The debut of my new Jazz shoes :)
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Lessons from My Family
I am the epitomy of a cultural hybrid - Chinese thoughts, Western ed. Someone who barely spoke a word of English until I turned eight. These are the lessons that my family, including my parents, who are Chinese educated through and through, taught me:-
Lessons from my father:-
1) You can scrimp on anything except food and footwear - they help you go the extra mile.
2) Be a good judge of character; choose the right people, use them right and treat them well so their hearts stay in the right place.
3) Never let me hear you say that you need to depend on a man. It defeats the purpose of money spent giving you an education
4) A man needs to have drive
5) Marry your own kind, for you will share a common background (sure dad, if I can find one)
6) I'd rather teach you how to fish than provide you with fish everyday
7) Commenting on cosmetics:- Beauty is but skin deep. Colour comes from character
8) Always give an elder a red packet. It warms their heart.
9) Told to me in 1993, when I was 16: "I am sending you back to the village in China so that you can learn about your heritage"
10) Told to me in 1987 in Katong: "These are Peranakan houses. I am showing them to you so that you know that these are part of your lineage. Never forget your roots"
Lessons from my late mother:-
1) If you want to be upset over a boy, I will get you married off straightaway. There is no point in giving you an education
2) Never judge another person until you turn 40 (this is one lesson I haven't learned).
3) If the task on hand is hard, take it one step at a time. You will get there
4) You had insomnia last night? No problem. At least you slept for a couple of hours
5) Never break a promise. Your word is your bond
6) Take care of other people's property when they are in your hands
7) Never dress over the top. It's pretentious
8) Bear in mind that 'money can never buy class'
Lessons from my Grandma (the Bibik):-
1) Why bother marrying young? Ever heard of the word "problem"?
2) Gay? So what? He is still blood!
3) Commenting on a sequinned tube top I picked up at Tangs: "Nice! go try!"
4) Travel while you are still young. Money can be earned. Learning and experiences are what money cannot buy.
Lessons from my sister:-
1) You need to consider if you can wake up next to this person for the rest of your life
2) Being opinionated runs in the family (this, I must agree)
Lessons from my father:-
1) You can scrimp on anything except food and footwear - they help you go the extra mile.
2) Be a good judge of character; choose the right people, use them right and treat them well so their hearts stay in the right place.
3) Never let me hear you say that you need to depend on a man. It defeats the purpose of money spent giving you an education
4) A man needs to have drive
5) Marry your own kind, for you will share a common background (sure dad, if I can find one)
6) I'd rather teach you how to fish than provide you with fish everyday
7) Commenting on cosmetics:- Beauty is but skin deep. Colour comes from character
8) Always give an elder a red packet. It warms their heart.
9) Told to me in 1993, when I was 16: "I am sending you back to the village in China so that you can learn about your heritage"
10) Told to me in 1987 in Katong: "These are Peranakan houses. I am showing them to you so that you know that these are part of your lineage. Never forget your roots"
Lessons from my late mother:-
1) If you want to be upset over a boy, I will get you married off straightaway. There is no point in giving you an education
2) Never judge another person until you turn 40 (this is one lesson I haven't learned).
3) If the task on hand is hard, take it one step at a time. You will get there
4) You had insomnia last night? No problem. At least you slept for a couple of hours
5) Never break a promise. Your word is your bond
6) Take care of other people's property when they are in your hands
7) Never dress over the top. It's pretentious
8) Bear in mind that 'money can never buy class'
Lessons from my Grandma (the Bibik):-
1) Why bother marrying young? Ever heard of the word "problem"?
2) Gay? So what? He is still blood!
3) Commenting on a sequinned tube top I picked up at Tangs: "Nice! go try!"
4) Travel while you are still young. Money can be earned. Learning and experiences are what money cannot buy.
Lessons from my sister:-
1) You need to consider if you can wake up next to this person for the rest of your life
2) Being opinionated runs in the family (this, I must agree)
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Fair to Cry Unfair
Life is not fair. That is the truth.
Slap me hard on the head and remind me not to muse.
Life is unfair. Something dear gets wrenched from you.
A lesson to remind me to stay on my toes.
Life is never fair. That much I know.
For that is one lesson that I have lived thru.
Life is sometimes fair. That I am aware.
But only when I have no grievances to bare.
What’s fair, what’s square, what do I do?
Live with it, get bashed by it, go with the flow.
Going against the tide may just acquire you more woes.
Slap me hard on the head and remind me not to muse.
Life is unfair. Something dear gets wrenched from you.
A lesson to remind me to stay on my toes.
Life is never fair. That much I know.
For that is one lesson that I have lived thru.
Life is sometimes fair. That I am aware.
But only when I have no grievances to bare.
What’s fair, what’s square, what do I do?
Live with it, get bashed by it, go with the flow.
Going against the tide may just acquire you more woes.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Sunday, October 4, 2009
On Locks and Bobs - The Sequel
I chopped off the locks that have defined me all my life - at least most of it. The irony was that, even the stylist, famed for shaping bobs, tried to deter me from severing all ties with my long tresses at the start.
"I want a change". I said, as I looked at him.
"Deal. But maybe not that short", was his response.
As he worked his magic scissors on my mane, I stared at the locks that fell around the salon chair and took a walk down memory lane. I thought about the waist-length hair that I wore till I turned 14 and the disastrous bob that I acquired when I turned 17.
Now, one decade and a tad bit later, I am wearing a wavy bob - something that is fairly high maintenance considering how laid-back I am when it comes to styling. Case in point, the said stylist was midway through teaching me how to use hair-tongs to tame my wild tresses when it dawned on him to ask, "do you own one of these?", he said as he pointed to the iron rod he was using to whip my wild mane into shape.
The reply is of course negative. I don't own any mascara, not to mention hair styling equipment!
Stepping into the salon at Pacific Plaza today was part of my first foray into personal change management. It's less about the mane and what it does to my overall look but I reckoned it’s more to do with how I feel about myself.
And the good news is, I still love me! Regardless of hair length and style! And that, in the grand scheme of things, is what matters.
"I want a change". I said, as I looked at him.
"Deal. But maybe not that short", was his response.
As he worked his magic scissors on my mane, I stared at the locks that fell around the salon chair and took a walk down memory lane. I thought about the waist-length hair that I wore till I turned 14 and the disastrous bob that I acquired when I turned 17.
Now, one decade and a tad bit later, I am wearing a wavy bob - something that is fairly high maintenance considering how laid-back I am when it comes to styling. Case in point, the said stylist was midway through teaching me how to use hair-tongs to tame my wild tresses when it dawned on him to ask, "do you own one of these?", he said as he pointed to the iron rod he was using to whip my wild mane into shape.
The reply is of course negative. I don't own any mascara, not to mention hair styling equipment!
Stepping into the salon at Pacific Plaza today was part of my first foray into personal change management. It's less about the mane and what it does to my overall look but I reckoned it’s more to do with how I feel about myself.
And the good news is, I still love me! Regardless of hair length and style! And that, in the grand scheme of things, is what matters.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
My Dance Performances
Dec 2007 Merengue by Andy Suarez
May 2009 Broadway Jazz - A Medly from Chicago, West Side Story and Chorus Line By Bill Calhoun
May 2009 Broadway Jazz - A Medly from Chicago, West Side Story and Chorus Line By Bill Calhoun
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
On Locks and Bobs
And so, I keep thinking about the bob that I never had. The bob that I'd first aspired to mould the mess of quasi-hay that grows at the top of my head into something I once seen on this gorgeous, confident girl grooving to Pet Shop Boys at a Fire tea dance in 1994 - the days when baby doll dresses + doc mart's combo actually worked.
