Precious
Not many films out there have the power to touch you deeply and affect you so greatly that you walk away feeling like life will never be the same again.
Precious is the story of an illiterate, obese, abused teenage girl living in Harlem in the 80's. Raped since she was 3 by her own father, Precious has 2 of his children and is severely beaten down and physically abused by her neurotic and insecure unemployed mother who depends on her for welfare, but hates her guts. When she gets pregnant the second time, her school discharges her and suggests she attend an 'alternative' institution. There, she is inspired by a teacher who teaches her to read, write and express herself. With her newfound self-confidence she is able to find strength within to leave the abuse she suffers at her mother's hand.
These things do happen. These things are real. These things make me feel like crying forever and I wonder if such adaptations do help victims of such situations.
This knowledge. It is Precious.
I sure hope it does help.
Watch the trailer here.
Travel Woes
There shouldn't be a lot to complain about when you get to see the world.
But if there was one thing that gets my goat, it is that the disruption of one's personal pattern.
This could be a good thing to some of course - a chance to break the cycle and get things sorted out. But for me, it can be bad - especially when it comes to keeping a fitness routine up. I've been doing fairly well with daily morning Muay Thai so not having been able to get my workouts out of the way before work yesterday and today has left me feeling a bit frustrated.
I tried going to the gym earlier but I'd stupidly forgotten my skipping rope and didn't pack my trainers and well, it was just a downright failed attempt. I ended up joining the boss and other work associates down at the bar before dinner instead.
And what's up with being on the road and drinking? Somehow the alcohol just doesn't work. I've had quite a few this evening and I don't feel a thing. It's as if my body is refusing to acknowledge the presence of any of the alcohol.
Really looking forward to class on Friday morning!
Back in the cold
Getting in touch with my roots
Beijing - The Capital of China. I am embarrassed to say I've never visited in my life before this. I know, like what kind of Chinese person am I right?!
And I had many conversations in Mandarin today. Needless to say, I struggled through many a few of them. But hey - I managed. I have a feeling this job is going to force my Mandarin to improve which is not a bad thing, really. I'll be able to call myself well and truly Chinese, instead of just a banana.
(Yellow on the outside, white on the inside) =P
Off for dinner in an hour so better go get in the shower. I sure wish Hubba and the doggies were all over this room :)
Round & Round: Rakku Silver Shoe Wheel (SOLD)
Awhile ago, Hubba and I got a shoe wheel for extra storage. Then we realized we really didn't need so many pairs of shoes each and did a big spring clean in the house and gave our shoes to charity.
Now, we've got one of these shoe wheels which we really don't need anymore but is in perfectly good condition! It's great for people with heaps of sneakers, methinks!
We got it for near $150 at Raffles City but I'm happy to let it go for $60.
Anyone interested?
Email me at email[dot]ickle[at]gmail[dot]com!
What did I do?
I think I've sprained my wrist.
It could have been the push-ups I was doing today or the sprawls, I'm not sure. But argh it hurts when I so much as lift a water bottle.
Ees no good at all!
The little things count
One of the best things about working back in the business district must be the proximity to Hubba.
When I was back at Maxwell, I often took for granted the quick lunches or coffees that we could have to catch up in between our other work commitments. In fact, I don't think I ever bothered calling Hubba out for lunch or vice versa. But now he's literally just a call away.
Today, we met for a quick char siew-siew yok fan. We had a flat white coffee after and split a plate of cookies. And within 40 minutes, we were both back at our work stations. I should treasure moments like these, especially when our schedules get crazy.
Grappling with Fate
Do you often wonder what you'd do if someone ever tried to make a grab at you? I have. Maybe it's an innate part about being small and runt-like, an insecurity I can't shake, but I've been ambushed before and it is not a great feeling.
I remember it like it was yesterday. It was our first year at uni and the five of us (Beck, Jode, Trott and our then flatmate Laura) were walking out of the area on an evening out. We were living in a suitably dodgy area in Leeds, known for neighbourhood rowdy kids and drugs. Out of nowhere, about 13 kids ambushed us all ready to pounce. It was Beck's insistence that we stayed calm and didn't respond to their hissing and spitting that really saved us.
Alas, as we crossed the main road away from the mob, Laura turned to yell at them and got beat up in the process. One kid even rammed a bicycle at her. We were across the busy street and unable to help. Thank god the attack didn't last long and they ran off when we ran back over.
But sometimes I wonder what would have happened had they stayed with her whilst we returned. Would I have held out and fought them off? I hated feeling helpless and violated. Laura was suitably traumatized even tho she escaped pretty much unharmed (very big girl, she was), but still...
So part of this quest in martial arts has to do with self-defense. Not that I plan to kick off in bars and brawl with people at all, but hey - why grapple with fate when you can learn the art on the mat?
I've tried BJJ and MMA since my last entry on Muay Thai. I must say I am leaning more towards the strike art, but there's no denying that learning how to grapple and move away from danger would be a critical skill to have. Today, I learned how to escape and knock someone over if they tried to grab me front on - and I managed to knock Hubba over easily. I also learnt how to make a quick getaway between someone's legs. Both great escape tactics for a small runt like me!
The only downside is grappling is a little unpredictable on the back. Thank goodness for the mats :P
They still need help
25 years ago this song touched my heart and every time I see the original, tears form in mine eye and I can't help but feel touched by the power of how good people can really use their fame to spread the word and do great things.
Today, it is time again.... to heed a certain call, to bring the world together as one. In the face of natural disasters and great tragedy, it is really touching to see Lionel Richie bring the magic back. After all these years, it still makes me cry.
After all, we are all part of God's great big family. And the truth you know, love is all we need.
Have you helped Haiti yet? You can do it here: http://www.google.com/relief/haitiearthquake/
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