Tomorrow is my last day in DSI *sob*.
Others may enjoy their last working days. Idling around, checking internet now and then, tidying up the cubicle, etc.
My boss gave me options actually. He'll just accede to it if I decide not to take up any project. And I've spent these few days working overtime, doing (in fact, learning) those extra tasks.
I'm sure I'm gonna miss my job. I really do enjoy it and I just can wish that my next endeavour will be even better than this, so I'll spare no regret leaving this place.
I'm very grateful to be given these last 9 months to learn heaps and stacks and tonnes and lots. And I'm happy also to be able to contribute quite significantly in the project.
Oh, Life... It still keeps on moving and flowing and swaying and flying...
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Sekolah Itu Investasi
Memang tidak salah keputusan saya untuk memilih buku FIKIR: Catatan Seorang Pendidik sebagai bahan bacaan di kala saya merasa sedikit kesepian di tempat baru yang masih setengah asing ini.
Demi lengangnya kamar baru saya, dua kardus buku-buku saya (yang beraneka ragam sekali jenisnya) sekarang tersusun dengan rapinya di sebuah gedung di daerah Chinatown. Bukan, bukan museum apalagi perpustakaan (apalah buku saya...). Hanya sebuah tempat kediaman yang kebetulan merelakan tempatnya untuk dipenuhi beberapa barang lagi.
Beberapa buku, yang berarti penting bagi saya, masih saya bawa serta. Salah satunya adalah buku FIKIR. Walau saya tidak ikut serta dalam penulisannya, dan tidak menjadi salah satu tokoh dalam buku tersebut, saya harus mengakui bahwa saya bangga atas buku itu. Saya tetap merasa menjadi bagian darinya. Kisah-kisah yang diceritakan, dekat di hati saya. Peristiwa-peristiwa yang tertutur, menguak kembali memori yang tidak akan mungkin terkikis oleh waktu.
Buku ini adalah biografi dari seorang tokoh pendidik, yang kebetulan di bawah naungannyalah saya mengenyam pendidikan ketika usia menunjukkan angka 15-18 tahun. Seperti yang disebut juga di buku tersebut, jenjang usia tersebut bisa terbilang rawan. Para remaja mencari jati diri, terkadang tanpa tahu harus mencari ke mana. Seorang panutan yang dapat diandalkan sangat diperlukan perannya di saat ini, dan saya sangat bangga karena dia lah, Sr. Francesco Marianti, yang telah menjadi salah satu panutan saya (di samping keluarga dan orang tua sendiri tentu saja).
Kemarin, saya mengambil lagi buku tersampul rapi yang berbentuk bujur sangkar tersebut. Saya baca lagi halaman demi halamannya, membaca sedikit kisah masa kecilnya sampai dia memutuskan untuk menjawab positif panggilan Tuhan untuk menjadi hamba-Nya. Seorang suster berpakaian sederhana, yang tidak selalu berkerudung tetapi selalu setia dengan kalung salibnya yang menjuntai di leher. Tetap bersuara lantang, berlangkah tegap walau sudah lebih dari tujuh dekade dia menghuni dunia ini.
Ada satu kalimatnya yang (lagi-lagi) menguatkan saya, memberi inspirasi segar di tengah-tengah kehidupan yang terkadang terlalu padat ini.
"Sekolah adalah investasi," begitu katanya.
"Pendidikan adalah satu-satunya harta yang tidak akan habis dimakan zaman. Jika kita mewariskan harta benda kepada anak-anak kita, itu tidak kekal. Harta benda bisa musnah dalam sekejap." (Sr. Francesco Marianti, OSU. FIKIR: Catatan Seorang Pendidik, Panekuksanur. hal: 19).
Sebuah kalimat yang sungguh mengena.
Sudah beberapa kali, ketika beberapa teman mulai mengetahui rencana saya untuk melanjutkan studi bertanya:
"Kok lu bisa sih melepas pekerjaan yang sudah begitu mapan untuk lima tahun sekolah?"
"Lima tahun? Sekolah? Lu kurang kerjaan ya, Rhe."
"Apa uang scholarship cukup untuk hidup dan menabung?"
“Kenapa sih mau menyiksa diri untuk sekolah begitu susah?”
Tentu saja, banyak yang ikut merasakan kesenangan saya, kebahagiaan dan sedikit rasa bangga. Banyak yang matanya ikut berbinar-binar mendengar berita tersebut. Banyak yang secara tulus mendoakan kelancaran jalan saya yang memang tidak mungkin mudah dan mulus itu.
Sebenarnya, bisa saja saya menjawab.
“Kenapa sih kok mau kerja terus?”
“Kenapa sih kok bisa senang dengan sarjana, ketika kita bisa berjuang untuk a doctorate degree?”
Tapi apakah saya menjadi benar kalau menanyakan hal-hal tersebut? Hidup orang berbeda-beda. Orang mempunyai mimpi yang berbeda untuk diraih. Tujuan hidup untuk diperjuangkan. Jadi kenapa kita harus mempertanyakan garis hidup yang sudah dipilih seseorang?
Apakah dengan Ph.D saya akan menjadi lebih dari orang lain? Tidak. Memang di bidang saya, saya akan “lebih” dari yang lain. Tetapi sama saja. Di bidang mereka, saya tidak ada apa-apanya.
Ketika orang membicarakan tentang uang, pendapatan dan tabungan, memang saya akui saya akan “tertinggal” dibanding teman-teman yang lain.
Tetapi, apalah artinya lima tahun dalam kehidupan saya yang panjang ini? Saya sudah menghabiskan tiga tahun setelah lulus merasa gelisah terus-menerus, merasa saya sangat salah tempat, apakah mereka pikir saya akan memperpanjang masa tersebut?
Tak pernah ketinggalan, saya selalu menjawab “Sekolah adalah investasi.”
Dari dulu saya ingin, keunikan sayalah yang akan menjadi sumber kekayaan hidup (tidak hanya terkungkung dalam kekayaan finansial, harap dicatat) saya dan keluarga. Sebuah keahlian yang akan saya bawa ke mana pun saya pergi. Sesuatu yang tidak bisa dilepas dari saya. Buat saya, itu adalah ilmu. Dengan PhD, saya (semoga) bisa menjadi sebuah entiti di dunia ini yang menyimpan sebuah ilmu pengetahuan yang berharga dan bisa digunakan untuk kepentingan orang banyak.
Saya tahu, memang tidak ada yang kekal di dunia ini. Seperti seorang teman baik yang selalu mengingatkan saya “Bahkan kepintaran kita Tuhan yang beri, Rhea. Dia tetap berkuasa penuh.”
Tetapi alam ini terlalu kejam. Uang dan kekayaan fisik bisa hilang dalam sekejab. Lihat saya betapa banyak kehilangan setelah bencana tsunami, gempa dan sebagainya.
“Sekolah adalah Investasi.”
Terima kasih Suster Francesco, yang walaupun sudah pensiun menjadi kepala sekolah saya, tetap menjadi panutan dan terang bagi saya.
Selamat malam semua, akan kubuka beberapa helai halaman buku itu lagi sebelum tidur. Sebuah buku yang ditanda tangan secara pribadi olehnya, dia yang masih ingat nama saya walaupun tanda tangan tersebut dibubuhkan lebih dari empat tahun sejak kami terakhir kali bertemu. Sebuah buku yang diakhiri dengan fotonya bersama (alm.) President John. F. Kennedy.
Demi lengangnya kamar baru saya, dua kardus buku-buku saya (yang beraneka ragam sekali jenisnya) sekarang tersusun dengan rapinya di sebuah gedung di daerah Chinatown. Bukan, bukan museum apalagi perpustakaan (apalah buku saya...). Hanya sebuah tempat kediaman yang kebetulan merelakan tempatnya untuk dipenuhi beberapa barang lagi.
Beberapa buku, yang berarti penting bagi saya, masih saya bawa serta. Salah satunya adalah buku FIKIR. Walau saya tidak ikut serta dalam penulisannya, dan tidak menjadi salah satu tokoh dalam buku tersebut, saya harus mengakui bahwa saya bangga atas buku itu. Saya tetap merasa menjadi bagian darinya. Kisah-kisah yang diceritakan, dekat di hati saya. Peristiwa-peristiwa yang tertutur, menguak kembali memori yang tidak akan mungkin terkikis oleh waktu.
