Where dreams go......

Talk about planning...

2011-03-14T14:21:00.007+08:00

My cousin-in-law once told us, 'You can plan as much as you want, but nobody else can plan better than God'.

And time after time, things happening around us sound that very statement true.

Japan has met its worse crisis ever, this year, with the 9.0 magnitude earth quake and its countless tsunamis. And we thought the New Zealand, Christ Church, earth quake was bad... or the Australian flood...

And on a micro-scale of things, how often have we been faced with situations when plans of ours just don't go right, and some things happen which make our plans go awry?

It definitely is heart wrenching, just sitting in front of the TV or the computer, watching and reading the disasters that are happening everywhere around us, thinking about the loss of lives, the misery, agony and pain that so many others out there are going through. The sense of helplessness that overwhelms one is inexplicable.

There is really nothing that anyone can do to help or prevent such scale of events from happening. 10m high tsunami? Who's gonna be able to stop that?

Therefore, faith can only strengthen... and the belief that there is a reason why He above allows such events to happen. Only He knows why and we can only trust in Him...

GO Away Bad, Mean, Horrible Cholesterol...

2011-02-16T17:49:00.003+08:00

While half the world is posting remarks of romantism, of 'I Love You's and 'Happy Friendship Day'... Mine was one of utmost horror and disgust...

So yes, on the 14th of Feb 2011, I was diagnosed with HIGH BAD Cholesterol... and I mean HIGH, like require medication kind of HIGH...

I have been most seriously and officially warned by my Doc to watch what I eat... and EXERCISE.

This means - BYE BYE:
1. Fried Chicken
2. Egg (Yolk)
3. Seafood (ARrrgghh... no more crabs, oysters, prawns, lobsters!!!!)
4. Curry (My fav. North Indian food)
5. Pork Lard (especially those in Wanton Mee, Bak Chor Mee)
6. Laksa
7. Red Meat
8. Processed food
9. Anything deep fried, anything oily!

Sobzzzz.....

And Hello:
1. Oats, grains
2. Vege, green leafy vege
3. Fruits
4. Super foods e.g. Spirulina
5. Nuts (without salt or sugar)
6. Super virgin Olive Oil
7. Omega 3 oil etc etc...

I can't imagine what my life would be with any lesser of the Bye Bye food! Oh! I'm such a foodie!!!

Light... I pray....

2010-11-09T12:19:00.004+08:00

As I lay me down to sleep,
Light I pray for my eyes to peep,
When my eyes doth open wide,
So that the future I may view!

Random perspectives...

2010-08-27T17:05:00.006+08:00

Today has been one of those days... Days when random thoughts just trickle into my mind... This post is going to be as random as the thoughts I encountered today...

Parents...
Aren't they just the greatest beings alive? There are people out there who might beg to differ, but I suppose I'm one of those lucky ones who have great parents... I remember those days when I hated their nagging... I thought I knew better for the things in my generation, but life lessons often leads to us to return back to them... Seeking comfort and their advice...

Sacrifices, hard work and efforts that they have put into our lives, are things that go unseen and often forgotten... But time and time again, they have never failed us... No matter how old, how feeble they are... I really love them... Wish there is so much more that I can do for them...

Work...
I truly am in the rat race... But it's such an innate part in me that I can't extricate myself out... A necessity of life? That's for sure but I don't know to what extend would the rat race be a necessity, and when it crosses the line to be beyond necessity but the fulfillment of personal want...

Went for the local musical 'Fried Rice Paradise' at Esplanade on Sunday with Yi Lin and Dan... I enjoyed it and watching it brought back memories of when I was actively involved in Theatre, when I was a student in NUS, taking Theatre Studies as one of my subjects. I wonder how different life would be if I had chosen Theatre as my core... Would I have pursued being in the Theatre and entertainment industry like Mel? But... Nah... I suppose it's just not 'me'...

Life experiences...
I truly believe in vicarious learning... Through the experiences of others... Through which, I often find precedence, and the ability to pre-empt myself for what the future may bring... Stories of success... The road less travelled... Stories of failures.... History through which there are lessons to be learnt...

More often than not, these stories though personal and intimate, help people move on... When made public, they sometimes call it Testimonials?

I wonder how many of us have an unspoken story behind us that will some day, some how shape our being? I know I do... One story of mine began on 13th June 2010 and ended on 24th August 2010... Something that I will hold close to my heart and hold dear... But it's a story that I've learnt to put in storage and look forward to new beginnings... :)

2010...

2010-08-11T14:44:00.004+08:00

And so... *blows some spider webs off from the page*...

It's been a good 8 months, since my last visit here... and this blog is probably going ancient!

However, sentiments still hold strong for me towards this blog. Afterall, it's been through ups and downs with me since 2004... My loyal 'soul mate' I would say, having been here for me ALL the time!

SO... many things have come and gone, and upcoming... the most major one being my wedding of course... So this year has been a year of celebrations! Here goes the list:

1. Rob n Zen got married... (Finally as many would proclaim!)
2. Birth of Chloe Cheng
3. Birth of Madison Tan
4. Ownership of x2 iPhones 4 - One for me and one for Rob
5. Ownership of x1 iPad - Shared by both me and Rob
6. Hopefully a longer than usual trip to be planned some time end of this year!!!! (*crosses fingers*)
7. Wedding of ML & TL
8. Wedding of MF & WC
9. Wedding of RL and RO
10. Pending arrival of Baby Aquaskylet!

Plus many more to come! =)

And once again, I strive to keep this blog updated and happy... Gonna see how I can make this work on my iPhone so that blogging can be more impromptu and updated! =D

THE Christmas bugs bites...

2009-11-12T21:13:00.003+08:00

Been in and out of office this week to clear the work that's piling up. And to provide my poor colleagues some form of relief before I get back to work proper after my M.C. And in the midst of all the Christmas promos, Christmas decor, Christmas creatives at work... The bug bites!!!!!

Day 13... Friends!!

2009-11-04T00:54:00.006+08:00

Gracie, Elaine, Eileen, Trish and Mel came over to my place to visit me today. And in a cute and cosy way, they all bought their own dinner, to have dinner with me at home!

We all hardly get to meet up 'impromptu-ly' these days with each of our busy lives, and so I really appreciate the effort and the time...

A pity I forgot to take pics! =( But I guess there's always another time! Trish brought mebright cheerie colorful flowers though... and here they are!!

My lousy camera phone doesn't do the colors justice!

And then, Hippie got a little sad when Trish kept calling him 'Fibroid'!!! Cuz she claims that he is of the same color as my fibroid when I showed them the pics...

But he cheered up, with Polar Puff rolls for treat!

Once again, I feel so blessed!

P.S. Dan, thanks for the thought too! I know you and Yilin love me too but can't be here! Appreciate it!! =D

Day 10...

2009-11-01T01:44:00.007+08:00

Woke up feeling good today. I can finally turn to my side to lie for a while, resuming to a certain extent the usual morning tossing and turning that I love to do in the mornings and nights. But of course, it was no where near 'tossing'. Slow, careful turns, and only a few minutes on each side. Staying too long on each side will make my wound hurt mildly.

But anyway, Mummy cooked me a big pot of the scrumptous chicken soup for my meals today!

Hippie overlooking the yummy pot of chicken soup...

The soup was a nice, warm touch to what seems to be the start of the rainy season. It's been raining for the past few days, and today, saw the heaviest of rains, noisiest of storms, with thunder and lightning.

It's been 9 days since I've stepped out of home...

On a brighter note, I've been allowed to start on a variety of snacks! Haha... this range from boiled sweet potato, to polar puff sugar rolls! Hee!

P.S. Been strongly encouraged by mummy to drink up the fish essence which came with Hippie. *burp...*

Day 9... More treats!

2009-10-30T23:18:00.005+08:00

Mummy decided to be a little more adventurous with my (our) lunch today. She made one of my favourite dish, 'Mui Fan' (rice with seafood gravy & egg), but without all the delicious seafood & egg. In place of the yummies, she added fish balls and sliced fish. Apparently, I'm not supposed to eat egg, or too much of it...

It's actually a rather healthy dish because there is always a generous serving of veg, cooked till soft, with the gravy. The dish is cooked in such a manner that all the nutrients is supposed to be in the gravy... hmmm...

Gracie and Kar dropped by today... and Grace brought me home boiled fish soup! =D She was just sharing with us the story of how anxious and excited she got about doing marketing, and boiling of the soup that Kel got a little envious! Envious he was, because he claimed that she has never used the same amount of zest when cooking for him! Haha...

And while they were here, a delivery man brought me bright, cheery looking gerberras, fish essence and a Hippo! And guess what? They were sent with love from Gracie, Kar, Mel, Eileen & Elaine! It was a pleasant surprise, though they shouldn't have gone to the expense! =)

See the little Hippie they sent me for company? =D

I love yellow flowers! They brighten up any place and they are surely cheerful looking! =) Thanks dears! I can't help but be reminded day after day, with God's grace, of my blessings and the love that is around me...

P.S. Aunty Jenny made me a healthy 'appetiser' as well, to whet my appetite. Stuffed tomatoes! So healthy and full of Vit. C! =D

Day 8... A day of treats!

2009-10-29T17:27:00.005+08:00

Lunch was SCRUMPTOUS today!! Told mum that I still feel something soupy, and I think she feels that I'm ready for something a little more complicated, yet healthy!

One of my favourite kinda soup!

Other than this, I received another surprise today, which made my day! One which was couriered to my doorstep!

Piping hot Don-Pie!

This treat came from Trish! Apparently she saw my gripe on facebook about how I can't eat Don Chicken Pie and she sent me one today! AND the good news is, it's been a week, so I'm supposed to be able to eat this NOW!! Hur hur hur...

The 'Flower' that came with the Pie... Hee...

I'm constantly counting my blessings for the loved ones around me. I supposed we may not be in touch all the time, but the best part about any good relationship, is to know that they are always around, in spirit, if not in person. I truly appreciate all these thoughts, the messages I receive on my phone, on facebook, on e-mails, the visits, the little surprise treats... I love all you guys too, you know! =D

P.S. Removed the dressing for the other 3 Op Wounds. I can't really tell if they look good or bad yet, because they are still encrusted in dried blood... (Cause the dressing's waterproof)... Ok... not trying to be gross here... But I think it's not too bad... The holes are smaller than a 5-cent coin and from what I understand, there's no stitches. They used some dressing strip with silicon to bond the wound... Hrmm...

Day 7...

2009-10-28T16:21:00.010+08:00

Was whining to mummy about the 'sick people's food' that I have been having for the last 6 days! Told her that I feel like I just need something to excite my taste buds a little... and she made promises of fish grilled in 'Western food' manner for lunch the next day...

And grilled fish she did cook... The very same type of fish I have been having for the last few days! Apparently it's the type of fish that would be good for wounds, recovery...

Fish simply pan grilled with light soy sauce...

I know it looks kind oily, but actually mummy didn't use any oil at all. What she used was her non-stick frying pan, tomatoes and light soy sauce. The fish was however, slightly oily. I think it's due to its own natural fatty acid / fish oil.

It was definitely a refreshing change on my taste buds... BUT I also felt queasy after the meal. I guess I'm not ready for anything non-soupy, anything that takes a little more for digestion.

BTW, do forgive the blurry image taken by my lousy camera phone... =P Been using my phone to take quick shots alot because the bluetooth transfer is simply so convenient...

Woke up this morning with my op wounds hurting a little. I think it's part of the process of recovery, and healing. Have been spending most of the days on the living room couch that I know now the meaning of being a couch potato. I eat here, nap here, surf the net here, read here and watch the tv from here... I really don't mind it and actually make it a point to, because I figured that for all the time that I'm at home, I might as well make my presence felt and accompany dad a little since I am usually 90% of the time out of home when I'm up and well.

There's Chee Cheong Fun (without the relevant sauces... thus without the 'fun') lying around on the table, which I was supposed to take for breakfast, but I didn't feel the stomach for it. Wonder if I should take it for dinner? But I fear the sense of nausea which I'm feeling slightly after the 'western food styled' fish I had for lunch today...

We shall see how it goes. In the mean time, I'm gonna catch up a little on all the other blogs that I follow, take my shower, and be adventurous about the remaining 3 gauzes on my tum tum...

*Wish me luck!*

Update: I did give the chee cheong fun a shot for dinner, in my own improvised style and it actually tastes good! I had altogether 2 bowls of it! And I didn't feel queasy. Not bad I would say! =)

Plain Old Chee Cheong Fun with leftover shredded chicken from the day mum cooked Macaroni, a drip of sesame oil, a trickle of light soy sauce and chopped up version of my favourite side dish, pickled 'Cai Xin'!

The all-mixed up Chee Cheong Fun which actually tastes much better than it looks!

Pickled 'Cai Xin' which goes well with everything! Porridge, Rice, even Chee Cheong Fun!

Day 6...

2009-10-27T14:36:00.010+08:00

For some bizarre reason, I developed a slight sore throat this morning when I woke up.

Probably caused by the more than usual coughing that I experienced the day before. Or was it possible due to the Oat crackers that mum bought for me? But I only had a piece... Or the ginger drink?

Lunch was simple and plain, as prepared by mummy... didn't feel like I have the stomach for oily stuff as well...

Plain old Mee Sua with minced pork (ONLY)...

Checked and cleared my 200 over e-mails since I felt 'strong' enough to do so... Felt more tired the past few days to sit through that 200plus work e-mails.

