Kalika. Misstery. Jehane : Who's in the Name?

A Passing...

2009-07-08T15:10:00.002+08:00

My last entry states: 16 Dec 2008. So many things have happened. I gained things and I feel that I've lost a part of me too.

Anyway, saw the memorial of Michael Jackson and heard the song 'Smile' for the first time.

Smile
tho'
your heart is aching,
Smile
Even though it's breaking,
When there are clouds in the sky- You'll get by,
If you
Smile through your fear and sorrow,
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through- For you.
Light up your face with gladness,
Hide ev'ry trace of sadness,
Altho' a tear may be ever so near,
That's the time you must keep on trying,
Smile- What's the use of crying,
You'll find that life is still worthwhile,
If you just smile.

Sand

2008-12-16T06:34:00.002+08:00

Just like the sand, sometimes the harder you try to hold onto it, the faster it slips away. Instead, if you let it slip from your palm, you can control how fast it slips away. Letting go is sometimes simpler than holding on...

B.O.R.E.D.O.M.

2008-08-12T01:53:00.001+08:00

I'm BBBBBOOOOOOOOOOOOOORRRRRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD. DAMN BORED. And worse, I've actually gotta proclaim this on a damn blog. Urgh!

WTF

2008-08-10T19:07:00.004+08:00

I'm happy I took this path over the last year. I've learnt so many things and have grown. Thanks Dionis babe for introducing me to TCC and our Master Coach.

Today as I looked through Facebook searching for people of the past... I wonder WTF have I been doing those years and even after realizing things over the past years.. WTF _ _ _ now.

I've Never Been To Me

Happy!

2008-07-11T22:26:00.003+08:00

My niece (cousin's daughter). She's so cute and smart for her age - 22 months old. Knows how to eat on her own, say 1 to 10, knows the words purple and star. Wonder what I knew at that age. Anyway, had fun playing with her. She was actually gleefully wriggling around while I was trying to pose with her in the photo. Haha. Quite a handful.

Numerology

2008-06-22T04:12:00.002+08:00

Numerology states:

Challenge in both first and second half of life -
Challenge 3:
The challenge of the number 3 suggests a tendency to scatter talents and try to do too many things at once during this period of your life. You may have a fine imagination and a gift for words, but you find it hard to express yourself effectively. Though you know you should cultivate friends and be sociable, you tend to be somewhat reclusive and defensive. You may have a talent for writing, acting, or speaking, but you are reluctant to involve yourself with these sorts of activities because you do not like to face the prospects of criticism. You are expressing yourself with a negative emphasis, hiding your creative talents behind a wall of shyness. You must strive to develop yourself in a social and in a creative sense. It's hard to just relax and have a good time.

Final challenge throughout life -
Challenge 0:
The obstacles life during this period may not be many, or they may be coming from all directions. The challenge of the number 0 is called the challenge of choice. You are likely to have difficulty acting on your preferences. You are perfectly capable of analyzing a situation and realistically comparing possible solutions. The challenge of 0 may make bring this decision to requisite action very difficult for you. To overcome the challenge, it should be understood that you must have the faith in your own abilities to the extent that you can analyze, make a choice, then act with ease and comfort. This challenge is one that is normally found on in a highly evolved individual and an individual who can be expected to make your own decisions about life and know where the pitfalls lie. To meet the challenge of 0 you must have control of all of the numbers; the independence of 1, the diplomacy of 2, the optimism of 3, the application of 4, the understanding of 5, the adjustment of 6, the wisdom of the 7, the constructive power of 8, the universal service of 9. In other words, to meet the challenge of 0 in your life, you must be a very gifted person.

I Wanna Go States Shop Shop

2008-05-18T16:39:00.003+08:00

Here's one of the shops I liked in States. Nice clothes at affordable prices. The clothes are mainly made in USA. www.wetseal.com

2008-04-27T01:50:00.004+08:00

As I'm doing more of this work, I recalled something and am starting to wonder what were behind my feelings back then. Remember the SQ plane accident at Taipei Airport which happened towards the end of October about 9-10 years back. Back then, when I saw or imagined those passengers on board being burnt, I was actually upset. Not just upset but there was some feeling of frustration behind that. It puzzled me back then... and now...

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It's kinda weird. Don't know if it's my mind or what... but certain topics seem to appear after I think of them. There are occasions within the past month when it seems like when I talk to someone about a topic, the topic will be mentioned in the next hour or so. There was also the incident when I thought of something in my mind and within the next few minutes, someone was talking about that. Yesterday, when I was watching tv, I saw a unique looking 'logo' being shown in one show and a few minutes ago, a slightly similar logo appeared when I was on a site.

Hmm....

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One of My Best Shopping Trips

2008-04-14T01:44:00.004+08:00

20th July 2005 marks my maiden trip to a premium outlet in the US of A. Went to Aurora Outlets. A group of us hired a cabbie to drive us there and were pleasantly greeted by a white limousine.

Aurora was a great place to shop with the country side setting and even a little swan lake in the midst of the outlets. Each brand had it's own store in all shapes and sizes and it was a pleasure just along the clean paths lined with pretty plants and walking in and out of stores without the rush and bustle of the crowds. And lunching Subway! in a mini foodcourt. One of the simple pleasures of life. Alright, the shopping was therapeutic as well with all the bargains of brands.

To end it, I shopped quite a lot. Spent over a couple hundred of greenbucks. But it was great. Coz' I spent what I earned for myself. Simply put, it was
P.U.R.E. G.R.A.T.I.F.I.C.A.T.I.O.N.!!

I definitely ain't want it to be the last.

2008-04-11T21:37:00.004+08:00

Why are we strangers when our love could be so strong
I saw the light it brought me tears
My weakness and anger caused you pain
Profound is this love I seek to understand
And in the journey obstacles I must conquer
How then can our love take flight
That day I await each awakening time

Summer 2005 in New York

2008-04-06T02:03:00.005+08:00

Back to the time when I was travelling on my Work & Travel USA Summer Programme 2005

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After weeks of pure high in carbs western diet, we were eager to taste Asian food once again after setting foot in this metropolitan country -- our hope then for having more authentic Asian food. Not long after checking into the hotel, we found a chic Vietnamese restaurant to satisfy our craving hunger.

Once our stomachs were appeased, the next popoular move in the City of the Big Apple was naturally to catch a Broadway. After casting some votes, we settled on "Hair Spray"! (Yup! They did a movie on it and the 4 of us caught it together back in SG!). Man! There was so much of Alacrity.

When I visited the city, it was during the period of the memorial for Sep 11. Went to Ground Zero. The place felt cold and silent though there were crowds. Cannot imagine what I'll feel if I went now. Set upon the pavement was a long sheet of white cloth where people wrote words of commemoration. Some(one) from Singapore wrote :

After a week's stay, it's time to say goodbye New York and visit our next destination of our mini mini US voyage. Here we were waiting to get onto the plane at Newark Airport.

That's all for now. Till then!

2008-04-04T16:42:00.002+08:00

I sensed the cat eyeing me. I turned my head, stared it in the eye and it immediately ran away. I got the meaning of focusing energy / intention there and then. Haha. Poor cat. Caught me in a real bad mood.

Haiz. My heart has been aching the past few days.

2008-03-12T15:47:00.003+08:00

Yesterday. Was trying to communicate with my grandma and she just couldn't get my point no matter how many times I spoke. It got me present that there may be some people who will not be able to get their new worlds. Helplessness and desperation consumed... I cried.

2008-03-07T01:04:00.000+08:00

2008-01-10T01:53:00.000+08:00

Was on my lappie, checking my emails when the tune "How many times must a man... the answer my friend is blowin in the wind, the answer is blowin in the wind" rang in my mind...

Bob Dylan's Blowin in the Wind:

How many roads must a man walk down
Before you call him a man?
Yes, 'n' how many seas must a white dove sail
Before she sleeps in the sand?
Yes, 'n' how many times must the cannon balls fly
Before they're forever banned?
The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind,
The answer is blowin' in the wind.

How many times must a man look up
Before he can see the sky?
Yes, 'n' how many ears must one man have
Before he can hear people cry?
Yes, 'n' how many deaths will it take till he knows
That too many people have died?
The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind,
The answer is blowin' in the wind.

How many years can a mountain exist
Before it's washed to the sea?
Yes, 'n' how many years can some people exist
Before they're allowed to be free?
Yes, 'n' how many times can a man turn his head,
Pretending he just doesn't see?
The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind,
The answer is blowin' in the wind.

Merry Christmas

2007-12-25T04:20:00.001+08:00

Somehow this Christmas doesn't feel the same as previous ones. No magical and warm feeling like before. Nonetheless, still wish for the spirit of the festive season be sent to every corner of the world.

To one and all, have a Blessed Christmas.

Sights

2007-11-28T19:08:00.000+08:00

Haha. Yeah.. I blog in bouts. There are periods when I don't blog and periods when I blog more frequently.

