Top 5 Movies Watched In 2004
1. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind [My review]
2. School of Rock [My review]
3. Kill Bill, Vol. 2 [MetaCritic]
4. The Incredibles [MetaCritic]
5. Zatoichi [My review]
Honourable mentions go out to Lost in Translation, The Barbarian Invasions, Belleville Rendez-Vous and Super Size Me. Not forgetting Malaysian film Sepet, for showing that locally produced films can be as moving as those produced in Hollywood, and Torremolinos 73 (review) for giving me the chance to proclaim, "I'm off to see a Eurotrash porn flick!" and leave the office.
Wednesday, December 29, 2004
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
The tsunami tragedy may have occurred on Sunday but it's only today that it's sinking in. Over 50,000 dead. And so close to home too, hitting places like Penang and Phuket and even as far as Somalia.
Somehow, even though Singapore is located so close to Indonesia, the epicentre of the earthquake which sparked all this off, we managed to escape unscathed. I can't help but wonder what devastation we would have suffered had a tsunami hit us. We're a tiny island after all, just over 250 square miles in area, populated with many tall buildings. We'd probably have had half our population wiped out in one fell swoop.
Help those who were affected:
Red Cross Singapore
Mercy Relief
Somehow, even though Singapore is located so close to Indonesia, the epicentre of the earthquake which sparked all this off, we managed to escape unscathed. I can't help but wonder what devastation we would have suffered had a tsunami hit us. We're a tiny island after all, just over 250 square miles in area, populated with many tall buildings. We'd probably have had half our population wiped out in one fell swoop.
Help those who were affected:
Red Cross Singapore
Mercy Relief
Sunday, December 26, 2004
There are times when I feel as if I want to indulge in something reckless... like approaching a guy on the street and getting his phone number, or grabbing a guy and snogging him while dancing... or go even further than that.
Unfortunately, I know myself far too well and acknowledge that I will thoroughly regret it the day after.
I just wish so badly sometimes that I could cast off this cloak of uptight and rigid moral standards that I adhere to and just... be completely and utterly crazy. No questions asked and no regrets.
Just the other day, as I was walking past the Meritus Mandarin on my way to Rouge, this rather attractive guy who looked as if he was helping to organise an event at the hotel caught my eye. As I walked past, both he and I made eye contact for about five seconds (about the amount of time needed for someone to realise he's caught your eye, according to Tracey Cox's Superflirt). In the end, I chose to continue on my way although even now, I rue the missed opportunity to have just walked over and struck up a conversation. Or even just smiled.
Unfortunately, I know myself far too well and acknowledge that I will thoroughly regret it the day after.
I just wish so badly sometimes that I could cast off this cloak of uptight and rigid moral standards that I adhere to and just... be completely and utterly crazy. No questions asked and no regrets.
Just the other day, as I was walking past the Meritus Mandarin on my way to Rouge, this rather attractive guy who looked as if he was helping to organise an event at the hotel caught my eye. As I walked past, both he and I made eye contact for about five seconds (about the amount of time needed for someone to realise he's caught your eye, according to Tracey Cox's Superflirt). In the end, I chose to continue on my way although even now, I rue the missed opportunity to have just walked over and struck up a conversation. Or even just smiled.
Saturday, December 25, 2004
Merry Christmas!
Yesterday, I got home from the office to find a single rose on my doorstep with a note from my ex-boyfriend telling me that in line with the Swedish tradition, I'm getting my gift on the 24th, and wishing me a Merry Christmas. I can't begin to describe how that made me feel.
Christmas Eve celebrations didn't go entirely as planned. We had a pretty sparse dinner - S. had Japanese noodles with cheese from Taka, Y. had a snack at home while I had pate on toast - before embarking on drinking proper at my place. Bacardi Oro with nicely pulpy orange juice was our choice of poison for the night. At 9.15 pm, we left to go to Zouk to get the Happy Hour priced tickets (S$25), but turns out they were sold out and we ended up paying S$38 to get in (inclusive of one drink).
Then, we chill at Wine Bar while waiting for a decent time to go into Zouk and we get a couple of Tigers while talking to S.'s significant other and his sister, S.'s colleagues and some Samoan sailors who happen to be in town for the night and are definitely looking for some action. Mind you, these sailors are gi-normous and could quite conceivably crush your head with one hand. After the beers, we go into the main room at around 10.45 pm and get on the very empty dance floor, which starts filling up soon after my gals and I start gettin' jiggy wi' it. I notice we've had that effect on other places as well, which is neat. Of course, it could be a coincidence but allow us to flatter ourselves that bit more, yes?
I had been planning to go to Midnight Mass but due to the fun I was having, as well as the alcohol I had been consuming, I decide that it's probably best for me not to go the church that night and instead go the following evening. It turns out to be a good decision on my part seeing what happened after. Now, some time after 11 pm, M. (S.'s friend) takes advantage of the Midnight Madness promotion and gets two jugs of Long Island Iced Tea, a drink which I used to think I could handle, but not anymore - not after what happened at Velvet a fortnight ago and what happened last night!
Deep Dish started spinning some time after midnight and they were pretty good... I think! At least I had a nice time, dancing with S., Y., M., E. (S.'s colleague) and some gay guys on the platform. But then, S. wanted to go home at about 12.45 am owing to the copious amounts of alcohol she had imbibed and so, being the great friends that we are, Y. and I sent her home. And seeing as my home is so near S.'s place, we went back to my place although we were both thinking, "I can't believe we left Zouk that early!" and were seriously considering heading back there, especially since M. and E. were looking for us, the latter even going as far as offering to come over and pick us up.
But, we ended up chatting, as we always do, and eating chips and grapes and then another friend, A., came over and we watched The Princess Bride before we decided to officially call it a night.
Not quite the wild and crazy Christmas Eve I had envisioned for myself, but hey, I had fun, and I may have picked up an admirer to replace the rather strange admirer who asked me out for drinks the night before and then the day after tells me that he's going for drinks with his girlfriend.
Yesterday, I got home from the office to find a single rose on my doorstep with a note from my ex-boyfriend telling me that in line with the Swedish tradition, I'm getting my gift on the 24th, and wishing me a Merry Christmas. I can't begin to describe how that made me feel.
Christmas Eve celebrations didn't go entirely as planned. We had a pretty sparse dinner - S. had Japanese noodles with cheese from Taka, Y. had a snack at home while I had pate on toast - before embarking on drinking proper at my place. Bacardi Oro with nicely pulpy orange juice was our choice of poison for the night. At 9.15 pm, we left to go to Zouk to get the Happy Hour priced tickets (S$25), but turns out they were sold out and we ended up paying S$38 to get in (inclusive of one drink).
