Lately, quite into emotions and facial expressions. It's fascinated how people react to fear and express their emotions on their faces and gestures. Some are subtle, but being able to read this without verbal communication is powerful in certain situations.

I've told myself not to step into people's lives too much but to be more concerned about myself than others instead; it does not pay when people don't appreciate your concern or effort. But when people/friends are too shy to express their inner feelings and try to deceive you by saying otherwise, reading their fear, anger, hatred etc implicitly will still help ease my unrest or worry of them.



Paul Ekman, my favourite author and the pioneer in the psychology in reading facial expression, emotion and deception, once said that," Most lies succeed because no one goes through the work to figure out how to catch them."

~~~

Was reading TODAY paper and came across this commentary. In this short commentary, Georgina Chang says that "we all can learn to be less selfish and to deal positively with the baggage from the past."

"Many of us want closure from those who hurt us before we can really let go and move on. But, chances are, we're never going to get it. The only closure that's attainable is in your own mind. It decides that chapter of your life is over, and you want to leave it in the past where it belongs."

Read It Here:BAGGAGE CLAIM

~~~


Godsis, her hubby and little darling princess visited my family today. Little princess is so adorable. Her chuckles and giggles just melt my heart. Carrying her on my arms was an experience that was filled with warmth and joy.

Males and females are great! Females are great in the sense that we experience the pain of monthly ovulation and pregnancy for the joy of bringing a new life to this world. If there's anything that we should be worry about, it would be this funny chart below:



I just can't help think this as a depreciation in our net value as the years go by. The peak in our net value is at 20 years old and after that it nosedives drastically after 35 years old, so despite the cash inflows..the NPV for profitability will still be zero or even negative due to the large lump of cash outflows (facial products, expensive lingerie, anti-aging pills??). It's scary and exaggerating, but not sure how true this is.

It's TVB 43rd anniversary and somehow I realized that without great HK drama productions, my life would be so boring. It's through dramas that I get to see stories that I wouldn't expect and to see emotions and feelings that wouldn't be expressed so vividly in daily life.

Recently just completed watching 巾幗梟雄之義海豪情 (No Regrets) and 蒲松齡 (Ghost Writer aka Po Chung Ling).


No Regrets - The second part of Rosy Business, it tells the political turmoil and rampant opium trading in the 1930s; in which everyone experienced their darkest times with the WWII that followed when the Japanese troops invaded China and Guangzhou fell under the Japanese army.


Ghost Writer - Po Chung-Ling was born in Jinan in a family of New Year print. He is very bright, his father, Po Poon, had therefore always hoped that he could one day carry on the family business. However, Chung-Ling never liked doing business and detested the corruption of high officials. The drama tells the story of how Chung-Ling met Sum-Yu and the little female fox goddess. Of which he spent the rest of his life writing "The Strange Tales of Liao Zhai".

Very glad that No Regrets won many awards in the TVB Drama Award last Sunday.


Sheren Tang - The character of Cheng Kau-Miu is such a complex character and I admire her guts and bold spirit. She eludes a kind of female protagonist charm that I really think she deserves the best actress award.

Wayne Lai - The male protaganist in the drama, Lau Sing. His pair of eyes has expressed all sorts of emotions and he too deserves the best actor award.


Fala Chen - Lau Sing's bed-ridden sister, Lau Ching, who has heart disease in this drama. I think guys would have gawked at the scene where she stripped naked in front of the Japanese soldier. Lau Ching's character isn't as rich as Kau-Miu or Lau Sing, but I think she still acted well despite the simplicity of this character. She's beautiful even with minimal make-up. Happy that she won the best supporting actress award.

A flashback on some of the best TVB dramas that I've watched.


At the Threshold of an Era (1999) - Despite being 105 episodes long, it was my first glimpse of the dark side of business world where villains plotted scheming tricks for fame, greed, and glory. Gallen Lo, Louis Koo, Kenix Kwok, Florence Kwok, and Ada Choi were my idols back then.


Reaching Out (2001) - Another long drama of 50 episodes telling the story of 3 orphans. The most prominent character was Hiu Guan/Hiu Nga both portrayed by Kenix Kwok. The first drama that I watched twice.


Seven Sisters (2001) - A classical Chinese ghost stories between a scholar and female spirit. The first drama in which I fell in love with Charmaine Sheh's character, Yuk-Tsan: A willful and spoil-brat but kind-hearted girl with a tragic ending.


Country Spirit (2002) - The story takes place in a winery in China in around 1900-1930. It tells the scheming merchants in wine-making, as well as the touching love story between a widow, who is part of a ghost marriage, and her husband's house servant. Back then, the dramas were produced in video tapes and it was kind of old-school to rewind the tape before viewing. It was the drama that sees the break-through of Charmaine Sheh's career in the entertainment industry. Her character of Shun Fung reminds me of Jeanette Aw's character in Little Nyonya. Together with the breathtaking scenery shots in Guangxi and the nice theme songs, it was one of my most memorable HK period drama.

