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A Singapore in Rome

Last night, Cartcart sent in this picture which he snapped while roaming around his workplace.

Singapore in Rome

Its pretty cool isnt it? A Singapore in Rome 🙂

Speaking of which, I’d be heading there in about two weeks time from now. I cant wait. I’ve missed him so much.

Buying the tickets has been quite frustrating for me though. Its common knowledge that prices should be cheaper when you order early. So when I got the plane tickets in April, the prices were about this range :

KLM Plane Ticket in April 2007

This was a heartbreak for me as the amount was higher my monthly take home pay. But for the sake of love, I persevered.

But my heart sank even more when I saw that the prices dropped by a hundred dollars just the next week. And just about 5 minutes on writing this post, a quick check on KLM shows that they have a promotion :

KLM Plane Ticket in June 2007

*heart shatters*

Not fair! Not fair I tell you! *goes to the corner and sobs dramatically* Cartcart had better buy me loads of shoes when I get there!

But in a way, as much as I cant wait to see him again, there’s still that nervous feeling again everytime I make trips like these …

By the way, if you havent done so already. Please help vote for Marina’s Bloggariffic 🙂 Thanks in advance!

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A new addition to the two wheeler family

The brother seems to be feeling the urge to ride and has actually bought for himself a Bajaj Pulsar.

Bajaj Pulsar
The Bajaj Pulsar

He initially contemplated on getting a Vespa LX 150, but finally had his heart set on the Bajaj after realising that the petrol consumption mileage was better and the tank capacity was higher.

We went to one motorcycle shop on evening. And while he was talking to the salesman, I went off to admire this cutie.

Yamaha Fino Scooter

Isn’t it adorable? This is the Yamaha Fino. I like the shape and the look of this scooter as it is so retro. And it is mini sized for any woman to ride comfortably. What’s cute about it is that there is a side pocket in the front to put items like water bottles.

This particular green and white limited edition which we saw at Universal Motors was going for about $5k on the road.

But as adorable as it is, the one thing that didnt make it perfect was that the Fino had very little storage. I can’t even stuff my handbag in there, much less with things like laptops or the SLR Camera bag.

My Vespa GT200 is still the best.

Anyway, the brother will be getting his Bajaj this evening and he’s letting me be the subrider. I can’t wait to try riding on that.

And speaking of Vespas, the Vespa Club is having a 1 Day Trip to Malacca, Malaysia this Sunday. If you have a Vespa and is free this sunday, do join us. It’ll be fun! 🙂

Vespa Club Members at the Big Bike Fest
The Vespa Club members at the Big Bike Fest

Update : Oh yeah, forgot to mention that I finally saw the sunflower biker along the AYE expressway on my way to night class. Wanted to wave hello to him but he rode away so fast.

The sunflower biker in singapore

Super cool right? 😀

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The Museum of Shanghai Toys – Singaporean Childhood Exhibition

Today was the last day for the International Museum Day 2007. Having been to the Red Dot Design Museum yesterday with my sister, I was keen to see the Singaporean Childhood Exhibition at the Museum of Shanghai Toys.

Overview of the display - Museum of shanghai Toys

I’m surprised that I didn’t know of the place earlier as it is along the stretch of road of Little India, which is one of my favourite haunts. But Rowley Road is quite a distance from the train station if one is going on foot. Luckily for me, I had my precious scooter.

Mascot Toys - Museum of shanghai Toys

I paid for the ticket. It was $5 if you could show the lady at the counter your Singaporean ATM card, else, entry for adults is $8. I went up the steep steps of the old shophouse.

The exhibition focused on toys from the 50’s to the 70’s and I was thoroughly fascinated by the amount of toys there and the history that came with it.

Did you know that in ancient China, dolls were used as charms to be buried with the dead? Thats why when Europe, the largest manufacturer of dolls during the time started to export them to China, many of them were too afraid of it.

