Buried In Homework!

Is it end of September already? Goodness, how did the months go by so fast? Tomorrow it is October, a special month for this year. I am really stressed. I have no idea how long more I can continue. I wanted to finish my course as fast as possible, hence I was so happy when I scored enough to take on the maximum workload this semester.

Who is to know this semester will be so rushed? It seems that there are assignments due every three weeks or so. Ever since I started classes around the end of July, I already had my first two assignments due two weeks after that. Then I had my third and fourth assignments due around end of August.

After that, it was a major project in mid-September. Now, end of September, and my fifth to sixth assignments are due. There will be two more assignments in mid-October. After that another major project end of October. Then come examinations in mid-November.

I am starting to feel so burnt out! This is not including the other things I have been doing! Tomorrow onwards I have to start churning out secretariat reports for the CHOICE Asian Conference next weekend, plus settling all the logistics matters. After that I have to rush assignments again.

Things have been never ending for me! I think one of these days, I am really going to just break down and throw my hands up in despair!

Turning Imbecile?

A few days back, when I was going down the stairs of my place, I accidentally tripped. In order to keep myself from falling, I had to jerk my body sideways and banged my head as a result. It was quite painful and the bump is still there.

I am not sure whether it is due to the bump, but since that day, for some reason, I am not as mentally alert as before. I seem to be doing everything wrongly! I have had two assignments due this week, and where I could just read the text and do the assignments, this time round I stared at the text and my mind went blank.

I attempted to start on the assignment, but my mind went blank too. It seems that I had both mental block and writers' block at the same time, at the wrong time too! I was struggling so much with both of my assignments! By right the assignments were not hard at all, but I had no idea why I could not seem to do it!

Finally, after staring for three days straight, I finally wrote whatever I could. Even though I managed to submit my assignments, I had a feeling I would not do very well for them. My mind just went blank, and even now, I had no idea what I was supposed to be doing at all!

Now I have another one due tonight, and again, my mind is a total blank, which should not be the case because the assignment was on Shakespeare's Henry V, a subject matter which I am relatively familiar with. Yet how can I not know how to write on this?

Oh dear, I hope I am not going to turn into an imbecile, otherwise I can never progress further in life again!

World Habitat Day 2010

World Habitat Day is on the first Monday of October. This year's World Habitat theme is on "Better City, Better Life". Each year, there are millions of people from slums who moved to developing cities for want of a better life. These, coupled with those who were born in those developing cities of the world, there will soon be insufficient housing and will result in overcrowding.

Hence, this year's World Habitat Day is to raise awareness of these people who live in developing cities but may not have decent housing. We can do our part too, by advocating, educating and fundraising. Hopefully by doing this, many of us will realise how priviledged we are that we are born and live in cities that are already developed, with excellent infrastructure and ease of convenience to go everywhere.

To find out more, please go to the World Habitat website to take a look. Hopefully more people will help out and raise awareness!

An Eventful Interview

I was supposed to go for another interview at an offshore fiduciary services company today, but what would have been a smooth process turned out to be so dramatic!

My interview was at 5:30pm in the evening, so I left my office at around 4:30pm, intending to take ample time to arrive at the company. I thought of taking a bus, which would take about half an hour the most, based on past experiences.

However, when I left my office, it was raining very heavily, that I was stranded. My office area consists of lots of buildings and hardly any shelter, so it was quite impossible going all the way downhill, down the stairs, go up the overhead bridge, and then reach the bus stop in the rain. I waited a while and then decided to call a cab.

However, no cabs were available despite calling for so long. I then called my headhunter and explained to her the situation. She said she would inform the company that I would be late. I waited for about half an hour, before the rain finally let up a bit at 5:20pm. So I decided to just brave it and go to the bus stop.

When I reached the bus stop, the bus I wanted to take just left. I waited about ten minutes for the next bus. I finally took the bus at 5:40pm, and called the headhunter again, telling her I was on the way, and that I would probably reach about 6:20 or thereabouts.

However, because some of the roads were still closed due to the Formula One race, plus the fact that it was still raining and the ground was still wet, I was caught in a very bad massive traffic jam, all the way from the highway to past the railway station. Vehicles were literally not moving at all! So I called my headhunter again and explained to her the situation. She said it was not a problem as the interviewer was willing to wait until 7:00pm or thereabouts.