Anyway, yesterday can be counted my company's financial year closing. But for me, it's just the beginning of another journey very very soon. So not much of a break. However, I managed to squeeze in rest of the day past morning with my mom and granny. We went Orchard Rd. What I wanna blog about this entry is...

I saw a lovely pale pink (chiffon material I think) dress at Celine. The top part of the dress is gathered and there are no long straps of cloth that trails down from the back. So so sweet. There was a pair of shoes in the display window just across (CD) which has shimmery pale gold dust .. nice match for the dress.

Wonder how much the dress costs (not like I'm gonna buy it... :) )

A Sunday Afternoon @ Shenton Way

2007-11-26T00:32:00.000+08:00

Attended the first wedding from my career. It was held at M Hotel. Felt kinda lonely there but still kept myself entertained with the food. Haha. The chocolate mousse dessert was good. Despite the loneliness I still went with the purpose of a congratulatory gesture and to share his joy.

After I left the place, I decided to walk down Robinson's Road and take the train from Raffles Place instead of Tanjong Pagar (which was much nearer) to soak in the surroundings of Shenton Way - the bustling weekday town which turned into a rural one on a weekend afternoon (not taking into consideration the surrounding architectural landscape :))

Enjoyed the solitude. Every single eatery was closed.. it was quite a strange sight. But nonetheless I liked it. To enjoy that amount of space once in a while. Fantastic. Only to be disturbed by those hardworking workers, towards the end of my route, who were doing some repair/construction/building works to ensure that this business hub runs smoothly when operations begin on Monday. Applaud these people for their contributions, especially when it's a weekend.

Printeet! You shoot it and they print it!

2007-11-22T16:01:00.000+08:00

Personalized a mug with Printeet! as a gift for a friend. I gave them the design and wala, the design got onto a mug. So it's really cool coz' I'm was able to personalize a gift with name and her favourite character. :)

Printeet does photo printing too at a good deal. Have signed up with them and heard they're currently running a promotion where the

first 50 people who sign up with Printeet from today will get 30 4R prints free too!

So hurry up guys, go sign up for a Printeet account today! Festive season's around the corner.. surely got lotsa stuff to print and give one.

The site: http://www.printeet.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=25

A Fine Demarcation

2007-11-20T15:40:00.000+08:00

Sometimes I think I'm almost on the verge of insanity and sometimes I do feel insane. But then again I'm sane to some extent. How will you define insane and sane? In Don Juan De Marco, the lead is suffering from romanticism however what he says seems true.. that why not think everyone else is juz being oblivious to what is true. So how can one define?

Sometimes, to what extent should I go? Should I or should I not. Hence, I'm supposed to make a choice from nothing and shoulder the outcome of my choice.

I'm sleepy. Yawns.

2007-11-20T11:42:00.000+08:00

These pix are always so cute and heartwarming. How impressionable can a kid be (exclaimed)

Eyebrow Threading

2007-10-20T18:18:00.000+08:00

Went for my first ever eyebrow threading. Ouch. It was more painful than using the eyebrow picker method. For those who get a high on the pain of plucking their eyebrow (hehe.. u know who you are), you can try eyebrow threading. Did mine for only $5. Imagine holding a clump of your hair upwards and sliding penknife through your hair.. that's one of the feel during the threading process. No complains though.. it was quite a clean job done.

VERY INTERESTING SITE

2007-10-20T00:41:00.001+08:00

You guys gotta try this out: Online Photo Finishing , my best friend's new biz!

Soak City Nostalgia

2007-10-16T00:14:00.000+08:00

Been trying to find the titles of some songs I heard every single day periodically when I did my 3 month stint at Soak City, CedarPoint. Back then, it was tortuous listening to these songs replay but it was really cute to see tourists from other states humming to these songs and commenting that these songs are great and they love to hear them when they return to Soak City every year.

Guess I can kinda understand how they were feeling back then. It's altogether a different perspective when I hear those songs now.. it's Fun and Nostalgia!

Here's presenting : Surfin USA & California Dreamin... Enjoy!!

Surfin USA

California Dreamin

Love

2007-10-10T00:47:00.000+08:00

She asked : "Was it ever mutual?"

I replied : I didn't know and I still don't know.

She asked : "Have you ever loved someone?"
(Not indicating love for family)

I wondered : Was it love back then?

4 October 2007 - Day I was Stuck in the Lift

2007-10-05T00:58:00.000+08:00

Today - 4 October 2007 - my first encounter getting trapped in a lift, at the office. Went into the lift, the lift doors closed and for the next couple of seconds, events were as usual. Suddenly the lift halted and shifted itself down a little... then it seemed to fall slightly more. At that instant, a thought came to my mind... will the lift go crashing to the ground since I was boarded at level 4. Then I thought, okay, bought accident plan already... but shucks I just applied for more accident cover today and it has yet to be approved. After the train of thoughts, I started looking around the lift.. ah.. I saw... heh.. there were 10 others around me (nah.. I didn't get stranded in the lift with some cute-looking guy who will save my day.. in fact it were the uncles.. haha.. more senior people who made calls and pressed the alarm for help). It was a crowd in there and boy, it was hot.

Thankfully, the building's security were equipped and quick to act;hence, they opened the lift doors for us within 5-10mins. When the door was opened, realised that the lift carriage was halfway between the lift entrance; so had to 'jump' onto the floor level. And yes, am thankful to 2 uncles who lent me their helping hands for the 'jump' especially so when I was in stilettos.

2007-10-02T14:30:00.000+08:00

Ascendant in Pisces, Neptune in the Tenth House
Usually, because of the dual nature of this sign, your experiences seem always to oscillate between two extremes. Emotionally, you may become confounded and perplexed when your soul is torn between opposite attractions.

Sun in the Twelfth House
The Sun was in your twelfth house at the time of birth. This may indicate a life full of limitations, obstacles, and human opposition, but at the same time a lot of inner strength and energy.

You are urged to pause and reflect upon your own accumulated history. Take some time for introspection. It may result in a purification process accompanied by some remorse of conscience.

Internally, you are quite different from the way you present yourself externally. You possess a vast reservoir of energy that may be partially hidden even from your own awareness.

Your internal disposition is strong, commanding, open, and of a rare generosity. More and more you should try to bring these characteristics into the open so that they can overcome some of the less desirable aspects of your personality.

Sun Conjunct Ascendant
The Sun conjunct the Ascendant shows that you have a great desire for recognition and are creative in finding ways to gain attention. In general you are uncompromising. You have great faith in your ability to rise above any of life's negative circumstances. You know how to use your vast creative resources in a direct assault against any adversary, and you believe that eventually you will succeed. Most often you do, but when challenged by stiff competition you will resort to brute force to demonstrate that you do not give in without a fight. You know how to win friends and influence people, and you use this talent effectively.

To be truly comfortable in your profession, you need to have a position of some authority over others.

A mass of contradictions. Mentally. Internally. Externally.
Why do I not sense that spirit?

2007-09-30T22:55:00.000+08:00

Watched an episode of CSI:Miami. In one of the ending dialogues between a CSI and detective, they were commenting about how much shit they had to go through and some of the public even scolded them. Then they questioned themselves why are they still doing the law enforcement work? And one of the replied that it's for the few families who thank them at the end of the day for bringing their family member back. The other smiled in agreement.

I reckoned with the dialogue. Lotsa shit. But at the end of the day, one of the reasons of being in the work is for those few who really appreciate what I'm doing.

Insomnia Resurgence

2007-09-17T01:52:00.000+08:00

I can't get to sleep again. This has been happening for the past few weeks. My counterpart is back again. Been having so much dreams of late too. Haiz. I want a holiday. Somewhere back into arms of nature.. surrounded by masses of natural elements. Maldives will be nice. Chill out. Going back to the basics.

2007-09-04T23:03:00.000+08:00

Have You Ever

Tears In Heaven

We Might As Well Be Strangers

Goodbye

Test Scores

2007-08-23T00:26:00.000+08:00

Read a book called "Freakonomics". It's like social econs. Some of the statistics / tests being conducted were really interesting. Especially one on factors that correlates with test scores. The factors being testsed were:

1) Child has highly educated parents
2) Child's family is intact
3) Child's parents have high socioeconomic status
4) Child's parents recently moved into a better neighborhood
5) Child's mother was thirty or older at the time of her first child's birth6) Child's mother didn't work between birth and kindergarten
7) Child had low birthweight
8) Child attended head start
9) Child's parents speak English at home10) Child's parents regularly take him to museums
11) Child is adopted
12) Child is regularly spanked
13) Child's parents are involved in PTA
14) Child frequently watches tv
15) Child has many books in his home
16) Child's parents read to him nearly every day

So for the factors strongly correlated with test scores.. it's those in bold. Start to wonder about the myths (or maybe not) of going to preschool etc. All the Eton House, Montessori... hm.. wat's to think about them?

I'm Missing U Soooooo Much!

