Saturday, July 23, 2005

uscab


uscab
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

To his place for dinner.

ushome3


ushome3
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

We've got the sniffles.

ushome2


ushome2
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

Cuddling up.

packing


packing
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

The last minute packing.

uscab3


uscab3
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

:)

uscab2


uscab2
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

usuni


usuni
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

My boyfriend the tired recruit.

usuni2


usuni2
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

Pre-bookin.

faganme


faganme
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

Fagan and I at NYDC.

faggybrian


faggybrian
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

The "twins".

brianme


brianme
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

That's Brian and myself. It took a hell lot of blusher to hide my pallor.

mefaggy


mefaggy
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

Faggy and I on the bus. I coerced him into posing like this so my face wouldn't look fat, haha!

us3


us3
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

That's us!

ficus tree


ficus tree
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

The renowned Ficus Tree outside my office.

workstation


workstation
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

My workstation. Trust me, it ain't as neat as it looks in this picture.

marilynme


marilynme
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

That's Marilyn and I, on the shuttle bus out of Sentosa.

meadeltoilet


meadeltoilet
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

Adel and I, in the ladies. Haha.

bhdouglas


bhdouglas
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

A candid shot of BH and 'Darkness' at Cool Deck playing pool.

memichgourmet


memichgourmet
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

My bitch and I at Gourmet.

memichgourmet2


memichgourmet2
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

She came all the way down to Sentosa just to have lunch with me. :)

bird


bird
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

See the bird perched atop the street lamp?

melanxi6


melanxi6
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

That's us, happily ignorant of the storm to befall.

calm


calm
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

In case you're wondering, we didn't manage to outrun these sudden storm clouds, though we were pretty prepared with our umbrellas.

Going Solo

Going Solo

To be fair, I shouldn't be procrastinating about having to return to work on a Saturday, for it is only my 2nd time working on a weekend ever since SIP started. Then again, I'm feeling kinda cranky. Ecks. I was actually at Sentosa earlier this morning, attempting to cure my flu with some sun therapy, but a HEAVY downpour ruined my plans.

Will be meeting a film crew in about an hour's time on the island. Sigh. Hope there won't be any logistical screw-ups this time around, 'cos I suck at directions. And it's a one man show for me tonight.. no Pat, Eileen or Ani in the office to call in case of trouble. Hmm. I'm very much inclined to curl up in bed with Peach, Hokey Pokey and Racky.

Ran 2.5km 4 times this week, and my legs are feeling the ache. Yeah yeah, I'm getting a little finicky about the Realrun. Tsk.

Will be uploading random pictures till it's time to get my ass off to work. Will post a less-angsty entry soon. I'm just having the blues.

Wednesday, July 20, 2005

Paul McCartney - Every Night

Every night I just wanna go out
Get out of my head
Every day I don't wanna get up
Get out of my bed
Every night I want to play out
And every day i wanna do-ooh-ooh
But tonight I just wanna stay in
And be with you
And be with you.

Every day I lean on a lamp post
I'm wasting my time
Every night I lay on a pillow
I'm resting my mind
Every morning brings a new day
And every night that day is throuough
But tonight i just wanna stay in
And be with you
And be with you


I chanced upon my MTV Unplugged cd (I'd actually forgotten I owned one), and I'm having a whale of a time listening to it today. Just got back awhile ago from a pretty satisfying dimsum lunch at Harbourfront with Pat and Eileen. Pity they didn't have egg tarts though - I love them. Collected the photos I sent for developing yesterday as well.. $1 per piece for a 2R size picture, blackmail I say. But I paid up anyways.

It's been another day of facilitating media requests. Seems like I'd have to come to work on Saturday night. Sigh. Wanna be at Jazz by the Beach actually, but oh well, duty calls. :/

Had dinner at my dad's restaurant last night. Man, I ate SO MUCH I could barely have breakfast this morning (the flourless chocolate cake sent me to Heaven), despite having gone for my morning run. Speaking of which, I paid streetdirectory.com 53 cents to calculate my distance... 2.6km. Tsk. Not good enough.

Meeting Fagan after work tonight. Think I'd better have a fruit salad for dinner or something. Yesterday's dinner and today's lunch is enough to make my kidneys go on overtime for the next 48 hours or something. And I can't wait for tomorrow's lunch at Sakae with the gang. We have yet to get together the whole week! (Well actually we did on Monday but I was too bogged down by the unreasonable film crew to eat my lunch, not to mention the former's company.)

Alright, back to the realities of work.

Monday, July 18, 2005

Inner Peace

Inner Peace

For the first time since I started my internship, I'm feeling the best feeling of all - inner peace. I'm no longer that big on airing my dirty laundry on the world wide web, but those close to me prolly know what it was that was bothering me. Well, from now onwards, I'm taking no more of such worthless nonsense.

Perhaps it is because I've seen the obssession with SIP and watched it consume my love that I am wary and aware of what truly matters. There's no right or wrong here, just a difference in perception and values.

