Thank you, President Bush
Paulo Coelho
11 - 3 - 2003
From the world's most popular novelist, Paulo Coelho, an open letter of praise for President Bush.
Thank you, great leader George W. Bush.
Thank you for showing everyone what a danger Saddam Hussein represents. Many of us might otherwise have forgotten that he used chemical weapons against his own people, against the Kurds and against the Iranians. Hussein is a bloodthirsty dictator and one of the clearest expressions of evil in today’s world.
But this is not my only reason for thanking you. During the first two months of 2003, you have shown the world a great many other important things and, therefore, deserve my gratitude.
So, remembering a poem I learned as a child, I want to say thank you.
Thank you for showing everyone that the Turkish people and their parliament are not for sale, not even for 26 billion dollars.
Thank you for revealing to the world the gulf that exists between the decisions made by those in power and the wishes of the people. Thank you for making it clear that neither José María Aznar nor Tony Blair give the slightest weight to or show the slightest respect for the votes they received. Aznar is perfectly capable of ignoring the fact that 90% of Spaniards are against the war, and Blair is unmoved by the largest public demonstration to take place in England in the last thirty years.
Thank you for making it necessary for Tony Blair to go to the British parliament with a fabricated dossier written by a student ten years ago, and present this as ‘damning evidence collected by the British Secret Service’.
Thank you for allowing Colin Powell to make a complete fool of himself by showing the UN Security Council photos which, one week later, were publicly challenged by Hans Blix, the chief weapons inspector in Iraq.
Thank you for adopting your current position and thus ensuring that, at the plenary session, the French foreign minister, Dominique de Villepin’s anti-war speech was greeted with applause – something, as far as I know, that has only happened once before in the history of the UN, following a speech by Nelson Mandela.
Thank you too, because, after all your efforts to promote war, the normally divided Arab nations were, for the first time, at their meeting in Cairo during the last week in February, unanimous in their condemnation of any invasion.
Thank you for your rhetoric stating that ‘the UN now has a chance to demonstrate its relevance’, a statement which made even the most reluctant countries take up a position opposing any attack on Iraq.
Thank you for your foreign policy which provoked the British foreign secretary, Jack Straw, into declaring that in the 21st century, ‘a war can have a moral justification’, thus causing him to lose all credibility.
Thank you for trying to divide a Europe that is currently struggling for unification; this was a warning that will not go unheeded.
Thank you for having achieved something that very few have so far managed to do in this century: the bringing together of millions of people on all continents to fight for the same idea, even though that idea is opposed to yours.
Thank you for making us feel once more that though our words may not be heard, they are at least spoken – this will make us stronger in the future.
Thank you for ignoring us, for marginalising all those who oppose your decision, because the future of the Earth belongs to the excluded.
Thank you, because, without you, we would not have realised our own ability to mobilise. It may serve no purpose this time, but it will doubtless be useful later on.
Now that there seems no way of silencing the drums of war, I would like to say, as an ancient European king said to an invader: ‘May your morning be a beautiful one, may the sun shine on your soldiers’ armour, for in the afternoon, I will defeat you.’
Thank you for allowing us – an army of anonymous people filling the streets in an attempt to stop a process that is already underway – to know what it feels like to be powerless and to learn to grapple with that feeling and transform it.
So, enjoy your morning and whatever glory it may yet bring you.
Thank you for not listening to us and not taking us seriously, but know that we are listening to you and that we will not forget your words.
Thank you, great leader George W. Bush.
Thank you very much.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Somethings sweet n simple
I love you not because of who you are, but because of who I
am when I am
with you..
No man or woman is worth your tears, and the one who is,
won't make you
cry.
Just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them
to, doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.
Maybe God wants us to meet a few wrong people before meeting the right
one, so that when we finally meet the person, we will know how to be grateful.
Don't try so hard, the best things come when you least expect them to.
am when I am
with you..
No man or woman is worth your tears, and the one who is,
won't make you
cry.
Just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them
to, doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.
Maybe God wants us to meet a few wrong people before meeting the right
one, so that when we finally meet the person, we will know how to be grateful.
Don't try so hard, the best things come when you least expect them to.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
"Manure" (Believe it nor not?)
In the 16th and 17th centuries, everything had to be transported by ship. It was also before the invention of commercial fertilizer, so large shipments of manure were common. It was shipped dry, because in dry form it weighed a lot less than when wet, but once water (at sea) hit it, it not only became heavier, but the process of fermentation began again, of which a by-product is methane gas.
As the stuff was stored below decks in bundles you could see what would (and did) happen. Methane began to build up below decks and the first time someone came below at night with a lantern, BOOOOM!
Several ships were destroyed in this manner before it was determined just what was happening. After that, the bundles of manure were always stamped with the term "Ship High In Transit" on them, which meant the sailors should stow it high enough off the lower decks so that any water that came into the hold would not come in contact with this volatile cargo and start the production of methane.
Thus evolved the colloquialism for manure as we know it today having come down through the centuries.
You probably did not know the true history of this word. Neither did I - I always thought it was a golf term!
Source :- http://www.nauticalinstitute.ca/
Shipping Manure: By Albert Lee
In the 16th and 17th centuries, everything had to be transported by ship. It was also before the invention of commercial fertilizer, so large shipments of manure were common. It was shipped dry, because in dry form it weighed a lot less than when wet, but once water (at sea) hit it, it not only became heavier, but the process of fermentation began again, of which a by-product is methane gas.
As the stuff was stored below decks in bundles you could see what would (and did) happen. Methane began to build up below decks and the first time someone came below at night with a lantern, BOOOOM!
Several ships were destroyed in this manner before it was determined just what was happening. After that, the bundles of manure were always stamped with the term "Ship High In Transit" on them, which meant the sailors should stow it high enough off the lower decks so that any water that came into the hold would not come in contact with this volatile cargo and start the production of methane.
Thus evolved the colloquialism for manure as we know it today having come down through the centuries.
You probably did not know the true history of this word. Neither did I - I always thought it was a golf term!
Source :- http://www.nauticalinstitute.ca/
Shipping Manure: By Albert Lee
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Help is here!
Have you ever been stalked, watched or pursued relentlessly by a guy you've already rejected? Shudder nervously everytime your cellphone rings thinking that it might be him?
Fret no more!
The Creep Fixers are here!!
The following items are extremely effective in your quest to shake that creep off:
1) Fake Armpit Hair (comes in lengths of 30 cm, 2 meters and 10Metres. Currently only blond hairs are in stock, we'd be bringing in red, brown and white later on)
2)Vomit flavoured Mouthwash-human noses can detect your breath 10 meters away.
3)Long Rubber Sticks- You put this in your pants to create the illusion that you're not entirely female. (Apologies to those who take offence at our squemishness in using sexual terms. As this is a family friendly site, we try as far as possible not to lead any kids astray. )
4)Chest hair-These are authentic hairs from famous male celebrities: Brown: Jake Gyllenhaal and George Clooney. Blond: Heath Ledger. (Disclaimer: No celebrities were harmed during the process of procuring the hairs. )
5)Durian Scented Perfume: Perfume made from genuine D24 durians from Malaysia, tastes as good as it smells!
Call us!
You won't regret it!
Fret no more!
The Creep Fixers are here!!
The following items are extremely effective in your quest to shake that creep off:
1) Fake Armpit Hair (comes in lengths of 30 cm, 2 meters and 10Metres. Currently only blond hairs are in stock, we'd be bringing in red, brown and white later on)
2)Vomit flavoured Mouthwash-human noses can detect your breath 10 meters away.
3)Long Rubber Sticks- You put this in your pants to create the illusion that you're not entirely female. (Apologies to those who take offence at our squemishness in using sexual terms. As this is a family friendly site, we try as far as possible not to lead any kids astray. )
4)Chest hair-These are authentic hairs from famous male celebrities: Brown: Jake Gyllenhaal and George Clooney. Blond: Heath Ledger. (Disclaimer: No celebrities were harmed during the process of procuring the hairs. )
5)Durian Scented Perfume: Perfume made from genuine D24 durians from Malaysia, tastes as good as it smells!
Call us!
You won't regret it!
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Okie..this is the original (what a boy think)
為女朋友做的45件事~轉
1.向新朋友介紹女友時，請摟著她的腰，而不是站在一旁用手指點。
2.在街上遇見美女凝視時間不超過5秒，並迅速指出那位美女與她相比較的美中不足。
3.如果她做錯了事，心裏已經很難過，請主動承擔起你應該甚至不應該承擔的責任 。
4.聽女友話的男人才會有出息，所以，你要乖乖聽她的話。
5.她可以欺負你，但你絕對不可以欺負她，因為她雖然欺負你,但是每次有什麼好東西,她第一個想到的就是你!
6.要是她朝你哭,你要不厭其煩地哄她,直到她破涕為笑！
7.把她的照片貼在錢包，手機...一切經常看到的地方。
8.離開她絕對不超過十天以上。
9.在她的朋友面前，希望你可以表現得比平時更疼愛她和緊張她的樣子。
10.大男人不等於霸道。
11.溫柔不等於沒主見。
12.瀟灑不等於沒交代。
13..不要老是在我問她「去那裏比較好」，「吃什麼」等等的時候說"隨便"，這不等於是你在遷就她，只表示你沒有心思搭理她。
14.要經常對她說"我愛妳"，否則她會假設你不愛她。
15.永遠不要在公眾場合對她呼呼吼吼又或是撇下她一人。
16.她做錯事情的時候教訓她不要緊，最重要的是在那之後要哄她。
17.發脾氣時不要不理她，不要給時間她讓她冷靜，其實她完全不需要時間冷靜。
18.可以陪自己的朋友，但一定要重色輕友。
19.她看動畫片，你不但不准笑話她，還要跟她一起看。
20.在她想你時，擠出時間與她約會。
21.看她的眼神無比專注 。
22.說話的語氣情深意長 。
23.能做到客觀的得看到其他優秀的女孩，但主觀認為她才是最好的。
24.有女孩和你說話，你要拉著她的手，如果她恰巧不在旁邊，那麼請你跟她們保持距離。
25.過馬路的時候牽著她的手。
26.要懂得珍惜和她在一起的每分鐘
27.就算再忙，每天都不忘打一個問候的電話 。
28.要常常唱情歌給她聽。
29.兩個人都有發火的權利，但不能同一天,如果那一天她發火了，那你就不可以發火了。
30.女友生活中不順心，你要循循善誘、幫忙分析，提出建設性方案若干。
31.要非常愛你的女友---她，堅決擁護女友的決定，服從女友的領導。
32..留意其他女生不得超過5秒鐘，看同一女生累計不得超過5次
33.即使全世界的人都不相信她，你也要無條件相信她。因為她也會同樣對你。
34.她穿了好看的衣服，你要衷心讚美。
35.嚴禁在女士（3歲-80歲）面前耍貧，放電。若有違反，視情節嚴重程度，由女友從嚴、從快進行嚴厲打擊，任何人、任何形式的狡辯，抵賴都將按妨礙司法公正論處。
36.不抽煙。一經發現立即開除。
37.與女友吵架每次陳述不得超過3分鐘（含），音量不得超過20分貝（含）。
38.要加強鍛煉，強健身體,一口氣抱她上到五樓
39. 在她心情遭透，蠻橫發脾氣的時候，抱抱她，而不是和她理論。
40.希望不會出現手機沒電而她又沒有其他辦法聯繫到你的現象，如果能頻頻主動打電話告訴她「我想你了」並隨時彙報行蹤則更好。
41.她身上有很多缺點，她已經夠苦惱了，請不必隨時向她提醒。
42.女友不講理是撒嬌而不是撒野。
43.她所有的事情都好想跟你分享、雖然你不一定會明白但是希望你會裝做你在聽。
44.最重要的一點：要永遠認為女友是對的。因為，她是最愛你的。
45.聽某嘴，大富貴。
================================================
眾女生們...請問這是真的嗎??
1.向新朋友介紹女友時，請摟著她的腰，而不是站在一旁用手指點。
2.在街上遇見美女凝視時間不超過5秒，並迅速指出那位美女與她相比較的美中不足。
3.如果她做錯了事，心裏已經很難過，請主動承擔起你應該甚至不應該承擔的責任 。
4.聽女友話的男人才會有出息，所以，你要乖乖聽她的話。
5.她可以欺負你，但你絕對不可以欺負她，因為她雖然欺負你,但是每次有什麼好東西,她第一個想到的就是你!
6.要是她朝你哭,你要不厭其煩地哄她,直到她破涕為笑！
7.把她的照片貼在錢包，手機...一切經常看到的地方。
8.離開她絕對不超過十天以上。
9.在她的朋友面前，希望你可以表現得比平時更疼愛她和緊張她的樣子。
10.大男人不等於霸道。
11.溫柔不等於沒主見。
12.瀟灑不等於沒交代。
13..不要老是在我問她「去那裏比較好」，「吃什麼」等等的時候說"隨便"，這不等於是你在遷就她，只表示你沒有心思搭理她。
14.要經常對她說"我愛妳"，否則她會假設你不愛她。
15.永遠不要在公眾場合對她呼呼吼吼又或是撇下她一人。
16.她做錯事情的時候教訓她不要緊，最重要的是在那之後要哄她。
17.發脾氣時不要不理她，不要給時間她讓她冷靜，其實她完全不需要時間冷靜。
18.可以陪自己的朋友，但一定要重色輕友。
19.她看動畫片，你不但不准笑話她，還要跟她一起看。
20.在她想你時，擠出時間與她約會。
21.看她的眼神無比專注 。
22.說話的語氣情深意長 。
23.能做到客觀的得看到其他優秀的女孩，但主觀認為她才是最好的。
24.有女孩和你說話，你要拉著她的手，如果她恰巧不在旁邊，那麼請你跟她們保持距離。
25.過馬路的時候牽著她的手。
26.要懂得珍惜和她在一起的每分鐘
27.就算再忙，每天都不忘打一個問候的電話 。
28.要常常唱情歌給她聽。
29.兩個人都有發火的權利，但不能同一天,如果那一天她發火了，那你就不可以發火了。
30.女友生活中不順心，你要循循善誘、幫忙分析，提出建設性方案若干。
31.要非常愛你的女友---她，堅決擁護女友的決定，服從女友的領導。
32..留意其他女生不得超過5秒鐘，看同一女生累計不得超過5次
33.即使全世界的人都不相信她，你也要無條件相信她。因為她也會同樣對你。
34.她穿了好看的衣服，你要衷心讚美。
35.嚴禁在女士（3歲-80歲）面前耍貧，放電。若有違反，視情節嚴重程度，由女友從嚴、從快進行嚴厲打擊，任何人、任何形式的狡辯，抵賴都將按妨礙司法公正論處。
36.不抽煙。一經發現立即開除。
37.與女友吵架每次陳述不得超過3分鐘（含），音量不得超過20分貝（含）。
38.要加強鍛煉，強健身體,一口氣抱她上到五樓
39. 在她心情遭透，蠻橫發脾氣的時候，抱抱她，而不是和她理論。
40.希望不會出現手機沒電而她又沒有其他辦法聯繫到你的現象，如果能頻頻主動打電話告訴她「我想你了」並隨時彙報行蹤則更好。
41.她身上有很多缺點，她已經夠苦惱了，請不必隨時向她提醒。
42.女友不講理是撒嬌而不是撒野。
43.她所有的事情都好想跟你分享、雖然你不一定會明白但是希望你會裝做你在聽。
44.最重要的一點：要永遠認為女友是對的。因為，她是最愛你的。
45.聽某嘴，大富貴。
================================================
眾女生們...請問這是真的嗎??
Sunday, June 18, 2006
45 things you do for your boy
1. When introducing your boy to your friends, please hold his hand and not point him out from afar.2. Don't stare at other guys on the street for more than 5 seconds nor smile at them. Cute soccer players on TV are excused.
3. If he makes a mistake, tell him about it instead of leaving him guessing . (As we all know we will get angry if he guesses wrongly.)
4. Listen to him and "give him face" when in the company of friends.
5. Let me know that it's okie if you bully him, cox you are the only one who will mean him no real harm, and you are really trying to get his attention.
