(Pronounciation: zher ner swee pa sa.tees.fayt)
Lunch was at 12 Spices and it was with the Twins. We were celebrating our 20 year Anniversary of being friends. We have known each other since Kindergarten and it was good to go out and chat just for the heck of it, over food!
We obviously got into engrossed conversations about our partners past and present (for 1 of us at the least) and we spoke about whether women today really needed a man? Both of them know about my "Alterna-date" and they firmly agree that if a girl/guy who has someone like that, makes being single is actually as good an option as being with someone.
But lets not delve into that topic...i can talk about that another day.
When we breached the topic of work and our careers and I mentioned that i was looking for other work...not really to move on, because i dont really want to move right now...but more so i can brush up on my interviewing skills. So, im really seeking interviewing opportunities. Its been almost 2 years since i did any interview. And we all know that its not a bad idea to have good interviewing skills. And just like any other skill, if you dont practice it, it will in time be forgotten.
From proclaiming my intentions of going to interviews for the heck of it, one of the girls said: "You are soo Gen-Y!"
And then i explained my position on re-establishing my interviewing skills and how work fobbed me off when i asked for my pay increase last year...so it doesnt hurt to keep your options opened either and that i have learnt to look out for numero uno. I'm disposable at the end of the day, and the company is a business. I shouldnt take it personally, but who can help that? I am human after all.
They then told me about their position at work...new graduates walking in and getting salaries only a few grand off of what they are on now - even with the 3/4 years experience. It is really a slap in the face. One actually manages one of these grads and that grad is a complete d!ck...he actually makes comments to her about how her pay "must" be significantly more than his...when he knows it isnt. How he knows, im not sure...but he does.
Why should we be made to feel more insignificant than the new starters???
The other was given a promotion and a pay increase on top of her last increase and was obviously chuffed that she was one of the youngest and finally recognised for her efforts in the last 3 years. But on the day she was promoted she went for drinks after work and another workmate blurted out how much someone else was getting paid and how much that person's pay increase was - all before she could say no, that she didnt want to know!
And the amount, well it really upset her because the other person wasnt responsible for half as much as she was. I think she saw things as they were, like i finally did last year!
Graduates these days walk in and command so much more than we did, only 3 years ago...and its stupid that managers are trying to justify it by saying that its "inflation"...inflation of $10K or more?
She is now looking on the side...but like me, she loves the people she works with...so it makes it pretty difficult to make the decision to leave. She recently was head hunted to speak with someone from another company and she told me her analogy about the whole situation...and how it makes her feel bad even though she is only looking out for herself.
"Its like im cheating on work...Work is my boyfriend... He didnt appreciate me enough, so here i am going out for drinks with another guy (another company) because im dissatisfied with my boyfriend and i'm keeping my options opened. But then my boyfriend gives me flowers (your bonus) &/or gift voucher (another present from work) and it makes me reconsider and give him another chance! And then i feel guilty for keeping my options opened by seeing that other guy..."
You know, at the end of the day...i may be Gen-Y...but i think companies are partly to blame for the mentality that we should constantly move and look for more or something better. There are many companies who do not believe in staff retention and when you show a Gen-Y person that you dont want to reward them for their loyalty or their skills...well, they are smart enough to know that they can look somewhere else, and sometimes the company even tells you to do so.
I dont want to move...neither do my girlfriends...we actually want to grow with the company...but we are made to feel like we are not important enough to be retained. Although we do offer and provide a big return to the company...and if we are made to feel this way...well, there is no turning back. The only way to go is to move forward and unfortunately that means moving on, to hopefully greener pastures.
One manager who happens to be leaving the company (so my friend thought she would be more open and honest) told my friend that she should go elsewhere because the company only has X-amount in the budget and they are hiring more juniors, so if she asks for a pay increase it would be most likely be rejected.
You know, the workmate who has left my company told me that managers have a budget for their department. Sometimes they will selfishly say no to your request of a pay increase, not because you dont deserve it, but because if they dont spend all their budget, they get a % of the remaining budget as part of their overall bonus...and they rather it in their pockets than yours.
In their defence, he said he would do the same if he was in their position...so he wasnt angry at the manager who told him this.
I dont know where i stand on that one.
I see his point...but still.
PS: Title reads "I'm not satisfied."
Monday, February 26, 2007
Sunday, February 25, 2007
I tried not to think...
On the weekend, the highlight for me is the opportunity to avoid giving the brain a major workout. I try really hard to not get involved in controversial topics or watching anything that will make me think to get what is going on.
Unfortunately, i didnt avoid it this weekend. I watched 4 movies and all 4 made me think...3 of which made me think very seriously.
Off the bat, i loaded Paris Je'taime. Were talking about a movie that has 9 short flicks in one...and silly me, i managed to load the second half first and it was really dark...were talking drugs in a quirky weird scenario, i didnt expect it from the start...but it wasnt the start since i started in the middle. I managed to follow the movie anyway, because of the way it was set out with the 9 shorts. I watched the first half of the movie after i finished the second half and it still meshed well. What made me think so much throughout this movie??? I didnt know why some of these short movies were suppose to relate in a significant way with the topic "Paris, I love you..."
Then i watched Dreamgirls...and you are probably thinking, what in that movie can possibly make you think so much? Well, i just kept wondering when it would get interesting and its more an expectation thing...I expected more...I was waiting for a lot of excitement...I was tired and it was late...my mind kept ticking over like the time and i was sitting there waiting for and anticipating so much more with the Effie diva thing. And i didnt end up with much...so i was pretty disappointed. I was thinking about all the bigger and greater things that were to come in the movie, but didnt end up seeing anything i made up in my mind.
Today, i watched Little Children and this one made me think a lot. There are about 4 storylines entwined and comes together like Jackie Brown (or Pulp Fiction - but since i never finished washing it, i can only compare it to Jackie Brown...but more subtle)...its starts off controversially and ends in a very neutral pathetic way (well, half of the ending is neutral and pathetic...the other half closes the circle of the controversial topic.
If you were wondering what Kate Winslet's nipples looked like after having two kids and wanted to compare it to her Titanic days...this is the movie to fulfil all that wondering. I was a bit surprised about the nudity...but the guy - Brad...the one she does the hanky panky with, well he is pretty hot! So, i really cant complain.
After that i went to lunch with some girlfriends and when i got back i watched another movie - Brick. Joseph Gordon-Levitt (you'd probably remember him more on 3rd Rock from the Sun) stars in this movie. I think he has a thing for offbeat movies that are less stellar but far more meaningful...and im guessing he finds acting in them more fulfilling...
This movie is intense and you are transported into a world that is very mature in the espionage/investagation within a drug/gang like community that is actually all placed in a high school environment with a bunch of high school kids. I actually forgot most of the time that were actually in fact dealing with kids in this flick...well the characters are supposed to be kids.
Its really strong in the darkness and violence and even in all its gory, its pretty crafty. But due to its craftiness, i didnt understand particular important code names for the drugs, locations, drinks etc...and i think that if you have to think about those type of things, it detracts from the movie...cos who really wants to be figuring out what those things are while they are watching and are trying to follow a movie???
After finishing Brick, im glad it was Ugly Betty time...because thats a no brainer and the grey mass could recuperate from the strains of Little Children and Brick.
Unfortunately, i didnt avoid it this weekend. I watched 4 movies and all 4 made me think...3 of which made me think very seriously.
Off the bat, i loaded Paris Je'taime. Were talking about a movie that has 9 short flicks in one...and silly me, i managed to load the second half first and it was really dark...were talking drugs in a quirky weird scenario, i didnt expect it from the start...but it wasnt the start since i started in the middle. I managed to follow the movie anyway, because of the way it was set out with the 9 shorts. I watched the first half of the movie after i finished the second half and it still meshed well. What made me think so much throughout this movie??? I didnt know why some of these short movies were suppose to relate in a significant way with the topic "Paris, I love you..."
Then i watched Dreamgirls...and you are probably thinking, what in that movie can possibly make you think so much? Well, i just kept wondering when it would get interesting and its more an expectation thing...I expected more...I was waiting for a lot of excitement...I was tired and it was late...my mind kept ticking over like the time and i was sitting there waiting for and anticipating so much more with the Effie diva thing. And i didnt end up with much...so i was pretty disappointed. I was thinking about all the bigger and greater things that were to come in the movie, but didnt end up seeing anything i made up in my mind.
Today, i watched Little Children and this one made me think a lot. There are about 4 storylines entwined and comes together like Jackie Brown (or Pulp Fiction - but since i never finished washing it, i can only compare it to Jackie Brown...but more subtle)...its starts off controversially and ends in a very neutral pathetic way (well, half of the ending is neutral and pathetic...the other half closes the circle of the controversial topic.
If you were wondering what Kate Winslet's nipples looked like after having two kids and wanted to compare it to her Titanic days...this is the movie to fulfil all that wondering. I was a bit surprised about the nudity...but the guy - Brad...the one she does the hanky panky with, well he is pretty hot! So, i really cant complain.
After that i went to lunch with some girlfriends and when i got back i watched another movie - Brick. Joseph Gordon-Levitt (you'd probably remember him more on 3rd Rock from the Sun) stars in this movie. I think he has a thing for offbeat movies that are less stellar but far more meaningful...and im guessing he finds acting in them more fulfilling...
This movie is intense and you are transported into a world that is very mature in the espionage/investagation within a drug/gang like community that is actually all placed in a high school environment with a bunch of high school kids. I actually forgot most of the time that were actually in fact dealing with kids in this flick...well the characters are supposed to be kids.
Its really strong in the darkness and violence and even in all its gory, its pretty crafty. But due to its craftiness, i didnt understand particular important code names for the drugs, locations, drinks etc...and i think that if you have to think about those type of things, it detracts from the movie...cos who really wants to be figuring out what those things are while they are watching and are trying to follow a movie???
After finishing Brick, im glad it was Ugly Betty time...because thats a no brainer and the grey mass could recuperate from the strains of Little Children and Brick.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
I broke my shopping ban...
Mum and i did our usual early morning grocery shopping and errand running.
Its also the Stocklands One Day Mega Sale today.
So, after our usual, we headed to our local Stocklands.
I went straight to one of my favourite clothing stores. Usually, i wouldnt buy anything retail in this place...its sooo expensive (for my budget), but when its on sale...this place really goes on sale. They are my local stockist of Wish clothing. On these mega sale days the Wish tops are $10.
Mum and i bought 9 tops and i got a pair of Wish black jeans. Total cash burnt = $120. We did a pretty good job, if you ask me...but as i am on a ban...i can only feel guilty.
Next stop was at Loose Threads...the local urban wear store. I bought 2 dresses, a grey marle/black cross back Volcom number and a navy MinkPink tunic dress that will go with my black jeans or black leggings or if daring - worn as a mini (but i wont be going there)! Total cash burnt here = $40.
We then headed to the Taylors Shoe store and all the sale stock was further reduced by 50% on the already marked down price. Mum was looking for flats...i was looking for flats...we ended up buying strappy thongs to wear...all $10 each. We walked away with 3 pairs...1 for her, 2 for me = $30.
In total so far we spent $190 and for every $100 you spent, you received 1 adult movie pass to Hoyts, so Mum decided to get some more fruit or veges...and we ended up spending $11.30 at the Trims Fruit & Vege store...
So, not only did we buy all this stuff, we got some fruit and veges out of it too! PLUS the 2 movie tix.
It was a crazy frenzy in the carpark and at the stores with the huge mega bargains...it was awesome to bag so many things!!! But at the end of it all, i know i really shouldnt have!!!
I had spent so much in Myers over Christmas and New Years, that i had earned enough points on my Myer One card for them to give me a $20 gift card. Thats me spending $2000 in 2 months!!! Its like - "Yeah, i earned that $20 for investing $2K in your store!!!"
Funny thing is, i dont really remember what i bought in Myers during that time...yeah i bought some tops in MissShop and that was with the Gift Card my boss gave me and the one my brother gave me...but i dont remember what else that i had bought to have raked up 2000 points...
They also sent me oh so tempting vouchers and i went in search of something to buy yesterday during lunch, but i was left very dissatisfied...so i guess today is making up for the shortfall yesterday.
I said i was going to hide my plastic...but i had to change something first...and since i visited the bank today and got it amended...i can officially put it on ice for a while...until i go overseas...at this rate, i wont get to Asia.
Speaking of which, i visited my travel agent to clarify the airfare for SG and KL during Dec/Jan. She said the airfare is looking to be $1160 + $350 (taxes) x 2. And then accommodation of about $60 for 3 nights in SG and about $92 for 4 nights in KL (thats if i go back to the Renaissance)...
I need to save about $3500 to pay for Mum and i...and then spending money...gosh...i'll need about $6K...
I really need to stop going on my shopping sprees!!!
>_<
Its also the Stocklands One Day Mega Sale today.
So, after our usual, we headed to our local Stocklands.
I went straight to one of my favourite clothing stores. Usually, i wouldnt buy anything retail in this place...its sooo expensive (for my budget), but when its on sale...this place really goes on sale. They are my local stockist of Wish clothing. On these mega sale days the Wish tops are $10.
Mum and i bought 9 tops and i got a pair of Wish black jeans. Total cash burnt = $120. We did a pretty good job, if you ask me...but as i am on a ban...i can only feel guilty.
Next stop was at Loose Threads...the local urban wear store. I bought 2 dresses, a grey marle/black cross back Volcom number and a navy MinkPink tunic dress that will go with my black jeans or black leggings or if daring - worn as a mini (but i wont be going there)! Total cash burnt here = $40.
We then headed to the Taylors Shoe store and all the sale stock was further reduced by 50% on the already marked down price. Mum was looking for flats...i was looking for flats...we ended up buying strappy thongs to wear...all $10 each. We walked away with 3 pairs...1 for her, 2 for me = $30.
In total so far we spent $190 and for every $100 you spent, you received 1 adult movie pass to Hoyts, so Mum decided to get some more fruit or veges...and we ended up spending $11.30 at the Trims Fruit & Vege store...
So, not only did we buy all this stuff, we got some fruit and veges out of it too! PLUS the 2 movie tix.
It was a crazy frenzy in the carpark and at the stores with the huge mega bargains...it was awesome to bag so many things!!! But at the end of it all, i know i really shouldnt have!!!
I had spent so much in Myers over Christmas and New Years, that i had earned enough points on my Myer One card for them to give me a $20 gift card. Thats me spending $2000 in 2 months!!! Its like - "Yeah, i earned that $20 for investing $2K in your store!!!"
Funny thing is, i dont really remember what i bought in Myers during that time...yeah i bought some tops in MissShop and that was with the Gift Card my boss gave me and the one my brother gave me...but i dont remember what else that i had bought to have raked up 2000 points...
They also sent me oh so tempting vouchers and i went in search of something to buy yesterday during lunch, but i was left very dissatisfied...so i guess today is making up for the shortfall yesterday.
I said i was going to hide my plastic...but i had to change something first...and since i visited the bank today and got it amended...i can officially put it on ice for a while...until i go overseas...at this rate, i wont get to Asia.
Speaking of which, i visited my travel agent to clarify the airfare for SG and KL during Dec/Jan. She said the airfare is looking to be $1160 + $350 (taxes) x 2. And then accommodation of about $60 for 3 nights in SG and about $92 for 4 nights in KL (thats if i go back to the Renaissance)...
I need to save about $3500 to pay for Mum and i...and then spending money...gosh...i'll need about $6K...
I really need to stop going on my shopping sprees!!!
>_<
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Skim mint slice...
Now, doesnt it just blows when the person you have been crushing on makes up something special just for you?
Mr Hot Stuff asked me if i wanted to try something he just thought of? Would i like to try my skim pep latte with some chocolate...?
I thought, why not? Live a little...it will be like a liquid mint slice if he gets it right!
And on initial taste...i didnt quite get to the hot liquid goodness. There was some froth to get past and so i only really tasted the chocolate dusted frothy goodness at first.
He asked what i thought, and i told him that i would have to drink most of it to be able to tell...that he'll know how good it is, if i asked him for it tomorrow.
This morning, i got my small juice (whole lemon, pineapple, carrot, celery) and i think he was crushed...but i told him that it was too early for chocolate...i'd come back later in the arvo.
Its 10:30am and i need a sugar hit...so i asked my workmate if she wanted coffee?
We head down and i asked him to make me a skim mint slice.
I think he was satisfied that i liked his creation.
Can i just say, it tastes even better today...he used a bit more chocolate than he did yesterday...now its like a true minty infused hot choc...mmm...
Its like the minty hot choc from Max Brenner's (only available in the colder months)...mmm...
You know, i have actually met his father too now! *LoL* He even smiles when he sees me...and says hello!
I only need to meet his sister and then thats the whole family! But i know all the people who work there on a first name basis...and Mama upgrades my orders for free! I'm liking this very much...a shame i cant have the guy too!
=P
Mr Hot Stuff asked me if i wanted to try something he just thought of? Would i like to try my skim pep latte with some chocolate...?
I thought, why not? Live a little...it will be like a liquid mint slice if he gets it right!
And on initial taste...i didnt quite get to the hot liquid goodness. There was some froth to get past and so i only really tasted the chocolate dusted frothy goodness at first.
He asked what i thought, and i told him that i would have to drink most of it to be able to tell...that he'll know how good it is, if i asked him for it tomorrow.
This morning, i got my small juice (whole lemon, pineapple, carrot, celery) and i think he was crushed...but i told him that it was too early for chocolate...i'd come back later in the arvo.
Its 10:30am and i need a sugar hit...so i asked my workmate if she wanted coffee?
We head down and i asked him to make me a skim mint slice.
I think he was satisfied that i liked his creation.
Can i just say, it tastes even better today...he used a bit more chocolate than he did yesterday...now its like a true minty infused hot choc...mmm...
Its like the minty hot choc from Max Brenner's (only available in the colder months)...mmm...
You know, i have actually met his father too now! *LoL* He even smiles when he sees me...and says hello!
I only need to meet his sister and then thats the whole family! But i know all the people who work there on a first name basis...and Mama upgrades my orders for free! I'm liking this very much...a shame i cant have the guy too!
=P
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Cheatin' before you buy...
I have read a lot or seen a lot of things lately that disturb me.
Do all men feel okay with having many partners before "settling" down?