Sitting in the living room, with the fan circulating the humid air, with the slight gloomy 'going to rain' weather, and the TV running, it felt kinda comfortable. I didn't think that I could stand being stuck at home for soooo many days with not even a foot out of the main door to my home, but it really isn't so bad. I guess it's good training to the one month confinement that I might experience when and if, I ever do get to have a little one... =)

In a bimbotic way, I was kinda enjoying the TV while doing my stuff on my lappie too... TV series re-runs of Growing Up, Style Jury, Amazing race... haha...

And out of no where, an epiphany hit me too! While I'm resigned to bed & rest, I might as well make the most out of it! Do things like Facial masks and get myself rejuvenated for the mass that will hit me when I return to office!

Haha... Looking forward to that!

P.S. Mustered up the courage to remove the gauze around my belly button after shower today. Looks horrible. Shall wait till tomorrow, after shower (also to test water for any pain, for one wound first) before removing the other 3. I might fairly well just do it one by one....
P.P.S. Received the Chicken of essence hamper and cheerie sunflowers that office sent me! Sure made me smile...

D Day...

2009-10-26T18:28:00.032+08:00

And so, after months of knowing that an Op is due, it was time to feel somewhat akin to an animal in the slaughter house, under the mercy of the Butcher.

BUT of course, I don't think it was that bad. The Docs and the Nurses had alot more compassion and was really gentle with me.

Day 0 - 21st October 2009 (Wednesday)
FLEET was ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE. Not to mention that I had to take 2 doses! The first was so bad that when it was time for the 2nd dose, it almost made me cry! Had to be coaxed to consume the 2nd bottle...

The taste was undescribable. Ultra salty, Ultra Sour? The thought of it now makes me feel like puking (again). I'm so hoping that I won't ever have to take that evil liquid stuff that makes me pee through my A**H***, literally.

Day 1 - 22nd October 2009 (Thursday)
Reported at 10am, as instructed by a admission personnel who called me up the day before. Brought me to a room for a pre-Op check. After some neccessary procedures, it was finally time for me to move up to THE room.

Rob was there with me the whole time, until it was time for me to change into my gown. His presence was a God sent, cause it kept me calm. Reminded myself numerous times that it was not easy for him as well, to have to see me through this!

Nurse Rose walked me into this small little room before entering the Operating theatre. She told me what the room was called, but I forgot... Lol... There, I was asked to lie on the trolley bed. After which, I was informed that they will be hooking me up to the drip. I felt the Ant bite, and I refused to look. However, I heard the nurse telling me that they must draw some blood from me for some tests, before I heard a tube dropping on a floor numerous times. Ms. nurse then said apologetically that my blood was flowing too fast, and my left hand was covered in blood... ... ... I was actually fine, as I didn't feel pain, and she fixed on the needle, and wiped my hand clean. I remember turning my hand 180 degrees to make her job easier...

After being pushed into the OT, I was asked to shift over to the operating bed, which I remembered as being warm and comfy. Haha... Doc came over and spoke to me in real friendly and gentle tones, and explained briefly the procedure. After which, I was asked to take in deep breaths of oxygen... and the next moment, I could hear someone trying to wake me up by calling my name.

I felt a dull internal ache through my whole body, and it hit me within seconds as extreme pain, to the point of being a little numb. I remembered the nurse asking me on a scale of 1 - 10, I remember telling her 8-9, and she activated a jab of morphine. Relief from the pain, flowed through me, within seconds...

I was wheeled out of the observatory lab, to the ward and the first person I looked out for was for Rob. I saw him, and I remembered smiling and waving to him feebly.

After being brought to the ward, I remember shifting back onto the permanent bed, and was given Mediven stockings to be worn, to prevent the clotting of the blood. This, I was told, is to be worn throughout for two whole weeks. They brought me air-pumped leg massagers for circulation of the blood.

Don't I look just like someone who just gave birth? Haha...

After which, through everything else, the only thing comforting was Rob's presence.

Rob beside me the whole time...

I dozed off and on, even when my mum & dad were visiting. I remembering giving kudos to Rob's patience, as he sat beside me the whole time, reading my book, watching me... leaving me only to pee and eat.

At about 11plus, he was asked to leave as I was in a 5-bedder room and he was not allowed to stay. After which, I couldn't sleep throughout the night, as the nurses came to me with anti-biotics, anti-nausea, blood pressure machines, thermometers and........... Bed pans.

Yup! An experience first time ever, I had to use a Bed pan, due to my incapability of movement. And this also brought a realisation on how noble a job, nursing is. The caring for, the cleaning of, the patience exhibited by the nurses in my ward, especially those on night shift, is undeniably admirable.

And so, the night ended with 4 holes, and 2 cuts...

Day 2 - 23rd October 2009 (Friday)
When I finally dozed off the night before, it felt like I was woken in minutes by the Doc on his morning round... Tried my luck and asked if I could be discharged. Doc said that from the looks of it, yes! I suppose it was because I didn't feel nauseous, and my blood pressure was pretty stable. No signs of high fever as well...

The Physiotherapist came, and he tried to make me sit up, and walk. All I felt was pain pain pain. And the weirdest part was, this pain that disturbed me the most, came from somewhere near my right collar bone. The pain was so bad that I couldn't lift my arm, it hurt to breathe, it hurt to move...

But I felt so much better, when Jie brought the God-kids to visit! And they brought me gifts! I had to explain to Matt what I was doing in a hospital, and I explained it to him in a matter-of-factly manner. Despite his age, 7, he has a great comprehension of language and could easily understand adult's talk. So proud of him for that...

Smiley flower from Matt, and Minnie Balloon from Julia...

But in any case, discharged I was... with specific instructions to monitor my pain and remove me gauze (that covered that wounds) in a few days' time...

The bumpy, 'gone in 60 seconds' Taxi ride home was horrible. The pain felt worse, and I couldn't breathe properly...

Home never felt more comfortable... T'was a good night's rest that I had... Other than the fact that I was so restless in bed, being unable to toss and turn as how I would have usually done...

Day 3 - 24th October 2009 (Saturday)
Woke up with a very sore and bloated tummy. It was probably because of all the air that was pumped into me for the Op. Felt like I suffered 1,000 punches internally... Lol...

Stuck for two weeks, with my Mediven Stockings...

Mum prepared lunch... one that's good enough for a 'sick person'... though I wasn't sick...

Rach, SW, Raq & Ra came over to visit, together with little Reyes.

I had good company for a good 3 hours and I didn't feel half as bad about the pain...

Always counting my blessings for all my dearly beloved friends....

Day 4 - 25th October 2009 (Sunday)
I woke up feeling slightly better. I could sit up and move around with more ease, though it still hurts with the movements. Was careful not to do any action / movements abruptly.

Received an SMS from XY, telling me that they are on the way to visit. And visit they did, with DON PIE!! (Which I was NOT ALLOWED to eat...)

But Aunty Lena knew better, and brought me Don Kueh Lapis as well... =)

Mummy made me macaroni soup with Chicken, but felt nauseous after eating it for lunch. Wonder if it's because the macaroni is causing indigestion. So told mum I'd like to revert back to porridge the next day....

Day 5 - 26th October 2009 (Monday)
Developed a throat itch. Made me cough quite a bit... and it hurts to cough! Also, realised I'm still bleeding slightly, which made me wonder if it was because of the coughing.

From then, started to try clearing my throat as much as possible, instead of coughing.

Experienced my first sneeze too! Tried to stifle it so much when I felt it coming that my whole body quivered... and it still hurts!

Spent the day reading Shantaram (which is absolutely captivating just that I tire easily and cannot bring myself to read at length, updating this blog and walking around to exercise every now and then. Mummy made me some ginger drink which caused me to fart quite a bit. It's a good thing, to get rid of the air in me, which makes me feel bloated still. But tummy has gone down a little, whether it's the swelling, or if it's due to the release of the wind. But it sure hurts alot when I feel the air circulating in me... This must be a fraction of the pain that one experiences when the womb contracts... *urgh*

Either ways, it's good.... Don't they always say anyway, that pain makes one feel alive?

Told myself I need to make better use of my time at home when I feel better, and don't tired so easily...

Of pride and achievements...

2009-09-10T14:55:00.012+08:00

A short while back, a very dear friend sent me a message over gmail chat, sharing with me a plan of hers...

She wanted to bake one dessert a day, for 30 days, to celebrate her entering the big '3' stage of her life. At the same time, she would blog about her baking experience. She asked me what my favorite dessert was, and I told her 'Apple Crumble'... I love apple crumble for various reasons...

And she did it! She dedicated one of her entries to me and apple crumble... and it really was touching...

A friend for more than 10 years, I can't help but feel very very proud of how far she has come. She has polished herself in so many aspects of her life, her different facets, that I can't help but admire her brilliance in her various talents... Writing, Photography, Baking and Cooking.

Bon Vivant

It looks simply delicious...! Thanks babe... for this! =D

P.S. All pictures on her blog 'Bon Vivant' are taken personally by herself! Do take a visit.

Improvisation

2009-08-28T12:36:00.008+08:00

Lately, I've been pretty particular about buying comfy shoes. I realized I have a horrible habit of not wearing shoes that I buy again if they give me blisters / or bite me at certain areas.

Afterall, we've only got one pair for feet for the rest of our lives and we better treat them well!

I've also learn various ways to keep my shoes comfy, including:

1. Wearing toe socks with cushioning at the ball of my feet so that my toes are protected against blisters causing friction and the ball of my feet will not hurt so much if I have to walk around / stand alot.

2. Using this product known as 'Foot Glide' which is almost as good as 'waxing' your feet, instead of your shoes so that there is less friction.

3. Applying body lotion to the inside areas of new shoes and leave them on overnight, so as to soften the shoe.

4. Adding another layer of inside sole to soften the base of the shoe, or added cushioning to 'crucial' areas.

5. And lately, I started using 'Gel insoles' which are the greatest things for feet ever! There are 2 types of gel insoles. One type which is 'harder' and the other type which is 'softer'. Recently I bought these from Royal Sporting House, and it costs S$9.90 for 2 pairs! Much cheaper then the likes of foot petal etc.

I've happily added one pair to my Asics running shoes to give me an added Oomph and bounce when I run, and to this pair of flats which I use for driving and walking.

I'm loving it! =D

Randomness...

2009-08-24T11:08:00.003+08:00

There's this air of restlessness around me today. I wonder what's up with it because while I have tonnes of work waiting to be done, I can't seem to get down to doing it.

There's like so many things that I wanna do, that's floating around in my head. I can't help but feel that I'm not anchored enough to achieve any of it. Perhaps its time again for me to get back down to earth and embed my feet firmly into the ground, and to remind myself that there's serious things to do. No more fooling around.

Adapted from The Economist

Anyway, read The Economist today and it said that the global economy seems to have hit rock bottom. But no one knows what the recovery process is like. V, U or W... it's gonna be a rocky road up.

That's interesting because some how deep down in my gut, I can't help but think that the worse is yet to come. With the time lags for action / reaction in the international economic borders, we're not there yet. We have perhaps not reached the depth of what U.S. felt 3-6 months back. But then again, with the China economy helping to 'hold up' the impact of recession, perhaps Asia was not meant to feel that depth.

I guess nobody really knows.

Argh... I rather be thinking about frivolous things at this point of my restlessness. I need new motivation! Rain on me!

Shanghai!

2009-08-06T16:34:00.007+08:00

I love Shanghai!

Or rather I loved the recent trip that I took there...

I love how the old fuses with the new... the fusion of architecture from different eras, different cultures. The french influence on some places and buildings from days of French concession.

I like how things are reasonably affordable by Singapore standards and how I feel so at home there.

I can't imagine how working there is like, because of the language barrier, but I can imagine that I would want to pay a visit there again someday! =)

The food's there very yummy!

Some random shots....

Alluring...

2009-07-23T14:41:00.007+08:00

Life's been a blast... I wish...

Work seems like a tunnel, without a light at the end lately... and I can't help but feel comforted when I look at visions like that below!!

I can't decide if it's for better or for worse that I have to stay within a tank with nothing to do but swim...

The Phantom Tollbooth

2009-07-08T12:12:00.005+08:00

A good friend once gave me a book - The Phantom TollBooth as a present for my birthday. In fact, here's what he wrote in the book -

"Zen, this book got to me more than most other books I've read. I hope it reaches you as much as it did to me. Merry Christmas & Happy Birthday. Mark, 271207."

Haha, yup! It's now 2009 and this is my first time reading the book. Sorry Marky... It got left in my book cupboard and somehow my must-read list kept growing until I discovered this gem again in my cupboard.

But I must say that it is really a very interesting read. One day into the book and I'm on page 70.

It is rather cleverly written and it reminds me of Roald Dahl and Enid Blyton all at once... Reminds me of "Mathilda", "Alice in Wonderland" & "The Magic Faraway Tree" all at the same time. There's lots of word play (figuratively and literally) and imagery involved and to me, it's highly entertaining.

Nothing speaks louder than some excerpts from the book itself...

"I wonder where I am," said Milo in a very worried tone.
"You're... in... the... Dol... drums," wailed a voice that sounded far away.
He looked around quickly to see who had spoken. No one was there, and it was as quiet and still as one could imagine.
"Yes... the... Dol.. drums," yawned another voice, but still he saw no one.
"WHAT ARE THE DOLDRUMS?" he cried loudly, and tried very hard to see who would answer this time.
"The Doldrums, my friend, are where nothing every happens and nothing every changes."

