... this mundane and dull period of my life where everything is now dependent on if I get a job, or not. Okok, "or not" and "if" are not options, and it will happen. It's just WHEN?!
That's the big gazillion dollar question - WHEN WILL I GET A JOB? I am really sick of this waiting for a ripe moment. First when I came home in September, I was kinda down and while sending out at least 50 or so resumes in the few 6-8 weeks that I was job hunting, nothing came through. Well 2 opportunities did, but they weren't exactly what I was hoping for. Now I have something in the pipeline, actually, the ONLY thing in the pipeline and think I am: 1. counting me chicks before they hatch and 2. laying all my lays in one basket. (hmm the chicken and egg analogies are all pure coincidences) Second thing is, waiting for this freaking year end period of Yuletide cheer and Feliz Año Nuevo to end. This is the dreaded period for the unemployed cos everyone is holding back from quitting the jobs that they drag their feet to, and everyone is just in a holiday mood to even think about recruitment.
Going back to the UK for graduation was a good move, mostly good I think. I had a proper chance to say goodbye. I had to mentally say goodbye to the place that I though I might possibly spend another 2-3 years there. I really like the lifestyle. I like that people are well-mannered. Weather is always chilly. Supermarkets are fantastic. And a sense of freedom - liberation that I am on my own, and I can do things at my own time.
My arrival at Heathrow and going into Cafe Nero for a quick cuppa made me feel like I never left the UK. And now that I am back, I feel like I never left Singapore.
I said bye to S, in person. He even admitted that he was an ass to me (those weren't his exact words but now that he is an ex-, who cares?) It was an amicable, albeit sad, farewell. Yes we've had many good times together, but at the end of the day, we are really two very different people, who want very different things in our lives right now. But what he made me realise was that I do want someone. Before him I has quite happy on my own, minding my own business, happy to just hang out with family and friends. Now I realise that I do perhaps want someone i can really share my life with, and who wants me to share his life with him.
Though, a more pressing and "keeps me awake at night" thought is that after 1.5 years, I really need to work. Going back, and seeing that many of my friends were either employed or got jobs really scared the shit out of me.
Where's the big "FAST FORWARD" button on me life that gets to the good part? I know that panicking doesn't really help with anything. It only exacerbates the big "Where's the big fast forward button"deep, sinking feeling. The days are just crawling. I just want to be gainfully employed! - Geez, never thought I'll say that!
*Follow-up on Spain and UK graduation in posts to come. I just need to rant a bit about my perfect life.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Thursday, December 06, 2007
days two & three - Barcelona
Unbelievable. I woke up and my legs were cramping up like crazy. My calves hurt like hell and thighs too. And when I walk down stairs, my god, the pain is just unbelievable. Day three was a bit of a haze. I didn´t quite plan my route but had a general idea that I wanted to do Barri Gotic... and later, when I decided I had enough of Gothic buildings, decided to head for the neighbouring district of La Ribera.
The day started off at Starbucks. I ordered a latte only to get a look of confusion. Obviously when it says latte on the board, people still order by its Spanish term "cafe con leche" or coffee with milk. To be fair, not all Starbucks required the cafe con leche phrase. Anyway after that I headed for El Cangar near the Barcelona Cathedral. It was built in gothic style. And my word, it was simply impressive. As you know how gothic buildings are - tall, has a lot of columns, and all things made to make you feel small. And it did. I sat on the pews(?) what are those called again? Where the congregation sits??
Anyway after that I decided to do La Ribera, and according the guide book another church visit was in order. So I decided to just walk past and walked around aimlessly around Passeig El Born(the hip district with many bars and shops). But since I wasn´t quite in the mood to shop, nor was I hungry, decided to sit somewhere to get my bearings right. Then an old man came up to me and blabbered in Spanish or Catalun, don´t know which, cos I really have no idea what he was saying. Only like 30 seconds later, I realised the uncle was asking me if he could give me a kiss on the cheek!
*faint* how come the cute man I fancied on La Rambla never ask me if I wanted a kiss? And old uncles come up to me like that? And he wasn´t the first to throw me looks all day, the rest of the day old uncles were looking at me. I had to check my fly a few times thinking that they were staring at me cos my fly was undone. *Sigh* story of my life. Only attract old men.
Anyway after a few more rounds around the small tiny alleys, I decided maybe I should go to Museo Picasso. Picasso spent quite a fair bit of his time in Barcelona throughout his life. I never thought much of Picasso, since I didn´t quite like cubism. But from the trip to the Museum, realised that he could do fantastic traditional art too. And started out with classical training, only to move on to start cubism, and even revoluntionised ceramics. That wasn´t the only thing about Picasso, he was quite the casanova! Had so many women. Sigh, once again why is it so easy for men and so hard for women?
After that I decided to have lunch, had a fantastic lunch with tortilla - which I shall attempt to make when I get home. Then it was walking through Barri Gotic to La Rambla and I sat at Starbucks (my 2nd for the day) and rested for like close to 1 1/2 hours cos my feet and legs were hurting so much.
After that I decided to shop. Went to Zara, Mango, some other shops which I didn´t quite know the names. And remembered I had to make a trip to Sephora, which I have heard so much about but never been. And it was fantastic! If you can imagine a whole shop of makeup of all kinds. They even have laduree lip balm and dusting powder!
Then it was a slow walk back to the hotel. The room was much better last nite no more strange smells and no smoke smell. I was so knackered I actually slept in the clothes that I wore out all day and showered only this morning!!!! YIKES!
Tomorrow is my last day in Barcelona. Sigh, wished someone had come with me, so that we could have eaten our way through Barcelona through plates of tapas and I haven´t even tried cava!
The day started off at Starbucks. I ordered a latte only to get a look of confusion. Obviously when it says latte on the board, people still order by its Spanish term "cafe con leche" or coffee with milk. To be fair, not all Starbucks required the cafe con leche phrase. Anyway after that I headed for El Cangar near the Barcelona Cathedral. It was built in gothic style. And my word, it was simply impressive. As you know how gothic buildings are - tall, has a lot of columns, and all things made to make you feel small. And it did. I sat on the pews(?) what are those called again? Where the congregation sits??
