Marina’s Bloggariffic

I broke another shoe today. I give up. I guess I’m not fated to wear strappy shoes. They all die under my touch. I was walking on my way to work when the strap of my left shoe decided to break off. And I limped my way through the office. I had to use about ten rubber bands to fasten the botom part to my feet.

Good grief!

I wondered how I would survive the day with such a fashionable footware. Lunch break, proto, I rushed off to the nearest shoe shop. Which wasnt very fast since I could only limp with my rubber band shoes.

Then the strap of my right shoe decided to break off too. I must say, that, that was the first time I ever encountered rubber band shoes in my quarter of a century (plus one) years of existence.

Anyway, I got me a pair of flatties. I hope it’ll last me longer than any of my heels couldnt.

—

Doesnt this look interesting? I love the packaging of this. There’s a man with a huge mouth. The mouth acts like a window to see the contents of the packaging. Bro loves poking the packet to make the content move around.

We went to Jurong East to the library since I saw a flyer that showcased digital designs by the Yusuf Ishak Secondary School students. I hoped that there were some workshops on the techniques. But upon reaching there, there was only a display. I was a little disappointed, but admired the wonderful work that was done by these talented teenagers.

I saw teenagers studying and I was amazed by the amount of graffiti on the chairs. It used to be pure beige the first time I saw it in mid 2004 and now it was covered with scribblings. Bro thinks that it was intentional.

We did a spot of reading and decided to have dinner at IMM and we walked past a carnival called “Generation Day” where the entire family, including the grandparents and grandchildren spend time together. The whole stretch along Jurong East Interchange was extremely crowded.

We then took the shuttle bus to IMM - the hypermart

I was amazed by the sheer amount of people there. Granted that I havent been there for a long while, but the place was bustling! I never imagined that the quiet shopping center in the 90’s would turn out to be so active now.

After dinner, we walked around and chanced upon these many Osim Isqueeze about. I gave it a try.

All I can say is … MMmmmm …

—

There was a gathering over my aunt’s place on sunday afternoon. Ahh food galore! I love love love tapioca leaves with peanut sauce. Yumm … I felt full and contented till dinner even.

It seems that family gatherings are the time when it is obligatory to show off the babies :P

Cutee :)

Cutee :)

—

Well, thats all for the moment, I had better get to bed now for some snoozin ..Good night :)

Ti amo, caro, tanto, tanto, tanto. Un milione di baci per te, amore mio. :)

Picture of Rudy and Fais from my photography class
—

Am feeling quite tired now that I’ve started working. its definitely a change with the new routine of having to wake up early and get to work in the morning. Working all afternoon and then going to night classes straight away and study till late evening … Only reaching home at about 11.15pm or so. The same thing would be the same for the next day almost every weekday.

Times like these makes me wish I had one of these:

Mmmm! Osim iSymphonic! What? 8k? No thanks

Mmmm …Backrub… Mmmm… Zzzz …

Ahem

Anyways, been spending the week being trained about the proceedures about the company and now I’m attached to Shuqun Secondary School.

What I liked about the school was that it only took about 30 minutes to go there and I had a direct bus there too. Not bad. I dont have to suffer seat numbness, in the long bus journeys to the new school now.

I met the current trainer that I would be replacing. His name is Farid.

Farid’s a very friendly, and knowledgeable person. He patiently showed me the school, introduced me to some of the staff of the school there, the company portal and the duties that I was supposed to do.

So much to do! *stretches*

Anyway, there was a teachers meeting today and Farid took the chance to make it to be my debut to the entire staff. I took to chance to snap some pictures of the staff there too.

New people to meet and introduce all over again … I really miss West spring my kids, the teachers and staff there … Sigh …

But anyway, the amazing thing is, that I chanced upon a lady and I looked at her, hey .. she looks pretty familliar and she looked at me and thought the same too.

“Were you from Bukit View Secondary School?”
*gasps*
“I think you taught me english or literature”
“Wow!”

