It was so heartwarming to walk into sunday school class today to have 9 cheery faces looking up as I enter the door. Shouts of "Happy Teachers Day!" fill the air as it dawns upon me that that day is here again. Yet this year, I'm standing on the other side of the line, receiving. That sweetness piercing my heart like an arrow and melting it. Couldn't help but be infected by the joys of the little children yet again even as they press little gifts into my hands.
It's almost slipped my mind, the significance of this day, fading away with the old uniforms still hanging in my closet. And still I recall the days back then when I was the one pressing gifts into the hands of my teachers, delighted when I saw their faces light up.
A mellifluous joy indeed, one that by the grace of the LORD, flows through the hearts of the little children, straight into mine. I can't help but think about how much time I have left with them, these angelic yet cheeky faces that brighten up each of my Sundays. And I know that even as I embark on my new journey, those little smiles will always remind me of HIS love and strength.
Sunday, 31 August 2008
Tuesday, 26 August 2008
Before I forget all about it, I'd better blog about our outing. Not that I could forget it really. What was orginally meant to be a trip to show Mark around because of drastically wet weather became a foodie trail.
The four foodies, KC, Mandy, Nirun and myself decided to educate Mark on Singapore culture. More specifically, the food culture. After KC very kindly picked us all up, we decided to embark on a Geylang exploration. Our adventures, or should I say Mark's adventures, started at Lorong 27. We eased him into local food with dough fritters, soybean milk and beancurd. At first, he was hesitant to attempt dipping his youtiao until we all did so and convinced him we weren't pulling his leg. When he discovered our rojak culture, Mark happily went beyond all our expectations to sandwich his beancurd with his youtiao, to which we all stared in disbelief. And he happily drizzled the syrup all over it. Talk about a sweet tooth! It was no wonder his tastebuds were barely accustomed to the savoury "mee sua" that came next. Actually it was new even for me since I'd never had "mee sua" in gravy, or as Mandy terms it "soggy noodles" and was accustomed to the typical mee sua in clear broth. A treat for my tastebuds indeed.
Being indecisive on our next location, we circled the estate while squabbling about what to eat next. Mandy and Nirun were set on durian and so was Mark while KC was adamant about not having durian and going for smelly tofu instead. Since KC was the driver, he got his way despite being overruled. After going round and round with KC insisting he knew where it was, we'd taken to teasing him about his "It's somewhere there" line. Luckily for him and not so lucky for the rest of us who were forced to taste the smelly tofu. I found the smell overpowering and couldn't help but choke on the overwhelming smell that greeted us as we stepped in. Even just walking from the car I had a whiff! The worse was to come when the smelly tofu was set before us, the smell was shocking!
There it sat innocently on the plate until we cut into it. I braced myself for the taste accompanying the smell. It wasn't that bad! But the smell's enough to turn me off the rest of my life. Then came our fried pig intestines which Mark very sportingly tried. I can remember just how daunting it was when I first tried it. Now, its absolute delight to me. It was off to the roadside durian stalls next, which all of us except KC was looking forward to. The durian was a bit too wet for my liking but the taste which has evaded me since I went down under was divine pleasure. Nirun, Mark and Mandy enjoyed it while KC bravely attempted one seed. It's fascinating how durians can be such a love hate thing. Either we absolutely adore and crave it, or we're so scared of it that the smell can put us off entirely.
Coffee break came next and we all piled into the car to head to Old Town Coffee at East Coast, a place which I recommended and will def recommend again. We ordered the usual butter and kaya toast, Old Town's signature white coffee, ice-cream toast and chicken hor fun. Mandy and I voted the hor fun our favourite while Mark fell in love with the icecream toast, hardly surprising with his sweet tooth. The icecream toast was a refreshing change from the hot foods but I liked the butter and kaya toast better. Just the right amount of butter and kaya was spread and I loved the way the sweetness and saltiness balanced off. Of course, I enjoyed the hor fun best despite its spiciness. The clear broth was light but tasty, slightly sweet but mostly salty, the chicken pieces were tender and smooth and the hor fun was not too soggy. If not for the fact I live in the west, I'd certainly frequent the place even more than I already do.
