Life is all about Choices...

The weekend's over. So fast,i haven started resting yet! This weekend i've 3gatherings all clashed at the same time. But i'm more than happy to meet and catch up with friends now that I actually have a more stable schedule already. Used to work on shifts and meeting up was hard as most of my friends had regular working hours. Finally, i'm joining the league! yeah! haha. Actually i'm more happy to have stable hours cos of health reasons, cos i'm a light sleeper, so having a deep sleep is rare, plus i never can sleep long, and a different bed will make me hard to sleep
Was running around esp today to meet the time, went temple a while and today a cat meow greeted me as a prayed. I turned to see a cat behind, is he trying to say something to me? Went off to gym a while and then rush to meet old colleagues, rush to buy present, rush back home to shower, and rush out again for another dinner gathering.
Hopefully, next few weeks i can rest more, too much gatherings also hurts my pocket And honestly, i really prefer my mum's home cook food, if not hawker centre food. Slurp....
But i'm thankful to have this weekend, i could have actually be workin nights otherwise...

Our very own local illusionists JC Sum and babe Ning had just broken the world record a few hours ago at 2130hrs in performing 15 illusions in 5mins! I was there with my parents to catch them in action. Wah everyone so kiasu and squeeze in front, we also squeeze haha. It's really challenging and see them changing and changing continuously to beat the clock. And they've made it to put Singapore on the world record!
U can visit their webby. Babe Ning really awesome! Cool babe! Very brave indeed.
Their website: http://jcsum.com/

talk about H1N1, i'm surprised that no temperature checks were done at cinemas... If large gathering was not encouraged then i think the easiest place to spread is in a cinema theatre.
Originally was almost contemplating to watch 'Dance Subaru' alone, luckily my buddy came with me This movie has been showing for quite sometime already, but i always didn't find time to go. Now that it's almost finish showing, i quickly went to catch it today.
I haven been to Orchard during the night time for so long, i was shocked to see the big crowded when i came out of Orchard MRT. Is this singapore? it's indeed 'rojak'. Even more so compared to the past. So many more foreigners. Then the thought of H1N1 suddenly flash through, so many people, if someone has it, go to cinema, then that's it.

I wanted to watch "Dance Subaru" thinking it might inspire me haha. The lead actress is really gorgeous. Her fate seems to be pre-destined with the black cat leading her each time. If given the choice, i really choose to be away from crowds, not cos of H1N1, just that it's getting a little just to squeezy in spore. A little space is much appreciated

Was shocked to see the news on bus TV mobile today about Michael Jackson. He is indeed an icon no one will ever forget....

Thought i've worked hard enough, others work 100 times harder.
Thought i've sacrificed, others sacrificed even more silently.
Thought i've saved enough just on buses, others walk.
Thought I've realised the truth, the truth was still far away.

The weather is still very hot though it's cloudy these few days.
1 pile of old history straits times still at one corner left from OBS Zzzz waiting for me to read. Went out to pump & spin a while. I think i'm too contented at the same spot that my weights and bike resistent has become constant and i didn't even bother to load up just maintain. No one pushes me i guess. oops. I think will this happen at work too? Not sure myself cos i'm never at a job for donkey years to experience that. If u are, maybe it's time to change a bit and add some different ideas to your job instead of just 'working', and not thinking.
I'm just being issued another new membership card such that i can bring a friend in during wkends. hopefully can make me more motivated and work harder with a buddy hahaha. So those i sms u know what to do ah hahahahaha. kidding.

Went to see my baby nephew but he knows i'm coming so he fell asleep again *sob* He really is lucky to sleep and sleep so long..... i wish i can sleep as soundly like him. Baby is so small... i just like to see the innocence of baby and a child...so pure and simple

Zzzz on bus again before i drop by to buy a bit ingredients i'm short of for my usual cheese cake to bring to ajarn's house. She's cooking tmr for everyone. Think it's better to bring something. Made my cake, watch tv and arghhhh...now i'm staring at the history papers again...Zzzz
night everyone....
(suddenly rem my colleague siti who'll always say 'goodnight everybody!' before she sleeps everynight at OBS)

This 2months i was close to these 12 people... we learn, slack, eat, listen, play, study together. Today is the day all of us have to go our own ways. This 2months i've learned a lot, time seems to slow down just a bit.
Maybe we may not see each other much again, i felt thankful that fate brought us together. I valued the special friendship i've had with everyone. It's a different kind of feeling compared to school days, cos now everyone are mature working adults. But i see the child in everyone of us at times.
I received a call a few days ago. I give thanks to what is given to me. I'm grateful to what i've been given this period, the people i've met, my cute baby nephew who just joined the family.
i shall diligently follow the path and walk on the way....
May one be humble and enlightened each day...

