As graduation looms, I begin to ponder the future career path I want to take. And I've decided I want to be.. a star!
Knowing me and how I'll best survive in the industry, I've decided to start out as a singer in a group. But I can't survive in an all-girls group or if it's just me and all guys (I think, though I'd pretty lavish that), so it's gonna be a mix.
Here's my career path for the next 50 years.
Start as a singer in a 3 guys 2 girls group, based in Taiwan and set to expand to Asia, and then the rest of the world.
Group can sing (including acapella), dance, break dance, rap, beat box, play instruments. (so talented right??)
“五个人感情非常好，团队永远不会拆散”
Group members are effectively bilingual.
Group dynamics is (or are?) very important to me. We must be able to play and work together like best friends, respect each other, understand each other, and even know what each other wants without having to say it out. Keyword: Chemistry.
Expand into acting in idol dramas and singing duets with other singers, sometimes guest starring in their MVs.
Endorse products as a group and as individuals, earn lots of money, eat lots of good food then get endorsed by slimming products companies :)
Guest sing in other people's concerts.
Do some hosting stints here and there.
Appear in all of the Taiwan variety shows and spike ratings for each episode.
Become media darlings for our fun and unpretentious attitude.
Build a strong reputation for our work ethics and talent (how could I leave that out?)
Love every minute of it cos I'm with four of my bestest buddies (the rest of the group)
Maybe and hopefully win awards. I even prepared a segment of my speech for Singapore's 金曲奖.
“我也要谢谢我的父母。 他们今天有来。Hi mum, hi dad, thanks for deciding to spare my life when I told you I want to be a singer. I owe today's achievements... and my life, to you."
Write lyrics for our own and other people's songs.
Compose our own songs and sometimes other people's.
Maybe choreograph dance for others sometimes.
Graduate to "legend" level with really expensive fees for appearances.
Act in movies and musicals as a hobby.
Is there anyone who wants to sign me up yet???
I need to sing in NDP 2010!!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
朋友
我。非常非常的想见他。但是我怕。怕失望，怕伤心。
不知道他怎样了。应该还是跟以往一样开朗，天真。
现在的我，脑海里一直浮现着他的画面。他的声音，表情，一举一动都清清楚楚地就在我面前。
很想问一声“朋友，你最近好吗？”
不知道他怎样了。应该还是跟以往一样开朗，天真。
现在的我，脑海里一直浮现着他的画面。他的声音，表情，一举一动都清清楚楚地就在我面前。
很想问一声“朋友，你最近好吗？”
Sunday, October 11, 2009
A thought from the past
Flipping through my diary, I found an entry dated 6 January 2009. (It's in Chinese)
爱。简简单单的一个字，包涵着那么丰厚的意义。十个笔画的组织累积了千古万代的流传，经过了千变万化的改革才成了今天的标识。
今日的爱象征的是情爱。无时无刻的思念，不能控制的热情。新传媒体的影响导致一代接一代对爱的自私观念。唯有信服才是爱。若需牺牲就不是爱。
媒妁之言，父母之命不再有效。流行想法和辙来，不合辙散。爱在这一代的手里成了一个轻薄的游戏。从前的长相厮守，专一不变也随着爷爷奶奶们渐渐的离开。
我们到底几时才会醒悟？从此以后的幸福快乐永远只属于童话故事里。迷误地走着，抱着不实际的欲望，寻找不存在的伴侣。
这就是爱的诅咒吧。以枷锁让我们渴望自由选择，却又让我们在自由里空欢喜一场。年轻的我们好高骛远，失望了，成熟了才学会脚踏实地， 在我们心目中仍然守着童话的梦想会有几个？这个海市蜃楼值不值得我们的坚持？
现在再读读看，也不清楚我那时候是觉悟了，还是绝望了。。
爱。简简单单的一个字，包涵着那么丰厚的意义。十个笔画的组织累积了千古万代的流传，经过了千变万化的改革才成了今天的标识。
今日的爱象征的是情爱。无时无刻的思念，不能控制的热情。新传媒体的影响导致一代接一代对爱的自私观念。唯有信服才是爱。若需牺牲就不是爱。
媒妁之言，父母之命不再有效。流行想法和辙来，不合辙散。爱在这一代的手里成了一个轻薄的游戏。从前的长相厮守，专一不变也随着爷爷奶奶们渐渐的离开。
我们到底几时才会醒悟？从此以后的幸福快乐永远只属于童话故事里。迷误地走着，抱着不实际的欲望，寻找不存在的伴侣。
这就是爱的诅咒吧。以枷锁让我们渴望自由选择，却又让我们在自由里空欢喜一场。年轻的我们好高骛远，失望了，成熟了才学会脚踏实地， 在我们心目中仍然守着童话的梦想会有几个？这个海市蜃楼值不值得我们的坚持？
现在再读读看，也不清楚我那时候是觉悟了，还是绝望了。。
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
My first concerto
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Snoring in D Minor
zzzzzzzz zzz zzz zzz zzzz zzzzzzz z zzzzzzzzz
zzzzzzzzzzzz - z zz zzzzzzz Z z z z
zzzz zzzzzz z z z z z zz zzzzzzzzzz zzzzz
- - zzzzzzzz zz zzzzzz ZZ zzzz z
zzzZZZZzzz ZZZZzzzz Z z ZZZZZZZZZ
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Snoring in D Minor
zzzzzzzz zzz zzz zzz zzzz zzzzzzz z zzzzzzzzz
zzzzzzzzzzzz - z zz zzzzzzz Z z z z
zzzz zzzzzz z z z z z zz zzzzzzzzzz zzzzz
- - zzzzzzzz zz zzzzzz ZZ zzzz z
zzzZZZZzzz ZZZZzzzz Z z ZZZZZZZZZ
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Anger
The seven deadly sins have been expounded several times to teach man what is and what not. I have recently been hounded by the sin called anger.
I am absolutely seething. My hands and fingers are shaking and I cannot think straight. Why? Because my brother did not consult me before his friend used my piano. I yearn to swipe my hand throughout the span of his face and tell him straight that he better show others some respect. But I know that no matter how much I hit him, I will not be any less angry.
