My niece!

See my niece? Hehe...cute! Think my bro-in-law did something using photoshop. Me no good with photoshop...Know a little but not enuff I guess. Haha...and to think that knowledge of photoshop is almost a must with many ppl..

Eye Test

This is hilarious...Some optical illusion thingy, courtesy of Tricia. Can you read the following?

If you can't, fret not. You can either:

(1) Lean backwards, further away from the screen. No guarantee that you can see it though.

OR....

(2) Peel and stretch the corners of your eyes apart (gently of course). Guarantee to work.

You'll look silly of course. Haha...So be sure not to attempt this in front of someone you want to impress. Heh...

Get to know yourself better

Not sure if this works for you. Try This for yourself...

---------
I've always been somewhat sceptical of such "tests". This is one of those that so far has been rather close. Interesting huh...Do be discerning enough to take it with a pinch of salt. Have fun. =D

What mine says -


Your view of yourself:
You are down-to-earth and people like you because you are so straightforward. You are an efficient problem solver because you will listen to both sides of an argument before making a decision that usually appeals to both parties.


My Opinion => Half True. I'm not straightforward. In fact I beat about the bush. Problem Solver? Depends. But yes, I do listen to both sides of an argument, and I like being diplomatic and thus, coming up with conclusions that appeals to both parties.

The type of girlfriend/boyfriend you are looking for:
You are a true romantic. When you are in love, you will do anything and everything to keep your love true.


My Opinion => What can I say? Hahaha...Fits to a T...But that's just basically the gist of it. More to it than meets the eye.

Your readiness to commit to a relationship:
You are ready to commit as soon as you meet the right person. And you believe you will pretty much know as soon as you might that person.


My Opinion => Once again, applause please...hehehe

The seriousness of your love:
Your have very sensible tactics when approaching the opposite sex. In many ways people find your straightforwardness attractive, so you will find yourself with plenty of dates.


My Opinion => Sensible? Nah...Straightforward? No way...Find myself with plenty of dates? I wish...

Your views on education:
Education is less important than the real world out there, away from the classroom. Deep inside you want to start working, earning money and living on your own.

My Opinion => Education is not less important than the real world out there. Both education and the real world complements one another. Equally important, ideally. Realistically, the real world does override education to a certain extent I guess.

The right job for you:
You're a practical person and will choose a secure job with a steady income. Knowing what you like to do is important. Find a regular job doing just that and you'll be set for life.


My Opinion => Yes liking what I do is very important to me. Liking the environment I work in and the people I work with matters alot too. Though I'm still too young to know if this (whatever they said) will turn out to be the case.

How do you view success:
You are confident that you will be successful in your chosen career and nothing will stop you from trying.


My Opinion => Generally, isn't that the case for most people out there? To keep trying I mean. *grin*

What are you most afraid of:
You are concerned about your image and the way others see you. This means that you try very hard to be accepted by other people. It's time for you to believe in who you are, not what you wear.


My Opinion => Almost perfect description of my insecurity. Hahaha...

Who is your true self:
You are full of energy and confidence. You are unpredictable, with moods changing as quickly as an ocean. You might occasionally be calm and still, but never for long.


My Opinion => Rather true...Captured the gist...Almost me...(Though there's more of course) *grin*

Signs....

Signs that things aren't pleasant this week:

- It's only Tuesday and I feel as though a double weekend still can't save my soul.

- It was Monday and is Tuesday, and am suffering a bad case of the before-and-after effects of a big burst-up. So saddening, upsetting, maddening and yet embarassing. That's enough negative emotions to last me a year.

- It's only Tuesday and I'm in a delirious and viril state of mood-swings. Bad.

- It's Tuesday and I'm going through the agony of bad stomach...aka, diarrohea. Painful + Weak + Uncomfortable + Frustrating disruption to my work.

- Ex bothering me again. Giving me a hard time again. I would love to pick up the phone and call the police.

