Sunday, September 24, 2006

I have an identity crisis…mild, but troubling. At the age of 22, I have stepped into adulthood. Like it or not, I have new responsibilities. I have the right to vote as a citizen, I am liable for all criminal offenses if I ever commit one, and I still have National Service Liability to complete. As we are growing up, we wish to grow up as soon as possible. Becoming an adult allows one to enter into pubs / clubs, walk into movie theatres able to watch every single movie on show. Amongst all these incentives, we look forward to turning 21. However, I am now stuck in a dilemma. In fact, it is more like an identity crisis. Before, usually people address me by "Xiao Di aka Little Boy" or "Kor Kor aka Brother". But since I've worked with Times Bookstore for their recent Bookfair, and teaching art and maths on a freelance basis. In the schools, the students call me Mr Huang, formal but acceptable. But at the bookfair, I have parents telling their kids to make way for me. Mum: “Boy, let UNCLE pass! Dun block the way” At the street soccer court in my neighbourhood... Teen: "Uncle, pass the ball". Wau Lau….call me uncle…. I almost collapsed, and dropped dead! I cannot believe what they just called me. Uncle. Did I heard wrongly??? I know. I should not have left my facial hair to grow. Maybe I should have styled my hair before I left home. The clothing i was wearing is also left to be desired, not the Giordano and Hang Ten, should have been the Nike and Ripcurl. But, I’m either working or playing soccer, i bound to sweat. I dun think it’s a good idea to dress up, when I will dirty my clothes. Yup, so some people still call me Xiao Di , especially hawkers or neighbours. The younger ones call me Kor Kor, which is fine. But, call me an uncle… it kinda need some time to get used to. I wonder… do I look really that old??? Or do i just need an image overhaul/makeover?? [7:35 PM]

Friday, September 22, 2006

Fantastic Guitar Play... Performance 01 Performance 02 [11:22 AM]

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Sat 16-09-2006 - a recap It was one of the more fulfilling days of the week. In order to kickstart my Marathon Training, I meant Hong Kiat for a morning jog at Macritchie Reservoir. Covered roughly 6km. Pretty good start...considering i have not actually started training due to loads of excuses and real reasons. Went back to Zhonghua Sec in the afternoon, been about 2-3 years since i last went back. Met people from my batch...surprise surprise, quite a number of us turned up. Took pictures with some of my teachers. (courtesy of Hong Kiat again...since his IXUS is better than mine) It nice to see the mentors who has made a difference back then. Yes. Thanks so much for everything! With Mdm Aw, my Form Teacher back in Sec 1 & 2 who taught us Chinese as well. Miss Yam, who taught me Chemistry during Sec 3 & 4. Possibly the most popular teacher around, the DisciplineMistress herself, Mdm Lau. Left in the evening to enjoy the peacfulness of the night by myself. (although it would have been a little better if i had a company or two). Passed Suntec City on the way there...it looks like a warzone / prison fences all around, policemen patrolling the entire area, dressed in different uniforms, armed with an array of weapons... Went to Victoria Concert Hall to attend a friend's choir concert. Was in the wrong concert hall for a little more than 5 minutes, then enjoyed an hour of nice melodies. To top the night off, one of the performer proposed to his girlfriend (a fellow performer) at the end of the show. Heard plenty of "That's so sweet..." and well, i guess all ladies like an elaborate wedding proposal. That was my Saturday for You! [4:51 PM]

Monday, September 18, 2006

Sometimes, we make comments that we do not meant to do so. Yes, at times, we say negative things about others, be it intentional, or without any intentions to hurt someone’s feelings. Mistakes. We make mistakes now and then. An apology would do most of the time, but some choose to stay offended, and defensive, thus completely shutting you off their inner circle of friends… They totally refuse any forms of apologies. Why do I sound so philosophical? Well, I probably offended more people these days, with my sarcastic and frank comments. Sorry. But I prefer to be honest than pretentious. Since secondary school, I have been exposed to the sarcasm remarks of my teachers. I do not make racism comments, either religious. However, I prefer to use descriptions that would describe one, usually in a hurtful manner. All my friends know that I have a habit of making comments that hit you on your ‘Spot’. Yes, I say bad things. So I recently made a comment about 2 ladies, calling them SPGs. Well, it is probably more of a personal attack than anything. I mean, the kind of lifestyle that I assume they led, is not to be desired, at least to me personally. I believe that many of us have been caught up with too much Western influence, that it has affected our lives. Perhaps i have prejudice, or i am generalizing their behavior / personalities, which i admit i am PARTIALLY WRONG. Partying, bad habits, and the open-mindedness in certain issues are against our Eastern roots - Period. Call me traditional, call me old-fashioned, call me anything you wish. But, I feel that many of us just too ‘polluted’ by the ‘American culture’, through all media forms. Anyway, if I have hurt you recently with any comments, don’t take too much offence, I am just expressing myself. [12:36 AM]

