Archive for October, 2009

New obsession

October 21st, 2009 by admin

During a recent break when I was all holed up at home, I felt an incredible pang of… boredom.

Which then prompted me to go on a rampage… by indulging in some serious “window shopping” (well, technically, shopping via my Windows Vista/Windows 7… cough, pimping).

Of course, the usual cynic in me was worried about how trustworthy or reliable the blogshops out there are, I mean, they can always bluff how the mails get lost in the mail and all those bull, isn’t it?

So I didn’t actually gotten down to making any purchase (a lack of a “friendly” bank account to transfer from was also one of the deterrents, you see). I made a few queries, but the follow-ups from the blogshops thereafter normally dwindled, or those that I wanted to confirm when it was stated there were stocks, would end up to.. naught.

Then, Lynn did the fabulous thing of directing me the right way to Paperbagheads (I have to state that though many blogshops out there which get bloggers to endorse their sites, this is just purely my personal experience and I don’t get any benefits from this, cos these girlies have really cheered up my busy week and thought they deserve a mention), where I saw the dress I fell in love with.

Most of the blogshops carry similar pieces at identical price, thus I believe what really sets these apart are the services and follow ups.

Then, I also got worried whether the material will be good or not… I mean, hey, my virgin blogshop experience, ya know? And the previous time I paid for something more expensive than this from an acquaintance (not really a blogshop but still… similar), it ripped the very first time I wore it to, of all places, a gigolo joint!

I made my payment 6 days ago, and got something elses from 2 other blogshops.

Over the week, they updated me on the progress, and even informed me that cos I am getting it through normal mail, they are worried the package might get lost over the high-volume holiday period. I asked them to go ahead with mailing it over the weekend, and they did.

I received the package today when I got home late from yet another long day, with another long-ass day ahead (it is gonna be BIG day for us tomorrow). Talk about efficiency and timing.

I happily ripped the package open, but the thing that really brought on a smile wasn’t only the dress I was in love with, but also the lovely, sweet note that came together with it:

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I have to say I am sucker for such notes and thoughtfulness, and my sceptism flew out of the window instantly and I was impressed!

Thank you Becks and Yans, the package arrived safely :)

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Woops, with the legs cut off.

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And of course, the mandatory cam-whore moments.

Scarlet flowers and the fit was great, material was thick and of quality.

I am happy :)

Thanks Becks and Yans for making my day. I wish you guys success, and with the brilliant services and attitude, I believe you guys will go far :)

Do check out their online store for the new collection and there are some awesome looking lantern-sleeved dresses available.

Now, it is time to chill after a long day with the spawn, before preparing for the long 2 days ahead.

Windows 7 will be launching on Thursday, and I shall be holding my breath till then.

And I shall hold off the temptation of relieving my stress with more “window shopping”, online.

Posted in MateriaLust | No Comments »

Of Hope

October 20th, 2009 by admin

I had meant to write a bit about how the trip brought me closer to a country I never knew much of. Just days before the trip in July, Hanoi was plagued by heavy rains and storms, which totally missed us when we were there (or at least, when I was there), which sent the city flooding, causing people to lose them homes, and some, even their lives.

Even the day before we landed, we were told by colleagues how bad the storms were and how it hadn’t stopped raining for days.

Strangely, the sun was scorching hot when we were there.

Like how on the last day, after we returned from Halong Bay, our colleagues were supposed to head to Halong Bay and it had to be cancelled cos of a pending storm.

We left that cloudy noon, and apparently, the heavy storm struck and my colleagues were stuck in Hanoi in incredibly bad weather.

Few weeks ago, I read on the news of how a junk had came to a fateful end in Halong Bay in the evening, because how nature had its plan, and a storm it, killing 3 tourists on board.

We have experienced bad storms locally, but our infrastructure is more advanced to cope.

But these were not the only sad news, with the neighbouring countries suffering from quakes, floods, and typhoon, we were all sheltered from all these, that we took for granted.

The thing is, most of us forget. The fresh pain from the tsunami had became a distant memory many chose to forget.

I first heard about Project Hope when I was searching for information on ways I could help, and I think it was just a couple of nights ago, there was news of a variety program of the same name that was raising fund for those who need help.

Project Hope (the TV show) is to raise funds for victims of Typhoon Ketsana, and the earthquake in Padang.

I am not sure if it was the same thing, but for a good cause, I would hope people are aware of the efforts going on, and contribute generously to be part of it.

If you are looking at something more hands on, Project HOPE is looking for volunteers to help the victims in the West Sumatra earthquake.

