23/2 (Wed) was the last day of Chinese New Year. I’m unaware of what people usually do to mark this day, but I did something crazy on this day. Yes, as the title goes… I wished upon a river, not the stars...
There is a Chinese belief (apparently practiced in Penang) that a single woman’s wish for a husband will be answered if she throws mandarin oranges into the river on the 15th day of CNY. And I did just that, together with 4 other girlfriends. Yes, we are crazy, some will consider us desperate, but hey, who doesn’t want to get a good husband unless you plan to be a spinster, nun or lesbian (er, think lesbians would still want to have a good “husband” too?)
Anyway, I’m not embarrassed to have done that. I feel there’s nothing wrong in falling back on beliefs & superstitions for just that extra bit of hope. Nobody knows the chances of it coming true but we’d compare “results” by end of this year (^-^)
My sis wished for her bf to be slimmer…not sure about other wishes she didn’t mention. Her friend’s friend wished to be together with either her ex-bf or new “target”, we weren’t sure. But she pinned a pic of herself & that of her new target on the oranges before throwing. My sister’s friend was the funniest. She didn’t have anyone she liked in mind. So she was just simply wishing w/o a specific target. And guess what? She wrote down a list of 52 criteria her future husband has to meet! All of us helped her to think of the criteria over dinner, in addition to those she had thot of last week. And she pinned the list onto the oranges before throwing. The oranges were all covered by the list…was quite a funny sight.
We were along the Singapore River, near Clarke Quay. My sister’s friends threw it near the G-max area while we kept a look out for them coz that place’s actually quite crowded. With so many people walking past, my sis, my friend & I just couldn’t get into the mood to throw. So we walked further down, past Liang Court to a quieter area. There, my sister threw the oranges quickly & went to join her friends, leaving just my friend & I there, trying to get into the mood. Haha…seems like we are really getting too “into the belief”. I made some brief wishes, the basic standard wishes lah… then threw the oranges & went to join the rest. My friend was still there… yet to throw…After she was finally done with it, we went home. I didn't ask about her wishes coz she seemed quite troubled over some relationship problems.
That's the annual "orange ritual" I've done twice so far. Hope I don't have to think of doing it again next year!
Saturday, February 26, 2005
Sunday, February 20, 2005
Expo Job training ~ Product Knowledge
My ex-neighbour in Japan will be working at the Expo as well. Very happy that I’ve 2 good friends working with me at the Expo even tho all 3 of us are doing different stuff. Think it’s gona be difficult for me to kick my drinking addiction when 3 of us are together. Miss those days when my ex-neighbour and I would drink at my place & munch on snacks…. Hmm… just read her blog… seems like she’s a little confused over her decision to work at the Expo.
Actually I feel the same too. Duno whether I’ve made the correct decision too. Felt a little down yesterday…felt my enthusiasm for the Expo job is gone for now. Been attending the “Product Knowledge” training for past 3 days (for the Expo job). The course is all about Singapore’s history, famous sites, culture, festivals, places of interest etc. I had a hard time surviving the course. One reason was I was sick & lacked adequate rest, so couldn’t concentrate during the lectures. The course was held over 2 consecutive days from 645-945pm after work, so I was really quite “demoralized” by it. The thot of not being able to go home early to rest after work but go attend some training which I’ve no interest at all….sianz..
The other reason was I’m not interested in anything Singapore! No doubt I learnt many interesting info on S’pore which I previously know nothing about, but on the whole, I’m just not interested to know more about my own country. Sad case huh?I’ve been thinking about this job… what have I gotten myself into? This is like a repetition of my problem with my previous job. I took up the offer at Tempstaff because I wanted to be in a Japanese-speaking environment, despite the fact that I’m not keen in sales. Recruitment consultant is like doing sales, except the “product” is always different & we’ve no control over the product & buyer. I quit the job after 4 days & immediately jumped into another chance to work in Jap environment, only difference being it’s really in Japan. I was very excited initially.
