Early CNY dinner

Sunday, January 31, 2010

A new blogskin I have created (finally!) for the previous blue layout was really starting to bore me to tears. I HATE seeing the same old blogskin day in and day out. Life is about changing (yes, here goes the 'what is life' contemplation). I was listening to 'Blue' by The Birthday Massacre in the creation of this dark red heart abstract.




Blue by The Birthday Massacre

Plastic blue
invitations in my room
i've been waiting here for you
reservations made for two
sunlight fading

black tongues speak faster than the car can crash
you supply the rumours and i'll provide the wrath
romance is breaking every heart in two casting shadows
in the pale shade of blue

plastic blue
conversations in my room
saving every tear for you
trusting every word untrue
twilight fading

fate changes faster than the death of light
you provide the envy and i'll provide the spite
reflections cutting every face in two
casting shadows in the pale shade of blue



I had an early family reunion dinner at Tower Club today; for a $198++ per person 10 course dinner, it was fairly adequate. I'd prefer having black pepper crabs at the Long Beach restaurant to keeping myself all steel and proper in the midst of consuming all steel and proper food.

Apparently Uncle Henry is a VIP at Sentosa Integrated Resort so he happily invites us all to a visit to the casino. We had to remind him that the $100 entrance fee for Singaporeans still stands for our family. He gives a hearty laugh.

"Mr. Lee Kuan Yew has visited it, which means we must too."

I wanted to tell my German uncle that most money-concerned Singaporeans, which unfortunately includes my entire extended family in it, do not have any desire to part with their money for a statement as such. But, considering the great disparity in our positions, I kept my mouth shut.

The fairly adequate dinner, at 65 stories high, ended with a bill of 4000 bucks.

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posted at 12:48 AM

Television rights

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Wednesday this day is! And Singapore Idol was over when? Monday? Whatshisname won? Why, another male Singapore Idol, I never saw it coming! I did hear whatshername was dreadfully flat in her singing, but who gives a damn anyways? Those 2 would be gone faster than you can say "Singaporeidolisawasteoftime!"

My dad said I was living in a time capsule, ignorant of the world around me, and completely drawn into Thrillville. My character was running around the theme park like some duck, when my mother started putting her two cents in.

"Still playing your wii game, I see!"

"My life's too short." I replied, curtly.

"Then what are we? Ancient?"

"Never implied, nor intended to. I just realized, each morning I wake up, that my days grow shorter. And I have to game as much as possible before I put another foot into the coffin."

The word 'coffin' commenced the habitual family debate about television rights and so on. My mom won and quickly did she unplug my wii and insert into the dvd player her KOREAN DRAMA. 'Shit' I thought, 'This will take days.'

I turned to my dad, who had by then exhausted any means to fight for HIS favorite Channel 5 show, The Mentalist. "You do know that mom's not going to let you watch your favorite show either, right?"

DAD: 0 | MOM: 03 | RAIN: 03

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posted at 4:17 PM

7 nights in Malaysia

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Other than my first experience using the male toilet in a petrol station in KL (for they lost the keys to the female restroom), my 8 days holiday traveling to every inch and corner of Malaysia was otherwise risk-free.

After a night in Cititel (hotel) in Penang, the 9 of us took a ferry to Langkawi island, which was infested with Americans; I reckon they love the scorching sun for my skin sizzles under the heat. We unsuccessfully blended in with the mixture of blonde heads and black heads, blue heads, red heads and blah blah... We then rented a very sad bus (close to the point of breaking down it was!) at 140RM per day. "It's the best!" says my dad to us. "No power steering!" shouted a man from the stand. I swear my life flashed twice before me when my uncle had to turn the wheels VERY vigorously to swerve and avoid ramming into aggressive vehicles.

A two days stay at the island (the hotel was so very nice and comfy that I should wish to reconstruct it in my SIMS house) was quickly spent. A quirky guy at the beach however was the epitome of self-contradiction. "I advise you to buy this one. Expensive but this one is parasailing with a boat pulling you so you don't have to worry about controlling it. Otherwise you can also para-sail from the beach but I tell you..There was once a guy who landed wrongly and broke his leg." The deal was set.