6. Show concern if he appears sad/troubled. But if he says he's fine, let him be. (He'll tell you when it's time). In the meanwhile, be specially sweet and attentive.
7. Keep his photo in your wallet, friendster, msn and everywhere visible.
It's a sign of adoring love (and also you are taken).
8.Don't leave him alone for more than 3 days. If he's sick, don't leave him alone for than 3 hours.
9. Be caring and sweet in the presence of his friends. Make him proud.
10. Allow him to show his chauvinistic side once in a while ( that can be really macho.)
11. Be gentle yet strong.
12. Be independent yet responsible (at least let him know when you are coming back at 3am.)
13. Make decisions when he leaves it up to you. (like where to eat and so forth.)
14. Tell him you love him.
15. Never kick up a fuss in public.
16. If in the wrong, do apologise. You'll be forgiven.
17. Try...try very hard to say what you mean. I.e. if you want him to call, at least avoid saying "Leave me alone."
18. Give him space to be with his friends. But remind him that you're the priority if he has to choose.
19. Learn to appreciate things he likes however alien it may sound - foreign movies, soccer , IT . . .
20. Date him.
21. Give him wholehearted attention when speaking to him, in person or over the phone.
22. Always speak to him in an adoringly fashion.
23. Never speak of your ex-boyfriends or other guys in a way that would make them appear more superior than him.
24. If other guys make their advances, you must hold his hand if he's with you. If he's not around, rule is to keep your distance.
25. Wait for him to hold your hand and help you cross the road safely.
26. Treasure every second with him.
27. However busy, give him a call at least once a day to show him you are thinking of him.
28. If you need to talk, but he is busy, go talk to your girl friends, blog or something.
29. If he has had a bad day, try not to bog him down with details of yours as well. After all, he's always the one who listens to your problems and gives you advice.
30. You might not know how to advise him when he tells you his problems but do your part to make his life easier by lessening your usual demands.
31. Love him.
32. Trust him.
33. Be faithful.
34. Praise him when he has done right things. Positive reinforcement.
35. Don't stop maintaining your appearance.
36. Don't smoke.
37. Don't take him for granted.
38. Don't fight and be angry with him for over 1 day and don't fight more than once a month.
39. Don't put on too much weight else it's difficult to ask him to carry you when your heels are hurting.
40. Try not to avoid more than 10 missed calls a day.
41. Buy something for him when you are on a shopping spree (and you've already bought 5 things for yourself).
42. Avoid comparing his shortcomings with your friend's boyfriends and highlight his strengths as often as possible.
43. Though you are always right, let him win once in a while.
44. Help him score points in front of your parents.
45. Always remember that he loves you.
So what do you think ladies?
Saturday, June 17, 2006
White Roses
Since young, I've always find it a challenge understanding why a wake needs to be held. Having grown up in a HDB environment, thereby having a fair exposure to chinese wakes only intensifies the mystery.
I can certainly recall my sentiments after a certain English/Literature lesson involving poems about death and such. I recalled telling myself and my peers that next time when it comes to my turn, regardless of my religion, please allow me to go in peace and spare me the priests and the chants, the smoke and the incense. Just give me some light jazz and white roses ...that should suffice.
As I grow up, I do hear a few varying suggestions. A funeral is not so much for the dead but for the living. To a certain extent I can imagine, the fact that your friends are there to give you the support. Still, to me, that can happen anywhere, not necessary at a wake.
So my conclusion is that a wake has to be for the dead.
But what good does it make when friends come to pay their last respects after they see the obitruary? Doesn't it make more sense if the obitruary comes on when you are still around, saying something like " To you my dear friends, I might be gone in a while. Unlike the normal obitruary, I would invite you to visit me when I am still around. Would be nice. Hope to see you. "
Think it would be hard for me to tell my parents that this is my game plan. Far too morbid and taboo I think. So thought I would share it here on the blog. At least there's some documentation of my wishes in future. However, pls do not be alarmed, this certainly does not constitute any suicidal inclination of such. Just wanted to be a control freak as per normal.
But seriously, the typical wake is too much hassle, too much noise...think going in peace should be taken literally in this sense.
So no mahjong and no big crowds, no hanging blankets and no noise please. Just give me my white roses and my favourite old school jazz. Even if a wake need to take place, pray put all my nicest pictures like an exhibition so I can be remembered in my finest moments and not that ugly IC photo yeah.
Friday, June 09, 2006
Happy Birthday Girl!!
Am so full that I cannot sleep. Maybe I will watch the opening match. Anyway, here are some pictures to commemorate the joyful occasion.Happy Birthday dear girl!!!
Friday, May 26, 2006
4 teeth less, and none the richer
A horrified friend recently proclaimed that I definitely have something against my teeth. oh well, maybe yes, maybe no, but since they got in the way and represented a threat they must be removed. Perhaps it's just that mine get in the way more often than others'.
8 little annoying individuals , all taken out *finally!*.
Not all at once of course, mind you, even I dare not dream of being so gungho. It 4 on the Tuesday that just passed, in addition to the 4 removed years ago to make way for my braces.
So here I am, and have been, at home for the last 4 days with my chipmunk face, refusing to step out of the house lest I scare little children to tears. hahahah. Didn't go to NDC in the end - I chickened out. Went to private dentist instead, which didn't cost that much more. But I think the dentist screwed up slightly with the LA on my right cheek, since it hurt when he tried to pull out my teeth on the right side even after the LA injections (since the jabs already hurt like mad, and mind you I felt every single one of those blasted jabs into my cheek and gums - there were a total of like, 5 per side?, the pulling shouldn't be hurting right???. Could also feel that he was using a lot of pressure again my jaw, like he was wrestling with my teeth. I was probably shaking after that, coz i could hear my teeth chattering against the metal equipment he was using to sew my gums up. Heh, I nearly decided to do the left side another day, but didn't, and thank goodness the left side was much less eventful than the right...
It's always a torture when dinner smells waft up to my room these last few days (because I know I can't eat any of it). But it's great when a creative dentist tells you that yoghurt and ice-cream and chocolate (i think) are nutritious (they are diary products after all) and there is no reason why I shouldn't be eating them at this time *whee!!!!*. Haha.. not the private dentist but one of the 3 I saw before. hahah, and best of all, Ed turned up at my house with ice cream, chocolate, boxes of Campbell soup, Vitagen and Meiji yoghurt the day I got my teeth taken out. Heh. I think I'm really easy to please man ;p
A liquid diet is a great way to lose weight, should try one day, you all... hahahah.
Anyway, heard about Andy's party, sorry I can't turn up (it's a vanity issue so pls forgive me ;P ). Hope you gals have fun, and see you all soon!
8 little annoying individuals , all taken out *finally!*.
Not all at once of course, mind you, even I dare not dream of being so gungho. It 4 on the Tuesday that just passed, in addition to the 4 removed years ago to make way for my braces.
So here I am, and have been, at home for the last 4 days with my chipmunk face, refusing to step out of the house lest I scare little children to tears. hahahah. Didn't go to NDC in the end - I chickened out. Went to private dentist instead, which didn't cost that much more. But I think the dentist screwed up slightly with the LA on my right cheek, since it hurt when he tried to pull out my teeth on the right side even after the LA injections (since the jabs already hurt like mad, and mind you I felt every single one of those blasted jabs into my cheek and gums - there were a total of like, 5 per side?, the pulling shouldn't be hurting right???. Could also feel that he was using a lot of pressure again my jaw, like he was wrestling with my teeth. I was probably shaking after that, coz i could hear my teeth chattering against the metal equipment he was using to sew my gums up. Heh, I nearly decided to do the left side another day, but didn't, and thank goodness the left side was much less eventful than the right...
It's always a torture when dinner smells waft up to my room these last few days (because I know I can't eat any of it). But it's great when a creative dentist tells you that yoghurt and ice-cream and chocolate (i think) are nutritious (they are diary products after all) and there is no reason why I shouldn't be eating them at this time *whee!!!!*. Haha.. not the private dentist but one of the 3 I saw before. hahah, and best of all, Ed turned up at my house with ice cream, chocolate, boxes of Campbell soup, Vitagen and Meiji yoghurt the day I got my teeth taken out. Heh. I think I'm really easy to please man ;p
A liquid diet is a great way to lose weight, should try one day, you all... hahahah.
Anyway, heard about Andy's party, sorry I can't turn up (it's a vanity issue so pls forgive me ;P ). Hope you gals have fun, and see you all soon!
Sunday, May 14, 2006
great music
Dear frens, this is great stuff. Go check it out
http://www.oebase.com/radio/band_radio.asp?bandClient=pinkmartini&band=Pink%20Martini%20Radio&color=darkRed
http://www.oebase.com/radio/band_radio.asp?bandClient=pinkmartini&band=Pink%20Martini%20Radio&color=darkRed
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
istanbul anyone???
got bitten by the travel bug once again and this time the craving is for exotic middleeaster/mediterrenean fare...
any takers? we will visit the land of ali baba, get our very own genies ( mine will have handsome dark brooding looks with deep aqua marine eyes, not too bluffy just lean), fly some magic carpets or just sing a whole new world again and again, smoke a shisa or two and our mot du jour would be "acrcadebra" (how do u spell this thing? or "open sesame"...
mid june will be good time or ???
any takers? we will visit the land of ali baba, get our very own genies ( mine will have handsome dark brooding looks with deep aqua marine eyes, not too bluffy just lean), fly some magic carpets or just sing a whole new world again and again, smoke a shisa or two and our mot du jour would be "acrcadebra" (how do u spell this thing? or "open sesame"...
mid june will be good time or ???
Thursday, April 20, 2006
what is the deal with democracy?
With the general elections coming, it seems to many that the elections is just a farce acted out to give a semblance of democracy and its most critical element; that of representation by elections. Cool young arm chair wannabe dissidents like myself start heated debates about how the PAP is just trying to drown out opposition voice, redrawing electoral boundaries to their advantage blah blah...cool young arm chair wannabes who talk this over a cup of $6.50 Starbucks frappe in the coolest part of town after work/school and the next day go back into the very same comfortable material life that have been created by the very governments that they criticise because due to them, we do not have freedom of press while maybe free speech really does a lot of good when u have nothing to eat.
So why bother with elections at all? Because the whole says that "democracy is good". The world? Perhaps our worldview is a little too narrow, the world does consist much more that just the Europeans and the Americans way of life. Things, mentality of other non western worlds that we have no clue about. Democracy, it becomes a word we repeat with no clue of whether it is right or wrong or good or bad. Iran is bad...why? Because they are not democratic, Singapore government is bad. Why? Because it does not have serious democratic elections. American, well that is a real example of good democracy...really? I do not know, I have not lived there. This is really not a post to deride democracy but guess it is a manifest of frustration of the senseless usage of democracy as a facade to hide real intentions or to manipulate poor idealists. Not only that but there are many fundamentals in ways of life, cultures, society where these fundamentals exist and I will term them as social "truths", u never question them or risk not fitting in. That’s the way of humans. I rest my case.
So why bother with elections at all? Because the whole says that "democracy is good". The world? Perhaps our worldview is a little too narrow, the world does consist much more that just the Europeans and the Americans way of life. Things, mentality of other non western worlds that we have no clue about. Democracy, it becomes a word we repeat with no clue of whether it is right or wrong or good or bad. Iran is bad...why? Because they are not democratic, Singapore government is bad. Why? Because it does not have serious democratic elections. American, well that is a real example of good democracy...really? I do not know, I have not lived there. This is really not a post to deride democracy but guess it is a manifest of frustration of the senseless usage of democracy as a facade to hide real intentions or to manipulate poor idealists. Not only that but there are many fundamentals in ways of life, cultures, society where these fundamentals exist and I will term them as social "truths", u never question them or risk not fitting in. That’s the way of humans. I rest my case.
Friday, April 14, 2006
I was reminded
Thanks to Gis' invitation to the premiere (to be an usher), I was reminded of the show I was reminding myself to watch out for - Singapore Dreaming. I first saw it on the website tackingcock.com and I was particularly curious to see what it was all about... is it going to be something like True talkingcock style or is it going to be more like the local Jack Neo movies? And guess the main reason for my interest is because one of the directors was my sec sch teacher.
As I went to the movie website, my attn was brought to the article that inspired the show - Paved with good intentioms. I read it and it all came back to me ... how I was inspired by it when I read it a few years back. Hence, have decided to share it with you my dear frens.
If you have no time, you could simply skip to the words highlighted in purple, think it sums up the article very well and very simply. But I strongly recommend that all should read it.
I saw on news some interviews with 10 men on the street. They were asked the question, "how concerned are you with the elections?" Not surprisingly, none expressed much interest. Some tried hard to think of a politically correct and not-so-nonchalent answer ... " as long as the gahmen takes care of us .... think abt our welfare" .. The compere rounded up the show by saying perhaps we would feel more interest from the younger voters nearer to the elections. I suspect this is what you get from a Plan isn't it?
In an interview with some school kids, one girl brought up " I think/some people think the party is quite arrogant" . The response came back "if we were arrogant, would we be talking to you now?"
Stark contrast to the above ... however, after more of such forums, I wonder - will she become more like a planner or a dreamer?
As I went to the movie website, my attn was brought to the article that inspired the show - Paved with good intentioms. I read it and it all came back to me ... how I was inspired by it when I read it a few years back. Hence, have decided to share it with you my dear frens.
If you have no time, you could simply skip to the words highlighted in purple, think it sums up the article very well and very simply. But I strongly recommend that all should read it.
I saw on news some interviews with 10 men on the street. They were asked the question, "how concerned are you with the elections?" Not surprisingly, none expressed much interest. Some tried hard to think of a politically correct and not-so-nonchalent answer ... " as long as the gahmen takes care of us .... think abt our welfare" .. The compere rounded up the show by saying perhaps we would feel more interest from the younger voters nearer to the elections. I suspect this is what you get from a Plan isn't it?
In an interview with some school kids, one girl brought up " I think/some people think the party is quite arrogant" . The response came back "if we were arrogant, would we be talking to you now?"
Stark contrast to the above ... however, after more of such forums, I wonder - will she become more like a planner or a dreamer?
Singapore Dreaming
The following essay was written for Singaporeans Exposed: Navigating the Ins and Outs of Globalisation (published to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the Singapore International Foundation, 2001, Landmark Books)
PAVED WITH GOOD INTENTIONS:How living in New York has illuminated for us the difference between the Singaporean Dream and the Singaporean PlanBy Colin Goh & Joyceln Woo Yen Yen
Former lawyer turned writer/cartoonist Colin Goh and educator Joyceln Woo are married and have been living in New York for the past three years.
COLIN & JOYCELN: We fell in love and in June 1998, we got married - true Singaporean style. The studio photography, the clothes, church, the dinner and the hundred of guests that we had never met before. What happened to us after that was not so typically Singaporean. Here are our stories.
JOYCELN: As a child, I could never sleep the night before the first day of school. The night before my first day of teaching was no different. I didn’t know what to expect but I knew that I was going to help kids learn, be the best teacher, and make a difference.
At my first staff meeting, the principal screened an image familiar to all new schoolteachers - the Prism. Like a magical crystal ball, the Prism told many things. It could predict how well students entering secondary school with 4 subjects at PSLE would do for the ‘O’ levels. With the Prism, we could evaluate each student’s potential grade in literature based on his/her PSLE grades and then tell if our school had “added value” to the child’s education.
Looking into the Prism, the principal announced that while she was concerned about the various aspects of development - Intellectual, Aesthetic, Moral, and Physical - “This year, our school will focus on the Intellectual.” By this, she meant that as teachers, we should all ensure that we stretched the potential of the students so that they performed “better than expected” at the ‘O’ levels. I noticed in the subsequent years that we never decided to focus on any other aspect of development. There was never an Aesthetic, Moral or Physical year.
The conversations in the staff room educated me considerably about the concerns of teachers.
“Oh, I heard you bought the new condo in Bukit Batok, that’s a good investment…”
“So which piano school are you sending your child to now?”