2007-08-17T22:30:00.000+08:00

Yupperz! I'm missing them so much! Coldstone Creamery and Krispy Kreme. Suddenly had this urge to go to their websites to check out and as I saw the pictures of the ice-cream sundaes... they got me swooning over them. Over here in Singapore, there's no ice-cream that can be paralleled to coldstone. Taste wise, I'm still not that certain but the entire experience from the creation to the consumption is different. As I went on to the next site, those glazed donuts were so seductive. To add, the site was a marketing success to me at least, coz' looking at the signature krispy kreme cup with coffee and the donuts, I really wished that before me lay a cup of hot coffee and a variety of krispy kreme donuts, hot from the oven. Perfecto.

So once again, I tell myself.. I must make a trip to the States again! But don't see them coming up on the itinerary within the next year at least. :(

Fushigi Yuugi

2007-08-10T01:28:00.000+08:00

As I was surfing Youtube, the word Curious Play aka Fushigi Yuugi came across my mine. As I watched a clip of it, memories came flooding back. I'm not and was never a big fan of anime but there was a particular period of time, back in JC, I think.. where I was practically hooked on Fushigi Yuugi. How hooked? I'd wake up at 4+ in the morning just to catch the repeat telecast of it, if I've missed it earlier in the day. Geez. Thinking back, there were many of such silly actions/moments during my teenage years. Maybe I'll unravel the others in other posts, if not, think there's nothing glorious about them. haha. Some just crazy.. and nothing better to do.

Anyway, Fushigi Yuugi was quite a fave of both myself and a friend (dunno if she'll want her identity to be revealed :p). We'd rave about how good looking and cool 2 of the main charcters were - Tamahome and Hotori, and some of the supporting characters were also good looking. And how cute the female lead - Miaka (the girl whom the 2 suave characters liked), was.

HaPpY 42nd BiRtHDay SinGapore!

2007-08-09T00:49:00.000+08:00

Part of the lyrics of NDP 2007 theme song by Kit Chan resonates within. Been to a few places (although not those depicted by the song) and through my journeys, do appreciate what Singapore has. Even feel pampered at times.

Woohoo... HapPy BirThday SinGapore!! Way to go... 42 years of independence and more to come! :D

Uncanny Feelings

2007-08-07T21:23:00.001+08:00

One can love and hate someone at the same time. How strange. As opposed to dramas where it's often said that one hates someone that much coz' he/she had loved so much. Love and hate are often collapsed.

Ever disliked/hated someone and felt so much angst but the next minute you find that you just have this feeling of like/love? Then the next minute, confusion strikes. So which of the feeling is true?

Ever got so angry with someone close that you proclaim not to speak to the person ever again, if not, not to speak for the next few weeks? But then when the person happens to appear / call the next moment, the anger ceases and both of you are happily chatting again? Sometimes, it all seems weird. Other times, one can classify it under the category of being soft-hearted. Well, and the list goes on...

And so.. how do you define what is true of a feeling? Is a feeling ever true?

When love has existed, it may just linger through life. Nothing's gonna change the love...

"If I had to live my life without you near me
The days would all be empty
The nights would seem so long
With you I see forever oh so clearly
I might have been in love before
But it never felt this strong
Our dreams are young and we both know
They'll take us where we want to go
Hold me now, touch me now
I don't want to live without you

CHORUS:
Nothing's gonna change my love for you
You ought to know by now how much I love you
One thing you can be sure of
I'll never ask for more than your love
Nothing's gonna change my love for you
You ought to know by now how much I love you
The world may change my whole life through
But nothing's gonna change my love for you

If the road ahead is not so easy
Our love will lead a way for us
Like a guiding star
I'll be there for you if you should need me
You don't have to change a thing
I love you just the way you are
So come with me and share the view
I'll help you see forever too
Hold me now, touch me now
I don't want to live without you" -- Glen Medeiros

Cambodia

2007-07-18T20:59:00.000+08:00

Am back from a 5 day trip (effectively 3 days though) to Cambodia, namely Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. After 10 years of friendship and a few 'disrupted' trips, BFF Dionis and I finally embarked on a trip together with her BF Alex. Why do I say disrupted trips? Coz' the first time round, MTLV wanted to go on a cruise together after O'Levels however the cruise coy told us 4 of us were underaged and we'll need an accompanying 'adult'. Next up, after A levels, Dionis and I wanted to go Taipei but the floods decided to pay an untimely visit to TP. Then when both of us were in US, we were supposed to meet in CedarPoint and drive down to Chicago but the poor girl got very sick.

Anyway back to THE trip...

Siem Reap was different from Phnom Penh as I suppose it has more tourists buzzing in there since the world's largest temple Angkor Wat and iconic Ta Prohm (remember temple featured in Tomb Raider?) were embedded within. Also visited Angkor Tom where I found Bayon interesting with a face carved into each of its towers. It's amazing how the people in the past constructed all these temples without the use of technology, especially when there's gazillion details of bas reliefs and inscriptions to be done too. Gotta give them several thumbs up for their hard work. However, I suppose behind all these magnificence, there were lives being taken too... like in the stories of the building of Great Wall of China and the great pyramids of Egypt.

During the trip, I was also present to what the Cambodians and even the children had to do for survival. It surprised me that many of them, especially those who were in retail knew how to speak English and some of them were even trilingual. Besides Khmer and English, they knew another language like Japanese or Mandarin. I must say that some of the kids really know how to persuade and sell. To add, we were also impressed by a particular tuktuk driver, who drove us around the temples in Siem Reap. He had a business strategy. He made a personalized folder containing maps of iconic places to show tourists how they can plan their trips. And what was really outstanding was that he showed us a book of handwritten testimonials he got from his previous clients.

In general, Cambodia is unlike any places I've visited which includes US, Aussie, HK, Taipei, Malaysia, Thailand. In my opinion, even Malaysia and Thailand are more developed. Through this trip and some of my other trips, I learn to appreciate what I have back home in Singapore.

A Video of the Temples of Angkor:

Spa Sanctuary

2007-07-07T17:19:00.000+08:00

Was flipping through a magazine and came to realize that there were actually a number of spas in unconventional locations around SG. The pictures alone are enough to entice. One of the spa's really cool. The glass room housing the spa beds is set amidst a swimming pool... which gives me another idea of the landed property Dionis and I are thinking of getting in future.. we'll form our community. There'll be a swimming pool... apparently that girl said our house will stand on each side of the pool and we'll swim over or row a boat over .. hehe.. but naturally the plan was changed.. it's kinda too much of a chore to do so.. So I was thinking that it will really be cool to have this raised platform in the middle of the pool too... with a glass room too? and of coz' connectors from each house to the glass room. And it'll be really romantic at night if there are twinkle lights / candle lights / whatever forms of mini lights surrounding the glass room. Just imagine the reflection of the lights by the surface of the pool which kinda illuminates the glass house too... heehee. :)

Presenting My New Name :D

2007-06-14T11:35:00.000+08:00

JANNIS WAH
華偲妤

HotPot!

2007-06-13T00:13:00.000+08:00

Caught Japan Hour just over the weekend on the HotPot segment. The Hotpot featured at the Fisherman's Village is just a sight to behold on its own, simply with its key ingredients abalone and crab. Another hotpot which got me raving about to my aunt subsequently was the cod fish one found in Hokkaido, served with cod fish roe too! Just pining for it... but wondering when's the time when I can go to Japan and feast on the sashimi, visit the ramen museum, savour the hotpots, delight myself with the sights of the beautifully packaged food, etc.

Time to manifest the Japan trip!

It's 1.29am on 9 June

2007-06-09T01:29:00.000+08:00

"Janis Wah". Been writing this name for years since it's been a given name since birth. I do like the name "Janis". And afterall, it's chosen by my aunt and mom. Well.. but life is about changes... and if the window of even a slight opportunity opens up, why not. Afterall, who I am is not "Janis"... it's just a name to call, to identify with. It's what I do, how I feel, how I have impacted the external that matters. Famous historians names may not be remembered but more than often not, people remember their contributions... if not at least they've played a part in making the society a better place to live in. Actions create an impact to a certain degree.

Then why the name change? One of the intention's to create a clearing in my life and open up to many new possibilities.(?) And maybe a name that can draw new people into my life.(?) And the pay off I get at this point in time : excitement! Haha. Some may comment that it's cheap thrill but whatever makes me happy without hurting/harming others it's fine I guess.

So, what will my name be? Will know it in about 12 hrs time. But for sure, the "Wah" stays. It's afterall my family name. And I'm actually indeed pleased to have this surname since not many have it but there was once in time when I was much younger whereby I didn't like my surname... especially when some others around me will make some comments like "Wah Wah" = baby's wail etc.

And another thing worth mentioning is, I'm going to take up another course TCC next week. Going to get real and stop bluffing myself. Haha. The human side to hide out a little. Oh yeah, and Dionis and I have decided to volunteer our services to Children's society. Understand that it may seem like .. oh no... why the change in thoughts/actions suddenly. But actually, it was something I've always wanted to do, to volunteer since JC time or even before.. just that I wanted a 'kaki' but couldn't find one. Then the time came when Dionis mentioned she wanna do some volunteer work and I was like "hey! me too!"... and hence the time to stop sitting on the idea of volunteering, to do it! As for TCC did tell Dionis back then I'll join but not yet coz' it was still a rather short period from LF & AC... and hence now's the time. Have not been 'toning up', it's turned into 'fatty fluids'.. so now is the time to start 'toning and pump the muscle'.

