Feels like life

Another note on obsessions

2009-02-07T18:07:00.003+08:00

Most people close to me know that I have a obsession issue. Sometimes it's extremely useful when pursuing my goals, but extremely annoying as well when I refuse to sleep till I find a 'lost' item.

Recently it has been an obsession with trashy regency/ historical romance novels. I know I have read too much of them when at lunch with Joanne, I drop words like "inordinate" and "delicate sensibilities" into our conversations; normally spoken by female protagonists in those books. Sigh.

There's so much happening that it's hard to blog

2009-02-02T23:49:00.002+08:00

I'm finding blogging harder and harder to keep up with since I have been trying to do more real-life relationships instead. Writing proper emails, meeting up in person, spending time with my family just listening to them being the paparazzi.

The thing is, I don't miss blogging.

Reply to "I am Singaporean and tired of service staff which only speak Mandarin"

2008-12-04T10:36:00.002+08:00

Somehow I can't manage to see the post on this Facebook group despite repeated attempts to post. Now I wonder, how did my grandmother do it? She only spoke Cantonese!

"I am a Singaporean living in Shanghai right now and I think the service staff you're referring to generally comes from other provinces and not the 1st tier cities. Younger people in 1st tier cities can speak fairly good english and will not hesitate to retort with a "bitch!" if antagonized. But that's besides the point.

I understand your frustration at not being able to communicate, I remember having the same trouble coming up with simple sentences when I first arrived in Shanghai. This can also happen if an Indian national comes to work here. For most of these China nationals, with their little knowledge of outside world (other provinces) assume Singapore's majority is Chinese ethnicity and assume that mandarin would be understood. The probably also have a rude shock when they arrive to SG and have to speak English.

As to a possible reason why they respond in a polite manner after being harsh, I don't know. What I do know as a market researcher is that these people do fear authority and are used to living in a harsh environment.

I just ask for everyone to be a little bit more tolerant as more and more immigrants, not only from China but Philippines, India and Indonesia try to find work here. Imagine that they come from villages and not cities and empathise with their shock and need for acceptance and some kindness.

I know bad service attitude can hardly be accepted in these times of recession where people want to feel they are getting a little reward for themselves. Maybe we can try to imagine ourselves traveling in a land where we do not speak the language, how would we behave?

Maybe this one person responded harshly, can we reach out to a Chinese ethnic singaporean beside and explain so that our counterpart can explain to this China national why this needs to be done?

Not forgetting we also have a whole generation of aunties and uncles, who still speak only Mandarin, Malay and Tamil. Did they start out the same way? how did they communicate?"

One of the methods to get beaten up by taxi driver

2008-12-01T16:16:00.003+08:00

When your naive junior researcher asks the taxi driver who is giving off musty, humid, just woke up smell:

"What is that bad smell in your car?"

Driver menacingly "say again? what?" - followed by tension filled silence. Like tension while one decides which wire to cut to diffuse the bomb.

Ahem. *slaps palm over colleagues mouth*

All happening within 1 minute.

Obsessions

2008-12-01T16:06:00.002+08:00

I'm lucky I'm turned off drugs/ smoking/ gambling because I'm one obsessed person. Like obsessed.

Yesterday I discovered "My name is Kim Sam Soon" and its twist of having a feisty female character instead of the usual limpid, crying, anorexic looking girls. Turns out after gym, dinner and facial I still couldn't get the storyline out of my mind so I started watching on Youku from 12am till 7.30am this morning. Managed to finish ALL the episodes.

I wish this obsession could be diverted to losing winter weight. Sigh

Muji planner changing how we see planning (duh!) and time

2008-11-25T12:20:00.003+08:00

A different way of how we think about planning and time.

A vertical timeline makes us feel that we can do almost everything in a day as long as there are still gaps. However the reality is that time is relative, stretches and cannot be anticipated.

And like time which is flowing, the empty spaces allow for fluidity of thoughts.

Via Jack Cheng

A forest in home with icky toilet rolls?

2008-11-19T13:41:00.002+08:00

Amazing! To be able to see the possibility of beauty is a gift worth having.
By Yuken Teruya

via Oh Joy!

Small eco-victory of the day - unplug!

2008-11-19T13:07:00.004+08:00

There are the inconveniences of sitting comfortably on the couch and anticipating your favourite show but seeing a blank screen; but this pales in comparison the cathartic effect of pulling out plugs.

I leave the plug cords long, so I need to tug it a little harder and 'pop' feeling I feel at the end.

Magic. (This plus the extra feel good zing one gets from being able to something small for the planet.)

One thing we did to try to make remembering to unplug easier is to use multi-plug adaptors so they all fall in one swoop!

Try it!

For my friends that need the extra incentive: you save on electricity bills when you unplug! Unfortunately, there are no electricity elves that automatically disconnect when you press 'off' on the remote; your tv/ electric appliances are just sleeping, waiting to be woken up immediately by a quick kiss from energy. You are still paying for running energy!

Any resemblance?

2008-11-18T15:41:00.003+08:00

Step two...

2008-11-09T20:59:00.005+08:00

Edit: Dad wants to be my dance partner! Stay tuned for the adventures...

Barbara's an university schoolmate whose quiet burst of giggles and sarcasm gets me. We met this weekend as she was with her family here for tennis masters. She's learning lindy hop and researched a little about the dancing scene here.

So there we were at 5 on the Bund, transported back to Great Gatsby-esque, Chet Baker piano tinkling era. Dancing was happy hops, skips in between smiles with dips with swoops at the end. How can one not be drawn into it? We ended the night at Mural free dancing, my first dance with someone else other than Carlos. I began to let go of myself to follow and dancing to my own beat. The energy stayed with me past the weekend...The late night, totally worth it!

Dancing. I love to see people dance. Shanghainese elders dancing in parks, salsa-ing in Silvermoon, gyrating on bar tops with abandon; wiggling and twisting. They are not self-conscious at all.

Learning salsa and swing dancing this year may help me move better to my own beat after all. As the body becomes free to move, so will the mind, and then again, so will the body express what the minds feels. And around it goes...

Dancing. To get rid of my awkwardness, I am going to learn it!

Farewell...

2008-11-07T22:16:00.003+08:00

...pretty autumn weather perfect for sleeping...

...to best colleagues ever...

And then there is light

2008-11-07T19:53:00.002+08:00

Gloomy days can be romanticized. They are misty, quiet, cold; most suitable for snuggling up under warm furry thingamings.

These are not those days.

Hopefully this brings some much needed cheer!

Step one...

2008-11-07T19:21:00.003+08:00

Flying off on 28 Dec.

It's an open air ticket so I'll be back in Shanghai still some time next year.

Why am I coming back?

C is here. Friends are here.

China is still growing at 9% a year. Marketing environment is probably still exciting and challenging with language and cultural differences.

It's possible to live cheaply with 2RMB shandong crepe breakfast. (ooohhh...yum...those shandong crepes. drool.)

Bicycle riding is romantic, I feel like I'm in a movie.

Moving on

2008-10-15T19:14:00.003+08:00

The pieces on the chessboard are all set for change.

Changing apartments, early farewell dinner with the original Censydiam team (pity we missed V), shipping of books and informing most friends...

