This is a continuation of my previous post. These things just came to be randomly and I finally have the time to pen them down ;)
Embrace changes (in temperature).
These days, everyone is so used to having heater and hot showers. No one remembers the days we were still using cold water or having to boil them for a hot one. Swimming brought me back to basics, there is no hot shower at the swimming complex. After a swim under the hot sun, I have began to appreciate having a cold shower. Recently, there was a power failure at home and inevitably it has affected our heater, on certain days, it doesn't work and I have to endure a cold shower (fortunately swimming has prepared me for them)!
Be flexible and adapt to circumstances.
Things do not go how we want all the time, in fact, maybe even half the time! I have had a few occasions since school started, 80 students suddenly came plunging into the pool! I haven't got any space left, yet I had to finish my self-assigned laps. Being flexible doesn't mean cutting down the laps but instead work around it, instead of swimming the length, I need to do the width. Instead of swimming at my pace, I have to work around everyone's pace. That brings up the next lesson...
Be informed, go seeking to be informed.
So inorder to avoid another 80 students having their swimming lessons at the same time with me, I needed to know when they are not there! So I seeked for more information. Ask. Ask and you will get. Indeed, I have found the answer. So sometimes we can't just assume or presume or guess... if the factual information is available, go get them.
That's all for now, I will continue to note down more lessons when they come to me naturally!
Showing posts with label advice. Show all posts
Showing posts with label advice. Show all posts
26.11.13
5 life lessons I've learned from swimming (1)
This post is inspired by 5 life lessons I've learned from running.
If you don't try, you will definitely drown.
And if you do, you have a chance of survival. Most of us in Singapore grow up with us taking compulsory swimming lessons in school. I guess that's a good survival skill. I passed the beginner course with ease, but failed my immediate due to another human fault. But that didn't hinder me from swimming. Immediate course was to master "frog-style" and now I already did, I even invented "doggy-style" where you swim with the head above the waters. That said, it leads to the second lesson (below).
Don't let a failure set you back from achieving your goal.
Sometimes you have to drown to conquer that fear you have.
Exactly. I almost drowned once, not in the pool but in the sea (in Thailand). I always had this phobia of not being able to touch the ground with my feet. But this is exactly it, I can never touch the bottom of the ground in some situations. I have to learn to accept or overcome it. Of course, I have never thought about using drowning to conquer that fear, it was a freak incident. After that, surprisingly it did not deter me from swimming. I continued to swim in the pool (though usually those I can have my feet on the ground). More recently, I found myself conquering a new territory - swimming in the lap pool! To me, that's an achievement.
Stamina comes with practicing.
Like everything else in life, you usually get better and better by practicing. When I went back to the pool after months or even a year of not swimming, the first few half-laps left me panting like a dog. I used to have swim dates with a friend, it's a great motivation to have a sports buddy. But since she left for the States, I found my new friend (discipline). It's not as bad really. I have began to set myself a time frame to finish a certain number of laps. I began with 6 laps, then increased to 8, 10, 12 and occasionally 14 (all these in a few months)! 12 laps' pretty good for me since it's doubled of what I had started with.
Learn to enjoy it.
If you are passionate about something, you usually don't find it a chore. Doing it will help you relax. The best things about it - it keeps you active, clears your mind, relieves stress and also helps you to lose those extra kilos. In fact, I have shed a few and it does make me feel better about myself.
If you don't try, you will definitely drown.
And if you do, you have a chance of survival. Most of us in Singapore grow up with us taking compulsory swimming lessons in school. I guess that's a good survival skill. I passed the beginner course with ease, but failed my immediate due to another human fault. But that didn't hinder me from swimming. Immediate course was to master "frog-style" and now I already did, I even invented "doggy-style" where you swim with the head above the waters. That said, it leads to the second lesson (below).
Don't let a failure set you back from achieving your goal.
Sometimes you have to drown to conquer that fear you have.
Exactly. I almost drowned once, not in the pool but in the sea (in Thailand). I always had this phobia of not being able to touch the ground with my feet. But this is exactly it, I can never touch the bottom of the ground in some situations. I have to learn to accept or overcome it. Of course, I have never thought about using drowning to conquer that fear, it was a freak incident. After that, surprisingly it did not deter me from swimming. I continued to swim in the pool (though usually those I can have my feet on the ground). More recently, I found myself conquering a new territory - swimming in the lap pool! To me, that's an achievement.
Stamina comes with practicing.
Like everything else in life, you usually get better and better by practicing. When I went back to the pool after months or even a year of not swimming, the first few half-laps left me panting like a dog. I used to have swim dates with a friend, it's a great motivation to have a sports buddy. But since she left for the States, I found my new friend (discipline). It's not as bad really. I have began to set myself a time frame to finish a certain number of laps. I began with 6 laps, then increased to 8, 10, 12 and occasionally 14 (all these in a few months)! 12 laps' pretty good for me since it's doubled of what I had started with.
Learn to enjoy it.
If you are passionate about something, you usually don't find it a chore. Doing it will help you relax. The best things about it - it keeps you active, clears your mind, relieves stress and also helps you to lose those extra kilos. In fact, I have shed a few and it does make me feel better about myself.
21.9.10
Tips
I just thought I would share these with all the fellow job seekers, and I did make one of the worst mistakes at my interview! Not bringing a copy of my resume, well the HR told me to bring nothing on the 2nd interview and they did have it on the 1st... Worse of all, I don't have a print out copy of it myself! Ermm, no point crying over spilled milk now, just hope there's still a chance :)
50 of the worst job interview mistakes
The 10 best questions to ask at a job interview
The worst mistake you can make on your resume
50 of the worst job interview mistakes
The 10 best questions to ask at a job interview
The worst mistake you can make on your resume
17.8.10
So you know when you meet one
Quoted this from the plentyoffish forum by SWEETZSUGAR and thought this is very amusing but true!
