Happy CNY!

It's a Chinese tradition that all children must stay awake from Chinese New Year eve till Chinese New Year. This is a filial act to prolong the life of parents. I wasn't saying I'm filial.. Just that it has been passed down from generations and generations... and since I'm night owl so i don't mind doing it...

Just to pass time, I decided to change my blog header again. Theme of CNY... having a festive feeling in my blog again keke...

Has been busy spring-cleaning my room and part of my house for few days. Only one word to describe it. Tired, tired, tired... hard work does pay off. At least now my room seems spacious after removing the unwanted junks... I'm more satisfied with the new look of my room keke... Sense of achievement manzzz haha

Later will be a big day... going to my relatives house for big big gathering... and maybe do some networking haha... then after that going to temple for praying... Another shaq day :p

Happy Chinese New Year, my dear friends... For single friends out there, hope you collect alot of ang baos and for married friends, pls don't be stingy with your ang baos... just kidding keke :)

Tiring CNY Eve

Today is the most tiring day of the entire year. Wake up early in the morning, did some exercise at the gym and eat my light breakfast. Went home to help my mum to prepare the praying stuffs. Every CNY eve, we will pray to our ancestors, to protect us for a better new year ahead.

After the sumptuous lunch, i start my tiring day. I have few last min important tasks to do before chinese new year comes.
1) Wipe the windows
2) Change my bed sheet
3) Final sweeping and moping of the floor

The most challenging is changing of my bed sheet. Sound easy, right? But not for my bed!!! My bed is double decker bed. No one sleeps at the bottom bed so the bottom bed is super dirty. Every half a year, I will need to push out the bottom bed to "clean" it and push it back. My cupboard has been blocking the way so it's very troublesome.

If you come to my place, you will understand why I’m so frustrated. Every year, I have been so frustrated with this problem and I have been quarreled with my dad a couple of times due to this issue. Just because he thinks the bed is good quality bed. It's so wasteful to throw away such a good bed! Yes I know its a good bed... so? I don't use it and its "usefulness" is to stain dust everyday and I have to wipe the dust and dirt away...

I have been trying my best to get rid of the bottom bed since "X" years. So this year, I'm going to change my strategy. No more head on so I ask my mum to help me... She has been helping me to wipe the bed so she understands totally what I'm going through. So we "baka" together to think how can we get rid of this "good quality bed".

We come out with a plan to give the bed away so that not to waste it. Give it to my neighbor's maid. Now she's sleeping on the floor. It very bad for her body in a long run. At least with this bed, she can sleep better and i can get rid of it keke.. Yeah, One stone kills two birds.

We persuade my dad with this plan. As usual, he protest to give it away his "good bed" and we might be using again in future... I say, " We always have this same old issue with this bed for few years already but has it been use? No..." Then my smart mum quickly add-on, "Aiyah, we can always take it back when we need it again mah."

My dad finally gave in because he got no more strong reason to keep his GOOD BED. Hahaha :)

If you pay bananas, you get monkeys

Last week, i receive an email from my "potential" client. She rejected my job because my proposed charges are on the expensive side, thus they are unable to take it up. 'Common $500 for a week's project. Expensive meh?

Clients always like to save money. They want cheap and good stuffs. But since they want to save money, either they do it themselves or please don't expect a good job to be done. Anyway, I just felt that they are not respecting our creative professionalism.

My twin sister tells me her boss said to the one of the agencies, "Design agencies nowadays earn good money. Copy from the stock libraries, modify then deliver the job already."

Guess what the agency consultant reply?
"If you are looking for such agencies, we are definately not the one."

That's the good one.
I always believed this theory, "If you pay bananas, you get monkeys. "
So just let the monkeys do the job then.

Tune into your own happiness

Yesterday was valentine day. My friend put up this tagline: "Tune in to your own happiness". I felt it was so appropriate. Whether is valentine day or not, we should try to tune in to our own happiness. So that we will not be wasting our time. Day after Day..."

Guess how I spend my day? I met up with my ex-classmate. I felt so excited when i met her. We have half a year never meet le. She's busy with her studies while i'm busy with my work. We spend great time together sharing what's going on in our life.

After we parted, along the road of orchard road, I seen couples and couples holding hands while the gal holding flowers in their hands. I felt happy for them because they have found their another half... However, a friend of mine called me last night, telling me she was very sad because she's alone.

I felt that there is nothing to sad because we are single. We still can be as happy as we want to be. Love relationship is just play a part of our life, there are many people who are important for us to cherish and love.

