Friday, January 29, 2010

Thursday, January 28, 2010

The Rainbow Connection - Kermit The Frog

Why are there so many
Songs about rainbows
And what's on the other side
Rainbows are visions
They're only illusions
And rainbows have nothing to hide
So we've been told and some chose to
Believe it
But I know they're wrong wait and see

Someday we'll find it
The Rainbow Connection
The lovers, the dreamers and me

Who said that every wish
Would be heard and answered
When wished on the morning star
Somebody thought of that
And someone believed it
And look what it's done so far
What's so amazing
That keeps us star gazing
What so we think we might see

Someday we'll find it
That Rainbow Connection
The lovers the dreamers and me

Have you been half asleep
And have you heard voices
I've heard them calling my name
Are these the sweet sounds that called
The young sailors
I think they're one and the same
I've heard it too many times to ignore it
There's something that I'm supposed to be

Someday we'll find it
The Rainbow Connection
The lovers, the dreamers and me

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Self

I remember the time when:

I had more patience
I was less judgemental
I was more open
I was less guarded
I was more happy-go-lucky
I was more caring
I was less selfish

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Cross-roads

I was walking home earlier tonight.

And at a cross junction, I saw an old man. With a walking stick. The kind which branches out into 4 other legs about 5 inches from the floor.

He was ambling and wanting to cross the road. No. He was shuffling. No. I can't find the right word. Let's just say each step he took was probably only about 4-5 inches wide.

I was waiting for my green man to appear and was crossing from South to North. He was crossing from West to East. I was staring at him, fearing for him. How the hell was he going to make it to the other side before the green man changed to red?

I was undecided. I wanted to walk with him. I didn't know what to do. I was so worried for him. My heart went out to him but my feet stayed rooted to the ground. I still didn't know if I should go forward or not.

By that time, a few others were watching too. From where I was, from the opposite side of the road, from within vehicles.

The green man stopped blinking and changed to red. He still wasn't even halfway across the road, only 3-quarters of the way to the middle island where the green railings are usually placed.

Everyone was staring. I could feel it in them too. Everybody felt for him but somehow didn't move forward to be with him or to hold him or to guide him. A young girl next to me was undecided too. I could see it in the way she stood and faced him, as I did.

The cars had started moving by now. Some couldn't move because of him, others veered around him. Some were turning into his lane but couldn't. One asshole of a motorbike rider was honking at him.

By that time, my own green man had appeared and it was time for me to cross. I crossed, as did the few others who were with me. Each of us took furtive glances back at the old man. Undeniably to see how he was doing and to see if he was okay.

He had reached the midway point by now and was just standing motionless there. One hand on his walking stick. The other cluthing his sling bag close to his body. The cars moved. In front of him and behind him. It felt harrowing just seeing him there. So frail and helpless amidst the traffic.

And then in what seemed like forever, his green man appeared again. The cars stopped. People started crossing from West to East and from East to West again. And he started shuffling again to get to other side of the road. Hopefully before the red man appeared.

When his green man appeared, it seemed like a signal. Everyone who was watching anxiously suddenly went about their ways as usual. No more glances back at him. No more walking slowly just to be around just in case something happened to him. Everything went back to normal.

I continued crossing the road, albeit still with some glances back at the old man. When I reached the other side, I stood and watched him from a distance as he snailed along.

Only when he reached the other side safely did I turn to continue with my journey home.

My heart felt heavy though. I was disappointed in myself. It was not the first time that I was caught in such a situation. Of wanting to offer help but not knowing how and not knowing whether I should or not. And ending up just standing there watching from a distance, wishing the other party well and praying for them.

swoon

There I was, taking a slow walk along the main pathway within Times bookstore. He was with a companion, in one of the arterial pathways veering off the main one. I remember it was at the Marketing and Finance section.

He had just left his companion's side and was taking a few steps toward the main pathway. His inquisitive gaze was sweeping the row of bookshelves, scanning the volumes of books lined up there, plump and ripe for picking by any curious reader.

I happened to glance up at the very moment his eyes reached the main pathway. We locked gazes for a moment or two before he turned away and continued with his scan of the bookshelves. He had one hand running across the spines of the books laid out in front of him.

Oh my, I thought to myself. He's gorgeous.

Pan-asian face. Soft dewy skin. Brown-skinned and tanned. Light fluffy hair of a pale shade of brown. With a hint of curls forming around the back of his head near his neck. And that pair of large beautiful eyes. Almost sparkling. With a thick thick fan of lashes adorning each eye.

His companion called out to him and in response, he gave a most delightful smile, revealing a perfect row of straight teeth. And oh, he had dimples! One deep hollow on each side of his cheeks.

He was decked out in a light blue T-shirt and beige berms. And he wore blue Crocs, a shade darker than his T-shirt. Casual chic yet oozing so much charm.

His companion called out to him again and he finally tottered over, gurgling some indecipherable melody of coos.

Oh, how I wish I could have given that little toddler a hug!