Buku ini adalah biografi dari seorang tokoh pendidik, yang kebetulan di bawah naungannyalah saya mengenyam pendidikan ketika usia menunjukkan angka 15-18 tahun. Seperti yang disebut juga di buku tersebut, jenjang usia tersebut bisa terbilang rawan. Para remaja mencari jati diri, terkadang tanpa tahu harus mencari ke mana. Seorang panutan yang dapat diandalkan sangat diperlukan perannya di saat ini, dan saya sangat bangga karena dia lah, Sr. Francesco Marianti, yang telah menjadi salah satu panutan saya (di samping keluarga dan orang tua sendiri tentu saja).
Kemarin, saya mengambil lagi buku tersampul rapi yang berbentuk bujur sangkar tersebut. Saya baca lagi halaman demi halamannya, membaca sedikit kisah masa kecilnya sampai dia memutuskan untuk menjawab positif panggilan Tuhan untuk menjadi hamba-Nya. Seorang suster berpakaian sederhana, yang tidak selalu berkerudung tetapi selalu setia dengan kalung salibnya yang menjuntai di leher. Tetap bersuara lantang, berlangkah tegap walau sudah lebih dari tujuh dekade dia menghuni dunia ini.
Ada satu kalimatnya yang (lagi-lagi) menguatkan saya, memberi inspirasi segar di tengah-tengah kehidupan yang terkadang terlalu padat ini.
"Sekolah adalah investasi," begitu katanya.
"Pendidikan adalah satu-satunya harta yang tidak akan habis dimakan zaman. Jika kita mewariskan harta benda kepada anak-anak kita, itu tidak kekal. Harta benda bisa musnah dalam sekejap." (Sr. Francesco Marianti, OSU. FIKIR: Catatan Seorang Pendidik, Panekuksanur. hal: 19).
Sebuah kalimat yang sungguh mengena.
Sudah beberapa kali, ketika beberapa teman mulai mengetahui rencana saya untuk melanjutkan studi bertanya:
"Kok lu bisa sih melepas pekerjaan yang sudah begitu mapan untuk lima tahun sekolah?"
"Lima tahun? Sekolah? Lu kurang kerjaan ya, Rhe."
"Apa uang scholarship cukup untuk hidup dan menabung?"
“Kenapa sih mau menyiksa diri untuk sekolah begitu susah?”
Tentu saja, banyak yang ikut merasakan kesenangan saya, kebahagiaan dan sedikit rasa bangga. Banyak yang matanya ikut berbinar-binar mendengar berita tersebut. Banyak yang secara tulus mendoakan kelancaran jalan saya yang memang tidak mungkin mudah dan mulus itu.
Sebenarnya, bisa saja saya menjawab.
“Kenapa sih kok mau kerja terus?”
“Kenapa sih kok bisa senang dengan sarjana, ketika kita bisa berjuang untuk a doctorate degree?”
Tapi apakah saya menjadi benar kalau menanyakan hal-hal tersebut? Hidup orang berbeda-beda. Orang mempunyai mimpi yang berbeda untuk diraih. Tujuan hidup untuk diperjuangkan. Jadi kenapa kita harus mempertanyakan garis hidup yang sudah dipilih seseorang?
Apakah dengan Ph.D saya akan menjadi lebih dari orang lain? Tidak. Memang di bidang saya, saya akan “lebih” dari yang lain. Tetapi sama saja. Di bidang mereka, saya tidak ada apa-apanya.
Ketika orang membicarakan tentang uang, pendapatan dan tabungan, memang saya akui saya akan “tertinggal” dibanding teman-teman yang lain.
Tetapi, apalah artinya lima tahun dalam kehidupan saya yang panjang ini? Saya sudah menghabiskan tiga tahun setelah lulus merasa gelisah terus-menerus, merasa saya sangat salah tempat, apakah mereka pikir saya akan memperpanjang masa tersebut?
Tak pernah ketinggalan, saya selalu menjawab “Sekolah adalah investasi.”
Dari dulu saya ingin, keunikan sayalah yang akan menjadi sumber kekayaan hidup (tidak hanya terkungkung dalam kekayaan finansial, harap dicatat) saya dan keluarga. Sebuah keahlian yang akan saya bawa ke mana pun saya pergi. Sesuatu yang tidak bisa dilepas dari saya. Buat saya, itu adalah ilmu. Dengan PhD, saya (semoga) bisa menjadi sebuah entiti di dunia ini yang menyimpan sebuah ilmu pengetahuan yang berharga dan bisa digunakan untuk kepentingan orang banyak.
Saya tahu, memang tidak ada yang kekal di dunia ini. Seperti seorang teman baik yang selalu mengingatkan saya “Bahkan kepintaran kita Tuhan yang beri, Rhea. Dia tetap berkuasa penuh.”
Tetapi alam ini terlalu kejam. Uang dan kekayaan fisik bisa hilang dalam sekejab. Lihat saya betapa banyak kehilangan setelah bencana tsunami, gempa dan sebagainya.
“Sekolah adalah Investasi.”
Terima kasih Suster Francesco, yang walaupun sudah pensiun menjadi kepala sekolah saya, tetap menjadi panutan dan terang bagi saya.
Selamat malam semua, akan kubuka beberapa helai halaman buku itu lagi sebelum tidur. Sebuah buku yang ditanda tangan secara pribadi olehnya, dia yang masih ingat nama saya walaupun tanda tangan tersebut dibubuhkan lebih dari empat tahun sejak kami terakhir kali bertemu. Sebuah buku yang diakhiri dengan fotonya bersama (alm.) President John. F. Kennedy.
Some people really works for passion
Some people work for money.
Some people work because their unfortunate fate of life dictates them to.
Some people work for fame.
Some people work to gain respect.
Some people work for prestige.
Some people work for pride.
Some people work to show-off.
But particularly, I admire those who work for real passion. Where money comes second.
One example is my art teacher. Both his wife and he are artists and art teachers in an established government institution for arts called NAFA. It must be a lucrative profession, we may think.
It may be right, but let's see what they use the money for. Of course they need to spend enough for a living (comfortably) for their family.
They also spend some money (and it's not an insignificant amount) for art courses in few countries. Some workshops. Brushing shoulders with reknown artists around the globe. They spend a lot of money, indeed, as during the trip they would take a "sabbatical leave" which means zero income.
But at the same time they enrich their passion. Their arts. Their knowledge. For what? To share them with their students. And it's not exaggerating but they really want to lift people's appreciation for art up in this rather artistically-dry pasture called Singapore.
I don't mean to belittle the artistic side of Singapore. I've gone to NAFA graduate exhibition and their works are awesome.
But then, how many other people are ready to "receive" their art works? How many people buy paintings as Christmas present or birthday present like people in Europe like to do? They exist, of course, but they are not the majority, that's the fact. My friend added, rather sarcastically I must say, "When do you ever see a queue outside Singapore Arts Museum? Even when it's free, it's still empty."
And arts doesn't always mean to be expensive. Bottomline is, my teacher wants Singapore people to be closer to arts. To be able to appreciate it better. To make this country more colorful.
He is now ready for the next step. He wants to build his very own studio, an atelier. It's a gambling, he admits. With the minimum enthusiasm towards arts here, it can just turn to be a flop. Which means monetary lost. And yet, he still sticks to his sincere intention.
I lift my hat up for him and the rest who are just as passionate (about anything, not only fine arts) as him.
His first line of supports come from his students (us). I really wish it can be a success. My course mates and I are not adept artists. We just do it for fun. And we have a tremendous fun. Doesn't only come from the painting activity itself, but also from the time we spend chatting, talking about arts, go a long way just to visit an exhibition in a place we'd never knew exist before, planning some trips and outings together, honest comments for each other works, simple talks over coffee or lunch, etc.
A brief conversation revealed that none of us are working in art-related industry/profession. The reason is unison "We can't make a living out of art and life in Singapore is financially tough." Which is really true, it's the fact.
I believe some of you also have a passion to call your own. Music, sport, theatre, journalism, dance, finance, engineering, design, cooking, you name it.
How far would you go for your passion?
Some people work because their unfortunate fate of life dictates them to.
Some people work for fame.
Some people work to gain respect.
Some people work for prestige.
Some people work for pride.
Some people work to show-off.
But particularly, I admire those who work for real passion. Where money comes second.