Anyway after that I decided to do La Ribera, and according the guide book another church visit was in order. So I decided to just walk past and walked around aimlessly around Passeig El Born(the hip district with many bars and shops). But since I wasn´t quite in the mood to shop, nor was I hungry, decided to sit somewhere to get my bearings right. Then an old man came up to me and blabbered in Spanish or Catalun, don´t know which, cos I really have no idea what he was saying. Only like 30 seconds later, I realised the uncle was asking me if he could give me a kiss on the cheek!
*faint* how come the cute man I fancied on La Rambla never ask me if I wanted a kiss? And old uncles come up to me like that? And he wasn´t the first to throw me looks all day, the rest of the day old uncles were looking at me. I had to check my fly a few times thinking that they were staring at me cos my fly was undone. *Sigh* story of my life. Only attract old men.
Anyway after a few more rounds around the small tiny alleys, I decided maybe I should go to Museo Picasso. Picasso spent quite a fair bit of his time in Barcelona throughout his life. I never thought much of Picasso, since I didn´t quite like cubism. But from the trip to the Museum, realised that he could do fantastic traditional art too. And started out with classical training, only to move on to start cubism, and even revoluntionised ceramics. That wasn´t the only thing about Picasso, he was quite the casanova! Had so many women. Sigh, once again why is it so easy for men and so hard for women?
After that I decided to have lunch, had a fantastic lunch with tortilla - which I shall attempt to make when I get home. Then it was walking through Barri Gotic to La Rambla and I sat at Starbucks (my 2nd for the day) and rested for like close to 1 1/2 hours cos my feet and legs were hurting so much.
After that I decided to shop. Went to Zara, Mango, some other shops which I didn´t quite know the names. And remembered I had to make a trip to Sephora, which I have heard so much about but never been. And it was fantastic! If you can imagine a whole shop of makeup of all kinds. They even have laduree lip balm and dusting powder!
Then it was a slow walk back to the hotel. The room was much better last nite no more strange smells and no smoke smell. I was so knackered I actually slept in the clothes that I wore out all day and showered only this morning!!!! YIKES!
Tomorrow is my last day in Barcelona. Sigh, wished someone had come with me, so that we could have eaten our way through Barcelona through plates of tapas and I haven´t even tried cava!
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
day one - barcelona
It was a rather cold and wet weekend in the UK. Strong winds, heck I was queuing up for the fantastic 418 when I saw some white stuff pelting on the coat of this lady before me, small pieces of ice - hail!
Anyway it was cold, wet and to be honest, when Monday came, I was almost glad I was getting out of the UK. The flight to Barcelona was easy enough. But the thing was, I wasn´t mentally prepared for Barcelona. (Simi mentally prepared, holiday, holiday lah... I can hear some people´s thoughts as I type). Well, seeing that I am an ENTJ (MBTI). I kinda need everything planned down to almost the dot before I feel secure and safe to venture into the big bad world. But this trip, I wasn´t very enthusiastic at the start so there were so many things I didn´t even prepare for this trip, not even reading about what´s there to see at Barcelona. Not till I was on board EZY6025 TO Barcelona.
By the time I got to Barcelona, I had a bit of a shock. Firstly, no one really spoke English. So I had to recall my very bad Spanish, from my 3 months of Spanish lessons some 5 years ago.* Upon reaching city centre, I somehow instinctively headed for the shopping street. hahahhaha
Anyway I am staying at Hostal Girona, this rather dodgey looking old converted hotel. The owner put me in this room that looked like some poor artiste had stayed in and decided it was too shabby even for him to stay in it. And yours truely stayed in it.
Anyway the room had a shower, but no toilet. I mean, in what parallel universe is Barcelona in? No toilet but has a shower? The room gave me the creeps. Half the night I was up trying to cover my ears with my arms, and of cos my arms were numbed halfway. So I was up half the night, and watched TV. And came onto some cheesy porn channel. Yup, you heard it, porn. I mean all other channels were in Spanish, so it made no difference what channel I watched.
But what was hilarious was that there was a scene with a car chase, and this lady came out of the car in underwear and a satin robe. God knows why she was in her undies. She, apparently, went to her friend´s house. And her friend also came out in her undies and another silky robe. So anyway this friend of hers came out with a bat, and waited for the chaser (is that the right word?) And he (had to be a guy, right?) and she seduced him, then used the bat to hit him.
Just when I was wondering where was the porn in this, she went into the house where the first lady was resting, and I think there was some hot and happening after that. It HAD to be 2 women together. Obviously this porn is for men. I don´t understand the fascination with women together sex for men. Anyway I got bored, and it even put me to sleep. hahhaha
Anyway day one of Barcelona was just some getting my directions right. Day Two was when I set off to visit Temple of La Sagrada Familia by Antoni Gaudi. You know that massive church with huge towers (tallest one to be 173m) that´s still under construction? I was thinking who the hell is this Gaudi guy, and after looking at it I am now a Gaudi convert. He had a unique way of transposing designs from nature onto buildings and his design ideas were so innovative for his time, and even now.
I took the lift up and had to be at least 100m from ground. Only to find after going down halfway the tower and back up to the lift top, that the man in the lift wouldn´t take us down in the lift. I had already done at least 100 steps of each 30cm in height. So apparently going down was something like 300 steps, seemed like 3,000 to me. By the end of it my legs were wobbly.
And my word, they hurt like hell today. My legs and my flat feet.
Anyway I was thoroughly impressed by Gaudi´s works and decided to visit another building he had done - La Pedrera. This supposed residential area that looked like it was carved out of a cave. Gaudi´s designs not only affected the exterior, it also made effective use of internal space, ergonomics and also made effective use of natural light. The house inside was so bright and cheery.
Then I walked down Passeig de Gracia which was supposedly the Orchard Road and ended up at Plaça Catalunya where all things happened. Of cos by then my feet were hurting, so I went back to my Hostal to ask for a change of room. The second room was better, but it stank of smoke. And I can´t open the windows. So my strategy was to go out for longer hours (i.e. blogging at an internet cafe) and then go home later.
