I made plans with some colleagues to go for drinks after work one day. One couldn't make it as something came up unexpectantly. We agreed we would postpone our date to another day.
As I was coming through our doorway, the man was surprised to see me.
'Aren't you supposed to be out for drinks?', was his first greeting to me when he saw me.
I told him the reason and teased, 'Aren't you glad to see me??!!'
He laughed and retorted, 'Now I understand how you feel whenever I come back early from the boys' outing.'
I chuckled. I was not at all displeased with his response. In fact, I comprehend fully how important it is for him to have his own space. Just as how I hold dear my alone time to do my own things.
As a couple, it is matter-of-factly to spend most of our time and do many things together. But I do not believe by entering into matrimony, we should be categorised as one entity. We are basically two individuals who have made a decision to live our lives together. That doesn't automatically translate us as an entity in which we should irritate the hell of each other by being glued together 24/7.
Couples who lose themselves in their relationships and forget who they really are and ultimately lose a life of their own, baffle me. I do not understand them. And I don't think I ever will.
I love the fact that the trust and confidence the man and I have in each other allow us to have a life.
I love it that he and I are on the same page on this one.
Find a brand new way of seeing,
Your eyes forever glued to mine.
- Placebo
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Friday, August 8, 2008
Auspicious Day
Minutes before I left the apartment early this morning, the sky turned grey and droplets of rain could be heard. Oh well, just another passing shower, I mumbled to myself. I was barely on my way out the door when the heavens decided to open up. And what a downpour it was! Before I knew it, my shoes were drenching wet, followed by my jeans, bag and all. I sighed resignedly. I would have to make do with stinky wet shoes at work today.
The rain didn't let up when I reached the bus-stop. The second I boarded the bus however, the slashing rain dwindled to a drizzle.
I rolled my eyes. How typical.
Later I made my way to catch my second bus. As I was coming down from the overhead bridge, I began to feel uneasy. My bus was not there! Normally the bus would be waiting at the bus-stop by now. But not today. It should be arriving any minute now, I tried to calm myself. But with each passing minute, my uneasiness grew more intense. Indeed the bus didn't turn up despite its schedule. I was fuming mad! How could a public transport not turn up just like that???!! What kind of weird transport system is this??!!
My next pressing question was how I should get to work. The next bus was out of question as it's not due in another 45 mins. And what if the next one didn't turn up too? I couldn't risk that. I needed to call the man immediately. That's when I realised with great dismay that I have not topped up my pre-paid card on my mobile. ARRRRGGGG... I needed a phone NOW!
As luck would have it, I was able to borrow one from a passer-by. I rang the man immediately. A mail-box reply! Where is he when I need him the most???!! SIGH...
My in-laws were my next alternative. Fortunately Mr Senior had not left for work yet and I was able to catch a ride from him.
I was half an hour late for work. With soaking wet shoes and a foul mood.
The man had the cheeks to laugh when I told him my infuriating episode. He said, ' Isn't it supposed to be a lucky day for the Chinese?'
But of course! Today is the 08.08.08. An auspicious day. My ass!
The rain didn't let up when I reached the bus-stop. The second I boarded the bus however, the slashing rain dwindled to a drizzle.
I rolled my eyes. How typical.
Later I made my way to catch my second bus. As I was coming down from the overhead bridge, I began to feel uneasy. My bus was not there! Normally the bus would be waiting at the bus-stop by now. But not today. It should be arriving any minute now, I tried to calm myself. But with each passing minute, my uneasiness grew more intense. Indeed the bus didn't turn up despite its schedule. I was fuming mad! How could a public transport not turn up just like that???!! What kind of weird transport system is this??!!
My next pressing question was how I should get to work. The next bus was out of question as it's not due in another 45 mins. And what if the next one didn't turn up too? I couldn't risk that. I needed to call the man immediately. That's when I realised with great dismay that I have not topped up my pre-paid card on my mobile. ARRRRGGGG... I needed a phone NOW!
As luck would have it, I was able to borrow one from a passer-by. I rang the man immediately. A mail-box reply! Where is he when I need him the most???!! SIGH...
My in-laws were my next alternative. Fortunately Mr Senior had not left for work yet and I was able to catch a ride from him.
I was half an hour late for work. With soaking wet shoes and a foul mood.
The man had the cheeks to laugh when I told him my infuriating episode. He said, ' Isn't it supposed to be a lucky day for the Chinese?'