It will be hard to answer: What's your plan?

I have no plan. Some vague ideas, some more concrete ones on how to spend my time. It's hard to have everything p-l-a-n-n-e-d.

woooooo...zzziiieee

2008-09-09T21:57:00.002+08:00

So far so good, the muscle relaxants seem to be working and the shoulder ache seems to be subsiding. But I'm feeling mighty sleepy.

At least I'm putting my insurance into good use because the hospital will be arranging physiotherapy sessions for me soon as well! Woooppiieeezz!

Happiness is just around the corner! LOL

2008-09-09T15:47:00.001+08:00

A new way to describe a voice that is high pitched

2008-09-09T13:24:00.002+08:00

"her voice sounds like pointy tits that are poking my eyes out"

by yours truly *curtsies*

Sounds good!

2008-08-25T14:21:00.000+08:00

Vial knows she will never be rich, but says that she valued family, the ability to travel, and simple economic security above all else. "I just chose a simpler lifestyle, one where I could ride my bike all over and where I don't have to make a great living to survive," she says.

2008-08-20T23:51:00.000+08:00

This is crazy!

I know this never fails to make me laugh

2008-08-20T23:19:00.002+08:00

Yesterday walking home I found myself giggling for the nth time at people berating their dogs in Shanghainese.

Scenes from different birthdays...

2008-08-20T23:01:00.004+08:00

Bandeja Paisa done by Chef Fernandez

2008-08-20T22:39:00.003+08:00

Totally Embarrassed! #632

2008-08-20T22:14:00.003+08:00

At Watsons getting some personal care items when I came across roller Deodorants other than Nivea. Somehow thinking the Carlos was near me I exclaimed quite loudly...

"Finally! They have deodorant here!"

I think I was a little tooo excited. Carlos looked away and pretended he didn't know me -_-

Milo tasting like Spring Onion

2008-08-15T02:17:00.002+08:00

I put biscuits into my milo just the same way Grandma did, without checking if they were plain biscuits.

My milo has grassy taste of Spring onion now. Sigh.

2008-08-14T21:59:00.002+08:00

Interesting idea about being a spontaneous wordsmith and sortof making poetry hip by calling themselves by a very schnazzy name "Peotry Proleteriat" (what a mouthful, and difficult to spell!)

Quite sad as well though, that words are sold so easily:

Lucky Frost, Neruda all dead liao, if not they sure stab themselves in the back that these people can produce poetry like a factory.

Olympics competition, Wii compete too!

2008-08-14T18:49:00.002+08:00

We have been having our own mini-Olympics at home too!

Carlos and I are competing on our agility, balance and weight loss using WiiFit. It's no where close to the real thing but it's been HELL-LOT-OF-FUN trying to outdo each others timing on the ski slope and feeding fish frenzy; all challenging our balance.

Just today, I managed to break two of his balance records and my agility back to, well, "normal" age *hangs head in shame*, instead of 40 years old!!! Imagine that!!! Wakakaka....next stop, I'm gonna break his record in goal keeping! Conquer!

If tthis doesn't give you itchy feet, stay still then.

2008-08-14T15:31:00.003+08:00

A gnome travels all over the world after getting itchy feet.

2008-08-10T16:00:00.001+08:00

2 cups of aloe vera yoghurt + cheap China blender + one big mango = very satisfying cafe style mango smoothie : )

Getting caught up in other festivities

2008-08-10T01:42:00.004+08:00

Having the olympic hype building up intensively for the past year, finally culminated in a gathering of friends and dad at home viewing the opening ceremony yesterday. There was so much wows over the spectacular ceremony that it almost made me forget that today was my own country's National Day.

I don't feel any less Singaporean, if anything, I constantly defend her when people ask me if I dislike Singapore because xxx also said that...Singapore and 'poreans are:

- boring
- not open minded
- small AND boring, nowhere to go, nothing to do
- follow a routine or planned life
- unadventurous, not wanting to go
- always complaining
- low in humour

Same same everywhere la. Some are like that, not all. I think if you're in you are in your home country, it is inevitable that you get stuck in some routine, trying to plan for the forseeable future, which probably includes thinking about how your next paycheck is paying for family bills, apartment etc. But I also like to think that most people do want to make something better out of their lives. What is better, is relative, of course. Better car, better spanish course, better bike race timing, better LV bag. If they are relatively happy, who are we to say their clockwork life is less fufilling than a artist's angsty struggle?

Although, I have to admit, compared to my peers I'm saving more because China is much cheaper to live in. Making it much easier for me to save for Spanish lessons, quitting for gap year, not needing to worry about having my own apartment to stay with my boyfriend because there are still cheap living options.

A visiting friend today confided that she may have to delay her gap year by another four years because half of her pay goes to home bills, transport and food; hardly affording taxis and clothes. Her only indulgence is spanish lessons which she's passionate about. Singapore IS getting TOO UNAFFORDABLE to pursue my dreams. Everyone's just struggling to survive. It's no wonder everyone is pragmatic, rational and well, uncreative. Who wants to take risks when they just want to preserve some spectrum of hope by seeking one tiny interest?

There are pockets of hope.

There is hope in collective collaboration in small efforts. Like my friend's desire to stop child trafficking and raising money through cupcakes; Popagandhi and some others venturing into chaotic India and lack of stoves Nepal; Originasian's, Tan Pin Pin, and Woo Yen Yen/ Colin Goh self-funded short films. In art we have Singapore Tyler Print Institute that hosts numerous print artists and Old School art house. Even websites like Culture Push feature where the free arts exhibits and events are. Many friends are also getting into running half-marathons, trialathons as a way to continue socializing while pursueing their love for outdoors and sports. The cost of a bike is one time off mostly and an investment of maybe SGD500? That's not alot of effort to make to achieve a small dream and possibilities of happiness.

So this begs the question of: Are we willing to come up with the answers and hold on to positive thoughts with regards to the seemingly-only-belong-to-Singapore problems?

Nevertheless though, Happy Birthday Singapore!

P.S. While I don't disagree that high paying ministers are important to avoid corruption, but why oh why do these people lack so much EQ to raise THEIR OWN PAY at a time where everyone else is feeling the price increases? Utterly stupid, no political finesse. They should hire a new PR/ rainmaker.

Hilarious thoughts of Gwen on a working holiday

2008-08-09T11:24:00.001+08:00

See what she faces in an ad agency everyday

On Happiness

2008-08-05T20:56:00.002+08:00

Happiness could be...

letting go - of control, histories with people, titles;

focusing on positive thoughts, thus begetting positive karma,

the colour yellow,

releasing my mind from the constraints of saving enough to quit,

knowing that hip and quirky are just adjectives so people can feel they are hip and quirky,

cold cold watermelons are best eaten after a sweaty summer dinner,

learning a new language,

found anywhere and not only in certain cool places,

hearing you speak in soft toy voice,

...I'm pretty sure it's all of that.

Cycling milestone on a perfect weekend

2008-08-05T20:37:00.003+08:00

Just two years ago I was cycling around my Liyuan road apartment carpark and trying not to fall, in hope that I will be able to explore Beijing on a bike on my impending holiday.

