Healthy Diet

There are so many types of food we can eat each day and we have to make the right choices to stay well nourished. There is no one food that can provide all the nutrients our body needs. We have to eat a wide variety of food, all in moderation and in the right balance.

Made up of four 4 food groups stacked to form a pyramid, the Healthy Diet Pyramid serves as a guide to help us plan a healthy diet. Follow it and we will achieve a well-balanced diet that provides the nutrients we need, in the right amounts, each day.

For more information, click here.

A happier and healthier me

I want to be happier and healthier in 2012.
I looked back at my past posts. I realised that I have not been putting enough conscious effort to make myself healthy. Therefore, this new beginning I want to make a conscious effort to make myself healthier.

Yesterday attended LOHAS-Meridian Exercise (LOHAS-ME) on 14 Jan. It is a simple and effective exercise routine that enhances my body transport system (meridian systems)
so that I have more energy and vitality (Qi).

Our body meridian system is a sophisticated transport system (something similar to MRT systems) that interconnect our body vital organs and outer surface.

Practising LOHAS-ME can be comprehended as regular maintenance to our body transportation system so it becomes more efficient.

Applying 4 Golden Rules
1. When I Am Hungry, Eat

2. Eat What I Want, Not What I Think I Should

3. Eat Consciously And Enjoy Every Mouthful

4. When I Think I Am Full, Stop Eating

Action Plan:
Started to sleep before 11pm.
To have quality sleep.
Mediate 10 mins daily.
Daily Exercise.
Enjoy my food.
I can slim down.
I want to take good care of my body.
Slowly slimming down my body to my ideal weight 50kg.

Perservance is the word to have a healthy body, mind and spirit.

在闲云下看花

看到一篇散文，作者说“宠辱不惊， 看庭前花开花落；去留无意，望天上云卷云舒。”

意思是说人高高在上时，多看看闲云，保持一颗平常心，想想任何荣华富贵也不过是过眼云烟。人在低谷时，多看看花草，想想自己也曾经绿过叶，开过花，人生浮沉，不过像四季更替，只要保持一颗不死的根，总会有草长花开的时候！

謝謝你們 愛我的每個人

今天我看到Selina的video，我哭了，这首歌让我感动了。她被火烫伤了，但她还是很坚强的活每一天。她让我想起了每天爱我的父母，姐姐和爱我的每个人。谢谢你们爱我。

我会好好的照顾我自己，爱我自己。坦诚的面对每一天。从每天一小步，到一大步，让幸福越来越近。谢谢我爱你们！

Growing Up

These few days I have been going through my blog entries that I wrote in the past. Some of them makes me laugh, some of them make me think. These are some of the past experiences that I encounter. These entries seem like a garden of treasures that I have slowly built up for the past few years, ie at least 4-5 years.

I didn't take good care of this garden for the past whole year. I just let it ruined. However, I'm glad that I have decided to clear away these weeds and slowly nurture my plants back to healthy state again. Even water needs love, all the more I should spend time with myself to nurture and love.

Sunshine or rain don't matter as these are part of the natural ingredients to grow the plants. Everyone of us have flaws and virtues. I am willing to accept myself completely.

乌达木

好美的歌声，好美的梦想， 人以为梦想而伟大， 我被感动了！
希望自己也可以像乌达木一样坚强，勇敢 ：）

别怕我伤心

今天我听到张信哲的歌：
一颗爱你的心，时时刻刻为你转不停
我的爱也曾经 深深温暖你的心灵
你和她之间 是否已经有了真感情
别隐瞒 对我说别怕我伤心

我想如果当初你对我坦白，或许我们就不会有这样的结果了。事情都已经发生了，也让我领悟到我要相信自己，爱自己。心灵的创伤会慢慢复原的。我想有一天我会原谅。

Happiness is a choice

Felicia thanks me for the wonderful photos that I have send her. She told me she hope that she could really live her day to fullest. I told her learning to appreciate each day of our life is already our blessings. Even though sometimes we may feel tired or lousy, there is always something we can feel happy about.

For example, my leg was painful yesterday but I told myself I want to be healed and recovered fully. Today my leg is less painful :) I know that my leg will recover soon. Even though, I was asked to make changes to my design, I do it willingly and within my best ability. I feel happier and more fulfilling towards my job.

We can really choose our attitude and we will have more joy and less worry in life :) I started to mediate recently, it helps to calm my mind and focus on constructive and positive things.

Self Love

Today I decided to do something for myself - To revamp this blog. Even blog needs to revamp from time to time, we also need to reflect and clear away those things and thoughts that no longer serve me.

Recently I have been reflecting why was I behaving in such a negative way in the past. I have decided to let go of the pain with him. I was devastated because I have lost the trust in him. Someone whom I loved dearly has betrayed my trust. The pain was indeed unbearable however, holding on to him and our memories do not make me happier.

I must admit that I was lacked of self love that brought me into that situation. I acknowledged that and I am willing to love and trust myself completely again. Only loving myself again will make me happy and moving on my life.



First and foremost, I will need to take care of my health. To make it healthier, I will need to exercise with love. Eat more vegetables and fruits and less meat. Choosing the healthier food and avoid fried and oily food, so that my body will become stronger and healthier.

Talking about food, I have enjoyed tonight meal with my family because my mum cooks with her heart :)

Moving On

Today I watched the show "Lu xun you yue". It is an inspiring programme. Chen Zhou, a guy without legs, is full of hope. His passion in life has touched my heart. He has climbed many mountains, it's his perservance and determination that pull him through. He has taught me that no matter what happen in the past, I have the courage to move on. I will move on in my life. I will overcome.

I'm grateful there are caring family and loving friends around me. It is all about respect and sharing.

梦在手里

我把每天都看成一道风景
雨天或是晴天
都值得纪念的美丽

我把每天都当成一个节气
感动和悲喜
回忆的痕迹都用心聆听

我不去相信上天注定
梦想握在手里
相信只要努力会有奇迹
爱可以操纵天气

当狂风暴雨遮蔽了眼睛
让爱暂时喊停
我不会让希望再荒野流离
梦想一直前行
当幸福只剩下檫肩距离
我决不会放弃
只要守着坚定他总会有
属于我的动人 剧情

总有一天幸福会放晴

----------------------------
I like this song because it's a hopeful song for relationship. When we believe that we will find happiness in life, one day we will find our true love. It doesn't matter what other people say or think. Most importantly, how we feel toward our love life.

Letting go of past relationships

Dreamed of past relationships, I have let go of the past relationships as they have no longer serve me any purpose. Every relationship has its own story. Unable to let go in the past. It is because of my own attachments. Attached to the feeling of being loved, being cared for. However, through Buddhas teaching, I learned that attachments served no purpose as the relationship has gone and done with.

More importantly is the present, how well can I live my life? Letting go brings Joy because no longer feel sorry or sad about past relationships.

Impulsive Buying

Dreamed that I was at IT Show, buying Lego at $360 without looking at the price.

Lesson learned: Never buy things on impulse. Research and know the value of the product.

Finding a pair of suitable shoes

Diamonds are women best friend. However, shoes are my best friends. Few months back, I saw a pair of beautiful shoes but I was in a rush so I didn't buy it. Few weeks later, I went shopping with my friends and I try it on once again. My friends and I find that this pair of shoes looks great on me. It wasn't as comfortable as I thought but I bought it in the end because of my desire.

I wore for the first time and it was uncomfortable. Thinking that the shoes were new. It takes time to adjust. After a couple of times wearing it. I really felt that it was really uncomfortable and it creates bruisers everytime I wear it so I decided to stop wearing it.

Deep in my heart I know that it doesn't suit me, I shouldn't have bought that pair of beautiful shoes but because I can't resist the temptation. Certain things take time to adjust and to evaluate whether it really suits us. Other people can only look on the surface and give their appropriate advises but only we will know it best. Forcing ourselves to adapt it and eventually it will wear us out.

This pair of beautiful shoes is left on my shoe rack now...

An ending is a new beginning

Very often, i hear this statement "An ending is a NEW beginning". How true is that...?! I guess there is a new lesson to be learnt in every chapter of my life. I have tasted happiness, sadness, bitter feeling and excitement in almost every week which coming close to 5 months.

I never regret making this decision from the start, therefore, I should not feel any regrets when coming to the end. I have tasted more happiness than sadness. We have beautiful memories but because of our wide differences, I feel that I should let go despite how unwilling I am. Yes, perhaps you may feel im a coward, not willing to face all the challenges coming in front. But to me, this is the lesson I have to learn. I have to let go when time is ripe. How difficult it is...

We are sad for this moment. Don't blame ourselves that it didn't work out what we wanted. We will understand why it happens and there is always a reason why it happens. We may not able to understand right now but one day we will. We will appreciate why we did this today.

I will continue to be his light and always give him my blessings, no matter which part of the earth he is.

Joke from Citibank

I wondered is it because today is April fools' day or the citibank decides to play a joke on me.

