Eternal Optimist

Moved!

2010-02-13T16:47:00.002+08:00

New year, new beginnings.

Skip over here if you wanna move with me.

My Favourite Things

2010-02-09T23:35:00.004+08:00

Suddenly thought of the songs from the Sound of Music. I cannot effectively articulate how deep an impact the movie had on me as a child. The familiarity with every song, dialogue and scene gives me a queer, warm feeling. It may be difficult for you to understand such deep love for something. But I do love things with a passion. Though none has come close as my love for the Sound of Music. Not even the Backstreet Boys. Okay, maybe BSB is about 4mm apart.

Here are some of my favourites songs (i.e. every song in the musical, haha). Nah, I'll just link up some that you may be familiar with, help you stir up some innocent memories :)

Do Re Mi. A breathtaking piece.

My Favourite Things. This video is a nice compilation that made me smile :)

So Long Farewell. Darn cute.

Wolf Howling, Spring Cleaning

2010-01-31T18:02:00.009+08:00

Do you know that during days surrounding the full moon every month, it is widely believed that human beings are more jittery and flare up more than usual? We all have an inner werewolf in us.

Like the effect of full moon on us, Her Royal Majesty's behaviour is just as affected by another astrological phenomena - the first day of the lunar year, generally known as Chinese New Year. As the day of red packets and bak kwa close in on us, Her Supreme Highness is exhibiting signs of bad temper while she goes about the annual spring cleaning regiment.

It really is a nuisance to listen to her relentless tirades. Even when she is not within sight, our ears are not spared on how we are not filial, how we ungrateful we are, and nonsense like that. The scene will remind you of the deranged old woman who sits alone at the void deck spouting insults at no one in particular.

After 20 years of the similar treatment, us mere mortals learn to be careful not to step on her toes and go about our duties before she directs her attention on us.

This post started out as a reminiscence of the forgotten things I found during spring cleaning. Turns out to be an angsty rant against the Celestial Queen. Feels like 14 years old all over again. Haha. Will write about my old stuff in another post.

Siang vs. Xiang: Progress Report (Jan 2010)

2010-01-30T00:04:00.002+08:00

2 weeks into challenge,

Xiang: Can breathe freely in an old dress which once became too tight to wear.

Siang: Appetite escalated.

开学恐惧症

2010-01-24T12:28:00.002+08:00

If you observed the following symptoms (1 day - 1 week before school starts) in your little sister, you can be sure that she has a phobia of starting school:

A bout of stomach aches and dizziness (not faked). The fear conditioned her body to display biological symptoms in order to skip school.
An irrational display of tantrums, "I want to wear Hello Kitty shoes!" in the middle of the night.
An attack of anxiety. Never go out with family on the Sunday before school starts because there's bound to be some unfinished holiday homework. It's always a bummer to need to return home in the middle of a movie just cos there's a "week's worth of Maths assignment to be handed in the next morning".

This is a condition the family has to endure throughout the little sister's school life. Oh, remember to check that the uniform still fits after a short 4-week school holiday. You don't want to have the unpleasant shock that she doesn't have any fitting uniform on the first day's morning.

Bedroom Concert

2010-01-24T11:08:00.004+08:00

There are so many things you can do in the privacy of your bedroom. Such as singing and dancing in your undies. ('Tis not my example. Just AN example.)

My favourite bedroom activity is to hold a Bedroom Concert.

Gasp! You mean you have never held a bedroom concert??! I tell you, it's the shiok-est thing!

You have never pranced around the room holding a hairbrush as a microphone? Or jumped on the bed belting out your favourite songs? It would be half-hearted if you just mouthed the words with the actual song playing on laptop. You need to sing every note with gusto to show that you are a serious singer. By the end of it, you should be feeling as breathless as you would have been if the concert was held in the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

That night, I had an encore segment that overran the time limit. My fans were so enthusiastic I couldn't disappoint them right? :D

Mighty Mouse

2010-01-24T10:49:00.007+08:00

My friend has a cage of 3 greying hamsters which he wasn't allowed to bring to his new chichi apartment. He asked if I could take the poor little things under my wing at Jalan Tenaga. To which, of course I refused. I'm not fond of animals of any kind.

To make his case stronger, he proposed that if I met with any danger, these hamsters would turn into Mighty Mice and fly out of their cage (with cape flapping behind their backs) to save me.

The imagery cracks me up no end.

P/s The picture above is not a hamster.

The Biggest Loser: Siang vs Xiang Edition

2010-01-12T00:08:00.005+08:00

In the name of good health (in actuality, vanity), my boo and I have pitted ourselves against each other for our own version of The Biggest Loser.

Duration: 6 months

Challenge: Be slimmer and fitter than the other

First measure: How many layers at the stomach each has when we sit and slouch?

Second measure: How much of the belly sticks out of hip when standing?

Third measure: How perky is the butt?

Fourth measure: Is there visible cellulite?

(more to be set as we progress)

He claims that while his stomach is bigger, it's hard and taut - strong muscles. *pui* I say it's hard and taut from too much beer.

Part of the strategy to win is also to tempt the other to eat more. So that he/she can be fatter and flabbier. And Bedok 85 is the ultimate challenge of determination.

The moment you step into the area, smells of barbecued food attack your nostrils and you salivate. Your stomach churns in happiness at the prospect of receiving the guilty pleasures.

At Bedok 85, you have to learn to be a monk in a brothel - nothing is temptation, temptation is nothing （空既是色，色既是空）. Amitabha.

To win, not only we need to resist, we need to use all of our cunning to coax each other to eat oilier and more fattening food. For example, he'll nod his head towards the neighbouring table which has a plate of newly grilled, juicy and crispy chicken wings. Today, I gulped, clenched my fists and looked away. Victory!

Sometimes, I suggest "Let's have grass jelly, it's really hot today." He will grunt (as if trying very hard not to agree), "No, there's too much sugar in that drink."

The first week has just started. I'll try to document our progress. May the best man win.

Traffic Lights (Another Bites The Dust)

2010-01-04T01:31:00.003+08:00

And so, another of you decided to join the dark side. Congrats and much love!!

*****

At the beginning of Uni orientation, we are supposed to tell our group members a bit about ourselves. To make it easier to define our relationship status, we have to indicate whether we belong to the Red, Green or Amber categories.

Red - Attached, Taken, Unavailable

Green - Single, Available

Amber - It's complicated.

But as we progress through the age boxes, these 3 may not be enough to define the stages of life we belong to. This is how I categorise my girl friends.

2 - Green Light

2 - Red Light

1 - Amber Light

2 - New car (Engaged)

1 - Car parked (Married. Gasp!)

0 - Car scrapped (With kids. Oh, the horror!!!)

You know who you are :D

I Only Need One EZ Link Card In My Purse

2009-11-11T23:01:00.003+08:00

Dear product designers of credit cards/ loyalty cards/ membership cards/ staff passes etc,

Please stop adding EZ Link function to your cards. At the rate you are "revamping" your cards, I'll need to get 12 separate purses to store my 19 cards. Or I won't be able to get up the bus cos the reader can't read multiple EZ Link linked cards in one purse.

I suppose you drive a lovely BMW and have never taken the public transport in the past 5 years. It must have made perfect sense to you add the one most important need of common consumers - convenience of not having multiple EZ Link cards cos "I already have the EZ Link function in a DBS Live Fresh card". However, you have forgotten that "I also own UOB One Card and 2 EZ Link cards". Already, I'll have 4 different purses for these cards.

A friendly opinion - It would have save you a lot of money if some market research was done before hand.

From the common commuter,

Chowchow

The Lies Of Celebrities

2009-11-10T00:29:00.000+08:00

My boss who used to be part of the BSB team disclosed another piece of insider info - Sometimes, 'autographed' items may not be signed by the artistes themselves. To save the hassle, their managers or their assistants just forged the artistes' signatures.

In conjunction with our endorsers' press tour over the weekend, we got them to sign a hundred posters and notebooks. They managed to sign all in one night. I wonder...

Our Cinderella Love Story

2009-10-31T22:37:00.004+08:00

This week's i-Weekly cover story is on the evolution of modern day princes. I wanna give my 2cents worth for I am one who can't resist a fairytale love story. I will start by describing two most desirable kind of guys who exist mainly in TV dramas.

The One with the Silver Spoon
Do you remember Tokyo Cinderella Love Story? I think Karasawa Toshiaki was every teenage girl's fantasy boyfriend in 1996. The rich heir to a powerful family business only has eyes for a plain Jane because she is kind, sincere and not pretentious. He will romance her in ways that the man on the street will never be able to. Like this:

To have a man who has everything to worship you, what more can you ask for?

The Bad Boy
Bad boys are attractive because they are reckless. Their rule bending ways give girls a sense of adventure, which make their lives exciting. He will be mean to everyone, especially the girl. But the rare moments of TLC to the girl will send hearts a-fluttering. Less is more - We get really silly when it comes to bad boys :) Also, the girl's maternal instinct will want to tame the bad boy so that he will settle down with her. The idea of the bad boy changing his ways for her is a dream come true.

Recent years, idol dramas have created a hybrid of the above 2 categories - the bad/mean/naughty rich heir. Which made them all the more desirable.

The Cinderella love story is an evergreen fantasy. With time, it will just be packaged in different ways.

My own Cinderella fantasy is being the apple of the eye of a pop star. He has the world at his feet but only has eyes for me *swoons*

Afternoon Sips

2009-10-25T00:14:00.004+08:00

I'm very much taken to the French habit of drinking wine any time of the day.

I tried to convince the girls to open a bottle of Lambrusco today. It's sparkling red dessert wine. You see, the French (or Belgians) scorned white wine cos they felt that white wine would never be as refined as red wine. And we amateurs like white wine mainly cos of its sweetness. So dessert red wine would be a good introduction to actual red wine. Oh the atrocity! Evon would look at me in exasperation.