Her name is Mrs Silva and if thats not amazing, just a few minutes after that I chanced upon another lady

“Mrs Soong!” I cried out! Mrs Soong was my science teacher back while I was in Bukit View Secondary. She was a wonderful teacher, so enthusiastic and dynamic. I enjoyed her lessons tremendously.

Well, I wonder how life would be like in the new school. We’ll just have to see.

—

Bwahh ..what happened to my photography skills? Everything went bad. All of the pictures are blur!

And some of the pictures are much too underexposed!

BAH! HUMBURGER!

And then Rudy showed me how to increase the ISO and reduce the aperture and shutter speed. Ohh … And the pictures looked much nicer … A little too late when the model was gone ..but ah well, its learning through mistakes …

Here are a few of the nicer pictures. I increased the ISO to 1600 and set the Aperture to 20 with a shutter speed of 4.5 and it seemed nice even without the use of the studio flash. Lovely. Lovely. I’ll have to try this technique more.

Well, thats all for now, I’m going to pass out on the bed first.

Amazing. I’m still mildly stunned at this point of time of writing. You are now reading the blog of a newly appointed Multimedia Educator for AsknLearn.com.

I had a call yesterday, while I was searching for iEnabler. It was one of the most memorable days that I’ll never forget. I reached Outram Mrt Station at about 3.45. I’m quite early! I thought to myself. Now all I have to do is to find a landmark and I’ll be at the building pronto. I walked past Pearl Center and asked a man, do you know where Teck Lim road is? Nope. And I asked another person. I dont know. Not sure. So I called up the office to enquire about the area.

Do you see This Fashion? Yup! Okay, walked past it and you’ll see a temple, and then you’ll see a hotel and walk past that hotel and we are just there.

Okay, I got it, thanks!

So I walked past this fashion. And walked. And walked and walked. Wow, this is such a long walk! Is this really the right area? I reached Chinatown and walked and saw the Sri Mariamman temple and thought to myself okay, here’s the temple. I dont see a hotel though. I was feeling quite tired after walking in my heels in the warm afternoon sun. And I felt dishevelled and really flabbergasted. I tried to call the office again. You dont see the temple? But I’m right next to the temple. Do you know where I should go to? No? Nevermind, I’ll just take the cab there.

At the same time I put the phone down, there was a call for me.

Hello? Bzz Bzz Bzz. Would you like to come down for an interview?
Bzz Bzz, take but 91, Buona Vista, Bzz Bzz

Uhh .. wait, what? (snaps out of daze) Could you hold on a while. Let me get a pen. (scribble scribble) Okay, see you tomorrow at 10am.

I tried to flag some cabs, and there wasnt any slowing down! Even those who did slow down didnt know where Teck Lim Road was! In my heart I was feeling murderous. Luckily there was a nice taxi driver who stopped to call up his friend to ask where the area was. And an old uncle, as well as this nice man who was relaxing in his van who took the time to actually check his directory and show me where to go to. To all of you, I’m extremely grateful. There are wonderful people out there.

Anyway, at last I found the place and had an interview with Ken, the manager there and left after about 2 hours. And … I saw a hotel … and then I continued walking and saw a temple (another temple) and then, I walked a little bit more and what I saw made me really angry.

It was the same spot where I called the office. It took me 30 minutes to walk all the way around the area when it should only take me 5 minutes to reach here! I was just stumped. Stumped I tell you. With my feet aching, and feeling uncomfortably sticky. I felt like digging a hole and hiding myself in it.

I mean, seriously, look at this:

Black route is initial route, red route to go home

*heart aches*

Anyway, this morning, I went to Asknlearn, not really expecting anything since in my mind I was thinking of Mastereign and I heard of Asknlearn’s reputation about being very diserning in the choice of trainers.

But I showed my portfolio, both hard copy and the soft copy and after a while, they asked me to go into the office and do an aptitude test.

