a lesson in upgrading

This is the authorities' (I'm guessing the town council) way of 'upgrading' a housing estate--"condominiumising" a driveway by naming it something vaguely French and making sure the sign is big and bright green by the main road so the whole world knows how high class this neighbourhood is.

Lessons in upgrading:

• Times New Roman is a very unsexy font to grace a driveway with. Contrary to all stylist intentions, it actually conveys an uptight, snobby, stiff upper-lip image. If you want to upgrade, at least do it in style.
• Not all condominiums have elegant names. Case in point--The Rafflesia (like, what's with the association with the world's smelliest flower?), Thomson 800 (this sounds like a relative of S11 kopitiam) and Garlick Ville (yes garlic is an awfully flavourful condiment, but all this makes you think about is garlic breath. EWE). A HDB estate doesn't need to associate itself with a condominium to prove its worth. And what's the deal with condos anyway? You pay for a measly swimming pool, security guards who can't actually run after thieves and other miscellaneous things that you might not use.
• Naming a driveway 'De Courtyard' sure makes it easy for residents to decide on a place to meet. Like, how can you miss it? Doesn't do wonders for the chic factor, though. One more thing, how does a few potted plants and red-brick road qualify as a courtyard?
• Residents don't need no high-class sign to upgrade their estate. The basics like covered walkways so you don't get soaked in the rain, hangout places, railings and those stoney massage foot reflexology patches for the elderly, study corners for students, safer playgrounds for the kids, etc, will suffice.
• French, if used in the wrong way, might make you sound really cheap. Now, can we spray paint the sign to make an artistic point for street graffiti? I think the authorities might freak out. YOU GO, DE COURTYARD :P :P :P!!!!

my initiation into sneakerhood

I've never been into sneakers, but thanks to a friend who introduced me to limited edition designer ones, I picked up this neat pair of Pumas (can you spot the puma?) by Alexander Van Lobbe for $199 from Venue @ The Heeren. According to the salesman, they were originally $549! Super comfy, leather and made in Italy, I really feel WOH walking in them, with an added bounce to boot. A friend said they look like English china, but artistic and funky at the same time. I couldn't agree more. Another said I look like I'm walking on clouds, to which I replied amusedly "How celestial!" with a royal wave and dazzling smile--how apt for a goddazz :P!

Have never spent this much on a pair of shoes before (my shoes are usually less than $40 and they actually look good), so it feels kinda surreal. But I do think they're worth every cent. Designer, limited edition, a work of art... NO REGRETS! Now I just have to go on austerity drive (i.e. no shopping) for at least 2 months. I CAN DO IT!

Japanese can do good English, no?

On a poster in the World War II section of the Singapore History Gallery, National Museum:

"That unforgettable embrace under the beautiful moon with the warmth of HER shapely body nestled against yours: that blood tingling kiss: that overpowering sense of passion that sweeps over you--these and many other pleasant memories you'll be able to relive again if you'll throw down your arms, surrender and prepare to get out of this hell-hole."

These words are printed against the backdrop of an American soldier smooching his girl on a bed, with the full moon above them. The poster was produced and air-dropped by the Japanese to land in the hands of Allied soldiers, part of Japanese propaganda to force them to surrender.

Now you have to admit this is English fluency at its best, coming from a country that till today is known to produce stationery printed with English words that make no sense. Example: "I fly the sky you and me" on a sky blue pencil box with clouds in the background. And such passionate language! All this coming out of a 1940s era industrialising Japan. New historical insight for me.

life is good when...

you are ordered by your boss to shop at Orchard Road and not return to the office after going to the Hilton to attend some event that was postponed but which the organisers did not inform you about. And this was like 2.30pm on a Wednesday afternoon. He said it was only a couple of hours and I should 'go rest'.

It felt kind of weird to hit the town in suit-skirt and heels (it's one of those business-y events), but I felt an awesome sense of freedom as I treated myself to some gelato (2 flavours, roasted almond and Ferrero Rocher-ish chocolate) and later hopped over to Takashimaya to grab some essentials.

I realise now that I can't have it any better, and that my new job can really be like a little dream sometimes (minus the bad days, not so enjoyable assignments and little frustrations that you get with any job). Do I deserve it? Yes, after all the tears and sweat from the last. And I know this is like copying off McDonald's, but I am truly LOVIN' IT :)