* First proper sentence of Spanish that I muttered was ¿Donde esta Casa Mila? Which translates into Where is Casa Mila? Had to blog that cos the spanish keyboard has these funny keys like the upside down question mark¿ and ç and ñ and º and ª. hahhaha :)
K, 10 minutes left, I should go, feet hurting. More of days 2 and 3 later!
Anyway it was cold, wet and to be honest, when Monday came, I was almost glad I was getting out of the UK. The flight to Barcelona was easy enough. But the thing was, I wasn´t mentally prepared for Barcelona. (Simi mentally prepared, holiday, holiday lah... I can hear some people´s thoughts as I type). Well, seeing that I am an ENTJ (MBTI). I kinda need everything planned down to almost the dot before I feel secure and safe to venture into the big bad world. But this trip, I wasn´t very enthusiastic at the start so there were so many things I didn´t even prepare for this trip, not even reading about what´s there to see at Barcelona. Not till I was on board EZY6025 TO Barcelona.
By the time I got to Barcelona, I had a bit of a shock. Firstly, no one really spoke English. So I had to recall my very bad Spanish, from my 3 months of Spanish lessons some 5 years ago.* Upon reaching city centre, I somehow instinctively headed for the shopping street. hahahhaha
Anyway I am staying at Hostal Girona, this rather dodgey looking old converted hotel. The owner put me in this room that looked like some poor artiste had stayed in and decided it was too shabby even for him to stay in it. And yours truely stayed in it.
Anyway the room had a shower, but no toilet. I mean, in what parallel universe is Barcelona in? No toilet but has a shower? The room gave me the creeps. Half the night I was up trying to cover my ears with my arms, and of cos my arms were numbed halfway. So I was up half the night, and watched TV. And came onto some cheesy porn channel. Yup, you heard it, porn. I mean all other channels were in Spanish, so it made no difference what channel I watched.
But what was hilarious was that there was a scene with a car chase, and this lady came out of the car in underwear and a satin robe. God knows why she was in her undies. She, apparently, went to her friend´s house. And her friend also came out in her undies and another silky robe. So anyway this friend of hers came out with a bat, and waited for the chaser (is that the right word?) And he (had to be a guy, right?) and she seduced him, then used the bat to hit him.
Just when I was wondering where was the porn in this, she went into the house where the first lady was resting, and I think there was some hot and happening after that. It HAD to be 2 women together. Obviously this porn is for men. I don´t understand the fascination with women together sex for men. Anyway I got bored, and it even put me to sleep. hahhaha
Anyway day one of Barcelona was just some getting my directions right. Day Two was when I set off to visit Temple of La Sagrada Familia by Antoni Gaudi. You know that massive church with huge towers (tallest one to be 173m) that´s still under construction? I was thinking who the hell is this Gaudi guy, and after looking at it I am now a Gaudi convert. He had a unique way of transposing designs from nature onto buildings and his design ideas were so innovative for his time, and even now.
I took the lift up and had to be at least 100m from ground. Only to find after going down halfway the tower and back up to the lift top, that the man in the lift wouldn´t take us down in the lift. I had already done at least 100 steps of each 30cm in height. So apparently going down was something like 300 steps, seemed like 3,000 to me. By the end of it my legs were wobbly.
And my word, they hurt like hell today. My legs and my flat feet.
Anyway I was thoroughly impressed by Gaudi´s works and decided to visit another building he had done - La Pedrera. This supposed residential area that looked like it was carved out of a cave. Gaudi´s designs not only affected the exterior, it also made effective use of internal space, ergonomics and also made effective use of natural light. The house inside was so bright and cheery.
Then I walked down Passeig de Gracia which was supposedly the Orchard Road and ended up at Plaça Catalunya where all things happened. Of cos by then my feet were hurting, so I went back to my Hostal to ask for a change of room. The second room was better, but it stank of smoke. And I can´t open the windows. So my strategy was to go out for longer hours (i.e. blogging at an internet cafe) and then go home later.
* First proper sentence of Spanish that I muttered was ¿Donde esta Casa Mila? Which translates into Where is Casa Mila? Had to blog that cos the spanish keyboard has these funny keys like the upside down question mark¿ and ç and ñ and º and ª. hahhaha :)
K, 10 minutes left, I should go, feet hurting. More of days 2 and 3 later!
plantano is banana
DOH! how did I know that? Was famished yesterday and decided to get a dunkin donut and thought - hmmmm plantano, planta is ground level so plantano should be PEANUT butter, right? Of cos not, it is BANANA FLAVOURED!!!
Can die. I hate bananas.
So yes, you learn really fast. It´s such a shock to find that so many people don´t know English here, and they just speak Spanish or Catalun to you. Which is fine, but I have NO idea what it means. kekekekek
But this place is really nice, the weather is lovely, compared to the gales and hail that I got in Bath over the weekend. It´s actually warm. And my long coat is a bit too warm sometimes. I´ve some video of La Pedredra and Sangrada Familia, both masterpieces by Gaudi! I am a convert! His work is just amazing.
Was initially dreading this trip, but now that I am here, I am quite enjoying myself. Pix and all to come later. I should really get started. Today is Barri Gotic and Mercat de la something, cannot remember.
:)
Can die. I hate bananas.
So yes, you learn really fast. It´s such a shock to find that so many people don´t know English here, and they just speak Spanish or Catalun to you. Which is fine, but I have NO idea what it means. kekekekek
But this place is really nice, the weather is lovely, compared to the gales and hail that I got in Bath over the weekend. It´s actually warm. And my long coat is a bit too warm sometimes. I´ve some video of La Pedredra and Sangrada Familia, both masterpieces by Gaudi! I am a convert! His work is just amazing.
Was initially dreading this trip, but now that I am here, I am quite enjoying myself. Pix and all to come later. I should really get started. Today is Barri Gotic and Mercat de la something, cannot remember.
