... with a bang

I started this year with fewer goals than last and STILL i did not achieve them. Looking back, i can't really say it was a fantastic year. I hardly remember the things i've done except that i seemed to have fallen (yes, literally FALL) more times this year than the last 5 years combined. I'm not that clumsy, am i? 8P

I thought that things would start looking up these few days but when my car tyre got punctured last Friday, i felt a little deflated (no pun intended). My aunt's car tyre went flat on Saturday and on Christmas, we stopped to help a church member who had a flat tyre also. I was just commenting to Dad there seemed to be so many mishaps happening. :\

Yesterday morn, i nearly slipped on the stairs in my office carpark. Another clumsy moment (??). I was supposed to go for Cath's party at night but for some reason, decided to go home instead. Just as i was packing up to leave the office, Dad called to say he had an accident.

When passing the crossroad near my place after breakfast, a car rammed into his car. He had the right-of-way and even honked at the junction to make sure the road was clear before crossing. Next thing he heard was a loud bang and the whole car shook and skidded to the side. Apparently the woman (in the other car) was speeding and went headlong into his passenger side. Of course she insisted she had right of way and blah blah blah... but my Dad pointed out to her that
1. There is a huge STOP sign on the road where she was coming from
2. She should've stopped at the crossroad before going through
3. She shouldn't be speeding in a residential area

She must be a mighty awful person coz she STILL insisted that she had right of way even AFTER Dad AND the tow-truck driver AND the policemen (note: plural - "men") told her she committed an offence. Seems she was complaining and whining all the way from the accident to the tow-truck to the police station to the workshop to home. Aarrghh.. only my Dad would have the patience to deal with such a horrible being. If it had been me, i think i would've double-taped her mouth shut.

Anyway, i'm just very thankful that Dad is ok and didn't suffer any injuries. He's supposed to go back to hometown to start his new position today but now, he's called the office to inform that he's temporarily 'stranded' here.

Hopefully things get better in the coming year....

Past & Presents

One thing i've noticed about Christmas this year... there's fewer presents AND even the ones received are not as elaborate as before. Don't get me wrong. I'm not blogging this as a complaint but more of an observation.

Ryns suggested that we don't buy each other anything. Reason being, she frets over what to buy me, i fret over what to get her, we both give in to the pressure & commercialism and buy each other something we probably don't need (?) AND at the end of the day, it's the retailer who benefits. :D My other friends lament that they lack the time to shop...etc, etc, etc.

When weekend rolled by, i was still a little apprehensive, for fear that i have not bought enough presents for everyone. And the awkwardness that may arise when you receive a gift and have none to give in return.

Yet, today, as we welcomed Christmas, there was such celebration and joy that it didn't matter whether there were wrapped packages or not. The turkey lunch we had (church tradition every year) was simpler than last year. Still, people flocked to the tables by the hundreds and tucked in with gusto. Methinks it's an Asian thing where food is concerned.. but i digress. Everyone was just happy to see everyone else (even though we may see the same person every week). ;)

In that moment of revelry, i wished that my friends (who are currently in all corners of the world) could be here with me now (or i with them ;P).

Siryn, Foodie Queen, Glen & Terry - can you post yourselves here next year? Will work hard to get my own place soon to accommodate you. Missing you all & hoping you're having a wonderful day!!!

*HUGS*

Swingin' time

Today (Friday) was pendulum-like. Had to wake up extra early to meet client at 8am. As always, my hands automatically hits the snooze button whenever my alarm goes off. So before you know it, i was already late. Rushed to shower, rushed to meet client, rushed to the bank and rushed to the office.

As i got out of the car, horror of horrors.... i had a flat tyre!! AARRGGHHH!!! It must've been from one of the ginormous potholes on the road near my office. And of ALL days!!! The mechanic nearby wasn't opened and for the life of me, i've never change a tyre before. :P None of my colleagues were in yet. (I was the 1st to reach office. Would've been a proud moment if it wasn't for this!) AND to add salt to wound, the client called to ask for a design revision on an already extremely overdued job. GAH!!!!!