The above seems like a verbal vomit.. but it's just a train of thoughts that are not edited. Yeah, I know I'm luo suo. Someone in my industry was saying that it may be a zhi ye bing = job illness (directly translated). So if you managed to read up to this point, acknowledge you for your kind attention. clap clap!

And for the last or one of the last times, here's

JANIS WAH

signing off...

Once Upon A Time

2007-06-06T01:56:00.000+08:00

Had to do some pre-work for a course I signed up for and it required recollecting some of my memories. From time to time, I do think of them but this time round they were to be penned down. Thankfully, it took me quite some time to recall some unhappy incidents which have changed into a story of my life. And naturally, only with bad stuff will certain memories set themselves to be good, which I'll like to absorb in a little more as it always brings a smile at least. And of coz' the bittersweet memories. It's really amazing as to how family ties can be...coz' even if they've hurt/upset you or even if arguments arise... deep down there's still that strong bond.

I miss my grandpa.

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I loved this song when I caught Anastasia...

"Once upon a December"

"Dancing bears,
Painted wings,
Things I almost remember,
And a song someone sings
Once upon a December.

Someone holds me safe and warm.
Horses prance through a silver storm.
Figures dancing gracefully
Across my memory...

Someone holds me safe and warm.
Horses prance through a silver storm.
Figures dancing gracefully
Across my memory...

Far away, long ago,
Glowing dim as an ember,
Things my heart
Used to know,
Things it yearns to remember...

And a song
Someone sings
Once upon a December"

2007-06-04T18:26:00.000+08:00

Saw Dionis link to the following.. so just thought I'll give it a try.

Your Score: Androgynous

You scored 60 masculinity and 56 femininity!

You scored high on both masculinity and femininity. You have a strong personality exhibiting characteristics of both traditional sex roles.

Link: The Bem Sex Role Inventory Test written by weirdscience on OkCupid Free Online Dating, home of the The Dating Persona Test

If the above is true, it's in line with what the name numerologist said...

Sending My Wishes

2007-05-26T03:20:00.000+08:00

Congrats girls on the new journeys! :)

2007-05-18T05:19:00.001+08:00

I've finally decided to retire to bed @ 5.20am. Gotta wake up in 2 hrs time. * Good night *

I Can't Sleep! ... So What Have I Done?

2007-05-18T03:26:00.000+08:00

Heh. I just found out how to embed a clip on friendster and thot of trying it here... and it works! Alright, give me some credit.. I know I'm kinda slow but at least it's not 'never' ;p

Tada! Presenting... 3 of my fave artistes and 3 of my fave songs :)

~ Wang Lee Hom & Kenny G - Wei Yi ~

~ Wang Lee Hom & JJ Lin - Jiang Nan & Ni Bu Zai ~

2007-05-18T00:49:00.000+08:00

What if the reason you want to leave is the reason you need to stay?

Numbers

2007-05-16T22:54:00.000+08:00

As I was thinking of name numerology and Dionis mentioning that the optimal number of strokes for a good name is 41, the term 'numbers' pretty much came to mind followed by the movie '23' which I caught. Then I recalled the plot of the movie whereby the character played by Jim Carrey got obsessed with how all the numbers linked to him will somehow add to 23 and the number was haunting him. So it got me thinking about name numerology... how numbers (in terms of strokes etc) play a part in it... and whether it'll be akin to the movie '23' should I start to pursue name numerology, fortune telling etc. But well, am not saying that it's crazy to be doing name numerology and such... I do agree that it's better to be safe than sorry as some have said. And yup, I've been contemplating going to the name numerologist that Dionis had been mentioning.. just need some resolution to get myself to seek him.

So then again, my thoughts went around in circles. Haha. Geez.. one of the things that keep me awake at night even when I'm physically drained.

Got it!

2007-04-12T22:55:00.000+08:00

Before delving straight into what I got... just to mention, my blog has just clocked it's 100th posting. :D

And yup, I've finally purchased the type of shoes I've been thinking of getting. It dates back to more than a year when I've wanted to get a pair of pvc pumps but apparently couldn't find something I really liked in terms of it's outlook. Then a few months later pvc shoes flooded the shops and streets so I started to wonder if I should really get it coz' it's become very common. But being the fickle minded shopper, I thought a pair of pvc pumps in the colour red will look outstanding.. it'll be the perfect accessory for black outfits giving a classy look or a chic look when donned with plain looking berms/shorts/capri. So the once flailing intention to get the shoes was up again. And yes!... I finally bought the pair of red pvc pumps, not to forget a must have with it - red stems! It so hard to find one pair with the stems in red too... so even if the shoes were a size or half too big, they were bagged! Heyo 'Goodest Friend', I can join you in wearing red shoes! ;p

Tanglin Village

2007-04-10T19:56:00.000+08:00

I'm back to post an entry on a beautiful good friday evening out with 3 dear and lovely ladies of mine (hehe... possessive) - sophisticated Jiahui, sultry Simin and enchanting Wanling... would've posted a pic but am lazy to d/load the program. :p

We went to Tanglin village! One of the place I've wanted to go for some time but it kinda slipped my mind till the ladies gave me a wonderful list of places to celebrate my birthday. First stop was at PS cafe main courses comprised of some fusion food - had beef and mushroom ragout. Not too bad.. the beef chunks were tender. But what most of us enjoyed was some double chocolate cake (warm chocolate sponge with fudge) with ice-cream. Divine choice. As for the decor, it was pretty. My grouse will have to be the service... guess they were understaffed... and it was rather noisy. Noise and lush ambience don't really go hand in hand.

Next we adjourned to Oosh. Had some alcoholic drink.. which was seldom... but the company was too good to give it a miss. Ordered peach flavoured daiquiri.. hm.. still manageable. Had a taste of Simin's choco martini : not saying it's yucky but it just won't be on my personal list... a little overwhelming for me. Oosh's a cool hangout place ... not choked with smoke. If I do go again, will wanna try sitting at one of the 'little huts'.

Thanks TLV for the present. Been replaying the Phantom tracks.. "All I Ask of You" in particular. Nice!

Looking forward to the next girls' night out :D

A Have Or Not To Have

2006-11-12T16:37:00.000+08:00

Came across an incident today which triggered some thoughts.

Was wondering if it's better to have a first phase of life where most of the things go according to one's wishes; or where things really unexpected happens and the whole status changes. Sometimes, the latter may be thought to be a tougher route but it teaches us to accept and look at things in other perspectives and gives us the courage and strength to move on. The former may or may not be enviable especially when faced with transitions into phases of life.

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It's raining here. Will be going to the nearby mall for dinner. Don't exactly like walking that pathway after a heavy rain... it's time for the earthworms to leave their flooded soil. Get goosebumps when I see long pink things wriggling along.. not one, not a handful but more.

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What's my dream scene when it rains?

Sipping hot cocoa with marshmallows or whipped cream served in English tea ware while cuddled in a cushioned armchair set upon a cottage patio, surrounded by lush greenery, soaking in the fresh scent of the surroundings. A tea light & twinkle lights will definitely work up that charm too.

Korean Tangy Tango

2006-08-14T00:19:00.000+08:00

Most plots of Korean dramas are so similar. There's love contracts, marriage contracts, love triangles, rectangles or dunno how many sided angles. Girls being protected by 2 die-hearted guys. So complicating. Or are relationships meant to be like that for a start? No doubt Korean dramas are sappy but the sorrows do amplify sweet incidents. A bitter sweet symphony.

Btw, Channel U's gonna screen a Korean serial. A dramady they call it. Title's got the word "Samsoon" in it. Has the elements I mentioned -- a love contract and a love rectangle. Girl A & Girl B likes Boy A. Initially, Boy A is unsure whether he likes Girl A or B. And a Boy B's love for Girl B is unshaken. But the two male leads in the show are cute... esp the eurasian. :p

There's one show that's quite funny too by Rain and Song Hui Qiao... called Full House. But some parts can get kinda draggy. But overall, it's pretty sunny. And yeah, there's a marriage contract and love rectangle too. Geez.. seems like triangles ain't no trend anymore. Heh.

Crap! Was watching some other Korean show on Starhub Ch55 as I typed the initial 2 paragraphs of this entry. It too revolves ard a love rectangle. There are 2 girls and 2 guys. Initially, both guys liked girl B. Subsequently, both guys liked girl A. Didn't really follow the entire serial, but apparently the ending was something like girl A didn't want to give her heart to boy A coz' she wanted to save her dignity and pride. Then girl A and boy B slept together and girl A told boy B that she actually doesn't love him. Boy A saw them together in bed and shot Boy A then shot Girl A. As girl A was dying, she told Boy A that actually she only loves boy A. And in the end, boy A shot himself in the head. Really crap.