:)
Saturday, December 01, 2007
oh Bath, I've missed you
It's been a long ride here. And while the clatter, noise, heat, humidity and bad English are still freshly imprinted at the back of my mind, I just cannot believe that I am back here, in Bath.
The first sight at Heathrow, that reminded me of UK was Cafe Nero. It's like I never left.
So here I am. Back in Bath. The air is crisp and cold, blustery wind and the Bath Christmas Market has just opened. Somehow it feels more Christmasy here, with the cold and lights all up. Despite our tropical Christmas light show in Orchard Road, it is not the same.
But if feels different though, cos somehow friends are no longer around and Bath, while it holds its attraction still, is a different place now.
And of cos it gets dark at 4pm. The weather looks gorgeous and I shld really go. It's 11.25
The first sight at Heathrow, that reminded me of UK was Cafe Nero. It's like I never left.
So here I am. Back in Bath. The air is crisp and cold, blustery wind and the Bath Christmas Market has just opened. Somehow it feels more Christmasy here, with the cold and lights all up. Despite our tropical Christmas light show in Orchard Road, it is not the same.
But if feels different though, cos somehow friends are no longer around and Bath, while it holds its attraction still, is a different place now.
And of cos it gets dark at 4pm. The weather looks gorgeous and I shld really go. It's 11.25
Thursday, November 22, 2007
papa don't preach
Just had a conversation with a long-time friend, and I guess I am quite easily irritated and ultra sensitive these days. But I just feel that sometimes advice is given to me when I am not exactly asking for them. Of cos advice is given with good intention, but sometimes I feel that while she is entitled to her own opinion, when I air mine, I am just unreasonable. Or that my thoughts are just random and just completely out of whack.
Can help think that if I were to talk about Polly to this friend, I'll get a whole long list of eyes rolling, comments of "Oh, you shouldn't think this way etc etc" or "You are just ridiculous" and then all talks about reconciliation - which to be honest, I don't really care to do with Polly at this point in my life.
I don't know, but maybe not everyone thinks alike? While you're entitled to your opinion, so am I. Neither is right. Nor is everyone born positive - me as living proof. This whole issue just brings to mind about the book I was reading about on being assertive - everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
Recently been very down with job situation. I know it's not personal, but I just can't help feel that my lucky break is not ever going to come. (Contrary to earlier post) Sure it's end of the year and people are holding onto their jobs and not leaving. But when the new year comes and I still don't get that call for interviews, what's my excuse then?
The only positive thing now is that I am spending so much time at home with the rascals. Today while nursing a really bad headache, I was taking a nap when B1 was about to go home, he came to me and gave me a kiss. Isn't he the angel?
So here they are - my favourites at their best.
Can help think that if I were to talk about Polly to this friend, I'll get a whole long list of eyes rolling, comments of "Oh, you shouldn't think this way etc etc" or "You are just ridiculous" and then all talks about reconciliation - which to be honest, I don't really care to do with Polly at this point in my life.
I don't know, but maybe not everyone thinks alike? While you're entitled to your opinion, so am I. Neither is right. Nor is everyone born positive - me as living proof. This whole issue just brings to mind about the book I was reading about on being assertive - everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
Recently been very down with job situation. I know it's not personal, but I just can't help feel that my lucky break is not ever going to come. (Contrary to earlier post) Sure it's end of the year and people are holding onto their jobs and not leaving. But when the new year comes and I still don't get that call for interviews, what's my excuse then?
The only positive thing now is that I am spending so much time at home with the rascals. Today while nursing a really bad headache, I was taking a nap when B1 was about to go home, he came to me and gave me a kiss. Isn't he the angel?
So here they are - my favourites at their best.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Seriously, why do so many people suck at their jobs...
...and here I am, I cant find one that pays me a decent wage. Since my pay has been so badly suppressed by the last co. I worked for, I can't asked for much, and I know that my asking, isn't unreasonable for someone with my experience. Since job searching and just listening to others, I can tell you, there are so many people who don't know how to do their jobs. Within seconds, I can easily summarised what they are doing wrong and just tell them to improve!
Maybe I suck at interviews. Or it's just my darn arse luck with jobsearching. (very high probability, that one, the arse luck I mean)
Came across this on the jobsdb.com website. By this guy called David Freeman. Have edited some rather obvious points. Here goes:
Maybe I suck at interviews. Or it's just my darn arse luck with jobsearching. (very high probability, that one, the arse luck I mean)
Came across this on the jobsdb.com website. By this guy called David Freeman. Have edited some rather obvious points. Here goes:
|
Sunday, November 11, 2007
oi, you deaf har?
The NEL is just fantastic. It takes me 20 minutes to get from Hougang to Dhoby Ghaut. In earlier days, it took me about 1 over hour to get to Orchard road. And now, half that time.But of course, this is public transport, so there is no avoiding all the weird people you have to put up with.
For starters, the deaf. Those who plug into their iPods at 8am in the morning, blasting music of questionable taste to poor souls who don't have their ears plugged. These iPoders, I'm sure, have those super-duper ambient-sound cancelling-whachamacallit earphones. But it cancels out surrounding noise cos it probably DEAFENS you and those around you. I mean if I were SMRT, I would be grateful - commuters who voluntarily provide piped-in music.
Anyway...
...was coming home from Dhoby Ghaut today and the nerve of this young Chinese man. I was queued up at the side to the doors of the train, second in line to enter the train (if commuters had any decency or idea of what it means to queue). He tried his luck to squeeze pass me. Of cos I just stood my stance and glared at him. He was eyeing the few empty seats on the train. But you know what, buddy, so was I - why the hell do you think I'm queued up second in line?!
Anyway, I believe I have right of a seat - firstly I was in front in the queue. Secondly, I am a woman. I mean, which decent man tries to push his way pass you to get a seat?! Only in Singapore. He managed to get a seat next to me, cos another weirdo decided his bag of plastic goods perhaps didn't need to occupy ONE seat and put his bag away. Anyway once the bugger took his seat, he took out his PSP and played on it without lowering the volume on his handheld. Disgusted, I made an obvious turn of my head to stare at the game he was playing. It was a lame ah beng "follow the rhythm" game - you know the sort you play at arcade games shop where you drum as the notes stream pass you on the screen??