One example is my art teacher. Both his wife and he are artists and art teachers in an established government institution for arts called NAFA. It must be a lucrative profession, we may think.
It may be right, but let's see what they use the money for. Of course they need to spend enough for a living (comfortably) for their family.
They also spend some money (and it's not an insignificant amount) for art courses in few countries. Some workshops. Brushing shoulders with reknown artists around the globe. They spend a lot of money, indeed, as during the trip they would take a "sabbatical leave" which means zero income.
But at the same time they enrich their passion. Their arts. Their knowledge. For what? To share them with their students. And it's not exaggerating but they really want to lift people's appreciation for art up in this rather artistically-dry pasture called Singapore.
I don't mean to belittle the artistic side of Singapore. I've gone to NAFA graduate exhibition and their works are awesome.
But then, how many other people are ready to "receive" their art works? How many people buy paintings as Christmas present or birthday present like people in Europe like to do? They exist, of course, but they are not the majority, that's the fact. My friend added, rather sarcastically I must say, "When do you ever see a queue outside Singapore Arts Museum? Even when it's free, it's still empty."
And arts doesn't always mean to be expensive. Bottomline is, my teacher wants Singapore people to be closer to arts. To be able to appreciate it better. To make this country more colorful.
He is now ready for the next step. He wants to build his very own studio, an atelier. It's a gambling, he admits. With the minimum enthusiasm towards arts here, it can just turn to be a flop. Which means monetary lost. And yet, he still sticks to his sincere intention.
I lift my hat up for him and the rest who are just as passionate (about anything, not only fine arts) as him.
His first line of supports come from his students (us). I really wish it can be a success. My course mates and I are not adept artists. We just do it for fun. And we have a tremendous fun. Doesn't only come from the painting activity itself, but also from the time we spend chatting, talking about arts, go a long way just to visit an exhibition in a place we'd never knew exist before, planning some trips and outings together, honest comments for each other works, simple talks over coffee or lunch, etc.
A brief conversation revealed that none of us are working in art-related industry/profession. The reason is unison "We can't make a living out of art and life in Singapore is financially tough." Which is really true, it's the fact.
I believe some of you also have a passion to call your own. Music, sport, theatre, journalism, dance, finance, engineering, design, cooking, you name it.
How far would you go for your passion?
RA Show!!
Oh, how I want to watch the next RA Show!!
Perhaps not one, but TWO!!
Hahaha no no no I did NOT mean "Restricted Adult" kind of show, but it's this show.
This globe has TWO RA Shows every summer; one in London and another one is in Scotland.
Another event is the La Biennale in Venice, Italy. As the name suggests, it is held once every two years. The next one is next year!!
The list doesn's stop here yet. A five-yearly event, Documenta in Kassel, Germany. And oh my God the next one is also in 2007!!
Having a short calculation, the next time I can visit all of them in one go is in 2017. So next year is really "something".
All event will be held during summer, spans from June - September.
My heart squirms. My leg becomes jelly-like. My bones melt. My insides are gonna burst. How I want to go!! My cells are dancing like there's no tomorrow. My cerebral cells brings me back to reality. Quick calculation. Ouch.
Blame Mr. Lim, our art teacher who paraded into the class this very morning carrying this catalogue from RA Show 2004. We almost literally drooled over it. He encourages us to go backpacking for some our-very-own Art Appreciation Tour thingy. He has even told us the budget we need to prepare if we go for one month. (one month? isn't it very long for us with limited leave days annually?)
"Wait until you see the real things," he told us, seeing our ecstasy - just like kids in Christmas.
"I think we're gonna faint." my cute friend answered.
Arts are just soooo beautiful that we're swept away by it. We all did some calculation. Would we have enough saving? Would we have enough off-days to take? Would we? Will we?
Man, this is the real thing. Four exhibitions at around the same time? Separated by just some bus trips? How can we miss that? It's just too good to be true.
Be realistic, I know. We'll see next year. I'll be in US anyway, to add to the complication.
I think I'll go. May not be next year (unless LIFE says otherwise, yayy!!), it can be 2017, 2027 or perhaps if life permits, every year. Ha! Yeah, you must be joking. But hey, who knows?
Look at this, I really like this quote. Was it from "The Alchemist" by Paul Coelho? Haven't read that book, so I am not sure.
"When you pursue your personal legend the universe will conspire with you to make it happen."
So yeah, I think I'll be there eventually. Now I'll just (try very hard to) be patient.
*heart still squirms, jelly-legged, etc etc etc.... inhale... exhale... inhale... exhale...* hehe =D
Perhaps not one, but TWO!!
Hahaha no no no I did NOT mean "Restricted Adult" kind of show, but it's this show.
This globe has TWO RA Shows every summer; one in London and another one is in Scotland.
Another event is the La Biennale in Venice, Italy. As the name suggests, it is held once every two years. The next one is next year!!
The list doesn's stop here yet. A five-yearly event, Documenta in Kassel, Germany. And oh my God the next one is also in 2007!!
Having a short calculation, the next time I can visit all of them in one go is in 2017. So next year is really "something".
All event will be held during summer, spans from June - September.
My heart squirms. My leg becomes jelly-like. My bones melt. My insides are gonna burst. How I want to go!! My cells are dancing like there's no tomorrow. My cerebral cells brings me back to reality. Quick calculation. Ouch.
Blame Mr. Lim, our art teacher who paraded into the class this very morning carrying this catalogue from RA Show 2004. We almost literally drooled over it. He encourages us to go backpacking for some our-very-own Art Appreciation Tour thingy. He has even told us the budget we need to prepare if we go for one month. (one month? isn't it very long for us with limited leave days annually?)
"Wait until you see the real things," he told us, seeing our ecstasy - just like kids in Christmas.
"I think we're gonna faint." my cute friend answered.
Arts are just soooo beautiful that we're swept away by it. We all did some calculation. Would we have enough saving? Would we have enough off-days to take? Would we? Will we?
Man, this is the real thing. Four exhibitions at around the same time? Separated by just some bus trips? How can we miss that? It's just too good to be true.
Be realistic, I know. We'll see next year. I'll be in US anyway, to add to the complication.
I think I'll go. May not be next year (unless LIFE says otherwise, yayy!!), it can be 2017, 2027 or perhaps if life permits, every year. Ha! Yeah, you must be joking. But hey, who knows?
Look at this, I really like this quote. Was it from "The Alchemist" by Paul Coelho? Haven't read that book, so I am not sure.
"When you pursue your personal legend the universe will conspire with you to make it happen."
So yeah, I think I'll be there eventually. Now I'll just (try very hard to) be patient.
*heart still squirms, jelly-legged, etc etc etc.... inhale... exhale... inhale... exhale...* hehe =D
First Times
Yesterday, 27 May 2006, I had my few first times:
1. the first time I take LRT.
2. the first time I go to Sengkang (it took a good 90 minutes).
3. the first time I eat Ben & Jerry's ice cream not from the take-home tubs.
3. the first time I have an Italian gelato that tastes just AWESOME.
The most interesting of all?
The gelato, of course. It tasted sooooooooooo good, or to put it more correctly, it suited my palate very very well.
From Sengkang, my sister Rinda and I went to Suntec. As usual, we feel like eating or munching or gobbling or drinking something and our votes went to Ben & Jerry's cafe. What did we try? Strawberry Cheesecake (Haagen Dazs' is much better!!), Dublin Mudslide, Oatmeal Cookies and... oh I've forgotten already. Oh Phish Food and don't ask me why they name it that way.
I wasn't that satisfied, honestly. I think the taste is too "teenager". It's too creamy, too chocolatey, too thick, exactly what I looked for when I was a teenager.
Carrefour is having this "Taste of Italy" event where they sell some Italian products. Having finished four scoops of ice cream didn't stop us to check the gelato out.
Good decision as it was soooooo daaaaaaammmnnn good. I took the "After Eight" flavour and "Lemon Sorbet" for Rinda. At a promotional price, only S$2 per scoop. The texture, creaminess, thickness were just nice. It tastes so fresh. I've tasted many gelatos in Singapore, but nothing is even close to what I tried yesterday. But again, perhaps it's just my palate. And my sister's.
1. the first time I take LRT.
2. the first time I go to Sengkang (it took a good 90 minutes).
3. the first time I eat Ben & Jerry's ice cream not from the take-home tubs.
