WHAT THE HELL IS IT?
how do you wear a piece of cloth?
well, emily wrapped it around herself like a toga during theme night.
i wore a skirt as a halter once.
so yeah...i'd imagine myself to be somewhat "creative" with my clothes.
but hell...when i unfolded the a gift someone handed me, my thought process went like this:
1) oh...it's a sarong.
2) no wait...it's a pair of pants.
3) no wait...it's a huge piece of cloth with strings at the end.
4) WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?!
i was convinced i wouldn't be able to figure out what it was until i started fiddling around with it.
it took me all of half an hour to realize that it was, indeed, a pair of pants.
just to see if i wasn't the only person who didn't know how to wear something like that, i got the housemate to figure it out.
she couldn't either.
then again, that could be why we're roomies. =)
Saturday, April 30, 2005
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
TWO WEDDINGS AND A CAMPFIRE
uhhuh. you heard right.
in the span of a week, i've been asked to emcee two weddings and a campfire.
and i have the same co-emcee for all three events - BUBBA! (and we agreed that we should probably start charging people who want us to appear in public together...tsk tsk ;))
in other news...
people who don't have an extensive range of vocabulary should just stick to plain and simple terms.
people who haven't actually used slangs should never start using them and pretend to know what they mean.
sometimes, their "i-know-it-all" act would backfire on them, as this guy's backfired on him when he started spouting american slang in our conversation.
you try to help by pointing out what that phrase actually means, but the guy JUST DOESN'T GET IT! worse still, he KEEPS USING IT like a second tongue!
argh...the agony of being at the receiving end. without grimacing. and still smiling politely.
vocab-wise, you know the fella just wants to sound intelligent when the only big words he uses are those you've mentioned in your chats.
surely there's nothing wrong in that, is there?
of course there isn't. but don't you think you'll sound stupid constructing sentences AROUND that one word?
the problem with people, and journalists these days, is their reluctance to go back to basics.
they're losing sight of what plain ol' communication is about.
hmm...my editorial for the last issue of The Insider should fit right in.
Too Abstract to Swallow
Senior Phonecaster Serene Lim laments the state of financial journalism
Something’s wrong with this picture.
A hundred people file into a seminar room for a course in technical analysis. Gatecrashers demand to be allowed in and they end up standing behind the last row of seat.
But towards the end of the session the group turns frantic and scrambles for pens and paper.
You look up and see these five words on the screen: STOCKS TO WATCH OUT FOR.
It seems no matter how many times people attend investment clinics or technical analysis courses they still can’t seem to grasp the concepts enough to make their own decisions.
Why?
Because they are only there for the stock tips. Ask them why, after years of investing, they are still clueless about doing their own research and they will either tell you they "have no time" or "don't know where to start".
There is so much information, copious amounts of news and analysis, you would think it isn’t hard to stay "in touch" with your investments.
But is it?
Whether you are an old hand or a first-timer in investing you appreciate clear, digestible information. Less jargon, more clarity.
The trouble with most business media is they get too caught up in the numbers game. So much so that most times reporters forget what those numbers actually mean.
For example, instead of an esoteric phrase like "IBM is increasing its capital expenditure", why not explain what this really means: "IBM will be spending more money on building new factories in China".
A friend who works in financial news told me:
"People think you have to be a financial analyst to watch business news. But all this means is that journalists aren’t doing a good job of explaining themselves."
Makes sense, doesn’t it?
Reader- and viewership would be higher if more people understood what’s being written and said.
Being informed means understanding what you are reading or hearing, and language plays a big part in that.
By pushing past the complexities of jargon, business journalists would not only help you get as much value out of our reports.
Breaking it down would also demonstrate they actually understand what they are talking about.
so yes.
let's get back to basics, shall we?
(AND I DON'T MEAN SINGLISH! =))
uhhuh. you heard right.
in the span of a week, i've been asked to emcee two weddings and a campfire.
and i have the same co-emcee for all three events - BUBBA! (and we agreed that we should probably start charging people who want us to appear in public together...tsk tsk ;))
in other news...
people who don't have an extensive range of vocabulary should just stick to plain and simple terms.
people who haven't actually used slangs should never start using them and pretend to know what they mean.
sometimes, their "i-know-it-all" act would backfire on them, as this guy's backfired on him when he started spouting american slang in our conversation.
you try to help by pointing out what that phrase actually means, but the guy JUST DOESN'T GET IT! worse still, he KEEPS USING IT like a second tongue!
argh...the agony of being at the receiving end. without grimacing. and still smiling politely.
vocab-wise, you know the fella just wants to sound intelligent when the only big words he uses are those you've mentioned in your chats.
surely there's nothing wrong in that, is there?
of course there isn't. but don't you think you'll sound stupid constructing sentences AROUND that one word?
the problem with people, and journalists these days, is their reluctance to go back to basics.
they're losing sight of what plain ol' communication is about.
hmm...my editorial for the last issue of The Insider should fit right in.
Too Abstract to Swallow
Senior Phonecaster Serene Lim laments the state of financial journalism
Something’s wrong with this picture.
A hundred people file into a seminar room for a course in technical analysis. Gatecrashers demand to be allowed in and they end up standing behind the last row of seat.
But towards the end of the session the group turns frantic and scrambles for pens and paper.
You look up and see these five words on the screen: STOCKS TO WATCH OUT FOR.
It seems no matter how many times people attend investment clinics or technical analysis courses they still can’t seem to grasp the concepts enough to make their own decisions.
Why?
Because they are only there for the stock tips. Ask them why, after years of investing, they are still clueless about doing their own research and they will either tell you they "have no time" or "don't know where to start".
There is so much information, copious amounts of news and analysis, you would think it isn’t hard to stay "in touch" with your investments.
But is it?
Whether you are an old hand or a first-timer in investing you appreciate clear, digestible information. Less jargon, more clarity.
The trouble with most business media is they get too caught up in the numbers game. So much so that most times reporters forget what those numbers actually mean.
For example, instead of an esoteric phrase like "IBM is increasing its capital expenditure", why not explain what this really means: "IBM will be spending more money on building new factories in China".
A friend who works in financial news told me:
"People think you have to be a financial analyst to watch business news. But all this means is that journalists aren’t doing a good job of explaining themselves."
