Over the hills and far away..

Just came back from watching TRANSFORMERS. The show's cool but draggy. It can definitely be edited and be more compact. More "in-depth" review to be done later.

Woke up damn early on Friday. Met Sharinah at the MRT and soon we were making our way to Changi Village. Headed to Pulau Ubin and went for a tiring walk. Pictures will be out tomorrow. Am just too tired now.

Time now is 0435hrs. I need to wake up in about 2.5 hours' time for there's NPCC training later. Freak, it will be sunrise soon.

A thousand times goodnight zz.zzzz................

###

I want to make you holler

Spice Girls have reunited!
They are going on a global tour and yet ..what the fuck, they are not stopping by Singapore.
The audacity!!!



SPICE GIRLS REUNION TOUR
Los Angeles - December 7
Las Vegas - December 8
New York - December 11
London - December 15
Koln - December 20
Madrid - December 23
Beijing - January 10
Hong Kong - January 12
Sydney - January 17
Cape Town - January 20
Buenos Aires - January 24

I love the Spice Girls and..and ..and..and…argh I want to go Hong Kong in January.


That’s it. It’s time to bring out the platform shoes, fake tattoos and ah…Girl Power.
Sorry, the Spice Girls are bigger than Transformers, okay!


I am very tired. Woke up early for the appointment and when I got home at around 1330hrs, I had to keep my eyes open so that I wouldn’t fall asleep and well..oversleep for the warbling session in the evening. It was awrite. Nani and I started on our own first and then Sha came, bringing along her boyfriend. Of course Ismail and Liah (and the occasional Nazmi/Tini), you guys were greatly missed.

Am dead beat. I haven’t done any work…spent the afternoon watching Everybody Loves Raymond and Whose Line Is It Anyway on youtube so that I could stay awake. Guess I really have to dedicate the weekend to work…all 3 portions of them:

(1) movie review
(2) editing NPCC text and
(3) brainstorming for this employment copywriting test given to me by a certain company to test my job suitability.

So quit thinking that I am free as hell. I still have to keep a lookout for jobs and go for interviews..and there’s HK to look forward to.

See…you guys are not the only ones busy, aite.

And before you accuse me of procrastinating or skiving by going for a hike at Pulau Ubin later, well…I am taking a holistic approach. Heh. Being with nature can be miraculous, awrite. And besides, it’s time for my jungle fix.


You just walk in, I make you smile
It cool but you don't even know me
You take an inch, I run a mile
Can't win you're always right behind me

And we know that you could go and find some other
Take or leave it or just don't even bother
caught in a craze, it's just a faze
Or will this be around forever

Don't you know it's going too fast
Racing so hard you know it won't last
Don't you know, what can't you see
Slow it down, read the sign
So you know just where you are going

Stop right now
Thank you very much
I need somebody with the human touch
Hey you you always on the run
Gotta slow it down baby
Got have some fun - Stop, Spice Girls


Exactly!
And jungle-hiking is my way of fun.

A thousand times goodnight, mud-walkers and puddle-jumpers.



P/S: Let there be no branch-falling incident happening tomorrow.


###

In the beginning...when our smiles were genuine

Am kind of in a nervous/panicky mood now.
Cool it, Ed, cool it.

Maybe it is because suddenly I find there are a lot of things on my cheap ceramic plate right now. Rewind a couple of weeks ago, I was so free and bo liao, this time round I am like a cat on a hot tin roof. And I think tomorrow’s appointment is also making me edgy. And also maybe it's the fact that I went out the whole day and not thinking about work today. Blah.

Went to Selegie to check out a tattoo parlour with Ah Lau. Girl friend wanted to get some quotations cause she’s planning to get inked soon. Anyway, Visual Orgasm is a really cool place. Of all the places we had checked out, this was the one that most reminded me of Miami Ink.


No..they are not Linkin Park, dammit.



Ppfft..not Evanescence either.


So yeah, Ah Lau is still mulling on her getting-inked plans. Maybe I should get my own…a really sexy genie with the words, “Yes, Master” on my back.



Oh cannot!
I’ve an eczema attack on my back!


Hit the beach for a while after that. Sat by the beach and did some work on the computer/internet. God bless Wireless@SG! Ah Lau skated on her own and after that we headed to Ang Mo Kio. But first, we paid a visit to the ghetto-fied basketball court behind my house (the one near the rubbish dumping ground) to shoot some rocks. Mortifying, hahaha.


Obviously it was Ah Lau who was more pro at it.
I was just happy to “check ball” and be Dennis Rodman.