I have recieved the citibank statement today. I remembered I have booked and cancelled Countrylink, an online Australian train transaction, just a few days ago. According to the Countrylink, once i cancelled my transaction, it says that it will fully refund me the payment. However, the citibank has charged me $30.

Therefore, I called up Citibank to find out what is going on. The customer service person told me immediately that I have to pay that $30 because it was due to the transfer currency rates.

I was unsatisfied with that answer. I questioned him "I was told from Countrylink that it will refund me the payment fully. How could Citibank charge me something that was cancelled?"

He quickly tells me that he needs to check with the higher authority.

After a couple of mins, he told me that it is not my fault but I need to fill up "Card holder letter of dispute" so that they could waive off the discrepency.

I was thinking If I had kept quietly, probably I will be a fool to paid Citibank a transaction that was not even processed at all.

时间的约束

今天早上我读了一篇散文， 它是说我们都市人整天都被时间迁着鼻子走。一下子说要规划什么，一下子说时间不够，人生就因此在我们的“控制”范围进行着。有时一闲着，就担心是不是自己的人生太空虚了。

回想一下，我们简直是被时间给无形的控制。谁说人生一定要忙忙碌碌，才算多姿多彩。又谁规定我们一定要有一颗模型进行，才不会出错。

地球上除了人类之外，没有任何生物需要依赖时间。我们就是很奇怪，心甘情愿得让时间给约束。也不曾怀疑它的不好。

有一个朋友很纳闷。就因为她没有男朋友，同事都怀疑她是同性恋，搞得她整天想找男朋友。有一个朋友更离谱，她就带了戒指，就是怕旁人的眼光。我听了就很生气，为什么女人一定要在30岁以前结婚，不然她一定有问题。

每个人都有自己的人生，自己的路要走。我们到底想抓住什么？我们不可以因为“时间到了”就要去做末些事。有些适合别人的，不一定适合自己。到最后伤害的不是旁人的目光，而是对自己最大的伤害。

Dealings with uncommitted person

Recently had a joint project with 2 of my friends. We were enthusiastic about this project. We had lots of good ideas. After two weeks, perhaps everyone is busy with other commitments as well. The project seems to be slowed down. When I tried to ask one of my friends, how was his progress. He seems to be less involved compared to what he promised to do.

Last night, two of us couldn't take it anymore, had a big fight with him because he didn't do what he promised and when we said we want to meet up with him. He just said he was busy and this project doesn't really need his approval.

My friend and I were so pissed off by his words because this project supposed to be done and completed by 3 of us. He said that he felt insulted that we said he doesn't contribute to this project and now he wanted to pull off from this project.

I was disheartened by his attitude and his response to handle this project. We haven't really kick off this project and he simply give up just like that. The copywriting was pushed to my friend and the website coding and design were done by me. All he need to do is just setup the website hosting and payment part. Is asking some of his time commitments really asking too much?

I realised that its not the technical procedure that is most difficult to deal with.. The most difficult part is to deal with uncommitted team member.

Take a break from singlehood life

It has been years since I have been to Botantic garden. Its KH's first time there too. We tried the foot therapy, it was so painful. I guess I have a lot of health problems in my body... He held my hands and went through the painful path with me.

My face was tomato red. I was wondering it is the pain from my foot or the excitement that he held my hand. But I know it is definitely a good blood circulation. :)

It has been 6 years since someone has ever sincerely held my hands. Feels kinda funny at first haha... Maybe I'm so used to be alone after all these years. I always thought I will be ready for love but the feel of being in love seems to be so out of place in my life.

How long do I want to torture myself mentally? The fear of being losing someone eventually has come into my mind over and over again. My first negative thought was when will it last? I'm quite skeptical about any relationships. Yar, I know not all relationships will have a sad ending. Maybe it is just me. After so many years, I just couldn't get over the pain inside me. KH knew where is my worry and he is reassuring that it will not be the same.

I know every relationship will have different outcome. Who knows this may really work out in the end? I shouldn't have kill the possible that it may work out eventually. For at least, my heart did pump differently for once, when he held my hands...

All I need is time...

1st time I told you about my past, you give me your support
2nd time I told you about my woes, you give me your sympathy
3rd time I told you about my problems, you provide me with your solutions

It wasn’t easy me to say, but you are there to be my listening audience
Perhaps it wasn't the right timing and place to say
And I wasn't prepared to accept
Perhaps all I need is time...

Meaningful day yet a Restless day

Today is a meaningful day yet a restless day. I rented some vcds to clear my boredom as well as to distract me from hearing the renovation noise from my neighbour. My mum is amazed that I could watch my vcds in such an undisturbed mode, esp. Yesterday, I got to shout at her (Not that i mean to shout at her but it is too noisy :( ) to tell her that I will escape from the unexpected noise level.

I watched 3 movies: "Enchanted, I am Legend and PS. I love You" Out of the 3, I think I enjoyed "P.S. I love you" the most. It is about a young widow, starring Hilary Swank, who discovers that her late husband has left her 10 messages intended to help to release the grief that she had for him. As the seasons pass, each new message fills her with encouragement and sends her on a new adventure, all ended off with "P.S. I Love You".

I think P.S. I Love You has a perfect blend of sadness, and little light-heartedness. This is not saying that that the light moments belittle the sadness; no, rather the opposite. It adds to it, because it mirrors real life. Real life is not all about sadness, but about the good moments mixed in.

P.S. I Love You is about the love that every woman (and probably the men too, but they just won't admit it :P) aspires to one day have in there life. It shows that no matter what, when you have that one special person, that one special love in your life, you can get into any manner of small or big fights, and even if you really don't appreciate what you have until it's gone, that person is always a part of you, and only wants your happiness.

I guess the big picture is cherish our love ones, before it is too late...

Inspirability

I just completed a great book, Inspirability. After reading it for 3 months. It is easy to read and why did I take such a long time to finish this book is because I do not want to rush through the process. I wanted to enjoy and understand what it takes for these influential designers to be successful.

Seriously, I never thought being a designer could achieve so much and have such a great influence on people. It is indeed an eye-opener for me. Just imagine how many little things we can do in our lives to 1) Maximize our creativity 2)To be good people.

These 40 top designers who talks about where did they get their inspirations. The idea of inspiring people really seemed to sum up what designers do. Inspiration is defined as any stimulus to thoughts or action, and put simply that’s what we do. We are in business of creating artwork that influences people’s thinking and behavior.

I think most of the designers never really think too much about ability to inspire others. Inspiration is a huge part of our lives but most designers are really only concerned with getting inspired.

One of the common grounds is that these designers simply love what they are doing. They will pay more attention to the things that just truly make them happy, the more success that they will have. They are curious people that constantly seeking for new ideas, new ways of doing things. Of course not all the time, they will get good results. What really, really inspired me most was they never give up on what they do.

Designers always like to put faces on things and we try to build meaning behind it. There are a lot of designers who create something that they love and they find a reason to sell to the client and that doesn’t really make sense to me. I found that recently – It is more than all that other stuff, more than the pretty office, more than making stuff that gets awards –

“I want meaning, I want meaning behind things. Because everything we do is going to be hard. If it is easy, we get bored.”
- Terry Marks

It is always been inspiring to see someone undertake an incredible challenge. I like it when people do something they feel they have to. Because it is right or because it is good or because it is rooted in and there is something more.

One of the good advises to get inspiration from Matt Pashkow is that there is a voice inside there somewhere, your genius. You have to have faith that it is going to speak up and when it does, you have got to listen.

翻跟斗

一户潘姓人家，长辈过世。
家祭时，请来了一位乡音很重的老先生来当司仪。
讣闻是这么写的：
　　　孝　男：潘根科
　　　孝　媳：池氏
　　　孝孙女：潘良慈
　　　孝　孙：潘道时
但这位老先生老眼昏花又发音不标准。

当他照著讣闻唱名时，凡是字面上有三点水的或左边部首都漏掉没看到。

于是就给他念成这样子：「孝男，翻……跟……斗……」
孝男一听，直觉得很奇怪，但又不敢问，于是就翻了一个跟斗。

接著又说：「孝媳，也……是……」
孝媳一听：「我也要翻啊？」于是孝媳也翻了一个跟斗。

再来：「孝孙女，翻两次。」
孝孙女一听，想想爸妈都翻了，我也翻吧！于是就翻了两个跟斗。

此时孝孙心想：「老爸、老妈都各翻一次，姐姐也翻两次，那么我要翻几次？」
心里想著想著就开始紧张了：「怎么办？」
只见老先生扯开喉咙，大声念出：
「孝孙……翻……到……死」

能忍住不笑算你厉害!

All you need is love

The most inspiring lyrics that i find today:

There's nothing you can do that can't be done.
Nothing you can sing that can't be sung.
Nothing you can say but you can learn how to play the game.
It's easy.

Nothing you can make that can't be made.
No one you can save that can't be saved.
Nothing you can do but you can learn how to be you in time.
It's easy.

Nothing you can know that isn't known.
Nothing you can see that isn't shown.
Nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be.
It's easy.