Makes sense, doesn’t it?
Reader- and viewership would be higher if more people understood what’s being written and said.
Being informed means understanding what you are reading or hearing, and language plays a big part in that.
By pushing past the complexities of jargon, business journalists would not only help you get as much value out of our reports.
Breaking it down would also demonstrate they actually understand what they are talking about.
so yes.
let's get back to basics, shall we?
(AND I DON'T MEAN SINGLISH! =))
SHE'S A LADY
now this...is true.
i think.
now this...is true.
i think.
Your Seduction Style: The Coquette |
 You are a pro at playing the age old game of hard to get. Your flirting style runs hot and cold, giving just enough to keep them chasing you. Independent and self-sufficient, you don't need any one person to make you compelte. And that independence is exactly what makes people pursue you. |
Your Brain is 20.00% Female, 80.00% Male |
You've got the brain of a manly man Feelings, schmeelings... tears aren't for you. You could break both legs and not get misty eyed. A great problem solver, nothing ever phases you. |
hmm. i can't even remember if i was THAT surprised at the result.
i did stop to think if i should post this up here though...haha.
Monday, April 25, 2005
Sunday, April 24, 2005
WHEN LOVE AND HATE COLLIDE
as tired as i was yesterday (everyone knew i was outta form), ricky and i managed to social our way through the performances. =)
i had wondered if i was being too ambitious by trying out those shines on him...and adding in the cross-body-turn-drop...
but those are the things that i just have to "bite the bullet" and do.
i wouldn't have had the guts to do them otherwise.
so essentially, it was precisely because i was put in a "do-or-die" (in this case, do-or-screw-up-and-embarrass-mine-and-my-partner's-asses) situation that i just DIDN'T THINK.
I JUST DID.
us smiling cheekily at each other
all in all, it was a good experience =)
thanks, ricky.
it was a personal triumph on my part because of two reasons.
ONE
for as long as i can remember, i had two left feet, a body that's stiff as hell and major inferiority complex aka a self-conscious streak.
i improved on my TWO LEFT FEET by doing a little hip hop.
now i'm no expert in it, but i remember enough moves to choreograph a routine. taking hip hop did not improve my body movement whatsoever though. i was HORRID AT ISOLATION.
i had wanted to try salsa for the longest time, but procrastinated taking it up for almost three years. all through those three years, the only things i knew how to do were the basic and side-step. without a partner.
so why did i finally decide to bite the bullet and take it up?
it really was just one simple dance i did with this brazilian guy that did it for me. i picked up the steps rather quickly and managed to do simple turns, back breaks and half-and-halfs in an hour.
and when i danced with him, he emanated such HEAT...that it just blew me away. i felt such euphoria after that experience that i didn't want it to end.
till this day, THAT EUPHORIA HAS ONLY BEEN INCREASING =)
so salsa has helped me a little in my body movement.
about being self-conscious, i guess it's something that's hard to throw off.
but i've been finding it increasing easy to enjoy myself because now, i've developed enough confidence to look my partner in the eye and follow...with a smile.
and because i do that, the crowd seems to fade away.
all i need to do is feel...to follow his lead.
(of course, it's VERY HARD to do this at union because you have to keep each other from bumping into other couples)
btw, this is the result of dancing in the midst of a HUGE crowd...
bruise above my ankle
some guy back-stepped onto my leg and i spent the next half an hour or more sitting in the winebar section, holding an ice-cube to the bump.
anyways, back to why the performance was an achievement for me.
TWO
"something that's THAT personal to you...something you indulge in in your personal space to soothe your soul and rejuvenate your senses...you just wanna keep it within you. so it wouldn't become public domain and you can still indulge in it.
it's your personal sanctuary."
that's how i described it to ricky.
it's just like my music. i don't really like to share my music or singing with huge crowds.
that's why, when friends tell me they want to hear me sing, i tell them i'll try to organize a showcase where i'll invite close friends and all.
we can sit down with some wine, a pianist, me, and anyone in the circle who just wants to sing (eyes ricky, ling, cynthia and simon ;)).
that should be fun.
going to union last night was such a mistake.
i should really discipline myself to just stay outta the place completely if i'm not well in the first place. it'll save me and a lotta other people the embarrassment of having a bad dance.
it was way too crowded for salsa, let alone for rueda.
danced with simon for the first time in a bloody long while! and it was one of the better dances i had...=) thanks SOUL MAN.
guys...you flatter me by asking me to dance with super mario...
it was really interesting to hear from total strangers who watched you dance how you have the calibre to try dancing with him.
i'm really not used to receiving such compliments.
but seriously...i really wanted to dance with him because you guys gave me told me i could do it. i just felt too worn to even try.
bottomline: I KNOW I WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO FOLLOW EVEN THE SIMPLEST STEPS BECAUSE MY BODY WAS SHUTTING DOWN. :(
maybe next time, eh?
SO WHY IS MY BLOG TITLED "WHEN LOVE AND HATE COLLIDE"?
i have other issues about salsa to discuss, but i think i'll add on to this later.
this post has gone on long enough. =)
as tired as i was yesterday (everyone knew i was outta form), ricky and i managed to social our way through the performances. =)
i had wondered if i was being too ambitious by trying out those shines on him...and adding in the cross-body-turn-drop...
but those are the things that i just have to "bite the bullet" and do.
i wouldn't have had the guts to do them otherwise.
so essentially, it was precisely because i was put in a "do-or-die" (in this case, do-or-screw-up-and-embarrass-mine-and-my-partner's-asses) situation that i just DIDN'T THINK.
I JUST DID.
us smiling cheekily at each other
all in all, it was a good experience =)
thanks, ricky.
it was a personal triumph on my part because of two reasons.
