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New Post 2012- My 30 birthday week

2012-01-27T10:33:00.003+08:00

And so, before i knew it, my 30th birthday week is about to end. It has been a great week so far. I've spent CNY + birthday with wonderful people who mattered to me most, received surprises, gifts, thoughts from folks for far. I'm a happy contented woman. Yup, dont think i qualify for a " girl" now.

And i've been meaning so much to have some spare time to myself. Yes, really spending it with myself, with my thoughts, sitting on my coach and just typing all what i have been feeling since the beginning of this 2012.

I've pretty much started 2012 being really sick and unwell, i had fever and headaches for consecutive days and had to go to emergency dept in Raffles Hospital to take a blood test. It was freaky as the doc initially thought i had Dengue. ( Not for the 2nd time??!! i thought). Thank goodness ( or not), it ended up as viral fever and my fever subsided after a few days, but my headache persisted. It was horrrible having this headache which painkiller do not seem to cure and I had to go to several chinese docs to find out the root cause. Finally, after completed the medication ( diagnosis: heaty lungs and liver), i was back to normal.

And perhaps, it was this illness that somewhat changed my perspectives drastically. In a way, i always knew health was important, i was one who always aimed to strike a balance between work and life but this illness taught me to even MORE appreciate the people around me, showed me what i have been taking from granted ( unknowingly), and what i have been missing out while enjoying the love, convenience brought about from my parents.

Example:
1. I do not know how to cook cooling herbs, water to cool down my "internal organs"=> my mum made for me and i was so touched, i took a pic of it on my phone.

2. My mum-in-law bought me more herbs ( from the chinese medicinal hall) knowing my headache and fever did not subside.

3. My dad called up his friend to find out which chinese doctor is good and my family took me there and waited for more than an hour for the doc to see me and prescribe my medication.

4. My hub came home early everyday when i was sick, checking on me, he spent his weekend at home with me even though i was asleep most of the time and he had nothing to do.

5. My diet was controlled ferociously by my hub and my family. Cooking light meal, no oily food, even for them

6. I realize i do not know how to take care of myself, i shuddered at the thought how i'm going to take care of my kids, my loved ones should they fall ill.

7. I realize how ' shallow' our lives has become. Material needs, eating processed food, using money to buy convenience.

This made me even more determined, to cook, to create value, to be independent so that others can be dependent on me. Yup that's it.

With that, i shared these thoughts with the weekenders, yup, weekenders has become a very integral part of my life. of our lives ( hub and me).

In fact, i'm ending this "work weeK' with a dinosaur exhibition with S and J! That reminds me. I have yet to load pictures. Okay, i probably continue this post another time. But most important phrase for myself this 2012.

" to be independent, so that others can be dependent on me"!

My business thoughts 2 jan 2012

2012-01-02T14:05:00.000+08:00

For the longest time, i have always toyed with the idea of coming up with my own business.
These are the ideas that have sprung out of my head for the past few years, as much as i can remember

a) Florist cum coffee shop
- Since i love fresh flowers & how pretty they are
- Coffee?? Self explanatory

b) Bookshop cum coffeeshop
- Much of it was inspired by "You've got mail"
- Well, we had Borders and see what happened to it ( dont think mine will work)
- I always feel books and coffee go well together on a hot afternoon
( Bookstore has to be fully air-conditioned, accompanied with plush cushions, lazy corners)

c) Online self motivation blog
- Partly because i love to read self motivation stuffs, especially tips on how to improve life
- I reckon it will be minimum capital required to maintain this business
- It's meaningful if you have readers who feedback how they find it useful ( granted they know the existence of the blog in the first place)

d) Cafe / bakery
- with nice ambience, a great place for me to entertain my friends
- Sitting along the island with good food, chil

e) Lifestyle store
- take ikea for example, how they are able to fuse lifestyle with furnitures
- Take Typo, fusing lifestyle with stationery
- I just need to create a lifestyle for a particular item which i believe there's market for

Is there anything else which i have missed? I cant quite remember but over the years, these were the ideas that stuck

I have read books, watched enough movies to know certain signs should not be ignored and we should always follow our heart.
But how often is that possible, when one just have ideas and more undying passion to carry it through?

It's the 2nd day of 2012, and i have not quite done my traditional post of blogging the highlights, learnings of 2011 and what i aim moving forward 2012.
I was down with a bout of fever & headaches, i like to think it was due to lack of sleep and the constant nights out ( nope, i hardly took much of a sip this holiday season)

I will be capturing the highlights of 2011 in another post. With my Macbook Pro, i feel i haven been utilizing much, making use of it to its full potential.
This will be something i target to capture in 2012.

A Moment like this

2011-11-22T17:48:00.001+08:00

It's my shutdown again.

It's period like this when i often feel i want to make the most out of my free time. I will have options like the below.

a) Gym so that i make full use of my package
b) Library as i really need to read to feed my brain
c) Errands, like financial planning, clearing room, clearing my brain
d) spending with loved ones, wanted to ask mum to tea but forgot she was working, wanted to ask in-laws but they had a heavy lunch
e) Shopping? However, since i'm going HK this thursday, it seems too much to start shopping now, tho i eventually did get a bag. ( oopsie)

So, having done none of those and thought all of those, i came back home feeling tired. Yes, i believe all these thinking and having done nothing actually makes it more tiring, than to have just give myself time to rest, to relax, to not worry about wasting time.
One should not have to worry about all these... especially on a shutdown.

So, i'm actually feeling alit liberating, and i set to clear my list one step at a time...

Side note: i'm really excited about going to HK!

2011-11-21T07:48:00.002+08:00

2 months since I last posted and I had problems remembering my password. In today's world of iPhones, it seems the only password u need to remember is your pass code to the phone. And if you didn't even set that, congratulations to password-free situations when u access your emails, Facebook... What else? Oh wait, that's what most of us use anyway.

I have been wondering and have even vocalized my thoughts of doing something else other than work. And when I see "signs" present themselves along the way, I just took a glance and not act. Partly because, certain presumptions have taken place during that short few minutes of ... " what if?. And yet, I do know because no actions were taken on my part, it's not resolved and it keeps coming back to me.
Ah... Life. I wish I had written more of what I did for the past 3 years rather than just what I thought. Somehow, I had problems recalling.
What strikes me tho, was kid read. Was the activities I have set forth... Diving, climbing, travels, books.
What happens when u do not have any wish list like that? A product manager at work commented I am romantic at heart based on my desktop wall paper. The house by the lake/ ocean in a really blue setting. Could have been dawn or dusk, it's up to one's interpretation and mood.

Watched a show that brought back bitter-sweet memories. Things of the past actually.jolted at my heart for like..2 days and it's back to normal. ( not sure if its a self-mechanism) that kept it away, or like that show.. We are all at ease with contentment of how events have unfolded since.

Going hong kong!

Random thoughts ending.

Life married

2011-09-18T17:31:00.003+08:00

I think the last time i post, i had not gone through the customary wedding ceremony. So technically, although we were married, we have not stayed with each other. Looking back, it's close to 4 months since we held our banquet at Marina Mandarin and wow, looking back, i think time passed really fast.

Strangely, it's also a time of more reflection as both of us get used to each other living habits. I wont say it's all rosy but ultimately i still feel blissful in the knowledge we are learning more and adapting about each other's quirky habits, emotions and thoughts as we started sharing a common space.

As i've grown to more obligation, with "wife" added to the list of existing roles " Daughter, Sister, Friend, Colleague" , let's not forget " daughter- in law" and him taking on the role of "brother-in law" to 3 other siblings and a son to my parents; there are ultimately adjustments, considerations, which i tell myself not to forget and take for granted.

And maybe in doing so, something i wonder if i have forgotten about... me as an individual. I seriously doubt so since I am putting my thoughts in to it, but it can be easily neglected and in place, is frustrations when one failed to see why one feel inadequate, yet, often it's the multitude of roles all rolled into one that adds up to this frustrations. Hence, i tell myself i must learn to allocate time to myself, to get used to it, while not taking too much of it, which may indirectly affect others.

There are a couple of things on my mind. Things which i thought i want to set about doing and often more than not, it just get chucked aside. When i was single and attached, i tend to be more stubborn in self centric in the actions/ plans i made. And now, i see myself overly concerned. what an irony.. so i thought i should put it out.

a) Sky diving in New Zealand. Mt Cook preferably, if not fine with other sites in NZ.

b) Setting up a Vickers account. Seriously, this one doesn seem quite feasible cos i'm not going to follow through, so i might just strike it off

c) Get my photo book done. But then again, i worry about too much stuffs which is already crowding our little room.

d) A holiday with my parents. I have brought them travel ever since i've started work, or at least anywhere really decent, so i kinda want to bring them on a short trip.

e) Saving money. Well, i do feel the urge to do that more now, even though there's nothing really pressing i need the cash for. I'm glad, cos i really need to exercise more self- restraint in this area.

f) Fitness? I target to be more focused in yoga, in over-all well being. Seeking a balance in my diet, beauty regime ( at least to really start focusing on clean, tone, moisturing .... i can so feel the "Gasps!" coming my way, that i'm still not disciplined in that area).

g) An overall organized mindset and physical on-take in various aspects in life, my room, my work area, my social life, my marriage life.=)

h) by the way, i'm blogging this on my Macbook pro which hub got for me. So, i rreally need to learn to make full use of this baby. There's so much functions.

i) Last but not least, to grow with my hub. It easier to lose track of what's important when you see people around your age doing certain things, which kinda influenced one to think, "yes, this is what you should do, this is what's next, this is the path", but ultimately, we should remember, the marriage is two of us, not what others set of us. We should be comfortable with where we are, where we want to go, and how we want to go....
"In health or sickness, in richness or poor, for better or worse" we will stay by each other. This is probably the only commonality, standard set for marriage.

Post-Wedding- Beginning of the End

2011-05-28T20:23:00.003+08:00

I know i haven been one diligent bride who posted updates, progress of the wedding preparation despite being one who loves to pry on others' updates. Reading other brides' adventures, troubles, joy in choosing, from the dress to the theme to the schedule.

I have seen my bride-zilla self surfaced several times, unknown to many except for the closest. I feel bad, and even till now, there will be times i look back and regret my actions, regret my stuborn streak, and thankful they stood by me.

It's times like this, i need to really pen this down, so that i will remember, cos to me, these are the things i want to keep close to my heart.

It's true... after the whole wedding, as you look back, you dont care about the colours of the table cloth, the colour theme. It's the faces, it's the gestures, the speeches, ( words of love), the tears, the laughter ( emotion of love), the joint effort of the brothers & sisters.

I'm so glad we had the special march in, i'm so glad we had the luxury of arranging helpers room and have our helpers ( our sexy back group) stayed overnight with my family, such that we were able to relish the last evening's activites, jokes,little happenings via breakfast in the morning. Going through the highlights together in the comfort of our suite. To me, that's bliss.=)

I'm thankful everything went so smoothly during the wedding, love the compliments i have gotten from my dresses, love my entourage! Love all the speeches, love the little flower girls.

I'm thankful, and now, i'm looking forward to really settling down with my husband.
There's another found meaning and knowing we are now linked togher more than ever.
We plan with each other in mind. I love that. I love how understanding he has been. And i really need to put this down in words, because i know it wont be long when i will lash out at him. My poor hub.

I love that he respects my decision, even though they may be costly and wrong. I'm unable to put it into words how thankful i am for him. How, i have mishandled situations in this wedding and how he has put things right, even though i like to be the one who claimed the credits. Shame on me.

I hope we will continue to grow strong as a couple.

( side note: cant wait for the professional actual day pics)

For the special folks in my life

2011-05-12T23:16:00.000+08:00

Create your own free invitation card

Wedding blues

2011-04-05T08:06:00.000+08:00

It's been some time since and I came here & to think the blog would be something about wedding blues- one of the rare few bouts actually.

Many thoughts running through my mind- mostly negative, making me feel worse about the way I handled the situation this morning at breakfast.

Before I read back and forget what this post is about, no, it's not about Allan and me. It's about the wedding cakes. Rather, the wedding snacks/ treats which the bride's family would request from the groom's.

It's actually a really small matter if you asked me, hence I wondered how it got blown up of proportions and how it affected me more than anyone else. I believed, my parents would have sorted this after I head to work. They may be pissed with each other but not for long, as the two will head towards the kopi-tiam to meet their breakfast pals.

I guess what bothered me was: me assuming I am of no wrong, assuming the cakes were their duties when I chided my mum for trying to segregate her half from my dad's. Isn't it the same?aren't we a family and should take responsibility for each other?

Another thing, how relatively laid-back my family ( me includes) is compared to allan's. The stark comparison was revealed to my mum this morning and I can't help but feel she does feel the pressure with each day. And yet, while trying to be understanding about this, I too, have another school of thought- aren't people around me supposed to relieve me of whatever stress I have? Gosh, talk stressed because I'm not stressed. Stressed because of the apparent easy attitude and worried the looming hiccups that may happen because of my overlook.

I feel better writing this out, releasing some thoughts and negativity. At least i think I can wear a half hearted smile now and take in more as I prepare to reach work.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Pray for patience

2011-01-03T08:03:00.001+08:00

My first post of 2011 and the first word I use in my blog post: pray.

Since I'm not exactly the most religious person around, I'm somewhat starlted by this.

Praying to me, is very individual. You whisper a prayer, u keep it within you, sending the message up to some greater powers above, willing it to come true seeking strength from the knowledge that heaven is listening.

I like to think, it's a commitment. It's something personal but you're sharing it with someone you seek to be greater than you and in so, it add importance to hold on, to stay focused and ultimately believe it will fulfil.

I remember the story of evan almighty. When one prays for patience, does one actually receives patience? Or the opportunity, where patience is tested? I think I have been trial a few occassions this year, and yes, while I know it's only the 3rd morning of the brand new year, I can't help but think I've started on a slightly wrong note.

I need to be more understanding to the hub. He's trying despite not looking that way. He has displayed more patience towards me when my angry words lashed out, often without consequences. And when I feel he has the chance to lash back at the same thing i was angry about, nope, he did no such thing. Well, maybe he didn't realize that!

My point: I need to be patient, to understand, to be there and not just be "fair" .

Sorry hub, you're probably surprised reading this, knowing ur chilli padi spits fire and hardly there to cool things let alone, apologize when everything is now fine.

:) hugs :)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Last Friday of 2010 (NYE)

2010-12-31T08:31:00.002+08:00

And with the last day of 2010, it seems almost obligatory to do a year's review and expectations for the new year.

I remember blogging on the last Wednesday of 2009. I was also on this bus. On the way to work. My most reflective quiet moment. That 35-40 mins bus ride on the expressway. I was always able to get a seat as I board at the 2nd bus stop from the interchange. :)

And before I continue to digress yet again, yup 2010. These are some of the highlights off my head:

1. Got married
2. Went to the United States of America ( Minnesota, Texas, Atlanta) for almost a month.
3. Road trip with Hanwen
4. Scaled Mountain Kinabalu: 4902 km I think. With my sister, brother, clara, may, Meryl
5. Went Tokyo for price negotiation with supplier.
6. Started dog photography- Junior & Nemo
7. Promotion at work.
8. Tried on my first bridal gown
9. Drove alone to outlet malls in Austin, Texas
10. Went tubing at lake, stayed in caravan!

I couldn't quite think of anything else so I have to stop listing.

Personal development wise, I don't find myself better this year. I would want to better improve on that . Tho, I think this is highly subjective and there are no quantifiable metrics involved.

Moving forward, I still have 2 major projects I can think of:

a) doing up our apartment! This alone is a huge project

b) sky -diving! ( my plan to complete before I'm 30 or lose my guts, which ever comes first)
my big plan to complete these 3 things before hitting 30: diving, mountain climbing, sky-diving!

c) our wedding.

d) save money!! This used to be my new year resolutions when I was a kid. This, along with love my family more with each day! Funny how I seem to put it behind as I grew older. Okay! :) time to put them back on!

That should sum up my year end thoughts and hopes for 2011.

Happy new year, hooey! May you grow wiser in 2011. Love and understand more.

(Lake travis sunset, Austin)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Excitement seeing something for the first time!!

2010-12-09T08:14:00.000+08:00

Yup, despite me taking on a rather last minute, rather nonchalant attitude towards this wedding preparation, I'm pleasantly surprised to know I'm looking forward to seeing my custom-made bridal gown!

Yes, I have not done much wedding planning posts, and I reckon if I don't start blogging at least on this importAnt milestone in every gal's life ( most girl's life), the next thing I know... It's over!

So yup, like a girl meeting a date for the first time, I'm smiling and excited to see what the designer has come up! Of cos, it's probably not fully complete but I am really looking forward to the visit to the bridal studio later! Not so much of planning the design of my evening gown tho.... Abit hopeless. Know not what I want. (spoken like yoda)

Tata!

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My year's performance matrix

2010-11-16T08:20:00.000+08:00

As it's time for me to do my work's evaluation for the year, tallying the score which, will ultimately affect my performance bonus, I sat on the ride to work thinking, how I have performed in my life for the chapter of 2010.

It's easier to write down my contributions and discuss about projects done for work as we each spend a siginificant half if not more of our waking hours in it. So much so, our identity has taken on, evolved from who we are at work, what we do rather than what we can be as a person.

I got the red little book yesterday. I thought and I want to do a score card for 2010 and start a new metric for 2011.A conscious effort just like what I do for work. And when it's reminder time from HR to do my appraisal, I will take it as my cue to review my score card.

More often than not, I am influenced by what others think.

The Asian pride is in me. Do well, but not too well that you outshine and feel uncomfortable.
It's lonely at the top, don't go up there even if you could.

Complain if that's the team's culture and not yours. If u can't convince u join.

These are all going against what I have been working towards.

