Growing up, I used to think that someday...I could be as wise and knowledgeable as the "adults" in my life.
Of course, my Mom had a huge role in this case, with her constantly brain-washing me that as long as I study really hard, I can be anything I want, well almost anything, since she was also the one who told her friends: "This one (i.e. Me) is so useless in Math compared to her brother."
So I guess Math teacher was out from the list then :P
Anyway, so I grew up looking forward to being wise or at least wiser.
I think that was the only upside of aging that I was looking forward to.
Well, judging from the silly things I used to do, I think I have become slightly wiser now.
However, judging from the silly things I still do, I don't see the difference between where I am now and where I was before.
To make things worse, I think that age has taken away the wisdom from the "adults" in my life.
Either that, or they actually have never had it before.
"Everything is an illusion", said David Carradine in Kungfu the Legend.
(This is one of the TV quotes that have been with me for the past 20+ years. Used to stay up late till almost midnite once a week to watch this TV series. God knows I don't like David Carradine. God knows I don't like angmohs interpretation of the Chinese Gongfu, or their interpretation of anything Chinese for that matter. So, only God knows why as a kid I would sacrifice so much for that crappy TV series.)
I guess then maybe wisdom is an illusion, too...
Sunday, July 30, 2006
The absent girl
I'm so mad at myself for being so absent-minded.
I missed my Sunday class as I woke up thinking it was Saturday.
When my aunt asked me to go with her for another "cleaning-up" session at Anchorage..., I just went along with her.
No wonder I felt so off... Something was upsetting me but I couldn't pinpoint what it was until grandma asked me about my yoga class.
Darn it.... my 78-yr old grandma has better memory than me.
I hope I can still remember my name when I wake up tomorrow.
I missed my Sunday class as I woke up thinking it was Saturday.
When my aunt asked me to go with her for another "cleaning-up" session at Anchorage..., I just went along with her.
No wonder I felt so off... Something was upsetting me but I couldn't pinpoint what it was until grandma asked me about my yoga class.
Darn it.... my 78-yr old grandma has better memory than me.
I hope I can still remember my name when I wake up tomorrow.
Saturday, July 29, 2006
AAAARRRRGGGGHHHHH!!!!!
It's do darn annoying...... It was bright and sunny this morning, so I decided to clean some of the windows. Inside out, that is. So I had to stand on a chair and reach out the window to reach some of the spots on the window pane, coz I didn't like the wiper that my aunt had.
It was kinda' scary coz some of the windows do not have any grille, so I was reaching out a window on the 6th floor at times.
At one point while I was standing on the chair and wiping the window panes, someone from a higher floor actually threw a bottle of water out the window. SPLAT!
I thought that was a reminder to me of what would happen to my brain if I had lost my balance.
Anyway, I'm not sure my mom or aunt would've approved the way I did it, but who cares? It's cleaned, ... or so I thought.
Less than 2 hours laters, I was sitting around sorting through some of the trinkets I have... when suddenly out of noswhere the sky became overcast and rain started pouring like nobody's business.
WTH?
All my effort just went down the drain.... :(
I guess that's what happens when you live in the tropics,huh?
(Splat... splat.... splat.... the sound of the huge, or actually gigando raindrops falling on my window now)
It's do darn annoying...... It was bright and sunny this morning, so I decided to clean some of the windows. Inside out, that is. So I had to stand on a chair and reach out the window to reach some of the spots on the window pane, coz I didn't like the wiper that my aunt had.
It was kinda' scary coz some of the windows do not have any grille, so I was reaching out a window on the 6th floor at times.
At one point while I was standing on the chair and wiping the window panes, someone from a higher floor actually threw a bottle of water out the window. SPLAT!
I thought that was a reminder to me of what would happen to my brain if I had lost my balance.
Anyway, I'm not sure my mom or aunt would've approved the way I did it, but who cares? It's cleaned, ... or so I thought.
Less than 2 hours laters, I was sitting around sorting through some of the trinkets I have... when suddenly out of noswhere the sky became overcast and rain started pouring like nobody's business.
