All in a Day's Work
Made a trip back to Gedong after lunch, bringing with me CHEESECAKE as bribe for the starving(but they get FREE food!), underworked, overpaid (Whoops, heh, shouldn't it be 'underpaid, overworked'? :P) inmates. After hiching a ride to the bus stop on my Senior Medic's Mazda, I was horrified to board an overflowing bus, literally a can of sardines on wheels! Thursday and Nights off day for some at Gedong. No wonder!
Anyway, the Golden Bamboo Minimart at Serangoon Central is no more! Over the past week, industry big gun NTUC Fairprice renovated the place, in preparation for the big day (which was today). After browsing through the shop, I noticed several things:
1) They do not stock up on the twin pack soya milk (only Hi-Lo milk came in twin packs).
2) The queue system was not good. With the exception of counters 1 and 2 (which were built over the former cashier spots at the now defunct Golden Bamboo outlet), the rest of the counters did not have an orderly queue system, which led to many a shove. And there was a mighty long queue inside the cramped confines of the cash-out area (A problem with its predecessor as well), while the two cashiers outside the shop hardly had any customers.
3) Golden Bamboo sent their warmest regards on Fairprice's opening in the form of two garlands. So, no hard feelings about being booted from the prime spot then? *Conspiracy Theory: Were there sweeteners handed out to Golden Bamboo in return for giving up the location to Fairprice? And why did they have to fight over the same location? Was it to compete directly with rival G'Value (which has an outlet nearby)?
4) The Fairprice outlet has a more 'spacious' feel, and the aisle are actually wider (to allow trolleys to be pushed around.
5) Oh, and they didn't have any feedback forms ready for (insert:unhappy, angry, frustrated, dissatisfied) customers. Boo!
*Disclaimer: Of course, these are just opinions based on the author's imagination, and not entirely on facts.
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
All in a Day's Work
Spent the day (as well as yesterday at SRJC-Heartland Mall) with the AWesome WAymakers. We went down to AWWA to finalize some details, then proceeded to the YMCA Building for the lesson on Financial Management. Chatted up two past year winners, Ian and Malcom, as well as some of the participants. I guess we learned much from the sharing session.
Thankfully the session was not packed with participants... Heh... which meant there were more refreshments for us (And they egg sandwiches were rather nice... :P)
Fresh Off the 'Net
2.8390715290765, 1.4080820618134, 0.15425144988758, 2.6669380616523, 2.9649660284921, 1.9524129804152, 3.6333192030863, 2.110387243839
Spent the day (as well as yesterday at SRJC-Heartland Mall) with the AWesome WAymakers. We went down to AWWA to finalize some details, then proceeded to the YMCA Building for the lesson on Financial Management. Chatted up two past year winners, Ian and Malcom, as well as some of the participants. I guess we learned much from the sharing session.
Thankfully the session was not packed with participants... Heh... which meant there were more refreshments for us (And they egg sandwiches were rather nice... :P)
Fresh Off the 'Net
2.8390715290765, 1.4080820618134, 0.15425144988758, 2.6669380616523, 2.9649660284921, 1.9524129804152, 3.6333192030863, 2.110387243839
Congratulations Swee Shoon, you are...
Scarlett Ting of joewei.blogspot.com
You are independent, smart and beautiful. Its too bad you don't see that yourself because life's little difficulties brought down a lot of your self confidence. As a result, you talk cryptic and you don't trust people easily. You care a lot for your friends and your loved ones, sometimes even more than you care for yourself, although they don't always seem to appreciate it. Don't let that affect you. As the saying goes, you don't miss the water till the well runs dry. So hang in there, you're a star in the making.
Monday, June 13, 2005
All in a Day's Work
Over lunch at Funan the IT Mall with Yao Shun, I chanced upon a surprising find. Within a five minute period, I spotted eight Uniformed Army Personnel (UAP) lingering around the mall and food court. And they were, naturally, commander level. In fact, I was taken aback when I first realized that there were so many UAPs in the Mall.
"Is this Funan City Camp?" I even asked aloud.
To which, Yao Shun told me that there were even more (UAPs) over at the other side of the Food Court.
