Monday, April 30, 2007

Life's always unfair

My mother went for an operation last thursday and because it was considered as quite a major operation, we are expecting her to be immobilised for 2 weeks.

I planned her operation date in such a way that it would have less impact on our work. I know that sound so pragmatic, but if I can work out the schedule until it affects less people, isnt it the best of all worlds?

It was within my plans that my elder bro will take leave on thursday, the actual day of the operation, and myself on friday. During saturday and sunday, myself and my younger brother would be able to go down to the hospital to accompany her.

On monday, which is today, my elder bro is working night shifts, hence he would be able to fetch my mother from the hospital. Tomorrow is P/H, meaning I would be around again. My brother is having his off days on wed and thurs this week, meaning I've got that covered too.

My younger brother would buy food for her on friday afternoon, and then leave her alone at home. Saturday and sunday would come by again, and on the following monday, my brother will be on afternoon shift.


My planning was quite flawless, no? Only that I didnt count on my two brothers and father taking the plan THAT literally.

When I say I can be at the hospital, I do not mean the rest of them can stay at home and sleep!

But that was what happened during the past few days. I made my way down to the hospital all 4 days, while my elder brother, the favourite child, took the liberty to bring her to the hospital on the first day, and once she was in the operating theatre, immediately went home to sleep.

The bad thing here is that I had always been a very petty person. I never like to be on the shorter end of things, and I hate how people always take it for granted that I would be there no matter how busy or tired I am.

But that happens all the time.

And to rub more salt on the wound, it is most irritable when I get crapped on, and no one cares. It is almost I am simply there so that they can shit on me.

It's ok that my brothers dont visit her at the hospital, but I shall be damned if I am late (which I always am). I was at the hospital for a total of more than 20 hours, while my elder brother got away with 2 hours.

I know I sound like a petty and whiney little pain in the ass, but it is not like it is the first time something similar had happened.

Take for example that time when she had to go for a follow up check up. She immediately decided to ask me despite me being very busy at work. On the other hand, my brother has no responsibilites at work, but just need to carry out duties. Why couldnt she ask him?

But fine, I shall go. But when the doctor asked for yet another follow up appointment, she decided to choose a date where my brother neednt work. When the doctor explained she have limited slots (because the operation was scheduled at no more than 3 weeks away only), my mother kept insisting.

I told her if she must have him with her, then ask him to take leave!

She refused, and say something in the line that shouldnt 'waste' his leave.

Ok, she is the one who mentioned 'waste' first. If him taking leave is a 'waste', then it doesnt matter that my leave is 'wasted'? How can she be so biased?

Sigh.

It is not that I want to be so petty, and match each unfairness with a spite. But sometimes I really think there's no point being so kind, especially in situations where it doesnt pay off.

And this is MY relationship with my mother, I know exactly where it is heading.

Nowhere, that is.

Sunday, April 29, 2007

Our loss

The attached article is taken shamelessly from CNA website. I dont think David Chew wanted this article to be lined up for archives that soon when there's such an important message that comes with it.

Where art thou?
By David Chew, TODAY | Posted: 19 April 2007 0720 hrs


Ramon Orlina isn't what you'd call an emotional man, but earlier in his career the 63-year-old artist had good reason to cry and did.

His $300,000 work, Wings of Victory, made up of 67 suspended steel birds weighing 35kg each, went missing.

Having been displayed in the Wisma Atria atrium from the late 80s, Orlina's work was abruptly taken down by the building's previous management in the early 90s.

"But they didn't inform me and I only learned of its removal through a friend who was in Singapore," Orlina told TODAY earlier this week over the phone from Manila. "When I met up with them they said we own everything in the building and we paid for the work, so we can do whatever we want with it."

To his knowledge, Wings of Victory has never been seen again, and was presumably destroyed. When contacted, the current management of Wisma noted that it was most likely to have been destroyed, but because the mall has changed both ownership and management, they had no record of this.

Sadly, Orlina's experience is not an isolated one: Singapore-based artist Delia Prvacki's works at the Singapore Power Building recently suffered a similar fate. Four out of the six stoneware water features she created in 2001 were nowhere to be found last week when she visited the building. L ike Orlina, she wasn't consulted on their removal.

Created and installed at a cost of about $100,000, the works, together with a koi pool, were located in an area earmarked for platform lifts and ramps. These, Singapore Power told Today in a statement, are part of its plans to provide a barrier-free environment for elderly and physically-disabled customers.

It also added that there was a safety reason behind the removal. In recent years, there have been incidents of people falling into the pool.

Prvacki declined to comment as she is considering legal action.

