Tuesday, June 20, 2006

Teach

Guess what...Jh is applying for pgde program! Seems like all my close pals are all in teaching!

Jo will be teaching in a secondary school soon...Fen-jie in a primary school and Jh is joining NIE soon...gosh...hope Jh gets what she sets out to do and may she find teaching fulfilling and rewarding.

Blur princess

Super sotong...supposed to have a gathering with my YEP Little Miraclers last evening but I conveniently forgot all about it...recalled that they mentioned about a gathering so checked the yahoogroups and realised that it was yesterday! So paiseh...

Watched the National Geographic program I was talking about and they featured "Glacier Bays", more on the natural habitats and could see eagles, bears and fishes. The sceneries taken were breath-taking...think it's too secluded for humans to go there which is good so that it can be left as it is and not be disturbed or polluted.

Monday, June 19, 2006

Hidden Genders

Caught this documentary on National Geographic Channel just now...the topic was on trans-sexuals and how they live in their societies. The documentary featured 2 trans-sexuals from India and Thailand each. In India, they are called Hijras (castration is necessary for them to become one) and in Thailand they are known as Katoeys (sex change is often necessary).

In India, they have 7 such clans with a matriach each to take care and control the other hijras. They are known to be able to bless or curse others due to their nature. They will go to different families to find out if a newborn has arrived then they will begin their blessing ritual and earn their customary money. However, they are now often regarded as beggers as they will even go to shops or approach people in their vehicles for money. If these hijras don't get what they want, they will abuse or curse these people. They often work as prostitutes (offering their services for men who cannot afford real women) and are not offered alot of jobs as people despise them. Each year, they have a festival where they gather to celebrate their identity but at the end of the 5 days, the festival ends with sorrow as they become "widows" of their fate.

The documentary managed to interview one hijra who is actually a village political leader. They voted for this person because they believe that without a family, this person will devote time and effort to help the community and has since gained support and respect from quite a number of people. Although when there are political events, others will pronounce the hijras' arrival, they actually think that it is a joke and are scornful of the hijra. The people's intention was to mock the political leaders with regards to saying their incompetence in helping the community hence they had the idea of voting for a hijras, but in the end, the joke became real.

In Thailand, where there is greater acceptance, Katoeys generally work in the entertainment industry. They even have their own shows where people pay them to perform. The famous Toom was filmed as she returned to her hometown as a female for the first time since she became a woman. It was a emotional battle for her as she did not know how her neighbours, friends and family will react. Her story was made into a film and she gained alot of recognition as the thai boxer who became a katoey.

There was another katoey who was filmed in the documentary and she is a performer as well as a teacher in a private school (teaching youths thai languange). She is quite popular with her students and she told them to look at her inner core and not judge her by her exterior. She is here to impart knowledge to them not influence their values. She had her sex change operation only after she managed to have financial stability as she believed that without a job, she is not fit to become a woman.

In present day societies, where acceptance of different kinds of people is becoming greater, we have to learn to live in harmony and also be more understanding. However, we still have a long way to go before such groups can be fully integrated and achieve unity in our global societies.

P.S. Monday 11pm National Geographic Channel has a documentary on Nature's paradise...a discovery of untouched natural beauty.

Friday, June 16, 2006

Marina Sq - Suntec - Bishan

Despite the downpour, didn't want to slack at home so asked Shuixian out to Marina Sq and Suntec. Bought a black skirt with simple kimono-liked design for only $20. It was the last piece and was also on sale. Quite happy with the purchase and the lady was very friendly and nice.

Before going to that shop, entered a victorian style shop with relatively nice clothing but the auntie was very crude and she presented one of the worst service attitude I've ever come across. I noted a skirt that was of quite flimsy material but the design was quite nice and elegant. I asked for the price and she claimed that if I like it then we can discuss about the price or else no point. She told me I can try it but I was not very keen because I was more interested to know the price, need to check my budget. Not planning to buy in the first place. When I was about to try it out, I asked her if she has a new piece as I noted that the edge of the skirt has some stray strands of thread and she told me it's a new piece and the skirt is not torn, just some stray threads that can be easily removed. She sounded very defensive and aggresive as though I am the one who spolit the skirt when I've not even tried it on.

I decided not to try and when another customer walked in to try something on, I took the chance to leave the shop. We were in the shop beside hers and she kept grumbling loudly that her skirt is fine. She was so noisy that we cannot stand it so we wanted to go to the shop diagonally opposite and as we walked past the shop again, she called out “小妹,我有一件新的要不要?” I replied “不要。” She said “新的也不要了 huh?” I kept quiet and ignored her, who will buy anything from someone like her? Forcing people to buy and when people refuse to make a purchase she kept making alot of noise as if accusing others of spoiling her stuff or saying that her stuff is of poor quality. Then when we were coming out from another shop, she was complaining to a couple and asking them to see who she was referring to. The couple only heard her side of the story and kept giving us a dirty look.

