Why am I so excited? Because wa si
too! It's true that wa buay hiao gong, buay hiao tia hokkien but still, I love the dialect. It's so funny to listen to.
Saturday, April 30, 2005
Today has been an obscenely hot day. I have been sweating buckets. During the ten minute walk from my home to the bus-stop, I almost used up one whole entire packet of tissue just mopping the sweat from my face and neck. Even during the air-conditioned bus ride, I was dripping. That is how hot it was today. (According to Yahoo! Weather, the temperature's currently at 29 degrees Celsius but feels like 35. Oy vey.)
Anyway, today marks a start of a new era in the many hairstyles that I have ever sported. I have undergone the following: a haircut, partial perm, highlights and colour (the first courtesy of Raymond and the last three thanks to Roy, both senior stylists at Monsoon Hair House in Parco Bugis Junction). I would usually not subject my hair - and wallet - to so many treatments but the hair salon was having its 11th anniversary promotion which meant that the hair cut was at a 39% discount, while all hair treatments were at a 49% discount, bringing the still-scary bill up to S$220+.
To say that I look rather different (from the below shoulder-length, incredibly black-haired girl that I was) is an understatement to say the least. Still, despite the fact that I look like a K-Pop star, and that I may have to attend at least one job interview over the next few weeks, I'm happy because I look fresher and funkier. Seriousness and sobriety be damned!
Anyway, today marks a start of a new era in the many hairstyles that I have ever sported. I have undergone the following: a haircut, partial perm, highlights and colour (the first courtesy of Raymond and the last three thanks to Roy, both senior stylists at Monsoon Hair House in Parco Bugis Junction). I would usually not subject my hair - and wallet - to so many treatments but the hair salon was having its 11th anniversary promotion which meant that the hair cut was at a 39% discount, while all hair treatments were at a 49% discount, bringing the still-scary bill up to S$220+.
To say that I look rather different (from the below shoulder-length, incredibly black-haired girl that I was) is an understatement to say the least. Still, despite the fact that I look like a K-Pop star, and that I may have to attend at least one job interview over the next few weeks, I'm happy because I look fresher and funkier. Seriousness and sobriety be damned!
Friday, April 29, 2005
How ice cream tickles your brain
The Guardian
29 April 2005
Eating ice cream really does make you happy. Scientists have found that a spoonful of the cold stuff lights up the same pleasure centre in the brain as winning money or listening to your favourite music.
The Guardian
29 April 2005
Eating ice cream really does make you happy. Scientists have found that a spoonful of the cold stuff lights up the same pleasure centre in the brain as winning money or listening to your favourite music.
Thursday, April 28, 2005
I've been sick since Tuesday but being the stubborn nut that I am, I only went to the doctor's today because I felt worse than crap today. I guess it hasn't helped that I haven't been getting enough rest lately (ever!) and that in spite of not taking part in the JP Morgan Chase Corporate Challenge this year (even though I signed up), I was still running between tents to say hi to friends.
So, the doctor has sent me home with and a medical certificate for the rest of the week and an admonition to get more rest over the weekend.
I sure hope I get well in time for Lawler & Sanchez.
So, the doctor has sent me home with and a medical certificate for the rest of the week and an admonition to get more rest over the weekend.
I sure hope I get well in time for Lawler & Sanchez.
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
If e-mail makes you dumber and watching TV makes you smarter, I've probably achieved a happy medium given the 70+ hours I spend on e-mail and 6 hours a week I spend watching television.
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
It's so difficult being Catholic some times. I'm so tired of feeling guilty for the things I say, do and think. It's almost as if everything fun goes against the Church's teachings. And I'm so tired of being so incredibly non-judgemental, because although my friends do all that I feel guilty about doing (and therefore don't), I don't believe they're going to Hell just because of that. I believe that they're good people, and will still go to Heaven... but that if I do what they do, I won't go. Why is that?
I sometimes wish I wasn't born Catholic, but was instead one of those who repent and convert later in life, thereby ensuring that not only would I get to enjoy life, but I'd also go to Heaven (maybe after a long wait in Purgatory).
I sometimes wish I wasn't born Catholic, but was instead one of those who repent and convert later in life, thereby ensuring that not only would I get to enjoy life, but I'd also go to Heaven (maybe after a long wait in Purgatory).
Monday, April 25, 2005
Love, Look Away
Flower Drum Song
I have wished before,
I will wish no more.
Love, look away!
Love, look away from me.
Fly, when you pass my door,
Fly and get lost at sea.
Call it a day.
Love, let us say we're through.
No good are you for me,
No good am I for you.
Wanting you so,
I try too much.
After you go,
I cry too much.
Love, look away.
Lonely though I may be,
Leave me and set me free,
Look away, look away, look away... from... me.
Flower Drum Song
I have wished before,
I will wish no more.
Love, look away!
Love, look away from me.
Fly, when you pass my door,
Fly and get lost at sea.
Call it a day.
Love, let us say we're through.
No good are you for me,
No good am I for you.
Wanting you so,
I try too much.
After you go,
I cry too much.
Love, look away.
Lonely though I may be,
Leave me and set me free,
Look away, look away, look away... from... me.
An Intimate Evening with Lea Salonga: The Best of Broadway
In a word, Lea's concert was awesome. She interacted with the audience to such a great extent, telling us about her life, how she met her husband, her family, her experiences with the different musicals that she's done... it really was an intimate evening with her. And the songs that she sang - all familiar songs from musicals or oldies that I've heard before, and the thing about her Broadway experience... her voice was much richer than ordinary singers, and as a result, she could pack so much more emotion and meaning into her singing than anyone else I've heard. When she sang the chorus of A Whole New World, she brought tears to my eyes. I loved that song when I heard it in 1994 and had forgotten how happy it made me. And of course, when she began On My Own, I doubt there was a single dry eye in the house. In a sweet, tender moment, she also dedicated The Way You Look Tonight to her mother in the audience, telling her that though she and her brother were married and moving on with their lives, she would always be the most important woman to them.
