Sis

Early this morning we sent Apple off to the airport. Two weeks… and it has just gone by so quickly. I want her to stay longer, indefinitely even, if possible. However, we all could only appreciate the fact that for now, the paths carved out for us are in different locations. Hers in Hong Kong, mine in Melbourne. For the moment… I say that because we are hopeful that one day we will set our bases in one single place, hopeful that one day we will not have to cram everything that we want to do together in a short two-week holiday.

I vividly recall the turning points in our lives when we made the decision to live away from our comfort zones, to explore and take on opportunities that have presented themselves to us. Apple got into a prestigious university in Hong Kong too difficult to pass up. That was three years ago. As for myself, the objectives I’ve set led me to Melbourne. That was almost three years ago as well. In between then and now, events occurred, experiences made, and they have only strengthened our minds in the belief that we have made the right decisions and broaden our horizons. However, these decisions come at a cost; for seldom does it happen that a gain of a good thing takes place without the compromise or sacrifice of an equally good thing. In our case, it has been three years since my sister and I have really spent endless moments together, endless in the sense that we are not wary of how much more time we have left for each other, not anxious of when we could find the next sisterly bonding time. I do not deny that occasionally I think about the could-have-been outcomes hadn’t we chosen what we chose. In more highly emotionally charged moments, I veer towards doubt and scepticism, questioning myself whether what we have gone for are worth all the trouble and the consequences of separation. This two week period that I got to spend time again with Apple, although short, was a time spent on finding again and reliving the days when we were younger and waking up seeing each others’ dishevelled selves, heckling each other, etc. It was something that we have normally taken for granted, at times perhaps even a cause of annoyance, but now being able to once again be around each other for almost 24 hours a day is such a freshness. Seeing her leave today pulled some heartstrings. The distance and separation hasn’t changed anything much, except for the obvious that now there’s more longing to stick together, more awareness of how precious each passing moment is.

It’s a whole lot of contradictions, the relationships of sisters are. They could be the closest friends yet the nastiest rivals. They could be bickering like crazy one second and sharing laughs, exchanging tips the next. They could be each other’s pickiest critic, at the same time the most trusted confidant. They could be the girl you’ve had the most nightmarish fights with, and yet also the one with whom together you have created the deepest, finest, defining moments of your life. They are the ones whom you were annoyed with all the time, but couldn’t get enough of all the same. They were perhaps the ones you had the most jealous fits with, although this does not take away the fact that she is also the same girl who you fervently want to see highly successful and happy. They could have, at one point or another, made you wish that they don’t exist at all, yet you would never imagine your world without them. Each could have followed different roads yet their lives will always be intertwined no matter what.

I have only one sister, in a family with a brood of four. Although 3.5 years apart in age, we have practically grown up side by side, sharing a room for more than 15 years, squabbling over cupboard spaces now and then, giving each other the cold shoulder once in a while. Funny thing is in spite of those things, we are close-knit. She probably knows me like the back of her hand, and I would say the same about her. Throughout the years and in my eyes, she has transformed from a mere little sister whom I have to share the limelight with… to a unique and talented individual whom I am most blessed to call a sister and a friend. Neither time nor distance has taken away the more important things from us. There is such thing as indescribable attachment, a different kind of friendship and connection. I feel it exists between us. Not everyone has the best relationships, and not everyone gets along with their siblings very well. Between my sister and myself, we have our shares of ups and downs, but all the same they lead to mutual caring. I’m lucky that ours is just the right blend, not perfect but one that is of genuine affection and love. We may not say it but we know it.

Hey sis, you rock. Looking forward to the next occasion when together we will paint the town red. A different city next time.

The Sunshine State

Three days of sunshine! We’ve just been back from a trip to the Gold Coast, and getting away is a major good thing especially when we’re right smack in the middle of winter here in Melbourne. My sister is here for a 2-weeks holiday… and we thought it nice to go up north where it’s warmer and sunnier.