3. the first time I have an Italian gelato that tastes just AWESOME.
The most interesting of all?
The gelato, of course. It tasted sooooooooooo good, or to put it more correctly, it suited my palate very very well.
From Sengkang, my sister Rinda and I went to Suntec. As usual, we feel like eating or munching or gobbling or drinking something and our votes went to Ben & Jerry's cafe. What did we try? Strawberry Cheesecake (Haagen Dazs' is much better!!), Dublin Mudslide, Oatmeal Cookies and... oh I've forgotten already. Oh Phish Food and don't ask me why they name it that way.
I wasn't that satisfied, honestly. I think the taste is too "teenager". It's too creamy, too chocolatey, too thick, exactly what I looked for when I was a teenager.
Carrefour is having this "Taste of Italy" event where they sell some Italian products. Having finished four scoops of ice cream didn't stop us to check the gelato out.
Good decision as it was soooooo daaaaaaammmnnn good. I took the "After Eight" flavour and "Lemon Sorbet" for Rinda. At a promotional price, only S$2 per scoop. The texture, creaminess, thickness were just nice. It tastes so fresh. I've tasted many gelatos in Singapore, but nothing is even close to what I tried yesterday. But again, perhaps it's just my palate. And my sister's.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Her prophecy did come true, again.
Yesterday night, before knowing the American Idol winner, I called my mom and asked who she thinks will win.
Without hesitation, she said “Taylor”.
It came as a surprise to me as I expected (and was almost very sure about it) that she will choose Katharine McPhee who, undeniably, may have the highest vote for “looks”. You see, my mom is always drawn to beauty. Her favorite TV program is fashion show. And basketball matches (not because they’re beautiful but because she was one player before – a very good one - and at times, she likes to criticize people, the players in this case).
I asked her why she chooses him.
“Oh, simple,” she said. “He is unique, quite good looking and I like his dances.”
“WHAAATT??” this was me.
“Yeah, it’s SO COOL. Just like Elvis (Presley).”
Oh, well. I guess I understand better now. Perhaps it’s a “generation” or “era” thingy.
I told her that I support Elliott Yamin and she quickly replied “his voice might be great but it is the looks that he lacks of. I always knew he couldn’t win.”
Now I know what to do next year. I’ll hypnotize her to prophecize my idol to be the next winner.
It may be one small trivia, but I did see (very clearly) that a lot of (if not all) her so-called prophecies or predictions did come true. And I heard lots of other mothers did so too.
What is it with mothers? Sixth-sense? Exorbitantly strong intuition? Will I have it later?
PS: I am not an avid AI watcher actually. I didn’t even watch the final. But I do really like Elliott Yamin’s performance. That’s all. Katharine or Taylor? Nah, it doesn’t matter at all.
Without hesitation, she said “Taylor”.
It came as a surprise to me as I expected (and was almost very sure about it) that she will choose Katharine McPhee who, undeniably, may have the highest vote for “looks”. You see, my mom is always drawn to beauty. Her favorite TV program is fashion show. And basketball matches (not because they’re beautiful but because she was one player before – a very good one - and at times, she likes to criticize people, the players in this case).
I asked her why she chooses him.
“Oh, simple,” she said. “He is unique, quite good looking and I like his dances.”
“WHAAATT??” this was me.
“Yeah, it’s SO COOL. Just like Elvis (Presley).”
Oh, well. I guess I understand better now. Perhaps it’s a “generation” or “era” thingy.
I told her that I support Elliott Yamin and she quickly replied “his voice might be great but it is the looks that he lacks of. I always knew he couldn’t win.”
Now I know what to do next year. I’ll hypnotize her to prophecize my idol to be the next winner.
It may be one small trivia, but I did see (very clearly) that a lot of (if not all) her so-called prophecies or predictions did come true. And I heard lots of other mothers did so too.
What is it with mothers? Sixth-sense? Exorbitantly strong intuition? Will I have it later?
PS: I am not an avid AI watcher actually. I didn’t even watch the final. But I do really like Elliott Yamin’s performance. That’s all. Katharine or Taylor? Nah, it doesn’t matter at all.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Where's the Integrity?
Somebody told me about this project from our lab back in NTU that is featured in news not long ago. Hey, I know that!! My friends were doing it.
“Oh yeah,” my friend said. “Their names are not mentioned.”
“Huh?” Honestly, I was and am a bit pissed off. But on the other hand, I have somehow known it will happen, knowing that person.
So. That project was first initiated by my supervisor. My good and smart friend was his student that time. Having finished our Final Year Project time frame, that project was passed to another friend, who was a Master student that time, but still under the same supervisor.
For one reason and another, he needed to move to another country. And so he did. And he handed over the supervision of that project to another Associate Professor. It was already in a beautiful state when it occurred.
Having added few bits and pieces in the project, the project has become a success and featured in media. But no original initiator and developer names are mentioned AT ALL, even though my friend has reminded him.
It’s like “you take the pain and I’ll take the glory.”
If I say that this conduct lacks integrity, am I too much?
“Oh yeah,” my friend said. “Their names are not mentioned.”
“Huh?” Honestly, I was and am a bit pissed off. But on the other hand, I have somehow known it will happen, knowing that person.
So. That project was first initiated by my supervisor. My good and smart friend was his student that time. Having finished our Final Year Project time frame, that project was passed to another friend, who was a Master student that time, but still under the same supervisor.
For one reason and another, he needed to move to another country. And so he did. And he handed over the supervision of that project to another Associate Professor. It was already in a beautiful state when it occurred.
Having added few bits and pieces in the project, the project has become a success and featured in media. But no original initiator and developer names are mentioned AT ALL, even though my friend has reminded him.
It’s like “you take the pain and I’ll take the glory.”
If I say that this conduct lacks integrity, am I too much?
"Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, and knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful" - Samuel Johnson
Spicy Food? Badminton? Are you Indonesian?
Today, my supervisor has lunch with me for the first time, after having worked together for nine months, only to know that:Not all Indonesian are able and/or like to eat spicy food
Not all Indonesian can play badminton
“Perhaps only people from your high school who can’t eat spicy food and play badminton,” he concluded.
“Noooooo…” his wife and I replied in unison. We both are alumni from the same high school, though many years apart. We both don’t eat spicy food AT ALL and can’t play badminton AT ALL.“But you see, two out of two people from your high school that I know fall into that category. 100%.”
Yeah, I guess the aforementioned two items are very common assumptions about Indonesian. And Singaporeans used to think that (can’t really blame them though) all Indonesian-Chinese are (super) rich *faint*. So for those three points, I can consider myself as a very rare breed of Indonesian as I fall to neither category.
Apart from that, I am also a rare Asian species who don’t like rice. The grain which is taken as the main staple of Asian. The sticky things that Asian always look for and search high and low in western countries.
I can count how many times I eat ‘nasi lemak’ which is very popular in Singapore.
Some people even devise a term “Javanese stomach” which refers to those who can’t feel a meal is complete without rice.
Me, I think I am just being very fussy. Or choosy. Picky. I can only consider quantity when quality is present. Too bland, too spicy, too salty and too sweet can make me full at an instant. Sashimi, chocolate, ice cream, nice pasta, ribs, rosti, dim sum, and my other favorite food (mostly western) can turn my stomach to an abyss. Bottomless.
Despite my inclination towards Western food, I do miss some Indonesian food. Pete goreng!!! With salt and garlic ONLY. No other condiments, no other ingredients. Oh. My. God. With that, I will eat rice. Promise.
Can’t wait for that moment to come. Counting the days…
What's next?
Thirteen years ago, I went straight to my dad and said “Forget it, dad. Just stick to my old school. I think that’s a better option”.“How can a neighborhood school be better than this, which is among the top in the region?” he retorted.
“It’s just too good and I am simply not good enough for it. My entrance qualifying test was a blunder. I know it. Don’t waste our time, dad. Just proceed with the school application in SMP BK.”
“No, Sanmar is the only option for you. I will not proceed with BK at all.”
“But then, how if I am not admitted in Sanmar?”
“I promise I’ll take care of it. You don’t need to worry a bit.”
My faith was minuscule. And yet, a strong hand was behind me, setting me a direction to move forward and none other. The hand is now old and weary. Wrinkled and weaker than before. But that’s the hand which has brought me up to this point.
