I have so so much to say, but no time in which to do it. Doesn't help that the internet at home has been down since the weekend.
Been playing so much sport this week, that instead of feeling stronger from the workout, my legs feel like jelly. Don't get me wrong, I've had fun. I usually do. Just that 3 rounds of futsal and 1 round of squash in the space of 5 days is a bit absurd by most peoples' standards. Still feel a little weak from the bout of flu I had 3 weeks ago and only recovered from last week.
I'm hoping that sport will, once again, provide the avenue to meet new people in this city. Despite the number of people in this huge city, there are few whom I've met who actually enjoy sport. It's a shame when people only exercise because they have to, and don't get any joy whatsoever out of it. One of the reasons I loved Melbourne so much was the constant exposure to sport, events and activities. Tennis, cricket, Aussie Rules, swimming... there was always something going on, in Melbourne itself if not on the box. I sometimes think that I should have engrossed myself more in the other events that went on in Melbourne, like the myriad festivals and carnivals, the comedy fest, there was always something on.
This weekend I head down to Singapore again to meet up with my family. I can't wait to see my 'little' sis, the first time in 5 months! Feels longer than that, partly because I've actually needed her more in recent times to talk to and to cheer me up. Singapore sale is on, so despite the fact that she's coming back with way too much luggage for a 2 1/2 month holiday, I think we'll be making a few purchases before my parents even land on the island state. *evil grin*
Thursday, 29 May 2008
Wednesday, 14 May 2008
What possessed them?
[100th POST!! It is, quite unfortunately, not a very happy topic to be talking about, hopefully my 101st will]
Sometimes you wonder what's happening to the human race. Or rather, what it's doing to itself. There are so many acts by individuals or groups that make you wonder, "what in the world could possess them to do such things?"
Most notably of late, is the Austrian man who locked his daughter in a cellar at the age of 18, and began having sex with her the following year. Or so he claims; she says he started sexually abusing her when she was 12. Now in her 40s, she has borne him 7 children! Firstly, it was rape. Secondly, it's incest. Thirdly it's just plain wrong! And sick.
Then there's the junta in Burma/Myanmar who for over a week, resisted the entrance of international aid workers to help its people after Cyclone Nargis. And the father from Sydney (And 3 other adults) who strapped a crate of beer in in his car, but not his own baby. A bit further back, there were the massacres at Virginia Tech and even older news, at one at Columbine High in the US. Or the father who microwaved his baby because apparently, God told him to.
I'm reading a book about the human brain. It's really interesting. Who knows, maybe at some point I'll stumble across some information that would shed light on the things that make these people (and many many others) do what they do.
Sometimes you wonder what's happening to the human race. Or rather, what it's doing to itself. There are so many acts by individuals or groups that make you wonder, "what in the world could possess them to do such things?"
Most notably of late, is the Austrian man who locked his daughter in a cellar at the age of 18, and began having sex with her the following year. Or so he claims; she says he started sexually abusing her when she was 12. Now in her 40s, she has borne him 7 children! Firstly, it was rape. Secondly, it's incest. Thirdly it's just plain wrong! And sick.
Then there's the junta in Burma/Myanmar who for over a week, resisted the entrance of international aid workers to help its people after Cyclone Nargis. And the father from Sydney (And 3 other adults) who strapped a crate of beer in in his car, but not his own baby. A bit further back, there were the massacres at Virginia Tech and even older news, at one at Columbine High in the US. Or the father who microwaved his baby because apparently, God told him to.
I'm reading a book about the human brain. It's really interesting. Who knows, maybe at some point I'll stumble across some information that would shed light on the things that make these people (and many many others) do what they do.
Sunday, 11 May 2008
Big Brother is watching...
There have been 4 robberies in 3 days in my residential area. To have known that no one was at home, someone must be watching the houses, or even know the routine of its residents. It's a little freaky if you think about it: someone watching your moves and your comings and goings from the house. Not quite like Big Brother, or at least, I hope not! But definitely some level of surveillance. It does make you a little paranoid, and you start looking over your shoulder as you pull out of the house...
Friday, 9 May 2008
I love a sunburnt country...
There was a rainbow in the sky that day. And we could see both ends of it. Slightly chilly, but a beautiful day nonetheless.