“Do you want to go buy diamonds with us, we are going to buy diamonds this afternoon.”
In my naïveté, this came as a shock. Why weren’t teachers talking about helping students learn or improving instruction?
And when they WERE talking about improving instruction, it was invariably:
“So what questions do you think will come out for this year’s ‘O’ levels?”
“Yes! Yes! I spotted the right questions!”
“You have to make sure your students write 5 ‘compositions’ and do 5 ‘comprehensions’ this semester.”
And when questions were asked, the answer was inevitably “Can’t change. That’s what the principal wants to see.”
The culture in the staff room was a mix of different groups:
· the Tai-Tais, women who had married well-off husbands, and who admired, respected and competed with each other for their Ferragamo shoes and Louis Vuitton bags.
· the few unmarried men who were mothered by the Tai-Tais as they were regarded as “good” men (i.e. hardworking and honest) but ironically insufficiently compelling marriage material (for why on earth would a functioning, virile, desirable man become a teacher?).
· the married men who usually lived in HDB flats (unlike the Tai-Tais and their non-teacher husbands), who generally kept to themselves.
· the older single women who were diligent in ensuring that all forms are handed in on time and helping students who need extra help get the preferred grades. They were usually more conservatively (and cheaply) dressed, and did not generally interact socially with the Tai-Tais.
· the expatriate teachers who were generally avoided by the other teachers and not expected to do very much because they either could not be trusted to do the work, were too difficult to communicate with, or were too troublesome to work with. And when they got together, they made plain their disdain for Singapore and its school system of which they were a part. Stereotypical as it may sound, those I’d met had invariably come to Singapore either to heal from a broken marriage (in which case, getting involved with a local woman usually came with the package), or had fled an unsuccessful career so they could return home and say, “I spent a few years in the Orient.”
· And the young teachers, bright-eyed and bushytailed, who believed they could make a difference, and who usually started out immensely popular with the students. They organized extra activities which they were not required to do, sat with students for long hours when they had problems, and generally tried to innovate with teaching. The Tai-Tais usually tried to matchmake the young single female teachers with single men they knew, but never the single male teachers. Seasoned teachers generally sat back and placed bets on when the neophytes would eventually burn out.
I didn’t know a single lazy teacher - everyone was extremely hardworking, taking work home, often physically running around as they hurried to different parts of the school. The teachers hardly had time to rest and reflect. It was as if we had been trained to work hard, but not to think.
What unites Secondary 4 teachers is the common goal of ensuring their students score well in the ‘O’ levels - preferably better in the subject that they teach rather than in another subject. Success is defined largely in terms of how many As produced in their class.
I remember one year distinctly - the school had done well in history and the Sec 4 history teacher was jumping up and down in glee, like she had won a war. On the other hand, the students hadn’t done as well in literature and the teacher was walking around with her head down, wishing that the bulletin board with the results didn’t place the teacher’s name next to the results of each class. While everyone congratulated the history teacher on doing well in spotting the right questions, we all didn’t know what to say to the literature teacher. We sort of patted her shoulder as if someone had died.
And for non-Sec 4 teachers, our overriding concern was assigning the required number of tests and exercises and grading them. Each semester, all our students had to submit binders containing their completed and graded assignments. And each semester, the teachers would spend several days of class time ensuring that the students had everything in place, as the submission of completed binders were a factor in a teacher’s evaluation. The binders would disappear for months because it would take the Head of Department that long to go through the binders and count how many assignments had been completed. It didn’t seem to matter if the teacher had taken 5 minutes to grade each composition or 30 minutes to make sure that the students received meaningful feedback. What was important was that the assignments were there.
I felt both angry and guilty that my idealism constantly came up against so many artificial obstacles. I felt that the obsession with bookkeeping and papering over any mistakes, real or perceived, allowed neither time nor space for innovation. Further, the mania to deliver standardized results trumped the notion of harnessing individual potential, of the teachers and the students.Worse, I felt I could not raise these issues. There was a culture of silence.
My experiences are not about bad principals or teachers in particular. It is about ways of being and seeing that represent to me, the Singapore legacy that I have inherited. The principals and teachers that I talked about are not to blame individually - it is just so difficult to be and to see otherwise in the busy-ness, routines, and duties of our everyday lives.
I decided to leave to pursue graduate studies. Teacher education in Singapore is tilted more to the vocational than the intellectual and I wanted the space, time and knowledge to help me articulate and frame what I was thinking and feeling. On a more pragmatic level, I knew that nobody took the feelings of groundling teachers seriously and that people would probably listen to me more if I had a doctorate. I was disappointed, but still hopeful.
COLIN: I remember my first visit to New York. I had just graduated in law from University College London, and had several months before I was scheduled to take the English bar exams. Where most of my friends had chosen to do attachments with Singaporean law firms with the prudent aim of acclimatizing themselves with the career-to-come, I was paralysed with a single, terrible thought: "These are the last few months I'll ever have to indulge my youthful passions."
In an impulsive moment, and much to my parents’ annoyance, I blew every last cent I had and wangled myself a place in a cartooning course at Manhattan's School of Visual Art. I had been cartooning for The New Paper for several years by then (my comic strip The Concrete Jungle continues to run in their august pages), but had no formal training.
I chose Manhattan because it was supposed to be the cynosure of the creative world, and most important of all, where Marvel and DC Comics had their headquarters. Where else would one study cartooning but in Spiderman's territory?
Those few months were the most mind-blowing of my life. By day, I was either sequestered in a musty studio sketching Brazilian women or wandering the varied New York neighbourhoods. By night, I hung out with the other residents of the international hostel I was staying at - a diverse crowd of students from Argentina to Kazakhstan and everywhere in between. I had always thought Singapore to be a model of diversity and cosmopolitan progress, but over countless milkshake-fueled discussions in East Village hangouts, I felt like the proverbial mountain tortoise.
It was also the first time I began to question the path I was about to take. I was meeting people who were taking chances and simply following the dictates of their passion, whether it was art, dance or securities.
I had studied law largely because it was often cited it as the next best thing after medicine, which I knew I'd be awful at. Besides, SM Lee was a lawyer. What better endorsement could a Singaporean have? Despite being a published cartoonist and writer by then, I never thought about a career in the arts. It was a completely nonexistent option.
What was worse was that my parents never forced me into law. I just read their minds, I guess. Besides, all my friends seemed to be doing it too. It was the Singaporean Dream.
I also remember in my first year in law school, my parents telling me about SM Lee's now seminal "If I were an undergraduate" speech, where he told JC students that were he a student now, he would not study law; he would be an engineer, join the civil service, then obtain an MBA and thereafter enter the private sector. SM Lee had switched from Coke to Pepsi. There was a New Dream.
For a moment, I thought, well, if I'm yesterday’s man, I might as well deviate from the path altogether. However, that year, the Singapore government decided it had too many lawyers and restricted the number of recognized overseas law schools. A rumour began spreading amongst the legal undergrad community that it wouldn't be long before they didn't recognize British qualifications altogether. We had to hurry and enter the Singapore workforce as soon as possible, before we were shut out. (As we now know, the rumour was unfounded, and Singapore now admits it needs more lawyers.)
Nevertheless, out of prudence, I shelved any thought of changing fields and became a barrister, then an advocate and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Singapore.
I joined a large law firm, again largely because it was commonly believed that it was good to bloody oneself in the trenches of the giants. I practiced shipping law, again an extremely prudent choice, what with our being the world's busiest port. Further, it was perceived as exciting because shipping lawyers often had to go out to sea to arrest ships. (In truth, arresting ships is not vastly different from what loansharks do when they hang pig's heads on debtors' doors.)
I had a decent, almost enviable, income. I had to keep telling myself that, because the lifestyle was neither decent nor enviable.Clients called me at 2 am in the morning. The High Court Registry nicknamed me "Mr. 5 O'Clock" because I regularly filed papers right under the guillotine, never of my own volition. My only pleasure was catching up on industry gossip while waiting in line to argue before the court registrars. There was not a single Chinese New Year holiday where I would not find myself in the office. My parents only caught fleeting glimpses of me early in the morning when I rushed to work, or late at night, when I stumbled in, surly and mentally exhausted. I saw Joyceln, then simply my girlfriend, for a few precious, stolen hours on Sundays.
But I had the job, and more important, the income. They brought me a measure of social acceptability. Parents' friends would nod approvingly, non-lawyer friends would remark how much lower their salaries were. I made enough to afford membership in a club I never had time to step into, and for season parking in town. I had credit cards and designer ties. I could share war stories about work that might have seemed glamourous to non-lawyer friends, weaned as they were on a diet of Ally McBeal. I was in the secure embrace of the Singaporean Dream.
My epiphany came as I was descending the gangway of a very large oil tanker. At a height of ten storeys or more, the gangway abruptly slipped its moorings and fell several feet. I found myself in mid air for several terrifying seconds. Luckily the crew managed to secure it again. As I retrieved my dropped manhood, I saw bits of the vessel fall into the sea below. If I had not held tight to the chains, I would be dead.
When I told my colleagues about it, no one batted an eyelid. It was simply one of the hazards of the job, like the long hours and the symbolic fellating of clients. Some even quipped, "Who says law isn't exciting?" But working late that night in the stale air of my office, surrounded by musty documents and lit by the sickly iridescence of my computer monitor, I knew I had to get out.My brush with death made me reflect on my life, as I suppose all encounters with the reaper must do. I realized I was unhappy. Not weeping-and-gnashing-of-teeth unhappy, just that dull ache of uninspiration. Yet, on paper, I should have been completely content.
My conviction was reinforced when I passed my boss's office and saw her toiling away. Much more senior, she was still keeping the crazy hours of a junior lawyer. She had a brilliant mind, equity in a giant and prestigious firm and a sizeable income, but I realized that I didn't aspire to her lifestyle. And she was by no means unique. If I did not aspire to be my boss, then what was the point? My life stretched before my eyes, and I did not want to take another step in its direction.
I then made a classic Singaporean evaluation: if I'm going to suffer, then by god, I'll suffer for more money. I figured American lawyers make the most money, so that's where I'll go. I decided the fastest way to do this would be to do a one year Master’s degree, preferably in an Ivy League university, since it would provide me ingress into the American market.
I spoke to Joyceln, and told her that the only place I wanted to go was New York, because I wanted to recapture a little of that energy I had felt years ago. Despite some reservations (New York has a not wholly undeserved reputation), we both applied to Columbia University, New York’s only Ivy League university. Miraculously, we were both accepted.
We quit our jobs, got married, emptied our bank accounts and left immediately.
JOYCELN: When applying to do my doctorate at Columbia's famous Teachers College, I spoke to several professors at the only education institution in Singapore to find out about possible financial support. I had intended to study curriculum and technology, and felt my experience teaching as well as a stint designing educational software in an IT firm would be valuable.
However, the door was abruptly slammed in my face when I was told over the phone, "If you are not in computer science, and not a first class graduate, there is nothing we need to talk about."
Perhaps spurred by anger, I worked like a demon at Teachers College and earned several academic awards, including a doctoral research fellowship which covered both tuition and a stipend, and came unencumbered by any bond, moral or otherwise. The myopia with which I had been treated had ironically turned out to be a blessing.
I even met with our Education Minister when he visited Teachers College. Of the questions he asked me, two stood out: "When are you going back to Singapore?" and "When are you going to have babies?" It hit me that I had never spoken to the Minister when I was teaching in Singapore. I wondered: am I valuable to the country only after I leave?
COLIN: Armed with a Masters from Columbia Law School and the grandiose title of "Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar" which Columbia had over-generously bestowed upon me, and having passed the New York bar exams, I knocked on the doors of some of the largest law firms in the world.
I recall one battery of interviews being carried out in a large hotel, where prospective lawyers would shuttle in and out of the rooms, each occupied by interviewers from the firms.
A fellow prospector asked me, "Which other profession requires you to shuttle from hotel room to hotel room?"
"Prostitution," I remarked, and we both laughed.
It proved a prophetic statement, for when touring the offices of prospective firms, instead of feeling pumped, I felt horrified by the all-too familiar office layout, the mounds of paper spilling onto the floor, the designer suits thrown over the backs of chairs.The last straw came when a partner of one Midtown firm patted me on the back and said, "I think you'd be perfect to help work on our port project out in Saudi Arabia!"
It suddenly hit me that I was not embarking on real change at all. I was merely rearranging the furniture. Like a good little boy, I had made all the pragmatic, sensible decisions… and it was about to push me into the abyss. I was still trying to achieve the Singaporean Dream, except overseas, and on a larger scale. Well, not exactly…
It was then that I understood the difference between the Singaporean Dream and the Singaporean Plan. And what is the difference?I suppose the Dream has to be one of searching for peace and the liberty to conduct one's life as one sees fit.
That's probably what my ancestors sought when they left China: the governments of the Ming and Manchu were ruthlessly restrictive of cross-border commerce, the lifeblood of my ethnic Hokkien and Teochew forbears.
And no doubt it was the Dream, fueled by hard work and courage, that has made Singapore the indisputable commercial success it is today.
And our story is a wonderful one: the Little Island That Could.
However, invariably once people attain success, they start to canonize the steps they took to achievement. This is how Dreams become Plans, and how one hegemony replaces another: the search for peace and liberty becomes get into a good school, then a good university, then a stable job, then buy property and stock. The problem is, then what?
There is nothing inherently unique about the Singaporean Dream. The American Dream of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is substantially the same. (And especially in the upper middle class, the American Dream is fast becoming a Plan too: prep school, Ivy League, Wall Street.)
But what to me gives America more hope is that they still celebrate mavericks; they may never find happiness, but their liberty to pursue it is sacred.
My experience in Singapore was, however, very different. There were always people telling you what and how you should do things, and imposing penalties for deviation. There were 'right' schools, 'right' professions, 'right' strategies.
Of course there are those who would argue that ultimately, the choice is one’s own and that there is nothing to prevent one from doing what he or she wants in Singapore. After all, isn’t it one’s fault for caving in to peer pressure? I would humbly submit that while theoretically true, such an argument betrays an ignorance of the combined workings of hegemony and power.
The issue is how expansive the reigning ideology is. In Singapore, the dominant view is to do whatever works (whatever that may be, and regardless of who it worked for). In New York (I won't pretend that America is homogeneous), the prevailing view is that everyone should find what makes him or herself unique, and capitalize on that.
Manhattan is smaller than Singapore, yet there is space for both Wall Street Wizards and Alphabet City Shamans to coexist. Despite occasional border skirmishes, there is recognition that the city would be a lot poorer if everyone marched to the same drum.An overly romantic myth? Perhaps. But that such a myth could persist in a hostile and cynical environment like New York, was encouraging to me. And anyway, the 'fulfillment' promised by the Singapore Plan was equally illusory. In a competition of myths, I chose the one that gave the most latitude to one's passions over the one that indulged one's fears.
JOYCELN: I think the most striking thing about New York is that so many people here are in transition. They don’t know where they are going to be or what they are going to be doing in 6 months’ time. But they are all working towards their individual dreams, in their own individual way, and not according to some mandated blueprint or destination.
The receptionist in my building is also an actor. I recently met a waitress who was a graduate student in philosophy. I have classmates who are not only still at work, but who also shoot films whenever they can.
Until New York, I didn’t know I could be poor and still volunteer to help others who are more needy than me - not tomorrow, or next year, or when my income reaches a certain level, but today.
I now tutor the children in my neighborhood who need help but can't afford to pay. I didn’t know how great it feels to be able to write, and express my anger, worries, and joys. I didn't know that if I am dissatisfied by policies, I can get together with others to express it.
Just last week, there was a public school that was boycotting a state-mandated test because the test was taking away precious instructional time. What a novel idea! I didn’t know I was not alone, that there are other Singaporeans who think like I do, who want to make a difference but who are afraid and are so used to being silent.
COLIN: The insidiousness is this: in adhering to the Singaporean Plan, I was acting pragmatically, but ultimately, dishonestly.
