saint 2.0

saint 3.0

2009-01-03T15:41:00.001+08:00

Started a new blog.

the day the earth stood still

2009-01-02T17:13:00.002+08:00

I just had to borrow the title of the film to make my point. Anyway, if you have not seen the movie, you did not miss any earth shattering event.

After a very long time, I managed to empty my red bean bag with the help of a student and send the shell for a nice tumble in the washer. See how bloody the contents became. My world stood still when I realise that I had a lot of whites and my favourite bermudas within.

And of course, with the same help, I sought to refill my green bean bag when VOOLA! the little sytrofoam balls came spilling out by the hundreds from an accidental slip. I did not have a dust pan anywhere so imagine how my world froze at the horrendous task of sweeping tiny bits up using an improvised dust pan and by hand?

That all happened on New Year's Eve when you decide, YES WE CAN! I can do some cleaning up before the new year.

Well...

child's play

2009-01-01T23:22:00.002+08:00

I'd spent my Christmas with my childhood friends who go a long long way back.

After a sumptuous potluck dinner, we proceeded to the roof top open space for dessert.

Some of the kids getting ready to pop their crackers bearing little gifts within.

I have my own too! No, I didn't steal from any kid.

This is how you pull the cracker apart...

Then it was sparklers time! Oh boy, that sure brought back some fun memories of my own childhood!

light at the end of the tunnel

2008-12-31T20:01:00.015+08:00

3SA, Manila Trip (3-9 Nov)
St. Andrew's Secondary

As the year draws to a close, are you feeling blue

because of the bleak circumstances around you?

Do you feel caged up in your hopeless situation?

Are your days filled with long shadows that never seem to go away?

Is there light at the end of the tunnel?

Allow me to ask you this :

Have you met a person who is born with no sight?

Given a massage by a blind person who makes the best of life

with the other senses he still possesses?

Heard the most joyest and soulful heart-song crooned by one who cannot see?

Shake hands with children who live in slums with the barest minimum?

Smile at a dog sleeping blissfully despite its dire surroundings?

So what if you may be living with a crippling disease?

You are not yet a dead fossil.

So go ahead, play hard.

If you have a job, work at it passionately.

Take a break to do a song

and dance once in a while.

(It's best with the company of great friends!)

Eat well.

But don't forget to exercise to burn those excesses.

Share a burden.

Share your time and resources with those in need.

Live life to the fullest.

Spiralling

2008-12-31T10:20:00.000+08:00

Keane

but there is no mistake!!!

2008-12-30T16:53:00.010+08:00

He insisted that he had not made any mistakes on draft 4. Yes, we are talking about draft 4 of a piece of composition. The truth is, carelessness ruled the day often for this poor kid who was bargaining for sweets in return for his work. But I stood firm - no sweets until his work was completed properly. Yes, if you ask me, I was truly enjoying that session. Haha! Okay, he did get his Fruit Plus Blackcurrent flavoured sweet at the end of the day. I gave him 2 instead of the 1 we agreed on. I am not evil, right.

That's my new tea/coffee maker on the right with plunger from Starbucks, KL. I managed to sweet talk this salesgirl behind the counter for a 10% discount off the item and my favourite Chai tea. :)

Carry You Home

2008-12-30T06:54:00.001+08:00

James Blunt

KL2

2008-12-29T11:43:00.007+08:00

Drive Trip #2.1

26-28 Dec 2008

My friend invited me to join him on a drive trip up to Kuala Lumpur. Like him, I could use the trip to momentarily escape the drugery of Singapore life. So why not?

Yes, this was my second KL trip in less than 2 weeks.

We arrived at the capital near midnight. Thereafter, we began our search for our accomodation. One after another, we were told that the rooms were full because it was afterall, the weekend right after Christmas when most people would be on extended leave from work.

After settling into a hotel, we headed to Jalan Bintang on foot. We came across a group of buskers at a corner of a big traffic junction.

They attracted quite a crowd, a few times bigger than the above when we walked back the same way.

Poor chap. His car broke down at the same junction where the buskers were. Well, at least he gets some ready entertainment while waiting for the mechanic to arrive.

This is a rather futuristic looking public toilet with metallic and glass finishings.

How can anyone let their vehicle deteriote to such a state I wonder?

This is THE local makan paradise at the heart of Bintan. Unfortunately, my friend and I settled down at this seemingly packed outlet amongst many along the later part of the same stretch and if looks could be deceiving, this was the perfect illustration. The ala carte dishes were not fantastic at all (thus you do not get any pictures of the okay-only meal).

corrupt

2008-12-28T17:36:00.009+08:00

They say Malaysian Polis (I have to spell it the way they do across the Causeway) is corrupt! I've heard of stories of Singaporean motorists being stopped for speeding on the N-S highway and the authorities accepting monetray bribes to avoid traffic fines. Sure, they are those guilty speed demons who deserve to be ticked off. It was not until my first encounter with one that I truly realise how corrupt some of them are!

I was not behind the wheels. My friend and I had approached a toll booth at near midnight. After just a few metres past the booth, we were signalled over by a traffic warden to pull over. An officer told us in a nervous voice that the speed limit is 120km/hr and that we were travelling at 124 km/hr - these were the exact figures mentioned by him! Anyone who has driven on the highway knows that the speed limit on the highway is 110km/hr!!! And how on earth are they able to detect a car travelling at 124km/hr when there was no speed camera nor any polis car at all before the booth??!!

Immediately, he offered for us to settle now and then "no more talk okay?"

The bumi putra policy is obviously NOT helping these 2 officers whom I understand are not very well paid. But they are KEEPERS of the LAW!! Their facts were dubious and intent corrupt right from the beginning.

So did my friend pay up? He's a regular in and out of Malaysia. Like many had told me before, just pay up and avoid the troublesome fine.

I had reported a corrupt establishment in Singapore before I left for the drive trip yesterday. Who do we report corrupt polis in Malaysia to after having heard and now personally experienced one, to??

first cooked meal

2008-12-26T12:05:00.002+08:00

This is my first cooked meal over my hob (or is it the hub?) since I'd moved in in October. Actually, because I had been so busy preparing my kids for examinations, moving in and the whole packing n unpacking hoola boola (still ongoing) and then camps and 2 trips (and still counting), I've only turned on the gas at the mains with Singapore Power some 2 weeks ago. In the meantime, I have been relying on my free dependable mircowave (it came with my fridge) all the while whenever I have to whip up a quick meal or so. Thus you can see why today's breakfast is a breakthrough, even though it is a simple meal of Nissin maggee mee with fresh Chye Sim and frozen prawn dumplings. I realised I had forgotten to add an egg only after I started ravishing it.

So much for the procrastination when it comes to preparing a proper meal.