But why the double standards if a woman today has more than one partner before she marries???
Some weekend ago, i finally sat down to watch the Pursuit of Happyness and the Last Kiss. The former with Will Smith & son and the latter with Zach Braff & Rachel Bilson.
The Last Kiss relates more to this topic...Zach's character has an affair with Rachel's character...meanwhile he lied about this relationship to his fiance who is at home with a bub in the tum. His fiance is a gorgeous, intelligent, funny gal and it doesnt quite make sense as to why he cheated on her...
Is it purely because he can? The opportunity was there. Temptation got the better of him???
The bigger question is why does she take him back???
The poignant part of the movie is towards the end where the fiance's father says to Zach's character something along the line of:
"Temptation will always be there. Its what you do about it that will matter."
I'm pretty sure there are women out there who have cheated on their fiancee too.
I dont really get what compels them...but then i have never been in a situation to really understand...i have never really been tempted.
Only once was i sorta, kinda, something or other close to temptation with another guy...not that the guy offered a proposition or anything of the sort...there was a little friendly-like flirting and it made me realise that if i was considering another guy...well, then it was time to move on.
I wasnt about to cheat. And to me, cheating is the ultimate no-no in a relationship. Trust is one of the most important things...cheating would be breaking that trust. I would personally prefer a clean break up than to have feelings entangled in lies...i actually tell my partners this...that if they get tempted and want to act on it, then they should break up with me...because if they cheat, thats the end of the relationship...no amount of "baby, i love you" will mend whats been broken.
I've been lucky so far...no cheaters were ever on the books.
No wasting of tears on b@stards who soooo dont deserve it.
I read something today and it was about men and their need to sleep with as many partners as possible...that it was genetically coded in them...all about procreating and sowing their seeds in as many partners...part of a darwinian style of survival of the fittest and in doing so providing a higher success rate of their seed turning into a baby...a healthier, stronger baby or babies.
The funny thing was that the article turned and started talking about women in the same light...like the women in Africa and South America and some Asian countries...where it was part of their culture to have as many partners as they could have...to provide their babies with as many father figures as possible...thereby bringing up a "super-baby" with a variety of influences from the many fathers...pretty much saying that one father for the baby wasnt enough...since as we all know...individual men arent perfect!
=P
Cheers to the person(s) who is doing the research on these women and the culture they live in.
Great to know that others are trying to give women a fair go in this arena.
Do all men feel okay with having many partners before "settling" down?
But why the double standards if a woman today has more than one partner before she marries???
Some weekend ago, i finally sat down to watch the Pursuit of Happyness and the Last Kiss. The former with Will Smith & son and the latter with Zach Braff & Rachel Bilson.
The Last Kiss relates more to this topic...Zach's character has an affair with Rachel's character...meanwhile he lied about this relationship to his fiance who is at home with a bub in the tum. His fiance is a gorgeous, intelligent, funny gal and it doesnt quite make sense as to why he cheated on her...
Is it purely because he can? The opportunity was there. Temptation got the better of him???
The bigger question is why does she take him back???
The poignant part of the movie is towards the end where the fiance's father says to Zach's character something along the line of:
"Temptation will always be there. Its what you do about it that will matter."
I'm pretty sure there are women out there who have cheated on their fiancee too.
I dont really get what compels them...but then i have never been in a situation to really understand...i have never really been tempted.
Only once was i sorta, kinda, something or other close to temptation with another guy...not that the guy offered a proposition or anything of the sort...there was a little friendly-like flirting and it made me realise that if i was considering another guy...well, then it was time to move on.
I wasnt about to cheat. And to me, cheating is the ultimate no-no in a relationship. Trust is one of the most important things...cheating would be breaking that trust. I would personally prefer a clean break up than to have feelings entangled in lies...i actually tell my partners this...that if they get tempted and want to act on it, then they should break up with me...because if they cheat, thats the end of the relationship...no amount of "baby, i love you" will mend whats been broken.
I've been lucky so far...no cheaters were ever on the books.
No wasting of tears on b@stards who soooo dont deserve it.
I read something today and it was about men and their need to sleep with as many partners as possible...that it was genetically coded in them...all about procreating and sowing their seeds in as many partners...part of a darwinian style of survival of the fittest and in doing so providing a higher success rate of their seed turning into a baby...a healthier, stronger baby or babies.
The funny thing was that the article turned and started talking about women in the same light...like the women in Africa and South America and some Asian countries...where it was part of their culture to have as many partners as they could have...to provide their babies with as many father figures as possible...thereby bringing up a "super-baby" with a variety of influences from the many fathers...pretty much saying that one father for the baby wasnt enough...since as we all know...individual men arent perfect!
=P
Cheers to the person(s) who is doing the research on these women and the culture they live in.
Great to know that others are trying to give women a fair go in this arena.
Monday, February 19, 2007
The Year of Gluttony (aka The Year of the Pig)...
Thursday (last week)...Centennial Park...Moonlight Cinema...Confetti...heaps of Subway sandwiches and wraps...lots and lots of junk food...bottles upon bottles of company branded red & white...were getting ritzy-er, no more company branded beer for this lot!
Met the most entertaining taxi driver ever...and thats Mr Driver to you!
Had only 4.5 hours of sleep.
Friday (last week)...Mum told me that i could sleep in on Saturday morning...bro was supposed to drive her in the morning to get the roast duck and all at 7 am. So, i stayed up late...
Saturday (NY eve)...i got woken up at 7:10 am...bro didnt arrive yet. Mum called his mobile...no answer...so she woke me up and we left the house at 7:15 am. When we got home at about 9:30 am, after i had brekky, i tried to catch some zzz's...the "girls" arrived...i could hear Chloe's trike and Aimee singing something as they came up the drive...and they came just as i was dozing off...grrr...when they left, they phone kept ringing and no one was there to pick the phone up...so i had to!
I stayed up late to go to the temple and pray for my grandparents (whose urns reside there)...we went just before midnite and Dad couldnt find a parking spot, so he turned back and drove home saying we'd do it in the morning. He broke my tradition...suffice to say, i was annoyed.
I went to bed at about 12:30 am.
Sunday (NY day)...I got woken up before it was even 7 am...what is wrong with my mother??? Dad said we'd go at about 9 am...i didnt have to get up until about 8 am...but noooo...i cant even get enough sleep in my own house!!!
We had to do the rounds...meet and greet with our relos...visit the other temple where my great aunt resides and then go to another great aunts place and have a VERY big extended family banquet.
At every house we visited, i ditched the "no...im on a diet" comment and tucked into the sweets...cos thats all they really offer...sweet things! Its rude to say no, and its rude not to eat or drink anything when people offer it to you, especially on Chinese New Year Day!
I got to sit around and catch up with my cousins...its getting a bit crazy...i suggested that we take passport photos of everyone and build a family tree, cos our aunts and uncles are forgetting our names...there are just too many of us in the family. The most cluey-est aunt had to pause and think about my name...how could she forget? And she almost forgot my lil bro's name...which is weird since it was her husband who helped my dad pick it!
We left fairly early last night and funny enough i made it home in time to catch Ugly Betty and then watched the finale of So You Think You Can Dance! And omg, it was a hoot! Small favours...cant help it!
I think the lack of sleep was really taking its toll on me.
Monday...i woke up this morning feeling as though i got slammed into a wall and hit my face first...like someone had poured concrete into my ear and clogged my brain up...that doesnt make sense...i know...but thats the best i can do right now!
As i was going to see my physio this afternoon, i saw a girl who was clearly anorexic...clearly? Well there were skinny size 4/6 asian girls next to her, who were walking fine and were not just skin and bones...they were skinny, yes, but not anorexic. This girl, you could clearly see her knees protruding from under her fishnets...under the sleeve of her top you could see how skinny her arms were...her hair looked like it was a wig, but im thinking that it is merely unhealthy, and really brittle. Her face was so sallow, i was pitying her. She could barely walk up a very slight incline just in front of Star Bar on George St.
Moments like that made me appreciate the fact that im not anorexic thinking about my weight 24/7 and have lost sooo much weight that i can barely walk. I cant dream of not running ever again...not being able to walk is even more devastating.
I got to Town Hall and walked down the stairs to the platform and there was a blind man with a guide dog. He seemed to be in a situation, so as i walked down i was thinking about what i would say to him in offering my assistance. I mean, i understand that he is trying to be independent, but at the same time, i dont want the man to stand there for 30 minutes and be late for where ever he was meant to be.
But as i got to the bottom of the stairs i heard him say to the guide dog..."c'mon...go up the stairs"...i think the dog was being stubborn today...slowly the dog climbed up a step...i stayed there at the bottom watching the duo, until the dog started to make a proper progression.
I'm grateful to have my eyes. To see and not having to rely on a guide dog who is succeptable to being temperamental.
I hope that the dog guides his owner much better in the near future...and i hope that the anorexic girl realises sooner (rather than later) that abusing and tormenting herself is not the way to go if she wants a longer more fulfilling life.
Met the most entertaining taxi driver ever...and thats Mr Driver to you!
Had only 4.5 hours of sleep.
Friday (last week)...Mum told me that i could sleep in on Saturday morning...bro was supposed to drive her in the morning to get the roast duck and all at 7 am. So, i stayed up late...
Saturday (NY eve)...i got woken up at 7:10 am...bro didnt arrive yet. Mum called his mobile...no answer...so she woke me up and we left the house at 7:15 am. When we got home at about 9:30 am, after i had brekky, i tried to catch some zzz's...the "girls" arrived...i could hear Chloe's trike and Aimee singing something as they came up the drive...and they came just as i was dozing off...grrr...when they left, they phone kept ringing and no one was there to pick the phone up...so i had to!
I stayed up late to go to the temple and pray for my grandparents (whose urns reside there)...we went just before midnite and Dad couldnt find a parking spot, so he turned back and drove home saying we'd do it in the morning. He broke my tradition...suffice to say, i was annoyed.
I went to bed at about 12:30 am.
Sunday (NY day)...I got woken up before it was even 7 am...what is wrong with my mother??? Dad said we'd go at about 9 am...i didnt have to get up until about 8 am...but noooo...i cant even get enough sleep in my own house!!!
We had to do the rounds...meet and greet with our relos...visit the other temple where my great aunt resides and then go to another great aunts place and have a VERY big extended family banquet.
At every house we visited, i ditched the "no...im on a diet" comment and tucked into the sweets...cos thats all they really offer...sweet things! Its rude to say no, and its rude not to eat or drink anything when people offer it to you, especially on Chinese New Year Day!
I got to sit around and catch up with my cousins...its getting a bit crazy...i suggested that we take passport photos of everyone and build a family tree, cos our aunts and uncles are forgetting our names...there are just too many of us in the family. The most cluey-est aunt had to pause and think about my name...how could she forget? And she almost forgot my lil bro's name...which is weird since it was her husband who helped my dad pick it!
We left fairly early last night and funny enough i made it home in time to catch Ugly Betty and then watched the finale of So You Think You Can Dance! And omg, it was a hoot! Small favours...cant help it!
I think the lack of sleep was really taking its toll on me.
Monday...i woke up this morning feeling as though i got slammed into a wall and hit my face first...like someone had poured concrete into my ear and clogged my brain up...that doesnt make sense...i know...but thats the best i can do right now!
As i was going to see my physio this afternoon, i saw a girl who was clearly anorexic...clearly? Well there were skinny size 4/6 asian girls next to her, who were walking fine and were not just skin and bones...they were skinny, yes, but not anorexic. This girl, you could clearly see her knees protruding from under her fishnets...under the sleeve of her top you could see how skinny her arms were...her hair looked like it was a wig, but im thinking that it is merely unhealthy, and really brittle. Her face was so sallow, i was pitying her. She could barely walk up a very slight incline just in front of Star Bar on George St.
Moments like that made me appreciate the fact that im not anorexic thinking about my weight 24/7 and have lost sooo much weight that i can barely walk. I cant dream of not running ever again...not being able to walk is even more devastating.
I got to Town Hall and walked down the stairs to the platform and there was a blind man with a guide dog. He seemed to be in a situation, so as i walked down i was thinking about what i would say to him in offering my assistance. I mean, i understand that he is trying to be independent, but at the same time, i dont want the man to stand there for 30 minutes and be late for where ever he was meant to be.
But as i got to the bottom of the stairs i heard him say to the guide dog..."c'mon...go up the stairs"...i think the dog was being stubborn today...slowly the dog climbed up a step...i stayed there at the bottom watching the duo, until the dog started to make a proper progression.
I'm grateful to have my eyes. To see and not having to rely on a guide dog who is succeptable to being temperamental.
I hope that the dog guides his owner much better in the near future...and i hope that the anorexic girl realises sooner (rather than later) that abusing and tormenting herself is not the way to go if she wants a longer more fulfilling life.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Addiction...
I "used" to be a shopaholic...
And then the mortgage and saving for Europe happened.
So, i was amazingly cautious with my money for about 18 months.
But for the better part of January and so far in February, i have been burning money with my spending. I'm not quite broke, but i'm not going to turn away relos who have red pockets ready for me this weekend! (Even though i'm not a kiddie anymore!)
I didnt save anything in December 06 or in January 07.
I'm getting complacent with my money...which is not good!
On Sunday, i bought 3 cardigans...all the same style...in 3 different colours: red, black, mustard. I was actually itching to buy a blue one and a pink one as well...and the green one. But even i knew that that would be overkill, even in my shopping ecstatic state.
I've reverted back to "shopping makes me happy"...and that is not a dependency i want to maintain...its an expensive habit...luckily i dont have a thing for couture.
I have bought about 5 pairs of shoes/sandals...even a pair of patent teal coloured pumps...it's my favourite colour, it matched the top i was wearing and went really well with the black jeans i had on...my cousin got me a 40% discount so it was well worth it, if you really think about it...but at the end of the day - Do i really need patent TEAL pumps?
I am putting myself on a shopping ban!
I am planning on going to SG/KL/BK at the end of the year during my forced leave, so i can do some shopping...i need to hold out until then. Save all my money for that and some extra dosh for Europe in September! And since im taking Mum with me to Asia...i'll be paying for her airfare and accommodation...more saving is required.
So my plan of attack?
I'm going to hide my CC and use only cash...and NO MORE SHOPPING!!!
Well, at least, not until i get to Asia at the end of the year...
And then the mortgage and saving for Europe happened.
So, i was amazingly cautious with my money for about 18 months.
But for the better part of January and so far in February, i have been burning money with my spending. I'm not quite broke, but i'm not going to turn away relos who have red pockets ready for me this weekend! (Even though i'm not a kiddie anymore!)
I didnt save anything in December 06 or in January 07.
I'm getting complacent with my money...which is not good!
On Sunday, i bought 3 cardigans...all the same style...in 3 different colours: red, black, mustard. I was actually itching to buy a blue one and a pink one as well...and the green one. But even i knew that that would be overkill, even in my shopping ecstatic state.
I've reverted back to "shopping makes me happy"...and that is not a dependency i want to maintain...its an expensive habit...luckily i dont have a thing for couture.
I have bought about 5 pairs of shoes/sandals...even a pair of patent teal coloured pumps...it's my favourite colour, it matched the top i was wearing and went really well with the black jeans i had on...my cousin got me a 40% discount so it was well worth it, if you really think about it...but at the end of the day - Do i really need patent TEAL pumps?
I am putting myself on a shopping ban!
I am planning on going to SG/KL/BK at the end of the year during my forced leave, so i can do some shopping...i need to hold out until then. Save all my money for that and some extra dosh for Europe in September! And since im taking Mum with me to Asia...i'll be paying for her airfare and accommodation...more saving is required.
So my plan of attack?
I'm going to hide my CC and use only cash...and NO MORE SHOPPING!!!
Well, at least, not until i get to Asia at the end of the year...
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
He made my day...
Valentine's day and its commercialism has brainwashed me.
But im re-programmed now.
In my teens i would sit and pine and hope that i would some day receive some over inflated flowers from a guy i really liked...
That one day i might meet someone and we would go for dinner somewhere posh and he would pay through his teeth, sell a kidney and a lung too when he realises how much it would cost.
And i have been there, and done that.
So, i can say that my quota is half full...and fortunately not empty.
But Valentine's Day has always been stressful in my opinion. Soooo much pressure on both the guy and girl. So, i am actually feeling good and im embracing the fact that im single this year.
Last year was horrendous. I felt crap on Valentine's Day...even though i was with someone.
But today, what a good way to start!
I was like 30 seconds late to my train, and the train operator that stands in the middle between all the carriages controlling the doors...he waited for me. I dont think he saw me running down the ramp at the trainstation, but he certainly heard the clicking of my heels...and so he actually waited for me! (I know i repeated myself...but he did, he waited for me!!!)
As i ran breathlessly to the closest carriage, i said "thank you!" and the doors shut behind me.
Small favours such as these makes me feel like smiling.
To all my single friends, HAPPY VALENTINE'S to YOU! Days like today make me realise and appreciate your friendship even more than i do on a day to day basis, because i know that without you i'd be a very sad soul. Know that you are loved at least by someone other than your Mum! =P
But im re-programmed now.
In my teens i would sit and pine and hope that i would some day receive some over inflated flowers from a guy i really liked...
That one day i might meet someone and we would go for dinner somewhere posh and he would pay through his teeth, sell a kidney and a lung too when he realises how much it would cost.
And i have been there, and done that.
So, i can say that my quota is half full...and fortunately not empty.
But Valentine's Day has always been stressful in my opinion. Soooo much pressure on both the guy and girl. So, i am actually feeling good and im embracing the fact that im single this year.
Last year was horrendous. I felt crap on Valentine's Day...even though i was with someone.
But today, what a good way to start!
I was like 30 seconds late to my train, and the train operator that stands in the middle between all the carriages controlling the doors...he waited for me. I dont think he saw me running down the ramp at the trainstation, but he certainly heard the clicking of my heels...and so he actually waited for me! (I know i repeated myself...but he did, he waited for me!!!)
As i ran breathlessly to the closest carriage, i said "thank you!" and the doors shut behind me.
Small favours such as these makes me feel like smiling.
