Yup, scrambled and managed to get tickets to Bangkok and will be going with my 'big brother' and some other friends will be there at the same time. So I guess I'll blog when I get back on Sunday.
Hopefully, I will have some interesting piccys to post!
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Confessions of 300 Unmarried Men
That's the name of the play we went to see this afternoon. My friend was acting in it, and it ended its run today so I thought, why not? It should be fun, especially since I have not seen him in 'action' before, so to speak.
The play was made up of little snippets by the 5 foremost playwrights in Singapore on the theme on unmarried men and was a lovely combination of humour, satire, and some moving moments. To be sure, there were some bits that were slightly off, but on the whole, a really well put together production - one that made us laugh and in a few moments cry. (I should say at this point that I cry at most things, so that should not be too surprising for my friends reading this).
The best part of it I think is the way the playwrights had brought to life the issues of loneliness, the reasons and excuses men stay single. Laughing at the issues that have made the local news recently (e.g. single guy goes to watch crazy horse, and shock horror, finds his mom there with her old biddy friends and she gets him to go to one of those buy a bridge outfits) and the situations that are far too common - shy guy can't express himself, balding guy who has a self-esteem issue and the working class that wants to see what else is coming on the conveyor belt.
It's amazing that almost all the scenes in the play could have been a page out of my life, applied to my relationships. I definitely could relate to it all. The one that ended because he felt he wasn't good enough for me, the one that ended because he didn't want kids, the one that ended because he wanted to see what was on the other side of the hill.
Ah well. I guess I'm at the point when I can look back at them and laugh.
In any case, after the show, we met up briefly with my actor friend and I introduced him to the rest of the girls. He had to rest and prep for the next show at night, so we left for coffee at Starbucks and the girls were like, he's super cute and how come you didn't introduce him to us before? All in all we had a great time just sitting, chatting and rearranging our lives according to fantasy. The power and wonder of 4 women chatting over coffee. I think many a things were probably decided and accomplished over that simple cuppa (make mine a tea though, earl grey, black no lemon).
Quick aside: I'm typing this during my break at work. It's amazing how much faster the words flow with the portable keyboard!
Oh and did I mention that the theatre was at the new National Library? I was so thrilled at finally being in the main branch of my favourite government agency. The entire basement houses the central lending library, and has many carrels and places for us to browse and read. The ground floor was the reception and exhibition area. I didn't have time to explore the other floors, but you can bet i'll be back there to do just that! There's just something about the smell of books - be it old or new, that gives me a thrill. What's more amazing than all the books lined up there, the universes that you've yet to enter and escape to? (At least I recognise that it's a form of escapism for me).
It's just so amazing, I can't believe I haven't made the effort to go there till today. I think I will be spending more time there pretty soon!
The play was made up of little snippets by the 5 foremost playwrights in Singapore on the theme on unmarried men and was a lovely combination of humour, satire, and some moving moments. To be sure, there were some bits that were slightly off, but on the whole, a really well put together production - one that made us laugh and in a few moments cry. (I should say at this point that I cry at most things, so that should not be too surprising for my friends reading this).
The best part of it I think is the way the playwrights had brought to life the issues of loneliness, the reasons and excuses men stay single. Laughing at the issues that have made the local news recently (e.g. single guy goes to watch crazy horse, and shock horror, finds his mom there with her old biddy friends and she gets him to go to one of those buy a bridge outfits) and the situations that are far too common - shy guy can't express himself, balding guy who has a self-esteem issue and the working class that wants to see what else is coming on the conveyor belt.
It's amazing that almost all the scenes in the play could have been a page out of my life, applied to my relationships. I definitely could relate to it all. The one that ended because he felt he wasn't good enough for me, the one that ended because he didn't want kids, the one that ended because he wanted to see what was on the other side of the hill.
Ah well. I guess I'm at the point when I can look back at them and laugh.
In any case, after the show, we met up briefly with my actor friend and I introduced him to the rest of the girls. He had to rest and prep for the next show at night, so we left for coffee at Starbucks and the girls were like, he's super cute and how come you didn't introduce him to us before? All in all we had a great time just sitting, chatting and rearranging our lives according to fantasy. The power and wonder of 4 women chatting over coffee. I think many a things were probably decided and accomplished over that simple cuppa (make mine a tea though, earl grey, black no lemon).