*Regains composure* Managed to negotiate with client to email them the revision instead of sending it down and by then, one of my colleagues came to my rescue and changed the tyre. Phew! I still have to send my car to the workshop tomorrow but at least for now, i'm mobile. :D

Was already heading into pessimist mode with such a horrid start to the day when i saw that someone had left a little goodie bag of treats for me. Awww.... and a few minutes later, Jebi came by and gave me my Christmas present. *happy sigh* Then Feef came by with desserts.
Mmmm.... pessimism slowly diffusing. Before long, it was Company Christmas Lunch! Colleagues was already goofing around in Santa hat and reindeer horns. Of all... Bi, you make the most 'kawaii' reindeer! ;D

Needless to say, not much work got done thereafter. Gifts were exchange with hilarious results. Some personal items which were missing over the last couple of days re-appeared disguised in neatly wrapped boxes under our tree. Everyone was in holiday mood and not to mention, on a drinking spree. ;P

TC tried to get a few of us to sing but somehow we never got the right key despite numerous attempts. LaRosa surprised us all with his guitar playing. Hmm... didn't know this joker could play so well. Hahaha... Jebi tried to learn TC's 5-step chacha (which didn't really work.. i meant the teaching, not the learning). By the time i left, Jebi was throwing hoops and Aggy was trying to catch it with her head. Bizarre!!!

Oops... before i forget.... Have a FANTASTIC weekend everyone!!! CHEERS!!! XXX

Sad but true :D

I got this a while ago from someone and thought it was hilarious. Since i had such a crappy day today, figured this might just brighten up the mood a bit. It's quite a long list but have fun anyway!!

P.S: I've highlighted the ones which are true to me. ;P

~ ~ ~ O ~ ~ ~

88 WAYS TO KNOW YOU ARE CHINESE

1. You unwrap Christmas gifts very carefully, so you can save and reuse the wrapping (and especially those bows) next year.
2. You only buy Christmas cards after Christmas when they are 50% off.
3. When there is a sale on toilet paper, you buy 100 rolls and store them in your closet or in the bedroom of an adult child who has moved out.
4. You have a vinyl table cloth on your kitchen table.
5. Your stove is covered with aluminum foil. (In my old home, does that count?)
   
6. Your kitchen has a sticky film of grease over it.
7. You have stuff in the freezer since the beginning of time.
8. You use the dishwasher as a dish rack.
9. You have never used your dishwasher.
10. You keep a Thermos of hot water available at all times.
11. You boil water and put it in the refrigerator.
12. You eat all meals in the kitchen.
13. You save grocery bags, tin foil, and tin containers.
14. You use grocery bags to hold garbage.
15. You always leave your shoes at the door.
16. You have a piano in your living room. (Used to. Till i rebelled & refused to learn anymore :P)
    
17. Your parents know how to launch nasal and throat projectiles.
18. You iron your own shirts.
19. You drive a Honda or Acura and are less than 5'8" tall. (Not the car but the height part)
    
20. You pick your teeth at the dinner table (but you cover your mouth).
21. You twirl your pen around your fingers.
22. You hate to waste food. Even if you're totally full, if someone says they're going to throw away the leftovers on the table, you'll finish them. (Your mom will give a lecture about starving kids in Africa). You have Tupperware in your fridge with three bites of rice or one leftover chicken wing.
    
23. You don't own any real Tupperware - only a cupboard full of used but carefully rinsed margarine tubs, take out containers, and jam jars.
24. You also use the jam jars as drinking glasses.
25. You've eaten a red bean popsicle.
26. You bring oranges (or other produce) with you as a gift when you visit people's homes.
27. You have a collection of minature shampoo bottles that you take every time you stay in a hotel.
28. The condiments in your fridge are either Price Club sized or come in plastic packets, which you save/steal every time you get take out or go to McDonald's.
29. Ditto paper napkins.
30. You wipe your plate and utensils before you eat every time you go to a restaurant.
31. You carry a stash of your own food whenever you travel (and travel means any car ride longer than 15 minutes)....These travel snacks are always dried. As in not just dried plums, dried ginger, and beef/pork jerky, but dried cuttlefish (SQUID).
32. You own a rice cooker.
33. You wash your rice at least 2-3 times before cooking it.
34. You spit bones and other food scraps on the table. (That's why you need the vinyl tablecloth).
35. Your parents vehemently refuse the sack of Gold Coin oranges that their guests just brought just to be courteous.
36. You fight (literally) over who pays the dinner bill.
37. Your dad thinks he can fix everything himself.
38. You majored in something practical like engineering, medicine or law. (Ok, maybe this isn't that accurate. I did Finance but gave that up 8P)
    
39. When you go to a dance party, there are a wall of guys surrounding the dance floor trying to look cool. (Yup, during those teenage years)
    
40. You live with your parents and you are 30 years old (and they prefer it that way). Or if you're married and 30 years old, you live in the apartment next door to your parents, or at least in the same neighborhood.
    