The traffic became a bit smoother only when the bus passed the railway station and turned into the business district. Finally, I reached the bus stop at the nearest train station at the location at around 6:45pm. Because the ground was still wet and slippery and I was wearing a new pair of heels, I could not walk as fast as I wanted. I reached the company only at 7:00pm.

Luckily the interviewer was quite nice and understanding. However, the firm turned out to be a service provider (as I guessed), and not an in-house role. So even though the interviewer was nice, I did tell her my preference would be to look for an in-house role.

The whole interview wrapped up about 7:30pm. Imagine, I took more than two hours reaching that place, only to have a half an hour interview, and then it was a role which did not even interest me! It was a real experience indeed!

Five Seconds Of "Fame" ....

Last night I had my own five seconds of "fame". What happened was, after the book launch on Thursday, I was asked to interview for the Mandarin news, which would be shown at 6:30pm on Sunday (yesterday). So I went for the interview and posed whatever I was asked to and answered whatever questions posed for me. My dear went with me so we were asked to pose together too.

Come evening, I saw us on television. My first reaction was, "Oh my gosh! I am fat!" People are not kidding when they say the camera puts on ten pounds on the screen! That probably explains why those actresses are always stick-thin, so they will still appear slim on the screen, whereas for someone like me, I really ought to do something about my weight!

Initially I was not that apprehensive, afterall it was the Sunday 6:30pm Mandarin news, and how many people would actually stay at home and watch television on a Sunday evening, plus how many others actually watch the Mandarin channel?

However, the moment the news segment came out, two of my friends sent me a message. Okay, so I was recognised. It was only a five second segment, but some were sharp enough to recognise me. When I heard it was going to be broadcasted during the 10:00pm news as well, i.e. prime time, I panicked. That was the time when my parents watch the Mandarin news!

So I called the reporter and requested for her not to use my face and my real name. I did not manage to catch it as I was busy watching the finals of the Formula One Grand Prix race, but someone messaged my dear and told him he was seen on television a few times that day.

It was also supposed to be shown on the English news too, but I told the reporter not to put the story on, as more people would watch the English channel, plus my dear's family and relatives would see him too. I did not manage to watch the English news as well, but it seemed the story was not run as my dear's parents watched the news and did not mention anything about him being on television. Whew!!!

In the end, I need not have panicked, since my parents did not watch the news that day after all. And most of the people I know were either out or busy watching the Formula One race, so it seems that not as many people as I thought happened to watch it.

Although today, about eight of his colleagues came up to him and said they saw him on television. Hmmm... at least no one said anything to me!

This five seconds of "fame" has been a really fun experience! Now I know just how efficient all the news media are, to be able to run the story just a few hours after filming it!

Back At The "Old" Interview

I went for the interview at the American multinational corporation this morning. The office looks very professional and the receptionist is very friendly. Even the security guard of the building is friendly and helpful.

I met up with the Senior Legal Counsel and the Deputy General Counsel. They seem friendly and warm. We had a chat for half an hour, then they walked me out of the door, saying would let me know.

Within half an hour after exiting the building, the headhunter called me, and said I was shortlisted for a second interview! Wow... talk about efficiency! I would be meeting the General Counsel of Asia-Pacific next Friday. But that is the same General Counsel who offered me and whom I turned down three times. Would it not be awkward if she interviews me again since I kept rejecting the last time round?

My headhunter said it would not be a problem because I did have very justifiable reason to turn down the offer that time. Oh well.. if she remembers me, I wonder if she would bear a grudge then? Maybe I should consult my mum for some advise!

Bookworm Deluxe : Lessons From 15,000 First Dates

It is finally launched! "15,000 First Dates", Violet's inaugural book! In this book, Violet drew on her six-year experience from Lunch Actually on what men want in a woman in order to date her another time.

There are some chapters that are really useful, like "The Dragon Lady". Nowadays, many women are highfliers, and no doubt, they did not get there by being meek and submissive. However, men do not like women to be equally aggressive on a date.

