Glad for the long weekend

Haven't blogged for a whole week, nor even visited any of the sites except for the Oracle page, switching between PROD, and STAGE, and PROD.... just being caught in the whirlwind of multiple demands and things to settle... and zapping around the office. Yin said she told her students they can walk briskly, but not run cos' that's uncool.

Much as I tell myself I've got an image to keep, but somehow, still cannot remember, and continued to ramp that engine.... haiz... what to do? The multiple files & papers lying around the table, and the relentless emails had sure kept me really hot!

So, so, so busy recently, haven't got time to take second looks at texts and emails... Felt so tired by the time I reached home everyday, I just had to blong myself on the sofa and not move, lest I shatter any bones.... .. Sorry to all whose emails & texts I have not replied to!

Finally got to the weekend, and thought I can sleep through the morning, only to be woken by the blaring propaganda from the contesting parties.... *grouchy*

Having had a grueling week, aren’t we glad for the long weekend?
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An Accomplishment

Managed to wake up early on a Saturday morning today to meet ting2 at MacRitchie for the HSBC Tree-top walk. Finally.

Although I’ve printed out the map, I found out only later that the print was utterly blurred and the trail colors not visible. Anyway, having reached the reservoir, we decided to be adventurous. First following behind a group of grousing school children, later overtaking them (to escape the heat and stench they were emitting), and at times finding ourselves alone on trails with only sights of wide-eyed monkeys… Not truly gutsy, I must say it had been quite a feat for two girls to tread those grounds with the monkeys staring. Well, at least I do think so. I actually felt a little scared then. But well, we were not contemplating any turning back then. so, we thought of ways to scare the merry-making anthropoids instead (like, ermm... talking louder and irritating them...)

We did not start out knowing what kind of a trail we will be taking, nor ended up knowing what exactly was the trail we took. We just followed whatever arbitrary signs there were along the way. I do not think we can find our way to tread the exact same grounds a second time.

But having trekked the rough terrains, the bridges, flat grounds, pot-holes, and the up and down stairs through those three hours, I must say I feel pretty good that the muscles (or fats?) have been given some boost to action. If not for ting2’s sudden urge to go for the walk, I would probably have stayed in this morning and spend my day lazing on the bed with nothing to record for.

Life’s like that, isn’t it?

We are on the track of no turning back. Every second passed is time lost forever. Sometimes, we need to go out and hike the unknown grounds to have that account of our lives without void. It may not always be smooth, but not always rough. Other times, we look at the long stairs and find ourselves lacking with energy. Or simply fearful of the unknown. Still, we should continue on and keep exploring.

Soldiering on, we can find the accomplishment and be able to put on to record that something has been done today. One day, I can look back and say I have not let my youth gone to waste.

That, in itself, is an achievement in some sense, isn't it?
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Excuse me, are you free?

I have been a little low on energy level recently. I think I must have been getting a little bored. My calendar’s almost clean for this month except for “Aspect of Love” and probably a meet-up with fellow PL-ites at the end of the month. We haven’t met up for at least one or two years. The last time was just before another classmate got married. This time, I do not think she’s joining us… always the case, right? People arrange meet ups, happen to get married shortly after, invite you, then disappears.

Lately, I have been trying to get people to go out with me. MacRitchie? Science Centre? Jogging? Lunch? Games? Shopping? Actually, I also wanted to ask if anyone’s interested in theatres or films, but everyone seems to have a date every other day.

I’m really curious. What’s everyone engaged in? Seems like I'm so "out"... hmmm...

With every passing day, my social circle shrinks, and the number of activities decreases. As people get more involved with their own lives, I seemed to have lost mine... Losing touch with people and being confined at home has also made my already colorless life even more inadequate and dull by the day…. It’s a vicious cycle. See, now I can't even think of anything exciting to do….

Ting2 told me this is fine, as we should prepare ourselves and get use to what is to come: Inactivity as we age. She reasoned that since we are still single at this age, we are probably going to continue being so for a long, long while. Hence, we should start getting use to being in that state.

Er… I don’t quite agree with that school of thought. I am not a social person (and yes, I confess I am a friend-snob), but neither do I really like being cooped up. Do not think that state is great and I do not think I want to start on that too early… I think I will degenerate in doldrums.... Anyway, I really think we should not let time pass without "maximising" experiences...