The job scope was “Pavilion guide”. So I thot it’s like customer service, guide the visitors if they are lost or need help or something. It’s only now that I fully realize the job requirements, that I’m supposed to “sell Singapore” to the visitors. I can’t back out of this “sales job” now. Bonded contract. I’m not feeling miserable about this job yet, and hope won’t ever do so! The plus points now are the fact that I’d be working in my fav country (Japan) & I get to meet people from all over the world, be part of such a big event, gain some overseas working exposure. It’s an experience of a lifetime! *think positive! think positive!*
Yesterday’s full day training included a half-day tour to the 2 main ethnic areas of Singapore – Little India, Kampong Glam & Chinatown. Quite interesting but tiring. While the guide was explaining to us, there was this guy in working attire taking photos of us. We thot he’s the guide’s friend. When we were about to move off, the guy suddenly stopped us, saying “Good afternoon everyone. Welcome to Singapore! Happy new year to you. Enjoy your stay here.” We were stunned at first, then burst out laughing, telling him that we are Singaporeans. He was a little surprised, then one of the gals told him we are Singaporeans but have been living in China for 20 years & just came back recently. He was quite confused, and initially took it for real coz another gal chipped in to back up the earlier claim of coming from China. I’m not sure what happened after that coz I had walked off by then. But we sure had a good laugh over it. However we did wonder why he took photos of us & approached us like dat. Maybe he’s trying to sell things to us?
Anyway the training ended at almost 5 & i quickly went home. Needed to rest after a full day out. But still went out to my sis's bf's cafe to check out the place. By the time i was home at 10+, i was totally exhausted... and the thot of training the next day after work... SIANZ....
My CNY weekend
Went to my sister’s friend’s place for CNY gathering last Saturday. I don’t know them personally, save for the host ~ Clara. But we’ve all met each other before in the past when they came over to our place for projects etc. Clara’s place is quite nicely done up in a CNY mood.
We watched the video they took in Australia when they studied there for a month. It’s really funny. Poor Clara was so embarrassed by some shots /commentaries ~ she was so funny & cute in it!Clara & another of my sister’s friend did sky-diving in Australia. It seemed really fun. Would like to try it in future if I’ve the chance, but it’s quite pricey at S$500. We kept teasing the guy coz the strong force of the wind when they sky-dived made the face look as if there’s waves on it. Er…get what I mean? Imagine your skin “moving like waves”.
We had yusheng & curry chicken & beehoon there. Later in the afternoon celebrated Clara’s sister’s birthday & had chocolate cake. It’s like a pig-out session for us! Also played Blackjack there. I was so blur… duno when to show cards, duno win or lose how much. It’s just for the fun of it even tho we did place bets of 10 CENTS.
After Clara’s place, we went to Sharon’s place. She was my classmate at the Grad Dip HR course. Finally had a chance to see her baby boy. He’s so cute!! After a quick chat had to rush home coz sis had dinner appt.
Spent my whole Sunday sleeping at home coz not feeling well. Crazy me… sick still spent whole evening online chatting with friends. And that’s when I teased my friend too much that I think he was a little pissed off tho he didn’t tell me off. I guess I’ve to be more careful with my words. I realized I’m actually a very mean person… sometimes I make the meanest remarks that my friends would be quite surprised that I’m capable of that. Hahaha… so those of u reading this… watch out… don’t try to step on my toes! But then again, like that friend of mine…didn’t offend me still kena shot! He was suay lor… hahaha Told my sister abt the incident, and she was nagging that I should be more demure, that at the rate I’m shooting people, I’d scare off all potential guys! But that’s the way I am!
We watched the video they took in Australia when they studied there for a month. It’s really funny. Poor Clara was so embarrassed by some shots /commentaries ~ she was so funny & cute in it!Clara & another of my sister’s friend did sky-diving in Australia. It seemed really fun. Would like to try it in future if I’ve the chance, but it’s quite pricey at S$500. We kept teasing the guy coz the strong force of the wind when they sky-dived made the face look as if there’s waves on it. Er…get what I mean? Imagine your skin “moving like waves”.