We then trotted down to Bras Basah to take a look at the cheap novels and assessment books there. I managed to unravel three old issues of INQUEST at Knowledge Book Store, which were going for fifty cents a pop. Cheap! There's also a corner shop (I can't remember which one) which sells novels at a clearance price of one buck. Yes, uno shiny buckeroo! Heh, which was why I bought fifteen myself (Haha, Yup, you've heard it right). :P
After I was done with my shopping spree, Yao Shun spoke of 'LaLa' (Shells) at Bugis Hawker Centre, which we HAD to try, so off we went, stopping by Shaw Tower to try out the much talked-about Rotiboy bun, which turned out to be less 'coffee-y' than I had anticipated, but with the crispy yet melts-in-your-mouth texture that I expected.
It turned out that the stall at the Hawker Centre was closed, so we decided to dine at V8 Movie Cafe instead. The ambience there is rather soft, but the more homely environment also makes it a noise trap. With mains going for just under ten bucks, I might dine there again in future. I'd just have to bear with the uninteresting(considering the fact that it wasn't a blockbuster in any sense) silent(probably the noisy environment has to take a share of the blame as well?) movies that will be aired.
Fresh Off the 'Net
Click here to see my piggy!
You drew the pig:
Toward the top of the paper, you are positive and optimistic.
Toward the middle, you are a realist.
Toward the bottom, you are pessimistic, and have a tendency to behave negatively.
Facing left, you believe in tradition, are friendly, and remember dates (birthdays, etc.)
Facing right, you are innovative and active, but don't have a strong sense of family, nor do you remember dates
Facing front, you are direct, enjoy playing devil's advocate and neither fear nor avoid discussions.
With many details, you are analytical, cautious, and distrustful.
With few details, you are emotional and naive, they care little for details and are a risk-taker.
With less than 4 legs, they are insecure or are living through a period of major change.
With 4 legs showing, they are secure, stubborn, and stick to their ideals.
Over lunch at Funan the IT Mall with Yao Shun, I chanced upon a surprising find. Within a five minute period, I spotted eight Uniformed Army Personnel (UAP) lingering around the mall and food court. And they were, naturally, commander level. In fact, I was taken aback when I first realized that there were so many UAPs in the Mall.
"Is this Funan City Camp?" I even asked aloud.
To which, Yao Shun told me that there were even more (UAPs) over at the other side of the Food Court.
We then trotted down to Bras Basah to take a look at the cheap novels and assessment books there. I managed to unravel three old issues of INQUEST at Knowledge Book Store, which were going for fifty cents a pop. Cheap! There's also a corner shop (I can't remember which one) which sells novels at a clearance price of one buck. Yes, uno shiny buckeroo! Heh, which was why I bought fifteen myself (Haha, Yup, you've heard it right). :P
After I was done with my shopping spree, Yao Shun spoke of 'LaLa' (Shells) at Bugis Hawker Centre, which we HAD to try, so off we went, stopping by Shaw Tower to try out the much talked-about Rotiboy bun, which turned out to be less 'coffee-y' than I had anticipated, but with the crispy yet melts-in-your-mouth texture that I expected.
It turned out that the stall at the Hawker Centre was closed, so we decided to dine at V8 Movie Cafe instead. The ambience there is rather soft, but the more homely environment also makes it a noise trap. With mains going for just under ten bucks, I might dine there again in future. I'd just have to bear with the uninteresting(considering the fact that it wasn't a blockbuster in any sense) silent(probably the noisy environment has to take a share of the blame as well?) movies that will be aired.
Fresh Off the 'Net
Click here to see my piggy!
You drew the pig:
Toward the top of the paper, you are positive and optimistic.
Toward the middle, you are a realist.
Toward the bottom, you are pessimistic, and have a tendency to behave negatively.
Facing left, you believe in tradition, are friendly, and remember dates (birthdays, etc.)
Facing right, you are innovative and active, but don't have a strong sense of family, nor do you remember dates
Facing front, you are direct, enjoy playing devil's advocate and neither fear nor avoid discussions.
With many details, you are analytical, cautious, and distrustful.
With few details, you are emotional and naive, they care little for details and are a risk-taker.
With less than 4 legs, they are insecure or are living through a period of major change.
