Carbon footprint

In 2010 alone, I have made 16 return flights! Meaning I was in the plane for 32x!
And these contributed ~12.24 metric tons of CO2
Gosh!!!

Saving enough?

Read an article on why Singaporean is not saving enough.
The 3 main reasons given were:
1. Purchase a property where the monthly loan is more than 30% of the salary;
2. Own one or more cars, and this is probably another 30% of the salary;
3. Don't know how to do invest and make the money grow.
In fact, keeping the money in the saving account is "deflation". (Wow, I didn’t know about this)

Above, make me relook into my financial statue - so pathetic!!

Phuket. Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas, my friends!
I am enjoying my holidays so far - been to great dives and saw leopard sharks.
Phuket are packed with "Farangs", when I mention packed...it is seriously PACKED.
Walked down the beach, almost 99% of the sun tanner is whites.

As for the night activities, the Thai girls are sooo aggressive and can be spot almost everywhere.
The indians are here, working as sales or pimps. Guess because they have a better command in English?

As for the shopping, shops are literally every corner. Phuket has expanded way too much for its own.
Store owner has to compete for customers.
And they have raised the price by at least 3 xs.
I bought a bangle for 150bt, when initial quote was 450 baht.
Some purses are price as 79bt, later they will sell it at 2 for 80bt.

Shopping is stressful and not that great anymore. It's the fault of the farang!! They just paid so much and make people raise the price to rocket high.

Break? Yes!! Yes!!! YESSSS....

Yes, I am taking a break from work.
In hours away, I will be on the flight to Phuket.

For the 6 days, I will love to do:
1. diving (pray that the weather will be good but the forecast for the week is "scattered thunderstorms")
2. sunbathing (I got a whole new bottle of sunscreen and 3 sets of bikini)
3. cycling (need some exercise afterall(
4. cooking (yes, there is a cooking class teaching how to cook thai food),
5. eating (lots and lots of spicy sour stuffs with that sweet thai ice tea)
6. nightlife (will I be amaze again? will the ladyboys show me "his" huge tits again?)

But for now, I am still working in replying work mails :(

Fast food = bad food

I am a sucker for fast food, especially Taiwan Mac, Sydney KFC and Hungry Jacks..
When I am in Taiwan, I will have Mac Donald at least twice a week .
Now.. How can I stop it?
I am planning to go Phuket in a few weeks time and if this goes on; I can never fit into the bikini :D

Oops, I have another craving now - Mac Donald hot fudge sundae.

Front seat

It has been a long flight in a FULL flight, but am glad that the airplane gave me the front seat.
However there is an irritating toddler who screamed at every single thing such as refused to sit, eat, etc. Argghh...

Fluffy candy cotton:

It's flight time

Bringing the trip to TW forward by a day.
Hope the upcoming trip will be a peaceful one.
Keeping the fingers crossed!

New edc coat

I always wanted to buy a water resistant trend-coat (with hood); and I GOT it today.
Found it at edc. Yippeeee!!!!!
Oops, have I mentioned that I got a new fleece just few weeks ago? And now, another coat?
Gosh… a quick count on what I have for “cold” weather
1.A black leather jacket from edc
2.A black trend coat from Zara (this one was really heavy so I am lazy to carry around)
3.A black fleece from edc, I think there are a couple more from mng…and they should be somewhere in the storage
4.A couple of demin jackets
5.A green coat from mng
6.The new black coat from edc, and oh… there is one more which is a gift.
Mmm… I don’t think my collection is too much. Do you think so?

New!!!

Hot coal

"Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned"
-Buddha quotes

Will I be the one that get burned?
How do you release anger?
How can you do it without anger?

Confusius Quotes

Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.
-Confucius
Whatever within the beauty, is it a real beauty?
Can you really see/find the beauty in EVERYTHING?

It is easy to hate and it is difficult to love. This is how the whole scheme of things works. All good things are difficult to achieve; and bad things are very easy to get.
-Confucius
Sounds right and it happen in everyday life

Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.
-Confucius
Without complication, we wouldn't have internet, communication, fashion, food, etc.
But have we gone overboard?

Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure.
-Confucius
That's why we have "study week" in school, and OT when in work force.

There are three methods to gaining wisdom. The first is reflection, which is the highest. The second is limitation, which is the easiest. The third is experience, which is the bitterest.
-Confucius
Mmmm.... still trying to figure out.

Conservative or not?

When I don't commit, you will be upset.
When I commit, you ignore the effort.
Maybe I shouldn't have even try to make things work; as it will just make things worse.

Some things may be "trivial" to one; but yet it may be extremely important to another.

I survived when my grandparents left me.
I survived when during break up.
I survived when I was travelling alone to foreign countries
I survived when I was sick and alone in the hotel room
I survived when I was really broke
I survived when I had to study and pass my exam in a foreign country
I survived when work sucks
I survived when friends betrayed me
I survived when dad went into debt
I survived when I was almost drown
I survived when I encountered a pervert
I survived when I met with car accidents

Why am I saying all these? Because I have been stereotype; but again, it allows me to learn and be stronger. I will survive even when life is unfair.

