Time to update

Have not been blogging and that is mainly due to my heavy workload of my new job. I guess everyone (“everyone” here means my friends) should have known by now that I am currently working for an U.S MNC. So besides slaving my ass off… I barely have enough time to sleep, exercise and file my U.S taxes. Blogging is on my last priority.

Talking about filing of U.S taxes… and it boils my blood. I did my tax last year and F.Y.I, filing U.S tax is not as simple as Singapore. Firstly, I will have to file 2 forms for the U.S federal tax and after that, one will also file tax against the State(s) you have stayed or earned an income from in that fiscal year. So, this year, I will have to file for 2 State taxes – NY and IL, addition of a filing against Federal. In total, 6 forms to file. 6 LONG forms.

Since I left the U.S last November, I have employed a certified tax consultant, before my departure to file my tax for 2005, and paid 150 USD for her *$^%#%&* service!

She is totally irresponsible. Not only did she not reply to my emails/questions, she made many mistakes in my filing. So, out of desperation, I had to file my own taxes again. Considered that 150 USD down the drain then.

So after a few late nights of reading up and filing of 6 tax forms, I am finally done and have just sent out my tax forms via Fedex this morning.

Moral of the story: Do not trust Americans. Especially those who claim that they can file your tax. They will just suck your blood.

Me, myself and Wenai.

A friend mentioned that I have stopped writing about myself anymore. So, I sat down and thought about that comment he had made.

Nope, I do not agree with him. If one realised, I write about nothing but MYSELF!

My days in the States, my petty problems in life, my weight problem in Singapore, aren’t all these all about me? I even wrote a blog about the damn X’mas tree in my office!

p/s: The tree is gone now. I volunteered to keep the Ugliest X’mas Tree away. I can’t stand having ugly things around me.

Anyway, back to the point, I have decided not to write about myself anymore but focus on more “worldly” issues. For example, the company culture of the MNC which I am working for, and how localise it seems.

But sorry to say, I have no time to write since I have to work. Yup… at 11 pm. *excited*

Chinatown

Took this picture sometime back when I just returned to Singapore around November 2004 and I realised that Singapore’s Chinatown is rather “un-chinatown”. At least in comparison to the Chinatowns in the States.

Just want to share with you guys.

There. MY Chinatown.

Last Spring, I was there looking at the Cherry Blossoms. And I thought those blossoms were the prettiest thing I had ever seen in my life. Now... my life lacks beauty.

Catching up…

Just about two days ago, I caught up with a good friend, whom I have got to know during my stay in New York. She is a Malaysian, did her undergrad in Australia, was in New York for about 2.5 years and recently spent 3 months in Colombia. Yup… she is a hell of a cool girl!

I was really glad to catch her for lunch, even though it was for only an hour. But I can feel this affinity towards her as always. She is ever so friendly, spontaneous yet so sensible. It’s always such a joy to share a conversation with her…

I believe that she is still adjusting to her life in Malaysia, especially so after spending a good 5 years abroad. I wish her all the best and I look really forward to meeting her again. Be it in Malaysia, U.S.A or Colombia.

For you K… my best wishes.

Lonely Fairy

I’ve never felt more alone… … A sudden sense of loneliness swept across my soul just about 1 hour ago and I can still feel the Fairy’s wings fluttering in my heart. The Lonely Fairy’s wings…

Despite being back home in Singapore, despite a dinner with my Beloved, despite taking a walk together with him. He made a comment, which froze my heart.

And I looked at him, not recognising him for a moment. Is he for real?

For a second… I felt like I am on the moon. Just like the fairy, looking at the cold, hostile and lifeless moon.

Alone and naked.

New Environment!

Finally… after being a bummer for 2 months, I am now a young, energetic and productive individual in the workforce! Contributing to my country’s GDP and GNP growth rates and increasing Singapore Consumer Spending Index by 0.000143%!

So much for getting a job huh?

Currently. I am a two-day old Financial Anal-yst of a U.S MNC… … So far so good. But as usual, there are a few things that I am anal about:

1) There is a HUGE Christmas tree right outside my cube… in fact, it is BLOCKING the entrance to my cube, which I am sharing with another fellow senior analyst. Everything is fine EXCEPT for this dumb Christmas tree. Hello…? Xmas is long over, so why can’t somebody keep this tree away??? And it doesn’t help that the Xmas tree is VERY UGLY. It’s such an eye sore… …Although it seems that my senior analyst has strong feelings for this tree. He claims that it can ward off “Evil Wind” – “Sha Qi”. So, meanwhile… I will give this tree a chance and keep it under observation for its ability to ward off evil spirits.