Humanitarian efforts need more than just moolah, and someday, I wish I can, we can, and she can do more.

Posted in Making Sense of Life, The vast out there | No Comments »

Final piece of Vietnam

October 18th, 2009 by admin

Part I: The first encounter with Hanoi

Part II: The highlights of work trip

With the above 2 episodes, what’s left for me to conclude my work trip was the extension thereafter, and a lil adventure me and my colleague set out to.

I was pretty excited upon confirmation that we would be extending our stay in Hanoi and heading out to Halong Bay. It was pretty much a shame that we didn’t manage to go further to other places cos we didn’t have enough grace time for journey-making.

We checked out of Intercontinental Westlake early in the morning, when a cab picked us up to our next accomodation, The Ritz Hotel.

Don’t be fooled by its name… cos it is nothing near to what you think it is.

Nonetheless, for the amount we paid (20+ USD per night), we had a major surprise of how neat and clean the room really was.

Not to mention the immaculate service by the lovely staff.

I was trying to make sense of the Vietnamese version of New Moon, but gave up after a while cos the only words I could recognise was Bella and Edward…. and the other names we all are familiarised by now.

When I was calculating the traveling time to Halong Bay, which was approximately 180 km away from Hanoi town centre, I had happily estimated it to be 2 hours away. But of course, I had conveniently forgotten that there was no expressway, and it was no trip like a comfortable coach up to Kuala Lumpur or even Pompeii.

It was a cramped, mini-bus, fully packed with passengers and luggages, in the sweltering heat, crawling over the bumpy roads across Hanoi, and it was 4 hours before we finally reached Halong town to board the junk.

But the journey was yet a beautiful one, as we passed rice fields, and lazy cattle sunbathing in the day. Then, there was the famous red river running underneath the bridge we cross, looking all fierce. And I wonder why the tombstones are all situated right in the middle of the ricefields?

The air of still and impossibly hot, but the moment we boarded the junk, the sea breeze provided much of a comfort.

Halong Bay was beautiful, though it was one that exudes peace and quietness, reminding how nature is capable of such masterpieces, compared to how I was awed by sheer human genius in Europe.

We all sat in the openness of the junk, kissed by the breeze, and may I put it crudely, raped by the scorching sun.

It was obvious why it was a UNESCO World Heritage site, cos of its long process of ge0logical evolution, which could possibly dated back to 500 million years, though it was probably the last 1000 that made the significant difference.

And the entire Halong Bay, is actually bigger than Singapore, with 1969 of such limestone islands spreaded across.

One of the most famous ones we explored, was Thien Cong which could translate to Heaven’s temple, where you could see dragon-like limestone, or fairies, or whatever your imagination created.

They were decorated with artificial lights for the dramatic effects, and it was actually very chilly inside the cave, as if it was air-conditioned compared to the heat out there.

When you look into the vastness of the sea, all you can see are the signature junks park alongside each other, and there are hundreds of them out there everyday.

The most interesting thing was that I finally conquered my fear of climbing steps, especially those without railings, though I was perspiring from the intense fear, and had to sit down and put my hands to good use, as I made my way up and down the stony steps.

The caves are mysterious and mystical, as we negotiated steps and curves and secret passageways, marvelling at the stones carved by nature.

We continued on the journey and stopped by a fish farm, and though it was part of the sea trade of bringing junk passengers there to buy seafood so that they could get the chef to cook onboard for dinner, we didn’t buy anything, though we were more amused by the sea creatures we saw.

They were also trying to scare me (not unlike holding a cockroach in my face), but I was composed enough not to fall into the sea.

And then, for the first time in my life, I was asked to try smoking from a…. bong.

But!

It was just tobacco leaves which the tour guide egged us both on to try. The tobacco was spicy, and yet, pretty smooth, though I had ended up coughing and choking like an amateur, that prompted laughs from the rest looking on.

We were also constantly approached by the sea-grocery shops, where women and kids on tiny boats would row from junk to junk, selling fruits, food, snacks, drinks, beer or wine.

It was in the evening we anchored somewhere out there, in the middle of the open sea.

There were plenty of jellyfishes in the sea, yet it didn’t stop the young boys and other tourists from jumping into the sea, while the rest lookout for jellyfishes.

It was like the moment they jump into the sea, we would shout how far the jellyfishes were away, and they would immediately swim back to the boat.

I watched them jumped in one by one, and I could have dozed off somewhere in between, without living out that bit of adventure.

I woke up to see the sunset, and saw the bright moon hanging out there.