If I was in a foul mood, I would have approach the auntie and asked her what is her problem. I told Shuixian I would never return to the shop to buy anything ever because the shop's image has been tarnished by this lousy attitude auntie. If the next time I happen to see the shop owner, I might even tell him/her how the staff repelled me from the shop and lost business for the shop instead of improving sales...

We went to Suntec next and I managed to find a hello kitty plant that was on sale (Original px = $19.90 sale px = $8). It was the last one with flowers, the others are only leaves so I decided to buy it and try planting. It is quite an interesting concept as the soil and even seeds are included with a plastic pot and a hello kitty figurine. I just need to add water accordingly and give it adequate sunlight. Will take some photos of it the next time and then can see the progress of my plant growth...hehe.

We also went to Carrefour to buy some groceries before leaving the place. I thought I will be late for meeting Alvin at Junction 8 hence, took a cab but he was much later as he was held back at the camp. Had to get something to eat (went to Sakae) while waiting for him or else I would have fainted from hunger and tiredness from walking around so much.

雨過天晴

總算過了。。。
看得見彩虹的感覺真好 !

天晴的日子裡要過的充實、自在、愉快。

虧待自己只是跟自己過意不去。
要疼惜、愛護自己才有能力去關心、照顧他人。

我會好好過!

Thursday, June 15, 2006

Shopping Princess

Went out with Mum and sis to John Little and Robinsons. Managed to get a yoga pants from Bodynits at John Little and tried the OTO Tataki lower back massager...quite effective I think cos it felt like someone actually massaging your back.

Went to the Starhub Centre foodcourt and met a ajcian schoolmate selling gelato...tried a couple of flavours and personally liked the matcha green tea and berries gelatos.

They wanted to head home thereafter so I went to Plant & Planet. Bought a few other products and also spent a long time chatting with the lady there. She's very friendly and nice to talk to. Managed to learn quite alot there. Especially on essential oils and also the types of tincture suitable for what uses. The organic teas are also interesting, will probably buy them the next time i go. She shared that she actually went to UK to study Yoga, Shiatsu (unsure of spelling), basic TCM, counselling. She's Singaporean Eurasian and I had a good time sharing and listening to her. She was a smoker previously and she told me that hypnotherapy was the most effective for her to quit and she mentioned that acupuncture can also help but it's really up to the smoker to give it up as it's normally a emotional and physical addiction.

Went to Bugis by taking bus 7 and took my time to look at the different clothes and shops. Found a couple of nice clothing (a top being offered at $12) and even a pair of sandals (Scotts: $9.90) but in the end did not succumb to temptations...haha. After a late dinner at the cafe (tried the grill chicken set: not too bad), went to a shop where I spotted a dress being offered at $26.90. It was the one and only piece available and it fits me nicely. Decided to buy it if the lady is willing to reduce the price. Bargained and got it for $25!!! So happy~ even though the price reduction was pretty minimal.

Alvin came by to meet me and we took the train to Choa Chu Kang before I got a cab back home cos super tired.

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

NIE

Went back for the appointment with the Practicum office associate prof. They were very patient and I'm glad that my doubts were more or less cleared.

Popped by at the Chinese dept side to see if I can talk to any lecturers who might be in campus. Intended to thank Prof Zhang Aidong but she was not around. Alot of them are already on holiday so was very lucky to be able to see Prof Zhou Qing Hai. He was very kind and friendly as usual and I spent quite sometime chatting with him. He even gave me a few books which he had extras of. So paiseh, just intended to chat with him but end up receiving books from him. Left by 4pm and walked around Jurong Point for awhile before heading home.

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

East Coast Outing



Met Jh to take bus 55 to East Coast for our outing with Yat and Zai. We were there by 9:55 so decided to order Big Breakfast at Mcdonalds while waiting for the 2 ladies. They reached by 10:35 and we headed to rent bicycles.

Shared a double with Yat as I don't really know how to ride one. Jh and Zai got a single each. Jh was still a little unsteady but after trying a few times she managed to get it. I had quite a tough time trying to balance and was literally baked under the hot sun...we were lucky cos in the 2 hrs while we were cycling, there wasn't any rain until like close to the time we were suppose to return the bikes. Doing pillion riding was fun with Yat as she was the one in control and i just paddle behind and enjoy the ride. Think I need at least another try to be able to learn how to cycle but I'm glad that I didn't fall today.

