Best granny in the world

Out of nowhere, Grandma approached me while we were just chillin' at my aunt's shop. She said " You know you should take on dancing, too. Just like your cousin."
It really caught me off guard, but before I could say anything, she continued, " Otherwise you'll lose from your cousins. Cousin A just won a local singing competition and cousin B has been winning some ballroom dancing competition. You should go for something like that too. It will be good for you."
I couldn't help but laugh my heart out.

My grandma. She's the best. One of the two best grandmas in the world. The other is my other grandma from my dad's side of the family.

I know some people might find it annoying to be compared in anyway like that by your family. However, I think I know what my grandma is thinking. I tend to (or would like to) look at this whole thing as her having faith in me, that I could do almost anything. Even such an impossible thing (in my case) as ballroom dancing.

You know what, grandma? Thanks for the faith in me.
One of these days, when it's more feasible to do so, I might actually go and do it.

Come to think of it, I haven't talked to her since she left earlier this month.Maybe I'll go and visit her and Grandpa in a week or two. Let's hope I won't be that stuck with school work.

Just plain wicked!

I went to see a wonderfully "Wicked" musical yesterday. What a great way to spend the last few days that I have in the city. Bravo! That's all I can say. I clapped till my hands were sore last night.

"But I say: Why invite stress in? Stop studying strife and learn to live the "unexamined life"."
-Fiyero, Wicked-

They say what can't kill you will make you strong. Right now it definitely doesn't feel like it.

Last day at work

Today was my last day at work. I survived the whole day without making any scene, but as I was leaving, one of my colleagues decided to round up whatever people left on the floor to say good bye to me and that did it.

I know some people might not get why it's such a big deal, but what can I say, it just is for me. For a girl who's half-way around the world from home, my co-workers have become my family. I spent more time with them during my approaching-four-year stay here in the Windy city than anyone else. Not only that, they are the nicest, most-caring, warm-hearted people I have ever met in my life, too. I mean, I'm not saying we don't have our "non-Hallmark" moments, but heck, who doesn't? Just as my colleague said: We are just one big dysfunctional family.

I think this hasn't really sunk in yet. I think a major reason why I'm not totally freaked out yet is the fact that I have to entertain one of my friends who's visiting from home and also the fact that I will stil see them next Friday for dinner.

I'm an MDP! YEAHH!!!

According to a recent study by Ajilon, messy-desk people (let’s call them MDP) tend to have higher salaries than non-MDP; specifically, while 66 percent of Americans making $35,000 or less per year are self-described neat freaks, only 11 percent of those earning above $75,000 claim the same. Also, the more educated tend to be messier; only 16 percent consider themselves neat, whereas the percentage for non-college graduates is 29. (http://monster.typepad.com/monsterblog/2005/05/are_you_a_messy.html)

Addicted to nervous-breakdown

So I guess it's half-official now: I am on my way to be a student (AGAIN!?!?!?!) half way around the world, really close to home. Words can't describe the fear and anxiety that I am feeling, but heck,.... it won't be the first time right?

white meat vs. dark meat

Could somebody please help us confused souls here:

Are chicken wings white meat or dark meat?

(This post is dedicated to NC. I hope one day this issue would be resolved.)

I am sorry but I guess I am a bit "racist" when it gets to poultry. I strongly prefer white meat over dark meat. I mean, c'mon guys.... is it seriously just me? Can you not smell the strong "chicken body odor" (as my roomie put it) in the dark meat? (She loves dark meat,by the way. Which works out great since we can split a rotisserie chicken nicely that way).Well anyway, I think chicken wings should be considered dark meat but heck, that's my favorite part! And if it tastes good, who cares? So, please give me not thighs, nor drumsticks. But wings?? Oui!OUI!

NC, I hope you'll be able to enjoy them again some day 'cause I think you're missing out on too much.

triskaidekaphobia

A forwarded message from Ms. NH (A good news I guess, since I live on the 13th floor):

Word of the Day for Friday May 13, 2005
triskaidekaphobia \tris-ky-dek-uh-FOH-bee-uh\, noun:
A morbid fear of the number 13 or the date Friday the 13th.