It is not because of the slap he gave me. It is because of his attitude. I don't know what allows me to judge or gives me the power to put him back into his place. I was just as rude and arrogant at his age. But something in me just will not tolerate him.
He has run me down a dozen times, and each time deposited a load of resentment till the scale tipped. I know it is just a phase and he'll grow out of it, but the anger that builds up I can't explain. Each time he runs me down with his arrogant despising ways, or judge others on their race, I always have an urge to lurge forward and punch him in the face.
He knows absolutely nothing and think he owns the world. Knows naught of humility and expect others to accord him respect. I HATE IT!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
THE break
Mid-sem break is here!
The long-awaited, greatly anticipated, highly demanded BREAK is. finally. here. Exactly one semester ago, on this day, I landed in Korea at -7 degrees. Excited Singaporeans furiously blowing the air to see mist leave our mouths.
If only uni life was a string of exchanges. Then every semester would beckon excitement, a new way of life and a new whiff of freedom. No worries about grades, and no stress about project mates. We still learn stuff, but don't get the stress.
This semester, my break is filled up to the brim, but I don't feel as busy as I did two semesters ago. Maybe because I'm used to it, or maybe because I don't expect a week-long vacation. But I'm excited still, yes. Any reprieve from lessons is a relieve.
I'm seriously considering a blackberry. Projects are getting more intense, and the three hours spent travelling is seriously zapping up precious time. Plus the times when I'm in class and unable to respond to urgent mails. 8 hour intervals can really send group mates panicking. What. should. I. do?
The long-awaited, greatly anticipated, highly demanded BREAK is. finally. here. Exactly one semester ago, on this day, I landed in Korea at -7 degrees. Excited Singaporeans furiously blowing the air to see mist leave our mouths.
If only uni life was a string of exchanges. Then every semester would beckon excitement, a new way of life and a new whiff of freedom. No worries about grades, and no stress about project mates. We still learn stuff, but don't get the stress.
This semester, my break is filled up to the brim, but I don't feel as busy as I did two semesters ago. Maybe because I'm used to it, or maybe because I don't expect a week-long vacation. But I'm excited still, yes. Any reprieve from lessons is a relieve.
I'm seriously considering a blackberry. Projects are getting more intense, and the three hours spent travelling is seriously zapping up precious time. Plus the times when I'm in class and unable to respond to urgent mails. 8 hour intervals can really send group mates panicking. What. should. I. do?
Thursday, September 10, 2009
A slap on the face
My brother gave me a slap today. But I wasn't sad. I only thought of how to return the slap to him. I didn't cry. He had me pinned to the ground. I didn't feel weak.
Until my dad came in and broke us up. When my brother challenged Papa to beat him, my dad just looked up at him and said "Is this the only way to correct an errant son?"
Tears rolled down my eyes.
I felt sad for my dad, I cried, still am and I felt helpless.
Earlier today we talked about his greying head and we joked about it. My father is growing old and he has a son who takes the family for granted, and a daughter who is still stuck in uni for another year and a half who still doesn't have a driving license who still hasn't got a job.
Dad felt disappointed with himself for not being able to take care of Kong Kong, he didn't tell us of Kong Kong's condition when it first got worse, he never asked if we wanted to go visit him and I know that day when I went with him to the hospital, Papa was swallowing his tears behind the mask.
Yet he has a son who said he would rather not go to the hospital at all.
At the funeral, my brother did a good job of being around and helping out. But when his friends came, he scooted off with them without whispering a word.
One of the nights he went back early to study for his test. He got money from my mother to take a cab home. At 8 pm.
He joins the family when there's a special dinner, then dumps his bag on my mother who doesn't want to carry it to go join his friends for the rest of the night. He makes the whole family go out of the way so that he can look at something only he is interested in. It is as though the family is only useful to him insofar there is food and shelter.
If we were a poor family, would he even want to acknowledge his surname is Leow?
Until my dad came in and broke us up. When my brother challenged Papa to beat him, my dad just looked up at him and said "Is this the only way to correct an errant son?"
Tears rolled down my eyes.
I felt sad for my dad, I cried, still am and I felt helpless.
Earlier today we talked about his greying head and we joked about it. My father is growing old and he has a son who takes the family for granted, and a daughter who is still stuck in uni for another year and a half who still doesn't have a driving license who still hasn't got a job.
Dad felt disappointed with himself for not being able to take care of Kong Kong, he didn't tell us of Kong Kong's condition when it first got worse, he never asked if we wanted to go visit him and I know that day when I went with him to the hospital, Papa was swallowing his tears behind the mask.
Yet he has a son who said he would rather not go to the hospital at all.
At the funeral, my brother did a good job of being around and helping out. But when his friends came, he scooted off with them without whispering a word.
One of the nights he went back early to study for his test. He got money from my mother to take a cab home. At 8 pm.
He joins the family when there's a special dinner, then dumps his bag on my mother who doesn't want to carry it to go join his friends for the rest of the night. He makes the whole family go out of the way so that he can look at something only he is interested in. It is as though the family is only useful to him insofar there is food and shelter.
If we were a poor family, would he even want to acknowledge his surname is Leow?
Friday, August 28, 2009
Bye bye Kong Kong
I always feel so empty after a funeral. A funeral where I wore the white shirt and pinned the cloth on my sleeve. I just sent my grandfather off today and I feel absolutely terrible now. I'm exhausted, drained and worn out. I want to talk to someone but don't know who to turn to. The person I thought of shouldn't have to hear such things from me. Just like it was three years ago.
Kong Kong was a reserved man who really didn't like to talk. He had his own ways of loving us and did so in his quiet ways. His last days were spent in the hospital with visitors every day. For a man who was quiet, he had an amazingly large number of people attending his wake.
As Kong Kong's coffin was rolled across the viewing hall, his children and grandchildren quietly sobbed for him. At the very end when his casket was lifted up into the furnace, Uncle Roger said "Pa, bye bye. Ti kok kin hor, pa."
Now I want to say bye bye Kong Kong. See you in heaven.
I don't know how to write on from here. The English sucks, I know. I don't care.
Kong Kong was a reserved man who really didn't like to talk. He had his own ways of loving us and did so in his quiet ways. His last days were spent in the hospital with visitors every day. For a man who was quiet, he had an amazingly large number of people attending his wake.