But of course! Today is the 08.08.08. An auspicious day. My ass!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Incarnation of a pig in human form
Simple joy:
Savouring nasi lemak wrapped in banana leaf for breakkie. And washing the yummy spicy nasi down with sips of piping hot kopi si. The warmth from the chilli and coffee heats up the tummy instantly while the stinging-cum-bittersweet aftertaste lingers beautifully on the palate. Bliss...
Before long, the tummy will be churning in protest due to the lethal combination of caffine and acid. A sign of mild heartburn.
Before long, the tummy will be churning in protest due to the lethal combination of caffine and acid. A sign of mild heartburn.
Oh yes, I do know of the danger of suffering consequences. Yet I can't resist such simple joy in my life. I would move heaven and earth just for food. I know. I am not human.
I am a PIG.
The Bestfriend's mum to her (on her eating habits): 你是人吗?不是!你是猪!
(Are you human? NO! You are a PIG!)
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Forget me not
Until recently, I used to think that my Mandarin was passable in terms of verbal and writing skills. I never had problems with the language in schools and had pretty good grades to show off for.
But I was brought back to earth with a huge loud thump one day at work. It had come to a point where I had to write an email to a certain company in China. The contact person knows no English. The teleconversation earlier didn't go as planned because I was bumbling most of the time. The prep before the phone call didn't help a bit. I was embarrassed and ashamed that my business Chinese vocab was that inadequate.
So, I was determined to make up for my boo-boo by writing him a bloody powerful Chinese letter.
That one page letter took me 4 hours. 4 long hours in which I had to repeatedly look up in the business Chinese letter-writing books (which I had the foresight to buy when I was in Singapore) and in the net for English-Chinese translation websites for help. Not forgetting the hair-pulling when I couldn't remember how certain characters were written and their hanyu pingyin. My conclusion at the end of my mini-project drama is my knowledge of the language has deteriorated drastically over the years. So has my eyesight in the span of a morning. Too much intense pc screen staring.
I refused to let it be. Practise makes perfect. It's time to take matter into my own hands. It's time to讲华语 (speak Mandarin). I took whatever opportunities I had to communicate with Chinese nationals, be it spoken or written. One day I got this from one of them:
The Chinese: 你是那里人? (Where are you from?)
Hoonie: 我是新加坡华人。(I am a Singaporean Chinese.)
The Chinese: 你的普通话讲得很好!讲得比我还棒! (Your Mandarin is very good. Better than mine.)
Hoonie (laughing rather hysterically now): 是吗?!您过奖了!哈哈哈哈! (Really?! Thank you! Hahahaha!)
But I was brought back to earth with a huge loud thump one day at work. It had come to a point where I had to write an email to a certain company in China. The contact person knows no English. The teleconversation earlier didn't go as planned because I was bumbling most of the time. The prep before the phone call didn't help a bit. I was embarrassed and ashamed that my business Chinese vocab was that inadequate.
So, I was determined to make up for my boo-boo by writing him a bloody powerful Chinese letter.
That one page letter took me 4 hours. 4 long hours in which I had to repeatedly look up in the business Chinese letter-writing books (which I had the foresight to buy when I was in Singapore) and in the net for English-Chinese translation websites for help. Not forgetting the hair-pulling when I couldn't remember how certain characters were written and their hanyu pingyin. My conclusion at the end of my mini-project drama is my knowledge of the language has deteriorated drastically over the years. So has my eyesight in the span of a morning. Too much intense pc screen staring.
I refused to let it be. Practise makes perfect. It's time to take matter into my own hands. It's time to讲华语 (speak Mandarin). I took whatever opportunities I had to communicate with Chinese nationals, be it spoken or written. One day I got this from one of them:
The Chinese: 你是那里人? (Where are you from?)
Hoonie: 我是新加坡华人。(I am a Singaporean Chinese.)
The Chinese: 你的普通话讲得很好!讲得比我还棒! (Your Mandarin is very good. Better than mine.)
Hoonie (laughing rather hysterically now): 是吗?!您过奖了!哈哈哈哈! (Really?! Thank you! Hahahaha!)
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Do you know someone who is poor?
One million of its population queue on a regular basis for free bread, butter and fruits.
In one particular school, 17 children out of its 60 students suffer from starvation everyday because their parents are simply too poor to buy bread. This is in one small town where it is lined with pretty little houses and manicured gardens.
