Friday, September 18, 2009

Modern fairy tales

Conversation with my 4 years old niece

Me: What are you cooking?
Niece: I'm a princess.
Me: Oh I see.
Niece: I'm a princess so I don't cook. (in a very firm tone)
Niece points to a slightly older boy who was playing with her.
Niece: He's a King.
Boy: ....
Niece: He's a King so he cooks for the princess.
Boy: ?????

hehehehehe! Now who says children aren't smart.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

National Day- The Pledge

Every year, the government tries very hard to drum up the patriotic factor around this period. When I start hearing 'national songs' on the radio, I know it's that time of the already. Somehow though, like Xmas celebrations, I get the impression that it seems to start earlier and earlier each year.

Don't get me wrong, I've got nothing against all these celebrations and I'm rather proud to be a Singaporean but errr... singing patriotic songs and putting on national color clothes like a bit much for me lor.

I did put up the flag on National Day though...at the insistence of my husband...who is not a Singaporean. But more of that later.

This year, the organisers had a brainwave-
Let's say the pledge together...where ever you may be, together with those thousands of people watching the parade. And say it at 8:22pm.

Hubby thought there was a significance to the time. Like maybe that's when MM Lee gave that momentous speech that Singapore was officially on it's own, or when Raffles stepped onto Singapore...anyway, something meaningful. He didn't believe me when I told he it's just to time it with the parade programme. Of course, the funny thing was, the pledge wasn't recited at 8:22pm at the parade. It's not just because my clock on my cable machine says so. The bells were chiming very loudly (signaling 8:22pm) but they were still singing away. Hmmm...maybe next year, if they want to do it properly, they should just give the cue for the bell to chime when the pledge reciting starts. Strange that nobody reported that the pledge did not start at exactly 8:22pm after all the hype.

Another curious fact.

They (ie, the government) want everyone to recite the pledge but hor...how many of us remember it? Let's face facts, most of us left school many light years ago and though I remember snippets of it, I honestly do not remember the whole thing. I'm getting old liao. Or maybe that shows I'm not very patriotic or Singaporean enough.

Oops!

Anyway, my point was, why didn't they print/ post / recite out on radio/ the pledge for all so that those who really, really want to say it, can do so. There are so many media nowadays to do so- post on internet (maybe the P65 blog?) Twitter? Youtube? They can even print it in the newspapers, after all SPH earns huge profit every year, taking out a one page ad to place the pledge shouldn't be too draining on them. Hubby also received an sms from his hp provider reminding him to say the pledge. But hor...how to say it if you don't know it?

I just had a brainwave- they can print out into small flyer and put into the postboxes. Then everyone will sure have a copy of the pledge and will not have the excuse that they don't remember how to say it.

Or is it illegal to print out the pledge? Hmm....

Anyway, one of the reason I noticed so much more about National Day this year is because of my girl. In previous years, there are times when I do not even watch the parade (alright, alright, don't throw stones at me). I have been involved in it before when I was a student and I really, truely appreciate all the efforts put in by the various participants. Really, but......

However this year was a little different- I had my little girl.

I was quite keen for her to get a feel of it..even though she's really more interested in nursery rhymes than the National Anthem at the moment. I guess one feels differently when one has family.

And she being the product of 2 different cultures and 2 different races, I...We want her to experience and appreciate both sides. It was the reason why my husband actually dug out the Singapore flag and asked me to put it up.

Which now leads me to the next question on my...our minds. Yeah, yeah... I very 'cheem' tonight.

Singapore doesn't allow dual passports at the moment...but hubby's country does. If this doesn't change by the time she's 18, she will be forced by the SG government to make a decision. Now I know the government's reasoning was one should make a clear stand so that in times of conflict, one will know what to do.

Besides the fact that this so-call logic doesn't hold any water, it's like asking a child to decide if she wants to be with the father or the mother even though both the parents are happily married and together. She is being forced to accept one and reject the other. With so many inter-marriages nowadays (especially with the government actively encouraging foreign talents here), it's a matter of time before they have to decide on this issue.

Will it be done before she's 18? Well, there's 17 more years to go.

Baby M waving her flag. She likes red. ^^

Friday, August 07, 2009

'Productive' emails

After not updating my blog for a such a long time, I was wondering what topic I should touch on. The easy one would of course be about 'her' (HRH, my girl), but I think I'd give it a break at the moment. So I thought I'd write something a little more interesting. The following subject may be a little 'R' rated, so read on with your own discretion.

My mailboxes (yes, I have several, as per the norm) are swamped with spam mails nowadays...I'm sure it's the same for everyone. You checked your emails in the morning after one night and they're flooded with all sorts of spam mails.

The spam mails ranged from trying to sell you some super cheap software to some hot-must-buy-now stocks from I-never-heard-before companies to some lunatics thousands of miles away trying to convince you that they would be most willing to share millions of dollars with you, with no or little strings attached. All you have to do is give them some money first. Yeah...right.

But the number one kind of spam mails are those professing to err... make one productive.