Then there was this woman, whom I think is not local, who was trying to put together a broken string of "pearl" necklace. On a train. Is that the most appropriate place to do something like that? Of cos I was thinking, "What if it falls on the floor?" And it did. A few stray pearls rolled to the opposite site. This rather daft woman then probably realised it's not the best place to look a broken string of pearls. Best part was - the pearls must be fake lor. Cos she just sat there, peering to the other side to see if anyone would pick up the rolled-over-the-other-side-of-the-train pearl. If they were real, she would have STOOD up and searched for them. But noooooo, she just let the men on the other side search for it. Don't you think that's such weird behaviour? I would stand up and start searching for my stuff on the train and not sit and peer. That's just plain weird.
Oh. And has anyone actually watched those "what to do if there was a bomb on our trains" clips on the trains? It calls for A.L.E.R.T.:
A - Assist by gathering your belongings
L - (shit cannot remember what L stands for) But I think it is for Listen
E - Evaluate if an object is suspicious
R - Report the suspicious object
T - Dammit! I gotta stop laughing at the clip cos I cannot remember what T stands for! What if there was a real suspicious object on the train?! I might be blasted to smeetherings! But I would say TEXT all your friends about it!
Seriously, "Evaluate if an object is suspicious". Are they for real? That shouldn't even be part of the procedure! How's the public to know what is suspicious? As an SOP check ALL train carriages! How can you depend on daft and rude ah bengs and pearl stringing ah lians to even EVALUATE if something is suspicious?
*ooo don't you just miss Singa The Courtesy Lion? I remember I used to do a damn good copy of Singa the Courtesy Lion as part of my art and craft class, and also for some strange reason I used to like drawing him. And I remember had a sleeveless tee with him silkscreened and he was popped up on the tee. I say, bring the Singa back!
Singa image taken from store.museumstores.com.sg
Saturday, November 10, 2007
i am a superhero
Your results:
You are Supergirl (woohoo!)
Lean, muscular and feminine.
Honest and a defender of the innocent.
Click here to take the "Which Superhero am I?" quiz...
This is not bad, considering I "fail" at most "Which goody-two-shoe hero are you" quiz. The last time I tried the Harry Potter one I was in Slytherin. Hahahah, Not bad lah, I think Gryfindor is a bit too good and saintly for my character. Slytherin is fine by me. :P Now to get that superbabe body. damn.
You are Supergirl (woohoo!)
Lean, muscular and feminine.
Honest and a defender of the innocent.
Click here to take the "Which Superhero am I?" quiz...
This is not bad, considering I "fail" at most "Which goody-two-shoe hero are you" quiz. The last time I tried the Harry Potter one I was in Slytherin. Hahahah, Not bad lah, I think Gryfindor is a bit too good and saintly for my character. Slytherin is fine by me. :P Now to get that superbabe body. damn.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
the best things in life are (almost) free
I'm now at the national library doing some research work for a friend. And the sucker that I am, I've been bought over by the magnifique facade of the new building. It has glass exterior and is 14 storeys tall. So going up the glass elevator gives you funny ticklish feeling when you go zooming up or down it.
It's just so quiet, full of books and research material and you can bring in your laptop do research or even take a nap* here. All for free.
heheheh.
The other good thing is my vodafone mobile broadband modem from M1. (Think starhub has it too). But now, yours truly can surf wirelessly anywhere in Singapore. Woohoo!
*Considering the hammering and construction work that is going on at my house now, it's quite a possibility that I spend time here zzz. kekekekeke
It's just so quiet, full of books and research material and you can bring in your laptop do research or even take a nap* here. All for free.
heheheh.
The other good thing is my vodafone mobile broadband modem from M1. (Think starhub has it too). But now, yours truly can surf wirelessly anywhere in Singapore. Woohoo!
*Considering the hammering and construction work that is going on at my house now, it's quite a possibility that I spend time here zzz. kekekekeke
Friday, October 26, 2007
one year & a few months later ... karma strikes
I've had the best news I've heard in months.
THE CUNTS HAVE BEEN DEMOTED!
The big cunt has be relegated to supposed Chief Operating Officer, handling marketing, events and receptionist.
The small cunt is now back to her OLD role - senior events manager, basically selling Michael Lee's programmes & FRS repeats, which, if the customers had any sense would realise by now that they suck!
Ahhh best news in months. Just when I was feeling so low and down about things, about myself. And wondering if I'll ever find a job that can pay and really challenge me the way I found excitement and motivation while doing my MBA.*
Everyone's telling me looking for a job takes time. I sure hope something comes my way. I feel rotten being trodden by others and ripped off by everyone else.
*I'm officially a MBA holder! :) Just got news that I passed all my modules 2 days back! :) *pat on back* ooooo I so miss England!
THE CUNTS HAVE BEEN DEMOTED!
The big cunt has be relegated to supposed Chief Operating Officer, handling marketing, events and receptionist.
The small cunt is now back to her OLD role - senior events manager, basically selling Michael Lee's programmes & FRS repeats, which, if the customers had any sense would realise by now that they suck!
Ahhh best news in months. Just when I was feeling so low and down about things, about myself. And wondering if I'll ever find a job that can pay and really challenge me the way I found excitement and motivation while doing my MBA.*
Everyone's telling me looking for a job takes time. I sure hope something comes my way. I feel rotten being trodden by others and ripped off by everyone else.
*I'm officially a MBA holder! :) Just got news that I passed all my modules 2 days back! :) *pat on back* ooooo I so miss England!
Thursday, October 18, 2007
it ain't london marathon
One thing coming back, I noticed that there are like a million of these sponsored marathons. And the thing is quite a number of my friends are participating in them.
WHY?!
I'll probably be the first person to die of a heatstroke even before I start at any one of these. When I went to the Bath Marathon last year, (or was it earlier this year) it was in the middle of winter. My friends who did the half marathon were in their shorts and tee. So who in their right minds would do the Singapore marathons? It's like a gazillion degrees by 7am and humidity of 2000%. Which means if you really wanted to run, you'll have to get up like 4am before you bake to death.
