回顾2005, 展望2006

好公式化的标题! 不好意思,我的中文造句创意有限啦. 说真的, 2005年也没什么高潮迭起,除了几个假桃花让人笑个爆, 两次超棒的宝岛之旅和一箩"控不灵"不完的苦水之外, 2005年总算安然无恙!

对与2006年的期许,不外呼又是那几个老套庸俗但人人梦想的:

> 飞黄腾达
> 嫁个有钱人
> 快乐,健康
> 魅力四射
> 屡战屡胜

在还没飞上枝头变风凰之前,我将继续努力埋头苦干, 睁大眼睛锁定目标, 期待老天疼戅人的奇迹降临于我!

Comrades, Almost a Love Story! ~ A tribute to friendship

Dearest XY and Minty

Oh, I hate to sound mushy. But do both of you realise that we've been friends for more years than we were not? And things have grown so comfortable with you two around.

You've seen me through lean and thick, literally. You've put up with my raucousness in the bus, at the bus-stops and everywhere in school. You've survived the unintentional embarassment I put you through. You've seen my best and worst. You've heard my secrets and the many times I repeat them. You've felt my fear, excitement, uncertainties and triumphs. You've been at almost, if not all of my important moments. And I do wish, I've been as good a friend as you would have wanted me to be.

This year marks our 14 years of friendship, and a significant anniversary I must say as it overtakes the length of time that we haven't been friends.

Here's to many more years to come.
For better or worse.
For richer or poorer.
For single or married.

Yum Seng!

Yours Lovingly
Pi

I Look Like 九孔?!!!

Please hor XY, HM and Geok! I may have a 明星 face...but but... this resemblance is ultimate lor!

The Return

The "career review syndrome" strikes again! Sometimes I'm not too sure if I'm sure I know what I want to do, wish to achieve and where to head. I mean I'm not exactly clueless, but am I doing my best? Is there a part of me wishing for something else? Am I maxing my potential? Argh....! This doubt occurs once every 1 or 2 years, when life's routine get wearying, when I start counting gains and losses.

Ok, despite feeling a little jittery, I'm quite ready to take myself on another self-discovery ride. May enlightenment arrive soon.

Me and my Supernatural Talent 

This (Un)Creative Business

Quick, get me out of this recurring situation of irksome clients who kept stealing the joy of the creative business from me. Blame it on poor luck, maybe it's us, or maybe the big break has yet to come, but truth be told - I'm tired of all these nonsense. Let's see how irritating the top 3 on my dart board can get:

1) The I MUST SEE IMMEDIATE RETURNS Businessman - Behind the guise of an earnest attitude to embrace the new economy talk of branding and creative advertising is an incorrigible approach that believes in putting up haphazardly planned (IS THERE A PLAN AT ALL ANYWAY?) marketing strategies. Ads SCREAM "SALES", "AMAZING RESULTS" and all that ra-ra ALL the time! Ad bookings are done as and when he feels like it. Product taglines change every other day. Better yet, decisions are always done the very LAST minute thinking that all will fall into place as long as he pays...yet for an issue as small as doing a tiny signage, he takes days and a boardroom of brains to deliberate.

2) The I THINK EVERYTHING IS EASY Idiot who thought her middle name is Smart - This woman smutters comments that apparently didn't go through the big brains. She could be saying your idea is good one moment, and trash it the next cos she DOESN'T HAVE A MIND OF HER OWN - it's swayed by where the wind from her boss blows. More insultingly, she could raise some examples of works and thought they could be done like, in a snap. Hallo, what ignorance! It's sad how people who haven't learnt, experienced or seen enough could be calling the shots, determining the value of our works. Big companies won't be paying hundreds of thousand if getting a cow to dance can be done in a blink darling. Your peanuts budget is only enough to pay off my illustrator to draw a nice monkey on surfboard.

3) The CHUP CHUP...WAIT LET ME THINK Old Bird - Having been in the business for some time now, this mad hag is eager to drive others into her realm of nuttiness. NEVER commital until the very very last minute, she takes us through the whirlwind of a vomit-inducing roller coaster ride until the ULTIMATE deadline is declared. Again, thinking (and showing) she's some smart ass, no ideas are ever that good, except hers of course. We've come to a point of not having to propose much but just to hear what she has to say and agree. Yes, that's all we need to do to earn compliments like "Great job!" from her. Nice, isn't it?

Of course, I can give incessant recounts of hellish jobs that are akin to slow-release toxic, waiting to creep to my once fresh mind and turn it all mouldy. What to do? BEAR WITH IT.... better things await once I scrape enough profits from whom my enthusiasm was plundered.

My Meme!

MeMe reminds me of MiMi, the infamous masscommie who eagarly waved her hands to offer her answers to lecturers' questions (and so it was told as the story got passed down...). Now that I'm tagged twice, I shall present my very own MEME!

And what is it like to be tagged?
List three random facts about yourself that your friends might not know, and then tag five other friends to do it.

1) I'm tough on the outside and a real softie inside! I cry at movies, songs and a lot of other subtly poignant moments. But no, I don't cry watching ra-ra superdrama tragedy ala the style of Taiwanese Qiong Yao.

2) I used to live at 6 Eng Hoon Street, Singapore 0316. It's a shophouse, very laupok, filled with pests like rats and snakes but also full of adventures. I promise minty and xy that I'll try my very very best to curb the urge of pointing out my old house whenever we pass by again.

3) I've got a birthmark on my left hip. If you are a guy (of marriageable age, say between 24 and 32) with a birthmark on your right hip, we might be destined for each other ;D

I don't think I have 5 friends to tag (awwwww.......so few friends). But I shall name:
1) XY
2) JO
3) Shazz
4) my bro, if he blogs, that is
5) San

Blowing Out 27 Candles

May I have another fulfilling year with
happiness to spread,
friends to share,
less problems to worry,
beauty to show,
business to manage,
bonus to keep,
new skills to boast,
ideas to create,
nice place to work,
money to travel,
concerts to watch,
figure to impress,
great food to eat,
pretty clothes to wear,
time to relax,
license to drive,
good health to live,
funds to assist,
wisdom to outwit,
luck to win,
jokes to entertain,
more friends to make,
hope to inspire,
guts to try,
no one to hate,
someone to like and
love sparks to thrill.