ONE
for as long as i can remember, i had two left feet, a body that's stiff as hell and major inferiority complex aka a self-conscious streak.
i improved on my TWO LEFT FEET by doing a little hip hop.
now i'm no expert in it, but i remember enough moves to choreograph a routine. taking hip hop did not improve my body movement whatsoever though. i was HORRID AT ISOLATION.
i had wanted to try salsa for the longest time, but procrastinated taking it up for almost three years. all through those three years, the only things i knew how to do were the basic and side-step. without a partner.
so why did i finally decide to bite the bullet and take it up?
it really was just one simple dance i did with this brazilian guy that did it for me. i picked up the steps rather quickly and managed to do simple turns, back breaks and half-and-halfs in an hour.
and when i danced with him, he emanated such HEAT...that it just blew me away. i felt such euphoria after that experience that i didn't want it to end.
till this day, THAT EUPHORIA HAS ONLY BEEN INCREASING =)
so salsa has helped me a little in my body movement.
about being self-conscious, i guess it's something that's hard to throw off.
but i've been finding it increasing easy to enjoy myself because now, i've developed enough confidence to look my partner in the eye and follow...with a smile.
and because i do that, the crowd seems to fade away.
all i need to do is feel...to follow his lead.
(of course, it's VERY HARD to do this at union because you have to keep each other from bumping into other couples)
btw, this is the result of dancing in the midst of a HUGE crowd...
bruise above my ankle
some guy back-stepped onto my leg and i spent the next half an hour or more sitting in the winebar section, holding an ice-cube to the bump.
anyways, back to why the performance was an achievement for me.
TWO
"something that's THAT personal to you...something you indulge in in your personal space to soothe your soul and rejuvenate your senses...you just wanna keep it within you. so it wouldn't become public domain and you can still indulge in it.
it's your personal sanctuary."
that's how i described it to ricky.
it's just like my music. i don't really like to share my music or singing with huge crowds.
that's why, when friends tell me they want to hear me sing, i tell them i'll try to organize a showcase where i'll invite close friends and all.
we can sit down with some wine, a pianist, me, and anyone in the circle who just wants to sing (eyes ricky, ling, cynthia and simon ;)).
that should be fun.
going to union last night was such a mistake.
i should really discipline myself to just stay outta the place completely if i'm not well in the first place. it'll save me and a lotta other people the embarrassment of having a bad dance.
it was way too crowded for salsa, let alone for rueda.
danced with simon for the first time in a bloody long while! and it was one of the better dances i had...=) thanks SOUL MAN.
guys...you flatter me by asking me to dance with super mario...
it was really interesting to hear from total strangers who watched you dance how you have the calibre to try dancing with him.
i'm really not used to receiving such compliments.
but seriously...i really wanted to dance with him because you guys gave me told me i could do it. i just felt too worn to even try.
bottomline: I KNOW I WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO FOLLOW EVEN THE SIMPLEST STEPS BECAUSE MY BODY WAS SHUTTING DOWN. :(
maybe next time, eh?
SO WHY IS MY BLOG TITLED "WHEN LOVE AND HATE COLLIDE"?
i have other issues about salsa to discuss, but i think i'll add on to this later.
this post has gone on long enough. =)
Friday, April 22, 2005
FIXING UP IS HARD TO DO
is being the target for numerous fix-ups a compliment or an insult?
it'd be the former if you're known to be too busy to socialize and your friends are eager to induct you into their mundane hood of the couple.
now it'd be the latter if suddenly, too many people (friends and acquaintances) want to hook you up with whoever they can think of...regardless of how the fella works or even stopping to think if the two subjects would be able to click.
last night was the latest episode in the "fix-serene-up-with-my-other-friend" saga.
jas, who used to have a crush on me (and is getting married at the end of the year), said the topic of ME came up in a conversation he had with his fiancee.
she told him she knows of a single PE teacher, pro soccer player and avid dancer who'd probably work out.
jas added that "he's cute-looking".
for starters, i'm terribly skeptical about fix-ups.
i mean...people think they know me well enough to know what kinda HE would mesh with me.
just about two months back, my friend of 10 years asked if i was interested in going out with this "terrific guy who salsas, is smart and has numerous accomplishments under his belt".
she immediately post-scripts that statement with "i don't think you go for good-looking guys right?"
you can imagine how hilarious that conversation turned out to be...
none of the fix-ups ever came through...thank god.
look. i don't have a list of attributes to describe a fella i'd like to hang with.
though after doing salsa for a while, i'd like to start off with liberality.
it takes a big man to be able to keep still while watching his girlfriend exchange glances and heated moves with her dance partner.
so what if he should dance? it would still take a lot for him to not bat an eyelid when someone asks her for a dance.
i often watch in fascination as boyfriends eye the men who dance with their partners, thinking "how the hell can people become so bloody possessive?"
flashback to a chat with my home girls...
"when you love someone, you want to own her. you know she's an individual, but somehow, you still want to encompass her. you want to know that she's yours. it's selfish, but love is selfish."
ah.
but i'd still want to dance with other men. =)
is being the target for numerous fix-ups a compliment or an insult?
it'd be the former if you're known to be too busy to socialize and your friends are eager to induct you into their mundane hood of the couple.
now it'd be the latter if suddenly, too many people (friends and acquaintances) want to hook you up with whoever they can think of...regardless of how the fella works or even stopping to think if the two subjects would be able to click.
last night was the latest episode in the "fix-serene-up-with-my-other-friend" saga.
jas, who used to have a crush on me (and is getting married at the end of the year), said the topic of ME came up in a conversation he had with his fiancee.
she told him she knows of a single PE teacher, pro soccer player and avid dancer who'd probably work out.
jas added that "he's cute-looking".
for starters, i'm terribly skeptical about fix-ups.
i mean...people think they know me well enough to know what kinda HE would mesh with me.
just about two months back, my friend of 10 years asked if i was interested in going out with this "terrific guy who salsas, is smart and has numerous accomplishments under his belt".
she immediately post-scripts that statement with "i don't think you go for good-looking guys right?"
you can imagine how hilarious that conversation turned out to be...
none of the fix-ups ever came through...thank god.
look. i don't have a list of attributes to describe a fella i'd like to hang with.
though after doing salsa for a while, i'd like to start off with liberality.
it takes a big man to be able to keep still while watching his girlfriend exchange glances and heated moves with her dance partner.
so what if he should dance? it would still take a lot for him to not bat an eyelid when someone asks her for a dance.
i often watch in fascination as boyfriends eye the men who dance with their partners, thinking "how the hell can people become so bloody possessive?"
flashback to a chat with my home girls...