Didn’t meet Meiling in the end. While I was eating cold mee siam and watching Deal Or No Deal at almost 2100hrs, Fifi called and asked if I wanted to join him and Din at AMK Central. Met them at Andersen’s ice cream parlour and just played a little catch-up. It’s always nice to see old faces friends. Guess while I may have lost some along the way…or either that they just don’t want to see me… I’m glad that these two still bother. Hooray.

Okay better start doing my work.
Wish me luck, guys.

A thousand times goodnight, pearl divers.


P/S: By 1100hrs tomorrow, a bit of an ordeal will be over and then it will be warbling time at night with the minahs.

P/P/S: Help! I am addicted to Perez Hilton.


###

Mandi Koboi

Oh!

I just remembered about the notice I saw at the lift lobby. There will be a disruption to the water supply (again) later from 0900 to 1700hrs. Ah bloody hell.


*Ed runs around like a headless chicken...filling up pots, bottles and pails with water.

*Ed quickly washes her undies.


###

Choh dai yam tam cha sik goh bau

There's a place we used to be
There's a face that I used to see
There's a picture with you by my side
There's a moment that I want to find
I don't know where to start
Or how to begin
But I know I love you still

If you ever turn away
If you ever change your mind
If the road ahead becomes too hard to climb
If there's something in your heart
That tells you to stop
Oh to hold you close tonight
I'd wait for life

There's a voice shouting inside my head
There's a space on your side of the bed
There's a hope every time there's a sound
There's a silence that's playing too loud
I don't know where you are
Or how you may be
But I know I love you still

If you ever turn away
If you ever change your mind
If the road ahead becomes too hard to climb
If there's something in your heart
That tells you to stop
Oh to hold you close tonight
I'd wait for life

If I close my eyes
I'll dream a little deeper baby
'Cause you are always on my mind
Yeah you are always on my mind
For life – I’d Wait For Life, Take That


I feel kind of stupid for putting this song because ..you know, there’s no one in particular that I'm pining for. But hey, the song is nice and well, in a way, I’ll wait. Even if it’s for life. Humph. I’m sure it’s worth it.

It better be, right?

8-)

Anyway, Rae and I caught this show at the Preview Theatre yesterday. Obviously I haven’t started on the review yet. Maybe after this…or tomorrow. Ah, tomorrow sounds good.





HOOKED ON YOU has a retro feel to it and that’s not a bad thing. HK singer Eason Chan and Miriam Yeung take the lead as a pair of rivals-turn-partners. A really ugly not so good-looking pair, I must say. But then it is still okay cause the premise is at a fish market and it is not like they are on the catwalks of Milan..or Madrid, where the Spanish people are.

The movie doesn’t have a fairytale ending and that catches me by surprise. It is not a typical love story either, although HOY is promoted as a romantic-comedy. To me, it’s more like a satire on Hong Kong’s development and the attitude and mindset of the HKongers during the changing years of 1997-2007 ..the handover, the SARS and so on.


(Do you remember Michael Hui Kun Man? Of the 3 crazy-shit Hui brothers? Well, Michael used to direct too and Hooked On You is similar to the societal satires Hui used to make.)


Somehow I was expecting Lydia Sum to come out as a fishball auntie and Stephen Chow as tofu seller or something…I don’t know, both of them are almost synonymous to all the mo lei tau / gau m daap baat (I know my Cantonese!) HK comedies that I’ve grown up with. Oh well, good show.

Hooked On You is recommended…especially to the single girls who are fast approaching 30 and don’t mind a Chinese movie or two. But of course, watch this ONLY after you catch Eye In The Sky. That show is still the shit – by that, I mean “good”. Sheesh.


Had quite an interesting day today but ah, enough about me.

..
.. (twiddle thumbs)
..
.. (watch grass grows)
..

Right.


Okay, think I need to start on my work.
Did I say “work”?


Am servicing the NPCC HQ (they are my el-cheapo clients..great) now. The project started in March when we had the meetings, planning and stuff. HQ is doing a complete overhaul in syllabus and training and it needs to come up with new manuals, directives, CD-Rom, instructional videos, textbooks and handbooks. Yeah…just like school.


As if teachers and students don’t have enough of this shit everyday, right?
Why are CCAs so serious and no longer fun?


Anyway, my duties are to assist in the filming. That was completed in May. The project leader said that I would then edit all the rough text/manuscripts and all. I spent the entire month of May and almost the whole of June waiting for people to finish drafting the text so that I could edit them. Besides, like I told them earlier...my June is open.

I waited like fuck.

No one updated me with shit and then BAM! I received 11 chapters yesterday. And from the sound of it, the leader wanted me to complete it within a few days. Yeah, right. Am still waiting for a few more people to pass me their work. It’s almost July now. They want to complete this whole thing by September? Oh bitch, please!

It sucks when they don’t regard you as a professional…and more towards the I-know-you-you-know-me kind of deal. And it sucks when you always agree to help. Pooh.