Then, we chill at Wine Bar while waiting for a decent time to go into Zouk and we get a couple of Tigers while talking to S.'s significant other and his sister, S.'s colleagues and some Samoan sailors who happen to be in town for the night and are definitely looking for some action. Mind you, these sailors are gi-normous and could quite conceivably crush your head with one hand. After the beers, we go into the main room at around 10.45 pm and get on the very empty dance floor, which starts filling up soon after my gals and I start gettin' jiggy wi' it. I notice we've had that effect on other places as well, which is neat. Of course, it could be a coincidence but allow us to flatter ourselves that bit more, yes?
I had been planning to go to Midnight Mass but due to the fun I was having, as well as the alcohol I had been consuming, I decide that it's probably best for me not to go the church that night and instead go the following evening. It turns out to be a good decision on my part seeing what happened after. Now, some time after 11 pm, M. (S.'s friend) takes advantage of the Midnight Madness promotion and gets two jugs of Long Island Iced Tea, a drink which I used to think I could handle, but not anymore - not after what happened at Velvet a fortnight ago and what happened last night!
Deep Dish started spinning some time after midnight and they were pretty good... I think! At least I had a nice time, dancing with S., Y., M., E. (S.'s colleague) and some gay guys on the platform. But then, S. wanted to go home at about 12.45 am owing to the copious amounts of alcohol she had imbibed and so, being the great friends that we are, Y. and I sent her home. And seeing as my home is so near S.'s place, we went back to my place although we were both thinking, "I can't believe we left Zouk that early!" and were seriously considering heading back there, especially since M. and E. were looking for us, the latter even going as far as offering to come over and pick us up.
But, we ended up chatting, as we always do, and eating chips and grapes and then another friend, A., came over and we watched The Princess Bride before we decided to officially call it a night.
Not quite the wild and crazy Christmas Eve I had envisioned for myself, but hey, I had fun, and I may have picked up an admirer to replace the rather strange admirer who asked me out for drinks the night before and then the day after tells me that he's going for drinks with his girlfriend.
Thursday, December 23, 2004
I had my long-overdue performance review with my boss yesterday night. She said that I should show more enthusiasm and volunteer to take on more work. Other than that, I've been doing quite well.
I've worked late the last three days of the week. Bear in mind that this is traditionally supposed to be the slow work season, seeing as it's the festive season. And over lunch yesterday, she informed what's left of the department that not only will work not be getting any easier next year, but that we'll also be taking on additional responsibilities. Then she added that she's not sure our pay is commensurate with the amount of work we've got to do.
Given that my hourly wage is only twice that I got while working as a temp in my pre-A-Level qualification days, well, duh.
I've said it before, but now I'm putting it down in writing. If I am still in this job this time next year, I will be mightily surprised. There's so many other things I want to do, like a Masters, and work overseas while I've still got the energy to. I'm very certain I'm close to burning out.
And if indeed, I am still here, then I must have received an unexpectedly big bonus and a promotion to boot, and I know for sure that neither of those is in the works.
Can it really be just two days to Christmas?
I've worked late the last three days of the week. Bear in mind that this is traditionally supposed to be the slow work season, seeing as it's the festive season. And over lunch yesterday, she informed what's left of the department that not only will work not be getting any easier next year, but that we'll also be taking on additional responsibilities. Then she added that she's not sure our pay is commensurate with the amount of work we've got to do.
Given that my hourly wage is only twice that I got while working as a temp in my pre-A-Level qualification days, well, duh.
I've said it before, but now I'm putting it down in writing. If I am still in this job this time next year, I will be mightily surprised. There's so many other things I want to do, like a Masters, and work overseas while I've still got the energy to. I'm very certain I'm close to burning out.
And if indeed, I am still here, then I must have received an unexpectedly big bonus and a promotion to boot, and I know for sure that neither of those is in the works.
Can it really be just two days to Christmas?
Monday, December 20, 2004
I have a male friend who e-mails me everyday at about 10 am to complain that he's exceedingly hungry. I related this to my colleague who informed me that her boyfriend has the exact same strange appetite as demonstrated in this exchange:
Colleague: It's pretty late in the afternoon and we'll be eating a big dinner later. Let's just grab a light lunch.
Boyfriend: Yes, sounds good.
Colleague: So where shall we go?
Boyfriend: Lawry's.
For those not in the know, Lawry's is one of the restaurants for steak and prime ribs in Singapore. And for the record, her boyfriend ate a steak and a roast beef sandwich. And yes, he finished off dinner that night too.
Men.
Colleague: It's pretty late in the afternoon and we'll be eating a big dinner later. Let's just grab a light lunch.
Boyfriend: Yes, sounds good.
Colleague: So where shall we go?
Boyfriend: Lawry's.
For those not in the know, Lawry's is one of the restaurants for steak and prime ribs in Singapore. And for the record, her boyfriend ate a steak and a roast beef sandwich. And yes, he finished off dinner that night too.
Men.
Sunday, December 19, 2004
'Paris syndrome' leaves Japanese blighted
Independent Online
December 14 2004
More than a 100 expatriates a year are sinking into a state called "the Paris syndrome" which is characterised by feelings of persecution or suicidal tendencies, according to the mental health facilities of city hospitals.
Part of their clinical depression stems from having to reconcile their romanticism about Paris with reality, psychiatrists said.
"Magazines are fuelling fantasies with the Japanese, who think there are models everywhere and the women dress entirely in (Louis) Vuitton," Mario Renoux, the head of a French Japanese Society for Medecine was quoted as saying.
After a relatively short period of only three months or so, Japanese immigrants expecting to find a haven of civilisation and elegance instead discover a tougher existence with many problems dealing with the French.
"They make fun of my French and my expressions", "they don't like me" and "I feel ridiculous in front of them" are common refrains heard by the doctors.
The remainder of the article can be found here.
Independent Online
December 14 2004
More than a 100 expatriates a year are sinking into a state called "the Paris syndrome" which is characterised by feelings of persecution or suicidal tendencies, according to the mental health facilities of city hospitals.
Part of their clinical depression stems from having to reconcile their romanticism about Paris with reality, psychiatrists said.
"Magazines are fuelling fantasies with the Japanese, who think there are models everywhere and the women dress entirely in (Louis) Vuitton," Mario Renoux, the head of a French Japanese Society for Medecine was quoted as saying.
After a relatively short period of only three months or so, Japanese immigrants expecting to find a haven of civilisation and elegance instead discover a tougher existence with many problems dealing with the French.
"They make fun of my French and my expressions", "they don't like me" and "I feel ridiculous in front of them" are common refrains heard by the doctors.
The remainder of the article can be found here.
Saturday, December 18, 2004
On Thursday night, in spite of my antisocial inclinations (which seem to have increased ever since my birthday week), I decided to go meet some friends who wanted to check out Rouge for the first time. It's situated in Peranakan Place above Alley Bar, a lovely bar where more than a few yuppies from my company go to chill, and where a DJ from Hotel Costes will be spinning for Christmas Eve. Tempting, tempting.