Taiwan Not Enough

Taiwan again? As Minty claims, she could tour the island for 3 months and why not? There's so much to do, see, feel, learn and experience (anytime more than Hong Kong I'm sure!). Singaporeans' recent interest in travelling there is long overdue! I must say Taiwan's sure one underrated place on our "MUST VISIT" countries list.

Ooh...I'm so excited *_* !!!! Got down to planning and thinking through my itinerary even though my trip's 1.5 month away. Anyway, will get real busy from this week at work so better have a good idea of where I'm heading so that I can tuck this to the back of my mind till nearer the day.

And the forum regulars @ tripadvisor.com have been a SUPERB bunch! Not only do they provide tips, some even bothered doing research on info to help answer clueless travellers' queries. I feel soooo welcomed even before setting foot :D

Ok, in the spirit of sharing, I'm posting my itinerary summary for all those interested in referring. Sorry, the detailed itinerary and travelling details later, till I firm up plans towards early Oct. Feel free to post questions, I'll try to help answer if I FEEL LIKE IT. HA! To get replies quick, you know where to go. (Where? Where???) Read my blog again! DUH!

PAPICO's ITINERARY SUMMARY (7 Days / 6 Nites)

Day 1
- Arrival @ ~5.30pm
- Transfer to hotel
- Hit Ximending

Day 2
- Pray for safety @ Longshansi
- Go get train tix to Hualien
- Taipei 101
- Zhongxiao area / Dihua St
- Raohe Night Market
- Wufenpu Wholesale Centre

Day 3
- Set off for Hualien
- Taroko Gorge

Day 4
- Farm / Marble quarry
- City tour in Hualien
- Depart Hualien in evening
- Gongguan Night Market in Taipei

Day 5
- Northeastern coast / Yeliu / Jinguashi / Jiufen / Keelung tour

Day 6
- Yangmingshan
- Danshui / Bali / Fisherman’s Wharf
- Shilin Night Market

Day 7
- Ximending
- Depart for Singapore in evening

This Morning

The cooling breeze
The overcasted sky
The doleful tune
The quiet bus-stop
And a pensive me

Project Superstar Derrick Hoh

Support for Derrick must not slacken. Especially now that we are down to the final 3. If you haven't heard how well he sing, just visit: www.hohweijian.info.

By the way, mediacorp hasn't responded at all to my tix requests (it's been over a month ok!) My self-addressed envelopes with stamps gone to waste... Maybe they're giving me tix to see Derrick @ the finals @ Indoor Stadium. Oh yea! Largi better!

By the way, Happy National Day!

Korean Cutie Kim Rae Won...

I'm done for again this time. It's all XY's fault, for lending me Attic Cat and had me hooked on Kim Rae Won! Argh....!!! And knowling me, I'll be at it for at least a few days - out-of-sorts, disoriented and as if out of love. Help!

I don't care, I'm going to get my own set of Attic Cat to keep and maybe 'My Love Patzzi' too. I think the general audience would prefer the latter though I swing towards the former. Attic Cat can be a little draggy but Kim Rae Won's acting is great and the cheeky smile's mesmerising. What's more, the very average-looking lead actress makes the serial more realistically convincing.

Now I really love the fact that I work in an attic. But where's the hunk?

The Tell-Tale Signs of Age

Lines and crinkles aside. As it dawns upon me that the wilful 18-year-old days were long gone, and that I'm 26 going 27 in no time - I also realise the significance of what age has done to me.

First, the tastebud changes. What was once queer and beyond my belief that it was befitting for consumption is now norm and, erm, I hate to admit, quite tasteful. It started with accompaniment of sliced red chilli with noodles, zi char and porridge. Then it was brinjal (I simply love it these days) and more recently, over the last 2 years, lady's fingers. Perhaps the next things I might welcome are ginger, coriander and raw cucumber.

And then, subtly and slowly, temperament, personality, preferences and appearance were transformed. While the core self remains recognizable, I can't say I'm still as noisy, as loud and as touchy. The kilos has caught up and the psychological exercise of "THINK SLIM AND YOU'LL BE SLIM" just refused to work. But the red-head acne is gone and overnight, many neighbours started commenting to my mum how pretty her daughter is these days. (Learn the trick - dress lok kok most of the time. The impression impact will come full-force when you dress up on rare occasions!)

People around me start to change too. My mum's less fiery these days but my father is getting 'crazier' each day. It feels like only yesterday when my brother and I had pillow fights, and I must confess I still feel guilty over shouting into his ears when he was 5 and passing him a glass of urine when he was 6! And look at him now - skinny, pimply and with a galfren.

I hate to think my 20s will soon be a decade I can only reminisce, but I sure look forward to a wiser, surer and more stunning me inside out.

Derrick and Harry

It has been a whirlwind week, entwined between 2 boys, Derrick and Harry!

Derrick first. If you haven't known Derrick Hoh (何维健)by now, you might be missing out on Singapore's next Superstar! He just rose from the ashes, having come through a tough REVIVAL ROUND in the competition after being temporarily left behind 2 weeks ago. Derrick caught my attention during the contestants introduction episode on Project Superstar. I like his chipmunky impersonation! Thereafter it was his sincerity and how he made me notice Vann Fan Yi Chen's songs once again. It's great Minty likes him as much, if not more! Oh yes, I forgot, call her Derrice now. And make reference to Derrick as if he's Derrice's *gulp*..... Now, who's crazier?

On Harry*.
DISCLAIMER - The following para contains spoiler which any smart Harry Potter reader would pick up easily. Read at your own risk.