Isn't it ironic
Alanis Morissette's song brings back good memories from my school days. When I was grungier. Belting-out-a-tune-at-the-top-of-your-lungs kind of fun. Good times.
What I learnt today certainly brought some irony to the current situation that I'm facing, and takes me back to a time, 5 years ago, when I saw my future differently. I do not regret the last 5 years one bit; I have many great memories from that time that I treasure.
One of Wikipedia's many definitions of irony sums it up precisely:
"Situational irony is the disparity of intention and result: when the result of an action is contrary to the desired or expected effect. Likewise, cosmic irony is disparity between human desires and the harsh realities of the outside world (or the whims of the gods)."
The whims of the gods indeed. If the whim of the gods is to rub salt into my hideously big and raw wound, then I congratulate them on the timing of the news I received today. Yes, the irony of it all.
What I learnt today certainly brought some irony to the current situation that I'm facing, and takes me back to a time, 5 years ago, when I saw my future differently. I do not regret the last 5 years one bit; I have many great memories from that time that I treasure.
One of Wikipedia's many definitions of irony sums it up precisely:
"Situational irony is the disparity of intention and result: when the result of an action is contrary to the desired or expected effect. Likewise, cosmic irony is disparity between human desires and the harsh realities of the outside world (or the whims of the gods)."
The whims of the gods indeed. If the whim of the gods is to rub salt into my hideously big and raw wound, then I congratulate them on the timing of the news I received today. Yes, the irony of it all.
Reminder II
9. Laughing so hard you can't speak, til your sides hurt and you have to bend over or sit on the sidewalk in fits of giggles and every time you try to stop, it just makes you laugh harder. Always helps if you have Red Rock Deli chips in your mouth, and they end up up your nose pipe coz you didn't want to open your mouth while you were laughing in case they fell out.
10. Learning, after 5 years, that you have not been forgotten by an old friend. And that that old friend still cares.
10. Learning, after 5 years, that you have not been forgotten by an old friend. And that that old friend still cares.
Thursday, 8 May 2008
A reminder...
What feels good.
1. Playing and watching sport. The adrenaline of the moment, watching goals being scored, regardless of whether it's one of 2 in a football game, or 1 of 30 in a footy game. Rooting/supporting/barracking for a team and feeling the jubilation when that team - your team - wins or achieves something. Playing for, and feeling a part of, a team. Contributing to the team's performance and results.
2. The company of friends. True friends. I don't think I say enough in a big group of people, and I like one-on-one conversations. I like listening in big groups, I pick up a lot of random and interesting things (and probably miss out on others too...) but I think that might have made me seem boring or aloof to some. Can't please everyone! It takes me a while to warm up sometimes, and I think I like having a few good friends I can rely on rather than a big group that I can't. Unfortunately, they are currently not within touching distance and may not be for a while.
3. Taking a drive in late summer/early autumn, just as the weather turns a little cooler. Winding down the window to get a gust of wind and fresh air. Even better if there's good music blaring from the speakers and you can sing at the top of your lungs, even though you're tone-deaf. I guess you could say the same for the start of summer, when the temperature and climate is similar to late summer/early autumn.
4. Exploring new places. It might be eating out at a new cafe/restaurant with quirky interiors, or a little town where few of your friends would even consider. The slight problem is that no one will go with you! :)
5. Achieving something. Anything at all that means something to you.
6. Learning a new skill. Having a goal that you can share with someone, and achieving it together. Triple 'good' feelings.
7. Waking up with the sun shining in through your window.
8. Bear hugs. When it's cold. When you're happy. When you're down. When you just need one. When you don't need one and get it anyway. Ones that make you feel safe and the world doesn't matter.
Why do I need to remind myself all this? Because I am a minute particle in this large universe and I might get lost. And because I'm afraid I'll forget what there is to smile about, to live for.
Because celebrating the team's success is more fun when you share it with someone on the team, singing off-tune is more fun with someone else, achieving something is a lot more meaningful if you have someone to share the moment with, but those of us who don't will have to find a way of celebrating anyway.
Because learning a new skill is more fun if there is someone to do it with you or is keen to teach you.
Because waking up with the sun shining used to feel good. Now I wish I would go to sleep one day and never wake up. Never have to see the sun smirking at me.
Because bear hugs will never be the same again.
