Finally made an exception for balloons
Most of you should know I hate the rubbery balls -- especially helium ones that float and bob and fly away causing children to cry.
It got worst after watching Steven King's It. And the sound of dry skin against rubber gives me goose bumps.
But after seeing this, I think I may temporarily convert. If we can throw a party in a quiet and open field, each dressed up in dresses and suits. Then only can I imagine balloons as the perfect compliment for the serenity of the open field.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Sunday, January 27, 2008
I Love You -- You can now swim with sharks
I Love You! Do you need help getting into the shark tank?
Surprise, surprise... I didn't know that Singapore turns out to be one of the top ten worldwide destinations for swimming with sharks.
LH and I are usually big on gifts during special occasions, so for Valentine's day, I got him a promise ring (as he has given me one last year) and plan to surprise him with a voucher to dive with sharks at Singapore's Underwater World.
The gift symbolizes adventure, thrills and constant surprises in our relationship.
Or so I hope.
Surprise, surprise... I didn't know that Singapore turns out to be one of the top ten worldwide destinations for swimming with sharks.
LH and I are usually big on gifts during special occasions, so for Valentine's day, I got him a promise ring (as he has given me one last year) and plan to surprise him with a voucher to dive with sharks at Singapore's Underwater World.
The gift symbolizes adventure, thrills and constant surprises in our relationship.
Or so I hope.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Thursday, January 24, 2008
good speech
Good Speech Test
Whenever I read a great speech, I start hearing Les Miserables "Do You Hear the People Sing" and get goosebumps.
Hmnn... all this obsession about speeches lately. Wonder if I should start calling myself a speecholic.
Whenever I read a great speech, I start hearing Les Miserables "Do You Hear the People Sing" and get goosebumps.
Hmnn... all this obsession about speeches lately. Wonder if I should start calling myself a speecholic.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Little Bits
Little Bits
I am reading Journey to the West and Arabic Folktales. Should be loving my assignment, but it is kinda a drag to get through the whole "journey" of 450pages (abridged version, Albert Yu).
I hear people getting proposals and getting married from all directions.
I was reading up on Edward Said's Orientalism. It described the Oriental woman as one who wants to be dominated, and exotically sensual.
*Gallant and I were not allowed to pray at the Four Faced Buddhist Temple. I wasn't a fan of joss sticks and did not wish to buy. I donated instead (but they prolly didn't see). I really think there are cases where the most religious are also the most wrongly led.
From a folklore journal, one of the most famous sayings go: "Grab a Jew by his testicles and don't let go until he agrees to become a Muslim".
A notorious Arab poet, Abu Nawas, is gay. Not only does he avoid sleeping with women, he condemns lesbianism.
Heath Ledger killed himself yesterday. Two days ago, an NUS student jumped from the 8th floor of Kuok Foundation. The press did not even say a peep and forum contributors are celebrating one PRC less in Singapore.
On a lighter note, I bought a cranberry colored vintage circa 1940s pleated dress.
It goes really well with a flowered necklace from Pilgrim (the line Liv Tyler endorsed?). This one, in Bordeaux. Pity that it costs as much as the vintage dress.
Waiting to climb that career ladder is depressing. I can't seem to find the fasttrack button.
Persepolis was a fantastic read. Can't wait for the movie.
I'm really getting more and more inspired! My memoir shall be called "B*tch: Bothered and Bewildered -- do not let the curse word distract you" (or something like that). You'd prolly only get it if you've heard the song.
I am reading Journey to the West and Arabic Folktales. Should be loving my assignment, but it is kinda a drag to get through the whole "journey" of 450pages (abridged version, Albert Yu).
I hear people getting proposals and getting married from all directions.
I was reading up on Edward Said's Orientalism. It described the Oriental woman as one who wants to be dominated, and exotically sensual.
*Gallant and I were not allowed to pray at the Four Faced Buddhist Temple. I wasn't a fan of joss sticks and did not wish to buy. I donated instead (but they prolly didn't see). I really think there are cases where the most religious are also the most wrongly led.
From a folklore journal, one of the most famous sayings go: "Grab a Jew by his testicles and don't let go until he agrees to become a Muslim".
A notorious Arab poet, Abu Nawas, is gay. Not only does he avoid sleeping with women, he condemns lesbianism.
Heath Ledger killed himself yesterday. Two days ago, an NUS student jumped from the 8th floor of Kuok Foundation. The press did not even say a peep and forum contributors are celebrating one PRC less in Singapore.
On a lighter note, I bought a cranberry colored vintage circa 1940s pleated dress.
It goes really well with a flowered necklace from Pilgrim (the line Liv Tyler endorsed?). This one, in Bordeaux. Pity that it costs as much as the vintage dress.
Waiting to climb that career ladder is depressing. I can't seem to find the fasttrack button.
