The ride that made all the other rides nothing.
(I didn’t like the fact that it freely swung me around 320 degrees with my feet in the air. Took me a couple of rides to start trusting in those bearings that seemed a bit too creaky for my liking.)
The beach that made all other beaches nothing.
The niece, Christie. (Glad her name wasn’t Denise. HAHA.)
Fantastic view from the bedroom.
Balcony view.
Night market at Surfer’s Paradise.
Everytime I feel inner confliction stirring within me, I take an inventory of what’s going on.
Right now, I’m seriously thinking through how I should work on myself if Advertising is going to be my pursuit.
The way that God opened doors for me has affirmed my direction. Now that I’ve seen, heard and felt more, it’s time to weigh my actions against the "yes" that I’ve been giving. Pardon me as I try to sort out my thoughts.
It’s been a refreshing and nourishing journey thus far. Many of my colleagues have commented on how "lucky" I am to be guided by seniors — and the best seniors around, to be exact. I’ve never failed to remind myself the same thing all the time.
Well, I’m definitely not the smartest person around. To me, truly intelligent people are those who know self-discipline and practise it to their advantage. And that’s where I’m sorely lacking. This stint has once again reinforced the need for me to work on my time management, focus and self-discipline (my, don’t all jobs do!).
The next obvious thing — my command of English is nowhere near exemplary. Being able to string a sentence together without grammatical error is but one thing. Logical flow, fluency, framing of sentences and message accuracy — there’s so much to take into consideration for writing per se, what more advertising copy!
Even verbally, I have to work on the way I organise and voice my thoughts. Funny how I start stumbling on my words once I try to speak what’s on my mind. It’s a bad habit that I’ve cultivated from young — I’m more fluent when I’m being spontaneous i.e., not thinking before I speak. Very bad, indeed.
It’s not only important for me to be able to express my ideas clearly; explaining my reasons for writing and editing copy requires very clear and confident (and CORRECT) vocalising. Hemming and hawing doesn’t do much justice to professional attempts. When in the industry, people expect professionalism. Snap, snap. Don’t give crap. Don’t try to bull your way through. I’ve seen very few who are truly emphatic with those who are still ‘learning’ the ropes. It’s scary how hard people clamp down on your every move even though they smile at you all the time, but that’s how the cookie crumbles.
Yes, I’ve already gotten some flak. I pick up vague signals from one or two people not being very welcome with my presence. But as important as PR is to me, what now matters is that I handle all that come my way with thick skin. And most essentially, learn from my mistakes. Learn, learn, learn.
Next giant on the list: the BOOK. Read: self-discipline. Yes, the portfolio is everything. And yes, Mr Silver, I’ll keep working on it.
Actually, learning how to set priorities right has made my ‘anti-conflict-negotiator’ instinct to appease everyone somewhat less sharp. Unless a vital explanation is needed to save my skin, I’ve seen more need to set my focus on getting work done, rather than worrying about why he/she doesn’t like me on a personal basis. As long as I’ve never harmed anyone, I shouldn’t be worrying about little misunderstandings, should I. Those darned middle-child syndrome symptoms ha. I’m holding it well, I guess.
Next big thing — time flexibility. Will it disrupt me serving in the YF? Check. Will church band practice be affected? Maybe. How about You And Whose Army?’s jamming sessions? Again, maybe.
Tough call. Much as I would like to put serving God first, the surety of how I was led into this industry is definitely part of His plan. I’ll commit this to prayer, and see what God works out for me once again. In His ever-amazing way, of course. Pray for me.
Around whom does the world revolve?
Or wither comes a man’s credence,
To extract liquid from stones with bare knives.
Yea, yea, the unresolved almond lips
Etched in Cyanide, painted with bitter verbose.
Thus outwardly still, yet biting in strife.
What is right, and what is nought?
For coloured repetition that makes its rounds,
At stakes so high that mime discards.
A red circle insisting it’s a blue square,
A compass refusing the master’s hand to draw.
Denying its identity, denying its flaws.
Food for the fools, how does it taste?
In too many hands does the broth spoil,
A chef whose mind works alone serves trickery.
A ladle of salt in a dish served hot,
Egg whites unequally yoked and fond to be fluffed;
Decorum dripping in favour of itself.
Have you ever wondered farther than you thought?