W told me that he does not need to make full use of the day. The day will use him... ermm... something like that... I am still trying to figure out what exactly that means... a little cheem for my already degenerating brain...

K, on the other hand, told me Singapore’s too small for anything interesting. Weekends are usually spent on church, feasting and movies. Full stop.

Hmmm…. Doesn’t sound too exciting either… I was hoping that he would give me more and better ideas…

Looks like I’ve got more on the list…. Just a little more… and they are lower on cost than those meaningless boozing activities I realize most Gen X-ers & Y-ers are always into! Here goes:

For accessible places –

[1] Take a breather at MacRitchie Reservior
[2] A nice dinner somewhere cozy (Recommended: Tea Cosy by Eclectic Attic at Plaza Sing, #05-10. Nice cakes they’ve got… and really cozy… right, Hong?)
[3] Catch a nice show at the Esplanade / SRT
[4] Have a cuppa with a few chums (Spotted TEA Café at 38A Liang Seah street, behind Raffles Hotel… somewhere new to explore, huh?)


For those who drive –

[1] An early morning walk at the Botanic Gardens
[2] A late afternoon chill-out at Labrador Park or Mount Faber (ermm…. Better with guys around… at least to feel safer… )
[3] A simple lunch at Colbar, off Portsdown Road with some great pals
[4] A late evening to the Night Safari (Heard it’s quite good, but I haven’t been there yet!)
[5] Oh yes! And I just found that we actually have quite a few museums too!


There are things to do and places to visit even on our small island.
So don't hole yourself. Go out and enjoy!
But first... Excuse me, can I join you? Oh yes, I am open to other groovy suggestions to add to the list too, you know…

oh man.... I am sounding so desperately bored....Haha...
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Positive Thoughts

Received this from my colleague. Thought of sharing with all too:


1. Throw out non-essential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay them.


2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down

3. Keep learning

4. Enjoy the simple things ( and may I add, to enjoy the fine things in life too... )

5. Laugh often, long and loud.

6. Know that tears happen: Endure, grieve, and MOVE ON.

7. Surround yourself with what you love

8. Cherish your health

25% Male Brain in a Female Head

Hong seemed to be in this Personality Tests mania recently. On Wednesday, she published her "Pig Analysis" on her blog, and today, she sent me a link via MSN to another personality test. After answering the series of questions on that site, I found that I am a "Dominant Introverted Thinking" type. Seems quite expected, yah? But truth is, I seldom think... hahaha.... got conned, neh?

Anyway, I just stumbled onto this more interesting test on the BBC website.
Check out www.bbc.co.uk/print/science/humanbody/sex.

The test is suppose to tell your sex I.D (meaning your gender lah! what were you thinking?) and I liked it. They actually quiz you on your ability to spot differences (which I scored really badly), and your verbal fluency (not too good at that too). These, apart from asking you those "supposedly-this-and-that-happens-blah-blah" kinda questions.

Then, there is this part that have you measure your finger lengths! I mean.... wow... Anything that requires measurements surely made the test results seem more conceivable... okie.... that's probably my physicist personage playing again... anyway... I actually thought it's quite fun!

Here's my results:

Seems like I have higher testosterone level on the male-female brain continuum...yes, orientation disorder, maybe... hmmmm... just gotta be odd somehow...

Go try the test and tell me your Brain Sex!

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Carpe diem!

Walking through the gates of KCSS for Sunday service, a young BB boy greeted me. I was slightly startled. I usually make my presence as unnoticeable as possible, past anyone or anything unfamiliar with the fastest speed. Hence, when someone greeted me, I turned back and went, “huh?” (yes. I've came to the realisation that trying not to notice anything obviously does not imply that no one notices me... anyway... )

Then he bowed a little and repeated, “Welcome to BB enrolment service!”

He's a bespectacled boy. Part of a group of Sec 1 BB boys welcoming the congregation at the entrance. It was their enrolment service.

So cute!

Through the service, as the colors were marched in, I tried, but failed to recollect how my own enrolment service was like when I was in GB (if there was any). Then, as the slides showing the various activities of the GB/BB played on the screen, I felt I have missed out a lot even though I should have gained a lot more in those 6 years I was a part of the brigade.

