Us, F4

My AL week! A glorious, whole 9 days of paid leave will soon crash to a sad, tragic end. Like a flower in bloom, alas, such beauty can only be fleeting.

Soon, Monday will overtake, and I will be forced to whisk myself back to the wards to work again. Do I really mind?

Not in the least bit.

Monday will only be a day away from Sharon Lee's return =)

Ross says that I was hibernating like a bear most of the week. Sleeping only at unearthly hours and waking near sunset. I watched DVDs until i felt my cornea sting. A definate hint that it was sufficient for the day.

I tried to limit my outings to the evenings to avoid the ridiculously oven-like weather. But, F4 are daylight folks. So I had to sweat it out for them. Heeheee…

On our first outing, we extended the invitation to the other ward mates. A kind of get-together session to help build bonds between colleagues, in hopes of closer ties that will reduce the back biting and bitching among ourselves. We decided to eat at Sakae Sushi, Marina Square. And yes, as usual, I ate as though I was possessed. We also headed down to the Esplanade to catch up on the latest gossips.

We also queued (10 min) for donuts at Donut Factory. It was my virgin try. On the whole, the donuts were nice, but i seriously would not queue 1-2hrs just for that. When I brought the donuts back home, my brother snapped it up like a ravenous crocodile. 1-2-and its gone! He loved them.

For the 2nd session, it was a private session, exclusive to only the F4 members. So we went to Chinatown because it would be most convenient for Snoopy. So while waiting for her to get off work, F4 minus 1, roamed Chinatown. Whiling our time away by hunting for… yes.. you’ve guessed right!

FOOD!

We had really good mango and pomelo dessert at the shop opposite Mac. At $3.50 a pop, it’s quite exp. But.. yes, it was worth it. Mokie had the peanut dessert. That was good too. Overall, with the air-con and great snacks, they can be sure I’ll return!

When Snoopy arrived, we went to Smith St for more makan. This time round, we loaded ourselves with char kuay teow, BBQ stingray, sambal kang kong, Da Dong’s famous har gao and Ah Balling!!!

Yuuuuuuuuuummmmmmmmmmo..!!

After that potentially gastric rupturing meal, we went to escape the heat in a nearby Mac. We laughed so loud it made the people there evil eyeball us. Hehheheheee…

Yes. I think know I love us, F4.

They make me want to run back to work =)

I love us =)

Hurry Home Babe

Sharon Lee’s coming back on the 8th. Incidentally, that’s the same day I have to start work. I’ve already started the countdown. I’m rubbing my hands in anticipation to all the presents she’ll return with.

Our relationship’s a bizarre concoction of chemistry and personality traits.

You’ll be surprised to know how sturdy a friendship we’ve built over time. Thus far, our friendship has spanned a strong 14 years. And what those years have brought! Eroding barriers between us, making it possible to exchange sincere views with tart frankness.

I remember her being at every milestone in my life.

We have our fair share of conflicts. At times, I think she’s blardy rude. Sometimes, she’s childish. Sometimes, she’s open and all wise (like Yoda). And sometimes, the tables are reversed. Still, she’s there as an anchor for all my drama, gently pulling (or yanking) me back to reality when the need arises.

For some people, they may never get the opportunity to find such a friend.

Unfortunately, this time round, her visit is related to more somber news. Her granny is sick. So her return was planned at the last minute. She’s not returning with Barji. He’s out stationed in Serbia for 3 weeks, then off to Pittsburg again; translating into the lovers being separated for quite some time. I do hope he gets time some time off after she goes back to Texas.

I want to see her happy.

It’s a nice consolation for my absence.

Charity Case

The President’s Star Charity was broadcast a few days ago on the local network. In it, many local celebrities sang and danced to help raise funds for the less fortunate. Decked out in such splendor, it was easy to overlook the reason for holding the show in the first place.

Until they slot in numerous sob stories between each segment. Each shot was artfully done. Focusing on the tears, turmoil and anguish of each case, all in hopes of milking cash cows nationwide.

You cry lah, I’ll zoom in….

At the end of the show, major sponsors presented their mountains of donations to the President. Each taking the opportunity to shake the President’s hand in front of rolling cameras. An undisputed honor, for all to behold.

The nett result is hypocrisy at its finest.

They shake the hands of those that can afford to give millions, neatly forgetting that the amount is just a tiny speck in their vast fortunes. Incidentally, all donations are tax deductible now aren’t they? We clap and cheer when we see the cash roll in. Yet we forget that money will be filtered off to pay fund raising companies, advertisements and whatever.

And after all the glitz and stardust has settled, we all go about our daily tasks, cleverly omitting the fact that the suffering continues for the less fortunate. That is, until the next show comes along.

Which star lives in modesty to really help the sick?
Which philanthropist gave up his fortune to the suffering?
Which caller opened his home to those in need?

I’m not here to say that these should cease. I understand these companies and donors create jobs for a multitude under their charge. Perhaps, in this day and age, we need to be reminded to help others. And better still if there is the option of wining a condo or car in the final lucky draw.

But please don’t stop donating. You should. Really.

All I know is there should be a better way.