The Other Side

Saturday, July 29, 2006

In a perfect world, there would be no wars. Things could be defined within your own parameters. You could eat without worrying about your waistline. Hurt and suffering would not exist. Cockroaches would be pretty. Your shopping fund would resemble an Arab oil field. Hangovers would be a myth. You'd get what you want.

But in this one, Man is frightful, your heart is not an armoured fortress, and toast always lands in your lap buttered-side down.

Mental soundtrack: Radiohead - Lucky

9:46 PM :: ::

Weekly Update

Monday, July 24, 2006

Seeing as how my last post was a whole week ago, this one will be made up of random snippets.


Pooptarp


The music was not quite the usual Poptarty fare, but beer is a fine persuader. That and fellow insane friends. It was almost worth the hell that was paid when I had to wake up less than 4 hours later for work. Almost.


The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

This has easily joined my list of favourite books. Poignant and beautifully written, it made me sigh along with every heartbreaking turn.

***

I feel like I'm stuck in a rut. I desperately need changes. A few weeks ago at dinner, my dad was talking about how everything has a purpose and that nothing you do is considered a waste (e.g. my shit job), because one thing leads to another. I agreed, of course, because it's something I've always believed in. But then I thought harder about it, and concluded that there is a line. A line between sitting back and taking things as they come, assuming everything happens for a reason; and taking charge by steering yourself towards unknown but new territory bearing hope, still trusting that wherever those proactive actions that you take lead you to, they are meant to happen in the grand scheme of things.

I'm inclined to go with the latter, but for now I'm going to see how things pan out in the coming weeks. Change is certainly on the horizon. I just don't know yet if it's the one I'm in need of.

1:10 AM :: ::

Cabjackass

Saturday, July 15, 2006

Warning: Lengthy rant. Proceed at your own risk.

Was getting a cab home, and joined a small queue at the curb. It wasn't a designated spot, but it was obvious that the people in it were queueing for cabs.

Apparently not obvious enough to some people.

I was about third in line, when this woman walked over, stepped off the curb and flung her arm out to hail a cab. The guy directly in front of me informed her that there was a queue, so she took a step back, but didn't head to the back of the line. Instead, she continued to hover around the curb at the front.
When it was my turn next, I stuck my arm out to flag down the approaching cab, and realised to my annoyance that she was doing the same. It slowed to a stop and she started making her way to it. Normally when I encounter cab-snatchers, the person is some distance away so I don't make the effort to step out of line to tell them off. This time, the perp was right next to me and unfortunately for her, I was already in a not-so-nice mood. In a very steely tone I said, "Excuse me?! There's a queue. I was queueing." She replied, "I was queueing here for a long time already."
Incredulous at her lie, I persisted. "No, I was behind that guy. I SAW you come here."
She backed off slightly and spotted another one behind it and said, "Then I'll just take that one."
The non-issue was resolved, but I was still extremely peeved on my way home. It's not so much getting the cab but the principle of it (plus there were other people behind me). Yes, there's no sign, no barricades that denote it, but call yourself a fucking Singaporean - you should know a queue when you see one.

11:43 PM :: ::

Decompressing

Had a quiet Friday night in for a change. Wandered around town for abit after work in an attempt to relive the times of leisurely shopping trips.
Came home, had a late dinner, laughed unabashedly at the antics of Spongebob, and momentarily fell asleep whilst still watching cartoons.

And it's back to the grind tomorrow.

Mental soundtrack: Arcade Fire - Neighbourhood #1 (Tunnels)

12:13 AM :: ::

Waitlist

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

That is, of books that are waiting to be read by me. I've become a compulsive book shopper, racking up the purchases faster than I can read them. Added two new ones to the pile on Sunday: The Contortionist's Handbook and Q & A (loved it!)
Was mulling over Love and Other Near-Death Experiences, but decided to put it back on the shelf. If anyone has read it, let me know if it's any good.

[edit 15/7/06]
PS: Yes this was written late Tuesday night, but my blog (server?) was being a pain and so I've only just managed to publish it today.

12:34 AM :: ::

In Retrospect

Sunday, July 09, 2006

There are countless moments where, if I could, I would go back to and do things differently. They are little things, seemingly trivial tweaks in the pages of the past, but that perhaps would be the pivotal step in another direction of consequence.

The desire lingers, but is probably not great enough for it to consume me with regret - maybe just disappointment at not having learnt my lesson for the 1842974th time.
If only I did this; said that; held back. Where would it have taken me otherwise?

Perhaps I believe too strongly in the vast effect of these little changes, but it almost feels like cheating to simply accept that this is as good as it gets.

Mental soundtrack: Snow Patrol - Grazed Knees

12:18 AM :: ::

Kick Off Your Shoes

Saturday, July 08, 2006

The night was great and the company was awesome. Started off at Il Lido with a couple of friends for a party, where jewel-tone cocktails were a-flowing, easing the initial awkwardness of being in an unfamiliar setting.
Still, I couldn't wait to continue the night over at Beat with the Emoticons. By then, my feet were crying bloody murder from the 3-inch heels I was wearing. I've become so used to going everywhere in my Havaianas, so anything other than flats now border on agony.
Now then, what is one do? Go barefoot! (of course.) Normally I balk at equations involving bare feet and filthy floors, but it was the lesser of two evils, and insobriety has a way of lowering your standards.

[edit: photos!]

2:34 PM :: ::

[Rant]

Wednesday, July 05, 2006

Been feeling (and probably looking) like a pile of crap lately. I need more time to kick back and do nothing. eat less. laugh more. recharge. and get some colour in my cheeks.

Anyone know magic?

Mental soundtrack: Radiohead - A Wolf at the Door

12:57 AM :: ::

Long Overdue

Sunday, July 02, 2006

It's been awhile since I've posted photos - or even posted, period. - so here goes:



The weekend was pretty blah, but I figured taking things down a notch would be good for me. Save for Friday, which turned out to be quite a disappointment anyway, the past week was fairly quiet. Days were spent working, with the occasional little doses of fun thrown in.

Am uninspired and thus this blog has become the equivalent of a rickety old house.

PS: The word discombobulated is stuck in my head. Tag! You're it. Enjoy.

11:46 PM :: ::