Chasing Fireworks!

Last week, I didn't manage to have a proper view of the fireworks. How often do you get to catch it anyway? First, for the eve of National Day, I was occupied with some kind of farewell fellowship (if you can term that!) with some friends. Sad that they are leaving Singapore for some years (yes, depart on National Day) but well, people come and go.

So, when I hear from colleagues the next day that the fireworks the night before were really spectacular, I felt what a great thing I missed out! Hence, I decided with my hubby that we better make sure we catch the fireworks on National Day! But... I got the timing wrong; thought it could start later, like the night before! Thank God for husbands who remember... (though they don't always remember things). We ended up rushing to a HDB block near ICA to view it. My hubby again complained that I perpectually imagined his white corona to be a rocket :P We were desperately looking for carpark lots in the multistorey carpark but couldn't find any! I wound down the window so as to take heed of the start of the fireworks. In less than 2 min time, I heard it! My hubby stopped his car at an unauthorised spot, on his hazard lights and out we rushed out! Yea, his car was blocking other cars but hey, at that moment, everyone else will be watching the fireworks, um.. ya? Thank God that the carpark was connected to the flat and we managed to catch sight of it, even though it was a smaller sight. It was shorter than I expected :( Nevertheless, we still give thanks. At least we caught it this time, considered that it was an almost miss! :>

Have not given it much thoughts but learn that this weekend, there would be fireworks too! So, last night (Fri), my hubby and I 'smuggled out' from a meeting (to put it plainly: we actually pre-leave before official time, lar!) and .... we caught it!! This time, we were closer. Right before we cross the traffic light towards the Esplande, right on time at 9pm, the fireworks came on! I remember running in my heels towards the scene for a better look. Sometimes, I feel my hubby is playing the daddy role in making sure I don't hurt myself or run across the road (of course I didn't!) hee hee...

I was really happy. Recorded 2 scenes on my sony erricson mobile. Didn't expect that tonight (meaning Sat) will have another round! This time, we were out with a couple friend and their 2-yr-old boy. We went to another place for viewing and it was nicer than the night before =]

I mused to my hubby, that it seems after Lee Hsien Loong took over, we have been able to enjoy fireworks more often! Not bad! ;) Well, as some said, after all, what went up there was also ultimately our money. Ha! Nevertheless, it was definitely cheers and boast to the spirit of Singaporeans!

NLB Great Sale Squeeze

Last year, I missed the National Library Board sale. Prices was slashed to unbelievably low though the books naturally are not in crisp new condition... This year, I was more diligent ;) Tk God for a hubby who would drive me there in the morning - to join the 'snake' queue. I arrive 5 min after official opening time but the queue was already more than 400 metres long, if not, longer!

The Singapore Squeeze
Now, I know that apart from the strange phenomenon that Singaporeans love to queue up for things, I am fully aware that Singaporeans can be ugly in certain settings (for e.g. when they are all fighting for that seemingly 1 thing which in the end they may not desperately need after all), I wasn't ready that I hardly have more than 1 min to browse the books on each section so as to decide whether to buy it or not! It felt almost like factory assembly line! Move, stop, pause, move on...

One Lesson To Bring Back...
You guessed it - the attire! Though it may sounds familiar to warfare preparation, you will not lose out if you wear prepared for any pushing or stepping on - be it someone else's feet or worse, wheels carrying full load of books dragged mindlessly by frantic browsers! I was frustrated and stated in the most diplomatic and firm tone for that fellow to watch out for his wheels. But, all fell on deaf ears. *sigh* Well, the conclusion is: wear shoes and keep your open toes shoes at home! If possible, wear thicker clothing so that you won't be suceptible to blue-blacks when you get out of the place!

More Kiasu-ism To Come!
What I was not prepared for was a sighting in the queue. Well, it was a long, long queue as expected. Thus, to make the wait less torturing, I picked up one of the books I planned to buy and read as I queued and moved up the queue, while at times, using my feet to shift my plastic bag of books ahead as I moved forward. Gradually, I saw more and more of this 'technique ' being practised. But, my jaws almost dropped when I saw a lady singlehandedly dragged 2 bags of books from behind her, and with each move forward, pushed not 1 but 3 bags of books ahead of her!!! Did her helpers abandon her or was it kiasu-ism in manifestation?!

To sum it up, it was indeed an experience to remember for some time to come. I have been to warehouse sale before but never been in such a packed place. It was almost like a 'warhouse' sale... I actually almost lost my balance twice due to the hurried pushing of others in their relentless pursuit of their books. Well, thank God that His angels got hold of me! ;> I will surely be more prepared for next round (yes, i'll be back!) The 45 min wait and some uninvited kia-su pushing were somehow worth it, cos' I took back 5 good books that cost me only $10!

Now, what?

Results are out. In fact, have been out for 2 wks. Guess I don't sound as excited cos' the hype has died down as time goes by... I thank God that I have passed. B grade is not too bad... considering that this subject is one of the killer ones... Well I guess i ain't sounding too excited cos' I came to realise that things will be pretty much the same for the next quarter, if not longer than that. Earlier on, I was quite excited at the changes that could be coming up (ever heard of people looking forward to changes?). Now, I have kinda resigned to the fact (or rather, decision) to hold my horses and wait and see.

Some of you might know how that feel... *sigh* the process of having to bite the bullet and hang on... the agony of wanting and yet having to hold back... the longing for breakthrough that seems so near and yet so far away... and you wonder whether ultimately you will get there or is it just a dream?

Just have to psych myself: Relax. Be patient. Enjoy the process. No point sulking since you're gonna go thru' the process anyway. Might as well enjoy it. Yea? :I