I think I'm too nice to the wrong people sometimes, and I am pretty mean to my Jason. Is this a personality disorder I'm having? Lol. Time to be bitchy to some, and loving to the one.

Asylum

Asylum

I made the understatement of the century when I compared last Friday to a madhouse. If that were a madhouse, today must have been ten asylums combined into one! Haha, not exactly the most poetic of comparisons, but this is the best I can come up with.

Most of the craziness came from a film crew with lotsa miscommunications and that led to three quarters of my lunchtime spent making countless phonecalls and troubling countless people with requests. Ah well, everyday is a day to learn, and today is certainly no exception.

I'm taking a bit of a breather before diving back into work. Coordinating media requests ain't an easy task honey. I can barely wait to head home, and if the weather and my cramps permit, I'll go on a distressing run. The kinks in my neck are killing me.

Sunday, July 17, 2005

scattered


scattered
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

My first picture on my Olympus!

shortcut


shortcut
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

Walk me home.

munchkin


munchkin
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

Who's this munchkin?

hokeypokey


hokeypokey
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

Hokeypokey of course, opening his arms for a hug.

greyclouds


greyclouds
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

Looks kinda gloomy.

oldhouse


oldhouse
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

MY old house along Jalan Pinang. (Yeah, I used to live at Arab St.) No one's bought it since we sold it eons ago 'cos it faces an undertaker.

littleshophouse


littleshophouse
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

The Little Shophouse.

theattic


theattic
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

Cool shop huh?

cool


cool
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

Some snazzy shophouse along Arab St.

artisticambrosia


artisticambrosia
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

Quite an artistic shot huh? Half-body courtesy of YH.

Photo Subjects Rejoice!

Photo Subjects Rejoice!

The long-suffering photography subjects of my koyak digital camera ("hold your smile for 30 seconds please") can now rejoice, for I have finally gotten myself a new one - the Olympus 4.0 megapixel weather proof digicam. And, I got it at quite a bargain to boot, $349 instead of the usual $599, at Harvey Norman's last day sale. I'm feeling pretty pretty satisfied.

Well, since I've gotten myself a new camera, I decided to get myself a new blogskin too. Don't question, it's girl-logic.

Went around my neighbourhood in the evening to test my new camera out (I was basically in the way of every jogger), and I realised that phototaking requires talent. I used to tell Jason that his pictures always turn out good 'cos he's got a good camera, but now I know better. Got a couple of pictures posted up. You figure which were taken using the new, and which were from the old. :)

Yesterday was my arty-farty day. Headed down to Arab St. with Justin and YH to check out Ambrosia. It's a pretty cool place with great ambience for chilling, I like. Took a really long (NDP practice) bus ride down to Sentosa for Jazz by the Beach, and though the whole setting was so fabulous I felt I was away at a beach resort in Malaysia or something, Jazzedelics wasn't quite my cup of tea. Ah well. Managed to catch up a bit with Fagan, Marc and gang as well, so all's good.

Time for bed, long week ahead.

Friday, July 15, 2005

gang


gang
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

As promised, here's the neoprint from Wednesday. Trust me, these are the less spastic of the shots we took, lol.

Madhouse

Madhouse

It's been a busy day chock full of activities. It was a whole lot of admin from 8.30 in the morning till past 10. There was the whole elective and cds selection frenzy, as well as the rush to prepare and submit my OT claim form to HR.
Well, things didn't get any less hectic after the admin rush, for people whose emails I've been waiting for forever decided to email me at one shot, so it was a hell lot of following up to do. Then, there was the whole packing of Sentosa buses for the various medias. Hah! I can now say that I wrote Cheryl Fox a note. (Official, but still... lol.)

BH drove Adel, Marilyn and myself down to Pasir Panjang for a kway chap lunch. Pretty good I must say, and it felt nice to get out of the island for a change. Haha. Well, I'm taking a short breather before Aileen comes down for a newsletter meeting with me. It really is a MADHOUSE in here!

Anyway, last night was Interns' Night Out to Suntec with Adel, Boon How, Wee Heng, Yan Fen and Xiumin. We were stuck in BH's car for an hour for there was a terrible jam enroute to Suntec. By the time we plopped down at Kenny Rogers, we were FAMISHED. Lol. Went for a little shopping (what's new when you put me and Adel together) before settling down at Coffee Bean to continue our insane conversations. It was really really fun. :)

Has anyone seen Daniel Powter's "Bad Day" mtv? It's kinda romantic, like a English version of Turn Left, Turn Right, but less tacky I feel. Here are the lyrics:

Where is the moment when we need it the most
You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost
They tell me your blue sky's faded to grey
They tell me your passion's gone away
And I don't need no carrying on

Stand in the line just ahead of the law
You're faking a smile with the coffee you go
You tell me your life's been way off line
You're falling to pieces every time
And I don't need no carrying on

