Yeap, Still Ugly.

Singaporeans have a bad reputation overseas (and let's face it, domestically as well) of complaining about every single thing and being absolutely crass about it. Well, today, allow me to join the ranks of those ugly Singaporeans and complain.

Sometimes, I really don't understand.

Why is it that Singaporeans still don't seem to have any sense of courtesy or common sense?

Here's what I've noticed in the 3 or 4 months that I've had to commute with the rat race pack...

1) People still can't stand to move into the middle of the train cabin. If your stop is only one stop away, I might still be able to forgive that, but then why are you taking the train in the first place?

2) You want to stay right in front of the doors? Fine. At least step out for a moment at the stations to let people behind get out of the bloody train. Blocking the entrance of the train not only prevents people from getting in or out, but it ultimately just causes more discomfort to yourself because you end up getting pushed about, elbowed, scratched by sharp files, stepped on, etc., etc... Seriously, is it worth it?

3) Human tailgating. Why? Just keep a comfortable distance between yourself and the fellow in front at the ez-link gantries. What's the point of sticking 1-inch close to the guy? The gantries themselves will reflect an error if ez-link cards are scanned at too-close intervals. Also, if the guy in front gets an error, he has to step back or go to the service counter. Tailgating him blocks his way, and just results in your foot getting stepped on (or stabbed, if it's a woman in heels) or a similar thing happening to the person behind you if you step back too suddenly. (Also applies to anything that requires staying in line)

4) Keeping left on the escalators, especially during rush hour. Is that really so difficult? Allow me to explain something simple. The right side is the "Express Lane". Just like driving on the roads!! If you're not rushing up or down the escalator, please, please, PLEASE keep to the left. If you're on the right-hand side and suddenly realize that there's a queue of disgruntled people behind you and no-one in front of you, take a hint and either start walking or move aside.

Oh, and hold on to the bloody railings. If somebody does bulldoze down the escalator, it's better to be safe than sorry.

5) Could people STOP cutting in front of a queue and pretending that the person behind doesn't exist? Also, stop trying to insist that you were in the queue before, but just stepped away for a moment, so therefore you have the "right" to take back your spot. I'm sorry. If you've stepped out of the queue, you've STEPPED OUT OF THE QUEUE. There's a reason why it's sometime known as "KEEPING IN LINE". Quit whining and queue up properly. If it's so dire that you absolutely need to pay for your groceries first, at least ask if people are willing to let you go ahead.

6) Phone manners. Erghs.

I dare not even think about it.

Stuff

My stuff has arrived.

It's all downstairs.

Where am I going to put it all?!?!?!?

WAAAHH!!!!

Plus point: My boots and my lightsabre!!! Yay!! \(^o^)/

Buh-Buh-Buh-Buh BREAD!!!

It's done!!!

Let's have a look shall we?

Before the oven...


And after!!! (^_^)

Close-up of a piece of sun-dried tomato...


Yay!! Haven't tasted it yet.. But at least it looks alright. Mwahahaha... Watch this space for taste updates...

Bread is Rising!!

It is the return of...

THE BREAD!!!!

*cue deadly music* Dum-dum DUUUUUUUUMMM!!!!

Yes, indeed. I am making BREAD! After a hiatus of... 2 years? It's a friend's birthday dinner tonight, and somehow I was "requested" (read: told) to bake some bread. Really the order was for sourdough, except that I no longer have my origianl sourdough yeast (*sniffles* it was such good sourdough too...), and it takes at least a week to cultivate a new one... So I decided to try making an Italian-sort bread.

So far, so good. It's got olives, sundried tomatoes, oregana and rosemary in it already. I think there wasn't enough olive oil though... hmm... We shall see. It's going through the first rising now. Don't have a photo to post yet, but keep yer shorts on!!

More bready updates to come...

April Bride ～余命一ヶ月の花嫁～

Sunday, on my way to Japanese class...

"SWOOP"

"Tapatapatapatapa" "Beep beep!! click" "tapatapatapatapa"...

[Rough translation below for those who don't speak text-message]

I whipped my mobile out of my bag.

