Guess mine is not the first heart broken
My eyes are not the first to cry
I'm not the first to know
There's just no gettin' over you
Hello, I'm just a fool who's willing
To sit around and wait for you
But baby can't you see
There's nothin' else for me to do
~ I'm hopelessly devoted to you ~
But now there's nowhere to hide
Since you pushed my love aside
I'm out of my head
Hopelessly devoted to you
Hopelessly devoted to you
Hopelessly devoted to you
My head is saying, "Fool, forget him"
My heart is saying, "Don't let go"
Hold on to the end
That's what I intend to do
I'm hopelessly devoted to you
But now there's nowhere to hide
Since you pushed my love aside
I'm out in my head
Hopelessly devoted to you
Hopelessly devoted to you
Hopelessly devoted to you
Sunday, September 27, 2009
A happy meal
Today, I bought my first McDonald's Happy Meal for a long while in the hope that it would make me happier.
It didn't quite work.
However, I was pleasantly surprised when I found my favourite Powerpuff Girl amongst my small fries.
It's been so long that I had forgotten Happy Meals came with a toy.
It didn't quite work.
However, I was pleasantly surprised when I found my favourite Powerpuff Girl amongst my small fries.
It's been so long that I had forgotten Happy Meals came with a toy.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
The race of friendship
I recently had a friend ask me if I minded the fact that he had seemingly usurped my place in my group of friends, i.e. he was becoming even closer to them that I was. I shrugged off the issue when he brought it up.
Upon reflection, however, it does seem like something worth thinking through.
I remember a rather awkward confrontation I had with another girl in Year 6. She had just transferred from another school, to find that I had best-befriended her (ex)best-friend. She oh-so-graciously forgave my ignorance about their previous relationship, but demanded that I let them sit next to each other from that day onwards.
Quite taken back, I remember apologising and appeasing her. Afterwards, though, it struck me what a ridiculous request she was making.
Friendships aren't about who gets there first - there's no "first in, first served" policy. Bonds develop quite naturally between people, and factors like personalities, circumstances and experiences will determine how strong these ties are.
Perhaps, if I had quicker reflexes, I would've kindly denied that Year 6 girl her wish. I would've explained to her that friendship is non-transferable. Even if I had wanted to fulfil her desires, there was nothing I could do to restore their best-friendship.
In today's scenario, I'm playing the opposite role, but the same attitude should apply. Friendships develop and change - it's quite inevitable.
If the developments bother me, I should be striving to improve the situation myself. Am I not spending enough time with my friends? Maybe I'm not paying enough attention to what they're up to. Or perhaps we've each moved on to a different stage of our respective lives. Whatever it may be, no one else should have to give way for me to "retain my position".
Does this mentality apply to romantic relationships? Perhaps that's a thought for another day.
Upon reflection, however, it does seem like something worth thinking through.
I remember a rather awkward confrontation I had with another girl in Year 6. She had just transferred from another school, to find that I had best-befriended her (ex)best-friend. She oh-so-graciously forgave my ignorance about their previous relationship, but demanded that I let them sit next to each other from that day onwards.
Quite taken back, I remember apologising and appeasing her. Afterwards, though, it struck me what a ridiculous request she was making.
Friendships aren't about who gets there first - there's no "first in, first served" policy. Bonds develop quite naturally between people, and factors like personalities, circumstances and experiences will determine how strong these ties are.
Perhaps, if I had quicker reflexes, I would've kindly denied that Year 6 girl her wish. I would've explained to her that friendship is non-transferable. Even if I had wanted to fulfil her desires, there was nothing I could do to restore their best-friendship.
In today's scenario, I'm playing the opposite role, but the same attitude should apply. Friendships develop and change - it's quite inevitable.
If the developments bother me, I should be striving to improve the situation myself. Am I not spending enough time with my friends? Maybe I'm not paying enough attention to what they're up to. Or perhaps we've each moved on to a different stage of our respective lives. Whatever it may be, no one else should have to give way for me to "retain my position".
Does this mentality apply to romantic relationships? Perhaps that's a thought for another day.
Inertia
My sense of inertia is very strong. I don't mean to comment about my physical mass. I simply mean that I am quite opposed to change. I seem to prefer to stick with the status quo, no matter what the alternative may be.
Perhaps it comes down to being extremely risk averse. I'm afraid of uncertainty - it feels so insecure.
The feeling of regret is also one I strive to avoid. You may ask, wouldn't you regret it if you didn't take the chance to try something new? Well, I can never be sure of what that would've been like. I'm more likely to regret and act than an omission.
