21 Jun 2010
by Ubiquityin Solace Tags: muses
I love curling up in bed under the plush covers where his warmth still lingers. With the blinds partially drawn and the sounds of the birds chirping, I love that precise moment when my eyelids gets heavy and I drift away to yet another peaceful slumber where no troubles and worries could get me.
I love immersing myself in a book. Sprawled on the sofa. On the terrace on a balmy day and a cigarette. By the beach against the soothing rythms of the waves lapping on the shore. Commuting in a peak hour train. At a busy sidewalk cafe in Piazza Navona, Roma. On the toilet seat. In bed. Anytime. Anywhere. I love getting lost among the words that does not tie me down to my reality.
I love warm showers. It lends me the instant comfort.
I used to hate chocolates but I love them now. They never fail to make me feel better. I still hate Cadbury chocolates though.
I love watching ‘feel good’ movies.
I love cooking good food. I love that blissful look on his face when he took the first bite of that Boeuf Bourguignon. I love the moan that escapes from his lips when he caught the scent of the Poulet Rôti. Mmmmmmm…
Can I live in my solace forever?
21 May 2010
by Ubiquityin Miscellaneous Tags: muses, words
Get a job. Walk to work. Wear a suit and brown glossy shoes. Paint your nails. Wear black. Never wear black. Lipstains on your paper cups, heavy mugs. Scribble poetry in business meetings. Whistle in the elevator. Smile on the subway (it’ll scare them away). Cut your hair. Pin it in curls. Take cold showers. Never shower. Wear five dollar perfume. Stop reading magazines. Lie about politics. Change your name. Buy watercolors. Primary colors. Work in black and white. Take pictures. Stop seeing. Listen to buried records. Listen to silence. Pack your bags. Donate everything. Step into new shoes. Update your passport. Leave this city. Leave this state. Leave this country. Never look back. Learn a new language. Fall in love. Break your heart. Break a bone. Watch death. Touch old things. Lose a friend. Lose yourself. Lose 10 pounds. Lose a parent. Change. Forget. Never forget. Wear black. Never wear black. Lipstick. Night air. Tangerines and overripe plums. Touch your toes. Touch your lips. Touch your heart and break it in half. Pack your bags.
- paintedfiction
20 May 2010
by Ubiquityin Pain in the asses, Reality bites Tags: muses, Switzerland, updates
Today I am bummed. Very, very, bummed.
I’ve finally received some updates about my residency application; the immigration requires a couple more documents from me. “Sure! No problem!”, I thought. But, as always, it’s never THAT simple. It turned out to be a whole lot more! So I gotta get in touch with the authorities back in Singapore for a particular certificate. BUT! In order to obtain that certificate, I need to produce a documentary proof that it’s for official use. “Sure! I send in the letter that I received then!”. Again, not so easy.
1) the letter I receive is in German
2) I wrote translation notes on that letter (which was a very bad idea)
To summarize, there will be lots of papers flying around and more errands to run. I think that it’ll probably take around 4 – 6 weeks before everything gets finalized. Pffft!
On a lighter note, we are going to South of France at the end of June and I’m really looking forward to that. So this whole process of immigration has to be done before then. Otherwise… Let’s just say I’ll be completely bummed.
I haven’t been uploading much pictures now, haven’t I? I haven’t even shared our wedding and honeymoon photos. I’ll get to that soon. Promise!
19 May 2010
by Ubiquityin Facebook, Pain in the asses, Reality bites Tags: Facebook, FarmVille, muses
I’m not gonna work with statistics here but let’s face it; almost everyone we know has an account with Facebook. Even our moms have one! Facebook has grown so huge that it pops up in almost every conversation you have with someone. Companies, celebraties even babies! They all have a Facebook account! It’s amazing!
Here comes the golden question, are you addicted to Facebook?
I’ll be really honest here. I am addicted to Facebook; I log in to my account every single day. Mainly for my farm. I might be one of the people who keeps spamming your wall with my FarmVille notifications.
Sure, I get some friends complaining that all I do is FARM FARM FARM. But seriously you guys, is that REALLY a problem? I mean, if you hate seeing those news feeds from me, just Hide it! Not too hard now isn’t that? I love FarmVille and that DOES NOT make me a freak. What’s wrong with having your own little virtual farm? You know, it has always been my dream to own a farm with chickens running around, but growing up in Singapore I’m deprived of that.
Some people I know are complaining that their privacy has been breached by Facebook. By that, they meant that Facebook has allow advertisers to use their Profile Picture along with their name to promote their products. I have my concerns there as well, but it only goes that far and my Profile are still limited to My Friends Only, so there’s really nothing for me to be worried about. There is something that I have to say to those people who are so paranoid about the revised security features. Why join if you want to remain anonymous through and through?
I can’t be arsed about Facebook security because I know that anything that I publish on the internet will never be private. That’s where I learn to choose what I share with others. There is a bigger part of my life that will remain closed and it will stay that way. But to stop using Facebook? I won’t do that.