Some more ramblings,

For the first time ever, I had slept til about 10am.

From Ellen, I learn that David Cook is a leftie, like me. Smart and talented in every sense. Haha. Okay, only females who are lefties can line up for autographs.

beyond the bright lights

2008-12-25T23:25:00.002+08:00

Christmas is more than just this tree made from numerous coke cans as spotted outside a mall in Bangkok.

No matter how bright the decorative lights are,

no matter how big the illuminated snow flakes are to simulate the winter atmosphere.

Christmas is never the same when we do not spend it with loved ones.

My best parties were those gatherings I had with childhood friends. I just got back from one.

How was your Christmas?

Boo Boo Lockdown

2008-12-25T23:08:00.001+08:00

spoof of Kanye West's Love Lockdown

curtains up

2008-12-24T09:58:00.004+08:00

My living room is almost complete.

Last week, I had the curtain lady from Johor Bahru come by with her samples. I settled on this grey and black wavy motif to go with the colour theme of the living room.

The crew dropped by yesterday with their supplies and tools and began their work.

Drilling and rigging up the curtain rails.

That's Madam Ng supervising the hanging of the day and night curtains.

The living room with curtains at last.

The same view with curtains drawn and living rooms switched on.

Thanks to my childhood friends who gave me this gothic looking Jewish minorah which blended very well with the modern theme of my living room. The wooden display piece and the clock are my recent purchases from Bangkok.

There is still 2 more outstanding jobs for the living room before it is truly completed. Stay tuned!

she drifted like an angel of the night...

2008-12-23T18:16:00.004+08:00

on a horse drawn carriage

she drifted in

like an angel of the night

it wasn't a Disney burst of animals into songs

nonetheless

this your special day

20.12.08

Joanna

got hitched

The economy is so bad...

2008-12-22T08:05:00.003+08:00

Thanks to Z, I learnt that The Jay Leno Late Night Show is available on ch.15!!!

Here's one funny one I heard.

The economy is rough. The economy is in bad shape.

People are standing behind George Bush to get free shoes!

The economy is so bad I was in Beverly Hills, saw a chiwawa eating dog food!

The economy is so bad the hookers in Vegas are taking jobs as snow blowers!

Million Blog List

2008-12-21T22:56:00.001+08:00

I'm 2400 on the inaugral Million Blog List! Add yours today!

wide hips and coffin-like cabins

2008-12-20T09:51:00.009+08:00

In the past, it was said that men would look for a mate with wide hips which was associated with a woman's fertility. Last weekend, I came across this mannequin at Central Mall in Bangkok. The addition of the very wide horns on the mannequin's head does make her more appealing, don't you think?

On another matter, I was told to handcarry 6 paintings by the counter staff onboard my return Tiger Airways flight. I got a tad worried because I found out then that budget airlines like Tiger Airways do not give preferential treatment to fragile items. Would there be space on the aircraft to dock my paintings safely? What if the air stewardesses on the plane tell me to check them in instead because I was definitely carrying excess of the permitted 7kg for that 1 piece of handcarry? My friends assured me the staff onboard would have to handle that and I need not fret over my precious paintings. Well, I found out that my 6 paintings could fit into the very wide and deep overhead cabins! A steward shared that he had actually climbed into it (being very bored one day and to amuse his female colleagues) and lay down with his limbs all stretched out! Now we all know how much handcarry items we can actually bring up onto the plane!

flaky

2008-12-19T16:50:00.000+08:00

My hands started flaking 2 days after I washed the toilets. It has never happened before. I supposed it has to be the 2 detergents I'd mixed to mask the strong smell of bleach. I'm probably allegic to whatever concoction that was the aftermath on the floors. I think the gaps between my last 2 toes on both feet have also met the same fate.

Anyone knows any quick remedy?

Be With Me

2008-12-18T23:31:00.003+08:00

Last Sunday, I found this ORIGINAL (I just have to emphasise that) DVD in a media store at Central World for 99Bht! That's like just over S$4!

Rated M18 (I believe I remembered correctly) here, Be With Me is best remembered by many as the lesbian love movie. Truly, I had expected Eric Khoo to do better than cave in and sell his very poignant film on that one slice of a sexual subplot. The film thrives on more meatier stuff! Themes of isolation and longing to be with one's loved one hold the various subplots together. I have just finished watching it and man, the subplot based on real-life dumb and deaf Theresa is bound to be a slap on anyone who complains about every molehill in life. Although the action is real slow, it is not boring at all - unless you are a totally calloused ass or assette!

In my opinion, every one, young and old, should watch this film. That is also why I chose not to say much about the content of the film. Rest assure, Be With Me is not a Taiwanese weeper!

Check out the other reviews below :

movieXclusive

zhaowei films

Oggs

BearBEAR

2008-12-17T19:54:00.003+08:00

I've stumbled upon a uber (man, I'm beginning to sound like the rottie!) dlog, that is, a dog blog!

I've been reading the archives on and off the whole day because it is so addictive! Call this coincidence or some higher doggie being edging me closer to the enlightened path of pet adoption. After January passed away last year, I am still unsure if I will open up my life again to another dog. Besides, bringing any 4-legged animal requires tons of patience and time. I am not sure if I can commit myself to that task again. Incidentally, I've been reading "The Healing Power Of Pets" by Dr. Marty Becker since my Bangkok trip.

The signs up all around me. Or did I chase after them to begin with?

where in the world is....

2008-12-17T10:04:00.011+08:00

Long Way Up

Driving up North Part 2
where in the world is Bidor???

What I enjoy best about driving up North is being able to stop wherever you like and whenever you like.

Our first pit stop was the town of Bidor. It's tucked between Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh.

Our plan was to walk into a coffee shop and order any food that look sumptuous.

Well, I forgot to take picture of the yong tao foo dish. Nonetheless, the place is pretty quiet and the only patrons are retirees sitting around reading the papers or chatting.

Next, the provision shop right across the road was too tempting to resist.

Apart from coming across some tidbits we used to have in our teens, I spotted this coffee mix that contains the Tongkat Ali root! For the uninformed, it's the Viagra equivalent used by the Malays.

Strolling down a few shophouses, we came across a coffeeshop selling the supposedly famous chicken biscuits. According to Joe, our KL friend, this venue is where the biscuits originate.

I'm not a biscuits person but I rather like the fragrant and cripsy bites.

How many fruits and vegetables can you name in the picture? Click on it to have a closer look.

I call this the old and the new - the abascus and the felt-tip pen.

We should un-ban chewing gum in Singapore!

Again, something you don't see in Singapore due to our clinical efficiency. The sight of creepers or plants growing in the sewers and pushing against the grate is quite appealing, don't you think?

Back to the Swift to explore another part of the town!