With 4 legs showing, they are secure, stubborn, and stick to their ideals.
| The password for the Main Gallery and Top Oinkers Gallery is "oink" |
Saturday, June 11, 2005
All in a Day's Work
100605
Dinner at Pizza Hut
Our (mostly ORD-ed) group of 9 poured into Pizza Hut, sending the service crew flustering in all directions and scrambling to set our grand table. Heh. And the feast fit for a king? Two large pizzas - Hawaiian Supreme and Aloha (which, incidentally, isn't very generous on the toppings).
The gang wanted to proceed on to rampage Kbox, but at S$20+ per person, its high ransom demanded shunned the maurading horde.
Instead, we proceeded on to something more homely: Starbucks Coffee, where we got down to sampling two cheesecakes and muffins, fully paid for by the supper fund generously provided by Yock Song.
100605
Dinner at Pizza Hut
Our (mostly ORD-ed) group of 9 poured into Pizza Hut, sending the service crew flustering in all directions and scrambling to set our grand table. Heh. And the feast fit for a king? Two large pizzas - Hawaiian Supreme and Aloha (which, incidentally, isn't very generous on the toppings).
The gang wanted to proceed on to rampage Kbox, but at S$20+ per person, its high ransom demanded shunned the maurading horde.
Instead, we proceeded on to something more homely: Starbucks Coffee, where we got down to sampling two cheesecakes and muffins, fully paid for by the supper fund generously provided by Yock Song.
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
All in a Day's Work
070605
Met up with Huimin and Sharon at MacDonald's (Hougang Mall) to update Sharon as well as discuss the next step for our Youth for Causes project.
080605
Went down to Crown International at Harbour Front to get some samples before rushing to the YMCA for a meeting with our mentors.
The Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy
A re-make of the '70s classic, The Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy, according to Yao Shun, comprises a cool five books. The pessimistic Marvin is what matters most to the show, from his lame (But oh-so-relevant) jokes to his apocalyptic comments. Marvin IS the show.
Theme / Relevance 14%
Content / Storyline 12%
Acting / Cast 16%
Sound / Special Effects 18%
Bonus / Pleasant Surprises 18%
Utter nonsense. But that's what makes it hilarious! Go catch it and see for yourself! 78%
070605
Met up with Huimin and Sharon at MacDonald's (Hougang Mall) to update Sharon as well as discuss the next step for our Youth for Causes project.
080605
Went down to Crown International at Harbour Front to get some samples before rushing to the YMCA for a meeting with our mentors.
The Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy
A re-make of the '70s classic, The Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy, according to Yao Shun, comprises a cool five books. The pessimistic Marvin is what matters most to the show, from his lame (But oh-so-relevant) jokes to his apocalyptic comments. Marvin IS the show.
Theme / Relevance 14%
Content / Storyline 12%
Acting / Cast 16%
Sound / Special Effects 18%
Bonus / Pleasant Surprises 18%
Utter nonsense. But that's what makes it hilarious! Go catch it and see for yourself! 78%
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
All in a Day's Work
On the Lee Kong Chian Scholarship Interview
My first take at a scholarship interview (which I didn't manage quite so much to clinch, but was a thoroughly rewarding experience nevertheless) lasted the entire day. Initially a half-day group interview, it dragged on until the early evening.
There were 50 places this year, and 350 qualified applicants (Although there were some interviewees who professed that they did not apply for the scholarship at all).
We were separated into two groups and provided two different sets of questions each. Of course, all this is just play-acting, a mock-up. The real intention of the three interviewers (and two student-observers, who arrived later) was to gauge the participation level of each group, aggressiveness of each individual at driving home his point and ability to work as a team. The resulting 'presentation' was marked by hostile questions thrown at the two groups, irrelevant to the questions selected for presentation, such as why a question was chosen (We had to Choose one of two available questions to present).
Okay, so basically, the Lee Kong Chian Scholarship is SMU's most prestigous scholarship programme. To have been one of the 350 luck souls to be given the chance to vie for it? A priceless experience.
In summary,
It sure was a nerve-wrecking experience for someone like me who has never been to a scholarship interview, much less such a prestigous one, so I'm actually glad that such an opportunity even came my way.