Cause you had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride

You had a bad day
The camera don't lie
You're coming back down and you really don't mind
You had a bad day
You had a bad day

Well you need a blue sky holiday
The point is they laugh at what you say
And I don't need no carrying on

You had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride

You had a bad day
The camera don't lie
You're coming back down and you really don't mind
You had a bad day
You had a bad day

Sometimes the system goes on the blink and the whole thing it turns out wrong
You might not make it back and you know that you could be well oh that strong
Well I'm not wrong

So where is the passion when you need it the most
Oh you and I
You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost

Cause you had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride

You had a bad day
You've seen what you like
And how does it feel for one more time
You had a bad day
You had a bad day
You had a bad day


Alright, back to work. :)

Thursday, July 14, 2005

Connection

Connection

This is surreal. Just when I posted a private entry on how much I missed him, a similar message all the way from Tekong appears on my handphone.

Just Be Yourself Mr. Beasley

Just Be Yourself Mr. Beasley

I just got back from an extremely unfufilling lunch at the Tourism Academy's canteen, and now, I've got ten more minutes of my lunchtime to waste. Pat's gone off to the pantry for lunch part 2, lol. Ah well. I've subjected myself to alot of Corrinne May and Missy Higgins these couple of days. It's partly due to the fact that I keep forgetting to bring my cds to the office and they've got websites with a live radio, but there is also something compelling about their voices which keeps me safe from claustrophobia.

The past week seems to have passed by so quickly, yet so slowly. Jason's no longer a phone call away, but this time apart makes us treasure time together much more. It's training us to be stronger on our own, but there are certainly times when I wish he's nearer. That probably attributes to my re-obssession with Corrinne May. It fools my mind into thinking he's that little bit nearer. :)

I did manage to spend quite abit of time with him when he booked out on Tuesday for graduation though. However, we gave in to exhaustion post-dinner and fell asleep, but that was alright.

Met up with Jane, Faggy and Marc to catch Fantastic Four last night. Had a hilarious pre-show dinner at Subway where we got really irritated with this counter staff. Post-show, we followed our impromptu urge to take neoprints. Haha. I'll prolly scan them in later at home or something. Caught up more at NYDC where Anitta was interning. Certainly a night with friends well spent.

Break's over.

Monday, July 11, 2005

Drinks to Drown the Monday Blues

Drinks to Drown the Monday Blues

It's been ten days without you in my reach,
and the only time I've touched you is in my sleep.
But time has changed nothing at all-
you're still the only one that feels like home
I've tried cutting the ropes,
tried letting go but
you're still the only one that feels like home
you're still the only one I've gotta love.


After a pretty monotonous Monday, Adel, Roger, Marc and I headed down to Cool Deck for our after-work drinks. Actually, the guys were the ones who were downing beer, whilst Adel and I went healthy and share some fruit yoghurt drink, lol.

Headed down to KFC at PS to satisfy our craving for chicken, but I think Adel and I satisfied our craving for shopping around. In the end, both the guys left us to our apprehension in front of the accessories stall. Lol.

Had a really nice chat with the salesgirl at Made with Love. Seems like we've got loads in common, and we stay pretty near to boot! Might just go wakeboarding with her someday. :) You know, sometimes you'd just now if you will "click", or not.

Tomorrow's Tuesday and I CAN'T WAIT 'cos Jason gets to come out of camp for his graduation. Which means I'll get to see him. Hallelujah!

adeline


adeline
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

That's sweetie Adeline!

mead


mead
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

Adeline and I at Cool Deck.

rogermarc


rogermarc
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

Roger and Mark. Cheers.

adme


adme
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

Adel and me on the train to PS for KFC!

meroger


meroger
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

And yes, that's me and a slightly high Roger. Lol.

Sunday, July 10, 2005

I Just Want To Hear Those Sweet Words

I Just Want to Hear Those Sweet Words

Jason's mom called me this morning, and I could hear the longing in her words. My heart echoes the exact emotion. I used to leave my handphone buried deep inside my bag, but I carry it with me wherever I go nowadays, even to the toilet. (I leave it on the mirrored shelf.)

Saturday, July 09, 2005

S Club 7 - I Really Miss You

S Club 7 - I Really Miss You

I called you today just to hear you say
You were not around
When the message was through, though I wanted to
I couldn't make a sound

I wanna tell you the things I've seen
I wanna take you to where I've been
And I wish you were here with me
Don't you know

I really miss you - yes I do - yeah
I really miss you
Oh yeah I do

I'm writing to say I had a wonderful day
Hangin' with my friends
But the memory dies as the sun reach the skies
I'm alone again
I wanna tell you the weather is fine
When the night comes around you were on my mind
And I wish you were here with me
Don't you know

I really miss you - yes I do - yeah
I really miss you - yes I do - I miss you
I really miss you
Ohhhh yeah I do

I wanna tell you the things I've seen
I wanna take you to where I've been
And I wish you were here with me

Oh, don't you know
I really miss you - yes I do - yeah
I really miss you - I miss you

I called you today just to hear you say
You were not around
When the message was through, though I wanted to
I couldn't make a sound
I'm writing to say I had a wonderful day
Hangin' with my friends
But the memory dies as the sun reach the skies
I'm alone again.

breakfast


breakfast
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

Waffle breakfast anyone?

marc


marc
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

Marc, looking like a psycho bear. Hah.

me


me
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

Sniff sniff.

fagan


fagan
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

The one-hour late Fagan. Ridiculous la brother... lol.

rivertaxi


rivertaxi
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

The $3 river taxi ride!