To all my single friends, HAPPY VALENTINE'S to YOU! Days like today make me realise and appreciate your friendship even more than i do on a day to day basis, because i know that without you i'd be a very sad soul. Know that you are loved at least by someone other than your Mum! =P
Monday, February 12, 2007
Asian female with Caucasian male...
Mum and Dad went to a wedding on Saturday and my older bro and wife were invited too.
It was a union between an Asian bride and a Caucasian groom...I think that set the precedence for the conversation between Mum and Sis-in-law. Sis-in-law said to Mum:
"I have never seen THAT many Asian girls with Caucasian guys!"
On Sunday, Mum and i went to get last minute ingredients for our Chinese New Year Feast this weekend. In the car Mum was relaying the convo she had with Sis-in-law about the mixed unions. How some of these Asian girls were even pregnant...
I'm like, well...if they are married to these guys, it would be only a matter of time before these girls get pregnant!!!
=P
Then the funniest thing was uttered by her, with a horrified tone in her voice:
"Are the Asian guys SO bad now??? So, bad that Asian girls need to turn to Caucasian guys?"
And i didnt want to really reply with an affirmation that what she questioned was true...that thats what it seems like to me. Asian guys are being beaten at the dating game by Caucasian/Western guys.
Why do i say that? Asian guys are reknowned for standing on the sideline watching.
If a guy doesnt even attempt to speak to a girl, he wont get far...and we all know that.
What girl wants to be swept off her feet by a guy who cant even muster a "hello"?
I told her, that in this day and age, she shouldnt be surprised when all my cousins who are in high school now or just entering uni end up with Caucasian guys...and she shouldnt be surprised if i ended up with a Caucasian guy.
It was a union between an Asian bride and a Caucasian groom...I think that set the precedence for the conversation between Mum and Sis-in-law. Sis-in-law said to Mum:
"I have never seen THAT many Asian girls with Caucasian guys!"
On Sunday, Mum and i went to get last minute ingredients for our Chinese New Year Feast this weekend. In the car Mum was relaying the convo she had with Sis-in-law about the mixed unions. How some of these Asian girls were even pregnant...
I'm like, well...if they are married to these guys, it would be only a matter of time before these girls get pregnant!!!
=P
Then the funniest thing was uttered by her, with a horrified tone in her voice:
"Are the Asian guys SO bad now??? So, bad that Asian girls need to turn to Caucasian guys?"
And i didnt want to really reply with an affirmation that what she questioned was true...that thats what it seems like to me. Asian guys are being beaten at the dating game by Caucasian/Western guys.
Why do i say that? Asian guys are reknowned for standing on the sideline watching.
If a guy doesnt even attempt to speak to a girl, he wont get far...and we all know that.
What girl wants to be swept off her feet by a guy who cant even muster a "hello"?
I told her, that in this day and age, she shouldnt be surprised when all my cousins who are in high school now or just entering uni end up with Caucasian guys...and she shouldnt be surprised if i ended up with a Caucasian guy.
Friday, February 09, 2007
Follow up...
I had acupuncture yesterday.
The first time ever. My physio put one needle in where it hurt the most along my leg...and that spot feels soo much better now. In terms of longevity, it all depends on the individual's body, but it could fix my leg forever.
But when i left his office, i started to feel tingly in other places of my right leg...but apparently i would feel funny like that.
How does acupuncture feel when the needle is in?
The limb the needle has poked will feel like its dead (numb)...blood not flowing smoothly...that state of when you got up from sitting crossed-legged and your leg feels googly...no pain...a little pinch when he twists the needle to hit the right nerve, but thats it...so it was actually not bad at all.
The point of it, if i remember correctly, is that the needle basically causes a minute injury so that blood will flow to that localised point. More blood = more oxygen = better functionality in that area.
I will be going back on Monday and may do a bit more acupuncture, because although that one point is clear now, another point has become obvious as a secondary point of pressure and pain.
I never thought i would be saying this, but acupuncture is good.
I now know why my yoga instructure (who i think is in her 60's) advocates acupuncture as an alternate method of relieving pain, all depending on what is causing the pain though. So, if its muscular or related to your nerves, i would consider this as an alternative to medicine. Its pain free and when you treat the problem early enough, you could be rid of the problem forever.
PS: My physio told me to exercise less, because im starting to show signs of tenderness like triathletes. Ha! I'm like a triathlete...the amount of exercising and the injuries...bleh!
The first time ever. My physio put one needle in where it hurt the most along my leg...and that spot feels soo much better now. In terms of longevity, it all depends on the individual's body, but it could fix my leg forever.
But when i left his office, i started to feel tingly in other places of my right leg...but apparently i would feel funny like that.
How does acupuncture feel when the needle is in?
The limb the needle has poked will feel like its dead (numb)...blood not flowing smoothly...that state of when you got up from sitting crossed-legged and your leg feels googly...no pain...a little pinch when he twists the needle to hit the right nerve, but thats it...so it was actually not bad at all.
The point of it, if i remember correctly, is that the needle basically causes a minute injury so that blood will flow to that localised point. More blood = more oxygen = better functionality in that area.
I will be going back on Monday and may do a bit more acupuncture, because although that one point is clear now, another point has become obvious as a secondary point of pressure and pain.
I never thought i would be saying this, but acupuncture is good.
I now know why my yoga instructure (who i think is in her 60's) advocates acupuncture as an alternate method of relieving pain, all depending on what is causing the pain though. So, if its muscular or related to your nerves, i would consider this as an alternative to medicine. Its pain free and when you treat the problem early enough, you could be rid of the problem forever.
PS: My physio told me to exercise less, because im starting to show signs of tenderness like triathletes. Ha! I'm like a triathlete...the amount of exercising and the injuries...bleh!
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
For better or worse...?
I have been doing squats, lunges, with and without extra weight for a long time now...just to strengthen my quadraceps so that i could run better.
And so it seems, in my attempt to strengthen my legs i have actually injured myself by making my quadraceps too strong!
Like wtf?
I went to see my doctor to complain...suggesting that it might be due to my broken left ankle and running has exacerbated the inbalance from that injury now causing pain in my right leg.
He referred me back to the physio who treated me for the ankle injury.
He assessed both of my legs and basically after all that, it seems i have been so diligent in making myself strong in the quads, I now need to lay off those exercises and stretch...like s-t-r-e-t-c-h...im once again not allowed to run!
=(
When he tried to massage my leg, it was agonising!
I mean, i like deep tissue massages...and it was good...but at the same time...it really hurt!
Its gotten me thinking...is it of real value training this hard? But then what is the point of training if you dont do it with conviction? I do as many (or more) hours as an athlete. They take it seriously, why wouldnt i?
But is it really worth it if it causes more complications? Risks of injuring myself are constantly increasing...
I'm scared that i will hurt myself by training so much, but if i dont do it will all of my effort I will never achieve what i have set out to achieve.
Great.
And so it seems, in my attempt to strengthen my legs i have actually injured myself by making my quadraceps too strong!
Like wtf?
I went to see my doctor to complain...suggesting that it might be due to my broken left ankle and running has exacerbated the inbalance from that injury now causing pain in my right leg.
He referred me back to the physio who treated me for the ankle injury.
He assessed both of my legs and basically after all that, it seems i have been so diligent in making myself strong in the quads, I now need to lay off those exercises and stretch...like s-t-r-e-t-c-h...im once again not allowed to run!
=(
When he tried to massage my leg, it was agonising!
I mean, i like deep tissue massages...and it was good...but at the same time...it really hurt!
Its gotten me thinking...is it of real value training this hard? But then what is the point of training if you dont do it with conviction? I do as many (or more) hours as an athlete. They take it seriously, why wouldnt i?
But is it really worth it if it causes more complications? Risks of injuring myself are constantly increasing...
I'm scared that i will hurt myself by training so much, but if i dont do it will all of my effort I will never achieve what i have set out to achieve.
Great.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Cash free Friday night bonanza!
It all started with farewell drinks (for a workmate) where the company was picking up the tab...i only had a girly tipple because after drinks at EQ i was going to meet up with L & G for pre-cruise drinks.
It seemed that my girly tipple was enough to keep me giddy until we got to the wharf and onto the boat. So, i didnt have any more of a "pre-drink".
The cruise was free drinks and food. Good to know. For a full coverage of the cruise go here.
What i want to talk about is Mr Touchy Feely who tried to come on to me for about 10 minutes...but it seems i was oblivious to it all and that made J feel quite astonished and worried that i was oblivious to it.
It all started when Mr Touchy Feely was making his moves on L. I thought he was ultra keen on her. Dancing all seductively and all. But it was all laugh and games to me, since i wasnt the one who got her face slobbered all over or my ass slapped/grabbed by Mr Touchy Feely...and i pegged this guy as a harmless drunk.
So, it was to my surprise when he approached G and called me a Heartbreaker! He was standing to the right of G, to G's left was J, then on the next seat was L & my bags, then me on the next seat. When he called me a Heartbreaker i told him that i was with J so i had to dismiss him.
And this is when i thought he was just a being a dumb shameless drunk...but according to J, he was doing his 3 moves and i was just giving him the cold shoulder for every attempt!
No friggin derrrrrrrrrrrrr i was giving the cold shoulder!!!!
I dont like drunks like him. Let alone one trying to hit on me.
He cut J off and lifted our bags off the seat, i quickly grabbed it from him for fear he might just toss it into the water. He sat down and proceeded to do that supposedly spine-tingling thing to the knees, to my right knee. He asked me whether it felt "sexy". I just looked at him and said "No!" He then tried it a couple of more times and asked again, whether if felt sexy. No!
He then at some stage, attempted to hold my hand. Which i quickly pulled away from him.
He sat next to us talking about how much his shoes cost, and for some reason before he could protect the leather he had managed to cover it with bourbon and coke or something like that.
At some point, Mr Touchy Feely got up and walked away.
I exhaled and shoved J for not protecting me better!
And then i find out that Mr Touchy Feely has grabbed L's ass and he told her that he loved her.
He then managed a whole lot of other obscenities with L and i believe a number of girls who were also on the cruise.
When the boat had docked and we started to disembark, i had waited for him to get off before i would move from where i was standing.
When we got on to the wharf and started to walk towards E's car, I see this guy who starts running up and trying to sell me a record (Mr Touchy Feely stole the piece of decoration from the cruise) to me...failing...he runs to L declaring his love again and tries to sell it to her (i think). This time J provided better protection...and we walked away...
L had to try and sandwich herself between E & G. And at some point she lost Mr Touchy Feely and we all lost G.
We ended up with a few car incidents trying to drop J off at some hotel and the picking up some bags from some girls who were on the cruise (???). When we finally got out of the city, we realised that we were dying of dehydration, so we stopped and fuelled up at McD's.
Then I suggested that E drop G home...E complained that he didnt have enough petrol, but i offered him my fuel voucher...but for some reason driving towards G's house we couldnt find a Caltex. And E's blue light lit up just after we dropped G at his place.
*LoL*
I took the back roads and winded around some dark places and im sure E was panicking...but we managed to find a Caltex and everything was good. The way i took him home ended up being about 10-15 minutes faster than taking the M4...so all was good!
*sigh*
All in a nights work when i go out with L & E & G & J and added to the fun, my workmate Mon joined...she had a hoot...
Weird? Nope...Mon is just as crazy as my beloved friends!!!
It seemed that my girly tipple was enough to keep me giddy until we got to the wharf and onto the boat. So, i didnt have any more of a "pre-drink".
The cruise was free drinks and food. Good to know. For a full coverage of the cruise go here.
What i want to talk about is Mr Touchy Feely who tried to come on to me for about 10 minutes...but it seems i was oblivious to it all and that made J feel quite astonished and worried that i was oblivious to it.
It all started when Mr Touchy Feely was making his moves on L. I thought he was ultra keen on her. Dancing all seductively and all. But it was all laugh and games to me, since i wasnt the one who got her face slobbered all over or my ass slapped/grabbed by Mr Touchy Feely...and i pegged this guy as a harmless drunk.
So, it was to my surprise when he approached G and called me a Heartbreaker! He was standing to the right of G, to G's left was J, then on the next seat was L & my bags, then me on the next seat. When he called me a Heartbreaker i told him that i was with J so i had to dismiss him.
And this is when i thought he was just a being a dumb shameless drunk...but according to J, he was doing his 3 moves and i was just giving him the cold shoulder for every attempt!
No friggin derrrrrrrrrrrrr i was giving the cold shoulder!!!!
I dont like drunks like him. Let alone one trying to hit on me.
He cut J off and lifted our bags off the seat, i quickly grabbed it from him for fear he might just toss it into the water. He sat down and proceeded to do that supposedly spine-tingling thing to the knees, to my right knee. He asked me whether it felt "sexy". I just looked at him and said "No!" He then tried it a couple of more times and asked again, whether if felt sexy. No!
He then at some stage, attempted to hold my hand. Which i quickly pulled away from him.
He sat next to us talking about how much his shoes cost, and for some reason before he could protect the leather he had managed to cover it with bourbon and coke or something like that.
At some point, Mr Touchy Feely got up and walked away.
I exhaled and shoved J for not protecting me better!
And then i find out that Mr Touchy Feely has grabbed L's ass and he told her that he loved her.
He then managed a whole lot of other obscenities with L and i believe a number of girls who were also on the cruise.
When the boat had docked and we started to disembark, i had waited for him to get off before i would move from where i was standing.
When we got on to the wharf and started to walk towards E's car, I see this guy who starts running up and trying to sell me a record (Mr Touchy Feely stole the piece of decoration from the cruise) to me...failing...he runs to L declaring his love again and tries to sell it to her (i think). This time J provided better protection...and we walked away...
L had to try and sandwich herself between E & G. And at some point she lost Mr Touchy Feely and we all lost G.
We ended up with a few car incidents trying to drop J off at some hotel and the picking up some bags from some girls who were on the cruise (???). When we finally got out of the city, we realised that we were dying of dehydration, so we stopped and fuelled up at McD's.
Then I suggested that E drop G home...E complained that he didnt have enough petrol, but i offered him my fuel voucher...but for some reason driving towards G's house we couldnt find a Caltex. And E's blue light lit up just after we dropped G at his place.
*LoL*
I took the back roads and winded around some dark places and im sure E was panicking...but we managed to find a Caltex and everything was good. The way i took him home ended up being about 10-15 minutes faster than taking the M4...so all was good!
*sigh*
All in a nights work when i go out with L & E & G & J and added to the fun, my workmate Mon joined...she had a hoot...
Weird? Nope...Mon is just as crazy as my beloved friends!!!
Thursday, February 01, 2007
The worst thing about being single...
Personally, the worst thing for me about being single use to be the loneliness.
You know those moments when you thought you were going to spend all afternoon reading/shopping/drawing/whatever and for some reason or other you end up with 4 hours and nothing to do.
But on Australia Day i took Mum out to lunch. On the ride to the restaurant she was telling me something about someone and she briefly made a point that i dont think she realised the impact it would have on me...nor do i believe she even knew that she was revealing a lot of depth in her words.
For me, the most horrible thing about being single right now, is the fact that it makes my mother feel shit about herself. Like she has failed me in some way.
You may think its the typical mother thing, where she wants all her daughters to be married at a decent age, lest her only daughter. But there was so much pain in what she said that i know for a fact it wasnt so simple. I was sooo going to cry.
Its a shame that my single status has to affect her too. I've learnt to accept it, but she shouldnt have to learn to accept anything on my behalf. I am after all an adult who can look after herself.
Instead of a true celebration during Chinese New Year, honestly, its when all my family gets together and compare. They compare their status - in every which way...they compare their kids and how well or bad their kids are doing...its all done under the guise of being interested in our lives, but the truth is, they are just fishing for ammo.
So, unfortunately, my mother will be dealt with a number of queries about my status and im sure they will manage to make her feel hopeless about my being single.
Great. Something to look forward to in 17 days.
You know those moments when you thought you were going to spend all afternoon reading/shopping/drawing/whatever and for some reason or other you end up with 4 hours and nothing to do.
But on Australia Day i took Mum out to lunch. On the ride to the restaurant she was telling me something about someone and she briefly made a point that i dont think she realised the impact it would have on me...nor do i believe she even knew that she was revealing a lot of depth in her words.
For me, the most horrible thing about being single right now, is the fact that it makes my mother feel shit about herself. Like she has failed me in some way.
You may think its the typical mother thing, where she wants all her daughters to be married at a decent age, lest her only daughter. But there was so much pain in what she said that i know for a fact it wasnt so simple. I was sooo going to cry.
Its a shame that my single status has to affect her too. I've learnt to accept it, but she shouldnt have to learn to accept anything on my behalf. I am after all an adult who can look after herself.
Instead of a true celebration during Chinese New Year, honestly, its when all my family gets together and compare. They compare their status - in every which way...they compare their kids and how well or bad their kids are doing...its all done under the guise of being interested in our lives, but the truth is, they are just fishing for ammo.
So, unfortunately, my mother will be dealt with a number of queries about my status and im sure they will manage to make her feel hopeless about my being single.
Great. Something to look forward to in 17 days.
Pappadam Farm...
In trying to convince another workmate not to leave our company...one of my workmates tried to use reverse psychology.
The one leaving is Indian and is planning on relocating to Canberra.
Workmate says to him:
Don't worry about the Global Warming in Canberra or inhaling the air that Howard is exhaling...Canberra has the best Indian food on Earth!
They even have a pappadam farm!
In sad times, its always good to have a clown at work...
The one leaving is Indian and is planning on relocating to Canberra.
Workmate says to him:
Don't worry about the Global Warming in Canberra or inhaling the air that Howard is exhaling...Canberra has the best Indian food on Earth!
They even have a pappadam farm!
In sad times, its always good to have a clown at work...
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Holiday - signed, sealed, now waiting...
My friend emailed me yesterday to confirm that our accommodation in Paris was confirmed, and that the deposit has been paid for!
The first 3 places, located right in the epicentre were booked out, even though on the website calendar (which indicates its availability) showed that it was free.
I had started to panic, thinking that all the people who were into Rugby had planned their trip to watch the World Cup, had already booked all the good accommodation. I mean all the airfares were sold out for that period, going via Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Bangkok. My travel agent had to book a flight via Hong Kong...which im okay with...