Personally, I have experienced that. There have been people who feedbacked that I sound serious all the time. I am actually very lucky to be able to find my boyfriend who is not put off by my temper, my aggression and my no-nonsense behaviour. If it is any other men, perhaps no one would be able to tolerate me.

Another chapter which I find true is that of first impressions. Men are visual creatures. Actually not just men, women too. I mean, if we meet up with a tall, handsome muscular man who is full of laughter with crinkly eyes with a good dress sense, we will also tend to favour him over another man who is short, balding, with a pot belly and dresses in a loose T-shirt, bermudas and slippers, right? Men function the same way too, but unlike women, men will not give the chance to know the woman once the initial first impression is spoilt.

Another chapter is on managing expectations. One can always say you expect this and that kind of man, and refuses to budge unless the this and that kind of man appear. But as a woman ages, she never realises that her this and that kind of man will then start looking for younger and better-looking women, leaving her with not many choices left. Hence, sometimes changing expectations is a good thing.

For instance, if I kept insisting and holding on to my criteria, I would never have met someone totally special and wonderful, who is so totally unlike who I was looking for, but who turned out to be the best for me.

There is also a chapter on the kinds of men to look out for. Essentially, we would like to marry men who want to get married too, and not a man who leads us on for years and then in the end do not wish to commit. That chapter will touch on what kind of man constitutes the marrying kind and what kind is the non-marrying kind.

This book is a really informative, insightful and true book that not only educates, but jolts women into reality. I know people will wonder why just women? This book focuses on the kind of women men want, so it helps women prepare for and ace dates, behave and how to get into a relationship and settle down.

Violet will be coming up with a new book for men, so that will be later on! The book is out in Kinokuniya and Times, so do go get it before it is sold out!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Media Coverage ....

Today was a very exciting day. I was invited to a book launch by one of my muses - Violet Lim of Lunch Actually! Yes, she had published her first book, exclusively for women, called "15,000 First Dates". I was invited to be one of the guest panellists and review the book in front of the media people.

I took the day off and went to the venue, where there were three others who were also guest panellists - one other girl and two guys. The press conference started off with Violet introducing the contents of her book, and then we had to share how we felt the book was like. Then the reporters started interviewing Violet and the rest of us. I got three interviews - one from a union magazine, one from a Mandarin news on radio, and one from The New Paper. We even posed and got our photos taken!

The reporter from the Mandarin news channel sent me a message and told me the story would air at ten o'clock. Five minutes before, I turned on my radio and awaited the story eagerly. Finally my voice came on. I must say, this is the first time I heard myself on radio, and I sounded good! Fluent mandarin too, even though I always thought I speak with an accent!

It had been a fun day and I am glad to help out my mentor and my muse! I wish Violet all the best in her book sales!

An "Old" Interview

Two years ago, I was headhunted by an American multinational corporation, for a role in the Asia-Pacific Legal team, which I went for a face-to-face interview and then a telephone interview. I got the job, but in the end I turned it down as the terms of the employment contract were too risky for me to accept, since that was the beginning of the global financial downturn.

Although it was a difficult choice turning down that role because it was indeed the opportunity of a lifetime, still, I never looked back. Less than a year later, I got my current job. Even though this is not as challenging as what would have been, still, I am pretty comfortable here if not for the mundane work.

This year, a headhunter called me regarding the same role in that same American multinational corporation. It was another contract role, so I turned it down again. Today, another headhunter called me, again for the same company. But this time, it is a permanent role. Apparently, last year, the company underwent rebranding, and most of the Human Resource and Legal team have changed, hence finally, the new Human Resource Manager managed to get the headcount approval for a permanent role. Which makes me wonder, why did the previous Human Resource person keep insisting it could not be done, ie convert the role from contract to permanent?

I told the headhunter my concerns - that I was offered three times, and turned all down because the role was not a permanent role. Hence, I was worried I would have been blacklisted by the company. She said in all sensibility, I had a very justified reason to turn down the position, so she did not think it would affect my chances. In any case, we agreed to send in my current resume.

