Monday 31 December 2007
Before I turned in last night, I decided to reminisce on the memorable past, be they eons back...
My Primary School Days...
...when i would try to turn in at 8pm with my sister the day before, for fear of not getting enuf sleep for school in the morning session the next day;
...when me and my friends would gather at Isabelle or Melissa's house to have some frolicking fun before school started in the afternoon session;
...when i would hang out with my friends so very often at Hougang Mall, hogging the Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) machine, and attempting to challenge anyone who's up next to show off their skills - oh yes, those were the ah lian past i had, but i never regretted having gone through it since i learnt many lessons from it;
...and i remember life in Primary One, where we ordered Milk (can't remember the brand, but it came in either chocolate, strawberry), had to fill in word bank books, competed with friends to see who could finish our Xi Zi Ben Zi, Penmanship (or Penmenship?) and whatever-nots homework first... Do you recall?
...the days my brother and I went for choir lessons on Saturday mornings, and enjoying lovely food in the school tuckshop for merely 20 or 30 cents (those finger foods), and very often, also attempting to skip choir lessons by playing catching at near-by playgrounds with mostly my brother's friends... Yes, I was even closer to my brother in the past.
My Secondary School Life...
...when we would arrive in school in the wee hours of the morning, put our bags and roam around school before morning assembly...
...when Jacqueline, Jaslene and I would rush for our Councillor duties when morning assembly started - Flag-raising duties, Patrol duties, which were my favourite as I need not stand at attention and could saunter around school to catch norty students who try to skip morning assembly...
...when the days of banter seemed never-ending, among my clique. (And I remember Kareen and I falling for the same guy; Jaslene being the Form Teacher's apple in the eye and that we were jealous and unhappy about that) Such senseless, childish quarrels and companionship eventually forged a strong bond among us, and boy, am i glad for all that happened... it's funny now that we look back isn't it?...
...those days of glory, where I participated in many different track and field events and stand on the rostrum to receive my prizes, and 2 years of captainship to lead the Blue Eagles House to championship...
...the 3 years of track training that i forged strong friendships through thick and thin, with Audrey... This fine lady here is someone I would never ever forget... We laughed through tough training sessions with jokes, went to shit together (we have a funny symptom, which is we will feel like shitting before our runs), competed against each other to achieve the common goal of defeating others by constantly pitting against ourselves, and improving our fitness as such...we even took on holiday jobs together, doing door-to-door sales of X'mas cards,etc... Now that she's in Australia pursuing her Degree, I really miss her! (Absence makes the heart fonder; how true it is)
...appointed the President of the Student Council in 2004 and getting jealous stares from others, being hated by by many others, offending many norty students in my co-hort to the point of being infamous or notorious (ironically) for "catching students". Come to think of it, i should have been more flexible and not so rigid, ah! Bad bad bad. I feel really bad. Just hope that others will forget my negative points and remember me for the good I have done...
...the various masses (in particular, Thanks-giving mass at the end of the year) held throughout the year, having been in a catholic-mission school... How fondly i miss those days of hymns-singing!...
...appointed the Student of the Year 2004, Student Leader of the Year 2004, and consequently, Valedictorian of the Year 2004, and gave a farewell speech to my co-hort, and to thank the school and dedicated teachers for the effort they put in to hold us through a very large part of our adolescent years...
My JC Essence...
...stepping into SAJC for the 1st 3 months of trying out JC life, i remember waking up at 5am to get ready for school. SA was so freaking far away from my home in Punggol! Having to take the train from one end to another was no joke i tell you! After reaching HarbourFront, I had to take another bus ride to get to SA at Malan Road,... Super far, further than Far east (Heh heh)!!!...
...The initial confusion and reluctance to go through the normal route of studying in JC, where i had quit SAJC after a mere 10-day period as I had intended to pursue my interest in Hospitality and Tourism Management in Temasek Polytechnic, and eventually choosing to go to a nearer AJC instead...
...having to fit into a totally new environment where some of my classmates had already formed cliques hadn't been easy, but I'm really glad i made really great friends in JC as well! Am really grateful for having found such fun-loving bunch of friends in a supposedly-muggish school? yea yea.
...Will never forget colour-blind Serkun as the physics rep, who has taught me how to play volleyball despite the disability; Laykoon - oh there're too many lovely things to say about her! studying together during free breaks and discussing school work together, clubbing together (albeit only in recent times); Shuwen, who share a common destiny as me by enrolling into AJC after being in SAJC for 1st 3 months; Pam & Pris, who are the class' twins, and i remember saying "Hi Priscilla!" to Pamela the day after i made friend with Priscilla! Funny funny funny! ; Kah Hwee, the class' little tweety bird, who was also the girls-in-class (S2405)-recognising-her-as-the-class'-chio bu; who else, let me see... Basically all the many many lovely friends in my class - i love you guys and gurls so much, you know it! Thanks for all the fun and lovely memories you all brought to me; they colour my life!