Our last and final stop for the day was Teppanyaki at PS, where KC dropped us off. We ordered 2 sets of 2-people set meals. It kicked off with garlic rice for the other 3 and white rice for me. The garlic rice was a tad too oily for my liking and I found the garlic overpowering beyond expectation. For our sides, we had salmon sashimi which I found was not too fresh and california maki which seemed quite soggy. However, the teppanyaki courses were good. We started with prawns which I found were succulent and very tasty despite not having accompaniments. It was followed by terriyaki chicken which I really liked and a very unique dish of chawanmushi. The chawanmushi(steamed egg) was encased in a hollow onion which infused a certain tang into the steamed egg. The texture of the steamed egg was smooth and melted in my mouth. Though not a huge fan of onions, this was one of my favourite dishes. The finale was vegetable sprouts. By the end of it all, we all had very satisfied bellies and happy smiles on our faces. However, it wasn't over without dessert and after teppanyaki we proceeded to beard papa for custard puffs and mochi before heading over to Mandy's to watch a movie. Kudos to my fellow foodies for such an enjoyable food trail! But maybe next time we should use the map, right KC?
The four foodies, KC, Mandy, Nirun and myself decided to educate Mark on Singapore culture. More specifically, the food culture. After KC very kindly picked us all up, we decided to embark on a Geylang exploration. Our adventures, or should I say Mark's adventures, started at Lorong 27. We eased him into local food with dough fritters, soybean milk and beancurd. At first, he was hesitant to attempt dipping his youtiao until we all did so and convinced him we weren't pulling his leg. When he discovered our rojak culture, Mark happily went beyond all our expectations to sandwich his beancurd with his youtiao, to which we all stared in disbelief. And he happily drizzled the syrup all over it. Talk about a sweet tooth! It was no wonder his tastebuds were barely accustomed to the savoury "mee sua" that came next. Actually it was new even for me since I'd never had "mee sua" in gravy, or as Mandy terms it "soggy noodles" and was accustomed to the typical mee sua in clear broth. A treat for my tastebuds indeed.
Being indecisive on our next location, we circled the estate while squabbling about what to eat next. Mandy and Nirun were set on durian and so was Mark while KC was adamant about not having durian and going for smelly tofu instead. Since KC was the driver, he got his way despite being overruled. After going round and round with KC insisting he knew where it was, we'd taken to teasing him about his "It's somewhere there" line. Luckily for him and not so lucky for the rest of us who were forced to taste the smelly tofu. I found the smell overpowering and couldn't help but choke on the overwhelming smell that greeted us as we stepped in. Even just walking from the car I had a whiff! The worse was to come when the smelly tofu was set before us, the smell was shocking!
There it sat innocently on the plate until we cut into it. I braced myself for the taste accompanying the smell. It wasn't that bad! But the smell's enough to turn me off the rest of my life. Then came our fried pig intestines which Mark very sportingly tried. I can remember just how daunting it was when I first tried it. Now, its absolute delight to me. It was off to the roadside durian stalls next, which all of us except KC was looking forward to. The durian was a bit too wet for my liking but the taste which has evaded me since I went down under was divine pleasure. Nirun, Mark and Mandy enjoyed it while KC bravely attempted one seed. It's fascinating how durians can be such a love hate thing. Either we absolutely adore and crave it, or we're so scared of it that the smell can put us off entirely.
Coffee break came next and we all piled into the car to head to Old Town Coffee at East Coast, a place which I recommended and will def recommend again. We ordered the usual butter and kaya toast, Old Town's signature white coffee, ice-cream toast and chicken hor fun. Mandy and I voted the hor fun our favourite while Mark fell in love with the icecream toast, hardly surprising with his sweet tooth. The icecream toast was a refreshing change from the hot foods but I liked the butter and kaya toast better. Just the right amount of butter and kaya was spread and I loved the way the sweetness and saltiness balanced off. Of course, I enjoyed the hor fun best despite its spiciness. The clear broth was light but tasty, slightly sweet but mostly salty, the chicken pieces were tender and smooth and the hor fun was not too soggy. If not for the fact I live in the west, I'd certainly frequent the place even more than I already do.