Talk about efficiency! Within an hour, the headhunter called me and said I was shortlisted for an interview! I will be going for the interview this Friday. The company is no longer at an industrial park (which was where I went the last time), but a swanky new office right in the heart of Orchard Road!

Perhaps after missing the boat, I could still have the chance to have a good opportunity, who knows? I just hope the interview on Friday goes smoothly. Finally, some good news after all my frustration earlier!

Does Privacy Settings Work?

I am upset! I had been upset during my cousin's wedding on Saturday! I used to look forward to weddings, ever since my first cousin who got married when I was ten years old. Since then, I had been looking so much to when my turn would be.

However, in recent years, each time when I heard a cousin was getting married, I was both overjoyed and sad. Overjoyed because it is a good thing, but sad because when you see people younger than you tying the knot, and you are getting on in years, you start to wonder is there anything wrong with you that you feel as if you can only be left on the shelf? You start to wonder, when will it ever be your turn?

So on the day of the wedding, I took lots of photos, for my own collection. But since the photos are of my cousin's wedding, I decided to share it with the rest of my family too. I uploaded the photos onto Facebook, marked the album "Private", accessed by only me, and then sent an invite to only my immediate family members, ie my brother and my close cousins. No one else would be able to see it.

I thought it was alright because I had taken pictures of the wedding of some other cousins before, and no one else could see the album. At least no one said anything. So imagine my surprise when my uncle called me just now and scolded me. He said I should have asked permission first, that I should respect their privacy, and to ask me to remove all the photos. My uncle does not have a Facebook account, and I already told my cousins that the photos are private!

Yet my uncle said, he heard it from a third party whom he did not invite, and this third party called to ask about the wedding. He made it seem as if I deliberately "broadcasted" everything, when I did not! He said he did not invite everyone, so he did not want people to know. Honestly, in my opinion, if it is your wedding, you can invite whoever you like, and those who did not receive the invitation should accept it because it is the couple's wedding, they have no obligation to invite everyone under the sky!

I even asked my colleague to go into my account from hers, and she verified that she really could not see the photos. It is really private, accessed to only me and those I invited! So how could anyone else then access the album? In this case, how "private" is the privacy settings? Then it is a real infringement of privacy if anyone else can access a "private" album!

So now I am upset! It seems as if since young, whatever I do is wrong and whatever others do is right! My cousins only have people praising them to the sky, whereas for me, since young I seem to be scolded by everyone else! What a way to start the day!

365 Days Later ...

Exactly one year and a few days ago, a good friend of mine sent me a certain email. He had become a close friend because we had been talking and confiding in each other, plus getting involved in the same activities and going to church together. We have been helping each other with our problems and have enjoyed hanging out with each other.

Then the email came. In it, the friend confessed how he felt and asked if I felt the same way. Unfortunately, I was busy in a meeting then, and just clicked "ok" without actually knowing what I was saying ok to. Nothing happened the rest of the day and we went home after work as usual.

That was on a Thursday, September 17, in the year 2009. The next day, we met each other for a movie. In the movie theatre, he was suddenly sitting so far away from me! The air-conditioning was at full blast and I was feeling really cold. So I said, "I am cold." And he continued watching the show.

After a while, I said again, "I am cold." Again he continued watching the show. Finally I could take it no longer, and told him, "I am really very cold!" Then he said, "Oh, would you like me to hold on to you?" I did not know whether to laugh or cry. Any other guy, would have taken advantage to just touch or hold me all over without me even saying anything, but he, actually asked if I would like him to hold me! So he then slowly put his arm around me and held on to me.

The next day (Saturday), we went to Novena and then for lunch. All along, he never dared touched me. He was even distancing himself, even though for the past few weeks prior to that, he had been trying to get closer. Finally I could take it no longer, and told him, "You can't be THAT shy, can you?" And then while going down the escalator, he held on to my hand.

The next day (Sunday), we finally had the chance to spend the whole day with each other and seriously talked. And then we agreed that would be the day we officially started. That day was September 20, in the year 2009.

Fast forward to now. Today is our first anniversary. I never dared to hope that I can ever see this day, because I was afraid I would be too outspoken, too fierce, too perfectionist, too demanding, had too high expectations, and he would just throw his hands up in despair and gave up a while later, but here it is! We did meet the one-year mark! Unfortunately, we are not doing anything or going anywhere because it is a work day, and he is due back in camp. :-( Hence, today will just be a normal day, despite being a very special day for me.