Same Side of the Moon

Same Side of the Moon

It's been 36 hours since the SAF stole my boyfriend, and a pretty emotional 36 hours for me. It's not like we've never been apart before or anything, but it just feels different this time around. Ah, the truth behind the phrase "Absence makes the heart grow fonder".

I woke up at 6am yesterday to go down to his place, as I had to work and thus couldn't see him off to Tekong. It was a pretty emotional morning, but let's just say we got through it like adults.

Met up with Jane, Fagan, Marc and Cat on Thursday night to celebrate Jane's birthday. The birthday girl entertained Jason, Fagan, Marc, myself and the rest of Starbucks' patrons with her "breasts-encounter". I swear, anyone else would have thought she was drunk. Lol.

Had a gathering with Ken, Ch, and Yiling last night where we were supposed to mix cocktails. Ended up drinking pre-mixed Long Island Tea from the bottle (pretty potent shit) and watching Madagascar instead. We're such bores, lol. Anyway, as you probably have guessed, I was exhausted by past ten.

Woke up at 7am today to go running with Yiling. Did 3 rounds instead of our usual 2, since we're taking part in the New Balance Real Run. It was a WORKOUT alright. Phew.
Did brekkie with Fagan and Marc at Coffeebean thereafter. It was so weird, but the shops at this particular section of the building were SHAKING, as if there was a huge gust of wind blowing from some hideout. It was crazy, and it freaked me out.

Hung out around town for awhile, and in a span of barely two hours, I bought a top, a perfume set, and a pair of Havaianas. I am a ridiculous shopaholic. Went to Far East to do my hair, then met up with Adeline to check out this Victoria Secrets warehouse sale. It was crap, haha, but we had fun getting lost finding our way to Clarke Quay. In the end, we pretended to be tourists and got the concierge of this particular hotel to arrange for a river taxi ride for us. It was really fun, to be honest. Haha, and it costs only 3 bucks per person.

We wanted to check out the makeshift flea market, but the stalls were somehow gone, so we spent an obscene amount of time at Kinokuniya Liang Court before heading home. I was bushed by the time I plopped on my couch to watch The Wedding Singer. Pretty good show. Typical romantic flick, but it succeeded in reducing me to tears anyway. I can be such a sap.

:) Night world.

Tuesday, July 05, 2005

Bitching, Cookies, and the Psycho Transport Uncle

Bitching, Cookies, and the Psycho Transport Uncle

As I am typing this illegal entry, I am exchanging bitching sms-es with Fagan. Actually, I am the one doing the bitching. Lol.

On a less bitchy note, Operation Gold Coast is going well! I am so psyched, even though it's 9 months away? Lol.

The past couple of days have been a whirl of events.

Sunday night was dinner with Jason and his relatives at my dad's place, and as my family happened to be around, there was quite a bit of mingling. It was a little overwhelming for me because1. I am not used to HUGE extended families and 2. it was the first time both our families were together at a social event.
After a hectic work day that involved lotsa emails, sms-es, cookies and a psycho transport uncle, Jason and I rushed all the way to Marina to catch Batman Begins. Hmm, I thought that it wasn't as good as many have said it was, but to each his own I guess.

It's War of the Worlds at Cini after work today (which is in about 22 minutes). Seems like the pre-enlistment thing Jason and I do is to watch as many movies as we can. We've got Dracula and Alex & Emma on vcd waiting. Lol. 3 days before the army robs him. Ecks.

Saturday, July 02, 2005

That's What Life's About

That's What Life's About

I thought the talk by service apartment personnels today was redundant. Most of us haven't seen each other for over 6 weeks... do you think we'll be listening, or catching up? It felt so so so good to absorb the HTM lecture theatre vibe again.

After a surprisingly good classroom session with Mr. Jeremy, it was Pasta Mania lunch at TM with Jane, Fagan, Marc, Xiu and Cat. In the span of our 1-hour lunch, we decided that we're gonna go on a end-of-poly trip to Australia, and we have promised to start saving up. I am extremely excited, and it feels great to have something to look forward to, to get through drab SIP days. SIP ain't that bad actually, but it's just comfy to be around my gang. :)

Went on a post-lunch shopping spree with Jane and Xiu. It was actually Jane's idea, but she didn't buy anything at all! Xiu bought a novel, and I ended up parting with my moola on two Mango tops. Good buys though!