It's all in our mind... so start tuning to our own happiness :)

Finding the other half

One day my playful friend called her friend and asked if he's interested to date a gal or not... then she describes how compatible if they get to know each other... I was just thinking that "that gal" is quite pityful, need my friend to match-made... then i heard "she is a designer"...

I heard an crow flying passed me...

Yes, i may be looking for potentials out there but that doesn't mean i'm desperate... i dislike the idea of "match-making".. I believed if you are fated to be together, even you don't step out of the house, you still can meet your Mr. right. Because i have seen a typical example in real life.

I know my friend is being nice to arrange guys for me to meet but still... i just don't like the idea... guess i have to drill some sense into her kekeke....

Guess what i will do to make my Mr. Right fall for me? I will use my magic doll below and write the type of guy i want and then i poke it's heart... Please do not follow my method. It's "dangerous" and I got "train" before... Hiak Hiak Hiak :)

When LOVE is in the WATER

There is a strange thing called love. Everyone has the rights to love. Before you realised it, cupid has pierced the love arrow into both innocent hearts. You can run but you can't hide. Inside the love arrow, there is a love seed. This love seed will grow, both of you will fall in love helplessly despite both sides of the two families tried to spilt you up because two of you are too young.

However, you managed to convince two families that you are truely in loved. And because our parents loved you so much, they finally try to accept the relationship. Cupid unintentionally remove the love arrow from our hearts. Happy moments only lasted for 6 years and before you realised it, it is too late. He felt that you no longer suitable for him and you felt that you no longer loves him that much anymore.

Conversation from 5,000 words reduced to 10 words per day... Drifting and drifting.... until the day when he decided to drop you this sms,"Let's breakup.". It was hurtful. Feeling sad and anger but life still goes on... Time will heal all wounds...

Has the 3rd person appeared or has he not? Cupid is given another chance to astone his mistake by bringing him to you.

Old friends in friendster

Last night, i received an email from www.friendster.com. I went in to see my good friend's new mugshot. It has been donkey years since i login to friendster. Friendster has changed so much. They have blogging features too...

I saw a few of my old poly friends have tapped on friendster too... Most of them have married. I have added them in my list, although i wont be logging in until... keke... Anyway, i went in my first love's site and find out that he's married too...

My good friend is very close with him but she never mention about his marriage. I think it's perfectly to tell me loh after all it has been sooooooooo many years ago... What love and what nots, have been gone with the wind...

I don't feel hurt, jealous or anything... In fact, I just felt really happy for him that he finally managed to settle down. He always wanted to settle down as early as 25. However, he has taken too many "yuan wang lu" already. Glad that he finally found his Right Gal :)

Sometimes is all about correct timing and fate.. if we could met much later, things will be so much different. Yah yah I know it's silly to think about "What ifs"...

I always believe there is someone out, waiting for you and its about the correct timing and fate that he will just appearing in front of you, at the right moment :)

Room Packing for CNY! Yeah!

CNY is coming... It's a good time to seriously do something to my room! Bags, Papers, Shoes, Books, Magazines etc all lying around. They are getting on my nerves. On Friday, my friend and I were complaining how messy our rooms are. I described my room as rubbish dump hahaha.

My friend challenged me if I could pack my room neatly during this weekend. To set a good example, I made a conscious effort to spend few hours of my time, just to clear my "rubbish dump".

After serious packing, it gives me a sense of satisfaction! I purposely took photos of "Before and after" packing of my room. This is to show the "evidence" that I had done my job and at the same time to motivate my friend to pack her room as well..

I used to dread packing my room. I always have problems packing my room because I seriously don't know how to pack, so end up I will be keeping more things than throwing away things…

But this year is different! I throw all the useless and old stuffs so that I have more rooms for new items kekeke... and the good thing is my room looks more spacious now :)

There's a myth: A tidy room can makes a person less bad tempered... I don't know how true is it... but it definately stops my mum from nagging at me!!! haha

Anyway here comes the NEXT Challenge: How long do you think I can keep this neatness? Erm, hmmmm... A week? Keeping my finger crossed keke... :P

Paparazzi Mission Failed!

My VP invited us to his penthouse for a bbq. He's friendly and best thing is he has no airs. One of the well respected guy in the company. This is one of the few bbqs that I do not need to bbq the food myself and guess who did it? My VP keke... Yah he is that friendly... :)

Ohh talking about my Paparazzi Mission... Due to "popular demand", I'm requested to take a photo of Mr Sushi Brain! But he did not turn up... So sad, my mission failed... but nevermind, next time sure got chance one hor???

