Today was the last day of the funeral. Lao ma was to be cremated at Mandai. Until today, I did not dare look at her body. But when 大姨姨 pulled me to the coffin and told me “去看lao ma 最后一面”, I just went along.
Standing next to her, looking down at her peaceful face, I just started crying. 大姨姨 stood behind us and said to lao ma in teochew “阿丽霞立豪来看你了。他们两个长大了。阿丽霞读大学了，立豪读高中了。阿嘛，你不用担心他们。你可以放心走。”
And a whole bunch of her great-grandchildren, 大姨姨 and 小姨姨 just stood around the coffin. The younger ones just stood there cos everyone else was. The older ones stood there, and mourned the loss of a very dearly loved one.
Lao gu could not even watch the coffin being covered. After looking at his mother for a good while, he went to the playground nearby and just squatted there crying. A grown man with grandchildren well into secondary school, crying so hard for the loss of his aged mother..
Lao ma has lost a lot of weight. Her thin frame lying in the coffin is a testimony of how age had taken its toll on her during this last few years. She could no longer count, she couldn't walk, and she didn't recognise people.
But everyone of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren never abandoned her. During Chinese New Year, when they visit, they'll walk right up to her and speak loudly in her ear, "Ah ma, xiao mei lai liao." or "Ah ma, wo si ah liang, wo lai toi li." And she'll give a little smile or an acknowledging nod, maybe reply a phrase or two.
Throughout the service at the crematorium, there were controlled sobs, sniffles and gasps. But when the service ended, and we proceeded to place a chrysanthemum and the pieces of cloths that we pinned on our right sleeve, 小姨姨 and 四姨姨 broke down again, and stood at the coffin, refusing to give up that one last look.
Then 大姨姨 broke down too, and the whole family gathered around lao ma, hanging on that one last look for as long as possible.
When the coffin was moved out of the service hall, we were brought to the viewing hall. Where lao ma's coffin was wheeled across the room below to be cremated. When the coffin went by, the full realization of losing my great grandmother hit me full blast. That I could no longer see her again, that her physical form would be reduced to dust.
That she will no longer sit around in the living room. That I will no longer be able to call lao ma for her to hear. That she has truly left us to be with God for good.
It was the worst experience ever in the viewing gallery. 四姨姨 was calling "ah ma!" repeatedly after her. "Ah ma! Kia hor!" 大姨姨 shouted to her that we all loved her forever. 三姨姨 lost control as the coffin was about to enter the next chamber, and shouted "ah ma!" after her. My mother was managing her sobs and just kept telling lao ma "ah ma, 珍重! ah ma, 珍重!"
I couldn't even speak. The tears kept flowing, the gasps unmanageable, the watery mucus uncontrollable.. Lao ma was really leaving us for good..
When we were ushered out of the viewing gallery to the waiting area, 四姨姨 and 小姨姨 and lao gu held on to lao ma's portrait and kept crying.
Later on, my mother made a statement I could only agree with. "Which grandmother has all her grandchildren loving her so much?"
Lao ma, (in teochew) 阿丽霞的潮州不好。不会什么讲。。今天你走了，但是我们一直会想你。你每次叫丽霞要好好读书，我会听你的。我会读书读好好。我也会看住立豪，好好教他做一个有出息的人。lao ma 以前很疼立豪，现在立豪长大了一定会做好人来的。。Lao ma 你真的安心去吧。从上面看着我们，等有一天我们一定上去陪你团聚。到那时候，阿丽霞一直都在想你。。
Monday, February 26, 2007
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Last night, my great grandmother left us to be with God. She went peacefully in her sleep. No pain, no anguish.
When I received the message from my mother last night, I was quite taken aback. But I did not really come to grasp with the fact of losing a relative.
Earlier tonight, I went for the wake. I did not look at her. And my memory of her (obviously) won't fade because of that. How my lao ma looks, I will never forget.
I remember when I was young, I was taken care of by my lao kim. My mother called her ah kim. Haha. But I was too young at that time and did not know how to pronounce. And I ended up calling her ah mm. Lao ma wasn't a problem though.
I remember that ah mm will be my translator, and help me translate chinese words to teochew so that I could tell my lao ma. Or just tell her directly what I was trying to say. Haha. Very possibly, back then, my teochew was ten times stronger than it is now.
Lao ma is one hell of a strong woman. She was still doing housework at the age of eighty-five, eighty-six? Many times a day, she'll go down to the void deck, take a walk, chat with the other people there.
Then she suffered a stroke, and age seriously caught up on her. She became wheelchair-bound, didn't recognise people, couldn't count and was really frail.
There was once I remembered, though, warded in Alexandra Hospital after a fall, she started asking for me, and thought that one of her grandsons was my brother. When we went to visit her, however, she couldn't recognise us. Possibly cos she hadn't seen us for too long. We've grown too much to be the Lixia and Lihao she used to watch over.
Looking at the red eyes of my aunts and mother, I couldn't help but feel the urge to cry as well.
可是，要哭却哭不出。 要笑也不敢大笑。。
Everyone was trying to uplift the mood, and not show their grief, yet unwittingly being betrayed by their eyes..
She was a much larger part of their lives than mine, far more amazing to them than me. She was the one who brought them to the market, leading them across those huge drains that lay over the canals, did what she should, and guided them into becoming the people they are today.
An amazing woman that left us. She left with a peace that could only be because God called her to His side.
I just pray that God would grant peace too to the people she has left behind. To the people who love her so.
When I received the message from my mother last night, I was quite taken aback. But I did not really come to grasp with the fact of losing a relative.
Earlier tonight, I went for the wake. I did not look at her. And my memory of her (obviously) won't fade because of that. How my lao ma looks, I will never forget.
I remember when I was young, I was taken care of by my lao kim. My mother called her ah kim. Haha. But I was too young at that time and did not know how to pronounce. And I ended up calling her ah mm. Lao ma wasn't a problem though.
I remember that ah mm will be my translator, and help me translate chinese words to teochew so that I could tell my lao ma. Or just tell her directly what I was trying to say. Haha. Very possibly, back then, my teochew was ten times stronger than it is now.
Lao ma is one hell of a strong woman. She was still doing housework at the age of eighty-five, eighty-six? Many times a day, she'll go down to the void deck, take a walk, chat with the other people there.