2 years of anticipation, all consumed within 2 days. Damn it! I'm a fast reader. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is an intense read. It creates as many question marks as the mysteries it unravels. Now, I'm disoriented, and could only pray that the miraculous "rise of gandalf" replays in Harry Potter's final instalment.

Finally, I'm glad after all the excitement and buzz over the past week, I'm ending it with a fun JB trip with Minty also known as Derrice, XY and Shazzie. As for the coming week, I'm on my way to real big stuff @ work again!

When I Wish Upon A Star

Some things that could make me very happy...

1) An office / home @ Emerald Hill
2) An Eason Chan concert in Singapore
3) A holiday in Japan
4) Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
5) Renewed ties with my cousins
6) Discovering another nostalgic neighbourhood with XY and Minty
7) Another MayDay concert
8) A road trip down ECP
9) Back to school
10) Another good movie, good song, good book...

Paradox - Chew on It!

We are all the same, thinking that we are different.

头文字D

我在i周刊上读到一则这样的报道"开工第一天,两位导演给所有人一封信.信里写道,他们想拍<头文字D>电影想了3,4年了,现在终于等到这个机会.他们知道在预算方面,甚至拍摄现场,会出现很多问题,如果我们像一家人互相帮助,一定能拍出一部很棒的电影..."

撇开导演如何去实现这项企划不说,我想举动上的真诚就很让人感动;对理想抱着赤子之心,不轻易妥协与所谓现实的主义,相信队友同心所发挥的力量 - 我想这就是我要(延续)的精神.

希望过程是精彩,也希望一路走来不孤单.

History Repeats Itself in America

I have a prophecy. Pretty scary one. It'll rock the dow jones. It'll shock the whole world (once again!). It'll mock at those who takes a serious view on being politically correct.

America will be assailed. This time by a spew of blazing sauce, setting the land on fire, burning the guts of those who tread near. Trouble is, the arsonist's an insider, a home-grown true-blue American, in conspiracy with ahem, some harmless-looking executives from (very embarassingly) my hometown.

God bless America.

Amitabha

The deities heard 1 of my 2 prayers!

No, I must not be too happy. I must not slacken. I must not start counting the chicken before they're hatched.

I must work hard. I must step up. I must stay cool. Because the best is yet to be. Hopefully, just hopefully, when I look in retrospect during the year-end, I could move on with no fear.

Ok, and if I could be a little greedy, I hope the good hands of destiny turn up my luck so sincerely asked for in my 2nd prayer ;p

Mind Your Ps' and Queues

How would you react in the following situations?

1) You've been waiting for a cab at the side of a road; you're in a hurry. Someone who came later cut your path, jumped the queue and started flagging. Would you go up to this person and say you are first?

2) There was a long queue at a foodstall. You've been queueing for quite a while and were nearing your turn. Someone came along and asked you to help buy. There's still along queue behind you. Would you agree to help?

3) You were first in the queue at the bus interchange, waiting for a particular bus. An old woman came along and asked to queue before you. Would you allow?

Bonjour Monsieur Shlomi

"Take the money Sholmi. I put aside 10 shelby for each meal you make, 15 shelby for each bath..." Grandpapa's last line bought the tears. Uncontrolled, because it pricked. Popo told me to keep all her money, and her favourite gem. It was her way of appreciating the very insignificant things I could have done better. And with what she has left me, I know I'll be fine. That I'll be good.

Runway's Hiring

If you're based in Singapore, passionate about a creative / communication career then read on.

Employment is expected to start only in July / August 2005.

-----------------

We are looking for a prospect who aspires a career in the creative field.

The selected Design Associate does about almost everything - conceptualising, designing, account servicing and traffic managing. Write in only if you are ready to take on the responsibilities.

Candidates with diploma in visual communication / mass communication / other relevant qualifications, design softwares competency and a relatively good command of English language are preferred. Knowledge in multimedia design is a plus. 1 to 2 years relevant experience will be good but fresh grads are also welcomed.

To apply, email your resume to flight@runwaycreative.com. Include 2 of your best works + state your current and expected salaries. Closing date: 15 June 2005.

Runway Creative is a marketing communication consultancy specialising in branding, print, web and event marketing. Check us out at www.runwaycreative.com.

Unique Selling Proposition

I don't exactly enjoy doing sales. But I must admit I'm relatively good at it. Not because I'm glib, not because I'm smart. Most of the times, it all boils down to telling as it is. And that's almost the only technique I apply in doing persuasive sales, provided that the product merit is a given.

Let's try a scenario. Suppose you are selling a health supplement. A customer asks (and Singaporeans are very fond of this question), "Is this product good?" / "Does this product really work?" How would you answer it? Having worked with salespeople of different styles, some typical answers will be:

"Of cos it's very good! This is a product by XXX, a very good brand," says the hard-sell guy. Of course, a trusted brand sells by itself but a statement like that may sound pompous, and if delivered with a condescending tone, off-putting.

Then there is the lame, I'm-just-earning-a-miserable-salary type of salesperson. He or she might respond to the question saying, "Er...I'm not too sure...my boss says it works lar..." Consumers' confidence goes rock-bottom. In its worst repercussion, the brand image of the company is damaged.

So what will I say? This is my typical answer:

"I would say it's good and it works because I sell it. But honestly, products work to different degree for different people. You'll have to experience and assess the improvement it brings to you."

From experience, such a statement usually works. It does not over-promise. Though it does not directly persuade, it is interesting to note the subliminal effect it has on the consumers. It sounds believable and honest, and most of the time they'll buy. What you say is not all that matters. Like what we've learnt from sales gurus and communication experts, a lot of other factors interplay -

• attitude - attitude of the salesperson ranks high for me when it comes to assessing my purchase experience as a consumer. Sincerity, patience and honesty are all important attributes of a good salesperson. Not one who exaggerates the best and create a hell lots of ballyhoo.

