As the day to my departure is drawing near, I am spending more time traveling and eating around Singapore when I should be doing more appropriate tasks like buying air tickets and packing my luggage.
For the past few days, (apart from the time spent gaming) I have been behaving like a tourist in my own country, exploring places that I have never/rarely been to, and savouring local delights. I have been eating food such as Bo Bo Cha Cha, Kaya Toast (fyi kaya is not widely available abroad and I had several failed attempts trying to make kaya. They always end up as some extremely sweet and pandan tasting omellete), Tea Eggs aka 茶叶蛋, roasted duck with roasted meat and char siew in chicken rice 烧鸭烧肉叉烧油饭 (darn sinful)，dim sum etc etc. I am so gonna undergo a metamorphosis and become a fat blob.
And I think the situation is gonna be even worse when I return to Singapore for holidays. I heard from my friend that one is capable of putting on 8kg in an academic semester while residing in Australia because the food portion is really huge. Hmms ... I'm so gonna be a big ball of fats when I return for holidays!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Wonderful Day
Today is a happy day for me. The happiest day in i-don't-know-how-long. I did many things that I had wanted to do but was either too busy or procrastinating.
Finally, after more than two decades of my life, I flew a kite for the very first time. Thinking that $38 was a rather reasonable price, I bought one of the biggest kite being sold in the shop, only to find out that the price does not include the string. In the end, I had to pay an additional $13 so that I can control my kite. =.='
I was lucky to have my kite up and flying on my first attempt, especially when I witness how other kite flyers experienced difficulties in flying their kites. I was really proud to see my kite flying up high and standing out from the rest.
For a moment, as I stared at the kite, I felt as though I was the owner of a Japanese restaurant selling food like Takoyaki, as my kite was in the shape of a fish that is commonly hung outside Japanese restaurants. Hahs.
When we were packing up to leave, I saw three kites flying above the sky garden at Marina IR. I was filled with envy and wished I could fly a kite at the sky garden too! It was upon closer scrutinisation did I realise that they were parachuters performing for the NDP rehearsal. *woops*
Then, came an announcement from the management of Marina Barrage. Visitors are told to ceased any kite flying activities as they might affect the certain performances (like low flying aircraft) that is ongoing NDP rehearsal at Padang. Thankfully we kept the kite earlier than most people. Otherwise, I can forsee the string of my kite being entangled with many others.
Subsequently, we went over to Resorts World for the very first time. We even visited Universal Studio and had fun. The only part I dislike was the lack of sign posts. When we first entered the building, we had problems finding our way around. It was only through some exploring did we managed to find the intended destination. Lesson learnt: When in doubt, always follow the crowd. Hahs.
All in all, the day was fun-filled and it ended earlier than I had expected. Not that I'm complaining, but I guess we were all tired as we started the day early and it was fully packed with activties.
I'm glad that I managed to complete some of the things on my wish list before I leave for Australia. I hope by doing so, I can alleviate some of the home-sickness I may experience when I'm alone in in kangaroo land; by thinking and reminising the wonderful times I had.
P.S: If you happen to read my blog, I will like to thank you for ferrying me around, planning and spending an entire day with me. I had an enjoyable time =)
Finally, after more than two decades of my life, I flew a kite for the very first time. Thinking that $38 was a rather reasonable price, I bought one of the biggest kite being sold in the shop, only to find out that the price does not include the string. In the end, I had to pay an additional $13 so that I can control my kite. =.='
I was lucky to have my kite up and flying on my first attempt, especially when I witness how other kite flyers experienced difficulties in flying their kites. I was really proud to see my kite flying up high and standing out from the rest.
For a moment, as I stared at the kite, I felt as though I was the owner of a Japanese restaurant selling food like Takoyaki, as my kite was in the shape of a fish that is commonly hung outside Japanese restaurants. Hahs.
When we were packing up to leave, I saw three kites flying above the sky garden at Marina IR. I was filled with envy and wished I could fly a kite at the sky garden too! It was upon closer scrutinisation did I realise that they were parachuters performing for the NDP rehearsal. *woops*
Then, came an announcement from the management of Marina Barrage. Visitors are told to ceased any kite flying activities as they might affect the certain performances (like low flying aircraft) that is ongoing NDP rehearsal at Padang. Thankfully we kept the kite earlier than most people. Otherwise, I can forsee the string of my kite being entangled with many others.
Subsequently, we went over to Resorts World for the very first time. We even visited Universal Studio and had fun. The only part I dislike was the lack of sign posts. When we first entered the building, we had problems finding our way around. It was only through some exploring did we managed to find the intended destination. Lesson learnt: When in doubt, always follow the crowd. Hahs.
All in all, the day was fun-filled and it ended earlier than I had expected. Not that I'm complaining, but I guess we were all tired as we started the day early and it was fully packed with activties.