18 May 2010
by Ubiquityin Pain in the asses, Reality bites Tags: muses
Someone I know just gave birth to a baby boy and another person that I would have never expected to be a daddy, is a daddy now! Babies, babies, babies… And then, that same night after Fred and I got married, people start asking when’s our turn. I wish I could tell them exactly when but I honestly don’t know. One day. Not now. I wish people will stop asking this question. I, as extroverted as I can be, I would never bring myself to ask anyone that I ‘hardly’ know about something that I dub personal as this.
I mean, how do they expect me to reply?
“Oh sure! Babies. We love babies! We’ll have babies soon!”
And then what?
Having a baby is a huge commitment people! You don’t just have sex and reproduce whenever you like. You gotta plan for it. You have to know if you’re ready for it. Did they think about this before asking such questions? Maybe they do and they’re genuinely curious…
But why? Okay, It make sense for our parents to be curious. I can understand their enthusiasm about being grandparents. But others, why do they wanna know? Were they expecting to find out how we did ‘it’ that made me pregnant? Pfft!
Anyway, one thing for sure we’re not gonna have kids soon. I’m not against it but I feel that we ought to enjoy our moment as a couple when we can. Without a kid, traveling is easier. I have seen a mom with a screaming baby in her arms waiting in line to go up the Eiffel Tower. The baby is obviously irritated; it cried non-stop! One might even think that the baby is in pain. But the mother stayed in line waiting for the lift to bring us up. That’s crazy. Without a kid, life is a lot cheaper. Think about the milk, diapers, clothes, trips to the doctor, savings for their future… the list goes on. What if you have 3 kids? That’s everything that I just mentioned times 3! Probably even more. I don’t even have a job now. So no no. No kids now. Without a kid, we have more time by ourselves. Bonding! Isn’t that important? We’re a newly married couple here. There’s a lot for us to learn about each other. There are tons things that we can still do together. See?
05 May 2010
by Ubiquityin Reality bites, Reminiscing Tags: muses
God I miss my mom! The scent of her still lingers each time I enter the guest bedroom and it breaks my heart. It brings back all the memories we shared.
I really can’t wait to go back to Singapore. I miss her cooking, her smile, her giggles, her nagging, her whining… I miss going shopping with her. I miss watching tv till late at night with her. I miss our gossips and girly talks. I miss her kisses before bedtime. I miss kissing her before bedtime. I miss her laziness. I miss her fussiness. I miss her infectious happiness! Oh I miss her so very very much!
The weather doesn’t help much either. It’s so dull and grey. I guess I’m suffering from the post-holiday blues. Do you know that feeling? I’ve been used to going away for trips and coming home knowing that I could share my experiences with family and friends. Now though, they’re just too far away and all I have is this blog (and Fred). I suppose I will have to learn to write everyday.
05 Oct 2009
by Ubiquityin Pain in the asses, Reality bites Tags: drive, muses, updates
I am not supposed to be writing random updates right now but just for a quick recap, I have already successfully enrolled myself as a student at Bukit Batok Driving Centre.
As soon as I arrived at the centre this morning, with full of confidence that nothing will go wrong, I went straight up to the TP counter at the 2nd level. Got myself a queue ticket (although there was nobody else there) to renew my PDL, waited for at least 5mins until my number was called and only to be told that their computer system was down, come back later after 4pm (the time when the queue is even longer than that of ICA) and there was nothing that they can do for me until then. BOLLOCKS!
Sure I can understand how slow and inefficient the IT people can be when it comes to system recovery. But seriously! Where is YOUR customer service recovery?!? What bullshit are you trying to tell me that there is NOTHING that you can do?
“Excuse me LADY! But there is one thing that you can do.”
“You can tell me that I don’t need to queue when I come back later.”
Don’t you think it only make sense?
“I came at 9am to avoid the queue and it is NOT MY FAULT that your computer is down. How could I have anticipated that your computers would act up before hand?”
“I mean, come on, don’t tell me you guys are running old system that breaks down every Monday morning at 9am…”
“I can assure you that NOT ONLY you will help me save time, YOU will save YOUR time and breath from arguing with me any further. You know I’m right. “
And so I got my point across. The lady scrawled a little remark underneath the application form, “Seen applicant, system down, proceed counter, no need Q”
With no PDL in hand I went down to the 1st floor to settle the enrollment administrations where I’ve learned that it is ALMOST impossible for me to obtain a driving license by January 2010.
Note : ALMOST
I am attempting the impossible, please DO NOT try this unless you’re as desperate as I am.
Anyway, the issue with the PDL is finally resolved. As promised I’ve managed to get ahead of the queue. I’ve also attended a briefing which lasted for about 15mins and the 1st Basic Theory Lesson (BTL 1.01). Which I think is a total waste of time and completely pointless. At least for me since I’ve passed my Basic Theory Test and gotten my PDL at another centre.
I will sit for the last Basic Theory Lesson (BTL 1.02) and my 1st practical training tomorrow. Wish me luck please, I know I really need that.
06 Aug 2009
by Ubiquityin Reality bites Tags: muses
Hazy day
I hate the weather today.
