:: Tossed Salad and Scramble Eggs ::

:: Saturday, July 31, 2004 ::

Ramblings
If there hardly ever is a time to whine, it should be now.

Taking from Wenesday its been concert. pack room. lessons. bbq. course. party. Tomorrow till Tuesday it shall be church. more course. double course. triple course. stage play.
I think I would have enjoyed it better if I saw a point in going for indoctrination courses.

:: Stuffy 7/31/2004 09:44:00 AM [+] ::
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On Conscience 
God's gift
 
Food for thought, got it while talking to Lionel
 
"Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them. This will take place on the day when God will judge men's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares. " - Romans 2:14-16


Dear Khai,
 You remember Shao Wei? I was walking pass Victoria Concert Hall when I saw a bunch of TJcians and he called out to me. Goodness I didn't even know he was in TJ. Double goodness, the boy has grown (in stature of course).
Steph

:: Stuffy 7/29/2004 12:17:00 AM [+] ::
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Memory is a man's real possession. In nothing else is he rich, in nothing else is he poor.

I barged into my sister's room to borrow some music discs when I came across a photo frame with a picture we took together eight years ago with a Kangaroo in Sydney. Eight years, I was laughing because we look so different now (as do most things when we look back on them). I was about to ask her why she chose that picture for the frame when I read the inscription on the back of it - a Christmas gift from myself to her five years ago. It shamed me to think that I have no recollection of ever giving it to her. Her, my sister, of which I have no other. Why is that?

Memory. 

"If any one faculty of our nature may be called more wonderful than the rest, I do think it is memory. There seems something more speakingly incomprehensible in the powers, the failures, the inequalities of memory, than in any other of our intelligences. The memory is sometimes so retentive, so serviceable, so obedient; at others, so bewildered and so weak; and at others again, so tyrannic, so beyond control! We are, to be sure, a miracle every way; but our powers of recollecting and of forgetting do seem peculiarly past finding out." - Jane Austen , Mansfield Park 

I never remember the day before with that exact certain emotion, and time which further pulls us away from it distorts that lasting image. And then that image gradually pales and blurs into a thin layer of mist, until one day we simply forget it. Sometimes, it scares me.

:: Stuffy 7/26/2004 11:15:00 PM [+] ::
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On Hospital Visits
Kilkenny Cats - people who fight relentlessly till their end
  
 I stepped into the ward and I was greeted by an order for an Olio Dome latte. And there I went frolicking off to Paragon just across the street. My primary usefulness for being there was to scratch his back and change the channels whenever necessary. My dad looked as if he hadn't even gone for his muscle correction and I wondered if the surgeons had problems getting him to sleep even with general anesthetic.  
 
My sister and I soon found much delight munching on champagne grapes and Zurich chocolates. I never knew get-well-soon presents were this good. Some kind soul had given my father a box of Teuscher chocolates which I didn't know existed in Singapore, till now. I kept the card, Palais Rennaisance Orchard, I must go there sometime.
 
  

:: Stuffy 7/20/2004 09:03:00 AM [+] ::
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Super SIZE Me
Written to the tune of Something about You, Five for Fighting
A smart movie, a must see.

Three proven facts from the movie:
1. McCapitalism has outdone itself
2. Detroit has a densely populated area of fat people
3. Most Americans, by the director's account, are stupid (George Bush being the epitome of stupidity)

McDonalds hasn't been all that bad. For one, they contributed to Burgernomics, without which we would not have been able to place a good gauge on cost of living, standard of living and price index/indices that our severly distorted international currency market has forbid us to do so with accuracy. Second to the first fact, picture this scenario - if Mc-fast-foods were non existent, people would need longer lunch times (or at least they could justify so). Because of this, stockbrokers who are the very people that create the foundation of the market will be less efficient, the market would move slower than it already is, which would mean more delays creating disastrous effects for business.

My hypothesis for all this? I believe that America could incorporate the evil of consumerism into their benign foreign policy, turning it into their advantage. With offshore centres becoming easier to establish, America can strategically mobilise McDonald outlets in heavily populated terrorist nations (disguising the golden arch of course). Consumer marketing tactics would be the psychological element in enticing terrorists. Concurrently, US embargo on all exported goods to the enemy state must be placed to ensure that the only source of survival becomes McDonalds meals. These terrorists having no other choice would continue to eat McDonald meals for the rest of their lives, benevolently handed out at discounted prices by the disguised Golden Arch. They will grow fat, have increase physical complications, lower IQ, and ultimately die. The approximate wipeout of terrorism should take at least a decade.

:: Stuffy 7/14/2004 09:07:00 AM [+] ::
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Listless
Cup of coffee to the person who can tell me what is the female acry for misogynist?

I have lost a sense of routine - it takes me five seconds to recall what day I'm presently living in, and another five to recall what I did the day before. Saved for the snippets of conversations which pops up spasmodically from time to time in my memory, it takes me awhile to remember what I said what to who and where? Whether the conversation was real and who was it with (since conversation can also happen in dreams). The result of this is quite often self repetition, which quite annoys others as it annoys me. I must space out my appointments to avoid this becoming a habit.

My long suffering reader, you need not read the following facts of daily living which are recorded to help me keep track of the past days.

Today is -Tuesday- I played badminton with the MINDEF girls, and a few people from Kaiping's watch. We went for dim sum at Crystal Jade, Anna did most of the ordering, and the guys looked horribly lost and befuddled by the menu, it was like observing lab rats figure out a math puzzle. I went home and slept till six.