Of course, I would so love to see him because today celebrates the first year of us getting together. Despite all my difficult ways and whatnot, he has been unwaveringly by my side. For all the times I threw a tantrum, my quirkiness, my obsessive-compulsion and my pickiness, he always tried to soothe me, comfort me, tolerated me, putting up with me and supported me.

Maybe I have been touched by my cousin's love story, or maybe it is just the aftermath of the entire wedding celebration, but I really want to have a perfect love story. I want to be at the altar in the future where everyone who looks at us, sees how deeply we are in love, how blissful and happy we look, and that it is one union that will last.

I know I am definitely not the perfect person to be with, and it is hard for anyone to put up with me. I had been in relationships before, where even though I was the one who gave more and the guys took me for granted, still, I am never the kind who is happy giving more. I have my own stubborn streak, and if things do not go well or if I do not get appreciated, I will get unhappy.

Which is why I am so grateful for him to be able to put up with me, and withstand all my crankiness. So happy anniversary, darling! Hoping we will have many more days and years ahead!

Going The Distance

Today (yesterday actually), I witnessed one of the most beautiful weddings in my life. Of course, every wedding is beautiful, but this is extra beautiful because of the couple and the background involved.

My cousin has always been the smart, capable and well-behaved girl. She is what one will consider as perfect (or almost perfect) – a staunch Christian, God-fearing, tall, slim and elegant, pretty, smart, intellectual, thirst for wisdom, loves kids, loves her family, capable, family-oriented, takes care of her parents, younger sisters and her grandmother, and goes on mission trips.

She is also gentle, kind, demure, soft-spoken and nice. In short, she is everything a woman yearns to be, and a man wants in a wife. She is definitely someone I am not. She is a top Accountancy graduate from one of the local universities and got a job in one of the big accountancy firms here as a tax auditor. After a few years, she gave up a good career with good prospects and went over to help out in her father’s business.

Who is to know a couple of years later, she would meet her Prince Charming in the most unlikely way – in church, when he was vacationing in Singapore, who whisked her away to Sydney, leaving behind all her family, friends and everyone who loved her?

Because of his job (he is a paediatrician in Sydney), he is not able to leave everything behind to come here. He did try looking for a job here but I guess the terms were not up to his liking because he already has an established base in Sydney. Hence, it makes more sense for her to move down under than for him to move up here.

And so, began a series of shuttling back and forth for her. She would spend a few weeks here, go back down under, spend another couple of months here, go back down under again and so on. Of course, they started out long-distance. She only moved down there when the relationship was getting solid and decided to try out the life there for herself.

We have seen how, in the past couple of years, she shuttled back and forth. He would come as and when he could get away, which is not that often due to his job. We all know how much she loved him, otherwise she would never have given up her family to move down under, when she was still taking a big risk to see if it would work out eventually.

Hence, when they finally got married yesterday, everyone was so happy for her. When they exchanged their vows in their church, both looked like they were going to cry. It was just such a memorable and touching moment! During the dinner at Shangri-La, their wedding speech was just so touching and heartwarming too!

The guy, being handsome, young-looking, smart and established, actually said, “I came here looking for a job, but I didn’t expect to find a wife. I thought she could be a good friend, as I dared not hope for more because to me, how can such a wonderful girl remain single for long? But when I went back home, I kept calling her and then I really fell in love with her. She is God’s greatest gift to me.”

And her speech, “We got to know each other better through walks in Botanic Gardens, dancing at Dempsey, and when he was about to go back, I helped him pack. He would call me everyday when he went back to Sydney. I never thought a long-distance relationship would ever work out, but God has shown me that nothing is impossible, that miracles still exist.”

Is that not such a beautiful speech? This is a couple that is so in love with each other, that they are willing to literally go the distance for each other. Recently, I watched the show “Going The Distance”. I love the movie too because it shows that with true love, anything is possible.