It was pretty good timing around which we organised the trip. School and Uni holidays were just over, therefore air fares were back to reasonable and we didn’t have to fight hordes of people for space in places we went to, knowing that Queensland is such a popular holiday location for those craving for kinder climate. So, drowsy but determined we took the earliest flight on Sunday morning (already in the airport at 5 bloody a.m.!) and our holiday began. There were four of us on this trip; four very excited young people for all out fun. We didn’t waste anytime and after dropping all our bags in the apartment we rented, drove directly to Movieworld. To me, the novelty of theme parks has long gone and even with this one I find quite mediocre. The rides, attractions, and shows were not too extraordinary and the park is of course not as big compared to the ones in America. Nevertheless, it was heap loads of fun being with three wacky and down to earth people. We repeatedly drenched ourselves from a log ride, which by far is one of the more exciting ones. I suppose we could always dry ourselves in some roller coaster.

Our second day was spent mostly in Surfers’ Paradise. It is very good how they have developed this area. From its name one would naturally deduce that it’s surfing heaven and beach-goers haven. It offers more than those things. There’s a huge portion of shopping arcades, shops and boutiques, restaurants and cafés, tourist information centres – all near or along the beach esplanade. There is something for everyone. Our whole day was spent leisurely strolling around, absorbing the most that we can of the place. The best part I would say is just lazing around in an almost empty (but not totally!) beach, unconcerned of time or the next activity. What’s more, while in a place called Victoria the temperature could be between 8 – 13 degrees, it was such a pleasure to be two hours away in Queensland, soaking up in sunshine that gives a tingle to the skin, a bit burning but not, the warmth lingering for longer than one would expect. No wonder it is called the Sunshine State… people still wear shorts in winter. The day was capped with an impulsive decision to drive up to Brisbane for a late night hot Italian chocolate; and man it was definitely worth the 1-hour drive up and 1-hour drive back! These kinds of spontaneities we relish much as most of us rarely find the luxury to do so in our everyday hustle and bustle.

Alas our third and last day… we started off with a big breakfast of whole grilled chicken and ribs! Il fresco eating, we welcomed not a few glances from people who probably thought us all mad to be stuffing ourselves with meat and more meat at 10 in the morning. Who cares? We don’t. The meal was lovely. Another day at the beach, but this time driving almost three hours up north to Noosa. The drive was as enjoyable as the destination; for we could see how flora changes from one place to another, notice the differences between those in Victoria and in Queensland. It seems that they are more lush and green in the sunshine state. The houses near the coast are also spectacular, evident that those with properties where the sea is visible are undoubtedly well-off. The beach was not as nice as Surfers’ Paradise, and I’d say it’s not at all comparable to Boracay in the Philippines. But this one was also a bit deserted and quiet; there were no shops along the beach selling food and trinkets, no people hassling you along the beach to go on a boat tour and such. It was a quiet place to read a book or watch the surfers. *wink*

For three days we were able to free our bodies from winter coats and our limbs from gloves and boots. Three full days of good company and lavish enjoyment, hopefully enough recharge for 1.5 more months of colder days back here in Victoria.

Bullshit Bingo

Copied from http://www.phys.unsw.edu.au/~jw/meetings.pdf
Well, they said that this UNSW professor Joe Wolfe is responsible for this "great" bingo invention. I ask, why would a respectable university academic staff, in physics (!!!), make such a travesty of the coporate as exhibited in this bingo game? Oh well... maybe he's just bored. Or maybe it wasn't his doing. I'll post it anyway, for fun's sake.

Do you keep falling asleep in meetings and seminars? What about those long and boring conference calls? Here is a way to change all that!

How to play: Check off each block (or word) when you hear these words during a meeting, seminar, or phone call. When you get five blocks (or words) horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, stand up and shout Bullshit!

Testimonial from satisfied players:
* I had only been in the meeting for five meetings when I won. --- Jack W., Boston
* My attention span at meetings has improved dramatically. --- David D., Florida
* What a gas. Meetings will never be the same for me after my first win. --- Bill R., NYC
* The atmosphere was tense in the process meeting as fourteen of us waited for the fifth box. --- Ben G., Denver
* The speaker was stunned as eight of us shouted "bullshit" for the third time in two hours. --- Kathleen L., Atlanta

There you go folks! If only one has the gall and enough balls to actually play this game, then I'll be d*****! Can anyone imagine the look on Donald Trump's face if one of his apprentices actually pull this kind of stunt? Can anyone think of a person who would actually risk his job (unless he is dying to up and go, really!) for the amusement of all? I can think of one... perhaps Richard Branson, the man with the long list of pranks and still managed to be on top. Then again, his is a different case, his is a different ball game. When I become a millionaire, then maybe...! =D

Aliens versus Engineers

For total movie satisfaction, sci-fi flicks are just not the ones for overly analytical, overly enthusiastic engineers.