Another one...

"Most people are just too lazy to make their words," he continued, "but it's much more fun." (says a words sales man).
"Is it difficult? I'm not much good at making words," admitted Milo, spitting the pits from a P.
"Perhaps I can be of some assistance - a-s-s-i-s-t-a-n-c-e," buzzed an unfamiliar voice, and when Milo looked up he saw an enormous bee, at least twice his size, sitting on top of the wagon.
"I am the Spelling Bee," announced the Spelling bee. "Don't be alarmed - a-l-a-r-m-e-d."

So, I think everyone who was ever interested in childhood stories and fantasy, should pick this book up reminisce and enjoy.

Looking forward to the rest of the book... definitely - D-e-f-i-n-i-t-e-l-y.

Babies Galore!

2009-07-02T17:39:00.003+08:00

It must be a boom time again!!!

Lately I've heard of so many mummies to-be! There's ER, TC, GW, CL, CA, Jes, Miki! So many!!!

I guess that's just part and parcel of life... Babies do come after marriage!

So cute!! =)

Zee Avi!

2009-06-29T15:56:00.002+08:00

Bitter Heart - Zee Avi

Sun rays come down as seen when they hit the ground,
Children spinning around till they fall down down down.
I wait for you: it's been two hours now,
You're still somewhere in town,
Your dinners getting cold.
I rest my case you are always this late,
And you know how much I hate waiting around 'round 'round,

Bitter heart, bitter heart tries to keep it all inside,
Bitter heart, bitter heart shadows will help you try to hide,
Bitter heart, my bitter heart is gettin' just a little fragile,
Bitter heart, bitter heart of mine.

And then you come and tell me the same reason as you did yesterday,
So tell me whats her name.
Doo doo da dum, doo doo da dum, doo doo doo doo doo doo da da dum dum, da da da da dum, da da da da dum, da da da da dum.

Bitter heart, bitter heart tries to keep it all inside
Bitter heart, bitter heart shadows will help you try to hide,
Bitter heart, my bitter heart is just getting a little fragile,
Bitter heart, bitter heart of mine, of mine, of mine, of mine, of mine, of mine.

A Proposal and blessings a plenty...

2009-06-29T12:58:00.029+08:00

He did it... despite me mentioning numerous times that I don't require A Proposal...

In his usual ultra sweet manner, the proposal was thoughtful yet not too elaborate, simple yet close to my heart...

Hotel staying has always been part and parcel of our relationship. It's a treat that we give ourselves once in a while since we established a more secure state of financial independence. To date, we've stayed in Oriental, Amara, Pan Pacific and Somerset at Cairnhill. Out of the 4 stays that we have had in our 9 years together, he always takes the initiative to make plans and with each stay, some little element of surprise.

We have been talking about planning one for this year, some time close to his birthday in June. However, what I thought was yet another simple hotel stay, turned out to be one of the biggest event in our lives... =)

An event that took weeks of planning from his side, while I was mostly kept in the dark.

I kinda knew where this was headed, when he asked for me to be blindfolded, while he drove to the hotel. When he was parked, I made a fuss about a million other people seeing me in that state and requested for the blind fold to be removed.

'Do you trust me?' was all he had to remind me, and what could I say? To a guy whom I love dearly?

I played along... and I let him lead me into the hotel lobby, while protesting that there must be one million other people looking at me. All the time, he was just calmly assuring me that the lobby was empty and the lift was right beside the reception table, beside the entrance.

He brought me all the way to the hotel room, and with blind faith, I followed his instructions and his reassuring voice for every step that brought me closer to our room.

Before we entered the room, he asked me to think of things that I don't like about him. I thought hard and long, and I realised that the issues that I used to have about him, are no longer as important as I used to think they were. My mind was churning but I really couldn't bring up anything about him that I disliked, simply because I know that he's been trying and putting in an effort to better himself.

As we entered the room, I strained my ears to listen out to the ambience and I couldn't pick up anything unusual, than a really quiet room.

He brought me to a sofa, and I felt him move around a little before he knelt down before me and held my hands. At that point, I knew it was THE moment. He asked and I said "Yes'...

I removed my blindfold, he proposed with the ring that we both picked out in 2004... It has been waiting for 5 years... =) Somehow everything was a blur as I started tearing, saying at the same time that 'I already told you I don't need a proposal...'

That was when he said,

I looked around in shock to see closet doors sliding open, toilet doors opening and my dear dear friends of 18 years rushing out with party poppers, heart shaped balloons and cameras taking pictures none stop.

My tears couldn't stop flowing as I hugged each of them tight and close... with my heart overflowing with emotions and happiness...

And if it wasn't enough, I had another surprise during dinner when he invited another group of friends who are as close to me as family, for an engagement dinner celebration.

And so on the 27th of June 2009, in New Majestic Hotel, in a room decorated by emerging local artiste also named as 'Lee Meiling', we got engaged 'officially'.

I can't help but keep counting my blessings, for the blessings that I have from my friends I love dearly, for all their efforts and well wishes and their participation in such a dear part of my life, my memory.

Most importantly, the blessing of having a guy who understands me so thoroughly in more than one way, and of an unfailing, unfaltering love that I often think I'm not worthy of.

Thank you Baby, for everything. It's not the bubbling champagne, or the foie gras and cod fish, it's not the luxurious hotel stay, neither is it the flowers or diamonds... It's these memories, and happiness in its most simple and sincere form... thank you for loving me so selflessly... I love you too.

P.S. These are little notes that I just had to keep - In response to my note of thanks to them:

Charm - "Yey!!!!!!! Congrats :) its about time! Very happy for u both.. Have a fantastic night ya."

RT - "U're most welcome my dear frens, yes both of u included. I'm personally touched tat the two parted and patched and i can feel that your love for each other now is much stronger than before separation. Keep it up and God Bless. ;)"

RL - "Heehee... Wish we cud make it more memorable 4 both ya! Bery honored & happy 2 be part of the whole proposal event. Congrats, wishin both eternal happiness! :-*"

Wil - "Our pleasure pls :) we feel family!"

Mel - "It was totally our pleasure to be invited by Robert to share in yr joy!!! You and robert are a very dear part of our lives. I hope u guys had a memorable engagement. See u tmrrw night!"

P.S. Just to add so that the event is complete, I found out very much later on that Rob actually bought 4 chocolate cakes and he made his rounds to seek blessings from my parents, my cousin and 2 of my aunties for his proposal plan! I was just... speechless... :'')

Radio show of the month!

2009-06-24T12:44:00.002+08:00

The Show - Lenka

I’m just a little bit caught in the middle
Life is a maze and love is a riddle
I don’t know where to go
Can’t do it alone I’ve tried
and I don’t know why

Slow it down make it stop
or else my heart is going to pop
‘cuz it’s too much, yeah it’s a lot
to be something I’m not

I’m a fool out of love
‘Coz I just can’t get enough

I’m just a little bit caught in the middle
Life is a maze and love is a riddle
I don’t know where to go
I can’t do it alone I’ve tried
And I don’t know why

I am just a little girl lost in the moment
I’m so scared but don’t show it
I can’t figure it out
It’s bringing me down I know
I’ve got to let it go
And just enjoy The Show

The sun is hot in the sky
just like a giant spotlight
The people follow the sign
And synchronize in time
It’s a joke nobody knows
They’ve got a ticket to that show …yeah

I’m just a little bit caught in the middle
Life is a maze and love is a riddle
I don’t know where to go
Can’t do it alone I’ve tried
and I don’t know why

I am just a little girl lost in the moment
I’m so scared but I don’t show it
I can’t figure it out
it’s bringing me down I know
I’ve got to let it go
And just enjoy the show
oh oh
Just enjoy the show
oh oh

I’m just a little bit caught in the middle
Life is a maze and love is a riddle
I don’t know where to go
Can’t do it alone I’ve tried
And I don’t know why

I am just a little girl lost in the moment
I’m so scared but I don’t show it
I can’t figure it out
It’s bringing me down I know
I’ve got to let it go
And just enjoy the show

Dum de dum dudum de dum
Just enjoy The Show

Dum de dum dudum de dum
Just enjoy The Show

I want my money back (3x)
Just enjoy The Show

I want my money back (3x)
Just enjoy The Show

It's GSS again...

2009-06-10T12:29:00.002+08:00

Which explains my hiatus over here! Been rather busy and tired, plus working weekends during this pain in the *ss month! Lol...

But there's been so much sales going on everywhere and people flocking down to these sales that it makes me wonder - WHAT RECESSION?

On a separate note, my Flip and Tumble have arrived and I am LOVING it! The size is right for shopping and the single strap is really handy for slinging on the shoulder, together with my handbag! =)

Even though I ended up paying alot more because I shipped in from the U.S. and the shipping itself added a substantial amount to each bag in terms of $, I still think it's worth it!

Been using it to store my buys when I go out shopping and I have received a couple of positive comments and thanks from shop owners on helping them to save cost! Lol... But in the long run, I really think it's a better option.

I'm loving it so much that I'm contemplating purchasing it bulk to possibly dishing it out to friends as Christmas presents. *hrrmm... food for thought... Hee...*

New look...

2009-05-21T12:57:00.005+08:00

I've been wanting to overhaul the appearance of my blog for the longest time... Just that I haven't had time to do researching of any sort for how to start this...

However, I chanced upon this site which supposedly might be able to shed some light on my 'Project Overhaul'...

Thanks to Digitalfrenzied, I might finally be able to get some headstart on this...

But a long way to go on the research I guess! =D

Some other possible sites that I can refer to (Listing w/o vetting)-
Squidoo.com
Gmail Blog
Blog Tutorial by Photoshop support.com

The Melting Pot...

2009-05-08T11:54:00.012+08:00

Do a search on Google and you can find thousands and millions of articles on the net, depicting the seriousness and the dire effects of Global Warming... Just like the basic food chain cycle that we learnt when we were back in Primary school, one has to realize that our actions, our way of life in every aspect, has a part to place in Global Warming...

From chemical wastes, to deforestation, excessive hunting, urbanization, to all kinda of pollution - they are hurting Mother Earth and it's inhabitants. Not just Humans...

From the recent incidents of freak climate changes that we have been hearing about for the last couple of years, and the peak temperatures that we are getting in Singapore (I don't remember Singapore being as warm as this when I was younger), only goes to emphasize the seriousness of this issue.

I was mighty pleased yesterday when I was out in town. Surprisingly, 2 out of 10 ladies that I noticed shopping, had their handbags AND a recyclable bag of sort... It was encouraging and I can't help but think that there are many out there who is putting in effort to play their part, no matter how small, to incorporate means of recycling in their lives.

It makes me determined to do the same... ... ...

And as a further motivation, I decided to purchase a nice recyclable bag that I would LOVE to use all the time... Hahhahaahahah! (Makes me wonder if this is a lame excuse for retail therapy... but HEY! Global warming is for real...!) They are fun and convenient as most of them comes 'squeezed' in a small package that is handy for most women handbags.

I did some research on the net and I found many varieties that I would simply love to get! =) Here goes the list:

1. Baggu - They look so handy and have so many different colors and some variation of sizes that I'm so tempted to buy every color available!

Price range starts from USD $8.00

2. Reisenthel - Looks quite handy as they can be slung over the shoulder with their strap, which I've always felt will be easier to manage, than 2 straps. But this may limit the size of the objects that you might want to place in the bag.

Price range starts from USD $8.99

3. Envirosax - I love their trendy colors and designs of many variations. Plus point, I've personally seen these being sold at Metro. Only problem is that I find them a tad too flimsy. But they sure are highly portable.

Price range starts from USD $8.50

4. ChicoBag - They have pretty handy styles that range from shoulder hung to hand held types.

Price range starts from USD $8.00

5. Flip and Tumble - Last but not least, I fell in love with the concept of these bags! Check it out....

Price range starts from USD $9 (depending on quantity)

I've not seen these being sold in Singapore and so I've placed order for these over the net! Looking forward to their arrival! =)

Creaking Joints!

2009-05-07T13:07:00.003+08:00

Check this out... Sigh.. *drools at her bod*...

Anyway, we finally started our weekly office jogs yesterday after 6 months of hiatus!

I could feel that I'm so badly out of shape that 3 minutes into the jog, I could feel my entire body weighing me down, muscles tightening... Argh!

BUT, it still feels good that we are starting to do something about it again. BUT once a week jogging is definitely insufficient. Will have to see how I can increase the frequency of the exercising!

What's next...

2009-04-28T00:00:00.006+08:00

Today must be a day for random musings.

There are so many thoughts going through my head that I figured there's no harm penning everything down and see what I end up with.

Fresh on the top of my mind - Swine Flu??? Man... there's the Mad Cow Disease, there's the Bird Flu and now the Swine Flu... Most of it staple source of protein to us humans... So what's next?

My guess is probably something aquatic - as it is, there's the problem of mercury poisoning in some fish like the salmon... all you need is some kinda disease in our every day fish type, the likes of sea bass, promfret... sigh...

Then next, the property market... Prices are sky high these days... even with the 'recession' and 'plummeted property pricing'... prices just don't make sense to me... Especially those of HDB flats... so freaking expensive... unless you're looking at those places where birds are too lazy to fly all the way there to lay eggs... Makes you wonder how people with a combined income of not more than $8,000 can afford these HDB flats...