Me, Myself and I

2006-08-12T14:17:00.000+08:00

What a self-centred title: Me, Myself and I. Heh. But it's a fact.. this entry's gonna be about me.

Frankly, my career is not a smooth sailing one. There was a variant of emotions. Rejections and "No" are part and parcel of life. That I can still acknowledge. But what diss me are times when people say one thing and do the other thus taking you on a ride & people who do not respect your time, especially when I've put my trust in their words. I'm still trying to accept these. That's why I tell some that this career really develops one's personality and attitude. It's not an easy career but it's something I want. I've seen the value in it and there are quite a number of people who've moved me. It's those who've touched me, my commitment when I speak to them and the value of the things I see myself doing that I've gotta learn not to be affected by those ugly people... and some whom I call losers. They're losers coz' they don't dare to face up to themselves. They are aware that they're in sh** but they refuse to see that and wanna continue their destructive behavior. Well, then again what can I do with these people? It's their life, their choice. If I let each of these people affect me... guess my heart will be pulverised sometime down the road. And since I see the value in what I do... I'll continue doing it that's why I've refered to my work as my career in this entry... and not my job. It's hard especially when external factors set in.. hence, readings, focus meditation must be done.. not to mention non-constructive stuff like verbal outburst (which is what I'm doing now. hehe. I'm still human. There's that machinery in me. hehe.)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Read my previous posts when I went to the US. One sentence really had a nice ring...
"Spent over 200 USD on shopping. It felt good. Coz' I worked for the money and I spent it." I also mentioned that I left for the States with a myriad of emotions. Well, guess as long as I've the fire of hope, faith, courage and tolerance... and the desire, all walls will crumble. For all I know, I may just be "three feet away from gold" from Napoleon Hill. My "gold" is to get people to acknowledge what I do. With this, most liabilities should fall in place I suppose.

Suddenly recalled a paragraph I read in some book. It says that the majority's goal is to strike it rich. However, it's not an easy when a purpose is not be present. Purpose and goal is different. To get the goal, the purpose must be met. i.e. The purpose may be to provide people with top notch hospitality service and with that purpose in mind and actions that are in tune with that purpose, the money will just roll in, hence the goal will be met.

Yeah yeah.. my thoughts are random.

Revamped

2006-07-28T20:33:00.000+08:00

Had an appointment at KAP Macs yesterday only to realise that it's been revamped. Like the one now with the cushions and lightings compared to the earlier one or two designs. Talk about the ever-changing environment and intense competition. The earliest version of KAP Macs reminded me of outer space and of coz' being small then, I enjoyed myself at the playground. Not to mention the memory of my foot getting stuck in the netting and my friends getting into a little frenzy. Guess I stole a second of the limelight from my classmate who was the b'day girl then. Heh.

Always like king albert park as a whole. Even Cold Storage. Preferred the former cold storage though. It was my preferred choice for grocery shopping when I was much younger. Used to be in a disgruntled mood whenever my parents went to some other marts. But no such luxury now.

2006-07-19T22:39:00.000+08:00

You Are a Natural Beauty!

You're the kind of beauty that every guy dreams about...
One that looks good in the morning - without a stich of makeup
That's doesn't mean you're a total hippie chic though
You have style, but for you, style is effortless

What Type of Beauty Are You?

Haha... Am putting up this quiz I did as I find the results weird. Doesn't seem accurate.

2006-07-19T22:28:00.000+08:00

You Are Psyche!

Eternally in search of purpose and insight.You're curious and creative with a total sense of wonder.Totally empathetic, you pick up on other's moods easily.Just be sure to pamper yourself as well!

What Goddess Are You?

Back to Scribble

2006-07-19T22:04:00.000+08:00

Just came in coz' gooondooooest friend :p asked why I've not been blogging.. to which I replied I don't know what to write.. and she commented that I can just write about anything (disclaimer: or something along that line.)

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It's not that I've been slacking for the past months... in fact I've been occupied with work, etc. When countless thoughts and feelings are being encapsulated, nothing substantial is worth mentioning. But yeah, there were periods of joy and light-heartedness when I gathered with close friends and long term friends... at least you've known them long enough to trust them with their words. Trust is important... especially mutual trust. It's disheartening if it's one-sided. How nice if there's more 'openness' in this society. But I guess ppl have been hurt and the human mechanics have told them to learn from their lessons and put on a defensive or masked mode of action.

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Do I believe in luck? I hope not but sometimes circumstances directs me that way. The power within... nice ring. :)

2006-02-19T00:49:00.000+08:00

ifi amfam afa litfittlefle scaredfared hefe refemindsfinds mefe offof zaifai zaifai

Time - BSB

2005-11-26T22:23:00.000+08:00

Time, look where we are and what we've been through
Time, sharing our dreams
Time, goes on and on everyday, baby
Time is what it is Come what may

Studying Again

2005-11-18T17:22:00.000+08:00

I'll be picking up the books again. Have to complete 3 insurance exams by the end of this month and I've yet to start studying for them. The inertia's quite great after a long hiatus from school. Hm.. or is it an excuse not to start studying promptly. Been doing it in school... always take a long time to delve into my books proper. Probably it's all in my mind. Should commit myself into passing all the 3 tests on the first take. I don't want to fork out any extra money for those tests. So to those studying for exams too, I'll be studying along with you :)

Almost There

2005-11-12T14:56:00.000+08:00

I'm almost decided and on almost reaching my destination to become full-fledged. Just short of that final few steps. :)

I Thought It's an Interesting One

2005-10-31T22:05:00.000+08:00

"Why do people want to get married? ... ... You can always have children without getting married and you can go through the process to have kids too without marriage, putting aside the morality and religious-side of it all."

So what's the fundamental meaning behind a marriage?

The "No-Life" Klutz

2005-10-29T20:18:00.000+08:00

Being home, alone, on a Saturday night drives me to do senseless things like taking personality tests, as evidenced by the prior 3 entries. Was supposed to have dinner with friends but it was cancelled at the very last minute. Just when I was on my way to catch the train. With the realisation of how uneventful my Saturday will be, I decided to pamper myself a little with sushi.

I declare that I've been wasting my youth for the past one month. Being unemployed, living away uneventful days, etc. I'm just having so much thoughts regarding the job I want that I don't know where to move from here. I'm greedy. I've got so many wants for my job search that they conflict. And since I still don't know what I'll like to do, there's reluctance in sending out that resume. Probably, I'm stalling for time. Probably, subconsciously I've got that job in mind. Probably.. Probably Probably.. ain't bringing me anywhere... what can I say.. a breakdown in my life.

Maybe the days I'd spent weren't that unconstructive. At least I'm staying home and letting my presence be felt by my grandma. Don't think I'll be spending much time with her once I start work. And maybe it's a chance for me to recharge? haha. Maybe this whole paragraph doesn't seem credible; But I'd rather not regret certain things. Life is fragile and transient.

It's hard to comprehend myself at times. I'm a contradiction. Don't ask why... I won't be able to put it to words. I don't know where to start.

2005-10-29T20:17:00.000+08:00

Your Power Color Is Red-Orange

At Your Highest:

You are warm, sensitive, and focused on your personal growth.

At Your Lowest:

You become defensive and critical if you feel attacked.

In Love:

You are loyal - but you demand the respect you deserve.

How You're Attractive:

You are very affectionate and inspire trust.

Your Eternal Question:

"Am I Respected?"

What's Your Power Color?

2005-10-29T20:13:00.000+08:00

Your Hair Should Be Red

Passionate, fiery, and sassy.
You're a total smart aleck who's got the biggest personality around.

What's Your Funky Inner Hair Color?

2005-10-29T19:59:00.000+08:00

The Keys to Your Heart

You are attracted to those who have a split personality - cold as ice on the outside but hot as fire in the heart.

In love, you feel the most alive when your partner is patient and never willing to give up on you.

You'd like to your lover to think you are optimistic and happy.

You would be forced to break up with someone who was emotional, moody, and difficult to please.

Your ideal relationship is lasting. You want a relationship that looks to the future... one you can grow with.

Your risk of cheating is zero. You care about society and morality. You would never break a commitment.

You think of marriage as something precious. You'll treasure marriage and treat it as sacred.

In this moment, you think of love as something you don't need. You just feel like flirting around and playing right now.

What Are The Keys To Your Heart?

I'm HOME

2005-09-26T15:39:00.000+08:00

Hiye Singapore! Am back to my house in Woodlands, back to my room with my queeny bed, display shelf, clothes with my wardrobe (no more luggage as a make-do wardrobe), etc. Things felt a little foreign. I'm real glad to be home... to be able to see my family, friends and this country again... but part of me misses the US where life was different. It was a dream that I relished.

My American venture cannot be put in words. 4 over months of experiences is hard to condense and the intensity of the feelings may have diminished. All in all... I'd say it was a good one. Had my fair share of highs and lows. Did things I never did before and may not have a chance to do again. Like white-water rafting, Rip Cord... something like bungee jumping but not as thrilling, etc. Will miss shopping in hypermarts in the wee hours of the morning. Miss the splendour of the views that nature provides. Miss communicating with some of the friendly internationals. And I will miss being 'independent'.