I'm optimistic because I want to and it makes me happy rather than dwell in the heaps of work and unhappiness. Like what colin turner said in "born to succeed"- " happiness involves having the courage to live in the life you chose for yourself. Becoming what you really want to become and doing what you really want to do is available through your freedom of choice"

In a way, it can be that I love myself and my life too much to spend it frowning. And for that, I am thankful. I like to spread tis knowledge to others because it makes me happy.

So that I got thus mindset( not to sound too preachy) I need to establish my goals, coz knowing myself, this self-fed mentality will not last long if there are not actions and goals to sustain and grow my happiness.

Hmmmm these are the 14 mins of my thoughts for today.:)

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Eat, pray, love

2010-10-26T22:41:00.000+08:00

I know people have told me how this show has gotten bad reviews and how it's not worth watching.

Despite so, I decided to still pursue and watch it with one of my fav gals in the world- Von teng. She too, is a Julia fan and was one of the enthusiastic few when I suggested watching it.

It too has dawned on me that I have not done a movie review for a long while and with my recent solemnization ceremony just two days ago, I have quite a few thoughts in my head.

First and fortmost, I'm married. Somehow, I find myself whispering that in my head these few days. As though I'm testing the words, figuring the words in my head, piecing them together and now writing it out together. Formalizing it.

Yup, married to Allan as mrs lim. It's strange, unfamiliar and yet, it feels secure. Weird sensation at times. We both feel a little pressure, a little nervy. I knew that's how Allan felt cos I chanced upon his message to his boys. Saying despite the pressure, there's more joy than stress, cos it helps knowing that I'm going to be one going along the path with him. ;) *smiling with my liver*

We like the ceremony. We love the music, the settings and how comfortable it made us and most of our friends feel. We love all our friends' wishes and gifts, gracing our ceremony with their presence was really special already.

I can't wait for gilbert's pictures to see the other sides of the day I've missed out which he's captured.

Oh, my first task as mrs Allan: learn to play dota. Using crystal maiden.:p

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Emotions

2010-09-28T08:06:00.001+08:00

"I was made to thread the water, and now I have gotten in too deep"

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Changed Look: The Blog

2010-09-05T20:14:00.004+08:00

Thinks it's time the blog takes on a new look as i start to prepare to embark a new phase in my life- Marriage.

Yesterday marks a really interesting, thought-provoking event as the fiance and I attended the Pre-Marriage course. I added in my facebook profile that i felt like " Mr and Mrs Smith" because we spent 8 hours on this couch with the counsellor/ expert, let's call him Mr X, who asked us questions, exploring our relationship, view points, making us share some personal, intimate details.

I guess Mr X is now the 3rd person in the world who knows more about us other than us.

If there's one key take-away from the course, it would be...remember: "you sacrifice yourself, not for the other person, but for the relationship"

If i ever find myself in a situation where i have to compromise, do not think it's because i've lost and the other party's won, you do so.. because of the relationship, not because of him vice versa.

Whatever we do from now on, it's all for the good for the relationship.

The moment we say " i do", we are one. We were two individuls, but we are now going to do everything, discuss everything as one.

We do have certain agreements as a couple when we did the questionaire/ personality tests.=)

What the Mr X really appreciate about allan is that, when asked why he doesn pick up a quarrel or why he doesn flare up when i may seem unreasonable, the reason allan gave, was :
" it's not i couldn continue the quarrel, or rebutt her to win the argument, I just dont see the value in prolonging the fight, or making her upset further, when it's some small issue"....

I teared for the 2nd time i hear this. I teared the first time i heard this when he first said that to me in the car not too long ago, when i was worried about him, having not really flared up at me before, was thinking aloud if he might just be a dormant volcano and i will have no idea what he's really after marriage. *finger crossed*

That's where Mr X, nodded in agreement and added " Pick your fight". Do not choose to fight all the time and win for the sake for winning. Conflicts are bound to be present, but if you must fight, Fight for something meaningful, not petty stuffs.

He has his flaws, I had mine, but knowing he's going to be the one who's going to tolerate me for the rest of my life, makes me feel thankful.

I also noted, in the course of this relationship, more often than not, i find myself wanting the fiance to improve this, to improve that. And yet, one thing i'm so appreciative of him is that, he never asks for me to really change, although he do has his fair share of complaints for me. He's concerned about my health, some of my eating habits, but all in all, he really appreciates me for who i am.

We might not be prepared to know everything that's coming our way, but we covered some grounds? Some scope of what marriage encompass and while we dont fully complement each other, ( we even failed in some aspects, if you based on figures), it's assuring to know, even after Mr X's blunt discussions and questions, scary facts, statistics, after sharing some really personal experiences, we were still smiling at each other, Freaked by some stuffs, but still hand-in hand as we left the centre.

And like the movie in Evan Almighty ( which i'm watching as i blog), even when your partner can confuse you with some bizzare actions, words; even when your partner seems to be going through some tough times, when times are hard.. stay by him/ her. A famly stays together no matter what, and be supportive of each other.

Quote from the movie: "When someone pray for patience, do you think God gives them patience, or does he give them the opportunity to be patience?"

Very meaningful.

Gosh, I think this can be my wedding vows if i continue my train of thoughts...

******

Wedding Update:
a) Bridal Package- Settled
b) ROM Make up- Settled
c) Photography - not yet
d) ROM Dress- not yet
e) Music - not yet
f) Readiness- <50%
g) Mental Strength- climbing up!=)

My very thoughts-ful day

2010-08-29T21:50:00.002+08:00

I have been staring in this page, when i've been trying to gather all my thoughts all day and then convince myself that i will be fine after releasing all these inner-thoughts from my head.

Ok, now to take a pause from these and go down to get a milk. Be right back.

Back from my short walk to the convenience store.. and thought it would be best to summarize my thoughts for today.

1) Integrity seems to be everything..
2) I miss my hall life
3) As one grows older, one has lesser friends to meet up and hang out with
4) A hug is all that is make me feel better...
5) Toasting to a cup of milk with your loved ones at the end of the day, him with his soya milk, me with my chocolate milk. A way to make those blues away.=)

Love,

Hooey

Austin thoughts

2010-07-29T21:40:00.002+08:00

it's 8.41 am now, and i'm at a free internet kiosk at the Austin International Airport. Sad they dont offer free wifi, cos i would be able to settle into a comfy spot with my laptop, and not standing with my neck all strained with my bags beside me. Ha, but i should not complain as the ride to the airport was smooth and i was able to return the rented car without much hassle. Grateful.

Just that i got in here way too early, andit's 2 more hours before my flight to Atlanta! Last leg of my US trip, beginning of my holidays!

I just log on facebook but was unable to find anyone online to chat. I bought a DVD to watch in the event i got bored but i left it in the check in bag. Duh!

And i know i probably will not be able to hog the kiosk for too long. Actually, no one is around, but tmy legs cant take it much longer. On the other hand, i'm afraid i fall asleep!

Mylast night in Austin was great. Oliver showed me around Down Town Austin. We hiked around Town Lake. It was just so relaxed and the sights were so pretty. We then went on to see dinner at TGIF near the bridge where we were able to watch for Bats! Yes, there's a colony of Bats living in downtown Austin and people from all over the world gather to watch them as they fly out of the bridge just moments after sun set. However, as the summers' daylightwas long, it was rather dark and late n=by the time the bats came out.

And top it all, i had the chance to breeze through sixth street checking out Texas music as Oliver drove me back to my hotel. All in all, i'm so glad i've kinda completed the key things/ highlights of Austin Texas and add in those nature charms. I like seeing folks jogging around the town lake, known as ladybird lake. I lilke seeing dogs running after their owners. Owners playing fetch with their dogs, people training for their marathon, kids playing in the green green grass, folks rowing their canoes, kayaks and race boats, cyclists, different birds chirpping. Gosh, it was a great feeling to be in the midst of all these. at that instance, i felt i was part of it all, and yet, also an observer. It's incredible.

And let's not forget the sunset. i love the sunset in Austin. I love sunset fullstop. However, Austin offers a great view, and as you just watch sunset each day, you cant help appreciating life and mother nature in all it's glory. No matter how busy, and tired, homesick one may be, watching the sunset just makes me feel at ease. at least for me. =)

Well well, i haveabout 1.5 hours to go. Wish me luck as i end this post.

Live Well,Laugh Often, Love Lots.

US thoughts.. while in USA

2010-07-25T05:40:00.004+08:00

So, i'm blogging from Austin hotel right now, on a Saturday late afternoon after my lunch with Joe.

This is a lovely place i've gotten, with its own stove, oven and dish-washer ( which i didnt even notice until i spoke to my parents on skype and shared with them via web-cam). So much for being domesticated huh.

So, i'm into my third week in USA. My first trip to USA so far. And it's been great! Some of the highlights include:

1) Watching a Major League BaseBall Game ( Twins vs Cleveland)

2) Camping at a lake in a Proper Camper, having Smores over a fire, tubing in the lake ( Knife's River)

3) Dipping my feet in cold water of Lake Superior ( the World's Largest Fresh water lake)

4) Hike at Gooseberry Falls State Park

5) Shopping at Albertville ( Minnesota Outlet Malls)

6) Dining at the docks beside the river at StillWater

7) Feed seagulls at Duluth ( USA's major port)

8) Meeting my key suppliers (those global accounts based in USA)

9) Went to a USA Casino.

And then in Austin:

10) Drove an hour ( alone) to San Marcos Outlet Malls-voted 3rd for Best Shopping place in the World... I stayed there only an hour ( need strong discipline) and then drove less than an hour back. => no GPS

11) Meeting alot of US colleagues whom i've usually just emailed, heard about and never personally met. It's really nice to put a face to a name now, and to share some stuffs outside work.

And it comes to my attention that alot of these colleagues, or US folks are really very close-knitted to their family (you will never fail to see their kids photos on their desk, their wall, and they will bring their kids up in conversation, about their spouse, things they are going to do during the weekend).. it's nice.

It's common for folks here to move about states. So one can grow up in say... Boston, and move to Chicago to study, and then California to work, and then settled down in Austin, for example. Or born in Wisconsin and worked in Minnesota... So, everyone is very adaptable to different cultures, environment, which to me, is not that bad an idea.

When exchanging some information about ourselves, i'm simple. I'm born and grew up in Singapore. I will get married in Singapore, and will probably stay in Singapore. Joe asked me a question if i had plans to stay elsewhere, since i was going that Singapore is a small place, my day trip today, would have seen me up to Johore at least.

And when he asked me that, I was telling him, even tho Singapore is a really small place, we tend to take alot of things for granted, like the safe environment, the politically stable country, the convenience, public transport, and of course, my family.... * side note: Chicago is encountering heavy rain, flash foods as i'm blogging*

I've always been homey. Even if i like to travel, and now, there's more. I miss Allan alot more too. He's just like family to me now, and i really appreciate his concern, checking on me when i was out driving today alone to San Marcos on HWY 183, IS 35. He actually gone through the route with me last night via Google Map. He called me when i was in Kate Spade this morning to check that i got there safe.=)

And i told him quite a few times this trip, that i think i had it with the work travelling bug. I used to envy those who travel to USA, nice places for long periods. I think it's nice if you have your loved ones with you, but if not, it can be quite lonely, haha, but he doubt my words saying i will eat back my words in a few months.

I used to ponder, why married couples need to stay together, i mean if one finds a job somewhere else for 6 months, why the other half will need to unroot and move together.

It's like: why cant they just be like what they used to do as boyfriend girlfriend, maintaining a long distance relationship. ( i mean granted they dont have kids)... Furthermore, if they are married, they are probably more mature and stable to be able to handle long-distance as compared to young folks who's still probably in the fun, drifting mindset.

However, i start to have a feel for what it's like to be that apart.

Especially when it's totally drastic timezones differences ( in this case 13 hours because of day-light savings). It' requires time and energy to arrange skype meetings to talk, to catch up and be a part of each other's life even tho we're apart).

When you grow older (well, i'm starting to feel this), the need for dependency, the knowledge that there's someone there, really there for you and you're his priority, really calms one down even when one's flustered. Knowing there's someone who's on the lookout for you, who wants to know exactly what's happening, where you're staying, what you're doing. I feel safe just knowing that, even if he's not around. Security without physical presence. I cant quite explain.

I just feel i've been on a fast track ride this trip. Seeing colleagues who are few years older than me, seeing folks 1-2 decades older than me, and how family is a strong foothold for who they are. These folks have a passion for life outside work, be it gardening, be it fishing, i have also met this lady who's into farming, cutting wood in the summer.. mowing the lawn.

They take their kids to baseball games, play baseball with them, they go to drive- in with their family ( have a grill and bbq ready beside their car) ( i almost done that if not for the Stormy saturday!).

It's like as tho, they are sharing with me, what' life will be like down the road. No doubt, no one wants to spend the whole Saturday chopping wood. ( not if you have like 80 acres of land).

Or it can be the father who's taking his MBA, who's preparing his kids for a stay over with their cousins, taking them to swim.

And you know what?... I'm looking forward to life. =) To every new day that's i have to make it worthwhile so that looking back, i will have great memories as well!

Love

2010-07-05T08:11:00.000+08:00

There are so many types of love.

Bitter sweet, sweet, candid, undying, endearing, soul-matey, glamorous ... The list goes on.which type do you share with your partner?

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Wishing, and hoping, and praying, and Thinking

2010-06-19T20:30:00.007+08:00

Wow, came in and realized it's been about 4 months since i last blog. Or could it be more than a year?

Nope, just check and yup, it's been a mere 4 months but alot has happened. At least to me.

I'm pleased to note there are people who comment on my blog. Thanks! It's nice to read them and i think part of it just inspires one to continue making one's thoughts visible, readable.

Not sure what sparks me to start blogging again, but I've always enjoyed reading my old posts. So i guess, the main motivation is that i'll never lose sight of myself. Oh so cliche... one might say, but hey, these are mine to own.

Have only started proper wedding preparation since the last few weeks, I've always envisioned taking some snapshots during the preparation. Thought it will give me a warm feeling when i look back on the preparation work, the hassle, the fun, the liaising, the frustration even. Good to note them down, however, it's just so much harder when you're the first person. So weird to be taking pictures for e.g while discussing stuffs with the banquet manager? Haha, or trying the bands?

Allan has been great for the past few weeks. He's the one liaising with all the necessary, doing the follow-up as i've been really tied up at work, coupled with the possible prospects of getting a new job. (which I turned down the final interview). I turned down because i didnt want think this job would be something i want to pursue. It got me thinking if i'm starting to settle into comfort zone and hence was hesitant with the many changes that might be coming my way.

However, once i made my mind about the job, I was able to focus on the Project - our wedding.

There's always a little princess, in every girl. Well, i guess I didnt fall out of that. it's fun, but tiring.

Although i have never dreamt about my wedding when i was 10 or 16, like all girls, I thought of a beautiful event when it's time to plan.

Beautiful, not in the sense glamourous,

Beautiful, not in the sense Colourful,

Beautiful, not in the sense of Luxurious,

Beautiful, not in the sense of everything pretty

Beautiful, not in the sense of all things rich.

Beautiful, in the sense of smiles and grins so wide

Beautiful, in the sense of flower girls running down the red carpet

Beautiful, in the sense of sweetness of invites, favours and flowers

Beautiful, in the sense of excitment of close friends and family

Beautiful, in the sense bringing my bridal mag to share with the girls and we having a good time just jotting new ideas, dresses.

Beautiful, in the sense of trying out my very first gown (with my mum), and sharing that thought with closed ones

Beautiful, in the sense of couple deciding on things both big and small

Beautiful, in the sense of checking the wedding band, and having the customer service laughing at him because of his weird sense of humour

(the same happened with the lady at the hotel, what to say.. i have a funny fiance)

Beautiful, in the sense of sharing ideas and themes ( if any) with the photographer ( him, being surprisingly quiet but smiling as we browsed through the portfolio)

Beautiful, in the sense how wedding tend to bring out others' sharing their experiences ( the manager, the photographer)

Beautiful, in the sense how inspirations, thoughts coming your way as you share (sharing them over phone conversations, through photographers, planner)

Beautiful, in the tears that may flow as emotions are bared

Beautiful, in the sense music's in the air ( especially when we spend an hour or two just listening to tracks, and reminscing on songs that meant something)

Ultimately Beautfiul, in the sense of bringing my closest one together leading to our eventful day.

Every little thing now leading to the event is beautiful. Yup, not necessary smooth-going, but there's a sweet rustic charm. Knowing, this will be the first and only time you will planning something so meaningful and sharing it with those who matters.

Shibuya breakfast (post dated)

2010-02-09T08:30:00.000+08:00

At a mac outlet in Tokyo shibuya.correction: macdonalds outlet. Alone. My plan is to have my breakfast. And hit the day shopping. Cos shopping is suitable for a lone person. It's flexible timing so you can stop as and when u like.

I have to head back to hotel early tonight for a teleconference or u could perhaps try some sightseeing. Darn, I left the map in the hotel.

Just wanna add: people here are purposeful. Image: old mAn with red writing scribblings on newspaper. Using an electronic dictionary. With book and specs beside him.

Random thoughts:
Japanese crows. Big. Wonder if they met Singapore crows.

Like the concept of airport limousine bus.

Charcoal in water. Vendor machine dispensing coupons. No receipt for dinner.

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Books on a Saturday

2010-01-16T10:45:00.002+08:00

Are we what we read? If so, what does these tell about me? A snapshot of my bookshelf . Rather untidy, as I haven't got the space.

Looking forward to the family trip in less than a month!

Side note, here is the luxurious brunch at mimolette after my hike with my hiking buddies aka my siblings ( haha, the first trip to bukit timah).

My breakfast eggs benedict.

January is turning out to be smooth and nice.

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Sweets of the past?

2010-01-03T16:28:00.001+08:00

On the way to join Allan for a jog when I was feeling for a taste. Something sour. Something cold. Something spicy . A tub of cold shredded sour mango topped with chilli and light sauce came to mind.