He made several calls, upon realizing that he couldn't contact the boatmen and that night was quickly falling, he says to us in his business-like tone, "I cannot contact the boat man so I tell you what. I sell to you cheap price. Para-sailing from the beach very safe one. Just pull here (mimicks an action on the right and then the left) when we shout to you to pull."

"Didn't you just tell us that a guy broke his leg 4 days ago?!" shouted my sister.

We took the ferry back to Penang and on the fourth night, my parents, sister, uncle, aunt, and cousin Darren were already playing Mahjong with their own mahjong table made from the bed. I was left to babysit my youngest cousin Doreen and we at length engrossed ourselves with the new anime show. We left for Genting Highlands the next day.

Most unfortunate it was that my harmless little wish to play in the theme park was harshly crushed by the cold, treacherous wind! 16 degrees! My grandmother loathed the place and she complained about the biting wind each time the adults left for their night at the casino. My 14 year old cousin and I attempted to enter the gambling den! The outcome was obvious.

"Stop miss and you! (points to my cousin who is 174cm) IC please." demanded the security guard.

"Sorry, I left it upstairs in my hotel room." I smiled my best smile.

"Ok, go get it then." he replies almost instinctively. I reckon I wasn't the first 18 year old trying to get into the casino. I looked at my cousin. We made a run for it, giggling like kids. After my 2 restless nights in Genting came the happiest moment of my life! Another 2 nights stay in Melaka was spent purchasing Christmas gifts and anime CDs.

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posted at 9:33 PM

Birthday party on a yacht

Saturday, February 28, 2009

If I ever wanted to be a rich tai tai (a term given to one who has much leisure time and with lots of money to spend), my aunt Priscilla would be a constant reminder of why I should continue pursuing that dream.


Sentosa Cove


Uncle Henry rented a yacht for her birthday and invited the whole family. At 8 plus we took off from Sentosa Cove. After making a BIG detour from Pulau Hantu (sniffed chemical air from the industrialized island), went for a dip at the Changi beach (got bitten by sea bugs), we finally reached our destination: St John's island.

Being the introvert that I am, I (with my adorable cousin Doreen in tow) went exploring the yacht for my 'spot' a.k.a a corner to emo: note left hand side of picture. Doreen took the right. (St John's island in the background)



After doing a couple of Titanic poses, I started emo-ing, staring at the current (they really do look like a land of greenish-blue aluminium foils!) and Doreen followed suit. She gave up, after a while, in favor of chasing Dawn (a miniature schnauzer) around the yacht.


I was trying to be artistic. T_T



Dawn says hi. Caesar in the background, my aunt's new Husky.

We have established that Caesar is gay, even my aunt says so, he 'kissed' my father when he was sleeping and only licked the males. My sister claimed that Gay Dogs do exist and despite being a Gay Rights activist, I'm mildly disturbed. Gay rights for dogs?

And this is your beta-minus female Australian Husky.


April is probably the most spoiled and lucky dog on the entire universe seeing as to how her daily meals include fresh salmon. Note the word fresh.

April is a bipolar opposite of Dawn and Caesar, she wouldn't play/move/interact with anyone but my aunt. She's a real beauty alright. They often say that dogs look like their owners, IT'S TRUE.


April does a yawning pose.



The day fails us, I actually took a couple of snapshots of the sunset (before the clouds happily came in and obscured the beautiful skyline) and this turned out the best.


A very romantic evening, don't you think. ;)


I have learned that my dad has a deprived childhood. He was so obsessed with fishing that he forgo smoked salmon for tiny fishes that can't be eaten.


Me: Dad, just take off the hook and toss it back into the sea, quick!
Dad: (struggles with the hook) Woah..look at this...it's only hooked at the sides!
Me: Ok Dad, can you quickly pick it up...(stares at Dad in horror)
ALL: NOT WITH YOUR HANDS!
Dad: It's already dead! *tosses it anyway and fish swims away*
Dad: Ohhhhhh....