His dad was a North Indian i.e. fairer than the South Indians. With his pan-asian look, his mum could have been Chinese.

I'm really an Uncle and Auntie magnet

I’m sort of “stalked” by an uncle.

I had a 3-month stint at a career recruitment company more than 2 years ago. In mid 2007 to be exact. I helped set up a telemarketing team in the 2 weeks before I left and essentially did the recruitment for about 3-4 of the telemarketing staff.

Out of the CVs I received, I picked some and did phone interviews with them as a first round screening. Those I found suitable were called down for an interview with a product manager and most were subsequently hired. One of them was a retiree, a 50-something uncle. We’ll call him PS.

The telemarketing team was eventually put up at branch A of the company. I was situated at branch B which was in a completely different building.

When PS started work in August or September 07, he asked for my mobile number and some dumbass gave him my number. He SMS-ed me and also called me on my desk phone. Said he wanted to meet me and to treat me to lunch because I helped give him a “new lease of life”. Apparently he was in despair because he couldn’t get a job because of his age and he was very very grateful that I didn’t ostracise him because of his age.

He was persistent but I politely declined for a few times. I left the company in mid-September and he SMS-ed me saying he was sorry he didn’t get to thank me in person. I thought that was the end of the story. But he SMS-ed me in 2008 again to thank me.

I don’t recall hearing from him last year.

And then errr, I just received an SMS from him again.

“Hi Michelle, this is PS. I’ve not tnx u enuff 4 ur recommendation of the telemarketing job @ XXX n I hope u’ll gv me d chance 2 tnx u properly. Hav a nice day!”

**Company name has been masked.

Gosh...I can’t imagine a 50-something typing in such short forms. I don’t even type in such short forms………

I hope he doesn’t call.

*burp*

I had sinful food during lunch today.
Nasi lemak haha. It's literally been years since I had nasi lemak and so I thought to give it a try again haaa.

Plus I bought a cup of bubble tea…lychee green tee with pearls. Yum….

I think I am going to get a sugar higheeeeee!

busybodies

There is a bunch of people I know. Out of this group, there are about 2 or 3 people whom I doubt at times.

Something happens. Be it good or bad. And then these people are quick to ask questions. Probe. Ask some more. And then ask even more.

I really do wonder. If they’re asking out of pure kaypoh-ness or out of honest care and concern.

At this point in time, I tend to believe they are behaving this way because of the former reason.

It does irk me a little, a lot at other times and sometimes I try not to bother.

I must learn to be more patient.

Monday, January 25, 2010

On leave

I had brunch by myself today. :)

I was on leave and it felt good to spend time alone with myself.
The parents are away and I have the whole house to me, myself and I. Wheeee!

Brunch was at Bakerzin at Tampines One.

Took a slow leisurely walk there, plonked myself down, ordered and then read a book whilst munching on raisin bread...Warm raisin bread with balsamic vinegar..lovely.

Ordered their set meal and it came with hot pumpkin soup! Ahh...cosy cosy food..I like!
The penne in mushroom cream sauce I ordered had whole chunks of garlic and asparagus in it. Both are my favs and together with mushrooms, they brought me to heaven haha.

I was the only one there for a good whole 45minutes. Hahaa...Was reading "The Fours Sisters of Hofei". A real-life biography of a family...tracing their history from the 19-century till about 2002.

And enjoying some quiet time with myself........

And then. TMD. My boss SMS-ed me.

Wah lau. Anti-climax. He doesn't know when to NOT do these things.
You as a boss should not SMS your staff whilst they're on leave and during the weekends.
Unless it's a real emergency. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
He SMS-ed me at 11-plus, at 4-plus and at 5-plus. For inconsequential issues. WTF?

*wails*

I just spent $1,500 on a massage and a facial package this afternoon!

*looks at dry pockets*

*sniff*

Toothy

Over the last few years, I've noticed that it's getting increasingly difficult just to buy a toothbrush.

Gone are the days of a toothbrush being a plastic stick, with a rectangular-looking brush at the end of it. And with the bristles being all of the same height and colour.

These days, toothbrushes come in all sorts of colour, shape, size and PRICE.

I spent a good 10 minutes staring dumbfounded at the rows of toothbrushes in front of me. I was at Watsons. And all I wanted was just to buy a toothbrush to replace my pink Oral B.

Pinky has served me well over the last year or so. I know I know. It's recommended that toothbrushes are to be changed about once every 3 months. But well, I grew attached to her. Hehe. ;p

I went to Watsons with a mission. To find a similar pink toothbrush. From Oral B preferably.

And it took me a ridiculously long 10 minutes plus just to find a reasonable toothbrush for myself.

I never knew the toothbrushes of this day and age came with so many fancy names and functions. Where have I been in the last one year???

Whitening. Sensitive. Ortho Brush. Ultra Max.

Cross-bristles. Straight bristles. Multi-coloured. Single-coloured. Round patterns. Diamond patterns. Rubber bristles. Rubber flaps. Tall bristles with shorter ones. Short bristles with taller ones. Wavy bristles.