A thousand times goodnight, cheapo suckers.


P/S: Like omigod?! It’s like Hong Kong is like.. like one more like week like away! Girl friends!

P/P/S: Wrestler Chris Benoit is dead. So are his wife and his son. Apparently he killed them..before killing himself. I always know that these WWE guys are freaky.


###

Stop a baby's breath and a shoe full of rice

Woke up to no water this noon. Somehow the water supply was disrupted. Saw empty flasks lying around…must be the sister’s doing. She must have used all the boiled water to wash her ass self and then ran off to work. Oh well. Thank God the water came back at around 1600hrs. Showered, zoomed out and here I am at Shaw’s McDonalds. Am attending a media preview of the Eason Chan’s movie Hooked On You later at 1900hrs. Doing a bit of work while waiting for Rae now.

Hmmm…think I’ve been catching a lot of Chinese shows lately.
Kind of forget that I am a Melayu sometimes.
Hahaha.


Alahai Cik Pe’ah si dara sunti, cantik selendang tu.


Received a few messages from ex-colleagues (THE school). Jay-Z (this female teacher ..haha) was asking when to meet up and Fairuz updated me on the state of the relief teacher. Apparently the school had offered him incentive beyond the 5.5 hours. About $20 bucks per hour after the stipulated 5.5hrs (eg: 00730-1300hrs). That means if he stays until, let’s say 1500hrs, he will get about $105 per day. 5 days a week, 20 days a month..will equal to $2100. Bah…that in exchange of my life. Nah Fairuz…am still neither interested nor jealous.


Talk to the hand, please.


[A rude student said this to me once and I instinctively grabbed him by the collar. Wanted to bang his head against his desk but chose to just momentarily choke him. Scolded him and he looked like he wanted to cry. That was last year. Last May, he came up to me and expressed his happiness for passing my Literature papers. Still a bloody brat. Oh this was also the same incident where his classmate laughed as I was grabbing his collar. I turned to the laughing boy and said “Shut up, Asthma Boy!” Wahahaha Ed for President!]



Sama kan?
Macam ada aura-aura dia…


Instant Karma's gonna get you
Gonna knock you right on the head
You better get yourself together
Pretty soon you're gonna be dead
What in the world you thinking of
Laughing in the face of love
What on earth you tryin' to do
It's up to you, yeah you

Instant Karma's gonna get you
Gonna look you right in the face
Better get yourself together darlin'
Join the human race
How in the world you gonna see
Laughin' at fools like me
Who on earth d'you think you are
A super star
Well, right you are

Well we all shine on
Like the moon and the stars and the sun
Well we all shine on
Ev'ryone come on – Instant Karma, John Lennon


Had a missed call while I was on the train. Damn. That could be a potential employer. Ah bloody hell.

Later.


P/S: Cant wait for Friday’s Ubin walk.


###

Almost Amish

What happens when a clown is sad? Upset?
Do the lion-tamers, bear-fighters, ball-jugglers,
Fire-eaters, stunt-heroes and the circus freaks comfort him?
No, they don’t.
What are they going to say to him anyway?
Cheer up?
Puh-leez.
Self-absorbed, maybe?
Cant be bothered, maybe?
Or…their lives are too dangerous and tedious enough to care?
Maybe all.

Hidup sendiri, mati sendiri lah, badut.


Come to think of it, a crying clown seems freakishly funny.
Ah...
That's why!

“Just like Pagliacci did
I try to keep my surface hid
Smiling in the crowd I try
But in a lonely room I cry
The tears of a clown
When there's noone around, oh yeah, baby baby
Now if there's a smile on my face
Don't let my glad expression
Give you the wrong impression
Don't let this smile I wear
Make you think that I don't care
Cos really I'm sad...” (Tears Of A Clown, Smokey Robinson)


Initial plans all didn’t materialise. Was looking forward to a Sunday-day-out (after living like an Amish hermit) but yeah…no. That’s why must remind myself not to depend on anyone cause it will totally spoil a great day, wont it?

Anyway… had a place in mind but when I saw #165 heading towards me, I just got on it. Ended up at Holland Village. Somehow I always end up there alone since last time. They need to expand that place more. It’s too small. I covered it up so fast. Went to my favourite bakery/pastry shop and got me some stuff. Stopped at Gramophone and almost rented Raging Bull. But the thought of having to return it was off-putting.


You win, you win.
You lose, you still win. (Joey LaMotta)

Took a bus to town and headed to Borders. But first, gluttony got the better of me and I sat down (somewhere) to stuff my face with cranberry juice, chocolate chip scone and the freaking melted cinnamon sugar bun. *sniff*.. melted already.



