Marina’s Bloggariffic

While I was walking out of the carpark, I saw this colourful sign.

Cool a showflat! No wonder there has been quite a number of unfamilliar people coming over. Being the inquisitive person that I am, I thought I’d stop by and take a peek at the showflats. I’ve never seen one before. The fact that I’ve been living here for the past 7 years, notwithstanding.

But as I went up the elevator and reached the storey, I lost my nerve as I saw two men sitting, waiting at the table. I wasnt keen on being given the sales talk. But I think I’ll try again once I’ve got my nerves :)

Like the majority of other Singaporeans, I live in a flat. These are high rise buildings which was meant to accomodate our 4.5 million (estimated) residents from overcrowding on an area of 693 km²

Inside a regular 5-room flat is comfortable enough to accomodate a regular sized family. For the curious, the flat that we are staying in is 116 m² and was bought for 252k after the Selective En-Bloc Scheme

I like the area where I am living. It had a nice suburban-ish charm to it. It wasnt too crowded nor too still. There were plentiful of facilities around like the stadium, a small shopping center, a community center, food centers, a mosque and others. All of these were within a few minutes away from each other.

But I still have memories of our old house. I spend a huge part of my life here. It was not modern. It was only 5 storey tall, no lifts. It was a rather small, being a 3 room flat. It was a choice accomodation for the workers in the Jurong Factories nearby.

This picture of me and my brother was taken in 1985. In the background are the type of flats that we used to live in, and if you looked carefully, you can see some kids playing.

If the place was still around right now, many people would probably be too creeped out. I remember when I brought my classmates over for a study session. They said that the place was pretty run down.

But I loved the place.

There are so many memories here.

Hari Raya with friends in 1994

The friends I’ve made, and how we’d play games that we’d made up, like ‘hantam bola’, ‘police and thief’ and catching. I remember when my best friends in primary school, Michael Tan Xue Ming (hopefully he googles his name and finds this blog!) and his lovely sister taught me how to ride a bicycle. When I was able to go around the block without any aid, I felt such an achievement!

It was the age of innocence. Where everyone looked out for each other. I could leave the house unlocked, innocently floated some paper boats in the drain and still come back to see the house intact.

I was a tomboy then. Even after a broken arm from climbing trees, a chipped tooth from overzealous showing off from the metal bar, some burnt hair, numerous bruises and scratches, I’d still feel safe here.

Looking back even further, I can still remember when mum brought me over to my grandparent’s place. My grandparents used to live and own a provision shop in Pulau Tekong before it was taken over by the government to become military training grounds.

This picture of mum and her friends was probably taken in the 1970’s. The huts in the background was a typical accomodation. My grandparents house looked different though, being a shophouse. I cant find any pictures of them unfortunately. Many of the pictures were left during the transition.

My dad waiting at the Jetty at Tekong

There were so many things to see at my grandparents shop. There was a pulley that you can pull and a tin can will drop down. This was where change will be kept to be given to customers. At the back of the shop there were bales of cloth. I see my grandfather calculating rapidly using an a abacus. Sometimes my grandfather will ask me to accompany him to the small hut where the rice and oil is stored and I would observe him measuring the weight of the rice or carefully pump the cooking oil from huge containers using a metal pump into small individual bottles.

Mum by the cloth (I dont know how to get rid of that blue ink without making her looked like she got punched in the eye!)

My grandparents house was so cool.

There was so much space to run around and explore. Me and my cousins would make forts out of the things that we could find. At the backyard, my grandparents kept chickens which I would play with and sometimes if I’m lucky, one of my uncles or aunts would take a coconut to husk using a spear. Oh and we bathed in well water! It was refreshingly cold! I found simple pleasures in pulling out water from the bucket tied with string.

Try to spot the chickens!

I think the coolest thing about the place was that the neighbours kept aligators in their backyard. I’d sneak in to take a peek at those mesmerizing shiny yellow eyes. And some times, my uncle would take me and the rest of the cousins to the boat and we’d see him scrape the barnacles and shellfish from the chassis and then have some toast and kaya in the chinese coffeehouse afterwards.