In my youth, I let her down plenty.
All my brash actions were selfish desires, not ever realising that she and the father were the ones who got the undeserved flak for those foolish things. They’ve put in their best to discipline and raise me all these years, and I’d failed to recognise the need to reciprocate their efforts.
I’m glad that I’ve come to my senses soon enough.
It’s never often to have someone whom you can turn to for Godly wisdom and counsel. Or a self-sacrificing, hardworking and discerning friend, knowing that she will never forsake you no matter what.
Here’s a little more about her.
An ex-combined school’s hockey quarterback who put sports in place of studies (she missed her ‘O’ levels) to a kindergarten teacher, then giving up almost all of what she loves for her children now aged 13, 19 and 20. Except God, and her family. Now, she’s a supportive homemaker, mother, and wife, and a top Pickleball player in her own right. And age group.
These may not sound all that fancy. But to me, her major accomplishment in life is her well-rounded character and personality.
First and most importantly, she’s a woman after God’s heart. She always reads the Bible in her free time and meditates upon the word. She’s also a soprano in the church choir. (When I say that she can hold her tune, I mean really. So does my dad, too.)
Her love of God shines in her life, as she mixes around with everybody without pretence, yet never releasing her ability to listen and discern.
Hospitality is the middle name of she who prepares a home (and the best meals) that I’m always welcome to, and where my heart always is. Friends can visit impromptu, or whip up a meal or two. Funny how I used to prevent her from meeting my friends – now I bring them home when I can.
The fluency of her spoken English has fooled even my Caucasian Secondary 4 English teacher into thinking that she’s a University graduate. She knew the importance of reading widely, and always encouraged us to do so too.
And this is only the essence of her that I can put into words.
She works hard, plays hard, but doesn’t spend hard. All that she spends on is hardly for herself. It’s her unspoken motto, that the family comes first. And she definitely sticks to it. Such is the greatness of a mother who looks nothing near turning 51. She looks younger, of course.
Her greatness is my inspiration in life.
Blessed birthday, Mom.
My birthday’s almost over. For those who remembered, thank you so much for your well wishes. Some of you have Friendster to thank, but I appreciate the thoughts still. =)
Those who didn’t and just found out after reading this post, it’s okay. It’s just another day in a year. Maybe one intended to make someone feel exceptionally special. Once a year.
Even so, I’ve never been the kind who’d publicise my birthday or throw parties. I can’t stand being fed constant attention and getting all embarrassed with people fussing over me just because. Or have people get me presents out of necessity because they’re being invited to a party.
Because those who care even without a reason have already made me feel special.
And I lack nothing.
Proverbs 26
24 A malicious man disguises himself with his lips,
but in his heart he harbors deceit.25 Though his speech is charming, do not believe him,
for seven abominations fill his heart.26 His malice may be concealed by deception,
but his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.27 If a man digs a pit, he will fall into it;
if a man rolls a stone, it will roll back on him.28 A lying tongue hates those it hurts,
and a flattering mouth works ruin.
Hello! Finally could use the net again.
Not surprisingly, I’m flat broke and surviving on welfare by my cousin.
I’m unashamedly counting down to when I’ll get back. CAN’T WAIT.
Temperature: 15°C Weather: Rainy
11:00 pm
NO! My skin is breaking out. I think it’s lack of water and the polarised weather. Ahh. (I’m having an onslaught of farts too. Nahaha.)
I’m hooked to Dune, as I am to most Sci-Fi books. Couldn’t put it down till 12am last night, and I’m onto book III now. But I can’t help sensing a certain formula attached to hero-centric-sci-fi books. Let’s see about that.
We drove up to Tambourine Mountain after visiting the weekend market.
What’s worse than raining at the peaks? Getting 6 adults and 2 kids into a less crowded café in the rain, even though there’re at least a dozen of them on the street. At least I’ve learnt – that nothing’s more inviting than a cosy café which sells pumpkin soup and veal schnitzer.
Visited a glow worm cave. It’s a man-made limestone cave, and the larvae looked like thousands of greenish, tiny stars. Or mini-LED lights. These larvae has butts containing this formula: ATP + Oxygen + Luciferin (protein) + Luciferese (enzyme) = 99% light, 1% heat. Which (ignoring the hellish nuances) is, essentially, cold light. Pretty cool, huh.