Dad: Just tilt it a bit (reels in the line), you can feel it...a little jolt on the string...slowly, very slowly now...pull a little...
Me: (tilts, waits, and feels a little tug) I FEEL SOMETHING!!!
Dad: (excited, excited) *quickly reels in the string*
Me: (excited, excited!)
Dad: *pulls*
Me: Ohhh.... *stares at the empty hook* I felt something! (in defensive tone)
Dad: The bait's gone, we lost the fish.
Me: How was I suppose to differentiate between a tug from the current and a fish bite?

I have also learned that despite my uncle's Vice Presidency in his company he knows nothing about the Singapore education.

Uncle Henry: So Rain, what's your current education level?
Me: Oh uhm, I'm in JC 2 now. (has mentioned it twice now)
Uncle Henry: (in profound contemplation)
A few seconds later...
Uncle Henry: Okay...that tells me nothing...(moves on to the next person) Darren, what about you?
Darren: Er, I'm in 2D.
Uncle Henry: (looks even more perplexed) What is that? 2-D you say?

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posted at 10:32 PM

Chinese New Year dinner

Sunday, January 25, 2009

My life has been great... well not really, I would be deluding myself if I said so, discounting facts that my dearest family discarded me at home for gambling at Genting Highlands casino.

Me: Do you not condemn yourself in your decision to discard your youngest daughter for habitual gambling?
Dad: Now, now, let's not go that.
Sister: Since when were we habitual gamblers?
Me: Playing family mahjong on Saturdays count too.
Sister: You said it - family . It's our way of spending quality family time.
Me: I don't want to hear it from you. (to Dad) Do you not condemn yourself -
Sister: Stop asking Dad to condemn himself!!

I never won that family debate. I think my sister had the upper hand when she mentioned "family time", "Dad's only holiday" or maybe it was "Because you're so darn annoying, let Mom and Dad have some peace and quiet."

I've always wondered how venturing into a cigarette hazy casino with roaming tourists would actually give my parents "some peace and quiet".

Later that day...
Me: Do you not (senses sister's glare from a corner) I have a valid reason this time, I swear. (turns back to father) condemn yourself for leaving your daughter with a close to empty fridge for 3 days and 2 nights? I'd be all rag and bones by the time you guys return!
Sister: You already are rag and bones.
Me: Shut up.
Dad (in a strangely disturbing cherry tone): We have to buy food then!!

Later that day...(at the supermarket)
Dad: Are you sure this is enough? (looks pointedly at the basket of cornflakes, milk, juices and bread)
Me: I had a premonition.
Dad: .....
Me: Something told me that I'd be too immersed with my computer to actually eat.
Sister: That's why I said - you already are rag and bones.
Me: And so, for the second time, shut up.

I finally understood why I'm close to suffering from malnutrition.

Sister: I already told you to get some tuna or meat!
Me: I myself hate meat.
Sister: But you still need proteins.
Me: I only consume proteins in the form of Chicken Katsu Don which is available only in my school.
Sister (looks wearily): Are you trying to extract more allowance from Dad?

Last night's Chinese New Year dinner....
Uncle Heng: AHAHAHAAA, sorry, economic recession so 30% reduction on Angbao money. (awkward laugh)
Everyone: .....
Uncle Heng's wife: Alright, that's enough wine for today, dear.

3 hours later...
Waitress (walks towards me with a white piece of paper on tray): Excuse me, bill.
Me: DO I LOOK LIKE I'M PAYING?!!
Uncle Henry: Over here!

I never understood why the waitress approached a 17 year old teen with grunge hair and mismatched red stripy shoe.

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posted at 2:23 AM

Begone, my other half!

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Today was thee most productive day.

My mother finally relented (after 6 months of verbal persuasion filled in with a couple of 'bargaining chips' and nasty scowls) into letting me purchase a new, functional desktop that DOES NOT lag with every click of the mouse.

Don't get me wrong, I love my computer - my beloved companion - but its temperamental disposition was getting way too serious for a dependent user like me to handle. It once hibernated for weeks. I was in a frantic shriek. My parents frustrated and my sister annoyed. My sister said it was partly because of my constant nagging that eventually made my mom relent just so she could shut me up.