But the girls didn't want to try...

After the very delicious Italian fare at Robertson Quay this afternoon, I couldn't resist ordering a glass of wine to clear my palate from the rich creamy pasta - taking cue from my Belgian friends.

I really like the idea of drinking wine on a lazy afternoon over long lunches with dear friends. Oh my, am I turning French? :D

The Best And Worst Airports

2009-10-25T00:01:00.003+08:00

Just saw this article.

I realised I passed through the world's worst and best airports in a space of 2 weeks.

Well, I don't know about it being the worst or not, but the London Heathrow Airport was rather dismal. Among other things, the only directions were all over the place, the officials there barked at me for being confused.

And Charles de Gaulle lost a piece of my luggage.

Home is always the most inviting :) Way to go, Changi!

The Love Of Eating And Cooking

2009-10-15T23:29:00.006+08:00

I just caught Julie and Julia with Angela today. While I guess it would not score very high with movie critics, I think it is absolutely delightful. Perhaps it's such joy to see people enjoy their food so much, like myself. I loved Meryl Streep's adorable expressions when she ate something delicious. I suspect that's how I look when I like what I am eating.

Actually I think I look like I enjoy my food too much. So much that people develop the perception that I eat a lot. I admit that I can plough through dish after dish if there is no one there to stop me. I am sort of a marathoner when it comes to eating. I can't do short sprints. Let me have my food slowly and I can be the last man standing at a long meal.

While I enjoy eating and eating (good food only, thank you very much), it becomes embarrassing when people start to make comments like, "I love eating with Melissa. I like to see her devour her food. Very good!" That came from my COO. And he will order a second serving of rice just for me, without asking.

And when colleagues were jokingly promoting me as a potential girlfriend for another colleague, his first reaction was, "No lah! Melissa eats too much!"

And when opening a time capsule put together with the girls 5 years ago, I read that one of the messages calls me "Chowchow the bottomless pit".

Or towards the end of a meal, when everyone can't finish the last piece of food on every dish, "Don't worry, Melissa can polish it off."

Once and for all, I wanna announce that I am going to shake this label off! Please do not encourage me to clear the food left on the table. I need to train my stomach to expect less food every meal.

As for love of cooking, I have zero talent/patience for it. Leave it to my boo to savour that. I will handle the eating part.

Wow

2009-10-15T23:18:00.004+08:00

This is my song of the moment. It's on repeat on my iTunes. It's my ringtone. It's my wake-up call. It just wakes up my every nerve. Who needs coffee when there is music?!

Can't get it out of my head! Lurve it!

P/s Couldn't find a video clip that allows me to embed. So I took this instead.

Difference Between 18 and 25 Years Old

2009-10-04T19:27:00.004+08:00

"We still have the same dreams when we had at 18. The only difference is that we are now financially able to chase the dream."

- Poffy

Infamous

2009-09-28T02:27:00.003+08:00

Can't believe this! I was checking my blog tracker and realised I have a lot of visitors from football forum pages. They were particularly drawn to the Chester City section. From the looks of the threads, they were highly amused.

Check them out here, here and here.

To the Chester City fans, *waves from the sunny shores of Singapore*! I was trying to highlight how well equipped your club was. In comparison, the teams in our local football league have much room to improve.

I had a great time at your stadium. It was a unique experience that few of my friends will encounter. Hope I will have a chance to visit again :)

Chow In Europe '09: Hard Day's Night Edition

2009-09-27T18:12:00.006+08:00

I confess that I don't feel a connection to the Beatles. I didn't grow up with their music. (Gimme MJ anyday.) But I still had to go through the memory lane, didn't I? Their influence was legendary! I wanted to feel it for myself too.

An extract from The Time Traveller's Wife:

She looks up. “Henry, who’s your favorite Beatle?”

“John. Of course.”

“Why ‘of course’?”

“Well, Ringo is okay but kind of a sad sack, you know? And George is a little too New Age for my taste.”

“What’s ‘New Age’?”

“Oddball religions. Sappy boring music. Pathetic attempt to convince oneself of the superiority of anything connected with Indians. Non-Western medicine.”

“But you don’t like regular medicine.”

“That’s because doctors are always trying to tell me I’m crazy. If I have a broken arm I would be a big fan of Western medicine.”

“What about Paul?”

“Paul is for girls.”

Clare smiles, shyly. “I like Paul best.”

“Well, you’re a girl.”

“Why is Paul for girls?”

Tread carefully, I tell myself. “Uh, gee. Paul is, like, the Nice Beatle, you know?”

“Is that bad?”

“No, not at all. But guys are more interested in being cool, and John is the Cool Beatle.”

“Oh. But he is dead.”

I laughed. “You can still be cool when you’re dead. In fact, it’s much easier, because you aren’t getting old and fat and losing your hair.”

Cos of this excerpt, I paid more attention to Paul and John in all the memorabilia. And Paul was so cute. Always great at making the cutest expressions. Now... I think he looks like a chikopek.

It's sad how age catches up with us.

Anyway, back in Liverpool, we took a trip down their past, where they began.

We visited the pub where they first started out and got the attention of their manager.

And bought some collectibles.

Okay, I'm not elaborating anymore. Running off to the Padang to meet the BSB (my Beatles) now!!

French Kissing

2009-09-26T10:25:00.005+08:00

The beautiful French like to kiss and hug on the streets.

I like that very much. I'll do that more often - just being French :)

Chow In Europe '09: Football Crazy Edition

2009-09-26T01:02:00.020+08:00

UK is a football crazy nation. It spawned a highly profitable industry.

I was very lucky to catch 2 live matches during my short stay in Liverpool. I'm a MU supporter. Stepping into the home ground of our bitter rival is considered blasphemy. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to catch an MU match as they were in Turkey for an away game. So had to make do with Liverpool's game. Still it was un-missible - a real live British football match.

By the way, my boo is a Liverpool fan. So it was a dream come true for him.

Before the game, we were invited as VIP guests to a match played by teams in a lower division. Even our local host didn't know which division they belonged to. The game was in the neighbouring town of Chester.

A small team like Chester City FC already has an actual stadium, full fledged VIP pampering service, complete with regular programme booklets and full-time working staff and footballers. The footballers from such a small team earn about 3000-4000 pounds a month. That's why every boy wants to be a professional footballer. If luck strikes, they will propel to super stardom. If not, they can still earn a decent income comparable to normal executives.

As I said, football is big business in UK.

The game ended 2-1 to the home team. They have actual supporters who buy season tickets to their matches okay? Maybe in 20 years' time, they can reach the ranks of the English Premier League.

Dean Saunders, ex-Liverpool player, Chester City fan

The next day, we visited the Liverpool megastore in the local shopping mall. Fans from Hungary were pouring in to watch their team play Liverpool that evening. They visited the store too. Many mocked at the shop by posing outside with their team's gear. So did I. Harmless rivalry is fun, eh?

After paying for a mountain of merchandise, it was time to proceed to Anfield.

And so, Liverpool scraped away with a 1-0 win. Not the most impressive performance but the stadium atmosphere was still overwhelming for a first timer.

Since there was no chance to have a good look at the stadium that evening, we made a trip back the next morning. Torres was supposed to do a book signing that afternoon. But we couldn't stay cos... I was going to Old Trafford in Manchester - just a half hour drive away!

There was no game going on, of course. But I was elated to just step on the soil and visit the merchandise store. Unfortunately, we wasted some time finding the way, I only had 30 minutes to shop. I dashed around grabbing stuff into my arms until it was time. The guard genially shepherded me to the cashier, calling me "my love".

Whee!

We were scheduled to leave the next day. Our host gave a tip - wait at the gates of the Liverpool's Melwood training ground before 9am, the football stars reporting for training might just stop and sign autographs. They were more accommodating to overseas fans.

And we did just that, in the cold morning wind. Looking like idiots.

After numerous flashy cars whizzed past, including Gerrard, Carragher and Benitez, we could only give up. And we proceeded to the train station for the next leg of the trip.

The last picture was Steven Gerrard in his car, by the way.

And that's the full account of the biggest highlight of the holiday :D

Stephie's Shop Project

2009-09-26T00:40:00.001+08:00

As a favour to Wanqing, Baby and I did a series of photoshoot. You may see more at her blogshop. All the clothes displayed are for sale. You may access her blogshop here.

Things I Did On A 12-Hour Flight

2009-09-25T02:38:00.003+08:00

SIN >> LHR (London)

Watched The Proposal
Watched Angels and Demons in Italian
Tried to read book that I brought along, failing to complete 5 pages at any one time
Doodled in notebook
Read over neighbour's shoulder - Guide to London
Ate 2 in-flight meals + 3 sandwiches
Napped

CDG (Paris) >> SIN

Ate 2 in-flight meals + 1 bun
Completed The Lost Symbol

I didn't realised it then (until I passed by a billboard - see photo below) but I grabbed The Lost Symbol on the day of release at a bargain! Only 12 pounds! It's selling at $48 here (pre-book price $36). One of the best finds of the trip :D

The Case Of The Broken Vase

2009-09-02T00:06:00.003+08:00

The Mystery

Yesterday morning I went to work and saw that my notebooks and papers were soaked; my desk was wet. Tracing the source of the water, I realised that my vase was broken into 2 pieces. It was still standing but a bottom corner was slightly "detached" from its body, explaining the leak. Before I noticed that my desk was wet, I actually thought that my flowers were very thirsty and drank up all the water over the weekend.