Our 4th choice of accommodation is still in the centre, 3rd Arrdt and the Landlord's comment is as follows:
The neighbourhood is safe, and absolutely stunning, located centrally only a short walk from the Centre Pompidou, Le Marais, Le Louvre...don't forget to walk to La Rue de Bretagne and take advantage of its variety of delicatessens. Inside, everything is newly furnished and modern. You'll capitalize on the small private courtyard and the mezzanine, in complete privacy from the rest of the studio.
Its a studio apartment on the Ground Floor of the building...and it has its own little courtyard. It may not have a view like the other 3 places, but the location is very good in terms of public transport and of course its near the Louvre...
I told my aunt (she is the youngest of all my Dad's cousins) that i was going to Europe in September this year. I told her all the details and how i was staying in Paris for 4 extra days after my tour...she has been travelling for a very long time now. She is a graphic designer for an advertising agency and has done all the things i've wanted to do. She has done Europe with a tour and then back packing, gone to Asia and has travelled from the North to the South and visited the glaciers in NZ.
She bursted my bubble and told me that Paris is not what its cracked up to be. And im grateful that she did. Because now, i will go with little expectation and hopefully wont be disappointed at the end of my experience. I dont have much expectation of all the other cities i will be visiting...so, its going to be interesting.
January is coming to a close...tomorrow it will be February...7 more months and i will be on a plane flying away from Sydney. Its half a year + 1 month, but it will fly by. I'll know its time to leave when i get my taxes done, hopefully its a bigger refund this year so i have more spending money!!!
I'm so excited, but at the same time im scared...well not really scared, but nervous. I have never really travelled to a foreign place on my own before. I'm a worry wart too, so i tend to stress about EVERYTHING!
All i can do now is wait...waiting...waiting...waiting...6 months later down the track and i'll panic.
The first 3 places, located right in the epicentre were booked out, even though on the website calendar (which indicates its availability) showed that it was free.
I had started to panic, thinking that all the people who were into Rugby had planned their trip to watch the World Cup, had already booked all the good accommodation. I mean all the airfares were sold out for that period, going via Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Bangkok. My travel agent had to book a flight via Hong Kong...which im okay with...
Our 4th choice of accommodation is still in the centre, 3rd Arrdt and the Landlord's comment is as follows:
The neighbourhood is safe, and absolutely stunning, located centrally only a short walk from the Centre Pompidou, Le Marais, Le Louvre...don't forget to walk to La Rue de Bretagne and take advantage of its variety of delicatessens. Inside, everything is newly furnished and modern. You'll capitalize on the small private courtyard and the mezzanine, in complete privacy from the rest of the studio.
Its a studio apartment on the Ground Floor of the building...and it has its own little courtyard. It may not have a view like the other 3 places, but the location is very good in terms of public transport and of course its near the Louvre...
I told my aunt (she is the youngest of all my Dad's cousins) that i was going to Europe in September this year. I told her all the details and how i was staying in Paris for 4 extra days after my tour...she has been travelling for a very long time now. She is a graphic designer for an advertising agency and has done all the things i've wanted to do. She has done Europe with a tour and then back packing, gone to Asia and has travelled from the North to the South and visited the glaciers in NZ.
She bursted my bubble and told me that Paris is not what its cracked up to be. And im grateful that she did. Because now, i will go with little expectation and hopefully wont be disappointed at the end of my experience. I dont have much expectation of all the other cities i will be visiting...so, its going to be interesting.
January is coming to a close...tomorrow it will be February...7 more months and i will be on a plane flying away from Sydney. Its half a year + 1 month, but it will fly by. I'll know its time to leave when i get my taxes done, hopefully its a bigger refund this year so i have more spending money!!!
I'm so excited, but at the same time im scared...well not really scared, but nervous. I have never really travelled to a foreign place on my own before. I'm a worry wart too, so i tend to stress about EVERYTHING!
All i can do now is wait...waiting...waiting...waiting...6 months later down the track and i'll panic.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
The young, the scared, the infertile...
I had a good long weekend...sorta...
A lot of food...a lot of kids...a lot of food...a moderate amount of exercising (spawned from all the food i ate) to compensate...and a lot of shopping!
This post is actually about my Saturday...at my Great Aunt's place...we had a huge family lunch...there were sooo many kiddies...and my cousin (2nd oldest in the family...me being the oldest) brought her baby girl along.
While we were in the kids room, i asked her sister (3rd oldest in our family) when she and her boyfriend are getting married.
This forced our conversation on another tangent...about her older sister + hubby having a long conversation with the 3rd oldest's boyfriend the night before.
The conversation was about how he will be a bachelor for life if he found out that he was infertile. Infertility is something that really scares him. He wants a big family, but if he cant have kids, he doesnt want to stop his gf/future wife from having one, two or three...so, he wont marry her if he finds out.
I was shocked.
As i am the oldest, i havent heard my friends consider how infertile they were...i mean this guy is barely 22 y/o and he is worried about whether his chances of fathering a child is so slim that he will decide to stay a bachelor for the rest of his life?!?!?!
I posed the question about them loving each other? You marry a person because you love them, no? Why is his fertility a question as to whether he would marry you?
To me, marriage comes first. Babies come second. You wont know unless you have been trying for a child for a year that you "might" be infertile...and even then it could be either one of you. But dont you love the person enough to look at other options.
He told her sister + hubby that he would not be okay with another man's sperm fathering their baby. Fair enough, i dont think any man would be comfortable with that. In vitro or no in vitro, another man's sperm is another man's sperm. But what about adoption? Nope...he doesnt want that either.
So, what if their problem was because she was infertile? Would he break her heart and dump her, because he oh so wants his own children??? But doesnt he love her???
I asked her how she felt. She says she understands. She wouldnt break up with him if he was the one infertile. But as she wants kids, she believes its something they will have to work long and hard to overcome.
I'm suprised that they are even talking about it so seriously.
I thought guys fought with a vengence to prove how viril they were! And infertility was not something you would question at the tender age of 21!!! I was so taken aback...i didnt think a guy would question whether he was fertile, not until he was mid 30's or older and was trying his luck at having his first child and continuously failed...even then, i thought he would blame the woman until he finds out that her egg count is actually pretty high!!!
Are most guys worried...but he is the only one who will openly and honestly talk about it?
A lot of food...a lot of kids...a lot of food...a moderate amount of exercising (spawned from all the food i ate) to compensate...and a lot of shopping!
This post is actually about my Saturday...at my Great Aunt's place...we had a huge family lunch...there were sooo many kiddies...and my cousin (2nd oldest in the family...me being the oldest) brought her baby girl along.
While we were in the kids room, i asked her sister (3rd oldest in our family) when she and her boyfriend are getting married.
This forced our conversation on another tangent...about her older sister + hubby having a long conversation with the 3rd oldest's boyfriend the night before.
The conversation was about how he will be a bachelor for life if he found out that he was infertile. Infertility is something that really scares him. He wants a big family, but if he cant have kids, he doesnt want to stop his gf/future wife from having one, two or three...so, he wont marry her if he finds out.
I was shocked.
As i am the oldest, i havent heard my friends consider how infertile they were...i mean this guy is barely 22 y/o and he is worried about whether his chances of fathering a child is so slim that he will decide to stay a bachelor for the rest of his life?!?!?!
I posed the question about them loving each other? You marry a person because you love them, no? Why is his fertility a question as to whether he would marry you?
To me, marriage comes first. Babies come second. You wont know unless you have been trying for a child for a year that you "might" be infertile...and even then it could be either one of you. But dont you love the person enough to look at other options.
He told her sister + hubby that he would not be okay with another man's sperm fathering their baby. Fair enough, i dont think any man would be comfortable with that. In vitro or no in vitro, another man's sperm is another man's sperm. But what about adoption? Nope...he doesnt want that either.
So, what if their problem was because she was infertile? Would he break her heart and dump her, because he oh so wants his own children??? But doesnt he love her???
I asked her how she felt. She says she understands. She wouldnt break up with him if he was the one infertile. But as she wants kids, she believes its something they will have to work long and hard to overcome.
I'm suprised that they are even talking about it so seriously.
I thought guys fought with a vengence to prove how viril they were! And infertility was not something you would question at the tender age of 21!!! I was so taken aback...i didnt think a guy would question whether he was fertile, not until he was mid 30's or older and was trying his luck at having his first child and continuously failed...even then, i thought he would blame the woman until he finds out that her egg count is actually pretty high!!!
Are most guys worried...but he is the only one who will openly and honestly talk about it?
Thursday, January 25, 2007
I've cracked...
I think i've broken through my stress threshold and now im sitting at my desk like a zombie...
Or it could have been the fact that i have just stuffed myself with a corn fritters salad and a soy berry smoothie.
I ran a meeting with the client, third party and our security specialist in the afternoon yesterday.
Prior to it, i had to revise network security and encryption in under 30 minutes.
According to my workmates, who overheard my conference call, i sounded very professional until i introduced our security specialist. They overheard me because all the meeting rooms were booked and i decided to open the conference call at my desk...with the headset on.
I did everything fine. It went well. But there was so much to follow up on and i was soo tired...
Billing for the month is due today and i didnt have time to do it yesterday...but as the trooper i am, i fast tracked to do it today. And even though i did it the long way (cos i had to) i managed to finish before 1pm.
I had lunch...and now i cant seem to focus on work. I cant seem to get motivated. Its like all my energy has been zapped out of me. Did i push myself too hard to get the billing done by lunch time? Am i just passed that point of being overly stressed? Uno that point where you have been hungry for the last hour or so, but you still havent had the chance to eat and so you dont feel hungry anymore???
I think what i am feeling is being stressed for a bit too long/bit too much and therefore i dont quite feel stressed anymore...i'm beyond being stressed.
I've made an executive decision to leave at 4pm on the dot. Well, i got in before 8am...and have been leaving this place very late, every day this week.
I need to sleep. I need to switch off.
Or it could have been the fact that i have just stuffed myself with a corn fritters salad and a soy berry smoothie.
I ran a meeting with the client, third party and our security specialist in the afternoon yesterday.
Prior to it, i had to revise network security and encryption in under 30 minutes.
According to my workmates, who overheard my conference call, i sounded very professional until i introduced our security specialist. They overheard me because all the meeting rooms were booked and i decided to open the conference call at my desk...with the headset on.
I did everything fine. It went well. But there was so much to follow up on and i was soo tired...
Billing for the month is due today and i didnt have time to do it yesterday...but as the trooper i am, i fast tracked to do it today. And even though i did it the long way (cos i had to) i managed to finish before 1pm.
I had lunch...and now i cant seem to focus on work. I cant seem to get motivated. Its like all my energy has been zapped out of me. Did i push myself too hard to get the billing done by lunch time? Am i just passed that point of being overly stressed? Uno that point where you have been hungry for the last hour or so, but you still havent had the chance to eat and so you dont feel hungry anymore???
I think what i am feeling is being stressed for a bit too long/bit too much and therefore i dont quite feel stressed anymore...i'm beyond being stressed.
I've made an executive decision to leave at 4pm on the dot. Well, i got in before 8am...and have been leaving this place very late, every day this week.
I need to sleep. I need to switch off.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Waking up to an orchestral thunderstorm...
I woke up, as per usual, with my alarm going off at 5:30am.
It seemed pretty dark...i could hear rain coming down heavily...and then the natural orchestra started playing - loudly.
I dont like driving in thunderstorms or heavy rain.
I stayed in bed and seriously considered calling in to work and telling them that i would be working from home.
Then i rationalised...
I have end of month billing to complete before this week ends and im short 1 day because of Australia Day...I have an important conference call to make and have to push a project forward so that we can complete it by Monday...ridiculous, i know!
Sooo...I told myself that i will give it 30 minutes...if the rain eases, i'll go to work...get my lil bro to drop me off at the trainstation and hope that i dont get caught in a heavy down pour while walking from the trainstation to the office.
And so, im in the office.
It seemed pretty dark...i could hear rain coming down heavily...and then the natural orchestra started playing - loudly.
I dont like driving in thunderstorms or heavy rain.
I stayed in bed and seriously considered calling in to work and telling them that i would be working from home.
Then i rationalised...
I have end of month billing to complete before this week ends and im short 1 day because of Australia Day...I have an important conference call to make and have to push a project forward so that we can complete it by Monday...ridiculous, i know!
Sooo...I told myself that i will give it 30 minutes...if the rain eases, i'll go to work...get my lil bro to drop me off at the trainstation and hope that i dont get caught in a heavy down pour while walking from the trainstation to the office.
And so, im in the office.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Symphony at the Domain...
What a wonderful night...
The food was exceptional, even if i do say so myself...
We had walnut cheese, camembert, duck with sherry and peppercorn pate, quince paste, thin wafer crackers, water crackers, salami, proscuitto, rockmelon and grapes, an array of char grilled veges, olives stuffed with anchovies, chilli cashew dip, chocolate ganache and apples, chocolate ganache and raspberry sandwiches, champagne and my favourite Ernest Hill Silver Moon dessert wine on ice! (I brought an esky filled with a jumbo bag of ice this week!)
+ HUGE drumsticks L baked with crusty bread and salad which we didnt touch!
*LoL* No room for salad with all that gourmet food!
This was all for 3 people. Look, L and i are Asian - so we always over cater!!!
But to be honest, by the end of the night, most of the cheese and pate was consumed. For pictures and an even more comprehensive description with photos click here.
Now, funny thing...it was very hot during the day, by the time the music started...i was freezing my bottom off! What a turn in the weather. Since we were close to L's office, we went to get a jacket and i got to wrap her shawl over my 3/4 sleeve cardi.
When we got back to the Symphony, it was dark and actually breathtaking.
L cracked open the glow sticks...*LoL*...yes you read correctly, glowsticks at the symphony!
What i enjoyed the most was lying down on the 2 rugs we combined (yes we are space hogs, 2 rugs for 3 people) and staring up at the stars. It was exquisite. It was peaceful and serene...the music was pleasant and i swear for a moment i thought i could rough it some time in the future and go camping!!!
*RofL*
I told L this, and she reminded me that i think this now, but then some insect will crawl onto me and i will change my mind again. And she was right. But it was fun and i really liked lying down on the rug in the dark...i was actually comfortable and i didnt have a pillow either.
Later on in the evening towards the end, a lot of the audience had sparklers and were waving them around...it was like someone had released 100's of votive candles loose on to a dark sea and it lit up...and then there was a firework display.
What a spectacular night!!!
Until i realised that i had a variety of weird sms' from former bf's...this was while i was driving home...
Sunday...well everyone should remember how hot it was, but i managed to drag my sorry butt to the gym and slogged it out for 3 hours. How did i manage? A mixture of guilt and vanity kept me motivated...I had too much cheese and chocolate and ice cream (i bought from the Streets Ice Cream guy)...not to mention all that wine...
The thought that i will be eating heaps this weekend also helps.
I'll be having a buffet lunch on this Friday and an extended family banquet on Sunday. And in a couple of weeks we'll be celebrating Chinese New Year...more sweets, cakes, and heaps of rich fatty food, except for that one day where Mum cooks vegetarian dishes.
Speaking of Chinese New Year, I found out last night that my Dad's cousin is getting married on Chinese New Year Eve. The whole family is chucking a fit because "we all have to pray" and go to the temple on the Eve of the New Year and cook family dinners, etc. What irks the family even more is that the reception will be held in the city somewhere and it will be a Western style reception. So, everyone is saying that they wont be going...talking about picking dates for your wedding!
Congrats to my cousin, Jess!!! I also found out last night that she will be studying Medicine at Uni this year...What a smart cookie!
*^_^*
The food was exceptional, even if i do say so myself...
We had walnut cheese, camembert, duck with sherry and peppercorn pate, quince paste, thin wafer crackers, water crackers, salami, proscuitto, rockmelon and grapes, an array of char grilled veges, olives stuffed with anchovies, chilli cashew dip, chocolate ganache and apples, chocolate ganache and raspberry sandwiches, champagne and my favourite Ernest Hill Silver Moon dessert wine on ice! (I brought an esky filled with a jumbo bag of ice this week!)
+ HUGE drumsticks L baked with crusty bread and salad which we didnt touch!
*LoL* No room for salad with all that gourmet food!
This was all for 3 people. Look, L and i are Asian - so we always over cater!!!
But to be honest, by the end of the night, most of the cheese and pate was consumed. For pictures and an even more comprehensive description with photos click here.
Now, funny thing...it was very hot during the day, by the time the music started...i was freezing my bottom off! What a turn in the weather. Since we were close to L's office, we went to get a jacket and i got to wrap her shawl over my 3/4 sleeve cardi.
When we got back to the Symphony, it was dark and actually breathtaking.
L cracked open the glow sticks...*LoL*...yes you read correctly, glowsticks at the symphony!
What i enjoyed the most was lying down on the 2 rugs we combined (yes we are space hogs, 2 rugs for 3 people) and staring up at the stars. It was exquisite. It was peaceful and serene...the music was pleasant and i swear for a moment i thought i could rough it some time in the future and go camping!!!
*RofL*
I told L this, and she reminded me that i think this now, but then some insect will crawl onto me and i will change my mind again. And she was right. But it was fun and i really liked lying down on the rug in the dark...i was actually comfortable and i didnt have a pillow either.
Later on in the evening towards the end, a lot of the audience had sparklers and were waving them around...it was like someone had released 100's of votive candles loose on to a dark sea and it lit up...and then there was a firework display.
What a spectacular night!!!
Until i realised that i had a variety of weird sms' from former bf's...this was while i was driving home...
Sunday...well everyone should remember how hot it was, but i managed to drag my sorry butt to the gym and slogged it out for 3 hours. How did i manage? A mixture of guilt and vanity kept me motivated...I had too much cheese and chocolate and ice cream (i bought from the Streets Ice Cream guy)...not to mention all that wine...
The thought that i will be eating heaps this weekend also helps.
I'll be having a buffet lunch on this Friday and an extended family banquet on Sunday. And in a couple of weeks we'll be celebrating Chinese New Year...more sweets, cakes, and heaps of rich fatty food, except for that one day where Mum cooks vegetarian dishes.
Speaking of Chinese New Year, I found out last night that my Dad's cousin is getting married on Chinese New Year Eve. The whole family is chucking a fit because "we all have to pray" and go to the temple on the Eve of the New Year and cook family dinners, etc. What irks the family even more is that the reception will be held in the city somewhere and it will be a Western style reception. So, everyone is saying that they wont be going...talking about picking dates for your wedding!
