Feeling very sombre about the Air France incident, don't know why... but things that remind me of the pain of losing loved ones suddenly or gradually will affect me more I suppose.

What is worse is that usually for such mishaps, there at least would be some survivors but in this case, the possibility of even 1 passenger being alive is close to zero. Even if they survived the crash, they are stuck right in the middle of the Atlantic ocean in harsh conditions.

People from all walks of life are on that fateful flight and I can't imagine the pain their families will go through... sigh... makes you wonder a lot about life.

Already we are taking life for granted, who knows when we sleep will we ever wake? There are true stories of perfectly healthy people who pass on in their sleep for no reason. We should really stop and enjoy everything we get to see/hear/smell when we wake up each day. Stop whining, stop wishing for more and all that.

Sigh, okay, let me get out of this mode

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Just finished reading a friend's blog, and hate that feeling of envy that arises in me. I know she has given longer, more support for him than I have... so it is inevitable he'll be more interactive with her. I know it's a stupid thing to have such feelings about, just give me some time and it'll fade away...

I also know that I have much more things in my life than just him, I do enjoy other genres and music from other languages as well. I also like to hang out with my other friends and colleagues... doing a lot more things unrelated to him. SO DEBRA STOP MOPING!

In a way this is good exposure, since I'm learning lots of music stuff (chinese zither, vocals, joining a band) it's a good learning curve for me! Too bad I can't really sing rock, but I guess Jazz ain't too bad too... can't help my voice is of the lower pitch!

Had a great blast during last weekend (16th and 17th of May). I attended the "Power in Your Hands" seminar by Canon, pretty interesting and had lots of laughs, esp when Thomas Ong was presenting his 15 minutes!

He started off saying it's his first time presenting in English only and that he is Thomas Ong, not Alex Tan! Haha! People are too attached to his role in "The Perfect Cut" :P

I felt kinda guilty as I wasn't using a Canon camera, but I must say I'm getting converted, coz there are some functions Canon has but other brands don't! Will look forward to the day I can get a Canon =)

Next day was the 14th Compass Awards dinner, I was dressed in my best semi casual... feeling a lil nervous as I know he'll be there that night, which was a bonus news for me. Of course, I went for it with the hope that he will be there but if he isn't hen it's still okay, as I get to see Jim Lim, Wu Jia Hui and many other outstanding songwriters. This is my 2nd time attending this event, last year I was too chicken to go up to him and say hi or ask for a photograph. This year I wasn't gonna be letting go of the chance to greet him, as this is so different from the usual public events where there are screaming fans all round, so distracting.

Well, it's not much better either la, coz they are a lot of media clamouring around to interview him, but it beats standing behind adoring "xiao mei meis". He was like having a mild gobsmacked expression when he saw me and Dory. Before he could greet us, he was called to another table for a picture. After that, we decided to leave him alone and we went off to enjoy the rest of our dinner and the performances.

At the end, I managed to pass to him my present (which I bought on a whim, see a Darth Vader, he comes to mind!). Dory was terrible, teasing me when I told him "I saw this and thought of you that's why I bought it" to which she said "She's always thinking about you!" Haha, well it's true la but he doesn't have to know.

Quite worried about his current condition, I had been scaring myself, thinking what if he loses his voice etc etc. I mean, he has tried his best to take care of himself but as a public figure, he has a lot of things to do, a lot of people to answer to, so trying to get a proper rest is like trying to tell the heavens when to rain! I do miss those times we didn't have to worry about him, when his vocals run through the tunes smooth as butter and send shivers up my spine... Please be like that again soon!

Just to share a few pics for that special weekend!


Wee!!! Ale-Umm I mean Thomas Ong!


One of the Lee brothers whom I prefer his works more Lee Si Song!


Great lyricist Ms Xiao Han =)



Funny guy, great composer, STM Mr Jim!


No he's not my brother... Just a talented guy from Penang Mr Wu Jia Hui


How can we miss out this one? Mr Lim, we trust you'll take care of yourself yeah?

