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.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
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
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