently in accordance to the mood of the day, yet still serving their basic function of a tea-table or a sofa.
It is both an informative and relaxing way of spending the weekend.
June 22, 2007
Sightseeing in Singapore
Singapore is boring? There is nothing to see in Singapore?
Hold those thoughts. Think again. Think harder.
We often complain about the lack of seasonal change in Singapore. We often complain about the lack of memorable and interesting places of attraction in Singapore. Many like to spend their vacation overseas than locally. Yet, how well do we know Singapore as a local? Before we stereotypically labeled Singapore as a boring place, have we gone to the different places in Singapore to experience for ourselves first? The article which I have read in My Paper provided a stark reminder of the various hideaways in Singapore which definitely are worth visiting and revisiting.
In terms of parks, we have many interesting parks and most of them are open to the public with free admission. Other than East Coast Park, there are Botanical Gardens, Labrador Park and even the parks and gardens in each housing estate. Some of the parks in other countries require admission fee (eg China). These parks are rich in flora and fauna and even some of the little animals. For instance, it is not difficult to spot squirrels in Botanical Gardens. If one is more adventurous and prefers trekking, we have the Bukit Timah and MacRitchie Reservoir Reserves. Trekking can also be done on the Imbiah Falls of Sentosa.
To get a more suburb experience and more al fresco dining experience, we do not need to venture to Australia or Europe. We have myriad choices right at our doorstep, from Jalan Kayu, to Holland Village and to Siglap. All of them offered different dining experiences – with the more local coffee-shop styles in Jalan Kayu, to the more international flavour in Holland Village.
Although the places of attraction are slightly more touristy in nature, but they are no less boring than other places. In fact, these places are better maintained and with more to offer than some of the places overseas. For instance, the beach at Sentosa is no less inferior than other beaches (eg Gold Coast). The Singapore zoo can offer more than a theme park elsewhere. The Museums may not have as rich a collection as the world-renowned, but different exhibitions are hosted every now and then to add vibrancy.
So who says Singapore is boring?
Before you sketch an overseas vacation for a long weekend, think again. Touring some of the places which you seldom go to in Singapore may be as good an experience. At the time, by venturing to these areas, we can learn more about the culture, the efforts and the history of Singapore.
Hold those thoughts. Think again. Think harder.
We often complain about the lack of seasonal change in Singapore. We often complain about the lack of memorable and interesting places of attraction in Singapore. Many like to spend their vacation overseas than locally. Yet, how well do we know Singapore as a local? Before we stereotypically labeled Singapore as a boring place, have we gone to the different places in Singapore to experience for ourselves first? The article which I have read in My Paper provided a stark reminder of the various hideaways in Singapore which definitely are worth visiting and revisiting.
In terms of parks, we have many interesting parks and most of them are open to the public with free admission. Other than East Coast Park, there are Botanical Gardens, Labrador Park and even the parks and gardens in each housing estate. Some of the parks in other countries require admission fee (eg China). These parks are rich in flora and fauna and even some of the little animals. For instance, it is not difficult to spot squirrels in Botanical Gardens. If one is more adventurous and prefers trekking, we have the Bukit Timah and MacRitchie Reservoir Reserves. Trekking can also be done on the Imbiah Falls of Sentosa.
To get a more suburb experience and more al fresco dining experience, we do not need to venture to Australia or Europe. We have myriad choices right at our doorstep, from Jalan Kayu, to Holland Village and to Siglap. All of them offered different dining experiences – with the more local coffee-shop styles in Jalan Kayu, to the more international flavour in Holland Village.
Although the places of attraction are slightly more touristy in nature, but they are no less boring than other places. In fact, these places are better maintained and with more to offer than some of the places overseas. For instance, the beach at Sentosa is no less inferior than other beaches (eg Gold Coast). The Singapore zoo can offer more than a theme park elsewhere. The Museums may not have as rich a collection as the world-renowned, but different exhibitions are hosted every now and then to add vibrancy.
So who says Singapore is boring?
Before you sketch an overseas vacation for a long weekend, think again. Touring some of the places which you seldom go to in Singapore may be as good an experience. At the time, by venturing to these areas, we can learn more about the culture, the efforts and the history of Singapore.
June 21, 2007
Tanjong Pagar
I have not been to Tanjong Pagar on a week day since about more than 2 years ago when I had attended a course with 2 other colleagues. I have already forgotten about the noticeably hectic pace of the place relative to others. I had the fortune of experiencing a typical office crowd again on Monday when I was there for another course.
In the morning, the queue up the escalator out of the train station extended to way behind the starting point. Everyone hurried up the escalator. If one walked a little slower, one would be stepped by the more impatient commuter behind. People were literally fighting against time. One’s heart also beat faster in order to go with the flow.
During lunch, it was another adventure totally. One of my course mates brought me to Amoy Street food centre. Wow, I was overwhelmed by the choices, the crowd and the queues. There was a long line of people standing in front of almost every stall. If not for my extended lunch hour, to accomplish the task for finding a seat, queuing for food and finishing the food would definitely be an amazing race.
Notwithstanding, the variety of food that could be found at the hawker centre was more up market than elsewhere. There was a freshly baked muffin stall. There was nasi ayam served on wooden plates – the other 2 places with these were HDB Hub and Changi Village.
Beside the hawker centre, there was also a small park where one could sit on the wooden bench under the trees to enjoy al fresco dining with your packed food (especially when you were not successful in ‘chopping’ any seats in the hawker centre). The architecture one could enjoy in Tanjong Pagar was varied composition of modern skyscrapers and colonial shophouses (characterized by the White House and Red House).
Well, if you have time on a weekday or if you happen to pass by that area, do drop by to experience the CBD of Singapore. :-)
In the morning, the queue up the escalator out of the train station extended to way behind the starting point. Everyone hurried up the escalator. If one walked a little slower, one would be stepped by the more impatient commuter behind. People were literally fighting against time. One’s heart also beat faster in order to go with the flow.
During lunch, it was another adventure totally. One of my course mates brought me to Amoy Street food centre. Wow, I was overwhelmed by the choices, the crowd and the queues. There was a long line of people standing in front of almost every stall. If not for my extended lunch hour, to accomplish the task for finding a seat, queuing for food and finishing the food would definitely be an amazing race.
Notwithstanding, the variety of food that could be found at the hawker centre was more up market than elsewhere. There was a freshly baked muffin stall. There was nasi ayam served on wooden plates – the other 2 places with these were HDB Hub and Changi Village.
Beside the hawker centre, there was also a small park where one could sit on the wooden bench under the trees to enjoy al fresco dining with your packed food (especially when you were not successful in ‘chopping’ any seats in the hawker centre). The architecture one could enjoy in Tanjong Pagar was varied composition of modern skyscrapers and colonial shophouses (characterized by the White House and Red House).