Persepolis was a fantastic read. Can't wait for the movie.
I'm really getting more and more inspired! My memoir shall be called "B*tch: Bothered and Bewildered -- do not let the curse word distract you" (or something like that). You'd prolly only get it if you've heard the song.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
New Year, New Challenges
New Year, New Challenges
Lots of new developments at work. First, I get a new colleague (from Harvard -- somehow, it is a big deal for people here) then the Big Boss announces he will be going off to Saudi Arabia. All I can say (especially without getting into trouble in case some one Googles) is that while management big wigs are rejoicing -- possibly in new, higher paying roles too -- the little ones wonder what will happen to them. His driver spoke to me for more than 20 minutes when I was on my way to lunch, lamenting about what he will do next. We've been told the New Big Boss will retain us in our roles, but there is always a possibility he will not...
In about two weeks time, I will be flying off to China to see the boy's hometown and get to know him better through his native roots. All are ready: gifts, requests, tokens, foodstuff... except me! My usual salons for hair, nails, eyelash, etc are fully booked at evenings and weekends until after CNY. I've not gotten my winter clothes yet and *gee... no nice clothes and not all dolled up would not make a good first (stunning?) impression. I've not melted off those extra pounds either!
There is also the problem of the boyfriend's Valentines present... nothing yet and not at all inspired. Hmnnn... a promise ring might be good... I have not gotten one yet in return for the one he gave me. The only problem is we've been looking for one for a while and have not found anything.
Anyway, end this post, I would like to leave you a dose of airheadedness which started off my day with a laugh. She's an NUS student, and from the same faculty.
-----------------
I must be very ill-read because I don't understand what does the phrase "Founding President" mean. He founded KAUST? Does that mean he will be leave Singapore for Saudi Arabia? Puzzled.
Lots of new developments at work. First, I get a new colleague (from Harvard -- somehow, it is a big deal for people here) then the Big Boss announces he will be going off to Saudi Arabia. All I can say (especially without getting into trouble in case some one Googles) is that while management big wigs are rejoicing -- possibly in new, higher paying roles too -- the little ones wonder what will happen to them. His driver spoke to me for more than 20 minutes when I was on my way to lunch, lamenting about what he will do next. We've been told the New Big Boss will retain us in our roles, but there is always a possibility he will not...
In about two weeks time, I will be flying off to China to see the boy's hometown and get to know him better through his native roots. All are ready: gifts, requests, tokens, foodstuff... except me! My usual salons for hair, nails, eyelash, etc are fully booked at evenings and weekends until after CNY. I've not gotten my winter clothes yet and *gee... no nice clothes and not all dolled up would not make a good first (stunning?) impression. I've not melted off those extra pounds either!
There is also the problem of the boyfriend's Valentines present... nothing yet and not at all inspired. Hmnnn... a promise ring might be good... I have not gotten one yet in return for the one he gave me. The only problem is we've been looking for one for a while and have not found anything.
Anyway, end this post, I would like to leave you a dose of airheadedness which started off my day with a laugh. She's an NUS student, and from the same faculty.
-----------------
I must be very ill-read because I don't understand what does the phrase "Founding President" mean. He founded KAUST? Does that mean he will be leave Singapore for Saudi Arabia? Puzzled.
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Friday, January 11, 2008
morning bus
To the young lady wearing the sewage green shirt on the 95 bus @ 8.25am.
I would like for you to know, wearing that and looking unkept first thing in the morning and especially at the very start of the semester without any excuse of finals or papers is a sure recipe for a troubled working life ahead of you. You should read Oprah.com to get some tips about getting ready in the morning.
I really do not appreciate that in a very crowded bus, you shoved your leg, in between mine, to get into a space that really wasn't able to fit someone of normal size, let alone yours! Yes, I know your legs are hairy, even against my stockinged legs.
You scared many people on the bus today, when you so carelessly squeezed through closing doors. And quite dim for holding tight onto railings where the sliding doors would be when they open and shut. Twice.
And finally, please go to a manicurist if you must have long fingernails. Yours are obviously self shaped to look like arrows and in need of soap and water. I know them to be sharp and dirty, because you chose to take hold of the pole where I was unfortunately wedged against and you held the pole right where my face was at.
Thank goodness it is Friday, because I would not know how else I would have survived that 10 minutes of madness being put so intimately near you.
I would like for you to know, wearing that and looking unkept first thing in the morning and especially at the very start of the semester without any excuse of finals or papers is a sure recipe for a troubled working life ahead of you. You should read Oprah.com to get some tips about getting ready in the morning.
I really do not appreciate that in a very crowded bus, you shoved your leg, in between mine, to get into a space that really wasn't able to fit someone of normal size, let alone yours! Yes, I know your legs are hairy, even against my stockinged legs.