Gone were these days!
I will definitely fondly remember these days, and be soaked in much reminiscence and joy even after I move on to another stage of my life... For in my life, I have been through all these experience, and partaken fond memories that belong not only to me, but to all those that share such memories with me as well...
Let us all give love and thanks for the many good we have received throughout the past years, and continue to give back to society...
With renewed faiths that tomorrow will be a better day, let's all live our 2008 to the fullest!
"Non Mihi Solum" (Not for myself alone)
Tuesday 25 December 2007
Source:
California PsychicsFinding the perfect gift is no easy task. And let's face it, as much as we'd all love to be great gifters -you know, those people who seem to effortlessly combine just the right amounts of romance, whimsy and practicality when shopping for others - some people are simply better at it than others. If you're one of the unlucky few faced with a lover whose holiday swing just straight-up missed, (read: you hate the holiday present they gave you) here's a three step guide to handling it with style… and making sure they do better next time!
1. Stay calm
You've just opened your present and you're in shock. Whether it's that your ears aren't pierced and your lover bought you earrings, or that you were not so subtly hinting for a Wii but wound up with cooking lessons... When your significant other seems to have shopped for someone other than you, it can feel like you're not being seen or heard. However, no matter how you're feeling at this very moment, there is only one reaction that is appropriate: above all else, you must stay calm.
As much as you may want to scream or pout or complain or comment sarcastically, this is one of those rare, delicate situations where displaying your true emotions might not be the best answer… yet. Why? Because emotions - and expectations - are heightened at this time of year and in this situation. Whether it's because of commercialism, materialism (expecting more than they can really afford), or simply the desire to be known by your partner (it's normal to hope that they just, well, get it right), doesn't matter at this exact second. What's important is that you smile and say thank you. In the end, being gracious will go a long way - both in softening the blow of their "miss" and in ensuring it never happens again.
2. Assess things
Before you address the fact that your gift isn't exactly your cup of tea, you've got to assess the situation. By the situation, we mean not just the moment (are you alone together or in front of family or friends?), but the misstep (was it simply thoughtless or did your lover genuinely think you'd love your gift?) - as well as your motivations (is your gift totally you - just less extravagant than you'd hoped for?). Only once you see those three things clearly you can decide how to move forward.
First things first, your disappointment is a private matter - one that should never be handled while other people are around. Wait until you've got a moment alone before getting into a discussion about your gift.
Second, be sure you're not simply being spoiled or demanding but also, know that it's okay to want your lover's gift to be expressive of your personality and your relationship - not a mold they want to shape you into (like being a good cook when you hate to cook!). In other words, consider the example of asking for a Wii yet getting a cooking class. If you've expressed interest in learning more about one of your partner's interests (food?), then realize that while you may have wanted that Wii, they wanted to share something with you. Conversely, if you've never worn jewelry a day in your life, but your lover has given you earrings - that aren't even close to your taste either - it's another situation altogether… but not necessarily one that is beyond repair.
3. Get to the heart of the matter!
Now that you see your situation clearly, one great way to approach your amour about their gift is to ask about their motivations. What about this gift made them think of you? You may find yourself surprised by the answer (and it may change your mind about what you were about to say). You may also find that not much thought went into it. However, before you go jumping the gun or reading into things, think about the big picture. Does your lover put a lot of thought into your every day life together? Do they usually make you feel special - in little ways or with grand gestures? If your seemingly inappropriate gift is not symptomatic of a greater problem, the simplest solution can be to let it go - and maybe make suggestions of what you'd like the next time down the road.
On the other hand, if your expectations were in check but your partner was simply careless (read: if they aren't interested in pleasing you even just a little bit) then you may have a larger problem on your hands… one that may take a little more to unwrap. In this case - and really, always - remember that communication is the only way to make sure any relationship yields bountiful gifts for the long haul.
Sunday 23 December 2007
I feel hurt. He doesn't trust me. He's unconvinced. He's been hurt previously that he doesn't trust anymore. Just like me.
He's giving me the cold shoulders; I don't know what i have done to deserve this.
He chats with me when he's bored; hangs up when his friends are around. I feel like a reserve.
He drops other people comments, but never me. Jealousy seems to be threatning to kick in.