I'm glad that I managed to complete some of the things on my wish list before I leave for Australia. I hope by doing so, I can alleviate some of the home-sickness I may experience when I'm alone in in kangaroo land; by thinking and reminising the wonderful times I had.
P.S: If you happen to read my blog, I will like to thank you for ferrying me around, planning and spending an entire day with me. I had an enjoyable time =)
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Books
I think it will be good to consolidate the books that I have read, are reading and plan to read. Gives me a rough idea if I am reading sufficiently and erm, keep track on the books I have purchased. *grins sheepishly*
Books that I have Read
How Starbucks saved my life
(I seriously can't remember most of them. I gotta go ransack my storage boxes and bookshelves)
Books that I am Reading
Poorly Made in China
三十六计
Books that I plan to Read
孙子兵法
Foods that Harm, Foods that Heal
Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover's Soul
The Doctor's Book of Home Remedies
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV (DSM-TR-IV)
Textbooks that I have (somewhat) Read
Books that I have Read
How Starbucks saved my life
(I seriously can't remember most of them. I gotta go ransack my storage boxes and bookshelves)
Books that I am Reading
Poorly Made in China
三十六计
Books that I plan to Read
孙子兵法
Foods that Harm, Foods that Heal
Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover's Soul
The Doctor's Book of Home Remedies
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV (DSM-TR-IV)
Textbooks that I have (somewhat) Read
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Instincts
Call it a girls/lady's instincts or sixth sense. I was right to trust it. It rarely lets me down. The only times it let me down was when I decide to be objective and critical, using my supposedly intelligence to make decisions.
Thus, like my mum used to say, always trust a girl's instincts.
Thus, like my mum used to say, always trust a girl's instincts.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Drunk and Suicide
When approaching the carpark below my block, my father's car was hindered by a taxi which blocked our entrance. He called out for my sister who came to help me unload the luggages. Through the wind screen, I could see that they had a rather intense conversation and I was clueless (and very curious) about what was happening.
My father decided to check it out and he gestured for me to walk towards him. Then, I realised a lady who dressed like an OL (Office Lady), half sitting and half lying on the floor of the carpark. She spoke incoherently, looked aimlessly into the space and was full of tears. Her breath smelled of Whiskey. It was obvious she was drunk. Not exactly dead drunk, as she managed to direct the taxi driver back to her house and paid him the cab fare.
The taxi driver had asked my sister for help. He wanted to help the lady up on her feet but was afraid that his act of kindness will be misunderstood and subsequently being accused of outraging her modesty. Thus, he asked my sister for help. However, my sister was rather petite in size and the lady was reluctant to stand up; she used all her might and force herself to sit down on the floor. With the help of my mother and another passerby (a rather well toned young lady in her twenties), we managed to help her up on her feet and walked/dragged her in to the void deck of my block.
We had no idea where she stayed and she was unwilling to go home. She kept mumbling the following sentences repetitively "Don't call my mummy", "I don't wanna go home", "Who are you", "Don't let my mother know". During this span of time, attempted to sit down several times, cried really miserably and she tripped over her 3 inches high heel shoes. The other kind Samaritan wanted to remove her shoes for the drunk lady for fear of falling down and sustaining any injuries, but she was kind of sober enough to say "I want to wear my shoes" and insisted on doing so.
Despite her being in a state of drunkard, she held on extremely tightly onto her handbag and handphone. We had no idea where she stayed and she certainly does not look like a familiar face in this estate. For a moment, we wondered if she was heading to the right direction/house. I had wanted to call her family members but she did not want to hand over her phone. In the end, I managed to unzip her handbag and take out her wallet to look for her IC. She is a new resident who has just moved in to our block of flats. I rushed up to her unit, pressing the doorbell and knocking on door consecutively and continuously. I was afraid that her family members will be reluctant to open the door for fear of danger.
Thankfully, after a minute or two her mother opened the door and I told her exactly what happened. She told me to help keep an eye on her daughter while she went back home to change and grab her personal items. Meanwhile, my sister and father went to unload the luggages from the car, which was parked in an awkward position. My mother and the kind Samaritan continued to hold onto the drunk lady.
When her mother saw her drunk daughter, she hurried over to help her up and with my help, walked her daughter back to their unit. In the lift, she did not show any signs of negative expression such as reprimanding, nagging or sighing. I wondered if she was used to such situations. She asked with great concern if she was injured, comforted her and told her not to cry. I told her mother to watch out for any injuries that she might sustained after she alighted from the taxi; she knocked her head against the lift, fell hard on the ground, fell from her heels etc. The girl looked really depressed or maybe even disheartened about something. After sending them back to their doorstep, I wondered how they were coping.