Then she suffered a stroke, and age seriously caught up on her. She became wheelchair-bound, didn't recognise people, couldn't count and was really frail.
There was once I remembered, though, warded in Alexandra Hospital after a fall, she started asking for me, and thought that one of her grandsons was my brother. When we went to visit her, however, she couldn't recognise us. Possibly cos she hadn't seen us for too long. We've grown too much to be the Lixia and Lihao she used to watch over.
Looking at the red eyes of my aunts and mother, I couldn't help but feel the urge to cry as well.
可是，要哭却哭不出。 要笑也不敢大笑。。
Everyone was trying to uplift the mood, and not show their grief, yet unwittingly being betrayed by their eyes..
She was a much larger part of their lives than mine, far more amazing to them than me. She was the one who brought them to the market, leading them across those huge drains that lay over the canals, did what she should, and guided them into becoming the people they are today.
An amazing woman that left us. She left with a peace that could only be because God called her to His side.
I just pray that God would grant peace too to the people she has left behind. To the people who love her so.
Chinese New Year 2007!
It's the year of the pig! Oink oink. Haha. Damn shiok. This year ang baos bumper harvest. That means.. I can get by without giving tuition! And just rely on two meals a day. Mwahahaha!!
祝大家猪年一帆风顺，事事顺利！
And better still, it more than made up for the excess money I spent on New Year clothes. I totally have no idea how I bought so many clothes this year, considering previous years finding ONE was a challenge itself already..
Pretty or not?
Shopping for clothes with my brother is fun. He'll choose clothes that I like, and decision to buy or leave is made within 3 seconds. Ha!
My brother kept asking me to wear that pink top since 除夕, which I finally did on the second day, cos he said it was a killer. Haha. Should have posed with a dao face instead hor?
We went to Bottle Tree Village on 除夕for reunion dinner. Oh. Haha. Realised I just forgot to take photos of the Bottle Tree in front. (I keep having the tendency to spell it as Bottled Tree)
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Look how big the bite was!
I came to realise something.. As we grow older, the fun things to do get lesser. We used to be able to play anything and everything when we were kids. Now, we get SO TOTALLY bored, we are actually excited by Newton's Cradle!
Bored cousins playing with a man's cradle..
Oh. And we had five minutes of fun with Bridge before the adults came by and took over the table.
Hahaha. There was such a severe lack of entertainment that on the night of the second day, two of the families even bought chess sets to pass the time! It's like we have to make sure entertainment will be there instead of letting entertainment come when it should, which used to be the case when we were kids.
And we went to Uncle Matthew's on the third day! He proudly announced that it shall be a tradition we all go to his house on the third day, until someone remarked that it is only provided every 初三 is a public holiday.
Grace has really pretty dimples.. I want dimples too! She somehow reminds me of Mei Ting. I don't know why. But I think she is prettier and funnier to watch when she thought she got her way but didn't. (Those boo-boo moments if you get me)
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
A prayer for him
Argh. Tong Hai is sick.. Bleah.
Dear Lord,
As I close my eyes in prayer tonight, I ask for nothing but the well-being of Tong Hai. I pray that no bad will happen. That his fever will stop only at a fever. That no complications will arise. That You will watch over him, and lay Your protective hand over him.
Father, as he rests his body in this two days, I pray that he will be able to recover fully, and when he steps into the office again, he will be rejuvenated, and in the pinkest of health.
Father, I pray that nothing will happen to him.
Amen.
I wonder (for the upteeth time) about the possibilities of me and him getting together..
Dear Lord,
As I close my eyes in prayer tonight, I ask for nothing but the well-being of Tong Hai. I pray that no bad will happen. That his fever will stop only at a fever. That no complications will arise. That You will watch over him, and lay Your protective hand over him.
Father, as he rests his body in this two days, I pray that he will be able to recover fully, and when he steps into the office again, he will be rejuvenated, and in the pinkest of health.
Father, I pray that nothing will happen to him.
Amen.
I wonder (for the upteeth time) about the possibilities of me and him getting together..
Monday, February 12, 2007
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Simply because I am me
You know how it is when there are things that people want you to do no matter what.. Like partly cos they need to get things done, and partly cos it's you. Sometimes, it sucks.
Boing boing p-phhhhhhtt.
What it takes to be me.
Boing boing p-phhhhhhtt.
What it takes to be me.
Saturday, February 03, 2007
When the time comes..
Those around me know, and they know damn well that if they were ever to fall, I would rush up to catch them. And no matter if I'm the first or not, I'll make sure that they'll never touch the floor.
What if it's me? When I fall, will anyone catch me? Will they rush up, or it's just a convenient gesture? Will I touch the floor?
Haha. What kept superman going all these years??
What if it's me? When I fall, will anyone catch me? Will they rush up, or it's just a convenient gesture? Will I touch the floor?
Haha. What kept superman going all these years??
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Heh
I changed my mind. On second thoughts, having a Nokia N73 Music Edition for a birthday present might still be a good idea after all! I just have to remember to upgrade the phone. Any takers??
Friday, January 26, 2007
imagination
There was a period of time when there was this mad woman who kept calling my house and harrassing my mother (that story for another day). Whoa. Damn irritating. She's the kind who can send 22 messages in 5 minutes (her phone must be damn power) all containing the same messages, accusing my mother and sounding like she's in deep shit cos of my mother.
So basically, she kept calling, asking for my mother, until there was a point in time when my mother's blood pressure shot so high she was having giddy spells. She eventually stopped, cos I always picked up the phone and made myself a total irritant, pretend-to-know-it-all-so-i-can-lecture-you kinda bitch in front of her and she got totally frustrated.
Haha. I'm in need of some entertainment lately.
And I was just imagining a day when she'll actually go right up to my house with a TV crew behind her, knocking on the door relentlessly calling for my mother to come out and face her. But to her ignorance, both my parents are out, and there left only my brother and me.
Ha! Entertainment.
Hearing the loud and repeated knocks, with my mother being called non-stop, I went to take a look through the peephole of the front door, and found the mad woman shooting her mouth off. Delighted, I quickly went to change into something more presentable (including wearing a bra) and went to comb my hair. Told my brother the situation and my brilliant plan. Then I waited for a whole minute or two more, before opening the door.
