Shoo! Cobwebs Shoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know I know... I've neglected this 2nd home of mine for a while.... Here to shoo the cobwebs away...

Ok, some updates.

I'm finally going to Bali this coming Friday!!!! BUT... Yes, everything comes with a big fat 'but'... I sprained my ankle (the right one this time round) just 2 days ago... I forgot I was wearing platform shoes and I went for a mini sprint from the breadshop back to my office (which is less than 1 min away)... And the unspeakable happened...

I seriously need to learn that I'm a gal and stop being so 'in a rush'... Sigh... And not to forget that I'm not in flats or slippers or sandals or flipflops everytime...

Just 1 consolation is that I can wear flipflop the whole day!!!! Sigh...

Ok Ok.. Time to stop all these illegal acts and back to work...

Sue and Linda, if you are reading this, I MISS U GUYS LOADS!!!!!!! I really need to re-org my time and fix a dinner date with u guys!!!!!!!

A Nice and Quiet Dinner

It's been a long while since I blogged. Just returned from a nice dinner with James, Irene and of course, not forgetting cute little prince, Issac.

It was a simple home cooked dinner with 3 dishes and a soup. But it had been a long time since I spent a few quiet hours with a friend just hanging out. It had been fun being around little prince.

I hope I get to spend more of such time.... Sue, when are we doing dinner?!!!!

New Exposures...

It's been a while since I blogged. Been really lazy lately.. Really busy at work but fruitful. I'm doing what I've always wanted to do.

Busy with product, and operations as well...

Really fun!

Currently debating whether to get the IPhone when my contract expires next month.. Sigh....

New Opening!!!

Finally... I'm starting to settle down amist all the mess... It had been interesting and exciting getting involved in setting up a branch from scratch. Though different nationalities and cultures, we had managed to form a great team to prepare for the opening. It's kinda difficult to imagine that we were complete strangers just 3 weeks ago. I really love it! Though tough but rewarding and satisfying. Now, I'm hearing japanese more than chinese! Hee...

Finally, a day off tomorrow but Jap class at night. Hmm... Term test is coming... I wonder how I'll cope.... Yawn....

A New Begining Approaches...

It's been a while since I blogged... Had been lazy lately... Visited Japan's Tohoku area on a family trip and just returned from Cameron Highlands Malaysia. Enjoying the last bit of my 1 month break. Work starts on Wednesday... Had to drag myself out of the house for a hair trim.. Sigh... Wonder how my work schedule will be...

Depressed Again...

I have no idea what triggered it but I just hate this feeling... I'm like begining to feel depressed for no reason again. It just hit me suddenly... And I'm having goosebumps all over... Wave after Wave... Followed by feelings of fear...

Please, not another relapse!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ARGHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyone Lived in a Pretty How Town

Have not been blogging in a while.

A lot of things had happened and past. A lot of things had been done and appreciated. But I have not been blogging it in.

Been to the musical '天冷就回来2' twice. Loved it to the last minute. And a lot of emotions touched both times. the below piece was used for the opening, as well as the closing of the play. Loved it so thought that I'll share...

anyone lived in a pretty how town
(with up so floating many bells down)
spring summer autumn winter
he sang his didn’t he danced his did

Women and men (both little and small)
cared for anyone not at all
they sowed their isn’t they reaped their same
sun moon stars rain

children guessed (but only a few
and down they forgot as up they grew
autumn winter spring summer)
that noone loved him more by more

when by now and tree by leaf
she laughed his joy she cried his grief
bird by snow and stir by still
anyone’s any was all to her

someones married their everyones
laughed their cryings and did their dance
(sleep wake hope and then)
they said their nevers they slept their dream

stars rain sun moon
(and only the snow can begin to explain
how children are apt to forget to remember
with up so floating many bells down)

one day anyone died i guess
(and noone stooped to kiss his face)
busy folk buried them side by sidel
ittle by little and was by was

all by all and deep by deep
and more by more they dream their sleep
noone and anyone earth by april
wish by spirit and if by yes.

