Archive for September, 2010

What they teach in schools

September 28th, 2010 by Scarlett Ting

It was one of those days I managed to chill for a bit more while Minibean attended her once-a-week in-school Chinese enrichment class.

After I picked her up from her class in a breezy afternoon, scented by the rain, we did the usual routine of:  Get home take off shoes. Take of socks. Put down school bag. Take out water bottle for mummy to wash. It will then be followed by running through her communication booklet together with her, before she would sometimes share with me what she learns in school.

She was pretty eager today with her chinese enrichment reading text. She seems to love English more than Chinese, but she seems to pick up chinese must easier.

So she flipped to her text, and showed me what she learnt today.

I nearly choked on my saliva when I saw it. Cos instantaneously, I just caught…. something.

Something just seems so wrong. That I immediately MMS it to my twitter account.

Yes, this is what they are learning in nursery, and I had tried hard to stifle a snigger when I read everything.

(For those who don’t understand/read chinese, this is how it is loosely translated…)

Little Girl Han: Quick papa, quickly do it with me! Index finger, index finger, get it up!

Papa Han: Index finger, index finger, get it up!

Girl: Thumb, thumb, get it up!

Papa: Thumb, thumb, get it up!

Girl: Middle finger, middle finger, get it up!

Papa: Middle finger, middle finger, get it up!

Girl: Ring finger, ring finger, get it up!

Papa: Ring finger, ring finger… papa cannot get it up lah, I’m getting old already!

I thought I was the only one who raise my eyebrows, cos it is so wrong on so many levels! Then after I posted it.. it seems like most of my friends do have their minds deep in the gutter. Their minds also strayed!

And ah, I am glad I am no longer a chinese teacher, or else if I receive such text I would howl with laughter and probably cannot recite it to the class and lose my job for good.

So I feel better about myself now. HAHAHA.

***

Napped the late afternoon away with her after getting the laundry done. Since I had prepped her porridge earlier in the noon, I could actually take a rest together with her so I could stay awake for Gossip Girl/How I met your mother and my book later.

Got my renewal of credit cards done (which means making the calls to shamelessly ask for waiver), and received the dreaded letter…. for the annual fees of my insurance policy.

Okay, enough to propel me to want to do something. Like travel before my money all goes to bills. Hmphf.

I have since finished the first to the millennium series yesterday noon, just before I rushed to pick her up, and was so glad that I managed to sneak in other chores and did some supermarketing with her just for some us-time.

Was heading to the carpark when we saw an old man with staggered steps walking into the lift we came out of.

I looked on with admiration. It was Mr Chiam See Tong, and I almost wanted to say hi but thought it would be too intrusive. He is the only one opposition who truly impresses me and I think he is a good person with raw dedication and passion. Sometimes you just can sniff a good heart from miles away.

Totally random but he is a Piscean too.

Made dinner and I like the tomato base baked pasta better than the creamy one I made the last time round. Thankfully I made servings for 4, which turned out to be just right.

Minibean finished her massive bowl of porridge filled to the brim and asked for pasta too. It was 8.45pm when pasta and dinner was over.

And then she had 3 bottles of water.

I was pretty worried when it was barely half an hour later when she asked for a full feed of milk (200ml).

Then less than an hour later, she asked for 2nd feed of milk.

And then less than an hour later, another feed of milk.

She had one feed plus a full load of water before she went to sleep.

Is she hormonal like her mother too?! Thankfully she isn’t 14 or else I will be very worried by her sudden appetite.

But I think I should start to get very worried over food and milk powder. Tsk, high-maintenance babe I have in da house!

The consolation is, her concept of money is better these days after we have taught her how to save and she will bring her little purse out to buy “special things” to pamper herself.

The other day she got herself a carebear magazine, the first she has bought with her own savings.

I had said I wanted a bag, and she told me she has lotsa money these days and she can buy for me, and she doesn’t need me to buy her anything anymore.

But I don’t know how many 10 cents it will take, and if she would have the strength to lug the coins into Chanel. Ahem.

Posted in Life's Fillers, Minibeanism | 5 Comments »

Ethereal. Aerial. Acro Polates.

September 27th, 2010 by Scarlett Ting

Someday.

I was just browsing and reading more about aerial dance when I see countless inspiring pictures of this exquisite art form.

Some that caught my eyes include the above one, which I hope someday, I could just weave through the air, witness by the sunset, feeling that exhilarating freedom in the open.

I always thought it was damn beautiful watching the graceful lines on the aerial silk, but I saw this picture and just thought how sensually, provokingly gorgeous it is.

I have written a few times about my dabble with pole dancing in my search for the elusive grace.

I have yet to journey the pole-gress so far, but gee, I should be writing about in soon especially with the commencement of the new term of pole classes. I will be onto Level 6 of pole, and gee, that means almost a year of pole dancing (did my trial in late October 2009)… which pretty much deserves a post on its own to remember the fun I have had in this one year, and the awesome people I have met too.

***

I have uploaded some of the aerial class pictures onto facebook and twitter over the course of level 1, and received quite some messages from some friends who have given positive feedback, and are interested to find out more about the aerial classes I have been taking.

I just thought of sharing the information here so that next time I can just do the lazy thing of directing them here, and hopefully whoever reading this can have their interest roused so that I can have more aerial companions!

(Sarah, I hope you are reading this!)

With the conclusion of aerial 1, I can’t wait to embark on the level 2 of aerial class!

What?

What is aerial art and dance, some of you might ask. For the uninitiated, think Cirque du Soleil or Voyage de la Vie, where you see performers suspended high in the air and define grace with entrancing acrobatic dance moves and gravity-defying stunts and drops.

And yes, most of those performers, as we know, are talents from overseas, cos it seems like an art-form with the difficulty almost out of our leagues.

I used to look on with envy, and was utterly fascinated with how beautiful the lines are. The poise.. oh gosh, is just too ethereal for words. But seems just so impossible for me to attain such grace, cos, HELLO?! AUNTIE HERE CANNOT EVEN TOUCH HER TOES OKAY?!

Where?

So can you imagine my excitement when the studio where I have been taking my pole dance classes with, became the first studio in Singapore to launch Aerial classes?

I have mentioned before, but in case you have forgotten, I have been taking pole dance classes at Acro Polates for almost a year.

And the very pleasant and fabulous experience I have with the studio had made me gain a tad more confidence, and get out of my comfort zone that I had mentioned countless time here that how I look forward to classes every week. Someday I shall share how the studio had played a big part of my life in the past year, and tide me over a not-so-easy year.

I don’t know how, and why, but the comfort level and amazing experience had prompted me to be more adventurous with the courses they offered.

Like I said, Acro Polates is the very first studio in Singapore to launch aerial classes in January this year, just couple of months after I had picked up pole dancing, so I didn’t have to look further.

Aerial classes in Acro Polates consist of 2 elements, which include Aerial Hoop, as well as Aerial Silk.

Besides aerial, I also picked up flight inversion, which is almost like flying yoga, which requires a partner for all the acrobatic stunts we do.

I had not considered it in the beginning because of time commitment, as well as my fear of heights was one factor that had hindered me.

But I finally mustered all the courage I had in me and picked up aerial class in July together with Jiali, and with her encouragement, I know I would find a little more bravery within myself.

Then ah, after I started on the first lesson, I almost kicked myself that it took me more than half a year before I take the plunge to take up aerial!

And slowly, the clumsiness, the fear of heights all took a back seat as I thoroughly enjoyed my level 1 of aerial classes.

It was so much fun and even someone like me with little grace and plenty of chor-lorness can just sit there and it would look poised almost effortlessly.

The fallen angel. Even the name sounds so… ethereal, I like!

Notice how there is zilch constipated looks on my face compared to how I often look so constipated on pole?

As we progressed on the hoop, I know there is a part of me which secretly wants to be like this, someday:

Totally radical, and free to express myself anyhow-ly, as and how I will like to. It doesn’t necessarily have to be exactly like this, but who knows, it could be a ballet tutu, it could be a punkish outfit, or even a jester? The possibility seems endless. What I lack in grace and techniques, can be compensated with creativity, me hopes.

Aerial is actually much more physically demanding than pole dancing to my amazement, probably because our instructors had made it look so effortless.

When I got started on aerial silk, it was when I was really, utterly, unbelievably hooked.

I actually felt that there was limitless creativity on silk, and it was something I love almost immediately, and I ended up exploring on the silk so often that I can’t wait to get to the more advance levels to experience with drops and all.

There was just something so elegant, so sensual, so… beautiful with aerial silk.

Tell me how is it possible for me not to fall in love?

I fell deeply in love with aerial silk. I have a high suspicion that my liking for it has somewhat edge a little bit ahead of my liking for pole dancing.