The Queries

When did it happen? Friday night? Saturday? Sunday or Monday morning?
Who broke my vase and pretended to put it back? He/She did not even bother to dry my desk!
There was no reason for anyone to approach my desk unless he/she intended to wreck havoc. The flowers and the vase were from my boo. Who then, bore such hatred for me?
Why did the vase break at the bottom? If it was dropped or knocked into, wouldn't the top part chip instead? Unless it was dropped vertically on its base.

The Witness

The cleaning auntie was the only one who would touch my desk, to pack my papers and wipe the table. She said that on Saturday, the vase was still intact. But she did not see the coward who not only broke it, he did not dare to admit (or clean up after him).

The Theories

The cleaning auntie broke it but didn't dare to admit.
Someone was fooling around with a netball (inter-department Captain's Ball competition was coming up) and accidentally knocked the vase with the ball. And kept quiet about it.
I had a secret admirer who went berserk when he saw the flowers from my boo. Fondness became hatred which turned into violence. He then fled the scene.

The Conclusion

Each of the above was as unlikely as the next mainly because of the evidence left behind. My vase was not some expensive antique and I am an amicable person. There was no reason for the culprit to be afraid to own up or at least clean up the water.

And then, I had a stroke of brilliance.

Did you notice that the weather was very erratic over the weekend? It was super hot, then super chilly during the rainstorm. The vase must have been subjected to the sudden change in temperature. And it broke.

This would explained why the 2 pieces were so neatly placed together, and why my papers were left to soak in the water. If it was an accident, a normal person would be frantic about saving the documents, wouldn't he?

The vase was pretty thick. It could be that the outside surface contracted but the inside couldn't adjust in time, resulting in cracking and eventually breaking.

Oh man, what a genius! Call me Detective Chow!

But all of the above were just deduction. The only thing that was certain - the vase has become useless. And I cut my finger on the broken glass.

The End

明星。爱情。梦。

2009-08-28T00:14:00.005+08:00

I'm delighted by this news. It's like reading a happy ending to a love story (though it hardly is the ending, of course).

Maybe it was my lifelong dream to fall in love with a celebrity, to the envy of all his fans. In my dream, I'm the girl next door - the plainest girl he choose to fall for.

In my dream, the celebrity often changed faces - For a while in 1998, it was pre-balding, still hot Prince William. Sometimes it was Nicholas Tse or Chilam. Most of the time, it is Nick Carter... Ahem, the list gets too embarrassing to go on.

In my dream, he serenades me in front of 10,000 screaming fans. I think once he even proposed to me onstage during a soldout concert.

So I think I feel a strange affinity to Mrs Lau (above pic). 爱情万岁！

OK stop sniggering!

Speaking Of Fangirls...

2009-07-25T14:28:00.002+08:00

Check out this super cute girl who was ecstatic to meet Harry Potter (and Ron).

One Degree Of Separation

2009-07-25T13:08:00.007+08:00

(Follow up from here.)

OMG! I officially confirm that I am separated by just one person from the Backstreet Boys!

One of my bosses (the one I mentioned before) strutted over to my desk and pointed to a news clipping of the BSB performing at the upcoming Singapore's F1 race, "What's this?!"

I said, "Oh, I'm going to the F1 to watch them, cos they're performing!"

"Oh, is it?"

"Oh I heard you knew them!" I exclaimed.

Proudly, almost smirking, "Yes, I even toured with them for a month."

Of course, the little fangirl went all impressed and "Wah!"

Then he pointed to Nick and said, "He's very girl crazy. The rest... are pretty okay."

Yay! How exciting to know a bit more about my fantasy boyfriend. I almost can touch his face already!

MM Lee Sees Great Potential In Me

2009-07-20T22:14:00.003+08:00

We were not in an unfamiliar environment - at a grassroots function. You know, I used to be part of the grassroots organisation...

He came up to me and said, "I've been noticing you and your contributions to the community. Once you have a firm stand in the working world, I encourage you to be a grassroot leader. I see great potential of you becoming stellar in politics."

Of course, it turned out to be just a dream.

Be A Freshmaker

2009-07-17T23:00:00.002+08:00

Who could forget the brilliance of Mentos commercials? Relive some classic ones here!

And because the concept was so classic, Mentos commercials have since then become synonymous with having a brainwave. Which brings me to this episode -

In my school days, we used to hang out around the Starbucks tables in the canteen during our breaks. These tables were prone to losing their rubber ends and rocking about.

Once, we got irritated over a particularly rocky table. Gek Leng took out a piece of paper and started humming the Mentos song while folding the paper. Then he bent down and slotted the paper under the shorter leg.

And ta-dah, a Mentos commercial idea was born! The ingenuity was not the paper but singing a Mentos song to accompany the scene :D

Sometimes, don't we just need a stroke of brilliance to entertain ourselves? *winks*

Will The Real Chowchow Please Stand Up?

2009-07-12T00:31:00.002+08:00

(Edit 14 Jul: Scroll down for answer...)

Throw in your guesses, everyone!

Chowchow is in the second picture. The first one is Lee Serene. We are said to look alike. Here's a picture of us together :)

1-for-1 Jugs Not For 2 People

2009-07-11T13:04:00.006+08:00

(Note: This story was from last July.)

The Boyfriend and I had a chichi dinner at Robertson Walk and decided to pop by Zouk, since he hadn't been there before and we were on leave the next day. And I wanted to see what had changed after a two-year hiatus from Mambo Night.

Things I learnt that night:

The Mambo mix had included songs from the early 90s - songs I actually heard on the radio when I was little! It was quite disturbing to learn that the song list evolved with time too.
The dancers on the podium could dance to a new with the same moves without rehearsal. Certain lyrics must go with specific moves. It was funny to see dancers interpreting a new song differently.
Never to order 1-for-1 jugs of potent cocktail mix when there were only two of us.

I told The Boyfriend how I had seen the ugly effects of Long Island Tea on my friends. Being the gungho drinker, he wanted to try too, "Let's get a jug!" he shouted.

11pm to midnight was usually the 1-for-1 offer. And he came back with two jugs of Long Island - one for each of us.

Knowing how bad the drink could affect the less seasoned drinker, I sipped my way through the whole jug. While he gulped it down, very cool okay.

And it did made me very tipsy. I couldn't stand or walk straight as I stumbled out to get a cab home. Walking on air was a great feeling!

As we got out of the taxi, The Boyfriend gasped and leaned against a pillar. And he regurgitated our expensive steak and wine.

"It's all the taxi's fault," he exclaimed later. Apparently, the taxi was jerking too much for his comfort. "And I was punished for giving in to beef," he added - Some time back, he abstained from beef for reasons I couldn't comprehend.

Our two hundred dollars went down the drain just like that. And yes, I guessed it was the taxi's fault ;)

For Silky & Straight Hair, Walk Straight Ahead

2009-07-09T22:42:00.004+08:00

As seen on my bottle of Herbal Essence Dangerously Straight Silky & Straight Conditioner -

Use me: Massage me in, rinse me out, walk straight ahead.

The Chow Sisters: 失恋篇

2009-07-09T22:02:00.000+08:00

Baby Chow came home one day with a solemn face. She put down her bag, change out of her dress and put on rubber gloves. Then she took a broom and swept the floor with zest, filled up a pail of water and cleaned the toilet furiously and stacked up the routine mess in her room.

We couldn't understand the sudden eagerness to help out at home, for she was usually the princess who does little.

As as she wiped the tiles in the bathroom, tears starting streaming down her face.

原来是失恋了。

Mourning

2009-07-09T01:07:00.002+08:00

A family which mourns together, bonds together.

P/s My Mum is addicted to Youtube for its vast bank of MJ videos.

Still On The Man Who Makes White Socks Look Damn Cool

2009-07-06T18:39:00.003+08:00

Baby Chow wailed (after watching a very spectacular MJ from Dangerous Tour 1992): "I wished I had paid more attention to him before. Now it's too late!"

Just to show you how spectacular it is; check out his exit from the arena from 6:10 onwards):

Thanks For The Memories, Moonwalker

2009-07-05T00:38:00.003+08:00

Sigh. I'm still suffering from MJ withdrawal symptoms. An overdose of his videos doesn't seem to help :(

Moonwalker is the film to see MJ during his most glorious moments. When I was just a little 9 year old, Papa brought home the Moonwalker LD (laser disc). That was the first time I truly appreciated his supremacy. I watched his string of amazing performances on repeat.

One of the highlights was Badder, the kids version of the Bad video. It's fascinating and very cute. Check it out:

And my favourite-st segment was undoubtedly Smooth Criminal, full version. 7:16 - the gravity defying leaning move was real, y'all. It was performed live many times :D

P/s My earliest memory of MJ was Thriller. It was the theme song of a Mickey Mouse cartoon video that I watched over and over again when I was four. I wanna share the video here too:

Double sigh.

Coke The Supreme Quencher

2009-06-28T17:51:00.006+08:00

Under the sweltering heat in Siem Reap, the one drink I couldn't live without was good 'ol Coke. Plus lots and lots of ice :)

会唱歌的男人早结婚？

2009-06-28T17:47:00.002+08:00

That's my colleague's theory, the rationale being these guys are better at charming girls. Indeed, the singers in our office all married before they turned 30.

Do you agree? :)

The Chow Sisters: 心狠手辣

2009-06-23T22:18:00.004+08:00

When the Chow Sisters were little, they bickered all the time. Mel Chow was always too soft- hearted to mean what she said. Baby Chow, on the other hand, took the most extreme measures to show that she was really mad; she would go and destroy Mel Chow's most precious possessions.

Once, she marched over to the Mel's prized bookshelf, took out a random book and slashed the pages. And she threw the book in Mel's face, "Take that!"

Books were the most important things in the world to young Mel then. She was devastated.

This incident happened when Baby was just 4 years old, even before The Death of Kaka .

