1.11.10
Hmmmm....
On one of the days where you feel like a lazy breakfast, try this :) Don't be greedy and add too much water, maybe 70% full, and it will work out a thick sweet porridge nicely.
Be a yogi
It was our first time doing Yoga by the Sea which was their second time running in Singapore. My sister signed up and then psycho (which means influenced in our local slang) the rest of us to do so. I thought it was more of a girly event but turned out quite a couple of men were there too. Even the instructors, half of them were male. It was S$5 to register for the mass yoga sessions, it came with a goodie bag and a basic mat for early birds. The goodie bag was impressive, there were a packet of Ribena, lozenges, Panaflex plasters, moisturising lotion and a couple of useful stuff.
There were also workshops but you had to pay for those separately. We only did the mass yoga events. We did one full session (lazed a bit when one instructor went too fast and almost half of crowd just stopped following). The other instructors would go around correcting us but I think they got tired of it after the first 30 minutes. LOL. I saw many first-timers, and most of them or even me wouldn't be able to do some postures correctly. Even though I did bikram yoga and pilates before, without a mirror, I feel a little handicapped. The second session was later and by then, most people had left for dinner. I wasn't in the mood for the second one; my sister and cousin whom arrived late continued while the rest of us went to satisfy our stomach :)
There were also workshops but you had to pay for those separately. We only did the mass yoga events. We did one full session (lazed a bit when one instructor went too fast and almost half of crowd just stopped following). The other instructors would go around correcting us but I think they got tired of it after the first 30 minutes. LOL. I saw many first-timers, and most of them or even me wouldn't be able to do some postures correctly. Even though I did bikram yoga and pilates before, without a mirror, I feel a little handicapped. The second session was later and by then, most people had left for dinner. I wasn't in the mood for the second one; my sister and cousin whom arrived late continued while the rest of us went to satisfy our stomach :)
28.10.10
Contemplative Wednesday
The reading mood has came back... I finished another book today.
Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart - 30 True Things You Need to Know Now by Gordon Livingston.
I enjoy it, because I could see things and hear stories from a psychiatrist's point of view. In some of the chapters, he really woke me up with the things he said, he might not be right all the time but lots of it do make sense. I reckon some of my friends should really read this book. LOL. The musings about life can be quite an entertainment to read, if not thought-provoking.
There are too much things that I can really quote from the book, so I am skipping this. However, here's one I'd still like to share:
"It is our fallibility and uncertainty that make us human. Our constant challenge is not to seek perfection in ourselves and others, but to find ways to be happy in an imperfect world."
I have another of his sequel to continue tomorrow if my reading mood still persists ;)
Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart - 30 True Things You Need to Know Now by Gordon Livingston.
I enjoy it, because I could see things and hear stories from a psychiatrist's point of view. In some of the chapters, he really woke me up with the things he said, he might not be right all the time but lots of it do make sense. I reckon some of my friends should really read this book. LOL. The musings about life can be quite an entertainment to read, if not thought-provoking.
There are too much things that I can really quote from the book, so I am skipping this. However, here's one I'd still like to share:
"It is our fallibility and uncertainty that make us human. Our constant challenge is not to seek perfection in ourselves and others, but to find ways to be happy in an imperfect world."
I have another of his sequel to continue tomorrow if my reading mood still persists ;)
25.10.10
Inspirational Monday
This morning, I lazed in bed and started reading this book I got from the library. It's titled Dear Sebastian about a father's last wish to publish a book with collection of inspirational letters to his son. Jordan, Sebastian's dad, died at age 35 with terminal cancer. At 35, a prime time where most people are enjoying their lives, taking life for granted and complaining about so many minor things... Jordan had only one wish, he wanted his son to grow up to be an amazing person when he's not around anymore to guide him. Thus he set up this project and wrote to writers, politicians, artists, sports stars, musicians, businessmen, journalists and many others to ask them to share their thoughts on finding happiness, success and peace in life. Sadly, before he could write his own letter to his son, he passed away, his mother then continued to help make this dream come true.