And now, my ultimate favourite though it is blurred... =D


See you hopefully next year at Compass! And, of course, your earlier events, health status permitting duh

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A bit frustrating, yet slightly relieved, when I tried to vent my Friday's going ons at work here in my blog... but due to some error, the window closed by itself before I could publish what I typed. Just as well.... let my unhappiness just disappear, not left a record here. I might even cause implications, who knows? There are things I cannot reveal too much about my job in customer service, but I do know I've learnt there are so many kinds of people in this world, even more than I thought to have. No one is perfect of course, but I do feel sorry for those people who are buried in their own world, thinking that they are always right.

Still dread tomorrow a little bit... I do wonder why I still can't handle such situations up till now? I always let such presumptuous people hit me where it hurts and yet I know I'm not in the wrong... haiz.... I know it's because I do think too much, I worry I will say the wrong things and offend people... well it's better than letting them think badly of my company, let them believe it's me it's not such bad thing. I hate playing "taichi", pushing blame around is never good karma. Oh wellz

Went to Uniqlo last Saturday (not yesterday) at Tampines 1 and I got mildly shocked by the crowd and the queue that is about 4 lines long, I started queuing near the toilet area but it moved considerably fast. I wasn't super shocked, because I knew the popularity of the brand but I was only shocked at the queue as I'm used to walking right in the shop.

Look at that queue! Tampines is always crowded, I would have thought with 3 shopping centres there, the crowd might be evenly spread but I guess not! Really envy the residents there, they are spoilt for choice!

Went with Karen from work to watch the Lee brothers (Wei Song Si Song) yesterday and I must say it was pretty entertaining! The guests they invited were all outstanding singers in their own way: Jam Hsiao, Deng Miao Hua, Daniel Chan, Show Luo, Jolin Tsai and Stefanie Sun. The friendly banter between them and the brothers were hilarious. What was the funniest was when Chong Qing (933 DJ) came out dressed as Teacher "Aiyoyo" and was seemingly "in love" with Si Song! All the while I thought Si Song was the elder bro but it is actually Wei Song.

They are really a talented duo... coming this far, they are 25 years into the industry and have done a lot. I wouldn't say I enjoyed all their compositions, but I prefer Si Song's :P

All right, gotta stop here... have to practise my zither!

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Yeeksssss...... the price to pay when looking for food in the kitchen!

I SQUISHED A COCKROACH WITH MY BARE FOOT! BY ACCIDENT! IN THE KITCHEN!

EEEEEEEWWWWW

I just switched on the light and before it flickered on, I felt something brush against my toes, a faint *squish* sound and I realised something was beneath my feet....

I lifted up my foot and to my utmost disgust and horror, the body of the "victim" was at an awkward angle and its insides were beside it.... lemme just say it one more time

YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKS

I literally shrieked in fright and horror and many many other undescribable feelings known to mankind. I actually killed a cockroach with my bare foot! (no pun intended) I usually have trouble smacking a roach with a swatter when I spot one in the house... it took me a lot of courage, coupled with fear and disgust of the mess that will be created when I do the deed. I prefer to squirt them with dishwashing liquid but will only result in more trouble to clean up the place!

Ugh, perhaps cockroaches are just innocent, not their fault they look so disgusting! I remember once when I was watching TV (long time ago incident) when I felt slight pain in my big toe. I look down and lo behold! Mr Roach was busy nibbling on my toe! *Recoils in revulsion* ugh!

Anyway, to veer away from such a horrible topic, I have been asked by Lemon to help in singing backup for her band! Coolness!!! Well it's Japanese songs but nevertheless!!! BACKUP SINGING! WOOT! Been wanting to do that for a long time now... I really appreciate Lemon for thinking of me haha... Now have to go and look for the lyrics in romanji and also remember where I'm supposed to come in.

Also have to meet up with TinyBox'ers for this project thingy... suddenly so many things to do!

Ok, back to 'work'!

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Didn't know what to put for the title, so for those who stumble upon me blog, feel free to put a title as you wish!

Been lazy (as usual) to update my blog, especially when I have to put up photos, it's is a tedious process... anyone got any suggestions to make uploading easier? I do salute those regular bloggers... ever so conscientiously updating as often as they can even if it is not daily. Mine is like monthly!