"Where's your mother?! Ask her to come out and face me!"
"Haiyo.. Knock and knock so loudly. The neighbours will think you're a mad woman. Wait a while la. I needed to change and comb my hair wat. Must look presentable for the camera ma."
Then looking at the camera behind her, "Hor?"
"I don't want to waste my time on you. Where's your mother?!"
"She's not in lor. Why do you want to look for her?"
"Jie, who's that?" My brother walks lazily out of the room
"Haha. Your good friend la. That one send you twenty plus messages to say good morning one."
"Oh. Her arh. Whoa. Got camera some more. Hi Mum! Hi Dad!"
"Hahaha. Oh yeah. I forgot to say hi. Hi Mum! Hi Dad!!!"
"Hai sian. I never style my hair. I go and watch TV liao." And he plops down on the arm chair in the living room and starts watching Kids Central.
"Tell your mother to come out!"
"Tell you already. She's not in. I didn't bluff you. If she doesn't want to come out, I'll tell you straight in the face also. But too bad, she's not in. I also want to tell you 'You're not worth her time.' But sad la, I can't tell you." And I just shrug non-chalantly.
"You..!"
"Arh.. wait wait wait. This is our house. Private property. Careful your feet. Don't trespass lei. Kanna sued for this kind of oversight very ridiculous. Oh. And watch the slippers too. They're our property as well.
It'll just be stupid to get yourself in the news for trespassing a five-room HDB flat. Hahaha. It sounds so silly just thinking of it."
"You don't know anything. I want to see your mother!!"
"Eh.. you want her photo?"
"Ask her to come out and see me!!"
"She's not in! I told you already. The last time you called our house thirty-odd times a day, I also didn't lie to you. If she didn't want to talk to you, I told you, she would not talk to you. If she wasn't in, I told you she wasn't in. I won't lie one la.
But you were quite dumb also. Call in the afternoon 2 pm? You think my mother no need to work meh? I don't know about you la.. But you can make so many phone calls in the afternoon, and send so many smses when people are working.. You got no job har?"
"That's none of your..."
"Ay jie! Spongebob Square pants!"
"I want to watch! I love brainless shows!"
And I join my brother in front of the TV set. The woman edges in to steal a glance and gets increasingly frustrated.
"Ooh! Watch it! You're about to step across the threshold! Oh camera man, can you take more footage of our trophy cupboard? It's nothing much.. But it's still our pride? Right brother?"
"Haha. Those old cups!"
Mad woman storms off in anger, unable to find my mother, unable to get what she wants, what she wrongfully thought she deserved.
My brother and I give each other a triumphant high-five!
So basically, she kept calling, asking for my mother, until there was a point in time when my mother's blood pressure shot so high she was having giddy spells. She eventually stopped, cos I always picked up the phone and made myself a total irritant, pretend-to-know-it-all-so-i-can-lecture-you kinda bitch in front of her and she got totally frustrated.
Haha. I'm in need of some entertainment lately.
And I was just imagining a day when she'll actually go right up to my house with a TV crew behind her, knocking on the door relentlessly calling for my mother to come out and face her. But to her ignorance, both my parents are out, and there left only my brother and me.
Ha! Entertainment.
Hearing the loud and repeated knocks, with my mother being called non-stop, I went to take a look through the peephole of the front door, and found the mad woman shooting her mouth off. Delighted, I quickly went to change into something more presentable (including wearing a bra) and went to comb my hair. Told my brother the situation and my brilliant plan. Then I waited for a whole minute or two more, before opening the door.
"Where's your mother?! Ask her to come out and face me!"
"Haiyo.. Knock and knock so loudly. The neighbours will think you're a mad woman. Wait a while la. I needed to change and comb my hair wat. Must look presentable for the camera ma."
Then looking at the camera behind her, "Hor?"
"I don't want to waste my time on you. Where's your mother?!"
"She's not in lor. Why do you want to look for her?"
"Jie, who's that?" My brother walks lazily out of the room
"Haha. Your good friend la. That one send you twenty plus messages to say good morning one."
"Oh. Her arh. Whoa. Got camera some more. Hi Mum! Hi Dad!"
"Hahaha. Oh yeah. I forgot to say hi. Hi Mum! Hi Dad!!!"
"Hai sian. I never style my hair. I go and watch TV liao." And he plops down on the arm chair in the living room and starts watching Kids Central.
"Tell your mother to come out!"
"Tell you already. She's not in. I didn't bluff you. If she doesn't want to come out, I'll tell you straight in the face also. But too bad, she's not in. I also want to tell you 'You're not worth her time.' But sad la, I can't tell you." And I just shrug non-chalantly.
"You..!"
"Arh.. wait wait wait. This is our house. Private property. Careful your feet. Don't trespass lei. Kanna sued for this kind of oversight very ridiculous. Oh. And watch the slippers too. They're our property as well.
It'll just be stupid to get yourself in the news for trespassing a five-room HDB flat. Hahaha. It sounds so silly just thinking of it."
"You don't know anything. I want to see your mother!!"
"Eh.. you want her photo?"
"Ask her to come out and see me!!"
"She's not in! I told you already. The last time you called our house thirty-odd times a day, I also didn't lie to you. If she didn't want to talk to you, I told you, she would not talk to you. If she wasn't in, I told you she wasn't in. I won't lie one la.
But you were quite dumb also. Call in the afternoon 2 pm? You think my mother no need to work meh? I don't know about you la.. But you can make so many phone calls in the afternoon, and send so many smses when people are working.. You got no job har?"
"That's none of your..."
"Ay jie! Spongebob Square pants!"
"I want to watch! I love brainless shows!"
And I join my brother in front of the TV set. The woman edges in to steal a glance and gets increasingly frustrated.
"Ooh! Watch it! You're about to step across the threshold! Oh camera man, can you take more footage of our trophy cupboard? It's nothing much.. But it's still our pride? Right brother?"
"Haha. Those old cups!"
Mad woman storms off in anger, unable to find my mother, unable to get what she wants, what she wrongfully thought she deserved.
My brother and I give each other a triumphant high-five!
Monday, January 22, 2007
Shit Talk
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Hm. I'm changing my mind. I don't want the N73 Music Edition for my birthday liao. Just a 2GB memory card and some genius who will change the camera on my 6280 to 3.2 Megapixel one.