Now, that night's theme happened to be Supafly... essentially, a hip hop night. Given that it was a weeknight, the crowd looked understandably young. This turned out to horrify one of the gang, who beat a hasty retreat and went back home. As I was on leave on Friday, I wasn't permitted that same luxury, and instead stayed with a friend, a gay acquaintance (we're more of the "hi-and-bye" variety of friends) and the acquaintance's Taiwanese friend who spoke only in Mandarin. Needless to say, other than introducing myself to the latter, I didn't speak to him the entire night.
Strangely enough, my antisocial behaviour turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as said Taiwanese guy turned out to be a worse-than-ah-beng guy when it came to dancing. He was flexible, yes, but not graceful. It really is something to be seen to be believed. Also, while he was enthusiastic, he was screaming "woo woo woo!" all the time, which to me, is not at all cool. I was mortified and tried my best to appear as if I didn't know him at all, suffice it to say. At one point, while my girl friend was trying to escape from his antics (because I was flatly refusing to dance with the freaky guy), she sat on the lap of our other friend, and the Taiwanese straddled her and basically, as all good/bad hip hoppers do, ground against her while she was trapped between the two. It was a priceless, hilarious, incredibly pai seh sight and underscored my message to my girl friend - that I was sick and tired of having to rescue her from every guy situation she got herself into in clubs.
For the record, there was the one time in hideout where she shoved me at some guy who she started talking to because she was bored and because he happened to work in the same company as I did. Then there was the time in Zouk where she was pseudo-pimping me. And then there was the other time in Zouk last week when she was trying to escape from the guy who she had gone to Zouk to have drinks with and who we keep telling her is interested in her and that he's incredibly boring, but she still insists on going out with him anyway, because, the existence of her boyfriend (note: existence, not presence) should be protection enough against anything.
Now, that night's theme happened to be Supafly... essentially, a hip hop night. Given that it was a weeknight, the crowd looked understandably young. This turned out to horrify one of the gang, who beat a hasty retreat and went back home. As I was on leave on Friday, I wasn't permitted that same luxury, and instead stayed with a friend, a gay acquaintance (we're more of the "hi-and-bye" variety of friends) and the acquaintance's Taiwanese friend who spoke only in Mandarin. Needless to say, other than introducing myself to the latter, I didn't speak to him the entire night.
Strangely enough, my antisocial behaviour turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as said Taiwanese guy turned out to be a worse-than-ah-beng guy when it came to dancing. He was flexible, yes, but not graceful. It really is something to be seen to be believed. Also, while he was enthusiastic, he was screaming "woo woo woo!" all the time, which to me, is not at all cool. I was mortified and tried my best to appear as if I didn't know him at all, suffice it to say. At one point, while my girl friend was trying to escape from his antics (because I was flatly refusing to dance with the freaky guy), she sat on the lap of our other friend, and the Taiwanese straddled her and basically, as all good/bad hip hoppers do, ground against her while she was trapped between the two. It was a priceless, hilarious, incredibly pai seh sight and underscored my message to my girl friend - that I was sick and tired of having to rescue her from every guy situation she got herself into in clubs.
For the record, there was the one time in hideout where she shoved me at some guy who she started talking to because she was bored and because he happened to work in the same company as I did. Then there was the time in Zouk where she was pseudo-pimping me. And then there was the other time in Zouk last week when she was trying to escape from the guy who she had gone to Zouk to have drinks with and who we keep telling her is interested in her and that he's incredibly boring, but she still insists on going out with him anyway, because, the existence of her boyfriend (note: existence, not presence) should be protection enough against anything.
Friday, December 17, 2004
Okay, I've finished watching the season finale for The O.C. - The Ties That Bind. I had prior knowledge of what was going to happen but still, by the end of the show, I was crying. The ending montage was one of the saddest I've seen - and I've watched a lot of TV shows. I don't think I'd have cried if not for Kelly Rowan's (Kirsten) brilliant acting. Watching her break down as she was clearing up what used to be Ryan's bed did it for me... and I suspect for everyone else watching the show too.
Seth was a little annoying in this episode initially but by the end of the show, when he reveals just how much of an impact Ryan's arrival in Orange County has had on his life, and you can see just how badly he's hurting when Ryan goes to say bye... it's more than a little heartbreaking. Adam Brody's acting here is to be commended. You can see the hurt in subtle ways - like how his lips are pursed and how he's determinedly ignoring Ryan or indifferently throwing Ryan's gift on the bedside table. It's nicely done.
There are sweet moments in the show, like how Sandy (Peter Gallagher) is always assuring Ryan that they're his family and that they're always be there for him. And although you've heard that a lot throughout this season, it never once sounds trite.
I really liked the parallel they drew between Ryan's returning to Chino in the pilot and his going off with Theresa in the finale. Once again, it's the evening, Marissa is standing at the curbside, Ryan's in the passenger seat of the car driving past, and they lock eyes. As the car moves on, Ryan - and we - see Marissa washed over by the light of the setting sun. Again, nicely done.
Maybe I'm Amazed
(adapted from Paul McCartney's Maybe I'm Amazed)
sung by Jem
Music from The O.C. Mix 2
Maybe I'm amazed at the way you love me all the time
Maybe I'm afraid of the way I love you
Maybe I'm amazed at the way you pulled me out of time
And hung me on a line
Maybe I'm amazed at the way I really need you
Maybe I'm a girl
Maybe I'm a lonely girl who's in the middle of something
That she doesn't really understand
Maybe I'm a girl
Maybe you're the only man who could ever help me
Baby won't you help me understand
Maybe I'm a girl
Maybe I'm a lonely girl who's in the middle of something
That she doesn't really understand
Maybe I'm a girl
Maybe you're the only man who could ever help me
Baby won't you help me understand
Maybe I'm amazed at the way you're with me all the time
Maybe I'm afraid of the way I lead you
Maybe I'm amazed at the way you helped me sing my song
Right me when I'm wrong
Maybe I'm amazed at the way I really need you
Maybe I'm a girl
Maybe I'm a lonely girl who's in the middle of something
That she doesn't really understand
Maybe I'm a girl
Maybe you're the only man who could ever help me
Baby won't you help me understand
Seth was a little annoying in this episode initially but by the end of the show, when he reveals just how much of an impact Ryan's arrival in Orange County has had on his life, and you can see just how badly he's hurting when Ryan goes to say bye... it's more than a little heartbreaking. Adam Brody's acting here is to be commended. You can see the hurt in subtle ways - like how his lips are pursed and how he's determinedly ignoring Ryan or indifferently throwing Ryan's gift on the bedside table. It's nicely done.
There are sweet moments in the show, like how Sandy (Peter Gallagher) is always assuring Ryan that they're his family and that they're always be there for him. And although you've heard that a lot throughout this season, it never once sounds trite.
I really liked the parallel they drew between Ryan's returning to Chino in the pilot and his going off with Theresa in the finale. Once again, it's the evening, Marissa is standing at the curbside, Ryan's in the passenger seat of the car driving past, and they lock eyes. As the car moves on, Ryan - and we - see Marissa washed over by the light of the setting sun. Again, nicely done.