Next... Was just discussing the topic of education with my colleagues today. It sure seems like it's a chicken and egg situation when it comes to the role of a teacher and that of a tutor. Either that or I'm just playing the devil's advocate (DA)...

The fact that parents these days are spending so much $ on their kids to hire tutors for specific subjects, I'm just wondering if there are teachers out there who will take advantage of the situation and take the easy way out -

Scenario - "Your kid is weak in the subject, so you got to find him a tuition teacher. Otherwise he may not be able to catch up in class."
So question:
DA: Is it not the teacher's responsibility to teach and teach them well? If the student is weak, are the teachers not paid to do the job of educating and ensuring that students under their charge do well?
T: Well, teachers have workload these days that is way too heavy. The focus on 'teaching' has now diversified into 'education' which consists of multiple aspects e.g. ECAs, Projects, School enhancement initiatives, Public Relations, presentations / proposals etc. All these on top of lesson plans for at least 2 subjects, marking for numerous classes, exam paper setting, class adminstrative work especially for those form teachers. Never ending work...
DA: So does this mean that MOE is incapable of addressing the needs and the short falls of the educational system? Revamping of the curriculum numerous times does not seem to be helping the educational system in anyway?
T: That would be food for thought, as well as something that as a professional and civil servant, I cannot comment. However, parents are so 'kia-su' these days that they are willing to pay for tuition so that their kids can have a headstart. So enrichment classes and tuition is becoming a part and parcel of any student's lifestyle. Call that stimulating the economy, as these parents are pumping $ into the educational industry ceaselessly...

Oh well... Tell me about it... food for thought. Makes me wonder what kind of parent I'll be in the future... But for now, I'm just going to make do with what I have and take things in my stride. Can't plan too far ahead these days... HDB flats that cost $200K 10 years ago is now $500K. Algebra that was once studied only in secondary school is now being taught in lower primary.

La-di-dah-di-dah....

Insanity!

2009-04-20T11:27:00.006+08:00

The weather has been INSANE!

Lately the heat has been too much for me to take, so much so that I'm holed up in air-conditioned places 99% of the time... i.e. 80% in my bedroom.

Just this morning, walking to office from the mrt station was a horror. I could feel myself trudging through the dense air, filled with minuscule atoms of H2O. It was so horrible that for a moment, I felt like I know exactly how a siew mai in a steam basket feels.

Anyhow, I hope the weather lets up soon because the horrible temperature is making me into a horrible person too, with my snappish temper!

Yummy yummy yummy... I got food in my tummy...

2009-04-12T04:01:00.006+08:00

Been having these urges to cook lately. Haha... Which is why I hope that I'll own my very own WELL equipped kitchen one day.

On the spur of the moment, I've also expanded my culinary recipe collection by adding on two new titles:

Jaime at Home - Jaime Oliver

Nigella Express - Nigella Lawson

And so... I thought I would try a couple of those quick, short & easy recipes from these books. Check out the pics below!

My seasoning for my medium rare steak...

Spinach salad with cherry tomatoes, olives and cured parma ham...

The salad without the parma ham...

Potato salad with mustard seed...

Mozarella Cheese with Creme Fraiche & dressing...

More to come! =D

The excitement...

2009-04-02T12:19:00.010+08:00

I just have to pen this down... it's kinda hilarious! All the excitement??!?

aquaskylet: will i get a bridesmaid dress?

aquaskylet: i want a bridesmaid dress!

zenadu_79: do you really want a bridesmaid dress??

aquaskylet: make the boutique provide!

zenadu_79: hahahahah

zenadu_79: orh okies

aquaskylet: ya

aquaskylet: the boutique type

aquaskylet: must be cute though

zenadu_79: ....

aquaskylet: i am obsessed with weddings now

Lol... this is only the beginning... Lol...

All hooked up...

2009-03-31T15:57:00.003+08:00

Have a sudden craze over this bag hook thingy that's nowhere near new...

But happen to chance on a site retailing these bag hooks and they are so... devilishly retail tempting... Hee...

But they don't ship outside of Australia! *sobz*

Guess I got to keep looking around...

Eat, Pray, Love...

2009-03-24T00:59:00.009+08:00

Have been trying to squeeze in time to read the book whenever I can, during 'leisure'... But as you might have been able to tell, there's not much time for leisure given that I'm still reading this book after 3 weeks.

Whatever time I have when I'm not at work, I was definitely not at home and 'Eat, Love, Pray' was a book intended for home... However, this book has been most insightful and thoughtful... literally...

Just to share one part of it. Or bits and parts of it rather, to make a 'story' out of what I would like to share - Part 16:

Depression and Loneliness tracked me down after about 10 days in Italy....

They come upon me, all silent and menacing like Pinkerton Dectectives, and they flank me - Depression on my left, Loneliness on my right. They don't need to show me their badges. I know these guys very well. We've been playing a cat-and-mouse game for years now. Though I am surprised to meet them in this elegant Italian garden at dusk. This is no place they belong....

I say to them, "How did you find me here? Who told you I had come to Rome?".....

"It's not fair of you to come here," I tell Depression. "I paid you off already. I served my time back in New York."

But he just gives me that dark smile, settles into my favorite chair, puts his feet on my table and lights a cigar, filling the place with his awful smoke.

Loneliness watches and sigh, then climbs into my bed and pulls the covers over himself, fully dressed, shoes and all. He's going to make me sleep with him again tonight, I just know it.

--------------

I loved the way she described it with such analogies.

After reading this portion of the book, I'm glad that Depression and Loneliness have taken sabbatical leave and have gone on a world tour at this point in my life. And I hope that they won't come a-knocking on my door anytime soon... =)

Lumix LX 3!

2009-03-16T12:44:00.003+08:00

I bought it...

I said bye bye to my vouchers and bought it!

*Yippee....*

Played around with it for a short while yesterday night and took some random shots. Still pretty much unfamiliar with the features but took a shot in 'auto-mode' and I'm loving it already! =D

Lumix DMC LX3??

2009-03-15T15:23:00.005+08:00

It's been constantly on my mind lately... Lumix LX 3.

Been reading reviews about it too. So far more good reviews than bad. Haven't actually read a 'bad' review about it... to think of it.

So my heart's definitely more inclined... Hrrm... the more I type, the more I think about it... the more likely I am to say bye bye to 600 bucks!

Check out some of these...

Hrm... Bye bye $600!

Hrm...

2009-03-12T01:08:00.005+08:00

Decided to drop by my Face Book after sending out a series of e-mails, and working on some artwork @ 1am in the morning...

Clicked on 'boxes'... somewhere which I've not visited for a loooooooooong time, because after the network site revamp, I've forgotten that these additional applications that I added a while back still existed...

Happened to see that I added this Chinese Horoscope and not that I am a BELIVER, it's still just nice to read for the fun of it all... And my outlook for this year coincidentally says:

Outlook for 2009
Quality of life first! That will be your motto for this year. You will do your utmost to take more time to live and to live well than to earn money or to climb the social ladder. And you'll regret having forgotten to live for so long. Profit by this teaching of Epicurus: "When one is young one should begin to philosophize, and when one is old one should not be tired of philosophizing. For it is never too early or too late to work at the health of the soul."

Hey! That's exactly what I have been advocating to my friends this year! That says it all... WORK LIFE BALANCE! =)

Heh... I'm on the right path... Now I can shut down my computer and have a nice little dream about me going around the world on a holiday! Nites world! =D

Light! Light! Where is the light!

2009-03-11T15:09:00.006+08:00

Week after week after week I just remind myself that there is ALWAYS a light at the end of the tunnel. Just that it's a very long and complicated tunnel, with lots of turns and twists in the middle... So week after week after week, I'm just sticking out my neck hoping to see a glimpse of that light...

These days, it's the weekends that I look forward to. When I refuse! refuse! refuse! to think of work or talk about work (if I can help it)... (Sadly, I'm stuck at work the whole of this weekend!) As it is, life is stressed enough, without us having to think about work 24 hours a day!

In any case, last weekend was pretty good. Other than the fact that I spent x3 hours ironing probably 30% of un-ironed clothes, I managed to spend some exclusive girl time with Yann and Liann....

Brunch at Graze!

Sigh... wish I can have more time and resources to do such things more often...

Aww... Mush...

2009-03-05T11:11:00.006+08:00

Work's been crazily overwhelming though I'm putting in EXTRA effort not to let it drown me... I refuse!

Which is also why taking time to blog is taking time away from work... But I simply had to blog down a very meaningful piece of mush this morning... (Which is quite unlike me because I'm not the publicly mushy type of person...)

Robert: lub lub

jia you

i can't give you big house, big car, big diamond ring

but i'll give you everything i have

me: hahahha

all your round round fats!

Robert: also can

me: my diamond ring big enough le... and you gave me 3!

dunno how many guys would actually give 3 solitaires!

I made you poor!

and i dun need big house

cleaning would be a chore

dun need big car

knowing me i'll just crash into everything in sight and risk losing lives!

*sobz*

Life Light...

2009-02-26T23:44:00.004+08:00

Work's been tough lately... But then again I tell myself that it's the same for everyone, especially in such market conditions.

However, it's in times like this that one keeps looking towards the sense of gratification in what one does... It is often asked, where is it?

It sure takes alot of perserverance to strive. Life is like a game of mahjong - Work at your cards, you might get a half color out of it. With some luck, you might get some flowers which aid your games. With the right players, they might help you to achieve a full color game. WITHOUT both, luck and the right people around you, you can forget about getting anywhere...

My whole life seems like a 1/2 double game, made out of own effort... Just waiting to meet the right people and the right timing for the opportunity and the luck...

Where are they?

Eating right for your blood type?

2009-02-17T12:04:00.007+08:00

Had dinner with Bel yest... she was going on and on about how she's supposed to eat this, and not supposed to eat that. The thought of it simply kills me! Until she mentioned that she's since lost 1kg since she stuck to her 'diet' of eating right for her blood type...

Which of course, would get any vain, attempting to lose weight individuals curious...

Did a google and checked out their website for more info...

For Blood 'O' Type -

Apparently Type O's can be powerful and productive. However, when stressed Type O’s response can be one of anger, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. When Type O wiring gets crossed, as a result of a poor diet, lack of exercise, unhealthy behaviors or elevated stress levels, Type O’s are more vulnerable to negative metabolic effects, including insulin resistance, sluggish thyroid activity, and weight gain. ---> Ooh... explains my weight gain since coming to this job...

Apparently this seaweed known as Bladderwrack is super good for me... and will help in weight loss! ---> Yippee!! Now I need to find out where to buy and how to eat it... Hrrmm...

Type O’s most often described in ways related to the following characteristics; responsible, decisive, organized, objective, rule-conscious, and practical. Interestingly, Type O’s also scored significantly higher than the rest in “sensing” – using the 5 senses to gather information, and in the sensing-thinking combination, indicating that they are more detail and fact oriented, logical, precise and orderly. ---> Interesting...

Type O diet, which focuses on lean, organic meats, vegetables and fruits and avoid wheat and dairy which can be triggers for digestive and health issues in Type O. Additionally, he suggests that Type O’s avoid caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine can be particularly harmful because of its tendency to raise adrenaline and noradrenaline, which are already high for Type O’s. ---> Noted... I can live with that...

Type O’s benefit tremendously from brisk regular exercise that taxes the cardiovascular and muscular skeletal system. But the benefit derived surpasses the goal of physical fitness. ---> Ok... need more effort in that department...

Key lifestyle strategies for Type O individuals:

Develop clear plans for goals and tasks – annual, monthly, weekly, daily to avoid impulsivity.
Make lifestyle changes gradually, rather than trying to tackle everything at once.
Eat all meals, even snacks, seated at a table.
Chew slowly and put your fork down between bites of food.
Avoid making big decisions or spending money when stressed.
Do something physical when you feel anxious.
Engage in thirty to forty five minutes of aerobic exercise at least four times per week.
When you crave a pleasure releasing-substance (alcohol, tobacco, sugar), do something physical.

---> But I usually crave for oysters and foie gras... Hrrmm...

In anycase, shall give this a shot! Anything for weight loss! =D

As for Rob, here goes:

Key lifestyle strategies for Type A individuals:

Cultivate creativity and expression in your life
Establish a consistent daily schedule
Go to bed no later than 11:00 PM and sleep for eight hours or more. Don't linger in bed, as soon as you get up, get going!
Take at least two breaks of twenty minutes each during the work day. Stretch, take a walk, do deep breathing exercises or meditate.
Don't skip meals
Eat more protein at the start of the day, less at the end
Don't eat when you are anxious
Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
Engage in thirty to forty five minutes of calming exercise at least three times a week.
Plan regular screening for heart disease and cancer prevention.
Always chew food thoroughly to enhance digestion. Low stomach acid makes digestion more difficult.

Cheers to new resolutions...*Yet again...*

Woes...

2009-02-06T11:10:00.007+08:00

In my mind's eye, I can't help but see this HUGE dark gloomy shadow that is hovering above the world right now.

On a global scale, nothing sounds positive and in the instances where there is a glimmer of hope, the situations feel like an uphill task, trudging along a significant depth of sludge....

Was reading the papers today and I feel sadden by the articles that are appearing in the news. No doubt the media provides a pin hole through which consumers peer through, I can't help but imagine that this pin hole is only a pin hole (as what a pin would depict). Trying to get a grasp of the world picture would be something that is UNIMAGINABLE...