WTH?
All my effort just went down the drain.... :(
I guess that's what happens when you live in the tropics,huh?
(Splat... splat.... splat.... the sound of the huge, or actually gigando raindrops falling on my window now)
Friday, July 21, 2006
One special exam question
I just had to write this down before I forget. My memory span is getting shorter and shorter everyday.
In order to learn the English language, I remember we had to rely on private courses as English was not part of the curriculum back home when I was in primary school.
My parents scrimped and saved so my brother and I could take those private English courses. To this day, I think my brother still hates me for causing him to have to take those lessons, as my parents insisted he had to accompany me. I remember for the first few years, I was always the youngest in the class. Most of my classmates used to be 2-5 years older than me.
I suppose maybe that's why the teacher had problem coming up with a question for me - the class baby - during our oral exam. Of the few questions that he asked, there was this one that I think will be the only exam question I'll remember clearly from my 20+ years as a student
As a 10-year old kid, I was asked: "Which do you think is better, to love or to be loved? "
In the current context, this might not have been such a weird question for a 10-yr old, but considering that this was quite a while ago.... I'm still quite amused now when I think of it.
Anyway, I remember answering promptly: "To be loved, of course."
"Why?", the teacher asked.
I remember smiling awkwardly, thinking "Heck! What kind of exam is this?", and then responding:
"Because if you love someone, that doesn't always mean that the person will love you back. But to be loved by someone,... then you don't have to worry about anything...."
I think up until recently I still believed in the essence of what I said that day, but ever since I came to study here in this island I've seen a very good example, literally in front of me, on why I couldn't have been more wrong.
I guess to be loved isn't necessarily better than to love, even if the other party loves you to death (and back... creepy! hahaha). And I'm sure one won't be in such a better position the other way around either: to love someone to death without reciprocating response from the other end. Obviously, the latter I was smart enough to figure out by the time I was 10.
In order to learn the English language, I remember we had to rely on private courses as English was not part of the curriculum back home when I was in primary school.
My parents scrimped and saved so my brother and I could take those private English courses. To this day, I think my brother still hates me for causing him to have to take those lessons, as my parents insisted he had to accompany me. I remember for the first few years, I was always the youngest in the class. Most of my classmates used to be 2-5 years older than me.
I suppose maybe that's why the teacher had problem coming up with a question for me - the class baby - during our oral exam. Of the few questions that he asked, there was this one that I think will be the only exam question I'll remember clearly from my 20+ years as a student
As a 10-year old kid, I was asked: "Which do you think is better, to love or to be loved? "
In the current context, this might not have been such a weird question for a 10-yr old, but considering that this was quite a while ago.... I'm still quite amused now when I think of it.
Anyway, I remember answering promptly: "To be loved, of course."
"Why?", the teacher asked.
I remember smiling awkwardly, thinking "Heck! What kind of exam is this?", and then responding:
"Because if you love someone, that doesn't always mean that the person will love you back. But to be loved by someone,... then you don't have to worry about anything...."
I think up until recently I still believed in the essence of what I said that day, but ever since I came to study here in this island I've seen a very good example, literally in front of me, on why I couldn't have been more wrong.
I guess to be loved isn't necessarily better than to love, even if the other party loves you to death (and back... creepy! hahaha). And I'm sure one won't be in such a better position the other way around either: to love someone to death without reciprocating response from the other end. Obviously, the latter I was smart enough to figure out by the time I was 10.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
I wanna be an AB!!
I found out about this Japanese Blood Type Personality Theory on Wikipedia from Kenny Sia's website.
According to this theory,
- My best traits should be:
Conservative, introverted, reserved, patient, punctual, perfectionist and good with plants, and - My worst traits should be:
Obsessive, stubborn, self conscious, and uptight.
It's ridiculous, 'cause I can only relate to the bad traits and none of the good ones.
But that's only half of what made me a tad upset. According to the theory,I share the same blood and personality type with
George H. W. Bush, Ayumi Hamasaki, O. J. Simpson, Britney Spears, Alan Alda, Adolf Hitler, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Richard Nixon.