*******************************************************
I look forward to excreting my bowel-ful of shit.
Chock full of shit!
I love it when I have a massive outward migration of crap, and the feeling of all my abdomen muscles being released from the tension of storing the shit.
The worst scenario (as we discussed after dinner one night during rag dance practice) is when you're 90% done, and you asshole closes up. Shit! That little bit away from euphoria.
Usually, when I don't shit after a period of time, my stomach will have an onslaught of a huge, rumbling pain. And when it's all released in the privacy of a cubicle, hail stones will rain down, which gradually tames down to snow, then sleet until it's no more than a thin trail of slush.
And after that, peace! Peace for our time! Tropical islands, windy days, coconut trees and fruit cocktail. Whoa shiok!
I sooooooooo look forward to that day.
And please remind me to check for toilet paper.
Monday, January 15, 2007
The best things in the world
The best dish in the world is my mother's xiao bai cai. The best place in the world is home. The best friends in the world are my papaya and watermelon, Tong Hai, and my power of three. The best love in the world is what my mother's love is for me. The best song in the world is the "Amazing Grace" that my dad used to sing me to sleep when I was a kid. The best gift in the world is the Bible that my mother bought for me in sec 2.
The best thing I can do to give them back is to study hard and be happy.
The best thing I can do to give them back is to study hard and be happy.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
I need answers!
I am suddenly brought back to the time when I remember a senior saying something about the point system in hall. She said that some people don't deserve it, and another senior agreed with her that some people really don't deserve it.
Now, I find myself in this situation. Somebody is getting what he doesn't deserve. AT ALL.
Damn! I need answers!
Now, I find myself in this situation. Somebody is getting what he doesn't deserve. AT ALL.
Damn! I need answers!
Monday, January 08, 2007
Just another Sunday afternoon
I was watching VCDs at home just this afternoon. Lady Fan. Haha. Can't seem to get enough of it. Disc 1 to 20 straight and I'm still thinking of it.
Then my mother came in. She had to go out. And I told her I was going back to hall late afternoon. And she came in. And she hugged me. Very tightly. All the while saying, "Aiyo, my dear daughter.. Don't know when can see you again. Must bao bao you more often."
I tell you. This feeling sucks. It sucks big time. I hate it.
There in my mother's arms, I didn't want to go back to hall either. I can just feel all her 不舍得 in that hug. Fuck! My own mother! And I can't spend enough time with her!
Someone just tell me this is all worth it..
Then my mother came in. She had to go out. And I told her I was going back to hall late afternoon. And she came in. And she hugged me. Very tightly. All the while saying, "Aiyo, my dear daughter.. Don't know when can see you again. Must bao bao you more often."
I tell you. This feeling sucks. It sucks big time. I hate it.
There in my mother's arms, I didn't want to go back to hall either. I can just feel all her 不舍得 in that hug. Fuck! My own mother! And I can't spend enough time with her!
Someone just tell me this is all worth it..
Saturday, January 06, 2007
The story of a little lily
There once was a lily. Young, brash, impulsive, and said what she felt, seldom holding back her words. When this lily was still a seed in the pod, she had dreams of settling in a garden, then growing and blooming into a beautiful flower.
When she finally burst out of her pod, the little seedling went around asking which garden was the best. And finally, she decided that Evergreen Garden was to be her home. It had everything good for her. It was nearby, the flowers were strong, and the garden on the whole looked pretty decent. She liked that place, and could imagine herself flying in the wind to her nearby would-be home.
The excitement was just too great to contain. The proximity was such a great draw that she felt she could just touch the garden fence already.
Then, some things changed, and she was swallowed by a bird. Together with some other seeds, the bird carried her in its stomach and flew and flew. It flew across a beautiful garden called Serene Home. This garden was one of the newest gardens, and boasted wonderful facilities, complete with a fence activated only by an electronic card system.
The little lily seed loved the whole ride to Serene Home, especially the seeds together with it in the bird's stomach. She had so much fun, she almost completely forgot about her old friends from the lily pod! And after the ride, the little lily seed knew that Serene Home was to be actual her home where she will sprout and bloom.
Together with the other seeds, she was passed out of the bird and fell towards Serene Home. The seeds were all scattered into the different plots. But the lily seed did not. She fell on hard, concrete floor. Not because she didn't manage to fall on the soft earth, but she was pushed onto the concrete by a Jalepeno.
The Jalepeno did not like the lily. Because the lily once liked Evergreen Garden, and felt that the garden was all too wonderful because the distance from it was so short. That angered the Jalepeno. But the lily felt that the Jalepeno was being petty, and was really indignant about ending up on concrete.
It began rambling to itself, and daydreaming aloud how she can teach the Jalepeno how not to be petty. But never did she expect that the other plants were listening too!
The Jalepeno got angered even further as it got to hear what the lily was talking. Unable to contain its resentment, the Jalepeno woke the lily up from late at night and had a good talk with her. The lily couldn't retort much of an answer either. She should have known better.
At the same time, unknown to the little lily, there were many plants in the garden helping the lily out. They talked to the Jalepeno, trying to persuade it to allow the lily to grow in the garden. The Jalepeno probably was already slightly persuaded to allow the young and ignorant lily to stay, but the two flowers that most likely sealed the deal was possibly the Eucalyptus and the Dandelion.
On the final night, before the lily could not wait any longer, the Eucalyptus and Dandelion had a long talk with the Jalepeno, and eventually persuaded the Jalepeno to let the lily germinate in the garden.
The lily was really really grateful to all the other flowers who helped her.. Those that she knew, and those that she didn't. Sometimes, when she taught about it, tears of gratitude just fill her eyes unwittingly. Although initially furious at the Jalepeno for making a mountain out of a molehill, the lily soon began to realise the best way to return what the other flowers did for her was to show them their decision was the correct one.
And so, she didn't just made sure she germinated, sprout and grew well, she helped made sure the flowers around her were growing happily in the flower bed. She contributed what she should, gave what she would, to do what little she could for the flower bed and the garden.
Perhaps, earlier on, the lily would live happily in spite of the Jalepeno. But someone has to end this nonsense, and the lily decided that it should end on her side. Now whatever she does for the garden is not just to thank the other flowers for helping her, but also to show the Jalepeno that its decision to let the little lily stay was not a wrong one.