I remembered then, always wondering why I should be tortured under the sun in “Ser-Dee-Yah” positions… and being constantly skeptical of the leaderships… yes, those things and more…. I must say I have thus never truly remembered GB as anything particularly enjoyable.

A certain indescribable feeling welled up within….

Then in the evening, watching the Campus Superstar on TV, I realized that being young could be so fun. I mean… enjoy the fun, and it will be so fun! (Ermmm…. that seemed like a weird sentence…. but you get what I mean?)

I should have relished my days then in GB. I mean… Those 6 years I spent Saturday after Saturdays was not particularly long. But neither has it been short. Had I learned to let go and enjoyed myself back then, I would probably have gained a lot more.

With that realization, I think I should start seizing each day, appreciate each moment, each opportunity, and enjoy!

Everyday is a gift the Lord has given, and the day will pass how ever I choose to live it. When I make any moment seem dreadful, I guess I am just being unkind to myself…
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Lowest cost EXPRESSION program....

Show casing the Costless weight-loss & work-efficiency booster program:

"Hello, Expression... "

Okay, Expression is probably passe.... I think it is Cenosis or Philip Wain nowadays... Just a week or two ago, ting2 asked me on my views towards the effectiveness of slimming programs. Ermm... I don't suppose she thought I went for any of those.... and I obviously cannot be a spokesperson for any of those trades.... I would probably be the right person to ask if she needs queries answered on expansion.... That will definitely be much, much easier.

Anyway....

The method shown above originated from my colleague, DF who sent me an email with much excitement out of the blue to inform of the latest weight-loss program he found. He claimed that it would also increase work efficiency. (Well, I hope he didn't mean to question my work efficiency or to imply that I am fat!)

I have not tried it out, but SSF (above) soon got wind of it and had started out on the program sooner than I did... Yes, I think I will try that out someday.... but before that happens, I need to first look for prettier looking boxes to prop up my notebook... talk about being ai swee...

** Please note that the above picture was suppose to be a candid shot, taken with the sole intention of showcasing how the program is to work. However, my Sony Ericsson phone's loud "click" sound was a dead give-away. After assuring him that he will never be identified and pointed on the street, generous permission has been granted for this picture to be featured on this site. Hence, please do not point him out if you happen to recognise him on the street. Thank you.

The Intricacy of Friendships

It is amazing how friendships are formed.

I mean we meet different people everyday. People walk in and out of our lives, but we cannot call everyone friends. To be frank, even having lived a quarter of the century, I have not really been able to fathom the mystery behind how people grew from mere strangers to calling each other friends.

C.S Lewis wrote that friendship is unnecessary. It has no survival value; rather is one of those things that give value to survival.

As a young kid, I have always had queer emotions. I am never sure if being an insecure kid caused that or was it the sensitivity that caused the insecurity. Whatever it is, that did not help. As a pinafore-donning schoolgirl, I found it very difficult to grasp the idea of friends. Then, everyone I thought were my good friends actually turned out to have even better – or some call, best – friends. Such revelations often do not come as blessings. Surely, I do not need more affirmations that my existence is secondary.

As I grew up, I continued to pick up people along the way whom I now (still) call friends. I have never given up on this incomprehensible intricate called “friends”. Blame it on my fantasies, the soap series and fairy tales, but I still believe in giving the best to those whom I would want to call friends. To me, they are not friends because I need companies. I can survive quite well in solitude, with absolutely no necessity for disturbance in my life. But my friends are companies because, well, they are friends. They aren't simply just names on the list whom I tick and decide who I want for company today. Just as I hope I will be of value to their lives, I have derived value from each of them.

How this comes to being still perplexes me. For not even science can explain the mystical spark and chemistry involved when people decide that they want to be friends, and not just colleagues, classmates, associates or any of the likes. In fact, we do not even sit and decide that we want to be friends! The magic potion making us friends can thus not be replicated.

Today, to all my chums, I think I ought to let you should know that you are treasured and respected as a pal. No superficiality should tarnish that relationship. If there is any trace of that, I think we are better off kept as strangers....

This time, I hope the feelings toward those I call friends are mutual too….
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The Oracle: The Disclaimer

No. I am not about to expound on the Oracle system that has thrown my fellow colleagues and I into labyrinth.