Well, ain't it just great!?!?
Now, not only do I not have any of the good traits, now I am in the same group as Bush, O.J. "the gloves", Hitler and not to mention Mrs. Federline!
Geez....I'm speechless...
I'm kinda' happy today that (again) it's almost ridiculous.
Although I think it has a lot to do with my (three musketeer+1) lunch, I think it's the bonus part that really made my day today.
I didn't realize how great it would make me feel to know that somebody actually spent about an hour going through my blog in the wee hours of the nite and read through the kind of crap that I posted. Even more so, to know that I have caused or perhaps have indirectly caused the person's splitting headache at work the day after (although he politely blamed his own case of insomnia for this).
HAHAHAHAHA.....
If you're ever back to visit this crappy blog again,..... thanks for making my day, Uncle!^_^
On hindsight, I think you're kinda' right.... I do tend to ask too many questions, I suppose.
Although I think it has a lot to do with my (three musketeer+1) lunch, I think it's the bonus part that really made my day today.
I didn't realize how great it would make me feel to know that somebody actually spent about an hour going through my blog in the wee hours of the nite and read through the kind of crap that I posted. Even more so, to know that I have caused or perhaps have indirectly caused the person's splitting headache at work the day after (although he politely blamed his own case of insomnia for this).
HAHAHAHAHA.....
If you're ever back to visit this crappy blog again,..... thanks for making my day, Uncle!^_^
On hindsight, I think you're kinda' right.... I do tend to ask too many questions, I suppose.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
One messed up tongue
Some of my friends don't understand why it is such a big deal for me, but I'm seriously annoyed by my English.
You see, growing up, I've had quite a few English teachers with various background, and of course various accents and all. Aside from the numerous Indonesian teachers at school, with various accents (including a really stern, yet sweet and funny Ms. Adoe with a touch of British accent in her speech), I've also had at least two Indian teachers (also with a slight British influence in their English), and last but not least several American teachers.
So you see, it's no wonder my English became a hotchpotch of things.
You see, I say trunk and not boot. I like colours better than colors. Same thing with neighbours. I used to check the cheque amount whenever I received any. The food is slightly burnt, but not completely spoiled. I'm not crazy about math, so I don't see the need to have it in multiple dose as the British do maths. I do the American urbanization and realization, but I prefer the British centres and theatres.I use queue and line interchangeably,and I also do both truck and lorry, depending on the type of vehicles, usually with the latter describing those gigando ones. Well at least nowadays I think I tend to stick to a single way in my pronunciation of tomato, garage and dance.
In short, as you can see, I'm just a total mess.
Now, won't you be upset if you were in my shoes?
You see, growing up, I've had quite a few English teachers with various background, and of course various accents and all. Aside from the numerous Indonesian teachers at school, with various accents (including a really stern, yet sweet and funny Ms. Adoe with a touch of British accent in her speech), I've also had at least two Indian teachers (also with a slight British influence in their English), and last but not least several American teachers.
So you see, it's no wonder my English became a hotchpotch of things.
You see, I say trunk and not boot. I like colours better than colors. Same thing with neighbours. I used to check the cheque amount whenever I received any. The food is slightly burnt, but not completely spoiled. I'm not crazy about math, so I don't see the need to have it in multiple dose as the British do maths. I do the American urbanization and realization, but I prefer the British centres and theatres.I use queue and line interchangeably,and I also do both truck and lorry, depending on the type of vehicles, usually with the latter describing those gigando ones. Well at least nowadays I think I tend to stick to a single way in my pronunciation of tomato, garage and dance.
In short, as you can see, I'm just a total mess.
Now, won't you be upset if you were in my shoes?
Monday, July 17, 2006
Picture perfect.... NOT
Have you ever stumbled upon some pictures (not even an old one) in one of your folders, and go "WHOA!!!! My gosh ... That's hideous!!", while looking at the sight of yourself in the picture.
Well, I just did.