Thirteen people, pledged to eliminate triskaidekaphobia, fear of the number 13, today tried to reassure American> sufferers by renting a 13 ft plot of land in Brooklyn for> 13 cents... a month.> --Daily Telegraph, January 14, 1967>> Past disasters linked to the number 13 hardly help> triskaidekaphobics overcome their affliction. The most> famous is the Apollo 13 mission, launched on April 11, 1970> (the sum of 4, 11 and 70 equals 85 - which when added
> 13:13 local time, and struck by an explosion on April 13.> --"It\'s just bad luck that the 13th is so often a Friday,"> [1]Electronic Telegraph, September 8, 1996> _________________________________________________________>> Triskaidekaphobia is a fairly new word (first found in print> in 1911) formed from Greek treiskaideka, triskaideka,> "thirteen" (treis, "three" + kai, "and" + deka, "ten") +> phobos, "fear." The adjective form is triskaidekaphobic. One> who fears the number 13 is a triskaidekaphobe or> triskaidekaphobic.>> There are many [2]theories about the origin of> triskaidekaphobia. In medieval Christian countries the number> 13 came to be considered unlucky because there were 13 persons> at the Last Supper of Christ. Fridays are also unlucky,> because the Crucifixion was on a Friday. Hence a Friday> falling on the thirteenth day would be regarded as especially> unlucky.> Some famous triskaidekaphobes1:> * Napoleon> * Herbert Hoover> * Mark Twain> * Richard Wagner> * Franklin Roosevelt>",1]
);
//-->
> together comes to 13), from Pad 39 (three times 13) at> 13:13 local time, and struck by an explosion on April 13.> --"It's just bad luck that the 13th is so often a Friday,"> [1]Electronic Telegraph, September 8, 1996> _________________________________________________________>> Triskaidekaphobia is a fairly new word (first found in print> in 1911) formed from Greek treiskaideka, triskaideka,> "thirteen" (treis, "three" + kai, "and" + deka, "ten") +> phobos, "fear." The adjective form is triskaidekaphobic. One> who fears the number 13 is a triskaidekaphobe or> triskaidekaphobic.>> There are many [2]theories about the origin of> triskaidekaphobia. In medieval Christian countries the number> 13 came to be considered unlucky because there were 13 persons> at the Last Supper of Christ. Fridays are also unlucky,> because the Crucifixion was on a Friday. Hence a Friday> falling on the thirteenth day would be regarded as especially> unlucky.> Some famous triskaidekaphobes1:> * Napoleon> * Herbert Hoover> * Mark Twain> * Richard Wagner> * Franklin Roosevelt>
> Friday," [3]Daily Telegraph, September 8, 1996>>References>> 1. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/> 2. http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a3_080.html> 3. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/>>Dictionary.com Entry and Pronunciation>> http://dictionary.reference.com/search?r=9&q=triskaidekaphobia>>Note: Audio pronunciation available only to Premium members.>To learn more about the benefits of Premium membership,>visit our site: http://dictionary.reference.com/premium/?r=9>>- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ->>The Dictionary.com Toolbar for Internet Explorer: the world\'s>lightest reference library. It\'s free! http://tinyurl.com/2swc5>>_._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._>",1]
);
//-->
> 1. Source: "It's just bad luck that the 13th is so often a> Friday," [3]Daily Telegraph, September 8, 1996

Ten questions

Bernard Pivot's 10 questions:
1. What is your favorite word? Happy
2. What is your least favorite word? Sad
3. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally? Anything new
4. What turns you off? Arrogance
5. What is your favorite curse word? S**t
6. What sound or noise do you love? Laughter, especially a baby’s laugh.
7. What sound or noise do you hate? Deafening silence
8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? Photographer
9. What profession would you not like to do? Doctor
10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? Don’t worry, I forgive you. Now go in and find your grampa while you wait for the rest of your family.

I have never had as much alcohol in one night as what I had last night. As anyone can predict, the result was a disaster. What else would you call it if you didn't get home until after 2.30 am ( I think :P) and you're wide awake by 6.20am? On the other hand, I don't believe I've had this much fun for a while....., not since the 2003 New Year's Eve in New York City at least. This despite my being a "cripple" from my infamous "legends of the fall" .

I have to say though that everybody from work were so nice (not that they are usually not as nice). Everyone seems to be genuinely concerned about each other. That's what I love about my work place. It's just one big happy, and on many occasions dysfunctional, family.

Anyway, going back to the night out with my friends, we went out for Ethiopian food up North and headed to a bar in the Lincoln Square area. What an interesting cuisine they have! Sour, spongy dough that I guess is supposed to be bread and spicy meat dishes. Kind of reminds me of the food back home (minus the sour spongy bread). Nice South African beer, though.

05/05/05

There goes my great plan to celebrate this one special day: May 5th, 2005 or 05/05/05 (event originally planned to take place at 5:55 pm).

I successfully managed to sprain my ankle so bad while walking down the stairs to get to the red line the evening before. Ended up having to stay home all day and "R.I.C.E." my fat ankle. I don't recall that many occasion when I found resting to be so exhausting.

The apprentice

I had a nightmare yesterday. All the typical fears I used to have when I was still in school: Nasty teammates in a group project, crappy team project results, not being prepared for that one critical presentation. Except this one nightmare was special in one way: Donald Trump was one of the judges in the presentation. Yup, .... the Donald, with the hair, the wince, the attitude and the "you're fired" snapping hand movement.

Can't help but wonder if this is a sign that going back to school is not really a good idea for me. ^_^

Hock-a-lugie

This is why I love my friends from work so much. They are my dependable source for interesting vocabulary that are way more interesting than my dearly beloved Webster dictionary.