They seemed impressed by the score from the aptitude test and were keen to hire me. I was still a little hesitant and did a quick calculation in my head. Should I still continue with mastereign, freelancing? Or should I take this offer up doing full time. I quicked weighed the pros and cons and decided that I’d take the offer up. A pity actually, I really would love to work in Mastereign. If only they had full time there…

Anyway, I start on Monday to see the new school and to get to know the staff and the locale. I hope it’ll be good :)

Anyway, I’ll stop here for the moment, and let my bears narrate the rest of the blog. Ciao!

—

Woo! I’ve been so bored of staying at home all the time! I’m so glad big miss is taking us out finally!

Wooo .. what do you think is out there?
So many trees! Bus riding is so much fun
Ohh .. We’re stopping. Where are we?

*reads*

Ngee…Ann…Polytechnic.

I wonder what big miss is doing here.
I see big brother signing up for something

Woooo…

Whats big brother doing? Ouch! That looks painful!

Nah, big brother isnt frowning, it shouldnt be painful.
Look.
Big miss is doing the same too.
Oh no, she’s frowning.
What’s she saying? *peers*

Not enough Iron. She cant donate.
Aww big miss looks so sad.
Well, big miss could try again in a few weeks when her iron level is higher.
Lets look at big brother

He looks pretty comfortable with that ball.
Look at the blood bag, brownie.
Where?
Down there!
big bro must have a fast heart. His bag is filled up really fast

Ahh .. its all done.
Lets have a rest by over there and hand big miss and big brother some drinks.

Ok!

Woooo! Big miss is asking big bro to go out for dinner.
Yum yum!

*sniffs sniffs*

Whats this drink Big miss got? Smells like ginger.
Big miss drinks wierd drinks.
Yes…

Whats that cat doing there?
Shoo! Scat cat!
Dont shoo it away, its cuteeee
Not cute Beigie, its a lazy cat.
It’ll make big bro throw it food all the time
Oh well. Silly kitty

Wooooo! Going home in style

Well, good night brownie
Good night beigie
It was a fun day today. I enjoyed it.
Me too

Woooo!

Just who the heck are these people?

—

14th June is world blood day. I was invited to join in a picnic dinner and a movie by the esplanade after having donated my blood in December.

My sister, Diana and I took the train to City Hall and met Nazry at about 8pm and we had a simple picnic dinner of hot dogs, nuggets and jelly by the riverside. As we sat down and enjoyed the evening breeze and the beautiful lights of the buildings, Nazry told me about his adventure while taking a picture by the Merlion

While snapping a picture with his new camera phone, he happened to slip and unfortunately fell down. But what made him angry was that there were no one asking how he was or inquired about his well being.

What bustards. He quipped. I sat there wondering why there wasnt anyone helping him up. How strange… Poor Nazry.

I then told Nazry about what happened to me in the afternoon. I had a call yesterday afternoon. And I was a little dazed.

Hello, May I speak to Marina?
Speaking
Are you free for an interview tomorrow at 3pm?
Who is this calling please?
My name is Bhapy, and I’m calling from Mastereign.
Mastereign? Yes yes yes. I’m free, Yes yes!
Great! I’ll see you tomorrow. Its at 133, Cecil Street

As I hanged up, I pondered why the name Cecil Street was very familliar to me. And then it hit me. I did spend quite some while over this area. My first “job” was over at this area. I was young and just fresh out of Jurong Institute with absolutely no job experience and found an advertisment for office workers. I was interviewed by a trading company to be a telemarketer.

It wasnt a pleasant experience. All day long, making phone calls to people that I didnt know and I had absolutely zero knowledge of trading. After a month I quit after seeing how I really dont see myself being in this line.

Cecil street was where I joined Sriwana, a cultural malay dance organization for a couple of months. I enjoyed my practises there till mum thought that it was affecting my studies and forbade me from continuing.

I also spent weekends here studying my advanced diploma in computer studies in informatics I think the teaching there totally killed my interest in C programming and nonetheless, I pretty much flunked that subject.

How could I forget this area? A lot of memorable memories here. And I walked and I remember the buildings that I’ve been in as well as see the many changes done to the area. Lovely urban area with a touch of rural charm. I should have a photoshoot here sometime.