The haze is back and the air is polluted making me feel sick. I hope I won’t fall sick although my body is giving me the signs already. Like this morning, I woke up with a bad feeling in my throat. It felt very dry and painful so I gargled with the antiseptic mouthwash and it went away about an hour later. But it’s back now. Uh-oh!
If you look closely in the picture, you could see the dome of Guthrie House on Sixth Avenue. Normally, on a clear day, you could see well past that structure. Today however, I could hardly make out the building shapes in the background.
Somehow the smell of air outside manage to seep in the house and it reeks of smoke in here.
04 Aug 2009
by Ubiquityin Reality bites Tags: muses, Nacou
Just when we’re about to conclude that we’ve bought a broken cat, Nacou proved to us that she’s a very strong ragdoll. Right after the episode of her lungs infection, we detected swollen lymph nodes around her neck area. To be honest with you, I was almost ready to give up (sorry Nacou but you really scared me then).
Sometime in 2005 when my dad was around, he had swollen lymph nodes. He wasn’t seriously ill or bedridden, but he was definitely unwell. He went to see from one doctor to another to get a second opinion, with hopes that it’s nothing serious but he was referred to the hospital instead.
There are plenty of causes that can lead to the enlargement of lymph nodes. They are mainly:
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/swollen_lymph_glands/page2_em.htm
- Infection: This can increase the number of white blood cells, which multiply in response to stimulation with a foreign substance (antigen)
- Virus: Immune reaction to a generalized infection in the body such as viral infections that can occur with the common cold as well as more serious infections such as HIV
- Inflammation: Infiltration with inflammatory cells during infection or inflammation in a region of a given lymph node
- Cancer: Infiltration with malignant cells (metastases) brought to the node with the lymph flowing from an area of a certain type of cancer
- Cancer of the Blood: Uncontrolled, malignant multiplication of lymphocytes as in lymphoma or leukemia
Back in the hospital, a biopsy was performed and finally the doctors confirmed that my dad has lymphoma. As in many cancers, lymphoma is most likely to be cured if it is diagnosed early and treated promptly.
And so the treatment began.
After the gruelling anticipations of the cause of his swollen lymph nodes and throughout the chemotherapy and radiation treatment, my dad wasn’t at his best. Yet the strength inside of him was so strong that he went through it all.
I still remember that one particular morning vividly, when the nurse wheeled my father on the stretcher to the operating theatre. Right then, watching him being wheeled away from me, I felt vulnerable, small, immensely sad and overwhelmed with fears.
Fears that I might lose him.
Fears of being without him.
My eyes prickled with tears and I quickly took a huge breath, filling my lungs with the sterile air of the waiting room. I felt my tears evaporating and a voice from inside told me, “Dada will be fine.”
True to the voice that whispered to me then, my dad turned out fine. He survived lymphoma.
Now I really wouldn’t blame myself for wanting to give up when we detected Nacou’s swollen glands.
Cheeky Nacou
It brought me back those bitter AND sweet memories. The fears.
Thankfully, the swell has been slowly subsiding. Our petite Nacou has been very active. We will take her to the vet should it not disappear.
Anyway, look at this photo of her, she looked healthy enough to be cheeky to rest her front paws in Fred’s slippers!
01 Aug 2009
by Ubiquityin Pain in the asses, Reality bites Tags: muses
Nenek Keropok in English literally means Crisps / Chips / Crackers Grandmother but let’s just call her Cracker Lady (as quoted on http://www.sfogszero.com/news/nenek-keropok-cracker-lady).
There has been a lot of hype recently about this poor old lady going around knocking on people’s door selling crisps / chips / crackers. Words are circulating via sms and (even the public media!) radio, that this particular lady goes around with a spook and if it should happen that she is refused of her services, the spook will enter the house.
So let’s get this straight.
First thing’s first, I can tell you guys that this is nothing more than just a hoax. A bad bad joke created by bad bad people who have nothing better to do.
Just like that myth about Kum Kum. It’s bullshit! Be honest you guys, have you REALLY ever encountered with one? I’ve not and neither did any of the people I know!
This old lady might have just been a real and innocent old lady trying to make a living by selling the keropok. My heart goes out to her. If she is REALLY real, she must’ve had a hard time trying to make money now. And if she is REALLY real, without the money, she might not be able to afford her rent. And where will she live?
I’m utterly disgusted with the local radio station for promoting such fabrications.
Now let’s talk about the things that the spook will do when it enters the house. What do you think it’ll do? Haunt you? Eat you? Decided that it will live with you? Cook for you a meal?
GET REAL!
How old are you to still believe in ghosts?!?
Back on Facebook, somebody has even set-up an account for the nenek. How much of an imbecile one can be? Some poor old lady’s photo has been posted up and now we have a physical idea of how she looks like. And then what? If we see her we should run? Or should we walk around with the butterfly net and use it to catch her when we bump into her?
My heart goes out to the person related to the lady on the photo. What are you waiting for?
This is defamation people! Why are you adding her as your friend? Why are you making fun of her? What if it has been a photo of YOUR granny there?
Or then again, that could’ve just been a model. But still! It gives no one any rights to create such half-baked Facebook account along with half-baked stories.
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