Kiki the Monkey and Budi the Dog

Kiki the Monkey and Budi the Dog
I live for weekday lunchtime, seriously. Ailing, Cat, Xiaowei and I eat like ravenous pigs. The amount of food we had for lunch at Seah Inn Food Centre today could almost rival that of a buffet table, haha!

Received a new assignment to refine some materials by the Sales department today. I totally enjoyed it - kinda like editing school project proposals. Haha.

Met Jason after work and made a trip down to the Images of Singapore to prepare myself for the article, only to see the shut shutters of the ticketing booth. Sigh. We didn't make it in time for the 6.30pm last entry. The deadline for my article's been shortened to Wednesday, so that gives me two days to visit and churn out a story. Hmm. Nothing is impossible eh?

To make up for him coming all the way down to Sentosa, we decided to go catch the show at the Magical Fountain. It was basically a lazer extravaganza, with a storyline revolving around Kiki the monkey and his fantasy world. Gorgeous effects worth jostling the crowd for definitely.

I just received a call from Joyce saying that it isn't necessary to go down at 7am for filming tomorrow. Our department was initially supposed to dress up as tourists, and I was just staring at my cupboard in despair. No white, no black. And those two colours make up the majority of my wardrobe.

Shall see how it goes. Night world.

When Shopping Has Got a Reason

When Shopping Has Got a Reason

Before I go into the favourite topic of most normal females, I'd like to say that I touched my neighbour's dog today! I actually rubbed his head twice! Once in the morning enroute to my piano lesson, and once in the night! His name's Budi.

If you know me well enough, you'd probably know that I am not quite an animal lover. In fact, I kinda shy away from dogs as I was chased by the species twice in my childhood. So... This is quite a feat for me. (I am not gonna emphasize on the fact that there was a steel gate barracading Budi from me.)

I like him. He's usually at the gate wagging his tail when Jason and I are out there. I might even start to grow attached to him!

I spent most of my Sunday afternoon shopping for clothes for work. I'm totally thanking my lucky stars that I'm working on an island. So... I basically updated my usual wardrobe, haha! I loved it, saying no to starched shirts and pants.
Got myself a flare skirt, a pair of beaded wedges, and this fisherman-pants-like (but not) pair of pants from Mango.

Just caught Amargeddon (pardon the spelling) on tv. I pretty much bawled my eyes out at the part where Bruce Willis sacrificed himself. Haha.

All's good. Night world. :)

tothebeach

My Saturday - A Graphic Entry

I've been so exhausted lately, but apparently still with enough energy to snap plenty of pictures. Enjoy. :)

The trip to the beach with Cat was fantastic. The sky was a clear clear blue, the sea was clean, we talked to some of our fellow colleagues, and spent ALOT of time snapping pictures of ourselves. We're shameless, haha.
We've decided never to go back there in the same bikinis, in case someone recognises us.



A perky Cat and a sleepy me on the bus towards the island.

clubislander

clubislander
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

We decided to "park" in front of Club Islander, where a balloon sculpting workshop was going on.
Saw Xiaowei and Jason Teo who were both helping out at the event.

us

us
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

A shot of us...

hotsun

hotsun
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

And another...

feet

feet
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

No prizes for guessing which leg's mine.

cat3

cat3
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

The front of Cat's itsy bitsy teeny weeny engine red flower bikini.

catback

catback
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

And the back!
Hmm. I wonder what Cat's looking at.

mehalf

mehalf
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

The front.
Pardon the constipated face.
I've kinda decided that my bikini's a cocktail of boho and retro.

myback2

myback2
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

The back.
Pardon the messy beach-hair.

toilet2

toilet2
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

That's us in the makeshift toilet! I can't quite decide if I am really chaota or if it is because I'm posing with Cat! All's good anyway, I like being tanned, and she loves being fair. Haha.

dinner

Rouge with Pals

After my extremely revitalising post-beach afternoon nap, it was dinner and Rouge with the gang in the night. Just as we were about to get our stamps at the entrance of Rouge, I realised I'd forgotten to bring my IC along.
Cabbed all the way back home with Jason to get it. Man. Lol.

Pre-Rouge dinner. I was taking the picture, and Jane has yet to arrive.

leighson2

leighson2
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

Jason and I, radiating with pre-clubbing energy. Haha.

marcdrunk

marcdrunk
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

That's Marc, as drunk as a bear can ever be.

lesterme

lesterme
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

That's Lester!

leighson

leighson
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

That's Jason and myself, un-clubbing couple of the year.

mejane

mejane
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

Girlfriends.
I decided not to post the one where she was draped all over me, haha.

supper2

supper2
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

The group of us having our post-Rouge supper at Cuppage S11. Lester's off buying his ramen, and Jason's the one taking the picture.