Don't Dream It's Over

2008-12-16T20:45:00.000+08:00

Six Pence None The Richer

#146

2008-12-16T09:19:00.004+08:00

Have you ever returned an item to a store for a refund after having used it?

The retail industry here doesn't have this policy. What a pity. :P

You are going out for the evening. If your partner objects to what you are wearing, would you change your clothing?

She will have to change hers! But if she begs nicely...

What item that you don’t currently possess would you most like to have in your home?

A fusion pool table. That was originally part of the renovation plans but because it costs a bomb, I decided to make do with my previous table which was a gift from a student's mom (thanks Mrs. Hooper!).

back

2008-12-15T22:33:00.005+08:00

I'm back. Reluctantly.

Some cute young politician, Abhisit, (a female retail staff mentioned that while giggling like a school girl when I asked who she prefers as the next Prime Minister) won the seat in Bangkok. My friends and I were hoping that another protest will break out and the airport will be taken over and we will be stranded in Thailand for more great food and shopping on the daily 100USD issued by the government for inconvenienced travellers. I could go back and find that girl I met at Chatuchat. Wishful thinking. Well. ..

2008-12-15T05:42:00.001+08:00

You mean to say that my holidays is coming to an end???

11

2008-12-14T14:54:00.000+08:00

more days

Christmas!

Don't Dream It's Over

2008-12-14T10:27:00.000+08:00

Crowded House

until you are willing to face the truth,
the escape is only momentary.

Tough Choices

2008-12-13T08:32:00.000+08:00

I should be browsing Chatuchat for new tees by the local designers today and tomorrow...

Here are some pictures of cool tees I've come across.

think

2008-12-12T09:21:00.000+08:00

Katie Bryce: My head is full.
Meredith Grey: It's called thinking. Go with it.

from Grey's Anatomy

trippin'

2008-12-11T04:19:00.002+08:00

I'll be away in Bangkok from today til next Monday.

no maps, no experience, just pure insanity!

2008-12-10T18:14:00.007+08:00

Long Way Up

Driving up North Part 1
no maps, no experience, just pure insanity!

Now before we begin the journey, the photo journal version of it, that is, I must confess that I might have misled some of you out there to think that I had been on some gastronomic tour of the West Coast of Malaysia. My travelling mates and I did not plan a makansutra trip per say. Our Malaysian counterpart threw in the food stops to spice up the trip. And spice up our senses it sure did!

My 2 fellow female travellers were the extra eyes for the drive up the N-S Highway. None of us have done this before. The furthest I've driven up was to Johor Bahru and it was via the Causeway at Woodlands. You read and hear about highway thugs operating in cars to hijack Singaporean vehicles, corrupt cops who book drivers just to get some extra pocket money, the maniac drivers who edge you out of the lanes - the list goes on. Be they urban myths or just exaggerations by the press, this virgin drive to Kuala Lumpur via the Second Link was as daunting as - just to use a funny analogy mentioned by a friend some time ago and that which may not be appropriate for some young readers here - discovering the rubber having fallen off at the end of a passionate session between a married couple and then facing the OPPS! OH DEAR! moment. You get the point.

Anyway, being the adrenalin junkie I am, I swapped my vehicle for my parents' Suzuki Swift and volunteered to be the Captain behind the wheels.

You drive, and drive and drive and drive that 300 odd km along the highway and KL seemed the distant reality.

You sometimes forget the rest stops to pee until someone cries out too late. When that happens, you realised you have just passed one such stop, you smile meekly and say, "Tahan another 20 minutes til the next stop can?"

You encounter nature's beauty like this spider with very long legs and threatening bright spots on its body hiding behind this pot outside the male washroom entrance. Oh how we city dwellers, all the while soaked in the artificial Garden City, need to get back to authentic nature again!

You do not snap much pictures along the highway because you teether on the edge between trying to focus on driving safely and resisting the urge to beat the speed limit of 110km/hr - WOOHOO!!!! Okay. AHEM. Kids, do not speed and buckle up always!

Then you enter KL. Thereby began our nightmare. The madness of our plan start to unravel. Without a city map nor any prior driving experience in KL, we make every wrong turn and commit road hogging at every 100m to make out the myraid of overlapping junctions, slip roads, tunnels, overpasses and equally confusing signs (to newbies that is) - which we laughed over in spasms of self-mockery.

"Call Joe." was my desperate plea to the ladies while trying to appear un-desperate. We described what we see and he pin-pointed out locations spot on! I mention the plural locations because we continue to make wrong turns despite his specific directions. More laughter broke out among the cabin crew of course.

In between at least 3 international phone calls, we realise that KL drivers do not horn at other drivers - which is amazing! Whether they were cussing behind their wheels at this undecisive Swift manoevring on the crowded roads of KL, they sure appeared very forgiving with an absence of hand gestures.

Eventually, Joe had to attend a meeting and we were left on our own to locate Sunway Pyramid where he would meet us for lunch. Right. Now we have to locate Pharoah's secret getaway with his concubines! Stopping by the road - wherever we were of courfse; I had insisted upon it of course - Pearl's Peranakan Malay was put to the test when she engaged a local at a bus stop. The ladies operated in pairs of course. I remained cocooned in the orange mothership of my Swift - with all locks activated of course.

We passed the test. In fact, Joe was surprised we had arrived much earlier than expected. I smiled sheepishly and wiped the sweaty palms off my whatever and that look of a speed demon. I was just warming up for next year's F1 Nightrace of course.

If you had expected more pictures of our perilous journey, you are not getting any. Simply because all our senses were focused on trying to get to KL, finding our way around the city and then beating all the other imaginary contestants in our Amazing Race.

After a nice lunch at a Vietnamese restaurant at a mall beside Sunway Lagoon, Joe took the wheels and drove us to our hotel. No pictures of this either because the 3 of us were still recovering from the trauma of the journey. HELLO?! Amnesia freezes over. It is so bad that I cannot even recall the name of our hotel - something International something up to this point. :)

Joe had a wedding to attend in the evening. In our hotel room, the 3 Singaporeans, all of us being teachers, lamented about work and then we laughed at the crazy journey we had just survived. At the back of our minds, which we verbalised several times, we tried not to think about having to figure our way back to the highway for our journey home.

I have some pictures of the stuff we did at and around this attached mall called Pearl Point.

The girls would be looking at shoes and I needed a haircut. My hairdresser was a pretty sight and somehow she coaxed me into colouring my hair. The saloon had a promotion going on, so why not?

You don't come across this sight in Singapore anymore, I believe. This was the facade of one of the shophouses along the small roads where we sat having our zhi-char dinner. The venue was recommeded by this lady at a manicure shop which my friends frequented while I was at the saloon. Their ruse to get me a manicure failed terribly of course - what is it with women who try to get guys to join them in their girly ventures??? Try harder.