So yes, I have been deliberating about the said bob for more than a decade and even though I have been known to go into short bouts of analysis about things that matter to me, the bob is one that has withstood the tests of time.
The reasons are simple. I am a creature of habit and wearing a bob may suit me for a couple of days but at the end, I weigh the inconvenience of not having tresses to tie back into a neat ponytail when I am working out, when I am doing my dance routine. I think about the lack of length to curls my fingers around and play with whilst I ponder over an issue, or having the option of sweeping my crowning glory back into a neat little bun when the testosterones take charge and command that I dress to feel sleek and professional.
The boring black-brown locks that I own may have stuck with me for more than half my life but they epitomise me - they curl in all directions when I am stressed at work, they tame to perfection when I am in cold climate and they bounce into happy curls of anticipation whenever I am all dolled up for a big do.
My locks define me. The bob, is still a distant acquaintance.
So yes, I have been deliberating about the said bob for more than a decade and even though I have been known to go into short bouts of analysis about things that matter to me, the bob is one that has withstood the tests of time.
The reasons are simple. I am a creature of habit and wearing a bob may suit me for a couple of days but at the end, I weigh the inconvenience of not having tresses to tie back into a neat ponytail when I am working out, when I am doing my dance routine. I think about the lack of length to curls my fingers around and play with whilst I ponder over an issue, or having the option of sweeping my crowning glory back into a neat little bun when the testosterones take charge and command that I dress to feel sleek and professional.
The boring black-brown locks that I own may have stuck with me for more than half my life but they epitomise me - they curl in all directions when I am stressed at work, they tame to perfection when I am in cold climate and they bounce into happy curls of anticipation whenever I am all dolled up for a big do.
My locks define me. The bob, is still a distant acquaintance.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Fun and Spontaneity
Overhead, also kept in mind:-
Fun is Adventure, Not Binges. Real fun, is found in spontaneous adventures, not just staring at the TV or getting hammered. Unfortunately it is a lot easier to get drunk than to have a genuinely fun time.
Fun is Adventure, Not Binges. Real fun, is found in spontaneous adventures, not just staring at the TV or getting hammered. Unfortunately it is a lot easier to get drunk than to have a genuinely fun time.
A Mental Note
Overheard, kept in mind: When it comes to overcoming life's obstacles, one needs to make a commitment. Sometimes, there is an advantage to burning one’s bridges. If there is no turning back, if you have no other way but forward, then you are left with no other choice but to take the first step, and then the second and the third until you reach the finish line.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Now and Then
Youth... new skin, wide smiles, clear eyes... the future's so bright. If only we could bottle it, sip it now and again, and stay forever twenty-one, forever ten, forever five.
I liked being 21 but I like myself much better now :)
I liked being 21 but I like myself much better now :)
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Nougatine
Everytime I return from Melbourne, the land where I'd first learnt to have positive dreams, I have to tear myself away. I fell into a deep, long, dreamless sleep right after I returned home.
So much has changed. Federation Square was ground zero when I was a student. Docklands never existed. Melbourne Central looked totally different. Fun Factory, Legends and Charltons (all now defunct) were the coolest places to play pool in my day and Asian nights were commonplace. Today, the city is plagued by violence and most of my friends whom I used to hang out with are married with families.
Armed with a copy of Cosmopolitan and Madison on the plane ride home, It sparked me to think that perhaps I was never meant to play Happy Families. The movies that made me tick are still in the same league - vague, with bitter-sweet after-taste. I watched Love Connected, Eat a Cup of Tea, Wolverine the Origin, Ghosts of Girlfriends Past on the plane. Bliss...
In another ten years, all would be different again. Perhaps, it is time I grew up too...
So much has changed. Federation Square was ground zero when I was a student. Docklands never existed. Melbourne Central looked totally different. Fun Factory, Legends and Charltons (all now defunct) were the coolest places to play pool in my day and Asian nights were commonplace. Today, the city is plagued by violence and most of my friends whom I used to hang out with are married with families.
Armed with a copy of Cosmopolitan and Madison on the plane ride home, It sparked me to think that perhaps I was never meant to play Happy Families. The movies that made me tick are still in the same league - vague, with bitter-sweet after-taste. I watched Love Connected, Eat a Cup of Tea, Wolverine the Origin, Ghosts of Girlfriends Past on the plane. Bliss...
In another ten years, all would be different again. Perhaps, it is time I grew up too...
Friday, July 10, 2009
Lessons From MJ (From My Corner of the World)
If Helen of Troy was the face that launched a thousand ships, then the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson must be the face that touched millions of hearts. Born in Gary, Indiana, Michael was part of the Jackson Five where he sang alongside his brothers in small gigs. He went solo at the age of 13. Many have spoken about the presumably defining factors which charted his success in the entertainment world, factors such as his versatility, his stage presence and his father, who had influenced Jackson, since young to perform.
Jackson’s fame was attributed to the simple fact that he dared to be different, and stood out in an era where black American artistes were not as common yet. The gloved one had first mover advantage – simply by not conforming, he’d positioned himself away from others. Like the concept derived from the Blue Ocean Strategy, Jackson competed in an uncontested space where there were no precedence or rules. He thus created a path for other music artistes to follow.
The Guinness Book of World Records listed Jackson as the King of Charities, with donations made to 39 international charitable organizations. He was not a campaigner of causes but he led by example and made headlines unknowingly.
Even though the magnitude of his fame was unprecedented, he was someone with a vision. A year after the release of chart-topping hit, Thriller, Michael signed a groundbreaking deal with PepsiCo. The choice of a new generation was unveiled and the visionary in Jackson ensured that he was involved in every step of the campaign – from jingles, location to choreography on set. PepsiCo’s integrated marketing campaign was such a roaring success that it set the benchmark for such agreements that followed for other artistes. Jackson was a clear leader and a visionary and that, turned him into an entertainment luminary.
My Lessons From MJ
Build A Very Loyal Audience - No one had a more loyal following and audience than the King of Pop. Across the world Michael Jackson built a following that never went away no matter what happened – even during his highly publicized trials.
Position Thyself - Elvis was already the King. Thus Michael assumed the position of King of Pop
Dare To Be Different - In addition to his signature, crotch-grabbing move, Michael was also known for other simple but unique stunts. When Jackson first performed the moon walk, he electrified the world. The move later became the talk of the world for a long time and was taught in dance studios to new generations of dancers even decades after. Do not be afraid to stand out from the crowd.
Ownership - It's important to own something that is truly, only yours. Jackson owned the famous moonwalk, the robot, The crotch-grab and Neverland. These, will forever remain his signatures.
Pushing the Envelope - Jackson was never trained as a dancer but he pushed the envelope and kept improving his craft. Till this day (and I am assuming many decades after), trained dancers are paying to learn his moves in class.
Constantly Reinvent and Innovate - Keep your brand image fresh with new ideas. Michael Jackson did that with his music and videos. He was constantly changing his image and set the trend with little signature details – such as his single gloved hand, gravity boots and military inspired jacket. Take the lead when no one else dares.
As the whole world mourns his death, I will always remember the lessons I'd learnt from the greatest pop star (of all time) that's gone too soon.