And so there was an idiot at Wheelock Place just now, eating cinnamon bun…with sugar on her fingers, mouth, nose and hair. Sweet.

Headed to Borders soon after and was intrigued by a Karen Armstrong’s book on comparative religion and origin of religions. Interesting. Was hooked until a really really smelly woman sat beside me. I knew she was a smoker cause she had that smell in her hair, clothes and God when she yawned…it was like a sewage foam party! Oi, busuk lah!

Headed to the Media side and grabbed the book which I had planned to read up – Tom Plate’s Confessions of an American Media Man: What They Don't Tell You at Journalism School.


Am too cheap to buy it, can?
But I will..with the next paycheck.
Don’t know when. .hah.

Oh was looking at Clara’s “first-class” photos on Friendster and saw this, taken last March at the restaurant in Holiday Inn.


Noreen couldn’t join us. No biggie.

And Weiling, thank you for the kind motivating words yesterday. You couldn’t imagine the effect. It meant quite a lot, really..cause you’re the one and only so far to say that. I’ll keep hanging on. Thank you for your support..now go, get married.

Awrite, I’m tired. The bus journeys to Holland V, to town and then back home were fun. The sights and people mannerisms were a joy to watch. But ah..they sapped me.


A thousand times goodnight, back-to-schoolers…and I meant, the teachers.


P/S: It is sucky to be very, very self-aware,isnt it? You feel bad / regretful / ashamed for feeling upset and shitty because the world is already burdened by other problems and there are many people who are also facing their own problems. I hate it when my head comes up with reasons against the emotional heart, rebutting and mocking every desperate-for-attention action. Why can others trouble other people with their worries but I cant seem to tell mine? Just because they dont ask, why cant I open my mouth and voluntarily share my day..just like others? Oh well. It's good to be self-reliant, really.

P/P/S: I must get away from attention-seeking people for the time being. Tired of hearing their "Me..me..me.." nonsense.

P/P/S/S: The head is telling me to stop my nonsense, get laid and go to bed. Hahaha.


###

I'm not cool, we ain't cool

Never Date a Capricorn

Somber, demanding, and freakishly logical. Emotions? It's not clear that Capricorn has them. And while it may be flattering for a Capricorn to be serious about you, bad news: they expect you to be super serious in return. Instead try dating: Aquarius, Gemini, Leo, or Virgo

What Sign Shouldn't You Date?

Geez, I’m a Capricorn.
No wonder.

Awrite, enough.

Yesterday was spent almost entirely at home. When the sister got home at about 2245hrs, I was complaining of how bored I was. She too was bummed out cause her boyfriend was out with his camp mates and her friends cancelled their plan last minute. So at 2300hrs, we went downstairs…to the bank..and then to McDonalds cause both of us had no dinner. Then had the parents, who went for a formal dinner at Suntec, joined us. Past midnight, the parents went home, while the sister and I walked to a neighbourhood store near my house to find Ben N Jerry’s. Hah.


Bo liao.

Am watching ALMOST FAMOUS now. Unbelievable. I woke up and tada…one of my top 5 movies is right in front of my eyes. Never fails to touch, this show. It’s all happening!




Like I’ll never get sick of Trainspotting, A Clockwork Orange, Romeo and Juliet and Dead Poets Society, I will never get sick of Almost Famous. The romanticism, journalism, Rollin' Stones magazine and the fucking wonderful 70s and …eurgh…sex, drugs and rock and roll?

Penny Lane: I always tell the girls, never take it seriously, if ya never take it seriosuly, ya never get hurt, ya never get hurt, ya always have fun, and if you ever get lonely, just go to the record store and visit your friends.

….

Lester Bangs: You CANNOT make friends with the rock stars. That's what's important. If you're a rock journalist - first, you will never get paid much. But you will get free records from the record company. And they'll buy you drinks, you'll meet girls, they'll try to fly you places for free, offer you drugs... I know. It sounds great. But they are not your friends. These are people who want you to write sanctimonious stories about the genius of the rock stars, and they will ruin rock and roll and strangle everything we love about it.

Man.
Deep words, deep words.

Blue jean baby, L.A. lady, seamstress for the band
Pretty eyed, pirate smile, you'll marry a music man
Ballerina, you must have seen her dancing in the sand
And now she's in me, always with me, tiny dancer in my hand

Jesus freaks out in the street
Handing tickets out for God
Turning back she just laughs
The boulevard is not that bad

Piano man he makes his stand
In the auditorium
Looking on she sings the songs
The words she knows, the tune she hums

But oh how it feels so real
Lying here with no one near
Only you and you can hear me
When I say softly, slowly

Hold me closer tiny dancer
Count the headlights on the highway
Lay me down in sheets of linen
you had a busy day today

Blue jean baby, L.A. lady, seamstress for the band
Pretty eyed, pirate smile, you'll marry a music man
Ballerina, you must have seen her dancing in the sand
And now she's in me, always with me, tiny dancer in my hand
– Tiny Dancer, Elton John


Am off for a walk in the sun.
Havent seen it in ages.
Later..Mona Lisas and madhatters.