The food was above average. We ravaged it upon the arrival of the earlier dishes and I only remembered to take a picture of it but it was just too late. So I thought I shall placate everyone with a picture of the cooks in action outdoors!

I was in a trigger happy mood by then. The authorities should bring back mailboxes in Singapore. They would truly brighten up the sterile manicured landscape of our Garden City.

I spin 360 and spotted this clutter of bottles and cans at this makeshift recycling corner under this huge tree.

Okay, back in our room, I just have to take a self-portrait with my new hairdo and colour before that shower - simply because I can never wax the hair the way these hairdressers do!

That's it for now. The next update will be after my next trip from tomorrow til the following Monday. Haha! Nah. I'll try to do some pre-post entries for the days I'm away. They will include the host of pictures of the 3 camps I was involved in and now, the KL road trip!

Next update...

Ibor to Ipoh

drive. stop. eat. drive. stop. eat some more!

the games we play

2008-12-09T12:42:00.001+08:00

Batam Camp (15-17 Nov)
Hai Sing Catholic School

#145

2008-12-09T08:03:00.001+08:00

What is the most expensive meal you've ever eaten?

I'm not one to dine in expensive places. So I seriously cannot recall this.

What is the fastest speed you've ever traveled in a car?

150km/h on the N/S highway last weekend. Will I get arrested for publishing this?

What is the highest building you've ever been to the top floor of?

That would have to be the Petrona Towers in Kuala Lumpur a few years back.

drive

2008-12-08T10:07:00.002+08:00

Over the weekend, I took a road trip with 2 other friends to Kuala Lumper where we met up with a Malaysian friend who brought us on a town-hopping makansutra bonanza!

After all the excitement, I had returned tired and with numerous body aches. Thus I had to spend Monday just resting and battling the onset of flu symptoms.

I will blog on the details of the trip in the coming days. Stay tuned!

a whole lot like...

2008-12-07T06:09:00.001+08:00

I bought this "Medusa" light fixture some time ago and I still love the surreal effect it creates when the individual bulbs are lit. The arms add to its almost lifelike and fluid appearance.

What's Going On?

2008-12-07T04:48:00.000+08:00

All Stars Tribute

1 Dec 2008
World Aids Day

discuss disgust

2008-12-06T08:16:00.004+08:00

This disgusting lump of a flesh-look-a-like was formerly a taiwan saussage that exploded in the microwave oven. Fortunately, the breakfast was still edible.

That is seriously not some part of an animal I might run down on the road trip!

road trip

2008-12-05T07:24:00.000+08:00

If I don't get buang by a maniac driver along the N-S highway,

If I don't get stopped by corrupt cops,

If I don't get mugged by thugs,

If I don't miss my turns,

If it doesn't rain and the roads aren't slippery,

If I don't get stuck in bad traffic,

I should arrive in Mid Valley by noon.

Given that this is my first drive up beyond Johor Bahru without a map nor GPS and with inexperienced passengers, I am entitled some slack. Haha! I am so looking forward to this road trip!

Lelong Lelong!!!

2008-12-04T12:25:00.005+08:00

3SA, Manila Trip (3-9 Nov)
St. Andrew's Secondary

What are they looking for?

Has Solomon gone into the garment business?

At the basketball court in Brookside Village, the team brought out the bags of clothes to distribute to the adults and children.

At Solomon's distribution outlet, bodyguards stand watch over the goods.

After awhile, even they too, become "ah sohs" and begin to fish around for good bargains.

"What are YOU looking at??? HMMPH!"

Solomon found the perfect fit for this kid - not an easy task at all.

Then it starts all over again - battling the surging crowds and even fallen bodyguards...

drive

2008-12-03T13:41:00.003+08:00

I will be taking a roadtrip up the Causeway for the first time this weekend. By that I mean I'm gona drive beyond JB without any prior experience. Any tips?

Just bought first 3 seasons of Grey's Anatomy on DVD at a great bargain at Gramaphone. Plus a couple of DVDs & CDs on offer. Why does one always walk in buying more than what you intended to? By the way, the cost of the Heroes DVD boxsets has to crash like the economy! Perhaps I have to wait for another offer 2 years later and get many seasons at one go like I did for Grey's Anatomy???

IG Ball

2008-12-03T10:41:00.006+08:00

Sports Day Camp (21-22 Nov)
QiHua Primary School

The second activity the kids did was called the Inter-Generation Ball.

Check out the nice politically correct banners heralding racial harmony found on the stage of the school hall.

Warming up before learning the new game.

IG Ball is a little similar to tennis except that the racket is shorter and the ball used is made of sponge.

Symmetry!

The Christmas decorations were already up!

Bowling Badly

2008-12-02T07:42:00.000+08:00

I've never bowled so badly and laughed so much in my entire life - so far that is.

For all its worth, check out the symmetrical separation of the dashes and the scores. How "awesome" is that?!!

The humiliation began when I was asked by Daryl to join himself and 2 other S4s for bowling at Serangoon Gardens Country Club last week.

The laughter began with the antics by the clown of a certain Zong Ren.

I believe he was looking at the video I shot of his bowling lessons. It's below and I don't apologise that it is not upright. View it at your own risk.

World Aids Day

2008-12-01T16:27:00.002+08:00

Today begins World Aids Day week!

catfight

2008-12-01T08:00:00.000+08:00

WOOHOO! It's tennis day!

This is no catfight...

I should book her for a game sometime soon!

Underneath

2008-12-01T07:40:00.000+08:00

Alanis Morissette

arielle

2008-11-30T14:03:00.003+08:00

I was at my niece, Arielle's, baby shower over the weekend.

She weighs like a tiny pillow!

metal

2008-11-29T08:55:00.003+08:00

These beautiful leaves and flowers...

...are actually painstakenly cut from metal by an artist whose work was featured at the recent Singapore Binnacle. And yes, they are only painted only on one side - that is, the one you see in the first picture.

Song For Whoever

2008-11-29T08:09:00.001+08:00

Beautiful South

I love you from the bottom of my pencil case.
The simplicity of this line
had arrested many hearts in 1989.
I'll sing this song for whoever.
And it's no one you know. :)

AWESOME!

2008-11-28T19:59:00.002+08:00

HEROES SEASON 3

is simply

A W E S O M E ! ! ! !

I'm just taking a dinner break from episode....:X

Skywatch No. 20

2008-11-28T16:57:00.001+08:00

The view from my balcony - well, this is as far as I can stretch out with the camera-phone.

Pooh!

2008-11-28T10:05:00.005+08:00

About 2 weeks ago, after a game of tennis with some friends, I chanced upon some entrepreneurship display at Toa Payoh Central My current and previous school have set up stalls there too.

That's Adam under that Winnie the Pooth wanabe suit posing with the owner of 77th Street stores, Ms. Elim Chew.