Anyway, I was really excited to be called down. I’ve been anticipating as I was really excited by the type of course that I would be teaching. The impressive website that they had made me solidify my desire even more. The entire week I had the thought in my mind “Call me … Call me … Mastereign … Call me…” *laugh*

During the interview, Bhappy, the human resource interviewed all three interviewers together (thats a first!) And we talked about our portfolios and our work experiences and the type of courses that was conducted there. Amazing to find out that they did holistic and soft skill courses like adventure camps, grooming courses, even dance. I am impressed and loved the company’s vision and professionalism. “Hire me … Hire me… Mastereign … Hire me …”

I saw the other two’s portfolio and they were really good too. Looks like a tough competition since they are from the design industry. Me, on the other hand, is self taught … I only had my 5 years experience as an added advantage.

After the interview, I left for home and not 15 minutes I stepped out of the building I had a call from Mastereign again asking me if I could teach for about 2 week.

Of course I said yes!

So now, you’re looking at a freelance trainer :) The pay isnt that much at the moment, but its not so bad. I love this organization! At least I can breathe a little easier now.

Whoopee!

Coming back to the blood donation event, after we had our dinner, we went to the padang to watch an open air movie. They were playing sharktales, and we sat on the mats provided with other families. It was so lovely. I really love these type of atmosphere. It was just like the botanic garden trip I had last month. Only this time, I had my siblings with me :)

The movie ended at about 9.30am and deciding that the night was much too early, we proceeded to go to the Raffles City shopping centre to just walk about. And we saw lego displays there!

We love lego!

Isnt this spider totally awesome?

Niceee

Super fantastic!

Harry potter meets the sith meets the eccentric blogger

At about 10pm or so, we left back home by the crowded train.

Buying the ticket

Rock on!

Horribly crowded train

I wonder what she’s thinking

—

By the way, I flunked my riding test. Yes I flunked it on monday. And I blame it on the rain making everything slippery. Not giving up though, I’m going to try and try and try again till I pass :)

Nearly 3am the time I’m writing this entry. And I am supposed to have another interview tomorrow at 10am … *chuckles* Oh dear.

Is this really it? Just like that … goodbye… All these while I’ve been trying to forget you and to be angry with you and now that I’ve finally made you go away… I find myself crying again.

It feels like another chapter in my life is closed again. Try as I might, I can never go there again. It hurts because I never thought it could be this way. And it hurts because I have lost a good friend. And it hurts because I still care …

Why must it end this way?

The world is such a small place. I was just surfing to Princess Thumbelina’s blog and chanced upon this picture . This guy is very very familliar, I thought … who can he be? Hmmm …

Turns out that he was someone whom I went to school with and turns out that Princess Thumbelina’s dearie was my classmate … what a coincidence!

This is the class of 97G. The best class ever!

We were a bunch of fun loving people, we loved to have fun, but were serious when work was concerned. Thats Hema at the back row, extreme left. Me and Juli somewhere in the middle and Princess Thumbelina’s dearie is in the middle row, fourth from the right. His name is Shahim.

Shahim was a very good looking guy, very tall, dark, handsome, suave … and I knew a lot of girls liked him alot. He was active in sports and in the student council and was really good at his studies.

But I was very facinated by his dense leg hair.

Me : What nice leg hair you have shahim
Shahim : Why yes (proudly) That is a sign of my virility
Me : How long do you think your leg hair is?
Shahim : I dont know
Me : I have a ruler here, just stay still …
Shahim : Are you crazy? (runs away)

I was good friends with Vai (front row, third from left)and he and Shahim would do silly things together. Like doing the limbo rock and dancing the hawaiian dance on a whim. Ahh the memories … :P

Alot of interesting and memorable thoughts in school. I just want to say that I’m glad that the two of you met each other, Teenee and Shahim :) And it wont be too long till he comes back from New Zealand :)

—

Ring ring!