Okay. The ‘tour’ was short and sweet, and it was a relief getting back into the warmer apartment. I was in charge of preparing the venison, and I should say it was quite successful. Red wine, honey, cracked peppercorn, soy sauce and brown sugar did the trick. And another glass of red wine.
Seaworld tomorrow!
Temperature: 20°C Weather: Sunny
4:33pm (all times are in GMT +10)
Handling kids are a big challenge, mentally and physically. Yes yes, now I know. Well just try caring for a Beautachloe (6 yrs) and a Hyperchristy (3 yrs), both whom desperately ‘fight’ to seek my attention almost all the time.
Seems like every overseas trip I have been to puts me through the mill on the topic of patience. I’m missing my little sister even more.
I think I’m going to be the no-nonsense, don’t-play-punk-with-me kind of mom in future. My cousins think so, too. Yikes! Okay, off the topic of parenting. I’m still far from attached, much less hitched. Doh.
The sea seems to be more rowdy on Saturdays. Plenty of surfers on the beach today. Surfing is not really cheap – the cheapest board I’ve seen so far costs about $399, and the highest a cool $999. Madness. I still wish watersports were as readily available back in SG.
We visited the Carrara Market. It’s like G.C.’s Chatuchak, just less stuffy and narrow. There were pony rides, cheap clothes, food… many stuff. Not extremely useful though. I bought the first of Frank Herbert’s Dune (yes, Mr Silver) from a second hand bookshop after seeing it appeared in front of me at the sci-fi section. I reckoned a change would be good; Isaac Asimov was too tempting.
The book is thick and tiny. Go figure, while I soak myself in Lavender sea salts. The kids are downstairs! Freedom while it lasts! Ah well. Visiting the ___worlds next week!
Temperature: 23°C Weather: Sunny
9:30pm
Did my last post end off with a ‘I love kids’ statement? Yes, it did. Not that I’m withdrawing it, but I don’t know whether to be disappointed or angry when I see rude kids. Especially when they’re rude to their parents. Even sibling rivalry at its peak, and the parents don’t really seem to care.
‘Spare the rod and spoil the child’. Some would disagree with this, yet there is much truth in it. Let the ‘rod’ be a metaphor, for punishment in any form. Over-pacifying breeds terrible consequences, as I have seen. I only hope that they don’t take these illnesses into their youth and adulthood.
But it’s unwise to speak of my heart’s intent to anyone now. I wish my mom was around so that I can discuss this with her.
Oh well.
Hit the waves (wah sound so surfer-poseur) this morning! The sun was great. Too great. I felt my nose start feeling a tad sharp 10 minutes out in the sun. Doesn’t help that I was already burnt on Sunday playing tennis and yesterday’s sunbathing affair at my balcony. That explains much – I’m getting a bit too dark for my own good.
Superbly clear waters reflected the blue sky. The waves were strong, but it was all fun jumping into the biting yet tolerable cool. Took a few pictures, picked up a few seashells, and went back to the apartment’s indoor Jacuzzi/pool to soak up the warm, Really Powerful Jets.
For lunch, we had McDonald’s at Harbour Town, a ‘hub’ for factory outlets an hour’s drive away. Rip Curl, Mambo, Diesel, Polo Ralph Lauren, Esprit… It was crazy. I think this trip has unleashed a Benita that I never really knew existed. Not that I’m not proud of it; just wary of my ‘new’ self. Funny how I could never find much that I liked back home. Here, I simply blew it. Literally.
I’m left with a quarter of what I began with. A week of the trip remains. And I never had to pay much for meals because my cousin has been taking care of that. Plus the money-sucking triple-world tourist milkers. I mean, attractions. At least I’m done with most of my shopping.
Fine, fine. A woman can never shop enough. Happy? GASP. “Woman”. Yeah, yeah.
So. After shopping, we drove up to Surfer’s Paradise to check out the night market (that is, 6 to 10:30pm). Had our dinner at Charlie’s, a restaurant in tribute of Charlie Chaplin. My cabonara had a strand of hair in it (I promise it wasn’t mine), so um, I had it refunded and replaced with a fish fillet meal that was so fresh. Woohoo.