Well, if you have time on a weekday or if you happen to pass by that area, do drop by to experience the CBD of Singapore. :-)
June 20, 2007
Golden Lilies, Laotongs and Nu Shu
Golden lilies may sound more familiar to us than Laotongs and Nu Shu. At least, I have never heard about Laotongs and Nu Shu until I read the book - Snow Flower and the Secret Fan.
The book narrates the poignant tale of Lily and her relationship with her Laotong during the tumultuous times of the late Qing Dynasty. Laotong, in Chinese, literally translates to old same in English. It refers to the life-long relationship between two girls who match in eight characters and every aspect. They will remain true, loyal and faithful as friends in their lifetime - a more committed relationship than that of husband and wife. Nu Shu (Ladies' writing) is the medium through which they communicate with each other. The letterings and words are those that are used only by the ladies. The language is a simplified version of the Men's writing which is the writing that we use today. The Laotong relationship started with a fan.
Golden lilies refer to the prefectly bound little feet of the ladies of the late Qing Dynasty. The feet will be seven-inch long with a high arch, preferably perpendicular. Walking is supported by the big toe. The ladies will swagger when they walk on their golden lilies.
In those times, the ladies were bound by the three obediences and four virtues - obey your father before marriage, obey your husband after marriage and obey your son in your late years. Ladies could not venture outside the women's chambers once they started to bind their feet. The binding of their feet symbolised a life of restrictions, suppression and sometimes resignation to their destiny. No matter how ugly life became, they would have to take things in stride.
Lily and Snow Flower are Laotongs. Since young, their destiny were intertwined. Lily rose from a farmer's daughter to one of the most influential ladies in the county based on her golden lilies which were deemed to be perfect in shape and length. Snow Flower was born with a silver spoon in her mouth. However, the family wealth dwindled to none because of her father's opium habits. As their status grew further apart and with the different family problems they face, misunderstanding arose which resulted in the deterioration of their relationship. Only upon Snow Flower' death bed did Lily realised how her well-intentions had resulted in pressures to Snow Flower. Only then did Lily realise her selfishness, her sense of superiority and her insensitivity to Snow Flower.
Although the tale seems to be revolved around the friendship of 2 girls and later women, it does give a good introduction to the history of Nu Shu, Laotong and the culture of the late Qing Dynasty. The author - Lisa See, was a historian who has visited the various county to research on the rich history of Nu Shu. It has also provided insights to the hardships of the times, with the Taiping revolution, the epidemic, the fragility of life and the supersitions. It makes us better appreciate the freedom, the healthcare system and the respect that we have enjoyed but which we have often taken for granted.
Relative to our ancestors, we girls should be grateful for the educational and career opportunities that we enjoy.
The book narrates the poignant tale of Lily and her relationship with her Laotong during the tumultuous times of the late Qing Dynasty. Laotong, in Chinese, literally translates to old same in English. It refers to the life-long relationship between two girls who match in eight characters and every aspect. They will remain true, loyal and faithful as friends in their lifetime - a more committed relationship than that of husband and wife. Nu Shu (Ladies' writing) is the medium through which they communicate with each other. The letterings and words are those that are used only by the ladies. The language is a simplified version of the Men's writing which is the writing that we use today. The Laotong relationship started with a fan.
Golden lilies refer to the prefectly bound little feet of the ladies of the late Qing Dynasty. The feet will be seven-inch long with a high arch, preferably perpendicular. Walking is supported by the big toe. The ladies will swagger when they walk on their golden lilies.
In those times, the ladies were bound by the three obediences and four virtues - obey your father before marriage, obey your husband after marriage and obey your son in your late years. Ladies could not venture outside the women's chambers once they started to bind their feet. The binding of their feet symbolised a life of restrictions, suppression and sometimes resignation to their destiny. No matter how ugly life became, they would have to take things in stride.
Lily and Snow Flower are Laotongs. Since young, their destiny were intertwined. Lily rose from a farmer's daughter to one of the most influential ladies in the county based on her golden lilies which were deemed to be perfect in shape and length. Snow Flower was born with a silver spoon in her mouth. However, the family wealth dwindled to none because of her father's opium habits. As their status grew further apart and with the different family problems they face, misunderstanding arose which resulted in the deterioration of their relationship. Only upon Snow Flower' death bed did Lily realised how her well-intentions had resulted in pressures to Snow Flower. Only then did Lily realise her selfishness, her sense of superiority and her insensitivity to Snow Flower.
Although the tale seems to be revolved around the friendship of 2 girls and later women, it does give a good introduction to the history of Nu Shu, Laotong and the culture of the late Qing Dynasty. The author - Lisa See, was a historian who has visited the various county to research on the rich history of Nu Shu. It has also provided insights to the hardships of the times, with the Taiping revolution, the epidemic, the fragility of life and the supersitions. It makes us better appreciate the freedom, the healthcare system and the respect that we have enjoyed but which we have often taken for granted.
Relative to our ancestors, we girls should be grateful for the educational and career opportunities that we enjoy.
June 19, 2007
International Star Descended at AMK Hub
When you stood at the platform of the north-bound train and looked across the road, the red carpet, the spotlights, the flashing of the cameras and the crowd would definitely catch your attention.
No, this was not Hollywood.
No, this was not some famous film festival.
This was the grand opening of the Cathay Cineplex at AMK Hub. In celebration of the event and to tie in with the premiering of the new movie – My wife is a Gangster 3, Shu Qi was invited to grace the event.
Since it was on my way home, I had decided to pop by and sneak a peep of the Star. Afterall, how often do you get to see an International Star so near home and during non-working hours.
It was supposed to start at 7pm. I have reached around 710 pm, being held back from work and knowing that it never started on time (the last time when I was waiting for Louis Koo at Plaza Singapura, he was at least half and hour late). I was spot on. The crowd waited for another 20 minutes before the event started and at least another 30 minutes before Shu Qi arrived. She was there for barely 5 minutes before she was ushered into the Cinema by the security.
It was a pretty new experience to wait together with the crowd for her arrival. I was never much of a “star chaser” during school days. Nevertheless, her glamour has still wowed many of those were present.
June 17, 2007
Difficulty in Taking Shots of Animals
Taking immovable objects already entails diffculty with issues of lighting and exposure - the interplay of shutter speed, aperture value and ISO sensitivity.
With mobile objects, this difficulty is compounded. Experimenting with the different shutter speed and F-value require time. However, the objects may not be 'patient' enough for you to design the ideal condition and 'cooperate' to be the perfect model. I have had the first hand experience of such challenge when I was taking photographs in the zoo yesterday.
When animals are in action, the biggest challenge is speed. To capture their action require fast shutter speed which inevitably dim the image. In addition, zooming may be required as animals are in an enclosed area at a safe distance from the audience. Such conditions are often proned to blurry images. Hence, a steady hand and deft maneuver of the commands are essential. This is because a standard automatic shot used in most cameras cannot be adopted. Most standard shots come equipped with auto flash which has to be minimised, for fear of blinding the animals or scaring them away. Furthermore, flash can cause light reflection if we are taking photos through a glass which separates the more ferocious species against the visitors. It is definitely an insurmountable task for an amateur, as evident from my numerous blurred shots.