All you need is love. Love is all you need. - Beatles

The Beatles Background
The Beatles were a rock and pop band from Liverpool, England that formed in 1960. During their career, the group primarily consisted of John Lennon (rhythm guitar, vocals), Paul McCartney (bass guitar, vocals), George Harrison (lead guitar, vocals) and Ringo Starr (drums, vocals). Although their initial musical style was rooted in 1950s rock and roll and skiffle, the group worked with different musical genres, ranging from Tin Pan Alley to psychedelic rock.

Their clothes, style and statements made them trend-setters, while their growing social awareness saw their influence extend into the social and cultural revolutions of the 1960s. After the band broke up in 1970, all four members embarked upon successful solo careers.

The Beatles are one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed bands in the history of popular music, selling over one billion records internationally. According to Rolling Stone magazine, The Beatles' innovative music and cultural impact helped define the 1960s, and their influence on pop culture is still evident today. In 2008, Billboard magazine released a list of top-selling Hot 100 artists to celebrate the chart's fiftieth anniversary; The Beatles topped it.

3 Working Classes

Imagine 3 people are studying biochemistry, one in ITE, one in Poly and the 3rd in University. Upon completing their course, first one gets a Certicate, second gets person gets a diploma and third person gets a degree.

They found a job and happens to work together in a same lab.

The cert holder get the correct test tubes for the experiment, wash them clean dry them and put them on the study table - he earn abt 1000 - 1,200 a month

The diploma holder come in get all the correct chemicals and add them together in the respective test tubes - he earn abt 1800 - 2000 a month

He walks in look at the colour changes of the chemicals due to the reaction, tell the other two to wash the test tubes properly and walk out to write his analysis - he earn abt 2500 to 3500 a month

The worst part is, the cert holder salary and the dip holder salary will not be increasing much but the degree holder might be earning thousands more as his ability to look at the colours and write better anlysis improves and one fine day, he might just become a scientist who earns millions.

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

I remembered a lawyer friend tells me this story 1 year ago when I asked him if I should get my degree. I look at this story as just the interpretion of life at the various levels... Afterall, I always think most degree holders are nothing but a group of theorists that never apply their knowledge into working life.

He asked me to think through what I really want in life. After I thought through, it is not really applicable to creative industry, as they are looking at your strong porfolios and presentations.

The main motivation or reason that makes me apply for it because I want to gain more design knowledge. Ever since I took up my degree, it really does make an impact on me, on how I look at things right now. I tend to open to more ideas and perspectives, in a way not so narrow-minded like I used to be.

I took up a challenge of coming out with 30 creative ideas when we only need to come out with 1 best idea. With this project, I discovered that Ideas are endless if I allow them to come into my mind. I still continue to believe that education is just a stepping stone and applied knowledge is still the best practise to soar.

You gotta make a conscious decision where you wanna be in a few years time and the time to start thinking about it is NOW. Because by the time the better late than never comes, sometimes you will wish that since it happened so late that it is of not much use anymore... Maybe you would have missed to golden opportunity already and will start regretting it... Why haven't I done this?

Post Valentines' Day

I watched "Look for a Star" with Siew today. It tells a beautiful metaphor that love is a crystal, it shatters onto the floor one day. Everyone is trying to pick up the crashed crystal. Some people get more and some people get less but nobody could get a complete one.

We should give and take in relationships because there might be a chance where we cannot celebrate Valentines' Day with our love ones.

I do not mind that
You didn't spend time with me
because you are busy with your work.

I do not mind that
You didn't buy me any flowers
because you want to have a little nice surprise for me another day.

I do not mind that
You make me wait
because you are too far away.

Most couples think that Valentines' Day is a day where all couples must celebrate but I personally feel that Valentines' Day has become a commercialise day for love.

Do not feel any sadness if you can't spend your time with your love ones. We can also spend this day with our friends too.

Because EVERYDAY is a Valentines' Day.

Slumdog Millionaire

'Slumdog Millionaire' was norminated for 10 awards and has won the best cinematography award from the National Society of Film Critics, US. It is a pretty cool movie to watch. I have enjoyed every moment of it.

It is about the modern rags-to-riches fairytale. From a game show unlocking the childhood memories (or miseries) of a typical poor orphan who grew up in the slumps of mumbai india (aka 'slumpdog').

The film digs into the social troubles and cruelty that emerging economies face (india in this case) - childhood prostitution, gangsters, child beggars, poverty, religion conflicts and so on.

I think the entire script and the movie directions were carefully thought through except towards the later part of the film, u see skyscrapers replacing the slumps, I'm unsure about what the director is trying to deliver, probably to signify that India is shedding its past troubles and ready to be accepted as a new world.

This is my first time watching an indian movie in a cinema. The typical indian dance is incorporated at the end of the show, which I think that is the trademark of all indian movies. When I was a kid, I was totally put off by the typical indian dance on the TV. That's why I never thought I would watch it at all. Well, there is always the first time.

I personally think the moral of the story is the people that we meet will shape our life and reality doesn't lie.

Synopsis
Jamal Malik, an 18 year-old orphan from the slums of Mumbai is about to experience the biggest day of his life. With the whole nation watching, he is just one question away from winning a staggering 20 million rupees on India's "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?". But when the show breaks for the night, police arrest him on suspicion of cheating. Jamal proves his innocence by telling the story of his life in the slum where he and his brother grew up. Each chapter of his story reveals the key to the answer to each one of the game show's questions. When the new day dawns and Jamal returns to answer the final question, the Inspector and sixty million viewers are about to find out...

Will you be my Valentine?

It's been a month since i blogged. Yeah, 1 full month already. I had been busy with my art history during my CHINESE NEW YEAR... That is alot of hardwork. Sad that I didn't really celebrate it. Finally, get some time to relax a bit before going to dive into my next project real soon.



Valentine is around the corner. YUP, just 6 days away. Not to forget to change my blog wallpaper as usual. This year, I would say it's a slightly different year, I can sense a fruity smell of romance in the air.

A little chance that I may get into a relationship. Well, it's still too early to say anything but I'm working on it. I hope he does feel the same way. Romance can be coming too quickly and leaving too soon. That's the more I feel that I shouldn't let go of any good opportunity that comes along.

I start to question myself, "Am I being too desperate? Aren't I'm just like the rest of the people? Having a relationship, Get married and have kids? Is that what I really, really want?"

Well, I'm not trying to be hard on myself again but anyway, my gut feeling tells me that I should be in love :) It's really nice to be in love having someone to take care and to think of you everyday. Isn't sweet? But of course, that person must be someone in your favourable list. If not, you will think that he is such a nuisance, such a pest, can he stop irriating me any further...

Still searching.. still looking... "Will you be my Valentine?"

Could you read this?

I saw this article in one of the creative workshops and my friend forward me this again thought its quite interesting to share with you guys!

Olny srmat poelpe can raed this.

I cdnuolt blveiee that I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd what I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in what oredr the ltteers in a word are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is that the first and last ltteer be in the rgh it pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can still raed it wouthit a porbelm. This is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the word as a wlohe. Amzanig huh? Yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt!

If you can raed this psas it on!!

Perception and Personality

No one can be so perfect
What is beautiful to one's eyes
Can be ugly to another.

Confidence is what makes a person shine
She knows no matter how the world looks at her
She knows that she is beautiful.
And she accepts the way she is.

Our personality is built
By how the world views us
How they praise us for our talents
How they critise us for our flaws.

We let their words affect us
And it can be for the better
or it can be detrimental.

What most of us don't realise
is that we can change the way
how others look at us by building
our own personality.

Just tell yourself today
"This is the way i want to be"
And you will subconciously
be the person you want to be.

After all, your destiny is in your hands
Don't let others control your destiny for you.

Written by Averal, a 20 year old freelance designer and marketeer.

I like the way she wrote this poem. Yes, we can change the way we look, the way we want to be. We have tons of choices and choose what kind of personality we want. If you are a shy person, be a happy shy person. If you are an arrogant person, so be it. We shouldn't care too much how people perceive us. It will be too tiring if we keep trying to gain approval and happiness from others. Be happy of who what we really are.

New Year Winner 2009

We are informing you that your email address as indicated was drawn and attached to ticket number 001768432463 with serial numbers FTS/8070337201/06 anddrew the lucky numbers 15-22-24-48-50-37(30) which subsequently won you 1,000,000.00 (One Million Great Britain Pounds)from the U.K. The draws registered as Draw number one was conducted in Brockley,United Kingdom on the 1st January 2009. Find below the details of the Claims Agent and contact him with the following details for verifications:

1.FULL NAME 2.FULL ADDRESS 3.NATIONALITY 4.AGE 5.OCCUPATION 6.MOBILE/TEL EPHONE NUMBER 7.DATE OFWINNING AWARD 8.SEX 9.TOTAL AMOUNT WON 10.SERIAL AND LUCKY NUMBERS AGENT NAME: Mr Albert Thomas AGENT EMAIL: albertthomas008@hotmail.com

Mrs Rita Shawn
U.K Promo Announcer

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Wow, I can't believed that I'm so lucky in 2009. I am the winner of the draws from the U.K. and I have won One Million Great Britain Pounds!!!