- My Citibank Rewards voucher expires today, if I don't go exchange it...Horrors of all horrors! Me no time to go do it today *sob* Pop goes a precious voucher. And to make things worse, it was my fault to begin with. I had three whole months to do it. I had passed by the place countless times, and I procrastinated each occasion. My fault.

- Amy leaves us in approximately four working days' time. Aka, next Monday. Sigh

- The amount of work I have is...Let's not even bother mentioning that.

- Colleague not in Singapore, and I have to cover her duties...for a nit-picking pack of clients. Dunno what's wrong with them also. Someone pass me a dart board please...

Me want holidays.....='(

An end to a weekend, and a new week blooms. Soon (next week in fact), that much-awaited for week is here...after a drought and dry-spell of non- holidays. Holidays mean alot to working professionals like me...heh

I rather like this year, the way holidays fall so nicely into place, like Deepavali and Hari Raya coming so closely next to each other; like how Christmas and New Year will fall on Sundays (rendering the consecutive Monday a holiday again). The last holiday was National Day, in August. Everyone was dreading the next three months, which were holiday-less. Time sure flies.

Everyone seems to be making plans of some sort during this long period of rest. Except me *sulks* Then again, no place to go. For one, I don't like crowds. For another, most places would be full...meaning no availability anywhere anyway. Sigh.

Parents, bro and me were discussing to go holiday during CNY 2006. CNY will be end Jan, falling on Sunday and Monday for the customary first and second day, which means to say that Tuesday will be a holiday too. Throw in the weekend, and we will have ourselves Saturday to Tuesday, about 4 days. My parents work 365 days a year, minus the CNY period, so this is the best and only time they can go anywhere in fact. My dad is keen on the idea and definitely my mom too, though she cannot make up her mind where she wants to go. First a cruise, next Genting, then Phuket, and then finally, we decided to check out Perth. Since the place has got "nothing much" (thanks to alot of feedback), four days should be sufficient. I was even considering that if we do go Perth, I may even even take another 3 days' leave to go Sydney and visit my friend studying there. Cool huh...

Then...sigh. We realised that Perth will be hot. Hot and dry spell during the summertime. Me scared hot. Though it wouldn't be humid, but still...can't imagine...so sad. We gonna go home tonight and discuss things further.

Till then...

The Story

Went out with my gang of girl frens for our weekly run...except that I didn't manage to run. For one, we reached the stadium late. But the deciding factor was the drizzle that refuse to abate, and instead got heavier. Sickening. And made me missed my run today...Supposed to be the alternate day exercise this week for me. Anyways, we ended up going for dinner at Sakae Sushi at West Mall; not much of a crowd by that time. Hui's boyfriend happened to be there too with his friends, and for the first time since they got together (think a couple of months already), we FINALLY got to see the "real" Junlin...*heehee* Previously only saw his photo. Fen nearly choked...Not coz he look weird or anything, but he came upon us by surprise. Hahaha...

Somehow we ended up talking about movies, and before I knew it, I was telling them about "Skeleton Key", which I caught on Sunday. I like that movie very much...one of the few well-shot horror movie. Yep, I'm scaredy, yet I LURVEEE watching Horror movies...haha...Don't ask me why. Anyways, I regurgitated the entire movie proceedings (and did a good job at that too, sparing no details ^^). The three of them were pretty spooked after that too. Ha! In fact, this was the second time that I've re-told the movie to my friends. First time was to the office peeps on Monday. Of coz, I'm not so bad lah, I only told them the story after ascertaining that they aren't gonna watch the movie at the cinema. Anyway, great movie, nice plot. Loads better than that free movie 黑社会 which I caught last night with Amy. Hahahaha...

********

Talkin about telling stories...it was a "queer" lunch I had today with Tricia, Isabel and Amy this afternoon. Must have been complaining about E, and somehow, the topic strayed into my grandfather, who passed away earlier this year. I was relating the events and started well...tearing. Isabel is an emotional girl too...Her eyes turned red, tears gathered and two girls were bascially tearing and sniffing at an eating place...We must have looked a ridiculous sight to those who didn't know what was going on. Heh...