(This is a case where the tiny monkey started to move and hide itself before I could press the shutter. In my rush to get the shots, my hand shook and the picture became blurred.)
(This is a case where the light exposure is wrong, so the monkey could not be seen and are hidden with the leaves.)
Sometimes to capture a full shot of the animal in itself requires patience and waiting. Animals move around or may hibernate. Hence, it is waiting, waiting and more waiting for the animals to be in such position that allows a good shot.
Enough of sharing the failed shots, let us take a look at the more successful pieces. However, they are again not first time successes. They are the successful shots after at least 3 failed shots of the same object. Well, given the number of failed shots. The conclusion is I need more practice. Sigh!
(This peaceful pelican got drowsy after the shot and closed up.)
(These penguins were cute to look at but hard to take because they were constantly moving around.)June 16, 2007
A Morning Date with Animals
Do you know that the skin of a polar bear is black? It looks white because of its white fur?
Do you know that one of the primates will have swollen and red bottom when they are ready for mating?
Do you know that elephants used to be involved in logging work and that they can move logs which require 10 men to move?
On this Saturday morning, we took a bus to the Singapore Zoo. It was only a half-hour trip. We were pretty upbeat about this trip and the lush greenery along the bus trip was a welcoming prelude.
We started with a tram ride to the Forest Lodge where we had our breakfast. The tram provided a quick overview of the zoo, with brief introduction at landmark spots. Forest Lodge was a cosy hall with a Koi pond at the entrance. Our empty stomachs had lured us to the food located at 2 sides of the hall. It was international style with the western hush browns, sauages, croissants and cakes and complemented by the Chinese fried bee hoon, porridge and siew mais. 
It was not just about food, but we have adorable guests who joined us intermittently – elephants and a falabella (miniature horse). We also had a chance to take photos closed-up as well as feed the animals. This is first time I am so up-close and personal with an animal. It was truly exciting. The elephants had amazing appetites. The falabella was so good natured despite our numerous touching and flashlights.
After the food, it was free and easy for us to tour the Singapore Zoo. There were many animal shows held every hour at different parts of the zoo, so we were busy moving around to catch the various shows from the wild animal show to the elephant show and farm animal show. The wild animal show introduced us to the skilful coconut husk peeling ability of the orang utans. The elephant show brought to us the historic development of the elephant logging industry. The farm animal show reinforced the sharp smelling sense of the dogs. There was also token feeding time where the primates scrambled up to the zookeeper where we had splendid chances of taking their pictures. We have also witnessed the maternal/paternal instinct of the monkeys in taking care of the infants.
After the food, it was free and easy for us to tour the Singapore Zoo. There were many animal shows held every hour at different parts of the zoo, so we were busy moving around to catch the various shows from the wild animal show to the elephant show and farm animal show. The wild animal show introduced us to the skilful coconut husk peeling ability of the orang utans. The elephant show brought to us the historic development of the elephant logging industry. The farm animal show reinforced the sharp smelling sense of the dogs. There was also token feeding time where the primates scrambled up to the zookeeper where we had splendid chances of taking their pictures. We have also witnessed the maternal/paternal instinct of the monkeys in taking care of the infants.
Not letting the animals steal the entire show, the interesting flora and fauna lining two sides of the walkway were fighting for our attention. We were especially attracted to the tropical crops garden where we spotted familiar plants like the long beans, chilli and lime. The orchid garden was almost like a miniature orchid museum with numerous orchid varieties side by side.The last time I was here at Singapore Zoo was probably close to 20 years ago. I have almost near zero recollection of how zoo looked like previously. It was definitely a good trip to revisit the Singapore Zoo. If you have time to spare over the weekend, why not pop by Singapore Zoo to visit Inuka, or say hello to Orang Utans? Be prepared for the chatter of the otters, the shyness of the parrots and the laziness of the lions. *Wink, wink*
June 15, 2007
Changing Job, Losing Touch
Strangely coincidental, I have heard the same thing mentioned twice in a single day by two different persons. Both of them commented that no matter how close was the friendship between two people, it normally could not be sustained when one person left the company.
I am not disagreeing. When we are in a common environment, facing the same job, same boss and same colleagues, there are unlimited common topics. We can relate to the tasks, the happenings and the people that we talk about. When one person leaves the company, this common bond is broken. Gradually, the easy familiarity and camaraderie fade. Then the topics in the conversations are reduced to superficial regards.
It is hard to find a person who has the same frequency as you – someone who understand your jokes, someone who has the same perspectives about the red-tape of the company, someone who burns midnight oil with you to meet a drop-dead deadline. It is a pity to waste such affinity. If more efforts are invested to developing the friendship further, the easy familiarity can be rekindled. The camaraderie in work can be replaced by rallying for each other in life’s other challenges. It is not easy. One needs to arm with an open mind, a listening ear and a sincere heart.
I am a firm believer that for a friendship to grow, we cannot restrict our understanding of the other party in his / her role at work. The jokes and grumbles shared cannot be relating to work and colleagues alone. We will need to open to each other about ourselves in our capacities as a sibling, a son / daughter, a boyfriend /girlfriend, etc. We need to build common topics and memories outside office.
Of course, friendships cannot be compelled. Despite making the best efforts, if gatherings are still punctuated by awkward silences, perhaps it is time to let go. Nonetheless, it is still a pity.
I am not disagreeing. When we are in a common environment, facing the same job, same boss and same colleagues, there are unlimited common topics. We can relate to the tasks, the happenings and the people that we talk about. When one person leaves the company, this common bond is broken. Gradually, the easy familiarity and camaraderie fade. Then the topics in the conversations are reduced to superficial regards.
It is hard to find a person who has the same frequency as you – someone who understand your jokes, someone who has the same perspectives about the red-tape of the company, someone who burns midnight oil with you to meet a drop-dead deadline. It is a pity to waste such affinity. If more efforts are invested to developing the friendship further, the easy familiarity can be rekindled. The camaraderie in work can be replaced by rallying for each other in life’s other challenges. It is not easy. One needs to arm with an open mind, a listening ear and a sincere heart.
I am a firm believer that for a friendship to grow, we cannot restrict our understanding of the other party in his / her role at work. The jokes and grumbles shared cannot be relating to work and colleagues alone. We will need to open to each other about ourselves in our capacities as a sibling, a son / daughter, a boyfriend /girlfriend, etc. We need to build common topics and memories outside office.
Of course, friendships cannot be compelled. Despite making the best efforts, if gatherings are still punctuated by awkward silences, perhaps it is time to let go. Nonetheless, it is still a pity.
Black Friday
It was disastrous Friday.
It started with me. Suddenly, I was right smacked in an emotional doldrums when the value of my work was instantly blind to me. For once, I felt that my role as a business finance support was redundant. I was complaining about this to Brother who then informed CY. Despite her rushing for project, CY immediately text me over Sametime. Brother has also spent the next half an hour trying to counsel me with his jokes and his encouragement.