Of pole, hoop and silk, silk was the one that was the most physically demanding, and yet was the one that I felt totally at home with. Probably because that my nemesis – sweaty palms, actually became a total advantage of mine when I am on the silk.

Some other random pictures of silk:

Jean doing a move on the silk on a more advance level which I had almost wanted to mimic.

Cheeky superman!

Okay, this is how it is supposed to look like from the back, totally straight. More graceful to not look at my cheeky face.


See! Somemore can act emo on the silk. Got feeeeeeeling hor? This was just before I left for the airport for my Sri Lanka trip, and I swear my feet was not on the ground, it just looks like it was!

Like I said, sometimes I think not looking at my face is more of a delight. This was me going into a split, and I wasn’t in position yet!

And then, I decided to explore of the possibilities ahead, and did the bird’s nest.

Someone asked if it was named after how the hair looks like after the move is executed. Quite possibly.

It really gives the back an incredible stretch.

Someday, maybe I can slide my feet down to touch my head.

Ya, right. Dream on.

Going into a straight edge.

Before going into a split.

Cos hoop and silk are not static, it is actually quite a task to get more quality pictures. I will TRY to take nicer pictures the next time round!

I really can’t wait for Aerial 2 to start so I can start swiveling around the hoop, and weaving the air with the silk.*Excited*

How?

If you are interested in aerial classes, you can register via Acro Polates website, or if you are uncertain and wanna find out more, you can bombard your inquiries Ming’s way, just don’t tell her I say one, and her email addy is: ming@professional.com.sg. If you are shy, just leave a comment or send me a message and I will be glad to share my experience and help!

The new term for aerial class will start this coming Friday, 1st October, and there is still time for you to register and join. With Jiali already left for London to further her studies, I really wish for more companions to pursue this art with.

My level 1 had consisted of 8 lessons – 4 lessons of hoop and 4 lessons of silk, the good news is the next term will be accelerated to 7 lessons, spanning from 7.30pm to 8.30pm, and you will be learning everything we did for hoop and silk in 7 lessons at a lower price – $175.

I promise it will be plenty of fun fun fun! :) I did the above only after 2 aerial silk classes (must polish up moooorrreeeeee!), considering the fact that I missed the previous lesson cos I didn’t turn up, so it is very much attainable for anyone, and not at all unachievable. :D I really enjoyed my classes so much that I decided to write this to urge everyone to join me.

And the instructors with Acro Polates are the firsts in Singapore to be certified by IPDFA, and thus you can be assured of the quality with the stringent tests and curriculum they had to go through for safe, systematic teaching and trainings.

One of the things I am very proud of is that the earlier batch of “seniors” had since gained recognition within such a short time that, they have advanced enough to be noticed, and to be that inspiration needed to spur us on.

CT and Lydia were both invited to perform at the official opening of Heritage Fest on 11th August, and the guests of honour actually commended on their performance. It was also such an emotional delight to watch their performances, because it was almost a tiny sense of victory that such an art that was barely picked up locally, has seen what is possibly its first homegrown talents.

Bear in mind that the courses had only started earlier this year, and yet they were handpicked for the opening, which to me, is by no means an easy feat.

They are so pretty up there! Sorry that I had to leech the pictures off facebook cos I was browsing and just thought how pretty they were.

I wonder if given another 4 months, will I even be near such standards. *dreams* but I think with the quality of teaching here, it might not be a dream afterall.

But of course, the pack of old bones here have to stretch a little more and practice more.. cos I believe it was endless hardwork put in by CT and Lydia that had earned them the credits they deserve.

And recently, what is even more exciting is that they will be heading overseas for a performance after scouts flew in specially to Singapore to visit various studios to have their pick in local talents.

I can’t say how proud I am of them! And they are such humble, down-to-earth and nice people who are so willing to teach and share.

I think that there might be just a spurt of local talents of international quality next time.. remember how when Voyage de la Vie was launched, the spokesperson had elaborated that most of the casts were scouted overseas cos Singapore simply doesn’t have such talents?

Even a parent had recently approached the studio recently for her child to explore aerial classes for the healthy, artistic image… so it is real exciting times ahead.

And I believe it could be the next big thing after pole-dancing, and is evident with the amount of people had been flocking to take up aerial with Acro Polates. For those who had always thought pole-dancing was a little “naughty” for their liking, would find this the perfect alternative to it.

I think I have been gushing non-stop since I started this post, but I really think it is something worth trying for every lady out there, for it is really quite an empowering form of expression and art, and trust me when I say it is a muscle-defining sport too.

Will look forward to share more breakthroughs of my aerial classes as I progress… and I shall exhibit more “hiaoness” next time!

Posted in Piercing the mundane | 4 Comments »

Weekend, simply.

September 26th, 2010 by Scarlett Ting

I find plenty of solace to find my usual spot in bed for the weekend, simply because I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else with the town probably too stuffed with people and traffic cos of F1.

Learnt my lesson the hard way when it took me an hour to reach town on Friday evening (seriously, jam at 12, jam at 3, jam at 5ish and every to and fro trip, I saw an accident which choked up the traffic!), and all I felt was plenty of queasiness.

I think it subsequently triggered off a migraine that is still lingering till today.

It was a pretty lousy aerial showcase for me on Friday because I was just feeling too much aches and lethargy from the day before, and could barely muster any grace on the silk.

But it was plenty of fun cos I finally could break away from the initial shyness and mingle with my aerial mates.. and duh, it took an entire term before I could be less shy around them (I CAN BE SHY ALSO, OKAY?!).

Took another dreadful drive to the east, which honestly was nothing dreadful cos I reached Pasir Ris safely and uneventfully, just that I circled around Pasir Ris Drive 3 for 45 minutes to find the slip road into Pasir Ris Close.

By the time I reached Andy’s birthday chalet, I was in total delirium, bearing in mind I already was from the jams earlier. Didn’t manage to stay long before it was a long way back from the east to the west.

Happy birthday Andy!

This is how my bed calls out to me since Friday evening, with all the tension in the back and neck diffused the moment I made contact with the mattress.

Jumped into bed eagerly with newest season of CSI, and with all the CSI finales ended with cliff hangers, I was literally squealing when the episode started for the newest season. It is already into season 11. Wow. Just wow.

It was immediately followed by How I Met Your Mother, and America’s Next Top Model, which I find it refreshingly nice cos there just wasn’t much bitchiness going on yet and I am just fond of the peace and niceness of everyone at this moment.

I decided to scout for new entertainment and tried Vampire Diaries and Modern Family.

As much as Stefan is hot, so very hot, so very puppyish and charming (I have a feeling Damon might just be my cuppa after a few more episodes but.. oh well), it failed to draw me in, and I decided that I like Modern Family! So a new series added to my entertainment list.

Ended the late night with a chapter from my book… where I could barely keep my eyes opened.

***

Minibean left home in the early noon to head out with my parents.

A quiet Saturday in couldn’t be more precious.

I stayed in bed, firmly in my spot, with my book in hands for hours. Hour after hour. Until it was evening time when Andy and Brian came over to pick me up to head to Jurong Point to meet up with Joly.

Had tummy ache in the lift and the chaps had to wait for me as I ran back home to, well, take care of the ache.

Dinner was at Burger King, and I was still trying to move on with my book that I forgot to take my drink and Taro Pie (which I intended to sneak into the movie as snack) with me when I walked away from Burger King.

So upset with myself! *sulk* Especially I love anything yam and it was what I had wanted to order the night before but the long wait put me off. So my cravings were deprived mercilessly by my forgetfulness.

But, at least there was still pop corns to make up for it as we went to watch Wall Street. Michael Douglas still has it! I hope he will triumph his fight with cancer.

The movie was okay for me, but I can almost imagine many people would not like it for the technical aspects. I heard this chap sharing with his female companion, “Eh, I have this part I don’t understand.. very hard to follow this show..”

Not charming at all, my dear. But the female companion also quick to share she overheard someone else saying the same thing too.

I like it.

I want a bonus like his too.

We all headed to Jurong East for supper and chatted over drinks.

Dreams and aspirations. Gee. We all need that inspirations and motivation to get there, don’t we?

Next year this time, will we be able to make things happen?

Got home almost at 2am before it was CSI New York (another cliff hanger which made me gasped!), and a marathon of Modern Family and another chapter just before I couldn’t take the migraine no more and head to bed.

***

It was almost 5pm when I woke up today. The clock had made its complete full circle, and I still feel I can go on a little more. I actu

Unfortch, it was a dream with plenty of cockroaches, and people whom I remember from secondary school days, this girl whom I don’t really know, and didn’t hang out, so I don’t know why I dreamt about her. I even dreamt of Zoe Raymond from nowhere.

Sleep debt no more to welcome the new week. Can we say yay or what?

Hopefully more reading could be done, and a post can be snuck in to welcome the new (and very exciting) week.