• belief - the salesperson has to first believe in his / her product before a good sales pitch can come through. If at the end of the day you doubt what you are selling, might as well don't sell. The product may just not be worth you working for it.

• knowledge - know your products. If it's a computer, know what its processor can deliver, what it's best for and who it works well for. And when the question from a customer gets truly tough, don't put up a false front saying you know when you don't. Admit you're not sure but you'll help find out.

And for companies recruiting a salesperson, don't expect the guy to sell miraculously when you don't have something good to offer in the first place. Also, remember what happens at the frontline affects the bottomline and ultimately, the brand value as perceived by the customers.

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Have more tips on marketing? Leave me comments!

My Grandma is One of a Kind

For my grandma. It seemed almost pretentious that I could write about her after her demise since we didn't really talk when she was around. But I saw more pretence amongst some people, which is probably best left unaddressed now.

-----------------------

My grandma was a dreamer. She believed she hold the key to Singapore Pools’ Toto winning formula. She was Sesame Street’s greatest fan and would watch it religiously for ‘inspiration’ to formulate her next bet. She never did strike a huge fortune, with the biggest winning only in the hundreds. But she shared all her prize money – bought us food, candies (when we were much younger) and once, even sponsored a trip for the family to visit our relatives in Indonesia.

My grandma was much naive. A patient at the hospital where my late uncle was receiving treatment had requested her to send a letter to the Philippines. Helpfully, she brought the letter home, asking me to complete the favour. She inspected the stamps I had glued on the envelope and told me the letter would not reach. She had noticed that I did not use Filipina stamps to send the letter from Singapore to the Philippines.

My grandma was quite a food-lover. She used to cook for the family and was the critic of mum’s cooking. She recalled recipes off her head and had a good appetite. The last time she could be fed through the mouth, she asked for green bean soup. But I knew she would rather have rojak, cha kway tiao or roti prata.

My grandma was a beauty. When sorting her things out, I found passport photos that chronicled her age. I noticed how emaciated she had looked in the most recent photo; I realised how much I had neglected her. She loved to look good and would draw her brows every morning. She would sometimes sigh at her wrinkled face. I think I chose the right photo in her memorial.

My grandma was a survivor. Most aches and pains were endured in silence. She escaped from a full stroke that could land her bed-ridden. The partial stroke left her still mobile, though less nimble.

Then, my grandma fell very sick. The onset was sudden and the cause unknown. She fought the bacteria hard and overcame it. A second attack seized her; she won again. However she did not score a hat-trick when hit the third time.

We had never been really close. My care for her had always been obliged in duty and respect. We seldom talked but she had always stood by when the family needed her. She loved her children and grandchildren. The proofs of her love, I leave it to every one of us to realise and remember.

And if she lived again, I wish we could know each other better.

Woes of a Single Woman

I'm 26, going on 27 with immense potential to qualify as a spinster, looking at my pathetic lack of suitors at this point in time. But this is not too bad at all - it can't be that bad being swinging single as long as you live life to the fullest.

Things only seem really ominous when the realisation of what being the eldest means set in. Please don't read this as the complainy old-maid-to-be's unfounded worries. It's a true reflection of what I face and fear but have come to accept as life's true test of my tenacity and fortitude.

I was born to a small but complete family with mom and dad, and a younger brother whose inability to put on weight makes me really jealous! With the kind hands of destiny, my parents are blessed with ignorance. My dad has no concept whatsoever on what being responsible to a family means. But thank goodness, his looks (or lack-of) does not breed problems of extramarital affairs with sly mistresses breaking families up as seen on tv. His problem lies with him being a major sponsor of the fodder they feed the horses at the turf club. He made no plans or savings for his retirement, leaves me with the responsibility of worrying about the bills and throws me with nonsensical demands that I'm better off ignoring them.

My mom has slightly better savings concept but squandered a large part of the money we gave her (behind my back) on X sets of stainless steel pots we don't need. She also made the mark and won the uncontested title of the "Notorious Tigeress" having quarelled with all relatives that she could possibly disagree with.

All that said, I truly do care about my family. I appreciate my mom for cooking the dinners and my dad for recycling used stamps so that I save heaps on postage at work. Picture perfect? Far from it. And this I learnt 2 years back when my grandma got very sick.

Since my mom is a housewife and my uncles and aunties not in Singapore, it became default that I undertake the duty of footing my grandma's hospitalisation bills and give her support in ways I could. My grandma passed away 6 months after struggling with an infection that left her weak and helpless. Though we were never really close, except in proximity, she became one of my greatest regrets. I could have done more, I should have read the signs earlier that she was unwell...these thoughts haunted me for quite a while. The whole ordeal brought to light that the physically straining and emotionally draining care-giving task might revisit when my parents grew old. This scares me a lot. It scares me even more to think how financially-ready I must be for that day as my parents are not self-sufficient. Then there's my brother, who's still in school and won't really be ready to contribute until his NS is over.

Given that I've taken a not quite commonly-trodden career path of running a small business, more uncertainties behold. Of course I could always return to corporate work; not too difficult for a well-qualified, self-declared intelligent young woman. But that is not what I wish. I have my goals, and I long for the wings to fly them high. Surely reasons like my family background and life's constraints are not going to cripple me of taking these flights. Surely having come this far from a paltry start-up capital which I had to borrow from a friend would mean that I have a good chance of making it good.

Now if the above has painted a grey picture of my mental state, then allow me to dismiss it. Things could have been worse, like it is for many others who deserve a fair chance at a good life but are denied due to sheer circumstances. Besides, I'm not alone. My closest pals shoulder similar responsibilities and are doing their parts well. And despite the occasional grouses, I am afterall a born optimist, pressing on with my silly grins because the game is not over.

Crescent Girls 4/1 Bravado Anniversary 10.5

Yeah! I finally got down to mass-emailing my CGS 4/1 class for the anniversary get-together. I'm copying the message here for those whom I still can't get in touch with, and for some weird reasons might chance upon my blog....hahaha....