First dolls - Museum of shanghai Toys

I really liked looking at the toys, some really super cool :

Woah its Godzilla man! - Museum of shanghai Toys

Rawr! Godzilla!

I had a doll like this once - Museum of shanghai Toys

I used to have a doll just exactly like that one in Red

But there were also some freaky ones :

Freaky - Museum of shanghai Toys

Wierd - Museum of shanghai Toys

And there were those which were just plain insane!

Uhm ... I feel like I'm violating Batman - Museum of shanghai Toys

But it was all good. It was humorous and showed the innocence of toys during the era. I enjoyed the exhibition and there were plenty of toys that made me feel nostalgia. It was amazing to find many of toys here which I have played with as a child.

Tikam - Museum of shanghai Toys

Which kid in the 80’s dont remember these colourful animals? We used these shapes to play Tikam.

Singapore Toys - Museum of shanghai Toys

I even remember the black toy on the left where you can shoot aliens with. All the toys in the picture above were made in Singapore.

And now that I looked at the exhibition, I realise that I could possibly have had a vintage toy with me.

Bear - Museum of shanghai Toys

I used to hava a toy bear with the exact cloth logo by its side. Too bad my bear got so worn out that it was thrown away 🙁

Guestbook- Museum of shanghai Toys

I was almost sorry to have to leave the museum. It was really nice to be surrounded by so much toys. Such a lovely place. Do go if you have the time. Then you could treat yourself to some yummilicious food at Little India afterwards! 🙂

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stream of consciousness

Stream of consciousness (definition) narrative that represents the random process of a character’s thoughts and sense impressions

9.30am

Goodnight dearest. Sleep well tonight *waves*

11.00am

Gosh, she still hasnt woken up yet. We’re supposed to be going to the museum right now. But there is a horrble throbbing on the left part of my head. I think I’ll lie down a while.

2.00pm

Hahaha! She’s wearing a red shirt. I’ll wear my red top too

3.00pm

Finally on the expressway. I love love love riding. Cruising on at 90km/hr with the wind in my face. I wonder why she’s not the least bit scared when I speed a little.

3.15pm

What is going on? My rear tyre feels extremely wobbly! That has never happened before! Maybe I’ll slow down a little … Its still wobbly! This is dangerous! No no! This wont do. I’ll stop by the roadside and check what is going on.

Flat tyre

What the? Bwahhh! How can this be? I just pumped air in this thing last week! Maybe I can push the scooter to the nearest petrol station.

3.16pm

This is impossible. Its too tiring to push it that far. Baby is too big.

Hello? Is this Mr Daniel? Can you please tow my scooter? Yes, I’m a Vespa Club member. My scooter is a grey coloured GT200. We are located near the exit of the expressway heading towards Keppel Road.

3.30pm

Boooring ….

3.45pm

Booooring … But the clouds look beautiful up there in the sky. Three different shades of clouds … White, grey and dark grey … It looks like ice cream! I wish I could just lie down on the grass and do nothing but stare at the clouds.

Wow. A lorry just passed by and there’s water streaming from it. And another vehicle! And another! Somewhere on the expressway, there must be heavy rain going on. Where is the bikebulance? There’s little drops of rain already …

4.00pm

He’s finally here!

Bikebulance

Bye baby! Dont cry, ok? Mummy will pick you up later. Anyway, we’re pretty close to the museum. I think we can reach there by foot.

4.15pm

The city is such a ghost town in the weekends. There’s no one in office clothes walking around. What the? Her sandals just snapped! This must be our unlucky day isnt it? Stay there for a while ok, I’ll go look at 7-11. Nope, none here. Oh wait! There’s an apparel shop just beside it. With shoes!

*shouts*

Diana! Diana! Come look! Shoes! Whee! You can run here now, theres no vehicles incoming.

Interesting shop here. Its like one of those factory outlet shops. Loads of clothes and some bags and shoes here. Nothing that I like though. She chooses a shiny pair of sandals.