I was cheered up somewhat over lunch.
However, it was more bad news waiting for CY. She was asked to handle a portfolio which she had no interest in. Brother had again told me about the depression that CY was facing and I immediately sent her an email to cheer her up as she had off her Sametime to concentrate on her proposal. I have spent the next 30 min trying to cheer her up and to dissuade her from making rash decisions.
In such low morale times, we really need the rallying of friends to keep us going and prevent us from sinking into further depression.
It started with me. Suddenly, I was right smacked in an emotional doldrums when the value of my work was instantly blind to me. For once, I felt that my role as a business finance support was redundant. I was complaining about this to Brother who then informed CY. Despite her rushing for project, CY immediately text me over Sametime. Brother has also spent the next half an hour trying to counsel me with his jokes and his encouragement.
I was cheered up somewhat over lunch.
However, it was more bad news waiting for CY. She was asked to handle a portfolio which she had no interest in. Brother had again told me about the depression that CY was facing and I immediately sent her an email to cheer her up as she had off her Sametime to concentrate on her proposal. I have spent the next 30 min trying to cheer her up and to dissuade her from making rash decisions.
In such low morale times, we really need the rallying of friends to keep us going and prevent us from sinking into further depression.
June 14, 2007
New Photocopier
The advent of a fax, scan cum photocopier has drawn mixed feelings from us. Firstly, the number of colour printers have reduced to 1 per floor – extreme bad news especially in view of the heavy coloured printing which we will need to do during budget. Secondly, we will need to learn how to operate the new machine.
I postponed a meeting with Brother telling him that I needed to attend a training session for the new photocopier. He jokingly teased me about asking the trainer the percentage that had to be applied to convert A3 to A4 and vice versa. Hello, this is 21st century with intelligent photocopiers. We no longer need to specify the percentage of converions, but rather with a press of a button to select the conversion of A3 to A4, the machine will automatically perform the conversion. Anyway, Brother has proceeded to rattle off the percentage of 141% and 71% which I had not taken heed of.
When the trainer was showing us the conversion function and how the percentage could be automatically converted or manually adjusted. Indeed, the percentages to convert from A4 to A3 printing and A3 to A4 are 141% and 71% respectively. Wow, I was impressed with the photocopier-familiarity of Brother.
Anyhow, the new machine came with scan to email, confidential release of printing, photocopying with staples and punch holes, faxing, etc. Hmm, I guess it will take a while to get acquainted with the new machine and its capability.
I postponed a meeting with Brother telling him that I needed to attend a training session for the new photocopier. He jokingly teased me about asking the trainer the percentage that had to be applied to convert A3 to A4 and vice versa. Hello, this is 21st century with intelligent photocopiers. We no longer need to specify the percentage of converions, but rather with a press of a button to select the conversion of A3 to A4, the machine will automatically perform the conversion. Anyway, Brother has proceeded to rattle off the percentage of 141% and 71% which I had not taken heed of.
When the trainer was showing us the conversion function and how the percentage could be automatically converted or manually adjusted. Indeed, the percentages to convert from A4 to A3 printing and A3 to A4 are 141% and 71% respectively. Wow, I was impressed with the photocopier-familiarity of Brother.
Anyhow, the new machine came with scan to email, confidential release of printing, photocopying with staples and punch holes, faxing, etc. Hmm, I guess it will take a while to get acquainted with the new machine and its capability.
June 11, 2007
Just Do It
“It is better to do it and denounce it than not to do it and forever wonder about it.”
What an inspirational tagline I have gotten from a book recently!
We all know that life is short and we only live life once. We cannot waste time to continuously wonder if we should or should not do something. It will be astonishing to find how time can trickled by during our “what if I have done this or that” moments. We also can never afford to have any regrets in life because we cannot rewind time and events.
This is definitely not encouraging one to do something irresponsible and harmful. There is risk in every decision. When we want to embark on anything, it should still be a measured decision after weighing the pros and cons. Sometimes, we are still be at crossroads after reviewing all the considerations. That’s when we will need to operate on guts feel instead of rationale.
Next time, you are at a decision junction, hesitate no more. If an in-depth rationalization cannot aid your decision, just do it.
What an inspirational tagline I have gotten from a book recently!
We all know that life is short and we only live life once. We cannot waste time to continuously wonder if we should or should not do something. It will be astonishing to find how time can trickled by during our “what if I have done this or that” moments. We also can never afford to have any regrets in life because we cannot rewind time and events.
This is definitely not encouraging one to do something irresponsible and harmful. There is risk in every decision. When we want to embark on anything, it should still be a measured decision after weighing the pros and cons. Sometimes, we are still be at crossroads after reviewing all the considerations. That’s when we will need to operate on guts feel instead of rationale.
Next time, you are at a decision junction, hesitate no more. If an in-depth rationalization cannot aid your decision, just do it.
June 10, 2007
Diminishing Positivism
A philanthropist will meet a day when he will wish for some compassion from others. A clown will also have periods when he wishes that someone will tell him a joke instead. Similarly, positivism can run dry. Despite some of my friends and colleagues telling me that I am positive, there are also times when I hope for some encouragements from others.
When faced with a deluge of low morale and depressed people, it is hard not to be adversely affected. Spreading encouragements to others and to myself, the supplies of positivism have become stretched. The past one week has seen a crisis of positivism such that I just wanted to find a haven and hermit for one week.
I must really try to build up my supply of positivism again for yet another hectic week. Hopefully, it will reach an adequate level soon, so that it can cheer me on through the toughest times. :-)
When faced with a deluge of low morale and depressed people, it is hard not to be adversely affected. Spreading encouragements to others and to myself, the supplies of positivism have become stretched. The past one week has seen a crisis of positivism such that I just wanted to find a haven and hermit for one week.
I must really try to build up my supply of positivism again for yet another hectic week. Hopefully, it will reach an adequate level soon, so that it can cheer me on through the toughest times. :-)
June 09, 2007
Shopping Alone
It has been ages since I have combed through shopping malls on my own for a couple of hours.
The last time I have done so was somewhere beginning last year. It was a Saturday morning then. I started shopping at around 10 in the morning and ended around 2 in the afternoon.
After Ah Peng and I parted for our lunch, she decided to head home to rest while I decided to walk down to Robinsons. After hearing my colleague’s success at Robinsons and seeing many carrying the red Great Robinsons Sale bag, it would definitely be worthwhile to head down to scour for some bargains.
I have started around 2 plus in the afternoon and ended off at around 9 in the night. Apparently, I was not the only one. I have observed many ladies to be on their own as well. I have tried on many items but eventually just bought one. Nevertheless, it was still great retail therapy.
Shopping alone can be fun and liberating as one can go anywhere one like. One can try on an item as many times to ensure that the choice is right without causing any inconvenience to your companion.