###

Ed's Anat-O-Malley

It's o6oohrs and i have 3 more episodes to go. I just got my first yawn. I am dehydrated again even though I have chugged a whole bottle of water. Now I feel a stomach cramp/ache/pain creeping in. Think I should go to sleep now. Am meeting Meiling at 1000hrs.

Ok..now the pain is killing me. It's like my intestines have been gutted.

Ow.

###

One Lapse Moment

If I told you a secret
You won't tell a soul
Will you hold it and
Keep it alive

Cause it's burning a hole
And I can't get to sleep
And I can't live alone
In this life

So look up, take it away
Don't look da-da-da-down
The mountain

If the world isn't turning
Your heart won't return
Anyone, anything, anyhow

So take me, don't leave me
Take me, don't leave me
Baby, love will come through
It's just waiting for you – Love Will Come Through, Travis


Think I’ve dehydrated myself today. Am having things getting into me and a Grey’s Anatomy marathon is not making it any better. But think I have to do it. Get it all out in my system. The days have been getting darker and the heart is getting heavier by the day. I am all morosed.

God forbids this floor and corridor sees another suicide death. God forbids the day the father has to bring down another body and this time, his own flesh and blood. I am hanging by a thread. It is easier to snap.

Okay that’s just the moment of lapse talking.

I need more water.
Am really really dehydrated.
And it’s another long night cause I’ve been sleepless for a week.

A thousand times goodnight, thou jolly sleepers.


###

Check out my Slide Show!

You make me feel like I am clean again

With the very, very limited fund I have left, I am trying to catch: Hot Fuzz, Darwin’s Nightmare, Goal 2 and ah, the impending The Blossoming Of Maximo Oliveros . Maybe I can find/fight my way to free shows. Yes I am an opportunist and a free-loader and you guys are not. Right.


Shall give Nancy Drew, Grindhouse: Death Proof and Hula Girls a miss.


Mentioning movies, the EYE IN THE SKY review is out. Quite lengthy I must say…but it is overflowing with praises. Think too much emotions in there and less objective. Oh well what I have learnt in the media industry is that as long as the words are positive and revenue-generating, it doesn’t matter if it’s long or not. Thank you ShitNPee/YG for teaching me that. Arigato gozai-masu.

Was thinking of going out for a walk along the Civic Heritage Trail, considering that it is Friday and the Arts Museum is free at dusk. Was even contemplating visiting the sister at her work place at the East Coast Beach and to see the Skorpion skates. Alas, the weather’s not being kind. Looks gloomy here. Think I shall just up the resume-sending ante, read the past issues of Harpers Bazaar, Elle and Cosmos which strangely I still haven’t completed.

Shall go eat Quaker Oats. Oats are a supergrain by the way. Oats are the only wholegrain recognised to actively lower cholesterol.


The familiar Quaker man.


P/S: Due to an unforeseen circumstance, Ed cannot make it to the ROCK FOR WAYNE concert. Enjoy, thou who can.

P/P/S: The Cure's coming to town soon. Oh hark Love Song, Friday I'm in Love!

###

Fly to the moon, play among the stars

Ed: Hey..had dinner with Clara at the airport just now.
Lia: How is she?
Ed: Ok ah. She got to know a Malay guy at work and haha I think he likes her!
Lia: That’s good… Lelaki melayu dah tak suka malay girls lah
Ed: I guess so…oh well. Now that *Weiling is already attached, the Malay guys will go for Clara.
Lia: I still want to get married you know
Ed: I know..I know…
Lia: I still want Chinese men.
Ed: Then I take Orang Dayak…or orang Africa sakai…yang tak pakai baju.

*Weiling was the one who always..always got picked up by Malay men.


Any naked jungle tribesman who wants to marry me?


Beggars can’t be choosers.
Sigh…


Headed to Breeks @ Changi Airport just now with Clara. The place was quiet and nice…good place to have a nice conversation. But ah, it didn’t matter to me. What mattered was human contact. Could have gone crazy being in the house…deprived of sunshine and civilisation. The fact that I had to keep my door close (renovation work next door) made it worse. Damn claustrophobic, man.

After dinner, with a sundae in hand, we made our way to the viewing mall. Sigh…so much for technology and refurbishment, the only thing we were viewing were the (top) heads of the people who had checked in. Aeroplanes? What aeroplanes?