Quick aside: I'm typing this during my break at work. It's amazing how much faster the words flow with the portable keyboard!
Oh and did I mention that the theatre was at the new National Library? I was so thrilled at finally being in the main branch of my favourite government agency. The entire basement houses the central lending library, and has many carrels and places for us to browse and read. The ground floor was the reception and exhibition area. I didn't have time to explore the other floors, but you can bet i'll be back there to do just that! There's just something about the smell of books - be it old or new, that gives me a thrill. What's more amazing than all the books lined up there, the universes that you've yet to enter and escape to? (At least I recognise that it's a form of escapism for me).
It's just so amazing, I can't believe I haven't made the effort to go there till today. I think I will be spending more time there pretty soon!
Ministry of Sound Singapore
I keep forgetting to bring my camera - hence no piccys here yet.
Finally managed to go to Ministry Of Sound (MOS) last night. I was supposed to go to Velvet with Karen but Pris smsed and said she was at MOS, so I thought, let's go there instead. Especially since with her around, one never has to queue.
Got there, the queue was all the way to the main road. We only went to one room - Studio 54 because Pris was there with another party and they were older. Studio 54 played good retro music. Soul stuff, songs from the 80s. Not quite Mambo @ Zouk but somehow cooler, cos of the amazing decor. It was so retro - they had cool funky chairs and seats. Pris and I agreed that when (IF) we got our flat together in London, we would have those in our living room.
Egg Chair
There were quite a few good lookers there, if a triffle bit young. Studio 54 had a good mix though, so I guess we will be making another trek back there to explore the other rooms and the eye candy, and of course dance the night away!
Finally managed to go to Ministry Of Sound (MOS) last night. I was supposed to go to Velvet with Karen but Pris smsed and said she was at MOS, so I thought, let's go there instead. Especially since with her around, one never has to queue.
Got there, the queue was all the way to the main road. We only went to one room - Studio 54 because Pris was there with another party and they were older. Studio 54 played good retro music. Soul stuff, songs from the 80s. Not quite Mambo @ Zouk but somehow cooler, cos of the amazing decor. It was so retro - they had cool funky chairs and seats. Pris and I agreed that when (IF) we got our flat together in London, we would have those in our living room.
There were quite a few good lookers there, if a triffle bit young. Studio 54 had a good mix though, so I guess we will be making another trek back there to explore the other rooms and the eye candy, and of course dance the night away!
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Marginal Benefits of Settling
Quick aside: I've written this post on my PDA - had the thoughts flowing through my head and although I couldn't get me to a computer to blog, I had the next best thing! Ooh, I can see I'm going to be carrying my portable keyboard for more blogging!
Now as I'm working and I see another wedding in progress, I can't help but wonder how they got together and why they got married (or in other words, whether they married for the right reasons.) One can't help but wonder really, if and/or when it will end in divorce. Cynical and jaded, but I'm feeling the weight of all my 29 years.
I was having a bitch session with my best friend earlier today, and we were chatting about her relationship with her boyfriend, amongst other things.
They've been going out for a year and a half but they haven't discussed their relationship much, and nothing's been said about their future. She wants to know, and rightly so in my opinion, where they are heading, whether it's long term or not. I know it's a generalisation but why don't men ever want to talk about these things? They either avoid the question or are completely blur about it. Worse, it seems most of them are commitment phobic.
One thing from our conversation struck me. Aside from the question of having a future together, I - as best friend and devil's advocate, raised the fundamental question of whether this guy is right for her. She didn't say no, but she didn't say yes too. I think I was disturbed by her response that it was time to settle down (or just settle?) and that he was a stable guy and has his good points.
Is this what it all boils down to in the end? Mostly the fact that he's a good guy and that he can provide, and that you can overlook the flaws? I know no one's perfect but surely you'll know if you want to spend the rest of your life with the other person! Isn't anyone at least 100% sure anymore? Not even 95% sure?
