Aces versus Pibberish

I'm sorry, my faithful readers (chey! as if there are a lot!), if my 2 blogs have caused confusion as to which is about what. Blame it on Blogger. They started the last version without category-sorting function, which I realised later that it'll serve good purposes. And to make things clearer for myself, I started Aces Go Places to blog about my travel adventures in preparation for my future career as a professional jetsetter-cum-travel-writer. BUT I forgot, before that happens, I won't be travelling that much to warrant a blog dedicated to that purpose! So I digressed. To talk about my life journeys, especially those of the closure of Runway and its aftermath. And here comes the problem, those life journeys deserve as much blog space here - where I talk about any other things that are about ME. So u see, I'm getting confused myself.

The prospects of merging the 2 blogs look very tedious as of now. I got loads of photos on Aces. Besides, this blog is more "private". You folks who know this will definitely know Aces. But those who know Aces may not realise the existence of Pibberish. What I'm trying to get at after this long blah-blah...is...I'LL STILL KEEP 2 BLOGS. Sorry, this is how duh I'll get.

To answer the question as posted by Bren today, I attempt to once and for all set the guidelines for the content positioning of these 2 blogs:

AcesGoPlaces
1) Will continue to serve its vision as a travel blog with lotsa photos to tempt your innate travel bug to bite you...hehe...
2) Will also post contents on the bimbotic leisure activities, great haunts and good food we can enjoy in our small town.
3) Those bits on life away from Runway, if any, will continue only till end of this month. Thereafter it's just the very mundane life activities (see point 2) when I'm literally not travelling via the airport runway, which is most of the time anyway.

Pibberish
Will feature contents about every other stuff I want to blab about (see blog's header for more details).

Now I'm clear. Thank you.

I Need A Makeover?

I am going to be a lecturer! OMG! I AM GOING TO BE A LECTURER. And I sure worry some of you, don't I? I can't believe you people have so little faith over my image, or the lack of that is. Hmmpf!

Anyway, relax lar! I will bear the following 10 commandments in mind while I nurture these young souls who probably speak more vulgarities rudely than me :p

1. I shall not burst into an incessant rant of NEH-NEHs whenever I get excited, pissed off or agitated. NO, NOT EVEN WHEN XYZ STEPS ON MY TOES.

2. I shall not display the hooliganistic strut that will probably win me BIG fame on the runway as my signature catwalk.

3. I shall not prey those young cuties and make them fall head over heels with my 魔女的条件.

4. I shall not borrow money from my students if I run out of cash to buy food at the canteen - I rather suffer with unbearable hunger than lose my face.

5. I shall not be caught in my lok-pok garb when shopping in Orchard Road. Ha! But I'm ditching Orchard for Vivo City!

6. I shall keep a KEEN LOOKOUT for my friends of suitable candidates who show exceptional boyfriend or husband quality, and of course KIV the best for myself.

7. I shall be cordial and friendly to all my colleagues whether or not they are worthy of my respect. I'll keep my neh-nehs to private gatherings and under the breath when I'm alone in the toilet.

8. I shall say only Hi, Bye and "hey you're here to pee too!" in the toilets becos the greatest gossips and rumours get spread here after nature's calls flush away our caution sensors.

9. I shall sing and dance my rhythmless moves only in the toilet cubicle no matter how perky I may feel for the day.

10. I shall brainwash and influence everybody so that I can do what I restrict myself from doing in points 1 to 9 FREELY, HAPPILY AND ROWDILY.

Image-makeover? Tell me how to lar:


More pictures for you! Taken with my all-new Fuji F30 - at nite, in natural low light without flash!!! Best compact digi-camera! I highly recommend it:

Success Is...

Found this poster given to me by Bren and XY (or is it some others?!) n years ago while I was clearing my mess at home.