Women and men (both dong and ding)
summer autumn winter spring
reaped their sowing and went their came
sun moon stars rain
E. E Cummings


或人住在一个很那个的镇上
康明思作 余光中译

“或人” 住在一个很那个的镇上
(有这么升起许多的钟啊下降)
春天啊 夏天啊 秋天啊 冬天
他唱他的不曾 他舞他的曾经

女子和男子 (也有的少，也有的小)
一点儿也不为 “或人” 烦恼
他们播种他们的不是 收成他们本身
太阳啊 月亮啊 星子啊 雨水

孩子们猜到 (只有几个小孩
而且忘了下去当他们长了上来
秋天啊 冬天啊 春天啊 夏天)
“没有人” 爱 “或人” 愈爱愈深

当时由现在，树由树叶
她笑他的欢愉，她哭他的悲戚
鸟由雪，动摇由静止
“或人” 的一切是她的一切

“有人” 和他们 “每一人” 做夫妇
笑他们的哭，跳他们的跳舞
(睡去啊 醒来啊 希望啊 然后) 他们
说他们的永不，睡他们的梦

星子啊 雨水啊 太阳啊 月亮
(只有雪能够开始说清楚
怎么孩子们老是会忘记记住
有这么升起许多的钟啊下降)
有一天 “或人” 死了，我想
(“没有人” 弯腰去吻他的脸庞)
好事的人葬他们，头靠着头
渐渐靠渐渐 曾经靠曾经
一切靠一切，深邃靠深邃
愈来靠愈来，他们梦他们的酣睡
“没有人” 靠 “或人”，泥土靠四月
愿望靠幽灵，如果靠肯定

女子和男子 (又当又叮)
夏天啊 秋天啊 冬天啊 春天
收成他们的播种，去他们的来
太阳啊 月亮啊 星星啊 雨水

(taken from http://www.iftherereseasons.com/blog/anyone-lived-in-a-pretty-how-town/)

Enjoy.....

Finally...

Finally, after months and perhaps a year of talking, I had secured my most wanted wish. To get a new job and leave the current company. And after much grumbling from the close ones to get a new job, ditch the current one and get a life, I am finally doing it. After much correspondence, I had secured a new job with a Japanese Travel agency. I will be tendering next week, and hopefully get the whole of June off and go on the family trip before I start work.

I seriously hope that I will not suffer too much after tendering.... Sigh....

A Tribute to an Angel Voice... Lost Forever...

Came across the news a few days back while reading one of the DJ's blog. We lost another young singer to cancer. I was shocked by the news and though I misread the post initially.

阿桑，永别了。。。

Updates.. On the 'Horrors' of my life.

Well, maybe not that horrible lah...


I finally went for the 1st blind date in my life. And it was done to applease one of my colleagues at work.

Since last year, my colleague had try to matchmake me with this hotelier from Bali. And everytime I had tried to 'escape' out of the arrangement. Not because I think the other party is a freak (not that I've met him during that time) but because this kinda situation makes me feel so awkward. And I hate to be in this kinda situation.


And finally, I could escape no more. Imagine my horror when my colleague told me that we are supposed to meet them for dinner after meeting last Wednesday. I thought I had managed to get away with it when our meeting ended at 9-ish. But to my dismay, my collegaue still dragged me to Orchard (where they're staying) after that. And so we met for the first time. The formal dinner was fixed to be on the following Friday.


And imagine my shock when I go back into office from TP on Friday (I went there again to drop off some documents for my bossie) and everyone was anticipating our meeting that night (they didn't know that we met on Wednesday already). I thought it was just going to be between me and 2 other colleagues! Apparently, there was also gonna be a short meeting that night and in order for me to be in time for the dinner and to save the rest from late night, this 'blind date' was made public. Without my knowledge before hand. Nice...


And throughout the meeting, everyone was 'very co-operative' in keeping the meeting from toes to toes so that we can finish in the shortest time possible. And with the 'well-wishes', we left the office just half an hour after the meeting started. That was really speedy!


Luckily 'Ah Pa' (one of my ex-colleague who took care of us girls at the counter like a father) and the other collleague whom I'm very close with came along and I had them seated on both my sides. Ha... And 'Ah Pa' was kinda excited cos he says it feels like meeting his future son-in-law!


