My friday break

I was feeling overwhelmed at work so rather than losing my temper and cool, I decided to take a short 1-day break. I went to anti-stress massage at Bodywellness my usual spa place, and went for a nice stroll among the Duxton Hill. It was very nice to be walking around 130pm, the weather was beautifully blue sky and found a number of places. I was apprehensive about having lunch on my own, but what the heck - I was hungry. I finally settled on a place called Mozarella - in hindsight a beautiful Italian bar and restaurant. I ordered tomato soup, the oh-so-tender Lamb shanks, capped with affogato served with super strong Italian expresso. Beautiful

the scenic duxton hill

affogato with vanilla ice cream. I love this version,

the vanilla was beautiful with a tinge of tangerine

I then hungout at the Loft, where it was very quiet and peaceful. I'll remember to go back to the Group Therapy place next time, but I most probably would feel misplaced with a loner here. In the afternoon, I peeked at my work inbox and was cheered by a lovely message. *loved*

White Wood Oil or Minyak Kayu Putih

Since I am baby I always love the smell and fragrance of jamu Minyak Kayu Putih from Indonesia, or oil of White wood in its literal translation to English language or "Pek Cha Yiu" in Hokkien dialect. Last month, I received my shipment from Amazon for essential oil from US. I only ordered 2 types in tiny quantity as the essential oils cannot be shipped according to IATA (International Transport Authrority) as it is super inflammable. Lavender and Eucalyptus. Upon smelling the Eucalyptus, I was struck by its similarities to MKP.

So today, I am researching the differences between these oil type. According to this article from the Dept of Forestry in Indonesia, MKP comes from a variant of genus that includes Myrtle tree, and its export is governed by the strict law. While Eucalyptus originated from Australia, been used globally. Hmm since both trees are originated from very closeby location (the Austro-Indo group) and have very similar smell, I suspect more connection.

Here's pic of my favourite- the best brand of MKP - is Cap Ayam from Medan, North Sumatra! It's advertised by local online shops at 150ml for 38.000 Indo rupiah or around S$5.

 Memory of childhood: minyak kayu putih cap ayam, bikinan Pt Jamu Sari

More research to come.

About pitbull

Listening to songs, and International Love by Chris Brown ft. Pitbull - made me check on Wikipedia entry on Pitbull. Found this sad story - http://www.sfweekly.com/1997-06-11/news/shouldn-t-we-just-kill-this-dog/.

The story of Fred made me want to hug my puppy: *hugs*

Annual Health Screening package

Parents safely in journey to MBS, tonight I am focusing on research of the best annual health screening package that utilizes my perk accounts from my company. The due date is end of June which is the fiscal here. I've been going to Raffles Medical for my GP so I thought this year I would consider package here instead of the one at the Executive Screening centre.

Step 1: Comparing the Executive General package at S$802.50 and the Elite General $1,588.95.

Step 2: Research what each tests mean and whether they are necessary or not.

Step 3: The Singapore Health Promotion Board has a guidelines about age and tests. After carefully reviewing them corresponding to my age and my family medical history including other risks, I have determine that the executive Ladies package is the best for me (an early 30's lady). Even though I can afford any packages, I avoid excessive waste and false positives. The most important is to live healthily.

Livejournal

Today receive message from livejournal about my super old account (that I had  totally forgotten too).  First post at livejournal @ http://starell3.livejournal.com/

Singapore Household survey 2012

Singapore govt is carrying out the survey for 2013 latest. This is a document from the last one in 2012 - useful and informative for my weekend reading. Local file and website of http://www.singstat.gov.sg/publications/population.html#household_income_and_expenditure.

My trip to India 2013

I flew to India, Mumbai on Monday morning Apr 22, 2013. Stayed 2 full nights - including conf calls on the first day, concluded with a brief lunch at 2pm where the lobby lounge is with some mimosa and cordon bleu chicken and steak sandwich. Lunch is brief at Celini, the hotel's Italian restaurant.

2nd day we rode the car to the office, I was eager arriving at a little over 8am. The office is located at Windsor tower, with no road sign, other than designation "off CST Road" at Santacruz Area, Mumbai. Finished with a nice local India dinner, at the Grand Hyatt Soma. The tandoori platter, esp the mutton and chicken were excellent. The warm roti with garlic was very nice. The crowd was upmarket and pleasant.

Sakura Season 2013

I love spring.

The cool weather with sky starts to open up to blue-ness and plants everywhere start to groom, and bear new flowers.

This year, the cherry blossom season arrives in Tokyo early. During my last business trip there, I took a path down to Shinjuku Gyoen to checkout the last bloom of the year the week of 8th Apr.

I did it!

I completed my first half-marathon. Timing 3 hours 3 mins - is okay average considering my lack of training. I am so elated and am donning my nice finisher's tee.

Final week to 21KM

I'm in kind of trouble because of my lack of training for my first marathon.

My original plan heading to the week of March 18th is 5KM (Tue) + 7KM (Thurs) + 12KM (weekend). What I did was 2KM (tues night) + 5.5KM (Friday night) + 7KM (Sunday night).