Zul is sulking because he was not chosen to wear the suit.

Okay, Adam agreed to give Zul a HEAD start but that left the former sulking as well.

Disclaimer : No animals (fake or alive) were harmed during the photoshoot.

the visitors

2008-11-27T09:33:00.009+08:00

Being my own boss and empoyee now, I just miss the camaraderie I used to have with colleagues. Well, I still do teach part-time. But you know, it's never the same when you plunge with all hands and feet and every living pore into the working environment - not that I am slacking now of course. :)

Here's some of my colleagues from my current workplace and

...some from my previous school. They had dropped by over the last 2 weeks to catch up and spy on my new pad.

Well, after all the food and drinks are disposed of, I do meet another regular visitor who's been picking on the leftovers. I am still thinking of a name for this little critter. Any suggestions?

stand

2008-11-27T08:41:00.000+08:00

Those who stand for nothing fall for anything.
Alexander Hamilton

we eat, we dine, we eat some more

2008-11-26T18:31:00.004+08:00

Batam Camp (15-17 Nov)
Hai Sing Catholic School

she is brain-dead

2008-11-26T09:04:00.003+08:00

She loves you very much. I'm sure she wants you to have it.

The latest episode of Grey's Anatomy features a father in dilemma. A patient waiting for a donor heart himself, little did he realise that he would have to take up the organ from his own daughter who had met a tragic accident on Halloween Day.

I had caught this episode yesterday. What was disconcerting was that just on Tuesday, an ex-colleague called me to inform me that an ex-student had met with an accident while riding a motorbike. The 21-year-old is now on life support because from what I understand, she is brain-dead. Today, the family will turn off the machines.

Fiction meeting reality. The loss of a loved one hits home dearly.

I fed a child!

2008-11-25T13:59:00.009+08:00

3SA, Manila Trip (3-9 Nov)
St. Andrew's Secondary

At Brookside Village, we visited the pre-kindergarden where the Singapore students presented an action song to the little ones.

Thereafter, a group of us joined in the feeding session.

Soon enough, we were tasked to scoup soup and rice for the kids.

It was quite a challenge to ladle enough for each child and also for the line of kids which never seem to end.

Apparently, the other children from the village, which is made up of families of settlers who had previously lived in the slumps, also came along to get a share of free lunch.

The best bit was teaching some of my former students to feed the children. They did not believe me when I told them that I have never done this before. Believe me. I have not fed a child before in Singapore.

Initially, most of the Singapore students felt inadequate at the task. After some encouragement, it was really heartwarming to see them teach and encourage their friends at the same task. :)

Inline skating!

2008-11-24T12:24:00.000+08:00

Sports Day Camp (21-22 Nov)
QiHua Primary School

alive

2008-11-24T09:51:00.000+08:00

Human beings need a lot of things to feel alive. Family, love, sex. But we only need one thing to actually be alive. We need a beating heart. When our heart is threatened, we respond in one or two ways. We either run or we attack. There's a scientific term for this - fight or flight. It's instinct. We can't control it.

Dr. Meredith Grey

Grey's Anatomy, Season 3

mr bean, pals & crash!

2008-11-23T22:55:00.001+08:00

How do you keep 6 little kids still in a brand new pad? #1

Give them silly Bean!

How do you keep 6 adults still in a brand new pad?

Serve them some homemade cheesecake with an oversized (and thus threatening looking) knife.

How do you keep 6 little kids still in a brand new pad? #2

Introduce them to CRASH!

...and the faces of gaming addiction will perk up when Mr. Bean's lure starts to fizzle.

You will need as many controllers as you can get THEIR hands on.

You will need at least a 40 incher for multiplayer Crash! addiction to set in fully.

Then lure the parents into the fray as the latter would have to give assistance to their little ones to stay competitive in the action. Then pray that addiction would kick in and the parents would have to purchase their own consoles at Sitex next weekend so that the familes will stay home and not invade your brand new pad anymore!!! Haha!!

NAH! My childhood pals are welcome to crash at my pad anytime!

hand

2008-11-23T16:54:00.001+08:00

Reflection of myself and my telly's reflection off my laptop screen.

stay

2008-11-22T21:23:00.000+08:00

Batam Camp (15-17 Nov)
Hai Sing Catholic School

We went to an almost 5-star resort called Harry's Resort to conduct the camp. Unfortunately for the students, they had to pitch their starry accomodation (night skies with gazillion stars, that is) instead at a beach facing Harry's.

The mass produced pop-up tents looked really easy to rig up but well, the instructors concluded that the Y-generation kids are just too pampered and that hampered most of their progress of a very straight forward task.

A tent was even missing a structural pole - a long story which the students had to take responsibility for for not having checked their camp equipment thoroughly.

This calls for spontaneous improvisation from the unfortunate group.

I'm not sure if they had christianed their makeshift shelter "The Cosy" as a mock response to Harry's.

Presenting the "summer palace" shelter at the far end of the picture which is structurally more sound than the student tents...

...and the resort rooms which the campers were only granted access near midnight after having made to pitch tents to teach them lessons on teamwork. It was pure relief for them to be able to sleep on proper beds in the end!

music career???

2008-11-22T06:36:00.001+08:00

For those who have been following this blog for awhile, you would be familiar with Kevin's ramble.

I just happen to share his passion for life and music...

patience

2008-11-21T18:54:00.004+08:00

I just got back from Day 1 of a superduper Sports Camp at a Primary School in the far north. The kids got to roller-blade, play a sort of mini-tennis game and then bowl - all in just ONE DAY! Although I'm still recovering from a bout of fever and flu, the adrenalin rushes from the past 2 camps and the present one kept and is still keeping me on the roll. The tiredness somehow vanishes during the time spent with the children but returns with a vengeance in the still of the night with the nagging flu.

So what is my decision regarding next year? I seriously don't know! :P

Meanwhile, those of you who are anxious to see the remaining photographs of the Manila and Batam camps put up, you will just have to sit tight and wait for the daily reveal. Now that I have another set from the current 3rd camp, I guess I will have to work harder?

BUT I'M SICK remember? Hehe.

Patience la!

i.arrow.you.paint

2008-11-21T18:24:00.006+08:00

3SA, Manila Trip (3-9 Nov)
St. Andrew's Secondary

This is Brookside village which houses former slum dwellers living at and around the mountain of rubbish.

I do not recall seeing the water tank a few years back so that must be a new addition.

One of our tasks assigned at Brookside is to model along this street aptly named Singapore Street - I'm kidding about the modelling bit of course!

The street is named that because groups of Singaporeans like us have dropped by bearing gifts and labour.

Painting the facade of some houses was one such assignment.