Friday, September 15, 2006

Final piece on Bookfair - quick conclusion. Overall, i would say that it was a great experience, learning new things such as how to satisfy the customers and the management of an event such as this. Made more friends than enemies as well. lost a kg or 2 i think, and suffered minor cuts and bruises along the way. It was a fulfilling few weeks, although it is unlikely i would go back to another bookfair as a staff. It's time to move on and learn more things... Til i blog again ! [1:12 PM]

Thursday, September 14, 2006

Part 3 - Interesting happenings (those that i've left out) So...as i have mentioned earlier, some people juz dun listen. Be it reading a sign...or following instructions. Point 1: there are 3 barriers set up, so as to prevent members of the public from entering the Processing Area from the Display Area. This is to facilitate the staffs from moving in and out of both areas, either to replace the stocks, or perform other tasks such as replacing price tags. Signs have been displayed, such as "DO NOT SIT / OBSTRUCT in this AREA", "THIS AREA IS OUT OF BOUNDS" or "NO ENTRY, STAFFS ONLY". But, some people either do not understand simple English, they are totally ignorant or made a honest mistake, or they choose to break every rule and go against the organizers. Whatever the case may be, i rest my case. Point 2: We close @ 9 pm everyday, so as to do some tidying up, cosolidating the day's sale, before the staffs leave @ 10pm or earlier. But when the announcer informs the crowd that the fair will be closing in say...10 mins, the marshallers would start to close the entrance, to indicate that we are closing, the normal procedure would be to proceed to the cashier to make your payment, if you choose to do so. NO...some people would loiter around, carry on browsing the books, let their children run around the place, simply trying to irritate us. Customer is always Right....yes probably, but there is always a line you do not cross, a limit that you should not exceed. So, at times i will take on the role of a Bad Guy, and chase people away. Sad...but, True. So i guess that's about all the complains i have, which i feel great letting out. Do tag to give ur opinions, while i will be back with the finer things that happened during the Bookfair. Cheero ! [6:37 PM]

Wednesday, September 13, 2006

part 2... Singaporeans...Ai yoh...Dun know what to say about them. First, we need to address the design flaws of the Singapore Expo. The open air area at the front is suppose to bring in daylight to brighten up the place. However, the roof is probably installed at a wrong angle / or there are gaps in between the panels...it allows water to flow through on rainy days...floors get wet and dirty, the whole place looks out of order. the inside walkway could do a little expanding. gets really crowded during the weekends. the aircon is too cold, both for the public and the staffs. the toilets outside the halls are too small, so, it gets really crowded. Whoever designed the Singapore Expo, there are possibly some fine tuning to be done - i guess. So now, people attempt to evade all the obstacles and barriers that we have set up. Yes. We are pretty mean people, but that is done so as to keep the excess books at the back of the hall, away from those that are placed in the 'purchase area'. We cannot have a free-for-all grab what you want scenario, like a Library sale. However, people got their way, one way or another. For every one person i deny entry, 2 person managed to convince me to let them in. it's either they gave me the constipated face, or they have a child to aid their course. Perhaps we should rethink the floor plan. or maybe, i should be stricter in controling the crowd movement. That's enough to share at the moment...the 3rd installment will be in by tmrw then... see ya tmrw then. [2:49 PM]

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

Ok, ok. Let me tell u about the Bookfair i juz worked in... S'pore Hall 4A - Sept 7 to 10. Employer - Times Temp Staffs involved - approx 60. Anyway...i started with the initial stage of working @ the warehouse. We took out the books from the previous stocks, change / put new price tags on the books, and repack them for the fair. Intro classmates to the job, 4 of them came. 2 denied ... Met new friends, a pair of twin sisters, 2 Indonesian ladies (married to Singaporeans), SW juniors and an over-aged Indian poly students who works as fast as a snail... ohh he got the sack before the expo though...poor workin attitude. moving on to the Expo part, where we opened up the packed books which are transported on pallets (the wooden platform), and arranged them on tables, according to sections... i was assigned to the Processing Team, which were responsible for moving out books and re-stocking on the supplies once they are depleted. It was probably the most tedious work, becoz we eventualli end up doing everything else. Overworked, Underpaid...Sad. Let's end here...i will be back tmrw, with the second part, where i share more stuffs, like how visitors can't read Simple signs, and dun follow instructions. [7:30 PM]

Saturday, September 09, 2006

Sad... Left early from work so as to catch the Everton Vs Liverpool match. but never espected things to turn out like that, with Everton winning 3-0, Liverpool wasting loads of chances...and a comical blunder by Reina (Liverpool's GK). Anyway... would post some of the interesting happenings @ the Bookfair soon, I'm too tired... need to catch up on my sleep cpz tmrw will be a hard day @ work. Cheero.. [10:28 PM]