Song Fa Bakut Teh

A nice simple meal with my parents - at Song Fa. They liked the casual environment and the relatively inexpensive price tag. We had a nice table outdoor with cooling sunset air, thanks to my swift action. They now had a novel idea of serving tea with traditional small clay teapot and tiny cups with boiling water self-served from the gas stove next to the wall. We ordered Tien-Lo-Han and the bunch of the half-tea leaves went mysteriously missing in the middle of the dinner.

I had 10km refreshing run thru Garden by the Bay East this morning, then Chinese New Year lunch at Eco Sanctuary showroom @ Chestnut (dissapointing food but fabulous Dragon and Lion dance) and followed by Hi-Tea with choco fudge cake and Long black at the Marmalade Pantry Ion.

Kinabalu

After 2 years of talking, finally due to a sudden incident, I went to Kinabalu, and climbed that mountain. My fully body is now sore beyond belief. Sitting upright and especially standing up, becomes painful. And stairs... oh don't mention it. I cringe at the sight of stairs now.

Archive: 2012 Accomplishments

• Buy a property
• Love myself
• Travel to Taiwan
• Reach Nordkapp
• Try something new (camping)
• R'ship exploration
• Scandinavia travel

Purpose

It is a bit intimidating.. in a good way, facing with someone who knows exactly what his priorities in life. I feel clueless.

Decisions are all making sense. The choices. Speed. Career choices. Relocation. The travel.

I suppose a wanderer warrior one day must go home with his identity. I can understand that, I felt the same and lost as well sometimes. Unfulfilled and empty. Having a sense of purpose and dedication is important. It's almost vital. what's the use of lifeless paperwork.

The Taurus Woman

I like the description of the Taurus Woman here:

The Taurus woman

As the bull is a supremely masculine creature, the cow is supremely feminine. The female Taurus is often the epitome of the instinctual feminine archetype, with all the gentleness, strength, wisdom, patience and sensual passion of her goddess-antecedents. There seem to be two distinct types of Taurus woman.

The first is the real Venusian Taurus, with a perfectly made up face, surrounded by beautiful scent, dressed in sensuous, expensive designer clothes. Pampered, indolent, and preoccupied with her own attractiveness, you may accuse her of vanity and self-indulgence, but she knows that self- confidence and pride in herself are the best guarantee of being treated with real respect.

Then there's the Taurus woman who reflects the purity and harmony of nature. Organically grown food, natural fibres, a ban on smoking, a refusal to use chemicals in the garden or artificial colouring on her hair, this woman harks back to the old temple priestesses in the days when the power of the Earth-goddess represented the power of life itself.

Either way, the Taurus woman is wise in the ways of love, and is devoted and usually loyal -provided she has security and knows she's valued.  Her tenacity and faithfulness are admirable. Sometimes they're too admirable. Try to release yourself from this kind of Taurean woman and she will hang on with that incredible Taurean tenacity until you give up and come back out of sheer exhaustion. Taurus women can wait, and they often do wait, and wait, for the promise you made ten years ago to be fulfilled.

Flirtatious at the beginning of a relationship, Taurus settles into stable routines very easily and quickly. If you enjoy spontaneous trips and unplanned holidays, give this woman at least three months' notice. And don't, for heaven's sake, change plans at the last minute.

Taurean women can be very literal, believing what you say and holding you to it the next day. Or the next year. Or the next decade.  If she promises something, she'll endure all kinds of hardships to keep her promise, and her sense of responsibility is very highly developed. She doesn't like letting people down, in personal life or at work. If you promise something to a Taurean woman, mean it. Otherwise, learn to think before you speak, or choose another sign.

There is an innate simplicity in the Taurus woman, even in those whose practical abilities and business acumen have led them to build a solid career in the world. "Simple" doesn't mean "stupid", so don't make the mistake of thinking, because she didn't win any prizes on the school debating team, that she isn't grasping exactly what you're trying to say, even when you thought you meant something else.

Although some Taurean women are gifted at verbal gymnastics, most prefer clear, plain, no-nonsense communication where nothing is concealed or ambiguous - and because they're usually straight and direct, they know when you aren't.  Despite her strangely childlike quality, the Taurus woman can be terrifyingly shrewd when it comes to seeing through shams and pretences. She isn't innately suspicious or mistrustful, but she can spot a fake from a long way away. That applies to fake antiques, fake flowers and fake people.

Taurus' eye for the realistic, the stable, the reliable, is unerringly accurate. Her common sense is a wonderful elixir for the jaded visionary, and her capacity to get to the basic core of a problem allows her to find simple solutions while you're still pacing up and down tearing your hair and wondering how you'll ever even begin to sort out the mess. The Taurus woman brings everything - including her partner - down to earth. And because it's a gentle sign, it's likely to be a soft landing.

Lunch today

Grilled ribeye steak
Asparagus and carrot - boiled/steamed
Grilled potatoes with tomatoes
Fruit appetizers - starfruit, granny smith apple, plum

Result: colorful delight for lunch with camomile tea. While jamming with Dj Earworms 2009 mix.