Rubber grip with diagonal grooves. Rubber grips with circular grooves. Rubber grips with a polka-dotted rough surface.

35mm. 40mm.

Ultra soft. Medium. Hard.

$3.50. $5. $6.95. $10.95. $12.95.

Like what the hell?? So many factors to consider just to buy a toothbrush???

I just want a PINK Oral B toothbrush!!

Oh well. Alas, I could not find any pink Oral B toothbrush. And so.....I reluctantly settled for an aqua coloured toothbrush. From Oral B of course. :) $6.95.

Voila. Pinky's lying in the bin now. I bid her a solemn farewell.

I put Aqua in his new home earlier, He seems to be doing fine in the toothbrush holder. He's been introduced to my teeth, gums and tongue already. I think they'll get along pretty well. :)






Sunday, January 24, 2010

Novena

I might go down to Novena Church one of these days again to listen to their service.
Will also buy the small little book they use for service.

granny

Gran's 94 this year.

Having a conversation with her can be fun at times, bland at times, boring at times, ridiculously funny at times and tiring at times. She can be quick-witted one moment, extremely forgetful the next moment, sarastic one moment and just plain woozy the next moment.

When the mind's old and feeble, and time is more than sufficient, imagination takes place in its fullest potential.

We've had conversations with her before where she has imagined things. Like saying that my sister-in-law makes love letters to sell for CNY when that is not the case at all.

She caused family relations to be a little strained late 2008 or early 2009 when she went through a period of time accusing a family member of being involved in illicit affairs. Of course, we all know she's having dementia. But still, being accused of such things and in full view of other members of the family is not a nice thing to endure.

The latest fiasco. She thought my brother died and was crying and wailing and sobbing from 2-3am all the way till this morning. According to the nurses, she was making a din throughout the night.

She packed my brother's photo, wore her slippers and demanded to be let out and be brought to his "funeral" so that she can see him one last time.

My Aunt and brother had to go down to the nursing home early this morning before my gran was convinced that he was okay.

Sigh.

Family

I guess each family has its own drama moments.

My own family. K's family. Some of my friend's families.

Why do some families have a no or less drama life compared to other families?

Hmm...

What the??

What a crushing way to die...Gosh.

Article extracted from ST online.
========

Jan 22, 2010
Sat on boyfriend; killed him

CLEVELAND (Ohio) - AN American woman had pleaded guilty to killing her boyfriend by sitting on him, reported MyFox National on Friday.

Mia Landingham, who weighs 136kg, sat on her much smaller boyfriend, Mikal Middleston-Bey, after they got into an argument in August last year, reported police in Cleveland, Ohio. Mr Middleston-Bey only weighed 54.4kg, said the police.

According to a Fox8 report, Landingham was sentenced to three years probation and 100 hours community service on Wednesday after pleading guilty to involuntary manslaughter. She was immediately released from jail.

The report said that Landingham's attorney said there was a long history of domestic abuse in the couple's relationship and asked Judge Carolyn Friedland for leniency, saying Landingham had no prior criminal record.

Landingham apologised for squashing the father of her children. The couple have three children together. 'I just want to say that I am sincerely sorry about this situation. I wish I could take it back,' she said.

However Middleton-Bey's family were unhappy with the result, with one of his sisters saying: 'So basically you can say that I can go sit on somebody and get probation? I feel there wasn't no justice.'

Currently reading up online about:

  • the Navajo Indians
  • their history
  • their relationship with the land they love so much
  • their culture
  • their food
  • and their curent efforts in preserving thier culture and customs

In a way, I wish and hope that our own local clans are doing their best to either document or preserve the cultures and customs of the various dialects there are in Singapore.

Chasing Pirates - Norah Jones

Both K & I found this song extremely bizarre when we first heard it.
Chasing Pirates?? huh?? Plus, the melody was rathermonotonous and strange...

But I guess, it's one of those songs which strangely grows on you after hearing for more than a few times...Here's the song. you can gauge for yourself if you like it or not on the first listen.

Type type type

For those who are interested in finding out what their typign speed is, I came across an online test which actually calculates for you...:)

You can try it out here.

Mine's at 66wpm. :)

Culinary pursuits

My first attempt at making foccacia bread failed haha.

It was quite disappointing! The dough and smell all seemed perfect!

But it came out of the oven a little hard and crusty. Wasn't as fluffy as I thought it would be!
But the fragrance was there alright...haha.

It looked a little like Indian chappati actually lol...No pics though. No point taking a pic of a crusty hard piece of bread haha...

Hmm, nevermind, I shall give it a try again next time!

Friday, January 22, 2010

Health Screening

Went for a health screening yesterday. A yearly thing organized by the company.

Verdict so far:
- I apparently am 162cm and not 161cm. Hmmm.
- BMI’s at 17.9 so it’s quite alright. You can go do the math haha.
- BP is mighty fine
- Body fat analysis is good. 21.3% body fat.

Waiting for the other results to come in.
Hope my cholesterol level is as excellent as what last year’s report showed! Haha…