What are you supposed to do when you find such a thing? Dump in the trash because you don't like what you see? Wouldn't that be some kind of denial though?
I'm actually considering printing it out in super duper large size and displaying it on my wall, so that it will be the first thing I see every morning. Maybe then it'll remind me to do something about it...whatever it is that I don't like to see. That-thing-which-must-not-be-named.
Wonder if that will just drive me into depression or if that will be my wake-up call....
Well, I just did.
What are you supposed to do when you find such a thing? Dump in the trash because you don't like what you see? Wouldn't that be some kind of denial though?
I'm actually considering printing it out in super duper large size and displaying it on my wall, so that it will be the first thing I see every morning. Maybe then it'll remind me to do something about it...whatever it is that I don't like to see. That-thing-which-must-not-be-named.
Wonder if that will just drive me into depression or if that will be my wake-up call....
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Another rambling session
Listening to Earl Klugh's Till the End of Time as I write this. One of the few songs that are just loaded with fun memories for me.
(Thanks, roomie!).
I can almost see the vibrant colours of the fall foliage with my eyes closed. The blue sky over the lake. The view from the interstate highways from our drives to the suburbs. The river with horny mallards.
Hahahaha....
Cosi Noodle's Crispy pad thai. Chipotle's Chicken fajita burito bol. Oak Street Beach. Frozen ass in the bitterly cold winter wind. Dearborn.Red maple leaves. The Roland-Ron-Bobby-Gabriel team. Clark / Division. Water Tower. Esquire (first time going to a movie alone). Mag Mile. Stinky trains. Ashland. Wood. Oak. Maple. Elm. Treasure Island. Ace Hardware. Loew's. 90/94. 1130.1309.312.Washington-Monroe-Jackson.Daley Plaza. Museum Campus. Skokie. Evanston. Flurries (Omigosh, I almost forgot what it's called). Sleet. Slush. Wind chill. Daily dose of Jay Leno and Ellen. My Netflix subscription. Empire. Pizano. Corner Bakery's corn chowder. Land of Lincoln.
I'm so afraid I'll wake up one day and forget.
It's silly,...... I know.
By the way, I just noticed how things start and end with food.
Hahahaha
A friend just asked me, where my heart is.
Scattered brain, I had no real answer.
You see, I'm a homeless person looking for a home.
(Thanks, roomie!).
I can almost see the vibrant colours of the fall foliage with my eyes closed. The blue sky over the lake. The view from the interstate highways from our drives to the suburbs. The river with horny mallards.
Hahahaha....
Cosi Noodle's Crispy pad thai. Chipotle's Chicken fajita burito bol. Oak Street Beach. Frozen ass in the bitterly cold winter wind. Dearborn.Red maple leaves. The Roland-Ron-Bobby-Gabriel team. Clark / Division. Water Tower. Esquire (first time going to a movie alone). Mag Mile. Stinky trains. Ashland. Wood. Oak. Maple. Elm. Treasure Island. Ace Hardware. Loew's. 90/94. 1130.1309.312.Washington-Monroe-Jackson.Daley Plaza. Museum Campus. Skokie. Evanston. Flurries (Omigosh, I almost forgot what it's called). Sleet. Slush. Wind chill. Daily dose of Jay Leno and Ellen. My Netflix subscription. Empire. Pizano. Corner Bakery's corn chowder. Land of Lincoln.
I'm so afraid I'll wake up one day and forget.
It's silly,...... I know.
By the way, I just noticed how things start and end with food.
Hahahaha
A friend just asked me, where my heart is.
Scattered brain, I had no real answer.
You see, I'm a homeless person looking for a home.
One baby step at a time
Went for my very first yoga class ever this morning.
One baby step at a time....
I hope, no... I suppose I should say I WILL stick with it.
(Repeating to self: Be a pretzel... be a pretzel... Pretend to be one, at least.)
Must concentrate on getting the abdominal breathing right now....or maybe in my case it should be called belly breathing instead.
One baby step at a time....
I hope, no... I suppose I should say I WILL stick with it.
