One of the new seminar rooms. I got my first taste. The plastic covers are still intact!
Qi
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Today
My blog has been empty for some time. Q sad hor. This is because most of the things that have been happening are either inappropriate to be blogged about, too uninteresting to be blogged about or too forgettable for me to remember enough to produce an understandable version.
I have resorted to telling you about today. Cos i think today is a fairly eventful day compared to the rest of my other days.
Today i woke at 12pm and lazed in bed till 3pm. And the only motivation that made me leave the house was cos Cineleisure was showing Sin City at 4.45pm. When J and i arrived at 4.30pm, tickets were sold out. And it was sold out for the 7plus show and the 9plus show! This is pretty amazing cos it's Monday and Sin City has been out for a few days already. (not to mention, it is also R-21)
In the end, we got tickets at Lido for a 7.15pm show. It was good. Very very much like Kill Bill Vol.1. I liked it.
This has to be the most exciting part of my day. Although I bore no intention to shop, I ended the day with 3 new items! And i am most pleased.
Whoo hoo! My Adidas watch!
Blue slippers to match. I can't wait to wear them.
my 1st pictorial tee from Zara.
After i came home, watched Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Well well, it was a good show. Really. Most interesting. Now i'm going to sleep and put an end to my good day. I'm excited about tomorrow. =)
I have resorted to telling you about today. Cos i think today is a fairly eventful day compared to the rest of my other days.
Today i woke at 12pm and lazed in bed till 3pm. And the only motivation that made me leave the house was cos Cineleisure was showing Sin City at 4.45pm. When J and i arrived at 4.30pm, tickets were sold out. And it was sold out for the 7plus show and the 9plus show! This is pretty amazing cos it's Monday and Sin City has been out for a few days already. (not to mention, it is also R-21)
In the end, we got tickets at Lido for a 7.15pm show. It was good. Very very much like Kill Bill Vol.1. I liked it.
This has to be the most exciting part of my day. Although I bore no intention to shop, I ended the day with 3 new items! And i am most pleased.
Whoo hoo! My Adidas watch!
Blue slippers to match. I can't wait to wear them.
my 1st pictorial tee from Zara.
After i came home, watched Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Well well, it was a good show. Really. Most interesting. Now i'm going to sleep and put an end to my good day. I'm excited about tomorrow. =)
Saturday, July 16, 2005
Zouk
Just came back from a night of dancing and laughing with the cast. Well, not many cast members turned up. But what it was worth, it was a fantastic night. The music was ok for me, as it always is. The company was great especially since Genie was around for a significant amount of time.
Now i'm just regretting having supper cos i'm goin to sleep. No time to work it off. And the dancing was barely enough to work off the alchohol calories. But i noe it will all take care of itself. yippee.
Ok, nites. Cheryl is pleased.
Now i'm just regretting having supper cos i'm goin to sleep. No time to work it off. And the dancing was barely enough to work off the alchohol calories. But i noe it will all take care of itself. yippee.
Ok, nites. Cheryl is pleased.
Thursday, July 07, 2005
Post Production
The production has finally come to an end. Phew. As i mentioned to many, the feeling is awfully different from Sing to the Dawn, where i felt like i could go on for more shows after the thing ended. In this case, i am tremendously relieved. I'm actually glad it's over and i look back with no regret.
It has been an unforgettable experience, from 15-second costume changes to ultra-tight wigs to failing (and finally succeeding) to keep pulsing for songs. i cherish every moment cos it has been a wonderful learning experience.
It has also humbled me a great deal as i remember that this is a 100-people production. And i am only one of them. And while this may sound awfully religious, i really left it to God. At some point, i felt like keeping the rhythm was really beyond me. i noe it sounds hilarious cos it seems so easy. But as the cliche but true saying goes, "in my weakness, His strength came through" Marvellous feeling!
The last few days has been (in J's words), bliss. i've been doing nothing. Absolutely nothing. And enjoying it thoroughly. of course, this nothingness is about to come to an end because i took up another musical project, called Pagoda Street. It will be showing at the Esplanade from 4 to 6 August. And rehearsals start tomorrow. Eeks. but i'm only chorus. so should not be too bad.
All in all, i'm happy. Thank you Daddy God.
It has been an unforgettable experience, from 15-second costume changes to ultra-tight wigs to failing (and finally succeeding) to keep pulsing for songs. i cherish every moment cos it has been a wonderful learning experience.
It has also humbled me a great deal as i remember that this is a 100-people production. And i am only one of them. And while this may sound awfully religious, i really left it to God. At some point, i felt like keeping the rhythm was really beyond me. i noe it sounds hilarious cos it seems so easy. But as the cliche but true saying goes, "in my weakness, His strength came through" Marvellous feeling!
The last few days has been (in J's words), bliss. i've been doing nothing. Absolutely nothing. And enjoying it thoroughly. of course, this nothingness is about to come to an end because i took up another musical project, called Pagoda Street. It will be showing at the Esplanade from 4 to 6 August. And rehearsals start tomorrow. Eeks. but i'm only chorus. so should not be too bad.
All in all, i'm happy. Thank you Daddy God.
Thursday, June 23, 2005
Cast Outing
One of the ways to get to noe people better is when u do things together and have a common goal (some say common enemy).
This morning we visited the theatre we were going to perform at. It felt so good. Cos there was lots of space on the stage, in the wings and in the dressing rooms. We just have to fill it.
Later when we finished, we went to Ah Teng's at Raffles Hotel. It's really a nice little cafe obviously trying to look like a kopi-tiam, its price list failing miserably. But ok la, the atmosphere is nice, i don't mind goin more often.
After having 'breakfast', we headed straight to Alex Eating house to have the Char Siew Rice that J loves. And he certainly got us all excited. It was so funny.
I learnt a lot of new things today. About people and about my jokes and about tearing coupons. I'm beginning to enjoy the people i'm meetin in this production. But i guess the most important thing is to put up a good show. So that when these good people meet up to talk/gossip/talk, we will associate the memory with having put up an awesome show, just like with Sing to the Dawn.
This morning we visited the theatre we were going to perform at. It felt so good. Cos there was lots of space on the stage, in the wings and in the dressing rooms. We just have to fill it.