On a micro-level, articles I read this morning were sharing stories of families in financial trouble, kids who are unable to go to school due to money woes, children going through sexual abuse, financial scams cheating folks of their life savings, incessant increment of unemployment rate, loss of homes... What more is there... I wonder...

With conditions like these, I can't help reminding myself every single day to count my little blessings... To thank God for whatever that He has laid before me... To take the good with the bad because my 'bad' is not the worst...

And to everyone I know... Thanks for being a part of my life... You guys make up who I am... =)

Revamp!

2009-02-04T12:15:00.001+08:00

I have a sudden urge to revamp my blog... Haha...

By revamp I think I do mean changing of the header board... to add some personal touch? =P

Hrrrmm... shall sleep on this urge...

*More to come....*

Spurrrrrrrrrrrr...

2009-02-04T00:56:00.004+08:00

I bought this within 24 hours from the moment I laid eyes on it! =P

*Note: I did walk away, gave it alot of thought, did some researching on the market price, before sealing the deal... *tee-hee...

I LURRRRRRRRRRVE it! =)

LNY Mania...

2009-02-02T15:15:00.006+08:00

The LNY period was CRAZIEEEEE... to the extent that I feel a little drab about coming back to work today! Lol...

Every day's packed to the brim with LNY visiting... From grand aunts / uncles - aunts and uncles and friends! But despite the fact that it was rather rushed, it's been nothing but fun...

It feels good that time is spent catching up with each other's lives. One of the more significant moments during this LNY was catching up with my Secondary School teacher over at my friend's place this year. A teacher whom I respect greatly and had a lot of fond memories of as she was my band teacher-in-charge. Reminiscing those good old days was good, as I've always shared that the best days of my life were spent in Secondary School.

The only regret I had was not taking enough photos! Hahhaa... shall do more of that in the upcoming weekends. More visiting to go!

Annual LNY Shot of the girl cuzzies!

Cousins cam-whoring!

Wished we squeezed in more cuzzies!

Little Blessings...

2009-01-22T16:17:00.008+08:00

When times are tough, the going's hard, one learns more than ever to count the little blessings in life... Breakfast made by Rob...

Hee... It's nice to wake up to home-made breakfast by someone who doesn't usually make breakfast no matter how simply done it is... *sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeet*... Lol...

Had a go at baking Jaime Oliver's Fennel Salt Baked Chicken over the weekend as well! Thanks to Mel and her generosity of allowing me to make a mess out of her home. Despite all the excitement that the bird was creating in the kitchen, it turned out pretty well!

Thanks to Rob who bought a whole chicken with its feet and head intact, Stephen had to gallantly offer to clean and wash the bird as I couldn't bring myself to massage the chicken all over with its half closed eyes on its head looking right back at me. Even when I had to grab its feet to marinate the chicken inside and out, it feels like I was changing diapers for a baby! =P

Anyway, overall, the chix turned out yummy, the whole process was fun and was a good talking point for the whole jing gang as it was highly amusing for them to see the whole chicken wrapped in salt!

In gloomy times like this, it's such little blessings of love and joy amongst loved ones that will keep you afloat. *Happiness!*

Free parking!

2009-01-15T16:57:00.003+08:00

Free parking starts today! Yippee...

As one of the perks for charging expenses to CapitaLand Card, I've earned myself free parking and privileged parking at all CapitaLand Malls!! 3 hours per mall per day!

Though I don't own a car, I've registered Rob's family car for this privilege. At least we'll get to use it! =)

Sluggish engine...

2009-01-14T14:21:00.007+08:00

I'm feeling so sluggish that I'm trying hard to find a renewed zest or to start my engine...!!

On a brighter note, I can't wait for this weekend! Some of us are gonna troop down to Mel's place for a casual pot luck home dinner. I've been wanting to try out this recipe for Salt Baked Chicken... so I'm gonna give it a shot!

I fell in love with the dish since the wonderful dinner that Kris and Jess cooked and it's been on my mind all these while! It's not the same as the typical Chinese Salt baked chicken with the soy sauce etc. This is the 'Ang Moh' version, with the entire bird covered in rock salt! =)

Managed to get all the ingredients required and now I just can't wait to try it out... Will definitely take pics! =)

Hello 2009!

2009-01-12T12:37:00.003+08:00

2008's here and gone and now it's 2009...

It's unbelievable how Time is zooming by so quickly that it feels like it was never here at all, if not for the trails that it left behind...

It's amazing how one pulls through seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months and before you know it, years...

It's incredible how so much have happened in the past year and that with the turn of the events and how things turned out, everything would hopefully be for the better...

It's interesting how despite the doom and gloom that 2009 started in, I'm looking forward to the next phase of my life, and the new phases of the lives of my dearest and beloved family and friends...

It's funny how I've got a sudden urge to inject life back into this half lifeless blog at the start of this new year... and with an acute realization that I've missed this...

It's wonderful how a blog has the ability to document and preserve memories that would otherwise get faded... (Reading entries that I've kept since 2004 tells it all...)

And it's a promise that I'll be back for sure (more frequently!!!) with more memories to store... =)

Pensive...

2008-07-21T15:53:00.003+08:00

Woke up feeling so tired today! Feel like my eyes are blurry from the lack of sleep and I can't help but chide myself on why I do such things so!

At the same time, I did not feel like I was in the mood for work. After I settled some of the more urgent stuff, I started reading the blogs of some of the others.

Reading blogs brings a familiar sense of the motivation behind reading story books. I feel like I'm being transported into someone else's life. A strong vicarious sense of living the lives that the others lead. Lends inspirations to aspirations and dreams. However, more often than not, reality hits once the story ends and I feel like I back where I started, with a deep sense of struggle.

As the Chinese saying goes, "Tong ren bu tong ming." ---> If our lives are really determined by the elements and stars of our birth time, then I can only pray that may the elements and stars be at the right time and place in the next couple stages of my life.

I need the flame to grow into a stronger fire... I feel so tired...

GSS nightmare... GSS Fatigue... whatever you may call it...

2008-05-16T01:01:00.003+08:00

The last few weeks have been a nightmare, especially the last 2 weeks.

I have been going around telling my closer peers that I'll never ever view GSS in the same light again. It's a very very tedious process, not only for myself, but my colleagues and team members as well. Yet however, day by day, we go through the processes and clear one thing at a time albeit pushing back deadlines again and again and just having to manage it as best as we can.

Opened up facebook today and my astrology read -

" Zen, This is a time of testing your limits to see how far you can go. Things you put into motion last week will come to fruition today. It may not be the result you expected, but you should find it acceptable. Learn from the past instead of longing for it."

It's funny how they say that Horoscopes are phrased in as broad a sense as it can be, but more than once, things always hit a nail with me. As we sent my mailer FA for production, a sense of relief overcame even though it wasn't the most perfect - Yes, we still spotted mistakes but it was just too late to amend due to production dead dead dead deadline... PLUS the mistakes are pretty minor... on top of that, I cleared two press Ads for print too.... that's like ONE FIFTH of the job done... *faintz*

As much as I had pressured and pushed my agency to complete my jobs and give in to our whims and demands (which on our end are often driven by tenants), I feel really bad deep down inside because I know how and what it feels like to be on the other end... And this is how the tides change for me... lol...

I can't wait for this to be OVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I need a break!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

State of my life...

2008-05-12T13:24:00.005+08:00

It's often said that the state of my Blog reflects the state of my life in an adverse manner... And the silence in this little tucked away corner of cyber space says it all...

Since the LNY, I've been rather busy coping with the changes in my career and managing the pace of it picking up... There are good times, and there are bad... There are times when I feel like everything is spiraling out of my control and I would often visualize in my mind's eye how to reach out and make sure that everything stays within my living sphere...

Played a part in Daph's wedding over the weekend. I guess I really let my hair down and had crazy fun in silly little senseless ways... It felt like I was 18 again... going nuts with Raymond's camera, posing as if I'm a pro... It helps that the company was good fun... people like lian, angie, the guys... 2 whole days of partying it felt...

I can't wait to see the pixs! Will upload it when I get them! =)

BANGKOK....!!!

2008-01-18T14:59:00.000+08:00

Can't stop thinking about my impending Bangkok trip!!!

Where to go to:

1) Shop - SHOP SHOP SHOP! I'm so itching for my next shopping spree... trying so hard to contain my spree urges! Bags, shoes, clothes, accessories!!!

2) Eat - Seafood, Thai food, Cheap Jap food, Chinese food! Bird's nest, Tom Yum... Can't stop thinking about it! Hrrm... Put on weight already... so in a bid to control yet enjoy myself there, I shall take 5 small meals of anything I might wanna eat in a day! BWahahahahahaha.....

3) SPA / Massage - CHEAP massage! Those like 1 hr for like 200 - 300 baht kind! SHIOK!

4) Tailoring - Clothes that fit or to copy some designs which I already have and like loads.... Pants especially....

I JUST CAN'T WAIT!!!! =)

Random thoughts...

2008-01-17T14:14:00.000+08:00

Been a while since I felt like I wanna pen down my random thoughts... Just so many things floating around in my head (plus the fact that I'm pretty free in office these days while serving my notice period)...

1. Was at borders yesterday when a Jamie Oliver cook book caught my attention... Was browsing through it when I suddenly got the inspiration to wanna learn how to cook!!! And since my nice little cousins gave me a generous book voucher for my birthday last year, I have decided to use the book voucher for the book! =) (XY in case you're reading this... Haha...) Will definitely try out some of the dishes!

2. Have been reading up online for information and stuff for my trip to BKK end of this month. Been there twice so far in the last few years... and this would be my 3rd trip up. Looking forward to loads of shopping, massage and good, cheap food... i.e. Bird's nest etc... Have booked my tickets via Air Asia and will be staying in Centrepoint Service Apartment Petchburi... Have had good reviews about the apartment... So looking forward to it already!

3. My trip to BKK is not yet over, but I'm already thinking about future, longer trips! It's partly inspiration from Mandy who just came back from Israel. She seemed to have had loads of fun there and it's not only a leisure tour, but was also educational from a historical and a biblical standpoint... I so wanna travel so that I can further 'widen my horizons' as the common saying goes.... Just listing down some of the places that I wanna visit:

i) Korea (a promise made to my mum since 2007!)

ii) Europe - Esp. Italy, Rome, Barcelona, Portugal, Holland, Switzerland

iii) England - Esp. London

iv) U.S. - Esp. New York, California, Hawaii

And many others (Japan, China (esp. Shanghai now that I can get free acomm!) etc) just that these happen to be of more priority for now... I can't wait!

4. Been reading all these articles about rape / molest / sexual harrassment these days. So many stories of how it always begins with someone within the household, usually a step father or sibling... In retrospect, I can better appreciate my mum's reluctance to let me stay over at my friends' place when I was younger. Whenever I argue and insist that my friends can be trusted, she always reminds me that it's not me or my friends whom she doesn't trust. But rather it's their fathers / brothers / uncles who may be within the same household that she doesn't trust. Wise words those were....

I'm so sleeeeeeeeeeepy now... suffering from the full force effect of the after lunch syndrome.... BBS... *Be Back Soon... *

New Year, new opportunities...

2008-01-11T17:19:00.000+08:00

It's been said that it's been a while since I last blogged...

Many things have happened since I last blogged too....

1. I went for lasik... Vision's satisfactory though not perfect on my left. However, I'm loving the convenience of it all and somehow, being without glasses makes me feel less inhibited outwardly. It sure feels like I've been hiding behind a facade all the years that I wore glasses... Weird but it's sure how I felt to a certain extent...

2. Emotionally, I've been on roller coaster ride. Until very recently things have cleared up alot and I've got one special person to thank. It's not easy (understatement) but I appreciate all that he is trying to do...

3. My birthday, Christmas and New Year came and went. The festive season wasn't particularly eventful, but I've been blessed with many close friends and family, loved ones, whose little efforts here and there made a world of difference to me this year. The gatherings, the meet-ups and the time spent together... I felt the balance of the negative and the positive... the balance of the yin & the yang...

4. There's a new beginning again for me... I sure hope (to my utmost effort), that I'm there to stay... for a period that's longer than those I've been through in my various stints the last few years... I'm gonna be positive about it... and hang tough. The economy's not going to be very stable in the couple of years to come I would say, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed, and moving on ahead positively, with caution... =s ---> The usual me who's so deeply entrenched and rooted in reality... =)

5. After spending only on others in December... I finally went berserk and went on a spree this month!!!!!!!!!!! It's kinda disgusting... but it also reflects in a way how the clouds have lifted to a certain extend and I am back to looking at more frivolous stuff! =P (Women will be women... don't you agree? )

List of things I've INDULGED & bought for myself since December:
- Blue eye shadow
- x3 different types of mascara
- x3 pairs of patent shoes!!!!!!! (note the !!!!!!!!!!... for some weird reason, I'm so into patent shoes now!!)
- x2 bags
- x1 belly jewel
- x2 Botls of nail polish
- x5 dresses (Casuals and for work too... For CNY too laaa.....)
- x2 tops (1 prim and proper working top and 1 tube)
- x1 skirt
- x2 suits (1 in dark brown, and 1 in black)
- x1 sleepwear
- x2 pairs of earrings
- Some personal items...

However, I would like to insist that all my buys are reasonably priced and therefore, everything came under $700. I would LOVE to say that splurges and sprees like this happens effectively ONCE a year for me... usually at year end or beginning of the year... And I would say the same for this year... Just that I've lined up a BKK trip during end Jan.... (not that I don't shop any other time, just NEVER so many items in a month!!!)