Congrats to my cousin, Jess!!! I also found out last night that she will be studying Medicine at Uni this year...What a smart cookie!
*^_^*
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Flirting is fun...
Its actually a really great way to start the day when you flirt.
And i dont mean the kind of flirting where you are throwing your self at someone. I wouldnt know how to do that, come to think of it.
I have never been a flirty type of person. What i do is talk to someone and when i get to know them i tease them, in a kind, cheeky sort of way. I'm really more cheeky in what i say (with good humour) than i am flirty - but i guess people will interpret what i say and do as flirting with the opposite sex.
I am prone to flirting with Loose Lips at the cafe, as well as Mr Hot Stuff sometimes - who is now off limits because it is confirmed that he has a gf.
But either or, its great to be able to go and get my super juice (carrot, celery, green apple, lemon) from them, bright and early and just start the day with a BIG chuckle by saying silly flirtatious things.
Like, Loose Lips said that not everyone can be born good looking like Mr Hot Stuff and i mouthed behind Mr Hot Stuff's back (he was making my juice at the time) to Loose Lips that he was in fact better looking, with a wink of course.
;)
After a string of compliments i asked Loose Lips if that filled up his quota of compliments for the day? He said he would be beaming for a while...
And thats another thing, flirting makes the recipient feel gooooood about themselves. And im all for that. Its nice to make other people happy with such a simple gesture.
^_^
And i dont mean the kind of flirting where you are throwing your self at someone. I wouldnt know how to do that, come to think of it.
I have never been a flirty type of person. What i do is talk to someone and when i get to know them i tease them, in a kind, cheeky sort of way. I'm really more cheeky in what i say (with good humour) than i am flirty - but i guess people will interpret what i say and do as flirting with the opposite sex.
I am prone to flirting with Loose Lips at the cafe, as well as Mr Hot Stuff sometimes - who is now off limits because it is confirmed that he has a gf.
But either or, its great to be able to go and get my super juice (carrot, celery, green apple, lemon) from them, bright and early and just start the day with a BIG chuckle by saying silly flirtatious things.
Like, Loose Lips said that not everyone can be born good looking like Mr Hot Stuff and i mouthed behind Mr Hot Stuff's back (he was making my juice at the time) to Loose Lips that he was in fact better looking, with a wink of course.
;)
After a string of compliments i asked Loose Lips if that filled up his quota of compliments for the day? He said he would be beaming for a while...
And thats another thing, flirting makes the recipient feel gooooood about themselves. And im all for that. Its nice to make other people happy with such a simple gesture.
^_^
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Sacrifice...
He prepped me:
"Its all about sacrifice. You need to give something to get what you want. Its the way of life. It applies to this as well. For instance, when i wanted to become a pro body builder, I had to spend more time at the gym to workout...what i had to give in order to reach my achievement was to give up my time with family and friends so i could be at the gym. You have to decide to do the same..."
I moaned:
"I know...i know! I've been doing this for years and i havent achieved my goals."
He continues:
"Its not the exercise thats working against you. You're doing that fine. Its all about calories in and calories out now! And this is what i want you to do..."
And so i am on a mission. This isnt about my concern for something to feel passionate about, but being the best i can be. Its about reaching something i have always felt unobtainable but have been working fruitlessly towards. It will no longer be fruitless. Just like work, this year is about giving more to get more.
Strategy! That has been my favourite word in the past few months.
But this is a long term strategy.
Actually, its a life long strategy.
Changing one's habit is a life long change...but it will be for the better and there is no turning back.
I've committed and so i must deliver the results i set out to achieve.
"Its all about sacrifice. You need to give something to get what you want. Its the way of life. It applies to this as well. For instance, when i wanted to become a pro body builder, I had to spend more time at the gym to workout...what i had to give in order to reach my achievement was to give up my time with family and friends so i could be at the gym. You have to decide to do the same..."
I moaned:
"I know...i know! I've been doing this for years and i havent achieved my goals."
He continues:
"Its not the exercise thats working against you. You're doing that fine. Its all about calories in and calories out now! And this is what i want you to do..."
And so i am on a mission. This isnt about my concern for something to feel passionate about, but being the best i can be. Its about reaching something i have always felt unobtainable but have been working fruitlessly towards. It will no longer be fruitless. Just like work, this year is about giving more to get more.
Strategy! That has been my favourite word in the past few months.
But this is a long term strategy.
Actually, its a life long strategy.
Changing one's habit is a life long change...but it will be for the better and there is no turning back.
I've committed and so i must deliver the results i set out to achieve.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Passion or lack there of...
I watched "So you think you can dance" and "Centerstage" last night and i realised that what i lack in my life is passion.
I dont have a hobby or anything that i love with said "passion"!
I like a lot of things but i dont love anything.
And i think its pretty sad that i dont feel passionate about anything in particular.
The dancers on the show and in the movie, they all want to dance. Dancing is their life, the air that they breathe, the blood through their veins. Its the same with athletes, they must love the sport they play to excel in it.
I dont excel.
How scary is it to be confronted by this fact?
I paint, but lets face the fact...i'm no Da Vinci, Van Gogh, or Renoir. I will not be remembered for the paintings i have done.
The things that i am good at, i dont feel passionate about. And i dont think they really count as something you would boast when asked what you are passionate about. Like..."i'm organised"...hello, who would say that they are passionate about that? And PS, i'm not passionate about it.
I'm dont play any sport. I'm good at the gym. But thats not something to boast about either. I'm just a gym junkie without the precise results she wants...which doesnt really indicate success...
I like travelling, but even that is not with a passion...and who doesnt like to travel???
I'm not even passionate about work! I just do it because i have to have something to do. Dont i? Its driven by the fact that i need money, but if you ask me what i would do otherwise??? I have no clue. If you ask other people, they would tell you that they would do something else that they love, if it would pay well...and its something that they plan on doing after they make enough...or in their early retirement, etc. My answer is a blatant "i dont know".
When i was a kid, i didnt want to be a rock star, or a musician, or anything spectacular to strive for. The things i wanted to do were achievable and practical. Interior designer or architect...scientist, doctor, psychologist...the only thing i can think of that is slightly out there was a fashion designer...and i still love clothes. Am i passionate about it? I dont know. Could i make a career out of my love for clothes? I dont know...
One more i dont know and i think i will burst out of frustration with myself.
When asked what my resolutions were for this year, i told everyone that there wasnt one. But one has developed in the last week.
I will try to find out what i am passionate about this year and do something in order to achieve it!!!
I dont have a hobby or anything that i love with said "passion"!
I like a lot of things but i dont love anything.
And i think its pretty sad that i dont feel passionate about anything in particular.
The dancers on the show and in the movie, they all want to dance. Dancing is their life, the air that they breathe, the blood through their veins. Its the same with athletes, they must love the sport they play to excel in it.
I dont excel.
How scary is it to be confronted by this fact?
I paint, but lets face the fact...i'm no Da Vinci, Van Gogh, or Renoir. I will not be remembered for the paintings i have done.
The things that i am good at, i dont feel passionate about. And i dont think they really count as something you would boast when asked what you are passionate about. Like..."i'm organised"...hello, who would say that they are passionate about that? And PS, i'm not passionate about it.
I'm dont play any sport. I'm good at the gym. But thats not something to boast about either. I'm just a gym junkie without the precise results she wants...which doesnt really indicate success...
I like travelling, but even that is not with a passion...and who doesnt like to travel???
I'm not even passionate about work! I just do it because i have to have something to do. Dont i? Its driven by the fact that i need money, but if you ask me what i would do otherwise??? I have no clue. If you ask other people, they would tell you that they would do something else that they love, if it would pay well...and its something that they plan on doing after they make enough...or in their early retirement, etc. My answer is a blatant "i dont know".
When i was a kid, i didnt want to be a rock star, or a musician, or anything spectacular to strive for. The things i wanted to do were achievable and practical. Interior designer or architect...scientist, doctor, psychologist...the only thing i can think of that is slightly out there was a fashion designer...and i still love clothes. Am i passionate about it? I dont know. Could i make a career out of my love for clothes? I dont know...
One more i dont know and i think i will burst out of frustration with myself.
When asked what my resolutions were for this year, i told everyone that there wasnt one. But one has developed in the last week.
I will try to find out what i am passionate about this year and do something in order to achieve it!!!
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Jazz in the Domain 07...
It was a plan to action based on the Bureau's weather report.
Forcast said it was going to rain, throughout the weekend. The morning was cloudy, but then it became sunny on my end and it was slowly moving towards the city.
We made a call about 4pm in the afternoon. We'd bite the bullet and pack for a picnic. If it rained on us then we'd sit at Broadway and eat the food we had. Because of the possible rain, we didnt bring the wine and cheese.
We got a roast chicken, bread roll, creamy pasta salad, spring lettuce salad, and for dessert our master chef L had made friands and a special fruit salad - this was based on the fact that she "didnt have time"! *LoL* if she did have time i could only imaging that she would have whipped, baked, grilled a whole heap more!
When we got to the Domain and saw the cheese and wine that was flowing, we decided it was our mission to out do everyone next week, for Symphony in the Domain.
We are going to bring more mats. We will have wine. We will have yummy cheeses. We shall have gourmet sandwiches made. A scrummy antipasto platter. And above all, we will have delicious desserts. There are other things were considering...we saw a guy with a mini bbq last night with smoke billowing towards the St Johns Ambulance guys...we were considering bringing a fondue set after seeing that...*LoL*...
Although we didnt have the wine or cheese, the food was great. I couldnt get enough of L's friands (which werent really friands and has less sugar and butter than most, cos L is always making healthier alternatives - but the flavour and texture to me, was perfect)!
The music on the other hand...i preferred 04, 05, 06 way more than this year...
I think there were only 2 or 3 songs in which i enjoyed...the rest was so passable. It was much better to just lie back and watch the bats, but hope and pray that the bats didnt poop or pee on my face. L and i went to the ladies and when we got back there was poop all over the place. G and A didnt do much, they didnt even notice it...not that they could do much to prevent it! *LoL*
While all 4 of us were lying back...i got peed on and it landed on my top...same with G. I think A was the only one who got away without any misfortunate mishaps.
When the concert was finishing up...we packed and left while the rest of the 80,000 people were seated or dancing around. We walked through Sydney Hospital...A was in awe of the people in the main section who were all up and dancing and partying as though they were on something *winkwink*...we then walked along Martin Place and noticed the line at Hotel Chambers...obviously some dance party...L and i shuddered at the thought of when we use to do that...back in our uni days...the pathetic decorum of lining up for an hour before being let it - just do they could generate a crowd!!! But not only that...we felt OLD.
A night out for us began at 6pm with 2 picnic rugs, soft drink and water, and dinner all packed in enviro/thermo bags. Our night ended at 10:30pm. Enough said...
I'm looking forward to next week. Cheese and wine...walnut cheese...sweet shiraz...proscuitto...duck pate...gosh im salivating!
Hope the weather will be as lovely as last night.
Forcast said it was going to rain, throughout the weekend. The morning was cloudy, but then it became sunny on my end and it was slowly moving towards the city.
We made a call about 4pm in the afternoon. We'd bite the bullet and pack for a picnic. If it rained on us then we'd sit at Broadway and eat the food we had. Because of the possible rain, we didnt bring the wine and cheese.
We got a roast chicken, bread roll, creamy pasta salad, spring lettuce salad, and for dessert our master chef L had made friands and a special fruit salad - this was based on the fact that she "didnt have time"! *LoL* if she did have time i could only imaging that she would have whipped, baked, grilled a whole heap more!
When we got to the Domain and saw the cheese and wine that was flowing, we decided it was our mission to out do everyone next week, for Symphony in the Domain.
We are going to bring more mats. We will have wine. We will have yummy cheeses. We shall have gourmet sandwiches made. A scrummy antipasto platter. And above all, we will have delicious desserts. There are other things were considering...we saw a guy with a mini bbq last night with smoke billowing towards the St Johns Ambulance guys...we were considering bringing a fondue set after seeing that...*LoL*...
Although we didnt have the wine or cheese, the food was great. I couldnt get enough of L's friands (which werent really friands and has less sugar and butter than most, cos L is always making healthier alternatives - but the flavour and texture to me, was perfect)!
The music on the other hand...i preferred 04, 05, 06 way more than this year...
I think there were only 2 or 3 songs in which i enjoyed...the rest was so passable. It was much better to just lie back and watch the bats, but hope and pray that the bats didnt poop or pee on my face. L and i went to the ladies and when we got back there was poop all over the place. G and A didnt do much, they didnt even notice it...not that they could do much to prevent it! *LoL*
While all 4 of us were lying back...i got peed on and it landed on my top...same with G. I think A was the only one who got away without any misfortunate mishaps.
When the concert was finishing up...we packed and left while the rest of the 80,000 people were seated or dancing around. We walked through Sydney Hospital...A was in awe of the people in the main section who were all up and dancing and partying as though they were on something *winkwink*...we then walked along Martin Place and noticed the line at Hotel Chambers...obviously some dance party...L and i shuddered at the thought of when we use to do that...back in our uni days...the pathetic decorum of lining up for an hour before being let it - just do they could generate a crowd!!! But not only that...we felt OLD.
A night out for us began at 6pm with 2 picnic rugs, soft drink and water, and dinner all packed in enviro/thermo bags. Our night ended at 10:30pm. Enough said...
I'm looking forward to next week. Cheese and wine...walnut cheese...sweet shiraz...proscuitto...duck pate...gosh im salivating!
Hope the weather will be as lovely as last night.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
The Academy of Brain Gymnastics...
I went to a meeting in the morning and was introduced to the client as "The Project Manager" for the projects coming up.
I was then away from my desk for 4 hours.
I then realised and panicked that i dont have time to be the manager of these projects and be the coordinator for the other two, especially when i'll be the Quality Assurance Manager for one of them.
I started stressing and my neck was cramping up.
I havent used my brain for anything important in a while...a very long while. I follow processes and procedures and get the work that i need to do done. I didnt have to think for myself really or decide on things for other people...
And now i have to put into practice what i have learnt in my 4 day PM course last year. But i'm dealing with the worse clients you can ever think of...but i have to learn to do this some day. I guess.
And some day turned out to be today.
Writing up plans and drawing up schedules, writing diplomatic emails that slant to a positive feel, preparing design docs...its a blur.
On top of that i need to write out the workflow for the other PM's in which i have been doing end-to-end finances for, so that they can take it off my hands, so that i can manage these projects.
I have a headache. My brain is overworked.
And P.S. Mr Hot Stuff does in fact have a girlfriend. His friend, Loose Lips, was taking a jab at him while he was on the phone...telling us that he must be talking to his girlfriend because he was acting all coy while talking on the phone.
I was then away from my desk for 4 hours.
I then realised and panicked that i dont have time to be the manager of these projects and be the coordinator for the other two, especially when i'll be the Quality Assurance Manager for one of them.
I started stressing and my neck was cramping up.
I havent used my brain for anything important in a while...a very long while. I follow processes and procedures and get the work that i need to do done. I didnt have to think for myself really or decide on things for other people...
And now i have to put into practice what i have learnt in my 4 day PM course last year. But i'm dealing with the worse clients you can ever think of...but i have to learn to do this some day. I guess.
And some day turned out to be today.
Writing up plans and drawing up schedules, writing diplomatic emails that slant to a positive feel, preparing design docs...its a blur.
On top of that i need to write out the workflow for the other PM's in which i have been doing end-to-end finances for, so that they can take it off my hands, so that i can manage these projects.
I have a headache. My brain is overworked.
And P.S. Mr Hot Stuff does in fact have a girlfriend. His friend, Loose Lips, was taking a jab at him while he was on the phone...telling us that he must be talking to his girlfriend because he was acting all coy while talking on the phone.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Still a slither of hope...
I told E again, that Mr Hot Stuff is taken. Why the reiteration? Because E was in Tassie and didnt hear me the first time i called to sook about it. He will probably ask me a third time, but i will deal with it then.
He advised me that when Mr Hot Stuff returned to work this week, i should ask from the horse's mouth who he went with?
I was flabbergasted. I thought it was too forward to ask that, "who did you go with?" I had to find a way of making it sound casual. The whole point is to find out if he mentions the gf. E is thinking Mamma might be a bit slow on the grapevine and that he may have broken up with the gf and she doesnt know it yet.
I told my workmate, M, who thinks Mr Hot Stuff is hot stuff too, that Mamma told me that he was taken. She was bummed for me. And then i told her about E's advice. She agreed and guess what i did after i ordered my drink? I asked him how was his break...and asked him who he went with...and what did they collectively get up to???
The break was good...he went with "just mates"...they just drank alot and relaxed.
Who is "just mates"?
Workmate M and i left the cafe and as we walked to the lifts i asked her "what does just mates mean"? Does that include the girlfriend? She was like "i dont know"! If i was him and my gf was there and i would say "my mates and gf", or "my gf and some mates".
But my workmate, M, also thinks that he might not have a gf and if he does, he doesnt want to reveal her...
So what does that mean for me???
=T
That was the morning break...did i mention Mamma gave us hugs and Mr Hot Stuff made a comment...Mamma says that he is just jealous! *LoL*
In the afternoon break, i ordered my drink, had a quick chat with Mr Hot Stuff and then went to sit down with Mamma and my workmate, M. Its funny, i dont think Mamma knows our names but the things we talk about is definitely not PG rated. And its a lot about her family.
She was telling us about her husband and her...what they did over the holidays...what X-rated stuff that didnt happen...where they live, when they had bought the land and when they had built their house on that land. How old she is...the age of her children...we were talking about menopause...people dying of cancer...smoking and quitting...Mr Hot Stuff and how close he was to his grandfather and that when his grandfather passed away, he was a different man and has never been the same again...i know more details, but it isnt right for me to write it up. That last bit explains why he is so silent but deadly - but its so ultra sexy!!!
See, some of these things she tells us are pretty intimate. I'm glad she feels comfortable sitting down and chatting to us about these things. She is a lovely woman. Its easy to open up to her because she is so open about herself.
30 minutes passed so effortlessly and M and i learnt so much more about Mr Hot Stuff and family.