Maybe I'm Amazed
(adapted from Paul McCartney's Maybe I'm Amazed)
sung by Jem
Music from The O.C. Mix 2
Maybe I'm amazed at the way you love me all the time
Maybe I'm afraid of the way I love you
Maybe I'm amazed at the way you pulled me out of time
And hung me on a line
Maybe I'm amazed at the way I really need you
Maybe I'm a girl
Maybe I'm a lonely girl who's in the middle of something
That she doesn't really understand
Maybe I'm a girl
Maybe you're the only man who could ever help me
Baby won't you help me understand
Maybe I'm a girl
Maybe I'm a lonely girl who's in the middle of something
That she doesn't really understand
Maybe I'm a girl
Maybe you're the only man who could ever help me
Baby won't you help me understand
Maybe I'm amazed at the way you're with me all the time
Maybe I'm afraid of the way I lead you
Maybe I'm amazed at the way you helped me sing my song
Right me when I'm wrong
Maybe I'm amazed at the way I really need you
Maybe I'm a girl
Maybe I'm a lonely girl who's in the middle of something
That she doesn't really understand
Maybe I'm a girl
Maybe you're the only man who could ever help me
Baby won't you help me understand
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
A typical day at the residence...
Mum: There's mould in the black sauce container.
Dad: (in an accusatory tone) Who told you??
This, as my brother said, will be the catchphrase of 2004. But can it rival the catchphrase of 2003 - "Is that my problem?" - also spouted by my father?
Only time will tell.
Mum: There's mould in the black sauce container.
Dad: (in an accusatory tone) Who told you??
This, as my brother said, will be the catchphrase of 2004. But can it rival the catchphrase of 2003 - "Is that my problem?" - also spouted by my father?
Only time will tell.
And this year's Literary Review Bad Sex Award goes to...
Tom Wolfe for this scintillating passage in I Am Charlotte Simmons:
"Hoyt began moving his lips as if he were trying to suck the ice cream off the top of a cone without using his teeth ... Slither slither slither slither went the tongue, but the hand that was what she tried to concentrate on, the hand, since it has the entire terrain of her torso to explore and not just the otorhinolaryngological caverns ..."
Previous year's winners can be found here.
Meanwhile, anyone up for some pornoke?
Tom Wolfe for this scintillating passage in I Am Charlotte Simmons:
"Hoyt began moving his lips as if he were trying to suck the ice cream off the top of a cone without using his teeth ... Slither slither slither slither went the tongue, but the hand that was what she tried to concentrate on, the hand, since it has the entire terrain of her torso to explore and not just the otorhinolaryngological caverns ..."
Previous year's winners can be found here.
Meanwhile, anyone up for some pornoke?
Sunday, December 12, 2004
DJ Pippi - Velvet Underground - December 10 2004
Fantastic. Exactly like how I imagine an Ibizan beach party would sound like. I wasn't sure what to expect though I did know I'd be hearing a good show, given that he's Lincoln Cheng's (the owner of Zouk) favourite DJ. I'd also heard from a friend (also known as the source of all musical knowledge) that Pippi tends to reserve his best sound for Velvet Underground. This was in addition to the fact that Pippi is a resident at Pacha Ibiza, one of the best clubs in the world. And for once, this was a night that wasn't just hype. Highlight of the night - hearing him play his signature tune: John Paul Young - Love Is In The Air.
Felix da Housecat - Zouk - December 11 2004
I wasn't intending to stay too long for this event as I was dead tired from staying out till 4 am for Pippi. I had so much fun, however, that I ended up leaving at 4 am. Again. I arrived at Zouk at 9.15 pm in order to get my free entry and ran into some friends, so we stayed on at Zouk in spite of the fact that I tend to get bored if I don't have anything to do (which is the main reason I usually arrive at Zouk after midnight). As there was a private function going on, public entry to Zouk and Velvet was only after 10.45 pm, whereupon we waited with bated breath for Midnight Madness (11 pm to 12 mn, one-for-one drinks, cash or card only) to come. Between the four of us, we split two pitchers of Long Island Iced Tea, which resulted in my falling asleep on the Velvet dance floor. Really. (A friend says that means I'm too tired. Probably true.)
We went to the main room close to 2 am and to my delight, Felix da Housecat was dropping some truly awesome electro remixes of Blur - Girls and Boys, Blur - Song 2, Underworld - Born Slippy and New Order - Blue Monday. He also played one of the tunes he did with Miss Kittin. It really felt as if we were back in London again, not that we were in a London club, but that last night, I was hearing all the British music I love (indie, alternative, New Wave) in a club alive with people truly enjoying themselves and just going mad. In fact, I went madder than I usually do, dancing with all the girls and the guys. It was freakin' awesome.
I left rather reluctantly but I knew I'd pay for it dearly if I didn't get any sleep seeing as my parents were leaving for London on Sunday.
Fantastic. Exactly like how I imagine an Ibizan beach party would sound like. I wasn't sure what to expect though I did know I'd be hearing a good show, given that he's Lincoln Cheng's (the owner of Zouk) favourite DJ. I'd also heard from a friend (also known as the source of all musical knowledge) that Pippi tends to reserve his best sound for Velvet Underground. This was in addition to the fact that Pippi is a resident at Pacha Ibiza, one of the best clubs in the world. And for once, this was a night that wasn't just hype. Highlight of the night - hearing him play his signature tune: John Paul Young - Love Is In The Air.
Felix da Housecat - Zouk - December 11 2004
I wasn't intending to stay too long for this event as I was dead tired from staying out till 4 am for Pippi. I had so much fun, however, that I ended up leaving at 4 am. Again. I arrived at Zouk at 9.15 pm in order to get my free entry and ran into some friends, so we stayed on at Zouk in spite of the fact that I tend to get bored if I don't have anything to do (which is the main reason I usually arrive at Zouk after midnight). As there was a private function going on, public entry to Zouk and Velvet was only after 10.45 pm, whereupon we waited with bated breath for Midnight Madness (11 pm to 12 mn, one-for-one drinks, cash or card only) to come. Between the four of us, we split two pitchers of Long Island Iced Tea, which resulted in my falling asleep on the Velvet dance floor. Really. (A friend says that means I'm too tired. Probably true.)
We went to the main room close to 2 am and to my delight, Felix da Housecat was dropping some truly awesome electro remixes of Blur - Girls and Boys, Blur - Song 2, Underworld - Born Slippy and New Order - Blue Monday. He also played one of the tunes he did with Miss Kittin. It really felt as if we were back in London again, not that we were in a London club, but that last night, I was hearing all the British music I love (indie, alternative, New Wave) in a club alive with people truly enjoying themselves and just going mad. In fact, I went madder than I usually do, dancing with all the girls and the guys. It was freakin' awesome.