I always watch movies with engineers… sometimes with just one engineer, sometimes with 2, or 3, or 4 of them... So part of the entertainment for me, apart from the cinematic thrill per se, are the series of comments, diatribes, mockeries and jokes that occur afterwards – compliments, of course, of my witty engineer friends.

Remembering all of them is tough, but here are some stuff picked from memory:

1. Independence Day
1. Do aliens use Windows as well? Bill Gates must be that popular hey? Tough to think that ALIEN systems can get infected by MAN-MADE computer virus as well.
2. Signs
1. Again, dumb aliens. Perhaps they have forgotten that water is deadly to them and so they go on mindlessly invading a planet with water covering 70% of its surface.
3. War of the Worlds
1. Obviously the aliens do not have a very good sensor technology with their super-duper robotics. Can't even snuff out three lives hiding in a dingy basement.
2. The aliens who have been monitoring Earth for MILLIONS of years failed to adapt, develop resistance, or have a counter for the bacteria that exist in the planet.
4. Aliens Versus Predators
1. Enough said! It’s a comedy.

Again, proving Murphy’s Law… if anything can go wrong, it will. Die you aliens!!!!! Engineers rule!!! But that’s another story.

Attitude Attitude

“It’s hard to organise Indian labour…”

I couldn’t help but gawk in disbelief as these words were just so nonchalantly spat out by that big-headed, pea-brained, oh-c’mon-look-at-me-I’m-so-beyond -your-league wanker Rob from The Amazing Race. I apologise for the crass manner in which I refer to this person but there could be no other term more apt than that.

R and his partner Amber have been coming out first in many of the legs of the game. Good on them. It’s a game, everyone is going for each other’s neck; they’re all out to win, and the pressure is on. Fine by me. That however doesn’t give any of them the excuse to act like pompous arses and spew out derogatory comments towards those who are not part of the game, and what’s more, not there to benefit from any 1 million dollars anyway! Going back to Rob, the above comment came out when they had to push and transfer a huge statue of an elephant from one point to another. They were in India. The streets are packed with Indians. Indian kids seem to be everywhere. R and A needed help to quickly move this huge-ass thing to find their next clue. While A was doing her share of work, R was bellowing to the locals to lend a hand in pushing. Now, these people have no obligation to help them, nor are they required to give way and make things easy for these tourists in a competition. But for some reasons, in many non-Western developing countries, having white skinned visitors around is a marvel to behold, being able to be “of assistance” may feel like glory to some. The local kids were happily pushing R and A’s load, although of course still not up to R’s standards, thus his comment.

The remark was definitely loaded, not just a harmless quip, borne out of a feeling of dominance. I was annoyed at how commanding R was to these people. Hello??? They are not your hired help! I was likewise riled with his scornful aside, giving off an insinuation that these people are fit for labour work alone, and nothing more. To also be frustrated with the organisation of how they are voluntarily helping him out is just too thick-skinned of him. Shouldn’t he be grateful instead that the locals didn’t see them as nuisance to their everyday busy lives?

I couldn’t help but grit my teeth in infuriation when I see or encounter such kind of attitude. True, there will always be those who are more educated, more privileged, prettier, and richer. Likewise, there will be those who lack certain privileges, disadvantaged in life, etc. But people who deem themselves to be at a higher plane than others may well be doing us all a favour by not flaunting themselves as demigods. Perhaps it can’t be helped that superiority complex in some people surface. Then again it’s a different thing when it surfaces in concurrence with belittling another. That feeling of self-importance ticks a lot of people off. Others are just too polite to tell them off.

Someone should get a stick out and go about curbing those attitudes.