My Hand as a Commercial Model

So I finally see the output of last Sunday's photo shoot. Not bad. (Understatement since I already have the photo as my laptop wallpaper, I have the brochure on my desk and in my room for inspiration. Hahahahah) I was right when I told Cindy (my fellow extra) that all of us will be cropped and only our hands would be shown. But I was surprised with the website when my face could actually be seen. (Of course noticeable only if I let you know, haha). So my ugly hand has actually made it on an actual ad. Funny how things turn out.

Well it will surely go down as one of my most unforgettable experiences here in SG.

And Taz asked me if I regularly rub elbows with good-looking people like Edward.

I wish.

If only I could go on hobnobbing with grogeous men like him.

(Well actually if I made a real effort and start clubbing, I would. But that isn't my scene.)

Oh well.

Better luck next time.

Googlism (following fong's lead)

There are so little Risha's in the world. And they're all so serious. Not even one sleazy line. Hahaha.

risha is a relatively dim star with a magnitude of 4 - hope that's out of 5, haha
risha is in the loo - must be from the office's site since i go to the bathroom around eight times a day during work...hahahha
risha is facing an auto - wish it were a jaguar or an audi...
risha is married with two children and lives with her mother - where's the husband?!?
risha is going to teach social studies at the middle school level - boring...
risha is now a full time student at maine central institute's special ballet program - i'll never be a full-time student again...
risha is five foot five with hip - too much of a hip, actually. good thing i'm not just 5'5" (hahahah)
risha is of the no - or of the "know"?
risha is the 79 - hmmm....
risha is out for the year with a heart condition while top receiver bob murphy is sidelined for four weeks with a broken hand - knock on wood
risha is a well - does that have a spiritual meaning?
risha is vague - part of the charm, man
risha is nearly out of the realm of possibility - cuz i'm a godess! wahahahha!
risha is a graduate of uf's undergraduate program as well as its physician assistant school and brings with her years of experience working in jacksonville - serious...
risha is guilty?" - how did you know? hahahha
risha is sitting in the sectuib's "office" with an extremely helpful nager - eh?
risha is a young female donor - hmm... this might be prophetic
risha is currently looking to the rest of the world - right on!
risha is probably virgil's girlfriend - well hope virgil is hunkier than his name!
risha is working on her master’s degree in diatetics - hahahha
risha is a lovely - *blush*
risha is the lady of the harvest - so i bring fertility?
risha is the most harmless of the pagan cults - told you i'm a godess...
risha is 30 - don't rush it
risha is his partner in crime - mischevious me...
risha is now 2 years old - maybe my brain is
risha is a hick - hahhaha. maye. maybe.
risha is fully healed and may return to her own room - hope we're talking about the heart condition here
risha is walking in the forest - ooh...
risha is sister to - who?
risha is guilty?" "unquestionably - darn it. i'm caught. hahaha
risha is in shraek looking for her brother - where art thou?
risha is very responsible and pleasant - *blushes again*
risha is common aliaran for girl - eh?

Another one of em

Sorry, it's a lazy Friday so I'm just enjoying my online tests.

Risha, you're hip with the success stories

Hey there, go-getter. It's no surprise you're ahead of the game because you've got your eye on the prize. Focused and hardworking, your mind never stops churning and thinking about what could be. That's why you're happiest when you're knee-deep in a research project, a book, or a problem, and you can put in the extra hours and effort to figure it out and learn something new.

But that doesn't mean your nose is always buried in a book. You've got an open mind when it comes to discovering great things, so you're constantly embarking on new adventures and meeting new people. The result? You rarely do the same thing twice. And that's how progress is made.

Ummm.... I'm not really the type to put in extra hours. Hahahaha.

In Between Tasks

I just finished one task and too lazy to ask for another one since lunch break is coming in 50 minutes. Hahaha. It's a Friday anyway so allow me to laze around.

I don't really have anything particular to write so I'll just goof around a bit.

I'm looking around my office and I realize that some of my officemates remind me of characters, things, etc.

1. One looks like a beaver. And SHE'S A GIRL. An elderly woman, that is. One of our draftsmen.
2. One looks like Dr. Seuss. Actually, the Grinch. Hahahhaa. With the same grouchy look and the lack of hair.
3. One looks like Violet, from The Incredibles.
4. One reminds me of my mom. Kinda looks like her.
5. One looks like Jay-ar Victorio. Hahhahaha.
6. One looks like an Indian version of Jesus Christ. If you look at the past pictures I've posted you could prolly guess which one.
7. One reminds me of James (as in James and the Giant Peach). He has a head too big for his body. And he has receding hairline! Poor him.
8. One (actually it's Ingrid, haha) reminds me of Little Lulu. Ingrid told me she was a fit kid and I'm so assuming she looked just like Little Lulu.
9. One looks like a Povedan friend of mine, Yasmin. And is as nice as her.