However, I know I am not going to find there anywhere soon and had to, hence, settle for sweets. Sour sweet. I used to buy those candy that is wrapped in foil and a yellow label. The hard sour kind, but not many places carry them already. Only those sugar coated kind which... Ain't really my kind.

So, I third settled for this.

Which I took a picture in case, one day it's extinct too. Me and my ramblings. Enjoy the sours!

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Bus tune on last Wednesday of 2009

2009-12-30T08:35:00.001+08:00

'Cause you give me something
That makes me scared, alright
This could be nothing
But I'm willing to give it a try
Please give me something
'Cause someday I might know my heart

Hooey glancing out as she nods with the song.

Year end typically strikes me more than year start.

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Last Monday of 2009

2009-12-28T08:27:00.001+08:00

"have yourself a merry little Xmas"

I dunno why this song kept coming back to my head even tho it's 3 days past xmas.

I always envisioned this song with a quiet snowy scene. One perhaps walking along the ice lake with the woods on the other side. Looking around, with somewhat a lonely feel to it, yet reminding oneself to be cheerful for it's Xmas. And then, the Christmas carols can heard further up the path. A Cosy looking home with Xmas lighting seen through the window panes. ..

Have yourself a merry little Xmas day.

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Hearing/listening

2009-12-16T08:21:00.001+08:00

Perhaps I should not put a slash between the 2. Both obviously different meaning though they use the same function.

It just seems overtime, I had the 2 mixed up. And now, I have been reminded how I haven really been doing the latter.

I know, habits happen because of repeatability. Good or bad, they take form once it's started and gains momentum.

If you stopped listening, you might just not get the chance to. If you just hear, the other can sense you are not listening, and might just grant you your wish of not sharing. And all you hear eventually, is just silence.

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Public commute

2009-12-11T18:15:00.000+08:00

My whole entire entry about public commute was erased with a phone call.

Cut the story short. I missed Tokyo. I miss the quiet when one shuttles.

It's not all about giving up your seat only and
blabbering, complaining loudly, playing games with the sounds full blast.

It's also giving peace to your fellow commuters. Being understanding with one's words or rather silence along with actions.

Way to work - Monday

2009-11-16T07:52:00.000+08:00

Expressway is smooth. Air con a tad too cold with condensation forming a bit patch on the window panes.

Feeling normal, no signs of monday blues kicking in which is rare and nice. Recalled mum chidding me for not having seen me for the past 2 days. Busy little bee.

Yes, I do feel disjointed here. I like to attribute it to the fact that it's Monday rather than that I 'm getting old and uninterested altogether. Surely my thoughts would have materialize into actions and in place, comes newer, fresher thoughts?

Been hanging out alot with the girls, tcc, justians, even when I'm not physically with them, I will be uploading pics. Looking at pics of them. And now, it seems my primary school girls has caught up. Thanks to cand who dug up hideous yet pricless pics of yesteryear. She's so great with scrapbooking that I have no doubt she will turn those yellowish tinge of geeky snapshots to great master pieces.

I'm half way to work now. The cold has settled in and we are off the expressway.

Let's see if there is any mini goals I like to set for this week.
1. Practice the guitar.6 weeks left. Let's target 2 chords. Smooth transition required before passing for this week.

2. I think a trip down to salvation army is necessary. Like Sisi mentioned: I'm hopeless with my wardrobe. My clothes are now hanging off the window grills.

I think 2 goals are sufficient for now. Let's kill the cows a step at a time.

P/s: embarrassed to admit, but it's true for me. It feels good to be engaged.Nothing has changed. Just a ring on the finger, and a promise which both work to fulfil in a lifetime. It would be nice if the guy gets an engagement token as well. Hmm... Wonders.

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5 mins of bliss

2009-10-26T08:01:00.000+08:00

Dear came to see me while I was preparing to leave home for work on Monday morning.

There was only time for him to send me to bus stop from my block.

He told me ( over the phone ） that his brother's fan got locked in the cabinet and there were no keys.

I heard : his brother's friend got locked up in the cabinet with no keys. Instanteously tot of joey locked in his tv cabinet.

Shared with dear, we had a gd laugh. And there I was at my bus stop.

And there was : my 5 mins of bliss.

And somehow, you know : this is going to be a great week because of how it started.

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The day I said " yes "

2009-10-20T07:44:00.001+08:00

To what may be the most important question in my life : 19 oct 2009

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Shanghai - Hangzhou ( rather disjointed blog)

2009-10-19T14:35:00.012+08:00

It's a hot Monday afternoon, I do not have luxury of having off-in lieu, so it's kind of a forced leave today, which i did not mind, having spent the last 8 days or so in Shanghai.

I had lots to unpack, lots to organize, photos to upload, memories to update. That is perhaps, the most tedious part of travelling - - the post moterm, and the re-settling back to your current lifestyle, work, place.

A couple of highlights from this trip==

One of the things which bugged me initially and which i've gotten better with practice was explaining/ repeating to people that i'm alone.

Eg: ( all in Mandarin)
At the cafe: Table for how many?
ME: 1
Waiter: 1 only?
Me: Yup, 1 Only
Waiter: ( glances around to confirm)
Me: Yup I'm alone

Or...
At the Taxi Stand queuing:

Group of guys (GOG): Miss, alone taking the cab?
Me: yup
GOG: That's so not economical, why dont we share?
Me: No, thanks
GOG: Where are you going? Maybe it's on the way?
Me: I doubt so.
GOG: Why are you alone?
Me:... * feign ignorance*

OR....
At the river cruise:
Boat man: How many of u miss?
Me: 1
Boat man: 1 only?
Me: Yup
BOat man: Want to book the boat?
Me: No thanks
Boat Man: Then you got to wait
Me: okay.. ( sits on boat and wait) While he questions why i'm alone at West Lake...

OR EVEN....
at the conference:
3mmer: When you heading back?
Me: 17 Oct
3mmer: Visiting Supplier??
Me: Heading to Hangzhou
3mmer: With your boss?
Me: No.. alone
3mmer: Alone?? a girl?

*Explains again...*

Anyway, back to the highlights!
1. Ventured out alone in the streets of Shanghai, the bund, had a nice cuppa coffee

2. Queuing up for cabs with the locals ( at night in Shanghai, and day at Hangzhou Train station)
3. Tried Beef Stomach ( would never have done that in Singapore)

4. Had 3 shots of Chinese Rice Wine (Lethal: 53% Alcohol Content)

(photo courtesy of Kristin, who insisted i drink (can see the flushed face) I believe, the arm behind me belongs to Brian.

5. Followed by chinese massage after that (Masseurs commented that we reek of alcohol)

The Chemical & Polymer Folks From Left: (representing US, China, Singapore), Mr Korea is still stuck at his massage. All of us with our messy hairdo.

6. KTV with Managing Director
7. Our bus got a traffic violation ticket from the Police (having drove into the wrong One-way Street)
8. Boss concocted Gin-tonic for me
9. Learnt a little about pearls

10. Tried Nan-Xiang Xiao Long Bao
11. Took Train to Hangzhou alone (with no itinerary in mind, except to go West Lake)

Ticket: Checked

Secured Seat: Checked

Breakfast?: Checked (got Hotel to pack a breakast bag for me since i left hotel at 5.30aM!)

Self Portriat as i enter the 1st class Cabin! WooYOO.

12. Made a friend (this lady from Hei Long Jiang) while cruising West Lake in the afternoon. So i was just quiet for the whole morning at West Lake. Haha.

There's May! A very bubbly girl who travelled on her own, she vistied Xiamen before making her way to Hangzhou, she was in Hangzhou for 2 days on her own now and boy, were we glad to have found each other for company as we cycled along West Lake. I rem a guy commenting on the bus (he overheard our conversation, cant help as the bus was crowded) (yes, May taught me how to take the public bus (it cost only 2 Yuan (Slightly over 40 cents)) that both of us are so detailed in trying to learn out more about each other as we chatted about our families, our work, our schooling system, our vegetable costs.. Yes (vegetable costs).
My rented bicylce. May teaching me how to lock.. Of cos, i wasn paying much attention.

Morning scene on a Friday Morning.

Self-Peddle Boats.

13.Took a Stranger's car ride up to Long Jing Mountain to buy Long Jing Tea Leaves ( negotiated fare: 10 Yuan equivalent to about slightly more than 2 SGD)

14. Cycled around West Lake

15. Made a few international friends ( all 3Mmers), actually we all corresponded through emails some point in time, but it's really nice now, to be able to put a face with the name.

Was really fortunate to be able to go for this trip, to meet and learn from the commodity leaders. I really enjoyed myself, and never knew that i would explore anywhere alone ( in China).

Having called my mum ONLY after i reached Hangzhou station that i will be spending the night there alone. ( Her reaction was mixed, worried and at the same time surprised that i was capable of doing that! I guess all the while, she assumed i was just thinking aloud, not intending to do that since i did not make any plans or research whatsoever).
*****************************************

Back to Shanghai's 1st Night:

I really enjoyed myself on my first night, having reach the hotel at about 6pm, i settled down and left the hotel at about 8 pm to ask for recommendation of where to go at the bund for dinner!

I reached the river, and i just started snapping away, as i reckon ( once my boss, my boss's boss is here in Shanghai, there's probably alot of entertaining and meetings, and other obligated visits), and i took like hundreds of pictures that night? No doubt, i was really silly taking self portraits, much to the amusement of those beside me.

I've never been to Shanghai before this, and the first thing i noticed when i reached was how much constructions were going on, be it residentials, commerical buildings, roads, highways, train lines. All hyped up and scheduled to be read for the World Expo 2010 that's happening in Shanghai next year.

Not sure if i'll have a chance to visit Shanghai for the conference again, i highly doubt so, since i believe, they will send my other colleagues this time.

The pace is fast, it's very modern, it's really safe to take cab anywhere by yourself and the cab fares' relatively cheap.

Video taken on the 1st Night.

This video took me eons to upload onto blogger, but i really wanted to share it, It's not exactly a fanstic video,rather grainy effects . However, I was enchanted if you may, by the violinist and she was also part of the reason i parted with 30 yuan to buy a cup of coffee and sat by the river, enjoying the music in the relatively chilled air in Shanghai. Yes, no doubt, i was feeling alone, but strangely, that was also the nicest part of it as i sat there.

No obligation to check if anyone want to leave for shopping, or wanted to sight-see elsewhere, or wanted to just go indoors because it was cold! It was just me, myself and my trusted camera. Hiaks. Was deliberating whether to bring my DSLR, but mum advised not to since this is afterall, still a business trip and what's a girl lugging so much stuffs? (on hind sight, very wise advice)

Sadly, maybe because there werent much guests outdoor, the very talented and pretty violinist ended her act shortly and took her leave. I too then ventured off else where after watching several boats past me.

(more pictures)

Haha, after taking this shot, i was thinking to myself: This is my 3rd Tower Shot i took this year. I had one at Tokyo, one at KL and the 3rd in Shanghai!

Pearl TV Tower?
KL Tower. ( I just took the pic from fB, hence the small pic)

Tokyo Tower.

*** to be continued.

Apple post

2009-10-09T00:04:00.000+08:00

My 1st blog on iPhone. Gotta get used to it. Excited bout impending shanghai trip.

"women your age"

2009-10-01T17:34:00.002+08:00

What is that magic age when one changes from being flattered to flattened hearing "women your age"?

Maybe Magic is not the best word for it, since it's heading for the negative reaction instead of wonderful concoctation.

Am I at that trigger age already? Or perhaps, still a few years to play with before i hit the big "3"0.

To me, it's really not a big deal, it's part of the fun, acting as tho it matter so much, that you wish time will just creep, or better still, for ever 2 years forward you move back 4 years backwards. This way, you gain the wisdom, and lose the wrinkles.

I'm down the garden flu. That's what my doc said. And pretty much bed-ridden. Psychologically, i feel i'm getting sick more easily than i did in previous years. Mum said i lost the fighting spirit.

Yesterday, when i was at the clinic, i saw this girl who was waiting outside the clinic along with the rest of us who formed a small queue. She was pacing up and down, dragging her slippers in her AJC PE-Tshirt and carrying a laptop with some notes. She gave out this negative vibe as though she's frustrated.

So when the clinic opened, we all walked in, and she actually cut my Queue. Without any shame. She took her card and placed at the counter when i have done so. The lady over the counter asked "Who's next?"

She actually said "me". Much to the first couple (who got queue #1)'s surprise. So that AJC girl got #2, and i got #3.

I cant be bothered to fight it out with her, although i was pissed myself. And then i found out she was from T$%% ( a wafer fab company). She's actually working!

When i told Allan this, he was like "what made you think she was younger?", and to my surprise, i told him " I guess, i started noticing more people younger than me now ".

That's the truth.

A night of sheer coincidences

2009-09-23T22:12:00.003+08:00

I was on my way back to the north east line from Dhoby Gaut north south line when i saw a friend who recently got married. No, i wasn invited to her wedding, as we arent really close. And secondly, i knew she was married recently because i saw her facebook.

She was on the phone smiling sweetly. It was about 7 ish pm and i was thinking she's probably calling her hubby? In anycase, i did not go up to her and she walked past me, not noticing my presence. At that split second, we crossed path. I knowingly, and she, in the unknown.

I continued my walk to the train, thinking to myself how many of my friends have embarked the married journey, and how many are going to.
"It's that age", i think to myself. People either get married, getting married, or they dont.

It's something you see people doing, and sometimes, you wonder why haven you.

Before i could embark on that train of thoughts, i was interrupted by the approaching train and i boarded.

I took out my book " eat, pray, love" and continued reading. Liz has reached Bali - the third leg of her spiritual journey. And i casted my previous thoughts aside.

As i reached sengkang mrt, i pondered a split sec whether to get fast food(basement) or food court (4th level) for dinner. Yes, one of those days, mum decided not to cook my share and asked me to settle by myself.

As i turned towards the gantry gate to the mall instead of the usual for home, i saw yet, a familiar face.

A face from my past. A face which mattered alot for a good amount of my adult years. He was with a girl, facing the gantry as though about to enter. And i hurried with the crowd, trying to walk away from him in case he saw me, but the other gantries were not for exit, and i had to make my exit with him just inches away in the crowd.

He was talking to the girl beside him. And once again, i passed another familiar face by as i walked way. ...

And then i turned back to look. He was making his way in, and they were going up the LRT. I smiled at the sheer coincidence, never would i have imagined bumping into him at my home MRT station, ends from his place. And what're the odds? This was not my usual time when i reach home. Heck, i dont even alight at the MRT, i alight at the bus stop. And it just happens i wanted dinner hence i head for the gantry at the mall side.

With thoughts in my head, and still seeing him as he board the escalator while taking out his mobile, i whipped out mine immediately as well.

I popped him a msg : "hey, saw you.=)" and left it as that as i walked off..

Seconds later, he called me. We laughed at the coincidence, he told me he was going to visit an old friend with his ex-colleague, a girl from Power Supply, which in fact i knew. And i told him i was going to get dinner, din call out to him in case he was with his gf, whom i quite wanted to see too.

And it ended like that. I smiled at our short exchange. Our 1 short encounter, face to face. I smiled at how often, we let moments like this pass, and how insignificant it may seems. Yet today, it didnt feel insignificant for some reason. It's quite undescribable.

I felt at ease, and it felt good. I wanted to blog it to remember that moment.

How many times have you bumped into a familiar face, dismissing it as just coincidences? I'm a die hard romantic, i like to think people bump into each other through some works of fate. Through some intricate interactions that's way beyond our control.

I bumped into my dear once too, when i was on the way to Outram MRT (North east) from the East West. Back then, i din call out to him too, but i texted him. And it made my day too.

Haha, seems like i always encounter this via MRT interchanges...

Open Water Dive- 11-13 sept 09

2009-09-20T11:37:00.008+08:00

Been wanting to blog about my diving trip. Kept relishing the few days when i woke up to morning skies ( 6ish am), making our way to the communal area, to have our breakfast with droopy eyes, being briefed on our dive before setting out... * still daydreaming*
A pose by the showerheads before setting off.
Instructor briefing us. Giving us the face.. " oei dont take pictures first, listen to me..."

Of course, I did had like my last minute kinda doubts before setting off for the trip.
our scuba tanks. Our comrades we carry.
Things like:
" will i have difficulty equalizing? will i experience extreme pain like i did on the plane?"
" will i run out of oxygen? will i panic underwater? Will i hold my breath?"
" why did i sign up for this?"

However, all these were cast off the moment i depart from Mersing. It's not exactly the most comfortable ride, starting at 12am till about 4ish am? 3 of us girls slept a top deck (one bed), with the boat bumping to the breeze, with the cold sea wind across our faces...

I donned on my socks (the black and red BUM socks) in the middle of the night, as i attempt to cover as much of me as possible with my sweater. Pink socks belonging to meryl, the only lucky girl who escaped unharmed, no bites, no stings, no scratches. erm, nope, if we were to include nose-bleeds, we all bleed for this trip.

I still wear it underwater.. for fear of stings and cuts. And i still kena! In fact, that small exposed area ( as one can see) just above my ankle! My instructor is just pure amazed. And i din even realize! until i kept my scuba tank and saw the blood. Just little.

We will shuttle from sampans to boats, vice versa. Alot of interaction.

2-3 diving groups in sampan. Mostly were NUS students (some enjoying their weekend diving leisure , most of us taking our OW.) A tad cramp, but haha, eye candies for the guys when the ladies don their bikinis.Back in the evening, after dinner, it's sharing of post-dive experiences, chilling over beer for some. For us, it's saboteur after logging down our dives. I enjoy it. Oh, our group ( 5 of us)went on a small hike around the island, to Diver's Lodge. That's me using alternate air source! Trying hard not to hyperventilate as i have the tendency to float up!

That's me clearing my mask, as part of the training.

