The Battle Of The Coffee-Maker!

Some of you may know I have shifted office last November. My company used to have two offices, but since November, all have merged into one office. In my current (new) office, there are two sections - the one on the left belongs to the old office for the existing staff already there, the one on the right is the newly-renovated office for those that just moved in, with the reception counter in the middle, between the two sides.

Late last year, the pantry of the old office underwent a renovation. Now that pantry is twice the size of the pantry of the new office (the side where I am at). Because of that, the coffee-maker and everything else shifted to the new (big) pantry, leaving us to make do with just a flask, kettle and water cooler in our (small) pantry.

Recently, the office manager bought a new coffee-maker and put it in the small pantry. It makes sense because both our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Finance Officer are in the new office. But some people protested. They said the pantry at the old office underwent a renovation, so how can we use the new coffee-maker? We should take the old coffee-maker and shift the new one to that side!

Of course, there are other people who said why must everything new belong to the big pantry? Are we not entitled to anything too? It is more fair if we take the new coffee-maker since we already do not have a new big pantry.

Then they went on to battle about the variety of tea the small pantry has. There are four varieties of tea, whereas in the big pantry, there is only one type of tea. So people then said how come we have so many varieties of tea whereas they only have one? Erh.. we have so many because people actually buy from overseas and put it in the pantry for everyone to use?

The nature of people really sickens me at times. Instead of real work issues, people in the same office argue about trivial things like this! To me, does it matter which coffee-maker, which pantry, how much tea you have? If people want anything, they are free to come to the small pantry to use the products, just like how we used to go to the big pantry to use the utensils, yet no one complained about that!

Three's A Crowd

Two's company, three's a crowd. Or so the saying says. In the past couple of weeks, there is some "big" news going around on how a prominent media figure here cheated on his wife with a girl his daughter's age, and the girl went to the house and confronted the wife. Upon digging, it was found that he could have or had sexually harassed or made advances to eleven other girls around that age.

Actually, it is his own personal affair. Yes, he had an affair, yes, he deserved to be cursed at, yes, his wife was the victim. But why blow it all up? Perhaps there are no other sensational news around, hence everyday, the newspapers carry front page tales on how many girls he had and their stories.

Perhaps the girls in question take this opportunity to find some fame. Afterall, if one is suddenly in the limelight, many other opportunities come knocking. But how long can this last? A year? But someone's reputation and career will go downhill. You chose to be with him, you know he is married, so when things start happening, why turn so bitter? There is no need to ruin someone else's life.

I know I am not the best person to say this, but precisely because I have been through similar situations, hence I know how it is like. If you are the "other woman" so to speak, no one will pity you. People will judge you and label you a house breaker. Despite the fact that the guy can talk ten to the dozen that he is single and he only loves you and no one else, the woman still gets the blame.

I always wonder why? Why must the woman be the one to bear the brunt of the guy's infidelity? If he did not make advances to her, making her fall for him, none of the mess would have happen. Do people think most of us are born to be sluts? We are also brought up knowing what to do what not to do, but when the men are the ones who cheat and create the mess, why can they get away scot-free and the woman the one to get blamed?

Still, that is not to say you have every right to confront the wife and ruin the whole family. What was essentially a matter between two parties, become now a matter of three parties and the world. Is that really necessary?

That is why for a long period of time I tend not to trust men anymore. How would I know their real status? Men can hide their status and think no one will find out. Some are attached, some married with kids, yet they go around claiming they are single, behaving as if they really are single. Afterall, if one has a family, how could he then have so much time to spend with you?

I am not saying the woman is not at fault. If she knows he is married or attached, then do not step in and try to break others up. But what if she does not know? What if the man lies about his status? What if the man has a wife, and mistress, and still fools around? In this case, if the girl is not in the know, is she really to be blamed?

Precisely because the girl is always the one who is blamed which is why she is the one under more scrutiny and finger-pointing, and the scumbug of a man thinks he can get away scot-free since no one will blame him. What rubbish! Most troubles occur because the men go fooling around and have fun and think they can get away with it!