For all those in search of direction:

Success is...
Attitude, more than aptitude.
Being happy, with who you are.
Cultivating, body, mind and spirit.
Discovering, that heaven is within.
Embracing, the unknown with enthusiasm.
Facing fear, finding faith.
Giving, without remembering.
Here now, breathe into each moment.
Inside you, not in people, places or things.
Journeying, from the head to the heart.
Knowing, your beliefs create your experiences.
Letting go, and going with the flow.
Making time, for family, friends and forgiveness.
Never ever giving up, on your hopes and dreams.
Opening your heart, to magnificent possibilities.
Passion, playfulness and peace of mind.
Quiet time, the key to inspired living.
Receiving, without forgetting.
Seeking answers, questioning beliefs.
Trusting, in the beauty of your feelings and needs.
Understanding, the best you can do is always enough.
a Verb, choreograph your dance with destiny.
Willingness, to learn from everything that happens.
Xpressing yourself, to be the hero of your story.
Yours to define, how do you want to be remembered?
Zestful living, loving and laughing.

~Meiji Stewart

my "off" sms parade

DT asked me if the polys have contacted me...mistake. i'm in the mood for some off comments and this is how the exchange went:

DT: Did the polys contact u?
Me: No. They're training my patience. So thoughtful of them to train me even before employment starts!

DT: What are you doing now?
Me: I'm focusing my willpower on overcoming my craving for food! Shan't disturb you, I go "lian4 gong1" now. Ta!

DT: . . . . .

Next Year, I'll Celebrate in Style

This year, I received the most expensive prezzie ever from my bro - a Toscano bag which costs him 1/5 of his $500 bonus he earned from his temp job! It's not very pretty. Not my kinda bag definitely but I'm so very touched :)

Like what Lyu said, at least I'm on the list of women he'll splurge expensive gifts on. I'm gonna find opportunity to take this bag out, no matter how misfitting it might look. Hahahaha.....!

And buddy sent me this surprise, all the way from Nottinghill:



Thanks bud, for always being the first to wish me happy birthday at the struck of 12am on 1st Oct.

Thanks Minty for the mesg at 1am despite your working trip. And LYu for eating out with me.

Next year, let us all celebrate in style.

Blowing Out 28 Candles

May I have a fulfilling year with
happiness to spread,
friends to share,
less problems to worry,
beauty to show,
drive to pursue,
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,
strength to persevere,
no one to hate,
someone to like and
love sparks to thrill.

Oh My Gawd

我相信有个老天爷
长成何样我不晓得
哪门哪派不重要
反正有他罩着我
行得正呀坐得稳
出入平安万事顺!

Woes Begone

After a day of immersion in self-pity and weeping over what will be gone, or had gone, I'm back to normal. Maybe not quite yet but definitely better.

Thank you all for allowing my willful and pendulous mood swings recently.

不爱我的我不要

原本你不属于我，
是我自己想太多。

不再为你燃希望，
免得自己再彷徨。

你脱了身我自救，
回归原点快乐秀。

Wishlist 28 - Part 3

Can't believe how fast time is! I'm back from Shanghai and XY has flown off and Minty's coming back today! I'm turning 28 in 2 weeks' time. My ma laughed when I corrected her a few days ago for saying that I'm 30. Nearly killed her. It's a god damn difference of 2 years ok but she didn't feel it made any difference. Argh...can't be bothered with aunties.

Here's my wishlist 28 part 3. I'm afterall, a material gal ;p

15. Ticket to Eason's concert! Hopefully, it'll be up on sale soon. 2nd most expensive will do since his is a listening concert and the singer has no looks to die for.

16. A new super duper digicam. My old Nikon has served its time. I need a brand new solid one to last me through the next few fabulous trips which I know I'll have. I haven't quite decided which brand and make but frens who are interested can get me vouchers from electronic shops.

17. ipod and all those gadgets for doing podcasts. I've got enough of Mr Brown this and Mr Brown that. Me and the rest of the DWPers and our supporters can write and perform scripts of louder laffs, pointier observations and sillier crap. Just get me IT vouchers. I'll take care of the shopping.

18. Videocam. So sorry. Still pictures are not enough to please me these days. I recently upgraded to see the need of keeping moving images. Or else how can I capture the essence of my favouritest Aunty Ah Zhu (from Shanghai Trip) comical actions? How can I show the excitement of spotting running green man in Taipei? Or more importantly, the very wild funny reenactment of our very own life's many queer episodes?

19. A bigger house. With all the office shifting and all, my house is simply not enough to store all my barangs lar. Quick find me an obsencely rich husband who can buy me a big house that comes with a walk-in wardrobe and an audio-visual-ktv room.