My afterthoughts...
Unfortunately, we can't tell people how to live their lives. Everyone has to make their own destiny, good or bad. I read in part of the book that everyone has their conscience and we know all the time if something is wrong or right, but it is really up to that individual if you want to make it right. I also recall this sentence that says,"If you've nothing good to say about someone, say nothing." Why do people have to be mean when they have a choice not to be? It also tells us not to bear grudges as the person carrying the burden is the one who bears it. I see some new things in life that I didn't seem to notice before, this is the thing I love about such inspirational books.
I also like to share some quotes found in the book:
"Learn to tell knowledge from wisdom - seek people with wisdom, remember that the world is full of the knowledgeable blind."
"... every person is deserving of respect, ... from the lowliest to the greatest."
"Try to turn every negative into the biggest positive, because the people you meet on the way up may very well become the people you will meet on the way down."
"Don't go looking for a massive improvement in everything you do - learn to delight in small things, because, one day, they will all become the big things you were looking so impatiently for."
"One of the most difficult things in life is recognising how to evaluate yourself, because, at the end of the day, knowing the good and bad in yourself is more important than the opinions of others...You can never validate yourself through the eyes of others - only through your own... We all like to be praised, but we should not seek it."
"If it's going to be, it's up to me."
"Dream and dream big, but remember it's in the following of the dream where the success lies. Let achieving your dream be a bonus."
"It was great for you to ride your first winner but don't forget you are only as big today as you were yesterday -- Don't forget where you came from and don't get carried away."
My afterthoughts...
Unfortunately, we can't tell people how to live their lives. Everyone has to make their own destiny, good or bad. I read in part of the book that everyone has their conscience and we know all the time if something is wrong or right, but it is really up to that individual if you want to make it right. I also recall this sentence that says,"If you've nothing good to say about someone, say nothing." Why do people have to be mean when they have a choice not to be? It also tells us not to bear grudges as the person carrying the burden is the one who bears it. I see some new things in life that I didn't seem to notice before, this is the thing I love about such inspirational books.
I also like to share some quotes found in the book:
"Learn to tell knowledge from wisdom - seek people with wisdom, remember that the world is full of the knowledgeable blind."
"... every person is deserving of respect, ... from the lowliest to the greatest."
"Try to turn every negative into the biggest positive, because the people you meet on the way up may very well become the people you will meet on the way down."
"Don't go looking for a massive improvement in everything you do - learn to delight in small things, because, one day, they will all become the big things you were looking so impatiently for."
"One of the most difficult things in life is recognising how to evaluate yourself, because, at the end of the day, knowing the good and bad in yourself is more important than the opinions of others...You can never validate yourself through the eyes of others - only through your own... We all like to be praised, but we should not seek it."
"If it's going to be, it's up to me."
"Dream and dream big, but remember it's in the following of the dream where the success lies. Let achieving your dream be a bonus."
"It was great for you to ride your first winner but don't forget you are only as big today as you were yesterday -- Don't forget where you came from and don't get carried away."
23.10.10
Life is a test
Today life has a way of toying around with me, or perhaps testing me and decide if it will reward me good karma thereafter?
We were having a late lunch today and someone accidentally left their wallet behind, just right beside us. I handed it to the restaurant manager as the girl was out of sight and I couldn't recognise her. To be honest, I have never picked up anyone's wallet before.
Then it was the mass yoga event at East Coast. After the first session, we returned for the second. There on the ground I spotted a DOMO pouch, if you know me, yes I'm a DOMO fan. So I went up and picked it up, and was surprised to see there was an ipod (itouch) inside! The owner must have accidentally left it there. I took it with me and wondered what to do with it, there wasn't information on it. I bet the owner would be very anxious when he discovered it was missing. Then I decided to hold on to it and see if someone came back for it or to hand it over to the event's organiser. I was tempted to keep it but guilt overpowered me, I just couldn't... I wonder how some people could pick up others' phone or precious belonging and treat it as their own without guilt! Do they even have conscience? But years ago during a holiday, I found an old phone on the street in London, it was a crap phone and I took it and gave it to my sister who then didn't have a phone. Ever since, I never really kept anything else that wasn't mine. Maybe it was bad karma as I lost my phone last year and never gotten it back.