I left rather reluctantly but I knew I'd pay for it dearly if I didn't get any sleep seeing as my parents were leaving for London on Sunday.
I had an absolutely fantastic weekend... and best of all, I wasn't expecting to, which made it so much better. I spent most of Friday doing nothing much other than helping my mother compile her students' exam results (cue evil laughter). At night, I trotted over to my friend's house where we watched Before Sunrise and drank some absolutely divine wine from the Philippines (of all places).
Having heard so much about Before Sunrise, I knew instinctively that this would be the kind of movie I'd fall in love with. And seeing as I've been dying to watch it for months so, I was trying my best to keep my expectations lowered so as not to be disappointed in case I was wrong. Thankfully, I wasn't wrong, and the movie turned out to be as good, if not better than what I thought it would turn out to be.
In a nutshell, the show's about two travellers who meet on a train passing through Vienna. Celine (Julie Delpy) is a French 23-year-old lady on her way back to Paris from Budapest, while Jesse (Ethan Hawke) is an American college student going to Vienna to catch an Austrian Airlines flight back to the US after having spent the last few weeks travelling through Europe on a Eurail pass. On the train, they begin talking to each other and discover that they really enjoy each other's conversation. At Vienna, Jesse convinces Celine to get off the train with him and just walk through the city before he has to fly off in the morning. The film charts their exploration of Vienna and of each other.
The show was absolutely brilliant. I loved Celine's character from the beginning; she's philosophical and confused about life, parental expectations, feminism... things that I really identify with. Jesse, on the other hand, struck me as being full of himself initially, but as the show goes on, we get to see how great the connection between Jesse and Celine is, and why each of them falls for the other.
The actors, Hawke and Delpy, do a terrific job interacting with each other so incredibly naturally. You can see this most strongly in the scene when they're in a tram asking each other questions. Just watch how Hawke does the typical male casual-sliding-of-arm -around-her-shoulders and in another cute scene, attempt to brush her hair from her face but pulls his hand back as she turns. My favourite scene out of the entire movie would have to when the two are in a record booth listening to Kate Bloom - Come Here. No words are spoken, but the way they look at each other when the other isn't looking... the tension is palpable and the acting sublime. What I would give to experience such a moment in my life.
As an avid backpacker, the idea of meeting a stranger who turns into a friend, a soulmate, a lover, is one that I vividly cherish. I'm far too practical a person for it to ever happen, but I fully admit that even though I'm 24 years old, I'm still clinging to the dream that one day, it might happen to me. If you, like I, love Europe, travelling or just the idea of meeting that special someone, whether it lasts, this movie is for you.
Come Here
Kate Bloom
There's a wind that blows in from the north,
And it says that loving takes it's course.
Come here. Come here.
No I'm not impossible to touch,
I have never wanted you so much.
Come here. Come here.
Have I never lay down by your side?
Baby, let's forget about this pride.
Come here. Come here.
Well, I'm in no hurry.
You don't have to run away this time.
I know that you're timid,
But it's gonna be all right this time.
There's a wind that blows in from the north,
And it says that loving takes its course.
Come here. Come here.
Having heard so much about Before Sunrise, I knew instinctively that this would be the kind of movie I'd fall in love with. And seeing as I've been dying to watch it for months so, I was trying my best to keep my expectations lowered so as not to be disappointed in case I was wrong. Thankfully, I wasn't wrong, and the movie turned out to be as good, if not better than what I thought it would turn out to be.
In a nutshell, the show's about two travellers who meet on a train passing through Vienna. Celine (Julie Delpy) is a French 23-year-old lady on her way back to Paris from Budapest, while Jesse (Ethan Hawke) is an American college student going to Vienna to catch an Austrian Airlines flight back to the US after having spent the last few weeks travelling through Europe on a Eurail pass. On the train, they begin talking to each other and discover that they really enjoy each other's conversation. At Vienna, Jesse convinces Celine to get off the train with him and just walk through the city before he has to fly off in the morning. The film charts their exploration of Vienna and of each other.
The show was absolutely brilliant. I loved Celine's character from the beginning; she's philosophical and confused about life, parental expectations, feminism... things that I really identify with. Jesse, on the other hand, struck me as being full of himself initially, but as the show goes on, we get to see how great the connection between Jesse and Celine is, and why each of them falls for the other.
The actors, Hawke and Delpy, do a terrific job interacting with each other so incredibly naturally. You can see this most strongly in the scene when they're in a tram asking each other questions. Just watch how Hawke does the typical male casual-sliding-of-arm -around-her-shoulders and in another cute scene, attempt to brush her hair from her face but pulls his hand back as she turns. My favourite scene out of the entire movie would have to when the two are in a record booth listening to Kate Bloom - Come Here. No words are spoken, but the way they look at each other when the other isn't looking... the tension is palpable and the acting sublime. What I would give to experience such a moment in my life.
As an avid backpacker, the idea of meeting a stranger who turns into a friend, a soulmate, a lover, is one that I vividly cherish. I'm far too practical a person for it to ever happen, but I fully admit that even though I'm 24 years old, I'm still clinging to the dream that one day, it might happen to me. If you, like I, love Europe, travelling or just the idea of meeting that special someone, whether it lasts, this movie is for you.
Come Here
Kate Bloom
There's a wind that blows in from the north,
And it says that loving takes it's course.
Come here. Come here.
No I'm not impossible to touch,
I have never wanted you so much.
Come here. Come here.
Have I never lay down by your side?
Baby, let's forget about this pride.
Come here. Come here.
Well, I'm in no hurry.
You don't have to run away this time.
I know that you're timid,
But it's gonna be all right this time.
There's a wind that blows in from the north,
And it says that loving takes its course.
Come here. Come here.
Friday, December 10, 2004
What are men complaining about?
Julian Baggini
The Guardian
July 14 2004
"Clever women have been claiming stupid white men rule the world for years, but the first person to be widely lauded for saying so is Michael Moore, another stupid white man. A woman can make a point incessantly, but not until a man says it is it taken seriously. Like away goals, men's opinions count double.
"That is not to say men have no reason at all to complain or be confused but, on the whole, the problems men face are their own fault, the same as those everyone else has had to deal with for centuries, or pale shadows of those confronted by others.
"We have become so used to thinking that we are the most important creatures to walk the planet that we assume our temporary difficulties must be the gravest problems facing society today... Men should realise that the ill-winds of discrimination, double standards and unrealistic ideals that threaten us now have been disrupting the lives of others for centuries."
Julian Baggini
The Guardian
July 14 2004
"Clever women have been claiming stupid white men rule the world for years, but the first person to be widely lauded for saying so is Michael Moore, another stupid white man. A woman can make a point incessantly, but not until a man says it is it taken seriously. Like away goals, men's opinions count double.
"That is not to say men have no reason at all to complain or be confused but, on the whole, the problems men face are their own fault, the same as those everyone else has had to deal with for centuries, or pale shadows of those confronted by others.