Spent the rest of the day with Jason, vegging out; solving codes on Dan Brown's website; and watching National Treasure, which actually revolves around the Free Masons. It was different as compared to the first time we caught it in the cinema, as we have a deeper understanding of the Masons. My favourite part of the movie is still the one where he lights up the treasure trove to show a huge room of infinite treasures.

Dinner with 26 of Jason's relatives at my dad's place tomorrow. 26 relatives to send him off for his NS. Yup, 5 days to go before the army robs me off my boyfriend.

Friday, July 01, 2005

And She Changed Her Mind

And She Changed Her Mind

My initial intention was to do a quick blog update and hit the sack, but having succumbed to a little blog surfing, I am inspired.

Had a short chat with Sarah on MSN today where we exchanged work delights and woes. Like she said, SIP really does make one grow up. I would say it's something like being thrown into open waters and learning how to swim. You either try your darnest to float, or sink and die.

Talking to the people in my office really inspires me. Even though most of them are in their twenties, they have an abundance of life experiences to share. Diving.. Rock-climbing.. Backpacking.. These are the things I always tell myself I would do, but I haven't gotten my ass round to planning for them. My excuse for myself is that I am still young, but now, I know better.

Here's what I intend to do, for now.
  • Do a bellydancing workshop
  • Restart my kickboxing classes
  • Take swimming refresher classes

I'll settle with these three for now. :)

It's a Wild World Out There

It's a Wild World Out There

The frequency of my blog entries are dwindling.

Anyway, as mentioned in my Sunday entry, this was quite an eventful work week. One exciting highlight was appearing in a Thai variety programme! I was bringing a Thai film crew for filming, when the producer asked me to act as a participant. It was kinda fun, and I got a free Yamaha jacket and shirt for my effort. Can't wait for them to send me the VCD.. I wonder how bad I'll look on tv, haha.

Attended a coffee seminar at Starbucks with Adeline, Mark and Roger after work yesterday. I quite enjoyed it, though the caffeine did keep me awake till way past midnight.

Bought myself a pair of spanking new adidas sneakers, and $10.60 worth of ethnic accessories.

Back to school tomorrow. I can't wait. :)

Sunday, June 26, 2005

Stranger No More

Stranger No More

I've never been a fan of Japanese food. A few random bites in the past have developed a conditioned reflex to shudder at the mere thought of having to have Japanese for a meal. (The occasional supermarket sushi excluded.) And so, unlike many teenagers out there, I have never been to any of the sushi joints... until today.
The initial plan to get some sun morphed into a Japanese lunch at Sakae Sushi by Siloso Beach when Lanxi and I found the sun hiding behind the clouds. I'm probably one of the last in my generation to realise the difference between restaurant sushi and supermarket sushi, but man, it tasted pretty delectable. Now now now, don't go labelling me as a Japanese cuisine convert. Japanese food is not as detestable as I thought it to be. It's... okay. But it was an afternoon with a friend well spent, even though we didn't quite get the sunning we wanted. :)

Spent the late afternoon watching Miss Match on Star World. Missed Life After Baywatch as I wasn't home. Am I the only one addicted to these series? Haha.

Oh yes. Having been reading it through the week, I finally finished Midnight Jewels by Jayne Ann Krentz yesterday, a story revolving alot around martial arts and the theory of violence. In the afternoon, when I hit CH's pool for a quick swim, he told me all of a sudden that he wanted to do martial arts. Just when I thought I'd seen/heard the last of the art, Jason and I watched a martial arts movie while vegging out in front of his telly. Maybe it's a sign that am the Bruce Lee's next protege. Haha!

I foresee a pretty eventful work week ahead. I'll probably be spending more than half of my time at work tomorrow burning CDs and preparing for the IOC visit... and I'll be out on the island for quite a few days. Nothing better to prep me up than knowing stuff lies ahead. :)

Saturday, June 25, 2005

Hypnotised by Sunlight

Hynotised by Sunlight

The more I get drawn into the hum-drum routine of work, the greater my inertia when it comes to blogging. Actually, I avoid my computer like the plague.
Come on, if you were to face a laptop 8.5 hours every weekday, wouldn't you develop a mini-phobia of your desktop at home?

Work-wise, things seem to be improving. There is more self-satisfaction, more tasks coming on hand, more things to look forward to. The less dependence there is, the lesser there is to hold me back. That is one thing I have learnt about myself. I feel liberated, in an incomprehensible kinda way, but I feel good.

I feel this increasing need in me to do something different. It's refreshingly new, as I'd always thought of myself as a routine-kinda girl. I'm hoping the need will translate to action. I'm not that gutsy when it comes to throwing myself to new situations, but I can always learn. It's all about the comfort zone.

Had dinner at my dad's restaurant again last night, this time to celebrate the 21st wedding anniversary of Jason's parents. Through dinner, we were treated to somewhat strange rituals of the club members. It's intriguing bothering on spooky. Hmm.