So good to be true right? But wait ar, since when did I bought a ticket no of 001768432463 from UK??? Wake up the idea!!!!

Alright, I'm so used to be the target of these scammers. It is not the first time, I have recieved such mails. It's a scam.

Although I will never fall for such tricks, but it feels good to recieve such emails, it makes me feel that I'm 1 million richer and this time round, I have recieved 3 times such emails that makes me 3 million richer hahahaha I'm feeling great man :)

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How does these scam works?
According to Usulki, he said that 1st mail is to catch those stupid greedy idiots who thought "Maybe I really won some big draws? No harm sending some info over la.."

But once u reply, then they follow up with emails/phone... They make you really believed that you really won ... then say need small admin fee or other charges for what bank transfer purpose because it is not a small amount of money...

If you are overseas victim, they cannot transfer to oversea account... so they will ask you to open a UK banking account... with minimum deposit of xx amount...

Of course, eventually they will mail you some certificates that looks so real, or ask u call some number with answering machines that sounds like real bank/lottery company... and some really, really pro scam ones will have websites too!

Good luck to you then hahahhaha :)

Breaking free

In my facebook, I wrote:
"I'm breaking free from burden and starts a new beginning!"

Some of my friends asked me what burden I was having? I feel that I'm carrying unneccessary worrying and negative thoughts. Half of the time, I have spend my energy that bad things will not even happened at all. That is really wasting a lot of my precious time and before I can start the actual work. By the time i really wanted to work, I'm half drained and tired. So in the end, the result is obviously not good.

I'm telling myself that I'm going to break free from this kind of burden, that will be a great sense of freedom.

If we didn't try from the start, how do we know it doesn't work. If I failed, how can I make it even better? With these kind of mindset, I'm sure even if I failed, at least I have tried and I know I can do it better for the next time. Each time we failed, we are gaining new knowledge and experience. Don't be afraid that things will turn out badly all the time.

Cat shared with me this chinese phrase: "对自己宽容一点, 也许会过得比较快乐". I agreed totally because if we don't allow ourselves to make mistakes, we can never be a happy person. We will be too drain out by our own undue stress and worrying.

My dear friends, please take a step back, and you will see a happier self in this stressful cityscape.

Divorce, Custody & Pepsi Cola

Heard too many divorce cases already, share with you guys a divorce joke below...

A man and his wife were getting a divorce at a local court, but the custody of their children posed a problem.

The mother jumped to her feet and protested to the judge that since she had brought the children into this world, she should retain custody of them. The man also wanted custody of his children, so the judge asked for his side of the story.

After a long moment of silence, the man rose from his chair and replied: "Judge, when I put a dollar into a vending machine and a Pepsi can comes out, does the Pepsi belong to me or to the machine?"

Don't laugh, he won!

The Best of Us

I happened to spot this video clip will surfing the net. It is an inspirational clip made by Singaporeans. Cool Stuff!



The theme of the campaign is "The Best of Us" - a simple, powerful idea that transcends cultures and borders, motivating young people around the world to participate in sport by proving that sport can bring out the best of them. They are using these 5 elements of Gold, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth as the background concept.

Heroes - Legendary Olympic athletes including Roger Federer, Yao Ming, Laure Manaudou, Liu Xiang, Yelena Isinbayeva, Kenenisa Bekele, Haile Gebrselelassie, Vanessa Ferrari and Carolina Kluft who, star as superheroes seeking to achieve the seemingly impossible.

It's our very own Singapore production who produced this Official Beijing Olympics 2008 Commercial. Cool stuff, isn't it? I read about their interview, in fact the team production faced a lot of problems in this production. Best of all, they never give up on their hardwork. I'm so proud that we are such an amazing video production talents in Singapore!

Embrace 2009

Happy, Happy New Year, my dear friends!

Despite how much me and Ah Ger really dislike the party crowds, we still went down to the Marina Countdown Party last nite... Yuppie, it was really, really damn crowded and we almost got ourselves jammed in the human crowd last nite when we making our way back despite we left quite early... Nothing was the perks except the amazing fireworks that lasted for 10 mins. After going home, I start to reflect about 2008 and what should I do to make a better year in 2009.

Let me share with you what does 2008/2009 means to me

What does 2008 means to me?
First of all, I always like to look back at my last year resolutions and they were "I need to find peace with myself and showing gratitude to others as well as myself."

Have I done that? Yup, I finally able to know who I really am and I have learnt to love myself and practising gratitude to others as well as myself. I'm grateful to be able to re-connect with my family and my close friends ever since I start schooling. It had been a fantastic year for me. I get to know myself better and I know what I really want in life and making my life to the fullest.

What does 2009 means to me then?
I guess it would be a challenging year for me because I have lots of goals in mind and I know I have to get them done. In this new year resolution, I would like to continue to have good health, spend more time with my love ones and continue to develop a strong passion in design, finally STAY FOCUS towards my small goals and I know I have live my life the way I want it :)

I like this phrase that I saw it one day:
Be clear with intentions & FOCUS upon it with unweaving faith

Night Safari

The last time I could remember last visit to Night Safari was 10 over years. During that time, I was a bit upset by the place because all I could remember was to sit in the tram and I could see nothing else except the darkness and hidden night animals.

When my friend asked me if I'm interested to go to Night Safari, I decided to give this place a second chance, after all it has been 10 over years. We took bus 138 and it was a super crowded weekend, probably its a holiday season. We queue almost 15 mins and the buying ticket queue has not been moving at all.

Luckily, I went to a special counter to get the map and it sells the tickets as well. That shortened the waiting time. I overheard an auntie was complaining that her kids that they had to wait almost an hour just to get the tickets.

Anyway, as we entered the entrance, we still have to queue to go in. It took us another 20 mins. The silliest thing they did was they only allow one person at a time. People just refused to wait by then and tried to start pushing and cut queue. By the time we went in, it was already 8.20pm.

There were 3 main trails, compared to the past experience, at least this time round I get to walk around the trails and see much more night animals such as the eagle owl, bats, flying squirrel, hippo, pucupins, hyena, civet, leopard cats but most of the animals are resting. Fortunately, we saw the malayan tiger walking towards us and it was as close as 30cm away from us.

I wanted to snap some photos of the animals but my camera is obviously not good enough and no flash photography is allowed. I just let myself immersed with the nature and the walk. Although the website claimed that they had total number of 1040 animals in the safari, but we never get to see so many animals there, probably it was too dark.

The night show was quite entertaining and look at those cute little animals performing, thrilled me.

The ticket seller insisted that we must buy the tram tickets and we bought. However, by the time, we walked finished the trail walks and finished the night show, it was already 11.15pm lor... We hurried back to the bus stop to catch the night bus.

What a night! Probably I will visit again 20 years later lol...

Courage to LOVE

A friend shared with me about her dating issues and asked me for advice. After analysing her problem, I realise that she doesn't have the courage to express her love.

I just told my friend that we should have the courage to love. Not many people can do that... Most of them just give up without trying... Love may not be boy-girl relationships, it could be family and even friends.

In the past, I told myself I do not need many friends and I lock myself up. Keep everything to myself and suffer in silence. I can't blame anyone else because I choose it to be in this way.

I have learnt my lesson: the Courage to LOVE. Because when we have love in our heart. We need to love ourselves and others. We tend to care for the people around us. We tend to be more sensitive towards other people. We tend to recieve help from others when we need one.

Through this learning, my relationships in family and friends have improved tremendously. If you haven't start to love, start loving now. I want to share this message on the Christmas Day:

It's a gift to love.

Be like water

"Be like water making its way through cracks. Do not be assertive, but adjust to the object, and you shall find a way round or through it. If nothing within you stays rigid, outward things will disclose themselves. Empty your mind, be formless. Shapeless, like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle and it becomes the bottle. You put it in a teapot it becomes the teapot. Now, water can flow or it can crash. Be like water my friend." - Bruce Lee

This is useful not just in combat, but in life. If those who represent themselves as your enemy become your teachers -- teachers on how to be patient, on how to deflect, how to confront in a way that peaceably resolves the conflict -- then you learn the skill of being like water.

I used to blame myself and other people, why my life so unsmooth? Why all the bad things come to me. A friend told me we need to learn lessons in this life and that's why we are here.

Another friend gives me an insightful experience about his life. He told me we have to keep learning something until we have learnt. This statement has an impact on me and I totally agreed with what he said. I have never realised it until he said that to me.

I look at myself and the people around me. We all make the same mistakes over and over again until it comes to a time that we learnt our precious lessons these negative cycle will never appear again... Sometimes when I look back, it is us who always trap ourselves into these cycles and we choose to do that. Without learning the painful lessons, we can never able to appreciate the people and the things around us.

He told me not too think too much but I think I have learnt something from this statement. If we chose to be an unhappy person, we will always be an unhappy person. Even someone tries to be nice to you, you will choose to believe he has a bad intention. However, if we always chose to be a happy person, even when things are bad, we will use a positive attitude to turn the situation around.