I was always the pessimistic one. A small flop can whack me flat to the ground.
That conversation is and will always be very vivid in my mind.
He always told me “Our standard is up here.” He always raises his hands up high. So high that the short me (at that time) had to strain my neck just to look at it.
“We can settle at NOTHING LESS. NOTHING. LESS.”
He stood behind me. He is too big, I couldn’t step over him and move backward. I had no choice but move forward. His big and assuring hand was behind my back. I. Couldn’t. Move. Backward.
His prophecy did come true. To my surprise, despite the blunder, I was accepted. The school seemed too big. The students looked too smart. The teachers looked to stern. I was afraid. But I can’t let him down. Not at that time, this time, and anytime that the world would possibly had.
And then, the next thing we knew was: I made it. I made it in SMP Santa Maria and beyond. SMU Santa Ursula, and then Nanyang Technological University.
He only allowed me to apply for his chosen school, which most of the time, only one. No backup for me. So it was a do or die kind of thing.
And now, as he always told me, I’ll move forward.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, US, will be my next destination. A tough program awaits me. I can’t lie to you that I am so damn afraid and it’s not an understatement. The student mailing list which is just created revealed that most of them were and are scholars from different part of the world.
So that’s my next step that I haven’t disclosed to everybody though some have known about it. 1 year MSc program from MIT, continued by 4 (FOUR!!!) years of Ph.D. in a collaboration between Singapore (in particularly NUS for my case) and MIT.
Computational Engineering. I wonder how this will later be. I chose this because I ‘think’ it’s about mathematics and programming that I always want to pursue.
But Singapore, I would still be around this year (as if you’re gonna miss me hahahaha). Our sponsor opted to have us having up-to-midnight video conference lessons (and that’s the main reason I move to Clementi) instead of sending us to spend the whole academic year in Boston. B. O. S. T. O. N. Among the most expensive place in US.
America, I will be there in February-August 2007. And for the subsequent trips, I will let you know again as it is still in oh-so-future.
So next year I can vote for American Idol!!! Only if I like them though and perhaps if they have, if I can hope high enough, an Elliott Yamin-equivalent?
So now you’ve known….
(to my parents, for their tremendous encouragement, support and most importantly, belief that their children have to set a standard of their own. I wish I wish I wish I would never fail them)
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Multilinguality
One happening place in Singapore is Outram Park – Chinatown area. You can just walk to any directions and find interesting things in whichever direction you take. Not to forget to mention the food. In addition to that, thanks to its location, you can literally walk your way to Raffles Place, Clarke Quay, Boat Quay and if the weather is so nice you may even prolong your journey to City Hall and Bugis. I really enjoy my morning walk when I stay in Pearl Bank. Can literally go places.
Unfortunately, my limited Chinese language sometimes hinder me to really roam around. Sometimes though I can understand I am not sure how to reply and as I know a slight twist in the intonation can bring a different meaning (sometimes can be vulgar) so I decided to just smile and answer a bit. Not that I don't want to learn, but I guess it's just that my ear is repellent to any intonation and melodies (I can't "catch" music at all, remember?) *hueihaiuehiuhiahuehi*
I wonder why they don’t really brush up their English as I can see lots of tourists around. My salute goes to Balinese people for their multilingual ability. And they are very very very fluent. And they even use the same accents as native speakers!!
When they see me, they will intuitively talk in very fluent and smooth Chinese (with all those intonation). When they see no response from me, they smoothly switch to Japanese. Then Korean. Then English. All very fluent. Only to find me replying in Bahasa Indonesia or sometimes Javanese when I feel like doing so.
Just imagine if Chinatown people can pick up more on that skill. I guess it will be a more happening place and attract more tourists.
But then, they will say “Chinese will be the international language one day.” Indeed, it’s possible. But hey, learn new things and you’ll attract more customers and get more money from them!! There’s nothing to lose, right?
Unfortunately, my limited Chinese language sometimes hinder me to really roam around. Sometimes though I can understand I am not sure how to reply and as I know a slight twist in the intonation can bring a different meaning (sometimes can be vulgar) so I decided to just smile and answer a bit. Not that I don't want to learn, but I guess it's just that my ear is repellent to any intonation and melodies (I can't "catch" music at all, remember?) *hueihaiuehiuhiahuehi*
I wonder why they don’t really brush up their English as I can see lots of tourists around. My salute goes to Balinese people for their multilingual ability. And they are very very very fluent. And they even use the same accents as native speakers!!
When they see me, they will intuitively talk in very fluent and smooth Chinese (with all those intonation). When they see no response from me, they smoothly switch to Japanese. Then Korean. Then English. All very fluent. Only to find me replying in Bahasa Indonesia or sometimes Javanese when I feel like doing so.
Just imagine if Chinatown people can pick up more on that skill. I guess it will be a more happening place and attract more tourists.
But then, they will say “Chinese will be the international language one day.” Indeed, it’s possible. But hey, learn new things and you’ll attract more customers and get more money from them!! There’s nothing to lose, right?
Moving On
Touch dusts.
Breathe dusts.
Choked by dusts.
You take the boxes out.
You sort your clothes and shoes out:
a. to throw away
b. to donate
c. to keep
d. to be made rags
You scrub and clean.
You wipe the dust from some old photographs and frames.
You flipped over some old magazines.
You found some books and CDs that you thought have been missing.
You search high and low for something that you’re sure should be in the house.
You found some small souvenirs that friends have brought you.
You throw away some expired foods and condiments.
This is the chaos that I am in now.
Something called “moving out”.
I’ll be moving to West Coast on Saturday, two days from now!! And so far the whole process (i.e. chaos) seems pretty controllable. Perhaps because we all don’t leave the house at the same time and that I have started since two weeks ago, little by little.
Do I get emotional about leaving Toa Payoh? Well, a bit. It’s the best place so far among the seven places I’ve been in these seven years I’ve spend in Singapore. I like the location, the availability of many things, and the quietness as my unit is not right in the hub. I like the fact that it has four supermarkets (not to mentioned four other 24-hour stores) in one compound, so I can easily roam around to find certain ingredients. Plenty of food, bakeries and fruit sellers. Banks, post office, book store, drug stores (pharmacies, not ‘that’ drugs of course) and bus interchange. It’s simply a hub.
Now is time to move on. West Coast may not be as happening as Toa Payoh, Clementi may not be called a hub but I guess I’ll still like it. Well, hopefully I’ll enjoy my stay there.
Breathe dusts.
Choked by dusts.
You take the boxes out.
You sort your clothes and shoes out:
a. to throw away
b. to donate
c. to keep
d. to be made rags
You scrub and clean.
You wipe the dust from some old photographs and frames.
You flipped over some old magazines.
You found some books and CDs that you thought have been missing.
You search high and low for something that you’re sure should be in the house.
You found some small souvenirs that friends have brought you.
You throw away some expired foods and condiments.
This is the chaos that I am in now.
Something called “moving out”.
I’ll be moving to West Coast on Saturday, two days from now!! And so far the whole process (i.e. chaos) seems pretty controllable. Perhaps because we all don’t leave the house at the same time and that I have started since two weeks ago, little by little.
Do I get emotional about leaving Toa Payoh? Well, a bit. It’s the best place so far among the seven places I’ve been in these seven years I’ve spend in Singapore. I like the location, the availability of many things, and the quietness as my unit is not right in the hub. I like the fact that it has four supermarkets (not to mentioned four other 24-hour stores) in one compound, so I can easily roam around to find certain ingredients. Plenty of food, bakeries and fruit sellers. Banks, post office, book store, drug stores (pharmacies, not ‘that’ drugs of course) and bus interchange. It’s simply a hub.
Now is time to move on. West Coast may not be as happening as Toa Payoh, Clementi may not be called a hub but I guess I’ll still like it. Well, hopefully I’ll enjoy my stay there.
Thanks God I'm here now
It lifts my spirit up when a dear old-friend told me he/she actually reads my blog even though they have never left any comments (hence my innocence about it). And it lured me back to blogging again (just like what I am doing now).