2) Someone here claimed that there is a tradition of Newbies buying breakfast for the rest of senior staffs in the department. What a ridiculous tradition??!! Seems to be a “Te-kan” (which means bullying) tactic for the seniors to throw their weight around!

Anyway, there are 2 newcomers in my department and so two of us are supposed to buy breakfasts for the rest of the team. Well… too bad, guys. That is NOT happening since I am pretending that I am short of hearing and make a point to disappear whenever the word “breakfast” is mentioned.

Hmnp. There is no free lunch nor breakfast in this world !!!

Bali Trip 2004

LMW, that’s me.

Read an interesting article in Urban, titled “LMW or HMW”? Which means Low-Maintenance-Woman or High-Maintenance-Women? And I immediately wonder which category I belong to.

I guess the best person to answer that question will be my boyfriend, but since he is not around at the moment, I shall attempt the impossible: to judge oneself.

Of course, it will be a biased vote, but I do seriously think that I am a very LMW. For example:

1) I do not demand flowers/gifts/diamonds/celebrations on V-day because I think it’s really stupid to allow florists/gift-shops/restaurants to overcharge us by 150% on that “special” day.
2) I do not request my boyfriend to call me every night nor to report his daily tasks to me. It will be nice and sweet of him to call me and let me know of his actions, but I do not believe in setting such rules.
3) Buying expensive gifts are not necessary… the gifts should be practical, or at least things that I like. Fortunately, I seldom like expensive stuffs. ;p
4) Dinning in fine restaurants is a bonus but pigging out in hawker centres can be a joy too!

Opps, I hope I am not “spoiling market” here! ;p

As mentioned in the article, one can be high-maintenance materialistically or emotionally, but both are equally exhausting, and men can be equally high-maintenance too. Although if you are freaking loaded, having a gorgeous-model-look-alike girlfriend/boyfriend, who is HM, it might not be a problem to you at all!

Looking around me, I identify a few of my girlfriends to be rather HM, and interestingly enough, most of them are now single. Then it dawns upon me that, these girlfriends of mine are also HM in terms of friendship.

Some of them can be self-centred at times… or in other occasions, I will end up paying for their drinks and meals since they are so used to being “paid for”. Just being their friend at times can be rather tiring; I cannot imagine being their boyfriends!

O well… Nobody is perfect. Let’s hope that everyone will strive to be a better person!

M.I.T

I was just lamenting to another fellow blog-friend about how boring my blog is, and what is the whole point of writing a blog…

Basically, I am toying with the idea of discontinuing my blog. I find my blog dry, not value-adding to any readers at all and most importantly, my English sucks big time!

And so, I asked my blog-friend, “Where do you find the inspiration to write? How do you do it?”

He said, “Writing is like bitching. Some people bitch, I write”

Ahhh, now I see… … … So I sat down and pondered upon the factors that could have contributed to my lack of enthusiasm to blogging.

And it dawned on me that it all boiled down to “M.I.T”

“M” – Motivation

I must need a motivation to write. Sadly, I am not very motivated right now. Besides sharing my thoughts and views with my other blog friends, I cannot find any other source of motivation.

“I” – Inspiration

Where to find inspiration? Books? Movies? Bitching sessions with girlfriends? Instead of bitching with other human beings, it might be a good idea to bitch with my blog instead. At least, my blog will not tell me to shut up!

“T” – Time

No doubt, one must have time and discipline to write. I am aiming for at least 20 minutes a day to write a decent piece of article.

Alright! Hopefully I have the will power to hang on!!!

Money Matters…

There was a recent article in The Straits Times, featuring women and their secret saving nests, concealed from their husbands or boyfriends. So upon reading that article, my boyfriend asked me in jest, whether have I saved a million yet.

Ha… I wish!

Even my mother advises me that keeping a secret account is extremely important, especially so when I am married. To my mum, money equates to security. That makes sense, saving for a rainy day is essential since you will never know when one might get retrenched in this competitive market. Or when will an unfortunate accident/illness strike? *touch wood*

Although I do not understand why the saving account has to be a “secret”? In a relationship, shouldn’t couples be frank and true to each other? In my opinion, couples should look into their money matter together, as one. Money can easily make or break a relationship, so why complicate matters by keeping “unnecessary” secrets?

