2013, a Big Thank You!

It seems not long ago I wrote one poignant entry about putting an "X" on my arm to deal with disappointments, well, that was one year ago and I am glad that this year, I only had to do the X once. LOL.
Perhaps it was because I am too busy to get disappointed since a rolling stone gathers no moss. 

So anyway, I will sum up whatever that's on my mind now that another fabulous year is coming to an end.

Firstly -- the couple above fully embrace the cliche "When Life Throws you Lemons, Just Add Vodka" 
Adapt, adjust and carry on with your life.
I think that's so cool and so true. I'm sure the younger ones are mostly like that.

Secondly -- during the Haze incident, I saw on old friend covering the news on our local Straits Times.
A very long time ago, Joyce recommended me to join her at the Ngee Ann Polytechnic to do the "Film, Sound and Media" Diploma. I made it through the written test and portfolio assessment, but I blew the one-on-one interview with the lecturer and wasn't selected for that course.

Every time I see some old acquaintances or old associates, I always wonder how different my life would be had I focused more on my studies during my Secondary school days, because I was basically a floater that had a big chip on my shoulder and didn't let it go. However, I have also acknowledged that I am very happy where I am, who I am, and whatever shit I do; I do it quite happily. Furthermore, I have two amazing children; one tells me - "OMG, Mama, you look fabulous!" and the other surprises me by replying - "I love you too" nonchalantly. Plus a husband whom I appreciate a lot but sometimes drives me extremely mad.  Plus a few friends and cousins who constantly root for me. What more can a woman ask.

In July, there was a customer who works as an Expeditor (logistics and shipment management) who scolded me over the phone over something that she got it wrong. I stood my ground and explained to her on how I am not wrong, but she went ON AND ON AND FUCKING LONG TIME NAGGED AT ME PLUS TELLING ME THAT _ DONT WORRY YOU (VENDOR) WILL ALWAYS GET PAID (IMPLYING MONEY IS ALL WE CARED FOR) ETC ETC. and I had to maintain my cool even though I COULD DO A THOUSAND TIMES BETTER AT PUTTING HER DOWN. but I didn't. and so I let her talk while she INSISTED THAT I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT SHE WAS RIGHT AND I WAS WRONG, which I refused and SHE WENT ON AND ON REPEATING - "UNDERSTAND?" DO YOU UNDERSTAND? like that.

5 minutes after she hung up, she called to tell me that I was right (after checking with her colleague).    FUCK, OF COURSE I WAS RIGHT! She didn't apologize although she tried to be nice. 

Well, I have not experienced this for a fucking long time. She is new. All my fucking customers I have handled them for 8 fucking years so I already more or less know how to handle them. Hence, she threw a curve ball and I got hit in my fucking face. That fateful phone call came in just when we were about to leave the office to the main building to celebrate my boss's birthday and after I hung up the phone, tears rolled freely until I couldn't join them at the birthday song singing session and I think my boss must have wondered what was wrong with me.

So anyway, many months after that incident, I never end my emails to that person with the usual "with regards" because I am unable to be feeling anything kind towards her. I maintained a functional working relationship with her. Of course it served no purpose being angry at her but it gave me some form of justification to remain angry. Until ONE FINE DAY recently, I decide to let it go. And only then did I realize that letting go of something so petty felt relieving. I swore I could have carried it to my grave but I am glad I let it go.

And this picture (below) cracked me up. A chip on my shoulder. LOL.

Ok, so that was two.

Thirdly,,,, what did I wanna say?
Oh ya,

These two sketches were drawn by the same person. (Pamela).
The first was her original sketch. For many years she told me she couldn't do art for nuts. And I would agree. Then, her school sent her (and other teachers) to a course, and just a couple of lessons afterwards, she could sketch so much better and I'm sure you would agree.

The lesson I've learned here is that, even if you don't have an aptitude to begin with, if you find a effective person to guide you, the growth will be significant.

And lastly,,,,,,,, I am so glad my distance learning course is coming to an end.
It has been challenging, and very challenging. (still challenging me with one more essay and one more exam till mid Jan!) But I am so glad that I did it. I had several updated views and I am sure I have benefited from this gruesome twelve months.

I can't wait to PLAY, PLAY and PLAY some more.

Till then my friends; make hay while the sun shines, laugh like there's no tomorrow, and may there be joy in your hearts.

Christmas at Henderson, 22nd December 2013

For a long time, I pondered over the Leapfrog Pad because firstly,,,,, the first one had spoiled in about two years and drank battery like water. Secondly,,, if i get another one,,,,, means i would have spent double on a same gadget. but since i was still considering it after few months, plus Kiki had asked for it,,,, plus there was a sale at Isetan, plus rebate voucher, plus two free game cartridges, and one free game download, plus new rechargable batteries features...plus Colin can also learn to use this.

i am glad i've bought this, i think the games are more child appropriate than the ones over itune & apps.
luckily, not all games are available here,, or else it would cost me a bomb.
 

1, 2, 3, 4, Hi-5!