41. You don't use measuring cups
42. You feel like you've gotten a good deal if you didn't pay tax.
43. You beat eggs with chopsticks.
44. You re-gift cookies or Christmas cake at Christmas (some could even be more than 5yrs. old).
45. You have a teacup with a cover on it.
46. You reuse teabags.
47. You have a drawer full of old pens, most of which don't write anymore.
48. If you're under age 20, you own a really expensive walkman if you're over 20, you own a really expensive camera.
49. You always look phone numbers up in the phone book, since calling Information costs 50 cents.
50. You don't tip more than 10% at a restaurant, and if you do,you tip Chinese delivery guys waiters more.
51. You're a wok user.
52. You only make long distance calls after 11pm.
53. You know all the waiters at your favorite Chinese restaurants.
54. You like Chinese films in their original undubbed versions. You love Chinese Martial Arts films. Shao Lin and Wu Tang actually mean something to you.
55. You tasted bitter melon.
56. You like congee with thousand year old eggs.
57. You prefer your shrimp with the heads and legs still attached-it means they're fresh.
58. You never call your parents just to say hi.
59. You always cook too much.
60. If you don't live at home, when your parents call, they ask if you've eaten, even if it's midnight.
61. Also, if you don't live at home, your parents always want you to come home.
62. Your parents tell you to boil herbs and stay inside when you get sick.
63. When you're sick, they also tell you not to eat fried foods or baked foods because they produce hot air (Yee-Hay in Cantonese).
64. You e-mail your Chinese friends at work, even though you only sit 10 feet apart.
65. Your parents never go to the movies.
66. Your parents send money to their relatives in China.
67. You use a face cloth.
68. Your parents use a clothes line.
69. You're always late.
70. You eat every last grain of rice in your bowl, but don't eat the last piece of food on the table.
71. You starve yourself before going to all you can eat buffet.
72. You've joined a CD club at least once.
73. You know someone who can get you a good deal on jewellery or electronics, computers.
74. You never discuss your love life with your parents.
75. Your parents are never happy with your grades.
76. You save your old Coke bottle glasses even though you're never going to use them again.
77. You own your own meat cleaver and sharpen it.
    
78. You keep most of your money in a savings account.
79. You own an MJ set and possibly have a room set up in the basement.
80. You know what MJ means.
    
81. You've been on the Love Boat or know someone who has.
82. Your toothpaste tubes are all squeezed paper-thin.
83. You say "whie" when answering your cell phone.
    
84. You are familiar with the term "aiee yah.....".
85. It take 3-4 days to finish sipping a can of pop and saving it in the fridge even there is only one drop left.
86. You know why this list consists of only "88" reasons.
87. You enclose your remote controls in plastic to keep greasy fingerprints off them.
    
88. You take this message and forward it to all your Chinese friends.

Flu in this Cuckoo's nest

Got a call from Csu last night. She's resigned from her job. *brings out the champagne to celebrate* Now, don't get me wrong here. Csu's been overworked and miserable since goodness knows when. She just couldn't bring herself to leave though it was sucking the life out of her. Kinda reminds me of when i was in my previous company. They literally squeeze you dry. We were on call 24/7. Earliest time for leaving the office is midnight and weekends are spent in the office also. Even slavery felt like luxury compared to that.

So, i'm glad that she's taken this step to leave. For her health & sanity!!! AND now she can go for a good holiday plus get a LIFE!! Oooh... looks like my Christmas wish for her is coming true, as it is for a number of my other friends.
Foodie Queen's doing well and her hubby has a job.
Terry's getting good weather (and taking lots of beautiful photos).
G's having a blast (minus the cake and roti ;P).
Jebs gets to spend time with her "one" (though i've already changed her wish ;P).
Dad's really enjoying all the good food in the different restaurants i took him to.