“What’s mine is mine and what’s his, is mine too”

Well, I don’t believe in that because I think everyone has the right to spend his/her hard-earned money. Of course, one should put some money aside for insurance and investing purposes. However, life is short, so enjoy the spending power while you can with responsibility.

Nonetheless, I do have my own motto:

“What’s mine is mine, what’s his, is his, but what’s ours, is mine!”

Well, somebody has to do the dirty work, isn’t it?

For those who can, Teach.

I am a relief teacher now. Teaching lower secondary English and Math.

Quite a number of my friends burst out laughing when I told them that I am a teacher for the time being.

Yup… for your information, I have once thought about going into teaching… moulding our future generation into fine young men and women, changing their lives and in return, change mine… … But after a harrowing experience with the kids, I’ll have to say “Thanks… but no thanks!”

Being a teacher is HARD WORK! Besides teaching 40 kids per class and mind you, teachers usually have about 4 classes under their belts, these saints are also bogged down by tons of admin work. Marking of papers, preparing of lessons, setting of test papers, collection of health booklets, dental care forms and other rubbish, being in charge of CCAs, scolding talkative kids, puking blood, and banging head against the wall… … All these are the daily chores of a typical teacher.

I have never appreciated my teachers more… and I am truly sorry for all the troubles I had gotten into when I was still a feisty kid.

KUDOS to the teachers!!!

Just the stress of dealing with kids is enough to drive anyone mad… the amount of energy a teacher must possess to motivate a class of 40 kids is tremendous… and most of all, one must have the patience and compassion for children who are rebellious.

After two weeks of screaming at kids… my white flag is up. I can’t wait to surrender. Miss Haj (the teacher whom I am relieving), can you please come back ASAP!!! *wail*
Meanwhile, I have to hang on for another 1.5 weeks before I can hand over those kids to their rightful form teacher, Miss Haj…

Back to more serious matters… there are a few improvements which I feel that MOE (Ministry of Education) of Singapore should really look into:

1) Teaching Assistants

In order to teach effectively, teachers should not be overloaded with other non-teaching tasks. Instead of spending more time assessing their students or improving their methods of teaching, teachers are spending previous time on non-value adding tasks such as collection of funds, organising of school events and daily admin work. If MOE can ration one teaching assistant to every 4 teachers, Im sure it will lighten the load of the teachers significantly. Remember, teacher is meant to teach and not be an event planner/class treasurer/secretary.

2) Reduce the number of students per class (Even for neighbourhood schools)

Currently, there are about 40 students per class and I just found out how impossible it is to handle 40 children at any given time. We are talking about kids between 13 to 14 years old, where they are at the transition stage between children and teenagers. Thus, a certain degree of “mothering” is still expected, yet at the same time, teachers must bear in mind to allow space for students to develop their independence. If the class size can be reduce to between 25 to 30 students per class, this will enable the teachers to shower more attention to each student, focusing on individual’s learning capacity; as well as allowing the teachers to have more control over the class.

Teaching is indeed a rewarding career; it is very amusing and enlightening when students come up with creative ideas and solutions to either school related problems or the little hiccups in daily activities.

In any case… to all difficult parents out there, give the teachers a break. If handling your own children is already giving you a headache, imagine TEACHING 40 kids. You will start vomiting blood by the end of the day.

Fish!!! - Check it out!

Saw this advertisement from Johnnie Walker. (Yes, the old man who walks around with his walking stick while trying to sell whiskey) In fact, I first watched this advert when I went for a Whisky Tasting Session (organised by Johnnie Walker, of course) at Thumper, Goodwood Park Hotel sometime before Xmas 2004.

The tasting session was interesting since I have never attended a whisky tasting before, although I have been to wine tasting, tea tasting and even honey tasting. Therefore, that was indeed a brand new experience for me. Learnt a few interesting facts about whisky, but I am NOT going to talk about these facts here, as you can easily check that out on the internet. So don’t waste my time ok?

What I was really intrigued was Johnnie Walker’s newest advert, titled “Fish”

A school of “fishes”, or should I say “dolphins” are swimming towards the camera, in a deep, open sea….

As the camera starts to zoom in, you will realised that those “dolphins” are actually MEN! NAKED MEN! A huge school of these gorgeous-looking men, swimming together like dolphins… with a very catchy tune playing in the back ground.

And finally, these hotties found land, and started walking on shore… as the label “KEEP WALKING” flashes across the screen.

And there I was, tilting my head, trying to catch a glimpse of what’s between the legs of one of the naked cuties… … …

This is one of my favourite adverts to date. Cool… and naked men always work for me. Mind you, they must be CUTE, naked men… … who know how to swim, of course! Yummy... ...*slurp*

Screamworks – The Key to Brazilian Waxing!