别相信男人的话

2009-06-23T00:22:00.004+08:00

我告诉妈祥烊的睡眠品质差, 常睡足8小时却还感觉疲累。或许是工作压力太大，或枕头床褥不适和，或其他原因。

他说只有我陪他睡，他才能真正休息。

妈说： “男人的话你也相信？！”

妈妈的话真有道理。

My Shoes Are Not Wearing Out Fast Enough

2009-06-15T23:03:00.004+08:00

My wretched pair of cardboard shoes covered in gold glitter refuses to break so that I have a reason to throw them away!

There are at least 6 pairs still in their pristine boxes waiting to be unwrapped. I'm not wearing them out fast enough to keep out with my new buys! While I'll like to start wearing them for different outfits on different days, the Grand Dame at home hates that I have so many pairs of shoes on the shoe rack. She thinks my lovely shoes create clutter.

I should have my very own walk-in shoe cabinet, just like how some people have walk-in closets and walk-in beer fridges ;)

What's Your Reason For Not Exercising?

2009-06-03T23:37:00.004+08:00

In an effort to get my Mum, the only sedentary person in the family to work out, I invited her to join me at my company gym.

After 6 half hearted minutes on the cross training machine, she decided to stop because "the gym was spooky". I was training at the pool, in plain view from the gym, with at least 20 other colleagues. How spooky could it be?

Lol. Excuses, excuses.

She said, "I think I'll sign up for a yoga package." Let's see how that turns out.

Slumming It

2009-05-30T01:31:00.010+08:00

You have heard of eco tourism, dark tourism, medical tourism. What about poverty tourism? This is a term I (thought I) coined myself to define the tourism of visiting the villages or slums in developing countries. Only to learn that this is not a new concept - poorism.

Poverty tourism or poorism, also known as township tourism or slumming is a type of tourism, in which tourists travel to less developed places to observe people living in poverty. Poorism travel tours are popular in places like India, Ethiopia, and even places that have had natural disasters such as hurricanes and tsunamis. After Hurricane Katrina, Louisiana became a big poorism site.
Critics say poorism is likened to a kind of voyeurism, exploiting people less fortunate, snapping pictures and leaving nothing in return. - Wikipedia

While researching travelling materials to developing countries, I see lots of pamplets encouraging me to "experience a day in the life of the native folk".

I don't mind contributing money and time to help improve the lives of the poor in these regions. But if laying two bricks on an unfinished village school and posing for photographs in the process just for the thrill of feeling charitable and sympathetic, I say no thanks.

Some places are so developed in poverty tourism that the visiting route is all planned out for the traveller who wants to "slum it". Recent trip to Siem Reap really opened my eyes to this superficial farce.

Indeed, we leave nothing behind when we visit the slums except the sense of inferiority. What gives us the right to peer and take pictures of people who are hard at work in the fields and fake our sympathy? I say it is fake because most of us will not take sustainable measures to help the poor when we are back in our cushy beds at home, no matter how saddened we are during the tour.

Oh yes, I was also guilty of being the affluent tourist who travelled to the slums to gawk at the villagers "in their natural habitat" as if they were animals at the zoo.

We took a river cruise on the Tonle Sap River whose main attraction is the floating village. We were fascinated by the floating homes, floating markets, floating chapels and basketball courts. We stared in wonder at the river folk while our boat weaved through their homes.

We were then brought to the floating provision shop to buy some stationery for the poor children studying in schools. "We will bring you to see the children later." Immediately an image of happy children hugging my legs while I give out pencils popped into mind.

At the little shop, 8 pencils cost USD$4 and 10 exercise books cost $12. Exorbitant! When I took one packet of pencils, the guide prompted, "Get more. That's not enough for the children," and smiled widely.

The our guide took us to the floating school where the children were having lessons. It was the most awkward experience! There were just 2 of us. When we stepped into the classroom, the teacher stopped and smiled at us. The blackboard was filled with mathematics equations and the children were apparently doing their work.

We looked at them and said hi. The children just stared at us, just like how they stared at the many damn foreigners before us. They did not swarm around me like I imagined. We tried to pictures with them and realised they were not responsive. After a few hasty attempts to be friendly, we scooted off. We really did not want to make them feel like an exhibition.

I don't know if the money paid for the stationery will eventually help the families. It took me a while to grapple with the fact that I was no different from any damn ang mohs - I participated in poverty tourism.

Reliving

2009-05-16T14:05:00.007+08:00

Met up with some ex-colleagues last night and as usual, we were reliving the funniest moments that got us laughing till we were gasping for breath.

On Vietnamese beauties

D: I heard Vietnamese girls from the North are pretty. The Southern ones, not so. So which part are you from, M (our Vietnamese colleague)?

M : The central part.

D: Oh, no wonder.

M looked incredulous. The rest of us goggled at D in disbelief, What?!!

On Koreans

M: Has anyone seen the Korean? Has anyone seen the Korean?

J: What Korean? Have you seen C? He's in the other room! (We had a Korean colleague.)

M: What are you talking about? I'm asking about the Korean who delivers documents to us!

M was actually talking about the courier.

On Italian chapels

Me: I may be going to Europe with my boyfriend and his family next autumn.

A: I think the parents are planning to make you marry their son in Europe! Imagine passing by a cathedral in Rome. They'll push you in and lock the doors. They will even prepare the gown.

Me: What?!

A: Just double check their luggage before you leave for Europe. Make sure there's no dubious white dress in their luggage!

Meow!

2009-05-10T21:37:00.009+08:00

Eating alone by the riverside has always been a romantic concept to me. I always feel happily lost in the great city, thinking of the million big dreams to fulfill, and countless distances to conquered. It is always nice to sit by the bank and listen to the waves.

Doesn't The Sail look utterly unspectacular? It is dwarfed by the neighbouring office blocks. I remember its sales pitch was to draw people to stay in the city, above the city. And the artists' impressions showed that it stood above the sparkling lights of the city, and everything else. Hmm...

I digress. I actually wanted to say how I enjoyed Cats The Musical. See, I got a really close view of the stage :)

Spoiler alert!

The opening act began with a long sequence of orchestra music. We were anticipating the performers to appear on stage, until one by one, we felt something breathing down their necks. Hordes of Cats had swarmed the theatre without warning, and were prowling among the audience. Although I clearly knew they were actors in disguise, I had to breathe hard and keep still to stop myself panicking. See how close they got:

Don't judge me for being afraid of actors dressed as cats, cos they were really life-like!

And of course, the rest of the musical was breathtaking. I enjoyed every bit of it.

So glad I insisted on watching it even when no one could accompany me :))

Claypot Delight

2009-04-25T00:41:00.008+08:00

For the past ten years, I frequented the Claypot Rice stall at Chinatown (although there was a lapse in the last couple of years) with my Papa. When the steaming pot was served, he always poured the oil and soya sauce on the first layer - the ingredients - and mixed it up. Then he scooped the chicken to a plate and mixed up the rice with the sauce.

Apparently this was not the usual practice when eating claypot rice because when I did the same, my colleague and some Indonesian tai-tais remarked, "Are you supposed to serve the rice this way? We usually just mix up all the chicken and rice."

I replied, "Oh, that's how my Dad does it. Maybe it's more convenient this way; you can pick the chicken when you want from the plate."

The cute tai-tais smiled, "Let me try your Dad's method."

It's funny how my Papa's little actions make him so endearing to me.

Porn Anime, Anyone?

2009-04-23T00:21:00.003+08:00

I came home to see a DVD lying on my bed, the sleeve showing a blond exposing her breasts and legs wide open, anime-style.

Most likely it's from my Mum. I couldn't verify cos she was already asleep. It's not the first time she has shown me porn - I was invited to watch porn movies when I was a wee teenager. I often thought the movies were more amusing than stimulating. Anyway, I usually couldn't bear to watch more than 10 minutes into the 'action'. It was too disturbing.

Back to the wretched DVD on my bed - I'm itching to check it out... I expect it'll be quite hilarious to watch with the girls. But if I took it, I'm saying I'm into it! Oh dilemma, dilemma.

Girls, interested?

Edit: I decided not to watch it.

Chowchow The Shepherd

2009-03-27T11:53:00.005+08:00

"People from all over the world have passed through this village, son," said his father. "They come in search of new things, but when they leave they are basically the same people they were when they arrived. They climbed the mountain to see the castle, and they wind up thinking that the past was better than what we have now. They have blond hair, or dark skin, but basically they're the same as the people who live right here."

"But I'd like to see the castles in the towns where they live," the boy said explained.

"Those people, when they see our land, say that they would like to live here forever," his father continued.

"Well, I'd like to see their land and how they live," said his son.

"The people who come here have a lot of money to spend, so they can afford to travel," his father said. "Amongst us, the ones that really travel are shepherds."

"Well, then I'll be a shepherd!"

His father said no more. The next day, he gave his son a pouch that held three ancient Spanish gold coins.

"I found these in the fields. I wanted them to be a part of your inheritance. But use them to buy your flock. Take to the fields, and someday you'll learn that our country-side is the best, and our women the most beautiful."

- The Alchemist, Paul Coelho

Well, then I'll be a shepherd too! If that's what it takes for me to learn that our country-side is the best, and the women most beautiful. I just lack the three ancient Spanish gold coins to buy myself a flock of sheep.

Rainbow

2009-03-15T21:47:00.005+08:00

Recent incessant thunderstorms have brought about frequent sightings of rainbows. Sometimes, you may just spot 2 arches of rainbow one on top of another. Doesn't it make you just wanna stop time and enjoy the simple beauty of it?

Have a happy Monday.

Ahem Excuse Me!

