| Saturday, July 30, 2005 |
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Living at home makes me complacent. When I finally decide to open my mail and sort out the receipts and all- I realise that my credit card payment is overdue. Bugger. It is such a pain just trying to access the online account that I stopped trying to- and happily assumed that whatever I paid was enough to cover the minimum payment. Now I'll just have to wait and see how exorbitant the charge is, and can only thank God I found out now and not later. I feel as though I took my hands off all my affairs- also just realised that I have research to do before I go back for training- and that I left the book I need in some box in Wellesley. So because of that I will now have to go and borrow it. Sigh. The price of being lazy.
On a happier note- I got to meet Desiree (and her bro Stanley and her uncle Jason) the other day- she's off to China again this Monday. Her uncle drove us to Ghim Moh from where I intern. We had a good lunch, good because it wasn't awkward at all (how often do I meet my friends' uncles?) - and I got to know more about Des and her family. They dropped by the office to have a look at it, and there really was nothing much to look at. We decided to have some fun with the foam cheque that was sitting on top of the cupboard..took pictures that look as if one of us won some lottery.
Need to go to the lib, need to look for sunnies (as fen calls them)- oh oh, the other day while waiting for Clem's contacts to be cleaned, Fan and I were trying on the sunnies in the op shop. There was this absolutely fab pair that would be purrfect- except for the half a thousand price tag. Sigh. |
posted by wenster @ 3:17 AM  |
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| Friday, July 29, 2005 |
| Being Cheena in Chinatown |
| Playing tourist is refreshing. Especially when there's Fen, Fan and a reluctant Clemence in tow. Sorry guys, I still don't know why I wanted to go there- but it was fun ya? We just walked and poked our heads into places that looked interesting. Even got to see the inside of the big indian temple. While eating, some generator or whatnot went on and on - it sounded like a mix of ancient jet engine and whiny motorbike in need of Ricola or something. Too bad the food there is "not as good as that in toa payoh" according to Fen and Fan. Now you have to take me there to verify that ya? Went crazy in the bus on the way to orc. Fen has the same cam as I do! Haha.. great minds indeed. The upper level of a double decker proved to be very amusing, especially since the driver was intent on keeping the distance between his bus and the one in front to a mere 6 inches. And any journey wouldn't be complete without some contact lens drama right? Clemence's contact came out, and while he was hanging on to it, it fell, and once found, it is unceremoniously dumped into a little plastic pouch that fen just happens to have. We (well I, since fan and clem have already seen him) got to meet Fen's bf, whose name I can now remember, but have no idea how to spell. Nice guy :) But of course, since he's malaysian. Heh. He seems like the gentle but teasing kind, we'll see how right I am in time ya? |
| posted by wenster @ 12:59 AM |
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| Tuesday, July 26, 2005 |
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Earlier on today Kah Seng said he felt like he was an adult (which you are, btw)- and now, sitting here after lunch with my previous supervisor, I know exactly how he feels. Man.. I've been learning how to do all the adult-y things, like handle phone calls, get the repairmen, remember what the kitchen has and has not, "entertain" people, remember the names of their kids.. I can't believe how much more I do on my own accord compared to 2 years ago. I suppose going abroad does help- all of a sudden I'm my own accountant, manager, maid and doctor. Not driver though. I am still in need of public transport or a kind soul (with the willingness and ability to drive me around).
Had lunch at Crystal Jade- apparently there was some male model sitting at the table next to ours. He probably wasn't attractive enough because I didn't even look at him. Then again, beauty truly lies in the eye of the beholder ya. While out with the gang on Sunday, J n Ben were checking out two different girls- both whom I thought were pleasant looking but thats it. According to jie, that was the girl of his dreams. My goodness. What a discrepancy right? Well at least I know what he wants so I can help him babe spot. Not that he needs help though. Lol. I get the impression that guys- well at least those I know - tend to prefer cutesy, fair, petite kind of girls. Good thing there are plenty of those around. In contrast, the gals I know have very different tastes in men- the usual traits we like are tall and with good skin, but after these, the paths diverge. Just look at the kinds of people that catch Stella's, Ai Ling's and Biyou's eye. There are very few times when we can all look at the same male and nod in agreement. The more common response is "Eeeyer.." My explanation for this phenomena? Guys have only one thing on their mind so they're united in their preference. Lol. Kidding k? |
| posted by wenster @ 5:05 AM |
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| More on matrimony |
Like Ai Ling says- for more versions of wedded bliss, check out Stella's and her blogs. I remember telling Stella how if she could find me my dream guy she would have the automatic position of maid of honor. While I was walking home I thought about what I said- not that I don't have faith in Stella's radar - but I think only God can provide someone who meets all these expectations floating about in my head. But it is true as well that within a relationship there is a sharpening process- so I'll just keep eyes and mind open ya?