When she finally burst out of her pod, the little seedling went around asking which garden was the best. And finally, she decided that Evergreen Garden was to be her home. It had everything good for her. It was nearby, the flowers were strong, and the garden on the whole looked pretty decent. She liked that place, and could imagine herself flying in the wind to her nearby would-be home.
The excitement was just too great to contain. The proximity was such a great draw that she felt she could just touch the garden fence already.
Then, some things changed, and she was swallowed by a bird. Together with some other seeds, the bird carried her in its stomach and flew and flew. It flew across a beautiful garden called Serene Home. This garden was one of the newest gardens, and boasted wonderful facilities, complete with a fence activated only by an electronic card system.
The little lily seed loved the whole ride to Serene Home, especially the seeds together with it in the bird's stomach. She had so much fun, she almost completely forgot about her old friends from the lily pod! And after the ride, the little lily seed knew that Serene Home was to be actual her home where she will sprout and bloom.
Together with the other seeds, she was passed out of the bird and fell towards Serene Home. The seeds were all scattered into the different plots. But the lily seed did not. She fell on hard, concrete floor. Not because she didn't manage to fall on the soft earth, but she was pushed onto the concrete by a Jalepeno.
The Jalepeno did not like the lily. Because the lily once liked Evergreen Garden, and felt that the garden was all too wonderful because the distance from it was so short. That angered the Jalepeno. But the lily felt that the Jalepeno was being petty, and was really indignant about ending up on concrete.
It began rambling to itself, and daydreaming aloud how she can teach the Jalepeno how not to be petty. But never did she expect that the other plants were listening too!
The Jalepeno got angered even further as it got to hear what the lily was talking. Unable to contain its resentment, the Jalepeno woke the lily up from late at night and had a good talk with her. The lily couldn't retort much of an answer either. She should have known better.
At the same time, unknown to the little lily, there were many plants in the garden helping the lily out. They talked to the Jalepeno, trying to persuade it to allow the lily to grow in the garden. The Jalepeno probably was already slightly persuaded to allow the young and ignorant lily to stay, but the two flowers that most likely sealed the deal was possibly the Eucalyptus and the Dandelion.
On the final night, before the lily could not wait any longer, the Eucalyptus and Dandelion had a long talk with the Jalepeno, and eventually persuaded the Jalepeno to let the lily germinate in the garden.
The lily was really really grateful to all the other flowers who helped her.. Those that she knew, and those that she didn't. Sometimes, when she taught about it, tears of gratitude just fill her eyes unwittingly. Although initially furious at the Jalepeno for making a mountain out of a molehill, the lily soon began to realise the best way to return what the other flowers did for her was to show them their decision was the correct one.
And so, she didn't just made sure she germinated, sprout and grew well, she helped made sure the flowers around her were growing happily in the flower bed. She contributed what she should, gave what she would, to do what little she could for the flower bed and the garden.
Perhaps, earlier on, the lily would live happily in spite of the Jalepeno. But someone has to end this nonsense, and the lily decided that it should end on her side. Now whatever she does for the garden is not just to thank the other flowers for helping her, but also to show the Jalepeno that its decision to let the little lily stay was not a wrong one.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Happy 2007!!
This is a post meant for yesterday, but my internet connection went down.
Whoa! Finally went out with the NJPS gang after sooooooooooooo long. And finally gave Chee Fung his birthday present after five months and 14 days. Haha. Happy birthday papaya!
We went up to Sheares bridge, (our favourite shaky, unstable, vibrating fireworks spot), spotted a fallen Mango mannequin along the way, took a few photos, got a lot of attention, counted down, took the fireworks and spent the night out. Quite eventful actually.
Haha. We were told that the fireworks will come out in phases. The first (nicely called first burst by Jun Zhan) one at 10 pm, next at 11 pm, 11.30 pm and the last one at 12 am.
We were really all anticipating for the first burst at 10 pm. And when huge spotlights suddenly came on at the field below the bridge, we were so totally excited. Only to see pathetic sparks coming out of the NTUC building. We were like "What the hell?!"
At 11 pm, after bravely deciding not to get my gingerbread latte, we were aroused again when the spotlights came on, ONLY TO SEE THE SAME SPARKS FROM ANOTHER BUILDING. One Raffles Quay if I'm not wrong.
Damn stunned. I didn't even take any photos. I was just at a loss for words. WHAT THE HELL LA!! There were a lot of speculations. Like test-fire, mis-fire, IA, IIA, who could actually see what happened etc etc. Jun Zhan even predicted a question people at the Esplanade would ask, "What's the commotion?" There were a lot of anticipation too. And the two clowns were actually arguing if it would be Godzilla or Transformers that will emerge from under the boats.
At 11.30 pm, the bump boats (or however you spell it) and duck tours were already taking position in front of the bridge. Party revellers and tour guides hyping up the atmosphere and everything. Quite exciting. The 11.30 pm fireworks was also quite short, but we were pretty much sian diao already.
It was the 12.00 am one. That the real deal begin. Haha. The first few bursts were really big and loud. I freaked out la. But after that, the snapping began, full scale. My roll of film ended nicely near the end. Although I'm probably going to be puking blood when I get them developed.
8-seconds without tripod!! What the hell.. I can't believe I did that either. Just my camera and my hands. The photos are either going to be super chui, or I'm super lucky.
Haha. After the fireworks, when we finally left, we only wanted a place to sit down and rest. And we decided on TCC! Somewhere other than Macs. Haha. As it turned out, there is really no place that is really 24/7 other than Macs. Try as we might, we can't defy their monopoly. Macs wins hands down.
On the train ride home with Chee Fung, I didn't sleep much either. Five minutes at most I think. And could still go for half-boiled eggs with him at Toa Payoh. Haha. My first New Year's day spent outside and with my dear NJPS gang. Very well worth it I'd say.
Haha. I'm still laughing (to myself) when I think of how they argue if transformers or godzilla will come out.
Whoa! Finally went out with the NJPS gang after sooooooooooooo long. And finally gave Chee Fung his birthday present after five months and 14 days. Haha. Happy birthday papaya!
Look what Jun Zhan did to his phone!