The night market was pretty fascinating. Singapore flea markets should take a leaf out of their books, seriously. From crocodile trophies, glow-in-the-dark, non-toxic (presumably home made) gunk to in-the-mouth bird whistles, there was plenty of novelty. I’m quite at a loss on what to get for one more good friend, but the latter is quite tempting.
If you hadn’t realised, I’m not on a big budget. It’s just the meals money that is really giving me much more to spend. And I’m going to pay my cousin when I can anyway. So don’t hold it against me if I didn’t get anything substantial for you!
Because sweets are for all the sweets. 
Ok nice try, Benita.
Temperature: 18°C Weather: Sunny
10:30pm
My eldest cousin (Yee) and her husband (SM) goes off with my niece (Chloe) to get her parents, sister and grandma. I go havoc, doing something that I thought I wouldn’t ever get to do in my life. Woohoo!
I went shopping in a foreign land, alone!
Erm, yeah. Made some jolly good buys at Pacific Fair, but I’m really afraid that the amount of money I have left isn’t enough to finish my shopping list. Shoes here are REALLY expensive, by the way. A ‘really cheap bargain’ shoe shop’s lowest shoe prices were at $24.95. Crazy.
But shopping alone is almost the best. There’s no need to worry about making others wait, or whether they get bored. The only draw back is the lack of shopping ‘advice’ and company.
After 4 hours, I walked home, my feet aching and numb. I was wearing Havaianas lah. I’m quite surprised that I’m pretty used to the weather here – air-con at 22°C in Singapore gives me spasms. Now I hardly have the need wear my jacket!
And guess who I bumped into? =)
I always had this huge misconception that Gold Coast was like a small, funky beach town where everyone knew each other. -_- Keshia was at Surfer’s Paradise, and I at Broadbeach, a fifteen minute drive away. And that’s not all to Gold Coast.
But hey, it’s always a nice feeling to see a familiar face in a foreign land! There’re not many Asians in this area actually.
The rest of the family is here, and the noise level goes a notch up. Christy is 3 years old, and a barrel of energy. She IS one hyper little girl! I got to sing some songs and pat her to bed just now. It made me miss putting my own baby sister to bed, many moons ago. Yes, I don’t deny it – I love kids. 
Wonder what we’ll be doing tomorrow!
Temperature: 13°C Weather: Rainy
9:30 pm
Pictures will speak better for the next few days. (:
(I’m at an internet ‘cafe’ now. Internet is EXPENSIVE. $3 for 30 minutes on wireless; $2 for 21 minutes on the PC. UGH. Time difference is SGT +2. I miss my family!)
Temperature: 26°C Weather: Sunny
12 pm
Just came back from a half-hour run. It wasn’t a very good run despite the great temperature and weather. After 20 minutes, my body started feeling weird. The sun was shining brightly, but the wind was cold. So I was already perspiring, yet my body couldn’t really warm up.
I ran at the park downstairs, and onto the beach. Found a drive-thru alcohol NTUC of sorts, called Beers, Wines, Spirits (BWS). The cousin-in-law wants to get some Kilkenny, so I guess this is the place.
The sand, view and air is great. It’s not uneven, like Sentosa’s. If only Real Runs had this sot of sand! Wish I brought my camera along, but I can always go down another day.
There’re people surfing, jet skiing, surf kayaking… Too bad the waves aren’t very big yet, so there’s no one really up on their boards. I want to try (provided I don’t freeze before I even hit the waters).
8:35pm
Nothing eventful about the day, other than visiting the showflat of an upcoming luxurious condominium piece which my uncle is interested in investing in. It has twin buildings, 50 and 40 storey each, the former (again) facing the sea. The Oracle. I was fully reminded of one-north Residences back home. On a side note, I wish I could be around to be part of the work in progress.
The rest of the day’s events included the usual walking around shopping centres. The Oasis. Does standing on a carousel with my niece count? Okay, maybe a great bikini buy.
Getting the rented Estima and my other cousins/niece/auntie-in-law tomorrow. And trips to the theme parks shall begin… Plus some serious shopping!
11:10pm
The latest I’ve ever been awake thus far (yes, I know it’s been only 2 days). This town sleeps at 9, I promise. There’s hardly a car on the roads. No souls walk the streets at this hour either.
I’m on a cushioned deck chair at the balcony. Not all is silent; waves crash insistently in the background. The chilly sea breeze never stops hovering around; occasionally it sweeps past harder in gust. Beautiful.