Will head out for dinner, and will put Minibean in bed to get ready for school tomorrow..

I find quiet weekends like this too lovely.

Can’t wait for my break from 11.30 to 2.30pm tomorrow.

Posted in Life's Fillers | No Comments »

Fitting her in

September 24th, 2010 by Scarlett Ting

I have a confession.

I have a major issue with comfort zone, and find myself having the inability to fit in.

That’s not my confession.

But that inept/inapt in me is what I fear. For far too many times, I find myself at the other end of the spectrum of being who I wanna be around someone because… I just react what is expected out of me, or I am too afraid to let the real me come out. Sometimes I feel like when I am around people I am too nervous to be around, I ended up being too withdrawn, too remote, or simply too over-the-top because I was afraid of the quietness and awkwardness that might seep in.

“He must think I am such a bimbo. He must think I am so screwed up. He must think…. Isn’t it good that he thinks I am this way and he is filtered out of my life for good? His choice, not mine.” is sometimes what runs through my mind.

I am not an endearing person, never have been, and sometimes wonder if I try to, can I ever be.

I just don’t fit in.

I still have the fear of walking in crowds, as an unknown sense of shame just overwhelms me.

I can manage to break out of that once in a while and be that clown that doesn’t come across as too remote, but more often than not, I ended up recharging in my own safe haven before finding the courage to do so again.

Is that why Mr KG once commented how erratic I am? For I swing between extremes of.. who I wanna be, who I can be.. and who I can’t stop being…?

I remember once I was at a meetup with some friends and acquaintances. They were quick to judge, quick to write off, quick to assume.. someone I know in the group was quick to morph into someone that was too quick to impress, too eager to seek that attention, when he failed to take the cue as a mockery coming from them. Instead, it was thought they were really interested. And what I saw from the outside was something truly sad.

They then turned to me, since I was a common friend, and made conversations that were evident that they were talking about what they thought was a funny entertainment, and were condescendingly talking to me in the same way.

I just put on the bimbo act expected out of me and played along. They thought it was sad and was out to humiliate, they got what they want. But I just wondered who was sadder. That I knew they were like that, or that I had allowed them to think that I am what they perceived.

Okay, I know the answer. I am. Bleargh.

Anyway.

So, that’s not my confession.

My confession is. I am afraid. I am afraid that I have to make friends with fellow mums and parents outside the circle of my friends who are mums and parents.

I get nervous everytime I see someone in school who tries to strike a conversation. Be it be Minibean’s classmate’s maid, grandma.

At this moment, I probably know only a handful of familiar faces.

I get jittery and refuse to make eye contact when the teachers speak to me. I really would rather they don’t, yet when they do, I know they are trying to include me and I appreciate that.

Don’t be mistaken. My fear is not from detest nor I-think-I-am-better-than-you-way.

I am afraid that I will be judged for who I am or who they think I am or am not that a dislike for me might mount.

Which is pretty much who I already am in real life with that strange, warped fear… but I have learnt to cope with it by just.. staying within my comfort zone as and when I want it, which thankfully, people around me know me well enough to respect and understand it.

Let’s face it, there are many people out there who are out to dislike for no reason, and I just think it could be something that’s just human.

Think of a celebrity you don’t like. Why do you not like? Just a feeling? Like how I see Felicia Chin or Raymond Lam and would feel a great distaste and annoyance? And even disgust from nowhere?

But this is different.

I asked myself if I dread going to Minibean’s school because it reminded me of a difficult childhood of feeling out of place most of the time.

I realise the dread is more of if the day comes, and inevitably I have to mingle with mums for the sake of doing so (well, many mums have already told me the importance of PR-ing with other mums and the politics behind it is pretty interesting, albeit absolutely silly in my honest opinion), or that it was expected out of me, or that Minibean might run into trouble with her vivacious personality which might be overwhelming for some parents/children.

You never know what kind of funny parents are out there. I have met some really.. out of this world one in my teaching stint a decade ago. And we know how things will only get worse, not better in this past decade.

Especially when the family is having their opinions about a good, reputable primary school and blarblarblar, you know the works and all those not-so-bullshit.

I do not believe in good schools for the academic and the pressure and cookie-cutter result-pushing in cold-hearted manner. But a friend who matter once told me that what he had gained from his academic background, is the network that is precious.

I have to stop in my tracks and think beyond my resentment for those result-oriented schools (which was from my bad experience with River Valley High), and have to conceit that what he said was correct. Maybe I was lucky that most of my friends are never brats and I get very valuable friendships which are beyond what benefits they could could bring me.

And hahaha, good school less cute schoolboys with bad-boy appeal, so I can worry less. I just have to pray my liking for nerds was not passed down through DNA.

Anyhoooooooo.

The dread.

The dread of one day I would have to mingle. The dread of one day which parent might strike a conversation and decide to judge. The dread of… that judgment might lead to the ostracism of Minibean in school.

I know I am just being paranoid.

But maybe school just has such effect on me to feel so strongly about rejection and isolation.. and it was something I never want my child to go through, and is not something I could possibly control.

***

I had 4 classes of elementary pole yesterday, when I was one of those who helped out in the certification of the 4 instructors in the studio… and my idea of helping out was probably to lie there on the floor and pretend to be the CPR dummy, but apparently it was full class of pole with warm up, tricks, choreography, exercises and cool down.

Okay, the 4th lesson was actually the pole trial which I decided to sit in but good to revise the basics and tweak it to pole-fection, methinks.

And I had my 2nd jab of Cervical cancer vaccination done yesterday (I know! I was supposed to go back after one month but was too busy and whenever I wanna make my way down, the fear for Tampines drew me back!), and learnt of the difference between Gardasil and Cervarix.

I went to Dr Leslie Tay’s clinic, and this time since I was alone, fan girl nervousness just overwhelmed me and nearly wanted to ask him where can I go for lunch cos I was so hungry, and I bet he would have some pretty good recommendations. When I see him, I will automatically think of the food pictures of his ieatishootipost blog. Then I was very hungry.

He told me the arm wouldn’t ache post-jab, and it really didn’t ache as much as others had claimed it to be, which actually means I managed to survive 4 hours of pole. I shall not say how I feel a bit cheated when he coaxed me that there wouldn’t be any aches and I could feel the ache seeping in, slowly but surely.

Eunice had nagged me to listen to her and get the jab on my bum but I think I also shy to flash Dr Tay. Wait he thinks I got ulterior motive. In fact, she nearly screamt at me for not listening to her when I turned up at the studio with the jab on my arm. So die die like that also must continue, cos it was her certification test I was a trainee for!

New term starts next week and those who had emailed me with interest in Pole dancing and aerial classes, feel free to pop by www.polefessional.com.sg to have a look.

It is quite exciting to see what Acro Polates is coming up, and I can’t wait to see how things evolve in the next couple of months.

The night was adjourned to my favourite Thai massage place for some pain-relief. I feel so much better after the massage and thanks to Ming’s treat for the massage!

Dinner at Old Town, before joining the rest of the guys for drinks at United Square, where a couple of Caucasians very generously bought us drinks, just because, with no agendas or whatsoever despite our refusal.

I think maybe they just wanna shut me up after I had squealed when a couple of cockroaches roamed into my path.

Certainly didn’t expect the late night out. No time for reading but there was some time for Gossip Girl episode 2, which was such a visual treat.

CHUCK BASS’ EYES MELTED ME.

How I met your mother was back with a bang too. I missed Barney!

And I even had time for America’s Next top model so my packed Friday would be cleared of me-time debt!

More exciting times ahead. Can’t wait.

Posted in Life's Fillers, Minibeanism | 4 Comments »

Recipe for an image

September 22nd, 2010 by Scarlett Ting

‘I will not be just a tourist in the world of images, just watching images passing by which I cannot live in, make love to, possess as permanent sources of joy and ecstacy’

I will be the first to admit. I am not a good photographer, but I try my best to capture the moments that intrigued me.

Someday, maybe, someday, I hope to bring justice to the little fragment of memories I would like to immortalize through cameras.. and express the emotions triggered by the moment in a way that it could be read, be felt by someone else without the explanation of words.

I haven’t been indulging in photography despite being an absolute infant when I first started. Maybe the discouragement of how my lack of skills and perspective jibe me mercilessly whenever I hit the replay button had somehow prod me back to my safe land of point-and-shoot, but somehow, even the idiot-proof gadget had proved to be a challenge to me these days.

Nonetheless, looking on to the world through the eyes of others, and trying to decipher what went on in the minds when they saw what they saw, they witnessed what they witnessed, they felt what they felt.. can be quite a powerful experience.

And I always feel.. something a little more, for those with a keen eye, and what they can do with their tools. It is utterly sexy.. and it was never the case of the bigger the better, cos it was always what they do with that leaves the impression. Even with a tiny one.. like a point-and-shoot.