We had yusheng & curry chicken & beehoon there. Later in the afternoon celebrated Clara’s sister’s birthday & had chocolate cake. It’s like a pig-out session for us! Also played Blackjack there. I was so blur… duno when to show cards, duno win or lose how much. It’s just for the fun of it even tho we did place bets of 10 CENTS.
After Clara’s place, we went to Sharon’s place. She was my classmate at the Grad Dip HR course. Finally had a chance to see her baby boy. He’s so cute!! After a quick chat had to rush home coz sis had dinner appt.
Spent my whole Sunday sleeping at home coz not feeling well. Crazy me… sick still spent whole evening online chatting with friends. And that’s when I teased my friend too much that I think he was a little pissed off tho he didn’t tell me off. I guess I’ve to be more careful with my words. I realized I’m actually a very mean person… sometimes I make the meanest remarks that my friends would be quite surprised that I’m capable of that. Hahaha… so those of u reading this… watch out… don’t try to step on my toes! But then again, like that friend of mine…didn’t offend me still kena shot! He was suay lor… hahaha Told my sister abt the incident, and she was nagging that I should be more demure, that at the rate I’m shooting people, I’d scare off all potential guys! But that’s the way I am!
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Bugs, bugs, Go away!
I don’t mean the real creepy crawlies here, tho I want them to be away from me if they do come near me.Here I mean the Flu bug. Appetite bug. Sleep bug. Restless bug.
The Restless bug bit me weeks ago. I’d be so bored and restless after work… on weekends… any enthusiasm or zest in me dies as soon as it appears. It’s just sianz sianz sianz everyday…. Why is that so? Maybe I’ve too much time but too lazy to do anything. I’d spend my time online, when there’s really nothing that interesting online after a while since I spend almost all my time there. Ah… maybe being online too long cuts me off from the world, inviting the restless bug to attack me…
My bio clock is malfunctioning. I either can’t get to sleep at night, or I’d be sleeping at odd times of the day. For e.g., waking at up 8am for breakfast & back to sleep at 10am. Sleeping at 9pm followed by the pattern mentioned earlier. Very tired & sleepy the whole day, esp. at night, but can’t seem to get to sleep until much later. Even with my little darlings (Ah Ke & Buta-chan) to hug, I still can’t get to sleep. Sometimes I’d fall asleep fast but wake up in the middle of the night. And I actually feel tired after waking up because of the dreams I had. It’s as if my mental self & physical self are having a cold war, not communicating with each other. Do I have so much worries that I can’t sleep? I don’t know. I’m not exactly sure what’s bothering me now. I hope I can sleep well tonight & nights to come coz I’m feeling very dazed now…
With my office being a snack paradise, it’s a wonder why I didn’t put on weight. Initially I was on a diet, resisting the goodies at work. But I’m not on a diet now coz I don’t have much appetite for food these days. No cravings. Just don’t feel like eating anything despite protests from my stomach. Skipped dinner for past weekends / holidays. Too lazy to go out for dinner. Too lazy to cook. Feel hungry but don’t have the appetite to eat. I’m just eating for the sake of eating. But breakfast during workdays is a must, no matter how much I don’t feel like eating. I think I need some really delicious food & great makan kakis to get my appetite back…
Flu Bug, I hate you most! U made my Sunday miserable at home, sleeping in a feverish state, and eating duno how many bad-tasting lozenges in a day. And if that’s not enough, you caused my nose to run since yesterday… I just can’t seem to turn off the “tap”! My brain is quite disconnected from me now. Not working too well. The Feb tablets don’t seem to be winning the battle with the flu bugs. Or maybe it’s because I didn’t help them. I desperately need to rest & sleep…. What am I still doing here at work? And later at STB for training? I’ve not reached the state of collapse tho. I think I should be able to last till the weekend.Guess that’s enough of my attention-seeking nonsense for today. Stoning off…
The Restless bug bit me weeks ago. I’d be so bored and restless after work… on weekends… any enthusiasm or zest in me dies as soon as it appears. It’s just sianz sianz sianz everyday…. Why is that so? Maybe I’ve too much time but too lazy to do anything. I’d spend my time online, when there’s really nothing that interesting online after a while since I spend almost all my time there. Ah… maybe being online too long cuts me off from the world, inviting the restless bug to attack me…