Practicing some of our hand-signals on land. You will be surprised how useful all these come in, when u cant talk, when u cant express your delight as seeing "NEMO!, DORY!", my buddy and i came up with more hand signals, like" slow down, calm down, feeling high( oxygen toxication), which eventually, we mostly just pat on each other, doing the "ok!" sign.

I so badly wanted to take pictures underwater!! I played with Jellyfish, starfish, saw a few humpheads, a friendly batfish, trigger fish, moray eel!
On our way back, looking all rich and happy.

Diving is not a clean, luxurious kinda sport. It's wet, sandy, tho not very tiring, exhilarating, very interesting kinda sport, as you subject yourself to breathing underwater. I like the fact, everyone who went on the trip had a common purpose, to share their passion, the interest for diving. To have their fill, knowing they will need the energy for the next dive, to have a good rest, knowing they will need to be alert for the next dive. To be well-equipped, watching out for each other. Buddy system.

To navigate using a compass underwater, to help each other out, should one run out of oxygen, to constantly be on the look out, for small or big creatures, to play with the fish as they circle around your legs.

It's a shiok feeling. to hear nothing, but the sound of your breathing... to know how a jelly fish feels likes, how a starfish feels like.

I'm glad i went. One thing off my list. Yeah.

open water dive

2009-09-14T21:17:00.003+08:00

i'm back from under the sea... i wish i have pictures to show.

I love it! it's quite an experience, though it's not all that fun and easy.

you really feel vulnerable as u experience breathing difficulties.. No kidding business.

my personal time.

2009-09-10T15:47:00.005+08:00

I do think a considerable amount of time has lapsed since i last written.

Just as one needs to quiet down, to blank into nothingless in preparation for meditation, i too need a quiet moment, a quiet environment to ease into my thoughts to blog.

Okay, I dont believe my luck, just moments after the previous paragraph, i was interrupted by a call at work. .. And it surprises me alot, how much it matters to me, how fiercely i guard my personal time. Meaning, time alone, and space alone.

Often than not, i find myself alone but in a crowded, loud environment. That to me, does not equate quality self-time. Or if not, i find myself engaged with people in a otherwise quiet place. That however, is a better option than the former.

...Still, i need my time and my space. Like now., but i iwill need to go settle some stuffs for my dive trip this weekend. Been meaning to upload some pictures. GUess i just have to do so in a later time.

**** 2 HOURS LATER;

i;m back. Determined not to procastinate when it comes to my thoughts, i decided t0 resume the moment i hit back home.

A couple of things to share.. 1st: Jeli home-coming trip after 1 year shy of 1 day from her wedding anniversary! yup, we met up with what i can describe, food, simple joy, chats and more chats, laughter and just a game, despite the inital ambitous planning of what we would expect the day to turn out.

the 6 finally unite.

I guess i'm not surprised that we met up at 9.30 am and we ended up chatting till 12ish AM? It was so nice to know although 1 year has passed, somethings still remain the same. The squad is still as crappy ( in the sense, chatty in

two vons posing for the camera while walking

b1 and b2 at cheeky chocs for supper? straight after dinner?

the two scorpion babies taking a shot since jeli will be away on her birthday

Our dessert.

There were talks to go visit her in may 2010. yes, i do know ultimately, if nothing else certain, that yvonne wang and elaine will be there to visit her this time.

I've so many places i want to go but i dont have leave. Darn darn darn...

Anyway, it felt like old times.

I also played with my camera a few days before. Here are some random shots. There aint much things i can take around the house which will make a nice picture to see.. So here's just a few.

Shot #1 grumpy goldie

Shot #2: Oei, Go Away....

Shot #3.... ROARRRRR!!!!!!!

Haha, so happy i was able to take shot 3! All these taken continously while stalking goldie.

Goldie wondering if her twin will ever come out from that glass wall.

Is that a double as well? ? nah, just little pots in my parents'room

Random things on my dressing table. Need to cool? Have an eclipse.

Last but not least, tot i show a shot of what i'm current reading prior to this: for once it's a book that i'm taking my own sweet time to read. Cos, i feel it's abook which you should read when you're in the mood for picturing. It's not one of those stories which you cant put down until u know the ending kind. So, here goes.. a good book to recommend...
For some reason, i could never get the title right.

I told my bro the other day, "eat, play, sleep is good", he gave me a bizzare look, which i then elaborated the book. And he was like... "It's EAT, PRAY, LOVE"...

so much for hooey's interpretation.Hiaks.

So does that mean, play precedes pray and sleep precedes love for me??? wonders in amusement.

Frankly, is that bedsheet in the picture awful? i got it at like a 50% discount or something at Aussino, there aint much choices left for Queen Size bed at those prices. My mum commented it looked AUNTY. Gosh.

p/s: booked my air tickets to KK!!! whoppee... next march. It feels different, to know you got a cheap deal for tickets 6 months away.

Praying for a good diving trip!

Random memories

2009-08-13T21:09:00.005+08:00

A shot of cab outside my bus stop where i stood like a TP catching drivers who exceed the speed limit
This reminds me of melbourne...
Seems like yesterday i took a picture similar to this black and white one... years ago
Merlion, after reconstruction.

Mongol + Duplicity

2009-08-08T21:12:00.002+08:00

Recently i watched 2 good shows. And i'm happy to part with my cash and time to watch these 2 movies.

First: Mongol
Rise of Genghis Khan

Second: Duplicity

I'm going to spend more time on Mongol, since i just caught it yesterday, still fresh from my memory.

I'm not sure how much of the movie was taken from real life, but it's a great way to explore into the mindset of Genghis Khan, or Tembujin back in the 1192, the 12th century.

That man has a great threshold, for pain, forbearance, calm, integrity, perseverance and simple rules which eventually he used to conquer half the world.

In those days, those technology rather, tools and he.. one mere man, to conquer half the world....

Just imagine.

* to continue more*

Literally Cock & Bull Story Night!

2009-06-24T22:37:00.003+08:00

What do you know? There is actually a movie made about this.

Some phrase comes about because something happened and people commemorate about it by naming it.

Some find themselves just talking, laughing over good food, and then realizing a metaphor was fulfilled through this ignorant, amused conversation.

Tonight, we had a cock and bull story. Literally.

We started with Eggs.

Salted Eggs= Duck Eggs (do you know?)

Salted Eggs are covered with something black and not white as we see in the market. (do you know?)

Century Eggs = Chicken Eggs (do you know?)

Century Eggs are wrapped with something when sold in markets.

Eggs have shelf life? ((do you know?),they need to be refrigerated.

Then.. came the one million $ question.

How are chicken eggs fertilized?==> @ this pt, vick went to check wiki on his iphone

Does the cock and hen mate?

And then ... Shannie kick start another interesting story.. the 5 legged horse.

yup, a 5 legged horse. Which quickly became a 4 legged horse.Hiaks.

Then i shared " Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe", where he had to help breed a pedigree horse. Hiaks. more laughter follows... as horse do gym apparatus, and human do horse. In a nutshell. All in a really professional scientific way, tho yeah, totally unnatural.

And then of course, we moved to hamster.. Really awfully sexually excited hamsters, hamsters who suffer really severe post natal depressions. Kids who are deprived of milk as mother head straight to the hamster gym aka the "spin wheel".

And then while still figuring out the millionaire question, i talked about thebull theory, how every bull will not have sex with the same cow more than once. That of course, invited even more laughter and hysterical scenarios.

Like....

1) we now understand why Bull are so charged up in bull fighting. Hardly any cows to go around.

2) Does all Bull comes with horns? hey.. Horny. Nvm.

3) HOw does the bull recognize that he has mated with cow A for example? Does he mark the cow's with his horns? Bite? *** then again, my after thought, we wonder because we assume they all looked alike.. but then, just imagine in human case, you will recognize person A right? duh.

4) And if a cow was allowed to enter the RED CLOTH THINGY, they will prob run to it and start milking. Speaking of which, i got reminded of vic talkingabout milking a horse and drinking it. Yucks, not him of course.

Thats where our Howard came up with the ultimate "Cock and Bull" Story!!!! HAHAHHAHAHAA.. amazing right?

okay maybe not so.. but it;s seriously cock and bull.

facebook and tony parson

2009-06-10T22:11:00.005+08:00

Alright, according to my blogger status, my last update was 8may09. Phew, not that i'm tracking, but as far as i know, there has been update every month since this blog ever started. Sure dont wish for a gap month on the archive column. Hate to break that streak.

Maybe one reaches a certain age and one just doesn blog anymore. Taking a break from typing seems so much the easier option. In fact, more often than not, i come online and all i find myself doing is facebooking, just mouse clicks here and there. I'm not even checking personal emails. I reckon, no one really send personal mails now, except for forwarded links, funny you tube videos, spam mails attempting to boost one's libido.

When has personal email become targets for such adverts and spam? Little wonder people turn to facebooking cos it truely reflects what one does online. Be it some personality quizzes to determine your birth number, your actual birth age, your actual secondary school what not.Isnt it strange? Why deem actual, hence insinuating that we are actually living in a "virtual" era? Paradox. Or, to write down how you are actually feeling via status update. "xxxx is( fill in the blanks).... how many hours ago."

And let's not forget the games, and the scores, be it that glorious victory over that friend who topped you just few mins ago, or if you first started and your pathetic score was published.i came to understand you can hide the shame.

Me, i cant seem to get into the hang and momentum of the above 2 activities. Nope, yet to do a single quiz, and yet to play the highly regarded "Bejewelled".I'm just into photos upload. Just like to see photos of friends and strangers.

Quite sad actually if you should ask me, people around me are like hitting 75K in bejewelled, knowing that they should be with what type of person, their desired occupation, their birth number and i know none about myself. I cant really share that with people unless i take the first step to try in facebook,upload applications, take up that quiz. But i just aint into it.

Have i reached that stage? Anyway, i started reading Man and Wife by Tony Parson. Glad to add i really love this man. His way of writing. Its sense of humour and touch of reality makes it a really good read.

I like how there's really no bad guy or good guy in the story. Cos life aint that clear cut black and white. In this story, the main cast Harry Silver plays a romantic man, a good father, a good son, but sadly, * at least this is consistent with most stories we hear about men*, he cheated on his 1st wife, contemplated with cheating on his 2nd wife, thinking of running away with his gf. Sounds like a jerk doesn he?

Not really, when you put yourself in his shoes, that's what Parson is capable of. True feelings, perspectives otherwise left uncovered due to stereotypes, self-centring's views imposed upon us as we grow up.

Some points that strike me fro the book, abit lazy to pick the book up to copy line by line.
**********

When one couple enter a divorce, it's the grandparents that suffers the negligence. Cos, the kid now have to spend time with both parents apart, there's hardly time for the grand pop and grand mom.

I personally love this one-- they only pronounced you anything twice in your life. Once when you are husband and wife, the other when you are dead.

When you're young, its "i love you because i need you", When you're old it is "i need you because i love you". Nothing wrong with either, just that the latter tend to last longer...

The way to keep a marriage going is to keep falling in love with each other.

*******
of course, there were some stand up comedy jokes by Eamon a character in the novel, which i had a great laugh but i could rem any off hand.

Anyway, that's about all i can think of unloading off my mind. Some memories which i'll want to keep. One day, when Facebook is no longer in the fad, i'll be able to relish the days of Facebook applications, "knocking" a few beers off with your friends, sending a gift, "buying" your friends, virtual marriage. And who knows.. a virtual divorce just to complete today's reality statistics.
=p

side note: photography course ending this month.

Flower Pics- Cameron highlands

2009-05-08T12:56:00.011+08:00

Here's some flaura pics taken at Cameron Highlands.

Baby steps to building a portfolio i hope:

Back home with Mum-Ubin

2009-03-20T15:54:00.010+08:00

Just got back from Ubin and cant wait to upload the pics taken on the DSLR. I went this morning with Mum, a lady who grew up in Ubin. One with fond memories of the island, no matter how comfortable life is now compared to then. Back then, she went about in bicycles and boats. No such thing as cars, vans.... Back then, she was a wild young kid who hang out with boys.

It just seems every object in Ubin has a story to tell behind them...

My mum looks thoughtfully at the sign which meant so much to her,

and yup, i took this opportunity to take lotsa pictures today on the newly purchased DSLR (co-owned with sister). Mum became my first model. It was the DSLR's first trip out and frankly, my first time using it, having only read the manual yesterday. Tho i did take quite a few off-focus shots, i'm still proud of my pics...

Rocks you dont really see much back in mainland

Surreal feeling going back to Ubin?

There she goes waving to me. For some absurb reasons, i like this shot of hers, it gives her a young, playing look as she wave, perhaps the ice-cream umbrella helps a little.

My first flower shot taken with DSLR.

Trying to take a self-shot with DSLR. Frankly, much harder to do when the camera is much bigger... haha, not too bad i'll say. We took along the compact camera too to take pictures when we want point and shoot, example when we were on the dirt tracks on our bikes but sigh, i cant upload that cos mum went out again with the camera in her bag...

I thought to myself, it would be great to be a mother like my mum. So free- spirited, so eager to explore. Along the way, i saw parents bringing kids to Chek Jawa as well, that's where we went by the way, we wanted to catch the starfish and corals but the tide timing din work well with us when we reached.

I think it's important to have kids be involved with nature as much as possible when they are younger. Places like the beach, the forest, the village, the zoo. I was so amused, i saw this little boy and his elder sister (prob 5-7 years old) fascinated with giant red ants which they saw on the trail.

I also chanced upon a young couple with 3 kids, the young family apparently was going trekking, and upon seeing the toilet near-by, the young dad said to the kids "Children, wash your hands, eat your muffins and then we can go play"... Very nice feeling to it.

I wanted to do a comparison between using the compact and the DSLR on an identical object, but seriously, to take out the lens fix it on and focus took too much trouble especially when one is cycling. It felt nice tho, just 2 of us, cycling in the woods. Mum sharing some stories of her younger days...

I would love to upload those picture taken on the compact ( took picture of a rubber seed, some nice orange flowers, mum cycling hehe, after all i'm more used to that. And i've still got lots lots to learn with the Dizzie.

A shot taken after the rain. A nice tranquil calm feeling as opposed to the scorching sun earlier on.
Shot taken on the way back home... Mum likes this photo. I liked it too. Maybe alit too bright, but very naturally taken.

Alrighty then, till i get the compact pics.. now it's time to bathe!

The Curious Case of Life

2009-02-26T11:14:00.004+08:00

it's break from work again as i began my Thursday, the 7th day of my 10-day forced leave regime.

So far, my days are pretty fulfilled though i had laid out plans for this week and changed them several times a day.

For today, initial plan was to go sight-seeing, nature photography in singapore, some nature reserve or rainforest. However, the weather seems really hot these days and i've barely recovered from my sun-tan (not voluntary) at Sentosa less than a week ago when i went to recee for teambuilding.

So, i woke up this morning, lazed in bed with my lib book-- a stress-free easy read chick flick book:"Remind me again why i need a man" occupying the double bed, all cosy when i tell myself to get up and start making myself a cup of coffee. No missed call from Parents so they are probably still out at breakfast and i prob gotta settle my own.

So, i made myself a cup of coffee, changed the bedsheets which my sister had repeatedly asked me to, played the album "Faith" on the compo, and started putting the bedsheets in the washer after i took out the laundry to dry.

hmm, did u realize there's "dry" in "laundry"?

Hehe, point aside, i had no idea why i started narrating my morning. It's 11.22 am and i've been asked to come to my room as my mum wanted to vaccum the living room. Yup, parents came back and bought me breakfast. They were surprised i woke up early.

So, i guess i was partly influenced by the show i caught last night with the girls, " The curious case of Benjamin Button".

There was a particular scene when Brad Pitt droned on about how, a series events caused Daisy played by Cate Blanchett to have a serious car accident, marking the end of her high-profiled dancing career.

It's alit incredible how little things which seemed so insignificant such as missing your parcel, having a quarrel with your boyfriend, forgetting to wrap a package could collaborate to amass something so huge, an energy of some sort, a collision with something bigger which end up ending someone's career, someone's life, someone's heart.

But we will never know, will we?

There isnt a benjamin button looking at us from above, narrating how the consequences of our little actions in our life each day affect someone, something else, triggering a series of event which would have alter this world today.

We can only pray to be careful and wise in our action and thoughts, we can only take so much precautions in our interactions.

I wondered if we ever have a chance in to see how our little actions has impacted our surroundings. If we will ever be given a view of that. Perhaps when we die? I wonder what i would see.

This, in a way is the mystery of life. I like to think, we never will know how great our impact stretches out. Each action, each comment you made, each interaction you had with someone, opens up another window for another. Just like a ripple in the ocean, just like a flutter of a butterfly in the amazon forest.

Just like growing old, as mentioned in the movie, you would never know much the people around you mean to you, until you watch them leave. Nothing is eternal, which makes every single moment precious.

*********

Still, i explored the concept of benjamin button's life.

How it's like to enter the world all wrinkled up, all weak and failing, all senses weak and in pain, and how's it's like to exit the world all peaceful and fresh, all young and tender, dying in the arms of your loved which you've grown to forgotten.

How heart-wrenching it must be for your loved as she watched you, not wilther, not degraded, but reborn into a young thing, becoming all childish and naughty, suffering senile demential for all enclosed in a young boy's body, with no inclinations of the past.

We briefly questioned the feasibility of benjamin button, however, as we noted with all things-- everything degrades with time, the sun does, stars glow and die out, plants grow and wilter, machines run and rust, tear and wear is evident of time, and so does man.

Is there anything that flourish with time?

Is there anything that eternalize?

As with the tower clock that runs backward, there are many events in life which i used to wish can turn back... however, i now wonder, even if i could turn back time, would i still lament it;s not good enough? would i have taken the same steps if i possess no knowledge of what i had done and the future?

Life is all about exploring, it's all about making mistakes, learning, picking yourself up, finding out more about yourself, interactions, making an impact to this world, whether you like it anot, you are making a difference just by being in it.