The below... is one of my personal favourites
Jackson’s fame was attributed to the simple fact that he dared to be different, and stood out in an era where black American artistes were not as common yet. The gloved one had first mover advantage – simply by not conforming, he’d positioned himself away from others. Like the concept derived from the Blue Ocean Strategy, Jackson competed in an uncontested space where there were no precedence or rules. He thus created a path for other music artistes to follow.
The Guinness Book of World Records listed Jackson as the King of Charities, with donations made to 39 international charitable organizations. He was not a campaigner of causes but he led by example and made headlines unknowingly.
Even though the magnitude of his fame was unprecedented, he was someone with a vision. A year after the release of chart-topping hit, Thriller, Michael signed a groundbreaking deal with PepsiCo. The choice of a new generation was unveiled and the visionary in Jackson ensured that he was involved in every step of the campaign – from jingles, location to choreography on set. PepsiCo’s integrated marketing campaign was such a roaring success that it set the benchmark for such agreements that followed for other artistes. Jackson was a clear leader and a visionary and that, turned him into an entertainment luminary.
My Lessons From MJ
Build A Very Loyal Audience - No one had a more loyal following and audience than the King of Pop. Across the world Michael Jackson built a following that never went away no matter what happened – even during his highly publicized trials.
Position Thyself - Elvis was already the King. Thus Michael assumed the position of King of Pop
Dare To Be Different - In addition to his signature, crotch-grabbing move, Michael was also known for other simple but unique stunts. When Jackson first performed the moon walk, he electrified the world. The move later became the talk of the world for a long time and was taught in dance studios to new generations of dancers even decades after. Do not be afraid to stand out from the crowd.
Ownership - It's important to own something that is truly, only yours. Jackson owned the famous moonwalk, the robot, The crotch-grab and Neverland. These, will forever remain his signatures.
Pushing the Envelope - Jackson was never trained as a dancer but he pushed the envelope and kept improving his craft. Till this day (and I am assuming many decades after), trained dancers are paying to learn his moves in class.
Constantly Reinvent and Innovate - Keep your brand image fresh with new ideas. Michael Jackson did that with his music and videos. He was constantly changing his image and set the trend with little signature details – such as his single gloved hand, gravity boots and military inspired jacket. Take the lead when no one else dares.
As the whole world mourns his death, I will always remember the lessons I'd learnt from the greatest pop star (of all time) that's gone too soon.
The below... is one of my personal favourites
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
R.I.P
I have feeling that other than the folks in communist china and myself, everyone grew up with Michael Jackson. But I was glad to have caught glimpses of him when I was a teenager and if there's anything that I can identify about him, it's the concept of the Peter Pan Syndrome
I first heard his daughter's heartbreaking spiel on the radio this morning and later in the evening I saw this and have decided to dedicated this post to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.
It's a pity that a star is gone but a million hearts must have shone when he was born.
RIP, MJ
I first heard his daughter's heartbreaking spiel on the radio this morning and later in the evening I saw this and have decided to dedicated this post to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.
It's a pity that a star is gone but a million hearts must have shone when he was born.
RIP, MJ
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Don't Malign Us
I was on my way to my fitness class at Somerset this evening when I spotted a tudung-clad lady walking into a wall. I later realised that she was feeling her way about with a walking stick. She was blind. I approached her and asked her where she was headed for and she told me that she was trying to get to the train station. I offered to walk her there even though I was going the opposite direction.
What really surprised me was when she asked if I was headed for the station. She was very considerate. I told her that I wasn’t but was happy to walk her there – it’s just across the road anyway. Unbeknownst to us, someone else lurking in the crowd was actually keeping an eye out for her as well. A young, bespectacled lady who couldn’t be more than 20 spoke up and said, “I am going towards that direction. Let me guide her there”. I felt an immense sense of pride then - the spirit of universal sisterhood. But it's more than that.
When we read the forum pages, when we hear our own countrymen and countrywomen speak about Singaporeans, they keep coining us as “ugly”. What’s so ugly about kindness that sprouts up when one least expects it? Case in point, in the middle of the ever-crowded streets of Orchard, there were two souls who readily came forward to help another fellow Singaporean – regardless of race or religion (we speak the same language). Yes, we don’t (I don’t at least) smile very much, but that doesn’t mean that there is no joy in our lives. I smile with my eyes, I enjoy feasting on the sights that I see when I take the bus, I spot specks and flashes of happy colours in the concrete jungle that I live in. And I am Singaporean.
I once heard a Caucasian lady in my dance class repeat after a fellow classmate, “On the fan la. That is so Singaporean”. I turned around to correct her by telling her that the said classmate’s Malaysian. My point being, I am Singaporean, I am proud of my education and the way that I was brought up to speak properly, in complete sentences.
Years ago, I worked under a Singaporean lady boss who used to wrinkle up her nose in mock disgust whilst telling our Aussie (Caucasian) client, “Singaporeans always drink warm water”. I promptly asked for a glass of warm water for myself at the F&B outlet. I see nothing wrong in drinking warm water. It soothes me.
The point I am trying to make is, we are all ambassadors of our firms, our alma maters, our associations. What’s wrong in making the effort to be ambassadors of our own country? I am not extremely patriotic but I refuse to let others brand us (brand me) unjustly.
Altruism does exist. Therefore, don’t malign (us) me!
What really surprised me was when she asked if I was headed for the station. She was very considerate. I told her that I wasn’t but was happy to walk her there – it’s just across the road anyway. Unbeknownst to us, someone else lurking in the crowd was actually keeping an eye out for her as well. A young, bespectacled lady who couldn’t be more than 20 spoke up and said, “I am going towards that direction. Let me guide her there”. I felt an immense sense of pride then - the spirit of universal sisterhood. But it's more than that.
When we read the forum pages, when we hear our own countrymen and countrywomen speak about Singaporeans, they keep coining us as “ugly”. What’s so ugly about kindness that sprouts up when one least expects it? Case in point, in the middle of the ever-crowded streets of Orchard, there were two souls who readily came forward to help another fellow Singaporean – regardless of race or religion (we speak the same language). Yes, we don’t (I don’t at least) smile very much, but that doesn’t mean that there is no joy in our lives. I smile with my eyes, I enjoy feasting on the sights that I see when I take the bus, I spot specks and flashes of happy colours in the concrete jungle that I live in. And I am Singaporean.
I once heard a Caucasian lady in my dance class repeat after a fellow classmate, “On the fan la. That is so Singaporean”. I turned around to correct her by telling her that the said classmate’s Malaysian. My point being, I am Singaporean, I am proud of my education and the way that I was brought up to speak properly, in complete sentences.
Years ago, I worked under a Singaporean lady boss who used to wrinkle up her nose in mock disgust whilst telling our Aussie (Caucasian) client, “Singaporeans always drink warm water”. I promptly asked for a glass of warm water for myself at the F&B outlet. I see nothing wrong in drinking warm water. It soothes me.
The point I am trying to make is, we are all ambassadors of our firms, our alma maters, our associations. What’s wrong in making the effort to be ambassadors of our own country? I am not extremely patriotic but I refuse to let others brand us (brand me) unjustly.
Altruism does exist. Therefore, don’t malign (us) me!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Quotes
I love a good story. But I love good stories with learnings that touch the heart even more.
Here are some quotes to share from my favourite book, The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd.