The lights from nearby fleets lit up the night as well, as we all gathered to have dinner.

We laughed when we heard the horrible karaoke singing in the dead of the night from the nearby junk.

I tried my hands at fishing but gave up after a mere 3 minutes try.

Was talking to people, and exchanging backgrounds and life experiences, and it was the part of travelling I really like, meeting people, and getting curiosity roused of why we ended up at the same part of the world as we did.

Dawn and I ended the night with some quiet reading, and me munching on her National Geographic magazine. We didn’t wake up in time for the sunrise, and slept till when it was time for breakfast.

The most fun part was when the tour guide and I went canoeing and we explored the caves, and even stopped by to chat with the locals on the boats, where they were skinning -gulp- fishes. My guide acted as my translator, as the guys asked where was I from and all.

The sea, the breeze, the beautiful morning lights, the magnificent mother nature… and a funny guy giving me an indepth introduction to Vietnam as we spoke of its history, its people, and all, and I took the chance to ask as many questions I could to fill my curiosity of the quaint country I never quite learnt of.

It was definitely enriching.

Amazingly, one of the Swedish tourist brought his camera along with him, and was able to take a picture of me canoeing!

I still haven’t lost it after all these years of not canoeing, though the back muscles were quick to remind me that age is catching up on me.

Right after breakfast, we were on our way back to Halong City for lunch, before we made a long, long way back to Hanoi city centre.

Along the way, I sent couple of postcards to Minibean, to remind her how much she was missed.

***

Vietnam is a country heavily influenced by the Chinese culture, and I actually felt hardly out of place.

Though it is a country I can’t cross the road for my life, and probably would scream at every junction and wondering if my last city of existence on earth, would be Vietnam.

The key of crossing the road, is not to look at all, and learn to ignore all the honking. Cross like you own the roads!

(May I add the food on the junk was fabulous and pretty decent?)

Dawn and I checked into the Ritz after we returned and bade the other lovely tourists goodbye. We utilised the evening by walking almost the entire Hanoi City, round Hoan Kiem lake (my colleague told us how his dad was asked to bomb the lake during Vietnam War), and just armed with a map.. 2 ladies on a mission.

Ho Chi Minh museum was already closed when we got there, but we got more out of walking around with the map, running into the more charming parts of Hanoi as we searched…

We stopped at this grilled fish place for dinner, and I overcame yet another fear – eating fish.

I tried a piece of my colleague’s portion, and I ended up ordering one set for myself, it was fresh, tender, and free of fishy smell, and I must say the way they prepare it with the peanuts, sauce and all, it was pretty awesome, coming from someone who hates eating fish, I believe that says a lot.

We then went in search of coffee, and I was telling her about those weasel coffee and she was telling me about how she wouldn’t want to try, and after we had sat down, she was served with a chilled glass of coffee which I highly suspected was the weasel coffee.

Her expression of classically cute, when we were informed that, it was indeed the weasel coffee.

I bought a couple of packs of coffee home since I didn’t buy anything else, and it was the only thing I felt like buying. I am crap with buying souvenirs, really.

***

We headed back to have an early day and enjoy the luxury of the air-con, and packed up for the next day.

***

We started the day with breakfast at this fabulous lil shop where Catherine Deneuve went everyday when she was in Hanoi filming “Indochine”.

The breakfast and pastry was indeed brilliant, and I nearly wanted to order every pastry in display.

Right after breakfast, we walked the long way back to the hotel, stopped by for the famed Fanny’s (haha!) ice-cream and gushed how good the weather was finally. Shady, cloudy, chilled.

We bumped into our colleague and his wife, who informed us that his trip to Halong Bay was cancelled cos of an impeding storm.

We were lucky to have made it for the trip.

***

Off to the airport we went and it was a terrible mistake to check in early cos the air-con system in the airport was really bad.

I shopped around for something that would fit Minibean and gotten an Aodai for her which she looks really cute in.

Finally, I got to plant myself down onto the comfy seat of the SQ flight, and made the way home, while entertained by Krisworld, saying goodbye to the an eye-opening experience.

***

Got home with Minibean welcoming me at the door. And I was quick to let her try the lil something I got for her from Vietnam.

And it fits her to the “T”.

And don’t ask me why she pulled up my luggage to pose.

Don’t tell me about how the Chinese saying goes about “What you choose at 3 years old determines your life“, cos yesterday at the park, she saw a pole and she was quick to want to climb up the pole and twirl/slithe her lil body around it.

Vain pot alert.

And she just kept on going and asked me to take pictures of her.