There may not be an excellent chance for me...but there is a thread-like slither of hope.
Well, a girl can keep on dreaming...
;)
He advised me that when Mr Hot Stuff returned to work this week, i should ask from the horse's mouth who he went with?
I was flabbergasted. I thought it was too forward to ask that, "who did you go with?" I had to find a way of making it sound casual. The whole point is to find out if he mentions the gf. E is thinking Mamma might be a bit slow on the grapevine and that he may have broken up with the gf and she doesnt know it yet.
I told my workmate, M, who thinks Mr Hot Stuff is hot stuff too, that Mamma told me that he was taken. She was bummed for me. And then i told her about E's advice. She agreed and guess what i did after i ordered my drink? I asked him how was his break...and asked him who he went with...and what did they collectively get up to???
The break was good...he went with "just mates"...they just drank alot and relaxed.
Who is "just mates"?
Workmate M and i left the cafe and as we walked to the lifts i asked her "what does just mates mean"? Does that include the girlfriend? She was like "i dont know"! If i was him and my gf was there and i would say "my mates and gf", or "my gf and some mates".
But my workmate, M, also thinks that he might not have a gf and if he does, he doesnt want to reveal her...
So what does that mean for me???
=T
That was the morning break...did i mention Mamma gave us hugs and Mr Hot Stuff made a comment...Mamma says that he is just jealous! *LoL*
In the afternoon break, i ordered my drink, had a quick chat with Mr Hot Stuff and then went to sit down with Mamma and my workmate, M. Its funny, i dont think Mamma knows our names but the things we talk about is definitely not PG rated. And its a lot about her family.
She was telling us about her husband and her...what they did over the holidays...what X-rated stuff that didnt happen...where they live, when they had bought the land and when they had built their house on that land. How old she is...the age of her children...we were talking about menopause...people dying of cancer...smoking and quitting...Mr Hot Stuff and how close he was to his grandfather and that when his grandfather passed away, he was a different man and has never been the same again...i know more details, but it isnt right for me to write it up. That last bit explains why he is so silent but deadly - but its so ultra sexy!!!
See, some of these things she tells us are pretty intimate. I'm glad she feels comfortable sitting down and chatting to us about these things. She is a lovely woman. Its easy to open up to her because she is so open about herself.
30 minutes passed so effortlessly and M and i learnt so much more about Mr Hot Stuff and family.
There may not be an excellent chance for me...but there is a thread-like slither of hope.
Well, a girl can keep on dreaming...
;)
Saturday, January 06, 2007
A ring is round and has no end...
...and thats how long i'll be your friend.
We became friends in kindergarten. The best of friends really. There were two of them and one of me. Two of them because they were twins. Twins who were born on Christmas Day, which made them extra special friends to me.
After primary school, we all parted ways. They went to the local high school closer to their home and i did the same. I felt gutted to be separated from my best friends. It was a horrible experience. As Asian kids, the only place you got to see your friends was at school. Asian parents didnt believe in sleep overs and rarely allowed their children to participate in birthday parties of children their parents they didnt know well. Our parents heard, saw, or read one too many news stories on kids being kidnapped to scar them for life.
We promised to write like pen friends and it lasted for a few years and it sporadically phased out. No blame to either party, we were taking school seriously by Year 9 and obviously made new friends who were just as close if not closer. But in those written letters we spilled secrets about our latest crush, secrets about people all parties knew from primary school, and secrets about secrets...
By Year 10 the letters stopped but i still thought of them and would especially remember them on Christmas Day.
It seems funny when fate intervenes. After those years past of not writting to one another, we happened on a fairly miserable day, bump into one another between Redfern station and USYD. And throughout uni we would bump into one another and perhaps caught up over lunch a couple of times over the next 3-4 years.
Then once again, things sort of phased out. Its not that we ever stopped being friends, we just werent active as most friends.
My first full time job as a Network Admin with a Telco company, one of my team members knew their brothers. And so i got their email off him and we caught up again. Via email they filled me in on their lives, their plans to go to Europe, current bfs, etc. We made a plan to meet up on a Saturday night for drinks and some dancing.
Once again when we met, it was like we hadnt been apart. What makes our friendship work and transcend from kindergarten to adulthood is the fact that when we catch up and talk to one another we are open and honest. We pretty much reveal everything to one another and thats how we can make each other feel like our friendship meant something and that the trust is still there.
Since that one catch up on that Saturday night we hadnt seen each other for a while. Still emailing, sometimes regularly, sometimes not for a few months. Mostly the emails are forwards of funny jokes. But on those rare occasions after a while, we would touch base by replying to one of those forwards.
Like after the World Cup in 06, they had gone to Germany to catch a game. (They are football fanatics.) We met up for lunch as it was long overdue...and we chatted like there was no tomorrow. I think it was a touch weird, as it would have been one of the most "adult" things we have done together. *LoL* We had a proper sit down lunch at a cafe. Its not like i have never caught up with friends at a cafe for lunch, but as they were my kindy friends, it was territory we had not endeavoured previously.
But it was a great feeling to know we had finally brought our friendship to a different level.
We bumped into each other at bars as well, which was a quick hello and how are you? As i would normally be at the bar for another friend's thing, as would they be. But these impromptu hello's would spark another round of "touch base" style of emails.
Recently before Christmas, i had dinner with my family at the local Thai/Lao restaurant and they were there with their family for dinner too. We sat at the table next to them. They were surprised to see that i had 2 cutie nieces and they thought my little brother was my very young bf...like i was a complete craddle snatcher...*LoL*...cos they think he is uber HOT! But after a double take they realised that it was my little brother by 6 years.
Before i left the restaurant i did the "Happy Birthday & Merry Christmas & Happy New Year" wish to them both and told them we should catch up. As they were back to work this week, they sent emails to friends for their birthday drinks, which was on last night at the Opera Bar.
It was lucky that i had gone to work on Thursday and checked my email. I emailed and advised them that i was technically still on leave and wasnt sure if i was going to head out to the city on Friday night. So it was a 50-50 decision right now. They understood as they still live locally too, and knew the pains of driving to the city when you're already at home.
I contemplated about whether i should go...
And then i thought why not? I have been hibernating for almost a year, repairing myself after the break up. I'm not going to meet anyone by hiding at home. And i think i am ready to meet new people. And since i havent actually celebrated a birthday with them EVER...it was long overdue. There were no more excuses or exceptions like the previous years.
The previous years i was overseas during Christmas, actually spending it with family (very bizarre)...or i was too young to be out driving on my own, think in my late teens early 20's (my parents still have issues with me driving on my own late at night).
So, i caught up with them at Opera Bar last night and i did have a back up plan, i brought my alterna-date...but i told him that it was a good opportunity to meet new people, as i didnt know half of the friends that were on the mailing list. A lot of peole were from work and he actually met a cute girl...who after a couple of sms' to the twins after drinks, i found out that she is single and she likes Asian guys...so the chance is there!!! (We can be match makers soon!!!) *hehehe*
In terms of me, did i meet anyone? No, but i got to catch up with them again. I met one of their boyfriends and as the other is currently single, i chatted to her for most of the night. At one point, we went to get some water and this American man came from the side and stood between us as his friend took a photo of the 3 of us. She asked him what the photo was for? He said it was because he was leaving Sydney today. But that didnt seem like a response to me, so i said "I hope that photo was taken because you think we are hot!"
The things that come out of my mouth after some champagne...and once again, i only had half a glass! >_<
I've started to wear our friendship like a badge of honor now. To all the people i had met last night i was introduced to them as "...this is one of my best friends. I've known her since kindergarten." And everyone she says that too, they are surprised but in a good way. And i like that reaction.
*^_^*
We counted the difference between now and the year we became friends and realised that it is now 20+ years.
So, we are planning an outing to celebrate.
And then we thought about celebrating 21 years too...as you do with birthdays! *LoL*
I'm thinking we should hang out more...but we'll see how things go. Irrespective of what will happen next, they will always be my friends.
We became friends in kindergarten. The best of friends really. There were two of them and one of me. Two of them because they were twins. Twins who were born on Christmas Day, which made them extra special friends to me.
After primary school, we all parted ways. They went to the local high school closer to their home and i did the same. I felt gutted to be separated from my best friends. It was a horrible experience. As Asian kids, the only place you got to see your friends was at school. Asian parents didnt believe in sleep overs and rarely allowed their children to participate in birthday parties of children their parents they didnt know well. Our parents heard, saw, or read one too many news stories on kids being kidnapped to scar them for life.
We promised to write like pen friends and it lasted for a few years and it sporadically phased out. No blame to either party, we were taking school seriously by Year 9 and obviously made new friends who were just as close if not closer. But in those written letters we spilled secrets about our latest crush, secrets about people all parties knew from primary school, and secrets about secrets...
By Year 10 the letters stopped but i still thought of them and would especially remember them on Christmas Day.
It seems funny when fate intervenes. After those years past of not writting to one another, we happened on a fairly miserable day, bump into one another between Redfern station and USYD. And throughout uni we would bump into one another and perhaps caught up over lunch a couple of times over the next 3-4 years.
Then once again, things sort of phased out. Its not that we ever stopped being friends, we just werent active as most friends.
My first full time job as a Network Admin with a Telco company, one of my team members knew their brothers. And so i got their email off him and we caught up again. Via email they filled me in on their lives, their plans to go to Europe, current bfs, etc. We made a plan to meet up on a Saturday night for drinks and some dancing.
Once again when we met, it was like we hadnt been apart. What makes our friendship work and transcend from kindergarten to adulthood is the fact that when we catch up and talk to one another we are open and honest. We pretty much reveal everything to one another and thats how we can make each other feel like our friendship meant something and that the trust is still there.
Since that one catch up on that Saturday night we hadnt seen each other for a while. Still emailing, sometimes regularly, sometimes not for a few months. Mostly the emails are forwards of funny jokes. But on those rare occasions after a while, we would touch base by replying to one of those forwards.
Like after the World Cup in 06, they had gone to Germany to catch a game. (They are football fanatics.) We met up for lunch as it was long overdue...and we chatted like there was no tomorrow. I think it was a touch weird, as it would have been one of the most "adult" things we have done together. *LoL* We had a proper sit down lunch at a cafe. Its not like i have never caught up with friends at a cafe for lunch, but as they were my kindy friends, it was territory we had not endeavoured previously.
But it was a great feeling to know we had finally brought our friendship to a different level.
We bumped into each other at bars as well, which was a quick hello and how are you? As i would normally be at the bar for another friend's thing, as would they be. But these impromptu hello's would spark another round of "touch base" style of emails.
Recently before Christmas, i had dinner with my family at the local Thai/Lao restaurant and they were there with their family for dinner too. We sat at the table next to them. They were surprised to see that i had 2 cutie nieces and they thought my little brother was my very young bf...like i was a complete craddle snatcher...*LoL*...cos they think he is uber HOT! But after a double take they realised that it was my little brother by 6 years.
Before i left the restaurant i did the "Happy Birthday & Merry Christmas & Happy New Year" wish to them both and told them we should catch up. As they were back to work this week, they sent emails to friends for their birthday drinks, which was on last night at the Opera Bar.
It was lucky that i had gone to work on Thursday and checked my email. I emailed and advised them that i was technically still on leave and wasnt sure if i was going to head out to the city on Friday night. So it was a 50-50 decision right now. They understood as they still live locally too, and knew the pains of driving to the city when you're already at home.
I contemplated about whether i should go...
And then i thought why not? I have been hibernating for almost a year, repairing myself after the break up. I'm not going to meet anyone by hiding at home. And i think i am ready to meet new people. And since i havent actually celebrated a birthday with them EVER...it was long overdue. There were no more excuses or exceptions like the previous years.
The previous years i was overseas during Christmas, actually spending it with family (very bizarre)...or i was too young to be out driving on my own, think in my late teens early 20's (my parents still have issues with me driving on my own late at night).
So, i caught up with them at Opera Bar last night and i did have a back up plan, i brought my alterna-date...but i told him that it was a good opportunity to meet new people, as i didnt know half of the friends that were on the mailing list. A lot of peole were from work and he actually met a cute girl...who after a couple of sms' to the twins after drinks, i found out that she is single and she likes Asian guys...so the chance is there!!! (We can be match makers soon!!!) *hehehe*
In terms of me, did i meet anyone? No, but i got to catch up with them again. I met one of their boyfriends and as the other is currently single, i chatted to her for most of the night. At one point, we went to get some water and this American man came from the side and stood between us as his friend took a photo of the 3 of us. She asked him what the photo was for? He said it was because he was leaving Sydney today. But that didnt seem like a response to me, so i said "I hope that photo was taken because you think we are hot!"
The things that come out of my mouth after some champagne...and once again, i only had half a glass! >_<
I've started to wear our friendship like a badge of honor now. To all the people i had met last night i was introduced to them as "...this is one of my best friends. I've known her since kindergarten." And everyone she says that too, they are surprised but in a good way. And i like that reaction.
*^_^*
We counted the difference between now and the year we became friends and realised that it is now 20+ years.
So, we are planning an outing to celebrate.
And then we thought about celebrating 21 years too...as you do with birthdays! *LoL*
I'm thinking we should hang out more...but we'll see how things go. Irrespective of what will happen next, they will always be my friends.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Destination...disappointment!
E and i had a plan.
I had to interrogate "Mamma" and find out if Mr Hot Stuff was available.
I told E that i would go into work and pop by the coffee shop and do the interrogation now in early January, because i knew Mr Hot Stuff was still on holidays. His bestfriend Mr S (who also works at the coffee shop) had blabbed to E and i (on their last day opened before Christmas) that Mr Hot Stuff was going to Byron Bay for 2 weeks.
On Tuesday when i went into work to do a couple of things and a report, i went to the coffee shop and said hello to Mamma, but she quickly went into the kitchen after that, so i only had Mr S to interrogate...and although he is a blabber, there wasnt anything i could get out of him without being suspicious.
I had to pop into work again today. And i had the best opportunity to speak with Mamma. So, i did the obligatory and asked her about her Christmas...and then she mentioned about Mr Hot Stuff being away in Byron and so he wasnt here to celebrate Christmas with her.
Being the clever one i can be sometimes, i asked if he was the only child??? She said no, but he is the baby. He has an older sister and she has moved out. I asked if Mr Hot Stuff was still living at home and she said yes, but dont tell him she told me that! *LoL* She also told me his age and that he should move out. She had told him recently that since his sister has moved out, he should too...whether he is single or not, its time he moved out of the house.
Here was my queue - i asked whether he was single or not?
She said no, he had a girlfriend...and being quick to think...and not to reveal my true intentions, i told her that he should move out then with his girlfriend...
She agreed with me but said he liked the good life of being at home. I told her it was her cooking!!!
She then took my order and i proceeded to call E and tell him that our plans have been foiled!
=(
No Mr Hot Stuff for me. No free coffee for E.
I had to interrogate "Mamma" and find out if Mr Hot Stuff was available.
I told E that i would go into work and pop by the coffee shop and do the interrogation now in early January, because i knew Mr Hot Stuff was still on holidays. His bestfriend Mr S (who also works at the coffee shop) had blabbed to E and i (on their last day opened before Christmas) that Mr Hot Stuff was going to Byron Bay for 2 weeks.
On Tuesday when i went into work to do a couple of things and a report, i went to the coffee shop and said hello to Mamma, but she quickly went into the kitchen after that, so i only had Mr S to interrogate...and although he is a blabber, there wasnt anything i could get out of him without being suspicious.
I had to pop into work again today. And i had the best opportunity to speak with Mamma. So, i did the obligatory and asked her about her Christmas...and then she mentioned about Mr Hot Stuff being away in Byron and so he wasnt here to celebrate Christmas with her.
Being the clever one i can be sometimes, i asked if he was the only child??? She said no, but he is the baby. He has an older sister and she has moved out. I asked if Mr Hot Stuff was still living at home and she said yes, but dont tell him she told me that! *LoL* She also told me his age and that he should move out. She had told him recently that since his sister has moved out, he should too...whether he is single or not, its time he moved out of the house.
Here was my queue - i asked whether he was single or not?
She said no, he had a girlfriend...and being quick to think...and not to reveal my true intentions, i told her that he should move out then with his girlfriend...
She agreed with me but said he liked the good life of being at home. I told her it was her cooking!!!
She then took my order and i proceeded to call E and tell him that our plans have been foiled!
=(
No Mr Hot Stuff for me. No free coffee for E.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
News, news, news...
Those two 15 y/o convicted of murder for the 17 y/o boy in Griffith is shocking and atrocious. I can not believe that it happened to the boy on New Years day waiting for a taxi to take him and his friend home.
The girl who was stripped search doing a late shift at Mc Donalds in the US...
How stupid was the manager? Taking a call from a man who said that he was a police man and making her employee strip to nothing...then calling her fiance to come in and continue the search because the Mc Donald's was getting busy and she needed to get back to work...the fiance physically abused the girl and then when he was told to get her to perform oral sex by the supposed "Cop" on the phone, he just sat there and thought nothing of it. The girl actually performed it.
I cant believe this horror didnt end at the point in which the manager (female) was asked to strip search the girl, after the girl had emptied her pockets...because she had "stolen" something. It really should not have started to begin with.
How dumb are some people??? The manager was (is) pathetically stupid.
The girl was young and naive, but if i was in her position, i would have said no.
Some specialists interviewed by reporters have said that the employees of Mc Donalds are trained to follow procedures, and when put in a position outside of their comfort zone, like this, they dont know what to do and how to react...so the girl followed what her manager had told her to do...
But, what about the manager? She just follow a voice on the phone that may not be who they say they are???
Funny thing is, if she was to follow her procedures, then why didnt she follow the section in their manuals that says something along the lines of '...you are not to strip search your employee under any circumstance. No law enforcement will ask you to do such a thing...'
What is your opinion of the Matthew Newton fiasco on the "Big Night In" on Channel 10? Shown on New Years Eve as part of the celebrations after the 9pm fireworks, before the midnite display...apparently a lot of conservative parents and grandparents have rung up radio stations and written to the other tv channels to vent their views about how crass and disgusting and just how wrong it was for kiddies and the adults alike.
Others argue that if you didnt like it, then you should have turned it off or changed the channel at the least.