Baby, when will you be mine?

Car COE prices hit 10-years high as of Nov 19th. I was hopping like a mad cow and what will lie ahead in 2 years time? Second-hand or OPC? Singapore really have so many cars? Unbelievable but it turns out to be true on one of the evening at Orchard.

It was just 6pm on a normal weekday and from level 5-8, only 4 miserable parking lots were left at Ion's multi-storey car park. Took half an hour to find a lot and took another 40 mins to leave the car park. My friend tried to act smart by turning out to Orchard Turn instead of Orchard Boulevard, but we were faced with the same traffic jam. Imagine if someone's cash card is faulty or of insufficient cash, I think the cars behind would have gone seriously mad.

• On Old Uncle

Call me egoistic, lime-light wannabe, whatever. Was rushing to some place and hailed a cab. At first, the cab driver seemed like a lecherous driver who thinks he can sweet-talk innocent females. He asked me lots of strange questions and I just gave him a polite smile or ignored him completely. Then he looked at the rear mirror and made a comment that inflated my ego, "You've a sweet smile. A genuine smile that I suppose will attract lots of friends." Me? A plain girl-of-next-door? Have a sweet smile? What loads of rubbish!

But sometimes..sometimes..old uncles are really friendlier and he boosted my long-lost confidence. Not only did he charged me $2 less, he made me realized what beauty really means. What are all those beauty campaigns and advertisements trying to sell/tell us? Is it a distorted sense of beauty? It isn't difficult to know that this sense of beauty is a pack of lies, but repeatedly, we know these lies but persisted with our false sense of beliefs. What's your definition of beauty?

Take a look at these website: Comprehensive Study of Asian Woman's Attitude Reveals (especially Japan).

• On Relationship

Sometimes the greatest lesson in life is not from the an education institute, but from our own observations, experiences, and sharing sessions with friends.

I have mixed feelings for this tricky topic and experience a plethora of jealously, hatred, guilt, betrayal, etc. But what's yours will be yours. While we as observers might think to ourselves with exasperation, " What the hell is this female/male doing in the name of love? Is she/he losing his/her sanity?" But love is like a poison "lustful" fruit, where you continuously experience a roller-coaster of happiness, bitterness and sourness. It's through this poison fruit that you learn to grow stronger and more sober.

As I listened to my bro's recount of his past relationships, I realized that even if you know that some actions are incorrect, you will still commit them. When I try to be in their shoes, I realized their dilemma. It takes two to dance; likewise, it takes two to make a relationship fail down a slippery slope or work magic (just my opinions).

Watched 100% Entertainment (娱乐百分百) hosted by Show Luo and Alien Huang few weeks ago (close to 1 month I suppose) and was greatly entertained by the 2 special guests/best friends, Della Ding (丁当) and Shadya Lan (蓝又时). Both are feisty ladies who have overcome several obstacles in life. While Della is the prowess princess of "iron" lungs, Shadya is the bubbly and talented songwriter who seems to have a great chemistry with Show Luo.

In today's over cluttered Chinese music entertainment industry, it's hard to find songs that seriously capture my heart and lyrics of true meaning. I'm definitely not a fan of eye-candy girl bands or suave-looking boy bands.

Shadya Lan is one of those stunning female singers that stood out from the rest. She composes and writes songs for her own and for other female singers. In particular, I like her latest album: Love in London (倫敦的愛情).

Tears of a Fish (鱼的泪): Show Luo was cynical about how fishes would have tears lol~ But yes, fishes are just like human beings, or even any females, who may have invisible tears beneath their smiling facade.



蓝又时 - 鱼的泪
作词：蓝又时 作曲：蓝又时

我们以为鱼是不哭的 而它也从不闭上眼睛
让自己安静 让自己休息
但我知道它是会哭的 只是在水里面待着
看不见有难过的眼泪 眼泪在流着
你就像鱼儿 我也像鱼儿
总有 人觉得我们是坚强的
不会 哭的
我真的知道你在哭 或许你选择去躲着
又或者是微微的笑着 我真的都看见了
我真的知道你会哭 或许你总是笑笑的
但我知道你心里面的
有种不舍 是感动的 心软的 (x2)

我真的知道你在哭 或许你选择去躲着
又或者是微微的笑着 我真的都看见了
我真的知道你会哭 或许你总是笑笑的
但我知道你心里面的
有一种的舍不得 我看见了

It has been 4 years since your demise
But your departure to a place called Heaven
Has elicited the truth of life