2009-03-15T17:55:00.001+08:00

Once I start coughing, I'll be coughing for at least 3 months. During this period, my every sentence will be punctuated with coughs. I usually try to suppress it to "ahem" instead of going "Hack hack haack". It is most irritating.

Once, I had dinner at a food centre. Being dinner time, it was very crowded and it was common to share tables. I shared my table with a man who was eating mutton soup like me.

Just when I was chewing my food, I had a huge urge to cough and clear my throat. Because there was food in my mouth, I force my mouth shut and tried to restrain my cough. I should have known, my cough was a dragon which was trying to be unleashed from the dungeons. It exploded.

Bits of food flew and landed in the man's hair and soup and god knows where. Like in a Stephen Chow's comedy - it all happened in slow motion. Add in ridiculous sound effects, and it would have been hilarious.

It's an understatement to say I was mortified. It took the man 3 seconds to react. His face contorted into anger and flicked the specks of rice that landed on his hair with utmost disgust. If he was a girl, he would be screaming his head off. I was stunned.

Thank goodness the Boyfriend was with me. The chivalrous knight in shining armour. My Prince Charming on a gleaming white horse. While he looked at me in amazement, he immediately apologised profusely and ordered a new set of mutton soup for the man.

I tried to be invisible. My boo had to drag me away from the table.

And now, he makes sure I never forget this by reminding every now and then. Oh, I have such a miserable life.

How I Almost Died (Last September)

2009-03-15T12:10:00.005+08:00

This is Renggis Island in Tioman - a snorkelling hotspot for people staying at and around Berjaya Resort in Tioman. This was where I almost drowned myself.

I love being in the water (only when I'm sure I can have my head above the water at all times i.e. I can touch the floor / I'm on a float). I love how my arms and legs bob in the water, in tandem to the merry woosh woosh of the gentle waves. Thus, I was looking forward to snorkelling for this first time.

It was very exciting to zoom out to sea in a tiny jet boat, decked in life jackets and flippers. In my mind though, there was a nagging apprehension of the unknown that I was about to face, It's just too damn easy to die in the sea, isn't it?

I eased myself into the water with trepidation, among the schools of tiny, shimmering fishes. Bobbing in the water with Hui, then I managed to quiet the nagging voice in my head and enjoy the wonders of the sea. I was praying so hard that I would not meet any octopus, squid or cuttlefish. I am terrified of these monsters. Maybe I'll elaborate this bizarre phobia in another post.

Anyway, we were happily swimming in the sea when the locals manning the snorkelling station waved us over. They urged us to swim around the Renggis Island. The beautiful corals were on the other side. Hui and I shook our heads, "It's too dangerous to go there on our own."

The shorter of the two said, "We'll bring you!" And he flashed a wide grin, "Each of you follow one of us. Can you swim? You should take off your life jackets. Else it'll be difficult to swim."

And Hui enthusiastically said OK and took off her jacket. I quietly followed, my heart pounding with dread, It's too damn easy to die in the sea!

My guide swam strongly out towards the island. And I followed. It was surprisingly effortless to swim in the sea. All I could hear was my own breathing. That was scary. That meant I wouldn't be able to hear if any creature snuck up behind me. I would die on the spot if a curious tentacle stroked my arm without warning.

The guide then dived down to the seabed to pick a starfish to show me. As I waited for him to resurface, I started to sink into the sea. And I panicked.

I'm gonna die! And the colossal squid will wrap me with its fifty tentacles and rip me apart! I thought. I started to thrash in the water that was at least 10 metres deep.

Thankfully, the jet boat on lifeguard duty immediately roared to life and sped towards me. And what a joke, the moment I saw the boat, I felt safe and started swimming towards the floating platform. Swimming in the sea was effortless! I reached safe land before the boat even reached me!

On hindsight, I think it was because I was in an upright position; you can only stay afloat if your body was parallel to the sea. All I needed to do was to lie on my back and I would be afloat.

My guide swam over asked in contempt, "Why you panic, Melissa? I'm here. You don't trust me! You ready? Let's go again."

I looked at him in shock. You want me to go out there again?

"No scared. I hold your hand. Many Singaporeans go with me. Nobody scared like you." Okay, now he was using reverse psychology. And I took the bait.

I was much calmer the second time because he was holding my hand. We saw beautiful corals, giant clams and even a baby shark. Then he wanted to teach me skinny dipping. Meaning you hold your breath and dive in the depths of the sea. When you surface, you need to blow the water out of the pipe so that you can breathe through your mouth. I politely declined the offer. My guide shook his head in disappointment and said I let him down, "unlike the other Singaporeans". But I didn't want to risk drowning and stood my ground.

Imagine my relief when we finally completed a round about the island. The moment I caught sight of the floating platform, I abandoned my guide and swam to it, ignoring his calls to "look at the turtles".

Hui was swinging her legs at the edge of the platform, "What happened to you? I saw you waving for help. Then you started swimming like you're OK."

Let me catch my breath first.

The Big Match

2009-03-14T14:58:00.000+08:00

Time to settle old debts

A Post V-Day Post

2009-03-04T00:24:00.002+08:00

My boo has been showering me with declarations of "I love you"s. As frequent as 5 times in 2 hours. He must guilty about something, or he took advice from some men's magazines on how to pamper his girlfriend. Either way, I like it :)

While I'm not usually one to boast or tell people about him and me, I want to share this! -

Last weekend, I was stressed out and tired out from the upcoming event I was working on, he offered to stay over at my place so that he could make breakfast for me the next morning. Awww........

Anyway, happy Valentine's everyday y'all!

XOXO,

chowchow

Reading on Rainy Days

2009-03-03T22:57:00.008+08:00

Just felt like spending time with myself today after work. Usually that means window shopping and book browsing.

I went to Parkway for dinner and spied on my colleagues at my 3 outlets there. After paying my bills and doing some banking, I walked over to the Marine Parade library. I vowed not to buy books for the next 12 months in an effort to save money. To show my determination, I had refused to renew my Borders membership. Why spend on books when you can borrow from our wonderful libraries? And note, our libraries really do carry a good collection of books, even new ones.

Referring to my list of "wanted books" which I kept in my handphone, I went browsing at the shelves. I have the list with me wherever I go, in case I have a sudden urge to visit the book store or library and I dunno what to look for.

I made a beeline for Chuck Palaniuk just to check out the available books there, although my list pointed me to David Mitchell. I cannot resist a Chuck P. book. I've read a number of his books and none failed to entertain me. Just check out my Visual Bookshelf on Facebook. You can imagine how I look forward to his next book.

At home, I have American Gods by Neil Gaiman. While he is the hottest writer among my friends, I have yet to get past Chapter 4 of the book even after repeated attempts. I found it incredibly boring, or I'm just not interested in adult fantasy tales. (If there's anyone who wants to buy it from me at a cheaper price, please sms me. Price negotiable.)

Speaking of fantasies, I'm a huge fan of children fantasy, I'm sure you know already :)

There's a Youtube clip of someone giving a literary analysis of how Harry Potter is gay. Personally, I think he's reading too much into it, if I ignore the jarring clue related to Stonewall High. Play the clip to see what I mean.

By the way, did Dan Brown come up with a new book? Hui and I spotted an unfamiliar title on the faraway shores of Tioman but I couldn't find it on the web.

Anyway, back to the library, I cleared my debt before checking out the 2 books. Do you know you gotta clear your fines before you can borrow? I was amazed it took NLB so long to come up with the idea.

Now, I've got 2 books to tide me through the rainy season. Pure bliss :)

没有梦想太遥远

2009-02-28T21:21:00.003+08:00

Last month, I was in charge of a voice recording for a radio commercial. That was just a couple of days before CNY. And I got to chat with the voice talent, who happened to be DJ 帝聪.

Seeing that I looked kinda green to be "in charge" of a project, he asked when I graduated, what I studied.

I shared that I actually wished to study subjects not related to my current discipline, e.g. history and literature. I didn't study them in the past because my mum didn't think much of arts subjects. In fact, I dreamt of pursuing the creative line such as broadcasting like him, or writing for publications.

He was adamant that I did not pursue my dreams because of my mum and demanded that he spoke with my mum. While it was obvious he was joking, I was touched to hear his encouragement.

At the end of the session, we parted with his blessings to achieve my dreams in the future.

Until now, when I think of our conversation, I will weep quietly. Deep in me, there must be a strong sense of regret. It is not too late to chase my dream?

It's queer how a stranger can make such a deep impression on me.

Tell Me That I'm Dreaming

2008-12-08T17:36:00.002+08:00

I learnt the most bizarre news recently - My interim boss (while my real boss goes on long leave) used to be a music producer. AND he used to produce songs for the BSB (before they became the epitome of boybands).

Gasp! There's this weird feeling in me that I dunno how to express. I seriously don't know how to react to this.

Do you think he played a part in this performance? ;D

"I Can Make Bad Things Happen To People"

2008-12-08T17:19:00.002+08:00

You gotta forget the crap that was Order of the Pheonix and watch these!

It's practically a scary movie. With a well organised plot.

Already, I can't wait to see how frightening Deathly Hallows will turn out.

The Insane VS The Really Insane

2008-12-08T15:34:00.005+08:00

I got this from a crime novel - How do you plead insanity as a defendant in a homicide?

Case 1
A man throws a baby into the fire thinking the baby is a piece of log. In the eyes of law, this man is insane.

Case 2
A man throws a baby into the fire knowing the baby is a human being. In the eyes of law, this man has murderous intention. Not insane.

Here lies the contradiction: Isn't the man from Case 2 more insane? He actually, intentionally, kills the baby in the fire.

Hmm....