With reference to August's pink house in the Secret Life of Bees...
"You know, some things don't matter that much. Like the colour of a house. How big is that in the overall scheme of life? But lifting a person's heart - now, that matters"
With reference to Zachary's angst after being arrested along with the rest of the coloured boys...
"Those boys that made me wear the fish - they were angry like that too. Angry at the world and it made them mean."
With reference to Lily's lack of maternal guidance and love...
"I go back to that one moment when I stood in the driveway with small rocks and clumps of dirt around my feet and looked back at the porch. And there they were, All these mothers, I have more mothers than any eight girls off the street. They are moons shining over me"
With reference to bees and having them within your proximity...
"Send them love..."
~ The Secret Life of Bees
Sue Monk Kidd
I think there hasn't been a book that has touched me the way that this one has. In one novel, I had been made to think about my (lack of) maternal instincts, how I'd always been trying to stay the way I am, not wanting to leave my nest and start my own. I seldom say this but I do love this book.
Here are some quotes to share from my favourite book, The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd.
With reference to August's pink house in the Secret Life of Bees...
"You know, some things don't matter that much. Like the colour of a house. How big is that in the overall scheme of life? But lifting a person's heart - now, that matters"
With reference to Zachary's angst after being arrested along with the rest of the coloured boys...
"Those boys that made me wear the fish - they were angry like that too. Angry at the world and it made them mean."
With reference to Lily's lack of maternal guidance and love...
"I go back to that one moment when I stood in the driveway with small rocks and clumps of dirt around my feet and looked back at the porch. And there they were, All these mothers, I have more mothers than any eight girls off the street. They are moons shining over me"
With reference to bees and having them within your proximity...
"Send them love..."
~ The Secret Life of Bees
Sue Monk Kidd
I think there hasn't been a book that has touched me the way that this one has. In one novel, I had been made to think about my (lack of) maternal instincts, how I'd always been trying to stay the way I am, not wanting to leave my nest and start my own. I seldom say this but I do love this book.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
A-Gender
I lost my voice on my 32nd birthday and now sound neither male nor female.
What's hilarious was that I had to make a call to one of the editors of a Thai daily and since it was my first time speaking with him, he couldn't make out whether I was male or female either!
What's hilarious was that I had to make a call to one of the editors of a Thai daily and since it was my first time speaking with him, he couldn't make out whether I was male or female either!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Hols!
So much has transpired in the last few months. All good things of course.
I turned a year older on Thursday and even though I still feel 25 inside, I cannot deny that I am indeed getting more wrinkled. I bought my soul a present by taking a trip to Phuket and Phi Phi Island and tried snorkelling for the first time in my life. Very fun. Some pictures to share
Me on Phi Phi Island!
I wanna go back!
The boat that got me so sea-sick that I actually tried to snorkel and fell in love with the waters
Check out the waters
I turned a year older on Thursday and even though I still feel 25 inside, I cannot deny that I am indeed getting more wrinkled. I bought my soul a present by taking a trip to Phuket and Phi Phi Island and tried snorkelling for the first time in my life. Very fun. Some pictures to share
Me on Phi Phi Island!
I wanna go back!
The boat that got me so sea-sick that I actually tried to snorkel and fell in love with the waters
Check out the waters
Monday, May 25, 2009
Thank You...
I'd finally worn out my jazz shoes... goodbye, my precious... thanks for serving me so well for the past decade.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
寂寞的人生路
人生，其实像一条从宽阔的平原走进森林的路。在平原上同伴可以结伙而行，欢乐地前推后挤、相濡以沫；一旦进入森林，草丛和荆棘挡路，各人专心走各人的路，寻找各人的方向，那推推挤挤的群体情感，那无忧无虑无猜忌的同侪深情，在人的一生中也只有少年期有。离开这段纯洁而明亮的阶段，路其实可能愈走愈孤独。你将被家庭羁绊，被责任捆绑，被自己的野心套牢，被人生的复杂和矛盾压抑，你往丛林深处走去，愈走愈深，不复再有阳光似的伙伴。到了熟透的年龄，即使在群众的怀抱中，你都可能觉得寂寞无比.
《亲爱的安德烈》
龙应台，作家
《亲爱的安德烈》
龙应台，作家
Saturday, May 2, 2009
My Week
there are days where I would rather write. I love writing. Possibly because I am not good at expressing myself by nature. I was once good in math and science too you know and always would like to think that I am slightly above average.
I had a tremendously busy week. I had to juggle some strange admin/ technical people and co-workers at work and get a presentation together. In addition to that my global CEO was in town and I had all these media dramas to take care of. It's a wierd week. A week where I wouldn't mind getting perpetually sloshed just so that I can get a good night's rest without waking up in the wee hours of the night in panic.
The week ended well, with little drama and most went home happy. Thanks to my boss, who did his magic tricks with my slides, I wasn't the cause of anyone's snoring in the middle the conference presentation.
I ended off with this, which sort of sums up and justifies my being... I'm loving it so much that I thought I should share this here.
I had a tremendously busy week. I had to juggle some strange admin/ technical people and co-workers at work and get a presentation together. In addition to that my global CEO was in town and I had all these media dramas to take care of. It's a wierd week. A week where I wouldn't mind getting perpetually sloshed just so that I can get a good night's rest without waking up in the wee hours of the night in panic.
The week ended well, with little drama and most went home happy. Thanks to my boss, who did his magic tricks with my slides, I wasn't the cause of anyone's snoring in the middle the conference presentation.
I ended off with this, which sort of sums up and justifies my being... I'm loving it so much that I thought I should share this here.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
A Thousand Miles
Tonight's one of those night where I just could not get to sleep. I might be mulling through the presentation which I need to submit by tomorrow.
I was so stressed that I went for a walkabout today and found this card with the inscriptions that was my late mother's mantra to me when I was younger...
"A journey of a thousand miles begin with a single step"
I was so stressed that I went for a walkabout today and found this card with the inscriptions that was my late mother's mantra to me when I was younger...
"A journey of a thousand miles begin with a single step"
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Following The Wrong God Home
I'd recently unearthed an old blog entry from three years back. That was a defining year of my life, a year when I realised that dreams really don't come true...
***********
Followed the Wrong God Home?
December 20, 2006
I’d always loved to read… and today, sick in bed, I started to read Catherine Lim’s new novel, "Following the Wrong God Home".
Late last year, I bumped into her, Catherine Lim, at Orchard Cineleisure as we were waiting to see the same movie - Perhaps Love. Unabashed, I walked up to say hi, introduced myself and told her how much I’d loved her works - from the Song of Silver Frond to the Bondmaid, Her imagination, vivid descriptions and how intricately she’d weave the lives of her characters together in every story - though the concept of how a man and a woman can fall in love in three meetings is beyond me.
Following the Wrong God Home struck a chord in me and if you are a woman, around my age, at the crossroads of your life, it would reach out to you as well. Yin Ling, a young graduate was torn between marrying Vincent Chee, a rising political star and an idealistic American lecturer, Ben. She’s torn between love and debt as coming from a poor family, Vincent had provided for her and for her family, making their lives in a small flat as confortable as possible with gifts of air-conditioning, standing fan, etc etc. He’d even paid for her old servant’s hefty medical bills. While Ben, the American lecturer, vocal and a rebel was on the verge of being sacked by the University.