Thank God it's Friday!

Thank God it's Friday!

I might possibly title each of the next 22 Friday blog entries with the same as today's.
The much anticipated end of the working week has finally rolled around. For the weekend, I'm looking forward to doing what I want to, as compared to what I need to (work, duh).

Caught Monster-in-Law with Jason in the night, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The movie; the company; the nachos; and the no-fret, you don't have to work tomorrow feeling.
Had a leisurely dinner after that Thai Express at the Esplanade, and we were so impressed by the outlet manager's service that we personally handed him a tip. We've never done that, trust me.

Work today was extremely fruitful and enjoyable.

Learnt heaps from Joyce - preparing and planning for a CIP/VIP/VVIP visit; how to select suitable photographs for different medias; as well as how to burn pictures onto a cd.

Also, Corrina had her assign me to do a welcome speech "by" the president of a certain association. I was so psyched by my first writing assignment, I finished it in less than an hour, way before the Tuesday deadline. Good for me that I wasn't plagued by writer's block, thus the smooth-flowing train of thoughts.

My next writing assignment would be an article on the newly opened IOS. Looks like I'd have to go on a visit to the attraction. Several of my fellow interns and colleagues have been singing its praises.

Pat told me quite a few stories and scandals from the past as well. Some were interesting, some plain weird -like a marriage proposal from a certain king to one of our staff. Haha.

I love my fellow interns in the same batch as me - Cat, Xiaowei, Ailing, Marilyn and Shikin. And it's always nice to see Karin, James and Ross around.
Friendly colleagues and enriching work. What's not to like? :) I'm crossing my fingers things will remain the same, haha.

Possibly beaching, shopping then Rouge-ing tomorrow.
I need a pair of dressy flats before I blister my feet to their grave.

Night world.

Oh Yes...

Oh Yes...

In case you're wondering why I am not posting in-depth entries about my internship, think no further.

I have an internship blog! Yes, haha. But it's not something I want the whole world to know, not until the end of my SIP or something. So leave me a tag or drop me a sms if you wanna be let in on the island action. :)

260505

260505
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

:)

260505(2)

260505(2)
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

:)

It's Like Going to School

It's Almost Like Going to School

Early each morning as I approach the Harbour Front interchange, my biggest comfort is to see my juniors waiting to go for class at the Tourism Academy.

And during the tour of attractions yesterday, I was uncharacteristically glad to see Ms. Ivy Tan, Mr. Neo and Mr. Sim coming along with us. Honestly speaking, I was never excited by their presence until yesterday, lol. Being in such close proximity to my friends and lecturers is probably one of the things I can look forward to when I dread going to work in the mornings.

I'm not saying that work sucks, but you know, as grown-ups always say, school is the best. I never realised the truth in that till a few days back. Working full-time, even as an intern, is seriously no joke. The commitment required is way more intense than a part-time job.

One more day to the weekend. Thank God it's Friday. :)

Island Chic

Island Chic

Me: What's the dresscode?
Corinna: Smart casual will do.
Me: It's kinda general a term.
Corinna: Think of what you'd wear to a high-end beach resort, like Four Seasons. A sarong skirt, a nice top and nice jewellery.

The best news I've heard all day. :)

The day was good. My communications department is small but cozy, and I got to sit in my department head's sports car to go to lunch. Spiffy.
Walked through TAS. Ah. I kinda miss school already. Work's kinda tiring.

Understudied Joyce today. I followed her to host a group of PR personnel and journalists from California. I really enjoyed the few hours, and I made a couple of good friends, like Molly and Maxin.
Molly's an adorable 40-year-old mom who looks 26, and Maxin an older woman who's been travelling the world for the past 20 years. Maxin told me to drop her an email the next time I am in San Francisco. Coolios.

Just a short update. Gonna hit the sack and gear up for tomorrow. Night world. :)

radiobus

My Last Day of Pre-SIP Freedom


radiobus
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

A retarded picture worth blogging. Lol.

Less than 10 hours before my 23 week internship at Sentosa starts.
Communications, here I come!
Island life, love it?
I pray I do.

Night world. :)

fountain

fountain
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

Wish I had an 8 megapixel digicam to capture the pearls of water.

dinner

dinner
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

Splurging on dinner for my last day of pre-SIP freedom.

ahbeng

ahbeng
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

with someone who hates my cranky camera.

waffle

waffle
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

The best waffle I've ever tasted in my 18.5 years of life.