We headed for the Funland arcade next as it started raining. It's like reliving our childhood or rather secondary school days. Being a teenager, enjoying arcade gaming. We had fun trying out the different machines and I almost lost my voice laughing as it was pretty comical, our reactions and also the games. We went back to the park as the skies had cleared. We played some card games and had lotsa fun trying to take several photos, testing the angles and not depending on others to help us take the shots.

Finally set up our very own yahoogroups so that we can share our photos and also update each other about what's going on in each others' lives.

Monday, June 12, 2006

Fulfilling day

Headed to the gym early in the morning to attend the Bodybalance class, maybe it's been awhile since my last lesson, I find the new choreography and music very refreshing and the instructor was very good. First time attending her lesson but i enjoyed in tremendously.

Tried a few new stations or rather machines around the gym with Celina but due to renovation works, have to watch where we're heading. While we were experimenting with some abdominal stretching exercises, a personal trainer came up to us and offered to teach us something. He was quite friendly and offered quite a few useful tips. He's also relatively new to the club as a trainer, previously a poly engineering student. Glad to be able to meet some nice people at the club.


Had lunch at Cineleisure, a jap fast food joint beside the korean shop. Didn't really enjoy the food as it's not that tasty...should have gotten Yoshinoya. Next time won't go there, even the food court is better.

Checked out an organic, essential oil shop in Centrepoint and managed to get some useful stuff. Nice recommendation by Celina. Will definitely go back for other products next time. Spotted a Tocca Italy leather bag at Robinsons that is similar to one I saw a lady carry on the bus the other time. Seriously, it was the first time I was mesmerized by a bag carried by others. Haha...it's not cheap even after discount, about $70+...think quality stuff. Not in a hurry to buy also, just look around first. Littlematchgirl's bags are more attractive though.

Walked to Far East and was nearly baked under the scorching sun. Today's weather was extremely sunny and without my sunblock I ended up looking pretty much like a cooked lobster. The air-conditioned malls provided a cool respite between our shopping stations...haha. Tried a red bean crispy waffle at Tangs' basement...quite tasty. Helped sis get 2 rings (it comes in a pair) in a shop named Pandora's box. Bought a file elastic band fastener with ribbon design at Paperpeople, it was the last piece. Spotted a nice dress at the shop where I got my striking purple top that costs $30+ but no intentions to buy. The fabric and design is very nice. I like the maroon color piece. The shop opposite actually sells designer japanese tees. Each costing $49.90. Limited pieces available but too expensive for a top to me.

Saw a brown bowling bag with retro design and even a shoe compartment costing $31.90 but due to the lousy attitude and impatient auntie, I decided against buying it. No hurry to get that kinda bag...a little too casual for work. More suitable for gym or going out.

Took a train back with Celina, had a very fulfilling day and was exhausted. Actually dozed off on the bus ride home. Lucky i didn't miss my stop. =P

Sunday, June 11, 2006

放假

这星期的心情糟透了。一而再的打击快让我喘不过气来了。真是觉得自己倒霉极了。从来没有在这么短时间内承受那么多。想让自己心情不那么沮丧好像好难。天空总是乌云密布,老天总是下起大雨。多20分钟,这可怕的一周就会成为过去。只希望星期一会带来一个美好的开始。让心情好好的放个假。感情也暂时放个假吧。麻木也许不是件坏事。

Nokia 7370

My dream phone...

http://www.nokia.com.sg/nokia/0,8764,83516,00.html

Swing

Joined Dad & sis to Sembawang Country Club. Intended to head for a swim but had to cancel due to the downpour. Tried playing golf instead and surprisingly after not playing for so long, i managed to pick it up relatively fast and could even get the golf ball to go beyond 50m!

Had quite a good time but now lower back aching a little, think not enough warm-up. Heading to the gym tomorrow. Hope I can wake up in time for bodybalance. =)

Saturday, June 10, 2006

Retail therapy deprived

Went to Far East and managed to check out some shoes, clothes and hair accessories but couldn't buy cos Mum was there. Went to Wheelock place next and had to queue outside Sakae Sushi even though it was getting late for lunch 1+pm. "Hungry people are crazy people" my sis claims. We started to entertain ourselves by observing the people around us. Finally after waiting for abt half and hour we managed to get a table. The food was ok but the service quite slow. Perhaps they need to be more efficient especially when there's a huge crowd.