You could tell she was very happy and very much in love; all the songs she sang had love as its theme, and she was dedicating songs to the audience, to those who've been in long relationships (a jazz standard I can't quite recall right now) and to those of us still looking (Someone To Watch Over Me). She exhorted us to fall in love at least once because it's such a magical experience, wryly stating that she's had that experience quite a few times in her life, some not at all pleasant.
And I must confess that I did that night. I fell in love with her voice, her songs, her. I could listen to her sing forever, and I considered myself among the luckiest people in Singapore last night, being one of the few who got to see her up close (I was a couple of metres away from her all night, and when she looked up at the balcony where I was sitting, I couldn't help but smile).
If you ever get the chance to see her, beg, borrow or steal to go see her. You will not regret it one iota.
Other songs she sang included Too Much For One Heart (Miss Saigon), Someone Else's Story (Chess), The Story Goes On (Baby), When October Goes By (Manilow & Mercer), Tomorrow (Annie), Reflection (Mulan), Love, Look Away (Flower Drum Song), I've Never Been In Love Before and It Had To Be You (When Harry Met Sally).
In a word, Lea's concert was awesome. She interacted with the audience to such a great extent, telling us about her life, how she met her husband, her family, her experiences with the different musicals that she's done... it really was an intimate evening with her. And the songs that she sang - all familiar songs from musicals or oldies that I've heard before, and the thing about her Broadway experience... her voice was much richer than ordinary singers, and as a result, she could pack so much more emotion and meaning into her singing than anyone else I've heard. When she sang the chorus of A Whole New World, she brought tears to my eyes. I loved that song when I heard it in 1994 and had forgotten how happy it made me. And of course, when she began On My Own, I doubt there was a single dry eye in the house. In a sweet, tender moment, she also dedicated The Way You Look Tonight to her mother in the audience, telling her that though she and her brother were married and moving on with their lives, she would always be the most important woman to them.
You could tell she was very happy and very much in love; all the songs she sang had love as its theme, and she was dedicating songs to the audience, to those who've been in long relationships (a jazz standard I can't quite recall right now) and to those of us still looking (Someone To Watch Over Me). She exhorted us to fall in love at least once because it's such a magical experience, wryly stating that she's had that experience quite a few times in her life, some not at all pleasant.
And I must confess that I did that night. I fell in love with her voice, her songs, her. I could listen to her sing forever, and I considered myself among the luckiest people in Singapore last night, being one of the few who got to see her up close (I was a couple of metres away from her all night, and when she looked up at the balcony where I was sitting, I couldn't help but smile).
If you ever get the chance to see her, beg, borrow or steal to go see her. You will not regret it one iota.
Other songs she sang included Too Much For One Heart (Miss Saigon), Someone Else's Story (Chess), The Story Goes On (Baby), When October Goes By (Manilow & Mercer), Tomorrow (Annie), Reflection (Mulan), Love, Look Away (Flower Drum Song), I've Never Been In Love Before and It Had To Be You (When Harry Met Sally).
Saturday, April 23, 2005
| Your dating personality profile: Funny - You laugh often. People never accuse you of lacking a sense of humor. You don't take yourself too seriously. Shy - You are often timid around others, though you will open up when the right person comes along. Liberal - Politics matters to you, and you aren't afraid to share your left-leaning views. You would never be caught voting for a conservative candidate. | Your date match profile: Funny - You consider a good sense of humor a major necessity in a date. If his jokes make you laugh, he has won your heart. Adventurous - You are looking for someone who is willing to try new things and experience life to its fullest. You need a companion who encourages you to take risks and do exciting things. Practical - You are drawn to people who are sensible and smart. Flashy, materialistic people turn you off. You appreciate the simpler side of living. |
Your Top Ten Traits 1. Funny 2. Shy 3. Liberal 4. Intellectual 5. Religious 6. Adventurous 7. Practical 8. Wealthy/Ambitious 9. Big-Hearted 10. Sensual | Your Top Ten Match Traits 1. Funny 2. Adventurous 3. Practical 4. Outgoing 5. Conservative 6. Wealthy/Ambitious 7. Intellectual 8. Religious 9. Big-Hearted 10. Sensual |
Take the Online Dating Personality Quiz at Dating Diversions
A combination of work, partying and Blogger being down has kept me from posting. So, by now, obviously, everyone knows who the new Pope is, and why he chose his name. And if you don't, down which rabbit-hole have you been hiding?
So, I'm not going to bother posting about that - or about how his election alarms me slightly because I consider myself in the Liberal Catholic camp which he condemned prior to the cardinals going into Conclave. For the record, I'm for contraception and the death penalty, not entirely against abortion (vis-a-vis rape cases) and don't think homosexuals automatically go to hell, practising or no.
Instead, I'm going to write about the parties I've been going to and the shenanigans I've been happily indulging in. On Wednesday night, I attended Trance Republic's launch of their CD at Liquid Room. I was a little apprehensive about it, since it would be the first time I'd be seeing a certain someone in person since G&D at Zouk... and also because I've been having the grandest time teasing and tempting him since then. Yes, I can be a wicked flirt, but then I'm female and all females love to flirt. Don't believe one who says she doesn't do any such thing. So that night was a little peculiar, with me trying to figure out why it is I just had to tease him, with the boldest move I made being my hand sliding up the inside of his leg while I was dancing with another guy. "What the f*** was that?" he asked with a grin on his face. My reply? "What do you think?"
