Weekend at Batam

(click to see more pix)

Selamat Dekang, which means Welcome in Bahasa.

Last week a friend invited me to join them on a weekend trip to Batam Indonesia. I readily agreed especially when she said that part of the package is a full body scrub and massage! We boarded the ferry (yes, it will only take a ferry boat to cross to another country) that will take us to Batam.

Bittersweet Sunday

Last sunday i was practically floating on air with excitement. I’m gonna be meeting an angel, she said coffee would be enough (we don’t drink coffee but we like to tambay on coffee shops hehe), but i’ll be treating her to fine dining if need be. Because it’s not often that I get to spend time with her.

She was on her way to New Zealand and has a stopover at Singapore. She only got 2 hours to spare before she flies to that country far away. I was joking at her months before if she could go via Singapore on her way to NZ, and sure enough she booked that route. I was so happy… I literrally clapped my hands when I read her email. See… I was that giddy!

ShiNe

source: pravsworld 

in the eyes of the beholder

i was FORCED to take a taxi this morning because I was already running late for work. I was trying to close my eyes, hoping to steal a few moments of shuteye on the way to the office (this is sooooo easy to do when you’re in the train), then the driver started chatting with me. “Oh great, he’s the talkative type“, i thought. Just when all I really wanted is a quiet ride on my way to work.

But fortunately, his topic for the day didn’t fall under politics and the likes. He asked me how long I’ve been working here, and I told him just about 6 months. He then asked me how I find Singapore, and I jokingly told him that his country is great but it is bad for my diet! I said that me and a lot of my friends who are working here, have gained weight! (Hehe at dinamay ang mga friendship ko).

Then uncle looked at me in the rearview mirror with his kind and affectionate eyes , and said , “But who cares whether you’re fat or thin. If God made you that way, then who are you to change that? Each person is beautiful, and you’ll know that when you look at them in the eyes and see them feel good about themselves.”

I so agree with you uncle! (This is so worth my S$15 fare! nyahahaha).

Not in my “Zone”

Ohh…*sigh* I am having one of those days where things are not falling into place. Part of working is, of course, to do good in what you do. Not to kiss-ass your boss but at least try not to be a pain.

Today is not one of my better days. My only consolation is that my boss is not here physically in the office today. He’s working from home, so he just communicates to us through chat/email.

I’m blessed with a good boss, he’s smart , he’s kind and he is patient with us/me. He knows the system, the technology and even the politics of work. I do respect him a lot. At first I was scared of him because he would really put people in their place , and call their attention if need be. But on/off work he can be someone you can talk to about anything. And also, where on earth can you find a boss who would cook liempo for you ? And trade mp3s to? And can share your passion for theater? And at the same time, mentor you technically?

Under His Umbrella

The other day i got out early from work. Six on the dot and I was waiting for the shuttle bus from our office to take me to the nearest train station. When I got to the metro there were still empty seats, which is quite surprising considering that it’s the rush hour.

When I alight at my intended stop, big heavy rain suddenly came pouring. So I took off my not that thick of a jacket, and used it to cover my head as I walk towards the bus stop. I have a feeling I’m gonna be soaked before I reached home. And just then a lady shared her umbrella with me. I keep on saying thank you again and again, she started laughing. She said in her broken English, “I’m sure you’re gonna do the same thing for someone else”.

We shared a quiet understanding from our short exchange while she shared her umbrella with me, as we walked towards the bus stop under the heavy falling rain.

I got on my bus and smiled as I watched the rain cleansing everything else around me. Heaven has it’s ways of talking volumes without that much exchange of words.