Seriously, darling, where did this pose come from?

And then, she makes me realise, there is still, nowhere like home.

I gathered her into my arms and smothered her in my embrace.

Posted in Minibeanism, The vast out there | 4 Comments »

Durian and testicles

October 18th, 2009 by admin

It has been quite a while since a weekend has been this fulfilling.

Of course, a series of surprises set me up to feel the upping of pace and momentum, which I am not sure if it is gonna push me forward, or make me more indecisive than usual.

***

A nice group dinner on Thursday evening was thought-provoking, and I wish the friends who are armed with passion, fully aware of their capabilities are able to get to where they want themselves to be. I am very much envious of how sure an how focused they are of where they wanna go, how they wanna go about doing it, because as always, I am the drifter that waits for things to happen.. and sometimes, even feel that things are happening to fast for someone like me.

Some like me, who isn’t at all sure, who doubts where she can go.

I got some form of inspiration from there, and somehow, these days, inspiration comes in bulk.

***

Like the morning meeting with the boss I truly feel I owe loads to, and it gave me a sense of motivation to know that I will hate to disappoint him.

***

The last work day of the week was wrapped up with a lunch meeting which dragged longer than usual in Orchard, though the company was a good one. Sometimes it is amazing what we can learn through the experiences of others.

“You know, I always admire people who can do this, with the sense of spontaneity and adventure, because I myself cannot do it,” he said to me.

I wonder where that part of me has gone to.

***

I was so tired that when I finally made my way back home, I dozed off, oblivious to the world. It is almost becoming a routine, for me to doze off on cab rides and car rides, cos I am simply, this tired.

Picotin’s beef burger rocks despite its hefty price tag, and the thin crust pizza isn’t overly loaded with ingredients (I realise the simpler the pizza, the better it tastes!), simply awesome!

***

I finally finished The Lost Symbol.

I thought I had finished the book with still a few chapters to go and ended up being caught up with other stuff, before I saw the open book and realised I have yet to bring it to the end.

That, perhaps would give a pretty good feel of how the book failed to live up to its expectations.

When reading Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons, they were like thrillers that set you on a fast pace as well, but The Lost Symbol, though engaging, but I find myself outsmarting the plot most of the time (which didn’t happen in the previous 2 books), and it was almost like a slow walk in a museum rather than to be part of it.. I don’t know if anyone understands what I mean by this.. but oh well.

With that, I am onto yet another book which I can’t wait to sit through it all.

***

With Lost Symbol, I wrapped the night up with The Ugly Truth, and it wasn’t too bad. Just not enough to make me feel.. something though.

***

I slept round the clock and woke up to a great, great Saturday.

It was the first time in a long while that I feel well-rested, without waking up at every interval with thoughts of work or other nitty-gritties before slipping off again.

I gasped in surprise when I saw the email reply on my mailbox.

***

Operation Mosquito is pretty much on its path to success.

Though I still wake up to 2 mozzies in the bathroom everyday, and I still saw at least 5 flying around the house (one snuck into my room, bugger!), and I still eliminate, say, 2 a day.

Sometimes, you can’t see them, they still manage to cause such annoyance with their buzz next to the ears.

Slowly… but surely.

***

The big ulcer at the side of my mouth isn’t quite healing well and I couldn’t quite enjoy the feast last night.

Can’t even speak properly. Bah.

The only soothing thing I ate, was the creamy, sweet, juicy durian.

Though the lil one had more of a field day grabbing a big one and stuffed it into her mouth happily.

***

“I was trying to teach Minibean with a toy octopus, but she got freaked out by the octopus, but I was just trying to show her that octopus has 8 testicles.”

I tried my best not to burst out laughing, and at the same time, I don’t know how to go about correcting the booboo.

No baby, octopus do not have 8 testicles okay?

***

As I tried to chillax to a great Sunday after ample rest, I didn’t think I have things to write about.

But then, I do.

And my heart nearly stopped when a casual chat with an old friend whom I planned to meet this weekend, brought about some exhilarating news.

There were perhaps few things I had wanted to do in the past week, amongst the long list of things I wanna accomplish, but I never did get down on doing.

Suddenly, as I have some free time to do them, some things just drop from the sky, and I still can’t believe how blessed I am.

Baby steps, baby steps.

Posted in Life's Fillers, Making Sense of Life, Minibeanism | 6 Comments »

Dumbfounded

October 15th, 2009 by admin

Just back from a quick getaway to Botanic Gardens cos my dad just informed me last night that my aunt is getting married.

It came as a surprise, definitely.