In the end, I left at around 1.30 am while he opted to stay (he was on leave and he was too intoxicated to drive safely, though still sober) although he hugged me with a "I want you to stay but you should leave."
My relationship with him has gotten decidedly more complex since that not-so-innocent encounter a few weeks back.
To be continued. Off to the Film Fest.
So, I'm not going to bother posting about that - or about how his election alarms me slightly because I consider myself in the Liberal Catholic camp which he condemned prior to the cardinals going into Conclave. For the record, I'm for contraception and the death penalty, not entirely against abortion (vis-a-vis rape cases) and don't think homosexuals automatically go to hell, practising or no.
Instead, I'm going to write about the parties I've been going to and the shenanigans I've been happily indulging in. On Wednesday night, I attended Trance Republic's launch of their CD at Liquid Room. I was a little apprehensive about it, since it would be the first time I'd be seeing a certain someone in person since G&D at Zouk... and also because I've been having the grandest time teasing and tempting him since then. Yes, I can be a wicked flirt, but then I'm female and all females love to flirt. Don't believe one who says she doesn't do any such thing. So that night was a little peculiar, with me trying to figure out why it is I just had to tease him, with the boldest move I made being my hand sliding up the inside of his leg while I was dancing with another guy. "What the f*** was that?" he asked with a grin on his face. My reply? "What do you think?"
In the end, I left at around 1.30 am while he opted to stay (he was on leave and he was too intoxicated to drive safely, though still sober) although he hugged me with a "I want you to stay but you should leave."
My relationship with him has gotten decidedly more complex since that not-so-innocent encounter a few weeks back.
To be continued. Off to the Film Fest.
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Yahoo! News: New pope elected, Vatican rejoices
CNN: White smoke, bells signal selection of new pope
I wonder who it is and whether he fits BBC's Ideal Candidate profile.
Whatever the case may be, and whoever he is, may he lead and guide the Church wisely.
Amen.
CNN: White smoke, bells signal selection of new pope
I wonder who it is and whether he fits BBC's Ideal Candidate profile.
Whatever the case may be, and whoever he is, may he lead and guide the Church wisely.
Amen.
Sur Toi
Zazie
La Zizanie
J'écris sur ce que j'endure
Les petites morts, sur les blessure
J'écris ma peur
Mon manque d'amour
J'écris du cour
Mais c'est toujours
Sur ce que je n'ai pas pu dire
Pas pu vivre, pas su retenir
J'écris en vers
Et contre tous
C'est toujours l'enfer
Qui me pousse
A jeter l'encre sur le papier
La faute sur ceux qui m'ont laissée
Ecrire, c'est toujours reculer
L'instant où tout s'est écroulé
On n'écrit pas
Sur ce qu'on aime
Sur ce qui ne pose pas
Problème
Voilà pourquoi
Je n'écris pas
Sur toi
Rassure-toi
J'écris sur ce qui me blesse
La liste des forces qu'il me reste
Mes kilomètres de vis manquée
De mal en prose, de vers brisés
J'écris comme on miaule sous la lune
Dans la nuit, je trempe ma plume
J'écris l'abcès
J'écris l'absent
J'écris la pluie
Pas le beau temps
J'écris ce qui ne se dit pas
Sur les murs, j'écris sur les toits
Ecrire, c'est toujours revenir
A ceux qui nous ont fait partir
On n'écrit pas qu'on manque de rien
Qu'on est heureux, que tout va bien
Voilà pourquoi
Je n'écris pas
Sur toi
Rassure-toi
J'écris quand j'ai mal aux autres
Quand ma peine ressemble à la votre
Quand le monde me fait le gros dos
Je lui fais porter le chapeau
J'écris le blues indélébile
Ça me paraît moins difficile
De dire à tous plutôt qu'à un
Et d'avoir le mot de la fin
Il faut qu'elle soit partie déjà
Pour écrire " ne me quitte pas "
Qu'ils ne vivent plus sous le même toit
Pour qu'il vienne lui dire qu'il s'en va
On n'écrit pas la chance qu'on a
Pas de chanson d'amour quand on en a
Voilà pourquoi, mon amour
Je n'écris rien
Sur toi
Rassure-toi
Zazie
La Zizanie
J'écris sur ce que j'endure
Les petites morts, sur les blessure
J'écris ma peur
Mon manque d'amour
J'écris du cour
Mais c'est toujours
Sur ce que je n'ai pas pu dire
Pas pu vivre, pas su retenir
J'écris en vers
Et contre tous
C'est toujours l'enfer
Qui me pousse
A jeter l'encre sur le papier
La faute sur ceux qui m'ont laissée
Ecrire, c'est toujours reculer
L'instant où tout s'est écroulé
On n'écrit pas
Sur ce qu'on aime
Sur ce qui ne pose pas
Problème
Voilà pourquoi
Je n'écris pas
Sur toi
Rassure-toi
J'écris sur ce qui me blesse
La liste des forces qu'il me reste
Mes kilomètres de vis manquée
De mal en prose, de vers brisés
J'écris comme on miaule sous la lune
Dans la nuit, je trempe ma plume
J'écris l'abcès
J'écris l'absent
J'écris la pluie
Pas le beau temps
J'écris ce qui ne se dit pas
Sur les murs, j'écris sur les toits
Ecrire, c'est toujours revenir
A ceux qui nous ont fait partir
On n'écrit pas qu'on manque de rien
Qu'on est heureux, que tout va bien
Voilà pourquoi
Je n'écris pas
Sur toi
Rassure-toi
J'écris quand j'ai mal aux autres
Quand ma peine ressemble à la votre
Quand le monde me fait le gros dos
Je lui fais porter le chapeau
J'écris le blues indélébile
Ça me paraît moins difficile
De dire à tous plutôt qu'à un
Et d'avoir le mot de la fin
Il faut qu'elle soit partie déjà
Pour écrire " ne me quitte pas "
Qu'ils ne vivent plus sous le même toit
Pour qu'il vienne lui dire qu'il s'en va
On n'écrit pas la chance qu'on a
Pas de chanson d'amour quand on en a
Voilà pourquoi, mon amour
Je n'écris rien
Sur toi
Rassure-toi
Monday, April 18, 2005
So Tired: Where Web surfers go when they haven't slept a wink.