5.00pm

This road looks familliar. I sent her here for her audition some months back. I’m so bad with road names though … Maxwell road … Maxwell road … Where is Maxwell road … Hmm … Ah! There’s a map near the train station there!

5.10pm

Woot! We are here! Red Dot Design Museum! Red shirts, red building. How appropriate! Hahaha!

5.15pm

Hmmm … Interesting stuff…

Calculate power use

The plug calculates the amount of power used and shows the amount of money to be paid. Useful.

Device for avalanche

This device lets out steam and has a rotating tool to get remove ice when trapped in an avalanche. Very useful.

Kid Emergency Pack

I like this.This backpack has a low powered device to make emergency calls to parents, and a cape that can be made into a poncho, a raincoat and a sleeping bag. Would be useful.

Condoms

There’s no need to roll it manually anymore. Just break the seal and slip it down. Hmm … Interesting.

Hello? Yeah. Hi. You want to meet us for dinner? Sure. Where? Ok, we’ll be there about 7.30 or so. Bye.

6.00pm

What time is it? Oh crap! Its 6pm. We need to rush down to Tong Aik before it closes at 6.30. Shall we take the train Diana? Did you enjoy the museum? Really? Cool! I’m surprised. Wait, I need a drink. I’m thirsty.

6.15pm

Yep. We need to change station here. The purple line. We’re dropping off at Little India station. Wait, what did I press at the ticket machine? Dhoby Ghaut? Doh!

6.33pm

This is Little India! Have you been here before? I think so. You were here with mum during school excursion when you were in Lakeside Primary School wasnt it? I remember. Gosh we are late. We’re heading to that orange building right there. Do you see it?

6.40pm

Hi Auntie. No, this is Marina. I’ve come to pick up my GT. Yes, the tyre went flat when we were on the expressway. Its very scary. I dont dare to continue riding anymore. I’ve never had that happen to me before. Ok. I’ll go to the workshop now. Bye!

7.00pm

Woah. Look at that puncture! Thats huge! What the heck happened?

Pirelli Tyre

Hi baby, are you feeling better now? Ready to ride, Diana? Lets go!

Woot! Feels good to be riding again! Round and around we go down to the first floor. Did you know that this used to be a petrol station? They are going to convert it into a food center down there.

I dont want to go too fast, this is the city area. Too many vehicles going on. Its saturday after all. Jurong Primary School? No love, we’re nowhere near Jurong, hahahaha! But the buildings does remind of Jurong doesnt it? We’re near Newton Circus. They sell hawker center food here. But the price is about two dollars extra for each dish. Yeah, I dont fancy going here either.

7.14pm

We are here! This is Orchard! Have you been here before? This is Far East Plaza. I usually park my scooter here when I am in Orchard. No, I dont smell chicken rice. Let me message Juli. She says she’ll be here in 15 mins.

7.30pm

Cool look at all the clothes! And shoes! Oh that looks cute! Gosh so much things on sale. Great Singapore sale. Hey thats the same top that I bought just about 3 weeks ago. 50% off? Gahhh!!!!

8.30pm

What? You’re still in Wisma? You said you’ll be here in 15 mins, half an hour ago! Sale?! Ok bye!

8.45pm

You’re here already? Ok, I’ll go queue up at Sakura first. I am sure there will be a row of people there already. Are you hungry, Diana? I’m hungry too. Lets see whats good in the menu.

Why hello there. Did you have a nice time shopping? Where are you going? Bah. She saw something she liked while going up the escalator. Doh!

Oh I’m so tired. We must have spent the entire day walking.

9.00pm

Woohoo! The food is finally here! Diana you must try the Tom Yam Soup. Its yummy! One slurp, and your eyes will just go wide open cause its that hot and spicy. What? Not hot enough? Are you kidding? Slurp. Uwahhhh … How can you say its not hot?

So, how are you Juli? Really? I’m really sad to hear … I thought they were cool with it … Yeah, Hema’s going to Australia to take her degree. Two years. Her husband? I dont know. I guess she’ll leave him here. Hahaha.