I was repeating that fateful night's happenings...About how I made so many bungles before arriving at my grandad's place...how I was the last one to arrive that night, about how he waited for me before "leaving". I missed the bus, I dropped at the wrong bus stop, I ran the remaining journey to the block, only to realise that it was the wrong block afteral. And when finally, I arrived at my grandad's house, I realised with horror that everyone was gathered inside his room. Part of me just wanted to turn and run out, because I just was not ready to face what was coming. Before I entered the room, I heard sniffles and quiet sobbings. My aunt literally pushed me in. Everyone was gathered around his bed. I knew he had a difficult day during the daytime, but this was not what I had expected to encounter. His breathing was laboured, slow and painful. His eyes were close, though he was perhaps half-conscious. On hindsight, we were probably losing him then already. I was so overcome with pain, hurt and grief. And fear. I had never dealt with death on such a close level ever before. It was always a friend's relative, or a relative's friend, and now that it was happening to me, all I could think was to wish it away. I just didn't know how to react.

I was too choked with tears to say anything. I just wanted to call out to him and hold his hands once more, just like how I did when he was warded in the hospital a couple of months back at SGH. But I was stoned...and stunned. My grandmom was trembling and sobbing badly and another of my aunt was holding on to her. Then my aunt spoke. She stroked my grandad's face, and told him that all the people who mattered, whom he wanted to see had arrived, that he can be on his way now and not suffer anymore. In the next five minutes, we saw his life ebb away. When he took in his final breath and stopped for eternity, it was as though a tidal wave of raw pain crashed into me, into us. My grandmom collapsed, we cousins hugged each other and cried our hearts out. The pain was unbearable.

My mind was a blank, memories rushed back and flooded my mind. All I could see were the days and times that I had spent with my grandparents, from age four to twenty-four. I love my grandparents very much, beyond words in fact. And I just can't imagine living life without either one of them. Certainly, I know life goes on and all of us would move on. Perhaps one day I can come to terms with his passing. But that doesn't mean I have forgotten him. Yes he lives on in my memories...so many memories, and more than memories in fact. I know it will always hurt, be it two years or twenty years. For me at least.

My grandmom had grown gaunt and weak. She can't eat, she can't sleep, and she can't stop crying. At times, she talked to us normally, at others, she seemed to be lost in her own world. What was worse was that during the nights at the funeral, or during the wee hours of the morning, my grandmom would pull a chair up beside my grandad's coffin. She would talk to him, and even sing to him. A very particular song that I don't understand (language/dialect). She would sob and tear, but she would sing it repeatedly, over and over again. I will never ever forget that scene for the rest of my life.

We were worried for her, that her physical and mental health would not be able to take it. We could only pray that she will pull herself together and get better after the funeral. But the final day of the funeral was what we feared most. The bands played my grandad's favourite songs, everyone was inconsolable. My grandmom practically had to be held back as the procession moved away. I could still see her collapsing in a heap as the rest of us went on our way to the crematorium.

That cold and emotionless crematorium. Quiet on the surface, but with so much angst and tears deep within. That dreaded moment when we had to witness the coffin rolling into the furnace. Why do they make us watch? I hated to, I didn't want to, yet a part of me refused to give up the last opportunity to see my grandad for the very last time. I just didn't want to tear my eyes away. I so desperately wanted to hang on to a last ditch, but fruitless effort of having him in my life still. This time, I saw my dad's strong surface cracked. I saw his reddened eyes, his tears rolling down hard and fast. This time, he didn't bother to brush them away. His roughened hands clenched into tight fists by his side.

Everything was so surreal...still is. People may assume a finality or closure with the end of the funeral. But I am never able to talk about my grandad's passing without crying. My grandad's passing had opened our eyes to alot of things; revealed the true colours of some snakes within the family, and taught me something I had always known, but taken for granted. His death had also shown us a side to things that we've never known, never seen. Things would never be the same for me again.

This week is....