I am typing it from my laptop, whom I always prefer than the massive and too-rugged PC. In addition to that, my office PC’s monitor beside me is full with opened folders, cmd.exe, opened programs, and other work-related stuffs. Kalo orang Jawa bilangnya sumpek. And some programs still don’t work *haiz*. Not mine though *cihuy*, I am just helping a colleague. About the one I mentioned last week, I’ve finished it on Tuesday. What started as mere assistance had turned to my curiousity. Ha!! I think I really love research. Leaving industry is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my life. Decided to swerve from mechatronics to computing comes next. And I’ll also be forever grateful to my current supervisor to grant me this job, without the director knowing that I am a Mechanical Engineering graduate doing software programming (he only knew it when I delivered my pre-confirmation presentation six months latter).
Muach muach *kisses for LIFE, for how beautiful it has been*
Three years ago, I lived day by day.
To get the things done for today, get the tasks delivered.
Ticked the to-do list in agenda.
Had my bank account a bit more swelling at the end of the month.
I felt like a driver taking a safe journey without really knowing which destination will be his.
Have the car ready, fuel full, obey the road rules.
Do right things, no speeding tickets in hand, no siren following you, no police chasing you.
“Where are you going?”, somebody may ask.
“Just see how this road will take me”, was my answer.
I was safe. I was secured.
But what’s the point if I just go in a roundabout?
Stay in this stagnancy?
Had I dreamt before?
Have I been so much ensconced in this safe and secured prevalence, that I just let it lead my way?
Had I dreamt before? And what was that?
I won’t belittle those working in industry, but I simply think I can’t grow if I stay there. I would get sick of this roundabout one day.
So something that had been buried by other things that life can offer resurfaced, and it started disturbing my equilibrium, in a positive way I must say.
After spending a long time pondering, taking a step forward and refraining some steps backward, eventually I eliminated “backward step” out from my dictionary. So although it took longer than what it may be, I am glad I am here now.
Some sacrifices indeed come into the picture, but I guess it will all be paid off when five years from now you’ll call me Dr. Liem *amen*. Don’t worry, it’s only for official use *bwahahahahahahaa*.
I am glad that I didn’t lose faith.
In those moment when I really felt I was in total darkness, when my way was blocked by this huge stone, and with these pebbles that tripped me down along the way, I still kept my (sometimes flagging) faith and belief.
And when you reach certain point, you will look back and think “Indeed everything will fall into place in the end, if you are faithful.”
Thousands of roses let me offer You,
For the life as it is now,
Excitement of what’s coming next,
and all the hope that comes by simply not knowing what You have in store for us
I am typing it from my laptop, whom I always prefer than the massive and too-rugged PC. In addition to that, my office PC’s monitor beside me is full with opened folders, cmd.exe, opened programs, and other work-related stuffs. Kalo orang Jawa bilangnya sumpek. And some programs still don’t work *haiz*. Not mine though *cihuy*, I am just helping a colleague. About the one I mentioned last week, I’ve finished it on Tuesday. What started as mere assistance had turned to my curiousity. Ha!! I think I really love research. Leaving industry is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my life. Decided to swerve from mechatronics to computing comes next. And I’ll also be forever grateful to my current supervisor to grant me this job, without the director knowing that I am a Mechanical Engineering graduate doing software programming (he only knew it when I delivered my pre-confirmation presentation six months latter).
Muach muach *kisses for LIFE, for how beautiful it has been*
Three years ago, I lived day by day.
To get the things done for today, get the tasks delivered.
Ticked the to-do list in agenda.
Had my bank account a bit more swelling at the end of the month.
I felt like a driver taking a safe journey without really knowing which destination will be his.
Have the car ready, fuel full, obey the road rules.
Do right things, no speeding tickets in hand, no siren following you, no police chasing you.
“Where are you going?”, somebody may ask.
“Just see how this road will take me”, was my answer.
I was safe. I was secured.
But what’s the point if I just go in a roundabout?
Stay in this stagnancy?
Had I dreamt before?
Have I been so much ensconced in this safe and secured prevalence, that I just let it lead my way?
Had I dreamt before? And what was that?
I won’t belittle those working in industry, but I simply think I can’t grow if I stay there. I would get sick of this roundabout one day.
So something that had been buried by other things that life can offer resurfaced, and it started disturbing my equilibrium, in a positive way I must say.
After spending a long time pondering, taking a step forward and refraining some steps backward, eventually I eliminated “backward step” out from my dictionary. So although it took longer than what it may be, I am glad I am here now.
Some sacrifices indeed come into the picture, but I guess it will all be paid off when five years from now you’ll call me Dr. Liem *amen*. Don’t worry, it’s only for official use *bwahahahahahahaa*.
I am glad that I didn’t lose faith.
In those moment when I really felt I was in total darkness, when my way was blocked by this huge stone, and with these pebbles that tripped me down along the way, I still kept my (sometimes flagging) faith and belief.
And when you reach certain point, you will look back and think “Indeed everything will fall into place in the end, if you are faithful.”
Thousands of roses let me offer You,
For the life as it is now,
Excitement of what’s coming next,
and all the hope that comes by simply not knowing what You have in store for us
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
oh by the way..
referring to my previous-previous post, let me make some correction and update here.
The specialist whom I am going to see is not gastroenterology, but gastrointestinal. Just check it again. It's scheduled tomorrow, and I really wish I won't have any serious problems that will require any serious follow-ups. Finger-crossed.
And my letter of resignation has been officially approved. Just today. So be it: 1st June is my last day here. No 'yayy' here *hehe* as I am a bit sad leaving the job that I quite enjoy. Hopefully my next endeavor will be more enjoyable *erm.. hopefully*.
Okay, I will start packing up now and embracing my long weekend. Hmmm....
PS: somebody I know just got a job... congrats congrats congrats!! Waiting for the 'celebration' this saturday, okay!! Gusto!!
The specialist whom I am going to see is not gastroenterology, but gastrointestinal. Just check it again. It's scheduled tomorrow, and I really wish I won't have any serious problems that will require any serious follow-ups. Finger-crossed.
And my letter of resignation has been officially approved. Just today. So be it: 1st June is my last day here. No 'yayy' here *hehe* as I am a bit sad leaving the job that I quite enjoy. Hopefully my next endeavor will be more enjoyable *erm.. hopefully*.
Okay, I will start packing up now and embracing my long weekend. Hmmm....
PS: somebody I know just got a job... congrats congrats congrats!! Waiting for the 'celebration' this saturday, okay!! Gusto!!
It’s almost a long weekend for me!!
I guess I’ve mentioned earlier that I am taking Thursday (tomorrow!!) and Monday off to prolong the 3-day weekend. Almost…. It’s 5.26 pm now. I have decided to call it a day at 6 pm and off I’ll go.
Just had a discussion with a colleague, and at least we are not trapped in a blind alley. Will try few more things before reporting to our supervisor on 22 May when he is back from his long leave. These three tasks have really stressed me out.
“Don’t let work take the toll out of you,” this is what others used to advise me. I know but it always comes naturally in me. Jueeeh.. so what can I do?
Anyway, don’t stay in work topic. So, true as the old adage “two heads are better than one”, at least we have some things to try on, still keeping our fingers crossed, and it is still 50-50. But we’ll see. Even if we failed, at least our report will be longer and more convincing. Ha!
And I’ve got a room!! Nowhere near the heart of the city, but it’s OK. At least it’s near school. Anybody stays in Clementi? West Coast? Where’s the supermarket by the way? *hehehehe*. Very nice place, nice and warm landlord and landladies, conducive environment to study, decent price, all in all… it’s a good catch. I’ll be moving to my new room pretty soon.
Hey, on Monday I had dinner with a close friend from U and her sister. I really enjoyed it. Haven’t met them for almost a year already, and out of the blue I just grabbed my mobile and texted them on Sunday “Fancy a dinner tomorrow?”. Man, it’s always good to be “connected”.
I have to do packing, I’ve collected heaps in this 7 years. Though I have discarded some of my possession along the way also…
Just had a discussion with a colleague, and at least we are not trapped in a blind alley. Will try few more things before reporting to our supervisor on 22 May when he is back from his long leave. These three tasks have really stressed me out.
“Don’t let work take the toll out of you,” this is what others used to advise me. I know but it always comes naturally in me. Jueeeh.. so what can I do?
Anyway, don’t stay in work topic. So, true as the old adage “two heads are better than one”, at least we have some things to try on, still keeping our fingers crossed, and it is still 50-50. But we’ll see. Even if we failed, at least our report will be longer and more convincing. Ha!