I'm also scared though. Afraid that some of the friendships that were built will be slowly forgotten with time.

Guess I'll need some time to get use to life here in Singapore again. In the meantime, I'll be resting for at least a week before I start picking up from where I left and find a real job.

Hi Again Asia

2005-09-20T17:32:00.000+08:00

Just ended my maiden US voyage yesterday. Am back in Asia as of today... not in Singapore yet but in a few days time. My current location is Taipei. Miss my friends... and will see ya all soon! Miss me? hehe...

Club X

2005-08-25T09:26:00.000+08:00

Went to Club X 2 days back. It certainly was an eye-opener. It's a gay pub. So many first experiences in US... white water rafting, foam party and now gay pub. But I guess the gay pub here is "better" than the one back home. Saw guys all over each other, making out (as defined by my friend), etc. But I must say that they dance real well.

Ending work on Sep 5th, at last. Not sure if I'll be happy or sad then... only time will tell I guess.

Hello

2005-08-14T02:03:00.000+08:00

It's been weeks since I feel so relaxed... to be able to stay in the apartment having my breakfast at my own pace, sipping orange juice while watching tv and surfing on the web without the usual hassle to go with. The past couple of weeks, at least, have been tiring...having to work 11 days straight for at least 12 hours without being able to sit and having to speak to hundreds of people each day. The record was having to speak for 1-3 hours and walking to and fro continously for a few days.

Well.. as for what have I been up to? Besides work. Not much free time too. Have only one day off per week. But the past two day offs have been interesting. Now, I can claim that I've been to one of the 7 wonders of the world...the Niagara Falls. It wasn't as tall as what I had in mine but it was nonetheless magnificent. The pictures taken on digicam look unreal... they look like waterbrush paintings.

On my last day off I went white water rafting at the Lower Yough River, Ohiopyle, PA. It was cool having to ride in the rapids with friends and piling on top of one another when we went over rocks. Though the trip was expensive but I was really glad I went for it. Where can I get rapids back home in SG? None. It was an experience and the place looked so serene. Reminds me of sights in Jurassic Park and Ananconda.. without the attacks of creatures.

Was watching Good Will Hunting just now. It was shown in the early 1900s. But I still kinda vividly remember Matt Damon getting an award for this show... and it seemed like it wasn't too long ago. How time flies. Yesterday marks my end of 3 months in the US. It was just like yesterday when I left Changi Airport and arrived at this foreign land. Though I've been to US before...this time round... it's different. The first few days of work was unbearable ( though it still is) ... my friends and I were commenting that it will be so tough having to work for 2-3 more months. But now... many Singaporeans have left. The numbers decreased more than half. More than 40 Singaporeans came but now 11 are left... and 3 will be leaving tmr. Somehow... it's a little depressing that so many S'poreans have left. Despite not being close to some of them.. it's still sad that they're leaving. Afterall... we've spent times in a foreign land together... braving the cold... having to put up with mean and lazy people, etc.

I dunno if this whole trip has been good for me. Has it changed me? I still cannot tell... I just wished I had more time to slow down, to rest and think of what I need. I'm working my days... the thought of having return home.. and that all these will end in 2 months time often slips into my mind. It'll be a major transition. Having to return home to my own culture...back to reality... no more school...having to enter society, look for a job (when I'm so out of touch with my books) and taking up major responsbilities. It's kinda scary. When should I start? Where should I start?

Well...will blog another time. Ciaoz!

Update

2005-07-26T10:56:00.000+08:00

This is bad. Sometimes I ask myself if this trip is a mistake? Yeah.. wrong attitude. Should be making the best out of it and look at things in a more positive light. But I guess the ups and downs are all part of being in a foreign land, being with people you got to know from the experience, etc.

Anyway, the beginning of last week was pretty good! Finally, a better break. Was off 4 days in a row. 2 days was in Chicago. I love Chicago. I guess it must've been a long time since I saw busy streets, public buses, trains, rows of shops and eateries... like Singapore. Several of the buildings there were lovely. Gothic. Gold lining etc. Buffet lunch at the 85th storey of John Hancock was expensive but delectable with a splendid view and what I call a good meal... at last. No more bread, biscuits and instant noodles for meals. The buffet consisted of ham, salad, tortillini, beef masala, tilapia and corn soup. To add... we had Godiva, Tiramisu and Lemon and raspberry cheesecakes at the Cheesecake Factory.

On my last day of leave.. I went to the premium outlets at Aurora. Spent over 200 USD on shopping. It felt good. Coz' I worked for the money and I spent it. DKNY, CK, Addidas, etc... brands I won't splurge on in Singapore...but definitely... it was cheaper here.

Gotta go.. bye!

Foam Party

2005-07-11T12:29:00.000+08:00

Firstly, pardon me if I'm not talking sense... very tired. Went to a foam party yesterday. It was an eye-opener. It was pretty fun dancing in the foam. "Pretty" and not "very" coz' I was not totally in the high mood. Was rather shocked that girls will take their tops off just to win the cash prize of $250 for a wettest top contest. .... .... zzzzzzzzz

Put-In Bay on 7 Jul 05

2005-07-08T11:11:00.000+08:00

Had a mini getaway from Sandusky today. Away from Cedar Point. No small Sandusky Mall and the usual Meijers. Went to Put-In Bay today. One of the islands situated on Lake Erie. It's a really pretty place encompassed by blue waters, clear skies and cotton-candy white clouds and greenery.

It's a really small island which you can cover in almost one day. We got around in a buggy. I drove a buggy! Being at the island driving a buggy is a surreal experience. It was interesting too. The only thing is that the buggy is slow. It cannot accelerate despite me pressing on the accelerator with all my might.

My meal was good. Had a combo basket which includes fries, coleslaw, perch and walleye and the supposedly famous lobster bisque served in sourdough bread that was good, I must say. Makes me look forward to having clam chowder at Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. Not to mention, I drank some mocha drink at the Chocolate cafe.. and I do like it. It had whipped cream and we were given a spoon coated with white chocolate. Yum yum.

That's about it... till then. Take care!! :)

Me again

2005-06-05T04:15:00.000+08:00

Hiye!

Been pretty busy with work. Been doing a range of work the past couple of weeks but I guess my current work is rather permanent now. Hv been a cashier, shop assistant, floor-walker, stock-checker... and now I'm working at key rentals. It's a boring thing to do except for the occasional chat with the more friendly locals.

My life hasn't been very interesting, sadly. Been working long hours (but I won't complain much coz' I need the money) and have been snacking late with some cooking done by my friends a couple of times. Unhealthy lifestyle coz' I tend to sleep shortly after I eat. Heh. But I'm really tired to be standing or sitting around to wait for the food to get digested.

Ok, I gtg continue my sight-seeing. Hafta fully utilize my day off. Tata!

Hiye

2005-05-22T09:34:00.000+08:00

Here I am again. Been working pretty long hrs since Tues.. almost 12 hrs everyday... from 10am till 10pm... and by the time I get back to my dorm.. it's really late. Work's not exactly interesting but today's the better of the lot. Hope things will get better and better. It better be... I'm gonna be here for 3+ months.

Some of the locals are really nice but for some no. But I think u've gotta take it as a pinch of salt.

Dun really like the food at the employee cafeteria. Lotsa cheese. Although I do like cheese, too much will turn out disastrous. Gotta watch my weight or rather my size. And the variety of the food is so limited. It's only pizza, fries or onion rings, hot dog, cheeseburger and prob some assortment of pasta.

Gotta go. Bye!

Blog Blog

2005-05-15T22:15:00.000+08:00

Since my work has yet to start, might as well blog a lil. Woke up at 6+ in the morning today! Wow! It's been a long time since I willingly woke up at that kinda time. But I slept at 10 last night. My internal clock's no longer screwed.. but it's hard to say at the moment. Heard the working hours will be long when work officially starts for me. Some have said to clock 12 hrs or more. I suppose it's probably due to the shortage of employees at the moment but it'll see an increment come June to July I heard.

Will be going to Sears today to look at what shops it behold. Walmart and Myers' on the list too. Gotta buy some essentials. My skin's peeling, my lips peeling, I shiver and chatter... will need lip balm, stronger moisturizer, thicker clothes, fruits, vitamin C. I really look forward to a warmer weather. Hot water supply is pretty scarce. Apparently, there are only water coolers. And there's no stove at the dorm's lobby. Can't bear the thot of work starting in this kinda weather. Hope I'll get to stay indoors more often. Have to wear berms n a short-sleeved shirt. Bought a pullover but I doubt it'll really shield me from the cold winds. The winds are really cold coz' the place I am is practically surrounded by water. It's a thin strip jutting out of the main coast. Apparently, part of the place could get submerged when the water levels run high.

Till I blog again, tata!