Anyway, had to scurry to arrange for pick up of Minibean and utilise the lunch time to get there in the midst of the hectic schedule.

Saw lots of the people I hadn’t seen for a while, and Minibean was excitedly chewing on her gummybears given by one of them.

Then she was whining for more, and getting a lil cranky. I was carrying my cousin’s lovely baby, who should be slightly more than a year old, and was interpidly conquering the steps with her wobbly gait.

Minibean was then on the verge of tears, and insisted I carry her instead. Daddy tried to carry her, but she refused and just wanted her way.

She started pestering me for sweets and treats and I couldn’t find any.

And then I squatted down to her eye level (parenting books teach one) and tried to reason with her, and that she has to keep her manners in check.

I then pointed to the little baby and said animatedly, “Look, baby is so quiet and so well-behaved!”

She took a look and then pouted, in her best baby voice, said without a break, almost matter-of-factly, “But baby doesn’t know how to talk!”

I could only respond with narrowed eyes, and couldn’t find a come back in time to the lil sharp-tongued cheeky bundle.

Not yet three already like that, I dread to think when she is thirteen.

Posted in Minibeanism | 8 Comments »

The one about the pests

October 15th, 2009 by admin

I am set for the biggest war in my life.

And I think it has been quite an achievement so far.

The week had started off eventless, until I realised I was ambushed by 6 mozzies in the bathroom alone, not inclusive of the other stray ones in other rooms and the hall.

My routine of waking up, brushing my teeth, washing my face would end with me having at least 6 welts to start the day off. How nice.

Then it is the same repeat for the evening when I decide to pee/take a dump/shower.

The situation had never gotten so bad, ever, in my life, and that, annoyed the hell outta me. Where did these pests come from?! I don’t find any stagnant water around, no plants, no nothing!

The problem started with the wide-opened windows when my parents were over, and it just worsen from there.

It was BBBBAAAAAAADDDDDDD.

Imagine after I sprayed insecticide in the bathroom and closed the door, I returned home and found at least 8 of them lying dead. And there were still at least 3 flying around me when I was inspecting the casualties and they still had the audacity to attack me!! Don’t know how to die is it?!

So I managed to clap 2 to the ground and felt the intense gratification… though I still had to dance around to try to smack the other one which got away.

And then, before I knew it, another 2 came flying in.

Grrrr…..

I think I am too irresistable to them, which was why a good number died in the past 2 days when they were getting their high, on me.

Though there were countless number of times I ended up smacking/slapping myself with no satisfying results.

But nothing beats the time when…………..

… *smack on the chest* “Ah ha!! I’ve got one” -scraps off the spot with fingernail- (refuses to come out)

“Uhm, I think that’s a mole” -wore glasses- “Oh. What the …..”

Anyway, one was trapped in my room last night, and this morning, it was too fat to fly and I saw it resting on the wall. In mere seconds, its bloody carcass was flattened.

Honey, if you cannot give me a heart-wrenching romance and make me immortal, you are fucking not allowed to suck my blood.

So, you thought that would solve it huh?

But NooOoOOoOooOo.

The next morning, 5 was still hovering around, and I had a good work out trying to reach them when they teased me by flying out of my jump range.

Buggers!

I bought another bottle of ammonition just so I could eliminate the more stubborn ones.

Now, it is warrrrrrrrr.

This morning, saw maximum of 3 carcasses from the latest chemical warfare, and still, a few more were flying around.

I don’t know what’s the the death toll in total, but it is just chilling to see that at least 20 dead, but still there were few stray ones! Especially at the clothes-hanging area at the balcony.

But good riddance to those 20+ (only my bathroom floor could give a good indication of the dead ones and the marble floor would have camouflage all the others), and a sense of achievement to know that my hand was the last thing 6 of them saw -insert evil laughs-

This war shall not end here, and I am going to make my place a mozzie free zone again.

***

Had dinner and chilled over drinks with a couple of chaps yesterday evening, and the bookstore was already closed. Raffles Place is a virtual ghost town so soon.

Finally had an early night, and it was a productive day, though I should have pushed on further with my reading so I am almost at the climax of the Lost Symbol.

I am gleeful to finally gotten a few new dresses via the blogshops (my virgin attempt to check them out! All stuff are similar I must say) , though I must say even though I have yet to receive the stuff, Paperbagheads seems to follow up the best so far and am impressed with the service. Will see how it goes with their deployment since I am just getting one piece.

