Sunday, October 12, 2008A Non-Paulaner Sunday eveningI'm sitting at home eating stale sour cream and onion Pringles. Life doesn't get any better than this. stucks 6:35pm
Sunday, October 5, 2008Seven months later...I have decided to start blogging again. It's probably because I decided to start revisiting friends' blogs again. But it's also been a blogable day. It was the 20th anniversary celebration of the Children of Our Lady Choir, otherwise known as the COOL choir. Sounds a lot more flash than it really is, but since we've lasted longer than most marriages these days, I think it's something to shout about. A, R and I were just six years old when we first joined. Twenty years of the choir also means 20 years of church service for the three of us. Pretty much makes up about 80% of our lifetimes right now. Absolutely crazy. People feel a sense of loss when leaving a school or company after five years. What would it be like to leave a group after 20 years? Honestly, there are moments I hated, and wished I didn't have to be so committed to this. But looking back on things, there really are no regrets. Not when God is such an integral part of what we do. We had an absolute blast with the music today at mass, and I can't wait to share it with whoever wants to listen. Pics and vids will eventually be on Facebook. Here's to 20 more years. Happy Anniversary everyone! Because tonight will be the night That I will fall for you over again Don't make me change my mind stucks 10:30pm
Sunday, March 23, 2008Life's lessonsLast Thursday, while making the arduous journey from car to bowl of 328 Katong laksa, I passed by a Hindu temple. There was something about the place — the intricate architectural details, the bells and the rhythmic pulsating of tablas as a prayer ceremony was starting. It was peaceful, beautiful. It reminded me of the wonders of diversity and endeavours toward spirituality. What struck me the most was this Sanskrit proverb that was etched on one of its walls, "Yesterday is a dream, tomorrow but a vision. But today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness, and every tomorrow a vision of hope." Do you often feel you're so wrapped up in the past (mistakes, regrets, unfinished business) and so worried about the future that you've forgotten how to live for the day? It's a sad state of affairs. We're unable to forgive ourselves when we commit a crime, and it weighs heavily on our hearts and egos, dragging us down to an almost incurable case of no confidence. But we continue to work hard, not necessarily with passion, in order to make tomorrow a better day — we hope — even if we're fully aware that money can only ever get us a ticket to indulgence at the most. If you have enough of course. But as always, our Lord, Jesus Christ gives us a gentle prod to say that we can get through everything with Him by our side. We too will rise up one day, as He did today. Happy Easter everyone! stucks 6:27pm
Wednesday, February 17, 2008Peering through the hazeIt's funny how, in search for an answer to one thing, you inevitably open yourself up to so many other possibilities. I used to wonder if I'd be stuck in a terribly pretentious rut of fashion mag journalism — if you could call it that even — and be void of options the longer I continue. In sharing my plight with dear friends of mine, I felt comforted. Mostly I got my answers from people younger than me. I'm not dissing older, more experienced and generally wiser folks, but aging seems to breed complacency, routine, rigid structure and resistence in accepting, wanting and instigating change. All that inevitably builds up these blinkers, and pretty much narrows your vision. I can't pretend I'm old and wise now, and have learnt all I can. But I'm making a conscious attempt not to dismiss youth. I love its vibrancy, adventurous spirit and the openness to possibilities, although I hate its mollycoddled inability to see beyond their noses — myself included. To some, I'm old and irrelevant, and to others I'm young and unable. I'm never "just right". Will I ever be? My life is not a difficult one, I know that. I'm not starving, I have a lovely home and a family that wants me. I'm not being abused — physically at least, although I need to start suing for esteem abuse. My life is feeling lame. I don't seem to be making an impact. I'm not the rockstar who's using her celebrity to help provide food and shelter for Africans. I'm not writing provocative stories that inspire people to go out and change the world. All I am, is angry. And as John Mayer puts it, waiting on the world to change. So how does all this add up for me? I've decided the only one who can make a difference to my life, is me. Sure you wanna throw in prayer and God, and how all things are possible. But even then, I have to open the door to allow Him to sweep in and take over. Maybe all I need to do is stop listening to Mayer for a while and turn up some MJ. You see, he's starting with the man in the mirror. stucks 3:41pm