Our last and final stop for the day was Teppanyaki at PS, where KC dropped us off. We ordered 2 sets of 2-people set meals. It kicked off with garlic rice for the other 3 and white rice for me. The garlic rice was a tad too oily for my liking and I found the garlic overpowering beyond expectation. For our sides, we had salmon sashimi which I found was not too fresh and california maki which seemed quite soggy. However, the teppanyaki courses were good. We started with prawns which I found were succulent and very tasty despite not having accompaniments. It was followed by terriyaki chicken which I really liked and a very unique dish of chawanmushi. The chawanmushi(steamed egg) was encased in a hollow onion which infused a certain tang into the steamed egg. The texture of the steamed egg was smooth and melted in my mouth. Though not a huge fan of onions, this was one of my favourite dishes. The finale was vegetable sprouts. By the end of it all, we all had very satisfied bellies and happy smiles on our faces. However, it wasn't over without dessert and after teppanyaki we proceeded to beard papa for custard puffs and mochi before heading over to Mandy's to watch a movie. Kudos to my fellow foodies for such an enjoyable food trail! But maybe next time we should use the map, right KC?
I couldn't help but smile as I received a text reminding me to return library stuff.
Only then did I realise I've been here 2 weeks. I've been at BT for two whole weeks now and time has just flown by so quickly. I've enjoyed my time here so much, late hours aren't a chore. Even when I get home late, somehow I feel energised. Perhaps this is what they mean by loving what you do. It's somewhat sad to think my time here will be over in the blink of an eye but more exciting things await.
London calls out filling me with excitement and yet trepidation. Not entirely sure how I'll adjust to the wet and gloomy weather after my sunny days in Melbourne. One thing I'm pretty sure of though, is that my disposition won't change to blend with the weather.
Time check 4.29pm. Right. I'd best be off to get that interview done now..
Only then did I realise I've been here 2 weeks. I've been at BT for two whole weeks now and time has just flown by so quickly. I've enjoyed my time here so much, late hours aren't a chore. Even when I get home late, somehow I feel energised. Perhaps this is what they mean by loving what you do. It's somewhat sad to think my time here will be over in the blink of an eye but more exciting things await.
London calls out filling me with excitement and yet trepidation. Not entirely sure how I'll adjust to the wet and gloomy weather after my sunny days in Melbourne. One thing I'm pretty sure of though, is that my disposition won't change to blend with the weather.
Time check 4.29pm. Right. I'd best be off to get that interview done now..
Tuesday, 19 August 2008
Rejuvenation? Exhilaration? Adrenaline? The job is everything really.
I love the rejuvenation of exploring different angles. The sensation of adrenaline surging through my body as the deadline inches closer. The exhilaration that overwhelms as I achieve completion. The satisfaction of having written, edited and proofread. And today, the joy of having my first own byline.
Thursday, 14 August 2008
prata indulgence
Glorious day today! Someone lucky got to book out last night until this morning and I got to benefit in the form of decadently good cheese prata at an old hangout to start the morning. I'm definitely not a breakfast person on normal days, but I have no regrets lugging myself out of bed at 6 despite going to bed at 2. It was what I'd call a treat since I've not actually tasted prata since my return to Singapore. The prata was good and so was the company and relaxed banter. If there's one thing I realised, it's how much I appreciated the company this morning. Not an easy feat at 8am in the morning. Not for me at least. But honestly, I couldn't have asked for better and I guess it worked out:). After working about half of my breakfast, I started feeling the calorific guilt. If it had happened two years ago, I'd probably admonish myself the rest of the day. But today, I simply dismissed the thought. Finally! I've successfully broken free of the tormenting calorie obsession. I'm a very happy and satisfied foodie!
songping
Pleasure yesterday was catching up with a long lost junior. OK not quite long lost but long enough. Met Song at J8 much earlier than planned since systems training ended absurdly early, not that I'm complaining. Had a good catch up, discussed future plans and helped her out with Econs. Though a short 4 hours we enjoyed, it was fruitful. And of course, nothing beats company of a girlfriend. Love you Song! Jiayou with As!