For the past couple of days, received quite a few emails that seems to support what I was thinking about, and finally a few things are in place now :)

Went into JB to pick up Minibean at the start of the week, and I did a mega booboo again when I took my expired passport and not the correct one.

Just when I laughed at my own mistake and tweeted about it, I left Jaybee without Minibean’s passport and had to detour back to pick it up.

I was still very daringly proud of myself that I realised both before reaching the causeway.

Anyway.

Okay gotta run to botanical gardens now. Tata.

Posted in Life's Fillers | No Comments »

Revelation

October 12th, 2009 by admin

It has been a while.

It feels like it was left unattended on purpose, and I don’t actually miss it.

It has been a hectic week, and despite I am at the peak of my hermitism, I managed to pull through a few stuff despite the initial resistance.

I believe all are for the better, for I learnt a great deal in the past week, and met the most fabulous people who probably are going to be contributing factors for me to take the leap of faith… or rather, dread.

The week was finally over before I knew it, and despite the physically fatigue, what happened in earlier part of the week, which I had to put off temporarily, had confronted me in the face.

Family.

And this is the time I struggle to make the right decision.

What is right? The priority became a power struggle between keeping peace, and compromising to put everyone into the equation, or does it mean to be selfish and then, just, without a fuck care in the world and whoever’s feelings, and just seriously, pack up and go.

Just the two of us.

I can’t help for being a failure of a mother, and this was even more blatantly shouting into my face this morning, when the back-to-back schedule and late nights were probably too effective in slowing the mind down.

If only. If only ideally, I can just give everything up, and just uproot to wherever, somewhere, with just me and her.

Somewhere, where I will not be able to see the mess and tears I leave behind.

It had been a challenge to come out of my shell, and just throw myself into the momentum I set myself up for, and I still feel like I don’t belong anywhere.

I laughed really hard over the weekend, and giggled from the heart at some points, and even find traces of old self as I bounced to YMCA in front of a crowd without a care.

I felt real joy last week.

It was quick to feel real sadness soon after with things happening.

I felt conviction.

Yet I felt doubt.

I avoided plenty of eye contact with the usual people-jitters.

I looked confidently into some people’s eyes and spoke with what I didn’t know I had in me.

And then.

I saw the tears in my dad’s eyes, I saw the age creeping up on him and yet I can’t decide if the stress is the catalyst.

I met someone who really touched me greatly like a father figure, and somewhat, even if it was sweet-nothing, it reflected upon what I had missed out, and what I am missing.

Then I thought, the reason behind all the trying and the struggling and hard work to summon my strength, it was all for one reason – Minibean.

Yet, the past week shows that, I have lost sight of that priority.

I still couldn’t find the energy (it needs me to psyche my strength up) to write down the conversations I had with my dad, which made me cry, and the episode recently, that made my dad cry.

That, made me want to take action. An action that potentially can blow up in my face, but at this moment, necessary.

I took urgent leave today.

And the time is…. unfortunately, near.

But the last week, was one, that I desperately needed as a wake up call.

So, time to set things into motion, and make a radical change.

What a great relief it is.

With the madness going on, I shall now take refuge in The Lost Symbol.

Posted in Making Sense of Life, Minibeanism | 2 Comments »

Love Never Dies

October 9th, 2009 by admin

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As Andrew Lloyd Webber said, “There’s unfinished business.”

Even though it is emphasized as a standalone piece, the mass still can’t help but see it as a sequel, one that would mend the heartbreak of many when Christine didn’t end up with the Phantom.

And now, there is a reason for me to return again next year March, just to catch Love Never Dies in London, with the lustable Ramin Karimloo in action.

And tickets are already on sale. Gasp!

I watched the media launch video and my hair still stood with all the adrenaline rushing.

BREATHE, TING, BREATHE!

I am impossibly excited, for there is a good enough reason for me to plan for another trip that couldn’t quite take place this year. Really damn thrilled to read about it, like there is a chance of continuing that tale that has left a moroseness with its bittersweetness.

With that dreaminess, I certainly am hoping it will live up to the expectations, and not just banking on its predecessor’s success just to drive sales. And am looking forward to see if the new pieces are gonna be as moving as those we came to familiarise.

And I made a promise to myself, that, hopefully by then, things would be taking flight, and Claris will get her diamond spa, and we will meet to shop anywhere in the world.

And that reminded of the plan we sat through nights to talk about, and how it could finally, possibly, take place.

Impeccable timing.

Posted in The Dreamer Within | No Comments »

Snippety snips

October 8th, 2009 by admin

I have various thoughts flying around in my head and I have decided not to link them up together, so each paragraph shall be totally random, having no link or whatsoever.