20. Domain hosting for a year or more. This blog of mine is getting dowdier and dowdier. I want to rebuild my personal blog so all you readers (which I believe can be counted with my pair of hands...hahaha) can enjoy a more engaging web experience.

21. A ticket to Japan. I'll be setting foot there next year. Japan, you just wait.

Now that I've gone through my list again. I'm more like a gadget gal than a material gal. See, I knew I'm different from the average Janes and Marys.

Time will have the answer

Are we friends or more than friends?

Time will have the answer...time will tell the answer.

And I don't wanna be alone

Bro’s gone to NS. Minty’s traveling tomorrow and will be away for nearly a week. XY’s going away in 3 days to London for 3 weeks. Minty’s setting off again during my birthday week.

Boohoo…I’ll be so alone. Though there’s lyu. There’s choy. There’s daffy. There’s shazz. There’s ah mie. There are so many more. But still, it’s not the same :( There are good friends whom you can call upon anytime, spontaneously and without having the need to explain too much. There are also those who have their own things to do and other stuff to take care of.

And my bro. Though we don’t talk a lot a home, it’s comforting to have him around. When I can find no meal kakis, I can count on him to eat with me and hear me mumble.

Sorry. I’m just feeling whiny. Still got to say this – pals, take care wherever u are. You know you’ll be missed.

An Episode of Sam Soon

Feel a little piognant, a little moved re-watching My Lovely Sam Soon, featuring the piano scene.

Sam Soon's take on love is simple and straightforward. Love needs not be decorated by big words or tall ideals.

And then I wept.

I have buddies

Today marks the start of some real action in preparation of Runway's finale on 30 Sep 2006. And despite being a rather lean set-up, we've got quite loads to clear! More on this in my Runway's blog to be set up real soon.

Anyway, I should be in frenzy state now. My trip's a couple of days away but I haven't done research for my F&E days in Shanghai. I haven't packed my luggage (+ my ma's). I haven't changed money. I haven't worked out a checklist. I haven't mapped out my handover tasks for work. I HAVEN'T DONE A THING. Ok, I digressed. Back to the topic.

Everybody has friends. But I have buddies. And my buddies have me. We banter about our sexless lives. We egg each other on when a romance prospect sounds remotely suitable. We support each other emotionally, intellectually and physically. We never feel bored in each other's company. We consistently dress with chemistry. We laugh at insiders' jokes which are most likely baffling to others. And we have lots of patience for one another's idiosyncracies.

Please be very jealous.

Wishlist 28 – Part 2

37 days to 28. 7 more wishes.

8. More interviews and ultimately land the job @ TP.
9. A great trip to Shanghai / Jiangnan.
10. One last gathering at the attic.
11. Smooth closing at Runway.
12. Bud’s bro’s awakening.
13. Smooth and safe experience for my bro at NS.
14. Another 3kg off.

My Karmic Effects

Having lived nearly 28 years now, I'm now more convinced than ever on the truth in Karma. What goes around comes around. Everything that is happening to me now is the fruit (rotten or sweet aside) of the seeds that I've sown.

Used to think XYZ is a freak, still think she is but...but....our relationship might change after tmr! What an irony! Lesson learnt: be nice to all, think no less of people's capabilities and go see her without thinking too much of the hypocrisy of our friendship.

I made a boy cry when I was 9. I called him a sissy and look where I am now? Unmarried, unattached and homophobic. That cry-baby is perhaps happily married with a cute wife and 2 kids and drowning in bliss.

I am cursed by the "Keep in Touch" jinx. None of the boys who had said that to me ever kept in touch. I've been cracking my head for a reason and I think I hit the bingo! It's all because I've said similar statements to some other people and never really meant them. So those whom I've cared for to contact me didn't fulfill their promise either. *Baaaaaaah......!!!*

Ever critical of people, I've lost count of how many passer-bys / acquaintances / TV stars / friends I made fun of. And this I'm quite sure attributed to my inability to lose those extra pounds (esp those off my butts). Have you heard heaven's jealous of the all-round talent cum beauty? I happen to be talented and pretty. And these recent years, I'm all-round.