We exchanged name cards but didn't really talk as we were seated opposite each other on a bigh round table.

And when I came into office this morning, all eyes were on me. I think I don't really need to mention how concern they are about it.

What awkwardness....

Thank You Teacher...

I went back to TP again tiday for a pre trip briefing with the group going to Beijing. And yet again, it warms my heart to be back on the familiar gounds and to be with Kubo Sensei. And once again, I am touched. By the endless love and care a teacher could ever give.

I still remember the times Sue, Liz and myself would go for Japanese class together, and during break times, we will sometimes gossip and sometimes squabble over little things and batters over stupid topics. And Kubo Sensei would always watch in amusement. And he would smile at our squabbles. Today, after collecting the balance amount for the trip, I was again having a friendly batter with one of my colleague. Again, I found Kubo Sensei, looking at us, just like a father would over his daughters during playtime.

And we went for a drink after the session with all the lecturers. Kubo Sensei then asked me about the exams and I told him that I would most prob take JLPT 2 only next year as I'm not really confident for it this year. He was very encouraging and even ask me to bring my books along when I go for the trip. He volunteered to tutor me during the coach rides and said I need to converse with him during mealtimes and during the trip. I was seriously touched by this. It's been almost 10 years since I graduated and left his care and here he is, concern with my progress in the language. I could feel strongly his passion and his care for his students, now and past.

Although it's not Teacher's Day yet but I still wanna express my gratitude to this teacher of mine.

久保先生，本とに　いろいろ　ありがとう　ございました！私は　日本語を頑張ります！

Major Surprise...

Definitely not for the faint hearted.

Got a rude shock this morning. Now I know why my Japanese Teacher when I was a Temasek Poly student, Kubo Sensei, was so happy to hear that it is confirmed that I will be following on the trip to Beijing.

I was at TP collecting the balance amount for another of the student trip yesterday when my manager called to ask me to contact Kubo Sensei when I'm done. He needs me to pick up some stuff to bring back to my manager for the Beijing trip.

I am always the one to run any errands for my manager where TP is concern not just cost I stay 3 bus stops but also cos I'm very familar with the place as I was there for 3 years doing my diploma. And it was on one errands 2 years ago with my ex-supervisor that I got back into contact with Kubo Sensei.

Kubo Sensei was my teacher when I took Japanese as an extra module while in TP. He was also one of the teachers who followed on our exchange trip to Japan. He is a very jolly man while a big and loud hearty laugh. He was always excited to see me, just like his eagerness to introduce me to his students now. Especially since he knows that I am still continuing to pursue my interest in Japanese Language. These little things really mean a lot to teachers.

If you had followed my blog, you would have realised that this is not my first trip with Kubo Sensei since I left TP. I lead the group up to Vietnam last September and was sort of the main in-charge for the trip. That made my dear Sensei very happy. And post trip appraisal was good with Sensei telling my manager how happy he was that I was a good leader for the group and how proud he was of me taking such good care of the group. Not just because I was an ex-TPian but also cos I was his student.

Back to the topic.

So I headed down to the tutorial room to meet him. He was having his lessons. As usual, he was happy to see me. And even before I could ask him what he needed me to bring back to office, he asked who will be traveling to Beijing. 'You?' was the next question that follows. And then a hopeful look that he will get the answer he wants. When I told him that I am indeed following, he asked again, 'Confirm?' 'Really?' And when I assured him that I will definitely be going on the trip, he wasted no time to inform his class that I will be following them on the trip and made them greet me. And he also reconfirms my attendance in the up coming briefing session for the trip on Monday. I am really happy to be able to repay my teachers this way. Especially since they are just our optional modules lecturers. Though they are not the ones who teaches us on our main modules of study, they are still our teachers and play a very important part in our life.