Later when we finished, we went to Ah Teng's at Raffles Hotel. It's really a nice little cafe obviously trying to look like a kopi-tiam, its price list failing miserably. But ok la, the atmosphere is nice, i don't mind goin more often.
After having 'breakfast', we headed straight to Alex Eating house to have the Char Siew Rice that J loves. And he certainly got us all excited. It was so funny.
I learnt a lot of new things today. About people and about my jokes and about tearing coupons. I'm beginning to enjoy the people i'm meetin in this production. But i guess the most important thing is to put up a good show. So that when these good people meet up to talk/gossip/talk, we will associate the memory with having put up an awesome show, just like with Sing to the Dawn.
Chippy
Awake, and not looking at my cam.
Chippy was given to me by my friend Sof. Chip actually belonged to her neighbour who was goin overseas to study. That was 2 years ago. Chip was named 'Chip' cos he has an identification chip planted in his ear. He's very sweet, possessing some interesting human-like traits.
Firstly, he snores like one. Also, he knows how to knock on the door and wait for the door to be opened. I think that is so gentlemanly.
His eating habits will have to be his weakest link. cos as long as you have food, you can get Chippy to do almost anything.
Anyway, dear friend, meet Chippy. =)
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Souffle
my dear Souffle
So i spent the last two days thinking about my Souffle (in case you didn't noe, that's the name of my iPod Shuffle). Cos i thought i lost it. I was so sad and worried and felt like kicking myself cos it didn't come cheap and losing it is simply not an option.
I found it in my shoe-bag. I have no idea what it was doing there. Only that i brought my shoe-bag to rehearsals one day and i guess i must have placed Souffle into it after using. And then i forgot all about it.
Souffle goes jogging with me, helps me learn up my songs and makes me feel and look cool. What would i do without u? Hee. But now i don't have to think about that you are found. Yippee!
Sunday, June 19, 2005
Going Fishing
So, a bunch of my church friends are going fishing next Sunday. Most of them are married couples and couples behaving like they are married. in any case, they were shopping for some crab cages. u noe, the type that catches crabs.
A: (holding up a cage) how about this one?
B: (all knowledgeable) oh, this one is not so good. You can only catch one with it.
A: Woah, how come so lousy one?
C: (hazarding a guess) I know i know! Is it cos after u catch one, the others crabs will realise that it's a trap. Then they will not fall for it.
D: so it will work for copy-crabs!
A: (holding up a cage) how about this one?
B: (all knowledgeable) oh, this one is not so good. You can only catch one with it.
A: Woah, how come so lousy one?
C: (hazarding a guess) I know i know! Is it cos after u catch one, the others crabs will realise that it's a trap. Then they will not fall for it.
D: so it will work for copy-crabs!
Cheryl and her musicals
Well, i was looking through my very messy Picasa and realised that i have a few photos tt most haven't seen, i think.
Those of my musicals. Every year in SMU, i take part in something. And trust me, all are very fun. I don't have pictures of my blue hair. Perhaps it was deliberate cos i don't remember enjoying that one very much. Also, it's not exactly counted cos i didn't act. only sang.
This tracks my growth in SMU. And many fond memories of people, people and people. I think that's what threatre is about in the end. It's about people. It's either the people u perform with, or the people you perform for.
Anything Goes is my last SMU production.
Those of my musicals. Every year in SMU, i take part in something. And trust me, all are very fun. I don't have pictures of my blue hair. Perhaps it was deliberate cos i don't remember enjoying that one very much. Also, it's not exactly counted cos i didn't act. only sang.
This tracks my growth in SMU. And many fond memories of people, people and people. I think that's what threatre is about in the end. It's about people. It's either the people u perform with, or the people you perform for.
Anything Goes is my last SMU production.
Saturday, June 18, 2005
I just got a new camera
which means i'l be posting a lot more pictures now. pictures of my fabulous life and interesting stories, coupled with visuals. hee hee.
and i just realised the most interesting thing about my new cam. that its batteries last about 45 mins! whoo hoo!
haha. but i have no complaints. the reason y it ran out so quickly this time was cos i was learning how to use the menu and all the functions.
ok, now i have to bathe. and if i have the energy, i'l even watch a few episodes of Sex and the City. I'm so damn happy!
and i just realised the most interesting thing about my new cam. that its batteries last about 45 mins! whoo hoo!
haha. but i have no complaints. the reason y it ran out so quickly this time was cos i was learning how to use the menu and all the functions.
ok, now i have to bathe. and if i have the energy, i'l even watch a few episodes of Sex and the City. I'm so damn happy!
Sunday, June 12, 2005
The Verdict is Out
this is goin to sound bimbo.
but it turns out that my green bag is indeed perfect. and i'm truly a domesticated person. today i was feeling like baking. but then in the end i didn't. i sewed a bag instead. how i wish i owned a digicam or a camera phone. then i can show it to u. but hmmm....
i'm still in my search for someone to pass on a white elephant digicam.
and...now i'm goin to pack my room. i shall heartlessly throw out the things that i don't need and clear out some space. i love for my room to look sparse.
then, i'l indulge myself in Sex & the City. hee. Life after exams is good.
but it turns out that my green bag is indeed perfect. and i'm truly a domesticated person. today i was feeling like baking. but then in the end i didn't. i sewed a bag instead. how i wish i owned a digicam or a camera phone. then i can show it to u. but hmmm....
i'm still in my search for someone to pass on a white elephant digicam.
and...now i'm goin to pack my room. i shall heartlessly throw out the things that i don't need and clear out some space. i love for my room to look sparse.
then, i'l indulge myself in Sex & the City. hee. Life after exams is good.