"when you love someone, you want to own her. you know she's an individual, but somehow, you still want to encompass her. you want to know that she's yours. it's selfish, but love is selfish."
ah.
but i'd still want to dance with other men. =)
NOTES TO SELF:
1) Do not bike before a dance session. Results in aching ass, thighs and neck. And oh...pelvic bone. OUCH.
2) Give the asses-who-body-wave-the-hell-outta-me as good as I get. Results in the guy having second thoughts about touching me with his chest ever again. (Then again, he may like it so much he'll do it more frequently...hmm.)
3) Practise the hell outta THE MOVES. Results in greater sensuality while dancing.
4) Get the guys who so love THE MOVES to keep practising them with me. Results in sore thigh muscles and extensive nose-bleeding...
5) Do not eat before two-to-three-hour-straight salsa session. Results in bloated tummy and air bubbles moving toward brain.
6) Do not attempt to blog after doing all the above in one night. Results in drivel-spouting.
1) Do not bike before a dance session. Results in aching ass, thighs and neck. And oh...pelvic bone. OUCH.
2) Give the asses-who-body-wave-the-hell-outta-me as good as I get. Results in the guy having second thoughts about touching me with his chest ever again. (Then again, he may like it so much he'll do it more frequently...hmm.)
3) Practise the hell outta THE MOVES. Results in greater sensuality while dancing.
4) Get the guys who so love THE MOVES to keep practising them with me. Results in sore thigh muscles and extensive nose-bleeding...
5) Do not eat before two-to-three-hour-straight salsa session. Results in bloated tummy and air bubbles moving toward brain.
6) Do not attempt to blog after doing all the above in one night. Results in drivel-spouting.
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
BURNIN' DOWN THE HOUSE
i wonder what blazed through this trash can...
bin at a bartley road bus-stop
could it have been a lighted cigarette some idiot threw into the can instead of butting it out?
or some punk who decided to light a piece of foliage and dump it onto the obviously plastic outer shell?
any other theories, people?
i've also realized i haven't quite introduced my darling bubba and how we've crossed paths often enough to become great pals.
bubba and me at this year's surprise party
but that's another story for another day.
thanks babes, for being such a constant interception =)
in other news...
CONGRATULATIONS TO KT ON HIS GOOD NEWS!!!
I'D BE HONORED TO BE YOUR EMCEE ON YOUR BIG DAY =) THANKS FOR NOT ASKING ME TO DANCE OR SING...hehe.
the weekend should be fun, since it's so freakin' packed with activities.
ricky and i will be dancing at a sports council event this saturday, followed by dancing and more dancing through the night.
it's gonna be a long day at pulau ubin sunday with the guys...boy am i glad i get to bike a little on my new baby before taking on the island...
i'm feeling too lethargic to write something of substance.
i'm feeling bimbotic.
maybe it's because i got an offer to freelance for someone.
yeah. i'm pretty sure that's what's making me feel so air-headed now.
pinch of salt.
i wonder what blazed through this trash can...
bin at a bartley road bus-stop
could it have been a lighted cigarette some idiot threw into the can instead of butting it out?
or some punk who decided to light a piece of foliage and dump it onto the obviously plastic outer shell?
any other theories, people?
i've also realized i haven't quite introduced my darling bubba and how we've crossed paths often enough to become great pals.
bubba and me at this year's surprise party
but that's another story for another day.
thanks babes, for being such a constant interception =)
in other news...
CONGRATULATIONS TO KT ON HIS GOOD NEWS!!!
I'D BE HONORED TO BE YOUR EMCEE ON YOUR BIG DAY =) THANKS FOR NOT ASKING ME TO DANCE OR SING...hehe.
the weekend should be fun, since it's so freakin' packed with activities.
ricky and i will be dancing at a sports council event this saturday, followed by dancing and more dancing through the night.
it's gonna be a long day at pulau ubin sunday with the guys...boy am i glad i get to bike a little on my new baby before taking on the island...
i'm feeling too lethargic to write something of substance.
i'm feeling bimbotic.
maybe it's because i got an offer to freelance for someone.
yeah. i'm pretty sure that's what's making me feel so air-headed now.
pinch of salt.
Monday, April 18, 2005
ANGEL IN DISGUISE
today affirmed something i've wanted to believe for a very long time, but couldn't.
I MAKE A GOOD JOURNALIST.
not a business journalist though. i probably don't have enough interest to be a stellar one.
i had a long chat with an interesting character today...(yes, that chat affirmed my beliefs).
while having met up for some official stuff, we spent almost two hours just chatting. and it felt good. he totally opened up to me although he could've potentially put himself in a lotta shit by telling me what he did.
and i never did ask that much.
he just talked to me.
i realized...i really just need to listen.
no matter how eagerness threatens to spoil everything, just breathe and keep listening.
you'd be surprise how much one can learn by simply shutting up for a bit =)
thank you, dear stranger, for the enlightening two hours.
i hope it won't be our last two hours together.
today affirmed something i've wanted to believe for a very long time, but couldn't.
I MAKE A GOOD JOURNALIST.
not a business journalist though. i probably don't have enough interest to be a stellar one.
i had a long chat with an interesting character today...(yes, that chat affirmed my beliefs).
while having met up for some official stuff, we spent almost two hours just chatting. and it felt good. he totally opened up to me although he could've potentially put himself in a lotta shit by telling me what he did.
and i never did ask that much.
he just talked to me.
i realized...i really just need to listen.
no matter how eagerness threatens to spoil everything, just breathe and keep listening.
you'd be surprise how much one can learn by simply shutting up for a bit =)
thank you, dear stranger, for the enlightening two hours.
i hope it won't be our last two hours together.
Sunday, April 17, 2005
OH WHAT A NIGHT
clothes maketh a man.
shoes do too, apparently. RED ones, at that.
despite the toe strap digging into my skin, the pair of suedes philbie brought me to get today really did the trick.
of course, i was really wobbly all through the night...but i felt more brazen...enough to shimmy and shine the whole night through =)
it's gonna take a long while for me to get used to wearing heels to dance, but man...woah.
so i danced with the slut. he turns me. then double-turns me. then says "wow...now let's try three..." and does it. and...you know what?