You have taught me
To be steadfast in my beliefs even through adversities
To hold on to my dreams
To believe in God

The angels have called upon you sooner than we've planned
But we will brave the bitter brief that comes
And look to the Heaven in the night sky above
You will always be here
For there really is no end

"要放下就要先舍自我， 不然自我愈强，就愈不容易放下。愈无执著者，自我就会渐渐减少，当自我减少了，才是真正的放下。"
- 慧门禅师

"人的心灵宛如一面镜子，能映照出世间的美好。当明镜蒙尘时，如不及时清扫，人将 会失却真我，生活也将处处呈现烦恼尘埃。地面经常清扫，才会有干净的院落；同样， 人的内心需要时常反省，才会有干净的生活。"
- 周利槃特 Ksudrapanthaka (扫心地)

The above religious quotes were excerpts from a magazine that I've just read. I always believe that no matter what religion one is from, God/Buddha/Guan Yin is the pillar of strength to my life. My mother used to be Catholic, but ever since 4 years ago, we converted to Buddhism. I hope that one day I could be reunited with religion & you and find the reasons to my life's ordeals and journey.

Lately, I'm disappointed with people around me and even myself, but I think it's time to lower my expectations and accept what everyone or everything is. But what I realized most is the gift of life. Had some eye viral infection few weeks ago and was given dosage of antibiotics. It soon turned out to be a mini nightmare! First, it was the swollen gum..next, it was the flu..then the cough with blood in my phlegm, the blood pressure plunge..well, it all practically snowballed during my mugging period.

When life is getting faster or spinning without control, it's good to listen to music and seek refuge in religion. At least for me, they help. I don't know when I become a great fan of Hayley Westenra, Libera, and S.E.N.S. Quite strange, but I didn't "dodge" or fall asleep while listening to such songs.

Finally had some good sleep (as if I didn't sleep for few years) few days ago and had a great dinner with poly friends at The Queen and Mangosteen yesterday.

There are so much more things to learn in life and while being grateful to be able to learn and be "refined", I am lazing on my couch thinking of my next move.

Why, why, WHY?

Have you come to a point of life where you've so many questions to ask yourself? What makes me where I'm today, what's next, why do I feel sadness, happiness, jealously, why do I think in such an optimistic/pessimistic manner, etc. As I ponder on such questions, sometimes I feel even more depressed. At other times, I feel proud of myself.

As I grow older, I tend to recognize feelings which I haven't experienced previously - call it a sign of higher alertness level. Do you associate certain feelings/emotions with certain imagery or memories? If an emotion appears for a purpose, how do I cultivate my mind to respond positively towards it?

If only I had ask more "why" questions to my academic, rather than contemplating on such questions on life...which sometimes (I think) is a waste of my time. But how could I when such questions keep surfacing whenever I experience different emotions.

Anyway, I think this is a clever advertising from Breast cancer foundation and DDB. "Are you obsessed with the right things?" A question that sets me thinking, but more importantly, are the images that draws my attention when seen a second time (the swelled nipple).

Is health or pimple/big butt/bad hair day more important?

Goodbye summer, welcome fall. Somehow, I have the sudden irrational urge to go overseas. No matter where it is, I want to go as far as possible. To start off with, I'm not that independent and I'll rather travel with a bunch of friends. Since I'm done with my internship, the next stop is to do a business study mission trip, exchange, or even overseas voluntary program in the next summer. Could I or could I not? I guess it all lies within myself.

For now, it's just school. Each year gets tougher and more challenging. I need the motivation and I believe it's my family and religion that spur me on. Sometimes, the vision gets blurry; other times, I see the beacon of light.

Had a post-birthday dinner with YingJ and LH at Billy Bombers. Nice dinner and companions. I like my Betty's roast chicken and Ben&Jerry's strawberry cheesecake waffle.

I've 2 songs/jingles that I can't get off my head..ahh!

I so happened to pass by the music store and bought this album right on the spot. P.S it was the last CD on the shelf.

Rimi Natsukawa's Toki no Nagare Nimi Wo Makase (時の流れに身をまかせ) from the album of Utasagashi - Asia no Kaze (歌さがし～アジアの風):



Indigo Blue's I'm the One:

I can't believe school is starting. Need to be fully-armored again. Why do I still have the jitters? I guess it all comes from the madness and random shocks. But I think as a comfort, I could cycle in the park when my "rubber band" is snapping.

As it's the seventh month, I am forbidden to cycle as my qi isn't good. So for my safety, I think it's much better to cycle after the seventh month is over. My skin is getting whiter and paler and I look like a vampire! Was supposed to cycle on Monday with YZ, but due to the stomach upset, I didn't go.

