Coolcat's Jottings

Have you ever thought of someone a lot and then they suddenly appear before your very eyes? Well, that happened to me today. I was thinking of a bubbly colleague who went for an operation a couple of weeks ago and wondered how she was. Since this would be my first weekend where I won't be outstation, I thought that I'd pay her a visit at the hospital. And lo and behold, she dropped into the office today for a quick visit. I was so glad to see that she was ok!

Now, if only thinking could conjure up more dear friends to appear before me - that would be simply fantastic! Perhaps bezzie will suddenly appear in a puff of smoke (ala 'I Dream of Jeannie') and we can go for our way overdue girly chat, spa session and inject some caffeine to our veins. Aaaah... if only wishes were fishes. I can't wait till she comes back for a visit next year - hopefully sooner than that!

Kwipex, a discerning reader asked me if I ran out of Chek Hup in the comment section today. I was like, "Wah, how did you know??!"

Normally, I would err on the side of caution for the sake of my dear Chek Hup brew. I pride myself on being a coffee connoisseur and this packet of instant coffee gives me the perfect cup every time - at home, in the office and whilst traveling. Very, very convenient! I normally over pack on my Chek Hup sachets just in case I bump into a fellow coffee lover whom I can introduce this magical brew to.

So it was a shock to find myself stranded on an island quite far away with just one measly packet of Chek Hup to last me three whole days and two nights. What's a coffee lover to do?

First, I hyperventilated silently. Next, I prayed that the hotels that I'll be staying in will have good coffee. Lastly, I made my packet last for as long as I could - three servings. As suspected, I met a new coffee kindred spirit in the island and gave her that third serving. She gulped it down delightedly and as her Chek Hup introducer, I was saddened that I couldn't offer her any more.

The first hotel we stayed had horrible coffee - (one sip and I went bleh!), but the second one had better ones. And my newfound coffee buddy and I made a pit stop at Starbucks near the marina (oooh, glorious Caramel Machiatto!). So things were fine, on the coffee side of things.

In less than two weeks, I'll be off again for an even longer period of time. This time, Chek Hup sachets will be the first things I shovel into my backpack. I couldn't contemplate suffering through another cup of bad coffee. That would simply ruin any trip!

So many things happening all at once and I feel like I'm in a lot of places almost all at once, too!

Firstly, I'll be moving out to a nice apartment nearer to my office. I had no time to go scouting for a nice place so my future house mates did it for me. I just had to have a look at two of their final choices, made my choice, we cleaned the place up yesterday and we'll be moving in there pretty soon. Mom and dad approved the move because they worry every time I have to drive a long distance home from work. I approve because it saves me a heck lot of time and money. So everyone's in agreement but we'll definitely miss each other

Tomorrow I'll be off again to some island. No divers this time around but will be snorkeling about. Hope to catch up on some sleep amidst the fun activities the organisers have planned out. Happy weekend, folks!

The three of us walked into the office yesterday and our colleagues greeted us with loud cheers.

"Eh, two of them got more tan except for Ariel. Her skin color is still the same lar!" observed one dear colleague.

I needed no further invitation to regale them on my unfortunate bout of sea-sickness. "And so, while these two were busy diving, I was busy sleeping off the effects of the motion sickness pill inside the air-conditioned cabin! That's the reason why I didn't get tanned at all!" PL, my editor laughed at my story.

One of my melancholy tanned colleagues was aghast, "Eh... this kinda stories are embarrassing leh. No need to tell that you got seasick wan!"

Sanguine PL and I gave him an equally aghast look, "Why not? It's funny what!"

So that highlights yet another difference between the melancholy temperament and the sanguine. One would rather keep 'embarrassing' stories to themselves and the other, would enthusiastically narrate them because of the entertainment factor.

If anyone thinks that cats are cold calculative creatures who are just constantly looking out for themselves, you might want to reconsider after reading this heart-rending article from one of my longest favorite blogger/website. Rest in peace, Wookie. My condolences to the loved ones you have left behind...