On the Lee Kong Chian Scholarship Interview
My first take at a scholarship interview (which I didn't manage quite so much to clinch, but was a thoroughly rewarding experience nevertheless) lasted the entire day. Initially a half-day group interview, it dragged on until the early evening.
There were 50 places this year, and 350 qualified applicants (Although there were some interviewees who professed that they did not apply for the scholarship at all).
We were separated into two groups and provided two different sets of questions each. Of course, all this is just play-acting, a mock-up. The real intention of the three interviewers (and two student-observers, who arrived later) was to gauge the participation level of each group, aggressiveness of each individual at driving home his point and ability to work as a team. The resulting 'presentation' was marked by hostile questions thrown at the two groups, irrelevant to the questions selected for presentation, such as why a question was chosen (We had to Choose one of two available questions to present).
Okay, so basically, the Lee Kong Chian Scholarship is SMU's most prestigous scholarship programme. To have been one of the 350 luck souls to be given the chance to vie for it? A priceless experience.
In summary,
Lee Kong Chian Scholars Programme
Funded by a grant from the Lee Foundation, the Lee Kong Chian Scholarship is available to outstanding local and foreign undergraduates studying full-time at the Singapore Management University.
Applicants for the Lee Kong Chian Scholars Programme must complete two degrees in four years. One of the degrees must be awarded by the Lee Kong Chian School of Business. The other degree can be from any one of the other three Schools in SMU.
Up to 50 Scholarships are awarded annually, each tenable for four years.
Eligibility Criteria
- Full-time SMU first year undergraduate student of any nationality.
- Outstanding academic results and SAT I score.
- Demonstrated leadership and communications skills.
- Substantial record of CCA and/or community service involvement.
Tenure and Benefits of the Scholarship Award
- The Scholarship covers tuition fees and a one-off grant for the purchase of a notebook computer (of up to $3,000), which the scholar may keep on successful completion of his/her studies.
- Scholars will receive an annual book allowance of $500.
- Scholars will participate in a funded International Student Exchange Programme with a partner university; a funded Overseas Study Mission; an International Community Service Project, a Global Issues Forum and special seminars.
- A Living Support allowance of up to $5,000 per year is available for Scholars who qualify for financial assistance.
- The Scholarship is tenable for four years.
- No bond is required under the terms of this Scholarship.
Tuition Grant Scheme
- Scholars are required to take advantage of the Tuition Grant Scheme (TGS) provided by the Singapore Government for subsidized education.
- Under the TGS, foreign scholars will be obligated to work in Singapore for a minimum period of three years upon graduation.
It sure was a nerve-wrecking experience for someone like me who has never been to a scholarship interview, much less such a prestigous one, so I'm actually glad that such an opportunity even came my way.
Sunday, June 05, 2005
All in a Day's Work
040605
YFC project
Our Youth-For-Causes Project Proposal was given the go-ahead, and a ceremony was held to officiate the transfer of the seed funding to the Non-Profit Organisations of the successful teams. Met up with our YMCA mentor, John Chin, as well as Erica from the American Association of Singapore, who will be mentoring our group as well.
Yock Song's Birthday
Due to an unfortunate last-minute activation, the turn-out crowd was smaller than anticipated. Met up with Dennis at Junction 8 before hitching a ride in Ban Xiong's maroon Toyota. Food was good, cake was delicious. A pity everyone left early.
050605
World Book Fair - The Business Week Saga Continues
Four things I am still unhappy about with Emit Asia:
1. Gifts are crap. Okay, relatively crap, as Righteous International provided me with three gifts and several magazines to take home (and hopefully subscribe to in future). That is what I call 'in the business of doing business'!
2. Pricing not flexible. They relented only after action has been done, when they could have taken pro-active measures beforehand, and before the damage was done.
3. The promised Christmas Bear Hamper is Three years overdue. And I'm still waiting (hopefully) for my gift long overdue!
4. All the above transport costs (Not including the absolute waste of time) borne by me, the customer.
Dharsh's Birthday
Was more than an hour late for the party (My apologies!) There was a nice spread of Indian crusine and refreshments, something I wouldn't get the opportunity to appreciate often.
Heh, and for the record, we share the same Birth Dates (Day, month, year... everything!).