Eating The White Rabbit

On Saturday, we went for dinner at The White Rabbit. I have long wanted to try this place after hearing reviews of it. The White Rabbit is actually converted from an old chapel. That whole area used to be owned by the British army, so consist of British barracks. But those barracks have since been converted to eating places, where now the yuppies hang out for food and drinks and where you can find some of the best places for fine dining.

When I stepped in, I realise why The White Rabbit is a popular place for wedding ceremonies. The church ambience and stained glass windows are still around. There an enclave which used to be an altar. It is not too big as well, just enough for a hundred people. The places makes a nice and cosy venue for intimate weddings.

The food is not too bad. It is mostly modern European fare of pasta, macaroni and cheese and appetisers of finger food. The surrounding areas are grassy and makes a nice scenery out of a movie. The alfresco bar, called the Rabbit Hole, is a great place to chill out for drinks after a good dinner.

It was a nice dinner overall. The staff was helpful and the service was good. After that, we all went to the Wine Cellar for drinks and supper. It was a great night of feasting!

Giselle - A Ballet In Two Parts

I am never a fan of the ballet "Giselle". I always prefer "The Nutcracker" and "Swan Lake", the two very famous ballets worldwide. Those two are the equivalent of operas whereas "Giselle" to me is the equivalent of an operatta, the former on a bigger scale and the latter on a smaller scale.

But still, it is a good ballet performance. Hence we went to watch it on the last day of its run. And it exceeded my expectations! I find it even better than "Swan Lake" and "The Nutcracker"! Even though it is a ballet performance, the dancers danced a story. One can even feel all the emotions of love lost, hurt, betrayal and fear.

Giselle is the story of this peasant girl, whose mother made wine. It was summer and the whole village was off to the vineyards to pick grapes for making wine. In comes this Count who disguised himself as a peasant. He fell in love with Giselle and she reciprocated his feelings too.

Giselle had a suitor who was jealous of the newcomer. One day, he accidentally stumbled upon the sword of the Count, bearing the royal crest and went to expose his identity. The Count himself was already engaged to a lady of nobility, who came to the village looking for him. Giselle was heart-broken when she found out and died of a broken heart.

The next scene showed the poor villager at Giselle's grave. It was late at night and he was afraid of the ghosts. There was a saying in the village that when a girl died of a broken heart, her spirit would come back as a vengeful ghost. At this part, the ballerinas were able to just tiptoe and pointe around. Amazing! I always wondered how they managed to balance without falling?

All the spirits came out to dance. The Count, remorseful, went to cry at Giselle's grave. She had become a spirit. But their love was so strong that none of the spirits could touch him, so the Count and the spirit of Giselle danced together.

Morning came and the spirits had to go. Giselle had no choice but to bid her lover a tearful goodbye. Hence ended the ballet on a touching note.

The Singapore Dance Theatre outdid themselves again! I am sure going to support more of their productions! Now I only hope the next upcoming one will be just as good!

Up In The Air

This was also supposed to be up last week but between writing my talks, studies, work and lesson planning, I am falling behind in a lot of things.

In any case, this is a good show on its own. It is not a comedy nor a romance. It is also not exactly drama too. It is about how a high-flying single man who aims to earn ten million flying miles. In the process he cut himself away from his family, becomes self-centred and just wants to be a loner.

Because of the people he meets on his journeys, he starts to discover more of himself and what he wants. Due to this he realises there are other people besides himself in the world. He starts to help others for a change.

The last part of the show is quite inspiring. The whole movie is like a one man's journey of self-discovery. Pretty refreshing!

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An Alternative Wonderland

This was supposed to be up last week but I had been busy hence did not really pen it down. I had been looking forward to watching the show "Alice In Wonderland" ever since I came across the posters last year. Plus it is by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp, so it would be a show not to be missed.

So we went to catch it last week. And I was not disappointed. Granted the storyline deviates from the book, but which film adaptation actually follows the book? The screen writers always have to either summarize or dramatise some scenes and change the ending.

The show is on a young adult Alice who went back to Wonderland. She had forgotten her childhood dream and fantasy but her friends in Wonderland had not forgotten her.