This is interesting isn't it?

*Hynoptise you* hahahaha...

Okok...I've been really busy, that's why I've practically MIA-ed. There were the times when I really wanted to blog an entry, but I simply cannot allow myself to do that since my work was not done yet. Should have seen the numerous drafts saved...Haha..

Anyway, this period of time is rather peak in my office. Poor Amy and Isabel (designers) had more than their fair share of work and backlog to clear, so much so that they nearly wreck their hair...hahaha! I have tonnes to clear too, and first and foremost on the list is the essay I owe J. Well, tomoro (Wed) is the deadline, and even though I finished reading that article last week, I didn't start on it till the weekend. But I think I was too stressed and pressured by the fact that someone's grade lie in my hands, that I just couldn't gather my thoughts. The topic wasn't difficult; coincidentally bordering on topics related to my scope of work. But thankfully, the night run helped clear my mind and voila! It was full steam ahead last night when I returned home to complete it. All I needed was to cut down on the text...which was a terrible ordeal for me *haha*

I'm always the kind to write more than necessary, rationale being; it's better to have extra text to work with. You can reduce easily if the max is hit. To add text on is more detestable, in my opinion. And I think as can be observed from my blog, yah, me="chong hei" *heehee*

Well, my boss has been pretty gloomy this week too...which makes the working atmosphere rather tensed. You see, one of our major job this year will draw to a close this Friday, following the "finale", aka, the 50th anniversary dinner. All of us are feeling the stress of it. For one thing, even though we have sent the souvenir magazine for print, we are still fearful if the print will turn out alrite, we are worrying about possible hitches during delivery and things like that. On top of that, the multimedia is not ready yet. So far the drafts have been mediocre...none befitting that of a celebratory anniversary dinner. Nothing wrong with the clip, but the multimedia clip is forgettable, and nothing impressive. No wonder boss is feeling stressed & upset...Haven't seen her joke for quite awhile nor smile much; her face mostly contorted in stress and pain. Sux...

And this event is causing us most of our backlog. Other jobs were held up and missed deadlines...which means to say my deadlines are even tighter now...Sux big-time

Run...Swim...Laziness...the ESSAY!

Feel so darn lazy these days...Although my tuition classes are stopped for the time being (for a month or so), but I just can't banish this streak of laziness for once. I mean, there are thousand and one things I want to do since I've got so much time now, but I just aint acting on them man! Sigh...

Went out with my colleagues last nite, for our regular weekly swim. Last nite I went on the treadmill first for 25min before jumping into the pool for some short laps. Ahhh...that heavenly feeling! *chuckles* Did I mention that we go to Lena's friend's place in Bt. Timah? It's on private land, and the place is simply so scenic, peaceful and so...so resort-style! It's like entering another surreal realm of non-reality! The "Ladies" (aka toilets) are so big, coupled with a steam bath and sauna...The pool is big too, and facing the pool is the gym. Sigh...It's condo style, complete with facilities, but instead of condo apartments, what stand in place are 3-storey terrace houses. Yah, all enclosed within that land. Wonderful place it is. Of course, I looking forward to going for our weekly swim/gym has got nothing to do with the place...I would be equally happy to go anywhere else...As I've always believed, it's the company that matters. *grin*

We have always been planning for activities and stuff, but so far have rarely acted on them. For instance, as early as a couple months ago, we said we want to go Bangkok together. Next, we planned trips to the zoo together...to Sentosa...to East Coast...to the beach...so many places! But of course, none has materialised...YET! Hahaha! I'm hoping for the day it will...I believe one day, some day...just that all of us need to put our foot down and push forward with our plans. Yeah.

I've been trying to wake myself up early in the morning, say 0630, then go for a half hour run before getting home to shower n be ready for work. Being so-me, it's sort of like a vicious cycle now...nocturnal me can't sleep early at nite, and the non-morning person just can't open her eyes in the morning. Sigh...I would give anything to have a little more self-disciplince and determination. And now, though I'm still working late on nights like these, there are those days when I could have gone on to the gym, but I just am to lazy to move my bum. Oh man...can't stand myself! Anyone with any magic solution? *heehee*

Oh right...there's still the essay I owe J...shucks! Sigh...........

