Part 2: American Slang, Expressions & Lingual

August 22nd, 2008 Posted in Just stuff
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I remember my first day at school in Brooklyn. I was 9 yrs old, 4th grade. When i step into the classroom, i was in a new environment and in a different culture. Everyone was a different ethnic, kids has no uniform, they look so relax. This did not look like where i’ve came from. As i gaze across the room, i see one Chinese looking girl, i thought this could be my first friend. Not too sure how it happen but she offer to show me around school. It was all so new so fresh to me, the place, the people, the culture, everything.

Half way through the day in class i had to pee. Not sure how am i going to ask the teacher. I waited for someone to ask. As i waited and waited i can’t hold anymore so i raise my hand and said teacher can i go to the toilet? Everyone laugh at me. Why was everyone laughing at me? The teacher said, may i use the bathroom, not toilet. In the America no one refers to the restrooms as toilets. When you say toilet it would mean the toilet bowl itself. So then i realize that everyone uses bathroom not toilets. In general they call it restrooms. Casually just bathroom will do and no one uses loo, that would be British.

Second thing that happen on my first day is, i was call to read a paragraph. I stood up and started reading, everyone giggled at me. I look around and don’t understand why is everyone snickering. The teacher ask me to sit down. I can read sitting down, don’t have to stand. In Asia students have to stand to read or when you have to dictate something. It’s a form of respect. I fell so embarrassed, when you stand your the center of attention. Worst of all the kids were laughing at you.

It wasn’t too bad as i was English educated since i was born. Just gotta learn the new expressions and pronunciation. The first one was the no. 3. How do you say that my teacher asked? 3 i said. The teacher said no no it’s three not tree. I repeated after hear i still got tree. She told me to put my tongue in between my two front teeth. And i got three! Yeah! I had to get use to the slang and words everyone was using. Before i knew it, i blend in. I guess i was young and easily absorb to the new culture.

By the time i was in 5th grade, i was elected as the class president, member of the glee club and always on the top of my spelling quiz. Remember the Chinese looking girl i first met? She of course became my friend. Not just my friend, she became my best friend until now. She was my first friend when i step foot in Brooklyn and she will be visiting me in Sept, next month. We are very excited to meet up as we lost contact for about 10+ years. Back in the days, we use to do everything together. I really mean everything. We had our first dates together, learn skating together, start Jr. high together, the list can go on and on. Can’t wait to see her!

Till next time…

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European GP: Watching F1 online

August 22nd, 2008 Posted in Just stuff
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After 3 looong weeks of waiting, European GP is here! I can’t wait!

It’s going to be a close fight for the top 3 drivers with 6 remaining races to go; will Lewis Hamilton falter this round, will the Ferrari drivers take the lead from him? Or will Alonso stage an upset at home? Ah.. the rush, the excitement!

The Valencia circuit is a new one, and although street circuits like this usually are very narrow and have very little opportunities to overtake, making the starting grid positions extremely important to the drivers, the Valencia circuit is fast, sweeping and wide. (Source: Planet F1 – Ten Things You Should Know About Valencia)

Something tells me it’s going to be an exciting race to watch!

For those that doesn’t know yet, here’s how to watch F1 online for free:

http://byfallenangel.com/2008/08/how-to-watch-f1-live-online-for-free/

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Daily Tips: How to focus

August 21st, 2008 Posted in Tips
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If you’re one of those out there that’s on a quest of finding an answer on how to focus and get your work done – this is a tip for you. I’ve had my fair share of unfocused periods – periods when I can’t focus at all because I had so much interruption, and at the end of the day, when I look back, nothing was done at all.

Here’s my tip in how to help yourself focus at work – stop checking emails and IMs all the time.

That’s right, you need to stop checking emails and IMs all the time. You probably realize by now that emails and instant messengers are actually interruptions, and you might have decided that they’re healthy interruptions, something to help you work. The truth is, studies have shown that when you’re interrupted, either by emails or instant messengers or something else, you will take an average of 23 minutes and 15 seconds to get back to task.

Wha-?

Did I read that right? 23 minutes and 15 seconds???