As Kong Kong's coffin was rolled across the viewing hall, his children and grandchildren quietly sobbed for him. At the very end when his casket was lifted up into the furnace, Uncle Roger said "Pa, bye bye. Ti kok kin hor, pa."
Now I want to say bye bye Kong Kong. See you in heaven.
I don't know how to write on from here. The English sucks, I know. I don't care.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Hands and feet
I was telling Jun Zhan about my fingers and toes post and he threw another question back at me. Why does a day have 24 hours, and why is 12 the magical number? I have absolutely no idea. I don't know why one full round is 360 degrees, and why 12 inches make one feet or 3 feet a yard.
If I were to postulate, I'll guess that 10 was the original unit, and they added two more; one for the King and one for the Queen. And 3 will easily be representation of the Holy Trinity.
I HAVE NO IDEA.
I've thought about it before and nothing came up. I don't know which came first, geometry or religion, specifically Catholicism in England.
But my big guess is..
There were two main systems in the world before everything was standardised. One will be the English system, and another will be the Arabic system - the East and West. People in the East (Arabs and Chinese) took 10 as the magic number, while people in the west counted in dozens.
When Marco Polo came along and joined the two worlds in a line of trade, the English began to discover a simpler way of doing math. And the Chinese, well, just stuck to their way of doing calculus (?)
With trade and immigration, progress and prosperity, separate systems began to merge and people began to accept math as one unified world. Until Albert Einstein skipped by and maths became physics.
What a nonsensical post this is.
If I were to postulate, I'll guess that 10 was the original unit, and they added two more; one for the King and one for the Queen. And 3 will easily be representation of the Holy Trinity.
I HAVE NO IDEA.
I've thought about it before and nothing came up. I don't know which came first, geometry or religion, specifically Catholicism in England.
But my big guess is..
There were two main systems in the world before everything was standardised. One will be the English system, and another will be the Arabic system - the East and West. People in the East (Arabs and Chinese) took 10 as the magic number, while people in the west counted in dozens.
When Marco Polo came along and joined the two worlds in a line of trade, the English began to discover a simpler way of doing math. And the Chinese, well, just stuck to their way of doing calculus (?)
With trade and immigration, progress and prosperity, separate systems began to merge and people began to accept math as one unified world. Until Albert Einstein skipped by and maths became physics.
What a nonsensical post this is.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Fingers and toes
Will ten still be ten if we only have eight fingers (and toes)?
I always wonder why in our math system, 10 is the magical number. It's always 123456789... 10. It's the specific point where one number becomes two, and ten more numbers later, the first number is changed. Tens brings on hundreds and hundreds bring on thousands.
My conclusion. Is that it's because humans have ten fingers and ten toes.
So what happens when we only have a total of eight fingers and eight toes?
1234567.. 10!
Let's try the math.
4 x 2 = 10
5 + 6 = 13
40% of 100 = 40 Hm. that doesn't change.
40% of 120 = 60 Ah..
I'm assuming zero stays cos people will start figuring out the concept of nothingness and craft a symbol for it (along with a religion or two).
Now I wonder how the human race will change because of it. Will 4 still be inauspicious to the Chinese? Will 15 be the new 13? Will the middle finger still be considered vulgar? No wait, we won't have a middle finger. Which finger will be the obscene one?? We can put one finger on one key and fill up an octave on the piano! And we won't have the 8 or 9 times table.
Life would be so different.
p/s I gathered humans used up all their 10 fingers to count at the very beginning so that they could count more, and make the whole process less complicated. 十全十美 might just have been born out of there since it's nice and whole when you have all ten fingers on your hand. And like, other than this, what other natural daily phenomenon occurs in tens?
I always wonder why in our math system, 10 is the magical number. It's always 123456789... 10. It's the specific point where one number becomes two, and ten more numbers later, the first number is changed. Tens brings on hundreds and hundreds bring on thousands.
My conclusion. Is that it's because humans have ten fingers and ten toes.
So what happens when we only have a total of eight fingers and eight toes?
1234567.. 10!
Let's try the math.
4 x 2 = 10
5 + 6 = 13
40% of 100 = 40 Hm. that doesn't change.
40% of 120 = 60 Ah..
I'm assuming zero stays cos people will start figuring out the concept of nothingness and craft a symbol for it (along with a religion or two).
Now I wonder how the human race will change because of it. Will 4 still be inauspicious to the Chinese? Will 15 be the new 13? Will the middle finger still be considered vulgar? No wait, we won't have a middle finger. Which finger will be the obscene one?? We can put one finger on one key and fill up an octave on the piano! And we won't have the 8 or 9 times table.
Life would be so different.
p/s I gathered humans used up all their 10 fingers to count at the very beginning so that they could count more, and make the whole process less complicated. 十全十美 might just have been born out of there since it's nice and whole when you have all ten fingers on your hand. And like, other than this, what other natural daily phenomenon occurs in tens?
Monday, August 17, 2009
My first driving lesson
Had my first driving lesson last Saturday. And here's what happened.
I got into the driver's seat after my instructor (who's really good, Mr. Lim Kwok Ing) drove us to quieter roads behind the school. (wanted to say secluded to raunch it up a bit, but since my instructor's name is here..)
After explaining to me the whole myriad of controls the driver has access to, he asked me to step lightly on the accelerator.
Which (I thought) I did. The engine revved up as it would at the start of an F1 race and the tachometer needle shot to six.
Oops.
“Aiyo, I said lightly.”
Ok ok. Second try.
Vroom. And tachometer hit three. Well, not too bad.
“Lighter.”
And I rested my foot on the pedal.
“Yeah. Just right. That’s the accelerator”
Oh. Things are going to be interesting when I sneeze while driving.
“Ok now, change to first gear.”
Did as told.
“Release the clutch.”
Instructor kept his stick on my leg to prevent me from releasing the clutch too quickly. At about biting point, the car started rolling forward.
Thought bubble from my head: OMGOMG the car is moving. HE DIDN’T SAY ANYTHING ABOUT THE CAR MOVING!!
“Good. Now you can see the car is moving. Press the accelerator and we are moving off.”
Oh.