The problem with this attitude is that I don't get anywhere. Quite obviously, improvement springs from change. If I continue to bide as I am now, I may not get worse off, but neither will I be better off.
Perhaps it would be advisable to start making careful changes, to take calculated risk. But it's so easy to just stand idle - to just watch life march past you, rather than walk it yourself.
Some things are just easier said than done.
Perhaps it comes down to being extremely risk averse. I'm afraid of uncertainty - it feels so insecure.
The feeling of regret is also one I strive to avoid. You may ask, wouldn't you regret it if you didn't take the chance to try something new? Well, I can never be sure of what that would've been like. I'm more likely to regret and act than an omission.
The problem with this attitude is that I don't get anywhere. Quite obviously, improvement springs from change. If I continue to bide as I am now, I may not get worse off, but neither will I be better off.
Perhaps it would be advisable to start making careful changes, to take calculated risk. But it's so easy to just stand idle - to just watch life march past you, rather than walk it yourself.
Some things are just easier said than done.
Unintentional imitation
Dayo's 麥提爽 in <<絕代商驕>> wore this exact same outfit practically the whole way through.
A few days ago, I seem to have found the female version of that in my wardrobe.
I never thought there'd be a day I would go out dressed up as a TV character.
A few days ago, I seem to have found the female version of that in my wardrobe.
I never thought there'd be a day I would go out dressed up as a TV character.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Santa Cullen
The product of a boring stats lecture:
They say necessity is the mother of invention. Here is an example of creativity springing from mistake.
In the previous times I've connected the dots (no, this wasn't my first bored lecture), I've never thought to deface the picture. By accidentally joining 46 with 47, though, I had no choice but to add a personal touch to salvage the piece of art.
One thing led to another, until the fully-developed figure was shown to one Jem, who affectionately dubbed him "Santa Cullen".
They say necessity is the mother of invention. Here is an example of creativity springing from mistake.
In the previous times I've connected the dots (no, this wasn't my first bored lecture), I've never thought to deface the picture. By accidentally joining 46 with 47, though, I had no choice but to add a personal touch to salvage the piece of art.
One thing led to another, until the fully-developed figure was shown to one Jem, who affectionately dubbed him "Santa Cullen".
Friday, September 18, 2009
The resilience of love
At lunch today, I gave my latte the usual swirl with the spoon, mercilessly destroying any pattern on the foam, before sipping away.
I was halfway through drinking when I noticed that the heart shape was still visible on the surface of the foam!
I continued drinking, though by this stage I admit I was actively trying to preserve the heart.
And preserve it I did, even after all the liquid had disappeared down my belly.
A sign of the resilience of love, perhaps?
I was halfway through drinking when I noticed that the heart shape was still visible on the surface of the foam!
I continued drinking, though by this stage I admit I was actively trying to preserve the heart.
And preserve it I did, even after all the liquid had disappeared down my belly.
A sign of the resilience of love, perhaps?
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Horsies!
I was walking out of Merewether when I saw two horsies trotting along Butlin Ave!
I ran up towards them to take a photo. Luckily, they stopped at the lights, or else I wouldn't have been able to catch up.
Not the best quality photos, I know. But I felt kinda weird taking a picture like a tourist on uni grounds.
Later, on the City Rd Footbridge, I caught sight of the two horsies' butts swaying off into the thickets of Victoria Park.
A nice touch to the busy city streets, they were.
I ran up towards them to take a photo. Luckily, they stopped at the lights, or else I wouldn't have been able to catch up.
Not the best quality photos, I know. But I felt kinda weird taking a picture like a tourist on uni grounds.
Later, on the City Rd Footbridge, I caught sight of the two horsies' butts swaying off into the thickets of Victoria Park.
A nice touch to the busy city streets, they were.
Objective v Subjective [2009] 1 TPS 1
Judgments in criminal law have a load of principles and reasoning behind them. However, there are some which really leave you to question the adequacy of our legal system.
An overriding issue in class discussion seems to be whether the law uses an objective or subjective test to determine whether an accused is criminally liable.
A recent addition to my knowledge of criminal law is that, to establish manslaughter by criminal negligence, the accused's intellectual capacity is not taken into account when establishing breach of duty of care. The standard is of a person of normal fortitude.
This principle was at play in Stone and Dobinson [1977] QB 354. Stone and Dobinson, both men of below average intelligence, lived with Stone's grown-up sister Fanny and provided her with food. Unfortunately, Fanny appeared to have an eating disorder, but neither men had the aptitude to respond appropriately. Fanny died from the disorder, and the men were held liable for manslaughter.