Lawyer and art curator Lindy Poh said artists like Orlina and Prvacki have limited rights over such art works — "the people who commissioned and paid for it do own it" — but her feeling, and that of many in the arts field, is that professional courtesy dictates that they should have been informed.

After all, for a country that's striving for arts hub status, the increasingly common practice of demolishing valuable art works that took years to create doesn't seem like a step in the right direction.

Easy come, easy go

From Orchard Road to Toa Payoh, public artworks such as those by Prvacki and Orlina are a common sight — with over 300 such works in existence according to a recent National Heritage Board survey.

Recognising the importance of such public art, a Public Sculptures Committee was set up in 1988 to encourage the donation of public sculptures, while the first Public Sculptures Masterplan was drawn up by the Urban Redevelopment Authority in 1991 with the aim of taking art to the people.

It has done just that, turning works such as the iconic bronze sculptures — Contentment and Wealth by artist Ng Eng Teng — that stood in front of Plaza Singapura in the 80s into well-known landmarks. Even so, the sculptures were moved to the National University of Singapore in 1997, when the building was renovated.

At least they weren't destroyed, which is the fate of the mosaic tile mural outside the Orchard Road MRT station where the Orchard Turn Development is taking shape. Its artist, Leo Hee Tong, said he had not been informed of its imminent demise.

The price of progress? Sculpture Square general manager Tay Swee Lin doesn't think so.

"There is a historical value to these works as they become visual markers in the landscape," she said. "This city unfortunately has no memory, it's easy come easy go."

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

At the heart of the issue for Tay and others is respect for art and their artists.

Both Prvacki and Orlina noted they were open to suggestions if their works had to be moved. , Orlina cited the case of another of his works, Fertile Crescent, which once stood at Forum Galleria and had been earmarked for dismantling until he suggested that it be donated to the Singapore Sports Council.

Today, the $300,000 work is located in Kallang near the National Stadium. Similarly, the now-defunct Kallang Theatre, which was shuttered by the National Arts Council in March, also contains many public artworks for which the council is now searching for new homes.

Australia-based Singapore artist Tan Teng Kee, 70, told TODAY by phone that he was asked by the National Parks Board, who told him of its plans to move one of his sculptures from the Marina City Park to Toa Payoh, to make way for Gardens by the Bay.

"It's plain rude not to inform an artist even if the work is only meant to be moved."

Protecting art

In an effort to assert what they see as their right to help decide the fate of their creations, artists are now re-looking the contracts they sign to supply commissioned works.

Their goal? To ensure that they are informed of any changes to the works or of plans to relocate them.

"We have included this clause in the contracts we formulate for artists since 2003," said Sculpture Square's Tay, though policies such as this seem to be the exception and not the rule.

What's more, unlike Australia for example, Singapore doesn't have a national committee to look into finding new homes for public art that might otherwise be destroyed.

While stricter laws and increased Government involvement might help overcome the existing problems, Poh advised artists to do more to look out for themselves.

"I have corporate clients who are very progressive in their dealings with artists and who have agreed to share equal rights in the works," she said.

"Read the fine print. People in charge of organisations change, corporate policies change, so protect yourselves."



Preserve.


We bunch of singaporeans, no matter what our leaders say, are a bunch without much heritage. Dont lose the little that we have, or soon we've none to speak of.

Sunday, April 22, 2007

Drunk again

We had our usual drinking session yesterday night, and when I had decided to call it for a day, and leave in time to take public transport home, my colleagues refused to release me and insist I drank a toast to each of them in the karaoke room.

At that point, it was approaching 11.00pm and most of the other people who were with us had already left for a second round. I meant to go out today, and hence I had preferred to be going home as early as possible without appearing rude.

6 of us were left in the room and hence that means I had to drink 5 glasses before they would consider letting me go.

Holy crap.

I hadnt drink much earlier that night so I estimated that I should be able to take that 5 glasses.

Bad move.

By the time I downed the 5 glasses, and they still not willing to release me, the inner maniac in me surfaced. I began to shriek when they continued to confiscate my bag. And then I started to turn violent, scractching my way to gain unison with my bag. When they finally surrender, I quickly snatched my bag and hug it snugly, then sat down to regain more of my conscious that was slowly slipping away.

While they were not looking, I sneak away as rapidly as I could.

And although I was almost dead drunk, I forced myself to go back to my office to drink some iced water in a desperate hope to disperse the alcohol concentration in my blood. It wasnt that I want to drive home or something, but I know that if I dont do something quick, I might be puking on the long journey home.

I kept forcing myself to drink water, and then I went to the toilet to influence a vomit. Although I was drinking screwdriver for the whole night, I literally had a filter system in my body to spew the alcoholic contents only. I staggered back to my desk to rest a little, then decided to still take bus home.