Wednesday, January 23, 2008Lost and foundI lost my mobile phone. Slipped outta my pocket into the cab. While I'm not completely upset about it, I do hope whoever took it doesn't decide to put up an exhibition with my photos. Dude, if you really need the phone, keep it but clear the phone before you go about with your life. I don't understand why people just can't decide to do the right thing — give it back. Assuming of course the person is at least half decent to be discreet about the photos, I'm feeling kinda calm about the whole phone thing. Seriously. I'm pleased that I can't be contacted for a while. No more unnecessary hounding. No more expectancy to respond. Lovely. stucks 8:12pm
Monday, January 21, 2008What? A blog post?You know it's been a tiring day when you return home and head straight to the bathroom to scrub yourself clean. Forget kicking off the shoes to relax for a bit. But I'm feeling squeaky and am ready to finish a story for work. Well sorta. Who really wants to work after hours? Have been out of the office for a photo shoot and will be again tomorrow. It's a great break from the might-as-well-be-windowless dump that I do most of my work at. Sunshine! Decent food! I can't wait for a chee cheong fun breakfast again tomorrow. The chilli was shiok. stucks 9:52pm
Wednesday, November 28, 2007HomeAm finally home after 10 days in Australia. Will definitely put up all my pics in the next few days. Surfing ones included! stucks 6:43pm
Thursday, October 11, 2007 I've been wondering where all these photos from the Children's Masses were. Turns out Uncle David has been storing them on his flickr page. stucks 1:50pm
Wednesday, October 10, 2007The Lizard in My PantsSitting in a cab on the way to work, I began to feel something moving around in my jeans. At first I thought it might've been a baby roach or a beetle cos it felt small. But I kinda let it pass cos it stopped moving. And I assumed it was the inner hem of my jeans. But as I walked into the office building, I felt the movement further down. I began to freak out. I started feeling around my jeans and finally caught hold of something long on my thigh. I thought it was a worm cos I didn't feel any legs. While still holding on to my jeans I walked, hunched over, to the toilet — in full view of everyone in the lobby I was not looking forward to what was in my jeans. When I reached the toilet, I calmly unbuttoned my jeans, pulled out my right leg, while still holding on to whatever it was inside. Then I began to slowly peel back the jeans around my fist. I found a small brown head. It was a damn lizard! But not your average house gecko. It was a dark greenish brown, and its eyes were small, not those bulging types. Obviously a more outdoorsy type. Beats me how it ran up So while still keeping calm, I opened the toilet bowl lid and flung it with all my might into the bowl. Lizzie sorta sank down and I thought it was dead. And then it scurried back up so I quickly flushed it about three times. It was still there. I noticed something brown in my jeans. I think it shat with fear. Gross. stucks 12:20pm
Monday, October 8, 2007Check the fine printWhy is it that while you're preparing for your big day, you end up having to deal with some of the most inflexible people ever? I know wedding shit is big business, but come on give the poor couples a break... The people who seem to be causing some strife are from Weddingcars.sg. Van had booked with them earlier to make sure she had a nice white car for her wedding. And then it so happens that now she needs to cancel it. It's three months prior to the wedding mind you. But they're refusing to budge. Not even a bit of a refund is being offered. What's up? And by the way, it says on their website, "We pride ourselves in providing absolute customer satisfaction." Yeah, sure. Van admits to not reading the fine print. But being the trusting soul that she is, she probably never expected to be pushed into a corner like this. So a warning to everyone: read the fine print and check on refund policies in any situation. Or just borrow a family member's car. Saves you the moolah and the headaches. stucks 4:49pm
