C'est la vie: March 2005

Wednesday, March 30, 2005

The ABCs of my day

A is for absenteeism ..
I took a sickie off work today. Woke up feeling extremely lerthagic. My eyes were dry and itchy, coupled with a sore throat and a runny nose.. I could have possibly dragged myself to work but I know if I don't take a good rest today, I am going to feel this terrible the whole week!

Am feeling so much better now after a good afternoon nap. Think I will study French later.

B is for brolly ..
It started pouring this afternoon and what choice does a sickly and unaccompanied girl have? To run under the rain or fork out some money to buy an umbrella? The latter sounds much wiser. Getting all drenched when I am already unwell sounds sucidal.

So I got a bright red brolly! :) Very pretty.

C is for customer service
I hardly find the time to go to the time to do my banking errands. So after visiting the doctor, I popped by the bank to have my savings passbook updated. I never like waiting in queues, especially bank queues! I prefer the D-I-Y passbook update machine, where you slot in your passbook and the machine auto-updates it for you.

I did the same thing today, but the darn machine kept refusing to read my passbook. It keeps flashing the message that I have entered a faulty/ invalid passbook.. Drats! So into the queue I went. When my turn came, I asked the counter lady if there was anything wrong with my passbook. She gave me a half hearted answer and said it was probably the magnetic strip on the passbook that has turned faulty.

So, I nicely explained to her that I normally uses the D-I-Y machine to update and whether she could change a new passbook for me.

She glared at me and told me to wait till I finish the remaining pages of the passbook!

huh?!

I had half a mind to kick a fuss and lodged a complaint. But I kept my cool and reiterated that if the magnetic strip is spoilt and if the DIY machine can't read it, I would prefer to have a new passbook. I asked very very nicely.

"Passbook got magnetic strip, don't put it near metals or other magnets lah... Try it again. If it doesn't work, come back again and I'll change it for you.. "

@#%@^%@# That's it?!

Customer service? Yah right! Pooey.

All the above exchanges with the customer service officer were conducted with no faint traces of a smile or courtesy. She made me feel like I was wasting her time!!

Tuesday, March 29, 2005

Longans

I just had a most satisfying can of logans heavily soaked in sweet syrups and ice cubes. Absolutely yummy :)~

Sometimes I wonder why longans are called long-ans. I mean, just take a look at them... In what possible ways are they ever considered long? They are round and juicy!!!

Ok, yes of course I know 'longans' is the hanyu pinyin translation of 龙眼; literally dragon's eyes. But but then again, do they really resemble that of a dragon's eyes?

??

A google search is what I need now... heh.

So this is what I discovered...

The scientific name is Dimocarpus longan

Hmm, apparently longans originated from China and through waves of immigration, this exotic fruit (cousin of rambutans and lychees) made its appearance in other parts of the world, mostly Southeast Asia.

And they are also used in Chinese medicine (usually in the dried form) to relieve stress, boost the immune system, enrich the blood and increase vigour. And they are reputed to bring good fortune!

Hmm, but why the name longan? I wonder. Any idea? Pray tell if you do!!

Update

In Malaysia the longans are also called mata kuching, literally, cat's eye...

So are they now dragon's or cat's eyes? Dragon and Cat - Huge difference you know!

Sunday, March 27, 2005

Of Life

It only takes an afternoon in the A&E at hospital to make my Sunday a terrifying-ly memorable one.

The dearest one had a health scare on Friday night. He was woken up with a sharp abdominal pain which spread right up to his chest and heart. The pain was excruciating that it kept him awake for a good 2 hours.

And what he did on Saturday? He went to play golf!

I was so worried mad when I found out on Saturday evening...... His mum and I were feeling all jittery and wanted to bring him to the hospital for a checkup. But that stubborn person!! He kept insisting that he's okay and there was no big deal.

Sunday afternoon. The more I think about it, the more unsettled and hence insistent I was that he goes see a doctor and find out what's wrong. Today being Sunday and Easter, most of the clinics (other than the 24 hours one) were closed. Since SGH was near his place, we drove there and proceeded to A&E.

The registration process was swift but the waiting time was terrible. People had to wait almost an hour 30 mins to see the doctor! He got called into the triage 20 mins into waiting time. When the nurse heard he had chest pains, he was ushered into the shortest queue to take an x-ray & blood test.