Anyway, I digress.

***

In a random jump of topic, it has been quite an interesting past couple of days, albeit a tad filled to the brim with activities. I think the hormones should be under control now since the flow came unexpectedly yesterday when I was out.

Tsk.

Got home late from a nice, nostalgic night out, and felt the dread to get out of bed this morning.

Wanted to nap but was drafting up posts and editing pictures to the point that I simply forgot to do so.

And by the time I felt tired enough, the sky was lulling me to sleep with the sudden overcast.

BUT, it was time to pick Minibean up from school.

And it was the most treacherous journey I ever made. A 5 minute journey that took almost 35 minutes.

The roads outside my place had 2 inch deep of water, and I was wondering if her school area would be flooded.

Then, the horror started when I see flashing lightning so often that I actually had my eyes closed most of the time (for everytime it flashed, I got scared and would instinctively blink hard). It was at a rate of one lightning per 5 seconds or thereabout, and I ain’t kidding.

And I HAVE A BIG PHOBIA of lightnings and thunders.

So that was obviously not good news.

The wiper to the car could not keep up with the torrential rain and the visibility was… wait a minute, what visibility?!

Then, there was a massive jam just before where I was supposed to exit.

Just as I was stuck in the barely moving jam, I tweeted how the lightning was so horrible and it looked like it was damn near as I could see the lightning bolt very clearly, and I wondered how long before it would hit something near.

You know what is worse than can see the lightning bolt very clearly?

When it strikes so near that everything is just blinded by a bright boom.

VERY SUEY CHWEE CAN?

The moment I tweeted it, this bolt of lightning hit so near that I instinctively dove and literally took cover with my hands to the side of my head and all my hair stood.

I yelped.

My heart was racing and I almost burst out crying.

I think I was confused. I was too confused to be worried about getting into an accident, being struck by lightning, being hit by a falling tree, or that it might be a flood waiting ahead.

SO TRAUMATIZING CAN?!

Thankfully I reached Minibean in one piece, and not fried. I ran into the shelter after like throwing a mini tantrum to myself cos I was just too much of a wimp to get out into the open with a brolly.

Minibean had creative classes today and she seemed like she had so much fun, and it looks like plenty of fun what those kids are doing, which perhaps explains why Minibean was so cheery today.

When I walked her out of the school, I think the fear was written all over my face that she asked.

“MUMMY, are you scared?”

“Why do you ask? Why do think I am afraid?”

“Cos thunder you know? You scared of thunder?”

SEEEEE I am so much of a scaredy cat that even my daughter knows that. Tsk.

She stopped short of pointing at me and laughed at my misery. To her credit, she actually sounded sensitive and concerned. *Sniffs* So touched.

The rain subsided and we made our way home safely.

Just wondering why is it that even the EMAS board had informed motorists that the exit ahead was closed, that ALL of them were still trying to exit. And most of them even went straight ahead despite the exit being blocked off. Were there hoping for the best or something? But it was so silly cos it ended up causing unnecessary jams.

Home. It was really sweet… cos her presence has so much calming effect to me.

***

Came home with the mind going into overdrive. I need that liberation I so badly crave again.

This time, I am gonna make it happen. Mehopes.

***

Okay! Oh. I was saying.

Photography.

I was probably having quite a bad phase of camera disaster, no thanks to Canon, as all my cameras seem to be going on a strike.

I remember the ex had given me my first Canon Ixus 8 years ago or thereabout, and it had since been a long journey with Canon. I never looked back nor was ever tempted by any other camera brands.

But I was so frustrated after my recent bout with Canon that… I will tell everyone to get a Nikon (not true, recently tried to suggest Canon 550D to a friend who was looking for something more entry level, but eventually Nikon D90 triumphed in this case cos of the peer influence – many others within the group had opted for the D90 – despite the price difference) cos of the problems I have with all my Canons.

The 450D had a motherboard issue and was so costly to be replaced that I had told them not to go ahead with the repair, and…. I have almost forgotten to collect it until blogging about it now reminds me to do so.. er, soon.

So yah, it was NOT that old. It had broken down quite some time ago. So, yeap, whoever says Canon is reliable, DO NOT BELIEVE.

The Canon chap asked me if I would like to upgrade instead (cos the repair cost was gonna be more than $300), and I replied in mocked horror “Upgrade and spend more money on an unreliable brand? NO WAAYYY!” and giggled.

Honestly,  I didn’t find Canon customer service to be helpful either when I tried to find out exactly what was wrong, and I have had heard people who had sought 2nd opinions elsewhere after their encounters with the service centre had managed to revive their cameras without the need to change the motherboard, which means they have a more accurate diagnosis of what went wrong, rather than just give a generic one-size-fits-all suggestion. So, will see how it goes with the 2nd opinion then.

Even when I asked if it was indeed the reason why the camera refused to boot up, they couldn’t seem to be very sure and just said they needed to change the motherboard because it couldn’t be on. A surf on the net for answers back then had gathered more constructive feedback that the mother company couldn’t give.

Oh well.

So, does it come as a surprise that my compact camera, which was yet another Canon Ixus, and yet another sentimental gift had some problems with its flash.

Even the family’s Exilim had survived better and longer than this Canon Ixus. I have a feeling my every first brick of Canon Ixus v3 could still work despite being the old hag in the family.

It is okay, just that the flash and the colours had been off. Very off actually.

Was reading up on cameras, and someone also happened to ask me which compact camera to get, and I actually suggested, yes you guess it, Canon again, despite the grieves it had been giving me. Loser alert!

I think the sentimental ties to Canon was one that was harder to break.

Just when I was adamant to break it.. guess what happened?

My 3rd Canon Ixus. Like its predecessor, this one came as a gift as well.

Like you know, I am a total loser, and a total cheapo, so with all bad feelings put aside, I actually adore this black beauty, cos it’s so sleek, and finally the first camera of mine that is not in a boring skin of chrome (though the original one was chrome, but I preferred it in black).

Over tea yesterday afternoon, trying the colour accent thingy which was what I had liked with the Ixus.

The sad thing is, I realise so many functions bore similarities to the one I was using, but I never did realise the settings in the previous one cos it was tucked to one obscure corner. I actually felt a bit of guilt when I realise the retired one had all those functions I didn’t explore fully, which was a revelation only today.

Nonetheless, what the mother owns, the daughter inherits, so I hope she has fun with the Canon Ixus and take good care of it.

And here’s a look of my new baby.

So I am such a sucker. I am back into the arms of Canon. And somehow I know a part of me would try to bring the 450D back to life…

Cos somehow.. I know this just can’t quite fill the lust of what I have in mind to do.

Till then, I am just excited to have this with me as I journey more of the coming moments, especially those with Minibean and her growing years. I don’t really like changes.. so hopefully this camera would be here to stay (if not… damn you, Canon) for a long while until I or Minibean outgrow it.

And thank you.

***

All photographs are there to remind us of what we forget.  In this – as in other ways – they are the opposite of paintings.  Paintings record what the painter remembers.  Because each one of us forgets different things, a photo more than a painting may change its meaning according to who is looking at it. – John Berger

Maybe, I just wanna be reminded of what I forgot.

Maybe, I just wanna find the slightest speck of untruth in moments, that would one day be reminders of pain. So painful that it reminds us that we are still capable of feeling. Still alive.

Maybe, I just wanna be that Dreamer.

***

Totally random yet again. I just remember today is my first ever puppy love’s birthday. Don’t know why that I just feel the need to… just say it.

And did I mention Mr KG had gotten married? I am still trying to breathe at the thought of the news (and the pictures).

And as you can see, this is a slutty post, one that is screwed by so many pieces of memories which, I fail to forget.

Happy Mid Autumn Festival people.

Posted in MateriaLust, Perk-me-ups | 2 Comments »

ADV: Bank Anywhere. Go Anywhere.

September 20th, 2010 by Scarlett Ting

Where would you want to bank? Think of somewhere.

HERE? BRING ME ALONG!

Somewhere quirky. Somewhere you dream of going. Somewhere where possibilities take place.

OR HERE?

Go anywhere. I really do mean ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD*, a place of your choice, with your return tickets fully sponsored.

Or maybe, here!

I ain’t kidding. This is happening in reality and is made possible by Citibank Singapore.

With the launch of Citi Mobile, Citibank Singapore looks set to push the envelope for no holds barred possibilities, and break the boundaries, especially geographical wise with this life-simplifying service catered for their customers on the move.

On a total irrelevant note, recently someone asked me why don’t I have a local bank account as I have became a Citibank customer since Minibean was born during a short stint with Citibank, but it really is because the ever-expanding network of ATMs all around Singapore, and the customer-friendly systems in place which really made banking easier for me compared to the previous local bank I banked with.

The other day I was in a rush, and there was even drive-thru’s for Citibank ATMs these days!