I FRIGGIN' DID IT!
how the hell i did it so effortlessly that first time around befuddles me.
anyways, before we headed down to our usual joint for our salsa fix, we popped by Attitude's social night down at the Gallery Hotel. (yes, that was where i started hobbling about in my new heels...geez. can i get any clumsier? =()
i'm not sure what we did, but everything just fell into place when us three couples did the rueda.
before we started though, we were a little concerned about our style...one of the guys asked if we should do it "ADS" or "JJ" style. in the end, we just decided on what we were totally comfy with.
i'm pretty sure i speak for everyone in the circle when i say that's the best i've ever see us look...=) we were in time...in sync...we had chemistry...and we owned the floor.
three couples. can you imagine?
we got so many compliments from that one round that us folks were beaming from ear to ear...haha.
all in all, the night turned out to be a lot better than i had expected.
and it all started with buying a pair of shoes.
THANKS PHILBIE =)
clothes maketh a man.
shoes do too, apparently. RED ones, at that.
despite the toe strap digging into my skin, the pair of suedes philbie brought me to get today really did the trick.
of course, i was really wobbly all through the night...but i felt more brazen...enough to shimmy and shine the whole night through =)
it's gonna take a long while for me to get used to wearing heels to dance, but man...woah.
so i danced with the slut. he turns me. then double-turns me. then says "wow...now let's try three..." and does it. and...you know what?
I FRIGGIN' DID IT!
how the hell i did it so effortlessly that first time around befuddles me.
anyways, before we headed down to our usual joint for our salsa fix, we popped by Attitude's social night down at the Gallery Hotel. (yes, that was where i started hobbling about in my new heels...geez. can i get any clumsier? =()
i'm not sure what we did, but everything just fell into place when us three couples did the rueda.
before we started though, we were a little concerned about our style...one of the guys asked if we should do it "ADS" or "JJ" style. in the end, we just decided on what we were totally comfy with.
i'm pretty sure i speak for everyone in the circle when i say that's the best i've ever see us look...=) we were in time...in sync...we had chemistry...and we owned the floor.
three couples. can you imagine?
we got so many compliments from that one round that us folks were beaming from ear to ear...haha.
all in all, the night turned out to be a lot better than i had expected.
and it all started with buying a pair of shoes.
THANKS PHILBIE =)
Friday, April 15, 2005
BEAUTIFUL STRANGER
i've never been told that i was pretty.
but "hermoso"? yes.
well actually, i've been called "pretty" by these two mexican guys on a flight. it became sorta a nickname for me the entire 15-hour journey back. "muy bonita", no?
thing is, for the longest time, i've been a wallflower.
that mentality stuck. and even till today, i can never truly feel like the belle of the ball (even if i was presented as one).
now that's not a bad thing.
i mean...i've been kept, feet planted firmly on the ground. i'm still standing straight though.
in my element, i'd shine. but that's because that quivering little wimp has decided to shut herself in her tiny little corner for some downtime instead of dominating my self.
between the dialectics of good and evil, you'd think she'd fall on the side of the angel.
in my case, however, i believe she sits firmly on the side of the two-horned asshole that resides on my right shoulder.
she's my bane, but i need her to be there.
to stab me in the heart should pride build me up.
she's keeping the men at bay too...and for that, i'm thankful.
i'm not sure if the sudden surge of empowerment is a good thing, but i sure am glad that i've just lost the semi-need for a hug.
sometimes, it may be better for people to keep their emotions in check.
sigh.
i'm glad, though, that i emanate enough radiance for people to call me "hermoso".
angus: don't worry. if you don't get to watch me perform, i'll sing for you. and if you don't get to watch me dance, i'll dance for you. thank you for being so supportive and accomodating =)
i've never been told that i was pretty.
but "hermoso"? yes.
well actually, i've been called "pretty" by these two mexican guys on a flight. it became sorta a nickname for me the entire 15-hour journey back. "muy bonita", no?
thing is, for the longest time, i've been a wallflower.
that mentality stuck. and even till today, i can never truly feel like the belle of the ball (even if i was presented as one).
now that's not a bad thing.
i mean...i've been kept, feet planted firmly on the ground. i'm still standing straight though.
in my element, i'd shine. but that's because that quivering little wimp has decided to shut herself in her tiny little corner for some downtime instead of dominating my self.
between the dialectics of good and evil, you'd think she'd fall on the side of the angel.
in my case, however, i believe she sits firmly on the side of the two-horned asshole that resides on my right shoulder.
she's my bane, but i need her to be there.
to stab me in the heart should pride build me up.
she's keeping the men at bay too...and for that, i'm thankful.
i'm not sure if the sudden surge of empowerment is a good thing, but i sure am glad that i've just lost the semi-need for a hug.
sometimes, it may be better for people to keep their emotions in check.
sigh.
i'm glad, though, that i emanate enough radiance for people to call me "hermoso".
angus: don't worry. if you don't get to watch me perform, i'll sing for you. and if you don't get to watch me dance, i'll dance for you. thank you for being so supportive and accomodating =)
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
SOMETHING ABOUT YOU
if i thought that guy was mildly flirting with me the last time around, i was right.
because today, he flirted with me a little more.
of course, he may have talked to me like that because he wanted to make me feel at ease.
ordinarily, i wouldn't be attracted to someone like him.
physically, he looks...um...rather chubby and rough around the edges. (he doesn't even have the "cute nerd" look)
the part that's drawn me to him a little is his personality. and smile. and eyes.
is this testament enough that i'm not that much of a "looks" kinda gal? =)
sigh...what an odd place to meet. under such odd circumstances.
i'm suddenly at a loss for words.
maybe i'll blog again later. =(
if i thought that guy was mildly flirting with me the last time around, i was right.
because today, he flirted with me a little more.
of course, he may have talked to me like that because he wanted to make me feel at ease.
ordinarily, i wouldn't be attracted to someone like him.
physically, he looks...um...rather chubby and rough around the edges. (he doesn't even have the "cute nerd" look)
the part that's drawn me to him a little is his personality. and smile. and eyes.
is this testament enough that i'm not that much of a "looks" kinda gal? =)
sigh...what an odd place to meet. under such odd circumstances.
i'm suddenly at a loss for words.
maybe i'll blog again later. =(
Monday, April 11, 2005
TOMORROW
a call i got just minutes ago busted my restful mood.
i had wanted to just shut my eyes for 10 minutes before getting to work on my pieces again.
now, i'm not even sure i can sleep tonight.
it sure feels like shit to have something hinge on your one memory like that...i don't even think the stress ten times the amount of work i have now could even compare to the pressure i feel for what's about to happen tomorrow.
i'm pissed.
i'm wide-eyed.
but most of all, i'm fucking scared.