It was funny how during the ending bit of the wedding where the bride tosses her bouquet- we had to be cajoled up on stage, then made to move forward a little (on the pain of being shoved off when everyone tries to siam), and then while on stage, you see people forming alliances and "pakating" so that *stella* has a higher chance of getting it. Oops. Run on sentence. For the record, some other girl caught it.
The amount of love and displayed throughout the ceremony between parent and child, husband and wife, friends and family and perhaps most of all between the people and God was so very tangible. When Jong Ee and Ming came out, we all couldn’t help but applaud them. Their vows to each other were joyful while being serious about the covenant that they were making. Such a good example.
FANNIE'S BACK! Yeah baby.. now we can do our girl thing with Fen and Yana. Hmm.. I recall having a lot to say about something earlier on.. but now I can't remember what it is. Oh well. We'll see. |
| posted by wenster @ 1:19 AM |
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| Saturday, July 23, 2005 |
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Allthe pretty ladies in a row... then we have the cute Stella and me- gosh how brown your hair is! More pictures when I figure out a faster way of putting them up!
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| posted by wenster @ 8:07 AM |
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| Here comes the bride... |
Hey, that thingy wasn't played! All the same, Jong Ee's wedding was tasteful, fun, quirky and edifying. It is so nice to see her getting married to the love of her life (her words, not mine). It was amazing how I could feel contentment and happiness beaming out of her- it is so encouraging! God's matchmaking is indeed perfect- and I believe that most, if not all the s29ers were touched by the ceremony (don't know about Isaac and Daniel.. they looked kind of bored. haha. I guess weddings aren't their thing). It was really good to see everyone again though- Cheryl looked as elegant as ever, Addy and Ai Ling made rare and very appreciated appearances (kidding la.. I know you're busy), Sharon kept asking if we were cold, as predicted, Stella was in white and pink (Lol. I am good), Daniel seems to have beefed up a little.. and Isaac, haha- no change. I really wish twin could've been there though.
The procession was led by little kids with tiny cars- it was so cute! There were many "very Ms Kao" touches- she made all the little gifts, when they walked out the Shrek song played (I love that song!), her throwing the bouquet that she made on her own, there was even a MTV clip with her and Ming giving tips on relationships - it was hilarious, honest, fun and really professionally done - anyone can see that it took effort but it all comes so naturally to her.
When the pastor gave his exhortation, they said their vows and we saw the video of her being proposed to- it struck me how unprepared for a relationship, let alone marriage I am. Jong Ee is so giving, caring, close to God, and also very much in love with Ming. It just made me reflect on how I've still so many flaws, and how I've yet to experience the kind of intimacy of thought and care that their relationship shows. There is a long way to go, and I am reminded of how it is worth waiting on God and His promise. In short, I'm humbled. |
| posted by wenster @ 7:33 AM |
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| Thursday, July 21, 2005 |
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Rain, wind and cloudy skies make for good sleeping weather. A happy worker of Wen Yi it does not make. Somehow I managed to spend an entire hour eating breakfast this morning, aided by lethargy caused by the weather. I still feel as though my mind is in bed, but my body somehow got changed, dragged itself out to the bus stop and onto the bus, then zombied across to the mrt and miraculously knew where to get off. It was also smart enough to pick up some too sweet coffee on the way there. I suppose good judgement is too much to ask of me in the morning. It is odd, because I've usually considered myself a morning person, yet for the last week or so my greatest pleasure has been silencing the alarm and burying my face back into the pillow. Oh well. Dear twin has left for aussie again - that continent claims so many of my good friends - I'm going to miss her. Heck I miss her already. Twin, I think instead of leaving with one less thing (for the lack of a better descriptor), you've left with an opportunity. To be your own person entirely, to appreciate what is so great about a book, hot tea and noone in sight and to learn a recipe without needing to think about others' food preferences. ;) I'll be praying for you okie?