The neverending queues in front of the fitting rooms can be discouraging and time wasting, especially with the restriction on the number of pieces one can bring into the fitting room. Sometimes, to save time, I pull on the clothes on to my tank top in front of any mirrors for the first trying. If it fits and looks nice, then it will be shortlisted as an item that warrants “proper” trying. If not, it will be cast off as an unsuitable item and will not take up the “vacancy” in the list of items for the fitting room. On the contrary, if I were with someone, I would feel more inhibited and most likely would not have done that.
I will also grab on things which may not be my normal style without worrying the critical views of my companion. It is excellent time to try out new styles and who knows what surprises may come along. When one is with a companion, the companion may helpfully pronounce an item to be ugly and stump any interest to be experimental. If it really looks ugly, at least now I have seen for myself how ugly it is. *Grin*
I will also dig into baskets of special buys. I am a firm believer that sometimes such baskets hold hidden treasures. The satisfaction one gets from finding a great bargain is part of the fun of shopping.
Of course, it is still fun to go shopping with someone. Someone will assure you your choice is good. Someone will partner you to speed things up, such as queuing for payment while you are doing the final QC on your purchase item. Someone will also hunt the ‘treasures’ with you and help spot treasures for each other which we have missed. Someone will also chit chat with you on your shopping trip to spice things up while waiting in the queue for fitting room or payments.
Well, it is different fun shopping with someone and being on your own. Different times will call for different shopping experiences. *Smile*
The last time I have done so was somewhere beginning last year. It was a Saturday morning then. I started shopping at around 10 in the morning and ended around 2 in the afternoon.
After Ah Peng and I parted for our lunch, she decided to head home to rest while I decided to walk down to Robinsons. After hearing my colleague’s success at Robinsons and seeing many carrying the red Great Robinsons Sale bag, it would definitely be worthwhile to head down to scour for some bargains.
I have started around 2 plus in the afternoon and ended off at around 9 in the night. Apparently, I was not the only one. I have observed many ladies to be on their own as well. I have tried on many items but eventually just bought one. Nevertheless, it was still great retail therapy.
Shopping alone can be fun and liberating as one can go anywhere one like. One can try on an item as many times to ensure that the choice is right without causing any inconvenience to your companion.
The neverending queues in front of the fitting rooms can be discouraging and time wasting, especially with the restriction on the number of pieces one can bring into the fitting room. Sometimes, to save time, I pull on the clothes on to my tank top in front of any mirrors for the first trying. If it fits and looks nice, then it will be shortlisted as an item that warrants “proper” trying. If not, it will be cast off as an unsuitable item and will not take up the “vacancy” in the list of items for the fitting room. On the contrary, if I were with someone, I would feel more inhibited and most likely would not have done that.
I will also grab on things which may not be my normal style without worrying the critical views of my companion. It is excellent time to try out new styles and who knows what surprises may come along. When one is with a companion, the companion may helpfully pronounce an item to be ugly and stump any interest to be experimental. If it really looks ugly, at least now I have seen for myself how ugly it is. *Grin*
I will also dig into baskets of special buys. I am a firm believer that sometimes such baskets hold hidden treasures. The satisfaction one gets from finding a great bargain is part of the fun of shopping.
Of course, it is still fun to go shopping with someone. Someone will assure you your choice is good. Someone will partner you to speed things up, such as queuing for payment while you are doing the final QC on your purchase item. Someone will also hunt the ‘treasures’ with you and help spot treasures for each other which we have missed. Someone will also chit chat with you on your shopping trip to spice things up while waiting in the queue for fitting room or payments.
Well, it is different fun shopping with someone and being on your own. Different times will call for different shopping experiences. *Smile*
June 08, 2007
Long, Dreary Friday Night
Every week, we will count down to Friday, count down to the impending respite and freedom. Come Friday, we start to wind down. Even our brains retard from a Pentium 4 to a 486. Our minds start drifting to the activities after work.
Not this Friday.
The first email we got was to immediately investigate some of the operating expenditure (opex) variance for May and to have the analyses ready by mid-day. On dear, I had not even looked at the numbers, much less any explanation for the swing in the numbers. There are so many sets of numbers – this month versus last month, year-to-date actual versus year-to-date budget and year-to-date actual this year versus last year. Within each category of costs, there are so many cost items. Then there are so many departments. Sigh! I do not even know where to start.
After pulling the numbers, I tried to identify at high level some of the major differences and immediately engage the business people to confirm and validate some of my high level explanations. After getting the explanations ready, the next step was to go through with our bosses.
Initially, a meeting was called at 4 pm. This was already very close to knocking off time. Notwithstanding, we still held high hopes that it should not drag behind 6 pm. Then, it was postponed to 5.30 pm. What?!?! It was already knocked-off time and I already arranged to meet someone! I immediately let my friend knew of the change and we agreed to rearranged our date.
Am I jinxed? Everytime, I have arranged to meet someone, there would be a last-minute meeting called which would cause me to scramble for last minute changes. Fortunately, my friends have been rather forgiving thus far. On those days when I have nothing planned on Fri, office would be a day of peace and serenity.
Amidst my grumbling to my colleague about how “suay” (unlucky) I have been and their optimistic beliefs that we could still end early, we gathered at the meeting room at 530 pm.
We were like a bunch of school girls waiting for the last bell which signified the end of the lessons to ring. We fidgeted, constantly checked our watches and mobiles, made faces and frowns at each other. We kept urging our bosses to go to the next topic and maintained a straight face while they were telling jokes, killing off any chance for them to digress and drag the meeting further. Yet, our PC seemed to work against us. When we were trying to create new slides, there was a text box which mentioned something about “happy-go-lucky” and some “friendly buddy” kept appearing. This caused us to spend time removing these text boxes.
Finally, the slides were done. 2 hours have passed. We started to close our laptops and packed before our bosses announced the end of the meeting. We rushed out immediately when our bosses dismissed us.
My colleague who had optimistic belief that the meeting would end on time did not change her appointment with her friend at 545 pm. This made her grossly late. Well, as I have cancelled my appointment, it was time to go home.
What a way to end the end of a working week…
Not this Friday.
The first email we got was to immediately investigate some of the operating expenditure (opex) variance for May and to have the analyses ready by mid-day. On dear, I had not even looked at the numbers, much less any explanation for the swing in the numbers. There are so many sets of numbers – this month versus last month, year-to-date actual versus year-to-date budget and year-to-date actual this year versus last year. Within each category of costs, there are so many cost items. Then there are so many departments. Sigh! I do not even know where to start.
After pulling the numbers, I tried to identify at high level some of the major differences and immediately engage the business people to confirm and validate some of my high level explanations. After getting the explanations ready, the next step was to go through with our bosses.
Initially, a meeting was called at 4 pm. This was already very close to knocking off time. Notwithstanding, we still held high hopes that it should not drag behind 6 pm. Then, it was postponed to 5.30 pm. What?!?! It was already knocked-off time and I already arranged to meet someone! I immediately let my friend knew of the change and we agreed to rearranged our date.