Wednesday, October 3, 2007I seldom get inspired by what's right in front of me. It usually takes a huge trip overseas for me to go "Wow! How great is that? I want that. How can I make it happen at home?" So when I met photographer Sealey Brandt, I was surprisingly blown away — by the personality that she is and her work. She's Australian and shoots some darn amazing black-and-white family portraiture. Sounds dull, but I assure you, this woman manages to capture some pretty stunning moments with these people. If anyone's looking to get a photo taken with their family, she's the go-to gal. www.sealeybrandt.com stucks 5:00pm
Thursday, August 23, 2007She killed my mint. My mother. Killed. My mint.When you have no time to water the plants, what do you do? Leave it outside where it can catch the rain, not bring it inside to dry out and die some people... stucks 9:33pm
Sunday, August 5, 2007Sunday, July 1, 2007and the story continuesfrom Cradle Mountain we drove through Deloraine for a night-time pit-stop before heading further west to Launceston, the other major city in Tasmania besides Hobart. I visited a wildlife sanctuary where many wounded Tasmanian Devils are housed. I stayed at Peppers on Calstock, this gorgeous Pride and Prejudice-esque mansion. Mr. Darcy was off shooting  In Launceston itself, Cheryl and I visited a few wineries, a gourmet sauce company (which just happens to sell its bottles at NTUC). good stuff. and i ate at the best restaurant on this planet! in my opinion anyway. it's called Daniel Alps on Strathlynn. If I'm ever on death row, I'm asking Daniel to whip up my last meal. In Launceston I stayed at Peppers Seaport, which had a lovely harbour view. It was my last night in Tasmania before heading off to Melbourne the next day  Met Pris at the Tullamarine Airport and tried to re-live our Melbourne glory days by drinking up some at PJ O'Brien's. but before that, i had to have a Melburnian crap-inducing latte and curry laksa so that the experience was authentic. and of course there was the compulsory toilet visit. the end  stucks 7:14pm
Tasmania part deuxso I finally found the time to upload the rest of my photos from my trip. Here's a brief summary of what happened. On my second day in Hobart, I toured Salamanca market, went for a round of city shopping and en route to luxury boutique hotel, Islington Hotel , I found the Cascade Brewery. hehehehe  From down south, Cheryl and I drove up north west to Cradle Mountain Lodge for lovely scenery and a gorgeous spa experience overlooking the mountain range. Along the way we spotted an old abandoned but well-maintained Catholic church. We got the keys off the milk bar next door to have a look  stucks 5:19pm
Wednesday, June 20, 2007back from India. in hiding. severe water poisoning.stucks 11:32pm
Sunday, May 20, 2007Tasmania, 11 to 15 MayThere are far too many photos to document from my trip to Tasmania. In those five days I’d eaten the best and worst of Aussie cuisine. The worst being the breakfast of tasteless poached eggs on unbuttered muffins I had while in transit at the Melbourne airport. And the best… well I’ll get to that at some point I’d arrived in Melbourne’s Tullamarine International Airport at 6-ish am and my flight to Hobart wasn’t ’til 9am. Lucky for me, Priscilla was up bright and early and entertained me over the phone while I attempted to swallow the foul eggs and muffin combo that made a maccer’s sausage mcmuffin seem like a gourmet meal. What else can you expect from an Australian domestic airport, right? An hour after departing Melbourne, I was greeted with a spectacular view as the plane was pulling into Hobart. The water was so clear you could see the sand beneath the sea. Mountain ranges rose majestically beyond the towns, and you could actually see where the most populated settlements were. Unlike Singapore which is just crowded everywhere Heard from a few rows behind me: “Oh my god, the Hobart airport is TINY!” It is. Besides the Qantas flight I was on, the only other passenger plane was a Virgin Blue one. If you’re not careful after walking off the Tarmac into the building, you might actually trip over the only luggage belt in town I was picked up by Tourism Tasmania’s Cheryl Dix, who was like a surrogate mother for those five days — it was just me and her driving all over the state  After settling in at The Henry Jones, I was immediately put to work. The day officially began with a cruise along the D'Entrecasteaux Channel to Peppermint Bay. The oysters of Bruny Island are so fresh, that you don’t need any condiments. They were delicious enough as it is. Full on oysters, we visited Grandvewe that makes and sells sheep’s milk cheese, and also happens to make very good sheep’s milk ice cream. Had the chance for a bit of a nap at the hotel before heading out to a simple dinner of grilled fish and veggies at some place I can’t remember the name of now.  More photos to come... stucks 5:32pm