Wedding on sat. Don't know what to wear. Isn't that the biggest concern ever for women? I have a feeling Stella's going to be in white or pink. And it's going to be a dress. Don't ask me why. Then Ai Ling.. erm.. difficult to say, but possibly black or purple. Sharon and Addy are mysteries- definitely no pink for Sharon, unless its hot pink. Then Addy.. maybe pale blue? Eh no. Possibly white for Addy. Heh. Sorry girls. It just came to mind. The larger issue at hand though, is a gift. GIFT! girls are you seeing this? GIFT. Macam mana? Sudah bincang lama lama tapi masih belum membuat keputusan. Hendak beri arak ke? Tak beberapa sesuai kan? Hmm. Trips to malaysia improve malay. |
| posted by wenster @ 1:08 AM |
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| Tuesday, July 19, 2005 |
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Just the other day, granma was watching some Chinese telly show that had people, ok more specifically, women, interviewed about how they look. I don't really read mandarin, but what I understood was that most people said "ok la" when asked whether or not they were pretty. A dismal amount considered themselves beautiful (I think. Its kind of difficult to interpret mandarin while trying to hula ya'know.) Well, I'm beautiful. Not in the pretty, fair, big eyed, small boned, long silky hair kind of way- I have working eyesight - but beautiful as a whole person. 'cos the way I view a person always includes personality. Disposition. Ability to relate. But most of all, I am beautiful 'cos I'm God's creation ;) That's my highest "qualification". Okies, now that I've gotten that out of my system, I can start my day.
By contemplating my preference for men who're hopelessly in love with someone they can't attain. I think I feel sorry for them..but at the same time the way they behave is really sweet- think Joey from friends- I liked him a lot more when he was into Rachel, but now that he's over it... nah. Same for spike- he's a lot more adorable when he's pining after Buffy. Hmms. Does that make me a bit of an emotional sadist? Not really, 'cos I do hope for a happy ending for them. I suppose what draws me to such sappy off the rack stories is the opportunity for a happily ever after. Gosh I'm such a pushover. |
| posted by wenster @ 1:36 AM |
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| Sunday, July 17, 2005 |
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Grouchy:
because I'm bored
and Eunice has gone back-
one less person who will initiate "lets go out" unlike so many lazybums I know
and twin is going to another continent soon too
one less person who will initiate "lets go out" unlike so many lazybums I know
and school fees have arrived
the a/c is leaking
have to call the guy tomorrow
sixofus wasn't complete and it was noone's fault
nothing much to do at work tomorrow and the day after
cos people are "too affected to work" *disdain*
and noone to entertain me *pout*
mosquitoes everywhere
no good shows on telly
done with most of the books dad bought
saw nice shoes but didn't know to get them or not
need someone else's opinion on it
I look like horrible in my malaysian ic
and I have to keep it till much later in life
Can't help Gim out with his thing
and it would've been so much fun
haven't gotten Ms Kao a gift yet
and the wedding is this week
don't have chocolate milk
have to go to work tomorrow
have yet to do my requisite shopping
haven't stepped into Great World since I got back
didn't find what I wanted at spotlight
bleah.
Hey, I feel better already. Shall go empty out the bookshelves and see what I can find. And will have soymilk with chocolate on the side. Followed by a wardrobe audit. Ahhh.
Now, if only those lazybums will do their bit this coming week. |
| posted by wenster @ 12:00 PM |
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| Friday, July 15, 2005 |
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I am tired, sore and extremely happy. The whole family was in Terengganu for the past few days- Awana Kijal is the place to be! (hmm. Should be paid for this ad) I loved the changing feel of the sand and the feel of the sticky sea breeze- and after the clear clean waters there, I am NOT going to touch the water at sentosa. No way babe. My fav entertainment there was walking just at the edge of the water and watching the silly crabs scuttle sideways into the water and crash into the waves. Lol. They're cute- but that didn't really stop me from eating crab for dinner that same night. I did all that I wanted to do- went kayaking with my bro, watched the sunrise (alone, 'cos everyone else was still sleeping), walked to the very end of the beach to the rock formation, ate lemang, found shells and spent time with family. Kayaking was fun, even though Theng questioned my ability before going, complained about the sun while we got in, said he was bored after the first 5 mins and then kept asking if we could go back after.
And, I've found the bathroom of my dreams! Its spacious, well arranged, and most importantly, pleasing to all senses! Haha. Sad huh, to be swooning over a bathroom. I will shamefully admit to the fact that I took pictures of it too. Lol. We spent a night at Genting, and watched the 12 Girls band perform. If you're into chio bus who look like they were born playing their instruments- this is for you man. Their playing was pretty good, but I think they went too far down the commercial route by playing some overused "new classical" songs like victory. Ugh. You should've seen the guys in the audience taking pictures too. They were seriously behaving like hungry wolves.