Absolute fatigue leaves me halfway into a book that Mich gave me before she left for Thailand. ‘Passion and Purity’ by Elisabeth Elliot. This is one of two books that I rarely find so filled with wisdom without the need for longwinded-ness. The other is Proverbs.
Her language is kept simple yet resonates. I’ll tell her story another time when I’m done with the book.
The main message? Keep still, in all sense of the word. And wait.
Wait thou only upon the Lord.
Temperature: 22°C Weather: Slightly cloudy
1 pm
My first breath of Aussie Air was second-hand. A cigarette’s, after an almost perfect touch down from SQ 255. The flight was pretty uneventful, save some new doubts cast upon my er, disposition.
I’d asked for a Singapore Sling on-flight. The air-stewardess handed it to me with their mandatory smile, and strutted away (I’ve observed – they don’t walk, they strut. Even the males). And she was back again.
“Excuse me, may I know if…”
“Don’t worry about that. I’m 19,” I finished her sentence cheerily. Okay, exactly a couple of weeks short of 19. Ahem.
Anyway, the cocktail wasn’t much to shout about.
I suspect it’s pre-made – it tasted more like pineapple juice than some local signature cocktail. Hardly alcoholic. I should’ve gotten a glass of red wine instead; it was quite tough sleeping on the plane. That, despite the privilege of lying across the other 3 seats (the plane was half-filled only). I drifted in and out of sleep with a dry throat and stuffy nose for the next 3 hours.
The ocean’s from-the-top view was amazing. I could see the coral reefs and clear, clear waters.
Touched down at 0730, and took an hour long coach to Broad Beach, Gold Coast. This place really reminds me of San Francisco. Maybe I wouldn’t mind migrating in future too. Hurhur.
So I didn’t want to raise my hopes too high of my uncle’s condominium. Apparently it’s walking distance of two big shopping centres. And it’s fully furnished, boasts two bedrooms, a Jacuzzi, a kitchen, dry-cleaning, floor-to-ceiling windows, a living/dining room, and a frontal ocean view.
Damn. Carmel by the Beach did.
Then the horror: there’s no wireless connection in the apartment! I’ve to stick with blogging on word, and hoping to find an answer to internet soon.
8:15pm
Shops here start closing at 5pm, and so does night fall! Goodness. That’s a smart way of curbing Singaporean’s spending tendencies.
I was at Pacific Fair, a shopping mall I estimate about the size of Jurong Point. And dangerously edging towards blowing all my holiday money in a day. It’s really not easy to hold back when so many items seem nice and quite reasonable prices. I’m proud of my self-control. But I’m only a third into my shopping list. Yikes.
(By the way, is anyone going to Aussie soon and wants to buy a pre-paid international calling card worth $20? [CARD SILVER] The calling rates of this card is the best around. I haven’t even scratched the silver foil off because I realise that my O2 can’t even receive Aussie telecom signals. Grr. Please email me!)
We had a very simple dinner after grocery shopping at Coles’ (their equivalent of NTUC). Canned soup, sourdough bread, chips and sweet corn. I think I’m starting to get hungry again.
It’s very, very chilly outside. And I see people still jogging along the beach! Crazy. I wonder if these Aussies snigger at temperate country people when they’re ‘overdressed’ in sweaters and warmers, as compared to their short skirts or Bermuda and t-shirt get up. Doh.
Actually, I’m on the bed, typing. Getting ready to sleep now. My niece, Chloe, is already asleep. Her parents are arriving the morning after. She’s very smart and knowledgeable for a 6-year-old. We – which includes my cousin and her husband – came down first.
Plan for tomorrow? Take a run late morning, then window/shop again!
P.S. I’m still not used to cold toilet seats yet. They shock my butt numb.
Woah, I was just talking about flying last month and the flight’s tomorrow!
Singapore Airlines, Gold Coast, here I cometh!
Will be bringing the laptop there anyway, and I’ll be doing more serious updating on the shoots and happenings then. I hope.
Happy 22nd Birthday to Rose (0209)!
Thanks for being there for me at that crucial period, 3 years ago. And counting. You’re truly God-sent, and I thank God so much for you. May He bless you richly!
The BBQ rocked. I love you!!