My bio clock is malfunctioning. I either can’t get to sleep at night, or I’d be sleeping at odd times of the day. For e.g., waking at up 8am for breakfast & back to sleep at 10am. Sleeping at 9pm followed by the pattern mentioned earlier. Very tired & sleepy the whole day, esp. at night, but can’t seem to get to sleep until much later. Even with my little darlings (Ah Ke & Buta-chan) to hug, I still can’t get to sleep. Sometimes I’d fall asleep fast but wake up in the middle of the night. And I actually feel tired after waking up because of the dreams I had. It’s as if my mental self & physical self are having a cold war, not communicating with each other. Do I have so much worries that I can’t sleep? I don’t know. I’m not exactly sure what’s bothering me now. I hope I can sleep well tonight & nights to come coz I’m feeling very dazed now…
With my office being a snack paradise, it’s a wonder why I didn’t put on weight. Initially I was on a diet, resisting the goodies at work. But I’m not on a diet now coz I don’t have much appetite for food these days. No cravings. Just don’t feel like eating anything despite protests from my stomach. Skipped dinner for past weekends / holidays. Too lazy to go out for dinner. Too lazy to cook. Feel hungry but don’t have the appetite to eat. I’m just eating for the sake of eating. But breakfast during workdays is a must, no matter how much I don’t feel like eating. I think I need some really delicious food & great makan kakis to get my appetite back…
Flu Bug, I hate you most! U made my Sunday miserable at home, sleeping in a feverish state, and eating duno how many bad-tasting lozenges in a day. And if that’s not enough, you caused my nose to run since yesterday… I just can’t seem to turn off the “tap”! My brain is quite disconnected from me now. Not working too well. The Feb tablets don’t seem to be winning the battle with the flu bugs. Or maybe it’s because I didn’t help them. I desperately need to rest & sleep…. What am I still doing here at work? And later at STB for training? I’ve not reached the state of collapse tho. I think I should be able to last till the weekend.Guess that’s enough of my attention-seeking nonsense for today. Stoning off…
Thursday, February 10, 2005
CNY holidays are over... Phew!!
Happy Lunar New Year to all!I'm so glad the New Year holiday is over. Two days at home with nothing to do is pure misery. I wanted to go to Japan but because of my job (can't apply leave) & the fact that I'd be going to Japan in March, i dropped the idea. As the day to CNY approached, I racked my brains for ways & means to kill time at home. Guess what i did finally??
Day One. After visiting Grandma in the morning, it's time for lunch. Straight after lunch I took a nap. It's amazing how much i can sleep in a day. Or do without sleep sometimes. Woke up at 3+, decided that I'm not gona rot the rest of the day at home & set off for Sentosa on my own. I wanted to take pic of the sunset there. The weather was scorching hot. And the cap i brought along didn't help. I began to regret my decision once i reached there. Firstly it's so hot!! Secondly it's so crowded!! Thirdly, the flower exhibition isn't that fantastic. And i've to find a way to kill time till sun sets for my photo shots. And i had to psycho myself that i'm in Singapore and not in India or Malaysia coz the whole Sentosa island's filled with non-Chinese.
Did take some pics, but nothing can be compared to the shots i took in Hokkaido. Everyday i look at the sunflowers photo i took in Hokkaido, i'd ask myself when i'd ever have the chance to go back again for more shots of it. While waiting for sunset, i stayed at a sheltered area to read my manga. Was very disappointed when i realised it's too cloudy that day to take nice pic of sunset. So i left. Walked quite a distance back to the MRT coz the queue to take the shuttle bus was way too long.Reached home at 10 after dinner. Day one of CNY gone. Uneventful, but at least i did something instead of rotting at home.
Day Two was tougher to pass. No place to go to. I spent my whole day watching TV. First was an interesting documentary on reincarnation in the morning, followed by some boring shows till lunch. After lunch i was glued to my pc, watching GLAY's concert DVD. How i wish i can attend it... if i had gone ahead with my CNY travel plans to Japan, i'd prob be in Takayama now & preparing to return to Nagoya tomorrow for my GLAY concert.... SIGHZ....I saw only the 1st of 3 disc and it took me 2 hrs already. Tiring for eyes but i'm so happy re-living the concert moments!