I feel blessed to have such an interesting childhood :)

Its a pity that I dont have more pictures to show. I wish we had a device to capture all our memories and we can replay it ala virtual reality. Wouldnt it be great?

I’ll treasure the memories that I had. What are the memorable stories of your houses? I’d love to know :)

Update : Finally went to view the showflat. It was a really nice experience

I havent been watching Joost for a while. After finding out that my old version wouldnt load, I downloaded and reinstalled the new version. To my pleasant surprise, there were a number of new channels which are added. Just for Laughs channels being one of them and even the violent Happy Tree Friends.

Eventually, I surfed over to the Alliance Atlantis sci-fi channel where I rediscovered old sci-fi’s which I watched during my teenhood. One of them was the awesome Lexx.

Lexx would accompany me as I did my late night studies during my pre-uni days. It was a dreamlike, trippy experience while watching them. What I liked about this show was that it never took itself seriously. Sometimes there are some storylines that didnt even make sense. I’m sure that the writers had a ball thinking of new plots to add on to the show.

Looking back, I definitely grew up with sci-fi, thanks to what what used to be SBC. Back then, there were so many memorable sci-fi’s. Even to this day, I could still remember, though little vaguely, the series “V”. And as the years went on, I continued to enjoy a variety of sci-fi like, The outer limits, Quantum Leap, Star Trek : The new generation, Earth : Final Conflict and others. I even had embarrassing crushes on the following actors - Boybands? Never cared about them. But these guys on the other hand …

Jerry O’Connell in Sliders

I seriously had a crush on Quinn Mallory in sliders. He was cute, he was smart, he was a gentleman and he was an all time good guy.

Jonathan Brandis in Seaquest

What can I say? He is a greek god, especially while he was swimming. Gosh, what a dreamy. Gone too soon though. Rest in peace, Jonathan.

Teal’c in Stargate

That shiny forehead was the ultimate sexah. No questions asked.

Too bad Singapore didnt produced any Sci Fi. The closest that we ever had that graced our local tv here was VR-Man. It didnt last for too long after its low ratings. I didnt find it all that bad though. Its an accidental comedy! Its was hillarous! I enjoyed watching it! There should be action figures and everything! VR Man will save us!

No? Oh well.

(I’m still hopeful though …)

21st of July is Racial Harmony day in Singapore.

When I reached my workplace yesterday, I saw many students and colleagues donning their traditional costumes. It was a lovely sight seeing people in their beautiful and colourful outfit. I admired the Chinese Cheongsam, the Indian Sharwani and the Malay Baju Kurong.

I really liked seeing people wearing these costumes. In some way, it shows that we still have the spirit of our roots. It was a warm day, but no one complained as today was once in a year that we could dress up like this.

I feel thankful that we are living in a fairly meritocratic country. Many of us has friends who are of different races and its so natural for us to mesh together. I feel amazed at why some outsiders are so surprised that we could get along so easily.

At the same time, lets not forget that about 40 years ago, Singapore wasnt as meritocratic as it was then. In 1964, Singapore witnessed the riots between the Chinese and the Malays.

And another incident that is close to my heart is the Maria Hertogh incident.

I feel for the two women, Che Aminah, who has been taking care of Maria Hertogh since she was a baby till she was about 13. You can see how close they are to each other in the picture. Maria has been brought up as a Muslim, Malay girl.

Eventually, the biological mother, Mrs Hertogh came back and demanded for her child. Even after fighting for custodial rights for Maria, Che Amina’s efforts was in vain as the rights were won by Mrs Hertogh.

I suppose Mrs Hertogh was too upset by the incident to think clearly and felt that it was the right thing to do to put Maria in a convent and made her renounce her religion and then later moved them back to the Netherlands.