Just glad that today's over. I'm short of Zzzzz sleep. I'm someone who have to have strict timing for sleep, eat etc. Any cock up somewhere, my immune system will be down and u'll see me flu or feverish. i need my dose of exercise for release. I just hope that i won't need to tahan long for regular hours work to be assigned.... hoping, hoping, hoping....
Last 2days didnt' sleep or eat well. Stomach have wind already. ok have to jiayou jiayou jiayou.
Durians season is here! did u already have some? the smell of durians lingering behind on your hands after u eat....hehehe

Just finished doing my montage for my batch...Zzzzz. My brain is so 'sick' of the photos now cos had been staring at them for last 2weeks and deleting,editing. But wasn't very satisfied. Hopefully my group thinks it's alright. I really don't wish to make any more changes already otherwise i'll go crazy! Wed is the test and i still haven touched! Tues will be our graduation already and by friday i'll know my fate at my command...(fingers cross)

Before i sleep, i want to share again:
The Buddha says: "No enemy can harm one so much as one's own thoughts of craving, thoughts of hate, thoughts of jealousy and so on."
SO.... watch your thoughts and be mindful.
Goodnight.

Most people had their Outward Bound Singapore (OBS) camp during their Secondary school days. For me, i had it only when i'm 27yrs old. Last week i went to 5days OBS leadership training camp with my batch mates. The week before i was staying with my sister so didn't really have much personal time. The weekend before, i just dump all my barangs barangs in my big bagpack and off i join my group at Punggol Jetty. I reflected back the days when i helped the teachers to handle OBS forms, sending students to the camp and now i'm going into one myself.

I just wanted to write down here so that i can rem the activities i went through with my group. It was how i expected it to be though at times i procrastinated a bit in my heart. Just stay open minded and u'll enjoy it. If i were to go through it when i'm even older like some of my colleagues at 31yrs old, i may not be able to handle physically and mentally well like now.

Day 1: Helium hoop, key punch, rock climbing, basha making, sleep in basha
Day 2: PEAKS profiling, security around OBS area, Find the tree, Alpine rescue.
Day 3: Inverse ladder, Sea expedition
Day 4: Pre-dawn sea expedition, Quarry dip, Land expedition, raft making, raft rowing back.
Day 5: Trapeze jump, Sharing session, home sweet home

Do u believe leadership is born inside you or it can be nurtured? Before attending OBS, i feel strongly that leadership is born within oneself, but after OBS, my belief shifted more towards the other side. I reflected back when i was younger in my primary school days uptill now. I rem when i was the little girl in class who can be so quiet and not speak a word in class nor dared talk to the teacher. Until today, i see the difference. I'm still a better follower than a leader but i believe it can be trained up like what one of my group mate has said. I messed up in one of the activities which i tried to be one but at least i tried.

It feels really good to have good team members. My group were all made up of soon to be senior officers with some already inside, things get so superbly done fast that everything seems possible. Honestly, i've never ever in my life work in such superb group before and it felt really motivating. Things assigned and things get done in a snap with everyone on their toes. Now that i feel the difference of how important team members can be if each talents and contribution are tapped on. The challenge is how to handle members and gel them together if your team members were otherwise or without the expertise? How i wish i always had such an efficient group to work with. hahah.

I haven done swimming for 2years? and i've always been afraid of deep waters. Only when i've my life vest one will i do water activities. What i enjoyed most is the sea expedition. It seemed long for some but for me, i wanted to row more We rowed on our small vessel from base camp to another. I tried dragonboat only once and this is my second time. I was told to sit in front intially but i got tired out soon after cos front person had it harder having to break the water. Soon, my friend Kar Yin asked my to switch with him. I was a little unwilling initially as i wanted to row. I still went to him as i know i'm not strong enough to last. He was doing the steering behind and i thought to myself that i won't be contributing much steering the vessel. He just gave me 3 simple instructions on turning left, right, slight angles.

I was a little disappointed to think about if i could handle. Though he's thin, he had great strength, once Kar Yin settled in, i can see the big difference, he rowed hard and even though he maybe the only one rowing effectively, the vessel is movin faster. He shouted to me at times to direct the directions when i'm too slow to respond. Later, i felt the importance of steerin a vessel and at times i'll rowed at the back too to at in strength when i'm not steering. We shouted and rowed, and saw the beautiful sun rise at the horizon. That's the kind of feeling i really like and can't describe. But it ended shortly even though others think it's very long already.
I hope i'll get a chance to row as a team again.

To be able to meet so many great leaders and individuals of different talents really is my honour. I got to learned so many things from them in handling situations.

But sadly, i can't see my sister's baby she gave birth on the second day of my OBS camp. Finally now we have a little one in our family. I dont' know if i ever have one so maybe now i have chance to play with little one.
Must women always get married to a man? Does man really can't live without women? Before i read about Buddhism, i feel marriage is the natural way to go in life and that Man and Women will sure certainly bound to fall in love someday. Reading more into Buddhism showed me another path which kept me afloat and reminded me now and then about human fallacy. I'm not discouraging against marriage, neither does buddhism. As long as one do good in life, it is your choice.

For now, all is history, beautiful memories of OBS will be put aside, and tomorrow will come, a new day, new challenges with new lessons learned.
Thank you NTL!