By Paul Boutin
Posted Tuesday, July 13, 2004, at 2:58 PM PT
Slate
By Paul Boutin
Posted Tuesday, July 13, 2004, at 2:58 PM PT
Slate
When Mike Kuniavsky bought the Internet domain tired.com from a friend in November 1997, he wasn't planning to set up an anonymous confessional. He wasn't planning anything at all. At the time, Mike and I were both Web workers developing sites for the company that owned Wired magazine. "Tired" puns about Wired were de rigueur, so Mike grabbed tired.com for laughs.
While deciding what to do with his new domain, Mike typed a few lines of HTML as its home page. The site welcomed visitors with six words in a bland typewriter font: "Are you tired? Tell us why."
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
And just to prove a point...
Congratulations! You are Miranda.
Which Sex and the City Character Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
Congratulations! You are Miranda.
Which Sex and the City Character Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
I've found myself going through Saturday night's events in my head, trying to figure out how it started, at which point I still had some cognitive ability to choose to go down another path. It's not that I regret that it happened. On the contrary, as mentioned before, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's just that... I don't like not being in control. I don't mean it in the micromanaging kind of way, but rather, I have this incredible need to constantly have some sort of control over what's going on, to the point that I actually dread praying to God for something to happen, because that means it's out of my hands, that I no longer have any power to bring whatever it is I want about. I've always been a firm believer in free will and that God helps those who help themselves.
I don't hate not having control though. I'm scared of it. I work really hard to have everything in my life more or less in some sort of order. I'm not willing to admit that one of the reasons I'm kind of glad I'm not attached to anyone (especially now) is because I know what I'm like when I'm in love. Nothing else matters as much as the person I'm with. And that would seriously disrupt my career goals, one of which is to work overseas within the next six to twelve months. Oh, of course, most people wouldn't believe me even if I said that, because I'm such an independent, opinionated, outspoken, sarcastic Miranda of Sex and the City kind of person that it's very tough to conceive of me as someone who'll be... well, devoted to someone. But I digress.
And so, I find myself analysing Saturday's events to death, looking for that critical moment so that next time, if I'm ever in that situation, I'll be able to... I don't know. I'm just driving myself crazy here, so I'll take the advice of a close friend who has much more experience in affairs like these than I do (and I mean this in a good way). She has told me not to stress so much, because these things, sometimes, they just happen. And that it's not necessarily a bad thing, my indulging in the moment, because we both had fun. So, I shall do my best to not be anal-retentive about this and just relax and let it go.
I don't hate not having control though. I'm scared of it. I work really hard to have everything in my life more or less in some sort of order. I'm not willing to admit that one of the reasons I'm kind of glad I'm not attached to anyone (especially now) is because I know what I'm like when I'm in love. Nothing else matters as much as the person I'm with. And that would seriously disrupt my career goals, one of which is to work overseas within the next six to twelve months. Oh, of course, most people wouldn't believe me even if I said that, because I'm such an independent, opinionated, outspoken, sarcastic Miranda of Sex and the City kind of person that it's very tough to conceive of me as someone who'll be... well, devoted to someone. But I digress.
And so, I find myself analysing Saturday's events to death, looking for that critical moment so that next time, if I'm ever in that situation, I'll be able to... I don't know. I'm just driving myself crazy here, so I'll take the advice of a close friend who has much more experience in affairs like these than I do (and I mean this in a good way). She has told me not to stress so much, because these things, sometimes, they just happen. And that it's not necessarily a bad thing, my indulging in the moment, because we both had fun. So, I shall do my best to not be anal-retentive about this and just relax and let it go.
Monday, April 11, 2005
Text conversation between my friend (the same one I kissed and who turned out to have been sick for the last few weeks with a cough) and I:
Me: Hey, I'm getting a sore throat and also suffering from acute embarrassment.
Him: Sorry! For the sore throat that is.
Me: And I'm coughing now too! You work fast. That settles it. Option B - Never again! I'll be good from now on. I've learnt my lesson.
Him: I thought we settled on Option B last night? Don't tell me you were considering otherwise? Heh.
Me: I'm flexible. I like to deal with things as and when they arise. I thought we could still dance together, just no kissing. I'll try and tone down my hotness. ;P
Him: Ha ha! Not sure if you'll be successful nor if I'll be able to resist.
Me: Thanks. It's nice hearing that.
Him: Hearing what? That I think you're hot?
Me: Yes. I'm vain and terribly insecure. And I very rarely hear guys tell me that. Can I stop explaining now? I'm embarrassed enough as it is!
Him: ;P Okay.
Me: Hey, I'm getting a sore throat and also suffering from acute embarrassment.
Him: Sorry! For the sore throat that is.
Me: And I'm coughing now too! You work fast. That settles it. Option B - Never again! I'll be good from now on. I've learnt my lesson.
Him: I thought we settled on Option B last night? Don't tell me you were considering otherwise? Heh.
Me: I'm flexible. I like to deal with things as and when they arise. I thought we could still dance together, just no kissing. I'll try and tone down my hotness. ;P
Him: Ha ha! Not sure if you'll be successful nor if I'll be able to resist.
Me: Thanks. It's nice hearing that.
Him: Hearing what? That I think you're hot?