Had Kichi Kichi at Takashimaya with Poly friends. It's a nice place to relax and have your food served on the conveyor belt. Not much of a fancy meal, but the service there is good.


After the meal, we watched Angelina Jolie's Salt. An action-packed movie about a Russian spy/CIA agent, Evelyn Salt, who transformed from a cold-blooded spy to a heroine. I think it's AJ's seductive figure and swift fighting moves that save the whole movie. Even as a female, I think she's hot.


Rented another movie, The Blind Side. I think it's one of the best movie that I have watched this summer. It's based on a true story on how a Caucasian-American, Leigh Anne Tuohy, took a black, Michael Oher, as legal guardian. She then guides him to become one of the most successful American football offensive tackle.

Went for dim sum dinner and had some drinks with bro yesterday. Talked about botox, marriage, and even Geylang in the 1980s.

Well, in short, I found this summer break really short. Particularly because of my internship, I didn't get to relax much. But sometimes even learning can be much fulfilling, especially when you're learning something that you like.

Read the papers last week and I'm elated that Sumiko has married her JC crush, Hurricane. In a sweet and simple wedding, it was truly a magical moment. Perhaps it isn't much of a fancy or celebrity new, but for females (at least in my sense) to find happiness in a blissful marriage is the next stop besides having a successful career and wealth.

Source: ASIAONE DIVA

Next moving on, I just can't get enough of Lorna Tan's financial articles in the strait times. Was reading the papers this afternoon..yes, the papers again, and I like how you write "Chasing the Singapore Dream". Talking about the 5Cs, Lorna provided a glimpse on these so-called dream in today's financial situation.

Talking about it, SM Goh reinvents the 5cs to: Career, comfort, children, considerate, and charitable. After all, "wealth will not make one happy. Contentment will".

Oh, have also watched Nodame Cantabile-The Movie. While Nodame (Ueno Juri) is the cutesy, dramatic and talented piano student, Chiaki (Tamaki Hiroshi) is the dashing and solemn orchestra conductor.

I just like the music pieces, especially Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture..depicting how Napoleon invaded Russia in 1812 and how the suppressed peasants defeated Napoleon subsequently.

After a short getaway trip to Genting during the weekends..2 weeks ago, I am happy to say that I have overcome my fear for heights partially. With a bunch of "mad" yet fun bunch of friends, we sat the theme park rides from morning to evening. I screamed wtf twice (or maybe thrice) while on the viking aka pirate ship.

The ultimate one was the sky rocket (or whatever they call it) where they brought us to few meters high and plunged you up and down at crazy speed. I was holding the hand of an Arab lady before the ride started..and we were both terrified like some school kids waiting to enter the Principal's office. I guessed my face was just a pale sheet of paper. For a few seconds, my heart stopped beating and I couldn't even scream or see. The weather was so cold and foggy that I could only, literally, see floating clouds. And I swear that my soul was away from my body for that split second!

A jam-packed weekend, but lots of memory (especially at this grand old age).


It's also my last week in office as an Intern student at this Marketing firm. I wouldn't say I learned a lot since learning is life-long, but I have gathered few soft and hard skills, which could be applied in my studies and life.

I sat in the meeting room and had a last chat with my boss. It was a rewarding one and a time where I somehow did a little HR talk with him to find out my weaknesses. Despite his harsh critics, I believe that I have gained a fresh perspective. You may disagree or have other principles or philosophy in life, but for me, I realized 2 things: (1) It's never too late to make a mistake, but the most important thing is to learn from it. (2) Everything that I am doing now serves a purpose.

Even on the last day of work, I was busy tidying the project which I had started off with. It was fulfilling..much more fulfilling than when I am studying. We had pizza and Koi (yumm!) for lunch and headed to Kallang Leisure Park in the mid-afternoon for ice-skating.

The funniest thing was that my colleague and I were trapped in between the doors at Stadium Circle Line while on our way home. The handle of my umbrella got stuck in between the train's door and my other colleague thought it was my hand since the umbrella's handle was beige too. The train's doors closed at lightning speed and some others were also nearly trapped at other stations. I wonder whether they did install sensors or what would have happened if there's an elderly boarding the train?

I'll miss my colleagues due to all the laughter and hard work that we all had shared in this short but fruitful 3 months.

Tonight will be the last night that I'll...

"I weary of these noisy nights,
Of shallow jest and coarse "good cheer,"
Of jazzy sounds and brilliant lights.
Come, Love, let us away from here.

Let us lay down this heavy load;
And, side by side, far from the town,
Drive on some lovely country road;
And, wondering, watch the sun go down.

What time is left to us, come, Love.
The woods, the fields shall make us whole;
The nightly pageantry above
Our little world, keeps sweet our soul.