Real nice...

Someone to hold me tight

That would be very nice

Someone to love me right

That would be very nice

Someone to understand

Each little dream with me

Someone to take my hand

To be a team with me

So nice...

Life would be so nice

If one day I find

Someone who would take my hand and samba through life with me

Someone to cling to me

Stay with me right and wrong

Someone to sing to me

Some little samba song

Someone to take my heart

And give his heart to me

Someone who's ready to

Give love and stand with me

Oh yes...

That would be so nice

Should it be, you and me

I could see you and me...

That would be nice!

>>Sweet! Now, who wouldn't want THAT? *grin*

浪花一朵朵

The week is rolling to an end soon...I rushed around like a mad woman at times, going for so many tuition sessions this week coz of the exams...but for me, this weekend probably won't be any more comforting. Though not from place to place, but I would need to rush some work, and complete the stuff I promised my friend. And I tell you, I'm in for a big treat after he comes back from Australia *rubbing hands in glee* I'm helping him edit, proof-read his essays and reports and helping him finish an essay (the nerve of that guy)...Dear Jackson, poor student or not, your treat better be good, you hear me? *chuckles*

I think, the hectic days, coupled with lack of sleep and rest, are taking its toll on me. Apart from the glaring. unmistakeable dark eye rings, I can hardly keep awake sometimes. The lull of sleep beckons...even when I'm in office doing my work. Sigh...

Just met up with a friend, and she was telling me about how she was attracted to this guy she just got to know *heehee* But no, nothing's confirmed yet...so I'm gonna keep my fingers crossed for her *smile* In the meantime, I'm still her buddy in the quest for the elusive other-half...so sad for me rite...hehehe

Hmm...feeling abit sian. Draggy yes, no mood no energy to do anything, no inspiration to blog even. So yes, this entry is a little boring. I feel that way too. Let's see, I'm currently playing this Chinese song on my iTunes now...heard my bro playing it and made him send to me. Heard it was quite a popular song in its glory days. And apart from sounding very hawaiian (makes me want to go for a holiday even more), it's also a really sweet song...about growing old with your love one, and enjoying the simple things in life, because each other is all you need. AWWwwwwww........

我要你陪着我

看着那海龟水中游

慢慢的爬在沙滩上

数着浪花一朵朵

你不要害怕

你不会寂寞

我会一直陪在你的左右

让你乐悠悠

日子一天一天过

我们会慢慢长大

我不管你懂不懂我在唱什么

我知道有一天

你一定会爱上我

因为我觉得我真的很不错

时光匆匆匆匆溜走

也也也不回头

美女变成老太婆

那那那个时候我我我我也也已经只是个糟老头

我们一起手牵手

数着浪花一朵朵

hmm...I'm in such a L-D mood lately...*hehe* Duh....

*****

Got a couple of sms from my ex bf again...he had been involved in a bike accident. He's currently hospitalised and under observation. He sounded like he hope I would visit (maybe I'm wrong...but well, he msg me his ward number, bed number, hospital and all....). Well, I figured that since he's well enough to sms me coherently, he must be alrite then. Besides, his gf would be there anyway. No way I'm gonna feed his ego and go visit him. And I don't want to complicate things too by turning up. I replied his sms and simply ignored the part with his hospital details, and said "take care", he didn't reply anymore. Then again, I felt bad. Should I really go?