Sick of having unsightly hair sprouting from places where they should NOT be seen?

Then refer to the above price list for the services available from Screamworks!

Screamworks Studio

271 Bukit Timah Road
Balmoral Plaza
#02 – 14A
Singapore 259708

Tel: 6836 1660
Fax: 6836 4006

I am a regular of Screamworks and I must emphasize that Sreamworks’s rates are really competitive compared to other salons. Not only that, with Frederique’s experience (Fred is the director of Screamworks), hair removing is relatively painless and hassle free!

And yes, feel free to scream while waxing! Although Fred will definitely minimizes any pain that you will have to go through!

Grief

Today is the last day of the calendar year 2004. And I must say that this year is ending with a sad note.

Although I am not personally affected by the killer tsunami, I cannot help feeling so sad for all people who have perished under the waves.

Rows and rows of dead bodies, with most of them bloated and decayed, I cannot imagine the horror that a family member will have to suffer while searching for their missing loved ones.

Sigh. Mother Nature has showed her wrath and decided to punish us.

May the dead rest in peace… …

Out - by Natsuo Kirino

Bought this book about 2 days ago and managed to finish it just about an hour ago. This book is written by Natsuo Kirino and translated by Stephan Snyder, first published in Japanese in 1997.

Just the illustration of the cover is enough to give you the creeps. The front shows the face of a girl, with a blade to her eye, as for the back of the book, it shows the same face of the girl, but instead of the blade to her eye, there is a thin trail of blood.

Every time when I fished out the book to read on the MRT (Singapore's subway), people will begin to look at me in horror, most probably thinking "what is this psycho reading??!!"

Of course, I derived some kick in doing that. ;p

Ok, back to the book, this story portrays 4 women and the hideous crime they have committed and the price they have to pay. The main characters are highly complex and it brings out the sinister side out of every living soul.

Am I capable of killing? I might if I am being pushed to the edge. When it is either to kill or to be killed, are you capable of killing another person?

This book is scary because it shows how very ordinary people might turn to monsters and murderers when they are being pushed to cross the line... ...

Neither ghosts nor ghouls is mentioned, but the auntie next door, whom you see every morning might just be capable of doing anything. Even killing. And that scares the shit out of me.

What an individual is capable of doing to another individual, is scary. Especially when it is committed with a sinister pleasure... ...

If you are looking for a thriller with a different setting (in this case, it's Tokyo), Out is recommended.

Nobody Knows...

Watched this heart wrenching movie yesterday but I did not shed a single tear. This is rather surprising since I am such a cry baby. In fact, the whole notion of watching this movie alone was hoping that I can cry in peace.

That did not happen. But I am left to be depressed for the whole of yesterday and today, most probably for the whole of this week.

The movie, “Nobody Knows” – “Dare Mo Shiranai” is directed by Hirokazu Koreeda, and its main cast: 4 beautiful and talented young actors and actresses.

If you like action and fast-paced movie, this is not for you. But if want movies that are sincere and set you thinking, you will enjoy the next 2 hrs and 15 mins while watching Nobody Knows.

The movie’s style is very subtle and honest. It did not attempt to glamorize anything nor did it try to exaggerate the children’s pitiful plight. But because of that, the movie touched my heart.

This might be a fiction, but I have never appreciated my mother more, and the fact that I was able to go to school and have a childhood.

It also set you thinking about being responsible parents and what children have to suffer due to selfish parents.

My god… I am soooooo depressed.

By the way, I am now reading a Japanese novel, titled “Out”. Author: Natsuo Kirino, translated by Stephen Snyder. Will touched on that when I am done with the book.

I am sick of... ...

I am sick of socializing and making senseless conversation to people whom I do not even want to start a conversation with in the freaking first place.

I am sick of being judged by the way I look, the make-up I put, the clothes I wear and the shoes on my feet.

I am sick of waking up in the morning and think of what to do for the rest of the day.

I am sick of the irritating comments that my boyfriend will make, especially about me.

I am sick. And my boyfriend thinks that I need help.

I think I just need a f**king job to take up my bloody time...

My bf says " Dont worry about looking for a job, STROKE AND IT WILL COME" ;p

Brazilian Wax... TAKE IT ALL OFF!

If the thought of screaming and writhing in pain, excites you and stirs your loins… hrm, I meant blood. You are the one whom I am looking for!