Okay that's all for now. I just managed to waste 12 minutes. So that's still 38 minutes till lunch break. Make that 33. I'll go off to lunch early, hehe.

Tickle Holiday Wish and Karma Tests

So true, so true!

Risha, your holiday wish is to Enjoy Time With Family and Friends

You'll be home for Christmas — that much is true. And while you love getting gifts and attending parties, the true meaning of the season for you is spending time with the people you love the most. While you may not be a total homebody, a caring soul like you can't wait to revel in the little details the season offers.Whether you get a kick out of baking cookies with your favorite cousin or picking out a tree with the folks, you enjoy taking part in traditions and carrying them on. And whether you see it as sentimental or maybe a little sappy, it's as sweet as you are. So don't change a thing!

As for this, it soesn't sound so me.

Risha, in the last year you've earned 682 karma points

You've earned these points by doing good things, therefore allowing good things to circle back to you. There are 6 different ways people earn karma, and by looking at your responses to this test, we can tell that your selfless nature is earning you the most karma.This means that you're more willing than most people are to sacrifice yourself for those in need. Such kind efforts have helped you earn your karma up to this point. You'll typically go out of your way to help people even when the task is difficult or forces you to go out of your way. This willingness to assist others strengthens your current relationships and suggests it will come back to you positively in the future. Through your concerted efforts to make others' needs an important priority, you generate good karma for yourself and the universe.

Confession time. What I learned about myself is that I am a selective do-gooder. I help out when it is a loved one. But if not, I think twice about it.

Buildability Scores and Cappuccino Machines

Warning: This entry is about work.

Read at your own risk. Hahahah.

For the past couple of days I've been helping out to compute for the buildability score for the condominium project I'm currently helping with.

Now what is a buildability score, you may ask?

A buildability score is required by the Building and Construction Authority (one that issues the building permit). The higher you get, the better of course. The passing score is 63. Now what makes a design get a high score? The more efficient it is, the higher it gets. That means standardized doors, windows, etc. Pre-fab is more favorable.

Now how do you compute this?

You have to get the surface area of ALL walls, doors, windows, etc. You don't really have to be too accurate.

Now finishes and materials such as RC with plaster and paint, tile, etc have certain scores. Multiply with surface area and voila!

So here I am with my highlighters (to mark on plan in different colors the different materials used in the deisgn) and ever-reliable Excel.

And I'm enjoying it. The math geek of me.

So where does the cappuccino machine come in? Well with the new office, our CEO is bringing in free stuff like free drinks. Aside from the endless supply of tetra packs in the fridge (iced tea, green tea, chrysanthemum tea, barley, etc) one of our suppliers, Miele, gave a good deal for a cappuccino machine.

Now people would either be shaking from the too darn cold aircon, or from too much caffeine.

Accepting My Fate

So I'm quite disappointed Edward wasn't in last night's shoot. I was half-expecting it anyway. There was no point to have two shooting days with him as the model.

Oh well.

Tough luck for me.

Next time I should know better.

Carpe diem. That should be my new motto. (As if I actualyl have a current motto :P)

So anyways, it was a lady model last night. She wasn't a foreigner though. I guess it's really Singaporean culture that Singaporean women go for foreign guys and Singaporean men still go for SIngaporean women. Anyways, she was posing in a sporty Jaguar. Cool car. I wasn't particularly impressed by the model though. I'm not really biased with Edward (okay, being first-name basis, haha) but Edward was quick to follow directions from the photographer. But the girl, well, she's a bit slow. The photographer or one of his crew, more than a few times had to demonstrate what should be done.

But who am I to judge. I'm no expert.

Shooting in the evening is more tiring. I guess since I came from work. But my fellow extras were a bit out of it too.

I guess since we waited fro an hour till we started.

But it's fun getting these assignments. Aside from meeting new people, it takes out the rigidity of my everyday schedule.

Psyching Myself

I received the sign. I was contacted by the agent last night that there will be another shoot tonight. Of course I shouldn't keep my hopes up that Edward would be there again. Maybe it will be a girl model this time. Again, I was never too lucky in these stuff. (Like in Arch 55 when I almost had the chance to win the Manosa book and even during our Dinner & Dance in Malacca wherein there was a raffle draw and there were enough prizes for half of the staff members. Of course, I didn't get anything with my luck.)