It's about doing the most you can, in your current physical and mental state. There's just so much time given to us before we all will go.

Tokyo Highlights-Jan'09

2009-02-15T16:51:00.033+08:00

Feels weird posting pics up now, when i think i have more or less shown my close friends the pics, but still i want to post the pictures and the story behind some of the pictures. For me, a picture alone doesnt mean a thousand words. The same picture might hold totally different meaning for you and me, right?.so....

Highlights Billboard of "Mosts":

1. Most magical part of the trip: Disneyland
electric lights at night... this isnt a great shot, but my hands were freezing from the cold... Most colourful sight.. checked out the "Nemo" Cast, with bubbles coming out from the urchin, or something. It was magical! I loved the vibrant colours. I forced myself to take my gloves out, so i could focus... butt freezing, the pain and love for photography!!! One of my last few shots taken as i leave Disney Land... A grand finale with Mickey the wizard 's grand gesture and the castle setting behind.. It's going to be a while till i see this again. It's cold, it's really cold, bravo the japanese lady who helped us take this. We checked the news later that night when we head back and the temp was at 2 deg C!!!!!
the magical disney land castle... look, the moon! hahah .

I posted the first Vido

2. Most delicious meal: Salmon Sashimi @ Tsukiji market

How it's like inside. It can only hold about 8 customers, so there will be a long queue outside while someone will take ur order and pass it to the chef (in white), who will work with his crew behind. So once you come in, your food will be served. Neat.

To comprehend how popular it is.... 3. Most tormenting: When the cold wind start eating into your face and lips, and skin, oh and butt check out that hair.... The siao za bor... We finally surrended and don on the facial masks... two layers no less. Darn, and only on the last day. poor chapped lips

4. Most comforting: The warm toilet seat. Yes the seat is heated!

This is a bit embarrassing, i was so fascinated i decided to take a pic when i first set sight on it, forgetting i was in a public toilet and there were ladies in the adjacent cubicles. Oopsie.

5. Most fascinated: The order, the precision of the transport system

That's me with my metro-limousine pass. Only available at the airport for those who are interested in getting it. Dont i look like an exchange student? I'm carrying my travel book. Haha, my organizer of where to go. I'm in charge of the Tokyo leg of the trip. Al's in charge of the Hakone portion. A tad Amazing race.

6. Most unforgettable: Tonozawa station, walking to the hotel with our luggage in the rain, on unconstructed roads

This Ryokan which tested our physical state and mental state the upslope, downslope, raining, dont be fooled by its peaceful exterior.. Yes, you can see i still bear grudges thinking about it, but it was really a tested experience for both of us. Me, so excited with my transparent umbrella, which the point when the photo was taken, was already spoilt because of the repeated use and its temperamental owner when she had to lug the luggage, struggle with the rain and up the slopes, i think i curse out loud....(i dont think i even curse when i'm driving) tsk tsk. Oh, the red rail coming up behind me.

7. Most embarrassing?: Didnt know the butt cleaning spray of the toilet can be stopped with a button and just sat there waiting for it to stop

8. Oops, replace item 7 with this one: Walking into the onsen seeing a naked lady, and was actually embarrased and said "Sorry, excuse me!" and ran out.

9. Most relaxing moment: Gotta be Onsen followed by Japanese Massage! Me in a yukata, a Japanese cotton kimono, the ryokan guest can wear this after their onsen and you are free to walk around in this in the ryokan premises. It's pretty comfortable. And that's our traditional style japanese room, with tatami and all.

10. Most ugly self: Finding myself always rushing allan and making him feel bad when things go wrong, or cant find a way out, or when we're late...

And once we reach a destination...., Here what he would be doing..

The traveller with the map constantly at hand....

and ...What i'm doing most of the time even when we're lost... The lunatic constantly with the camera at hand...

i think i've made him so tired with my endless nagging and rushing... =p really sorry. This was taken in the romance car back to Tokyo from Hakone after a whole day of sight-seeing, hiking, exploring hankone national park.

In this picture, we were actually lost, we are not too sure where to go next or how to get to where we want to go, but heck, i thought the scenery was too good to go wasted. So we pause to take pictures as we hike along the main road...No doubt, it's a barren look.

11. Most Rushed moment: Rushing back to hotel to catch the airport limousine bus to the Narita Airport. It was practically a sprint for allan as i could not catch up, and i think i lost my breath a couple of times!!!

12. Most unforgettable sight: MT Fuji, rather that glimpse of it.

Tadah!! Sight #1 of Tokyo!!!! I wanted to see 3 things in japan. Mt Fuji, Tokyo Tower and Disney!

"She's outta her mind, she's jumping for joy, she's embarrasing to be hanging around with..."- - - Thoughts running through allan lim's head

I ran towards Mt Fuji the moment allan told me he saw mt FUJI!! I think i was screaming my way there... Sigh, totally out of Japanese Culture, but you must understand it's Mt Fuji.

Even the road sign is telling me, NO ENTRY! to mt fuji!, there's the most i can go.... =) Climbing season: July-August.

13. Most thankful: Both of us stuck it out together despite the rain, despite me being the meanie, despite skipping parts of our intended itinery.

Okay, think it's necessary to pose this, cos altho this wasn real, there were many times i had this kinda of expression, me ignoring him.. for some silly reason which i cant remember now. See how forgetful girls can get when it's their fault, and how they can drag up centuries worth of history when it's the guy's fault? And this seriously truthfully depict how he feels about me always taking pictures.... And how he secretly feel he can do, but knows he cant when i in my peeved mood. Us coping with the hunger, with the stress of rushing to one place from another to catch up with their transport system. We smoke prawn crackers!! HAHAHHA. Us on a boat to travel to other parts of Hakone towns. Exploring the roads....

Before embarking on the boat along Aishi Lake

14. Most cooperative: Running for food away from the cold at Disneyland!

It's cold but pictures still a must. Arigato. Of cos, no pictures taken when we two were running to get food. My hands were numbed. Seriously!

15. Most uncomfortable: Gotta be sitting upstraight for 6 hours plus on flight in the middle of the night

16. Most scary? if any: Walking along the red-light districts, being watched, touted by pimps, gangsters wannabe, dark lanes layed with love hotels on both sides, watching a fight

Self potrait of us with Tokyo's Night life setting behind... The red-light district. Of course, one doesn fool with one's safety.. We merely observed. Din really dare to take pictures. Tho allan did take one of me outside a Lady's Club. Strictly for ladies.. As you can see, i'm barely in the pic, it's a chop chop and go. Check out all the jap guys on the billboard.

I was amazed by the line of cabs, that were waiting for passengers. Nope, you're not getting my fare. You guys are far too ex. Or at least that's what i 've read to perceive.

17. Most interesting food: raw beef for me I had 2 servings, since allan doesn take beef.

No relevance to beef, but just trying out Allan's headgear. I have so much lines on my forehead.. sighz.

19. Most interaction with the japs: When i asked to find hard gay toy for my bro, trying to explain how the toy looks like and where i can get it.

20. Most accomplished: Been on almost all transports except the cabs. Took a whole round of Yamanote Central JR Line. Navigating in Central Tokyo. And getting around Hakone on the Hakone PAss.

This is like the map of Hakone. See the coloured lines... That's pretty much the transportation system we took to navigate about the place. Every single colour code represent a mode of transport and has each precise timing.

21. Most expensive buy: My Burberry Blue Label Bag

22. Most irritating: Getting cold rash in tokyo, scratching endlessly

23. Most revealing: The Adult shops in tokyo.. gosh.

24. Most disturbed: that we missed Odaiba (wanted to take rainbow bridge) as well as Snow boarding in Yuzawara.

25. Most beautiful: I would say the nature at Hakone National Park, allan might opt for the ladies.=p

The famous red shrine in the water... Hakone shrine entrance on the right.

26. Most essential: My Gloves

27. Most used: My sister's boots, i think i need to buy her one more pair kinda ruined hers.

28. Most aromatic.... Owakudani's bowl sulphur valley....It really smells, but the sights are great.

Some shots while waiting for the train to take us to Hakone. Not in chronological order.

Self-timer shot. Guess who took the picture for me??? Hello Kitty! She was standing opposite Dorameon and Allan went to the gents, so i decided to seek Hello Kitty's help by placing the camera on her. Haha, cant do the same for Dorameon cos no flat surface.. HAHAHAHHAH!!!

That's how high we are. from 165m at tonozawa, we went up to 1044m!

i like to think the greatest adventure is getting around free & easy with practically no knowledge of the language. Going up to strangers, be it to ask for directions, to ask to help take a picture. We did get to speak to acouple of english-speaking japanese, and even had a short conversation with them. There was this gentleman, who worked in an American company who helped us take this picture.

Picture taken by nice gentleman whom we chatted while going uphill.....

He was going to join his friends up in Gora for a drink, and when we were shocked the train we took start reversing direction, thinking we missed our stop, he explained to us how the system worked when travelling up in the mountain. Then there was this old man who stood beside us on the last morning in tokyo when we headed to Tsukiji Fish Market, the wholesale market that supplies all fresh seafood supplies to whole of Tokyo. Allan gave up his seat, and the old man was seated beside me when he saw me going through the Metro Map (Sure-giveaway that you're atourist). Anyway, he started chatting with me (in english of course) to where we were going and where we came from. I was surprised when he told me he hasnt been to Tsukiji Market. And yet, he has gone Singapore several times over the past few years. Oh, speaking which, so has mr nice gentleman in the first story. He too has been to Singapore a couple of times on business trip (his favourite food is Laksa), anyway back to the old man, he commented on Singapore weather (he likes it warm) and... hooey cant rem liao. Gosh, but it struck me that the aging population in Japan is very much refined and healthy. They head out to walk, even in the peak hours, and they all dress smart. I recalled seeing this old man carrying his (some sort like a drip) but it contains milk along with his walking stick at Shinjuku Station. I was really surprised cos he was alone. But well, that's probably another story.

We had our fashionista moments. Two of us. Haha, more of trying hard really. Here are some shots.

There's allan with his newly bought cap in Tokyo. Looking all Shanghai tan... u would think people would stare at him with such a gear.. But no leh! it's perfectly normal.

That;s me entering the Isetan IT GIrl contest'09!. HAha, no lah, i just found this cute wall poster and posed by it! in case you noticed the shiny cuffs reflecting, that's reflective so in the event you travelled/ walk at night, dimly lit places, it can save your life. Both of us dolling up for Disneyland! haha, hat borrowed from my colleagues. In fact, i need to emphasize, most of the winter clothes were borrowed!!! Thanks to angie and my colleagues who were most excited about my trip. People chinese new year wishes all laid out with a picture of a bull on the other side. I think it's nice. It's a corner of well-wishes, prayers, faith for some. I din know where to get, or i could leave a piece of my well-wishes documented in Tokyo.

Making friends with the staff at Hakone. I won some post cards!

Lockers are a common sight in Japan Subway stations for people to leave their things while they settle their errands as they do walk about quite a lot. It's a great idea, and i cant agree more how convenient it is, if say u done tons of shopping of groceries and you need to travel somewhere else. You can place your stuffs here first while u settle ur errand without lugging the load.

However, in troubled terror times like this, my question here is.. Is it safe?Hmm, will there be people who abuse this? If you know what i mean.

Tokyo rising in the early morning.

My morning coffee when it's still relatively empty in Tokyo street. Tokyo starting to set with the winter evening sun....

After going up the tokyo tower and taking the subway to a few stations away, we can STILL see tokyo tower. Impressed.

Tokyo Sight from Tokyo tower itself. Apologies for the blur pic.

Me in busy shinjuku station. Dont u think it looks like an airport from this picture?

Me with a huge White dog the moment we reached Shinjuku station from the Airport. I know it doesn seem huge from here.. The photographer doesn know to take. Tsktsk.

Okay, i haven covered the Harajuku weekend where we saw cross play and also the hard-gay toy and Shibuya.. but i'm really quite drained just arranging.. So i'm going to stop for now. This more or less highlight my extremely packed 6 day Tokyo (effectively 5 day trip).

Tokyo Trip cum Vday tots

2009-02-15T00:44:00.002+08:00

hallo journal,

i know i'm supposed to post up my tokyo trip and pictures, but i just din seem to be able to get down to it. The moment i got back from the trip, i had lean sigma training, so it was another week before i was able to get down to work. All those emails to clear and meetings, issues to address.

Boy, i'm glad that's over as well and i got past the week plus. It's 14 feb today or rather 15 feb morning, and i just uploaded some highlights of the trip on facebook when i tot it,s time to blog about it. Nothing beats a documentary/ review of the trip. If it's just pictures, somehow the story is missing. And the story is part of the essential memories i'll want to keep.

however, i have a feeling i wont be posting any pictures up tonight, granted i just uploaded 28 of them on facebook.

So, i just want to talk about my vday. It's a simple vday this year, which i really enjoyed. People asked me where i'm going to go out to celebrate, and my answer is "home".

We met up at about 3ish at my place, looked through some recipes online and went to the supermarket to shop with my sister. You will be surprised the number of couples shopping for dinner at the supermarket. I brought along the small laptop along for references. Haha, so eventually we got our ingredients, all set to prepare:

Fast Pork Chops in Mustard Mushrooms sauce. My sister volunteered Scallops and Asparagus!

I would love to write down the recipe but i'm abit lazy to go search for it again. In anycase, it was our first attempt cooking together, and it was not as easy as it looks (well, to have 3 persons in a tiny kitchen, managing boiling, chopping, frying, saute) ... but hey in 2 hours, we had 3 dishes done up and red wine for company! How fantastic! i tried to do up the table so as to create a nice sweet atmosphere.

It was great! i loved the food, it was simply fantastic to experiment and cook something and to eat something which you've cooked.i think it got the 3 of us wanting to try new recipes next time. We toast to our first collaboration and after we finished,we cleared up, while sister went to bathe. Allan washed the dishes, while i mopped the floor.

Okay, i did take some pictures, but my camera low batt so i will prob post the pics up tomorrow.

To continue the story, after wash-up, (really tiring), we proceed to play mahjong! hahah, very not V-day like, but it felt comfortable, bro and his gf came back as well, so there were enough players. The kiddos went to brewerkz for dinner, quite a good choice!

So, after games, bro was tired cos he drank the red wine, and youngest bro polished down half a bottle!!! We had a game of Cluedo, after which we decided to stop. Al and me then decided to go down for a stroll.

As we walked, we realized it's been quite a while since we had a night stroll in Singapore, we walked alot in Tokyo of course, but in SG, surprisingly no. We recalled how we first met in Uni, how we jogged too, laughing at some of the earlier times we had.

After which, we passed by a young boy with a bouquet of flowers. Truth be told, even tho it's exhorbitant and insane to get flowers on vday, i think most girls will still want them.. especially when they dont get. HAHAH, i was in one of those mood earlier today, teasing him how he dont bring me flowers anymore, and yet, after seeing that young boy, i laughed and told him, i'm glad we are past that stage.

i really enjoyed this V day, much more than the typical fancy dinner. It was me, totally at self, at home, and at heart.

memories of 2008- Part 1

2009-01-04T00:26:00.006+08:00

So, 3rd day of the new year 2009, and i find myself lagging in posts already.

There is the recalling 2008 events, world and my own personal life, the world part especially after a conversation i had with yvonne.She commented on reading this article summarizing all the huge news that happened in 2008.

Off my head, let's see:
a) China Szechuan's earth quake
b) Mynamar cyclone
c) Change Thai Prime Minister for 3 times
d) First Black US President
e) Our 1st Singaporean perished in Terrorist attack in Bombay
f) Beijing Olympics
g) 1st Olympic Medal in 40 yrs
h) Bankruptcy of top US investment firm Lehman Brothers, Merill Lynch
i) 1st Gold Medal in Para-Olympics
j) Bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers, Merill Lynch, Bear Sterns, almost Iceland nation wide
k) Singapore first negative growth in GDP since 2001
l) Gloomy world..

Fine, item l is not exactly an event but it kinda sums up how everyone has been feeling about 2008, and seriously, with talks that 2009 will be worse, part of me was wondering if there is seriously anything to look forward to.

But, as far as i can see, everyone seem to be welcoming the new year, tho a tad less glamorous, less generous with their cash,

2008 year end is pretty sweet and different for me. First time first, one of my closest friend yc is engaged on NYE!!! I;m so very happy for him and his gf=). As far as i know, they have been like friends for like ages, and i think there;s something so wonderful about spending the rest of your life with someone whom you are so comfortable with and who have already been part of you, growing with you.

Congrats dude!=) You deserve all the happiness in the world!

Well, i also spent NYE counting down in a totally noncounting down fashion, at a secludded spot in Dempsey-Oosh with von. We had a nice cosy chat till about 11 plus and allan and his friends joined us for the simple countdown, drinking, sharing corny lame jokes. Hehe.

I took some pictures as well, but haven had the chance to post the pictures up,i know how much difference it made if i had some pictures up together.

But i had too much to mention i'm afraid if i dragged, i will prob miss out some details.

E.g: Xmas.

I had a tot about Xmas. When choosing a gift for someone, do you choose something precious to you, or do you choose something precious to the recipient?

Just a thought. About the act of giving.

E.g: The Guardian

I was watching " The Guardian" starring Ashton Kutcher and Kevin Costner yesterday. I like it.

It's about US coastal guards and the training they have to go through, the mental obstacles and physical challenges they face in trying to save others, and this show, even themselves, the rescuers.

"So others can survive"

There are several phrases in the show which struck me. How in the face of survivial, the husband was pushing his wife into the water so that he can stay afloat, and how the rescuer was relating to his marriage to his wife when he refused to sign the divorce papers.
i am unable to recall the exact lines,but i was taken by it.

Also, how rescuers often have to grab hold of others in times of crisis, and for those that they are unable to, they have to learn to let go.
This so, when Ashton showed a tattoo on his arm, bearing the names of his swimming team mates whom he lost in a tragic car accident.