Bee and Honey I think, from Out of the Pan.

Pseudo Photojournalism

Pseudo Photojournalism

Read on for a pictorial entry on my Sunday.
Enjoy!

greenwhite

Sunday afternoon with Justin, scouring flea markets.
We'd covered Clarke Quay, and here we are at the alley opposite China Square.
China Square and Far East Square, here we come!

The Scouring Continues



We're on Mohamed Ali Lane!

house

His House...

Classy house eh?

asiansale

and his Shop



The owner's shop is just beside.
Lucky ass.

roadsidebarber

Look What I Found!



Alley barbers. Now that's something you don't see every day.

minithievesmarket

Market in the Alley

Pretty similar to the Thieves' Market over at Middle Road.

cocacolatable

Absolutely Retro Baby

Coca Cola's collectibles - chairs and a table.
I don't know about you, but I found it rather absurd. Lol.

sebastian

Future Heartbreaker

This tiny munchkin of a businessboy is a world-class sweet-talker.

Me: Are these new?
Seb: They're for boys.
Seb: Girls also can. Just $2.
-I try them on-
Me: Okay I'll take them.
-Sebastian wraps them up-
-Justin comes up behind me, his camera in his hands-
Seb: -to Justin- Nice camera.

mrtehtarik

Justin stops to buy a drink.

Pit Stop



What else but teh tarik? Lol.

justinmrteh

Spot the Green Man

Found him?

bigbratsmallbrat

Big Brat, Small Brat

He has finally met his match...
Mr. Justin and his new-found shadow on the NEL.

mirrorme

Made my way down the NEL to the house of Mr. Sleepyhead.

Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall

Shows an inquisitive Jason and a lazy me, acting silly in front of his mirror.

bucktoothandthesquirrel

Dracula and his Unsuspecting Victim

This Dracula's a hybrid - part vampire, part deranged bunny.

haha

Smile, You're on Candid Camera!



He was laughing at my camera, and I was laughing at him.

scenery

Life's Little Moments



Gorgeous hues just outside Serangoon MRT.

We were running really late in meeting my bitch and Vincent, but life's too short to forgo capturing such beautiful moments.

tigerpower

"Tiger Power" - Power Ranger Style

Dinner at Cozy Bay at Tanjong Rhu with Jason, my bitch and Vincent.
Funky place, overlooking the Kallang River.

Pictures were few as we were busy listening to Vincent's police and ghost stories. Mostly shocking, with a few hairstanding tales.

Here's a comic moment - Vincent, battling it out with Michelle using his "Tiger Power".

Oh When The Bucks Go Marching In

And When The Bucks Go Marching In

1. Laptop
2. Amore lessons
3. or maybe that Cross Trainer equipment...
4. Work clothes
5. Yoga lessons

I've been overdoing the sleeping-in routine. Couldn't get my ass outta bed till eleven this morning.
Sweet heavens, am I destined to be late for the rest of my SIP days? -grins. Just kidding. :)

I'm listening to this Tropical Escape cd by Craig Peyton. Doesn't feel that beachy to me actually. This could probably be attributed to the gloomy gloomy weather outside. It'd suit a beach bar just fine, I think.

I miss watching Baywatch Hawaii. I wish they'd scrape whatever they're showing on Starworld at 6pm on Sundays and bring my favourite series back.

Well, today's my third last day of pre-SIP freedom. Pretty ready to throw in the bumming towels and join Sentosa actually. Merely looking at the internship and payroll forms is enough to send thrills of anticipation down my spine. Haven't got around to filling them in though, lol.

Funny how the day passes by so quickly when you get up late. Gotta shower and be in town by 1630 hrs. I don't plan on being late (or cranky) this time around. Might even psyche myself to be early enough to check out both Popular and Borders for book bargains.

I'm finally done with Stuck On You by Patti Berg. Got it at a book sale for, get this, $2.90. What luck huh? Must have been my lucky shopaholic streak last Friday, lol.
I've never been a fan of mystery novels, but this treasure's got mystery and chick-lit, all in one. A lethal combination I say.

I'm suddenly reminded of the fact that I haven't really been challenging my mushy brain with the crosswords I'd intended to do. On a brighter note, I haven't been watching cartoons either. Not as many as I used to anyway. Haha.

Might be heading down to Arab St. with Justin tomorrow to look for his retro clock. Hearing about his bedroom redecorating almost inspires me to get on with mine. Almost. I've procrastinated since 2002.
And I'll be seeing my bitch after that in the night. :)

Poga Teaches Yoga

Poga Teaches Yoga

I don't know how many of you have seen Poga on MTV. The seemingly semi-awake, clay-like character is hilarious. The short ads appear only once in a blue moon though, upping its laughbility factor.