First Tiramisu on Sunday rainy morning

Tried my first Tiramisu. Result - nice with right sweetness and right alchoholic contents. But I made the mistake of leaving the egg white for too long that it spoiled.

What I did to track marathon progress of my friends

Bond: SkyFall

Just came home from watching 007: SkyFall. I like the show. It's not so emotionally gripping - but I enjoy the beautiful movie by a wonderfully skilled cast. Daniel Craig, as buffed, macho, and serious as Bond. 3 beautiful Bond women, and my favorite Judi Dench. I like Ralph Fiennes' straight guy but gentlemanly and Javier Bandem's performance is chilling - so cool.

And guess what, today 11-Nov is Bond's birthday.

Sunday Morning

The title reminded me of Maroon 5 song, so now it's playing in my head.

I exercised this morning, circling Hong Lim Park 5 times - 1 round more than target - yay - on my Vibram shoes. After 2km failure yesterday, tempted by the yummy thought of MacDonalds' fries - I resorted to cook my own fries today.  So my run was preoccupied by the thought on how I would prepare and slices them in 3 different sizes thus batches,

One the chubby finger fries like you normally get on Fish and Chips. They are filling!

Next skinny long ones like McD's which is my fave when some of them crispy and some are meek full of potato goodness.

The last batch, turned out to be the sides. Which I am enjoying now. I didnt have size in middle to make it midsize...

Tada...

so what I wanted to write about is my experience as Publicity Assistant secretary. Maybe through my life I am aggressive to try to make up for that period of time, when I felt I am more deserving as the Main Officer, and how I executed the job. When I look back the only thing that hindered me is that I didn't have the confidence. I wasn't confident enough to stand at public speech. I wasn't ambitious enough to stand up for that post. I felt I didn't have enough friends to support my selection. But in the end, I was egged on to nominate, that must be from my friends because I wouldn't have thought about nomination myself. So because of that, despite I am the driving force and I executed the plan, planned for work distribution, I then feel cheated by that post. By 3rd year I was focusing on my Industrial Attachment, and my Accelerated Masters program that I wouldn't think about running for the second time. But I am proud of myself going through that experience. I just hadn't been thinking or digesting that time enough to realize the underlying subconcious on how it formed me today, aggressive, ambitious, vocal - that was created by joint experience. I am sure that experience must have helped to form this single-minded focus on work and progress.

Well I am proud that I am able to subconsciously realize and assign the funniest person to do lecture announcement, because I know instinctively what would catch people's attention. Assign the most aestatically gifted to paint the banners, etc.

Hurtful and Heartbreak

Do you have feel shattered when your heart breaks and you felt that painful feeling ...

You feel that you are right and being misunderstood, but that emotional moment you can't try to understand the other POV like you always do (and almost be expected to). Sadness can't begin to understand how I feel.

I can't breathe. I am longing for more air.

Liquids streaming down my face.

I am feeling waves of emotions that I never know I felt before.

I sense something intangible, breaking out. breaking apart. The silent scream fills my ear. For a moment I just want to grief. I feel useless. I see no purpose. I can't understand. Comprehension is lost.

Oh my god. I am alone.

My Sesame Street favourite

I am so sad today to hear the death of the man who is essentially Count Von Count from Sesame Street, Jerry Nelson at 78. It is  always very strange feeling to hear an icon from your childhood passed on. I guess it gives a sense of awakening on age. That time passes. And that I am getting older and old. Until this news, I've not even considered death of puppets. So sad. I guess this must be what some people had been feeling about the Muppets characters.

Holiday and Expectation

I am back from holiday for almost 20 days in Europe. We hit 5 countries on the first 6 days. beyond statistics, as my number-driven travelling companions like to say, I love this vacation because it has no expectation. I had no expectation on myself, how I should spend my time, how I should behave on politeness , that I should keep in touch with the world through tv, internet, all and my thinking just roam and be free.

Post 20 days relaxing holiday, I hit the office this Tuesday so chilled'out. And dive into 12 hours workday with jetlag and little sleep. Oh boy. My mentor said "it's because you came back and realize how stressful this role actually is."

Master Your Workday Now!

Proven Strategies to Control Chaos, Create Outcomes, & Connect Your Work to Who You Really Are by Michael Linenberger

• Create Lists: Now Tasks:- review daily
• Critical Now = today
• Opportunity Now (over this/next week)
• Over the Horizon:- review weekly
• Move oppt now to here on lower priorities
• Defer to Do
• Defer to Review
•  Significant outcomes

Vision Goal = Aspirational
Target Goal = realistic and executable

Vision Goal + Target Goal = Now Goals.

A Project-Manager based approach over mastering Workday.

The Dark Knight Rises

Dark Knight Rises

The third-movie of the Dark Knight trilogy is intense, dark, but also realistic. I feel that most part of the movie is very fast-paced, sometimes felt rushed in terms of most of the scenes. So it's exciting but takes a while to digest all the things that are happening with multiple villains and frenemies. The themes however is very relevant to concerns today about the decaying moral of modern society, the have- and have-nots clashes, and various urges of the powerful characters whether to cleanse, defend, forgive, punish, or to trust.