Anyway, true enough, we saw a couple came back searching for something and even enquiring the people around. I suspected it might belong to them, so I went up to the guy and asked if he lost something and what was it. Sure enough, he said he lost an itouch, and I handed it to him telling him that I found it earlier. He was very grateful and even shook my hand. At that moment, I felt appreciated and I hope there are more honest people around in Singapore.
We were having a late lunch today and someone accidentally left their wallet behind, just right beside us. I handed it to the restaurant manager as the girl was out of sight and I couldn't recognise her. To be honest, I have never picked up anyone's wallet before.
Then it was the mass yoga event at East Coast. After the first session, we returned for the second. There on the ground I spotted a DOMO pouch, if you know me, yes I'm a DOMO fan. So I went up and picked it up, and was surprised to see there was an ipod (itouch) inside! The owner must have accidentally left it there. I took it with me and wondered what to do with it, there wasn't information on it. I bet the owner would be very anxious when he discovered it was missing. Then I decided to hold on to it and see if someone came back for it or to hand it over to the event's organiser. I was tempted to keep it but guilt overpowered me, I just couldn't... I wonder how some people could pick up others' phone or precious belonging and treat it as their own without guilt! Do they even have conscience? But years ago during a holiday, I found an old phone on the street in London, it was a crap phone and I took it and gave it to my sister who then didn't have a phone. Ever since, I never really kept anything else that wasn't mine. Maybe it was bad karma as I lost my phone last year and never gotten it back.
Anyway, true enough, we saw a couple came back searching for something and even enquiring the people around. I suspected it might belong to them, so I went up to the guy and asked if he lost something and what was it. Sure enough, he said he lost an itouch, and I handed it to him telling him that I found it earlier. He was very grateful and even shook my hand. At that moment, I felt appreciated and I hope there are more honest people around in Singapore.
17.10.10
Ewwww
I was reading online and somehow got to the Sarong Party Girl blog and found an article on Finnish men, and I just thought I would read it and see if it is true.
Quoted from her blog:
"An outgoing Finnish man would be considered introverted anywhere else in the world. I have met talkative Finns, it's when they've had several cases of beer and I have gotten used to the general lack of conversation."
"A Finn will not hit on you, even when he is really drunk, and even then he might not do so. So if at the end of the date, you would want something more, you have to make it obvious. You know how all French men assume you would sleep with them if you go out on a date? Finns are the exact opposite. The only time he will hit on you is when you are in his bedroom. And even then."
Quoted from her blog:
"All men are easy when they are drunk enough not to be self-conscious, and the Finns will drink till they are boderline comatose so they can approach a girl."
Anyhow, I am still keeping my distance from them!!
Quoted from her blog:
"An outgoing Finnish man would be considered introverted anywhere else in the world. I have met talkative Finns, it's when they've had several cases of beer and I have gotten used to the general lack of conversation."
"A Finn will not hit on you, even when he is really drunk, and even then he might not do so. So if at the end of the date, you would want something more, you have to make it obvious. You know how all French men assume you would sleep with them if you go out on a date? Finns are the exact opposite. The only time he will hit on you is when you are in his bedroom. And even then."
I don't think so!!! Or the ones I met in Taiwan are a different breed. Well, one was really talkative and would go on and on and on, while the other one who tried in get on my bed was super quiet and seemed introvert.
Quoted from her blog:
"All men are easy when they are drunk enough not to be self-conscious, and the Finns will drink till they are boderline comatose so they can approach a girl."
But I think she got this right, they drank a lot and probably would only have courage after they got really drunk. This is so FREAKY.
Anyhow, I am still keeping my distance from them!!
16.10.10
Are you "kidding"?