And I’ve got a room!! Nowhere near the heart of the city, but it’s OK. At least it’s near school. Anybody stays in Clementi? West Coast? Where’s the supermarket by the way? *hehehehe*. Very nice place, nice and warm landlord and landladies, conducive environment to study, decent price, all in all… it’s a good catch. I’ll be moving to my new room pretty soon.
Hey, on Monday I had dinner with a close friend from U and her sister. I really enjoyed it. Haven’t met them for almost a year already, and out of the blue I just grabbed my mobile and texted them on Sunday “Fancy a dinner tomorrow?”. Man, it’s always good to be “connected”.
I have to do packing, I’ve collected heaps in this 7 years. Though I have discarded some of my possession along the way also…
Friday, May 05, 2006
stealing some minutes
Heyy.. It's been almost a week from my last entry, hasn't it?
Just feel like saying 'Hello'. Will not write too much though. My eyes already sore. My body is tired. And all my organs inside are screaming for 'Sleep!!'.
I have to do room-hunting now. Hopefully can get it quite fast. A decent one, good location, CLEAN, ALL FEMALES, west area with reasonable price. Hmmppphhh... it's tiring. Why so sudden? Haiiz, long story.
Yayy I am left with only three main tasks for my last month here. But I guess they won't be very easy. By the way my resignation letter has not been officially approved by Executive Director. Sometimes I think there's too much bureaucracy here. Guess it always happens when you work in government.
And my leave was just granted. Yayy again!! My manager is so busy that sometimes you need to remind him that there's a leave application sitting demurely in his inbox. Once, 2 days before my scheduled leave, I reminded him at around 6 pm. He approved it at 5 am. Morning!! (He was in Singapore so no time difference). So I will have a long weekend next week. 5 days. I extend on Thursday and Monday. But I have to go to hospital to see a gastroenterology specialist (did I spell it correctly?). Hopefully there will be no "serious follow-up" so I can fully enjoy my long weekend.
OK then, gonna pack up now and have my dinner. Will go to Chinese Garden to see a room-to-let.
'Til we meet again!!
Just feel like saying 'Hello'. Will not write too much though. My eyes already sore. My body is tired. And all my organs inside are screaming for 'Sleep!!'.
I have to do room-hunting now. Hopefully can get it quite fast. A decent one, good location, CLEAN, ALL FEMALES, west area with reasonable price. Hmmppphhh... it's tiring. Why so sudden? Haiiz, long story.
Yayy I am left with only three main tasks for my last month here. But I guess they won't be very easy. By the way my resignation letter has not been officially approved by Executive Director. Sometimes I think there's too much bureaucracy here. Guess it always happens when you work in government.
And my leave was just granted. Yayy again!! My manager is so busy that sometimes you need to remind him that there's a leave application sitting demurely in his inbox. Once, 2 days before my scheduled leave, I reminded him at around 6 pm. He approved it at 5 am. Morning!! (He was in Singapore so no time difference). So I will have a long weekend next week. 5 days. I extend on Thursday and Monday. But I have to go to hospital to see a gastroenterology specialist (did I spell it correctly?). Hopefully there will be no "serious follow-up" so I can fully enjoy my long weekend.
OK then, gonna pack up now and have my dinner. Will go to Chinese Garden to see a room-to-let.
'Til we meet again!!
Friday, April 28, 2006
dimsum oh dimsum...
Recently I've been
Apart from drooling over them, my week was pretty busy. And it was mercilessly exacerbated by the unwelcomed frequent visit of my IBS. Hmmpphh. It is annoying. Not a physical pain or a constant discomfort, thankfully, but the thought of having an IBS is enough to annoy me. Wondering when and whether it will be over. And some people thought I am on some diet -- what with the less and less quantity of food that I can gobble down at one go. Half of normal portion can fulfill me already. What a change for one who used to be called a 'great eater' *grin*. But actually, I still eat as much but it's just that I have to space out the food intake to ease the digestion. I used to eat healthily but still I got this IBS. Bleehh.. I'm confused. And because of it (or so I thought) I am not as energetic as usual. So not much things done (apart from work) this week. Rather disappointing.
At work, yeah still working on the master client and slave server communication. And some network programming. Too much playing with LINUX has in one way or the other handicapped me from using WINDOWS. Like, I kept on typing Ctrl-Alt-W when I want to copy and Ctrl-Y to paste it. In WINDOWS, surely I got nothing that I wanted with those. And as I am doing both now (as the network is between a LINUX and WINDOWS environment) sometimes I have to train my right hand for WINDOWS and left for LINUX.
Hmmppphhh. Honestly? It's sad, leaving this job. I love it and I enjoy it and I think I've learned A LOT... much more than what I've gathered in my previous tenure. Or perhaps, it's just because I like programing much much much more than product design. Sometimes I can't help but feel a bit worried (scared, more like) with my next endeavor. Hmmppphhh... *dag dig dug der*. The job and the working environment just suit me, I guess. That's why I can still enjoy it -- really....
Hmm what else had happened this week?
Ouww yeaa.... finally *jejejejeeeenngg....* a complete gathering for CHARIC-ers!!! After not being able to have it for the past three years.. with our pecel with yong tau fu session in my final year (2003?).
We all assented to proclaim 27 April as a date worth-written in history hahahaha.... I always feel that (or so I thought) that I have matured a lot after leaving NTU. Definitely I don't have any more night chatting sessions with friends. And I guess I could control my laughing volume well. My record was unequivocally ruined yesterday. This is the group where we all can just loosely snap at each other's words, pull jokes about each other and sometimes give witty and sarcastic and yet joking remarks to each other. Normally when I dine at Marche, I would spend lots of time wandering around and keep on grabbing food and drinks and desserts and flashing my Marche card. But yesterday, surprisingly, I didn't take any desserts at all eventhough my IBS wasn't that bad. Yeah we were busy talking and laughing with each other. And if you see my previous entry (see the link above), the 'speculation' was wrong. But I won't tell you what's the right one ha ha ha.
Gonna go to sleep now. Tomorrow must wake up early... because I'll be going to Hong Xiiiinggg.... Dimsuuuuuumm... Yaaaayyy!! Wanna go? Meet you there....
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
something familiar...
Monday, April 17, 2006
what a day...
This morning, I woke up feeling a bit strange. Hmm, nothing really extraordinary actually. I had a bit (thankfully - for the 'a bit' part) of sleeping difficulty again last night eventhough the day was very tiring. I thought I would wake up today feeling lackadaisical. Nevertheless, when my alarm rang, I was wide awake, didn't have a bit of somnolence.
But still, I was reluctant to wake up.
On the way to bus stop, I passed by some (well, many of them) shops in Toa Payoh Central. It was very early, around 6.35 am, but I saw one handphone shop was half-opened. Hmm? It's strange, I thought. I thoght the shop was gambling its luck in getting potential customers at that wee hour of the morning.
But hey, why are there some uniformed officers around? When I saw the inside from the half-opened sliding door, I saw a laptop, an officer typing on it, another officer interviewing a guy. Outside, an officer stood alert and another one was interviewing an aunty. I don't know what it possibly was... robbery?
Anyway, the day passed. Felt lucky as it rained buckets right after I was back from lunch (and I didn't bring my umbrella). As about works, nothing exceptional either.
At around 7 pm I hopped on to a 151 bus, only to find that it crawled. Man, it was a traffic jam... a rare occassion in this country.
The journey was tremendously slooooooowww... snail paced. Luckily I could get a seat, so I was only half-annoyed. It took forever (only when infinity = 45 minutes) just to reach Clementi Road.
And... it... was... still... so... damn... sloooowww....
I think by then, I had memorized these things about people around me:
1. who wore which shoes
2. who were the boyfriend of whom
3. the shape of each's toes
4. guess about what subjects people are taking, judging from the book they read
5. a project and assignment detail of some subjects, from the discussion that went on beside me
6. etc
7. dll
8. dkk
9. dst
10. dsb
Then I saw it! No, not an epiphany.
I saw the cause of all this. A Fallen Tree!! Really... the height of the tree had covered the width of a road fully. It is located around the opposite of SIM.
That long road was closed. Public buses were ceased from service. I could see many people were still around, I guess from the vehicles that were cruising down that road prior to it happening. I really wondered whether there are any lost or injuries. Which is highly possible if it was a heavy traffic. As I don't think the speed of the car can really overcome the gravity of such a sturdy tree.