I love Christian Bale's portrayal of Batman, he is egoless outside of the custome, and dark menacing inside the custome so you always feel such that his character is reigning in something immense. Anne Hathaway's Selina Kyle is alluring, cunning, and street-smart. She is lovely and unsettling as the feline character. I love Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman as the supporting Gentlemen of the Batman ensemble. Marion Coutillard is so lovely and fully composed as Miranda Tate. Joseph Gordon-Lewitt feels familiar (a number of characters from Christopher Nolan's Inception) as tough police-detective and finally Tom Hardy portrayal as Bane is evil and chillingly scary.

Go the Goodness and Hope!

Garden by the Bay and Morning Run

So Dad read out a book he borrowed from the library. It has healthy advices such as:
1. We should rest from 11-1 when the body processes and recuperates.
2. 1-3 is when the body recover from toxins processed
3. 3-5 when the body and lung functions are rejuvenating.
4. 5-7 is the best time to wake up and start slow as the body is ejecting its digestive by-product.
5. 7-730 the best time to have breakfast.

Today, the whole family awakens by 630 and we started off exploring the route to Marina Bay and the Garden by the Bay all the way to Marina Barrage.

What a beautiful dawn!

In-flight entertainment

8 hours flights each way Singapore - Brisbane

3 episodes of the Big Bag Theory
Hunger Games
Friends with Kids
Lorax
Act of Valor ***1/2
The Artist ****
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel ****1/2 (my favorite)

Zodiac' Today's Theme

Mine Taurus


A person who is a Taurus is born between the 21^st of April and the 21^st of May. The Bull is the symbol assigned to Taurus. The ruling planet for Taurus is Venus and their element is Earth. Fridays are said to be lucky days for Taurus people. Strengths of Taurus include being compassionate, dependable, loyal, reliable, and also being strong both physically and emotionally. Stubbornness, aggressiveness, sensitivity and a dislike when faced with change are all weaknesses associated with a Taurus.

The Bull symbolizes strong and silent, and this is exactly how a Taurus is said to be. Until you really get to know a Taurus you will probably not see his or her true self. Taurus are very stubborn individuals and once their minds are made up, swaying them even a little is next to impossible. If you do not try to push, Taurus folks will come across as being laid back and reserved. Take heed though because if you anger a Taurus, it is likely that you might find a violent temper. However, Taurus tempers generally will not flare until they are pushed.

Taurus make wonderful friends, and whenever you need them they will certainly be some of the first ones there. Taurus know exactly how to brighten the day of friends in need. Don't count on a Taurus ever calling on you to return the favor. They are very in tune with their emotions and rarely display them. Taurus are loyal and will stand beside a friend until the bitter end.

Sounds about right ;-)

Credit for Yahoo!

My weekend with good book : SEAL Team Six

Sometimes the most unexpected can turn out to be most rewarding.

I often hear, and believe in the phrase. But in my forgetfulness, in times when it happens the life turns out its most pleasant surprises in little things.

Like my weekend. After spending enjoyable drink with my colleagues, the three of us chatted on a table near fantastic view at L33 on MBFC. The weather was hot and humid, and the Singapore skyline turned out its lustrous heart-meltingly beautiful lights at dusk. Always my favorite time of the day.

I woke up with a slightly swollen right eye. Unsure why and only half prepared for a ruined weekend, I while away the Saturday, reading stuff like how to use egg cartons to dampen the noise and soundproof your room . In fact when I walked away to Yakun to pack takeaway breakfast, I eyed quietly at their egg and finally emit enough courage to ask. Also arrange a contractor to come down next Saturday for an exact quote of a double-glazed soundproof window. I then travelled to Bras Basah for a trip on library and shopping trip of my arts equipment finally getting a nice-setup for my painting project.

Almost accidentally, I walked past the wall that displayed library's newest books on my way out. I spotted the book by Howard Wasdin. I have been knowing the book since I got first my kindle. I read the trial but thought the story was so far removed from my live that it would be waste to purchase it. So fate brought the book to my hands this weekend.

The book, editing and content was very good. The action, details, and the drama - as well as the valor, courage and the sheer mental toughness of the soldiers so admirable. I woke up on Sunday, today with a heavily swollen eye. surely my night cap reading half of the 308-pages book.

Now a bit worried, I travelled to check which clinic opens on Sunday. If you ever need one (non A&E), Raffles Hospital has GP practicing from 8am-10pm. I took my time to travel there, inhaling the sweet fresh air of Sunday morning. Life is beautiful. Except for a swelling tearing right eye.

I had my check-up, a bout of antibiotics (Moxiclav), Sofranex eye-drop and anti-histamin. Then travelling to the art school, in vain, then the cinema. Headed home with JCO half-dozen donuts and some groceries. Cook a pigrib soup with cordyceps and ling zhi, settledown with some painting done on my tiny canvas, and proceeded to finish off the book.