Any girl in the right frame of mind would agree that Vincent is the right choice. Which girl would be mad enough to say no to a life where everything is provided for, where she can then focus on bringing up a family and live a life where she doesn’t have to worry about the rising cost of living?
But of course, following one’s heart and listening to one’s mind is very different. For by following the heart, it allows one to feel every beat, every soar and dip in emotions, one can even hear the heart sing sometimes. Listening to logic is perhaps, like listening to rhetoric - doing what’s deemed correct but perhaps not what makes the heart happy.
Which is right? Which is wrong? I have no idea. For most days, I bury myself in a flurry of work and social activities, just so that I do not think and perhaps try my best not to feel. But it is not easy, when you are stuck in bed, like me today, with a book and a night full of dreams and imageries from the past and wondering where everyone’s gone, how everything’s changed and realising that time has passed, so quickly, without me knowing…
In retrospect, I think I have always followed my heart but perhaps at life’s crossroads, I should perhaps follow my logic - but in the story’s context, am I following the right God?
"The four chambers of the heart were meant to serve the different needs: two to beat to necessity’s tempo, two to love’s"
- Following the Wrong God Home, C. Lim
***********
Followed the Wrong God Home?
December 20, 2006
I’d always loved to read… and today, sick in bed, I started to read Catherine Lim’s new novel, "Following the Wrong God Home".
Late last year, I bumped into her, Catherine Lim, at Orchard Cineleisure as we were waiting to see the same movie - Perhaps Love. Unabashed, I walked up to say hi, introduced myself and told her how much I’d loved her works - from the Song of Silver Frond to the Bondmaid, Her imagination, vivid descriptions and how intricately she’d weave the lives of her characters together in every story - though the concept of how a man and a woman can fall in love in three meetings is beyond me.
Following the Wrong God Home struck a chord in me and if you are a woman, around my age, at the crossroads of your life, it would reach out to you as well. Yin Ling, a young graduate was torn between marrying Vincent Chee, a rising political star and an idealistic American lecturer, Ben. She’s torn between love and debt as coming from a poor family, Vincent had provided for her and for her family, making their lives in a small flat as confortable as possible with gifts of air-conditioning, standing fan, etc etc. He’d even paid for her old servant’s hefty medical bills. While Ben, the American lecturer, vocal and a rebel was on the verge of being sacked by the University.
Any girl in the right frame of mind would agree that Vincent is the right choice. Which girl would be mad enough to say no to a life where everything is provided for, where she can then focus on bringing up a family and live a life where she doesn’t have to worry about the rising cost of living?
But of course, following one’s heart and listening to one’s mind is very different. For by following the heart, it allows one to feel every beat, every soar and dip in emotions, one can even hear the heart sing sometimes. Listening to logic is perhaps, like listening to rhetoric - doing what’s deemed correct but perhaps not what makes the heart happy.
Which is right? Which is wrong? I have no idea. For most days, I bury myself in a flurry of work and social activities, just so that I do not think and perhaps try my best not to feel. But it is not easy, when you are stuck in bed, like me today, with a book and a night full of dreams and imageries from the past and wondering where everyone’s gone, how everything’s changed and realising that time has passed, so quickly, without me knowing…
In retrospect, I think I have always followed my heart but perhaps at life’s crossroads, I should perhaps follow my logic - but in the story’s context, am I following the right God?
"The four chambers of the heart were meant to serve the different needs: two to beat to necessity’s tempo, two to love’s"
- Following the Wrong God Home, C. Lim
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
My Mother, She lives through us...
My sister's wise words to me on our mother's death:-
when mummy passed away, ah yi said, "When you're embarking on a journey of life, you can't be carrying all the baggage of burdens all the time. When it's time to let go, let go."
when mummy passed away, ah yi said, "When you're embarking on a journey of life, you can't be carrying all the baggage of burdens all the time. When it's time to let go, let go."
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Inspiration In Transit
I love taking buses. To me bus rides are a treat - for they give me the opportunity to zone out, reflect, read, check and reply my messages. I saw this when I was on the bus today, on one of those TV mobile platforms (or whatever you call them). I reminded myself to count my blessings and decided to park this here.
***
BE THANKFUL
Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made a difference.
It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who
are also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.
***
BE THANKFUL
Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made a difference.
It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who
are also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Colour Me Rainbow!
I am addicted to shopping. No, this has nothing to do with the influence of Confessions of a Shopaholic nor the rest of Sophie Kinsella's Shopaholic series.
It's gotta do with the fact that me - the laggard - has finally succumbed to consumerism.
The thrill of finding a great bargain:
1) floral tube dress for S$20
2) kimono dress for S$15
3) whimsical necklaces at S$10 a piece
4) retro looking belts for S$5 each
I added five new dresses, three new belts, a pair of new earrings and some other knick knacks for less than S$200 in the past two weeks.
Pictures up later.
It's gotta do with the fact that me - the laggard - has finally succumbed to consumerism.
The thrill of finding a great bargain:
1) floral tube dress for S$20
2) kimono dress for S$15
3) whimsical necklaces at S$10 a piece
4) retro looking belts for S$5 each
I added five new dresses, three new belts, a pair of new earrings and some other knick knacks for less than S$200 in the past two weeks.
Pictures up later.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
I Choose
I choose to be happy
I choose to eliminate all people and things that result in negativity from my life.
I choose to eliminate all people and things that result in negativity from my life.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Happenings
I spent the weekend working on a pitch project with my boss and teammate, amongst others and didn't end up at home until 6 am on Monday morning. No shit.
However I must say that I am beginning to enjoy my new playground. My colleagues are wonderful, full of consideration for people. They have their quirks too for sure but in all honesty, my new work place feels like one big family. For once, I am a happy worker.
Thus boss dearest gave me a day off and I went for a two hour massage where this strange lady therapist read my fortune and soothed my achy breaky back at the same time! How strange right? But I am starting to get used to it... for the past 31 years, strange things usually happen to me - but then again, it gives me conversation fodder! After which, my sister and I darted in to our fav shopping haunt and bought, between us two, 5 tops, one pair of stockings and a dress. So yes, it's been great.
Great - save for the usual weekly fights, quarrels and petty walk aways. Sigh, at least they always end up making me feel more like the real man!
However I must say that I am beginning to enjoy my new playground. My colleagues are wonderful, full of consideration for people. They have their quirks too for sure but in all honesty, my new work place feels like one big family. For once, I am a happy worker.
Thus boss dearest gave me a day off and I went for a two hour massage where this strange lady therapist read my fortune and soothed my achy breaky back at the same time! How strange right? But I am starting to get used to it... for the past 31 years, strange things usually happen to me - but then again, it gives me conversation fodder! After which, my sister and I darted in to our fav shopping haunt and bought, between us two, 5 tops, one pair of stockings and a dress. So yes, it's been great.
Great - save for the usual weekly fights, quarrels and petty walk aways. Sigh, at least they always end up making me feel more like the real man!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
My Week
It's been a rather crazy week but I managed to accomplish a lot:-
1) Finished a rather dark, distubing chick lit entitled, "The 2nd Husband". Story surrounds a mother, her teenage daughter and a new good looking male lodger. Need I say more?...
2) Tried (finally) Double Bay, the new aussie joint at Raffles City and had the most gorgeous fish and chips on the planet. I love the Cod with Beer Batter
3) Painted my toenails purple... Yes, it's an OPI colour too!
4) Ate dinner with Mo at Great Wall congee
Jazz class starts today. yippee-dee-do.