I couldn't go in with him, so I sat outside in the waiting armed with the Sunday Times and my magazine. During the two hour period that he was inside, I squirmed in my seat everytime I hear the registrar announce "Will the relatives of XXX please come to to counter immediately.."

And as I looked around my surroundings, I see many sickly elderly people looking all forlorn and resigned. I even overheard one lamenting about life and wishing she was dead instead. They all looked so sad and lifeless. Ambulances came by and I see people being carried out on stretchers, covered with blood and looking half dead. Car accidents.. Motorbike accidents..

When he eventually came out to the waiting room, I could feel my tears all welling up. I was relieved to see him yet anxious to know the test results.

"How dear, what did the doctor say?"
"He said I'm fine, the pain was probably caused by too much acid in the stomach.."
"Erm.. ok.. how you feeling now?"
"Hiyo dear, stop looking so solemn and sad ok... I am really ok!!"
".... "

When I eventually got a grip of myself, I chided him again for playing golf on Saturday instead of going to the doctor. I was dead sure that the doctor probably nagged at him for that too ...

"Ah! So did the doctor scold you for playing golf on Saturday?"
"Eh no.. he didn't say much.. and he smiled when I told him I played very well on Saturday.."
"Huh?! oh ok.. how about your diet, did you say you need to watch your diet?"
"Eh no leh, he said the taste buds must be satisfied... "
"Wah, what kind of doctor is this?!"

I left the A&E today feeling so thankful that he's well and with the realisation that I love him very very much and I would hate to see anything untoward happen to him.

And when you see how people's lives are hanging by the thread, you can't help but feel grateful that you are still alive and kicking. Life is indeed fragile. You never know when or what or how.

Wednesday, March 23, 2005

Frustrating

I went to bed last night a rather grumpy and frustrated person.

You see - the ex decided to spring a surprise visit on MSN.

It all started well with pleasantries exchanged. I was happy to be on MSN with him. I always thought we should remain as friends despite all that's happened. We don't have to pretend each other no longer exist even after the break up, right?

Then, he started telling me how much he misses me. Oh oh, I thought. Not a good sign.

Then, he asked if I was seeing anyone. Yes, I said. And immediately I knew something's going to happen.....

True enough, he started going into this "My life is miserable, I might as well die" mode. Started sprouting nonsense about how I should look out for his obituary ad in the papers etc...

Ugh. Very frustrating. I hated it, but I was worried.

I hate how he did this emotional blackmail thing on me. I care about him as a friend, but I am not going to take any nonsense from him. What does he expect me to do? To be swept off by him saying he misses me and run back to his embrace? To tell him that everything will be ok?

Sigh.

Childish, if you ask me. I would very much love to say to him "Get a life" but I didn't have the heart to say it.

In the end, I just left the MSN conversation and went straight to bed ready to concuss. And I did. I was totally spent physically and a little emotionally as well.

Fast forward to today, I met the dearest for dinner. I was wondering if it would be a good idea to tell him about the ex episode.

Was I bothered and upset about it? Yes I was, and I needed to get it out of my system.

So, I told him what happened and he listened intently. I didn't want to keep anything from him and needed him to give me another perspective.

His conclusion?

The ex is being childish and is probably not sucidal at all. We all should get a grip of our lives and its never worth it to die for anyone... An emotional game he is trying to play. Go get a life.

Yeah.. go get a life. Actually, get a grip of yourself. Move on...

Tuesday, March 22, 2005

A new look again

Ok, I was getting bored with the greenish background and decided some colours would do me good.

This is not quite what I want, but it will do for now :)

I had a better one but the stupid/sleepy me forgot to save the template changes before publishing...

Bleh.

Ok, bed time. I need sleep.

Sunday, March 20, 2005

A thought

How many friends do you have, when you call up for absolutely no reason, because you wanted to hear their voice and chat about everything & anything?

How many friends do you have, when you ring up on the day itself to arrange for a coffee/ bitching session?

How many friends do you have, where you can pour your heart and soul to, and not worry about how they see or judge you?

How many friends do you have, where you know you can depend on them to do anything for you because they know you do anything for them as well?

How many of these friends do I have?

How many people am I such a friend to?

Friday, March 18, 2005

Mumble mumble

So here I am, sitting down at my desk and gathering my thoughts & emotions.

I.am.bored.

Funny how I would feel that way when things seem to be going on well.