No, no, it's not work productivity related but I'm sure the government will be equally be pleased with this kind of productivity.

C'mon...you know what I'm referring to.

Those magical stuff that makes a man 'bigger' and will therefore make your girlfriend/ mistress/ wife happy. The best part of these mails are....they make it out that it's really us women who want it, and that's why the men had to have it. So, really it's not the men's fault.

Hmm.....good marketing tactic right?

The men could justify it by saying ..."but darling...I did it all for you...I did it to make you happy"

Really? I think I'd probably be happier with a 5 carat diamond ring.

To be fair to the men, there are lots of adverts everywhere touting the miracle 'it' for a huge 'bust up', so to speak for the women.

The strange thing is...whereas the adverts to bust up the bust are blatantly in the open for women...it isn't the case for men. And yet...judging by all these spam mails...there must be enough demand. I mean it's like those hundreds of irritating flyers one gets thrusted in face everywhere...it works...that's why they continue doing it. At least I'm assuming that's why I keep getting so many of these spam mails.

Now, I see a business demand here...would one of those beauty palour (that's doing good business servicing women now) open up such a service for men one of these days?

And if they do, I wonder...would men walk in to receive these beauty enhancements?

^^

Food for thought.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Mabel



It has been almost a year since my last entry. I guess many would have known the reason for my absence. Yes, it's due to the arrival of HRH above.

It has been one huge, fast learning curve, on-the-job training. And there's more to come. For the rest of my life, I will be learning how to be a good mother. The thought itself is scary. Guess best not to think about it too much and just take things as they come. Actually, I don't really have enough time to think too much. I'm racing against time all the time.

Really wish I have 三头六臂 (3 heads and 6 arms).

Of course, winning the lottery would be just as good coz then I won't have to work. haha!

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

Total bliss

DH says there are 2 types of holiday.

The first type is where you go to a place and 'see' it. So if you are going to Egypt, then of course you have to see the pyramids or if you are in Paris, then you must visit the Eiffel Tower or if you visit Beijing, then the Great Wall of China should be on the must see list.

Most Singaporeans are very likely to have this type of holiday. I guess with our fast pace living, and the government constantly drumming into us that we must be productive and learn as long as we live...we all feel the need to tick off those 'must see/ must do' places/things when we go on holiday. No doubt, our 'kiasu' nature reinforces this urge as well, otherwise we would feel that we haven't spend the money well.

There is a second type of holiday when you do absolutely nothing. And I mean really nothing...except maybe read or listen to you music on your ipod.

Many people can do this for a day or two but most would think you're mad if you 'do' this continously for 4 to 5 days.

Indeed, if you are on this type of holiday for the first time, it can be rather hard on your system. You may actually have to fight the urge to go into town, visit that famous restaurant, check out that theme park etc.

But believe me, once you have conquered that and tell yourself that chilling out is just as rewarding and refreshing....you will be surprised how quickly time passes.

Eat...sleep...read...eat...chat....sleep....

We don't have to behave like a frenzied rat when we are on holiday.


I'll have a beer please

Saturday, March 01, 2008

Spring cleaning spring love

After so many months, I thought it was time to shake the dust off this blog and start writing again.

And coincidentally, I was also doing some spring cleaning a couple of weeks back...you know...Chinese New Year. Yes, that once a year where you feel compelled to give your house a thorough cleaning, chucking out all the mess that you've accumulated for the past 360 days, though why one should suddenly feel they are junk just 5 days before Chinese New Year after having lived with them in close comfort for the past 360 days before is a puzzle to me.

Back to my story, my aunt was clearing out the cupboards and took out a couple of boxes and dumped them infront of me....telling me in no uncertain terms that I was to go through them and preferably throw them out.

I took a peek....and found that one of them contained the many letters and cards that I've kept since I was young.

If you're around my age, you would remember that once upon a time, people send out cards for all occassions and no occassions. Internet and handphone were non-existent then. Of course, in the last few years, less and less people (me included) send out cards because well....choosing, buying, writing and sending out cards take time....something which we tend to have less of nowadays (though my excuse is that I'm saving the tress ^^). But I must say cards are still special..unless they are cards from your insurance agents.

Anyway, whilst going through the box of cards and letters...I came across a very nice Valentine's Day card. Opening the card, I saw the short message written in it, telling me how it was love at first sight for him, how pretty I was and ended with a wish from him that I would be his valentine. I found a couple more cards from him...all very big, nice and mushy and all probably costing a bomb.

The cards brought a puzzled smile to my face.

A smile because it was nice to remember the days of young - of being wooed and 'chased' and 'desired'.

Puzzled because I have absolutely no recollection who 'Ian' was, which was this said admirer's name.

Now before you start thinking I had a whole army of suitors in my days of young, I assured you I didn't..though I did have a few 'ahem!' admirers (hubby..are you reading this?). But I do remember all the guys I went out with..at least their names anyway...even if I can't really remember their faces now.

But the name 'Ian' drew a blank. Zilch. Zero.