Am I jinxed? Everytime, I have arranged to meet someone, there would be a last-minute meeting called which would cause me to scramble for last minute changes. Fortunately, my friends have been rather forgiving thus far. On those days when I have nothing planned on Fri, office would be a day of peace and serenity.
Amidst my grumbling to my colleague about how “suay” (unlucky) I have been and their optimistic beliefs that we could still end early, we gathered at the meeting room at 530 pm.
We were like a bunch of school girls waiting for the last bell which signified the end of the lessons to ring. We fidgeted, constantly checked our watches and mobiles, made faces and frowns at each other. We kept urging our bosses to go to the next topic and maintained a straight face while they were telling jokes, killing off any chance for them to digress and drag the meeting further. Yet, our PC seemed to work against us. When we were trying to create new slides, there was a text box which mentioned something about “happy-go-lucky” and some “friendly buddy” kept appearing. This caused us to spend time removing these text boxes.
Finally, the slides were done. 2 hours have passed. We started to close our laptops and packed before our bosses announced the end of the meeting. We rushed out immediately when our bosses dismissed us.
My colleague who had optimistic belief that the meeting would end on time did not change her appointment with her friend at 545 pm. This made her grossly late. Well, as I have cancelled my appointment, it was time to go home.
What a way to end the end of a working week…
June 07, 2007
Men, Oh Men!
Metrosexuals aside, perhaps the general opinion of guys are that they are not exactly fashionistas and often less particular about dressings relative to their female counterparts. At least, that was my rather stereotypical opinions as well. A string of recent incidents are proving me wrong.
Incident 1:
Brother text me over Sametime during a meeting to ask me if I knew the presenter who was also from my Department. After I told him who she was, Brother’s comment was she was quite good looking and she dressed up quite formally.
It did not immediately register in my mind as I cast it as one of his usual comments. After all, sometimes he would share with me whom he thought “chio” (pretty). He is typically quite visual and a joker. When a marketing colleague once mistook him to be from the sales team, he was quite happy for a while because in his opinion, sales person = good looking person. Hence, the marketing colleague must have perceived him to be good looking.
Incident 2:
I went out lunch with Brother, CY and company (from my line). Brother, Sam and I were walking alongside. Suddenly, Brother made a comment about a lady in front of us with short skirts.
Brother: Doesn’t she feel awkward wearing like that.
In my heart, I was nodding my head. Yup, the skirt was short and definitely inconvenienced movements.
Sam: Yeah loh. If she wants to wear, she should wear it shorter.
Brother: I also say.
Perplexed, exasperated and stumped for words, I shook my head.
Incident 3:
After lunch, I had to meet Brother for discussion. I put on my jacket for fear of the cold in the meeting room.
His first comment was why I looked so formal today with my suit and my Victorian top (high-neck shirt). I was caught off-guard. Wow, he has displayed such familiarity with what I have been wearing? We have seen each other almost every working day and being his sister, I thought he would not notice what I was wearing (his line of focus was often on the babes).
Who says men are oblivious to what the ladies are wearing? It is more likely that they have often kept the comments to themselves. Ha ha.
June 06, 2007
Data Centre Visit
Despite hearing it for the umpteenth time, its layout, the jargons and the structure only exist in my imagination. How temperature, cables laying, raised floors, etc play about it providing the ideal environment for machines are simply beyond comprehension. As a finance support, I always believe that it is essential for me to understand my products so that I can provide the best support for the business.
A Data Centre is a place where space is leased for the housing and management of equipment (mainly servers). One of my line managers has graciously volunteered (more like giving in after my numerous harassment) to bring us around.
Before our visit, we were warned of the extreme temperature and the many traps (manholes) on the floor. Filled with some excitement, nervousness and apprehension, we set forth for our data centre visit.
If you picturing a data centre to be a state-of-the-art building, with nice lightings and carpet floorings, pause and scrap that image. It is indeed state-of-the-art, but the technology and intelligence are all obscured from view. The lightings are not artistic but are strong and functional. The place is indeed slightly freezing and certain parts of the place have strong wind. Most of the places are barred from entry as security is one of the highly regarded service level which we have promised to our customers. Hence, our tour was merely confined to the common grounds and probably places which were shown to potential customers.
Despite it being a short visit, at least I can relate the terms and jargons of the product specialists and managers to the actual equipment and structure. Now, I also know the differences among the various products.
A Data Centre is a place where space is leased for the housing and management of equipment (mainly servers). One of my line managers has graciously volunteered (more like giving in after my numerous harassment) to bring us around.
Before our visit, we were warned of the extreme temperature and the many traps (manholes) on the floor. Filled with some excitement, nervousness and apprehension, we set forth for our data centre visit.
If you picturing a data centre to be a state-of-the-art building, with nice lightings and carpet floorings, pause and scrap that image. It is indeed state-of-the-art, but the technology and intelligence are all obscured from view. The lightings are not artistic but are strong and functional. The place is indeed slightly freezing and certain parts of the place have strong wind. Most of the places are barred from entry as security is one of the highly regarded service level which we have promised to our customers. Hence, our tour was merely confined to the common grounds and probably places which were shown to potential customers.
Despite it being a short visit, at least I can relate the terms and jargons of the product specialists and managers to the actual equipment and structure. Now, I also know the differences among the various products.
June 03, 2007
New York, New York
Is it
A) a song?
B) a shopping mall (eg Taipei)?
C) a movie?
D) a restaurant?
Answer : (D)
Congrats to those who have gotten the answer correct!
Nah, you may brush this off as a stupid question. Indeed. New York, New York is becoming a well-known name in Singapore. Even if you have not heard or taste of it before, I am sure you have noticed the long queue near its entrance along Citylink if you happen to pop downtown for shopping.
Ha ha, this day has come! I am no longer an observer. Finally, I have joined the queue and be part of the cult. Ooopps, I mean crowd.
The lime green chairs screamed attention. The floss candy maker is a welcoming addition to both children and adults. Perusing the menu is another experience with the variety of choices, eg Mushroom Cappacino - is this mushroom or coffee? Tagliatelle? We have decided to be slightly adventurous choices of Mushroom Cappacino, Ribs Tagliatelle and roasted chicken and complete with a Rootbeer Float.
Taste is always subjective. A person's meat may be another person's poison. The place certainly has innovative menus. Perhaps we have acquired a different taste over the years - one which skewed more towards Asian cuisines, my mum and I concurred that we would steer away from western cuisine for the time being after subjecting ourselves to so much western food over the past 1 week.
A) a song?
B) a shopping mall (eg Taipei)?
C) a movie?
D) a restaurant?
Answer : (D)
Congrats to those who have gotten the answer correct!
Nah, you may brush this off as a stupid question. Indeed. New York, New York is becoming a well-known name in Singapore. Even if you have not heard or taste of it before, I am sure you have noticed the long queue near its entrance along Citylink if you happen to pop downtown for shopping.