No peace this city's madness yields -
A tawdry world in cheap veneer.
Out there the lovely woods and fields.
Come, Love, let is away from here."

- Max Ehrmann

Tonight will really be the last night.

A bad hair day for a week! Simply...amazing.

Watched Japan V Paraguay on Tuesday. Japan was doing fine and all hopes came crashing down when Komono hit the cross bar instead of the goal mouth during the penalty kick. My heart was utterly upset, especially during the scene where all the players knelt down and witnessed as Paraguay hit the final ball to Japan's dismay. Japan fought well and displayed true spirit..ganbatte ne for the next world cup.

Had a hard time going to sleep...and the very next morning, I was ticked off badly by Boss for my mediocre marketing plan. Then on Thursday, my colleague and I were yelled at again through MSN for still not giving him optimum results.

Either he has placed too much trust in me or I'm over confident, but I was suppose to spearhead a new marketing project. I was expecting few meetings to clarify issues, but all we did was to discuss details through MSN. How frustrating can it be. I ended up with migraines that lasted for the rest of the week and like what my colleague say, "Don't be traumatized by this whole issue. This is just how the way he is. "

This is indeed an eye-opener. But amidst this whole issue, it makes me learn to manage my emotions and working ability better.

Double whammy blow on Friday. Brazil lost to Netherlands (Holland) 1-2. Robinho secured the first goal, but the fiery temper of Felipe Menlo and poor defense after half-time allowed the Oranje to score twice. World Cup isn't suppose to go this way. Totally lost my mood to watch.

With Brazil and Argentina (a 4-0 lost!!) out, the playing field is left with Germany, Spain, Uruguay, and Netherlands, which I won't be watching until the finals. Don't want to spoil my mood further and no more late nights.

PHOTO: AP and The Straits Times

I'm going to watch Tuesday's round of 16 match LIVE on Tuesday, 10pm: Paraguay v Japan!! It's the only climax of my coming week since I can't watch Brazil v Chile at 2.30 AM. Who cares if Paraguay is the hot favourite. Although I have lost my kimchi, I still savour for sushi. Keisuke Honda - my plate of sushi.

Do you believe that you possess someone's interest, especially if that person is no longer there? It's quite a strange phenomenon, but yet, it still happens to me. I love the drinks that you used to drink and the house or trance music that you used to listen. Is it for me to feel better or some kind of pill with placebo effects?

I've been listening to Lush ever since I sit at my desk at work every morning or in fact, since 2007 (when you recommended me to listen). Nothing beats chasing the early morning blues than having your heart dance to upbeat tunes. I keep telling myself that I ought to live a more adventurous life, to have a challenging goal..but it always seems that I'm leading a mundane life that it has become a norm for me to just live to live. Where did that bold spirit of mine been to?

I was having breakfast one morning where this huge headline was like a huge red siren that blasted my eyes.


Well, I've been growing up reading her column. She's one of Singapore most popular single woman. While some don't like her whinning of being single and the loneliness that accompanies it, her column is a place where most single ladies seek refuge - a humble abode from those storms. In each failed relationship, you'll question yourself on stuffs like, "what's wrong with me, do I deserve being love, why can't I have the happiness that others have, etc" But when you read her articles on love and relationship, you can't just help feeling that, "Hey, I'm not alone."

Just a week ago, I was uber sad on the passing of her lovely dog, Pom Pom. Although it was adopted, Pom Pom was such a lovable dog. Then in July last year, I thought something would have happened to her love life when Sumiko mentioned Hurricane, her junior college's crush.

So well, as Ignatius Low has mentioned, at a grand old age of 46 years old, Sumiko is saying goodbye to the singleton era. I'm so happy for her and as her staunch reader, I look forward to reading colourful snippets of her married life on September with her sweetheart, none other than, Hurricane.

For more, read her article on Straits Times or this.

I think one of the scariest thing about human is the fact that people might change. How do you measure fulfillment of life? Is it a measurement in terms of the scale of monetary value or non-monetary value. Some may argue that certain scale of measurements are intangible or tangible. There are certain so-call philosophies of life from others that are so rehashed that just the mention of it makes me think of "not this again."

Came across this website while in office.

Take a look at this: At my senior prom, there was a girl in my grade who is handicapped and confined to a wheelchair. During one of the slow dances, a boy picked her up from her chair and slow danced with her, holding her up the entire time, so that she could have at least have one dance at her prom. People like Liam GMH.

Or even this: My boyfriend asked me to teach him sign language.Upon asking why he said, "Your mom told me you were going to be deaf one day... I want to be able to talk to you when we are married." His unconditional LGMH.

Small true stories from people who wrote on GiveMeHope and LoveGiveMeHope are sometimes the best inspiration for the unconditional love and hope in life. It makes you smile and brightens up your day.