And since Singapore has quite a number of young punks who are always up for doing stuff to be "cool" you have 100000000 people at these events. I mean come on, as it is, I am claustrophobic. Don't need to willingly subject myself to crowds unnecessarily to prove any point.
A friend of mine asked me to go along, and I had to use my "dodgy excuse" that my foot is falling apart and might do the special marathons - in a wheelchair perhaps. So I may go support those who go. But god, it's getting up at 7am,without a car! I need a job and soon!
WHY?!
I'll probably be the first person to die of a heatstroke even before I start at any one of these. When I went to the Bath Marathon last year, (or was it earlier this year) it was in the middle of winter. My friends who did the half marathon were in their shorts and tee. So who in their right minds would do the Singapore marathons? It's like a gazillion degrees by 7am and humidity of 2000%. Which means if you really wanted to run, you'll have to get up like 4am before you bake to death.
And since Singapore has quite a number of young punks who are always up for doing stuff to be "cool" you have 100000000 people at these events. I mean come on, as it is, I am claustrophobic. Don't need to willingly subject myself to crowds unnecessarily to prove any point.
A friend of mine asked me to go along, and I had to use my "dodgy excuse" that my foot is falling apart and might do the special marathons - in a wheelchair perhaps. So I may go support those who go. But god, it's getting up at 7am,without a car! I need a job and soon!
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
damn if you do
I met up with a headhunter today. And boy oh boy, it just sealed my lack of faith in this industry. While talking to me to find out what are the other areas that I am interested in exploring in my career, this consultant whom I shall call Ed, tried to put my experience and the very expensive education I've just received, down.
While looking at my past years experience, Ed went,"Well, your experience is relevant in blah area. But you've been out of the job market for a year so it might be hard."
If my eyes rolled, I couldn't care less. Out of the job market for year? Excuse me, it's not like I was sitting on my ass for a year not doing anything. You young punk who do not know the value of an MBA, please, just go educate yourself on what it really takes to be recruiter before you do recruitment for professionals. Especially for mid- to senior levels. Strike one.
Ed then went on to talk about my interest in the IT industry. And then tried to put me down again by saying that I do not have the knowledge in hardware. IT is not all about hardware, and in fact he didn't even ask me which areas of IT I was interested in. He was supposed expert in the IT industry. Strike two.
I then asked about work opportunities abroad. Ed asked,"Why do you want to go west when everyone is coming to the east?"If as a recruiter he cannot understand such basics of why people want international experience, I honestly think the whole recruitment industry should be on the brink of destruction.
Strike three.
So this has completely changed my job search strategy. Do more research on my own, depend less on these recruiters who don't know their stuff.
It's like this stupid encounter has deepen the dent in my dreaded job search experience. Just like what my friend said it's damn if you do and damn if you don't. When you have a certification such as an MBA, some people don't value it. And when you don't, hiring companies prefer it.
WTF?
While looking at my past years experience, Ed went,"Well, your experience is relevant in blah area. But you've been out of the job market for a year so it might be hard."
If my eyes rolled, I couldn't care less. Out of the job market for year? Excuse me, it's not like I was sitting on my ass for a year not doing anything. You young punk who do not know the value of an MBA, please, just go educate yourself on what it really takes to be recruiter before you do recruitment for professionals. Especially for mid- to senior levels. Strike one.
Ed then went on to talk about my interest in the IT industry. And then tried to put me down again by saying that I do not have the knowledge in hardware. IT is not all about hardware, and in fact he didn't even ask me which areas of IT I was interested in. He was supposed expert in the IT industry. Strike two.
I then asked about work opportunities abroad. Ed asked,"Why do you want to go west when everyone is coming to the east?"If as a recruiter he cannot understand such basics of why people want international experience, I honestly think the whole recruitment industry should be on the brink of destruction.
Strike three.
So this has completely changed my job search strategy. Do more research on my own, depend less on these recruiters who don't know their stuff.
It's like this stupid encounter has deepen the dent in my dreaded job search experience. Just like what my friend said it's damn if you do and damn if you don't. When you have a certification such as an MBA, some people don't value it. And when you don't, hiring companies prefer it.
WTF?
Sunday, October 07, 2007
hot, noisy, hot, noisy & somewhat lost
Today marks the second week I've been home. Like I said I don't feel like I went away at all. Nina wrote me an email and said the same.
The only reprieve - it rained today. HUGE showers. And it feels really good.
They've started renovating the common areas around my block and building a lift shaft so that each unit within the block gets a lift landing to their floor. Currently the whole block shares 2 lifts and they only stop on the 1st, 5th, 9th and 12th floors. So this whole upgrading thing is good. But OMG the amount of drilling and jackhammering! Plus the 200% humidity and heat, it is enough to drive anyone mad. I even raised my voice at the rascals on Friday.
I think it's time to start job searching, even if only for a temporary job. At least it gets me out of the heat and even a little away from the rascals. And I can shop without guilt.
Am feeling a little lost about where I'm supposed to go for a job. I'm just trying for everything that interests me, which can range from private banking to baking - go figure. Which of cos leaves me bit lost as to what I really want.
So I decided to go back to what I do best - shopping. Decided I needed an image overhaul. Went shopping for makeup, "innocently" asked for advice on how I should do my eye makeup, did my brows, checked out mixers (they are still on my list of to buys cous, kekeke), and then finally decided I needed a professional-smart hairdo, so I called my hairstylist for an appointment on Tuesday.
So now I feel a little better about myself since I've burnt a small hole in pocket. But somehow sense that something big is coming my way. I hope I am right.
The only reprieve - it rained today. HUGE showers. And it feels really good.
They've started renovating the common areas around my block and building a lift shaft so that each unit within the block gets a lift landing to their floor. Currently the whole block shares 2 lifts and they only stop on the 1st, 5th, 9th and 12th floors. So this whole upgrading thing is good. But OMG the amount of drilling and jackhammering! Plus the 200% humidity and heat, it is enough to drive anyone mad. I even raised my voice at the rascals on Friday.