After thinking long and hard, I think I can hazard a guess who he might be, but I'm still not absolutely sure. And yet, he must have made an impact on me or I wouldn't have kept his cards all these years right? So why don't I remember him? And did I even ever go out on a date with him? If it's who I think he was, I think we had a couple of dinners or lunches or teas...

But you know what would be really interesting?

Would he remember me? Maybe not (X.. who? Never heard of her).

Many people talk about their puppy love or first love with mucht nostalgic warmth. But in reality, many do not really remember much about it. The other day, the DJs on this morning show was asking if listeners remembered their firt kiss...and guess what, most could not remember where or when (well, they have a rough time frame but no exact date).

Me? I can't even remember how it felt. Oops.

It's not that all those past relationships weren't important...they were..at that point in my life...from the first time I went out with a guy...to the first time when I fell in love...to the first time a guy broke my heart into a thousand pieces. They were all part of my life and helped to make my life interesting and what I am today BUT I am more happy and concerned about the present and now.

Sometime last year, I met up with a Korean and she told me something rather interesting. For those of you who watch Korean dramas, you would know that they are mostly filled with themes of finding first love or still being in love with the first love or something like that. Very romantic (which of course is a huge reason for it's popularity amongst women, the fact that the leading men are droolicious is a plus point of course). Anyway, I asked her out of curiousity if first love is really that important to the Koreans (since dramas tend to mirror life) and she said yes...and in fact she herself would like to find/ know about her first love. Hmmm...

I told her I have absolutely no desire to find my first love, or my second love...in fact any of my past love. Of course, if any of my past loves had looked like Bae Yong Joon or Takeshi Kaneshiro or Daniel Craig, I would be be dying to find them. But then if any of my past loves looked like any of the 3 above guys above, I would still be hanging on to them now. Wahahaha!

I prefer the present and the future...the past, whether good or bad, are great memories but I don't dwell too much on them. Because the now will become past one day and I want to enjoy it now. The fact that I can't even remember who this great admirer, Ian is, despite keeping his cards all these years is a good case in point.

Should I keep Ian's cards?

Perhaps I will keep just one...just for memories' sake....or until I can solve the mystery of just who this Ian is. ^^

Are you keeping your spring love?

Monday, September 24, 2007

Changing jobs

Recently, I received an email from an old classmate. In it, she said : "Have been bored > 50% of the time the past 7 years"...so she's quit and going to start a new job soon where she hope the word 'bored' wouldn't be part of her vocab.

2 thoughts came into me mind when I received this...

- Wow! She can quit and just pick up another job at her age? Now I'm not saying she's old (well, she's the same age as me...and I'm NOT OLD). But you read in the newspapers all these stories about 'ex' managers, executives and directors (ok, maybe not directors) who find it hard to get a 'new' job when they hit '40' (which seems to be a magical number...hmm...maybe it is...since the number '4' means die in Chinese). I mean, it's totally, totally demoralising. Doesn't help with all the government hype about 'retraining', reeducation', 're-entering'...and all the 're's you can think. In my university days, a 're' means a resit for an exams...which really isn't too good.

So, of course, most people hang to their job for their dear life. And even if you do get a job offer, you hesitate to take it up because you're not sure if it's worthwhile taking the risk. What if the company shuts down? Or you get retrenched? Or you find out that your new boss is even worse than the previous one? Better to stick with the devil you know right?

Which then leads to another question or problem...however way you look at it.

If the 'oldies' don't move out, then how are the 'newbies' going to move up?

I remember KC complaining to me years ago (when he was about 30) and had just joined a local bank. He reckoned he was never going to be able to move up the ladder becasue they were all occupied by long timers.

Now that he's in the 40's and belong to those old timers...I wonder.... will he moving out? hehe! I must check with him...or if he is reading this...(he did used to, before all the distraction came along)...give me a call and let me know. ^^

- and the 2nd point? She was bored with her previous job.

Now that again...is something quite unusual. Because most people are really probably quite bored with their job. I mean, how many people really want to 七早八早 wake up, compete with about 2 million people on the road, so that you can reach the office in time for endless meetings, answering meaningless questions. Repeat this 5 times a week and even remotely 'ok' jobs become boring. Not many people have really, really 'interesting' jobs anyway. And if they do, they probably don't get paid well...not unless you're Mr Lee Ang or Mr Dennis Foo.

So most of do not quite because a job is boring...Most of us work...so that we can have the means to do interesting stuff.

Even for me, with my flexi hours....I'm frustated at times....

That's why we all dream of winning the lottery big time. (hubby dear, if you're reading this...and I know you do...can you please work a little harder on those winning tickets? Pleazzze?)

Actually, I do want to change job too...well...not so much change job as to expand on what I'm already doing based on my interest.....

I'm seriously exploring the opportunities to do some tie-ups on my kimchiblog or even this blog...so...people....if you people have any ideas or leads...drop me a note hor.

In the meantime, it's back to the reality of selling ad space.....just in case my editor checks out this site and finds me writing when I should be selling.