Well, interesting insight to me at least. Life is not so bad afterall, if we choose to become water! Rite? :)

My little friends

I remembered my childhood dream was to become a teacher. I was inspired by my caring teachers in my primary school days. Most of them were caring, helpful and patient and best of all, I will be able to use the red pen to mark the students' work. Ah-ha :)

When I grew up, I know that I can't be a teacher because I have no patience with kids and I know that I will end up either being bullied by them or stressed up myself. I decided to give up this idea of being a teacher.

I was looking for a part-time job as I needed money for my melbourne trip. A golden opportunity came, knocking onto my door 5 weeks ago. CDAC is an learning environment and offer meaningful programmes to help students cope with their studies and social lives.

CDAC was looking for some part-time teachers, I went for interview and I got in. They just need teachers to teach maths and science for Pri 1-6, preparing them for the next year. Being pretty good in maths, I was assigned to teach maths for Pri2, Pri4 and Pri5 except there is one week, i have to teach science.

Having no experienced in teaching, I was so worried that I can't cope with it. However, I did spend time going through all the maths and science syllabus before the class. Of course goes without saying, for the first week, I wasn't that confident in teaching and I have to use the "math language" terms used by the schools, so that the kids are able to understand. After 2 weeks, I was able to teach the kids proficiently.

I almost wanted to give up when some kids were like monsters. However, some kids were like angels, that encouraged me to become a better teacher. Some were smart and fast, some were lazy and slow. No matter what, I have to gain their respect even if they were kids. When they realise you truly cares for them, even little monsters will be tamed by you slowly.

Although I was pretty under paid but overall, it was a very meaningful and fulfilling experience. With 88 students under my care, I did really enjoy myself with these 5 weeks of teaching.

First of all, I have learnt that these kids are pure at heart without any ill-intentions, they are just being playful or mischievious. Secondly, every kids are special in their own way, to be a capable teacher, I have to customise my teaching style so that they are able to absorb the knowledge better. Most importantly, I have learnt to be firm with my words and not to be influence by others.
Yes, I have fulfilled my dream of becoming a teacher and I have made quite a number of little friends. They did teach me something back in return when I have imparted my knowledge with them and I will cherish these memories.

Thank you, my little friends :)

点一把火炬

I always hear people saying, "letting go" when u experienced the negativity in life. It always said easier than done. I finally able let go of my sadness about a bad experience which i have been suppressing for all these years. Letting go and cried all my heart out is a good healing therapy. Now I feel light, carefree and happy again because I'm able to release my burden which i have been carrying all these years.

I have learnt not to supress my negative feelings. Yeah, it a wonderful experience of releasing my sadness. I want to thank my rubberband time friend for helping me to release the pain within me.

I want to share this song because I like the meaningful lyrics in this song."脆弱的世界, 人变得坚强因为有梦想" This is so true :)

点一把火炬
Artist: 林俊杰
Composer: 许环良与邢增华

天上的星星有多少数不清
承诺和许愿又多少能兑现
雨后的彩虹是真实还是梦
悲伤和快乐可以自己选择

忙忙碌碌转啊转盲盲目目从早到晚
喧喧闹闹是与非伤痕累累学会谦卑
听过自己哭泣才会懂得珍惜

点一把火炬 让爱和生命延续
用心用呼吸感应在黑暗中照亮风雨
脆弱的世界人变得坚强因为有梦想
让爱翻越所有围墙点燃每一个心房
照亮我们共同的家
照亮你我的家

Beauty of Life

Ger read about this "The Reality of Life"
Promises are meant to be broken
Secrets are meant to be shared
Friends are meant to be make use of

Not to pin point on what she wrote but I just can't agreed with it. Here are my own interpretation about these words.

My own interpretation
Promises are meant to be broken
- This shows that this person cannot be trusted

Secrets are meant to be shared
- This shows that this person is a gossiper

Friends are meant to be make use of
- This shows that this person is a devil under the angel face

If that is the case, why should I continue to be with this person? I can tell you that person will not have any true friends. Everyone will start to see that person true colors and will leave that person eventually. That person can fool everyone many times but can't fool everyone all the time.

This will ties in very well with my new xmas theme on relationships - The best of the most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must felt with the heart.

If you are sincerely true to your family and your friends, they will feel it. True hearts will meet together eventually.

Great Ideas

Most often when we see great ideas from others, we will start wondering why we didn't think of that? It can be a single, practical solution that solved the problem we have faced.

After attended a creative workshop called "Creative thinking makes easy" today, I realised that it is not about how much time we spend on the work but rather that how much work we spend on the time. As a human being, all of us are creative. We should constantly see things with an open mind and making changes to improve our lives. Even a silliest idea can be practical one if we just tweak and change into something relevant and useful.

Nothing is evolved with nothing. There must be some old ideas that trigger it, to make them into even better ideas. The speaker, John Teo told us that if we shot down our initial ideas from the start, it will be quite unlikely we are able to make a breakthrough. Creativity comes from constantly practising with an open mind and rearranging the old into new.

I really enjoyed his workshop and wished it didn't end so early. At the end of his workshop, he shared with us his life experience of becoming a successful magician. Of course, he did some small little magic performance for us.

This is just to prove ONE point -
IT IS ALL ABOUT BEING CREATIVE IN OUR MIND.

Loved it!

The expression of the urban

I'm researching on Art Therapy recently. I was inspired by the bilingual local newspaper, "My Paper". It has a section called "the person in the rain". The art therapist just used the drawing to analyse and identify the strength and weaknesses and any issues. She will provide some suggestions on how to cope with difficult emotions and feelings.

I believed that arts have the power to influence. Arts therapy has the ability to help to change and improve lives. We need not use verbal to communicate, we can use visual in art media such as drawings, photography and other forms of visual to express our inner struggles.

Art therapy is still a very new concept in Singapore. However, the local hospital such as Singapore General Hospital is using art therapy to help the cancer patients as well as disabled patients. I believe that it could really help people to open up themselves to be a mentally healthy and improve the quality of their life.

In order to feel what art therapy is all about, I decided to work on some paints. I have used lines as to depict sketches drawings and tried to use paints and shimmering to form the eye of the human, with the help of design software to do some graphics editing. These are various forms of expression on the relationship between the city, myself with arts. I called this piece of artwork - the expression of the urban.

Maybe in future, when i feel stress up, I will do some free expression painting lol Don't know is it because i did the research on this project. I do feel a sense of relaxation and freedom when I paints. Does it got to do with myself or the psychology part?

Typography in Helvetica

Being an inexperienced designer, I often don't care much about usage of typeface, as long as I like it. A typographer told me what kind of fonts and the size of the fonts I have used, simply by looking at my work.

To be honest, I'm kind of impressed. There are people out there who are so passionate about typefaces that they can breathe, eat and sleep with them. That is the vast diffence between a professional typographer like him and an amateurish like me. Of course, with constently looking at the details and study of typefaces, I'm sure in the years to come, I can be as good as him.

Recently, I watched a video about "Helvetica". It has bring me into another perspective. It is an interesting video talks everything about Helvetica, bringing the awareness to the designers about how Helvetica was created, its history. The famous typographers who take great passion in creating font types and usage of Helvetica.

One of the typographers said that most of the designers do not care about typography at all(which is absolutely true). But he doesn't care. A trend in design industry is that there is always a small group of people who pursue great design and large number of people are doing trash stuffs. If you care about your own works, you will care about the usage of typography.

I also realise that every typeface, like every one of us, has its distinguishing features. You might be forgiven for thinking that some fonts are clones, or identical twins. However, closer inspection reveals subtle differences and nuances that simply escape casual perusal. Something that can really help to heighten our sensitivity to those differences is getting out our magnifying glasses and really taking a closer look.

The two popular typefaces, namely Arial and Helvetica — faces that are often confused, and often the subjects of mistaken identity. But first let me re-introduce you to these two popular faces:



Helvetica
Designed in 1957 by Max Miedinger and Eduard Hoffmann, Helvetica’s design is based on that of Akzidenz Grotesk (1896), and classified as a Grotesque or Transitional san serif face. Originally it was called Neue Haas Grotesque; in 1960 it was revised and renamed Helvetica (Latin for "Swiss").

Arial
Designed in 1982 by Robin Nicholas and Patricia Saunders for Monotype (not Microsoft), it’s classified as Neo Grotesque, was originally called Sonoran San Serif, and was designed for IBM’s bitmap font laser printers. It was first supplied with Windows 3.1 (1992) and was one of the core fonts in all subsequent versions of Windows until Vista, when to all intents and purposes, it was replaced with Calibri.

Sad to say, Arial was born of a hasty decision to avoid paying out massive licensing fees for a typeface that had grown to become the benchmark for most written communication.

I must say Helvetica is still always the prefered choice for mac designers, while Arial is for the pc designers. Most people do not know Helvetica is NOT FREE font. I should try to appreciate those fonts which famous typographers have created.

