Kansai trip... EXCELLENT

I have just returned from the Japan trip - Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Mount Koya.
The trip was fun except that I didn't have enough warm clothing...so I was layering my tops - which I looked like a dumpling.

The onsen was quite an experience where you get to see Naked women of all shapes and sizes. The Japanese does have really good skin.
The temple stay was spiritual fulfilling.
The sakura was beautiful even though it is not the full bloom.
The food is great... wish we have their food quality and standard here.
The guys? Mostly are well dress and good looking.
The girls? They are really good at the makeup and at <10degc be="" br="" can="" mini="" skirts.="" the="" they="" ultra="" wearing="">The ryosan stay was awesome... sleeping in a Jap style room and "mattress".
Wearing the kimono was really exciting, especially when I got plently of attention when I walked down the street.

Ok, my holidays have come to an end.
Tomorrow, I have to start my engine and get my ass back to work.

Shin pain

I am having pain on my left leg... it is not the ankle or knee; it's the shin or rather the pain is on the shin bone.
I think I had sprained my ankle before; but I am not sure if it's the same leg. Related?Mmm...
If it does not get well tomorrow; I guess I will have to go to the doctor.
The pain has been there for 3days... today, it is so bad that I have problem in walking.
Hopefully it will get better tomorrow as I have a dinner appointment..
Also, another wedding dinner to attend on Tuesday.

This is suppose to be a good week for me... please don't let this happen and spoil my lovely week.

Teach you how to pee

I was researching about the upcoming trip to osaka, kyoto and nara.
I come across an interesting articule.... how to use the use the toilet in Japan; which teaches you how to pee using the squat type....

Here's the details for those who don't know...
There are two kinds of toilets in Japan:
1. the traditional Japanese-style toilet (or 'squat toilet') and
2. the Western-style toilet.

Public washrooms have Japanese-style toilets although in many tourist areas you may find at least one Western-style toilet. In public washrooms toilet paper is uncommon so please remember to always carry tissue paper everywhere you go (there are tissue paper vending machines located outside of the public washrooms).
If you want to only use a Western-style toilet then it is best to use the toilets in department stores or in hotel lobbies.

However, if you have to use a Japanese-style toilet here are some basic tips:
1. Face the hood of the toilet
2. Pull down your pants completely below your knees
3. Squat down as closely to the hood as possible. If the toilet is elevated (such toilets are usually found on trains), you need to stand on a raised platform while squatting
There is usually a small bar to hold on to if you have trouble keeping your balance while squatting

And then just "release"...
Link: http://www.japaneseguesthouses.com/about/ryokan/toilets.htm

Good things are in line now...I hope.

Finally, I am back from Vietnam. The trip with my parents would be better if my dad is not that difficult. Shall not mention the ugly past here.
In the coming week, I am looking forward to:-
1. Friends visiting from States
2. A friend's wedding
3. Seeing a good friend with her NEW hair style
4. OH YES...the long waiting Japan trip
5. Lastly, getting ready to start the new job

Ho Chi Minh travel

I start to suspect that I do not have the luxury of going on a good vacation.
Since the trip started in Ho Chi Minh, I am having migraine; something that I do not have in the past.
What have I done so far? Drinking the Viet coffee (Yes, for once I broke the rule and drank the nice coffee) in a nice local coffee house; with a novel on hand as well.
Oh, I have did the Cu Chi Tunnel as well..... Mmmm.... just a dark narrow tunnel lor.
Of course it does not mean much to me as compared to the war days.....
Eating beef pho is the best :-) and I just spend 50 buck on a small painting. oops...

Dim Sum @ Turf City

Went to a new place for dinner yesterday - FarmMart.
It was a pretty rural area but still, it's packed with people...I guess a weekday night would have lesser crowd.
See, there are plenty of places where I have yet to visit in Singapore...

Been a long time since I have dim sum...so today, the girls and I went to turf city.
The dim sum was going at 50% off and the bill was ~$32 for 3 of us (and we ate 11 items).
Mmm.... think it is cheaper than crystal jade?

Finally, I am going to Vietnam. Keeping my fingers crossed and hope the trip will goes well. Update you again. Take care...

Snap spots of the dim sum :-)

Yes! He is married.

How do you define a news is a good or bad one?
- One that makes you happy is good?
- One that makes you sad is bad?
It might not as simple as it seems…
A bad news might have a twist in its meaning; which can be a good news as well.
Also, a good news to one; might be a bad news to another.
Oh well, if you break the same news between today and tomorrow; it may make a significant difference. Because…. It’s all depends on how you feel about it, depends what is the situation, depends on when it occurs.
Bottom line – all just boil down to the “time and date”!!