This is the third time we are catching Hi-5.
The kids go wild and I can understand why. I would too. LOL.
Sometimes, I wonder if Kiki will remember all these outings, events, incidents, when she's grown.
My earliest fleeting memories are of those when I was,,, five. I do not remember anything prior to that age, although I have photographs to view. 

Christmas Party 24th December 2013

we had some props and i had a selfie overload
the event had a good host and we laughed a lot.
although, i cried over a couple who had broken up,,,, the woman left for another man and still had the cheek to show up despite being told she was not welcomed........ *sigh, synnie said i was stupid to shed tears over other people's business; i think i was just drunk, period. 

Christmas Day 2013

Every year, my sis goes to the Lee Ah Mooi home for the aged on Christmas Day, to spread cheer.
Lee Ah Mooi was formerly housing mostly - Sam Sui Women, but eventually opened to all.

The past two years, she brought Kiki along.
This year, she asked me if Kiki will want to join again. I thought --- why not, since she has roughly learned to play Jingle Bells, might as well put the skills into good use.

We went from room to room and she just played Jingle over and over.
There were about eight rooms, I think.
I'm glad that she has brought some amusement to the people there; old and the not-so-old ones too.

To watch the clip, click here.

Random

my young classmate from the Philippines was listening to some music while waiting for our tutor.
he said - "i'm so stressed (out), i am listening to my funeral song"
i asked - "and what would that be?"
he replied - "Leave out all the rest, by Linkin Park".
i asked - "what does the song mean?  choose you?"
he - "it means- forget about the bad times, remember just the good about me"
i - "oh, mine would be Jaiho"
he - "Jaiho? but that's a happy song!"
i - "yes, it means - may success be with you - that's my wish for everyone"
he - "maybe i should find a happier song"

Getting Ready

My MIL bought Digestives Biscuits for anyone who cared to visit her during Christmas, and for her church friends who come and pray together with her every Sunday at 930 in the morning. (two of them alternate)
She requested I help her wrap, but I think adding ribbons and christmas bells will do the job.

Jigsaw puzzles for her friends
and various container case for her teachers (including all other teachers who don't take her class, plus the cook who cooks yummy lunch she says)
Actually, her principal says no presents, because they do not want to start a culture in feeling obligated to exchange and the tendency of the gifts getting higher in value and endless competition and vicious cycle in getting a better gift. She did say small tibits are fine. So,,,, these are tibits pricing, so I should be okay. haha.

WE Music Studio - Concert 2013

We have been taking piano lessons at WE Music Studio (opp. our place at Roxy) for about....... how long? slightly over a year, thereabout. Supposedly, I have to practise with her at home but realistically, I didn't because I just couldn't spare the time. Plus, I am illiterate in musical notes, I play the violin by ear (by hearing), and that was the Suzuki way. As for piano, i am not able to play nor will ever have the brain cells to learn. So, Kiki manages it on her own without supervision. Each week, we just nod our heads if the teacher asks if we practised (fingers crossed) and the Papa brings her for lessons, so the teacher and him couldn't communicate much as she is PRC and Bren is OCBC (Orang Cheena Bukan Cheena, Chinese but non-Chinese if you know what i mean). So you can imagine,,,, I wasn't really sure how it would turn out at her performance yesterday. 

And then suddenly, we realised, she was the first performer after the opening!
Sweat,,,,,,,
Luckily, that little girl took to the stage quite naturally.
I don't even know how she managed to climb onto that bench, I almost wanted to carry her when she stood there and stared at the bench. Then, she climbed up. And took,,,, 14 seconds to find the keys. But once she started, wow,,,, it was okay. The teacher said she did very well and the teacher was very pleased.

screenshot

Watch the video here -- Rocket - Piano

The song she played was entitled:- Rockets.
It is a children's song and it is only 15 seconds long. -_-"

 Selfie for three

 Sitting at the Performers' row.

 Ah Mah

 Her teacher - Anita

Group photo

Tanglin Mall- 2013

All ready but due to drizzle, the mechanic turned off the "snow-making" machine.
Everyone was disappointed but continued to hang around.

Finally, before 8pm, a roar of wows filled the air. Everyone scrambled to get under the sky of falling foam
Well, we (as in my sis and I, plus my aunt Julie and various cousins) had outlived our excitement in this because we have played with this thingy many times since 1998. I used to work at the hotel just opposite the mall. Once, I worked till quite late, probably eightish ninetish, and was walking past the festivities, heading to the bus stop, feeling all weathered. But as God, or the Universe, or my Fate, has it, just as I almost walked  passed the spot, the machine burst with a loud pop and the sky filled with fake snow. So many people exclaimed in joy. Well, it was so long ago and the awe was awesome-er. That moment I knew that God, or the Universe, or my Fate (what a mouthful) assigned me a respite and filled it with joyousness. I know I am always being taken care of, and I shall always remember this.

So, for the love of my kids, I bring them there to have some fun. And I am glad that my sis & Ken were there. Colin called out to my sis - YI YI! YI YI! LOOK! STAR! (pointing to the giant, decorative star on the tree top). He took a long time to warm up and again by the time he wanted to play,,,,,,,,,, the machine stopped. Next time (ba), Colin. Next time.

 The Jiejie had more fun. Haha.