The divine powers must have figured that my mother has suffered enough fools with my complaints against her obnoxious ways. In turn, I'm transformed to someone with maternal instincts so strong that even a friend over the cyberway proclaimed I reminded him of his mother. I shower people I like with motherly care and now aim to be rated PG by hand-holding young(er) people and act as their Parental Guidance, away from home.

Someone tell me how to sow the seeds of good karma, so that i get:
1) The man I want?
2) The job I desire?
3) The good life I so honestly deserve? :p

Tangled In Love

He tells me he likes her and how she is not moving in tandem with him for a life he wishes for them both, without realising that I used to like him and now only likes him a little and wishes so hard not to see him anymore so he will get out of sight out of mind, until he becomes a stranger who used to be a friend because of circumstances not because we were meant to be and then things will be restored to norm where he'll have his own life and me my own, and I'll steer clear like how I steered clear every other time and move on to where and what is rightfully, faithfully and truefully mine.

I Saw The Sign

I saw the sign. And it opened up my eyes.

Minty said for things and changes to happen to me, it has to happen to others around me first. I'm all hands-up for this.

I'll do a recount:
1) Cheryl tendered. One less burden.
2) Ben got a new opportunity, albeit he having 2nd thots now.
3) The office chair I sat on broke. And it's the newest among all the chairs.
4) The two polys advertised, inviting my type of calibre to apply.
5) Some time ago, my driving instructor pressed me to change my driving test date from 23 OCt to Dec. If I had not changed, I would have missed the test as the initial date clashed with the poly's first day in a new semester.
6) And today, my external hard disk where I backed up data threw some tantrums and demanded for disk recovery treatment.

Call it self-fulling prophecy but I think destiny has a way of performing miracles. Everything happens for a reason. Every reason calls for faith. That things will be alright. That I will be good.

i'm on dream high

it feels so good.
to be on dream high again.
now, what the hell is that?
dream high, i define, is a state of the mind when you feel so high, so charged up to go after your dreams *duh!*

well, the worst for this period is over and the sense of relief that came over me was so strong I must say it's awesome.
Gonna start another blog and I shall call it "awayfromrunway", and see if I'll do my decision enough justice and live it up well.

and oh yea, life was good for me last week with a presence detox. Ban all negative energy!!! The right man for me is the man who cheers me silly! And wansui to concerts! The Superband concert @ expo was good though the breaks in between did cool the fervour just when we got into high gear.
And then there are the look-forwards in coming weeks:
1) Finish up Princess Hours (a little draggy but still a very worthy production)
2) Submit all my applications for lecturer positions (oh pls grant me a hearing + the job you folks at the poly...I so want this I can't imagine settling for my second best now)
3) Preparation for my Jiangnan/Shanghai trip
4) The wrap-ups @ Runway
5) my birthday!!! ~ potentially without XY :( but the other gals will more than make up for it

Uhoo! I'm on dream high!

I Am Madagascar?!

You're Madagascar!

Lots of people don't really know anything about you, making you
buried treasure of the rarest kind. (Yes, I may seem transparent but truly, I'm an enigma which unscramble only for those deserving few)

You love nature, and could get lost in it whenever possible. (Ok, I love nature but I'm not too sure if I want to get lost in it.)

You're remote and exotic, and the few people who know you
value whatever they share with you a great deal. (I'm not too sure if I'm remote. But I'm certainly not exotic, just alternative!)

For some reason, you really like the word "lemur". (Er....some kind of animal?)


Take the Country Quiz at the Blue Pyramid

an ending to every beginning

The law of life dictates that there is an ending to every beginning. Sometimes it's a natural course of event, as with the stipulated curriculum for school. Sometimes it's in the hands of the voyager, to decide the destination of the journey.

My flights servicing career will be making way for my take-off to space soon. It's been a great 5-over years. It's been a humbling experience, to learn what makes or breaks me and where I'm still lacking. Ultimately, it's been a pleasure.

Couldn't thank all those who have made this journey possible enough. Now, help me round up with a nice period.

highest high / lowest low

P used to ask, "What's your highest high and lowest low for today?". Nice way to count my blessings and thrash those rotten moments, I thought. Nice way too for concluding the day, emptying my negative thoughts and tucking away the good stuff somewhere in memory bank.