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
Can't sleep
hee. had rehearsal from 1pm to 10pm today. then i complained about how i need rest and all that. and here i am at 4.50am in the morning, dunno doing wat.
the vocal trainer has already mentioned that a lack of sleep will affect the voice quality. but it's not that i want.
i can't sleep. i dunno why.
so i decided to drink some Choya. hee. my favourite alchoholic drink.
in the meantime, i made 2 pairs of earrings. i wish i had a digicam at my disposal so that i can take a picture and post it. but then, too bad. i'l have to wait for B to return from Aussie and then i can use her camera phone.
i also painted my toe-nails. black. for the purpose of contrasting with my new green filp-floppies.
tomorrow i'l go and get a triple shot latte (skinny). hopefully that will energise me.
my head is getting giddy. perhaps i'l go lie down. and give sleeping another try.
the vocal trainer has already mentioned that a lack of sleep will affect the voice quality. but it's not that i want.
i can't sleep. i dunno why.
so i decided to drink some Choya. hee. my favourite alchoholic drink.
in the meantime, i made 2 pairs of earrings. i wish i had a digicam at my disposal so that i can take a picture and post it. but then, too bad. i'l have to wait for B to return from Aussie and then i can use her camera phone.
i also painted my toe-nails. black. for the purpose of contrasting with my new green filp-floppies.
tomorrow i'l go and get a triple shot latte (skinny). hopefully that will energise me.
my head is getting giddy. perhaps i'l go lie down. and give sleeping another try.
Sunday, May 29, 2005
The O. Sea
just watched episode 23 and 24 of OC Season 2 and i cried so many times. so sad and so depressing. but there were parts that are so cute. and Summer never fails to impress me.
so there was this school prom. and of course everyone dressed up and looked so good. as with most parties, this one also had a theme. it was called the O. Sea. and the entire party is likened to the underwater world. it was most interesting.
to dress up the place, obviously the usual can't be used. balloons and streamers were not the main thing. they hung tortises on the ceiling. when Marissa and Summer walked under it, i burst out laughin cos it was so cute.
this is what i call creativity. the experience of walking under a tortise will surely help me feel like i'm under water. hee.
so there was this school prom. and of course everyone dressed up and looked so good. as with most parties, this one also had a theme. it was called the O. Sea. and the entire party is likened to the underwater world. it was most interesting.
to dress up the place, obviously the usual can't be used. balloons and streamers were not the main thing. they hung tortises on the ceiling. when Marissa and Summer walked under it, i burst out laughin cos it was so cute.
this is what i call creativity. the experience of walking under a tortise will surely help me feel like i'm under water. hee.
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
My morning at Corduroy & Finch
hot latte on a cold rainy morning
Qi
mmmmmmmmm....
Qi
got milk?
Qi
the amount of food cheryl has for breakfast...
Qi
food close-up....large choc chunks
Qi
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Green seems to be my new favourite colour
Nowadays, things that are green just look so good to me. and make me feel so good. it makes me feel fresh, renewed and energetic. so join with me and celebrate my new green clip, bought to accompany my perfect green bag.
this green hair clip. v nice n cool
Qi
and makes my hair look like this!
Qi
i tink it makes my hair look longer. which is something i so want. long long hair. and bangs. welcome the green me.
this green hair clip. v nice n cool
Qi
and makes my hair look like this!
Qi
i tink it makes my hair look longer. which is something i so want. long long hair. and bangs. welcome the green me.
Food and their (artificial) colouring
biscuits with coloured icing sugar tops
Qi
there was this day when A and Y bought a huge bag of these biscuits. and so someone started this discussion about how these brightly colored biscuits have a lot of colouring and are therefore bad for health.
someone: oh, if u r scared, then eat the white one. i tink it has no or the least colouring.
someone else: no lor! i tink it has the most. cos since the ingredients are like eggs and all, to make it white requires the most artificial stuff.
someone: hmmm....what about M&Ms? they also have a lot of colouring don't they?
someone else: oh, for M&Ms, the brown ones are the safest. no colouring.
forrest knows best. he only eats brown M&Ms
Monday, May 23, 2005
Retail Therapy
hi all. i have nothing funny to say. i noe it's unusual cos i have good jokes most of the time. but yea, there're exceptions.
yesterday was a fairly good day. i went to church and G went with me. so cool. i was encouraged.
then i blew a hundred bucks on shopping. bought a pair of wedge heels and a green bag. a green bag!
my perfect green bag
Qi
i've been wanting one for some time but haven't found the perfect one and now i have!
i bought the heels cos i've been wanting wedge heels for some time too. they are yellow and green. cos i've developed something against black shoes. i think they look unfriendly and contrary to most people's beliefs that they go with everything, i tink they go with nothing and make feet look ugly. but that's me. so i'm investing in pink leather heels and happy picnic wedge heels.
cos if all goes well, i don't ever have to wear black heels to work. i'm living what i believe! haha!
i so want to put a picture of my green bag and heels. but i don't have a ready to use camera which is why i'm always asking people to email pics i take with their phones. but to think it another way, if u haven't seen me in a while (which means u don't noe my lastest collections), it's time to meet me up.
let's go for coffee. or we can buy more things.
yesterday was a fairly good day. i went to church and G went with me. so cool. i was encouraged.
then i blew a hundred bucks on shopping. bought a pair of wedge heels and a green bag. a green bag!
my perfect green bag
Qi
i've been wanting one for some time but haven't found the perfect one and now i have!
i bought the heels cos i've been wanting wedge heels for some time too. they are yellow and green. cos i've developed something against black shoes. i think they look unfriendly and contrary to most people's beliefs that they go with everything, i tink they go with nothing and make feet look ugly. but that's me. so i'm investing in pink leather heels and happy picnic wedge heels.
cos if all goes well, i don't ever have to wear black heels to work. i'm living what i believe! haha!
i so want to put a picture of my green bag and heels. but i don't have a ready to use camera which is why i'm always asking people to email pics i take with their phones. but to think it another way, if u haven't seen me in a while (which means u don't noe my lastest collections), it's time to meet me up.
let's go for coffee. or we can buy more things.