It's almost one now. All thoughts of waking up at 6am to do yoga are eradicated. After two whole months of waking up at 9, I wonder if I'll be able to slip into the routine of getting up by 7 for the next six months.

Having Chances Are on repeat mode is transporting me to the semi-dreamy mode I used to always be in when I was in secondary school. Cue to sleep.

Which reminds me I've yet to drown Racky in soap. Tomorrow it shall be.

Snooze well world. :)

Decluttering My Life - Perks and Drawbacks

Decluttering My Life - Perks and Drawbacks

I spent the past two hours clearing my room of all the unnecessary knick knacks. No prowling through old letters or re-reading old magazines today. I was a disciplined woman on the go. I've now got 8 full bags of dusty what-nots tucked in my living room, and 4 bags of old gifts and books to give away.

I've never been into the whole fengshui thingy, but I thought it wouldn't do myself any harm decluttering my room. You know, let the chi flow or something. Now all my room needs is some massive dusting and vacuuming of dust bunnies. Ew. Never been a fan of housework.

Somewhere in the constructive two hours, I've discovered some hidden treasures.

1. I found my missing Ally Mcbeal soundtrack.
2. I found my missing Beach Life game.
3. I have a thesaurus.

#1's my best reward. I totally dig the cd, especially Chances Are, the duet between Vonda Shepard and Robert Downey Jr.

I'm getting a tiny dose of pre-work jitters.
An absurd twist in my daydreaming made me wonder how much less jittery I would be if I were to do my attachment in a f&b establishment.

I've been reading through the materials Sentosa sent me, and some of the works are exemplary, with excellent vocabulary and grammar. I'm starting to feel inferior in my language.
Of course, I can always comfort myself by saying I am just an intern and thus not expected to be that well-versed, but that is not an acceptable excuse for myself. I definitely plan on earning my keep.

A new issue of Her World is waiting for me. Don't particularly enjoy the content, but I'll needing all the help I can get for a 6-month-long office wear wardrobe. Ideas ideas!

leighson(small)

12 Hours on the Go


leighson(small)
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

The one-eyed-Jack and I, on our way to town for lunch.

leighson2(small)

leighson2(small)
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

We sure are getting trigger happy.

map

map
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

From the ceiling at Park Mall. Cool huh?

lestermarc

lestermarc
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

Lester and Marc : the fair vs the tanned; the skinny vs the not-so-skinny.

marcme

marcme
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

Marco wacko and me.

mejane2

mejane2
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.
My crazy babe and I.

The above photos basically sum up my entire day. Just in case the pictures weren't worth a thousand words, here's a short post.

Headed down to Serangoon to meet Mr. Cranky and to have my mugshot taken. I detest taking passport sized photos. Got myself a Kitaro cd as well, at a dirt cheap price. :)

Left to meet Marc and Lester for pool at Funky Balls. Boy, Lester and I suck at it. Think we took more than half an hour to complete one game. Lol. The guys had their tunch, before we went tempting ourselves window shopping at Paragon. Yup, branded boutiques galore.

Crazy Janey came down after work to meet us, and convinced me to buy a boho bikini. I love it, and it's a steal as well at 24 buckeroos.:)

Had our dessert fix at Haagen Daaz, and Jason's friend Qin Quan gave us a surprise 20% discount. :)
Marc wanted to drown his Thursday blues in alcohol, so the four of us trooped down to Rouge for drinks. It was my first time there, and I like it. Small, cozy, friendly service staff and great R&B music. Got a bit woozy before heading home. :)

A ton of smileys in my entry. I sure am tipsy.

Beer Bellies and Jellied Doughnuts

I found American Idol's Bo Bice extremely sexy when he sang the lower notes of the Rolling Stones' I Can't Get No Satisfaction. This is kinda absurd, considering that I do not fancy beer bellies and drug habits.

Paid a quick visit in the afternoon to the Arab Street area where I spent the first year of my life - Jalan Pinang. Explored the area, attempting but to no avail, to find the cafe at Bussorah Street that was featured in Coffee Talk and Hawker Woks.

Ended up having lunch at Blue Oasis, which kinda reminded me of Blu Jaz Cafe over at Little India actually. Didn't really enjoy the food, but it was an experience I guess. Would have been good if the sun hadn't been out in full force. We were so icky and irritated we decided to head back to my place to watch American Idol.