"Mel, wanna watch 'Tokyo Sonata' or 'April Bride'?"
"Sure what time?"
.....etc, etc...

[End translation]

So in the end, we decided on "April Bride" at GV Plaza.

Based on a true story, it's about this young woman, Nagashima Chie, who gets breast cancer. Even though she beats it, the cancer comes back and starts moving into her bones. Knowing she doesn't have long to live, she invites a camera crew to film her life's last chapter. Her reason: there is an incredible lack of information concerning breast cancer for women in their twenties or early thirties. In order to educate young women about breast cancer, she bravely allows the world to see her in her most vulnerable moments.

It's also a love story. As if by fate, she meets a young man, Taro. Soon enough, Taro is talking about "forever". What he doesn't know is that Chie received her first diagnosis soon after they first met. Although she hides it at first, he finds out and amazingly, refuses to leave Chie's side. With the help of Chie's family and friends, Taro plans to give Chie the most miraculous and beautiful last month of her life.

It was a really nice movie. A bit slow, yes, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Well, the enjoyment would've been more thorough if it weren't for a couple of idiots in the cinema.

Idiot #1: Some stupid girl sitting in the row in front. For the first 5 minutes of the movie, she insisted on texting with her phone that had some megawatt screen. It was BLINDING! I'm serious. Even though the cinema lights had gone out, her phone alone was capable of lighting up the place.

Idiot #2: Another idiot girl. This time sitting somewhere in the same row as Mel and I. It was supposed to be a really poignant scene: Chie is coughing her lungs out and Taro is at a loss, stroking her back in an attempt to soothe the coughing. Yet, Chie insists that Taro catches this all on camera for the documentary....

"WALAWALAWALAWALA!!!"

Some horrendous ring tone spoilt it all. It seemed to last forever, and the owner seemed to be unable to locate the offending device. However, upon location, instead of switching it off...

Yes, idiot girl #2 started talking. She actually answered the phone. Not to say, "Sorry I'm in the middle of a movie. Bye." No, no. She started a full-blown conversation. Loudly. Oh, there were attempts by the other movie-goers to shut her up. You know, polite coughing, tongue clicking, "wa lau"s... She did go quiet for about 1 minute, and then it started again. I dare say her conversation lasted 5-6 minutes.

Idiot #3: The beng sitting right next to Mel. Obviously, he was only there because his girlfriend wanted to watch it. Throughout the movie, he snuggling up to his girlfriend. Occasionally there's a disturbing movement, but otherwise more or less immobile against his girlfriend and doesn't bother us.

Until the last 15 minutes of the movie.

It's supposed to be the climax, the most touching moment, the apex!!

And the idiot beng decides to start playing with his phone and play-fights with his girlfriend too. He disturbs her with the bright screen, she tries to snatch it away, he won't let her, etc, etc...

IT'S ANNOYING!!

No. There are no words to describe the level of irritation caused. These idiots need to be slapped, shot and slapped again.

Are Singaporeans really that incapable of being considerate? Or maybe I should start seeing things in a more positive light..

Singaporeans are capable of being that inconsiderate.

Dehydration...

Remind me to drink some water BEFORE I actually go for a 10km walk/run next time.

Some friends of mine have been doing regular Saturday morning runs at MacRitchie Reservoir for a while, and they've been trying to convince me into running with them for the past 3 weeks. Finally, I got cornered into actually showing up. So today, at 7am, I woke up, had coffee and made my miserable way to MacRitchie.

It was HOT today.

And DRY.

Suddenly the algae-filled, kayak-infested (yes, apparently the school teams train there) waters of our local reservoir looked very inviting.

Any further than 10km, and you would have found a new lifeform living in the waters of MacRitchie. They'll need to be put up new signs in MacRitchie Reservoir:



"Beware of Siew Mai"
"Known to bite."
"More so when provoked."

More Shopping

This time, it really was impulse.

I've been eyeing this pair of wedges from MUJI for a month now, but they never went on sale and I never really could justify buying them.

Finally, today I happened to be in the Marina Square branch. There's a 10% discount sale on all garments and homeware until 4th October.