Saturday, 9 August 2008
Melb ventures part1
Joy of nostalgia on a whirlwind trip down memory lane. Landed back in sunny Singapore this morning after a terribly turbulent flight and 5 days of reliving my melbourne days. A trip which began with the aim of surprising a gorgeous girlfriend transformed itself into the most hectic, energy sucking, fruitful and fufilling trip I've ever taken.
4 Aug
Arrived at Melbourne airport and felt a wave of familiar joy wash over me, a sense of relaxation that had been lost to me since work began. Enveloped in a huge bear hug by G, my darling girlfriend who lugged herself out to the airport at 7am in the cold melbourne morning to greet me at the airport, I felt melbourne love once again. Felt good to be back in a place I'd called my second home for the last two years. Headed to the Pattons, dropped off my suitcase and greeted H then headed to Tintern to meet Mr Connor. As the familiar greenery came into view, I was filled with a sense of longing to be once more a part of it all. To breathe the refreshing chilly air, to feel the winter wind whipping around my bare legs and shivering in my winter skirt. Caught up with Ms Ratcliffe while waiting for Mr C, then dropped by to see Biv and bumped into Mrs Groner on the way. Saw Mr James and Ms Waud at Senior College and chatted for a bit before I felt a pair of arms reach around my waist to embrace me. Turned and came face to face with Noella jie, who couldn't keep her excitement and dragged me to the Hawthorne to show me to the rest as though I were a prized possession. As I saw the endearingly familiar faces of Tina, Carol, Bess, I felt such happiness to see that my little sisters were all growing up spectacularly. As Tina embraced me, she burst into tears and I was almost taken aback at her sudden outburst of emotion. Stood there stunned for a moment before I heard someone shout "mummy!" and my baby Carmen flung herself at me. By this time, I felt like the happiest person on earth. Brimming with nostalgic joy, I turned around and headed for Vicks, watching the surprise register on her face. G kept time check and she reminded me that we had to leave but not before I heard On scream "Rachel!" and greeted me with a warm hug. I think my hug-o-meter definitely hit a 100% that day. What would I have done without these lovely little sisters, my other family away from home..
Then the highlight of my trip came. Bec's birthday surprise. G had texted Bec to arrange to meet with her in advance to deliver her birthday gift. Little did Becs know that she was in for a huge surprise. At 1pm, Becs appeared outside the lecture hall to meet G and I popped out from my hiding place just as G led Bec in. The look on Bec's face was a timeless classic, a mixture of shock, joy, surprise and disbelief as she registered my presence. I found it particularly comical how she could not stop exclaiming OMG, up until we were standing in line for a hot choc. We enjoyed a great catch up over yummy hot choc, remniscising the good old days and I was missing everyone terribly. Then G ended class and we headed back. The day ended with dinner at the BH where I was warmly received by my dear juniors and I dashed off to Hugh's afterward to catch up with him and the family. It was good seeing him and his parents again, and of course little Jesse who isn't quite so little anymore. Then David came to get me and I knocked out once I got back, in an oh so familar room and oh so familiar bed, the room jokingly called "rachel's room".
5 Aug
Started the day with a bit of a lie in before heading into the city by train. Me being jetlagged, completely forgot the time difference and was late to meet the girls. Joined Vivi, Wizz and Bee for lunch at a quaint little Thai restaurant which served rather good food I must say. Headed to JB for a bit before Wiz and Viv had to head back to Uni. reluctantly hugged the two goodbye before hitting DFO with Bee for a while more. Had a good chat, really miss that girl so much! Didn't have much time to actually shop so quickly found a warm jacket for London and along the way, a funky cap. She stayed with me till Sony came. Really glad to have caught Sony in such an unplanned manner since she's always such a busy person. Definitely grateful I got her timetable to I could spring a surprise on her. Then met w e boys for dinner and had Koko Black afterwards.