Ha ha, this day has come! I am no longer an observer. Finally, I have joined the queue and be part of the cult. Ooopps, I mean crowd.
The lime green chairs screamed attention. The floss candy maker is a welcoming addition to both children and adults. Perusing the menu is another experience with the variety of choices, eg Mushroom Cappacino - is this mushroom or coffee? Tagliatelle? We have decided to be slightly adventurous choices of Mushroom Cappacino, Ribs Tagliatelle and roasted chicken and complete with a Rootbeer Float.
Taste is always subjective. A person's meat may be another person's poison. The place certainly has innovative menus. Perhaps we have acquired a different taste over the years - one which skewed more towards Asian cuisines, my mum and I concurred that we would steer away from western cuisine for the time being after subjecting ourselves to so much western food over the past 1 week.Shrek 3
It was a short but sweet story. One filled with laughter, courage and friendship and not forgetting the many well-known fairy-tale and legend characters. Afterall, Far Far Away is the land of magical characters.
In this story, we learnt a couple of lessons.
1) Prince Charming is not charming at all.
2) Not all witches, orgres (*Wink Wink*) or monsters are bad.
3) In the face of dangers and fears, sing a song or blabber non-stop - a stunt which was pulled off by Pinnochio and Gingerbread Man.
The most important is even if others view you as a monster or a loser, it does not mean you are one. Often, the person stopping you from becoming who you want to be is not anyone else, but yourself.
Get inspired, get entertained, go watch Shrek 3. :-)
In this story, we learnt a couple of lessons.
1) Prince Charming is not charming at all.
2) Not all witches, orgres (*Wink Wink*) or monsters are bad.
3) In the face of dangers and fears, sing a song or blabber non-stop - a stunt which was pulled off by Pinnochio and Gingerbread Man.
The most important is even if others view you as a monster or a loser, it does not mean you are one. Often, the person stopping you from becoming who you want to be is not anyone else, but yourself.
Get inspired, get entertained, go watch Shrek 3. :-)
June 02, 2007
Sunset at Central @ Clarke Quay
While waiting for Hui to appear at our meeting place last night, I have walked around the Promenade. As usual, Hui was grossly late again. What an opportune time to practise some photography skills again.
I was not alone. There were many people there taking photos with their families and friends. Some were standing on Central's end, taking pictures with the view of Clarke Quay. Some were standing at Clarke Quay's end, taking pictures with the view of Central.
There was another girl who was like me, alone admiring the great views of the River. When she could not withstand the beauty anymore, she took out her camera and started to take photos of herself. I nearly wanted to approach her and volunteer to help her take the pictures. I was too hesistant. Before I could utter any word, she was gone.
The sun set was beautiful with the River Promenade lit up in streaks of gold. As the sun set, the shops, the walkway and the Central soon were lit up with different coloured lights. A cacophony of lights on the buildings' facade, with each building trying to outdo another, incredulously blend in with the remaining hue of the evening sun. No wonder this has drawn many people sitting alongside the river admiring this ever changing picture and winding down on a Friday night.
The two pictures above are taken with the same shutter speed (1/80) but different aperture value (f/5.6 and f/2.8 respectively). The use of the different values also allow me to focus on different aspects - the evening sun and the mesmerising view of the riverside.
I was not alone. There were many people there taking photos with their families and friends. Some were standing on Central's end, taking pictures with the view of Clarke Quay. Some were standing at Clarke Quay's end, taking pictures with the view of Central.
There was another girl who was like me, alone admiring the great views of the River. When she could not withstand the beauty anymore, she took out her camera and started to take photos of herself. I nearly wanted to approach her and volunteer to help her take the pictures. I was too hesistant. Before I could utter any word, she was gone.
The sun set was beautiful with the River Promenade lit up in streaks of gold. As the sun set, the shops, the walkway and the Central soon were lit up with different coloured lights. A cacophony of lights on the buildings' facade, with each building trying to outdo another, incredulously blend in with the remaining hue of the evening sun. No wonder this has drawn many people sitting alongside the river admiring this ever changing picture and winding down on a Friday night.
The two pictures above are taken with the same shutter speed (1/80) but different aperture value (f/5.6 and f/2.8 respectively). The use of the different values also allow me to focus on different aspects - the evening sun and the mesmerising view of the riverside.
If you are looking for a different place to go to during the weekend, why not try out the riverside?
A Night of Fun and Stupid Moves
I have not seen both Hui and Jen since Hui's photo shoot which was more than a month ago. Although it sounds cliche, but time does fly. Don't you think so?
Last night, Hui suggested going to the Settlers' Cafe as an alternative to a 'conventional' diner. Settlers' Cafe offers board games, as well as food. We thought we were going to the Settlers' Cafe at Central @ Clarke Quay. Hence, we were definitely more than perplexed when after scrutinising the Central @ Clarke Quay's Directory twice, we still could not locate which unit Settlers' Cafe was situated. We approached the Information Counter to inquire. Our confusion was not lifted but rather intensified. What?!?! There was no Settlers' Cafe @ Clarke Quay.
When Hui finally spoke to one of the crew at Settlers' Cafe (Central), we found out that it was at North Canal Road (very near to Hui's office at One George Street). It was not Central @ Clarke Quay, nor was it Central Mall. It simply meant central location perhaps. Hui was profusely apologising for the muddle.
We took a short walk to a less-than-eye-catching shophouse. What greeted us as we pushed open the door was a friendly crew and a vivacious crowd with their occasional thundering laughter and cheers and their frequent chatter. Well, I must admit we did make quite an odd couple, ie 2 mid-twenties ladies amidst the rest of people who were at most in their late teens. We could easily stand in as their teachers. Sigh!
Fortunately, the friendly crew soon put us at ease with their recommendations of the 'package' which we should sign up for the night (sounds like going KBox). After we placed our food orders and while waiting for Onion to appear, we tasked the crew to introduce us some no-brainer games for two. I could not remember the name of the first game, but it was similar to our fourth game of Gemelo. Basically, we had to try to fit in some shapes on a board of empty space. The player with the least units of shapes won the game. during the game, we were more concerned about filling in the gaps rather than winning. Hui certainly had an innate ability for this for she emerged as the winner in both games.
We liked Blink and the Mensa Set Games the best. We played both games twice, in-between mouthful of food. Onion joined us during the onset of the Mensa Set Games. Blink was a more gentlemanly version of Snap where we were supposed to placed similar cards to 2 sets of cards already drawn. Each player started with 3 cards. We could only redraw after we finished 3 cards. The player who finished his deck first won the game.
We did not know the Set Game was the Mensa Set Game until we finished two rounds of the games with many brain cells killed. 12 cards were open at 1 point in time and players were supposed to identify sets of threes. The person with the most sets won. A set could mean same colour and same number but different shapes, or all different. There were numerous permutations of sets. We all ended with numerous sets and were quite proud that we did in fact have above average IQs (if the number sets could indeed provide some indication of one's IQ).
