Some Things Never Change

This picture really looks like one of those that tourists will take to prove we had experienced everything in the country - including its public transport.

JM, my good friend back in CGS' days was in town for holiday. And the years had been kind to her - good complexion (and we know she didn't even have to try!), more or less the same balanced figure, and mannerism that hasn't changed with times!

She still talks with eyes that are shy to meet ours. She still dresses like the days when our most branded tees were Giordano. She still spots the same hairstyle when our dear Miss XY had ditched her big waves for straight locks and now the nat-chu-rel curls. But one thing has changed - JM is now married! And she had moved on to attain her Bachelor's, then Master's and now she's burying deep in research to get her PhD.

Look at us - we've had makeovers (maybe not so much for me), we've had crushies (and been crushed too *ouch*) and we've had developed a little more feminity (ok, maybe not so much for me again). But we're still single ~ thank goodness we still have each other.

Before I Say Goodbye

I've thrown in the letter! Ok, old news.
Someone could be interested in me. Woohoo, juicy stuff! ;)

Anyway, this is a serious blog, no less. I've been thinking a bit while serving my one month notice at XP. (Yes, this bird-brain of mine does think alright?!)

Despite all my bitching, complaints and whinings, this 3-month stint is a worthwhile journey for some of the things it taught me:

Reflection One: What kind of teacher do I want to be?
Prior to XP, I didn't give deep thoughts over this. All I had planned to do was to use my charisma to charm all students to hail me as some kinda gawd. The charisma bit does work to a certain extent. But the exposure to a different pedagogy ideology got me reflecting on how I can help shape young minds. The teaching inventory test puts in perspective the kind of teacher I am and aim to be. I haven't quite figured out how I could really be better but I know for sure students under my charge are seldom bored.

Reflection Two: The Perfect Guys Are....Well, Imperfect.
I'm sounding frivolous again :D Having met so many "nice, perfect guys" over the last 3 months, I know for sure the typical goody guys simply don't turn me on. Hahaha....I guess it's alright - the un-turn-on is prolly quite mutual.

Reflection Three: Blocks Can Be Called Pods
I grow to like how this cuckoo XP refer blocks as pods. So people will be asking things like "which pod are you at?". Kinda cool. But my kudos for their innovativeness ends here. A lot of times, I really wonder if they do things differently just for the sake of being different. Sometimes, age-old conventions are conventions for good reasons.

Another unexciting blog. Till 9 Feb.

Lucky 7

I'm having a blog block. But all my darling readers, it wun take long that I regain my mighty typing prowess. Cos I'll be saying goodbye darn soon to that creepy institution where glass panels fall off the building like how humpty dumpty crashed down the wall and toilet doors collapsed like the downfall of dominoes with a huff.

Quick report on the first 7 days of my New Year:

01 // It Started With A Kiss.

Ooh...I'm pleased to announce that I spent my New Year's Day with lanky, cranky, cutie Zheng Yuan Chang on "It Started With A Kiss"! Totally crappy drama but I like!

02 // Problem-Based-Living


Had a hard time working with idiots. May all idiots vanish, to the deepest of gutters and the stinkiest of sewers.

03 // Leaving Problem-Based Slum
Made a decision to resign this coming Friday. It's ok. I'll be employed soon.

04 // The Call
Finally! Someone noticed the shining resume. To this recruiter - you've got balls, eyeballs ah! See ya on Tuesday.

05 // Eason 一神
He doesn't need a studio to record his album. Just dub over at his concert - Eason is pitch/beat/'live' perfect!


DWPers at the concert.

06 // Prince Ashin
I got to know a new fren who's a fan of Mayday! And she used to like a guy who looks like Ashin! And of cos I picked up on the word "used to" and asked her to pass him over TO ME.

07 // Retail Therapy
With so many sales going on and an incidental bonus from my kind employer, it's simply impossible to resist the lure of consumerism. Oh Money God, pls include a bigger payout package for me in your budget 2007. Thanx loads in advance.

Whoever says 2007 / the year of Pig gonna be good, is absolutely SO RIGHT.

空中的梦想家

努力于追求自己梦想的人值得敬佩,
投入于梦想进行式中的人非常迷人,
出众于实现梦想目标的人魅力四射!