(Repeating to self: Be a pretzel... be a pretzel... Pretend to be one, at least.)
Must concentrate on getting the abdominal breathing right now....or maybe in my case it should be called belly breathing instead.
Friday, July 14, 2006
My insanity
"The definition of insanity is doing the same things over and over again and expecting different results."
-Albert Einstein-
-Albert Einstein-
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Happy Planet
I really like how Indonesia is ranked higher in the Happy Planet Index than some highly developed countries.
Despite the fact that I wished it was meant to be an indicator of the happiest countries in the world rather than what it realy is, I couldn't agree more with the statement in the report that there are different routes to achieving comparable levels of well-being.
Despite the fact that I wished it was meant to be an indicator of the happiest countries in the world rather than what it realy is, I couldn't agree more with the statement in the report that there are different routes to achieving comparable levels of well-being.
Hamburger vs Pretzel
Bad news: The yoga class I signed up for was cancelled!
Darn it....!! (huffing and puffing in madness)
...
Oh well... It wasn't meant to be, I suppose (back to the default couch potato mode).....
Good news: There's another class that might just survive the low take-up rate, and I signed up for that one instead.
(Keeping my fingers crossed)
I seriously can't picture myself doing yoga though. There's no way a hamburger can pass for a pretzel, is there?
I bet I'll have such a good (and humiliating) time laughing at myself. It's either that or we'll end up with somebody getting transported by an ambulance to a nearby ER: It's either gonna be me for a case of locked limbs (instead of locked jaws) or the instructor for high blood pressure after trying to teach me one of those sun salutation poses.
We'll see how it goes then.... I hope I'll make it to class. It's been a while since the last time I've been this excited about anything.
I had one of those weird dreams of mine again last night. I vaguely remember snippets of it, but I remember overall it was quite odd. Potential dejavus or just mixed-up memories? Only time will tell, I guess....
Darn it....!! (huffing and puffing in madness)
...
Oh well... It wasn't meant to be, I suppose (back to the default couch potato mode).....
Good news: There's another class that might just survive the low take-up rate, and I signed up for that one instead.
(Keeping my fingers crossed)
I seriously can't picture myself doing yoga though. There's no way a hamburger can pass for a pretzel, is there?
I bet I'll have such a good (and humiliating) time laughing at myself. It's either that or we'll end up with somebody getting transported by an ambulance to a nearby ER: It's either gonna be me for a case of locked limbs (instead of locked jaws) or the instructor for high blood pressure after trying to teach me one of those sun salutation poses.
We'll see how it goes then.... I hope I'll make it to class. It's been a while since the last time I've been this excited about anything.
I had one of those weird dreams of mine again last night. I vaguely remember snippets of it, but I remember overall it was quite odd. Potential dejavus or just mixed-up memories? Only time will tell, I guess....
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Field trip to airport
I drove my mom and niece to the airport today. We spent a bit more time there as we got there a bit early. Initially, it was just another day at the airport.
What caught my attention later was this bunch of primary school students that are split up into several groups of roughly 20 kids each. They were running around, trying to out-talk each other at the top of their lungs, jumping up and down on the temporary platform leading to the skytrain and making tons of noise.
At first, it was kinda cute.. . But after being squeezed in the skytrain with at least 40 of these dennis-the-menaces, I started feeling sorry for the leaders of the groups(or teachers, I dunno.....), who didn't look like they're anything older than 21. I bet they felt like strangling those kids.
I think one could kinda tell the difference though, between those who seem to hold it just fine, still holding some kids' hands, checking on some them and making sure they're comfortable inside the super air-conditioned halls, while walking together with them, as opposed to other who simply look as if they're trying to lose a detective that's been tailing them.