I challenge you to go for a Brazilian Wax! For guys, you can also do a Brazilian Wax if you really want to. However, except for my crazy boyfriend/porn-star-wanabe who claims that he is unafraid of the pain, I have not met a single guy who is willing to try!

It takes courage, guts and above all, vanity to go for a Brazilian wax. And yes, IT IS F**KING PAINFUL, BUT IT IS ALL WORTH IT!

Ok… some of you are have been living in some mountains, may ask: “what is a Brazilian wax huh???”

Different salons and spas have their definition of a Brazilian wax, but it is universally agreed as the “removal of all pubic hair, except upon request to leave a small strip of hair for aesthetic purpose”

In other words, some lady will make you strip naked and rip hair out of your most intimate body part, using warm wax. Sounds nice huh?

So why not shave? Some might ask…. Well, that is because:

1) You will not get the same baby smoothness as a wax
2) Every time when you shave, your hair roots will get thicker and thicker and you will DIE of pain on your first Brazilian wax when the hair roots are ripped off for the very first time!
3) Higher occurrence of in-growth hair and infections

The first time I tried Brazilian wax was about 2 years ago and I have never looked back ever since. It just feels so much cleaner and smoother and hmmmm… nicer. ;)

And of course, no more embarrassment of unsightly hair peering out of your *gasp!* bikini!!!

Anyway, here are some other advantages of a Brazilian wax:

1) Satisfy your hidden desire to be a porn star!
2) For once in your life, you can finally see how their pu**y looks like without fighting through a jungle!
3) You look really sexy wearing a see-through lingerie while seducing your BF or Husband
4) This then means that you will have better sex!!!! ;P

Ok… my friend, Fred (a girl, in case you ask!) just opened up her waxing salon - Screamworks in Balmoral Plaza, 2nd floor. Once I have her E-flyer, I will post it on my blog.

She is one of the best Brazilian Waxers around and I am not saying that just because she is my friend. Seriously, I have been to waxing salons in New York and Chicago, and I can guarantee that with Fred as the waxer, you will experience minimal pain but maximal personal service, and at a very reasonable price!!!!

And guys, you can also get waxing voucher as a gift from Screamworks. X’mas is coming, so why not get a gift that both you and your girlfriend/wife can enjoy????

;p

This is how I have been feeling ever since I am back in Singapore. Girls in Singapore are too bloody skinny!!!

For those who have heard me whine ever since I am back in Singapore… they would have realized that I only whine about one thing – My Weight.

Before I start whining AGAIN about how fat I think I am, let’s do a flash back to Chicago just a few months back… …

Shux ( a fellow Singaporean girl): I think I will have to lose a few pounds before heading home for Chinese New Year…

Me: HUH? Are you crazy? You are not fat at all… what are you talking about?

Shux: Girls in Singapore are so skinny… I will look fat by Singaporean’s standard.

Me (looking at her in horror): I’m sure not everyone is as superficial as you think; friends and family will still accept the way you are….

I AM DEAD WRONG!!!

Ever since I am back, I have lost count of the numbers of comments I have received regarding to the way I look. Friends, cousins, aunties, uncles, even my own mum and boyfriend commented that I have bloated.

“Wah… why you so fat now???”

“You a bit the bah bah now huh!”

“How come you face so swollen one???”

Sigh… the perils of staying in America and eating American food had finally caused my downfall. One out of every 3 Americans are considered obese, and I am considered sexy and slim in their eyes.

I have never ever imagine that I have to battle with my weight since I have always been a scrawny kid ever since from school, in fact, I used to get FREE milk from my primary school’s canteen because I was considered severely underweight. And in my secondary school days, I have been advised to eat more or else I’ll start being 2 dimensional instead of 3.

O well… Those were the good old days…

However, the funniest thing is that I have only put on a max of 2 to 3 kg during these 2 years (if my weighing scale is accurate)… and people reacted as if I have put on 30 kg.

The social pressure to be slim is tremendous in Singapore, with all the slimming advertisements, slimming pills, as well as, slimming spas and salons, advocating that Slim = Beautiful. Regardless whether one looks anorexic or unhealthy.

Thus, being spineless… I am now also being brainwashed by these horrible people who urge me to lose all my previous fats and flabs. Now being on a diet and some exercise regime has already trimmed me down a little.

Despite of me complaining and whining about how unreasonably skinny most Singaporean girls, I do long for the days where I can be toned, firm and lean again.

Nonetheless, enough is enough! I am going slap the next person who dares to make a comment that I am fat.