We went up to Sheares bridge, (our favourite shaky, unstable, vibrating fireworks spot), spotted a fallen Mango mannequin along the way, took a few photos, got a lot of attention, counted down, took the fireworks and spent the night out. Quite eventful actually.
Haha. We were told that the fireworks will come out in phases. The first (nicely called first burst by Jun Zhan) one at 10 pm, next at 11 pm, 11.30 pm and the last one at 12 am.
We were really all anticipating for the first burst at 10 pm. And when huge spotlights suddenly came on at the field below the bridge, we were so totally excited. Only to see pathetic sparks coming out of the NTUC building. We were like "What the hell?!"
At 11 pm, after bravely deciding not to get my gingerbread latte, we were aroused again when the spotlights came on, ONLY TO SEE THE SAME SPARKS FROM ANOTHER BUILDING. One Raffles Quay if I'm not wrong.
Damn stunned. I didn't even take any photos. I was just at a loss for words. WHAT THE HELL LA!! There were a lot of speculations. Like test-fire, mis-fire, IA, IIA, who could actually see what happened etc etc. Jun Zhan even predicted a question people at the Esplanade would ask, "What's the commotion?" There were a lot of anticipation too. And the two clowns were actually arguing if it would be Godzilla or Transformers that will emerge from under the boats.
At 11.30 pm, the bump boats (or however you spell it) and duck tours were already taking position in front of the bridge. Party revellers and tour guides hyping up the atmosphere and everything. Quite exciting. The 11.30 pm fireworks was also quite short, but we were pretty much sian diao already.
It was the 12.00 am one. That the real deal begin. Haha. The first few bursts were really big and loud. I freaked out la. But after that, the snapping began, full scale. My roll of film ended nicely near the end. Although I'm probably going to be puking blood when I get them developed.
8-seconds without tripod!! What the hell.. I can't believe I did that either. Just my camera and my hands. The photos are either going to be super chui, or I'm super lucky.
Haha. After the fireworks, when we finally left, we only wanted a place to sit down and rest. And we decided on TCC! Somewhere other than Macs. Haha. As it turned out, there is really no place that is really 24/7 other than Macs. Try as we might, we can't defy their monopoly. Macs wins hands down.
The HUGE traffic flow after the fireworks
We walked to Bras Besar, saw the TCC closed and refused to walk into a very crowded Macs. So we decided to head down towards Orchard Road and try our luck. Halfway through, we spotted a TCC with people still inside! Only to find out they were not letting anymore customers in. Then later on, we saw a Starbucks that was still open. Hope! Went in, and they said only takeaways cos they were closing. Damn! But never mind! I decided to get my gingerbread latte there and satisfy my craving.
And as we reached Plaza Sing, we saw a TCC still open! Whoa best! And found out they were closing at 3.00am. But on the other hand, the Starbucks across the plaza, was STILL open! Damn it man! This went on for the whole night. Wrong bets, just missed last orders, opposite shops still open.. Haiyo! Everything we did to not go into MacDonald's failed.
In the end, at around 5 in the morning, we walked into the Macs at Lucky Plaza (I think). Macs wins, hands down.
Haha. By that time, we were already pretty full from all the stops at (what we thought were) 24/7 restaurants. And Jun Zhan had to leave for camp. Haha. Chee Fung finally achieved the feat of not falling asleep at 5 am. It turned out it was Nuria who couldn't tahan in the end..jpg)
Chee Fung still couldn't resist the attack of the Z-monster
On the train ride home with Chee Fung, I didn't sleep much either. Five minutes at most I think. And could still go for half-boiled eggs with him at Toa Payoh. Haha. My first New Year's day spent outside and with my dear NJPS gang. Very well worth it I'd say.
On the bus ride home when the sun has risen
Haha. I'm still laughing (to myself) when I think of how they argue if transformers or godzilla will come out.
Couldn't resist this photo of Toa Payoh with the four rooftop cranes..
Friday, December 29, 2006
Unsinkable
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Wanted to write a clever poem on cramps, but just totally didn't have the mood (or tolerance).
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I logged on to Friendster just now. And saw that Jen Yuh updated her profile. Damn! I miss that woman. Kinda sad to realise that the only photo I have of us is one we took before the release of O (!) levels results.
Char, me and Jen
Haha. Also don't know how come can just cry looking at her.. I think everyone with real, true friends will understand how a simple "Love you!" or "I'm always here for you!" in any lousy, old email can totally make your day.
Haha. I remember how you always scold me for playing in the rain on the way to the mrt station, and your usual "Are you not going to eat lunch again?" and subsequent "can you please remember to have lunch?!" when you went over to kiwiland.
It's kinda funny thinking back. How you kept thinking you were 14 and how I keep thinking I'm 13 because of our register numbers. How we got closer just because we sit one in front of the other during exams. How I started calling you auntie because Tan Cheng Wee was my daddy. Haha.
I mean, life is so amazing isn't it? Some shitty things came first, so I know how wonderful it is to have you, then shitty things that come later are not even shitty. New people come, some stay, some go. But this connection never weakens.
It sucks la. That the three of us only get to spend 4 hours together once every 2 years. But every 4 hours always seems to be the best 4 hours ever, and each time it seems to get better.
A lot of times, I feel I should give you more. So much more. For all that you have given me, the thousand and one times you really are always there for me. Haha. But you never need me to be there for you. And somehow, the best thing I can do for you is to be happy.
Haha. I promise I won't let you worry. I promise you that when you ask "How are you?", I'll tell you I'm very happy with my life and it will be the truth. I promise you I'll keep my promises. Haha. I don't have to promise to always be there for you, or to listen to you whenever you wanna talk. You know I will.
It seems so natural for us isn't it? The kind of "be there and listen" thing between friends.
Haha. I also don't know how to end this entry. Whatever la. Maybe it's a show of our never-ending friendship that a full-stop cannot deny. Haha. Friends to the end. (Even though there's no end.)
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Our puzzle!
Yay! Our holiday puzzle is complete!! Hahaha. It's soooo cute! And Minghui is soooo tired after doing it. (She slept at 6am, woke up at 10am). BUT she said it wasn't because of the puzzle.
Ok. Minghui, I believe you. On the account that you are holding my photos for the SWOC website. Hehe.