Anyway, after while (trust me,.... they were everywhere), I started feeling sorry for the kids. I mean, as much as airports can be an interesting place, I think the field trips I went on in my school days were much more interesting. Of course there was the typical zoo trip, but the field trip I went on to the huge botanic garden and the zoological museum also involved an hour drive out of town. It also involved a visit to one of the country's 3 presidential palaces with deers around in the palace yard. There was another trip to a volcano that involved a 4-hr drive to another city. I actually went on 2 field trips to the volcano and both times I traced the path down the crater with my friends, where some of my friends boiled duck eggs in what looked like puddles of boiling water. It stank as hell from all the sulfur released by the volcano, but we had such a great time (The crater has since been closed due to increased volcano activity, I believe. Either that or they just didn't know better then to have let us hiked up and down the crater). There was also a stop at one of the hot springs in the area. A shorter drive from the city than the volcano would be the tea plantations, which used to be so much colder back then before all the pollution. There's also a safari park which is kinda like a drive-in zoo, where you can make fun of all the sleepy lions and giraffes, touch a llama's nose that's wedged in a small gap on your car window looking for more carrots, gawk at the size (and smell) of an elephant's poo, and have pictures taken of you holding a baby white tiger.
I'm thinking of all the tuitions, music lessons, swimming lessons, drama classes, etc that these noisy kids have to go through.
Now I feel bad for those kids. I think I got a way, way better deal than them.
What caught my attention later was this bunch of primary school students that are split up into several groups of roughly 20 kids each. They were running around, trying to out-talk each other at the top of their lungs, jumping up and down on the temporary platform leading to the skytrain and making tons of noise.
At first, it was kinda cute.. . But after being squeezed in the skytrain with at least 40 of these dennis-the-menaces, I started feeling sorry for the leaders of the groups(or teachers, I dunno.....), who didn't look like they're anything older than 21. I bet they felt like strangling those kids.
I think one could kinda tell the difference though, between those who seem to hold it just fine, still holding some kids' hands, checking on some them and making sure they're comfortable inside the super air-conditioned halls, while walking together with them, as opposed to other who simply look as if they're trying to lose a detective that's been tailing them.
Anyway, after while (trust me,.... they were everywhere), I started feeling sorry for the kids. I mean, as much as airports can be an interesting place, I think the field trips I went on in my school days were much more interesting. Of course there was the typical zoo trip, but the field trip I went on to the huge botanic garden and the zoological museum also involved an hour drive out of town. It also involved a visit to one of the country's 3 presidential palaces with deers around in the palace yard. There was another trip to a volcano that involved a 4-hr drive to another city. I actually went on 2 field trips to the volcano and both times I traced the path down the crater with my friends, where some of my friends boiled duck eggs in what looked like puddles of boiling water. It stank as hell from all the sulfur released by the volcano, but we had such a great time (The crater has since been closed due to increased volcano activity, I believe. Either that or they just didn't know better then to have let us hiked up and down the crater). There was also a stop at one of the hot springs in the area. A shorter drive from the city than the volcano would be the tea plantations, which used to be so much colder back then before all the pollution. There's also a safari park which is kinda like a drive-in zoo, where you can make fun of all the sleepy lions and giraffes, touch a llama's nose that's wedged in a small gap on your car window looking for more carrots, gawk at the size (and smell) of an elephant's poo, and have pictures taken of you holding a baby white tiger.
I'm thinking of all the tuitions, music lessons, swimming lessons, drama classes, etc that these noisy kids have to go through.
Now I feel bad for those kids. I think I got a way, way better deal than them.
Friday, July 07, 2006
Polite Singaporean kids
I was really impressed today.
My impression of nerdy, innocent-looking Singaporean boys and girls is gone for good today.
I was driving some of my relatives to the home of another relative in Bukit Batok. With the number of passengers I had to carry, I decided to borrow my Uncle's van instead. I have driven the thing a few times before but although I made it just fine, I must admit that my aunt's Lancer is definitely an easier pet to handle.
Anyway, trying to negotiate my way around a really tight corner spot (and making sure I stay as close as possible to the wall so I won't be blocking anyone's way), apparently a young Chinese boy from a car who was blocked for probably around 20 seconds by my van yelled: " F*ck you! Don't even know how to park ah?!?"