Speaking of dreams- granma and I encountered this charming fellow on the bus ride home. On the outside- that is the man of my dreams. So nice and polite to everyone, gentle without being effeminate- he even offered to let us have the taxi before him! Well it helps that he doesn't look like some crazed person or lecherous beast... but I think this just goes to show what a sucker I am when it comes to gentlemanly behoviour. That, and also for people who speak cantonese or malay. Well, now that I've acquired some very very very basic french, that'll do too. Its just nice to have the childish feeling of being able to converse in secret sometimes, or to point out things without being too obvious. But God will provide ya? I'm still under construction, as is the complementary half.
Which leads me to the next thing on my mind- WEI'ER. engaged. now. ARGH. Haha forgive me. I am still partially in shock- didn't help that uniz seemed so blase about it when I called her- I need someone to scream with for a bit! I am happy for Wei though... its been a long road ever since the Samuel episodes in BHS- and I can only say that I pray for their future- and that she'd better find some good way of getting all of us to her wedding! Lol. Drat. Now I have to save and figure out next summer in accordance to ms. guo soon to be mrs.. um.. ok I don't know. I should though, shouldn't I? |
| posted by wenster @ 2:20 AM |
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| Saturday, July 09, 2005 |
| Malaysia, Truly Asia.. |
Back in my hometown (well, city actually) of KL, enjoying the sights and sounds that once used to be familiar, but now seem like novelties again. Kind of sad, no? There's an Indian wedding across the road. Never knew that our neighbour was Indian, much less getting married. They've got a pink and white tent covering the porch of the terrace house, and kids aplenty running about. Some of the old neighbours are still here- Auntie Amy on the left and Wee Leong (just for the record I have no idea how to spell his name) on the right.. and some other auntie opposite who remembers me as a kid. Compared to our neighbours, our household's trajectory seems to have gone out of orbit. First Singapore, now to the states.. I wonder what it would've been like if I had finished schooling here and went to a local college as is the norm these days. Guess I'd have been at the bottom of the class for one. Lol. Malay is not my thing. I think its a lovely language and all, but I'm as good in it as I am in mandarin. Then of course, I wouldn't have met so many of the people I'm proud to be able to call friends- some of them I've known for 7 years now (whoa.. think about it.. 3 more years and it'll be a decade!) some less.. but all of whom I know I want to grow old with, for the lack of a better expression.
Okay.. that was a warm fuzzy digression. Back to Malaysia. There was pasar malam last night.. It comes every friday, and has been there since I can remember. There is the "kook yim kai" man (steamed salt chicken?) who is an institution on his own, the assam laksa stall, the egg man, the siew mai and fishball lady, the dip-your-choice-of-food-on-a-stick truck, the taiwanese sausage stall.. it was so good to see all of them again. There are definitely more pirated cd people around, but the overall atmosphere is still the same. Haha. I hear the ice cream truck outside now. Then there is the old newspaper man. Except now he deals in all kinds of recyclable items, even steel racks. "Old newspaper! Paper lama! Sao gau pou chee!!!" These are everyday pieces of life in KL that I have not seen anywhere else. So I suppose in that sense Malaysia ain't truly Asia, 'cos we have experiences that are unique. Where else do you see a cendol truck that carries its own stools around so that it can set up virtually anywhere?
Going back across the causeway (or Tuas as preferred by many), some of the 35th (ahem. cue for those who didn't come to feel guilty) came over to my place for what turned out to be a picture taking session. Lol. Crazy nuts managed to drain my camera's batt in a matter of 3 hours. We're so narcisstic. It was good to see Jiing again.. the busy woman will probably not be able to squeeze me into her schedule anytime else. Oh ya.. watched Batman Begins with Uniz and Aaron before that too. Despite my doubts about that old looking guy who took the lead role.. it was pretty good. It wasn't completely brainless.. and to me, that is crucial when it comes to superhero movies. Too bad I didn't have time to go to Max Brenner's after that- its my kind of bar man.. And exhibit A below is the winner of the beautiful family picture of 2005 entitled.. "untitled"
Hmm. Remembered a lame joke of Mr Neo's all of a sudden. I do not take responsibility for the eye rolling factor ok? What did sushi A say to sushi B? *drumroll please.. and cymbals!* wassup B? Don't say I didn't warn you. |
| posted by wenster @ 4:42 AM |
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| Wednesday, July 06, 2005 |
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I smoked! Lol. We all did actually, with the erm.. can't remember the name of the funky water steamer/aromatherapy thingy. Yeah.. I'll put pictures up soon. It was apple flavored too, so we all had a good time trying to smell each others' breath. It is kind of like standing over a rice pot and taking in mouthfuls of steam. Haha. The main fun of it lay in watching and recording how everyone took it though. The food was interesting too.. twin and I shared this thing called foul (makes me think of something fowl/foul/jowl for some reason). Its name wasn't indicative of the taste thankfully. It was a kind of bean puree mix that they serve with arabic bread (kind of like skinny pita) and lemon. I liked it, but twin diplomatically said that it was probably an acquired taste. The mint tea was exceptional though. It didn't have that artificial toothpaste taste that you get from the ones in cans- the taste of real mint was there. I'm sure the stalk of leaves floating in the drink itself helped too.