To start off.... Jj's concert was held successfully on the 28 March and I can't wait for his next one coz somehow I felt he didn't sing enough! Mentally counting it is about over 30 songs but there are so many songs he did not cover =(

It was tough on him though.... his throat is not 100% recovered so he was not at his best, but he still gave all he got to bring the best performance to us! Some people can be such slave drivers all in the name of $$$!

Really loved the part where he sang "Tales of the Red Cliff" accompanied by his mum on pipa, dad on er hu and brother on piano! Very refreshing feel and heartwarming at the same time.... I wanted to record it for memory purposes but I couldn't decided which direction to aim! I would have thought after the tears in his first concert tour this time there won't be any! But the performance with his family really moved him and he had to choked back on his tears. He passed the mike to his Dad to sing a few lines while he pulled himself together. It was pretty cute really!

The next day had us celebrating his post concert and b'day party! It wasn't easy, JJFC had to send in a proposal to OB and then organise everything. It was only an hour given that day, but a lot of work had to be put into ensuring everything goes smoothly! Applause to JJFC committee and helpers (I'm one of 'em heh) and well-behaved fans for the efforts!

After all the events were over, had news of Mr Lim falling ill again... haiz.... the price one has to pay for maintaining success....

Yawnz... the afternoon rain putting a spell on me... trying to keep awake during work now... CLEAR WORK TIME!

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328's approaching... we've all been kept busy preparing for "D" day and I haven't gotten much sleep... I think I resemble the panda more that other pandas haha!

I've never put in so much effort to do something for someone until now. Well in the past there were instances but this is the most. I can say it feels really good to contribute unconditionally... to know true happiness is to make someone happy and not expect anything in return. Sappy, I know, but this is how I truly feel.

Nursing a terrible ulcer on my tongue now... I'm gritting my teeth while talking and it's just sooo painful! Argh, putting Bonjela is a tricky thing, esp on the tongue as it usually will be swallowed down. How to heal la like that???

Having not much mood to work nowadays... don't know why so restless. Is it because I need a break? From work? Or from this particular job? But I haven't really been working that long compared to the old timers in the company... The attention span of people nowadays is really shortening, guess we're too spoilt? haha

11 days and counting!

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25 on the 25th

Whoopee!

I'm half of half a century old! Can't believe it... have to be positive... positive... POSITIVE!

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People are usually never contented.

When they wish for something, they get it, then they wish for something else... Of course, I'm one of those people and there are times when I am made to stop and think... and be grateful for what I already have but taken for granted.

I was reading my my good friend's blog from vocal class and one of her entries really struck a chord in my heart. Ok, I don't have any friends that I was estranged from, just mainly drifted apart, but the point is how much effort each of us take to keep a friendship.

People come and go from our lives but just how much do each of them mean to us? No matter how long we knew them or how close they are to us, undeniably each person that ventures into our life paths will leave a certain impression behind and affect us even in the smallest ways.

Often we may regard someone as our good friend but the feelings may or may not be reciprocrated. Then if after a while it still is a one sided friendship, we probably will just let it be, after all, why waste your time on someone who doesn't bother when you can find another one who cares?

I'm only human and I have my flaws as well as bad points. I know deep in my heart I am always trying to be a better person, as to how successful I am is another matter. But there are always judgemental people around who don't know about the efforts put in and I have to keep reminding myself that I don't live for others all the time, if not I'll probably be beating myself up non stop for "failing" to comply to the standards of others. It's definitely tiring to care so much about what other people think, so I'm trying my best to stick by my beliefs.

There was a chain email that had a phrase which really left a deep impression on me... It was along the lines of "A good friend is one whom you do not have to explain your actions to" Which is true, I mean, if you have to keep explaining yourself to a "good" friend, then that friend doesn't understand you enough.

So, one of my resolution this year (which I intend to keep) is to cherish my few good friends and family more, after all, they are the ones who stuck by me and accepted me for who I am instead of wanting more. They are also the ones whom I don't have to explain myself to when I blunder (esp my bad habit of putting both my size 7 feet in my mouth).

Another goal I'm aiming for is to work towards my music dream and make it a reality! Since my vocal teacher is gonna be based in Beijing, Li Ting and I are scouting for another school to learn vocal... sigh there goes some more moolah but it's for a "good" cause haha! At least I know I improved somewhat, from a squeaking mouse to a louder one! In the past I didn't know the proper way to sing but at least now I can beat the KTV system!