I guess I'm scared of a couple of things. One is not ever finding the right someone to spend my life with. Second, that this fear will lead me to settle. If you look at it in terms of weighing the pros and cons, or even in terms of microeconomics, it's whether the marginal benefit of settling down with someone is greater than the marginal benefit of finding the right person and the opportunity cost involved. Age is a factor of opportunity cost, which is why as you get older, this opportunity cost is higher and there is greater perceived benefit in settling down.
Mathematically, most people are represented by
Marginal Benefit (Settling down) > Marginal Benefit (Finding Right Person) + Opportunity Cost in Waiting for the Right Person
I know I've blogged on this before but somehow the whole question still bothers me. I used to be so sure that I'd know, once I've found my soul mate. Now, I have my doubts.
Also, I have not been on a single date since the last disastrous one with The Bore. Everyone I meet either ends up as a friend or just doesn't cut it. Maybe I'm "old fashioned", but I honestly think that men need to do the chasing, so as to make 'em cherish and value what they work for. I wouldn't even consider going out with someone who doesn't want to ask me out (or ask for my number). Do you think that's too much to ask for?
Now as I'm working and I see another wedding in progress, I can't help but wonder how they got together and why they got married (or in other words, whether they married for the right reasons.) One can't help but wonder really, if and/or when it will end in divorce. Cynical and jaded, but I'm feeling the weight of all my 29 years.
I was having a bitch session with my best friend earlier today, and we were chatting about her relationship with her boyfriend, amongst other things.
They've been going out for a year and a half but they haven't discussed their relationship much, and nothing's been said about their future. She wants to know, and rightly so in my opinion, where they are heading, whether it's long term or not. I know it's a generalisation but why don't men ever want to talk about these things? They either avoid the question or are completely blur about it. Worse, it seems most of them are commitment phobic.
One thing from our conversation struck me. Aside from the question of having a future together, I - as best friend and devil's advocate, raised the fundamental question of whether this guy is right for her. She didn't say no, but she didn't say yes too. I think I was disturbed by her response that it was time to settle down (or just settle?) and that he was a stable guy and has his good points.
Is this what it all boils down to in the end? Mostly the fact that he's a good guy and that he can provide, and that you can overlook the flaws? I know no one's perfect but surely you'll know if you want to spend the rest of your life with the other person! Isn't anyone at least 100% sure anymore? Not even 95% sure?
I guess I'm scared of a couple of things. One is not ever finding the right someone to spend my life with. Second, that this fear will lead me to settle. If you look at it in terms of weighing the pros and cons, or even in terms of microeconomics, it's whether the marginal benefit of settling down with someone is greater than the marginal benefit of finding the right person and the opportunity cost involved. Age is a factor of opportunity cost, which is why as you get older, this opportunity cost is higher and there is greater perceived benefit in settling down.
Mathematically, most people are represented by
Marginal Benefit (Settling down) > Marginal Benefit (Finding Right Person) + Opportunity Cost in Waiting for the Right Person
I know I've blogged on this before but somehow the whole question still bothers me. I used to be so sure that I'd know, once I've found my soul mate. Now, I have my doubts.
Also, I have not been on a single date since the last disastrous one with The Bore. Everyone I meet either ends up as a friend or just doesn't cut it. Maybe I'm "old fashioned", but I honestly think that men need to do the chasing, so as to make 'em cherish and value what they work for. I wouldn't even consider going out with someone who doesn't want to ask me out (or ask for my number). Do you think that's too much to ask for?
Monday, February 13, 2006
Crazy Horse Paris, Singapore
Saturday was an action packed day! It started at 7am with 4 hours of shift work, then lunch at my grandma's, followed by 3 hours of French tuition and work. The culmination of the day (and the best part too!) was going to see my friends in the Crazy Horse Paris cabaret. There's no Singapore website yet, but here's the link to Crazy Horse in Paris.
If you didn't already know, Crazy Horse is a topless cabaret show, the first ever in Singapore. (Legally approved that is. Of course there are probably illegals but that's normal everywhere no?) I had helped Pris out with the opening night, but didn't get to see the show. When my friends heard that, they said of course, you must see it and we will get you tickets. And so we went for the last show on Saturday night (cos that's the only one I can make after work!)