People wise, most of the elusive ones were there! :D except daughter.. she's the rare specimen that can only be viewed on Mondays, and even then only some Mondays. The famous Isaac was there with us yesterday.. as well as special guest Jeff. He's probably shocked at the amount of nonsense we can spew in a night. Dear sweet Cheryl and Addy were there too, still behaving blur, even though she's purportedly improved due to uni and Curtis.. Jong Ee just keeps looking younger and younger.. Oh well. Guess I'll always be the more "lao" one.
Lala and I swapped cameras last night, which was a smart move I think- cos now she'll have more pics of herself n vice versa. Should try that again. Only works with trigger happy people though...
My hands are cold. I'd say that the placement of the air conditioner is salah, but then it would also be true that the arrangement of furniture in the office is salah. So I shall settle for the temperature is salah. But because of how the ac only hits half the room, the temp has to be lower for the sake of the other half. See the problem here? |
| posted by wenster @ 2:19 AM |
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I think I have a thing for young men with wither platinum blond or white hair. I'm serious- so bro was watching some rugby match between France and Australia, and there was this one French player I could not help but look at again and again. Whatdya know.. he's got white hair.. dyed obviously, but it makes him look cute! Lol. Maybe its also the french bit that I like.. Theng doesn't think too much of them tho. He was saying that all they're good at is writing love songs. Haha.
Went to Wesley Methodist's youth ministry service on Sunday - first time there so I felt a bit of the first time blahs. Well not really 'cos Sharon gave me the number of one of her friends who led there. While I was talking to him, I saw this guy staring at me. In my mind I was thinking, is something wrong with me today, am I dressed inappropriately- then it hit me. I knew him. It was silly Eric Chiam (remember him Ai Ling?) from NJ. Was good to see him again, after actually forgetting that he existed *sorry*. But yeah.. you never know who you're gonna meet, oui?
Plus. They were talking about a girl who was going to the US too, and guess what? She's going to Wellesley. Talk about coincidence. I've yet to meet her, but I will..
Meeting the s29ers tomorrow- above is the preview! |
| posted by wenster @ 6:09 AM |
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| Friday, July 01, 2005 |
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Went to BHSS on "business" today.. Lol. Lets say it was a "working holiday". Met quite a few teachers of mine as well as some who didn't really teach me but are acquainted anyways. The school has not changed much, just as NJ had the same types of students enrolled, I think the general feel of the place is more or less the same. Higher security maybe, but the "stereotypes" are still recognisable. Happy thought: all the teachers said that I looked slimmer (which kind of implies a very fat Wen Yi in secondary school, no? Bleah.) Not so happy thought: Mrs. Po thought I was a young parent. Gosh. Do the math- that would make me a mom at the ripe old age of 7. Happy thought: They still remember me. Yeah, that is what is important ya? Considering the fact that I've been gone a good number of years and visit about an average of once a year.. I'd find it hard to remember me. They seem really busy though, and I am touched by their willingness to take some time out to catch up with me. When Fannie gets back we'll go again. Hopefully with Wan Fen as well. Darn, shouldn't have used hopefully. Its not really supposed to be used in that context, I read somewhere that its only to convey an expression e.g. she looked at the ice cream hopefully.
Been wondering about whether or not I should begin conversational French lessons- it starts today methinks, and I have yet to register no thanks to myself. Should have checked back with them earlier than yesterday. See, I was thinking of doing half a term = 4 lessons, once a week. But if it begins today, and I miss next week's lesson, that will leave me with grand total of 3 lessons. Is it worth the trouble? And its on Friday nights. Oh phoey.
Smoke stinks. The bathroom downstairs reeks of it periodically because the whole building (container, actually) is full of habitual smokers who love to pass on their second hand smoke to innocent unsuspecting people like me. Make that young, lung-health-concious people. |
| posted by wenster @ 7:59 AM |
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