Relocation

Today, a friend told me that he wish to relocate to Taiwan.
I can understand the opportunity that is available here but still... Ok, maybe I cannot accept the culture where a girl can bring a boy home to meet parents after knowing for 3 days. Neither I feel fine about moving to stay with a guy that you just knew for 5 days.
Above are just a side of Taiwan I have seen; maybe there are more good sides to it.
Beside, maybe the guys will love to have girls all over them in just days or seconds????

Anyway, it will be nicer if to setup a network here; in order to blend into the society.

What I wish now is just to go home. I am tired....

Re-position my priority

Some things must have change, to the extent that my way of thinking is changing as well.
These days, people work hard so that they can have big slice of bread and how does it impact our life?

Parents!
Both parents (Single parent too) work hard to support the family so that they can
1. Send the kids to "good and reputable" school,
2. Purchase a good home where a good school is nearby
3. Hire a maid to serve the kids like a king/queen and end up, these kids do barely anything.
4. Must own a car (must be "expensive" type?)
5. Afford oversea holidays
6. Expensive gadgets (latest phone, TV, watches, electronic game, PC) for the whole family.
But is it worth it when you don't have sufficient time with the kids? Kids go astray easily and they think they "know" what they want...usually they don't.
We were kids before, why can't you understand what they want?
Of course, there are good rationale parents that make the balance but a lot are going out of hand.

Single working adults!
We worked hard for the money, so that we can
1.Spend impulsively on fun (parties), fashion (bags and shoes), travel.
2.Not wanting to get married and have kids.
Not implying that we should not spend (Spending is good for oneself and economy) but excess will prove to be a problem.

I don’t have an outgoing personality nor am I an introvert. With a hint of luck, I got to travel and spend a fair bit of time in the countries.
Over these periods, I witnessed incidents that affect personal life
1.Married couple who were temporary separated due to one party that needs to work in another country. One of them cheated; not all cases but a good 50%?
2.Singles who found their love
3.Singles who just being a ‘butterfly” that visits every pretty flower.
4.Parents that misses their kids and vice versa; but will this affect the relationship? I don’t know
5.Parents of the singles, worried about their children

Then few days ago, I fell sick. It make me re-thinking why… why I chose this path that
1.Alone when I am sick
2.Alone when having meals
3.I haven’t speak for a long time, because there is no one to talk to over the weekend, except “thanks” to the servers
4.Why am I alone here when my family and racer are back in sgp
5.Why am I walking down the streets alone

I guess I have reached the stage where my priority has change from having fun to seeing the world to spending time with my family.
The last time I sat down and have a meal with mum; I realize she is getting older.
However, I commit a timeline to this job; I will stand by my words but will look for alternative when the time is here. (Soon)

Kang-Xi

Kang-xi (by xiao-S) program is on air everyday, 3x a day.
Not sure why by am sure the rating should be pretty good.
They invited Andy Lau as well. He is pretty funny and talented.

Anyway, recently, they invited 10 married men to TV; and one of the question was when is the last time they said "I love you" to the wives.
Answer ranges from long time ago to last birthday to yesterday to this morning.
When is yours?

Update from Taichung:
I got so sick in this trip, maybe is the weather.
Terribly sore throat, headache, fever, giddy, body aching!
I hope I will get better.

Busy but little achievement

Time in Singapore usually will pass by FAST.
Time in Taiwan will be faster because it is busy and still busy.
Worst is when don't even understand why am I so busy.

What happen when I got so busy, but with little achievement?
So disappointing!

Drivers! Real bad drivers

Gosh, I hate the way the drivers drive in Singapore.
What have they done?
1. They don't signal when filtering lane. You think the driver behind you, have telepathy connection with you? They know what you going to do/go?
2. They make a single right lane into TWO, causing a jam behind. And the most irritating part was they don't even bother to signal. Are you handicap or idiot? Then DON’T drive even handicap driver knows how to signal.
3. Yellow box suppose to be clear! How did they pass the basic theory test when they obstruct the yellow box?
4. Lane 1 is usually for over taking or what we know as fast lane. You drove 60km/hr at lane 1, where the speed limit is 90km/hr. You think that is your private lane? Selfish and brainless!
5. Slow down to KPO on what is the accident and probably causing another accident because you had braked suddenly just to see what is going on.
6. Impatient drivers. Happy happy just honk for the car in-front that does not move off at the very first second when the light turns green. WTF…unless you are tell me that you have a super emergency case to attend or your 2 seconds time worth millions of dollars?
7. Excessive lane switching, is that necessary? Within 10m, you have switch from lane 1 to 2, then from 2 to 1, then again 1 to 3?