My cousin’s story is so parallel to the movie. The bridal couple looks so blissful and so happy, that anyone seeing them cannot help but be happy for them too! Miracles do exist after all! I wonder if my turn ever comes, what kind of love story can I share with my loved ones?

Everyone has his or her own love story. In the case of my cousin, hers is really a fairytale indeed, with a fairytale ending.

Night Trip To Universal Studios

Last night, I went to Universal Studios at Resorts World Sentosa as part of the Volunteer Appreciation Party for the recent Youth Olympics. We were each given a wristband to ensure free entry, as well as a meal voucher for free food.

Around six in the evening, I went to the stipulated bus stop to wait for some of my fellow volunteers who would be giving me a lift in. When we reached there, the car was parked at the basement, and we had to get up an escalator leading to Universal Studios.

Entrance of Universal Studios

The rooftop of Universal Studios

By the time we reached the top of the escalator, the queue was already pretty long! Locals, knowing the way they function, all come much earlier just to queue up. For people like us who had to work, by the time we reached there after work, the queue was already all the way to the other end!

The big sign

We were let in at exactly half-past six. There were officers around checking to see our wristbands. We had to hold up our hand like as if we were on a protest rally just to ensure our wristbands were in tact! We went all the way straight in after passing through the gates.

The interior is like movie sets! There were all kinds of buildings, brownstones, houses, apartments, even the New York subway and Parliament House!

Inside Universal Studios

A Police Car

The "Parliament House"

The New York Subway

We went straight to the Egyptian section, passing by roller coasters and the science fiction section, before arriving at the Revenge of the Mummies and the Nile Valley.

The Roller Coaster

In "ancient Egypt"

Entrance of the "Revenge of the Mummies" Ride

We tried the Mummy roller coaster ride, which, although went backward, forward, up and down suddenly, but still, it was nothing compared to the actual roller coaster ride that dipped almost vertically into the water at Universal Studios of Los Angeles!

We also tried the slow ride into prehistoric world, passing by nice water view and fountains.

The water view

After that, we went to the Jurassic Park's Lost World. We wanted to try to Canopy ride, but the queue was so long and the waiting time was so long that in the end we gave up and just started wondering around.

A fossil at Jurassic Park's Lost World

We passed by Waterworld before entering Far Far Away.

Inside the land of Far Far Away

Since we were only allowed to stay until eleven at night, we went to have dinner after that. Dinner was at Mel's Drive-In at the entrance of Universal Studios. (For a review of the food, please refer to this.)

All in all, it was not too bad a trip. But time was not on our side. Hopefully, I get to go back again for a real day trip the next time round. Perhaps next time I can spend more time there on more rides and thoroughly enjoy the place instead of rushing!

Project Done!

Finally I am done with my project! I managed to submit it earlier on. Now I can totally enjoy the rest of the week - going to Universal Studios tonight, attending my cousin's wedding on Saturday, and then looking forward to seeing him again on Sunday! Yeah!!!

"Me" Time

The dear is away for reservist the next two weeks, and I finally have some time to myself. Do not get me wrong, I am not being overjoyed or happy that he is away (although I believe he is happier I am not around to “nag” him :-P), but then, do people seriously expect me to sit around, mope, wait and essentially pine for him until he gets back?

I have my own things to do as well, namely this big project for my course which accounts for 50% of the grades, and if I mess that up, I can be prepared to kiss a passing mark goodbye. I know many guys kind of expect their girlfriends to pine and whine for them, but to me, I have a life too. It does not mean that by doing what I have to do with or without him, I am putting him as last priority. What do people expect me to do just because he needs to serve the country?

Similarly, just because I pine and whine away, it also does not mean I am necessarily putting him as first priority too. Having said that, I do miss him. I do miss him around, miss his company, miss his quirky ways.

But miss him or not, I have to make an assignment deadline, go for my cousin’s wedding this Saturday and to my friend’s baby’s first month celebration. I do not have to stop doing what I am doing just because he is not around.

It is good to enjoy some “me” time once in a while. Absence does make the heart grow fonder. Take it from me – he is only away two days, and already I miss him like mad. I can hardly wait for the weekend when he can finally book out and I can see him again!

Long-Forgotten Flavours ...