The boy got away as I did not hear it, but my cousins who were standing nearby trying to make sure I don't add another dent (by my cousin) on the van, caught it loud and clear alright.
What impressed me the most though was not the boy, as I believe kids are really fast in picking up bad things from their surroundings. What I found really impressive was how the parents who were right there with him did not make a single comment.
I was hunting for the boy while walking to my relative's block.
I wanted to tell him to go and f**k his parents instead as they're doing such a terrible job in raising him, there's a chance he might be better off at some Home for juvenile delinquents.
My impression of nerdy, innocent-looking Singaporean boys and girls is gone for good today.
I was driving some of my relatives to the home of another relative in Bukit Batok. With the number of passengers I had to carry, I decided to borrow my Uncle's van instead. I have driven the thing a few times before but although I made it just fine, I must admit that my aunt's Lancer is definitely an easier pet to handle.
Anyway, trying to negotiate my way around a really tight corner spot (and making sure I stay as close as possible to the wall so I won't be blocking anyone's way), apparently a young Chinese boy from a car who was blocked for probably around 20 seconds by my van yelled: " F*ck you! Don't even know how to park ah?!?"
The boy got away as I did not hear it, but my cousins who were standing nearby trying to make sure I don't add another dent (by my cousin) on the van, caught it loud and clear alright.
What impressed me the most though was not the boy, as I believe kids are really fast in picking up bad things from their surroundings. What I found really impressive was how the parents who were right there with him did not make a single comment.
I was hunting for the boy while walking to my relative's block.
I wanted to tell him to go and f**k his parents instead as they're doing such a terrible job in raising him, there's a chance he might be better off at some Home for juvenile delinquents.
What's in a name (of a place)?
I'm sure some people might not get why I would find this amusing, but I do.
A while ago, after taking my grandpa for a visit to the doctor's, my cousin and I were told to drive my grandparents to a certain hawkers' centre supposedly quite well-known for its satay beehon.
My aunt insisted that all I had to do was to tell my cousin to drive us to the spot in Ang-suah that they used to go to.
Relaying the message to my cousin who claimed he was not good in any Chinese dialect despite having parents who mainly communicate in Chinese, the response I got was: " Oh... you mean Bukit Merah ah?"
Now for those of you who are not bilingual in Indonesian/ Malay and any Chinese dialect, Bukit Merah in Indonesian/ Malay can be literally translated as Ang-suah in Teochew/ Hokkien.
So I didn't hesitate at all:" Uh huh.... "
"Your mom said it's the place you guys used to go to a lot for satay beehoon." I added.
Then off we go....
Except when I got there, I was quite sure that we were not at the right place as I had also been there once a few months back. I tried to convince my cousin that we were at the wrong place.
The debate was ended with a quick phone call to my aunt, and everything was solved with my cousin waving his hand in annoyance and exclaimed:
"Haiyaaaa!!! That's Redhill laaaahh....!!!"
A while ago, after taking my grandpa for a visit to the doctor's, my cousin and I were told to drive my grandparents to a certain hawkers' centre supposedly quite well-known for its satay beehon.
My aunt insisted that all I had to do was to tell my cousin to drive us to the spot in Ang-suah that they used to go to.
Relaying the message to my cousin who claimed he was not good in any Chinese dialect despite having parents who mainly communicate in Chinese, the response I got was: " Oh... you mean Bukit Merah ah?"
Now for those of you who are not bilingual in Indonesian/ Malay and any Chinese dialect, Bukit Merah in Indonesian/ Malay can be literally translated as Ang-suah in Teochew/ Hokkien.
So I didn't hesitate at all:" Uh huh.... "
"Your mom said it's the place you guys used to go to a lot for satay beehoon." I added.
Then off we go....
Except when I got there, I was quite sure that we were not at the right place as I had also been there once a few months back. I tried to convince my cousin that we were at the wrong place.
The debate was ended with a quick phone call to my aunt, and everything was solved with my cousin waving his hand in annoyance and exclaimed:
"Haiyaaaa!!! That's Redhill laaaahh....!!!"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)