The fact that the men did not have the intellectual capacity to act as required was irrelevant, because the objective test was to be applied for this offence.
But why? What is the justification of convicting Stone and Dobinson? This isn't civil law, where some sort of compensation is sought for another party. Criminal law operates to punish those who have committed culpable wrongs, or to deter recurrence of the unlawful act. This conviction does neither.
Surely there can be a mechanism by which this issue can be overcome.
An overriding issue in class discussion seems to be whether the law uses an objective or subjective test to determine whether an accused is criminally liable.
A recent addition to my knowledge of criminal law is that, to establish manslaughter by criminal negligence, the accused's intellectual capacity is not taken into account when establishing breach of duty of care. The standard is of a person of normal fortitude.
This principle was at play in Stone and Dobinson [1977] QB 354. Stone and Dobinson, both men of below average intelligence, lived with Stone's grown-up sister Fanny and provided her with food. Unfortunately, Fanny appeared to have an eating disorder, but neither men had the aptitude to respond appropriately. Fanny died from the disorder, and the men were held liable for manslaughter.
The fact that the men did not have the intellectual capacity to act as required was irrelevant, because the objective test was to be applied for this offence.
But why? What is the justification of convicting Stone and Dobinson? This isn't civil law, where some sort of compensation is sought for another party. Criminal law operates to punish those who have committed culpable wrongs, or to deter recurrence of the unlawful act. This conviction does neither.
Surely there can be a mechanism by which this issue can be overcome.
Monday, September 14, 2009
To love or be loved?
This question often pops up: in dramas, in personality tests, in my mind. Would it be better to be with someone you love? Or one who loves you?
The optimal, of course, would be that both parties rate similarly on each other's love-o-meter. But you can't always have the best of both worlds. What if you had to choose one?
To just have him love you wouldn't be too bad. He'd dote on you and make you the centre of attention. Chances are, you'll get your way most of the time.
On the other hand, if you were with the one you loved, you can be satisfied that you're with whom you deem to be the best. Perhaps just being with him is worth the lack of affection.
Faced with the two, I'd probably choose the one who loved me. However, I'd spend so much time thinking about the one I loved, that I probably wouldn't be able to enjoy the attention and devotion anyway.
All in all, it wouldn't be unreasonable to conclude that if the feelings are going down a one-way street, then there shouldn't be a relationship in the first place.
Perhaps, in this context, there's no room for a grab-what-you've-got-till-you-can-find-something-better attitude.
The optimal, of course, would be that both parties rate similarly on each other's love-o-meter. But you can't always have the best of both worlds. What if you had to choose one?
To just have him love you wouldn't be too bad. He'd dote on you and make you the centre of attention. Chances are, you'll get your way most of the time.
On the other hand, if you were with the one you loved, you can be satisfied that you're with whom you deem to be the best. Perhaps just being with him is worth the lack of affection.
Faced with the two, I'd probably choose the one who loved me. However, I'd spend so much time thinking about the one I loved, that I probably wouldn't be able to enjoy the attention and devotion anyway.
All in all, it wouldn't be unreasonable to conclude that if the feelings are going down a one-way street, then there shouldn't be a relationship in the first place.
Perhaps, in this context, there's no room for a grab-what-you've-got-till-you-can-find-something-better attitude.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Nature's art
Mum is a fan of gardening, and is quite gifted at this art. This is one of her works which she has decided to showcase indoors.
Yes, please conveniently overlook the slightly browned edges of some leaves.
Anyway, that's not the point.
I was amazed when I looked closely at the leaves, in particular, its blend of colours. A strip of light green runs through the centre, as though someone had taken a paintbrush and nonchalantly given it a sweep.
You can measure how successful a fake is by how closely it resembles the real thing. Yet an indication of a real object's perfection is how synthetic it actually looks.
Ironic, but beautifully so.
Yes, please conveniently overlook the slightly browned edges of some leaves.
Anyway, that's not the point.
I was amazed when I looked closely at the leaves, in particular, its blend of colours. A strip of light green runs through the centre, as though someone had taken a paintbrush and nonchalantly given it a sweep.
You can measure how successful a fake is by how closely it resembles the real thing. Yet an indication of a real object's perfection is how synthetic it actually looks.
Ironic, but beautifully so.
To be appreciated
I often hear about surveys conducted on employees, asking how important each type of 'reward' is. Things like bonuses, pay rise, promotion of course spring to mind. So what do I deem as most important?