"HI I SAW THIS AND JUST HAD TO RESPOND AND SHARE WHAT I HAVE LEARNED OVER THE YEARS. MY STEP DAD (WHO WAS A DETECTIVE FIRST GRADE) SAT ME DOWN A FEW MONTHS AGO AND TOLD ME THIS:
WHEN A MAN CARES FOR YOU HE WILL MOVE MOUNTAINS, CANCEL PLANS AND FALL ALL OVER YOU. THE LINE (I AM NOT READY, AS WE HAVE ALL HEARD 100 TIMES IS A BUNCH OF CRAP) MEN ARE AVOIDERS, THEY ARE NOT LIKE US WOMEN WITH ALL THE FEELINGS AND COMMUNICATION STUFF. HE TOLD ME TO LET A MAN ASK YOU THINGS HE WANTS TO KNOW, JUST DON'T VOLUNTEE INFORMATION, BE VAGUE BUT NICE. LET HIM GET THE INFORMATION HE WANTS FROM YOU. THE REASON BEING IS MEN FEEL AS THEY HAVE ACOMPLISHED SOMETHING WHEN THEY ASK YOU A QUESTION AND YOU ANSWER IT. WHEN WE TELL THEM WITHOUT THEM ASKING, ITS TOO EASY AND ALSO, THEY MAY NOT BE READY TO HEAR WHAT WE HAVE TO SAY BECAUSE THEY DON'T CARE ABOUT US YET. YOUR FAMILY PROBLEM COULD HAVE PUT A DAMPER ON THIS BUT I SERIOUSLY DOUBT IT. A MAN WHO IS ALL OVER YOU IMMEDIATELY HAS SOMETHING TO HIDE, A MAN WHO IS TOO QUIET OR STANDOFISH HAS PROBLEMS ALSO. NEVER ASK A MAN OUT OR ASK TO SEE HIM, IF HE REALLY LIKES YOU AND WANTS TO SEE YOU, HE WILL MENTION IT BEFORE THE DATE IS OVER.. ONE THING MOM TOLD ME ABOUT MEN IS THEY HAVE PATTERNS. IF THEY CONTINUE THE SAME PATTERN ALL IS WELL BUT... IF YOU SEE A SMALL CHANGE, BEWARE, KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN AND GET READY TO RUN FOR YOUR LIFE, YOUR GETTING DUMPED, OR THE PULL AWAY ROUTINE IS ON IT'S WAY. THIS MEANS MORE THAN 1 MISSED PHONE CALL, A CANCELLATION OF A DATE. I HAVE JUST TURNED 44 A FEW WEEKS AGO AND HAVE BEEN THROUGH IT ALL, BUT I RECENTLY GOT SMART AND REALIZED ANYONE WHO DUMPS ME WILL WIND UP WITH A HUGE LOSS, THIS GOES FOR YOU ALSO. I MET A MAN A FEW MONTHS AGO. I GOT VERY LUCKY, HE IS THE LOVE OF MY LIFE AND MY SOULMATE. I LISTENED (FOR ONCE) TO WHAT MY STEPDAD TOLD ME AND NOT ONLY DID IT WORK, BUT I FOUND A COMMITED, LOVING WONDERFUL MAN. UNFORTUNATELY, MY STEP DAD PASSED AWAY IN JANUARY AND I WON'T BE GETTING HIS WORDS OF WISDOM BUT I WANTED TO PASS THEM ALONG TO YOU AND GIVE YOU SOME LUCK HERE. HE TAUGHT ME SO MUCH ABOUT MEN.. BE STRONG AND MOVE ON IF YOU THINK YOUR HEART IS BEING PLAYED WITH, REMEMBER IT IS THEIR LOSS....."
"HI I SAW THIS AND JUST HAD TO RESPOND AND SHARE WHAT I HAVE LEARNED OVER THE YEARS. MY STEP DAD (WHO WAS A DETECTIVE FIRST GRADE) SAT ME DOWN A FEW MONTHS AGO AND TOLD ME THIS:
WHEN A MAN CARES FOR YOU HE WILL MOVE MOUNTAINS, CANCEL PLANS AND FALL ALL OVER YOU. THE LINE (I AM NOT READY, AS WE HAVE ALL HEARD 100 TIMES IS A BUNCH OF CRAP) MEN ARE AVOIDERS, THEY ARE NOT LIKE US WOMEN WITH ALL THE FEELINGS AND COMMUNICATION STUFF. HE TOLD ME TO LET A MAN ASK YOU THINGS HE WANTS TO KNOW, JUST DON'T VOLUNTEE INFORMATION, BE VAGUE BUT NICE. LET HIM GET THE INFORMATION HE WANTS FROM YOU. THE REASON BEING IS MEN FEEL AS THEY HAVE ACOMPLISHED SOMETHING WHEN THEY ASK YOU A QUESTION AND YOU ANSWER IT. WHEN WE TELL THEM WITHOUT THEM ASKING, ITS TOO EASY AND ALSO, THEY MAY NOT BE READY TO HEAR WHAT WE HAVE TO SAY BECAUSE THEY DON'T CARE ABOUT US YET. YOUR FAMILY PROBLEM COULD HAVE PUT A DAMPER ON THIS BUT I SERIOUSLY DOUBT IT. A MAN WHO IS ALL OVER YOU IMMEDIATELY HAS SOMETHING TO HIDE, A MAN WHO IS TOO QUIET OR STANDOFISH HAS PROBLEMS ALSO. NEVER ASK A MAN OUT OR ASK TO SEE HIM, IF HE REALLY LIKES YOU AND WANTS TO SEE YOU, HE WILL MENTION IT BEFORE THE DATE IS OVER.. ONE THING MOM TOLD ME ABOUT MEN IS THEY HAVE PATTERNS. IF THEY CONTINUE THE SAME PATTERN ALL IS WELL BUT... IF YOU SEE A SMALL CHANGE, BEWARE, KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN AND GET READY TO RUN FOR YOUR LIFE, YOUR GETTING DUMPED, OR THE PULL AWAY ROUTINE IS ON IT'S WAY. THIS MEANS MORE THAN 1 MISSED PHONE CALL, A CANCELLATION OF A DATE. I HAVE JUST TURNED 44 A FEW WEEKS AGO AND HAVE BEEN THROUGH IT ALL, BUT I RECENTLY GOT SMART AND REALIZED ANYONE WHO DUMPS ME WILL WIND UP WITH A HUGE LOSS, THIS GOES FOR YOU ALSO. I MET A MAN A FEW MONTHS AGO. I GOT VERY LUCKY, HE IS THE LOVE OF MY LIFE AND MY SOULMATE. I LISTENED (FOR ONCE) TO WHAT MY STEPDAD TOLD ME AND NOT ONLY DID IT WORK, BUT I FOUND A COMMITED, LOVING WONDERFUL MAN. UNFORTUNATELY, MY STEP DAD PASSED AWAY IN JANUARY AND I WON'T BE GETTING HIS WORDS OF WISDOM BUT I WANTED TO PASS THEM ALONG TO YOU AND GIVE YOU SOME LUCK HERE. HE TAUGHT ME SO MUCH ABOUT MEN.. BE STRONG AND MOVE ON IF YOU THINK YOUR HEART IS BEING PLAYED WITH, REMEMBER IT IS THEIR LOSS....."