My horoscope is even motivating me (I'm not one to believe in horoscopes, but at this point I need all the psyching up that I could gather!) It says, "Ready for that intense personal conversation you've been putting off, but secretly are just dying to have? Well, good, because you're not alone. All concerned parties are also raring to go." Pretty relevant huh? Hahhaha

Well we'll see. Pray that I'll have good news tomorrow!

Post Script

Darn it. (Make sure you have read my previous post before reading this.)

It's not good that I don't have much work today. It's giving me time to daydream.

But okay, let me stop thinking of HIM first then talk about other stuff. I failed to talk about our new office. (I was too distracted yesterday, to write about it)

Our new office has a spectacular view of Singapore's CBD, of the sea, and the indoor stadium.

The open plan is something to get used to. My seatmate, Rizan, is something to get used to, since I got used to having just girls in my bay.

I have to get used to Jalyne behind me. One of the loudest mouths in the office.

I have to get used to being careful about surfing the net since more people can see what I'm doing.

I should get used to the carpet (since we just had lino before).

I should get used to natural lighting in the office and the glare on my PC monitor. (I gotta shift my PC. Hassle.)

I should stop daydreaming. Dammit.

I could still remember his laugh line on the corner of his mouth.

I could still remember how he looked too perfect in his gray turtleneck and pin-striped jacket. A couple of times I brushed my hand on his padded shoulder. Sigh.

As fong, advised me, no guy could be too gorgeous for a girl. I should treat him just like any guy and take it from there. Well I wish I would have another chance to practise that.

I have to wait for the agent's call. Her call would be a sign that I have another opportunity. And I'll come prepared.

Which reminds me, my dad said I gained some weight when he saw my Malacca pictures. Sad. It's teh fault of those four buffets. I shall do the south beach diet next year. (Number one in my new year's resolution.)

Should I have my hair relaxed when I come home next week?

I should get a grip. My insecurities are coming out.

God help me.

Cupid's Arrow Caught Me

Be still, my heart.

I finally found my crush here in Singapore. It was lust at first sight. Haha, just kidding. But what sucks is that I know absolutely nothing could come out of it.

To put it plainly, he’s too beautiful for me.

Okay, I guess I better rewind first on how I actually saw him. (I better warn you the following might be a bit too detailed, mushy or maybe even carnal. Hahahahahha.)

I had my first ever semi-photo shoot today. My friend who’s in a talent agency phoned me to let me know they were looking for 20 extras for this photo shoot. I had no idea what it was for. She just told me to dress in office attire. Nothing to lose since my Sunday was free and the pay wasn’t bad for an extra role.

So I got there, not really knowing what to expect. We were all to go to the studio at 9:45am sharp. When I got there ten minutes early, he caught my eye. (Also this speech-impaired guy who tried out for Singapore Idol, but that's an irrelevant story)

So I knew he was the "star" as we were the "extras". My other co-extras were of different ages and races and builts. I was the only non-Singaporean there.

Just to let you know, the shoot is for SingTel (FYI, in case you didn't know, SingTel is to Smart or Globe in the Philippines. They're my current handphone service provider.).

So the shot is that all us extras are "reporters" or "paparazzi" hoping to get an interview or a shot of him. I was one of the ones wanting an interview. I was holding an MP3 player which should look like a voice recorder.

And I was standing right next to him!

The first batch of shots didn't make me too self conscious since he was just looking at the camera while everyone else was gaping at him. The first thing the photogrqapher told us extras was that don't be limp, act as if you want something from him.

And dammit, I wanted him!

Okay, I should go easy with the exclamation points. I haven't reached the clincher yet. During the second batch of shots the photographer asked him to turn sideways. He told him to either face the guy to his right or the lady at his left -- me! One of the guys beside me joked, "Of course the lady, lah!" Everyone laughed as he turned to face me. I had to thrust the MP3 player close to his mouth as he was looking at me. Darn it, I bet I was blushing. Half of the time I was staring at his lips, but half of the time I dared to look staright into his eyes. Of course there were some moments I couldn't take it and decided to look at the photographer. I bet he know he was making me feel conscious.

Darn it, even if it was just posing for a shoot I've never stared at anyone like that and I've never had anyone stare at me that way. It was all for show. But darn it, darn it, darn it.

HE'S SO HOT.