Watched Toy Story 3. I think it is awesome and the animation is a total blast. Somehow it helps to relive my childhood and warms my heart just like a cup of hot chocolate on a cold rainy day.

It's World Cup South Africa 2010! Whether it's the African's vuvuzela horn or Korean's taepyongso, nothing beats the excitement of watching the soccer matches held in the Rainbow Nation. It's hot, sizzling, and exotic. Supporting South Korea, Japan, and Brazil ~

Just watched the dvd movie, Tenshi No Koi (My Rainy Days). While the movie is the normal romantic plot of girl meets boy, falls in love, discovers that the boy (or rather, the girl's sensei) has a brain tumor, and finally their tragic yet sweet get-together, the music from this motion picture is splendid!

The original soundtrack (OST) accompanying this movie is so touching and soothing that it simply makes the or-else mediocre movie a magical and enthralling journey of true love between the female lead (Rio) and male lead (Kouki). I always enjoy OST for Japanese drama, movie, and anime because the composers usually manage to weave magical notes from the music pieces that evoke sufficient emotion to make you want to listen continuously and "brim your pair of ears with ear wax".

However, my hunt for this particular OST is as good as coming to naught. I love the tracks by Love Psychedelico's Beautiful Days, Zentaro Watanabe's My Rainy Days, and Indigo Blue's I'm The One. Ok, I managed to find the first 2, but not the latter. In fact, Indigo Blue's track is the true gem out of this whole OST. If someone can help me locate Indigo Blue track for this album, I will gladly reward you haha! Anyway, here's a short preview for some songs in this movie, the first (instrumental guitar from 0:00 to 0:48 mins) and last (vocal rendition of I'm the One from 3:21 to 4:25 mins) are just the songs I AM STILL LOOKING FOR.

Music Clip: Download Here or Watch It Here



Talking about Indigo Blue. This group consists of Rina and Kou. While both compose their own songs and lyrics, Rina is the vocalist and Kou is the guitarist. If I'm not wrong they had their first album in 2005? And they are still fairly unknown and new to any music market except Japan, of course. Do a quick google search with the "Indigo Blue" and they will give you crap! Unless you accompany the search with keywords like Rina, Kou, Japan Music, etc.

Anyway, recently 2 of my colleagues are commenting that I am turning into a gypsy. Can you believe it? With my mini obsession with aroma therapy, essential oils and tea, they feel that I am into the level of spiritual healing. The only thing that I am lacking of is - a taste or flair for bohemian fashion.

This week, some of my colleagues were quite stressed at work and were either coughing or sneezing away. It came to my surprise that our boss decided to have half of Thursday dedicated to an outing.

At first, I didn't think it will be a fun outing as it's on self-massage? Oh, come on, how good can self-massage be as compare to a complete spa package or even chilling out at some nice spot. Well, I was wrong as it turned out that it's a fruitful trip and something that I can apply on myself at a daily basis.

After a light lunch, we shared a cab and headed down to Aljunied, or more precise, Lorang 23 Geylang. It was a small place and the boss of that company is presumably a good friend of my boss. At the half-day meridian massage, I learned about the basic of the 300 acupuncture points on the body that connect to 12 principal and 8 secondary pathways called meridians. The aim of the meridian massage is to balance the pathway of our qi and blood for healthier living. Besides learning some new knowledge, I also had a nice aromatherapy neck rub by my partner.

Called me an idiot in acupuncture, but I realized that one of the most important point is the zhong fu (中府) which connects the spleen and lungs that treats stomach, cough, water retention, etc. Whether it's backache, sinus, indigestion, headache, or toothache, meridian massage has a way to alleviate the symptoms. Just by accurately pressing the acupoints and if it's pain, it does signal a problem with that particular organ or ailment.


I won't say that it has successfully turn my life 360 degrees, but I do believe that when done daily, it will reduce ailments in my neck, back, and headaches. In fact, my family noticed that my hands and feet were warmer after I returned home that day..which usually are quite cold and clammy.

Here's some funny videos on exercising and acupuncture.





Anyway, I was having dinner with a group of school mates at Food for Thought one day. I must admit that they are a bunch of feisty ladies who are soon-to-be bankers or auditors. I don't know when did I give up my aspiration to be in the finance industry? I always thought that I would end up being one of the cookie cutter and be in the investment or trading field. I was so wrong since with the brains of mine, I don't think I would even be part of the ingredients to make a good cookie.

Not that I'm not interested in finance, but I can't seem to do well in it with all the elite people gathering in that top industry. Maybe, I belong to another industry all together?