I took some photos around the surroundings. The place is quite scenery. When you took a step outside to the balcony, it is so windy and the view is beautiful.

Okay, I shall quit my Paparazzi job and stick back to my landscape shooting keke...



         

         

         

Happy Birthday To You...

Yesterday we celebrate Gerry's birthday. She requested Durian Cake, so my company secretary ordered D24 Durian Divine from Prima Deli. It was delicious! Normally i only take one thin slice of cake. But I just cant help but to take 2nd helping keke.. Poor Gerry end up only managed to brought back 1 slice of durian cake for her hubby to try...

Not to forget, Happy Birthday To Gerry! :)



The day before, my friend dragged me to watch "Miss Potter". So today I dragged her to watch "Happy Birthday". I have at least 5 years never watch Chinese Movies le... Because most chinese movies are corny, which i don't like. However, I was attracted by the poster and saw that this story is written by Rene Liu. Think should be quite nice. And it turns out to be really nice and touching...

The saddest feeling in love relationship is when a couple is deeply in love and yet they cant be together. Cherish your love before its too late...

My love for the movie:

Detailed Synopsis
It looks almost as an oath, Mimi (Rene Liu) would receive an e-mail from Nam (Louis Koo) every birthday, a guy that she never forget. But the e-mail is delayed 42 hours this time.

Nam and Mimi once were lovers when they were University students. Mimi was afraid of losing Nam, therefore she suggested being "soul mate" with him instead. Eventually, they separated when Nam went abroad for studying. Nam has got many girlfriends but none of them could keep in good and long relationship, because his heart was stick on Mimi. Of course Mimi knew that and she couldn't leave Nam alone too. But Mimi strongly believed that not to acquire each other is the only way to keep romantic relationship forever and ever.

One day, Nam told Mimi that he was getting married. From then on, Mimi would receive a birthday greeting from Nam every year. It was just like a clue to prove that love still exists between them. Only Mimi's friend knew that the greetings were not sent by Nam.

Extracted from GV website.

Miss Potter

My friend dragged me to watch "Miss Potter" last night. I thought it was Harry Porter at first but she insisted that it is "Miss Potter"... I even joked that so this movie is about Harry Porter's cousin? Then she tells she's the author of "The Tale of Peter Rabbit" and it's based on true story.

Beatrix Potter is a the world's most successful children's writer, a wealthy landowner and prize-winning farmer. You could see her perseverance in creating her dreams into reality, so adamant about her own beliefs and her determination to be with her true love. During that time, it is so difficult for a lady to have strong views and independent.

After watching, i was touched by the movie. It is another inspiring movie. I read "The Tale of Peter Rabbit" during my childhood days. I don't know who is the author, never did i know that it drawn and written from such a wonderful lady. If you have time, please go and watch it :)

My love for this movie:

Detailed Synopsis
Beatrix Potter has delighted generations of children with her books. But she kept her own private life locked carefully away. Oscar-winning star Renee Zellweger is now bringing her secret story to the screen in "Miss Potter," the first film directed by Chris Noonan since his charming 1995 movie, Babe. It is set in the high summer days of late Victorian and Edwardian England, during which Beatrix develops her natural skills as artist and story-teller. When she finally publishes her debut book, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, she becomes a writing celebrity. It also leads to courtship and her first love with publisher Norman Warne, played by Ewan McGregor. Their relationship and his marriage proposal in July, 1905, was to change Beatrix's life for ever...

Extracted from GV website.

Fate + Feelings = Love?

Has been quite down for these few days, it's time to pick up myself again... Realised Valentines' Day is coming :) Decided to change my blog's masthead to throw away all the bad feelings and be loved again...

Fate + Feelings = Love.

This is my own love equation. Love doesn't necessary to be love relationships... it can be love for our parents, our siblings and our friends... if you are kind hearted enough, you can even "love" your enermies! But most of us cant do that because we are not angels...

I'm a people-oriented person, maybe due to my upbringing. I was taught to love my family and my friends... I used to have big fights and quarrels with my sister but we never bear grudge with one another.

As i grow up, our family bond get much closer and depends on each other for help and advises. I think it is very important. Because they are the pillars of my heart. Even though I made some wrong decisions, they will always be so understanding and forgiving. That's how I get my strength to move on...

As for friends, I believed fate brought us together... even with guy friends that doesnt mean it will lead to love. It could be just lead to pure friendship.

Many people beg to defer this statement because they believe that if a guy and a gal when they are together and develop feelings it must be something... but to me, it's not necessary... Because there is something called "Chemistry" and it is something you want to have but you can't have it.