So,
My highest high for today: Finding out by chance that MayDay's Final Home DVD is out today and catching glimpses of that super duper concert in Taipei.

My lowest low for today:Feeling a tinge of betrayal of my trust on someone. Feeling lost about my whereabouts. And then there's C's departure - reminded by the email I sent to her when she first joined on board and the Jeff Chang's song @ Visma the very moment I set foot.

But,
I'm grateful for my 2 buddies who've been around for more than 1/2 of my entire life. Your love will see me through. As it always does.

answer in the riddle

Looking.Out.Very.Eagerly

Guess what I'm looking out for.
Clue: find the answer within the riddle.

Random Thots about Anything

CL has tendered her resignation and there are only 2 more weeks to go before RC is down to just a team of 2. Argh...it's not going to be easy for the next few months but we'll pull through I guess.

I've also made a decision to put the business on hold again once the office lease is up this year end. Provided there's no new great account by end October to hold me back, that is. I need a break from this draining madness of unmotivating projects, reflect upon what's going to be next and take the chance to replenish my depleting savings, top up my cpf and meet new people! Was talking to Daffy 2 nights ago and she commented how interesting it is that my long vacation is "going back to work". Hurhurhur...after been there done that twice, work does give security and takes my mind off the stress of profit and loss.

So what work? I'm looking at the option of lecturing in ITE or a polytechnic. Wanna feel how it's like being surrounded by young hopefuls glowing with aspirations for their future. Or the job as an office manager who basically looks after the day-to-day running of er....the office....sounds fun to me! Salary expectations - $3,800 at least ok! Potential employer look out! This is one great candidate not to be missed ;)

Updates on my crushie. Like a reformed junkie who's eager to kick off her habits, I can't wait to declare myself a clean bill of health. I'm 97.88% off my addiction..the 2.22% is slowed down by inevitable interaction. Anyway, I've lost big interest on him who doesn't have enough interest for me in the first place. And also the blah-blahs on I deserve better, the best in fact. Hahaha...the reasons I have to find to save some face :p

Wishlist 28 – Part 1

I’m 3 months away from my 28th birthday on 1st Oct. Ha! Who’s afraid of the big 3 approaching? I’m just so scared that I couldn't get rid of the demons I struggle with at this point of my life. While I’m not super rich, I couldn’t care less for materialistic gains on my big day. In all seriousness, I wish for these 28 happenings as I inch closer to celebrate, what I hope will be a day I find peace and passion once again.

1. A definitive career direction. I’m very talented and I know. What's a brainful of potential when it’s not tapped on and channeled to the right stuff?

2. Get that big blog project going. No, not this tiny personal bulletin that I’m talking about. It’s that big big blog project with big big ambitions.

3. Re-embrace sports. Climb Mount Faber regularly! Cycle! Badminton! Whatever that moves me.

4. Pass my driving first time. I’m quite a motor-moron but I hope to scrape through like how I survived MassComm’s studio / technical tests.

5. Seriously consider writing my Taiwanese style script. I got some great random lines now…Read this: 我找不到非爱你不可的理由，但却有很想和你在一起的念头。Great line eh? Remember, you read it here first.

6. Sing on beat. What’s a great emotive voice without the discipline of good rhythm?

7. Find love. Love for what I do. Love for what I like. Love for who I am. Love for someone who reciprocates and returns as much.

Dedicated to the Azzurri Fans

I had a little time
And I decided to delight my "long-suffering" Azzurri fan buddy
With a super duper loud talisman, no less
To bless the unlucky Italians with great lucky charm from the goddess of mercy



And now that they'll be up against the Germs next
I shall humbly request blessings from deities all over (across religions and all geographical boundaries)
To bestow a heavenful of power + luck on the blue army.
March on you guys!



MAY THE BEST TEAM WIN.

a little progress everyday :)

A little progress everyday
to get you out of my head.
So it won't be myself I hate
I guess the yearning will abate.

A little indifference each time
to accept you didn't mean a dime.
So what if I'm back on the find?
it'll just be a fun joke over my inconspicuous grime.

Now I've got a whimsical rhyme
to mark the passage of my silly pine.
I'm strong, I'm great, I'm still as fine.
The right one will come along by twenty-nine.