This is to formally pronounce that I am a mere social being with an odd love-hate attitude towards having to co-exist with other fellow beings. Co-existence has sometimes led to familiarity – a sense of connection – and security. Because of this, I have inevitably allowed some beings to cause storms in my emotions. Nonetheless, they are also the ones capable of seeing me soar to seventh heaven. Either way, co-existing has added all colors of my life.

Therefore, in my blogs, one will often find mention of one character or the other - even some familiar events. Definitely will have one lah. Writing about myself will be too boring. I mean, how interesting can it be if everything is all about I, me, and myself? I, me, and myself will only have some value because I am co-existing with other beings and the interactions rub experiences that I can write about.

If you do not mind reading about other people or events involving other people here, please do not be offended by mention of anything that may seem familiar to you. Nonetheless, I will try my best to keep all identities under wraps unless you grant me the permission to help you do some publicity. Please be assured though that there are no missiles or sharp metal objects hidden under those wraps. The writings are not, and will not be used as weapons of any form to hurt anyone. They are merely to be used as innocent anecdotes.

Yes. I am writing to you who think that I have fired shots in any way in any of my blogs. If you ain’t enemy, you are a valued friend, and there is no intention whatsoever to cause grieve to friends in any way. And if you are an enemy, why are you so kay-poh? Nothing here is meant for your reading pleasure....

Yes. Back to my point. To be accused of hurt, actual mense rea had to be proven. So, please prove that first before being convinced that I am malicious in any way. Anyway, how can a nice person like you have gotten into association with someone so vile? That, in itself, will disregard all mense rea propositions.

Anyway, having had kiasu-ism run in my blood, I still hope to be indemnified by adding the following disclaimer:

No human beings are meant to be hurt physically, emotionally, psychologically, financially nor spiritually in the blogs of oddball. (Have I covered all?) Dissensions between any individuals are also never intended in any articles that have been posted here or are to be posted here henceforth. Any positive resemblance may be pointed to you alright, but anything negative, or perceived to be negative (I am supposed to have swore off all things negative, remember?) is of pure coincidence and a make-up from your own imagination (not mine). Exceptions will be made known in the article and will only apply to that particular work at that particular time.

Now, disclaimers are usually in the smallest font available. However, the oddball has decided otherwise. Well, oddball has to keep the oddball image and be, ermm... different.

Anyway, oddball has always been a little inept, and never always really in understanding of the happenings around. Nonetheless, be aware that the oddball is also not apt at using poison fangs too. Fact is, oddball is no rat.

That confirms it. There's no vermin!

Well, to be doubly sure, you may want to inject a little dose of the superlative elixir: Humour and a smile.

This is the oracle.


P/S: If you have somehow gotten lost whilst trying to comprehend the Oracle, please be assured that you are fine. I got a little lost while writing too. Or perhaps Oracles are not meant for any mere mortals to fathom…
Ermm.... actually, to say that this is an oracle was just to give the disclaimer a boost in its authority. So, relax! * wink *
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Public Apology

Came out of a supposed 5 minutes meeting that stretched almost 12 times feeling a bad pang of headache yesterday. Who wouldn’t – especially after the rounds of dart-shooting activity – and that, which stretched beyond my paid hours of 5:30pm? I’ve still got to throw in more free hours as reward after the paid hours because of these games I have been engaging in over those paid hours….

Although I should be thankful that no venomous darts were employed, the amount of energy involved was enough to render anyone giddy….

Anyway…. what was my point? Yes. I was supposed to issue a public apology. See, it helps to have titles, because titles help you remember your point. Yes. And my point herein was to render a public apology to YCK* and EW*.

Yes. They had to bear my ranting for close to 20 minutes (actually, I can't really tell the time, because I was in a distracted and abusive mood. And I can't tell the distance either cos' we have yet to figure out if that was 1km, 2km or 3) as we walked from the office to Serangoon stadium for our weekly jogging program. Yes, they had to endure all the complaints, the tongue-lashes, and the grouses (that found little brakes) for that long period. Felt quite bad about that. Really. Sorry, people!

My deepest apologies, but hey, I don’t know if it helps to know, but the headache miraculously healed after that… Thanks to both for that!

* Names are changed to protect the identities of the persons involved. All resemblance to anyone living is purely of no coincidence. You know who you are and the apology is indeed directed to you.
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