Excuse me, can we add steamed fish? And an extra plate of rice? Yes, thanks. Oh my what blue eyes you have.

10.00pm

That kimono top is nice. Can I try? Its a little too tight at the chest area. I hate trying on clothes. Not many stuff fit me well. Why are so many clothes so small! I’m not fat! I should try to eat less …

Forget it. I’ll rather look at shoes. Ooh! Thats a cute bag! What an adorable pair of green shoes … but I dont like this brand. It doesnt last long.

We better go home soon Juli. Wanna join us to the Toy Museum tomorrow? I think it’ll be fun. See you. Bye!

10.30pm

This is the city. I’ll pass through this U-Turn. Say bye bye to Orchard road Diana. Hehehe.

11.45pm

Woah I’m beat. I think I’ll lie down for a while. Did you enjoy today? Cool 🙂 Please switch off the computer when you’re done. Its too bright! I cant sleep. I cant slee …zzzz …

1.00am

EEK! I didnt take off my contact lenses! A quick splash of water on the face. Peel off this contact lenses. Blink blink. Yawn … Scratch scratch. Yawn …. Hmmm … zzzz ….

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untitled

My dad is still in the hospital. I have yet to hear any updates from mum who’s staying overnight there.

I had the shock of my life when mum told me that dad had an accident at the factory and his fingers got crushed while trying to retrieve an object in the machine.

I was there in the emergency department with my mum and sis the entire evening but we werent allowed to see him. I wonder how he is. I feel horrible.

Update : Thank you for the emails and messages. You are very kind. I feel humbled and gratified to know that there are people who care.

My dad seemed fine when we visited him in the hospital but I am pretty sure that inside, he’s feeling emotionally in turmoil. God willing, he’ll be discharged on Thursday or Friday.

Get well soon Ayah

Get well soon, Ayah …

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What if this was my last post

Eastcoastlife really scared me a couple of days ago when she posted “My last post” in her blog. Turns out that it was just a meme. I guess I overreacted and did not read that post carefully.

But what if it were really my last post? I cant peek into the future, I really cant tell. Will I still blog in the next 10 years? I’d only hypothesise in my romanticised mind that it’ll might be like these :

August 2009

Its my birthday! Will be celebrating with cartcart tonight. I cant believe I’m already 31 years old! I’m officially middle aged now … Bah! Most probably we’re heading down to Nemi and we’ll see the spectacular lakes there. Parents in law has been asking us to come over, and I’m still thinking of a good excuse not to. Hehehehe.

Just recently I’ve finally got my citizenship. It has been quite stressful the past year trying to adjust to the environment here. Luckily for me, Bruna has been such a good friend. And Cart has been very supportive too.

But I really miss home back in Jurong. Its just the little quirks and most especially the people that I miss the most.

September 2010

Oh my goodness! The doctor confirmed what mum in law has long suspected. I’m pregnant! I’m pregnant? Oh my goodness! So many things going through my head. This is so exciting! And yet kind of scary at the same time. Will I be a good mother?

If she’s a girl, I’d like her to be called Lisa. Funny how I’ve picked that name for my first daughter since Jurong Institute days. Hehehehe.

Going to call family back in Singapore now. I wonder how they will react!

December 2013

Cart, little Norman and me, are finally in Singapore for our December holidays. Its sort of cute to see mum fussing over little Norman. But at the same time its very humbling to see the family again. I always take it for granted that they will stay the same. I’m just shocked in the realisation that everyone has grown much older …

Speaking of change, wow so much has changed that I can hardly recognize anything! Went for a date with cartcart to Jurong Point. Was telling cart that I used to hang out here alot for my gossip sessions with Juli. But what on earth happened here? The place looks so different and much bigger and there’s a whole lot more people here than what I remembered.

I’m persuading cartcart to watch a movie with me. Its been such a long time since I watched a movie in english. Gosh, there’s a Rambo 10?