Come-on, a little patience and consideration go a long way.
If you missed the turn, then make a U-turn at the next one.
If you need to filter, a small movement next to the wheel will turn on the signal light. Isn’t that easy?
Yellow box, what will you gain by not giving way? If you learn to give way, and everyone else did the same, your driving experience will be a better one next time.

Camper black.

I alway have a liking on simple black shoe. So, when I saw this at Camper; I straight away knew that that is what I going to buy.

Pair it with my new flare jean.
Ahhh... so comfy.

Camper, definately is my recomendation!

Halloween with Enzo Angiolini

Yeah, it's Halloween again.
Last year, I dressed with a "mouse ear and tail".
This year, I tried to be a witch *hoping to be a sexy one*.

I got this outfit in April'10 when I was in Sydney. (Yes, I already planned for it since)
The outfit cost only AU$10 - the dress come with the hat, a choker and broom.
I seriously think I got the best buy for quick fun dressing. What do you think?

Now, the boot, from Enzo Angiolini! It's one of my favorite which I got it more than a year ago. Sadly, I hardly wear them till this day.
I love the lacy material... and it is pretty comfy.
Still, it is not suitable for all night long of party and dancing.
Now, it cost only S$45 then (Yes, it was on super cheap sale)... so I absolutely have no complain about it.

The ankle boot:


And I match the boot with witch outfit.
I was concern about this matching because I am short, so ankle boot will not look nice... but what else can I match the dress with?
Ooops.... also, the dress seem tighter as compare to when I initially got them. I am gaining weight!!!!! sob sob

Another year of wisdom

Yes, I have just passed another mark of being a year "older", or should I say wiser?
Life has been kind for me, although it can be better but I don't think I should be asking for more.
I gues we just have know to know where is the limit is.

Hurt in TWN

Realized that I am very prompt in getting hurt at Taiwan.
Just here for ~10days and here is what I got.

Oh, do you know that you can apply toothpaste to mozzie bites.. it is to stop the itch.
Tested and it works!

Skechers tone up

I love Sundays!
Last Sunday, I was hiking in Bukit Timah (Singapore); and this Sunday, I hiked in Dakeng (Taiwan).

This morning, we woke up and decide to go for a "short" hike.
Since it is a short hike, I wore my Skechers "Tone Up" slipper.
Not sure if that is a right choice as we ended up hiking for good 3 hrs under the sizzling hot sun.
As I forgot my sunblock, I was literally cooked. Yes, I have bad sunburn on my tight and shoulder. I slapped tone of moisturizer but maybe it is too late.

I should have brought my hiking shoe over to Taiwan; but am still glad that the Skechers slipper had a thick sole which reduce the impact on my feet.
I was pretty surprise how comfy the shoe is but will it really help in tone up the leg? I don't know.
Will I buy another pair? Yes, mainly because it is comfortable and has "bling bling" on it.

Geox footwear

Recently, I bought the very first pair of Geox pump shoe. Thanks to the successful advertisement and marketing of Geox.
The biggest marketing was that the shoe has the “breathing technology”. Sound great right?
The claim from the Geox website “By combining a perforated rubber sole and the breathable waterproof membrane, the Geox system lets foot perspiration go out through the sole thus keeping your feet dry and healthy”

Slipped into the beautiful shoe.
I know I have wide feet so I had purposely chosen a “rounded” edge shoe.


The result at the end of the day: Huge blisters on the feet.
Suspected cause – My gigantic feet is too small for the shoe (even thought I don’t feel the tightness).
***Not a pleasant sight***


Verdict: Don’t buy a shoe when you can feel the edge of the sole during the fitting. And it is definitely NOT worth it when you had to pay S$160 for a painful experience.
Will I buy a geox shoe again? Probably not as their fitting does not suits my feet.

Timberland boots

I brought my NEW timberland boots to the recent holiday.
The weather wasn't cold enough, so I didn't have much chance to wear them.
Probably have only wore them twice?

My review of the Timberland Women's Grammercy Polar Sun Lace Up Boot:
1. It is indeed very comfy - I could walk for the whole day without getting any blisters or aching feet.
2. It will keep my leg warm as well (tested at a temperature between 10-18 degC).
3. And I love the golden color.

Definitely going to wear them the next time when I go to a colder country :-)

The boots:


I wore them despite that the weather isn’t really that cold.
Not the good match with the demin skirt but I JUST WANT to wear it...who cares!

Train is coming

Hey, do you know that the train station will play a music notice?
"Train is coming, Train is coming, bla bla bla..." when the MRT train approaches?

I can't help laughing when I heard it. So cartoon.

Holiday ended

Holiday is a good break from work stress but you probably received other stresses such as navigating the direction, watch out for pick pocket, handling the oversize bags, etc.
Anyway, we survived so we are good!
I love the mountains but trying to do trekking, does require training. I have not done much exercise for the past few weeks so the uphill walking has almost killed me. But am glad to make it afterall – the reward of the view is awesome.