与一同在梦想跑道上奔驰中的你们共勉之.
也愿2007带给大家无穷的动力, 马力和潜力.

Pi's Best & Worst of Anything Inventory 2006

A recap of my top 6 best/worst/favouritest/most-detested/most-superb/lousiest (ok...you get the drift) inventory* of anything for 2006.

* Listed in no order of preference

FAVOURITEST MOVIES / DRAMA SERIALS
1) Little Miss Sunshine
2) 疯狂石头 Crazy Stone
3) 王的男人
4) X-men 3
5) 我爱金三顺 My Lovely Sam Soon
6) 宫 Princess Hours

FAVOURITEST ALBUMS
1) 五月天 Mayday - 为爱而生 Born to Love (五子出品,必属佳作; my only complaint is the absence of hokkien numbers)
2) 强辩 Champion
3) 梁静茹 Fish Leong - 亲亲
4) McFly - Just My Luck
5) 蔡健雅 Tanya Chua - T-time
6) 陈奕迅 Eason Chan - What's Going On

BEST BUYS
1) Fuji Finepix F30 Digicam
2) iPod
3) Origins Modern Friction
4) Novo Rubber Flip-flops
5) Oto Trimax
6) $20 little black dress from Little Match Girl

BEST MAKAN
1) 记得吃 for near-to-great HK dessert
2) Corduroy & Finch for fab ang moh dessert
3) Miss Clarity for affordable main courses
4) Maxwell Food Centre for solid Hainanese 'Economy' Rice
5) Crystal Jade 拉面小笼包 for top-notch Sichuan Dandan Mian
6) Ichibantei @ Robertson Quay for exceptional Ramen

MOST IMPACTFUL EVENTS
1) The closure of Runway
To the attic at Kreta Ayer, thanks for the great 2 years 8 months. Owning keys to a space I call my own has been one of my proudest moments. Saying goodbye certainly wasn't easy but I'll be back stronger, better and richer.

2) Goodbye romance, hello friendship
To my crushie who kept me gaga for a few months, thanks for the friendship. Love hasn't been too smooth for him and his crushie(s). Maybe his destiny should have been me. Too bad we've both missed the boat, for now ;p

3) Bro starts NS
To my bro of 20 years, thanks for your generiosity. Your birthday gift does not quite go with my lok-kok fashion sense but I still love you.

4) The return of Bren
To Bren who was MIA for the last two years, thanks for the time you made up with. Despite your unchanged talkaholism, 'obsessionism' and 'neurosisism', we still enjoy the comfort your presence brings.

5) Not-too-gratifying journeys
To my travel companions of the short Penang getaway, thanks for making every trip exceptional. Not forgetting my slightly more tamed Ma for making the Shanghai trip nice. Next year, jet-setting's gonna be further, longer and funner.

6) Learning to drive
To uncle francis, thanks for reciprocating my compliments with discounts. I'll soon not see you, right after March 28.

MOST ANTICIPATED MOMENTS OF EARLY 2007
1) Eason Chan's concert ~ We need the lite sticks!
2) Mayday concert ~ Fivesters, it's time to get our garb again!
3) Ditching XP ~ I can't wait, I really can't wait!
4) A new shining career ~ C'mon, c'mon, any company will do better with a talent like me!
5) Shedding another 3 kgs ~ My plan is to shed a further 5kg in total from my current weight but slow and steady wins the game!
6) The coveted vroom vroom license ~ No more stupid mistakes!

雨季的催眠曲

一整天的细雨总有办法让我忧虑起来. 沉溺在不知所以的工作环境中, 我的神采无法飞扬起来.总觉得对不起自己.想摆脱枷锁但暂时无法轻言放下. 回忆在脑中一直盘旋. 过去的牢牢记得却紧握不住. 未来的我尽心期待, 希望好运在非常不遥远的将来及时降临.

张智成的"很想你"让我想起了台北清爽冬天的暖暖气氛. 我们何时再踏上下一次的快乐旅程呢?

My Seduction Style

This test is inaccurate. Absolute lie. Period.

Moblog, finally!

Thanx to Lanyushee who has so kindly responded to Pipi Longstocking's Christmas wishlist and gave me a Bluetooth! This moblog is dedicated to you!