1) Finished a rather dark, distubing chick lit entitled, "The 2nd Husband". Story surrounds a mother, her teenage daughter and a new good looking male lodger. Need I say more?...
2) Tried (finally) Double Bay, the new aussie joint at Raffles City and had the most gorgeous fish and chips on the planet. I love the Cod with Beer Batter
3) Painted my toenails purple... Yes, it's an OPI colour too!
4) Ate dinner with Mo at Great Wall congee
Jazz class starts today. yippee-dee-do.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
What A Week
It's been a tiring week. Within the past seven days, I'd managed to:-
1) Appear on the cover page of the national newspaper
2) Set up stall at a bazaar and sold most of the bags I own at dirt cheap price (yay! more bag shopping for the bag hag)
3) Watched a feminist documentary - "We Love Roses Too". Thanks to Mau, BB and I managed to catch this Italian documentary - part of the Indie Film Fest. It reminded me of the stuff we had to watch in Uni as part of our coursework (case in point, never let your daughter study arts in a western environment. They'll make her watch and read feminist stuff)
1) Appear on the cover page of the national newspaper
2) Set up stall at a bazaar and sold most of the bags I own at dirt cheap price (yay! more bag shopping for the bag hag)
3) Watched a feminist documentary - "We Love Roses Too". Thanks to Mau, BB and I managed to catch this Italian documentary - part of the Indie Film Fest. It reminded me of the stuff we had to watch in Uni as part of our coursework (case in point, never let your daughter study arts in a western environment. They'll make her watch and read feminist stuff)
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Musings
Cas, the character in Game Over's planning her wedding. Like her, I had never given a thought about weddings, not even when I was a wee child. Reading this made me think about how I'd want mine when the time comes. Here are my initial thoughts:-
When
June (It's summer and the time of the year when I was born)
Colour
Sunshine yellow or blue and silver (with silver bells)
Where
Somewhere outdoors, with a big, huge white tent and proper wood flooring so that high-heels won't sink into the the ground.
What
Intimate and exclusive. Either canapes or sit-down, with a kids section (a clown perhaps) so that children are entertained
String-quartet or a singing trio that goes around to clusters of guests to belt out upbeat tunes to lift spirits (generates good ch'i)
Good host with great humour and strong presence to work the room (a male perhaps, like Vernon A)
Favours
Something Asian and pseudo-traditional... such as five-stones in a pretty mesh bag or fortune-cookies in a ketupat case
Attire
If I strike lottery, something from Kai (I like his style and he is very very patient) - perhaps a themed dress or something to reflect my peranakan roots
Music
The musical trio or quartet should suffice but in the event that it doesn't, the background music should be jazzy and quasi-oriental. Like "ye shanghai" with a twist.
Entertainment
A tune or two by my former housemate, who is a trained singer. And my many friends to make short speeches
Honeymoon
But of course since it is me, I may just run away and do without the whole works. But it has to be a cool-climate, romantic venue, such as Paris or Switzerland
When
June (It's summer and the time of the year when I was born)
Colour
Sunshine yellow or blue and silver (with silver bells)
Where
Somewhere outdoors, with a big, huge white tent and proper wood flooring so that high-heels won't sink into the the ground.
What
Intimate and exclusive. Either canapes or sit-down, with a kids section (a clown perhaps) so that children are entertained
String-quartet or a singing trio that goes around to clusters of guests to belt out upbeat tunes to lift spirits (generates good ch'i)
Good host with great humour and strong presence to work the room (a male perhaps, like Vernon A)
Favours
Something Asian and pseudo-traditional... such as five-stones in a pretty mesh bag or fortune-cookies in a ketupat case
Attire
If I strike lottery, something from Kai (I like his style and he is very very patient) - perhaps a themed dress or something to reflect my peranakan roots
Music
The musical trio or quartet should suffice but in the event that it doesn't, the background music should be jazzy and quasi-oriental. Like "ye shanghai" with a twist.
Entertainment
A tune or two by my former housemate, who is a trained singer. And my many friends to make short speeches
Honeymoon
But of course since it is me, I may just run away and do without the whole works. But it has to be a cool-climate, romantic venue, such as Paris or Switzerland
What's On...
My current addiction
I like Parks. She develops characters whom I can so identify with. In this instance, I feel like Cas, a stone-hearted, commitment-phobe woman.
I like Parks. She develops characters whom I can so identify with. In this instance, I feel like Cas, a stone-hearted, commitment-phobe woman.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
New Finds!
On Make-up
I am not a big fan of liquid eyeliners as I am terrified of the dye contaminating my contacts. However, since I have embarked on my new fitness regime this week, I was inspired to try on the new smudge-proof liquid eyeliner that Mau, Pam and Moninet got me last Christmas from Sasa (it's called Maxigrade and the packaging comes with a whole mumbo jumbo of Japanese which I can't comprehend). I am pleased to say that it survived the rain and a strenuous workout! Hurrah to a great product find =)
Gastronomical Finds
In addition, I had a media lunch today at OTTO, a fairly new Italian joint at the Red Dot and had a fantabulous time catching up with an old editorial contact. Since it was an official lunch, with my ED in tow, there was no way I could whip out my camera to snap pictures of the food but for its price, it was a really scrumptuous fare. The portions were just right for a four course meal.
I had the prawns for starters, fish as main and the banana for dessert. I was a good girl - I chose my food with thought =)
On Thoughts
Having spent my entire working career selling profiles to the media, an old editorial contact of mine called last week to ask if I could do an interview on positive thoughts during these turbulent times. I paused for a bit before agreeing. It was an interesting experience, to be on the other side and to be queried on my thoughts and take on life.
Even the photoshoot was fun, with the photographer coaxing me to step amongst the flora and fauna in the middle of Shenton Way and "look up in hopefulness to the sky". Hur hur.
I am not a big fan of liquid eyeliners as I am terrified of the dye contaminating my contacts. However, since I have embarked on my new fitness regime this week, I was inspired to try on the new smudge-proof liquid eyeliner that Mau, Pam and Moninet got me last Christmas from Sasa (it's called Maxigrade and the packaging comes with a whole mumbo jumbo of Japanese which I can't comprehend). I am pleased to say that it survived the rain and a strenuous workout! Hurrah to a great product find =)
Gastronomical Finds
In addition, I had a media lunch today at OTTO, a fairly new Italian joint at the Red Dot and had a fantabulous time catching up with an old editorial contact. Since it was an official lunch, with my ED in tow, there was no way I could whip out my camera to snap pictures of the food but for its price, it was a really scrumptuous fare. The portions were just right for a four course meal.
I had the prawns for starters, fish as main and the banana for dessert. I was a good girl - I chose my food with thought =)On Thoughts
Having spent my entire working career selling profiles to the media, an old editorial contact of mine called last week to ask if I could do an interview on positive thoughts during these turbulent times. I paused for a bit before agreeing. It was an interesting experience, to be on the other side and to be queried on my thoughts and take on life.
Even the photoshoot was fun, with the photographer coaxing me to step amongst the flora and fauna in the middle of Shenton Way and "look up in hopefulness to the sky". Hur hur.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Rat-tat-too-eek!