Me: Yes. I'm vain and terribly insecure. And I very rarely hear guys tell me that. Can I stop explaining now? I'm embarrassed enough as it is!
Him: ;P Okay.
Most people think of a fling, a one night stand, a moment of passion, as being just that - incredibly full of passion, the feeling that you're taking a risk each and every moment you're with that person and that element of danger heightens your awareness and makes each moment so addictive, so full of emotion and desire that just consumes you totally.
What I experienced on Saturday night (or very early Sunday morning, more accurately) was something very different from that. I felt completely safe and protected in my friend's arms, and ironically enough, it was that very feeling of safety which prompted me to disregard the little voice in my head which was saying that maybe I shouldn't be responding to him, that maybe I shouldn't be Frenching him back. It's just that... even as I felt his arms caressing me, even as I felt how he much he wanted me, I knew that it would never get to a stage whereby I'd panic and not know how to get out of it. I trusted that my friend wouldn't do anything to hurt me.
It's strange.
What I experienced on Saturday night (or very early Sunday morning, more accurately) was something very different from that. I felt completely safe and protected in my friend's arms, and ironically enough, it was that very feeling of safety which prompted me to disregard the little voice in my head which was saying that maybe I shouldn't be responding to him, that maybe I shouldn't be Frenching him back. It's just that... even as I felt his arms caressing me, even as I felt how he much he wanted me, I knew that it would never get to a stage whereby I'd panic and not know how to get out of it. I trusted that my friend wouldn't do anything to hurt me.
It's strange.
Sunday, April 10, 2005
This weekend has been a most eventful weekend. Completely unexpectedly eventful, but, thankfully, all in a good way.
Yesterday night was the first night of clubbing I've gone for in over a month now, and it was a worthy enough act to bring me out of hibernation: Gabriel & Dresden - one of the hottest producers around, most notably for their trance productions, Motorcycle - As The Rush Comes and Andain - Beautiful Things. Needless to say though, these tracks have been terribly overplayed, and even though I'll still jump and scream when I hear them, I'd still prefer something else.
I did what is rapidly becoming a usual clubbing tradition. I dropped by my friend's place to chat and possibly load up on drinks before heading over to Zouk. When I got there, a rather disturbing movie, Kids, was on, which showcased 24 hours in the lives of inner city kids in the US. Watching a bunch of 13 to 16 year-old kids discussing their very active and unsafe sex lives, randomly beat up other people, swapping partners and even indulging in rape... it was messed up, to say the least.
Before leaving for Zouk, I had taken a can of Tiger beer and two (or more) shots of Havana Club Rum neat, which accounted for my arriving at Zouk incredibly buzzed. The music wasn't too bad, with the first song to rock me that night being a different mix of Paul Oakenfold - Southern Sun, which was awesome. After that, I went to say hi to some trance friends before heading upstairs to Members to pay my respects to some clubbing friends. I must've been very high because I started talking to people who I'd seen but didn't know, which is very unusual for me because I'm really rather shy.
In any case, Beautiful Things came on and after that, I went back down to dance. An old friend came on over, we shared some more drinks (because I felt I was getting too sober, believe it or not), we started dancing together, first with me facing away from him, then with us face-to-face. One thing led to another, and pretty soon, his hand guided my lips to his and we were snogging. Thing is, I'm not attracted to this friend and neither is he attracted to me even though we're very good friends. For some reason, we just don't have chemistry. But still, in spite of this, we were snogging. Not once but several times. It's not as if I was so drunk that I wasn't in control at all, just that... when under the influence, I do have a little control, just that a completely different person is in control, and not the person I am when sober. The truth is, this friend of mine is a fantastic guy. He comes and picks me up when I'm drunk, he listens to my tales of woe involving work and/or other guys, and he's just really easy to talk to. And when I was in his arms last night, I felt safe and protected, as well as wanted, which is perhaps not the noblest of reasons to explain why I didn't stop myself, but is still a critical factor.
And when the morning came, I was trying to figure out what to do about this situation. I had faith in our friendship, in that nothing harmful would happen and that we'd still be good friends, but I was still nervous about what had occurred. And apparently, so was he. We spoke on the phone a few hours ago, and as I mentioned above, it's all good. We've decided to return to what we were before last night, admitting that neither one of us is actually all that attracted to the other, although we also admitted that we quite enjoyed last night. He apologised initially, because as he said, he was the more sober one and should have controlled it better, but I said, "What happened last night... I had fun. And I'm not sorry. I don't want things to go any further, but I'm not sorry it happened." I'm rather relieved that our relationship is still intact because he's a great friend, and I'd hate to lose him.
On a nice note, he said that I was unusually hot last night and that my hair smelt great. Heh. It's always nice when someone tells you something like that.
2. I asked a guy for his number in front of all of his friends. And I got it too.
I went to km8 at Tanjong Beach, Sentosa today and it was fantastic. The weather was great and it was an awesome place to kill a couple of hours. In fact, I think I could spend the whole entire day there just soaking in the sun, chilling and people-watching. And today's people... were gorgeous. I definitely spotted some model-types, including a Seth Cohen-lookalike, as well as a poser guy who just kept looking as if he was well... posing whatever he was doing. And then there was this very hot, boyishly-cute guy who I couldn't take my eyes off since he walked in. I kept trying to figure out if he was gay because he was with this other guy the whole time, but he gave out these vibes which just screamed, "I'm straight!" I tried to get my friend's boyfriend to get me his phone number, but he refused, so I ended up walking all the way up to him after he left the bar, interrupted a conversation he was having with a group of friends and just said, "Excuse me, I think you're very cute and I'd like to get your number," after calling a friend for moral support. And he said, "You're very direct, I like that," after which I blushed and said, "Well, I don't do this very often," and he replied, "I should hope not!"