Wow.. not too sure if others are getting their wishes but here's hoping they come true. *crosses fingers, eyes & toes*

As for me, am still trying to keep sane in my state of organised chaos. Caught the flu bug yesterday so nose is leaky faucet and voice starting to sound 'sexy'. Otherwise, i think everything's under control. :D

Aunt brought a trampoline back last night. Very unusual of her actually. But if you see me going Boing, Boing, Wheeeee.... it's probably work-stress combined with the flu medication. :D

'twas at night

Couldn't sleep so i snuck downstairs to take a shot of the tree. Still a little 'presents-bulimic' as everyone's been busy with work and all.

Note to self: Stop procrastinating and go get the presents!!

P.S: Siryn & Cilla, would you like to choose your own presents or shall i surprise you? ;D

Loki, your present will be the Unagi dinner, ok?

It's a wrap

I was rummaging for Christmas wrapping papers when i saw it, rolled up and tucked away at the bottom of the box. The fragile paper... that once wrapped the flowers he gave me.... and the ribbons, that held it all in place. I had forgotten about those and seeing it again tugged my heart in a sad way.

I remember that night when he brought me those. He said he knew i was troubled about something but he didn't want to push me to tell until i was ready. He said that my smile reminded him of sunflowers and he had hoped that by giving me those, he would make me feel the same way i made him feel whenever he saw me.

I remember being so upset when someone accidentally threw away those precious flowers a few days later. And how he assured me that there will be plenty more to come... and while he's with me, i will never have any reason to frown.

It's been 3 Christmases since he made that promise and many more to me. A part of me died when he left without a word. And died a thousand times over for every call he didn't answer. I died again a few months ago when i heard he had gotten married.

As i look at the paper and ribbons, i realized it is only precious because i held a memory to it. Of a moment that made me happy... that made me feel loved. But that moment has passed and there's no reason to hold on to it anymore.

Now, it's time the paper and ribbon create new memories. So to the one who receives it, please don't see it as me, using recycled paper, but may the gift inside bring you as much joy as it once held for me.

Fly-Day

Today is a lazy day. Delivered the visuals to the client early this morn before coming to office. Made a few calls on outstanding jobs, then it was birthday celebration for Moo followed by another birthday celebration for Sim. After the crazy photo snapping of everyone, we adjourned to lunch. From there on, there was basically nothing much else to do except surf the Net for research. (Not that i'm complaining :P)

Siryn's going away for the next 3 weeks to Sweden. I want to go for a holiday too! :( Would be nice to have a white Christmas some day. *sighs dreamily* Anyway, LayCe said we can have a mini get-together at her place one of these days. So Siryn, come back QUICK before she changes her mind. Hehehehe....

I'm boring myself with this post... Think i should do something more productive with my time. :P

Hurrah for the weekend!!!!

Wow.. is this right?

Which Ultimate Beautiful Woman are You?

Sweet

Yesterday was a State holiday so thought i'd better do my Christmas shopping. Apparently, the entire human race thought the same coz it took me more than 1 hour to find a parking spot at the mall. I ended up buying nothing because the crowd was madness. Probably have to attempt again this weekend. 8P

Christmas decorations are all over the place and so far, this mid-town mall has one of the nicest displays. Had to push my way through the crowd to take photos. This is the only one i have that doesn't have some stray head bobbing in it.

If only this is edible.....

On Sunday

Was at one of the malls when i came across this Batik exhibition/competition. There were a few different ones on display but this was my favourite. Am told that the Finals will be this weekend.












Incidentally, when i was observing this, i was hit on by a guy who said he's from Spain and has been working here for the last 3 years. He kept asking if i'm local and wanted my number. Needless to say, he wasn't successful. :P Later, Siryn told me she noticed him lurking around earlier and was also eye-ing her. Eeks... i'm more freaked by this than flattered.

Down the Street

Went to Chinatown earlier today (Saturday). Haven't been there for while and am not that keen to go there also coz it's usually very crowded. People usually flock there to buy...umm... well, chinese stuff (8D) and it's a very popular tourist attraction if you're on a look-out for designer goods/DVDs at very cheap prices (read: imitation stuff). Didn't spend much time there as it was VERY hot, so i quickly grabbed what i needed and left.

Terry, i thought of you so here's a few shots i managed to grab before i scurried away. ;P

The coffee-shop where i had breakfast. Typical old fashion style place where the tables are usually antique looking with marble tops and ceiling fan will be creaking away while the cobwebs flutter in the corners. Truly an experience!