15.6.09
Learn to...
I'm reading this book about negotiating, and the strategies behind it... it's pretty entertaining when I realised I have actually used some of them before! And before I finish this book and introduce to you guys... here's something I picked up today:
Question the authority!!!!
2.3.08
How do you know when you OVER-SHOP!!
1. When you updated the bank passbook, it used to only print half the page. But now it goes on and on, the printing never seems to stop, the pages flipping and it's taking more than a minute!!!!!!
2. You find yourself thinking what to buy to match the recent outfit/accessories you bought, you only care about color and style coordination, and not the poor wallet.
3. You are unable to resist entering any shop with "SALE" on the window display!
4. Your bank account never seems to increase after the pay day!
5. You find yourself stacking heap and heap of clothes because the closet is already near exploding.
6. Your wallet is gaining weight due to the amount of receipts you're accumulating!
7. You go to a shop and realise,"Hey, I have something similar to this, and that, and hey, that too!!", you have shopped far enough to head the trend. Oh, even the most "in" colors!
2. You find yourself thinking what to buy to match the recent outfit/accessories you bought, you only care about color and style coordination, and not the poor wallet.
3. You are unable to resist entering any shop with "SALE" on the window display!
4. Your bank account never seems to increase after the pay day!
5. You find yourself stacking heap and heap of clothes because the closet is already near exploding.
6. Your wallet is gaining weight due to the amount of receipts you're accumulating!
7. You go to a shop and realise,"Hey, I have something similar to this, and that, and hey, that too!!", you have shopped far enough to head the trend. Oh, even the most "in" colors!
27.10.07
Shit pit
I equate a job to a relationship. So if you're unhappy, and it's not the right one, why stay in it??
If a job is taking up a lot of time, he's possessive.
If a job is not the right fit, he's is not the one!
If a job is tedious and demoralizing, he's a woman abuser.
If a job is meaningless and has no prospect, he's better for a one night stand!
If a job has good money but nothing more appealing, he's suited for the SPGs.
If a job takes up long travelling time and there's no life besides work, long-distance isn't really your cup of tea.
If your job has an unreasonable a...... boss, say bye bye before you make a long term commitment.
Like we say, if you never tried you never know. If you tried and it isn't really your thing... don't waste your youth and years mugging! That's my say.
If a job is taking up a lot of time, he's possessive.
If a job is not the right fit, he's is not the one!
If a job is tedious and demoralizing, he's a woman abuser.
If a job is meaningless and has no prospect, he's better for a one night stand!
If a job has good money but nothing more appealing, he's suited for the SPGs.
If a job takes up long travelling time and there's no life besides work, long-distance isn't really your cup of tea.
If your job has an unreasonable a...... boss, say bye bye before you make a long term commitment.
Like we say, if you never tried you never know. If you tried and it isn't really your thing... don't waste your youth and years mugging! That's my say.
2.8.07
Singapore's Gumtree
I chanced upon an article on The Straits Times' Digital Life some days ago, and thought I would share this. Someone has actually discovered a little flaw in our little island before many of us actually do (damned, I actually wrote "insel" because that's "island" in german.. half the time, my head is thinking in german). Do you know what that is??
Most probably not!
Reason being that so many of us still live at home (as the culture is over here), and nobody actually thinks that renting and finding a room in Singapore can be hard and especially doing it without an agent (it can sometimes be impossible!). But having said that, I only agree with the creator of the site after having experienced it myself over in London. There, I could have easily found many options available on Gumtree, Easyroommate or even Flatshare. And for free, without going through an agent - a middleman. How convenient!
So hereby presenting this RoomsDB to you guys, anyone looking for accommodation in Singapore??? This might be a great help to kick off a start ;) Thanks to Sebastian!
Most probably not!
Reason being that so many of us still live at home (as the culture is over here), and nobody actually thinks that renting and finding a room in Singapore can be hard and especially doing it without an agent (it can sometimes be impossible!). But having said that, I only agree with the creator of the site after having experienced it myself over in London. There, I could have easily found many options available on Gumtree, Easyroommate or even Flatshare. And for free, without going through an agent - a middleman. How convenient!
So hereby presenting this RoomsDB to you guys, anyone looking for accommodation in Singapore??? This might be a great help to kick off a start ;) Thanks to Sebastian!
29.5.07
Life is how you make it interesting
6 months since I have started work at Suntec and I've devised a few ways of getting to work (as in from the MRT station to my office tower that usually takes up to 15 minutes)... Routine does bore me, and I need to find some excitment. I seek them!