*and you know i don't scare easily.
a call i got just minutes ago busted my restful mood.
i had wanted to just shut my eyes for 10 minutes before getting to work on my pieces again.
now, i'm not even sure i can sleep tonight.
it sure feels like shit to have something hinge on your one memory like that...i don't even think the stress ten times the amount of work i have now could even compare to the pressure i feel for what's about to happen tomorrow.
i'm pissed.
i'm wide-eyed.
but most of all, i'm fucking scared.
*and you know i don't scare easily.
Sunday, April 10, 2005
DANCING IN THE MOONLIGHT
good company. good music. good fun.
all the necessary ingredients for a fantastic evening.
you may have heard me raving about rueda for the longest time...so here's a picture of how it looks like...
Enchufla como Dracula
you'll see us girls laughing and leaning away from the guys cuz they were supposed to mimic bites on our necks before moving on to their next partner.
the guy i'm dancing with here...i can so feel his teeth on my hand (used to cover my neck) whenever he does that move on me...haha.
you can tell we're having fun, can't you?
last evening was our first time dancing by the kallang waterfront, right outside the indoor stadium.
check out how it looks like at dusk...=)
Daphne, Nixon, Ling and Philbert
of course, Ricky has to have this picture...babes in arms and all...
Ling, Ricky and Cynthia
also check out how i'm trying to cut off philbert's oxygen supply...
OUCH...
can you see how he's flexing his arm muscle? geez...i must have strained it for him.
then it was back to costa rhu for some mushu...and birthday wishes.
hell, the pizza came so late and we were all so cranky even the music and air-conditioning didn't help.
Cynthia, Ricky, Clarence and Philbert
we had three birthday babies on board too.
Ling, Jas and Ricky
what a cute, child-like pose =)
so much for a blog. this is more like a pictorial.
*yawn.
i'll blog later.
good company. good music. good fun.
all the necessary ingredients for a fantastic evening.
you may have heard me raving about rueda for the longest time...so here's a picture of how it looks like...
Enchufla como Dracula
you'll see us girls laughing and leaning away from the guys cuz they were supposed to mimic bites on our necks before moving on to their next partner.
the guy i'm dancing with here...i can so feel his teeth on my hand (used to cover my neck) whenever he does that move on me...haha.
you can tell we're having fun, can't you?
last evening was our first time dancing by the kallang waterfront, right outside the indoor stadium.
check out how it looks like at dusk...=)
Daphne, Nixon, Ling and Philbert
of course, Ricky has to have this picture...babes in arms and all...
Ling, Ricky and Cynthia
also check out how i'm trying to cut off philbert's oxygen supply...
OUCH...
can you see how he's flexing his arm muscle? geez...i must have strained it for him.
then it was back to costa rhu for some mushu...and birthday wishes.
hell, the pizza came so late and we were all so cranky even the music and air-conditioning didn't help.
Cynthia, Ricky, Clarence and Philbert
we had three birthday babies on board too.
Ling, Jas and Ricky
what a cute, child-like pose =)
so much for a blog. this is more like a pictorial.
*yawn.
i'll blog later.
Saturday, April 09, 2005
HOOKED ON FEELING
of cramp in my thighs is getting to me.
my left thigh, rather.
all philbert's fault, i'd say...but thanks babes, for uh...teaching us to "defend" ourselves. and what a fun way of doing so =)
so how much more crazy can a few crazies get?
this much...
for someone who has been termed "repressed", it's terribly amusing to see him come up with something like this. hmm...must be the witching hour.
he even undressed my poor pig and used its top as its diaper, before i discovered how filthy piggin's shirt was and threw it into the wash.
look what he's doing to poor piggin...
he's stuffing him enough to bust him open for kway chup, or pig-type foie gras! THE HORROR!
in other news...
here're the other crazies in the bunch.
i think philbert looks really nice here though...haha.
cool shit lights eh...right by the waterfront outside my place =)
sigh...i know i'm gonna get so addicted to practising my "defence" techniques that i won't sleep well till the day i "get" them.
then i'll teach you horny bastards not to mess around wit me.
of cramp in my thighs is getting to me.
my left thigh, rather.
all philbert's fault, i'd say...but thanks babes, for uh...teaching us to "defend" ourselves. and what a fun way of doing so =)
so how much more crazy can a few crazies get?
this much...
for someone who has been termed "repressed", it's terribly amusing to see him come up with something like this. hmm...must be the witching hour.
he even undressed my poor pig and used its top as its diaper, before i discovered how filthy piggin's shirt was and threw it into the wash.
look what he's doing to poor piggin...
he's stuffing him enough to bust him open for kway chup, or pig-type foie gras! THE HORROR!
in other news...
here're the other crazies in the bunch.
i think philbert looks really nice here though...haha.
cool shit lights eh...right by the waterfront outside my place =)
sigh...i know i'm gonna get so addicted to practising my "defence" techniques that i won't sleep well till the day i "get" them.
then i'll teach you horny bastards not to mess around wit me.
Thursday, April 07, 2005
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
CHASE
You know you've found love...
When you see her flaws,
Understand her weaknesses,
Overlook her imperfections,
And you still can't live without her.
from a writer's point of view, the line "overlook her imperfections" seem redundant.
but as a layman, the other lines are enough to make you "overlook" that one redundancy.
i chanced upon the above on the bus ride back to tanjong rhu...on an ad for channel 5's CHASE...as i was listening to Jazz In The City.
before that, i was already feeling rather fucked up by an insurance lady asking me questions like:
"there'll come a time you'd want to get married, right?"
"and then you'll want to have kids, right?"