Friday, May 4, 2007
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Thursday, April 12, 2007homemade raviolibelieve it or not i made my own ravioli, from scratch. let's not delve into how it well it turned out, because the pasta definitely needed to be thinner and softer. but as far as taste goes, it was pretty darn yummy  i got the recipe off jamie oliver's the naked chef series, so you can imagine that i had to figure out most of the proportions on my own. and i had to replace the cheeses when i couldn't find what i needed, especially the italian pecorino. i suppose you'll need to check out a gourmet shop for that sorta exotic cheese. here's the recipe ingredients egg yolks flour parmesan ricotta pecorino (i used mozzarella instead) marjoram basil lemon zest olive oil method 1 mix egg yolks with flour to make soft pasta dough. this is tricky because too little flour means the dough will be wet and sticky, but too much flour would make hard pasta 2 take small chunks of dough to roll individual ravioli squares, as it's easier than flattening out the entire lot. if you don't have a rolling pin, just use an old bottle of wine/spirit to roll dough 3 mix up the ricotta, parmesan and pecorino (mozzarella) with finely chopped marjoram and lemon zest 4 put a dollop of the cheese mix onto each pasta square and fold. use water to seal the sides completely; make sure there aren't any holes 5 use a pastry wheel to create a patterned edge. or when you can't find your pastry wheel (like me), then use a fork to get some grooves in. but be prepared for your ravioli to look like mini curry puffs 6 boil up your pasta for about 4 to 5 minutes in salted water 7 fry marjoram and basil in olive oil til crispy and remove from oil. keep the oil as it has been flavoured by the herbs 8 toss the cooked ravioli into the pan with the herb-flavoured olive oil over a low flame, and generously grate more parmesan over it. toss ravioli in pan until cheese has melted, which won't take very long so do not leave the pan, or else the cheese will burn and the dish will be dry 9 serve immediately with marjoram and basil ta-dah! stucks 2:55pm
Friday, March 2, 2007INTERNSHIPS 101course brief: 9 things you should know before accepting an internship offer at any magazine 1 before you say you're passionate about writing, please look up the Oxford Dictionary (yes, it's online now too) for the meaning of "passion". in the case of passion for work, good 'ol Oxford states: "an intense enthusiasm for something", which is not the same as "i'm considering a career in journalism, but the journalists are pushing me too hard. i don't know what they want from me. were they expecting me to... work?" 2 if your command of english isn't great, it'll be nice if you could accept that and try to improve. or just don't apply for a journalism internship. i prefer the latter. i only want to hold a boyfriend's hand, not an intern's 3 if i instruct you to do something the first time, and it's not done, i'll let it slide. if i instruct you a second time, and you still choose not to get it done, i'll start to wonder if you're mentally challenged. when instructed the third time and you try to weasel your way out of doing it, you're a lazy git 4 when we tell you your work needs improvement, don't take it personally. as hurtful as it may be to you, it's far more painful for us to deal with your shoddy work ethic 5 it'll be real sweet if you told your supervisors when you're planning not to show up for work, rather than have them chase you down and send out "missing in action" e-mails. unaccountability is just plain unprofessional 6 no matter how you want to look at it, failing to show up for work after just one week of self-inflicted problems does in fact disprove your belief that you do not give up easily 7 please look up the meaning of "irresponsible" 8 i've already mentioned Oxford Dictionary... 9 if at some point you're stupid enough to send an e-mail explaining that your absence from the office is due to your confusion about whether to continue work or not, don't dig deeper by also wondering in said e-mail if you should laze around until the point you decide to further your studies. the grave has already been prepared that is all stucks 11:52am
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