A million left turns and one right turn later, the lesson ended.
Said goodbye to Mr. Lim and ran off towards the bus stop. Can’t wait for lesson #2!
Growing up in a Christian family
There are quite a few questions I'm often asked that I don't know how to answer. Besides "How are you?", and more recently "How's Korea?", another question is "How is it like growing up in a Christian family?".
Today I shall attempt to answer the last question.
Growing up in a Christian family, I found it easier to believe. That there is a God who looks just like us, that there is a God even with no idols, that He created a Son, the perfect Man, and He sacrificed this Man to save me when my birth was not two thousand years to come.
I found it easier to believe the men and women, anointed as pastors, who read from the book they called the Holy Bible. The power in the symbol that looked like a letter from the alphabet, the beauty of the Lamb borne of a virgin woman.
Many might sneer at my naivety, thinking of a meek little girl following without question. But hey, it makes me happy, free of worries, glad to help others and still have my bed of rose petals laid out for me. And all these, without me having to work a single sweat for it.
My life is that good because His love is that beautiful. And I find that very easy to believe. Because I was raised in a Christian family.
p/s I'm not saying that salvation is free. No, it is not. It was paid for with the life of the most perfect man who ever walked on this earth. And heartbreaking as it was, it was done willingly for God so love the world. Not that difficult to comprehend (though still awestruck by the love), cos I grew up in a Christian family.
Today I shall attempt to answer the last question.
Growing up in a Christian family, I found it easier to believe. That there is a God who looks just like us, that there is a God even with no idols, that He created a Son, the perfect Man, and He sacrificed this Man to save me when my birth was not two thousand years to come.
I found it easier to believe the men and women, anointed as pastors, who read from the book they called the Holy Bible. The power in the symbol that looked like a letter from the alphabet, the beauty of the Lamb borne of a virgin woman.
Many might sneer at my naivety, thinking of a meek little girl following without question. But hey, it makes me happy, free of worries, glad to help others and still have my bed of rose petals laid out for me. And all these, without me having to work a single sweat for it.
My life is that good because His love is that beautiful. And I find that very easy to believe. Because I was raised in a Christian family.
p/s I'm not saying that salvation is free. No, it is not. It was paid for with the life of the most perfect man who ever walked on this earth. And heartbreaking as it was, it was done willingly for God so love the world. Not that difficult to comprehend (though still awestruck by the love), cos I grew up in a Christian family.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
My fight with the Z monster
10 August 2009 7 am.
I sat triumphantly on the bus home grinning smirkly at the Z monster. The battle was won. Or so I thought.
The amk central bus stop came by swiftly and suddenly it was two more stops to my house. Z Monster sneaked an attack when I wasn't aware. And then another. The bus was already approaching my stop. I quickly hopped off the bus and stuck my tongue at the Z monster. Sneak attack FAIL.
Then school started. The beginning of my lost battle. Tuesday 12 o' clock lesson. I fell asleep for 15 minutes. Wednesday 9 am lesson. I couldn't get my ass off the bed. Thursday 12 pm lesson. I pumped myself with caffeine. Friday 12 noon lesson. I ate and drank my way through class.
Z Monster! I accept your challenge! You may be powerful, but you shall not dominate me. The battle is not over and I will triumph!!
PHTTTTT!
I sat triumphantly on the bus home grinning smirkly at the Z monster. The battle was won. Or so I thought.
The amk central bus stop came by swiftly and suddenly it was two more stops to my house. Z Monster sneaked an attack when I wasn't aware. And then another. The bus was already approaching my stop. I quickly hopped off the bus and stuck my tongue at the Z monster. Sneak attack FAIL.
Then school started. The beginning of my lost battle. Tuesday 12 o' clock lesson. I fell asleep for 15 minutes. Wednesday 9 am lesson. I couldn't get my ass off the bed. Thursday 12 pm lesson. I pumped myself with caffeine. Friday 12 noon lesson. I ate and drank my way through class.
Z Monster! I accept your challenge! You may be powerful, but you shall not dominate me. The battle is not over and I will triumph!!
PHTTTTT!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Adventure in Singapore
Just some of my mishappenings since touching down at Changi Airport.
Thought I was lost when I saw a train direction to Joo Koon at City Hall. Where the hell is Joo Koon anyway?? Got off at Orchard when I wanted to go to the Heeren. Really got lost at Somerset. Took the wrong train at Somerset. Tried opening the front door with my matric card. Tried withdrawing $0.00.
Couldn't speak proper English for the first two days. Went to bed at 12 the first night. Woke up the next morning thinking I was in Korea. Forgot I was in Singapore. Ate at the MRT station. Wondered where all my side dishes went. Look around for a water cooler in vain.
Thought a car had no driver then realised he was on the right side. Frightened a passer-by when I screamed at a cockroach.
Wonder what the next week will bring.
Thought I was lost when I saw a train direction to Joo Koon at City Hall. Where the hell is Joo Koon anyway?? Got off at Orchard when I wanted to go to the Heeren. Really got lost at Somerset. Took the wrong train at Somerset. Tried opening the front door with my matric card. Tried withdrawing $0.00.
Couldn't speak proper English for the first two days. Went to bed at 12 the first night. Woke up the next morning thinking I was in Korea. Forgot I was in Singapore. Ate at the MRT station. Wondered where all my side dishes went. Look around for a water cooler in vain.
Thought a car had no driver then realised he was on the right side. Frightened a passer-by when I screamed at a cockroach.
Wonder what the next week will bring.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Stuck
Ever wondered what it's like for a funnel which got it's end corked while more stuff are continouously being dumped into it? That's how I felt yesterday at the NUS bus stop. I wanted to shit, the last bus was coming in 15 minutes and the journey was an hour more to go.
Throughout the whole journey I sat on one thigh, crossed my legs and tried to prevent my shit from being sucked back in. I felt my fingers go cold and sweat formed across my forehead as I pretended to enjoy the traffic passing by. I saw bungalow windows, impossibly long stretches of walls, traffic lights, tree trunks, and more tree trunks.
When I got off the bus, my left butt was numb and I couldn't feel my toes. But I still had time to knock into an ACS boy who smiled back at me.