Arghhh.... Lol Lol... Control mode on!!! =) But that doesn't mean I'm going to restrict myself that much in BKK.... afterall, I'm already flying all the way there! =)

Can't wait to check out Platinum and the usual places... Heard from Grace that one can surely dig out some good buys...

On another note, stopped reading for a while after I did my lasik so as not to strain my eyes... However, I have got 5 books lined up waiting for me to consume at home! Arhhh..... Shall start soon! =)

Looking at life through new windows...

2007-11-19T13:23:00.000+08:00

Today's the day... the decision was rather rash I would say... but it's decided and today's the day...

I hope everything will go fine and I'm so looking forward to this. My throat's irritating me a little but Rob's gonna help me ask if it's ok. If it's not today, it'll still be soon... =)

Wish me luck all! =)

Time...

2007-10-19T13:15:00.000+08:00

"Today is Friday, Oct. 19, the 292nd day of 2007. There are 73 days left in the year." - Saw this statement while reading the news on Yahoo News, an article by AP today.

Goes to show how time flies... This time last year, I was in NZ... this time last year, we just finished a really fulfilling national project and most of us were feeling lost and empty after the exciting and busy stint...

Looking at where I am this year, I still feel lost and empty... But sometimes I think that it's all about the mind... About feeling positive (even when things are not that positive)... About looking ahead and beyond and be on the look out for opportunities...

IN anycase, like many times before... I need to tell myself to make the most out of the remaining 73 days of this year I suppose... =)

Pain...

2007-09-17T01:51:00.001+08:00

It hurts so much... so much...

Expectations...

2007-09-16T03:59:00.001+08:00

Why do people have expectations? Why do we need expectations? Why do we use expectations as a form of yardstick for one's performance in a certain aspect? Why is it important? Is it really important?

What would life be without expectations?

Soaking in books....

2007-09-13T15:54:00.000+08:00

Soaked up "Fashion Babylon" by Imogen Edwards-Jones that Marky loaned me... and I finished up "The Glass Castle" by Jeanette Walls.

"Fashion Babylon" was rather light reading. It provided an insight to the fashion industry from a young and budding designer's point of view. In a way, it gave the readers a good feel of the complexity of the industry behind the scenes. And it was interesting... 'nuff said.

"The Glass Castle" on the other hand, had a more serious note to it. It was nonetheless, very delightful reading. Jeanette Walls' writing was simple, yet powerful. The book depicts a factual narration of her life, with her siblings and parents and I just couldn't bring myself to put the book down. All that I felt after reading her story, was admiration.

A must read!

Moving on to my next book, "The Touch" by Liu Hong.

A most meaningful weekend...

2007-09-10T01:42:00.000+08:00

I had a most meaningful weekend in a long time. Under an initiative of the Yayasan foundation by Pak Kris Wiluan, my boss and I helped coordinated a charity project where a group of Singaporean doctors and nurses volunteered to provide free health check-ups for the under priviledged children in Batam. It was a project jointly done with Red-Cross Indonesia (PMI).

We arrived Batam on Friday afternoon, to have a final meeting and to ensure that logistics and arrangements are made. The 4 doctors and 3 nurses from Singapore (who requested to remain anonymous), together with a number of Indonedsian doctors and nurses, had a mission to provide healthy check-ups for a good 1760 kids from ONE kampong in Batam.

It was definitely not a small deal. I was personally involved in the works for Sat and parents & kids came and went. It was no joke that the doctors saw kids one after another non-stop. It turned out that the doctors couldn't even take the planned 1 hour lunch break, and they had to take turns to have lunch, or to run quickly to the toilets and back. The passion and drive that I saw in the volunteer doctors and nurses from Singapore for this project, touched me no end this weekend.

The role I played, was to run around outside, directing Ibus (mothers) and their anaks (kids) in my very broken Malay (which I picked up from my peranakan nanny 'Aunty Jane' long long time back) to proceed to the next available doctor's room to tengok doktor (see the doctor), or to the Apotek (Pharmacy) to collect their Obat (Medication).

Some of the kids were really so adorable but most of them have a problem of being malnutrition. The Singaporean doctors and nurses tried their best to source for packets of children milk and cereal from various vendors and suppliers but there was only so much that they could bring. And moreover, we budgeted for 1000 kids to come to this health screening, but little did we know that the numbers escalated to 1760 on the day before we were to start.

Although the project was to be over 2 days, Sat & Sun, I had to leave on late Sat as my boss had to come back to take a flight to Qatar. I regretted not being brave enough to say that I would like to stay there on my own (without my boss) as I had to tear myself away from what I was doing. I was really enjoying myself to a certain extent and as exhausting as it was, I could see the good cause in it. Finished up 3/4 of a day and I was physically exhausted. I couldn't imagine that the doctors and nurses have to go through these 2 full days of this exercise. I felt all admiration when I recall the zest when the doctors prompted me to bring in the next kid for them to examine once they were done with the one that they were seeing. It was thoroughly heartwarming in and out.

Perk: Pak Kris hosted us over at his Batam Turi Resort and old as it may be, it was a pretty nice place and I could see how nice and pretty it literally is when it was in its more glorious days.

Check out the photos below.....

Planning out the administrative flow of the registration, pre-screening (taking of height and weight) as well as triaging of the 1760 kids, before seeing the doctors...

The entrance of the medical centre which we used for this project...

The tentage that was built to carry out the phase 1 activities...

On the actual day, under the tentage where phase 1 is carried out...
Notice the huge tentage at the back? Many Many Many Ibus and Anaks were being entertained by people hired by Pak Kris, while waiting to be registered...

Rooms where the doctors were settling in to see the kids...

Our nice bedrooms in Turi Resort Batam...

Our nice beds with MOSQUITO NETTING hanging over it...

Bleah...

2007-08-29T11:01:00.000+08:00

Been reading and reading and reading... Ain't too sure if reading is one of the ways which I try to fill up the emptiness within me or what... But... reading sure makes me feel more anti-social. Hardly make plans for lunch or dinners these days unless it's pretty impromptu. I think I need something new, something more, something enriching... =/

Anyway, finished "The Glass Palace". It's a historically and culturally enriching book and very very detailed. I would say that Amitav Ghosh is a little too detailed for my liking but that doesn't make him any lesser of a good author. There are some parts I really liked and some parts which I found draggy...

Anyway, I've since moved on to my next book (since it's been a week since I blogged). Am reading Haruki Murakami's "Sputnik Sweetheart".

To be frank, I wasn't too impressed with the writing when I first started. But 3/4 of the way into the book, I got really impressed with the versatile styles of writing that Murakami has. Sumire's (the main female character) diary entry was really 'rich'...

"In the world we live in, what we know and what we don't know are like Siamese twins, inseparable, existing in a state of confusion.

Confusion, confusion.

Who can really distinguish between the sea and what's reflected in it? Or tell the difference between the falling rain and loneliness?

Without any fuss, then, I gave up worrying about the difference between knowing and not knowing. That became my point of departures. A terrible place to start, perhaps - but people need a makeshift springboard, right? All of which goes to explain how I started seeing dualisms such as theme and style, object and subject, cause and effect, the joints of my hands and the rest of me, not as black-and-white pairs, but as indistinguishable one from the other. Everything had spilled on the kitchen floor - the salt, pepper, flour, starch. All mixed into one fine blob."- Sumire

Another part of the novel that I liked - in the capacity of the main male character, K:

"She was far, far away. And most likely that was the future in a nutshell, Sumire growing ever more distant. It made me sad. I felt like I was some meaningless bug clinging for no special reason to a high stone wall on a windy night, with no plans, no beliefs." - K

Gonna finish this up real soon and alternate my next read with something light hearted? Trashy? - Like... 'FASHION BABYLON'... Hahaha.. thanks to Mark who bought it as one of the 3 for the price of 2 books at Borderrrrrrs.... lol... ________________________________________________________
P.S. Read this other part of the book during lunch, on my train ride... It's again part of Sumire's diary entry... I like...

"A question.

So what are people supposd to do if they want to avoid a collision (thud!) but still lie in the field, enjoying the clouds drifting by, listening to the grass grow - not thinking, in other words? Sounds hard? Not at all. Logically, it's easy. C'est simple. The answer is dreams. Dreaming on and on. Entering the world of dreams, and never coming out. Living in dreams for the rest of the time.

In dreams you don't need to make any distinctions between things. Not at all. Boundaries don't exist. So in dreams there are hardly ever collisions. Even if there are, they don't hurt. Reality is different. Reality bites.

Reality, reality." - Sumire ________________________________________________________

P.P.S. King & I was quite disappointing... Borne Ultimatum was good and Ratatouille was cute.. =)

Reclus-ing......

2007-08-21T11:49:00.000+08:00

Got the picture from one of Mandy's photos from all her trips. This one came from her Europe Adventure from Pareeeeee... (Paris)...

Somehow the picture calls out to me. It kinda reminds me of how I've been feeling lately... heh....

I feel like a recluse!

Having said that, that's not to mean that I haven't been socialising or have been living like an island. I mean that somehow I'm more reflective lately and introspective. BUT I do think that I have a tendency to get that way when I immerse myself in books... (Not the trashy kind).

I have to admit that lately, there are moments when I feel that life's less meaningful. Sure seems like I lack passion in so many aspects of my life, for anything. Hits me right at home that the passion that fills one up, is usually the driving force behind many things... people, career, love and life...

Yet, when asked on how to get that passion back in me, I find it hard to provide an answer. Sigh... Is this one of the crisis in my life that many others often talk about? You know... quater-life crisis... mid-life crisis... Since when is life not a crisis??

Anyway, on a brighter note... a good friend of mine just got HITCHED (attached... not married...) and I'm terribly excited for her! =)

Thoughts...

2007-08-17T10:41:00.000+08:00

This morning somehow turned out to be a rather thought provoking one. I supposed it started with my usual morning session of reading the book-of-the-day in my train-ride to work.

While "One for my baby" has proven to be a slow read, it's a rather enjoyable one. 1/3 way into the book and I find that Tony Parsons is pretty good with insights. His provision of them adds alot of weight and intimacy to his characters.

"Listening to Sinatra makes me feel as though I am not the only person in the universe who ever woke up to find themselves in some place that they never imagined. Listening to Sinatra makes me feel that I am no so alone. Listening to Sinatra makes me feel more human..........
I need this music the way normal men need food and football. Sinatra seems to point a way forward, to encourage me to get on with my life. When Sinatra sings of love dissolving, there is always the consolation of love to come. Love is like a bus in these songs. There's always another one along in a minute." - Alfie Budd in "One for my baby".

In the story, Alfie lost his wife in a scuba diving freak accident. His dad left his mum for another woman who was young enough to be his daughter. It brings across the message that life's never predictable and there's only so much that can be pre-empted or anticipated.

Translating this thought to real life, looking at what's been coming up on the news everyday, I can't help but ask if there's a point for forward planning. To look beyond the now and look into the future. I can't help but wonder what will possible happen to me, to us, in this age of uncertainty and possibilities.

Korean hostages and terrorism situations, natural disasters like the Peru Earthquakes and heatwaves, accidents like the Malaysia bus high-way incident, outbreaks of diseases and viruses and even once too often news of scams in China of which has negative health implications (from cardboard buns to toxic toothpaste to toys with lead paint that may be harmful if ingested by kids accidentally - Am thinking that China might be persecuted with news of such one after another cuz of the upcoming Beijing Olympics. Also, the cardboard-buns scandal have supposedly been discovered to be a SCAM. But what if it's a governmental effort to SCAM the SCAM? Lol.. just a thought...)

But I supposed being the earth-rooted me, the question that's always in the back of my mind is the "WHAT IF?" It's always the contingency plan that matters... that makes a difference.

It also hit me this morning for some reason or other that it's not such a bad thing having kids. That is if your kids are born healthy and fine. Kids can actually be viewed as an investment. There are risks for sure... just like any other investment - you never know what kinda person your kid might turn out to be... But you are investing in them for a lifetime of companionship... It's a high chance for them to be around until the day that you die... if you go by the law of age...

Oh well... so much thoughts for a Friday morning... if only I can get back to bed on this drab, dreary, rainy morning... sigh...

Next in line...

2007-08-14T15:50:00.000+08:00

Finished "Little Earthquakes" and another book that I shall not even bother naming... *still drowning in the disbelief that I actually picked up a book like that and read through a good 3/4 of it...* I would call it the 'ULTIMATE TRASH'...

"Little Earthquakes" was kinda fun cuz it gave an insight and a vicarious experience to what preggie ladies and new mums go through in the early stages of child-rearing... Women do not just grapple with adapting to their new lives as a new-born's mother, they have to manage their raging and imbalanced hormones after pregnancy, not to mention issues that their husbands might throw in their path and in their faces. It's kind scary to think about the 'what-ifs', 'hows', 'why-like-thats' and 'what-should-I-dos'... The uncertainties is just daunting to think of...

Anyway... moving on to the next book... Which wasn't exactly the next in line... just that I happened to be near a library, so I decided to get rid of the 'Ultimate Trash' as soon as I could... Too embarrassed to be seen with it for too long...

Well, picked up Tony Parsons' "One for my baby". Seems promising so far... Since Tony Parsons' not unheard of... Will update soon...