***

On MC today after waking up with this sore throat and stuck nose that had given me a swollen eye. I cold-sweated throughout the night with various kinky strange dreams making me tossing and turning semi-consciously. DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW SUCKY THE FEELING IS?! Especially, add in the fact that you are bleeding. Having a slight fever that is enough to annoy the hell out of you, but not enough for you to be all paralysed in bed.

***

I was terribly disturbed by having a dream about a client, one of the many many I met last night. I think the event had its lasting effect on me, for me to still dream about it after it had ended. I remember being pretty drunk in the dream, and this client of mine insisted on sending me home, albeit a lil shyly (yes, shyly, not slyly). I got a peck on the cheeks, and then when he nibbled me on the lips I was like, “OH NO, THAT’S UNPROFESSIONAL!“.

He ended up at my place(or rather, the awesome looking glass room with fantastic view I own in the dream) As if the dream was too hard for my poor heart to take, it self-censored the contents of the dream like how Channel 5 also does it, from the point when I was touched, and then I woke up in the dream naked, with a naked chap next to me, and with me not remembering what had happened, thinking, DID WE DID WE NOT?

Absolutely bizarre, I tell you.

I woke up in real life cringing, and wondered why on earth wasn’t I dreaming about the 2 other cute clients instead.

***

Have I mentioned about seeing 2 young boys quite cute at the event last night? Giggles.

***

Why do people always warn you to be careful of clients and telling you how sly and tricky they can be, when all I feel about them is plenty of awesomeness and graciousness so far?

***

Had a meeting with my ex boss yesterday, and it was good catching up with the old colleagues whom I truly miss.

It was a pretty fruitful meeting.

Time to trudge on.

***

Met up with a mystery guest at HarbourFront on Tuesday, and it was yet another great meeting, after we haven’t met, nor spoken for more than a year.

With all the baggages off the shoulders and thrown to the floor, I was amazed and pleasantly surprised how I enjoyed the catch up session.

Thanks for the scones and iced tea.

I was supposed to buy, you know?

I am really, really thankful for all the guidances and opportunities you had given me.

***

I didn’t realise how little I ate yesterday after adrenaline kicked in for me to mask all the shyness and switched to social butterfly mode.

Now stranded at home, tired and restless, and sickly, I was thinking why didn’t I attack the buffet with full vengeance.

***

When installing Mac Office to Macbooks and iMacs, I jittery-ly confessed I was a virgin Mac user. I saw the reaction that was one mixed with sheer horror and ample sympathy.

Anyway.

I had to take on an orgy of 9 of them at one go.

The first one proved to be a challenge when I had someone helped me slotting the disc into the Macbook.

When I was done, I wanted to eject.

I didn’t know how to. So I did what I do best next – Embarrassing myself.

There was this little black box next to the disc slot, and I started to put my hand next to it, waving it up and down.

I had thought it could be motion-sensor technology, you know? Like toilet like that! Quite creative thinking on my part what?!

I did it for quite some time, I might add.

Then after being totally clueless, I finally conceded that I needed help, and the savior showed me the BIG BUTTON right on the keyboard that has the eject sign on it that I totally missed.

BAH!

Fine.

Onto the iMac and I did fine after inserting it into the CPU, and then similarly to the external drive.

I had a problem with the last one, when I then had to ask for help again to borrow an external drive.

The savior, who by then had walked the entire distance of Great Wall of China just by walking up to me and back to his post repeatedly, smiled friendy-ly (impeccable service I have these days ah!) and then seems like trying to stifle a laugh, inserted the disc into the side of the monitor.

DUHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.

I widened my eyes and blinked.

Then I giggled at my stupidity.

The very helpful staff at iStudio at Orchard Central laughed a little and said, “The Mac is very fun,” or something along the line.

Well, I will only do better the next time. Bring it on, baaayybeeh, I feel like Mac expert already.

Ahem.

No longer iDiot!

***

I enjoyed the event.

I bumped into a lot of people who reminded me of the lost youth (not say a lot of youth to begin with).

Even though I would feel that there was some obligation of the conversations made most of the night as the usual PR, but I actually felt ALL of them (even the one with the talent agency boss) were to a certain extent sincere, honest, down-to-earth, and pleasing.

iLike!

***

I feel to uncomfy to have a good rest, so I shall watch Memento, and finish up The Lost Symbol since it is beginning to get into pace. But I find myself have t0 stop myself from outpacing the book cos we are familiarised with Dan Brown’s style .