Before bedtime, my brother told me that he met my “ex” today (Friday, the 13th) - HE is married & has “spare tyre” on his waist too!
I am really glad that he has settled down after a rough time; I felt so bad about hurting him. Till date, I still feel very guilty. How many bad things have I done when I was “young”??
Now, knowing that he is in good hand… I am so relieved.
Maybe I didn’t move on is because of this reason… I felt I should never settle down until he does.
So, it’s dating time…. who’s first? Hahaa…

Shake your butt.

Mmm... Can you believe that I actually went for the belly class 3days in a row? wow...yet no improvement. hahaa.. the old rusty bones refuse to shake/move. Damn it.

Oh yeah...today, a friend commented that I am a high maintenance lady.
If I don't have a boyfriend/partner now, I guess I am really high maintenance then.... hahaa...
I think as long as I can maintain myself; it shall be ok.
Mmm... again, can someone define the meaning of "high maintenance" - does it requires alot of attention or money or what? I am confused.

Gosh, gosh... can time slow down a little? Too many things to do yet little time :P (oops... before I forget, I better email my new manager - where should I go on the first day of work!) Yes, I accepted a job without knowing where is the new office. Well done, Steph

Love yourself, dear

Today, I went for a morning class. 2 thoughts:
1. The students in the class are the rich housewives, so for me being there, is kind of weird. Oh, maybe next time; I can ask how can I be a rich tai tai - Where to find such husband. hahaa...ya ya, me day dreaming.
2. Orchard road… man, it’s filled with pollution from the construction – loud noise from the machinery; dust is everywhere. The visibility is like the whole of orchard is filled with “fogs”. Very bad image!

Mmm… today, when I re-look at my time schedule; I realized time indeed went fast. Now I wish I have more time before I start my new job. There are plenty to do in this fast-paced world.

Again, I am glad that my life is filled with meaningful stuffs during this break – catching with friends, back to belly dance, going vacation, source for reading material, continue to improve myself….etc
Actually, before I went on this long break; I was pretty worried that I will just be bored and laze at home. However, I quickly realize:
1, things don’t just come to you, you will have to find it yourself;
2. the world will not stopping moving for you;
3. your “love” one will not treasure you when his/her love is gone or is at elsewhere;
4. it is ok to be bitchy, fxx that person who is rude to you. No need to give face lah, you give face and being paiseh? You will gana bully and achieve nothing.
5. always present yourself well. it is true that being good looking will buy you some advantages somewhere.

The kind way of treating yourself is to love yourself first; be brave and go out there.

NLB

It has been raining the whole day… but I wasn’t lazing in bed for 2 good reasons:
1. The construction outside my room was so loud. However, I left home at ~10am but when I got back at 5pm.. the noise is still there! Aiyah.
2. I wanted to get some reading material from the library.

Ok, lets talked about library first… but wait, nothing for me to complain about. It was clean and quiet…except that I still couldn’t get what I need. Also, the system is still the same as >8yrs ago – borrow books using NRIC. Yes, my last visit to the library is >8yrs ago.

Anyway, I just finished a book – Still Summer. It’s a book about family ties, sailing, friendship, pirates, etc. What captures my attention was the part where it describes the selfishness of human - triggers few thoughts:
1. How far will you go for the sake of friendship?
2. How well can you keep a secret?
3. What will you do if you were to be trap in a fight between 2 good friends?
4. Imagine you are desert in the open sea; which will you give up to save your friend - Your life? Your share of food/water? Your dignity? Your virginity when you met with a group pirates who steal and rape? Your money/jewelry?
5. Will you travel miles just to search for your missing friend?
6. Will you cry when she/he got hurt?
7. Will you continue to love her/him even when she/he has hurt you accidentally
8. ……..long list

Bottom line: Family tie is strong and as what they describe: “blood is thicker than water”; but there are some friendship that you will want to treasure for life… and some are even stronger than family. Treasure every single bit you have….

Contolling partner.

I realized woman really like to control men or is it men who loves being control by women? Which is your case or preference?
A few examples:
1. I was having dinner with an ex-colleague and the wife called every 30min. I think she is very concern and worried about the hubby. Loving?
2. This morning, I went buying breakfast; and there was a couple is in front of me. The wife ordered her share 1st, followed by the husband… Very interesting “sight” and learning. I seriously think the wife is trying to be “nice” by asking the hubby what he wants. However, every single dish he picked; the wife will “Are you sure you want that, how about this instead”. I can’t help it but keep laughing. For goodness, why ask him when you already decided and intend to over rule his decision. Still, they are married so I guess that is the way they show love to each other.
3. I was in town recently; and saw a numerous of well-dressed and manly guys sling on their partner’s tiny handbags. PLEASE… how heavy can the tiny bag be? To show off that you care about the girls? A well dress man with a sissy bag. Gosh!!!