As you will probably realised, it was the kids who were performing the hard labour while we adults stood around with magic fingers and glib tongues to motivate the former. :P

See how happy they are doing what they are doing? Three cheers to the adults! (and the kids of course!)

the gifts

2008-11-20T09:11:00.010+08:00

Batam Camp (15-17 Nov)

Hai Sing Catholic School

On the ferry to Batam, my group, Thunderstorm, decided to prepare the gifts for the Community Involvement Programme (CIP) segment of the camp.

That's Yu Cheng mimicking Sherene who is making a carrier using the wrapping paper the group had bought from White Sands. Ting Han, in the background, is meditating over his creation.

So they say, Monkey see, Monkey do.

Like most of us, Syah requires a little inspiration from his MP3 player to stay on task.

Wei Jian and Chun Hoe showing off their first attempts at gifting wrapping.

By sheer chance (I'd checked with him!), the flap of the packaging closes to form a nice complete image of the bear with the lower half. I had taught Jude to make the packaging just minutes earlier. How amazing is that?!

absolute rubbish

2008-11-19T10:57:00.004+08:00

3SA, Manila

St. Andrew's Secondary

This is not an ordinary mountain.

It is actually one of the dumpsites where the poor make a living by collecting recyclable waste materials and remains of food items admist poisonous fumes and a persistent foul stench.

It is thus literally a mountain of rubbish.

This brook ends near the foot of the dumpsite. The poor also browse through the slush here to salavage what they can to feed their families.

Nevertheless, the situation has improved much since I was last there 3 years ago. I understand that the poor no longer live at the area, which is prone to landslides which had killed hundreds. It is also treated with chemicals regularly to minimise the stench.

Despite the harsh environment, lovebirds do ply the site for a moment of privacy.

Thunderstorm!

2008-11-18T18:47:00.003+08:00

Just got back from a weekend camp I had helped out with in Batam.

To Thunderstorm group and the rest - the pictures will take awhile to upload. Be patient yeah?

High

2008-11-18T08:19:00.004+08:00

Lighthouse Family

I first came across this song many years ago while chilling out at a pool at a resort in Kota Kinabalu. With an amazing view of the ocean and all the cares of the world far away, the song just found its way into my heart. Til today, it has continued to be a favourite I will always carry with me on my MP3 player whenever I am on a holiday.

play again!

2008-11-17T13:17:00.001+08:00

The Finale games with the Balara students, Day 1.

Yes, the kids appear to be having fun all the time. It's a lot of hardwork preparing and executing them by the way.

Not to be outwit by the kids, the adults also got into a little fray at a games cafe over dinner.

After spending over half an hour setting up and trying to make sense of the complicated instructions, we decided to give the above game and went for something that required minimal grey mater.

I came to a realisation that I make quite a good architectural - sabotage, that is!

I cannot remember the name of this game but if anyone knows where I can get my hands on it in Singapore, please do a shoutout at the comments link to this entry.

sacrifice

2008-11-16T09:05:00.000+08:00

The key to being a successful intern is what we give up - sleep, friends, a normal life. We sacrifice it all for that one amazing moment, that moment when you can legally call yourself a surgeon.

That are days that make the sacrifice seem worthwhile. And then there are the days where everything feels like a sacrifice. And there are the sacrifices that you can't even figure out why you are making.

A wise man once said, "You can have everything in life if you will sacrifice everything else for it." What he meant is, nothing comes without a price. So before you go into battle, you better decide how much you are willing to lose.

Too often, going after what feels good means letting go of what you know is right. Adn letting someone in means abandoning the walls you've spent a lifetime building.

Of course the tougher sacrifices are the ones we don't see coming.

When we don't have time to come up with a strategy to pick a side, or to measure the potential loss, when that happens, when the battle chooses us and not the other way around - that's when the sacrifice can turn out to be more than we can bear.

Meredith Grey

Grey's Anatomy

ruin-ed

2008-11-15T10:00:00.002+08:00

I always make my disappearance after singing birthday songs at parties. Here's why.

Aren't these cakes pretty? Okay, I just have to used that word to contrast the destruction I had wrecked on these chocolate domes given to us by the kind kitchen folks at the hostel where we put up in Manila.

Take a good look at the before.

Presenting the AFTERMATH of Saint2 tsunami knife-y prowess ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

I had ruined it in the presence of one of the kitchen staff and curious gawking boys. :P

Oh well, I have the perfect excuse for this ruin - I'm a guy! LOL!

let's play!

2008-11-14T14:55:00.004+08:00

Day 2 (Manila), 3SA RKS Community Service Trip

On the first day at Balara High School, the boys brought the games they had created, including some commercial ones and taught their counterparts to play them. After which, we donated the games to the school.

The boys carried out the games so well and the teachers were extremely proud of them. We are now considering letting them do an internship at the casinos at the Integrated Resorts when the latter are ready.

Tough Choice

2008-11-14T12:25:00.009+08:00

Don't Give Up

Josh Groban

I bought a couple of CDs and a DVD featuring Gorban at our final stop in Manila.

This song was playing in the background while I was doing some work. It occured to me that in the last 10 days or so, many have again told me that I should go back into teaching fulltime because I make a great teacher (I'm not boasting about this here because I didn't say this okay).

Actually I've discussed this at length with my 2 colleagues who had been with me on the trip. Honestly, I miss teaching a great deal. I've even told the kids on the trip that one of the reasons I went along was that I felt bad leaving my form class halfway through the year when I quit and that half of them were on the trip. And I had such an amazing time on the trip which resembles the joys I have had when I was a fulltime teacher.

So what's stopping me? If I am not an English/Literature teacher with its accompanying insane, incessant and heaviest marking load, I would go back in a flash. Add to that a host of other administrative duties - some of which are yours by default because you are THE language person, they just take away time to really interact with your charges and influence them to the dark side (just kidding!). More teachers (and some very good ones, mind you!) I know are quitting at the end of this year, even during the looming economic crisis and that itself speaks volumes about the overwhelming load of Singapore teachers nowadays. Before I go into another round of lampooning the state of the profession here in Singapore, I am reminded to focus on the positive by the Manila trip.

Am I prepared to pay the cost by going back full-time? I don't have an answer at this point because of a myraid other push factors. My heart is willing but does that make my flesh weak because I attribute it to the ridiculous workload? There are other factors which I cannot mention here because this is not a restricted blog.

Anyhow, I do love teaching English and Literature. I still think teaching is the most noble profession in the world. It's just that the state of teaching in Singapore has evolved to become a farce or a stageplay. You either stay true to the calling and perhaps perish or just drift along and find ways to cut corners (and they call it working smart sometimes!).

Okay. Be positive. Don't focus on the circumstances.

I am thankful that I have 2 jobs that will provide me adequately during these tough times. It's the intrinsic satisfaction that I miss and yearn for badly after recent experiences and "callings" I hear from many around me.