Of course there are the characters of the White Rabbit, Dormouse, March Hare, Blue Caterpillar smoking, Tweedledee and Tweedledum, the Queen of Hearts (the Red Queen) with "Off with their heads", the Knave of Hearts and the frog footmen who stole the Queen's tarts.

And there is the croquet playing with a flamingo and a hedgehog. As well as the tea that makes you smaller and the cake that makes you bigger. And the Jabberwocky.

And of course, there is the Mad Hatter with the Mad Tea Party. The Hatter really stole the show! Only Johnny Depp can play this kind of roles! Somehow he just plays them to perfection! One can never imagine anyone else playing the kind of roles he played!

In short, even though the story deviates a bit, this is a very good adaptation of a classic tale loved by children and adults everywhere. Really worth watching!

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Third Presenter's Meeting

So the final workshopping has concluded and everyone is ready for the weekend (I hope!). I must say I am excited yet nervous about the upcoming weekend. What if I fumble?

The session just now was great but solemn. We had a final run through of some of the talks, then there was mass. Normally before every weekend there would be a pre-weekend mass but so far none of the priests were free hence the workshoppers only did a prayer. This time round, it was the first time there actually was a mass.

So that is it! About three more days to the weekend! I hope and pray that everything is well!

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The Stations Of The Cross

I was supposed to conduct the lesson on the Stations of the Cross today, but since I myself know nothing much about it, one of my fellow cathechists conducted the lesson on my behalf.

I never really know much about the Stations of the Cross except one Good Friday mass where we had to kneel many times. After that I was informed that the Stations of the Cross are the long steps Jesus took while carrying the cross before He was finally crucified on the hill.

But it was only these few days when I was researching on how to conduct the lesson that I start to really understand why the Stations are so important especially during Lent and Good Friday.

From the time Jesus was condemned to die, to when Veronica helped him, to Simon helping him, all the way until he was crucified, there were seventeen stations.

Every Lenten season and Good Friday, the priests and altar boys will do the Stations of the Cross every step of the way from the entrance to the altar without faltering.

I never really know the symbolism until now! This is the most solemn part of the entire Lent and Good Friday! This Good Friday, I am going to reflect on the full message and actually pay attention to the Stations of the Cross instead of feeling impatient over the long mass!

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Second Presenter's Meeting

I had the second workshopping last night. We made quite a lot of progress. Our talks are essentially done, with just the last workshopping and pre-weekend mass on Tuesday, and everything is set for the weekend next week!

Last week at the first workshopping, I did one talk which I was asked to convert to another topic. So I did that and last night, I gave my amended talk. After the feedback I need to edit my talk again.

I also did two more talks. It was really a great enriching experience learning from the more seasoned presenters. I am sure looking forward to the weekend!

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Working On A New Project

I was supposed to update this space earlier but was caught up with so many things this week. It is audit season again and everyone is on their toes at work.

Then I have to re-write my talks for the presentation. Not only that, I was nursing a body ache for the week.

And also, I am in the midst of a little project of my own, which is almost done and which I will disclose later on.

In any case, I foresee a great weekend ahead. More posts will come soon, that I promise.

Meanwhile enjoy your weekend!

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The Glass I Want

For those of you who have asked what kind of glass I am looking for, here it is! It looks like a classic simple kind of glass, but it is so hard to find! So far I can only see it in some restaurants and hotels where they serve water and juice in, or in television commercials for milk and juice.

This is the kind of glass I like - the classic kind, tall, slim and quaint! Not too broad and not too small!

Branded ... Or Not?

Some guys I know gripe about girls being too brand conscious and deem them as "high maintenance" and not a good "wife material".

What exactly is a good "wife material" anyway? Someone demure and soft-spoken who lets the guy do anything he pleases? What makes anyone think that a more intelligent, capable girl who stands firm to her beliefs and speaks her mind will not be a good wife?

Besides, if a man can spend thousands just on a camera and more on lens, why kick up a fuss when a woman spends a few hundred on bags, shoes, clothes and makeup? If the woman is able to afford it, why the issue?