I was watching a movie i think on another channel (Chicago actually)...so i pretty much missed it. But watching the news the next day and then ACA on 9, and TT on 7 on subsequent following days still ranting and raving about it, i caught a glimpse of what he did to John Foreman while he was suppose to be singing a song.
My opinion? It was pretty gross. It was plain dirty. I'm hoping that he was on something...like he drank too much before he went on stage, because nothing else could really explain that sort of behaviour if he was sober.
The girl who was stripped search doing a late shift at Mc Donalds in the US...
How stupid was the manager? Taking a call from a man who said that he was a police man and making her employee strip to nothing...then calling her fiance to come in and continue the search because the Mc Donald's was getting busy and she needed to get back to work...the fiance physically abused the girl and then when he was told to get her to perform oral sex by the supposed "Cop" on the phone, he just sat there and thought nothing of it. The girl actually performed it.
I cant believe this horror didnt end at the point in which the manager (female) was asked to strip search the girl, after the girl had emptied her pockets...because she had "stolen" something. It really should not have started to begin with.
How dumb are some people??? The manager was (is) pathetically stupid.
The girl was young and naive, but if i was in her position, i would have said no.
Some specialists interviewed by reporters have said that the employees of Mc Donalds are trained to follow procedures, and when put in a position outside of their comfort zone, like this, they dont know what to do and how to react...so the girl followed what her manager had told her to do...
But, what about the manager? She just follow a voice on the phone that may not be who they say they are???
Funny thing is, if she was to follow her procedures, then why didnt she follow the section in their manuals that says something along the lines of '...you are not to strip search your employee under any circumstance. No law enforcement will ask you to do such a thing...'
What is your opinion of the Matthew Newton fiasco on the "Big Night In" on Channel 10? Shown on New Years Eve as part of the celebrations after the 9pm fireworks, before the midnite display...apparently a lot of conservative parents and grandparents have rung up radio stations and written to the other tv channels to vent their views about how crass and disgusting and just how wrong it was for kiddies and the adults alike.
Others argue that if you didnt like it, then you should have turned it off or changed the channel at the least.
I was watching a movie i think on another channel (Chicago actually)...so i pretty much missed it. But watching the news the next day and then ACA on 9, and TT on 7 on subsequent following days still ranting and raving about it, i caught a glimpse of what he did to John Foreman while he was suppose to be singing a song.
My opinion? It was pretty gross. It was plain dirty. I'm hoping that he was on something...like he drank too much before he went on stage, because nothing else could really explain that sort of behaviour if he was sober.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Welcome 2007...
I'm currently sitting at home watching Chicago and its funny, i dont remember it being that interesting when i watched it in the cinemas.
Was it because i didnt understand the satire?
It was only 4 years ago...
And yet, i have changed and grown and matured in the last year.
Well, i hope i have...i feel like i have...
On the side of contradiction, i feel quite immature too. I feel quite young and still like a teen in some ways. People tell me that its good to feel young, but i feel old and act young...go figure. I'm tired but still try to stay up. No, thats wrong, i have given up on staying up late.
For instance, im suppose to be at a party right now, but i went at 5:30pm...ate dinner and then left to go home to catch Michael Buble in concert in LA on the ABC. I didnt even have a drink...even though i made punch again...
2006 pushed me to face the fact that he no longer loved me and that it was over. I put my efforts towards work, my family, my friends and planning for my trip.
I then got a mortgage.
And paid for my trip.
I found a crush...he's cute...and mysterious...not sure if i will do anything about it...but who knows what 2007 will bring???
I also had to realise that my company didnt value me as much as i believed, and face up to the fact that they were looking out for themselves.
My attitude has changed...I'm impatient and still temperamental...but i am actively trying to brush insignificant issues aside. I'm still working on being happier with myself...its a tough one.
So, tomorrow...the first day of 2007...i will wake up and go for a run...take in some fresh air...and think about the plan of attack for the new year.
From me to you...I hope that the new year brings you joy, love, and laughter.
Was it because i didnt understand the satire?
It was only 4 years ago...
And yet, i have changed and grown and matured in the last year.
Well, i hope i have...i feel like i have...
On the side of contradiction, i feel quite immature too. I feel quite young and still like a teen in some ways. People tell me that its good to feel young, but i feel old and act young...go figure. I'm tired but still try to stay up. No, thats wrong, i have given up on staying up late.
For instance, im suppose to be at a party right now, but i went at 5:30pm...ate dinner and then left to go home to catch Michael Buble in concert in LA on the ABC. I didnt even have a drink...even though i made punch again...
2006 pushed me to face the fact that he no longer loved me and that it was over. I put my efforts towards work, my family, my friends and planning for my trip.
I then got a mortgage.
And paid for my trip.
I found a crush...he's cute...and mysterious...not sure if i will do anything about it...but who knows what 2007 will bring???
I also had to realise that my company didnt value me as much as i believed, and face up to the fact that they were looking out for themselves.
My attitude has changed...I'm impatient and still temperamental...but i am actively trying to brush insignificant issues aside. I'm still working on being happier with myself...its a tough one.
So, tomorrow...the first day of 2007...i will wake up and go for a run...take in some fresh air...and think about the plan of attack for the new year.
From me to you...I hope that the new year brings you joy, love, and laughter.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Movie Reviews...
Volver:
E and i went in to the cinema not knowing much about this movie...well E only knew that Penelope Cruz was in it...while i knew only a smidge more. That it is a movie about 3 women in the same family, a secret from the past that Penelope's character was trying to run away from but catches up with her...and that was pretty much it on my side of the fence.
I wanted to watch it because i was given a discount voucher by Palace and the movie had rave reviews.
The various synopsis I read about the movie did not do it justice.
Almodovar is a genious. I dont even know Spanish, but the movie translates so well, even to me a simple minded girl from the Sydney burbs. Its intense and sincere. There is an intelligent sense of mystery and discovery and when all is revealed, it is obvious when you think about it...but it was subtle throughout the movie...and the intrigue kept you captivated all the way through the 150 or so minutes of screen time.
It has its moments where you laugh and cry. Its quite heart warming, actually. And i appreciate that Almodovar made the movie with the intention of focusing on women and their strength. Men do not play any major roles in this flick.
If you want to go watch a foreign movie, i highly recommend Volver. If you dont know what Volver means in Spanish, i can tell you now that its better not to know before you watch it...I think it helped with the suprises that i forgot what Volver meant in Spanish.
Happy Feet:
I went to watch Happy Feet yesterday at Greater Union Gold Class, because my alterna-date and i really wanted to watch this cartoon without the interruption of a cinema filled with a dozen too many little kiddies.
It was brilliant that i was sent some free upgrade passes for this, so that we could try out the new Gold Class seats and the service they are suppose to provide.
The plush reclining chairs are soo comfy, i didnt really want to leave it when the movie finished...the food that you order while you wait in their bar/waiting area is served to you when you tell them to, for when you are in the cinema watching the movie.
I highly recommend this for a special date...its really impressive, but advise the girl you are with to avoid wearing a mini skirt like i did...exposed legs get really cold after like 20 minutes sitting in the cinemas.
Happy Feet is one of the most joyest cartoons i have seen in a while...which will be surpassed shortly with Shrek 3 and Happily Never After (from the makers of Shrek and Shrek 2)...but never mind that for now.
I felt like tap dancing throughout this movie as much as Mumble. Baby Mumble is sooo cute!!! Tap dancing for him is an expression of joy, love, and happiness. I wish every problem could be solved through song and dance. There is so much singing, so much music, so much joy!
I initially thought that there wasnt a really point to this cartoon and then i saw the making of it and i knew i had to watch it. There is a point, i dont like the way it sort of wraps up at the end as quickly as it does...because it makes you feel as though they just tacked it at the end to make a point for the sake of it. But its a valid point, the delivery was just not as poignant as it could have been.
Now that aside, i was boogeying throughout the flick in my very own comfy recliner, especially to "boogey-wonderland" when Gloria (Brittany Murphy) was belting the song out. It is another "heart felt" cartoon...and so it should be...i mean it is directed at kids afterall, with some adult humour thrown in so that the parents who take their children dont get completely bored! Thats the sophistication of cartoon movies today.
Its a really beautiful, cute flick that as an adult, i really enjoyed. I have mentioned the word JOY a number of times about this movie, because if i had to sum it up in a word, i would say JOY fits perfectly.
***
I have a DVD copy of The Black Dahlia and Babel...so i will be watching both shortly...I asked my alterna-date to find The pursuit of happyness...I really need a BIG crying session and this movie moved me so much when i caught the preview...i was already reduced to tears.
I finished the "Full House" series in 2 days. I love the way the Koreans tie up their movies or their soap operas, so that there are no empty gaps. I mean, those movies or soap operas which leave you hanging are so cruel. You've been following for so long and then the series ends. You're left wondering wtf? What happens to so&so now? But Full House finished with no important questions about the main characters unanswered.
There has been a lot of watching...next week i think i should start working...
=(
E and i went in to the cinema not knowing much about this movie...well E only knew that Penelope Cruz was in it...while i knew only a smidge more. That it is a movie about 3 women in the same family, a secret from the past that Penelope's character was trying to run away from but catches up with her...and that was pretty much it on my side of the fence.
I wanted to watch it because i was given a discount voucher by Palace and the movie had rave reviews.
The various synopsis I read about the movie did not do it justice.
Almodovar is a genious. I dont even know Spanish, but the movie translates so well, even to me a simple minded girl from the Sydney burbs. Its intense and sincere. There is an intelligent sense of mystery and discovery and when all is revealed, it is obvious when you think about it...but it was subtle throughout the movie...and the intrigue kept you captivated all the way through the 150 or so minutes of screen time.
It has its moments where you laugh and cry. Its quite heart warming, actually. And i appreciate that Almodovar made the movie with the intention of focusing on women and their strength. Men do not play any major roles in this flick.
If you want to go watch a foreign movie, i highly recommend Volver. If you dont know what Volver means in Spanish, i can tell you now that its better not to know before you watch it...I think it helped with the suprises that i forgot what Volver meant in Spanish.
Happy Feet:
I went to watch Happy Feet yesterday at Greater Union Gold Class, because my alterna-date and i really wanted to watch this cartoon without the interruption of a cinema filled with a dozen too many little kiddies.
It was brilliant that i was sent some free upgrade passes for this, so that we could try out the new Gold Class seats and the service they are suppose to provide.
The plush reclining chairs are soo comfy, i didnt really want to leave it when the movie finished...the food that you order while you wait in their bar/waiting area is served to you when you tell them to, for when you are in the cinema watching the movie.
I highly recommend this for a special date...its really impressive, but advise the girl you are with to avoid wearing a mini skirt like i did...exposed legs get really cold after like 20 minutes sitting in the cinemas.
Happy Feet is one of the most joyest cartoons i have seen in a while...which will be surpassed shortly with Shrek 3 and Happily Never After (from the makers of Shrek and Shrek 2)...but never mind that for now.
I felt like tap dancing throughout this movie as much as Mumble. Baby Mumble is sooo cute!!! Tap dancing for him is an expression of joy, love, and happiness. I wish every problem could be solved through song and dance. There is so much singing, so much music, so much joy!
I initially thought that there wasnt a really point to this cartoon and then i saw the making of it and i knew i had to watch it. There is a point, i dont like the way it sort of wraps up at the end as quickly as it does...because it makes you feel as though they just tacked it at the end to make a point for the sake of it. But its a valid point, the delivery was just not as poignant as it could have been.
Now that aside, i was boogeying throughout the flick in my very own comfy recliner, especially to "boogey-wonderland" when Gloria (Brittany Murphy) was belting the song out. It is another "heart felt" cartoon...and so it should be...i mean it is directed at kids afterall, with some adult humour thrown in so that the parents who take their children dont get completely bored! Thats the sophistication of cartoon movies today.
Its a really beautiful, cute flick that as an adult, i really enjoyed. I have mentioned the word JOY a number of times about this movie, because if i had to sum it up in a word, i would say JOY fits perfectly.
I have a DVD copy of The Black Dahlia and Babel...so i will be watching both shortly...I asked my alterna-date to find The pursuit of happyness...I really need a BIG crying session and this movie moved me so much when i caught the preview...i was already reduced to tears.
I finished the "Full House" series in 2 days. I love the way the Koreans tie up their movies or their soap operas, so that there are no empty gaps. I mean, those movies or soap operas which leave you hanging are so cruel. You've been following for so long and then the series ends. You're left wondering wtf? What happens to so&so now? But Full House finished with no important questions about the main characters unanswered.
There has been a lot of watching...next week i think i should start working...
=(
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Christmas 2006
I'm not really into Christmas anymore...
I buy gifts for the girls and thats about it. I dont go and see people or visit relatives. I stopped giving out cards to my friends a few years ago. I've sort of grown out from it. And since im not religious, its not a religious occasion to me.
If it wasnt for the fact that the people at work were more into the celebrations, i wouldnt even bother with the Chris Kringle i get included in. And i think that is the only way i really celebrate it in any shape or form.
So its actually funny that i have received a variety of gifts from people around me.
For Chris Kringle i got a box of choccies, from a workmate i got a bottle of red from Chile, a friend brought back a box of truffles straight from San Churros in Melbourne. My sister in law has given me a t-shirt, and i know this because my niece came running in with the presents and told me what her mother wrapped up for me! *LoL* I also received a pj set from a girlfriend as a thank you/christmas present. Work gave me a Myer voucher.
All i really look forward to during this holiday season, is the holiday - my break from work!
Funny how this year i had to bring work home!
=P
Guess the plan to wipe it all from my memory isnt going to work.
Its only been 1 day and i have learnt how to ask in French what occupation a person does and i can respond that i am an architect...shame that im not an architect! hehe...i know how to ask if a person is married, and i know how to respond that i am single...good question if you are looking for a spunkhy French hubby, non? "Vous etes marie? Non, je suis celibataire."
I also know how to interrupt people while they are speaking, excuse myself and tell them that i am running late. I think this is a good one to remember..."Excusez-moi, je suis en retard!"
My sister in law gave me her "Full House" box set of dvds to borrow...because she wants everyone to be as hooked as she is. I started yesterday from 10:30am and i didnt stop except to eat dinner at 6pm. And when i got home i continued to watch it. Its Korean and the funny thing is that if you watch it a while, you start thinking that you understand what they are saying...i watched an episode without the english subtitles...and i felt that i comprehended...I know i didnt really...but it didnt even occur to me that the subtitles were missing until much later on.
So, im learning French, watching a Korean soap opera, catching a Spanish flick today with E, its surprising what other language i can integrate into my brain?
I think i am babbling...i need to hit the gym before E picks me up to go watch Volver.
The point of this blog was actually to wish everyone well...
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, EVEN THOSE WHO DO NOT CELEBRATE THIS OCCASION!
I buy gifts for the girls and thats about it. I dont go and see people or visit relatives. I stopped giving out cards to my friends a few years ago. I've sort of grown out from it. And since im not religious, its not a religious occasion to me.
If it wasnt for the fact that the people at work were more into the celebrations, i wouldnt even bother with the Chris Kringle i get included in. And i think that is the only way i really celebrate it in any shape or form.
So its actually funny that i have received a variety of gifts from people around me.
For Chris Kringle i got a box of choccies, from a workmate i got a bottle of red from Chile, a friend brought back a box of truffles straight from San Churros in Melbourne. My sister in law has given me a t-shirt, and i know this because my niece came running in with the presents and told me what her mother wrapped up for me! *LoL* I also received a pj set from a girlfriend as a thank you/christmas present. Work gave me a Myer voucher.
All i really look forward to during this holiday season, is the holiday - my break from work!
Funny how this year i had to bring work home!
=P
Guess the plan to wipe it all from my memory isnt going to work.
Its only been 1 day and i have learnt how to ask in French what occupation a person does and i can respond that i am an architect...shame that im not an architect! hehe...i know how to ask if a person is married, and i know how to respond that i am single...good question if you are looking for a spunkhy French hubby, non? "Vous etes marie? Non, je suis celibataire."
I also know how to interrupt people while they are speaking, excuse myself and tell them that i am running late. I think this is a good one to remember..."Excusez-moi, je suis en retard!"
My sister in law gave me her "Full House" box set of dvds to borrow...because she wants everyone to be as hooked as she is. I started yesterday from 10:30am and i didnt stop except to eat dinner at 6pm. And when i got home i continued to watch it. Its Korean and the funny thing is that if you watch it a while, you start thinking that you understand what they are saying...i watched an episode without the english subtitles...and i felt that i comprehended...I know i didnt really...but it didnt even occur to me that the subtitles were missing until much later on.
So, im learning French, watching a Korean soap opera, catching a Spanish flick today with E, its surprising what other language i can integrate into my brain?
I think i am babbling...i need to hit the gym before E picks me up to go watch Volver.
The point of this blog was actually to wish everyone well...
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, EVEN THOSE WHO DO NOT CELEBRATE THIS OCCASION!
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Drinking a glass of Non Vintage - Sparkling Rose...
at 9:30am is not a good way to start the day when you have an empty stomach!
We had a team breakfast and Chris Kringle this morning...
I had two sips of the rose and it went straight to my head. I turned left to talk to my workmate and my head spun. I can still feel it now. Luckily it was warm, i mean if it was chilled then i would have drank all of it and i would be feeling worse for wear.
The thing is, thats only the start of my day. I have a HUGE company Christmas party starting from 1pm today and ending...well it doesnt end!
The alcohol will be free flowing and 2 managers (client side - who are leaving) couldnt recruit enough people to attend their going away shindig, and asked whether they could combine with our Christmas party...because all the people they invited declined their invite saying they were coming to the said company Christmas party!!!
It is going to be at Bodhi Restaurant and Bar on College Street...vegetarian yum cha and an open bar doesnt seem safe to me...hopefully there will be enough carbs to keep most people sober until they ride the bucking bull. And yes, you heard my correctly...the person who organised our party has arranged for a bucking bull to be one of the activities we do for this afternoon.
There will also be a magician on hand, a caricature artist, and of course Karaoke for the drunken who will be hanging around late into the evening.