You may be wondering what he looks like. He's 192 cm (according to him; I heard him tell one of the extras. But shy ol' me, I never got to talk to him) so that's around 6'3". He's European or part European. He has the greatest pair of eyes I've ever stared at (as if I've stared at a lot...). They're light brown, almost hazel. And the longest eyelashes that don't make him look gay. He has a perfect set of teeth and I wonder why his gums aren't dark when he smoked around four sticks in the span of three hours. He has those stylish hairstyles that reached his nape. I guess the Trent Ford hairstyle in the Eternity Moment ad.

His name is Edward, that's all I've gathered from the shoot. And I still melt whenever I remember staring into his eyes.

They might call us in again Tuesday evening. I hope to God he's still in it. If ever that pushes through that is. I swear I'll really try to talk to him if ever.

But again, he's too beautiful for me. I won't get anything out of speaking to him if ever. These are the times I wish I looked more like my model friends.

But I'm glad my hair wasn't too frizzy today. (I'm really thinking of having my hair rebonded next year). I'm glad I wore my feel-good office clothes. I'm glad my colds didn't act up during the shoot. (But I guess I would have definitely caught his attention if I sneezed at him! Hahahahahha. My mind is definitely going crazy now.)

I'll just hope and pray I'll see him again.

Goodbye, Old Office

It's quite sentimental really.

I've spent six months in this office along Prinsep Street. People call it a basement, since there is hardly natural lighting. But I liked that little privacy I got (since there won't be any more in the new office) I will miss being almost next door to the pantry. I will miss having no one see how often I go to the toilet. I will miss not having to see so many people while working.

I will miss walking to Plaza Sing for lunch. (though Suntec and Bugis would be walking distance from the new office). I will miss having the three main groceries close to the office (Cold Storage, Carrefour and Fair Price). I will miss the fried rice at MacKenzie's. I will miss the chicken cutlet in Fatty's. I will miss my favorite attendant at the McDonald's across the street.

But again, it is something to let go. It is quite exciting moving offices too. The adjustment would affect my working, but maybe it's for the better. Maybe the new office will be a whole lot better.

Ode to my Family and Friends

In fongi's blog entry she asked the question how you would rate the year 2004. Straight away I rated it a 9 to a 9.5. I believe this has been a tremendous year for me. It provided me with opportunities and blessings that I never imagined could happen to me.

And I truly believe my relationship with my family and friends have been strengthened. Truly distance could actually help build relationships (though I can't declare it true for everyone) but so far it has served some benefits for me.

I have to admit I haven't found friends here in Singapore that I sincerely care for and who care for me, the way it is with my family and friends back home. But I guess six months is a short time to build such friendships or relations and I just need to give it time. But sometimes I get envious of friends who have met really good friends in their new environment, given the same amount of time. I guess it's just different for everyone.

Anyways for now I just make do with writing in my blogs, writing emails, phone calls to my family, or even chatting with good friends or my siblings. It isn't the same as before of course but technology has made it much easier for me. If I wouldn't be able to reach my loved ones I would burst for not sharing my thoughts and my experiences.

There are some stuff I miss, like changing the radio stations in our van. I miss singing in the car. I can't do that anymore in the bus or train unless I don't care of what people would think. I can only sing in the toilet if I'm alone in the apartment. I don't talk as much. I just make up for it in writing. (which of course would be better than me starting to talk to myself, haha).

And that's just to name a few. But I know I'm building new habits that I will miss when I get back home. I truly can't have it all. There are just some things, places and persons that you have to let go off temporarily or permanently in your life.

Well so much for the drama. Since my past entries have been ala Joe D' Mango with the songs and such, I'll dedicate a song for my family and friends back home :)

With a Little Help from my Friends

What would you think if I sang out of tune

Would you stand up and walk out on me

Lend me your ears and I'll sing you a song

And I'll try not to sing out of key

Oh, I'll get by with a little help from my friends

Oh, I'll get high with a little help from my friends

Oh, I'll get by with a little help from my friends, my friends

What do you do when our love is away

Does it worry you to be alone

And how does it feel by the end of the day

Are you sad because you're on your own

Oh, I'll get by with a little help from my friends

Oh, I'll get high with a little help from my friends

Oh I'll get by with a little help from my friends

Do you need any body

I need somebody to love

Could it be anybody

I need somebody to love, to love, to love

Would you believe in this love at first sight

Yes I'm certain that it happens al the time

What do you see when you turn out the light

I can't tell you but I know that it's mine

Oh, I'll get by with a little help from my friends

Oh, I'll get high with a little help from my friends

Oh I'll get by with a little help from my friends

Do you need any body

I need somebody to love

Could it be anybody

I need somebody to love

Oh, I'll get by with a little help from my friends

Oh, I'll get high with a little help from my friends

Oh, I'll get high with a little help from my friends

Oh, I'll get by with a little help from my friends

With a little help from my friends, my friends, my friends

A61 Family Day and Dinner & Dance

This weekend (since Friday) the staff of the company went to Malacca, Malaysia for its annual Dinner & Dance and Family Day.