Personally, I do not really care for brands. Of course I do have a few branded products like a Prada bag, Prada wallet, Levis jeans and several pairs of branded sunglasses.

But I do not nor can afford to buy branded products all the time. That is not to say I shun them though. In certain aspects, the brands do speak. Yes, a Louis Vuitton costs a bomb but the original workmanship and details are far more superior than a cheap knock-off. You buy one original it can practically last you for a lifetime.

That does not apply to cosmetics though. Contrary to what many think, the more expensive the brand is, it does not mean the products are necessarily better.

I have used common brands like Maybelline, ZA, Loreal and Revlon, as well as upmarket brands like Estee Lauder, Lancome and Clinique. My first choice? Still Maybelline, followed by ZA.

I may be biased but I base my judgement on lipsticks, lipglosses, mascaras and face powder - products I use the most. My lips tend to be dry so the lip products should not cause them to be parched.

My lashes are short so the mascara should really curl the lashes and not smudge the eyelids even after using an eyelash curler. And I have quite a unique skin colour tone so the powder cannot be too dark nor light.

So far after trying on the various brands, Maybelline lip products and mascaras still win hands down! The lipsticks and lipglosses actually moisturise my lips and keep them supple and glossy.

The mascara does not clump or smudge yet make my lashes fuller and more sultry. ZA's face powder is the only one that actually fades into my skin.

In comparison, the lip products of the upmarket brands tend to be drying, sometimes even causing my lips to be parched. The mascaras clump and smudge.

The face powders are a shade too light and make me look like a ghost sometimes. So who says the more expensive the better?

One thing which I will not spend so much on is shoes. Face it, when you put them on your feet, does anyone actually notice? Does anyone even know you are wearing a seven-hundred dollar pair of Ferragamos or a fifty-dollar pair of Charles and Keith? If you wear them often, they are going to be worn out quickly and then you have to replace them every few months.

That is not to say I just buy shoes off the shelf like that. I do believe in quality and comfort especially since I will be walking in them. So my shoes have to be fitting, round tip and open toe.

My feet are broad hence I cannot wear any pointy tipped shoes. My toes tend to clump together causing discomfort and blisters hence I cannot wear anything close toe. Thus all pointy tipped pumps are out.

Which is why my shoes are always open toe ones. Plus my feet are small so it is even harder to find the perfect pair of shoes. At times you find the perfect pair but the colour and price may not suit you.

Still I do have a few brands I like. Hush Puppies and Charles and Keith are my favourites. The shoes are nice, comfortable and not that pricey. For sports Nike is always the best. One should not save on sports shoes as the right pair does make a difference when you are running around or exercising.

For travelling and outdoor, Timberland boots are the best. Yes they cost a bit but they last a long time and can withstand rain, snow, sand, in short, all weathers. Get a good pair and you need not get another for the next decade.

Still that is not to say I do not like branded products. Like a typical girl, I do enjoy the occassionally indulgence. If you are in the mood and it is within your means, why not? Everyone deserves to pamper themselves once in a while.

So I, too, hope to own a Louis Vuitton or Coach or Kate Spade or Gucci bag or wallet one day, as well as Ferragamo or Jimmy Choo shoes. And yes, Tiffany diamond jewellery and a Vera Wang gown as well!

The Great Cycling Challenge

I have never woken up so early on a Sunday, or any other day at that! But today was an exception. It was the day which I had been training so hard for for the past three months. After all the falling, bumping, wobbling and coaching, I thought finally I was ready.

I woke up at four in the morning just to catch the transport at five. When we reached the destination, due to road closure, the coach dropped us off at the expressway and we had to unload the bikes and cycled in.

Despite the crowd of people, I managed to cycle in fuss-free. We took the coach at five in the morning and it reached around half past five, just nice for those taking the forty kilometres to get ready. My event started at half past seven, so we sat down somewhere to relax.

Around half past six, I did a trial run and found my bicycle wobbly. How could it be again? So we brought it to the repair counter where they removed the basket and tightened the screw on my handle (again!).