1. Playing and watching sport. The adrenaline of the moment, watching goals being scored, regardless of whether it's one of 2 in a football game, or 1 of 30 in a footy game. Rooting/supporting/barracking for a team and feeling the jubilation when that team - your team - wins or achieves something. Playing for, and feeling a part of, a team. Contributing to the team's performance and results.
2. The company of friends. True friends. I don't think I say enough in a big group of people, and I like one-on-one conversations. I like listening in big groups, I pick up a lot of random and interesting things (and probably miss out on others too...) but I think that might have made me seem boring or aloof to some. Can't please everyone! It takes me a while to warm up sometimes, and I think I like having a few good friends I can rely on rather than a big group that I can't. Unfortunately, they are currently not within touching distance and may not be for a while.
3. Taking a drive in late summer/early autumn, just as the weather turns a little cooler. Winding down the window to get a gust of wind and fresh air. Even better if there's good music blaring from the speakers and you can sing at the top of your lungs, even though you're tone-deaf. I guess you could say the same for the start of summer, when the temperature and climate is similar to late summer/early autumn.
4. Exploring new places. It might be eating out at a new cafe/restaurant with quirky interiors, or a little town where few of your friends would even consider. The slight problem is that no one will go with you! :)
5. Achieving something. Anything at all that means something to you.
6. Learning a new skill. Having a goal that you can share with someone, and achieving it together. Triple 'good' feelings.
7. Waking up with the sun shining in through your window.
8. Bear hugs. When it's cold. When you're happy. When you're down. When you just need one. When you don't need one and get it anyway. Ones that make you feel safe and the world doesn't matter.
Why do I need to remind myself all this? Because I am a minute particle in this large universe and I might get lost. And because I'm afraid I'll forget what there is to smile about, to live for.
Because celebrating the team's success is more fun when you share it with someone on the team, singing off-tune is more fun with someone else, achieving something is a lot more meaningful if you have someone to share the moment with, but those of us who don't will have to find a way of celebrating anyway.
Because learning a new skill is more fun if there is someone to do it with you or is keen to teach you.
Because waking up with the sun shining used to feel good. Now I wish I would go to sleep one day and never wake up. Never have to see the sun smirking at me.
Because bear hugs will never be the same again.
Tuesday, 6 May 2008
Back in KL
I wish I wasn't. Being in Melbourne was so much fun, and so relaxing despite the somewhat hectic schedule (due to the brief time frame in which to do things and see people), but it definitely felt good being with people I 'click' with and care about. It's hard to describe exactly how and what I feel, but I just don't feel at home in KL... and the bottom line is, it seems a world away from the person I love.
Thursday, 1 May 2008
Same Same but Different
Back in Melbourne and sadly, more than halfway through my holiday already. I am enjoying it, except for the cranky weather. I might have brought the rain from Malaysia, because apparently the weather was great up until the day I arrived. :\ After a very fruitful and socially-packed 5 days, I am stuck at home this morning coz it's raining and I can't walk to the tram stop. Perhaps I should have driven Ben to work this morning, since I was already wide awake, having gotten up at 5am to witness Liverpool crash out of the Champions' League.
It doesn't feel too different, being back here, since I still know quite a few people. I won't get the opportunity to meet up with a lot of them, which is a real pity. On the other hand, it's different because now (just about) everyone is at work, and to see as many people as I am trying to, I arrange to meet them over lunch wherever their office is.
Today's activities will be shopping for stuff for my cousin, lunch with Phil Tang and tonight, dinner at Delizio, which has been reviewed a few times in about a year and a half, including in The Age last Sunday. It is co-owned by a friend's cousin, which is why it was suggested in the first place. Ben and I will be on a triple date! Looking forward to Italian food on what would probably be a pretty cold night.
It doesn't feel too different, being back here, since I still know quite a few people. I won't get the opportunity to meet up with a lot of them, which is a real pity. On the other hand, it's different because now (just about) everyone is at work, and to see as many people as I am trying to, I arrange to meet them over lunch wherever their office is.
Today's activities will be shopping for stuff for my cousin, lunch with Phil Tang and tonight, dinner at Delizio, which has been reviewed a few times in about a year and a half, including in The Age last Sunday. It is co-owned by a friend's cousin, which is why it was suggested in the first place. Ben and I will be on a triple date! Looking forward to Italian food on what would probably be a pretty cold night.
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