As late as the interlude between pupilage and practice, I had written a play that was performed for the Singapore Arts Festival Fringe, for which the British Council had sponsored me to attend the Royal Court Theatre in London's prestigious theatre school. Further, throughout my years of practice, I also managed to continue cartooning The Concrete Jungle. While I enjoyed writing and drawing, never for a second did I think this might be a career. Worse, I felt compelled to downgrade their importance in my life. First was money, then pleasure. It was simply un-Singaporean to think one could get pleasure without money, or that working should be pleasurable.
But now I refuse to postpone my dreams any further, and shelve them under some misguided notion of pragmatism. How often was I told as a child by my elders, "wait till you grow up," "wait till after exams", "wait till after you graduate". I do not desire to wait until I retire. I might not make it that far. I refuse to be a walking mid-life crisis in the making.
But living one's dreams is difficult because it is a lone undertaking. There is no such thing as shared dreams; they are personal creatures. And while my peers are making partner and buying cars, I live in rented student accommodation and scatter my work to the ocean of publications, hoping for a bite. Thus far, I have only been published a couple of times, far from being enough to pay the rent. Yet I do not feel despair. Trite as it may sound, I recognize that life is about the journey, and not the destination.
JOYCELN: In Singapore, a considerable amount of talk in education has been about continuing to be competitive in the global marketplace. Singapore seems to have done well in this respect - we have consistently come in first in the International Math and Science Study.
But in tandem with the fear of losing out on notional global competitiveness is the willingness of many educators, policy-makers, and parents to "train" the young to delay their dreams, desires and play for a future goal, to "wait till after you finish your homework," to "wait till after the exams" while at the same time plying them with material bribes.
On the global front, it is ironic that the US is trying to emphasize academic standards while Japan, who also finished in the top ranks of the International Math and Science Study, is trying to cut down on the curriculum to allow more time for play. Both cite global competitiveness as their reason for doing so. One wonders as a country, whether we are listening to the everyday experiences of our own children, parents and teachers, or simply responding to some speculative construction of what is needed to be competitive.
Can anyone say for sure what's needed? Only a few months ago, countries cried out for schools to produce more dotcommers. A look at the rollercoaster line that is the NASDAQ should be cause for circumspection.
There are signs that children in Singapore are straining under this ethos. Recent newspapers reports have reported that parents are spending an inordinate amount of money and time to send their children for after-school tuition so that they can achieve better results; scoring high marks in tests and exams have been found to be a top concern for students; the average 10 year-old has been found to spend 6 hours in school and up to 8 hours on homework and tuition each day, and, students have been reported to experience physical reactions such as diarrhoea and asthma attacks during or just before exams. Is this education, or child labor? Has scoring well in tests become the reason for tests themselves? How do teachers, parents, and teachers begin to imagine our lives differently?
COLIN: I think it is important not to wholly discredit the Singapore Plan. It worked for some and may yet work for others. However, it is also true that the road to hell is paved with good intentions and that it is always an error to confuse what is with what ought to be.
JOYCELN: Consider these 2 stories. Which is closer to yours?
You wake up everyday and work from Monday to Friday, and often, Saturday too. If you finish work early, you and your partner go to your parents’ place for dinner and see your child for a few hours. If you work late, you buy a packet of char kway teow from the hawker centre but eat it at home because it’s too warm to eat there. You’re not crazy about the job but you know that if you keep at it, you can afford a car in 3 years’ time, and in 5 years’ time, buy a condo close to the primary school you want to send your kid to. Your conversations with people are either for the purpose of networking, work, or for familial obligations you cannot avoid. On weekends, you play golf with your friends at your country club or watch a movie with your partner. Once a year, you go on a ten day vacation to New York, London, or Paris, and when your children are big enough, Disneyland.
Alternatively, you wake up and you have no idea what is going to happen today, tomorrow, 6 months or a year later. Ironically, because of this uncertainty, all possibilities exist for you. You can be the Prime Minister of Singapore, you can make a movie, you can cook a meal you have never cooked before, eat at a place you have never eaten before, you can color your hair red, you can skip instead of walk, you can volunteer at the school you have always wanted to volunteer at, you can write a book, or you can have a baby even though you don’t have a maid. You have conversations with people who set your heart palpitating and your mind on fire. Your weekday is not so different from your weekend because everyday you are thinking, creating, and more important, imagining.
Most of us recognize the first story and its pursuit of the 5 Cs of “cash, condo, car, country club, credit card.” It is the Plan, which imposes a conclusion on you, and you work in order to make all the pieces fit. A bus stop advertisement I saw recently said it best: "We spend all our youth chasing money, and when we attain it, we spend all our money chasing youth."
A Dream, on the other hand, carries you on its wings to worlds that your heart and mind have never known.
COLIN: My fault was accepting that the Plan would naturally work for me. One doesn’t have to accept a legacy one inherits. I was complicit in my unhappiness. I did not question enough, whether it was my elders, the government, newspapers, consultants, whatever. I foolishly let others make up my mind for me. I rather fear I am not alone in this folly.
If there is any blame to be laid, it is the upholding of a compliant, unquestioning culture; that some people should never be challenged because of age, status or whatever. It is not solely the establishment's fault; all political parties are entitled to play politics. But it is wholly our fault for not fighting for what we believe in.
COLIN & JOYCELN: Criticism and disagreement is not treason, and our words emanate as much from our dissatisfaction with, as our love for Singapore. We simply believe that we are more than our legacy. This is the dream of immigrants everywhere, whether they arrive in Singapore or on Ellis Island.
PAVED WITH GOOD INTENTIONS:How living in New York has illuminated for us the difference between the Singaporean Dream and the Singaporean PlanBy Colin Goh & Joyceln Woo Yen Yen
Former lawyer turned writer/cartoonist Colin Goh and educator Joyceln Woo are married and have been living in New York for the past three years.
COLIN & JOYCELN: We fell in love and in June 1998, we got married - true Singaporean style. The studio photography, the clothes, church, the dinner and the hundred of guests that we had never met before. What happened to us after that was not so typically Singaporean. Here are our stories.
JOYCELN: As a child, I could never sleep the night before the first day of school. The night before my first day of teaching was no different. I didn’t know what to expect but I knew that I was going to help kids learn, be the best teacher, and make a difference.
At my first staff meeting, the principal screened an image familiar to all new schoolteachers - the Prism. Like a magical crystal ball, the Prism told many things. It could predict how well students entering secondary school with 4 subjects at PSLE would do for the ‘O’ levels. With the Prism, we could evaluate each student’s potential grade in literature based on his/her PSLE grades and then tell if our school had “added value” to the child’s education.
Looking into the Prism, the principal announced that while she was concerned about the various aspects of development - Intellectual, Aesthetic, Moral, and Physical - “This year, our school will focus on the Intellectual.” By this, she meant that as teachers, we should all ensure that we stretched the potential of the students so that they performed “better than expected” at the ‘O’ levels. I noticed in the subsequent years that we never decided to focus on any other aspect of development. There was never an Aesthetic, Moral or Physical year.
The conversations in the staff room educated me considerably about the concerns of teachers.
“Oh, I heard you bought the new condo in Bukit Batok, that’s a good investment…”
“So which piano school are you sending your child to now?”
“Do you want to go buy diamonds with us, we are going to buy diamonds this afternoon.”
In my naïveté, this came as a shock. Why weren’t teachers talking about helping students learn or improving instruction?
And when they WERE talking about improving instruction, it was invariably:
“So what questions do you think will come out for this year’s ‘O’ levels?”
“Yes! Yes! I spotted the right questions!”
“You have to make sure your students write 5 ‘compositions’ and do 5 ‘comprehensions’ this semester.”
And when questions were asked, the answer was inevitably “Can’t change. That’s what the principal wants to see.”
The culture in the staff room was a mix of different groups:
· the Tai-Tais, women who had married well-off husbands, and who admired, respected and competed with each other for their Ferragamo shoes and Louis Vuitton bags.
· the few unmarried men who were mothered by the Tai-Tais as they were regarded as “good” men (i.e. hardworking and honest) but ironically insufficiently compelling marriage material (for why on earth would a functioning, virile, desirable man become a teacher?).
· the married men who usually lived in HDB flats (unlike the Tai-Tais and their non-teacher husbands), who generally kept to themselves.
· the older single women who were diligent in ensuring that all forms are handed in on time and helping students who need extra help get the preferred grades. They were usually more conservatively (and cheaply) dressed, and did not generally interact socially with the Tai-Tais.
· the expatriate teachers who were generally avoided by the other teachers and not expected to do very much because they either could not be trusted to do the work, were too difficult to communicate with, or were too troublesome to work with. And when they got together, they made plain their disdain for Singapore and its school system of which they were a part. Stereotypical as it may sound, those I’d met had invariably come to Singapore either to heal from a broken marriage (in which case, getting involved with a local woman usually came with the package), or had fled an unsuccessful career so they could return home and say, “I spent a few years in the Orient.”
· And the young teachers, bright-eyed and bushytailed, who believed they could make a difference, and who usually started out immensely popular with the students. They organized extra activities which they were not required to do, sat with students for long hours when they had problems, and generally tried to innovate with teaching. The Tai-Tais usually tried to matchmake the young single female teachers with single men they knew, but never the single male teachers. Seasoned teachers generally sat back and placed bets on when the neophytes would eventually burn out.
I didn’t know a single lazy teacher - everyone was extremely hardworking, taking work home, often physically running around as they hurried to different parts of the school. The teachers hardly had time to rest and reflect. It was as if we had been trained to work hard, but not to think.
What unites Secondary 4 teachers is the common goal of ensuring their students score well in the ‘O’ levels - preferably better in the subject that they teach rather than in another subject. Success is defined largely in terms of how many As produced in their class.
I remember one year distinctly - the school had done well in history and the Sec 4 history teacher was jumping up and down in glee, like she had won a war. On the other hand, the students hadn’t done as well in literature and the teacher was walking around with her head down, wishing that the bulletin board with the results didn’t place the teacher’s name next to the results of each class. While everyone congratulated the history teacher on doing well in spotting the right questions, we all didn’t know what to say to the literature teacher. We sort of patted her shoulder as if someone had died.
And for non-Sec 4 teachers, our overriding concern was assigning the required number of tests and exercises and grading them. Each semester, all our students had to submit binders containing their completed and graded assignments. And each semester, the teachers would spend several days of class time ensuring that the students had everything in place, as the submission of completed binders were a factor in a teacher’s evaluation. The binders would disappear for months because it would take the Head of Department that long to go through the binders and count how many assignments had been completed. It didn’t seem to matter if the teacher had taken 5 minutes to grade each composition or 30 minutes to make sure that the students received meaningful feedback. What was important was that the assignments were there.
I felt both angry and guilty that my idealism constantly came up against so many artificial obstacles. I felt that the obsession with bookkeeping and papering over any mistakes, real or perceived, allowed neither time nor space for innovation. Further, the mania to deliver standardized results trumped the notion of harnessing individual potential, of the teachers and the students.Worse, I felt I could not raise these issues. There was a culture of silence.
My experiences are not about bad principals or teachers in particular. It is about ways of being and seeing that represent to me, the Singapore legacy that I have inherited. The principals and teachers that I talked about are not to blame individually - it is just so difficult to be and to see otherwise in the busy-ness, routines, and duties of our everyday lives.
I decided to leave to pursue graduate studies. Teacher education in Singapore is tilted more to the vocational than the intellectual and I wanted the space, time and knowledge to help me articulate and frame what I was thinking and feeling. On a more pragmatic level, I knew that nobody took the feelings of groundling teachers seriously and that people would probably listen to me more if I had a doctorate. I was disappointed, but still hopeful.
COLIN: I remember my first visit to New York. I had just graduated in law from University College London, and had several months before I was scheduled to take the English bar exams. Where most of my friends had chosen to do attachments with Singaporean law firms with the prudent aim of acclimatizing themselves with the career-to-come, I was paralysed with a single, terrible thought: "These are the last few months I'll ever have to indulge my youthful passions."
In an impulsive moment, and much to my parents’ annoyance, I blew every last cent I had and wangled myself a place in a cartooning course at Manhattan's School of Visual Art. I had been cartooning for The New Paper for several years by then (my comic strip The Concrete Jungle continues to run in their august pages), but had no formal training.
I chose Manhattan because it was supposed to be the cynosure of the creative world, and most important of all, where Marvel and DC Comics had their headquarters. Where else would one study cartooning but in Spiderman's territory?
Those few months were the most mind-blowing of my life. By day, I was either sequestered in a musty studio sketching Brazilian women or wandering the varied New York neighbourhoods. By night, I hung out with the other residents of the international hostel I was staying at - a diverse crowd of students from Argentina to Kazakhstan and everywhere in between. I had always thought Singapore to be a model of diversity and cosmopolitan progress, but over countless milkshake-fueled discussions in East Village hangouts, I felt like the proverbial mountain tortoise.
It was also the first time I began to question the path I was about to take. I was meeting people who were taking chances and simply following the dictates of their passion, whether it was art, dance or securities.
I had studied law largely because it was often cited it as the next best thing after medicine, which I knew I'd be awful at. Besides, SM Lee was a lawyer. What better endorsement could a Singaporean have? Despite being a published cartoonist and writer by then, I never thought about a career in the arts. It was a completely nonexistent option.
What was worse was that my parents never forced me into law. I just read their minds, I guess. Besides, all my friends seemed to be doing it too. It was the Singaporean Dream.
I also remember in my first year in law school, my parents telling me about SM Lee's now seminal "If I were an undergraduate" speech, where he told JC students that were he a student now, he would not study law; he would be an engineer, join the civil service, then obtain an MBA and thereafter enter the private sector. SM Lee had switched from Coke to Pepsi. There was a New Dream.
For a moment, I thought, well, if I'm yesterday’s man, I might as well deviate from the path altogether. However, that year, the Singapore government decided it had too many lawyers and restricted the number of recognized overseas law schools. A rumour began spreading amongst the legal undergrad community that it wouldn't be long before they didn't recognize British qualifications altogether. We had to hurry and enter the Singapore workforce as soon as possible, before we were shut out. (As we now know, the rumour was unfounded, and Singapore now admits it needs more lawyers.)
Nevertheless, out of prudence, I shelved any thought of changing fields and became a barrister, then an advocate and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Singapore.
I joined a large law firm, again largely because it was commonly believed that it was good to bloody oneself in the trenches of the giants. I practiced shipping law, again an extremely prudent choice, what with our being the world's busiest port. Further, it was perceived as exciting because shipping lawyers often had to go out to sea to arrest ships. (In truth, arresting ships is not vastly different from what loansharks do when they hang pig's heads on debtors' doors.)
I had a decent, almost enviable, income. I had to keep telling myself that, because the lifestyle was neither decent nor enviable.Clients called me at 2 am in the morning. The High Court Registry nicknamed me "Mr. 5 O'Clock" because I regularly filed papers right under the guillotine, never of my own volition. My only pleasure was catching up on industry gossip while waiting in line to argue before the court registrars. There was not a single Chinese New Year holiday where I would not find myself in the office. My parents only caught fleeting glimpses of me early in the morning when I rushed to work, or late at night, when I stumbled in, surly and mentally exhausted. I saw Joyceln, then simply my girlfriend, for a few precious, stolen hours on Sundays.
But I had the job, and more important, the income. They brought me a measure of social acceptability. Parents' friends would nod approvingly, non-lawyer friends would remark how much lower their salaries were. I made enough to afford membership in a club I never had time to step into, and for season parking in town. I had credit cards and designer ties. I could share war stories about work that might have seemed glamourous to non-lawyer friends, weaned as they were on a diet of Ally McBeal. I was in the secure embrace of the Singaporean Dream.
My epiphany came as I was descending the gangway of a very large oil tanker. At a height of ten storeys or more, the gangway abruptly slipped its moorings and fell several feet. I found myself in mid air for several terrifying seconds. Luckily the crew managed to secure it again. As I retrieved my dropped manhood, I saw bits of the vessel fall into the sea below. If I had not held tight to the chains, I would be dead.