GV's birthday treat kinda sucks, 1-for-1 movie deal is only for those not on free listing, so it already means you can't watch 70% of the films they are showing. What kind of treat is it really?? Oh well, better than nothing yay? So out of all the action packed films going on that are not on the list, I found a light-hearted romantic comedy, The Switch. It doesn't seem like the best but it was the best out of the limited choices.
So anyhow, I watched it and it was not bad for a relaxing afternoon. I specially like the involvement of the kid Sebastian and Wally's friend, Leonard (played by Jeff Goldblum), they made the show so funny. I'm not a big fan of Jennifer Aniston but I do like Jason Bateman which I saw him first in Juno. He oozes manly charm ;) The show is about Kassie (played by Jennifer Aniston) being a 40-year-old single woman who wanted to have a kid, and so she was on a look out for sperm donor. It turned out that her best friend Wally (played by Jason Bateman) was against the idea and in his drunken stupor he switched the content of the container (you know what) with that of his own. And thus the title, The Switch.
My verdict: 3.5/5
After the movie, it really got me thinking... I'm sure in reality, some people are doing it and even men will be finding surrogate mums to have kids. I decided to try this idea on some people I know that are of or over the ideal marriageable age. So one of them actually believed that I wanted to do this, LOL. His reply, though in a joking manner, was "So when do you want the xxxxx?" Then another one,"Oh and on the subject of xxxxx donation... how come you never ask me? I might want to donate too you know." But not before he said this,"You are not unwanted... just undiscovered. Just like the bluest diamond in the world." So sweet that it would melt my heart (not melted by him literally) but you know... It's very amusing but well, I mean why not, if I really want kids and at a certain age, no one really suitable comes along? This is an option, right?
So anyhow, I watched it and it was not bad for a relaxing afternoon. I specially like the involvement of the kid Sebastian and Wally's friend, Leonard (played by Jeff Goldblum), they made the show so funny. I'm not a big fan of Jennifer Aniston but I do like Jason Bateman which I saw him first in Juno. He oozes manly charm ;) The show is about Kassie (played by Jennifer Aniston) being a 40-year-old single woman who wanted to have a kid, and so she was on a look out for sperm donor. It turned out that her best friend Wally (played by Jason Bateman) was against the idea and in his drunken stupor he switched the content of the container (you know what) with that of his own. And thus the title, The Switch.
My verdict: 3.5/5
After the movie, it really got me thinking... I'm sure in reality, some people are doing it and even men will be finding surrogate mums to have kids. I decided to try this idea on some people I know that are of or over the ideal marriageable age. So one of them actually believed that I wanted to do this, LOL. His reply, though in a joking manner, was "So when do you want the xxxxx?" Then another one,"Oh and on the subject of xxxxx donation... how come you never ask me? I might want to donate too you know." But not before he said this,"You are not unwanted... just undiscovered. Just like the bluest diamond in the world." So sweet that it would melt my heart (not melted by him literally) but you know... It's very amusing but well, I mean why not, if I really want kids and at a certain age, no one really suitable comes along? This is an option, right?
13.10.10
Au revoir Saigon
The last day, we weren't up to anything. We had gotten bored of things to do in Saigon, especially when one wasn't keen to revisit the tragic history. Dark clouds were gathering during breakfast time, and the rain kept us in till noon and we went to have a look at the beautiful architecture of Majestic hotel. Very classic, very grand.
TT was too kind, he took us around everyday! I hope he didn't feel obliged because he really didn't have to! On the last day, he introduced us to a Vietnamese restaurant outside district 1 for lunch and it was heaven. I swear, the best springrolls ever! I love fruit shakes and there I had two! TT is a very sweet guy. He remembered my sister's name, and never failed to interact with her so she wouldn't feel bored or shy. He would offer us the BBQ food before he even had any. He would show us how to eat the local food and wrapped the first one for us. I don't remember anyone else of recent whom would do such simple acts genuinely...