Yesterday was - Monday - I played badminton with Kevin and company. Watched Harry Potter with Joyce, Em, Ter and Mark. Thereafter I was given startling revelations which made me realised how dettached I was from reality or at least from the people around me. Perhaps emotional dettachment really is my greatest tragedy. Mark said I had better pay more attention to whats going on, but then again, how much can I actually bother with observations and their implications if they don't quite affect my being. And even if it should affect my being, my reflex is to ignore the consequences in a way that it would not disturb my calm psyche, lest it be a burden. I pray not that I would be schz in due time.

The day before was - Sunday - I went to church as usual, and this I have kept in routine in accordance to counting the days. Went back home early today. Me and Ter stopped for ice cream at the new ice cream gallery just across from my house. We sat like two old men on the park-like bench just outside the store reflecting upon the previous week. OBS Watch outing was at Harry's at the quay. I can't recall the last time I saw a live jazz band play with so much zest and loving it. It was a pretty sight.

The day before Sunday by logical accounts is Saturday. I played badminton with the MINDEF girls and then joined the gang for a beach outing at east coast. Zuck and Sam helped me get my hammock up between two trees. The only thing I remembered from this day was that I was abusively acid tongued and in ill humour, I conjured up a hundred and one jokes about Zuck's 'pun tat jack'(bukan melayu? no translation for that, it sounds funnier in its original term). The other thing I remembered was that Pizza was good.

I stop here because I can't remember what I did on Friday. I'll have to think on it.

:: Stuffy 7/13/2004 09:25:00 AM [+] ::
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Ridiculous! Absolutely Ridiculous!

Went back to school with Hui Ling to catch up on things. There are three things about the present school that annoys me.

1. The benches under LT1 have all been removed and transfered to the open air grass patch next to the canteen. Because it was raining, all the benches were wet. In place of this, LT1 has an empty space. Whatever for? I remembered that the Indian community always met under LT1. Me and Sarah being 'friends of the Indians' (actually just comprising of our gulab jamun clan - Vai, Sat and Janita) normally met them there during class breaks. I miss that spot.

2. The staff room is now a prison where teachers are given code numbers. High security has it that should a student urgently need to get in touch with a teacher, this code number will have to be keyed into a telephone system where chances of even reaching that particular teacher is not garanteed. No longer can students sashay in and harass teachers either for extra homework or for a leisurely conversation. Mr Thompson said that this is uncivilised, how British! I miss that lifestyle.

3. Renovations have been going on. The room which was initially used for containing anyone suspected of having SARS has been renovated, so much so that the present room looks more like a hotel lounge. Ling said it was for counselling purposes, but I think to myself; why should more money be spent on our deranged kids? They will be better off in solitary confinement. Priorities are important. I say the money should be spent on getting a sufficient supply of toilet paper for our depleting toiletry resource.

Wanted to pop in and play water girl for debate team since competition is coming up this Saturday, but I so was tired, I went back to sleep before going off to Adrain's party gathering.

:: Stuffy 7/08/2004 10:12:00 AM [+] ::
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Reminiscence


I recall Jane saying something about the passage where Peter walked on water. I use to allude it with the idea of a failing faith, highlighting the phrase where Jesus rebuked Peter saying, 'you of little faith, why did you doubt?'. And then I would say to remind myself not to be like Peter.

But Jane had a differet opinion about it, and after thinking about it I thought it quite right. All of us are Peters and at one point or another we doubt our faith, falling short of our faith in Christ. But the fact still remains that Jesus was merciful to have saved Peter when he began to sink, crying, 'Lord, save me!'. It is that mercy and by that grace that makes God our God isn't it? Then you would give any day to have been Peter; who fell but was picked up by a loving hand.

So which verse had been the more important of the two? I'll let you be the judge of that.

Matthew 14:22-36
Immediately He made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the crowds away. After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone. But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary.
And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid." Peter said to Him, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water." And He said, "Come!" And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, " You of little faith, why did you doubt?" When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, "You are certainly God's Son!" When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. And when the men of that place recognized Him, they sent word into all that surrounding district and brought to Him all who were sick; and they implored Him that they might just touch the fringe of His cloak; and as many as touched it were cured.

:: Stuffy 7/07/2004 08:31:00 AM [+] ::
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"Education never ends, Watson. It is a series of lessons with the greatest for the last." Sherlock Holmes - The Case Book of Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Today went by leisurely. Spent the morning with the MINDEF girls renewing my passport, then bought pants with Zi Jing and searched for a good laptop. I wanted to go for my driving lessons but it started to rain, so I was stuck at city hall.

And then I did something I haven't done in a long time. I got a book, ordered a Irish cream blend and sat in one of those comfy chairs in a cafe while it continued to pour. This is one time when I would imagine another sitting across from me with a different book of some sort, we would read and then perhaps discuss what we have read in the past two hours or so. However, interruptions while reading should not be tolerated and this is where, when mood calls for it, this other should vanish until of later need.

Some great literature critic would probably have said this before; while reading Doyle's Sherlock Holmes I found it smart that he should use Watson as narrator and not Holmes himself. Had he used Holmes to narrate his own story, the legend would have grew tiresome given his dry and cynical character. The myth of Holmes would probably have not been so strong either.

Dear Mich,
I now know why we were disappointed that Notting Hill was not as romantic as Richard Curtis potrayed it to be. I quote, "laying his hand upon the lady's sleeve with as little sentiment as if she were a Notting Hill hooligan". It puzzles me however that you have chosen to embrace football hooliganism instead.

Your cousin, Steph

:: Stuffy 7/06/2004 05:49:00 AM [+] ::
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