"We have become so used to thinking that we are the most important creatures to walk the planet that we assume our temporary difficulties must be the gravest problems facing society today... Men should realise that the ill-winds of discrimination, double standards and unrealistic ideals that threaten us now have been disrupting the lives of others for centuries."
Wednesday, December 08, 2004
Conversation between colleague and myself, as usual, complaining about work:
Me: [Another colleague] took up smoking again in September. I began drinking like mad in September. I really think these two events are related and that our overwhelming workload is the cause. It's a good thing that this is Singapore, if not, I'd probably be addicted to cocaine by now.
Colleague: Ha ha ha! (then looks worriedly at me) Really?
Oh dear. What kind of reputation have I been getting?
Me: [Another colleague] took up smoking again in September. I began drinking like mad in September. I really think these two events are related and that our overwhelming workload is the cause. It's a good thing that this is Singapore, if not, I'd probably be addicted to cocaine by now.
Colleague: Ha ha ha! (then looks worriedly at me) Really?
Oh dear. What kind of reputation have I been getting?
I discovered Pink Martini a couple of years ago while taking lindy hop lessons at Jitterbugs in Singapore.
I was introduced to them via PM's former male vocalist's band, Pepe and the Bottle Blondes. Pepe Raphael, the aforementioned male vocalist, had left Pink Martini to set up Bottle Blondes, the group responsible for the one song which will never fail to make me laugh even when I'm completely serious about dancing - "I Want Some Lovin'". The song is a mixture of Mandarin lyrics and Louis Prima's "I Want Some Lovin'" and while the singer does a commendable job in singing the Mandarin parts, she does so with such a Caucasian accent that I can't help but be amused whenever I hear it.
While scouring the Internet for more information regarding this song, I stumbled across Pink Martini and fell in love with their most famous song to date, "Sympathique", and promptly picked up a copy of their album, also titled Sympathique, from Djangos (a highly recommended store which also had The Bottle Blondes' Latenight Betty in stock). From then on, Sympathique became a listening staple of mine. The title track helped get me through days when I was feeling thoroughly unmotivated (if you don't get it, just translate the French lyrics into English) while I fell in love with the haunting melody of "Que Sera Sera" and was entranced by the sheer joy that is "Brazil".
So it was with bated breath that I awaited the release of their second album, Hang On Little Tomato, coming seven years after their debut album. Hang On is a little more melancholic as compared to Sympathique, but on the whole, it's just as strong and mesmerising a listen as their debut effort. I especially liked the title track (inspired by a ketchup ad) which helped get me through a recent episode of heart-bruise.
All in all, Pink Martini is a fantastic band who I would love to see given half a chance. Don't make me wait another seven years for the next album!
CDs (at Amazon.com):
Pink Martini - Sympathique
Pink Martini - Hold On Little Tomato
Pepe and the Bottle Blondes - Latenight Betty
Reviews:
Pink Martini - Sympathique (Album review at Epinions)
Chic combo 'Pink Martini' mixes up a musical cocktail (Album review at Katu.com)
Pepe and the Bottle Blondes - Latenight Betty (Album review at CD Baby)
I was introduced to them via PM's former male vocalist's band, Pepe and the Bottle Blondes. Pepe Raphael, the aforementioned male vocalist, had left Pink Martini to set up Bottle Blondes, the group responsible for the one song which will never fail to make me laugh even when I'm completely serious about dancing - "I Want Some Lovin'". The song is a mixture of Mandarin lyrics and Louis Prima's "I Want Some Lovin'" and while the singer does a commendable job in singing the Mandarin parts, she does so with such a Caucasian accent that I can't help but be amused whenever I hear it.
While scouring the Internet for more information regarding this song, I stumbled across Pink Martini and fell in love with their most famous song to date, "Sympathique", and promptly picked up a copy of their album, also titled Sympathique, from Djangos (a highly recommended store which also had The Bottle Blondes' Latenight Betty in stock). From then on, Sympathique became a listening staple of mine. The title track helped get me through days when I was feeling thoroughly unmotivated (if you don't get it, just translate the French lyrics into English) while I fell in love with the haunting melody of "Que Sera Sera" and was entranced by the sheer joy that is "Brazil".
So it was with bated breath that I awaited the release of their second album, Hang On Little Tomato, coming seven years after their debut album. Hang On is a little more melancholic as compared to Sympathique, but on the whole, it's just as strong and mesmerising a listen as their debut effort. I especially liked the title track (inspired by a ketchup ad) which helped get me through a recent episode of heart-bruise.
All in all, Pink Martini is a fantastic band who I would love to see given half a chance. Don't make me wait another seven years for the next album!
CDs (at Amazon.com):
Pink Martini - Sympathique
Pink Martini - Hold On Little Tomato
Pepe and the Bottle Blondes - Latenight Betty
Reviews:
Pink Martini - Sympathique (Album review at Epinions)
Chic combo 'Pink Martini' mixes up a musical cocktail (Album review at Katu.com)
Pepe and the Bottle Blondes - Latenight Betty (Album review at CD Baby)
Sunday, December 05, 2004
A short note on Taufik before it becomes extremely old news.
On Wednesday night, shortly after turning 24, I decided to do my patriotic duty as a Singaporean and join my friend in the alliance she founded - Non-Malays For Taufik. I could not, in good conscience, allow Sylvester "Ah Beng To The Core And I Love It" Sim, to represent my country on an international level. As a result, I coughed up S$2 and voted four times for what it was worth. Thankfully, my votes (nothing compared to Olinda Cho's 900 times, but still) did make a difference.
However, with MediaCorp's refusal to reveal the margin Taufik beat Sylvester by, as well as both finalists being awarded exactly the same prizes (three-year management contract and a one-year recording contract, with Sly already being prepared to be marketed to the Chinese music market) in addition to the cancellation of World Idol, the very first Singapore Idol is turning out to be a bit of a joke. What was the point of having people vote in the first place if it wasn't going to make a difference as to what would happen to the two? I'm fairly certain I wouldn't have voted if I'd known there wasn't going to be a World Idol this year, and that many others feel the same way too.
C'mon, MediaCorp. Play fair.
Edited on December 8: MediaCorp, apparently responding to the protests of many angry fans, revealed on December 6 that Taufik had won by a landslide, having obtained 62% of the 1.1 million votes the night of the final. Wow. Now that was unexpected.
On Wednesday night, shortly after turning 24, I decided to do my patriotic duty as a Singaporean and join my friend in the alliance she founded - Non-Malays For Taufik. I could not, in good conscience, allow Sylvester "Ah Beng To The Core And I Love It" Sim, to represent my country on an international level. As a result, I coughed up S$2 and voted four times for what it was worth. Thankfully, my votes (nothing compared to Olinda Cho's 900 times, but still) did make a difference.