Milan, disappointment

Think I must have too much expectation of Milan - Not a great city afterall.
Maybe because I have been to better such as Barcelona.
The city is packed with tourists and expensive (not nice) food.
Oh, but the ice-cream is GREAT and the other best part was I did not buy a single item from LV or gucci.
The designs are either outdated or SOLD OUT!!!!!
So, that save me some money to buy shoes and jean...
Yes, I whacked on Camper shoes and Miss Sixty again... these are my favs.

Heading to Chur tomorrow. Keep the finger crossed that the weather is be good.

Snow!!

Went to Zermatt today, did a little hike... and by Noon, it snowed in the mountain
Yeah!!!!!

Yesterday, saw some thai lady boys in Visp.
Can't help to think why are they here :p

Holiday is great

Been 8 days in Switzerland...
Some of the highlights (beside mountains and chocolate) are:
1. Before you sleep, you heard the church bells. And it is from 2 or more churches.
When you awake, you heard the cows/sheep bells
And when you woke up in the middle of the night to "pee", you heard the "MOOO..MOOO". Don't the cows sleep?

2. I had GREAT steaks and fries. They are soooooooo good that the thought of them will make me drool.

3. How can I miss out shopping? Swiss knife, Swarovski earring, Salomon hiking boots, Geox shoe... that's all for now (wait till I get to Milan)

However, the weather has been cloudy and drizzly, so I had not done to a proper hike.
Hopefully, tomorrow weather will be kind to me.

Lastly, I observed a number of Koreans here - single for holiday, and majority are married to the locals. ????

Sisley product - Is it good?

My latest buy - Sisley All Day All Year!!
With all the travelling, haste weather, dry air at the plane, etc... I felt that I have age ALOT.
Hopefully with this will help to minimize the damage.

Make them a Eunuch!

Crazy law, crazy ruling.
Child molester got "light" sentence over raping a toddler!!!
Reason from the judge - Because the victim (who is a child) did not resist, did not say no.
WTF!!!!

Link: http://focustaiwan.tw/ShowNews/WebNews_Detail.aspx?Type=aALL&ID=201009060010

TV show that can cause divorce

Taiwan TV program... really talk about everything - food, people, airport, road, government, spirial related, etc.

Today I was watching a program - they invited 4 celebrity couple and made the hubby to bring a gift to wife.

First couple, the husband gave a Chanel latest design handbag. (Wow... the other wives watched with envy, but probably the rest of the husband will think he has “spoiled market”).

Second couple, the wife received a fire distinguisher. Gosh, why in the earth would you give your wife a fire distinguisher? What is the guy thinking?

Third couple, NT300,000 sliming centre vouchers! The wife was so pissed that she tore the vouchers on the spot; as she felt so humiliated!!! While the husband explained that his wife had been complaining about her figure and, that is why he got those. Ended up – they fight and argue in the show over this “sensitive” gift.
NT300,000 leh!! Why tears it? At least refund for money mah

Last couple, the mystery gift was “table cloth”.

This show taught me a few things
1. Guy can be so insensitive
2. Why will people fight in live tv show? If you cannot take it then don’t go on show
3. Woman are materialistic after all

Bumpy ride

Got in Taichung again.
The flight here was really bumpy and the seat belt sign was on for ~90% of the time.
Felt like having a mini roller coaster ride.
Hopefully the return flight will be better.

Oh, why bumpy? Because there are 3 typhoons surrounding Taiwan.
They MAY come in... so keeping my fingers cross.
I have never experience typhoon but I do not wish to esperience that.

Boeing Boeing - Thumb UP

I watched "Boeing Boeing" today.
It was a funny show and I do enjoy it, but there was a minor problem - we were seated at the last row, so my view was pretty much blocked.
Haiz, what to do when we purchased our seats at the last minute.
So, next time if you are watching any shows at the Drama Centre Theatre @NLB; do NOT choose the Cat 2 and especially in the last few rows. Not quite worth the money.
Other than that, the show was great.

Also, we had lunch at MOF, Bugis.
The service was STUCK; we swore not to visit that restaurant EVER.
You may visit MOF if you enjoy long wait time for your food, incomplete food served, wrong order given, smile-less and arrogant attitude servers.

Zoo

Today, I took leave to go ZOO!! It was really fun and I was truely impressed with Singpore Zoo - they have excellent in a many ways, minus some of the small cages for some animals.

Oh, the YOG has come to an end? I didn't even have a chance to see the lighted touch, think it was somewhere out there in Marina?

Normal position:


Turn over to pee..

Where did those stuffs come from?

This is the amount of stuffs that I have in Taiwan.
I went with only 1 silver luggage and now...
The interesting thing is - I thought I DID NOT shop much in Taiwan. So, where did those stuffs come from?
Also, I wonder how these things can fit into my tiny room.

