Saturday, April 29, 2006

Satiated.

Satiated.

I feel like I've done so much this week. If there's one thing I love about my job (internship), it'll have to be the flexibility of my schedule. Dig that. And the fact that the lugging's temporarily over. Thanks for the help TC!

Caught up with the gang over dinner last night. Hung around with Faggy and Marc whilst waiting for Jane to knock off before we headed for a meatball dinner at the Ikea cafe. We would have stayed out way longer if Jane hadn't made the sudden decision to go clubbing! Tsk Jane! Heh.

Anyway, I love the way I've been spending my recent Saturdays. Pulled myself out of bed at 8 for a run before gobbling down my brekkie to join Ken and CH for an impromptu swim/tan. It's been awhile since the three of us have hung out by the pool together but some things, like how CH still hides the shade while Ken and I hungrily bask in the sun, never change.

The three of us then hit Kbox at Chinatown with Jason and Ceci. I've never enjoyed such goofy action for a long time. Screeching to reach impossibly high notes... adding weird special effects... bobbing and shaking to cornily catchy songs by like Baby One More Time and Sex Bomb... the ultimate must have been the group rendition of the theme song from Huo Yuan Jia. CH and Jason were doing the singing mostly, with the rest of us doing the "huo huo huo huo huo..." during the choruses. Check out Ken's moves and mine - kungfu inspired, haha! Scroll down for pictures.

Here I am now, back after an eventful day. Another night of hitting the sheets with wet hair - too tired to wait, too lazy to blow dry. Meeting Ceci for a morning run at Sentosa tomorrow. Night world.

ikea - marcme


ikea - marcme
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

The bear.

ikea - fag


ikea - fag
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

Reading up on how to get more energy..

guys


guys
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

During saner times...

mececi


mececi
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

huo2


huo2
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

Getting into the mood...
Jason's quizzical stare cracked me up big time.

huo1


huo1
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

huo


huo
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

huo3


huo3
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

Pummelling the baddie.

smithst


smithst
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

A late dinner at Smith St.

Fading into the sunset...

Fading into the sunset...

There is often the tug-of-war between listening to your head and your heart.
Your head says it's stupid
Your heart says it's time

I've never quite figured out if I am one who listens to my head or my heart
The logical side of me always seems to be at odds with the die-hard romantic

One should never back down without a fight, they say
Perhaps they are right
But what if the duel was already played in another time
And the outcome already known?

Friday, April 28, 2006

Tales and denials of the material girl.

Tales and denials of the material girl.

You have all probably had it with my griping over the past two entries. Good news - the lugging's over, for now. So the griping's over too, for now. I counted through the receipts and I think I've returned over 50 bags in the past four days! Watch out! Here comes Superwoman Jr!

Well, the somewhat ambiguous start to my writing career probably started today. Apart from research on nail services (now I know all the good deals ha ha), I was given a piece to write about one of the boutiques in town. Okay, so it isn't exactly cutting-edge writing but more of formulating a lust-worthy piece out of a press release and a visit to the shop later... but still, it's a start!

Earlier on, my editor passed me a bottle of Miss Sixty perfume and a tube of mascara, said nothing and walked away. I was stunned for a moment before emailing my stylist to ask if it was for me to keep or to do some review. (Too malu to ask out loud in the office right.) It's for me to keep!!!!!!!!!!!! Haha! I think Miss Sixty's giving me a sign...

I bet you're now thinking - materialistic girl. I guess I am, and we all are, to a certain extent? The perks are definitely enticing, but really, there's more to it than that, give me some credit.

Thursday, April 27, 2006

Mid-day gripes.

Mid-day gripes.

I hate this. Barely two weeks into the job and I’m contemplating leaving! So, the job doesn’t really suck, but still! It’s not quite a job. It’s an internship and I’m supposed to learn something apart from lessons in taitai training no?What is this gonna do to my reputation man.

Wednesday, April 26, 2006

nails


nails
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

Cost: $25.
This was done for some photoshoot. No choice, I sacrifice la... ha ha ha!

nails1


nails1
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

And this cost $55. Total cost of both manicures, $80.
Whatever I don't get paid in cash I get paid in such perks huh?

vietnamese coffee


vietnamese coffee
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

Vietnamese coffee. The owner put my fears that this was brewed from the droppings of the civil cat (I think) to rest.

apfel strudel


apfel strudel
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

Apfel strudel - German apple strudel. Too sweet, even for my sweet tooth.