I think it's time to start job searching, even if only for a temporary job. At least it gets me out of the heat and even a little away from the rascals. And I can shop without guilt.
Am feeling a little lost about where I'm supposed to go for a job. I'm just trying for everything that interests me, which can range from private banking to baking - go figure. Which of cos leaves me bit lost as to what I really want.
So I decided to go back to what I do best - shopping. Decided I needed an image overhaul. Went shopping for makeup, "innocently" asked for advice on how I should do my eye makeup, did my brows, checked out mixers (they are still on my list of to buys cous, kekeke), and then finally decided I needed a professional-smart hairdo, so I called my hairstylist for an appointment on Tuesday.
So now I feel a little better about myself since I've burnt a small hole in pocket. But somehow sense that something big is coming my way. I hope I am right.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
where's the postbox
For the past 4 days, I have been searching for a postbox. And in my mind, I was thinking of a red pillar postbox, and been keeping my eyes open for that.
It just occurred to me this morning that the postboxes in Singapore are not pillar. They are boxy, rectangular and predominantly white. So of course I haven't posted my letter.
Not that it sucks to be back. I am enjoying my time with family, especially the rascals. But I am disgusted by some people's behaviour in Singapore. Last Thursday, my mom, helper and I took the train home. It was 6pm and the train was packed. No one gave up their seat for my mom. None of the youngster bothered. Some pretended to sleep. Others blatantly just refused to give up their seats. Till a 40+ lady got up and gave her seat to my mom. And sat back only after my mom alighted.
Shame on you Singaporeans. I am so disgusted by your behaviour.
It just occurred to me this morning that the postboxes in Singapore are not pillar. They are boxy, rectangular and predominantly white. So of course I haven't posted my letter.
Not that it sucks to be back. I am enjoying my time with family, especially the rascals. But I am disgusted by some people's behaviour in Singapore. Last Thursday, my mom, helper and I took the train home. It was 6pm and the train was packed. No one gave up their seat for my mom. None of the youngster bothered. Some pretended to sleep. Others blatantly just refused to give up their seats. Till a 40+ lady got up and gave her seat to my mom. And sat back only after my mom alighted.
Shame on you Singaporeans. I am so disgusted by your behaviour.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
closure
There was always the great big question when I decided to come back: What will happen between you and S?
I guess it was inevitable and we were both just in denial that it could work. Why can't it? After some 2 over years of long distance calls, my stint in the UK and the possibility of a life together from December? If it has worked so well in the past, when we feel so good together - why can't it work?
Today we decided to give our relationship a break. Pressured by a need to decide on the future of our relationship. S feeling pressured by the lack of attention he was devoting to me. Me, feeling the pressure of a futureless relationship, and his extreme introverted-ness. I am saddened by it all, of course. But at least there is closure.
The past few months have been really difficult, not knowing what might be the outcome of our relationship. Despite good chemistry between us, at times we were really distrustful of each other. How's a relationship to survive, particularly a long distance one, if there is no trust?
I am not hopeful that we will get back together. He is a man and this is our second break. I am happy for the memories that we've had. But I am sad that I will lose a close friend and that our relationship will never be as close as what it was.
Now I know what my options are and what I need to do next. It is not what I wanted, or planned, but I feel better, slightly, knowing what my future will be.
I guess it was inevitable and we were both just in denial that it could work. Why can't it? After some 2 over years of long distance calls, my stint in the UK and the possibility of a life together from December? If it has worked so well in the past, when we feel so good together - why can't it work?
Today we decided to give our relationship a break. Pressured by a need to decide on the future of our relationship. S feeling pressured by the lack of attention he was devoting to me. Me, feeling the pressure of a futureless relationship, and his extreme introverted-ness. I am saddened by it all, of course. But at least there is closure.
The past few months have been really difficult, not knowing what might be the outcome of our relationship. Despite good chemistry between us, at times we were really distrustful of each other. How's a relationship to survive, particularly a long distance one, if there is no trust?
I am not hopeful that we will get back together. He is a man and this is our second break. I am happy for the memories that we've had. But I am sad that I will lose a close friend and that our relationship will never be as close as what it was.
Now I know what my options are and what I need to do next. It is not what I wanted, or planned, but I feel better, slightly, knowing what my future will be.
Friday, September 28, 2007
allergy
I think I am allergic to the country that I grew up in.
Okay I could be exaggerating. But how do you explain the constant sneezing since I touched down, especially on days when I'm not on antihistamines?
Maybe this is part of the psychological and delusion repatriation blues that I am experiencing. Symptoms include:
Okay I could be exaggerating. But how do you explain the constant sneezing since I touched down, especially on days when I'm not on antihistamines?
Maybe this is part of the psychological and delusion repatriation blues that I am experiencing. Symptoms include:
- Denial that I am back in Singapore
- Thinks UK weather is better
- Constant delusional thoughts of a dream job back in the UK
- The big giant air-con in the sky will switch on right about...NOW!
Thursday, September 27, 2007
guess who's back
okok, so it's not much of a guess, since most people who actually read my blog already know that I am back.
The past few weeks after I left Bath were an absolute nightmare. But I kinda left the place with a strong feeling that I will be back there. Not sure if I will be working or bumming there (though I think bumming may not be an option there).
But I did a trip back from Surrey to Bath/Bristol. Drove 3 hours last Thursday to say bye to S. It was nice to see him again and say bye. Though he said he was very upset that I was going. Hmmm. I then stayed in Bath till 9pm, before driving like a mad woman at 90miles/hr back to Reigate. Going through Heathrow was such a nightmare. First you had to have only one hand carry, second, you can't carry liquids of more then 100mL per type of liquid, and not more than 1 litre for ALL types of liquid. And checking in you need to take off your coat, put them in one tray, laptop in another and bag in third. And another more ludicrous procedure was taking off shoes for inspection. They should provide those guys at the shoe checking station with face masks, it stank! But it was just such a relieved to get on the plane and out of there. So it's probably good that it was so traumatic at Heathrow that I didn't really feel all that sad to leave.
