Kitchen Sink
“Why are you carrying your kitchen sink around?”
My Singaporean girlfriend who has lived in China for 10 years said this to me recently when we went out for dinner after work. An entrepreneur and a very savvy woman, she was horrified to see that I had what to her must be the world’s largest handbag.
“What kitchen sink?” I said appalled that someone would call my hip handbag a kitchen sink.
So that’s how my black handbag which I carry everyday is now called.
I have almost everything in there. My diary, small bag of make-up, a pocket computer dictionary, an English-Chinese-English handbook dictionary, keys, wallet, 2 mobile phones (S’pore & China), notepad, 5 pens, tape recorder, 2 thumbdrives, chargers, camera etc …
Ok so some of the contents are unnecessary like 5 pens and two dictionaries, 2 mobile phones and chargers, but they are such life savers. And now those around me are beginning to appreciate my kitchen sink.
Whenever I am out with friends and they need anything they come to me. I’m like the go-to-person nowadays if you need anything. You own a Nokia mobile phone and the battery is running out – go to Glenda. You need to save a document on a computer - go to Glenda. You need to jot down something real quick - go to Glenda. I have everything in that huge black handbag of mine. It’s great.
My kitchen sink is slowly becoming my security blanket. I never leave home without it. (rather the contents inside). I used to never leave home without my credit cards in Singapore but things change.
This brings me to the point, which is that women in Shanghai carry big bags. I have begun to notice women’s handbags because of my “kitchen sink.” But what I am unsure of is what is in their handbags? Do all women carry loads of things in their bags and is there a psychological reason to this? The next time I see another woman with an equally large bag I will ask her what she keeps in there.
In the meantime this is my kitchen sink.
I will post a picture when I figure out how to upload pictures on my blog.
Tags: Add new tag
July 31st, 2008 at 11:06 pm
Hey Glenda
hope all is well in Shanghai.
First of all, you are badly missed on Prime Time News; its never the same without you; not that the current crews are doing a bad job.
But Glenda Chong is still Glenda Chong!
I fully applaud and admire your passion for journalism as well as your decision to relocate to a new location in doing something new.
i will always rem watching you on AM Singapore on Saturday mornings till PrimeTime News in the evening.
Everyone in a certain point in their life would want to experience something new and I wish you all the very best in your new role.
Take care and Cheers!
Regards
Your loyal FAN
July 31st, 2008 at 11:08 pm
Wow, must see the photo of your “Kitchen Sink” handbag once you have learnt how to upload photos. However, being away from your country and as a journalist, we understand why you need to carry all those stuff with you. You just want to ensure everything is there when you need them. “Swiss Knife” handbag would certainly sounds better.
Have a fruitful and happy stay in Shanghai!
August 1st, 2008 at 4:02 am
Such an audacity.
How could she chastise you for carrying a kitchen sink?? (giggles uncontrollably)
Even if it’s a kitchen sink, it’s a fashionable and hip kitchen sink. (those are the points of which you need to emphasize on really)
So, do tell your friend to get off your back. (scrunches up face)
I am truly baffled. What is it about the kitchen and the sink, that your lady friend felt the need to find fault with?
Fact: The kitchen and the sink are an integral part of our lives. None of us can survive without them. Nope! Not in a million years!!! (shakes head vigorously)
Well, moving on now.
Last I checked, I discovered that a female friend of mine actually carried a brick in her bag.
According to her, the brick served a purpose similar to that of a mace. Only that it tended to inflict blunt-force trauma rather than a mere burning sensation on the unsuspected victim.
She swore to the brick’s potency and effectiveness in warding off unwanted elements.
I guess, she was telling the truth; cause as soon as she made the revelation, I found myself agreeing to her every word.
Going back to your questions:
‘Do all women carry loads of things in their bags and is there a psychological reason to this?’
I would say yes. They definitely do. (*especially so, with the psychological part of your question)
To sum up, I am highly convinced of the fact that you’re not alone in this bag-carrying affair.
I foresee a trend in the not-so-distant future, where the size of the bag will increase exponentially, doubling approximately once in every 2 years.
Therefore, fret not, as you are actually a trend-setter.
You have already latched on the trend, way before other ladies even become aware of it.
* Glenda = trend setter
August 1st, 2008 at 3:09 pm
Hi Glenda,
I see a lot of women carrying kitchen sink too. Why. there are some that even carry trunks (back pack lah) on their back! Anyway, we do miss you on Primetime News.
Take care and God bless.
August 4th, 2008 at 8:07 am
What! Kitchen sink! Not possible eh.
Can’t imagine you and a ‘Kitchen Sink’. Hahahaha…
Like what Phantom said about you… (Glenda = trend setter)!
Take care and have fun!
October 28th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
We’re still waiting for the photo of your kitchen sink. Or have you downsized to chopsticks and spoon?
November 19th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
Hey I know those “kitchen sinks”… I call them the Doraemon bags! I love them as long as I’m not carrying them. Hah.