Credibility

5 months ago, I was engaged to design a website for my client's client, Mr X. This is my first time working with this new client. It's my friend's contact. This client was a sales manager. He was very sales driven therefore, he pushed hard for his sales as well as his project.

My client told me this particular job was urgent and required me to rush for it. Of course, I played my role and delivered the work to him. However, Mr X just doesn't seem to have any interest with his own website. Whenever my client asked him about the feedback, he always said that he's busy. Afterall, Mr X was the one who wanted to push the website to be ready 4 months ago.

3 months ago, my client felt bad about it and said that he will transfer the full amount to me first, even though the project has not complete yet. I told him this is not the way to do business. I told him I have to complete the project.

My client has told me that Mr X has decided to stop the project today. To be honest, this is my first time doing project without completing it. Although I still get paid for my service, I just don't feel good about it. Because the project was not complete at all.

I always think that credibility should play on our part but in reality, i think it works both ways.

Design Costs vs. Values

Two days ago, I got a call from my friend's whose girlfriend wanted me to design a web site for her image consultant business. She asked me how much do I charge per website. I told her that depends on my client's theme and requirements.

She told me she needs 10 pages of website. I told her $300 - $500 for customised design fee (not using any design templates) and $150 per page. Without even looking at my portfolio yet, the only reply I heard is, "That is expensive! You are limiting the amount of contents I want to put." and she continues saying that she will call me up when she needs my service. Apparently, she didn't. Of course, I didn't upset over it because it doesn't worth my time doing it anyway.

I’ve read an interesting article written by Chris Pearson on how much a site/blog design should cost and his experience when dealing with the customers and project costs.

After looking through the designers' comments from the design industry, I feel that my pricing is reasonable. Like most web professionals out there, they are charging $1500 or as high as $2000 just for the basic design cost. In fact, most of my designer friends have told me I undercharge most of my clients. To me, money is important but the experiences and challenges to do that is even more important.

Why is it okay for dentists, lawyers and a number of other highly-paid professionals to charge $200-300/hour for their services, why is it okay to shell out $100-150/hour to an interior designer, but it is a sin to pay that much money to a web/graphic designer?

And what’s even more intriguing and interesting to find out is why we never question and simply accept the high prices of dentists, lawyers, psychiatrists, interior decorators, plumbers... but behave so differently when it comes to building our brand name awareness in print and online?

What do you think should happen in order to change people's mindset on design costs and values? Or do you think that nothing should change, that it is the way it should stay, that there are no reasons why designers should get paid any more than those working night shifts at 24 hour drive-thrus?

Just simply because some people just don't know the value of the work of a good web/graphics designer. Quality creative designers go through the design thinking process while the designers just work like a factory worker. Everyone knows Photoshop but that doesn't mean they can be a creative designer.

Chris quoted that everybody wants a killer design, especially after seeing one that they lust over. Problem is, nobody wants to pay for it.

True indeed.

Harmless ";"

Last night, I was busy rushing my client's website. It is just a maintainance of the website. Finally, i finished all the updates and went to bed. I was rather tired because few days ago, because I was rushing other projects as well.

My client emailed about the whole website fonts are all screw up today. I was kinda puzzled, so I went to the site to take a look. It was indeed the website is screwed up. I recalled what did I do last night.

Thinking back, I did nothing MAJOR revamp to the website. Just a couples of information update. Then I remembered I did touch on the CSS style sheet because I want to tidy up the coding. I checked and checked, the piece of coding seems perfectly alright.

After half and hour of checking, I spot that harmless ";" hidding itself in the codes.

Now I know that 1 harmless ";" can be a silent killer that screw up your entire website. Thank god that my client didnt screw me up, they are nice people. Grateful!

To Lose Weight

On 24th April, I vow that I will lose weight within 3 months. Today is 7th Nov. I feel so guilty about it. I broke my own promise. I not only didn't lose weight. In fact, I put on weight!

Starting from 54 -> 56 -> 59!!! I can't believe it myself until someone placed a weighing machine in front of me.

Reasons for not succeeding:
1) I didn't exercise for 3 months.
Mistake: Wasn't enthusiastic to lose weight.

2) When I am super stress or happy, I eat much more than usual. Mistake: Never control diet.

3) Want to lose weight in 3 months
Mistake: Never set realistic timeline.

I know above are just excuses! Now i want to set it straight again.

Motivation to lose weight
1) Doctor says I have slight hypertension. I'm SHOCKED. I still very young, I don't want to spend money on pills!

2) I want to be HEALTHY. Reason: I don't want to fall sick easily.

3) I want to be LOVE myself. Reason: I want to be responsible about my own body. Take really good care of my body.

4) I don't want to be the fake pregnant lady anymore!!!

With these 4 strong motivation, I must SET realistic timeline:
1) Be choosy about food, no more fried food for me right now.
2) Exercise twice per week Tues and Sat eg Swimming, Yoga, Jogging, Gym exercise
3) Set exercise time.
4) Motivate myself.
5) Monitor my progress.

I must not break my promise to my body again. I shall set this as lifetime piority in my life.

Cross Cultural Friendship

Global village is a term coined by Wyndham Lewis in 1948 and Herbert Marshall Mcluhan in 1962 describes how electronic mass media collapse space and time barriers in human communication, enabling people to interact and live on a global scale.

In this sense, the globe has been turned into a village by the electronic mass media. The global village in this context refers to the power of Internet. With the help of upcoming improving fast technology such as facebook, msn, you tube and many more technology gadgets, the information is spreading much faster than it used to be. Perhaps very soon, we will able to do more Internet stuffs with our own mobile phones.

Because of Internet, I get to know many more friends online then I used to have. Recently through msn, I get to know a spanish designer. He is rather a reserved but yet a warm hearted man. But after chatting for some time, we have developed friendship between us.

He always loves to draw... When I was stuck with my own ideas about creating money packets, he drew and interpret his own ways. Although I didnt use his ideas at all, but I appreciate by his actions.

There was one time I helped him to resolve a personal problem. Out of gratitude, he drew this piece of work for me.


I asked him why does he draw this litte heart, he says when he felt lousy, I listen to him and share a piece of my heart. Lol :) That's how i inspired him to draw this piece of work. It's pretty, isn't it?

I am rather touched by his kind gesture. In fact, I think he helped me more than I helped him. I hope our friendship will grow stronger through the years.

女人真会自寻烦恼！

最近电视一直播放胸部健身，我又听到女人常说自己的胸部不够完美。

前两天我在地铁里，有一位二十岁的女孩跟她的女朋友说：“我的男朋友一直嫌我的胸部太小。我要整行。”虽然我也是女人， 但她这么一说， 我不经意的看她一下。她长的相当好看，身材满标准的，一点坠肉也没有。在我心里面，为她打抱不平，她的男朋友怎么可以这么说她。

今天我到一间衣服店里又听到，有一位四十岁的阿姨说，“我的胸部太大了，穿它不好看。”卖衣服的阿姨立刻说，“有些人要都没有，对吧。”我也不经意的看那试衣服的阿姨一下。我觉得还好，她的身材满标准的，只是有一点肉肉的。

我听了很纳闷。为什么无论二十岁的女孩或是四十岁的阿姨都要为自己的胸部烦恼。大一点或小一点有什么关系。最重要的是自己要懂得爱和接受自己，这样我们才能活得自信，自在。无论美或丑，百年后还不是一团灰而已。

女人啊，不要再为胸部自寻烦恼了！

Ichiro Films

I have attended my cousin, Robin's wedding on 17 Oct. I like the unique way that the videographer had shot the wedding process. Christopher Tay has changed a wedding into a piece of Film ART requires artistic direction in both shooting and editing skills.

Below is the short trailer of the thoughts behind wedding. Worth looking for them if you are lookin for a theme wedding videographer, http://www.ichirofilms.com

Amazing Dance

I was touched by this piece of dance, hand in hand. It was full of emotions and passion. I am really impressed by both dancers determination. There was truly amazing effort and their hardwork really pays off! They have inspired me that nothing is impossible when I want to do it. Enjoy the video :)

One Photo marathon, One Dream

Back for the second year, Canon PhotoMarathon Asia unites all amateur and professional photographers in the region by challenging them to complete a series of photography assignments under the pressure of time. One marathon with about 1,300+ participants took part in this competition.

The biggest catch of this contest, the top winner will get a chance to win a Photo Clinic in New Zealand under the lead of a professional photographer. It's a 7 days Photography trip to experience the Mount Cook – New Zealand’s highest peak.

The 3 themes are Change, Dreams and Freedom. We are given 3.5 hours to shoot each theme. Me and Siew as usual not knowing what are the winning prizes until we reached there. But we both know what our real purpose was to have fun hehehe :)

The organiser display some of the interesting shots taken by the contestants. Some were quite lame and crappy, and some were just too direct. I must say its not only just technical aspects but rather the creativity that will attract the judges' heart.