By seven we were already at the starting point. We were one of the earlier ones to be at the starting point. I sat on my bicycle and balanced it without my hands and it was alright.

Five minutes to flag off, we got into position. The moment we were told to go, everyone started pedaling. I was able to cruise around without a glitch too.

Then it happened. Just past the starting point, the confounded handle finally gave way and the bicycle went in all directions! I swerved left and right and almost collided with the people around me! I expect they must have cursed and swore at me!

I am no professional hence I cannot cycle without the handle. Thus I have to drop out before I even kind of started. What a bummer!

Later on when I examined my bicycle, I notice that where everyone else's bicycles are able to stand horizontal (with just a bit movement of the handle), my bicycle actually stood at ninety degrees! For some reason, the handle just cannot remain straight! That explains the constant wobbliness!

Oh well, there is always next year. Hope I will do better next time round!

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Through A Glass Darkly

I am not referring to a book but a kind of glass. I have been fascinated with that kind of glass since I was very young but my parents use only mugs and not glasses.

What kind of glass? Contrary to what some think, it is not any special or limited edition kind of glass. It is just a normal glass. You know those kind of glasses always featured in picture books to teach children the alphabet?

That is the kind of glass I am looking for. Ever since as far back as I could remember, I have seen those kind of glasses being used in television commercials for milk and orange juice advertisements. Drama serials also use those kind of glasses in restaurant scenes for water and juice.

A few years back, I finally found it in a department store. I was so excited! Instead of buying a whole set like most people, I bought just one.

I was so happy! I thought at last, I could finally own that glass where I can drink milk or orange juice in. Unfortunately my grandma used it to drink water the next day and it slipped out of her hands and broke just like that.

What a heartache! Just when I finally found the kind of glass I was looking for, it broke before I even used it! I had been fascinated with that kind of glass for a long time yet I never had the chance to use it!

Now I am still in search of that glass. I have yet to find the perfect glass. But I am not despairing as I believe it can be found one day! And when that happens, no one else but myself can use it!

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Cycling Dry Run

I did it! I actually cycled halfway round the beach without once falling! I am still not comfortable handling steep slopes but at least I could cycle on the road without much glitches!

Today I decided to rent a bicycle instead. Ironically the rental bicycle is even easier to handle and cycle than the one I have! I actually cycled without much wobbling!

We actually wanted to cycle to Marina Barrage but the route was closed so we turned back. We had to pass by an overhead bridge which I got down and pushed the bicycle along.

Along the way we saw some cyclists already testing out the route. One round to Marina Barrage and back, I already feel my legs giving way. I was so afraid of my legs getting numb and me flying off the bicycle again!

Luckily everything went smoothly. There was no flying off the bicycle, no falling, no imbalance, no accident. It was unbelievably smooth, especially for someone like me.

Now I am paying the price - numb legs and cramps! Hopefully I will be able to handle twenty kilometres tomorrow! Just one more day!

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First Presenters' Meeting

I went for the first meeting of the presenters last night. I wrote a few talks prior to the meeting. During the meeting I heard the more experienced presenters presenting their talks and again felt touched by their stories.

Incidentally I would be presenting with most of the presenters during my own weekend, which means I would have heard most of their talks already, yet when they were sharing last night, I still felt touched and inspired.

When my turn came to share, I read out from what I wrote. As expected, my talk was a bit too long. I exceeded the stipulated time of five minutes by two minutes.

The feedback was that it was a good sharing but I could cut down on what was not essential and elaborate more on what was essential. Then I was told to convert it to another talk as it seemed more relevant to the other talk.

There will be another workshopping session next week. I need to revamp and edit my talk to make it more relevant to the topic at hand. I am sure learning a lot and hopefully I can be a full-fledged presenter after this!

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Two More Days ...

I am so nervous! It is just less than two days to the big cycling event - the OCBC Cycling Challenge 2010! I would be doing a twenty kilometre Community Ride. That was why I had to do an intensive training not just to build up my stamina but also to ensure I stop wobbling!

I just went to collect the kit consisting of a T-shirt and bib with my number and my coupon for transport. So I am now keeping my fingers crossed that I can survive!