***

I am a lil delirious and finding stringing a sentence a bit hard.

Annoyed to be bugged by sickly bug, but then somehow I still feel somewhat happy from yesterday. My head still feels heavy though.

***

I am giving my Alpinestar boots away (actually I just mentioned I am delirious right? I had meant to type this sentence in a MSN window but then it took me a good few seconds to realise what went wrong).

It was one of the most beautiful presents the ex had given me(truth to be told, I think he is immaculate with gifts picking and he always had plenty of thoughts put into them) and I love, love them though I probably wore them only twice before.

I never had the chance to wear it thereafter, and I know I probably won’t wear it ever again.

But I am a hoarder.

I kept them with me for the longest time, and I find it actually hard for me to part with them.

But then I think I have decided that I can find it within me to let go of them, and keeping the memories.

Thank you for the memories.

***

I think prayers answered, someone’s husband is bringing me food, giggles, sounds so scandalous ah!

But then, I will be very happy with them taking the boots, cos, they probably make full use of it much better than I do.

Ben and Cat have remained to be one of the sweetest couples I have ever known, and now they have 2 little ones to complete their beautiful family, I can be dreamily charmed into believing fairytales do exist.

***

Why is my muscle aching also huh? I don’t want to get the flu! -sulks-

Will be back with more later tonight.

Posted in Of various elements | 7 Comments »

Two strangers

October 8th, 2009 by admin

I thought about the great start to the day, and I was wondering what is the best way to jot it down without it coming across the wrong way.

But, uh, there seems to be no right way getting about it.

I was rushing for a meeting yesterday’s late morning, when I bumped into Stranger One.

I went up to him, and it ended up triggering a series of thoughts that I re-evaluate the important things in life.

I was filled with ample hope, and joy.

It is a strange feeling, because it came unexpectedly, and I started to ask myself have I lost sight of the important things in life that I used to believe in, after I bade goodbye to him.

And then I started thinking about the things I wanted for Minibean, and how I hope as she grows up, her priorities, and her values will be a balance of coping with the real world, yet at the same time, never loses hope, and gives hope.

***

I thought about it, and shared the revelation over phone, with only one person of how this incident impacted on my internally, indirectly.

It wasn’t about what happened, it was more about the unexpected emotions it evoked at the end of it.

***

Just as I finished my meeting and headed out of Orchard Central an hour later, I crossed the road, ready to head to the cab stand to hop on one of them.

And there, was Stranger Two.

“You’ve got time?” she asked.

It then started a conversation that brought me away from the cab stand, and to the bus station at the back of Somerset MRT station.

She asked about my job, why was I in the area, and where was I heading. She told me a bit about herself as I asked her similar questions.

I joked about how strange a day it was for me as I got immediately thoughtful about the sheer coincidences, in a day.

There was just a lot of peace, a lot of smiles, and through the conversations, there were pauses when I got reflective of how simple things are the one we truly overlooked.

“You believe in God?” She asked in Mandarin.

Cos it was pretty noisy, she repeated herself and asked again, before she rephrased her question, “You believe in Jesus?”

Not only do I not see clearly, I wasn’t hearing very clearly too.

At that instance, I felt a sudden surge of emotions, and was pretty overwhelmed.

Yes, I smiled as I replied softly.

She wasn’t preachy and she left it as that after I said I haven’t been to church in a while in respond to her question of which church I attend.

I really did go “Woooooops, sorry God, I forgot.” in my mind. No, it wasn’t about forgetting to go church. It is how… along the way, I forgot.

She was a nice, assuring figure, and when I finally said goodbye to her, I was halted in my hurried pace for the day, and then I was thinking how nice it would be, that the unrealistic, hilarious dreams that were once painted out when we were young, or over jokes these days, are indicators that we are fearless to dream.

That perhaps, this fearlessness of the usually afraids, will bring this fluffy dreams, closer to reality, and then we can finally, do the things, that make a difference.

It feels like dreams are wrapped in this lacey, pretty coat of innocence, mixed with greater meanings, that we failed to see, until the right people came along, like the 2 strangers, to remind us to take our focuses off the dreams, which we may already be too obsessed about, and failed to see things in entirety.

Few days ago, a friend told me how she had felt so void of emotions, and there was one day, in a brief moment, she was laughing, and she realised she was realising how at that moment, she experienced the true joy, true comfort, that she had been missing out.

And she was laughing, feeling so happy that, duh, she cried.

Yesterday, I found my moments.

Twice.

Posted in Making Sense of Life, Perk-me-ups | No Comments »
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