Work Woes
Posted on September 4, 2008
Filed Under Thoughts, Transitions | 3 Comments
Working in the Government frustrates me a lot of times. And sometimes I’m so worked up that I think of leaving and going into the private sector. They are several things that make me cringe everytime.
1. The lack of power to do anything without getting approval from 4 levels of management. Thus slowing everything down 4 times and causing me to NOT wanna come up with any ideas and just do the status quo.
2. The “cover-your-own-butt” mentality that everyone has. Everyone is scared of making a decision because no one wants to take responsibility should anything go wrong. Everyone pushes work to someone else and refuses to do more than his or her portfolio because they don’t want to get into trouble.
3. I have to ask permission before I do anything, even a tiny and insignificant thing. No power and waste of time.
4. All the paperwork, protocol and procedures. Half of my job is just writing papers for everything, even silly things. Every step in the process must be done properly and given due diligence, even steps that are redundant. Again, wasting time.
I like things on the go, exciting events and fast actions. I prefer to have some decision-making power instead of being just a mouth-piece for others. I hate things moving at snail’s pace just because some top management person is so obsessed about money that even worth-while projects cannot start because he’s paranoid with spending. I hate having to look over my shoulder everything and worry about my projects because that same top management person doesn’t hesitate to yell at people as though we are his military man and we have to obey his every command.
It’s gotten even more frustrating because my new supervisor, though I like her tons, has to check every single small and tiny thing with our boss. Even giving permission to others to link to our website has to be mulled over, chewed up and spat out. ARGH!!!
I’m determined to stay for at least a year and than see what happens. January is my one year anniversay and it’s not that far away, so we’ll see.
It’s not my fault. It’s Genetics.
Posted on September 3, 2008
Filed Under Strange Happenings, Thoughts | 1 Comment
Throughout the ages, people have strived to find new excuses for doing wrong. It’s my parent’s fault, it’s my children’s fault, it’s the Government’s fault, it’s God’s fault … The only thing has changed now is that science is being used to find excuses.
Blaming Genetics for human infidelity is so ridiculous. “I couldn’t help but cheat on my wife/husband. It’s in my genes.” That’s one excuse that shows the extend of how humans are willing to blame everyone and everything else instead of taking responsibility for our actions.
Choosing to cheat on a spouse is not genes, it’s a CHOICE. A conscience choice that decides our actions. A wrong choice is not based on a tiny molecular object, but a sinful nature that sees no wrong in breaking one’s vows to a spouse and ultimately, God.
Same goes for every other choice, whether it’s murder, theft or lying. No one cell can decide what we do and to believe that is just an insult to ourselves and to the God who created us.
Works of God Weekend (or Month)
Posted on September 1, 2008
Filed Under Thoughts | 1 Comment
It’s been a while since I did this, and I do feel bad about it, since there have been many things to thank God for over the last few weeks.
1. Thank God for my new supervisor. She’s great to work with, fun to hang out with and the sweet part is, she lives near me! So I get free rides home almost every night when her hubby comes to pick her up! WOHOO!
2. My work projects are going smoothly and one major one is almost done. I’m ready to be done with it, after all the hair-pulling and teeth-gnashing moments.
3. My grandmother’s domestic help, Annabelle, is learning to bake, and boy, I’m loving it! She’s spoiling me with all the baking goodies! Ahhh… need to exercise more before I turn into a round bun myself.
4. My doggy is becoming more disciplined and training. Now she sits and stays very well and listens to us. She now knows the tone of my voice where I’m warning her not to do something she’s tempted to do (like go through my socks and chew them up). I’m happy because its easier to enjoy her now without having to scold her so much. she still loves to nibble feet so I’m trying to break that bad habit.
5. The Lord has given me great opportunities to assist others in small ways. And boy, the Lord is really creative with the methods with which He uses through me to add joy in other people lives. I’m having fun while doing them too!
6. My gastritis is well under control. My tummy is stronger and I can eat fried and spicy foods in small dosages once in a while. It also can handle upsets a lot better, which means I’m no more wringing in pain.
The Lord has been GREAT and His grace and mercy in the little things make up a huge blessing on the larger scale.
Plus Size? Yes please!
Posted on August 22, 2008
Filed Under Reviews | 1 Comment
One tough thing about coming back to Singapore was the lack of good quality, stylish and age-appropriate clothes for my size. The majority of people here are skinny, size 0 skinny, and most retailers only stock for those sizes. When I do find clothes my size, more often than not, they are more suited for “aunties”, being baggy, old-fashioned, and definitely not flattering. It got so difficult once when I was looking for a good business suit, that it took 3 days, and hours and hours of walking and frustration before I found a place that sold American plus sized suits that made me happy to wear them, instead of feeling frumpy.