Seal Team Six: Memoirs of an Elite Navy Seal Sniper by Howard E. Wasdin and Stephen Templin. Amazon rank #4,947 today.

The Painting I am trying to copy

Bridge at Villeneuve-la-Garenne. By Alfred Sisley (1839-1899)

Men In Black 3

Last week went to watch MIB 3. I didn't watch the second installment, and I didn't crave in excitement to see this one. But I am glad I did.

The movie is fantastical, but entertaining. Normally I didn't like action movie nor Will Smith, but this movie humanizes and touches. And it's cool to see all sort of gadgets that the movie dreamed about these days, time travel, memory swipe, violent aliens, plus the nostalgia of the wonder years of 1969 where dreams are purer, air freshers, and life tho ignorant, less complicated.

I like this review from TonyMacklin.net.

Lady gaga concert in Singapore

A couple of girls and I went to concert in Singapore. 3 nights sold-out, and we went for the first day. Standing ticket - so fun!

Amazing energy and showmanship. Also great personal touch and real showcase of dancing, energy, and also controversial message. Checkout her full tour schedule across Asia. This is still followed by 2 weeks in Auckland, New Zealand and every major cities in Australia.

It's amazing that the concert started at 830+ (after one-hour of waiting and bad organizing in the Singapore venue first day), and by 1030ish the audience energy is waning. While the singer is still so energetic, so its appaling that the encore shout is weak, and some people seen left the venue already! That's the reason the concert organizer decided to run both encores consecutively to end the day.

Vinegar drink

Japanese seems to like healthy and natural food. One of which that caught my attention is the 2 vinegar mixes (Honey or Berry) served at breakfast buffet. It came with instruction that the proper way of drinking it is to mix vinegar to fresh milk with 1:4 ratio.

The resulting drink is sour and sweet, not unlike yoghurt. Enchanted I had my eyes on any of these vinegar culture on sale outside. On my last day luckily, I chanced upon Food section at Mitsukoshi at Ginza at B2. There brand is VISS 1882 launched by Japanese famous vinegar specialist, Imazuya. I was lucky too as the store was apparently the only one in Tokyo, and I found it by chance ;-)

There's interesting mixes available. The most popular one is Apple-mix, followed by Grape then Passion fruit.

De Clutter

I fell ill badly after catching cold on Monday night. Today I am on medical leave. My body lethargic but my mind is restless and distracted by the cold.

I threw away the half-progressing beautiful Lily flowers that I was trying to dry. They were turning brown from the pure white it was. What a shame. The most beautiful flowers remain to be living ones, although no body can deny the pure romanticism of getting a bunch of flowers -oh..



I read the articles about decluttering and memories. Seems like there is symptoms or trends that are against Hoarders in USA. I just watched an episode of Dr. Oz talking about the ills of it (the same episode also talks about some bugs of the household pets).The guy who couldn't throw away stuff from childhood sounds like my brother. He would be agitated if mom throws away anything - those robots, toy cars, spidey soft toy, from his childhood. How cute. He is 30 this year and has a baby girl now.

The Avengers

I went to watch the Avengers with my collegue, last nigh pre-preview 4/30. Her brother's company is having movie night. I caught cold in mid term and had to rush back home immediately after the movie finished at midnight.

What a great show. I love how the new Director creates a logical story. The acting is strong and characters very compelling. Love it.

Also how wonderful that the interactions and dynamism between relationships of these superheroes - being playfully and quite realistically displayed. The only thing that I think is lacking is the feeling of watching a Movie than just a series. But maybe that's like reading an epic from the comic book.

Normally I have very good taste on what's good movie. Rotten tomatoes has it opening in USA on the 5th 96%.

My carbonara experiment

Carbonara is one of my favorite food. From research (through internet, so limited to popular folk lore mostly), it is a common pasta dish that derive its name from "Charcoal burner". Some speculated that it started as a dish to charcoal miner who was active in Italy at 16th-18th century.

So Carbonara is a common name for pasta (mostly commonly spaghetti or fettucine, but original Italian prefers penne) with white-cream based sauce made from cream/egg yolk, white wine, Parmesan cheese, and bacon.

My first carbonara experiment is rather successful. I got hold of the freshest ingredients from Cold Storage, which is $2+ 3 slices of bacon (Italy prefers to use pancetta - which is flavored and dried), cream, Parmesan cheese, and fresh eggs. I picked fettucine which is my favorite for heavy based cream to savor more of the goodness of the richness of the sauce than the lightness of angel-haired spaghetti. I also added frozen peas for colors and attempt at veggie-ing it. Today I used back bacon which is less fatty, because I went shopping at 740pm and today Cold Storage has 2 slices left from its Danish "streaky bacon".

I used my stock white wine which is Chardonnay 2008 from Chile, Alta Mira. The receipe recommended a dry wine, so you have to be careful not to use a more sweet-based wine like Moscato, as the cream and bacon tend to overwhelm the delicate note of wine.

I love Carbonara.