First couple of Days at Cedar Point

2005-05-15T06:13:00.000+08:00

I'm at Cedar Point! Finally after some 36 hrs of total journey which clocked 20+ hrs of flight time with 3 stopovers.

Cedar Point's at Sandusky. Didn't really travel much. Very beautiful shoreline with nice fresh air. Though its cold I didn't get much of a flu... think it's probably due to the fresh air. And I hope the no-flu behavior maintains. Went to the shoreline this afternoon... quiet place... with nice people. They greet us and smile even if we walk around in the shop not buying anything. Rare sight compared to S'pore.

The flowers here are pretty, even though they're wild.. and even some are just weeds. Even the trees are painted with flowers. Awesome sight. It just feels kinda surreal at times. Still can't believe I'm in US. Actually I feel lost... and a little bored at times. Must admit that I'm not too excited as I've hoped.

Hm.. hoping to go to the mall tmr... probably Myers, Walmart or Sears? Not too sure. But I feel slightly uncomfortable coz' pple say I'm small-sized and young ! One lady couldn't believe I am 22! And this guy was asking me if I was graduating too like my other frens coz' I think he thinks I look young to be there. Hurrghhh!

That's all for now. Tata! Peace!

12th May 2005

2005-05-12T02:38:00.000+08:00

I'm finally going to leave for US this afternoon after the myriad of fickle-mindedness, flailing determination, excitement, confidence, etc. Almost done with the packing, just some packing and finishing touches.

Guess I can't say I'm excited. Just in the neutral mode. It's probably a good way to start things? So that when things start to hype up, at least I'll know what excitement is like. Have to have prep talk session with myself. I'm going to have fun and I WILL HAVE FUN and love myself and my family by taking care of myself.

Bye Singapore! Take care! And... Welcome me US! :)

A Temporary Farewell

2005-05-04T03:18:00.000+08:00

One week later marks my departure from Singapore. Gonna be away for 4-5 months... longer than what I conceived. Am currently less excited than I thought I will be. It's probably the effects of time. I'm worried about certain things and people... but I've come this far and it's hard to turn back. It was one of the reason that initially forestalled my wanting to go on this trip but then my other probably selfish want overrode the reason. But then again, I didn't solely make the final decision.

Exams have ended about a week back. I've yet to pack. Been watching dvds, going out to eat and shop, letting my thoughts run while lying on my bed... and thinking of what happens next. Not the next minute but about the next phase of my life. Returning to Singapore in late September signifies the need to get a job. Don't know what I really want. No clear goals as yet. Hopefully this trip will rejuvenate and inspire me which attributes to my decision to make this trip. No one I know, excluding those whom I knew through this program, will be with me. It's a time to be "alone", sort out some stuff, see another world... ... exhilarating.

The place I'm going is not such a bad place. One of my love lies in there : rollercoasters. What's more, it's romantically located beside a lake. However, one fault lies in the access to computers. There are less than 10 PCs for the thousands of employees and I've got no laptop to pack along, which means that I am almost 'cut off' from the rest of the world. Heh.. like a retreat. Well, it may be.

Heard that the whole journey to from SG to my work place takes 36 hrs. SG to Taipei and transfer to another plane to NY. Then stay overnight in the airport for 6-7 hrs to board another plane that goes to Cleveland either directly or via Cincinnati. And from Cleveland, it's another wait for a 1 hr plus bus trip to the town my work place is located. This means that I've to be experience the take offs and landings 6-8 times and I really dislike having to go through this.

Having some recollections of my flight to the States years back when where I also transited at Taipei... I saw a cool looking dude on the flight. Maybe this time round I can get to see an artiste? hm... Daniel Wu will be nice :p

Nervous?

2005-04-18T00:14:00.000+08:00

Am I nervous? I can't tell exactly. I think there shld be some trace of it. I'm going to sit for the paper which I 'da bao'. Please let everything turn out fine. Let me know what the questions' asking... what the method is.. and which page to flip to. Heh.

I did work harder this sem naturally... at least I did most of my tutorials compared to the almost 'kosong' scoring the last time. But I think this mod is one of the hardest or hardest finance mod... it's got lotsa financial statements stuff.. and I'm not exactly an accounting person. Hm.. probably I should drop that last sentence.. gotta convince myself that I can do it~!

I'm in a mode of self-motivation or de-stressing. I need to move something.. so I'm moving my fingers... if not I may just start peeling my nails. Heh. Sick? Off to bed and try to sleep... Good night.

I'm Tired

2005-04-17T00:17:00.000+08:00

Wanting to go on the US trip is definitely not an easy one. Seems like stuff keeps going wrong. I get a different departure date from what I wanted. The employer is not exactly nice and they go back on their words. The agency give you few days notice to make decisions and to get your stuff done... and it's tough trying to get through their line... it's a one out of ten or more chance.

Have deviated from my revision of my exams just to replan and contact different parties for the US trip. Have yet to finish my revision for the papers in 1 and 2 days' time. Caffeine was my sustenance but instead my usual cup of tea... I had to contend with coffee coz' it's not "cooling" like tea. Having 3 cups of coffee a day.. morning, afternoon and nite.. but they dun seem to work as well as tea.

Am tired. And troubled. My mind's not with me. During the day, I mistook toner as toothpaste. Instead of turning on the tap, I almost wanted to pour the cup of hot water I was holding on my hands. I was sharpening my pencil when I unconsciously tilt my sharper and all the pencil shavings fell out of the sharpener. And I kept picking up the wrong item or taking an unintended action.

Hope everything will turn out better. Hope I'll be in top form during my exam papers. And hope the the parties related to the US trip will be 'better'.

Dislike in a Context

2005-04-15T10:39:00.000+08:00

If there are a couple of words I don't like seeing or hearing.. D.U.H. is on the list but only when used in a certain contexts.

It's fine if it's said in a light-hearted manner or infrequently. But XXXXXXXXX if directed in the wrong way and u know it's a real meant-it way. I can't find a word to fill in the Xs but its just not being nice.

And I can't stand it when some guy exclaims some hokkien word. If they think it's cool... I beg to differ. In fact I think the f word is anytime better than that hokkien one.

What I've written so far is not in a pique of irritation though I'm currently pretty displeased with some party in a faraway land. The thot juz struck me.

Have a Break, Have a Blog-Time

2005-04-12T23:49:00.000+08:00

Still waiting for my US employer to reply my mail. Really hope she'll accede to my request. I get kinda nervous each time I check my mail... am anticipating for a green light.

Didn't know there's so much science to perfume. Heard the following tips over the radio...

1) To sustain the scent of ur perfume... you could try perfume layering:
- Use the fragrance as a shower gel
- After bathing, towel dry and use the scented moisturizer while your skin is still damp to seal in moisture and fragrance.
- Spray on the perfume (Parfum is the strongest, followed by Eau de Parfum and Eau de Toilette is the lightest.)

2) Do not:
- Spray your perfume on an area that is in constant contact with the sun as its alcohol content will evaporate and the scent of the perfume will change.
- Spray on your clothes for the perfume will stain your clothes and the scent will change.

Shall get back to my preparations for my exams. Heh.. haven't exactly found the momentum.. something which I wonder if I did chance upon the last 3 yrs. But nonetheless... trying to study amidst "mild" detractors such as TV. But there's some Chinese saying along the line of : "Resting is to pave the way for a longer journey"?? Ahh... my Chinese proverbs, idioms are prone to loopholes and scrambles. Heh.

"The mind is hard to check.
It is swift and wanders at will.
To control it is good.
A controlled mind is conducive to happiness."

On my way... to control my mind.. :)

By Sydney J Harris

2005-04-12T01:37:00.000+08:00

"Regret for the things we did can be tempered by time;
It is regret for the things we didn't do that is inconsolable."

Stuck

2005-04-05T14:33:00.000+08:00

The days hastiliy paving my departure for the states. But I'm feeling stuck.

1) The airline made a mess out of our departure dates from SG.
2) Without the exact departure date, I can't request the US employer for a change in end date as yet and I've gotta submit that request 3 weeks prior to arrival there.
3) I don't know if my request to the US employer will be successful.
4) Have assumed that my request will be successful and have decided to depart from LA. So should the request not be successful, I'll be travelling to LA to take my flight back to SG which is dumb considering the fact that NY is nearer and I've not been to NY but I've been to LA.

Management

2005-04-02T22:17:00.000+08:00

Went for some career talk on some programme by some coy today. Before I went, someone warned me that the staff weren't friendly. Naturally, I took some of that but didn't want that to influence my thoughts about the coy. Got there, well, the people were pretty friendly. Had a rather positive impression... until the programme trainees were asked to host the Q&A session. The positive impression remained but a new thought surfaced: "What a bunch of rude trainees..." One of them kept rolling her eyes when answering the question which made her look so haughty. And when one student asked a question, another said that he must've not been listening in a rather curt manner. Well, for one, I'm behind the student coz' the answer to his question had to be implied.. and I thought the student's attitude is right - to query when in doubt and when what had been said sounds vague.

