From Pencils to Pens to...

A quick stock-take of my inventory of stationery indicates:

In my pencil-case:

1) 2 boxes of lead- unopened and unused
2) Soft pencils- still in its original condition, unsharpened and again, unused.
3) Collection of Pens: Blue, Black, Red, Green, Multi-Coloured
Enthusiastically stocked up prior to entrance into university for making notes for lectures, writing letters to friends. But alas, the ink has dried but hardly any notes/letters lie in sight.
4) A large sized pental eraser that promised to erase any pencil marks with ease and without leaving traces.
Unfortunately, it was delegated to being a coolie (in all sense of the word!) for Ms J's overheated laptop and she has since held ransom to it.

On my table:

5) Stacks of foolscalp paper accumulated over the 4 years
From ozone, green earth, uni's foolscalp to Dxxxxxxx, Pxx courtesy of the numerous claims during my stay with the firms.
6) Cutesy letter pads- from Precious Moments, to Forever Friends and Evercare
7) A paper perforater (more affectionately known as a puncher)

Gone are the days where bookshops are a must when meeting with friends- the testing of pens bring much joy and the discovery of coloured lead creates fascination for the next few days.

In these days, when most assignments are done on laptop, conversations and chats carried on online...post the final exams, I wonder when would be the next time I pick up the paper and pen. It's time to bequeath my prized possessions to sibling n young cousins...

When the tremors started...

Fact and Fiction

Felt myself sinking into the chair. Felt the chair tilt. Stood up, examined the chair, found no faults. Plomped myself into chair again. Perched my legs on the side table for better support. Continue chatting online.
If you are indoors, duck or drop down to the floor. Take cover under a sturdy desk, table or other furniture. Hold on to it and be prepared to move with it. Hold the position until the ground stops shaking and it is safe to move.

Seconds later, kept having typos. Did the laptop just spin, or was that my head? Better sleep soon, mum's nagging of health hazards of sleeping late comes to mind.

All's back to normal again. Heard shouts and squeals. Inquisitive me rushes to window to check what's happening? Must ask M who's playing who in the soccer match and who won.
Stay clear of windows, fireplaces, woodstoves, and heavy furniture or appliances that may fall over.


Minutes later:
J : Did you feel the earthquake?
Cranberrymist: Oh! So it's an earthquake...

A whole flurry of activities ensued....
Cranberrymist to all frens online: Hey, did you feel the earthquake?


The Next Day:

Mum: Why didn't you wake us up?
Cranberrymist: Huh? For what? To take cover?
Discuss earthquakes with your family. Everyone should know what to do in case all family members are not together. Discussing earthquakes ahead of time helps reduce fear and anxiety and lets everyone know how to respond.


Only thing i fared extremely well in...

Frens online: Is it still shaking? What's happening?
Cranberrymist listens to news flash on Class 95 and dutifully deseminates the news to all...
Cranberrymist: Earthquake, in Sumatra, 8.7 on the Richter Scale. Eh, it's late already. Go sleep.
Stay calm and encourage others to do likewise.

Part 1: From Strangers to Friends...

It's thick in the air - what with only 2 weeks left in school. Finals and lasts fill the air and msn nicks are the best testimony for that- the last presentation, last lecture, final countdown, the end is near etc etc etc...

The fervent anticipation of the much needed break that's beckoning is made bittersweet by tinges of fun, fears, laughter and regrets of the time spent in school. It's a warm fuzzy feeling reminiscing how everyone has evolved and to quote J, blossomed from nobodies to exquisite members of - the noisy, giggly library crowd, the gossipy lunch-time gang, the furiously chatting MSN cliques, the procrastinating project groups, the whiny walk-out-of- school mates. How through the 3 to 4 years, strangers have been acquainted, MSN contact list has ballooned, foes have become friends (and vice versa:P).

Its heartwarming to think and recall how some friendships have developed, past the storming phase tt characterised groups, the awkwardness of sharing feelings and thoughts, the occassional misunderstanding and unhappiness, to wat it is now... the generous sharing of privvy, exclusive information of something (most times, someone:P) , the consulting and advice seeking when thorny problems are encountered, the endless and whimsical teasing and whining. Small deeds and favours done without being asked, nuances and vibes understood without the need to verbalise them- of how comfortable these friends are/have become, of how effortless it is to pick up from where we left off. In fair-weather times of fun and joy, in times when deadlines beckon, projects need to be done, exams need to be prepared for; in sad times of grief and pain. I suppose that is what chemistry is.

To end it off on a saccahrine sweet, feel-good note, here's the classic campfire song sung to celebrate friendships...Cheers!

La Biblioteca

Reasons why I am a permanent resident of the library...

1) Forget Snow City....Get a taste of Alaska once a step is taken into the project room.

2) For loyal patrons, enjoy the superstar treament at the library counter- there's no need to flash the matric card, no need to declare your name- upon approaching the counter, librarians dutifully hand over the keys . How good is that?

3) Exercise sessions- Good resistance training climbing up the three long storey with textbooks and laptop all in hand. Also, the numerous breaks and walks taken in b/w meetings and studies.

4) Panoramic view on the 3rd floor makes the climb worthwhile- what with its breathtaking views of local and foreign elements. This is one vibrant place.

5)Vigilance training- Guard duties in the lib pays- furious msging takes place to alert friends of the appearance of certain targets *wink*

6) Gastronomic feasts are never far from the mind with reviews and recommendations in the free copy of TODAY and Business Times that all early birds to the library are entitled to.