040605
YFC project
Our Youth-For-Causes Project Proposal was given the go-ahead, and a ceremony was held to officiate the transfer of the seed funding to the Non-Profit Organisations of the successful teams. Met up with our YMCA mentor, John Chin, as well as Erica from the American Association of Singapore, who will be mentoring our group as well.
Yock Song's Birthday
Due to an unfortunate last-minute activation, the turn-out crowd was smaller than anticipated. Met up with Dennis at Junction 8 before hitching a ride in Ban Xiong's maroon Toyota. Food was good, cake was delicious. A pity everyone left early.
050605
World Book Fair - The Business Week Saga Continues
Four things I am still unhappy about with Emit Asia:
1. Gifts are crap. Okay, relatively crap, as Righteous International provided me with three gifts and several magazines to take home (and hopefully subscribe to in future). That is what I call 'in the business of doing business'!
2. Pricing not flexible. They relented only after action has been done, when they could have taken pro-active measures beforehand, and before the damage was done.
3. The promised Christmas Bear Hamper is Three years overdue. And I'm still waiting (hopefully) for my gift long overdue!
4. All the above transport costs (Not including the absolute waste of time) borne by me, the customer.
Dharsh's Birthday
Was more than an hour late for the party (My apologies!) There was a nice spread of Indian crusine and refreshments, something I wouldn't get the opportunity to appreciate often.
Heh, and for the record, we share the same Birth Dates (Day, month, year... everything!).
Friday, June 03, 2005
All in a Day's Work
Lunch was at Loren's place. We whipped up a storm (Literally)... leaving the kitchen in a complete mess by the time everything was done.
Ahem, on the menu was Boneless Roast Chicken Drumstick (Loren), Omelette with Taiwanese sausage and Onions (Jian Ming and Zi Rong), and Sng (Count) with toufu.
It wasn't too bad for first time chefs like us, so we've organized another cooking session this coming Wednesday.
After lunch, I went down to the PC Show with Zi Rong. The Exhibition Hall wasn't very big, and with a quarter of the Hall set aside for food stores, it was even more squeezy.
We're eyeing the CD cleaner and repair solution ($28). He's eyeing the HP all-in-ones while I'll be placing one of those cool Korean Ultra-slim mini-CPUs on my wish-list. Oh, and the uber-cool Sony LCD too!
We adjourned to Popeyes Chicken and Biscuits at Changi Airport for dinner. A 2 piece chicken set meal (with a regular coke and 2 side dishes) was in the order. And yes, they do reruns of every spinach-lover's favourite cartoon super hero.
Lunch was at Loren's place. We whipped up a storm (Literally)... leaving the kitchen in a complete mess by the time everything was done.
Ahem, on the menu was Boneless Roast Chicken Drumstick (Loren), Omelette with Taiwanese sausage and Onions (Jian Ming and Zi Rong), and Sng (Count) with toufu.
It wasn't too bad for first time chefs like us, so we've organized another cooking session this coming Wednesday.
After lunch, I went down to the PC Show with Zi Rong. The Exhibition Hall wasn't very big, and with a quarter of the Hall set aside for food stores, it was even more squeezy.
We're eyeing the CD cleaner and repair solution ($28). He's eyeing the HP all-in-ones while I'll be placing one of those cool Korean Ultra-slim mini-CPUs on my wish-list. Oh, and the uber-cool Sony LCD too!
We adjourned to Popeyes Chicken and Biscuits at Changi Airport for dinner. A 2 piece chicken set meal (with a regular coke and 2 side dishes) was in the order. And yes, they do reruns of every spinach-lover's favourite cartoon super hero.
Thursday, June 02, 2005
All in a Day's Work
World Book Fair Businessweek Saga
I recieved a call regarding my Businessweek subscription, in which I had complained of a discrepancy of nearly fifty dollars as compared to what I had paid previously. I brought proof down to them of my prior subscription price and the manager was speechless. Or at least she was not able to provide an encouraging answer, so I decided to go back to my original vendor, and after some deliberation with his boss, gave me the subscription rate at the promotional rate that was still on-going.
That was when the manager did an about-turn, and counter-offered me the same rate, which resulted in some friction between the two neighbouring firms. By default, the second company has to give in to the first one who signs up a subscriber, but heh... the final twist was about to be unleashed.
