My first night shot on my camera, shot at about 1am outside my window – inspired by this image here which I thought was excellent. I fiddled around with Tv mode with slow shutter. Maybe a nice city night shots could be in place in the future 🙂
Met with Geri for a quick drink on Sunday afternoon and she told me about her experiences in China. She loved Shanghai, she said. The place was beautiful and picturesque. Temples surrounded with beautiful foggy mist. Geri promised that she would get pictures as soon as possible. She adviced me to travel. It opens up the mind to a lot of things, she said. Well, there’s a certain country that I’d like to go to. The only thing hindering would be the cost going there. I’ll give it a try though. I wondered whatever happened to the pact I did with Hema and Juli. We promised each other that we would travel to Europe in 5 years time and that was already some years back. Everyone got busy with their own lives.
I left for the botanical gardens even though I started to have a runny nose (had a sore throat by Thursday) as there was a musical event there. I was amazed at the sheer number of people. I didn’t really anticipated that there would be that many people. There were families having picnic, with kids running around. Couples, sitting on their mats, feeding each other with food and sipping wine, enjoying each other’s company. There were people with their pets along. The park certainly was bursting with activity and life. I loved it. It really felt alive.
The orchestra played a number of classical pieces. The only thing that marred it was the sound system which I felt was too loud and spoiled the feel. I chilled out, sitting between two families and soaked in the atmosphere. I had to leave soon after as it started to drizzle. Thus, I didn’t snapped many pictures on this day. It was a tad lacklustre for me to do so. But I promised myself that I would go again, especially after looking at the calendar of events :
- Latin Dancing, (Geri would like this!)
- Acapella Group (I know I’d enjoy this)
- Smooth Grooves Jazz (Cart would like this! 🙂
I sat down by the Swan Lake to see families and children feeding bread to the swans, turtles, fishes and ducks. I dangled my legs at the edge of the catchment, wishing for a close knit family. I loved to see families spending time together. Children chattering excitedly to their parents about their discoveries. Dads teaching their sons how to catch insects. Moms hugging their daughters while they smile, feeding the fishes. I suppose that I’m feeling very maternal. Biological clock is ticking, after all. As my mind relaxes while watching the animals swim by in their slow, steady, relaxed way. I pondered about many things…
Here are a few snapshots from botanical gardens.
By Monday morning, I had a runny nose that I had to blow every few minutes like a trumpet. Went to riding practise, enjoyed my time on the road, and I actually wanted to scream at the other riders in our convoy to ride faster! *chuckles* Well, we were supposed to ride in a staggered position and they were trailing behind the other riders. Am going again this evening. I’ve never ride in the night time before but it was part of the lesson, so lets see how it goes.
Tuesday morning I felt miserable and drowsy and lousy and in need of loads and loads of TLC. Where is my TLC? I need my TLC! NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW! God Dern it. Where’s my back rub? And my foot rub? Where’s my chicken soup? Why isn’t there anyone tucking me in bed?! I don’t want to go to work today!!! Waaaahh!!!
But the day went on. Went home with Rossdee after my literature night class after we found out that we took the same bus home. We talked about a lot of things: his job at the shipyard, his experiences, Shakespeare’s measure for measure (which I found boring) and the poetry of Mother to son that we were to analyse. I quite enjoyed that poetry. I think its motivational and quite beautiful. I think I’ll make it my new mantra when I’m facing adversities …
Mother to son
Langston Hughes
—
Well, son, I’ll tell you:
Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.
It’s had tacks in it,
And splinters,
And boards torn up,
And places with no carpet on the floor –
Bare.
But all the time
I’se been a-climbin’ on,
And reachin’ landin’s,
And turnin’ corners,
And sometimes goin’ in the dark
Where there ain’t been no light.
So, boy, don’t you turn back.
Don’t you set down on the steps.
‘Cause you finds it’s kinder hard.
Don’t you fall now –
For I’se still goin’, honey,
I’se still climbin’,
And life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.
Speaking of motivational, Cart gave me the kahlil Gibran to read. It’s quite fascinating reading. I hope to read the entire thing when I can.
Boss wants to meet me this Thursday. I going to give him a piece of my mind. I don’t really care any more. My pay has been late. And almost always its not the correct amount. I’ve been asking for my payslip since march! (I think that’s a right all workers should demand)I haven’t gotten my promised increment and my bonus? What a laugh. I don’t want excuses. Heh.
I think I should leave by the end of the year. As much as I enjoy teaching at West Spring and love the people there, I’m not really happy with the company where I’m working at. I think I deserve better than that.