July 2017

I’m having chest pains again. I’ve had this pain since my teenage days when somedays, I wake up and feel it but it goes away in a few minutes. Its getting more frequent. I dont know what I’m doing wrong.

Anyway, I’m fetching little Norman from kindergarden now. He’s grown up so quickly. He’s got his dad’s skin and brown hair but he’s definitely got my eyes and mouth. Oh and my temperament too. Such a drama papa at such a young age. Looks like a beautiful day outside. Maybe the three of us can stop by at the Villa Schiarra park later and then have some gelato. Ah the simple joys of life. Vita è bella

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Video for the Secondlife Panel at Nexus 2007

Me, Alvin, Aileen, Kevin, Cory and Jean in the SL panel for Nexus 2007

Oh my gosh! The video from Nexus 2007 is up! Here I am with Alvin, Aileen, Kevin, Cory and Jean at the Secondlife panel.

Many thanks to the awesome Peter Du and Kevin for the heads up! 😀

More about my experience here

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Karma by Edwin Arlington Robinson

The artist

As much as I love and enjoy literature, poetry is one of the most challenging aspect of literature to me. Many a times it isn’t easy to decode what the poet is trying to say due to its obscure meanings and hidden symbolisms. It is confusing. In the end, I try to avoid them altogether.

But on the insistence of Mr Chandran, our literature teacher, I forced myself to sit still and read the piece Karma, by Edwin Arlington Robinson :

Christmas was in the air and all was well
With him, but for a few confusing flaws
In divers of God’s images. Because
A friend of his would neither buy nor sell,
Was he to answer for the axe that fell?
He pondered; and the reason for it was,
Partly, a slowly freezing Santa Claus
Upon the corner, with his beard and bell.

Acknowledging an improvident surprise,
He magnified a fancy that he wished
The friend whom he had wrecked were here again.
Not sure of that, he found a compromise;
And from the fulness of his heart he fished
A dime for Jesus who had died for men.

At first read, I could not make it out. Who was the protagonist in this poem? And who is this friend? And why do I feel depressed after I was done reading it?

It was only later that I finally understood.

It was a story of a stockbroker, who betrayed his friend and made him bankrupt. He feels guilty about it. Due to the Christmas holidays, he tries to make himself feel better about it by donating to the charity. But his act of donating just ten cents makes the entire gesture farce.

The more I read it, the more I appreciated this piece of poetry. I can’t believe I actually decoded that one.

Mr Chandran says that a good piece of poetry retells a story in a very subtle manner. And suddenly I feel so enlightened.

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Virtual child pornography. Is it right?

This is probably old news.

Time's person of the year

But I can’t help photoshopping this out.

No time magazine

In a more sombre note, a link from the Secondlife blog, bothered me. In the report, Secondlife has banned two avatars – one whom resembled an adult male and the other whom resembled a child engaged in a sexual conduct.

Without a doubt, child pornography is sick and very wrong. But what bothered me about the report is that both of the parties involved are aged 54 and 27 respectively. They are both adults. Not children.

How is it wrong that two conscentual adults, role play in the privacy of their own area? Granted, the very idea of pedophilia is sick. But in this instance, no children are involved. Secondlife is an above 18 only website, it is silly to have an age verification and yet have two adults charged and banned.

There are a number of people who uses the metaverse as a form of escapism. Some become furries, some become goths. Would they be charged too for role playing as such? We need to distinguish between virtual contents and real life. A lot of people are being too over-sensitive of that.

In the Ashcroft vs. The Free Speech Coalition in 2002, all four of the government’s arguments were unsuccessful and the Supreme Court held that the CPPA was unconstitutionally overboard. No matter what angle used, the fact is, no real children was involved. It would be different between someone exploiting a real, living, breathing child for their own perverted desires.

As long as no one is really hurt, and the parties involved are truly consensual and of age, what business is it of yours?

Disclaimer : I am not involved with adult-child roleplaying. However, I am very bothered by the fact that our freedom of expression is quelled in an above 18 website.