Anyway, in crime related news, Guy Ritchie is going to be make Sherlock Holmes into a movie! The greatest detective himself played by sexy man Robert Downey Jr. His faithful Watson is played by not-sexy-anymore Jude Law. Perhaps Jude Law's balding crown is the reason why he was chosen to play Watson.

Can't wait to see Sherlock Holmes drink Starbucks :)

The Mini Transporter

2008-12-08T09:28:00.000+08:00

When Wanqing first blogged about her pretty new bike, I was very inspired to get one too since my office is sooo near my home.

So I started surfing the net for some good deals and I chanced upon this! -

The Electric Vespa Mini

It's not even expensive! Priced at $500+, it's cheaper than my star products. And that's saying something. It's a sure way to beat the morning traffic and it's gonna up my cool factor.

I am very tempted :)

Hey I'm On The News!

2008-12-07T00:19:00.000+08:00

Check it out here!

An Inane Conversation

2008-08-30T23:56:00.005+08:00

Male colleague 1 (on the phone): Ok set. Let's go for bak kut teh tomorrow. (Put down phone)

MC 2 (to MC 1): Why you never ask me?

MC 1: Ok la, now I ask you lor. You want to join us?

MC 2: I don't care. You should have called me.

MC 1 picked up phone. MC 2's phone rang.

MC 2: Hello, MC 2 speaking.

MC 1: Hey MC 2, we're going for bak kut teh tomorrow. You wanna go?

MC 2: Ok!

*I rolls eye* MC 1 and MC 2 are married men with children aged 1-4.

Withdrawal Symptoms

2008-08-30T21:31:00.004+08:00

For the past week, I couldn't concentrate at work and felt a sense of emptiness when I returned home.

My mum said she kept staring at the world map, studying where Jamaica, Kenya and Ethopia were.

My dad kept switching channels aimlessly.

We are all suffering from Olympics withdrawal symptoms.

I was on leave for some of the 16 days with the intention of running some errands. In the end, I was glued to the TV day and night watching Gymnastics, Table Tennis, Swimming, Weightlifting, Shooting etc.

I particularly enjoyed Men's Gymnastics. The flair and strength the gymnasts exuded in their routines were breathtaking and beautiful. And some of them were kinda cute ;) With the Russian beauty and the Australian guy named Hooker heading the pole vault event, I started paying attention to non-running events on the track and field. I realised long distance running could be as exciting as the 100m sprint. Seeing how the leaders kept the chasing pack from catching up was nail-biting. I saw some of the exciting swimming races where the gold medals were won by the breadth of a hair. Even weighlifting was interesting.

And an occasional glimpse (the diving events only had limited coverage) of my candy boy whom I've been following since 2004 made the TV watching experience even more worthwhile.

It's time to wake up and for me to return to my regular sessions of gym, tennis and swimming.

I Love The World

2008-08-30T21:15:00.002+08:00

Discovery Channel is running a TVC that reflects my exact sentiments.

I just wanna say:

I love the world.
I love the whole world.
I love the wonders of the world.

I wanna see the world.
I wanna embrace the whole world.
I wanna experience the wonders of the world.

And until I embark on this wondrous journey, I'll continue to dream :)

Singfest 08

2008-08-25T21:44:00.023+08:00

I unexpectedly won a pair of tickets and VIP passes to Singfest '08. I was quite excited to go a hip rock concert.

Everyone waiting to enter the arena.

"We're excited!"

Gearing up for the party

In a party mood!

Singfest is modelled after the West's Woodstock Music Festival. I observed the audience seemed very familiar (comfortable) with the dress code of a summer concert. I love the girls' light summer frocks. Babe alert!

"I'm smelting! Let's go to the VIP tent where it's sheltered."

And so we trooped to the VIP tent, where there was a free flow booze and soft drinks. At certain parts of the day, there were food for us too.

First act of the day - Stacie Orrico. I only knew two of her songs but I had a blast singing to them.

One Republic has strong, unwavering vocals. I was impressed!

Dinner time!

Some performers came to our marquee.

Mambo king - Rick Astley! You should've seen how the crowd grooved to Together Forever.

Then there's the Pussycat Dolls. I overheard the audience, "They're so fucking tight (over and over again)". Lol.

I didn't stay for the Alicia Keys cos someone wanted to leave. Anyway, it's something different to do on a weekend :)

For Better Or For Worse

2008-08-25T21:16:00.003+08:00

Tears stung my eyes as I captured this photograph. I had the idea that getting married is not just a union between two people in love but also separation from the parents whom you're forever indebted to.

Don't think I can bear to leave my family.

Anyway, I still wish the couple a happy life forever :)

Same Old Stuff

2008-07-22T14:27:00.003+08:00

Why do I always happen to watch the same episodes on Discovery when I'm home? Since 12 noon, I'm watching the same episodes I saw at least a year ago. Gah, I'm going to the library.

How To Look Cute In Dorky Specs

2008-07-22T13:03:00.003+08:00

Doing a bit of research since I’m relegated to wearing (the much hated) glasses for the rest of the week. Contracted some sort of eye infection that’s contagious so I’m confined to my home till my eye’s fully recovered.

寻找浪漫

2008-07-22T12:48:00.001+08:00

Deciding the perfect dining establishment to celebrate our anniversary seems to be as much of a headache as planning a wedding. I’m given the task of choosing since I’m the MOF (Minister of Food) between the two of us.

I want the place to be posh, dim and romantic. A big plus if the place has a dance floor. I lurve to dance even though I dance like a nerd. But I don’t know of any nice dining place that has a dance floor anyway.

When I told a colleague that I’m taking two days off to celebrate our anniversary, she said enviously, “Wow, so romantic.” Romantic? Really?

While we’ve settled into a seemingly domestic routine (much to my anguish as some of you would have learnt), doses of romance are still present now and then. For one, overseas holidays do wonders to fan the passion. Others come in little pockets of sweet memories - the most memorable of which I realized I haven’t shared with anyone before.

We were driving along a secluded road somewhere in Changi (we were on the way home from Danqi’s birthday party) when he pulled up and exclaimed that he misplaced his handphone and asked me to grope under my seat. After a bit of shuffling, my fingers closed on a little box and inside was my birthday present. I was touched by the amount of thought put into giving me a present :)

And not forgetting that surprise bouquet of lilies almost as tall as I was that landed on my work desk six months into our relationship. (I haven’t received any flowers since then, though *winks*)

Anyway, back to the question faced incessantly by the Minister of Food – where to eat? Should we go Japanese, Mediterranean, American, Spanish, Brazilian or Mexican? I keep changing my mind – every shortlisted restaurant seems equally tantalizing.

Methinks if I ever hold a wedding, it’s gonna be a looong tedious process.

Ugly Betty

2008-07-22T12:46:00.000+08:00

I was on leave one day when I went downstairs to get lunch from my favourite Fish Soup stall. Decked in my pyjamas aka hideous outfit, I stood queuing for a good fifteen minutes before my turn, all the while my mind lost in nonsense like, “this Fish Soup auntie has a different hairstyle everytime I see her” and “this man needs a good shave”.

Finally at the front of the queue, I placed my order and prepared to pay for my food when I realized the person in front of me was a colleague who was buying lunch for his whole department. Without thinking, I tapped on his shoulder and said hi! Almost immediately, I recoiled in horror, remembering how I looked - (1) Oversized bright orange NUS t-shirt (2) thin, cheap pair of bright blue boxer shorts (3) messy curly hair and (4) the pair of faded glasses, shielding my pair of squinting eyes.

I was embarrassed beyond words as he didn’t seem to recognized me at first glance. I quickly collected my packet and attempted to slither away when he nodded at me politely. Even more embarrassing! Because he recognized me after all! Means he would remember this Ugly Betty side of me if he would bump into me at work.

OMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMG…… Why did he come all the way from OSIM to my coffeeshop?!??! Next time on my leave days I need to clean up before going downstairs just in case some R&D guys pop up again.

Children Overdose

2008-07-14T20:26:00.003+08:00

Don't you just hate it when people practically shove their children into your face and expect you to say "Ohhh.... Your baby is so cute...!"

I super hate it, especially when most of the children I was introduced too were not particularly cute. Some look sullen all the time. Some try too hard to be mature. Some are just plain rude. But when I have to, my delighted praise is usually accompanied by a wince, which the proud parents will never notice.

When will you be surrounded by flocks of "adorable" children? At a company gathering of course! And no company gathering is bigger than the Triathlon, which my company sponsors every year.

I really don't like to play with children. I don't like to play a clown to delight them. I hate!

And so, I stay away from them.

But strangely, they fascinate me. I usually stare at them from afar and try to figure what their every little action means. Babies are funny creatures.

So, do I like children or not? I don't know. *Confused by little people known as babies*

P/s I acknowlege that all parents have every right to be proud of their children. Please don't take offence.

I Am A Triathlete

2008-07-14T19:47:00.003+08:00

Or so my official OSIM Singapore International Triathlon T-shirt says.

I totally didn't join the race at all. Much to my chagrin.

Thinking it was my first sports race in years (or is it the first ever?), I signed up for the mini triathlon relay, a baby step to the Olympic distance Individual category. I was paired up with a swimmer and a runner. I was going to do the cycle leg of the race. The runner was a colleague and the swimmer was someone's friend's friend, whom nobody knew.

And guess what. On the morning of the race, this swimmer fella didn't turn up at all!!!!!!

I searched high and low for him before flag off but couldn't see a swimmer with my team number R033. But I still went to the transition area (with my runner) and waited and waited. We finally gave up when all the cyclists had finished their leg and was passing the baton the runners. Disappointed was an understatement. I was grumpy for the rest of the day.

Seeing my gloomy face, fellow colleagues were asking if I wanted to take their place in the longer races. "Such a pity. See you train so hard at the gym. You want to take my place?" Wa lao, I wasn't mentally prepared so I declined.