But I dont believe that she really did get used to life there and I really feel bad for Maria, whom was fervently wishing for her life back in Singapore, not being able to visit Che Aminah in her dying days.

Such a tragedy.

We need to appreciate the freedom and liberty that we have now. I pray that another incident like the Maria Hertogh incident doesnt happen.

But one question nags my mind. If we emphasized so much on race, does that make us racist?

Links :

• Mia’s first time to a malay wedding
• Snowbiscuits wonders if the Japanese be ever forgiven
• Is there something missing here?

My favourite dinner partner, Geri, recommended me to head to Pasta Cafe at Takashimaya. She recommended me this place after raving about how wonderful the pasta was here before it underwent renovations.

When reached there on wednesday night, the place was already quite full of diners. We queued behind a group of roughly 6 people.

The place

It was a nicely decorated place, clean and bright, it looked like an American styled diner. I observed the waitresses manning the area. They all looked pretty and young.

The service

We had to wait for a significantly long time for an empty table. Geri noticed that there was an empty table that were left for about 10 mins and that the group queueing before us had to finally request the waitresses to sit them there.

After waiting for another 10 minutes, I asked Geri if she wanted to have dinner at another place, when we were finally led to a table.

The food

Geri and I decided to have the $22 set meal consisting of soup+pasta+gratin. For the first course, we both chose mushroom soup

The mushroom soup wasnt bad. It was thick and full of mushrooms. But it was slightly bland and I had to add pepper to it. I always believed that good meals should not need additional condiments to it.

I then had the Seafood Pasta with Tomato. I thought to myself, “No one could ever get a Tomato Pasta wrong. It is such a simple dish”. I took a bite. And then two. And then three. And I blinked my eyes. Nothing.

The pasta sauce was so diluted that you can see the watery sauce in the picture. It wasnt satisfying at all. It would have been significantly nicer if the cook would have drained the pasta and used better sauce. I chewed listlessly at the prawn and crayfish.

Finally, I had the Salmon gratin which was slightly better than the Seafood Pasta. But to me, it wasnt anything special as it tasted similar to the baked pasta at Swensens or Amirans (which has since ceased operating)

After our dinner, we asked for the bill, and to our horror, we found out that it totalled to $63 with the 10% service charge and GST. My mouth almost reached the floor.

No. We wont be going to this place anymore. For that price, we’d have a nicer and lovelier and more genuine pasta dishes at La Forketta.

Gosh, both Daphne and Kev tagged me with meme! Oh noes! *goes into a multitude of facial expressions* I thought for sure I wouldnt get another one after this meme and the 6 wierd things about me.

But since they are both really cool people, I guess I’ll do this one :)

7 Bloggers in Singapore that I admire (in no particular order)

1. Chew on it!

I am a long time admirer of Mr Lee ever since I’ve read his comics from the Sunday times. Mr Lee is a truly witty, funny and talented comic artist. I still remember back in 1997, when he still hosted his cartoons in Singnet. Then for about 2 years ago, he started his own blog and I was really engaged by his comics.

Mr Lee is a very talented man. Unfortunately, he’s stopped blogging. Wish he’d just keep his materials online for archival purposes.

2. Bubblemunche

I stumbled upon his blog in early 2005 and was hooked on it since. He was a really funny guy. His entries ranges from all sorts of topics. Some of the memorable and touching ones was the one to ‘Boon Lay girl from a Pasir Ris guy’ which I found incredibly sweet. I’d always secretly wish that the guy will get the girl in the end.

I guess I wouldnt find out the ending as he has stopped blogging at about mid 2005 :(

3. The lakeside girl

I only got to know her after she nominated an article about me and cartcart for tomorrow.sg (how she stumbled onto my blog, I still have no idea!)

Mari is one of the most sweetest person’s that I am blessed to know online. She exudes calmness and is beautiful, inside and out. I enjoy reading her thought provoking posts.