Songs of My Time

Songs define the moments of our lives. I attempt to put together a list of 10 that has moved, thrilled, soothed, mersmerised or irked me.

1. Tanya Chua’s 陌生人: it’s a song that I just feel for. Hmm…

2. Sometimes When We Touch: my 2 crushies’ fave song back then. What do they say about falling for the same type of guys? Eeee……yucks.

3. Richard Marx’s Right Here Waiting: my first song performance on stage. Lame tune, lame dance and I had to do it because one loser pulled out in fit of spite.

4. Candy Lo’s 垃圾: my must-sing number at KTV. No one does this song better than me…wahahaha.

5. Nearly all of Mayday’s Songs: I Love You 无望 is an awakening on how awesome Hokkien songs can be, 志明与春娇 is my classic all-time favourite, 时光机 brought tears when I first heard it on radio soon after I’ve lost my grandma, 别惹我is war declaration’s best theme, 我 is a reflection of my dissipating passion for pursuing life’s many dreams, “Gong-Lang” is a reminder that there’s still hope.

6. Forrest Gump Suite: introduced to me how music can be so stirring, even without lyrics.

7. Diana Ross’ If We Hold on Together: Our last performance on stage as a class back in secondary school. How are you gals doing?

8. MLTR’s Out of the Blue: 25 Minutes, Wild Women, etc are mostly bad grammar but Out of the Blue is one nice, romantic tune which deserves pardon on poor English.

9. 刘文正/童年: is so apt when it comes to reminiscing the fun childhood days.

10. 梁文福/细水长流: celebrates friendship and brings to memory how much I’ve grown since CGS’ days.

Why Don't I Have A Boyfriend?

You Don't Have a Boyfriend Because You are Too Forward

No doubt that you've got game Just a little too much game for some guys Maybe it's just that some men like a challenge Or they think they're not challenging enough for you!

Why Don't You Have a Boyfriend?

This is RIDICULOUS? How can I be too forward when I don't even have the guts of the modern woman to say "I like you"???

What Kind of Soul Am I?

I Am a Bright Star Soul

Like a shining star, you have no trouble being the center of attention In fact, you often feel a bit hurt when all eyes aren't on you You need to be number one in everything, no matter how trivial And it's this ego that both hurts your confidence and helps you acheive You're dramatic and a powerhouse of pure energy You posess a divine quality or uniqueness that's hard to define A natural performer, it's likely you'll become famous in some circles. Just learn not to take everyone's reaction to you so personally! Souls you are most compatible with: Newborn Soul and Prophet Soul

What Kind of Soul Are You?

What Time of Day Am I?

I Am Sunrise

You enjoy living a slow, fulfilling life. You enjoy living every moment, no matter how ordinary. You are a person of reflection and meditation. You start and end every day by looking inward. Caring and giving, you enjoy making people happy. You're often cooking for friends or buying them gifts. All in all, you know how to love life for what it is - not for how it should be.

What Time Of Day Are You?

i'm moving on

10 Things I’m Resolved to Do:

1)Stop reading blogs that I shouldn’t read, ie, those with almost lack of meaningfulness, zilch entertainment or enrichment value but just providing random info on some stuff that should not bother me too much now.

2)Work out! Oto Trimax’s great I tell ya. And with some work out, I should be on my road to better fitness.

3)Continue my search for lost passion and find it real soon. I hate this kind of me –directionless, not putting in my best, not realising my greatest.

4)Tidy up my bedroom. It’s quite a mess now.

5)Pass my advanced theory and driving @ first attempt.

6)Learn keyboard after I’ve passed my driving.

7)Give good thoughts and map out the future of my business. It hasn’t picked up significantly from last I left and returned.

8)Organise a trip with the gals later this year.

9)Get moving on a self-funded, personal interest project.

10)Get over my distraction completely.

Like versus Love

喜欢是还未深刻了解的吸引。爱是了解过后的接受与包容。

Pipi is Happy

Happy is

having lots and lots of good quality sleep,
rediscovering the energy that has eluded me for the past few months to do work,
finishing tasks that I set out to do,
hearing a nice tune the moment I on the radio,
scampering in the rain,
overcoming long yearning and making it quiet admiration,
reminiscing the fun stuff we did 10 years back,
feeling optimistic and that I could take on the world once again.