This list is no means exhaustive....to be continued.

Name-Calling (Updated 180305)

It's amusing to see the length and pains parents go into to name their precious babies - melodious/macho names filled with meaningful history and anecdotes, brimming with hopes and aspirations ...

To find out, years later, even names are not spared from the hectic and fast-paced life. Every name in the world has but been reduced to one syllable to prevent time wastage...

Joshua--> Josh
Elizabeth-->Liz/Beth
Valerie--> Val
Josephine/Joanne/Joanna--> Jo
Clarabelle-->Belle
Natalie--> Nat
Melanie/Malcom--> Mel/Mal
Catherine--> Cat
Christine--> Chris
Patricia-->Pat
Daniel-->Dan
David-->Dave
Meiling--> ML
Xinyi--> XY
Wee Ling--->WL
Jeanette--> Jean/J

(Special request: A particular Ms S wants her name imprinted on my hall of fame.)

U get the idea...

Lit-rics

Got in touch with my long-lost and forgotten, half-baked literature roots from 9 years ago discussing prose with J- well, song lyrics to be exact- but they flex the same part of the brain dun they?

J posted the lyrics to this song on her blog and it drew me completely in, the moment I saw it. It felt so real- the heartache, the regret, the too late...

Truth Is by Fantasia Barrino

Ran into an old friend yesterday
Caught me by surprise when he called my name
He was a familiar face, from a chapter in my past
Talked for awhile, I smiled and then
Said that he was seeing somebody and
Told me this was gonna last

Showing me her photograph
And all the feelings I thought were gone
Came rushing back to me at once
Tried to smile and hide the way I felt
But I was thinking to myself

Chorus:
(Truth is) I never got over you
(Truth is) wish I was standing in her shoes
(Truth is) and when it’s all said and done
Guess I’m still I love with you

(Truth is) I never should have let you go
(Truth is) and it’s killing me cause, now I know
(Truth is) and when it’s all said and done
Guess I’m still I love with you

We reminisce on the way things used to be
Shared a couple laughs, shared some memories
Talked about the things that changed
Some for good and some for bad
Then he said good-bye and he paid for brunch
Promised that we’d always keep in touch
Grabbed my bags and grabbed my furs
Walked away and that was that

(Chorus)Bridge:Now the truth is, it hurts
But I know that the fault’s mine
Cause I let him go
Tried to get over it, but it’s messed up
He’s not mine (because I know)

(Chorus 2x)

It reminded me of a song... that I just couldnt get out of my head but one that had carried the same essence, same pain and again, the same helplessness. And *Bingo* ...J the master of song lyrics hitted right on the song title once I told her about it.

"Have You Ever" by S Club 7

Sometimes it's wrong to walk away, though you think it's over
Knowing there's so much more to say
Suddenly the moment's gone
And all your dreams are upside down
And you just wanna change the way the world goes round

Tell me, have you ever loved and lost somebody
Wished there was a chance to say I'm sorry
Can't you see, that's the way I feel about you and me, Baby
Have you ever felt your heart was breaking
Lookin down the road you should be taking
I should know, cos I loved and lost the day I let you go

Can't help but think that this is wrong, we should be together
Back in your arms where I belong
Now I've finally realised it was forever that I've found
I'd give it all to change the way the world goes round

Tell me, have you ever loved and lost somebody
Wished there was a chance to say I'm sorry
Can't you see, that's the way I feel about you and me, Baby
Have you ever felt your heart was breaking
Lookin down the road you should be taking
I should know, cos I loved and lost the day I let you go

I really wanna hear you say that you know just how it feels
To have it all and let it slip away, can't you see
Even though the moment's gone, I'm still holding on somehow
Wishing I could change the way the world goes round

Tell me, have you ever loved and lost somebody
Wished there was a chance to say I'm sorry (I'm sorry)
Can't you see, (ohhh) that's the way I feel about you and me, Baby
Have you ever felt your heart was breaking
Lookin down the road you should be taking
I should know, (I should know) cos I loved and lost the day I let
Yes I loved and lost the day I let
Yes I loved and lost the day I let you go

Why is it I seems to have a natural tendency/inkling to melancholic songs like that? Any lyricist-personality guru out there who would like to enlighten me?

Cal Hike

After weeks of thronging through currency reports, here's my own...

Cal Hike
by Cranberry Mist

Calories rose this week to an all-time high as a result of market peer pressure and rich dinners. The already strong Calories was further buoyed by a subdued exercise regime and a burgeoning of feasting treats in the upcoming week.

Analysts believe that the Calories would remain well-supported and continue on its rally in view of the flagging interest in curbing the imminent free float materializing around the waist and the surging build-up of cellulite. The presence of a ready pool of greasy lubricants would help ensure a smooth and steady ascend. Sentiments on the ground are optimistic about Calories' hike citing the boundless potential of the central kitchen on home grounds and flourishing wine & dine places abroad.

Going forward, Calories looks geared up for another bullish ride this week.

Passive Voice

I like the passive voice.

This, despite the endless advice, coaxing - and finally, running out of patience and time - threats from the English teachers for using the passive voice. That- which teachers have slammed to be cold and detached, that which disconnects the reader/marker, that -which shows no respect and accountability- how ironic a choice of love, for someone who has chosen precisely this subject of study.

The passive voice, which shields the do-er/the actor/the subject, which provides the air of mystery, which evades the who but focus on the what.

I just love it.