If it quacks like a duck,.... it is a duck.

(according to this Accounting professor whose class I had to take my first year in grad school)

I really enjoyed today's weather. For all I know, this statement alone could get me killed. ^_^
People were all bundled up from head to toe.... and as my colleague so eloquently put it: It's almost May for God's sake!!!

But really, there's no sarcasm intended in my first statement. I did really enjoy the weather. As I told my friends at work, I am just trying to "absorb" as much cold weather as possible before I head home to the hot and annoyingly sticky climate. Hey,..... I'll take today's flurries and bitter, cold wind anytime and anyday then having to deal with the heat, the stickiness, the sun and all that.

Anyway, here are some pictures from today's outing by the River Walk in Naperville in the wonderfully cold weather:


two to tango
-(chocoholic)-


Three musketeers
-(chocoholic)-


get a room...., man!!
-(chocoholic)-

Dunno what's going on but it's been one heck of a weekend for my roommate and me. By Monday morning, I was so drained from the blow that I couldn't even drag myself to work although I have to admit this wasn't the first time it has happened.

Poop happens. I know.

Sighting

feeling blue
-(chocoholic)-
Site: North Michigan Ave. ,across the street from Water Tower Place.
Time: approx. 4.30 pm
Object: Dustin Hoffman
Ratings: **/*****

I'm a survivor

I used to have lots and lots of dreams in my sleep and I kind of enjoyed them. I know some people might find them to be a bit tiring and disturbing to their restful sleep, but I look forward to my dreams.

I love my dreams, or maybe the ones I used to have, to be more accurate.

You see, in those dreams, I was a survivor.

I survived an alien attack with zombies who took away my family and friends -- think X-Files, Men in Black and Aliens 1 thru 4 combined (I don't exactly remember how everything turned out but I know I survived the whole ordeal). I survived a full-blown gangster attack (think AK47s in early 90s with Hongkong action movie setup) and actually managed to successfully get my revenge in a counter-attack I skillfully planned. I survived a blood-sucking dracula who had taken in the form of a nasty teacher in secondary school and who basically sucked the life out of everyone in school. I managed to miraculously acquire the skill to basically defy grafity and fly in some of these dreams(or float in zero-gravity-like style, depending on which dream we're talking about). I also survived some seriously major falls. Suicidal jump from an 8-storey high building, deathly falls from mile-high cliffs .... you name it and I had it.

Now, I can't say that I was a brave heroine who faced all the obstacles and adventures in my dreams with no fear whatsoever. In most of them, such as the dracula dream and the falling dreams, I woke up sweating and out of breath with knees so weak that I would have fallen flat on the floor if I had tried to get out of bed but who cares? I was a survivor.

I love those dreams because I got to see some people in them. I got to see my idols and even talked to them. I got to see people that I hadn't seen for a while. They were mostly old friends, though I got to see my grampa once. It was quite a while after he passed away. It was one of those family gatherings we used to have more when he was still around. He was sitting on a chair in a corner, watching my little cousins play and fight like any ordinary day. I saw him smile and I remember feeling he was smiling at me. He didn't seem to be in pain or troubled in any way. No sign of the pain he was in that I heard so much about. No sign of the awful cancer that he had. It was just him, the sweet grampa that he was. Well, maybe not that sweet. But he's one of the two best grampas in the whole world for sure. Gosh, I miss him so much. I miss his toothless smile and the way he chewed his favorite food -- beef (God knows how). I miss his plain white t-shirt with holes from the ashes of his cigarette (He used to get a packet of tobacco and roll his own cigarette. Yeah.... filtered stuff's for wimps I guess :P). I miss his glasses that were so thick I could only see his eyes in the morning right after he got up from a good night's sleep. I miss the late night suppers we used to have whenever both of us were at my aunt's place in Singapore (Roti prata has never been the same). I miss him and it's nice seeing him though only in my dream.

I wish I had more dreams nowadays. Or maybe I should say I wish I could remember the few that I have nowadays on some rare occasions. Most of the ones I have nowadays are not as fun as the ones I used to have, though. Mostly just some random events. None of those full-blown productions that I used to have back in the days, ... back in my youth.

It's almost 4 am now. I think I'll give it another shot. Who knows, I might meet my prince charming tonight. I believe I will definitely survive that dream, too.

Mr. Sandman,
bring me a dream
Make him the cutest that I've ever seen
Give him two lips like roses and clover
Then tell him that his lonesome nights are over
- Mr. Sandman-

Moonstruck

One beautiful full moon over lake michigan
-(chocoholic)-

What do you call it when everything intersects?
.....The Bermuda Triangle!

-Sleepless in Seattle (1993)-

Happy St. Pat's day

Forgot to put on something green today... not that I have that many green items in my closet. In order to avoid further torture from a certain girl at work who kept pinching my arms, I had to resort to putting a tiny green paperclip on my sleeves .