I've been having dry and irritable eyes for the past few days, all thanks to the haze that loomed in the air.

Bleh.

Maybe I'll change the blog template or something soon this weekend, to something more chirpy and colourful :)

Oh wait, I have to do some work-work this weekend. Presentation slides. Ugh.

And for now, I need to study and do my French homework.

Funny moment of the day.. I was at the bus interchange waiting for my bus and texted him, bitching about the horrible weather.

"Very very very humid! Buay tahan :* "
"Wah! Then in my hot presence, won't you be on spontaneous combustion! ;-) "

Haha! Shameless!

Saturday, March 12, 2005

A long week

Has it been almost a week since I last blogged? I wished I had found the energy to blog sometime this week. Blogging to me, is a tool to preserve those little nuggets of memories of mine, before they get swept away by the hustle of this world..

Its been a crazy week for me.

Because we are short-staffed (one colleague on maternity leave, one just resigned), I am doing this temporary shift at work 3pm to 12 midnight, supposedly. The shift sounds a lot better than 6pm to 3am, but I am surprisingly a lot more tired doing the earlier shift. I come home each night superdrained. All I wanted to do was take a shower and plonk straight into my bed!

Lots of changes coming up at work again. I'm just taking things as they come, lots of challenges ahead but hey, bring them on!

Ok enough about work. Let me try recalling what else I did this week.

Monday - went to the dentist and suffered all day with a achy gum. Had to take painkillers before going to bed.

Tuesday - can't recall, probably worked very hard

Wednesday - worked very very hard at work and had a meeting till 1.30am.

Thursday - shopping day! I went to the Isetan private sale and bagged home 1 bag, 1 jacket, 3 tops and 1 skirt.. ;)

And today....

I decided to play lunch escort to my darling, so I got out of bed early for once and trotted off to the office. We had a leisurely 2 hour lunch break, and even went supermarket shopping! :)

After he went back to the office at 2pm, I went shopping again and bought 3 more skirts!!! Heh

And now ...

I thought I would go join my friends at clubbing since I knock off at 12mn, but I decided I should spend the time doing my homework instead. Did I mention my next exam is due in 7 weeks time!!?

Sunday, March 06, 2005

Random thoughts

Yesterday's Fish Leong (Liang Jing Ru) concert at the indoor stadium was a blast! I had such a great time. Not bad for a "first-concert experience" :D Can I just say that her voice was awesome and she was pitch perfect during the whole 3 hours concert!

There was a segment when two couples officially declared their undying love to one another, followed by a marriage proposal! The whole stadium crowd went into fits and "ooh.. cho schweet.. " were everywhere. Lots of screaming followed when the seemingly blushful brides-to-be said a sweet "I do", and then a classic smooch and hug. Romantic?

I asked Fang if she like this idea of being proposed to in front of thousands of strangers in an indoor stadium, and she gave me the "Are you mad?" look! Heh. Eww.

Honestly if you ask me, I don't like this proposal idea. Its too commercialised and hey, where's the element of impromptu?

I am so dead sure that the two guys already know that their respective girlfriends would only say the sacred yes. How else would they find courage to propose in front of thousands (and possibly appear on the newspapers the following day)?? Call me unromantic or cynical, but I seriously doubt that they even hesitated for a moment that their proposals will meet a "No, I'm sorry I need more time. Thanks for proposing in front of thousands of people, but I am not ready... " Afterall, the girlfriends did know beforehand that their boyfriends were going to propose at the concert.

Hmm. Hiyah. This is romantic meh? Unforgetable maybe. Romantic. nahhhhhhhh.

Fast forward to Sunday.

1) I am pleased with myself for filing my tax return today. Whee!!
2) I should be studying for French now. I have an exam in 7 weeks time.
3) I miss my dear. He's golfing again today.
4) Mum's gone holidaying with friends again.
5) I ate two ice cream cones today. Chocolate and strawberry.
6) Its a windy day and I like how the breeze caresses my face. Nice & soothing.
7) I am feeling very organised today. Tidied up my bills file.
8) I am ending this blog entry with numero "8" cause its auspicious, me being Chinese and all.

Maybe I'll strike 4D or toto lottery soon? ;D

Saturday, March 05, 2005

Note to self

[2005 resolutions]

::Be emotionally stronger::

::Save more::

::Put on weight::

::Be diligent in the study of French::

::Exercise/ Dance::

Ok, enough wallowing and feeling the blues. Time to get on with the day. French class, and boy, my first concert today at the Singapore indoor stadium with Fang! :)

Friday, March 04, 2005

My B(P)IG presents :)

Work's crazy today and I'm very tired now.