*Seems like I've been doing a good job of it lately... this updating my blog business... Lol... *

The cutest bundle of joy!!

2007-08-13T01:30:00.000+08:00

After the clash I had with Alpha male on Wednesday, things took another turn downhill on Friday... If I had thought that Wednesday was bad, then Friday was terribly worse!

I just can't imagine working with him all the time... I think I'll just die. While I would happily admit to any mistakes that I might have made in the course of work, or I would even stand there to have his spittle all over my face, I hate it when I get 'wrongly' accused of doing something that I wasn't supposed to, OR of not doing something that I was supposed to. And that happened like throughout the entire day. Truth being told, not only did I feel demoralised, I felt slighted even for not given credit when it was due...

However, I felt a little better when I was given a pat on the back and the words "A job well-done!" by my female boss who was actually more of my direct boss. I really wish that I wouldn't need to interact with that Alpha male that much...

All that being said, my weekend wasn't a bad one once my duties were relieved on Saturday morning. The highlight was being entertained by the cutest little bundle of joy!!!!

Baby Damien & Me!

I only laugh and hardly cry!

He has the cutest and most adorable face... chubby cheeks and all... Also, he was a bundle of all laughter and giggles!! CUTE!!!! =)

I could smother him in kisses all day long!! xxx...

Wham! Bang! Clash!

2007-08-08T01:27:00.000+08:00

Lol... the title of this post sums up my day at work which ended with my very first clash with the renown Alpha male in the office...

Seriously, I think the world would be a more beautiful place to live in if we could all read each other's minds, especially those of our BOSSES.

Sometimes I can't help but feel that bosses are such busy creatures that they segment their minds many sections such that, they themselves get lost trying to track which part of their minds they used to talk to you re any subject / topic / issue.

It's unbelieveable how information that was reiterated again and again to them, seem like a brand new piece of information. Not only that, they sometimes change their minds so abruptly and expect us to be able to read it without any form of communication from them to us. Amazing isn't it?

In my future job interviews, I shall emphasize on the fact that WHILE I lack the ability to, I shall constantly try to develop telepathic frequencies with those around and above me.

Now, for a challenge...

The Myers-Briggs Personality Test......

2007-08-06T11:47:00.000+08:00

Was having lunch the other day when I chanced upon a book fair...

Was browsing around when I spotted this book "The Pathfinder - How to Choose or Change Your Career for a Lifetime of Satisfaction and Success". When I turned the book around, I saw that it was going for like only $12 and so I decided to buy it cuz I do remember reading book reviews of this book.

With my whole slew of books waiting for me to read, I couldn't bring myself to start on this book yet. However, I saw that they have a slimmed down version of the Myers-Briggs personality test and decided to have a go at it.

I turned out to be a ISFJ... (Introvert, Sensors, Feeling, Judging)

And what this means is the following:

"Warm, conscientious, loyal, considerate, helpful, calm, quiet, devoted, gentle, open, nurturing, practical, patient, responsible, dependable, very observant, sensitive, holistic, inclusive, spontaneous, pragmatic, tactile, respectful, noncompetitive, sympathetic, painstaking and thorough, efficient, traditional.

The most service-oriented of all types. Very much in touch with their inner processes as well as the world around them. Seek harmony for themselves and all others. Serene, appreciative, in tune. Do not impose themselves or their opinions on others. Do no need to control. Find their own creative way to get the job done. Learn by doing. Uninterested in abstractions and theories. Use standard operating procedures only when they are best method for reaching the goals. Often creative and highly skilled, but so adverse to imposing that they are easily overlooked and their contributions go unnoticed."

You know what? Some of these thoughts occurred to me more than once even before I did this test. But it's just another test... At the end of the day, what really happens is what I make out of it and carry out any form of action.

_________________________________________________________

On another separate note, I finished reading "Memories of my Melancholy Whores" and how should I put it...

It was beautiful yet warped. I thought that it's kinda like a piece of art in Gabriel García Márquez's time. It reminds me of movies like "Quills" - Featuring Geoffrey Rush playing as 'Marquis de Sade'.

Actually borrowed another book from the Library by Gabriel to have a more complete picture of his art...

Moving on to my next book... "Little Earthquakes" - Am actually a little embarassed to be carrying this book around cuz it depicts this baby pinkish, teddy bearish book cover... but hey! A lady deserves to read a trashy novel for light entertainment once in a while, don't you think?

Anyway, 1/3 into the book and don't think it's trashy. Just never judge a book by its cover... =P

Never Let Me Go...

2007-08-02T11:22:00.000+08:00

Finished the book that Gracie lent me... It was... fascinating... and real... and sad at the same time... It questions morality that deals with everything human...

Kazuo Ishiguro's weaving of the story with words and descriptions was done so intricately... Without spelling out to readers in their face what was actually happening, he managed to craft the story in such a manner that there was no other way you could interprete the story. Yet, there's a great deal to think about when the final page has been read.

Just a little spoiler on the book:
"This kind of insight into our real lives makes "Never Let Me Go" powerful to read despite its simple plot. Kathy and her friends suffer the sort of conflicts that could happen to any of us, but knowing that they are doomed to an early death heightens the impact of their troubles. But on further reflection, we realize that our lot is not so very different from theirs, even if it may take eighty years to play out instead of thirty."

Anyhow... moving on to my next book... Yup, I'm back to my erratic phase when I'll jump and bury myself in books just one after another. Borrowed 4 books from the library yest!! Heee... *Hippeeeee!*

On another note... I'll hate it when they remove the Orchard library end of this year... Guess Bishan's gonna be one... =/

Oh my weak pocket and frail heart..

2007-07-26T15:13:00.000+08:00

Urgh... *faint*

*breathes faintly.....*

Can't believe that I've mercilessly depleted a substantial bit of my savings on my indulgent spends in the last month... *gasp*

Just did a quick peek on my balance and the above mentioned was my reaction to the number that I saw... Am never good with numbers... and never really liked them... but when it comes to bank account balance... *Ursp*

Oh well... gonna tighten my purse strings u bet!

*locks credit cards and atm cards away*

A quick post on my supposedly 'career' destiny...

2007-07-16T01:13:00.000+08:00

I discovered a really intriguing 'test' that identifies my strengths lately, thanks to Mr. Jack Hong... I thought the test was really accurate and it kinda puts a perspective on my life and the way I lead my life and my behavior... But that shall be another entry on its own...

Just a quick one before I go to bed tonight... Just amazing how astrology.com hits the nail on the head even if it's really supposed to be generic...

Free Sample Career Path Reading for Zen

Your Individuality: Sun in Capricorn

You were born under the sign of CAPRICORN and your ruling planet is Saturn, the planet of patience, wisdom and maturity.

Your Sun sign is CARDINAL and this indicates that you were born to be a leader, either in thought or action. You are never completely satisfied in a subordinate position carrying out the ideas of others, unless they are part of your aspirations. You are comfortable working independently or occupying a leadership position.

Capricorn is an EARTH sign and this makes you realistic, practical and concrete. You will have a strong desire to accomplish material goals and need to feel that your career or enterprises permit you to grow a little more each year.

WOoOOooohhhh.....

Finally... The Tipping Point...

2007-07-12T15:06:00.000+08:00

Finally.... finished reading the book. Have to admit that there was somewhat some kinda inertia when reading this. Hahaa... I was rather slow in absorbing what proved to be rather interesting theories. Guess at this point of time in my life, I was looking for more light-hearted stuff...

Anyway, decided to try my luck and put the book up for grabs in Yahoo Auctions. I figured that I should do this once I know that books that I buy are not meant for keeps in my collection. Got to do this before it collects cob webs and dust in my 'filled-to-the-brim' book cupboard.

However, decided to post up some notes here so that I can recall and reflect on my take-aways on this book...

Plot:
The Tipping Pt is the moment when an idea, trend or social behavior crosses a threshold, tips and spreads like wildfire i.e. like an epidemic. This phenomenon is crucial in the selling and dissemination of ideas and information.

Key Factors:
i) The Law of the Few - You don't need many people to make an idea or a project successful. All you need is just a few. However, these few have to be exceptional people who are able to spread the word through social connections and energy, enthusiasm and personality.

ii) The Stickiness Factor - The key in successful marketing campaigns is the element of contagiousness. It means to make the idea reach as many people as possible because there is an impact in the method of marketing. It sticks in peoples' memories and it's difficult to get it out of your head. For example, it's difficult to forget KFC's "Finger licking good" tagline, Pizza Hut's "235-35-35" jingle or the Telly Tubbies, Hi-Five or the Sesame Street for kids.

iii) The Power of Context - Epidemics are strongly influenced by their situations - by the circumstances, conditions and particulars of the environments in which they operate. Even the smallest and subtlest and most unexpected of factors can affect the way we act. The key to getting people to change their behavior, in other words, to care, sometimes lies with the smallest details of their immediate situation.

For example, in a robbery case in a certain neighbourhood, the alarm may ring loud and strong in the middle of the night, but being in a neighbourhood of perhaps a few hundred people, the robbery may go neglected as everyone might be thinking that "Oh, one of the others will contact the police...".

Main casts:
There are usually 3 types of protagonists in the Law of the Few.

i) Connectors - People with a special gift for bringing the World together, people who knows alot of people, has alot of networks AND has the ability to connect and introduce one party to another in a relevant context. They usually have a extraordinary knack of making friends and acquaintances.

ii) Mavens - People with the power to spark word-of-mouth epidemics because they are influential. Mavens are people who accumulates knowledge and information and are more socially motivated to share their knows with the people around them. Their main motivation lies in the want to help and educate.

iii) Salesmen -People with persuasive powers.

Summary: Mavens provide the information, connectors are social glue and salesmen basically do what they do best, sell.

Most importantly as well, intuitions should be heard AND tested for human beings are intuitive creatures.

And there you have it... the big picture... don't you wonder if these are factors which makes the apple and the tick globally renown???

Interesting... isn't it?

It's been noisy...

2007-07-09T10:49:00.001+08:00

There's alot of noise up in my head and it hurts so bad... I want them to go away... =(

I think it's time for some solitude and quietness...

Way back into love (Music and Lyrics)

I've been living with a shadow overhead
I've been sleeping with a cloud above my bed
I've been lonely for so long
Trapped in the past, I just can't seem to move on

I've been hiding all my hopes and dreams away
Just in case I ever need em again someday
I've been setting aside time
To clear a little space in the corners of my mind

All I want to do is find a way back into love
I can't make it through without a way back into love
Oh oh oh

I've been watching but the stars refuse to shine
I've been searching but I just don't see the signs
I know that it's out there
There's got to be something for my soul somewhere

I've been looking for someone to shed some light
Not just somebody just to get me throught the night
I could use some direction
And I'm open to your suggestions

All I want to do is find a way back into love
I can't make it through without a way back into love
And if I open my heart again
I guess I'm hoping you'll be there for me in the end

There are moments when I don't know if it's real
Or if anybody feels the way I feel
I need inspiration  
Not just another negotiation

All I want to do is find a way back into love
I can't make it through without a way back into love  
And if I open my heart to you
I'm hoping you'll show me what to do
And if you help me to start again
You know that I'll be there for you in the end

Tea Cosy at Eclectic Attic...

2007-07-08T02:11:00.001+08:00

Had dinner over at Tea Cost at Eclectic attic the other evening at Plaza Sing... Was tempted very much by the variety of Foie Gras dishes that they seem to be offering.... It was a very nice place! =)

Very quaint restaurant design. They sell the furnitures that are being used as restaurant tables and chairs too!! =) Reminds me a little of Paisley and Cream actually. Very 'English'....

Prawn Cocktail and Wild Mushroom Soup on the left. On the right, we have Foie Gras with Apricot Jam!

Some Dory fish dish and a closer pic of the Foie Gras!!

Alritey... I'm bushed... attended Petrina's Church weddding and lunch reception today, followed by 'Xiao Gua's' ROM and Walas after... waiting for my hair to dry now actually. Need to go sleep soon!!! Early day tomorrow again... Chel's wedding waiting for me!

Will update with more pics soon! =)

And my stars read...

2007-07-06T22:17:00.000+08:00

"While learning what you don't want is important, thinking about your romantic future in positive terms is also important -- especially when it comes to conveying it to others, online or in real time!"

I was told not to think too much for now.. Give myself a real break... I think a break I should take then... =/

Anyway, received some pictures from Liqin again today... Taken from Marcus' and Cynthia's ROM. Obviously, she did some magic to the photos... Haha... Suddenly, I seem to have flawless complexion... You'll see what I mean....

Can't believe that I've got 3 weddings this weekend! Two on Sat and one on Sun! It's the 070707.. just like the 060606 phenomenon... I think I have up to 121212 OR 200122012 to get myself married... Hhahaa... OR we can have it 2102/2012... That's quite cool too! Wahahaha.... *I must be really bored... =P*

Games night at Yilin's sometime back...

2007-07-03T15:13:00.001+08:00

Am SO SO SO NOT in the mood for work today... Bosses are out of office and I couldn't lift my spirits to embrace work... lol...

Anyway, was revisiting some of the photos from games night at Yilin's some time back and thought the pix were actually quite cute.

We played quite a number of games but the funniest and cutest I suppose was Dilbert... Decided to post the pictures here for memory sake... =P

New lappie!!

2007-07-01T02:27:00.000+08:00

Stayed up till 3 plus am last night setting up my new lappie!