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Study Study Study
sigh. do u noe that i'm less than 2 weeks away from my exams? and i can't even remember the last time i sat down and read something for 3 hours at a go. sigh.
in my bid to begin studyin, i packed my table a little. guess wat i found? and it's not pretty.
a lot of ticks eggs.
yes. is ur hair standing? cos mine are.
it was super horrid. i picked them out, crushed them and burnt them. i hope they die die die.
and i was filled with guilt at the thought that i'm in fact the one causing my dear chippy to have all those blood-sucking parasites. i hope he never finds out. but i tink i'l confess to him tm. he's sleeping now.
now my table is in a semi-mess state. cos i found the ticks eggs halfway cleaning up and i got distracted killing them. and now i'm too tired. i tink i'l continue tm. i really need to study. study. study!
in my bid to begin studyin, i packed my table a little. guess wat i found? and it's not pretty.
a lot of ticks eggs.
yes. is ur hair standing? cos mine are.
it was super horrid. i picked them out, crushed them and burnt them. i hope they die die die.
and i was filled with guilt at the thought that i'm in fact the one causing my dear chippy to have all those blood-sucking parasites. i hope he never finds out. but i tink i'l confess to him tm. he's sleeping now.
now my table is in a semi-mess state. cos i found the ticks eggs halfway cleaning up and i got distracted killing them. and now i'm too tired. i tink i'l continue tm. i really need to study. study. study!
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Is it real?
i think it's such a compliment when someone thinks some part of ur body is fake. cos then it means it's v nice. Ok, it's arguable. cos sometimes pple can have bad boob jobs. so as u all noe, i got my haircut.
the feed back came back:
A: (pulls my hair) is it real?
L: (looking guilty) don't mean to tell u this, but ur hair looks like a wig.
T: i think u need sleep.
G: it's cute.
ok, so i didn't mean for it to be cute. pple were supposed to think it looks like a wig and i love the way bangs look on my face. cos i tink it emphasizes my already-big eyes, even though i need sleep. it's supposed to be sexy.
ok, maybe the sexiness isn't so external
the feed back came back:
A: (pulls my hair) is it real?
L: (looking guilty) don't mean to tell u this, but ur hair looks like a wig.
T: i think u need sleep.
G: it's cute.
ok, so i didn't mean for it to be cute. pple were supposed to think it looks like a wig and i love the way bangs look on my face. cos i tink it emphasizes my already-big eyes, even though i need sleep. it's supposed to be sexy.
ok, maybe the sexiness isn't so external
Saturday, May 14, 2005
Today
today P and E came over and we watched 2 shows, Mean Girls and Dodgeball. I'm now a proud member of VideoEzy. but i'm still looking out for cheaper alternatives.
We hung out, we didn't say much. We just sat and watched. and watched. Some parts were interesting. Some parts were long and draggy. I tink the true test for a show is when u watch it on VCD/DVD rather than at the cinema. This is cos then u noe truly whether or not it engages u. And i tink the 2 shows we got today passed. But only just passed.
Now i'm stuck trying to do my AT report. What a drag. By the way people, i cut my hair. I just wanted something new. But it turns out to be not anythin very new, but just a hairstyle that i used to have. But it's fun goin for a haircut. If only my hair grew faster. Cos at one time, i want long flowy hair, other times, i just wan short cute bop hair. And i don't wan to wear a wig. I hate wigs. especially blue ones.
Sat and talked with Eu yesterday. Discussed what i learnt in church. Wat a liberating thing to do, to talk and to try to comprehend more and more why things can be so exciting. Thanks Daddy God.
Finally, i'm tired. i'm v v tired. But once again, it's believing. And trusting that You have the best plans for me. Thank You.
We hung out, we didn't say much. We just sat and watched. and watched. Some parts were interesting. Some parts were long and draggy. I tink the true test for a show is when u watch it on VCD/DVD rather than at the cinema. This is cos then u noe truly whether or not it engages u. And i tink the 2 shows we got today passed. But only just passed.
Now i'm stuck trying to do my AT report. What a drag. By the way people, i cut my hair. I just wanted something new. But it turns out to be not anythin very new, but just a hairstyle that i used to have. But it's fun goin for a haircut. If only my hair grew faster. Cos at one time, i want long flowy hair, other times, i just wan short cute bop hair. And i don't wan to wear a wig. I hate wigs. especially blue ones.
Sat and talked with Eu yesterday. Discussed what i learnt in church. Wat a liberating thing to do, to talk and to try to comprehend more and more why things can be so exciting. Thanks Daddy God.
Finally, i'm tired. i'm v v tired. But once again, it's believing. And trusting that You have the best plans for me. Thank You.
Monday, May 09, 2005
i love chocolates
u noe, i have been eating chocolates everyday. and for those who say it lifts ur mood (p?) well, it's complete nonsense. cos everyday i eat, everyday i'm sad. and to make matters worse, my hips are growing, along with ulcers and a general feeling of heatiness.
but i'm goin to continue.
i rather have chocs than lunch.
it feels gooooooood...
for a while.
but i'm goin to continue.
i rather have chocs than lunch.
it feels gooooooood...
for a while.
Sunday, May 08, 2005
Goodbye Dr Wee
Below is the eulogy written by Dr Wee Khim Wee's granddaughter. I never knew this man. but i think that this has been beautifully written and i am shown through the little things he did, how one may live life with passion. it's so touching. (my fave is the turkey story)
MY grandfather's achievements as an editor, a diplomat and a head of state are now the stuff of legend. You would have read all these things in the newspapers or watched them on television — he was a public man. What I should talk about is my grandfather as a family man. I cannot talk about my grandfather without also talking about my grandmother. She was the rock of his life. His last thoughts were of her. They were holding hands when he finally went to sleep on Monday morning.
Last year, we celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary. After dinner he presented her with a red packet full of money, which he then followed up with a jewellery box — because my grandmother loves wearing jewellery. There was a jade brooch inside the box.
And, in return, in front of everybody, she kissed him three times. They were 87 and 88 at that time.
Once, (when) I was learning the piano, I thought I would learn some songs to play at my grandmother's birthday party. I asked my grandfather what songs he thought she would like. To my surprise he gave me a type-written sheet (with songs listed) in order of preference. He was always a busy man — he used to tell me that he had two million things on his mind. But at some point in his life, he had sat down and thought hard about what music my grandmother would enjoy and typed it all out and kept it in special folder ready to be whipped out at anytime. Husbands who are here today: Do you have a list of your wife's top 10 favourite songs in a folder? That's a lesson you can take from my grandfather.