At the decisive moment, I told both parties that I would continue my subscription with BOTH firms, for a total of THREE (3) years each, with the current subscription terminating in 2006.
Looks like I'll be getting Businessweek until 2012. Someone exclaimed that I was their longest subscriber. Ever. :)
A Penny for your Thoughts? I'll Give You My Two Cents Worth
No more bunks. Just rooms.
No more book-outs. Just check-outs.
No more regimentation. Just self discipline.
No more Company, Platoon, Section. Just Group, Company (As in the business sense) and Department.
And for the first time since enlistment, we (Yes, my dear 02/03 42nd PTP Enhanced Intake) can finally whisper... "ORD loh!"
World Book Fair Businessweek Saga
I recieved a call regarding my Businessweek subscription, in which I had complained of a discrepancy of nearly fifty dollars as compared to what I had paid previously. I brought proof down to them of my prior subscription price and the manager was speechless. Or at least she was not able to provide an encouraging answer, so I decided to go back to my original vendor, and after some deliberation with his boss, gave me the subscription rate at the promotional rate that was still on-going.
That was when the manager did an about-turn, and counter-offered me the same rate, which resulted in some friction between the two neighbouring firms. By default, the second company has to give in to the first one who signs up a subscriber, but heh... the final twist was about to be unleashed.
At the decisive moment, I told both parties that I would continue my subscription with BOTH firms, for a total of THREE (3) years each, with the current subscription terminating in 2006.
Looks like I'll be getting Businessweek until 2012. Someone exclaimed that I was their longest subscriber. Ever. :)
A Penny for your Thoughts? I'll Give You My Two Cents Worth
No more bunks. Just rooms.
No more book-outs. Just check-outs.
No more regimentation. Just self discipline.
No more Company, Platoon, Section. Just Group, Company (As in the business sense) and Department.
And for the first time since enlistment, we (Yes, my dear 02/03 42nd PTP Enhanced Intake) can finally whisper... "ORD loh!"
All in a Day's Work
310505
Met up with Zi Rong and Loren at Ang Mo Kio's Jubilee to catch the movie Monster-in-Law. Okay, so I was the one who wanted to watch it (despite the majority favouring Madagascar (Reviewed: 80%). It's a Jennifer Lopez-Jane Fonda movie on bickering in-laws-to-be. It tugs at our heartstrings. If we are to take a step back, I believe many a times we have fallen into this endless spiral of meaningless plotting, hostility and hurt. The ending is particularly Cinderella-like. In other words, a fairy tale ending. Who doesn't want a fairy tale ending to a beautiful story?
Theme / Relevance 17%
Content / Storyline 17%
Acting / Cast 16%
Sound / Special Effects 14%
Bonus / Pleasant Surprises 17%
Tit-for-tat will not build a lasting marriage. Love your in-laws like you love your spouse. 81%
010605
Initial plan was to Hougang Swimming pool with Jian Ming and Loren to laze around, but thanks to an incredibly unpredictable weather, it was pouring by the time we reached Hougang station, so we decided to drop by Jian Ming's place to wait for the thunderstorm to be vanquished by a master elementalist. Okay, we were just waiting for the rain to stop. Loren wanted to watch the final episode of the Semi-Devils and Demi-Gods (Tian Long Ba Bu) there, but was engaged in a teeny experience sharing by Jian Ming's Dad, which lasted till the rain subsided.
We made our way to the Swimming Pool, which wasn't crowded at all, thanks to the prior downpour. While we were soaking in the dirty, chlorine-bleaching water, I saw Sharon, my SRJC Junior and SMU Senior (Heh...). Okay, actually, she was the one who saw me. Yep, that reminds me... Our proposal for the Youth-for-Causes project was accepted, so I'd be quite busy during the June-July period.
A Penny for your Thoughts? I'll give you my Two Cents Worth
"There are three things in Life, that once gone will never come back. Words, Opportunity and Time."
Which, incidentally reminds me of a story my dad told me when I was young.
My adaptation of the story:
A Man got into a heated argument with his pal, and in a spur of the moment, said something he didn't meant to. Something that truly hurt his pal - like a thousand blades pierced through his heart.