Tug of war.

Tug of war.

This update is way overdue, I know. I was so exhausted after work the whole of last week that it took superhuman strength to drag myself to the shower before collapsing on the couch. When I finally sat down to the computer on Saturday, I realised that my internet connection was cut off - dad forgot to pay the bills, haha! Anyways, all's fine and dandy right now, internet-wise that is.

Braving the drizzle, Ceci, Ken, CH and I finally checked out the coffee place around the corner on Saturday evening. The owner was an Austrian man who managed to amuse and intimidate me at the same time.

Me: Two chocolate cakes please.
Him: We don't have chocolate cake, only sachertorte.
Me: Sucker what?
Him: Sachertorte. Now you won't be able to order it till you can pronounce.
Ken: Sucker-torte.
Him: Very good!

Headed back to my place after coffee and proceeded to have an extremely hilarious conversation where the four of us spoke in our dialects. ROFL.

Alright, back to reality. Work kinda sucks. (Now now, don't go shaking your head in disbelief.) Then again, I am probably not getting the exposure I want at this particular magazine. Writing is minimal and A LOT (I swear it's a freaking lot) of my time is spent SHOPPING around town loaning and returning clothes for product shoots. It was refreshing at first and I admit I kinda relished strutting around town with bags from Prada, D&G, Dior, Gucci... (people around wouldn't know I LOANED the stuff right?) but the hype's died down and I am now running errands (that involve carrying a shitload of heavy bags) most of the time. I signed up to work for FREE to hone my writing, not secretarial skills.

Lugging bags (15, 20...) all around town is so not my idea of an internship. What am I learning seriously? I am so thankful to have Kenrick and Jem, two great friends who think nothing of helping me with the bags, and of course Jason who many a time cabbed down to town just to help lighten my load. Sucky job? Yes. Blessed? Definitely.

It worries me to know that the career goal I've been working towards the past couple of years ain't quite what I want anymore. I'm scared you know? It's like walking a thousand miles barefoot on hot coals to get to the piece of chocolate cake you've wanted so much, just to realize that it isn't as delicious as you'd thought it to be. Worse still, it's kinda tasteless and dry.

Sunday, April 16, 2006

A walk down memory lane.

A walk down memory lane.

feeling: nostalgic
spinning: britney spears - everytime

I used to be a huge Britney fan back in her hit-me-baby days. In fact, I remember snapping up her first album at Tiong Bahru Plaza's Music Junction right after the break-up with my first boyfriend. Haha! The fanship stopped after the second album but I remained very much in awe of her abs (see the I'm A Slave 4 U vid).

Listening to Britney brings back all the jumbled up pieces of my secondary school memories. Those gruelling P.E. lessons where we were coerced into running, running and more running (I grew to love it as you can see), heading to Siloso with Jac after our cross country meet, strutting around town every Saturday with Jac in our Levis and shades (thinking we were the coolest girls on earth then haha), the first chocolate buffet at Fullerton Hotel with bitch, Jia and Mich C...

That was secondary school. And now, I'm done with my life in poly as well. Wow. Whoever told me time flies sure didn't tell me it flies by at the speed of 1000 light years/minute.

Saturday, April 15, 2006

thecathay


thecathay
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

At The Cathay to watch Take the Lead. (Did I get the title right?)

A:"Go learn to foxtrot with me want?"
J: "Go dance lion dance with me want?"

The next best thing to Darwin's sunset markets.

The next best thing to Darwin's sunset markets.

feeling: anxious (i don't wanna hop around in the rain!)
spinning: jack johnson - in between dreams

I've got approximately thirty minutes to twiddle my thumbs before I'm due to jump into the shower. I'm meeting Ceci for a bout of flea market hopping - hello Clarke Quay and Substation before we'll head back here for my aunt's popiah.