After food, we ran out of ideas on what to do. We wanted to bowl, but when we saw the arcade instead, we ended up playing a few games! I tried my luck on the toy catching machine to get the "fat little Shaun the sheep" but after umpteen tries, we gave up!!! Then it was back to Sheraton's rooftop bar for happy hour, 1 for 1 cocktail before departing for the airport. We ordered a really horrible drink that reminded me of medicine I had when I was young, pink and bitter. BRRRRRrrrrrrr. Knowing that TT is a poker addict, I offered him the game on my phone and sure enough he was enjoying it a lot! LOL. Sheraton's rooftop bar is the best as it on the 23rd floor and offers a good view compared to the rest of the bars, never exceeding 9 storeys. Then it was time to say goodbye :(
TT said he will visit Singapore. And then it's our turn to be the guide :)
TT was too kind, he took us around everyday! I hope he didn't feel obliged because he really didn't have to! On the last day, he introduced us to a Vietnamese restaurant outside district 1 for lunch and it was heaven. I swear, the best springrolls ever! I love fruit shakes and there I had two! TT is a very sweet guy. He remembered my sister's name, and never failed to interact with her so she wouldn't feel bored or shy. He would offer us the BBQ food before he even had any. He would show us how to eat the local food and wrapped the first one for us. I don't remember anyone else of recent whom would do such simple acts genuinely...
After food, we ran out of ideas on what to do. We wanted to bowl, but when we saw the arcade instead, we ended up playing a few games! I tried my luck on the toy catching machine to get the "fat little Shaun the sheep" but after umpteen tries, we gave up!!! Then it was back to Sheraton's rooftop bar for happy hour, 1 for 1 cocktail before departing for the airport. We ordered a really horrible drink that reminded me of medicine I had when I was young, pink and bitter. BRRRRRrrrrrrr. Knowing that TT is a poker addict, I offered him the game on my phone and sure enough he was enjoying it a lot! LOL. Sheraton's rooftop bar is the best as it on the 23rd floor and offers a good view compared to the rest of the bars, never exceeding 9 storeys. Then it was time to say goodbye :(
TT said he will visit Singapore. And then it's our turn to be the guide :)
Roaming in Saigon III
The following day, I brought the sister around to see the things she wanted to see. Everyone back home was more concerned for her, as I am the independent traveller and they think I might abandon her, LOL. So I had to take her everywhere I went and of course make sure she saw what she wanted to in Ho Chi Minh. It was also the first time we travelled together and fortunately there wasn't much friction, though at times she would show an attitude and refused to eat at meal times. Then I would make her order food else she would go hungry at night and everyone else will blame me after!
Friday was easy. We went to Notre Dame, my favourite Post Office where I mailed a postcard to myself, and the infamous City Hall for photos. We did a little shopping in one of the malls, not that we had any choices being in the area surrounded with them, and got some stuff from a Korean brand we never saw in Singapore. After that, we met TT for lunch and he took us to one of his regular lunch places. It was a little stall by the street, where they would set up the table and stools. Cold white noodles, two plates of leaves, glasses of iced tea and bowls of (grilled) BBQ pork in green papaya soup. They looked simple and so often the simplest things are the best! It's my sister's favourite meal in Saigon. Well for me, I love everything from the Vietnamese BBQ, this to the food we had later on. All the authentic local food I adore :)
After the meal, TT walked us to this new Saigon Square for some shopping, I had been to the old one during the last trip. They sell trendier clothes than Ben Thanh, often at a price you would not have to bargain too much, fake branded goods and souvenirs. Shopping in Vietnam isn't fantastic really, not a good place for it! We went to another big mall TT wanted to show us and argggggggghhh I found Singaporean brands in there, it was like just being in Singapore. My sandals fell apart but I didn't want to buy a Singaporean brand shoes in Vietnam, so we decided to sit down at an ice cream cafe before heading back to the hotel.