Anyway, I've decided not to 靠别人. I'll complete all three legs of the race by myself come November! 化愤怒为力量!

Haha! Are you inspired??

招蜂引蝶

2008-06-24T23:45:00.003+08:00

Hanging around an area where our salesmen congregate is a treacherous thing to do. Not that I could help it but I was needed there.

The men get attracted to this unmarried, young girl (the only non-salesgirl) and flirted unabashedly with me. Told me I was so pretty, wanted my number, asked me to join them for coffee break, said will call me, offered to send me home, all the while sweet talking.

天啊！我招架不住！

The GBGs (Goodie Bag Grabber)

2008-06-24T22:51:00.004+08:00

For the past two weekends, I was the anchorman for a mass workout activity at our roadshow. And I met the most unbelievable people.

The objective of the mass workout, besides attracting attention, was to let participants experience our machine and hopefully transform them into customers.

To thank these participants for taking part, I gave them each a goodie bag containing some products, premiums and vouchers. Total worth over $200. Needless to say, it was more than enough lure to get participants for three sessions each day.

What I didn't expect was how ugly and embarrassing people could become when I ran out of seats. Just for the goodie bag.

#1 The I'm King because I'm the Customer - "I don't want to take part. Just gimme a goodie bag."

#2 The rowdy, queue-jumper

#3 A quarrelsome auntie who tried to pass off as TWO persons so that she could get extra goodie bag (think I stupid issit???). She argued for 30 minutes.

#4 The mother who forced her unwilling kid to join because she wants a goodie bag. The kid was screaming "I don't want! I don't want!"

#5 The latecomer who demanded other people to give up their seats for her

#6 The family who expected to get eight goodie bags when only one member participated

#7 The "professional" GBG. You can spot them from a mile away because they always have many bags on their shoulders. The bags are mostly free stuff given by advertisers. It's like they scour town for the freebies every weekend. But they're actually the best behaved ones, although with the wrong intentions.

Sigh, sigh, sigh. So disturbed by the GBGs' behaviour.

World's First Head Massager

2008-06-21T10:37:00.002+08:00

Finally, my long awaited debut!

I hate my photo in the first picture. So baby face.

Training In Progress

2008-06-18T00:09:00.002+08:00

I've been hitting the gym at least three times a week under the pretext of training for the triathlon. I'm actually trying to regain a lithe, toned body.

And surprise, surprise, the gym was practically buzzing with activity today. I've never seen so many people in our little company gym before. Lol... Everyone is training for the triathlon.

The presence of so many people spurred me to work harder. I practically sprinted a whole 30 minutes without so much as skipping a breath.Weight lifting, cross training, stationary cycling... I seemed to have reached greater heights. Haha!

And of course, it's always nice to see some shapely arms glistening with effort :)

Ultra Lust

2008-06-16T23:38:00.004+08:00

Ah....... I'm totally itching to buy this dress. I think it can arrive in time for Tay's wedding! Oh no oh no oh no...... But it's so out of my league........ I've already overspent this month. And am planning to spend quite a bit more at the hair salon this week. Should I, should I, should I? *Twiddling twiddling twiddling thumbs*

Just as these thoughts raced through my mind, I came upon this at Fashion Nation:

You know the scenario - walking in to a boutique you see this absolutely fabulous __________ (insert your own fashion poison: bag / pair of shoes/ dress / jacket / necklace / etc.) which you know you want. It is a fragment of your sweetest dream, and stirs an emotion in you which you never knew existed. Sort of similar to meeting the perfect man at a dinner party. Now! You look at the price-tag and realise it’s way out of your budget. In such a situation, my body is the venue of a debate as large-scale as The International Debating Championships Finals.

Stephie’s Mind: Well you know you have only $x in your bank account. If you buy this, and still want to buy this month’s Style: magazine (because Fann Wong is on the cover), then you will have to eat only home-made sandwiches daily for twenty days.

Stephie’s Heart: But it is soooo beautiful and look, after I cried ‘OOOH!’ so loudly upon seeing it everyone in the shop is sneakily looking at it too.

Stephie’s Mind: So? Then you will just have to come back
next month and hope it’s still here. Or better, it’s on sale!

Well... Exactly! 'Cept the wedding at the end of the month (before the next pay is due) is the perfect occasion to showcase the dress. Oh my oh my, what a frivolous dilemma.

Beat The Ego, Beat The Race?

2008-05-20T19:38:00.003+08:00

I am wondering if I'm crazy enough to attempt my first triathlon.

Maybe I should just learn how to swim in the sea first?

I do go to the gym once or twice a week but I am definitely not fit enough to complete a triathlon course, even a mini one (only 200m Swim, 10km Cycle, 2km Run vs Olympic distance 1.5km Swim, 40km Cycle, 10km Run). Fitness is not the only consideration. I'm deeply concerned about the heat and sunshine during the race. I don't know about you but my performance level can drop by 50% when I do any form of sports under the scorching sun.

I'm a super wimp when it comes to sports competition, even friendly ones. I'm too afraid to be embarrassed if I faint or do badly or fail to complete the course. After all, I always try to look sporty and fit. When I was at OBS, I refused to do rock climbing simply because I haven't tried it before. I used to refuse to go jogging with my boyfriend because I didn't think I can keep up with his pace. So lousy.

Is it time to challenge my ego?

Date with Kampong Glam and Al Gore

2008-04-26T23:42:00.014+08:00

Sigh.. As I have to work really long hours, weekends are a rare chance to rest, rest, rest. But my active spirit is never dormant. It always wants to come out to play.

Last Saturday, we happened to run some errands at Beach Road and decided to spend the afternoon at exotic Kampong Glam.

After this, we headed to National Library to see the screening of An Inconvenient Truth in which Al Gore gave a passionate and spirited lecture about our sick Earth.

I've always been conscious of using our natural resources with respect to electricity, paper, plastic, carbon etc. And now, I'm taking it a personal responsibility to remind and discourage people from wasting our resources.

With the spotlight on Saving Gaia issues and the many Earth documentaries playing on Discovery and NGC this month (to commemorate Earth Day), you will not miss the important message that our Earth is dying at an alarming rate. The Earth can adapt to the damage we're doing to it.

But we will not be able to adapt fast enough to the consequences of the damage. Disaster will happen in our lifetime if we don't act now.

ME Time @ SAM

2008-04-26T22:31:00.005+08:00

Being an aspiring art connoisseur, I'm always on the lookout for notable exhibitions and events. (Whether I attend or not is another matter. After all, I'm only aspiring. During every year's Art Fest, I would take the event guide and circle the shows that I wanna watch. Then I will forget about them.)

The girls and I hold a soft spot for the SAM among the other museums for reasons only we will understand (not entirely coincidentally, Tay's holding her wedding there). And I have a penchant for art pieces compared to heritage exhibits.

So one Sunday afternoon, when I strolled down Bras Basah Road alone, I decided to pop by SAM planning to see the Xu Beihong exhibit.

Recently, many of Xu Beihong's paintings are in the spotlight. Each going for record prices at auctions. I only knew of him when reading the newspapers and learnt that a number of his pieces were produced in Singapore (Nanyang).

It's fascinating to see not just how each stroke on the painting is perfect, but also to understand the story behind each piece, what the artist wanted to express and how the painting reflected his emotions at that time.

Xu Beihong is well known for his drawings of horses as each was drawn with simple yet definitive strokes. And all of them portrayed Xu's feelings of hope, lost, remorse. To be able to express your thoughts feelings through art is really the highest form of personal expression. And I truly admire those who are articulate enough to do so.

I really enjoy spending time by myself like this :) Not to say I don't like being with people la.

Housewarming (Not Really)

2008-04-09T23:42:00.012+08:00

My boo and I skipped to his cousin's beautiful new apartment to plan her wedding video.

超做作

2008-04-08T00:26:00.001+08:00

Just a sneak peek of the photo shoot. Can't release the photos yet.

Holiday!

2008-04-08T00:12:00.001+08:00

Suddenly, holiday plans are brought forward by 2 months. Excited :)

G2Pink-ed!

2008-04-07T23:54:00.004+08:00

"You mean G2000 is actually... (dare I say it?) fashionable?"

Since its rebranding campaign last year, G2000 has been churning out super chic city wear season after season. No longer just carrying the staples of ze bankers and ze lawyers, its Pink range of pretty and well cut outfits have not let the girls down. Designs get snapped up in a jiffy - when they're still regular-priced. Imagine that! That leaves nothing good left for the sale season. And given the and DBS Fresh and Citibank cards' irresistable discounts, no wonder the girls don't wait till sale anymore.

Ask me how many pieces I've acquired in the last six months :)

Loving city chic,

chowchow

Moon Faced!

2008-04-07T23:41:00.002+08:00

It's suicidal to take pictures with TV artistes. My face is big like dear Moon Face from the Enchanted Wood.

Sleep Beauty

2008-04-03T01:17:00.002+08:00

Was been made up for a photo shoot 2 weeks ago.

Hoho, I'm making myself sound like a supermodel. No la, the shoot is for a new product's creative concept. We wanted to show everyday people enjoying the product. I was nominated as one of the "everyday" people. I can't give much details yet as it's still confidential info. Will update soon :)

Anyway, the makeup artist was telling me, "Wah, you don't have eye bags or dark circles hor? All the others before you had dark circles (I was the second last girl in line). How you maintain?"

Well, by sleeping enough lor. Not counting today, I usually turn in at 12 and wake up at 8. Full 8 hours, very satisfying. I don't know how I managed to sleep at 2am and wake up at 6am during schooling days, everyday. Come to think of it, I also didn't have eye bags/dark circles then. Heh.