And.... here's our puzzle!!
It's suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuper cute! Argh. I feel like tickling them. Minghui liked the puzzle because 1. They're cute dogs and 2. She thinks the middle doggy looks like her. (Both have eye bags)
Haha. But I like the doggy on the right! It's got big eyes! And very playful. And very nice, curly fur.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
This gets exciting..
I realised I should continue defending myself, and I'll start to see more angry comments about my blog. Hahaha. The fun begins!
Ok. Firstly, if Zhan Lun ever found my blog, Miss Leow is so sorry. I misread your goodwill friendster testimonial. Haha. Read too quickly. Didn't realise your happy christmas is not merry christmas. So sorry la.
Anyway, let's move on to the different names who seem really unhappy that I'm happy with my life. Guy says I am delusional because I want people to feel that way if they read my blog. Well, I said you're WRONG. And you went on to say my vocabulary is limited, and that you claim that I thought I was smart pinpointing him out.
Aiyo.. All wrong la. So ma lu.. you. I don't want people to feel pity for me after they read about how I think my dad isn't giving enough pocket money, nor would I want them to feel angry (at me or with me) because of what I said. This blog was created, never meant to be found. But I was dumb enough to use blogspot, and it spread like no one else's business. Maybe not in your world, but in mine.
My blog is my blog. What is said here, stays here. My life is a different thing. I can choose to bring my life in here, but what happens here does not go out. So I won't want people to have those feelings, neither would I want to beg for it. It stays here, man. People treat me as they do not know the contents of the blog. And they do.
Yeah well, my vocab is probably limited. I'm not any spelling bee whiz you know. But if I can still evoke emotions from you despite a narrow range of words, the writing has to be good somehow. And I didn't think I was smart for pinpointing him. For what?! I just believe that whatever you say, you should have the courage to put down your name wat.. So cowardly.. put down "guy", "stalker".. So when I thought you were my student, I put down your name for you lor. Just so sorry to my student that I misread his message. And I'm not too cowardly to admit I've made a mistake!
Ok, and stalker. Haha. Silly name. I didn't interrogate my student la. And you sound more ignorant than guy. Though you still sound like you debating yourself using two different names. You can claim that there are many out there willing to take the place of guy, and I can say that everyone you can find to put their name in the cbox, is just another name used by you. No proof man! Sad people..
Oh hey lost, I never wanted to be your model, or anyone's model per se. This blog is a place for me to shout out what I want, to no one in particular. Not for me to lead my life for other people to see.. So you shouldn't say that I am nothing you want to be after looking at my life through the blog. Very sad thing to do, you know. Because firstly, you really don't know how I am like in real life, my blog is not a true reflection of it, and secondly, you should lead your own life man. Why follow other people? And of course, how much of me do you understand after reading the blog?
p.s. After this post, I think people will start saying that I'm typing nonsense, I don't understand what I'm/they are saying. Haha. Bring it on people! Let the fun begin!!
Ok. Firstly, if Zhan Lun ever found my blog, Miss Leow is so sorry. I misread your goodwill friendster testimonial. Haha. Read too quickly. Didn't realise your happy christmas is not merry christmas. So sorry la.
Anyway, let's move on to the different names who seem really unhappy that I'm happy with my life. Guy says I am delusional because I want people to feel that way if they read my blog. Well, I said you're WRONG. And you went on to say my vocabulary is limited, and that you claim that I thought I was smart pinpointing him out.
Aiyo.. All wrong la. So ma lu.. you. I don't want people to feel pity for me after they read about how I think my dad isn't giving enough pocket money, nor would I want them to feel angry (at me or with me) because of what I said. This blog was created, never meant to be found. But I was dumb enough to use blogspot, and it spread like no one else's business. Maybe not in your world, but in mine.
My blog is my blog. What is said here, stays here. My life is a different thing. I can choose to bring my life in here, but what happens here does not go out. So I won't want people to have those feelings, neither would I want to beg for it. It stays here, man. People treat me as they do not know the contents of the blog. And they do.
Yeah well, my vocab is probably limited. I'm not any spelling bee whiz you know. But if I can still evoke emotions from you despite a narrow range of words, the writing has to be good somehow. And I didn't think I was smart for pinpointing him. For what?! I just believe that whatever you say, you should have the courage to put down your name wat.. So cowardly.. put down "guy", "stalker".. So when I thought you were my student, I put down your name for you lor. Just so sorry to my student that I misread his message. And I'm not too cowardly to admit I've made a mistake!
Ok, and stalker. Haha. Silly name. I didn't interrogate my student la. And you sound more ignorant than guy. Though you still sound like you debating yourself using two different names. You can claim that there are many out there willing to take the place of guy, and I can say that everyone you can find to put their name in the cbox, is just another name used by you. No proof man! Sad people..
Oh hey lost, I never wanted to be your model, or anyone's model per se. This blog is a place for me to shout out what I want, to no one in particular. Not for me to lead my life for other people to see.. So you shouldn't say that I am nothing you want to be after looking at my life through the blog. Very sad thing to do, you know. Because firstly, you really don't know how I am like in real life, my blog is not a true reflection of it, and secondly, you should lead your own life man. Why follow other people? And of course, how much of me do you understand after reading the blog?
p.s. After this post, I think people will start saying that I'm typing nonsense, I don't understand what I'm/they are saying. Haha. Bring it on people! Let the fun begin!!
Sunday, December 24, 2006
A peek into a SWOC meeting
I know you wanna know. I know you SOOO wanna know. What goes on behind the door in the JCRC room in a SWOC meeting.
It's so exciting isn't it? 13 freshies locked inside a room with a director, and despite the full transparency of the room, you still do not know what goes on in there.
Do you wanna know? I can tell you.. (If you get me the Nokia N73 Music edition)
So.. read on! If you have the sincerity.
We had a 2-hour-turned-3.5-hour meeting on Friday, 22nd December. (I wanted to say yesterday, but I realised it's already 12.55 am, hence it's now officially Sunday.) And it's one of the best 3-hour meetings I've ever had. It felt nothing like 3.5-hours at all.
It was SUPER funny!