Lemon asked if anyone is interesting in singing for a J-pop band so I volunteered. She did fill me in on what to expect if I ever get through the audition. Performing will be a must and this is good training for me! I guess the main thing is to just take it easy and treat every opportunity as a learning process... it's time I built my confidence up a bit!

Ganbatte to myself!

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Didn't really feel like new year this time round, can't exactly put a finger on why but the X'mas spirit was stronger. Even during the countdown I was trying to summon up my enthusiasm but it was overpowered by fatigue. I guess it's because the situation has not been too good overall, what with a lot of bad things happening around the world.

Personally, the year has been pretty decent to me, of course it is up to me to make it better for myself.

If there is any horrible things about 2008, it's probably just the stoopid JB checkpoint, which I'm sure most M'sians working in SG and commuting to and fro will agree with me. In all its glamour and grandeur, it looks like the next Changi Airport, only less useful and less enjoyable. For one, we have to walk extra 10 minutes just to get to the passport checking area, then another 2 minutes walk to the bus area and probably 30 to 45 minutes of waiting for the bus (if we're lucky).

All my colleagues wake up super early to beat the crowd and I'm not sure if I'm able to do the same coz in the first place I have to drag myself up at 5.30 a.m already. Oh the thought of carpooling is soooooooooo tempting! It seems expensive but at least I'm not at the mercy of the buses, and even if there is a traffic jam, it is at least moving slowly but not total stand still.

Hmm there were also some total **** up customers who can totally ruin anyone's day. I know, I know, I shouldn't let them get to me, but it's hard when they are breathing down your neck every chance they get! Sigh, I know it's not easy running a business, to deal with everyone's opinions and in the end you may feel they are the boss instead!

On a small happy note, earlier on I had participated in this competition to win an autographed Smudge poster and I WON! Can't believe it hee hee! I can tell you I put quite a bit of effort plus some heartfelt thoughts into the one page or less summary of my feelings on the launch. I don't know how many people participated, but it feels so good to see my name there! Besides, the poster is kinda cool =)

One of my colleagues just told me about a small article on product quality in My Paper, and reading the contents got me kinda steamed as the truth is not entirely there! That's the thing about newspapers, don't even say which kind, people usually take the contents at face value. Only when someone else steps in to question the story will people consider looking at it from other perspectives. Newspaper articles are not always based on fact, especially the opinions and letter section. I try to remind myself to read news with an open mind and not judge.

This particular writer of the article I do feel sorry for him as he cannot grasp the idea of trying to look at things objectively. Everyone has their own opinions but it doesn't mean they are right!

Ok I think I have too much thoughts and goings on... kept jumping from topic to topic, ha! Have to do this another time... plenty of whinings to stop for now! =)

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Just about going to be driven nuts before 2009 descends on me... It's only Monday and already people are calling in non-stop to the hotline, "crying mother crying father" cursing us or insult us to the max... I've just about had it with them!

Imagine, you are shopping in our place and you still practically spit at us. What kind of attitudes customers have nowadays? Sure, good service is important, but as my classmate wrote in an article some time back, being a good customer is equally necessary! Put yourself in the shoes of those in the frontline, as humans, how much longer can you tolerate giving good service to someone who does not know how to show respect?

What is sickening is not those complainy customers, but those who go all out complaining and insulting knowing full well that we can't retaliate in any way we wish to. They behave that way just because they can and it is S.I.CK.E.N.I.N.G.

Working in this line for 2 years plus or so (8 months in Coffeebean previously), I still wonder aloud at the many types of people that exist in this world. I do wonder how these people can live with themselves, the disgusting, appalling way they behave, they put the devil to shame. Does having such attitudes let them earn more money? Gain more luck or popularity? Really, it just makes people wanna puke or spit all over them coz no words can describe how "great" they are.

I know, my manager did tell us to always put ourselves in customers' shoes so as to understand why they behave in such manner but somehow it's still not entirely excusable. There are many ways in which you can chose to react but usually people always take the easy way out... sigh which also means everyone else suffers with you. Generous eh?

Shall blog about past events after work during my leave... now is just venting.....

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