First and foremost, photos of the DWPers' political aspirations:

A case of Hanyu Pinyin gone very wrong:

If it didn't occur to your very clean mind, Piao Ji is the hanyu pinyin for 嫖妓lor. Ironically, all queuing for this stall were MEN :D

The very cosy Tea Cafe with the best Tea-leaf egg (and most expensive too lor) I've ever eaten:

@ the various concerts we attended:

Mayday in Singapore. I can't believe this is 1 year ago now.

Getting armoured for the very wet outdoor concert at Fort Canning Hill.

The DWPers @ Superband Finals. What's up with Milubing man?

And lastly, special Christmas bonus - presenting you my very own beauty pageant quality photos!!!

pipi so pretty

Sorry hor, I'm not asking you for comments on my yet another classic expression. Did you notice my very nice face complexion? I never touched up this pix ah mind you.

You can also have such nice complexion too, granted that your original skin condition is not like rough sunkist peel. I merely dabbed a tiny bit of Origins' Next of Skin foundation on small areas with uneven skin tone and TADANG! Remember, the heavily made-up face is passe. Use your foundation (with tone matching your skin colour) sparingly and only on spots that need it. Blend it in circular motion.

Oh goodness! I can't believe I'm giving advice on make-up!

Shhoon It Will Be Chrishhtmashh Day

Dearest Santa

How have you been? Is your hearing good as usual? I'm sorry for the brazen question cos I've got a feeling age has caught up with you and affected your senses a little. Things have gone a bit wrong with the wishes I've been asking for and I hope you'll review these cases and right the wrongs in the new year. I've got faith in you Santa.

(Case 1) I ask for romance, not old man.
Though I'm 老少娴宜, it doesn't mean I'm ok with dating guys of all ages or guys who look or behave beyond their age. Please please Santa, Uncle Streaky Bacon might have confessed his liking for me but I'm simply not up to the challenge. I admit I'm shallow. So what if I'm shallow? I like good looking, lean men though I myself am prolly only 'toot' looking and mean. I don't like himbos. But I like those who are a little crappy. I don't like kiddos. But I adore the kidults. I don't like the holies. But I like them kind. With this clarification, I hope I made your job a little easier Santa :p

(Case 2) I ask for a career to teach, not bitch.

I dun mean to bitch. I won't have to if I'm in a more desired environment. So please please Santa, quickly bestow upon me a new posting - somewhere closer to my house, and higher-paid. If you can't find a suitable teaching job for me at the moment, just send a nice corporate career my way to make up for lost income over the last 3 years.

Ok Santa, I shan't list my grievances further. I figure this is enough for you to work on. Sorry for the requested OT to slog beyond Christmas. Thanx million for sprinkling the giving spirit on my frens who have generously granted my material wants.

We'll catch up over the next Christmas. Meanwhile, let it shhnow, let it shhnow, let it shhnow.

Send my regards to Rudolph.

Cheers!
Pi

men

Men are the weaker sex. Hence their need for more sex.
------------
Remember, you read this grand line here first.

Break-up, Screwed-up, Fed-up

Haven't been blogging much recently. With the braindrain that I go through as a result of unbelievably long journey, incredibly KNNB boss and disgustingly morbid work system, I seriously dunno how I can enjoy a thunderstorm of inspiration poured upon me during the 2-month break.

The last word at the last line leads me to the first topic of this entry - break-up (lame lead I know). Ah B had his galfren for a day and the poor guy is now back to square one. To cut his long story short, the gal's brother is also apparently interested in Ah B who is as straight as an unbent iron rod. The gal backed-out as a result. Ouch... the guy-gal relationship is already tough as it is. Can all those in the forefront of the gay movement NOT COMPLICATE matters further for us innocent linear-minded folks?

Then there's our Ah Geok who beat us all DWPers in getting a marriage proposal! The guy's so confident that she's THE one without even having the need to date her. Geok, share the secret c'mon ~ HOW ON EARTH DID YOU HAVE HIM SO SPELLBOUND? Oh yes, I just realise this anecdote doesn't qualify as a break-up. Never mind lar har, this is not primary school compo. I can write as out of point as I like. Anyway, you know the school I'm teaching in right now says there's no right or wrong answers mah (see how well I've learnt...)