I did learn something out of this contest after such a long day of mental and physical exercising. The difference between a winner and just a normal participant is that he / she will be able to bring out the strong meaning of each theme in his / her own unique ways. I think mine was too simple and direct. I should try to develop the eye for creativity and endurance to complete the marathon for next year.

Despite I never win any prizes, I'm still happy to able to enjoy this contest with Siew and George who join us in the middle of the contest after his friends flew him kite. I start to believe enjoying the process is more important than the results.

The only thing i feel that the organiser should improved is the time management. They should be stringent about the time after all this is a contest. Somehow people just come back late for their assignments and the time is extended. The contest ended up quite late. Instead of 6pm, it ended up almost 10pm. We are just too tired to wait for the results to be released.

Magical 30

When I recieved a letter from Immigration today, my dad was curious why I had this letter. So I told him because I need to change my IC. He was puzzled and continue to ask me why I do I need to change my IC. Suddenly the fit of anger just come over me and I snapped at him and said, "Because I'm 30." Of cos, my dad said nothing and left the room.

I was wondering why am I so pissed when I realised that I'm 30. 30 is just a figure. Sometimes I couldn't even understand myself. When I started to think I realised that when you have reached 30, people around you will ask you and be very concern about your love life, your marriage and even your own career. Perhaps that is because everyone is doing it. People will start to ask you about the things they think is RIGHT to do: Get boyfriend, get married, have a good career and have kids!

Sometimes I really make me wonder is it really the RIGHT way to do? Not having a relationship or having a fantastic career in life is not a sin. Why must force onto others with their own believing. Doesn't mean getting married will have successful marriage, or doesnt mean working hard means that you will lead you to have a successful career.

Times have really changed. Everything around us have been changing secs by secs, just that we don't even realised it.

I just told CH last night as long as we don't hurt anyone indirectly, we don't owe anyone's explaination. I'm still pretty much enjoying my singlehood life and I'm making full use of my time doing meaningful things.

If you ask me what is my birthday wish, I just wish that just let the nature takes its course and good things will fall in place!

Jan's BIG Day

I have known Jan for 11 years and finally hear her wedding bells. Happy for her that she found her true happiness. It's a solemnisation held at Furama Riverfront. It's quite a wuloo place to find, luckily there is such transport called cab, dropped me off right at the door step of the hotel.

Although its a simple formality of solemnisation, I can feel the happiness from the wedding couple. I have met two of my ex colleagues. I can't tell any difference in their appearances but I'm happy that everyone is happy with their life :)

As I chat with the event photographer about photography stuff and end up we start exchanging our contacts. It's kind of funny to get such freelance job through this way hahaha :) I guess I must start making my own business card keke

China, Please WAKE up!

When the news of China's tainted milk scandal rumbled on Wednesday, there are few signs people are willing to blame their nation's top leadership despite evidence the health risks were covered up for months.

China has said 53,000 children have been sickened by milk contaminated with the industrial chemical melamine, which is normally used to make plastics.

It has led to four deaths so far and prompted a host of nations to ban, or at least scrutinise, Chinese dairy imports, further tarnishing the reputation of the "Made in China" label.

Melamine, when added to milk, can make it appear richer in protein.

In a frank editorial Wednesday, the China Daily said political leaders had succeeded by their crisis management to reassure the public while at the same time scaring local officials into more responsible behaviour.

When I heard about it, my first thought is our life considered that worthless to the China government's eyes? The milk scandal is not only affecting China people, its affecting worldwide...

I feel that China crisis management is to "cover up". Its an unethical act but no one seems to be able to stop these unforgiveable nonsense. Yes no doubt there are so many unethical businessmen around... but China government seem to be involved indirectly. It's kind of sad and anger to recieve such bad news from China over and over again...

Whenever there is a "BAD" News, First thing they do, is not to resolve it. They will try their best to cover up until it can't be covered up by then, it has become too late to resolve.

This kind of covering up incidents are not just one or two cases... its on-going cases. Just that the problems haven't been surfacing out at the moment. If you ask me, I have lost the faith in China products in terms of food industry... Where is their credibility and ethical values have gone to?

If China still don't wake up the idea, chances of losing international businesses will be very high. Can China dare to bear this heavy consequences?

Angpow Craze

Antalis Ang pow contest deadline is drawing near... and I haven't do anything much... trying to stay focus but can't find any relevant or good ideas on year of cow...

Anyway, I'm easily distracted... kinda of used to it already... Suddenly I have the urged to design wedding angpow for my good friend. The crazy part of me just wanted to do it.. Ok, okay i will do it... and tada...

Here comes my first wedding ang pow design..

Hope this ang pow will lead me to the real inspirations for the real ang pow design for the contest!

Encourage myself to TRY

Today I was SUPER busy and tired... but i was pleased with my printed photography project. I had been working on it for nearly 2 months and the fruit of my hardwork has ripen slowly.

It has been a long, long time since I felt such a sense of job satisfaction with my own work. The feeling is indescribable... Every effort and sweat that I have put in this project. I really believe hardwork pays off despite of many hipcups!

There are many "first try" in this project:

1) I really happy that I didn't procastinate my own thoughts and shot down my own ideas.

2) I shared with my parents about my work with excitement. At first, they thought I was photocopying someone's work. Until I told them, everything from finding information, putting things together till sourcing for right printer is all done solo by me! Then they give the impressed look on their face hahaha

3) Faced problems with the process but learnt to find other methods to resolve.

The most happy thing is I have encourage myself to TRY! I'm grateful for friends who have helped me / given me good advices in this project :) NOW I can pat on myself that I did a good job :)

Sand Artist - Just Imagine

Just Imagine - Ilana Yahav

Ilana Yahav is a sand animation artist. Using only her fingers, Ilana draws with sand on a glass table. Ilana draws on sand, using only her fingers. As she weaves together sand, lighting and music, Ilana creates incredible three dimensional vistas they play out in perfect time with the musical accompaniment, Indeed, it is difficult to decide if the music accompanies the work of art, or vice versa Ilana's fingers dance in the sand on the glass to the music, the resulting aesthetic dynamic is powerful and moving.

I'm touched by her talents as she weaves the sand. She has brought us into her world of fantasy. She is a true artist!

RSAF commercial 2008

I am the wind.
On land, no blade of grass moves without me
At sea, every rising waves is touched by me
Wherever you are, I am high enough to see you
and strong enough to reach out to you
and placed strength in your hands
You may not always see me
But you always feel me
For I am here, for a higher purpose.

I think most of you have seen this RSAF commercial 2008 video commerical. In the past, they never use voiceover to describe the mission of RSAF. I feel that it is a well delivery commercial, using effective words like "moves, touched, strength, feel and higher purpose" to trigger our emotions and it sends a very positive message that "Civilians are safe in our AIR FORCE team."

Beyond riches and statuses

Once upon a time, there was a striped caterpillar which always thinks there is a much greater things in life that is yet to explore but she was afraid. One day, a yellow caterpillar crawls up the tree. She decided to follow the crawling trails of the caterpillar. When she managed to climb up the top of the tree and finds that there is nothing much out there. She was so disappointed.

The story challenges us to look beyond finding success and fulfilment as yellow caterpillar take a risk to discover and recognise the natural potentials that lies within and soar.

Know what happens to the striped caterpillar in the end? The yellow caterpillar told striped caterpillar that she will turn into a butterfly that she meant to be by simply being one self...

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I really, really like this story because most of us often seek for something more in our life but is that truely what we wanted? I finally realised that my TRUE happiness comes from my inner self and not getting for exernal sources... ONLY I can make myself BE Happy or Sad! Our life only live once...

New insights about marriage

A lady was sharing about her marriage life. People has told her that marriage is a 3-ring relationship: engagement ring, wedding ring and suffering.

I know its quite a negative remark. But to her, she view her marriage life as a movie journey. Before marriage, it was like a fantasy movie. After marriage, the journey becomes exciting, some times you get to watch romance, sometimes you get to watch a comedy movie or even a fighting movie. At times, we may need to watch horror movie, even we hate it.

I do agree with her that we can be selective what kind of movies, we prefer to watch. However, we should always try to make an effort to enjoy any movies that comes along our way... experience fully of our very own movie journey.

Crackpots...

A wonderful story that I feel that I must share!

Everyone of us is an unique individuals. Like what I have said before, we all have our own imperfection, and because of its imperfection, that makes us complete in our life..

Let's start to embrace and enjoy the little things in LIFE... =D

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An elderly Chinese woman had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole which she carried across her neck. One of the pots had a crack in it while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water. At the end of the long walks from the stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.

For a full two years this went on daily, with the woman bringing home only one and a half pots of water. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments.

But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it could only do half of what it had been made to do. After two years of what it perceived to be bitter failure, it spoke to the woman one day by the stream. 'I am ashamed of myself, because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house.'

The old woman smiled, 'Did you notice that there are flowers on your side of the path, but not on the other pot's side?' 'That's because I have always known about your flaw, so I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you water them.'

'For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table. Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace the house.'

Each of us has our own unique flaw. But it's the cracks and flaws, we each have that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding.