------ Forwarded Message
From: Piya Chee
Date: Mon, 21 Mar 2005 23:20:24 +0800
To: CGS Class of 4/1 (1994)
Subject: CGS 4/1 Bravado Anniversary 10.5

hello gals, hello Mrs Selva!
how are all of you doing? hope you like my roaring greetings.

It's been a long long time. And nope, we haven't forgotten about the 10th Anniversary get-together, long over-due but we can still make it before the anniversary hits 11.

Why Anniversary 10.5 (read subject line again)? Just think! We graduated in December 1994; and that makes December 2004 the magical 10th year and since it's now 3 months past that, it should have been 10.25th Anniversary, but considering that 2 decimal place's a little clumsy, let's just call it the 10.5th Anniversary Bravado Reunion!

Get ready for it. And spread the message around to fellow ol' gals - this email should reach most of you but do me a little favour by checking the name list attached. The addresses may not be updated, so if you happen to know who's out of the loop, do help inform. There are some who're still out of touch - Jackie, Soumitra, Carroll, Choon Huay, to name a few - if you are in contact with them, pls help.

Here are the details
Date: Sat 2 Apr
Venue: Swenson's Holland Village
Meeting Time: 12.30pm (inside restaurant)

Pls rsvp via email or comments on this blog by 27 Mar 2005, so I can do necessary reservation. See you! Meanwhile, stay cool and funky!

Cheers!
Piya

p/s: watch your email for more updates nearer the day.


------ End of Forwarded Message

The Ink Them Action List 2005

Order order! Discipline discipline! Now that a quarter of the year is nearly over, it's really time for me to get things moving. Nothing much has progressed since the start of the year and I'm getting impatient with myself. Now it's time to translate "I think" to "I ink". Self-discipline is key or 3 years later I'll still be telling Jade that "I'll go for driving lessons soon" or to Choy I'll still be saying "I think I might be able to get a car a year from now". This is enough. I'm tired of status quo!

THE 'INK THEM ' ACTION LIST 2005!!!

(1) Lose extra fats - see I used to look quite slim, but quite pimply. The spots are long gone, but the fats come strong. I should be ideally weighing around 58kg. Work out is a must and I finally got my butts moving today to Mount Faber. So I'm off to Mount Faber once every weekend, and when I can, go for slow jogs every evening!

(2) Learn a new skill - I'm not a proponent of government agenda but I'm serious about self-improvement. This May, I shall take up a Dreamweaver course.

(3) Spread the words about Runway - For the show at Runway to run on, well and good, it's time for serious marketing. Slated to start in March, marketing plans have been postponed time and again as we were constantly bogged down by what I call the trivial neccessities. In April, marketing action must materialise or all the big plans I've dreamt of so much will once again come to nought. *scary....*

(4) Learn driving - this depends on several factors but hopefully I won't need to postpone it any time later than this year.

(5) Ok, I need to think about the last one on this list. Meanwhile, the first 4 is enough to keep me busy for the next quarter at least.

Father and son

I was at Great World City earlier this afternoon...together with XY who was looking desperately for a pair of black shoes to buy. Not much luck with shoes but I chanced upon a heart-warming incident at Hush Puppies which I promise to blog.

An old grand-daddy saw this pair of comfort shoes he liked at Hush Puppies which I think cost around $40. His son (in his 40s) was about to get the shoes but old grand-daddy decided not to cos it's too expensive. The son got round to the salesguy (apparently scheming some ploy), and I overheard this conversation exchange:

Son: Dad you like this pair right? Let's get it. It's cheaper than $40, they will give us discount. (Turning to salesguy) Right?

Salesguy: (in his goondoo smile and really can't-act-for-nuts-sake expression) Yes yes, it's on offer now.

Grand-daddy: No, you don't bluff me.... It's ok, I don't want the shoes.

Son: It's ok dad. Let's get the shoes.

Grand-daddy did not agree right away and wanted to leave. It was only with much persuasion and conviction that the shoes were indeed on offer that the grand-daddy finally ok'd the purchase.

Of cos, there's no further discount on the $40 shoes but the shoes look very affordable to the son whose income level seems comfortable. Still, the shoes must have been really expensive. Love makes it priceless.

Sensory Overload

Oh no. I'm down with sensory overload. The symptoms are telling. The sleep was light, with images flashing across my subconcious throughout the wee hours. I was in a drifty mental state when I woke up this morning. And I was having aches - those not of physical strain but more of a certain unrest within.

So how do you catch sensory overload? When you engage your mind in hyper-activity by opening a floodgate of sensory feeds. The Fish Leong concert did it. And 2 chapters of Howl's Moving Castle just before I dozed off unleashed busy flickers of imagery. First it was music, cheering and claps. Then there were the magical transposition through dimensions and space, not unlike the fascinating charm of the moving castle.

Hopefully, tonight's Apprentice might undo these all. That's why I need routine - to restore order once in a while.

iSpeak

I'm getting iFatigue. The i-brands are sprouting out everywhere, most probably following the hugely successful branding of the iMac, iPod, iTunes etc.

But copycat branding ain't too cool. Now I think twice about getting an iSqueeze and won't even think of drinking iSport. Even i, robots isn't too great a movie.

iSigh.

Who's Watching This Space?

Who's reading my blog? Other than HM who blogs fervently?

No one's watching sounds good. At least this is my private space in a public domain. The thought of someone reading some very private thoughts sound scary, especially when I put up something that I may come to regret.

By the way, weekend mornings look like good time to blog for me - no mad rush to work, no worries of phonecalls, no one to vie using the computer with me.

PC's Theory

HM and I had a reunion with 2 boys who worked with us back in the "Supradyn" days. The crappy one's still crappy; the quiet one's still very quiet...ah...how comforting to know that not all things change in a snap.