They celebrated 69 years of marriage together in April this year. I thank my grandfather from the bottom of my heart for showing us what it really is like to love a person. I also thank my grandfather for showing us what it is to love life. He was a man who enjoyed life. He collected snuff bottles, coins and stamps. He travelled the world; he played sports; he planted fruit trees; he loved the smell and taste of hazelnut coffee.
Whenever his grandchildren visited him in his office — whether at the Malaysian High Commission, the embassy in Tokyo, the Singapore Broadcast Corporation or the huge halls of the Istana — there would come moments when he would wink at us, open his desk drawer and say "have a chocolate". Unknown to my grandmother, who disapproved of his snacking in between meals, he always kept a secret stash of Hawaiian hazelnut chocolates, which he ate out of her sight during office hours.
My grandfather loved animals as well. He liked to watch horses running. He liked dogs and cats and he liked fish. At the last count, his house contained 11 chickens, eight terrapins, two goldfish and one dog. Once, someone gave him six turkeys. I think the idea was for them to be fattened up and eaten. My grandfather looked at them and spoke to them. He gave them names. I remember my mother saying to me, "Oh no, he has given them names — we'll never get rid of them now". And so the turkeys were with us for quite some time. But one day, they started irritating the chickens so my grandfather decided to find them a new home. The Singapore Zoo was chosen. When the family heard about this, of course we all joked that the turkeys would be fed to the crocodiles. He was so alarmed by this that he made special arrangements with the zoo. They were to send him a written report every time a turkey died. The report had to state the cause of death and age of each turkey. That was the kind of man my grandfather was. He revered and respected life — even the life of an animal.
The stories of his life are, to me, all stories of love.
If you wish to honour his memory in your life, then live your life to the full, stand by your friends, cherish your family, listen to everyone with an open mind and welcome those who cross your path with an open heart. He has gone on another journey now. We have spent the past five days saying goodbye to him and it is now the time to let him go. From all your grandchildren and great grandchildren: I know you love us all so very much. Goodbye gong gong (granddad). Goodbye.
MY grandfather's achievements as an editor, a diplomat and a head of state are now the stuff of legend. You would have read all these things in the newspapers or watched them on television — he was a public man. What I should talk about is my grandfather as a family man. I cannot talk about my grandfather without also talking about my grandmother. She was the rock of his life. His last thoughts were of her. They were holding hands when he finally went to sleep on Monday morning.
Last year, we celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary. After dinner he presented her with a red packet full of money, which he then followed up with a jewellery box — because my grandmother loves wearing jewellery. There was a jade brooch inside the box.
And, in return, in front of everybody, she kissed him three times. They were 87 and 88 at that time.
Once, (when) I was learning the piano, I thought I would learn some songs to play at my grandmother's birthday party. I asked my grandfather what songs he thought she would like. To my surprise he gave me a type-written sheet (with songs listed) in order of preference. He was always a busy man — he used to tell me that he had two million things on his mind. But at some point in his life, he had sat down and thought hard about what music my grandmother would enjoy and typed it all out and kept it in special folder ready to be whipped out at anytime. Husbands who are here today: Do you have a list of your wife's top 10 favourite songs in a folder? That's a lesson you can take from my grandfather.
They celebrated 69 years of marriage together in April this year. I thank my grandfather from the bottom of my heart for showing us what it really is like to love a person. I also thank my grandfather for showing us what it is to love life. He was a man who enjoyed life. He collected snuff bottles, coins and stamps. He travelled the world; he played sports; he planted fruit trees; he loved the smell and taste of hazelnut coffee.
Whenever his grandchildren visited him in his office — whether at the Malaysian High Commission, the embassy in Tokyo, the Singapore Broadcast Corporation or the huge halls of the Istana — there would come moments when he would wink at us, open his desk drawer and say "have a chocolate". Unknown to my grandmother, who disapproved of his snacking in between meals, he always kept a secret stash of Hawaiian hazelnut chocolates, which he ate out of her sight during office hours.
My grandfather loved animals as well. He liked to watch horses running. He liked dogs and cats and he liked fish. At the last count, his house contained 11 chickens, eight terrapins, two goldfish and one dog. Once, someone gave him six turkeys. I think the idea was for them to be fattened up and eaten. My grandfather looked at them and spoke to them. He gave them names. I remember my mother saying to me, "Oh no, he has given them names — we'll never get rid of them now". And so the turkeys were with us for quite some time. But one day, they started irritating the chickens so my grandfather decided to find them a new home. The Singapore Zoo was chosen. When the family heard about this, of course we all joked that the turkeys would be fed to the crocodiles. He was so alarmed by this that he made special arrangements with the zoo. They were to send him a written report every time a turkey died. The report had to state the cause of death and age of each turkey. That was the kind of man my grandfather was. He revered and respected life — even the life of an animal.
The stories of his life are, to me, all stories of love.
If you wish to honour his memory in your life, then live your life to the full, stand by your friends, cherish your family, listen to everyone with an open mind and welcome those who cross your path with an open heart. He has gone on another journey now. We have spent the past five days saying goodbye to him and it is now the time to let him go. From all your grandchildren and great grandchildren: I know you love us all so very much. Goodbye gong gong (granddad). Goodbye.
Friday, May 06, 2005
Great is Thy Faithfulness
Thank you God. for hearing my prayers. when it seemed like hope was lost and i had to resign to whatever, You proved again that You knew better.
Thanks Daddy God.
Thanks Daddy God.
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Hot Mocha when u r feeling cold on a hot day
i just finished fitness. am sitting in the red door now waiting for my directors to come and help me find my character. haha.
doin fitness felt like a chore today. it was so exhausting tho the things we did hardly worked me out usually. but it felt good after. it always does. i thrive on this post-fitness skinny feeling. short-lived indeed.
fitness often leaves me feeling cold. cos it's done in an air-con room. and boy, the air-con is cold. with a tough workout, u can still b dripping wet. but then, today was only ok. so after perspiring a bit, i felt cold. and let me tell u, sipping a hot mocha now is just making me feel all so blissful.
ok, p and v have come. we're goin to start work. here comes Mei Hua. *applause.
doin fitness felt like a chore today. it was so exhausting tho the things we did hardly worked me out usually. but it felt good after. it always does. i thrive on this post-fitness skinny feeling. short-lived indeed.
fitness often leaves me feeling cold. cos it's done in an air-con room. and boy, the air-con is cold. with a tough workout, u can still b dripping wet. but then, today was only ok. so after perspiring a bit, i felt cold. and let me tell u, sipping a hot mocha now is just making me feel all so blissful.
ok, p and v have come. we're goin to start work. here comes Mei Hua. *applause.