1 in every 6 Germans is classified as poor.
This is despite the fact that 700 million euros are being pumped out by the german government each year for social welfare.
Yet the number of poor people in Germany is increasing. From 12% to 18% in a period of 7 years. There are over 82 millions inhabitants in this country.
'Do you know someone who is poor?' A question such as this 10 years ago was considered as rhetoric. However, it is no longer so today.
Even though Germany is the largest national economy in Europe, the third largest by nominal GDP in the world, and ranked fifth by GDP.
Something is not right here.
I, like the rest of the working population in Germany have to pay tax. Almost 50% of my monthly pay. It accounts for pension, health insurance, social welfare and unemployment insurance. The net amount, thereafter, would be just about sufficient for a single person to rent a small apartment and perhaps pamper himself/herself in some simple indulgences once in a while.
A fellow colleague who takes the same bus as me to work everyday once lets slip that ever since she moved out from her parents', she has to watch her pennies. A jar of Nutella is now too expensive for her.
To pay 100 euros for a MP3 player is too much for another colleague. She can only afford a 20 euros one. As our pay is not due till mid month, she complains that she has to stay put at home for the next one week as she only has 3 euros left in her pocket.
I do not know how much they earn.
But I am gravely shocked. What a stark contrast to my fellow Singaporeans back home. A look in our MRTs tells a totally different story. You will find the young and the old with the latest and most fanciful handphones, itouch or iphone. Who cares about ipod videos anymore? While not forgetting their designer bags and attires. They hang out at the most trendy cafes and dine in restaurants and make plans for holiday trips a few times per year.
Therefore, imagine my struggle attempting to match Germany's image of a strong economical power with its rising proverty rate.
I am trying to come to terms with the tough reality.
In one particular school, 17 children out of its 60 students suffer from starvation everyday because their parents are simply too poor to buy bread. This is in one small town where it is lined with pretty little houses and manicured gardens.
1 in every 6 Germans is classified as poor.
This is despite the fact that 700 million euros are being pumped out by the german government each year for social welfare.
Yet the number of poor people in Germany is increasing. From 12% to 18% in a period of 7 years. There are over 82 millions inhabitants in this country.
'Do you know someone who is poor?' A question such as this 10 years ago was considered as rhetoric. However, it is no longer so today.
Even though Germany is the largest national economy in Europe, the third largest by nominal GDP in the world, and ranked fifth by GDP.
Something is not right here.
I, like the rest of the working population in Germany have to pay tax. Almost 50% of my monthly pay. It accounts for pension, health insurance, social welfare and unemployment insurance. The net amount, thereafter, would be just about sufficient for a single person to rent a small apartment and perhaps pamper himself/herself in some simple indulgences once in a while.
A fellow colleague who takes the same bus as me to work everyday once lets slip that ever since she moved out from her parents', she has to watch her pennies. A jar of Nutella is now too expensive for her.
To pay 100 euros for a MP3 player is too much for another colleague. She can only afford a 20 euros one. As our pay is not due till mid month, she complains that she has to stay put at home for the next one week as she only has 3 euros left in her pocket.
I do not know how much they earn.
But I am gravely shocked. What a stark contrast to my fellow Singaporeans back home. A look in our MRTs tells a totally different story. You will find the young and the old with the latest and most fanciful handphones, itouch or iphone. Who cares about ipod videos anymore? While not forgetting their designer bags and attires. They hang out at the most trendy cafes and dine in restaurants and make plans for holiday trips a few times per year.
Therefore, imagine my struggle attempting to match Germany's image of a strong economical power with its rising proverty rate.
I am trying to come to terms with the tough reality.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
8888
I possess it even before I could master the skill to use it. Yet the sense of thrill is uncontainable seeing it right in front of me, meaning for me to call it my own.
A lovely present from the very thoughtful in-laws. Instead of a KitchenAid which is of course incomparable. It is without a doubt a more desirable gift.
I felt giddy and took a deep breathe. Followed by a wide grin on my face. I am walking on air towards seventh heaven.
I can't wait to play with my new toy.
A lovely present from the very thoughtful in-laws. Instead of a KitchenAid which is of course incomparable. It is without a doubt a more desirable gift.
I felt giddy and took a deep breathe. Followed by a wide grin on my face. I am walking on air towards seventh heaven.
I can't wait to play with my new toy.