Anyway T2’s viewing mall is no longer welcoming. It kind of reminds me of being at the hospital. All bright, shiny and cold. What a stark difference from the passenger lounge below. Oh well. We’re just the travel-less minions looking in..or down. Gah! I want to fly!

Fly, birdie fly!


Evs.


The father is being wanderlusty again. The other day, he asked me about Hong Kong. I swear it almost sounded as if he wanted to follow me there. That day he also asked me “What’s the season in Perth now?”

“Winter…gonna be spring soon.”
“Ah…that means it is like 5 degrees in the morning, right?”
“Yeah something like that.”
“Hmmm…nice.”
“Yeah yeah…spring is better. Flowers will bloom.Breezy. Colourful.”
“Hmmm…nice. Want to go back Perth again?”


What!



Show of hands...
Who *hearts* Perth?


Then I had visions of the Australian Embassy and its Visa Officers before me. The thought of going back there to settle my forever-problematic visa made me sick. Erks. Enough of Aussie for the time being, please!

We are watching Globe Trekker right now on Channel 16. He is bugging me with questions about New Zealand. All of which I answered with “I don’t know, I havent been there!” Man…think he is planning another one in end July/August. And by “planning”, it means, he will bug me to do research, make decisions, choose agents, bug agents and settle all logistics.

Sheesh.
Think I’ll just be the family’s travel coordinator and guide.
That’s self-employment for you.
Guess the father will provide for my CPF contributions then.
Humph.


A thousand times goodnight, creedence clearwater revivals and muddy waters.



P/S: The mother said she wanted to send the sister to an arts school in Perth. Then she said she would accompany her there. I asked “You cant stay there long, you know.” “Why,” she asked. “Because you are on tourist visa!” I said. “Hah? You mean I cannot become like study mama??” What the hell….the parents are obsessed in getting to Perth.


P/P/S: Since when have we been this wanderlusty? Rewind 10 - 15 years back, we all had trouble making ends meet!


###

One bored phuck

Ohgenki has replaced my Men In White review for something way milder. Okay, maybe mine really sucked. I get it…not. Hahaha.


Melayu Moonies…upon the request of a certain St*R, let’s have a ‘Malam Melalak-Lalak Anekaragam’ next week. This is to celebrate the release of St*R from the hellhole otherwise known as Work. We can also celebrate the return of Blush from her ..ahem..European Escapade.

But man…since when do we need reasons to sell our soul to Cash Studio?

So yeah…either next Thursday or Friday, guys? Mail, Sha, Nani, Ed? You know 2 can’t play that game. It has to be at least 3 to go. Woo hoo.


Mentioning next Friday (29th), Sharinah and I will pack our bags and head to … Pulau Ubin. In my desperate need to get back to nature few days ago, I sent her an SOS SMS (geez)…asking her to take me out to the woods. So yeah next Friday…rain or shine, we will be there. I would like to start early. Bring some canned food and mangoes, have survival cooking in the jungle and walk till my legs drop out. Will bring the camera so…do wait.


Man…this time last year, I was still suffering from leech bites suffered at Endau Rompin.
Ah, it was fun.


But first thing first, I just surfed ROCK FOR WAYNE: A TRIBUTE CONCERT and finally saw the bill. Was hesitant to go initially cause I know there will be many people who are not into indie will be there and yeah, I hate crowds. They will be there because they are with friends of friends who know Wayne. Yeah whatevs, right. But I saw Humpback Oak and Force Vomit on the bill. I’m sold, I’m sold, I’m sold.

And yeah…you don’t have to be a fan of indie to join. I guess this is more to celebrate the life of Pi one musician. And also a chance for me to blow my last remaining $10. Man.


Speak English like Zoe Tay ay ay ay ay..
Zoe Tay ay ay ay ay
Zoe Tay ay ay ay ay

Okay.

Need to go meet Clara and then dinner at Changi Airport.


###

The Dreamer's Disease

To the Moonies who remember Ida, I just want to inform you that the Dragon Lady is in town and has invited us to her place this weekend.

Occasion : Ryqir’s 2nd birthday party (this is her son, by the way)
Venue : Teck Whye Lane
Date : 24th June 2005 (Sunday)
Time : 4.00pm

So Mail, Lauren, Sha, Jason, Susan...if you guys wanna all go down and take a look, call me okay? I’m game.


The boy.


Awrite.

This morning noon, the sister came into the room and threw a package at my sleeping bosom. Groggily I opened it up and ...hahaha...it’s here.


The book is here!
It is entitled ...well you can see it on your own here.



Awrite...that’s enough.