Friday, April 29, 2005
my ramblings
i have decided to drop in and ramble. yes. ramble. today i went for fitness. though the entire session was rather short, my stomach muscles really ache now. it's like i noe exactly which muscle is used for what action cos i can feel it. like really feel it.
then i dropped by SPE to watch a bunch of Primary 6 boys vie for National Primary Rugby Championships. Ok, that was an overstatement. cos i only saw the first match. then i left.
did project in the lib. to no avail. i could have been shopping and the amount of work done would have been the same. i feel pretty dumb.
Finally i went for rehearsals. we did the entire Act 1. To no avail too. other than seeing the entire thing run with no stopping, i gained nothing. sad? i noe. But i'm goin to work hard. I'd give anything. To being Soh Mei Hua to life. Watch me.
Now i'm going to attempt to do my project. tomorrow it's due. sigh sigh.
then i dropped by SPE to watch a bunch of Primary 6 boys vie for National Primary Rugby Championships. Ok, that was an overstatement. cos i only saw the first match. then i left.
did project in the lib. to no avail. i could have been shopping and the amount of work done would have been the same. i feel pretty dumb.
Finally i went for rehearsals. we did the entire Act 1. To no avail too. other than seeing the entire thing run with no stopping, i gained nothing. sad? i noe. But i'm goin to work hard. I'd give anything. To being Soh Mei Hua to life. Watch me.
Now i'm going to attempt to do my project. tomorrow it's due. sigh sigh.
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Detoxifying
i'm back. from a long long break of no inspiration. so i didn't tink. and when i don't tink, usually i don't have anything to write about.
but this time i have. haha. be prepared for the vomit coming ur way.
i'm goin on a detox plan! reasons being: i need more of some things. and less of others.
examples include
Less:
-food. i eat way too much, way too late.
-negative thoughts. including those that make me feel insecure, unconfident or sad.
-out of fashion/size/state clothes, resulting in wardrobe doors that are perpetually ajar.
-worry. i worry too much.
More:
-water. i haven't been drinking up. and it's essential in every detox plan i hear.
-prayer. this one is a long story i haven't figured out myself.
-positive, God-like thoughts. about myself and the things around me.
-time to let myself be alone. i'm scared to be alone and i must learn to face it.
-time to relax. and this excludes times when i make plans to have fun. i don't feel relaxed after that.
-pretty underwear.
-space between my body and my clothes when i have them on.
but this time i have. haha. be prepared for the vomit coming ur way.
i'm goin on a detox plan! reasons being: i need more of some things. and less of others.
examples include
Less:
-food. i eat way too much, way too late.
-negative thoughts. including those that make me feel insecure, unconfident or sad.
-out of fashion/size/state clothes, resulting in wardrobe doors that are perpetually ajar.
-worry. i worry too much.
More:
-water. i haven't been drinking up. and it's essential in every detox plan i hear.
-prayer. this one is a long story i haven't figured out myself.
-positive, God-like thoughts. about myself and the things around me.
-time to let myself be alone. i'm scared to be alone and i must learn to face it.
-time to relax. and this excludes times when i make plans to have fun. i don't feel relaxed after that.
-pretty underwear.
-space between my body and my clothes when i have them on.
Monday, April 11, 2005
Be encouraged
"15Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: 17that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18the eyes of your understanding[c] being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.
22And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all."
22And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all."
Thursday, March 31, 2005
The Story of P
So P, B and E were walking out of Haven back to the library yesterday. (I was watching over them...so i know wat happened)
B: you know P, u r a very gullible person...things that pple tell u, u believe.
P: (indignant) no B, that's not true. I think about it, and consider whether it's believable or not.
B: no lor, i don't believe all the hearsay you reproduce. Unless u tell me things that are products of proper research....
P: fine.
they walk on silently......up the stairs...
E: my intestines feel squashed. it's pressing on something below. What's right below my intestines?
P: i know! it's the rectum! (excitedly, just short of jumping up like a cheerleader)
E: Nooooo! (disgusted)
B: dunno...is it the large intestine?
P: did u know that your intestines go round the world once? maybe that's y it feels squashed. (matter-of-factly)
B: P, who told u that? it's not true lor!
P: it is!!! (flashing a "how-could-you-not-know??" look)
E and B: rolling over in laughter....
P: don't believe? i'l check with my friend !! (from a prestigious college)
P then catches hold of a fren passing by
P: R, don't our intestines go round the world once?
R: (wide-eyed, in surprise) huh, they don't meh?
B: you know P, u r a very gullible person...things that pple tell u, u believe.
P: (indignant) no B, that's not true. I think about it, and consider whether it's believable or not.
B: no lor, i don't believe all the hearsay you reproduce. Unless u tell me things that are products of proper research....
P: fine.
they walk on silently......up the stairs...
E: my intestines feel squashed. it's pressing on something below. What's right below my intestines?
P: i know! it's the rectum! (excitedly, just short of jumping up like a cheerleader)
E: Nooooo! (disgusted)
B: dunno...is it the large intestine?
P: did u know that your intestines go round the world once? maybe that's y it feels squashed. (matter-of-factly)
B: P, who told u that? it's not true lor!
P: it is!!! (flashing a "how-could-you-not-know??" look)
E and B: rolling over in laughter....
P: don't believe? i'l check with my friend !! (from a prestigious college)
P then catches hold of a fren passing by
P: R, don't our intestines go round the world once?
R: (wide-eyed, in surprise) huh, they don't meh?
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Sunday, March 27, 2005
Happy Easter
Jesus is alive!
What a nice reminder. Good Friday is a public holiday. but tt's not the reason for it's Good-ness. But it's a long story. Let me know if u wan to hear it. i'd gladly oblige.
