A few weeks ago, I read a column from the Straits Times where the journalist mentioned that it is always easy to spot Singaporeans overseas. The thing that gave us away is our language usage. Many Singaporeans are prompt to mix the usage of a few languages in the same sentence. We are unable to speak for long in the one language.
Hmmm.....this article seems to quite true. Observing myself, indeed, my Mandarin conversations are interspersed with many English phrases. Inspired to improve my language skills, these few days I have been trying to speak my Mandarin conversations fully in one language. It is a challenge I have to say. Though I can read and comprehend Chinese broadcast news, but due to lack of use, many Chinese phrases do elude me when I am conversing though I will understand them when I hear them. Will need to practice more. Practice makes perfect. :)
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Iraq
Just finished "Elvis is Titanic" by Ian Klaus. This book is about classroom tales in Iraq. The author, a Rhodes Scholar spent a year in Iraq teaching English and American History in 2005. Though there were many American soldiers in Iraq, he was supposedly the very few American civilians involved in the education sector. The book showed you a different Iraq from what we often see from the news, it gave us glimpses of the aspirations of some classes of Iraqis from the eyes of an American.
I like another book "Salam Pax: The Baghdad Blog" by Pax Salam. Happened to chance upon this book when I was at a bookshop in North Thailand earlier this year. Reading books is a good way to pass time when you are travelling on the road for hours at times. I am always glad to be in North Thailand as there are often many bookshops near the backpackers district for us to buy and sell our books. Anyway Salam Pax is a Iraqi and the book is a consolidation of his blog in 2002-2003 which supposedly had a huge following as he managed to give a "lighted hearted" view of his life in Iraqi despite the war and troubled times. It is humorous yet gives valuable insights on the war and the impacts that it has on the lives of ordinary citizens. I recommend this book, his way of writing his blog is really intriguing.
I like another book "Salam Pax: The Baghdad Blog" by Pax Salam. Happened to chance upon this book when I was at a bookshop in North Thailand earlier this year. Reading books is a good way to pass time when you are travelling on the road for hours at times. I am always glad to be in North Thailand as there are often many bookshops near the backpackers district for us to buy and sell our books. Anyway Salam Pax is a Iraqi and the book is a consolidation of his blog in 2002-2003 which supposedly had a huge following as he managed to give a "lighted hearted" view of his life in Iraqi despite the war and troubled times. It is humorous yet gives valuable insights on the war and the impacts that it has on the lives of ordinary citizens. I recommend this book, his way of writing his blog is really intriguing.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Taxi driver's blog
I think I must have written too much about taxi drivers that my friend has passed me a link of a blog by a local taxi driver. It is really an interesting blog. I am hooked to it. Think it has a large following too from the number of comments.
Indeed taxi drivers face a lot of different kind of passengers and the stories give us a glimpse about the life of the passengers.
Anyway, he is no ordinary taxi driver but a driver that has a PHD from Stanford. Through some circumstances, he is now driving a taxi. Maybe he is just doing it for a while to experience a different kind of life that he never knew. His blog is http://taxidiary.blogspot.com
Indeed taxi drivers face a lot of different kind of passengers and the stories give us a glimpse about the life of the passengers.
Anyway, he is no ordinary taxi driver but a driver that has a PHD from Stanford. Through some circumstances, he is now driving a taxi. Maybe he is just doing it for a while to experience a different kind of life that he never knew. His blog is http://taxidiary.blogspot.com
Monday, December 14, 2009
Story from a taxi uncle
My blog is at risk of becoming a story about the lives of taxi uncles. Haha :) As some of you may have guessed correctly, I am going to write about the story of the taxi uncle I met today. The uncle saw his taxi friend in front and switched to the other lane to be side by side with his friend so that he can talk for a while as we were waiting for the trafffic. I heard he asked his friend in Hokkien whether his friend bought his car number as it came out as the top price in the 4-d draw.
I asked him later casually whether he recently won 4-d and then he started telling his life story. The uncle has driven taxi for about 22 years. He raised 2 daughters to the university and they are now already coming 30 years old. 2 very filial daughters that gave him and his wife quite a decent amount of allowance every month. He can jolly well retire and survive on the allowance but he prefers to work. In fact he recently brought his daughters to taiwan and even sponsored the trip and shopping there.
Interestingly he also told me that he has quite a luck with all his cabs. Whenever he changes to a new cab, his cab numbers will inevitably come up as 1st or 3rd price in the local 4-d draw within a year. He said his IC number also often comes up as the 1st price in the 4-d draw and proceeded to ask me to buy. Haha but of course I have already forgotten the numbers he gave me as I do not buy 4-d and don't have such luck also.
Seemed really like one lucky uncle. Though luckily he mentioned he is not really a gambler, he just buys not much each time in the 4-d draw.
In addition despite his age he is one hardworking fellow. Starting his driving every day at 4.30am. Wow so early indeed!
I asked him later casually whether he recently won 4-d and then he started telling his life story. The uncle has driven taxi for about 22 years. He raised 2 daughters to the university and they are now already coming 30 years old. 2 very filial daughters that gave him and his wife quite a decent amount of allowance every month. He can jolly well retire and survive on the allowance but he prefers to work. In fact he recently brought his daughters to taiwan and even sponsored the trip and shopping there.
Interestingly he also told me that he has quite a luck with all his cabs. Whenever he changes to a new cab, his cab numbers will inevitably come up as 1st or 3rd price in the local 4-d draw within a year. He said his IC number also often comes up as the 1st price in the 4-d draw and proceeded to ask me to buy. Haha but of course I have already forgotten the numbers he gave me as I do not buy 4-d and don't have such luck also.
Seemed really like one lucky uncle. Though luckily he mentioned he is not really a gambler, he just buys not much each time in the 4-d draw.
In addition despite his age he is one hardworking fellow. Starting his driving every day at 4.30am. Wow so early indeed!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Taxi
These 2 weeks due to time constraint and tight schedule, taxi is my primary public transport. Once these 2 weeks is over, it will be back to bus and MRT for me else it is really burning a big hole in my pocket.
Anyway taking the taxis these two weeks have been a very pleasant experience. The taxi drivers are often very friendly in striking conversations with me. For example, the taxi driver yesterday was a university graduate. He shared with me that he often studied together outside with his friends during his poly years. After his graduation, he worked at Tuas while living in Pasir Ris (opposite end of the island) and took distance learning for his degree course. It got very tough later on when he had a family and had to balance all the commitments. I can imagine.
Another day, the son of the taxi driver was a doctor. I could tell that the taxi driver was very proud of his son, which is rightly so. I think his son should also be very proud of his father for bringing him up all the way to university.
From newspaper reports, I know taxi driving in Singapore is not a well paid profession. For sitting behind the wheels for 10 hours a day, the taxi driver will probably earn $2000-$3000 a month after deducting the vehicle rental and diesel cost. If they fall sick or for other reasons they are unable to work for some days, then the take home pay will be much less. Considering the cost of housing in Singapore and the cost involved in raising a family, I can understand when they told me that with the housing price spikes, even though they needed to get a bigger house for the growing family, it is very difficult for them as the prices are beyond their reach so they will have to squeeze in the present house.
However despite all these, often they undercharge me. For eg when the fare is $8.20, they would charge me $8. Even though is only 20cents, but all these do add up to significant reduced earnings for them if they do this on a daily basis to all the commuters.
And today, the taxi uncle really undercharged me signifcantly. The taxi driver was probably in his late 60s to early 70s, definitely over the normal retirement age. First he was very kind to ask me whether the car is too cold for me. On reaching my home, the fare was $7.20. I told him I have 20cents, so that he can just give me back $3 while I gave him $10.20. But he said no need to give him the 20 cents. Then later he shoved $4 back to me. I took out $1 to gave him back. But he insisted that I keep it. Even though I told him he would make a loss, but he keep insisting and said is ok, since he is on way home. In the end I could only thank him. Hmm.. so I paid $6 for a $7.20 journey. Thank you Uncle for your generosity! Even though I don't know I deserve it.
Generosity and kindness is found plentiful in people, often from people who may not be as well endowed in society. I know millionaire who pinch their pennies, maybe that is why they can get so rich because they are very conscious of managing their money. Hmmm....kindness probably work in cycles. The uncle has started the kindness cycle, and I hope I will continue in his spirit of giving and pass it along to someone else. :)
Anyway taking the taxis these two weeks have been a very pleasant experience. The taxi drivers are often very friendly in striking conversations with me. For example, the taxi driver yesterday was a university graduate. He shared with me that he often studied together outside with his friends during his poly years. After his graduation, he worked at Tuas while living in Pasir Ris (opposite end of the island) and took distance learning for his degree course. It got very tough later on when he had a family and had to balance all the commitments. I can imagine.
Another day, the son of the taxi driver was a doctor. I could tell that the taxi driver was very proud of his son, which is rightly so. I think his son should also be very proud of his father for bringing him up all the way to university.
From newspaper reports, I know taxi driving in Singapore is not a well paid profession. For sitting behind the wheels for 10 hours a day, the taxi driver will probably earn $2000-$3000 a month after deducting the vehicle rental and diesel cost. If they fall sick or for other reasons they are unable to work for some days, then the take home pay will be much less. Considering the cost of housing in Singapore and the cost involved in raising a family, I can understand when they told me that with the housing price spikes, even though they needed to get a bigger house for the growing family, it is very difficult for them as the prices are beyond their reach so they will have to squeeze in the present house.