Melbourne 2012 Apr 31st Birthday

the beautiful former Melbourne Museum

So bored

I am feeling am wasting my weekends - week by week. time flies...

My Saturday, I learnt that English Premiership League football is just one of the League. The club/player starts at South/North, then National, Then L2, L1, and Finally Championship Liga before heading to the Premiership League. I learnt this from online game....

Viral videos

Do you know Viral videos. They are videos that people post on YouTube or other video sharing sites (like Vimeo, Hulu, etc) that got so popular for whatever reasons. I got into this after reading Times articles today on the survivalist of YouTube under Google HQ.

There's also fascinating videos people made about kids reactions to these viral videos. Some of the viral ones:
Nyam Cat - completely repetitive strangely addictive miao.
Psycho Girl who can't sing.
Obama "All of You Know whom I am" - impressive recovery, Sir.
Double rainbow.
Don't argue with Ibex.
Chocolate rain...

Search at Youtube.

I am an Conceptualizer Director

http://www.bestfittype.com/intj.html

Tired

Long day today. I started my work at 9 with a classico and chocolate croissant - that I munched through lunch time. Had a kopi-C and a pork big pao at 4pm during tea chat.

Worked through 10pm, and stood up and realize I was the last one in the office. Well I guess my come-uppace for a nice dinner yesterday. Yes, we went to the Tastings Room at Marina Sq for the restaurant week meal. Very lovely meal - I selected truffle mushroom puree soup (the curried cauliflower soup was light and tasty), 2nd course is a default squid ink pasta with fresh calamari - with very exceptionally done al-dente pasta, as main course the Beef Cheek (so soft it melts in your mouth), and the apple Flan for dessert. Yumm.

They had a great review at hungrygowhere as well - check it out. Today my brother went for the Oktober at Dempsey.

World's Most Ethical Companies

I am proud and feel also vindicated that the company I work for made it to the list of WME.
http://ethisphere.com/wme/. I know, sometimes such a list need to be reviewed with pinch of salt. but I am proud of this one, because in more occassions that I said out loud, I am continously astounded by how ethical we are - we as in the org. In terms of the way we conduct the business, formulate the policies, how hard and strict we view each suspicion of wrongful business conduct.

I am proud of that. Of working for a company like this. Of spending my efforts, time, energy and potential to at least valuable and integrity.

The company is of course not perfect. Even day by day I wonder listlessly in terms of my long term goal. But this is a small exciting news that I want to share, and capture on this blog.

Wonderful dinner

Last week was an eventful week. One of colleague, my BG Lead in Singapore nominated me for a nice small award - for GEM (Going Extra mile). I like her, liked her passion, experience, and drive. She has two college-aged sons and a golf-loving husband. She hardly need to work and sell, really. But she continues to be motivated, to push the boundaries, and to continuously passionate about her cause and her role. I admire that spirit.

It is sad for me to know, that she became demotivated that people clawed back at her for pushing them hard. Just 2 weeks ago, we chatted in a morning at the corner of Olio. I am really saddened and want to really help her, support her. Fortunately in my role, I could play a small part.

She went to Europe holiday, and came back rather refreshed. And she recognizes support - how sweet and thoughtful.

Another thing is to hear that my BG Lead in Taiwan is promoted to lead Business Process function in BMO. She has been passionate but lonely, in her works. I met her when I was on Taiwan holiday and at that point in time, I enjoyed knowing her and her boy. I am so glad to hear that she would be moving on to something good, and be recognized for that. I now learn that although she had been underappreciated by a group of management, it doesn't, it rarely means that a talent is missed by others. So I am so happy very much so to hear the news.

Last exciting thing that happened last week is I ended my Friday with a nice dinner with a wonderful company. It took me a courage to do what I have never done before, left office and came back. I was glad I did it. I had good time and dinner and became unusually chatty. I had to be careful not to "lose myself in the moment" too much next time...

Ah, life is more meaningful on stuff that happens coincidentally, unplanned, and life becomes more interesting and valuable that way. In small moments.

Happy Chinese New Year 2012

Finally, my long awaited Dragon year comes! Year that promised to be with better luck and just better generally. My folks and I just came home from praying at famous Kwan-Im temple at Bugis. This year I decided to join my folks because it was raining heavily at chinese new year turning 12. Yes, my perverse rebellion self decided to probe my parents when they laized around coz of the rain, so I pushed.

And we are so lucky to get the first hio- on the temple. We arrived thru bus 51, walking in the rain, that gets drizzled then barely there just as we arrived. The situation was festive while people were huddled under umbrella and hawker centre. But we arrived the temple were still not so crowded. There's instruction to the securities over the makeshift speaker to "have supper while the crowd is still not here". .

While we were praying, with hio offering silent words over newly year wishes, the securities blocked the entrance and I saw throngs of people with the burning hios were waiting in the crowd. Then mom finishes last in her words of prayer, and Dad, Mom, and I capping our three hios.

I can see Mom and Dad are quite pleased with the turn of the events. I hope this year brings its bright and positive energies for us and the World.