Baby Rinaz : Allo?

Baby Cart : Hi Rinaz, can you come out to play?

Baby Rinaz : Ooh! I wanna go swimming!

Baby Cart : I dont like swimming …

Baby Rinaz : How about we go exploring? Its such a beautiful day

Baby Cart : Hmm .. That is a good idea

Baby Rinaz : Or we could play dress up!

Baby Cart : Yeah! I wanna wear a tutu!

Baby Rinaz : We could climb the trees or read a book.

Baby Cart : And then look at the clouds again, like last week

Baby Rinaz : I like that :) I’ll be there soon

—

Much much better at riding practise today, am going again tomorrow for self practise before monday’s practical test. I have to keep reminding myself to check the blind spots and to keep my eye points correctly and my clutch handling. If I can keep that under control, everything else like wide turning and wobbling problems would be gone. I have to try my best. One guy who was with the same review practise with me went for his traffic police test for 4 times … I’ll try not to let that nerve me.

The company called me up in the afternoon saying that they had to postpone the interview since the interviewer went overseas. Oh well.

—

Zila asked me to sign up for myspace a few days back and I really didnt fancy it. All the fuss about updating profiles, and making friends and trying to impress each other … What can I say? I’m not really a social person and I really cant be bothered at trying to make an impression at people that I hardly knew … Especially incoherent people …

(my space email)

Someone : hi
me : Hi there how are you
someone : so r u single? u meet up chatters? where you usually go?

someone else : hai singaporean…Friends???

Another person : halooooooo
me : Hi. How are you?
another person : great..how bout you?? are you online now? got msn?

*deleted*
*deleted*
*deleted*

Its not that I’m such an anti social or that I’m just being a cranky hermit. (well, maybe I am) But why cant more (Singaporean) males be a little more expressive? Geri and I complained *coughs* I mean discussed about how most(not all) Singaporean males are quite incoherent.

A rare scene when I am feeling very social online

rinaz : Hi there,My name is rinaz, how are you?

sum1 : fine

rinaz : So, what hobbies do you like to do? I like listening to music, digital arts and and reading. What about you?

sum1 : yeah

rinaz : Thats cool. Have you heard of smashing pumpkins before? I love Billy Corgan’s music, his voice is a little odd but the music’s great!

sum1 : they’re okay.

rinaz : Do you read books? What type of books do you like?

sum1: Donno

rinaz : (feeling really bored) Well, gotta run, take care. Bye.

sum1 : wait, u have picture? Wat ur email address?

Sigh.

Why cant there be more (singaporean males) like this?

(fictional IM)

fictionalguy : Good evening. How are you today? May I have the pleasure of your company?

icanonlydream : Why, hello! I’m good, thank you for asking. How about you?

fictional guy : Most wonderful tonight, its a great day today. Spent a great day with friends. That is the life! Great food, great company. Perchance, do you like music?

icanonlydream : Oh yes, I like all sorts of genres, basically any music that’s easy listening. R&B, Alternative Jazz, Classical, Pop, Grunge..

fictionalguy : Pop? Grunge? Thats great, I’m quite partial to garbage. Some people might find them too alternative sounding, but I like them anyway

icanonlydream : Garbage? No way! I love garbage too! I see the start of a great friendship :)

Sigh.

I’m sure that there are intelligent men online out there in Singapore. (There are MANY intelligent women in singapore by the way :P ) I sure am not seeing it in myspace … or friendster or hi5 or zorpia

Seriously, there’s just too many of these friend making websites. Maybe I’m just jaded about these websites or that I’m just being extremely anti social but I really really dont fancy these websites. To me, its just another popularity website where you ‘rank’ how attractive a person is and I am not keen about that.

Why must a person be ranked about their physical exterior? And why must a person be ranked by their popularity. And why have oneself scrutinised for acceptance? Not for me, thank you. I’d rather blog my thoughts rather than being the popularity game all over again.

Making friends shouldnt be a chore. And making friends should be one where you are attracted by ther other’s personality. Oh well