Took a bus (SBS174) down to Plaza Sg and walked around before going for my piano lesson. Spotted a nice bag at littlematchgirl but the saleswoman was quite snobbish, so decided not to buy. Even if we changed our mind, we will also go to the Marina Sq branch instead.

Intended to get a cream from thefaceshop but with Mum around, couldn't. Nice belt spotted at far east was also given a miss. Just need to bear with the itch to start spending and practice self control. Suffering from withdrawal symptoms of curbing retail therapy urge.

Picking up the pieces and moving on

Since 6 Jun, over the span of a few days (4 days to be exact), it has been a tough and wild ride on the emotional rollercoaster: disappointment - upset - glad - disappointment - angry - absurd - incredulous - anxious - disppointment - resigned - moody

Was quite surprised that I didn't really wallow in self-pity and goodness knows where I got the courage to pick up the pieces and also to quickly get things going. Calls to be made, people to contact, no time to brood over things. Somehow in the first 24 hr, sleep didn't register, insomnia and appetite lost took over. Tears did fall but not as much as expected. Tried to look on the brighter side of things but it's tough.

Felt super incredulous when was told that "You are very upset. Was this a surprise?" Am I suppose to foresee this outcome and be happy about it? The very least I could do was to control my emotions and not erupt in anger already. Time for reality check perhaps. More self reflection necessary. Meanwhile, retail therapy is also out of the question. Super down...

Would like to take this chance to thank all those who showed concern, assisted me during such a horrible time and continue to believe in me. =)

Friday, June 09, 2006

Gal power

Been ages since I last caught up with Zai, Yat and Jiahui. We finally met at Causeway Point today for brunch at Burger King. Chatted quite abit and also walked around before I left for Cityhall with Jiahui. We've also arranged to meet up again at East Coast next tuesday. Basically, Yat and Jiahui are both looking for jobs while Zai has just started her NUS arts and social science course.

Went to Raffles City, Citylink, Suntec by taking the train (transfer at Jurong east was faster from Woodlands) and doing lotsa walking. Took bus 36 at the bus stop outside Sakae Sushi in Suntec to Orchard Road. Went to Cineleisure and Wheelock place before taking a bus to Bishan to meet Alvin. Had to stop and get some food by 6pm so went to Sakae sushi in Wheelock place. Felt good to be able to sit down and also replenish some energy with my fave food. =)

Wednesday, June 07, 2006

Disappointment, Upset, Absurd

The stormy afternoon did nothing to lessen the lousy feelings I had...at this point in time, I can only keep my fingers crossed that whoever can assist me will provide me with sound advice. The emotional and mental strain has made me lose my appetite and sleep.
~walking zombie~

Monday, June 05, 2006

Potluck at Shuixian's place

Reached Serangoon MRT station around 4+pm and it was 6pm by the time I reached Shuixian's place to prepare the salad for our NIE class potluck gathering. Waiting for some of our classmates was the main reason. Shuixian booked the function room at her condominium "The Amaranda" and it has a very nice view of the swimming pool. The food was quite a spread as there were otahs, fishballs, chicken wings, nuggets, salad, beehoon, ee mian, sandwich, jelly and drinks.

Besides Shuduan, Mindy, Yuanlin and Yifen, the rest of us turned up. Intended to take photos but low batt for Yanxuan's digicam so think we only managed to take one. Chatted and ate till 10+pm before we left. Had a really nice time together, will miss my classmates and the times we've shared.

Sunday, June 04, 2006

Gathering at Prof Goh

Shuixian's father was kind enough to offer a ride to Tanah Merah MRT station as the rest of us are meeting there before walking to Prof Goh Yeng Seng's condominium.

We didn't know he invited the diploma crossovers and it was pretty obvious that there's a generation gap as when the aunties started talking, our side kept pretty quiet. Besides Shuduan's group and Yifen, the rest turned up.

Went to Suntec with Shuixian after that and for the first time, I saw that the carpark at suntec is full!!! Imagine how many people are there in the building!?!?!

Friday, June 02, 2006

People's Park Complex

The newly renovated shopping area is now furnished with new shops selling mostly beads, accesories, clothes and textiles. Quite a few shops with interesting designs, very similar to Korean style fashion clothing. Didn't have much time to explore the place but I'm glad the famous Yong Tau Foo stall is still at the same place. =)

Over the Hedge

Caught this entertaining and heart-warming movie with Xian-jie...like the 3 small porcupines the most, the vivid colours and catchy tunes are also plus points...can check out the extremely interactive website:

http://www.overthehedgemovie.com

After collecting the 10 items Vincent wants on the site, there's a surprise!