Anyway, I just brought one black luggage back. Rest will be in the later trips.
Feel great to be back :-)

SOME things that may be explain

Why would you want to be nice to SOME one?
Why would you want to be an asshole to SOME?
Why would you want to be loved by SOME one?
Why would you want to treasure SOME thing?
Why would you want to do it SOME time but ignore it at SOME other times?


Why people do thing without following their hearts?
Sarcastic!!!!

If you have set the same example more than twice, it is the same as setting an expectation??
What am I talking? Just crazy, I guess.

Is blogging good?
You get to know someone through website and is not through the traditional way of chitchat/message over the phone or even face-face conversation.
What happen to the chemistry?

Wavvy hairs

Is this rebond?

Rebound hairs

After months of surviving with my messy hair-do; I decide to spend 2.5hrs of my life to for a hair rebounding.
The end result was not exactly very straight (which I don't want) hairs, but I think it was OK.

Total cost was NT2500 and the process was wash-treatment-rebound-treatment-cut-blow dry. Err….reasonable pricing, right?
Now, I will have to see if the "rebound" hairs will last after a wash on Tuesday.

Ching Jing Farm

Colleague and I went for a day trip to ChingJing Farm.
It was a warm weather which leaves me with a sun burn at the shoulder.
It was a nice place, giving me a break from this rowdy city.

Huge wind chime

Today, we dine at a nice restaurant which serves yummy sukiyaki!!!
I think I love sukiyaki is because it is salty :) Not healthy but is very good.
On the way back, we passby a huge wind chime.
Feeling contented… nice dinner with good company, and a good finding of the wind chime.

Oops... didn't I mentioned that I want to cut down on meat? Look like it is not going to happen in near future.

Lucky day

I saw a rainbow (or rather was double rainbow(s) - the one was pretty faint) during the way back to hotel.
Lucky day, isn't it?

Little walk

Yesterday, Head for a short walk at the Lower and Upper Peirce Reservoir .
Surprisingly that there are plenty of joggers, walkers and cyclists.
1 sentence - I enjoyed it. :)

Tomorrow, I need to go TW "again"...and here goes the ritual "again".

Happy Birthday, Singapore!

Bonus - holiday for me :)
*Hopefully*... Hope there will be no work related calls today!

My breakfast with "extra"

What will you do when you found curly hair in your food?
I didn't make a scene but informed the stall owner.

Animal cruelty

Read an articule about force feeding the duck for the fattening liver.
The conclusion was that the act was not cruel.
Link: http://www.soshiok.com/article/12794

Recently, I am having constant thoughts to cut down on meats (except for seafood). I don't think I can stop meat intake completely but I really wish to cut down.
I feel I should be doing my part.
No promise but let see how much I can try.

It include this....

Goodbye - my shoe(s)

Why did I buy shoe and never wore them? Some, maybe wore them once.
Packed 5 pairs of shoe today. 3 never wore before, and 2 of them... maybe once or twice.
They all went into the salvation army drop box. Sob sob..
No more impulse buying... Oops.. but did I mentioned that I just bought a Timberland kneel-high boots?

PS: Think I have throw away at least 20 pairs of shoe over the past 6 mths. Haiz


Country Road - Never wore...
Why buy then? It was on sale for A$100... made of satin.
Now? In the bin of salvation army.


Red Aldo - Never wore.
Reason to buy it? It looks sexy then.

Toilet

Last Friday, I was late for the transport but as I was on a high tide; I rushed to the company toilet (Note: TW toilet are usually the squat-type, kind of run down as well)....
Eager, anxious and urgency make me just "jump" into a cubicle.
OMG!!! Holy Cow!!! A BIG pile of SHIT in the bowl with "brown" residue in the shallow water.
I can only jump off the stairs and head out!!!

So, today... of course I have visited the toilet. Again, just before I left the office....
And....I am lucky again....
Opening the cubicle door... and saw the white naked butt in front of me...
A lady is peeing.

What's wrong with the toilet users here?

Hurting myself.

Today, I woke up with both hands full of scratches. Not sure why - maybe I have scratched myself during the sleep. Not My first....
In the last trip, just before I head home; I found a long scratch as well... half of arm length.
Was I too stress that cause disturb sleep? Bad and weird dream as well!
Still, nothing beat a good night sleep at home in my OWN bed..

Took a walk under the hot and humid weather; and was hoping to get some peace.
Here's a view on the short walk.
OH! I walk with the new "tone" flip flop... comfortable? yes. Tone? Dont know, can't feel the difference since I'm aching from the swim yesterday.

Dream?

Easily sway and no confidence?
Want to sleep but afraid to sleep?

Another day begins.... will it end?

Where will I be tomorrow?

In another 12 hours, I will be on the plane; heading to Taichung again.
Mixed feeling!!