Guess I'm just blessed in this way, just like some girls are blessed with long legs and beautiful skin. 知足常乐 :)

Office 有鬼?

2008-04-03T00:58:00.003+08:00

At 10.30pm at night, I was at my desk analysing some data on my PC when the error messages start popping for every programme that was opened and declared that they needed to be shut down.

First thought that came to mind, Hell! I think I didn't save my work on the multiple Excel files!

Then, Hey! Why did my PC shut down on its own?!

And then, I heard (or thought I heard) some rustling some metres away and the sounds that resembled a female singer's voice on a cackling radio.

So I tried to make as much noise as I could to mask the maybe imaginery sounds (I didn't dare to turn back to check) by arranging my table noisily and calling my boo who didn't pick up.

In the end, I called the security guard who was at the guard house some 7 floors below my floor and asked him to come up to escort me down. I was the last person in the whole building to leave.

It took him a good 5 minutes to reach and I was trembling uncontrollably. My palms filled with sweat. (Even as I typed this, my palms are starting to get wet again.)

Alamak. So scared.

Ending thoughts, I used to think my previous job had an impossible work load. That was why I had to stay late night after night. Now I'm still staying back at the new job. Am I just a slow poke or what?

Self Introduction

2008-04-02T00:29:00.005+08:00

It's been 3 months into my new job and I'm asked to write a self introduction to be posted on the company bulletin at the common room*. I've been attempting it for days but can't write anything more interesting than a sighting of the escaped terrorist (I'll write about it when it's safer). I'm still stuck at:

"Hi everyone, I'm Melissa from Marketing. It's been a great 3 months so far and I'm loving my job! My passions in life are"

Dammit. Don't I know what I'm passionate about? Or do I have lousy vocabulary that hinders me from writing?

I can't not submit my passage - the HR girl has been hounding me everyday. Ok lah, I'll just write something more complete:

"Hi everyone, I'm Melissa from Marketing. It's been a great 3 months so far and I'm loving my job. I treat everyday with bountiful energy and hope some of my optimism can rub off you too! My goal in life is to be a world citizen and live the lives of different cultures. I've experience life out of this little red dot but maybe in future, I can get a transfer and work at OSIM overseas :)"

Simple. Flattering. But not sycophantic.

And oh, I need to submit a photo too:

*Common room: sounds so Enid Blyton and her boarding schools :)

Malacca 07

2008-03-16T16:44:00.024+08:00

On the road

Nas in the bus

Joey reflects

Kev Poh reading

Chicken rice balls

Road march

Motorcycles

Kev A, Anton and Mel

Mel and graffiti

Tattoo parlour

Fountain at town central

Lok lok

Anton scrabbles

Scrabble champions

Roomies Kev A and Anton

Roomies Kev P and Dylan

Roomies Mel and Em

(Photos and captions courtesy of Nas)

Halloween 2007

2008-03-10T22:55:00.015+08:00

A Night In Crush

2008-03-10T20:39:00.008+08:00

Some old photos. An old story that we like to repeat.

To get the creative juices flowing, the Creatives like to move around the office to brainstorm. One night, my desk became the creative corner for KP. And he absent-mindedly left his jacket at my seat.

The next morning, I cheekily took the jacket back to him and said aloud, "You left this at my place last night."

That comment made all the guys around to look at us in wonder. LOL.

More photos taken on the same day.

波 vs 波

2008-03-09T14:38:00.002+08:00

Despite having subscription to the Sports channels, the Gruu (G) sometimes watches the matches outside with his friends. The Queen (Q) likes to question:

Q: 你去那里?

G: 和朋友看波

Q: 哪里看波?

G: Geylang lor

Q: 看大陆妹的波?

(波 means ball. Which the Cantonese also use to mean boobies.)

Fruitful February

2008-03-09T14:07:00.012+08:00

This leap month, I took some photos to share with you.

Colleague's son's birthday

Crab feast with Crush gang

I went to Malacca with these guys last November. But that'll be another set of photos.

Will try to post more soon :)

从出江湖

2008-01-05T17:19:00.000+08:00

As a parting gift to Crush, I've been asked to pen the four characters 金台夕照 for a Creative presentation. It's a property ad, hence the adequacy of the words.

I've hung up my calligraphy brush since Sec 4 and I wasn't an expert to begin with. Luckily my tools (brush, ink, writing guide) were in working condition but it took me a while to regain the hang of writing calligraphy.

It's strangely therapeutic writing calligraphy. When you're concentrating hard on injecting strength into the characters with the soft brush and make sure every stroke is flawless, you'll block out every sound and every thought. And at the end of it, you'll see the results of your hard work.

I was rather happy with my piece. I hope it was good enough for the Art Director :)

It's a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Serene and the calligraphy girls, when you are free, let's get together and 切磋切磋 :)

Laughing To The Walls

2008-01-05T16:47:00.000+08:00

Happy new year everybody!!

I can't describe my exhilaration. I'm actually ending work when it's still daylight. I get home, bathe and still will be in time for the 7pm show on Channel 8. I mean I get to watch TV now, no matter what rubbish is showing on TV!

I'm now getting so much more "me" time at a much higher pay. No wonder I come home and laugh aloud to the walls, "HAHAHAHAHA................!!" everyday :)

Pun Of The Day

2007-12-10T00:19:00.000+08:00

So I can now crush your name card?
- Sue Yi

"Crush" being the operative word :)

Birthday Musings

2007-12-09T16:01:00.000+08:00

I don't have a fancy car; to get to you, I'd walk a thousand miles.

- All I Have To Give, BSB

Sometimes a girl just needs a hopeless romantic. It's my secret girly dream to marry Nick Carter. I don't care that you think he's fat, or he's dumb or he has dated Paris Hilton. Nothing matters as long as he would walk a thousand miles to me. Every girl needs a a man who would venture into unknown realms just to retrieve a fallen star for her. :)

Damn. My favourite track in the album is jumping. I think I overplayed it.

*****

It's been pouring cats and dogs and mice for days. And I love it. I can stare out of the window all day and muse about the world. I fantasise about jumping into the puddles while holding my frilly umbrella and singing in the rain.

Just not in my precious new shoes. Which unfortunately got soaked today.

*****

Was watching the Golden Horse Awards, the performance segment where an orchestra played the sound tracks of some popular films. And I pointed out to Baby, Hey do you recognise this? It's from the God of Gamblers!

She shrugged and remarked, I don't know. It's from your generation.

Am I old enough to belong to a generation of my own already??

*****

I confess. I'm secretly in love with Stephen Chow's films. I used to hate them cos I thought they were stupid. But I realise sometimes you just need to laugh yourself silly. There's no need to be so high and mighty all the time.

*****

Friday kickstarted the birthday celebrations. From boogie-ing at Butter, dining as posh Oosh, feasting on seafood, meeting the girls to romancing at Clarke Quay.

The stars are shining on me. I'll be signing the contract, setting my future in cast and stone. I'll be collecting my long overdue degree too. It's gonna be a great week :)

Only problem is there's a pimple on the underside of my eyelid, making it impossible for me to open my eye to its maximum size. And it's rather uncomfortable to close it too. How to take pretty pictures with a swollen eye??

Winter Wonderland

2007-12-07T00:10:00.000+08:00

The first party of the season promised great food, free flow of house pour, live bands and snow. The dormant dancing diva in me couldn't wait to jump out of my skin. I was dressed in a glittery dress for work, with my toes wriggling in my shoes with excitement the whole day.

It was quite a Sex and the City setting where we were supposed to network - our very first grown-up party. But since we knew no one, we weren't sure what to do, besides walking around with glasses in our hands. The music wasn't exactly dance-able. So we entertained ourselves by playing a game - the place was decorated with real ice sculptures encasing the client's logo. Whoever could tahan the longest with our hands on the ice wins! And that was the highlight of the night.

P/s If ever you were to part time as entertainers like the ladies in the middle, please make way for your guests. Your role is to make your guests feel/look/sound good, not to be the center of attention (like those above).

Deprived Of Party

2007-12-06T00:37:00.000+08:00

It's Christmas season! And my toes and hips have been wriggling uncontrollably to imaginary music. Lalalala... I wanna go party! Especially since I've thrown in the towel in preparation for the new year, new beginning.

Take me to parties, people. Please please please please :)

I dropped my contact lens again!

2007-11-29T14:48:00.000+08:00

Been working late for the past two weeks. I was so pooped that I was desperate for a rest after work. One night, I jumped into bed, after quickly changing into my PJs, washing up and fumbling with my contact lenses.

Next morning, I realised one of my contact lenses was missing from its case. It had been more than 7 hours and 3 people had used the bathroom before me. Any lone lens sitting by the basin in the past 7 hours would have been washed away. Damn! It's gonna cost me at least a hundred dollars for another one.

My optician is actually located very near my office but I've been so busy that I didn't have the chance to see him. Luckily there's ample supply of daily disposable lenses in my office. (We're handling a contact lens account.)

Today, I had to meet some important people. I have not worn soft lens in my life, but I have to try cos I will not have them see me in my spectacles. Wearing the soft lens is relatively easy. It's removing them that's gonna be a problem. But never mind, I will deal with it later tonight.

Time To Upgrade

2007-11-28T00:46:00.000+08:00

On the day the BSB album was released (yes, they have a new album), I sat on my bed clutching the album excitedly. I fiddled around with my player - a beautiful pink SONY discman, which I haven't touched in at least two years. To my dismay, it wouldn't respond at all. It had gone into retirement for good...

I don't have a hi-fi in my room so I couldn't play it at all. Imagine my disappointment - there was an album itching to be played. But no player to play it. I held the CD to sleep that night.

But before I fell asleep, I decided that it was time that I upgraded to an MP3 player.

So long, my love...

Hello, pretty...