Didnt do much today. Felt lethargic cause I slept at 0500hrs earlier...sending out resumes like a crazy woman. It’s 0500hrs now too..but this time, I spent 2 hours surfing Victoria’s Secret website. Laura asked if I had wanted to pool in. So yeah..I created a really cheap list of shorts and stuff. Ok lah...cheer meself up a bit.

Oh, the family (sans the brother) went to Ramen Ten for dinner. It was all out of curiosity and I was feeling adventurous. Well, I thought I was feeling adventurous. Once we sat down, all I could order was some fried chicken meatballs. The mother and sister got some bento sets while the father got some katsu don. However, from their faces, I deduced the food wasn’t really nice. And when the bill came up to $70, I was in total disbelief.

$70 for Ramen Ten? What the hell. We could have gone to Fish & Co!
Like the mother said, “This is the first...and definitely the last time!”
Bleurgh.

Awrite that’s it.
Off to do some resume-sending before the sun comes up.
Yes, I have become a bit of Dracula.
Wanna suck?
Heh.

"This whole damn world can fall apart
You'll be ok follow your heart
You're in harm's way
I'm right behind
Now say you're mine

But when the night is falling
And you cannot find the light
If you feel your dream is dying
Hold tight
You've got the music in you
Don't let go
You've got the music in you
One dance left
This world is gonna pull through
Don't give up
You've got a reason to live
Can't forget you only get what you give" (New Radicals)


A thousand times goodnight, alabaster sleeping beauties.


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Tripping over words of the alchemist

It’s barely midnight and I have sleepiness creeping in already. And what did I do today besides waking up early to have Ah Mei breakfast with Jill? The name of the eatery is Ah Mei café lah…

Today...
I went on an adventure.
I went to Spain
Felt the Andalusian breeze
I went to Africa, to Tangier
To Egypt
To the Pyramids of Giza
I found my Personal Legend
I sought the Soul of the World
I saw the Philosopher’s Stone
Tasted the Elixir of Life
Banished the feeling of fear
For the fear of suffering was worse than the suffering itself
And spoke the unspoken Language of the World
I felt the wonders of God
“Makhtub,” they said
For everything had been written
I braved the Sinum of a sandstorm
And transformed into wind
I realised where my treasure lied
It was buried with the tears of my heart
And I learnt that I had to pursue the hunt
In order to make sense of what I was going through
I met the King of Salem
I met a gypsy lady
A candyman, Arab merchant selling crystal
I met thieves and egotistical warlords
An Englishman and sweet Fatima
I was told
“When you want something
All the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it”
But most of all
I met the most important people who ever met me
I met The Alchemist.


Almost had you there, hadn’t I?


Spent 4 hours curled up like a shrimp at the AMK library. Found a corner and started reading the book…which by the way, I brought from home. Yes I brought my own book to the library. Haha. At times I smiled, giggled a little and at times, I suppressed a sob or two (or three or four but hey, who’s counting?) while trying darn hard not to cry. Yeah, although it was first published in 1988, today was the first time I discovered it. I know this is cheesy, but the God damn book hits a nerve. A raw nerve.


“Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a second's encounter with God and with eternity.” – The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho


Ish.
That hurts.

Had a good talk with Jill, who was the first good friend I made at ShitnPee, over a pack of Nasi Lemak this morning. It was quite comforting to know that someone out there was going through the same motion; searching for the pot of gold in the hope of a brighter tomorrow.

Maybe we are both dreamers. Maybe we purposely make it hard for ourselves. But we know what we are capable of and it is so much more. But it has become a struggle to keep up that mentality without waking up one day feeling like thrash. It is hard telling ourselves that everything will be okay when people around you obviously do not think so. It is a battle.

To be, or not to be?

It has come to a point where I need to feel pain to jolt me back to the “real” world. “Real” because my kind of real does not seem to be the correct one for others. And before you say screw the others, I tell you this. The “others” make up who you are. Without the “others” you are just a being. It is all about striking a balance.


Ya Mizan, taq adab ya Mizan
(roughly translated: O Scale, behave you scale)


Back to breakfast.

It was amazing how words flowed out of our mouths. It had been quite a while since I met Jill. We only saw each other once last year and that was it. I joined the company in November 2003 and about five months later, Jill left. We had the rare meet-ups here and there and strangely, those were enough. Apart from the fact that she has a boyfriend and I don’t, we do have quite a few things in common. Telekinesis, is one.

Life works that way.

Anyway, it is one more week till school reopens. A dull ache is creeping in. No, I have not made up my mind because the decision lies in a piece of letter which I am going to receive any day now. Something deep down is telling me a negative story. And wow…it surely sucks to get another rejection. It definitely sucks not knowing what the next day will bring…or what you will do.

Humph.

But right now, all I can do is to work on a plan..a goal.. a mission.
Anything to keep me going, God willing.