The walk from the bus stop to my house seemed impossibly long, fraught with pesky cockroaches, and quiet. Walking through the house door was a relief and seeing the toilet bowl was a joy.
The moment of release came not too soon and my body eased as I heard the rhythmic "plop"s into the water below. The funnel has been uncorked.
Anyone lost their breakfast yet? ;)
Throughout the whole journey I sat on one thigh, crossed my legs and tried to prevent my shit from being sucked back in. I felt my fingers go cold and sweat formed across my forehead as I pretended to enjoy the traffic passing by. I saw bungalow windows, impossibly long stretches of walls, traffic lights, tree trunks, and more tree trunks.
When I got off the bus, my left butt was numb and I couldn't feel my toes. But I still had time to knock into an ACS boy who smiled back at me.
The walk from the bus stop to my house seemed impossibly long, fraught with pesky cockroaches, and quiet. Walking through the house door was a relief and seeing the toilet bowl was a joy.
The moment of release came not too soon and my body eased as I heard the rhythmic "plop"s into the water below. The funnel has been uncorked.
Anyone lost their breakfast yet? ;)
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Singapore culture
One of the things I’m asked most while overseas is “What is the Singapore traditional culture?”. Our response usually entails a smile, a quiet sigh and the reply “Singapore does not have a traditional culture”.
Then we'll start to reason it out that Singapore is a very young country, our grandparents were immigrants, that we are a multi-racial, mult-religious city, that there isn't a Singapore race, and maybe pepper it with our smattering knowledge of Peranakan culture caught from The Little Nyonya.
Many of the Koreans couldn't understand that there wasn't a Singapore race either. Having only seen Singaporean Chinese, most of them thought that we were the Singaporean race. To these people from homogenous countries, the fact that there were 4 major races in a land 700 times smaller than theirs seemed.. incredible. Oh, and the fact that one out of every five residents in Singapore are foreigners.
I guess Peranakan culture could be a candidate for Singaporean traditional culture. Just that it's not unique to Singapore and most Peranakans now don't know shit about beaded shoes or Nyonya cooking.
Or maybe Singapore food, which might help explain the relatively fuller bodies of Singaporeans.
The Merlion would be out. I wouldn't really want to broadcast kiasu-ism or us being a fine city either. Though it has kept our street cleanliness at a level envied by most others.
I'm sorry folks. Please do not come to Singapore unless you are looking for great food, learn English that challenges your proficiency in English, able to not litter (it's not difficult to find rubbish bins in non-MRT stations anyway), and able to not spit. The fines here are not cheap, you know.
Then we'll start to reason it out that Singapore is a very young country, our grandparents were immigrants, that we are a multi-racial, mult-religious city, that there isn't a Singapore race, and maybe pepper it with our smattering knowledge of Peranakan culture caught from The Little Nyonya.
Many of the Koreans couldn't understand that there wasn't a Singapore race either. Having only seen Singaporean Chinese, most of them thought that we were the Singaporean race. To these people from homogenous countries, the fact that there were 4 major races in a land 700 times smaller than theirs seemed.. incredible. Oh, and the fact that one out of every five residents in Singapore are foreigners.
I guess Peranakan culture could be a candidate for Singaporean traditional culture. Just that it's not unique to Singapore and most Peranakans now don't know shit about beaded shoes or Nyonya cooking.
Or maybe Singapore food, which might help explain the relatively fuller bodies of Singaporeans.
The Merlion would be out. I wouldn't really want to broadcast kiasu-ism or us being a fine city either. Though it has kept our street cleanliness at a level envied by most others.
I'm sorry folks. Please do not come to Singapore unless you are looking for great food, learn English that challenges your proficiency in English, able to not litter (it's not difficult to find rubbish bins in non-MRT stations anyway), and able to not spit. The fines here are not cheap, you know.
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
The things I have done after I came back
Hmz. Let's see what I've done since touching down on Saturday.
Welcomed home by a teary mother. Sighed at my loss of freedom. Saw the 4 boxes I sent home opened and rummaged through but still unpacked. Tried unpacking my 2 suitcases. Left one half-unpacked. Gave up trying to tell my mother what to do with the stuff I bought back. Caught up on some of my sleep debt. Still negotiating interest rates with the sand man.
Got woken up by thunder. Realised I was in Singapore. Installed the new messenger. Was damn happy I could use messenger. Found out how to check my results. Went through 3 different computers to check my results. Looked at dinner and sighed at being back in Singapore. Looked at dinner and sighed at being stuck at home. Realised I couldn't even go across the road to get a packet of chai boon. Watched Marley & Me on pps, watched Legally Blonde on pps, watched Transformers on pps. Realised my heart was beating really fast when I was watching transformers. Decided it was a good movie.
Put a mask on my face. Forgot about the humidity in Singapore. Started writing this blog post. Started thinking about how the rest of my 7 days will be like.
Welcomed home by a teary mother. Sighed at my loss of freedom. Saw the 4 boxes I sent home opened and rummaged through but still unpacked. Tried unpacking my 2 suitcases. Left one half-unpacked. Gave up trying to tell my mother what to do with the stuff I bought back. Caught up on some of my sleep debt. Still negotiating interest rates with the sand man.
Got woken up by thunder. Realised I was in Singapore. Installed the new messenger. Was damn happy I could use messenger. Found out how to check my results. Went through 3 different computers to check my results. Looked at dinner and sighed at being back in Singapore. Looked at dinner and sighed at being stuck at home. Realised I couldn't even go across the road to get a packet of chai boon. Watched Marley & Me on pps, watched Legally Blonde on pps, watched Transformers on pps. Realised my heart was beating really fast when I was watching transformers. Decided it was a good movie.
Put a mask on my face. Forgot about the humidity in Singapore. Started writing this blog post. Started thinking about how the rest of my 7 days will be like.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Thunder in the skies
I heard thunder for the first time in Korea. Not a clap, just a slow rumbling crescendo. The air, temperature, lighting resembled a secondary school classroom in Singapore. Then the lecturer started the lesson in his Korean accent.
I snapped out of my daze and began to concentrate. Then tried to concentrate. Before giving up unknowingly.
My mind drifted with the wind whizzing by the window, followed the burgeoning clouds into the sky and got shoved back into my head by the rumbling thunder.