Yes, it’s true, according to this FastCompany’s article. Even if we assume that their findings are exaggerated, if you take an average of 15 minutes to get back to a task, and if you switch tasks every time you get an email and an instant message, that’s a whole lotta time you would have wasted! If you get interrupted 5 times by email and 10 times by instant messenger throughout your tasks, that’s 3 hours 45 minutes lost!

I have a colleague that made it a practice to only check and reply his emails 2 times a day. Once early in the morning when he reaches the office, and once at the end of the day before he leaves the office. It works for him, and who knows, it could work for you too.

Good luck!

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Is This Me When I Was A Teenager?

August 20th, 2008 Posted in Just stuff
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I came across this anime picture today and i can’t believe it! This is how i look back in the days. You must be thinking yeah right!, actually it’s pretty much the same in terms of the hair, clothes, make up and accessories. I had strips of funky colored hair. That chain hanging on my pants, i had a much longer one. It was confiscated one day by the cops (damn it!, i love that chain) i use it as my keychain. The cops gave me back my keys and told me that i’m carrying a weapon ( WTF?). I should have use it on them :P

I didn’t have the corny heart shape belt. You will never, i say never caught me with anything that has heart shape. That is just not my shape. I’m a star person. Assorted necklaces on my neck? Hell ya! I like my accessories and i like to accessorize. My neck, my wrist and my fingers. I will always wear more than 2 in different designs. I didn’t have that half glove thing. I wanted to but couldn’t find it in Nyc. The best i could do is wear the gloves with open fingers. Baby T was definitely the thing back then. It was hot like hot cakes. My favourite has Baby Phat written on it. I got it in Phat Farm in Soho. Well it’s own by Kimora Lee Simmons now and venture out into their own collection. Back in the days Baby Phat was just a couple of baby T’s and the rest of the clothes were hip hop clothes for guys. Things had gone far and wide now.

Last but not least, i use to wear dark make up. People use to ask if my lips were poison cause it was so dark. I’m very fair and with the dark lipstick it’s contrast. Btw i do tie my hair in 2 pig tails. I think i did that in 1 of the prom i went to, with strips of blond highlights. It was pretty cool, i stood out from t he crowd, hehe. Later on i had a eyebrow ring. If you are thinking, does it hurt? The answer is NO it does not and i pierced it 3 times. Why 3 times? Well… cause i took it off not too long after i pierced and the hole close back. For body piercing the hole close back pretty fast, so you gotta let it stay there as long as possible. I had mine for 1 yr and i took it off to wash it and forgot to put it back the next morning when i woke up, the hole was close. If you are wondering if i still have my eye brow ring? Nop i don’t.

You must be thinking, i must be a freak back in the days, hmm… would i call myself that? Maybe, probably it’s just a phase i went through. Well i was a kid what did u expect? Well.. not exactly your ordinary kid but someone that’s daring and likes to try new things. If you are wondering how do i look now? I’m just an ordinary girl next door ;) or just a fallen angel that just fell from the sky.

Till next time…

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Pulp Fiction, All Time Favourite

August 20th, 2008 Posted in Just stuff
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Caught up with a old time favourite movie this weekend. My bf and i had a relaxing Saturday watching Pulp Fiction. This is one of the famous movie made by Quentin Tarantino. A crime drama with a nonlinear storyline, the film is known for its rich, eclectic dialogue, its ironic mix of humor and violence, and its host of cinematic and pop culture references.

There are many famous quotes from the movie. My favourite quote is:

Jules: Do you know what they call a Quarter Pounder with cheese in France?
Brett: No.
Jules: Tell him, Vincent.
Vincent: Royale with cheese.
Jules: Royale with cheese. Do you know why they call it a Royale with cheese?
Brett: Because of the metric system?
Jules: Check out the big brain on Brett! You smart motherfucker; that’s right! The metric system.

That was hilarious. Then again almost everything was hilarious in the movie. There are just too many famous quotes. The movie was release in 1994. I haven’t seen the movie back then. I bought the dvd 2 years ago. Catching up on old times. After watching the movie, i remembered why Uma Thurman shirt was so popular. Back in the days when i was hanging in Soho, white shirt was so popular. It is all because of this movie. I had a fair share of the trend too :) But back then i didn’t know it was this movie ;P

Famous scene John Travolta doing the twist with Uma Thurman. (the popular white shirt)

Pulp Fiction has won several awards. Oscar, Saturn Award, BAFTA, Blue Ribbon, BAFC, Brit, Golden Palm, Artios, CFCA, David, Golden Globe, Independent Spirit Award, Stockholm Film Festival, SEFCA Award, NYFCC Award, NSFC Award, NBR Award, LAFCA Award, Edgar and many more. There are best picture, director, male lead actor, screenplay, motion picture, film, supporting actor and many many more.

