dun switch on the tv!

life's full of surprises
especially when you're caught unprepared
in your sloppiest moments
with your worse outfit

sitting around in the kopitiam
with a group of budding guitar friends after class
we're supposed to be just taking a shelter from the afternoon downpour
that came all of a sudden

then in came
Quan Yifeng – one of the star hosts of Channel U
who happened to be filming the latest outdoor variety show – What's Art?
which at that point then
i haven't had the slightest idea of what show it was

so us group of 4
plus a stranger guy from the other table in the kopitiam
got waylaid whilst having desserts and drinks
finally came together to become her street contestants
(because she needed to make up 5 in the team)
after much persuasion and coaxing

it didn't help if i'd previously done a subject on broadcasting and filming in poly days
my lecturer would, perhaps, be so embarrassed to make any acknowledgement

the lights shoned brightly on me
baring my crumpliest, mis-matched outfit
highlighting my dishevelled hair
exposing every line of wrinkles on my pimple-scarred, pale and naked face
was oily from the hours of afternoon jamming
i think i looked like an auntie
and when you needed a blotter for emergency 'clean-ups'
there isn't one to be found in my bag!

perhaps the only decent and filmable thing i've had on me this afternoon
was my new-yet-not-so-new funky black and yellow spectacle

there is just one consolation, though
that one of my friends
was wearing an old white tee
which we spotted blots of old stains on it!
plus the torn bermudas at the edges and that very uncle-looking slippers, it's ultimate. and none of us could beat him to it.
that's really what we called art. ahahhaha...

and so
the moral of the story i've learnt is :

1. never think just because you're going downstairs (or somewhere nearby), you can skip the attire altogether!
2. always wear your best. if not, definitely not your worst outfit whenever you go out, wherever.
3. be sure to have at least the blusher on your face even if you're just going to the market
4. ensure you have a least one pack of blotters in your bag. If you think you're forgetful like me, buy extra packets in advance and have one in every bags you have at home!
5. wear your foundation at all times. remember that.
6. carry them (everything!) in your bag(s)
7. dun forget that hair
8. the very minimal you must have is a lip gloss
9. have a pocket mirror and a comb in an easy to reach compartment at all times
10. and, i hate this one.... dun be lazy!

all of these above, which i shall endeavour to strictly abide by it from now on....

yesssssssssssss....... i need to move on....