Anyway, it turns out he lives very near to me, and hopefully, regardless of whether anything happens between us, I'd have made a nice friend.
As I was commemorating the life of the Pope in my own way, I hope God's not too mad at him given everything that happened.
- I snogged an old friend while drunk, but it's all good.
- I asked a guy for his number in front of all of his friends. And I got it too.
Yesterday night was the first night of clubbing I've gone for in over a month now, and it was a worthy enough act to bring me out of hibernation: Gabriel & Dresden - one of the hottest producers around, most notably for their trance productions, Motorcycle - As The Rush Comes and Andain - Beautiful Things. Needless to say though, these tracks have been terribly overplayed, and even though I'll still jump and scream when I hear them, I'd still prefer something else.
I did what is rapidly becoming a usual clubbing tradition. I dropped by my friend's place to chat and possibly load up on drinks before heading over to Zouk. When I got there, a rather disturbing movie, Kids, was on, which showcased 24 hours in the lives of inner city kids in the US. Watching a bunch of 13 to 16 year-old kids discussing their very active and unsafe sex lives, randomly beat up other people, swapping partners and even indulging in rape... it was messed up, to say the least.
Before leaving for Zouk, I had taken a can of Tiger beer and two (or more) shots of Havana Club Rum neat, which accounted for my arriving at Zouk incredibly buzzed. The music wasn't too bad, with the first song to rock me that night being a different mix of Paul Oakenfold - Southern Sun, which was awesome. After that, I went to say hi to some trance friends before heading upstairs to Members to pay my respects to some clubbing friends. I must've been very high because I started talking to people who I'd seen but didn't know, which is very unusual for me because I'm really rather shy.
In any case, Beautiful Things came on and after that, I went back down to dance. An old friend came on over, we shared some more drinks (because I felt I was getting too sober, believe it or not), we started dancing together, first with me facing away from him, then with us face-to-face. One thing led to another, and pretty soon, his hand guided my lips to his and we were snogging. Thing is, I'm not attracted to this friend and neither is he attracted to me even though we're very good friends. For some reason, we just don't have chemistry. But still, in spite of this, we were snogging. Not once but several times. It's not as if I was so drunk that I wasn't in control at all, just that... when under the influence, I do have a little control, just that a completely different person is in control, and not the person I am when sober. The truth is, this friend of mine is a fantastic guy. He comes and picks me up when I'm drunk, he listens to my tales of woe involving work and/or other guys, and he's just really easy to talk to. And when I was in his arms last night, I felt safe and protected, as well as wanted, which is perhaps not the noblest of reasons to explain why I didn't stop myself, but is still a critical factor.
And when the morning came, I was trying to figure out what to do about this situation. I had faith in our friendship, in that nothing harmful would happen and that we'd still be good friends, but I was still nervous about what had occurred. And apparently, so was he. We spoke on the phone a few hours ago, and as I mentioned above, it's all good. We've decided to return to what we were before last night, admitting that neither one of us is actually all that attracted to the other, although we also admitted that we quite enjoyed last night. He apologised initially, because as he said, he was the more sober one and should have controlled it better, but I said, "What happened last night... I had fun. And I'm not sorry. I don't want things to go any further, but I'm not sorry it happened." I'm rather relieved that our relationship is still intact because he's a great friend, and I'd hate to lose him.
On a nice note, he said that I was unusually hot last night and that my hair smelt great. Heh. It's always nice when someone tells you something like that.
2. I asked a guy for his number in front of all of his friends. And I got it too.
I went to km8 at Tanjong Beach, Sentosa today and it was fantastic. The weather was great and it was an awesome place to kill a couple of hours. In fact, I think I could spend the whole entire day there just soaking in the sun, chilling and people-watching. And today's people... were gorgeous. I definitely spotted some model-types, including a Seth Cohen-lookalike, as well as a poser guy who just kept looking as if he was well... posing whatever he was doing. And then there was this very hot, boyishly-cute guy who I couldn't take my eyes off since he walked in. I kept trying to figure out if he was gay because he was with this other guy the whole time, but he gave out these vibes which just screamed, "I'm straight!" I tried to get my friend's boyfriend to get me his phone number, but he refused, so I ended up walking all the way up to him after he left the bar, interrupted a conversation he was having with a group of friends and just said, "Excuse me, I think you're very cute and I'd like to get your number," after calling a friend for moral support. And he said, "You're very direct, I like that," after which I blushed and said, "Well, I don't do this very often," and he replied, "I should hope not!"
Anyway, it turns out he lives very near to me, and hopefully, regardless of whether anything happens between us, I'd have made a nice friend.
As I was commemorating the life of the Pope in my own way, I hope God's not too mad at him given everything that happened.
Thursday, April 07, 2005
Although I love accessories, I'm not much of a ring person, largely because my fingers aren't the optimal shape for wearing rings, as my knuckles are larger than the base of my fingers.
But when I chanced on the following two rings selling at half-price at Suzz (now shut as the owner's taking a break), I couldn't resist. Aren't they just too cute?
In Full Bloom in purple (left) and turquoise (right)
But when I chanced on the following two rings selling at half-price at Suzz (now shut as the owner's taking a break), I couldn't resist. Aren't they just too cute?
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
And now... a little history lesson.
The Vatican City is the world's smallest independent state, both in land area (o.44 km²) and population (921). The history of the Vatican as a papal residence dates from the 5th century, when, after Emperor Constantine I had built the basilica of St. Peter's, Pope Symmachus built a palace nearby. It became independent in 1929 with the signing of the Lateran Treaties between Italy and the Holy See, the government of the Vatican State, which, inter alia, granted Roman Catholicism special status in Italy.