John Travolta won best actor in this film and so did Samuel L. Jackson (in different awards). Uma Thurman as the pretty lady in the movie and Bruce Willis as the professional boxer. For those that haven’t watch this movie, it’s something you don’t want to miss :)

Almost forgot about this, the famous theme song: deftones-pulp-fiction-theme

Till next time…

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Part 1: Is Your Head Stuck With The One You Like Or Should You Just Move On With The One That Likes You?

August 19th, 2008 Posted in Just stuff
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Sometime ago i remember my girl friend telling me about this guy she likes. She met him through her friends. They seldom talk as he was among his friends a brother like figure. Since they hang out with the same group of friends she sees him from time to time with just a hi at the beginning and a bye when she leaves. Until one day while having drinks at a bar he actually came and talk to her. Nothing much just a casual chat. After that night, she secretly fell for him. She didn’t know what happen, why all of a sudden she feel that way, it was because of that night, she got to know him a little better. While they were having drinks, she sees that his small gesture made her feel he was such a perfect gentleman. After that she admired him.

They started talking more often when they meet. Eventually became friendly and joke around. It was not as distant as before. Until one day while having drinks again they started flirting with each other. One thing lead to another, guess what happen? Ya……………………………………………….

They did it! This is what alcohol does to you. It could be the excuse, it also could be the reason. She woke up in his room and thought to herself, did i just became his girlfriend? She did not thought of it happening this way but she’s not complaining either. She likes him. After that, he send her home and told her he would call her later. 1 day 2 days, no call. She would text him but he would reply in wee hours in the morning telling her he was busy with work. She excepted it and of course wanted to be a understanding girlfriend.

I forgot how many days she waited. She would call me and tell me stories and will be over analyzing, giving excuses to him etc. After few weeks,it came across to her that, is he trying to avoid her. She saw him less and kept on saying that he has to travel a lot for work. It came clearer to her one day when he went to a company trip and said that they should have a talk after he return. She waited patiently for him. Finally that day came, he drove her out and they had the talk in his car. He told her that he was not ready for a relatonship (oldest trick in the book, c’mon!). There was a lot of things going in his life now that it’s not suitable for a relationship (2nd oldest trick in the book). He was sorry what he did that night and he was in the heat of the moment (he didn’t think of that when he wanted to get into her pants). After he cleared the air he drove her home. Left her heart broken, lost and feeling incredibly stupid.

This is longer than i thought and now i have to do a part 2. Sorry people, i’m really tired and i need to take a nap now. To be continue …

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Daily Tips: How to finish huge tasks

August 18th, 2008 Posted in Tips
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Do you have too much to do? Is your current task too big to finish? Does it seem insurmountable to finish it? Let me share with you what works for me in finishing my tasks.

If one day you find that you have too much work to do, just remember the following 3 magic words:

“Divide and conquer”.

Yes, that’s the best method that has worked for me in finishing big tasks. You chop the unmanageable big tasks into smaller tasks which are manageable, and complete the smaller tasks one by one until one day you realize, the big task is completed! It may sound simple, but trust me it works!

Using this method, although simple, helps you to finish your huge tasks not just directly, but indirectly. Once you chop the huge task into smaller pieces, you will feel that the task is do-able, and that’s a huge breakthrough! Once you realize that you can actually finish a task, you’ll feel driven and re-motivated to finish the task.

Also, by using this method, it ensures that you do not succumb into depression or get petrified and do nothing. That itself is more valuable than any other methods combined.

Good luck!