And I suspect that this old' computer of mine is getting on with the years. If it had a mouth it would most probably curse me into oblivion for I spare no thought in exhausting its Graphic Card and 1 GB ram. Sorry darling, but mommy has no choice. She desperately needs a good, high compact Graphic card and you simply wouldn't let her download a few necessary converters and programs. Your mother needs to make a video and your hard drive is barely functioning.

While I mop over the lost of my very ancient computer, my sister very sarcastically intoned, "I think this computer can rejoice liao."

"Excuse me?! Mom is gonna donate it to the old newspaper collector. How on earth can this poor thing rejoice in the course of being detached from me, its dear user?!" I cried, mortified. "Poor old computer. I'm gonna miss you dearly although you like throwing tantrums at me."

My sister twitched her nose, "Oh, no worries. You won't be missing it. The old newspaper collector wouldn't want it even if mom paid him a million bucks."

My sister then proceeded to complain to my mother about the blatant inequality in treatment. "Mommy, you buy for Rain a new computer then what about me? Our TV is barely working!"

My mother scuffed her nose into an ugly scowl, but you could see she was starting to reconsider. She gave my father a look and then at the brilliant, new glossy LCD screens that threatened to blind us with their shiny lacquered polish.

"How about getting this 32 inches TV? It's the latest model. Panel and finishes from Japan," claimed the salesperson, all fake smiles and a happy working-with-you face. "It comes with a $100 NTUC voucher."

"Not fair leh! You always dote on the younger one lor." continued my sister.

"I don't mind. Parts of the TV comes from Japan, anyway." said I, clearly beguiled by the word 'Japan'.

We bought that TV.

~~~

My family thought it was a pretty good bargain. The total was 3k plus for a 32 inches TV and a lovely desktop (which is soon to be abused by me. Yay! I can finally make my Anime Music Videos!) It was economical of course.

But in my auntie Priscilla's world, being economical or money wise doesn't fit into her dictionary. Thrifty doesn't even come close. If you look up the word 'Spendthrift' in the English Thesaurus, you'll see my aunt's picture next to it.

We met her at a mall to purchase Uncle Henry's birthday present - a jade pendant. She had lingered a moment too long in that shop for no sooner than a minute, the shopkeepers had swarm towards her like moths to a flame.

"Look at this laughing jade Buddha, the color is oh so perfect! You don't get this anywhere!" fluttered the shop auntie in her China accent.

Hell yeah, I can get that green thingy at any loitering shops for 10 bucks.

My auntie, being a little too foolish for her age, was beguiled. She stared at the jade pendant, entranced. While my sister and I exchanged bored looks. My mother pursued her lips. My younger auntie Karen shocked. I think the shopkeeper was silently rejoicing at having such a big catch.

"Show me others!" exclaimed my aunt Priscilla.

An hour later, she had purchased from the Jade shop items worth a total of $4000 (lets forget about the GST).

"DO COME AGAIN!" shouted the shopkeepers, bowing and bowing with more smiles of superficiality. My sister and I exchanged disgusted looks. My mother and younger auntie Karen were horribly mortified. I wanted to say something, but my mother kept me silent. It was her money after all.

"So, let me ask this again: Aunt Pris bought a tiny jade pendent and 3 rocks for $4000?" I raised my eyebrows.

"The rocks had little jade ornaments in them." My sister said. "They're supposed to have good fengshui."

"Yeah, but they're still rocks right?" I peered into the carrier bags. Indeed, they look nothing different from the normal rocks you kick at the sentosa beach.

My auntie, being the spendthrift she was, was simply pleased at her purchase. "Good fengshui ma!" she said, noticing the odd stares from my sister and I, and pale faces from her two sisters. "It's considered pretty cheap. I think I've made a pretty good bargain."

"For 3 rocks and a tiny piece of Jade that's smaller than the size of your palm but costs more than a TV and a desktop? Yeah, you've made a pretty good bargain alright."

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posted at 8:27 PM