"and then you know that you'll die, right?"
i had to smile and nod politely to all three rhetorical questions...although i really just wanted to say "no" to everything she posed.
i live on my own. i might not wanna get married. i might not wanna have kids. of course i know i'll die.
so sue me.
and it's not because i like defying conventions.
okay...let's digress from that depressing topic a little.
i was finally able to point out my idea of a "cute nerd".
jac and angus were wondering out loud "how nerds could ever be cute", and when i couldn't point out an example to them, they said that "it's beginning to sound like a myth".
AH-HA!
i pointed out BERNARD LO.
i had the biggest crush on him way back in poly...(COULD YOU IMAGINE I ALREADY STARTED WATCHING SQUAWKBOX THEN?!)
still like'em nerdy and bespectacled =)
work my mind.
ernie baby's shot of me
i dug this out from somewhere.
You know you've found love...
When you see her flaws,
Understand her weaknesses,
Overlook her imperfections,
And you still can't live without her.
from a writer's point of view, the line "overlook her imperfections" seem redundant.
but as a layman, the other lines are enough to make you "overlook" that one redundancy.
i chanced upon the above on the bus ride back to tanjong rhu...on an ad for channel 5's CHASE...as i was listening to Jazz In The City.
before that, i was already feeling rather fucked up by an insurance lady asking me questions like:
"there'll come a time you'd want to get married, right?"
"and then you'll want to have kids, right?"
"and then you know that you'll die, right?"
i had to smile and nod politely to all three rhetorical questions...although i really just wanted to say "no" to everything she posed.
i live on my own. i might not wanna get married. i might not wanna have kids. of course i know i'll die.
so sue me.
and it's not because i like defying conventions.
okay...let's digress from that depressing topic a little.
i was finally able to point out my idea of a "cute nerd".
jac and angus were wondering out loud "how nerds could ever be cute", and when i couldn't point out an example to them, they said that "it's beginning to sound like a myth".
AH-HA!
i pointed out BERNARD LO.
i had the biggest crush on him way back in poly...(COULD YOU IMAGINE I ALREADY STARTED WATCHING SQUAWKBOX THEN?!)
still like'em nerdy and bespectacled =)
work my mind.
ernie baby's shot of me
i dug this out from somewhere.
Monday, April 04, 2005
R.E.S.P.E.C.T
just a word i heard while watching the discovery channel's documentary on the life of the late Pope John Paul II.
i'm not religious, but i wept as i watched the late pope wither with age and sickness.
i would weep if i witness the same of any person on the street.
after all, i'm human.
how painful it is to see a loved one shrink within his skin, hunched as osteoporosis takes over.
how painful it is to have your loved one watch you degenerate.
i think...i'm finally beginning to feel.
not much, but i am.
here's what happens when people click...
cherie, philbert and i
THEY HAVE WAY TOO MUCH FUN!
just a word i heard while watching the discovery channel's documentary on the life of the late Pope John Paul II.
i'm not religious, but i wept as i watched the late pope wither with age and sickness.
i would weep if i witness the same of any person on the street.
after all, i'm human.
how painful it is to see a loved one shrink within his skin, hunched as osteoporosis takes over.
how painful it is to have your loved one watch you degenerate.
i think...i'm finally beginning to feel.
not much, but i am.
here's what happens when people click...
cherie, philbert and i
THEY HAVE WAY TOO MUCH FUN!
Sunday, April 03, 2005
FALLIN'
47.5.
i wasn't quite surprised when i saw the drop in weight.
after all, i knew it would happen...
i had known, since i was 16, that when i moved outta my parents' place, i'd be too caught up in everything else to look after myself.
i really just mean food. i'd forego meals if i were too preoccupied.
brings me back to my poly days, when a friend told me she hopes i find a boyfriend real soon so i'd have someone to take care of me.
apparently, i neglected my basic health needs. and that a guy who loved me could help out with that.
i scoffed at the idea. but i also conceded a "maybe".
hmm. i wonder.
no.
47.5.
i wasn't quite surprised when i saw the drop in weight.
after all, i knew it would happen...
i had known, since i was 16, that when i moved outta my parents' place, i'd be too caught up in everything else to look after myself.
i really just mean food. i'd forego meals if i were too preoccupied.
brings me back to my poly days, when a friend told me she hopes i find a boyfriend real soon so i'd have someone to take care of me.
apparently, i neglected my basic health needs. and that a guy who loved me could help out with that.
i scoffed at the idea. but i also conceded a "maybe".
hmm. i wonder.
no.
Saturday, April 02, 2005
MY PLACE
saturday mornings are probably the only times jac and i can just sit around and have chats.
we were deciding how to spruce up the nekkid wall in front of us...okay, i'll stop with the home improvement talk already ;)
my roomie chillin'
jac wants to show off her room and view as well...haha =)
in living color
when cookie lay on the sofa yesterday, he said the whole place gave him a rather "chalet" feel.
maybe it's because homes are mostly cluttered. and ours isn't.
YET.
(jas: my room will still be as neat in a month's time...you can count on that ;))
my sanctuary
there's a certain beauty and elegance in all things little.
and my favorite picture of the day...
my own little corner
presenting sharon, the pound puppy i had since i was 7...riley, the cute plush that came with gwizzly (living with mi hermano) and my first, personally crafted birthday gift.
my own little corner where i can simply curl up and lap up the waterway...
welcome to my world.
saturday mornings are probably the only times jac and i can just sit around and have chats.
we were deciding how to spruce up the nekkid wall in front of us...okay, i'll stop with the home improvement talk already ;)
my roomie chillin'
jac wants to show off her room and view as well...haha =)
in living color
when cookie lay on the sofa yesterday, he said the whole place gave him a rather "chalet" feel.
maybe it's because homes are mostly cluttered. and ours isn't.
YET.
(jas: my room will still be as neat in a month's time...you can count on that ;))
my sanctuary
there's a certain beauty and elegance in all things little.
and my favorite picture of the day...
my own little corner
presenting sharon, the pound puppy i had since i was 7...riley, the cute plush that came with gwizzly (living with mi hermano) and my first, personally crafted birthday gift.
my own little corner where i can simply curl up and lap up the waterway...
welcome to my world.
