The Insane VS The Really Insane

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

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!

Check it out here!

An Inane Conversation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

Finally, my long awaited debut!

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

Training In Progress

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

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?

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?