Fave songs of the day

This song by Timbaland ft. Katy Perry - If We Ever meet again
So romantic ! Reminded me of my fave Sidney Sheldon novel.

Another one Katy Perry & Kanye West - ET
Sexy! Nice lyric youtube

In Flight movies

Movies enjoyed on sQ flight Jan2012 Taipei.

MoneyBall
Melancholy story about game-changing GM of Oakland A in American Baseball. Based on true story. Great performance by Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill. Rotten tomatoes rating: 95%

Archive: 2011 Accomplishments

• Do an education course - Chinese III at NUS Extension - Checked!
• Expand social circle and get out of my shell
• Retouch with old friends
• Volunteer and social work
• New Hobby - Checked!
• 12KM Run - Checked!
• Start something meaningful
• Lombok - Checked!

Lonely

Sometimes I wonder - what if.

The time flies and unfortunately couldn't be held back nor frozen by mortal hands.

While we while away precious time, in conquest of money, wealth, and that eventual happiness, what if we become wrinkled, crippled, weak, when the time comes for the harvest.

Simple.

Sometimes maybe just keep things simple, with low expectation. It is easy to try to have happiness but it is so elusive when the mind keeps on weighing the optimum efforts. Isn't it a waste of time to do this. Isn't it useless to attempt that. I do not enjoy this. Or I will do this next time.

Oh so easy to delay and procrastinate. Please motivate me.

Standard Chartered

I was motivated. Tired. Energized. Not trained. Lazy. Glutton. Pasta party. Strategy. Pace.

Well I didn't train at all this time. Got to say do better than even my expectation - which was very low. Was hoping it would rain, so I could skip the run. Woke up at 545 - warmed up. Watched the marathoner running on the road below my house. Then got ready with my bro - got banana, gu tri-berry, and some strategy. Keep my heart beat slow and steady.

The results: 1:21 not that bad, we got into the first wave. Based on net timing I was doing worse. But I am contended - I got what I deserve except slightly better coz of the pacing.

Olympic Sculpture Park at Seattle

Nostalgic Russian dinner

After a friend's post about Shaslik we went back for a nostalgic trip to this one place - fusion Russian Singaporean restaurant - that still has tables decorated with plastic pink flowers, at this age.

The meal started with the mandatory soft sweet bun, where eaten with the butter is heavenly soft. Then opened with the mandatory famous Borsch soup - which served with optional sour cream. I opted for Fillet Steak medium rare - and yes they serve the steak on hotplate with serving of mixed veggie (cubed carrot, kacang polong and all), and frizzy fries. We had fun watching the waitress preparing the Flambees or the Baked Alaska - cherry, but decided too full for desserts.

Shashlik Restaurant.
545 Orchard Rd #06-19
Far East Shopping Centre. Singapore 238882

Promontory meet up and MBS

Marina bay sands Photo outing.

For this clubSnap outing, I went to have my first Tripod. The guys at TK Photo Funan Mall are very friendly and knowledgable. They patiently explained the feature of 4 sections, ball head, the tripod setup, the long- and short- section, the low-ground setup, etc. I ended up purchasing Sirui K-1204 and G10x head from them, as a set for $349 as well as Kinko Pro-1 58mm lens filter and a lens hood from them. Here is a review from Clubsnap forum on the tripod and head combi. I will most probably write my own review then.

K-KI

My discovery at Ann Siang Hill. Just opposite my place, there is a famous small bakery called K-Ki (supposed to meant Cake in Jap katakana style). It shared a tiny space with a knick-knack shop. The whole place definitely has a definite charm to it. It has around 5 tables - wooden with the flimsy whimsical chairs pair next to it. When I was there majority of cakes were sold out or reserved.

So I chose this one: Cafe Dumo ~ chocolate mousse

For take away it came with a pretty box and small ice-pack glued to the side to keep the cake in good shape.

Yummmy. 

K-KI
7 Ann Siang Hill, 01-00

Captain America

Today had productive day. I went to mass, first time at the Church of St. Teresa - Kg Bahru Rd. I love the songs - the same set one from the Church of St Mary of the Angels. Oh how my heart signs with joy. The mass there at 1030 and another one at 12pm for now.

Then, went for quick lunch before catching the Captain America: the First Avenger. Chris Evans is so very cute and heart-meltingly sincere. It was an entertaining ride thru American patriotism, the WW II and the crazy warzone fighting. The scene I most enjoyed is the first part - with the frail little boy and his journey of discovering his fate. The rest felt right, but also predictable. You should not miss the clip after the ending credits - we almost left, luckily we didn't. I read somewhere that the hallmark of Marvel comic is the great character developments and plots. I have to agree on the way the director Joe Johnston portrayed the movie - from a pretty outdated settings at WW II to the modern day's patriotism and valor.

My most favourite song

In this lonely night, singing the song that is best for anyone looking for soulmate outthere.

Gotta Be Somebody by Nickelback.

Audit of my achievements

I went down for drinks then party yesterday. Woke up at 8am promptly without alarm - amazing.