Come to think of it, this is the 2nd time I am writing an advertorial for Citibank after a 3-year gap.

Quite fated, I suppose. Heh heh.

Tsk. I digress.

As I was saying… Why go to the bank when you can carry it with you, and it is probably the fastest, most efficient and convenient way for you to transfer funds to pay your bills promptly, get your bank account and card balances in a snap of fingers, direct you to the nearest ATMs during emergencies (like for the impromptu late night mahjong session!) via FindmyCiti, and even to lifestyle guide to the best dining deals with Citibank Gourmet Pleasures at your fingertips!

And before your overseas trip, you can even check Forex rates so you wouldn’t be cheated by that money changing uncle (ROAARRRS!) at Peninsula Plaza who had told us the exchange rates for Sri Lankan rupees to be 1 is to 50 something when it was actually 1 is to 80. Luckily I managed to have access to Citi Mobile which I could double-check immediately to realise the discrepancy and got the money back after a confrontation with the uncle.

You can even get the latest update via Citi Alerts. With Citi Alerts SMS, you can check your account balance, latest bank and card transactions and more, with just a simple SMS. Easy peasy, isn’t it? :)

With the new Citi Mobile set in motion, Citibank Singapore is celebrating this in a BIG way, and all of you can be a part of it, and stand the chance to walk away with some awesome prizes.

How to win? The promotional period is from NOW till 15th November and it is time for you to take action NOW NOW NOW!

There are two ways about doing it.

A) The ‘No Sweat’ Way

Join the newly launched Citibank Singapore in facebook!

Yes, it is THAT easy.

Join Citibank Singapore in facebook NOW, and what is it in for you?

You get to travel to Hong Kong for free with weekly giveaways of return air tickets to Hong Kong!

You heard it right, WEEKLY, and that means there are 7 return tickets to Hong Kong up for grabs every week during the lucky draw for ALL fans of the Citibank Singapore in Facebook.

I know a few of my girlies are always excited about their yearly pilgrimages to Hong Kong for the shopping or even scouting for the latest trends, and even I myself am thinking of going there just to check the Disneyland out with Minibean *shall scramble into the Citibank Singapore in Facebook to click ‘Like’ and hope for best* in the winter cold!

Time to refer all your motherfatherfriendssiblingscousinsauntiesunclespartnersflingseveryoneyouknow to join Citibank Singapore in Facebook!

Take note of these lucky draw dates for fans of Citibank Singapore in Facebook and check back regularly like how you check your 4D and Toto stubs!

Draw Dates:

Draw 1: 24 September 2010, 3pm

Draw 2: 1 October 2010, 3pm

Draw 3: 8 October 2010, 3pm

Draw 4: 15 October 2010, 3pm

Draw 5: 22 October 2010, 3pm

Draw 6: 29 October 2010, 3pm

Draw 7: 8 November 2010, 3pm

And those are the referrals and troops you will need in time to come for the ohmygoshareyouseriousyoukiddingme MEGA PRIZE!

Did I already NOT mention what it is?

B) The CREATIVE Way (which you might not even need to sweat like I did)

Bank Anywhere with Citi Mobile Photo Contest

Remember the post that journeyed my Citi Mobile blogger race experience with Joanne where I had plenty of fun?

I had said how much fun it was for me and it was all for some shopping vouchers and the winner walked away with a digital compact camera…

….. and now, you can be part of the Bank Anywhere with Citi Mobile Photo Contest, sans running and race-time limit of 3 hours to cover 5 locations, all at your own timing as long as it is before the deadline for submission.

And the grand prize is.. *drumsroll*

Return ticket to anywhere in the world and any model of Sony Vaio.

How unfair can that be?!?! Anywhere in the world you know?! All those running we did and subsequent muscle aches also didn’t deserve any return ticket! Can cry I tell you.

And that’s not it, the full list of attractive prizes up for grabs for runner-ups are definitely worth the efforts for everyone to take part in the Bank Anywhere with Citi Mobile Photo Contest.

Very awesome prizes right?? You don’t want, give me. I will send you postcard wherever I go, and will MSN you on my new lappy and I will be very grateful (albeit not eternally haha) to you.

But, aiyah! You guys should just take the golden opportunity and let your creative juices flow. And here are some tips from me, speaking from experience after taking part in the blogger race!

  • Don’t miss the submission date! Submission Phase: 14 September 2010 – 25 October 2010
  • Learn to relax a little and keep your fingers crossed over the Shortlisting Phase: 26 October 2010 – 1 November 2010
  • Once you receive the good news, get your troops and kakis operational ready for the final hurdle where you would require their support! Voting Phase: 2 November 2010 – 15 November 2010
  • Go to www.citibank.com.sg on your mobile phone browser (you will need a date plan for this) for the log-in page, and you DO NOT have to log in. For iPhone users, you can go straight to the apps page for Citi Mobile, and open the app!
  • Get creative. Get adventurous. Think of creative ideas, creative poses, and find distinct places with iconic features to be your background. That will differentiate you from others cos everyone will deffo give their best for a chance to fly anywhere in the world, so up your game!
  • Get a friend to help you with art direction. Joanne was of incredible help to me on the day, who not only encouraged me to keep going, but also input some really good ideas… most importantly, she helped to take pictures while I posed!
  • Think of relevant taglines to go with your pictures. Remember how you must convey the ease of use with Citi Mobile and its exciting feature!
  • It can get a little tricky getting the right exposure to capture the Citi Mobile homepage clearly and sharply, so tilt your camera around to get the right light and take away the reflection!

You probably saw some of the pictures in my previous post, but here are some of the others I missed out!

In front of Orchard ION. Joanne and I had so many Citibank cards in between us that we joked we should have an award for that (we hid the repetitive ones).

At T3 Slide.

My legs were off the ground! And gee, I’ve got biceps. Heh heh heh.

Just follow the simple steps for submission process and you are on your way to anywhere in the world with Citi Mobile!

  1. Read and find out there contest details
  2. Go to the Submit Entry tab, fill in the caption and description like you normally would for your facebook pictures!
  3. Browse and upload the picture
  4. And you will be led to a confirmation page. TAKE NOTE! Stay with us a little while more and proceed on to Citibank site before closing the page. You are almost there!
  5. Once you get to Citibank site, click on Submit and wait for it to load.
  6. LAST STEP! Fill in your particulars (or you can put my name down I don’t mind :D ) and you are done (or else how to inform you to collect your air ticket?). THAT easy. 

I can’t wait to see how everyone would get creative for this contest and hopefully one of you reading this off my blog will be the eventual winner. Good luck everyone!

And still remember what is STEP 1?

Yes, go get your ass to Citibank Singapore in Facebook!

Posted in Tried & Tested/Advertorials | 1 Comment »

Of iPad and Citi Mobile race

September 19th, 2010 by Scarlett Ting

August was definitely a month of surprises, blessings and happenings for me. In various ways, things dropped into my paths in the most unexpected fashion, and created much excitement.

I guess some greater force out there is taking some sympathy on me, and still showering me with luxuries despite getting broker-er. For that, I am thankful.

If you haven’t been following me on Twitter, you probably wouldn’t hear of my incessant whines on a daily basis, and you wouldn’t have figured out that I have pretty much chronicled my life in bits and pieces over there.

And it is perhaps old news compared to what my tweets have to offer, but for the first time in my life I have won a contest!

I have never quite won anything in my life, especially in contests, and since I was never quite a sports person (see how lazy I am and you probably can make out why), medals and competitions are definitely out of my league too. As much as a gambler I am, I don’t actually invest in Singapore Pools at all. No 4D, no Toto, no S-league, not even on football. Is that much of a surprise I still remain a pauper?

Anyway.

The time when I had blogged this piece for the awareness of cervical cancer, and the responses had been overwhelming. I had someone from Japan sending me a note, I have a friend who went for pap smear and found abnormalities, I have had people going for vaccination after it. In a way, it was such a relief, and at the same time, it was the understanding, the support, as well as the message that was shared with others that triumphed all the other feelings I had felt prior to the posting of the entry.

After that post was up, I submitted it for Nuffnang POCC awareness blog contest, but shortly after my site was down and I have had since shifted from joewei.net to the present www.scarletscandals.com. After submission, there was no reply from anyone to acknowledge anything, and I kinda assumed the post was perhaps not read or not submitted since my site was down for quite a while back then.

When the dates were way past, I gradually forgot about the entire contest, and it was on one late afternoon of 12 August when an email came in to inform me I have won the 1st prize to the contest.

1st prize??

!!!

??!!

Okay, I have not even won any sort of consolation prize before (eh, fine, when I was in primary school I took part in a nationwide Chinese composition writing and I got consolation and won $50. I still kept the plaque cos it was the only thing I had ever won), so winning the 1st prize, what the more by merits, was something that had never happened to me.