4. Uncle Sha

Sha is a talented guy with many merits. He’s a funny blogger, he is shrewed and has the know-hows on making money on the internet. He has a really fit and toned body (argh!) but most of all, he is a decent, humble and down to earth guy.

Its not hard to like him.

5. Reversed Edge

Ridzuan is a friend of Juli’s and I got to know about his blog through her. His blog was deep, profound and thought provoking. He would write about a multitude of things about life, about reverberrations and I looked forward to reading his next entry.

Why he closed his blog, still remains a mystery to me.

6. Theory is the reason

Does he even need an introduction? He’s that awesome

7. Practically every one in ping.sg!

You all rock! You’re funny, and kookie and many a times wierd, but I love you all anyways :)

And I tag …

Anyone who wants to do this. Its a whole lot more fun than doing the 7 worst bloggers ;)

In the weekend, Malique and I were talking to each other on msn and suddenly we talked about the wildly popular umbrella song.

Malique : Did you know that there is an alternate version? You can be my cinderella. Ella ella eh eh eh.

Marina : Haha! That reminds me of Ridj’s remake. Hey! We should totally make an alternate version using to Vespa. Espa espa eh eh eh. Hahahaha! Wanna collabo?

Malique : I WANT! I’ll be Jay-Z

—

So here our remix! Sillier than the dutdut song! Mareena Spinna, presenting Malique Tick, the vespa song!

Get the latest Flash Player to see this player.

View on youtube | Download the mp3| Lyrics to Song

Update : Check out Malique’s remix!

Even in her 50’s, my mum is an exercise buff. Since being interested in exercise some years back, she is now currently participating in various activites, such as line dancing, kebaya-robics and conducting an aerobics class herself!

Now that she’s already completed her Basic Exercise Course, she is currently persuing her Advanced Exercise Course that will make her a qualified aerobics trainer. Wow! I really admire her determination.

That makes me reflect about myself.

This is me at 12 years old

I used to be a really skinny kid. For years, I’ve been pretty much that way. I’d enjoy my daily run in the Jurong Lake Park.

This is me at about 22 years old

But since I’ve started working, I’ve really neglected myself. I dont exercise at all, and it shows. Clothes that were loose some years back, are really very snug now. Some of which, were deemed as inappropriate by my mum that she actually threw it away!

My weight in 2005. I’m 65kg now.

Sometimes I look at myself and I wonder how I got so large. (Ok, so I binge eat alot) Back in school, I’d never go more than 50 kilograms. Nowadays, I’d be lucky if I dont tip the 65kg mark. Lets face it, I’m almost overweight.

My arms are as large as Brennan’s thighs

I’m more or less fine with the way that I look actually. In fact, I actually like my voluptiousness. Women should not berate themselves for not being skinny enough . A woman’s self worth should not be measured by slimness of her waist.

But the truth is, it does get depressing when trying to buy new clothes, finding that you need several size larger than what you normally used to wear.

It is even worse now that I feel more lethargic than have ever felt before. I cant do 2.4km without gasping of air. Just climbing up the stairs will leave me panting.

Just on monday, after having dinner with some of the ping.sg gang, I was so tired, that I dropped my scooter and almost couldnt concentrate on the road.

This is bad.

Luckily for me, I have my mum for guidance. Even my good friend Juli is asking me to join her for Hatha Yoga. At least with friends, they give you some form of motvation. hopefully it wont be so bad after all.

Just signed up for the course at the newly opened Jurong West Sports Complex and was just astounded at how lovely the place was. I explored the building and I found the place to be as posh as a country club.

The view from the gym and the dance hall was really picturesque. In the distance, you can see bungalows and a temple, all surrounded by trees.

And I dont even have to pay that much for attending a course here as the sports complex is government funded. 12 sessions is about $76. I think thats more affordable than a commercial one.

(as a sidenote, there is plenty of interesting subsidized courses in the PA website. I took Italian Classes, now contemplating on the gourmet coffee course)

I think I will like it here.

p.s I dont believe in diet pills and I dont intend to take it.