The past weekend literally whizzed past. On Sunday Sonia, Jorge, Carlos and I cycled from our apartments to french concession to view cats up for adoption (O' Malleys) and then brunch. Paul's smoked salmon, light cream cheese on grated potatoes was tangy and comforting at the same time. After that we had to work all that food off by cycling to Shaanxi road to take advantage of all the summer sales. Yes, summer sales are already here. Yaay! We ended off a perfect weekend by having dinner with Camillo where we explored compatibility of couples by reading their traditional chinese elements (where Carlos and I were full of fire!) and concept of happiness.

Best part is, I managed to stay cool on the bike through a surprise rainburst, through a busy street and bright headlights. So proud of myself!

This makes me look forward very much to cycling in Philippines next!

Recent things that I'm inexplicably drawn to

2008-08-05T20:30:00.001+08:00

Chicken feet

Crime series like The Closer, Law and Order: SVU, Monk

Wearing skirts

bad thing about getting a laptop at work

2008-08-04T12:20:00.001+08:00

...is not having a CPU under the table to rest your legs on.

2008-07-30T20:59:00.001+08:00

Kitty had to be put down today, she was just too weak.

Possible cat names

2008-07-27T10:31:00.004+08:00

I know I'm running the risk of forming a HUGE ASS relationship with this kitty, but here goes me listing down possible names for it.

In no order of preference:

1. Bicho - Thing. We have no idea of its gender. But when Carlos first mentioned it I was thinking that it can't be that smelly that he would want to curse it all the time - well, it sounded close enough to Bitch for me to think this could be the spanish version hehe

2. Squeeky - Kitten will probably outgrow this name, but it is quite apt right now given how it cries.

3. Burrito - It was pretty funny to see me trying to wrap the little critter up in attempt to stop it from squirming while I was feeding it. I'm thinking of the food wrap, he's thinking of its spanish translation of 'little donkey'. As expected, I have given up this name.

4. All other possible cartoon cat names e.g. garfield, top cat, felix, Azrael etc. Not my preference though.

5. Fresa - Spanish for strawberry. Sounds quite romantic, and if the vets are right, this could be a winner.

Hopefully in three days time with Carlos fully taking care of kitty, he will be non-allergic to it. And we will get to keep it! My trip couldn't come at a better time! : )

Pre-training for babyhood

2008-07-26T23:44:00.004+08:00

To top off an already grueling week of eight hour, back to back groups, I found a new born kitten.

It was screaming its head off in an alley which I usually cut through to get to the subway. There were already a few girls scrutinizing the thing, trying to figure out if it were a puppy or kitten, but I've heard enough miao's to confirm it was a kitten. I wasn't sure if to stay or go, my stomach was rumbling hard and not knowing if the mother cat was coming back was an issue.

After an eternity of heart wrenching screams and watching it stumble around, I made desperate phone calls to Sarah and Carlos asking if there were numbers to Shanghai chapter of SPCA, pet hospitals/ stores, vets, you name it. Well, let's just say I wasn't expecting any Shanghai SPCA numbers, and true enough, there wasn't. Maybe because they eat cats too. hmph. Anyway, the vet informed me that I was to feed no cow milk and had to get specific infant milk for this cat. Hence, a mad race that went in circles ensued in the next hour before we found a 24-hour pet hospital. I have to admit I felt a little worried that the little one wasn't going to make it since we were having so much trouble finding a pet store.

Now after a sleepless night of trying to feed and feeding every two hours, I'm very proud to say I've gotten the hang of it. Helping it to poo and pee was less horrifying than my what my expression let out at the pet hospital. A gremlim looked better than me on hearing those news.

Presenting pre-training babyhood pictures.

There are no pictures of Carlos and the kitten as yet because he will be given opportunity to nurse it while I'm in Beijing the next few days. I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt that he will squirm less at its poo and pee.

2008-07-20T15:17:00.002+08:00

As much as I got the much deserved promotion, I learnt bigger lessons about myself in the past year.

On...

how much more I have to grow as a person...

how to start letting go of relationships that are not the same...

focusing on positive energy to be happy now. Complaints are just tiresome for self and for people around...

being happier focusing on the learning than the money...

What this means is next year it's time for a gap year for ecoteering. Learning more about eco-tourism and people there sounds like a pretty good deal with only a price of a ticket : )

Cigarrettes bringing down Goliath

2008-07-19T15:39:00.001+08:00

Despite recent regulations that no lighters may be brought onboard, I still see huge bowls of lighters at every customs counter. Nevertheless, you see these big men still trying to smuggle in two tiny lighters in a bag. Sigh.

New meaning to black being classy

2008-07-19T12:08:00.003+08:00

In another gloomy city of Weifang, second tier city in Shandong; you never see blue skies here the driver said. It's true, I observed on the road to Jinan airport, most were wearing dark colours. It brought me back to a moment when I was in Taiyuan, coal city where everyone was wearing indigo, black, grey - colours of charcoal and boring ink.

Call it strange but I actually linked these images to an article I read on Omiru about what clothes to splurge on and what not to. Bright, vibrant colours require more complicated dyes and thus are more expensive, the others are just faded. Noone can tell the dye quality of dark colours. Another way my mind works in explaining why two years ago I was wondering why we see people wearing colour in first tier cities.

If I have lift a finger tomorrow, this will be what I can type

2008-06-27T00:10:00.001+08:00

Flat.

Yoga. Cardio. Abs

if you can't tell what this is by now...

2008-06-15T21:37:00.002+08:00

I'm not only sleeping with the devil, but I made him wash my dishes too : )

This day will always be remembered...

2008-06-04T03:35:00.001+08:00

...as the night you stayed up till 2am just so you could wake me up to work.

Facebook going all political on us

2008-05-04T12:12:00.007+08:00

Facebook now has ' Love China' and 'Love Tibet' Superpokes!

Check these out:

It is interesting how these touchy issues go mainstream with these cheeky icons. I am assuming that they have alot of China people on Facebook to ride on this need to proclaim one's point of view and identity. The nature of social networking sites are lighthearted and fun, I doubt it such political declaration would inspire discussion or lively debate. How much passion can one have when stating these beliefs are done in a quick 'click'?

No Pain, No Gain definitely applies to slimming massages

2008-05-03T00:01:00.005+08:00

MY GOD!
My tummy is hurting from all the squeezing and pinching torture they inflicted upon me for two hours!

The reason: To make sure all the fats under my skin is are broken down so that it can be 'burnt' by a specially formulated cream.

And burn it did.

Yesterday was the most uncomfortable and excruciating massage I have ever gone through; I'm not sure it can even be classified as a massage. Even a roti prata that gets slaps often was treated better than me. Food analogies were perfect in this situation because right after getting cream rubbed all over me, they proceeded to saran wrap me and stick me in an oven.

The oven has a very special name, it is called - The Spaceship. Futuristic, looks like magic show box that involves cutting you up; because your whole body is supposed to be heated up by infra-red rays except for your head. Your head is sticking out not being able to predict the outcome if you're going to get back your head at the end of the act. That was exactly how I felt. I did not know if I would get my legs back. Why? Because they just carried on feeling as if they were set on fire! By the end of twenty minutes (I don't know how I endured it but I begged them to remove the heat pads on the legs first), I was so sore, it hurt when I was pulling up my pants.