I remember reading an article on Darwin (in Australia) and its annual summer festival with sunset markets whilst on the flight back from Bangkok. I can't see myself visiting the place this year what with my current situation (upcoming internship plus dwindling bank account in particular). Add to that the fact that I am a terrible saver and I am definitely not going anytime soon... unless I start buying the lottery or something. I'm still getting jibes from meanies about the supposed "Gold Coast turned Bangkok" holiday.
I'm paying tribute to your fantastic saving skills here Fagan. Perhaps you'd be the first among the four of us to become a self-made millionaire? Lol.

Anyway, I figure that today's flea market trip will be the closest I will get to those sunset markets for awhile.

Fourteen minutes to shower time. Hit it!

Wednesday, April 12, 2006

So what on earth is IT?!?! - The revelation.

So what on earth is IT?!?! - The revelation.

I got IT! What's IT? A magazine internship!!! Hah! I don't want to flout any rules even before I start so I'm gonna resist the overwhelming temptation to announce the name of the magazine here on the www.

I really wanted to post an entry yesterday post-interview when I was still jumping around in sheer joy, but the terrible sleep the night before (I was NERVOUS!) and the errands after (like picking up and devouring a sinfully good chocolate cake from Fullerton - thanks for the tip Dawn!) and falling asleep in the afternoon and being late for the chalet... I was pooped!

The fun (I hope!) starts this Monday. Till then, I am embracing couch-potatorism with a new found enthusiasm. Did I mention the internship's unpaid! Kinda sucky I know, but let's hope that whatever I don't gain in moola I will gain in experience and (fingers crossed here) beauty samples. HA HA HA.

*note: It is not the four-letter magazine I have been dying to work for. It's another.

maychoy


maychoy
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

Ceci and I spotted two smokin' hot twin vjs at last week's fashion show.

ig1


ig1
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

ig2


ig2
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

ig3


ig3
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

Photos from the IG AGM yesterday. The colourful ones are us, the IG Main Com alumni (04/05), and those in black are the new alumni (05/06).

Monday, April 10, 2006

Scream scream scream!

Scream scream scream!

I am so excited. And nervous. And apprehensive. And a little scared. I'm dying to blab but I'm unwilling to jinx anything! I was on the verge of telling every single person who called or messaged me today about IT but... I believe in luck! And the lucky few who do know what I'm babbling about, don't say a thing until I tell you of the outcome! Stay tuned folks. And don't guess! Just keep your pretty fingers crossed for me.

Sunday, April 09, 2006

The lady's back, don't go.

The lady's back, don't go.

feeling: motivated
spinning: the little willies

Don't start labelling me as dirty-minded, but I get a little chuckle each time I put on the cd. It might mean something else over in the States but... haha! I'm sorry. That said, the music's pretty darn good.

So who caught Miss Singapore Universe? I'm feeling pretty jolly that Carol Cheong won the crown - I've been rooting for her ever since they showed The Prelude a couple of weeks back. Is it just me or does she bear an uncanny resemblance to 2005's winner Cheryl Tay? Tay gets my marks for eloquence though. While I was screaming myself hoarse each time she scored, Jason was busy waving at Jade Seah, no doubt imagining she was waving back, lol.

Got myself a new set of swimwear to kick my ass out of my fitness plateau. I am becoming so lazy I swear. Ceci and I talked about trying belly dancing the other night over a HUGE but sumptuous dinner at PS Cafe. The PS Caesar was the ultimate. Fresh greens, tasty bacon and generous shavings of parmesan, topped with a soft boiled egg. So it is a far cry from healthy salads with fat-free dressing, but it is worth every inch-inducing calorie I assure you.

Oops I digressed. Back to belly dancing. So I finally have a promising partner to go try the exotic dance with! Will it get us Shakira's abs? If we shake our jiggly bits hard enough maybe. Oh well, I can always accompany her (Ceci, not Shakira ha ha) to kickboxing if the whole belly dance thing doesn't work out. Haven't stepped foot in the studio since 2004 I believe.

Plonked myself down at the computer for a good two hours this afternoon finally doing something about the current state of my life. I'm not gonna jinx things by letting the cat out of the bag... just keep your fingers crossed for me if you care.

Streets of Baltimore. I especially dig this track. I've realized my preference for songs which tell a story, a good example being Reba Mcintyre's Somebody. I'm really not sure how many of you would have heard that! On the latest episode of American Idol, I though I heard Kenny Rogers saying country music stand out because they tell a story. Does this mean I like country music? And does this make Streets of Baltimore a country song?