4 Aug
Arrived at Melbourne airport and felt a wave of familiar joy wash over me, a sense of relaxation that had been lost to me since work began. Enveloped in a huge bear hug by G, my darling girlfriend who lugged herself out to the airport at 7am in the cold melbourne morning to greet me at the airport, I felt melbourne love once again. Felt good to be back in a place I'd called my second home for the last two years. Headed to the Pattons, dropped off my suitcase and greeted H then headed to Tintern to meet Mr Connor. As the familiar greenery came into view, I was filled with a sense of longing to be once more a part of it all. To breathe the refreshing chilly air, to feel the winter wind whipping around my bare legs and shivering in my winter skirt. Caught up with Ms Ratcliffe while waiting for Mr C, then dropped by to see Biv and bumped into Mrs Groner on the way. Saw Mr James and Ms Waud at Senior College and chatted for a bit before I felt a pair of arms reach around my waist to embrace me. Turned and came face to face with Noella jie, who couldn't keep her excitement and dragged me to the Hawthorne to show me to the rest as though I were a prized possession. As I saw the endearingly familiar faces of Tina, Carol, Bess, I felt such happiness to see that my little sisters were all growing up spectacularly. As Tina embraced me, she burst into tears and I was almost taken aback at her sudden outburst of emotion. Stood there stunned for a moment before I heard someone shout "mummy!" and my baby Carmen flung herself at me. By this time, I felt like the happiest person on earth. Brimming with nostalgic joy, I turned around and headed for Vicks, watching the surprise register on her face. G kept time check and she reminded me that we had to leave but not before I heard On scream "Rachel!" and greeted me with a warm hug. I think my hug-o-meter definitely hit a 100% that day. What would I have done without these lovely little sisters, my other family away from home..
Then the highlight of my trip came. Bec's birthday surprise. G had texted Bec to arrange to meet with her in advance to deliver her birthday gift. Little did Becs know that she was in for a huge surprise. At 1pm, Becs appeared outside the lecture hall to meet G and I popped out from my hiding place just as G led Bec in. The look on Bec's face was a timeless classic, a mixture of shock, joy, surprise and disbelief as she registered my presence. I found it particularly comical how she could not stop exclaiming OMG, up until we were standing in line for a hot choc. We enjoyed a great catch up over yummy hot choc, remniscising the good old days and I was missing everyone terribly. Then G ended class and we headed back. The day ended with dinner at the BH where I was warmly received by my dear juniors and I dashed off to Hugh's afterward to catch up with him and the family. It was good seeing him and his parents again, and of course little Jesse who isn't quite so little anymore. Then David came to get me and I knocked out once I got back, in an oh so familar room and oh so familiar bed, the room jokingly called "rachel's room".
5 Aug
Started the day with a bit of a lie in before heading into the city by train. Me being jetlagged, completely forgot the time difference and was late to meet the girls. Joined Vivi, Wizz and Bee for lunch at a quaint little Thai restaurant which served rather good food I must say. Headed to JB for a bit before Wiz and Viv had to head back to Uni. reluctantly hugged the two goodbye before hitting DFO with Bee for a while more. Had a good chat, really miss that girl so much! Didn't have much time to actually shop so quickly found a warm jacket for London and along the way, a funky cap. She stayed with me till Sony came. Really glad to have caught Sony in such an unplanned manner since she's always such a busy person. Definitely grateful I got her timetable to I could spring a surprise on her. Then met w e boys for dinner and had Koko Black afterwards.