This morning I finally know again why he was so happy about me going. My manager dropped the bomb, casually, admist all details that she say I had to be informed about for the dinner with special guest speakers. And just as casually, she informed me that Kubo Sensei wants me to be ONE OF THE GUEST SPEAKERS. It just exploded. I have a phobia of public speaking. And when I'm tour leading, I will never pick up the mic unless I absolutely have to. I always leave the talking to the guide. And now I HAVE TO BE A GUEST SPEAKER?! No Way!!! And Kubo Sensei was sneaky enough to get my manager to talk to me after he got her approval. He knew the chances of my rejecting and backing out of the trip is lower if my manager talk to me... Ha ha ha... This is so Kubo Sensei. Cos the students on this trip are taking 'Global Citizenship'. And Kubo Sensei thinks that I fit the bill as well since I'm out in so many countries. And then I was assured by my manager that it will be a casual dialogue session. And she happily put my name in the information booklet.

And the next thing I knew, now I'm a guest speaker cum tour leader.

I hope I won't disappoint Kubo Sensei or my manager on this trip.

Keeping fingers crossed.

Basic Courtesy...

I think people nowadays are seriously lacking in basic courtesy. I'm not saying that I'm not one of those but at least some care should be taken in the obvious areas. Especially if you will be caught red-handed for not showing.

If we are genuinely sleeping on the public transport and did not notice the needies for the seat, fine. But in the working world and within friends, please don't try to act like you are transparent or that your colleague / friend is stupid. We might be blur or slow but we are not clueless idiots.

If you wanna snatch my sales, or if you already have the guts to lie and snatch my sales, then please have the balls to tell me. Don't just take the call, tell pax that I'm not around, make the necessary changes for them, then casually 'forgot' to inform me about it. I know you are desperate to fill up the lack of sales while you were enjoying your live in UK for 2 bloody months then come back and hit on my pax. It's just not right. If you have the courtesy to tell me my pax called while I'm away and they had changed their plans and you wanna take over, I would let you. No hard feelings or what-so-ever. I am not that kinda person who guard my sales / pax like a guard dog. But by doing what u did, made me loath u more. And when I confront you, please don't tell me you're trying to think why you did not mention to me. That's crap in my opinion. And you don't blame me for not being friendly with you at the end of the day.

I just don't like you. Period.

As a friend, respect is very important. We are all working adults and thus are busy and time is very precious. To everyone of us. Including you. We always treasure every minute we can spend together. And if anyone of us make an effort to arrange and meet up, please make your effort too. Don't disappoint us again and again. It came to the point where we sometimes don't even bother to include you in while planning. And when I arrange to meet up, I will always try to make it on time. If I will be late, I will inform. That I believe is basic courtesy between friends. And when you advise people to be on time, you should be on time too. We are normally ok with a time grace of maybe 5 minutes? Not half an hour or even up to an hour or more. And though every one of us will tend to be late due to some reason or another, we don't make it a habit. We are not obliged to be waiting for you every single time. This is just not fair. Being buddies means we have to accept and understand every single time you are late on every single of our meeting. This is already taking us for granted. This is not friendship.

I always think friendship is a 2 way traffic. It is more tolerant than a boy-girl relationship but it does have it's limits as well. I would blame myself for not keeping in contact with my friends and buddies and will only blame myself if I lose a friend due to lack of contact. I will not blame the others for not including me into their gathering, outings and meet-ups. Cos in friendship, it still takes 2 hands to clap.

No hard feelings but dear friend, hope u really learn and grow up...

Welcome to the world Rei Loh!!!!

Had a pleasant surprise this morning! Jer just called to tell me that his wife had given birth to a baby boy last night!

Welcome to the world, little Rei! We are all so so happy that you are here! Enjoy all you can!!!

Back Home....

I'm back from a good 6 days break. Refreshed but unwilling to start work. Hee...

Bummer... Think someone tempered with my office's pc. I can't access my MSN. Hopefully it's just a glitch and everything will be ok when I retry on Monday. Hmm...

Will update the happenings and photos of my trip gradually....

On to My Journey

I've cleared the customs and is now in the holding area waiting for my flight. Finally the day of my new adventure arrives. Still having tons of butterflies in my tummy but well, never try ever know.

I'm not sure if I can get any internet access during the 6 days but will try to blog when I see the opportunity. Got a travel journal on hand so I'll at least write in that book and post when I return.