In a way, him carrying the names of his comrades symbolizes his burden.

Haha, all the emotional thoughts. The tattoo topic came up again, when i watch LA ink last night. yes, i spent the whold of yesterday at home as i was feeling abit weird in my tummy, couldn really eat well,but it was good. I haven really stayed at home for a whole day for a long long time.

So, like i said, LA ink. Everyone with a tattoo seems to have a story behind it, something so deeply etched in their heart, perhaps they feel it will be better if they are able to etch it in their body.
Either they want to remove the etch from their heart, or they want something to remember them by they are old, and their heart grow numb.

Who knows?

Well, i have yet to update my personal 2008 highlights.

Till then again, now stomach growling.

facebook

2008-12-21T02:32:00.001+08:00

it dawned on me i am subconciously using facebook to 'document' my life... but well, as and when i can upload.

So, i just uploaded the past 4 months onto facebook.. and yet to finish. just finish uploading what i owe people..

SIghz, i'm tired..
sweet dreams hooey!2.33am

Completed 10 K for the 2nd time

2008-12-07T23:50:00.004+08:00

I have complaints

1) muddy muddy paths
2) Change of route (UP SHEARS BRIDGE))?!!! it's 10 K no 21! not 42! not suicidal
3) I am not as fit as before.

=( defeated, succumbed, and rested

check out how excited i was when i completed in 2006: http://hooeyphooey.blogspot.com/2006_12_01_archive.html

I will post the pictures up when i know my chip time.. which is so so so bad.

One thing good tho, i was with my sister. it's her first marathon ever, and i feel proud of her!! so proud to be running side by side with her, checking out for her... taking that extra bottle for her. for once, i feel like the da jie.

A BELLY JEAN BLOG

2008-12-07T22:09:00.006+08:00

i've lots to blog today. about the weekend, which is still on-going seeing that tomorrow is a public holiday, but had a slight really small dispute with mom, which is rare and now my mood is quite dampened.

So to better organize my entry without skipping any details seeing that my mood isnt really good now, i'm going to draft an outline.

Friday Night:

5th dec 2008: this day marks our 10th year anniversary of Mt Faber. Oh yes, on 5th dec 1998, the entire squad went up to mt faber as part of this night tour singapore organized by the eca. So it's really quite meaningful. Though i cant rem much of what we said that night as we looked out into the ports of singapore, we made a pact to come up to the peak every 5 years on the same day. Yes, cliche, but we were that age.

A pact made, is a pact kept. We meet up in 2003 Dec 5. Andyup, in Mt Faber. Tho not whole squad, i think we had like6-7?? pretty impressive out of like 10? I drove the squad up with my newly obtained driving licence. Okay lah, i had it for 6 months, but to parallel park in MT FABER! i think a young cub knows no bounds.

So, want to guess the tally for 5th Dec 2008?

Look how happy we are. Fine even though there's only 5, even though we are supposed to be in Mt Faber (HUA BO SHAN)and yet we met in (BISHAN), which we later went to Cheeky chocolate, soon becoming our favourite hangout, it was still all really fun and nice to know 10 years down the road, we remember.

We had so much fun crapping i was asked to make a list to blog down the items... but me being lazy, i'm going to post the pictures first and blog what comes to mind..

Oh, rem! Von Teng gave us little cards in addition to the jelly beans she got from Texas! I took a video of it too, but wondering how to post it on my blog.

Anyway, instead of jelly beans, angie came up with BELLY JEANS! hahahaha, totally took us off.So, this term will forever be stuck with her.

We spend a gruesome (okay too strong a word), 2-3 hours to think of our xmas party gift exchange, how to not do it the conventional way.Sounds silly right? Well, check out our critierias and you'll realize why it requires 5 heads to come up with a fool-proof plan.
Criteria as follows:
1) You have to guess who you are buying for
2) You want to get present from your own wish-list
3) You have to guess who bought it for you
4) you must be able to open your own present and not someone elses
5) You still have to guess, which present among the 3, did your santa get you.

Okay, anyone care to give suggestion?
I will write the plan of action down, incase the 5 of us suffers from amnesia and we dont think we have the brain cells to pull it off again.

1)Get ur secret identity
2) write your wish list down with secrety identity
3) Select from random pile whose wish-list you will pick
4) buy present with carebear as per identity
5) Pass presents+ Bear to game master on actual day
6) game master to hide presents all over hosue
7) In a circle, guess who you are buying the present for based on the wish-list item
8)Dispatch to find own present with identity bear as clue
9) Gather back to see if you guess correctly
10) Guess which present among ur wish list didu get.

Tadah.

okay, i cant believe i dint even check my notes.

Anyway, i'm supposed to be asleep now, tomorrow we're heading to the beach! But before i go, here's a lovely celebrity shot of angie when we went to see her dance performance, Very Vibrant!

Oh ,before i go, i need to blog about 2more things..

Another phrase for Vont: MONMO
explanation to all ignorant: monday morning

Another dosage laughter: Angie's phone pouch, i'll let the pictures say it all.
You think thats a couch with two colours, different texture max....
Bravo. We took a phone cover out of a couch!

I would love to blog more. Saturday: celebrating mom's birthday! It was great fun too, but i'm tired.. and my toes are freaking painful when i crinch them.

I'm telling you, it take sheer courage, will and slighy stupidity to enter a 10 k maranthon for the 2nd time without practicing....

Body of Lies

2008-11-25T18:29:00.004+08:00

I caught this on Thursday.

It was fantastic. The last time i enjoyed a movie that much was V for Vendetta. Thumbs up for Ridley Scott.

while getting the above pics, i seen bad reviews as well as good. Guess not everyone shares the same taste as me.

But i truely enjoyed this. Every minute of suspense as each party tries to outwit the other. Layers and sublayers of truths, lies. Believe no one and deceive everyone- the tag line.

Why do we let differences separate us? Underneath that exterior, arent we all the same? Why kill others at the expense of your own people? Does the end justify the means?

I'm off to dinner. I know i'm abrupt.

2008-11-25T16:31:00.011+08:00

i'm on mc, because of my infected tooth and swollen cheek, pretty much like a chipmunk, only uglier.

What better things to do than post pictures of my recent trip to genting. Sadly, yc was able to predict i was in genting when i just said i'm back from malaysia. I hate to think i'm that predictable, but hey, believe it a not, it's been two years since i last step on that moutain.

i feel strange cos i was uploading my pictures.---*I've tried classifying my new portable hard disk* so i've divided my portable to 3 classifications under the year 2008.

a) Personal
b) Family
c) Work

Oh, do let me know if anyone has better idea to classify their portables. Appreciate any tips.

So, its' awfully strange to note, there's so much more events, happenings in the Family Folder. I'm not complaining. In a way, i'm thankful i've such a close-knitted, fun family, but have i neglected other aspects in my life?

It's like, if this portable is to record my life (base on the pictorial memories that i've taken), based on file size, you will note "Family" has taken up more than 65%. My Personal, aka "Friends"+ "Boyfriend+ Self (Pictures with no body, just me phototaking stuffs, strangers)" probably take up 20-30%, and then "Work" (aka colleagues-friends) take up 5%.

Granted that there's many more people in the Personal Folder, the 5 people in my family sure take up a huge space in my life. Haha, pun intended.

I dont think there is such a thing as quota to meet for each sector. In fact, i believe everyone's folders and capacity for each sector is different. It's just an observation i've made, and i pondered upon its significance. What do you think your folders will be like?

Well, ponder question a part. I was walking home with my sister yesterday after my horrendous wait of 6 hours at NDC when she said someone has cut the grass even before we saw any grassland. In return, i asked her how she knew and she said " the smell". Hmm, and behold, she's right, there were traces of grass bits scattered all over the trail home. And then i 've asked: " why is there a smell when grass is cut??? There's no smell when we cut our hair? We do not emit any smell? " And the sister replied.."The smell of dying". !!! i was like, "hmm, smells too good to die".

Picture taken when i was on the tobagan. Something like that. Nice scenery. Cool weather. I would love to have a pinic laid and a good book at hand on the slope.

Anyway, just a conversation which sounds interesting to me. So i thought i jot it down.

Speaking of conversation, i had one with allan few days back when we were at pasta mania. He shared a conversation about him and his pal regarding the financial crisis. How the economy falls into a slump and the gloomy outlook. They each had an interesting view of the economy. One feels that while the mass has suffered, some has probably benefited from it all. Those financial gurus who may/may not have directly started/orchestraed this whole episode.

Another feels, this is altogether a big misfortune for all, the economy on the whole has fallen into a slump and shrunk. A very much diminished realm. And there i was swallowing my pasta, when it occured it's like a debate of whether money/ fortune is conserved! It's like the law of conservation. Energy follows that conservation. So, does Wealth follow that law?

When one gets richer, does he/she get rich in the expense of the other? It sounds logical eh? when stock rise in relative to another, some strike it rich in matters of seconds, while some plummets to poverty with drastic falls of their stocks. Again, matter of relativity. So, i was thinking all these to myself which munching when i told the boyfriend. "Hey, remind me to blog about your conversation!, i'll let you know what i think!" HAHA, and with that, i told him to go read my blog if he wants to find out, which if you ask me, he probably forgotten about it, cos he didnt remind me at all. Bleah.

Okay, that's enough talk about my 'thoughts', now just some pictures/highlights about my trip. i didnt visit the casino which is quite sad cos i would have like to see if luck was on my side. I was nursing a bad toothache and i was hoping bad health=good wealth, but alas, i had no chance to prove that as i was too tired and plonk straight into bed.

the mummy who tries it all. She didnt go casino and wanted to be with her kiddos, despite the fact that when you sum the 4 kids' age you get 90! I love her. The cart further up in front belong to the sister. My baby bro commented the last time she joined us, we were still able to play the kid's slide.

the baby of the family at the top of the world! I took it for him while i was waiting for the boys to finish. This ride took them 1 hour to wait. Feel their impatience?
Want to see their enthusiasm when they got on?

What did i say? Didnt she look sporty? She's a victor man, actually no, she came in 2nd of the pack of 12. Want to see the champion? !!!! Guess who?
It wasnt me. It's my bro who was parked behind my mum. So judging from the angle, yup, i was parked beside my mum. I got chidded for not using my seat belt and using the camera!!!
Christmas time! And check out the cheeky bro. This plant makes good decor. Christmas time, just hang blue, white, decor. Chinese New year time, hang red packets and ornaments, V-day, hang little red hearts and small love letters, Dumpling Festival, hang litte dumpling, you get the picture....

We had ecology lessons as well.

These are mandarin ducks arent they beautiful???I think i gave them a fright explaining the frenzy.

Snakes.Lime green. Dont play.

interaction with racoon.
A magnificent strong horse.

To sum up the trip, this is how i felt at 17.9Deg C in the morning!!!
ignore my utterly dis-tasteful show of belly. This is the best shot the bro could take of us sisters. Me on the other hand, took a equally fantastic shot, displaying my bro's choice of boxers. CK.hiaks! Boo, realize no family shot taken. Sigh, here's a pic of the dad. Hee, fulfilling his dream to become ringmaster. Grrr!!! imagine us kids taking the place of the animals. There you have it. A typical, Zhang's holiday trip.

2008-10-28T18:43:00.007+08:00

i told myself i will post pictures up, and frankly, if i dont take the time before dinner to do it, i doubt i will find anytime in the night. Well, basically because the TV will take up my time, and then it will be all groggy after my eyes are strained for at least 2 hours straight.

div>so here goes.

First: celebrating Von Wang's birthday!=) B2, this is specially for you so you will be updated on the squad's activities.

Venue: Iciban @ Novena + Cheeky Chocoloate for Desserts.

We had a great time as usual, but von teng and angie had the best laugh.. Saddest thing, the three of us din know what's so funny that cracked them up in the first place. We laughed because they laughed... without knowing y?!

See what i mean?

That's what they have been doing half the night.

Birthday girl all ready for the camera, while elaine focuses on task at hand

A comfy picture... at a comfy place. Yumyum!

Group Shot!=) missing jeli though...

i shared a wonderful news with the squad that night that i'm getting a pup.. and the i msged them the moment i got it.. and i also smsed them the moment we decided to return it as it was too noisy at night and we were afraid it would disturb the neighbours. ( my neighbour stayed home 24 -7 and we couldn possibly subject her to this..Sadly when we first saw Latte, she was so quiet we didn even hear her make a noise, what a different scenario when it turns dark) .. i did think of not blogging about it at all, cos stil feeling this weird gnawing feeling of guilt inside me.

But, i think it's for the best. My brother is not handling it too well, apparently he wants to get it back, so it's kinda like a lit family "dispute" now. Not really dispute but it's something dangling there.

So here's the pup. I love her. I even gave her a name "Latte". However, she's really still a baby and she really needs lotsa attention. She craves for company in the middle of the night, so you have to stick with her before she turns in to zzz or she will start whimpering and then it's barking.. Well, here's a shot of Latte. My latte.

My latte walking

High 5...tired after all the hype.

full frontal.

i miss her.

random sights of singapore

2008-09-24T16:04:00.002+08:00

love the picture overall
love the clouds
love the greens
the infamous icon of Singapore.
love the street lamps

Tuesday with BedSheets

2008-09-24T14:57:00.004+08:00

Yup, i wanted to blog about this. Actually i' probably be blogging everyday this week. So, i've changed bedsheets today (tuesday), thanks to my sister's nagging that i've never changed the bedsheets alone.

So, here i am, woke up with totally frizzled look, wondering where the bedsheets are kept while i made my way to the bathroom to wash up.

I made a couple of errors, wild guesses, before finding them in my parents' room. "So, what's the big deal? i thought... Changing bedsheets.. Chey!" thinking my sister made too big a hoo-ha about me not changing them. The last time i did, was with my sister when we first moved in, and once more with allan when i bought new bedsheets which i was so proud of. So, yeah, i've never really changed them alone for the past 1 year, it's always been mei mei doing the job.

So, i start.

*
*

How to start?

I was thinking to myself, do i strip everything off before changing them, or do i change them along the way? And where do u put the pillows, (5 of them. 3 being mine), Bolster ( 1), Quilt (2, 1 each, mine's queen and her's super single) and the old Bed sheets (Queen) while stripping them off ? It's seems unhygenic to put them on the floor? But it seems to weird to pile them on the old bed sheets (which i've rolledup about to wash).. So, i recalled.. amazingly. St John, When i was doing my nursing lessons-" how to change bedsheets". HAHAHAHA!!

So, after some haphazards manoeuvres (half-half), i've managed to change all of them!!! Boy, nobody mentioned changing bedsheets requires arms of steel (Yeah, to me), all the flipping making sure all corners of the quilt gets the quilt covers, (yeah, i made the mistake of criss-crossing the quilt and the covers) holding up the thick mattress so you can tuck in the bedsheets neatly. pulling the bolster case out of the bolster, i think i took a whole half an hour to clear and change them. Let's not forget the back muscles required when you stretch and bend your back. AHHH....

it's a workout alright. And at the end....TADAH

Somehow, i feel this picture doesn do me justice.

and just when think that's the end of it, there's the mammoth washing to do! My mum was amazed, when her 26-year old daughter doesn know how to operate the new washing machine since we've gotten about 11 months back. So much for giving myself away, the level of commitement to household chores i do.

Hee, thanks sis. I din know you've been working out so hard.

A morning in Starbucks

2008-09-24T14:22:00.006+08:00

Copied off my notebook:

It's 10.37 am and here i am at Starbucks at Compasspoint on a weekday cool morning. Listening to my ipod- "things will go my way" by The calling. I'm fortunate to get a cushion seat (there's not many to start with) and i have a book on my lap and my tall Java chip on my table. =)
This is something i've always wanted to do.

I've just finished breakfast with my mei mei and she treated me to Macs and she's now off to work while her sis is slacking away in Starbucks. What a great way to start the morning! Though i must say this was not how i quite envisioned today to start. I had plans to either go to the beach (ruined by the rainy weather) or declutter my portable hard disk( a task which i'm not exactly looking forward to), but i guess this is what people do on their break, or convince themselves to do when they have the time-- settle errands which seems awfully tedious and wasted for a weekend.

Well, my sister interrupted my plans when she woke me up from my freshly changed bed-sheets (yes, i will blog about that.. Tuesday is BedSheets day) & jioed me for breakfast, with today being her last day at work.

pls: by the way, saw this one guy outside starbucks who's just people watching, with a cup of coffee in his hands. Oh, he got up and left with no bag, papers or stuffs. Cool!

People outside are carrying brollies (plural of brolly?) and leaves are swaying so hard i think it's probably cooler out there and here i am, trying to act snuggly in my oversized sweater indoors with aircons not fully functioning...

Actually the purpose of me coming out alone today is to think. Dont think it's possible to think properly at home without any form of distractions. e.g (at this point of writing, my mum called to ask if i needed a lift home and then i told her i'm at starbucks reading .. & she's
Wah! oKAY, take your time..)"

So where was i? Oh yeah, to think! i think i dont have a particular agenda, just letting my thoughts run wild, letting them internalized, in the midst of the incessantt blending of the coffee beans and Abba's droning in my ear drums. Another reason why i'm here at Starbucks is beacuse i want to read my book " financial securities in troubled time", a very apt title (if u ask me) especially in these few peculiar weeks.

Something tells me i'll fall sleep if i were to read this in bed, i probably wont last past chapter 1..Wait no, make that introduction. So, i aim to read this after this entry. Gosh, this internalization of thoughts sure aint easy...

"if" is playing on my ipod now, i think it suits my current mood as i people watch. Think i'll stop my ranting to enjoy the moment.

Signed:

hooey@ 11.07 am (corner at starbucks)

PP/S at a much later time--->: i finished reading the whole book!!!! i'm proud to tick off this item-->

"read a whole book at a coffeejoint, people watched in a weekday morning"

Essentials for a 2+ hour in a coffee joint.