However, with MediaCorp's refusal to reveal the margin Taufik beat Sylvester by, as well as both finalists being awarded exactly the same prizes (three-year management contract and a one-year recording contract, with Sly already being prepared to be marketed to the Chinese music market) in addition to the cancellation of World Idol, the very first Singapore Idol is turning out to be a bit of a joke. What was the point of having people vote in the first place if it wasn't going to make a difference as to what would happen to the two? I'm fairly certain I wouldn't have voted if I'd known there wasn't going to be a World Idol this year, and that many others feel the same way too.
C'mon, MediaCorp. Play fair.
Edited on December 8: MediaCorp, apparently responding to the protests of many angry fans, revealed on December 6 that Taufik had won by a landslide, having obtained 62% of the 1.1 million votes the night of the final. Wow. Now that was unexpected.
Instead of going to "Lourdes Coming to Singapore" or ZoukOut (a religious experience of a different kind), I was at home watching an above average Hong Kong movie, Men Suddenly in Black, a movie about four men out on a quest to cheat on their wives while the wives are out of town. This dark comedy starrs Eric Tsang and Jordan Chan and has a cameo by one of the most talented and sexiest Hong Kong actors around, Tony Leung Ka Fai. Another glowing review of the show can be found here; apparently, I couldn't appreciate what made MSIB so great because I don't watch enough Hong Kong movies. Heck, I haven't even watched Infernal Affairs or In the Mood for Love yet.
Today, I found myself watching another Hong Kong, Love Undercover, starring Miriam Yeung and very very hot Daniel Wu. The only good thing to come out of the unusual way I spent this weekend is that I've fallen deeply in lust with Wu Yan Zhu, as he's known in Chinese. His incredibly sensitive and earnest character in the show is very easy to fall for. Of course, his gorgeous face and incredible body help too. Do you know how long it's been since I've fallen that badly for a Chinese guy?
Today, I found myself watching another Hong Kong, Love Undercover, starring Miriam Yeung and very very hot Daniel Wu. The only good thing to come out of the unusual way I spent this weekend is that I've fallen deeply in lust with Wu Yan Zhu, as he's known in Chinese. His incredibly sensitive and earnest character in the show is very easy to fall for. Of course, his gorgeous face and incredible body help too. Do you know how long it's been since I've fallen that badly for a Chinese guy?
Saturday, December 04, 2004
Met up with a bunch of old high school friends at Wakaru for paper steamboat last night. I know people wonder how come we're so close and while I'm glad that I keep in touch with these people who I've known for over 10 years now, I'm wondering why it is that no matter how many new people I meet, I ultimately return to hanging out with my bunch of girlfriends. I can't articulate what it is about these people that I always have a good time while I'm with them... and yet I do feel a little bored, as if I haven't been able to move my life forward, always stuck in the past with these friends of mine. Don't get me wrong. I love them all... but maybe it's just me? Maybe I'm just finding it difficult to meet people I really connect with the older I get? Why was it so easy back in high school?
On another note, three of us ordered the beef kaminabe. If you're not Hokkien or Singaporean, you won't understand why we were all delighted with the fact that we all wanted a kaminabe.
After a prolonged dinner, we drifted off to Attica. It's got a nice Balinese-inspired courtyard at the back but it's so crowded with expat-yuppie-types and their SPG/working-class girlfriends that while it seems like an upmarket club, the mood felt more like that of a meat market. True, no one tried to hit on my friends and I, but whenever we walked past a Caucasian (and that was all the time), they'd turn and give you the once-over, following you with lascivious looks in their eyes.
My Canadian-born Chinese cousin liked the door policy (which makes all local men even groups of women with one man queue for ages to get in) because "it weeded out the trash." I disagree; we saw plenty of ang mor trash in there. I find it despicable that in a country such as Singapore, with over 70% of the population being Chinese, such blatant discrimination exists. True, Caucasians may drink more and spend more money, but just because they're white doesn't automatically make them better than the rest of us.
Incidentally, this club was recently reviewed in The Straits Times as being the new hip young thing on the block. Last night was only my third time there and I've decided that I'm not going back there out of my own free will. I hate the place.
I ended up going to China Jump to 'rescue' CO, who had been charged with taking care of some overseas delegates. I went, knowing full well I'd kick myself in the morning for giving in to my masochistic desire to see him. And while one of the visitors was clearly taken with me and I was flirting with him as is my wont, my eyes just kept wandering over to where CO was dancing with another girl in the club. It always gets me depressed realising how little I seem to have moved on.
On another note, three of us ordered the beef kaminabe. If you're not Hokkien or Singaporean, you won't understand why we were all delighted with the fact that we all wanted a kaminabe.
After a prolonged dinner, we drifted off to Attica. It's got a nice Balinese-inspired courtyard at the back but it's so crowded with expat-yuppie-types and their SPG/working-class girlfriends that while it seems like an upmarket club, the mood felt more like that of a meat market. True, no one tried to hit on my friends and I, but whenever we walked past a Caucasian (and that was all the time), they'd turn and give you the once-over, following you with lascivious looks in their eyes.
My Canadian-born Chinese cousin liked the door policy (which makes all local men even groups of women with one man queue for ages to get in) because "it weeded out the trash." I disagree; we saw plenty of ang mor trash in there. I find it despicable that in a country such as Singapore, with over 70% of the population being Chinese, such blatant discrimination exists. True, Caucasians may drink more and spend more money, but just because they're white doesn't automatically make them better than the rest of us.
Incidentally, this club was recently reviewed in The Straits Times as being the new hip young thing on the block. Last night was only my third time there and I've decided that I'm not going back there out of my own free will. I hate the place.
I ended up going to China Jump to 'rescue' CO, who had been charged with taking care of some overseas delegates. I went, knowing full well I'd kick myself in the morning for giving in to my masochistic desire to see him. And while one of the visitors was clearly taken with me and I was flirting with him as is my wont, my eyes just kept wandering over to where CO was dancing with another girl in the club. It always gets me depressed realising how little I seem to have moved on.
Thursday, December 02, 2004
In a fashion similar to last year's, my birthday celebrations went on from 27th November all the way till the day of my birthday itself.
I kicked it off by going with some dear friends to watch "Whose Line Is It Anyway?", an absolutely hilarious improvisational comedy show which everyone simply has to go see live in order to appreciate the sheer brillance of the cast. I was laughing so much, far harder than I'd laughed in a while. If you know me, you'll know that there's quite a hard thing for me to do.
This was followed by my going to Zouk to catch the fantastic John Digweed in an almost-marathon set where he spun for over five hours. I couldn't recognise any of the tunes he played, but his build up was incredible and the mixing seamless. The choice of tunes was impeccable and all in all, I had a wonderful night. I even managed to get him to autograph me a birthday message!
The only downside of the night was one of my friends trying her best to pimp me to a guy she had just met in order to win a bet that she had made with one of the guy's friends. I felt so awkward that in spite of the nice conversation that I had been having with the guy, I ran away.