The world is so big yet so small.

MRT ride

Spain won and the octopus is right again.
Paul is famous and a popular discussion topic for now.. Amazing isn't?

Took MRT back and it was packed (as usual).
1. A lady wearing a very very pinky top with 2 matching hair clip kept bumping me to me... butt to butt. What's up, woman?
2. Then saw a fat primary school boy sitting on his tiny skinny mum. What's going on?
3. On the right, another thai/phil woman wearing heaving make up and short... carrying a hello kitty school bag. She can be the mum or maid but definately a very well groom one.

We can get to see all kinds of life in a 30mins train ride.
Well done Sinagpore - for creating entertainment.

Venga, Espanol!

Spain or Holland?
Tonight is the night!

Photo by a friend who live in Barcelona, where the spirits is high!!!

Camera *another one*

It's final: I had trade in my old canon ixus 950 for a S90, after a long dilema between S90 and Ixus 300HS. Don't ask me why, I just whack.
Hehee, wish I have Paul to predict which for me :)

Today, I went to pick up a few tops. No trying at shop, so I ended up disliking all of them when I put them on at home, maybe except for one from future state.
I am such a lousy investor. :(

But at least I had a nice dinner - wonderful steak, with a decent view of the sunset.

Good morning, Monday!

Used to work up in the morning and I was like "Yeah!! Going to work"
Now? Woke up and "Har, got to work ah"!!
*complaining* again :P

Ok, kick my ass and head downstair for the office transport.
Hope the Monday blues can turn into Monday best!

New buy!

I just beat the 34degC weather and head out to shop..
hehee.. me as a typical singaporean who loves shopping!
Note: Shopping here is NOT like in SGP where aircon is everywhere, including the underground walkway.

Anyway, I spent NT$1504 on this "tone-up" flip flop :D
Oh, with a bonus of "sun-burnt".. No good :(
The flop is suppose to help to tone muscle and improve posture while you walk/shop.

2000 miles away

2000 miles away from home.
The little console is that I got a new flat screen TV in the tiny room.

The weather is as crazy as SGP. Rain heavily then HOT sunny HUMID weather.

Fantastic Saturday

I did quite a number of things yesterday, so I felt so contented and very pleased but with a sense of tiredness. Items range from breakfast, visiting princess, musical (It's full monty - naked men), dinner, chill out at loof and a late night BBQ.
Hehee…. Had 5 meetings in a single day!!! Record breaking? But no choice when I have limited time in SGP.

Me looking out from the Loof and I Love off-shoulder top!!


Read this article; another piece of evidence that SGP kids are getting more daring and adventurous.
http://www.asiaone.com/News/Education/Story/A1Story20100625-223931.html

Life been life, is that really it?

Will life come to a pause?
Will life come to a hop-over?
I am running out of patience. When I do; I run, I hide and I shall never be found...

Realise things are far more beyond my reach, far beyond my control.
How can things be so hopeful yet disappointing at the same time?

Packing up my mental baggage and head through the door(s).

My name is ping which mean "ice" in mandarin... Maybe it's trying to tell me to be like a ice - cool and solid but eventually it melt and evaporate into the thin air when in the wrong hand.

North-South poles

Read an article over the Chinese papers, by a MONK (that why it got my attention). Topic was to discuss about what women and men want.
Men: The "logical" flow is
1. Having a job and earn money
2. Have a relationship and settle down
3. Then it's gaining status and/or power.
They did explain the reason and it did sound reasonable.
A man need to have a stable job with income to attract woman and feel confident to support the family. Once that is achieved, a relationship can be start and remain healthy. So, if he is happy with a job and not to worry about family, he will then turn his focus to gain status and work his ass up the organization level.
So, is that the reason why majority of the success are married?

But I think there is underline condition in there. A family can be start if the couple can have the same vision or goal. A man can fall in love from 20 to 60, whereas a woman is probably from 20-40. So, they have to be attracted by the wisdom of each other, not by the physical appearance.
People get old and this is unavoidable; whereas humor and wisdom can nurture and grow.

Woman just want a gentleman who care, support and stay by her. Is this consider simple? But these days, it is hard when a lot of women are career minded and want “equal” status as men. They trying to be “North & North” or “South to South” poles, when we are design by nature to be North & South poles.
Mmm.. thinking thinking!!!!

Oh....Next article is – "Implanted breast exploded during air"; when the plane met with turbulence … And now, the woman is suing the plane company for damages… I have not further comment except for a good laugh.
Nothing is surprising these days.
Link http://www.waspsnest.com/2010/06/08/russias-largest-exploding-and-bruised-breasts

Thoughtfulness with Love

Finally, I watched Sex and The City 2.
Was a nice show, nice fashion, loveeee the shoes, hats, bags and dresses...
Where did they got all the money from?