I have many good friends, be it gals or guys.. They just be there for me when i need help.. I really appreciate these friends who has crossed my path...

Angel and Devil

At the darkest moment of my life, I went to see two important men.

The first man was staying at one of the HDB flats. The moment I stepped into the flat, he has been observing me as if i'm his prey. Feeling a sense of discomfort, I stared back at him. He was super huge size man. He's mid 40s. Due to his huge body frame, his head appear smaller. I just can helped but feeling that he was grinning evilly at me.

He asked for my name and the day, month and year I was born. A super high tech guy, using his special software to calculate my destiny. After 10 minutes of calculation, he kept shaking his head...

"You can never lose weight, you are just like me. You eat very little but very easy to put on weight one. So don't bother."

I was shocked by his first statement. He was so right. I couldn't be more agreed with him because I never succeed in reducing to my ideal weight for all these years, no matter how hard i tried.

"You want to be single or married? If you want to single, it is still okay. If you want to find your Mr. Right will have a big problem. Even if you find, you will have bad marriage."

"I can tell that you do not have close relationships with your parents."

"You must wear bright colors and cannot wear blue and those natural colors like brown, black or white"

"Wed, Thurs and Saturday are your unlucky days"

I kept quiet for a long time and finally asked, "Okay, so what should I do then?"

"The only thing for you to do is to change your Chinese name. I can help you to find a good lawyer to help you to change name for just $100. You must do it fast before it becomes worse. I sell you this mortar at $3000. It will do you good. I'm telling the truth because I cannot lie to you."

It's just like a devil asking you to sell away your soul to him. I could hear: “I'm telling the truth… truth… truth…”

Although I was super low morale but my subconscious mind still knows how to think! Crazy ah, asked me to change my name and buy a $3000 stone! I rather buy diamond haha.. In the end, I rejected his "kind" offer.

However, my condition did not improve. In fact, it got worse. I went home and chose to lock myself in the room and refused to come out.

So the next Saturday, I went to see another man. He was mid 50s and has the fatherly look. He looked like a wise man who can give me directions. After looking thoroughly at his almanac, he said calmly, "Your life is quite good but your health is weak, so you must take care. The only bad thing about you is you are too impatient and you may lose your good opportunities because of that."

I told him about my problem. He advised like an angel. He used an analogy, "Just like you wanted to cook the rice. But however, halfway you just off the power switch. Will the rice be cooked? It is only be half cook rice."

These 2 men have deciphered differently about my life. After clearing my thoughts, I felt that it's my own attitude and my mindset. They are just like my angel and devil. They are telling me if I choose a negative attitude in life, I could ruin my life in my own bare hands. However, if I choose a positive attitude, I could improved my life tremendously.

I picked up myself again, tilt my head high up in the sky and choosing to look at my bright side everyday.

In this materialistic society

I had an evil thought one day. I wanted to take on the whole project all to myself. I want to be selfish. And this is the time, i shall take back all my own rights. Then, an angel come and tells me this: Even if this pair of shoes doesn't fit you any longer, you should not damage it. Just look for another pair of shoes...

Yes, I realised my mistake that I shouldn't burn the bridges even though I not using it... Because I will not know when do i need to use that bridge again. Why should I wanted to get sacrific my good reputation over few hundreds bucks.. it's just not worth it...

I met a friend of mine recently. Nowadays, she buys more branded goods. She told me she saw a top at a branded shop. I saw the top, its just a simple top that cost her $199. I told her that it doesn't suit her. Anyway, she still bought the top. Yes, i know it's her money, i shouldn't have much comments about it. But is it worth it?

Please don't get me wrong that only rich people can buy branded goods. I can't denied the fact that branded goods have its value and the quality because they are much more durable and lasting. I bought a branded wallet and it lasted me for 5 years without having to change frequently.

The truth is nobody cares how you spend your money. But has your money been well spent? Afterall, wealth will not stay with us forever. Just like my xiao mei says, "What meaning does it says if you wore branded stuffs from head to toe but your wallet is empty."

Please don't change to be a person for whom we are not. I'm not a saint. I could have make a serious mistake because of my own greed. We could always ask ourselves is there a need for it or is it our own materialistic desire to make us feel good about it?

There are too much temptations around us. If we are not careful or alert enough, we will just fall into these dangerous pitfalls and might not be able to get up anymore.

No more raining...

Last night went down to chinatown for photography shooting. Quite disappointed or maybe I was expecting too much or not feeling too well? Anyway, just took a few shots of the places... Then before I went back, I suddenly I remembered that I had an "important task" to do!