After fooling around my my sister's new mac, she decided to snap a candid shot of Scruffy, the latest addition to the rat pack
The existing rat wannabe decides to fight for the limelight
The existing rat wannabe decides to fight for the limelight
Monday, February 23, 2009
Life Is Good
Two weeks into my new job and I fell dreadfully ill! Must be due to all that excitement and built-up. Six whole weeks of no work done was bliss and I am still trying to get adjusted to the wake-up-at-7.30-brush-teeth-wash-face-go-to-work routine. I am missing Thailand, Taiwan and even done-to-death Bintan.
But on the bright side - yes, yes, I have new-found positivity these days. I am happily employed (hurrah!) and I have a very nice boss (double hurrah!) who doesn't hover around me nor bothers about my step-by-step processes (triple hurrah!). But as I was sharing with my ex-colleague, Mou, over FB earlier, I am just super glad that I don't have to do the horrid monthly cost centre management - the much dreaded LEAP (Latest Estimates) and CC-tools (personnel costings) - all of which closes when our dear old HQ colleagues decide to balek kampong. Bleh.
For the first time, I must say that I am leading a very normal, borderline blissful office life. Yea... you must wonder about the type of life I'd been leading over the past ten years. I have a nice lady colleague who is from HK (let's call her V) who is my unofficial lunch kaki and a fantastic IT guru who sits beside me (let's call him C) who patiently fields all my strange IT requests and queries. I smell some politics and I recognise them but as I always do, I refused to get entangled in the web of bleakness and fall prey to their bitchiness (and yes, the women are always on the large side). I want a good night's rest =)
I am doing the stuff that makes me happy out of work and my boss leaves me to turn around press releases and articles on a day-to-day basis (what more can a gal ask for?). I love to write and I am now paid to write daily. Life is bliss =)
But on the bright side - yes, yes, I have new-found positivity these days. I am happily employed (hurrah!) and I have a very nice boss (double hurrah!) who doesn't hover around me nor bothers about my step-by-step processes (triple hurrah!). But as I was sharing with my ex-colleague, Mou, over FB earlier, I am just super glad that I don't have to do the horrid monthly cost centre management - the much dreaded LEAP (Latest Estimates) and CC-tools (personnel costings) - all of which closes when our dear old HQ colleagues decide to balek kampong. Bleh.
For the first time, I must say that I am leading a very normal, borderline blissful office life. Yea... you must wonder about the type of life I'd been leading over the past ten years. I have a nice lady colleague who is from HK (let's call her V) who is my unofficial lunch kaki and a fantastic IT guru who sits beside me (let's call him C) who patiently fields all my strange IT requests and queries. I smell some politics and I recognise them but as I always do, I refused to get entangled in the web of bleakness and fall prey to their bitchiness (and yes, the women are always on the large side). I want a good night's rest =)
I am doing the stuff that makes me happy out of work and my boss leaves me to turn around press releases and articles on a day-to-day basis (what more can a gal ask for?). I love to write and I am now paid to write daily. Life is bliss =)
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Loooong Day
After having not worked for six weeks, today's a considerable long day for me. Whilst I must say that the majority of the population at my new office is rather nice, I have also realised that there are people who are highly political and underhanded. Not sure who I'd offended but safe to say, my folder in the common drive mysteriously disappeared after my first day.
hmmm...
hmmm...
Monday, February 9, 2009
Far Far Away...
I spotted an ex colleague online earlier - obviously still hard at work on a Monday morning at 1 am. It reminded me of my old life - which now feels very far away...
Sunday, February 8, 2009
All Good Things Come To An End
I have been an official bum for the past six weeks. And I must say that it feels really good waking up in the late mornings and having nothing to stress about for the rest of the day. But of course, all good things have to come to an end and I will be starting work again next Monday. It'll be a fresh change and I hope that I made the right choice.
Here's a brief of what I'd been up to for the past six weeks:-
1) Travelled to Thailand, did loads of Thai massage and took a cooking course in Bangkok.
2) Flew to Chiangmai and rode elephants
3) Visited Taiwan with my 78 year old grandma and made some great friends along the way
4) Did a bit of soul searching and made peace with myself and people from my past
5) Read loads and loads and loads of books (trash included)
6) Watched Red Cliff at off peak hours with Joanne (the thrill of paying student rates! woo hoo!)
7) Visited Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve for the first time and spotted some real life cranes!
8) Finally visited my dentist (very aptly named Dr Saw) and got my mouth guard sorted (oh! the woes of bruxisum)
9) Painted, cleared my room and rid my life of 20 years worth of junk
Here's a brief of what I'd been up to for the past six weeks:-
1) Travelled to Thailand, did loads of Thai massage and took a cooking course in Bangkok.
2) Flew to Chiangmai and rode elephants
3) Visited Taiwan with my 78 year old grandma and made some great friends along the way
4) Did a bit of soul searching and made peace with myself and people from my past
5) Read loads and loads and loads of books (trash included)
6) Watched Red Cliff at off peak hours with Joanne (the thrill of paying student rates! woo hoo!)
7) Visited Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve for the first time and spotted some real life cranes!
8) Finally visited my dentist (very aptly named Dr Saw) and got my mouth guard sorted (oh! the woes of bruxisum)
9) Painted, cleared my room and rid my life of 20 years worth of junk
Thursday, February 5, 2009
You Have Been Tagged
Once you have been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it is because I want to know more about you. To do this, go to the "notes" tab ( next to "wall, photos," etc.) on your profile page, paste these instructions in the body of your note, type your 25 random things, tag 25 people and click "publish".
1. I love curry puffs and coffee. They are my ultimate comfort food
2. I learnt Chinese dance for five years when I was a child
3. I play(ed) the piano and managed to pass my theory without ever understanding how to read scores
4. I love chilli red but was told never to wear the colour
5. I ran five clicks straight the year I turned 22
6. I love chick-flicks, chick-lits, movies and stories with a historical backdrop that I understand
7. I own two wardrobes full of nothing to wear
8. I am an owl but aspire to be a lark
9. I am cynical yet trusting. I believe I have good gut instincts about people
10. I was a closet groupie - I once followed a taiwanese pop duo around town when I was 13 and spent a chunk of my pocket money on their cassette tapes and concert tickets
11. I miss my mother's cooking. Especially her double-boiled soups
12. I believe in butterflies and will not settle for anything less
13. I failed my driving test twice before I got third time lucky
14. I have this secret fantasy that I will someday be a very famous dancer. I am just 15 years behind and 10 kg overweight =)
15. I buy too many accessories, handbags and shoes
16. I love books by old school local writers such as Suchen Christine Lim, Adrian Tan, Catherine Lim
17. I learnt how to wakeboard without ever learning how to swim
18. I keep in touch with people whom I'd known since I was in primary school
19. I used to run around Geylang during my PE classes since my alma mater didn't have a running area
20. I once had eight dogs living with me when I was a child and tied ribbons on them to make them look pretty
21. I will sometimes drive out alone for supper just to ponder over my own thoughts
22. I am running out of things to write
23. I have nine unread books piled beside my bed at the moment
24. I still feel 18 even though I am over 30. I believe that my teenage years were the best days of my life
25. I once worked for a pharmaceutical giant and enjoyed my stint there tremendously
Tagged: Moninet, Moments, Rachel, Joanne, Pam, Yuet, Anna and 18 others
1. I love curry puffs and coffee. They are my ultimate comfort food
2. I learnt Chinese dance for five years when I was a child
3. I play(ed) the piano and managed to pass my theory without ever understanding how to read scores
4. I love chilli red but was told never to wear the colour
5. I ran five clicks straight the year I turned 22
6. I love chick-flicks, chick-lits, movies and stories with a historical backdrop that I understand
7. I own two wardrobes full of nothing to wear
8. I am an owl but aspire to be a lark
9. I am cynical yet trusting. I believe I have good gut instincts about people
10. I was a closet groupie - I once followed a taiwanese pop duo around town when I was 13 and spent a chunk of my pocket money on their cassette tapes and concert tickets
11. I miss my mother's cooking. Especially her double-boiled soups
12. I believe in butterflies and will not settle for anything less
13. I failed my driving test twice before I got third time lucky
14. I have this secret fantasy that I will someday be a very famous dancer. I am just 15 years behind and 10 kg overweight =)
15. I buy too many accessories, handbags and shoes
16. I love books by old school local writers such as Suchen Christine Lim, Adrian Tan, Catherine Lim
17. I learnt how to wakeboard without ever learning how to swim
18. I keep in touch with people whom I'd known since I was in primary school
19. I used to run around Geylang during my PE classes since my alma mater didn't have a running area
20. I once had eight dogs living with me when I was a child and tied ribbons on them to make them look pretty
21. I will sometimes drive out alone for supper just to ponder over my own thoughts
22. I am running out of things to write
23. I have nine unread books piled beside my bed at the moment
24. I still feel 18 even though I am over 30. I believe that my teenage years were the best days of my life
25. I once worked for a pharmaceutical giant and enjoyed my stint there tremendously
Tagged: Moninet, Moments, Rachel, Joanne, Pam, Yuet, Anna and 18 others
The Boomerang Metaphor
I believe now, that everything you throw out in life comes right back at you...