When I told my colleagues about it, no one batted an eyelid. It was simply one of the hazards of the job, like the long hours and the symbolic fellating of clients. Some even quipped, "Who says law isn't exciting?" But working late that night in the stale air of my office, surrounded by musty documents and lit by the sickly iridescence of my computer monitor, I knew I had to get out.My brush with death made me reflect on my life, as I suppose all encounters with the reaper must do. I realized I was unhappy. Not weeping-and-gnashing-of-teeth unhappy, just that dull ache of uninspiration. Yet, on paper, I should have been completely content.
My conviction was reinforced when I passed my boss's office and saw her toiling away. Much more senior, she was still keeping the crazy hours of a junior lawyer. She had a brilliant mind, equity in a giant and prestigious firm and a sizeable income, but I realized that I didn't aspire to her lifestyle. And she was by no means unique. If I did not aspire to be my boss, then what was the point? My life stretched before my eyes, and I did not want to take another step in its direction.
I then made a classic Singaporean evaluation: if I'm going to suffer, then by god, I'll suffer for more money. I figured American lawyers make the most money, so that's where I'll go. I decided the fastest way to do this would be to do a one year Master’s degree, preferably in an Ivy League university, since it would provide me ingress into the American market.
I spoke to Joyceln, and told her that the only place I wanted to go was New York, because I wanted to recapture a little of that energy I had felt years ago. Despite some reservations (New York has a not wholly undeserved reputation), we both applied to Columbia University, New York’s only Ivy League university. Miraculously, we were both accepted.
We quit our jobs, got married, emptied our bank accounts and left immediately.
JOYCELN: When applying to do my doctorate at Columbia's famous Teachers College, I spoke to several professors at the only education institution in Singapore to find out about possible financial support. I had intended to study curriculum and technology, and felt my experience teaching as well as a stint designing educational software in an IT firm would be valuable.
However, the door was abruptly slammed in my face when I was told over the phone, "If you are not in computer science, and not a first class graduate, there is nothing we need to talk about."
Perhaps spurred by anger, I worked like a demon at Teachers College and earned several academic awards, including a doctoral research fellowship which covered both tuition and a stipend, and came unencumbered by any bond, moral or otherwise. The myopia with which I had been treated had ironically turned out to be a blessing.
I even met with our Education Minister when he visited Teachers College. Of the questions he asked me, two stood out: "When are you going back to Singapore?" and "When are you going to have babies?" It hit me that I had never spoken to the Minister when I was teaching in Singapore. I wondered: am I valuable to the country only after I leave?
COLIN: Armed with a Masters from Columbia Law School and the grandiose title of "Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar" which Columbia had over-generously bestowed upon me, and having passed the New York bar exams, I knocked on the doors of some of the largest law firms in the world.
I recall one battery of interviews being carried out in a large hotel, where prospective lawyers would shuttle in and out of the rooms, each occupied by interviewers from the firms.
A fellow prospector asked me, "Which other profession requires you to shuttle from hotel room to hotel room?"
"Prostitution," I remarked, and we both laughed.
It proved a prophetic statement, for when touring the offices of prospective firms, instead of feeling pumped, I felt horrified by the all-too familiar office layout, the mounds of paper spilling onto the floor, the designer suits thrown over the backs of chairs.The last straw came when a partner of one Midtown firm patted me on the back and said, "I think you'd be perfect to help work on our port project out in Saudi Arabia!"
It suddenly hit me that I was not embarking on real change at all. I was merely rearranging the furniture. Like a good little boy, I had made all the pragmatic, sensible decisions… and it was about to push me into the abyss. I was still trying to achieve the Singaporean Dream, except overseas, and on a larger scale. Well, not exactly…
It was then that I understood the difference between the Singaporean Dream and the Singaporean Plan. And what is the difference?I suppose the Dream has to be one of searching for peace and the liberty to conduct one's life as one sees fit.
That's probably what my ancestors sought when they left China: the governments of the Ming and Manchu were ruthlessly restrictive of cross-border commerce, the lifeblood of my ethnic Hokkien and Teochew forbears.
And no doubt it was the Dream, fueled by hard work and courage, that has made Singapore the indisputable commercial success it is today.
And our story is a wonderful one: the Little Island That Could.
However, invariably once people attain success, they start to canonize the steps they took to achievement. This is how Dreams become Plans, and how one hegemony replaces another: the search for peace and liberty becomes get into a good school, then a good university, then a stable job, then buy property and stock. The problem is, then what?
There is nothing inherently unique about the Singaporean Dream. The American Dream of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is substantially the same. (And especially in the upper middle class, the American Dream is fast becoming a Plan too: prep school, Ivy League, Wall Street.)
But what to me gives America more hope is that they still celebrate mavericks; they may never find happiness, but their liberty to pursue it is sacred.
My experience in Singapore was, however, very different. There were always people telling you what and how you should do things, and imposing penalties for deviation. There were 'right' schools, 'right' professions, 'right' strategies.
Of course there are those who would argue that ultimately, the choice is one’s own and that there is nothing to prevent one from doing what he or she wants in Singapore. After all, isn’t it one’s fault for caving in to peer pressure? I would humbly submit that while theoretically true, such an argument betrays an ignorance of the combined workings of hegemony and power.
The issue is how expansive the reigning ideology is. In Singapore, the dominant view is to do whatever works (whatever that may be, and regardless of who it worked for). In New York (I won't pretend that America is homogeneous), the prevailing view is that everyone should find what makes him or herself unique, and capitalize on that.
Manhattan is smaller than Singapore, yet there is space for both Wall Street Wizards and Alphabet City Shamans to coexist. Despite occasional border skirmishes, there is recognition that the city would be a lot poorer if everyone marched to the same drum.An overly romantic myth? Perhaps. But that such a myth could persist in a hostile and cynical environment like New York, was encouraging to me. And anyway, the 'fulfillment' promised by the Singapore Plan was equally illusory. In a competition of myths, I chose the one that gave the most latitude to one's passions over the one that indulged one's fears.
JOYCELN: I think the most striking thing about New York is that so many people here are in transition. They don’t know where they are going to be or what they are going to be doing in 6 months’ time. But they are all working towards their individual dreams, in their own individual way, and not according to some mandated blueprint or destination.
The receptionist in my building is also an actor. I recently met a waitress who was a graduate student in philosophy. I have classmates who are not only still at work, but who also shoot films whenever they can.
Until New York, I didn’t know I could be poor and still volunteer to help others who are more needy than me - not tomorrow, or next year, or when my income reaches a certain level, but today.
I now tutor the children in my neighborhood who need help but can't afford to pay. I didn’t know how great it feels to be able to write, and express my anger, worries, and joys. I didn't know that if I am dissatisfied by policies, I can get together with others to express it.
Just last week, there was a public school that was boycotting a state-mandated test because the test was taking away precious instructional time. What a novel idea! I didn’t know I was not alone, that there are other Singaporeans who think like I do, who want to make a difference but who are afraid and are so used to being silent.
COLIN: The insidiousness is this: in adhering to the Singaporean Plan, I was acting pragmatically, but ultimately, dishonestly.
As late as the interlude between pupilage and practice, I had written a play that was performed for the Singapore Arts Festival Fringe, for which the British Council had sponsored me to attend the Royal Court Theatre in London's prestigious theatre school. Further, throughout my years of practice, I also managed to continue cartooning The Concrete Jungle. While I enjoyed writing and drawing, never for a second did I think this might be a career. Worse, I felt compelled to downgrade their importance in my life. First was money, then pleasure. It was simply un-Singaporean to think one could get pleasure without money, or that working should be pleasurable.
But now I refuse to postpone my dreams any further, and shelve them under some misguided notion of pragmatism. How often was I told as a child by my elders, "wait till you grow up," "wait till after exams", "wait till after you graduate". I do not desire to wait until I retire. I might not make it that far. I refuse to be a walking mid-life crisis in the making.
But living one's dreams is difficult because it is a lone undertaking. There is no such thing as shared dreams; they are personal creatures. And while my peers are making partner and buying cars, I live in rented student accommodation and scatter my work to the ocean of publications, hoping for a bite. Thus far, I have only been published a couple of times, far from being enough to pay the rent. Yet I do not feel despair. Trite as it may sound, I recognize that life is about the journey, and not the destination.
JOYCELN: In Singapore, a considerable amount of talk in education has been about continuing to be competitive in the global marketplace. Singapore seems to have done well in this respect - we have consistently come in first in the International Math and Science Study.
But in tandem with the fear of losing out on notional global competitiveness is the willingness of many educators, policy-makers, and parents to "train" the young to delay their dreams, desires and play for a future goal, to "wait till after you finish your homework," to "wait till after the exams" while at the same time plying them with material bribes.
On the global front, it is ironic that the US is trying to emphasize academic standards while Japan, who also finished in the top ranks of the International Math and Science Study, is trying to cut down on the curriculum to allow more time for play. Both cite global competitiveness as their reason for doing so. One wonders as a country, whether we are listening to the everyday experiences of our own children, parents and teachers, or simply responding to some speculative construction of what is needed to be competitive.
Can anyone say for sure what's needed? Only a few months ago, countries cried out for schools to produce more dotcommers. A look at the rollercoaster line that is the NASDAQ should be cause for circumspection.
There are signs that children in Singapore are straining under this ethos. Recent newspapers reports have reported that parents are spending an inordinate amount of money and time to send their children for after-school tuition so that they can achieve better results; scoring high marks in tests and exams have been found to be a top concern for students; the average 10 year-old has been found to spend 6 hours in school and up to 8 hours on homework and tuition each day, and, students have been reported to experience physical reactions such as diarrhoea and asthma attacks during or just before exams. Is this education, or child labor? Has scoring well in tests become the reason for tests themselves? How do teachers, parents, and teachers begin to imagine our lives differently?
COLIN: I think it is important not to wholly discredit the Singapore Plan. It worked for some and may yet work for others. However, it is also true that the road to hell is paved with good intentions and that it is always an error to confuse what is with what ought to be.
JOYCELN: Consider these 2 stories. Which is closer to yours?
You wake up everyday and work from Monday to Friday, and often, Saturday too. If you finish work early, you and your partner go to your parents’ place for dinner and see your child for a few hours. If you work late, you buy a packet of char kway teow from the hawker centre but eat it at home because it’s too warm to eat there. You’re not crazy about the job but you know that if you keep at it, you can afford a car in 3 years’ time, and in 5 years’ time, buy a condo close to the primary school you want to send your kid to. Your conversations with people are either for the purpose of networking, work, or for familial obligations you cannot avoid. On weekends, you play golf with your friends at your country club or watch a movie with your partner. Once a year, you go on a ten day vacation to New York, London, or Paris, and when your children are big enough, Disneyland.
Alternatively, you wake up and you have no idea what is going to happen today, tomorrow, 6 months or a year later. Ironically, because of this uncertainty, all possibilities exist for you. You can be the Prime Minister of Singapore, you can make a movie, you can cook a meal you have never cooked before, eat at a place you have never eaten before, you can color your hair red, you can skip instead of walk, you can volunteer at the school you have always wanted to volunteer at, you can write a book, or you can have a baby even though you don’t have a maid. You have conversations with people who set your heart palpitating and your mind on fire. Your weekday is not so different from your weekend because everyday you are thinking, creating, and more important, imagining.
Most of us recognize the first story and its pursuit of the 5 Cs of “cash, condo, car, country club, credit card.” It is the Plan, which imposes a conclusion on you, and you work in order to make all the pieces fit. A bus stop advertisement I saw recently said it best: "We spend all our youth chasing money, and when we attain it, we spend all our money chasing youth."
A Dream, on the other hand, carries you on its wings to worlds that your heart and mind have never known.
COLIN: My fault was accepting that the Plan would naturally work for me. One doesn’t have to accept a legacy one inherits. I was complicit in my unhappiness. I did not question enough, whether it was my elders, the government, newspapers, consultants, whatever. I foolishly let others make up my mind for me. I rather fear I am not alone in this folly.
If there is any blame to be laid, it is the upholding of a compliant, unquestioning culture; that some people should never be challenged because of age, status or whatever. It is not solely the establishment's fault; all political parties are entitled to play politics. But it is wholly our fault for not fighting for what we believe in.
COLIN & JOYCELN: Criticism and disagreement is not treason, and our words emanate as much from our dissatisfaction with, as our love for Singapore. We simply believe that we are more than our legacy. This is the dream of immigrants everywhere, whether they arrive in Singapore or on Ellis Island.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
sports day
for someone so busy and so lack of sleep, I am blogging quite a bit.
anyhow, there is a chance i will be back this june/july for an internship posting. not confirmed the bank as yet but will be in singapore (about 99% sure) and all of a sudden a strange sadness descend upon me, a heavy feeling that I cannot shake. After these intense 5 months here, this place, this life has grown to be a part of me. Life is SIngapore seemed like a distant dream... but to see all of you again will be a big bonus.
Anyway we had sports day just this sat. was great fun and for a while everyone put our mountain of deadlines at the back of our heads. Here's some of my classmates...and me ...
anyhow, there is a chance i will be back this june/july for an internship posting. not confirmed the bank as yet but will be in singapore (about 99% sure) and all of a sudden a strange sadness descend upon me, a heavy feeling that I cannot shake. After these intense 5 months here, this place, this life has grown to be a part of me. Life is SIngapore seemed like a distant dream... but to see all of you again will be a big bonus.
Anyway we had sports day just this sat. was great fun and for a while everyone put our mountain of deadlines at the back of our heads. Here's some of my classmates...and me ...
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
How important is it to have opposition win some seats
far away from home, i have taken to reading the straits times online regularly and now the main news are of the upcoming general elections, what struck me was that almost all ( or maybe in fact all) the news regarding GE were about the PAP? Does that hint that the newspaper is a little bias in this sense or that our opposition party are not making use of the media enough to get themseleves notices besides capturing headlines by being sued to bankruptcy by u know whos.
What really made me took notice was how bent the PAP is on winning back the only 2 seats that we have represented by the opposition. SM even said he will be the "resource person" for the Potong Pasir GC and hint that it will be easier for upgrading now if the consituency votes PAP. I fear we are going to become a truly single party nation very soon.
THis then raise the question, how important it is to have opposition? I have encountered many times people here who commented that SIngapore is a dictatorship...often i laugh to myself and in typical Asian manner conclude that these western do not know anything. But really before we make such statements as these, we will have then to reask ourselves how much we know about the Westerns? But i digress. But this is the image we project to those in te general, that and the notorious chewing gum law, but also our amazing ability in turning around our little nation from a thrid world nothing to a first class city in less than 50 years. For this I have to give credit to our enlightened leaders. So what if we have a so called dictatorship when this has proved to work for us as a nation? I am watching how this election will turn out. :-)
What really made me took notice was how bent the PAP is on winning back the only 2 seats that we have represented by the opposition. SM even said he will be the "resource person" for the Potong Pasir GC and hint that it will be easier for upgrading now if the consituency votes PAP. I fear we are going to become a truly single party nation very soon.
THis then raise the question, how important it is to have opposition? I have encountered many times people here who commented that SIngapore is a dictatorship...often i laugh to myself and in typical Asian manner conclude that these western do not know anything. But really before we make such statements as these, we will have then to reask ourselves how much we know about the Westerns? But i digress. But this is the image we project to those in te general, that and the notorious chewing gum law, but also our amazing ability in turning around our little nation from a thrid world nothing to a first class city in less than 50 years. For this I have to give credit to our enlightened leaders. So what if we have a so called dictatorship when this has proved to work for us as a nation? I am watching how this election will turn out. :-)
Monday, March 27, 2006
My tribute to that yellow daffodil
it was that early daffodil, lone in full blossom, yellow petals becokoning to anyone who notices it. Months of bareness and melancholic winter over and spring emerges slowly, shy like a little girl peering from under her white blanket...
Saturday, March 18, 2006
all the world's a stage...and the men and women merely players
i am starting to feel like I am stuck in a big farce....its all abt image and playing the game right in this place and the rebellious side in me is starting to surface; to just not play the game right...
but really why compromise myself? I guess being young still, there is no excuse yet to get jaded about politics and playing games cos the fittest survives.