Got everything up and going, short of programs... But I think I got a pretty decent deal... May not be the best around but oh well... I'm committed...

Couldn't believe how I dealt myself a damage of $1599 within 30 mins after lunch...

Had a lunch meeting, after which I popped by Funan to purchase Norton Internet Security for my office terminal... reached Funan and realised that there was a laptop deal going on. Buying a lappie has been on my mind for the last few weeks, since I shifted the desktop out to the study for Daddy's convenience... thought more about it when Mummy highlighted the Courts' deals on Acers and HPs... Went Sim Lim to compare prices but nothing caught my eye that was within minimal budget of $1500. Would have loved a Fujitsu.. but really... I wouldn't have been worthy of such pricey lappies... I'm a basic user...

Anyway, walked into Lenovo after checking out the "Beat the GST hike" deals that were going on on the ground floor, in the atrium. Saw one that was not exactly within my budget, but pretty close, going at $1599. What's more, they were giving a 1GB RAM add on... I thought that was pretty decent considering that I'll be having 2GB RAM for a $1.5K lappie.

What's more, it comes with a NVIDIA GeForce Graphics card... (Good for gaming if I decide to go back to that)... and it's a 1.66Ghz (T5500) processor... And it's not the ugly black IBM design kinda lappie.. it's in 2 tone silver - light and dark... heh...

And so.... my heart was moved... But I was determined to look for a better deal... I spend the next 20 minutes, walking in and out of the other surrounding shops. And guess what.... the other deals I found were all going for $1699 / $1799 WITHOUT the 1GB RAM add-on... so I was SOLD...

Went back to the shop... said that I was keen to buy... asked to upgrade Vista Home basic to Vista Home premium and they said they can't do that... due to licensing issues (excuses so a friend said)... and I asked what else they can throw in... they said it comes with a lappie bag... I was like... "Anything else extra cuz that's standard package?"... and the sales guy went... "Laptop sleeve?"... I was like... "errrr... Okies... I think I need a mouse..." and so I got myself an Microsoft Optical Mouse for my lappie too! Hahaha... Ain't such a big deal I know... but being the typical Singaporean, some useful freebie's better than no freebie at all!! hehe....

Anyway, here's my new toy!! =)

Haha.... pretty tempted to customise my lappie cover some how or other..... but see how that goes... Lol... In the meantime, here I am, blogging with my new toy! =) *heartache... ^$^... but happy! =) )

Some overdued posts...

2007-06-29T10:36:00.000+08:00

Heh... Some of the stuff that I wanna blog about is long overdued... but it's better late than never I suppose... Moreover, one of the purpose of this blog is for me to note down things that I might wanna remember in the future... for moments of nostalgia... =)

Went to a really pretty place for lunch the other day with Mandy and Kris... Located at Central, it has a really pretty name, "Paisley and Cream"... The place has a really nice ambience but food's ok only... I though it was a little pricey though.. However, so happens that they are having a 30% discount of ala-carte menu items in conjunction with the Great Singapore Sale...

P.S. They sell alot of the pretty cupcakes too!

I think I've just been eating too much lately... All the rich food that I've been stuffing myself is simply unimaginable!!

Went to Graze at No. 4 Rochester with Danielle and Matt yest. It was partly to do a site recce of their wedding venue. Yes... am gonna be a wedding coordinator yet again... A very nice place... Pricey food but quality's ensured... Though it was a paid dinner, the General Manager was really nice to offer us dessert on the house and when the dessert came to the table, we got looks from the others beside us... our dessert consisted a sample of almost everything they have on the dessert menu!!

Anyway... after reaching home yest evening... I remembered that we were going to meet Celine this evening for dinner to kinda celebrate her really belated birthday... And it struck me that I haven't wrapped her present or anything... So I decided to take the short way out...

Stayed up a little later to do this up for her...

And I thought I wanted to wrap up her present too... but it was 2+am in the morning and I was too freaking sleepy... and this was what I meant by the short way out... =P

Lol... and NO, her present's not from La SENZA... To think of it, I really wouldn't know what to buy her from La SENZA... Heh...

Alritey... I guess I spent enuff time at work on this blog... =P Time to head back to what I'm supposed to be doing... More pix and updates to come! =)

Gobi!

2007-06-22T14:58:00.001+08:00

And you wonder what's GOBI? Let me tell u more...

They are the most quaint, delicate and delicious dessert that I've come across...

Danielle bought these as dessert when we met at her friend's place for dinner yesterday night... They do not only look pretty, but they are absolutely heavenly! =) Perfect for those with a sweet tooth! =)

Our gift for Trish on her Wedding day...

2007-06-21T10:17:00.000+08:00

Something that I put together for Trishy's wedding... Poem written by all of us the 'AJ Gang'... or so we call ourselves... =)

Trishy’s Montage

P.S. Oh well, this is the best I can get the player to fit and show almost 80% of the picture file... albeit the oddness of it all...Otherwise half the picture's missing from the window... Goes to show how much of an idiot I am at scripting... =P

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

More on Trishy's wedding...

And so the day came and went just like that... And do I have anything to say about the wedding? I have tonnes... But I guess some thoughts and memories of my friend's big day are best kept as sweet memories to myself.

However, I do think that the wedding went really well. It was a beautiful wedding... The best part of the wedding though, was not the luxury of the wedding or the pretty things... but rather, the chemistry that I see between the couple. I would say that they are really made for each other. They may not be perfect on their own, but they compliment each other very very well. Looking at them, I could see the level of understanding and communication that they share... and I guess when Trish said that Marky's her soul mate, I could see why... For once truly, I felt envious of a couple...

Heh... Happy I am, for the both of them, and I'm very sure that this is definitely a beginning of a beautiful life that they will be spending together for the rest of their lives... =)

Boo Hoo...

2007-06-13T10:46:00.000+08:00

The picture says it all... Boo hoo! I failed the test...

While a part of me wasn't holding too much expectations on passing it the first time, I guess I'm always lousy with failures... It hit me harder than I expected... Din feel too good yesterday... haha...

Oh well, guess I got to try again... =)

Jitters...

2007-06-12T10:25:00.001+08:00

Am waiting to take my driving test for the first time in my life later at 2.45pm. Would it be the only time or the first of a couple to come?

A question to which I have yet to have an answer....

Anyway, while I'm waiting for the later half of the day, I can't help but feel a little jitterrrrrry... Heh...

So wish me luck and watch this space for the answer to the question above...

I'm so tired!!!

2007-06-08T15:16:00.000+08:00

I'm so tired that I feel like this...

I suppose it's cause of the late nights that I have been keeping up, trying to do up the photo montage for Trishy's wedding. But, I suppose for a good friend... It's worth it. Afterall, it's once in a lifetime (Traditionally and conservatively), that one gets married...

Work's so far been good... busy but I feel good. Would definitely have felt better if I'm not so tired and sleepy at work. There's alot to achieve and I'm really hopeful and hoping that I'll be able to achieve some of these that are set out for me to do.

People around me have been rather encouraging. It kinda feels good and right for now... However, I've been around enough to know that life's like a roller coaster... While you can anticipate, you never really know how it's going to be until you are at the peak or at the dip of the track.

Well, hopefully after Trishy's wedding this Sunday, I'll be able to have better rest and next week would be a better and more energetic week! =)

New cubicle...

2007-06-04T14:26:00.000+08:00

Pretty much set up my new cubicle today... basically it was just a shift of all the stuff over from URA to here...

Was really expecting a laptop, so was a little dismayed when I saw a brand new HP desktop on my table...

I'm not sure if this determines my work scope, my working hours, or my mobility... Oh well... see how things go...

I'm actually quite lucky...

2007-06-01T15:45:00.000+08:00

Despite all the griping about re salary and pay... I need to be reminded often that money is not everything in this world...

Quote of the day re a farewell party organised by my BOSS for me:

"OK - will be there by 7.30 then. Tks.

cc: Hope to see everyone there - the more the merrier! Doesn't matter if you "don't know" Zen, its never too late to get to know someone as nice as her."

*Sobz*... it better PAY to be venturing into the unknown... *sobz*

Some overdued posts...

2007-05-29T14:22:00.000+08:00

Did I tell you guys about how I finally satisfied my craving for Foie Gras?

Well, made a trip down to The French Stall with Rob a couple of weekends ago and it was not too bad a trip! The food was really quite yummy! What's more... I had two decent-sized pieces of Foie Gras and it wasn't pricey at all! =)

Just when I thought I had consumed enough calories to last me a week, the very next day, we went to Sakae to spend the $20 voucher that I had!

Told myself to go on a diet after after... obviously... it didn't happen... =P

Scrap Booking for Cat...

2007-05-29T01:12:00.000+08:00

Had my first attempt at the 'new-age' type of scrap booking yesterday night, after getting the developed photos from Yi Lin... Idea proposed by Flo, we were each supposed to do up a page so that Flo can bind it into a book as a farewell gift for Cat...

Hrrm... Not too bad an attempt I had, I would say... Spent 2 hours plus on it though!

Sigh... there are so many things I wanna do! I wanna explore digital scrap booking as well... Which I will have the opportunity to do so SOON! =)

Heavy...

2007-05-28T14:35:00.000+08:00

My heart feels heavy...

I don't want it to...

I want to be happy... =)

WE WON!!!!

2007-05-25T14:50:00.000+08:00

Our numbers....

The winning numbers...

Ok la.. not too bad.. each of us who shared won $8... =P

Nice luck, nice start... =P Hee...

Nos... nost... hrrmm....

2007-05-25T12:40:00.000+08:00

Spent some time reading through my earlier posts.

I realised that this blog has become less and less reflective of my thoughts and emotions. I wonder why...

It's certainly not because of the fact that I've grown more unfeeling, unthoughtful... I guess it's because I'm carried away with the mundane survival neccessities.

Kinda sad... I want my old self back... I want to be carefree and simple and less complicated...

But I guess that's kinda difficult... cuz it's no lie that I've grown, changed and developed...

Toto visual update!

2007-05-23T16:56:00.000+08:00

Lol.. it's evolved into this!

ToTo...

2007-05-23T10:46:00.000+08:00

My colleague's such a funny guy... He's kinda gathering ppl to buy toto for some $5mil draw tomorrow... and this is what he did...

If you can see the names, they're hilarious...

BUT I feel a tinge of sadness when I see mine... Just as I'm getting closer to this bunch of funky, crazy peeps... I leaving...

Well, as what I ALWAYS say, I guess there's a reason why choices are made, why paths cross and why people meet.

I'll just enjoy myself while it lasts! =)

Settlers of Catan...

2007-05-17T18:23:00.000+08:00

Yay! Most likely gonna play Settlers of Catan after finishing up work today...

Some craze going on for playing settlers of Catan within URA... I've colleagues who have been playing it for 3 days in the row now... this being the 3rd.

But I like! Yay!

Was first introduced to the game by Chel and what I thought was a complicated game.. became one that's relatively easy to comprehend... The game should definitely be checked out~!

But Yay! =)

Tattoos....

2007-05-14T15:53:00.000+08:00

Raquel: wat size is ur tattoo?

me: ah?
dunno.. never measure before

Raquel: s M L??

me: why?

Raquel: considered?

me: hrrm.. M?

Raquel: okokkk
so S is half ur side?

me: but tattoo size is very subjective wan leh
hrrm... i never knew tattoos went by SML sizing

Raquel: hahaha.. chkg it online... they hv SML, but i dunno how to gauge.

I want another tattooooo toooooo.... *small voice*

F1 in Singapore!!!!

2007-05-11T18:16:00.000+08:00

Before I leave office for the day... no the week...
F1 is coming to Singapore next year!!!

It's CONFIRMED!!!

I wanna go work for Singapore GP Pte Ltd... *small voice*

Bubble wrap...

2007-05-10T18:18:00.000+08:00

I'm THIS bored in office today.... =(

Check it out if you must...

You won't believe what you see...

2007-05-09T16:46:00.000+08:00

A colleague shared this site with us today...

It's seriously amazing... the images brings on a tinge of sadness...
Check it out for the other works...

Plastic Bottles, 2007
Depicts 2.5 million plastic bottles, the number used in the US every hour.

Cans Seurat, 2007
Depicts 106,000 aluminum cans, the number used in the US every thirty seconds.

Cell Phones, 2007
Depicts 426,000 cell phones, equal to the number of cell phones retired in the US every day.

Byul (OST from 200 Pounds Beauty)

2007-05-08T11:14:00.000+08:00

I don't feel weeeelll......

2007-05-07T12:26:00.000+08:00

Nose has been runny since Saturday...

Sure sign of insufficient rest... I hate runniesssssss! =(

And look what I've been doing over the weekend... Gorging myself...

Sobz... Still craving for Foie Gras.....

Update: The WEATHER is killing me... came back from lunch and I'm feeling half baked... Not a nice feeling at all when you feel all sore and goey inside! Argh... =(

On a crazy Saturday night in Walas...

2007-05-03T11:31:00.000+08:00

Think we don't know how to count? Check this out...

lol...

2007-05-03T09:53:00.000+08:00

This astrology thing that comes into my mail box everyday is really interesting... hhahaha....

Dear Zen,
Here is your horoscope
for Thursday, May 3:

Boredom is your biggest enemy. So find ways to annihilate it by any means possible. Just make sure you're discreet about your methods -- you don't want to get called out by your boss for text messaging during a meeting.

Btw... I'm leaving on a jet plane... dunno when I'll be back again... =)