Sunday, May 29, 2005
These are exalted females whose intercession is to be desired.
I finally got down to completing it after months, a masterpiece this is. Then my understanding of the book, its significance and islam as a religion improved with post-read materials such as this and this.
I doubt I can give commentaries that can match up to this level, for one it'll take way too much time and two, I might just end up trying to sound intellectual with hardly any meat to substantiate. So it's best I end the entry with a couple of excerpts I enjoyed, also noting to self that I will attempt to smuggle a copy of said book from hong kong come july.
From page 277:
'This is pretty cold comfort,' Chamcha managed a trace of his old dryness. 'Either I accept Lucretius and conclude that some demonic and irrevisible mutation is taking place in my inmost depths, or I go with Ovid and concede that everything now emerging is no more than a manifestation of what was already there.'
From page 364:
... required animals to be killed slowly, by bleeding, so that by experiencing their deaths to the full they might arrive at an understanding of the meaning of their lives, for it is only at the moment of death that living creatures understand that life has been real, and not a sort of dream.
From page 463:
While, elsewhere in the burning Shaandaar, faceless persons stand at windows waving piteously for help, being unable (no mouths) to scream.
From page 467:
What happens when you win?
When your enemies are at your mercy: how will you act then? Compromise is the temptation of the weak; this is the test for the strong.
I finally got down to completing it after months, a masterpiece this is. Then my understanding of the book, its significance and islam as a religion improved with post-read materials such as this and this.
I doubt I can give commentaries that can match up to this level, for one it'll take way too much time and two, I might just end up trying to sound intellectual with hardly any meat to substantiate. So it's best I end the entry with a couple of excerpts I enjoyed, also noting to self that I will attempt to smuggle a copy of said book from hong kong come july.
From page 277:
'This is pretty cold comfort,' Chamcha managed a trace of his old dryness. 'Either I accept Lucretius and conclude that some demonic and irrevisible mutation is taking place in my inmost depths, or I go with Ovid and concede that everything now emerging is no more than a manifestation of what was already there.'
From page 364:
... required animals to be killed slowly, by bleeding, so that by experiencing their deaths to the full they might arrive at an understanding of the meaning of their lives, for it is only at the moment of death that living creatures understand that life has been real, and not a sort of dream.
From page 463:
While, elsewhere in the burning Shaandaar, faceless persons stand at windows waving piteously for help, being unable (no mouths) to scream.
From page 467:
What happens when you win?
When your enemies are at your mercy: how will you act then? Compromise is the temptation of the weak; this is the test for the strong.
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Yum, an italian bmt salad lunch.
Well a little too pricey for my pockets, but I gotta eat somewhat in a healthier manner today in typical post-gluttony guilt. Surprisingly I wasn't hungry till 7pm, a novelty in itself since I usually would get hungry in the late afternoons even after huge noodle-bowled lunches.
Last night at n.e.w.t., we probably broke the record again for the only couple who would order $15 worth of chicken wings. We didn't even notice it, but just as we were starting on our meal, the auntie came back with a wing on a small plate. "Sorry, we missed one wing." she said apologetically.
Here's the first photo of us together, this is my mr #30 (originally #33). Darn we didn't even have a photo from our brown bread couch days.
Well a little too pricey for my pockets, but I gotta eat somewhat in a healthier manner today in typical post-gluttony guilt. Surprisingly I wasn't hungry till 7pm, a novelty in itself since I usually would get hungry in the late afternoons even after huge noodle-bowled lunches.
Last night at n.e.w.t., we probably broke the record again for the only couple who would order $15 worth of chicken wings. We didn't even notice it, but just as we were starting on our meal, the auntie came back with a wing on a small plate. "Sorry, we missed one wing." she said apologetically.
Here's the first photo of us together, this is my mr #30 (originally #33). Darn we didn't even have a photo from our brown bread couch days.
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Over, I repeat, over.
Just emailed a load of tour operators (again). Dead tired. And eagerly anticipating a load of replies from mongolia tomorrow or day after. Well, soon.
Just emailed a load of tour operators (again). Dead tired. And eagerly anticipating a load of replies from mongolia tomorrow or day after. Well, soon.
Monday, May 23, 2005
So excited to be venturing into the great unknown soon.
The three mongolian trippers met up for the first time tonight, where else but at blu jaz, I'm glad everyone hit it off great. So looking forward to our shoestring exploration of beijing/mongolia/hong kong, but before that, we're gonna meet again this saturday somewhere in siglap amid desserts to discuss rough trans-siberian train journeys, tough mongolian guides and cool hideouts in beijing. Anyone with helpful info to aid the novices, please do leave a message, heh. Awfully appreciated.
The three mongolian trippers met up for the first time tonight, where else but at blu jaz, I'm glad everyone hit it off great. So looking forward to our shoestring exploration of beijing/mongolia/hong kong, but before that, we're gonna meet again this saturday somewhere in siglap amid desserts to discuss rough trans-siberian train journeys, tough mongolian guides and cool hideouts in beijing. Anyone with helpful info to aid the novices, please do leave a message, heh. Awfully appreciated.