And I was a happy camper when I collected my prize the next day since I was in the area, and met up with Boss Ming for a drink and a brief catch up before I scooted off to Sim Lim.

It was a nice catch up, and hearing his trip to Rome and all.. I could almost feel the excitement of the Moscow trip all over again, though I probably was spared the heartache of not witnessing the defeat in Rome.

Since I was in Sim Lim, I was seriously contemplating on selling the iPad since I wasn’t quite interested in it, and was wondering if I could make like, say, $500 to tide the tight month over.

It was an imported set of 32G Wifi. And at that time, the supply was still pretty scarce and when I was at Sim Lim, the boys were quick to want to have a look.

Immediately I had quite a few offers cos it was still minted in its coat of plastic.

Then this shop owner who actually wanted to buy it from me, told me that the retail price for an imported set is actually higher and asked if I am seriously considering selling.

And then I realised it wasn’t as cheap as I thought it was. I had thought its retail price was $600 you see.

The silly thing is, most people would think that if it is has a higher retail price, you sell it better, right?

It works the opposite for me. It actually tempted me to keep it. And the fact that I am such a hoarder, makes the iPad a tad sentimental for me to part. I mean, it was something that I had won by doing something meaningful… and.. I think Minibean will kinda enjoy it.

So the moment I decided to keep it, the boys were quick to deflower it.

The boys then quickly threw in their suggestion of what I should do with it. Keep it. They said I could tweet, I could blog and facebook with it. Guess what, that worked, and I said “Okay! I shall keep it!“.

And then ah.

It resulted in a damage of $100 OUTPUT for screen protector and casing.

Got slightly frustrated cos ended up must output for it. Bah.

Nonetheless, Minibean had great fun with it, and learnt plenty of stuff with it, to the point that nowadays the first thing she saw us, she wouldn’t greet us but would ask, “Do you have the iPad with you?“

Her favourite games include the memory matching game where you flip 2 cards over and match the animal pictures, and she is pretty darn good at it.

With the iPad, I also taught her how to handle losing, and that everything in life is not about winning. You have to learn to take defeat, and not let your ego get in the way. Sportsmanship, I told her.

Once she learnt that, I started to “put water” and let her win, hahaha.

She loves to play Angry Birds too. Though she is pretty glad when one bird managed to hit ANYTHING.

Eventually, the casing to the iPad was sold off, because someone who had bought an iPad for a day and bought they original iPad cover had decided to sell the iPad away after ONE day cos she grew so bored of it. So she was left with the original cover which she then passed on as a gift.

Which quickly became fingerprints laden, since it is like Minibean’s toy too.. Was given this silver apple logo sticker, and the cover has since got a cooler sheen to it.

Some of the days you didn’t hear from me and with me obsessed with me-time, I was busy playing this:

And I can’t believe this is what I forsake $850 (which I could probably sell for) bucks for.

Before it was loaded with games, I brought it home on the first night and after 5 minutes, it retired to a corner. Ever since, I have strict instructions to Minibean when she plays with it, cos it does hold something special to me.

***

My string of luck with the iPad seemed to continue on 22nd August when I helped out at an event and a contest of efficiency got me a tie with another chap. It came unexpectedly cos I was having fun and wasn’t one of those serious contestants for it. Perhaps the having fun part made it less pressurising and made it less of a chore and more of just something random.

The prize was.. yes you guessed it, an iPad. A 16 G wifi model, which if I have my hands on it, would probably be sold off.

I was told I did win by statistics, but seeing the amount of effort put in by the other chap, I felt the incentive could be his (maybe cos I already had already won one just a week before), or shared both ways.

I didn’t know how the arrangement worked out, but I was informed by organiser that they would actually give out cash incentive cos it was easier to split that way.

I was pleasantly surprised and pleased that I was awarded $500 for that day of effort, and since I would have sold the iPad anyway, I would think $500 for half the iPad was the best arrangement it could be.

YAY!

***

14 August 2010 – Citi Mobile Race

Was invited to a Citi Mobile bloggers event by 24Seven on one particular Saturday morning. As the event’s embargoed date is only recently lifted, I couldn’t blog about it earlier.

It was a hilarious Saturday morning when I woke Joanne up to realise she was already leaving home, because she had thought the meeting time was earlier!

I was jokingly saying we both will probably get lost cos we are both so clueless and blur.

The meeting place was at the airport, which makes it like the X-th time I head to the airport in recent months.

I had wanted to bring the iPad just in case it came in handy but had forgotten to do so as I rushed for the cab.. which was not on the agenda cos I had wanted to train down to Changi Airport.

I am just so spoilt. Tsk!

I nearly couldn’t find a partner after Jiali was last minute-ly caught up with her preparation for her trip, and thankfully, a very spontaneous Joanne helped to fill the role, and I couldn’t have asked for a better companion for the day!

I ended up having breakfast with her and her parents, which I got all jittery and now I know when men meet their partners’ parents for the 1st time, the nerves must have sucked!

I was somehow very glad to meet Brian, who was helping out, after meeting him the last time during Yasmin Ahmad’s event. I hope his arm had since recovered cos it was in a cast on event day!

We were then ferried to the nearby JetQuay, which is quite an exclusive lounge area, to be briefed.

I don’t remember what Claudia said, but I just thought the expressions captured on the girls’ faces are pretty… priceless.

Maybe it involved something about how they are gonna torture us or something.

Pardon the fat arms, I really don’t know where they come from. I would like to say they are muscles, but you guys would already know how much of a queen of denial I am so I am not even gonna bother to try.

A group photograph before the race commences.

We were then given $30 for travelling and off we went for the race. We were supposed to finish covering 5 locations in 3 hours, and take 4 pictures at each location.

The first one was Changi Airport, where we spent the most amount of time, and were the most energetic and creative.

We were supposed to think of ideas to show that we could bank anywhere and anytime with Citi Mobile.

And by anywhere, we really tried to think ANYWHERE.

Alas we didn’t take into consideration that the phone reflections might not work just about anywhere for us to capture the right angle.

So we ended up having awkward picture like this:

And so aptly, I had my passport with me, so it looked more convincing!

So these are pretty much what we were up to, and thanks to the input of Joanne, we ended up doing really silly things, and talked about really silly things and laughed ourselves silly.

We even jumped onto the shuttle train’s pole to mimic our pole dance moves, and there were some passengers on the train who started to snap pictures of us, and you could hear the clicking of the handphone camera snapping away endlessly.

We were so engrossed that we didn’t even bother to shoot dirty looks at them. Talk about dedication!

And then I ignored everyone’s stares and did this right outside Terminal 3. As you can see from reflections, it was not a quiet corner. I even had 2 uncles who walked past and asked to help Joanne and me take a picture together, before we said it was for a contest and I was short of telling them I am not crazy.

I even took the T3 slide just for photo-opportunity, much to the chagrin of the kiddos who had to wait for me to finish before they could take their turns.

Next stop we rushed to Orchard ION.

And I actually like this! It was supposed to show the joy of me on my payday after checking on Citi Mobile.

Then there was Bugis (where it rained) and I got splashed water at the fountain by kiddos, Chinatown, where we were delirious from the heat and fatigue that we lost our way after going to Clarke Quay for the final checkpoint that we couldn’t even find the restaurant for meet up though it was just round the corner.

We were tired and hungry!!

This is what hungry face looks like and I just wanted to eat! Apparently you can find special promotion for dining stuff through Citi Mobile too. So this was one of those I submitted as one of the 20.

Like I said, the 2 blur queens took some time to find the others who were already digging in!

The funniest part was, Joanne’s phone died exactly at this point. It threatened us with low-battery during our 2nd or 3rd checkpoint cos we were consistently trying to get the best angle, best idea, best pose so we took countless. Not surprise that it almost gave up on us but it hung on till the last minute! Awesome!

Then we had to upload the pictures and choose the shots. Joanne was at the helm of it cos my burnt brain cells don’t work well with anything fruit-y (it was an iMac).

We had to choose one, and eventually, this was what we chose:

And it was a mega surprise, cos with so many participants and plenty of creative bloggers, we were eating halfway when our names were called as 1st runner-up!

I stared at Joanne and we both went “OHHH WE WON SOMETHING!” and dropped our food to go up together.

It was $200 Takashimaya vouchers! Yay! Shopping time!

I think the best part of the day was the awesome people we met, of course there were not-so-awesome ones, but it was the blessing I counted.

And most fabulously, the company of Joanne. My favourite part was when we sat by the river, watched the boats cruised by, shone by the piercing late afternoon sun, but it was nice.

Very nice.

The cute thing is we didn’t co-ordinate our expressions and somehow everything turned out similar.

And oh, she was the one who suggested us to turn up in same colour outfit, and even though National Day was just over, many people still turned up in red and white!