Present Day Love Story

Taking my favourite "therapeutic" bus ride home last night while I "ruminate" over various things...nothing in particular, just random things. And one of the many things I recalled was a true story I've heard; someone's love story (locally in Singapore). The circumstances in which it happened was not glamourous, mind you, but all the more, I find it truly sweet and endearing. Says who roses are a must? *grin*

Let's just call them Jane and Joe. To begin with, they don't know each other. One day, Joe, representing the supplier, dropped by Jane's company to propose some business with Jane's company, and yes, Jane was the co-ordinator. Being lunch time, there were not many people around. Just the two of them in the board room, and having rounded their discussions, Jane stood up to see Joe off, and to her utter horror, she realised that her menses had unexpectedly started and she had stained her skirt. Now, to all girls out that, you don't need me to explain how horrifying that can be. And guys, trust me, it is devastating. So anyways, she was at a loss what to do and yet hoping that Joe doesn't realise.

Of course, having sense her discomfort, eventually came to realise what the problem was. If he felt any discomfort, he certainly didn't show it. And he did the unthinkable. He offered to go get some sanitary napkins for Jane. Now, guys generally are unwilling to even get such things for their family members, much lest a lady you met for the first time. Besides, you wouldn't know if the girl would probably accuse you of harassment. Anyways, he asked the girl to remain in the boardroom, and assured her that he would be back soon.

I'm sure you would agree that it was very gentlemanly of the Joe to do that. It's not the usual holding the door, pulling out chair-sort of gentlemanly acts. I would think this incident surpasses many of those. You would think it's real sweet of the guy and that's that. But no, the story isn't over.

Jane waited as she was told, and time ticked by. When he hadn't returned after some time, she began to have doubts whether she was taken for a ride. Just as she felt real humiliated, and would have love to kick herself in the shins, Joe rushed back into the room, hot and perspiring. And before Jane could ask him what took him so long, without a word, he held out the napkins and...a new skirt.

Not only did they end up a couple, needless to say, they are happily married now.

Yeah, one of those feel-good stories that made you go all teary-eyed while wishing that there are more "Joes" to go around *grin*

Exhausted, Tired, Dead-beat, Goner

Feeling terribly tired...probably both physcially and mentally too. Had to rush through a zillion things as usual coz of some ridiculous and unreasonable deadlines (read: deadlines, not deadline). Everything just seemed to go wrong today.

• Got my paycheck today only...meaning I'll see the money coming through only after Wednesday.
• My boss has decided to shift our seating arrangements...*sob*. Now, I'm gonna be sitting beside Evelyn and away from Isabel. Sigh...I mean, after having sat next to her for the past a year or so, for once, I was thrilled at the "change of environment" and to be seating with Isabel...Now, this has to happen. Boss said that she wants to train Isa to take instructions on her own, and by making her sit away from me, she probably gotta figure the stuff out herself. Sigh...the times when Isa and I discussed about the design and layout, I thought they were time well-spent. I guess both Isa and me only have got ourselves to blame also. We were probably talking too much anyway. *pout* Oh well....
• My students are sitting for their examinations this week! And I think I'm more worried than they are. Role reversal?
• My boss will be outstationed during mid-December...meaning we gotta hold the helm while she's away for that one week. No doubt when the boss is away, things may seem rosy. But I can tell you, this is not entirely so. Through past experiences when she went away (yes, not just once), something always creeps up, be it problems or whatsoever. Then we will kena whack left-right-centre by the client. And mind you, these are problems that aint our fault. Nice.
• My boss said that she wants to embark on a major project next year, like what we did with the Festival last year. This time round, however, bearing in mind to fulfil two main goals. One, something that we can tap on our resources and make use of our talents and skills. Ok, makes sense. Two, something that will benefit a less-than-able organisation...could be a charity. Or something outside Singapore. I suggested getting funding from the relevant authorities and giving coverage to these organisations and their beneficiaries. Stuff like spreading their message, creating awareness. Aparently, things are still rather bad for them, coz the bigger organisations got more publicity, and what size of the pie is left? Then again..I guess that would probably be where we come in. She's gonna leave the preliminary brainstorming to me. Great!...Maybe not (~~)

This week is gonna be a heavy week, with all the old and new deadlines, with my students sitting for their examinations...and I would likely need some heavy-duty batteries just to make sure I can survive this. I probably just have to figure out what sort of heavy-duty batteries I would need. Till then, I shall probably shuffle along till I drop-dead-and-die.