Germany vs Turkey
The police are on standby tonight despite reports that it's going to be a huge celebration for both german and turkish nationals here, no matter who gets into the final. No one believes such pack of lies.
It is akin to Singapore vs Malaysia.
Enough said.
It is akin to Singapore vs Malaysia.
Enough said.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
7:30 - 4:30
It's been barely a week since I touched down in Germany. Yet, it seems like a month has flew past me. A new job, a driving refreshment course and a german exam around the corner. All before I have even recovered from my Singapore trip. No wonder I feel so drained.
Exhaustion aside, a new routine has taken its place now. I no longer have the luxury of sleeping in. My day begins at 5:30am and usually ends at 9ish in the night. No chance of MSNing or blogging till the wee hours. No more spending hours in the kitchen brewing some soups or cooking up a storm.
I am not lamenting however. The man observes, in spite of my weariness, I look happy. That observation comforts me somehow. Despite the need to perform housework as well, I revel in zipping around like a bee. For now.
Exhaustion aside, a new routine has taken its place now. I no longer have the luxury of sleeping in. My day begins at 5:30am and usually ends at 9ish in the night. No chance of MSNing or blogging till the wee hours. No more spending hours in the kitchen brewing some soups or cooking up a storm.
I am not lamenting however. The man observes, in spite of my weariness, I look happy. That observation comforts me somehow. Despite the need to perform housework as well, I revel in zipping around like a bee. For now.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Glam it up
Shoes are a girl's best friend. Many girls go wild over stilettos, pumps, mary janes, ballerinas, wedges, peep-toes, you name it. Though it's never fun doning that new pair of shoes for the very first time. It is often a painful process which cripples you in the middle of the street and with blisters to show at the end of the day. Of which I totally dread.
Two new pairs of shoes bought months back are housebound due to the chilly weather. Temperature has since escalated. And I have been in distress over how many plasters I would need to break in the shoes, not to mention the pain one has to put up with and the ugly marks from the blisters. For a split moment, I actually regretted buying the shoes.
Looking down at my feet, a thought struck me. I could break in the shoes by wearing them at home for a few days. What's better, the pain would be reduced to a bare minimum with my socks on. I was kicking myself for not coming up with that earlier. I can be so stooopid sometimes.
Of late, Hoonie can be seen pattering around her apartment in her brown shoes with blue socks while she cooks and cleans. Quite an eccentric colour combo really. Glam factor: -38
Two new pairs of shoes bought months back are housebound due to the chilly weather. Temperature has since escalated. And I have been in distress over how many plasters I would need to break in the shoes, not to mention the pain one has to put up with and the ugly marks from the blisters. For a split moment, I actually regretted buying the shoes.
Looking down at my feet, a thought struck me. I could break in the shoes by wearing them at home for a few days. What's better, the pain would be reduced to a bare minimum with my socks on. I was kicking myself for not coming up with that earlier. I can be so stooopid sometimes.
Of late, Hoonie can be seen pattering around her apartment in her brown shoes with blue socks while she cooks and cleans. Quite an eccentric colour combo really. Glam factor: -38
On Cloud Nine
I have fantastic news to share. I landed a JOB! YES! Finally. After all these months. I am totally overwhelmed as it all happened in a blink of an eye.
Monday: The Company received my resume.
Tuesday: The Company called for an interview on Wednesday morning.
Wednesday: The interview lasted almost 5 hours and I was offered the job right away.
The reality did not really sink in until I reached home. That's when I allowed myself to breathe freely. And with a big wide grin spreading on my face, I let out a shout of joy.
The man was speechless when I told him the news. No one anticipated such prompt response as this is quite uncharacteristic of german firms.
Sure, there will be challenges to be overcomed and expectations to be met. The work won't be easy as a pie. But I will worry about that later. After my holiday, that is.
Basking in exuberance and excitment is what I deserve right now.
Monday: The Company received my resume.
Tuesday: The Company called for an interview on Wednesday morning.
Wednesday: The interview lasted almost 5 hours and I was offered the job right away.
The reality did not really sink in until I reached home. That's when I allowed myself to breathe freely. And with a big wide grin spreading on my face, I let out a shout of joy.
The man was speechless when I told him the news. No one anticipated such prompt response as this is quite uncharacteristic of german firms.
Sure, there will be challenges to be overcomed and expectations to be met. The work won't be easy as a pie. But I will worry about that later. After my holiday, that is.
Basking in exuberance and excitment is what I deserve right now.
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