However despite all these, often they undercharge me. For eg when the fare is $8.20, they would charge me $8. Even though is only 20cents, but all these do add up to significant reduced earnings for them if they do this on a daily basis to all the commuters.
And today, the taxi uncle really undercharged me signifcantly. The taxi driver was probably in his late 60s to early 70s, definitely over the normal retirement age. First he was very kind to ask me whether the car is too cold for me. On reaching my home, the fare was $7.20. I told him I have 20cents, so that he can just give me back $3 while I gave him $10.20. But he said no need to give him the 20 cents. Then later he shoved $4 back to me. I took out $1 to gave him back. But he insisted that I keep it. Even though I told him he would make a loss, but he keep insisting and said is ok, since he is on way home. In the end I could only thank him. Hmm.. so I paid $6 for a $7.20 journey. Thank you Uncle for your generosity! Even though I don't know I deserve it.
Generosity and kindness is found plentiful in people, often from people who may not be as well endowed in society. I know millionaire who pinch their pennies, maybe that is why they can get so rich because they are very conscious of managing their money. Hmmm....kindness probably work in cycles. The uncle has started the kindness cycle, and I hope I will continue in his spirit of giving and pass it along to someone else. :)
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Fourth time lucky?
Third time lucky? It is not meant to be. I am trying to get a 22 inch TV for my mum. Got a 32 inch TV over the weekend as both the TVs at home broke down.
There have been some special promotions going on for electronices including this 22/26 inch TV over the past few weeks. Usually the store will say for the "First 5 customers" for each of the electronic item. My bro-in-law advised me to go queue up for this as he queued only 10 mins before the store opening and got it. He said it is very good deal.
The thing is today is my third time queuing and I still come back empty handed. First 2 times, I am both the 6th person in line, just one person difference. The 5 people in front of me all want the same product as me, even though there are many different items on promotion.
I reached progressively earlier. Today I was there at least an hour before the store opening. I was very happy that there was no one in queue at the usual spot where people queue. Happily I stood there and read the notes I brought along until I heard voices behind me some mins after. Apparently there was a group of people queuing in another spot, hidden by the posters and pillars... How did i miss them?? If only I saw there earlier and join their queue, I am the 6th or 7th person again after I join them. And the result was as expected.
This is really disappointing. For the same item and at the same shop, my bro in law just needed to queue 10 mins and went one time for the item. And I went to queue for three times and much earlier and yet...
Maybe it is meant to be. For example, when I recently bought my laptop. My colleague just went 1 day after me at the same fair. He got a better deal as the shops slashed prices by $100 for all the products that day. Not only is my price higher but not long after, the model that I bought have a model recall for faulty items. The manufacturer recalled my laptop for repair.
Another incident this year, I took a taxi to rush home after feeling sick and my taxi was following all the traffic rules. Out of nowhere, another car ignoring the red light rammed into my taxi and hit the side when I was sitting. Missed me luckily else I would not be here writing. Also this year, when I crossed a small road, I clearly saw there was no traffic before I crossed. But midway, suddenly a motorbike zipped past me in high speed, just inches from me.
When I went backpacking with my friend in India, I encountered a few times of bird shit dropping from the sky onto me. I really did not know what happened and my friend was surprised too because we are often standing around the same spot. I doubt it is because there are more birds there. Even in Singapore, walking along Orchard Road, the bird shit had missed me by inches a few times, literally dropping beside me when I am walking. I never heard of my friends experiencing this so often.
Somehow I often meet with such incidents with high frequency until I guess they no longer fazed me so much. To me, it is like "ok, it happen again". It is a tad tiring at times as I often have to go through more efforts for the same thing. Maybe a lot of people also experienced such things and never complain. I should count my blessings instead. Life has still been kind to me compared to many others that are struggling every day for their survival. What are these stories that I have? Insignificant indeed.
Ok, I guess I should not make any wishes, I just need to continue my effort. Maybe the shop will have the promotion again next weekend and I will be fourth time lucky. :)
There have been some special promotions going on for electronices including this 22/26 inch TV over the past few weeks. Usually the store will say for the "First 5 customers" for each of the electronic item. My bro-in-law advised me to go queue up for this as he queued only 10 mins before the store opening and got it. He said it is very good deal.
The thing is today is my third time queuing and I still come back empty handed. First 2 times, I am both the 6th person in line, just one person difference. The 5 people in front of me all want the same product as me, even though there are many different items on promotion.
I reached progressively earlier. Today I was there at least an hour before the store opening. I was very happy that there was no one in queue at the usual spot where people queue. Happily I stood there and read the notes I brought along until I heard voices behind me some mins after. Apparently there was a group of people queuing in another spot, hidden by the posters and pillars... How did i miss them?? If only I saw there earlier and join their queue, I am the 6th or 7th person again after I join them. And the result was as expected.
This is really disappointing. For the same item and at the same shop, my bro in law just needed to queue 10 mins and went one time for the item. And I went to queue for three times and much earlier and yet...
Maybe it is meant to be. For example, when I recently bought my laptop. My colleague just went 1 day after me at the same fair. He got a better deal as the shops slashed prices by $100 for all the products that day. Not only is my price higher but not long after, the model that I bought have a model recall for faulty items. The manufacturer recalled my laptop for repair.
Another incident this year, I took a taxi to rush home after feeling sick and my taxi was following all the traffic rules. Out of nowhere, another car ignoring the red light rammed into my taxi and hit the side when I was sitting. Missed me luckily else I would not be here writing. Also this year, when I crossed a small road, I clearly saw there was no traffic before I crossed. But midway, suddenly a motorbike zipped past me in high speed, just inches from me.
When I went backpacking with my friend in India, I encountered a few times of bird shit dropping from the sky onto me. I really did not know what happened and my friend was surprised too because we are often standing around the same spot. I doubt it is because there are more birds there. Even in Singapore, walking along Orchard Road, the bird shit had missed me by inches a few times, literally dropping beside me when I am walking. I never heard of my friends experiencing this so often.
Somehow I often meet with such incidents with high frequency until I guess they no longer fazed me so much. To me, it is like "ok, it happen again". It is a tad tiring at times as I often have to go through more efforts for the same thing. Maybe a lot of people also experienced such things and never complain. I should count my blessings instead. Life has still been kind to me compared to many others that are struggling every day for their survival. What are these stories that I have? Insignificant indeed.
Ok, I guess I should not make any wishes, I just need to continue my effort. Maybe the shop will have the promotion again next weekend and I will be fourth time lucky. :)
Thursday, November 19, 2009
2nd Chance
Today I was walking along the road where I noticed some art drawings at the side. A number of the drawings featured the sea as a symbol of hope and some of them showed people locked in the jails. These drawings look melancholy and were drew by girls from the Singapore Girls' Home. This is a sort of a rehabilitation centre for girls that may have run mildly foul of the law as well as girls who may have been put there by their parents who deemed them uncontrollable.
There were also some writings accompanying the drawings. The common message conveyed is clear. The girls hope that they will be given a second chance in life.
2nd chance -- Indeed many people hope to be given a 2nd chance for varied kinds of things, in opportunities we seek but lose out, in our life and even in forgivness for things that we may have done. No one is truly perfect. Maybe we lose sight of this at times. I guess most people, me included, tend to judgemental. Are things that we see what they clearly are? In an increasingly complex world, what we see may increasingly not be the whole picture.
Hopefully those who deserve will be given 2nd chance in life.
There were also some writings accompanying the drawings. The common message conveyed is clear. The girls hope that they will be given a second chance in life.
2nd chance -- Indeed many people hope to be given a 2nd chance for varied kinds of things, in opportunities we seek but lose out, in our life and even in forgivness for things that we may have done. No one is truly perfect. Maybe we lose sight of this at times. I guess most people, me included, tend to judgemental. Are things that we see what they clearly are? In an increasingly complex world, what we see may increasingly not be the whole picture.
Hopefully those who deserve will be given 2nd chance in life.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Doctor
I went to see my usual doctor today for flu symptoms. His clinic is just a few blocks from my home. Seeing the H1N1 vaccine information pasted on the wall, I took the opportunity to ask him whether I should go for the jab since he recommended the seasonal flu vaccine for me last time.
Amazingly, he told me that though he recommend this H1N1 vaccine for me, he would strongly suggest to his patients like me to take the vaccine from the clinic a few street away. Apparently that clinic belongs to a healthcare chain that currently has promotion for the H1N1 vaccine such that it costs only $26 while the price at his clinic is $40. Simply put, he said his price is not competitive at the much. He asked me to go outside and checked with his nurse later for the number for that clinic. Unless that clinic ends the promotion such that the prices are not much different, then should I go to him for the H1N1 jab.
Wow what an honest doctor that really cares about his patients! He is a general practitioner that though not a specialist (those doctors probably command higher status in society) but to patients like us that always go to GPs whenever we have any illness, he is definitely our first line of defense. He really commands my respect. He kept his consultation affordable, nomally about $20-40 with medicine each time. Work unbelievably long hours, even working on Sundays last time. A few times I had saw him rush out to help when old folks (I live in an old estate) fainted at the food centre in front of his clinic. He would stay until the paramedics arrive which is usually very fast fortunately.
I used to take for granted that all doctors are like that especially since those medical-themed TV dramas always seem to show doctors as really selfless people. That was until I checked with my friends who are nurses. My good friend who used to work in the operating theatres in the hospital told me that in her daily contact with doctors, there are actually many with big egos that treat nurses badly and without much respect. There are people in the profession because of the status and remuneration.
Really glad that my GP is such a great doctor, though he may not win any contest for most charming doctor or gather much prestige in the medical community as he only treats general ailments BUT really, most importantly, to us, patients who go to him as our first line of defense for illness, he is our unstated Hero! :) Thank you Doctor!
Amazingly, he told me that though he recommend this H1N1 vaccine for me, he would strongly suggest to his patients like me to take the vaccine from the clinic a few street away. Apparently that clinic belongs to a healthcare chain that currently has promotion for the H1N1 vaccine such that it costs only $26 while the price at his clinic is $40. Simply put, he said his price is not competitive at the much. He asked me to go outside and checked with his nurse later for the number for that clinic. Unless that clinic ends the promotion such that the prices are not much different, then should I go to him for the H1N1 jab.
Wow what an honest doctor that really cares about his patients! He is a general practitioner that though not a specialist (those doctors probably command higher status in society) but to patients like us that always go to GPs whenever we have any illness, he is definitely our first line of defense. He really commands my respect. He kept his consultation affordable, nomally about $20-40 with medicine each time. Work unbelievably long hours, even working on Sundays last time. A few times I had saw him rush out to help when old folks (I live in an old estate) fainted at the food centre in front of his clinic. He would stay until the paramedics arrive which is usually very fast fortunately.
I used to take for granted that all doctors are like that especially since those medical-themed TV dramas always seem to show doctors as really selfless people. That was until I checked with my friends who are nurses. My good friend who used to work in the operating theatres in the hospital told me that in her daily contact with doctors, there are actually many with big egos that treat nurses badly and without much respect. There are people in the profession because of the status and remuneration.
Really glad that my GP is such a great doctor, though he may not win any contest for most charming doctor or gather much prestige in the medical community as he only treats general ailments BUT really, most importantly, to us, patients who go to him as our first line of defense for illness, he is our unstated Hero! :) Thank you Doctor!
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Orchid
I am pleasantly surprised when I came out of my office building lift to see that they had placed pots of orhids at the lift area. It brighten the place immediately. I was not the only one surprised, I saw some people even touching the orchids etc. It seemed that many people are nicely surprised by it.
Talking about Orchids, I think I have no green fingers. Actually I quite like orchids and sitting outside the corridor of my unit are 4 pots of orchids I have over different times. The thing is, there are no flowers, only leaves ever since I bought them blooming with flowers at the time of purchase. I bought fertilizers and cut their stems etc (someone told me it would work) but still could not convince the plants to flower. I often heard that orchids are easy to manage. But hmmm, my plants are tough and disobedient indeed. :)
Talking about Orchids, I think I have no green fingers. Actually I quite like orchids and sitting outside the corridor of my unit are 4 pots of orchids I have over different times. The thing is, there are no flowers, only leaves ever since I bought them blooming with flowers at the time of purchase. I bought fertilizers and cut their stems etc (someone told me it would work) but still could not convince the plants to flower. I often heard that orchids are easy to manage. But hmmm, my plants are tough and disobedient indeed. :)
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Natural Disasters
Today's news -- Earthquake in Java Island. Recently there seems to be an onslaught of natural disasters happening in Asia. Typhoon, Earthquake, Tsuanmi, Floods ...
Indeed, there have been quite a few earthquakes in Indonesia in the past few weeks. Really emphathize with the people living in Sumatra. It seems that they have more than their fair share of disasters and life seems so uncertain for them in the past couple of years. It must be stressful to live under such uncertainty especially worrying about the safety. Hopefully those homes destroyed will be rebuild soon.
It is often say that the reconstruction process usually takes a number of years though donors and outsiders tend to concentrate their effort in the short aftermath of the disasters. Lets hope that these people will not be forgotten and they can rebuild their lives with courage and hope.
Indeed, there have been quite a few earthquakes in Indonesia in the past few weeks. Really emphathize with the people living in Sumatra. It seems that they have more than their fair share of disasters and life seems so uncertain for them in the past couple of years. It must be stressful to live under such uncertainty especially worrying about the safety. Hopefully those homes destroyed will be rebuild soon.
It is often say that the reconstruction process usually takes a number of years though donors and outsiders tend to concentrate their effort in the short aftermath of the disasters. Lets hope that these people will not be forgotten and they can rebuild their lives with courage and hope.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Bazaar
The Pasar Malam (temporary night bazaar) has come to my neighbourhood! I was surprised to come back at night to see so many shops along the walkways.
I like night bazaars! Though I seldom buy from the shops there, mostly only buy food items like snacks etc from them, but I like the color and vibrancy that the night bazaar brings to the neighbourhood. Many people will be walking around and browsing through the shops.
When I was walking past last night, one store particularly stand out. Is a store crowded by mosty guys. At first I thought it was a store that probably sell guys stuff until I looked closely. Is actually a store that sell face cream. All of its sale promoters are guys and they managed to pull a number of guys to test out the face cream on their faces in public! Wow cool! Is good to break the stereotypes of the gender.
I like night bazaars! Though I seldom buy from the shops there, mostly only buy food items like snacks etc from them, but I like the color and vibrancy that the night bazaar brings to the neighbourhood. Many people will be walking around and browsing through the shops.
When I was walking past last night, one store particularly stand out. Is a store crowded by mosty guys. At first I thought it was a store that probably sell guys stuff until I looked closely. Is actually a store that sell face cream. All of its sale promoters are guys and they managed to pull a number of guys to test out the face cream on their faces in public! Wow cool! Is good to break the stereotypes of the gender.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Happy Toilet School
Today was an eventful day, was nearly locked up in a room and was trying to get people's attention and knocking on the door so hard that my hand went red. Anyway I managed to get out myself after a while and a small scare. Quite a silly episode haha.
Just now on my way back home, while walking pass a primary school, one of their banners caught my attention. The Banner was about the school being a "Happy Toilet School". I did a double take to confirm I am not hallucinating in the dark night! ;>
Not a doubt, the banner clearly wrote Happy Toilet School. Wow! Certainly a new program to me. There are now many programs ongoing for different groups of people that are new to me. Apparently according to the Restroom Association's website, it is a program to inculcate Good Toilet Etiquette, Personal Hygiene Habits and Social Responsibility to the Students. Wow, what a mission! :)
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Online Shopping
Wow I finally made my first online purchase of clothes this Wednesday! More of driven by my colleague. She was very eager and went around looking for online sites and found one that she like. The thing though is that a minimum purchase of 12 items and 2 items per design is needed. So she roped me in. It is actually an online retailer from Hong Kong.
It was so exciting when I looked at the website. Wow all the clothes look so reasonably priced and nice! I find it hard to differentiate whether it is the cothes that are nice or the models that are making the clothes look so nice haha. :) Was tempted to buy many designs. But restricted ourselves to the minimum purchase first as we do not know the quality. Some friends mentioned that the quality of the clothes they received were quite different from what they see online. Hoping that this online retailer will be different.
I just received a message from her that the clothes had arrived in her house by courier! Wow that is really fast! It takes only three days to arrive from Hong Kong??? Wow unbelievable! Already looking forward to seeing the parcel on Monday! :)
It was so exciting when I looked at the website. Wow all the clothes look so reasonably priced and nice! I find it hard to differentiate whether it is the cothes that are nice or the models that are making the clothes look so nice haha. :) Was tempted to buy many designs. But restricted ourselves to the minimum purchase first as we do not know the quality. Some friends mentioned that the quality of the clothes they received were quite different from what they see online. Hoping that this online retailer will be different.
I just received a message from her that the clothes had arrived in her house by courier! Wow that is really fast! It takes only three days to arrive from Hong Kong??? Wow unbelievable! Already looking forward to seeing the parcel on Monday! :)
Friday, September 25, 2009
Jie Mei
Was the Jie Mei (Jie Mei is something like a bridemaid but much less official than that for wedding in Singapore) for my cousin wedding last weekend. It was quite a packed day as my cousin has quite a lot of activities packed on her wedding day.
There is an old Chinese saying that one should not be a Jie Mei for more than three times as it does not bode well for the person. That is why some friends did reject nicely after they have had been Jie Mei for a few times. Oh no;>........ I have exceeded my quota, like the 27 wedding dresses movie (but of course not so many times haha). Whatever the saying, I feel it is my honor to be asked to take part in others' happiness. :)
My cousin's wedding was held in Sentosa. She really did a lot of planning. I was surprised when she tailor made dresses and bought the same shoes for all the Jie Mei(s). Usually in other weddings I attended, we were given a color theme and we bought the clothes/shoes ourselves. During her dinner, there were also performances throughout the duration of the meal. I saw Bryan Wong too, he was the MC for that night. He is actually very good looking closed up. Also looked like a cheerful person. Quite a number of people took pictures with him.
It was really quite a different wedding. I hope though she enjoyed herself despite her hectic schedule.
There is an old Chinese saying that one should not be a Jie Mei for more than three times as it does not bode well for the person. That is why some friends did reject nicely after they have had been Jie Mei for a few times. Oh no;>........ I have exceeded my quota, like the 27 wedding dresses movie (but of course not so many times haha). Whatever the saying, I feel it is my honor to be asked to take part in others' happiness. :)
My cousin's wedding was held in Sentosa. She really did a lot of planning. I was surprised when she tailor made dresses and bought the same shoes for all the Jie Mei(s). Usually in other weddings I attended, we were given a color theme and we bought the clothes/shoes ourselves. During her dinner, there were also performances throughout the duration of the meal. I saw Bryan Wong too, he was the MC for that night. He is actually very good looking closed up. Also looked like a cheerful person. Quite a number of people took pictures with him.
It was really quite a different wedding. I hope though she enjoyed herself despite her hectic schedule.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Joyful People
Stepping out of the lift, I was greeted by a beautiful and joyous voice. Hmmm.... who is this person? From her attire, I could see that she must be one of those Tzi-chi volunteers that come to my block every month to collect recycleables. The lady was holding on to a trolley and singing merrily in a soft voice to herself. I think she must be passing her time while waiting for the other volunteers.
I went up to talk to her to ask her whether she would like the old newspaper that had been stacking up at home. While speaking to her, I felt she exuded an attractive air of joy and cheerfulness. Its really attractive. Joyfulness can be infectious. Even if I might not be feeling my best before meeting her, she had infected me with her cheer and made my day! :)
I really respect and admire people like her. Because they make the world a better place for all of us. I guess it is probaby second nature to them. Thank you, Angel of my day! :)
I went up to talk to her to ask her whether she would like the old newspaper that had been stacking up at home. While speaking to her, I felt she exuded an attractive air of joy and cheerfulness. Its really attractive. Joyfulness can be infectious. Even if I might not be feeling my best before meeting her, she had infected me with her cheer and made my day! :)
I really respect and admire people like her. Because they make the world a better place for all of us. I guess it is probaby second nature to them. Thank you, Angel of my day! :)
Saturday, September 12, 2009
你是我的眼
Wanted to share with you this song. Quite touching and stirring. Heard this song recently as I was watching the Taiwanese singing competition (超級星光大道) following some Singapore contestants. Wow one of the PK contestants, an American actually, really sang it very well (
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVu3cN4fCD8&feature=related). Apparently many commerical singers have sang this song before, seems like a big hit for them. Hmmm.. how come I have never heard it before?
Today hearing it again I suddenly have the urge to know who is the original singer. From the lyrics, I thought it could be a visually impaired singer like Chen Wei Lian. My guess is right. The original singer is 蕭煌奇(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UL4DfdN3KaA&feature=related). Though he may be visually impaired, but through his composition, he let others see another side of him, just like Chen Wei Lian. They all reach out to others through their music. Music really can bridge all kinds of boundaries. A talented composer indeed.
Enjoy the song
你是我的眼
如果我能看得见 就能轻易的分辨白天黑夜
就能准确的在人群中牵住你的手 如果我能看得见
就能驾车带你到处遨游 就能惊喜的从背后给你一个拥抱
如果我能看得见生命也许完全不同
可能我想要的我喜欢的我爱的都不一样
眼前的黑不是黑你说的白是什么白
人们说的天空蓝是我记忆中那团白云背后的蓝天
我望向你的脸却只能看见一片虚无 是不是上帝在我眼前遮住了帘忘了掀开
你是我的眼带我领略四季的变换 你是我的眼带我穿越拥挤的人潮
你是我的眼带我阅读浩瀚的书海 因为你是我的眼 让我看见这世界就在我眼前
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVu3cN4fCD8&feature=related). Apparently many commerical singers have sang this song before, seems like a big hit for them. Hmmm.. how come I have never heard it before?
Today hearing it again I suddenly have the urge to know who is the original singer. From the lyrics, I thought it could be a visually impaired singer like Chen Wei Lian. My guess is right. The original singer is 蕭煌奇(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UL4DfdN3KaA&feature=related). Though he may be visually impaired, but through his composition, he let others see another side of him, just like Chen Wei Lian. They all reach out to others through their music. Music really can bridge all kinds of boundaries. A talented composer indeed.
Enjoy the song
你是我的眼
如果我能看得见 就能轻易的分辨白天黑夜
就能准确的在人群中牵住你的手 如果我能看得见
就能驾车带你到处遨游 就能惊喜的从背后给你一个拥抱
如果我能看得见生命也许完全不同
可能我想要的我喜欢的我爱的都不一样
眼前的黑不是黑你说的白是什么白
人们说的天空蓝是我记忆中那团白云背后的蓝天
我望向你的脸却只能看见一片虚无 是不是上帝在我眼前遮住了帘忘了掀开
你是我的眼带我领略四季的变换 你是我的眼带我穿越拥挤的人潮
你是我的眼带我阅读浩瀚的书海 因为你是我的眼 让我看见这世界就在我眼前
Laptop
I finally got a new Laptop today! :) Is a Acer, 13.3 inches and 1.6 kg.
Was planning to get one for a long time as my current laptop is 5 years old already. Finally got one from Comex!
Heard that paying in cash will entitle for more freebies. Thus I drew out the cash and travelled by bus there. Was gingerly walking around with the cash. Haha, of course nothing happened.
I just zoomed in since I already knew the model I wanted. Asked the salesgirl earnestly to give me more freebies since I am paying in cash but hmm.... it does not seem to work. In the end, only get one more free gift, a headset (think maybe worth $20). Ok, better than nothing.
Will be collecting it next week! Yeah! Looking forward to it.
Was planning to get one for a long time as my current laptop is 5 years old already. Finally got one from Comex!
Heard that paying in cash will entitle for more freebies. Thus I drew out the cash and travelled by bus there. Was gingerly walking around with the cash. Haha, of course nothing happened.
I just zoomed in since I already knew the model I wanted. Asked the salesgirl earnestly to give me more freebies since I am paying in cash but hmm.... it does not seem to work. In the end, only get one more free gift, a headset (think maybe worth $20). Ok, better than nothing.
Will be collecting it next week! Yeah! Looking forward to it.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Leaving Microsoft to Change the World
My friend from Australia (I met her in Cambodia teaching "Chinese" to the locals, was surprised when I met her too, who would have thought of people teaching Chinese and not English there) recently came to Singapore to celebrate her birthday. Since she loved reading, my choice of a present was a book. Initially I wanted to get her "Three Cups of Tea" (a great book that I enjoyed by Greg Mortenson on his mission to promote peace via building one school at a time in Pakistan and Afghanistan).While searching for it, I chanced upon this book and reading the summary drew me to it. I got this book for my friend finally. Later on, I managed to borrow this book from the library to read as well.
The author John Wood used to work for Microsoft (living the high life with a very good salary). Once when he was on a vacation in the Nepal, by some chances he went to some schools and saw the conditions there. He promised that he will come back with books for the library which he did. Later on, he decided to give up his cushy job at Microsoft and started Room to Read. Currently they have built thousands of libraries and hundreds of schools.
Giving up his job and steady girlfriend was not easy for him. But he reckoned that the children in the poor countries need him more than his company. If he stayed, he figured he would be just another employee at his company while his other potential work will really matter for the people in the economically less endowed places.
Is a very interesting/inspiring/touching book indeed. I think he succeeded because he had the entrepreneur spirit as well as the courage to follow what he believe.
I especially love the yak on the book cover! Imagine on his first ever book donation, he actually transported the books via yak as the place was inaccessible. Yak are very gentle looking animals. I remembered I was so looking forward to seeing them when I went on a himalaya holiday. Was asking the tour guide in advance for the animals and mountains haha! Could not take my eyes off them. They look bulky and walk very slowly though, always seem to be busy eating the vegetation. Will love to touch them if I have a chance next time. :)
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Have you met Molly?
Have you met Molly? I was at Tiong Bahru Plaza last sunday and was surprised to see her! She was standing near the taxi stand. I must have read about her from the newspaper but this was my first time meeting her! I was shy at first but curiousity got the better of me and I approached her.
Yes I approached Molly, the Mobile library! (Who do you think she is??? ha ha ) Wow she looks beautiful inside out! There are neat and nice-looking shelves of books in her. Mostly children books though. Due to space constraint, each person is urged to spend a maximum of 15 minutes at Molly so that other people can get on the bus to browse and borrow the books. Apparently Molly goes to Tiong Bahru Plaza on every last Sunday of the month from 12 noon to 5 pm. You can also check her out the next time you happen to be at the plaza during those time slots.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Cafe spree
One of our friends who is working in the US is back for holiday. A group of us went out, making it a point to go somewhere new.
Indeed, we really went to quite a few places today! Was like a discovery trip in Singapore. We went to Tea Party in Bukit Timah Road as one friend had read about the place. It is an average place and we ate too much though. :)
Then we remembered we read there are horses and a rider cafe nearby that area. So we hopped on Fern's car and went searching for it. We were so excited when we see the horses, commenting so loudly in the car, the horses would have been frightened should the car window be opened haha.
The riders cafe looks a nice place though we were too full to eat anything. http://www.riderscafe.sg/ Nice ambience indeed and most importantly does not look overcrowded. Then we went seaching for an elusive seafood restaurant. We discovered a golf course instead.
Next we decided to go somewhere for a drink and settled at Little Bali (http://www.littlebali.com/) at Gillman Village. Is quite a comfortable and relaxed place. There were even a karaoke competition some tables away as teachers from some schools were having some event to celeberate Teachers' Day! In a way, we enjoyed some *live band* music.
Had a great time laughing and talking about "anything under the sun". Mostly exchanging gossip news that we read from the press or exchanging updates of ourselves. The most memorable part was at the end of the session, all four of us girls were "fighting" to settle the bill. We were having such an animated and boisterous exchange trying to get the bill that some other diners were laughing at us. J even showed some gongfu stances to stop the rest from going near to foot the bill! :) It must be hilarious looking at us!
There were much laughter today and it is really a great day out! :)
Indeed, we really went to quite a few places today! Was like a discovery trip in Singapore. We went to Tea Party in Bukit Timah Road as one friend had read about the place. It is an average place and we ate too much though. :)
Then we remembered we read there are horses and a rider cafe nearby that area. So we hopped on Fern's car and went searching for it. We were so excited when we see the horses, commenting so loudly in the car, the horses would have been frightened should the car window be opened haha.
The riders cafe looks a nice place though we were too full to eat anything. http://www.riderscafe.sg/ Nice ambience indeed and most importantly does not look overcrowded. Then we went seaching for an elusive seafood restaurant. We discovered a golf course instead.
Next we decided to go somewhere for a drink and settled at Little Bali (http://www.littlebali.com/) at Gillman Village. Is quite a comfortable and relaxed place. There were even a karaoke competition some tables away as teachers from some schools were having some event to celeberate Teachers' Day! In a way, we enjoyed some *live band* music.
Had a great time laughing and talking about "anything under the sun". Mostly exchanging gossip news that we read from the press or exchanging updates of ourselves. The most memorable part was at the end of the session, all four of us girls were "fighting" to settle the bill. We were having such an animated and boisterous exchange trying to get the bill that some other diners were laughing at us. J even showed some gongfu stances to stop the rest from going near to foot the bill! :) It must be hilarious looking at us!
There were much laughter today and it is really a great day out! :)
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Mail reached
I received a message from my friend that my mail has reached her! Wow it is really much faster than we expected. 12 days is all it takes for the mail to reach Nigeria from Singapore! Wow!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Online Shopping
Seems like more and more people are doing online shopping for clothes. My friend just passed me a pair of pants that she could not fit in after she bought from the Net. Not sure I can squeeze in too, been putting on weight.
Was asking my colleague yesterday on a new dress she bought and discovered she got it online. It was a very good deal! Apparently she has also started buying her clothes online as they were very much cheaper than those from the stores!
Wow, seems that one can save and have more choices when buying clothes online! Time to probably do my homework. My online shopping has so far been limited to airfares, hotel rooms, chocolates, concert tickets and books. Its time to venture further. haha
Was asking my colleague yesterday on a new dress she bought and discovered she got it online. It was a very good deal! Apparently she has also started buying her clothes online as they were very much cheaper than those from the stores!
Wow, seems that one can save and have more choices when buying clothes online! Time to probably do my homework. My online shopping has so far been limited to airfares, hotel rooms, chocolates, concert tickets and books. Its time to venture further. haha
Monday, August 24, 2009
Stop the horror with soap and water
I saw this picture on the bus the other day! Isn't it hideous? Was shocked by the picture, the hand really looked monstrous! Took a further look, it is an ad "Stop the horror with soap and water" by the health promotion board to encourage people to wash their hands with soap.
The message did work though! I could not bear to look further at the picture and just wanted to alight and wash my hands!!! haha.
But after alighting from the bus, I forgotten about it and went along my business haha. Nevertheless the picture does leave an impression and in a way, it has done its job, spreading the message across and people remembering it.
(PS: Picture was not taken by me, was trying to look for it online and found it in google by a blogger who has taken a picture. Thank you for the pic! )
Friday, August 21, 2009
Mail to Nigeria
My friend has just left to Nigeria for a month not so long ago. She will be spending her birthday there.
First thought of Nigeria is "Scam". There are too often reports of scams cases from Nigeria in the news. In actual fact, Nigeria is also thriving economy, one rather significant oil producing country and one whose economy is relatively more developed among the African nations.
Anyway I was so excited when my friend mentioned she was going and wanted to send her a mail. Was thinking of surprising her with a parcel, until she told me that it is likely the mail will only reach after she is on her way back. I then insisted that it is ok, I can find a way to send her.
I wahinking how difficult can it be, I can always use Fedex or UPS. Didn't they said they can sent a mail anywhere in the world. I remembered sending a mail by Fedex to the USA was not too expensive, starting from 30 plus dollars. Thus I went about searching for the postal rate to Nigeria and was shocked! It costs upwards of $400 dollars to Nigeria by Fedex or UPS. The base rate is $400 plus, thus even if you are sending a 50 gram letter, that is the minimum cost!!!! I initially thought there was some mistakes, rub my eyes :> and checked several times etc.
Wow the drastic difference in the rates between sending to Nigeria and USA! I know there will be differences but did not expect that huge a difference. No wonder my friend told me that there is no need to send her anything.
I later learned I can send a letter via Singapore Post to Nigeria for $2.50 via Air Mail. The mail will be sent via Singapore Post to Nigeria where it will be transferred to the recipient via the local postal system. To test the Nigeria Postal system, I have happily sent her a letter via Singapore Post. Will await the result and let you know haha! :)
First thought of Nigeria is "Scam". There are too often reports of scams cases from Nigeria in the news. In actual fact, Nigeria is also thriving economy, one rather significant oil producing country and one whose economy is relatively more developed among the African nations.
Anyway I was so excited when my friend mentioned she was going and wanted to send her a mail. Was thinking of surprising her with a parcel, until she told me that it is likely the mail will only reach after she is on her way back. I then insisted that it is ok, I can find a way to send her.
I wahinking how difficult can it be, I can always use Fedex or UPS. Didn't they said they can sent a mail anywhere in the world. I remembered sending a mail by Fedex to the USA was not too expensive, starting from 30 plus dollars. Thus I went about searching for the postal rate to Nigeria and was shocked! It costs upwards of $400 dollars to Nigeria by Fedex or UPS. The base rate is $400 plus, thus even if you are sending a 50 gram letter, that is the minimum cost!!!! I initially thought there was some mistakes, rub my eyes :> and checked several times etc.
Wow the drastic difference in the rates between sending to Nigeria and USA! I know there will be differences but did not expect that huge a difference. No wonder my friend told me that there is no need to send her anything.
I later learned I can send a letter via Singapore Post to Nigeria for $2.50 via Air Mail. The mail will be sent via Singapore Post to Nigeria where it will be transferred to the recipient via the local postal system. To test the Nigeria Postal system, I have happily sent her a letter via Singapore Post. Will await the result and let you know haha! :)
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Fell down from bus
I often heard about old people falling down when alighting from bus. Must be careful when you are with your parents etc as it is no good for old people to fall since they take longer time to recover.
Never expect that I will be a victim too. For no reason, I was alighting and the next moment I was flat on the ground. I felt more embarassed than anything haha. Some people were walking by nearby and I could still remembered their shock expressions! Hmm....did I fell too loudly or was my fallen posture dramatic? Maybe. (I wonder how to fall in a beautiful manner, must learn ;> ) Not that I screamed, but I thought there was a loud thump sound. Lucky I was alone. After getting over the shock, I quickly dusted myself up and left. I thought the bus driver also knew as the bus stopped for quite a while. Thank you for waiting for this clumsy person to get up before you went on your way! :)
Just a few scratches though my ankle still sored after 2 days. All well. Do be careful when you alight from the bus next time.
Never expect that I will be a victim too. For no reason, I was alighting and the next moment I was flat on the ground. I felt more embarassed than anything haha. Some people were walking by nearby and I could still remembered their shock expressions! Hmm....did I fell too loudly or was my fallen posture dramatic? Maybe. (I wonder how to fall in a beautiful manner, must learn ;> ) Not that I screamed, but I thought there was a loud thump sound. Lucky I was alone. After getting over the shock, I quickly dusted myself up and left. I thought the bus driver also knew as the bus stopped for quite a while. Thank you for waiting for this clumsy person to get up before you went on your way! :)
Just a few scratches though my ankle still sored after 2 days. All well. Do be careful when you alight from the bus next time.
Monday, August 17, 2009
100 m record
Have you watched the record breaking 100m run by Usain Bolt? Wow, he went under 9.60 seconds at 9.58 seconds. A fantastic timing. It was thought that man cannot go under 9.60 seconds but he did it! He showed that you can have fun and yet performed well at the same time.
Actually I feel for Tyson Gay. He is also a very good runner and he also wanted to win a lot. However in life there can only be one winner in the physical race. But he should be happy too, I think he broke his own record despite having some injury.
Often the process of the journey is more important than the ending. Both are winners if I look at it!
Actually I feel for Tyson Gay. He is also a very good runner and he also wanted to win a lot. However in life there can only be one winner in the physical race. But he should be happy too, I think he broke his own record despite having some injury.
Often the process of the journey is more important than the ending. Both are winners if I look at it!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
I finally got my Book!!!
A few months ago, I chanced upon this seemingly pictorial book - 《再苦也要去旅行》in Popular Bookshop. Was browsing the bookshop and the title and attractive cover of the book captured my attention. It was a travelogue by a Malaysia gal. Wow! travelogue exactly the genre I enjoy reading. I have always lamented that I hardly saw Asia writers, and what's more a female Asian writer from my neighouring country! Somemore the book has lots of pictures, and not so many Chinese words. I hardly if ever buy Chinese book due to poor grasp in Chinese, so it seems a good start. In addition, there were good reviews of the book from the newspaper. It seems though a very popular book as I had to go to several bookshops just to check its availability (out of stock many of times) after I decided to buy it.
Once I bought it, I was hooked on reading it. Through her book, I seemed to be travelling with her. Her journey though was a bit extreme for my standard. Though I had backpacked alone several times, but I still prefer to travel with some comfort, eg stay in a room on my own on guesthouse etc. She slept in dorms and even prefered to sleep at sofa at the guesthouse reception area, camped out alone etc to save costs. Her style of travelling could be something I probably be uncomfortable with. I guess that is the difference between travelling a few weeks for me and travelling a few years for her.
After finishing her book, I realized that there is a earlier travelogues written by her called <<再穷也要去旅行>>, I had to buy it!!! I went to Kino at Orchard and various bookshops only to learn that either they do not carry her earlier book or that it is sold out and I need to order. Being me, I preferred to ask Kino at Orchard every time I am at the area whether new stocks have come in instead of ordering which will probably save me a lot of effort.
Yesterday I was at orchard again with my friend and I suggested to her to go to Kino to look see after our dinner. Haha actually it was because I wanted to check out the book. At the info counter, I asked for the book again only to hear it is not available but new stocks will arrive soon, maybe next week. I was about to finally give my contact but decided on a spur of the moment to ask them whether their other outlets have the book. And Kino at Liang Court actually have one last copy left! Wow this is great! I immediately abandon any plan of shopping further and told my friend that I had to go! The shop will close in one and half hour time. She was somewhat excited too as she had read the later book that I lent her and like it. She said I have to lend her after I finished. Of course, it is such an interesting book! I rushed down and finally got my book!!!! :) Looking forward to reading it.
Once I bought it, I was hooked on reading it. Through her book, I seemed to be travelling with her. Her journey though was a bit extreme for my standard. Though I had backpacked alone several times, but I still prefer to travel with some comfort, eg stay in a room on my own on guesthouse etc. She slept in dorms and even prefered to sleep at sofa at the guesthouse reception area, camped out alone etc to save costs. Her style of travelling could be something I probably be uncomfortable with. I guess that is the difference between travelling a few weeks for me and travelling a few years for her.
After finishing her book, I realized that there is a earlier travelogues written by her called <<再穷也要去旅行>>, I had to buy it!!! I went to Kino at Orchard and various bookshops only to learn that either they do not carry her earlier book or that it is sold out and I need to order. Being me, I preferred to ask Kino at Orchard every time I am at the area whether new stocks have come in instead of ordering which will probably save me a lot of effort.
Yesterday I was at orchard again with my friend and I suggested to her to go to Kino to look see after our dinner. Haha actually it was because I wanted to check out the book. At the info counter, I asked for the book again only to hear it is not available but new stocks will arrive soon, maybe next week. I was about to finally give my contact but decided on a spur of the moment to ask them whether their other outlets have the book. And Kino at Liang Court actually have one last copy left! Wow this is great! I immediately abandon any plan of shopping further and told my friend that I had to go! The shop will close in one and half hour time. She was somewhat excited too as she had read the later book that I lent her and like it. She said I have to lend her after I finished. Of course, it is such an interesting book! I rushed down and finally got my book!!!! :) Looking forward to reading it.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Typhoon Morakot in Taiwan
I was watching a number of online video clips on the typhoon these few days. It is really heart wrenching. The destruction caused by the weather..... Whole village buried in mud...
Nature certainly has great power, and when it unleashes its fury, the consequences and toll on people along its path are at times devastating. There have been too many examples recently near home, the Aceh Earthquake/Tsuanmi, the Shichuan Earthquake and now the Typhoon in Taiwan.
Sitting in front of my laptop/TV, thousands of kilometres away and seeing the images of destruction still cause discomfort. Really hope these people did not need to go through this hardship.
Drought in some areas and floods in others. Are the increasing incidences of these disasters a result of global warming and partly caused by us?
We are indeed very very fortunate to live in Singapore where there have been no records (at least what I know) of natural disasters. I certainly hope we stay disaster free. Let us be more involved in our daily lifes in protecting the environment. May help reach these people sooon.
Nature certainly has great power, and when it unleashes its fury, the consequences and toll on people along its path are at times devastating. There have been too many examples recently near home, the Aceh Earthquake/Tsuanmi, the Shichuan Earthquake and now the Typhoon in Taiwan.
Sitting in front of my laptop/TV, thousands of kilometres away and seeing the images of destruction still cause discomfort. Really hope these people did not need to go through this hardship.
Drought in some areas and floods in others. Are the increasing incidences of these disasters a result of global warming and partly caused by us?
We are indeed very very fortunate to live in Singapore where there have been no records (at least what I know) of natural disasters. I certainly hope we stay disaster free. Let us be more involved in our daily lifes in protecting the environment. May help reach these people sooon.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Free bus service in Orchard
Last weekend, I was waiting at the bus stop opposite Park Mall. A colorfully painted SBS transit bus came by and 2 guys dressed in costumes with masks on their face came down (think they were impersonating some movie characters) and approached the people waiting at the bus stop! They were trying to advertise the new free bus service along Orchard Road. Supposedly, the bus will drop people at the bus stops near the various shopping malls. The impersonators were quite on their job, they will approach some young girls and said "Gorgeous, bus service for you" etc. It had the girls giggling and the people were merry. One of the impersonators even threw the girls a goodbye kiss after he boarded the bus and left.
It is quite a good idea to have such a free bus service since there are now so many shopping centres along Orchard. Can start using it the next time you go to Orchard!
It is quite a good idea to have such a free bus service since there are now so many shopping centres along Orchard. Can start using it the next time you go to Orchard!
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Walking
These past few weeks, I have been spending a lot of time walking around my area for some work. It sketched to a few hours at times. It was tiring and my walk reduced to a shuffling of legs after 1-2 hours. It was certainly also interesting in its own way, I discovered many shops that I did not know exist etc.
Today I was walking (or rather shuffling) when I chanced upon two beautiful cats who were staring at each other intently. I could sense a fight about to begin. The cats looked clean and grand though.
On way back, I overhead a lady talking to her closed ones about a bird that she believed was the one she saw previously and was staying at around our area. Wow lovely! There are people who actually observed the environment we are staying around so much.
Thinking aloud, I wonder where do birds hide during heavy rain? I sometimes doubt their nest in the trees can really shelter them from heavy rain.
Today I was walking (or rather shuffling) when I chanced upon two beautiful cats who were staring at each other intently. I could sense a fight about to begin. The cats looked clean and grand though.
On way back, I overhead a lady talking to her closed ones about a bird that she believed was the one she saw previously and was staying at around our area. Wow lovely! There are people who actually observed the environment we are staying around so much.
Thinking aloud, I wonder where do birds hide during heavy rain? I sometimes doubt their nest in the trees can really shelter them from heavy rain.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Triathlon
Recently there was a much discussed news about a seemingly active person who died in the swimming phase of the triathlon. It was a sad news but nevertheless highlight the danger lurking in some sports.
Last year I took part in a half triathlon (750 m swim, 20 km cycle and 5 km run). Before the event, i took part in the swim clinic as I was concerned about swimming in the open sea. Indeed swimming in the sea was much more tiring but actually swimming in the clinics was so much more better than during the event itself. Not that the water was more rough, but the rush among the competitors. There was not so many people in the swimming clinic but on the actual event there were so many people. Even though we were flagged off in groups but in the water, it was congested. Due to space constraints, inevitably you will be kicked on the head or hand or other parts by the swimmers in front. Sometimes you may feel someone hitting your legs from behind as some people swam faster than you. My friend who also joined the race with me commented that she nearly drowned. She is a very fit person but all the thrashing in the water can really tire the swimmers, not from the physical exercise of swimming but from the dangers of overcrowding.
Nonetheless we managed to finish the event. The highlight must be running in the rain. It was raining quite heavily, but surprisingly, I thought the rain was refreshing, else it will be so hot.
Last year I took part in a half triathlon (750 m swim, 20 km cycle and 5 km run). Before the event, i took part in the swim clinic as I was concerned about swimming in the open sea. Indeed swimming in the sea was much more tiring but actually swimming in the clinics was so much more better than during the event itself. Not that the water was more rough, but the rush among the competitors. There was not so many people in the swimming clinic but on the actual event there were so many people. Even though we were flagged off in groups but in the water, it was congested. Due to space constraints, inevitably you will be kicked on the head or hand or other parts by the swimmers in front. Sometimes you may feel someone hitting your legs from behind as some people swam faster than you. My friend who also joined the race with me commented that she nearly drowned. She is a very fit person but all the thrashing in the water can really tire the swimmers, not from the physical exercise of swimming but from the dangers of overcrowding.
Nonetheless we managed to finish the event. The highlight must be running in the rain. It was raining quite heavily, but surprisingly, I thought the rain was refreshing, else it will be so hot.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
How are you, my friend?
Today I was talking to a foreign acquaintance who came for a day of meeting. We knew his connecting flight was cancelled and even though he took another one and then took a 1 or 2 hour taxi to the airport, he inevitably missed his main flight and was stranded in the airport for a number of hours. When we asked him about it, he mentioned the flight was ok, just for a small hiccup though I sensed his expressions betrayed his true emotions.
This brought memories of my stay almost ten years ago in San Diego. I had a local flatmate who always looked happy to others. She seemed to have many friends and whenever people asked her how she was, she would say great... etc. In actual fact she was not feeling great and quite a few times I could hear her crying. She felt so lonely. Initially I thought it was strange considering the number of people showing concern for her.
Later I learnt it was just a 2nd nature for people to greet each other "Hi, How are you?". I also learnt that often before there was a chance to reply, the person who asked the question would have walked away. In addition, people would be shocked more than concerned when you replied other than "great, fine etc". "How are you" is really more of a greeting than a sincere concern to know how is the person. Often people answered you just in a way you expect the answer to be as we know the questioners (or rather greeters) do not really mean to ask how you are doing.
I guess "How are you?" was not meant to be in this way though it is now likely quite rooted in its way. In a way I feel it alienated people more. There will probably be more smiles in the world if more people ask them in the good old fashioned way where it is sincerely meant as a question. Somehow, I think I still prefer the more subtle oriental way of greeting --- "Have you eaten?". :) A glutton indeed haha
This brought memories of my stay almost ten years ago in San Diego. I had a local flatmate who always looked happy to others. She seemed to have many friends and whenever people asked her how she was, she would say great... etc. In actual fact she was not feeling great and quite a few times I could hear her crying. She felt so lonely. Initially I thought it was strange considering the number of people showing concern for her.
Later I learnt it was just a 2nd nature for people to greet each other "Hi, How are you?". I also learnt that often before there was a chance to reply, the person who asked the question would have walked away. In addition, people would be shocked more than concerned when you replied other than "great, fine etc". "How are you" is really more of a greeting than a sincere concern to know how is the person. Often people answered you just in a way you expect the answer to be as we know the questioners (or rather greeters) do not really mean to ask how you are doing.
I guess "How are you?" was not meant to be in this way though it is now likely quite rooted in its way. In a way I feel it alienated people more. There will probably be more smiles in the world if more people ask them in the good old fashioned way where it is sincerely meant as a question. Somehow, I think I still prefer the more subtle oriental way of greeting --- "Have you eaten?". :) A glutton indeed haha
Saturday, July 25, 2009
East Coast Park
Today I went cycling with a friend at East Coast Park. Crowded as usual. Enjoyed the sea breeze.
There is a new Xtreme Skate Park near the Bedok Jetty! The park caters for skaters and have slopes for them to enjoy the thril,! Wow Cool! I am not a skater but the increase in such activity areas is certainly making Singapore more interesting and exciting!
There is a new Xtreme Skate Park near the Bedok Jetty! The park caters for skaters and have slopes for them to enjoy the thril,! Wow Cool! I am not a skater but the increase in such activity areas is certainly making Singapore more interesting and exciting!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Determination
Today my friend joined the Shape run - 10 km. We were just smsing each other about the athlete spirit, eg determination.
Determination --- is something I need to inculcate more. The wavering seems extremely strong towards the end of the races or journeys. I find it weird too, why is it that I seem more pre-disposed to give up towards the end of the race more than anywhere else.
In a not too long ago 120 km night cycling event that I took part in, my stamina was not up to standard. But I was motivated by some of my friends who may have practice less than me but had much more tenacity to hang on. Towards the last 10-20 kim, so tired and not knowing when I would reach the finishing line, to distract myself, I listened to my MP3 and kept telling myself "Wow this is a great workout, I can do it". This seemed to work well until I reached the familiar finishing route (about 500 m to 1 km to go). Then I was torned between the 2 voices in my mind, one telling me that it was ok, i had nearly reached the finishing line and could give up now and the other voice telling me that I had come so far and must not give up now. It was certainly the most trying part of the whole journey. Actually if I had not seen the finishing route, I might even have been able to hang on a few more kms having found my energy back but upon seeing the finishing route, it seemed that I suddenly lost it all. Lucky for me that time, my latter voice won over and I reached the finishing without giving up.
Later on, I asked my friends what were in their thoughts towards the end of the race, whether they were facing the same dilemna as me. For them upon reaching to the finishing route, they were actually more geared and cycled even faster to finish as the finishing route was a trememdous motivation for them.
I guess it may be this kind of mental thoughts that separates the Greats from the Masses or the Winners from the Losers. Some ingredients of this kind of thoughts may even contributed to the phenomenon where more climbers tend to die during their descent of great mountains than during the ascent.
Determination --- is something I need to inculcate more. The wavering seems extremely strong towards the end of the races or journeys. I find it weird too, why is it that I seem more pre-disposed to give up towards the end of the race more than anywhere else.
In a not too long ago 120 km night cycling event that I took part in, my stamina was not up to standard. But I was motivated by some of my friends who may have practice less than me but had much more tenacity to hang on. Towards the last 10-20 kim, so tired and not knowing when I would reach the finishing line, to distract myself, I listened to my MP3 and kept telling myself "Wow this is a great workout, I can do it". This seemed to work well until I reached the familiar finishing route (about 500 m to 1 km to go). Then I was torned between the 2 voices in my mind, one telling me that it was ok, i had nearly reached the finishing line and could give up now and the other voice telling me that I had come so far and must not give up now. It was certainly the most trying part of the whole journey. Actually if I had not seen the finishing route, I might even have been able to hang on a few more kms having found my energy back but upon seeing the finishing route, it seemed that I suddenly lost it all. Lucky for me that time, my latter voice won over and I reached the finishing without giving up.
Later on, I asked my friends what were in their thoughts towards the end of the race, whether they were facing the same dilemna as me. For them upon reaching to the finishing route, they were actually more geared and cycled even faster to finish as the finishing route was a trememdous motivation for them.
I guess it may be this kind of mental thoughts that separates the Greats from the Masses or the Winners from the Losers. Some ingredients of this kind of thoughts may even contributed to the phenomenon where more climbers tend to die during their descent of great mountains than during the ascent.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Overeating?
Today is a "sinful" day for me. I have been eating non-stop. Snack before dinner, proper dinner, desserts and then more desserts! Actually I am very full but eating is often a social event with others.
Feel guilty about stuffing myself with so much food. I often wonder about the recent years' trend of slimming advertisements gracing many pages of the newspaper. Hmm... Which is more wasteful environmentally --- to finish all the food even though we are full and then spend time & money on the slimming programs OR to eat only what we can and leave the food unfinished?? I have been brought up to finish the food but often I think the latter option is less wasteful environmentally though still not the best choice. Imagine all the resources that go into slimming programs.
Slimming centres are developed nation fad as people eat more than they need. While on the other side of the world there are people dying from hunger. Probably the best option is to order the right amount to be able to fill the stomach and yet enjoy the food. This way we do not need to face the dilemna of leftover food and slimming options while saving the environment at the same time. This is the reminder for myself. Haha
Feel guilty about stuffing myself with so much food. I often wonder about the recent years' trend of slimming advertisements gracing many pages of the newspaper. Hmm... Which is more wasteful environmentally --- to finish all the food even though we are full and then spend time & money on the slimming programs OR to eat only what we can and leave the food unfinished?? I have been brought up to finish the food but often I think the latter option is less wasteful environmentally though still not the best choice. Imagine all the resources that go into slimming programs.
Slimming centres are developed nation fad as people eat more than they need. While on the other side of the world there are people dying from hunger. Probably the best option is to order the right amount to be able to fill the stomach and yet enjoy the food. This way we do not need to face the dilemna of leftover food and slimming options while saving the environment at the same time. This is the reminder for myself. Haha
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Blankets from Plastic Bottles
Today, volunteers from Tzu-Chi visited my block and went unit by unit asking for recyclables. As expected they were looking for newspapers. But they also asked for plastic bottles. I was surprised when they mentioned the plastic bottles can be made into blankets! Plastic bottles that are hard sustance making into blankets that are supposed to be soft. I had to ask further. On further asking, I learnt that they have a machine that can make plastic bottles into blankets. Plastic has polyester substance that can be effectively made into blankets to be donated to the needy such as the earthquake victims. Wow this is a revelation! We must start recycling more of our stuffs instead of just throwing them away.
Friday, July 10, 2009
I got mail
The mail I am waiting for finally reached me today! I received my gift from the National Geographic. It is a jacket with the National Geographic logo on it! Cool!
The free gift was initially meant to be a small camera but as I had received it two years ago and know that it is not hardy, i requested to either forgo my gift or get a jacket (their other free gift I noticed for subscribers).
Was so excited when I received! I know it will be big as there is only one size and thus it has to be big to fit the different sizes of people from all over the world! Nevertheless I am happy with receiving it.
With much fanfare, I happily showed it to my sis and mum. The first reaction from my sister was that it was so big and she suggested that I can give it to her to give to my brother in law instead.
My knee jerk reaction is telling her that I will keep it for my own use (I love the idea of wearing the jacket with the logo and I can pretend for a while to belong to some expeditions etc). But after some thoughts, maybe the jacket will be better off given away as it is so big, almost twice my size, thus no matter how I love the National Geographic Logo on it, it is unlikely to look nice on me. Better for it to find suitable users rather than being kept in the cupboard with little use and only being taken out at times to admire.
Let me be not a hoarder of things. I guess I give it away, but maybe after a few more days of admiring it haha! Bye jacket! :)
The free gift was initially meant to be a small camera but as I had received it two years ago and know that it is not hardy, i requested to either forgo my gift or get a jacket (their other free gift I noticed for subscribers).
Was so excited when I received! I know it will be big as there is only one size and thus it has to be big to fit the different sizes of people from all over the world! Nevertheless I am happy with receiving it.
With much fanfare, I happily showed it to my sis and mum. The first reaction from my sister was that it was so big and she suggested that I can give it to her to give to my brother in law instead.
My knee jerk reaction is telling her that I will keep it for my own use (I love the idea of wearing the jacket with the logo and I can pretend for a while to belong to some expeditions etc). But after some thoughts, maybe the jacket will be better off given away as it is so big, almost twice my size, thus no matter how I love the National Geographic Logo on it, it is unlikely to look nice on me. Better for it to find suitable users rather than being kept in the cupboard with little use and only being taken out at times to admire.
Let me be not a hoarder of things. I guess I give it away, but maybe after a few more days of admiring it haha! Bye jacket! :)
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Book Review: How Starbucks Saved My Life: Michael Gates Bill
Chanced upon this book when I strolled in to Times Bookshop. Got hooked on it and finished it while standing and/or sitting in different bookshops. Try not to stay at each bookshop for too long so as to be inconspicuous haha :)
The book is about a true story of Michael who was born into a life of privilege. He went on to launch a successful career and led a high life. Despite earning a lot, he did not save much. When he was asked to leave his job in his 50s, he saw his savings dwindled very fast. His high flyer friends also avoided him. In the end, he had to work to in Starbucks just to survive. It is also a place where he gets to experience the joy of life and experience true warmth in people. Despite living a high life in the past, it is the life that he has now where he can have time to interact with others that he feels he truly enjoys.
It is a story of hope and awakening. Sometimes in the pursuit of material wealth, we forget what is truly important in our life.
Heard the book will be filmed into a movie and Tom Hanks will be acting in it. Wow, I am already looking forward to it!
The book is about a true story of Michael who was born into a life of privilege. He went on to launch a successful career and led a high life. Despite earning a lot, he did not save much. When he was asked to leave his job in his 50s, he saw his savings dwindled very fast. His high flyer friends also avoided him. In the end, he had to work to in Starbucks just to survive. It is also a place where he gets to experience the joy of life and experience true warmth in people. Despite living a high life in the past, it is the life that he has now where he can have time to interact with others that he feels he truly enjoys.
It is a story of hope and awakening. Sometimes in the pursuit of material wealth, we forget what is truly important in our life.
Heard the book will be filmed into a movie and Tom Hanks will be acting in it. Wow, I am already looking forward to it!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Music in my life
I love music though I am not good at playing it. Music is such a unifying force, it transcends language barriers.
I wonder whether i should succumb and admit that I have no talent for music. Maybe is the stubborn streak in me! :) Is ok, i shall still try as long as I still enjoy it.
My first serious music lesson was guitar lessons I taken on an individual basis. It was a great deal for me as I paid out of my own pocket when I was in secondary school. I still remembered when I learnt somehow from the teacher that I took 5 years to reach grade 3 whereas other students took 3 years to reach grade 5. It was actually my fault for being lazy in practicing. Then I tried to join group lessons hoping that it would motivate me, but I was only in the JC's guitar club for three months. Though I was really happy to be able to perform "Guan Huai Fang Shi" during the school concert with another fellow guitarist. She was obviously the better player and I just act like I could play haha.
Last year, I completed a pop piano course that stretched over 2 years! It was great to be able to play a few songs after that. I was also one of the worst performing students in class and only managed to pass the final test by a thread. Unfortunately there is no more extension to the course, so I would either have to look for other courses or find a suitable teacher who can teach at my slow pace.
I look forward to being able to play and sing along well enough for my own enjoyment. (Not that I sing well, went for a few short singing courses with friends, but it never get anywhere, as I am rather tone deaf and most friends dropped out after one-two months and so did I.)
Music has such a great calming force. I can just sit down and listen for hours! Listening with your eye close will allow you to flow more with the music.
I admire the music genius in MJ. Despite all the controversies about him, it is without a doubt that he contributes a lot to the whole music industry. His music transcends religion and color. If only he has been able to cope with the tremendous stresses. Rest In Peace MJ.
I wonder whether i should succumb and admit that I have no talent for music. Maybe is the stubborn streak in me! :) Is ok, i shall still try as long as I still enjoy it.
My first serious music lesson was guitar lessons I taken on an individual basis. It was a great deal for me as I paid out of my own pocket when I was in secondary school. I still remembered when I learnt somehow from the teacher that I took 5 years to reach grade 3 whereas other students took 3 years to reach grade 5. It was actually my fault for being lazy in practicing. Then I tried to join group lessons hoping that it would motivate me, but I was only in the JC's guitar club for three months. Though I was really happy to be able to perform "Guan Huai Fang Shi" during the school concert with another fellow guitarist. She was obviously the better player and I just act like I could play haha.
Last year, I completed a pop piano course that stretched over 2 years! It was great to be able to play a few songs after that. I was also one of the worst performing students in class and only managed to pass the final test by a thread. Unfortunately there is no more extension to the course, so I would either have to look for other courses or find a suitable teacher who can teach at my slow pace.
I look forward to being able to play and sing along well enough for my own enjoyment. (Not that I sing well, went for a few short singing courses with friends, but it never get anywhere, as I am rather tone deaf and most friends dropped out after one-two months and so did I.)
Music has such a great calming force. I can just sit down and listen for hours! Listening with your eye close will allow you to flow more with the music.
I admire the music genius in MJ. Despite all the controversies about him, it is without a doubt that he contributes a lot to the whole music industry. His music transcends religion and color. If only he has been able to cope with the tremendous stresses. Rest In Peace MJ.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Wild Camels in Gobi
Recently I read "Mysteries of the Gobi,
Searching for Wild Camels and Lost Cities in the Heart of Asia by John Hare". A interesting book and the 2nd book on the Gobi Desert that I read.
The Gobi Desert is fascinating and I am in awe of the wild Bactrian camel (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bactrian_Camel) for its resilience in its harsh environment. It is a critically endangered animal with less than 1000 estimated to be still living in the Gobi Desert in China/Mongolia.
I do not know when my interest in camels start, maybe a few years ago. They seem so gentle despite the harsh environment and conditions that they live/"work". On the other hand, I also heard they can be quite needing time for newcomers to adjust to their "table manners" :> They burp out their partially digested food. This I have to agree haha!
I remember seeing them first time during a bus ride in India. I was looking out the window and I saw these huge caravens full of hay. I was wondering who was carrying then and before long, saw that it was actually camels pulling the loads. The camels were huge and they go about in an unhurried and uncomplaining manner with their heavy burden.
Not longer after in Taj Mahal, I finally came face to face with the camels again. This time, they were working as pullers of carts transporting people. Wow I can smell them literally! There were green liquid stuffs on the floors and I guess it must be the digestive juices or stuffs. I remembered spending quite a while observing them. Really big gentle creatures in my view.
It is a shame that the wild bactrian camel has been driven to such level of existence by Man. From the crew of Planet Earth (BBC awardm winning program) who spend 2 months trying to get footage of the wild bactrian camel in Mongolia, we can know they are so scared of Man and will run at the scent of Man from 4-5 kilometres away.
Currently there are some groups now trying to save them from extinction and I hope their efforts will succeed.
Searching for Wild Camels and Lost Cities in the Heart of Asia by John Hare". A interesting book and the 2nd book on the Gobi Desert that I read.
The Gobi Desert is fascinating and I am in awe of the wild Bactrian camel (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bactrian_Camel) for its resilience in its harsh environment. It is a critically endangered animal with less than 1000 estimated to be still living in the Gobi Desert in China/Mongolia.
I do not know when my interest in camels start, maybe a few years ago. They seem so gentle despite the harsh environment and conditions that they live/"work". On the other hand, I also heard they can be quite needing time for newcomers to adjust to their "table manners" :> They burp out their partially digested food. This I have to agree haha!
I remember seeing them first time during a bus ride in India. I was looking out the window and I saw these huge caravens full of hay. I was wondering who was carrying then and before long, saw that it was actually camels pulling the loads. The camels were huge and they go about in an unhurried and uncomplaining manner with their heavy burden.
Not longer after in Taj Mahal, I finally came face to face with the camels again. This time, they were working as pullers of carts transporting people. Wow I can smell them literally! There were green liquid stuffs on the floors and I guess it must be the digestive juices or stuffs. I remembered spending quite a while observing them. Really big gentle creatures in my view.
It is a shame that the wild bactrian camel has been driven to such level of existence by Man. From the crew of Planet Earth (BBC awardm winning program) who spend 2 months trying to get footage of the wild bactrian camel in Mongolia, we can know they are so scared of Man and will run at the scent of Man from 4-5 kilometres away.
Currently there are some groups now trying to save them from extinction and I hope their efforts will succeed.
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