So it was almost like a miracle when I found this tiny boutique that not only sold beautiful clothes my size, but also designed and made them just for our body types! For once in Singapore, the ladies behind this store understood the predicament of women like me and solved our problems! Their clothings are soooo beautiful and gorgeous, that even skinny women wanna wear them… but too bad! You’re too small! (I can’t believe that I can say that! It’s usually, “you’re too big!” or the ruder sales ladies will say, “you’re too fat.”)
Anyway, if you want cute, fashionable, good quality clothes in Singapore, check them out at:
ATTITUDE PLUS BOUTIQUE
Marina Square #03-232
Their stock is limited, but they are expanding. So I always make sure to check them out once in a few months to grab their new stock while they last.
Sweet Sweet Jewelry
Posted on August 18, 2008
Filed Under Reviews | 2 Comments
I love earrings. I love long necklaces. I love it even more when they are handmade, nickel-free and absolutely beautiful.
I found this blog selling hand-made, unique jewelry while surfing on facebook one day. Over the last few months, my jewelry mannequin has been slowly filled up with gorgeous earrings that make me feel happy wearing them.
I’ve also made friends with the person behind them, Yan. She’s really sweet and has even 
made a necklace just for me, based on my taste. The stones and pieces she uses are high quality, unique and taseful. She even changes the hook to nickel-free silver for me, as my skin can’t handle nickel.
I love her stuff so much that I had to put a only-one-pair-of-earrings-a-month policy into place. If not, I would be buying most of them in one shot. haha.
So, if you love beautiful, quality jewelry, I suggest you head over to Sweet N0things and take a look. I’m sure you’ll fall in love with something over there.
“To Kill A Mockingbird” Play Review
Posted on August 16, 2008
Filed Under Reviews | 1 Comment
This afternoon I went to the theatre to see “To Kill A Mockingbird,” a play adapted from the classic book by Harper Lee. This play was produced by Sharon Ang and directed by Chris Jacobs.
I’ve studied this book as a literature text during my secondary school days and loved it. The plot, the issues, the characters and the lessons in this story touched my heart, while making my sense of justice rise up. I felt mad, sad, angry and happy - all in one book.
The play itself was very well done. The props were simple, in fact almost non-existent except for 3 ramps across the stage. But I didn’t care, in fact I liked the effect. It allowed me to focus on the characters and their words.
I loved that they kept true to the story, keeping the vital scenes and words in, stringing all of them together smoothly. The actor who played Atticus Finch, Gerald Chew, was perfect for the role and portrayed the personality and mannerism of the lawyer very well. The two ladies who played young and older Jean Louise aka Scout Finch, Lum Kay Li and Yeo Yann Yann, were true to the characters. I loved it that the younger Scout Finch couldn’t shut up or was so naive and innocent at times, which was the impression I got of her when I read the book.
The only complains I have were the play venue and the audience. The play venue had old chairs that were very uncomfortable and didn’t help my bad back one bit. They were also tiny, which meant that I was banging into other people while trying to get comfy. The audience was filled with school-going teenagers, probably sent here by their school. Most didn’t have any theatre-etiquette - talking, and messaging on their handphones during the play - and they couldn’t appreciate the intense moments of fear, excitement, anger, etc. They laughed during those scenes, ruining the atmosphere for me and causing me to not be able to hear the characters talk. I also think that it is rude and an insult to the actors to laugh during these scenes, as though you are saying that their acting was ludicrious. I’m probably not going to a matinee again. Instead, I’ll take the evening ones, where more adults who can behave attend.
Overall, though, I had a great time and I recommend people to go read the book or see the play if it runs near you. For Singaporeans, the play runs till 23 August. You can book tickets here.
Loving it,
TransitionGirl
The Teen Idol Phenomenon
Posted on August 15, 2008
Filed Under Compassion Child, Holidays, Strange Happenings, Thoughts | Leave a Comment
I’ve been observing the phenomenon of these teenage or children “stars” who are wildly popular and have a huge following of kid fans. And I’m a bit worried.
Take Miley Cyrus for example. (Just an example, and not limited to just her.) She’s insanely popular even though her acting is sub-par and she yells more than she sings. What she is, is an icon, someone kids look up to, even though she hasn’t done anything really great. I’m worried because these kids are following every single action and move she makes, modeling themselves after her.