So the blue pill or the red pill - it's a tough choice I will have to make some day.

In the meantime, enjoy the MTV below.

the aliens have landed!

2008-11-13T23:29:00.001+08:00

I spotted this on the Biennacle tour with my colleagues yesterday! More foreign talents have chosen to drop by our little red dot on the map - this time from beyond our solar system!

plans

2008-11-13T08:06:00.006+08:00

Surgeons always have a plan - where to cut, where to clam, where to stitch But even with the best plans, complications can arise, things can go wrong. And suddenly, you are caught with your pants down.

The thing about plans is they don't take into account the unexpected. So when we're thrown a curved ball, whether it's in the OR or in life, we have to improvise. Of course, some of us are better in it than others.

Messing up is what makes a person. It's how we learn. Or find joy in the things you don't plan for and the things you'll never discover.

Some of us just have to move on to Plan B and make the best of it. And sometimes, what we want is exactly what we need. But sometimes, sometimes what we need isn't a plan.

Grey's Anatomy

Season 3

welcome

2008-11-12T11:42:00.003+08:00

What creates the fondest memories is not how impressive the new place is but rather how welcomed the host makes one feel. That is what I used to and will continue to remember about the Filipino hospitality during my working trip there last week.

The staff and students at Balara High School which we were attached to drew up this welcome banner on a chalkboard.

We were each given this neck-chain (there is a word for this!) made from shells.

They made our kids feel like they were celebrities in the classes they attend.

The locals served the teachers some local porridge during our impromptu walk around the neighbourhood.

Well, more food for everyone at the school.

Finally, this notice I came across outside the General Office reminds me continually of the amazing warm smiles we get from everyone we meet there.

No wonder the Singapore government wants to bring back the kampung spirit to her people!

in need of

2008-11-12T08:26:00.003+08:00

I need sleep. More sleep. My biological clock automatically wakes me up at around 6am regardless of what time I go to sleep the previous night. Worse still, I cannot sleep during the day time. I hear that many of the kids from the Manila trip have fallen sick. I am getting some aches which is not a good sign. With another camp over the weekend, I think I'm heading for a meltdown. I can get through this!

well...

2008-11-11T14:22:00.004+08:00

Once in awhile (or perhaps once in a lifetime), our lives cross and some of us end up smiling while others bask in the warm glow of adoration.

Watch this video montage put together by a Filipino student and you'll understand what I mean.

MM #141

2008-11-11T05:51:00.004+08:00

What was the first thing you thought when you looked at yourself in the mirror today?

I have been told often that I look as young as my students when I stand among them. I took a good look in the mirror the morning after my Manila trip with the school and yea! I do agree! :P

Do you have a recurring nightmare? If so, explain.

No. I may be wacky but I am not psychotic.

List three foods you can’t stand:

Give me the creepy crawlies anytime but I would avoid food that have extreme tastes like the durian and any that is very salty.

the start

2008-11-10T16:37:00.008+08:00

Last Monday, I went overseas with 3SA to Manila. Bearing the theme "A hand that gives receives", the trip was part of their community service module.

We flew there via Cebu Pacific Airline.

Throughout the duration of the flight, the boys infront of the teachers played an interesting variation of the "tai di" game using poker cards.

Yes, I got hungry and thirsty on the 4 hour long flight.

The highlight for me on the flight was that the stewardesses actually conducted simple games with prizes thrown in. I thought that was rather unique and definitely raised my "awe-factor" of the budget airline.

We touched down in Manila way past lunch time and on growling stomachs. On our way to our accomodation, the Partnership Centre, we dropped by a Jolly Bee outlet for a quick bite.

Probably the Manager had feared that the 32 of us would flood the order counters and shatter some glass, so we were told to be seated on the upper level where the staff came by to take our orders.

Here in the captial city of Phillippines, you see more Jolly Bee outlets than MacDonalds and Burger King ones.

The food's quite good except that I still prefer chickens from KFC. :P Did I mention that Filipino food is generally rather salty and unless you down it with volumnous water, you will feel that dryness in your throat.

That sums up day 1.

back

2008-11-10T01:01:00.004+08:00

I just got back from an amazing trip cheroponing a class with 2 former colleagues.

3SA - You make me want to go back to teaching full time again but - there's always THE "but". I really had a swell time with you guys!

Dong - Sorry dude. I couldn't get internet access at the hostel we stayed in. Our schedule was also pretty tight and subjected to many last minute changes. The entries here were scheduled ones which I'd put up before I went for the trip. It's a real pity we couldn't meet up while I was at your homeland.

Everyone else who's been around here - thanks a million for keeping tab here.

I need to shower and get some sleep!

wet paint

2008-11-08T12:10:00.002+08:00

away in Manila...

To my secretary - Perhaps you could learn to draw like these young ones do?

I had snapped these during the Art paper last month.

I was rather surprised by the perspective of his art piece.

The contrast between this very lanky boy and the tiny hair dryer which he was holding was hilarious.

Forgive him. He was turned away at the Spiderman 4 audition.

These are the pieces that caught my attention.

incredible

2008-11-07T07:07:00.001+08:00

away in Manila...

To my secretary - You are truly incredible!

Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.
Carl Sagan

Lost

2008-11-06T08:52:00.001+08:00

away in Manila...

To my secretary - Lovely! I hope you remember to do a spell check before you publish each post. Perhaps you could draft a letter to the town council to inform them of the hedious crime commited below?

I can't help it. I'm an English teacher. :)

damage

2008-11-05T10:11:00.001+08:00

away in Manila...

To my secretary - What can I do without you? :X

We all go through lives like bulls in a china shop. A chip here, a crack there, doing damage to ourselves, to other people.

The problem is trying to figure out how to control the damage we've done or that's been done to us. Sometimes the damage catches us by surprise. Sometimes we think we can fix the damage. Only sometimes the damage is something we can't even see.

We're all damaged it seems - some of us more than others. We carry the damage with us from childhood. Then as grownups, we give as good as we get.

Ultimately, we all do damage. And then we set about the business of fixing whatever we can.

Dr. Meredith Grey

Grey's Anatomy

Get Together

2008-11-04T06:06:00.002+08:00

away in Manila...

To my secretary - Great job! I hope you dance as well as Madonna!

Get Together
Madonna

Given that she is undergoing a nasty divorce and keeping in mind her penchance for controversies, I guess the title is both ironic and very poignant.

Another celebrity couple bites the dust. Well, celebrities are humans too.

good will battle evil

2008-11-03T13:04:00.001+08:00

away in Manila...

Here's an update by my virtual secretary:

Here's the reveal of what's within the Heroes 3 Screening Party goodie bag!