Nevertheless, I still admire guys that open the door for ladies… Ok, you might think that the door might not be heavy but there are some, which ARE heavy. I encountered a few occasion where I have problem pulling the door yet that “nerd” just stand there. Arghh….

Mini shopping spree

Had another farewell lunch with the ex-colleagues.
They were so nice to buy me lunch and gave me a sketchbook - contains all the outing photos.
It is a very nice gesture but was also my nightmare - Looking at the photos, I was SO FAT in '07-'08; my face was so swollen as if someone has just punched me on the face. Shit! No one told me that I was THAT fat. :-(
For goodness sake, please tell me if I have gain weight. Thanks

I went on a mini shopping spree. The initial intiation was to get ONE simple black dress for a friend's wedding but it leads to MORE...
1. Zara - 1 black dress, 3 tops/shirts for the new job
2. Perlini's - 1 ring, 1 ear ring, 1 neckache - friend's birthday
3. Espirit waist pounch - errr.... for travelling? my old one was damage
4. Facial products
5. Lastly, the vietnam tour package for the parents...

What am I going to do for the next few days? Stay home and not spend money.

PS: I have went jogging 3x for the past 4 days. Keep the spirit going!!! YEAH

Raining days

As I am writing this blog, it is raining outside.
Been a long time since it rains at this hour WITH me staying home.
The feeling is very different from any other days.
I feel more calm and peaceful. Since young, I love raining day; standing by the window and watch the rain drops and lighting. Beautiful sight.
However, not many people like raining days, especially the storming ones.
It is back to the basical fundamental - any thing too much is not good (maybe except for money?)

Oops.. raining days is also refer as "bad/trouble" days...I hope I have less "raining days" in my life. There is a song that I used to sing - "Rain, rain, go away..."

I have just received another greeting card from the kid; I do notice that he knows more words now... the message just get longer. It is a good sign right?

wow....can I afford these?

I am SO free now and if this goes on; I will die of bored.
I am going to find something to do, such as going to library and do some research :P

I was doing a calculation - few things on my list which are going to burn a HUGE hole in my pocket.
1. Get a new smart phone, E71 - $300
2. A oversea trip with parents - $2000
3. Dental - $200
4. Racer's dental & annual checkup & infection medication - $400
5. Annual check up - $300
6. Insurance - $2500
7. Facial & product - $300
Arghh..... calling for sponsors now. Anyone?? hehee....

Think I have to forgo new phone, facial & annual checkup.
As for holiday, if I don't go with them now.... I wouldn't know when will I have the chance again. Beside, they always wanted to go.....
Recession? Then why is things still so expensive?

Maybe I can work part time for now? Mmmm.....

Thought of the day - There is no "easy" money in this world.

No work...

This is the 2nd day of "no-work".
Not use to it.... woke up at 8am (because of the loud construction outside my room - life upgrading program)
I went for a run and had breakfast; gosh...only 1030am.
Do the laundry, then take a nap; gosh 3.30pm (so fast)

Think I have to start planning my schedule and do something more useful then lazing around.

Took this last year at a friend's place.... I love sunset

Shaping my life

Today, I went back to office to do the EXIT interview.
Sad atmosphere but absolutely necessary; also, we had the last group lunch as well.

Every day in life, we make decision.
It can be one that does NOT favor you very well; but it is still necessary to make decision. .
Actually, in a tough situation - it is the natural instinct to make a choice.
The choice might NOT be the BEST but it is definitely "the BETTER choice among the worst".

With a month - I have made two important decisions that will help to shape my life....
Now, no turning back but to keep my chin up.

Thought for the day:-
Life is indeed short and everyone wants to enjoy it. My take is that the way of truly enjoying life is to treat others with respect.
Family: Respect the elderly
Friends: Respect their privacy – Keep their secrets.
Work: Respect your colleagues’ views/ideas
Relationship: Respect your partner – no cheating

Raining

It was so hard to meet up with friends these days, everyone is so busy.
We had to arrange 5x before my ex-colleagues and I got to meet up; and the whole process took 2 months.
My time in Singapore is running short; so I will try my best to meet up with everyone before I leave. Else the next meeting might be mths and mths away. For those that had already make time for me - thank you and take care ;-)

It was pouring today... I got wet even though I had an umbrella...
It's interesting; initially, I thought I will be uncomfortable when my feet submerged into the puddles of "muddy water"..... however, surprisingly I found myself actually enjoying it (that I stepped on every puddle I see.. oops).
It was like in the young days where I love to run under the rain and stepped on big water puddle.... except that now I am a grown up. Others might think that I am crazy... but who cares. Since my feet are wet anyway; so why bother :)
I am proud of myself that I do find entertainment in situation where most think is bad.

BTW, have you seen the news where Singapore icon - the merlion ganna struck by lighting. Is that a bad omen? Mmm...