Not sure whether they are stressed with work or what, but my school mates actually made fun of how tasteless the dessert was and why Food for Thought hired people who face certain financial difficulties or other problems. I was quiet throughout that conversation and silently eating the dessert while some of them were laughing away. I don't see the point in laughing at other people's predicament or even how horrible the dessert is. I mean we should be grateful with what we have on the dining table, even how tasteless it's, at least it filled our stomach. I was plainly upset, no matter how fortunate or rich we're, gratitude is one important aspect of my principles in life (whether is it towards people or food).

Don't get me wrong. I am not saying that I'm someone more sensible or a person deem fitter to talk about principles and those stuffs. But sometimes, I don't see why people laugh at certain things? Is it a mockery of others or in fact, on themselves. There's still an extent to how jokes should be played, or rather, sensible jokes. I'll still return to Food for Thought and support their mission to enjoy food for a good cause.

Mid this week, I was feeling quite down, or rather, confused. But all was not lost when I felt reassurance from Yi Jia and Godsis who both found time to provide me with some words of comfort. Perhaps, life is full of ups and downs. Without no downs, there weren't be any ups. I still have so much more to learn in life, and these are just a few. At least, I didn't show my temper or sulk away in office..or else it would be so unprofessional, so to speak.

It was Vesak Day on Friday and it marks the birth, enlightenment, and final nirvana of Siddhartha Gautama Buddha. My family did our annual routine of visiting the temple and scooping water onto the statue of a baby Prince Siddhartha - related to flowers blooming and rain falling during his birth, and also seen as an act of purification and a reminder to people to keep their soul, heart and mind pure. Maybe Buddha sees the knot in my heart, because after bowing 3 times to Buddha, I seemed to receive a message from him. It wasn't a piece of message that provides direct solution, but a message that rings in my head and soul. I just feel my deepest gratitude to Buddha.

Okay, to sidetrack a bit. I was waiting for one of my colleagues to buy coffee from a small cafe when I came across this photo:



It's Fiona Xie!! Almost ended up laughing non-stop.

Also, I was watching TVB's lastest variety show, 荃加福禄寿, when I ended up bursting in fits of laughter during this episode. Wong Cho Lam impersonate as the evil empress dowager in the drama, 宫心计 (Beyond the Realms of Conscience). Every week, he impersonate as different female characters. In this episode, he even rewrites the theme song of Beyond the Realms of Conscience to express his feelings about acting as a female.

Catch this episode here: Episode 5

For some lighthearted family comedy, you should also watch the weekly episode of Sat In The City (I love Handelababy!!): Sat In The City Episode 1

Here's my loose translation on the song (click to enlarge):

Do you think Wong Cho Lam (on the left) looks like one of my best poly buddy? Are you thinking what I am thinking? Hmm on a side note..I think this poly buddy looks slightly better looking than him.

Alright, I've enough of [item removed to prevent further misunderstandings, thanks all for your concern]..enough of my lamenting.


Lin Chi Ling can really act and she's gaining popularity in Japan. She's not the so-called flower vase/pretty face and she speaks good Japanese. In this latest dorama, Tsuki no Koibito (Moon Lovers), Kimura Takuya is the president of a home furnishing business and meets a Chinese protestor, Lin Chi Ling, during one of his business trip to China.

After watching some Taiwan idol drama, I am now moving on to my HK TVB drama!!


蔡锷与小凤仙 (In the Chamber of Bliss) tells the romantic legend of the love between a military governor, Choi Ngok, and beautiful courtesan, Siu Fung Tsin. I love the theme song, 伤爱一生, which has lovely lyrics and tune.

Growing up in a family that listens to Cantonese Nanyin Opera (地水南音), the theme song has this opera feel and evokes such splendid emotion to describe a genuine love for someone. Just one word, WOW. The only other Cantonese opera that I fell in love is 客途秋恨 (A Wanderer's Autumn Grief) telling the sad tale of a poet and a lovely maiden when I watched TVB's Seven Sisters, starring Charmaine Sheh and Gallen Lo.



If you're up for some action flick, 铁马寻桥 (A Fistful of Stances) has a powerful cast that describes the pugilistic world rampant during the early to mid 1900s.

Missing those backstabbing and vengeful ladies in patriarchal households in pre-modern times? You've got to watch 掌上明珠 (Sisters of Pearl) as the 3 sisters weave a labyrinth of suspense and lies that keep you glue to your seat every episode.

Don't want to be a TV addict? Grab this limited time special offer (until early June, I guess) at all Popular bookstore for Malcolm Gladwell's What The Dog Saw & Other Adventures at a discounted price of $13.65 - usual price of $17.07.


Expect a delightful assortment that suits your hungry taste palate for short article ranging from geniuses, theories and prediction, personality to criminal profiling. Not a book to be missed since Malcolm is one of the popular management thinkers who writes columns for The New Yorker Magazine with his witty and unconventional views on successes and leadership.