Remembered two weeks ago, I was complaining about the hanging of the clothes along the north beach road? Yes, I won!!! And the organiser really did something about it.. They changed the deco... at least now it was a more appropriate decoration. So i must take the "after-look" keke

   
      Before the complaint                  After the complaint

I guess my complaint do makes sense... i'm not being too critical. I was only referred them as "hanging clothes". In the papers, they were reported as "undergarments from chinese prostitutes" from some feedbacks, they were worse than me loh...

The committee was trying to cover up saying that because it was raining for the past few days that were why they put up these pink cloths. However, I beg to defer. 'Cause they can always don't put up anything yet!

But whatever it is, it's always good to receive feedbacks from sources so that we can learn. I'm sure the designer had learnt his lesson.

Hiak.. hiak.. hiak.. (Using Sir Francis's trademark laughs) :P

Depression

I have stopped my blogging for the past few days because I received a shocking piece of news. One of my friends chose to end his life because he has been suffering from his depression for a long period of time. According to my friend, this guy has been a low self-esteem person. He always feel that he's not good enough. As time goes by, depression starts to build within him.

It's really sad to hear this news... I always thought that he was just being an introvert person. Never did i think that he has suffered depression sickness within him. Most guys tends to take their pride and ego seriously. He might think that its his own problem and scared that other people will look down on him. Therefore, he appeared to be so normal. Recently, he changed his hairstyle and he has become more open to us... I couldn't understand what triggers him to choose his last resort...

There is one period of time, i have suffered from slight depression and i know that depression can be cured!!! Of course, you have to do something about it. Don't let your mind control you. The worse thing that could happen to you is lose your mind. I personally feel that eating medication will not help, it will only worsen the conditions.

When you know your heart is sick, to get it cured, you need to get the correct form of "medication". Even if you are suffering from depression, talk to the people around you. You will know that your friends and family and many, many people around you, they care for you and even though if they don't, you can still love yourself... Do self-reflection therapy, face your own fear and be true to yourself. It's not difficult to face your own fear. The scary part is you allow your own fear to control you.

We could be suffering from depression from time to time, esp. when you think that life has forced you into a corner where you have no where else to go. Everyone has the rights to be depressed but you just have to learn how to control your mind. Some people choose their solutions in a positive way while the rest just turn to their last resort, death. Which i feel that is not even a solution...

Life is precious. Do not forsake it.

Learn a new thing each day

A wise man told me,"Just do yourself a favour: Learn a new thing each day."

Simple idea with a deep profound meaning.

I did not understand what he meant at that moment he say. But I follow faithfully and try to learn a new thing each day.

Recently, I realised that what he said, does make sense. By learning a new thing each day, you are progressing forward. You discover one new thing each day, by the end of a year, you would have learnt at least 365 new things! Isn't that amazing figure?

It need not be a very difficult task or an activity. It could be learning a new word per day, or get learn how to make brownies in a day.

Every day will be the same and ONLY YOU can make the difference :)

Mahjong Session

Yesterday had a mahjong session with my family. Guess who initiate it? It's my mum! So unlike her.. She has no interest with mahjong all along.. we are so surprised that she initates it :P The reason that she wants to play mahjong is because she scared she will become senile if she don't learn it.

Each one of us forked out $20 for the game. My mum played for her first time, we taught her the basic rules of mahjong. We did not play those very chiem rules. Any form of "eating" is acceptable, so as long as we make the "eyes", "eat", "pong", "gang", we considered win the game le..

Maybe its her first time, she get to win a couple of times in the first few rounds. We said that she has "graduated" in mahjong. We all thought that she knows the basic rules of the game already.

There's one game, she shouted "Gang". We thought that she got 4 of the same kind tiles. In the end, she displayed "4, 5, 6 and 7" of tong zhi. We all burst out laughing...

Many funny and silly mistakes made by my mum, made the whole mahjong session an enjoyable and hilarious one.

In the end, my dad managed to break even, only me and my mum lost out to my sister, who is the big winner of the game :P

A meaningful morning

Went to Asian Women's Welfare Association (AWWA) yesterday morning. I saw this artistic frame at the entrance. It caught my eye. A man moving upwards and releasing a dove out of the window! That's freedom! So inspiring at the beginning of the beautiful morning... :)

The reason i was there because there was special occasion worth celebrating! TEACH ME Toastmasters Club had its FIRST chapter meeting. Our club is invited to be there to give support and guide them during their meeting.

The aim is to promote interaction and cooperation between People with Disabilities (PWDs) and the able-bodied. Upon completion, they are able to prepare them to be work ready for employment or business start-ups.