I spout some nonsense, as usual, but occasionally it came out quite wise. I was trying to introduce CH to J, and J was trying to find out how's CH like. I said this to J,

"Getting to know someone is like writing on a paper. A blank sheet gives you room to fill up the space with your imagination, a crowded piece limits your thoughts. Get to know this person with no pre-conceived impression and you'll find the friendship building more interesting"

How...er...philosophical?! :D

Picks / Priorities of the Week

Movie to watch: Lemony Snicket - A Series of Unfortunate Events

CDs to listen: Best of HOCC, Kenji, Twins

VCD to watch: Faye in Concert

Concert to look forward: Fish Leong!

Housework to do: Tidy up the wardrobe

Things to buy: Jeans, work garb + what worn beneath

Work to complete: Runway Website and Brochure

Dessert to crave for: Gelato at Mediya supermarket

Activity to coordinate: the 4/1 reunion

Phonecall to avoid: code Y and T

Gadget to fix: my Cutie hard-disk


p.s. it's finally raining as I was blogging this...

Taipei Recommended: Day 4 - 6

Day 4
As we set off for Yangmingshan on Day 4 morning, we attempted to find breakfast at Shilin. It's amazing to see how Shilin shopping area transform to a wet market by day! Anyway, we had such hard time finding food until we entered a small lane where we had simple but ok noodles (Taipei's noodles are good in general). XY and I are smitten by 雪菜, which we initially mistook as酸菜and bought the wrong vege home! The 雪菜makes noodles tastier.

After our nature hike, we went to Starbucks at the foot of Yangmingshan. I'm not exaggerating but I had the best latte ever here! Never knew starbucks' this good until now. The friendly service certainly warms us too.

When we enroute back to Shilin to get back to Ximending, we had 生煎包. Nice leh... Back in Ximending, we had 阿宗面线. My vocabulary's running dry, somebody pls provide synonyms for "thumbs-up", "superb", "fantastic"!

Eating noodles at street stall in Shilin by day

Day 5
Not much food update on this concert day. We had lots of junk (but nice) food. In the morning, HM and I lost JW and XY but found this delicious crepe (可丽饼)prepared by this really "dedicated" uncle. We call it the 细心, 用心crepe.

XY, HM and me set off for CKS Memorial Hall and chanced upon 南门 market where we got guava (HM), and me uncooked noodles (one of my best buys)!

As for the concert, it does not do justice just describing how big time it rocks. It's once-in-a-lifetime experience for myself, and it's something that is best understood, shared and felt by my fellow travel comrades.

After the concert, we had supper at 师大夜市. We had 当归排骨,膳鱼炒面,三鲜炒面. We then had a long stroll till 2am, popped by 7-11 to get ice cream, drinks and pudding, before we hop on a cab. I really enjoyed this nite :)

Day 6
Our last day in Taipei. For breakfast, we had 红油抄手(wan tan in chilli oil), 麻浆面(noodles in peanut stock) and 甜不辣 (this is not tempura. it's "yong tau fu" in specially prepared soup).

Lunch was on Alice's (HM's Taiwan counterpart) house. It's Hong Kong style dim sum which is not as good as dim sum in hong kong but the cuttlefish was really huge and crunchy!

----------------

Go Taiwan lar.... The culture's interesting. The people can get really mushy and emotional, very open with their feelings. But they are also very friendly and helpful in general.

Taipei does not offer the most breathtaking vistas but it has nature hike amid urban scape, and the world's tallest building Taipei 101 which is open to public to access 101th Floor from 19 Jan 2005. The haphazard city development is also interesting in itself.

Some shops not to be missed are: Eslite (诚品) 24hour bookshop in Zhongxiao (which we totally missed because of time constraint but at least we visited one of the smaller shops), Ximending area (pls leave at least 1 full day for this area), Rose Records, 7-11 :D and 五分埔Wholesale Centre - lots of young fashion (the price not too wholesale though).

Taipei Recommended

What We Ate
Day 1
Our tummy almost burst from eating 飞天麻辣锅. But it was really good, many notches above what you get in Singapore (so said XY who had tried 麻辣锅 both here and in Taipei).
For supper (yes we had supper after that dinner), we had 永和豆浆 (the same one in Geylang). The brown rice 浆 was something different and good.

Day 2
On day 2, we concentrated on the City Hall and Zhongxiao areas. Tried MacDonald's McRib (it's pork) and had milkshake for lunch. For dinner, it was a charcoal-grilled cum mini steamboat buffet @ 春喜. My face was roasted red like 关公. Variety available for grilling is fantastic!

Day 3
Skipped breakfast in hotel and we bought 饭团from a street stall near the hotel. Oooo....such simple dish but really flavoursome with pork floss, omelette and "cai-por" (菜脯). The accompanying 蛋饼was great as well.

At 淡水, we got quite a lot of native goodies like 铁蛋, mua-chee, taiwan jelly....I love them all and only regret not buying more.

At night, we went to 士林夜市for the XL chicken cutlet, 堂本刚cream puff, and a few other local snacks. A bit disappointing. 士林has become quite commercialised that it doesn't offer as "authentic" local flavours (cream ouff was really good though). Try 饶河夜市 if you can. We heard it's much much better.


Cream Puff

Taipei Dream Comes True

Dedicated to awesome fellow travel comrades - HM, XY, JW who made this trip even more memorable.

When: 4 Jan to 9 Jan 2005
Trigger: MayDay Concert on 8 Jan 2005
Season: Winter - chilly, breezy

HM has captured a nice (not-too-lengthy) account of what we did, ate and experienced in her blog. I shall take on the angle of sharing some Taipei Recommended for you people out there who might be considering Taipei as the next travel destination!

Pre-trip preparation
Airline - Jetstar Asia is now the only budget airline offering flights to Taipei. Superb service! No, don't put it on the same benchmark as SIA. What we mean superb is really the sincere friendliness of the crew and the personalised conversations they have for different customers.

Travel agent - We did our bookings free-and-easy style, without signing up any package. For hotel, we got Megaline (@ People's Park Centre) tel - 6532 7709 to do it for us. Cranky uncle but nice. Good price to match. Even offered us his self-compiled map and travel tips...where can find such nice travel agent?