Lately, I've realised that I would rank 'appreciation/recognition, especially from superiors' as the most important factor. All I really want is to know that I'm appreciated for what I do.
Take my current job at the mortgage firm. As an admin assistant, all I really need is to know is that my boss recognises the help I am to her. There was a period where she kept telling me that she preferred me over her other assistants, and that made me look forward to work so much. Heck, I think I would've happily worked for free!
And as for tutoring, I can be so motivated to prepare for lessons if the students were keen. If they weren't, I can hardly be bothered.
I think it comes with my personality. What I value is simply knowing that I matter to those around me. That I make a difference. That I am good at what I do.
Those conclusions led me to think about my career aspirations. It helped me work out why certain positions appealed, and why others made me cringe.
I can perhaps safely say that I wouldn't enjoy being the boss of my own business. I've always known that. Perhaps it's because there is no higher order to commend you for any achievements. Perhaps I'm just not satisfied with self-satisfaction.
I also think, being a lawyer would be pretty damn cool. But I don't look forward to that, because I have no confidence that I will excel in it. So I'd rather be the creme de la creme of some less demanding roles. That way I'll stand out. That way I'll shine.
Maybe that's not the right attitude. Maybe that's not the way to go. But for now, it seems to be what I want.
Lately, I've realised that I would rank 'appreciation/recognition, especially from superiors' as the most important factor. All I really want is to know that I'm appreciated for what I do.
Take my current job at the mortgage firm. As an admin assistant, all I really need is to know is that my boss recognises the help I am to her. There was a period where she kept telling me that she preferred me over her other assistants, and that made me look forward to work so much. Heck, I think I would've happily worked for free!
And as for tutoring, I can be so motivated to prepare for lessons if the students were keen. If they weren't, I can hardly be bothered.
I think it comes with my personality. What I value is simply knowing that I matter to those around me. That I make a difference. That I am good at what I do.
Those conclusions led me to think about my career aspirations. It helped me work out why certain positions appealed, and why others made me cringe.
I can perhaps safely say that I wouldn't enjoy being the boss of my own business. I've always known that. Perhaps it's because there is no higher order to commend you for any achievements. Perhaps I'm just not satisfied with self-satisfaction.
I also think, being a lawyer would be pretty damn cool. But I don't look forward to that, because I have no confidence that I will excel in it. So I'd rather be the creme de la creme of some less demanding roles. That way I'll stand out. That way I'll shine.
Maybe that's not the right attitude. Maybe that's not the way to go. But for now, it seems to be what I want.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Plans for the summer
Road trip between Adelaide and Melbourne!
Things to do:
- enjoy the breeze along Great Ocean Road
- glimpse the Twelve Apostles while they're stil there
- catch a bit of action at the Rod Laver Arena
- place a bet at the Crown
- shopping!
Perhaps if we're not tight on time we could follow suggested itineraries.
Fun fun!
Things to do:
- enjoy the breeze along Great Ocean Road
- glimpse the Twelve Apostles while they're stil there
- catch a bit of action at the Rod Laver Arena
- place a bet at the Crown
- shopping!
Perhaps if we're not tight on time we could follow suggested itineraries.
Fun fun!
Monday, September 7, 2009
Sunday, September 6, 2009
The miracle of life
This bamboo has been with us for quite a few years, and lately it seems to be slightly struggling. The rightmost yellow stalk is actually hollowed out. All that remains is the tough fibrous exterior.
But if you look closely, there is a green shoot coming out from the tip of that very stalk. Against all odds, it strives to live on.
Life is truly a gift.
But if you look closely, there is a green shoot coming out from the tip of that very stalk. Against all odds, it strives to live on.
Life is truly a gift.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
In the eye of the beholder
Perhaps I have weird taste. I've often been told that the guys I deem good-looking aren't actually all that crash hot.
It seems, though, that my unique standards apply to judging girls too. There are many whom the male population seems to fawn over, yet I find them to be nothing special. Like, I don't find them ugly, but not worthy going all gaga over.
So I suppose I can take that as solace that I'm batting for the right team, but what about comparing my tastes to other girls?
Let's take an example. Loretta Chow, second runner up to Miss HK pageant 2007.
When I first caught sight of her picture (I do believe it was this exact one), I thought she was the epitome of beauty. The absolute definition. If I were to get plastic surgery the next day, I would give the surgeon this photo.
She did get 3rd place in the pageant, so my views aren't entirely unjustified. But those who I have showed the photo were quite ready to dismiss her looks, as "nothing special".
So am I weird?