The Good Friday rally came to a happy ending. Though i am once again reminded i'm no longer a young teenager, i'm happy hangin out with all of them. Thanks to you all who turned up, smiled and clapped at the performance. I know it might not look it, but it was a lot of preparation. And i'm proud of it all. Glory to God!
My Timbuk2 has arrived. It's gorgeous. I have decided to name it Timbuk2. Clever me! (and creative) I'm excited about going to school cos then i can use it. Hee.
Tomorrow my church begins the 40 days of Purpose. It's a study to find out the purpose of life. It's for everyone. If u wan to join, let me know. No strings attached.
I just ate a bar of Toblerone. But for some funny reason, i don't feel like killing myself.
What a nice reminder. Good Friday is a public holiday. but tt's not the reason for it's Good-ness. But it's a long story. Let me know if u wan to hear it. i'd gladly oblige.
The Good Friday rally came to a happy ending. Though i am once again reminded i'm no longer a young teenager, i'm happy hangin out with all of them. Thanks to you all who turned up, smiled and clapped at the performance. I know it might not look it, but it was a lot of preparation. And i'm proud of it all. Glory to God!
My Timbuk2 has arrived. It's gorgeous. I have decided to name it Timbuk2. Clever me! (and creative) I'm excited about going to school cos then i can use it. Hee.
Tomorrow my church begins the 40 days of Purpose. It's a study to find out the purpose of life. It's for everyone. If u wan to join, let me know. No strings attached.
I just ate a bar of Toblerone. But for some funny reason, i don't feel like killing myself.
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
yesterday during Audit class, i was havin fun laughing at my friends, P and G. Because they own Apple laptops and were unable to run the ACL programme that we were using.
me: wah...ur laptops are so pretty...why are you not using them?
P: stop it la! (nudging me)
me: hahahah.....so pretty but cannot send print! (our school printers don't recognise Apples)
P: (pokes me again)
G: isn't it weird, that Mac can't run ACL?
P: well, it's Windows based.
G: sigh...is Microsoft Windows-based?
P and me: guffaws (loudly)
me: wah...ur laptops are so pretty...why are you not using them?
P: stop it la! (nudging me)
me: hahahah.....so pretty but cannot send print! (our school printers don't recognise Apples)
P: (pokes me again)
G: isn't it weird, that Mac can't run ACL?
P: well, it's Windows based.
G: sigh...is Microsoft Windows-based?
P and me: guffaws (loudly)
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Becoming a better person
This entry is very random. and when i say that it is random you should be scared. cos it might be un-understandable. Was just thinkin about myself. (seriously, is there anything else?) and yes, i started to wallow in my own lies, my own delusions, and my own pity.
If u have heard me talk before, you know i strongly believe in the "Becoming a better person" theory. and i came up with it. I came up with a theory i believe in. How interesting!
It goes like this: it's actually a decision making model. Alternatively, it serves to make you make the best of situations. depending on whether you have entered in it already.
To begin, assume you have not embarked on it yet.
So let's say you are considering...whether or not to buy a new car. hmm...i dunno whether this is really a good example. but let's work on this first.
So upon considering the financial part, and parental objections cleared, etc...now is 'whether or not you should?'. if you ask me, i'd ask you, whether or not it'l make you a better person.
and if u can say yes, to God and to your conscience, then yea, go ahead.
Perhaps if u r not bored by now, you would ask me what i mean by becoming a better person? Well, actually there is no need to be all that academic about it. But here are some measures I take:
1) Will i be able to serve God better?
2) will i feel better about myself?
3) can't think of anymore.
As for the second part, it is built on the assumption that you are already in it. And there's no way out. For eg, you got sabo-ed into being in a project group with a bunch of free-riders.
this requires a bit more creativity. but you should (according to my theory) ask yourself how you can become a better person.
1) for eg, you can learn to work with people who might depend on you
2) may be able to help others
3) learn to effectively delegate
4) learn patience and tolerance
5) basically learn more about the module as you have more to do
6) many more....
if you are still here, reading, you might ask: "there are so many poor people, people who need help, projects that will make me a better person...then do i do everything?"
the answer is nope.
Instead, you can consider thinking about what you already have in your hands. Most of my friends are students. I am one myself. cos God placed me here. And this is my primal duty. So whatever secondary duties that will make me a better person cannot compromise this. In any case, a big part of becoming a better person is to be more knowledgeable.
And when you embark on something new, always consult your parents. cos God placed them there. They are our first advisors. And pray to God that they have the God-given wisdom, coupled with their life experience, along with how much they know about you, you can be quite sure their advice can add value.
Next, you can consult friends. Or seniors. including professors, pastors or certain people you respect. But once again, before that, pray that God will give them the words to say. And always clarify with them if you don't understand.
Finally, to see if you have been using this theory well, consider yourself now and yesterday. or last year or the year before. And ask yourself. Have you become a better person?
If u have heard me talk before, you know i strongly believe in the "Becoming a better person" theory. and i came up with it. I came up with a theory i believe in. How interesting!
It goes like this: it's actually a decision making model. Alternatively, it serves to make you make the best of situations. depending on whether you have entered in it already.
To begin, assume you have not embarked on it yet.
So let's say you are considering...whether or not to buy a new car. hmm...i dunno whether this is really a good example. but let's work on this first.
So upon considering the financial part, and parental objections cleared, etc...now is 'whether or not you should?'. if you ask me, i'd ask you, whether or not it'l make you a better person.
and if u can say yes, to God and to your conscience, then yea, go ahead.
Perhaps if u r not bored by now, you would ask me what i mean by becoming a better person? Well, actually there is no need to be all that academic about it. But here are some measures I take:
1) Will i be able to serve God better?
2) will i feel better about myself?
3) can't think of anymore.
As for the second part, it is built on the assumption that you are already in it. And there's no way out. For eg, you got sabo-ed into being in a project group with a bunch of free-riders.
this requires a bit more creativity. but you should (according to my theory) ask yourself how you can become a better person.