Thursday, April 06, 2006

Making sense of it all

Making sense of it all

feeling: reflective and just a tad mixed up
spinning: alicia keys - loving you

This is so weird. Just 30 minutes ago, all my thoughts were carefully laid out in my mind and I couldn't wait to get my hands on my keyboard to start blogging. 30 minutes later, after a 'lil msning and surfing the online Victoria Secrets catalogue, I am at a loss for words. A few years back, Jem and I termed this inability to express ourselves LOPOE - Loss of Proficiency of English. Haha. And the moral? To strike while the iron is hot.

I'm having too much time on my hands, yet I can't find something constructive to do. Anyone owns a crane? Lift me out of this darn rut please.

I've been doing a hell lot of reading though. The amount of chick lit and contemporary romance I have subjected myself to has left me a little emo. There are times when I wish I can simply flip a switch and turn my brain and its tangled web of thoughts off. It amazes me sometimes how being in the correct company can provide a sanctuary, even if it's only for a couple of hours, from all the rambling thoughts and pent-up frustration.

One of the topics post-dinner today was the "balance in life". I was momentarily enlightened but truth be told, the way to getting a balance eludes me. So much for being a Libran, hah.

The acceptance letter to NTU's Communication Studies course finally arrived in the post on Tuesday. My lack of emotion baffles me. Well well. Loooooong bus/train rides, here I come.

Sunday, April 02, 2006

mica


mica
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

Ever wondered how the inside of the 'white building with colourful windows' look? Well, wonder no more.

cecime


cecime
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

Ceci joined my family for a much anticipated buffet lunch at MICA Building. It was sadly a disappointment, ecks. The mere thought of the cheesy mango dessert sends shivers down my spine. Hit the town thereafter for some serious retail therapy. I am NOT going to try another pair of Mango jeans for the next five days.

Met Jason for some chow at Marina Square. Bumped into Robin, what a pleasant surprise!

My legs are ACHING.

Saturday, April 01, 2006

Sway my way.

Peace.
feeling: relaxed
spinning: bic runga - sway

Sea breeze's one of the most calming smells in the world. Now you stressed nuts, get out there and get some fresh salty air instead of sniffing lavendar essential oil. It's been quite awhile since I've spent some time by the sea. I haven't visited my favourite Siloso Beach ever since I laid off tanning, and last Sunday's running hardly counts as I was pounding the concrete beach walk, not staring out and doing nothing. Today's trip to Labrador Park was therefore a reminder for me to restart my beach lifestyle.

Yesterday's outing to Holland V with the gang was excellent. Scroll down for the pictures, as well as a couple of snaps from today's Labrador visit.

Surfing the Shape Magazine website now. My workouts have hit a plateau. Somebody get me out of it!

*The size of the entry window's finally been adjusted!

2


2
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

On our way.

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1
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

Quotable quote

After listening to Jason and me yakking away, Marc exclaimed, "I have a headache!"

Jason: "You need aspirin?"
Marc: "No."
Jason: "Panadol?"
Marc: "No, I need intelligence."

Pity he got none of that from the whole gang yesterday, haha.

4small


4small
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

The ladies - Cat, myself and Jane.

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7
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

The much anticipated Ipoh Horfun as introduced in Coffee Talk and Hawker Walks. We all agreed it was quite a disappointment. Then again, maybe we were all stuffed after our afternoon tea at Fosters.

12


12
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

Ookays this is quite a bad shot of the guys. We're chilling at Eskibar (no pun intended) after seeing the crazy crowd at Wala.

8small


8small
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

Oopsie, too dark.

9small


9small
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

Retake.

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11
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

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10
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

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13small
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

Fresh from the freezer.

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14
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

He's shaking so bad I can't get a nice shot. Haha just kidding, my bad.

lab


lab
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

Labrador Park.

fishermanswharfsunset


fishermanswharfsunset
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

Fisherman's wharf.

jason


jason
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

Quite an arty farty shot I think!

jetty


jetty
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

waves


waves
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

rainbow


rainbow
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

Rainbow wannabe.

rainbowcloseup


rainbowcloseup
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

See it now? Right smack in the middle.

sunset1


sunset1
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

sunset1


sunset1
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.