Bumped into Colleen at Far East Plaza in the evening. She's sure looking radiantly in love. :)

Bagged my favourite Subway cookies back home for dinner. Nothing beats lazing on the couch with cookies, a cup of milk and a good magazine. It's the ultimate PMS remedy, for me at least. The cookies have wiggled their way into my tummy, and coupled with the bloat, make me feel like a fat and cuddly squirrel.
I can't believe I'm talking this way.

On a more mature note, Sentosa has sent me the communications material I'd requested for. I'll be reading through them these couple of days to psyche myself for my internship. It's kinda scary actually, having to commit full time for 6 whole months. What's scarier is that my entire diploma is dependent on this stint. I'm hoping to love my attachment with passion.

Meeting Marco and Lestero for pool and some chow tomorrow. Looking forward to their weird antics, lol. Night world.

jasonandleigh

In the Mood for Lurve



I'm feeling a little lovey-dovey right now. It is highly possible that these affectionate emotions were induced by watching Chandler propose to Monica of F.R.I.E.N.D.S.
It made me forget my aching butt and go,"awwww."

I slipped three steps at Far East today. Now, it ain't anybody's fault. Just those darn shoes.
Haha, or so the klutz says.
Two falls in three months. I must say I am setting a track record for myself.
Maybe I should include "zero falls" into my list of 2006 Resolutions.

Caught The Amtyville Horror (can't remember the exact spelling, sorry) post Kenny Rogers. In true leigh fashion, I spent half of the time peeking at the screen through my fingers; a quarter clutching at Jason; and the remaining with my eyes closed. No gungho horror-loving chick here.

I spent the better part of my evening at home nursing my bum as well as surfing Friendster profiles of my seniors in CGS. The kaypoh resurfaces. Made darn interesting entertainment I must say, lol.

Off to bed. Night world. :)

Taking a Moment to Ponder

Taking a Moment to Ponder

Whilst on the short ride from Cityhall to Orchard in an extremely crowded train, I stood just within hearing range of a conversation between two females, discussing the pros and cons of journalism. The comment that actually made me start to eavesdrop intently was this.
Girl #1: Journalists are on the receiving end. That is why they usually don't do well.
Girl #2: Yah, all they are good at is writing. I actually wanted to be a journalist.

Through the span of their conversation, as I listened to them put journalism down, I wished I were a successful journalist who could spin around, blind them with a confident smile, and set them straight.
With my back to them, I had assumed that they were young working adults. Just as I was about to alight, I heard girl #2 say, "Just a few months before I turn 18."

Passion versus practicality. In a money-oriented society like ours, the career choice is painfully obvious, unless of course, you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth.

For now, I'll let my passion pave the way, at least for the next 6 months of my internship. Decisions regarding future financial responsibilities can wait. :)

On a lighter note, I'm looking forward to lunch at Kenny Rogers tomorrow. Believe it or not, the one and only time I had KR food was on my Malacca trip last year. Lol.

Angsty Me can Give a Nasty Bite

An Angsty Me Gives a Nasty Bite

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.
The above is a phrase heard so often, it is almost a cliche.

So, what do you do with life bestows you with two bastards right across your booth?
I say, life's a bitch, so be bitchy right back.

I've never told a stranger off till this weekend. Thrice. Hah. The satisfaction.

I've been meaning to blog about the topic below, but until now, I've always managed to convince myself that it ain't good to use this blog as a board for snide remarks about other people, especially those whom I barely know.
My current angsty ain't a good reason to start, but why ruin my flow of bitchy thoughts?
Please, excuse my french. I'll try to make it short.

(To disguise the gender of this particular person, I will use "it".)

Dear it,

Perhaps I should start off by apologizing should I make any unjust assumptions.
However, I pride myself on my intuition, and I would say that my assumptions are made on account of your actions.

I assume you have a scheming mind, and it pleases me to believe that you have one.

Possession is natural human behaviour, but your possessiveness surpasses that of normality, making you what I would label as obsessive compulsive.

Friendships require two hands to clap. There is no use being angry with a friend when your friend refuses to clap. If you do wish to have a friend tied to you forever, I would suggest you get a dog.
Drifting apart is part and parcel of life.

That might be a lesson you have yet to learn.

Let go, you angsty it.

Try calling 1800-obsession-management.

With love,
The Bitch

And may I add, "it" is not my friend. Lol.

-end of bitchy mode-

Night world.

meranbeach2

meranbeach2
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

While getting trigger happy at the beach, I cut half of Lanxi's face off...

meranbeach3

meranbeach3
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

So she's taking her revenge... Lol.

dawnbk

dawnbk
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

That's Dawn and Bk...

mecat

mecat
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

and Cat and I...