I want to go for a holiday. Yeah, I know, again. *Hee* But seriously, I'm contemplating that! Why not...though of course, monetary concern is why it's not. I'm feeling tired and whiny again...Someone kind enough to let me whine to? *Ha*

Going for a swim with my colleagues..Something that we look forward to every Monday. Though yeah, we are still stuck in office now..haha..

Dedicated Specially to.....ISABEL NG!!

Haha...The girl on the left is Isabel (Hallo Isa!). We work together, though she's a designer. She's graduated from LaSalle this year's May, and joined us in July. In fact, she's the latest and youngest addition to 4B Murray...Yap she's really young, all but 21 years of age this year.

Looks sweet doesn't she? (Sorry guys, she's taken...and happily so)! She has a really nice personality too; very accomodating. Although there are times that she may seem a little "dory fish" (aka blur...hey, Sharon Wong's children call her that too ok?), she goes right out of her way to help others. Basically, a girl you would want to bring home to show your mom, knowing that your mom would love her to death. *hehe*

She gets along fantastically well with everyone else, and we all certainly like her. I was telling Amy that Isa may come across ditzy sometimes, but that itself is one of her strength too. She brightens up the place with her antics and lovable traits (definitely all good things), and our office is never dull when she's around.

She sits behind me in office (sort of), and I think to a certain extent, that has probably helped cultivate a kind of bond between us. All things big and small, whether it's work or non-work related, we would gossip and update each other. And following that, Amy would participate in the conversations. At other times, Lena and Tricia would shout from their corners and join in too when they aren't too busy.

Hey Isa, it's really been nice to know you. Really...I know there are times when I er..."bully" you and make jokes out of you (but you too of me), you know I really don't mean them ok (unless it's work)? Though it's only been a short three months to date, I think I can safely say that we will be friends till the end of time (unless you don't want me le...). The things we have had gone through together, the good and the bad times, in fact, have only served to strengthen the bonds we share with each other. Remember NTUC Thrift and FMC? *chuckles*...And yes, there are more on the way - think Cindy's overseas trip in Nov/Dec...but yes, I do remember the fun (& hilarious) times of "you learning English" and "me learning design". And that brings to mind another important point; each of us has our own unique and different strengths, so don't be overwhelmed or think others as being better. You definitely have what it takes - Just have more confidence, and believe in yourself...like how all of us believe in you. As friends, I do know that I can trust you and that you can be there for me if ever I need...We definitely can ride out any storms together. Even though my words sound strange and should be uttered to you by Aaron, I truly mean what I say *hee* You know, the day I leave and move on, the one thing I would lament the most would be leaving such a wonderful bunch of people behind....every single one. *sniff*

Isa and me...
(Taken by Amy on 25 Aug 05)

Photo of Isa from her hp

Isa in her "hiao-hiao" pose *haha*

What if...

Glancing over my shoulder I see its shape

and so move forward, as someone in the woods

at night might hear the sound of approaching feet

and stop to listen; then, instead of silence

he hears some creature trying to be silent.

What else can he do but run? Rushing blindly

down the path, stumbling, struck in the face by sticks;

the other ever closer, yet not really

hurrying or out of breath, teasing its kill.

- Stephan Dobyns, "Pursuit"

If I had some wings, I'd fly you all around;

If I had some money, I'd buy you the goddamn town;

If I had the strength, then maybe I coulda pulled you through;

If I had a lantern, I'd light the way for you,

If I had a lantern, I'd light the way for you.

- Michael McDermott, "Lantern"

Go crap something...

It's not gonna happen...and I know it now. Things just aren't the same anymore. The ball was in your court, and they told me not to do anything. "Just let it be," their words. And yes, I told myself to let it be, let things run their own course...not try so hard anymore. What happened then? You called off the game...the ball was in your court! Instead of throwing it over, shooting the loop, anything at all; AND YOU CALLED OFF THE GAME? That's what you want huh?

fine...FINE!