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In Death ....

After a hiatus of two months, I finally went back to the normal mid-week Prayer Meet last night. The topic was quite solemn, on death and my attitude towards it. In my more depressed and emotional state in the past, there were times when I did contemplate ending all.

I remember when my first relationship ended, I was totally devastated. Despite the relationship being full of unhappiness and quarrels and that guy brought me on a roller-coaster ride all the time, still, I thought it was due to my own (un)doing that it ended. Hence I went home and tried to attempt suicide by trying to cut my wrist with – of all things! – a butter knife.

Through the years and many emotional roller-coasters later (some I did contemplate ending all), I now view death as a given. Everyone dies someday. It is only a matter of when. When your time is up, even a sneeze can cause your death. Similarly when your time is not up, even a road accident you can emerge unscathed.

I have witnessed two close cousins dying. One died at the age of fourteen after she choked on a fishbone, triggering a massive asthmatic attack. Another contracted leukaemia at the age of seven and died at the age of ten, after two remissions. Years later, I wrote a short story dedicated to her memory.

I have also witnessed the death of my late music teacher - someone I truly respected and looked up to. She passed away at the age of thirty-seven from colon cancer after battling it for two years, leaving behind a ten-year-old daughter (then).

At the risk of sounding morbid, sometimes I wonder, how will I be like when I die? Or rather, how shall I die? Judging from my family history, I think I will live a long long life. After all, both my grandmas are still alive even though they are already in their nineties. They suffer the same frailty and whatnot for old folks, but other than that, they are not bed-ridden or incontinence and do not really require special care.

So I suspect I will probably live a long life. Perhaps I can actually get to be a centenarian? But then again, do I really want to live a long life? What can I do if I live a long life? I started working at the age of twenty-three. If I retire at the age of sixty-five, I would have worked forty-two years.

Would I have made enough to live on for retirement by then? With the rate of inflation and living standards plus the constant salary, it is hard to really make ends meet, let alone have substantial savings. If I live on for forty more years after retirement, what then? What exactly am I going to live on? I can keep myself busy doing things, but if I do not generate any income, what exactly can I live on?

Let’s say even if I have kids. I do not expect my kids to support me. They themselves would have their own lives. And at the rate I am going, perhaps my children would have just graduated by the time I retire. So how can I then expect them to feed me? They would also need to settle down and support their own families next time. I should not be a burden to my younger generation.

Hence I do not think I want to live a long life. It would be enough to just see my children grow up and have their own lives, have their own kids. By then I would probably be in my seventies or eighties. I can pass away in peace and bliss.

What I am really worried about is illness. If I get sick, then it will be financially heavy to cure me. If I fall down and get bed-ridden, it will be a big burden on family members to take care of me. So I hope to be as strong as my paternal grandma, that can still walk about and go about her life healthily even at a ripe old age, although I would not want to live that long!

Attending A Creative Writing Workshop

Courtesy of my school, I will be attending a Creative Writing Workshop this Saturday. This is not the same as the Academic Writing Workshop which I attended some years back. This will be conducted by a real published writer, and she will be giving tips on grammar, writing style and where to publish.

The topics covered will include :

• the writer and writing traditions
• the writer and the writing process
• the main genres of creative writing
• the current landscape of creative writing
• where to get your work published
• preparing a manuscript for submission
• agent or no agent?
• working with editors and publishers

Hopefully after this workshop I may just get my collection of short stories published! ;-)

The Cooking Book

I found another "treasure" yesterday! After I saw this cookbook of all cookbooks at a friend's place, I have been wanting to get my hands on it. This is the absolute bible for cooking beginners. Every recipe is illustrated, ie there is a picture of every ingredient used, how the dishes turn out, and it comes equipped with a shopping list stating how many servings in how much quantity of ingredients, as well as a DVD on cooking demonstration!

What can be better than that - a cookbook with practical instructions and detailed pictures so you can never get the overall output wrong? I cannot wait to try out the French Onion Soup recipe and compare it to that one in the Le Cordon Bleu cookbook I have!

Here are some samples of recipes from the pages.