First weekend of working world

Ok, I'm terribly behind times but I've really been tired from work! I'll pay back with a super long post!

I'm still learning by sitting in through boring meetings where people practice taiji and by following seniors around at work sites. I think I'm pretty lucky because most of the people in the office are really friendly and helpful, especially my project team members!

However, it was still a relief for the weekend to come. Not that it was restful, because I had saturday trainings and sunday was supposed to have a picnic with the wushu girls (+Hercules) at Bukit Gombak's Little Guilin. Unfortunately, it rained and we too lazy to get out, so had a pseudo picnic at Zhaoqi's garden!

Zhaoqi and Teresa were so daintily dressed! Glad things are looking up for Huijun =) So jealous of Biyun's silky locks... only I was properly dressed for a picnic in the comfy Thai singlet

The food we brought seemed more like a feast than a picnic. Zhaoqi's salmon salad, Biyun's huge squashy eclairs, Teresa's tasty cupcakes and delectable biscuits, my assorted sandwiches, Hercules' fresh and juicy fruits and Huijun's green tea. We were stuffed! With food and more satisfyingly, with each other's company.

Monday night I went out with most of the Loughborough exchange trip friends. I was a little upset at rushing off from a tiring day of work to find everyone much later than me but I cheered up when I saw everyone so glad to see each other.

While the others went off for a movie, Yuen Mei, Joan, Huiran and I had a wonderful girl chat. Surprised me really, as I was always rather quiet with them. We talked about dance, friendship and lasting romantic relationship.

The last was sparked off by Huiran commenting that she didn't find a particular suitor that funny anymore. I was very worried that she might end up deeply hurt like me and asked, "Do you really like funny guys?" I think that there must be other qualities... like for me, I must also be treated like a goddess or else showered with tons of gold! Sigh, guess I was never dear enough to be missed =(

Well, Joan was absolutely right that a lot of couples do not realize that an engagement is a lifelong promise already. Some people still think that don't like can always break-up without realizing the betrayal of trust. Perhaps I'm too conservative but I think Joan's approach is very complete. Her courtship involved family and friends, which is very ideal because these are the people who care for you and will celebrate your happiness.

Talking about people who care, I welcomed my brother home from Melbourne on Tuesday! Look at all the delicious goodies he brought back! I MISS my brother and I'll always do anything for him =)

Scrumptious Krispy Kreme donuts, heavenly Heaven chocolates, sinful chocolate-coated Scotch Finger and coffee powder for our caffeine-addicted mummy! I am going to be FAT!

1st day of work!

Starting 1st day of work! Carrying my laptop bag and dressed up in something other than t-shirt and shorts but still look kiddish =( Someone thought I was nineteen!
Well, I was told to regard all info at work as confidential and confidential means no divulging of what my job assignments are so I can only say boring stuff. Administrative matters and learning about the company in the morning and introduction to co-workers in the afternoon.

I think I was not what everyone was expecting because a girl said, "So you're the one we were all speculating about!" Also, this guy asked me whether I was available twice to confirm green light for other guys, have you heard of such an impertinent question to ask someone who's nursing a wounded heart and greviance at being unceremoniously dumped? Haha, well, I guess I really don't fit the image because even laoshi said, "Yanran looks like the kind who play Barbie dolls, inconceivable that she studied engineering..."

Well, I'm going to work hard to learn and be an asset to any company! Prove to all that I'm NOT a little girl =)

Jazz exam!

Argh! Jazz exam is this friday and our exam outfits are ghastly! Here is a sample, I just took it. Was having lessons in the night and reviewing the steps again in my room (my memory is notoriously poor). The guys wear tights and singlets while girls wear leotards and tights, plus jazz shoes (the shoes can be so slippery that they are hard to come up from arches and to take-off for split jumps). We all felt so naked, trying to hide in big shirts that we were forced to strip out of. Of course, the girls were terrified of bulging tummies and thunder thighs that the leotards ACCENTUATE (they flatten out the top and push out the middle, serious!)... now that I look at the photo, I think my arms are kind of large too but shall just pretend that they are muscles!

Oops, I do seem more concerned about my body parts compared to the dance steps but that is not so. I am always so nervous my counting gets progressively faster until it is totally off from the music beat. Inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale... smile and everything will be fine. Wish everybody luck! This crash course (about 6 weeks) has been a fun journey. Dance always is, no matter how stressful it is to memorize the steps for me, because it is an expressive exercise and for the moment, I forget the sadness and the uncertainties.

Haha, that photo is to encourage myself to cut down on food. Although I do not think it will help, just ate lots of ice cream left by Sinlong, Irene, Yijun and Xianhong, yummy!

P.S. As I ate, I was watching videos of Japanese kids dancing hip-hop. These are amazing! The movements are all so sharp and energetic. Ivan was raving about the talented Japanese dancers he met in a camp and recommended searching youtube for the kids dancing.

Momentary weakness

Just a few days ago, I really wanted to talk to someone, anyone (ok, not really anyone). I try to keep my unhappiness to myself mostly, but that night I really really wanted to say all that was overwhelming me (family, promises to others...). But the people I want to confide had a lot to do or very tired so I decided to watch some shows that I wanted to watch for a looooong time but didn't get the chance to.

First one was a Japanese movie, Sky of Love / Koisora, adapted from a mobile phone story. Although the story was sad and painful, the mood was hopeful and uplifting. There were regrets but the main character, Mika, was always positive and chose to remember the beautiful memories instead of dwelling on the pain caused.

The second was a Korean serial, Autumn in My Heart. The first time I heard about it was when I was puzzling over math tutorial in JC. Ssshhh, when he told me the storyline and how beautiful it all was, I was laughing inside because I found it very funny that a joker and an athletic guy like him liked sob stories.

However, I found that I do like the show. Perhaps love like that in the show can only be found in impossible places and scenarios as depicted. And I guess my fondness may have come from the fact that I enjoy being piggybacked like Eun-suh, the main girl. I like too, that the elder brother looks out for the sister, while the younger sister cheers the brother on.

Gosh, I have just discovered a hitherto unsuspected fondness for the previously despised romance genre of shows (Hmm, the first hint has to be liking Chinese Paladin but I still don't like too much kissing or wailing scenes). Maybe I'm trying too hard to look for a lesson, but I feel that these shows are saying: hey, bad things do happen to good people and there is no guarantee that they would be rewarded for being nice but whatever happens, still always try to care for loved ones because they do know deep down (especially parents, they may scold your extravagance for treating them but are secretly pleased).

Guess I hope I am a good person, I will try anyway. Many times I want to hit and lash out at those who are being hurtful but I must not, they are also beset by troubles unknown to me and anyway hurting them just makes things worse. Instead of feeling misunderstood or let down, I should be more understanding and forgiving. The road ahead is tough and unknown but all will be well if I put my best foot forward and face tomorrow with a smile =)