The morning's rain is replaced by bright sunlight. I wish I were at the beach, but I gotta be heading out in less than two hours. And for your info, the 15 minutes I spent typing this entry included intervals of hynotic staring at the sunlight through my window.

Monday, June 20, 2005

breekscandle

Monday Madness


breekscandle
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

Candlelight dinner... not!

leighsonbreeks


leighsonbreeks
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

Scowling 'cos he hates my laoya camera. Time for an overhaul, soon!

leighsonbreeks2


leighsonbreeks2
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

Finally a nice smile from him.

Today was a busy busy day at work. I didn't have to stop to find something to do at all. Well, it's expected, since the media launch is tomorrow. I'm pretty excited actually.. I get to see journalists. Hah. :)

Dined at Breeks at Harbour Front with Jason. He's developed shopaholic tendencies... 3 shirt purchases in a day!

Off to bed.

Sunday, June 19, 2005

Are Masons Robin Hoods?

Are Masons Robin Hoods?

Today was a Sunday well spent. After my piano lesson in the morning, I headed down to meet Lanxi for some much-needed sunning. Some think I'm crazy, going back to Sentosa on the weekends when I have to be there five days a week. Ah, I think Lanxi and I are just too set in our 4 year routine to go to a swimming complex instead.

Met Jason a tad earlier before dinner at my dad's restaurant with the intention of getting my black Mango top, but alas, it's left with white! Heck. Perhaps it just ain't fated. Dinner was alright I suppose, food wasn't quite to my liking, and I didn't quite like the service as well. Hospitality has trained me well, but it's taxing to keep my comments to myself when my dad's the boss, haha. I can be a bit bratty, I know.

I just realised that Jason has left his magazine in my bag, and I have left my toiletries in his. This is absurd. Scroll down for rare pictures. It's been awhile since my last photo-post. :) Night world.

jasonthemouthless


jasonthemouthless
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

Today's one of the rare occasions when my camera works. This is a hilarious picture of Jason with a distorted mouth.

leighson-masonic


leighson-masonic
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

That's us in the garden. Just our faces though, lol.

dasaoandi


dasaoandi
Originally uploaded by sarongskirts.

That's me and my doll-like sister in law!

Saturday, June 18, 2005

Class 95 Slow Rock Weekend

I pushed myself a little too hard during my morning run today. I was breathing a little too hard when it ended, and I had to lie down on my couch for a minute when I got home to get my heart rate back to normal. Headed to CH's poolside for a chat in the sun after brunch, and I've got rosy cheeks now. A good deviation from the sun-deprived yellow I was turning for sure! How ironic - I'm sun-deprived working on an island. Haha.

Went Father's Day shopping with Jason (bumped into Sarah and spotted Constance Song), before heading to his granny's place for steamboat. Haven't been there in eons. There was tons of food as usual, and the tiny ones were just as mischievous. It's always a little overwhelming for me because I am not used to such large family gatherings outside of Chinese New Year, but it was heartwarming. They were all wishing him safety for his army enlistment. :)

I don't think I am as good a multi-tasker as women are made to be. Whilst juggling my bag, yakking to Jane on the phone and closing my door, I hacked off a tiny piece of my finger on the hinges. For a moment, I stared at the hole waiting for the blood to start oozing, and when it did, I screamed bloody murder. Haha!

Time to indulge in my pre-bedtime novel. Pretty exhausted actually. I was up till 3am last night writing a song, but I still can't compose a suitable melody to go along with the lyrics. Shall approach it with the same approach to love - Inspiration will find me. I shall not seek it. Haha!

Night world. Sunday awaits.

With the Radio for Company at Midnight

With the Radio for Company at Midnight

The amount of pride I have startles me at times. This pride makes me defensive; makes me worry about being judged; and basically complicates my not-so-simple life. Sometimes, I wonder if all the complexities stem from my mind.
Day by day, I am still telling myself to accept the fact that I cannot possibly have everything I want, and to be content with what I have.

I feel like I'm stuck in a traffic jam at "Changing Point Junction". Still as confused about my directions as usual. I know I'm still young, but it's kinda stressful at times, not knowing what I want to do with my life.

On a lighter note, Jason and I caught PCK the Musical today. Honestly, it was quite a disappointment, brinkering on tacky actually. There were times when we actually dozed off during the performance, 'cos we were both tired from work. Haha. But we saw Fagan and Avril though, from 50-100 metres away, lol. Good to see you dude! :)

I borrowed a book from the Tourism Academy with BK's card.
I miss the days in TP when I used to visit the fiction section in the library so regularly. Ever since I've started working in Sentosa, there's been almost zero bus rides to read my book on. It felt so good to lose myself in a novel today.
Tonight, it'll be me, my novel, dark chocolates (yes, I am starting to appreciate its goodness over milk chocolate) and Class 95/Gold 90 fm.