I feel like I've been everywhere and nowhere. Gone through time but stayed in the present. Been everybody and nobody.
I wonder what Einstein's mind went through when he built the theory of relativity.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
A trip down south
Sometimes I wonder what's the whole point of me writing these stories. But oh, what the fuck.
A bale of turtles were making their way down south for the winter. Every day, they will swim and feed together, and at night they will find somewhere safe and each will retreat into its private corner.
One night, one of the turtles befriended a small school of fish from near where he slept. The next morning, when the turtles were having their morning feed, the turtle introduced his new friends to the rest of the group.
The bale fed with the school, and they all set off. Midway, the school of fish said they were making a detour, and would meet the turtle and his friends at their planned stop for the night. The next morning the fish fed with the turtles again, and left midway through the journey again, only to share quarters with them at night again.
And again, and again, and again until one week past.
The bale of turtles started travelling slower and were getting hungry quicker while travelling. Finally one of the turtles spoke out.
"Hey, we are not having enough to eat because the fishes are always eating our food."
"Really? They always give me food to eat. You just have to spend more time with them and they'll share your food with you."
"That's not the point. It's one thing if they ate your food, and another if they ate ours. If it wasn't because it was safe to sleep with us, and we always fed in places with abundant food, I don't think they'll even bother saying hi."
"They are fine animals. Really."
"I don't care. I don't like them, they never think for us, I don't see why we should always sacrifice for them."
A bale of turtles were making their way down south for the winter. Every day, they will swim and feed together, and at night they will find somewhere safe and each will retreat into its private corner.
One night, one of the turtles befriended a small school of fish from near where he slept. The next morning, when the turtles were having their morning feed, the turtle introduced his new friends to the rest of the group.
The bale fed with the school, and they all set off. Midway, the school of fish said they were making a detour, and would meet the turtle and his friends at their planned stop for the night. The next morning the fish fed with the turtles again, and left midway through the journey again, only to share quarters with them at night again.
And again, and again, and again until one week past.
The bale of turtles started travelling slower and were getting hungry quicker while travelling. Finally one of the turtles spoke out.
"Hey, we are not having enough to eat because the fishes are always eating our food."
"Really? They always give me food to eat. You just have to spend more time with them and they'll share your food with you."
"That's not the point. It's one thing if they ate your food, and another if they ate ours. If it wasn't because it was safe to sleep with us, and we always fed in places with abundant food, I don't think they'll even bother saying hi."
"They are fine animals. Really."
"I don't care. I don't like them, they never think for us, I don't see why we should always sacrifice for them."
Friday, May 15, 2009
Friday, May 08, 2009
An Evening in Wonderland
And the Mad Hatter says "So why did you do that?". Hare replied "I love hats." And a wave of deafening silence swept the den.
"Why am I the Mad Hatter when you are the hat lover?"
"Because I love the hats, but you are mad about them."
And they lit the fire and pondered about their lives that past.
"Is it snowing outside?"
"No."
"So why did we light the fire?"
"Because there is a fireplace."
"Will you pass me a mushroom please?"
Hare passed Mat Hatter a mushroom and they ate in silence.
"How long has it been since we had a random girl falling into the rabbit hole?"
"Since last December I think. Do you think it could be the recession?"
"No, stupid. It's because you relocated to North Korea."
"North Korea didn't have the recession."
"They don't have girls running around either."
"Would South be better?"
"Forget it. You'd have to go over to China first before you can even get in. Let's go over to the South pole. At least there can be random penguins when the girls don't fall in."
"There is no point. I can't speak penguin. Ostrich, I can though."
"I don't like ostriches. They stare."
And they fell back into silence listening to the crackling fire polish up the wood.
"Why am I the Mad Hatter when you are the hat lover?"
"Because I love the hats, but you are mad about them."
And they lit the fire and pondered about their lives that past.
"Is it snowing outside?"
"No."
"So why did we light the fire?"
"Because there is a fireplace."
"Will you pass me a mushroom please?"
Hare passed Mat Hatter a mushroom and they ate in silence.
"How long has it been since we had a random girl falling into the rabbit hole?"
"Since last December I think. Do you think it could be the recession?"
"No, stupid. It's because you relocated to North Korea."
"North Korea didn't have the recession."
"They don't have girls running around either."
"Would South be better?"
"Forget it. You'd have to go over to China first before you can even get in. Let's go over to the South pole. At least there can be random penguins when the girls don't fall in."
"There is no point. I can't speak penguin. Ostrich, I can though."
"I don't like ostriches. They stare."
And they fell back into silence listening to the crackling fire polish up the wood.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
One Exciting Weekend - A Tale of Six Screwed-up Girls
We made a decision to travel south down to Jeollanam-do over the weekend. What. a. decision.
We arrived at Gwangju in the afternoon, made reservations at 3 motels, turned up at one, and got scolded by another (for not turning up)
We arrived at Gwangju in the afternoon, made reservations at 3 motels, turned up at one, and got scolded by another (for not turning up)
our dodgy hotel. comes with a porn channel.
Then we went over to Jindo on Saturday morning. Arrived in the afternoon with no accomodation planned, and followed to Hong Kong-ers to some mountain-top art bank with all our luggages and still no accomodation.
So we started asking the staff at the art bank if they had any accomodations to recommend. We stood around for about half an hour while they helped us call motel after motel. In the end, we asked if there were any homestays around. The man who was helping us all along said "Yes. My house."
Namda art bank
Frontyard of our homestay. They own a kindergarten.
opera singer who later woke us up during the show cos the 6 of us fell asleep.
schoolbus for the kindergarten kids. and us.
Jindo.
Gumpo. Cross-dressing street act.
Jindo mysterious sea road. Surfaces only one week per year.
Grandmother Ppong and the tiger.
On the sea-road itself.
Our room in homestay. and 3 of the 6 screwed up girls.
playground in their backyard.
their house has a mini soccer field
AND a swimming pool!
Leaving Jindo.................Exciting or not?
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Midterms in Korea
Notices on midterm exams here are hm.. interesting.
"... Water or a soft drink is allowed in the exam, food is not allowed.
During the exam, please respect and be considerate to your fellow students – be as quiet as possible.