(A) On a lazy day or an awful shoes' day, there's always the Shuttle Service from City Hall
(B) Walk along Nicoll Highway from Bugis, enjoy the carbon monoxide suicide trail
(C) Walk through Shaw Tower from Bugis, up and down the overhead bridge, this is meant for the physically fit and those with high endurance for warm morning walk
(D) Walk through City Link for sheltered air-conditioned comfort but lots of time-consuming turns
For more Vitamin D3, besides option (B). here's another few methods.
(E) From City Hall, you can
1. walk through Raffles City, exit at the door
a. nearest to Raffles Plaza, half air-conditioned, half sunny walk
b. nearest to Swissotel, still air-conditioned but more sunny walk
2. exit at the door on the right after ascending from escalator (before you even pass through Raffles City or Starbucks), a good sunny walk
If exit from option 1.
c. cross towards Raffles Hotel, across another 3 more routes straight ahead towards Suntec City, enjoy the construction going on by the road
d. cross 2 roads straight ahead (right amid of a few road constructions) before coming to one on the left and re-join the people from option c., however risk your head being hit by some dangerous object swinging up there! (believe me, this one is at least 1 traffic light faster due to the green light timing, that is if you walk briskly like me)
If exit from option 2., coming before the next zebra crossing, you can choose
e. turn left, walk along the Taxi stand outside Swissotel to catch a sight of business men in suits Q-ing up for taxis and then resume to the above c. or d. option
f. cross zebra crossing and one more road, you head towards Esplanade but turn left at the end (because there's no crossing on the main road) and you get to resume to end of route d.
g. cross zebra and one more road, turn left and walk along the traffic before you resume to mid of route d., didn't really like this route because you get car drivers whom stopped at the traffic staring at your bum!
Isn't it amazing that some people take one route for their whole timespan they are at their job, while nutty people like me are always coming up at new ideas. Uuummm... I shall not continue on the return trip from work as I usually do a lot of de-tour (to Marina Square or Millenia Walk or even Bugis), but one tip for people working at Suntec Towers. If the shuttle bus from Suntec is too crowded, try getting the one at Millenia ;)
By the way I have another silly thought, does one person who walk under the sun and out on the road burns more calories than someone who rather takes the sheltered route through City Link???
(A) On a lazy day or an awful shoes' day, there's always the Shuttle Service from City Hall
(B) Walk along Nicoll Highway from Bugis, enjoy the carbon monoxide suicide trail
(C) Walk through Shaw Tower from Bugis, up and down the overhead bridge, this is meant for the physically fit and those with high endurance for warm morning walk
(D) Walk through City Link for sheltered air-conditioned comfort but lots of time-consuming turns
For more Vitamin D3, besides option (B). here's another few methods.
(E) From City Hall, you can
1. walk through Raffles City, exit at the door
a. nearest to Raffles Plaza, half air-conditioned, half sunny walk
b. nearest to Swissotel, still air-conditioned but more sunny walk
2. exit at the door on the right after ascending from escalator (before you even pass through Raffles City or Starbucks), a good sunny walk
If exit from option 1.
c. cross towards Raffles Hotel, across another 3 more routes straight ahead towards Suntec City, enjoy the construction going on by the road
d. cross 2 roads straight ahead (right amid of a few road constructions) before coming to one on the left and re-join the people from option c., however risk your head being hit by some dangerous object swinging up there! (believe me, this one is at least 1 traffic light faster due to the green light timing, that is if you walk briskly like me)
If exit from option 2., coming before the next zebra crossing, you can choose
e. turn left, walk along the Taxi stand outside Swissotel to catch a sight of business men in suits Q-ing up for taxis and then resume to the above c. or d. option
f. cross zebra crossing and one more road, you head towards Esplanade but turn left at the end (because there's no crossing on the main road) and you get to resume to end of route d.
g. cross zebra and one more road, turn left and walk along the traffic before you resume to mid of route d., didn't really like this route because you get car drivers whom stopped at the traffic staring at your bum!
Isn't it amazing that some people take one route for their whole timespan they are at their job, while nutty people like me are always coming up at new ideas. Uuummm... I shall not continue on the return trip from work as I usually do a lot of de-tour (to Marina Square or Millenia Walk or even Bugis), but one tip for people working at Suntec Towers. If the shuttle bus from Suntec is too crowded, try getting the one at Millenia ;)
By the way I have another silly thought, does one person who walk under the sun and out on the road burns more calories than someone who rather takes the sheltered route through City Link???
16.4.07
Dear Boss, I hope you wouldn't read
You know it's time to leave your job when...
- a simple task seems like a chore
- going to the restroom is more enjoyable than sitting in front of the PC
- punctuality applies to knocking off than starting the day
- playing Sudoku is less a torture than using Excel
- using Words makes you even more like editing your resume/CV
- you say "yes" to everything not knowing what they are babbling about
- the hole-puncher becomes your best friend and a source to release stress
- you dress according to your mood, and recently it's been all black (exceptions - Fridays)
- you rather wear the painful heels so they make you walk slower to work
- food is on your mind all the time (what to eat for lunch, what to eat for dinner, what to eat tomorrow, should I get Royce chocolate - if so, which one?)
- you stay up late on Sunday night, wishing Monday will never arrive
- you have zits and it's all because of work (good excuse, right)
- sitting among a bunch of bores do not bother you anymore
10.12.06
After a bad Saturday, the bores make me sick
Boil an orange
A friend just taught me a quick "fix it" for flu. It's not 100% effective, it's dependable on individual/situation I presume. But yeah, I just gave it a try.
1. Boil a whole orange till it gets soft and the water is boiling.
2. Let it cool for a while.
3. Peel off the skin and eat the hot orange flesh.
It does clear my nose for an instant, and I feel my throat being immersed in the juice of Vitamin C. Very refreshing!! Ahh, but now my nose is still running *sniff sniff*
A friend just taught me a quick "fix it" for flu. It's not 100% effective, it's dependable on individual/situation I presume. But yeah, I just gave it a try.