Only absolute pure madness and desperation would drive one to endure, *drum roll* THIRTY SESSIONS of agony (And they only guaranteed losing three kilograms). The anticipation to such a pain would be sufficient mental torment to cause dreams of talking and walking among the dead (seeing that it could be worse than death to burn but not be able to extinguish it). And I had thought discomforting diarrhea slimming tea was bad.

Their explanations for fat burning is not scientific. G, who studied biotechnology says that it probably only managed to break down the direct fats under my skin; but not penetrate it. Hence, no real effectiveness. Besides, immediately after the session I weighed myself and found only a paltry five hundred gram decrease; which could be attributed to water loss. We were also discussing that 'massaging' the belly with such force may cause some organs to bruise.

I would really just rather exercise than go through this again. At least with muscle aches, I can brag or whine. I would probably be too ashamed to complain about this pain.

Crime: Unethical marketing and gross misuse of marketing jargon

2008-04-19T16:46:00.005+08:00

I have to boycott companies that want to find an "emotional motivation" to give "differentiation" so that they can help their consumers to rationalize the lack of performance when they (the companies) deliver sub-standard products. No matter how experienced and possibly smart these marketers are, this is simply TOO LAZY!

This is multiplied by stupidity when none of the clients can make up their mind of what they want to find out from the research. In the brief they just decided to throw in some marketing jargon for good measure to seem smart because it seems like that is what they want to find.

"I just want new insights! XXX making them feel they're going to be successful is great!" Are you even listening to what you're saying? A good job will give you success, a good education will give you success, and expensive car will make you feel you have succeeded. Will something as ordinary as a drink or tampon be able to deliver success? Maybe it will help them a little, but just a teeny little nano bit. You have to translate this need for "success" into something down to earth and relevant with little linkages in between. "This makes me feel it's going to help me succeed" is a superficial and easy way to brush people off a conversation.

And I'm off tomorrow morning to "solve" this "problem" for them. My boss is too busy and tired to give this too much thought. So I guess they will have to be satisfied with non-director me.

China Eastern Boo Boo!

2008-04-19T14:20:00.007+08:00

Not only were the security queues horrific (waited close to an hour!), but I also waited 4 hours before I was informed of the flight cancellation through passenger commotion. It took another hour before they announced over the loudspeaker the flight is cancelled. Not after 2 flights of passengers heading to Changsha started venting their anger at the MU managers on duty.

And why was the flight cancelled?
First flight cancelled due to bad weather from origin and the wait ensues.
At 9.30pm they decide to divert a flight from Guangzhou over and slight joy blossomed in my heart when they announced an 11.30pm departure time.

At close to 10.30pm, someone finally realised that Changsha airport is NOT 24 hours and even if the flight departs from HongQiao airport, it will never be able to land!

I can't say I sympathise the MU managers on duty, they were defensive and using responsibility as a shield. Their apologies were not heartfelt, just to get incredibly pissed off passengers off their back. Best was their 'compensation' of 100RMB if you cancel your ticket. Come on! Opportunity cost of being in an airport on a Friday night while your friends are at dinner is PRICELESS!

Later we found out passengers who managed to squeeze on the following day's flight at 10-12pm were compensated 200RMB. My colleague was indignant, why were they treated better?

"I'm only given enough authority and obliged to give 100RMB; since you have cancelled your tickets. You are no longer our customers and responsibility."

What great PR! Rolls eyes

Actually it was more exciting for me to see such a big commotion since some passengers who threatening to speak to airport authority, call in tv station and video taping the whole experience. Most definitely though, I'm boycotting China Eastern for their stupidity. Forever and ever and ever!

Saddest scene of today

2008-03-22T17:14:00.002+08:00

Saw a turtle standing on its other turtle brothers, trying to clamour through the net frantically with its turtle paws. Neck stretching out, yearning to get out and then withdrawing periodically every few seconds out of exhaustion.

I so wanted to buy it and take it home.

Update: Carlos said there's no way that it could live in the pond downstairs.

On thoughtfulness and Serene beauty

2008-03-20T20:50:00.003+08:00

Never had I wanted to visit a cemetary as much as the one he has described here.

Dear......

It is 3000 yen per person for a night, and I would like to inform you
about the location of the guesthouse.

There is something I have to inform you before you make your booking.
It is about a small cemetery which is located at the entrance of the
guesthouse. Because the guesthouse is right in the heart of Gion, there
are a lot of temples as well as cemeteries. And the guesthouse's stood
nearby one of the temples. That's why there is a cemetery for monks over
the fence at the entrance of the guesthouse.

I was worried that poeple from China, perhaps, would not like staying
such a place for the cultural reason. So I thought I must inform you
about it now.

In Japan, people visit temples and shrines as well as cemeteries to pay
their respects to their ancestors and dead. Those places are very
special places where people can find the connection to the past and to
the people they still love after they passed away. I always take those
places as sacred.

However, a different culture has a different point of view to it. So I
understand how other people might feel about it. (If only more people would see it from this perspective. Case in point: Han vs. Tibetan people. To clarify, I wanted to highlight that some Han viewed Tibetans as living off their taxes and being unhygenic due to cultural differences towards bathing. It is just one of the stereotypes that perpetuates through time and causes deep segregation. This is just an example on hand, other cases in China would also involve the treatment of Xinjiang people as well.)

Kind Regards,

Yashi

IchiEnSou guesthouse Kyoto

High or Unfair expectations?

2008-03-20T13:43:00.003+08:00

...to give 5 working days to write a report consisting of 10 focus groups

...most likely needing to put in 2 consecutive weekends

...for someone junior, that is still struggling to write a full report

...and she has a child.

High or Unfair expectations?

Blackout of Tibet news

2008-03-17T19:36:00.002+08:00

For a moment I thought it was the work of shitty chinese hotels and their shoddy satellites that caused a sudden blackout during the broadcast of Tibetan riot. When CNN drew parallel of China's reactions with Tiananmen situation the blackout happened again! Horrible!

2008-03-13T15:18:00.001+08:00

Feeling very disco-ey today wearing silver flats and blue stockings : )

Green yet intuitive

2008-03-11T10:36:00.003+08:00

I think these designs are not just about being eco-friendly but about a refreshing and simple way to think about how we use ordinary objects around us.

This notepad-post it idea must have many people declaring "I was thinking about that too! Well, sorta.."

via Yanko design

Actually people are more resourceful than they think they are. In Singapore, I was observing how hawker centres dealt with not having ash trays at dominantly non-smoking areas and by re-using condensed milk/ soda cans. So innovative, yet missed so easily.

She almost became a child prodigy

2008-03-03T12:02:00.001+08:00

To think if S was born a day later...

Happy Birthday my friend!

Via indexed

And so it ends here...after two years

2008-03-02T17:46:00.003+08:00

I finally told WL that maybe she should move out in July when Dad comes. There are many reasons and considerations and I struggled for a long time. At one point, I almost felt I was abandoning her and being selfish about my decision.

One of the main considerations that started the whole train of thought was just complete exhaustion and lack of time control over my job. In December, it got so bad I wanted to quit at an appropriate time but I could not afford to lose my rental money (paid for by the company). It reminded me about an article a few years ago I had read about tying yourself down financially when downsizing would most likely make you more flexible. You can quit or change jobs without worrying about status quo because there will not be financial repercussions. And I need the flexibility to do that now. After discussing with DL, we may move to a smaller apartment next year.