Wish me lunck for a safe, fun and interesting trip!

*Me and myself alone.....*

Finally...

Yeah! I'm done with my itinerary for my trip! Wow... Didn't think it was going to be so difficult. But now I know. Hee.. Anyway, I hope that I'll be able to follow through the itinerary and visit all the places that I want to. Hopefully, I'll be able to squeeze in more which I couldn't when I'm there.

Now all that's left to do is to reload some new video clips into my psp, pack my luggage and rearrange the selection of songs in my ipod.

I will take plenty of pictures and upload them when I'm back.

So in case I don't get to blog again before I'm gone, have fun and don't miss me so much!!!

Almost...

This place almost went through an overhaul. Had this impulse to change it's skin and was already browsing through the available ones. Had even narrow down to a few choices. When my explorer experienced an 'error in loading plug in'. The the whole idea was shelved as I had lost my determination to browse through the jungles of skins again.

Hmm.. Wonder when the impulse will come again...

Think I'd better channel that determination to completing my itinerary for my trip. I am only left with 1 week before I fly. Quite ambitious to conquer some places outside the city by their mrt, train and local buses. Kinda nervous though. First time I'm doing this. Alone. But it'll give me some quality time to myself and explore the city according to my interest and pace.

But first, the itinerary has to be completed.

Will let you know when I'm done with it... And IF I'm done with it...

The New Semester Starts...

Think I forgot to post about the concert.

Well, it was disappointing. In the sense that Pan Mei Chen did not perform as many songs as I expected her to. And to make things worse, most of what she sang was other singers. Zhao Yong Hua did a wonderful session with all of her own songs non stop for 1 full hour. Hmm... Wonder if I'll have a chance to see Pan in concert soon. One which is of her and her alone with her belting all of her own songs. But nevertheless, both of them was fantastic vocally.

Ok, back to the topic. I started my Jap Advance class on Saturday. It was scary. From now own, plenty of self study is required and all the explainations will be in Japanese. Luckily I can understand though not speak. However, the understanding level is only like 75%. Hmm.. I hope that I can really make it through and learn to speak confidently.

Would love to attend the conversation courses but time wise is hard to arrange as it eats into my work time. Hmm... Wonder when can I start with that course...

Anyway, がんばります。

Taiwan Trip in February

I will most prob be flying alone for this trip. My leave for the original travelling period is still not approved. I had changed my dates to fly there earlier and alone. And I'll be meeting the rest of them only on the 2nd last day.


Although I have to top up quite a bit, I'm kinda looking forward to traveling alone as well. I'm really excited. Scared but excited. I will get to spend some quality time with my Godma, as well as myself.

God-mummy had secured my hotel but I've yet to find out if I'll be in Taipei the whole 5 days or in Hualien for 2. I'm ok with both though I would love to go up to Hualien to see God-mummy's house. But well, at least I'm going.

I guess I'll still be around for NATAS though I won't work that hard anymore...

Hope that my luck will be better when I come back from Taiwan.

Finally! A Concert!!!

Got to know of this concert last weekend. I will feel so sad if I miss this one. There wasn't really much advertisement for this concert. I will be going for is

My Favourite Hits - PK of the Year

Featuring Pan Mei Chen (潘美辰) and Zhao Yong Hua (赵詠华).

My main aim is to see Pan Mei although I don't mind Zhao Yong Hua's songs. Now I just can't wait for tomorrow to come!

Occupied at Work...

I've been very preoccupied by the Twilight Saga these few days. So much so that I don't want to go anywhere or do anything but read the 4 books. I'm now at the 4th book. But being at work used to make me restless. Until now...

Ho Ho Ho...

I've found the free online version. Now I can read it both at work and at home!!!! Ha... So pleased with myself.

Will definitely be able to return the books to Hua next week. If she wants to... Ha Ha Ha...

Okie... I'm off to continue reading!!!!!

Edit:
Just when I thought that I've found the perfect solution to my restlessness, I discovered that the online version is incomplete. Paragraphs and pages are missing here and there. BUMMER!!!! Guess I'll just have to wait... And remain restless....