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
We Can Only Look Forward
This has been a really strange week. I have friends whom I haven't met for years getting in touch via phone, facebook and other modern methods and I was reminded of how we met, the encounters, the pleasant and unpleasant experiences and follies of youth.
We are all of course much older, a lot more sensible, less selfish and considerate of others but I am glad that we still get second chances to be friends again. My take is that we make the most mistakes in our teens, we get vain in our 20s and we sit better in our own skins when we reach our 30s. This, can only come out of the mouth of a woman in her 30s.
I am thankful for this opportunity to take a step back, be on my own to soul search for the past six weeks. Good things happen when positivity comes from within...
Over the years, people have shown me kindness, patience and tolerance and through them, I have learnt the same virtues and in many instances, I often wonder if I can give as generously as them. I have fallen hard but yet, many times, when I look up, I see many pairs of helping hands in the faces of these angels whom I have kept as friends. I am indeed blessed.
We are all of course much older, a lot more sensible, less selfish and considerate of others but I am glad that we still get second chances to be friends again. My take is that we make the most mistakes in our teens, we get vain in our 20s and we sit better in our own skins when we reach our 30s. This, can only come out of the mouth of a woman in her 30s.
I am thankful for this opportunity to take a step back, be on my own to soul search for the past six weeks. Good things happen when positivity comes from within...
Over the years, people have shown me kindness, patience and tolerance and through them, I have learnt the same virtues and in many instances, I often wonder if I can give as generously as them. I have fallen hard but yet, many times, when I look up, I see many pairs of helping hands in the faces of these angels whom I have kept as friends. I am indeed blessed.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
20 years have passed between...
The day started with church, followed by a hearty brunch at our end of woods aka East Coast since the entire class of 1989 (graduating class, no less) comprised mainly of proud Easterners. We yakked through our meal and then headed down to our annual gathering at our former Chinese teacher's place in Bishan.
It's been a long long time. 20 years of friendship. Hopefully with more to come.
The start of our two hour girlie brunch, which ended up with us sitting at the balcony, catching up on lost years until dinner time!
The girls get a touch of blessings with lucky cupcakes from Wanjun's mum
It's been a long long time. 20 years of friendship. Hopefully with more to come.
The start of our two hour girlie brunch, which ended up with us sitting at the balcony, catching up on lost years until dinner time!
The girls get a touch of blessings with lucky cupcakes from Wanjun's mum
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Picturesque Taiwan
These are the long over-due pictures from Taiwan. I must say it's not that far off from the Taiwan of my imagination.
The main island of Taiwan was known as Formosa which means "beautiful island". It is located in East Asia, off the coast of mainland China and is bound to the east by the Pacific Ocean, to the south by the South China Sea and the Luzon Strait, to the west by the Taiwan Strait and to the north by the East China Sea - which explains why it was so cold when we visited. The island is 394 kilometers (245 miles) long and 144 kilometers (89 miles) wide and consists of steep mountains covered by tropical and subtropical vegetation.
View from the top of Taipei 101
We ate loads and loads of smelly toufu
And salivated in front of old bakery shops in 西門町 specialising in pineapple shortcakes
With sightings of fowl and poultry on the highway
Taiwan is indeed beautiful... I don't mind living there if not for the usage of traditional Chinese
I was very intrigued by the 原住民 or indigenous people in Taiwan. Click here to read more about them. They sell items that are really strange. In Hualien, the Amis tried to sell us deer foetus - claiming that these cure joint aches, pains and asthma.
The main island of Taiwan was known as Formosa which means "beautiful island". It is located in East Asia, off the coast of mainland China and is bound to the east by the Pacific Ocean, to the south by the South China Sea and the Luzon Strait, to the west by the Taiwan Strait and to the north by the East China Sea - which explains why it was so cold when we visited. The island is 394 kilometers (245 miles) long and 144 kilometers (89 miles) wide and consists of steep mountains covered by tropical and subtropical vegetation.
View from the top of Taipei 101
We ate loads and loads of smelly toufu
And salivated in front of old bakery shops in 西門町 specialising in pineapple shortcakes
With sightings of fowl and poultry on the highway
Taiwan is indeed beautiful... I don't mind living there if not for the usage of traditional ChineseI was very intrigued by the 原住民 or indigenous people in Taiwan. Click here to read more about them. They sell items that are really strange. In Hualien, the Amis tried to sell us deer foetus - claiming that these cure joint aches, pains and asthma.
The Link Between Hope and Love
Here's what I'd been burying my nose into for the past few days - The Flirt, by Kathleen Tessaro.
Key takeaway:-
The truth is no one ever really falls in love with anyone but themselves. Love is a mirror; a reflective surface projecting who we wish we were. What we're all waiting for is someone to come along who will show us something new about ourselves that we can adore. And then, because someone loves us, in turn, we love ourselves.
~ The Flirt, Kathleen Tessaro
Key takeaway:-
The truth is no one ever really falls in love with anyone but themselves. Love is a mirror; a reflective surface projecting who we wish we were. What we're all waiting for is someone to come along who will show us something new about ourselves that we can adore. And then, because someone loves us, in turn, we love ourselves.
~ The Flirt, Kathleen Tessaro
Spa Treatment for the Soul
It's been about five months since I'd accidently deleted my entries. It says one thing - fatigue causes errors.
Since this is a brand new year, I made a promise to myself to treat myself better.
Here's what I would like to achieve in 2009:-
1) To love and be kinder to thyself
2) To run a marathon (ok... one of those 10 km runs)
3) Take up dance again
4) Buy my own pad
Since this is a brand new year, I made a promise to myself to treat myself better.
Here's what I would like to achieve in 2009:-
1) To love and be kinder to thyself
2) To run a marathon (ok... one of those 10 km runs)
3) Take up dance again
4) Buy my own pad
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