Other consideration is dad coming over in July, we were just spending so many weekends sourcing 2nd hand furniture (to minimize consumption) which we have to get rid off when we move. Just doesn't make sense to invest so much when we already do have a room. The third room is just nice to have when my dad listens to opera in the living room heh...he says he'll be quiet but it will not be comfortable for him either if he needs to adapt to us too much. I don't want that.

Of course we have an our housemate irritations but all in all has been after all two great years, not an easy decision to make.

We were going to tell her only at the end of the year because our lease expires mid next year. Coincidentally, another friend J was looking for an apartment. J will not live in a shitty place, so I was happy and relieved when recommending her to ask WL; much earlier than anticipated. (Note: personally, I think it is challenging to find a non-shitty place e.g. walls peeling, yellow stained bathroom with good location with 1500RMB budget). Yesterday, J mentioned to me they found a fairly newly decorated place but WL was hesitating. Again, after much to-ing and fro-ing with DL (are we influencing too much, but she has a choice...etc.), he advised me to reveal our intentions to her earlier than planned. After all, what are the chances half a year down the road to find a non-shitty place, in a good location within budget, half a year before expo starts? No idea, not that I'm a negativist, but not so good I think.

Anyway, the most important thing is to explain all this to WL before we leave to Beijing this weekend. Although I don't owe her an explanation, it's just the right thing to do and let her know it's not been an easy decision. Really it hasn't been.

Mini-stories on Uncertainty

2008-02-25T17:01:00.004+08:00

Darkly humourous and at times painfully honest stories with accompanied illustrations by Maira Kalman.

Best accompanied with a bitter chocolate drink and a sarcastic remark that rolled off the tongue earlier.

via Oh Joy!

No wastage fashion and living

2008-02-25T12:22:00.002+08:00

Look out for Mark Liu, whose nifty Edward Scissorhand-like work has had me perky-eyed. I'm not a fan of haute couture or outrageous London Fashion Week outfits, but his is hard to miss. It's unique layering of fabrics (ensuring that all fabric is used) is not over the top, but subtle and feminine.

Via Treehugger

This being the middle ground, or the other extreme of anti-consumerism.

Having said so, I have been considering many ways to limit my consumerism:

1) Only bring enough money to go for lunch, so even if you decide to go for a quick shoe-browse; you are unable to buy anything

2) Consider which items are necessary at work to provide a good impression/competence/ professionalism. Since we live in a superficial world, sometimes I find myself having to play by its rules; but I have a choice to wear fabrics that give me mileage and design that reflects exquisite, detailed tailoring.

3) Find a boyfriend that is a kiam kah nah (loosely translated as a salty olive in Hokkienese), he will question whatever you buy. Be sure that this will take a while and 2-3 arguments to get to the okay-I-can-suppress-this-urge stage.

4) Divert urge to spend to shopping for healthy, organic food. It's still shopping!

"New Water" coming your way in 2010

2008-02-25T12:08:00.002+08:00

China soon to have its very own "New Water". Hopefully this will relieve its partial water scarcity problem in the North; that even fueled debates to have the capital shifted out from Beijing because it is often drought hit and deemed unsuitable to have any large scale activities requiring large amounts of water e.g. Olympics

Still bugs me till no end that colleages in Shanghai keep the tap flowing when they soap or wash their cups. Grrrrrrr!

Via Treehugger

Ever wonder what quiet fuschia sounds like?

2008-02-22T17:59:00.005+08:00

Gap knows what it sounds like.

As part of their online marketing , they are going to feature budding musicians on their website. These musicians' songs envelopes your senses and allows the users to swim in the colour. The website features an MTV of each colour and songs are downloadable for a month (from 15 February onwards).

My impression of GAP has always been classic and clean, clear colours; never so vibrant. This is a clever way of connecting with youths (through musicians) and providing an additional sensory dimension to colour which strengthens their proposition for spring and summer line. It also gives some interesting random colour facts, to help you in any case you want to wear only one colour for the following year.

Via PSFK

How to be happy at work

2008-02-22T16:07:00.002+08:00

My favourite has to be No. 13:

I recognize happiness at work also comes from the time I don't spend at work.

More at ChangeThis

2008-02-21T22:13:00.006+08:00

I have a confession to make.

I am a fake! I totally mixed up the meaning of 汤圆 tang yuan! And I was feeling so smug about myself for knowing the meaning!! *hangs head in shame

Glutinous rice balls known as Tang Yuan are cooked and eaten to signify unity and harmony within the family.

At least, I got that part right!

Would not have discovered today was 元宵 (yuan xiao, last day of chinese new year) till my colleagues started leaving early. I used to take this day for granted even when my mother would give me tang yuan (or was that on dong zhi? hmmmm)

And so I went to the supermarket to buy nostalgia with my favourite peanut filling in a plastic wrapper.

Something familiar?

2008-02-21T12:58:00.004+08:00

Doesn't this light look like something awfully familiar which we find in Singapore?

...

...

...

This light above is modeled after the ever-present hawker centre staple - dabao cup! By Singapore designer Larry Peh

Via Soon Lee

Hotel Azucar

2008-02-14T17:17:00.003+08:00

Hotel Azucar, you can check in anytime you like, but you may never leave!

The website is sweet and happy as candy, probably mirroring the stay there.
Love the mixed tones - using earthy modern photos, vintage colour and background. Where ants give a authentic, it'll-never-be-too modern message to San Rafael, Mexico. They give me such a relaxed feeling, like I'm meant to go there and do nothing but enjoy the colours and envy the slow pace in which these ants move.

via fortysixthatgrace

Vege price hike alert

2008-02-13T19:23:00.003+08:00

Before anyone says I have plunged into the depths of auntie-hood, I have not.

The story goes that in my bid to eat healthily, I went to get myself some vege at the local supermarket which usually gives me a 'buy 1, get 1 free deal'. Today when I asked her about it, she replied in a regretful tone 'You know, vege prices have all risen. If there was a promotion, I would have told you already'. Now that I recall, long beans and some other vege were inflated by 2-3RMB.

To be honest, I don't really feel the pinch, but I was shocked by the news. Although I had read about the vege price hike due to the recent snowstorm; it does not get any more real than this. Imagine this adding on to food transport woes.

Japan is not spared my the recent cold in the atmosphere as well (Shanghai is just 2 hours away).

Fireworks close enough to touch

2008-02-12T16:42:00.000+08:00

This is what I like best about CNY in Shanghai, people playing with fireworks and seeing them burst out like diamonds falling from the sky! Just closer, and I would be able to catch one falling.

Chua Ek Kay's Reflections of Singapore River

2008-02-12T16:37:00.000+08:00

He's always been one of my favourite artists, just a day before he died (8 feb 2008); I was at clarke quay mrt and even before I knew who drew it, was fascinated by it.

Highlight of my trip

2008-02-07T18:55:00.000+08:00

Before my Singapore CNY trip is over, I have already decided the highlight is being able to play with my niece and nephew.