So of course, I bought the shoes. Not in the colour I originally wanted, since it was out of stock, but the alternative is still nice.

Alright. 10% off isn't the greatest discount in the world. It was actually still a bit pricey.

BUT I DON'T CARE!!

...

Ok. I do a little bit.

But that's besides the point.

Nuah..

Hm.

I didn't have to go into the office today.

So I woke up late.

Quite. Late.

12 noon late.

...

I don't know what to do with myself.

Nuah lor.... (-_-''')

SHOPPING!!!

Nothing like some retail therapy to lift spirits a bit.

As mentioned in the previous post. I have a recruitment exercise to attend on Thursday. So in preparation for that and the rest of my potential working life, I decided that I needed some nice trousers and shoes suitable for the office. Cue shopping-partner-in-crime, SH.

We started around 4.30pm at Plaza Singapura and the entire excursion lasted until about 8.30pm at ION Orchard. 4 hours of shopping, which actually isn't very long. I'd say it's about standard. Mwahaha...

The results:
- 1 pair of grey dress pants from Dorothy Perkins with a slim dark purple belt to match
- 1 pair of walnut-grey shoes from Charles & Keith

YAY!! When the mood hits, I REALLY love shopping. I was actually also really tempted by a pair of wedges in MUJI but they were a bit pricey... Nevermind. They shall be the target of my next shopping spree. Nyahahah!!

SH!! Let's start planning our next shopping trip!! Although my wallet is slowly shrinking... (T_T)

I want more funky hats.

Return of the Siew Mai... All Rants Inclusive

Ok.

I confess. I'm done with University. I graduate in November. And...



I'm back in Singapore. I have been since the very beginning of September. Literally. I landed on the evening of the 1st.

I only told a couple of people, and that was only after I returned. A couple found out by accident. Some still think I'm on the other side of the world.

Well... HALLO! LOL...

*cough* Yes, well... The real purpose of this post is really just to start reviving this blog. Not that the contents are going to change very much. It's still basically just a rant blog. If you want something of substance, may I direct you to the BBC News website.

So let the ranting begin...

********************************************************************

What have I been doing since I came back? Looking for a job. Wasting time. Signing up for classes, some of which I will not be able to commit to if I do find a job, like the vocal lessons.

Yes, I'm learning how to sing... This time with proper technique!! Although I've had to cancel one class due to work.

Oh. I'm freelancing at the moment for Neko-chan's office.

I also received a phonecall on Thursday from a potential employer. Cool! It's a job with overseas opportunities, but the selection process looks tough. Hmmm... I don't know...

The JET programme has just opened applications for 2010 too. So that's definitely on my to-do list.

I sound like a boring person. Read those sentences. Boring. I can't believe that I used to be involved in the drama club throughout my Singapore education. I think I've lost all funk and drive to be creative. (T_T)

Despite that, I still stupidly and foolishly (yes, both. For emphasis) hold on to those thoughts that realistically speaking, belong in some mental trashcan. I'm 26, and probably destined to crawl through the fixed-income world, or walk the path of academia. I don't mind the thought of either, but they don't particularly excite me either. Then again, what's the point of forever dreaming that I have what it takes to become some sort of international entertainer? I don't have the looks, my "talent" is limited, and to tell you the truth, I never really liked my speaking voice, much less my singing voice. Do I want fame?? No... Not particularly. I just like it. The performance, the chaos that comes before and immediately after the show, the sudden calm after the storm, the rush of it all.

In that sense, I envy my sister. She's actually brave enough to pursue it all despite being in her last year at SMU. And I don't even think she wants to make a career out of it. I haven't dared to do that since... Well. Since a while ago.

What happened? Have I lost my drive, my confidence? Or maybe I was never really interested in the performing arts. Or maybe, I've just plain given up. Dreams are for the dreamers.

Hello to the real world.

メッチャ行きたい!!!!

I WANT TO GO!!!

GACKTさま！！ And mihimaruGT!!!

I.

WANT.

TO.

GO!!

Asian Song Festival 2009

How can I go about plotting this...

The Dim Sum In Terminal 3

Unfortunately, this is not a food review. I apologise to anyone who was searching for the secrets of the delightful Chinese snacks, but landed up here instead.