It was not bad. There isn’t really that much to do in Malacca. It was just a good thing our hotel was a short walk to one of the bigger malls there, Parkson Grand.

The family day, the committee I am part of, actually went well. More people came than we expected. The dinner and dance was fun, with good food and pretty entertaining program (we had an Architects 61 Idol – not so original but entertaining nevertheless).

Was able to buy some local food a bit for pasalubong. Was able to go to the Chinatown area (Jonkers) and was able to try local dessert Chendol, was able to eat authentic Nonya cooking, and wasted 4 dollars to enter this museum that I could have lived without going to.

More or less, the highlights of the vacation were:

I ruined my diet by having four buffet meals.
I was lusting after one of my colleague’s boyfriend or husband (some said they weren’t married yet but some said already were; hope to find a pic of him, hahahah)
I finally have a Malaysian stamp on my passport.
I’ve bonded with some of my colleagues.

So now we’re back to work just the day after. I’m sleepy. (as everyone is still hung over from the trip). I’ve temporarily moved to the fourth floor, where I will work till Friday (we’ll be reporting to the new office by Monday). We’re rushing for our project (but until Wednesday only I think but I’m just helping out so it isn’t too hectic). My head is aching. Prolly due to the blurry monitor I’m temporarily using. And thus this lazy entry.

Here are the pics. Will post the rest when I get em from my colleagues.



Ingrid, me and Tish before the Family Day



Start of Family Day



Family Day



Formosa



Some Government Building




The Famour Melaka Church



Lunch with Adi, Ingrid, Tish and Dan

Pre-QLC (Quarter-Life Crisis) Song

A song from the soundtrack of 13 going on 30 :D


VIENNA
Billy Joel

Slow down you crazy child
You're so ambitious for a juvenile
But then if you're so smart tell me why
You are still so afraid?
Where's the fire, what's the hurry about?
You better cool it off before you burn it out
You got so much to do and only
So many hours in a day

But you know that when the truth is told
That you can get what you want
Or you can just get old
You're gonna kick off before you even get halfway through
When will you realize...
Vienna waits for you

Slow down you're doing fine
You can't be everything you want to be
Before your time
Although it's so romantic on the borderline tonight
Too bad but it's the life you lead
You're so ahead of yourself
That you forgot what you need
Though you can see when you're wrong
You know you can't always see when you're right

You got your passion you got your pride
But don't you know only fools are satisfied?
Dream on but don't imagine they'll all come true
When will you realize
Vienna waits for you
Slow down you crazy child
Take the phone off the hook and disappear for a while
It's alright you can afford to lose a day or two
When will you realize...
Vienna waits for you.

But you know that when the truth is told
That you can get what you want
Or you can just get old
You're gonna kick off before you even get halfway through
Why don't you realize...
Vienna waits for you
When will you realize...
Vienna waits for you

And Singapore Votes

Singapore didn't let me down.

Last night was the finals for the first ever Singapore Idols. (I have to admit I went home earlier to catch it, haha). To give you a quick Singapore Idol brief, it started with twelve finalists. One backed out before the first elimination show was filmed. The first two who got eliminated had FIlipino blood. One was pure Filipino, the other was only part and had some Western blood. International school type. They are definitely both good signers. But I guess Singapore was looking for a more local idol. I mean people would say, the title of the show isn't SIngaporea Idol. But still, it is the Singaporeans who vote.



Well enough about that. The final two are Taufik Batisah and Sylvester Sim. (see pic) Taufik is Malay and Sylvester is Chinese. It was more of a racial thing. I was all for Taufik. He's really a good singer -- he sounds like Usher. And dances well too! But Sylvester was the crowd favorite, him being an ah-beng (well in Filipino terms, a kanto boy, haha -- a typical guy I guess) and the Chinese still dominate Singapore.

But talent still ruled.

I guess you'll just catch him perform in the World Idol.

Which reminds me, American Idol 2005 by January! Woohoo!