初一 is still the same with my aunts and sis coming over, I don't talk much, but just seeing them together chatting daily affairs reminds me very much that we are closely bonded - At least in our family, the mundane conversation means we speak to each other very often.

2008-02-07T01:49:00.000+08:00

Happy Chinese New Year everyone!

I'm glad I get to celebrate new beginnings two times a year

First visitor for Chinese New Year

2008-02-06T18:00:00.000+08:00

Edit: Pigeon died, sigh.

A pigeon is now resting in the corner of the kitchen in my parent's house, it is a little hurt as he's sitting kind of lopsided. We are feeding him water, some raw rice and lettuce.

I found him on the walkway outside our house and was pleasantly surprised it allowed me to carry it in with little resistance. But I was more taken aback at my dad who would usually complain about all my pets, I actually had to confirm three times that he agreed to carry the pigeon in to let it heal.

Love and healing to start Chinese New Year, good omens.

On being a pair

2008-01-31T14:46:00.000+08:00

It bugs me till no end to be given invitations through my other half. Almost like an afterthought. Rude!

Make your head!

2008-01-30T10:44:00.000+08:00

Wrapping your head around your parter (not that head), while they're away.

Looks like I need one of these when DL goes away on business this year!

More here.

Support Singapore originals!

Snooze you! Part 2

2008-01-27T00:39:00.000+08:00

DL hit me right in the chest in the middle of the night mumbling that I was watching him choke and not doing anything about it. Turns out his head was stuck in the middle of two pillows!

The second incident happened a few hours later when he woke me up tickling my belly button. It was only this morning that he told me he was dreaming something and not trying to irritate me.

Looks like I have infected him.

Snowing!

2008-01-27T00:05:00.000+08:00

Dance for warmth

2008-01-27T00:03:00.002+08:00

Dance Dance Revolution swept throught the ah beng and ah lian community like a storm. It was what they were all waiting for to show their dance talents. I had always secretly admired them dancing in coordination twirling their hands in the air with purpose and feet like Gene Kelly; except this will be probably how looked as he danced away from the fashion police.

Well, in secondary school I never had the self-confidence to try such a game.

Now, times have changed.

I borrowed mats my colleague's bought from Taobao (淘宝), downloaded Step Mania and Voila! DL and I spent the last two weekends swaying and John Travolt-ing to Ace of Base's All that She Wants and Kylie's Locomotion. It left us panting and gasping and tired calves; but definitely warmer than before.

Warm and fun beats miserable and cold!

2008-01-23T22:19:00.000+08:00

I'm not sure if it's good or bad when someone who might be hiring says "I'm not sure we can afford you".

Smoke and strawberries

2008-01-23T22:02:00.000+08:00

It is now so cold that you see 'smoke' coming out from your nostrils. For the two years I have been in Shanghai, this must be the most wicked winter - snow has already invited itself three times (not that heavy though).

Strawberries on the other hand, fluorish with pride with their sweet taste while we are languishing like icicles.

Snooze you!

2008-01-13T13:20:00.001+08:00

Many of my friends will agree that the greatest invention is the snooze button on the mobile phone. No more waking up rudely and better yet, continue snatching on to driftwoods of sleep.

One morning, I woke up to the trumpets of the snooze alarm and was quite mad. As a physical reaction, instead of snoozing my mobile, I slapped my hand on DL's nose to snooze him. (Although he wasn't making any sounds beside me at that time)

Truth be told, he does need some well-deserved snoozing when he snores or wakes me up from dreams just as I'm about to play with two kittens.

Magic porridge pot does not overfloweth this time

2008-01-13T12:41:00.000+08:00

Second time at cooking oats with soy bean was not without mishaps (this shows me to be the most incompetent chef) hahah...but at least I did not overestimate the oatmeal and cause a 'magic porridge pot' incident.

The last time I was thinking that 'oh the oatmeal is so tiny, we're not going to be filled at all.' Which promptly made me decide to liberally add scoops more. Little did I know that these oat bastards actually absorb liquids and decided to torture me by expanding themselves causing a huge pot of oat. Making me swear off them quite a while after eating it that time!

Must have happened to Paul Galdone as well, who is male and can not possibly cook (yay to stereotypes to make me feel better); who made up the secret magic words to make the clean up more palatable to whoever was cleaning up after him.

First day of school syndrome

2008-01-07T04:21:00.000+08:00

Having problems sleeping even though my eyelids are heavy.

Too many thoughts surrounding human relationships and the big, seducing activities of the city.

A village girl in the life of a city girl.

五月天 concert

2007-11-11T17:53:00.000+08:00

Not counting all the live bands playing at warehouses and screaming/ grabbing hand of a Boyzone member (whose name eludes me now). At a ripe old age of 26, I have finally achieved another first of having gone to a live concert!

Apparently some crazy fans were exchanging blue neon sticks (at their own expense) for all the rest of the colours to break a record; simply because it matched with one of the songs of the band - “蓝色海洋”/blue ocean.

It was like in a live ktv, just that you have tons of people trying to drown you out at the same time. Definitely an experience to relive with at another concert where I'm actually super familiar with the lyrics heh.

Landing from the clouds

2007-11-01T16:28:00.000+08:00

Glad to be home. Three days seemed too long especially when I am snivelling and having headaches from altitude.

After this experience, I am never getting on a plan with a flu. When the altitude falls, insides of your skull feels as if it is crushed and forming tiny cracks all along your face. Maybe it is all the CSI, as it happened to me I imagined them doing an autopsy on me and saying that the blocked nose created a huge air bubble in my head that burst all the blood arteries.

For some reason, mortality is hanging on my mind. I am acutely aware that at any moment, anyone or I could die. Passing away in dramatic, in inane, in calm, in mysterious, in knowing, in anticipation of the day you do. I think about all the people I love and I wonder if I have spent enough time with them.

A series of decisions I have made in the past few months have been the outcome of these thoughts. Having my dad stay for some months and traveling together instead of with friends ...I spent most of my teenage years wondering how happy I would be to live away from my family and get the freedom I want. I got it, am used to it and do not think I can ever go back living with my parents full time. But still for me, life isn't complete in Shanghai if I don't enjoy the rest of their healthy years with them.

As for friends, often I used to be upset with friends that are more than an hour late or always wait for you to contact them. This just shows you are not important to them, not worth their time. These people, you just gotto let go.

Evaluating mortality, probably one of the best way to prioritize;lwhich seems to be a revolving theme these days.

Not all 8a.m's are equal

2007-10-25T12:35:00.000+08:00

How come 8a.m. on Tuesday is considered to be late, but not 8.am. on Thursday?

***

I'm starting to realize, and you will realize (if you have a decent set of parental units like mine) that your parents are right 80% of the time up till the time when you start being an adult.

My parents were fully prepared to see my repeat a year of college - never passing economics, doing badly in geography (despite being a history student all along), rebelliously going out with boys, skipping/ late for school. In this very misguided phase of my life, they never fueled by rebelliousness by grounding me further. My mom was even very supportive on the day of getting my A level results by saying "No matter what happens, just come home. We'll work your options out together." Yet miraculously, last minute efforts to focus was sufficient to see myself into university. Immediately after seeing these results, they put a damper on my celebratory spirits by saying (nagging) that if I focused myself better I would have done better. I had wanted to do too many things - meet boys, get into a special program in university, go to church every weekend and spending the whole day there. What did I really want? I wanted everything, to do everything, and was almost left with nothing.