Yay! Pipi is Happy :D

I Quote

"工作总是可以计划, 计划却永远赶不上变化, 而变化也永远赢不了意志力的软化." ~Masa, Mayday

Metaphoric 2004

This is way outdated but it was a year that morale seemed high and hopes were abound. As I started 2006 with a little lack-lustre personal forecast, I do hope the journey forward will bring nice surprises.

>>>

If 2004 is a vehicle, it must be a rocket.
Whizzing past so fast, before I could even fully grasp the responsibilities, pressure and implications of running my little firm full-time again.

If 2004 is a weapon, it must be a bullet.
Attacking swift and hard with humongous waves unfolding storylines that once belonged to my Geography textbook, leaving me insufficient time to feel the trauma or understand fully the losses and pains of those victimised.

If 2004 is a furniture, it must be a cupboard.
Storing remnants of my guilt over the demise of my grandma quietly, so that it does not hurt as much anymore.

If 2004 is a land, it must be a runway.
Lying so flat that it’s not too exciting, yet flying enough flights to hold much in anticipation for the New Year to come.

If 2004 is a container, it must be a hungry piggy bank.
Hanging on tight to see my entrepreneurial career comes of age, to better income and more stable savings to give me peace of mind.

If 2004 is a report, it will go like this:
Potential love interest – appeared and gone in 60 seconds
Circle of friends – the same but cool old gang
Self-improvement – stagnated and needs to be rejuvenated
Body and shape – slabs of fats

Adieu Rehearsal

People come and people go.
Some left footprints that last longer than they know.
Some hope their footprints would mean something special to the ones whom they have left them for.
Some moved on without a trace.
Some wish they could leave without a trail.

Why can’t I bear the thought of goodbye?
Maybe I can’t bear to lose sight of someone who don’t belong.
Why do I get so upset?
Maybe good things are slipping by too fast.
I still haven’t had enough.

Here’s One Great Date this Valentine’s!!!

Following Minty’s kind act of showing us (me, diva sharon, luminous xy, feathery jade and leisurely 1-0) off on her blog, we gals decide to do no less for her. Not only are we showing off Minty here but on Yu’s blog as well! That’s double exposure ok!

Name: Minty
Profession: Marketer
Horoscope: Gemini [Compatible Horoscope: Aquarius and Libra]
Zodiac: Horse [Compatible Zodiac: Tiger, Sheep, Dog]
Oxymoronic Monologues: http://www.mintylogue.blogspot.com

Minstical Minty

Peel beneath the superficial quiet façade and you’ll find yourself seeing spoofs of mist cast by the cold jokes which we have come to terms with, and at worst, ignore.

That said, you’ll love her for her dry, intelligent humour that engages the quick-witted and stupefies the small-airians (read losers).

Living up the true-blue Gemini traits, Minty is also an enigmatic paradox who, we suspect, has yet to grasp her own puzzling mystery called “self”.

Minty also walks away uncontested as the Supermodel of our lot with her innate talent to make everything on feet looks cool and all slung around the arms look exceptional!

Now, aren’t we all green with envy when all things pretty just look good on the lucky few?!

Romancing Minty
Queen Minty will readily shed the frost for a great date in the form of a bespectacled talented dude with absolutely brilliant and original sense of high-class ‘grassroot’ humour.

Crash Boom Bang

I hate to admit it but I've grown so reliant on computers such that when mine crashed, my whole world seems to stop spinning. I can't work, I can't think, i can't get moving. But says who? The thinking function still resides with the CPU housed within my tiny head. There are still papers and pens to work with. I can still surf the web with another comp. I can still make plans to be in full force once my lappie returns to my lap. After a night of mourning, and an early sleep to stop the mourning, it's time I channel all these negative energy to doing something useful. Now pray please I recover as much data as possible from the old, overworked hard disk. I guess it's also telling me how hard I've been working over the last 2 years. Life's not about somebody else's artwork all the time. It's now time to get back to the canvass of my life's artwork - it needs a little magical design touch.

观看跨年演唱会后的有感而发

年份交替之际,你与谁相拥而泣?

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.

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

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?