Positive people dont let it drag them down but see how they can play it best wihtout compromising their own values.
well okay just needed to rant and say this place sucks but I am going to build my own little sunshine corner and be the positive person....
but really why compromise myself? I guess being young still, there is no excuse yet to get jaded about politics and playing games cos the fittest survives.
Positive people dont let it drag them down but see how they can play it best wihtout compromising their own values.
well okay just needed to rant and say this place sucks but I am going to build my own little sunshine corner and be the positive person....
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Who has my books?
Hi ladies... where's my "Tuesdays with Morrie" and "Monkey business"? Can whoever's holding onto them kindly drop me a sms .. coz I need them back. :) Thanks
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Movie last night
Hey gals, as i said.. i went to watch Munich last night ... until 12.30am!! But at least it was really really good... a very heavy and interesting movie ...
family vs country
Jews vs Muslim
Mossad vs CIA vs KGB
Jew vs Jew
Brotherhood, love, betrayal, withdrawal syndrome, sympathy, love of mankind
Fatherhood, family, single, adultery, temptation
For God vs For self....
Over 1 yr period....
all within just one show.... love it....
and did i mention i went to GV gold class... it felt just like my bed, with blanket provided ...zzzz
family vs country
Jews vs Muslim
Mossad vs CIA vs KGB
Jew vs Jew
Brotherhood, love, betrayal, withdrawal syndrome, sympathy, love of mankind
Fatherhood, family, single, adultery, temptation
For God vs For self....
Over 1 yr period....
all within just one show.... love it....
and did i mention i went to GV gold class... it felt just like my bed, with blanket provided ...zzzz
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
what's going on
Things to keep in mind to blog about:
1) Maid ran away
2) Madza got crashed into
3) Back injuries due to accident
4) Got a replacement car for the damanaged Mazda, but my sister got into accident as well and crashed the car. Yes, 2 accidents in 1 day.
5) Phobia to drive and to travel in cars...
6) Overcame phobia to drive and yes, I've starting to drive alone again...
7) Someone wrote "Bitch" on my office chair.
8) Relationship with "Peahen" has never been better.
9) A good talk with my boss at Bar None.
10) My first client meeting today, which i nearly couldn't go coz someone decide to go on MC for 2 days - which i think is on purpose.
CJ asked me the other day if i have watched matchpoint, crash or munich? No, No, No... so much things, so much work... so much stress ...ok, I'm going to watch Munich tonight... i deserve a treat for myself.
1) Maid ran away
2) Madza got crashed into
3) Back injuries due to accident
4) Got a replacement car for the damanaged Mazda, but my sister got into accident as well and crashed the car. Yes, 2 accidents in 1 day.
5) Phobia to drive and to travel in cars...
6) Overcame phobia to drive and yes, I've starting to drive alone again...
7) Someone wrote "Bitch" on my office chair.
8) Relationship with "Peahen" has never been better.
9) A good talk with my boss at Bar None.
10) My first client meeting today, which i nearly couldn't go coz someone decide to go on MC for 2 days - which i think is on purpose.
CJ asked me the other day if i have watched matchpoint, crash or munich? No, No, No... so much things, so much work... so much stress ...ok, I'm going to watch Munich tonight... i deserve a treat for myself.
Friday, March 03, 2006
Thursday, March 02, 2006
"A" level results just came out, and it is deja vu all over again. My sis didn't do well enough to get a scholarship to go abroad though she wanted it so much.... just like I did... once. She pretty much scared my mum out of her wits when she called home and could only cry. She's better now, thank goodness, but I got the sinking feeling that she hasn't given up.
An office right in the middle of Manhattan you say, fishy? That's what dreams are made up of, I agree. I couldn't help having to stay put in little ol' Singapore, But at least I did my best to make the best out of the situation...and it made things a LOT better to be able to visit Ed in US to stay, travel, drive through the entire length of the country. He had what I didn't, but I got to share in the joy of what made being abroad exciting.
It's just easier to leave things to fate, but if fate decides to disagree with us, it would be a bitter pill to swallow.
The firm announced retention (100%) yesterday, and I will be doing Projects. Yet another secretary gave me an incredulous look today, like i just chose to send myself to the gallows. Few ppl had good things to say about Projects, but I shall leave it to Fate. I have come to a point where I am sick and tired of thinking, considering and re-considering. Nike says just do it. I think it is good advise - I'm young after all. Hard work and stress won't kill me. At most I'll look for some place else to go if I decide its not worth the grief.
We'll just see what hand Fate deals me.
An office right in the middle of Manhattan you say, fishy? That's what dreams are made up of, I agree. I couldn't help having to stay put in little ol' Singapore, But at least I did my best to make the best out of the situation...and it made things a LOT better to be able to visit Ed in US to stay, travel, drive through the entire length of the country. He had what I didn't, but I got to share in the joy of what made being abroad exciting.
It's just easier to leave things to fate, but if fate decides to disagree with us, it would be a bitter pill to swallow.
The firm announced retention (100%) yesterday, and I will be doing Projects. Yet another secretary gave me an incredulous look today, like i just chose to send myself to the gallows. Few ppl had good things to say about Projects, but I shall leave it to Fate. I have come to a point where I am sick and tired of thinking, considering and re-considering. Nike says just do it. I think it is good advise - I'm young after all. Hard work and stress won't kill me. At most I'll look for some place else to go if I decide its not worth the grief.
We'll just see what hand Fate deals me.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
tiredness and fatigue.....is that a normal way to live our youth?
Balance is such an evasive concept, it is extremely delicate and totally subjective.
I thought hard work was an Asian concept *take this statement with a pinch of salt* but well here too in welfare states Contiental Europe, they do about the same to you. We are being worked like dogs literally, one assignment after another... intially i was overwhelmed and went to class looking like the perfect version of living zombie. Complaining was like the favourite past time of my classmates. But really how does that help??? It just piles on the negativity.
Instead of having work control me, I am gonna take control of work itself. It is a matter of attitude and good time management plus setting priorities right.
I thought hard work was an Asian concept *take this statement with a pinch of salt* but well here too in welfare states Contiental Europe, they do about the same to you. We are being worked like dogs literally, one assignment after another... intially i was overwhelmed and went to class looking like the perfect version of living zombie. Complaining was like the favourite past time of my classmates. But really how does that help??? It just piles on the negativity.
Instead of having work control me, I am gonna take control of work itself. It is a matter of attitude and good time management plus setting priorities right.
Monday, February 20, 2006
It's me
Think I might have disappeared for far too long..hence, I'm back again.
Work's getting busier and busier and things just keep multiplying like nobody's business. But guess it's fulfilling when you know you are kinda of like making a difference.
Anyway, as work exerts its toil, it also suggests that one day I might lose my love to a girl who has time to go back to prepare dinner and perhaps most of my friends cox I cannot attend most of the gatherings or appear too tired when I do manage to attend. Some say absence makes the heart grow fonder. In this case, does it apply?
And when does one draw the line between work and play?
Anyway, just some mindless rattle for the fried brain.
See you soon my dear friends.
Work's getting busier and busier and things just keep multiplying like nobody's business. But guess it's fulfilling when you know you are kinda of like making a difference.
Anyway, as work exerts its toil, it also suggests that one day I might lose my love to a girl who has time to go back to prepare dinner and perhaps most of my friends cox I cannot attend most of the gatherings or appear too tired when I do manage to attend. Some say absence makes the heart grow fonder. In this case, does it apply?
And when does one draw the line between work and play?
Anyway, just some mindless rattle for the fried brain.
See you soon my dear friends.
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Greetings from outer space
hey gals,
quick hi to all before I rush off to school, kinda felt the immense need to make my virtual presence.
Happy Valentine to all...but actually the more important thing about this day is that it is the birthday of one of my very good friend. That is the true meaning of 14th Feb to me
and to miss sha sha
Happy Birthday
and to miss fishy
i got ur sms , sorry I have not made the effort to contact you. Believe me it is crazy here, my days are spent doing real meaningful stuff like assignments and preparing for presentations.
Before i toddle down to school, enjoy ur holiday plans...i am envious and seriously craving for spring, summer and beach fun.
Miss u all!
quick hi to all before I rush off to school, kinda felt the immense need to make my virtual presence.
Happy Valentine to all...but actually the more important thing about this day is that it is the birthday of one of my very good friend. That is the true meaning of 14th Feb to me
and to miss sha sha
Happy Birthday
and to miss fishy
i got ur sms , sorry I have not made the effort to contact you. Believe me it is crazy here, my days are spent doing real meaningful stuff like assignments and preparing for presentations.
Before i toddle down to school, enjoy ur holiday plans...i am envious and seriously craving for spring, summer and beach fun.
Miss u all!
Monday, February 13, 2006
Dilemma
Tomorrow I may make a life changing decision - well, it will at least change the next year of my life. If I decide one way, weekends may no longer exist. I may start being on call 24/7. And I may not be able to get time off for our precious trip...Will you guys blame me?
Seriously I don't know whether the job satisfaction will be there although the work is interesting.... heck, half the time I am too pumped up to realize anything else. And the stress is like I have never come across before.
I am not sure whether I will be strong enough for it seriously. It's one of those times when you choose whether or not to put yourself in a do-or-die situation, or opt for the relatively unknown.
I must like the work, I'm told. But I don't know whether the interest is fleeting. One week of it and I am panting from exertion. What if one year of it takes 10 years off my life?? Should I take the leap?
Seriously I don't know whether the job satisfaction will be there although the work is interesting.... heck, half the time I am too pumped up to realize anything else. And the stress is like I have never come across before.
I am not sure whether I will be strong enough for it seriously. It's one of those times when you choose whether or not to put yourself in a do-or-die situation, or opt for the relatively unknown.
I must like the work, I'm told. But I don't know whether the interest is fleeting. One week of it and I am panting from exertion. What if one year of it takes 10 years off my life?? Should I take the leap?
Strings and Serenades
That is the theme of the Corrine May concert I went for today.
And throughout the concert.. I had the distinct realization that perhaps there is some truth in what ppl say about how music is food for the soul... and her songs have an especially strong effect in that direction. Maybe it's coz her songs are all so hopeful, marvelling at the wonders of the world we live in, and how there is always something good to hang on to when everything looks bleak.
Used to think that her music all sounds kinda the same... hahaha and to a certain extent i still do... but at least now perhaps I appreciate them more.
And with that the weekend just flew by. Was supposed to do some work tonight but I just can't bring myself to. Decided to leave work to weekdays....
Fishy do you know I was quite impressed by what you are setting out to achieve for yourself this year? I wish you luck!!!
I wish I had the same drive. But not at the moment.... I am still feeling my way around my job... but I guess it is normal since I have only had 3 months' worth of working experience.... Listening to Corrine May's "Fly Away" reminded me of a long ago wish to work abroad for a while... we'll see.
And lastly, the question I asked Damselfish on Sat night was whether she found guys who have been out of Singapore for some time more interesting, generally...... hehehehe ;0
And throughout the concert.. I had the distinct realization that perhaps there is some truth in what ppl say about how music is food for the soul... and her songs have an especially strong effect in that direction. Maybe it's coz her songs are all so hopeful, marvelling at the wonders of the world we live in, and how there is always something good to hang on to when everything looks bleak.
Used to think that her music all sounds kinda the same... hahaha and to a certain extent i still do... but at least now perhaps I appreciate them more.
And with that the weekend just flew by. Was supposed to do some work tonight but I just can't bring myself to. Decided to leave work to weekdays....
Fishy do you know I was quite impressed by what you are setting out to achieve for yourself this year? I wish you luck!!!
I wish I had the same drive. But not at the moment.... I am still feeling my way around my job... but I guess it is normal since I have only had 3 months' worth of working experience.... Listening to Corrine May's "Fly Away" reminded me of a long ago wish to work abroad for a while... we'll see.
And lastly, the question I asked Damselfish on Sat night was whether she found guys who have been out of Singapore for some time more interesting, generally...... hehehehe ;0
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Friday, February 03, 2006
The age of Innocence
Excerpts from the day of playing barbie dolls with my 6 year old niece
Niece(holidng up barbie and speaking in shrilly voice): Ladies and Gentlemen, let's play a game now.
Me(in bimbotic voice of blonde barbie): oh yeah! lets!
Niece(in same shrilly voice): Are you ready everyone? The game's called: "Let's strip naked and pass motion!"
Me: ????!!!!
In another instance,
Me(combing barbie's hair): Let me tidy up your hair now, u little thing.
Niece(in barbie's voice): Hey u, stop messing up my funky hairdo!
Since when do 6 year olds spout words like "funky"?
Niece(holidng up barbie and speaking in shrilly voice): Ladies and Gentlemen, let's play a game now.
Me(in bimbotic voice of blonde barbie): oh yeah! lets!
Niece(in same shrilly voice): Are you ready everyone? The game's called: "Let's strip naked and pass motion!"
Me: ????!!!!
In another instance,
Me(combing barbie's hair): Let me tidy up your hair now, u little thing.
Niece(in barbie's voice): Hey u, stop messing up my funky hairdo!
Since when do 6 year olds spout words like "funky"?
Thursday, February 02, 2006
my executive condo
My company's hiring so aggressively that we have to move again! Apart from that, we have to change furniture this time round as our existing ones are taking up too much space, thus they are going to give us smaller cubicles..yucks!!! sooner or later we are going to be packed like sardines and the worst thing is that, i'm going to lose my window seat!! :( so sad.... sad for me, sad for my little green lucky plant... and there goes my "EC" and I have been downgraded to a "HDB"... low morale
Monday, January 30, 2006
An eventful new year ...try beating that
The first part of the new year was finally normal... went to my nanny's place and lost some moolah at the game of "in-between". All was still fine till late afternoon when my dad complained that he was feeling cold all over. We decided to bring him to a clinic and eventually the doctor gave him a jab and he retreated home to rest for the rest of the day.
And for the whole day Yoda was exhibiting weird syndromes...like squatting, repeated trips to the cat litter without success....anyway, I am in no mood to write anymore. In a nutshell, Yoda went to the animal hospital, my dad got high fever, qida is stranded in taiwan and I sprained my back this morning. I HATE new year
And for the whole day Yoda was exhibiting weird syndromes...like squatting, repeated trips to the cat litter without success....anyway, I am in no mood to write anymore. In a nutshell, Yoda went to the animal hospital, my dad got high fever, qida is stranded in taiwan and I sprained my back this morning. I HATE new year
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
CNY frenzy
Was trying to go to the bank just now to withdraw some cash for red packets ... but gosh, the queue was so so so so long ... can faint...
I am thinking what i can do now... give my parents a thick stack of 50 dollar notes, or write them a check... sigh... so much trouble for 2 red packets... can't imagine if next time i get married and have to queue at banks every chinese new year for the fresh crisp $2 notes... haha... or maybe i'll just pao candies for all the kids haha...
ok, shall try my luck at ard 430 later again.. have to sneak out
I am thinking what i can do now... give my parents a thick stack of 50 dollar notes, or write them a check... sigh... so much trouble for 2 red packets... can't imagine if next time i get married and have to queue at banks every chinese new year for the fresh crisp $2 notes... haha... or maybe i'll just pao candies for all the kids haha...
ok, shall try my luck at ard 430 later again.. have to sneak out
beauty tips anyone?
Wear a waterproof mascara.
Use a Top coat.
Use micro-fiber (for lengthening and it doubles up as a top coat), and it helps to curl as well...just got mine from Sasa ... :p
Use a Top coat.
Use micro-fiber (for lengthening and it doubles up as a top coat), and it helps to curl as well...just got mine from Sasa ... :p
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
one reason why kids make me smile
Below is a little play that has been conjured up by my little sister and her friends.
Speak the truth
Mr Mee: Goody
Narrator: My sister
Mr Faizan: Shafiq
Good: Neo Min or Kanishk
Bad: Neo Min or Kanishk
N: After a few months of studying it was finally the day of our SA2 exams. Today, Mr Faizan is the invigilator for class 5/Z. Surprisingly only two of the students came for the exam, Goody and Baddy.