It seems, though, that my unique standards apply to judging girls too. There are many whom the male population seems to fawn over, yet I find them to be nothing special. Like, I don't find them ugly, but not worthy going all gaga over.
So I suppose I can take that as solace that I'm batting for the right team, but what about comparing my tastes to other girls?
Let's take an example. Loretta Chow, second runner up to Miss HK pageant 2007.
When I first caught sight of her picture (I do believe it was this exact one), I thought she was the epitome of beauty. The absolute definition. If I were to get plastic surgery the next day, I would give the surgeon this photo.
She did get 3rd place in the pageant, so my views aren't entirely unjustified. But those who I have showed the photo were quite ready to dismiss her looks, as "nothing special".
So am I weird?
xkcd.com
I admit I'm addicted. I just can't stop myself from clicking that "Random" button.
But now I've realised a problem with my addiction (aside from time-wasting). If I see two really good comics in one "Random"-button-clicking-spiel, I can't post both here, because two consecutive comics would look retarded. Sort of.
So yes, must space out "Random"-button-clicking.
But now I've realised a problem with my addiction (aside from time-wasting). If I see two really good comics in one "Random"-button-clicking-spiel, I can't post both here, because two consecutive comics would look retarded. Sort of.
So yes, must space out "Random"-button-clicking.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Dramaroll: "Off Pedder" ep 220-222
Finally, the love-triangle between 殷賞, 大哥 and 余家昇 has been looked at squarely in the face. Despite the anticlimactic wrap-up, it was nice to see the tensions come to light.
It's interesting how the most intriguing characters are these three middle-aged veterans. The younger characters, for which I am presumably the target market, are never as captivating to watch.
TVB is running a competition for the most creative ending to 賞賞's romance story. Pity only HK citizens can enter. Then again, it's not like I have the time or the Chinese writing skills to pull together a viable entry.
I think I'll just read (and rate) the entries instead.
And who do I want to get the girl? 余家昇 without a doubt. 大哥's devotion is touching, but 余家昇 is definitely the guy with more character. His chemistry with 賞賞 oozes off the screen, and it's clear that 賞賞 feels for him.
I can't see how TVB can justify pairing up 賞賞 and 大哥, so it seems 賞賞x余家昇 are safely in the bag. Unless, of course, TVB gives the victory to a random guy who has popped out of the blue, in the name of "preserving friendship". That would be a horrid trick to pull.
It's interesting how the most intriguing characters are these three middle-aged veterans. The younger characters, for which I am presumably the target market, are never as captivating to watch.
TVB is running a competition for the most creative ending to 賞賞's romance story. Pity only HK citizens can enter. Then again, it's not like I have the time or the Chinese writing skills to pull together a viable entry.
I think I'll just read (and rate) the entries instead.
And who do I want to get the girl? 余家昇 without a doubt. 大哥's devotion is touching, but 余家昇 is definitely the guy with more character. His chemistry with 賞賞 oozes off the screen, and it's clear that 賞賞 feels for him.
I can't see how TVB can justify pairing up 賞賞 and 大哥, so it seems 賞賞x余家昇 are safely in the bag. Unless, of course, TVB gives the victory to a random guy who has popped out of the blue, in the name of "preserving friendship". That would be a horrid trick to pull.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Healing
Not long ago, I had accidentally cut my finger. It bled, and it hurt. Every little movement was marked with pain. Every touch tugged at somewhere deep inside.
I tried to put a band-aid over it, so as to avoid contact. But it turned out to be an inconvenience. And it didn't let the wound heal.
Soon I took the courage to remove the band-aid, to let it brave the pain.
Now, it is healing. New skin is gradually taking over the scab, and the hints of the hurt began to fall away.
Will it scar? I'm not sure. But even if it does, it'll hopefully serve as a helpful reminder for next time. A reminder to be more careful, to do things a different way.
I tried to put a band-aid over it, so as to avoid contact. But it turned out to be an inconvenience. And it didn't let the wound heal.
Soon I took the courage to remove the band-aid, to let it brave the pain.
Now, it is healing. New skin is gradually taking over the scab, and the hints of the hurt began to fall away.
Will it scar? I'm not sure. But even if it does, it'll hopefully serve as a helpful reminder for next time. A reminder to be more careful, to do things a different way.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Six months
Six months is...
13 fortnights
26 weeks
184 days
4,416 hours
264,960 minutes
15,897,600 seconds
Wow! That's a long time.
13 fortnights
26 weeks
184 days
4,416 hours
264,960 minutes
15,897,600 seconds
Wow! That's a long time.
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