1. Boil a whole orange till it gets soft and the water is boiling.
2. Let it cool for a while.
3. Peel off the skin and eat the hot orange flesh.
It does clear my nose for an instant, and I feel my throat being immersed in the juice of Vitamin C. Very refreshing!! Ahh, but now my nose is still running *sniff sniff*
28.11.06
Shoe-wrecking, and how to survive it!
I am a shoe-wrecker...
Shoe-wrecking can be nerve-wracking. Seriously.
This is the... nth time my shoes broke/tore/split/whatever. Okay, it happened again yesterday, arrghh. I have so much countless experience that I decided it is time I should share some tips on how to save your day, in fact your face too. Or even your poor feet.
Shoe-wrecking situations & solutions (my experience and your possibility):
1. Someone stepped on the back of your heels, just as coincidentally it happily falls into the "gap" between the mrt ground and train.
Demand payment, at least $10 more than the cost of your shoes or if you're not embarrassed by the passer-by since you're already embarrassed enough, ask for twice the amount!! Alternatively, ask the culprit to get you a pair of shoes from the nearest shop (bit unreliable) or inform train staff to retrieve shoe if still intact.
((EDITED 20/12/06)) Forgot to talk about the real solution thereafter. I guess you have to go barefooted and then take a cab home (can't imagine walking on the road or taking a bus?). Or get someone to bring/buy you shoes.
I'd chose the first choice, since it once happened and fortunately that poor guy was too guilty and insisted on paying me.
2. Shoes disintegrated after you left home and walked about 1km.
Get help, ring anyone at home to bring you another pair. Or if it's still in walking condition (before it reaches the final stage), make your way home in the quickest but most gentle manner.
My old running shoes had this problem, the sole came off, soon you see all the bits falling apart, like powder!
3. Shoes split open or tore when you're out (at work or in public).
This scenario is the worst, but it greatly depends on how bad the condition of your shoe(s) is in. It always help to have a pair of slipper in the office (now you know why!!). Here we talk about a few different level of damage/wreckage:
Shoe-wrecking can be nerve-wracking. Seriously.
This is the... nth time my shoes broke/tore/split/whatever. Okay, it happened again yesterday, arrghh. I have so much countless experience that I decided it is time I should share some tips on how to save your day, in fact your face too. Or even your poor feet.
Shoe-wrecking situations & solutions (my experience and your possibility):
1. Someone stepped on the back of your heels, just as coincidentally it happily falls into the "gap" between the mrt ground and train.
Demand payment, at least $10 more than the cost of your shoes or if you're not embarrassed by the passer-by since you're already embarrassed enough, ask for twice the amount!! Alternatively, ask the culprit to get you a pair of shoes from the nearest shop (bit unreliable) or inform train staff to retrieve shoe if still intact.
((EDITED 20/12/06)) Forgot to talk about the real solution thereafter. I guess you have to go barefooted and then take a cab home (can't imagine walking on the road or taking a bus?). Or get someone to bring/buy you shoes.
I'd chose the first choice, since it once happened and fortunately that poor guy was too guilty and insisted on paying me.
2. Shoes disintegrated after you left home and walked about 1km.
Get help, ring anyone at home to bring you another pair. Or if it's still in walking condition (before it reaches the final stage), make your way home in the quickest but most gentle manner.
My old running shoes had this problem, the sole came off, soon you see all the bits falling apart, like powder!
3. Shoes split open or tore when you're out (at work or in public).
This scenario is the worst, but it greatly depends on how bad the condition of your shoe(s) is in. It always help to have a pair of slipper in the office (now you know why!!). Here we talk about a few different level of damage/wreckage:
- Covered shoe's mouth/body split open.
Try stapling, if you're in the office. If you're out and nowhere near stationary, look for "sticky" options in your bag. Like price tag, stamp (the sticker sort) or even Handsaplast (I tried this and was praying no one was looking at my "plastered" shoes). Next, with this temporaily help, find the nearest shoe shop, get a cheap substitute, or if you want a better lasting pair, shop carefully. - Flats/sandals similar to flip-flop with its center strap/support snapped.
I'm afraid you have to do floor-dragging till you find a nearest shoe store or hopefully someone is kind enough to bring you a pair. - Heel(s) broke.
Try breaking the other pair, and make do with flats for the time being. Next, find the nearest shoe shop, get a cheap substitute, or if you want a better lasting pair, shop carefully. - Heels with strap(s) that snapped.
Happened to me yesterday. I was almost frantic when I couldn't find any Handsaplast in my wallet. Don't worry, I found a new alternative. Hair rubber band! Girls with short hair, no harm carrying some. I managed to secure the base of the heels to my feet with my hair band and walked all the way across the road to the mall to get a new pair. Imagine having to drag one feet across the road?? Jesus.
28.7.06
One down, another one left
My professional life is a bit "sucky" (there isn't a term but well it means "sucks").
My first full-time job in Singapore since my return is warming me up for a lot of future challenges, somehow I am prepared. I don't think it is the right place for me to stay. I've been facing a lot of obstacles and I need to overcome them before that something right comes along. Facing with finding my passion and goal, working with difficult people and handling a new, raw and disorganized project... so far it has not only taught me a lot of tolerance and patience, but today I finally resolved a work problem.
If you remember my past entry about an incompetent person, this afternoon I finally exploded. Not a fiery eruption, actually a mild but serious one. I have gathered my courage, collected my evidence, and walked up to this person. I told him I needed to talk to him and I listed all the things I was very unhappy about when he worked with me.
Surprisingly, he did not defend any or most of the things I have said. It seemed like he agreed he was at fault or well, is he just putting up a nice front and wear a mask in front of me? I don't know. The funny thing is that he wanted to keep that piece of paper where I listed the incidents. I sillily gave it to him, but later on I changed my mind and trashed it! I handled it the professional way - I'd like to reckon. There wasn't any bad air after the confrontation, well, at least I think so too!