A question to ask Donald Duck

2008-09-22T15:30:00.003+08:00

I'm heading out in a while to go borrow some books, with no idea what i feel like reading. Just want to spend sometime in solitude with a group of strangers in the library.=)

Just thought before i go, to leave a intriguing question. Something i caught off friends-season 3 i think.

From Chandler Bing;
Ever wonder why, Donald Duck never wear pants, but after he finishes his shower, he will turn up with a towel at his waist. What's the logic?

Hiaks. I love making myself laugh!

Vertical Limit Time-Wise

2008-09-22T12:15:00.006+08:00

it's my first day of my 1 week break before i embark on my new job. So, thought since i wont be taking my open water certification this week, i might as well make full-use of my time. Document my week, before i start to lament how this week has passed in futile.

Well, i'm watching "verical limit" as i'm blogging in my parents' room. Man, this show sets the reality of scaling K2. When i was in secondary 3, i think climbing mt E was the hype and everyone was dreaming, "making plans" of how they want to scale that some day. "Kids? with limitless imagination?"=)

As i watched, my desire to climb isnt that great anymore. I still think it'll be great to climb a snow moutain... stay at base camp with hot choco, with a fire eating bbq food. Using ropes and caribenas (dunno how to spell), snow hooks, all tucked in big bulky windbreakers, abseiling horizontally and vertically, rock climbing at it's peak. To me, its an experience uncomparable to snow skiiing at ski resort, and given a chance i will definitely want to try climbing.

However, it's not all rosy and red... it's really kinda scary the things you faced, the emotions, with survival instinct so strong at that moment you dont know what kind of person you may evolved to in the face of danger. Will you sit back, and watch others die before you? Or will you rather die first and not face the summits alone till someone finds you.. or not? How will you occupy time, when you no longer have concept of day or night? How you will face the world of white blanket when everything is so cold, so dry and so quiet?

Will you want your loved ones to find you knowing they may sacrifice themselves in doing so ? Or will you still want to see them, for fear of never saying a proper good-bye? never letting them know how much they mean to you?

Boy, in our world, things are awfully stable we seem to worry senselessly. Dont you think? Or maybe it's just the show.

When you're late 20s, you start thinking plans, and nope, it's not plans of magnitude like where to head this holiday, or where you and your friends would like to study, which concert is good, which mobile phone is the latest on the market that you like to grab hold of... Maybe you do, but inside, there's the gnawing feeling of how you want to live your life. At least for me, will you be thinking of settling down in the next 2 years? Will you start a family after you hit 30?

Or, do you want to accomplish certain things before you get married?

like..

Are there places you want to go, things you want to do before you start family commitments? For a start, climbing everest?=) backpacking with your pals? Travelling to Bhutan, go northpole to take picture? Staying in a foreign land for a few months? Or, will you want to advance in your career? Hit a certain income bracket per annum? Get that car you've always dream of. Build up your investment portfolio?

I've always think the choices are limitless and 20's is the best time to do whatever you want to do. Yes, you have the money to do what you want (if u save enough), you do not have the commitment tied to you as yet, you can get the time if you utilise your annual leave appropriately... but, are the above plans contradictory to one another? Are you able to carry them all SIMULTANEOUSLY?

Sadly, no matter how i see it, i dont think it can be done, it seems rather exclusive to me as time is a common factor. Time is the equalizer to all rich or poor, healthy or sick, powerful or simple. Time, once passed will not revert. And certain choices, once you've made them, comes with a certain price and achievement, depending on how you worked at it.

So 20's is a time of unlimited choices, and paths you can choose to embark. Of course you can do this anytime.... not only your 20's, 30's, 40s.. stretching to even 50's 60's, but now, is the golden period, it's when everything is in abundance. It's usually is, if you have the luxury of time and youth.

So, what's your choice?

More than just a Match

2008-08-18T19:42:00.007+08:00

This calls for a special post, a special dedication as we await 48 years. I mean singapore waits 48 years. I've only waited 26 years, but that's pretty long anyway. It's long enough for me to take pictures of the special event. Hey peeps, you wont see these pics anyway in the mag.. cos i took them personally.. haha, off the TV.

Since when have you seen the word "singapore" beside the medal icon??

Hardly a picture perfect of the three medalists, but nevertheless a perfect team.

I have to admit, i never felt more for my national flag than that moment when i saw it on the screen.

With that, we put Singapore on the ranks of medal tally. With that, singapore scores... in more ways than one.

Beautiful night

2008-07-21T00:16:00.003+08:00

few minutes into monday.

And here i am, blogging while waiting for my phone to send some pictures to my lappei for me to upload. Tho i dont think i will be uploading them into this post at night.

The pictures were taken at the lights fest over the weekend held near the national museum. it's quite a refreshing performance, for once, no one had to worry they cant see anything cos they were blocked by humans as most of the performances were up in the air.

One striking sight was this lady playing on the white grand piano which was hoisted up in to the air with another lady dancing like a ballerina. very beautiful sight. Very not-singapore. Haha.

Think it's been ages since we last talked. I missed her.

Feeling the mood

2008-07-05T20:59:00.001+08:00

Singapore Flyer+ GSS+ Godmother

2008-06-29T22:45:00.005+08:00

i've been shopping. Really shopping, with no intention of really shopping... but just started shopping.

For once, i embraced the true spirit of the Great singapore sale, and joined the dark side- following the patronage of hundreds of sthousands of Singapore ladies as they strutted down the street with shopping bags, looking for the best buys.

I dont really do this, but this year marks such an exception i decided to take down snapshots of show of my good buys... with sales and without sales.

Items which have not been worn...
Tube top from Zara sales $16.90
tOP from zara sales $29.90
shorts from cotton on $19.90

Skirts from ness... no sales=( ($50 plus.. worn already)

zara knit wear sales.. $39.90
*Swallows*, i got this because i got too tired wearing my heels along marina square.. simply cant stand it, and decided to buy a pair of trainers to wear on the spot, much to the amusement of the shop assistants, these will be the 3rd pair of shoes i bought while walking in heels simply because i cant stand the pain.. $113.. after 40% discount.

current read: Organized for success. This book set me $39.26, and that was after a $5 discount somemore... i also ordered another book from Amazon... it's on its way to see me..

Foreground: A hallmark manicure set (handy to carry around) $8.90 after discount.. Got it because i bought a birthday card for allan from there.

Background: a small blue alarm clock.. need it to really wake me up. Handphone doesn work on me anymore.. $22.

Nike sport bra ($48.15 ) and Nike Pants ($84.50) but i got a $60 cash voucher cos the Teochew clan got it for me for my bdae.. and i only used it now.. so i think i stil fork out about.. $60 plus.. darn. aim to use them for my yoga class this month with sister.

yellow zara singlet $9.90 i think....

So there are more, but since i started using them.. i decided not skip. Sigh, i have sinned. I'm broke now, i' guess it's staying home to read my two books., and fittness with my nike suit, and cleaning my nails.

Heee.
btw, no more metal teeth!!! took them off on the 26 june'08!

16 all over again

2008-06-24T00:12:00.002+08:00

What a great way to spend monday night? A great way to ease those monday blues...

A sing-out loud session of reminiscing the 90's hits... There i was trying to look through my lists of songs when suddenly decided to play britney's "sometime". this song brought back memories cos i rem standing at HMV with my b2, looking at her mtv, gushing how sweet she looked... and what do u know.. my sister jolted me out of my daze and commented: "Man, that song is like 10 years old.. and britney's a mum of 2 already!"

I was like... "..."

and then the game just started... I play songs of my lappie, and she started guessing the band/artist & song titles.. and we'll just sing out loud... until i start playing the next song for her to guess. and so far this is what we have sang.

1. "sometimes" -britney
2. "If you only knew"-moffats
3. "Like a rose"-A1
4. "Truly Madly, Deeply"- Savage Garden
5. " I wanna be with you"- Mandy Moore
6. " Liquid Dreams"- Otown
7. " Quit Playing Games with my heart"- Backstreet boys
8." Dont make me wait" - 911
9." Because of you"- 98 Degrees
10."Oops i did it again"- Britney
11."Together Again"- Janet Jackson (a hint i gave my sister: the one who bared her nipple)
12." Valentine"- Tina turner
13.""Turn Back time" - Aqua
14."Keep on moving"- 5ive
15. "Dreaming of you"- Selena
16. " That's what friends'are for"- Stevie Wonder & Dione Warwick
17." Graduation" - Vitamin C
18. " Finally found"- Honeyz
19." Only Love" - trademark
20."Never had a dream come true"- S club 7
21." All by myself" - Air Supply
22." All Out of love"- Air supply
23. "There"- Swirl 360** (totally reminds me of jeli)
24. "Tearing up my heart"- nsync
25." Each time"- E17
26." Until the time is through"-5ive

There's more.. but i'll stop at 26. My age. One for each year of my life that i've lived and will continue doing, taking these songs and memories.

Strangely, instead of feeling old listening to these songs, i feel Young!!! Cos i know the lyrics of msot by heart.. i can sing to them.. !!!And that feels really great.. it's like i've been brought to my past.. i'm 16 all over again.

* smiles * what a great way to think of the past....

First leaf falling

2008-06-19T22:52:00.004+08:00

Sometimes, u wonder why leaves fall with such ease, painting such a peaceful picture.

Sometimes, u wonder why leaves die as they fall, breathing their last just before they snap and fall

Sometimes, i like to think if a falling leaf falls on my hand when i reached out, my dream comes true.

Sometimes, when you are given something, you wish you din have it.

Sometimes, when things come easy to you, you wished you learnt to hold it as though it's difficult.

Sometimes, when things seem to go wrong, you tell yourself to brace yourself and that it will soon be right.

Sometimes, you want things to stay the way they are, but you know things will never stay the same way, and change is what you ought to adapt.

Today, i went for my like 3rd meeting with my new department. I think it's a highly challenging field, much more into the business aspects, more involved with the management and i guess it's something i'm looking forward and yet afraid. Afraid to screw up, afraid to take that tumble. Afraid to start anew.

H=R/E

2008-06-07T12:34:00.007+08:00

Tell me.

How do you know this is what you ever wanted? That you are happy and you will always be??

***************

Read this off a book, someone came up with the mathematical formula of happines= R/E

R: Reality
E: Expectations

To be happier, you either improve your reality or lower ur expectations. Oh, dont ask me what happen if E=0, i belive once ur born into this world, you're bound to have at least some expectations.

No expectation, no happiness, infinity happines= nothingness since it cannot be define. That's how i think i will intepret.

Point is, do you agree?

I shared this over breakfast with my family, and my baby bro aka Youngest bro was like... How can it be measured? This is intangible. Is he true? If we were to put a value to happiness, it can be traded for something of equal value or more.

However, something that used to make u happy may not make u happy in a different time aka reality. As mentioned in the book"19 minutes"

Say u used to be the prestigious few who earns $50,000/mth (in say 10 months ago) and you were happy at that time, 10 months later, you earn $50,000/mth (still within ur expectation) but so is everyone else (reality check), there your happines drop.

so, what makes me happy now, wont neccessary makes me happy in the future, unless i lower my expectations, or improve upon it. It's easier to lower.. but that's commonly camouflaged by the way"contentment". You can say, that's a wimp's point of view for not contending.

*******

By the way, i wanted to compile the answers i've gotten for this question that i posed on MSN.
" What is hard to gain but easy to lose?"
Answers gotten:

1. Money (most common answer)
2. Job/ career
3. Trust
....

i know some will hate me for saying this, but for me: 4. Weight =P

i think i'm missing out some other answers. Do tell me if i forgot to add urs.

Current read

2008-06-06T10:52:00.004+08:00

Book at the moment: "19 minutes" by Jodi Picoult

Still reading, still enjoying.

Totally agreed:

"Ms Picoult has carved her own niche with her novels-one part romance, one part courtroom thriller, two parts social commentary- Dallas Morning News"

What a difference a day made

2008-05-23T22:32:00.001+08:00

what a difference a day made...

2 interviews, 2 job offers, decide to accept one, back in business.

i will rem this date.

A letter to myself 10 years down the road

2008-05-15T22:20:00.005+08:00

it's been some time since i blogged. some of you might have heard what happened to me, some might have guessed having reading my last post. Yup, i'm RE...

Aftermath? Post- thoughts? Having past 2 weeks since i last heard this news, i guess this two weeks have been... now, what's the best word for it?

I've been really conscious about how i felt the past two weeks. This news is something which many of us, especially those around my age dont really experience. Say... you are in your 1st or 2nd job? 3rd the max...minus those part-time, attachments and all.

Conscious because of what reason ? I dont think i have the full answer. I just know, i've been making mental points in my head. Take this week for example, i realize i've been taking out the same blue notebook i have in my bag everyday on the way to work, making a list of things i have/want/hope to do for the day/week, and checking the items out on the next day when i take out the notebook again as i jot down new stuffs. So far, the count is doing good. I dont get 100% checked off per day, but at least everyday, at least one item is checked.

They say "baby steps", they say "dream big", they say "unity is strength", they say " each to his own". Suddenly when everyone, irregardless of their seniority, expertise falls on the same boat with the same situation, an imbalance starts to surface. A very interesting phenomena is noted in the office. Wait, suddenly it's not an office where everyone go about their meeting... It's a forum, where everyone meet to discuss, not about work, not to complain about work.. but rather, the lack of work. I feel an emptiness, at the same time, an exciting anticipating at the new slate of path that might be ahead of me. Experiences were shared as we go around cubicles, gathering little spots to discuss over cup of coffee. Some sharing fond memories they have. Some sharing future plans. It's altogether... a very new thing to me.

To say, everyone took it the same approach is alit inaccurate. Some took it actively to seek new alternatives, some took it leisurely, happy at the chance to rest, to laze (if i should be able to use this work), some moping about, going round to see if there's new information for scoop.

I took abit of everything. This period is what everyone of you working will wish you have the time and resources i have now. I pride myself actually going to company resources self-help to learn about finance, read about negotiation skills while i continue looking at the market trend for openings available. I kinda helped an operator of mine teaching her MS excel, so that she can learn something and hopefully add it to her list of IT skills in resume. Frankly, i always thought i was a bummer at heart, but i din know i was not at all comfortable with wasting my time in office. I actually wanted to do something fruitful. So it was great when i could use the time to help this operator out. This is time, i'm thankful for this period. I had 2 great years in this department and tho it's sad counting down to its last wafer out day (yes, that's a term i have conjured LWO)... i've learnt so much and made great friendships. I'm amazed at my revised resume. hiaks. My manager has kindly reviewed it 3times. yes, it can mean two things, he's really concerned about my future and hence really want me to do a top-notch resume, or i really did a lousy resume.

Sigh, having added all that, i've been "arrowed" into a team to come up with a "closure" (i hate to use that term) souvenir for all of us. the "last arrow" they told me. *sigh*

I'm actually very positive about this whole thing. And to top it all, i've treating myself to little indulgences (yes those sensible friends of mine might shake their head and ask me to save for a rainy day instead).

Take today for example, i rate 4 star ****.
Went for a pedicure with my colleagues during lunch using mich's package deal but we pay her lah. i top up mine with another $4 for footscrub. Yeah, nice feet and toes and toe nails. it's feels equally disguisting and liberating to see that pile of towering dead skins on the towel where my feet rest.

Followed by a pretty fruitful day at work, i went back home, caught abit of "MR DEEDs" on cable. Btw, "the IRon MAN" is amazing! the lousiest thing about the movie was the title was totally under-rated and pushing potential audience away cos the title remains them of "the iron ladies", i gotta admit i was one of those until i watched the show and was totally convinced. Tony Starke is the man. He made us engineers feel proud, and at the same time freaking poor.

Oops, i have yet again diverted. Back to the star-studded day, so i came back home, watched a bit of "mr deed", the meaningful part where adam sandler asked the share holders if they all turned out what they wanted to be when they were little. Nope. I shook my head too, sadly the only difference between me and those share holders... i dont know what i wanted to be when i was little. or did i forget along the way?

I could not shout out loud what i wanted to be when i was little, but i seriously dont think engineer was the word i had in mind when i was 6. 'English' was possibly the closest word to 'engineer' i guess at that age, and i did pretty fine in english, if that was a sign.

Anyway, after the movie, i went for a nice warm shower, still admiring my pretty toes when i pampered myself to some DIY facial regime. Put the "wedding album" on my mini compo and was listening to "fallen" by lauren woods when i started blogging in the comfort of my room. How cool is that?

And now, i've more or less come to the end of my thoughts. It's time to take good night sleep. Beauty sleep is extremely important at this time of my life. First, i'm starting to age, we are aging all the time, but now, it's starting to show physically if we dont take care of ourselves, for example, i hate to write this down, but it will serve me good memory as i read this one day. I cant really do sit-ups already.... how depressing right? You think thin people has no problems. Think again. My sister was having the best laughs for the longest time while she see me struggles to get up.

oh "IF" by bread is playing now. A room filled with music that douses me to my bed.

Good night now, dear hooey, if u ever come back into this entry 10 years down the road, remember this. life is good, you are thankful for whatever comes your way, be it good or bad.

i've also been meaning to blog about the tragic natural disaster at myanmar and chengdu. Read the papers this morning, and felt a tinge of sadness seeing those pictures of post-destruction ruins.

R______ed at 26

2008-04-30T22:35:00.002+08:00

today is the day when i fully immersed in the line" anything is possible" in HP.

Just imagine the big guy removing the thumb tack of his wall, that little red thumb tack off his world map.

With that, everything changes overnight.

My invisible bucket list

2008-04-27T19:40:00.004+08:00

So do you have your own bucket list?

I too, hope to leave this world one day with "my eyes closed and my heart opened".

Actually, how do you define your own bucket list? yes, i know it's alist of things you hope to accomplish before one kicks the bucket. But what kinda things?

Is it...

Things which makes u happy, or things which make others happy?

Things which u fail to do? Or things which u like to do?