Was almost surreal coming back. Like I never went away at all. S said that don't think it that way, it's part of who I am. But seriously, it does feel like it was all a dream. And it's worst when you wake at 3am at nite, when your body thinks it's 8pm in the evening. You start dreaming that you were back in the UK. Or think that "hmmm at this time I should be doing this, or that, or chatting..." I haven't acclimatised to the time and weather yet. I sleep at 6am and wake close to 12pm.
There was a really heavy thunderstorm last nite. Honest-to-goodness, car alarm set-off kind of loud thunder and lightning and rain pouring down from the heavens like it has never rained before. And then it hit me - I'm home. I've missed hearing loud thunder crashing and rain pounding on the grounds. Then I snuggled deeper under my quilt and fell back to sleep.
The past few weeks after I left Bath were an absolute nightmare. But I kinda left the place with a strong feeling that I will be back there. Not sure if I will be working or bumming there (though I think bumming may not be an option there).
But I did a trip back from Surrey to Bath/Bristol. Drove 3 hours last Thursday to say bye to S. It was nice to see him again and say bye. Though he said he was very upset that I was going. Hmmm. I then stayed in Bath till 9pm, before driving like a mad woman at 90miles/hr back to Reigate. Going through Heathrow was such a nightmare. First you had to have only one hand carry, second, you can't carry liquids of more then 100mL per type of liquid, and not more than 1 litre for ALL types of liquid. And checking in you need to take off your coat, put them in one tray, laptop in another and bag in third. And another more ludicrous procedure was taking off shoes for inspection. They should provide those guys at the shoe checking station with face masks, it stank! But it was just such a relieved to get on the plane and out of there. So it's probably good that it was so traumatic at Heathrow that I didn't really feel all that sad to leave.
Was almost surreal coming back. Like I never went away at all. S said that don't think it that way, it's part of who I am. But seriously, it does feel like it was all a dream. And it's worst when you wake at 3am at nite, when your body thinks it's 8pm in the evening. You start dreaming that you were back in the UK. Or think that "hmmm at this time I should be doing this, or that, or chatting..." I haven't acclimatised to the time and weather yet. I sleep at 6am and wake close to 12pm.
There was a really heavy thunderstorm last nite. Honest-to-goodness, car alarm set-off kind of loud thunder and lightning and rain pouring down from the heavens like it has never rained before. And then it hit me - I'm home. I've missed hearing loud thunder crashing and rain pounding on the grounds. Then I snuggled deeper under my quilt and fell back to sleep.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
beginnings and ends
Everything seems strangely calm and quiet in my little room. As if everyone has moved out and I am the only person in the accommodation.
This is officially the last night in Bath, in my little room, which I have occupied for 1 year. It's empty now. Stripped of all my files, plant, shoes, accessories. It feels familiar and yet strange. I can't believe that I will never be here again after tonight. This safe little sanctuary of a room.
The city of Bath seems to have taken on a quiet calm as well, as if it was also sad to see us go. I will truly, truly miss this city. It's small, cosy feel. It's so small that a small street flood makes it to front page of the city papers. The streets have been here for years, and reading them in Jane Austen's Northangar Abbey gives you a thrill just knowing that people hundreds of years ago walked on Great Pulteney Street, visited peers on Milsom Street, went up to Claverton Down.
I took my huge Vauxhall Vectra out for a drive today, just going around Combe Down and Claverton Down, just to remind myself how lovely the countryside is, and how life back home will never be like that.
It's time to let go of those feelings now and look forward to a new beginning.
This is officially the last night in Bath, in my little room, which I have occupied for 1 year. It's empty now. Stripped of all my files, plant, shoes, accessories. It feels familiar and yet strange. I can't believe that I will never be here again after tonight. This safe little sanctuary of a room.
The city of Bath seems to have taken on a quiet calm as well, as if it was also sad to see us go. I will truly, truly miss this city. It's small, cosy feel. It's so small that a small street flood makes it to front page of the city papers. The streets have been here for years, and reading them in Jane Austen's Northangar Abbey gives you a thrill just knowing that people hundreds of years ago walked on Great Pulteney Street, visited peers on Milsom Street, went up to Claverton Down.
I took my huge Vauxhall Vectra out for a drive today, just going around Combe Down and Claverton Down, just to remind myself how lovely the countryside is, and how life back home will never be like that.
It's time to let go of those feelings now and look forward to a new beginning.
Friday, September 14, 2007
done and dusted
Today!!! Well actually it was YESTERDAY!!!! I am finally done with my studies. It's been such an intensive year.
Spent all of last night packing all my belongings into 3 boxes. Amazingly they fit. Then at 3am, decided to have a beer with gayboy. Now nursing a headache.
All my files are gone. Clothes cupboard is empty. Toilet is all empty of its towels and stuff. I still have a stack of books, which I am still quite undecided if I should bring them along. And last nite S came over to kinda say good bye. It was all so sad. I left him the clothes dryer, some towels and my lucky bamboo plant - which are our combined fixed asset.
Lots of mixed feelings. Want to go out and take a walk in Bath, but stupid headache wont go away. And of all days it has to be cloudy and gloomy on the one day that I have absolutely nothing to do. Well I do have things to do - clear my kitchen and more packing. Shall do that now.
Spent all of last night packing all my belongings into 3 boxes. Amazingly they fit. Then at 3am, decided to have a beer with gayboy. Now nursing a headache.
All my files are gone. Clothes cupboard is empty. Toilet is all empty of its towels and stuff. I still have a stack of books, which I am still quite undecided if I should bring them along. And last nite S came over to kinda say good bye. It was all so sad. I left him the clothes dryer, some towels and my lucky bamboo plant - which are our combined fixed asset.
Lots of mixed feelings. Want to go out and take a walk in Bath, but stupid headache wont go away. And of all days it has to be cloudy and gloomy on the one day that I have absolutely nothing to do. Well I do have things to do - clear my kitchen and more packing. Shall do that now.
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