I usually catch forty winks on my bus journey home as well, but unless I am very sleepy, I am usually quite proper even when I am asleep. But yesterday I was practically spread over the entire seat and when the bus driver took a kamikaze-styled left turn, I was flipped from my seat and landed on the aisle on fours, a pose that would do ninja turtles proud.

Luckily that was the last bus, and there was less than 3 other passengers on the vehicle, or more would be witnessing the ninja stunt.

When I reached home, I took a quick shower and forced myself to sleep. By 7am, I was rudely awoke my the need to clear the system. I wobbly made my way to the toilet and I positioned myself over the toilet bowl and once again, forced myself to puke so that I can get rid of the nausea once and for all hopefully.


I wish.


Eventually, over the next 3 hours, I visited the toilet 5 times, each time willing myself to remove the vodka inside my stomach. But I was more successful in producing digested orange fibers and my expensive dinner from the night before. I didnt even bother to wear my specs after the 2nd time because I dont want to accidentally inspect the discharge.

I was finally sober by around 11am, some 12 hours after my drinks. I've got a cut on the back of my left hand, a bruise down the length of my right arm. Really really, I ought to give up drinking foolishly.

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Tactless few

I am flabbergasted at the lack of tact among my colleagues. Apparently it is the case of the amount of indiscreet is directly proportionate to the issues that would rub me the wrong way.

The more sensitive I am towards certain issues, the more likely do I find them rubbing salt on it.

It had reached a stage where it is not even funny anymore. So I cant handle the fucking jobs. And so? Stop pretending you are capable, especially when you are not NOT.

Sunday, April 15, 2007

我以为) 我的标准就是大家的标准

应该是欺骗自己比改变自己容易的缘故,我个性上的缺陷是我老早前就发现的,却从来不努力的修正它。


我的前20年人生,在我能思考的期间内,一直天真的以为我是个人品高尚的个体。我总觉得,我除了脾气糟了点,没什么好挑剔的。

可那是一段没人会激怒我的世界,但我总能因为些些不满而发脾气。周围的人都会以对待发脾气的小孩一样的来对待我,尽量不和我正面冲突。

却助长了我的 臭脾气。


20岁过后,不知死活的闯入社会大学,也没想过改改脾气。可到了社会工作,才发现没人会让我。

有一大半的人需要工作,是心不甘情不愿的。自己都懊个半死了,哪来的精力来对别人宽容一点,客气一点。都没有人对自己宽容,客气,那干嘛得对别人那么好。

难道是自己疯了不成?


没人礼让的情况下,我变成不折不扣的臭婆娘。我虽然从没有自以为是,也从来没有自作聪明,但是我常常会把自己的完美标准,不客气的加在同事的身上。

别人办不到的时候,我就会不耐烦,且发脾气。

大多数的人是可以达到我这个不算很高的完美标准,但总有一些人会连为工作多付出一点点努力都不愿意, 这是让我很不能苟同的。


但我渐渐了解,每个人对生活都有不一样的理念。我必须尊重别人的想法,即使我非常不能认同。


我总不能一辈子的把我的标准当成是大家的标准吧。


过分要求自己可能算是发奋图强,过分苛求他人却一定是不切实际。与其把对方逼得喘不过气,不如把门槛放低,让他们可以自在一点,轻松一点。

Saturday, April 14, 2007

Typing with a pen

I saw my colleague typing away on her keyboard with a pen, as though she is playing the drums. She tapped the individual keys with the pen, in a typing speed that will put some to shame.

I asked, with overwhelming curiosity, why is she typing with a pen, thinking she must have some special rationale behind it. What I didnt count on was her telling me:

"Oh! Just so that I dont have to move my wrist that much." She said so with a michievious look.

Standing beside her, I watched how she would type with amazing speed (ok, it seems so amazing because it seems impossible to type this way) and she urged me to try it when I have the chance.

Which is what I am doing now!! Other than looking a little silly, I must say it is not as difficult as it might seem. And while I am watching these two pens dancing across my keyboard as though I am not the one controlling them, I can watch with detachment which little keys must left hand is handling while my right hand is doing the majority of the typing.

But I guess the downpoint of this practice is inaccurate typing, even if I look at the keyboard a good proportion during the typing.

And my wrists are entirely sore, which is an irony because this typing style is supposed to cut down the movement of the wrists.

Still, try this when you are free. =)

Ktv: 天生慢熟

Recently learning
蔡诗芸-天生慢熟

I cant seem to control my temper

Recently, I am getting so easily irritated at work that I want to slap myself. Yah, I know I've said the above line too many times already, but still I keep forgetting it when I am in the angry situation.