On Sunday, my parents brought me to a Russian restaurant which had opened the day before. The chicken shashlik was nicely done (and at S$12, great value-for-money) but the rest of the food was average. The highlight of the night happened to be the cute friendly Egyptian waiter who caused me to spend most of dinner trying to figure out how to get to know him better while my parents were around. In the end, as we were the only customers in the restaurant, I walked up to the counter, introduced myself to him (we already knew his name) and gave the owner my card (which didn't have my contact number on it). At this point, the waiter came over pointing out the lack of telephone numbers whereupon I wrote down my office number. He then asked me for my mobile number, which I gave and he copied onto another card because, he said, his boss would be taking my card. *grin*
Monday - back to work where my boss expressed disappointment at my leaving the office at 7 pm on Friday when I went to meet friends as another colleague had stayed back to extract the data I needed for a paper I was working on. Now, this might sound as if I did something wrong, but let me point out here that the colleague e-mailed the data to me at 9.30 pm which would mean that I'd have to be sitting around until 10 pm before I would be able to get anything useful done. Ergo, what was the point? Anyway, in order to appease my boss, I ended up staying late to work on that paper and narrowly managed to avoid turning 24 in the office by 45 minutes.
My colleagues thought I was insane because even at 10.30 pm, I was still humming and bouncing around the office, high from the birthday celebration earlier in the evening (with a delicious chocolate cake from Prima Deli and a home-baked quiche contributed by a colleague), and from listening to one of the best pop Christmas carols of all-time: Mariah Carey's All I Want For Christmas Is You.
Tuesday - I didn't anticipate anything much, having expended so much energy over the past few days that I didn't feel up to anything. However, I was dressed up in a pretty mint green dress, as is my inclination whenever it's my birthday (to be dressed up that is, not just the dress) so I was just feeling happy. My colleagues brought me out to lunch at Wildfire and positively stuffed me with food. After work, I met my non-gay gay best friend (henceforth known as NGGBF) who treated me to an ice-cream waffle at Gelare Cafe. Another colleague who had learnt it was my birthday invited me to go to New Asia Bar for drinks, so I dragged NGGBF and another friend all the way there to discover that that colleague had three bottles of champagne waiting for me to turn up. Thanks to the wonderous beverage that is orange juice, I drank six glasses of champagne and orange juice that night and ended up slightly hungover the next day.
Wednesday and Thursday - The lunch treats continued. Another colleague took me to NYDC (baked pasta!) after I had jokingly asked him for a lunch treat on Monday (Thank you! That was most unexpected and surprisingly fun!) and an old schoolfriend who happened to be back in Singapore brought me to Cedele Depot where we chatted for quite some time and griped over the difficulties of dating while working insane hours like we do. The roasted chicken sandwich with sundried tomatoes was absolutely divine.
And there you have it. My birthday celebrations.
I kicked it off by going with some dear friends to watch "Whose Line Is It Anyway?", an absolutely hilarious improvisational comedy show which everyone simply has to go see live in order to appreciate the sheer brillance of the cast. I was laughing so much, far harder than I'd laughed in a while. If you know me, you'll know that there's quite a hard thing for me to do.
This was followed by my going to Zouk to catch the fantastic John Digweed in an almost-marathon set where he spun for over five hours. I couldn't recognise any of the tunes he played, but his build up was incredible and the mixing seamless. The choice of tunes was impeccable and all in all, I had a wonderful night. I even managed to get him to autograph me a birthday message!
The only downside of the night was one of my friends trying her best to pimp me to a guy she had just met in order to win a bet that she had made with one of the guy's friends. I felt so awkward that in spite of the nice conversation that I had been having with the guy, I ran away.
On Sunday, my parents brought me to a Russian restaurant which had opened the day before. The chicken shashlik was nicely done (and at S$12, great value-for-money) but the rest of the food was average. The highlight of the night happened to be the cute friendly Egyptian waiter who caused me to spend most of dinner trying to figure out how to get to know him better while my parents were around. In the end, as we were the only customers in the restaurant, I walked up to the counter, introduced myself to him (we already knew his name) and gave the owner my card (which didn't have my contact number on it). At this point, the waiter came over pointing out the lack of telephone numbers whereupon I wrote down my office number. He then asked me for my mobile number, which I gave and he copied onto another card because, he said, his boss would be taking my card. *grin*
Monday - back to work where my boss expressed disappointment at my leaving the office at 7 pm on Friday when I went to meet friends as another colleague had stayed back to extract the data I needed for a paper I was working on. Now, this might sound as if I did something wrong, but let me point out here that the colleague e-mailed the data to me at 9.30 pm which would mean that I'd have to be sitting around until 10 pm before I would be able to get anything useful done. Ergo, what was the point? Anyway, in order to appease my boss, I ended up staying late to work on that paper and narrowly managed to avoid turning 24 in the office by 45 minutes.
My colleagues thought I was insane because even at 10.30 pm, I was still humming and bouncing around the office, high from the birthday celebration earlier in the evening (with a delicious chocolate cake from Prima Deli and a home-baked quiche contributed by a colleague), and from listening to one of the best pop Christmas carols of all-time: Mariah Carey's All I Want For Christmas Is You.
Tuesday - I didn't anticipate anything much, having expended so much energy over the past few days that I didn't feel up to anything. However, I was dressed up in a pretty mint green dress, as is my inclination whenever it's my birthday (to be dressed up that is, not just the dress) so I was just feeling happy. My colleagues brought me out to lunch at Wildfire and positively stuffed me with food. After work, I met my non-gay gay best friend (henceforth known as NGGBF) who treated me to an ice-cream waffle at Gelare Cafe. Another colleague who had learnt it was my birthday invited me to go to New Asia Bar for drinks, so I dragged NGGBF and another friend all the way there to discover that that colleague had three bottles of champagne waiting for me to turn up. Thanks to the wonderous beverage that is orange juice, I drank six glasses of champagne and orange juice that night and ended up slightly hungover the next day.
Wednesday and Thursday - The lunch treats continued. Another colleague took me to NYDC (baked pasta!) after I had jokingly asked him for a lunch treat on Monday (Thank you! That was most unexpected and surprisingly fun!) and an old schoolfriend who happened to be back in Singapore brought me to Cedele Depot where we chatted for quite some time and griped over the difficulties of dating while working insane hours like we do. The roasted chicken sandwich with sundried tomatoes was absolutely divine.
And there you have it. My birthday celebrations.
I've been so busy I haven't been able to blog in a while. So watch out for the following coming soon:
- Birthday celebrations (I turned 24 on Tuesday!) - Whose Line Is It Anyway?, John Digweed - the best progressive set at Zouk this year, The Egyptian Waiter at the Russian Restaurant, Copious Amounts of Champagne at New Asia Bar.
- Taufik winning Singapore Idol (I voted 4 times)
- Analogies developed at work - Work vs. National Service and Religion vs. Financial Products
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