Maybe try to finish off books.
Slice off the reading time.
Spending four hours reading a 167-paged gem today seems quite long.
I guess that is what you get for sitting by the window.
You read, you look out, you seek the answers in the sky, the clouds, the passing birds.
And then you forget where you read…and you start again.

Yeah…
Kind of loser-ish like that.
Haha.


A thousand times goodnight, closet philosophers and couch cynics.


P/S: I am amazed that I can still laugh and find the humour and adventure in this dire time. Fasbiir sabran jamilah. Wakalimatullah illahulya.

P/P/S: I hope that was right. Being ambitious here.


###

Tax Up!

*Am watching Discovery Channel’s show on the Komoi tribe in Papua New Guinea. An eye-opener

AMK Hub’s Cathay is far from finished. But so far it looks good. The main concession stand looks impressive and the seats are quite comfy. Trust Cathay to do a good job, aye?






SURF’S UP, though not as cute as Happy Feet, does entertain. It doesn’t bore me to death like a certain March of the Penguins, which unfortunately, many beg to differ.


Chicken Joe: I know Cody's around here somewhere. I can feel it in my nuggets."
..

Tank Evans: I'm gonna chum the water with your head!
Cody Maverick: Bring it on pecker face!

..


I kind of like Chicken Joe, voiced by Mr Dynamite – Jon Heder. Chicken on drugs is funny. Chicken on drugs surfing is whacked! The animation is wonderful and the show is full of subtle, witty humour. Again, I don’t understand how kids can understand. The words are so…adult And unless your child is a surfer-dude kind of thing, this is definitely will be fun. Otherwise, be prepared to answer questions.

Hmmmm… Is it just me or do I sense quite a few perverted and sexual innuendos in there?

See, I tell you it’s a good show ;)


Right. (AMK Hub Cathay)Virgin no more. Both it and I will definitely have a long and close relationship soon. I will part with more money and it can feel the warmth of my ass often. Ah, don’t you love the theatres?




Enough enough.

Was chatting with Sharinah yesterday and as usual, she updated me with her perils of work. Unlike most of us, she has to deal with ugly Singaporeans every day and some really drive her over the (h)edge sometimes.

I realise Singaporeans always like to use this on the police: “We pay taxes and we give you salary!” I am not a police but ..what the hell? What do you mean by that? You make it sound like cops don’t pay taxes and that they are depending on your money in order to live and therefore, they have to serve you blindly? Have to answer to your stupid demands (eg: “There’s a baby snake in my garden, please take it away!” “My neighbor is having renovations and it is disturbing my afternoon rest. Can you tell them to shut up?” “Why must I pay the pest buster when you can do it for free? Come down please!”) when they are busy protecting the lives of others?

Yes, Sharinah is my friend and she is a cop but no…my comments are not really lopsided cause I have other friends (non-cops obviously) making some weird comments. The other day after Night Safari, Grace, Clara and I saw a police car at the McDonalds’ drive-thru. The girls seemed quite amuse to see policemen buying food. Think one of them said, “Shouldn’t they be catching thieves? We pay taxes, leh!”

I really didn’t see the relation between catching thieves and paying taxes but what she said ruffled me a bit. Is this the attitude of Singaporeans towards policemen? And customs officer, cause the father does get a lot of crap from Singaporeans who try to smuggle (and fail) excess raw meat, chewing gums and other prohibited items.

“What is wrong with cops buying food?”
“How can? They are on duty.”
“Then they don’t need to eat?”
“Eat at the station!”
“Yeah…but the food need to be bought, right?”

And if they are to go back station, change clothes and then go buy food, I am sure their meal time is over. Come on, give them a break. They work for more than 12 hours a day and we, the public, certainly don’t make it any easier for them. My heart goes out to all dear policemen and policewomen.

And that is why I can never be like them. I don’t think I am able to handle crap from the public. I don’t think I can be nice tending to silly demands and petty complains. And most of all, I don’t think I can handle when the public say, “Why are you so rude? You are a policeman and I give you your salary!”

You want to know where your salary goes to?

Check out the floating pontoon built for National Day and remember to inhale the coming Formula One dust cause you are certainly paying for that.

Oh, don’t forget The Singapore Flyer! Even though it is a foreign-invested project, don’t tell me the Singapore Govt has nothing to do with it, right? And do you know that as the construction is going on, the govt is not charging them anything? Yes, it is rent-free!


See your money up there?
Apparently the fund was not enough and had to be sourced from 2 German banks.
Wah lao…if not enough money then don’t make lah!!


A thousand times goodnight, tax-payers.



P/S: Me? Paying tax? Yeah right.

P/P/S: The siblings are not sleeping cause they are having a ball of a time finding their celebrity look-alikes. Kids.


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