Ask me before you jump to conclusions please. For you, I don't mind explaining the mountains or seas, but I need you to have more trust in me. I don't wish for us to be threading on thin ice, where there are suspicions and paranoia abound.
Can't we work things out?
I'm lost and confused; please guide me back.Friday 21 December 2007
When does it hurt? (Let's ponder and take time to reflect)
It hurts when your expectations fall flat in your face, and you get disheartened, and you lose faith in all you had ever held your beliefs in... Such as, Love? Friends? Kinship? Your own abilities to achieve the things you so covet?
It hurts when your loved ones leave you... when you no longer feel their warmth; even as they held your hands, embraced you in their arms. In that sense, what is left is merely an empty shelf; no soul, no love, no nothing. Just... a physical body. What warmth is there?
It hurts when the ones you cared for break their promises - and betray your trust in them. She held on to the faith that he will change, "yes he will", "love takes compromise", only to be struck with the reality at the end of the day that his habits are essentially, habits. He does not change. He goes back to his ways. He breaks his promises. He betrays her trust. Most importanly, he breaks her heart. The heart: broken for the umpteenth time; as though it had been cut open and desecrated painfully with every of his lie and deceit.
When does it hurt the most...?When it has hurt so much; it hurts no longer... That is most excruciating. Most intense. Yes, it is an oxymoron, a paradox.
It is when the total extinction of the trust she once had in him sets in, and mutates to a higher form that makes her lose sanity, commit suicide or murder (or manslaughter), etc etc etc.
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OUCH. It's a scary thought. Let's say, if you're undecided on whether or not to withhold some truth (AKA telling a white lie) for fear of hurting somebody (or at least make him/ her feel unhappy), would you reveal the truth, or would you tell a white lie?
So many thoughts are gushing in; it's impossible to journalise.
Anyways, I just want to remind each of us human out there to give thanks and shower love to our friends, family and loved ones, in this festive frenzy involving mad rushes, shortened tempers and quickened paces. May all of us have the capacity to count our blessings; to be contented with what we already have, keeping in mind that many others in the world out there are not as blessed as us.
Let us all find peace with ourselves, and essentially ... LOVE.
Monday 10 December 2007
Wheeeeee~!
*Agnes B bracelet*
*Play - Comme Des Garcons Tee*
*Christian Dior Lip Gloss*
*DKNY watch*
*Burberry Handbag*
*Nine West/Guess/ Salvatore Ferragamo Heels - Comfortable ones a must!*
*Chanel Sports Homme*
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Recent acquisitions:
AX racer back - going at 30% discount!
Salvatore Ferragamo Incanto Charms
Loreal Double Extension Mascara (easy and convenient to apply!)
Royce chocolates (Lovely decadence I tell you!)
O3 treatment at Kimage
L’Occitane Hand Cream
Calvin Klein Tote Bag
X’mas presents for my loved ones!
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Throughout your life, there are so many people who enter and exit from it. Who would you choose to keep, and who do you choose to let go, say bye bye?
I hope to keep my dear friends; who have never left me when I was down and out (although I reckon I hadn't met with a real bad crisis yet), and who had always been around for me when i so needed a listening ear, or a shoulder to cry on...
I count my blessings for having them around; these veritable little angels of mine, who provide useful and sound advice to guide me when I'm feeling lost... I love you all.
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Went out wif AM for dinner at Rakuzen, Millenia Walk today. Ambience was as nice as the previous time I was there, except that this time, I thought their service could be improved on. Anyways, I'm really starting to enjoy his company... His insights and his thoughts, of which I never expected him to share with me. Who am I to him?
The affluents who do not give back to society despite well having the abilities to do so - How often have we lived in a life of luxury that we feel the need to possess extravagance, yet forgotten to help the poor and the needy? I love the fact that he brought up this topic - It shows that he cares I guess?
Love the fact that he was not what he had been (he had been mentioned in my previous entries, where i described the 5 things a guy did to turn me off lock stock and barrel) - he's so much nicer now; i think i'm falling.......... (Haha)
Except this time, i hope i can land in a nice slumber, and not hard on the ground again. Ouch. Life's taught me numerous lessons and I've learnt not to take things for granted.
I've learnt to appreciate and cherish the little things I have in life; to love those who have showered me with love and care; to control my temper (and hopefully my PMS); to know that everything happens for a reason...
I want to start trusting guys again, and hopefully it's through you that I my find such a faith all over again. The fall the previous time was hard enough. And I need you to lead me out. =)))
With trust I place in you,
Jerica =DDD