It's the weekend again. I'll prolly be taking it slow and easy this week.
A workout, some shopping, and lazing for tomorrow.
Come Sunday, it'll be piano, sunning, and Father's Day dinner at the restaurant.

Thursday, June 16, 2005

Gain and Loss - The Theory

Gain and Loss - My Theory

If there's one major thing SIP has taught me, it would be the theory of gain some, lose some.
But since I've made it a point to avoid talking about SIP on my blog, let me divert your attention.

Life's a constant juggle, trying to strike a balance between the two.
And being the ultimate ambassador of opportunity cost, I am indeed in deep trouble.
I'm still learning to let things go... I don't do that easily.

Gain time with the boyfriend, lose time to work out.
Gain pleasure from chocolate, lose the figure.

I'm exhausted. This entry so doesn't make sense.
Need a break. PCK the Musical tomorrow, and sunning the next I hope. :)

Wednesday, June 15, 2005

Abra Cadabra

Abra Cadabra

The day passed me by in a jiffy. For the first time ever since I started my internship, I spent (almost) the whole day busy with stuff! And it felt good, not having to look for something to do. Co-ordinating the interview was oodles of fun as well. And I take back all I said about not networking. I was networking. Haha! And we had lunch at a beach bar, with the sun shining (sort of) and the breeze blowing. Fantastic.

I spend so much time writing in the office that it sorta kills my urge to blog actually. :) Night world.

Monday, June 13, 2005

Who am I?

Who Am I?

I miss reading inspiring or insightful blog entries. This could be attributed to the fact that work takes up such a huge part of my time, and the fact that a majority of my favourite bloggers are busy working as well. SIP is really different eh?

I just read Shaun's blog, and his latest entry made me nod and nod my head in agreement.
"All the world's a stage, and the men and women only players."

How many of us out there are 100% completely true anyway? To be honest, I don't know which part of me is real, and which is contrived. Haven't we all went through the "polite smile" situation where we smile for the sake of being diplomatic or nice?
Is there one single person COMPLETELY comfortable with himself/herself?

This is not the first time, but I am posing myself the BIG question.
"Who am I and where do I go from here?"
No, this is not some religious question (I am not a religious person), just something I yearn to find out, not from religion or some other source, but from myself.

Each weekday I wake up, dress and go to work. When work ends, I find that I've only got a couple of hours before I have to go to bed to be energized for the next day. The humdrum continues till the weekend arrives. I go "TGIF" and bam, the weekend disappears. The weekday-weekend routine continues.

It makes me ask myself if this is the way I want to live my life. A journalist on the road? A communications executive? A teacher? (Don't ask me how I got inspired.) A fitness instructor? I've even contemplated becoming a new-age guru.

And what what what is the meaning of life? (No suicidal subtleties here alright. Just an age-old question with an infinite answer.)

Tuesday, June 07, 2005

Murphy's Law in Action

Murphy's Law in Action

Today is the day when everything went wrong. Okay, maybe not everything, but enough to make me feel like blue-nosed Rudolph.

Work was fine actually, no complaints... 'cept for the fact that I'm starting to feel claustrophobic stuck in the office all day. I think I check my mail twice in 5 minutes. That makes it 24 times an hour.

I think my body's starting to protest at its inactivity. I awoke at 6am this morning with an insane urge to work out, so I did some dance exercise video in the dawn whilst my mom watched on, extremely amused.

A tiny but significant turn in events made me want to curl up and cry, and start throwing things around all at the same time. Some things force you to put your life into perspective, but sometimes, avoidance just feels so damn good. After the twenty minute pre-lunchtime anger, I totally switched my mind off and stared at the greenery whilst waiting for Ailing to join me at Subway.

Had a long talk with Jason over a pizza dinner. It was kinda therapeutic to release all that pent-up tension, but it sorta made my tangled train of thoughts a little more complex too.
Come to think of it, it's quite weird. For once, I managed (for awhile at least) to listen to him like he's the accomplished senior dishing out work advice, instead of my boyfriend.

It sucks having an over-developed mind with an intricate thought process. I think I need to go for some new-age rebirthing class.

Sunday, June 05, 2005

Balloons, Brass and Bust

Oh Baby Baby it's a Wild World

It's Sentosa's 2nd Balloon Hat Festival this weekend, and I was there yesterday, supposedly shadowing Eileen to observe media relations. Turned out that most of the media were coming today instead, but ah well, I've got priorities.

Didn't do much, 'cept for talking to my director, as well as doing abit of catching up with my juniors who were volunteering at the event.
There was a school with the band members dressed in hawaiian shirts and a guy dressed as Elvis in front. Don't think they played Blue Hawaii though, but it was quite a sight, lol.