As for my poor Ah Bud who is lamenting over love loss (not quite a break-up since there was nothing in the first place), please ganbatte neh! Love don't come easy but as I always say, we deserve better! How not to when we are oh so Pretty, Brainy and Sassy?!

If it's any consolation for the sagittarus, this week's horoscope reads "Don't wallow in smokescreen relationships that wun last long - sober up!" Sorry Ah B and bud, I can't help but laff when I read this in i-weekly. But I swear I only laff a little. Really!!!

My screw-ups are still on the same complaint - BAD CAREER CHOICE! The more I hear of the system and the advocates of the school at all the brainwashing sessions, the scarier I think this whole thing is. THIS IS A CULT. It's a farking cult! Ok, I'll stop being whiny on this. But just to let you know, I feel very cheated that my workplace has no great boyfren / husband prospects to offer me in compensation. Boohoo!

All these said, I'm fed-up with the situation as it is now but I know Minty didn't have things better. Tsk tsk....I've got low threshold for bad workplace and this is bad. I never learn to have patience. When will I ever learn? By the way, my driving test's this Friday. Wish me luck.

The Mouth-watering Journey of a TB-rian to Ulu Land of the Woods

It's been a tormenting 1 week. Imagine having to wake up earlier than any of the folks in the house, then finally get out of the house before the sky turns too bright and then finally reaching the workplace after a 1.5hours semi-conscious ride only to realise I'm still late for work. MISERABLE! Complainy right? Ya, that's what I like to do what, so? It's my prerogative since the hasslesome journey is not compensated by better benefits, very high pay or very great job satisfaction.

U know how the gentle sashaying of the bus movement rocks me to sleep all the time? I start off Monday looking awesome. By Wed, I'm half-dead and sloppy and by Fri, I can't bear to think if I actually salivate at all with my head drooping in all directions as I FIGHT to overcome the sleepy spell. *Help!*

I happened to talk to a colleague who had a colleague staying in my area and guess what? She quit after a while citing reasons that the journey is simply way way too far! See! It's so far it's unbearable.

I'll take some photos another day to show you what I see along my journey to ulu land of the woods. But the thought of having to go out really early in order to accomplish my shutterlog is way too unmotivating. Another day, really. It won't be for long now anyway.

Pipi's Unofficial Resignation Letter (Glorious Uncensored Version)

After my bouts of outbursts and rantings on the very salar wtf skool system and that wtf KNNB (kei-neh-neh-bitch not Ka-ni-n*-b*h but pun's intended) who knows no better and wears heavily padded bras for her small neh-nehs (unlike me who is au-naturelle - small but nice), I am now ready to throw in the letter. Here, you read it first cos KNNB will only get to read after my plan B is in place.

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

Dear KNNB

Resignation from the Post of Lecturer with XP

I will like to resign from my post as Lecturer with XP with immediate effect.

Much as I am sorry for the inconvenience I may have caused, it seems that our parting has been most inevitable given the misery that the school's system and my immediate supervisor have subjected me to.

Despite my unorthodox approach towards learning and development and quirkily attractive personality, your school's paradoxical methods certainly baffles me. It grieves me to think how the kids in this school will live a campus life less lived.

It shudders me to think how I would be penalised for handing out sheets of papers for students to brainstorm on. It shocks me to know that a career profiling on a working adult will more than suffice to make up for the internships that they are deprived of. It surprises me to see that you do not drill students to write long papers that stimulate thinking and hones analytic skills - a blatant taunt of the age-old conventional development tool that famous tertiary institutions around the world deploy. We are in for a revolution, not a convolution that holds back forward movement to a circular rut mind you.

And for all the incompetence of this system, I could actually live with it because I know I have a wealth of experience and skills to work around it for the benefits of our students. However your KNNB leadership is the ultimate put-off.

I came to teach because I have a genuine passion for education, not to act as instruments in glorifying your illustrious career by being your personal designer or event manager. Also, it seems to me you haven’t progressed to be a better person despite your years in good education. Please watch your derogatory attitude in delegating tasks to your subordinates. Many of us here are easily more superior in our respective corporate careers and deserve equal respect for the heart we put in pursuing an education career aimed at benefiting the young adults.