Saw this fella making himself comfortable on the shelf behind the cashier. :)





Lady selling roast & BBQ pork just outside the coffee-shop. Real yummy. Bought some from her earlier. The roast is usually from the belly of the pig, seasoned with salt and then roasted till the skin is crispy. The BBQ pork is slightly darker in colour and has a sweet caramelised flavour.






The wet market nearby where you can buy fresh meat from the butcher. None of the fancy pre-packed stuff you see in supermarkets. Here, they'll pack when you order. Usually cheaper in price but you'll need a nose peg to walk through this. 8P




A view of the street. It's still early so most shops aren't open yet but the crowds are already there.The later it gets, the more congested it becomes.






The sign "DILARANG MENJUAL PRODUK CETAK ROMPAK" actually means "Sale of imitation goods is prohibited". But as you can see, it serves no purpose as the store right underneath it IS selling imitation ware. And to add salt to the wound, the whole street IS well-known for selling imitation goods.

*sigh* This is the irony of my country. :\

Just shoot

Was away for the last couple of days for a location photoshoot. We're about a month behind schedule so everything has to move EXTRA fast. I still haven't started on Christmas shopping and already i'm working on the Chinese New Year campaign.

Right now i feel as if while i'm physically here, getting into the spirit of Christmas, yet my brains have already travelled forward a couple of months in time. It wasn't easy trying to coordinate the shoot as we had to create the atmosphere of CNY and psyche ourselves into the celebration while being surrounded by all things Christmas.

In one of our chats the other day, Siryn suggested that i should post some of the behind-the-scenes pix for the benefit of others who don't have a chance to see a photoshoot. So here are some of the stuff which i managed to sneak a few shots of.


Our mood board which we used to plan the lighting, the angles, the poses... basically, as the name suggests, the whole 'mood' which we're trying to achieve from this session.



Some of the props we used. The colour Red is very auspicious to the chinese culture. The word 'Orange' in chinese sounds like 'gold' which signifies wealth. The blossoms represents Spring, which is when Chinese New Year is celebrated.





Couldn't resist taking this shot - The make-up artist's kit.

Siryn, are you salivating now?? YES, it's ALL M.A.C colours & brushes. Sheng was so nice to show me all the different products he used plus demonstrate some of the effects on me AND let me play around with the colours/brushes. *faints in happiness*

Erm... think i'd better not post the other pix here. Sorry.. but the whole campaign is still confidential. Will try to capture more shots at other photoshoots next time. ;)

When the cookie crumbles

Got this from inside a Fortune Cookie the other day. ;D

Sharing wishes

Ok... maybe my earlier post is little self-centred and since i'm gearing myself to prepare for Christmas, here's my wish list for some of my dear ones.

Note: Keyword is "WISH" = Things that i can't afford/give but want you to have anyway.

Dad: Latest surround system and real good steak dinner. (Honest, not easy to find good steaks these days. :P )
Mum: An open ticket to whichever holiday destination you want.
Siryn: Endless supply of MAC make-up and cellulite-free thighs (?)
Foodie Queen: Good health, safe delivery of your little angel/astronaut ;) and a new job for your hubby.
Cilla: Unlimited credit and to fit into size 8 without extra bits sticking out. ;P (Heck, i want that too!!!)
Csu: A holiday and a LIFE beyond work. (I'm serious!!)
Jebi: That you'll get the 'one' you want. ;P
Loki: Your New Age Relationship to work out. Otherwise, a cute Jap girl. :P
Glen: Great friends to make your days memorable, choc volcano cakes and roti canai (??) :D
Terry: Good weather to take (more) beautiful pictures. ;D Oh... and oodles of tasty spaghetti!!

Hmm.... brains mal-functioning already. Time to shut down (computer not brains, obviously) and go home.

Final wish: That everyone will have a truly enjoyable and meaningful Christmas Season starting now (if you haven't gotten into the mood yet. ;P)

My needs are few...

Days to Christmas: 20
Off-days for Christmas: 0
Presents to buy: 30.. and counting
Presents bought: 0

Ugh… I can tell i’m already off to a bad start for Christmas this year. Gone are the days when i’m highly organized and efficient that all gifts would be bought, wrapped and tagged months before Christmas.