If you have any questions or problems during the examination, please raise your hand. If that does not get the instructor's attention, throw something at her/him. Whatever you do - please do it quietly.
And. Do it well!
***************************************************
GOOD LUCK!!!"
I wonder why those in NUS are always so stoic.
.
.
.
Ok la. I thought that notice was (and still is) damn cool!!!
"... Water or a soft drink is allowed in the exam, food is not allowed.
During the exam, please respect and be considerate to your fellow students – be as quiet as possible.
If you have any questions or problems during the examination, please raise your hand. If that does not get the instructor's attention, throw something at her/him. Whatever you do - please do it quietly.
And. Do it well!
***************************************************
GOOD LUCK!!!"
I wonder why those in NUS are always so stoic.
.
.
.
Ok la. I thought that notice was (and still is) damn cool!!!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
别这个样子
为什么你一定是对的呢？只有你的想法和一切才是对的吗？我做我自己是错的吗？
我珍惜我们的友情，却不知不觉的发现我越来越不喜欢和你有共同的空间。你总是让我觉得我做的事情是错的，别人的想法和做的事情也是做的。只有你才是对的。我好讨厌你这个样子，厌倦跟你说话。
就请你不要让我不开心了。
我珍惜我们的友情，却不知不觉的发现我越来越不喜欢和你有共同的空间。你总是让我觉得我做的事情是错的，别人的想法和做的事情也是做的。只有你才是对的。我好讨厌你这个样子，厌倦跟你说话。
就请你不要让我不开心了。
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Snapshot from skiing trip
Somehow I just couldn't get this scene out of my head..
Ski instructor: chaemissosoyo? (was it fun?)
*silence from the rest of the van
Sheena: Neh! Chaemissosoyo! (Yes! It was fun!)
*three seconds of silence
Sheena: Was it fun?
Rest of the van: YES!!!
Ski instructor: chaemissosoyo? (was it fun?)
*silence from the rest of the van
Sheena: Neh! Chaemissosoyo! (Yes! It was fun!)
*three seconds of silence
Sheena: Was it fun?
Rest of the van: YES!!!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Comaradie is when you hear your native tongue, complete with accent, in a foreign land.
We were waiting for our food at a roadside stall when we heard a familiar accent asking what the store was selling. It was nice to answer in the accent, words and level of formality that was built in us, instead of always bowing and replying that we couldn't speak Korean. In Korean.
I'm not sick of Korea. Yet. It is just not so difficult to remember that this is not where I come from. The "Alien Registration" card snug in my wallet continues to be a reminder of my foreigness.
Imagine when the school holidays arrive and more Singaporean families come over for a holiday. Who knows. I might even earn a little from being their guide :)
I'm not sick of Korea. Yet. It is just not so difficult to remember that this is not where I come from. The "Alien Registration" card snug in my wallet continues to be a reminder of my foreigness.
Imagine when the school holidays arrive and more Singaporean families come over for a holiday. Who knows. I might even earn a little from being their guide :)
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Griping post
It's always an eye-opener to me how people know others are different but maintain the concept of "we" as a group of homogenous people. All communications with "us" must be acceptable according to "our" standards and all communications to "them" should follow "our" standards.
For claiming to be from a multi-racial and multi-religious country, Singaporeans are some of the most guilty people.
I find it such an oxymoron that our stress on maintaining inter-racial harmony should culimate into intercultural communication classes in university.
Some of us are so narrow-minded to accept that other people have their own norms and practices too. It's not that we have to be polycentric to live up to our name as a quiltwork country, it's not that we have to compromise our values. Why can't we just respect others for their own backgrounds they were brought up in, and acknowledge that others have different systems of getting stuff done?
I really wish that this other person reads my blog as well cos these words would fit exactly what I want to say to him.
You can throw it back at me that I'm too myopic to accept you have your own conformist styles, but maybe you shouldn't be talking so much when your worldview is the sky from the bottom of the well.
For claiming to be from a multi-racial and multi-religious country, Singaporeans are some of the most guilty people.
I find it such an oxymoron that our stress on maintaining inter-racial harmony should culimate into intercultural communication classes in university.
Some of us are so narrow-minded to accept that other people have their own norms and practices too. It's not that we have to be polycentric to live up to our name as a quiltwork country, it's not that we have to compromise our values. Why can't we just respect others for their own backgrounds they were brought up in, and acknowledge that others have different systems of getting stuff done?
I really wish that this other person reads my blog as well cos these words would fit exactly what I want to say to him.
You can throw it back at me that I'm too myopic to accept you have your own conformist styles, but maybe you shouldn't be talking so much when your worldview is the sky from the bottom of the well.
Saturday, March 07, 2009
Lessons from Korea
1. The number of layers of clothes is not a choice
2. Gloves and beanie are basic necessities
3. When fingers are numb, a bump hurts more than a cut
4. Kids in winter clothes are freaking cute!
5. The (closed) windows brings cold air, aircon and fridge brings warmth
6. Provided meals are sooo wonderful
7. Delivery meals are damn cheap, and good
8. Never change before checking outside the window
9. Knowing the weather forecast is important
10. Make up feels damn good on the skin here
11. Face shop and skin food is everywhere, cheap and good. With freebies every single time you buy from them, no matter how little
12. Namdaemun sucks. Myong-dong is the best
13. "Yo"s are important here. "Ya"s are rude. And no one pays attention when you scream out hokkien vulgarities :)
14. Knowing how to speak Korean, or someone who knows how to, is sooo important.
15. I'm attending lessons with like the Korean GEP-ers
16. I'm going to miss kimbap when I get back
17. Sometimes, the sun is really good to have around
2. Gloves and beanie are basic necessities
3. When fingers are numb, a bump hurts more than a cut
4. Kids in winter clothes are freaking cute!
5. The (closed) windows brings cold air, aircon and fridge brings warmth
6. Provided meals are sooo wonderful
7. Delivery meals are damn cheap, and good
8. Never change before checking outside the window
9. Knowing the weather forecast is important
10. Make up feels damn good on the skin here
11. Face shop and skin food is everywhere, cheap and good. With freebies every single time you buy from them, no matter how little
12. Namdaemun sucks. Myong-dong is the best
13. "Yo"s are important here. "Ya"s are rude. And no one pays attention when you scream out hokkien vulgarities :)
14. Knowing how to speak Korean, or someone who knows how to, is sooo important.
15. I'm attending lessons with like the Korean GEP-ers
16. I'm going to miss kimbap when I get back
17. Sometimes, the sun is really good to have around
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Skiing!