It's really worrying when u see such people who are actually in a management programme. Though it's still unknown if they'll get their managerial posts but the possibility still exists since the programme is suppose to expedite/help one who's interested to get into management. Haughty, insensitive, arrogant managers... eeewww.

Weight Loss

2005-04-01T01:04:00.000+08:00

Caught this on some mandarin entertainment channel. It’s the weight loss regime of an actress.

1) Stand and eat in front of a mirror, naked. If the stomach starts to bulge, the food one is eating causes one to put on weight. Stop eating it. (Hmm… interesting)

2) Don’t consume caffeine. Intake of caffeine reduces the body’s water content through frequent urination. The reduction of water causes one to put on weight more easily. (I could’ve found the cause of my fats…)

3) Don’t consume dairy products and meat. Instead, eat vegetables and fish.

4) Do yoga and pilates. (Something I hope to take up)

That’s about all I can recall.

If someone’s wondering… Nope. I’m not gonna subject myself to the above with the exception of yoga and pilates. 1’s interesting but personally an uncomfortable situation to be in. 2, I’m a caffeine addict. 3, sole consumption of vegetables and fish requires lotsa determination and there are dishes that can’t be resisted.

Thank You, Car

2005-03-27T01:57:00.000+08:00

One more day and I'm gonna have to bid a last farewell to my mom's car. It's been with us for ten years or more. Won't say it's exquisite but it has served well and personally it has lush and lulling seats. But it's gonna meet it's cessation come Mon 28th Mar 2005. It's been donkey years since we didn't have a car... or rather, if my memory serves me well, the family had a car throughout my 22 years of existence. Although the numbers increase and fall, there was always one to count on.

And yes, I'd have to adjust my lifestyle to this fact. Will have to wake up much earlier to get to school, especially if I'm gonna jump on the packed public transports. When I'm feeling tired or lazy, the alternative of being ferried to places in a personal car would vanish. This mean of convenience will come to a hiatus.

Geez, an awful thought but an impending reality.

Farewell Car :( Love you.

My 22nd Birthday

2005-03-16T23:20:00.000+08:00

Spent a tranquil birthday this time round. My mom and aunt treated me to dim sum and I spent the rest of the day in a semi-snooze mode.

Think what touched me the most during my birthday are the wishes I received. Wishes from my great girls, a long distance call (thnx "gooondooest" for risking ur job :p) n sms, n unexpected wishes that were pleasant surprises :)

Of course, I do love all the presents I received too. Got a personalized notepad (no one can ever blatantly lie about it being theirs), a CD which was "coincidental" & a lovely card all from Jiahui, Elizabeth Arden face whitening pills from my aunt, and 2 eyecreams ... geez the signs of aging
:-O

I guess still shots do exist despite wanting animation.

~~~~~

2005-03-13T16:08:00.000+08:00

Today marks the 1st anniversary of my 21st yr old party. Very soon, the number '2' will manifest. No party this time round. A Japanese meal and undisturbed sleep will suffice.

It's been a race against time. The past week or so had been a concoction of confusion, inflictions, lethargy, etc. It had been a physical and psychological test.

In around 1.5 month’s time, it’ll be the cessation of my bachelor’s term. I do want to witness its realization. University life was bland compared to my prior educational experiences. It’s a pity that friendships/acquaintance could not develop further. This journey rallied round discoveries that I never learnt of nor expected. Some were enlightening but sad to say a significant bit was disheartening; and they’ve had a role in shaping my thoughts. It’s always better to know certain things earlier.

I’m neither happy nor sad to be leaving varsity. All I do know is I’m ending this phase and will be entering a vast playing field.

Ideas.. Friendship...

2005-03-07T02:36:00.000+08:00

"Daring ideas are like chessmen moved forward. They may be beaten, but they may start a winning game."
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe -

"Often the difference between a successful man and a failure is not one's better abilities or ideas but the courage that one has to bet on his ideas, to take a calculated risk -- and act."
- Maxwell Maltz -

"A friend is one who believes in you when you have ceased to believe in yourself."

"Friendship improves happiness, and abates misery, by doubling our joy, and dividing our grief."
- Joseph Addison -

"There is no distance too far between friends, for friendship gives wings to the heart."
- Kathy Kay Benudiz -

"There are three sorts of friendships which are advantageous, and three which are injurious. Friendships with the upright, friendships with the sincere, and friendships with the well informed are advantageous. Friendships with those who flatter, friendships with those of weak principles, and friendships with those who talk cleverly are injurious. "
- Confucius -

It Keeps Ringing In My Head

2005-03-01T01:54:00.000+08:00

That's What Friends Are For - Dionne Warwick

And as far as I'm concerned
I'm glad I got the chance to say
That I do believe I love you
And if I should ever go away
Well then close your eyes and try
To feel the way we do today
And then if you can remember
Keep smiling, keep shining
Knowing you can always count on me, for sure
That's what friends are for
For good times and bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
That's what friends are for
Well you came in loving me
And now there's so much more I see
And so by the way I thank you
Oh and then for the times when we're apart
Well then close your eyes and know
The words are coming from my heart
And then if you can remember
Keep smiling, keep shining
Knowing you can always count on me, for sure
That's what friends are for
In good times and bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
That's what friends are for
Keep smiling, keep shining
Knowing you can always count on me, for sure
That's what friends are for
For good times and bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
That's what friends are for
Keep smiling, keep shining
Knowing you can always count on me, for sure
That's what friends are for
For good times and for bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
That's what friends are for
(Thats what friends are for)

Happy Valentine's Day

2005-02-14T00:26:00.000+08:00

Happy Friendship Day to dear MTLV, my beloved friends and all of those who are friends to/of others.

14th Feb.. think I spent this day last year with TLV 'cake-ing' at IMM. Hm.. spent another walking along Orchard Road comparing and contrasting the various bouquets that girls held. Bouquets are an art, though some turn out to be a disaster.

Guess what. I saw the man of my dreams last night, literally. Heh. He was really good-looking. I still can't conceive the fact that such a face would be depicted in my dreams. Can't think of any reknowned person who compares to that face. To top that face, he has a good sense of humour and a brilliant smile. Moreoever, the conversation with him was great. The only twist was his height. He was towering at more than 1.85m.

At the end of the day, it was just a dream... ...

Hmm

2005-02-05T13:50:00.000+08:00

Deleted my previous post. Coz' it wasn't supposed to come out that way. Misinterpreted. Heh. Was just writing something senseless about my classes. Think I shall stop blogging for the moment coz' there's nothing to blog about.

One, I'm not an inspirational person.
Two, my life is as plain as a sheet of white paper.
Three, I know some of the bloggings are just 'noise' which I should learn to eliminate.
Four, there's no substance to talk of.
Five, the initial motivation for blogging has ceased.
And lastly, I would hope that the next time I blog, it will be something else.

The Uglies

2005-02-02T01:27:00.000+08:00

Juz read some stuf. Am disgusted. I must really pull quite a number of my senses together to fathom the fact that there are quite a number of obnoxious creeps in this society. Probably even the word creep appears so mild. I detest cheaters. Especially those who spends the money of those whom they cheat on. And those who outwardly express their religious faith while doing harm upon others. I really doubt if they're pious. And don't they know what shame is? Don't they ever get plagued with guilt?

Oh, not forgetting those who have committed some vice and accuse some other innocent party of committing that very vice. Some people should double-check on themselves before opening their vile mouths.

Well, I hope for all the above mentioned people to acknowledge their wrong doings soon and be freed.

Anywhere but Here

2005-01-23T03:13:00.000+08:00

Honours

2005-01-18T01:25:00.000+08:00

Can someone tell me what's so great about clinching an academic honours, especially first or second uppers? That so many coys are having it as a prerequisite? Is eliciting an honour one of the definite ingredients in precipitating excellent work performance and attitude? Has it been part of a proven mix in many life cases? (Probably? Some would say? If not, why have coys been having this prerequisite for years...?)

Ok... this is me talking after having scoured through requirements of a number of hiring coys. My academic status upon graduation is still unknown... but I'm kinda exasperated. Am I feeling sore? Hm... if yes... care to help me analyze?

Life's Riddles

2005-01-14T23:23:00.000+08:00

Riddle me this, Riddle me that.

Why for do some do things upon others which they dislike others doing so unto them?

Why for do some put others, whom in name they call close, down?

Imprisonment

2005-01-13T01:15:00.000+08:00

Imprisoned by societal perceptions, the ?? system and my almost brainwashed mind.

Ocean 12

2004-12-29T02:22:00.000+08:00

Incapacitated without a CPU? Not yet. But yes, come the school term.

Watched Ocean 12 yesterday. Plot : Some think there's none but I would rather term it as abstract. But the phrase that kept running through my mind was : "George Clooney & Brad Pitt looked soooooo good together.

Roller Coaster

2004-12-22T02:22:00.000+08:00

My 'heart' is like the cart on the roller-coaster... going up n down n up n down n up n down n up n down n up n down n up n down... But the surounding track tend to be shaped downward. These are the times when I dislike roller-coaster rides.