Feeling remorseful, he decided to visit the village elder, a man of unparalleled wisdom. The village elder told him to take a box of feathers, and one by one, lay them on the road, a feet apart. All the way from the man's house to his pal's one. Then he was to turn back and retrieve all the feathers.
"That should resolve your woes."
The man did as he was told. He laid the feathers on the road, a feet apart. All the way from his house to his pal's one. But when he reached the doorstep of his pal's home, he turned around, and was horrified to see that all the feathers he had painstakingly laid had been blown away by the wind. There was not one feather left. He quickly rushed down to see the village elder to report his observations.
To which, the reply was,
"Words are like feathers. You can say whatever you like, in any way that pleases you, but if you wish to retrieve anything you say, it has already been blown away with the wind."
At that moment, it dawned on the man that the wise man was right. If he valued his friendship, he wouldn't have used such remarks on his pal, for such hurtful remarks, once said, can never be taken back. Ever.
Story by Swee Shoon. Please reproduce only with author's knowledge. Thanks.
310505
Met up with Zi Rong and Loren at Ang Mo Kio's Jubilee to catch the movie Monster-in-Law. Okay, so I was the one who wanted to watch it (despite the majority favouring Madagascar (Reviewed: 80%). It's a Jennifer Lopez-Jane Fonda movie on bickering in-laws-to-be. It tugs at our heartstrings. If we are to take a step back, I believe many a times we have fallen into this endless spiral of meaningless plotting, hostility and hurt. The ending is particularly Cinderella-like. In other words, a fairy tale ending. Who doesn't want a fairy tale ending to a beautiful story?
Theme / Relevance 17%
Content / Storyline 17%
Acting / Cast 16%
Sound / Special Effects 14%
Bonus / Pleasant Surprises 17%
Tit-for-tat will not build a lasting marriage. Love your in-laws like you love your spouse. 81%
010605
Initial plan was to Hougang Swimming pool with Jian Ming and Loren to laze around, but thanks to an incredibly unpredictable weather, it was pouring by the time we reached Hougang station, so we decided to drop by Jian Ming's place to wait for the thunderstorm to be vanquished by a master elementalist. Okay, we were just waiting for the rain to stop. Loren wanted to watch the final episode of the Semi-Devils and Demi-Gods (Tian Long Ba Bu) there, but was engaged in a teeny experience sharing by Jian Ming's Dad, which lasted till the rain subsided.
We made our way to the Swimming Pool, which wasn't crowded at all, thanks to the prior downpour. While we were soaking in the dirty, chlorine-bleaching water, I saw Sharon, my SRJC Junior and SMU Senior (Heh...). Okay, actually, she was the one who saw me. Yep, that reminds me... Our proposal for the Youth-for-Causes project was accepted, so I'd be quite busy during the June-July period.
A Penny for your Thoughts? I'll give you my Two Cents Worth
"There are three things in Life, that once gone will never come back. Words, Opportunity and Time."
Which, incidentally reminds me of a story my dad told me when I was young.
My adaptation of the story:
A Man got into a heated argument with his pal, and in a spur of the moment, said something he didn't meant to. Something that truly hurt his pal - like a thousand blades pierced through his heart.
Feeling remorseful, he decided to visit the village elder, a man of unparalleled wisdom. The village elder told him to take a box of feathers, and one by one, lay them on the road, a feet apart. All the way from the man's house to his pal's one. Then he was to turn back and retrieve all the feathers.
"That should resolve your woes."
The man did as he was told. He laid the feathers on the road, a feet apart. All the way from his house to his pal's one. But when he reached the doorstep of his pal's home, he turned around, and was horrified to see that all the feathers he had painstakingly laid had been blown away by the wind. There was not one feather left. He quickly rushed down to see the village elder to report his observations.
To which, the reply was,
"Words are like feathers. You can say whatever you like, in any way that pleases you, but if you wish to retrieve anything you say, it has already been blown away with the wind."
At that moment, it dawned on the man that the wise man was right. If he valued his friendship, he wouldn't have used such remarks on his pal, for such hurtful remarks, once said, can never be taken back. Ever.
Story by Swee Shoon. Please reproduce only with author's knowledge. Thanks.