Hotel - Unless you've got a very generous budget, else, consider Rainbow Hotel, right smacked at the heart of happening Ximending. Strategic spot too for all those who are interested to catch celebrities. Mini concerts / Autography sessions are always held right outside the hotel. Best part - good rates and spacious rooms.

Rainbow Hotel

Itinerary - We had a very thorough itinerary planned prior to the trip + contingency plans too. The Taipei MRT Map is one of the best that you should pick up upon arrival at the airport. It provides some very good tips on what's to see each station's vincinity.

Taipei Recommended
Food
You can never go hungry in this city. How can when there's so many yummy street stalls, food shops every where? And the ubiqutous 7-eleven offers so many interesting knick-knacks. Try the ice-cream, pudding, snacks and a lot more.

Shut Up...

If you wonder why I did, expressed, said, acted a certain way, it's simply because of how I experienced my situation and my perception of reality at the point of time or simply because of my idiosyncracies. If you haven't been with me at that situation, did not understand what happen, and for that matter, does not know me well at all, then please DO NOT CRITICISE, DO NOT ASSUME, DO NOT JUDGE. Don't act as if you know best. Because you don't.

In exchange, I stay away from you and proclaim our worlds are apart.

Consumer Heroism!

My friend reminded me that the complaints and compliments I've written make fun content for my blog. Some interesting stuff here. Bad service irks me. It tells so much about the work attitude, which tells so much about one's personality. I'm not complainy. I only air what I feel is just (which maybe unjust afterall from the receiving party's viewpoint...hahaha).

Here's one case about a delayed flight. I was stuck in the airport for more than 5 hours and the slipshod management by the airline staff was utter disppointment! Read my first email, and the subsequent exchanges.

*Real identities are protected by use of alias XXX.

-----Original Message-----
From: Piya Chee [mailto:]
Sent: Saturday, July 05, 2003 1:22 PM
To: XXX
Cc: XXX
Subject: Delay of Flight GA841
Importance: High

XXX
Sales Manager
Garuda Indonesia


Dear Ms Ng

DELAY OF FLIGHT GA841 ON 1 JULY 2003

I would like to express my grave displeasure over the delayed flight GA841 to Bali on 1 July 2003. It was the single incident that marred our holiday experience in Bali.

Initially scheduled to fly at 1825h, the flight was delayed for more than 5 hours. This disruption to my planned itinerary resulted in much inconveniences, the upset of rest among many. We had to make coordination to ensure that our transfer from Denpasar Airport to the hotel was not missed. Spending several hours at the airport waiting aimlessly was no fun. We checked into the hotel only at the wee hours of 3.30am on 2 July 2003. The lack of sleep inevitably caused much exhaustion and less enjoyment as we embarked on our tour around Bali in the hours that followed.

The way Garuda handled the situation of the flight delay was disappointing. We were informed of the delay only some time after the scheduled take-off time despite several enquiries. Annoucements were not properly communicated to us and many of the passengers had to ask around to find out the arrangements in line. If anything, the free dinner arranged by your airline was not what we were after; hunger pangs was not priority for those who seek a smooth holiday.

I would like to appeal for a compensation over the frustrations that we faced in choosing a short-changed flight experience with Garuda, for myself, my mother (XXX) and friend (XXX) who were with me. Above all, speaking from the point of view of a communication practitioner, Garuda needs to strengthen its ability in handling unforeseen circumstances such as this - it makes or breaks Garada as a reliable airline brand.

Thank you for your kind attention. I look forward to your favourable reply as soon as possible.

Regards
Piya Chee

cc XXX

-----Original Message-----
From: Sales Secretary
Sent: Monday, July 07, 2003 11:06 AM
To: Piya Chee
Cc: XXX
Subject: GA841/1 Jul

Dear Ms Chee,

We acknowledged your e-mail dated on 5 Jul regarding the flight delay on GA841/1Jul.

We will investigate the matter and will revert back to you upon receipt of the investigation results.

We would like to apologise for the inconvenience caused.


Best Regards,
XXX
Sales Secretary
GARUDA INDONESIA
101 Thomson Rd
#12-03 United Square
Singapore 307591


Airline finally replied, after a very careful 1 week investigation. And we countered (see [WE SAY]) on those weak, unconvincing excuses.

-----Original Message-----
From: Sales Secretary
Sent: Monday, July 14, 2003 11:45 AM
To: Piya Chee; XXX
Subject: Re: GA841/1 Jul

Dear Piya/XXX,

Further to my email dated 7Jul. We are please to advise you the outcome of our investigation as follows:

1. GA841/1Jul was delayed due to technical problems and the aircraft will be grounded.

[WE SAY] point understood and accepted.

2. Announcement was made through the PA system to inform all passenger of the delay and arrangements were made to transfer pax on flights GA831 & GA833 to Dps via Jkt.

[WE SAY] Communication/announcement was not prompt - there was no initiative to inform the guest of the happening until your staff was asked. Even then, the reasons for delay was given much later, after much pressing and inquiry from the affected passengers.

3. At 1830hr, we received instruction from our Jkt office that another aircraft will replaced the grounded aircraft. The replacement aircraft will arrive into Sin at 2300hrs and schedule to depart to Dps at 2400hrs.

[WE SAY] While you received instructions from Jkt office at 1830hr, we only receive announcement at around 1900hr, a half-hour delay which is unpardonable, given that the flight was supposed to take off at 1825hr.

4. Pax were informed to proceed to cafeteria for dinner.

5. However, pax were given options to travel on GA831 via Jkt which depart at 1840 or travel on the following morning at 0745 with GA823 via Jkt.

[WE SAY] These options are not attractive nor reasonable! I absolutely do not recall having these options offered. Through the "grapevine" via other passengers (and not through the PA system), we were told that we might have the option of travelling on Merpati or depart the following day at 1825 via Garuda. Besides, how could we have been offered to travel on GA 831 which depart at 1840 when we were only 'formally' informed of the delay past the said time?