Friday, 1 August 2008
After 7th months in UBS, it feels somewhat liberating knowing that tomorrow I won't have to lug my cumbersome body out of bed in the morning. These last months have been a tremendous experience, the environment, the tasks but most significantly the people. From charming to witty to aggressive, the company's staff pool encompasses people with varying personalities. I've learnt much, not just technicals, financials and formatting, but also interesting insights, philosophies and opinions on life. I've met many inspiring people during my stint, people whose wisdom have left an indelible mark on my life. In so many ways, I've gained from this internship.
Tonight, my last day with UBS was marked with a farewell dinner and a group of truly special friends. Friends who, in these last months have shared many delightful memories with me of the botanics and picnic, the ktv escapades, the thumper experience, the friday night chillouts, the weekend get togethers. These friendships that have gone beyond our work hours, extending beyond the obligation of colleagues have tided me through. Even during the hard weeks of hardcore study in April, I received constant encouragement and support.
To Nirun, thanks for being a listener and brother, for all our phonecalls and silly squabbles, for all your care and concern, for the many times you sent me home, for being someone I can count on.
To Mandy, though it's not been long since we chanced upon this friendship in the most unlikely of circumstance, I look to you as a big sister and a friend. Cheers to our great times together, lacking in quantity but with quality that more than compensates. Go learn salsa! Then you can dance with more than just Michael. I won't forget your vibrant personality and I'll miss you.
To Dorcas, firstly, I hope you keep Christian Fellowship lunches going even after I've left. Secondly, I'll miss you da jie. For you've been nothing less than the most amazing big sister in such a short span of time. And I know this won't be goodbye.
To KC, Steph, thanks for making up e other half of our induc clique with me and dorcas. It's been a fascinating journey we've travelled together, our first few months in the bank. Truly, both of you have given me a wonderful gift of friendship. KC, I'm counting on you to org more picnics and I'll gladly do e food again.
To Yiqi, Simin, Lisa, I'll definitely miss you girls. take care and I wish you well. I believe we'll meet again soon.
To Ian and Rong, though known you two for only a short time, it has been great meeting you. Enjoy and continue fellowshipping with each other. May GOD BLESS you and may our paths cross again soon.
To Kelly, Michael. It's been great knowing you both, despite the short time. Mike you owe me a dance!
I'll never forget all of you!
Tonight, my last day with UBS was marked with a farewell dinner and a group of truly special friends. Friends who, in these last months have shared many delightful memories with me of the botanics and picnic, the ktv escapades, the thumper experience, the friday night chillouts, the weekend get togethers. These friendships that have gone beyond our work hours, extending beyond the obligation of colleagues have tided me through. Even during the hard weeks of hardcore study in April, I received constant encouragement and support.
To Nirun, thanks for being a listener and brother, for all our phonecalls and silly squabbles, for all your care and concern, for the many times you sent me home, for being someone I can count on.
To Mandy, though it's not been long since we chanced upon this friendship in the most unlikely of circumstance, I look to you as a big sister and a friend. Cheers to our great times together, lacking in quantity but with quality that more than compensates. Go learn salsa! Then you can dance with more than just Michael. I won't forget your vibrant personality and I'll miss you.
To Dorcas, firstly, I hope you keep Christian Fellowship lunches going even after I've left. Secondly, I'll miss you da jie. For you've been nothing less than the most amazing big sister in such a short span of time. And I know this won't be goodbye.
To KC, Steph, thanks for making up e other half of our induc clique with me and dorcas. It's been a fascinating journey we've travelled together, our first few months in the bank. Truly, both of you have given me a wonderful gift of friendship. KC, I'm counting on you to org more picnics and I'll gladly do e food again.
To Yiqi, Simin, Lisa, I'll definitely miss you girls. take care and I wish you well. I believe we'll meet again soon.
To Ian and Rong, though known you two for only a short time, it has been great meeting you. Enjoy and continue fellowshipping with each other. May GOD BLESS you and may our paths cross again soon.
To Kelly, Michael. It's been great knowing you both, despite the short time. Mike you owe me a dance!
I'll never forget all of you!
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