It was your birthday last week and I was grateful that two people (male and female) actually remembered it. Personally, there are two reasons why people remember your birthday after so long. They either live in regret or truly place you in their hearts. I wonder if one day I ever left Earth, how many would actually think of my existence or at least - my birthday? Undeniably, famous starlets in the entertainment industry (such as Teresa Teng, Anita Mui, etc) have people to mark their death anniversaries each year because they left an impact on others.

YES..Impact is one great deal that I think I will strive to achieve for. Not on how many people remember how wealthy I am, but how I have left indelible footprints in at least, a few people lives. Guess that most are familiar with the story of Christmas Carol. It would be quite sad if someone becomes like Scrooge and only be reminded of how his or her life had being devoid of humanity, compassion or happiness when he or she finally died.

Anyway, in terms of reciprocity, should I return shit with shit?

You know some people really give you crappy and rubbish stuffs (cuz they can't be bothered) sometimes. You know you can't change them and they still display this air of arrogance, defiance or even "can't-be-bothered" attitude. I want them to emphathize or even for me to empathize them or the situation, but there just seems to be a barrier. So what I normally do is choose to IGNORE. Usually, I leave them alone for good or quit discussion with them since there isn't any productive or meaningful discussion in place. Seriously, I don't know whether this is right.

Oh, also I think the area near my workplace is a food haven for lunch! North Canal road, South Bridge road, and even Market street. Cuz every time when it's 11:30 am, we'll be online discussing where to eat.

I was duped, you see! "Apply, if you're looking for a laid-back and fun environment to work at". Ok, I take back the fun part, but the laid-back part is definitely not quite applicable at least for this moment. I have wanted to make my summer as fun as possible, and packed myself with lots of activities. However, it now really seems that I'm just a workaholic who only finds enjoyment on friday night and the weekends.

Well, for those who already know, I'm doing my internship / attachment at a marketing firm. With just 1 week in office, I need to prepare a proposal and provide a detailed execution plan to boost traffic to one of our main web page. The good part is that our boss doesn't treat us like interns, but as full-fledged staffs who need to sit through meetings and understand the company's operation and products by now.

Challenging as it may seem, it is a place where I can gain much experience from. At this age, no longer can I rely on anyone, but to have faith in myself and provide myself with reasons and motivation to live and fight for my dreams in the impending future. I always tell myself that I'm not alone in this journey; because, waiting for someone / something to appear in my life is a form of loneliness. Seriously, I hope I could keep up with this spirit.

While lunching, I came across this shop at Clark Quay, A Bear Place, which sells exquisite bears from Singapore and around the world, and provides workshop to make your own bear. Don't know why, but I felt such warmth as if all the bears were hugging me. They have a website which provides online purchase of bear..it's still under construction though: http://www.abearplace.com/.

Went cycling at west coast park during my free time. While resting alone at the benches in the park and gazing at an expanse of blue sky, the world suddenly stood still. I started contemplating of events and realized that the cycling route in the park seems shorter. Could it be that I have been running all this while without being aware of my surroundings or could it be that as someone becomes older, you expect a longer route ahead of you?

As I cycled off the beaten tracks and took the dirt tracks, I paused to look at the shelter where I once sat with you in those lazy afternoon as we looked at the muddy pond. The flowers and creeper plants that formed around the shelter were long gone and were replaced by dense and thick green leaves. Many things have changed and in this changes, it strikes me that my loved ones are getting older and I am beginning to forget how one of my loved ones looks like. Maybe it's god's will that it's time to pause, reconstruct my goals and abolish the naivety in me.

I am not a fan of Taiwan's idol drama usually, but I am currently hooked on this hilarious drama - Queen of no marriage! I think it relates well to women, at least to me. And the situations are inherent in our daily lives. I laughed my ass off while watching the first episode when Shan Wu Shuang wore her high school uniform..OMG, it's classic.


Anyway, the story is about a 32 1/2 years old successful journalist, Shan Wu Shuang (Cheryl Yang) who has not been in love for 6 years after her senior (北极熊) left her. Her life starts to change when she meets a young punk (小草莓), Lu Ka Si (Ethan Juan), who is younger than her by 8 years. An endearing story that touches my heart.

Is there a serious barrier for a romance of an age difference of 8 years ? "A polliwog who is still swimming at the base of a pond sees his lady as a beautiful lotus flower. However, when the tiny polliwog becomes a full-grown frog and jumps out of the pond, he sees his lady as an old lotus root."

Now, I'm also officially dumping my Edward Cullen for Stefan Salvatore. The Vampire Diaries is a must-watch drama for die-heart male vampire freaks like me.