Love Big's thoughtfulness, it's a rare gift. Oh, how Carrie knows that she got a black diamond and not a black cystal? hehee...

Here's a snap of a quiet vintage place:

Home economics

Hey, I am impressed with the local education.
Today, I was clearing my room *again*, and found my secondary school textbooks
**I know, my room is full of junks**.

In Home economics, we actually learn when and why woman has menstruation, how the cycle occurs; pregnancy symptoms and ways to deal with the discomfort. Then we were trained about situation analysis, as to how to response when followed by stranger or got robbed.
To nurture us, we were taught to cook using different cooking methods, and learnt to choose the fresh ingredients.
Then there is personal grooming class, which educated us on what to wear for different occasions, and how to do sewing, etc.
Bet you will never believe this - we were taught on how to take care of baby too... No wonder I can take care of my baby cousin when I was a teenager.
Last but not least, first aid was part of the course as well.

Mmm… now, are you aware that we were actually trained to be independent woman during then?
Is this lesson still ongoing for the new age spoiled youngster?

Oh, I like the TV commercial about the repeated littering offence – penalty is to do public sweeping?
Message was that your children might do very well in academic, but are they good in social behavior? Well-said!! Well-said!!

Snapshot of the text before they head for the bin:

Treasure found

Found 2 drawings by a friend's girl. Kids are adorable; as long not mine (for now).
I am just not ready to hold that responsibility.
So, kudos to all mums out there.
I wonder if dads will do as much sacrifice as mum? At least not mine.

Melthing Ice-cream = milk shake

A study in London shows that woman nag at their man at an astonishing 8000mins a year = 11hour per month. Although woman likes to nag; I have seen man who nags a lot more than us.
Is it the stress of the modern days that is causing this behavior?
Link to the article: http://www.punemirror.in/index.aspx?page=article§id=5&contentid=20100617201006172117081919e4b985§xslt=

Another thing that I was to bitch about was the SQ flight... the new plane that shuttle between SGP and TWN is SUCK!!!
In all my trips, it was either:
1. E-brake during landing (more than once)
2. Bumpy rides (all the time)
3. Provide passengers with melthing ice-cream. Call it milk shake will be more appropriate.
SQ standard is dropping. Shame!

I got back home (TWN-SGP) yesterday night, and it has been a tough week at work – issues, conflict, politic, etc…But especially politic which is the killer; I hate it or maybe because I don’t know how to handle it.
Friends, tell me – am I moody these days? Was I complaining that much when I was in my previous jobs? I am in dilemma if I am in a wrong place.
I know everywhere is politic but I just don’t want to get myself deeper into that shit. Where can I go?
Once I do something, I do like to put my heart into it. But now, I am struggling to balance between the work and family. Travel does not make it any better.

I got home, feeling so tired and beat up; so I do not wish to talk much. But for family who don’t get to see me that often… they do want to talk (obviously). But then my mood is under “short fuse”.
Same thing for friends, I got to spend only 25% of time in SGP… I do very much want to meet friends and catch up but I do not have the luxury.

After weighting the pro and cons, what keeps me going then? A job that can pay the bills… but I feel losing myself and the passion for work (maybe for anything else).

Gosh, I sound like a big loser now!!!Little consolation is that I have racer in my arms now!

Dry weather

Finally some gloomly day without rain!
Taichung had been raining for the past 7 days (the least).. too many days that I have lost track!
Counting down to go home. Yeah.

Musical show

Full monty musical is coming to Singapore. They are showing Andrew Pang, Hossain Leong, etc... I wonder if they going to "strip"... as like in the movie...
hehee... check out the SISTIC website and Lady's card get 15% off... wooohooo!!
http://www.sistic.com.sg/portal/dt?dt.isPortletRequest=true&dt.action=process&dt.provider=PortletWindowProcessChannel&dt.windowProvider.targetPortletChannel=JSPTabContainer/sEventsCalendar/Event&dt.containerName=JSPTabContainer/sEventsCalendar&dt.windowProvider.currentChannelMode=VIEW&dt.window.portletAction=RENDER&contentCode=monty0710

Bundle hair with a chopstick

Just learn how to bundle my hair with a chopstick, from youtube. Yeah!
Think I bought this "hair chopstick" from '08 BKK trip....Now, I finally learnt how to do it. hehe...

Check it out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roL-8kqQXOw&feature=related

Realised I have many "tour memories" around me. Quick example of today dressing:
1. Hair chopstick from '08 business trip to BKK. Had a great time even with work. Stayed in in Mariott suite! Dinner at the fancy restaurant at DOME.
2. Carrying my bag where I got it from the '09 Osaka trip; where I wore the nice kimono at Kyoto.
3. Using a wallet, from Barcelona trip; Wearing jean, from the BCN outlet as well... Think I bought like 4 pairs or maybe 8? Anyway, lost count... but I know that I had to ship an additional luggage back :p
4. Oh, There's my green pump and oakley shades from Sydney outlets... How many pairs of shoes did I buy in Sydney? Mmmm.... 10 maybe??? OMG!!! Shades???? 3 or 4??