Indeed my friends, the Siew Mai has found herself in Changi Airport's Terminal 3.

Except that her flight back to the other side of the world leaves from Terminal 1.

Well, the high-flying dumpling just happened to find some (a lot) of free time and so I have made that gruelling 3 minute journey from familiar territories into the unknown. It is quite exciting, I must say. All these high-end shops that seem to be glaringly absent from the other terminals. Unless I am just that out of touch with things here in Changi (and that is actually very possible).

Many fellow frequent flyers will agree with me about this frustratingly constant lack of available terminals for the free Internet access in T1 and T2. Rejoice, my brethren, for I have found a cozy little nook in T3, where there are Internet terminals for the picking. Give the GST refunds a thought the next time you fly.


Alas, the timer tells me that there is less than 4minutes 20seconds left on my current session. So I shall end my soliloquy here. Although seeing how there is nobody breathing down my Jaggad jersey for their time with the Internet, I will probably be logging in yet again.

Until the next bamboo basket steams, fare thee well...

Procrastination

I haven't studied since 6.30pm!! Lalala~~~

Maybe I'll have to come back in August this time!!!! woot woot!!!!


*sinks into depression*

No Speakee English

Wednesday evening.

I'm having dinner in the kitchen and reading some lecture notes when I decide that it's too quiet. So I turn on the radio and tune in to a random talk channel for some background noise when my very Strange housemate M comes in. Believe me when I say "Strange" with a capital "S". I never thought that there would be such a thing as an extremist Buddhist, but now I actually live with one. It's difficult to describe. Living with M is an experience all by itself. So, back to the kitchen...

At some point, he suddenly asks me this...

M: Does it help you with your English?
Me: (looking up from notes) Hmm? I'm sorry?
M: Does it help you with your English? (and mind you, he says this very kindly and innocently and every other similar adjective you can think of. There's no malice or condescendence whatsoever in his tone)

Me: (eyebrows twitch a bit) What does?
M: Having the radio on. Does it help you?

(By this time, another housemate has entered the kitchen and you can FEEL him listening in to the conversation in interest.. i.e. will I end up killing this Strange person)

Me: (After some awkward "uhm"-ing) No... uh.. Well...
M: (looks on confused)
Me: (Gives up) Well, we speak English in Singapore.
M: Oh! Do you?
Me: Er. Yes. I.. It's my first language actually.
M: Oh! I see. ... But you speak Chinese as well...? (why? why can NO ONE let this part go?? Just because I speak Chinese doesn't mean I have to be from China!!!)
Me: Erm... Yes, well... We have to.. Or I had to..

And so the usual explaination about the Singapore education being conducted in English, and the whole compulsary second language la-di-da-di-da... I actually had to explain to him that Mandarin was Standard Chinese... He really didn't know.

3.5 years in this refridgerator of a country and still, people (who are supposed to be acquainted with me) are confused as to where I come from. Do I leave that shallow an impression?? Or is it that people here are just that one-dimensional that someone from a slightly more diverse cultural background just make their tiny little neurons short-circuit?

Pah. I'm going to study.

Exam Schedule

January 2009

19th - EG40DA Dynamics 2, 9am - 12pm
20th - EG40DB Fluid Mechanics 2, 9am - 12pm
21st - MS2004 Managing Markets and Customers, 9am-11am
27th - EG40DE Thermodynamics 2, 2pm - 5pm
30th - EG40JA Safety and Reliability, 2pm - 5pm

*****************************************

Sucks. 19th, 20th, 21st... 3 days in a row and they're all "can die" papers.

Oh well. All my papers are out to kill me so what difference does it make. Plus, all my engineering papers count for 100% of my grade.

Fantastic.

I'll just fail now, thank you very much.

Pah.

Maybe It's Just Me?

I haven't come to the Tuesday 9am class for about 2 weeks. Mainly due to the fact that I couldn't wake up, or didn't wake up in time to walk down to class. (I can't help it. The extreme cold makes me weak.)

Today I finally made it.

And he's cancelled the class. Again. When I finally make a determined effort to come.