And thanks babe, it was fun running around with you, and I think it was damn funny when we both started sprouting nonsense cos we were just so delirious and mumbling.

I think it wouldn’t have been as fun if not for someone as sporting and spontaneous like you, who actually egged me on when I was just too tired to go on.

And YAY! Vouchers to go shopping with :D :D

Told ya I was very, very much blessed for the month of August. And hopefully, it will still hold true for the months to come :)

Posted in Perk-me-ups, Piercing the mundane | 1 Comment »

Let’s burn daylight

September 18th, 2010 by Scarlett Ting

Someone major up there could have heard my pleas early this morning.

And gee, after feeling so hyped up and high for this long, I often questioned myself when will the lull slip in when I least expected it.

It probably did this morning.

Come to think of it, it’s about time the hormones bring forth the awkward loner in me. Happens monthly, you see, laughs.

I am finding great reluctance to head out to face the outside world, feeling very safe only in my own comfort zone, a world built to be known as my own.

I think a series of people have ground my nerves to powder form that I probably need some time off in order to stretch that tolerance a little further next time.

I woke up to see the daylight stolen by the storms, and held the blanket wrapped around me tighter, and tucked my baby pillow under my arms the way I like it.

I actually woke up earlier, probably shaken by the low rumbles out there.

I’m such a wuss. Always have been. Still the same ol’ same ol’.

Checked on Minibean, and my mum quickly suggested not to send her back to school since the doctor had suggested that her viral bug was caused by the bout of flu she had yet to recover from, and she was concerned she might catch a chill with her immune system this low. I actually agreed and scooted back into my room while the 2 of them continued to snooze.

I know how it was one of those days that is perfect for a lie-in, and I fully had the luxury of doing so.

Somehow, I didn’t want to.

It was therapeutic with the daylight robbed, and it was just a joy to fully immerse in the cosiness the rain had brought with it.

I love rainy days.

I still do.

Something about hearing the sounds I fear, and knowing I am protected from it all, with someone I love most near me, sleeping like an angel… is so picturesquely perfect.

I could be feeling some of that moroseness within me, and afraid of the world out there, but at that moment, I felt I truly belonged.

It perked me up, and I wondered how it would feel to just run into the rain and dance all by myself. Skip. Kick. Tap. Sans the thunder of course.

Maybe it makes me feel part of who I was. The younger, spontaneous, and totally oblivious to the world me.

And then, the thought of venturing out actually scares me. Cos… with my walls down in my own fortress, the thought of putting myself out there is almost hard to entertain.

No MSN. No SMSes. Just me, by myself.

It was actually nice with the peace in the house, though it quickly crumbled when mum just had to attack when the defense was low. It wasn’t an attack. But with all things pink and rosy, it could just take a moment, and some words to destroy all that.

I caught the words before the issue became full blown and took my exit. And with times like this, I often shy into my own shell, rather than getting all annoyed, cos.. there’s no walls for me to break my fall.

And with times like this, it just feels like everything I type here is monotonous.. albeit still like water. No exclamation, no hypes, no wails, no frills.. even my over-the-top lame sense of humor gives way to subtle sarcasm, which in my own warped, distorted world, is actually rather witty, I might add.

Which sums up perfectly with the word, boring.

But despite all these emomama shite, I actually feel… happiness in this vulnerability. Cos I feel so liberated.. and I can.. feel.

I took delight in Cycle 15 of America’s Next Top Model, and finding myself taken in to the series (which had never happened in the past cycles), and thought this season is quite full of potential. And there’s something about prints and pictures that could bring about factors about people you don’t see in real life.

Was talking about altering some clothes and the amount of clothes I need to alter is piling, which prompted a desire in me to own a sewing machine. I can even sew back the pillow case for Minibean, which her constant yanking is causing the seams to come apart.

I remember when I was a kiddo, with this very same baby pillow I still cuddle to sleep every night, I enjoy folding in the ears of the top corners, and unfold them, while feeling the fabric in between my fingers.

I remember with this boyfriend I had when I was 19, I once told him if any guy could replace the baby pillow’s material exactly, I would marry him. And it became something I told every guy I seriously went out with.

Alas, it, or maybe it was me, that never meant enough for anyone to put in real effort to search for it.

My cousin had the habit of tickling her palms with the sharp corners of her pillow.. and Minibean’s quirk is to stick her finger into the holes where the draw string goes in.

Maybe I should just get used to using the old-school sewing machine first. And one day, I shall make a dress for her.

It actually gives me orgasmic thrills when I think of getting household appliances these days more than anything else. I am buried so deep into auntiedom that you need a driller to get to me.

The little hermit here basked in the oneness, and any longer might just get lost too far in, had the occasional impromptu conversation, before contemplating between reading, writing, or just a nap.

A nap shall be it. A nap before aerial lesson.

I woke from the nap and it was what I had asked for.

Absolute darkness.

I just laid in the darkness and stayed in my comfort zone.

And I was happier.

I didn’t want to move.

The world out there scares me. It always has. It just depends how well I could pick myself up and face the world, but today just isn’t one of those days I have successfully pulled off much too often these days.

My esteem probably wouldn’t pull me through the day. I will feel too awkward without any defense. I will stick out like a sore thumb and feel absolutely miserable thereafter.

The thought itself made me stay in the darkness a little longer.

I didn’t turn up for aerial.

And I hope it is just one-off.

For there is something more sinister should I just feel too safe by myself.

***

Took a while.

Took some time with Minibean and chasing her around with a bowl of porridge to pull me back to reality.

To remind me that… I am actually hungry.

Laughs, all it took was food, and the appeal to stay quiet in a dark cinema, get your heart kick into motion again by the cinematic effects of a horror film.

Ah. Food. Am I the only one who thinks Mos Burger portion is often too small and you need two to satisfy the hunger? I was at Mos Burger and this guy was looking on.

It was only until he turned away, I let out a mega loud burp, that alarmed him so much that his head darted to my direction by reflex. The burp perhaps kill the hardon. Call me hardon killer.

Brought out the little pouch thingy Jiali got for me during her previous trip which came together with a Jap magazine, and I am using it for the first time. Found it incredibly handy for heartland trips.

I miss her presence already. Something about her presence makes me feel constant.

And then, the movie with sweet popcorn.

It reminds you that the heart, however bruised and delicate, is alive. And still beating strong.

And funny, how it was about the Devil.

I liked it. It was simple. But I liked it.

If you don’t like spoilers, time to stop.

It could give you a little scare, it could give the game away cos possibilities are just so limited. And if you are looking for awesome twists ala The Sixth Sense, this show is not it.

But when things come full circle, the greatest thing of it all is the human ability to confess, repent and forgive, for that supersede everything, and make a difference in the face of death.

Certain things are perhaps what a greater force had allowed to happen, but also have the power to intervene.

And some, in the face of adversity, would still turn to the dark, fake repentance and repeat being the little “twists” as they were.

The movie actually gives hope. And maybe that’s why after keeping my heart racing, I actually feel kinda good when the movie finished.

***

Sometimes I tweet so I know what I would want to blog about, yet when I wanna write about it, it just seems so repetitive and I wonder if there is a point.

The point is probably to be accountable to myself, but for what? *Shrugs*

Got home with Minibean still active late into the night and was reading news when she pointed to a picture in the article and cooed “Mummy! I know the place! Meerr.. mer… Merrleena! Meeleena square?”

Alas, that wasn’t Marina Square. She was almost right. It was actually where the ark is – Marina Bay Sands.

It must be in the genes for her to recognise one of Mummy’s favourite places.

Next up, checking out Ku De Ta.

She then held to my arms and leaned on me just before lights out.

It’s the weekend.

And what it means is the end of my reluctance to head out to blend in with the rest of the world, as it would be time to bring Minibean on her outings.

Still feeling a tad anti-social though.

Ah, short-lived blissful lonely-time.

It was all too fabulous.

Posted in Intimates | 2 Comments »

Weekend partying

September 17th, 2010 by Scarlett Ting

It had been a while since I was last invited to some sort of party.

2 weekends ago, on a Saturday, I was invited to a birthday party that promised to be awesome.

4th September 2010

Before you think my life is just getting a wee bit interesting, the dampener is, it was a kiddo party Minibean was invited to, not me.

No killer heels, no cleavage bearing outfit, and not the place where I would meet that prince charming who has his lamborghini parked outside Zouk waiting for me.

*snaps myself back to reality*

As I was saying! It was Minibean’s friend, Ayesha’s birthday, and we were all invited to join her for the occasion.

Honestly I am still a bit shy and awkward with the idea of hanging out with mummies… maybe it is just me being my usual socially inept self, that I find it almost nerve-wrecking to arrive on my own without any company.

I honestly wasn’t sure if I was up for it, but I trudged down to Minibean’s grans to pick her up, then it was meeting with Evelyn at Robinson’s to shop for some gifts for the birthday girl.