AND ALONG CAME THE SSTT...
and along came the SSTT
if you don't know what it means i'm gonna cry
cuz we're the SSTT
the sesame street team
it's cookie, elmo, ernie and i...
cookie and i first started the SSTT at the back of KT's van more than a year ago.
we even came up with the basic elm-ernie-cookie-oscar combo...(i wrote the above jingle based on this)
over time, the new additions to the team floated away because of family or relationship committments.
how sweet it is to have the basic combo still intact. =)
mrt station madness
the crowd at outram mrt probably thought us bunch of crazies slipped out of IMH...
bus madness
ditto for the people on service 158 last evening...
ernie and cookie
dinner at fisherman's wharf, right below the LADC studios.
people were amazed at how we all clicked...us with our extreme personalities.
how the hell could a former gangster (with an embedded hitman mentality) gel so well with a city girl in me...much less formed the SSTT with a volleyball player and a crazy ass of a hyperactive scout leader?
beats me.
elmie trying
to snap a pic of us by herself.
of course, ernie was trying to tell her she had a finger shading part of the lens but we so didn't get it cuz he was pretty off in the head for most of the day...hmm.
april fool's syndrome, love?
i wonder when the next SSTT day will be...
shall we do a couple more before the crazy ass enters NS? =)
and along came the SSTT
if you don't know what it means i'm gonna cry
cuz we're the SSTT
the sesame street team
it's cookie, elmo, ernie and i...
cookie and i first started the SSTT at the back of KT's van more than a year ago.
we even came up with the basic elm-ernie-cookie-oscar combo...(i wrote the above jingle based on this)
over time, the new additions to the team floated away because of family or relationship committments.
how sweet it is to have the basic combo still intact. =)
mrt station madness
the crowd at outram mrt probably thought us bunch of crazies slipped out of IMH...
bus madness
ditto for the people on service 158 last evening...
ernie and cookie
dinner at fisherman's wharf, right below the LADC studios.
people were amazed at how we all clicked...us with our extreme personalities.
how the hell could a former gangster (with an embedded hitman mentality) gel so well with a city girl in me...much less formed the SSTT with a volleyball player and a crazy ass of a hyperactive scout leader?
beats me.
elmie trying
to snap a pic of us by herself.
of course, ernie was trying to tell her she had a finger shading part of the lens but we so didn't get it cuz he was pretty off in the head for most of the day...hmm.
april fool's syndrome, love?
i wonder when the next SSTT day will be...
shall we do a couple more before the crazy ass enters NS? =)
OF BOOBS AND BODY ODOR
seriously philbert.
i don't know how the conversation went in that direction, but hell, it was hilarious!
and i'm a girl. so go figure.
the moonlight bouncing off the rippling water.
that's one of the reasons i head to the esplanade waterfront ever so often.
i love the feeling the scene gives me. there was never a time i stared out at the water and did not feel my eyes well up.
though after what puneta encountered there, i'm a little hesitant to go down past sunset.
thank god i now have a similar view from my bedroom window.
i could just lay back in bed and look out towards the trembling line of light on the river.
sigh. a walking contradiction. detached. warm. unfathomnable. hopeless romantic.
how could these have been reconciled into the being of ME?
seriously philbert.
i don't know how the conversation went in that direction, but hell, it was hilarious!
and i'm a girl. so go figure.
the moonlight bouncing off the rippling water.
that's one of the reasons i head to the esplanade waterfront ever so often.
i love the feeling the scene gives me. there was never a time i stared out at the water and did not feel my eyes well up.
though after what puneta encountered there, i'm a little hesitant to go down past sunset.
thank god i now have a similar view from my bedroom window.
i could just lay back in bed and look out towards the trembling line of light on the river.
sigh. a walking contradiction. detached. warm. unfathomnable. hopeless romantic.
how could these have been reconciled into the being of ME?
Friday, April 01, 2005
NEVER TRUST A SKINNY COOK
what an amusing title for an outdoor cooking program =)
i almost came up with a similar dial but am too brain dead to hold that thought. =(
union tonight was...um...interesting, for lack of a better word.
i had gone in, burger in hand, preparing to just gobble down my first meal of the day before a round of rueda.
i notice this guy staring at me.
after frantically gobbling down the horrendous cheeseburger (from BK, please DO NOT EVER buy it because it's cheap, just stick to your regular mushroom swiss) and heading back to the table at the corner, he comes up to me, smiles knowingly, and asks...
"so how was your audition?"
i was like, "oh shit...you mean you saw it too?"
turns out the fella's from CNA. and his colleague asked if he knows me from salsa.
nevermind.
as i was rushing out the door because i was convinced i'd miss the last 158 back to tanjong rhu, this other rueda guy steps outta the club and asks me the same question.
so now, i'm getting kinda embarrassed...because what i did at the audition was a friggin' poor example of salsa and if they all saw it, no one would ask me to dance...=(
i had wanted to get the auditions over and done with, that's all.
but my gut is kinda telling me this is just the beginning...
*i'm looking forward to SSTT day ;)
the bed
i had to make do with this quilt cover =(
i had hoped for something more like the one i have in serangoon. a strong color to square off against the red bedspread. this yellow's too wimpy.
what an amusing title for an outdoor cooking program =)
i almost came up with a similar dial but am too brain dead to hold that thought. =(
union tonight was...um...interesting, for lack of a better word.
i had gone in, burger in hand, preparing to just gobble down my first meal of the day before a round of rueda.
i notice this guy staring at me.
after frantically gobbling down the horrendous cheeseburger (from BK, please DO NOT EVER buy it because it's cheap, just stick to your regular mushroom swiss) and heading back to the table at the corner, he comes up to me, smiles knowingly, and asks...
"so how was your audition?"
i was like, "oh shit...you mean you saw it too?"
turns out the fella's from CNA. and his colleague asked if he knows me from salsa.
nevermind.
as i was rushing out the door because i was convinced i'd miss the last 158 back to tanjong rhu, this other rueda guy steps outta the club and asks me the same question.
so now, i'm getting kinda embarrassed...because what i did at the audition was a friggin' poor example of salsa and if they all saw it, no one would ask me to dance...=(
i had wanted to get the auditions over and done with, that's all.
but my gut is kinda telling me this is just the beginning...
*i'm looking forward to SSTT day ;)
the bed
i had to make do with this quilt cover =(
i had hoped for something more like the one i have in serangoon. a strong color to square off against the red bedspread. this yellow's too wimpy.
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