6. Apology letter was given to all pax at the departure gate.

[WE SAY] apology letters were NOT given to all pax. I actually went up to the counter to ask for an explanation letter detailing the delay before a letter was copied to all passengers. Your colleague at the counter merely asked who require the letter, expecting us to walk up to the counter to collect the letters ourselves, which was very unprofessional. The annoucement (though not verbatim) was "for those who need the letter on the delay, please collect from the counter"

Reference to International Airline regulations, we regret to inform you that we are unable to compensate. Please refer to the conditions stipulated in all air ticket under point 9.

[Quote] Carrier undertakes to use its best efforts to carry the passenger and baggage with reasonable dispatch. Times shown in the timetable or elsewhere are not guaranteed and form no part of this contract. Schedules are subject to change without notice. [Unquote]

It is unfortunate that the flight was delayed however, we sure that you understand that the safety of all passenger is our outmost concern and cannot be compromised.

[WE SAY] While I understand and appreciate that passenger safety supercedes all aspects of customer service/satisfaction, I do expect professional 'issue' management from Garuda.

We hope the above explanation is clear in explaining the circumstances surrounding that day which is inevitable and we truly apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Assuring you of our continued service, we remain.

[WE SAY] Ha! Archiac, standard template reply worthy of a grand burial in the tomb of "TOP 10 REPLIES TO COMPLAINTS MISTAKES".

Thank you

Best Regards
XXX

My FINAL REPLY
-----Original Message-----
From: Piya Chee
Sent: Tuesday, July 15, 2003 9:29 PM
To: 'Sales Secretary'
Cc: XXX
Subject: RE: GA841/1 Jul

Dear XXX

Your reply on behalf of Garuda was utterly disappointing. While I know replying this email will be a lost cause, I would like to make our stand clear:

Firstly, clarification on point 5:
"However, pax were given options to travel on GA831 via Jkt which depart at 1840 or travel on the following morning at 0745 with GA823 via Jkt."

I absolutely do not recall having these options offered. Through the "grapevine" via other passengers (and not through the PA system), we were told that we might have the option of travelling on Merpati or depart the following day at 1825 via Garuda. Besides, how could we have been offered to travel on GA 831 which depart at 1840 when we were only 'formally' informed of the delay past the said time?

On point 6:
"6. Apology letter was given to all pax at the departure gate."
I actually went up to the counter to ask for an explanation letter detailing the delay before a letter was copied to all passengers. The annoucement (though not verbatim) was "for those who need the letter on the delay, please collect from the counter"

Since you were not on the grounds, I do not expect you or your supervisor to have first-hand account of the incident. Nevertheless, where your capacity allows, do air our views to the team. While I genuinely appreciate and understand your airline's response to safety requirements, your company needs to relook its service approach. And yes, Garuda is struck off my choice airline list, and most probably that of my close friends and relatives.

I rest my case.

--------------------
And on a last note,
I was pissed not because I didn't get any compensation. I was furious over the response, the way the matter was handled in absolute high-handed bureaucratic manners that make "idiocracies" an inevitable way of life. By the way, I'm over this long time ago.

On the other hand, a recent experience with Jetstar Asia was one of the most delightful flights I ever had. More on this in another entry.

Long Walks and Thoughts

One of my favourite walks stretches from the spunky Esplanade to the heyday long-gone Clifford Pier. This evening I decided to take a stroll on my own, after getting some stuff from Funan Centre. As usual, sea-nery, sets against the soft orange lamp lights of our city nightscape never fails to be therapeutic. This is when I shut off from the surroundings, and got in touch with the inner thoughts. And I haven’t had time to take a breather to think things through since end 2004. First, it was the year-end rush for deadlines, then there was the long-awaited Taipei trip to keep me busy, and finally after the trip, the need to quickly get back on track for some serious work.

When I have time to take some time off, like this evening, some sense of wistful longing always gets at me. Longing for moments that have slipped me by; moments that seemed not too long ago but are gone and no longer within grasp.

Over the last two years, my relationship with my cousins came to an all-time low. I remember the times we used to take long walks really late at night when I flew over for visits. Then, we talked about dreams and our lives. I was 17 or 18, with life’s many big unknowns waiting to be discovered. They (4 cousins in all) just got out of college, waiting for the right opportunities to make it big. And before we realise how years have caught up, my favourite cousin was getting married. And that was when our relationship took a turn for reasons I’ve yet to fathom. The strain remains a standstill and none of us had really sat down to talk things through. Not when we’re quite remotely apart.

Then I remember the fun times in poly, when we did filming into the wee hours. And the evening classes in SIM, when we enthusiastically attended class not for fear of missing any lesson but for the nonsensical ra-ra and bla-blas. I love “groupie” stuffs. The feeling of togetherness, of working towards a goal as a group. The best groupie days were those in school – CGS, NP, SIM… Work hasn’t helped fill the hollow thus far. But I certainly hope I grow my company to eventually build a team of such very soon.

My thoughts flitted by very quickly from one to another on evenings like this. I started to think about my next step from now. My career’s at a crossroad. There are too many uncertainties and quite a lot at stake. In fact, my work has consumed so much of my time, mind and everything else over the last year that I haven’t really thought about other things, like taking time off to learn something new; meeting new people and friends, or keep in touch more often with people who used to be a part of my life. I am very much aware that this has to change. Let’s say, towards second half of the year, I'll embark on a personal trip of new learning points; I promise myself I’ll focus on getting Runway to fly well during the first half.

For all the little things I remember, I hope they stay etched in the mind just the way I like them. I’m grateful for having those times I could only now relive in thoughts. And I’m glad when I’m hit by solitude, I have the companionship of memories.

How about you? What crosses your mind in the quietude of the evening? Who, from years ago, do you recall when you catch up with memories?