The state, or rather the pontiff, is guarded by the world's smallest army, the Swiss Guards. All recruits must be unmarried Roman Catholic males between the ages of 19 and 30. They must stand at least 172cm (5ft 8in) tall, and they must have completed military training in the Swiss armed forces. Once joined, they learn to handle swords and halberds, just as their predecessors did.
During my visit to the Vatican, I, like many tourists before me, took photos of the colourfully-garbed Swiss Guards. As I was also going on a tour of St. Peter's Tomb (also known as the tour of the excavations below St. Peter's Basilica), I had the opportunity to walk through the gates which a pair of Swiss Guards were well, guarding. One of them escorted me to where I had to go, and I had the brief opportunity to speak to him, whereupon I asked him, in awe, "how many languages can you speak?" Five, it turned out: French, German, Italian, Spanish and English. I was, naturally, quite impressed. And more than a little taken with the tall, not-at-all bad-looking young man, despite the jester-like quality of his uniform.
Anyway, therein ends the brief history lesson.
The Vatican City is the world's smallest independent state, both in land area (o.44 km²) and population (921). The history of the Vatican as a papal residence dates from the 5th century, when, after Emperor Constantine I had built the basilica of St. Peter's, Pope Symmachus built a palace nearby. It became independent in 1929 with the signing of the Lateran Treaties between Italy and the Holy See, the government of the Vatican State, which, inter alia, granted Roman Catholicism special status in Italy.
The state, or rather the pontiff, is guarded by the world's smallest army, the Swiss Guards. All recruits must be unmarried Roman Catholic males between the ages of 19 and 30. They must stand at least 172cm (5ft 8in) tall, and they must have completed military training in the Swiss armed forces. Once joined, they learn to handle swords and halberds, just as their predecessors did.
During my visit to the Vatican, I, like many tourists before me, took photos of the colourfully-garbed Swiss Guards. As I was also going on a tour of St. Peter's Tomb (also known as the tour of the excavations below St. Peter's Basilica), I had the opportunity to walk through the gates which a pair of Swiss Guards were well, guarding. One of them escorted me to where I had to go, and I had the brief opportunity to speak to him, whereupon I asked him, in awe, "how many languages can you speak?" Five, it turned out: French, German, Italian, Spanish and English. I was, naturally, quite impressed. And more than a little taken with the tall, not-at-all bad-looking young man, despite the jester-like quality of his uniform.
Anyway, therein ends the brief history lesson.
For some reason, Singapore seems to be inundated with millions of great events these few months.
So much for saving money.
- For Jazz lovers, there was Diane Reeves in January, Norah Jones in February, Bebel Gilberto in March, Diana Krall in April and Laura Fygi and Patti Austin's tribute to Ella Fitzgerald in May.
- For musical and dance spectacular fans, there was Lady Salsa in February, The Sound of Music, Estampas Portenas Tango Fire and Lord of the Dance and Lea Salonga in concert - all in April as well as Swan Lake by the Royal Ballet (UK) and Ultima Vez's Puur in June. There's also Break! for hip hop enthusiasts.
- For pop fans, Blondie, Simple Plan and Avril Lavigne played on our shores recently.
So much for saving money.
Monday, April 04, 2005
Photo: © L'Osservatore Romano
As I walked into the office this morning, it started pouring, so much so that I couldn't see anything at all from my office window. It matched my melancholy mood, and indeed, the same mood that fellow Catholics in the office were in.Surprisingly, I managed to get some work done, at least more than my usual Monday productivity. And good thing too, because I planned to attend the Requiem Mass held at 8 pm tonight. The memorial Mass, originally intended to be a vigil for the Pope's health, was to be held simultaneously across 33 churches in Singapore.
I usually dread going to church because I find it boring, but this time was different. In spite of the reason why we were at Mass, I was happy. We were reminded of the many great things Pope John Paul II had done during his lifetime, and instead of feeling sad that he has left us, I was happy - happy that he had been given to us in the first place.
No doubt I disagreed with some of his views; for one thing, I'm not against the use of contraception, for another, I'm for abortion under special circumstances, and thirdly, I think euthanasia can be justified under certain circumstances, but that doesn't mean I don't think he was a great person. In fact, in spite of my rather blase attitude towards the Church and life in general, in a way, I'm glad for the Pope's death, because it showed me that I'm not as distant from my religion as I thought, and in fact, as I'm discovering now (and I'm sure - so are many other Catholics), I did love the Pope.
Death of the Pope in Pictures (link via The Pope Blog)
The Pope's Final Letter to the World (Prepared for the solemnity of the Divine Mercy)
(Thanks to Jimbo of The Pope Blog for the translation)
Dearest Brothers and Sisters!
1. Resonate also today the joyful Alleluia of Easter. Today's reading from the Gospel of John emphasizes that the Resurrected one, the evening of this day, appeared to the Apostles and "showed them his hands and side" (Jn 20,20), that is the signs of the painful passion impressed in permanent way on his body even after the resurrection. Those glorious wounds, which eight days later made to touch to the doubting Thomas, reveal the mercy of God, that "he so loved the world that he gave his only Son" (Jn 3,16).
This mystery of love is at the center of today's liturgy of Sunday in Albis, dedicated to the belief of the Divine Mercy.
2. To all humanity, which at times seems so lost and dominated by the power of evil, selfishness and fear, our resurrected Lord offers in gift his love that pardons, reconciles and reopens the soul to hope. The love that converts the hearts and bestows the peace. How much need the world has to understand and to receive the Divine Mercy!
Lord, whose death and resurrection reveals the love of the Father, we believe in You and with confidence we say again to you this today: Jesus, trust in You, have mercy on us and the entire world.