We had seven items on our agenda, and we were all expecting a long meeting already. BUT no one expected such a funny meeting. It was so funny, we had to control our laughter so that we wouldn't accidentally pee in our pants because we drank too much water and needed the toilet urgently but didn't want to miss out on anything.
It was only until a while later when (hero) Edward finally said he needed the toilet that we all realised 4 out of the 5 girls needed the loo, and the rest of the guys were just putting their army training into good use.
It was quite a good meeting actually. We still managed to get some work done, amid all the time we died laughing and resurrecting repeatedly.
(personal jokes will now take centre stage)
We managed to seriously talk about what is Sheares Hall to us, often going seriously back to the serious question "So what is Sheares Hall?" and people just died la. Hao Jie just totally collapsed onto the floor shake-ing for oxygen.
There were some irrelevant topics as well. Like brush(!)es, shine and shimmers, and BLEACH! Yuan Bin even got into a role-playing mood and started acting like Al (or however you spell it). And we came to an agreement that the male characters in Bleach (actually all anime for that matter) are very shuai (帅 not 衰).
And there was a lot of love in the meeting. Zaihao cooked tang yuan for all of us! And Hao Jie bought REALLY pretty cupcakes for everyone. It was sooooooooo pretty, it took us around 15 minutes to finally take a cupcake instead of photos. And Yuan Bin and Shixiu gave everyone chocolates with a very nice card design that they drew till 6 am in the morning.
It's so exciting isn't it? 13 freshies locked inside a room with a director, and despite the full transparency of the room, you still do not know what goes on in there.
Do you wanna know? I can tell you.. (If you get me the Nokia N73 Music edition)
So.. read on! If you have the sincerity.
We had a 2-hour-turned-3.5-hour meeting on Friday, 22nd December. (I wanted to say yesterday, but I realised it's already 12.55 am, hence it's now officially Sunday.) And it's one of the best 3-hour meetings I've ever had. It felt nothing like 3.5-hours at all.
It was SUPER funny!
We had seven items on our agenda, and we were all expecting a long meeting already. BUT no one expected such a funny meeting. It was so funny, we had to control our laughter so that we wouldn't accidentally pee in our pants because we drank too much water and needed the toilet urgently but didn't want to miss out on anything.
It was only until a while later when (hero) Edward finally said he needed the toilet that we all realised 4 out of the 5 girls needed the loo, and the rest of the guys were just putting their army training into good use.
It was quite a good meeting actually. We still managed to get some work done, amid all the time we died laughing and resurrecting repeatedly.
(personal jokes will now take centre stage)
We managed to seriously talk about what is Sheares Hall to us, often going seriously back to the serious question "So what is Sheares Hall?" and people just died la. Hao Jie just totally collapsed onto the floor shake-ing for oxygen.
There were some irrelevant topics as well. Like brush(!)es, shine and shimmers, and BLEACH! Yuan Bin even got into a role-playing mood and started acting like Al (or however you spell it). And we came to an agreement that the male characters in Bleach (actually all anime for that matter) are very shuai (帅 not 衰).
And there was a lot of love in the meeting. Zaihao cooked tang yuan for all of us! And Hao Jie bought REALLY pretty cupcakes for everyone. It was sooooooooo pretty, it took us around 15 minutes to finally take a cupcake instead of photos. And Yuan Bin and Shixiu gave everyone chocolates with a very nice card design that they drew till 6 am in the morning.
couldn't get the cupcake to face the front, and me to look correct next to it.
A whole box of loveliness
tangyuan break
Till then! MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!
Oh. And you've read the whole entry. Please remember the Nokia N73 Music Edition for my birthday.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
And the rain comes fallin' fallin'
Whoa rain! My goodness. It's like totally one whole day, one whole night, and one whole morning. Even my non-aircon hostel room has turned air-con room. Couldn't believe when I woke up. Soo cold, you can keep your milk refrigerated on my table!
And it must rain just when I'm moving in. First trip to hall, rain. Trip back home for dinner, rain. Trip back to hall for the night, still rain (I was even walking in ankle deep water and trying to keep my slippers from coming off for the fourth time!). Next day, (it didn't even stop throughout the night) when I went home, RAIN. This one was damn incredible.
At the stretch of road at MacRitchie reservoir, it was FLOODED. Up to 90 cm deep. When the bus went down. Oh my goodness. How I wish the windows were ceiling-to-floor ones. I could have seen the water washing up against the bus la! And I was so stunned, I didn't even take photographs!
It was super amazing. The waves created by the bus were just like those at Sentosa when you're more than knee deep in the water, washing up to your waist at times. The people standing in the rain (workers and policemen) were either enjoying their time as heroes in the rain, or have found the perfect look to return those gaping stares from people in the vehicles.
When I went back to hall from home, STILL rain. But never mind! This time I was happy. Cos I was determined to take the a video of the little ride semi-underwater. But alas! The bus took a detour at the last minute. Bleah.
And I could only take pictures of the immense traffic jam along the detour.
I wonder what happens to those people waiting at the bus stops that the buses skipped though.. Hai.. poor things.. And they cannot call for cabs, since taxis won't really want to go there either..
And it must rain just when I'm moving in. First trip to hall, rain. Trip back home for dinner, rain. Trip back to hall for the night, still rain (I was even walking in ankle deep water and trying to keep my slippers from coming off for the fourth time!). Next day, (it didn't even stop throughout the night) when I went home, RAIN. This one was damn incredible.
At the stretch of road at MacRitchie reservoir, it was FLOODED. Up to 90 cm deep. When the bus went down. Oh my goodness. How I wish the windows were ceiling-to-floor ones. I could have seen the water washing up against the bus la! And I was so stunned, I didn't even take photographs!
It was super amazing. The waves created by the bus were just like those at Sentosa when you're more than knee deep in the water, washing up to your waist at times. The people standing in the rain (workers and policemen) were either enjoying their time as heroes in the rain, or have found the perfect look to return those gaping stares from people in the vehicles.
When I went back to hall from home, STILL rain. But never mind! This time I was happy. Cos I was determined to take the a video of the little ride semi-underwater. But alas! The bus took a detour at the last minute. Bleah.
And I could only take pictures of the immense traffic jam along the detour.
I wonder what happens to those people waiting at the bus stops that the buses skipped though.. Hai.. poor things.. And they cannot call for cabs, since taxis won't really want to go there either..
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