The first project is "Ice breaker". They were supposed to give a self-introduction, within a given time frame to make their first speech. During the meeting, everyone of them has high self-esteem. Despite of their incapability, most of them could speak confidently for at least 4 mins. A few of them have exceeded the given time. The best thing is, they say it without using any scripts.
I remembered when I make my first speech. I was shivering with my paper on my hand. Could even hear the moving sound of the paper. I couldn't talk as fluent as I wished to be. I was almost stammering throughout my speech.

These innocent people are just a group of contented people. Talking with them is so at ease. They are so real. No fake smiles, just true hearts facing right in front of you. I'm impressed by their courage, their motivation, their determination, their high inspiration, their desire to exceed in their limited capabilities. Yes, they have touched my heart.

I always had in mind that peoples with disabilities needs our help and we are always the ones who could help them. But now, they proved me wrong! They helped me even more! It was indeed a fruitful meeting :)

Retreat

Bought few cd albums, Jay Chow album's "Yi Ran Fantasy" is still the nicest. Beautiful music with meaningful lyrics, is always the fastest way to touch the heart. I replay and replay this song until my cd player can no long be read.. Okay, shall not listen to this song anymore...


If only we retreat, our relationship will not turn out this way...

Dilemma with canon cameras

My Nikon Coolpix 4200 is going to die on me soon. Has been surfing and researhing for cameras... wanted to get a high-end compact camera. Finally zoom down two options: Canon SD 800 IS and Canon A640

Differences in two canon cameras

Canon SD 800 IS Megapixels 7.4 ISO up to 1600 Aperature - 2.8 - 5.8 focal length - 35mm (28-105) Shooting Speed - 1.7 fps Shutter speed 15 - 1/1600 screen flip: no Battery: 1 rechargeable lithium New feature: With IS Image Stabilizer (reduced shakyness)

Canon A640 Megapixels 10 ISO up to 800 Aperature 2.8 - 4.1 focal length - 35mm (35-140) Shooting Speed - 1.5 fps Shutter speed 15 - 1/2500 screen flip: yes Battery: 4 rechargeable alkaline

By looking at the specs, apparently i should get SD800 IS because the specs are better. However, A640 has the flip screen, that is the reason why i want to change my camera in the first place! Why is it so difficult to install a flip screen in newer cameras? That's their unique selling point! It's so silly paying something more and getting something less.

Should i brainwash myself that without flip is better than with flip OR lower specs are better than higher specs???

"With flip.. without flip.. with flip.. without flip.. "

Okay decided -> With flip :)

JUST DO IT!

Saw this nike poster along the citylink on sunday. This campaign is to highlight some soceer players wearing nike shoes. Loved the way nike uses funky typography to form "Just Do It". These text are related to soceer and it is filled with funny statements like "You are slower than my granny", "I can't kick your way, do it my way", "See that stretcher, it's got your name on it". It leaves an impression when i saw this.

Many a times, we procastinate to do something that we should do. And we delay and delay and delay until a point that we no longer feel like doing it anymore and thus we ended up with no much choices and feeling regrets and more regrets after that.

Yes, i know its human nature to procastinate. I'm the victim as well. But when you look back, do you want to see yourself with full of regrets??? Or would you want to see that: "Hey, i have achieved so much things for the past one year" and feeling great about yourself.

We may failed to achieve what we want but just let our experiences be our teacher. Looking forward and move on. Life is way too short for regrets.

If you think you are moving too fast ahead, just slow it down OR If you think you are moving too slow far behind, just run faster than your usual pace.

One positive thinking about life is, it is never too late to know where you stand.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> JUST DO IT >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Last Photography Lesson

Rolling good times always ends fast. Last night is the last lesson of my foundation photography. Completed 10 lessons in two months. It seems that it just started yesterday. I have learnt a lot through this photography course. It's not only about learning the basic knowledge in photography but also to search for my own inspirations, my desire. Yes, I get to know myself better...

Here are my 3 photos in Bugis night photography.

Taken this series of colorful staircases at the back ally of bugis village. Wanted to take such kind of staircases long, long time ago but didn't go and find out the actual location.


Taken this old man in front of our well-known "Guan Ying Miao". I called him the "Gatekeeper". Simply because he's guarding faithfully outside the temple.


Taken these colourful lights at secret garden. Inside, there is a nice and cosy restuarant. Interesting light never fails to attract my eyes. Am i inside or outside of the secret garden?

My thoughts: Through photography, i can really let down my hair and be myself. I can let my imagination run as freely as i want... Sometimes i feel that i live in two worlds.