Despite what others may think, the cabaret was stylish and done very well. After the first act, you forget that these girls are topless and concentrate on the amazing moves and grace that they dance with. Some of them are seriously stupendous (I do yoga, so I know how difficult some of the moves can be) but they make it look so effortless. Sadly, I can't put post any pictures (duh!) but the show was amazing.
My absolute favourite act was Champagne Taste, where the dancer pretends to be drunk and dances to the absolutely hilarious Eartha Kitt song, Champagne Taste. Other acts that I loved was the Good Girl, where the dancer shakes her toosh and tells everyone she's a good girl and the Adagio was absolutely stunning in terms of the lighting effects, choreography and the slow and ballet-esque mood. There was another one called Fly where the dancers are perched on poles that hang from the ceiling (but not touch the ground) and evokes the imagery of flying nymphs.
There were some hoots and whees from some of the guys but it's sad when the loudest applause and noise came from three single (heterosexual) girls watching the show. Naturally, it was because they were our friends, but I have to say that the audiences in Singapore are quite pathetic. My friends had complained many a times that the audience was very lukewarm and gave restrained applause. I'd also encountered that in my own work. People here are so very tame and somewhat restrained. Sadly I think that is not very encouraging for budding emerging artistes or even for promoters to bring new and interesting shows here.
Rant aside, if you haven't watched it and are in Paris, Singapore or Las Vegas, get your hands on some tickets and enjoy L'Art du Nu (The Art of The Nude)!
If you didn't already know, Crazy Horse is a topless cabaret show, the first ever in Singapore. (Legally approved that is. Of course there are probably illegals but that's normal everywhere no?) I had helped Pris out with the opening night, but didn't get to see the show. When my friends heard that, they said of course, you must see it and we will get you tickets. And so we went for the last show on Saturday night (cos that's the only one I can make after work!)
Despite what others may think, the cabaret was stylish and done very well. After the first act, you forget that these girls are topless and concentrate on the amazing moves and grace that they dance with. Some of them are seriously stupendous (I do yoga, so I know how difficult some of the moves can be) but they make it look so effortless. Sadly, I can't put post any pictures (duh!) but the show was amazing.
My absolute favourite act was Champagne Taste, where the dancer pretends to be drunk and dances to the absolutely hilarious Eartha Kitt song, Champagne Taste. Other acts that I loved was the Good Girl, where the dancer shakes her toosh and tells everyone she's a good girl and the Adagio was absolutely stunning in terms of the lighting effects, choreography and the slow and ballet-esque mood. There was another one called Fly where the dancers are perched on poles that hang from the ceiling (but not touch the ground) and evokes the imagery of flying nymphs.
There were some hoots and whees from some of the guys but it's sad when the loudest applause and noise came from three single (heterosexual) girls watching the show. Naturally, it was because they were our friends, but I have to say that the audiences in Singapore are quite pathetic. My friends had complained many a times that the audience was very lukewarm and gave restrained applause. I'd also encountered that in my own work. People here are so very tame and somewhat restrained. Sadly I think that is not very encouraging for budding emerging artistes or even for promoters to bring new and interesting shows here.
Rant aside, if you haven't watched it and are in Paris, Singapore or Las Vegas, get your hands on some tickets and enjoy L'Art du Nu (The Art of The Nude)!
Saturday, February 11, 2006
The (Job) Search Goes On...
I've been pretty lazy in this department. To date, I've been to 2 interviews but have not gotten any further. There was one job that I wanted - with Bloomberg. That would have been really really great. Sadly, they found someone with the type of experience that they wanted. Oh well. Next!
I have an interview on Monday at 7:45am with Singapore Power. Those who know me will know that that is a horrible time for me to be up and have all cylinders firing. Who in their right minds have interviews at 7:45 in the morning?!?! And do I want to work for an organisation that starts work that early?!?! Oh well. Get the job first then see. If nothing, all this interviewing will help me get better at the next interview.