G: Ooh! Today I am so anxious for I have the confidence of having 100 marks, since I have been studying for 20 hours a day.
N: And it was true
Baddy: Oh my god! I forget to study. But anyway I always have 0n mark for my exam And my parents are so ir……ri….ting they always want me to study study study and that Goody is so proud. I and sure that I can beat her. Huh!
N: Mr Faizan came
MF: Good morning class
G and B:
Good morning Mr faizan
MF: please take a seat and I will give out the exam paper
N: Mr. Faizan gave out the paper and written on the board the test will be from 1.45pm to 3.00 pm.
Mr Faizan: OH MY GOD! Got…… stomachache…. must…. Go…… toilet
N: Mr Faizan ran to the toilet as fast as lighting as the both of them continue their exam paper
B: OMG! I don’t even know a single question I am so going to die. Aye
Since that GOD OO DY is so smart I don’t mind copying paper.
N: And that was what Baddy did. While Baddy was copying, Mr Faizan came back and saw it. But did not want to alarm him so he took a video from his phone and had the whole scene of what was happening. He took a few steps back and he stomped his feet toward the class room. Of course Baddy could hear the sound from far away so he stop copying goody one and he almost fall.
MF: have you two been good boy and girl.
G and B: yes Mr Faizan!
MF: Did any one of you cheat!
G and B: No
N: of course now Baddy face is turning green as he is as he thinks Mr Faizan knows that he was cheating and it’s the truth.
MF: I hope nobody in this class cheats and if you own up you will be given a chance if not prepare for the worst. This time round Mr Faizan knew that Baddy is not going to tell the truth so he gave up. Mr Faizan showed the video to Mr Mee and he called his parents to come over and his punishment was not to watch television for a week in his house and has to pick up the litters around the school for a week or two. I hope Baddy has learnt his lesson.
Speak the truth
Mr Mee: Goody
Narrator: My sister
Mr Faizan: Shafiq
Good: Neo Min or Kanishk
Bad: Neo Min or Kanishk
N: After a few months of studying it was finally the day of our SA2 exams. Today, Mr Faizan is the invigilator for class 5/Z. Surprisingly only two of the students came for the exam, Goody and Baddy.
G: Ooh! Today I am so anxious for I have the confidence of having 100 marks, since I have been studying for 20 hours a day.
N: And it was true
Baddy: Oh my god! I forget to study. But anyway I always have 0n mark for my exam And my parents are so ir……ri….ting they always want me to study study study and that Goody is so proud. I and sure that I can beat her. Huh!
N: Mr Faizan came
MF: Good morning class
G and B:
Good morning Mr faizan
MF: please take a seat and I will give out the exam paper
N: Mr. Faizan gave out the paper and written on the board the test will be from 1.45pm to 3.00 pm.
Mr Faizan: OH MY GOD! Got…… stomachache…. must…. Go…… toilet
N: Mr Faizan ran to the toilet as fast as lighting as the both of them continue their exam paper
B: OMG! I don’t even know a single question I am so going to die. Aye
Since that GOD OO DY is so smart I don’t mind copying paper.
N: And that was what Baddy did. While Baddy was copying, Mr Faizan came back and saw it. But did not want to alarm him so he took a video from his phone and had the whole scene of what was happening. He took a few steps back and he stomped his feet toward the class room. Of course Baddy could hear the sound from far away so he stop copying goody one and he almost fall.
MF: have you two been good boy and girl.
G and B: yes Mr Faizan!
MF: Did any one of you cheat!
G and B: No
N: of course now Baddy face is turning green as he is as he thinks Mr Faizan knows that he was cheating and it’s the truth.
MF: I hope nobody in this class cheats and if you own up you will be given a chance if not prepare for the worst. This time round Mr Faizan knew that Baddy is not going to tell the truth so he gave up. Mr Faizan showed the video to Mr Mee and he called his parents to come over and his punishment was not to watch television for a week in his house and has to pick up the litters around the school for a week or two. I hope Baddy has learnt his lesson.
Monday, January 16, 2006
Sick Chiken post
as the title loudly pronounces, I am sick. Yes - the doctor has spoken. I am down with some sorta inflammation/infection (bah.. is there SERIOUSLY any difference)of the throat. Gave me sore throat, and when I tot I was better since the sore throat went away, along came the cough and cold and lotsa phlegm (will spare you the gory details - which means I won't tell you what colour the phlegm is)
Popped an cocktail of leftover medicine from whoever used to be sick around the house (I thought since I couldn't find a doctor on sunday - I didn't know any that was open and I was too zapped to find out) - like the famous small yellow pill for flu and some other person's orange pill for cough.
Doctor also diagnosed a slight temperature, which kinda made sense coz i was wondering why i felt woozy from a cold at the office.
hahah... the visit to the clinic was amusing in a way - the doc asked me THREE times during the course of consultation whether I wanted an MC - hahah.. like he couldn't believe I wanted to give up such a great chance to bum and sleep at home on a work day. Well, fact is that I couldn't afford to take the MC even if I wanted to - I told the doc as much. At which point in time he asked me what I worked as. In any case, I'm not about to shorten my call break by any amount of time if I can help it man...so I took the chance to save the trees.
Feat of the week - sick chicken took train to IKEA to buy a trolley full of lights for new house. Wanted to die after that. the trauma of opening up boxes of lights to QC while trying to stem a river flowing from my nose mustn't have been pretty.
Oh well.. looking forward to getting well soon.
Project Runway was fantastic! Always good therapy to look at pretty clothes.. heh. now back to the stack of documents I brought home to read....
Popped an cocktail of leftover medicine from whoever used to be sick around the house (I thought since I couldn't find a doctor on sunday - I didn't know any that was open and I was too zapped to find out) - like the famous small yellow pill for flu and some other person's orange pill for cough.
Doctor also diagnosed a slight temperature, which kinda made sense coz i was wondering why i felt woozy from a cold at the office.
hahah... the visit to the clinic was amusing in a way - the doc asked me THREE times during the course of consultation whether I wanted an MC - hahah.. like he couldn't believe I wanted to give up such a great chance to bum and sleep at home on a work day. Well, fact is that I couldn't afford to take the MC even if I wanted to - I told the doc as much. At which point in time he asked me what I worked as. In any case, I'm not about to shorten my call break by any amount of time if I can help it man...so I took the chance to save the trees.
Feat of the week - sick chicken took train to IKEA to buy a trolley full of lights for new house. Wanted to die after that. the trauma of opening up boxes of lights to QC while trying to stem a river flowing from my nose mustn't have been pretty.
Oh well.. looking forward to getting well soon.
Project Runway was fantastic! Always good therapy to look at pretty clothes.. heh. now back to the stack of documents I brought home to read....
Sunday, January 08, 2006
A stephen chow party
Poor Fishy, hope the thief falls and breaks his neck. Dun feel too sad yeah...
Anyway, as my group of basketballer frens gradually tread towards the great 24, we decided to have the 1st ever theme party,with me taking the lead. So it was a fun filled night, with video clips and photoes that will serve too well in those typical wedding dinner MTV featuring days of our life .... or even command some ransom if we ever become rich and famous.
Due to the extremely embarassing nature of the pictures, you can only depend on my description as much as possible.
Some of the characters from our party tonight are as follows.
Kungfu hustle
- The Fu Tou Bang Lao Da who dances with the axe
- Bao Zhu Po (lady with the amazing nagging and screams)
- Ah Zhen (the tramp)
- The butt crack guy (ni shi bu shi zai le suo wo...ji shi ni sha le yi ge wo, hai you qian qian wan wan ge wo)
Sun Wu Kong - Yue Guang Bao He
- Tang Sen Zang
Cameo
- Ruhua (me!)
- Ruhua (Taiwanese version)
Hee.... show you all when i get the chance. Nights!
Anyway, as my group of basketballer frens gradually tread towards the great 24, we decided to have the 1st ever theme party,with me taking the lead. So it was a fun filled night, with video clips and photoes that will serve too well in those typical wedding dinner MTV featuring days of our life .... or even command some ransom if we ever become rich and famous.
Due to the extremely embarassing nature of the pictures, you can only depend on my description as much as possible.
Some of the characters from our party tonight are as follows.
Kungfu hustle
- The Fu Tou Bang Lao Da who dances with the axe
- Bao Zhu Po (lady with the amazing nagging and screams)
- Ah Zhen (the tramp)
- The butt crack guy (ni shi bu shi zai le suo wo...ji shi ni sha le yi ge wo, hai you qian qian wan wan ge wo)
Sun Wu Kong - Yue Guang Bao He
- Tang Sen Zang
Cameo
- Ruhua (me!)
- Ruhua (Taiwanese version)
Hee.... show you all when i get the chance. Nights!
Thursday, January 05, 2006
happy photos
i have just finished organising my approx 1035 photos of this holiday; photoshoping some- a little crop there, some colour balance work etc and putting aside some for printing. Pretty cross eye now sitting in front of my laptop for nearly four hours doing this. Anything but the boring holiday assignment that i have dued on friday...but well i will manage that somehow.
anyway the thing i want to say is that looking through the photos again, it struck me how much happiness and fun these photos have captured and I will confess that this is one of the best holiday i ever had in Europe. Never did I remember feeling so happy before. I guess this says something doesn't it? :-p
anyway the thing i want to say is that looking through the photos again, it struck me how much happiness and fun these photos have captured and I will confess that this is one of the best holiday i ever had in Europe. Never did I remember feeling so happy before. I guess this says something doesn't it? :-p
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
The Cast
Hello fish n chips... glad that you like the present! Yes, I must admit my dearie has done a fantastic job on this one... haha... and the others have watched it as well, at my house on new year's eve :)
The party was great, with Tat the chief cooking tons of delicacies. Too bad, Puffy didn't get to try Tat's great cooking and u too... we had salad, prata wrap, the famous seafood bisque, Spanish prawns and steam crabs yummy yummy .... red wine, white wine plus champagne at midnight :) The gals squeezed into my room at night and we had lots of laughter when we looked through our JC photos... oh boy, I'm glad to say that we have all grown prettier!
My parents woke us up the next morning to have porridge at Chinatown - the best thing you can eat on cool morning. Can you imagine the weather was so good, it's like the morning in springtime, sunshine but cool air :) then we walked ard Chinatown and after which, our dear Damselfish suggested that we explore Arab street - not much there though, but I guess it's the company with you loved ones on the first day of New Year that matters... Oh dearie, we miss u!!!
The party was great, with Tat the chief cooking tons of delicacies. Too bad, Puffy didn't get to try Tat's great cooking and u too... we had salad, prata wrap, the famous seafood bisque, Spanish prawns and steam crabs yummy yummy .... red wine, white wine plus champagne at midnight :) The gals squeezed into my room at night and we had lots of laughter when we looked through our JC photos... oh boy, I'm glad to say that we have all grown prettier!
My parents woke us up the next morning to have porridge at Chinatown - the best thing you can eat on cool morning. Can you imagine the weather was so good, it's like the morning in springtime, sunshine but cool air :) then we walked ard Chinatown and after which, our dear Damselfish suggested that we explore Arab street - not much there though, but I guess it's the company with you loved ones on the first day of New Year that matters... Oh dearie, we miss u!!!
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Catch of the Day
dear cheeky and tat,
thanks so so much for the little present hidden within the "book" =p
it was so lovely and for those moments of the clip, my heart was bursting with happiness and fond memories of the great chums i have back home in Singapore. I couldn't stop smiling at us.
Did the other gals saw it as well? i must say that it was quite a masterpiece, film of the year, witty, smart, complete with a cast of beautiful people. haha.
thanks once again!
love loads and loads,
fnc
p.s how did new year go?
thanks so so much for the little present hidden within the "book" =p
it was so lovely and for those moments of the clip, my heart was bursting with happiness and fond memories of the great chums i have back home in Singapore. I couldn't stop smiling at us.
Did the other gals saw it as well? i must say that it was quite a masterpiece, film of the year, witty, smart, complete with a cast of beautiful people. haha.
thanks once again!
love loads and loads,
fnc
p.s how did new year go?
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Happpy New Year
hey gals,
happy happy new year. Make loads of resolutions so that at least 50 % of them will be fufilled.
hope dinner was great...chocolates coming your way....woooooo
happy happy new year. Make loads of resolutions so that at least 50 % of them will be fufilled.
hope dinner was great...chocolates coming your way....woooooo
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
cafe rouge for xmas lunch
it was really difficult to find anything on the 25th. London was deserted as a ghost town. even macdonalds and starbucks let us down when we were desperate for toilets. found this cosy rest called cafe rouge, it was a lovely way to spend the afternoon and also to rest from having walked great distances (the tube was also closed...argh)
my food was so so so delicious, as u can see from the pic. :p
my food was so so so delicious, as u can see from the pic. :p
sorry for the messed up order heh..forgive me cos it is late and uploading takes such long time
Christmas Eve Drinks
White Cliffs of Dover
Bird in Hyde Park
Streets of London
Little (really teeny) Chinese girls studying at their mom's chinese store
Back from London
Hey dear friends,
me is back from grand ole London. The trip was Amazing! with a capital A and an exclamation mark. Firstly, the weather held up so nicely that I felt as if I was living an oxymoron; in fact, the biting cold here in my second home, Rotterdam makes me crave for London with which I have postulate what is known as The London Effect.
Symptom 1: You feel that it’s good to be home but yet crave to be caught up all over again in the bustling of the London city.
Symptom 2: Everything feels so darn cheap here now compared to the skyrocket ones over in England. Today we were raving about the chicken and rice set mean we got for euro 3 (sgd6), in London a simple kebab (pita bread, vege and meat) sets you back at least a good pound 4 (sgd 12)
Symptom 3: Dutch starts to look foreign all over again. just when you are used to seeing everything in English once again.
Symptom 4: must say though that life seems to be moving at a slower pace now, not necessary bad in fact enjoyable. At least people do not bump into you and then walk off in oblivion (such is the common behaviour of the jaded Londoner; or may be it is just me?)
okay I can't think of more symptoms, gonna leave you with loads of pictures from my trip, took about 380 give and take.
oh and how many can I say this, you girls look great in the photos, really put a smile to my face to see the pictures.
me is back from grand ole London. The trip was Amazing! with a capital A and an exclamation mark. Firstly, the weather held up so nicely that I felt as if I was living an oxymoron; in fact, the biting cold here in my second home, Rotterdam makes me crave for London with which I have postulate what is known as The London Effect.
Symptom 1: You feel that it’s good to be home but yet crave to be caught up all over again in the bustling of the London city.
Symptom 2: Everything feels so darn cheap here now compared to the skyrocket ones over in England. Today we were raving about the chicken and rice set mean we got for euro 3 (sgd6), in London a simple kebab (pita bread, vege and meat) sets you back at least a good pound 4 (sgd 12)
Symptom 3: Dutch starts to look foreign all over again. just when you are used to seeing everything in English once again.
Symptom 4: must say though that life seems to be moving at a slower pace now, not necessary bad in fact enjoyable. At least people do not bump into you and then walk off in oblivion (such is the common behaviour of the jaded Londoner; or may be it is just me?)
okay I can't think of more symptoms, gonna leave you with loads of pictures from my trip, took about 380 give and take.
oh and how many can I say this, you girls look great in the photos, really put a smile to my face to see the pictures.
Monday, December 26, 2005
Happy Boxing Day
Hi Gek, Merry Christmas and Happy Boxing Day! Hope your Christmas there has been an interesting one. Here's some photoes of the Christmas spent at Sentosa and the newly open Ministry of Sound at Clarke Quay.
Anyway, the photoes are so nice.. they really deserve a place in this month's final entries. Hence, here we are....
Check out Cheeky's masterpiece!
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Renovations
Forgot to mention - the reno works on my new house is starting on Thurs (yea, all the hacking and drilling and mass destruction in general)
4 Home and Decor magazines, numerous meetings with the contractor and a visit to the tiles showroom later, Ed and I still haven't settled the tiles we want, the colour scheme to use for the house etc. I swear the next time we are going to get a designer...