Doing "audit" of my 2009 commitments - personal goal right now. As I am feeling empty, aimless, and lost. Perhaps I had been concentrating hard on certain aspects and neglecting others.

Audit results:
Scorecard metrics: 10 green (mostly exceeding by a mile), 1 yellow, 4 red (hmm not too shabby)
Red in love, well-being, social work and intellectual pursuit.

Thoughts:
I am perfectionist. I do things I focused on, and do them extremely well - depth, but overkill sometimes. Well I am overachiever. I guess the lesson is I have to focus on just a couple of things, and set high goals, coz I will exceed them :)

Focus and High Goal.

Farewell lunch and Birthday

Yesterday marked the departure of one of my closest collegue. I feel sad and missing something but I am glad and happy for her and the next opportunity awaiting her. I think she made the right decision so next step has been taken.

We went for a small team lunch at the Rocks Urban Grill+ Bar. The steaks, pizza, were good by natural consensus. A couple of tables were facing the bay and the natural settings are good. Some tables were grouped together on a simple white and black minimalist design, while a couple of smaller table outlined the tall bay windows.

The actual run

My Shape Run

Yesterday, I went thru the 30-minutes inventory routine.

Started at 6:33pm, as I was enjoying (late) lunch at Tampopo Liang Court. Spent time traversing Spice street of the Singapore Food Festival. Sure there was kebab, spices, laksa, some thai, tourist popiah, some taiwanese fares, but... something lacking. Until I crossed Clarke Quay, arrived at Liang Court.

At the ground floor, was Tampopo, Kurobota (black pig specialist). Promptly I checked the menu, and found its signature dishes. Tonkatsu - which is the breaded fillet, typically pork, served on hot short-grained rice, and heaps of cabbage. Both latter were free-flow. I had two plates each, pipping hot rice, and cabbage (best garnished with sesame oil that the waiter would bring out customarily). I ordered the premium BP (Black Pig or Kurobuta) Premium Tonkatsu set. The layer of "black" meat and white flesh were distinguisable! Yummy.

Highly recommended. The whole place was run by Singlish speaking Singaporean and throngs of Mainland Chinese waiters though.. hmm. Supposedly best Pork Cutlet (Kurobuta Katsu set) in Singapore arguably. I for sure enjoyed the meal. :) Here's the link to their funky website...

Then I counted, 30 mins Meidiya shopping, 30 mins Kinokuniya browsing, roughly 30 mins walk home. Then manga reading for 90 mins! I would slept soundly until the morning Shape 2011 run! Flag off time at 710am, promised XJ to meet at 640... so I am having headache. I hope for good run.

Happy July

It's been a while since I had the time and interesting content to update this blog. Many eventful stuff happens erstwhile.

June mostly inudiated with work. Emotional june, leading the closure. Year end drink parties... and stressful cases.

July comes and I felt mixed. A big relief mostly awashed with apprehension. Org changes, new HC, and roller-coaster feeling when I realized a post on June 30. I am no doubt slightly worried, and disappointed even mirrors largely my thinking. Mostly I am more at peace, now. Reset of expectations would be good. Emotional, needing to move on, and grow in other aspects of my life. Heath, eating, exercising, thinking about taking some advanced education, or simply hobby, spend more time in social networks, loving, and enjoying life. Perhaps cooking, travelling, or some new hobby. I don't know. Or volunteering social, overseas, or political. Take up energy levels to pursue my life.

GE 2011

Tiring, congested. Another example of good run is hard to organize, and taken for granted.
This year, the committee' complaints ranges from shirt that's too small (it bunches up when I ran among tummy), narrow sections, horrible water points, late flag-off time, and bad goodies bag.

Hot day, but I dashed off for my flight to Jkt soon after at 130 pm. Productive!

Desserts Galore

During the close, I had experience to taste a Chocolate Italian dessert, Profiteroles. It was a puff pastry with creamy custard filling, and sinful layer of cold chocolate ice-cream on top. In my recent gathering with my friend over Friday, the topic came up, and my mind momentarily gave way to local amnesia.

Not to be undone, here is my record of the delicious dessert. Profiteroles at wiki.

Bintan

My team just concluded team offsite at Bintan.

Bintan is a relatively small island off 1-hour ferry ride from Singapore. It is convenient, clean, luxurious, nice weekend getaway from buzzling Singapore. It is amazing how efficient we could be, with people managing schedules, arranging logistics; we zipped in and out with plenty of time to spare in 2.5 days, 1.5 days full meetings, squeezed in to-and-fro ferry ride, three lunches, and two dinners, drinks (social, at the bar, on the beach, in dinners), a massage, ATV group activity, and yoga at the beach. Plus emails sessions and my 1:1 with boss. All in 3 days work. Thanks for efficient logistics and all preparation - they are really cool.

I am tired and had terrible headache after we were back. Practically I worked thru Friday midnight, and had to pay with terrible headache on Saturday.

I must keep my energy level high, at the peak session. I am reading, learning, discussing, talking to expand my life. Work is not all there is to life. I must change my rhythm and start to take over my life.