Pull out this attractive thick sleeve which resembles a laptop cover.

Open up the cover to find a notepad and a Heroes 3 t-shirt.

The notebook has numerous postcard posters featuring the main cast of the series.

For its great design and goodies that superceeded my expectations for the event, I would give the goodies package an A!

escape

2008-11-03T08:00:00.001+08:00

I'll be away 3-9 Nov on a working trip to Manila.

In my meantime, my virtual secretary will provide the necessary updates. :)

stray

2008-11-02T22:24:00.006+08:00

I was on my way to the MRT when I spotted this.

I went closer to confirm my suspicion. Whoever the kind soul (well, other non-animal lovers may think otherwise) was, s/he's feeding this stray expensive canned animal food!

I'm considering adopting a pet. I am deciding between a dog and a cat. Perhaps I should get both? Any suggestions?

blue

2008-11-01T16:41:00.005+08:00

Darn kids of mine (that is, those that I tutor) - most of them are sporting the iPhone 3G and giving me the blues!

Here's one of them screening another on the home security console (what do you call this?). It so happened that there's this bluish tinge on both screens which I thought is so apt for today's theme.

Heroes Season 3 Screening Party

2008-10-31T23:50:00.001+08:00

I made a difficult decision.

I chose not to watch it online before its official release in Singapore. How my nose did not bleed, my face did not turn blue in exasperation or that I did not suffer sleepless nights knowing fully well that the season has begun its run in the States and thus is available for view online, baffles me. I guess the endless errands around the new pad and work kept me really distracted.

The way I see it, I guess this invite to the Heroes 3 Launch Party was kind of a reward for my patience.

Anyway, the event was held at Golden Village, Vivocity.

Each patron was given a goodie bag containing some real cool stuff (you'll find out what's in them in awhile).

The party area consists of 2 sections. At the left section, there are displays touting "Heroes" facts in fonts so tiny that you have to get up close and personal to them in order to decipher the text. Fortunately, you have helpful dolled up Claire lookalike "cheerleaders" who do not hesitate to come up to you to talk you through the event. The other half is where the food is located. I was too hungry to wait for the party to begin so I took my diner at the food court instead. Just before the screening began, there was so much food leftover, save for the finger food, I gather that everyone had their fill on their own before they arrived.

Throughout the party, there is the very lovely emcee, Vivien something from VH1 or some cable channel hosting the Mimic Hiro's "Yataaa!" contest. Although the crowd was lukewarm in showing their support to the brave participants, she was bubbly and enthusiastic throughout. Her comments were totally positive even at most ludricrous comments. I thought she was really professional in what she was doing. At one point, she had to hoist up the top of her dress in full view of the public - which I thought was more hilarious than slightly embarrassing. But I like her.

In addition, this weekend, being the Halloween celebrations, a second contest was also held to select the Scariest Villain. There are makeup artists where guests (whether they are participating in the contest) can approach for a temporary tattoo or a villain makeover. The crowd support dwindled from lukewarm to almost pathetic. Despite it all, Vivien was on her toes and high heels all the way. By the way, the participants all get a limited edition of the Heroes comic while the overall winners get an iPod each. I would have participated in both contests if I was not feeling so tired and I was with some crazy company.

The movie screening was an all out StarWorld publicity event. A galore of advertisements, sprinkled with statistics that reek with self accolades, bombarded the patrons before Heroes 3 came on. Well, watching 2 episodes of season 3 on the huge screen more than made up for what we were subjected to prior the screening.

I was not totally blown away by the plot. I guess the wait and the overhyped publicity had raised the bar of expectation so high that I wanted more. Nonetheless, I like where Tim Kring is going with the characters of Heroes. This season appears to be a lot darker than the previous two, promising more action, twists and suspense. Would I continue to follow the series on telly? Totally!

I took the train back to my new pad, having no excuse to drive as I live just a three minutes' walk to the MRT station. No, Hiro did not appear in the cabin to relay some bleak doomsday message regarding the future. The is my third ride on the MRT after a very long time and to be honest, I rather like the freedom of not having to endure reckless drivers, red lights and heavy traffic. I am also doing my part by cutting down my carbon footprint!

I think I'll do the reveal of the contents in the Heroes goodie bag another time. :)

villians

2008-10-31T04:51:00.001+08:00

Heroes Season 3
Villains

Lies

2008-10-30T17:19:00.002+08:00

As doctors, we're trained to be sceptical because our patients lie to us all the time. The rule is : every patient is a liar until proven honest.

Lying is bad, or so we're told, constantly from birth. Honesty is the best policy. The truth shall set you free. I dropped down the cherry tree - whatever.

The fact is, lying is a necessity. We lie to ourselves because the truth, the truth freaking hurts.

No matter how hard we try to ignore it, or deny it, eventually lies fall away. Whether we like it or not. But here's the truth about the TRUTH - it's painful. So, we lie.

Dr. Grey Meredith

Grey's Anatomy

bubble

2008-10-29T22:19:00.004+08:00

Around the new pad...

This lighting feature was something I'd come across in the magazines and that I'd wanted to have in a place of my own. Fate has it that I should stumble upon it along the lighting galore of Balestier and what more, at a great bargain! As such, it's a piece of me I'm proud to show off to all who drop in.

Heroes Preview

2008-10-29T16:26:00.004+08:00

I just got a call from Ripplevox.

I'm getting a pair of free passes to the launch party cum screening of Heroes 3 at Vivocity!

A W E S O M E!

5star

2008-10-28T23:14:00.002+08:00

Around the new pad...

This image caught my attention my attention the moment I saw it a few days ago. Yes, I have procrastinated for so long as with many things (including updates here) because my priority now is my work, packing and unpacking, housework (yes, however unfortunate this may sound. Actually I quite enjoy this bit for now) etc. I thought the symmetry was rather pleasing to look at.

hooked

2008-10-27T23:29:00.002+08:00

I was supposed to head out for some errands for the new pad but I ended up glued to the google-box instead. I was catching up on my recordings when I came across 3 great episodes of Grey's Anatomy, Season 3. They feature Grey's near death encounter and the theme of alienation and isolation. Now I truly understand why some television series make you weep with their realistic and poignant plot and narration.

I have to get my hands on the DVDs (original of course!) of all 4 seasons soon but I'm so broke now. I guess that'll have to wait. Sigh.

me?!

2008-10-23T23:04:00.001+08:00

Thursday Edition

A student got bored during the recent art examination and drew this caricuture of me. Well, who could resist taking a picture given the kid's friendly gesture. Haha.

home

2008-10-21T22:25:00.005+08:00

Sheryl Crow

It's nice to have your own home. I'm still settling into my new pad. Many thanks to some of you who still drop by regularly to minimal updates.

It's nice to come home once in awhile. Hope you stick around often.