The company will actually meet at 1pm, while guests were invited to arrive at 2pm. The reason why we are all meeting at 1pm is so that we can have our team overview for the year and what is in for us in 2007. The boss tends to give the spill about how fabulous we performed in the year and he goes around and sing praises about each individual. And at the end of the speech I am hoping that we get an envelope with a gift voucher tucked inside. Thats what we got last year, but since the company doubled in size this year...i dont know if they will be kind enough to give Xmas pressies...or just give us a pat on the back...(considering how they rewarded me when i asked for a raise).
=P
Anyhoo...there is a lot of things that i will need to tidy up. Only 1.5 hours and i head off to more drinking and basically ride off today.
*RofL*
I am thankful for these small favours.
We had a team breakfast and Chris Kringle this morning...
I had two sips of the rose and it went straight to my head. I turned left to talk to my workmate and my head spun. I can still feel it now. Luckily it was warm, i mean if it was chilled then i would have drank all of it and i would be feeling worse for wear.
The thing is, thats only the start of my day. I have a HUGE company Christmas party starting from 1pm today and ending...well it doesnt end!
The alcohol will be free flowing and 2 managers (client side - who are leaving) couldnt recruit enough people to attend their going away shindig, and asked whether they could combine with our Christmas party...because all the people they invited declined their invite saying they were coming to the said company Christmas party!!!
It is going to be at Bodhi Restaurant and Bar on College Street...vegetarian yum cha and an open bar doesnt seem safe to me...hopefully there will be enough carbs to keep most people sober until they ride the bucking bull. And yes, you heard my correctly...the person who organised our party has arranged for a bucking bull to be one of the activities we do for this afternoon.
There will also be a magician on hand, a caricature artist, and of course Karaoke for the drunken who will be hanging around late into the evening.
The company will actually meet at 1pm, while guests were invited to arrive at 2pm. The reason why we are all meeting at 1pm is so that we can have our team overview for the year and what is in for us in 2007. The boss tends to give the spill about how fabulous we performed in the year and he goes around and sing praises about each individual. And at the end of the speech I am hoping that we get an envelope with a gift voucher tucked inside. Thats what we got last year, but since the company doubled in size this year...i dont know if they will be kind enough to give Xmas pressies...or just give us a pat on the back...(considering how they rewarded me when i asked for a raise).
=P
Anyhoo...there is a lot of things that i will need to tidy up. Only 1.5 hours and i head off to more drinking and basically ride off today.
*RofL*
I am thankful for these small favours.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Things to do, things to see...
I have 2 weeks of embargo time (forced leave).
So, what do i plan to do, since i wont be going away this year?
I will be learning the f0llowing:
* Revise the PMBOK to finish my assignment.
* Read the Corporate Finance books my line manager, ever so kindly (insert sarcasm) left on my desk for me to borrow.
* Learn French for Conversation via CD and booklet i had bought the other day.
I want to see the following:
* Marie Antoinette
* Happy Feet
* Volver
* The Black Dahlia
* Goddess: Divine Energy @ AGNSW
I will be doing the following:
* Running every morning, at least 5 days of the week for the next two weeks.
* Staying at home and not go shopping! Need. To. Save. Money.
* Find a frame for the painting i had purchased at Art on the Rocks, earlier this year.
* Sleep 8 hours a night, avoid late nights where possible.
* Stay at home on NYE. I want to feel as low as i did those years where i sat at home watching the fireworks on tv all by myself. It may sound really sad to you, and it is, but i need this to feel grounded. It makes me realise and decide on what i should do the year ahead in order to love and appreciate myself.
So, what do i plan to do, since i wont be going away this year?
I will be learning the f0llowing:
* Revise the PMBOK to finish my assignment.
* Read the Corporate Finance books my line manager, ever so kindly (insert sarcasm) left on my desk for me to borrow.
* Learn French for Conversation via CD and booklet i had bought the other day.
I want to see the following:
* Marie Antoinette
* Happy Feet
* Volver
* The Black Dahlia
* Goddess: Divine Energy @ AGNSW
I will be doing the following:
* Running every morning, at least 5 days of the week for the next two weeks.
* Staying at home and not go shopping! Need. To. Save. Money.
* Find a frame for the painting i had purchased at Art on the Rocks, earlier this year.
* Sleep 8 hours a night, avoid late nights where possible.
* Stay at home on NYE. I want to feel as low as i did those years where i sat at home watching the fireworks on tv all by myself. It may sound really sad to you, and it is, but i need this to feel grounded. It makes me realise and decide on what i should do the year ahead in order to love and appreciate myself.
P-plater again...
I'm driving a different car now, inherited from my older brother because he is getting a company car.
Its a compact hatchback 1.5 y/o, but its bigger than ol' bluey (my echo)...well it feels bigger...i sit down behind the wheel and it feels like it has swallowed me whole...which isnt a bad thing if you want to feel petite like a size 6 when you are really bigger.
I've had a license to drive since i was 16...so i have been driving for 10 years almost, and yet place me in a different car and i feel like im a teen, fresh walking out from RTA with my newly printed license in hand. I'm not saying that i am the best driver. Obviously i'm not, since im freaking out about driving another "just as" compact car. But im not horrible at driving either. I'm somewhere in the middle, on the better side of the scale.
My echo was 6 years old...actually almost 7 years old. The engine started to sound funny even though it was serviced on a regular basis. It was my car, so i could handle it with all its kinks, but if another driver went behind the wheel, they would think that its quirks were huge faults.
It was time to get a new car...but at the same time, i didnt really want to let go. I thought about it...i've bought a house, why not buy a car too. Everyone is financing these days, and i could put the money i got from selling the blue one back into a much needed newer model. Or maybe i could find a 2nd hand car that is in good condition for the price of my bluey...
Then my brother gave me an option. Keep on paying the finance of his car and keep it as mine. Put the money from bluey into this one and lower the interest repayments as well as the duration of the financing.
So, thats what i did.
Driving to the trainstation got me freaking out. I started panicking about whether i would be able to reverse park in this car. I'm sooo stupid sometimes. I mean the car is just another small car, it isnt big like the merc i had to drive on my brother's wedding night...that was a horrible evening...
I had been awake since 5am on his wedding day, because i was also a bridesmaid and had to get my make up and hair done. I was in heels all day and by the time the wedding reception had ended after midnight, we realised that my brother and father were both sh!tfaced and couldnt drive. I was the only one who could drive the bloody merc E-class his boss let him borrow straight from the showroom floor. I was so scared i think i was driving like at 40kph...fortunately it was late at night?
So, im at the parking lot by the trainstation and i park the car and everything is fine. I think to myself, "why was i freaking out for?"
I dont know why. I'm just pathetic like that sometimes. But it made me realise that at least there are some things in this world that still gives me a rush. Whether it is an anxiety attack or a stress attack...they arent the best feelings in the world, but at least i am still feeling something.
I have been stressed about the car, whether i would be able to sell it at a reasonable price or not...or perhaps a trade-in would be better...bluey's registration and insurance would be up early in January 07, so i had to act quick...then i had my review at work and my asking for a raise didnt work out the way i wanted it to...it has been a stressful week and a half. More stressful than buying a house.
And so i realised another thing...work related...loyalty means nothing no matter how big or small a company is. At the end of the day, the company will look at what is best for them, not you. Most dont care about staff retention even though they do a song and dance about it. I've seen it in a big company, in a medium sized company and now, even in a small company - which i didnt think i would ever witness.
I always had this idealism that with smaller companies, because they got to know their employees better than bigger companies, that it would be like a family...its that way for K. There is only 10 people in her company and they support eachother as a family does, but they work for the government...i dont know if that makes a difference.
I believed that my company was in touch with their staff and really wanted to retain us. We started with about 10 people when i first began 1.5 years ago...i felt valued, i felt like a member of their team/family, i felt like they acknowledged that i was doing my part and i was doing it well...i felt like they didnt want to lose me, not now, not ever.
But after their final offer (which didnt move a millimeter from their first, by the way), i realise where i stand with them.
They initially gave the impression that i was going to be offered alot. As i was informed that there was a delay in offering me my package as they were considering the tax benefits for both parties. Then i was given the offer and the impression that they could not afford to give me so much - i was actually asking for below but close to market value btw. They took what i asked for and then came back to me 2 days later and advised me that what they were offering was more than enough for my 1.5 years of experience. Meanwhile i have 3 years experience...so they managed to make me feel de-valued and de-skilled and that my loyalty meant nothing to them, in a matter of like 3 days. But they kept harping on about staff retention.
You know, at the end of the day...even if they offered me $500 more on my package - i would have felt better about the way things turned out. I would have felt as though my line manager had fought my argument for me to my MD and that they considered that i was unhappy and they tried to make things better so that they could retain me...as they constantly remind me that they really believe in staff retention, and especially retaining me!
Lesson learnt.
Its a compact hatchback 1.5 y/o, but its bigger than ol' bluey (my echo)...well it feels bigger...i sit down behind the wheel and it feels like it has swallowed me whole...which isnt a bad thing if you want to feel petite like a size 6 when you are really bigger.
I've had a license to drive since i was 16...so i have been driving for 10 years almost, and yet place me in a different car and i feel like im a teen, fresh walking out from RTA with my newly printed license in hand. I'm not saying that i am the best driver. Obviously i'm not, since im freaking out about driving another "just as" compact car. But im not horrible at driving either. I'm somewhere in the middle, on the better side of the scale.
My echo was 6 years old...actually almost 7 years old. The engine started to sound funny even though it was serviced on a regular basis. It was my car, so i could handle it with all its kinks, but if another driver went behind the wheel, they would think that its quirks were huge faults.
It was time to get a new car...but at the same time, i didnt really want to let go. I thought about it...i've bought a house, why not buy a car too. Everyone is financing these days, and i could put the money i got from selling the blue one back into a much needed newer model. Or maybe i could find a 2nd hand car that is in good condition for the price of my bluey...
Then my brother gave me an option. Keep on paying the finance of his car and keep it as mine. Put the money from bluey into this one and lower the interest repayments as well as the duration of the financing.
So, thats what i did.
Driving to the trainstation got me freaking out. I started panicking about whether i would be able to reverse park in this car. I'm sooo stupid sometimes. I mean the car is just another small car, it isnt big like the merc i had to drive on my brother's wedding night...that was a horrible evening...
I had been awake since 5am on his wedding day, because i was also a bridesmaid and had to get my make up and hair done. I was in heels all day and by the time the wedding reception had ended after midnight, we realised that my brother and father were both sh!tfaced and couldnt drive. I was the only one who could drive the bloody merc E-class his boss let him borrow straight from the showroom floor. I was so scared i think i was driving like at 40kph...fortunately it was late at night?
So, im at the parking lot by the trainstation and i park the car and everything is fine. I think to myself, "why was i freaking out for?"
I dont know why. I'm just pathetic like that sometimes. But it made me realise that at least there are some things in this world that still gives me a rush. Whether it is an anxiety attack or a stress attack...they arent the best feelings in the world, but at least i am still feeling something.
I have been stressed about the car, whether i would be able to sell it at a reasonable price or not...or perhaps a trade-in would be better...bluey's registration and insurance would be up early in January 07, so i had to act quick...then i had my review at work and my asking for a raise didnt work out the way i wanted it to...it has been a stressful week and a half. More stressful than buying a house.
And so i realised another thing...work related...loyalty means nothing no matter how big or small a company is. At the end of the day, the company will look at what is best for them, not you. Most dont care about staff retention even though they do a song and dance about it. I've seen it in a big company, in a medium sized company and now, even in a small company - which i didnt think i would ever witness.
I always had this idealism that with smaller companies, because they got to know their employees better than bigger companies, that it would be like a family...its that way for K. There is only 10 people in her company and they support eachother as a family does, but they work for the government...i dont know if that makes a difference.
I believed that my company was in touch with their staff and really wanted to retain us. We started with about 10 people when i first began 1.5 years ago...i felt valued, i felt like a member of their team/family, i felt like they acknowledged that i was doing my part and i was doing it well...i felt like they didnt want to lose me, not now, not ever.
But after their final offer (which didnt move a millimeter from their first, by the way), i realise where i stand with them.
They initially gave the impression that i was going to be offered alot. As i was informed that there was a delay in offering me my package as they were considering the tax benefits for both parties. Then i was given the offer and the impression that they could not afford to give me so much - i was actually asking for below but close to market value btw. They took what i asked for and then came back to me 2 days later and advised me that what they were offering was more than enough for my 1.5 years of experience. Meanwhile i have 3 years experience...so they managed to make me feel de-valued and de-skilled and that my loyalty meant nothing to them, in a matter of like 3 days. But they kept harping on about staff retention.
You know, at the end of the day...even if they offered me $500 more on my package - i would have felt better about the way things turned out. I would have felt as though my line manager had fought my argument for me to my MD and that they considered that i was unhappy and they tried to make things better so that they could retain me...as they constantly remind me that they really believe in staff retention, and especially retaining me!
Lesson learnt.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Cracks...
If you break a vase...
Then glue it back together...
The cracks will still be visible.
If you tell me that you agree that i am an asset. That i am the only one in the team who has multiple skills across all the programs and applications. That "my reputation proceeds me"...that good employees dont have to look for work, work looks for them and you think that i epitomise this adage.
If you tell me that I have received glowing reports from all of the PMs i have worked with. That from what you can see, i have represented the company in a brilliant light. That I am well regarded by our clients and that I have given the company a large dose of goodwill - the type of goodwill money cant buy but is developed by an employee's relationship with the client.
If you tell me that you think i will be successful...that i will reach the goal of being a Snr PM or Programme Mgr within 3 years - and that you believe i will do this with success...
Then why insult me by offering me less than someone who started just 3 months ago?
I'm not saying that this someone doesnt deserve what they were offered, but i should be offered at worse, the same as what you have offered them and preferrably more, as i deserve it. And you agreed that i deserved more.
But you offered me much less than what you had offered them.
All this does is indicate to me that you do not value me as i had thought you did, as you have tried to have me believe.
You are treating me as a liability. Not as an asset, as you proclaim.
One of the most horrible things you can do to an employee is make them feel under appreciated, under valued, and that they gave you their all for no reason but to get ripped off.
I know for a fact that you are lying to me.
I am really disappointed.
No matter what your counter offer is now, you can not erase the insult you have already inflicted. There is no way of making the cracks disappear.
Then glue it back together...
The cracks will still be visible.
If you tell me that you agree that i am an asset. That i am the only one in the team who has multiple skills across all the programs and applications. That "my reputation proceeds me"...that good employees dont have to look for work, work looks for them and you think that i epitomise this adage.
If you tell me that I have received glowing reports from all of the PMs i have worked with. That from what you can see, i have represented the company in a brilliant light. That I am well regarded by our clients and that I have given the company a large dose of goodwill - the type of goodwill money cant buy but is developed by an employee's relationship with the client.
If you tell me that you think i will be successful...that i will reach the goal of being a Snr PM or Programme Mgr within 3 years - and that you believe i will do this with success...
Then why insult me by offering me less than someone who started just 3 months ago?
I'm not saying that this someone doesnt deserve what they were offered, but i should be offered at worse, the same as what you have offered them and preferrably more, as i deserve it. And you agreed that i deserved more.
But you offered me much less than what you had offered them.
All this does is indicate to me that you do not value me as i had thought you did, as you have tried to have me believe.
You are treating me as a liability. Not as an asset, as you proclaim.
One of the most horrible things you can do to an employee is make them feel under appreciated, under valued, and that they gave you their all for no reason but to get ripped off.
I know for a fact that you are lying to me.
I am really disappointed.
No matter what your counter offer is now, you can not erase the insult you have already inflicted. There is no way of making the cracks disappear.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Marie Antoinette by Sofia Coppola
I saw the preview of this movie when i went to watch another at Palace Cinemas about 6 months ago (i think it was at Palace...and i think it was 6 months ago).
It was colourful...it was vivid...it was extraordinary and filled with so much texture. And the music was so vibrant...i felt like rocking to it.
I tend to like movies that are off the beaten track. Movies that are different. Which is probably why i would rather go watch a movie that has come back with controversial reviews stating that the movie is violent and offensive, or that the movie portrays things "realistically". Movies that are black.
It was quite disgusting, but i liked watching Irreversible.
But on the flip side, i am a romantic comedy junkie and my silly favs are: She's all that, Ever After, Head over heels, 10 things i hate about you, and the like.
Marie Antoinette will be different. To me, i think it will appear like a burst of colour. It will be enticing. I quite like Kirsten Dunst too. I dont know why, but i do.
I watched the Virgin Suicides on SBS, Saturday night. I didnt have anything to do and it was on after Iron Chef (America) and RockWiz by Request. Kirsten Dunst was in that one too. This is also a movie that i enjoyed. Its a story of 5 sisters of one family all committing suicide.
Virgin Suicides is also a Coppola movie. I think it was her first. Which probably explains why i enjoyed it so. I also liked watching Lost in Translation, another Coppola flick. So, i expect that i will love Marie Antoinette.
I guess i will have to wait until it comes out on Boxing Day to watch it. I realised that i missed out on the premiere this Thursday at Palace. *bugger*
It was colourful...it was vivid...it was extraordinary and filled with so much texture. And the music was so vibrant...i felt like rocking to it.
I tend to like movies that are off the beaten track. Movies that are different. Which is probably why i would rather go watch a movie that has come back with controversial reviews stating that the movie is violent and offensive, or that the movie portrays things "realistically". Movies that are black.
It was quite disgusting, but i liked watching Irreversible.
But on the flip side, i am a romantic comedy junkie and my silly favs are: She's all that, Ever After, Head over heels, 10 things i hate about you, and the like.
Marie Antoinette will be different. To me, i think it will appear like a burst of colour. It will be enticing. I quite like Kirsten Dunst too. I dont know why, but i do.
I watched the Virgin Suicides on SBS, Saturday night. I didnt have anything to do and it was on after Iron Chef (America) and RockWiz by Request. Kirsten Dunst was in that one too. This is also a movie that i enjoyed. Its a story of 5 sisters of one family all committing suicide.
Virgin Suicides is also a Coppola movie. I think it was her first. Which probably explains why i enjoyed it so. I also liked watching Lost in Translation, another Coppola flick. So, i expect that i will love Marie Antoinette.
I guess i will have to wait until it comes out on Boxing Day to watch it. I realised that i missed out on the premiere this Thursday at Palace. *bugger*
