Hello, I blog!
I share all my sporadic and toilet thoughts in here, because I am random like that.
Two languages, but one understanding
I met an autistic boy today.
He was one of the helpers at the craft store I went to this afternoon. A cozy family business, that craft store was. I was really glad that the family business somehow allowed him to be part of the crew so that he gets to mingle with and meet new people.
The expression on his face when I approached him for help in the store was … hard to describe.
A mixture of joy and confusion perhaps. Joy towards how I approached him and spoke to him like a normal person, but confusion because he had no idea how to help me. His face was initially all aglow, before it was shrouded in bewilderment and he finally, gestured towards another lady to assist me.
Later on, he had taken to following me around the store.
I was looking for ribbons, and he lingered around in the nearby vicinity as I pored through the shelves and shelves of ribbon reels. It was clear that he could communicate, just that he didn’t know how. Occasionally, I’d pick up a roll of ribbon and go “hmm,” “too narrow”, “too wide” or “too expensive”, and I can hear all sorts of murmuring and squeaking noises coming from his general direction.
It was like we were having a conversation, only with both parties speaking in different languages … but still understood each other.
There was one point where I jokingly lamented about how the ribbons here were sold in reels and not per metre and he giggled along with me.
Later on, I reached for a tri-coloured (red, blue and white) ribbon reel and the murmurs and squeaks from the boy became louder. I looked up at him, and he pointed to the ribbon reel and gestured to his neck in a roundabout motion in response.
“Ah, this one is for medals!” says I.
And the boy began nodding wildly, squeaking and murmuring his approval.
The boy shadowed me around the store until I was ready to checkout. At that time, I stood patiently by the counter, waiting for one of the ladies in charge to finish whatever she was doing so that she could ring up my purchases.
The boy didn’t let me wait, though. He gestured/squeaked/murmured loudly for the attention of another storekeeper to come assist me and I was all ready to go in a matter of a couple of minutes.
I could have sworn that he said “bye” when I left the shop.
Latest hauls, because I like it
Long, long day out (craft material hunting + impromptu flea market visit) with one of my besties, followed by a shopping trip with mum. Rewarded with all sorts of new bits and pieces which I now proudly call my own.
Starbucks mug (left) and plastic tumbler (right).
Upon hearing that Starbuck’s would soon be changing its logo (horrors of horrors – and not liking the new logo one bit), I made it a point to hunt down some merchandise bearing Starbuck’s current logo, so that my memory of the current Starbuck’s experience will be immortalized forever.
Oh, and I managed to get a voucher for a free tall drink during my next visit for my efforts. Hurhur. Apparently, Starbuck’s gives you a free drink for every tumbler purchased. In addition to the tumbler, I bought myself a Starbuck’s mug.
I am especially loving the tumbler. The tumbler is made to look and resemble the transparent cups in which your ice-blended drinks come in, straw included – albeit in a more durable plastic material.
Both are currently sitting proudly on my shelf.
I’d still continue to patronize Starbuck’s despite the logo change, though. Will always be a fan of its signature hot chocolates and vanilla lattes. I drink their beverages, after all. Not the logo.
Ladybird and cassette rings.
Managed to hunt down these two rings at a flea market the friend and I happened to chance upon. At three bucks apiece, it isn’t a bad deal.
I love trawling through flea markets. Even though I sometimes emerge from them empty handed, they are awesome to look through. Loads of youngsters are beginning to jump on the bandwagon of doing handmade stuff and hawking their wares at such flea markets, and they are a joy to look at.
Love life, love yourself.
My new favourite bangle acquired from Metalli, a locally-owned brand, the latter of which could quite possibly be my new favourite accessories brand too. I can spend hours just standing in the store and looking through the stuff. Omgah.
The above – among others – are some of the hauls for the day. On top of that, managed to obtain some metal charms, which I’d use to create my own jacket pins. I’m still missing some materials, so the next mission is to head out to scout for ’em. Will post pictures once I’m done.
I miss this, very much
What I really miss – driving further South on the motorways (and occasional, off the beaten tracks), going through small towns, watching the rolling hills dotted with flocks of sheep from the car’s window, and seeing the occasional snow-capped mountain range.
Snow mountains spotted while driving down the motorway to Wellington.
I love long and scenic drives, and last week’s New Zealand trip involved intensive driving. Plus one for me, but unfortunate for the drivers. The drives were long, winding and extremely tiring. I have no idea how they did it, but I have much respect for them.
I’m now back in Singapore. The concrete jungle. Where the only “mountain” we have is actually a hill standing at a mere 105 metres tall (Mount Faber), and the tallest point is only a mere 163 metres (Bukit Timah Hill) – and please don’t ask why our ‘mount’ is actually shorter than a ‘hill’. Where we find ourselves having to squeeze past folks all the time and be stuck in traffic jams, all while considering it ‘normal’. It’s suffocating.
I’m longing for fresh air – particularly New Zealand’s air. I really miss the place. The trip just went by too quickly.
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