By the time we finished shopping, wrapping up the pressies, it was WAAAYYYY past the time the party started.

In fact, when we reached, the party was just about into its last moments, which honestly, was quite a relief to me, cos that means all the familiar faces had arrived and I probably wouldn’t feel so out of place.

Kiddos these days are soooooooooooooooooooo fortunate! The party at Great World City was amazing!

They have different theme rooms catered for different parties and they have makeover session for the little girls, and even props for the catwalk session which Minibean refused to get on cos she hadn’t broken the ice.

It makes me feel like having a party for myself there. The big trampoline, the vast space, and the kiddo gym. I think it was more of the idea of wanting to do something to relive the childhood I so miss.

And I think everyone of us has a bit of that in us.

Case in point:

Raymond, who gamely took the stage with his Zoolander’s best.

Need male models? Cough. Feel free to contact me.

Then there was the one with a sequinned “graduate gown”

7th month getai performers!

Fruits and marshmellow stick for the kidults!

I squeezed into this thingy, to be told I was supposed to be rolled in it. They managed to turn me 180 degrees before I fell out from the sides, disoriented, and the gym in-charge shooed us out.

And oh, don’t bother zooming in, I did so 101 times to confirm I didn’t flash myself, and it was just cellulite on my very fat muscular (cough, denial) thighs.

Yea… this is what happens when you invite me to go to a kiddo party.. I blend in and become one of them.

All these while, what was left was Minibean and the 3 sisters, having the time of their lives on the giant trampoline. I would have wanted to join in if not for the fact that I was wearing a short, bouncy, flirty chiffon layered dress.

After we left the venue, the adults were ALL famished!

While deciding where to go for dinner, with nearby locations seemed like silly ideas cos it was dinner time on a weekend, and parking would be a bitch, thus we decided to stay around Great World City.

The best part was there was a promotion fair going on and this was what I got for Minibean!

*BEAMS HAPPILY*

Someone asked me if I bought it for Minibean or for myself. I shall not respond to such critical accusation.

So cute right?! I watched it when I was younger and I always liked it, but I never managed to catch each and every single one.

The first time I saw it I thought it was too pricey, but eventually since it was on a sale and with a bit of income coming in, I was just too excited to let it pass this time.

And it comes with very cute stickers of the characters from the series!

We settled for dinner at Fish & Co, and it was a satisfying dinner cos most of us starved during the party!

Then as we were ordering the food, this was what Minibean was up to:

………… *speechless* Yes, she was taking pictures of herself.

Using different angles. And I laughed at her double chin in this picture, and guess what she did next?

She adjusted her angle and did the chin-down pose. All when we were ordering and no one helped her with the self-taken portraits.

So she was just basking in all the attention and charming everyone with her funny antics.

Manja-ing Evelyn.

Below is a series of Public Display of Affection.

Woops. Blur.

And another one :)

And another one!

And a group picture during dinner.

Evelyn and I with Minibean!

After dinner, she charmed Raymond enough to part with a few quids for the helicopter ride which she absolutely LOVES.

In fact she actually sat this ride TWICE cos everyone just enjoyed seeing how much she was laughing and enjoying herself.

And then another ride, which she insisted to be the driver.

And happily waving to everyone.

And there is Mummy feeling totally lazy.

And why does Evelyn look so alert and cute and I just look so sleepy and chui? Giggles.

Minibean then chased us away so she could pose here too!

They both have sexy moles!

And Minibean insisted on following suit, and asked us to take a picture, which we would gladly oblige.

Evelyn and I! Whoever thought it was a good idea to take a picture from bottom up, NAH-UH *wags finger*

Adjourned indoors and chilled with Minibean exploring her new toys, and entertaining everyone.

I think she needs voice-coaching, honestly.

Guess who?

She got everyone to perform together with her.

While I just took the chance to abduct Dedy’s Nikon to capture moments.

She obviously has her favourite. I went online and put it on my status that some girl had kissed Raymond, and he had his early Sunday morning woken up by a call from girlfriend. WOOOOOOOOOPS!

Minibean is taking pictures like adults these days, and she would be the one giving art direction and asking us to lean closer so she could put her arms around our necks.

And that’s her being cheeky, concluding a late night of chilling out, and quite a nice simple weekend.

Though on the way home wasn’t that pleasant, and had wobbly legs even when I got home. But that’s another story for another day.

***

Spent that Sunday curled up in bed and got the ironings, and house chores out of the way and just stayed in to watch Leap Year (oh gosh, Matthew Goode.. slurps), which reaffirms my love for all things Irish. I love cliches, so I enjoyed the show however much it was attacked by critics, or even Matthew Goode himself.

***

Sidenote. I really LOVE the chiffon cherry rush dress from Passion Chiffonier. I know I have mentioned them quite often, but since the first advertorial, I am of no obligation to write more cos it was the only advertorial I was paid to do. Which means I really do like their stuff! I even bought some stuff cos I enjoyed their services :)

But I went to pole lesson the other day in my cherry rush dress and I have had girls asking me where I got the dress from, or even through facebook messages, so I thought I might as well share the information should anyone of you is interested in getting it too.

You can see their Collection 3 here, which is where I got the Black Cherry Rush dress (which is more of a dark blue hue). I also got the laybird preeeeensss dress, heh, which I probably will show on another day when I am doing recap for that day’s events.

It is very versatile, made of quality chiffon, and appeals to me even though I am not a chiffon fan. It can be worn 2 ways! One is the V neck way you see in the pictures above, but it can also be worn with a round neck front, which I actually prefer!

I wore it to work on one of the days, and I had strangers waving and uncles smiling and saying hi to me. Was quite freaked out. I feel a sense of chirpiness when I wear it cos it is bouncy and makes me feel quite flirty, just not flirty enough to respond to the uncles and strangers.

It actually is the same dress as a certain brand selling in a big-name mall, which is sold so much more expensive just because it was put on with a tag after production.

Really like it :D

And…………. It’s FRIDAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY! *beams*

Posted in Life's Fillers, Minibeanism, People | No Comments »

Not doing shit

September 16th, 2010 by Scarlett Ting

This pretty much sums up my day, and I am happy :)

Skipped pole practise for the 4th week in succession, I just feel things ain’t gonna be the same without Jiali around.

Was supposed to head to the airport to send her off, yet somehow, I was so afraid I might feel out of place since many people were sending her off. I probably don’t know how I would fit into her life, just like how I have felt all these years.

I feel kinda bad, for she had always been there whenever I flew off in the past. But somehow, goodbye is certainly not my forte.

Looked through the pictures we took, and getting a tad morose. I realise I probably wouldn’t have the luxury of studying overseas again like how many of my peers of my age are doing all over again.

Take care, babe, for I will miss the times we pole together.

Late night supper last night of utterly sinful happiness plate at Ke Ai Ji to substitute for the Popeyes’ I missed since I didn’t head to the airport, before heading home to start of season 4 of Gossip Girl (oh, how I miss thee!) in the chilly night. I could feel my heart beating when I see Chuck Bass…

Didn’t even get any quality nor quantity rest after staying up late for back-blogging.. and I am kinda liking it for having the blog mojo back is kinda liberating. Just am not sure how long is it gonna last, cos at the same time, I don’t need my every move to be under scrutiny, especially these days, I don’t feel the need to be accountable to just anyone.

Quite sure tomorrow and Saturday would be not very productive, so am just enjoying the flow while it lasts :)

Headed out for rushed and short lunch with Eunice at Waffletown at Balmoral Plaza. We had talked about it for ages and finally made it happen since our schedules finally matched.

I was so tempted to head over to Big Bird for cold crabs! It was a nice afternoon out before I returned home for the daily routine of news reading while Minibean was resting, spent some time with the little one.. cutting her nails and clearing her ear wax. Applied some olive oil to the scar above her lip… and was half willing the scar to go away.

A bit of time in between had me doing treatment to my hair, and did a body scrub for myself. I even managed to get rid of a knot at my lower back where it was sore and painful.

Got the bathroom scrubbed thoroughly and felt awfully good by the time it was evening.

Funny how I felt as if I did nothing today.

It really felt like a relatively easy day, perhaps aided by the fact that Minibean is no longer having fever, and seems good enough to return to school tomorrow.

And that the easy and smooth interaction I have with the dowager… and with my dad around in the evening, everything seemed so blissful.

Tried to do some editing and changes to my blog, but with the new style of hosting, I am experience some difficulties. But since it is more reliable, I really shouldn’t be complaining. Will see how it goes. :)

Minibean was well enough for my parents to bring her out and I shall make full use of this peace and solace to churn out more of the residue thoughts.. accumulated all through the months.

9 months of memories. That’s a lot to begin with.

Posted in Life's Fillers | No Comments »
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