Breakfast in the subway! (You can eat in the trains and trains stations here)
First sighted flats in Yangji
My ski gloves!
Camwhoring after just alighting at Yangji
Me! We rented those equipment at half the price of the resort's from a ski shop outside of the resort. That ski shop was also where we met our instructor :D
That man is our suuuper nice ski instructor. He gave us free lessons, brought us out to dinner and helped us get our tickets back to Seoul!
Wee!! Haha those ugly bibs should be there to show we are first-timers, I think.
On the little ski "escalator" up the orange slope.
Huh?
Group photo!
Be-autiful sunset at Yangji.Friday, February 27, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
The science of taking the Korean subway
Korean has a very hierachical society. But they are very understanding as well, once they know you are not Korean.
But obviously, they wouldn't know it when they see two chinese Singaporeans fiddling with their phones. So when Shanming and I were at the subway, we really learnt how age earns you the right to almost everything.
Both of us just got our phones up and working, and were trying to figure out basically, how to use the phone. And we were sitting down in the train, as one of the buddies had very nicely literally put us into our seats when we said we were tired. Then one ajuma and ajushi couple walked in and just stared down straight at us.
Her stare was no menacing I immediately caught her meaning even though no words were exchanged, and I pulled Shanming away to stand in a corner. She was busy understanding her phone she didn't even notice the stare lar (!)
There was another time when a group of us were standing in the train, and one ajushi was just shoving his way through. Shanming eyes just grew wide with disbelief. Haha her exclamation was "He'll never get away with that in Singapore la!"
The Koreans really just let him have his way. There was a young girl of maybe 6? She was shoved aside as well, but her mum just pulled her out of the way instead of picking a bone with the man.
Senior citizens over the age of 65 can also ride for free on the trains!
They also have seats designated for senior citizens. The Koreans respect it so much that they would rather stand if all the other seats were taken. Comparing to Singapore..
Haha this might be one country where looking young may not be that advantageous..
But obviously, they wouldn't know it when they see two chinese Singaporeans fiddling with their phones. So when Shanming and I were at the subway, we really learnt how age earns you the right to almost everything.
Both of us just got our phones up and working, and were trying to figure out basically, how to use the phone. And we were sitting down in the train, as one of the buddies had very nicely literally put us into our seats when we said we were tired. Then one ajuma and ajushi couple walked in and just stared down straight at us.
Her stare was no menacing I immediately caught her meaning even though no words were exchanged, and I pulled Shanming away to stand in a corner. She was busy understanding her phone she didn't even notice the stare lar (!)
There was another time when a group of us were standing in the train, and one ajushi was just shoving his way through. Shanming eyes just grew wide with disbelief. Haha her exclamation was "He'll never get away with that in Singapore la!"
The Koreans really just let him have his way. There was a young girl of maybe 6? She was shoved aside as well, but her mum just pulled her out of the way instead of picking a bone with the man.
Senior citizens over the age of 65 can also ride for free on the trains!
They also have seats designated for senior citizens. The Koreans respect it so much that they would rather stand if all the other seats were taken. Comparing to Singapore..
Haha this might be one country where looking young may not be that advantageous..
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Hello from Korea!
Have reached safely :) Weather's freaking cold but damn shiok! First time in my life I'm speaking with mists coming out of my mouth! Went shopping like mad these first two days. And here are some photos for all to enjoy :)
My funny roommate
Some huge expanse of land with patches of melted snow through the dirty bus window
My suitcase cracked!
Their subway stations always remind me of HDB flats..
Castle-like KU
Castle-like KUBS
I felt like I'm in Cambridge, my friends said they felt like they were in Hogwarts
Bits of unmelted snow!
Toilet in the middle of nowhere
Victory photo! After a really really really long trek
Our room!
Dinner on first night. There were three of us who were gobbling the ban chan up like cows la..
Man in orange selling stuff inside the train. Everyone else ignoring him.
Olympic village from Seoul Olympics 1988
DBSK portraits
Amazing people carrying bags on their heads. Balance isn't even their concern!
The more high-class Metro.
Very pretty cakes!
A rare chain of stops where it goes over land. And profile reflection is our shopping queen, Sheena!
Made a trip to COEX mall. BIG. And gross. There was one shop where they showed their fish tank of catfish and small fishes separated by a glass side by side. FUCKING GROSS! In the glass that separated both tanks were little holes choked with dead small fish. My goosebumps are all out just remembering it la. I swore immediately on seeing it lar. The fish were probably trying to swim through the holes, then they just got stuck halfway through AND DIED THERE!! DAMMIT DAMMIT DAMMIT.
My funny roommate
Some huge expanse of land with patches of melted snow through the dirty bus window
My suitcase cracked!
Their subway stations always remind me of HDB flats..
Castle-like KU
Castle-like KUBS
I felt like I'm in Cambridge, my friends said they felt like they were in Hogwarts
Bits of unmelted snow!
Toilet in the middle of nowhere
Victory photo! After a really really really long trek
Our room!
Dinner on first night. There were three of us who were gobbling the ban chan up like cows la..
Man in orange selling stuff inside the train. Everyone else ignoring him.
Olympic village from Seoul Olympics 1988
DBSK portraits
Amazing people carrying bags on their heads. Balance isn't even their concern!
The more high-class Metro.
Very pretty cakes!
A rare chain of stops where it goes over land. And profile reflection is our shopping queen, Sheena!
Made a trip to COEX mall. BIG. And gross. There was one shop where they showed their fish tank of catfish and small fishes separated by a glass side by side. FUCKING GROSS! In the glass that separated both tanks were little holes choked with dead small fish. My goosebumps are all out just remembering it la. I swore immediately on seeing it lar. The fish were probably trying to swim through the holes, then they just got stuck halfway through AND DIED THERE!! DAMMIT DAMMIT DAMMIT. GOOSEBUMPS!!
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