Saturday, May 21, 2005
Growing up the gallup way.
Photo of a photo unintentionally blurred only in haste, X and I were snooping around trying to uncover a scandal between the two most unlikely persons. Watch this space perhaps, and wish us luck yar.
Photo of a photo unintentionally blurred only in haste, X and I were snooping around trying to uncover a scandal between the two most unlikely persons. Watch this space perhaps, and wish us luck yar.
My new sea view these days.
The ballerina and her lovely contrast to the scene behind makes for easy distraction everyday. Very very soothing to the soul, both after lousy calls and during bored times.
The ballerina and her lovely contrast to the scene behind makes for easy distraction everyday. Very very soothing to the soul, both after lousy calls and during bored times.
Secret treasure cove, revisited.
The most suave, gracefully ageing male (recently turned 45) from workplace surprised me no less by giving me a lift to said secret location and then sharing stories of his youth en route. Aww! on behalf of X too.
Nothing beats chilling out with great (ie. cheap and good) food and company after a long day's of work, ok maybe not that long when the day had started at noon.
Yet I guess us young souls, especially X and myself, are already feeling worn out and restless barely a month into this line of work. Being sick for the past week didn't help much either. Heh but all was somewhat forgotten in my dingy street temporary solace.
Mozzarella cheese sticks, the berry's must-try recommendation.
Always aiming to pose first dig in later.
Almost like we're in someplace foreign feeling so touristy.
The most suave, gracefully ageing male (recently turned 45) from workplace surprised me no less by giving me a lift to said secret location and then sharing stories of his youth en route. Aww! on behalf of X too.
Nothing beats chilling out with great (ie. cheap and good) food and company after a long day's of work, ok maybe not that long when the day had started at noon.
Yet I guess us young souls, especially X and myself, are already feeling worn out and restless barely a month into this line of work. Being sick for the past week didn't help much either. Heh but all was somewhat forgotten in my dingy street temporary solace.
Mozzarella cheese sticks, the berry's must-try recommendation.
Always aiming to pose first dig in later.
Almost like we're in someplace foreign feeling so touristy.
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Tissue paper diplomacy.
So trendy everyone's doing it at lunchtime, no one dares to remove the incriminating evidences for fear of bad karma and so the practice is tolerated in our midsts even as we criticize it.
(To insert photo in due course)
So trendy everyone's doing it at lunchtime, no one dares to remove the incriminating evidences for fear of bad karma and so the practice is tolerated in our midsts even as we criticize it.
(To insert photo in due course)
More than a stroke of luck.
I opened the mailbox as I came home from work about 9pm just now, and got a letter in the mail that said I had won an olympus mju mini. Just when I least expected it!
I opened the mailbox as I came home from work about 9pm just now, and got a letter in the mail that said I had won an olympus mju mini. Just when I least expected it!
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
A fluff of recent realizations.
Suddenly today I realize what I really want is... to be a relationship manager in a bank. Seems no biggie deal, yet the thought has always escaped me until strangely of late. People tell me I'm more a people person but I never used to see myself as one, until the current gallup stint and I discover for certain that I do like to meet new people, and in an international environment. Far more fulfilling than meeting new people in split-second/hi-bye situations, I would prefer to work with people in a more enduring partnership. A relationship manager position seems to be the perfect fit, and what more, I can be in touch with my financial/accounting background. Sounds good to me as yet, still a pickle jar of dreams though.
Suddenly today I realize what I really want is... to be a relationship manager in a bank. Seems no biggie deal, yet the thought has always escaped me until strangely of late. People tell me I'm more a people person but I never used to see myself as one, until the current gallup stint and I discover for certain that I do like to meet new people, and in an international environment. Far more fulfilling than meeting new people in split-second/hi-bye situations, I would prefer to work with people in a more enduring partnership. A relationship manager position seems to be the perfect fit, and what more, I can be in touch with my financial/accounting background. Sounds good to me as yet, still a pickle jar of dreams though.
Monday, May 16, 2005
Being wise for once.
I read somewhere many days ago about how ambition is the best form of contraception. Admittedly, that's very true. I have dreams to fulfil, stars to reach and as much as I do adore kids, I know I'm far from being responsible enough to mother a life (yet). I just can't bear risking it - to play with someone else's life when I'm still figuring out my own. And while this bit seems almost a little disjointed, never ever let love-of-the-moment or relationships put you off reaching for your ambitions, I've seen too many examples of regrets in years gone by to know better, for now.
I read somewhere many days ago about how ambition is the best form of contraception. Admittedly, that's very true. I have dreams to fulfil, stars to reach and as much as I do adore kids, I know I'm far from being responsible enough to mother a life (yet). I just can't bear risking it - to play with someone else's life when I'm still figuring out my own. And while this bit seems almost a little disjointed, never ever let love-of-the-moment or relationships put you off reaching for your ambitions, I've seen too many examples of regrets in years gone by to know better, for now.