Oh... just recalled that i uploaded my Sentosa photos into comp early in the morning. Haiz... wasted trip there. No fantastic photos that i'd like to share with anyone... Hmm... what did i do after that? Surf net on New Zealand, Scotland & Aichi Expo. I've given up on surfing info on Japan since it's not really possible for me to travel during my 7 months there. In between i'd either be chatting online or reading manga...Managed to kill time till dinner time. Watched the last episode of the HK drama. Touching ending... but not enough to make me cry. And i've been online since.... got to know a Jap friend online & we chatted a little. Then i started reading friend's blog & think it's time to write mine too... so here i am... typing away....it's finally 10pm... should sleep early... tml working.... wah, never felt so glad to be able to go to work.... coz i can't imagine another day of rotting at home... after tml, i've to think of ways to kill time on wkends...
Life with nothing to do is really miserable.... if Spore's weather is nice like Japan & Spore has nice places of nature, i'd have gone out to explore them. But the weather... it's a killer.... just makes me wana rot at home rather than being roasted alive outside!
Day One. After visiting Grandma in the morning, it's time for lunch. Straight after lunch I took a nap. It's amazing how much i can sleep in a day. Or do without sleep sometimes. Woke up at 3+, decided that I'm not gona rot the rest of the day at home & set off for Sentosa on my own. I wanted to take pic of the sunset there. The weather was scorching hot. And the cap i brought along didn't help. I began to regret my decision once i reached there. Firstly it's so hot!! Secondly it's so crowded!! Thirdly, the flower exhibition isn't that fantastic. And i've to find a way to kill time till sun sets for my photo shots. And i had to psycho myself that i'm in Singapore and not in India or Malaysia coz the whole Sentosa island's filled with non-Chinese.
Did take some pics, but nothing can be compared to the shots i took in Hokkaido. Everyday i look at the sunflowers photo i took in Hokkaido, i'd ask myself when i'd ever have the chance to go back again for more shots of it. While waiting for sunset, i stayed at a sheltered area to read my manga. Was very disappointed when i realised it's too cloudy that day to take nice pic of sunset. So i left. Walked quite a distance back to the MRT coz the queue to take the shuttle bus was way too long.Reached home at 10 after dinner. Day one of CNY gone. Uneventful, but at least i did something instead of rotting at home.
Day Two was tougher to pass. No place to go to. I spent my whole day watching TV. First was an interesting documentary on reincarnation in the morning, followed by some boring shows till lunch. After lunch i was glued to my pc, watching GLAY's concert DVD. How i wish i can attend it... if i had gone ahead with my CNY travel plans to Japan, i'd prob be in Takayama now & preparing to return to Nagoya tomorrow for my GLAY concert.... SIGHZ....I saw only the 1st of 3 disc and it took me 2 hrs already. Tiring for eyes but i'm so happy re-living the concert moments!
Oh... just recalled that i uploaded my Sentosa photos into comp early in the morning. Haiz... wasted trip there. No fantastic photos that i'd like to share with anyone... Hmm... what did i do after that? Surf net on New Zealand, Scotland & Aichi Expo. I've given up on surfing info on Japan since it's not really possible for me to travel during my 7 months there. In between i'd either be chatting online or reading manga...Managed to kill time till dinner time. Watched the last episode of the HK drama. Touching ending... but not enough to make me cry. And i've been online since.... got to know a Jap friend online & we chatted a little. Then i started reading friend's blog & think it's time to write mine too... so here i am... typing away....it's finally 10pm... should sleep early... tml working.... wah, never felt so glad to be able to go to work.... coz i can't imagine another day of rotting at home... after tml, i've to think of ways to kill time on wkends...
Life with nothing to do is really miserable.... if Spore's weather is nice like Japan & Spore has nice places of nature, i'd have gone out to explore them. But the weather... it's a killer.... just makes me wana rot at home rather than being roasted alive outside!
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