You scared many people on the bus today, when you so carelessly squeezed through closing doors. And quite dim for holding tight onto railings where the sliding doors would be when they open and shut. Twice.
And finally, please go to a manicurist if you must have long fingernails. Yours are obviously self shaped to look like arrows and in need of soap and water. I know them to be sharp and dirty, because you chose to take hold of the pole where I was unfortunately wedged against and you held the pole right where my face was at.
Thank goodness it is Friday, because I would not know how else I would have survived that 10 minutes of madness being put so intimately near you.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Higher taxes not necessarily a bad thing
Higher Taxes, Better Life
Just a very random thought on death and taxes. LH and I were just watching parts of Michael Moore's Sicko (parts of, because it is really to one's own peril to hang onto Moore's every word).
The parts on French and British healthcare, and how medical care and laws extensively protects its own people was a version of modern day Eutopia! Medical facilities are up to standards, and if you get seriously ill, you don't have to get too bothered about the costs, and the government makes sure you get your wages. Benefits extend on to women (and as Hilary Clinton so beautifully put it: to value women's unique abilities to bear children) and education. I don't know if it is true, but I certainly hope it is true!
Benefits are afforded through higher taxes. In Asia, we deplore the idea of taxes, and at best, the government can have some CPF/EPF, as long as we get it back in the old age. But imagine this -- We save, mostly because we want to afford education and healthcare if something goes terribly wrong. If the government takes good care of education and healthcare, our concerns are only to pay for homes, cars, and vacations. You have to admit it... almost everyone has a tendency to spend most of what they own, and then borrow some more! Unlike so many Singaporeans/young couples we see today, there is no need to be bound to loan after loan. My university loan, for one, seems to take forever to pay off!
Sounds good, doesn't it?
Just a very random thought on death and taxes. LH and I were just watching parts of Michael Moore's Sicko (parts of, because it is really to one's own peril to hang onto Moore's every word).
The parts on French and British healthcare, and how medical care and laws extensively protects its own people was a version of modern day Eutopia! Medical facilities are up to standards, and if you get seriously ill, you don't have to get too bothered about the costs, and the government makes sure you get your wages. Benefits extend on to women (and as Hilary Clinton so beautifully put it: to value women's unique abilities to bear children) and education. I don't know if it is true, but I certainly hope it is true!
Benefits are afforded through higher taxes. In Asia, we deplore the idea of taxes, and at best, the government can have some CPF/EPF, as long as we get it back in the old age. But imagine this -- We save, mostly because we want to afford education and healthcare if something goes terribly wrong. If the government takes good care of education and healthcare, our concerns are only to pay for homes, cars, and vacations. You have to admit it... almost everyone has a tendency to spend most of what they own, and then borrow some more! Unlike so many Singaporeans/young couples we see today, there is no need to be bound to loan after loan. My university loan, for one, seems to take forever to pay off!
Sounds good, doesn't it?
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Happy 2008
A Very Good Year
Happy New Year! Last night was something different for this three year couple -- we did not go anywhere to party or to a ridiculously crowded town centre. Instead, we stayed home and had our own countdown marked by the tinkle of our wine glasses against each other, watched fireworks from our 15 storey bedroom window and listened to old jazz pieces. Staying at home is definitely better for this when-people-become-like-ants fearing couple. Perhaps next year, you can expect a new year's party with poppers and champers and all.
My only resolution for 2008 is for it to top last year. At a glance, resolutions fulfilled from recent past was only getting a brand new job and promises like loosing weight, more confidence, saving money etc etc are renewed year after year without much success!
*Gallant and I each shared why it was a very good year. I thought I'd give another version too here:
In the long term, I have:
Happy New Year! Last night was something different for this three year couple -- we did not go anywhere to party or to a ridiculously crowded town centre. Instead, we stayed home and had our own countdown marked by the tinkle of our wine glasses against each other, watched fireworks from our 15 storey bedroom window and listened to old jazz pieces. Staying at home is definitely better for this when-people-become-like-ants fearing couple. Perhaps next year, you can expect a new year's party with poppers and champers and all.
My only resolution for 2008 is for it to top last year. At a glance, resolutions fulfilled from recent past was only getting a brand new job and promises like loosing weight, more confidence, saving money etc etc are renewed year after year without much success!
*Gallant and I each shared why it was a very good year. I thought I'd give another version too here:
- New job that I throughly enjoy (no more IQPC!)
- Moved in with the boyfriend
- We met each other's families and relatives
- Went to Europe -- London, Paris, Brussels, Barcelona, Nice, Monte Carlo, Venice and Rome (flickr set finally ready for viewing)
- Went to Vietnam
In the long term, I have:
- Definite career plans and direction
- Want to travel and work in places around the world
- Doing my masters
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Nope it just means he's the first President of the Uni.
Oh ok... But why..? Somebody from singapore as a president of a university in SA? Does he have to fly there then...