3. The liturgical feast of the Annunciation, that we will celebrate tomorrow, pushes us to contemplate with the eyes of Mary the immense mystery to us of this merciful love that gushes from the Heart of Christ. She helps us so that we can comprehend the true sense of the paschal joy, which I found myself on this certainty: He whom the Virgin has carried in her womb, that has suffered and died for us, is truly risen. Alleluia!
Sunday, April 03, 2005
Pope John Paul II is dead.
I couldn't quite believe it when I heard it during Mass this morning, and it was only upon my return home, listening to the BBC World Service special on the Pope that the news sank in.
I truly did not expect to feel as sad as I do now. I didn't know him at all; I didn't know his policies, his views, his life, nothing. I mean, of course I knew the stance of the Catholic Church on issues such as abortion and euthanasia, but I didn't know anything at all of the other kinds of policies he pushed through. All I knew of him is that he was Polish, used to be a goalkeeper in his youth, that someone tried to assassinate him once and was a very learned man and that he visited us in 1986. It's only today, after his death, that I learnt he had a special place in his heart for the developing nations, that he used to be a trained stage actor, that he lost both of his parents before the age of 20.
And yet, despite my woefully unforgivable ignorance, I felt greatly blessed to have had the opportunity to see this great man, the head of the Catholic Church, the head of my Church, the most powerful religious leader in the world, before he passed awayduring my visit to the Vatican three years ago. Even though I knew virtually nothing, I was just happy to have seen him, to have attended a Mass over which he presided, even if he looked frail and weak, and his voice was quavering throughout.
Now, in spite of my continued pronouncements of "he's old! It's bound to happen sooner or later!" over the past few weeks, I really am slightly shocked and deeply saddened at his passing. If I were one of the thousands in St. Peter's Square or in Krakow, I, too, would have shed tears.
He was a great man, loved by many, who touched countless lives, Catholic and non-Catholic.
Eternal rest grant unto Pope John Paul, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.
BBC: Guide To How John Paul's Successor Will Be Chosen
CNN: Events to follow the death of Pope John Paul II
CNN: What It Takes To Become Pope
National Catholic Reporter: Who Will Be The Next Pope?
Saturday, April 02, 2005
Readability Results for http://littlemissrandom.blogspot.com
| Readability Results | |
| Summary | Value |
| Total sentences | 256 |
| Total words | 2,940 |
| Average words per Sentence | 11.48 |
| Words with 1 Syllable | 2,052 |
| Words with 2 Syllables | 585 |
| Words with 3 Syllables | 224 |
| Words with 4 or more Syllables | 79 |
| Percentage of word with three or more syllables | 10.31% |
| Average Syllables per Word | 1.43% |
| Gunning Fog Index (how many years of schooling it would take someone to understand the content) | 8.72 |
| Flesch Reading Ease (The higher the score, the easier it is to understand the document. Authors are encouraged to aim for a score of approximately 60 to 70) | 74.03 |
| Flesch-Kincaid Grade (Like the Gunning-Fog index, it is a rough measure of how many years of schooling it would take someone to understand the content) | 5.79 |
Courtesy of Juicy Studio.
My writing is apparently in the range of most popular novels, and a person reading it would require either 8.72 years of schooling or be in the 5.79th grade in order to understand my writing. Unlike some people who are aiming to make their blogs more readable (i.e words with less syllables or less words per sentence), I'm happy to have writing that appeals to people with a more intellectual bent. Heh. What do you expect from someone who rates The Guardian and The Economist as their favourite periodicals?
Friday, April 01, 2005
What Every Woman Should Have
Every Woman Should Have:
Originally appeared in the May 1997 Edition of Glamour Magazine
Every Woman Should Have:
- One old love she can imagine going back to, and one who reminds her how far she has come.
- Enough money within her control to move out and rent a place of her own, even if she never wants to and needs to.
- Something perfect to wear if the employer or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour.
- A youth she's content to leave behind and a past so juicy enough that she's looking forward to retelling it in her old age.
- The realization that she is actually going to have an old age and some money set aside to fund it.
- A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra.
- One friend who always makes her laugh, and one who lets her cry.
- A good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family.
- Eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems, and a recipe for a meal that will make her guests feel honored.
- A resume that is not even the slightest bit padded.
- How to fall in love without losing herself.
- How to quit a job, break up with a lover, and confront a friend without ruining the friendship.
- When to try harder, and when to walk away.
- How to have a good time at a party she'd never choose to attend.
- How to ask for what she wants in a way that makes it most likely she'll get it.
- That she can't change the length of her calves, the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents.
- That her childhood may not have been perfect, but it's over.
- What she would and wouldn't do for love or more.
- How to live alone, even if she doesn't like it.
- Whom she can trust, whom she can't, and why she shouldn't take it personally.
- Where to go, be it to her best friend's kitchen table, or a charming inn in the woods, when her soul needs soothing.
- What she can and can't accomplish in a day, a month, and a year.
Originally appeared in the May 1997 Edition of Glamour Magazine
Pope John Paul II is seriously ill after suffering heart failure and has received the last rites.
I saw him when I made my pilgrammage of sorts to Rome in 2002 during Holy Week. I saw him at the Wednesday Papal Audience at the Vatican where I received the Papal Blessing (as did numerous holy objects on my person) and then again at the Easter Sunday Mass where he wished us happy Easter in 63 languages or so.
God Bless The Pope.
Related: How the next Pope will be elected
I saw him when I made my pilgrammage of sorts to Rome in 2002 during Holy Week. I saw him at the Wednesday Papal Audience at the Vatican where I received the Papal Blessing (as did numerous holy objects on my person) and then again at the Easter Sunday Mass where he wished us happy Easter in 63 languages or so.
God Bless The Pope.
Related: How the next Pope will be elected
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