Due to my recent bout of flu-cum-cough-cum-sore throat that lasted one and a half months (and the cough still recurs if my throat is a tad dry), my cousin recommended cod liver oil to fight off infection. I was still deliberating on that when she brought along two bottles of Scotts' Emulsion Cod Liver Oil for me - one original flavour and one orange flavour.

I wonder if anyone remembers the flavours of old? I remember the cod liver oil I used to take in the past. It was white and came in a rectangular glass bottle with a white cap. The orange one (which I seldom took) came in a rectangular brown bottle and the syrup was thicker.

If I remember, the white cod liver oil was quite bland. People have said it was awful-tasting and fishy, but I never found it that bad even though it was not the best tasting thing in the world.

Now many years later, perhaps my taste buds have matured, somehow when I took a spoonful of the white cod liver oil last night, it seemed rather fishy that I actually grimaced! I started to wonder if i actually did ever take such an awful-tasting thing! Furthermore, the bottle is now round plastic, smaller and more child-friendly.

Come to think of it, whatever happened to all the products I used to take when young? There was Glucolin - a form of white fine powder that came in a round blue metal can, which I would make a sweet drink with.

There was Tang orange - orange powder dissolved in water that would result in the best orange juice ever.

There was also rose syrup that came in a red container, where we could either add water and make a sweet drink, or add milk to make bandung.

I miss all these! I wonder what happened to all these drinks? I would so love to get them and taste them all over again!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Fried Rice Paradise!

"Fried Rice Paradise, Nasi Goreng Very Nice"

And this was the famous phrase from the song "Fried Rice Paradise". This local musical is pretty good. In any case, I always wonder why many locals prefer watching foreign musicals, when actually many of our local productions are pretty good?

The story is set in the late 1970s, when urbanisation was changing the local landscape. Flats are being built and buildings like shophouses are being torn down to make way for flats and shopping malls.

In comes Bee Lian, who runs a noodle store with her father. The boss of an entertainment company wanted to buy the street she lives in, turning it into the entertainment district. He asked his son to woo her, but where he was trying to get her to fall for him, he really fell for her.

After tasting her fried rice, he encouraged her to set up a store selling fried rice, and make it into a franchise. Of course, along the way, there were sabotages and betrayal, but in the end, her business was saved and her street and house were saved too.

This musical was staged for the fiftieth anniversary of our People's Association, penned and composed by our very own composer and judge at our Idol competition. I have watched his shows before and heard his songs, and I know if it is his production, it will be worth watching!

A pity when we went to watch it, it was already in its last run. However, if this musical is ever staged again, please do watch it, as it is pretty good and funny too! Give our local productions a chance instead of only watching foreign productions!

Sesame Street Live!

As mentioned in my previous post, I went to see "Sesame Street Live" yesterday afternoon. Even though it has been so long since I last watched Sesame Street, the characters are still as cute and loveable as before, especially Big Bird, Elmo, Ernie and Bert!

The theme of the show is called "When Elmo Grows Up", so each character came up with a song and dance item on what he / she would like to be when he / she grows up. Elmo could not make up his mind, so every character showed him and gave him an idea on what he wanted to be when he grew up. At the end, it was Big Bird who did not know what he wanted, culminating in the big pageant at the finale.

There were a few changes to the Sesame Street I remember. Elmo used to be a minor character, but now, he has a segment called "Elmo's World". With modern technology, all the alphabets and teachings are now upgraded to Elmo's computer, with the message, "Elmo has mail" repeating itself. Elmo even talked to his computer!

In any case, it was a rather enjoyable show! I finally got one of my childhood wishes fulfilled and it was great re-living my childhood and see all my favourite characters! I took some photos of the show too, but since it was dark and I was sitting quite way back, the photos may not turn out that well.

The Opening Scene - can recognise Cookie Monster, Elmo and Bert?

This is Grover

This was really cute - the trees in a "forest" scene started talking and singing!

Cookie Monster dressed as a fire fighter

Elmo's World!

Can you spot Oscar the Grouch?

The Pageant at the end - can see everyone?
(Bert, Ernie, Elmo, Big Bird, Cookie Monster, Telly and Grover!)