My designer-colleagues were stunned by my upfrontness and courage, I guess a lot of us Asians do not speak up a lot so we ended up frustrated about things at work. Bury, bury, bury; accumulate, accumulate, accumulate; store store, store... and where is all these shit going to come out from??? I don't like the idea of venting the frustration on some innocent party! Now I'm beginning to see that work life should not be affecting my personal life!!!
So it's one down... Next, finding my passion :))))))))))))))
My first full-time job in Singapore since my return is warming me up for a lot of future challenges, somehow I am prepared. I don't think it is the right place for me to stay. I've been facing a lot of obstacles and I need to overcome them before that something right comes along. Facing with finding my passion and goal, working with difficult people and handling a new, raw and disorganized project... so far it has not only taught me a lot of tolerance and patience, but today I finally resolved a work problem.
If you remember my past entry about an incompetent person, this afternoon I finally exploded. Not a fiery eruption, actually a mild but serious one. I have gathered my courage, collected my evidence, and walked up to this person. I told him I needed to talk to him and I listed all the things I was very unhappy about when he worked with me.
Surprisingly, he did not defend any or most of the things I have said. It seemed like he agreed he was at fault or well, is he just putting up a nice front and wear a mask in front of me? I don't know. The funny thing is that he wanted to keep that piece of paper where I listed the incidents. I sillily gave it to him, but later on I changed my mind and trashed it! I handled it the professional way - I'd like to reckon. There wasn't any bad air after the confrontation, well, at least I think so too!
My designer-colleagues were stunned by my upfrontness and courage, I guess a lot of us Asians do not speak up a lot so we ended up frustrated about things at work. Bury, bury, bury; accumulate, accumulate, accumulate; store store, store... and where is all these shit going to come out from??? I don't like the idea of venting the frustration on some innocent party! Now I'm beginning to see that work life should not be affecting my personal life!!!
So it's one down... Next, finding my passion :))))))))))))))
21.4.06
The Art of Forgiving
I quoted this from about.com, and I find it an essential part of our life or at least it does have some meaning in mine!
"Forgiving is an essential element of successful relationships whether it is forgiving your date for being late, forgiving your husband for not remembering your birthday, forgiving your boss for not giving you the raise you deserve, or forgiving your mother for the name she chose for you at birth.
It's not always easy to forgive. But without forgiving, you will not be able to move past the anger the other person's 'wrong' has produced in you. Anger may put your entire relationship in jeopardy. With enough anger and rage inside yourself, you cause damage to other relationships in your life.
It's not easy to forgive the pain of betrayal, the pain of abuse, the pain of loss... Yet, without forgiving, you cannot move forward to new, fresh relationships. Without forgiving, you cannot truly mend a broken relationship.
Forgiving does not mean you will allow your spouse to continue to abuse you, or cheat on you, or make your life miserable. It means you look past the act and at the person. It means you forgive the personal weakness he or she is unwilling or unable to control.
Forgiving the actions of others helps to remove damaging anger and rage from within you."
How do you forget without forgiving?? Impossible. Below is another from www.coping.org.
"1. Forgiving is allowing another person to be human for faults, mistakes, or misdeeds. Forgetting is putting these behind you; they are no longer brought up and no longer remain a barrier to your relationship.
2. Forgiving is letting another know that there is no grudge, hard feelings, or animosity for any wrongdoing. Forgetting is the lack of further discussion, with no ongoing negative references to the event.
3. Forgiving is letting the other person know that you accept as genuine the remorse and sorrow for actions or words that hurt or disappointed you. Forgetting is promising that this deed, whether of omission or commission, will not be brought up again.
4. Forgiving is accepting the sincerity of penance, sorrow, and regret expressed over a grievous personal offense; making it sufficient to clear the air. Forgetting is your commitment to let go of anger, hurt, and pain over this offense.
5. Forgiving is giving a sign that a person's explanation or acceptance of blame for a destructive, hurtful, or painful act is fully accepted. Forgetting is the development of a plan of action between the two of you to heal the scars resulting from the behavior.
6. Forgiving is the highest form of human behavior that can be shown to another person. It is the opening up of yourself to that person to be vulnerable to being hurt or offended in the future, yet setting aside this in order to reopen and heal the channels of communication. Forgetting is equally as high a human behavior; it is letting go of the need to seek revenge for past offenses.
7. Forgiving is the act of love between you and a person who has hurt you; the bandage that holds the wound together long enough to heal. Forgetting is also an act of love; in rehabilitation therapy, helping the wounded return to a full, functional, living reality.
8. Forgiving is the God like gift of spiritually connecting with others, touching their hearts to calm the fear of rejection, quiet the sense of failure, and lighten the burden of guilt. Forgetting is the God like gift of spiritually touching others' hearts with the reassurance of a happy and full life with no fear of recrimination, remonstrations, or reminding of past offenses.
9. Forgiving is the act of letting go of temporary ill will, disappointment, or the disgust that arises from the break in your relationship. Forgetting is bridging this gap in the relationship, eventually strengthening it against such a break in the future.
10. Forgiving is an act of compassion, humanity, and gentleness by which you let another know that she/he is indeed a child of the universe upon whom a variety of graces and blessings have been showered and that current or past offenses need not be a barrier preventing goodness and worth to shine through. Forgetting is the act of encouragement, support, and reinforcement by which you assist the other person to rebuild, reconnect and re-establish a loving, caring, healthy relationship with you, others, and the world whereby gifts, talents, and skills are freely appreciated and shared."
For the Christians and believers of God,
"Father God, I need your help and your insights. Today I have gained a better understanding of forgiving others and with your help, I fully forgive from my heart. Just as you have freely forgiven me, I forgive them. Father, I ask you to forgive me for hurting others out of my own hurt and to heal my relationships with others. I pray all of this in Jesus' precious name and by whom all forgiveness and healing was made possible. Thank you for loving me in ways I'll never comprehend. In Jesus' name, Amen."