Tuesday, September 05, 2006

The Passing of a great man.. Was reading at some news article before leaving home. came across one that mentioned the death of Steve Irwin. Yup..he's the Crocodile Hunter. the dare devil himself. on 4 Sept, he was pierced in the chest by a stingray barb, while diving off the Great Barier Reef. The entire event was caught on video footage, as he was filming for his own documentary. The stingray responded to Steve's presence, by flexing the serrated barb on its tail, and struck Steve's heart. Medical staffs pronounced him dead shortly after. Life is short...and we got to treasure every minute of it. Taking risks is part and parcel of life, but, we should always take caution... Rest in Peace! [10:15 AM]

Monday, September 04, 2006

IMF 2006 - Singapore In our quest to establish ourselves as one of the leading nations in terms of organizing and hosting world-class events and conventions, Singapore will be hosting the IMF Meeting @ the Suntec Convention Centre next week. To encourage / motivate and emphasize the importance of becoming good host, the authorities introduced the 4 Million Smile Project. See Exhibit A However, for every smiling Singaporeans, there are some who find difficulties in smiling. Therefore, it results in the alternative project of 4 Million Frowns See Exhibit B It is with great regret, that some people choose not to smile, but who could blame them?? Stressful work / Preparing for Exams (O and A levels) / amongst other hectic stuffs, we can hardly rest, let alone smile. There should not be any more complaints whatsoever... U judge for urself and practice viewership discretion. [9:30 PM]

A temporary 'shut-down' Due to my current working arrangements and commitments... Xiao Qiang would not be blogging for about a week or so. unless he is able to find some free time in between sleepin hours and working hours. However, even cent earned must be spent wisely... So i was wondering...should i take a short vacation? like to some 'Wu Lu' islands??? Bali / Batam / some deserted part of Malaysia and Thailand??? Mmm...i think i might just go Backpacking. So...if anyone has any recommendations ? or wishes to accompany on a short trip within the South-east Asia's play area... Do drop me a tag / sms / call. If there's nothing else, i shall take my leave. Xiao Qiang - Out! [10:15 AM]

Sunday, September 03, 2006

Totally Exhausted - Period Rested the whole day @ home Juz lazing around with no purpose. Channel surfed on TV. Website surfed on the Internet. Readin a few other blogs here and there. Did some chores like tidyin up my room (when ur mum is angry with everything bit of thing in the home, u got to keep the woman happy), mend my shoes and torn jeans. I think i m juz a little tired after a week packed with activities. Would probably need a Good Long Hot Shower. Some good food. and plenty of water to replace whatever fluid that was lost. Next week will probably be Tough. although i am realli lookin forward to it. it will be the first time @ Singapore Expo where i m no longer a 'Banglah' I finally will have some authority, and not as many dirty clothes to wash after work. So ya...please visit me @ Expo Hall 4 for the 'TIMES' book fair i promise i will give you VIP treatment if i may do so. [5:40 PM]

Today i had another Massage... Nope - dun think dirty. it is now very much regulated, with all massuer and customer in 'parade' / well 'exhibited' no longer in dim little rooms / littered with condoms /for pleasure purposes. i went to one @ the HDB hub...in case u were wonderin So i did 4 sessions (4 x 20 mins) since i have the membership card... it was like FOC. Head / Shoulders / Lower Back and even my fingers everywhere also pain / everywhere also got knots all the trigger pts were well....in severe pain . then it was to visit my Ba Chok Mee (minced meat / mushroom noodles) stall. the past 3 months were a Pain. looking for another stall to satisfy my taste buds... Well - no one came close. have the largest ever portion of $5 with extra noodles. (the one hour wait was well-worth, and meet some new friends /actually they are also the regular customers there) then it with Cong all the way in the evening since my Mac Dreamy eyes were playing hide-and-seek with my contact lens, i will onli try wearin them again ... soon i hope. next, spy @ running lab, intro an auntie to buy a pair of shoes. ate @ funan's food court, met GEL. went Esplanade to look @ durians, played with my light sticks again. So that's about it. Got to go... ... i hope i have a nice little dream tonight. [12:13 AM]

Saturday, September 02, 2006

It was supposed to be a Rest Day for me! Since I dun have any work to do after settling the stuffs @ Times. So I got myself another Job. Coz I think it’s time to move on… Running Lab Running Shoes for ur Specific and Special Needs. Novena Velocity in Nov 06. Juz nice…5 mins walk from my place. Ideal for me. I Like. I am always willing to Work. Any work will do. Anyway… Spent the night walking around Singapore. Covered about 10 Km I guess… U would have spotted me, If you were in the Esplanade Area / Marina Area / Raffles Place Area / Boat Quay Area/ Bugis Area... Yup… I was the idiot who was playing with a Red and Green Light stick. Hopefully U were Entertained! Until I want to blog again. See Ya. [1:30 AM]

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