After taking photos for these 2 intensive months, I realised that i loved photos that have repetitions. These repetitions will lead the eyes into my world. I perceived them as life.. It's like it always going on and on... It seems that there are always some interesting happenings at the other end.

Reality becomes my dreams and my dreams have become reality.

Thanks for changing my life...

Get a life, please...

A friend of mine smsed me on last friday.
Calvin: "I'm feeling low. Yah I know it's Friday, but i having monday blues today."
Qiqi: "What happened to you? Today is friday! Cheer up."
Calvin: "Thankz pal. You sound happy today."
Qiqi: "Yes. I am. I have found happiness in my life."

Few days later, I sms him back again.
Qiqi: "So how are you feeling?"
Calvin: "Having migraine! hahaha sad."
Qiqi: "Please get a life. You need it."
Calvin: "Zzz. My life is too lively. Need to rest. Everyday outside, rain or shine."
Qiqi: "Then stay at home and rot."

I almost forgot about this friend. He's always change girls like changing clothes. Always sleeping around with girls and I never see him gets serious in any relationships. We used to be quite close at one period of time. I'm lucky to say that I never in his list. I'm probably too fat for him ba haha...

I really think he needs to get a life. Having these kind of life, will wear him out eventually. It's so unhealthy and not morally correct. Yes, I know that he has been hurt badly before. But that doesn't mean that he has the rights to get his revenge on other girls out there. Two wrongs don't make one right.

But I guess it's not up to me to say anything. As a friend, I really hope he could really change his lifestyle and stopped being such an idiotic jerk.

PS: I have changed my friend's name to protect his reputation.

Painter Vs Artist

My friend throw me a question: What's the difference between an artist and a painter? I was dumbfolded for a moment. Then i start to think about this question carefully... hmmm...

A painter is just a person just paints beautiful paintings over and over the years. Then what about an artist? An artist creates different aspects in arts... He can do painting, he can dance, he can compose, he can do alot more things. Technically speaking, both are doing professional arts.

Then it leads me to think further: Why does my friend wants to ask me that question?

Then i found the answer. I told him i want to learn alot of things since im still young. He's asking me indirectly: do i want to be specialist or an all-rounder person.

There are pros and cons in these two jobs. Painter only paints just like a specialist. When you are a specialist, you tends to go for in-depth and details. Some painter can be spending all his life just to find out how to paint a PERFECT Picture.

When you are an artist, you learn anything and everything under the sun. Its just like jack of all trades but master of none. You are not really focus on any areas and spend your time learning each and individual areas, just on the surface. You will get different kinds of learning experiences. Learning different skillsets are just your tools to express your thoughts and feelings.

There's no right and wrong. I guess its all depends on individals. You have my answer. I want to be an artist.

10 goals in 2007

I and my friend were chatting our goals in life. I told my friend i have one big aspiration but i would want to concentrate on my small goals in life now... Its good to have big aspirations but if we set our goals too high up, we can never achieve what we want.

You will start to feel tired and not motivated after awhile. You will feel that you are worthless but actually you are someone who can achieve something great. You just need to have right time and right opportunity.(Seems so easy, rite?)

Here are my simple 10 goals:
1) Eat healthy
2) Drink more water
3) Tone up my body
4) Have sufficient sleep
5) Build my design portfolio
6) Take up flash courses
7) A photo album with all my inspiring photos
The theme is "Precious moments, Precious thoughts"
8) Pick up my lousy driving skills again
9) Build good rapport with my friends
10) With all these 9 goals in mind, i must spend quality time with my family!!!

By taking a small step forward, will lead us a step closer to our final destination. My goal is NOT on how to achieve 1 Million Dollars at the age of 30. Its too unrealistic for me. I just want to be a happier person, physically and mentally :) Life is about balancing and enriching it.

Am I asking too much?

A day at Vivo city

Supposed to meet a few ex-classmates at vivo city for dinner but in the end only 3 of us turned up. One of my friend brought her poloroid digital camera. I feel so excited when i see it :P What a cute camera keke...

But the film is very expensive for just 10 shots, it cost her 12 bucks. But the interesting part is, there is NO zoom, No brightness and contrast settings haha... And there are 4 shots jammed during the taking... so end up only 6 shots is taken and most of our photos are either over-exposed or under-exposed.. ONLY 1ST shot is a perfect shot :P so in other words, that photo cost her $12!!!

Lesson Learnt: With this camera around, i realised the importance of every shot or at least next time when i take photos, it should be close to what I have in mind.