Although this was not the first time I played board games, but this was the first time I did not feel as stressful. Like me, Hui and Onion played with guts' feel rather than strategies. Like me, we were more concerned about having fun rather than winning. We helped each other along when one player fell back behind the rest. We enjoyed the process more than the outcome.
In some of the previous games I played, I was concerned that my havoc playing etiquette would spoil the game for my intellectual friends. This added stress and reduced the fun of playing somewhat. Perhaps I was too dimwitted. The more high brain-powered games that some of my friends enjoyed were simply beyond me and I was only referring to the playing instructions. Perhaps I was outrageously unambitious. Competition puts me off sometimes, especially in a leisure setting.
Somehow, this chill-out evening with Hui and Onion rekindled my interest for board games where competition and strategies took a second place.
Last night, Hui suggested going to the Settlers' Cafe as an alternative to a 'conventional' diner. Settlers' Cafe offers board games, as well as food. We thought we were going to the Settlers' Cafe at Central @ Clarke Quay. Hence, we were definitely more than perplexed when after scrutinising the Central @ Clarke Quay's Directory twice, we still could not locate which unit Settlers' Cafe was situated. We approached the Information Counter to inquire. Our confusion was not lifted but rather intensified. What?!?! There was no Settlers' Cafe @ Clarke Quay.
When Hui finally spoke to one of the crew at Settlers' Cafe (Central), we found out that it was at North Canal Road (very near to Hui's office at One George Street). It was not Central @ Clarke Quay, nor was it Central Mall. It simply meant central location perhaps. Hui was profusely apologising for the muddle.
We took a short walk to a less-than-eye-catching shophouse. What greeted us as we pushed open the door was a friendly crew and a vivacious crowd with their occasional thundering laughter and cheers and their frequent chatter. Well, I must admit we did make quite an odd couple, ie 2 mid-twenties ladies amidst the rest of people who were at most in their late teens. We could easily stand in as their teachers. Sigh!
Fortunately, the friendly crew soon put us at ease with their recommendations of the 'package' which we should sign up for the night (sounds like going KBox). After we placed our food orders and while waiting for Onion to appear, we tasked the crew to introduce us some no-brainer games for two. I could not remember the name of the first game, but it was similar to our fourth game of Gemelo. Basically, we had to try to fit in some shapes on a board of empty space. The player with the least units of shapes won the game. during the game, we were more concerned about filling in the gaps rather than winning. Hui certainly had an innate ability for this for she emerged as the winner in both games.
We liked Blink and the Mensa Set Games the best. We played both games twice, in-between mouthful of food. Onion joined us during the onset of the Mensa Set Games. Blink was a more gentlemanly version of Snap where we were supposed to placed similar cards to 2 sets of cards already drawn. Each player started with 3 cards. We could only redraw after we finished 3 cards. The player who finished his deck first won the game.
We did not know the Set Game was the Mensa Set Game until we finished two rounds of the games with many brain cells killed. 12 cards were open at 1 point in time and players were supposed to identify sets of threes. The person with the most sets won. A set could mean same colour and same number but different shapes, or all different. There were numerous permutations of sets. We all ended with numerous sets and were quite proud that we did in fact have above average IQs (if the number sets could indeed provide some indication of one's IQ).
Although this was not the first time I played board games, but this was the first time I did not feel as stressful. Like me, Hui and Onion played with guts' feel rather than strategies. Like me, we were more concerned about having fun rather than winning. We helped each other along when one player fell back behind the rest. We enjoyed the process more than the outcome.
In some of the previous games I played, I was concerned that my havoc playing etiquette would spoil the game for my intellectual friends. This added stress and reduced the fun of playing somewhat. Perhaps I was too dimwitted. The more high brain-powered games that some of my friends enjoyed were simply beyond me and I was only referring to the playing instructions. Perhaps I was outrageously unambitious. Competition puts me off sometimes, especially in a leisure setting.
Somehow, this chill-out evening with Hui and Onion rekindled my interest for board games where competition and strategies took a second place.
June 01, 2007
Skipping Christmas
The title already sounds very un-John-Grisham. Perhaps due to the theme being outside of the other titles which are more associated with John Grisham, such as The Firm, The Rainmaker, Runaway Jury, etc, it spurred me to pick up the book for a read.
Skipping Christmas is about the grand plan of the tax accountant – Luther and his wife, Nora to skip Christmas in a traditional neighbourhood. Being tax accountant, Luther did a tallying of the expenditure associated with Christmas and was shocked to discover the high damage yearly. As their only daughter was out of town this year, they have decided to skip Christmas and all the preparations. In replacement, they will be taking a cruise to the Caribbean.
Despite their determination, a twist of fate caused their grand plan to collapse. When their daughter suddenly flew back and brought her fiancé to celebrate Christmas. Luther and Nora were forced to drop their cruise plan and ran into a frenzy to pull together Christmas at the eleventh hour.
During Luther’s fight against his probing neighbours and colleagues on his decision to skip Christmas, he was ostracized and was placed in the limelight. He was deemed to be selfish when he did not support any of the fund raising activities from the sale of festive goodies. He was being singled out again when his refusal to decorate his house caused his estate’s loss of the award of the best decorated neighbourhood. Yet, he was not deliberately different. He had merely wanted to lead a different holiday.
This story somehow reminded me of my preference of skipping Chinese New Year as well, though I must confess I have not gone to such extreme. I still went ahead with CNY preparation, but I might not be in town during the first few days of the CNY celebrations.
Nonetheless, this was still a refreshing change from the more familiar legal tousle themes more associated with John Grisham.
Skipping Christmas is about the grand plan of the tax accountant – Luther and his wife, Nora to skip Christmas in a traditional neighbourhood. Being tax accountant, Luther did a tallying of the expenditure associated with Christmas and was shocked to discover the high damage yearly. As their only daughter was out of town this year, they have decided to skip Christmas and all the preparations. In replacement, they will be taking a cruise to the Caribbean.
Despite their determination, a twist of fate caused their grand plan to collapse. When their daughter suddenly flew back and brought her fiancé to celebrate Christmas. Luther and Nora were forced to drop their cruise plan and ran into a frenzy to pull together Christmas at the eleventh hour.
During Luther’s fight against his probing neighbours and colleagues on his decision to skip Christmas, he was ostracized and was placed in the limelight. He was deemed to be selfish when he did not support any of the fund raising activities from the sale of festive goodies. He was being singled out again when his refusal to decorate his house caused his estate’s loss of the award of the best decorated neighbourhood. Yet, he was not deliberately different. He had merely wanted to lead a different holiday.
This story somehow reminded me of my preference of skipping Chinese New Year as well, though I must confess I have not gone to such extreme. I still went ahead with CNY preparation, but I might not be in town during the first few days of the CNY celebrations.
Nonetheless, this was still a refreshing change from the more familiar legal tousle themes more associated with John Grisham.
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