When my parents went down to feed the stray cats two hours later, they saw an ambulance downstairs and the paramedic went up the lift for a good 20 minutes. Out came a lady on the stretcher with her wrist wrapped thickly with gauze and bandages. It seems like the lady had slitted her wrists and in an attempt to commit suicide. That lady was the very same lady we helped two hours ago. She probably put up a struggle to be treated/saved by the paramedics, which explained why the paramedics spent 20 minutes trying to get her onto the ambulance even though she lived on the lower levels. (20 minutes is rather long given the fact that paramedics work rather quickly and efficiently based on previous experiences where I get to witness them rescuing people at traffic accidents). Her mother held onto her tightly while running beside the stretcher as the paramedics pushed it quickly towards the ambulance. She did not stop crying and wailing during this period of time. My parents said it sounds really saddening.
My heart really sank when I heard the siren of the ambulance. I was really worried about her and how her mother would cope, especially when it seems like they are the only ones living in that house. I had the impression that they "相依为命", meaning they only have each other for companion and love in life.
I wonder if I will end up like this one day.
If something similar happens to my love ones, what should I do? How shall I cope?
My father decided to check it out and he gestured for me to walk towards him. Then, I realised a lady who dressed like an OL (Office Lady), half sitting and half lying on the floor of the carpark. She spoke incoherently, looked aimlessly into the space and was full of tears. Her breath smelled of Whiskey. It was obvious she was drunk. Not exactly dead drunk, as she managed to direct the taxi driver back to her house and paid him the cab fare.
The taxi driver had asked my sister for help. He wanted to help the lady up on her feet but was afraid that his act of kindness will be misunderstood and subsequently being accused of outraging her modesty. Thus, he asked my sister for help. However, my sister was rather petite in size and the lady was reluctant to stand up; she used all her might and force herself to sit down on the floor. With the help of my mother and another passerby (a rather well toned young lady in her twenties), we managed to help her up on her feet and walked/dragged her in to the void deck of my block.
We had no idea where she stayed and she was unwilling to go home. She kept mumbling the following sentences repetitively "Don't call my mummy", "I don't wanna go home", "Who are you", "Don't let my mother know". During this span of time, attempted to sit down several times, cried really miserably and she tripped over her 3 inches high heel shoes. The other kind Samaritan wanted to remove her shoes for the drunk lady for fear of falling down and sustaining any injuries, but she was kind of sober enough to say "I want to wear my shoes" and insisted on doing so.
Despite her being in a state of drunkard, she held on extremely tightly onto her handbag and handphone. We had no idea where she stayed and she certainly does not look like a familiar face in this estate. For a moment, we wondered if she was heading to the right direction/house. I had wanted to call her family members but she did not want to hand over her phone. In the end, I managed to unzip her handbag and take out her wallet to look for her IC. She is a new resident who has just moved in to our block of flats. I rushed up to her unit, pressing the doorbell and knocking on door consecutively and continuously. I was afraid that her family members will be reluctant to open the door for fear of danger.
Thankfully, after a minute or two her mother opened the door and I told her exactly what happened. She told me to help keep an eye on her daughter while she went back home to change and grab her personal items. Meanwhile, my sister and father went to unload the luggages from the car, which was parked in an awkward position. My mother and the kind Samaritan continued to hold onto the drunk lady.
When her mother saw her drunk daughter, she hurried over to help her up and with my help, walked her daughter back to their unit. In the lift, she did not show any signs of negative expression such as reprimanding, nagging or sighing. I wondered if she was used to such situations. She asked with great concern if she was injured, comforted her and told her not to cry. I told her mother to watch out for any injuries that she might sustained after she alighted from the taxi; she knocked her head against the lift, fell hard on the ground, fell from her heels etc. The girl looked really depressed or maybe even disheartened about something. After sending them back to their doorstep, I wondered how they were coping.
When my parents went down to feed the stray cats two hours later, they saw an ambulance downstairs and the paramedic went up the lift for a good 20 minutes. Out came a lady on the stretcher with her wrist wrapped thickly with gauze and bandages. It seems like the lady had slitted her wrists and in an attempt to commit suicide. That lady was the very same lady we helped two hours ago. She probably put up a struggle to be treated/saved by the paramedics, which explained why the paramedics spent 20 minutes trying to get her onto the ambulance even though she lived on the lower levels. (20 minutes is rather long given the fact that paramedics work rather quickly and efficiently based on previous experiences where I get to witness them rescuing people at traffic accidents). Her mother held onto her tightly while running beside the stretcher as the paramedics pushed it quickly towards the ambulance. She did not stop crying and wailing during this period of time. My parents said it sounds really saddening.
My heart really sank when I heard the siren of the ambulance. I was really worried about her and how her mother would cope, especially when it seems like they are the only ones living in that house. I had the impression that they "相依为命", meaning they only have each other for companion and love in life.
I wonder if I will end up like this one day.
If something similar happens to my love ones, what should I do? How shall I cope?
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