Right now, I'm seeing the exact thing happen to someone I consider close to me. A collision waiting to happen. After trying to guide her to an answer, I have now decided to silently step back. Not wanting her to be harmed from her own indecision or lack of action has in turn made me rather tired. Tired of seeing the effects of non-action spillover to other parts of her life, helping find leads, narrowing down key decision factors, worrying if she will be too late to switch careers. It's the case of 皇上不急，太监急; if the emperor is not in a hurry, why should others be?

This is probably how envy and regret is derived - you look at other people's lives and wonder why they have what you want. And you wonder and wonder, what could you have done (action) at that time ('cos it's all about timing baby).

Ruthlessly dumping you

2007-10-22T16:20:00.000+08:00

All the nail polishes and lip balms are turning funky - either with weird smells or clumpy colours.

So out you go!
I will just have to be disciplined to stick to 2 colours this winter. (Part of money saving scheme)

***

I signed in favour of overturning 377a (law that criminalizes gay sex) and am dismayed many do not use their full name. Is self-censorship so strong? How can one be so afraid to stand up for one's beliefs?

I'm not going into a long explanation why I believe in gay rights (they are not special groups mind you), just normal people that love, die and feel filial piety the same. And I can understand if people do not feel comfortable in the presence of gays, since the unknown is always fearful. Although that is really different from discriminating someone. Be clear about that.

You know, when you deal with people, it is hard to categorize like lip glosses. It is hard to discard them like a funky smelling spoilt lip gloss. Because people do not spoil, but your imposing your beliefs and forcing them to hide their true selves can spoil them inside. And that, you can never replace; not even with a different shade of sheer shimmery peach.

Fat puppy vs. fluffy kitty - round 1 faceoff

2007-10-03T12:21:00.000+08:00

I can now see why marriage is such a formidable hurdle to overcome for someone as young as myself. In the mornings, I already start talking to him from the minute the toothbrush leaves my mouth till the time my eyes or his eyes close. Having lived alone for 2 years, this is something to get used to.

So what happens this week is that we are constantly around each other! There are no working hours to miss or distract each other from ..well...each other. I have to admit, I am probably the more easily grumpy and needs more personal space among the two of us. Having DL in the house is really like having a puppy jumping around, asking for attention and constantly smothering (I may complain, but most of the time I like it). But but...it is holidays! I did NOT expect it to be so intense!

Can´t you go to bed without me? But I like hugging you to bed!
Can´t you not talk for one minute? In my culture we are more open about our feelings and you talk all the time! Why are you suddenly so quiet?
Why do I have to do this now that you have finished your work? I´m sorry, I didn´t notice. (Ha! draw first blood for fluffy kitty!)

Now I can imagine why most couples, after they ROM, no problemo; then upon living together have a deathmatch. On the other hand, there is C who is always smoochy and co-exists (she must mean train up her husband to do her bidding) harmoniously with her husband heh...

Have to stop rambling on before my parents call me up anxiously after reading this post to wonder how serious my fight is with DL. Or maybe they are secretly glad that the evil white boy and I are going on our downward spiral path to demise hmmmmmmmm.........

DL and I are fine, thankfully he is very patient and knows I am just resisting all kinds of domestication and routine. Fat puppy is scheming too, he knows the first step to domestication is to build routine. Once you are used to that person, you hardly can let go.

Everything but the kitchen sink

2007-10-02T02:05:00.000+08:00

The roses add a nice touch don´t you think?

Lunch was a tasteful assortment of fishballs, snowpeas, two kinds of pasta, finely chopped onion, tomato and mixed herbs. Yum!

This is an attempt to experiment with vege other than lettuce and brocolli. Courtesy of my mom´s advice; and trying to finish all the fishballs and fishcakes which WL´s mom brought. Feel so auntie being so proud of my own cooking!

Bachelor pad on Facebook

2007-09-28T18:10:00.000+08:00

So DL is fixing up his ´room´ on Facebook and it is a bachelor pad! (except for the double bed!) Everything looks dark and black..and pooh manly! When he showed me, I was complaining that the cupboard is too small for all my clothes!!! HOw can like that! Complete disregard for my virtual clothes and shoes!

So now, he has taken to adding hamster, black cat, strappy heels, potato chips, magazines, additional bean bag, blue (because I refused pink, but not blue!) cupboard, lucky japanese cat ornament. Now that´s more likey it!

(he forgot to update the settings and it wasn´t saved, sigh)

Giving up on you

2007-09-24T15:02:00.000+08:00

Luckily I don't work with you, you try-so-hard-to-act-cute and want to feel special bitch! How can a form FEEL wrong and you don't even try to feedback so things can be made right?! You consulted a psychic?

You don't deserve any kind of promotion anytime soon. I'm not impressed by your cutesiness and if others are...they can work with you; 'cos I never want to.

And I'm not going to try to help you improve things anymore because it's just not worth getting worked up over. I will just stop being nosy and mind my own business.

Because I'm giving up on you, and feeling pretty damn good about it.

September sweeps by

2007-09-15T01:02:00.000+08:00

Been fairly domesticated past one month trying to cook simple meals whenever I can. Definitely inspired to try out more dishes with an oven come October holidays. Other than that, work has been keeping me busy enough, close to 10 hours a day for three weeks is having me plop right into bed as soon as I'm home. The photo a day for a year project is sadly at a standstill, I'm not ready for such a committment heh...

All that is over and now the parental units are in town for 2 weeks. We're headed to Shaoxing this weekend for some needed nature walks and voraciously inhale fresh air laced with Osmanthus fragrance. Hopefully autumn will make herself comfortable this time so that we can scour neighbouring places for more nature walks. Yearning for a juxtaposition to my stormy moods.

Spanish lessons are officially starting in October 13! DL and I have a bet - any of us able to hold a Mandarin/ Spanish for 20min conversation earlier will buy the other person a Nintendo Wii! No problemo, comprendo!

More when we get back from Shaoxing! Hablamos luego!

TV is the best thing in my life

2007-08-21T21:52:00.000+08:00

Kidding.

Though in all earnestness, having dinner away from the TV is one of the best things that DL and I have decided. It is not living together till you have to look a person in the eye and have a real conversation (yeah, conversations are not pink tailed unicorns) for about an hour, or as fast as you can gulp down your food without chewing heh.

Coming home, sitting in front of the tv while having dinner, then sleeping together is just co-existing. Having a presence, having a warm human being to feel less alone, talking about what the last episode of Simpsons you watched is not a conversation. If you are looking to begin a life together, doing all those things above is just not it.

I have to confess, initially the temptation to watch tv while eating was great, very much like what No Impact Man experienced. Talking and eating at the table was strange. How, my day was so mundane, or the only thing I have are complaints. Die lah! But dinner time conversation is like having sex, foreplay is important. That foreplay is probably cooking together, cutting up fruit, or even him sitting down in the kitchen while I prepare dinner. Once the conversation sputters itself into life, it will cruise itself onto the dinner table. And it is NOT because I'm female and use more words in a day! I learnt to listen to him as well.