Sunday, May 15, 2005
Almost like some tv serial.
Still sick and I got to know a boy who rides horses and likes snowflakes.
Still sick and I got to know a boy who rides horses and likes snowflakes.
Saturday, May 14, 2005
Looking radiant.
E wondering when her turn would be, next to our lovely mother-to-be.
My very first (name written wrongly some more, not a perfect first time) and of the many to come in the near future.
Thursday, May 12, 2005
No, I'm not in mongolia yet.
I'm sick and it sucks, yet nothing beats knowing that good guys do triumph after all, that love and faith will survive all obstacles. Rob and amber can go to hell for all I care, wheee. With J hassling me to hit the bed, I better go rest and hope for a speedy recovery soon.
I'm sick and it sucks, yet nothing beats knowing that good guys do triumph after all, that love and faith will survive all obstacles. Rob and amber can go to hell for all I care, wheee. With J hassling me to hit the bed, I better go rest and hope for a speedy recovery soon.
Monday, May 09, 2005
Darn I missed the first part.
As I channel-surfed on a lazy sunday afternoon (the morning happened to be slept away), I saw this playing midway on tv. Historical narratives never ever fail to touch me.
As I channel-surfed on a lazy sunday afternoon (the morning happened to be slept away), I saw this playing midway on tv. Historical narratives never ever fail to touch me.
Thursday, May 05, 2005
The $1.20 takeaway that tastes way better than its expensive boutique cousins.
I've been addicted to this iced coffee from a nearby sarabat stall since, a must for me everyday at lunch hour and a lifesaver for the sleepy afternoons. If you ever drop by the arcade, be sure not to miss the world's best coffee, no exaggeration indeed.
I've been addicted to this iced coffee from a nearby sarabat stall since, a must for me everyday at lunch hour and a lifesaver for the sleepy afternoons. If you ever drop by the arcade, be sure not to miss the world's best coffee, no exaggeration indeed.
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
It's been years and nothing really changed, public holidays are still a good reason to air glitzy slightly-out-of-date award shows.
JA just called and I told him in all honesty how I felt. I guess it sorta affected me and I didn't feel like I could carry on with work after the call. I'll probably go to bed now.
JA just called and I told him in all honesty how I felt. I guess it sorta affected me and I didn't feel like I could carry on with work after the call. I'll probably go to bed now.
Monday, May 02, 2005
I could so die in peace right now.
Update: Well perhaps not, since I just spotted a slight flaw in the article that may prove to be my archilles' heel, generating the kind of unwarranted attention in the forum pages. Provocative it was supposed to be, but not in this way.
Update: Well perhaps not, since I just spotted a slight flaw in the article that may prove to be my archilles' heel, generating the kind of unwarranted attention in the forum pages. Provocative it was supposed to be, but not in this way.
Sunday, May 01, 2005
Preview.
By chance, I had the opportunity to witness a mini preview. Of our state's grand IR plans. Of human nature and greed. Of a man's $450,000+ winnings in merely 2-3 hours. Of unbecoming behaviors a far cry from their initial states of poise. Of well-heeled ladies who now spoke loudly and excitedly as dealers handed out cards and newly-found male companions placing hands on their perky arses. Of high-society mingling in haute couture gowns. Of spectators who only just held on to their glasses of champagnes and watched the others play. Of men who casually bought $400 worth of chips just like how we would buy our $1.50 jack n jill potato chips, and also men who asked if we accept cheques too when they ran out of cash.
By chance, I had the opportunity to witness a mini preview. Of our state's grand IR plans. Of human nature and greed. Of a man's $450,000+ winnings in merely 2-3 hours. Of unbecoming behaviors a far cry from their initial states of poise. Of well-heeled ladies who now spoke loudly and excitedly as dealers handed out cards and newly-found male companions placing hands on their perky arses. Of high-society mingling in haute couture gowns. Of spectators who only just held on to their glasses of champagnes and watched the others play. Of men who casually bought $400 worth of chips just like how we would buy our $1.50 jack n jill potato chips, and also men who asked if we accept cheques too when they ran out of cash.
The tiger tracks you like a shadow; you are his prey and his companion.
There's always a first time for everything. I left the cinema thoroughly perplexed yesterday. And for the record too, the reviews mostly seem far from accurate, not this though. This is the kind of movie that will appear to make more sense after a day of letting it sink in. It didn't feel so disjointed to me today. Their illicit relationship, so fragile so life-sustaining to each other; you have to kill the tiger to release it into freedom or let him devour you so that you can join him in death, Keng was told. Either way, there is no escape from this hunt.
There's always a first time for everything. I left the cinema thoroughly perplexed yesterday. And for the record too, the reviews mostly seem far from accurate, not this though. This is the kind of movie that will appear to make more sense after a day of letting it sink in. It didn't feel so disjointed to me today. Their illicit relationship, so fragile so life-sustaining to each other; you have to kill the tiger to release it into freedom or let him devour you so that you can join him in death, Keng was told. Either way, there is no escape from this hunt.