Gosh, I shopped a fair bit (OK, I do shopped and buy ALOT!!!)
Really craving and looking forward to a nice holiday

What is your life goal?

What is your hobby?
What do you like?
What is your life goal?
What is your objective?
What do you want?
What do you want to be? or like to be?
What makes you happy?
How would you evaluate your life?
How can you life happier? or are you contented?
Are you satisfy with your life?

Travel is everyone fav?

I had a really bad day. Woke up and recieved a nasty sms. A**H***!!!
TGIF so I can relax for the night.
Just feel like browing some old photos... All the way back dated to '04.

'04: Had my very first business trip to Ireland. Feeling lost and weird but was nice experience.
Visited Bali and HongKong; and then had a nasty broke up.
'05 - I picked up Belly dancing but stopped when a good opportunity came by: I got to go San Diego for a good 3 months. Oh, not to mention that I shopped alot!!!
Had a nice birthday drinks with Jes and Foo at the Scarlet roof top bar.

'06 - BARCELONA!!!! Yes, yes, my ex-company sent me to Barcelone for 3 months. With a visit to Portland in between. Think I got the best benefit ever.
But I did recieved a "bad" news when I am in barcelona.
Hey, life is fair? Filled with good and bad?

'07 - No more travel, but had a pretty ok year (I think)
Year start wasn't good but I survive through.
I picked up pieces and start going for holiday from mid year.
Start with Koh Samui and Phuket for diving trip at yr end.
Oh, not to forget NDP day vist and alot of parties

'08 - This is a year of travels.
Went to BKK twice - once for business and another for leisure.
Head out to Barcelona for business again; stayed 2 wonderful months
Cambodia and Melbourne are in the same year.
Wow... how did I manage to get so much time? Hehehee...

'09 - Brought my parents to HCM and then a nice trip to Japan, all before I started my new job that based me often in Sydney.
Not forgeting a yr end trip to Malacca

'10 - Stuck in Taiwan... when will be my next holiday?

I reaaly missed Racer!

Frequent flyer

When people know that I am a semi-frequent flyer; the very first comment is "Wah, so good ah, you must have alot of mileages".
I wish they can be a little more understanding.
Frequent flyer is good in a way but it is tiring.
Being in plane will makes the skin slags...because of the dry and dirty air.
Being in different countries within a short period will disrupts your daily routine.
Being back home is tough, because you'll try to accomplish so many things within limited period.
Being away will make you drift from people, and thus make the bonding difficult.

Still, I look this as part of my job. It comes as a package.
So, not going to complain nor brat about it.
I just want some understanding. Thank you!

It's raining the whole day in Taichung; so I'm stuck in the room.
Eat, eat and more eating to kill time.
Ok, Gaining weight again. Gosh!

Have you say "I love you"

Have you say "I love you" to your love ones today?
Do it now!!!
Life is unpredictable, and you never know when you will leave them.

Singaporeans are conservative in saying "Love you". Please Don't!!!!
Nothing shy about that!

Friends out there - "I love you"!
Racer - "I miss you"

Another data point for lousy food

Had a group dinner at the brew house; it'a a place that serve beer and german food.
Another disappointment again... Why? The food is no good!
The one in sydney is so much better.
The pork knuckle and sausages.... mmmm... I missed it so much

Reminder of my absence

Look at the pile of newspaper - a good reminder that I was away from Taiwan for quite a while. ;-)
The plant is dying as well. So sad.

I wonder why the cleaner wouldn't throw them away

Do I want to be away from family?

No matter how much I don't wish to.. I still have to travel as this is part of my job.
I am not complaining nor have any grief over the job (in fact, I do like a fair bit of travel). I just don't like to be away when thing at home are unstable (long list to begin with), even it is just for 2-3 weeks.
This apart seems to be quite unbearable for me. Now, I really admire a friend for her determination as she has been away from family, for more than 12 months (and maybe more months ahead). May luck with her!

Actually, with recent events; I realize that maybe migration is not a thing for me. I still want to stay with family when they need me and I love them enough to stay. And I know by staying behind, they will be really happy. Now, does this mean I am “sacrificing” my dream (migrating)? Maybe not!
Things changes all the time, we need to adapt in order to survive and live happily. I always thought that migrating will make me happy. So I relook into the fact on why I want to migrate – I want to be nearer to the green and nature (it’s something that you don’t find “everywhere” in Singapore).

Being happily around love ones (including friends) is more than satisfying than fulfilling my dream… I have to weigh and balance. I want them to be happy which in return makes me happy… This is what I want! No point for me to leave and makes everyone upset. Plus I have start to explore Singapore and found more gems.
Migrating might happen one of these days… but just not now.

One of my many love: