If you are into philosophy or you have found books of Jostein Gaarder and Mitch Albom interesting reads, it will be difficult not to be drawn to The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.
Santiago was a young shepherd who had given up everything to be a shepherd because he wished to travel. Though travel, books and his sheep, he found that he had learnt more than a formal education. One day, while he was resting in a church, he had a recurring dream of finding treasure at the pyramid.
He went to a gypsy lady for an interpretation of this dream and was told it was a good omen to pursue his dream. Soon, he met an old King who knew about his dream and encouraged him to pursue his dream. From then, he set forth a journey from Spain to Egypt and back to Spain where he learnt about life and the Soul of the World. During his journey, he met an Alchemist, and Englishman, a Crystal Merchant, a thief, a monk, tribal chiefs and the love of his life – Fatima.
Despite encountering fear, pride, despondency, enthusiasm and love, he had also learnt different lessons from his travel mates. Finally, he found his treasure.
The plot sounded similar to the Little Prince who had also set forth on a journey and met with different friends in his journey. The Little Prince has a sad ending. The Alchemist has a happy ending. However, the Alchemist provided a stark reminder of the basic lessons in life that one remembers less and less as we are burdened with the trivialities of living.
Here is sharing of some of the lessons and ironies that we should be mindful of.
1) Everyone has a personal agenda. It is the dream of our life or the meaning of our living.
The personal agenda is known since we are children and in our hearts but they are gradually forgotten. Sometimes, we wish to pursue it but hold back because we fear of failure or we fear losing what we have achieved so far. Sometimes, we hold back because we want to be with our loved ones.
In an anecdote that the old king shared with the young shepherd before he set off, the king shared that of a young boy who went to a wise man to seek knowledge on what was happiness. The wise man gave the young boy a teaspoon of oil and asked him to tour his beautiful castle for 2 hours without spilling the oil. The young boy was so busy ‘looking after’ the oil that he failed to notice all the beautiful sights. When the wise man asked whether he had noticed his beautiful castle when the boy returned, the boy replied in the negative and was asked to tour the castle again for 2 more hours and to take note of the beautiful sights. The boy did what the wise man had told. However, when he returned 2 hours later, the oil has disappeared. He was too preoccupied with the beautiful sights that he had forgotten about the oil.
We might meet ‘distractions’ long our treasure quest, we should still remember the ultimate personal agenda. However, we should also take time during this journey to observe and to learn. The process is as important as the outcome.
2) Pursuing one’s dreams mean giving up what one has achieved so far.
This was a constant weight on the young shepherd’s mind every time he wanted to move on to a different place after settling down so as to continue his treasure quest. The alchemist shed enlightenment on life’s decision based on the theories of alchemy. If what you have left behind is of pure matter, they will remain as they are when you return. If they are not, you also will not need to stay for their sakes.
3) Follow your heart and the omen as they speak the language of the World.
With civilization and the development of culture, we tend to rely more and more elaborate languages and pictures as instructions and information. We have ceased to notice the signs given by our heart and by omen. Listen to what your heart has to say and observe the omen that comes your way, they are signs given to tell you what you should do next when we are at crossroads.
4) The success one gets when one first starts is the Beginners’ Luck. However, to be successful eventually, one needs to be strong and to overcome tests of severity.
The Beginners’ Luck is a way of nature to whet our appetites on what lies ahead if we were to succeed in pursuing our personal agenda. It serves both as an encouragement and a temptation.
The crystal merchant whom the young shepherd had met had the personal agenda to go to Mecca – the land of pilgrimage. He set up a crystal business so that he could save enough for the trip. However, over the years as the business dwindled, he lost hope and he became contented with the peaceful lifestyle. Gradually, he forgot about his personal agenda until the young shepherd came along and helped him improve his business. When the young shepherd was living, the business was bustling. The crystal merchant’s dream of going to Mecca was reignited as he saw the opportunities that his business could bring. He could no longer ignore his dream and be contented.
However, to succeed, one would need to overcome numerous tests of severity so that when we obtained our ‘treasure’, we would have learnt the lessons of the World.
It was a book abundant with the lessons of life. When I turned to the last page of the book, it was with guilt and regrets.
Do I have the courage of the young shepherd?
Do I still know what my personal agenda is?
How long ago when my heart last spoke to me?
Perhaps the book is an omen sent to me to remind me of the need to look for my personal agenda.
June 30, 2007
June 23, 2007
A Banquet in Stone / Furniture Design
A Banquet in Stone is the latest exhibition at the National Museum of Singapore. It is a small exhibition at the Pavilion which combines food and rock – 2 of the greatest prides of the Chinese.
The rocks featured (includes goby, limestones and the other sedimentary rocks) are in shapes and colours which resemble shark’s fin, dim sum and fish. For those who find some of the exhibitions on culture or history too heavy, this will definitely be one that men on the street can more easily relate to.
At the lobby, the award winning furniture is on display. Many have unique formations and colours which combine both play and function. It allows the user to restructure the furniture differently in accordance to the mood of the day, yet still serving their basic function of a tea-table or a sofa.
It is both an informative and relaxing way of spending the weekend.
June 22, 2007
Sightseeing in Singapore
Singapore is boring? There is nothing to see in Singapore?
Hold those thoughts. Think again. Think harder.
We often complain about the lack of seasonal change in Singapore. We often complain about the lack of memorable and interesting places of attraction in Singapore. Many like to spend their vacation overseas than locally. Yet, how well do we know Singapore as a local? Before we stereotypically labeled Singapore as a boring place, have we gone to the different places in Singapore to experience for ourselves first? The article which I have read in My Paper provided a stark reminder of the various hideaways in Singapore which definitely are worth visiting and revisiting.
In terms of parks, we have many interesting parks and most of them are open to the public with free admission. Other than East Coast Park, there are Botanical Gardens, Labrador Park and even the parks and gardens in each housing estate. Some of the parks in other countries require admission fee (eg China). These parks are rich in flora and fauna and even some of the little animals. For instance, it is not difficult to spot squirrels in Botanical Gardens. If one is more adventurous and prefers trekking, we have the Bukit Timah and MacRitchie Reservoir Reserves. Trekking can also be done on the Imbiah Falls of Sentosa.
To get a more suburb experience and more al fresco dining experience, we do not need to venture to Australia or Europe. We have myriad choices right at our doorstep, from Jalan Kayu, to Holland Village and to Siglap. All of them offered different dining experiences – with the more local coffee-shop styles in Jalan Kayu, to the more international flavour in Holland Village.
Although the places of attraction are slightly more touristy in nature, but they are no less boring than other places. In fact, these places are better maintained and with more to offer than some of the places overseas. For instance, the beach at Sentosa is no less inferior than other beaches (eg Gold Coast). The Singapore zoo can offer more than a theme park elsewhere. The Museums may not have as rich a collection as the world-renowned, but different exhibitions are hosted every now and then to add vibrancy.
So who says Singapore is boring?
Before you sketch an overseas vacation for a long weekend, think again. Touring some of the places which you seldom go to in Singapore may be as good an experience. At the time, by venturing to these areas, we can learn more about the culture, the efforts and the history of Singapore.
Hold those thoughts. Think again. Think harder.
We often complain about the lack of seasonal change in Singapore. We often complain about the lack of memorable and interesting places of attraction in Singapore. Many like to spend their vacation overseas than locally. Yet, how well do we know Singapore as a local? Before we stereotypically labeled Singapore as a boring place, have we gone to the different places in Singapore to experience for ourselves first? The article which I have read in My Paper provided a stark reminder of the various hideaways in Singapore which definitely are worth visiting and revisiting.
In terms of parks, we have many interesting parks and most of them are open to the public with free admission. Other than East Coast Park, there are Botanical Gardens, Labrador Park and even the parks and gardens in each housing estate. Some of the parks in other countries require admission fee (eg China). These parks are rich in flora and fauna and even some of the little animals. For instance, it is not difficult to spot squirrels in Botanical Gardens. If one is more adventurous and prefers trekking, we have the Bukit Timah and MacRitchie Reservoir Reserves. Trekking can also be done on the Imbiah Falls of Sentosa.
To get a more suburb experience and more al fresco dining experience, we do not need to venture to Australia or Europe. We have myriad choices right at our doorstep, from Jalan Kayu, to Holland Village and to Siglap. All of them offered different dining experiences – with the more local coffee-shop styles in Jalan Kayu, to the more international flavour in Holland Village.
Although the places of attraction are slightly more touristy in nature, but they are no less boring than other places. In fact, these places are better maintained and with more to offer than some of the places overseas. For instance, the beach at Sentosa is no less inferior than other beaches (eg Gold Coast). The Singapore zoo can offer more than a theme park elsewhere. The Museums may not have as rich a collection as the world-renowned, but different exhibitions are hosted every now and then to add vibrancy.
So who says Singapore is boring?
Before you sketch an overseas vacation for a long weekend, think again. Touring some of the places which you seldom go to in Singapore may be as good an experience. At the time, by venturing to these areas, we can learn more about the culture, the efforts and the history of Singapore.
June 21, 2007
Tanjong Pagar
I have not been to Tanjong Pagar on a week day since about more than 2 years ago when I had attended a course with 2 other colleagues. I have already forgotten about the noticeably hectic pace of the place relative to others. I had the fortune of experiencing a typical office crowd again on Monday when I was there for another course.
In the morning, the queue up the escalator out of the train station extended to way behind the starting point. Everyone hurried up the escalator. If one walked a little slower, one would be stepped by the more impatient commuter behind. People were literally fighting against time. One’s heart also beat faster in order to go with the flow.
During lunch, it was another adventure totally. One of my course mates brought me to Amoy Street food centre. Wow, I was overwhelmed by the choices, the crowd and the queues. There was a long line of people standing in front of almost every stall. If not for my extended lunch hour, to accomplish the task for finding a seat, queuing for food and finishing the food would definitely be an amazing race.
Notwithstanding, the variety of food that could be found at the hawker centre was more up market than elsewhere. There was a freshly baked muffin stall. There was nasi ayam served on wooden plates – the other 2 places with these were HDB Hub and Changi Village.
Beside the hawker centre, there was also a small park where one could sit on the wooden bench under the trees to enjoy al fresco dining with your packed food (especially when you were not successful in ‘chopping’ any seats in the hawker centre). The architecture one could enjoy in Tanjong Pagar was varied composition of modern skyscrapers and colonial shophouses (characterized by the White House and Red House).
Well, if you have time on a weekday or if you happen to pass by that area, do drop by to experience the CBD of Singapore. :-)
In the morning, the queue up the escalator out of the train station extended to way behind the starting point. Everyone hurried up the escalator. If one walked a little slower, one would be stepped by the more impatient commuter behind. People were literally fighting against time. One’s heart also beat faster in order to go with the flow.
During lunch, it was another adventure totally. One of my course mates brought me to Amoy Street food centre. Wow, I was overwhelmed by the choices, the crowd and the queues. There was a long line of people standing in front of almost every stall. If not for my extended lunch hour, to accomplish the task for finding a seat, queuing for food and finishing the food would definitely be an amazing race.
Notwithstanding, the variety of food that could be found at the hawker centre was more up market than elsewhere. There was a freshly baked muffin stall. There was nasi ayam served on wooden plates – the other 2 places with these were HDB Hub and Changi Village.
Beside the hawker centre, there was also a small park where one could sit on the wooden bench under the trees to enjoy al fresco dining with your packed food (especially when you were not successful in ‘chopping’ any seats in the hawker centre). The architecture one could enjoy in Tanjong Pagar was varied composition of modern skyscrapers and colonial shophouses (characterized by the White House and Red House).
Well, if you have time on a weekday or if you happen to pass by that area, do drop by to experience the CBD of Singapore. :-)
June 20, 2007
Golden Lilies, Laotongs and Nu Shu
Golden lilies may sound more familiar to us than Laotongs and Nu Shu. At least, I have never heard about Laotongs and Nu Shu until I read the book - Snow Flower and the Secret Fan.
The book narrates the poignant tale of Lily and her relationship with her Laotong during the tumultuous times of the late Qing Dynasty. Laotong, in Chinese, literally translates to old same in English. It refers to the life-long relationship between two girls who match in eight characters and every aspect. They will remain true, loyal and faithful as friends in their lifetime - a more committed relationship than that of husband and wife. Nu Shu (Ladies' writing) is the medium through which they communicate with each other. The letterings and words are those that are used only by the ladies. The language is a simplified version of the Men's writing which is the writing that we use today. The Laotong relationship started with a fan.
Golden lilies refer to the prefectly bound little feet of the ladies of the late Qing Dynasty. The feet will be seven-inch long with a high arch, preferably perpendicular. Walking is supported by the big toe. The ladies will swagger when they walk on their golden lilies.
In those times, the ladies were bound by the three obediences and four virtues - obey your father before marriage, obey your husband after marriage and obey your son in your late years. Ladies could not venture outside the women's chambers once they started to bind their feet. The binding of their feet symbolised a life of restrictions, suppression and sometimes resignation to their destiny. No matter how ugly life became, they would have to take things in stride.
Lily and Snow Flower are Laotongs. Since young, their destiny were intertwined. Lily rose from a farmer's daughter to one of the most influential ladies in the county based on her golden lilies which were deemed to be perfect in shape and length. Snow Flower was born with a silver spoon in her mouth. However, the family wealth dwindled to none because of her father's opium habits. As their status grew further apart and with the different family problems they face, misunderstanding arose which resulted in the deterioration of their relationship. Only upon Snow Flower' death bed did Lily realised how her well-intentions had resulted in pressures to Snow Flower. Only then did Lily realise her selfishness, her sense of superiority and her insensitivity to Snow Flower.
Although the tale seems to be revolved around the friendship of 2 girls and later women, it does give a good introduction to the history of Nu Shu, Laotong and the culture of the late Qing Dynasty. The author - Lisa See, was a historian who has visited the various county to research on the rich history of Nu Shu. It has also provided insights to the hardships of the times, with the Taiping revolution, the epidemic, the fragility of life and the supersitions. It makes us better appreciate the freedom, the healthcare system and the respect that we have enjoyed but which we have often taken for granted.
Relative to our ancestors, we girls should be grateful for the educational and career opportunities that we enjoy.
The book narrates the poignant tale of Lily and her relationship with her Laotong during the tumultuous times of the late Qing Dynasty. Laotong, in Chinese, literally translates to old same in English. It refers to the life-long relationship between two girls who match in eight characters and every aspect. They will remain true, loyal and faithful as friends in their lifetime - a more committed relationship than that of husband and wife. Nu Shu (Ladies' writing) is the medium through which they communicate with each other. The letterings and words are those that are used only by the ladies. The language is a simplified version of the Men's writing which is the writing that we use today. The Laotong relationship started with a fan.
Golden lilies refer to the prefectly bound little feet of the ladies of the late Qing Dynasty. The feet will be seven-inch long with a high arch, preferably perpendicular. Walking is supported by the big toe. The ladies will swagger when they walk on their golden lilies.
In those times, the ladies were bound by the three obediences and four virtues - obey your father before marriage, obey your husband after marriage and obey your son in your late years. Ladies could not venture outside the women's chambers once they started to bind their feet. The binding of their feet symbolised a life of restrictions, suppression and sometimes resignation to their destiny. No matter how ugly life became, they would have to take things in stride.
Lily and Snow Flower are Laotongs. Since young, their destiny were intertwined. Lily rose from a farmer's daughter to one of the most influential ladies in the county based on her golden lilies which were deemed to be perfect in shape and length. Snow Flower was born with a silver spoon in her mouth. However, the family wealth dwindled to none because of her father's opium habits. As their status grew further apart and with the different family problems they face, misunderstanding arose which resulted in the deterioration of their relationship. Only upon Snow Flower' death bed did Lily realised how her well-intentions had resulted in pressures to Snow Flower. Only then did Lily realise her selfishness, her sense of superiority and her insensitivity to Snow Flower.
Although the tale seems to be revolved around the friendship of 2 girls and later women, it does give a good introduction to the history of Nu Shu, Laotong and the culture of the late Qing Dynasty. The author - Lisa See, was a historian who has visited the various county to research on the rich history of Nu Shu. It has also provided insights to the hardships of the times, with the Taiping revolution, the epidemic, the fragility of life and the supersitions. It makes us better appreciate the freedom, the healthcare system and the respect that we have enjoyed but which we have often taken for granted.
Relative to our ancestors, we girls should be grateful for the educational and career opportunities that we enjoy.
June 19, 2007
International Star Descended at AMK Hub
When you stood at the platform of the north-bound train and looked across the road, the red carpet, the spotlights, the flashing of the cameras and the crowd would definitely catch your attention.
No, this was not Hollywood.
No, this was not some famous film festival.
This was the grand opening of the Cathay Cineplex at AMK Hub. In celebration of the event and to tie in with the premiering of the new movie – My wife is a Gangster 3, Shu Qi was invited to grace the event.
Since it was on my way home, I had decided to pop by and sneak a peep of the Star. Afterall, how often do you get to see an International Star so near home and during non-working hours.
It was supposed to start at 7pm. I have reached around 710 pm, being held back from work and knowing that it never started on time (the last time when I was waiting for Louis Koo at Plaza Singapura, he was at least half and hour late). I was spot on. The crowd waited for another 20 minutes before the event started and at least another 30 minutes before Shu Qi arrived. She was there for barely 5 minutes before she was ushered into the Cinema by the security.
It was a pretty new experience to wait together with the crowd for her arrival. I was never much of a “star chaser” during school days. Nevertheless, her glamour has still wowed many of those were present.
June 17, 2007
Difficulty in Taking Shots of Animals
Taking immovable objects already entails diffculty with issues of lighting and exposure - the interplay of shutter speed, aperture value and ISO sensitivity.
With mobile objects, this difficulty is compounded. Experimenting with the different shutter speed and F-value require time. However, the objects may not be 'patient' enough for you to design the ideal condition and 'cooperate' to be the perfect model. I have had the first hand experience of such challenge when I was taking photographs in the zoo yesterday.
When animals are in action, the biggest challenge is speed. To capture their action require fast shutter speed which inevitably dim the image. In addition, zooming may be required as animals are in an enclosed area at a safe distance from the audience. Such conditions are often proned to blurry images. Hence, a steady hand and deft maneuver of the commands are essential. This is because a standard automatic shot used in most cameras cannot be adopted. Most standard shots come equipped with auto flash which has to be minimised, for fear of blinding the animals or scaring them away. Furthermore, flash can cause light reflection if we are taking photos through a glass which separates the more ferocious species against the visitors. It is definitely an insurmountable task for an amateur, as evident from my numerous blurred shots.
(This is a case where the tiny monkey started to move and hide itself before I could press the shutter. In my rush to get the shots, my hand shook and the picture became blurred.)
(This is a case where the light exposure is wrong, so the monkey could not be seen and are hidden with the leaves.)
Sometimes to capture a full shot of the animal in itself requires patience and waiting. Animals move around or may hibernate. Hence, it is waiting, waiting and more waiting for the animals to be in such position that allows a good shot.
Enough of sharing the failed shots, let us take a look at the more successful pieces. However, they are again not first time successes. They are the successful shots after at least 3 failed shots of the same object. Well, given the number of failed shots. The conclusion is I need more practice. Sigh!
(This peaceful pelican got drowsy after the shot and closed up.)
(These penguins were cute to look at but hard to take because they were constantly moving around.)June 16, 2007
A Morning Date with Animals
Do you know that the skin of a polar bear is black? It looks white because of its white fur?
Do you know that one of the primates will have swollen and red bottom when they are ready for mating?
Do you know that elephants used to be involved in logging work and that they can move logs which require 10 men to move?
On this Saturday morning, we took a bus to the Singapore Zoo. It was only a half-hour trip. We were pretty upbeat about this trip and the lush greenery along the bus trip was a welcoming prelude.
We started with a tram ride to the Forest Lodge where we had our breakfast. The tram provided a quick overview of the zoo, with brief introduction at landmark spots. Forest Lodge was a cosy hall with a Koi pond at the entrance. Our empty stomachs had lured us to the food located at 2 sides of the hall. It was international style with the western hush browns, sauages, croissants and cakes and complemented by the Chinese fried bee hoon, porridge and siew mais. 
It was not just about food, but we have adorable guests who joined us intermittently – elephants and a falabella (miniature horse). We also had a chance to take photos closed-up as well as feed the animals. This is first time I am so up-close and personal with an animal. It was truly exciting. The elephants had amazing appetites. The falabella was so good natured despite our numerous touching and flashlights.
After the food, it was free and easy for us to tour the Singapore Zoo. There were many animal shows held every hour at different parts of the zoo, so we were busy moving around to catch the various shows from the wild animal show to the elephant show and farm animal show. The wild animal show introduced us to the skilful coconut husk peeling ability of the orang utans. The elephant show brought to us the historic development of the elephant logging industry. The farm animal show reinforced the sharp smelling sense of the dogs. There was also token feeding time where the primates scrambled up to the zookeeper where we had splendid chances of taking their pictures. We have also witnessed the maternal/paternal instinct of the monkeys in taking care of the infants.
After the food, it was free and easy for us to tour the Singapore Zoo. There were many animal shows held every hour at different parts of the zoo, so we were busy moving around to catch the various shows from the wild animal show to the elephant show and farm animal show. The wild animal show introduced us to the skilful coconut husk peeling ability of the orang utans. The elephant show brought to us the historic development of the elephant logging industry. The farm animal show reinforced the sharp smelling sense of the dogs. There was also token feeding time where the primates scrambled up to the zookeeper where we had splendid chances of taking their pictures. We have also witnessed the maternal/paternal instinct of the monkeys in taking care of the infants.
Not letting the animals steal the entire show, the interesting flora and fauna lining two sides of the walkway were fighting for our attention. We were especially attracted to the tropical crops garden where we spotted familiar plants like the long beans, chilli and lime. The orchid garden was almost like a miniature orchid museum with numerous orchid varieties side by side.The last time I was here at Singapore Zoo was probably close to 20 years ago. I have almost near zero recollection of how zoo looked like previously. It was definitely a good trip to revisit the Singapore Zoo. If you have time to spare over the weekend, why not pop by Singapore Zoo to visit Inuka, or say hello to Orang Utans? Be prepared for the chatter of the otters, the shyness of the parrots and the laziness of the lions. *Wink, wink*
June 15, 2007
Changing Job, Losing Touch
Strangely coincidental, I have heard the same thing mentioned twice in a single day by two different persons. Both of them commented that no matter how close was the friendship between two people, it normally could not be sustained when one person left the company.
I am not disagreeing. When we are in a common environment, facing the same job, same boss and same colleagues, there are unlimited common topics. We can relate to the tasks, the happenings and the people that we talk about. When one person leaves the company, this common bond is broken. Gradually, the easy familiarity and camaraderie fade. Then the topics in the conversations are reduced to superficial regards.
It is hard to find a person who has the same frequency as you – someone who understand your jokes, someone who has the same perspectives about the red-tape of the company, someone who burns midnight oil with you to meet a drop-dead deadline. It is a pity to waste such affinity. If more efforts are invested to developing the friendship further, the easy familiarity can be rekindled. The camaraderie in work can be replaced by rallying for each other in life’s other challenges. It is not easy. One needs to arm with an open mind, a listening ear and a sincere heart.
I am a firm believer that for a friendship to grow, we cannot restrict our understanding of the other party in his / her role at work. The jokes and grumbles shared cannot be relating to work and colleagues alone. We will need to open to each other about ourselves in our capacities as a sibling, a son / daughter, a boyfriend /girlfriend, etc. We need to build common topics and memories outside office.
Of course, friendships cannot be compelled. Despite making the best efforts, if gatherings are still punctuated by awkward silences, perhaps it is time to let go. Nonetheless, it is still a pity.
I am not disagreeing. When we are in a common environment, facing the same job, same boss and same colleagues, there are unlimited common topics. We can relate to the tasks, the happenings and the people that we talk about. When one person leaves the company, this common bond is broken. Gradually, the easy familiarity and camaraderie fade. Then the topics in the conversations are reduced to superficial regards.
It is hard to find a person who has the same frequency as you – someone who understand your jokes, someone who has the same perspectives about the red-tape of the company, someone who burns midnight oil with you to meet a drop-dead deadline. It is a pity to waste such affinity. If more efforts are invested to developing the friendship further, the easy familiarity can be rekindled. The camaraderie in work can be replaced by rallying for each other in life’s other challenges. It is not easy. One needs to arm with an open mind, a listening ear and a sincere heart.
I am a firm believer that for a friendship to grow, we cannot restrict our understanding of the other party in his / her role at work. The jokes and grumbles shared cannot be relating to work and colleagues alone. We will need to open to each other about ourselves in our capacities as a sibling, a son / daughter, a boyfriend /girlfriend, etc. We need to build common topics and memories outside office.
Of course, friendships cannot be compelled. Despite making the best efforts, if gatherings are still punctuated by awkward silences, perhaps it is time to let go. Nonetheless, it is still a pity.
Black Friday
It was disastrous Friday.
It started with me. Suddenly, I was right smacked in an emotional doldrums when the value of my work was instantly blind to me. For once, I felt that my role as a business finance support was redundant. I was complaining about this to Brother who then informed CY. Despite her rushing for project, CY immediately text me over Sametime. Brother has also spent the next half an hour trying to counsel me with his jokes and his encouragement.
I was cheered up somewhat over lunch.
However, it was more bad news waiting for CY. She was asked to handle a portfolio which she had no interest in. Brother had again told me about the depression that CY was facing and I immediately sent her an email to cheer her up as she had off her Sametime to concentrate on her proposal. I have spent the next 30 min trying to cheer her up and to dissuade her from making rash decisions.
In such low morale times, we really need the rallying of friends to keep us going and prevent us from sinking into further depression.
It started with me. Suddenly, I was right smacked in an emotional doldrums when the value of my work was instantly blind to me. For once, I felt that my role as a business finance support was redundant. I was complaining about this to Brother who then informed CY. Despite her rushing for project, CY immediately text me over Sametime. Brother has also spent the next half an hour trying to counsel me with his jokes and his encouragement.
I was cheered up somewhat over lunch.
However, it was more bad news waiting for CY. She was asked to handle a portfolio which she had no interest in. Brother had again told me about the depression that CY was facing and I immediately sent her an email to cheer her up as she had off her Sametime to concentrate on her proposal. I have spent the next 30 min trying to cheer her up and to dissuade her from making rash decisions.
In such low morale times, we really need the rallying of friends to keep us going and prevent us from sinking into further depression.
June 14, 2007
New Photocopier
The advent of a fax, scan cum photocopier has drawn mixed feelings from us. Firstly, the number of colour printers have reduced to 1 per floor – extreme bad news especially in view of the heavy coloured printing which we will need to do during budget. Secondly, we will need to learn how to operate the new machine.
I postponed a meeting with Brother telling him that I needed to attend a training session for the new photocopier. He jokingly teased me about asking the trainer the percentage that had to be applied to convert A3 to A4 and vice versa. Hello, this is 21st century with intelligent photocopiers. We no longer need to specify the percentage of converions, but rather with a press of a button to select the conversion of A3 to A4, the machine will automatically perform the conversion. Anyway, Brother has proceeded to rattle off the percentage of 141% and 71% which I had not taken heed of.
When the trainer was showing us the conversion function and how the percentage could be automatically converted or manually adjusted. Indeed, the percentages to convert from A4 to A3 printing and A3 to A4 are 141% and 71% respectively. Wow, I was impressed with the photocopier-familiarity of Brother.
Anyhow, the new machine came with scan to email, confidential release of printing, photocopying with staples and punch holes, faxing, etc. Hmm, I guess it will take a while to get acquainted with the new machine and its capability.
I postponed a meeting with Brother telling him that I needed to attend a training session for the new photocopier. He jokingly teased me about asking the trainer the percentage that had to be applied to convert A3 to A4 and vice versa. Hello, this is 21st century with intelligent photocopiers. We no longer need to specify the percentage of converions, but rather with a press of a button to select the conversion of A3 to A4, the machine will automatically perform the conversion. Anyway, Brother has proceeded to rattle off the percentage of 141% and 71% which I had not taken heed of.
When the trainer was showing us the conversion function and how the percentage could be automatically converted or manually adjusted. Indeed, the percentages to convert from A4 to A3 printing and A3 to A4 are 141% and 71% respectively. Wow, I was impressed with the photocopier-familiarity of Brother.
Anyhow, the new machine came with scan to email, confidential release of printing, photocopying with staples and punch holes, faxing, etc. Hmm, I guess it will take a while to get acquainted with the new machine and its capability.
June 11, 2007
Just Do It
“It is better to do it and denounce it than not to do it and forever wonder about it.”
What an inspirational tagline I have gotten from a book recently!
We all know that life is short and we only live life once. We cannot waste time to continuously wonder if we should or should not do something. It will be astonishing to find how time can trickled by during our “what if I have done this or that” moments. We also can never afford to have any regrets in life because we cannot rewind time and events.
This is definitely not encouraging one to do something irresponsible and harmful. There is risk in every decision. When we want to embark on anything, it should still be a measured decision after weighing the pros and cons. Sometimes, we are still be at crossroads after reviewing all the considerations. That’s when we will need to operate on guts feel instead of rationale.
Next time, you are at a decision junction, hesitate no more. If an in-depth rationalization cannot aid your decision, just do it.
What an inspirational tagline I have gotten from a book recently!
We all know that life is short and we only live life once. We cannot waste time to continuously wonder if we should or should not do something. It will be astonishing to find how time can trickled by during our “what if I have done this or that” moments. We also can never afford to have any regrets in life because we cannot rewind time and events.
This is definitely not encouraging one to do something irresponsible and harmful. There is risk in every decision. When we want to embark on anything, it should still be a measured decision after weighing the pros and cons. Sometimes, we are still be at crossroads after reviewing all the considerations. That’s when we will need to operate on guts feel instead of rationale.
Next time, you are at a decision junction, hesitate no more. If an in-depth rationalization cannot aid your decision, just do it.
June 10, 2007
Diminishing Positivism
A philanthropist will meet a day when he will wish for some compassion from others. A clown will also have periods when he wishes that someone will tell him a joke instead. Similarly, positivism can run dry. Despite some of my friends and colleagues telling me that I am positive, there are also times when I hope for some encouragements from others.
When faced with a deluge of low morale and depressed people, it is hard not to be adversely affected. Spreading encouragements to others and to myself, the supplies of positivism have become stretched. The past one week has seen a crisis of positivism such that I just wanted to find a haven and hermit for one week.
I must really try to build up my supply of positivism again for yet another hectic week. Hopefully, it will reach an adequate level soon, so that it can cheer me on through the toughest times. :-)
When faced with a deluge of low morale and depressed people, it is hard not to be adversely affected. Spreading encouragements to others and to myself, the supplies of positivism have become stretched. The past one week has seen a crisis of positivism such that I just wanted to find a haven and hermit for one week.
I must really try to build up my supply of positivism again for yet another hectic week. Hopefully, it will reach an adequate level soon, so that it can cheer me on through the toughest times. :-)
June 09, 2007
Shopping Alone
It has been ages since I have combed through shopping malls on my own for a couple of hours.
The last time I have done so was somewhere beginning last year. It was a Saturday morning then. I started shopping at around 10 in the morning and ended around 2 in the afternoon.
After Ah Peng and I parted for our lunch, she decided to head home to rest while I decided to walk down to Robinsons. After hearing my colleague’s success at Robinsons and seeing many carrying the red Great Robinsons Sale bag, it would definitely be worthwhile to head down to scour for some bargains.
I have started around 2 plus in the afternoon and ended off at around 9 in the night. Apparently, I was not the only one. I have observed many ladies to be on their own as well. I have tried on many items but eventually just bought one. Nevertheless, it was still great retail therapy.
Shopping alone can be fun and liberating as one can go anywhere one like. One can try on an item as many times to ensure that the choice is right without causing any inconvenience to your companion.
The neverending queues in front of the fitting rooms can be discouraging and time wasting, especially with the restriction on the number of pieces one can bring into the fitting room. Sometimes, to save time, I pull on the clothes on to my tank top in front of any mirrors for the first trying. If it fits and looks nice, then it will be shortlisted as an item that warrants “proper” trying. If not, it will be cast off as an unsuitable item and will not take up the “vacancy” in the list of items for the fitting room. On the contrary, if I were with someone, I would feel more inhibited and most likely would not have done that.
I will also grab on things which may not be my normal style without worrying the critical views of my companion. It is excellent time to try out new styles and who knows what surprises may come along. When one is with a companion, the companion may helpfully pronounce an item to be ugly and stump any interest to be experimental. If it really looks ugly, at least now I have seen for myself how ugly it is. *Grin*
I will also dig into baskets of special buys. I am a firm believer that sometimes such baskets hold hidden treasures. The satisfaction one gets from finding a great bargain is part of the fun of shopping.
Of course, it is still fun to go shopping with someone. Someone will assure you your choice is good. Someone will partner you to speed things up, such as queuing for payment while you are doing the final QC on your purchase item. Someone will also hunt the ‘treasures’ with you and help spot treasures for each other which we have missed. Someone will also chit chat with you on your shopping trip to spice things up while waiting in the queue for fitting room or payments.
Well, it is different fun shopping with someone and being on your own. Different times will call for different shopping experiences. *Smile*
The last time I have done so was somewhere beginning last year. It was a Saturday morning then. I started shopping at around 10 in the morning and ended around 2 in the afternoon.
After Ah Peng and I parted for our lunch, she decided to head home to rest while I decided to walk down to Robinsons. After hearing my colleague’s success at Robinsons and seeing many carrying the red Great Robinsons Sale bag, it would definitely be worthwhile to head down to scour for some bargains.
I have started around 2 plus in the afternoon and ended off at around 9 in the night. Apparently, I was not the only one. I have observed many ladies to be on their own as well. I have tried on many items but eventually just bought one. Nevertheless, it was still great retail therapy.
Shopping alone can be fun and liberating as one can go anywhere one like. One can try on an item as many times to ensure that the choice is right without causing any inconvenience to your companion.
The neverending queues in front of the fitting rooms can be discouraging and time wasting, especially with the restriction on the number of pieces one can bring into the fitting room. Sometimes, to save time, I pull on the clothes on to my tank top in front of any mirrors for the first trying. If it fits and looks nice, then it will be shortlisted as an item that warrants “proper” trying. If not, it will be cast off as an unsuitable item and will not take up the “vacancy” in the list of items for the fitting room. On the contrary, if I were with someone, I would feel more inhibited and most likely would not have done that.
I will also grab on things which may not be my normal style without worrying the critical views of my companion. It is excellent time to try out new styles and who knows what surprises may come along. When one is with a companion, the companion may helpfully pronounce an item to be ugly and stump any interest to be experimental. If it really looks ugly, at least now I have seen for myself how ugly it is. *Grin*
I will also dig into baskets of special buys. I am a firm believer that sometimes such baskets hold hidden treasures. The satisfaction one gets from finding a great bargain is part of the fun of shopping.
Of course, it is still fun to go shopping with someone. Someone will assure you your choice is good. Someone will partner you to speed things up, such as queuing for payment while you are doing the final QC on your purchase item. Someone will also hunt the ‘treasures’ with you and help spot treasures for each other which we have missed. Someone will also chit chat with you on your shopping trip to spice things up while waiting in the queue for fitting room or payments.
Well, it is different fun shopping with someone and being on your own. Different times will call for different shopping experiences. *Smile*
June 08, 2007
Long, Dreary Friday Night
Every week, we will count down to Friday, count down to the impending respite and freedom. Come Friday, we start to wind down. Even our brains retard from a Pentium 4 to a 486. Our minds start drifting to the activities after work.
Not this Friday.
The first email we got was to immediately investigate some of the operating expenditure (opex) variance for May and to have the analyses ready by mid-day. On dear, I had not even looked at the numbers, much less any explanation for the swing in the numbers. There are so many sets of numbers – this month versus last month, year-to-date actual versus year-to-date budget and year-to-date actual this year versus last year. Within each category of costs, there are so many cost items. Then there are so many departments. Sigh! I do not even know where to start.
After pulling the numbers, I tried to identify at high level some of the major differences and immediately engage the business people to confirm and validate some of my high level explanations. After getting the explanations ready, the next step was to go through with our bosses.
Initially, a meeting was called at 4 pm. This was already very close to knocking off time. Notwithstanding, we still held high hopes that it should not drag behind 6 pm. Then, it was postponed to 5.30 pm. What?!?! It was already knocked-off time and I already arranged to meet someone! I immediately let my friend knew of the change and we agreed to rearranged our date.
Am I jinxed? Everytime, I have arranged to meet someone, there would be a last-minute meeting called which would cause me to scramble for last minute changes. Fortunately, my friends have been rather forgiving thus far. On those days when I have nothing planned on Fri, office would be a day of peace and serenity.
Amidst my grumbling to my colleague about how “suay” (unlucky) I have been and their optimistic beliefs that we could still end early, we gathered at the meeting room at 530 pm.
We were like a bunch of school girls waiting for the last bell which signified the end of the lessons to ring. We fidgeted, constantly checked our watches and mobiles, made faces and frowns at each other. We kept urging our bosses to go to the next topic and maintained a straight face while they were telling jokes, killing off any chance for them to digress and drag the meeting further. Yet, our PC seemed to work against us. When we were trying to create new slides, there was a text box which mentioned something about “happy-go-lucky” and some “friendly buddy” kept appearing. This caused us to spend time removing these text boxes.
Finally, the slides were done. 2 hours have passed. We started to close our laptops and packed before our bosses announced the end of the meeting. We rushed out immediately when our bosses dismissed us.
My colleague who had optimistic belief that the meeting would end on time did not change her appointment with her friend at 545 pm. This made her grossly late. Well, as I have cancelled my appointment, it was time to go home.
What a way to end the end of a working week…
Not this Friday.
The first email we got was to immediately investigate some of the operating expenditure (opex) variance for May and to have the analyses ready by mid-day. On dear, I had not even looked at the numbers, much less any explanation for the swing in the numbers. There are so many sets of numbers – this month versus last month, year-to-date actual versus year-to-date budget and year-to-date actual this year versus last year. Within each category of costs, there are so many cost items. Then there are so many departments. Sigh! I do not even know where to start.
After pulling the numbers, I tried to identify at high level some of the major differences and immediately engage the business people to confirm and validate some of my high level explanations. After getting the explanations ready, the next step was to go through with our bosses.
Initially, a meeting was called at 4 pm. This was already very close to knocking off time. Notwithstanding, we still held high hopes that it should not drag behind 6 pm. Then, it was postponed to 5.30 pm. What?!?! It was already knocked-off time and I already arranged to meet someone! I immediately let my friend knew of the change and we agreed to rearranged our date.
Am I jinxed? Everytime, I have arranged to meet someone, there would be a last-minute meeting called which would cause me to scramble for last minute changes. Fortunately, my friends have been rather forgiving thus far. On those days when I have nothing planned on Fri, office would be a day of peace and serenity.
Amidst my grumbling to my colleague about how “suay” (unlucky) I have been and their optimistic beliefs that we could still end early, we gathered at the meeting room at 530 pm.
We were like a bunch of school girls waiting for the last bell which signified the end of the lessons to ring. We fidgeted, constantly checked our watches and mobiles, made faces and frowns at each other. We kept urging our bosses to go to the next topic and maintained a straight face while they were telling jokes, killing off any chance for them to digress and drag the meeting further. Yet, our PC seemed to work against us. When we were trying to create new slides, there was a text box which mentioned something about “happy-go-lucky” and some “friendly buddy” kept appearing. This caused us to spend time removing these text boxes.
Finally, the slides were done. 2 hours have passed. We started to close our laptops and packed before our bosses announced the end of the meeting. We rushed out immediately when our bosses dismissed us.
My colleague who had optimistic belief that the meeting would end on time did not change her appointment with her friend at 545 pm. This made her grossly late. Well, as I have cancelled my appointment, it was time to go home.
What a way to end the end of a working week…
June 07, 2007
Men, Oh Men!
Metrosexuals aside, perhaps the general opinion of guys are that they are not exactly fashionistas and often less particular about dressings relative to their female counterparts. At least, that was my rather stereotypical opinions as well. A string of recent incidents are proving me wrong.
Incident 1:
Brother text me over Sametime during a meeting to ask me if I knew the presenter who was also from my Department. After I told him who she was, Brother’s comment was she was quite good looking and she dressed up quite formally.
It did not immediately register in my mind as I cast it as one of his usual comments. After all, sometimes he would share with me whom he thought “chio” (pretty). He is typically quite visual and a joker. When a marketing colleague once mistook him to be from the sales team, he was quite happy for a while because in his opinion, sales person = good looking person. Hence, the marketing colleague must have perceived him to be good looking.
Incident 2:
I went out lunch with Brother, CY and company (from my line). Brother, Sam and I were walking alongside. Suddenly, Brother made a comment about a lady in front of us with short skirts.
Brother: Doesn’t she feel awkward wearing like that.
In my heart, I was nodding my head. Yup, the skirt was short and definitely inconvenienced movements.
Sam: Yeah loh. If she wants to wear, she should wear it shorter.
Brother: I also say.
Perplexed, exasperated and stumped for words, I shook my head.
Incident 3:
After lunch, I had to meet Brother for discussion. I put on my jacket for fear of the cold in the meeting room.
His first comment was why I looked so formal today with my suit and my Victorian top (high-neck shirt). I was caught off-guard. Wow, he has displayed such familiarity with what I have been wearing? We have seen each other almost every working day and being his sister, I thought he would not notice what I was wearing (his line of focus was often on the babes).
Who says men are oblivious to what the ladies are wearing? It is more likely that they have often kept the comments to themselves. Ha ha.
June 06, 2007
Data Centre Visit
Despite hearing it for the umpteenth time, its layout, the jargons and the structure only exist in my imagination. How temperature, cables laying, raised floors, etc play about it providing the ideal environment for machines are simply beyond comprehension. As a finance support, I always believe that it is essential for me to understand my products so that I can provide the best support for the business.
A Data Centre is a place where space is leased for the housing and management of equipment (mainly servers). One of my line managers has graciously volunteered (more like giving in after my numerous harassment) to bring us around.
Before our visit, we were warned of the extreme temperature and the many traps (manholes) on the floor. Filled with some excitement, nervousness and apprehension, we set forth for our data centre visit.
If you picturing a data centre to be a state-of-the-art building, with nice lightings and carpet floorings, pause and scrap that image. It is indeed state-of-the-art, but the technology and intelligence are all obscured from view. The lightings are not artistic but are strong and functional. The place is indeed slightly freezing and certain parts of the place have strong wind. Most of the places are barred from entry as security is one of the highly regarded service level which we have promised to our customers. Hence, our tour was merely confined to the common grounds and probably places which were shown to potential customers.
Despite it being a short visit, at least I can relate the terms and jargons of the product specialists and managers to the actual equipment and structure. Now, I also know the differences among the various products.
A Data Centre is a place where space is leased for the housing and management of equipment (mainly servers). One of my line managers has graciously volunteered (more like giving in after my numerous harassment) to bring us around.
Before our visit, we were warned of the extreme temperature and the many traps (manholes) on the floor. Filled with some excitement, nervousness and apprehension, we set forth for our data centre visit.
If you picturing a data centre to be a state-of-the-art building, with nice lightings and carpet floorings, pause and scrap that image. It is indeed state-of-the-art, but the technology and intelligence are all obscured from view. The lightings are not artistic but are strong and functional. The place is indeed slightly freezing and certain parts of the place have strong wind. Most of the places are barred from entry as security is one of the highly regarded service level which we have promised to our customers. Hence, our tour was merely confined to the common grounds and probably places which were shown to potential customers.
Despite it being a short visit, at least I can relate the terms and jargons of the product specialists and managers to the actual equipment and structure. Now, I also know the differences among the various products.
June 03, 2007
New York, New York
Is it
A) a song?
B) a shopping mall (eg Taipei)?
C) a movie?
D) a restaurant?
Answer : (D)
Congrats to those who have gotten the answer correct!
Nah, you may brush this off as a stupid question. Indeed. New York, New York is becoming a well-known name in Singapore. Even if you have not heard or taste of it before, I am sure you have noticed the long queue near its entrance along Citylink if you happen to pop downtown for shopping.
Ha ha, this day has come! I am no longer an observer. Finally, I have joined the queue and be part of the cult. Ooopps, I mean crowd.
The lime green chairs screamed attention. The floss candy maker is a welcoming addition to both children and adults. Perusing the menu is another experience with the variety of choices, eg Mushroom Cappacino - is this mushroom or coffee? Tagliatelle? We have decided to be slightly adventurous choices of Mushroom Cappacino, Ribs Tagliatelle and roasted chicken and complete with a Rootbeer Float.
Taste is always subjective. A person's meat may be another person's poison. The place certainly has innovative menus. Perhaps we have acquired a different taste over the years - one which skewed more towards Asian cuisines, my mum and I concurred that we would steer away from western cuisine for the time being after subjecting ourselves to so much western food over the past 1 week.
A) a song?
B) a shopping mall (eg Taipei)?
C) a movie?
D) a restaurant?
Answer : (D)
Congrats to those who have gotten the answer correct!
Nah, you may brush this off as a stupid question. Indeed. New York, New York is becoming a well-known name in Singapore. Even if you have not heard or taste of it before, I am sure you have noticed the long queue near its entrance along Citylink if you happen to pop downtown for shopping.
Ha ha, this day has come! I am no longer an observer. Finally, I have joined the queue and be part of the cult. Ooopps, I mean crowd.
The lime green chairs screamed attention. The floss candy maker is a welcoming addition to both children and adults. Perusing the menu is another experience with the variety of choices, eg Mushroom Cappacino - is this mushroom or coffee? Tagliatelle? We have decided to be slightly adventurous choices of Mushroom Cappacino, Ribs Tagliatelle and roasted chicken and complete with a Rootbeer Float.
Taste is always subjective. A person's meat may be another person's poison. The place certainly has innovative menus. Perhaps we have acquired a different taste over the years - one which skewed more towards Asian cuisines, my mum and I concurred that we would steer away from western cuisine for the time being after subjecting ourselves to so much western food over the past 1 week.Shrek 3
It was a short but sweet story. One filled with laughter, courage and friendship and not forgetting the many well-known fairy-tale and legend characters. Afterall, Far Far Away is the land of magical characters.
In this story, we learnt a couple of lessons.
1) Prince Charming is not charming at all.
2) Not all witches, orgres (*Wink Wink*) or monsters are bad.
3) In the face of dangers and fears, sing a song or blabber non-stop - a stunt which was pulled off by Pinnochio and Gingerbread Man.
The most important is even if others view you as a monster or a loser, it does not mean you are one. Often, the person stopping you from becoming who you want to be is not anyone else, but yourself.
Get inspired, get entertained, go watch Shrek 3. :-)
In this story, we learnt a couple of lessons.
1) Prince Charming is not charming at all.
2) Not all witches, orgres (*Wink Wink*) or monsters are bad.
3) In the face of dangers and fears, sing a song or blabber non-stop - a stunt which was pulled off by Pinnochio and Gingerbread Man.
The most important is even if others view you as a monster or a loser, it does not mean you are one. Often, the person stopping you from becoming who you want to be is not anyone else, but yourself.
Get inspired, get entertained, go watch Shrek 3. :-)
June 02, 2007
Sunset at Central @ Clarke Quay
While waiting for Hui to appear at our meeting place last night, I have walked around the Promenade. As usual, Hui was grossly late again. What an opportune time to practise some photography skills again.
I was not alone. There were many people there taking photos with their families and friends. Some were standing on Central's end, taking pictures with the view of Clarke Quay. Some were standing at Clarke Quay's end, taking pictures with the view of Central.
There was another girl who was like me, alone admiring the great views of the River. When she could not withstand the beauty anymore, she took out her camera and started to take photos of herself. I nearly wanted to approach her and volunteer to help her take the pictures. I was too hesistant. Before I could utter any word, she was gone.
The sun set was beautiful with the River Promenade lit up in streaks of gold. As the sun set, the shops, the walkway and the Central soon were lit up with different coloured lights. A cacophony of lights on the buildings' facade, with each building trying to outdo another, incredulously blend in with the remaining hue of the evening sun. No wonder this has drawn many people sitting alongside the river admiring this ever changing picture and winding down on a Friday night.
The two pictures above are taken with the same shutter speed (1/80) but different aperture value (f/5.6 and f/2.8 respectively). The use of the different values also allow me to focus on different aspects - the evening sun and the mesmerising view of the riverside.
I was not alone. There were many people there taking photos with their families and friends. Some were standing on Central's end, taking pictures with the view of Clarke Quay. Some were standing at Clarke Quay's end, taking pictures with the view of Central.
There was another girl who was like me, alone admiring the great views of the River. When she could not withstand the beauty anymore, she took out her camera and started to take photos of herself. I nearly wanted to approach her and volunteer to help her take the pictures. I was too hesistant. Before I could utter any word, she was gone.
The sun set was beautiful with the River Promenade lit up in streaks of gold. As the sun set, the shops, the walkway and the Central soon were lit up with different coloured lights. A cacophony of lights on the buildings' facade, with each building trying to outdo another, incredulously blend in with the remaining hue of the evening sun. No wonder this has drawn many people sitting alongside the river admiring this ever changing picture and winding down on a Friday night.
The two pictures above are taken with the same shutter speed (1/80) but different aperture value (f/5.6 and f/2.8 respectively). The use of the different values also allow me to focus on different aspects - the evening sun and the mesmerising view of the riverside.
If you are looking for a different place to go to during the weekend, why not try out the riverside?
A Night of Fun and Stupid Moves
I have not seen both Hui and Jen since Hui's photo shoot which was more than a month ago. Although it sounds cliche, but time does fly. Don't you think so?
Last night, Hui suggested going to the Settlers' Cafe as an alternative to a 'conventional' diner. Settlers' Cafe offers board games, as well as food. We thought we were going to the Settlers' Cafe at Central @ Clarke Quay. Hence, we were definitely more than perplexed when after scrutinising the Central @ Clarke Quay's Directory twice, we still could not locate which unit Settlers' Cafe was situated. We approached the Information Counter to inquire. Our confusion was not lifted but rather intensified. What?!?! There was no Settlers' Cafe @ Clarke Quay.
When Hui finally spoke to one of the crew at Settlers' Cafe (Central), we found out that it was at North Canal Road (very near to Hui's office at One George Street). It was not Central @ Clarke Quay, nor was it Central Mall. It simply meant central location perhaps. Hui was profusely apologising for the muddle.
We took a short walk to a less-than-eye-catching shophouse. What greeted us as we pushed open the door was a friendly crew and a vivacious crowd with their occasional thundering laughter and cheers and their frequent chatter. Well, I must admit we did make quite an odd couple, ie 2 mid-twenties ladies amidst the rest of people who were at most in their late teens. We could easily stand in as their teachers. Sigh!
Fortunately, the friendly crew soon put us at ease with their recommendations of the 'package' which we should sign up for the night (sounds like going KBox). After we placed our food orders and while waiting for Onion to appear, we tasked the crew to introduce us some no-brainer games for two. I could not remember the name of the first game, but it was similar to our fourth game of Gemelo. Basically, we had to try to fit in some shapes on a board of empty space. The player with the least units of shapes won the game. during the game, we were more concerned about filling in the gaps rather than winning. Hui certainly had an innate ability for this for she emerged as the winner in both games.
We liked Blink and the Mensa Set Games the best. We played both games twice, in-between mouthful of food. Onion joined us during the onset of the Mensa Set Games. Blink was a more gentlemanly version of Snap where we were supposed to placed similar cards to 2 sets of cards already drawn. Each player started with 3 cards. We could only redraw after we finished 3 cards. The player who finished his deck first won the game.
We did not know the Set Game was the Mensa Set Game until we finished two rounds of the games with many brain cells killed. 12 cards were open at 1 point in time and players were supposed to identify sets of threes. The person with the most sets won. A set could mean same colour and same number but different shapes, or all different. There were numerous permutations of sets. We all ended with numerous sets and were quite proud that we did in fact have above average IQs (if the number sets could indeed provide some indication of one's IQ).
Although this was not the first time I played board games, but this was the first time I did not feel as stressful. Like me, Hui and Onion played with guts' feel rather than strategies. Like me, we were more concerned about having fun rather than winning. We helped each other along when one player fell back behind the rest. We enjoyed the process more than the outcome.
In some of the previous games I played, I was concerned that my havoc playing etiquette would spoil the game for my intellectual friends. This added stress and reduced the fun of playing somewhat. Perhaps I was too dimwitted. The more high brain-powered games that some of my friends enjoyed were simply beyond me and I was only referring to the playing instructions. Perhaps I was outrageously unambitious. Competition puts me off sometimes, especially in a leisure setting.
Somehow, this chill-out evening with Hui and Onion rekindled my interest for board games where competition and strategies took a second place.
Last night, Hui suggested going to the Settlers' Cafe as an alternative to a 'conventional' diner. Settlers' Cafe offers board games, as well as food. We thought we were going to the Settlers' Cafe at Central @ Clarke Quay. Hence, we were definitely more than perplexed when after scrutinising the Central @ Clarke Quay's Directory twice, we still could not locate which unit Settlers' Cafe was situated. We approached the Information Counter to inquire. Our confusion was not lifted but rather intensified. What?!?! There was no Settlers' Cafe @ Clarke Quay.
When Hui finally spoke to one of the crew at Settlers' Cafe (Central), we found out that it was at North Canal Road (very near to Hui's office at One George Street). It was not Central @ Clarke Quay, nor was it Central Mall. It simply meant central location perhaps. Hui was profusely apologising for the muddle.
We took a short walk to a less-than-eye-catching shophouse. What greeted us as we pushed open the door was a friendly crew and a vivacious crowd with their occasional thundering laughter and cheers and their frequent chatter. Well, I must admit we did make quite an odd couple, ie 2 mid-twenties ladies amidst the rest of people who were at most in their late teens. We could easily stand in as their teachers. Sigh!
Fortunately, the friendly crew soon put us at ease with their recommendations of the 'package' which we should sign up for the night (sounds like going KBox). After we placed our food orders and while waiting for Onion to appear, we tasked the crew to introduce us some no-brainer games for two. I could not remember the name of the first game, but it was similar to our fourth game of Gemelo. Basically, we had to try to fit in some shapes on a board of empty space. The player with the least units of shapes won the game. during the game, we were more concerned about filling in the gaps rather than winning. Hui certainly had an innate ability for this for she emerged as the winner in both games.
We liked Blink and the Mensa Set Games the best. We played both games twice, in-between mouthful of food. Onion joined us during the onset of the Mensa Set Games. Blink was a more gentlemanly version of Snap where we were supposed to placed similar cards to 2 sets of cards already drawn. Each player started with 3 cards. We could only redraw after we finished 3 cards. The player who finished his deck first won the game.
We did not know the Set Game was the Mensa Set Game until we finished two rounds of the games with many brain cells killed. 12 cards were open at 1 point in time and players were supposed to identify sets of threes. The person with the most sets won. A set could mean same colour and same number but different shapes, or all different. There were numerous permutations of sets. We all ended with numerous sets and were quite proud that we did in fact have above average IQs (if the number sets could indeed provide some indication of one's IQ).
Although this was not the first time I played board games, but this was the first time I did not feel as stressful. Like me, Hui and Onion played with guts' feel rather than strategies. Like me, we were more concerned about having fun rather than winning. We helped each other along when one player fell back behind the rest. We enjoyed the process more than the outcome.
In some of the previous games I played, I was concerned that my havoc playing etiquette would spoil the game for my intellectual friends. This added stress and reduced the fun of playing somewhat. Perhaps I was too dimwitted. The more high brain-powered games that some of my friends enjoyed were simply beyond me and I was only referring to the playing instructions. Perhaps I was outrageously unambitious. Competition puts me off sometimes, especially in a leisure setting.
Somehow, this chill-out evening with Hui and Onion rekindled my interest for board games where competition and strategies took a second place.
June 01, 2007
Skipping Christmas
The title already sounds very un-John-Grisham. Perhaps due to the theme being outside of the other titles which are more associated with John Grisham, such as The Firm, The Rainmaker, Runaway Jury, etc, it spurred me to pick up the book for a read.
Skipping Christmas is about the grand plan of the tax accountant – Luther and his wife, Nora to skip Christmas in a traditional neighbourhood. Being tax accountant, Luther did a tallying of the expenditure associated with Christmas and was shocked to discover the high damage yearly. As their only daughter was out of town this year, they have decided to skip Christmas and all the preparations. In replacement, they will be taking a cruise to the Caribbean.
Despite their determination, a twist of fate caused their grand plan to collapse. When their daughter suddenly flew back and brought her fiancé to celebrate Christmas. Luther and Nora were forced to drop their cruise plan and ran into a frenzy to pull together Christmas at the eleventh hour.
During Luther’s fight against his probing neighbours and colleagues on his decision to skip Christmas, he was ostracized and was placed in the limelight. He was deemed to be selfish when he did not support any of the fund raising activities from the sale of festive goodies. He was being singled out again when his refusal to decorate his house caused his estate’s loss of the award of the best decorated neighbourhood. Yet, he was not deliberately different. He had merely wanted to lead a different holiday.
This story somehow reminded me of my preference of skipping Chinese New Year as well, though I must confess I have not gone to such extreme. I still went ahead with CNY preparation, but I might not be in town during the first few days of the CNY celebrations.
Nonetheless, this was still a refreshing change from the more familiar legal tousle themes more associated with John Grisham.
Skipping Christmas is about the grand plan of the tax accountant – Luther and his wife, Nora to skip Christmas in a traditional neighbourhood. Being tax accountant, Luther did a tallying of the expenditure associated with Christmas and was shocked to discover the high damage yearly. As their only daughter was out of town this year, they have decided to skip Christmas and all the preparations. In replacement, they will be taking a cruise to the Caribbean.
Despite their determination, a twist of fate caused their grand plan to collapse. When their daughter suddenly flew back and brought her fiancé to celebrate Christmas. Luther and Nora were forced to drop their cruise plan and ran into a frenzy to pull together Christmas at the eleventh hour.
During Luther’s fight against his probing neighbours and colleagues on his decision to skip Christmas, he was ostracized and was placed in the limelight. He was deemed to be selfish when he did not support any of the fund raising activities from the sale of festive goodies. He was being singled out again when his refusal to decorate his house caused his estate’s loss of the award of the best decorated neighbourhood. Yet, he was not deliberately different. He had merely wanted to lead a different holiday.
This story somehow reminded me of my preference of skipping Chinese New Year as well, though I must confess I have not gone to such extreme. I still went ahead with CNY preparation, but I might not be in town during the first few days of the CNY celebrations.
Nonetheless, this was still a refreshing change from the more familiar legal tousle themes more associated with John Grisham.
May 31, 2007
More Photographic Practices
This is the last public holiday for the next 2 months. June and July will be dreary long months with the next public holiday far from sight! Coupled with the hot and humid weather typical of the summer months, the next 2 months will be a test of endurance. Enough of all the complains! We should not let this day go to waste, right? What better ways to spend this day than to engage in activities that will cheer one up? *Grin*
Today has the perfect weather for some outdoor shoots. It is time I try to hone my rather amateurish photographic skills. Recently, I have come across some rather interesting articles on basic tips for taking photos. Heh heh, it's time to put those theories to test. Armed with my digital camera, I trudged down to my neighbourhood for some interesting shots.
Today has the perfect weather for some outdoor shoots. It is time I try to hone my rather amateurish photographic skills. Recently, I have come across some rather interesting articles on basic tips for taking photos. Heh heh, it's time to put those theories to test. Armed with my digital camera, I trudged down to my neighbourhood for some interesting shots.
Rule 1: Do not dispose any shots until you view them on your PC.
I could not try truly appreciate the value of this rule until today. A moth has unexpectedly flew into my house. This unwelcome visitor has become a convenient target for me to practise macro shots.
(In case you are also an amateur like me, let us learn and share photographic tips together. Photography 101: Macro shot is one that is typically employed for close-up shots with great clarity. Most digital camera will come with a 'flower' button to allow taking up to as close as 3 to 5 cm of the object.)
Anyway, I took a couple of close-up shots and failed, until the last 2 before it flew away. As I was looking at the photos from the small screen of the camera, I have felt that the first shot was too exposed. Fortunately, I have not done a hosuekeeping on the spot because when I projected the photos on the PC screen, I felt that first shot was clearer than the second.
What do you think? Which do you prefer?
Rule 2: Practice, practice and more practices
I have read alot about the importance of light sensitives and exposure. Before this, I have never think much about exposure of photos. However, the theories are dry and jsut confused me further. I have managed to gain some enlightenment today as I tried to play around with the shutter speed and aperture value for the light exposure.
Below is a shot which I have attempted to take with a higher shutter speed to bring out the blue in the skies. When a lower shutter speed is used, the skies turned out to be white.
If time permits, I must really experiment and practise more with my camera by venturing to take other objects. Meanwhile, I will also continue to read and understand more about photography. Good luck to me and thank you for sharing with me my practice shots. Feel free to give your comments. :-)
May 30, 2007
Assurances are a Good Form of Support
Have you ever felt revived from an extremely tough day after receiving some support that what you have done was correct? Have you ever felt consoled when someone stood on the same side of you after subjecting yourself to a series of scolding?
If yes, give me a high-five!!!
We need assurances to keep us going through the worst of times. Nah, the story is not about me, but it was about a colleague.
One of my line managers called me late in the evening to complain about his quarrel with another colleague. This line manager has worked quite closely with me. We often address each other as ‘brother’ and ‘sister’.
My mobile rang.
Brother: Harlow, Sister.
Me: Brother, so free today to call me ah?
Brother: Today very jialat. Last night, worse. I had a huge row with another team.
My interest was piqued instantly because he used to be quite good-natured.
Me: What happened?
Brother: I don’t know if I am stupid or what. When I went in to the meeting to discuss the case, the speaker launched into this concept which I did not understand. The whole room understood, except me. My maths cannot be that bad, right?
Me: Then you never ask another attendee who understand to explain in their words? Perhaps paraphrasing helps?
Brother: I did. Then 2 people helped to explain again but I still don’t understand. Tell me, if I want to go from a NPV of -$2M to -$1M, I must increase the revenue, right?
Me: Yup.
Brother: The rest kept insisting we can drop the revenue.
Me: Of course not. Unless they are talking about NPV of $2M to $1M, without the negative sign, then yes.
Brother: No. They were definitely talking about NPV of -$2M to -$1M. Anyway, the boss then came in and agreed with what I have explained, ie for the NPV to go from -$2M to -$1M, the revenue must be increased. So I told the speaker ‘See. This is what I have told you.’ The speaker got upset and then apologized very insincerely, like ‘Ok! I, apologized, ok?!’
Me: Then?
Brother: I got angry and the scolded him ‘Useless!’
At this stage, I could not contain myself anymore and burst into laughter. Hearing my laughter, he laughed along with me.
Brother: Anyway, when we got out of the meeting. One of my colleagues pulled me aside and told me that regardless of how genuinely stupid the speaker was, I should not be scolding him useless.
Me: Yup, we should not do personal attack.
Brother: So after I cooled down, I called the speaker to apologise for my harsh words and jio him for coffee.
Me: Wow.
Brother: Hey, your brother is steady one, ok?
Me: Yup, having the courage to apologise when you know you are in the wrong is good. Good for you.
Brother: Yup, thanks for supporting me. Must now get back to work.
When the going gets tough, the tough gets going. So if someone calls you and complains a lousy day in future, do not be stingy with your assurances. Assuring the complainer that he or she has done absolutely right helps give them hope to trudge on. Of course, if you can throw in some encouragement, I am sure it will definitely provide greater motivation.
If yes, give me a high-five!!!
We need assurances to keep us going through the worst of times. Nah, the story is not about me, but it was about a colleague.
One of my line managers called me late in the evening to complain about his quarrel with another colleague. This line manager has worked quite closely with me. We often address each other as ‘brother’ and ‘sister’.
My mobile rang.
Brother: Harlow, Sister.
Me: Brother, so free today to call me ah?
Brother: Today very jialat. Last night, worse. I had a huge row with another team.
My interest was piqued instantly because he used to be quite good-natured.
Me: What happened?
Brother: I don’t know if I am stupid or what. When I went in to the meeting to discuss the case, the speaker launched into this concept which I did not understand. The whole room understood, except me. My maths cannot be that bad, right?
Me: Then you never ask another attendee who understand to explain in their words? Perhaps paraphrasing helps?
Brother: I did. Then 2 people helped to explain again but I still don’t understand. Tell me, if I want to go from a NPV of -$2M to -$1M, I must increase the revenue, right?
Me: Yup.
Brother: The rest kept insisting we can drop the revenue.
Me: Of course not. Unless they are talking about NPV of $2M to $1M, without the negative sign, then yes.
Brother: No. They were definitely talking about NPV of -$2M to -$1M. Anyway, the boss then came in and agreed with what I have explained, ie for the NPV to go from -$2M to -$1M, the revenue must be increased. So I told the speaker ‘See. This is what I have told you.’ The speaker got upset and then apologized very insincerely, like ‘Ok! I, apologized, ok?!’
Me: Then?
Brother: I got angry and the scolded him ‘Useless!’
At this stage, I could not contain myself anymore and burst into laughter. Hearing my laughter, he laughed along with me.
Brother: Anyway, when we got out of the meeting. One of my colleagues pulled me aside and told me that regardless of how genuinely stupid the speaker was, I should not be scolding him useless.
Me: Yup, we should not do personal attack.
Brother: So after I cooled down, I called the speaker to apologise for my harsh words and jio him for coffee.
Me: Wow.
Brother: Hey, your brother is steady one, ok?
Me: Yup, having the courage to apologise when you know you are in the wrong is good. Good for you.
Brother: Yup, thanks for supporting me. Must now get back to work.
When the going gets tough, the tough gets going. So if someone calls you and complains a lousy day in future, do not be stingy with your assurances. Assuring the complainer that he or she has done absolutely right helps give them hope to trudge on. Of course, if you can throw in some encouragement, I am sure it will definitely provide greater motivation.
May 29, 2007
Mars Vs Venus
I have caught the show on and off. On the few occasions that I watched the serial, I was greatly entertained and ‘englightened’ by the profound quotes on marriage and friendship. The bickering between Stephen and Wenjing; the shyness of Yulian and Ah Wu and the naiveté of Zhiling were hilarious. Apparently, this show has also become rather popular among many friends. Among them are Ah Peng and Ms Chan. The show ended its run last night.
Those who have been in a relationship or are in a relationship can probably relate to some of the all-too-familiar scenarios. For those who intend to go into a relationship, the show will serve as a reminder of the differences in man and woman and the fragile balance in a relationship. For those who have no intention or have never been in a relationship, the scenes are probably snapshots of the interactions of couples around you.
Of course, drama being drama, the behaviours of the personas could somehow been exaggerated. Yet, the reality remains. Sometimes, we can take a friend, boyfriend / girlfriend, husband / wife or daughter-in-law/son-in-law for granted. We often fall into the debacle of cherishing something when it has slipped out of our hand. Sometimes, we do not have a second chance to make amends. Fortunately, for all of the characters within the show, they have managed to reconcile with their loved ones.
It is easy to go into a new relationship – be it BGR or friendship. The challenge lies in the sustenance. Sustenance is not restricted to keeping the cordial interaction of the parties, but also the continual development of the relationship. Development of a relationship often entails more efforts to keeping the excitement, the communication, the strengthening and the understanding among the parties. At the same time, respect, compromise and sincerity must be maintained. It sounds like a daunting task. Indeed, when we become bogged down by the trivialities of daily lives and the stress of work, relationships often take a back-seat. Once neglected, a relationship will start to stagnate and even die off.
If you start to get cold feet by now about any form of relationship, you are not alone. Before plunging into any relationship, we should be aware of the accompanying responsibilities. However, relationships are not all chores and no fun. No man can live alone. It is often the relationships we are in that help us blossom. A good relationship will enhance our self-esteem, result in collective happiness and a more wonderful place to live in.
Those who have been in a relationship or are in a relationship can probably relate to some of the all-too-familiar scenarios. For those who intend to go into a relationship, the show will serve as a reminder of the differences in man and woman and the fragile balance in a relationship. For those who have no intention or have never been in a relationship, the scenes are probably snapshots of the interactions of couples around you.
Of course, drama being drama, the behaviours of the personas could somehow been exaggerated. Yet, the reality remains. Sometimes, we can take a friend, boyfriend / girlfriend, husband / wife or daughter-in-law/son-in-law for granted. We often fall into the debacle of cherishing something when it has slipped out of our hand. Sometimes, we do not have a second chance to make amends. Fortunately, for all of the characters within the show, they have managed to reconcile with their loved ones.
It is easy to go into a new relationship – be it BGR or friendship. The challenge lies in the sustenance. Sustenance is not restricted to keeping the cordial interaction of the parties, but also the continual development of the relationship. Development of a relationship often entails more efforts to keeping the excitement, the communication, the strengthening and the understanding among the parties. At the same time, respect, compromise and sincerity must be maintained. It sounds like a daunting task. Indeed, when we become bogged down by the trivialities of daily lives and the stress of work, relationships often take a back-seat. Once neglected, a relationship will start to stagnate and even die off.
If you start to get cold feet by now about any form of relationship, you are not alone. Before plunging into any relationship, we should be aware of the accompanying responsibilities. However, relationships are not all chores and no fun. No man can live alone. It is often the relationships we are in that help us blossom. A good relationship will enhance our self-esteem, result in collective happiness and a more wonderful place to live in.
Pirates of the Caribbean
Swensen’s has just introduced new meal sets under the theme of Pirates of Caribbean, probably as promotion for the upcoming movie. They looked enticing, so we have decided to try them out.
Pirate = sea; Caribbean = tropical?
The sets are seafood related with the use of colourful fruits. Each set comes with a cream seafood soup, main course and a mocktail. There are four selections for the main course - grilled chicken, fish fillet, grilled prawns and steak. The mocktails have a pineapple base and a mix of other fruits, such as strawberry, passionfruit and mango.
Three of us have decided to share 2 sets to avoid eating too much for the dinner. We have chosen the fish and the prawns. The fish was tender and spicy. The prawns were delicious. The drinks were slightly sour, perhaps due to the pineapple juice. We have ordered another side dish – calamari to ‘supplement’ our meal. We loved the calamari as well because the squid was soft and not the least rubbery while the crust was crispy.
It was definitely a satisfying meal. Even my mum who normally dislikes western food was giving thumbs up for the meal.
May 28, 2007
Praying for More Weekends
Do you have the same problem?
Weekends seem to fly past. There is so much to do and accomplish over the weekends that sometimes we do not know where to start. There are some things that we always plan to do during the weekends but they are always pushed to the next and the next and the next. Despite us getting a weekend after every 5 working days, we still constantly face a weekend ‘drought’.
Some of the activities that are regulars on my weekend timetable
- Replenishing our groceries
- Paying our bills
- Catching up on our sleep
- Catching up with friends
- Updating my blog
Some of the planned activities that I have always wanted to embark on and for some mysterious reasons they have been postponed since I cannot even remember when.
- Visiting different museums in Singapore
- Touring some of the places of attraction in Singapore, eg the zoo.
- Taking up photography
- Going to the library
- Trying out yoga
- Exercising regularly
- Going shopping
… … …
… …
…
The list goes on and on.
Since I have so many plans that have shelved, you must imagine that I must have had many fulfilling and meaningful weekends. Well, you cannot be more wrong. What is more perplexing is I cannot comprehend where have all my weekend time gone to. Sometimes, I do not even accomplish my ‘regular’ list, much less my ‘wish’ list.
Is this another enigma of a working adult?
May 27, 2007
Developing Digital Photos
The technology of photos has developed so rapidly that it has never ceased to amaze me. Some of the photos may look clear and sharp in the small screen of the camera but when enlarged, the low resolution will cause the photos to be blurred.
Development of photos is automated and self-serviced. On the spot, one can immediately know whether the photos will turn up ok in the different sizes of 3R to 8R. Lower resolution photos will look fine in the smaller size frame but the quality will deteriorate with larger frames. For those photos which will not turn up well, we can then choose not to develop. It is indeed a form of savings for us.
We can also determine how many copies of each shot we like to develop. In the past, prior to the digital era, to develop several copies of our favourite shots, we will need to develop the entire roll of film first. Only then can we know the ‘photo number’ in the negative for subsequent developing.
All my China photos are developed. It is about 150 shots in all. The next issue is where to keep them. I bought a new album with 300 pockets to keep the photos that I have recently developed. It then took me another 2 nights to finish re-arranging the photos and slotting them into the new album.
Now, I can take out the photos and relook at them as and when I like it. :-)
Development of photos is automated and self-serviced. On the spot, one can immediately know whether the photos will turn up ok in the different sizes of 3R to 8R. Lower resolution photos will look fine in the smaller size frame but the quality will deteriorate with larger frames. For those photos which will not turn up well, we can then choose not to develop. It is indeed a form of savings for us.
We can also determine how many copies of each shot we like to develop. In the past, prior to the digital era, to develop several copies of our favourite shots, we will need to develop the entire roll of film first. Only then can we know the ‘photo number’ in the negative for subsequent developing.
All my China photos are developed. It is about 150 shots in all. The next issue is where to keep them. I bought a new album with 300 pockets to keep the photos that I have recently developed. It then took me another 2 nights to finish re-arranging the photos and slotting them into the new album.
Now, I can take out the photos and relook at them as and when I like it. :-)
May 26, 2007
Sinful Feast
Life is great!
Sounds vaguely familiar to the tagline of a financial institution? Life is great with comfort food.
Comfort food is often what we term food that helps lift our spirits on a demoralized day. Not that I undergoing emotional doldrums. It is more of a desire to pamper myself after a pretty hectic week at work. Hence, I threw all inhibitions to air and sank into full indulgences of sinful food – food I normally minimize intake of; food which I know will cause my cholesterol level to deteroriate; food will pile on heaps of fat on my increasing weight.
Laksa, Mee Reebus and Nasi Lemak. These food will likely to top the chart of trans fat, cholesterol, heatiness and calories. Although I felt guilty over this sinful feast, the meal has also resulted in a fulfilling satisfaction, not only to my stomach but to my day as well.
My mum has discovered this little eatery which apparently filled with the office crowds on a typical working day. The patrons must be attracted by the good food. While we were in Bugis shopping today, we had decided to pop in for a trial. Duh-duh! Drum rolls please. The eatery was Qi Ji at Bugis Village.
I used to place the Mee Reebus at HDB Hub at the topmost position. However, its ‘standard’ has dropped drastically. I finally found a replacement for my favourite Mee Reebus. It has the perfect serving of Mee Reebus with gravy which is not too starchy or watery to dress the springy noodles. The ingredients used are simple with maybe just Tau Pok or Tofu with an egg. Yet, the aroma of the gravy will whet your appetite as you eat more and more mouthfuls. The adding of small dried shrimps (hei bee) enhances the sweetness of the gravy.
Nasi Lemak is offered in different sets. However, the crew will allow you to replace one or two item in the set with your own preference in another set, as long as the items of exchange have similar pricings. The chicken wings are golden brown. The ikan bilis peanut are crispy but not too hard. There is scrambled egg or omelet to choose from.
The Laksa are served with cockles, tau pok and fish cakes. The gravy has a good mix of spiciness and coconut fragrance, but without being overwhelmingly thick.
Looking around us, satisfaction was apparent on the faces of other patrons. Moreover, the empty bowls, ‘cleaned’ of even the gravy, spoke for themselves.
Yum yum! I will definitely come back in the future and to try on other delicacies as well, such as the Poh Piah (spring roll), the Mee Siam and the different sets of Nasi Lemaks.
Sounds vaguely familiar to the tagline of a financial institution? Life is great with comfort food.
Comfort food is often what we term food that helps lift our spirits on a demoralized day. Not that I undergoing emotional doldrums. It is more of a desire to pamper myself after a pretty hectic week at work. Hence, I threw all inhibitions to air and sank into full indulgences of sinful food – food I normally minimize intake of; food which I know will cause my cholesterol level to deteroriate; food will pile on heaps of fat on my increasing weight.
Laksa, Mee Reebus and Nasi Lemak. These food will likely to top the chart of trans fat, cholesterol, heatiness and calories. Although I felt guilty over this sinful feast, the meal has also resulted in a fulfilling satisfaction, not only to my stomach but to my day as well.
My mum has discovered this little eatery which apparently filled with the office crowds on a typical working day. The patrons must be attracted by the good food. While we were in Bugis shopping today, we had decided to pop in for a trial. Duh-duh! Drum rolls please. The eatery was Qi Ji at Bugis Village.
I used to place the Mee Reebus at HDB Hub at the topmost position. However, its ‘standard’ has dropped drastically. I finally found a replacement for my favourite Mee Reebus. It has the perfect serving of Mee Reebus with gravy which is not too starchy or watery to dress the springy noodles. The ingredients used are simple with maybe just Tau Pok or Tofu with an egg. Yet, the aroma of the gravy will whet your appetite as you eat more and more mouthfuls. The adding of small dried shrimps (hei bee) enhances the sweetness of the gravy.
Nasi Lemak is offered in different sets. However, the crew will allow you to replace one or two item in the set with your own preference in another set, as long as the items of exchange have similar pricings. The chicken wings are golden brown. The ikan bilis peanut are crispy but not too hard. There is scrambled egg or omelet to choose from.
The Laksa are served with cockles, tau pok and fish cakes. The gravy has a good mix of spiciness and coconut fragrance, but without being overwhelmingly thick.
Looking around us, satisfaction was apparent on the faces of other patrons. Moreover, the empty bowls, ‘cleaned’ of even the gravy, spoke for themselves.
Yum yum! I will definitely come back in the future and to try on other delicacies as well, such as the Poh Piah (spring roll), the Mee Siam and the different sets of Nasi Lemaks.
May 25, 2007
Start of GSS 2007
The yearly Great Singapore Sale has commenced again. When I went home shortly after 6 pm, a rush of people were walking in the opposite direction of me. The train was freakingly empty.
Everyone has flocked to town to grab the best bargains at the earliest possible time. Some departmental stores have started their mid-year sales even about a week before GSS in an attempt to attract more shopping dollars.
Get ready your wallet for more action in the next 2 months as the sales in all boutiques and stores gained strength.
Happy Shopping!
Everyone has flocked to town to grab the best bargains at the earliest possible time. Some departmental stores have started their mid-year sales even about a week before GSS in an attempt to attract more shopping dollars.
Get ready your wallet for more action in the next 2 months as the sales in all boutiques and stores gained strength.
Happy Shopping!
May 24, 2007
Work-Life Balance
I have first heard her story from my boss, with bare minimal details. It was a pity of her to pass away at such a tender age.
Today, a colleague has forwarded me a report featuring her story. After reading that article, I felt sympathy, sadness and some form of relation to her story. Some of the comments in her blog struck a chord in me. Her body of 29 years abandoned her after prolonged working.
The corporate culture today seemed to equate 12 or more hours of working as normal working hours. The weekend never arrives. Many weekends are utilized on catching up backlogs which seem impossible to complete. People who only chip in their 9-to-5 share are immediately labeled as cruisers or even slackers. Many are so knackered from their demanding jobs that on the occasions where they have a workless weekend, they devote the entire weekend to ‘recuperating’.
Are the workers getting less efficient such that increasing hours are required to complete the tasks? Do our workers slack during the official working hours so that they have to put in extra hours after office hours to clear work?
Given the recent study which shows that Singaporeans’ walking pace has increased tremendously and even surpassed many countries, it seems unlikely that our productivity has declined. Many likened the fast pace to the increasing stress of Singaporeans though.
Most people will prefer to have dinner at dinner time, rather than supper time. Most people will prefer to go home for a home-cooked meal and slouch on their sofa for their favourite 9 o’clock drama than be stuck in the cold office. Thus, I believe if one knows that they will need more time to complete the task, they will pull themselves from the afternoon tea cum gossip break.
Perhaps some organizations in their quest for continual excellence and lean methodology have taken cost cutting, particularly manpower cost cutting, a tad too far. When employees are overstretched, especially for prolonged period of time, it is both detrimental to the employees and the organization. In the short term, employees who overworked and overstressed are less healthy. There will be increasing medical reimbursements. Absences of the employees will also cause more disruptions. In the long term, employees become demoralized and leave the company. This causes greater disruptions and even brain drain. It is also more costly to recruit and retrain the replacement. Short terms gains can sometimes result in higher costs in the long term.
We should give our best in work. Yet, we must also strive for a work-life balance, for instance, by taking short breaks now and then to give our body time to recharge. When things seem to get out of hand, we should talk to our peers or our supervisors to work out a win-win solution. If all things fail, perhaps it can mean a mismatch of personal and corporate goals. It is timely then to part ways for the good of both the individual and the company.
Perhaps I am oversimplifying things. Afterall, it is difficult to say no, especially to your boss. With growing competition, to have a healthy bottom line, cost cutting becomes a constant battle for any organization. The balance between a healthy pay-check against our healthy and the balance between the employee welfare and shareholder value will constantly be on our and the managers’ minds. These balances have become harder and harder to juggle with an increasingly competitive world.
May 22, 2007
Second Lunch Gathering for the ASF Committee
Since the fun we had in our last gathering, we have decided to meet for lunch monthly.
1) To catch up on each other’s lives.
Although Annual Staff Function (ASF) 2007 has officially ended, our friendship continues. One of our hidden agenda was perhaps to catch up on some of the latest gossips.
2) To celebrate birthdays
The birthday boy or girl for the month will get a free treat from the rest.
3) To accompany one of our colleagues for lunch
Jess, a doting father from Philippines, has often taken unhealthy food as no one watches over him despite high blood sugar problem.
This month, we had our lunch at Pastamania. We met for 2 celebratory occasions in May – to celebrate the birth of our chairman’s son and my very belated birthday.
The rain did not dampen our excitement at seeing each other. Karen, one of the committee members who had since left the company, even came down to join us in this monthly celebrations.
Our QC leader - Yen, and our chairman shared their many stories. We chatted from baby bonus, to work and finally to the organization of the next year’s ASF. Our chairman threatened that if he were to be nominated again, he would propose that the existing committee be involved.
Next month, we would be going for dinner instead. ;-p
1) To catch up on each other’s lives.
Although Annual Staff Function (ASF) 2007 has officially ended, our friendship continues. One of our hidden agenda was perhaps to catch up on some of the latest gossips.
2) To celebrate birthdays
The birthday boy or girl for the month will get a free treat from the rest.
3) To accompany one of our colleagues for lunch
Jess, a doting father from Philippines, has often taken unhealthy food as no one watches over him despite high blood sugar problem.
This month, we had our lunch at Pastamania. We met for 2 celebratory occasions in May – to celebrate the birth of our chairman’s son and my very belated birthday.
The rain did not dampen our excitement at seeing each other. Karen, one of the committee members who had since left the company, even came down to join us in this monthly celebrations.
Our QC leader - Yen, and our chairman shared their many stories. We chatted from baby bonus, to work and finally to the organization of the next year’s ASF. Our chairman threatened that if he were to be nominated again, he would propose that the existing committee be involved.
Next month, we would be going for dinner instead. ;-p
May 20, 2007
Food Trail
It has been ages since we have ventured to the more out-of-the-way places for meals. Breakfast was roti prata at Jalan Kayu. Lunch was wanton noodle at Tembeling Road. Dinner was Zi Char at Changi Village.
I am not exactly someone who will travel far for food, especially when there are always so many things that need to be done over the weekend. A food trail occasionally is enjoyable but it may mean compromising on other tasks to be accomplished over the precious weekend. =p
I am not exactly someone who will travel far for food, especially when there are always so many things that need to be done over the weekend. A food trail occasionally is enjoyable but it may mean compromising on other tasks to be accomplished over the precious weekend. =p
May 19, 2007
Living Under the Crescent Moon
This week is the International Museum Day Week. Free guided tours and themed exhibitions are held at the various museums of Singapore over this weekend.
I have wanted to visit the newly renovated National Museum of Singapore as its unique colonial architecture has frequently been featured. Moreover, as a Singaporean, I was rather ashamed to admit that I have not been to our National Museum. It was timely to be more acquainted with Singapore.
Initially, the May07 gathering for the musketeers was meant to be only a lunch. We were glad we have managed to persuade Ms Chan to join Ah Peng and myself in my inaugural visit to the National Museum of Singapore. Ah Peng has been to the National Museum countless times. It used to be one of her favourite activities on Saturday afternoons. I must really learn from her and not allow myself to continue slacking. *Sheepish grin* Hence, the May07 gathering for the musketeers was our tour of the National Museum of Singapore.
The National Museum of Singapore is a short 10 minute walk from Plaza Singapura, just behind YMCA. The current featured exhibition was “Living Under the Crescent Moon” which is about the domestic lifestyles of the Arab Community. The exhibition was divided into 2 sections. The first was “Domestic Cultures in the Arab World” which displayed models of dwellings and artefacts of their daily lives, such as tools, utensils and art. The second was “Images from the Arab World” which featured the photos of the renowned contemporary Arabian photographers.
I have wanted to visit the newly renovated National Museum of Singapore as its unique colonial architecture has frequently been featured. Moreover, as a Singaporean, I was rather ashamed to admit that I have not been to our National Museum. It was timely to be more acquainted with Singapore.
Initially, the May07 gathering for the musketeers was meant to be only a lunch. We were glad we have managed to persuade Ms Chan to join Ah Peng and myself in my inaugural visit to the National Museum of Singapore. Ah Peng has been to the National Museum countless times. It used to be one of her favourite activities on Saturday afternoons. I must really learn from her and not allow myself to continue slacking. *Sheepish grin* Hence, the May07 gathering for the musketeers was our tour of the National Museum of Singapore.
The National Museum of Singapore is a short 10 minute walk from Plaza Singapura, just behind YMCA. The current featured exhibition was “Living Under the Crescent Moon” which is about the domestic lifestyles of the Arab Community. The exhibition was divided into 2 sections. The first was “Domestic Cultures in the Arab World” which displayed models of dwellings and artefacts of their daily lives, such as tools, utensils and art. The second was “Images from the Arab World” which featured the photos of the renowned contemporary Arabian photographers.
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Domestic Cultures in the Arab World
The tribes featured in the exhibition are from Syria, Morocco and the Arabian Peninsula. A tribe which we have seen featured constantly is the Berbers.
One of the unique architecture of the Arabians is the use earth and clay in their homes which are believed to protect them from the heat. The material used for their utensils in the past is mainly brass and it has since evolved to the use of recycled car tyres. From pillow covers, to towels and carpets, embroideries and hand woven cloth are used. Such tapestries often involve the use of rich colours, such as maroon which seem to be reflective of their culture.
Images from the Arab World
The photos have made a stronger impression on the Arab culture on me. Some of the more interesting photos include handcolouring of black-and-white photos, images for pilgrimage at the Haj, Mecca by a Princess and glamourous portraits of ordinary citizens.
Each photographer has their unique style of capturing the sights. For instance, one photographer has used archaic pin-hole camera to capture natural sights which are believed to be never visible to the human eye. The images present a strong contrast beween the object and the light. Another photographer likes to highlight the focus in the midst of action, where the surroundings are blurry to emphasis the object.
My favourite among these photos was one by a contemporary female photographer on a series of wedding themed photos. She has vividly conveyed one of the greatest ironies of the culture: women are always expected to take a passive and obscure role, but during their wedding, they suddenly become the centre of attention.
There was a subsection – “Strange Games and Bridges” which presented the works of Jocelyne Saab who is a prominent documentary filmmaker and journalist. The works of “Strange Games and Bridges” drew inspiration from Beirut and journeyed a cycle of destruction and renewal.
To be candid, some of the images could be slightly disturbing and abstract. One video clip showed children playing a game of war with their use of planks as weapons for killing and torturing fellow playmates. Another clip showed a young girl opening a fridge full of guns. Pictures of separate body parts of a mannequin were placed at various corners. When Ms Chan attempted to start a discussion on the works, we were speechless as we could not truly comprehend the messages that were conveyed.
Architecture of National Museum of Singapore
Walking in the National Museum of Singapore was truly a luxury – with a harmonious marriage of modern and historic structures. For instance, the Gothic chandeliers adopted a bold bright red dressing. Instead of discreetly playing their roles of lighting, they became the highlights of the lobby with their pendulum swings. A bridge links the spacious podium to the historic wing. The podium is laid with granite flooring and connected by modern escalators and elevators. The historic wing has wooden window panels, engravings on the pillars reflective of Singapore’s colonial past and a tainted glass dome-like ceiling. Overhead the bridge, the red pendulum chandeliers swings on.
(The Colonial building which now forms the interior of the Museum.)
(The dome ceiling with tainted glass windows.)
Bored of a typical Saturday afternoon lingering along the shopping belt? Why not visit the National Museum of Singapore for a change?
May 17, 2007
Recruitment
One of the accountants in another unit has just resigned. Her boss was rather anxious to get her replacement soonest possible. Recently, she has identified a potential candidate but held back her recruitment decision for fear that this candidate would not be able to blend in to the culture.
It seems like to many bosses, recruitment is not about recruiting the best candidate in the market. Although the technical competence and attitude of a candidate are important, they are not the only considerations.
In an organization where teamwork and people relationship management are key success factors, increasing emphasis is given to whether a there is a match in culture between a particular employee and the others. Indeed. When there is a match, the employee will feel happy working in the organization. Similarly, the other team members will be happy working with the employee and greater team results can be produced.
On the other hand, where there is a mismatch. The good candidate will feel demoralized and this adversely affects performance. Regardless of the technical superiority of candidate, the candidate is not likely to show his best. At the same time, it may also affect the performance of other team members.
Hence, if you feel discouraged for not being recruited, fret not. It may not be due to your technical incompetence, but rather the corporate culture may not be suitable for you. Perhaps you would ask, does it mean that there will be groupthink in an organization or it may be impossible to get into certain organizations as culture does not change easily. The answer is maybe. Turnover has become a frequent sight in today's corporations. Whenever a new member joins the team, culture change is already slowly taking place because no 2 individuals are the same.
It seems like to many bosses, recruitment is not about recruiting the best candidate in the market. Although the technical competence and attitude of a candidate are important, they are not the only considerations.
In an organization where teamwork and people relationship management are key success factors, increasing emphasis is given to whether a there is a match in culture between a particular employee and the others. Indeed. When there is a match, the employee will feel happy working in the organization. Similarly, the other team members will be happy working with the employee and greater team results can be produced.
On the other hand, where there is a mismatch. The good candidate will feel demoralized and this adversely affects performance. Regardless of the technical superiority of candidate, the candidate is not likely to show his best. At the same time, it may also affect the performance of other team members.
Hence, if you feel discouraged for not being recruited, fret not. It may not be due to your technical incompetence, but rather the corporate culture may not be suitable for you. Perhaps you would ask, does it mean that there will be groupthink in an organization or it may be impossible to get into certain organizations as culture does not change easily. The answer is maybe. Turnover has become a frequent sight in today's corporations. Whenever a new member joins the team, culture change is already slowly taking place because no 2 individuals are the same.
May 15, 2007
Loss of Photo Scare
We were admiring the photos that we have taken in Taiwan, Bangkok and China last night. Yes! Finally we have developed the photos, including Taiwan’s which were taken 2 years ago.
Shortly before we departed for China, my sister had attempted to copy the photos previously stored in her SD card to a CD, so as to ‘make space’ for new photos in China. For whatever reason, the CD became corrupted and all the photos were lost.
We were terribly upset, especially the loss of the Taiwan photos. It was such bad news to receive just on the eve of next trip. It has been a memorable trip in Taiwan. Even if we revisit Taiwan in future, the feelings, the sights and experiences will definitely be different. Hence, we will not be able to replicate the exact photos.
Fortunately, one of her friends had managed to salvage the SD card and retrieve the deleted photos. Alas, we could still have those memories. To prevent the recurrence of the above scare, we have decided to develop the photos soonest possible when we came back to Singapore.
Looking at those photos brought back nice memories of our previous trips. We were amazed then at the natural beauties, the varied culture and the rich history of these countries. We remained amazed now as we looked at the photos.
The best souvenirs from any vacation are still the memories and photos. :-)
Shortly before we departed for China, my sister had attempted to copy the photos previously stored in her SD card to a CD, so as to ‘make space’ for new photos in China. For whatever reason, the CD became corrupted and all the photos were lost.
We were terribly upset, especially the loss of the Taiwan photos. It was such bad news to receive just on the eve of next trip. It has been a memorable trip in Taiwan. Even if we revisit Taiwan in future, the feelings, the sights and experiences will definitely be different. Hence, we will not be able to replicate the exact photos.
Fortunately, one of her friends had managed to salvage the SD card and retrieve the deleted photos. Alas, we could still have those memories. To prevent the recurrence of the above scare, we have decided to develop the photos soonest possible when we came back to Singapore.
Looking at those photos brought back nice memories of our previous trips. We were amazed then at the natural beauties, the varied culture and the rich history of these countries. We remained amazed now as we looked at the photos.
The best souvenirs from any vacation are still the memories and photos. :-)
May 14, 2007
Golden Pig Babies
I have heard 2 pieces of good news over the weekend. Both SMSes informed me that they were soon-to-be mothers - one from my excolleague and one from the uni girls. They are already the 3rd and 4th for the year. Hmm, looks like I will see many golden pig babies this year.
Congrats to Ann and Lis! :-)
Congrats to Ann and Lis! :-)
May 13, 2007
The Heat is On
2007 is prophesized to be the hottest year even according to the climatologist. We have already seen that happening in Japan with an early sakura bloom. In Singapore, the temperature is climbing. A short 15 min walk will leave us in profuse sweat.
I have decided to go for a morning instead of an afternoon swim to ‘cool myself’ down. The pool was getting crowded as the sun rose. After the swim, I felt warmer than before I dipped into the pool. Hence, the entire purpose of the swim was defeated.
Nonetheless, it was still a refreshing change to go for a morning swim as I have not had morning exercise before breakfast for ages. The last I did that was probably about more than a year ago. Morning exercise before breakfast sort of perked me up for the entire day.
I have decided to go for a morning instead of an afternoon swim to ‘cool myself’ down. The pool was getting crowded as the sun rose. After the swim, I felt warmer than before I dipped into the pool. Hence, the entire purpose of the swim was defeated.
Nonetheless, it was still a refreshing change to go for a morning swim as I have not had morning exercise before breakfast for ages. The last I did that was probably about more than a year ago. Morning exercise before breakfast sort of perked me up for the entire day.
May 12, 2007
Visit by Ah Peng
Ah Peng visited me yesterday as she was keen to explore the ‘up-and-coming’ AMK Hub. We met for lunch at AMK Hub before going to my home.
Ah Peng was surprised at the hustling and bustling of AMK central, both the hub and the neighbourhood shops near the hub. Actually, I felt that Tampines is even more bustling, compared to AMK.
Well, my home is a pretty boring place. I do not have exciting board games. Nor do I subscribe to SCV. Unlike our previous visits to Ms Chan and Ah Peng’s homes where we could keep ourselves amused for hours just watching SCV. Hee hee.
Our entertainment for the afternoon was just looking at my photos (from Taiwan, Bangkok and China) as well as my graduation photos and photos taken with my excolleagues. Ah Peng was surprised at the number of photos I have taken with my excolleagues. Well, I could only say that we like to commemorate special occasions with photos, such as CNY and farewell parties for resignees and retirees. During this occasion, we may even come dressed in special colour scheme. *Grin*
I also made her join me in watching The Prince becomes Frog, one of my favourite show over the weekend. During the show, I was even adding my own comment about the next development. She was perplexed on why I still kept watching when I could predict what would happen next. In the end, her conclusion was that I was also a hopeless romantist. Ha ha.
Blur me again. I have wanted to pass her something I got for her from China but I had actually forgotten. Sigh!
Ah Peng was surprised at the hustling and bustling of AMK central, both the hub and the neighbourhood shops near the hub. Actually, I felt that Tampines is even more bustling, compared to AMK.
Well, my home is a pretty boring place. I do not have exciting board games. Nor do I subscribe to SCV. Unlike our previous visits to Ms Chan and Ah Peng’s homes where we could keep ourselves amused for hours just watching SCV. Hee hee.
Our entertainment for the afternoon was just looking at my photos (from Taiwan, Bangkok and China) as well as my graduation photos and photos taken with my excolleagues. Ah Peng was surprised at the number of photos I have taken with my excolleagues. Well, I could only say that we like to commemorate special occasions with photos, such as CNY and farewell parties for resignees and retirees. During this occasion, we may even come dressed in special colour scheme. *Grin*
I also made her join me in watching The Prince becomes Frog, one of my favourite show over the weekend. During the show, I was even adding my own comment about the next development. She was perplexed on why I still kept watching when I could predict what would happen next. In the end, her conclusion was that I was also a hopeless romantist. Ha ha.
Blur me again. I have wanted to pass her something I got for her from China but I had actually forgotten. Sigh!
May 11, 2007
Less Fire-fighting
The line / business people have gone to their Malacca trip.
It was a good break for all the support people. Less calls, less emails and even no business case that has to be evaluated in this interval of 3 days.
We have time to catch-up on all the important but non-urgent things which forever have to take a back-seat when we were fire-fighting.
What a fruitful 3-day…
It was a good break for all the support people. Less calls, less emails and even no business case that has to be evaluated in this interval of 3 days.
We have time to catch-up on all the important but non-urgent things which forever have to take a back-seat when we were fire-fighting.
What a fruitful 3-day…
May 06, 2007
Mother's Day Celebration in advance
We decided to have an early Mother’s Day celebration in order to avoid the crowd expected of next weekend.
We proposed to have a different cuisine this year after years of going to a Chinese restaurant. We brought our mum to the Waraku at Central for Kaminabe (Paper Steamboat) – one of Waraku’s signature dishes.
We were shown to the window seats where we had a paranomic view of Singapore River and the opposite Clark Quay. We ordered a Nihotate Kaminabe (Scallop Paper Steamboat), Okonomiyaki (Grilled Octopus Pancake), Udon and Grilled Chicken set.
It was a refreshing change for her. We certainly hope she had enjoyed herself.
We proposed to have a different cuisine this year after years of going to a Chinese restaurant. We brought our mum to the Waraku at Central for Kaminabe (Paper Steamboat) – one of Waraku’s signature dishes.
We were shown to the window seats where we had a paranomic view of Singapore River and the opposite Clark Quay. We ordered a Nihotate Kaminabe (Scallop Paper Steamboat), Okonomiyaki (Grilled Octopus Pancake), Udon and Grilled Chicken set.
It was a refreshing change for her. We certainly hope she had enjoyed herself.
(Lotus Root crackers. We were busy eating that we did not take photos for the rest. As usual, we only remembered after we finished eating.)
May 05, 2007
Summer Time - Playing with Camera
It is summer time, yet many local flowers are still in full bloom.
Perhaps I become more observant towards the flora and fauna after my China trip, so I began to notice some of the wild and planted flowers in my surroundings. Anyway, I wanted to hone my photographic skills so that I can take nicer photos when in future, ie less blurry pictures. Thus, I took my camera and tried to take close-up shoots of the flowers in my neighbourhood. I still refused to give up trying for the 'macro-view'. *Grin*
Well, the good news is I have finally succeeded!!! Here are some of the photos I have taken for sharing with you. Hopefully, your day will be brightened by these sweet flowers.
Perhaps I become more observant towards the flora and fauna after my China trip, so I began to notice some of the wild and planted flowers in my surroundings. Anyway, I wanted to hone my photographic skills so that I can take nicer photos when in future, ie less blurry pictures. Thus, I took my camera and tried to take close-up shoots of the flowers in my neighbourhood. I still refused to give up trying for the 'macro-view'. *Grin*
Well, the good news is I have finally succeeded!!! Here are some of the photos I have taken for sharing with you. Hopefully, your day will be brightened by these sweet flowers.
(The last photo is the one which I have successfully taken with the macro view and managed to show the contrast between the focal object and the background, ie clear object, blurred background)
May 03, 2007
Celebration of My Boss's Birthday
We had a mini surprise celebration of our boss’s birthday in office today.
One of my colleagues went to BreadTalk to get a chocolate cake. It was yummy with a rich chocolate taste.
We had wanted a surprise birthday for her and invited her to the meeting room for 'discussion'. However, she saw us taking out the cake and our cover was blown off. My other boss took out the coke which has ‘resided’ in his fridge for a few months (left over from one of late budget meetings when we ordered from Pizza Hut) and we cheered with coke instead of alcohol.
While we ate the cake and shared the ‘left-over’ coke, my boss appeared touched by our little gesture. Unfortunately, although it was her birthday, she still did not manage to knock off on time. :-(
One of my colleagues went to BreadTalk to get a chocolate cake. It was yummy with a rich chocolate taste.
We had wanted a surprise birthday for her and invited her to the meeting room for 'discussion'. However, she saw us taking out the cake and our cover was blown off. My other boss took out the coke which has ‘resided’ in his fridge for a few months (left over from one of late budget meetings when we ordered from Pizza Hut) and we cheered with coke instead of alcohol.
While we ate the cake and shared the ‘left-over’ coke, my boss appeared touched by our little gesture. Unfortunately, although it was her birthday, she still did not manage to knock off on time. :-(
May 01, 2007
China Trip – Thoughts
There has been a slight culture shock in the first few days I have been in China. The practices and the environment are vastly different.
First is the toilet. Although the maintenance of toilets has improved tremendously, the upgrade in the toilet facilities has not spread to some rural areas. Many toilets still are not equipped with toilet paper and the locks in the cubicles are not working. In the rural areas, there may still be toilets without proper cubicle or flushing facilities.
Second is the communal practice of some of the locals which may take some time to get used to, in terms of food and changing of clothes. During one of the breakfasts, we have seen some locals enjoying the food in common trays using their used cutlery. There is another instance where a local family squeezed with us for breakfast when it was a table for only four. There were four of ur and four of them. We were the first to be seated there. In the end, we had a rather uncomfortable and squeezy meal.
When I was trying a top in one fitting room, another girl has squeezed in and both of us shared the same tiny fitting room. I was not used to sharing a fitting room with another person. After I finished changing, I had just 'conveniently' pulled open the curtain to get out, totally forgetting that she had not finished changing. I had to immediately apologised but not before she threw me dagger stares and a look of wondering which planet I have come from.
For those who prefer smoke-free environment, it takes time to get used to cigarette smoke and smell in air-conditioned places, such as restaurants. Unlike Singapore, smoking in aircon environment is legal.
The locals value healthy lifestyles, especially the elders, who will wake up early and sleep early. They are also particular about food, as some food cannot be taken together, eg lettuce and tofu. Hence, hearing the local guides speak about how the locals manage to maintain good health was an enriching experience.
This is also the first time I have experienced such coldness where my teeth was chattering even though I was in sweaters. This is the first time I see mist coming out of my mouth when I talk and breathe hard. *Grin* This is already mid spring and summer is soon approaching. In climate terms, the worst cold has been over. Yet, we still felt frozen.
This is also the first time I have walked long distances in the rain without an umbrella. It was a good experience because we were never so liberated in Singapore. Every time we see a person without an umbrella in the rain, we will think the person in insane. Whereas in China, no one took a second look.
China is still very populous. Despite its vast lands, there are still many people in many places on weekdays. This helps us better appreciate the Chinese government’s one-child policy.
Chinese’ long history, being one of the oldest civilizations, is very apparent in the sites and attractions which we have visited. These ancient sites and structures amazed us with the strength and intelligence of the Chinese ancestors.
At the same time, there is massive development in many cities which again amazed us with the strength and determination of the current Chinese government. In the span of a few years, China is no longer what we used to hear and imagine.
Visiting a country is just a preview of the culture of the people. Nevertheless, it is indeed an eye-opener.
First is the toilet. Although the maintenance of toilets has improved tremendously, the upgrade in the toilet facilities has not spread to some rural areas. Many toilets still are not equipped with toilet paper and the locks in the cubicles are not working. In the rural areas, there may still be toilets without proper cubicle or flushing facilities.
Second is the communal practice of some of the locals which may take some time to get used to, in terms of food and changing of clothes. During one of the breakfasts, we have seen some locals enjoying the food in common trays using their used cutlery. There is another instance where a local family squeezed with us for breakfast when it was a table for only four. There were four of ur and four of them. We were the first to be seated there. In the end, we had a rather uncomfortable and squeezy meal.
When I was trying a top in one fitting room, another girl has squeezed in and both of us shared the same tiny fitting room. I was not used to sharing a fitting room with another person. After I finished changing, I had just 'conveniently' pulled open the curtain to get out, totally forgetting that she had not finished changing. I had to immediately apologised but not before she threw me dagger stares and a look of wondering which planet I have come from.
For those who prefer smoke-free environment, it takes time to get used to cigarette smoke and smell in air-conditioned places, such as restaurants. Unlike Singapore, smoking in aircon environment is legal.
The locals value healthy lifestyles, especially the elders, who will wake up early and sleep early. They are also particular about food, as some food cannot be taken together, eg lettuce and tofu. Hence, hearing the local guides speak about how the locals manage to maintain good health was an enriching experience.
This is also the first time I have experienced such coldness where my teeth was chattering even though I was in sweaters. This is the first time I see mist coming out of my mouth when I talk and breathe hard. *Grin* This is already mid spring and summer is soon approaching. In climate terms, the worst cold has been over. Yet, we still felt frozen.
This is also the first time I have walked long distances in the rain without an umbrella. It was a good experience because we were never so liberated in Singapore. Every time we see a person without an umbrella in the rain, we will think the person in insane. Whereas in China, no one took a second look.
China is still very populous. Despite its vast lands, there are still many people in many places on weekdays. This helps us better appreciate the Chinese government’s one-child policy.
Chinese’ long history, being one of the oldest civilizations, is very apparent in the sites and attractions which we have visited. These ancient sites and structures amazed us with the strength and intelligence of the Chinese ancestors.
At the same time, there is massive development in many cities which again amazed us with the strength and determination of the current Chinese government. In the span of a few years, China is no longer what we used to hear and imagine.
Visiting a country is just a preview of the culture of the people. Nevertheless, it is indeed an eye-opener.
China Trip – Coming Back
After 9-day of feeling like Qian Long touring Jiangnan, but minus the luxury, it was time to come back to home. Although I was excited to be back in Singapore, I had started to miss the good weather and rich culture of China.
This trip was a good introduction to China and has enticed me to explore other parts of China. It also made me more aware of Chinese history, legends and literature where such learning was definitely more interactive and interesting than reading a history book.
On the flight back, I could see the stars very clearly as the plane was above the clouds. The stars were just next to us, outside the windows. Again, the most apparent star I have see was the orion. The rest are unrecognisable to me. *Grin*
China, I will certainly come back on another day. *Smile*
This trip was a good introduction to China and has enticed me to explore other parts of China. It also made me more aware of Chinese history, legends and literature where such learning was definitely more interactive and interesting than reading a history book.
On the flight back, I could see the stars very clearly as the plane was above the clouds. The stars were just next to us, outside the windows. Again, the most apparent star I have see was the orion. The rest are unrecognisable to me. *Grin*
China, I will certainly come back on another day. *Smile*
(Some of the souvenirs from China - Plums from Cai Zhi Zhai in Suzhou, Gui4 Hua1 and Sesame Cakes, Thousand-layer sesame and peanut sweets and sesame crackers from Cheng Huang Temple in Shanghai)
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