Today's dinner showed how much we have progressed, WL wanted to watch TV and we stayed behind to eat our sandwiches...and whaddya know...asked about each others day. To me, I feel we showed each other that the other person was important enough to spend time away from doing other 'stimulating' activities.

Now, I have to grudgingly admit, my mama knows best when she told be at 13 years old to "stop watching tv and eat at the table!"

You're not a gold coin that everyone likes - can't please everyone, especially me

2007-08-21T20:49:00.000+08:00

For the past few weeks, work has not been the most inspiring experience. I find myself discontented and distorted by:

1. China phenomenon of high pay, despite ambiguous experience.
2. Being out of control of own time due to boss being a little disorganized e.g. no clear deadline, then all of a sudden "I want it done by tomorrow."
3. Banished to detail hell of re-checking a colleague's work 7 times in 2 days.

And more, but you get the idea. And I think my solution is to get more pay!!!

Obviously because I will feel guilty for not working more, which now I feel guilty for getting off work on time *rolls eyes* and to make up for all the interruptions from questions and checking. But I shouldn't be held responsible just because I do not want to work over time this week! As long as project is eventually running smoothly and time spent training juniors have a large chunk; I should be allowed to GO HOME ON TIME!

And why did I develop that payment sheet for my account only to have you ignore it! It is damn irritating to chase for accounts all the time!

Seriously, I don't care about developing new business when juniors can't write proper screener, speak/ write proper english; boss has no comments about my reports or help developing a client (well, only if you consider sitting in a presentation support).

There. Feel so cathartic.

To be fair, it's hard to fully blame my boss cos I know he's also trying his best to manage a big team and probably has his own stresses. He did also buy me Twister from Japan. Heh.

Will have to catch him at the end of this year and be honest. My deadline for patience is probably till then.

Sojourn at Shanghai MOCA

2007-08-05T13:49:00.001+08:00

This brief sojourn to the MOCA during lunchtime on Thursday was green tea for the soul. Cleansing and refreshing departure from all the pressure cooker feeling I had been feeling but unable to articulate.

But unlike me, all these Hong Kongese artists were able to articulate how they felt about 10th year Anniversary of the handover back to China.

For more explanations and exhibits, find them here.

Guess the number of smiley faces and get a prize!

2007-08-05T13:15:00.001+08:00

My love affair with soba

2007-08-03T00:11:00.000+08:00

Wintermelon soup with soba. Yum! Deliciously light soup with a hint of sweetness of melon coupled by earthy fragrance of soba.

Eventful days almost fighting with Shanghainese

2007-07-29T21:46:00.000+08:00

Trying to bargain at the backroom of an ulu (translation from Singlish: in the middle of nowhere) p!rated bag store from 1000RMB to 100RMB. First reaction from salesgirl was "But it's Gucci!". Of course she was indignant, these bloody laowais are lamb for slaughter. But he had already drawn first blood.

DL retorts with his never-fail, Level 5 strength bargain speak: "She says 150RMB, I say 100RMB. Whose price do you want?".

"But noooo...you have to add more! Add more, add more. Okok, 500RMB, just for you."

We stand up to leave. "Come one, add more...what is best price for bag?" Salesgirl already sounding whiney and desperate.

"No, 150RMB is our final price." His sister and him speaks in rapid Spanish, further confusing the now-prey.

As all parties were battling to see who gives in, she agrees to the price just before we leave the room. After which, DL further antagonizes her by asking for a brand new bag.

Salesgirl vents her frustration by punching bag in disbelief at DL's nerve. I'm quite sure she wished it was one of our heads.

***

UNIVERSAL BEHAVIOUR: Multiple queues, all almost of equal length and 2 people. Of course you split up and see which queue is faster.

So this was exactly what we did! And when I reached my turn, Monica came and put the stuff, all this time I had my eyes fixated in front watching the queue. Then I heard this lady babble to me in Mandarin about Monica needing to queue. Which had me explaining that we were together and we just queued to see which was faster. Everyone does it, so I assumed she would understand. And then she just went on and on and on about even if we were together I should still tell her because I saw her (which I didn't because I don't have eyes at the back of my head!) She had to insist that I tell her NOW that we were going to place more items on the checkout (just 3 more items).

Calmly, I just said what she wanted to hear, yes I am now going to place more items now.

I think she was disappointed she didn't get a fight.

Getting well in Hong Kong

2007-07-29T21:00:00.000+08:00

From my matchbox sized room to getting finally getting well, a total whirlwind. And as fast as the illness came, its remnants are not as easy to get rid off. Though he looks chirpy and spirited, DL still gets easily tired walking, it appears his calves have not fully regenerated. He says he is especially tired when we (his sister Monica and I) are shopping heheheee

A Picture a day for a year

2007-07-28T15:50:00.000+08:00

My new found friend Tumblr makes posting pictures so much easier and random thoughts easier to post. Check my our Rolling through like a Brocolli later to see the picture for today.

...and we're back!

2007-07-25T22:52:00.000+08:00

We arrived to Shanghai last saturday and have been busy sorting everything out in the new apartment. How does one fit two people's lives (not including housemate yet) into a 142sq m house? Plenty of food to fill two cabinets, so for the next few weeks, eating at home it shall be! (whips out apron)

***

So about DL's illness, we spent 4 worriesome nights in ICU because and then 10 days in the ward. Luckily by day 3 in ICU the muscle enzymes began to plateau and the doctors were predicting a rainbow would appear across the horizon. So we all heaved a sigh of relief that there would be no further muscles weakening, which may have resulted in kidney or respiratory failure.

Throughout it all, we had guardian angels. Winnie & Tia (colleague in HK & boss in India) trying to get earliest tickets for his sister out of Bogota, my colleagues and boss in Shanghai letting me work offsite, Bjorn (Big Boss) who flew from Singapore to visit him. I was deeply touched by the weight of compassion & generosity that his words held.

I have a blank credit card with me so don't worry about the insurance not paying
for your sister's trip here. At this point, we are just concerned about doing
the right thing.

Guess what! He even offered to pay for my hotel stay. (And did!) I'm totally floored.

Before all this, my only thoughts was that all this was such bad luck, such inopportune timing. We were scheduled to move apartments the same weekend he was flying to hong kong for treatment; I had reports to write.

But it all managed to sort itself out - Reports within time (I didn’t say on time!), not much projects on my side that enabled me to work off-site, apartments moved (with many people’s help).

And they say, everything reveals itself in its own time. In the end, I’m just thankful.

In Hong Kong...

2007-07-17T01:02:00.000+08:00

Haven't updated because DL is quite sick and I'm taking care of him.

Am glad the worst is over, the weird sounding illness myositis (my-OH-sigh-tiss) gone.

What an eventful year for both of us.

Life is good

2007-06-27T10:25:00.000+08:00

Super and simple idea to wear optimism on your sleeve all day long! (pun intended)

Bliss is this...

2007-06-26T22:48:00.000+08:00

My niece of 8 months 宇宁 (Yuning) and nephew, 宇祥 (Yuxiang). Meaning the Universe (宇宙) is both quiet (宁) and harmonious (祥). No matter how tired whenever I'm in Singapore I'll never miss to pop by on these two little ones .