You've just got to take each person for what they are and look for the goodness in them.

To all of my crackpot friends, pls love yourself and remember to smell the flowers on your side of the path!

Move on

Most of my friends although they read my blog frequently but they never make any comments. It's alright as long as sometimes I could inject some positive thoughts or encouragement into you. I feel that it's good enough for me :) I saw the encouragment on my small setback today. I'm happy that at least 2 friends in this world still cares about me :)

A friend... msn to me and tells me that he wants to get on with his life. I am really happy for him. He has finally straighten out his thoughts. I have encouraged him and I know that he will able to move on. Time is all he needs.

Sometimes, we just need someone's support or encouragement. It need not be giving advice, just be a good listener will help as well. Our negative mindset will slowly destroy by our positive mindset and we just move on with our life. No one can live without friends or family, no matter how strong your willpower is.

Jia You! You know who you are :)

Small Setback

Today is the humorous speech & evaluation contest. It's my first time taking part. My speech was "Walking down the memory lane". Before the contest, I have been practising and thinking ways of tickling the audience's funny bone.

First thing in my mind was blank then next I was panic when i saw so many pairs of eyes staring at me. I knew I was going to screw up and yes I made my first glory from the bottom!

After i had reviewed my own speech delivery, mistakes I have made and I concluded that the biggest problem I really need to resolve, is to unlock myself. I have locked myself up too much until I can't even enjoy talking. When audience can't feel your emotions, they can't appreciate what you want to say and how would they able to laugh....

I enjoyed the evaluation part. The speaker speech title is "Fake Masters" about how toastmasters are teaching us how to be a fake person. After I evaluate the speaker with my sincerity, and just before the ending of the conclusion, I share with him that fake and sincerity is just one fine thin line. I guess my sincere evaluation has made the speaker come up to me that he has enjoyed my evaluation as well.

It's okay, it's just a small setback. For at least it's an interesting experience and I have the courage to try, isn't it?

I can't see, but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist

I was looking at some abstract art paintings from 1900s today. Some of the meanings behind the paintings I can understand but some were too abstract that I can't tell what does the artist is trying to illustrate. Perhaps the artist was trying to hide something but he will still leave some clues behind for the viewer to spot.

"Cubism was a product of sight
New Art forms were derived from nature
Abstract Art was a product of thought
New Art forms were derived from mind & soul
Not a question of style but one's intention."

PS: The painting was painted by Picasso - Girl With Mandolin in cubism form. Cubism is a non objective school of painting and sculpture developed in Paris in the early 20th century, characterized by the reduction and fragmentation of natural forms into abstract, often geometric structures usually rendered as a set of discrete planes.

Now I understand NO ARTWORK is rubbish. Did we really SEE the real intention before we place our judgement down?

"I can't see, but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist."

Olympian Spirit

It's once again my favorite sport games of all time. The Beijing Olympics 2008. Eight is an auspicious number in Chinese culture. The event started on 8th August 2008, 8:08pm. The Greatest Olympian of all times, Michael Phelps has achieved his dreams - 8 gold medals!

It is one of the greatest miracles I ever seen. It's very tough to get 1 gold, let alone a person getting 8 gold medals and breaking the world records! I'm amazed by Michael Phelps for achieving so much in pursuiting his dreams!

On the other hand, I have seen a documentary, "Little big dreams". It's about a Chinese 9 year old kid sent to Local Athletic School. His family was poor. Their dream was to make him into an Olympian in future. However, he doesn't have the advantage of a good body for learning gymnastic. He told the reporter that if other kids have to practice 200 stunts, he got to practice 400 stunts. His instructor hits him like mad whenever he makes a mistake but that's part of the tough training. He will throw big temper and crying but he is a kid afterall. His parents felt so sad for their own kid but they have no choice... 7 people have pin all their hopes on him!

They interviewed the instructor. He is not only imparting the skills but he also wanted to teach the kids about life lessons. If the kids cant even endure such pain, he will not be able to achieving anything in future. His instructor's aim is to push every students potential to the fullest.

True enough after going through tough training, they have to go through a test which held every year, to test whether he can make into the Olympic training school. The big dreams and hopes come the family were dashed if their kids did not make it to the school. Fortunately, this perseverance little kid made it and all the pain and sadness seems to disappear....

It's endurance. It's strength. It's pressure... I SALUTE to all athletics for making the impossible possible!!! That's the true spirit of an Olympian!

Food for thought: Jack Neo

I was watching Jack Neo's interview the other day. He talked about his background, his family, his likes and dislikes and how he turned his movie career into fruitful success.

It was amazing that a person without any O level qualification in these days can achieve so much. There was a time, he felt awful about himself when he can't complete his studies. He wanted to prove himself worthy when someone told him that we can never make movies in Singapore. He asked himself, "Why not?"

Qualifications can only bring you so much but eventually it is more important whether we can breakthrough our own thoughts and constantly changing ourselves for the better. I always tell myself that everyone can be an useful person and we have a mission in our life we need to accomplish. We are not successful because we haven't find our niche yet.

When the whole world thinks that it cannot be done but you go and do it. Prove to the world that it can be done. You have changed the perspective of people's mind. Isn't that amazing? Just need an idea trigger....

FOCUS

So many things to do
So little time...

Every hour, Every minute
Every second, every click
Each moment, each step
Approaching death a little closer each time.

Life is a snappy camera
Capturing memories and imagery
Of my happiness, anger, tears and joy

I always ask myself
What do i want in this life?
My future to hold?
What kind of masterpieces do I want to create or
A legacy do I want to leave behind?

So many things in my head
So little time...

I know that time won't wait for me
It's the race against myself and time
I will have to run ahead of time
Or it will control me...

I always hear myself this
I am going to do it tomorrow
next month.
next year.
and never end up doing it...

And when I look back,
Why didn't I do it?
Why did I miss the opportunity?
Why didn't I listen?

What have I learnt from my painful experiences
is to Focus now or regret later...

BEFORE and AFTER marriage

My friend sent me this sarcastic email about before and after marriage. I had a good laugh after reading it because it is true in some ways. I can't deny that some couples just don't value marriage as much as our parents generation. Our generations just have a bad habit of comparing and complaining.

Should we start to ask ourselves what is point of comparing? Does it make us feel good? No, I don't think so. I guess most of the time, when you start comparing, it will make you feel much worse and lousy. Stop comparing and complaining, you will start to enjoy your marriage life.

以前提到結婚，想到「天長地久」；現在提到結婚，想到「能撐多久」。

當初會結婚，說是「看上眼」；後來會離婚，說是「看走眼」。

戀愛時，一見面就「親嘴」；結婚後，一見面就「鬥嘴」。

戀愛時，「情話綿綿」；結婚後，「謊話連連」。

婚前，愛情是「神話」；婚後，愛情是「笑話」。

婚前，男人經常找女人「討論」；婚後，男人只告訴女人「結論」。

婚前，情侶做什麼都是「浪漫」；婚後，夫妻做什麼都是「浪費」。

婚前，「謊話」都是「情話」；婚後，「情話」都是「廢話」。

婚前，男人像「傳令兵」；婚後，男人像「指揮官」。

失戀不見得是世界末日：你的心也許會「泣血」，你的荷包卻可以不再「失血」。

Wedding. Gathering. Outing.

I believe you will notice me that I have been writing this blog not as frequently as compared to the past. Perhaps it a NEW chapter of my life. I have been quite busy with my personal life recently.

Just a quick update:
Buddy's Wedding
I have attended my buddy's wedding on 26th July! Yeah, finally see him going through Holy Matrimony. He is not an ordinary buddy to me. I have known him for 12 whole years since our poly times. I'm really happy for him. Though I'm not a Christian, I believe God will see him through his marriage smoothly as he has strong faith in him.

Very much wanted to take wedding photos for him, but there were 1 main wedding photographer and 2 friend photographers taking photos of the wedding. Although I took 3 pics of his vintage wedding car, I have enjoyed the process of his wedding :)

Farewell Gathering
Another colleague has left my company. Gosh, people are leaving practically every month. I hardly talk to the farewell girl in the past. She always keep to herself, sad looking face, and always find excuses not eating lunch with us! I thought perhaps she is a introvet person.

After she has tendered, she has changed back to her original self. I didn't know she is such a bubbly and fun girl to chat with. Yeah the funny thing is, I didn't know she is so chatty and we clicked well after she has tendered :) Although, ex company has lost a good staff, but I'm glad that I have made a new friend.

We ate our farewell dinner at Timbre. It nice ambience with band performances but lousy services and expensive drinks! But gathering with them for once awhile is FUN :) Because "Network through wonderful United Friendships, we will have FUN."

Bond Outing
As it is a new chapter of my life, I have made new friends within 3 weeks too :) I'm happy that this bunch of new friends are real and friendly people. They love building friendship bonds... They have organised a couple of "friendship" outings at various places, meanwhile can brush up my photography skills :) One stone hit two birds haha

That's all for now haha... Hope the next update wouldn't be too late... :p