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When A Girl Get Insulted On A Date

August 18th, 2008 Posted in Just stuff
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What happens when a guy make a improper comment on a date? The girl get offended and totally hate your ass. It is not that difficult to guess. What it seems to be, these days that guys are using a form of strategy call “negs”. It is a form of insult planted to lower the girl’s self esteem so that the guy can move in easier. Here’s an example: “Nice nails, are they real? No? Oh, well they’re nice anyway.” (Ugly Betty season 2, they also feature 1 episode with this strategy)

Recently my girl friend went on a so called date and she just had this experience. She was out with him for lunch and having a casual conversation, out of no where all of a sudden the guy just said to her “you are fat.” She was like, what? Why would he just make such a improper comment out of no where. She just smile it off and say oh ya… put on a little weight lately (she’s still far from fat, i can vouch for that). As the lunch continues, he make another comment saying that her jaw was big, she had chubby cheeks. My friend was totally pissed and felt so insulted. My friend is a smart attractive girl and it’s not someone you can easily ask out. She was thinking to herself, what is this guy trying to do? After that he was trying to be cute and said she look like a cupcake! Haha! it was the wrong thing to say. He must have thought it was cute to call her cupcake. But all she thought was, now you think i’m round and fat but cute like a cupcake. OH NO! not this way you don’t. After lunch he wanted to walk her back to her office, and she couldn’t shake him off. While passing by the bathroom she said, she needed to use the ladies and she was going to be long, see ya!

Needless to say had a terrible lunch. The comment had bothered her. How can you tell a girl that she was fat. Especially on a date. If he was using the insult to get the girl, well…. he used it on the wrong girl. Did he get her attention? Yes he did, and she just hated his ass. After that, he tried to text her, called her, she totally ignored him. Until now she has not accept or return any of his calls. His last message was, he apologize to her saying if he had said anything that offended her he’s sorry. Well… it’s too late. Sometimes people just get 1 chance and he had to mess it up. Before this, they were talking to each other on the phone  and when she finally decided to go on a date with him, this is what she sees. Someone she does not want to continue seeing.

Dates are for both parties to get to know each other. Maybe if there’s a possibility of furthering the relationship. I guess some people just don’t have respect for it. Oh well, it was just a short lunch not exactly a date date. It was the longest lunch she ever had. My advice, always settle with tea first if you are not sure if you can stand this person. Lunch if you are casual friends with the guy (at least it’s just an hour). Dinner if it’s someone you are interested in.

So guys, whatever strategy you have up your sleeves better think twice before doing it. Not all girls will fall for it. Especially not attractive and smart girls. Put the insult aside, to me it’s just plain manners.

Till next time…

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Chillout Sunday: Lamb relaxing

August 17th, 2008 Posted in Just stuff
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It’s a Sunday, and it’s time to relax! Heard Don’t Mess With The Zohan is hilarious, so gonna go and catch it today!

Enjoy the weekend!

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Daily Tips: How to ask dominantly

August 16th, 2008 Posted in Tips
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Have you always gotten a “No” for an answer? Do you find it difficult to get things your way? Whenever you ask for something, do you always prepare yourself that you might not get what you want?

Maybe you’ve been asking the wrong way.

The way you frame your questions or requests matter. You could ask for something in two different ways, and end up with two different results. Let me share with you what I learned early in my career.

I was at Melaka, and the company I was doing my internship at was having a team building session over the weekend. They flew people in from Hong Kong and Singapore, and there were activities and all, you know, play games, motivational talks, company presentation and boring stuffs like that.

And then it was time for dinner. We all went to the restaurant at 7pm, although the reservation was for 7.30pm. Someone asked me to ask the waiter if we can sit down first, but one of the senior managers stopped him and told me, “Don’t ask like that. Go tell the waiter that we have a dinner reservation and ask him where is our table.”

I was stunned. The same question, but asked in a different way.

The first, “Hi, we actually have a reservation at 7.30pm, and we’re wondering if we can sit first” gives the waiter an opportunity to say no, or say that he has to ask his manager first.

The second, “Hi, we have a dinner reservation. Where’s our table?” does not give the waiter any chance to say no at all, and forces him to show us our tables. Of course he may still say no, but with so little opportunity to say so without offending the customer, most of the time he will just do his job and show us the table, and if there’s no tables, prepare one for us.

See how asking the same question in a different manner gives different results? Just by framing your question differently, you position yourself in a dominant position, and this increases the chances of things coming your way.

Good luck!

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