Maybe it's just me. He cancels it just to spite me.

Or maybe I should just always come to class anyway. Ha~~ (¬.¬'')

Random Chat

So, I do a show on the student radio with two other friends. One of them (we'll call him Dutch-D) does another show later the same day. So for the first time, I tuned in to his show and chatted to him via the DJ chat button...

Dutch-D: These songs are perfect for a sunny mei day
Me: wat sun!?!

Me: You shouldn't promise things that will never be true. :P There is no sun.
Dutch-D: there's sun in May.
You are the sun! the light of my life!
Me: THAT'S why I'm always so cold! you keep stealing warmth from me!

Me: stay away from meeeeeee~~!
Dutch-D: .....
See, that makes my heart sad. SAD, so I need a special lamp to feel happy when you're not around.
Me: Oh well, there's always K (the other DJ on the show, and Dutch-D's friend).
Dutch-D: tru dat, yo
Me: haha.
Me: K: good luck... D's needy.
Dutch-D: ....
No, I'm not. I'm Motteru (Japanese slang for being popular with the guys/girls)!
Me: Aye, but sadly not furry anymore.

Me: now you're just fuzzy... sort of.
Dutch-D: ...., hey, I'm still hella fuzzy
Me: ehh. one moustache and floppy hair don't cut it.
Dutch-D: really, I need more insulting things to say about you. Just so we're even. (I guess I do insult him a lot... Oh well)

Me: You could always call me fat.
Dutch-D: ...
I don't like the whole fat spiel, too many people are messed up by it.
How about chunky monkey?
Me: Hmmm...
Me: Makes me sound like a Ben&Jerry's ice cream.
Dutch-D: Which is ... good?
Me: Actually I like B&J's chunky monkey
Me: not quite an insult is it?
Me: Unless you're implying that I'm cold and bananas.
Me: Which is true as well... So maybe not the best insult.
Dutch-D: Actually both those things are true.
Me: mwahaha.

Radio Siew Mai

Mwaha...

If you want details... なに！？ラジオ

The site that actually streams the show every Monday is here.

Have fun!

In The First House On The Corner...

[D & Siew Mai are mucking about in the kitchen (read: procrastinating)]

Siewmai: I want to go to Japan...
D: ARGH! Don't say that!!!! *wails* I want to go back...!!! (note: D spent 1.5 months in summer in Japan... Lucky bastard)

Siewmai: Let's go together!!!
D: Yeah! Let's run away!! We'll...
Siewmai: Elope?
D: Yeah! ..Er.. Elope..?
Siewmai: You've heard that word before?
D: Is it where you run away with your lover?
Siewmai: Yup. Hehe!
D: Oohh! Yah! Oh well. Let's bring N along. Poor N, so lonely.
Siewmai: Ok. He can cook for us.
D: OH! You're right!! His one good point!!
Siewmai: D!! So mean!!!
D: Hee hee.. Well... You know...

D: And as we get older, he'll be better! When he'll take care of me...
Siewmai: Like mature cheese.
D:??
Siewmai: Old and stinky, but nice!!

D: MWAHAHA! Ok, so when we're 60, 70 and he's cooking for me, I'll tell him, "You're like mature cheese! Old, stinky, but nice!!!"

....

The secret to a long-lasting relationship. Mature chedder.

Notes:
1. D & N are attached. They are my new housemates. Have I mentioned that I moved?
2. There's a running joke in the house about D & me, if you haven't already guessed. Actually the joke is really only between us. Everyone else in the house just shake their heads when we mention it.

Pontang

15:21

That's what the clock on the computers say at the moment. Technically speaking I have a class at 16:00.

Technically.

However - terrible student that I am - I have not yet attempted the tutorial questions. (T_T)

So I'm here in FN, uploading various photos onto facebook.

Well, I have to be productive somehow right??

I brought my laptop along with me to do stuff... but seeing how there was no place for my bum in the student Hub, here I am in one of the computer classrooms in FN. Not doing the stuff I planned to be doing.

Oh well. Life never really turns out the way you plan.

Bleh. This is a boring post. I'm becoming such a boring person. Ick.