Kids are dressing like her, and the way she dresses sometimes leaves me wonder if she knows the word Modesty. Kids are acting and talking like her. She’s 15! And yet she’s dissing out advice like she’s been through life and have the knowledge and wisdom to give it. Her fans listen to her like she’s a guru, forgetting that she’s just a kid like them and she’s still got a lot of learning and growing to do.
While the teen idol thing is not new (I was sure I was gonna marry one of the Backstreet Boys when I was a teen), it’s getting younger and younger. Kids at SIX are getting drawn into this obsession. Is this healthy? Is this wise? I’m not saying we would forbid kids from being their fans. What I’m saying is we have to teach children not to follow blindly, that just because the “star” is doing it, doesn’t mean it’s right. (I think this is a lesson some adults also need to learn.) At the end of the day, they are humans too, making mistakes and learning. Just because they are celebrities doesn’t mean they know it all or have all the answers (brings to mind the Celebrity-Religion Phenomenon).
Let’s not forget the “idol” her/himself. With millions of people swooning over them, it’s gotta be a huge ego boost. So huge in fact, that most of the time, they become arrogant, so sure of themselves, thinking they are invincible. That’s where the problem starts. How many times have we seen teenage and child stars make a mess of their lives? Even if they manage to stay off the drugs, the alcohol, they become dependent on all these praises, successes. What happens when they meet criticisms, and failures in their life? Most often than not, we see them collapse and fall into depression.
At the end of the day, everyone - from the kids, to the adults to even the stars - need to realise that the only one we should and can follow completely is the One who Created us, and nobody, no matter how cool or talented, can ever replace that.
Just Saying,
TransitionGirl
*P.S.: I don’t hate Miley Cyrus. I don’t know her. I don’t, however, think she’s all that great as an actress and singer, especially when there’s other really talented actresses and singers out there like Charlize Theron and Celine Dion.
Gnome Came Home
Posted on August 15, 2008
Filed Under Strange Happenings | Leave a Comment
HAHAHA. HOHOHO! This is the funniest article I’ve read in a lonnnnggg time. Boy, the sense of humour and creativity! (Well, besides the cops who didn’t appreciate the humour). Have fun reading!!
Stolen Gnome Returns Home After 7 Month World Adventure
Super Power? Super Awesome!
Posted on August 9, 2008
Filed Under Strange Happenings | Leave a Comment
The Opening Ceremony of the Beijing Olympics was AMAZING!
The sheer amount of manpower, time, creativity and love poured into this was tremendous. China is showing off it’s resources and assets and it’s showing it off with vigour!
Ignoring the politics (because the games should never be a political platform), China is doing a great job and it shows.
I’m now eager to see the CLOSING ceremony. lol
Finally Moving On…
Posted on July 30, 2008
Filed Under Thoughts, Transitions | 3 Comments
Integrating back to Singapore life has been almost a year’s journey. Many times I’ve wished I was back in the US, wished I was still studying, wished I wasn’t back in Singapore. Sometimes, I would even get angry at God for making me come back.
Singapore isn’t perfect and I do not agree with the path the government is leading Singapore on. I think Singapore is deteriorating socially and morally, even while we are prospering economically. I do not agree with the 2 casinos the government is building, and can already see the damage it is doing to the people and families. I do not like how the next generation has no respect and consideration for others, but has become selfish and money-minded.
However, this is my home, my country, nonetheless. And I’ve finally come to a point where I have accepted that I’m home, and actually do not want to go back to the States. That was a different part of my life, one that I’m grateful for, but one that has passed.
What made me realise this was the time I spent bringing a college friend around Singapore and Malacca, Malaysia. While this week has been fun and a good break from work, I’ve realised that I’ve changed a lot and have very little in common with my US friend. Past conversations that could go on for hours are no more interesting or of value for me. I am tired of the superficial and shallow conversations that I once enjoyed. I’ve already realised that I’ve become more of a loner, more contented to be by myself instead of needing others around. I find myself getting more and more annoyed easily towards the end of the week because of a constant presence next to me wherever I go. I find myself yearning for alone time, a space that I can just have quiet and do whatever I want.
So, I’m glad I’ve finally seen the changes and I can finally move on once and for all. Yes I’ll remember the past stage of my life fondly, but the me has changed and I am in a different part of my life, all ready to move on and let the past be fond memories.
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