Another extract from Martin Luther King's Strength to Love (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1981)
"Probably no admonition of Jesus has been more difficult to follow than the command to love our enemies…Far from being the pious injunction of a Utopian dreamer, the command to love one’s enemy is an absolute necessity for our survival. Love even for our enemies is the key to the solution of the problems of our world…
Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend. We never get rid of an enemy by meeting hate with hate; we get rid of an enemy by getting rid of enmity. By its very nature, hate destroys and tears down; by its very nature, love creates and builds up. Love transforms with redemptive power."
"Forgiving is an essential element of successful relationships whether it is forgiving your date for being late, forgiving your husband for not remembering your birthday, forgiving your boss for not giving you the raise you deserve, or forgiving your mother for the name she chose for you at birth.
It's not always easy to forgive. But without forgiving, you will not be able to move past the anger the other person's 'wrong' has produced in you. Anger may put your entire relationship in jeopardy. With enough anger and rage inside yourself, you cause damage to other relationships in your life.
It's not easy to forgive the pain of betrayal, the pain of abuse, the pain of loss... Yet, without forgiving, you cannot move forward to new, fresh relationships. Without forgiving, you cannot truly mend a broken relationship.
Forgiving does not mean you will allow your spouse to continue to abuse you, or cheat on you, or make your life miserable. It means you look past the act and at the person. It means you forgive the personal weakness he or she is unwilling or unable to control.
Forgiving the actions of others helps to remove damaging anger and rage from within you."
How do you forget without forgiving?? Impossible. Below is another from www.coping.org.
"1. Forgiving is allowing another person to be human for faults, mistakes, or misdeeds. Forgetting is putting these behind you; they are no longer brought up and no longer remain a barrier to your relationship.
2. Forgiving is letting another know that there is no grudge, hard feelings, or animosity for any wrongdoing. Forgetting is the lack of further discussion, with no ongoing negative references to the event.
3. Forgiving is letting the other person know that you accept as genuine the remorse and sorrow for actions or words that hurt or disappointed you. Forgetting is promising that this deed, whether of omission or commission, will not be brought up again.
4. Forgiving is accepting the sincerity of penance, sorrow, and regret expressed over a grievous personal offense; making it sufficient to clear the air. Forgetting is your commitment to let go of anger, hurt, and pain over this offense.
5. Forgiving is giving a sign that a person's explanation or acceptance of blame for a destructive, hurtful, or painful act is fully accepted. Forgetting is the development of a plan of action between the two of you to heal the scars resulting from the behavior.
6. Forgiving is the highest form of human behavior that can be shown to another person. It is the opening up of yourself to that person to be vulnerable to being hurt or offended in the future, yet setting aside this in order to reopen and heal the channels of communication. Forgetting is equally as high a human behavior; it is letting go of the need to seek revenge for past offenses.
7. Forgiving is the act of love between you and a person who has hurt you; the bandage that holds the wound together long enough to heal. Forgetting is also an act of love; in rehabilitation therapy, helping the wounded return to a full, functional, living reality.
8. Forgiving is the God like gift of spiritually connecting with others, touching their hearts to calm the fear of rejection, quiet the sense of failure, and lighten the burden of guilt. Forgetting is the God like gift of spiritually touching others' hearts with the reassurance of a happy and full life with no fear of recrimination, remonstrations, or reminding of past offenses.
9. Forgiving is the act of letting go of temporary ill will, disappointment, or the disgust that arises from the break in your relationship. Forgetting is bridging this gap in the relationship, eventually strengthening it against such a break in the future.
10. Forgiving is an act of compassion, humanity, and gentleness by which you let another know that she/he is indeed a child of the universe upon whom a variety of graces and blessings have been showered and that current or past offenses need not be a barrier preventing goodness and worth to shine through. Forgetting is the act of encouragement, support, and reinforcement by which you assist the other person to rebuild, reconnect and re-establish a loving, caring, healthy relationship with you, others, and the world whereby gifts, talents, and skills are freely appreciated and shared."
For the Christians and believers of God,
"Father God, I need your help and your insights. Today I have gained a better understanding of forgiving others and with your help, I fully forgive from my heart. Just as you have freely forgiven me, I forgive them. Father, I ask you to forgive me for hurting others out of my own hurt and to heal my relationships with others. I pray all of this in Jesus' precious name and by whom all forgiveness and healing was made possible. Thank you for loving me in ways I'll never comprehend. In Jesus' name, Amen."
Another extract from Martin Luther King's Strength to Love (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1981)
"Probably no admonition of Jesus has been more difficult to follow than the command to love our enemies…Far from being the pious injunction of a Utopian dreamer, the command to love one’s enemy is an absolute necessity for our survival. Love even for our enemies is the key to the solution of the problems of our world…
Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend. We never get rid of an enemy by meeting hate with hate; we get rid of an enemy by getting rid of enmity. By its very nature, hate destroys and tears down; by its very nature, love creates and builds up. Love transforms with redemptive power."
7.5.05
Men vs Women, Marriage vs Divorce
Upon finishing the psychological book, I have a better understanding of things behind marriage. Too bad, I can't recall everything to make a good summary, but look out for this book if ever you want to resolve that negative feelings inside you in your relationship.
Like it mentioned, men have their ego and their vulnerable side they wish no one else will see. They hid them, became distant or acted out in other way. They want to be the dominating partner in a relationship, don't want to be tied down or appear dependent on the relationship. They wish to appear emotionally strong, or refrain from expressing themselves. They are the one giving themselves the pressure, we women can only try to understand, but NOT change them.