Headed home to shower and to attend the club restaurant's opening. I hadn't planned on going as I'd expected the BHF to end late but thankfully, it ended early, so I rushed down to show my support for my brother and my dad. The food was pretty good and the place was packed! :D

I'm at Jason's place now, but he's sleeping like a post-camp log with Racky and Little Meatball. My auntie found Little Meatball while she was clearing out the cupboards last night. :) It's a starshaped pink soft beanie baby.
I actually busted my wallet buying his gift prior to meeting him, and I am bursting with excitement. Need to hold my tongue though, haha, but it's proving difficult. So it's probably not such a bad thing he's asleep.

SIP really brings out a different side in people. I was talking to Jason about the issue that's been bothering me recently, and he's found the perfect word for it - insincerity. No wonder people say that it's a dog eat dog world out there.
Don't wanna be a real-life case of the pot calling the kettle black, so I reflected upon myself. I think I am guilty of it at times, but it's never too late to reign myself in. :)

Speaking of dogs, Budi's back! Poor guy's been suffering from tick fever the couple of days, thus the absence. Alright, off to wake the log and to dabao food for Martian Attack.

Saturday, June 04, 2005

The Adaptability of the Chameleon

The Adaptability of the Chameleon

PR requires you to be a bit of a schizophrenic. Sometimes, I feel like the adaptability required for the job is something past my own boundaries. I'm just speculating.. have yet to deal with the media in full-force. I wonder how they'd be like.

It's kinda tough, wanting to marry my love for writing with a love for writing. It's almost like incest actually, come to think of it.

PR is something vital in all fields, not just to mention my own. Now, where do you draw the line between a good PR person, and a fake?

I'll find out in time to come. :)

Friday, June 03, 2005

Just like Gooey Marshmallows

Just like Gooey Marshmallows
I can't seek an explanation for the lovey dovey mood I'm in these couple of days. Maybe because a certain someone's in camp and I haven't seen a certain animal in days. Oh well. I'm feeling happy though. :)

Another work week's flew by. Let's hope the flying never stops, haha. I miss school, but I'm not complaining about work. It's kinda enjoyable.

I accompanied Pat to Camp Sunshine's opening ceremony at Siloso Beach's Emerald Hall this morning. For the uninitiated, Camp Sunshine is a camp organized for terminally ill children.

The one hour I was there filled me with a palette of emotions. I was really impressed with the number of volunteers who took time out for the camp, and the energy radiating within the hall was infections. You know, some of the kids have actually got rosy cheeks and tanned complexions. At first glance, I never would have guessed they were ill.

It certainly makes one think of how fortunate they actually are. There's a saying that goes some sort like, "Don't complain about how you don't like your legs. Be thankful you have them." A totally inaccurate version, but at least I remembered the gist of the phrase.

In a world where people are constantly complaining about how they're shortchanged, we often don't realise how lucky we actually are to be able to live without worrying if cancer cells will spread. Good health is indeed something to be thankful for. Humans like to look for the bad in life, never realising that they've overlooked the good and taken it for granted. I'm guilty, haha.

Ah well. Balloon Hat Festival at Siloso Beach tomorrow and Sunday, from noon to evening. Do come down if you can, it'll be loads of fun. :)

Thursday, June 02, 2005

Crazy for this Dog

Crazy for this Dog

I think I'm gonna suffer from Budi-withdrawal symptoms soon. Me, miss a dog? The anti-canine speaks. Haha.

Bumped into my neighbour aka Budi's owner when I was about to embark on my jog, and instead of the usual customary "how are you", I asked him "where's your dog?" I don't think I could have ever been more enthusiastic about a dog, or any animal for that matter. And it's not even mine!

Turns out Budi's having terrible mood swings, and he's eating irregularly as well. And I thought the way he was acting so strange on Monday was because he hated my new perfume. (I've stopped wearing it since.) I am so freaking myself out with my dog-friendly tendencies.
I'd just started coordinating an interview for a staff (featuring his guard dog) for a magazine, and though the first image that appeared in my mind was a huge black dog with fang-like teeth that had my heart skipping a beat, an image of Budi replaced that almost instantaneously to calm my heart.

I'm totally loving work and the writing. Everything 'cept for the sedentary lifestyle I'd say. I literally brisk walked home from the bus-stop today so I could go for a jog before the sky darkened. That is how in need I am of exercise. Love handles alert! Haha. It felt so good to work my limbs and get my heart pumping. Yeehah!

"Lying here with you
Listening to the rain
Smiling just to see a smile upon your face.
These are the moments I thank God that I'm alive
These are the moments I'll remember all my life
I've found all I've waited for

And I could not ask for more

Looking in your eyes
Seeing all I need
Everything you are is everything to me
These are the moments I know Heaven must exist
These are the moments I know all I need is this
I've found all I've waited for

And I could not ask for more

I could not ask for more than this time together
Could not ask for more than this with you
Every prayer has been answered
Every dream I have has come true
Right here in this moment
Is right where I'm meant to be
Here with you here with me."

That's These Are The Moments by Sara Evans. Feeling a little emotional today, in a good way. :) Night world.

Monday, May 30, 2005

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.