I left the sister in the hotel enjoying cable TV while TT took me on a ride in search of the kite I wanted to buy. He told me there would be people flying in an open space and stalls would be selling the kites. But I had no fate with it, no one was flying and selling on that fateful day!! The last time I was on his bike was 3 years ago, and it was barely 3 minutes ride to get back to my hotel. We were riding for an hour or so and I think my bum was getting numb :( But I witnessed a beautiful sunset, and the flooded roads of southern Vietnam and the horror of being on a motorbike in Vietnam. I don't think any foreigner will be able to ride it the way the locals do, they rode so close to each other and cutting each other's lane very often, but yet still so safely and would slow down for pesdestrians. It is just insane.
I felt very bad for a fruitless kite trip and making TT used up all his fuel despite him assuring me it was a fun ride. He then headed off to meet his friend while I took the sister to see the Ben Thanh night market where we shopped and had so-so dinner. There wasn't much to buy, and so we headed back and found a gem on the way back. A local bookstore! Sister got a French book and I found some fanciful stationery :) It started to rain and our plan to visit the rooftop bar at Majestic was cancelled. So it was just cable TV, and a nice warm bath for me :)
Friday was easy. We went to Notre Dame, my favourite Post Office where I mailed a postcard to myself, and the infamous City Hall for photos. We did a little shopping in one of the malls, not that we had any choices being in the area surrounded with them, and got some stuff from a Korean brand we never saw in Singapore. After that, we met TT for lunch and he took us to one of his regular lunch places. It was a little stall by the street, where they would set up the table and stools. Cold white noodles, two plates of leaves, glasses of iced tea and bowls of (grilled) BBQ pork in green papaya soup. They looked simple and so often the simplest things are the best! It's my sister's favourite meal in Saigon. Well for me, I love everything from the Vietnamese BBQ, this to the food we had later on. All the authentic local food I adore :)
After the meal, TT walked us to this new Saigon Square for some shopping, I had been to the old one during the last trip. They sell trendier clothes than Ben Thanh, often at a price you would not have to bargain too much, fake branded goods and souvenirs. Shopping in Vietnam isn't fantastic really, not a good place for it! We went to another big mall TT wanted to show us and argggggggghhh I found Singaporean brands in there, it was like just being in Singapore. My sandals fell apart but I didn't want to buy a Singaporean brand shoes in Vietnam, so we decided to sit down at an ice cream cafe before heading back to the hotel.
I left the sister in the hotel enjoying cable TV while TT took me on a ride in search of the kite I wanted to buy. He told me there would be people flying in an open space and stalls would be selling the kites. But I had no fate with it, no one was flying and selling on that fateful day!! The last time I was on his bike was 3 years ago, and it was barely 3 minutes ride to get back to my hotel. We were riding for an hour or so and I think my bum was getting numb :( But I witnessed a beautiful sunset, and the flooded roads of southern Vietnam and the horror of being on a motorbike in Vietnam. I don't think any foreigner will be able to ride it the way the locals do, they rode so close to each other and cutting each other's lane very often, but yet still so safely and would slow down for pesdestrians. It is just insane.
I felt very bad for a fruitless kite trip and making TT used up all his fuel despite him assuring me it was a fun ride. He then headed off to meet his friend while I took the sister to see the Ben Thanh night market where we shopped and had so-so dinner. There wasn't much to buy, and so we headed back and found a gem on the way back. A local bookstore! Sister got a French book and I found some fanciful stationery :) It started to rain and our plan to visit the rooftop bar at Majestic was cancelled. So it was just cable TV, and a nice warm bath for me :)
12.10.10
I don't need another mum
I am really beginning to get annoyed by my friend. She rang me up, screaming into my ears, asking me what time I woke up! Hello, I have an alarm, or even better a real mum. I don't need someone to report to on what time I slept, what time I woke up, what I am doing later, what I am doing tomorrow or the day after... Can some people please respect privacy and personal space?!! I don't want a friend who expects me to give in to her requests all the time, who wants me to say "YES", and wants my free time to be spent with her! I have plenty of better things to do and yes I don't mind sharing some with her but don't expect my lifestyle to be like hers (tai-tai). She has all the time in the world now and best of all is spending on her future husband's money! But I don't, I am not a tai-tai! I wish she sees it, can she stop living in her own world and trying putting her feet in someone's shoes????
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