Before the gathering, i took some quick photoshooting around vivo... Vivo city has used alot of curves and shapes around the whole building.. spotted a few nice angles keke

  

  

  

           


I saw a beautiful sunset at vivo city too :P

Irritations in my office

Last week
My room was complained by the HR for being too noisy. So we have been making self-conscious, not to make too much noise when working.

This week
We received a subtle warning to tell us not to display too many soft toys. We are reminded that this is an office. Please put our soft toys home or place them somewhere not too conspicuous.

NO camera, NO camera hp, NO mp3, NO softtoys, NO flowers!!! What kind of working environment is this??? Being a designer, I felt so restricted. I'm a wild horse who doesn’t like to be tamed and we are being watched by an eagle all the times...

Even MCs and annual leaves are being checked every now and then. Yesterday, I was reminded by my boss that I didn’t submit MC. I can't even remembered myself if i have submitted my mc and our dear resourceful HR is able to track and tell my boss that i did not submit it.

I need to fork out $5 of my own pocket money to see some irresponsible company doctors and they still have the cheek to tell me that I didn't submit my MC. Okay, this is not the final yet... if i "accidentally" go to unauthorised clinic, i must write "love letter" to explain why i didn't go to the authorised clinic!!

Never been watched like that for my entire 8 years of working life. Sometimes I wonder if our conversations are being tabbed as well.

Yes. I'm just a legalised jailbird who willingly walks into the jail everyday. Once my wings are mended, I will flew out of this jail and soar in the sky!

Going to rain, keep your clothes

It means going to rain, keep the clothes quickly. I used to hear this phase whenever its about to rain at my grandma's house.

Today, I send my artwork for printing so my friend offered to drive me back to the office. Sky is covered with dark clouds. It's going to rain soon but he said he saw something interesting in Chinatown. I kept asking him what is it? He told me he couldn’t use words to describe it. As he drove along Tong Sen Road, i saw this! My first reaction is "Why is this thing hanging there?"

Then we started to laugh 'cause we think it's ridiculously funny. I felt the decoration is a laughing stock. I laughed until my tears nearly came out. Who will want to hang these drapes of pink cloth across the road? They resemble hanging clothing and can you imagine that you are driving under "these clothes"??? I cant help but feeling a sense of "swayness" after going passed by these drapes of pink cloths.

What is the deco designer trying to say about this? What is the significance behind it? I really have no idea. I personally feel that this whole decoration is an insult to the Chinese culture and our country. Yes, it's perfectly alright to be creative. But twisted the meanings and threw away thousand years of Chinese New Year substance, is totally unacceptable.

We are Chinese and yet we cannot portray the real meaning of Chinese New Year. Don't you think its a disgrace? The best part is, the management approve such absurd decoration. You may think that I sound too serious already.

Don't you think that person, as a professional deco designer, he has the social responsibility to our society? Or at least, he should spent a reasonable amount of research, to learn more about Chinese culture. He can't simply hang a few pieces of pink cloths hanging across the road and says that it’s for Chinese New Year decoration.

If such decoration was hanging in western culture, it might be still acceptable because they don't really understand our Chinese culture. Chinese New Year is one of our important chinese traditional festival, how could we approve such kind of ridiculous decoration?

Each design or decoration must have its own meanings behind it. The designer must be able to communicate the culture with our people. Imagine an old uncle saw this, I tell you, he will immediately siam the road. Why? Simply because he doesn’t want to walk under these "clothes".

Do you know why Singaporeans always voice that we don't have our own culture? That's because we are always twisting our own culture, till the point that we are losing our own identity.

Infra Red Photography

Attended Infra Red Photography 2 weeks ago. Its an eye opener for me. It's an interesting workshop, teaching you to use IR filters.

How does IR Photography works? IR filter blocks out all RGB lights and only Infra Red light will be captured in the camera. The interesting part is you will not know what is the color effects of the photos until you processed the color with photoshop.

Below are the 2 shots that i took, and they delivered beautiful results :) They have the snowy effects. It's like having winter in singapore keke :)

Caged Bird

How poetic haha... I was inspired, by a friend of mine, to write poems. Just trying out for fun :P Actually i saw this caged bird hanging on the tree branch, on my way home on monday. It was super hyper active. Jumping up and down, left and right, inside the cage.

I guess it knew that i was taking photos of him ba.. Hey but I didn't use flash to scare him off.. It was trying very hard, to be super uncooperative. Yes, but then, i was super patient as well. I spent 25 mins of my time, just to take good photo of it. And i think i did quite a fairly good job haha..