1) for eg, you can learn to work with people who might depend on you
2) may be able to help others
3) learn to effectively delegate
4) learn patience and tolerance
5) basically learn more about the module as you have more to do
6) many more....
if you are still here, reading, you might ask: "there are so many poor people, people who need help, projects that will make me a better person...then do i do everything?"
the answer is nope.
Instead, you can consider thinking about what you already have in your hands. Most of my friends are students. I am one myself. cos God placed me here. And this is my primal duty. So whatever secondary duties that will make me a better person cannot compromise this. In any case, a big part of becoming a better person is to be more knowledgeable.
And when you embark on something new, always consult your parents. cos God placed them there. They are our first advisors. And pray to God that they have the God-given wisdom, coupled with their life experience, along with how much they know about you, you can be quite sure their advice can add value.
Next, you can consult friends. Or seniors. including professors, pastors or certain people you respect. But once again, before that, pray that God will give them the words to say. And always clarify with them if you don't understand.
Finally, to see if you have been using this theory well, consider yourself now and yesterday. or last year or the year before. And ask yourself. Have you become a better person?
Saturday, March 12, 2005
Soon Kueh
typing this entry is making me feel like eating some of that. was in school for a proj meeting. and next door in the seminar room, there was this event that involved refreshments. And it so happened that the time i was wanting to go and pee was the time when the people just started to attack the refreshments. This is a bit of some conversations i caught, on the way to the pee-room.
Asian lady/usher: (heavy singaporean/singlish accent) Oh, please help
yourselves to the refreshments.
caucasian guy: what's this? (pointing)
Asian lady/usher: we call this 'soon kueh'. It has a covering made of rice flour.
the filling is steamed tulips.
caucasian guy: oh really?
Asian lady/usher: (heavy singaporean/singlish accent) Oh, please help
yourselves to the refreshments.
caucasian guy: what's this? (pointing)
Asian lady/usher: we call this 'soon kueh'. It has a covering made of rice flour.
the filling is steamed tulips.
caucasian guy: oh really?
Thursday, March 10, 2005
Happy Birthday to me
thank u. for putting up a surprise party that was really so surprising. i didn't expect anything at all. and amid ur projects, meetings, tests and other stuff, people still turned up, hid and jumped up to say 'surprise!'. thank u. i'm loved.
was walking from school to town today. (takes only 30mins) and couldn't help but think about my 21st birthday. i'm not sure if it's common to do this, but i often think of the previous year's birthday. that was exactly what i did.
being the 21st, i threw a party. it was so nice. it was a garden party with finger food, wine and cake. people dressed up and came with gifts, made small talk and laughed. later over delicious cake, they celebrated my life. thanks. i turned 21.
my party wasn't on the exact day. so when the eve of the real day came along, i knew that pple were suffering from celebration fatigue. so no way are they goin to surprise me. but being the real day, it was significant to me. i wondered if pple would care. i cried simply wondering. and they did. that was the first and last time i celebrated my birthday in McDonald's.
as i walked to town, i was thinking. thinking. and occasionally hurting. but also thanking God. for everything He has provided. When i was unsure, he gave me assurance. when i was sad, he gave me friends. when i'm hopeful, He reminds me to keep praying.
Today was such an enjoyable day. with friends who have known me for over 10 years. Yea, Ge, u noe u have been my ge for over 10 years? cos i got to know u when i was 11! And Genie and Qing. Such important people. And i can't believe u people actually bought me presents. what a nice surprise. thank you. thank you. thank you.
tomorrow i'm goin to Humble House with my family. cos they love me and they celebrate my birthday with me every year, over a dinner. thank God for family.
was walking from school to town today. (takes only 30mins) and couldn't help but think about my 21st birthday. i'm not sure if it's common to do this, but i often think of the previous year's birthday. that was exactly what i did.
being the 21st, i threw a party. it was so nice. it was a garden party with finger food, wine and cake. people dressed up and came with gifts, made small talk and laughed. later over delicious cake, they celebrated my life. thanks. i turned 21.
my party wasn't on the exact day. so when the eve of the real day came along, i knew that pple were suffering from celebration fatigue. so no way are they goin to surprise me. but being the real day, it was significant to me. i wondered if pple would care. i cried simply wondering. and they did. that was the first and last time i celebrated my birthday in McDonald's.
as i walked to town, i was thinking. thinking. and occasionally hurting. but also thanking God. for everything He has provided. When i was unsure, he gave me assurance. when i was sad, he gave me friends. when i'm hopeful, He reminds me to keep praying.
Today was such an enjoyable day. with friends who have known me for over 10 years. Yea, Ge, u noe u have been my ge for over 10 years? cos i got to know u when i was 11! And Genie and Qing. Such important people. And i can't believe u people actually bought me presents. what a nice surprise. thank you. thank you. thank you.
tomorrow i'm goin to Humble House with my family. cos they love me and they celebrate my birthday with me every year, over a dinner. thank God for family.
Sunday, March 06, 2005
Our placing
Qi
We fought hard. We lost some, we won the others. And it makes me proud to b part of this team. I'm surely gonna miss this BIG part of my SMU life. And u people made it so worthwhile, so special. Thanks. Also to those who didn't play, but supported us by coming down. You know who you are. = )
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
Hee
Today i got a chance to sit down with E, my beloved captain for a drink at Haven (what a name for a school canteen).
E: Just now i was having lunch with Wensi here le.
me: uh huh
E: then, i heard someone calling Wensi's name very loudly and repeatly. Like "wensi, wensi, wensi, wensi!"
So i told her, "eh, Wensi. They are calling you. Why are you ignoring them?"
Wensi (her face scrunched up as usual when she's worried/bursting to say something):
"No, E, the mosquitoes are bothering them."
* for the benefit of those who didn't get it, mosquitoes in Mandarin is called "wen zi".
E: Just now i was having lunch with Wensi here le.
me: uh huh
E: then, i heard someone calling Wensi's name very loudly and repeatly. Like "wensi, wensi, wensi, wensi!"
So i told her, "eh, Wensi. They are calling you. Why are you ignoring them?"
Wensi (her face scrunched up as usual when she's worried/bursting to say something):
"No, E, the mosquitoes are bothering them."
* for the benefit of those who didn't get it, mosquitoes in Mandarin is called "wen zi".
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)