... but I just have to post these lovely pictures of the new members to my pig clan!! :)

I finally met my good friend Angela for dinner today after a hiatus of 3 months. Work's keeping us both crazy and it was great to finally meet :)

My presents from this nenek.

A photo/card holder
The wrapping paper

handphone holder
Swinging pig!

wrist pad
A HUGE cushion

Heh - I'm losing count of the number of pigs stuff I have in my room! 40 ?

My room is the ultimate pig sty, and I am the Queen Pig! Oink oink.

Ok time for bed, nite!

Thursday, March 03, 2005

Sigh

So its back to work tomorrow, and nope I didn't attempt any baking today. It was pouring and I was too lazy to go out and get ingredients.

I don't know whether to feel happy or lackadaisical about tomorrow. Just a sleep away!!

Sure, I love going back to the office. But I also like bumming around, waking up at whatever time I fancy.. usually in the late afternoons.

Hang on. I wake up at 3pm too during workdays! What am I talking about?? Heh.

Ah I know. I am going to miss watching television. There aren't that many good shows on the telly at 3am in the morning, you know.

Blah.

Totally random thought and note to self : The next time I take more than a day off work, I'm better off going on a holiday. Bumming at home is borrrrrringggg................

Wednesday, March 02, 2005

25 already!

I kickstarted my 25th birthday by entertaining myself with my SATC. Started watching after getting off the phone with baby yesterday at 12 ish and I didn't stop till 6am! :D My eyes were all googled out by the time I collapsed into bed.

Woke up at 3 in the afternoon with many lovely smses wishing me Happy Birthday. So nice. I was all smiles when I read through the sms. Sweet.

Because he had to work, we arranged to meet up for dinner. He took me to dinner at Jerry's barbeque & grill located in Club Street. The food was not too bad, especially their deep fried mushrooms and spicy buffalo wings. We also shared a main course and a salad. Was totally bloated at the end of it that I actually didn't find space for dessert! (that's a first..)

(Didn't bring a camera, oops)

Highlight of the evening was discovering how sneaky (and sweet) my darling can get.

He came to meet me carrying this bag.

K: I went to a golf shop during lunch. Saw quite a few things that I wanted to buy.
S: Ah. So what did you get? (he can't have possibly gotten clubs, since the bag was so tiny)
K: Some golf tees.
S: Oh ok.. (I wasn't suspecting a single thing)

We then made our way to the train station and MRTed to Raffles Place. On the train, I casually asked if I could see the golf tees that he bought.

He handed me the bag. I took a peep inside and saw no golf tees. Instead I felt a box wrapped in yellow plastic bag?!

So I curiously opened the yellow plastic bag, and saw something wrapped in this....

S: Hmm... golf tees? (I was puzzled)

He was smirking cheekily, and it hit me that he actually bought me a present!

You see, I wasn't expecting a present from him because we had a mini car accident last month and he spent quite a bomb to change the tyres and wheel rims. I told him that I didn't want any birthday present and I mean it. And I wasn't going to kick a big fuss if he really didn't get me anything.

So I went to dinner today with no expectations.. hmm.. well except maybe that he would get me a birthday card. I'm a sucker when it comes to handwritten cards and notes..

K: Open the present if you want dear. Happy birthday. (still smirking..)
S: Don't want! I want to open later.. (I was beaming)

Before our appetisers came, I opened up the yellow plastic bag and saw a card! :)

And this is how my lovely birthday card looks like.. :) Isn't it so cute?
I nearly teared when I read what he wrote inside. Very sweet.

Our food came and I decided to leave the present unopened. I wanted to leave the best bit to the last! :)

And I had a very lovely surprise when I opened my birthday present.
It is something I've been wanting for a while.

I had a good laugh when he told me how his mum spotted him at the shop buying me the watch, and how he enlisted her help to pick a watch for me. So funny. Did I ever mention how nice and warm his mum is? Very lovely lady.

I love love love love the watch. Its exactly what I wanted. Simple, classic and elegant.

Thank you dear - You really didn't need to get me the watch but I know you wanted me to have it on my special day. Muacks.

C'est la vie