Now i’m hoping to high heavens that i will be able to buy presents in time for Christmas AND not, God forbid, forget anyone. Don’t you just hate it when you don’t buy a present for someone (coz you’re not that close) and he/she gives you one? Then you’re left scrambling frantically for one to give in return. And the following year, when you think you’ve got it covered by getting his/her present in advance, then the other person doesn’t give you any. *groan* and the whole cycle repeats itself the following years. Sheesh...

Cilla said i should post my Christmas wish list here as a reminder to others. (You know… in case anyone…erm… don’t know what to get me… and in this season of giving, we should ensure people don’t feel bad. :P)

So here’s my list of immediate needs (Note: ‘Needs’ not ‘wants’):

1. my own place i.e: condo
2. a laptop
3. new handphone (ok.. maybe not so immediate need but my current phone is getting cranky on me already)
4. a holiday – anywhere that has indoor plumbing and cool weather :P
5. cash (DUH! I’m always in need of this scarce commodity)

Hmm... Any takers? Your generosity will be much appreciated. ;D

Fall in again...

A few weeks ago, my aunt from Oz called to ask when i'll be visiting her again. When i was there earlier this year, i had left some of the autumn leaves i collected during one of our road trips and was rather disappointed about it coz i had wanted to do a collage with them. Yesterday, she called again and reminded me that there's many more places for me to visit.... and a lot more leaves waiting to be collected. Or perhaps, next time round, i can visit during Spring. *dreamy-eyed *

The last few times i went to Oz was either during Autumn or Winter. Heck, whenever i travel overseas, i ALWAYS choose those seasons. Figured there's no point of going to a foreign country with the same hot climate as where i am now plus, travel fares are usually cheaper during cold season since it's non-peak period. :D

Anyway, she got me thinking about holidays (again) and wishing i could be back there. Really enjoyed walking in the park near her house. Miss the fresh air, cool temperature and to be able to just enjoy the whole environment. Then later, to go home to a delicious home-cooked dinner. *sigh*

I think the busyness of city life is getting to me. Every day is always rush, rush, rush. Trying to accomplish a million things at the same time.

To my friends overseas, wish i could be with you all right now. I so wanna lie down on the snow and make silly snow angels. 8P

Treasure Box

Found this pix which Siryn took months ago. Think it was about July this year. THIS was our comfort food then.

Now i'm just dreaming of dark chocolate... Buckets and buckets of it.....Would love to stick a straw into never-ending chocolate fountain and drink self to death now.

Anyone care to join me??? Bring your own straw..

Give me the spirit

Ugh... it's bad when clients call late after office hours. You know that they're not asking if you've had dinner or telling you to go home to rest. *DUH* But when you get woken up at 9am by client on Saturdays... it's means Apocalypse! Already things are running wayyyyyyyyy behind schedule... and with this morning's news... *sigh* there goes Christmas!

I'm at the brink of dowsing liqour on my choc lava cake if this continues. At least if i'm not feeling cheerful in this season, i'll still be high with spirit *hic*

Taking it

When i was young, i hardly received punishment. Not that i wanted it or that i was such a terror to my parents (well.. i least i think so - the non-terror part). Sure, i had my rebellious times and received disapproving looks/stern reprimands and the occasional stand-in-the-corner silent treatment. But that was about it.

As i grew older, i was taught the responsibility of owning up to mistakes i've made... whether intentional or otherwise. I'm reminded that, while its understandable to have mood swings, yet it does not give us the liberty to snap at people. Problems or issues are to be resolved in a rational manner. The angrier you are, the lower your tone must be. To learn to hear the other person out first before you're quick to judged him. To always be accountable for your actions. That was the lesson.

Fast forward to now. Tempers flail so easily around me. The slightest things can cause extreme annoyance and sour faces. Childish tantrums abound and worst, i seem to always be at the receiving end of it. It's always our fault, it's always our mistake. Nevermind if the decision was made by someone else.. it's still our fault. When credit is due, false modesty projects itself in all its glory. When there is an error (no matter how trivial), everyone becomes a 'tai-qi' expert - pushing the blame to someone else. I think i have been scolded more times on things not of my doing than on the actual mistakes i've made in my life.

Have i this knack of being in the wrong place at the wrong time? Or am i just too accomodating?