At least we settled on the layout of our brand-new open concept kitchen and agreed to obliviate one toilet and the storeroom, and tear down all the kitchen cabinets and bathtubs (now you know why I call it 'mass destruction')and build a wooden platform where the dining area is.
Yeah,anw this is just a short update, so more details to follow... *yawn x2*
4 Home and Decor magazines, numerous meetings with the contractor and a visit to the tiles showroom later, Ed and I still haven't settled the tiles we want, the colour scheme to use for the house etc. I swear the next time we are going to get a designer...
At least we settled on the layout of our brand-new open concept kitchen and agreed to obliviate one toilet and the storeroom, and tear down all the kitchen cabinets and bathtubs (now you know why I call it 'mass destruction')and build a wooden platform where the dining area is.
Yeah,anw this is just a short update, so more details to follow... *yawn x2*
Nice Colleagues
Got home an hour ago, had a nice shower, slapped on some of fishy's Bath and Body Works Cherry Blossom moisturizer, and I'm all ready to hit the sack (but I think I shall watch a bit of my Jap drama first.... hee.. can't help it... these things belong to the "food for the soul" category of earthly pleasures. Errrm... I guess that means I have a shallow soul? ah well.)
Wouldn't be here blogging or even thinking about watching anything more interesting than the digital clock ticking away on the little bottom right-hand corner of my computer screen if not for a timely favour.
I would never have made it home the time i did (not that 11.30pm is early by any standards - but trust me, at one point of time I was worried if I could even finish the work by midnight, much less get home before that) if not for a really nice friend of mine, a fellow pupil at the firm.
It's amazing what a godsend these people are. He offered to help me with stuff, and ended up staying back after knock-off time as well. Took about a fifth of the work off my back. Thank goodness for that. Really.
It's little things like these that make work enjoyable, and the long hours bearable. I hope I will always find this wherever I go *cross fingers*
Missed Sunday gathering - Fishy says "there is so much you missed out on again on Sunday". Yep. Didn't manage to make it again, but it was miscommunication this time. Such things are always unfortunate I guess. Gets a little tiring sometimes, to often be one step behind everyone else, and when trying to find out what went on takes some prodding... but friendship takes effort no doubt, and that effort's gotta come from somewhere, I guess.
*yawn* maybe the Jap drama's gotta wait... the comfy bed beckons...
Wouldn't be here blogging or even thinking about watching anything more interesting than the digital clock ticking away on the little bottom right-hand corner of my computer screen if not for a timely favour.
I would never have made it home the time i did (not that 11.30pm is early by any standards - but trust me, at one point of time I was worried if I could even finish the work by midnight, much less get home before that) if not for a really nice friend of mine, a fellow pupil at the firm.
It's amazing what a godsend these people are. He offered to help me with stuff, and ended up staying back after knock-off time as well. Took about a fifth of the work off my back. Thank goodness for that. Really.
It's little things like these that make work enjoyable, and the long hours bearable. I hope I will always find this wherever I go *cross fingers*
Missed Sunday gathering - Fishy says "there is so much you missed out on again on Sunday". Yep. Didn't manage to make it again, but it was miscommunication this time. Such things are always unfortunate I guess. Gets a little tiring sometimes, to often be one step behind everyone else, and when trying to find out what went on takes some prodding... but friendship takes effort no doubt, and that effort's gotta come from somewhere, I guess.
*yawn* maybe the Jap drama's gotta wait... the comfy bed beckons...
Saturday, December 17, 2005
I'm Back!
WooHoo!!!!
I'm finally finished with the LAST exam that I will take.. EVER.. as a student.. WHEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!
The joy simply cannot be expressed in words. 2 weeks of immense pain during the actual exams, together with 3 weeks prior to that, comprised of studying from morning to night, and from night through morning ... during which time coffee, chicken essense and red bull were the few things I could rely on (apart from the hours and hours of studying that I could rely on to happen, of course).. it's a sad existence. One which I would never wish to see a repeat performance of. Believe it or not, it was even worse than in law school.
I NEVER want to go through that again. EVER. And I say sorry to the many many trees I have killed in the process. My notes stack higher than the normal-sized living room TV sitting on my room floor - you can imagine the pain when i had to pay for those print-outs (at 4 cents a page - mind you, I print double-sided, and the stack still turned out humongous--spelling??)
KL was fun. Had lots to eat and bought new shoes. It was memorable for the fact that our bus back 'disappeared', if not for anything else. Tell you gals tomorrow.
Started work on Wed, but there were many moments when I found myself with absolutely nothing to do. Then work comes in late in the day, and I end up staying past knock-off time to work. How idiotic. But more of that when we meet..
Anw, just a sudden thought - I miss clubbing. sigh. But I feel too old and tired for it somehow.
Oh are we doing gift exchange or anything of the sort this Christmas? I haven't bought anything!!! argh!
I'm finally finished with the LAST exam that I will take.. EVER.. as a student.. WHEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!
The joy simply cannot be expressed in words. 2 weeks of immense pain during the actual exams, together with 3 weeks prior to that, comprised of studying from morning to night, and from night through morning ... during which time coffee, chicken essense and red bull were the few things I could rely on (apart from the hours and hours of studying that I could rely on to happen, of course).. it's a sad existence. One which I would never wish to see a repeat performance of. Believe it or not, it was even worse than in law school.
I NEVER want to go through that again. EVER. And I say sorry to the many many trees I have killed in the process. My notes stack higher than the normal-sized living room TV sitting on my room floor - you can imagine the pain when i had to pay for those print-outs (at 4 cents a page - mind you, I print double-sided, and the stack still turned out humongous--spelling??)
KL was fun. Had lots to eat and bought new shoes. It was memorable for the fact that our bus back 'disappeared', if not for anything else. Tell you gals tomorrow.
Started work on Wed, but there were many moments when I found myself with absolutely nothing to do. Then work comes in late in the day, and I end up staying past knock-off time to work. How idiotic. But more of that when we meet..
Anw, just a sudden thought - I miss clubbing. sigh. But I feel too old and tired for it somehow.
Oh are we doing gift exchange or anything of the sort this Christmas? I haven't bought anything!!! argh!
Sunday, December 11, 2005
The accelerated aging process
After deciding not to go for zouk-out, my friends and I decided to go to the revamped Mount Faber - called the Jewel Box. As we drove up, the tree of lights reminded me of the Effiel tower, though a poorer sister of course. Alas, as we trudged through the many cars on the winding roads to finally reach the summit, the entire jewel box was booked for a function till 11pm. Hence, we decided to make it down to the Soundbar for some drinks.
Had good talks over too dilluted drinks with enjoyable finger food. Was contemplating fi we should go for the Hip Hop night which seemed rather good, judging from the snaking queues outside the club. And so we went.
Amongst the sea of 18 year old faces, I felt extremely old. While 23 might be the age of empowerment, it is also the age when you can no longer feel right at home with a crowd like this. But one thing comforting about this is that the the bar was not all that crowded as people of their age don't swipe their credit cards like there's no tomorrow, and most transactions were in cash or in coupons. One also feels protected from the leering old men you might come across in some clubs. Thus, in this setting, one can truly enjoy the splendid music and dance to the heart's content.
They often say, the accelerated aging process begins when you cross the big 30. I beg to differ, I think it begins when you start to identify a "us" versus "them" when the age gap is barely 5 years old.
By the way, thought Pride and Prejudice the movie did little justice to Jane Austen's book. At one point, I actually felt quite bored. Think I shall take this afternoon to recapture the wits and the charm that were lost in the movie. And Perhaps Love is quite a good show. My favourite lines in the show as follows:
'You made me love a person I despised, and made me despise myself. And as such, I will despise myself forever'
A splendidly tragic way of saying "I will be loving you forever" don't you think? Absolutely charming. A must-watch.
Had good talks over too dilluted drinks with enjoyable finger food. Was contemplating fi we should go for the Hip Hop night which seemed rather good, judging from the snaking queues outside the club. And so we went.
Amongst the sea of 18 year old faces, I felt extremely old. While 23 might be the age of empowerment, it is also the age when you can no longer feel right at home with a crowd like this. But one thing comforting about this is that the the bar was not all that crowded as people of their age don't swipe their credit cards like there's no tomorrow, and most transactions were in cash or in coupons. One also feels protected from the leering old men you might come across in some clubs. Thus, in this setting, one can truly enjoy the splendid music and dance to the heart's content.
They often say, the accelerated aging process begins when you cross the big 30. I beg to differ, I think it begins when you start to identify a "us" versus "them" when the age gap is barely 5 years old.
By the way, thought Pride and Prejudice the movie did little justice to Jane Austen's book. At one point, I actually felt quite bored. Think I shall take this afternoon to recapture the wits and the charm that were lost in the movie. And Perhaps Love is quite a good show. My favourite lines in the show as follows:
'You made me love a person I despised, and made me despise myself. And as such, I will despise myself forever'
A splendidly tragic way of saying "I will be loving you forever" don't you think? Absolutely charming. A must-watch.
today i felt very upset when I heard a story of my friend.
it was strange how the story moved me, but I did not show my feeling to her but it lingered in my mind for the whole of the afternoon. I just admired how incredibliy strong she is. Some people in my class are like rough diamonds, the more you get to know them on a deeper level, the more you find out about their life and experiences. Its like you are offered a glimspe beneath the smiles and good days that we say to each other when we meet.
it was strange how the story moved me, but I did not show my feeling to her but it lingered in my mind for the whole of the afternoon. I just admired how incredibliy strong she is. Some people in my class are like rough diamonds, the more you get to know them on a deeper level, the more you find out about their life and experiences. Its like you are offered a glimspe beneath the smiles and good days that we say to each other when we meet.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
hey there,
glad to see that there are more blog entries nowadays. Was wondering where everyone went. I am little embrassed by my previous rantings, guess that was done in a moment of foolishness and late at night when the stillness of air makes the mind goes into auto-pilot depression. Well it doesn't happen like that all the time; sometimes slience and quietness can be a nice treat but I guess it drove me nuts then.
But anyway, I am up and going again and feeling better.
glad to see that there are more blog entries nowadays. Was wondering where everyone went. I am little embrassed by my previous rantings, guess that was done in a moment of foolishness and late at night when the stillness of air makes the mind goes into auto-pilot depression. Well it doesn't happen like that all the time; sometimes slience and quietness can be a nice treat but I guess it drove me nuts then.
But anyway, I am up and going again and feeling better.
Saturday, December 03, 2005
6 pretty gals
Oh forgot to mention that I saved some photos which we took at FnC's house, showing all of us in our different images - well, my male colleages happened to look at them during my trip to ChiangMai and they just can't stop looking at it - they exclaim = woah lau! all 6 are very Sui Muai Muai !!(means pretty in Thai) haha!
Have a good weekend!
Have a good weekend!
Cheeky is back!
Hi Gals, it was great meeting up last night, feel so good to sit around and utter nonsense with Fishy and Shashimi, and having promised Fishy that I will log on, and here I'm :)
My dear FNC, it's good to know that you are doing quite well over there... dun ever worry about about things going exceptionally well for you my dear, it's a bit silly. What you should do is to thank God that he's giving all these to you! Make sure that you enjoy every moment of it, dun ever let there be a situation where you look back and realise that how silly is it of you to not immerse into it and waste time away by worrying about it. Look at it this way dear, you have been kind, like I always say about you, so angels in Rotterdam are giving you a small reward... and the expiry date of this is in a year's time so make sure you maximise every minute of it, understand? :)
Honestly, it somehow surprise me - you and Chern, how things turns out to be... but anyway, i feel glad for you, he's slowly winning my trust... and I hope that you will not be offended if I confess to you that I thought initially that he's just out here to have some temporary love and fun ...:p, sorry dear, but now, I'm just glad for you... enjoy all you can when he's there and write to us about it ya?!
As for myself... I just had this big oral exams on 15th Nov (gosh, it was like so long ago)... so, I was so stressed out the week befoe that ... coz the panel of judges for this exams are basically senior management flew in from Hong Kong... and it comprises of 2 parts; a) Product presentation and b) Client meeting - of course I spent the week before this preparing for it, and competitive and selfish people ard me doesn't help much .. sigh.. guess it's all on your own and no information sharing ... eee... but fortunately, my boss did help quite a bit. I'm pretty confident about the product presentation - it helps when one of the examiners actually comes up to you and say that you did a good job right ;p hee.. so, now it all depends on the results of the client meering, which was much more ticky, coz it's was a role play and the client turns out to be a very angry one - whose pissed of with the bank coz his investments are not performing and the bank sold off the fund house which he invested in and worst his previous Client Advisor passed away! hahah... he gave all of us some hell of a time! aniway, results coming out next week - 3 weeks after the exams coz they have to seek approval from Zurich and so, that will definitely call for some celebration for me and Puffy as well, once she's done with her papers! yeah! And oh, did I mention that I will get a pay raise if I pass?!?!?! hahah!
Basically, this has been an OFFSITE period, tha bank pays for all these leisure trips - have been to Chiang Mai and Hong Kong on 2 consecutive weekends thus, was telling Fishy that's why I'm totally out of the blogging scene...travelling was fun, and you wouldn't believe how much stuff I bought from HK especially! Guess it pretty much stand up tp it's name as a food and shopping paradise... eeee... I'm being so Bimbo here... gosh! Aniway, I have plans of visiting FNC in Rotterdam or going away to NY with Fishy next year in March once both of us gets our bonus... meanwhile, it's countdown to the day! cheers!
Take care all my pretty ladies ... and i love you all!
My dear FNC, it's good to know that you are doing quite well over there... dun ever worry about about things going exceptionally well for you my dear, it's a bit silly. What you should do is to thank God that he's giving all these to you! Make sure that you enjoy every moment of it, dun ever let there be a situation where you look back and realise that how silly is it of you to not immerse into it and waste time away by worrying about it. Look at it this way dear, you have been kind, like I always say about you, so angels in Rotterdam are giving you a small reward... and the expiry date of this is in a year's time so make sure you maximise every minute of it, understand? :)
Honestly, it somehow surprise me - you and Chern, how things turns out to be... but anyway, i feel glad for you, he's slowly winning my trust... and I hope that you will not be offended if I confess to you that I thought initially that he's just out here to have some temporary love and fun ...:p, sorry dear, but now, I'm just glad for you... enjoy all you can when he's there and write to us about it ya?!
As for myself... I just had this big oral exams on 15th Nov (gosh, it was like so long ago)... so, I was so stressed out the week befoe that ... coz the panel of judges for this exams are basically senior management flew in from Hong Kong... and it comprises of 2 parts; a) Product presentation and b) Client meeting - of course I spent the week before this preparing for it, and competitive and selfish people ard me doesn't help much .. sigh.. guess it's all on your own and no information sharing ... eee... but fortunately, my boss did help quite a bit. I'm pretty confident about the product presentation - it helps when one of the examiners actually comes up to you and say that you did a good job right ;p hee.. so, now it all depends on the results of the client meering, which was much more ticky, coz it's was a role play and the client turns out to be a very angry one - whose pissed of with the bank coz his investments are not performing and the bank sold off the fund house which he invested in and worst his previous Client Advisor passed away! hahah... he gave all of us some hell of a time! aniway, results coming out next week - 3 weeks after the exams coz they have to seek approval from Zurich and so, that will definitely call for some celebration for me and Puffy as well, once she's done with her papers! yeah! And oh, did I mention that I will get a pay raise if I pass?!?!?! hahah!
Basically, this has been an OFFSITE period, tha bank pays for all these leisure trips - have been to Chiang Mai and Hong Kong on 2 consecutive weekends thus, was telling Fishy that's why I'm totally out of the blogging scene...travelling was fun, and you wouldn't believe how much stuff I bought from HK especially! Guess it pretty much stand up tp it's name as a food and shopping paradise... eeee... I'm being so Bimbo here... gosh! Aniway, I have plans of visiting FNC in Rotterdam or going away to NY with Fishy next year in March once both of us gets our bonus... meanwhile, it's countdown to the day! cheers!
Take care all my pretty ladies ... and i love you all!
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