So, here I am causing you a tiny upheaval which of course is just a ripple on your big sea of responsibilities. I'll serve the notice period as stipulated in my contract.

You take care and beware the constriction you place on your bustline.

Regards
Pi** Ch**

WHATTHEFUCKWRONG SYSTEM AND HEAD

I'm so orbidgood again. A witch is a witch is a witch is a witch. Oh gawd I've erred. I should not have ventured against my instinct and intuition. Looks like I need out now. So, I'm on a lookout again. Interim plan: get a corporate job while keeping my fingers' crossed that the polys call me!!!

Pls pls do me a big favour. Keep me rooted to the job - I can't tender without a back-up plan. I have to ensure my life stays pocket friendly... :(

I got the keys in my bag

I've got the keys in my bag, reminding me always of the flight I've temporarily left behind but never let go.

I've got the card with me, reminding me constantly of the beliefs I stand for and the boundaries I'll never compromise.

I can't hold back my tears for now but I trust my guts.

* * * * *

我想跟随自己的第六感
说不定下次运气会好转
我相信简单我相信偶然
相信直觉会有答案

I'll miss free time

1 day to day 1 @ XP! Just can't believe it. I'm not exactly excited since I won't get to teach for the first month but for the worst I'm expecting, I only hope the situation proves otherwise. Else, I'm prepared.

Thanx DWPers + Bren for the good luck card. And Thanx to all who have been concerned and kind to extend me your well-wishes.

Looking @ my schedule for Dec, I'm going to turn from being one of the freest persons around to being one of the busiest. And I got quite a bit of things which I've failed to work on the last 2 months!!! Let's see...

1) Read up + study my marketing text - Never got down to doing it! I better do so this month, can't bear feeling lousy from failing to answer students' questions.

2) Get my driving license - better pass ah...or else lau kwee never mind, liao lwee can really lau bak sai lor. Pls note my test is on 22 Dec @ 10.15am. I dun care who you pray to, just pray deities and gods all around come por-bi me.

3) Change my home pc - I haven't got down to selling away my home pc to replace with the better comp I brought back from the office. Tu-tu-tu...that's my forte lor, u dunno meh?


Bonus pix from the pow-wow gals recent gathering.


Oh my gawd! We are all so pretty. What do they say about birds (swans to be exact) of the same kind flock together?

Pipi Longstocking Wishlist Updated

Hey, in case anyone of you's getting me prezzie, please note:

1) Ipod Sox NO NEED. I got something oredi. Just as cute ok!

2) 岁月如歌mp3 NO NEED. Found it!

3) Instead, you CAN GET me Leo Ku's (古巨基) new album 我生 - China version! I've been waiting so long but it's not out yet.

4) All other items listed here still stand unless mentioned above.

THANX!!!

In Anticipation

Something I penned on 5 Jan 1999...

If aspirations could be attained, I hope for directions.
Directions to guide me along the way,
to show me the paths,
to lead me to the peak.

If wishes could be granted, I hope for difference.
Difference from the present,
from the stillness,
from the unchanged.

For I am ready to take the plunge,
to see the world,
to scale the heights,
to dazzle on stage.

* * * * *

7 years on, I'm only halfway through to attaining my aspiration. Got a bit lost along the way but had enough sense to call a tentative halt as I looked for the light to shine in the dark. I've experienced difference and I guess things can only get better. I've seen a bit more of the world and there's always so much more to discover. I have scaled higher heights but I know the highest's still waiting for me. I may have shone on stage but it's still not dazzling. But no hurry, life is a long long journey though fragile.

7 years from now, what kind of story will I be sharing? I really wonder.

La La La Love Song

This is it. My 2-month long vacation is coming to an end.

The gains during this break?
My busy mind was emptied.
The fruitless crush was finally crushed at the root.
Made slight improvement to my wardrobe of work attire.
Did a lot more driving practice.
Cleared the mess I brought home from office.
Blogged a lot more.
Kept myself away from unneccessary noises.
Started a simple beauty regime to fight the signs of aging.
Did up my personal webpage and profile.

The minuses?
My savings dipped :(

I'm now on the starting line, to start all over on a new journey in career, ventures and love :)

Must wake up early tmr morning to make this last week of hols as fulfilling as possible.