Women are oversensitive creatures, many of us know that. A woman becomes overly suspicious, dependent and clingy and allow her fear to conquer her mind. Some women are reluctant to leave a bad relationship that promises them nothing because they didn't want to face up to it. In order to experience a real love, we women have to learn to let down our guard, let go of the past traumas, recognize the way we feel and confront it (in a proper way than just venting them).
I'm not discussing the chapters on sexuality in relationship ;) Here is a very important thing I learned: We need to become comfortable retaining our independent sense of self while remaining involved in an enmeshed and merged relationship (quoted from line 01 pg. 203 of "Is it your or is it me?" by Scott Wetzler).
The last few chapters revolve about separation and divorce which I do not totally comprehend. It gives me a rough idea but I guess on my part, its impossible to visualize the pain involved.
For most situations, we require insight to allow ourselves to understand the reasons behind without putting all the blame on the other party, to recognize we are human have such emotions (good and bad). Then we need to master them, finding constructive ways to reach a mutual solution. Next, we also need to be more tolerant and learn to forgive, in this way we let go of the anger :)
Does this sound difficult?? I guess life is just a course of learning... :))
1.5.05
Disappointment & Anger
I have read another further 3 chapters. It's about coping with anger and disappointment which we very often experience in relationships. Our partner or even us might be part of the cause, but then the start of either of this is due to our own expectation. We want it from them, we expect a reaction from them, we assume they will be what we have in mind. Then again, we are wrong. We should work within their limitation, we should focus on the benefits we gained being together and not count the flaws. So right!
*I hope I'm not infringing the copyright... hehe. I'm just translating them in my own words and personal view, so some of you out there might find this useful**
27.4.05
Why we argue?
I am reading this psychological book revolving around arguments between couples. Okay, I didn't get this because I was seeking for some help on my relationship. In fact, the title captured my attention for a longer than three-seconds span and so I decided to add to my borrowing list.
I've only read the first two chapters but on a busy day like today (I'm a quick reader I think). It's describing about scenarios where partner blames each other for a specific arising quarrel. All just because of our "preconception" (you might want to look this up in a "medical" dictionary?). Why do some couples fight so often, argue so much or feel so miserable in a relationship?? (I feel like a psychologist now!!)
Most of the time, they come from within - emotions. There is no right or wrong in most situations, because each of us look at a particular thing in our own perception. We make our assumption, accusation and conclusion - with our own mindset of course. So how often are we right?? When we start pointing finger, we didn't consider how we could have directed that negative feeling (frustration, anxiety, sadness, etc) into something more constructive. And of course, it takes two hands to clap.
Coming back to me, I don't think I want to elaborate on my own experiences. But these did happen, and today we have resolved that without this book. I'm pretty eager to finish reading, I wonder if my little childhood ambition of becoming a psychologist would have turned me into one if I followed that dream.
And to me, divorce is not a loss of love and feelings but instead the inability to cope with the rising conflicts and his/her poor problem-solving skills. I can't say much on this, until maybe I first understand the meaning of a marriage. Or maybe just let me finish the book and I'll see if I change this perception :))
6.10.04
It's not our fault, it's you - androgen!!
Useful information for those prone to "naughty hormones"... ok, I mean red, big, ugly acnes!! I came across this article on MSN, and I'd like to share with you - if you are/were also a victim of these horrible monsters. Read more...
14.10.03
I'm zombie lookalike
I've found a cure (or an advice really)!!!
HOW NOT TO LOOK LIKE ME!!
1. Drink warm milk before bedtime. Not only is it soothing, milk and dairy products contain tryptophan, a natural sleep enhancer. Plus, the warmth may temporarily increase your body temperature and the subsequent drop may hasten sleep.
2. Jot down all of your concerns and worries. Think about your worries and possible solutions before you go to bed, so you don't need to ruminate in the middle of the night. A journal may be very helpful in letting you put away these concerns until the next day when you are fresh.
Dear friends, here's a link on how to get a good night of sleep. The above methods are quoted from the source.
13.8.03
Vitamin D
My mum says I am burned. My dad says I am dark. My sister says I am black. The other says I am red. My colleague says I got a tan. Another nods his head. I say,"yea, I got a bit of the sun."
The below are quoted from www.tomigion.com except for the ones in italics.
1. Vitamin D: the sun vitamin
The sun is an important source of Vitamin D. Our bodies make Vitamin D when sunlight touches our bare skin. However, it has been proved that too much exposure to direct sunlight increases the risk of skin cancer, so wearing a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher is important for reducing the risk of skin cancer and preventing premature aging of the skin. Despite the harmful effect of too much sun, it has also been proven that at least 10-15 minutes of sunlight per day, depending on your skin sensitivity, is actually good for you. A major discovery, esp. for people who live in countries with cold ("sun-less") seasons
2. The lack of Vitamin D may contribute to chronic fatigue and depression
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a mood disorder caused by the lack of light in winter, is a specific type of major depression. It can appear as the onset of major depression in the fall (September through November) and the symptoms abate in late winter to early spring (March through May). Also, the frequency of SAD can vary depending on the amount of sun in relation to the geographic location.
The below are quoted from www.tomigion.com except for the ones in italics.
1. Vitamin D: the sun vitamin
The sun is an important source of Vitamin D. Our bodies make Vitamin D when sunlight touches our bare skin. However, it has been proved that too much exposure to direct sunlight increases the risk of skin cancer, so wearing a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher is important for reducing the risk of skin cancer and preventing premature aging of the skin. Despite the harmful effect of too much sun, it has also been proven that at least 10-15 minutes of sunlight per day, depending on your skin sensitivity, is actually good for you. A major discovery, esp. for people who live in countries with cold ("sun-less") seasons
2. The lack of Vitamin D may contribute to chronic fatigue and depression
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a mood disorder caused by the lack of light in winter, is a specific type of major depression. It can appear as the onset of major depression in the fall (September through November) and the symptoms abate in late winter to early spring (March through May). Also, the frequency of SAD can vary depending on the amount of sun in relation to the geographic location.
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