Meet People whom you never met? Or people whom u cherish and cherished you?

The failure to have the "best of both worlds" and yet knowing you are going to enter another new world from your current one depicts an emotion that is both depressing and yet, inspiring.

You know you are going to die, and suddenly, things become clear. Or at least that's why it's always shown in the movies.

And because i dont know when i'm going to kick the bucket, i think it's hard for me to come up with my bucket list at this very moment. I will not know the thoughts going through my mind, unlike "Tuesdays with Morrie".

However, the show did leave me pondering. Oh, i like to highlight i watched the movie alone.On the last day of screening island wide. I wanted to catch it alone in the first place. Felt it was something i could do without falling asleep or needy of someone's sleeves beside me should i fear or tear.

I'm glad i caught the bucket list. Even tho, i did tear in the end, with strangers beside me, it was nevertheless, an experience i will remember.

toubled versus troubles. Mutanted vs mutanting

2008-04-21T21:05:00.003+08:00

ethics and mutants

"what falls within a range of ethical behaviour and what does not?"

I used to be intrigued with essays covering on moral ethics dilemma, especially those that go through depts with case studies in GP classes. Of course i don t do that now that i'm not doing A levels, and working just cease me from reading further.

Nowadays, i'm reading chick flicks, comics, and light news if i feel like reading.

Watching x men III again.

"is it cowardice to save one from persecution?"

"choosing the lesser of two evils"

i notice i like movies which show cases divergences in mystical powers... take harry potter, take xmen, star dust. Borders between magical and non magical (muggles), humans vs mutants.

everytime i want to blog, something distracts me and i'm lost my original thoughts.

Well.. i'm going to watch how they find phoenix.

Recharging

2008-04-21T16:32:00.002+08:00

after a hiatus, i had to ponder a while on the last posting.

Took a weekend off overseas to recharge before returning to work. My partner is leaving the company this week and i'll be handling her stuffs temporary. Not exactly the most welcoming thing to do, but i guess i'll have to take it in my stride.

Recharged, relaxed after a good massage. Ready to face the uphill tasks ahead.

It's times like this i appreciate the extended offs.

Cant fight this feeling anymore

2008-03-22T15:25:00.004+08:00

Unsettled feelings when options seem to be open for choosing. Imprisoned within the rails of options and consequences. The more options, the more liberating, the more stakes involved. Funny when you got no other options, or anything to lose, you end up braver.

What a paradox.

Given the freedom to choose, and yet, one cannot makes up his/her mind, clouding whatever perspectives which should be in place.

It's a weird world out there. How nice it is not to think or make any decisions.

Then again, is that a life worth cherishing?

Song inside my Head

2008-02-15T19:00:00.001+08:00

Music and Lyrics "Way into Love"

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

I've been looking for someoneto shed some light
Not somebody just to get me through 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 endoh, oh, oh, oh, oh

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 endoh, oh, oh, oh, oh

Gadget

2008-01-27T13:07:00.001+08:00

my new phone

i cried on my 26th birthday.

2008-01-27T13:07:00.000+08:00

And yes, judging by the title, we all know what's up. I have officially left the early twenties range and time is not going stop alit slower for me just because i've attempted to do good or just being nice.

One year with 365 days, it's always been the same but somehow you just wish each year prolong its existance beyond 365 wishing it can extend to somewhat 730 so that it will be double the period before you get to see that birthday cake with those dreaded candles on them.

This year however, have proved much of a surprise when it comes to my birthday. So much that i cant help recalling what happened. How i have been taken for a ride, how i could have missed those possible signals. How i really really had a surprise birthday party.

how many of you attended a surprise birthday party?? I haven tho i watched many on TV.
Nope, i'm never too busy to forget my birthday, so i dont think i can EVER have a surprise birthday party, not this lifetime maybe, with the exception that Alzemier hits me before i can remember.

So, where was i?

Right, my surprise 26th birthday party.

It's really hard to put it into words what happened. But i cried.

div>yup, that more or less summarise the surprise party. i cried REAL hARD.

It's embarrasing if you were to ask me, what a way to leave the early twenties, how i greeted #26 with tears that overwelled me. Literally, much to the amusement of those @ the party. Oh, dont worry, you dont have to imagine, they have "kindly" etched those memories in the form of digital pictures which will probably stay with me for as long as i remember.

"I was angry, i was upset, i was trying to act happy, and then i was really happy, i was shocked and i was guilty and then i was confused as my face muscles were all contruded into mixed emotions, not knowing whether to cry or laugh."

Perhaps it's only logical to tell the story in a chronological form.

*oops prior to that, can i take the chance to thank my "EID" gang, actually it's really more of my "board gaming gang" who kick start the birthday thingy when we all meet up last week to celebrate giles + my birthday. I dont know who had more fun, they or me. Actually that's a silly question to ask, and i "swore" i will meet them only 2 years later. So i guess you know the answer.

Haha, still i had a good time with them. it was good catching up on old times, mainly my times. And to hear new updates, happy news about our friends. Well, if there's anything which cant wait two years, i appreciate you guys letting me via email or my blog. You all know how to contact me. HAHAHAHHAHA

*Aquarians' birthday cakes. apologies for lousy resolution. Still not very good with my camera phone. Didnt change the settings.

So, sorry back to the story on 22nd Jan. I met my squad to celebrate two of our birthday's : Hui ying and mine. Turns out i always share birthdays with someone, which is nice i feel!=), well, with the exception the other birthday girl didnt turn up and i was left with two cakes and many unflattering shots as i tried to get chips "aka the candles" out of my birthday cake. Still we had fine @ MINES cafe and i was happy.

with my lovely squad on tuesday@ clarke quay mines. Sigh, too bad some of them couldn make it last minute.

more poisonous games. 26 birthday already card #2,5,1 =@26. 25/1~ hahaha

the birthday cakes.

With my two favourite Vons in the world.
Here comes the unflattering shots. Me and allan testing out the face detection capability of my camera to my friends.
me doing something totally unglam.
Finally something decent with my birthday cake.

I spent a nice quiet 2 days just going to work and coming back home straight from work. Colleagues have been really sweet to me, surprising me with more birthday cakes. I feel really blessed to have them remembering my birthday, surprising me after my presentation and during my staff meeting.

My pretty colleagues celebrating my birthday after my presentation (me looking really shitty cos i woke up with sore eye. Boo)

They made me a card!=) love my lunch khakis, travelling companions in Melbourne.
Candid shot of me reading my birthday card. Geez, catch that surprise look.

Surprise birthday cake @ staff meeting, thanks to my photo colleagues. so sweet!!!=)

So the finally day itself 25th, after staff meeting and eating my very lovely secret recipe cake, i left office on time and met allan so that we can head home together, cos my family wanted to go out to eat, or celebrate at home with me.

This guy, of all days wanted to go check out his mobile, but in the end changed his mind when we reach kovan, he wanted to check out something for his mum. since it was on the way home, i agreed. Yet, after failing to find what his mum needed, he got hungry and he wanted KFC, by then i was already fuming inside, cos i didn want my family to wait up for me and also, i thought the purpose of going home was so we could eat, and this guy wanted to eat KFC because he was so hungry. And yes, my dear cannot go without food so i tolerated and sat there watching him buy his food.

Within a bite, however, he said, let's head home. He will packet the food and leave. And i was like... ??!!!!!!!!!!

He didnt even bother how i feel?!!! no doubt, i was pissed as he was eating but that doesn mean he should just packet the food after taking one bite right?!!! Boy oh BOY! i was so pissed at him i decided to keep quiet all the way back home. AND OF ALL THINGS, my handphone went down on me, so i didnt know if my family called to check why we were late, i was too pissed to borrow his phone to call back home to let them know too. So, i walked really quickly home, allan was darn surprised at my speed cos i was in pretty high heels sommore.

Not once, did he try to pacify me on the way back which was weird. Tad sad for me right? On my birthday somemore, but stil, as i approach the door step, i was feeling apprehensive cos i didnt want my family to know we had a fight, didnt want to worry them mah... So i paused before unlocking the door, trying to muster a big smile while that silly man was still behind me, uncertain of what he can do to cheer me up, when i suddenly heard a "HAPPY BIRTHDAY SONG" coming out of my house.....????

That's when i was greeted with this sight.. ignore the people, These were taken after my shock.

* my post shock pictures still tearing as i cant believe what they planned for me"

Of cos, i was agape! Someone took videos of me as i stepped into the house, there were poppers, thanks to my baby brother giving me a shock as i stepped into the house. There my sister go, looking all smirk!!! i was like????? "OH MY GOSH!!!!" and then my sister asked me to go into my room to put my stuffs..... i was like still so shocked at the birthday surprise.. when i saw...

MY FRIENDS!!!! iN MY ROOM!, all cheering and yelling "SURPRISE" when i turned on the light of my room, of cos my lovely sister had to take video of that too, and you can hear me saying.. "OH MY GOD!!" while wiping the tears of foolishness and happiness away. I FEEL SO DUMB!!! the party was all planned, allan deliberately lured me away from home so my friends could reach home on time!! I felt so stupid and guilty for shunning him, for ignoring him throughout the way home.

ARGh, stupid silly hooey. I had to compose myself CRY BABY. I told all of them to leave my room so that i can cool down and hide my embarrassment, wipe those tears, and drank all my friend's beverages which they left in my room so i could feel better. Sigh. I've been PUNKED!

and so, i got out later, we all had fun, laughed at me... i gathered pieces of information and yeah.. it's PARTY TIME>

The masterminds behind the big surprise party, my sister being the evil plotter, and allan the accomplice and of course, the victim being the birthday girl! Who ever heard of anyone crying on their birthday?!!! and with the pictures to show somemore.. darn! but hey, you only turn 26 once.
Well, i forgive and i forget. Of course, who can hate that lovable sister of mine, who went through so much to help plan this? And she makes one fantastic float! Yumyum! okay all tears dried though still red-eyed, i LOVE MY FAMILY! for planning this party for me. Ah dad is so shy he went into the room! haha
I'm so touched.
My friends recalling what happened, haha chatting over floats and sparkling wine.
You girls really got me. Who would have expect them to turn up after we met up on Tuesday!?!!! i LOVE THEM!

I really like to thank my wonderful wonderful sister and allan dear for making this possible. Thanks for making my 26th so bearable and sweet. and to my sweetest friends of over 10 years. My 26th birthday really marks a very memorable memorable day in my life. Having friends, family and my bf to celebrate my birthday.

I am blessed. It's really one special day in my life. 25 jan 2008.

* of course thanks to the many many of you who wished me happy birthday. you made my life very special by just being in it.

THANKS!!!!=)

My first post via my mobile

2008-01-17T18:50:00.000+08:00

flowers photos taken in HK and China

2008-01-03T21:02:00.001+08:00

crystals in its most natual form in its natural form
dew on flowers of Ocean Park

this was taken in San-Tou, my dad's old hometown

i really want to imrpove on my photography. Especially night shots and portraits.

hongkong dec07 highlights part1

2008-01-01T21:55:00.001+08:00

family of blue-eye monsters!
my favourite Disney shot!!!

Yes! finally a traditional HK cafe's breakfast!!!!!!Vengence of the Glut!!

taking the ferry across to Hong Kong island

What do you want to learn?

2008-01-01T18:15:00.000+08:00

it's the brand first day of 2008 and i just finished watching a great show on HBO.

"Accepted". It's a great show to kick start the new year and boy was i glad i decided to catch it while browsing through my smart playlist.

"Accepted" depicts a show where a group of college-rejected students got together to set up a fictitious college so as to avoid any more complaints, disgrunts from parents and relatives. It all started with a fake acceptance letter from the South Hampton Institute Technology (S.H.I.T) which later full blown to a dsyfunctional college running on its own with over 300 students because of a boogie website introducing SHIT!!!

Yes, it all started with a lie but how this lie came about and evolved into something which brought true meaning to gaining acceptance without deliberately trying. I think thats what's most important.

How often we seek the truth in everything we ruin the process by trying so hard to do what's right and good. To go through all the legal means and convincing ourselves that the right path to everything is truth. How we often demean lies of all form without giving a chance to find out why the lie came about.

How S.H.I.T differs from any college which truely strikes me in the show...

1) There are no official teachers or faculty. Students are the teachers. They learn from one another.

2) Cirriculum?? There are no fixed classes. You decide what you want to learn, and write them on this huge white board that's centered in the middle of the hall way. Plastered right on top of the white board is " WHAT DO YOU WANT TO LEARN?", you write down your thoughts, you say out what you want to learn and you just set up something. Those who are interested will follow along, and there you have it== A Class.

Seriously this show really brought meaning to .." a class of your own"

3) Education is to simulate creativity and passion for learning. What a line, and how colleges today "truely' adhere to this motto.
haha, in SHIT tho, it's a ficitious college, i saw that happen, and while i'm just someone viewing it over the TV box, can you believe if the college actually exist?

The show actually compared with another top-brass college where u see people falling asleep in lectures, some fervently taking lecture notes, some being bullied real time for simply looking different from others (out cast because they look nerdy, or fat, or weird just because they choose to do laugh when nobody does or talk of things which aint the most hop topic....=> familiar?)

So, i was really inspired after the show. If someone were to ask you " What do you want to learn?", what would you say?

1) ....
2) .. What?
3).. i thought that's what the school's supposed to do?
4)....Hmm, i have really never thought of it.
5) What i want to learn aint going to make me big bucks
6) Nah, my parents think it's useless stuffs
7) it's not offered locally

Why? Truth be told, i dont have an answer for that question the moment it was shoved into my face. Why? Is it because there's nothing i want to learn? Or, i have really just been taking things for granted, taking whatever is coming my way? And why should that be the way? Are we not students? even if we are no longer studying, are we not always seeking something new to learn? So why should that stop after school?

It saddens to know, the process of learning was not heightened even when we are in school. imagine how it would go after leaving school?

So, now that we left... how has physics 101 help you achieve your dreams? in "Accepted", students want to learn to do skateboarding stunts and learn to apply certain theories in physics to better help execute moves.

The technical "classes", helped them create signboards, set up a small bar which was what they wanted to do when they want to learn to concoct certain cocktails to serve by the pool.

Let's not forget those who have a passion for eating, they learn to cook and serve those people who eat their food while going about their other classes.

I guess, you can picture what i'm saying. You have a passion for something you want to learn something, and when u seek to achieve them, you learn other things in return...

That's how life should be, there is no designated roles when it come to teaching and learning. Everyone can be a teacher and student. And it should be the way.

Why is it so important to gain acceptance, so much so to give up who you really are? Dont ever compromise that...

i'm glad i'm feeling like this. It's feels like a great start to the new year.

Happy new year 2008! Now, to go have my dinner.

Btw, had a really good time with the girls counting down to 2008. I'm glad some things never change.

New Year Resolution for 2008 and recap 07

2007-12-31T01:08:00.002+08:00

It's the last sunday of 2007 and since i dont think i will be around tomorrow night to blog about my new yaer resolutions, i thought i should do it tonight (begin the last entry of 2007).

I have long forgotten the last time i wrote down any new year resolution. Maybe i did lastyear, but i dont remember, which really isnt much of a good thing if you ask me.

Off hand, i cant really think of specific goals for 2008, nor do i have the energy to recap my 2007. However, it has been a good year for me. i' feel blessed with the people around me. My bf has been really supportive this period and it was a memorable year, a year i grew, workwise and emotionally wise.

If there's anything i like to continue improving for year 2008:

1) to continue counting my blessings (thankful for the people who love and care for me)
2) To extend the love given to me to others (must learn to care more and appreciate)
3) To save more $$$$$$$!!!!!target: 10 k! *i'm not as ambitious and capable as yc *
4) To improve on my physical self ( yes, this is highly superficial but i have long long wanted to gain some good weight and remove those stupid blemishes that's perpetually taken residence on my face)
5) To elaborate on point 4: I hope my braces will be removed!!!!!
6) Organise.. (i'm working on this, i can feel it but i think i can still be improved)

Just to highlight some of my 2007 "hall of fame"
Travel:
1) Melbourne
2) Hanoi
3) Batam
4)Hong kong China
Work:
1) Organize a HP mega event( celebration)
2) award for my research
3) Recognized @ work

Family:
1) Moved house!!!!!
2) Kick started Christmas presents to family!
3) planned and designed own room with sister
4) "celebrated" youngest bro's turning 18 @ zouk
5) family trip to HK-china *the previous flight trip we took was 10 years ago!!!*
6) Visited my family roots in San-tou

Relationship:
1) Spent one year anniversary
2) First Birthday surprise by dear with HP
3) First overseas trip.
4) First squad overseas trip
5) Kj and eveie's wedding!! * hen party included*
6) Planning b2's wedding!
7) Attended hanwen's very lovely christmas party
8) Dear's convo
9) First scrapbooking experience: For Dear and Hanwen's Birthday
10) an overdue cooking attempt @ pasta for the family with bf
Money:

1)
2)
3)
* as u can see it's all empty*

Alright, that's all i can think. I feeling drowsy. i'm praying for more in the year 2008! Same goes to everyone. Happy New Year!!!!

I love weekends like this

2007-11-18T23:23:00.000+08:00

it's been a good weekend.

Taking the kids to national library, blowing little space bubbles for them, watching them jump in that air filled playground, playing snake and ladder with my oldest pal, watching the kids do art and craft, holding little hands, chatting to them as journeyed to and fro.

And then today, was with TC clan planning how to go about "torturing" the groom and his buddies when they are going to pick evie up next week. And it's back... first extended family gathering in the new place. I like the feel of it, everyone laughing over a good meal, sharing views on places to go, tips of what to do when we go hongkong, giving comments on our rooms.

It's been a good weekend.

When you wish upon a star

2007-11-13T00:06:00.000+08:00

you should so watch stardust if you are into:
1) harry potter
2) pirates of the carribean
3) alittle macbeth
4) romance

It fits my bill!=)