| Sunday, July 30, 2006 |
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For the first time in a long long time, I had a bbq without sausages or chicken wings. Normally, I balk at the idea of a bbq just because of previous experience. Fire won't start, meat is undercooked, meat is overcooked, the smell of smoke overpowers everything, too much to clean up, too much to prepare. Today was no different. When dad suggested a bbq..argh - I wasn't really keen on it.
It turned out rather well though. We got pork ribs and prawns, made our own kebabs and grilled fish. Since it was really windy out, it took forever to get the fire started. First off, I went through a box of matches trying to get the firestarters going. Then, the pit decided to rebel and the metal grille came down on me poor left hand. That really added injury to insult. But once dad came along, things started looking up- the coal began to heat up and we had a pretty good stove to work on. The kebabs turned out superb, and the fish was just right. So although I bear scars and smell like burnt wood, I have to admit that dinner was good.
Getting to my last week at moi internship - since I decided to extend my work by a week, I won't be seeing the first batch interns when I go back tomorrow. Now that will be weird... I've developed certain habits of visiting people, calling them up about lunch, emailing - gah. Its amazing how quickly 2 months have passed by - I still remember walking in on the first day to the reception and wondering what it would be like. Thank you Lord! Its been great.. I love the people and their quirks :)
Pics from lala's bday celebrations to come... (don't hold your breath!) |
posted by wenster @ 2:16 PM  |
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| Monday, July 17, 2006 |
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Dragonboating is fun. No kidding! After 3 practices and the race last Sat, I am positive that I like it. I'm looking forward to doing rowing at Oxford now... plus, God's been faithful (as usual) and Val, I think we have a starting point for church! Thanks to one of the interns here - well actually both of the oxford ones since they go to the same church. Goody.
Yesterday's service was good -it reminded me a lot of Becky jdsn - because she used music from the Phantom of the Opera to drive home her point. The sermon was about how we should forget what lies behind and push forward, relying on God for the strength we need. She likened Christine to the desire in each of us to be loved, to be protected every waking moment. Raoul's promises are that of man's - that he'll be there all the time, to turn her head with talk of summertime - but in the end he fails too. It touched me personally because 1. I'm a softie die hard romantic though I hate to admit it and 2. it really reminds me of the "whole package" that God is - He's all I really need.
I'm not too sure that living here is healthy... had a good chat with Charlene today about how there are so many stereotypes here - which whether we like it or not, exert pressure on us poor bystanders. Well, I think a part of it has to do with the fact that we're not typical in the local sense. But its true, 'cos I realize that while I'm here I worry about things that never really bothered me when I'm away. Dang it.
Happy note - went for Marriage of Figaro with daddy. I remember that earlier in the summer I saw the ads and asked mom if she was interested - and I got referred to dad instead. At that time, he wasn't too interested, so I figured that it would be one of those things where I'd just catch it at some other point in my lifetime. But -woohoo!- dad got tickets from someone else, so my Friday night was spent at the opera. It was really cool - we had wonderful seats; front and center - I've never been so close to the stage before. There was a cocktail reception beforehand with sushi and mingling - and also during the intermission. (note to self. I need to learn how to small-talk). The opera itself was fantastic (to my never-been-to-opera-before eyes and ears). I loved the wittiness of it, which was better portrayed by the leads than the subtitles that were provided. Costumes were suitably eye-catching, but nothing over the top - and the supporting orchestra played their part well, never drowning out the italian that was being belted out. An experience that I'll definitely remember :) |
| posted by wenster @ 3:19 PM |
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| Saturday, July 08, 2006 |
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The Merlion started spitting again last midweek. It was kind of nice to finally see it, since I had a view of the rectangular shower curtain thing that covered it ever since my internship started. I'm really grateful to God for His provision. There is so much to learn... Well, not really the hard knowledge, its more of the soft skills, the industry sense, what my colleagues think of what they're doing, intra-office interactions and the list goes on. Basically everything I see and hear each day at work (and after, 'cos thats when more reality is shared). I have an option to prolong it, but should I? I'm not really sure about my motivations to do so... I believe that with some proper work (as opposed to the leisurely pace right now) I'll be able to complete what I'm supposed to do. Will I learn anything else in a week? Or, in agency-speak, is there a value proposition in that extra time, or will it end up like so many of the extra times in the world cup where it didn't do either side any good except wear them out? Hmmm. I should pray about this. And a whole lotta other things.
Went to a pretty good okinawan place for dinner tonight. Well deserved I would say, given that we worked ourselves to the bone with 90 mins in a dragonboat. The bum-numbing, toe-cramping, shoulder-aching exercise is not my latest craze (though it might as well be since I have to admit that I look forward to practice) - it happens to be *almost* part of the jobscope. Blame (or thank, depending on which side you choose to take) JTC and Jurong Island for organizing it. The division which I'm at was invited, and so 10 of us will be rowing like mad people come Saturday after a grand total of 3 trainings. Woot. Talk about a crash course. Well, like our instructor says, its a sport easy to pick up but difficult to excel at. We are aiming for *drumroll* the top half. Lol. Seriously. There were several other boats in the water today, and we had mini races, the outcome(s) being unfavorable (and I have to admit, slightly discouraging). Ah well. Fun nonetheless. Dinner comprised of 1. the most most most yummy pork belly I've ever had - it really melts, and the flavor was just sublime. 2. fish stew with bamboo shoots -and I really like bamboo shoots, makes me feel like a panda- 3. okinawan pancake 4. beef with green pepper 5. cold noodles with a really good dipping sauce. Of the 5, I will return for the pork belly. Not too soon though, lest my own tummy becomes comparable to the one in the bowl. |
| posted by wenster @ 3:56 AM |
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