Saying all that, I'm wondering if I should keep on trying to get a mundane job or stick with singing and being self employed. I'm getting discouraged in my job search as I don't feel I'm making any headway, even with the interviews. I hate the fact that I'm not getting paid much and I'm living from hand to mouth. I make enough just to get by and I have to watch what I spend (though I still go crazy eating and splurging on the odd item here and there). With my current lifestyle, it's hard to amass any savings. Unless I can come up with other revenue streams. I've thought of two or three possible ones if I fail to get a proper job:
1. Voice-overs / Voice acting. I'm already in the business of singing - this is like a step sideways and I wouldn't have to give up singing at night. I haven't got a clue where to start though!
2. Do free lance consulting. I've done it before, I just need to go out and get the work. This is not a bad way to get a full time job's income on my own time either. Perhaps I can talk to the friend that I used to work for and see if we come to an arrangement as before.
3. Concentrate on building my distribution business. Already started it, but have been lazy ass about it. (see the recurring theme here). This will take a while but it's a long term thing for me, so I think I'll do it in my own time.
Doing my typical indecisive, ask everyone's opinion and consider all options thing, expending tons of energy pursuing ALL options before settling with the first one that works. That's my style sadly. Maybe I need to change that instead.
I have an interview on Monday at 7:45am with Singapore Power. Those who know me will know that that is a horrible time for me to be up and have all cylinders firing. Who in their right minds have interviews at 7:45 in the morning?!?! And do I want to work for an organisation that starts work that early?!?! Oh well. Get the job first then see. If nothing, all this interviewing will help me get better at the next interview.
Saying all that, I'm wondering if I should keep on trying to get a mundane job or stick with singing and being self employed. I'm getting discouraged in my job search as I don't feel I'm making any headway, even with the interviews. I hate the fact that I'm not getting paid much and I'm living from hand to mouth. I make enough just to get by and I have to watch what I spend (though I still go crazy eating and splurging on the odd item here and there). With my current lifestyle, it's hard to amass any savings. Unless I can come up with other revenue streams. I've thought of two or three possible ones if I fail to get a proper job:
1. Voice-overs / Voice acting. I'm already in the business of singing - this is like a step sideways and I wouldn't have to give up singing at night. I haven't got a clue where to start though!
2. Do free lance consulting. I've done it before, I just need to go out and get the work. This is not a bad way to get a full time job's income on my own time either. Perhaps I can talk to the friend that I used to work for and see if we come to an arrangement as before.
3. Concentrate on building my distribution business. Already started it, but have been lazy ass about it. (see the recurring theme here). This will take a while but it's a long term thing for me, so I think I'll do it in my own time.
Doing my typical indecisive, ask everyone's opinion and consider all options thing, expending tons of energy pursuing ALL options before settling with the first one that works. That's my style sadly. Maybe I need to change that instead.
Saturday, February 04, 2006
Thumping Once, Thumping Twice
Knowing I had an early start this morning did not prevent me from going over to Thumper for "ONE drink" after work. Got an SMS and a call from Pris saying, we're at Thumper come for one.
As usual, one always goes up to 2 or more. We met the Crazy Horse girls there and started chatting about the show, the girls, and life in general. Axelle's gonna get me in next Saturday night to see it! Hooray!! We're also preparing to do the buffet brunch at the Bar & Billiard Room with them - free flow of pan fried foie gras... oh lordy!
It was 2am before we finally left for home. I am so sleep deprived today. We will be preparing for Thumper Part 2 - Pris's birthday party there tonight with all our friends. Oh, the carnage tonight... *evil laugh* And we can look forward to the recovery brunch!
As usual, one always goes up to 2 or more. We met the Crazy Horse girls there and started chatting about the show, the girls, and life in general. Axelle's gonna get me in next Saturday night to see it! Hooray!! We're also preparing to do the buffet brunch at the Bar & Billiard Room with them - free flow of pan fried foie gras... oh lordy!
It was 2am before we finally left for home. I am so sleep deprived today. We will be preparing for Thumper Part 2 - Pris's birthday party there tonight with all our friends. Oh, the carnage tonight... *evil laugh* And we can look forward to the recovery brunch!
Friday, February 03, 2006
Quick Note
I've been busy with Chinese New Year stuff, as well as meeting up with friends who are back or are leaving Singapore soon. I know I've neglected my blog, but I hope to remedy that soon! I'm also going to start posting pictures on my blog as they would enhance and augment what I've written. And as they say, a picture paints a thousand words!
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