The artist's greatest art is to let go of one's "greatest" art. - stonepeace

Endless speculation keeps the truth away endlessly. - stonepeace

Refusing to understand Karma fortifies the Karma of delusion - stonepeace

The rule is " to be not attached; not "to be attached to any rule" - stonepeace

Do not do the slightest thing that the wise would later censure - The Buddha

The Gift of Truth Excels All other Gifts - The Buddha

Away for a while and quotes for u to digest...

I went to my malay ex colleague wedding a while this morning. I was there early and was talking to my ex colleague that why can't Chinese wedding be like Malay wedding, simple, nice yet not extravagant. There isn't a need to be at a HOTEL! no need to splurge like thousands and save 1-2yrs for tht 1night where guests have a dressing 'competition' too. The objective is just a formality dinner for guest and closed ones to share this special night. Does it really need to be at a HOTEL or spend so much? I've seen quite a few malay weddings and the decor were really nice. Can i say like Chinese wedding too just that it's not at hotel only.

Children are very lucky these days too. Well, children in the more develop countries or cities. Birthday celebrations were done by their parents. My colleague had huge inflated jumping balloon catered for her daughter's birtday. Every yr is different and sometimes had clown or magician etc. Today went with my sister for her friend's son's 1st yr birthday and the function room had an indoor children playground for the children there too.

Rem the childhood days with Carebears? I took this pic there too on the painted wall. It's a good program for children i think cos it teach about love, different characters, and caring for others

I think i left 2 precious wkends before my actual work starts and my wkends will be burned
I went ecp to cycle with my old colleagues today. These days the sun is either different or my skin is not like before anymore. I get sunburned super easily. Like today, just 2hrs and my arms are red! Not a good sign and i don't understand why ppl can 'roast' their body under the sun and call it 'suntan'.

I rush to gym class after that cos the entire wk never did any exercise. How i wish can have a job where my exercise can fit in. Rushing all your exercise in just 1 or 2days in a week is not good for your body. Today happen to go for the Cathay outlet and was running in cos i'm late! i saw a crowd outside the building with security. I thought maybe some movie launch at the cathay where a star is coming. Didn't bother much and rush up. I came out after gym and saw still the same crowd there. But i knew abt it from the gym instructor who jokingly said he sacrifice queuing for Singapore Idol to teach us. *faint*. The sun is damn hot and these people queued up for....ya...Singapore Idol. Are u among one of them?

I pop by my favourite National Museum across the road to check out a free exhibition. As i entered, i was faced with a big huge tank. It's called 'Love Tank' by S. Teddy Darmawan (Indonesia) See the cute little hearts design on the tank?

Alright, i shall not say more, below were the exhibits I wanted to take a glimpse of cos it's... FREE...yeah right. Just like any typical Singaporeans. Let the queuing begin...bwhahaha.
The museum was crowded these days compared to a few years back. I like it when it's calm and quiet. But too quiet is spooky too haha. It's done by fashion and costume designer Christian Lacroix.

I thought can't take pictures inside the museum but was surprised to know that it's allowed just that no flash should be used. i rem just 2yrs back, SLR or DSLR are not quite common with common people. Only those who are really enthusiast. But today, it's different, i walk around and every turn i saw was one holding an SLR! Every single soul was snappin away either using camera phones, campact digital cam or DSLR! I think now everyone have to be careful incase your photos can be found at STOMP! I haven used my DSLR for quite some time already. Months? i had my compact with me though. It's been years with me already and only 4Megapix LUmix. I had a habit of always using low resolution so that i don't need to compressed them anymore haha. But it's a challenge to take clear pix with everything low... hahhaa. Especially dark condition or indoors. With DSLR is so much easier cos ISO can be changed. My compact max can go is only 400ISO. So no choice, i change it to night mode, ISO 400 and shutter speed as slow as my hand can handle the stability. So what camera u think i use to take the above? haha

This week i'm staying with my elder sister. I'm going to be little aunt soon! Awaiting the arrival of the little one to our family. I've never carried a new born in my arms before. Soon i'll have baby to play with. I like little ones when they're born till just after toddler. There's this innocence in young children that i'm drawn to at times. They don't assume, everything is new, they absorb everything and curious/observe everything. They can't talk a lot but uses all its senses. They've yet to experience life's worries, and stay to absorb whatever at that moment. This innocence slowly fades away as the child grows up to an adult and one day like everyone of us.

I rem one of our trainer said to me " you only give, and don't receive?..." I didn't reply. I merely offer him some food during break time. But in all civil service, simple gestures maybe regarded as a kind of 'bribery'. This i can never get use to. I mean, What's wrong with simple giving? It makes everyone thinks that some motive is behind each act of giving. I like the feeling of warm gestures to be part of a small 'family', 'team', among colleagues.
I haven seen the news update today, i'm deeply saddened to hear about the Air France flight....

May everyone learn to give more....it can be just a small gesture like a smile