As we rode along, we could see that the opposite road was really badly jammed. We could see a string of empty buses. I wonder how did SMRT and SBS reroute them (but I don't think it is possible). The jam continued to Bukit Timah Area (Dunearn Rd).
In the radio, they broadcasted "There is a fallen tree on Clementi Rd that's leading to Maju Dr. Please AVOID that area. AVOID with a capital A, capital V, capital O, capital I and capital D." I didn't add that last sentence.
Meh. I felt so lucky that I was on the opposite site. I felt pity on those whose journey was disrupted. But I just couldn't help feeling lucky. Oh, sorry.
When I walked back home from bus stop, again I passed by the same shops. And I saw that handphone shop. I saw some minor investigation was still going on, though I didn't really see any trace of robbery or the likes. It all looked normal. If not for the uniformed officers around, I would just surmise that the owner and shopkeepers are just having a picnic or holiday somewhere.
Anyway, now is time for some trivia:
While browsing through an old magazine, I found out that the name Irene, was pronounced Iraina at some part of the world. I wonder where does this originate from? German? In Indonesia, it is ee-ran. In English: Ay-reen.
Next.
Today's wound plasters don't have that sticky gluey mark anymore.... Which is good.. I remember when I was a kid I used to apply minyak kayu putih (something like Eucalyptus oil) to get rid of it...
Third trivia...
I am so damn sleepy now. Good night.
But still, I was reluctant to wake up.
On the way to bus stop, I passed by some (well, many of them) shops in Toa Payoh Central. It was very early, around 6.35 am, but I saw one handphone shop was half-opened. Hmm? It's strange, I thought. I thoght the shop was gambling its luck in getting potential customers at that wee hour of the morning.
But hey, why are there some uniformed officers around? When I saw the inside from the half-opened sliding door, I saw a laptop, an officer typing on it, another officer interviewing a guy. Outside, an officer stood alert and another one was interviewing an aunty. I don't know what it possibly was... robbery?
Anyway, the day passed. Felt lucky as it rained buckets right after I was back from lunch (and I didn't bring my umbrella). As about works, nothing exceptional either.
At around 7 pm I hopped on to a 151 bus, only to find that it crawled. Man, it was a traffic jam... a rare occassion in this country.
The journey was tremendously slooooooowww... snail paced. Luckily I could get a seat, so I was only half-annoyed. It took forever (only when infinity = 45 minutes) just to reach Clementi Road.
And... it... was... still... so... damn... sloooowww....
I think by then, I had memorized these things about people around me:
1. who wore which shoes
2. who were the boyfriend of whom
3. the shape of each's toes
4. guess about what subjects people are taking, judging from the book they read
5. a project and assignment detail of some subjects, from the discussion that went on beside me
6. etc
7. dll
8. dkk
9. dst
10. dsb
Then I saw it! No, not an epiphany.
I saw the cause of all this. A Fallen Tree!! Really... the height of the tree had covered the width of a road fully. It is located around the opposite of SIM.
That long road was closed. Public buses were ceased from service. I could see many people were still around, I guess from the vehicles that were cruising down that road prior to it happening. I really wondered whether there are any lost or injuries. Which is highly possible if it was a heavy traffic. As I don't think the speed of the car can really overcome the gravity of such a sturdy tree.
As we rode along, we could see that the opposite road was really badly jammed. We could see a string of empty buses. I wonder how did SMRT and SBS reroute them (but I don't think it is possible). The jam continued to Bukit Timah Area (Dunearn Rd).
In the radio, they broadcasted "There is a fallen tree on Clementi Rd that's leading to Maju Dr. Please AVOID that area. AVOID with a capital A, capital V, capital O, capital I and capital D." I didn't add that last sentence.
Meh. I felt so lucky that I was on the opposite site. I felt pity on those whose journey was disrupted. But I just couldn't help feeling lucky. Oh, sorry.
When I walked back home from bus stop, again I passed by the same shops. And I saw that handphone shop. I saw some minor investigation was still going on, though I didn't really see any trace of robbery or the likes. It all looked normal. If not for the uniformed officers around, I would just surmise that the owner and shopkeepers are just having a picnic or holiday somewhere.
Anyway, now is time for some trivia:
While browsing through an old magazine, I found out that the name Irene, was pronounced Iraina at some part of the world. I wonder where does this originate from? German? In Indonesia, it is ee-ran. In English: Ay-reen.
Next.
Today's wound plasters don't have that sticky gluey mark anymore.... Which is good.. I remember when I was a kid I used to apply minyak kayu putih (something like Eucalyptus oil) to get rid of it...
Third trivia...
I am so damn sleepy now. Good night.
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Some goodies for you...
The cook books in Borders had done something to yours trully. At least it gave her some inspirations.
Not as ambitious as becoming a domestic goddess, but at least a step (among thousands others? hehe) closer to that.
Even my two sisters thought I was struct by lightning, luckily they haven't gone as far as thinking I am possessed by another soul.
Anyway, yesterday I 'proclaimed' to them I wanted to try doing something in kitchen today. Remembering the younger days, I was very seldom being in the kitchen, but normally my 'short tenure' would be successful. And I also took 'cooking' as my ECA in highschool (and often being the scolding end of the manicured cooking coach). Haha I also questioned myself, actually. Straddling on the brink of trying out or chickening out. (oh may be that's why I couldn't sleep last night).
So with some helps from my sisters, today I whipped out three goodies: peanut butter cookies, messicani a la puttanesca (with a bit of modification as I prefer sardines than anchovies) - this one was mostly by me *huhu* -, and ice almond jelly with milk-cocktails.
And allow me to say today can be summarized as success.
And I am pleased =).
What makes today more enjoyable is Nicholas Saputra. What an eye-candy on this rainy Saturday *grin*. NOT that I am perving on him, of course. But he stars in this movie that I watched today, Gie. It's a biography of Soe Hok Gie, an Indonesian-born Chinese who happened to be among the student activist in 60ies. A rebel who always fought the things that he thought were right. Never taking sides in politics, but always placed his main concern to the underpriviledges. His actions and especially words had directly and indirectly formed what's written in our history books. He even died at a young age (he was only 27) at a literally great height: not only as a loved and well-respected personae, he also chose the height of Mount Semeru to be the last witness of his living breath, on the lap of his best friend.
Not only the story is good and moving, it was also shot in a high artistic sense. I am not actually into filmography but I really like it. I think it was very well-done. May you experience it yourself =).
Hmm I guess the rain just stopped. The sun is up again outside.
Friday, April 14, 2006
ageing?
By the way, this picture has zero to do with my current post. But I always prefer my entry to be colourful hahaha (do you also?)... so I just put it.
It was taken yesterday, when I was waiting for a friend at Raffles City. It's around the Market Place Fountain.
Hmm for those who have known me for years, especially those from NTU, you would jolly-well know what time I usually went to bed.
Definitely after 1 am unless certain situation dictated otherwise, e.g fell sick. I could even left school at 2 am, 4 am. At home, I used to study until 6 am, 7 am, when the sun is up. My record was 40 hours straight without a single minute of sleeping. And my life continued normally afterwards (I didn't 'pay back' that lost hours).
I wonder where all that "strength" go now?
These days, I slept at 11.30 pm. Some holiday or weekends, I could sleep at 1 or 2 am but sometimes as early as 10 pm =). It's good actually, as my sleeping habit has become a routine. I mean, even during weekend I still wake up early without alarm clock.
I don't know. Is it my laziness or simply ageing effect? Or (this is a crazy idea) everybody has a certain energy 'quota'? Hehehe as I used to be an Energizer Bunny (sometimes that's how my friends describe me) so now I have used up the reserve and be a normal rabbit instead? (Minus the breeding).
For years, I had become soooooo busy. Until sleeping was my least priority. And somehow, I had the capacity to impose that. But this last one year, I focused more on myself. Do my hobbies. Quenching my interests. Trying new things.
The list is still long, but I also demand more sleeping hours. Not like before. Sometimes I feel that "should I cut it back again so I can buy more time to do things". But at other times "but hey, everybody needs decent sleeping hours".
Oh well, I guess I am just getting old...
(and I know there is somebody who - somehow - always gets jittery whenever I mentioned this three-letter word. I wonder if he/she (no gender clue) is reading it... *hello to you!*)
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