Is it because I cannot take stress at all? I know my stress tolerance is very low, and I always convert my helplessness to frustration, usually at myself, but sometimes at others too.

Anyone have stress management class to introduce?

Sigh, will type a few examples of temper I've thrown recently. But make it tomorrow.

Monday, April 09, 2007

Visual Learner

You Are a Visual Learner

You tend to remember what you see, and you have a good eye for aesthetics.
You excel at art, design, and computer programming.
You would be an excellent film director - or the next Bill Gates!

Five factor personality

Your Five Factor Personality Profile

Extroversion:

You have high extroversion.
You are outgoing and engaging, with both strangers and friends.
You truly enjoy being with people and bring energy into any situation.
Enthusiastic and fun, you're the first to say "let's go!"

Conscientiousness:

You have high conscientiousness.
Intelligent and reliable, you tend to succeed in life.
Most things in your life are organized and planned well.
But you borderline on being a total perfectionist.

Agreeableness:

You have low agreeableness.
Your self interest comes first, and others come later, if at all.
In general, you feel that people are not to be trusted.
And you're skeptical that anyone else really feels differently.

Neuroticism:

You have high neuroticism.
It's easy for you to feel shaken, worried, or depressed.
You often worry, and your worries prevent you from living life fully.
You tend to be emotionally reactive and moody. Your either flying very high or feeling very low.

Openness to experience:

Your openness to new experiences is high.
In life, you tend to be an early adopter of all new things and ideas.
You'll try almost anything interesting, and you're constantly pushing your own limits.
A great connoisseur of art and beauty, you can find the positive side of almost anything.


I took this test merely because I like the cyan/turquoise image.

63% Manic

You Are 63% Manic

You're so energetic, it's almost like you have a superpower.
If you can dream it, you can do it. And without stopping for sleep.
Just make sure you harness your energy for good - not evil!



That little?

I am the middle finger!

You Are the Middle Finger

A bit fragile and dependent on your friends, you're not nearly as hostile as you seem.
You are balanced, easy to get along with, and quite serious.
However, you can get angry and fed up with those around you. And you aren't afraid to show it!

You get along well with: The Index Finger

Stay away from: The Pinky



Wahahahahahaha. =)

Recharging

I took a day leave to recharge myself.

Actually, the last time I took was merely 2 mths ago, during the chinese new year period, but now I am feeling the need to recharge again.

I hope that isnt unhealthy, having the need to get away from work so frequently. But actually, I really think I need it, because I am feeling very helpless these days.

The work is slowly sucking my life away, and I felt drained especially because nothing I do seems to be correct.

My bosses are kind enough. They pointed out my mistakes when I made them and I always make it a point not to repeat them. As a matter of fact, if I followed that they tell me, I would be less perplexed now.

Like mentioned in my earlier post, I ought to let go of certain responsibilites (i.e. those that werent mine to begin with) and learn how to work effectively and efficiently.

I had a talk with my direct boss that night over drinks, and she told me in her first 3 years as a designer, she insist on doing everything herself, and working ot every night and every weekend.

She would call all contractors herself, and all suppliers herself, and disregard the project manager's request that he do his work himself.

I laughed and told my boss that this is exactly what is happening to me. I am wrapping myself stubbornly around everything that seems remotely related to me, ignoring whether it is in fact my scope or not.

To me, the account is mine and I must take care of it totally. Nevermind how my colleagues are there to help me, I dont need them.

This is one notion I desperately need to shake off. I am collapsing under the stress and everyone couldnt be bothered to help me because "I had it coming".

How I hate that.

But I cant blame them. Miss-know-it-all here insist on sticking a nose into everything, overriding everyone else's jobscope and then when she flops, everyone will step back and see how she is going to clear this mess up.

And know what? I didnt even have to go through that. In the first place, it was solely me who wouldnt trust my colleagues enough to let them participate in the job.

I stick both hands and both legs in, but eventually because I cant be in 2 places at one time, I end up remote-controlling everyone via my lovely handphone, and made all contractors and suppliers feel that I am one control freak.

And how betrayed I felt when I put in all my attention to each job, only earning my clients grew remarkably close to the project manager. I was closed to imagine myself being the designer-cum-project, when I couldnt afford the kind of commitment at all.

That is why I need to learn to let go, and step back to admire how my colleagues are putting things together as beautifully as I would have done. I neednt fret that fucking much and loss so much sleep over nothing.

Hence I am taking today as a recharge day. After which I would really constantly remind myself to learn to work as a team with my colleagues, and live happily ever after.

Saturday, April 07, 2007

Ktv: 祝我生日快乐

Recently learning
温岚-祝我生日快乐

Ktv: 我懷念的

Recently learning
孫燕姿-我懷念的